Ponoka News, March 02, 2016

CONNECTING THE COMMUNITY Vol. 68, No. 9 | WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 2016 | 403-783-3311 | WWW.PONOKANEWS.COM

Broncs bring down curtain on basketball season Story on page 24

The Manito district became famous for its sheep Story on page 5

Expanding cooperation Ermineskin Cree Nation Chief Randy Ermineskin sits with Reeve Paul McLauchlin Tuesday, Feb. 23 after signing an emergency management agreement with the nation on fire services. Members of the Ermineskin council and fire department attended the signing. Please see our story on page 14.

Photo by Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye

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2 PONOKA NEWS

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 2016

Council votes to introduce “on-call” pay to town’s firefighters

BY JEFFREY HEYDEN-KAYE PONOKA NEWS Ponoka town council voted by 4 to 3 to adopt a new firefighter policy at their regular meeting on Tuesday, Feb 23, amalgamating six previously separate policies into one and introducing a new payment line for department members. The votes were cast along the same lines as in the decision separating town’s fire services from the county,

with Tim Falkiner, Sandra Lyon, Loanna Gulka and Marc Yaworski voting in favour while Mayor Rick Bonnett, Carla Prediger and Teri Underhill remaining opposed.

The adopted policy keeps the hourly remuneration at $23.33, but introduces an on-call pay, explained Alison Stangeland, human resources manager for the Town of Ponoka.

“We added on-call pay, which has been a big item in here,” explained

Stangeland.

Coun. Carla Prediger suggested that with a petition request coming to the town to join a regional service with the county, it may be better to wait.

Coun. Loanna Gulka disagreed. “Right now this is the department that we have … and if I’m off base, we held a vote.”

“We also do have an active position that is in front of us that should be considered,” added Prediger.

Full changes are expected

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to add $9,000 to the town’s annual operations budget with the details of on-call pay being * Weeknights from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 a.m - $15 per day; * Weekend days starting at midnight to 11:59 p.m. $25 per day; * General holidays starting at midnight to 11:59 p.m. - $50 per day; There is on-call rotation for eight individuals on the department. It also includes the recognition of a new liuetenant position and policies for the town employees as members of the department.

Coun. Teri Underhill asked why they would be asked to approve this increase if it is not in the budget discussions. She asked what happens if council approves the policy but not the budgeting.

Fire Chief Jamie Wilkinson suggested the extra cost is a way of thanking volunteer firefighters for taking the time out of their lives.

He said there is additional training occuring for senior members who could then train other firefighters.

In a recent training, deputy chief Kelsey Hycha who is also a town employee, went to training to be certified to be a fire inspector.

Wilkinson said now Hycha and himself can conduct inspections, which has

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benefits if one or the other is away.

As for town employees, they are not permitted to go to a call if they are the only ones on shift at their department. Town employees, besides Wilkinson are Hycha, building services; Dan Svitich, manager of technology services and Derrick Lewis, acting aquaplex operator.

How council must act if petition is successful It is unclear how council must act on the petition by Deb Nicol and Jim Hamilton that brought in more than 1,100 signatures.

The petition requests that council either join regional fire services or hold a plebiscite where residents vote on the issue.

Coun. Tim Falkiner wondered what council’s requirement is if the petition is considered legitimate.

CAO Albert Flootman replied he wants to have a full detail of what should happen at the March 8 meeting.

He added that based on the information he could gather in the Municipal Government Act (MGA) council would not be required to act. However, in an interview with Sandra Smith, communications manager, she said the town is following up with Municipal Affairs and the town lawyer to confirm what steps need to be taken as it is not clear in the MGA. The area Hamilton said he looked at in the MGA and believes would require a plebiscite is section 231, sub-section 5b. “I believe very strongly my position is right,” he stressed.

He believes the petition will be binding requiring a plebiscite.

“More people voted for the petition than some councillors were voted on in the last election,” said Hamilton.

Paying for a plebiscite would fall to the taxpayers and Hamilton said he hopes council makes the right decision.

“If council wishes to waste more money, then there is nothing I can do but to force a plebiscite,” said Hamilton.

Resident challenges council on regionalization process One resident questioned council on the whole fire regionalization process during the public forum portion of the meeting.

Debbie Hycha — sister to Kelsey Hycha who is the deputy fire chief and a town employee — questioned council on how things went. “Am I right in assuming things probably could have been done better?”

She suggests there wasn’t enough involvement from both councils and added that while the CAO position is important, councils should have had more hand in protective services.

Her second question: “What else are we going to give the county?”

Mayor Rick Bonnett said council would take her comments under advisement.

New pumper truck on the way The town has ordered its new rescue truck for the Ponoka Fire Department and its deleivery is expected in April.

During budget deliberations $500,000 was set aside for the truck. While it has not been set, it is believed the truck will be paid for using funding from the province’s Municipal Sustainabilty Initative (MSI), which allows for infrastructure improvements such as roads and capital costs such as a fire truck.

According to Municipal Affairs, the town received $2.2 million in 2015 in MSI funding.

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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 2016

PONOKA NEWS 3

Thief nabbed and charged PONOKA NEWS STAFF Ponoka RCMP charged Christopher Slauenwhite with break-and-enter and committing theft in relation to a break-and-enter complaint back in November, 2014, when three firearms and approximately $30,000 in cash were stolen from a rural residence in the

County of Ponoka. The suspect is currently held in custody waiting for his court appearance at Ponoka Provincial Court on Friday, March 4.

Serious collision downtown On Wednesday, Feb. 24, two vehicles collided at the intersection of 50 Street and 49 Avenue, where one

person had to be extricated from one of the vehicles and had to be taken to Ponoka Hospital for assessment.

Investigation showed that the northbound vehicle had turned into the path of the southbound vehicle. No information was made available as to whether charges were laid and with regard to the state of injuries of the

Ponoka RCMP looks to expand investigative section

BY JEFFREY HEYDEN-KAYE PONOKA NEWS Ponoka RCMP have had a busy year and to cope with the extra work, planners are looking at increasing their investigative section.

Staff Sgt. Mike Numan and Sgt. Martin Girard updated town council on the detachment’s activities during the regular biweekly meeting Tuesday, Feb. 23 Numan said he is working on increasing the crime investigations position to two people, one for the town and the other for the county, as there is only one in the department now. Having two on the team would bring some benefit to investigations as other officers would not need to be called to assist.

Numan referred to the recent case of possession of stolen mail where several

individuals received over 300 charges due to the investigative section. He said it is because of having that position that those individuals were caught.

Another area the detachment is focusing on is through following up with individuals under special conditions. Called the Habitual Offender Program, police will check in on people.

“The word is out there that we’re committed to doing a good job,” said Numan.

Property crime has also seen an increase due to a struggling economy and that is due in part to people having bad habits such as drug use, but they do not have the money to pay for it.

Numan also discussed the benefits of the Police Advisory Committee that was recently established. He suggested the program does well if run effectively.

There were no decisions at the meeting.

Ponoka COP hoping for a restart

BY JORDIE DWYER PONOKA NEWS Getting some extra eyes and ears on the community is the goal.

The Ponoka Citizens on Patrol (COP) Society is hoping to re-establish the program in town, according to the society’s current chair Doug Gill.

“I’ve had some people call about the program recently and some former members have talked to me about some members of the public talking to them about trying to get it going again,” Gill said in a phone interview.

Gill explained he decided to get the word out to gauge what kind of interest is out there for people to volunteer to be a part of COP and help keep Ponoka safer.

“Over the past two years, the patrol has been inactive due to members leaving the community, members retiring and some pursuing other interests. One cannot help but notice that the first two pages of the Ponoka News most often highlight crimes in our community,” Gill added.

COP works with the local RCMP and members - who must be at least 18 - undergo criminal record checks plus a training program. Members sign up for patrols and work in pairs.

Gill stated meetings are kept to a minimum, as the emphasis is on get-

ting members out on patrol and providing the police with more eyes on the streets. He also said COP is a good way to get involved in the community.

For more information on COP or how to become a member, contact Gill by calling (403) 783-3233 or (403) 783-1595.

extricated individual.

Speeding driver gets a day’s suspension Ponoka Integrated Traffic Unit pulled over a speeding southbound vehicle on Highway 2 after it was clocked at over 140 km./hour on Friday, Feb. 26 and the driver was suspended for 24 hours after she showed signs of drug impairment.

Her vehicle was towed. It was not clear whether she received charges of driving under the influence.

Theft from PSC Sometime during the morning of Friday, Feb. 26, an Acer Veriton computer tower was stolen from the Ponoka Secondary Campus.

The computer had a Wolf Creek School asset sticker on it. File is currently under investigation.

Theft from downtown business A business in downtown Ponoka had all their $20 bills stolen from their till, which was discovered when the complainant saw a $20 bill on the floor and found out that all the other similar bills were taken out of the till. File is currently under investigation.

Mischief to motor home Ponoka RCMP responded to a complaint of mischief on 55 Avenue on Monday, Feb. 22. Sometime between the hours of 12 noon and 7 p.m., a motor home parked in the back alley was vandalized. Five windows were smashed in and a gate was ripped off the complainant’s backyard entrance. The homeowner had their bedroom window smashed as well. File is cur-

rently under investigation.

If you have any information in regards to this incident

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4 PONOKA NEWS

Religion

Your Guide To Local Houses of Worship

The problem with people pleasing

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.

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 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

The problem with people pleasing is that it deceptively dictates our decision-making ability. I know that’s a mouth full, but the premise is true. If we allow our plans to be dictated by the desire to satisfy those around us, it can cause serious damage.

I can say this because I learned this past year that in certain areas of my life, I was allowing the wants and needs of others to control the way I made my decisions. As a public figure with Youth Unlimited, I can find myself in a position where many people have a vest-

Worship Service 10:30 a.m.

NEW COVENANT BAPTIST REFORMED CHURCH

Pastor Rob McArthur

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 2016

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

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ed interest in what we do and how we do it.

For the past 13 years I have journeyed with teenagers in Ponoka, and for many of those years, I have started programs or led events that I felt I “had” to do because it is what others thought that I “had” to do. The past couple of years, I began to grow in this area of my life. I can certainly understand that I need to heed the good advice and insight of those around me, but ultimately, I will not answer to them for how I have managed my life and my role with Youth Unlimited. Which brings up the question “Who will I answer to?”

You could assume that I am kept accountable by my employer, and while that is true, it is not the whole story. I want to share what I have found to be life-changing in this area in the hopes that it

Congratulations Meghan and Ava Yeo

Carrier of the Year!

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

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

Circulation Supervisor, Susan Whitecotton presents Meghan and Ava with a cheque for $400.

Ponoka News appreciates the girls dedication and hard work. They always have a smile and are willing to help anyone who needs a hand!

Congratulations Meghan and Ava on a well deserved award!

5019A Chipman Ave. 403.783.3311 www.ponokanews.com

JEREL PETERS Area Director Central Alberta Youth Unlimited

can be a challenge to you as well. The key insight comes from two verses in the Bible, before you give up on this article, give it a read and see what it means for you.

Galatians 1 verse 10 says, “Obviously, I’m not trying to win the approval of people, but of God. If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ’s servant.”

Essentially, I will answer to Jesus Christ for how I live my life, how I care for my family, and even how I serve the youth of Ponoka.

If I fail to live up to the expectations of others, it can affect my rapport or it can cause me to be spoken of negatively. Since I like to be liked (I think we all do), it is tempting to try hard to do what others want me to do or expect me to do, but ultimately I am learning to be okay with living differently.

Hebrews 13:6 says, “So we can say with confidence, ‘The LORD is my helper, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me?’” Since people are the ones that I see and hear in front of me every day, it is easy to think that I answer to them, but as I read the Bible and understand my place in the big picture, it matters that I am obedient to God for how I live my life and how I journey with youth. That doesn’t let me off the hook on roles and responsibilities, in fact the opposite; it is a vastly higher standard of accountability to live by.

Choosing to please Jesus Christ with your life doesn’t come easy; it will require sacrifice and surrender, but from my personal experience, I can say it brings freedom and peace.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 2016

PONOKA NEWS 5

Reflections of Ponoka

The Manito district became famous for its sheep

BY MIKE RAINONE FOR THE NEWS At the end of the Riel Rebellion in the late 1800s, many thousands of acres of land northeast of Ponoka were designated by the government to serve as the reserves for the Samson, Bobtail, Erminskin and Montana Indian Bands. With the strong interests and influx of settler families into the area, an agreement was made by the government with the four bands in 1909 to sell 120,000 acres of the reserve land by public auction.

The first sale at Ponoka was realized at a total of $92,510 and was followed by other land sales in 1910 and 1919. Much of the land was scooped up by speculators, so the government quickly imposed a ‘wild land’ tax, which amounted to half of the school tax, which by 1920 was $32 per quarter section.

This soon opened up the land for more settlers, and some of the new districts that were formed in the area of lush rolling countryside included: Poplar Forest, Dennis, Arbor Park, Hazel Hill, Bobtail, Sharphead, Ferrybank, and Manito, which meant “Great Spirit’ in Indian language.

Bringing in the sheep As many new settler families moved into the Manito area and beyond to proudly establish their homesteads, the stores in Ponoka did a brisk business selling lumber, hardware, supplies and services to the excited

Photo from Alberta Picture History

Thousands of head of sheep roamed freely in the Manito district north east of Ponoka in the early 1900s, and were later sold in small herds to hundreds of farms in Central Alberta. newcomers from across Canada, the United States, and the world. Along the way, the Manito School No. 3939 at the NE ¼ of11-44-25-W4th opened for classes on January 4, 1921 with Miss Dorothy M. Sweet of Meniak as the first of many popular teachers, who only got paid if everyone paid their taxes.

Among those early pi-

oneers was Thomas McKelvey, father of Percy, who later became a member of the Provincial Legislature for Ponoka, and along with son Gordon (Imperial Oil agent) built a house and three large sheep barns on the NW 13 in 1911, the largest shed being 24 by 150 feet. The land around this area was one big prairie surrounded by a heavy

growth of brush with a creek flowing all summer across what later would become the large and palatial early farms of Ernest Holbrook and Fred Falkenberg. In the spring, the Battle River flooded over into much of the surrounding land, but in the summer it all became lush meadows of hay. It was at this time that Thomas McKelvey would embark

upon one of the most daring business transactions of our early local history, bringing in 5000 sheep from Montana. He employed two full time herders, Charles Brown of Ponoka and Mr. Mann of Strathcona, who lived on the McKelvey farm with their families and tended to the massive and steadily growing herd.

George Sweet of Meniak

recalled in the Ponoka Panorama that you could hear the constant loud hum of the baaing sheep from far away, and since there were no fences at that time, they grazed and wandered for miles throughout the district.

