Ponoka News, February 17, 2016

CONNECTING THE COMMUNITY Vol. 68, No. 7 | WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2016 | 403-783-3311 | WWW.PONOKANEWS.COM

Stampeders make quick playoff exit Story on page 24

So many memories on the Alberta Hospital grounds Story on page 5

Animal creations - This little guy is excited as he watches his balloon animal made right before his eyes, just one of the many activities available on Family Day (Monday, Feb. 15) at the Ponoka Culture and Recreation Centre. The town-sponsored event was a huge draw with hundreds taking in the numerous activities being offered.

Photo by Jordie Dwyer

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2 PONOKA NEWS

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2016

Motion for mediation on fire services agreement defeated Too little too late says one councillor

BY JEFFREY HEYDEN-KAYE PONOKA NEWS A belated motion by Coun. Loanna Gulka to seek mediation for a fire services agreement with Ponoka County didn’t go very far after some councillors felt it was too little too late.

Gulka made the motion Tuesday, Feb. 8 during town council’s regular meeting, where she requested the town and county councils and CAOs work something out with the office of the Alberta Fire Commissioner.

“I thought we had worked very hard together with the county council and I thought we had come up with an agreement in principle,” said Gulka of past dealings with the county. “But that seemed to disappear and I don’t know where it went.”

She gave four reasons why she voted against the proposal to regionalize in January: • The proposal was given only just prior to being asked for a decision; • No representative from the county was present at town council’s meeting; • Definitions of the agreement were not attached to the proposal; • There were no guidelines as to how an advisory committee would work.

She added that communication between the town and county council was poor and this did not help.

Mayor Rick Bonnett said he had spoken with Reeve Paul McLauchlin about the potential of mediation. Bonnett passed on that the Reeve said the door is always open but that Ponoka County has already made a decision after town council voted 4-3 against a regional system.

Coun. Teri Underhill took issue with the motion.

“We knew this was coming in January … why now a month later are we looking at doing something?”

Underhill asked.

“Too little, too late. People are up in arms,” she stated.

Coun. Marc Yaworski, who voted against regionalization, said that there was little information for town council to move forward. “All we had was a piece of paper from our CAO. Take it or leave it. That was the understanding at this table that night.”

Bonnett made a point of order to the discussion stating that council always makes a motion and leaves developing the plans to the CAO. The discussion was heated but Bonnett only allowed questions on the motion rather than have councillors debate back and forth over what happened. Yaworski and Gulka voted in favour of the motion with Bonnett, Underhill, Councillors Sandra Lyon and Tim Falkiner voting against it. Coun. Carla Prediger was not at the meeting.

County to buy fire hall in town On the heels of Gulka’s motion was a request from Ponoka County to purchase a piece of land in town for it’s new fire hall.

The request was almost rejected.

Part of the Municipal Government Act requires a municipality request approval for the purchase of land in another municipality as that municipality would be tax exempt. The property is close to Highway 53 within the town limits, said new CAO Albert Flootman and he recommended the approval.

Coun. Tim Falkiner spoke against the request stating the county did not need to go this direction. “They basically walked away from our agreement. We have a fire department that is exceptional.”

Gulka’s concern was over lost taxes. “My concerns are, as I’ve said, that it’s not taxable.”

She appeared to want to delay the request suggesting a water agreement between the two municipalities needs to be made but Bonnett pointed out that no one is exempt from utility costs, which would be how the water use costs are determined. “They pay a water bill just like everybody else … they’re not exempt from that.”

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He advised council be forward thinking saying that the two municipalities will have to have mutual aid agreements in place in the event help is needed. He said the county would have to use the town’s water if it helped the town out regardless of utilities.

The town also has property in the county land that is tax exempt said Bonnett, providing the example of the town’s waste transfer site.

For Underhill the issue was greater than water use.

“If we do not grant tax exemption, then we’re saying we’re not willing to work together,” stated Underhill.

Yaworski, Lyon, Underhill and Bonnett voted in favour while Falkiner and Gulka voted against the request.

Petition submitted to the town Seeing that council isn’t budging on joining a regional fire services with Ponoka County, Jim Hamilton and Deb Nicol have finalized their petition for submission to town administration asking for a plebiscite unless the council backtracks on its decision to separate fire services.

Over 1,100 residents have signed the petition.

The petition was scheduled to be submitted to the town administration by Jim Hamilton at a meeting on Tuesday, as Ponoka News was being prepared for publication.

Nicol said the response from councillors to requests for a plebiscite, while indirect, showed the majority of them against a regional system.

Both Hamilton and Nicol stated simply they want council to go to a regional system.

“Emotions were quite strong again tonight just talking about it,” said Nicol of the council meeting on Tuesday, when they raised the request for the plebiscite.

Hamilton’s thoughts on Gulka’s motion is that “it’s closing the barn doors after the cows have left.”

No more drag races at airport

BY JEFFREY HEYDEN-KAYE PONOKA NEWS Drag races will no longer be held at the Ponoka Industrial Airport after an engineering study showed the races were causing unwanted damage to the runway.

Another issue the town must review is what should be allowable use at the airport, said Dave McPhee, director of operations and property services to town councillors during their regular meeting Tuesday, Feb. 8. McPhee said as the airport is considered a registered airport, something determined through the development of the airport master plan, and because of that hosting drag races, which are organized by the Ponoka 1/8 Mile Drag Racing Association, is not allowable.

“If we’re going to use it for anything else, we need to make an application to the minister,” said McPhee.

“It’s outside of the original respects of the design

of the airport,” he added of the races.

Add to it that the damage of rutting from the races earned some complaints from pilots over rougher landings, said McPhee.

Members of the Ponoka Industrial Airport Development Board reviewed the findings from AllNorth Engineering, the company hired to inspect the airport after the races, and in a 4-2 vote a decision was made to have no more races at the airport. McPhee added that as airport operations are managed by the town, a motion was not necessarily needed, however, he wanted to apprise council of the situation.

Mayor Rick Bonnett suggested it would be ideal to have another location to host the races but he wasn’t sure where. Coun.

Teri Underhill agreed.

continued on page 3

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2016

PONOKA NEWS 3

Ignoring conditions ends in jail

BY JORDIE DWYER PONOKA NEWS A woman who chose to go her own path and not to follow court ordered conditions received a term behind bars.

Amanda Fox, 33 from Red Deer, pleaded guilty to two counts of failing to comply with release conditions and one count of failure to appear in court at an appearance Friday, Feb. 12 in Ponoka Provincial Court. Fox was sentenced to a total of 15 days on each of the first two counts and seven days in jail for the other count.

Back on Apr. 24 last year, Fox was arrested along with a male in the parking lot of the Ponoka McDonalds after RCMP noticed the pair were in a stolen pickup truck.

Numerous stolen items - including a shotgun and other weapons - as well as a quantity of drugs were located in the vehicle. Fox admitted to have consumed meth and was also on a court order not to be in contact with the male, plus she was on a 24-hour curfew at a residence in Red Deer.

The original court ordered conditions stemmed from a conviction on weapons possessions and drug trafficking charges.

The failure to appear in court occurred when Fox didn’t show up for a Sept. 4, 2015 trial date on the original set of

charges - which has previously included 11 other counts.

Fox, who appeared via closed-circuit television from the Lethbridge Correctional Centre where she is serving time on other charges, will have no time to serve as a result of her conviction on these charges as she has already served more than enough time in jail awaiting a conclusion to this case.

Thefts earn fines, jail Three individuals that entered guilty pleas for thefts each received a variety of sentences.

Conroy Yellowbird, 25, of the Samson First Nation, pleaded guilty to one count of theft under $5,000 for taking two bottles of liquor from a Ponoka store in July of last year. An RCMP officer recognized an updated photo from the theft in October as Yellowbird and he was arrested.

He was handed nine days in jail and given credit for time served, as he had spent six days in custody already.

Ty Firingstoney, 19, from the Montana First Nation, pleaded guilty to two counts of theft as well as one count each of failure to appear and driving while suspended, which resulted in a six-day jail sentence - amounting to time served - along with almost $1,200 in fines. Earlier in 2015, Firingstoney was among a pair of suspects that stole bottles of liquor twice in the span of a month from a local store. He was also stopped by police last October driving when he was found to have had his licence sus-

No more drag races continued from page 2 “It is an important cause.

We need to find somewhere for them to go,” said Underhill.

Coun. Tim Falkiner asked if there are legal ramifications if the town decides to agree to have the races at the airport to which McPhee replied that he would need to ask the minister regarding that.

Bonnett asked if there is another location to hold the races and McPhee said there might be with some investigation of locations but he had one concern: “At the end of the day, there has to be an understanding of who pays for the damage.”

Underhill made a motion that town administration and council help the association look for alternative locations, which was approved.

Parks and recreation committee approved Council passed a bylaw to establish a Parks, Recreations and Culture Advisory Committee after hearing a need for a clear terms of reference on how it functions.

Wes Amendt, director of community services told councillors that this bylaw will also increase the committee’s membership to 10 people. Bonnett added that there is an increased interest in the committee with plans underway to develop the town’s recreation buildings.

Geographic information grant underway A grant is being applied for by Parkland

Community Planning Services to develop a geographic information system within the town.

New CAO Albert Flootman told council this survey would add to the town’s existing information alongside helping with planning and development. Council approved the request to send in the application.

Waste management bylaw passes third reading Council approved third and final reading of the town’s waste management bylaw after putting it on hold for two weeks.

There was little discussion as the bylaw was discussed at a previous meet-

ing.

Council remuneration policy tabled The proposed Board and Committee remuneration policy was tabled after councillors debated the payment schedule.

Mayor Rick Bonnett suggested there may be a way to entice people to be councillors if the policy allowed a bit more payment. He said if a councillor has to go to a meeting in Edmonton and only gets paid for the meeting but spends travel time to get there, it may not be something a person would want to do.

Coun. Loanna Gulka disagreed. She suggested it’s a sacrifice a person makes

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pended by the province. It wasn’t until recently that he was identified as taking part in the thefts.

Colleen Johnson, 43, of the Ermineskin First Nation, admitted guilts of theft and obstructing a police officer after being arrested for taking a bottle of perfume from the Ponoka Shoppers Drug Mart on Friday, Feb. 5. Her lawyer told the court Johnson had been in town for a doctor appointment and didn’t have money for a ride home, and unfortunately took a suggestion from someone that they would accept the item as payment for a ride. Johnson then made another poor decision by briefly trying to give police a different name when she was arrested. However, officers quickly discovered her real identity along with the numerous outstanding warrants in her name. She was sentenced to 10 days jail - equalling time served after getting credit for 12 days.

Hefty fine A 30 year-old woman distraught over a recent breakup is now paying for a bad choice.

Chastity Bull, now of Edmonton, pleaded guilty to driving with a blood alcohol level over 0.08 and was fined more than $1,600 along with being banned from driving for one year.

Police responded to a complaint on Jan. 3 at about 3:30 a.m. about customers leaving McDonalds without paying and officers were able to pull over the suspect vehicle a short time later as it headed west on Highway 53.

Bull, who was driving, admitted the group didn’t pay and also stated she’d had a few drinks that evening.

Testing would show Bull had more than double the legal limit of alcohol in her blood.

when running for election.

“We asked to do this job … we are paid for it,”said Gulka.

Bonnett suggested he had no issue with that but with a better payment policy, more educated people may want to take part in municipal elections. He added that he had no issue if the policy were to be approved and set for the new council.

This paper is

1Re0cyc0la% ble & CRUISE CENTRE

I wish to express my deepest appreciation to everyone that offered such kindness, generosity and support to me with the barrel racing fundraiser in my honour.

Thank you to everyone that made a donation, volunteered their time, purchased an item and for those who came out to barrel race.

I am so grateful for each person that is a part of my life.

With heartfelt thanks,

Jan Jenkins

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4 PONOKA NEWS

Religion

Your Guide To Local Houses of Worship

Romantic affection is extension of Christian love

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

403-783-5659

Sunday @ 10:30 a.m.

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

www.wordoflife.ca

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 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

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2016

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

JAMES STRACHAN The United Church of Canada not a member of The Ponoka Ministerial Association

By the time you are reading this column, Valentine’s Day will be behind us, and the greeting card aisles will no longer be overwhelmed by red. Valentine’s Day is one of the biggest commercial holidays in North America, where millions of dollars worth of chocolates and flowers are given to women by their boyfriends or husbands.

Valentinus was a priest

who was martyred in the late third century. Many legends grew up around his martyrdom; he had healed a child’s blindness; or he married Christian Roman soldiers and their partners in violation of the Roman prohibition of the Christian religion.

Valentine’s association with romantic love was solidified by Geoffrey Chaucer, a fourteenth century English poet. Valentine’s memory was associated with hearts and flowers by Chaucer, and from then on, the tradition only grew. Some sources say that his feast day – February 14 – had been the feast day of the Roman god Lupercal, the god of shepherds.

It was during the last century that Hallmark and other greeting card companies got on the bandwagon and turned the commemoration of the saint into a hearts, flowers and cupid’s focus on romantic love. They make billions a year from the romantic day.

The one fact that seems certain is that a man named Valentine was put to death by the Romans in the late third century, and that his life was associated with Christian practice, which was illegal at the time.

We might remember Valentine principally because he gave his life for his faith and the practice of it, and that romantic hay has been made of that has been made ever since. One of the ways that romantic love and the giving of your life might remind us that when we make a romantic life commitment to another person, as in marriage, it is intended that our whole life be given to this commitment.

Love and marriage is not a part time, weekend-only business. To be loving and faithful to a partner takes energy, time and warm affection. For Christians, St. Valentine might be a yearly reminder of what we have undertaken, and help us renew our commitment and love.

Our time has seen the erosion of marriage commitments, to the tune of a nearly 50 per cent failure rate. For Christian believers, who enter the marriage relationship in the name of Christ, it might be one of the most demanding of religious commitments. Those of us who are married know that wedded life is difficult at times. Disagreements arise, boredom sets in, and many ponder the possibility

of not being married any longer. Within that framework, it is often helpful to be reminded of the emotions and intentions that drew us together in the beginning, when we committed our whole life to another person, in good times and bad. Enter St. Valentine, whose death reminds us that giving your life for something you profoundly believe is what marriage is all about. The romantic declarations of Valentine’s Day sometimes help us remember that.

Paul of Tarsus, in speaking of the relationship between marriage partners, underlines the value of a loving relationship In his Letter to the Colossian Christians urges husbands to “ go all out in your love for your wives, exactly as Christ did for the church.” In similar fashion he urges wives to “understand and support your husbands in ways that show your support for Christ. “ (Col. 5:22-24) Romantic affection and Christian love are not separate and different; one is the extension of the other.

So, remember Valentine, shower love on your partner, and live out that love in daily life!

Students are citizens in the digital world

BY DAN SVITICH One of the ever-changing aspects of our daily lives is technology. Many of us remember a time when computers were either non-existent in schools or were just being introduced. At that time computers couldn’t do a lot and were not the educational tool they have become today.

With the advancements in technology comes a digital world that exists not just in our homes, but our schools.

And, it’s a world our students and children are living in.

In responding to this evolving landscape, STAR Catholic School Division has developed and is implementing its own Digital Citizenship Curriculum. But first, what is a Digital Citizen?

Alberta Education, in a report released in 2012, defined citizenship “as the state of being a citizen of a particular social, political or national community. Citizenship carries both rights and responsibilities.” Similarly, a ‘digital’ citizen should embody all those civic rights and responsibilities, but now as they also relate to his or her activity on, or use of the Internet, social media and digital platforms.

The separation between the offline and the online world is narrowing. InternetWorldStats.com reports that there are more than three billion Internet users worldwide. That accounts for 42.4 per cent of the world’s population. There are 750 million Facebook users, 300 million tweets sent out on Twitter per day, and 100 hours of video uploaded to You Tube every four minutes. The digital world is here, and everyone — parents, co-workers, school staff, administration and students — are digital citizens.

As digital technology is further embraced as useful and effective means of teaching, the question of balance has come up. The question has been raised in an Alberta Education study, asking: Should we consider students to have two separate lives—a relatively digitally unplugged life at school and a digitally saturated life away from school, or should we consider them to have one life that integrates their lives as students and digital citizens?

In STAR Catholic, we have a responsibility to not only provide high-quality education to our students, but we do so through a lens of faith, rooted in the Gospel and in the words and actions of Jesus Christ. We seek to impart not only knowledge, but are committed to the full development of the person. Students cannot be expected to live two lives, a digital and non-digital life. As the digital world continues to grow and expand, our students are further immersed in this online world, online communication and online social structures. This means it is just as important for our schools to do our part in developing proper ‘digital’ citizens as it is to develop simply a citizen.

A digital citizenship curriculum is critical for the growth of the 21st century student — academically, socially and spiritually. The aim is to teach students proper conduct, behavior and responsibility whether in the chat room or in the classroom, on Facebook or face-to-face, online or off.

