Ponoka News, January 06, 2016

CONNECTING THE COMMUNITY Vol. 68, No. 1 | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2016 | 403-783-3311 | WWW.PONOKANEWS.COM

Bulls, Broncs and Bling proves successful once again Story on page 12

Where rodeo and prairie romances were born Story on page 5

First baby of 2016 born in Ponoka: Peter and Rebecca Procee celebrate the birth of their newborn and first baby Olivia on Saturday, Jan. 2 at the Ponoka Hospital and Care Centre. Please see our story on page 8.

Photo by Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye

1-877-465-8279

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THANK YOU FOR A GREAT 2015 AND HAVE A SAFE AND HAPPY 2016 FROM ALL OF US AT ADAMS CHEV

2 PONOKA NEWS

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2016

Mayor looks at highs and lows of 2015

BY JEFFREY HEYDEN-KAYE PONOKA NEWS One thing is clear for Mayor Rick Bonnett: 2015 was a tumultuous year.

A year in review with the mayor showed that while there were challenging times for council, there were also some major steps taken to improve the town’s infrastructure and operations.

“Getting the (north) bridge up and going be-

cause it’s been talked about for the last 20 years is a big win,” said Bonnett.

Despite the borrowing bylaw not being initiated before the start of the project, it did pass and the mayor said he looks forward to its completion. He added that it was a task unto itself to try and get the bridge built with government regulations that had to be followed before a shovel went in the ground.

Another event the mayor

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is pleased with was the town-hosted Day in the Park this summer, which brought entertainment, games and a movie to Centennial Park. “There was a lot of work behind the scenes to make that happen,” Bonnett recalled.

Council and planners have also moved forward with committees that have been some time in the making. A utilities committee and a downtown revitalization committee were established, the former to find other avenues of revenue for Ponoka and the latter to find ways to improve the downtown district.

On top of that, council has also set the stage for recreation and culture enhancements in the community with a commissioned recreation master plan. While it is early days and nothing has been built, Bonnett is pleased to have those in the works.

“The good thing about that is with two new governments (provincial and federal) we have in place … we have a shovel ready project,” said the mayor.

By taking the time and spending the money on the project, Ponoka may be able to take advantage of government grants should they become available. “We had to take those steps to spend the money and be prepared.”

Plans and conceptual drawings are already in the works and council is expected to receive an update on the master plan this January.

Almost proving the point that a plan, and a collaborative one at that, can benefit the community is recent growth at the Ponoka Industrial Airport.

Bonnett said because of an approved airport plan, something Ponoka County and the Town of Ponoka worked jointly on, there is agrowing need to build additional taxiways.

“We’ve actually got some aggressive building out there,” said Bonnett.

Two large hangars have recently been built and the mayor added that planners at the Edmonton International Airport want to see fewer smaller plains fly out of there. This sets up Ponoka well for development of leases and lot sales, said Bonnett. “We’re

sitting in a very good position to move forward with that.”

Alongside those improvements, 2015 was also a challenging time.

Council fired its former CAO some months ago with justifiable cause due to the neglect witgh regard to the borrowing bylaw required before the start of the North Bridge project.

The town’s former director of corporate services, Betty Quinlan, served immediate notice of resignation to the town at the same time CAO was fired, which left council urgently needing an interim CAO. For 2016, Bonnett is cautiously optimistic. He looks forward to hiring a new CAO but the current economic situation in Canada and Alberta concerns him as does the potential for fewer government grants because of the downturn in the economy. He hopes for a turnaround.

The implementation of the new waste management and recycle program is an area he feels will need to be monitored and evaluated on a regular basis.

Areas the mayor wants to see some movement is in bylaw enforcement.

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Mayor Rick Bonnett “I want to really see our administration and council tackle bylaw enforcement … and I really want to see a push for our utilities and environment committee,” stated Bonnett.

He feels there are ways to improve on derelict buildings and properties in the community and suggests government incentives rather than penalties may be one way to solve that issue.

Fire services in the Ponoka may be changing too. A full story on that can be found on page .

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2016

PONOKA NEWS 3

Penalties for distracted driving increase in New Year

BY JEFFREY HEYDEN-KAYE PONOKA NEWS With the onset of the new year, distracted drivers will face three demerits plus a $287 fine.

Brian Mason, Minister of Transportation, said in a press release that since the distracted driving law came into effect, more than 87,000 convictions have been recorded. “Given these numbers, we

Members of the Ponoka Integrated Traffic Unit clocked a motorist at 170 km/h Tuesday, Dec. 29 during speed enforcement operations on Highway 2.

The northbound vehicle exited on Highway 2A travelling at speeds in excess of 150 km/h despite a sheriff activating the emergency lights. The vehicle eventually stopped

by Morningside and offi-

cers charged the 28-yearold Edmonton driver with exceeding the maximum speed limit and careless driving.

Unknown substance in vehicles Over $9,000 worth of damage was caused to a vehicle Tuesday, Dec. 8 after culprits poured unknown substance into the gas tank. The file is under investigation.

A similar instance of mischief occurred six days later on Dec. 14. The owner

3825 – 46 St.

of a vehicle on 58 Avenue reported gas being added to a diesel pickup, which caused major damage to the engine, say police.

Stolen vehicle parked at hotel Police are investigating a stolen vehicle found at the Canalta Hotel parking lot on Dec. 31.

Initial investigations show the vehicle had been parked for several days at the hotel and a check of the licence plate did not match the vehicle, which

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was determined to be stolen out of Edmonton.

If you have information, please call the Ponoka RCMP at 403-783-4472. If you want to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers by phone at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), or by internet at www.tipsubmit.com. You do not have to reveal your identity to Crime Stoppers, and if you provide information to Crime Stoppers that leads to an arrest(s), you may be eligible for a cash reward.

The County Environmental Grant program aims to provide financial assistance to community groups and schools to develop or deliver community-based environmental services and programs within the County. Workshops will be held at Lacombe County Administration building between 7 – 9pm on Tuesday, January 12th and Wednesday, January 27th.

For more information contact Blayne West, 403 -782-6601

New Year’s Day community dinner SUBMITTED BY CHRISTINE KAWAMURA, PONOKA WHITE CANERS

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On Jan. 1, along with their dedicated staff, Tom and Michelle Lam presented a traditional turkey dinner at their restaurant, the Old Iron Horse, to members of various volunteer groups who offer their time and talents to making our town of Ponoka a better place in which to live. This year, Tom and Michelle extended their invitation to include those in our community who are marginalized by infirmity, disability or loneliness so

that all could enjoy a time of congeniality, friendship and fellowship. A cash donation will be forwarded to FCSS in order to facilitate their programs.

The Ponoka White

Caners next meeting will be held on Feb. 3 at St. Mary’s Anglican Church at 1:15 p.m. The guest speaker will be Marc Kallal, one of our local optometrists, who will speak about

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are following through on Albertans’ wishes for stronger penalties for distracted driving.”

According to the transportation ministry, 97 per cent of distracted driving convictions were due to using a handheld device while driving.

Male drivers aged 22 to 34 had the highest conviction rates and male drivers accounted for two thirds of all convictions.

The ministry also states that 20 to 30 per cent of all collisions are due to distracted driving.

Motorist nabbed at 170 km/h on Highway 2

BY JEFFREY HEYDEN-KAYE PONOKA NEWS

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4 PONOKA NEWS

Religion

Your Guide To Local Houses of Worship

Some neighborly advice

CHURCH DIRECTORY Associated Gospel Churches of Canada

CHURCH OF THE OPEN BIBLE Pastor Jerry Preheim • Pastor Matt Sealy 3704 - 42 St. Ponoka 403-783-6500 Worship Service 11:00 a.m. • churchoftheopenbible@telus.net

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH PONOKA Sr. Pastor Paul Spate

Erin Dirsten - Fac. Youth & Family Min. & James Crosina - Fac. of Community Life

5109 - 57 Ave. Ponoka www.fbcponoka.org

403-783-5533

Bible Discovery Hour 9:30 a.m.

Worship Service 10:30 a.m.

NEW COVENANT BAPTIST REFORMED CHURCH Currently meeting at Ponoka Christian School 6300-50 St. Worship Service Sunday 10:30 a.m.

Everyone Welcome! phone: 403-783-6962 • www.baptistreformedponoka.org

PARKLAND REFORMED CHURCH South on 2A, West on Spruce Road 403-783-1888 Worship Service 10:00 a.m. & 2:30 p.m.

Rev. Mitch Ramkissoon www.parklandurc.org

PONOKA WORD OF LIFE CHURCH Pastor Rob McArthur

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2016

403-783-5659

JEREL PETERS Area Director Central Alberta Youth Unlimited A man was telling his friend about his upstairs neighbours. “They started to jump up and down on the floor at five o’clock in the morning!”

His friend asked, “Well, didn’t that bother you?

Didn’t you complain?

“No, it didn’t bother me.

I was practicing my trumpet.”

It seems to me that a good neighbour can be one of the greatest treasures, while a difficult one can be one of the greatest inconveniences. I have thought a lot about our neighbors the past few weeks for a couple of reasons.

First of all, the past two messages at the church, I attend focused on the story of the Good Samaritan – a story used to illustrate the importance of loving your “neighbour.”

The second reason I have thought a lot about neighbours is because our next door neighbours for the past seven years are preparing to move to another town. While we are happy for them, they are some of the best neighbours anyone could ask for. Our community is full of great neighbours.

Let’s explore the story of the Good Samaritan, which is found in the Bible in Luke chapter 10. Basically, an expert in the religious law tried to test Jesus by asking him, “What should I do to inherit eternal life?”

The man ends up answering his own question by saying, “‘You must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind.’ And, ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’”

“Right!” Jesus told him. “Do this and you will live!” The story gets really interesting when the man tries to justify himself by asking, “And who is my neighbour?” In response, Jesus tells the story of a man who is traveling and gets attacked by robbers who beat him and leave him for dead. The story explains that three different people find the man, two of whom walk by him without helping him, but it is the third man who

stops and shows him compassion. He goes out of his way to help the wounded man, which is great on its own, but made even more dramatic by the fact that these two men would have been considered enemies of each other based on their ancestry. The story concludes with Jesus asking a significant question: “Now which of these three would you say was a neighbour to the man who was attacked by bandits?” The man replied, “The one who showed him mercy.” Then Jesus said, “Yes, now go and do the same.”

With the new year with all its hype and resolutions well under way, I challenge us all to take some time to think of how we could be a neighbour who shows mercy. Plan a block party, shovel someone’s sidewalk, and maybe even show compassion when their pet uses your grass as a litter-box.

Happy 2016!

Sunday @ 10:30 a.m.

Corner of Hwy 53 & Hwy 2A (former Crossroads Restaurant)

www.wordoflife.ca

Reflections and I need your help in 2016

PONOKA UNITED CHURCH Minister: Beatrix Schirner

ponokaunited@shaw.ca

Sunday Service 10:00 am.