In those days, they had to put bells around the necks of all their stock so that they could find them.

Due to the later increase of settlers, the severe climate, and the problem of putting up tons of hay in the winters, the entire herd was eventually sold in small lots to farmers throughout Central Alberta. Many of the sheep-sheds were used for granaries or other farm buildings, while the rest were dismantled, thousands of nails were pulled out and then the sturdy fir lumber was used again to build new homes, barns and other structures that would survive for the next 60 years and beyond.

After the devastating drought and depression of 1929 the district slowly recovered, and some of the countless new families that settled there and have carried on through the generations were Sidney and Erven Schalin, Bernhard and Ben Fink, Lawrence Grigat, Fred Lentz, A.T. Johnson, Rod Lewis, John Hayes, Dave Fenske, R. Eastwood, Harvey Flegal, Albert Mattern, Archie Avison, Harley Johns, Percy Doupe, William Rentz, Herb Martin, August Walcheske and on and on into a bright a busy future.

Remember When...

Photo courtesy of Jeanette Van Den Broek

This great photo was taken in the early 1900s and features two local gentleman out on their winter hunt with hounds and sleigh in search of their fair share of the bountiful game that was so vital to fill their cold rooms and feed their families during the long Alberta winters. Quite possibly it may have been the Fink boys, Dr. Cook, or the Headleys roaming out in the pristine rolling hills west of Ponoka.

6 PONOKA NEWS

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 2016

Opinion

Could hydroelectric power save the oilsands?

BY TREVOR MCLEOD TROY MEDIA COLUMNIST B.C. Premier Christy Clark recently suggested her province could help Alberta reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by delivering hydro-generated electricity to Alberta.

Many Albertans may be surprised that British Columbia’s premier wants to help, but a rising price on carbon emissions could make such a bold venture viable.

B.C. proposes a connection between its planned $8.3-billion Site C dam on the Peace River in the province’s northeast to Alberta’s oilsands developments.

Hydroelectricity could significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) compared to the coal-fired electricity used now in the oilsands process.

The idea of an east-west transmission grid connecting B.C. or Manitoba hydro power to Alberta and Saskatchewan is not new. Yet the idea has never had serious economic analysis in public hands. That changed on Feb. 5 when the Canadian Energy Research Institute (CERI) published a paper analyzing the cost of delivering hydroelectricity to the oilsands.

The CERI paper looked at B.C.’s Site C, reinforcing an existing link between B.C. and Alberta, Manitoba’s Conawapa hydro facility on the Nelson River north of Lake Winnipeg, and hydroelectricity from Alberta’s Slave River.

CERI calculates that the existing link between B.C. and Alberta is the most affordable of all options examined.

While the Slave River option is the most affordable of

the new projects, it would also have the biggest environmental impact - it would have to go through Wood Buffalo National Park and the Peace-Athabasca Delta. In the end, CERI thinks the Conawapa, Man., option is the most attractive. Although Site C is closer, B.C.’s electricity demand growth makes it less certain as a long-term source of power for the oilsands.

A quick look at CERI’s results suggests hydro power is - at least on purely financial grounds - not worth the effort. Over the past 10 years, Albertans paid between $48 and $90 per megawatt hour (MWh) for their coal-fired electricity. The estimated delivered cost of hydroelectric power from B.C. or Manitoba is between $81 and $162 per MWh - 80 per cent higher. Add in the headaches associated with building linear infrastructure in Canada and natural gas looks far more attractive.

A natural gas cogeneration process (capturing the heat for use elsewhere) would cost an estimated $57 per MWh. From a cost perspective, it makes sense to use natural gas to generate electricity for the oilsands.

This issue, however, is not simply a matter of costs.

CERI estimates that the use of hydro power could reduce the GHG emissions of oilsands operations by 13 to 16 per cent. This is significant, raising the potential of a major brand advantage. A quick “well-to-wheels” calculation suggests that it could make oilsands cleaner than competing crude oils. Wouldn’t that be a refreshing message for Alberta to deliver to the world?

CERI’s study suggests that current carbon pricing alone is not sufficient to fund the switch. For every tonne of carbon dioxide not emitted, cost estimates range from

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

Mustafa Eric Editor

Jeff Heyden-Kaye Reporter

$75 to $332. With a carbon price of $30 per tonne, the cheapest estimate for hydro is more than twice as much - it just doesn’t make sense.

The political climate, however, has shifted between the time CERI started its study and its publication. Alberta has announced intentions to replace coal-fired electrical plans with renewable generation and Saskatchewan is increasing renewables, too. By 2030, 30 per cent of Alberta’s emissions are to come from renewables.

Saskatchewan is aiming to produce half of its power from renewable sources by 2030.

If hydro replaces coal, CERI estimates that the costs of avoided emissions are far more reasonable. The costs range from minus $3 per carbon tonne (i.e., cheaper) to $98 per carbon tonne - this makes hydro economic with a carbon price of $30 per tonne. The numbers may be better yet for expansions of existing hydro facilities in Alberta, like TransAlta’s Peace River facility. The key question that needs more analysis is how hydro compares in GHG reduction efficiency and power cost with a blended natural gas/renewable approach.

Hydro’s big advantage over solar and wind is it provides a consistent and flexible source of electricity.

This is particularly important in a province like Alberta, where a strong industrial base means that there isn’t a lot of downtime.

It is likely time for a closer look at options to bring hydro power onto Alberta’s electricity grid. This could well mean accepting help from B.C. or Manitoba.

Trevor McLeod is the director of the Centre for Natural Resources Policy at the Canada West Foundation.

Jordie Dwyer Reporter

Karen Douglass Sales

Susan Whitecotton Administration

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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 2016

PONOKA NEWS 7

Two months’ time behind bars for disobeying court

BY JORDIE DWYER PONOKA NEWS A man who walked into court free ended up leaving in cuffs after pleading guilty to breaching a conditional sentence order.

Jacob Gauthier, 20, of Ponoka, was led out of Ponoka Provincial Court on Friday, Feb. 26 following the decision of Judge J.D. Holmes to have him serve the next two months behind bars for his second admitted breach of the 18-month conditional sentence that was handed to Gauthier by a judge in a Vegreville courtroom back in September of last year for assault and theft convictions.

The charge was laid as a result of the RCMP performing a check on Jan. 8 at the residence Gauthier was supposed to be living at as required by the court, and found not to be there. He was later found at the home of his girlfriend, which the crown stated he had already been warned days prior by his probation officer that he was not to change his resi-

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dence and was also not to be out of his residence unless for work or as approved by probation.

The crown argued for six months in jail, while the defence was successful in reducing that period by focusing on how Gauthier has been in the past month at his new job, how he has been working and not drinking and going to counselling combined with Gauthier’s own apology to the court.

Judge Holmes felt the two months would suffice, believing Gauthier needs to better understand that a conditional sentence must be treated the same as being in jail and that breaking that element of trust by not following the conditions or the orders from probation has consequences, adding “if I find you back (in court again), the rest of the sentence will be collapsed and you’ll serve it all in jail.”

Pair impaired Two women ended up with significant fines to pay after pleading guilty to driving with too much alcohol in their blood.

Hailey Soosay, 22 of Maskwacis, was handed more than $1,400 in fines and a one-year driving ban after pleading to 0.08 charge and one count of possession of a controlled substance. She was stopped in the early morning of Jan. 21 by RCMP for the rear lights not working on the vehicle she was driving and later found to with a blood alcohol level of 0.10 after initially denying she had been drinking. Police also later found a small amount of cocaine on her.

Trouble with taillights also got the other woman - 25 year-old Robin Powder of Edmonton - who entered guilty pleas to the 0.08 charge as well as to four failures to appear and to driving while suspended, all which stemmed from an incident back on June 24, 2014. Police attempted to stop a vehicle on Bobtail Road near Highway 2A for burned out taillights when the vehicle nearly hit the ditch as it tried to pull over. continued on page 8

from the Rimbey Women’s Conference Committee to the following businesses and individuals for their generous support of our 30th Annual Conference held on February 11, 2016.

Flower Gallery Whitgan Creations & Gifts Rimbey Builders Supply The Brick Jason Nixon, MLA West of the Fifth Designs Hair Trendz Discover Realty Rimbey Implements Conoco Phillips Neighbourhood Place MNP Princess Auto- Red Deer Becel UFA - Rimbey On-Site Facilities Jones Boys Hamilton s IGA Jones Agencies Shoppers Drug Mart Direct Travel Flowers for You Dots Crafts and Fabrics Rimbey TV & Electronics Rimbey Vet Clinic Kansas Ridge Klothing All Smiles Denture Clinic Cutting Corner Parkland Regional Library Rimbey Crime Watch Alberta Elk Alberta Pulse Growers Twisted Label Sommer Home Hardware Raspberry Patch Custom Catering Purple KATZ Quilting Rimbey Gift Shoppe

For those of you who have read Feb. 17th’s newspaper, the fact that we have been shut down by the Town of Ponoka is now a reality.

We however, would like to thank the town and airport commission for letting us do three years of spectacular drag racing.

The Ponoka Fire Department helped us in a way that would have made the races impossible without their support. Also, many volunteers helped our non-profit organization and we can’t thank them enough.

The issue that bothers us however, is the reasons for canceling the airport drags. First, I would like to talk about the so-called “damage” to the runway that we have been blamed for.

If readers of this newspaper recall last years article mentioning “ruts” in the pavement that was supposed to be caused from cars racing along the runway, along with this years added quotation of drag racers putting “ruts” in the pavement, I have to explain with a little detail about how the damage assessment was proclaimed.

All we needed to do was use weights and a string to run across the runway to prove the fact that the runway is flat. This method of using string, was related to me by Ponoka’s director of operations, as I attended a meeting at the airport last summer. This is the method, he said that the engineer who came up with this nonsense used. He claimed that there were ¾ inch deep ruts starting from the launch area or our drag race which tapered off to zero at about half way down the 1/8th mile drag strip (330 ft).

I’m sure that racers would have indeed noticed such a calamity. We all deserve to know the truth, and readers can either believe me or not, but there are absolutely no ruts of any kind on the runway at the Ponoka Industrial Airport!

One also has to wonder why airplanes of all types have been landing and taking off without problems ever since we started these races. In fact, there are two Cessna Mustang Business JETS that have been landing and taking off at about 100 MPH without any issues! Can you imagine what would happen if there were 3/4 inch deep ruts on the runway?

I believe someone’s idea about us causing ruts in the pavement was confused with the seams in the runway because of how the runway was originally paved. One just has to travel south of Ponoka on Highway 2A near the Ag Event Centre in their vehicle to know how these seams can effect the steering.

These are automobiles, so can you imagine what that might do to a lightweight three-wheeled airplane?

A SPECIAL

THANK YOU To our presenter: Doug Hart, James Schewe as Elvis, Kimmy Beach, Corrinna Rapley, Jennifer Anderson, Hilary Ann Scott, Brittany Brown, Tracy Brittain Loyek and our MC Shannon Boyce-Campbell.

Also thanks to all the Table Vendors, FCSS Staff, Community Centre Staff, Hoadley Happy Gang, Rimbey 4-H Club, Bluffton West 4-H Beef Club, Deana Harris, Darlene Bauer, Tammy Holmes, Kerry Levie, Pat Kriz, Rimbey Review and Ponoka News, Ponoka County OfÚce Staff, and everyone who attended.

Our deepest apologies if we missed anyone.

Also, the Feb 17th newspaper article quoted that we can’t use the runway because it’s “registered”. Um, er, ALL runways are registered! There has been airport drags in Hanna, Three Hills, Stettler for years just to name a few.

One of the other arguments is that Ponoka is an international airport and having drag races one weekend out of 52 may interrupt an international flight.

Drayton Valley is a CanPass airport which means that it is also an international airport like Ponoka and has had 1/4 mile drag races for many years on their runway with 14 blown alcohol funny cars reaching speeds of 200 mph!

There was a lot of work done by us to make these events happen. Much organizing from getting bleachers, to asking for sponsors, fencing, porta-pottys, caterers, having barricades, electronics, hiring an organization to run the race, Insurance, finding volunteers, and the list goes on. In fact, we all are/were volunteers!

Hundreds of racers and spectators supported our events, which also supported the town of Ponoka. One can only guess how much money that all these people spent in town to support our community.

It’s really sad when a couple of whiners followed by some twisted politics caused by one person, who works for the town, that ended this tremendous event that was enjoyed by hundreds of people.

Ross Hagemann: Ponoka 1/8th Mile Drag Race Association President *This is a paid for ad by the above association

8 PONOKA NEWS

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 2016

Jacobs taking indefinite leave from WCPS

BY JORDIE DWYER PONOKA NEWS The top man at Wolf Creek Public Schools is taking a break.

On Thursday, Feb. 25, the board of trustees held a hastily called emergency

Ponoka News and Jacobs could not be reached by the time the newspaper went to press.

Chair of the board of trustees, Trudy Bratland, confirmed Jacobs’ leave in a phone call on Monday, Feb. 29, but refused to

meeting where it’s been learned superintendent Larry Jacobs tendered an indefinite leave of absence.

The circumstances or reasons that have prompted the leave were not made available to the

comment on any specifics, stating only that “it was a personnel matter and I won’t be making any further comment on it.”

Jayson Lovell, assistant superintendent in charge of People Services, has become the acting superintendent and it is antic-

Behind bars for disobeying court continued from page 7

TOWN OF PONOKA Great Opportunities to get involved!

Keep it real.

POLICE ADVISORY COMMITTEE

The Town of Ponoka is seeking applications to fill two positions on the new Police Advisory Committee. We welcome applications for an additional member-at-large representative and a youth representative.

The overall objectives of the Police Advisory Committee are to act as a liaison between Council, the R.C.M.P. Detachment, the Chief Administrative Officer of the Town of Ponoka and the citizens of Ponoka and foster responsible community actions towards the creation of a safe secure community. The Committee shall endeavor to do this by encouraging an environment, which allows for public concerns to be addressed by all affected parties.

All persons appointed to the Committee must reside in the Ponoka community, and be 18 years of age. The youth representative must be at least 16 years of age. All committee members will undergo a criminal records review and suitability screening through the R.C.M.P. If you are interested in joining this Committee, please submit a completed application form on or before March 11, 2016 to the Town of Ponoka.

Application forms are available at Town Hall: C, 4900 – 54 Street, Ponoka, AB T4J 1N8 or on the Town’s website: www.ponoka.ca Town of Ponoka C, 4900 – 54 Street, Ponoka, AB T4J 1N8 403-783-4431 town@ponoka.org Visit us at ponoka.ca or on Facebook and Twitter

ipated that more details about the situation will emerge from the board’s next meeting tomorrow, Thursday, March 3.