Dan Svitich dan.svitich@starcatholic.ab.ca is a Ponoka Trustee on the STAR Catholic Schools Division Board. STAR Catholic Schools has more than 3,700 students in 10 schools located in Beaumont, Drayton Valley, Leduc, Lacombe, Ponoka and Wetaskiwin.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2016

PONOKA NEWS 5

Reflections of Ponoka

So many fond memories of living on the Alberta Hospital grounds

BY MIKE RAINONE FOR THE NEWS For those us as children of the many staff families who lived up on the massive grounds of the Alberta Hospital, Ponoka through the 1940s and on into the 1970s, there will always be so many fond memories to cherish and share with everyone over the years. We will never forget our daily adventures around the cottages and far beyond, the countless friends that we made, and of the great respect that we gained along the way for the outstanding growth and successes that have been achieved at this first class psychiatric treatment facility.

During our very joyful years living with my parents, Michael and Irene and Brother Peter in cottage 53B across from the nurses’ residence, I fondly remember the Stack family and so many others, and I would like to sincerely thank Yvette Stack for sharing this delightful story with our readers.

The following essay recalls a few memories of what it was like to live on the grounds of PMH, as it was known in those days.

My family, consisting of my parents and my two younger brothers, Robert and Maurice, moved to “The Grounds” in 1945, when I was nine years old.

My mother, Gabrielle Stack continued to live there until about 1970.

ALBERTA HOSPITAL, PONOKA, 1950

By Yvette Stack “The hospital dominated the landscape of the rolling parkland of central Alberta, and its presence dominated the lives of those who lived in its shadow. The main building was a solid three storey weathered orange/red brick, with Virginia creeper vines clinging to the main entrance, giving it a deceptively homey look. Annexes and auxiliary buildings sprawled out from the center, all connected by a maze of tunnels and corridors.

Behind the hospital was the water tower, the tallest structure in central Alberta, visible for miles. Around the tower, the maintenance buildings were clustered: the powerhouse, tinsmith shop, furniture shop, sewing rooms, the bakery, the kitchens, and the

Photo courtesy of Fort Ostell Museum

The two-story brick staff duplexes at the Provincial Mental Hospital were built in the 1940s, and each featured a veranda and a nice little yard surrounded by a caragana hedge. Our family moved up to the grounds in the 1950s, and my father told me later that the rent was $15 a month. canner. Beyond these buildings there was a narrow road, then a skating rink, and the curling rink.

Fanning out from the hospital buildings, were three long, winding tree-lined lanes, each with a row of houses for the staff and their families.

Strict hierarchy was observed among the staff and this was reflected in the housing. The doctors’ row consisted of only five houses: two large imposing stucco two-storey homes and three smaller bungalows. They were surrounded by caragana hedges which enclosed spacious lawns and vegetable gardens. Inside, there were hardwood floors and fireplaces.

Behind the doctors’ row were the tennis courts and the bowling greens, for the use of patients and staff. Beyond that area was a second row of houses. Most of these were brick duplexes. They were two storeys, built of brick, with screened- in verandas, also covered with Virginia Creeper.

Here too were the caragana hedges, but the yards were small. These houses had only

a kitchen and living room, a pantry, and upstairs, two bedrooms and bath. Here lived some of the psychiatric nurses or attendants and their families. The two houses at the end of this row were not duplexes. They had four bedrooms and dining rooms and large yards, though not quite as large as the doctors’ yards. These houses were for the business manager and his family, and for the head steam engineer and his family. Across the road from this row was a strip of forest separating us from the nurses’ residence. Behind the houses across the alley was a ravine full of stinging nettles and trees, with a creek at the bottom, which could become quite dangerous in spring On the other side of the curling rink was the third row. These houses were frame duplexes, again with screened in verandas. They were for other employees of the hospital; tradesmen, technicians and so on.

The houses were all part of hospital property and belonged to the provin-

cial government. But until about 1950 there were also two small lanes of privately owned houses. For some reason, those in authority decreed that these houses couldn’t stay on government property and so they were all moved down the road towards town, where many still remain today.

The hospital was a self sufficient community, not unlike the monasteries of medieval times, and so it had its own farms and gardens.

There were acres and acres of vegetable gardens; cabbages, corn, peas, beans, beets, turnips, salad vegetables, and whole fields of potatoes.

Beyond the gardens were fields of sheep, and beyond that, the dairy farm. There were three more staff houses at the dairy farm, and one mile south of that, the chicken farm, with still another house.”

Yvette’s Stack’s story and pictures of the Alberta Hospital grounds will be continued in future editions of Reflections in the Ponoka News.

Remember When...

Photo from Ponoka Herald

No less than seven players from the 1960 Central Alberta High School Football League Champion Ponoka High School Broncs were chosen to play this season with the Edmonton Husky’s in the six-team Western Canada Junior Football League. Shown in the photo are, (back row, left to right) quarterback Howie Smith and middle guard Marvin Roberts; (front row) end Gerry Patterson, halfback Garry Lyle Johnson, line-backer Steve Ulyett, and end Ross Flohr. The other all-star team member Rodney Kneller was missing from the photo shoot.

6 PONOKA NEWS

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2016

Opinion

Building pipelines on consensus

MUSTAFA ERIC Editor Our new federal government under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has recently marked its first 100 days in office.

The importance attributed to this period in the life of every new government apparently dates back to 1933 when the then US President Franklin D. Roosevelt made a reference to a “!00 days” in a radio address.

Although he was referring to a 100-day long session of the US Congress in that speech, the reference was taken out of context by political pundits to judge the level of achievements of every president elected after Roosevelt. And apparently, Canadian political establishment copied the attribution.

As for the first 100 days of the Trudeau government, it will not be wrong to describe it as a period of “consensus building.”

Since he took the oath of office, the prime minister held many meet-

ings with a wide range of stakeholders, from first ministers of provinces and territories in group meetings to First Nations chiefs to representatives of youth in addition to his bilateral meetings with many other stakeholders.

We have yet to receive adequate information to help us conclusively decide what these meetings have achieved so far.

One possible indicator will probably come once we hear the details of the new budget. Not that we should be expecting a collective pat in the back from a wide cross section of the country for the prime minister and his finance minister; on the contrary, we will certainly hear a lot statements of dissatisfaction from a lot of stakeholders who will be unhappy either because of having much less allocation from the budget than they expected or not having the budgetary support in the shape they had planned.

But still, the budget will give us a sense of how much this government is serious about leading our nation in a spirit of unity and harmony; we will be able to detect signals about the priorities set and targets to be achieved in the short, medium and long term.

However, even before the budget details come out, there are some signs that Mr. Trudeau’s consensus-building efforts is laying the groundwork for some major projects to

go ahead with all around support from various stakeholders.

Take, for instance, the recent radio interview

by Perry Bellegarde, the national Chief of the Assembly of First Nations, in which he said “Yes, we have to look at ways to get things to the international markets, in a meaningful, substantive way,”, referring to the pipelines aimed at carrying Canadian oil to coasts on either side of the country.

“We have to find that balance between the economy and the environment.

That’s what it’s all about,” he added.

And if one remembers how Montreal Mayor Denis Coderre recently withdrew his outright rejection of the Energy East pipeline after the prime minister had a meeting with him, one can be hopeful that some processes are working slowly but steadily, and most importantly with the acceptance and support of major stakeholders.

We may be very well positioned to make the best use of the next cycle of oil boom, which may come in the next three to five years, if we can have by then all the infrastructure, that is pipelines, in place to carry Canadian oil, produced with environmentally responsible technologies, hopefully developed by Canadian scientists.

That will be a truly an achievement worthy of Canadian name.

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

Letter

Town council members - please read Dear Editor, The fire department petition that was circulating has shown a weakness in council’s decision making process.

Decisions at council level should be made for the benefit of Ponoka citizens.

I would suggest that future decisions should show how we, the citizens, will benefit and how our taxes will change.

There has been too many major changes in the Town of Ponoka in the last few years without citizen participation. For example, water meters, garbage, town office, bridge, fire department. These changes usually involve a great deal of money and our economy does not at this time warrant increased taxes.

Council must keep the public informed of the details when high-cost decisions are being considered. Also, council should limit major expense projects to some predetermined cost and everything above that amount would have to be approved by the public.

When the public is onside (sic) there

Mustafa Eric Editor

Jeff Heyden-Kaye Reporter

is less opposition to council’s decisions.

Other major changes considered for the town look good until the cost is considered. Ask yourself, do you know what these proposed changes will cost? Have you been informed? How has the town’s present budget changed because of this council’s decisions?

I would like to see the council always consider the taxpayer first and not be swayed by some of their personal feelings and plans. The cost for these projects is usually outside of the town’s ability to pay with our present population.

We do not have the tax base to fund these projects by ourselves.

Finally, in all likelihood there will be no funding from other sources unless there is a major turn-around in our national and provincial economy which doesn’t seem likely as things now stand.

Let’s put a hold on unnecessary capital spending until we know where we stand financially now and in the future.

Eldred Stamp

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, FEBRUARY 17, 2016

PONOKA NEWS 7

Orr stops in to consult with residents

BY JORDIE DWYER PONOKA NEWS Some time away from the legislature provided an opportunity for the local MLA to get a handle on what area residents are concerned about.

Lacombe-Ponoka Wildrose MLA Ron Orr was in Ponoka to meet with whoever wanted a listening ear of their provincial representative for a couple of hours at the Calnash Ag Event Centre on Thursday, Feb. 11.

Two issues Orr said are dominating discussions among residents are what the new budget - slated to be tabled in the legislature later this spring - will bring in terms of improving people’s lives during falling economic times along with the request from the education minister for school boards to present their policies on best practices for schools in regards to equality among students.

“There is a certain amount of anxiety and misunderstanding when it comes to this issue. There are concerns that the minister isn’t listening to trustees,” Orr said.

“On the budget, people want to see what is going to be done to turn the province around.”

As for how things have gone during the latest legislative session. Orr was quick to pounce on the bungling of the passing of Bill 6 - the farm safety legislation that garnered a huge protest movement against it.

“In some ways, the way the NDP government handled Bill 6 was a gift for us,” explained Orr. “It gave us a chance to speak to our base who were not entirely opposed to the intent of the legislation, but didn’t like having it shoved down their throat. It certainly dialed up the attention on us and gave us the opportunity to speak and engage with our supporters.”

And while the interim supply budget introduced to get the government through to the next fiscal year budget was also important, it was the highly anticipated royalty review that was recently released which Orr believes could also have been handled much differently.

“It was the long awaited royalty review that wasn’t,”

he stated.

“It was simply a minor tweak that took too long, drove out investment and lost Albertans jobs.”

However, he was also quick to credit Premier Rachel Notley for recogniz-

ing what was going to the best decision for Alberta.

“I must give her credit with respect to her election campaign NDP mantra that Albertans deserve their fair share of royalties,” said Orr.

“She listened to the review commission and said Albertans are getting their fair share. It’s that change of tone that was nice and we’d like to see more of, rather than burying things.”

County to deal with troublesome business

BY JORDIE DWYER PONOKA NEWS A business that has been the subject of numerous public complaints over the years is finally having action taken against them.

At Ponoka County council’s regular meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 9, they were informed through a letter from the Alberta Recycling Management Authority (ARMA) that the Cutting Edge Recycling facility located near Rimbey has had their program registration suspended and that they will no longer be allowed to participate in the tire recycling program. The letter also indicated the company will not receive any more payments through the program.

County chief administrative officer Charlie Cutforth informed council that once he received this letter on that he immediately contacted the ARMA over the fears that the large piles of tires at the facility would remain there.

“However, they were able to allay those fears, stating they have held back money to be able to deal with the tires that are there and they have a home for all of the small ones, and that they are optimistic they will soon find a home for the large industrial ones as well. That was a huge relief,” he explained to council.

While the ARMA have had their provincial order to cease operations issued, Cutforth suggested to council that he be allowed to approach their lawyer in order to have a stop order issued by the county to ensure all bases are covered. He added the county, once it got the letter dated Jan. 29, put a road ban in place that leads to the facility to make certain no more tires could be delivered there.

“It’s the best we can do for now,” Cutforth stated.

Airport agreement Council approved the inter-municipal agreement with the Town of Ponoka regarding the airport development plan. Cutforth recommended signing the deal as money the county is expected to provide for the term of the agreement isn’t outrageous considering the amount is estimated to only be slightly more than has been given in the past few years.

“The potential is there for some large improvements to be made,” stated councillor Mark Matejka, the county’s representative on the airport board.

Fire bylaw/policies First and second reading of a new fire protection services bylaw for the county were passed. The new bylaw is focused on the establishment of a county-wide regional service model and institutes a revamped fee structure for everything from charges for calls for service to the honorariums paid to volunteers.

Third and final reading of the bylaw won’t take place until April 26, since the county is under the current fire protection agreement with the Town of Ponoka until April 30 and the new bylaw would conflict with several terms of that agreement.

PET OF THE WEEK Lacombe-Ponoka Wildrose MLA Ron Orr, right, listens to the concerns of local citizen Bernard Lentz during some time set aside Thursday, Feb. 11 at the Calnash Ag Event Centre to sit, chat and listen to area residents.

Photo by Jordie Dwyer

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8 PONOKA NEWS

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2016

Elementary school students receive farm safety tips

BY JEFFREY HEYDEN-KAYE PONOKA NEWS “Stay safe to play safe,” was one of the common messages presented to St. Augustine Catholic School elementary students last week during a farm safety course.

Priscilla Tames, west central instructor with the Farm Safety Centre, spent two days Feb. 8 and 9 educating kids in Kindergarten to Grade 6 on several key ways to stay safe on the farm.

“When we get to Grade 6. we talk about large animals and quads and that kind of safety just because they’re (kids) handling it a bit more often,” Tames explained.

The program, which is free for schools, has become quite popular and Tames said last year instructors reached 55,000 students in Alberta and the year before that they reached 65,000. She suggests the need for farm safety education in schools is still important. Instructors set number goals to ensure the program,

The Town of Ponoka is seeking members at large from the Town of Ponoka and Ponoka County as well as youth and senior representatives for the new Parks, Recreation & Culture Committee.

The purpose of the Committee is to: • Strengthen and increase recreational opportunities for all residents of Ponoka and Ponoka County.

• Increase the identity and profile of recreation through positive advocacy and promotion in the community • Review various studies which have been conducted and make recommendations on their review, possible implementation and required updates.

• Act as a liaison and advise Council on matters pertaining to the use of services, facilities, programs and special events.

• Identify issues, trends and gaps in service and advise how to address these in service planning.

If you are interested in joining this Committee, please submit a completed application form on or before March 4, 2016 to the Town of Ponoka.

Application forms are available at the Town Office: C, 4900 - 54 Street, Ponoka, Alberta T4J 1N8 or on the Town’s website at: www.ponoka.ca

Farm animals make for an excellent example at St. Augustine Catholic Schoolduring a Farm Safety Centre course for classes in Kindergarten to Grade 6 on Feb. 9 and 10 .

Photo by Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye

which has continuity in its various stages, reaches as many kids as possible.

“It’s neat to see when you come back to a school … what they remember from it,” said Tames.

She has found that students will remember safety tips learned the previous year. The seven themes are: * Kindergarten: One Seat One Rider; * Grade 1: To Stay Safe, Play Safe; * Grade 2: Boats Float, I don’t; * Grade 3: Hear Hear, Listen Up; * Grade 4: It Can Happen to Me; * Grade 5: Get a Grip, Safety’s in My Hands; * Grade 6: Bigger, Faster…But I’m Smarter.

“It’s neat that that has stuck with them,” said Tames.

Kids are given stickers and safety decals to take home, which helps develop conversations of safety with family members. “Parents learn from kids,” said Tames.

She added that sometimes an adult can be set in their ways, but when they hear of safety tips from their children, they may change their habits.

“Our goal is that these children take these messages home and share it with their parents,” explained Tames.

There is reward in seeing kids come back year after year remembering the lessons learned over the previous years.

Tames said all schools need to do is call to book an instructor and the program is partly paid for with government grants and corporate sponsorship.

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WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 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

SUMMER POSITIONS WITH THE TOWN Every year the Town of Ponoka hires up to 10 summer positions in the Public Works Department and Visitor Information Center from May to the end of August.

In Public Works, where the majority of the positions are, the summer labourers mow grass, trim trees, prepare and clean up for stampede week, plant and weed flowerbeds, water flowers, plant trees and help with street maintenance. The majority of their time is spent outdoors.

The Town of Ponoka maintains approximately 250 hectares (620 acres) of turf grass and approximately 175 hectares (432 acres) of rough cut areas throughout the Town’s service area, the majority of that is done by summer labourers.