5020-52 Ave. Ponoka

Phone: 403-783-4087

SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH PASTOR DAVE BEAUDOIN 6230-57 Ave. Ph. 403-783-6404 Saturdays 9:30 - 12 Noon dsjjb@xplornet.com ponokaadventist.ca

SONRISE CHRISTIAN REFORMED CHURCH Pastor W. Delleman Worship Service 10:30 a.m. ½ mile south of Centennial Centre for Mental Health & Brain Injury

403-783-6012 • www.sonriseponoka.com

ST. AUGUSTINE CATHOLIC CHURCH Fr. Shimit Abraham CFIC

MIKE RAINONE HAMMERTIME

Mass Times: 7:30 p.m. Saturday; 9:00 a.m. Sunday

5113 - 52 Ave., Ponoka, T4J 1H6 403-783-4048 stachurch@shaw.ca

ST. MARY’S ANGLICAN CHURCH Rev. Donna Willer Rev. Marty Tuer, Honourary Assistant 5120 - 49 Ave. Ponoka

403-783-4329

Sunday Service: Holy Eucharist 10 a.m. www.stmarysanglicanponoka.com

TRINITY EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 5501 - 54 Ave. Ponoka 403-783-4141 Sunday Service: 10:30am Sunday School: 10:30am Pastor Tim Graff • trinityponoka.ca

ZION CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP Pastor Fred Knip 9 miles east on Hwy 53 403-782-9877 Jr. Church during service for children Sunday Service 10:30 am

As we all recover from the gala New Year’s Eve celebrations and head into the adventures of 2016, it is important for us to look forward and strive for hope, happiness and successes for family, friends and community along the way.

It’s after the holiday rush, the kids have gone home, the decorations are all down and our comfy condo is now back to being an ‘empty nest’, at least until the weekend. As retired seniors my wife and I are really looking forward to getting back into the ‘exercise and healthy diet’

mode, as well as keeping as busy as we want to be, while hopefully getting to do a little volunteering, casual housekeeping, browsing the T.V. and Internet, game nights with friends and lots of visiting and coffee with the good old guys and gals.

My favourite hobby After getting to work and hang around the Ponoka newspaper business for close to 30 years, I am now thrilled to still have the opportunity of writing the weekly Reflections, Remember When and Hammer’s Column in your Ponoka News. For the past five or so years, I have really enjoyed gathering the information and pictures for over 500 Reflections articles, finding the old but neat photos for RW, as well as writing my zany column on and off, just for fun for several decades.

The weekly Reflections and Remember When features deal with the long and colorful history of our Town and County of Ponoka, starting at the turn of the 19th century and high-lighting so many founding families, individuals, businesses, organizations and legendary events, along with

many of the best milestones and memories.

Reflections has also told the long-standing stories of the steady growth, along with the challenges, the joys, the hardships, the caring and the countless successes through several generations of our rural and urban communities, from then until the present day.

It would have been totally impossible for me to put all this copy together for our thousands of weekly readers without the wonderful and ongoing help of so many great people, families, groups and organizations, as well as the encouragement and support of the super staff at the Ponoka News. While a lot of the information and pictures come from our many local and district history books, my greatest treat is to browse through the archives of our amazing Fort Ostell Museum, where Sandy and her congenial staff have always assisted me to complete some good stories and find the pictures to go along.

I also get lots of phone calls and emails with great ideas and pictures for the next features, and the best times come on Wednesdays when I get to

sit down with families or individuals at the office or their homes to share a cup of coffee and chat about their colorful history and events that can hopefully be put together for others to enjoy.

Along the way, I have been able to stay in touch with so many old friends as well as make countless new acquaintances, while sharing so many memories and experiences of ‘our’ great town and county where yours truly proudly spent over 50 wild and wonderful years, and will always call ‘my home’ no matter where I may hang my hat. At 73 years of age, my wish is to be able to keep this writing hobby of mine going for as long as I can find the right keys on my lap-top, my spell check works, I can keep on finding lots of funny but clean humour and subjects for ‘The Hammer’. To keep on achieving these goals I need to rely on all of you to so kindly and faithfully keep sending me lots of ideas, old pictures, and material to put it all down on paper. Please feel free to call me at 403-341-5750 or email: jrainone@telus. net, while casting off the ‘January blahs’ and having a great week, all of you.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2016

PONOKA NEWS 5

Reflections of Ponoka

Where rodeo and prairie romances were born

BY MIKE RAINONE FOR THE NEWS It was several centuries ago that the proud and highly skilled and spirited Spanish cattleman known as Vaqueros worked long and hard hours on the huge ranches of North America driving, tending to and taming thousands of head of cattle and horses. Their riding and roping skills were unmatched in the world, but during their spare time, their daredevil antics and friendly competitions and wagers in a head-to-head match with the rowdy stock was likely the humble beginnings of our colorful sport of rodeo. The history books suggest that the very first organized rodeo event was held in 1864 when two groups of cowboys from neighbouring ranches gathered to settle an argument by challenging a pen of rough stock in Deer Park, Colorado.

Rolling into the 19th century, the new and thrilling sport of rodeo had spread quickly across the United States and into the Alberta prairies at any location where they could put up a set of sturdy wooden corals, a rickety grandstand and a place to sell treats and spirits to rambunctious crowds of all ages.

In 1912, Guy Weadrick, Western movie star Hoot Gibson and the world’s first lady trick rider and bull-dogger Tillie Baldwin, headlined the first gala Calgary Stampede, which took over the city in a wild

Photo from the Ponoka Panorama History Book

In the early 1900s just about everyone from far and wide took whatever transportation they could find and came out in their finest to the annual Ferrybank/Chesterwold Stampede, Sports day, and community picnic. The popular truly ‘countryfied’ event started in the summer of 1909 and was hosted every July long weekend, rain or shine, until 1938. week of whoopla and riding and roping competitions that has just kept on going and growing ever since. By 1920, the horse population of Alberta had outnumbered the people by 800,000 to 600,000 as they had thrived on the rich rolling foothills and had to be patiently tamed and trained by rugged ranch hands to toil on the farms, in the mines and building the roads, for all sorts of transportation, and of course, to work and compete in the now tremendously popular sport of professional rodeo throughout North America.

A grand old country picnic and rodeo In the early 1900s, folks out in the ChesterwoldFerrybank districts west of Ponoka really enjoyed taking a little time off work on the weekends to gather for their annual community picnic at the Chesterwold Hall. In 1914, a huge work bee was held at the popular hall sight, and the amazing results would include the clearing and grading of a half-mile race track, a permanent concession booth, a small grandstand and a bucking corral and chutes. The first milestone summer event would be the Chesterwold/

Ferrybank Stampede, which attracted hundreds of contestants and spectators from miles around to enjoy a grand day of horse races for men and women, relay races, saddle and Roman racing, bronc riding, children’s races and baseball and basketball games. Everyone always brought along all sorts of fine food for the all-day picnic, and then in the evening, there were suppers and dancing, with lots of beverages available for all ages.

In those good old days, there were some great baseball teams in all the districts, who always re-

ally looked forward to competing at the picnics and Stampedes, while Chesterwold also had a real ‘swinging’ ladies’ basketball team. All this action gave the young ladies of the surrounding districts the opportunity to hitch up their horses and ride to the grounds to play, and then of course they would stay to cheer and watch the boys play baseball. After the picnic and dance, one of the boys might agree to ride home with them, and over those early years, countless friendships and matches were generated during these friendly weekend

events, and would eventually guarantee that the proud family generations would carry on for many exciting decades.

It was on these dusty early fair grounds that the thrilling sport of Roman racing was born, with pairs of very brave cowboys standing on the back of the horses while racing around the dusty track at high speeds. A few years later, someone came up with a zany idea of hitching up their best teams to the cook wagon and dashing across the rough countryside to see who could make it to the next campsite first, which would later evolve into the thrilling chuckwagon/chariot events.

Some of those talented early rodeo stars included Nettie Clark, the Doran brothers and sisters, Guy Kirk, the Aylwin boys, Tom and Len Dorchester, Ray Graham, Ollie Armstrong, Stan Caithness, George McKeddie and on and on.

Many of these feisty competitors got the chance to hit ‘the big time’ by going down the road in search of a trophy buckle, saddle, and a little bit of cash or fame on the fast growing Alberta Rodeo circuit, and along the way were followed in later years by the Butterfields, the Volds, the Dodds and countless other local men and women and families who have proudly carried on our proud and colorful rodeo tradition as avid competitors, promoters and fans.

Remember When...

Photo from Ponoka Panorama

George McKeddie, shown here with his team and chariot, would become somewhat of a ‘legendary daredevil’ through the 1910s and late 20s as an avid competitor at the annual Ferrybank/Chesterwold district picnic and Stampedes out in the West Country. McKeddie, who later became a champion Bronc rider on the early Alberta rodeo circuit, also took part in the wild Roman racing dash, as well as in the thrilling chuckwagon and chariot racing events during his colorful career.

6 PONOKA NEWS

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2016

Opinion

Hope for the best, plan for the worst

MUSTAFA ERIC Editor If one is to believe in the mantra that the beginning of a new year shapes its progress throughout, we are in for a terrible year: In finance, 2016 started with a massive selloff in interna-

tional markets, and politically, a very serious conflict erupted in the Middle East, thankfully far away from Canada.

But the new year may be harbouring a lot more potential to impact us just here in the Prairies on a big scale ranging from climate to commodity and beef prices, from resource industries to real estate prices.

It is fair to say that we are halfway through the Prairie winter and the amount of precipitation we have received so far does not amount to even half of the snow that the region had by this time last year.

While there is still a lot of time for more moisture to come, there is also the El Nino weather phenomenon affecting North America,

among other regions of the world. This weather occurrence, prompted by the warming of the waters in the equatorial belt of central and east central parts of the Pacific Ocean is associated with high pressure weather systems, which, in turn, are generally marked by drier conditions.

So are we facing a potential for drought, will there be enough moisture in the soil when the sowing season comes? Will we have enough precipitation after the completion of the sowing season? How will the harvest turn out?

Let’s hope and assume that there will be adequate snow and rain in the coming weeks and months and there will be a satisfactory harvest; will the farmers get the worth of their in-

vestment and labour once they try to market their crop?

Market watchers report that grain silos in most parts of the world are full and further bumper crops are expected in Europe and Asia. How will the glut of cereals in international markets impact the price a Prairie farmer will be able to get for his/her harvest?

Thanks to a World Trade Organization (WTO) ruling, the US Congress repealed the restrictions on Canadian beef exports to the south of the border, creating an opportunity for farmers to access one of the world’s biggest beef markets. And Canadian dollar is trading at a significantly low to the US greenback, which should help exports in principle. But is

the Canadian beef sector in the best shape to be able to make the optimum use of this opportunity? A seasoned observer of the industry recently commented this freedom to export cattle and hogs to the US could seal the fate of the meat packing industry in Canada. Another concern is the ability of livestock sector to keep their herds at sustainable levels if they take the opportunity to export to US given the fact that the livestock population in Canada has declined over the last few years.

While the tensions in the Middle East may temporarily push oil prices up by a few dollars, the global glut of oil is unlikely to go away any time soon, meaning 2016 will continue to see oil prices below $50/

barrel. Investment bankers Goldman Sachs predicts even a lower level, $20/barrel through the new year.

Latest real estate statistics speak of a 25 per cent decline in residential sales in Calgary region, impacting house prices all over Alberta.

To make a long story short, while it is good to keep the spirits high at the beginning of a new year, it is prudent to be ready for the risks that might emerge in the course of it.

With the financial markets showing increasing signs of unease, it is indispensable that both provincial and federal governments steer the ship of the economy prudently to ensure that it will not list to the point of being overturned.

Revisiting racism debate Bill 6 and death threats to an Alberta Premier

Dear Editor, I appreciate Alastair Colquhoun’s letter in the Dec. 30 edition in response to one I had written a week earlier. In my letter, I noted comments

by Commissioner Paulson of the RCMP about racism in the force he leads. Since my letter, other comments made

by RCMP personnel suggest that the commissioner’s comments were not helpful and undermine the credibility of the RCMP. These RCMP members also believe that this issue should have been dealt with via a process within the RCMP itself. Comments by some social activists on the other hand thank the commissioner for his comments but suggest that a more open and transparent process independent of the RCMP is more helpful.