Powder was asked several times how much she had been drinking, responding with ‘a lot’ each time. She ended up registering close to three times the legal limit and it was later learned her licence had been suspended only 12 days earlier after being pulled over then for another impaired charge. She was sentenced to six days jail, which amounted to time already served, for the failure to appear counts, given a oneyear driving ban and fined nearly $2,000.

Weekend sentence A man from Edmonton ended up with a break of sorts after pleading guilty to one count each of driving while disqualified, obstruction and driving without insurance.

Tong Akot, 24, was clocked by RCMP going south on Highway 2 on Jan. 6 about 8 p.m. at 143 kilometers per hour and couldn’t produce any documents except a birth certificate, which turned out to be his brother’s. Police found this out after running his fingerprints and learning Akot was prohibited from driving a short time ago.

However, he was only given one day in jail on the disqualified driving charge and given a 60 day sentence - to be served

intermittently - for the obstruction count and fined nearly $2,900 for no insurance.

Judge Holmes explained the reason he went along with the unusual joint sentence recommendation was due to the unique family circumstances Akot faces. Akot will be on probation during the time it takes to serve the 60 days.

Month in jail A 41-year-old man, Eugene Soosay of Samson First Nation, will spend the next 30 days in jail after pleading guilty to assaulting a woman he has been in a relationship with. Back on Dec. 3, 2015, a woman driving near the intersection of 53 St. and 53 Ave. in Ponoka saw a man punching and kicking a woman on the ground and managed to urge her to get into her car. Soosay then took off into a nearby home, but was arrested by police shortly after he was seen leaving the house.

The victim didn’t want to cooperate, but the woman driver and another witness provided statements confirming the incident.

For Soosay’s part, he told court he didn’t remember anything as he was too drunk.

Judge Holmes said that is no excuse and that Soosay knows what he needs to do to stay out of court and clear up his problems.

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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 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

TOWN’S NEW CAO FINDS PONOKA FRIENDLY AND WELCOMING The Town of Ponoka’s new Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), Albert Flootman, says he’s finding the community to be very friendly and welcoming.“I’m enjoying being here,” says Flootman, who began his new job as the Town manager a few weeks ago. Having worked in municipal government – both rural and urban – for 25 years, Flootman brings diverse experience to his new role. A planner by profession with a Master’s degree in Public Administration, his career started in southern Ontario working for the cities of Sarnia and Cambridge before heading west.

Extensive Local Government Experience Over the years, Flootman has held senior department head positions in three municipalities – the Town of High River, Lethbridge County, and the Town of Creston, B.C. – gaining a broad understanding of local government and managing a multitude of programs and issues. As the Director of Community and Legislative Services for Lethbridge County, Flootman led the creation of an inter-municipal development plan and filled in occasionally as the acting CAO.“I’ve worked closely with Council members throughout my career as a planner and senior administrator. I’ve been attuned to their needs to help satisfy the requirements of their constituents. I am confident I can bring those talents to bear on this position,” says Flootman. He considers himself a relationship builder, and is known for a steady and calming management style in challenging circumstances, including the 2013 High River flood. Flootman was the Director of Engineering, Planning and Operational Services in High River when the flood struck. He became Director of Emergency Management after the flood, leading disaster recovery efforts. Before accepting his current job, Flootman was the Manager of Recovery, South for the Province’s Disaster Recovery Program. It provides funding to individuals, businesses and municipalities recovering from losses caused by uninsurable disasters, such as overland flooding.

A Forward-Thinking Community As Ponoka’s new CAO, Flootman says he applied for the position because “Ponoka is a municipality that has done many interesting things over the past few years. The Town is in relatively good financial shape and is doing effective asset management, including putting money aside in reserves for future capital replacements. As well, the Recreation Master Plan is a sign of a community that wants to move forward, in terms of providing increased services to current residents, and to create a community that’s attractive to newcomers. The Town has also made strides in human resource management, developing its employees to enhance their ability to provide increased service to the public,” says Flootman, who is married with a wife and two active sons, age 15 and 12.

Albert Flootman

Building Positive Relationships Flootman looks forward to getting to know Ponoka residents and continuing to build positive relationships in the community and at Town Hall where he enjoys working with Town staff.“They’re a strong team of employees committed to doing good work. I appreciate the talents, considerable experience and positive attitude they bring to their jobs. I hope our citizens feel that positive energy when they walk through the front door. It’s a privilege to work with this team.”

Ponoka Fire Department Weekly Report

Last Week The Ponoka Fire Department responded to: • 2 Motor Vehicle Accidents • 1 Odor Complaint in a Vehicle • 1 Brush Fire

Reminder: if your business requires an annual fire inspection, please contact the fire station to make an appointment – 403-783-0112. ~ The fire department has completed 21 fire inspections with more coming up. With the warmer weather, please be cautious when burning, as there is a presence of cured grass. Make sure you have a means of suppression nearby in the event of a fire spread.

FEATURE NEWS COUNCIL UPDATES

PONOKA RECYCLING CENTRE TO MOVE ON MARCH 31 For the month of March, residents can continue to bring their recyclables to the downtown Ponoka Recycling Centre. The Ponoka Recycling Centre, located downtown across from the IGA, will move to the Town’s Waste Transfer Station on March 31. The Waste Transfer Station is located just outside the northeast corporate limits of Ponoka on 46 Street. The date of the move had been tentatively scheduled for March 1 but has been extended to March 31 due to the availability of contractors and wet ground conditions at the Waste Transfer Station, which have delayed plans to pour a cement pad and make other site preparations in advance of the move.

For more information, please contact Manager of Operations, Jill Owen, at 403-913-4817.

NEXT MEETING OF COUNCIL: Tuesday, March 08, 2016, and Committee of Whole on March 17, 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.

HOMETOWN NEWS

Ponoka Season Ender 3 on 3 Hockey Tournament will be held March 21 – 24. Please contact Wes Amendt at wes.amendt@ ponoka.org or 403-783-0118 for more information.

Volunteer Opportunities – volunteers are needed for the following events. If you are interested, please contact 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) Westview Park & Co-op Park Playground Development Meeting - March 9, 7:00 pm at the Hudson’s Green Activity Centre.

Design options available from 5 different playground companies. Everyone welcome.

Ponoka Parks, Recreation & Culture Advisory Committee - Accepting application for Town & Country representation. Applications available on Town of Ponoka website. Next meeting Wednesday, March 9 5:00-7:00 pm at Hudson’s Green Activity Centre.

Ponoka Community Program Guide Spring/Summer Edition - Deadline for Submissions is March 31, 2016 For more info on any of these items contact wes.amendt@ponoka.org

Aquaplex News

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

• Public swims are from 9:30-11:30am and from 1-4pm Monday through Friday • 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).

• Due to the rise in fecal incidents at the pool we will be implementing a mandatory swim diaper policy. We have disposable swim diapers at a cost of $2 and reusable diaper covers for $20 (both are required for entry into the pool).

10 PONOKA NEWS

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 2016

Town infrastructure review in final stages

BY JEFFREY HEYDEN-KAYE PONOKA NEWS A comprehensive review of the town’s infrastructure is nearing completion.

A press release from the Town of Ponoka on Friday, Feb. 26 states the review, which follows the life cycle of the town’s infrastructure assets is expected to be presented to council in April.

“The Plan will provide the town with a complete life cycle assessment of all Ttown infrastructure – including water and storm pipes, sewer lines, sidewalks, curbs, gutters, buildings, bridges and roadways. The plan will include a recommended replacement schedule based on the expected life span of town infrastructure,” states the release.

For close to two years the study has been conducted and will identify areas that need to be addressed, according to Mayor Rick Bonnett. “As always, we will have to prioritize which pipe replacements and upgrades are needed most each year,” he was quoted as saying in the press release.

Two recent water line breaks were included in that life cycle study, which is expected to create an Infrastructure Life Cycle Management Plan. Dave McPhee, director of operations and property services adds in the release that the break at the arena was a service line pipe.

RPM Consulting Services in Edmonton is conducting the study.

Meetings to continue at Ponoka County office After a notice of motion from Coun. Tim Falkiner to look at other options for a council meeting place, it appears Ponoka County chambers remains the best option.

CAO Albert Flootman said staff looked at several locations with accessibility, indoor waiting area, good acoustics, within Ponoka and reasonably priced being considered.

“When we consider all these things, the council chamber here is the best option,” said Flootman.

Locations considered were: • Wolf Creek Public Schools office at $100 per use; • Centennial Centre for Mental Health and Brain Injury but meetings cannot go past 9 p.m.; • The provincial building although the status is not known; • The Calnash Ag Event Centre at $100 per use • County chambers at no

charge; • Ponoka Secondary Campus at a nominal hourly fee with council out by 10 p.m.; • Kinsmen Community Centre with no charge except to pay a custodian; • Hudson Green Nature and Activity Centre, which could be set up as a permanent location.

Each of the town’s location have their benefits of free to use but Flootman said the county office is best suited to handle in-camera meetings and gives people a waiting area.

Coun. Loanna Gulka wanted to know how long they would be at the county office. Flootman replied that it will be some time

as the town’s new office location is not suitable for meetings.

Council approves library bylaw and board members Council approved a change to the Ponoka Jubilee Library board bylaw to allow for more members.

Three readings were made to approve the change, which increases the membership to nine from six, explained Coun.

Loanna Gulka, who sits on

the board.

She added that a few years ago they struggled to get people on the board but now there is a strong desire to participate. “When it came around this time there was a bigger request to be part of this board.”

She added that a request to Ponoka County to be a member will also be made.

Council reappointed Diane Laflamme Betteridge to the board from Feb. 23 to Oct. 31, 2017 and Haley Amendt

and Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye were appointed to the board from Feb. 23 to Oct. 31, 2017.

Recycle centre move Plans to move the town’s recycle centre across from Hamilton’s IGA is set for Thursday, March 31.

Wet ground and contractor availability affected the move originally set for March 1. The recycle station will continue to operate for the month of March.

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PONOKA NEWS 11

#PLEDGEFORPARITY

The first International Women’s Day was held in 1911 on March 8.

This year, Tuesday, March 8, will be a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.

Yet let's also be aware progress has slowed in many places across the world, so urgent action is needed to accelerate gender parity.

Worldwide, women continue to contribute to social, economic, cultural and political achievement.

And we have much to celebrate today. But progress towards gender parity has slowed in many places.

There are three accelerators, working independently and together, that can change the trajectory of women’s advancement: • Illuminate the path to leadership by making career opportunities more visible to women • Speed up culture change with progressive corporate policy, such as paternity leave and flexible working • Build supportive environments and work to eliminate conscious and unconscious bias

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A simple statement that came true for Kathy Masters, new owner/operator of Ponoka Health Foods Etc., March 1.

Masters’ passion initially started as she observed various sports involving horse and rider combinations. Always concerned for the health and well being of horses she earned a diploma in Equine Therapy and Body Balancing for Horses.

The success she experienced with horses brought her to her next step – Body Balancing and Touch for Health for people.

Always conscious of how to make sure the human body could operate at its best Masters explored nutrition and health supplements. She was surprised to find a wonderfully stocked store staffed by knowledgeable people right in Ponoka.

The variety of health food items, supplements, quality vitamins and supplements available at one store was just what Masters needed plus the staff was willing to order anything she required.

A few months ago Masters noticed a for sale sign in the window of Ponoka Health Foods Etc.! Trying to contain her excitement Masters went home and started working on the pros and cons of buying the business.

Masters and Peggy Lucas had several discussions before she made her final decision.

Both Lucas and Masters are excited at the new ventures both are undertaking.

Masters and the staff, Becky and Beth, are all looking forward to continuing the same great service customers have come to except along with the knowledge of products they sell.

Stop in and say “Hi” – remember March is Nutrition Month and Ponoka Health Foods Etc. is a healthy place to be!

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12 PONOKA NEWS

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 2016

#PLEDGEFORPARITY The World Economic Forum predicted in 2014 that it would take until 2095 to achieve global gender parity.

Then one year later in 2015, they estimated that a slowdown in the already glacial pace of progress meant the gender gap wouldn't close entirely until 2133.

Why is gender parity important?

Gender parity is linked to economic prosperity. It's an economic imperative.

Women’s advancement and leadership are central to business performance and economic prosperity. Profitability, ROI and innovation all increase when women are counted among senior leadership.

Numerous global studies on the impact of women in leadership reveal the following findings: • Women are the largest emerging market in the world • More equality > higher GDP • More equality > more productivity • Better gender balance on boards > better share price and financial performance • More gender-balanced leadership > better all-around performance • More women political leaders > more prosperity

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What makes a difference?

A survey of men and women leaders in 400 companies around the world identified the biggest barriers and accelerators to women's career advancement include: • Men and women alike agree that more female leadership leads to stronger companies • 64% of high-performing companies reported that men and women have equal influence on strategy in their organizations, compared with only 43% of the lowerperforming companies • Men seem to be aware of the unconscious bias in the workplace that holds women back, which means more time needs to be spent on identifying and eradicating this bias

• Richard S. Gregory • Miles A.M. Cymbaluk, Q.C. • William J. Kidd, Q.C. • Richard Wyrozub • Rod Clark

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We can all do our part to promote equality.

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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 2016

PONOKA NEWS 13

#PLEDGEFORPARITY

How do we want to celebrate International Women's Day 2016?

BY PLEDGING FOR PARITY! Ron Orr, MLA “Promoting Your Health”

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14 PONOKA NEWS

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 2016

County signs historic mutual aid agreement with Ermineskin Nation

BY JEFFREY HEYDEN-KAYE PONOKA NEWS In a historic meeting, Ermineskin Cree Nation and Ponoka County have signed an emergency management agreement including mutual aid for fire services.

The signing was held Tuesday, Feb. 23 during a regular meeting, which saw Chief Randy Ermineskin, councillors and firefighters come together. A verbal agreement with the Ponoka Fire Department and Ermineskin Fire Department has always been arranged, but this was the first time an official document was signed.

In full headdress, Chief

Rimbey racetrack looking for $125,000 from the county

BY JEFFREY HEYDEN-KAYE PONOKA NEWS

Ermineskin sat with county council as Reeve Paul McLauchlin expressed satisfaction with the collaboration. “I think it’s an opportunity to show we have a lot in common,� said the reeve.

Regional Fire Chief Dennis Jones said they have worked well in the past and this is a formalization of working together. He suggests there would be opportunities of cross-training between the two fire departments.

Ermineskin Fire Department Capt. Richard Coyote said including their grass fire season, they take approximately 300 calls per year. He added the goal is to work with both the town and the county of Ponoka.

As improvements expand at the Central Alberta Raceways (CAR) in Rimbey, so do its financial needs.