The Visitor Information Center will be hiring two positions this summer. With Planning and Development now permanently located at the Visitor Information Center there is opportunity for summer staff to gain experience in business administration and customer service. Summer VIC positions will assist in customer service, administrative work, summer programming and tourist assistance. Starting in May, the Visitor Information Centre is open 7 days a week providing visitors and residents information on local attractions, and providing tourism guides and maps.

Please visit the Town’s website at www.ponoka.ca to view the Summer Job postings.

Ponoka Fire Department Weekly Report

Last Week The Ponoka Fire Department responded to 2 Emergency calls on Feb. 5 and Feb 7.

• The first call was a 2 vehicle MVC at approximately 0330 with a confirmed entrapment in the one vehicle. Occupant was extricated and transported to Red Deer Hospital.

• The second call was an accident involving a snowmobile; Fire crews were stood down upon arrival to scene.

Please slow down and pay attention to the road and traffic around you while proceeding through an emergency scene, and give the crews room to work.

HOMETOWN NEWS FEATURE NEWS

WHAT TO DO IF YOUR WASTE CART IS MISSED ON COLLECTION DAY If your waste cart was not emptied on your scheduled day, please call 403-783-0159 within 24 hours.

If your cart was set out properly and on time and you report the miss, GFL will retrieve the missed waste on the next scheduled day.

When setting your cart out on collection day, please remember: • Place your cart out by 7 am on your collection day.

• Position the cart facing forward at the front curb.

• Ensure there’s space. Leave 1 metre (3 ft.) on each side, between carts and parked vehicles.

COUNCIL UPDATES Next meeting of Council: Tuesday, February 23, 2016, and Committee of Whole on February 18, 2016. Please note these meetings will be at 6 pm at the Ponoka County Boardroom. Agenda packages are posted on the website under ‘Town Hall’ in advance of every Council meeting. Everyone is welcome to attend.

TOWN NOTICES There will be a playground development meeting for the Co-op Park playground at 6 pm on Wednesday, February 17, 2016 at the Kinsmen Centre. Community members living in the Co-op Subdivision are invited to attend.

HOMETOWN EVENTS Volunteer Opportunities – volunteers are needed for the following events. If you are interested, please contact Wes Amendt at wes.amendt@ponoka.org or call 403-783-0118

• Community Wellness Fair • Canada 150 Mosaic • Two Special Event Planning Committees for (Canada Day & Ponoka Day in the Park) • Playground Development Committees are needed for Westview Park and Co-op Park playgrounds.

Aquaplex News • The next set of lessons are starting on Saturday February 13. Registrations are filling up fast, so come and get registered before it’s too late.

• Designated lap lane all day (except during morning aquasize and swim club), pools are open all day (except during swim club).

• Spring break lessons register now limited space!

• We are offering a National Lifeguard course from March 28 - April 1, the cost is $225.00.

• We are offering private swim lessons for all ages, anytime, any day (except during morning aquasize and swim club).

10 PONOKA NEWS

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2016

Klaglahachie celebrates diverse board of directors

BY JEFFREY HEYDEN-KAYE PONOKA NEWS Although the group has been around for only a few years, Klaglahachie Fine Arts Society (KFAS) has brought plays to warm the hearts of audiences and has seen a strong board of directors push for its advancement in that short time.

KFAS recently held its annual general meeting and with it found new members, with the youngest being David Luce, 19, and the oldest being Dennis Jones, 80, who both wanted to be part of the organization.

“We’re thrilled we’ve got some youthful ones,” said KFAS president Richard McKelvie. “We’ll change our course because of them.”

The new board is comprised of 14 individuals, enough to try out new and exciting ventures at KFAS. This year board member Brielle Wolfe is helping organize a weekend dance and choreography workshop guided

by Theatre Alberta that is open to the public. The workshop will help thespians learn how to incorporate dance into a play.

“Everybody seems really interested,” said Wolfe.

She feels this will also get people more involved with acting and KFAS performances. More information on the workshop is expected to be released as dates get closer.

“We’re aiming for two to three days,” added Wolfe.

Jones said he wanted to take part in KFAS as soon as he moved to Ponoka.

He had a part in Mary Poppins this year and used his college acting experience to help create his character. For Jones, the goal is to share some of his experience with the younger actors.

Luce, who also performed in Mary Poppins ended up enjoying it so much he wanted to help behind the scenes.

He earned himself the nickname of “stage dad” during performances because of his positive help and interaction with the younger actors.

“Being part of the decision making is something I enjoy,” said Luce.

“It’s nice being able to

know what’s going on and being able to give ideas.”

McKelvie said each of the members help KFAS in their own special way.

Directors may take part in the acting, behind the

scenes or in the planning and business side of the organization. The big thing this year for KFAS was the final construction of its new stage seating and new lights.

Treasurer Marion

Raugust said the seating is something the board has been working on since KFAS was formed.

Attendees now have good sight lines to the stage and improved lighting and sound. Raugust said

they continually add to the lighting and sound to improve the performance for play-goers. “It took us a few years to accomplish that but we made it.”

She said the hope is to bring a drama camp

16022OS0

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to kids over the summer months.

The fall play brings a fun classic and exciting element for 2016, which is A Christmas Carol. First auditions are expected to happen in May.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2016

PONOKA NEWS 11

Servus shows appreciation through generosity

Servus Credit Union employee Nermisa Omerovic (in white) smiles after seeing the reaction to the Tim Hortons customer finding out her coffee has been paid for as part of the Ponoka branch’s random acts of kindness day on Wednesday, Feb. 10.

Photo by Jordie Dwyer

BY JORDIE DWYER PONOKA NEWS It was a first of its kindness for a local financial institution and was warmly received by the public.

The Ponoka branch of Servus Credit Union decided to do something for the community and that transformed into performing random acts of kindness at three major public spots in town VJV Auction Mart, Tim Hortons and No Frills - on Wednesday, Feb. 10.

“We had decided as a team that we would like to do something to enrich our community and all felt that a Random Acts of Kindness Day would be something really special that we could do,” explained branch manager Janeen Lemay.

This was the first time Servus has done something like this, but it was all part of being citizens of the community they serve and not just another placing doing business in the community.

“We are built around

co-operative principles and our shared belief in building stronger communities and always putting people first. We are here to serve, it’s in our name, it’s who we are,” Lemay stated. ”As a cooperative, we don’t just do business in the community; we are citizens of the community. It is days like this that remind us all why we are here and the purpose we serve in our communities and that is to make a difference….. small or big it is still a difference.”

And the jobs were different at each of the three locations, with a total of 22 staff - including some from Edmonton - dishing out to farmerscoffee and donuts - topped with icing in the distinctive Servus green circle shape - early that morning.

That was followed over the lunch hour with staff assisting at Tim Hortons and making at least some people’s day brighter by paying for their coffee. ”I tried my hand at the drive-thru window and

some might have gotten a different coffee than they had ordered. Hopefully it’s a new favorite,” Lemay said, adding it was a bit chilly so its good she has an indoor job to go back to.

The last stop of the day was at No Frills where staff made sure no one had to struggle searching for loonies to get a shopping cart or had to bag their own food.

“We were even able to pay for a few people’s bills. While they were small amounts, one lady was moved to tears,” she stated.

Overall, Lemay stated the event was a tremendous success for themselves, the businesses they were at and the public.

“We were received with such gratitude and kindness, the businesses were amazing partners and all their staff were so excited for us to be there,” she said.

“We hope that our ripple of kindness will start a kindness wave in Alberta.”

Everyone gets a break - Crews work on repairing a break in the water line to the Ponoka Culture and Recreation Complex on Wednesday (Feb. 10) afternoon. Town staff discovered something wrong upon arriving at work in the morning and by early afternoon all activities at the complex - including Stampeders’ Heritage Junior League playoff game - were cancelled.

Repairs were completed later that evening and events resumed as normal the next day, complete with the rescheduled playoff game.

Photo by Jordie Dwyer

12 PONOKA NEWS

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2016

Butt Ugly - Loosely based on the fairy-tale Alice In Wonderland, actors from Red Deer College and high schools in Red Deer performed an anti-tobacco presentation for Grade 6 students at Ponoka Elementary on Thursday, Feb. 11. Here Alice watches as her younger brother is taken to the tobacco underworld by the cigarette army, then Alice must work her way through the land, dodging attempts to get her to try tobacco products, before saving her brother from the evil tobacco queen. Following the play, the actors engaged the students in talking about the health benefits of avoid tobacco and strategies to use to stay away from it.

Photo by Jordie Dwyer

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PONOKA NEWS 13

Great winter….tough time for colds and flu tells me if I’m happy and when I’m not That purple pill goes to my brain and tells me that I have no pain There are those capsules that

tell me not to wheeze or cough or choke or even sneeze The red ones are the smallest of them all and go to my blood so I won’t fall My orange ones that are so

big and bright prevent my leg cramps in the night Such a vast array of pills and frills are helping to cure all kinds of ill But what I’d really like to

MIKE RAINONE HAMMERTIME As much as we are enjoying this mostly mild (El-Nino) winter, all these quickie warm and cool down days can also be the prime time for catching all sorts of pesky bugs. These warm and slushy days are great for folks of all ages to cast off the ‘winter blahs’ and dash outside to enjoy frolicking and fun in the sun and snow, heading for the ski-slopes or the ice fishing hut, skating or shinny on the outdoor rink or road or just casually going out for a walk or a run.

The only problem with these balmy January/February Chinooks is that when they come along, many of us have the urge to toss aside our bulky and boring old winter clothes for some flashier and lighter fashions. Of course, it usually cools down in the evenings or quickly goes back to the nippy normal, but before we do the quick-change back to three layers, some of those miserable old cold or flu bugs may have invaded us without warning.

When those unwanted sneezes and sniffles start to invade our space, we usually rush down to the drug store and try to decide which one of those hundreds of cough and cure elixirs we should choose to get us out of our grumpy misery and accompanying aches and pains, which my wife fondly calls ‘a man thing.’ Needless to say, yours truly got my annual February cold, shared it with my wife, and got the usual advice from my doctor to get lots of rest, drink lots of hot liquids, and avoid getting chilled by wearing the proper clothes to suit the season at hand. Please be mindful of the health and care of yourself and others, carry lots of Kleenex and remember that those free flu shots are still available.

A senior reveals his medical adventures Evan is a dear old friend in his mid- 90s who lives in our condo complex, was born and raised in the early settlement of the Rimbey district, and loves to chat about history. Last week he posted this delightful poem on the bulletin board along with an appreciation and thank you card to everyone who has made him and his son feel so welcome at Aspen Ridge. He calls his poem The Seniors’ Way. A row of bottles on the shelf has caused me to analyze myself One yellow pill I have to pop goes to my heart so it won’t stop A little white one that I take goes to my hands so they won’t shake The blue one that I use a lot

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know is what tells each pill where to go The best wishes for our Golden Years…. Just grant us the senility to forget the people we never liked, the good

fortune to remember the ones we do, and eyesight to tell the difference. It was a whole easier to get older than it was to get wiser. Have a great week, all of you.

14 PONOKA NEWS

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2016

Canada’s former economic leaders now its fiscal laggards

BY CHARLES LAMMAM AND BEN EISEN TROY MEDIA COLUMNISTS Not long ago, Ontario and Alberta were the economic engines of Canada, boasting solid rates of economic growth and comparatively sound government finances.

How times have changed.

Ontario’s economy has deteriorated to the point where it’s now an equalization-receiving “have-not” province. Meanwhile, Alberta has frittered away its savings and is set to become a net-debtor province next year for the first time since 1999/00.

When it comes to economic and especially fiscal performance, Canada’s historical leaders have turned into laggards.

Evidence of this remarkable development can be found in a recent Fraser Institute study, which compares Canada’s premiers based on their management of provincial finances.

Premiers who managed spending more prudently, balanced their books and paid down debt, and reduced or maintained competitive tax rates ranked higher.

The results aren’t pretty for either Ontario or Alberta.

Let’s start with Ontario.

Premier Kathleen Wynne finishes in sixth place, last among sitting premiers (four of the ranked premiers are no longer in office).

A key reason for Premier Wynne’s weak performance Ontario has run a budget deficit every year during her time in office, increasing the burden of government debt. The deficits averaged 1.5 per cent of provincial GDP, the second largest among the premiers.

On taxes, Premier Wynne had a middling ranking due in part to Ontario’s uncompetitive personal income tax system. Rates on upper-earners are higher in Ontario, and the province maintains the most tax brackets, ultimately discouraging productive economic activity.

More encouragingly, Premier Wynne has taken steps to at least slow down the rate of spending growth, which was unsustainably rapid under her predecessor. But these steps have been inadequate in resolving Ontario’s fiscal problems, as the province continues to rack up debt.

Turning to Alberta, the story isn’t much better. Our report evaluates former premier Alison Redford, as the latest historical data does not allow us to mea-

sure current Premier Rachel Notley.

Nonetheless, Redford placed seventh out of 10, behind Wynne and ahead only of the premiers in three Atlantic Provinces.

Redford fares poorly for two key reasons: 1) rapid increases in government spending and 2) budget deficits and erosion of Alberta’s financial position.

Troublingly, there is no clear sign Premier Notley will reverse these trends. In fact, upon taking power, the new government immediately announced spending increases beyond what was already planned, causing the deficit to grow even larger.

The Notley government also tarnished Alberta’s only bright spot in this year’s rankings, which is on taxes, eliminating the province’s single tax rate on personal income and raising the corporate tax rate by 20 per cent.

While Canada’s traditional economic leaders find themselves near the bottom, the results at the top of our rankings may also come as a surprise to some. For example, the second place finisher is Premier Philippe Couillard of Quebec, a province that has long held a reputation for poor fiscal management.

Since coming into power, the Couillard government has recognized the severity of Quebec’s fiscal situation and taken corrective action. It’s projecting a balanced budget this year after years of deficit spending, allowing the province to chart a plan to rein in government debt and consider tax reform.

Top spot went to Christy Clark, premier of British Columbia.

Recall that, as recently as the 1990s, B.C. suffered from severe fiscal mismanagement with the ’90s often referred to as the province’s “lost decade.”

Premier Clark earned top spot by restraining the growth in government spending and consistently balancing the operating budget. Like all premiers, however, there’s room to improve, particularly in the areas of taxation and government debt.

While the progress in B.C. and Quebec is encouraging, the fact remains Canada cannot reach its full economic potential if Alberta and Ontario are economically weak and burdened by unsound fiscal policies.

Charles Lammam is director of fiscal studies and Ben Eisen is associate director of provincial prosperity studies with the Fraser Institute. The study, Measuring the Fiscal Performance of Canada’s Premiers, is available at www. fraserinstitute.org.

Turkey’s choice

GWYNNE DYER Think Globally

“We will defend Aleppo: all of Turkey stands behind its defenders” – Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu, Wednesday, 10 February.

“Turkey and Saudi Arabia may launch an operation (into Syria) by land” – Turkish Foreign Minister Mehmed Cavusoglu, Saturday, 13 February.

“There is no thought of Turkish soldiers entering Syria” – Turkish Defence Minister Ismet Yilmaz, Sunday, 14 February.

Between Wednesday of last week and Sunday night, the Turkish government, in league with Saudi Arabia, made a tentative decision to enter the war on the ground in Syria – and then got cold feet about it. Or more likely, the Turkish army simply told the government that it would not invade Syria and risk the possibility of a shooting war with the Russians.

The Turkish government bears a large share of the responsibility for the devastating Syrian civil war. From the start Recep Tayyib Erdogan, then prime minister and now president, was publicly committed to overthrowing the Syrian regime of Bashar al-Assad. For five years he has kept Turkey’s border with Syria open so that arms, money and volunteers can flow across to feed the rebellion.

Erdogan’s hatred of Assad is rooted in the fact that he is a militant Sunni Muslim while

Assad leads a regime dominated by Shia Muslims. Both men rule countries that are officially secular, but Erdogan’s longterm goal is to impose Islamic religious rule on Turkey. Assad is defending the multi-ethnic, multi-faith traditional character of Syrian society – while also running a brutally repressive regime. Neither man gives a fig for democracy.

Erdogan’s main ally in the task of turning Syria into a Sunni-ruled Islamic state (allthough 30 percent of Syrians are not Sunni Muslims) is Saudi Arabia. Together these countries and some smaller Gulf states worked to subvert the original non-violent movement in Syria that was demanding a secular democracy, and then armed and supplied the Sunni-dominated armed rebellion that replaced it.

The US government also wanted to see Assad’s regime destroyed (for strategic reasons, not religious ones). So for years Washington turned a blind eye to the fact that its allies, Turkey and Saudi Arabia, were actually supporting the extremists of Islamic State (ISIS) and the Nusra Front, al-Qaeda’s franchise in Syria.