Let me be clear about what I am talking about here. I am talking about assumptions made about individuals, purely on the way that person or group looks, even before those individuals have uttered a single word and even before the person, making those assumptions, knows what those individuals are really like. If

you don’t know someone, you might likely make some initial assumptions of some kind, until you get to know the person better. But prejudging someone and making that judgement stick without getting to know that person is what racism is based on. Prejudging or prejudice is based on social images and values that circulate in our culture. Those social images or values are judgements about a group without any reflection and with little or no meaningful contact or experience with that group.

Canada’s First Nations, the French and the British have been a big part of a history in Canada to a lesser or greater degree and at different times.

When I used Britain as an example in my original letter, it is because I am more familiar with British history in Canada. I could equally have used examples from French, Spanish, Dutch or German history or ever Roman history.

Colonization typically meant the suppression of native cultures, in an environment where individual or group rights were rarely considered as significant and where the colonizers’ cul-

ture became dominant Mr. Colquhoun notes that the British were the first to abolish slavery. I do not question that. Legislation though, as we know, does not necessarily change attitudes. The women’s suffrage movement gradually gained the right to vote at the end of the 19th century in parts of Europe. In much of Europe, as in Canada, that right to vote occurred at the beginning of the 20th century. Yet for most of the 20th century, there have been few women political leaders anywhere. Alberta gained the first female premier a century after women had the vote in Canada. Legislation makes things possible but deeply held attitudes and habits sometimes take decades to change.

Racism and discrimination after all are often about deeply held attitudes about others who are different in some way to what we are.

I would like to suggest that Mr. Colquhoun and I have a beer and talk about issue further.

This issue is important and will become more so. A letter to the editor is merely a prelude to a more meaningful conversation.

George Jason

5019A Chipman Ave., Box 4217, Ponoka, AB. T4J 1R6 Phone: 403.783.3311 Fax: 403.783.6300 Email: editorial@ponokanews.com Published every Wednesday by PNG Prairie Newspaper Group in community with: Regional Publisher, Michele Rosenthal

Judy Dick Manager

Dear Editor, Safety is paramount, everybody knows that, but when the NDP government tries to bring in long overdue protection for farm workers and bring Alberta on par with all other provinces, all of a sudden has that principle changed?

In a recent Lacombe Globe article Ron Orr claims the NDP put ‘ideology over consultation’.

He means the NDP ideology of protecting workers, in this case farm workers.

First, it is hardly only the NDP’s ideology, it is also the ideology of other political parties across Canada, the Liberals and the Conservatives, as all other provinces already implemented this bill, and Alberta is the only province that has not.

Orr goes as far as saying the ‘NDP Regina Manifesto (the founding document of the CCF written in 1933) demonstrates that Notley intends to replace the free-enterprise farm system with socialistic “economy planning.” He tells farmers that the NDP intends “to destroy you.” Orr characterizes Bill 6 as the intention to “bubble wrap farm children.”

Wildrose MLA Strankman tells farmers “who knows what happens when OH&S shows up on the farm and find a predator control device.”

Given the seriousness of this issues, com-

Mustafa Eric Editor

Jeff Heyden-Kaye Reporter

pensation for injury and death, allowing for investigation of OH&S and child labour standards, the Wildrose stance is profoundly disturbing.

The Wildrose seized the moment for partisan purposes with extremely inflammatory language and half truths. They also failed to mention that Bill 6 involves constitutional and human rights-which they say they champion. Furthermore, Brian Jean, the lawyer, fails to mention that the government has to pass legislation before it can draft the regulations, as the principles of statutory drafting indicate. The Wildrose Party is scrupulously going to any lengths to serve its political agenda, including a safety bill that has been implemented across Canada.

To publish death threats on social media is an outrageous response to a bill intended to protect farm workers; and for Wildrose leader Brian Jean to leave those on his facebook site for days is irresponsible, extremely disrespectful and dangerous and did stir further anger against the Premier of Alberta. Brian Jean, the Wildrose Party and MLAs Orr and Strankman have used the incident and death threats for their partisan purposes.

Are those the people and the party Albertans like to choose for their future leaders?

Ilse Quick

Jordie Dwyer Reporter

Karen Douglass Sales

Susan Whitecotton Administration

manager@ponokanews.com editorial@ponokanews.com reporter@ponokanews.com rovingreporter@ponokanews.com sales@ponokanews.com admin@ponokanews.com All editorial content, advertising content and concepts are protected by copyright. Unauthorized use is forbidden.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2016

PONOKA NEWS 7

Past year a success, with one blazing hiccup Ponoka County reeve believes 2016 still looking good

BY JORDIE DWYER PONOKA NEWS Success can be measured in many different ways, yet by all accounts, 2015 for Ponoka County can definitely be classified as such.

In a year-end interview held ironically on the last day of the year (Thursday, Dec. 31), Reeve Paul McLauchlin stated the past 12 months were pretty successful for Ponoka County.

“There were no significant changes for us, so I would say it’s been a successful year,” he said.

“In the west county, the completion of Iola Road was a big project that was done on time and under budget. As well, one of the indicators (of a good year) for us is the number of drilling permits and those remained fairly steady despite the downward trend on prices.”

McLauchlin credits much of the continued success to the county’s staff and administration as well as the way they work well with council.

“The real strength of the county’s success is in our administration and the staff,” stated McLauchlin, adding the county recently recognized four employees for their 40 years of service.

“You don’t see (40 year employees) much anywhere any more. That certainly speaks to the consistency of why the county remains successful in what it does. I also think this is a credit to all of the staff who work great together, and with council, who respect their efforts and ensure that everyone is working as a team toward the common good.”

He added that Ponoka County council seems to be one of the few political anomalies in the province, since they seem to be able to arrive at a consensus on nearly all issues.

“I think that ability (to build consensus) is one of the reasons our employees hang around this long. I also feel lucky to be on a council that is always close to being on the same page the majority of the time,” explained McLauchlin.

“Sometimes it takes time to build that in a council, but even this relatively new council seems to have done that very quickly. We all live with the decisions that are made, regardless of any minor disagreements. Those get left be-

hind and we move on.

Everyone seems to work great with each other and take pride in their work.”

Even a change at the provincial government level didn’t create any trouble for the county. In fact, McLauchlin feels the county is more secure with the NDP in power.

“Not much changed with us when the new government came in. Going forward, it’s looking good and seems to be providing more certainty in terms of funding. Even with PC government there was a lot more uncertainty with the way changes were made, given the number of different leaders in recent times,” he stated.

The only hiccup, bump or crater - depending on who you talk to - the county experienced last year and will continue to deal with early in 2016 is the move toward regional fire protection.

The situation has been well documented and could soon come to a head-on collision, when the Town of Ponoka meets next week after the county set a Jan. 15 deadline to know what direction the town will be taking so the county can start to purchase equipment to set up a new department if the town won’t be joining the regional model.

“We are one of the last few places in Alberta to institute this regionalized fire protection service model, so we are not inventing something new here,” McLauchlin explained.

“I respect the fact that perception is reality, and I respect that the town has the authority to deal with things in their own fashion.

“We were somewhat apprehensive about this, too when we started. Though, I expect either way this goes, (Ponoka County) residents will have a top notch service.”

When the process began last May, with the county tendering notice it planned to terminate the current agreement with the town and set up the new regional service, McLauchlin - like many others on council and at the county - believed the situation wouldn’t extend as long as it has.

“I didn’t anticipate this issue going for this long,” he said.

“We have had a good relationship with the town and will continue to col-

laborate and work together on things regardless. We will also work with the town on whatever they determine.

“Clearly it has been hard and a struggle on both sides, but the county and town are going to do what they perceive is the best thing going forward for their residents. As a county, we will always be open to the town, but right now we simply would just like to move on and get things done one way or the other.”

As for 2016, McLauchlin knows the county is likely to expect some challenges given the continuing economic struggles of the resource sector, which provides 60 per cent of the county’s tax revenue.

Despite that, however, he still feels the county will be able to continue to provide all of the services residents expect to see.

“The coming year could be tough. It’s been a long time since companies have come to us to set up (tax) payment plans,” he stated.

“Will we see any changes? I’m not sure, but we will work with them, recognizing the economic situation and climate. At the county, though, I’m not worried, as we have been fiscally responsible for many years. I’m fairly certain that we will be able to maintain our current service levels.”

That said, McLauchlin noted there could be changes on what they county does with its capital spending - primarily with its road construction and upgrading projects - in the new year.

“For the most part, administration and staff have been able to keep our previous projects at or under budget,” he said.

“I’m not going to promise that taxes won’t go up or that there will be no mill rate increase, but I am cautiously optimistic and we will be compassionate with our taxpayers when time comes to deal with that issue.”

The one positive McLauchlin does see is the NDP’s reversal of the previous government’s decision to cut funding for bridge work. That could mean about $1 million more in unexpected construction funds for the county, pending further details being sent out.

However, that change also gives McLauchlin more optimism the NDP might be leaning toward handing

out more money for roads.

“I expect council will move ahead on projects like Menaik Road and some other large road upgrades,” he said.

“We have 7,500 kilometres of roads and lots of demands and people asking when will they be next.

With us now nearing the end of our 10-year plan, it will give us a good look at our overall road program and I am looking forward

to developing that long term planning for roads and other capital projects.

It’s important for us, staff and the public to know what is coming up.

“Overall, I think we are in a good spot. I don’t believe we are going to stop doing anything we are doing now and we shouldn’t stop building or working just because we are in a down market. I believe we need to keep going forward.”

16011RR0

Paul McLauchlin Reeve, Ponoka County

8 PONOKA NEWS

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2016

Fate of Ponoka fire services in hands of town council

BY JEFFREY HEYDEN-KAYE PONOKA NEWS The future of fire services in the Town of Ponoka is about to change but how that will look for residents remains unclear.

Town council is expected to vote Tuesday, Jan. 12 on whether to have its own seperate fire services or join with Ponoka County on a regional system.

Ramifications of either decision are difficult to determine as town councillors have been quiet on questions related to the upcoming decision.

Coun. Sandra Lyon is the main council representative for the protective services committee and she declined to comment except to say the CAO or the finance department would have more information on cost implications.

“We do not have anything

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like that at this time, so please be patient while we work through the information so that we can make decisions that are in the best interest of our ratepayers as there is still information to come,” said Lyon.

Council has had since May to investigate those details after the county served notice of its intention to split.

Looking at regional or separate fire services Ponoka County has given town council until Jan. 15 to either join in a regional system or separate. A proposal has been presented to the town, although its contents have not been made public.

It is believed the proposal states the town would have to pay for 25 per cent of the cost of operations and 50 per cent of capital purchases for town equipment. Under the current agreement, Ponoka County pays for half the operations, including staffing and training costs, and has provided funds for the development of the current fire hall and some equipment. Ponoka County paid the town $161,500 in 2014.

If the Town of Ponoka joins the regional system, which includes the Town of Rimbey and the Summer Village of Gull Lake, operations would

be run by the county with personnel and costs falling under the county umbrella.

Presumably, the proposal sets guidelines to run the existing fire hall, and for a chief and volunteer firefighters to be part of the East Ponoka County Fire Department, which should include the same areas of coverage that the PFD is currently responsible for.

Ponoka County did offer a better deal than this a few months ago similar to the Rimbey agreement, but that was declined.

If the town separates, the 1994 agreement states the town would have to pay out Ponoka county for capital costs at two sevenths of the value of land and the value of the building equal to the portion of two bays at prevailing appraisal rates.

There is also the consideration of capital equipment.

It is believed Ponoka County owns both tanker trucks and a pumper truck in the fire hall, which would call for new equipment purchases to be made by the town. Indeed, during budget deliberations, town council approved $500,000 for the purchase of a new pumper truck, although no spending is allowed until an agreement can be made with the county. As there is no fire hydrant system

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that case, the town will also have to bear the full costs of any Ponoka Fire Department operation.