A desire from racing associations looking to use CAR as a central spot brings about some need for improvements costing an estimated $125,000, says Rod Schaff, executive director of procurements for CAR. He told Ponoka County council during their regular meeting Tuesday, Feb. 23 that there are two groups eager to use their race track.

Racing motorcycles and high horsepower cars want to move their races to CAR in Rimbey. “This is top stuff. It’s the Harley alcohol drag bikes,� said Schaff of the former.

Certain improvements are needed to accommodate those groups. For the motorcycles, a timing board or billboard is needed. Schaff’s hope is to use the board to generate advertising as well. For the high horsepower engines, the drag strip needs to be lengthened by approximately 300 feet.

Schaff added that it is already graded for racing but is gravel.

Getting sponsorship was the goal for the timing board but a struggling economy is making it difficult to secure the funds.

The roadway project is estimated at $150,000 and CAR has $25,000.

CAO Charlie Cutforth asked if there is a way to determine

the number of people who come through the area during races. Schaff estimated 2,000 people over the course of a weekend, but he did not have a concrete figure.

No decision was made as Reeve Paul McLauchlin said the county would be looking at several requests for funds during budget deliberations.

Water quality survey A water quality survey is expected to be conducted at Chain Lakes.

Cutforth explained that the cost is estimated at under $50,000 for a water survey of the area and of the ground water levels. A company called Hydro Geological Consultants will conduct the survey, which will be mainly desktop studies than fieldwork, said Cutforth.

He added that it helps with development plans before construction begins in an area and helps confirm ground water levels.

Cutforth added the full cost will come to council during budget deliberations.

West Lake boat launch Council approved a tender that will see development on West Lake Road and the West Lake boat launch.

Cutforth said the low bid was from Central City Asphalt at $345,300 with an additional five per cent contingency and another $24,000 for engineering.

The cost is below the budgeted $400,000, said Cutforth.

ATTENTION: MEN OVER FORTY In Alberta, 1 in 7 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer, but when diagnose early, it is very treatable. All men age 40 and over are invited to visit the Man Van during the scheduled clinic times and receive a free baseline PSA 7YVZ[H[L :WLJPĂ„J (U[PNLU ISVVK [LZ[

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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 2016

PONOKA NEWS 15

Living the life of good old Forrest Gump

MIKE RAINONE HAMMERTIME

I have always been somewhat of a ‘softie’ for down to earth movies, especially those that give the less fortunate and ordinary people of the world the unique and exciting opportunity to achieve their dreams and become popular and much-loved hometown heroes. Two of my all-time favourite flicks are Rain Man (Dustin Hoffman and Tom Cruise) and Forrest Gump (Tom Hanks), both wonderful true-life stories about two mentally challenged and deeply honest individuals who were never afraid to face any challenges that the world had to offer, and usually succeeded, no matter what the odds.

Throughout their lives, they learned the true meaning of love, family, and true friendship, while always very verbally sharing those joys with absolutely everyone, as well as fighting hard against the wicked side of society, which is indeed greed, hate, dishonesty, mistrust, deceit, enemies, crime, lies, and sins against humanity. I know that these amazing characters were fictitious, but the vivid message that they represented was only the desire to live

an active, honest, and happy life while trying to ignore those individuals who did not treat them with the respect, support and understanding that they deserve.

A salute to the Gumps and the Rainmen and women of the world When Forrest Gump passed away, he stood in front of St. Peter at the Pearly Gates. St. Peter smiled and said, “Welcome Forrest….. we’ve heard all about you.”

‘Unfortunately, it’s getting pretty crowded up here and we find that we now have to give people an entrance exam before we let them in’.

‘Okay’ answered Forrest with his usual very big smile.

‘I hope that its not to tough as I’ve already been through a test as my momma used to say to me….life is like a final exam, it’s very hard.’

‘Yes Forrest, I know, but this test is only three questions, and here they are’, St. Peter explained.

(1) Which two days of the week begin with the letter T? (2) How many seconds is there in a year?

(3) What is God’s first name?

“Well, sir” Forrest expressed with a grin, ‘The first one is easy. Which two days of the week begin with the letter ‘T’? ‘The answer is today and tommorow.’ St. Peter looked surprised, saying that it wasn’t the answer he was looking for, but that Forrest had a good point, and he would give him credit for the answer.

‘The next question’, uttered Forest, was how many seconds are there in a year, and my answer is 12.’ By this time, St. Peter looked very confused, but Forrest quickly explained….January 2,

February 2, March 2, and April 2 before being interrupted by the wise old man at the gate.

‘I now see what you mean, and I’ll have to give you all the credit for that one, to0.’

And to the last question, ‘What is God’s first name?’

Forrest replied, my answer is Andy, to which St. Peter was shocked, and asked ‘however did you come up with the name Andy?’ With his always happy, kind, and innocent expression, Forrest gave his amazing reply: “I learned it

in church, where we used to sing about it, and then he broke into song…..Andy walks with me, Andy talks with me, Andy tells me that I am his own.’…..to which St. Peter opened the gate to heaven wide and joyfully

uttered “Run forrest, run”.

Wouldn’t it be nice if we could all have that same outlook on life, at least for most of the way?? Just keep right on enjoying one of our nicest winters in history, and also have a great week, all of you.

EASTER COLOURING CONTEST

Age categories: 5 & under, 6 – 9 yrs & 10 – 12 yrs Prizes donated by:

Name: Age: Phone#: Entry deadline March 18. Drop off at Ponoka News 5019A Chipman Ave.

16 PONOKA NEWS

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 2016

Mobile prostate cancer testing Man Van returns to Ponoka “Don’t worry guys, it’s a blood test, not a glove test.”

BY JEFFREY HEYDEN-KAYE PONOKA NEWS The

mobile

prostate

cancer testing unit was so popular last year that organizers are bringing it back.

SANDRA LYON Broker/Owner

TYLER FESSLER

The Man Van is heading to the Elks Lodge Sat. March 5 between 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and will

RIZWAN SYED

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Beautifully utifully fin’d 2 bdrm townhouse, single att’d garage, age, appliances included. Located in LLucas Heights. ghts. Reasonable condo fees. Ready to m move into. $230 $230,000 000 + GST CCallll SSandra d LLyon or Chanelle Lyon for more information

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adds that with busy schedules it can be difficult to find the time to make a doctor’s appointment and get checked.

With the Man Van it is a quick 10 minute test.

The PSA blood test could save a person’s life if it shows high PSA levels in the blood. If technicians see high levels they will recommend a further check with a patient’s doctor.

According to the Prostate Cancer Centre, if the cancer is detected early there is a 95 per cent survival rate.

The hope for Elks is to help raise awareness of prostate cancer and to get men checked.

Like any blood test, the only issue a patient may have is some slight bruising to the arm.

For more information visit www.getchecked.ca.

RIVERSIDE

D

D

E UC

D

RE

offer free baseline PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) blood tests to men over the age of 40.

Hosted by the Ponoka Elks Lodge, nurses with the Prostate Cancer Centre will use this simple blood test to check if levels warrant further testing. No appointment is necessary, explained Ken Rabb, Man Van program manager.

In a press release, Rabb

E UC

D

RE

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The Man Van is making its way to Ponoka Saturday, March 5 at the Ponoka Elks Lodge.

Nurses will conduct a simple blood test from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. to determine if there is a risk of prostate cancer.

Photo courtesy of the Prostate Cancer Centre

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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 2016

PONOKA NEWS 17

Teens prepare to stage fun-filled play

BY JEFFREY HEYDEN-KAYE PONOKA NEWS Making it in Hollywood never looked so easy until you meet the questionable characters who want only one thing: your money.

Home schoolers are in the midst of rehearsals at Asker Church for a fun rendition of Teens in Tinseltown, a fun play about making it big in Hollyood and dealing with not-sotrustworthy agents.

Directors Debbie and Dean Zepick of Zepick Musicals are pushing young actors to their full potential for this romp that brings young and hopeful performers to

Milo Bravo’s Workshop of Dramatic Art — And Stuff.

With Bravo, they soon learn things are not what they seem, explained Mrs. Zepick.

She added the play is set in the 1940s and throws the actors into a variety of illegal and unscrupulous events that is sure to give audiences a laugh-filled experience. “They’re just going to enjoy the humour and the fun,” explained Mrs. Zepick.

The play is part of developing a love of art and culture through the home school program with kids in the junior and senior high school levels, she added. “It’s education. It’s

to build a community and have fun.”

She says she tries to pick plays that will give everyone an active roll with strong characters they can play. This year a new slate of actors has joined the crew with parents helping to build the sets and helping out in other areas.

“We have quite a few fairly new students to this whole program now,” said Mrs. Zepick.

The play has three performances at Asker Church starting Wednesday, March 9 to March 11 all starting at 7 p.m. with a matinee at 1:30 p.m. March 11.

Thursday’s performance is already sold out.

Young actors rehearse for Teens in Tinseltown Friday, Feb. 26 at Asker Church. They are getting ready for their first performance set for Wednesday, March 9 at 7 p.m. at Asker Church. From the right are Arriana Gibson (Dorothy), Zoe McCormick (Fran) and Clark Deacon Photo by Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye (Wailin’ Wayne).

More than 7K raised in bail money to help African education MUSTAFA ERIC PONOKA NEWS It was a jail where anyone would willingly like to go in and remain as an inmate, with snacks and soft drinks being served to those inside who were freely accessing all kinds of communication devices. The time was Thursday, Feb. 25, the place, a corner of the Ponoka Secondary Campus and the occasion, a fundraiser for a school in Africa: The inmates were only being freed after securing pledges of donations as their bail money.

And raise funds, they did, getting pledges amounting to $7,350.

The event, dubbed “Feast

or Famine”, was organized by second-year science teacher Julie Anderson, who was inspired by her own mother who visited the resource-rich continent first in 2003 with a Canada-based charity called “A Better World”, and later with her daughter in 2006.

Anderson was involved in fundraising efforts for schools in Kenya back when she was still a high school student in Sylvan Lake and she said she wanted to bring the awareness and inspiration to her students in Ponoka.

The Ringa primary school Anderson is trying to help is located in the Kenya’s central Kericho area and

it needs more classroom space. Anderson said their goal was to support the construction of two new classrooms at the school with the funds she was hoping to raise. She added that this first event was meant to be more aimed at generating interest and awareness and there would be other events in the coming weeks and months, like bake sales, and even creation of a club to organize further activities.

Alongside students, there were also members of teaching staff among the inmates and they also were involved in the fundraising effort.

Lindsay Gartner, one of

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PONOKA

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Speed skater faces loss at nationals competition Page 23

, JAN. 22, 2014 | 403-783-3311 Vol. 66, No. 4 | WEDNESDAY

Calumet Curling Club celebrates 60 years Page 14

Reflections of Ponoka A life dedicated to sports, family, and community Story on page 5

Rainbow face

durWilla Loveseth gets her face painted ing Family Day festivities at the Ponoka Feb. Culture and Recreation Complex 17. There were many events throughout 8.

Ponoka. Photos can be seen on page Photo by Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye

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the students who got into the jail and had raised $295 even before the end of her first full hour there, said she wanted to become part of the effort to support the opportunity of education for African kids.

“I am privileged to have an education here and there the girls don’t have education, education is nor properly given because of corruption and their school systems do not work properly. So that’s why I want to be of help,” she added.

Call Brian 403-704-7018

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18 PONOKA NEWS

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 2016

Passing the buck Grains continued to trade sideways to lower through the end of February as the data points that keep coming do not support a reversal of the bearish market fundamentals. The most

significant thing we saw at the end of the month was canola dropping like a baby giraffe out of the womb thanks to 3 main factors: the Canadian Loonie climbing higher (+8 per cent so far from

VJV MARKET REPORT MARKET REPORT FEBRUARY 24, 2016

On Wednesday, February 24, 2016 - 2364 head of cattle went through our rings TOTAL - 2364

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

100.00-110.00 85.00-100.00 85.00-100.00 75.00-90.00 135.00-165.00 120.00-146.50

Feeder bulls 135.00-146.50 Good Bred Cows Older Bred Cows 1,575.00-2,025.00 Good Bred Heifers: Cow/calf pairs (younger) 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:

150.00-184.00 181.00-195.25 187.00-206.00 200.00-229.50 223.00-267.25 248.00-286.00 274.00-310.00 290.00-318.00

Heifers Heifers Heifers Heifers Heifers Heifers Heifers Heifers

135.00-165.00 160.00-185.00 175.00-197.00 190.00-215.00 205.00-225.25 230.00-255.00 245.00-288.00 265.00-300.00

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

120.00-145.00 550.00-850.00 3.00-8.50 1.50-3.00 -

Rd Bales Rd Bales Rd Bales

90.00-122.50 -

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

its bottom in mid-January), soybean oil trading quietly, and, most importantly, China suggesting that they’re changing their dockage tolerances for imports. While this is not 100 per cent set in stone yet, the Chinese is trying to rid itself of its built up inventories, and so the market is doing what it always does: pricing in the risk of all variables related to the trade of the commodity.

By dropping they’re max tolerance from 2-2.5 per cent to 1 per cent, this increases the cost of exporting product, mainly via cleaning. Intuitively

but unfortunately, this cost, roughly about 20-30 cents/bushel, will be passed onto the farmer.

More wheat bulls are looking to Europe for the condition of the winter crop there, with concerns for winter hardiness the loudest in Ukraine, Poland, and parts of Germany and Romania.

The U.S.D.A. recently pointed out that warm temperatures across Black Sea is melting snow and leaving crops exposed to late-winter or early spring cold shots.

Temperatures in Ukraine and southern and central Russia are more com-

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parable to that of midto-late April, with crops in the southern regions greening about 5 weeks ahead of their usual timing. More specifically, we’ve seen estimates for the 2016/17 Ukrainian wheat crop to come in at 17.3 million tonnes, a 36 per cent declines from what the U.S.D.A. said was a 27 million tonne crop in 2015/16! In my opinion, this headline continues to be best possible catalyst to a bump in prices, but it’s be tough for us to see more than 8 - 10 per cent gains from today’s levels.

BRENNAN TURNER FarmLead

continued on page 21

SIT BACK, RELAX & READ THE

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 2016

PONOKA NEWS 19

International journalist provides insight into Middle East used for thousands of years in revolutionary systems. It is not a result of Islam.

“I’m not saying Muslims are terrorists. This is very important,” stated Dyer.

He clarified that where the issues are is in much of the Arab world of the Middle East where many of the countries are a mess

with dictators running the show. “Many of them are police states and they are also very poor, and getting poorer.”

Syria is a good example of the state many of the people are in. Dyer said with 21 million people in Syria, 11 million are out of a home because of the conflicts.