Largely as a result of that support, these two extremist organisations now completely dominate the Syrian revolt against Assad’s rule, accounting for 80-90 percent of the active fighters. Turkey and Saudi Arabia finally broke their ties with Islamic State last year, but they still back the Nusra Front, which has camouflaged itself behind an array of minor “moderate” groups in the socalled “Army of Islam”.

When the Nusra Front, with increased Turkish and Saudi support, overran much of northwestern Syria last spring, Russia finally went to the aid of its long-standing ally, the Syrian government. Russian air power helped the Syrian army push back the troops of both the Nusra Front and Islamic State, and Erdogan was so irked by this that he actually had Turkish fighters shoot down a Russian

bomber last November.

It was clear at the time that the Turkish army was very unhappy about the prospect of a military clash with Russia. It does not share Erdogan’s dream of an Islamist-ruled Syria either.

So the Russian bombs kept falling, the Syrian army went on advancing, and now it has cut the main supply line from Turkey to the rebels in and around Aleppo.

This angered Erdogan greatly, and he now has an equally reckless ally in Prince Muhammad bin Salman, the Saudi deputy Crown Prince and defence minister. Over the past week these two men appear to have talked themselves into a limited military incursion into Syria to push the regime’s troops back and reopen the supply lines to the rebels.

This would also have allowed the Turkish army to whack the Syrian Kurds, who are building a de facto independent state in the Kurdish-majority territory along Turkey’s southern border.

(Erdogan is already at war with Turkey’s own Kurdish national-

ists, having broken a four-year truce with them last summer.)

On Saturday the Turkish army began shelling Syrian Kurdish forces, and on Sunday Assad’s government objected to the UN about a hundred “Turkish soldiers or mercenaries” who had crossed the border into Syria. At which point the grown-ups took over, and the Turkish defence minister denied that there was any intention to invade Syria.

France publicly warned Turkey to end its attacks on Saturday, and there were doubtless secret but frantic warnings to the same effect from Turkey’s other NATO allies. Turkey (and Saudi Arabia) have almost certainly been put on notice that if they choose to start a local war with Russian forces in Syria, they will have to fight it alone.

So that is probably the end of that, and everybody can get back to the business of partitioning Syria – which is what all the talk of a “cessation of hostilities” is really about.

Gwynne Dyer is an independent journalist whose articles are published in 45 countries.

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WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2016

PONOKA NEWS 15

Alberta’s Best Indoor RV Show!

th

40

Annual Red Deer RV Exposition & Sale

FINAL WEEK! ON NOW UNTIL FEBRUARY 21ST! WESTERNER PARK • Parkland, Prairie & Stockmens Pavilions Wednesday, February 17th

FINAL DAY

Friday, February 19th Saturday, February 20th

TO

Thursday, February 18th 10am – 6pm

Sunday, February 21st

10am – 8pm

Great savings, convenient indoor shopping and fun for the whole family can be found at the 40th annual Red Deer RV Show and Sale.

The show is on until February 21st at Westerner Park – it’s the Ärst year since its inception that the show has run for 10 days.

“The show Ärst started before the Westerner was here,” said Marty Vellner, chair of the Red Deer RV Show and Sale. “We used to run the show down in the arena and the Kinex building.

“The show has always been run as a cooperative effort amongst the dealers as opposed to most other shows which are run by either a promoter or an association.”

For the last number of years there have been two shows put on in Red Deer – the Red Deer RV Show and Sale and the Central Alberta RV Show and Sale. This year, both shows have been combined.

The show and sale is presented by the six RV dealers in Red Deer including Woody’s RV World, Vellner Leisure Products, Go Uncle Ben’s RV and Marine Red Deer, Southside RV Centre, Allan Dale Trailers & RV’s and Western R.V. Country. Attendees to the show can visit the latest and greatest in RV models and technology all while indoors. In addition to a variety

of new RVs that will be on display, there will also be a number of booths, which will be showcasing RV accessories and all that comes with living the RV lifestyle.

“The show features roughly 120,000 square-feet of brand new RV models in a comfortable indoor setting.

We’ll have everything that the industry has to offer in terms of products. It will encompass motor homes of all types, diesel pushers, gas Class A & Class C motorhomes, Äfth wheels, travel trailers of all sizes & Toy Haulers. All of the innovations the industry has to offer will be on display. People can come and shop and compare, all under one roof,” said Vellner. “We’ll have about 200 new 2016 products and that is roughly $12 million in terms of value of product.”

To accompany the RVs on display, there will be 30 exhibitors who are selling products, services and accessories complimentary to the RV lifestyle.

Meanwhile, Vellner said now is the time to look at getting into the RV lifestyle.

“Supply and demand is a fairly fundamental economic driver. Typically in the off-season, like we are now, the demand is lower, so there’s more motivation on the part of dealers to get product moving. The timing of these shows is geared to kicking off our season,” said

10am – 6pm Vellner. “There’s always price increases coming into the selling season from the manufacturers. Typically the product that you can buy early in the season will be less money than what you would buy later in the season.”

He added from a vacation opportunity the RV business is a lifestyle choice.

“It offers more Åexibility and more creativity than any resort-type environment. It’s your house on wheels.

It’s the most cost-effective way to take a family on a holiday,” said Vellner. “This type of lifestyle has always had an appeal with a section of the market. Where it’s gaining appeal is amongst young, overworked, busy people. The problem with the pace of life that we have now is that it separates families and doesn’t allow for family time. The types of things that can relieve that is the ‘get out and breathe the fresh air and sit around the Äre with your kids’ type thing. It keeps families in close quarters together and it builds bonds.”

Hours for the Red Deer RV Show include Feb. 17th-18th from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Feb. 19th-20th 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Feb. 21st from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

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16 PONOKA NEWS

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2016

Crews started construction work under wet snow on Thursday, Feb. 11 to install the new underpinnings for the North Bridge as part of the project to have the bridge renewed by the end of the summer.

Photo by Mustafa Eric

SANDRA LYON Broker/Owner

TYLER FESSLER Associate

RIZWAN SYED

CHANELLE LYON

Associate

Associate

LISA BONE Associate

403-783-8881 #3, 5012-48 Ave in the Wedin’s Prof. Bldg.

NEW LISTING

LUCAS HEIGHTS

NORTH END

Acreage living on the edge of town! This 1250 sq. ft. home is fully finished top to bottom and has many wonderful features. 5 bdrms & 3 baths. Logix block from the basement to the rafters, extensive concrete work and beautiful landscaping. Call Sandra Lyon or Tyler Fessler.

Beautifully fin’d 2 bdrm townhouse, single att’d garage, appliances included. Located in Lucas Heights. Reasonable condo fees. Ready to move into. $230,000 + GST Call Sandra Lyon or Chanelle Lyon for more information

Over 1200 sq ft. home with everything on one level. 3 bedrooms and a 5 pc. bath, open concept, double attached garage.

Located in the north end of Ponoka.

$535,000

$230,000 + GST

RIVERSIDE (PANORAMA RIDGE)

$225,000

RIVERSIDE (PANORAMA RIDGE)

RIVERSIDE

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Brand new show home with upgraded contemporary finish. 2 bed, 2 full baths, living & den on main floor with deck. Triple att’d garage, cul de sac. 1364 Sq. Ft. MLS CA0064935. VIEW TODAY!

Call Rizwan 403-783-0898

Lot in a newly developed fully serviced subdivision. Beautiful views of Battle River valley & town. Cul-du-sac, ready for immediate possession. MLS CA0072786.

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Call Rizwan 403-783-0898

$79,900

End unit town house backing onto the park. 2 bed with 2 ensuite baths & a half bath, walk in closet. Less than 5 min. walk away from grocery & gas. Near Centennial Center & golf course. MLS CA0058501

Call Rizwan 403-783-0898

$219,900

TO VIEW ALL LISTINGS VISIT US ONLINE AT WWW.FIRSTCHOICEPONOKA.COM

6000 - 48 Ave. (Beside The Old Iron Horse Restaurant)

real estate central alberta SPACIOUS BI-LEVEL

403-783-5007

- 1204 sq ft with 4 beds & 3 baths - Bright new kitchen, windows and flooring

TRANQUIL, ADULT LIVING! - 1102 sq ft with 3 beds &

$279,900 ~ Call Jane

$279,000 – Call Jane

2 baths - Low maintenance living at its finest!

SOLD

acres currently pasture UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY -- 276 Located 3 miles north of

IMMACULATE HOME

Ponoka - Property borders Battle River - Some gravel has been extracted $890,000 ~ Call Todd

STUNNING PROPERTY

Proud sponsors of RDC Arts Programs

- Excellent 640 acre ranch - Upscale bungalow w/mountain view!

- 1826 sq ft, 3 bdrms/3 baths - Insulated shop, 70x40 quonset - Full cattle handling system - Oil/gas revenue, $12,000/yr - Many extras

- Reversed Hillside Bungalow - 1350 sq. ft.

- 3 B/R, 3 Baths - Private Setting - Lacombe/Ponoka Bussing

$549,000 Call Deb IMMACULATE LUCAS HEIGHTS BUNGALOW - Built in 2007, 1275 sq. ft. on main - 3 bedrooms, 2 baths - New carpets and all fresh paint - Fully fenced yard on quiet street - Move in ready!

$349,900 ~ Call Lisa

Associate

PRIME PARCEL ON LACOMBE LAKE

CLOSE TO DOWNTOWN

$275,000 ~ Call Todd

AFFORDABLE ACREAGE PARCELS

- Beautiful acreage subdivision - 3 lots close to Ponoka - 5.4 - 5.7 acres; excellent value - Build your Dream Home!!

- Services at road

LOTS OF POTENTIAL

- 791 sq ft Bungalow - 2 B/R, 1 Bath - Numerous Upgrades - Single Car Garage $140,000 Call Deb

- Over 2100 sq ft developed FANTASTIC STARTER OR REVENUE! - 4 bedrooms, 3 baths - Bright & open floor plan - Newer furnace & hot water tanks - Asphalt driveway & great outdoor spaces.

$239,900 ~ Call Lisa

TODD REED

Assoc. Broker

Associate

DEB STEVENS Assoc. Broker

LISA SMITH Associate

- 2840 sq ft with 5 beds and 5 baths - Totally renovated kitchen - 2 large master bedrooms on main floor - Custom built family room - Exercise room/spa with fitness pool

$1,900,000 – Call Jane

$619,900 Call Jane

- 3 bdrm 4-plex - Bright spacious floor plan - Large kitchen includes appliances $219,000 ~ Call Todd

- Zoned R4; Great Opportunity!

- Now Vacant - Close to High School

$150,000 ~ Call Bob! FIRST TIME BUYER OR REVENUE - 924 sq ft Mobile on its

Own Lot - 2 B/R, 1 Bath - Covered Front Deck - Single Garage

$115,000 Call Deb IMMACULATE HOME IN LUCAS HEIGHTS

JANE WIERZBA

potential - Unspoiled piece of paradise!

- 33.17 acres with unlimited

LARGE CORNER LOT - Great Starter or Revenue

$115,900 ~ Call Bob!

~ Call Bob!

SPRUCE MEADOWS ACREAGE - 2 acres

- Over 1200 sq. ft.

- Fully Finished - Double Garage - Extra Large 70’x207’ Lot - New Carpet and Hardwood - Original Owner Home

BOB TILTGEN

- Fantastic Location backing onto nature reserve - High quality finishing throughout - 5 bedrooms, 3 baths - Fully developed with over 2700 sq. ft.

- Landscaped, fully finished yard with extra parking and finished shed

$449,900 ~ Call Lisa

RANCH-STYLE BUNGALOW

LAKE LOT

- 2.57 Acres @ Raymond Shores - Located NE side - Gull Lake - Ready to build your Dream Home $125,000 ~ Call Todd

PRIVATE ACREAGE

- Beautiful 1,467 sq. ft. walk-out - 4 bedrooms & 4 baths - Fully finished; Many extras!

- Large Kitchen w Island - Spacious Decks, front & back - Close to Ponoka & beautifully treed

$499,900 ~ Call Bob GREAT STARTER IN BLACKFALDS - 1002 sq ft Bi-level

- 2 b/r, 1 bath - Open living space - Large, fenced backyard

$308,000 Call Deb - 5 bedrooms, 2 baths

UPDATED BUNGALOW IN SERENE LOCATION - Lots of cosmetic updates!

- New roof in 2015 - Incredibly private location near walking trails - Double garage

$219,900 ~ Call Lisa

TO VIEW A COMPLETE LIST OF OUR PROPERTIES AND VIRTUAL TOURS PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT

www.remax-ponoka.com

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2016

PONOKA NEWS 17

Tin Soldier stands at the ready at Mecca Glen

BY JEFFREY HEYDEN-KAYE PONOKA NEWS Students at Mecca Glen School received a taste of performance arts culture during Alberta Opera’s interactive rendition of The Steadfast Tin Soldier early this month.

The play was staged Tuesday, Feb. 2 with a large group of students paying close attention to the act based on Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale. Written by Farren Timoteo, the play brought three actors and a musician into the school who showed students the possibilities of a fun play using strong character acting and imaginative costumes. All four performers took some time to speak about the experience and how they manage 270 shows in a season and still keep things fresh.

Damon Pitcher played the Tin Soldier, among others, and he says with each show the actors try to find different nuances within the characters to inspire each other. “We find little things that we never realized before or we’ll do something in a different way that’s just a lot funnier than before.”

Seeing the audience reaction to a line adds to the excitement of the show, he added.

For Melissa Cunningham, bringing students into the play to help out makes for a fun, interactive experience.

Each performance has 16 students who help out as set crew or acting on stage in front of their peers.

“They always keep it interesting,” said Cunningham.

“They will always throw you off or do something that’s really quirky. So that’s always really fun,” she added.

The actors have performed in front of hundreds of students and at smaller schools such as Mecca Glen, which is another way to find inspiration, explained performer Jaclyn Keppler. Each actor had to sing, perform, get ready for costume changes and ensure the crowd of students were engaged in the fast-moving play.

At one point Keppler and Cunningham dress up in spooky spider costumes. Keppler said the trick to ensuring kids are involved but not overly scared is to monitor their

reactions and pull back the intensity if needed.

She said there are times when kids enjoy being scared because they are involved in the story.

“It’s really fun depending on the size of the audience,” said Keppler.

Pianist Stephanie Urquhart adds the musical element of the play and her focus is to ensure actors are on target. Actors

will try to keep her as part of the play. At one performance Cunningham saluted Urquhart just for fun.

One question the actors receive from students is how they learned to act and sing. Pitcher enjoys being able to promote the arts in schools. For young people looking to get involved in the performing arts, Keppler suggests

they get into anything music lessons or take part in a choir or local plays to get a feel for it.

Cunningham grew up in Thorsby and she says there are always opportunities for theatre and performance, it’s just a question of trying new things.

The Mecca Glen performance concluded the 100th performance this season.

Mecca Glen students were treated to the Steadfast Tin Soldier Tuesday, Feb. 2 with a fun cast of characters walking them through the story based on the Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale. Here a boy (Damon Pitcher) sings after seeing he received new toys.

Photos by Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye

LISA SMITH real estate central alberta

A soldier (Damon Pitcher) recoils in fear of a goblin toy (Jaclyn Keppler) during the performance of the play Steadfast Tin Soldier by actors of Alberta Opera.

JOHN W. LOW Agencies Inc. 5118 - 50th Street, Ponoka 1-800-392-8658 6 ACREAGES AVAILABLE

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Beautiful building sites just a short drive south of Ponoka in Jada Estates. Building restricitons make this property an exclusive area for upscale homes.

This well established health food business with steady clientele is your opportunity.

Business is a turnkey operation with quick possession.

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duplex unit 2 - 3 bdrm units fully rented.

DEER CREEK Choice country acreages, close to town. Sizes vary – some treed, others open with walk-out potential.

• 5 bedrooms, 3 full baths • Must be seen to be appreciated!

• Lots of room for the family!

• Exceptional Lucas Heights location • Fully fenced yard, brand new roof

Deb Stevens real estate central alberta 6000 - 48 Ave., Ponoka

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NEW ON THE MARKET EXTENSIVE UPGRADES • 1.5 Storey, 1419 sq ft

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• 3 B/R, 2 Bath

WAYNE McGARVEY

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PROFESSIONAL REALTORS OF JOHN W. LOW AGENCIES INC.

• 90 x 125 Lot • Move – In Ready! $

215,900 2 15 900 Call Deb!