Service areas have changed While the PFD currently covers Highway 2 calls, that jurisdiction has been transferred to Ponoka County and unless the town joins the regional system the Ponoka East County Regional Fire Department is expected to take those calls at the end of April.

And the county is ready.

Ponoka County regional Fire Chief Dennis Jones reported to county council Dec. 22 there are 26 volunteer members to start practices in the new year.

He also told county council there is a need for a district chief.

If the town separates, the PFD is poised to reduce its

calls by approximately two thirds. As was stated in a recent Firestorm audit on the PFD, the department takes approximately 200 calls with one third in the county and the other third on Highway 2.

Residents are still in a position to provide council with feedback. Council has set a public forum time at the start of its regular meetings and their next one is Tuesday, Jan. 12 at 6 p.m. in the Ponoka County office. Town council will make the decision at the same meeting.

Family celebrates New Year’s baby born in Ponoka

BY JEFFREY HEYDEN-KAYE PONOKA NEWS A Clive couple is proud not only to be first-time parents but to also have the first baby born at the Ponoka Hospital and Care Centre in 2016.

Rebecca and Peter Procee’s healthy baby daughter Olivia was welcomed to the world on Saturday, Jan. 2 at

10:50 a.m. Olivia was born seven pounds three ounces and given a clean bill of health by doctors. Mrs. Procee said Olivia was due earlier in the week and was a little late. Had she been born on time, Olivia might have been a 2015 baby.

Staff were also congratulating Rebecca for having the first baby of the new year as she is also a nurse

in the maternity unit at the Ponoka hospital.

“I’ve got hands on experience,” joked Mrs. Procee.

“It was a great experience,” she added.

Mr. Procee said staff were professional and did a great job with the birth. Family and friends were out to see baby Olivia and the family was allowed to return home the next day.

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on town annexed land by Highway 2, the town may also have to buy a tanker truck to deal with structure or grass fires in town boundaries.

The county also owns an ATV firefighting unit.

The town owns two new pickup trucks, one for the fire chief and the other as a second unit, a ladder truck and an aged pumper truck. There is a new rescue truck, split 50-50 between the town and county that would need to be dealt with.

What remains unclear is how much the town would have to pay out to Ponoka County if the separation becomes a reality, but the cost could be in the hundreds of thousands of dollars in addition to the new pumper truck set for in the current interim budget. In

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2016

PONOKA NEWS 9 Town of Ponoka C, 4900 - 54 Street, Ponoka, AB T4J 1N8 Town phone: 403-783-4431 Town email: town@ponoka.org

NEW WASTE AND RECYCLING PROGRAM STARTS THIS WEEK

Ponoka Fire Department Weekly Report

PONOKA FIRE WEEKLY REPORT: DECEMBER 23, 2015 TO JANUARY 3, 2016 From December 23, 2015 to January 3, 2016 the fire department respnded to 8 Emergency calls:

• 3 MVC callls, one required extrication and the • 1 Carbon Monoxide call other 2 were called off enroute • 2 Alarms ringing • 1 Mutual Aid call for Structure Fire • 1 Grease Fire

Just a reminder that the fire department still has some smoke alarms left to give away to replace your old battery operated unit or one to install in your home. Please come by the station Monday - Friday 8:30-4:30 to pick one up.

HOMETOWN EVENTS Watch for the Winter edition of the Town’s Community Program Guide in January!

Remember to post YOUR event on the Town’s calendar – it is easy to do. Go to

Register for Swim Lessons now! Call 403-783-0131 for more information

Ponoka.ca and you will find it on our home page. We are happy to promote your events here and online!

10 PONOKA NEWS

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2016

Library hosts technology learning for kids with Makerspace program

BY JEFFREY HEYDEN-KAYE PONOKA NEWS Technology learning has taken on new levels at the Ponoka Jubilee Library with its Makerspace program.

With help from a Telus grant, the library was able to purchase new computer monitors, Minecraft EDU software, an educational version of the popular game, for all its computers and several different technology gadgets that pro-

Jaclyn Berry, library manager for Ponoka Jubilee Library, holds up some items that make up part of its Makerspace program.

Photo by Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye

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mote learning for kids of ages of teens and tweens.

“You put them together to make something new,” said Jaclyn Berry, library manager, who also oversees the Makerspace program that has seen rising popularity throughout libraries.

This month the library will host a dropin program on Thursday, Jan. 28 from 3:30 to 5 p.m. and Berry says initially the library had an age limit of 12 years and older but she wants to see more use in the program and opened it up to kids 10 years and up.

“The whole idea if we have these things is to get them used,” said Berry.

There has also been some interest from the Ponoka Youth Centre to use the

kits and Berry has considered including the items in the Parkland Regional Library pool. If other users request them, they could be borrowed within the library network.

Berry said the kits they have are ideal for new learners or for those who are technology-minded and she invites kids to check out what is on offer.

There are several interesting items the library was able to purchase under the program: Intuous tablets for creative digital artwork, three sets of Little Bits kits, two sets of Makey Makey kits and five Kano kits. To find out how these kits work and how they can be applied to technology learning, Jan. 28 is the day to check out the program at the library.

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2016

PONOKA NEWS 11

Hockey fundraiser to bring fun and funds for PES playground

BY JEFFREY HEYDEN-KAYE PONOKA NEWS Students at the Ponoka Elementary School (PES) will be pleased to hear about a fun hockey fundraiser that will help get organizers that much closer to a new playground.

With help from 840 CFCW radio station, a fundraiser has been set for Thursday, Jan. 21 at the Ponoka Culture and Recreation Complex and the hockey game is expected to bring money and a fun night for families, says organizer Jennifer Bartley.

The event will bring the CFCW team against the PES All stars in a game that will be more fun than heated competi-

tion. Bartley said the game, which starts at 6:30 p.m., will have all the fun aspects of a hockey game, including a few fake fights. She says it is more of an interactive experience with the goals of raising as much money as possible for the PES playground project.

“It’s going to be an excellent evening for everybody,” said Bartley.

Money raised from the CFCW Critters fundraising events ranges from $6,000 to $11,000 and Bartley said they are planning to have 50/50 tickets, raffle items and other fundraising initiatives.

Tickets are $5 and can be purchased from Bartley at 403-704-0914 or Layna Palechek at 403-785-7776.

Ponoka’s own Jamie Woodfin, fresh off touring with one of the top country acts in the world, took to the stage at the Calnash Ag Event Centre on Thursday, Dec. 31, as the second half of the night’s entertainment at the second annual Bulls, Broncs and Bling New Year’s Eve celebration event. A huge crowd took in the rodeo events then a majority of them also stayed around to enjoy, and even dance, to Woodfin’s musical selections before singing in the new year.

Photo by Jordie Dwyer

The Business of Cattle Now that’s a lot of cardboard: Over the long weekend two extra large bins weren’t enough to contain all the cardboard from presents and holiday gifts. This panorama photo taken on Monday, Dec. 28 shows the downtown recycle depot was full of cardboard to be recycled.

Photo by Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye

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12 PONOKA NEWS

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2016

Sports Second goes off better than first go-round Bulls, Broncs and Bling proves successful once again

BY JORDIE DWYER PONOKA NEWS It doesn’t seem to matter whenever you hold a rodeo around Ponoka, it’s going to be a success.

And for the second annual Bulls, Broncs and Bling New Year’s Eve event, it was exactly that. In fact, it proved to be better than the inaugural event a year earlier.

“There were more people that came and the entire production was pretty decent,” said Joyce Vold, event coordinator at the Calnash Ag Event Centre.

While no specific attendance numbers were available, the stands for the saddle bronc and bull riding events during the evening were packed along with some standing room areas fairly full as well. Following the bulls and broncs, the cabaret area left little room to move as local musical product Jamie Woodfin and his band took to the nearby stage to help the revellers ring in the start of 2016.

Vold explained the event is about providing a package to people - a family friendly rodeo show followed by a more entertainment-themed New Year’s Eve celebration.

Call Marr from Pincher Creek put in a great first ride, scoring an 82.5, but wound up going one better in the final round by putting up an 85 to win the saddle bronc event at the Bulls Broncs and Bling New Year’s Eve event at the Calnash Ag Events Centre on Thursday, Dec. 31.

Photo by Jordie Dwyer

“The show is always going to be about family-friendly and that’s why we try to keep the event affordable,” she said, adding some kids learned

from last year to bring some toys to play and dig in the dirt.

As for the rodeo, Call Marr from Pincher Creek was among four cowboys

to post scores in both qualifying rounds in the saddle bronc event and then left his best to the end, scoring an exceptional 85 points in the final to

capture the title.

The bull riding though was a completely different story with the bulls getting the better of the 24 riders on the night, as

just four riders made it through their eight second rides. And as it turned out, the first cowboy of the night to make his first ride - Landon Lockhart from Brandon, MB. - was also the only one of the six in the final round to stay on and claimed the crown with a score of 76.5.

While the event is nearly a certainty to return next New Year’s Eve, exactly what form and how it will look will be determined over the next couple of months, according to Vold and arena manager Dennis Pugh.

“We had no complaints about this year’s event and we will take some time to review things and then begin planning for the next one,” said Vold.

“We have an excellent crew running things and we definitely need to thank the large number of volunteers that helped out, without them we couldn’t do events like this.”

Meanwhile Pugh added, “You learn something each time you do an event.

This year, it’s stuff behind the scenes, like how to manage the number of animals and timing at this event versus running timed events and such like a regular rodeo.”

Broncs hungry to start second half in hoop action Swoosh senior girls tourney set for weekend

BY JORDIE DWYER PONOKA NEWS The return to school this week also marked the return to the basketball court for the senior squads at Ponoka Secondary.

Both the boys and girls Broncs hit the floor in league action yesterday against Lindsay Thurber from Red Deer (Tuesday, Jan. 5 - results unavailable at press time), but the senior girls are hungry to show off just what they can do as they host

CHARTERED PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTANTS

their annual Swoosh tournament starting Friday, Jan. 8.

The Broncs will take on Pigeon Lake in the tournament opener Friday afternoon at 3:45 p.m. at the Ponoka Secondary gym.

“This should be a tough tournament,” said head coach Cam Horan, adding this will be the first tournament action following the holiday break.

“So, everyone should be rested and hungry to perform.”

Horan added the return to the court

means a lot considering playoffs and provincial qualifying is only two months away as the provincial championships are slated for March 17 to 19.

“With this being the start of the second half of the season, every game carries weight for provincial rankings and overall team morale for the end of the year,” he said.

“So, I hope we bring our best as a team this weekend. If not for those reasons, then for our four graduating seniors as this is their last home tournament.”

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Other action on Friday will see Lacombe face Beaumont (5:30 p.m.), Camrose taking on Crossfield (7:15 p.m.) and Rimbey playing Calgary’s Rundle Academy at 9 p.m.

The A-side semifinals go Saturday, Jan. 9 at 12:30 and 2:15 p.m. with the bronze medal game set for 5:45 p.m. and the final going at 7:30 p.m.

The consolation side semis are slated for 9 and 10:45 a.m. with the final at 4 p.m. and the 7th/8th place game set for 2:15 p.m. at Ponoka Elementary.

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2016

PONOKA NEWS 13

2015 in sports - year in review Part II

BY JORDIE DWYER PONOKA NEWS July 1 Jace Harty Memorial sees another successful year at Ponoka Stampede - It was his first time competing at the Jace Harty Memorial PBR event - Wednesday, June 24 - but Jared Parsonage from Swift Current, Sask. walked away with the championship title after mastering 16 seconds on two of the top ranked bulls the sport has to offer.