Approximately 70 per cent of the population is Sunni, a sect of Islam, with Kurds and four Christian sects and three other Muslim sects making up the rest of the population.

continued on page 20

Ponoka Drop-In Activities 5015 – 46 Avenue

International journalist Gwynne Dyer speaks to students at PSC Wednesday, Feb. 24 about the conflicts in the Middle East and how it affects the rest of the world.

Photo by Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye

BY JEFFREY HEYDEN-KAYE PONOKA NEWS In just over an hour, international journalist and columnist Gwynne Dyer was able to synthesize hundreds of years of conflict in the Middle East for Ponoka students on Wednesday, Feb. 24.

Students of Social Studies at Ponoka Secondary Campus (PSC) heard from Dyer on the effects of those years and how it shaped the Arab world into what it is today. Dyer told students there is an important distinction between the Muslim religion and terrorists who use the name of Islam as a means to an end. That goal is to be in power.

He calls Islamism, not Islam, a political or revolutionary doctrine.

Dyer, who lives in London, England but grew up in Canada and was invited for the lecture by the PSC, has columns running in newspapers around the world, including Ponoka News. He has been reporting on issues in the Middle East and on other global affairs for decades. “The job (reporting) is really making sense of stuff while it’s still happening,” he explained.

He said the best way to deal with terrorists is to understand their end goal.

Referring to the two incidents in Canada in 2014 — the shooting of two armed soldiers by a man in Quebec and the shooting incident on Parliament Hill — Dyer said the intense media coverage of those events, especially the shootings in Ottawa, created a need or desire for then Prime Minister Stephen Harper to take action; “Bill C-51, which will never do anything to protect us from terrorists.”

He said a terrorist attack is designed to gain the attention of national and international news outlets to then get a further reaction from the leaders. This is exactly what terrorists want.

“Basically being wicked does not make you stupid.”

When United States President George W. Bush asked “Why do they hate us?” after the 9/11 attacks, Dyer said this was the wrong question. He suggests the question of “What do they want us to do?” should have been asked.

Despite that, the attacks on the Twin Towers in New York created such a powerful need to do something

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to retaliate that whoever was president at the time would have little recourse but to attack.

Terrorism is not Islam Dyer clarified that terrorism is not a religion or ideology but a tool that has been

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Double Occupancy

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

Mar. 20 7pm - Gospel Concert “Crystal Clear Ministries” - Crystal & Herb Taylor Nashville recording artist - for more info contact Trudy 403-783-4246 Mar. 24 - Thursday - Potluck & general meeting 5:30pm. 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 - New ball bearing rocks - come & try them 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!

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

The Ponoka & District Chamber of Commerce would like you to showcase your talent at the upcoming

TRADE FAIR April 15 & 16 If you can: - sing - dance - play a musical instrument - or have any other type of talent please contact: Judy Dick, Ponoka News 403-783-3311 Email: manager@ponokanews.com or Les Jaster, Ponoka & District Chamber of Commerce 403-783-3888 Email: chamberp@telus.net

20 PONOKA NEWS

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 2016

Insight into Middle East details about how you must behave.”

Terrorism accomplishes two things First it gets the message out, especially in countries where the media is controlled by those in power.

Second, and more subtle, says Dyer is how visible the actions are and how it affects people and leaders. “You both frighten and infuriate.”

Frightened people do stupid things and governments become brutal and repressive in their responses. It drives people into the hands of the terrorists, stated Dyer.

It was in the 1980s that a man known as Osama Bin Laden became radicalized by the Islamists and the idea formed to get some notice from United States to help their cause. After several small scale terrorist attacks, which did not get them the international outcry they looked for, plans for the 9/11 attacks began.

The retaliation from the United States ended up being a masterful tactic, however, with minimal oppressive action on the Afghanistan people. It wasn’t until operations began in Iraq that Bin Laden and the other Islamists got what

continued from page 19 Hundreds of years of invasions and oppressive rule in the Middle East has taken a toll on the people who live there and Dyer said it was the military leaders in the 1970s who looked for a way to change that. Many of those same leaders are still in power today.

However, it took some time before they could make that happen. Add to that there were five wars from 1948 to 1982 with Arabs fighting the Israelis as they settled right in the middle of the Arab world. Dyer said losing all five of those wars didn’t help morale.

“I mean that takes really creative incompetence,” said Dyer.

Coming back to the idea of the Islamists, Dyer said their goal is to bring the Middle East back to what it once was. Hundreds of years ago the area was a haven of technology and commerce but those days are no longer.

Islamist use this idea as their focus. Dyer suggests Islamists see this returning if everyone follows the exact same doctrine, whether they want to or not.

There are “endless little

they wanted. Dyer says they flocked to Iraq to gain support and it worked.

Estimates suggest 500,000 people died during that time and it was the beginning of what is now the Islamic State. Many of these new leaders can be traced back to the 1980s and 1970s.

Now, seeing that they are in power in Syria and Iraq, there are two factions, which grew in 2014: the Islamic State and Al-Qaida.

Dyer says they don’t care too much about revolution as they are in control. They use relatively small terrorist events to gain allegiances over the other.

The attacks in Paris, France, while tragic were relatively small events in a country of 65 million people, but gave terrorists a means to an end.

“We’re still a tool; not the target,” stated Dyer.

“They’re competing furiously for recruits,” he added.

He suggests understanding terrorists’ motivation will help when responding to their actions.

Dyer recently wrote a book called Don’t Panic: ISIS, Terror and Today’s Middle East, explaining his research and reporting experience on the issues in the Middle East.

CALNASH AG EVENTS CENTRE MARCH

CALENDAR

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY 1

Barrel Practice Open Ride 9am – 4pm Private Booking large arena 7pm-9pm Open Ride - small arena 6:30pm-9pm

6

7

Busted Barrel Series #10 & #11

13

20

Parkland Area Alberta Dressage Association

27

Easter Sunday Spring Thaw ‘Team Roping’ 8:30am

8

Barrel Practice Barrel Practice Open Open Ride 9am – 4pm Ride 9am–1pm Private Booking Open Ride large arena 7pm-9pm Open Ride - small arena 1pm-4pm 6:30pm-9pm

WEDNESDAY THURSDAY 2 3 Barrel Practice Open Ride 9am-8pm

9

10 Barrel Practice Open Ride 9am-8pm

14

15

16

Barrel Practice Open Ride Noon-4pm Private Booking large arena 7pm-9pm Open Ride - small arena 6:30pm-9pm

Arena Closed for Set up

Reich Angus Ranch & K3 Simmental Ranch Bull Sake Arena 1pm

21

22

23

Barrel Practice Open Ride 9am–1pm Open Ride 1pm-4pm Silver Valley 4H Arena 7pm-9pm

28

Barrel Practice Open Ride 9am-4pm Private Booking large arena 7pm-9pm Open Ride - small arena 6:30pm-9pm

29

Barrel Practice Open Ride 9am-4pm Private Booking Open Ride 1pm-4pm large arena 7pm-9pm Open Ride - small arena 6:30pm-9pm

Barrel Practice Open Ride 9am–1pm

Barrel Practice Open Ride 9am-4pm Private Booking large arena 7pm-9pm Ranch Roping - small arena 7pm-10pm

17

Barrel Practice Open Ride 9am-8pm

30

Barrel Practice Open Ride 9am-8pm

Open for Breakfast & Lunch ‘Weekdays’ 7am - 2pm / ‘Weekends’ On Show Days

Barrel Practice Open Ride 9am-4pm Private Booking large arena 7pm-9pm Ranch Roping - small arena 7pm-10pm Barrel Practice Open Ride 9am-4pm Private Booking large arena 7pm-9pm Ranch Roping - small arena 7pm-10pm

24

Barrel Practice Open Ride 9am-4pm Private Booking large arena 7pm-9pm Ranch Roping - small arena 7pm-10pm

FRIDAY 4

Barrel Practice Open Ride 9am–4pm Ranch Sorting - small arena 7pm-10pm Open Riding - large arena 7pm-10pm

12

5

Ponoka Winter Team Roping Series 11am

12

ATSA Move In & Set Up

18

AB Team Sorting Association

19

Barrel Practice Open Ride 9am–4pm Ranch Sorting - small arena 7pm-10pm Open Riding - large arena 7pm-10pm

25

SATURDAY

Good Friday

Spring Thaw ‘Barrels for Buckles’ 5pm

PAADA - Move In

26

Spring Thaw ‘Timed Event Showdown’ 7pm

31

Barrel Practice Open Ride 9am-4pm Private Booking large arena 7pm-9pm Ranch Roping - small arena 7pm-10pm

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AGRICULTURE SUPPLEMENT MARCH 16, 2016 This supplement features the latest in: Farming • Livestock • Technology Seed & Feed • Crops • Equipment

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www.ponokaageventcentre.com 403-755-8490 | 3611 Hwy 2A, Ponoka OPEN FOR BREAKFAST & LUNCH WEEKDAYS & SHOWDAYS

TO BOOK YOUR SPACE CALL 403-783-3311 • FAX: 403-783-6300

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 2016

PONOKA NEWS 21

Passing the buck continued from page 18

The U.S.D.A. also had their annual Ag Outlook Forum at the end of February, and their outlook isn’t much rosier than many others. The bureau is forecasting 90 million acres of corn (+2 million from 2015), 82.5 million acres of soybeans (-200,000 from last year), and 51 million acres of all wheat (-3.6 million acres yearover-year) with both spring and winter wheat down considerably. The U.S.D.A. says that given

this acreage numbers and trendline yields of 168 bu/ac for corn, 46.7 bu/ac for soybeans and 45 bu/ac for wheat, only soybeans won’t see their 2016/17 carryout climb from the end of 2015/16.

From a pricing perspective, the U.S.D.A. is putting out some harsh realities, forecasting average crop year prices for corn to come in at $3.45 USD / bushel, $8.50 soybeans, and $4.20 Chicago wheat.

All in all, these numbers shouldn’t come to you as a surprise as the bearish fundaments

have existed for a while & we’ve continued to preach the gospel of good risk management practices. If you haven’t already adjusted your expectations for your marketing plan to account for the aforementioned, the real surprise may come when you’re making sales near the bottom when you have to (for cashflow or bin space purposes) versus when you can / could have in the top 20-25 per cent of the market. The buck literally stops at your farm.

To growth, Brennan Turner President & 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 (1-855-332-7653).

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22 PONOKA NEWS

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 2016

Scouts to descend on Ponoka for soccer talent Inaugural event to attract athletes from all over Western Canada MUSTAFA ERIC PONOKA NEWS

Soccer moms and dads with kids in U16 and U18 teams -both boys and girls- may want to be prepared for an opportunity that could offer not only a college scholarship, but possibly a soccer career for their children, an opportunity coming to town at the end of May. Lonny Behm, who coached Ponoka men’s soccer squad last year, has announced that his organization, called “Crazy 8 Sports”, would bring a “college showcase” to Ponoka in two months’ time, the first and only event of its kind in western Canada, to be hosted

by Ponoka Minor Soccer Association (PMSA).

The announcement of the event came during the annual general meeting of the PMSA held at the Legion on Tuesday evening, Feb. 23.

Speaking in an interview, Behm said up to a dozen, maybe more, college level soccer coaches from all over western Canada and one from the US would descend on Ponoka for the event to scout out promising players who might be offered scholarships for post secondary education programs.

Behm said the players would be registered for a fee –discounts would be available for Ponoka kids - and they would then be organized in teams to play

for the scouting coaches during the weekend of May 27-29.

“Through the word of mouth and social media, I have already more than 65 players registered from all over western Canada,” said Behm. “There is a waiting list, if there is enough demand, there will be more teams included in the event.”

“This is the first of its kind in western Canada,” added Behm, stating that he would like to make it an annual event. “There is a much bigger event in Ontario, but it is teambased.”

He said the weekend would bring in good business to the town as well. “I am thinking

this will bring about 300 people to town.”

The event has already attracted the attention of some businesses: Quebec-based soccer equipment supplier CAMPEA, Red Deer’s Synik have signed up as sponsors as have two Ponoka businesses, Dittmar Stone & Tile as well as Capitol Theatre.

“Crazy 8 Sports will be giving away $250 ‘funding’ towards the education of a boy and a girl during our showcase,” added Behm.

PMSA AGM At the AGM, where registrations for the minor soccer season started, PMSA President Rob McArthur said Ponoka was the “envy of central Alberta” for

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its involvement with the sport.

“Last year we had 292 players and 13 officials involved in soccer,” he told the parents filling the Legion auditorium for the AGM. All PMSA executive were reinstated by acclamation with McArthur as president, Lonny Behm vice-president, Michelle Blanchet secretary and Amanda Henderson Kada treasurer.

Registration for minor soccer will continue until March 31 and any applications for registration after that date will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

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WWW.PONOKANEWS.COM

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 2016

PONOKA NEWS 23

MLA report

RON ORR MLA

Jack Welch, former CEO of General Electric, once said, “An organization’s ability to translate learning into action rapidly is the ultimate competitive advantage.”

Under the leadership of Mr. Welch, General Electric was one of the world’s best-known companies, renowned for its success through competitive innovation.

Alberta, incidentally, once had a similar reputation. Now, it seems government is more aptly defined by an inability to adapt. The Notley administration remains fixated on an obsolete agenda created long before the recession.

Despite job losses not seen since the 1980s, the NDP remains focused on increasing taxes, increasing regulation, and increasing the size of government.

Meanwhile, Albertans are coming to the realization that it’s time to translate learning into action.

Last week, Wildrose Leader Brian Jean took matters into his own hands, and booked a number of events across Ontario to promote Alberta’s economy and energy sector.

Speaking to a variety of prestigious groups, including the C.D. Howe Institute, he focused his efforts on addressing misinformation about Alberta’s natural resources and our province’s record when it comes to responsible energy development.

During these difficult economic times, leadership matters.

At the same time, our official opposition has created an Equalization Fairness Panel.

Albertans have significant concerns regarding how Alberta tax dollars are treated by the federal government. Billions of tax dollars collected in our province are redistributed across Canada each year. The current equalization agreement expires in 2019, and we believe it is important that Alberta’s concerns are addressed prior to the upcoming round of negotiations.

The panel, including four fiscal experts from across Canada. You can sign up for updates at fairequalization.ca.

As our official opposition steps up to speak for Alberta on the national stage, we continue to meet today’s challenges here at home.

Last year’s 272 fentanyl overdose deaths is indicative of an alarming and emergent public health crisis. To address this issue, we have recommended 10 common sense solutions to combat the fentanyl crisis. The government has partially adopted our action plan, and increased access to overdose kits in pharmacies across the province.

Typically, the official opposition’s role in our parliamentary democracy is to question governments and hold them to account.

However, when the government abdicates its responsibilities, the duty to take action falls to the opposition.