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Offer may not be combined with certain other consumer incentives. GM Canada may modify, extend or terminate this offer, in whole or in part, at any time without notice. See dealer for details. ^ Offer available to qualified retail customers in Canada for vehicles delivered between February 2 and February 29, 2016. 0% purchase financing offered on approved credit by TD Auto Finance Services, Scotiabank® or RBC Royal Bank for 84 months on all new or demonstrator 2015 Silverado 1500 Double Cab 2WD WT / Crew Cab 2WD WT and Silverado HD’s WT 2WD with gas engine. Participating lenders are subject to change. Rates from other lenders will vary. Down payment, trade and/or security deposit may be required. Monthly payment and cost of borrowing will vary depending on amount borrowed and down payment/trade. Example: $40,000 at 0% APR, the monthly payment is $476.19 for 84 months. Cost of borrowing is $0, total obligation is $40,000. Offer is unconditionally interest-free. 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WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2016

PONOKA NEWS 19

We should all put family first

RON ORR MLA

When you read this families will be, or will already have celebrated family

day. I hope you had an opportunity to spend some time with your loved ones.

One way or another, we all endeavor to put family first.

We all recognize that strong families build strong communities; strong communities support strong families.

We all want to leave a better world for our children. Generational generosity is common to societies around the world, and has come to define human progress.

We are committed to putting family first in our daily lives and we expect our government to do the same by respecting the role of family and not overstepping to usurp the role of family.

Provincially, our largest and most expensive programs are health and education. This will not change regardless which party is in office, because we all understand the importance of building a better world for our children.

Yet, in order to sustain these priorities we need to make sure they are as affordable and accessible as possible.

I affirm that supporting families is one of the core principles of modern conservatism. This is the principle that drives many of our economic and social policies.

For instance, we believe that keeping taxes low helps create a competitive economy that creates jobs, provides stability and

keeps life affordable for families. Where there is stability then stress, anxiety, family violence and suicide are all minimized.

We believe in a patient-focused health care system, that’s more responsive to front-line needs, always guided by the principle that access to a waiting-list is not access to health care.

We understand that students are individuals, with individual skills and individual needs. This means we support choice in education. It also means we support a vibrant public school system, but also private schools, alternative schools, charter schools, and home school options. One size does not fit all, so we advocate for a

system that puts families in charge.

In addition, our Wildrose team believes that the government must take steps to control spending, and eliminate deficits.

Saddling future generations with debt, is not generosity. It will limit their opportunities for further progress. Self-restraint is the sort of necessary sacrifice that fiscally responsible governments proudly accept.

Supporting families is about much more than listing policies. It’s also about listening to families and taking action. This is why Wildrose members and MLAs stepped up for the thousands of farm families concerned about Bill 6.

In drafting this legislation, the government chose to impose a number of regulations that have not yet even been written. We are waiting to see what they will look like. If you would like to stay up to date, please visit www. wildrosecaucus.ca/bill6 to sign up for updates.

Family is the link to our past, and the bridge to our future.

Give your family all the support you can.

As MLA for the LacombePonoka Constituency my top priorities include meeting with and listening to local constituents. Please feel free to contact my office at 403-782-7725 or by e-mail Lacombe.ponoka@ assembly.ab.ca or drop in for a chat at 101, 4892 46 street, Lacombe, AB.

Grain’s dancing bears

BRENNAN TURNER FarmLead

On Tuesday, Feb. 9 we got the U.S.D.A.’s February installment of their world agricultural supply and demand estimates (W.A.S.D.E.) and while the market’s pre-report estimates weren’t wildly far away from actual levels,

many (including yours truly) were a bit surprised by ending stocks for pretty much every crop increasing from January’s numbers. The narrative that we’ve been enduring for the past few months remains the same: the bears are having a dance party and it looks like their music is on repeat for at least another year or two, assuming a La Nina market doesn’t come to fruition in 2017.

Global wheat ending stocks were hiked by 6.8 million tonnes to a record 238.9 million tonnes, thanks to larger stocks in China (+6.3 million tonnes from January to 93.6 million tonnes) and American exports down another 680,000 MT to its lowest levels since 1971-72 of just 21.1 million tonnes. On that note, with the weaker Canadian Loonie, the U.S.D.A. upped Canada’s

FIREARM SAFETY

CANADIAN COURSE This is the course you need to get your firearms license. We are teaching the course

Sunday, February 28, 8 am Bashaw Legion 5115 - 50 Street

export target for 2015/16 to 22 million tonnes, making it the 2nd-largest wheat exporter in the world after Russia’s 23.5 million tonnes (the rankings doesn’t count the European Union, who the U.S.D.A. says will collectively export 32.5 million tonnes of wheat this marketing season).

Global corn carryout was pegged at 208.8 million tonnes, slightly lower than January’s forecast but production in Brazil was raised 3.5 million tonnes and 1.4 million in Argentina. Accordingly, with new production levels of 84 million and 27 million tonnes respective, Brazilian corn exports were raised by 2.5 million tonnes to 28 million, while Argentina’s corn exports were pegged at 17 million tonnes, an increase of 1

million from January’s tables. Conversely, U.S. corn exports dropped 1.3 million tonnes from January’s estimate to 41.9 million tonnes, pushing American corn ending stocks up 890,000 tonnes to 46.7 million tonnes (1.84 Billion bushels). Rounding out the 3 major row crops, South American soybean production estimates stayed at 100 million tonnes in Brazil but were increased to 58.5 million tonnes in Argentina, with exports for the 2 countries also remaining the same as January at 57 million and 11.8 million tonnes respectively. With global production hiked by 1.5 million to 320.5 million tonnes, global soybeans carryout was raised by roughly the same amount to 80.4 million tonnes,

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12.23 million (449.4 million bushels) of which will be accounted for in America to end the 2014/16 marketing year.

With the bearishness of report, it’s another reality check for every farmer and grain buyer alike that there’s a massive amount

of grain available still.

Given the supply vs demand levels, world wheat stocks are currently sitting at a 14-year high of a 122.6-day supply, and the last time we were there, it took two years to get down to more average levels. continued on page 31

FIREARM SAFETY

CANADIAN COURSE This is the course you need to get your firearms license. We are teaching the course on

Sunday, February 21, 8 am Hosted by Rimbey Adult Learning Council

Rimbey Provincial Building 5025 - 55 Street Non-restricted course and exam $120 Restricted Firearms exam available $100 Combined $200

To register call Guy 780-461-7686

LANDSCAPING THIS YEAR? NEW SHELTERBELT? It’s that time of year again! Beautify your yard and protect new trees and plants.

Beat the Road Bans Enhanced Ground Cover Wood Chips Shredded Bark Mulch Cedar Mulch

Trailer load quantities starting at $24.00/yard

Non-restricted course and exam $120 Restricted Firearms exam available $100 Combined $200

We will pick up your paper, clean tins, glass, No. 1-5 plastic and cardboard.

We also pick up cardboard from local businesses.

Available for pick up at our location at Hwy 27 and Hwy 22

To register call Guy 780-461-7686

For more information on these programs please call

Prairie Mulch & Bedding Company Ltd.

403-783-5810 Weekdays

403-556-6440 • prairiemulch@gmail.com

20 PONOKA NEWS

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2016

Family Day in Ponoka

Warming touch - Members of the Ponoka Fire Department were a welcome sight for many of the hundreds of people that took in the town-sponsored Family Day activities at the Ponoka Culture and Recreation Centre on Monday, Feb. 15, which included a warm bonfire the department took care of. There were also a number of indoor activities for people to take in.

Everyone loves ice cream - Jaedyn Flaman gets a loaded ice cream cone, completely with a cherry on top, painted on her cheek by Kayanna Hvizdos during the town-sponsored Family Day event at the Ponoka Culture and Recreation Centre on Monday, Feb. 15. Hundreds packed the facility all afternoon taking in the numerous activities offered. Photos by Jordie Dwyer

Food drive - The public really enjoyed the free hotdogs and hot chocolate that were available over the lunch hour, courtesy of the Ponoka Food Bank for a food or cash donation, during the town-sponsored Family Day activities on Monday, Feb. 15 at the Ponoka Culture and Recreation Centre. The day saw hundreds of people come down and take in the numerous activities that were offered.

Wagon attraction - The horses pulling the wagon ride at Family Day - Monday, Feb. 15 activities at the Ponoka Culture and Recreation Centre were a big hit with young and old alike. The ride was one of the free events that hundreds of people took in during the townsponsored afternoon.

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Shoots and scores - These kids were among the many that decided a little shinny hockey was in order at the town-sponsored Family Day event on Monday, Feb. 15 at the Ponoka Culture and Recreation Centre. Hundreds of people came down and took in the event that also included face painting, balloon creations, wagon rides and a bonfire.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2016

PONOKA NEWS 21

West Ponoka 4-H Beef Club news

BY COLTER BRESEE The club has had a busy fall and winter, starting with an reorganizational meeting in September, our weigh-in was held at Vold Jones and Vold on Oct. 12.

Members had fun in December at a club Christmas party with tobogganing, skating and a weiner roast.

January came and we had our mid-weigh-in, all of our projects were look-

DO YOUR PART

RECYCLE

YOUR

Submitted photo

PAPER!

Club members after the public speaking competition event.

Crestomere public speaking winners SUBMITTED On Jan. 30, the Crestomere 4-H Multiclub held their ninth annual club public speaking.

It was a long day full of informative speeches. We would like to say thanks to the judges Lori Matejka, Morena Stamm, Ashley DenOudsten, Lacey Elliot, Chance

McRobert, Lee Varty, Gail Luce , Karen Latimer, Joyce Winter, Rod Remin, Lori Jess, and Carol Ramey, as well as our MCs Katherine Parker, and Jenna Hodnefield.

Congratulations the top three placings: Junior: 1st Charlotte Cutts, 2nd Aspen McTaggart, and 3rd Teresa Cutts;

Intermediate: 1st Emma-Lee Rust, 2nd Mackenzie Gillard, and 3rd Aiden McTaggart; Senior: 1st Isabell Stamm, and 2nd Kristofer Malterer.

Everyone had a great time, and hopefully learned lots too.

Thanks to everyone who came to watch, we hope to see you next year!

ing great. This past week, we held our club public speaking competition.

Judges, family, friends and members enjoyed an evening of prepared speeches and impromptu speeches.

Some of the members will be attending a regional fun night at the Rebels game in Red Deer on the

weekend. We would like to thank VJV Auction for the use of their scale and chute, Ponoka Veterinary Services for the donation of supplies and FCC for sponsorship funds received, as well as Altalink for the Donation for sponsoring the club speaking competition.

VJV MARKET REPORT MARKET REPORT FEBRUARY 10, 2016

On Wednesday, February 10, 2016 - 3699 head of cattle went through our rings TOTAL - 3699

SLAUGHTER CATTLE D1 - D2 cows D3 - D4 cows Good Holstein cows Medium Holstein cows Heiferettes Bologna Bulls

95.00-110.00 85.00-95.00 85.00-95.00 80.00-90.00 120.00-145.00 140.00-150.00

Feeder bulls 115.00-130.00 Good Bred Cows 2,200.00-2,200.00 Older Bred Cows 1,900.00-2,100.00 Good Bred Heifers: Cow/calf pairs (younger) 2,200.00-2,850.00 Cow/Calf pairs (older) -

STOCKERS AND FEEDERS Good Feeder Steers 1000 lbs Plus: Good Feeder Steers 900 lbs Plus: Good Feeder Steers 800 lbs Plus: Good Feeder Steers 700 lbs Plus: Good Feeder Steers 600 lbs Plus: Good Feeder Steers 500 lbs Plus: Good Feeder Steers 400 lbs Plus: Good Feeder Steers 300 lbs Plus:

170.00-190.00 175.00-203.50 200.00-206.75 205.00-228.00 240.00-262.50 262.50-283.00 277.00-294.00 280.00-300.00

Heifers Heifers Heifers Heifers Heifers Heifers Heifers Heifers

150.00-175.00 155.00-182.00 157.00-198.00 193.25-209.00 208.50-230.50 224.25-245.00 255.25-280.00 260.00-281.00

Dairy Steers Baby Calves Dairy Type: Baby Calves Beef Type: Hay: Sq Bales Straw: Sq. Bales Greenfeed: Sq. Bales

135.00-155.00 25.00-150.00 150.00-425.00 3.00-7.00 -1.75 -

Rd Bales Rd Bales Rd Bales

42.50-120.00 -

Vold Jones & Vold Auction Co. Ltd. | Dawson Creek Auction Vold Jones & Vold Co. Ltd. Š 2006 4410-Hwy 2A, Ponoka Alberta, Canada, T4J 1J8

PLANNING A SPRING AUCTION? 7$.( $'9$17$*( 2) 285 <($56 ,1 7+( $8&7,21 %86,1(66 :( &21'8&7 $/%(57$Ă&#x161;6 /$5*(67 6,1*/( '$< )$50 0$&+,1(5< &216,*10(17 $8&7,21 +(/' )285 7,0(6 3(5 <($5 )25 7+( 3$67 <($56

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22 PONOKA NEWS

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2016

Healing and reconciliation work to be done

BY JACLYN BERRY

We at Ponoka Jubilee Library are very proud to announce that, in partnership with Ponoka Parent Link, we are hosting ‘Coming Together: Legacy of Residential Schools’.

We ask parents and professionals to join us on Saturday March 12 at 2 p.m., at the Ponoka Elementary School learning common area, for an afternoon centred on building relationships and understanding between aboriginal and settler families. The afternoon will begin with ab-

Ponoka Capitol Theatre 4904 - 50th St. Ph. 403-783-3639

PLAYING

February 19 - 25

For this week’s movie titles and show times, please call 403-783-3639

AGES 12-64 $9.00 AGES 2-11 & SENIORS $7.00 TUESDAYS & MATINEES $6.00 3D $3 EXTRA

original voices, as an elder from Maskwacis shares her story of her experiences at one of these residential schools. Andrea Dyck, our facilitator, will then present a program that she has put together which shows us a picture of that time in our history. We hope that engaging with these speakers will promote understanding, dialogue and discussion to aid in building relationships. We must, as a community, contribute positively to the necessary and important work of healing and reconciliation.

Traditional refreshments of bannock and tea will be served, please register at either Ponoka Jubilee Library or Ponoka Parent Link Centre. We hope to see many people come together for this very important event.

We in Canada live a very lucky life, a life of freedoms: freedom to believe what we want, freedom to vote for our government officials and express our discontent with them without fear of reprisals, freedom to learn. At the library we believe that one of the most basic freedoms that everyone should have is the freedom to read what they want. The Canadian Library Association says that all persons have a fundamental right to have access to the full range of knowledge, imagination, ideas, and opinions

available and that libraries have a core responsibility to support, defend and promote the universal principles of intellectual freedom and privacy. With all of this in mind, we want to let everyone know that February 21-27 is Freedom to Read week. A week in which we can celebrate that we can go into the library and pick up anything we want to read, and no one can say we’re not allowed to read it. A week to applaud the fact that if a person reads something they find offensive, they can choose to challenge that item, and have an open discussion regarding the pros and cons of it. We hope you use this week to think about and reaffirm your commitment to intellectual freedom, and come into the library to get a book to read, just because you can.

And don’t forget to sign up for our fourth annual Dinner at the Library on Feb. 25, from 6 to 8 p.m., when we can discuss some contentious books and why it’s so important to be able to read them, even if someone else doesn’t like them.

It’s a potluck, so bring a dish to share!

Coming soon: ‘Missing Pieces’ in which a woman uncovers earth-shattering secrets about her husband’s family from bestselling author Heather Gudenkauf.

For your child to start to think about values

TERRI SCHLICHENMEYER The Bookworm

Honesty is the best policy.

You’ve known practically since you were born that lying was not a good thing.

Tell the truth, you’ve been reminded. Say what really happened. Don’t mess with the facts. And, as in the new book “Lizzie and the Lost Baby” by Cheryl Blackford, that’s advice that grown-ups should heed, too.

Lizzie absolutely did not want to go.

But she knew she had to, and so did her brother, Peter.

Mummy said it was for their safety because Daddy was away at war and the Germans could bomb Britain at any time. All the children in Hull were sent to the English countryside to live with strangers that spring, whether they wanted it or not. And Lizzie didn’t want it – but she knew leaving was for the best.

And so it was that tenyear-old Lizzie and sevenyear-old Peter were sent to Swaindale to live with a policeman named Fred Arbuthnot; his wife, Madge;

and Madge’s dotty sister, Elsie.

Though Lizzie missed Mummy and Nana something awful, the English countryside was nice. Peter found someone to play with nearby, and the scenery was lovely. There were cows and sheep, green grass, and things to do. Madge only asked that the children be prompt for lunchtime and not upset Elsie – both of which were very easy to do, until Lizzie found the baby.

She was laying on a dirty quilt on the grass, a little cherub with black curly hair, crying and all alone.

Lizzie couldn’t imagine why anybody would abandon a baby like that – especially one as beautiful as the one she found. She hoped Madge would help her find the baby’s mother but, instead, Elsie took the baby as her own!

Lizzie knew something wasn’t quite right, especially when she heard that a nearby Gypsy camp was looking for a baby that was missing. The baby’s brother, Elijah, thought Lizzie might know something, but the adults in Swaindale told her to keep quiet.