July 8 WPCA’s Kirk Sutherland wins first career Ponoka Stampede - After years of trying Kirk Sutherland won the $50,000 Dash-for-Cash final World Professional Chuckwagon Association (WPCA) finals in Ponoka. Sutherland almost won last year’s event but a penalty cost him the title and the grand prize of $50,000. This year there was no debate and Sutherland was ready.

July 15 Basketball summer tournament called off due to lack of facility - Last year’s summer basketball tournament, which attracted many enthusiasts and created much excitement mostly among the Filipino members of the community is not taking place this year due to lack of a gym to host the event.

July 22 Storm win second championship in a row - Ponoka’s men’s soccer team FC Storm won the second consecutive championship of the Battle River Men’s Soccer League at the end of a game they almost didn’t play, earning bragging rights for another season.

July 29 Hundreds compete in Gators swim meet - More then 200 swimmers attended the Ponoka Gators swim meet held Friday, July 17 and 18. The event brought swimmers from central Alberta swim clubs and the front lawn of the Aquaplex was covered in tents from swimmers camping out for the day.

Aug. 5 Ponoka Regional Airport turned into drag strip for the weekend - Ninetyfour cars varying from street legal to the

world’s fastest muscle car and 2,000 horse power exhibition cars signed up for the third annual Ponoka 1/8 mile Drag Races over at the Ponoka Industrial Airport.

Aug. 12 Ponoka golfer signs with Stetson University - Hard work and dedication

by Ponoka golfer Jared Nicolls earned him a spot on Stetson University’s men’s team. Nicolls will head to Florida this fall to study at Stetson University while also following his love of golf. The announcement was made by golf coach Larry Watson on Tuesday, July 28 and was something Nicolls was excited about.

Aug. 19 Ponoka-born swimmer wins three medals at Para-Pan Am games - In less than a year after her first major swim meet, Tammy Cunnington is earning medals on the international stage. Most recently, she swam at the Para-Pan Am Games in Toronto, Ont. From Aug. 7 to 15, where her performance was so strong she finished with silver and two bronze medals in the S4 classification.

Aug. 26 Storm are double champions, again Despite all odds against them, Ponoka’s Storm FC men’s soccer team has won the double championship of the Battle River Men’s League by winning the League Cup after defeating Manluk FC 3-2 on their own turf on Sunday, Aug. 23 making it four trophies in two seasons.

Sept. 2 Broncs’ coaches eager to showcase new recruits - Practice sessions are already underway for the senior Broncs football team, which is seeing new players come up from the bantam program. Now in its third year as a 12-man football program, the senior Broncs are starting to see experienced players from the feeder program make their way into the senior team.

Sept. 9 Battle River High School Rodeo takes place under bright sunshine - Dozens of competitors converged on the Ponoka Stampede grounds over the weekend of Sept. 12 and 13 for the Ponoka leg of the provincial high school rodeo circuit with young enthusiasts of equine sports showing their talent to a group of spectators

composed mostly of their families.

Sept. 16 Bantam Broncs lose at home, display some flashes of defensive brilliance - In a classic case of scoreboard failing to reflect the real game, Ponoka’s Bantam Broncs played a hard-fought game against one of the league’s most formidable teams, Sylvan Lake Lions, in their season opener at home on Saturday, Sept. 5, losing the game 38-6, but making their coaching staff proud and hopeful.

Sept. 23 Broncs score their first ever win - It was all hugs, cheers and jumps in the air after Ponoka’s senior Broncs won their first ever game since their foray into the 12-man football scene three years ago, defeating Drayton Valley’s Frank Maddock Warriors with a score of 15-6 at the Ponoka Secondary Campus football field on Thursday, Sept. 17.

Sept. 30 Over 300 compete in Gold Buckle Rodeo - More than 300 cowboys and cowgirls competed in the first Gold Buckle Rodeo held at the Calnash Ag Event Centre Saturday, Sept. 26. The event was part of the Foothills Cowboy Association (FCA) rodeo circuit, attracting around 1,000 spectators.

Oct. 7 Stamps earn first victory of young season - A relatively inexperienced team rode off with their first victory of the season on Friday, Oct. 2, when the Ponoka Stampeders began their two-game road trip with a 4-1 win over the Thrashers in

Three Hills in a game, which head coach Tyler Fiveland said greatly improved their defensive play.

Oct. 14 Queens junior varsity girls prove powerful - Dominating is pretty much the only word being used to describe the season that the St. Augustine junior varsity girls volleyball team is having this year. The Queens demonstrated that once again last week when they defeated David Thompson High from Condor at home on Tuesday, Oct. 6 in straight sets - 25-18, 25-18, 25-5.

Oct. 21 Ponoka Stampede honoured with Large Rodeo of the Year award The Ponoka Stampede is revelling this week after winning a prestigious honour in the Canadian rodeo world. On Monday, Oct. 19, the event was named as the Large Rodeo of the Year winner by Pro Rodeo Canada.

Oct. 28 Broncs girls remain unbeaten in volleyball league play Nerves, overly cautious play and some mental errors put the Ponoka Secondary senior girls volleyball squad on their heels somewhat recently. The Broncs were in Edmonton for a tournament on Friday and Saturday (Oct. 23 and 24) where they fell back to being simply an average club, according to head coach Ron Labrie, which was a significant difference to their showing in hosting Wetaskiwin at home Tuesday, Oct. 20. continued on page 15

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2016

Year in review in headlines - Part II

BY JEFFREY HEYDEN KAYE PONOKA NEWS July 1 Gym Club awarded land title in gift from town after county fumes exasperation: After months of negotiations, concerns raised by several involved parties and almost an ultimatum from the county, Ponoka town council has agreed to transfer the land title of the Highway 2A plot to the Ponoka Trampoline and Gymnastics Club for their new building.

July 8 Fighting at Stampede midway with machete and skateboard: Police officers converged on the midway during the Ponoka Stampede after a serious fight broke out Friday, June 26.

July 15 New Ponoka fire chief settling into new role: Just over a week on the job and Ponoka’s new Fire Chief Jamie Wilkinson has fielded several calls for service and he’s eager to work with the volunteer firefighters of the Ponoka Fire Department (PFD).

July 22 Mayor says relations with county top priority: Ponoka Mayor Rick Bonnett said his top two priorities for the remainder of his term would be the restoration of good relations with the county and the reconstruction of the North Bridge as soon as possible.

July 29 Ponoka County in effort to persuade town for a regional fire service: The matter of developing regional fire services between the town and county of Ponoka was discussed during a regular meeting Tuesday, July 21 with the par-

ticipation of councillors from both sides, who spent much time on the viability of a regional service and the current state of affairs of the Ponoka Fire Department (PFD).

Aug. 5 Summer reading program thrives at Maskwacis Cultural College: A summer reading program hosted at Maskwacis Cultural College (MCC) is getting kids and their parents into books.

Aug. 12 Ponoka runner completes grueling 125 km Death Race: One out of every three solo runners can’t complete the Canadian Death Race, a grueling 125 km trek that takes a runner over thousands of feet of elevation and three mountain peaks.

Aug. 19 Marijuana grower moves forward with his case against town: He may have lost the first battle in a lawsuit against the Town of Ponoka, but Robert Koteles now has a road map for moving forward with his claim.

Aug. 26 Rip’N Ronnie’s Fitness questions town leases: Questions of unfair competition have been raised by the downtown exercise facility Rip’N Ronnie’s Fitness regarding a lease of town property by Gun It Crossfit.

Sept. 2 Town allowed to disregard FOIP requests on 38 Street: Town of Ponoka administration no longer needs to respond to Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy (FOIP) requests related to 38 Street controversy.

Sept. 9 Town and county to negotiate fire services

agreement: Councillors with the town and county of Ponoka will discuss a new fire services agreement in public under a mutually agreed arrangement.

Sept. 16 Residents want town and county to work together on fire department dispute: After hearing from concerned residents, town and county of Ponoka councillors are working towards a new fire services agreement.

Sept. 23 RCMP looking at new ways of community policing: The first steps have been taken in the development of a police program that brings community stakeholders working closely with RCMP. Sept. 30 Town moves forward with waste management plan: Residents will see a new waste reduction program for the Town of Ponoka, however, it does not include any agreement with the Rising Sun Clubhouse.

Oct. 7 Packed room at recreation master plan open house: More than 100 residents young and old i lled the Kinsmen Community Centre Tuesday, Sept. 29 to provide feedback on the town’s concept plans for the future.

Oct. 14 FCSS receives positive home care review from Accreditation Canada: Home care services provided by Ponoka Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) have received a nod for being on a par with federal standards.

Oct. 21 Blaine Calkins wins comfortably in Red DeerLacombe, Liberals win national vote: In a repeat of the fundamental provincial swing away from Progressive Conservatives in last May’s provincial elections, Canadian voters on a national scale distanced themselves away from Stephen Harper’s Conservatives and handed the mandate to govern the country to Liberal leader Justin Trudeau, who secured a comfortable majority with 184 seats in the 338-seat House of Commons.

Oct. 28 Homicide investigation brings arrests in Ponoka and Maskwacis: A man charged with second-degree murder in Calgary was located

and arrested after a carjacking and home invasion near Ponoka.

Nov. 4 First stage of borrowing bylaw cleared: Town council approved first reading of the borrowing bylaw that was supposed to have been drafted and approved before the North Bridge replacement and road realignment project began.

Nov. 11 Town of Ponoka hires interim CAO: Ponoka town council has hired Doug Wright as the interim CAO until a permanent town manager can be recruited.

Nov. 18 Council looking at modest 1.5% tax increase: After two long days of budget deliberations town council looks ready to bring a modest 1.5 per cent tax increase to residents.

Nov. 25 Ponoka philanthropists dig deep for hospital foundation: Ponoka residents and businesses have shown they value the Ponoka Hospital and Care Centre as demonstrated by a strong turnout at the second Ponoka Festival of Trees.

Dec. 2 Petition against proposed borrowing bylaw submitted to the town: A petition against the proposed borrowing bylaw to pay for the North Bridge and road realignment project has been submitted to Town Hall.

Dec. 9 Residents pack Kinsmen Centre to understand new waste management program: The Kinsmen Community Centre was full to the brim on Monday, Dec. 7 with town residents who were curious to learn more about the recycle and waste management program that is set to begin Jan. 4.

Dec. 16 Farmers converge on Ponoka to protest farm safety bill: Several hundred farmers converged on the Calnash Ag Event Centre over the weekend to protest the advancement of Bill 6.

Dec. 23 Farm safety group develops grain entrapment safety program: A farm safety advocacy group is developing a mobile grain entrapment training unit aimed at demonstrating safety tips to prairie farmers.

Library is big with kids’ movies in 2016

BY JACLYN BERRY

16011KA0

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Happy 2016, everyone!

Can’t believe 2015 went by so quickly, but we’re excited to see what changes 2016 brings to Ponoka Jubilee Library and to Ponoka as a whole. There has been lots of discussion on the future recreation plan for Ponoka, and while a new library is quite a few years off, we would love to hear from you, the users, as to what you think we need. A larger space is a given, but what would you like to see in that space?

More public computers? A dedicated programming area?

Different shelving or furniture? So please, stop on by and let us know what you would like to see. We can’t say yes if you don’t let us know.

We’re super excited about the upcoming movie days at the library, so we thought we’d give everyone a run down now on what to look for in 2016. All the movies are being held on

Friday afternoons when most children have the day off, and will be held at 2 p.m. Come check out: Big Hero 6 – showing on Jan. 22, this Walt Disney film won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature at the 2015 Oscars. Featuring a band of high-tech heroes, this movie has heart and comedy for all.

Strange Magic- showing Feb. 19, this movie has goblins, elves, fairies and imps and shows their misadventures sparked by the battle over a powerful potion.