This is a duty our official opposition is proud to accept.

I have found this last month being about the riding very productive.

The government delay of session by a month has made this possible.

I have been meeting constituents answering concerns and providing assistance.

I was present at the 2019 Canada Games Red Deer Announcement, hosted a media open house, hosted a meeting with Reeves and Mayors, attended Central Alberta Teachers Convention

Event, Alberta Beef Conference Reception, Alberta Fish & Game AGM. In my role as the Shadow Minister of Culture and Tourism, I have met with Sport Alberta, been to Chinese New Year, Indo-Canadian Republic Day, Ogaden Somali

Community of Alberta Residents Justice Forum and the Rural Tourism Conference recently held in Camrose.

In recent weeks, the official opposition has been at work in Legislative committees seeking answers to government spending, misspending and over

spending.

We have been speaking out clearly about directions and recommendations regarding Mental Health, Dental Care fees, Midwives, Freedom of the Press, Energy Policy and a host of other issues relevant to your life.

Starting March 8

we will begin the Spring Session of the Legislature. Enjoy the early spring weather for me.

I can be reached at my constituency office at 101, 4892 – 46 Street, Lacombe, AB, by telephone 403782-7725 or by e-mail Lacombe.ponoka@assembly.ab.ca.

The Ponoka Curling Club executive board would like to acknowledge the generous sponsors, donors and dedicated volunteers who contributed to the success of our 2016 Town and Country, Mixed and Junior bonspiels.

We greatly appreciate your continuing support as these bonspiels would not be able to go forward without you.

Thank you to our corporate sponsors as well as all the following businesses and individuals.

CORPORATE SPONSORS: Almita Piling Classic Granite Works Don Pederson Construction

McKelvie Feedlot Ponoka Co-op Oils

Quality Paint and Collision Sommer’s Home Hardware United Cycle (Edmonton)

SCOREBOARD AND CAMERA SPONSORS: The Cooperators Crawford Agencies

Integra Tire Strand Media

TOWN AND COUNTRY BONSPIEL: Major Sponsor Phase 3 Electric

Cervus Equipment Rowland, Parker and Associates

Event Sponsors Strand Media, Crawford Agencies Jones Agencies and Shopper’s Drug Mart

Thank you to Rob MacPherson and his staff at the Ponoka Golf & Country Club for the use of their banquet room and thanks also to our Lounge Manger Melody Hansen and her staff and our Ice Maker Kevin Waldern.

DOOR PRIZES AND CASH DONORS: Adam’s Chevrolet Arbutus Nursery ATB Financial/ ATB Mortgage Dev. Bob & Company Catering Bobtail Nursery Boston Pizza Calnash Trucking Central Alberta Tile 1 (Red Deer) Central Veterinary Clinic Crop Production Service County of Ponoka Country Gardens Nursery Cutting Edge Hair Salon Direct Travel EZE Bloodless Castrators Flowers For You Fountain Tire

Gun It Crossfit Hi-Pro Feeds IGA Ponoka Jax Steakhouse & Bar Jim Lysons - Land Surveyor Jones’ Boys Saddlery & Western Wear Legacy Ford Lionel’s No Frills (Lacombe) McDonald’s MGM Land Services Old Iron Horse Restaurant Property Guys Peavey Mart (Lacombe) Ponoka Cabinet Makers Ponoka Fertilizer Reddi Mart

Rexall Drugs Royal Canadian Legion Servus Credit Union Subway Tangles Hair Salon The Brick Ponoka The Liquor Store Thirsk Automotive Town and Country Supplies Town of Ponoka Travel Only UFA Farm Supply Vantage Physio Wagner’s Automotive Wedin’s Will’s Welding Wolf Creek Golf Resort

24 PONOKA NEWS

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 2016

Sports

Broncs bring down curtain on basketball season PONOKA NEWS STAFF

Nils Simons of Sr. Broncs rises for a layup during the first quarter of their final league game against Camrose Trojans on Thursday, Feb. 25 at the Ponoka Secondary Campus gym.

Ponoka boys lost 80-50.

Photo by Mustafa Eric

Ponoka’s senior Broncs concluded their basketball season with a pair of games against Trojans of Camrose on Thursday night, Feb. 25 and while both girls and boys lost their fixtures, the event allowed the teams and their coaches to say goodbye to fans and to look back at the season.

The game between the girls’ teams started with Broncs opening up an early lead in the first five minutes only to see the gap closed down to two points by the middle of the quarter, a situation that continued until the very last minute of the first half in an extremely dry scoring environment.

When the buzzer went off marking the end of first half, both teams were under 20 points each. In the third, girl Broncs at one point secured a six point lead, only to lose it

in the next two minutes.

Camrose girls then slowly but steadily stepped up the pressure on the hosts, forcing turnovers and ending the third just one point behind:30-29. It was in the fourth that the outcome of the game was decided as Trojans switched to manto-man defense and started to strip possessions off the Broncs play after play.

After taking their first lead of the game in the second minute of the last quarter, the visitors kept pulling away and scoring at will to finish the game 43-36.

On the boys’ side, the clearly superiorly coached Trojans quickly adjusted their game to match the Broncs and reversed an early 8-2 lead for the Ponoka boys within minutes to finish the first quarter 17-11 ahead.

Throughout the game, the visitors continued to surge with skillful ball handling and efficient ball movement, scoring field goals,

3-pointers and penetrating the paint easily for layups.

They opened their lead to 20 points by the end of first half (43-23) and to 35 points by the end of the third (70-35). In the fourth, a couple of steals by the Ponoka boys helped close the gap marginally, but the game ended 80-50.

During the break between the two games, there were some emotional moments when the coaches of both Broncs teams thanked their players for the effort they put in through the season and exchanged hugs.

Games against Sylvan Lake Both teams also played the HJ Cody Lakers Feb. 23 with the girls coming

out on top 39-30. Coach Cameron Horan was not available for comment.

The boys’ team ended up losing 58-40 but managed to keep the Lakers on their heels for most of the game. The Lakers are ranked ninth in the province and up until the second half, the Broncs were only two points away at 20-18.

The biggest challenge for the Broncs was maintaining their momentum with a limited number of players while the Lakers easily switched out players to keep their strength, said coach Tylor Johnson.

The Lakers found their stride against an exhausted Broncs in the last quarter.

Sportsmanship winners: The Broncs senior girls volleyball team earned high sportsmanship praise after attending provincials this year. They were recognized with an ASAA Sportsmanship banner Monday, Feb. 29 at PSC. Pictured are (l-rback row McKenzie Henderson, Carmen Lomas, Sarah Morin, Lauren Bussiere, Tess Pearman, Ferron French-Scott, Hannah Hahn, coach Ron Labrie; (front row) Chloe Labrie, Kiana Weed, Sawyer Liddle, Captains: Delaney Brachmann, Hailey Boser.

Missing: Assistant coach Ranelle Muncaster.

Point guard Allie Wynychuk of Broncs is fouled by the Trojan defender as she tries to score with a pick-and-roll move in one of the rare fast-breaks by the Ponoka girls during their game aganist the Camrose team on Thursdya, Feb. 25. Girl Broncs lost the tight game 43-36.

Photo submitted

Photo by Mustafa Eric

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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 2016

PONOKA NEWS 25

Mecca Glen sweeps junior basketball crowns

BY JORDIE DWYER PONOKA NEWS No one could match Mecca Glen in basketball over the weekend.

The junior boys and girls squads used some great effort and skills to win each of their respective 1J divisions at the Wolf Creek championship Saturday, Feb. 27 at St. Augustine School and now move onto the CWAJHAA small schools championship tournament.

The boys, despite being ranked second heading in, were able to defeat Father Lacombe 48-22 in the final and will join the host Bentley squad at the 1J CWAJHAA tournament.

However, Father Lacombe may yet get a spot depending on results from

the other three school divisions that will be participating in the event set for March 11 and 12.

Meanwhile, the girls were the top-ranked club going in and didn’t disappoint as they edged Father Lacombe 33-30 in the final held in Blackfalds.

The victory was really for bragging rights as both teams will play in the 1J CWAJHAA tournament being hosted in Rocky Mountain House on March 11 and 12.

Adam Troitsky, a teacher at Mecca Glen, is the head coach for both teams and managed to handle the duties for both teams through the weekend.

“The boys have been working their tails off for two to three years to get to this point (win the 1J tour-

nament). I am excited for them, as they have stayed committed through difficult seasons getting to here,” said Troitsky.

“The girls are also extremely hard working and dedicated. It is great to see them have success when you know how much extra work they have put into the game. It is great that both teams have the opportunity to move on to the CWAJHAA tournament. Our players are excited to represent Wolf Creek and Mecca Glen.”

Troitsky will do his best to keep doing both coaching jobs in spite of the 70 kilometre commute he will have to make and managing the different game times for the two teams.

Meanwhile, in the 2J

(larger schools) Wolf Creek championship, the St. Augustine junior boys managed to snatch away a 42-40 overtime victory over Rimbey for the title on Friday night (Feb. 26) on their home floor, while Rimbey won the junior girls crown 30-28 over Lacombe Christian - who are hosting the CWAJHAA tournament - to win the junior girls crown.

Unfortunately for St. Augustine, they may not have a tournament to play in as no one has stepped up to host the 2J boys CWAJHAA tournament, so it may end up being cancelled, according to Troitsky.

Emett Norn from Mecca Glen put up this 10-foot jumper during their quarter-final victory over Alix on Friday, Feb. 26 at the Wolf Creek championship at St. Augustine. Mecca Glen would win the title over Father Lacombe and will play for the CWAJHAA crown Mar. 11 - 12 in Bentley.

Photo by Jordie Dwyer

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VISITOR’S GUIDE

2016

& BUSINESS DIRECTORY Y From the Ponoka Stampede to the beautiful Battle River valley, Ponoka offers many attractions to tourists and visitors. The Ponoka News will be publishing a 2016 Ponoka Visitor’s Guide in May. Presented in pony-tabloid format with a full colour glossy cover, the 2016 Ponoka Visitor’s Guide will provide essential information for visitors and tourists who come to our community.

COVER

INCLUDES FULL COLOUR

Back Cover: $1140 Inside Front: $890 $890 With a distribution of 10,000 copies, the 2016 Inside Back: Ponoka Visitor’s Guide will be circulated to visitor Cover Deadline: information centres throughout Alberta, as well as April 22, 2016 at 12 NOON local hotels, motels, bed & breakfast facilities and retail shops.

Take advantage of this excellent opportunity to promote your products and services.

DISPLAY ADS Business Card: $110 1 ⁄4 Pg (31⁄4”x5”): $185 1 ⁄2 Pg (63⁄4”x5”): $330 Full Pg (101⁄4”x5”): $610 Advertising Deadline: April 22, 2016 at 12 NOON All ads include full colour.

PLEASE CALL FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO BOOK YOUR SPACE: 403-783-3311 • FAX: 403-783-6300

Myrna Pearman - Ellis Bird Farm.

Noted biologist writer & photographer For more information or to register call: Dale 403-783-2207 or Christine 403-704-4430 EVERYONE WELCOME! Our mission is to promote through education programs, the conservation and utilization of ðsh and wildlife and to protect and enhance the habitat they depend on. Visit our website: www.ponokaÄshandgame.ca

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

26 PONOKA NEWS

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 2016

Atom McDonalds off to provincial championship

BY JORDIE DWYER PONOKA NEWS It was over almost nearly as soon as the puck was dropped, making for a rather anti-climatic progression into the provincial championship.

The Ponoka Atom McDonalds squad cruised to a 18-0 win over Thorsby on Saturday, Feb. 27 at the Ponoka Culture and Recreation Complex in what was the only game in the two-game, total goal series to determine the Zone 4 representative at the Atom C Provincial Championship that will run March 17 to 20 in Grimshaw.

It only took one minute and 36 seconds for Ponoka to get the winner courtesy Trace Tonneson, who had a hat trick on the day.

Jacub Palechek and Luke Simanton each scored four, while Daylan Owen added three, Ezekiel Pambrun notched a pair plus Jaiden Bandet and Brock Auclair each scored once in the rout.

Head coach Chris Palechek was proud of the boys effort throughout the provincial playoff round.

“They’ve worked really hard to get where we are,” he said following the game.

“We expect the competition to be tough

(at provincials), but we are definitely going to be up to the challenge and look forward to representing Ponoka Minor Hockey and our town.”

They join the only other local team - the Lacoka Bantam girls - to make it to the provincial championship tournament this year.

North Central playoffs The Atom McDonalds squad did double duty last week, qualifying for the second round of the Tier 2 Atom playoffs in the North Central Minor Hockey League by defeating Clive 14-7 in the two-game, total goal series.

The first contest ended in a 4-4 tie in Ponoka on Wednesday, Feb. 24 before Ponoka poured it on in Clive the next night to post a 10-4 win. Ponoka will now take on Battle River in a best-of-three semifinal series this weekend. The other semifinal features Blackfalds and Delburne.

The other Ponoka Atom squad, Calnash Trucking, earned a bye into Tier 5 semifinal and will face Sylvan Lake in a best-of-three series this week. The first game has been tentatively set for tonight (Wednesday, March 2) in Ponoka at 6:15 p.m. with the other games to be determined.

Meanwhile, the Ponoka Quality Paint & Collision PeeWee club will take on Rocky

Ponoka’s Daylan Owen gets his stick on this loose puck in the crease to put the home side up by double digits just five minutes into the second period of Saturday’s (Feb. 27) victory over Thorsby in the zone final for a berth in provincials. The huge win also meant not having to play the second game of the series in Thorsby that was set for next day.

Photo by Jordie Dwyer

PONOKA SKATING CLUB presents

“A little bit of this and a little bit of that” at the Ponoka Recreation and Culture Complex FRIDAY, MARCH 11

SATURDAY, MARCH 12

SOLO SHOWCASE

CARNIVAL PERFORMANCE

At 7:00 pm Tickets $2 available at the door Flowers & Gifts available for purchase COURTESY OF

ONLY ONE SHOW!

At 11:00 am Tickets $5 available at the door

Mountain House in a tw0-game, total goal series this weekend in a Tier 5 quarter-final match.

And, the Fountain Tire Midgets remain in the hunt after knocking out Lacombe in Tier 2 playoffs two games to none over the weekend.

Ponoka took the first game in Lacombe on Tuesday, Feb. 23 by a 4-3 score on two goals

by Cooper Jones plus one each off the sticks of Justin Hall and Pierce Clemmer. Game two in Ponoka on Friday, Feb. 26 wasn’t close from the start as Ponoka took it 7-0 on goals from Jayden Hagemann with a hat trick and singles from Jones, Braeden Korchinski, Lewis McDowell and Rylee DeJonge.