The local magistrate said Elsie could keep the baby.

Mummy said the truth was always best. What was Lizzie to do?

Truth… or consequences?

Is honesty the best policy?

“Lizzie and the Lost Baby” takes a good look at that

question.

Set during World War II, at a time when drastic measures were taken as needed, this story starts out with something to capture a kids’ imagination: Lizzie and her brother are sent far away from home. Though they’re safe in a lovely, bucolic place, it’s scary nonetheless but author Cheryl Blackford doesn’t let her characters linger on it; Lizzie is brave, wise, and responsible from the story’s beginning, which continues throughout the book. Because he’s a catalyst for Lizzie’s character, Blackford also gives Elijah a great storyline, too, which is likewise a fine lesson on tolerance for cultures of which kids might not be familiar.

Put them together and you’ve got a well-done, delightfully British story that can be read or read aloud.

For your 9-to-12-year-old, “Lizzie and the Lost Baby” is a book she’ll honestly enjoy.

Ponoka Drop-In Activities 5015 – 46 Avenue

The jam sessions have been very well attended, thank you to both players and audience!

Regular jam sessions every Saturday at 1pm Drop-ins welcome at all events.

Feb. 21 - 7:00pm Gospel Concert - Steve Potter with “Black Velvet”.

Feb. 26 - Potluck & General Meeting 5:30 pm. Bring a dish to share, table service & enjoy good company.

Billiards - Weekdays 1:00pm. Mon through Sat – 50 cents per game. Honour system Monday Bridge 1:00pm Monday Whist - 1:30pm Monday Yoga - 6:30pm Tuesday Canasta - 1:00pm Tuesday & Thursday Exercise class 9:30am Tuesday Pickleball 6:30pm Centennial Centre - contact Janice Mackie 403-396-3160 Tuesday Shuffleboard - 7pm Wednesday morning - PIANO LESSONS FOR SENIORS (Sara Driedger 403-790-1980) Wednesday Sewing Guild 9:30am to 4pm Wednesday Cribbage 1:00pm Wednesday Yoga - 6:30pm Wednesday Duplicate Bridge 7:00pm Thursday Floor Curling - 1:00pm Thursday Weaving 1:00pm Welcome to drop-in to see how it’s done Thursday Bridge 1:00pm Thursday Art Club Drop In Noon to 4pm Friday “500” 1:00pm Saturday Yoga 9:30am Memberships available for 2016 - $10.00 per person. To rent our facility contact Dorothy @ 403-783-3027 or George @ 403-783- 3514 or leave a message @ 403-783-5012. Rentals are increasing and we would like to invite our town administration, business groups, and general public (Wedding, funeral, and Birthday groups), to inquire about rentals services and prices early in their planning. We may fit your bill!

“Lizzie and the Lost Baby” by Cheryl Blackford c.2016, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt $16.99 / higher in Canada 181 pages

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2016

PONOKA NEWS 23

Medal winners: Members of the Ponoka Skate Club celebrate Tuesday, Feb. 10 after earning several medals at Red Deer’s Fun on Ice fun skate carnival over the weekend of Feb. 7 and 8.

Here (l-r) Rylan Hageman (two gold), Kate (bronze and two gold) and Tori McNalley (two gold), Bailey Rush (gold and silver), Emily David (two silvers and gold) Madison Fleck (gold and silver) and Mallory McNalley (two gold) jump in unison.

Photo by Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye

PONOKA BRIDAL GALA 2016 A day to meet the wedding specialists and plan your

perfect day.

Friday, March 4

Kinsmen Community Centre 5009 – 46 Ave. Ponoka • Doors open at 6:30 pm • Free admission – Brides & Guests • Bridal fashion show • Exciting door prizes • Special displays • Gift bag for first 50 brides • Grand prize for brides (value over $1000) Brides’ pre-registration required

To pre-register www@newbeginningfashion.net

This ad space sponsored by the

24 PONOKA NEWS

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2016

Sports

Stampeders make quick playoff exit

BY JORDIE DWYER PONOKA NEWS

Stampeders Jordan Wombold (#6) battles with a Red Deer player for a loose puck in a rough second period for the Stampeders in the 10-1 Game 2 loss at home on Thursday, Feb. 11.

Photo by Jordie Dwyer

Short and not so sweet.

That’s the perfect description of the first playoff appearance in more than 10 years for the Ponoka Stampeders.

The club were blanked 7-0 by Red Deer in the Game 1 of the best of three first round Heritage Junior league series on Tuesday, Feb. 9. The two teams were due to play Game 2 the next night, but it got pushed to Thursday, Feb. 11 after a water main broke at the Ponoka Culture and Recreation Complex.

However, that delay didn’t help the Stampeders at all as they got scored on three times in the first four and a half minutes of the second period and pretty much folded the tents and packed their bags in what turned out to be a 10-1 drubbing and a quick bounce from the playoffs.

Jesse Fischer has the lone goal of the series for the Stampeders, ending Red Deer’s shutout streak with just over three minutes remaining in the game.

“We played a great first period and held them off the scoreboard, but came out for the second and sat back too much,” said head coach Tyler Fiveland following the series defeat.

“We won the last game of the regular season and thought we would get some momentum.”

With their run done, Fiveland has turned to what next season holds for the club.

“Overall, I’m happy with how far the guys have come.

They are still learning to win and we know where we have to make improvement,” he said.

“I even know where what I need to work on.”

Three of the clubs key players this season will be gone for next season, valu-

Kings nab first win in barnburner at home

able experience Fiveland knows will be hard to replace. That means several of the younger players are going to have to step up.

“We should have lot of returning players, who will be older and hopefully stronger,” he said.

“Most of our guys will be 19 and it’s that size and experience where we really need to improve aside from learning how to win and to never give up. This season, if we got off to a good start we were fine, but it was when we started to get down we couldn’t come back. It’s that mental toughness part of the game we also have to work on.”

It’s that kind of culture change Fiveland hopes to instill next season and using this year’s playoffs will go some ways to achieve that.

“That’s also going to help up, hopefully, make Ponoka a place guys want to come and play with our program,” he added.

Kings’ Airon Balatbat watches his layup Monday, Feb. 8 during a game against the St. Dominic Huskies.

The Kings managed to squeak by with 81-80 win.

Photo by Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye

BY JEFFREY HEYDEN-KAYE PONOKA NEWS The first win of league play for the St. Augustine Kings may end up being the most exciting game of their whole season.

Senior Kings had the game of their lives Monday, Feb. 8 against the St. Dominic Huskies winning by the tiniest of margins at 81-80 .

“That could have gone either way,” said coach Adam Bowie excitedly after the game.

And he was right.

At the start of the second half, the Kings were down 36-37 with the Huskies pushing to increase that lead.

For the next 10 minutes, the Kings fumbled their way through the quarter making hasty decisions and bad passes that affected their confidence.

“It started to implode a little bit and fall apart,” said Bowie.

To battle that, Bowie called a time out that helped slow the team down. As the third quarter ended, the frazzled Kings regrouped with Bowie guiding players “back to the basics” to improve their game.

It seemed to work. The Kings, with strong on-court leadership from Airon Balatbat and Nathan Padilla, man-

aged to claw their way back up the score board minimizing the Huskies’ lead. Balatbat is in Grade 11 and Padilla is in Grade 10, says Bowie who is excited to see how their career will unfold.

With Padilla sinking three-pointers and Balatbat driving the lane no matter who was in front of him, the Kings slowly built up their points and, with one minute left in regulation the score sat at 77-78 for the visitors.

A time out was called with the Huskies in possession of the ball. When the play resumed, the Kings used their possessions cleverly to respond to to single basket of the Huskies with two of their own, the last coming six seconds from time. Huskies’ last ditch effort was not good and KIngs won 81-80.

The Queens had a tougher challenge and ended up losing 60-12.

Coach Katherine Bergum-York said of the 13 girls on the team, 11 are new. While this has created a tough season for the young team, Bergum-York was pleased with their efforts.

“They are learning a lot with every game this season, which is all I can ask for from such an inexperienced team,” she explained.

She said the biggest challenge is staying consistent when they make good plays.

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Business Hours: Bay #2, 5012 48 Ave. Mon. to Thurs. 9:00 am – 4:00 pm (located next to Ponoka Dental Centre)

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WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2016

PONOKA NEWS 25

Mecca Glen declares junior basketball supremacy MUSTAFA ERIC PONOKA NEWS

Ponoka’s Clayton Raugust (#14) goes strong to the hoop between a pair of Hunting Hills defenders in their loss on Wednesday, Feb. 10 at home.

Photo by Jordie Dwyer

Rims, rebounds rip Broncs

BY JORDIE DWYER PONOKA NEWS Some bad breaks off the rim combined with a lack of rebound control left Ponoka boys behind when they hosted Hunting Hill from Red Deer on Wednesday, Feb 10.

The Ponoka Secondary junior varsity boys basketball squad couldn’t get the ball past the rim and then struggled gathering in rebounds at both ends of the floor during their 51-28 loss at home.

Head coach Ryan Newman stated the team’s offence has been coming along lately.

“However, the boys struggled to finish on their lay-ups, rebounds, shots. The rims were definitely against us,” Newman said.

“Our rebounding has definitely come along since the beginning of the season. However, boxing out consistently is something that we continue to struggle with. We are a relatively small team, so it is essential that we continue to develop this skill, especially against a larger team.”

He added that as Hunting Hills began to more and more pressure on the Broncs offence, “some of our inexperience began to show with multiple forced shots.”

Also making it tougher on his squad was having to compete against a larger school that has a much larger pool of kids to draw from.

“That said, I was really impressed with my players in the fact that they fought hard to the end. This is a life long skill that these young men are doing a great job of developing,” Newman said.

He also pointed out that Seth Longjohn played his best game of the season, remaining relentless both offensively and defensively throughout.

The Broncs are next in action tonight at 6 p.m. when they take on Stettler at home.

It was a game of pure passion and regardless of their young age, the players of two undefeated teams demonstrated admirable basketball skills and culture to the spectators on Wednesday, Feb. 10 when Mecca Glen junior boys edged over St. Augustine Kings 53-48 in the last few minutes of the game played at the Mecca Glen gym.

The hosts started the game with a storm ending the first eight-minute quarter with 17-9 lead but the Kings responded with a strong man-to-man pressure in the second, reducing the lead to one single point by the end of first half:26-25.

The third period saw at least a dozen lead changes with hosts and visitors taking the upper hand in turns with each possession, but Mecca Glen boys kept a three-point lead at the end of the third: 41-38.

When the deciding fourth quarter began, the Kings started a shooting spree knocking down long range

shots with ease as the hosts responded with pick-androll points in the paint. Just two minutes from time, the sides were tied 48 points apiece, but Mecca Glen used their superior rebounding skills to finish the game ahead.

With this result Mecca Glen school declared its supremacy in junior basketball with both their boys’ and girls’ teams finishing the regular season with a 7-0 record.

Adam Troitsky, who coaches both boys and girls, paid tribute to his players for staying in the game despite being physically challenged in the game by a much stronger and well-coached Kings. “I am extremely proud of their commitment, passion and effort,” he said.

For his part, Kings’ coach Brandon Bishop said he was upset that the game was played on a court where there was no three-point arc, which meant they were not properly rewarded for their long-range shots, which they sunk many.

“In my mind, we won that game,” said Bishop.

Anton Hodnefield of Mecca Glen Pride rises for short range field goal during the last quarter of the game against St. Augustine Kings on Wednesday, Feb. 10 at the Mecca Glen gym.

Photo by Mustafa Eric

36TH ANNUAL SPRING MACHINERY CONSIGNMENT

AUCTION

FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 2016 RIMBEY, ALBERTA Selling equipment to all four Western provinces and the Northern USA. Listings are now being accepted for the Spring Machinery Consignment Auction.

All items must be listed by Wednesday, March 15, 2016 to be included on our Sales Posters, Newspaper, Radio Advertising, Web Page and extensive mailing lists.

Listings Include a Unreserved Real Estate Auction for Melvin Bonertz - Selling a Lot with Buildings in Bluffton, Alberta.

BRIGHT & CLEApNm OPEN 6am-11

daily!

3 sizes of washers 2 sizes of dryers

Comfortable sitting area with tv FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO CONSIGN CALL:

ALLEN B. OLSON AUCTION SERVICE LTD.

RIMBEY, ALBERTA • (403) 843-2747 License No. 165690 www.allenolsonauction.com • abolson@telusplanet.net

4205 64 ST., Ponoka • 403-783-8382 Ponoka • Wetaskiwin • Leduc

26 PONOKA NEWS

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2016

Atom McDonalds to play for provincial berth

BY JORDIE DWYER PONOKA NEWS There remain two local hockey clubs in the hunt for a provincial championship.

The Ponoka Atom McDonalds advanced to the zone final with a 10-5 victory over Millet on Monday, Feb. 8 to capture the two game-total goal series. Ponoka won the first game the week before by a count of 5-2.

Head coach Chris Palechek said the game was close until the third, when Ponoka exploded with four goals to put the game - and the series - in the bag.

“They were a good team and came at us hard, but we were able to find that something extra in the third period,” he stated.

The Atoms will now play Thorsby for the right to represent Zone 4 at the Atom C provincial championship in Grimshaw from March 17-20. As of press time, the dates for the two game-total goal series had not been set, but the series must be completed by Feb. 28.

Meanwhile, the other team in the hunt has already secured a spot in their provincial championship, but are looking to carry the Zone 4 banner into the event.

The Peewee Lacoka girls’ team took on Warburg on Saturday, Feb. 13 in Ponoka in the opening game of their two game-total goal zone final series, losing a tight game 4-3.

Head coach Ron Klinger said all of the games against Warburg this season have been hard fought, close contests, but that his girls just didn’t seem to have it in this one.

He anticipates a much better showing when they play the return match on Friday, Feb. 19 in Warburg.

However, a loss won’t mean the end of the season for either squad as the loser of the series has been assured of a wildcard berth at the provincial championship Mar. 10-13 in Edmonton, as there was no host team available to take part.

And it was an extremely disappointing way to end their run at a title as Ponoka Fountain Tire Midgets fell in overtime in Thorsby on Wednesday Feb. 10, losing the second game of the series 7-2 after

taking the opening game at home earlier 5-1.

“Our goalie - Justin Hyink - stood on his head on Tuesday and the boys played good and got some goals for us,” said coach Peter Hall.

“However, we started the next game on our heels a bit, they got a couple of ugly goals, crashed the net, worked hard and beat us in overtime on an unbelievable screen shot. We had our chances after they tied the series up midway through the game, but weren’t able to get anything into the net.”

Playoffs looming With just one more week of play in the North Central Minor Hockey League regular season, things are getting more intense and the battle to improve teams’ positions continues.

The Fountain Tire Midgets nearly helped their cause, but gave up a twogoal lead late at home to the 3C’s Comets and needed to hang on for a 7-7 draw Saturday, Feb. 13. The result of Sunday’s game in Rocky Mountain House was unavailable at press time.

It was an up and down weekend at home for the Bantam Moose, beating up on Blackfalds 8-3 on Friday night, Feb. 12 before Lacombe blanked them 13-0 Saturday afternoon.

Peewee Elks fell 5-3 to Daysland in their only game of the weekend Saturday at home, while the Peewee Quality Paint & Collision squad used home ice to their advantage for a 3-1 win over Blackfalds Saturday, Feb.14. The result of their game Sunday at home with Lacombe was unavailable at press time.

For the Atom McDonalds, a busy week continued with a 5-2 loss at home to Blackfalds Friday night and an 8-2 loss Saturday to Battle River in Sedgewick.

Sunday’s result versus Daysland was unavailable at press time.

Lastly, the Atom Calnash Trucking team were on the road Saturday in Stettler and managed a 7-3 victory.

The lone female team in action this last week saw the Midget Lacoka club double up Rocky Mountain House 4-2 on Thursday, Feb. 11.

GREATEST GAME of Summer is back for another season!!

2016 Ponoka Minor Ball Annual General Meeting and Registration Night Wednesday, March 2, 2016 at 7pm Ponoka Kinsmen Centre (next to IGA) Get an early start with indoor Softball gym times and Baseball camps at no extra charge!

Check us out at our website ponokaminorball.com/ponokaminorball.com or on our Facebook page Ponoka Minor ball

Ponoka’s Ezekiel Pambrun (#19) attempts to corral the puck in the slot for a shot on the Millet net as teammate Wyatt Avery (#10) ties up two defencemen at the top of the crease during first period action Monday, Feb. 8 at the Ponoka Culture and Rec Complex. Ponoka doubled Millet 10-5 to take the series and advance to the zone final versus Thorsby.