Inside Out – showing March 18. Ever wonder where your feelings come from? Watch as Riley and her feelings- joy, fear, anger, disgusta and sadness - navigate through life’s ups and downs.

Minions – showing April 22.

Come check out the breakout stars from the Despicable Me movies before they joined Gru. Minions Stuart, Kevin and Bob are recruited by Scarlet Overkill, a super-villain who, alongside her inventor husband Herb, hatch a plot to take over the world.

Goosebumps Movie – showing May 20. Zach pairs up with Hannah, who just happens to

be the daughter of R.L. Stine, writer of the Goosebumps books, when the monsters from his novels begin to terrorize their town.

The Land Before Time – showing June 24. This classic movie tells the story of Littlefoot the brontosaurus and his dinosaur friends as they make their way to the valley to reunite with their families. An oldie, but a goodie.

Into the Woods- showing July 22. This musical features all your favourite fairy-tale characters as their fates intertwine when they dare venture into the woods.

The Good Dinosaur- showing Aug. 19. What would’ve happened if the asteroid that made the dinosaurs go extinct didn’t actually hit the Earth? See what happens when dinosaurs and humans become friends.

And if you’re interested in a movie day/night for adults, let us know. There are a large number of adult movies we can screen as well, including such titles as Spectre, Straight Outta Compton, Everest and Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2016

PONOKA NEWS 15

2015 in sports - year in review Part II continued from page 13 Nov. 4 Junior volleyballers converge on St. A’s Spooktacular tourney Junior volleyball players dressed up in their funnest, scariest or goofiest costumes for St. Augustine Catholic School’sannual Spooktacular volleyball tournament last weekend.

Of the 10 teams competing, two were St. Augustine teams — Team Green and Team Black — who took part in the event.

Nov. 11 Christian school wins local junior high volleyball championship - A pair of local schools battled for supremacy on the volleyball court over the weekend and it ended up being experience coming out on top. Ponoka Christian’s squad composed of Grade 9 students prevailed by scores of 25-23, 25-20 over the St.Augustine Queens’ ‘A’ team in the final.

Nov. 18 Vold, Flewelling take CFR finals by storm - The best Canadian rodeo athletes converged on Edmonton for a week of tough Canadian Finals Rodeo (CFR) that saw two Ponoka area cowboys taking home a championship buckle.

Bareback rider Jake Vold got enough good rides in to hang on to win his second straight Canadian title, while team roper Tyrel Flewelling with his partner Roland McFadden secured the title with enough season winnings to buy a new truck.

Nov. 25 Broncs girls land a spot at provincials - The Broncs senior girls volleyball team is heading to provincials.

The team was seeded second at the start of zones last weekend in Sylvan Lake with home team rivals HJ Cody Lakers determined to win. However, the Broncs felt differently, but getting the win was going to be tougher than anticipated.

Dec. 2 Midget Wolves face off with RCMP for fundraiser - The Midget Wolves hockey team and members of the central Alberta RCMP hockey team faced off last week in a fundraiser game to raise money for a program aimed at getting kids into team sports. It was on Tuesday, Nov. 24 at the Ponoka Culture and

Recreation Complex that the two teams worked to bring money to Ponoka’s KidSport program.

Dec. 9 “New” is keyword for Broncs basketball this season - Both head coaches of the Broncs senior girls and boys teams are in their first season patrolling the bench, which also equates to even a veteran team having to adjust to some new things. Tylor Johnson has taken over the reins of an inexperienced boys squad, while Cameron Horan is the new guy looking after a more veteran girls team.

Dec. 16 Broncs take bronze in home tournament - The Broncs senior boys basketball team managed to capture the bronze medal at their annual classic Pump tournament over the weekend, but it wasn’t easy sailing. The club opened things up by defeating Barrhead 74-64, but then lost in the championship side semifinal to Sylvan Lake before dumping Onoway in the third place game.

Dec. 23 Lots of goodwill at fundraiser - A few jokes, some fun and a whole lot of money helped to bring some bright light to the coming holiday at St. Augustine School last week. On Thursday, Dec. 17, the school held its sixth annual Goodwill Cup charity hockey game - complete with a packed crowd of students, staff and parents - at the Ponoka Culture and Recreation Centre.

The game, which features staff and other adults that volunteer at the school taking on students, raised close to $1,700 for a pair of charities.

Dec. 30 Volleyball teams ready for club season - Volleyball tryouts are just about finished and Ponoka’s club volleyball teams are readying themselves for the 2016 season. With the holiday break coming up coaches with the two Ponoka volleyball clubs — the Warriors and Central Rage — said they are looking forward to what 2016 will bring.

Big block: St. Augustine Catholic School volleyball players enjoyed a fun match with alumni against the current team Saturday, Jan. 2. The annual event is a fun way to get players together again. Here current Queens player JAycee Tebb (left) makes a block against alumnus Jena Casper.

Photo by Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye

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Card Of Thanks

GREEN Wallace Andrew Jan. 23, 1952 - Dec. 19, 2015 “Wally” passed away suddenly and peacefully in the comfort of his own home on December 19 at the age of 63 years.

“Wally” was born on January 23, 1952 in Spirit River, the second child of Lillian and Andy Green. He grew up in Rycroft where he attended school; the early years, with his friends and cousins, were full of mischief and happy times. “Wally” was a practical joker that was quit-witted and fun loving. As a young man, he loved fast cars and speedboats, snowmobiling, hunting and fishing. As time moved along and life slowed down, he enjoyed camping and golfing. “Wally” was a skilled tradesman in finishing carpentry and the co-owner of Ryeland Construction in Edmonton. He later became a journeyman pipefitter, which opened the door for him to become co-owner of Tempest Fire Protection in Edmonton. “Wally” was a small town guy with a big heart and always wanted to live in the country. In 2005, his dream came true when he and Wendy bought their acreage in Ponoka. He loved the quiet location on the edge of town and worked tirelessly to have a beautiful yard. He was thrilled to share the campsite he built at the back of their property with the neighbors, friends, family and anyone else who happened to drop by. There were lots of late nights, good times, exaggerated stories told, and memories made. “Wally” was someone that people could count on and was just a phone call away to help anyone out…at any time….no job was too big or too small…and when it was done, it was done right. Wally enjoyed working with wood his entire life and spent many hours crafting projects in his immaculate shop. The cremation urn that held his ashes was “his own handcrafted project” that he built in his shop last winter.

“Wally” inherited five grandchildren through Wendy and his life was fuller and richer because of the family life they shared. He will be sadly missed by his son Dallas, father Andy, companion Wendy Rinsky, sister Shirley Juigalli (John), brother Rick (Tonnette), as well as many friends, cherished relatives and extended family. Wally’s mother pre-deceased him in 2011.

COOTE (Nee Kroening), Lorraine (Venie) Lucille Sept.15, 1924 - Bruderheim, AB Dec. 4, 2013 - Calgary, AB

Venie was one of 20 children born to Emil Kroening and Bertha Mayan. She was predeceased by her husband, Jack; daughter, Laurie June Cowan; and many brothers and sisters. Venie is survived by her daughter Caroll Wiskar; son, Craig; grandchildren: Shauna, Sara and Paul; great-grand-children: Katie, Cortlind and Konrad; brother, Bob; and sisters: Addie, Vivian and June. Venie was a loving mother, grandmother and “favourite Auntie” to many of her nieces and nephews. She had a passion for life and people.

Some of Venie’s favourite things to do were singing, going to and participating in theatre productions, reading, and treasure hunting with her girlfriends at the local garage sales.

She loved a good picnic (winter or summer), gardening and the fall pie making marathon. A heartfelt thank you to the staff at the Rockyview Hospital and the Southwwod Hospice for their care and support.

A sincere and special thank you to Venie’s “adopted” daughter, Darlene who travelled here from Salt Spring Island to be with us. In keeping with Venie’s wishes, a memorial service will be held in Ponoka, AB in late spring 2016.

Photos, memories and condolences may be shared with Venie’s family through www.evanjstrong.com. If friends so desire, memorial donations may be made to the charity of their choosing in her name. Arrangements in care of EVAN J. STRONG FUNERAL SERVICES. (403) 265-1199.

In Memoriam

In loving memory of BRETT MARSHAL WIESE

THE FILLINGER FAMILY Would like to extend a heartfelt and much appreciated Thank you to all the family, friends and neighbours for all their generosity and support during our time of sorrow. A very special Thank you to Marlon and Shelia of the Ponoka Funeral home for all their hard work and contribution in putting together a wonderful service; Bob and Deb Hepp and staff for all the work they did in putting together a very nice lunch; and the Ponoka RCMP and Ambulance service for their assistance and support.

Lorna, Ron, Jason, Steve and families

The Mackenzie family wishes to extend a big thank you to all our No Frills staff, friends, family and the Ponoka community on the passing of our beloved Colin. We are overwhelmed and grateful by the support we have been shown.

Patsy, Scott & Thomas

The family of WALLY GREEN We extend our heartfelt thanks to the many people for their gestures of kindness following the sudden passing of Wally on December 19, 2015.

Our local paramedics are an amazing team and their quick response and tireless efforts were appreciated.

Marlon at the Ponoka Funeral Home is a man of neverending compassion and it is with comfort that we entrusted the arrangements to him.

Greg Dika, Brian & Polly Rinsky were an awesome team and did a terrific job of putting together and sharing “Wally’s Story” at his celebration of life.

Recognition to the RCMP and appreciation to Bob & Company Catering, Ponoka Legion and Flowers for You for their outstanding efforts to serve our community.

We are grateful to those who helped us through this difficult time.

Aug. 1, 1992 - Jan. 12, 2013

In Memoriam

In Loving Memory Marguerite Gore December 30, 2005 Mom My mind still talks to you My heart still looks for you My soul knows you are at peace.

Missing you Always Charmaine, Kim and families

A million times I’ve needed you, a million times I’ve cried…

If love alone could have saved you you never would have died.

In life I loved you dearly, In death I love you still.

In my heart you hold a place, No one else can ever fill.

It broke my heart to lose you, but you didn’t go alone, part of me went with you, the day that GOD took you home.

Forever in our hearts Love Mom, Dad and Morgan

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ALATEEN

GET MORE COVERAGE WITH YOUR AD JUST ASK FOR THE

CLASSIFIED N.W. BUY • • • • • •

Ponoka Rimbey Eckville Sylvan Lake Lacombe Pipestone Flyer

Weekly meetings Tuesdays @ 8 p.m.

Neighborhood Place 5110 - 49 Ave. Ponoka For more info.

403-783-4557 or 403-783-8371 ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS Monday night meetings at the Anglican Church Ponoka 8:30 p.m. Phone 403-783-0719 for info.

THURSDAY AA Meetings at 8:30 p.m. in the Catholic Church basement.

52 Street & 52 Ave. Ponoka.

403-783-4347 403-783-3442

Starting at 25 words for $45.90 Call toll free 1-877-223-3311 or Local 403-309-3300

Coming Events

Personals

60

820

IS someone’s drinking Cameron Bay Holdings causing you problems? Inc. o/a McDonalds’s in AL-ANON 403-346-0320 Ponoka and Red Deer (Gasoline Alley East and West) is now hiring full time and part time Food Service Supervisors.

Wages are between $13.95 to $16.00 per hour, depending upon experience and qualifications.

Candidates must be able Employment to work a variety of shifts and have 3 to 5 years pre#700 - #920 vious experience. Must be able to supervisor up to 20 crew. Part-time applications will be accepted from Canadians and Permanent Clerical Residents. Apply in person 4419 Hwy 2A, Ponoka, P/T BOOKKEEPER req’d 37479 Hwy 2, Red Deer, and 37428 Hwy 2, Red to work in office near Bentley 1 - 2 days per wk. Deer or email resume to cbay22@telus.net or fax to flexible hours, exp. with Simply Accounting (Sage 403-783-4251.