The Midgets will now take on Viking in the best-of-three quarter-final series this weekend with Ponoka set to host the second game on Saturday. Puck drop will be at 7:30 p.m. at the Ponoka Culture and Rec Complex.

The Ponoka Peewee Elks became the first local team knocked out of the league playoffs, losing a one-game play-in game in Sundre on Sunday by a count of 6-3 after giving up four straight goals in the third period.

As for the Bantam Moose, their playoff hopes came to a crashing end on the weekend. The Moose faced Delburne in the best-of-three Tier 2 quarter-final and lost

the opening game on the road 4-2. Hunter Busat got a shorthanded goal early in the first and then Triston Johnson scored to give Ponoka a 2-1 lead on the only marker in the middle stanza. However, Delburne would tie it a minute and 32 seconds into the third, then get the lead on a powerplay goal with less than seven minutes remaining and salt the game away with an empty-netter with 43 seconds on the clock.

However, the Moose would remain resolute in Game 2 at home Saturday, Feb. 27 and earn a 5-4 overtime win on a goal by Luke Bonnett, who pounced on a loose puck after a scramble with just 44 seconds left in the first extra period. Busat, Seth Gratrix, Cyle Laing and Jake Simanton had the other goals for Ponoka, who gave up a 3-1 lead after two periods.

Game 3 on Sunday, Feb. 28 back in Delburne was yet another barnburner, with Ponoka again building up a second period lead - this time only up 4-3 - only to have to make a comeback of their own to force extra time. Simanton tied the game at 5-5 with 1:16 left in the third to give Ponoka a shot, but unfortunately this time it wasn’t to be as Delburne took advantage and notched the overtime, and series clincher, just over half way through the extra frame. Getting the other Ponoka goals were Eric Taylor, Ethan Little, Braeden Toporowski and Gratrix.

SEEKING YOUNG LADIES

FROM AGE 18-23 INTERESTED IN BEING

MISS PONOKA STAMPEDE 2016

CANDIDATES WILL HAVE THE FOLLOWING ASSETS:

• Horsemanship • Public speaking • Be knowledgeable about RODEO • Outgoing personality • Ability to attend events and make appearances

Successful applicants will be interviewed by a selection committee WINNER TO RECEIVE

• Trophy Saddle & Breast Collar • Trophy Buckle • Possibility to compete for Miss Rodeo Canada Application forms are available at ponokastampede.com Forward to: Ponoka Stampede Assoc.

Box 4336, 5616 - 39 Ave. Ponoka, AB T4J 1R7 Resumes accepted until 4pm on April 1, 2016

PONOKA NEWS 27

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 2016

County

CLASSIFIEDS

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

6 PACK 8 PACK

Announcements

What’s Happening

50-70

Employment

Services Directory

700-920

1010-1430

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

#50 - # 70

November 30, 1929-February 19 2016

On Friday, February 19, Eleanor passed away peacefully at the age of 86 years.

She is survived by daughters Phyllis (Doug) Harris, Ramona (Dan) Kobelka; sons Hal (Brenda) and Barry (Shelly); nine grandchildren and several great grandchildren.

Eleanor was predeceased by her husband Harold; sons Dale and Lloyd; sister Dianne; brother Dwight; parents Joe and Verle Friestad.

A Funeral Service was held on Friday, February 26, 2016 at First United Church in Fort Saskatchewan. She was laid to rest in the family plot in the Fort Saskatchewan Cemetery. Donations in memory of Eleanor may be made directly to the Canadian Alzheimer Society, 20 Eglinton Ave. W., Ste. 1600, Toronto, Ontario M4R 1K8.

Serenity Funeral Service, Fort Saskatchewan in care of arrangements, 780-998-1422.

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

1-877-223-3311

Agriculture

1500-1990

Coming Events

What’s Happening

BAKKE, (Nee Friestad) Eleanor May

Items Buy/Sell

2010-2210

FAX: 403-783-6300

announcements Obituaries

CALL TOLL FREE:

ADPACK ALL IN 1

52

Thursday, March 10 6:30pm Lacombe Memorial Centre, Lacombe An informative evening with MLA Ron Orr and guest speaker, Mark Smith, MLA for Drayton Valley and Education Critic.

Cost $25 For information & tickets call 403-885-5351 or 403-396-9660

Coming Events

Angie Lewis $1,540.00

Vehicles

CLASSIFIED N.W. BUY • • • • • •

Ponoka Rimbey Eckville Sylvan Lake Lacombe Pipestone Flyer

ALATEEN

Weekly meetings Tuesdays @ 8 p.m.

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

403-783-4557 or 403-783-8371

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

Truckers/ Drivers

59

Meetings

860 PONOKA LIONS CLUB REQUIRES

JUST ASK FOR THE

CLASSIFIED N.E. BUY

In Memoriam Call 403-783-3112

ELMER KRAFT August 5, 1922 - March 5, 2006 Those we love don’t go away, They walk beside us every day.

Unseen, unheard, but always near.

Still loved, still missed and very dear.

Till we meet again, In God’s Grace Ron & Gloria and Family, Bob & Loretta and Family, Esther & Dale and Family

In memory of Skip Cook March 6, 2014 I did not see you close your eyes or hear your last sigh.

I only heard that you were gone too late to say goodbye.

I will always remember the time we had together Phyllis

• • • • • • •

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

EASY! The easy way to find a

Starting at 25 words for $53.55

buyer for items you want to sell is with a Classified want ad. Phone 1-877-2233311

Call toll free 1-877-223-3311 or Local 403-309-3300

Class Registrations

51

Learn how to access information on how you are creating ill health, and how to release this “baggage” you are carrying, through energy work.

Learn to help yourself and others to heal on the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual levels in this 2 day Soul Release blocks and thought Healing workshop in Ponoka. patterns which inhibit your Includes lunch each day. progress in any area of Cost $400. your life – business, career, spiritual evolvement, goal attainment.

For more information call Barbara Noel

403-783-2781

BUS DRIVERS This Is A Volunteer Position With Honorarium • Class 1 license • Clean abstract required • Mechanically inclined • Shared schedule with other drivers Apply with resume and abstract to Ponoka Lions Club – ponokalions.ca or phone 403-340-9247 for more info

Only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted

Business Opportunities Release issues that are causing relationship problems.

Healing Workshop March 5th & 6th, 2016

Public Notice

5010-5240

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

Neighborhood Place 5201 - 49 Ave., Ponoka For more info 403-783-4557

JUST ASK FOR THE

GET MORE COVERAGE WITH YOUR AD

Prize Amount:

52

GET MORE COVERAGE WITH YOUR AD

Classifieds Your place to SELL Your place to BUY

February Winner:

3000-4310

6010

EMAIL: classifieds@ponokanews.com

Lacombe-Ponoka Wildrose Constituency Association

Baloney Event Fundraiser

Rental & Real Estate

59

Meetings

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

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

52 Street & 52 Ave. Ponoka.

403-783-4347 403-783-3442

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

Farm Work

755

FEEDLOT in Central Alberta seeking F/T employee for feed truck operator and machinery maintenance. Send resume to fax: 403-638-3908 or e-mail to: dthengs@hotmail.com

870

Squeezthee 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

28 PONOKA NEWS

AG EQUIPMENT

Rimbey Implements Ltd.

Al York

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

Rimbey, AB

Fax: (403) 843-3430

ANIMAL SERVICES

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 2016 Farm Work

755 Business Opportunities 870

NOW hiring one beekeeping assistant to start immed., and 3 honey extractors to start mid June. Must be physically fit and have driver’s licence.

Great for high school and post-secondary students.

Wage range $15-$17/hr.

403-843-3595

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.

Looking for a new pet?

Check out Classifieds to find the purrfect pet.

NEW EXCITING mini VLT’s. Produce buckets of cash monthly. Attracts customers like money magnets. Locations provided. Ground floor opportunity. Full details call now 1-866-668-6629.

Website: www.tcvend.com.

Start your career!

See Help Wanted Something for Everyone Everyday in Classifieds

Medical

790

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.

Tired of Standing?

Find something to sit on in Classifieds

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 CELEBRATIONS HAPPEN EVERY DAY IN CLASSIFIEDS

Misc.

Help

CONCRETE 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

880

Misc.

Help

880

RIMBEY IMPLEMENTS LTD.

REQUIRES A PART-TIME WARRANTY/ SERVICE WRITER EMAIL OR FAX RESUME TO: heinzstalder@rimbeyimplements.ca

FAX: 403-843-3430

Misc.

Help

880

ASPHALT PAVING COMPANY long established in Edmonton requires Salesman, Foreman and Workers for work in the city. Must have extensive experience with all aspects of paving and equipment operation. 780-466-7763.

Central Alberta’s Largest Car Lot in Classifieds

Employment Training

900

HEALTHCARE DOCUMENTATION Specialists are in huge demand. Employers want CanScribe graduates.

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.

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!

PLUMBING Buy & Sell #1500 - #1990 Aircraft ..............................1510 Antiques & Art ..................1520 Auctions ............................1530 Bicycles ............................1540 Building Supplies ..............1550 Business Machines ..........1560 Cameras & Accessories ..1570 Children’s Items ................1580 Clothing ............................1590 Computers ........................1600 Concert & Event Tickets ..1610 Equipment - Misc. ............1620 Equipment - Heavy ..........1630 Tools ................................1640 Farmers’ Market & Food Basket......................1650 Firewood ..........................1660 Lumber ............................1670 Garden Supplies ..............1680 Lawn Tractors ..................1690 Health, Dietary, Beauty ....1700 Household Appliances......1710 Household Furnishings ....1720 TV’s, Stereos, VCR’s ........1730 Hot Tubs & Accessories ..1740 Jewellery ..........................1750 Kid’s Deals........................1755 Misc. For Sale ..................1760 Musical Instruments..........1770 Music Lessons..................1780 Piano & Organs ................1790 Office Supplies ................1800 Pets & Supplies ................1810 Pet Services ....................1820 Cats ..................................1830 Dogs ................................1840 Sports Cards ....................1850 Sporting Goods ................1860 Collectors’ Items ..............1870 Swap, Barter & Trade ......1880 Travel Packages ..............1900 Wedding Supplies ............1910 Recycled Products............1920 Wanted to Buy ..................1930 Items to Give Away ..........1940

We change daily to serve you better.

Auctions

1530

N IQUE ALE

S

SUN., MAR. 6 • 1PM MOOSE HALL 4kms South of Ponoka

Furniture • Jewellery Glassware • Coins • Lamps And much, much more!

Presented by BIG STRAPPER AUCTIONS Linda Dunbrack 403-304-4791 (cell) To view items www.bigstrapperauctions.net

Lunch will be available

Sales every Wednesday at 6pm

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.

35

$

PER WEEK plus $2.25 webcharge

Call 403-783-3311

JAMES AVERY “Reasonable rates on all your plumbing needs” Gas Fitting - Home Renovations - Drain Cleaning -24 HOUR SERVICE5306 - 60 ST, PONOKA, AB T4J 1K7 PH: (403) 783-6372 • FAX (403) 783-6345

403-304-7770

BOBCAT SERVICES Sur-B Enterprises Ltd.

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

OVERHEAD DOORS

Gerald & Tina Owners

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

403-783-2454 ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS HERE FOR JUST

35 PER WEEK. $

PLUS

$2.25 WEBCHARGE

REACHING 6000 HOUSEHOLDS PER WEEK.

BOTTLE DEPOT

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

BIG STRAPPER AUCTIONS

Closed Sundays & Holidays

at The Moose Hall, 2 miles south of Ponoka on Hwy. 2A.

We Now Recycle Milk Cartons for Deposit

Resuming weekly sales Wed.’s @ 6 pm.

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

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

This space could be yours for

SHANDALL PLUMBING LTD.

3, 5520 Hwy 2A (Across from Husky)

403-783-6875 SALES & SERVICE

www.bigstrapperauctions.net

COLLECTIBLE AUCTION SALE Sunday March 6, 10 a.m.

Bowden Lions Hall Bowden AB Furniture, Glassware, China, Vintage items, Kitchen collectibles, Native, Military, Just too much to mention.

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

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

PONOKA NEWS 29

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 2016

BUSINESS AND SERVICES DIRECTORYt Misc.

Services

Business Services #1000 - #1430

Health Care

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

Bringing you Gifts & Greetings

1210

HIP OR KNEE Replacement? Restrictions in walking/dressing? $2,500 yearly tax credit. $40,000 in tax refunds.

Disability Tax Credit.

For assistance.

1-844-453-5372.

Legal Services

1290

1290

VISIT NEWMOM.CA to get your money saving coupons that help you save on your favourite brands. 25+ new online and store coupons every month. Check in regularly to see how much you can save! Join newmom.ca today and start saving! Register code LEARN.

Caregivers

1060

Misc.

Services

1290

Personal Services

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.

The Most Famous Basket in the World

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

Personal Services

1315

Caregivers

AN EXCELLENT CHOICE WHERE YOUR AD REACHES RURAL READERS

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.

1330

Complete NEW HOT WATER TANK 40 Gallons, Gas or Electric Installed and removal of old tank

ONLY 949

*

(*some conditions apply)

Call 403-913-4217 or 403-783-7417 Welding

1410

Welding

1410

1060

DEN ITA¼S DAY HOME

Misc.

Services

1290

Misc.

Services

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

1290

New Appliances Needed?

New, dependable, affordable Inglis & Whirlpool household appliances.

Berni's

Refrigeration

and Appliance Service We deliver & install your purchases.

403-783-4880

* Quality Boarding for your dogs & cats *Proof of vaccinations and advance bookings required

403-783-6272

www.clinkerskennels.ca

SIMPLE!

It’s simple to run a Garage Sale Ad in the Classified section and make quick cash.

Phone Classifieds 1-877-223-3311.

Rental Misc

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

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

Well Drilling

1400

Well Drilling

1400

1350

Need RV or Self Storage?

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

Also RV storage.

Secure compound.

Call Keith at

First Call Towing

783-3636 Roofing

ARE YOU READY TO MAKE NEW FRIENDS?

With over 18 years of childcare experience, this smoke free structured day home will put your mind at ease.

I look forward to having the opportunity to learn with your child.

Available openings: full and part time Monday to Friday. 6:00AM TO 5:30PM. References available.

Call Denita at 403-704-1061

1318

CLINKERS KENNELS

Plumbing & Heating

$

Pet Services

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.

WHATEVER YOU’RE SELLING...

WE HAVE THE PAPER YOU NEED!

1330

Heather Goodwin 403-704-3647 heathermccg@shaw.ca INTERESTED IN the Community Newspaper business? Alberta’s weekly newspapers are looking for people like you. Post your resume online. FREE. Visit: awna.com/for-job-seekers.