Photo by Jordie Dwyer

Hurry hard - Shane Sykora, left, urges on Steve Pederson for this attempted run back in the sixth end of the A-event final at the Ponoka Mixed Bonspiel this weekend. Pederson’s rink won the event 8-7 with a final rock hit and stick for the single point. The B-event went to the Clayton Morrow rink with Lindsay Amundsen and her rink capturing the C-event.

Photo by Jordie Dwyer

PONOKA MINOR SOCCER ASSOCIATION ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING AND EARLY BIRD OUTDOOR PROGRAM REGISTRATION Tuesday, February 23, 2016 at 7:00 p.m.

Ponoka Legion Auditorium WE WILL BE TAKING REGISTRATIONS FOR HOUSE LEAGUE DEVELOPMENT AND COMPETITIVE/TRAVELING TEAMS. For details about age groups, programs and fees visit our website WWW.PONOKASOCCER.CA and click on the registration tab.

For more information contact: REGISTRAR@PONOKASOCCER.CA or call 403-783-4773

PONOKA NEWS 27

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2016

County REACH OVER 217,000 READERS With one of these great deals!

6 PACK 8 PACK

Announcements

What’s Happening

50-70

CLASSIFIEDS CALL TOLL FREE:

ADPACK ALL IN 1

Employment

Services Directory

700-920

1010-1430

5019A Chipman Ave. Box 4217 Ponoka, AB T4J 1R6

Items Buy/Sell

1500-1990

1-877-223-3311

Agriculture

2010-2210

FAX: 403-783-6300

Rental & Real Estate

3000-4310

Vehicles

5010-5240

Public Notice

6010

EMAIL: classifieds@ponokanews.com

announcements

Obituaries

Obituaries

Obituaries

MARK, Geraldine On February 3, 2016 Mrs. Geraldine Bernice Mark of Ponoka passed away at the age of 92 years. She was born on March 18, 1923 in Grand Forks, British Columbia to Gustav and Agnes Frache.

She was raised in Lethbridge and moved to Ponoka in 1942 where she completed her Psychiatric Nurse and R.N. training at PMH and Calgary General Hospital. She married James Mark in 1948 and raised a family of four daughters. She enjoyed her role as business partner, book keeper and designer of Jimmy’s Esso, Oasis Motel and Crossroads Restaurant.

She enjoyed gardening, travelling across Canada and world-wide, and was an active curler into her 70’s. She was predeceased by her husband Jim, sister Ruth Kirchner, and brother Raymond Frache. She was well loved by her family and friends, and her gentle spirit will be missed. She is survived by her daughters Devon Mark (Allen Vander Well), Camelia Doyle (Shannon), Maureen Mark (Barry Gates), and Lauri Mark (Dave Miller); grandchildren Ryan (Tracy, Avyah and Kingston), Meghan (Mark and Alexis), Tyler, Keilih, Cavan, Alexandra, and Kyra (Calvin); her sister-in-law June Frache (Bill, Leslie and Pamela); niece Barbara and nephew Christopher. A Service of Remembrance will be held at the Ponoka Funeral Home at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 5, 2016. Memorial donations are gratefully accepted to the Ponoka Hospital and Care Centre (Palliative Care). To express condolences to the family, please visit www.womboldfuneralhomes.com.

McCLAFLIN Lawrence Lawrence McClaflin was born June 1, 1915. His kind heart, patience, hard work and simple farm living served him well. He was loved and respected by all who knew him. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend. Lawrence passed away in Wetaskiwin on February 9, 2016 at the age of 100 years. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife Irene; son Wade (Kristiene) and grandsons Cam (Cooper, Jared and Parker), Daniel (Tricia, Lilya and Adam) and Nathan; son Gerald (Susan); son Clayton (Diane) and grandchildren Bryan (Amanda) and Charisse (Adam); son Miles (Kim) and grandchildren Colton and Destyn; daughter Roxanne and grandchildren Elanta and Calab; son Lorne (Shirley) and grandchildren Zachary, Brandi-Lynn and Katelyn; daughter Twilla and grandchildren Tristen and Brenten; his brother Gordon (Doreen); as well as many other relatives. He was predeceased by his grandchildren Kirk and Lucas. A Funeral Service was held at the Church of the Open Bible in Ponoka at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 11, 2016 with the Interment Service following at the Dakota Cemetery. Memorial donations are gratefully accepted to the Ponoka Fish and Game Association or Prostate Cancer Canada. To express condolences to Lawrence’s family, please visit www.womboldfuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements Entrusted To PONOKA FUNERAL HOME

~ A Wombold Family Funeral Home ~

Arrangements Entrusted To PONOKA FUNERAL HOME

~ A Wombold Family Funeral Home ~

In Memoriam

Reached a Milestone?

Celebrate it!

Cherish it!

Share it!

403.783.3311

CLEVELAND Roy Joseph Cleveland passed away at age 72 on Friday, February 5. 2016 at his home in Willcox, Arizona.

Roy as born in Killam, Alberta, Canada on August. 6, 1943 to Roy Sr and Olive Cleveland who predeceased him as well as three brothers and a sister.

He is survived by his loving wife Linda whom he married on November 4, 1971 in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; Daughter Monica (James) Hayes of Virginia; son Kelly Cleveland and grand daughters Savannah Clelland and Emily Cleveland of Sierra Vista; daughter Nancy (Clinton) Welch and grandchildren MacKenzie and Brady of Willcox. He is also survived by his sisters Olive Wolfram of Calgary, Alberta, Canada, Grace Walton of Stony Plain, Alberta, Canada, Harriet Monk of Ponoka, Alberta, Canada and Violet Lorenschiet of Grimshaw , Alberta, Canada.

Roy served in the Canadian Navy and retired from the Vision Oil Tool Company as a Fishing Tool Supervisor.

He was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion and a member of the Willcox Elks Lodge #2131.

Memorial services were held at the Willcox Elks Lodge 2131 at 3pm on Wednesday, Feb 10, 2016.

Services entrusted to Westlawn Chapel, Mortuary and Crematory of Willcox, Arizona. You may express condolences at www.westlawnchapelmortuary.com

In Memory of Georgina Kocyba Feb. 20, 2005

Reached a Milestone?

Share the news!

The tears still fall but silently And all we have are memories Pictures and stories we share from the past Are what we have and will always last But those who remember you today Are your family and friends any way.

Always Remembered, Never Forgotten

403.783.3311

28 PONOKA NEWS

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2016

52

Coming Events

JUST ASK FOR THE

#50 - # 70

Arts & Crafts Shows ..................50 Class Registrations....................51 Coming Events ..........................52 Lost ............................................54 Found ........................................56 Companions ..............................58 Personals...................................60 Bingos........................................64 Fitness & Sports ........................66 Happy Ads .................................70

Coming Events

52

CLASSIFIED N.W. BUY • • • • • •

Celebrate your life with a Classified ANNOUNCEMENT

Ponoka Rimbey Eckville Sylvan Lake Lacombe Pipestone Flyer

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

59

Meetings

AL-ANON WEEKLY MEETING FOR FRIENDS AND FAMILY OF ALCOHOLICS. Tuesdays 8 p.m.

Neighborhood Place 5110 - 49 Ave., Ponoka For more info 403-783-4557

ALATEEN

Weekly meetings Tuesdays @ 8 p.m.

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

403-783-4557 or 403-783-8371 TOO MUCH STUFF? Let Classifieds help you sell it.

FIRST CANADIAN Collector’s Club Antiques & Collectibles Show & Sale! Saturday, February 27, 2016. 9:30 - 4 p.m., Thorncliffe-Greenview Community Hall, 5600 Centre St. North, Calgary.

Admission $4 (children under 12 free).

Free parking; www. firstcanadiancollectors club.com.

GET MORE COVERAGE WITH YOUR AD JUST ASK FOR THE

CLASSIFIED N.E. BUY • • • • • • •

Ponoka News Stettler Independent Bashaw Star Castor Advance Weekender Lacombe Express Pipestone Flyer

Employment #700 - #920 Caregivers/Aides................710 Clerical ..............................720 Computer Personnel ..........730 Dental ................................740 Estheticians........................750 Hair Stylists ........................760 Janitorial ............................770 Legal ..................................780 Medical ..............................790 Oilfield ................................800 Professionals......................810 Restaurant/Hotel ................820 Sales & Distributors ..........830 Teachers/Tutors..................840 Trades ................................850 Truckers/Drivers ................860 Business Opportunities......870 Miscellaneous ....................880 Volunteers Wanted ............890 Positions Wanted ..............895 Employment Training ........900 Career Planning ................920

740

CERTIFIED DENTAL ASSISTANT needed.

Excellent opportunity on Salt Spring Island, BC. Great office, great community, great climate.

For more info phone 1-250-537-2846 after 5 p.m.

We change daily to serve you better.

Medical

790

LOON RIVER First Nation, located 170 kilometres north of Slave Lake, Alberta, requires full-time, permanent Community Health Registered Nurse.

Graduation from accredited nursing school, current CARNA registration, immunization certificate, three years experience in public or community health nursing preferred. RAI assessment training considered asset. Benefits, pension, business vehicle, subsidized accommodation available. Send cover letter, resume, CARNA registration, RCMP Information Check and Child Intervention Check to: health@loonriver.ca.

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

Coming Events

TAKE A SO008801 MINUTE TO SAVE

a life

Professionals

Every seven minutes, a Canadian dies from heart disease or stroke.

February is Heart Month.

For more information, visit heartandstroke.ca/help

810

Starting at 25 words for $53.55 Call toll free 1-877-223-3311 or Local 403-309-3300

Dental

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

GET MORE COVERAGE WITH YOUR AD

What’s Happening

59

Meetings

CE

NT

RE

Northcott Care Centre is seeking an EDUCATOR (0.8 FTE)

Sales & Distributors

830

LAEBON HOMES is looking for a full time Community Sales Manager to be responsible for both our communities in Ponoka & Lacombe. For more info visit laebon.com or email kwilkie@laebon.com

Misc.

Help

880

ADULT EDUCATION AND TRAINING

GED Preparation

860

Gov’t of Alberta Funding may be available.

403-340-1930 www.academicexpress.ca

Start your career!

See Help Wanted

Business Opportunities

870

CONTROL YOUR FINANCIAL future selling Watkins products. Watkins has provided stability & high income for its associates for over 145 years. Join for less than $50. 1-800-279-6104.

Email: watkinse@ telusplanet.net.

GET FREE vending machines. Can earn $100,000 + per year - all cash. Protected territories - locations provided. Full details. Call now 1-866-668-6629 or visit our website WWW.TCVEND.COM. SUMMER BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY. Ma-Me-O Beach, Alberta.

Pizza restaurant, bar, bakery & grocery outlet.

Fully equipped. Turnkey.

Reasonable lease. Owner retiring. $40,000.

780-586-2009.

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

TAKE CONTROL of your future! Matco Tools has Franchises available in your area. To learn more, attend a free seminar on: Wednesday, March 2, 2016 - Time: 7 - 8:30 p.m.

Place: Sandman Hotel & Suites Calgary South, 8001 - 11 St. SE, Calgary, Alberta. To reserve your seat contact: Eduardo Ovies. Phone 778-387-4666. Email: Eduardo.ovies@ matcotools.com.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Winter/Spring Start Morning, afternoon , evening classes in Red Deer and Central Alberta

Promax Transport is looking for a F/T Class 1A shunt driver. Please send resumes to fax # 403-227-2743 or call 403-227-2712

810

ACADEMIC Express

Something for Everyone Everyday in Classifieds

Truckers/ Drivers

Professionals

RESIDENTIAL SUPPORT WORKERS. Inclusions Powell River is hiring Residential Support Workers full-time, part-time and casual positions. Adult & children’s residences.

For more information visit: www.inclusionpr.ca. Email: apply@pracl.ca.

Employment Training

900

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A great work-from-home career! Train with Canada’s best-rated program. Enroll today; 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.

Business Opportunities

“care in the community”

RN

CASUAL To work days & evenings & nights. Salary commensurate with training and experience.

Must have valid registration with CARNA. Position to start immediately.

Apply in writing to: Donna Lantz Care Manager Northcott Care Centre 4209 48 Ave., Ponoka, AB T4J 1P4 dlantz@northcottcarecentre.com Ph. 403-783-4764 Fax. 403-783-6420 The right place to find the right person for the job.

403.783.3311

870

e z e e u q S the MOST out of your advertising dollars 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

Welcome Home!

“care in the community”

Reached a Milestone?

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QUALIFICATIONS: • Active registration with the CARNA • Minimum of 5 years recent broad based clinical experience in Continuing Care and/or Home Care • Minimum of 2 years teaching experience preferably with an adult focus in a health care setting • Excellent communication, computer and presentation skills and able to work collaboratively as part of a team • Proven organizational and problem solving skills with the ability to work independently • Creative, motivated and enthusiastic with well-developed critical thinking skills • Detail orientated and have a systematic approach to tasks

Celebrating the birth of you child? Share your happy news with family & friends with a special announcement in the classifieds.

Flexible work hours, no shift work and no weekends. Excellent benefits (Blue Cross, RRSPs).

We would appreciate the opportunity to discuss your employment future.

If you are interested in starting a new and rewarding career, please fax your resume to

1.887.223.3311

(403) 783-6420 or call (403) 783-4764 Email: tserle@northcottcarecentre.com Website: www.qualicarehealthservices.com

1.877.223.3311

PONOKA NEWS 29

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2016

AG EQUIPMENT

Business and Services Directory

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

403-304-7770

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

TO ADVERTISE ADVE ERTISE E YOU Y YOUR OU UR BUS BUSINESS SIINES NESS OR S SERVICE ER HERE CALL CLASSIFIEDS

today

Rimbey Implements Ltd.

Misc.

Services

Al York

General Manager Cell: (403) 783-0593 Fax: (403) 843-3430

ANIMAL SERVICES

Legal Services

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

Being a new parent isn’t

1290 easy . . .

LOOKING FOR a shop?

Post Frame Buildings.

AFAB Industries has experience, expertise, reliability and great construction practices. For a free quote, contact Ryan Smith 403-818-0797 or email: ryan. afab@gmail.com.

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. 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.

Misc.

Services

1290

Personal Services

1315

Unplanned pregnancy may be difficult to face.

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

1260

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

CONCRETE SERVICES

1290

Business Services #1000 - #1430

Bus: (403) 843-3700

Rimbey, AB

BOBCAT SERVICES

403-309-3300

CANADA BENEFIT GROUP - Do you or someone you know suffer from a disability? G et up to $40,000 from the Canadian Government.

Toll free 1-888-511-2250 or www.canadabenefit.ca/ free-assessment.

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

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

Painters/ Decorators

1310

F.J.B. PAINTING

INT • EXT RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL

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

403-307-4691 fjbpainting@hotmail.com

Quality First Always • Free Quotes

Misc.

Services

1318

Welding

1410

Rental Misc

Sur-B Enterprises Ltd.

1350 BOBCAT SERVICE

Need RV or Self Storage?

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

Also RV storage.

Secure compound.

Call Keith at

• 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

First Call Towing

783-3636

Buy & Sell #1500 - #1990

Roofing

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.

This paper is

1Re0cyc0la%ble Welding

1410

Gerald & Tina Owners

#4, 3616 67 St. Ponoka, AB www.doorsondemand.ca

403-783-2454

ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS HERE FOR JUST

30

$

PER WEEK.

REACHING 6000 HOUSEHOLDS PER WEEK.

BOTTLE DEPOT

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

1290

Closed Sundays & Holidays We Now Recycle Milk Cartons for Deposit

OUR SPECIALITY

3, 5520 Hwy 2A (Across from Husky)

Repair of any cooling or refrigeration system as well as large household appliances.

Berni's Refrigeration and Appliance Service

403-783-4880

403-783-6875 • B-PRESSURE • PIPELINE • OILFIELD • ASME Section VIII Division I VESSEL FABRICATION & PIPING • SHOP/PORTABLE • CNC PLASMA CUTTING • ALUMINUM • SHEARING & FORMING

MAIN: (403) 783-7591 FAX: (403) 783-8178

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

SALES & SERVICE

Motorcycles & ATV’s Tues - Fri: 8:30 am-5:30 pm Saturday: 9 am-3 pm

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

30 PONOKA NEWS

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2016

DENTISTRY

RIMBEYDENTALCARE DR. STEVE CALDER BS C DDS

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

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

Employment Training

900

MEDICAL TRANSCRIPTION! In-demand career!

Employers have work-at-home positions available. Get online training you need from an employer-trusted program.

Visit: CareerStep.ca/MT or 1-855-768-3362 to start training for your work-at-home career today!

Equipment For Sale

DENTAL CARE

DENTAL CLINIC 403-783-5225

Buy & Sell #1500 - #1990

Garden Supplies

1680

PASTURE & HAY LAND. 400 - 8000 acres of year round water supply.

Full operational with management available.

Central Saskatchewan.

Crossfenced & complete infrastructure. Natural springs excellent water.