50) is required. Please send resume to kingdom farmsinc@gmail.com or Truckers/ fax; 403-748-4613 Drivers phone 403-505-2647

720

860

Central Alberta’s Largest Car Lot in Classifieds TOO MUCH STUFF? Let Classifieds help you sell it.

Medical

790

MEDICAL TRANSCRIPTION! In-demand career!

Employers have work-athome positions available.

Get online training you need from an employertrusted program. Visit: CareerStep.ca/MT or 1-855-768-3362 to start training for your work-athome career today!

Classifieds Your place to SELL Your place to BUY

MEDICAL TRAINEES needed now! Hospitals & doctor’s offices need certified medical office & administrative staff! No experience needed! We can get you trained! Local job placement assistance available when training is completed. Call for program details!

1-888-627-0297.

52

ROADEX SERVICES requires O/O 1 tons and 3 tons for our RV division to haul RV’s throughout North America. Paid by direct deposit, benefits and company fuel cards with discount. Border crossing required with valid passport and clean criminal record.

1-800-867-6233; www.roadexservices.com.

Just had a baby?

Tell everyone with a Milestone Announcement

Internationally Acclaimed Speakers

Advertising • Page Design Sales • Creative Cloud Software Journalism • Photography Full course descriptions online

www.awna.com/symposium

800

1.877.223.3311

Place your ad in this newspaper and12345 province wide $ with a combined circulation of over 800,000 for only...

995 plus GST/HST

Value Ad Network

Alberta Weekly Newspapers Association toll free 1-800-282-6903 x228 email andrea@awna.com or visit this community newspaper

ACADEMIC Express ADULT EDUCATION AND TRAINING

JANUARY START

Buy & Sell #1500 - #1990

GED Preparation Would you like to take the GED in your community?

• • • • • • • • •

Red Deer Rocky Mtn. House Rimbey Caroline Sylvan Lake Innisfail Stettler Ponoka Lacombe Gov’t of Alberta Funding may be available.

403-340-1930 www.academicexpress.ca

Classifieds...costs so little Saves you so much!

Employment Training

900

COME AND LEARN. Unlock your Superpowers!

Jan. 29 & 30, 2016, Edmonton. AWNA’s Annual Symposium.

Educational Sessions in Journalism, Sales Ad & News Design. Internationally acclaimed speakers.

Pre-Register. For more info: www. awna.com/symposium.

Something for Everyone Everyday in Classifieds

HEALTHCARE DOCUMENTATION Specialists in huge demand. Employers prefer CanScribe graduates. A great work-from-home career! Contact us now to start your training day; www.canscribe.com.

1-800-466-1535; info@canscribe.com.

JOURNALISTS, Graphic Artists, Marketing and more. Alberta’s weekly newspapers are looking for people like you. Post your resume online. Free.

Visit: awna.com/ for-job-seekers.

880

REQUIRES A PAINT PREP & WASH PERSON

Duties & Responsibilities: • Washing, cleaning and pre paint set up • Moving equipment in and out of wash area • Assisting in paint booth set up, assisting in final assembly.

Forklift experience required, must be mechanically inclined Full Time-permanent position – Benefits available Please send resumes by Fax: 403-350-1126 Or email : info@rennmill.co

www.rennmill.com

1530

AG EQUIPMENT

880

RENN MILL CENTER INC.

Auctions

Squeezthee MOST out of your advertising dollars

Misc.

Help

Start your career!

See Help Wanted

Misc.

Help

AWNA’s Annual Symposium

Oilfield

Restaurant/ Hotel

Auctions

1530

SEASONS GREETINGS BIG STRAPPER AUCTIONS at The Moose Hall, 2 miles south of Ponoka on Hwy. 2A. Resuming weekly sales Wed. Jan. 13, 2016.

Antique sale 1st. Sun. of Month Feb. 7, @ 1 pm.

Rimbey Implements Ltd.

TO BOOK YOUR SALE CALL 403-782-5693 or 403-304-4791 Check website for full listings

Al York

www.bigstrapperauctions.net

EquipmentMisc.

1620

A-CHEAP, lowest prices, steel shipping containers.

Used 20’ & 40’ Seacans insulated & 40’ freezers, Special $2200 Wanted: Professional wood carver needed. 1-866-528-7108; www.rtccontainer.com.

Pet Services

General Manager Cell: (403) 783-0593 Bus: (403) 843-3700

Rimbey, AB

Fax: (403) 843-3430

ANIMAL SERVICES

1820

COUNTRY DOG GLAM GROOMING Experienced Certified Groomer Call & book your appointment

CONCRETE SERVICES

403-963-1473 Located 5km from Old MacDonald Kennels on Hwy 53

Wanted To Buy

1930

BLUE GRASS LTD. is looking for Lodgepole Pine and Scots Pine in any size.

Willing to dig or pick up ourselves. Contact Bill 403-226-0468.

BLUE GRASS LTD. is looking for logging truck loads of Birch Firewood.

Split or logs, delivered or picked up. Contact Bill 403-226-0468.

FIREARMS. All types wanted, estates, collections, single items, military. We handle all paperwork and transportation. Licensed dealer.

1-866-960-0045; www.dollars4guns.com.

WETASKIWIN READY MIX •

Residential • Commercial • Agricultural

OPEN MONDAY TO SATURDAY Ph: 587-786-3142 780-352-4301 dmarkevich@wrmconcrete.com

AUTOMOTIVE SERVICES

A & J AUTOMOTIVE A & J AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR 6701 - 46 Ave. 6701 46 Ave. Ponoka, AB - T4J 1J8 Ponoka, AB T4J 1J8 (403) 783-8755 (403) 783-8755 Al Dickhaut Owner/Operator Al Dickhaut Owner/Operator

This space could be yours for $

30

PER WEEK

Call 403-783-3311

18 PONOKA NEWS

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2016

PLUMBING SHANDALL PLUMBING LTD. JAMES AVERY “Reasonable rates on all your plumbing needs” Gas Fitting - Home Renovations - Drain Cleaning -24 HOUR SERVICE-

Business and Services Directory Legal Services

5306 - 60 ST, PONOKA, AB T4J 1K7 PH: (403) 783-6372 • FAX (403) 783-6345

BOBCAT SERVICES

Business Services #1000 - #1430

Sur-B Enterprises Ltd.

BOBCAT SERVICE • Snow Removal • Driveways & Parking Lots • Post-Hole Augering - 6, 9, 12, 15 • Corral Cleaning • Grading & Construction Call Jim Ashbough 403-783-2764 or Cell:783-2764 587-729-0092 Call Jim Ashbough or Cell: 588-0599 Jack Surbey 783-5283 Cell: 588-0597

OVERHEAD DOORS

Misc.

Services

1290

1260

Misc.

Services

CRIMINAL RECORD? Think: Canadian pardon.

U.S. travel waiver.

Divorce? Simple.

Fast. Inexpensive. Debt recovery? Alberta collection to $25,000.

Calgary 403-228-1300/ 1-800-347-2540.

Misc.

Services

Gerald & Tina Owners

1290 The Most Famous Basket in the World

If you have just moved into a new home, or have a new baby, it’s time to call your Welcome Wagon hostess.

Refrigeration 403-783-4880 Welding

1410

Welding

Heather Goodwin 403-704-3647 heathermccg@shaw.ca

1410

EASY ALBERTA DIVORCE: Free consultation call 1-800-320-2477 or www.canadianlegal.org CCA Award #1 Paralegal.

A+ BBB Reputation. 26 years experience.

Open Mon. - Sat.

30

$

PER WEEK.

REACH OVER 1 Million Readers Weekly. Advertise Province Wide Classifieds.

Only $269 + GST (based on 25 words or less). Call now for details 1-800-282-6903 ext. 228; www.awna.com.

REACHING 6000 HOUSEHOLDS PER WEEK.

PONOKA BOTTLE DEPOT Open Monday - Saturday 10 am - 5 pm

• B-PRESSURE • PIPELINE • OILFIELD • ASME Section VIII Division I VESSEL FABRICATION & PIPING • SHOP/PORTABLE • CNC PLASMA CUTTING • ALUMINUM • SHEARING & FORMING

Closed Sundays & Holidays

FAX: (403) 783-8178

3, 5520 Hwy 2A (Across from Husky)

Website: www.harbinwelding.com E-mail: bharbin@telus.net

403-783-6875 SALES & SERVICE

GET YOUR BUSINESS OUT THERE

MAIN: (403) 783-7591

We Now Recycle Milk Cartons for Deposit

Misc.

Services

1290

Misc.

Services

1290

403.783.3311 Misc.

Services

Firewood For Sale Pine and Birch in tote bags.

Tues - Fri: 8:30 am-5:30 pm Saturday: 9 am-3 pm

403-783-5185 1-800-662-7135 Fax: 403-783-4635

306-873-9556 Dealers Welcome

Box 1100 4905 50 St. Rimbey, AB T0C 2J0

1315

Ph. (403) 843-2173 Fax: (403) 843-2607

DENTAL CARE

1290

5118 - 51 Ave., Ponoka, AB T4J 1R5

DO YOU HAVE A Disability? Physical or mental. We can help you get up to $40,000 back from the Canadian Government. For details check out our website: disabilitygroupcanada.com or call us today toll free 1-888-875-4787.

www.birchlanddental.ca • DR. RICK BARR • DR. STELIAN LISMAN - General Dentistry - Orthodontics - Cosmetic Dentistry - Bonding - Veneers - Bleaching - White or Gold Fillings - Crown and Bridge - Implant Restorations

“WE ENTHUSIASTICALLY WELCOME NEW PATIENTS”

EYE CARE HIP OR KNEE Replacement? Restrictions in walking/dressing? $2,500 yearly tax credit. $20,000 lump sum cheque.

Disability Tax Credit. Expert Help: 1-844-453-5372.

Pet Services

1318

CLINKERS KENNELS * Quality Boarding for your dogs & cats *Proof of vaccinations and advance bookings required HOURS: Mon - Thurs 9 am - 12 Noon; 4 pm - 6 pm; Fri. 9 am - 12 Noon; 4 pm - 7 pm; Sat. 9 a.m. - 12 noon; Sun. 8:30 - 9:30 a.m. & 4 - 7 p.m.

403-783-6272

www.clinkerskennels.ca

Rental Misc

Drs. Heimdahl, ZoBell & Kallal 403-783-5575 1-800-662-7168 WWW.4YOUREYESONLY.CA

-

•

5120-51ST AVE, PONOKA

ADVANCED EYE HEALTH & VISION EXAMS CONSULTATION & REFERRAL SERVICES DESIGNER EYE WEAR & CONTACT LENSES INSURED MEDICAL EYECARE SERVICES NOW AVAILABLE FOR ALL AGES

NEW PATIENTS ALWAYS WELCOME

OFFICE HOURS: Monday - Friday 8AM - 12:30PM • 1PM - 5PM

This space could be yours for $

30

PER WEEK

Call 403-783-3311

1350

Need RV or Self Storage?

8’ X 10’ mini storage units available for rent.

Also RV storage.

Secure compound.

Call Keith at

First Call Towing

783-3636 Roofing

Mr. Tree

Motorcycles & ATV’s

Family Friendly Dentistry

Unplanned pregnancy may be difficult to face.

We care. For confidential help call 403-343-1611 (24 hrs.)

and Appliance Service

403-783-2454

DR. STEVE CALDER BS C DDS

403-783-5225

New, dependable, affordable Inglis & Whirlpool household appliances.

We deliver & install your purchases.