1315

CALL 1-877-223-3311 CLASSIFIEDS HOT-LINE

Unplanned pregnancy may be difficult to face.

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

Plumbing & Heating

Auctions

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.

+

A Star Makes Your Ad A Winner!

CALL:

1400

NEVER SHOCK CHLORINATE AGAIN Tell them Danny Hooper sent you

Big Iron Drilling’s patented

1-800-BIG IRON (244-4766) View our 29 patented and patent pending inventions online at

www.1800bigiron.com

RIMBEYDENTALCARE DR. STEVE CALDER BS C DDS

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

COLLECTOR CAR AUCTION. 6th Annual Edmonton Motor Show Collector Car Auction. April 8 - 13. Edmonton Expo Centre. Over 80,000 spectators. Over 85% sold last year. Consign today.

1-888-296-0528 ext. 102; EGauctions.com.

Building Supplies

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

DENTAL CARE

DENTAL CLINIC

MEIER GUN AUCTION. Saturday, March 5, 11 a.m., 6016 - 72A Ave., Edmonton. Over 150 guns - handguns, rifles, shotguns, hunting and sporting equipment. To consign 780-440-1860.

403-783-5225

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

1550

“WE ENTHUSIASTICALLY WELCOME NEW PATIENTS”

EYE CARE

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 or 403-971-4791.

WWW.4YOUREYESONLY.CA

EquipmentMisc.

-

1620

A-STEEL SHIPPING CONTAINERS. 20’, 40’ & 53’. 40’ insulated reefers/freezers.

Modifications possible windows, doors, walls, as office, living work-shop, etc., 40’ flatrack/bridge.

1-866-528-7108; www.rtccontainer.com.

Firewood

1660

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

Price depends on location of delivery. Lil Mule Logging 403-318-4346

Garden Supplies

1680

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.

1760

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

Musical Instruments

Also: Rural Water Treatment (Province Wide)

DENTISTRY

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.

1-877-223-3311 Misc. for To Place Your Sale Ad Now! Well Drilling

1530

1770

FOR SALE

SOUND EQUIPMENT Incl. mikes, remotes, speakers, music stands, large sound board, leather cases

Open to offers 403-783-3683

Drs. Heimdahl, ZoBell & Kallal 403-783-5575 1-800-662-7168

•

5120-51ST AVE, PONOKA

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

NEW PATIENTS ALWAYS WELCOME

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

This space could be yours for

35

$

PER WEEK plus $2.25 webcharge

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!

30 PONOKA NEWS

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 2016

HEATING & EAVESTROUGHING

Commercial - Residential Installations - Repair

Piano & Organs

1790

RESTORED UPRIGHT PIANO Excellent condition

403-783-3683 3912 - 66 St, Ponoka www.wcmltd.ca

403.783.3501 wcmltd@telus.net

This space could be yours for

35

$

PER WEEK plus $2.25 webcharge

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).

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

Phone 403-391-1684 ʹͶ

Dr. Bruce Wine

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

Doug Casey

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

PUREBRED red and black Angus bulls. 1 and 2 year olds. Semen tested and delivered.

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

Can do trees up to 15” wide

1.403.318.0498 1.403.358.0452

VETERINARY SERVICES

2100

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

$35 per week this space could be yours!

Plus $2.25 webcharge

403-783-3311

2190

CHARLOIS bulls, Red Angus bulls, Red Angus X Simmental 780-582-2254 Forestburg RED and black Angus bulls, will be semen tested and delivery can be arranged. E & L Ranching in Bowden, Eric @ 403 391-2259.

Evenings @ 403 224-2396

Horses

2140

Pasture/Land Wanted

2180

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

403-740-5197

Grain, Feed Hay

2190

HAY FOR SALE First & second cut round bales No rain Alfalfa/timothy Can deliver

Call 403-704-0158 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.

Livestock

2100

LLB Angus 30TH ANNUAL

BULL & FEMALE SALE Southwest Industrial Park 4102-64 St., Ponoka 403-783-5200

Grain, Feed Hay

BAR-DALE LIMOUSIN, ROUND HAY BALES - self ERSKINE, AB. unloading, bulk oats. New 40, two year old virgin bulls truck tires. Cheap - starting for sale at the farm. at $285. Cheap Fully guaranteed. undercarriage new & Call Carole Barclay at used. No Sunday calls 403-742-4825, please. Phone Terry 403-740-5037 403-704-3509 or Ricky 403-740-5711. email 403-704-4333. bardale@xplornet.com

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

Jerry Dodds 403-783-0303

Call 403-783-3311 VETERINARY SERVICES

Livestock

MARCH 12, 2016 at the Farm, Erskine, AB

Offering over 700 head of Quality Angus Cattle

For Rent #3000 - #3200

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

Wanted to Rent #3250 - #3390

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

3 BEDROOM DUPLEX IN PONOKA

Houses/ Duplexes

3020

Available April 1

Executive style 3 bedroom upper suite in duplex Suitable for working person or couple Oak kitchen 5 appliances All utilities and cable and internet included $1300 per month plus D.D N/P, N/S Call 403 341-9660 See Red Deer Kijiji for photos and e-mail

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 $850 + D/D Renovated 3 bedrooms 1 and half bathroom with washer and dryer in Winfield, AB. Across from the school and playground. For more information e-mail: zygismondo@gmail.com Or call : 403-249-2708 AVAILABLE Immediately, 3 bdrms., 2 2/1 baths, house one block from general hospital. 5 Appliances, double car garage. $1500. dd. Rent $1600. + utilities. 403-783-3064 GULL LAKE, Poulson pasture, beautiful 10 yr old log home, 2 bdrm.. 2 baths infloor heat,6 appls., deck & patio, gas fireplace, $1500/mo, incld’s satellite tv, high speed internet & water. Avail. immed. 403-318-3746

Townhouses

3030

New Blackfalds Condo. 2 Bdrm/2 Bath. Main floor & 2nd floor options avail. 2 3 BDRM. DUPLEX powered parking stalls.

IN PONOKA, large kitchen, Rent $1,400. Pets negodining and living room, tiable. Ask about rent 4 appls., rent + utils. Avail. incentives. 403-396-1688. immed. 403-783-3860

Houses For Sale

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

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

4020

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

WATER WELL SERVICE

ECKLUND

Water Well Service

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

n Construction Klasse

NEW HOME FOR

Canada’s Largest Angus Production Sale

• 150 yearling bulls • 100 two-year-old bulls • 100 purebred yearling heifers • 300 commercial Black & BWF heifers • 60 purebred & commercial bred heifers

ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS HERE FOR JUST

35 PER WEEK. $

LEE, LAURA & JACKIE BROWN / TRISH & TIM HENDERSON

Box 217, Erskine, Alberta T0C 1G0 Phone: 403-742-4226 Fax: 403-742-2962 llbangus@xplorenet.com catalogue online www.llbangus.com

24 Hr. Emergency 403-783-4348

NEWER 3 bdrm. townhouse, 6 appl., 3 bath, walk-in closets, deck, lrg. laundry storage room, 403-704-1221

• c/w fridge, stove, washer & dryer • Small storage shed, parking pad PONOKA house, 1 bdrm., 1 bath, close to downtown, in back 5 appl., double garage, • Nice little balcony off the duplex n/s, no pets, rent $800 + No Pets, Non smoking utils./dd same. Avail.

Mar. 1 403-783-4993 Includes Town of Ponoka Utilities (water, sewer & garbage) $1050.00/month Condos/ $1050.00 Security Deposit

Available April 1st Phone (403) 704-6903

VETERINARY SERVICES

6905 Meadowview Cl., Stettler

Call 403-741-4688 for more details or to book a viewing.

PLUS

$2.25 WEBCHARGE

REACHING 6000 HOUSEHOLDS PER WEEK.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 2016 Suites

3060

Available Immediately 2 bdrm suite $900/mnth Utilities incl 403-790-6011

FOR RENT

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

403-790-6011 PONOKA 1ST MONTH FREE

3 bdrm., 4 appl., n/s, no pets, new paint, lino and blinds, in Riverside area, avail. imm., $995/mo., d.d. same, heat incl., 1 yr. lease min. 403 -619-5758 PONOKA 2 bdrm. well maintained quiet adult building, no pets $790/mo. + power, heat/water incld. avail. immed.

Brian 403-348-6594 PONOKA, 2 bdrm. suite in Riverside. Fridge, stove, shared laundry. $675.. rent/dd. gas & water incl’d.

Absolutely N/S, no pets, Avail. imm. 780-242-0924

Pasture/ Land

3380

PASTURE & HAY LAND. 400 - 8000 acres of year round water supply. Full operational with management available. Central Saskatchewan. Crossfenced and complete infrastructure. Natural springs excellent water.

Shortly ready to locate cattle. Other small and large grain and pasture quarters. $150k - $2.6m.

Call Doug Rue 306-716-2671; saskfarms@shaw.ca.

4090

Manufactured Homes

2001 modular home 1216 sq. ft. 3 bdrm, 2 bath, 6205-54 St. #51 Poplar Grove Village, Ponoka $59,900 Call Wayne/ Sutton 403-318-9114 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.

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.

WANTED

Summer pasture for mares & colts or cows & calves.

Contact Jerry Dodds

403-783-0303

Financial #4400 - #4430

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

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.

Farms/ Land

4070

5 PARCELS OF FARMLAND near Altario, Alberta. Ritchie Bros.

Auctioneers Unreserved Auction, April 12 in Provost, Alberta. Fenced land, natural spring water.

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

PSC shines in curling zones

4070

Farms/ Land

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

403-357-0287

PONOKA NEWS 31

Money To Loan

4430

BANK SAID NO? Bank on us! Equity Mortgages for purchases, debt consolidation, foreclosures, renovations.

Bruised credit, self-employed, unemployed ok.

Dave Fitzpatrick: www.albertalending.ca.

587-437-8437, Belmor Mortgage.

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.

DO YOU WANT YOUR AD TO BE READ BY 100,000 Potential Buyers???

TRY

Classified Advertising SERVING CENTRAL ALBERTA RURAL REGION

CALL 1-877-223-3311

BY JORDIE DWYER PONOKA NEWS Not only was it a gold medal win, it was a huge boost of confidence heading into what will prove to be a tough provincial championship.

The Ponoka Secondary girls’ curling foursome consisting of skip Nikki Smith, third Courtney Chesterman, second Gabrielle Bloomquist and lead Isabell Stamm survived two scary ends to end up winning the zone championship at the Ponoka Curling Club on Saturday, Feb. 27, needing an extra end to upend Chauvin by count of 10-7.

Ponoka is hosting the provincial high school curling championship, which starts tomorrow (Mar. 3) at the Ponoka Curling Club, meaning they already had a berth locked up, but the win is certainly going to help the team.

“It’s fantastic,” said coach Kelly Smith.

“I thought we had it wrapped up as the girls were up two in the eighth (and final end), but when you have lots of rocks in play, anything can happen.”

The gold medal game was close until the seventh when Ponoka made the most of a couple of Chauvin mistakes to score three and take a two-point advantage to the final end.

However, the girls’ strategy made for some nervous coaches, parents and fans as they kept a number of rocks around that eventually allowed Chauvin to tie it with an easy draw for a pair.

They kept up that strategy, even with last rock in the extra end, causing even further fing e r n a i l - ch ew i n g in the gallery as they lay three with skip rocks to come

and a couple of possible ways for Chauvin to reach the four-foot for shot.

However, the paths proved too difficult to navigate and Ponoka didn’t have to throw their final stone to earn the gold.

“We haven’t beaten (Chauvin) in three years, it’s kind of been a curse we have finally gotten off our backs,” added Smith.

As for the Ponoka mixed foursome, the three Grade 10 students and one Grade 11 student wound up with a great finish - taking silver in a loss to Chauvin.

“They played fantastic, especially considering this was a team that was only put together two weeks ago,” Smith explained.

“We were initially going to go into the provincials with just a boys and a girls team, but we had enough commitment from the kids so we just went for it.”

The mixed team might have had a different outcome, but they played the three games in a row on Saturday their final round robin game in the morning followed by the semifinal at noon and then the final later that afternoon.

“They were simply so tired. I think they just didn’t have the concentration there anymore,” Smith added.

As for the boys, Smith said they didn’t have the best of days at the area playoffs the weekend before so they didn’t get a berth into the zone playoff. However, he doesn’t think that will affect them when they play as the host team at provincials this week. He believes they are still going to contend for a medal - just like the girls and the mixed teams.

“They are all going to be competitive as long as they curl their best,” he stated.

All six sheets at the club will be in play as action starts Thursday, March 3 with draws at 2 and 4:30 p.m. and the championship banquet slated for that evening. Friday, March 4 will see a 9 a.m. draw followed by the opening ceremonies at 11:30 a.m. with three more draws - 12:30, 3 and 5:30 p.m. that day. Any tiebreakers will take place at 9 a.m. on Saturday, March 5 with the medal round to go a noon and finals at 3 p.m.

If there are no tiebreakers, the semifinals will run at 9 a.m. with the medal games to go at noon.

The PSC girls’ curlers concentrate Friday, Feb. 26 as they help guide a rock to its goal. Here (l-r) Gabrielle Bloomquist and Courtney Chesterman sweep hard as lead Isabell Stamm watches on. The rink pulled off an extra end win over a huge rival to take the gold at the zone playoff.

Photo by Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye

Taking a chance: Kings’ Ryndale Camat takes a shot under heavy pressure from a Pigeon Lake player Wednesday, Feb. 24.

The Kings lost their game 75-63 while the Queens lost their game 103-9.

Photo by Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye

32 PONOKA NEWS

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 2016

ALL VEHICLES HAVE BEEN REDUCED TO MOVE 2015 FUSION SE

2016 ESCAPE SE

C0816

MSRP $34,199

26,600

SALE

$

T1354

MSRP $33,089

31,500

SALE

$

T1383

37,500

SALE

$

MSRP $44,299

32,500

SALE

$

2015 XLT CREWCAB

2015 XLT CREWCAB MSRP $50,199

T1214

T1401

MSRP $50,729

37,500

SALE

$

C1185

MSRP $48,899

2015 F150 XL SUPER CAB 2015 MUSTANG GT 2 DR COUPE

45,999

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

T1137A

SALE

2012 FORD FOCUS HATCHBACK

9,200

$

2015 FORD FOCUS SE

T1409A

SALE

C1226A

SALE

29,900

$

18,695 L0399

SALE

T1213A

SALE

$

2015 FORD MUSTANG

2011 F250 LARIAT CREW DIESEL

26,200

$

T1319A

43,900

$

2013 F150 XLT SUPERCREW

SALE

2015 F350 LARIAT CREW DIESEL

55,500

$

* 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