Shortly ready to locate cattle. Other small & large grain & pasture quarters. $150k - $2.6m. Call Doug Rue 306-716-2671; saskfarms@shaw.ca.

REFORESTATION NURSERY SEEDLINGS of hardy trees, shrubs, & berries for shelterbelts or landscaping. Spruce & Pine from $0.99/tree.

Free shipping.

Replacement guarantee.

1-866-873-3846 or www.treetime.ca.

Wanted To Buy

1930

WANTED - SHED ANTLERS. Buying shed antlers all sizes and conditions. Paying top dollar for elk, deer, moose. Buying all the time.

Phone, text, email: 403-352-9397 or donovanh@telus.net.

WANTED/BUYING Alberta Antler. Buying shed antler of all species/grade.

Competitive pricing & fair grading. Will buy deer, elk, moose - all grades & all amounts. Keep this ad buying all the time. Herb 780-385-0076.

“WE ENTHUSIASTICALLY WELCOME NEW PATIENTS”

EYE CARE 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

Auctions

1530

17 QUARTERS OF FARMLAND near Brant, Alberta.

Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers Unreserved Auction, March 24 in Lethbridge.

Quality land, good perimeter fences, lots of water & surface lease revenue.

Jerry Hodge: 780-706-6652; rbauction.com/realestate.

BIG STRAPPER AUCTIONS at The Moose Hall, 2 miles south of Ponoka on Hwy. 2A. Resuming weekly sales Wed.’s @ 6 pm.

Antique sale 1st. Sun. of Month Mar.6 @ 1 pm.

Misc. for Sale

1760

6,000 CONCRETE PAVERS. 24” X 30”, 22 per pallet, $100. SM Insulation, 2’X4’X3”, R15, $3.

School lockers, 12” X 15” X 72”, single tier $50.

Double tier $75.

Sustainabuildcanada.com.

780-707-4791.

SAWMILLS from only $4,397. Make money & save money with your own bandmill. Cut lumber any dimension. In stock ready to ship. Free info & dvd: www.NorwoodSawmills.com/400OT. 1-800-566-6899 ext.

400OT

Music Lessons

1780

TO BOOK YOUR SALE CALL 403-782-5693 or GUITAR LESSONS, exp.

403-304-4791 professional accepting students.

Ron 587-582-3834 Check website for full listings www.bigstrapperauctions.net

This space could be yours for $

30

PER WEEK

Call 403-783-3311 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!

COLLECTOR CAR AUCTION. 10th Annual Red Deer Collector Car Auction & Speed Show.

March 11 - 13, 2016, Westerner Park. Special Guests: Dan & Laura Dotson - Storage Wars; “Horny” Mike - Counting Cars; Chris Jacobs - Overhaulin’. Consign today.

1-888-296-0528 ext. 103; egauctions.com.

Travel Packages

1900

SAVE 30% on our Heart of the Arctic Adventure. Visit Inuit Communities in Greenland and Nunavut aboard the comfortable 198-passenger Ocean Endeavour. Call for details! 1-800-363-7566 or visit www. adventurecanada.com.

(TICO#04001400).

ESTATE COLLECTIBLE AUCTION Sunday Feb. 21- 9:30 a.m.

Bowden Hall- Bowden AB Coins, Furniture, Western, Saddles, Tack, Glassware, Beswick, Vintage, Jewelry, Just too much to mention.

Check the web for full listing & pictures Pilgrim Auction Service 403-556-5531 www.pilgrimauction.com

Firewood

1660

LOGS Semi loads of pine, spruce, tamarack, poplar, birch.

Price depends on location of delivery. Lil Mule Logging 403-318-4346 Central Alberta’s Largest Car Lot in Classifieds

Agricultural #2000 - #2290

Farm Equipment ..............2010 Haying Equipment ............2020 Tractors ............................2030 Combines & Headers ......2040 Fertilizer Equipment..........2050 Misc. Farm Machinery ......2060 Equipment Wanted ..........2070 Farm Custom Work ..........2080 Farm Auctions ..................2090 Livestock ..........................2100 Livestock - Exotic..............2110 Sheep ..............................2120 Poultry ..............................2130 Horses ..............................2140 Horse Boarding ................2150 Riding Supplies ................2160 Horse/Stock Trailers ........2170 Pasture Wanted ................2180 Grain, Feed, Hay ..............2190 Seed Grain ......................2200 Seeding & Tillage ............2210

Livestock

2100

CHARLOIS bulls, Red Angus bulls, Red Angus X Simmental 780-582-2254 Forestburg PUREBRED red and black Angus bulls. 1 and 2 year olds. Semen tested and delivered.

Vicwin Farms 403-784-3517, 403-318-7363.

Pasture/Land Wanted

2180

403.783.3311

Acreages/Farms ..............3255 Houses/Duplexes ............3260 Suites ..............................3270 Rooms..............................3280 Manufactured Homes ......3290 Housesitting Wanted ........3300 Garage Space..................3310 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

3020

AVAILABLE FEB. 15 Newer 3 bdrm house in Ponoka $ 1150/mnth $1150 D.D. References required N/S, N/P

403-783-2710

AVAILABLE NOW 2 bdrm house with single car garage $850/mnth plus $850 D.D. N/S, N/P 5004 56 Ave, Ponoka

CALL 403-588-0597 PONOKA house, 1 bdrm., 1 bath, close to downtown, 5 appl., double garage, n/s, no pets, rent $800 + utils./dd same. Avail.

Mar. 1 403-704-5436

2190

PONOKA, Duplex 3 bedroom. $950. rent/dd, no pets, 4 appls. + drapes.

403-346-3943 or 403-358-9179

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 HAY BALES, self unloading, bulk oats. New truck tires. Cheap - starting at $285. Cheap undercarriage new & used. No Sunday calls. Phone 403-704-3509 or 403-704-4333.

Commercial - Residential Installations - Repair

3912 - 66 St, Ponoka www.wcmltd.ca

403.783.3501 wcmltd@telus.net

This space could be yours for $

30

PER WEEK

Call 403-783-3311 VETERINARY SERVICES

Bovine Veterinary Services On-Farm Mobile Veterinary Services

PONOKA, close to schools. 3 bdrm. + den, 1 bath house, 4 appls., single garage, n/s, no pets, fenced yard. $1100 + utils, mo/d.d. Avail.immed.

403-783-4993

250 LARGE SQUARE Barley straw bales 3X4, 900 lbs. No rain. $29 each.

403-335-9881, 403-466-9881. Centrally located.

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.

The right place to find the right person for the job.

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

WANTED PASTURE TO RENT unsupervised or supervised. Interested in long term rent.

403-740-5197

Grain, Feed Hay

UNRESERVED BANKRUPTCY AUCTION. Tuesday, February 23, 10 a.m. Rural Lloydminster, Saskatchewan. Hufnagel Transport Ltd. Oilfield Trucking and Complete Repair Facility. Full details: www. foothillsauctions.com or call 780-922-6090.

For Rent #3000 - #3200

Wanted to Rent #3250 - #3390

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

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

HEATING & EAVESTROUGHING

Condos/ Townhouses

3030

New Blackfalds Condo. 2 Bdrm/2 Bath. Main floor & 2nd floor options avail. 2 powered parking stalls.

Rent $1,400. Pets negotiable. Ask about rent incentives. 403-396-1688.

Suites

3060

Downtown Ponoka One Bedroom Suite No Smoking No Pets

403-357-0654 * RIVERSIDE APTS. * Newly renovated 1 & 2 bedroom units in Ponoka: 3724-45 Street.

403-357-0287

Ultrasound-aided ReproducƟve Programs CETA CerƟĮed Dairy and Beef Embryo Transfer Herd Health

Phone 403-391-1684 ʹͶ

Dr. Bruce Wine

TREE SERVICE Hillbilly Tree Mulching Ltd. • FENCE LINES • CUT LINES • POWER LINES • PIPELINES • BRUSH & BUSH • STUMPS MULCHING TO SUIT ALL NEEDS

Doug Casey

Can do trees up to 15” wide

1.403.318.0498 1.403.358.0452

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

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2016 VETERINARY SERVICES

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

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

24 Hr. Emergency 403-783-4348

5502 - Hwy 2A Ponoka, AB

T4J 1M1

Advertise your business in the Business Directory!

PLUMBING

PONOKA PLUMBING & HEATING • JOURNEYMAN PLUMBER REQUIRED We now carry a complete line of Ritchie Stockwater parts 5110 -50 Street Box 4414 Ponoka, Alberta T4J 1R7

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

JESSE ZINTER Office - 403-783-5489

WATER WELL DRILLING SERVICE

PONOKA NEWS 31 Suites

FOR RENT

AVAILABLE NOW! 1 bedroom suite Utilities included $825/month

403-790-6011 PONOKA large 2 bdrm. bsmt. suite $950 incld’s util’s, 403-704-1645

Houses/ Duplexes

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.

3260

FOR SALE 1084 SQ FT ½ DUPLEX Built in 2004 Located near IGA

4090

Manufactured Homes

NO MATTER WHO you are, we have a home that Àts your lifestyle at United Homes Canada. Over 40 years of experience in providing the best value in quality modular and manufactured housing.

Call 1-800-461-7632 or visit www.unitedhomescanada.com to discover how we can help you Ànd your new home.

Buildings For Sale

4150

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

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

403-785-6616 Financial #4400 - #4430

Real Estate #4000 - #4190

Realtors & Services..........4010 Houses for Sale................4020 Houses Wanted ................4030 Condos/Townhouses ........4040 Acreages ..........................4050 Acreages Wanted ............4060 Farms/Land ......................4070 Farms/Land Wanted ........4080 Manufactured/ Mobile Homes ..................4090 Income Property ..............4100 Commercial Property ......4110 Industrial Property ............4120 Cottages/Resort Property ..4130 Businesses for Sale..........4140 Buildings for Sale ............4150 Lots for Sale ....................4160 Out of Town Property ......4170 Investment Opportunities ..4180 Mortgages Bought/Sold....4190

Houses For Sale

• Water wells drilled • Water wells serviced

3060

4020

New homes on 1 acre estate lots in Rimbey, AB nearing completion.

Pick your own Ànishings.

Call John today 403-512-7477 CIR Realty.

Condos/ Townhouses

4040

Need to Downsize? Brand New Valley Crossing Condos in Blackfalds. Main Áoor is 1,119 SQ FT 2 Bdrm/2Bath. Imm. Poss.

Start at $219,900. Call 403-396-1688.

•••••••••

Investments ......................4410 Money Wanted ................4420 Money to Loan ................4430

Money To Loan

4430

GET BACK on track!

Bad credit? Bills?

Unemployed? Need money? We lend!

If you own your own home - you qualify.

Pioneer Acceptance Corp.

Member BBB. 1-877-987-1420; www.pioneerwest.com.

Public Notice #6000

Public Notices ..................6010 Special Features ..............6050

Public Notices

6010

TENDER FOR CARETAKERS OPEN CREEK DAM CAMPGROUND From May 1, 2016 to September 30, 2016 For contract details please contact: MARC DUBIELEW

Open House

Email: marcdubielew10@hotmail.com

Tour These Fine Homes

Mail: Rimbey Fish and Game Association

Directory

•••••••••

Phone: 403-704-3780

PO Box 634 Rimbey, AB T0C 2J0

Lowest tender will not necessarily be chosen.

OPEN HOUSE Saturday Feb 13. & Feb. 20 11 a.m - 5 p.m New Home in Ponoka 4010 - 38th St. 1488 sq’ ModiÀed Bi-level Kijiji Ad#1122830475 403-505-7755

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

DEADLINE FOR TENDERS MARCH 15, 2016

Homeowners should do their due diligence when selling Engaging an independent professional appraiser will provide valuable information The Appraisal Institute of Canada is encouraging property owners to engage a professional appraiser to help them do their own due diligence when determining an optimal list price of their property.

Appraisals conducted by designated and qualified appraisers provide an unbiased and independent opinion of value on a property. This is important in in all markets but is particularly true in markets such as Vancouver and Toronto which have recently seen significant increases in prices.

“An Appraisal Institute of Canada designated appraiser who is actively working in the local market area can assist a seller by providing an appraisal report that provides an unbiased current market value for the property supported by comprehensive research on recent transactions of comparable properties,” states Daniel Doucet AACI, P. App, President of the Appraisal Institute of Canada. “An unbiased opinion of value provides a seller – or a buyer - with one more piece of information that they can use to make an informed decision regarding the list price of their home.”

Professional appraisers use a number of methods to arrive at an opinion of market value. Under the Canadian Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice, AIC members also conduct a three-year sales history and a one-year listing history search and analysis of the property they are appraising.

An appraisal report will help property

owners to better understand a market’s sales and listing history; exposure time to sell a property; supply and demand for similar property; structural characteristics; assessment data; title restrictions; zoning; and, land use controls.

“For an investment as important and as significant as your home, being diligent and informed is important especially in markets where speculation and emotion can drive the purchase price of homes,” states Keith Lancastle CEO of the Appraisal Institute of Canada. “Engaging an AIC designated appraiser to conduct an independent appraisal is another critical step that sellers should take to ensure they make an informed financial decision.”

About the Appraisal Institute of Canada The Appraisal Institute of Canada (AIC) is a leading real property valuation association with over 5,000 members across Canada. Established in 1938, the AIC works collaboratively with its 10 provincial affiliated associations to grant the distinguished Accredited Appraiser Canadian Institute (AACI™) and Canadian Residential Appraiser (CRA™) designations. AIC Designated Members are highly qualified, respected professionals who undertake comprehensive curriculum, experience and examination requirements.

Our members provide unbiased appraisal, appraisal review, consulting and reserve fund study services on all types of properties within their areas of competence. For more information, go to AICanada.ca.

Buzz in the market continued from page 19 That being said, there’s buzz in the market that we could easily see Chinese and Australian wheat production and carryout numbers pull back in the coming months, which will hopefully make some of the bears owning the dancefloor (AKA market) to clear some space sooner than later.

To growth, Brennan Turner President and CEO | FarmLead.com Brennan Turner is originally from Foam

Lake, SK, where his family started farming the land in the 1920s. After completing his degree in economics from Yale University and then playing some pro hockey, Mr. Turner spent some time working in finance before starting FarmLead.com, a risk-free, transparent online and mobile grain marketplace (app available) that has moved almost 150,000 MT in the last 2.5 years. His weekly column is a summary of his free, daily market note, the FarmLead Breakfast Brief. He can be reached via email (b.turner@farmlead.com) or phone (1-855332-7653).

32 PONOKA NEWS

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2016

ALL VEHICLES HAVE BEEN REDUCED TO MOVE

C1208

MSRP $21,164 $ 242 B/W 84MTHS

19,500

SALE

$

T1204

MSRP 49,729 $ 259 B/W 84MTHS $

2015 FOCUS SE SEDAN

$

2015 TAURUS SEL

C1200

MSRP $30,139 $ 166 B/W 84MTHS

23,695

SALE

$

2015 F150 SUPERCAB 4X4

36,429

SALE

2015 FIESTA ST

C1197

MSRP $44,949 $ 248 B/W 84MTHS

35,627

SALE

$

2015 F150 S/CAB T1268

MSRP 50,799 $ 255 B/W 84MTHS $

36,900

SALE

$

T1003

MSRP 72,899 $ 377 B/W 84MTHS $

2015 PLATINUM F150 CREW (DEMO)

54,499

SALE

$

ALL FACTORY REBATES TO DEALER. ALL VEHICLE PLUS GST AND FEES. $499 ADMIN & $20 TIRE TAX, $6.25 AMVIC FEE. EG. C1208 2015 FOCUS 4.9% OVER 84 MONTHS. BW PYMT $135. TOTAL PAYMENTS EQUAL $24961.30, TOTAL INTEREST EQUAL $3893.28

PRE-OWNED CLEAROUT - HUGE MARKDOWNS 2012 FOCUS SE

2013 DODGE DART

C0752A

99

$

B/W 84MTHS

SALE

12,900

$

L0517A

144

$

B/W 84MTHS

SALE

L0522

96

$

B/W 84MTHS

SALE

20,499

$

L0523

13,499

85

$

$

2012 DODGE JOURNEY RT

B/W 84MTHS

SALE

13,900

$

2011 JEEP CHEROKEE P0527

219

$

B/W 72MTHS

SALE

2014 MITSUBISHI LANCER

L0550

27,499

297

$

$

B/W 84MTHS

SALE

2014 DODGE RAM ECODIESEL

42,901

$

* ALL PR ICES PLU S $499 AD M IN FEE & GST. E G 2012 F ORD F OCUS SE 84 MON THS F IN AN CIN G 4. 99% APR TOTAL PY MTS $ 1 8 5 5 0 .4 0 . TOTAL INTEREST $ 2 8 6 6 .3 8

“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