BOTTLE DEPOT

Personal Services

RIMBEYDENTALCARE

DENTAL CLINIC

New Appliances Needed?

www.doorsondemand.ca

ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS HERE FOR JUST

1290

Bringing you Gifts & Greetings

Berni's #4, 3616 67 St. Ponoka, AB

DENTISTRY

1370

METAL ROOFING & SIDING. 32+ colours available at over 55 Distributors. 40 year warranty. 48 hour Express Service available at select supporting Distributors. Call 1-888-263-8254.

TELL it all! Tell it well! Make your ads sell for you by giving full description of goods or services offered. Include prices and terms. Phone 1-877-223-3311 for a friendly ad taker.

HEATING

“Committed to your comfort”

Robin Esau

Ph: 403-782-7722 Fax: 403-782-7499

robin@KlesAir.com www.KlesMechanical.com

Advertise your business in the Business Directory!

PONOKA NEWS 19

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2016 HEATING & EAVESTROUGHING

Commercial - Residential Installations - Repair

3912 - 66 St, Ponoka www.wcmltd.ca

403.783.3501 wcmltd@telus.net

BOBCAT SERVICES PONOKA BOBCAT SERVICE A division of 1127730 Alberta Ltd.

NO JOB TOO SMALL!

SNOW PLOWING & CLEARING

WCB • Insured • Licensed Locally owned/operated

CALL BRIAN HEBERT

403-506-3377

VETERINARY SERVICES

Bovine Veterinary Services On-Farm Mobile Veterinary Services Ultrasound-aided ReproducƟve Programs CETA CerƟĮed Dairy and Beef Embryo Transfer Herd Health

Phone 403-391-1684 ʹͶ

Dr. Bruce Wine

ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS HERE FOR JUST

30

$

PER WEEK.

REACHING 6000 HOUSEHOLDS PER WEEK.

VETERINARY SERVICES

Southwest Industrial Park 4102-64 St., Ponoka 403-783-5200 8 a.m. - 5 p.m Mon. to Sat. • Open late Thursday 24-hour Emergency Call • Dr. Kelly Loree • Dr. Leighton Coma • Dr. Trevor Hook • Dr. Jasmine Hardy • Dr. Candace Wenzel

Reaching 6000 households weekly

For just

$30 per week this space could be yours!

403-783-3311

Wanted To Buy

1930

FREE SCRAP and truck removal including farm machinery. We pay cash at our yard. 1-780-914-7560; www.sturgeonbusparts.ca.

Agricultural #2000 - #2290

Horses

2140

WE BUY HORSES: broke, un-broke, or unwanted.

Jerry Dodds 403-783-0303

Grain, Feed Hay

2190

APPROX. 800 bu. of feed wheat $5/bu.

780-986-2438 FOR SALE: Alfalfas, Clovers, Grasses plus Hay, Pasture, Reclamation and Lawn Mixtures. Early order discount - Book now!

No charge custom blending. Call 1-800-661-1529 or esther.stigter@ hannasseeds.com.

HEATED CANOLA buying Green, Heated or Springthrashed Canola. Buying: oats, barley, wheat & peas for feed. Buying damaged or offgrade grain. “On Farm Pickup” Westcan Feed & Grain, 1-877-250-5252.

ROUND BALES - Hay, green feed, straw and bulk oats. Delivery available.

No Sunday calls please.

Phone 403-704-3509 or 403-704-4333.

Houses/ Duplexes

3020

AVAILABLE APRIL 1 5 bdrm, 3 bath, house in Ponoka. Double attached garage with RV parking. Fenced yard. N/S. $1800/mnth plus D.D. 403-506-5119 PONOKA 5 bdrm. 1 1/2 baths, single garage, central location. Avail. imm.

5411-55 St. rent $1500 403-704-1221 PONOKA, Duplex 3 bedroom. $950. rent/dd, no pets, 4 appls. + drapes.

403-346-3943 or 403-358-9179

Suites

AVAILABLE NOW!

Bachelor suite $600/mnth including utilities 403-790-6011

Downtown Ponoka One bdrm Apartment No Smoking No Pets

403-357-0654

3060

HARVEST MANOR

1 bdrm, 2 bdrm & bachelor studio Working individual

PONOKA large 2 bdrm. bsmt. suite $950 incld’s util’s, 403-704-1645

* RIVERSIDE APTS. * Newly renovated 1 & 2 bedroom units in Ponoka: 3724-45 Street.

403-357-0287

403-704-3327 403-870-3899

TAKING APPLICATIONS FOR IMMEDIATE POSSESSION OF ONE BEDROOM BASEMENT SUITE

located close to downtown Ponoka.

C/W fridge, stove, microwave, W&D. Non-smoking, no pets.

$700.00/mo + $150.00/mo for utilities, $700.00 DD. PH. 403-783-6009

Public Notices

Houses/ Duplexes

Wanted to Rent #3250 - #3390

3260

FOR SALE

Ponoka Veterinary Clinic Real Estate #4000 - #4190 Manufactured Homes

4090

HARVEST SALE! Save $50,000 from the replacement cost of this 20 X 76 drywalled Grandeur Showhome that has to go! A sacrifice at $124,900. Call Terry 1-855-347-0417 or email: terry@ grandviewmodular.com.

Buildings For Sale

4150

TELL it all! Tell it well! Make your ads sell for you by giving full description of goods or services offered. Include prices and terms. Phone 1-877-223-3311 for a friendly ad taker.

3020

3 BDRM. DUPLEX IN PONOKA, large kitchen, dining and livingroom 4 appls., rent + utils. Avail.

Dec. 15. 403-783-3860 PONOKA NEWER 3 bdrm. townhouse, 6 appl., 3 bath, $1,295/mo.

Phone 403-704-1221

24 Hr. Emergency 403-783-4348

5502 - Hwy 2A Ponoka, AB

T4J 1M1

BOBCAT SERVICES

BRUCE’S BOBCAT

Snow Cleaning & Removal

403-783-0663 PLUMBING

PONOKA PLUMBING & HEATING We now carry a complete line of Ritchie Stockwater parts

Public Notice #6000 Public Notices ..................6010 Special Features ..............6050

6010

Hours of Business: Monday - Friday 7:30 8:00 am - 5 pm

5110 -50 Street Box 4414 Ponoka, Alberta T4J 1R7

JESSE ZINTER Office - 403-783-5489

WATER WELL DRILLING SERVICE

Ponoka County

PUBLIC NOTICE Amendment to Land Use By-Law 7-08-LU The Council of Ponoka County has been asked by Gerald & Tina Teerling (Doors on Demand) to amend Land Use By-Law 7-08-LU as follows: Reclassify approximately 7.5 acres of the SW 22-43-25-W4 from Country Residential District to Rural Industrial District to allow for the operation of an overhead door sales, service and manufacturing business from the rezoned area (Doors on Demand).

Before considering the by-law, Council will hold a Public Hearing at which any person claiming to be affected may ask questions or make comments. This hearing is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 12, 2016 in the Council Chambers of the County Administration Building.

Acreages/Farms ..............3255 Houses/Duplexes ............3260 Suites ..............................3270 Rooms..............................3280 Manufactured Homes ......3290 11:00 A a.m.

January 12, 2016may be inspected at the County copy of the proposed by-law Housesitting Wanted ........3300 Garage Space..................3310 Administration Building, Ponoka, Alberta during regular office hours.

Storage Space ................3320 Stores/Commercial ..........3330 Office Space ....................3340 Industrial ..........................3350 Warehouse Space............3360 Resorts & Cottages..........3370 Pasture/Land....................3380 Mobile Lot ........................3390

Houses/ Duplexes

Mon. - Fri. 8 am - 5 pm Sat. 9 am - 4:30 pm

• JOURNEYMAN PLUMBER REQUIRED

403-785-6616 CLASSIFIED Want Ads do more things for more people than any other form of advertising. Phone 1-877223-3311

Dr. Murray • Murray Jacobson, DVM • Jacobson Clayton West, DVM Dr. Clayton West • Nicole Macdonald, DVM • Katie Graves, DVM Dr. Ashley Shannon

POLE BARNS, Shops, steel buildings metal clad or fabric clad. Complete supply and installation.

Call John @ 403-998-7907; jcameron@ advancebuildings.com.

1084 SQ FT ½ DUPLEX Built in 2004 Located near IGA

For Rent #3000 - #3200 Acreages/Farms ..............3010 Houses/Duplexes ............3020 Condos/Townhouses........3030 Manufactured Homes ......3040 Four Plexes/Six Plexes ....3050 Suites ..............................3060 Cottages/Seasonal ..........3070 Roommates Wanted ........3080 Rooms for Rent................3090 Motels/Hotels ..................3100 Offices ..............................3110 Stores/Commercial ..........3120 Industrial ..........................3130 Warehouse Space............3140 Garage Space..................3150 Storage Space ................3160 Land ................................3170 Pasture ............................3180 Mobile Lot ........................3190 Misc. for Rent ..................3200

VETERINARY SERVICES

3060

Suites

Charlie B. Cutforth Chief Administrative Officer Ponoka County 4205 - Highway #2A PONOKA, Alberta T4J 1V9 Phone: 783-3333 Fax: 783-6965 e-mail: PonokaCounty@PonokaCounty.com

• Water wells drilled • Water wells serviced 403-783-2220 WEBSITE@DARCYSDRILLING.COM

WATER WELL SERVICE

ECKLUND

Water Well Service • Install & Service Pumps • Shock Wells • Pressure Systems Serviced & Installed Home: (403) 783-3712 Cell: (403) 704-3413

ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS HERE FOR JUST

30

$

PER WEEK.

REACHING 6000 HOUSEHOLDS PER WEEK.

20 PONOKA NEWS

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2016

NEW YEAR PRE-OWNED CLEAROUT

Y C WE WILL A G E L PAY OFF E G U •H S YOUR CREDIT N W O D K CARD R A M

ALL CREDIT APPS ACCEPTED

2010 KIA FORTE

110

$

B/W 60MTHS

SALE

2010 DODGE CARAVAN

T1209A

$

11,595

114

$

B/W 60MTHS

SALE

99

B/W 84MTHS

180

$

B/W 84MTHS

204

$

B/W 84MTHS

SALE

SALE

SALE

T0522

$

13,900

T1164A

$

$

155

B/W 84MTHS

SALE

2013 EDGE SEL AWD

25,900 T0912A

$

$

195

B/W 84MTHS

SALE

2011 FORD EXPLORER LTD.

29,900

$

283

B/W 84MTHS

SALE

2012 FOCUS SE

L0531A

$

11,995

2013 DODGE DART $

NO PAYMENTS • TILL SPRING

L0486

99

$

B/W 84MTHS

21,900

$

168

$

B/W 84MTHS

2014 FORD F150 SUPERCAB XLT ECOBOOST

27,998

P0510

$

2013 ESCAPE SW AWD

$

T1434A

SALE

C0752A

$

199

B/W 84MTHS

SALE

SALE

2014 F150 FX4 LUXURY CREW CAB

40,900

$

$

359

B/W 84MTHS

SALE

12,900

P0502

$

2014 ESCAPE SW AWD

23,900

T1335A

2012 FORD F150 SUPERCREW XTR X

28,468

$

T1032A

$

2014 FORD F350 CREW CAB LARIAT

51,895

*ALL PRICES PLUS $499 ADMIN FEE & GST. EG 2012 FORD FOCUS SE 84 MONTHS FINANCING 4.99% APR TOTAL PYMTS $18550.40. TOTAL INTEREST $2866.38

“Let your Legacy start here.”

www.legacyfordponoka.ca

YOUR LEGACY TEAM

Pat Boardman General Sales Manager

Kelly Perras Finance Manager

Trevor Feragen Sales Consultant

Eric Dortman Sales Consultant

Robin Patrick Sales Consultant