May 5, 2015 Country Booster

The paper created EXCLUSIVELY for farm families and rural residents of east central Alberta

Always better – always better read

16 Pages – May 5, 2015

Photo by Sue Nelson

Rod Ross and Alan Hrdlicka inspect a crop of winter wheat east of Camrose

Spring Seeding Has Begun Two weeks ago Statistics Canada released their Canadian seeding intentions report.

The information, based on a survey of about 11,500 farmers across Canada, was conducted between March 18th and 31st.

Of the headline numbers, spring wheat is pegged to show a modest increase to 18 million acres, on the higher end of trade estimates. Canola, on the other hand, came in on the low side, at 19.4 million, compared to last year’s 20.3 million. Barley was up from last year’s record low levels, while durum also is unsurprisingly higher given the strong prices this past winter.

Oats showed a dramatic 30% increase, to 3.6 million acres, including a nearly 50% rise in Saskatchewan, a number that is widely deemed as being too high. Pea and lentil acres are forecast to increase, with a final number that is likely to be above the 3.83 and 3.35 million, respectively. Soybean acres increased in Manitoba and Saskatchewan, although the rate of growth slowed. The flax increase to 1.63 million acres was less than expected. Mustard seed area was lower at 320,000, down from 500,000 acres last year, and the faba bean estimate was unchanged at 75,000 acres.

With some beautiful spring days behind us, not to mention ample moisture levels, farmers are eager to get out in the fields. From all of us here at The Camrose Booster, we wish you good weather, safety in your work and productive yields.

Inside...

A variety of merchandise and services: Farm equipment and supplies, auctions, homes and home decor, real estate, entertainment, communications RVs, and more!

News Features…

2 Trespassers causing damage to fields . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Open House held at Camrose Colony school . . . . 10 BRCF celebrates rural community builders. . . . . 11 Armena chooses winner in UFA contest . . . . . . . . .

Visit our website: www.camrosebooster.com

Win a Colour Enlargement of your Farm!

See page 16

The COUNTRY BOOSTER, May 5, 2015 – Page 2

Armena chooses fifth winner in UFA contest

By Murray Green

Armena Athletic Association received $50,000 from UFA’s Get ‘n’ Give contest to assist in building an addition to its existing skate shack that will include indoor washrooms, a kitchen with running water and extra storage space. The shack will be the gathering place for the community in the future.

Armena is holding its Centennial celebration on July 11, marking 100 years since the CNR Railway came and also the naming of Armena as a community.

The Armena Athletic Association was the fourth of five communities to receive $50,000 for enhancement.

Kevin Hoppins, chair of the UFA board of directors and Carol Kitchen, president and CEO of UFA Co-operative Limited presented the funds to Armena with about 140 people packed into the Scandia Lutheran Church.

“Community tradition and cooperation are important, no matter where you are from,” said Hoppins. “I think you should be very proud of what you have accomplished here.”

Hoppins is thrilled the contest is touching the lives of people in communities around the province. “Get ’n’ Give is bringing communities across Alberta together,” he said. “These communities built Alberta and UFA was there for part of that. We want to continue that relationship.”

Kitchen added “Congratulations and I hope you enjoy the facility when it is cold out next winter.”

Terri Lyseng, a representative from the winning Armena community was moved to tears when she heard the news. “Winning the $50,000 means growth for our community,” said Lyseng.

“It will allow us to finish the shack and begin holding our community events there.”

Crystal Mulvey, one of three judges from the community of Cassils, was impressed with Armena’s entry. “The application was very catchy,” said Mulvey.

“They are a small community that showed a lot of community spirit and the project will be very worthwhile to keeping the community alive.“

Murray Green, Camrose Booster

UFA chair Kevin Hoppins, left, and UFA president Carol Kitchen present Marie-Paule Traa with children Eli and Rose, and Hans Olson of the Armena Athletic Association $50,000 to assist with the community project. Below, Shari Lange, left, Angie Selin and Dave Stollery announce Rich Lake as the next winner in the UFA Get ‘n’ Give contest.

The Get ‘n’ Give contest invites rural communities to profile local projects that will make a major impact in their area. Community groups send in innovative pitches, including locally made videos that convey the heart of their projects. Winning community projects are chosen by the previous winner in a pay-itforward style. During the second edition of the Get ‘n’ Give initiative, five winning projects will get an equal share of the $250,000 that will be invested in communities.

In a closed-room judging session on April 27, representatives from Armena selected Rich Lake Recreation and Ag

Society as the next community to be awarded a $50,000 prize from UFA. “We selected Rich Lake because they are a community like Armena and they needed help after an unfortunate accident,” said Shari Lange, on behalf of the Armena Athletic Association.

The Rich Lake Community Hall, located 50 km from the nearest urban center, was built in 1967 by local farmers and ranchers who felt the community needed a gathering place in the heart of the Lakeland. The community consists of a general store, a museum (operated by Rich Lake Rec and Ag Soci-

ety) and a community centre.

This community centre and the agriculture grounds have been the core of the community and is the heart of its members.

In February 2013, Rich Lake faced a huge setback; a deteriorating water line burst, causing a flood within the community hall. During the assessment of the damage, more complications arose, including extreme mold conditions, foundation cracks and uneven building settlement. These concerns resulted in unsafe conditions as determined by a local public health inspector,

resulting in the closure of the facility.

A team of about 15 volunteers came together determined to provide a gathering place for the community, especially for seniors and youth.

Rich Lake will use the $50,000 to assist in the completion of the interior of this facility. The funds will move them one step further along in opening a new facility, thanks to Armena.

For more information on Armena’s centennial celebration on July 11, contact Karen Hansen at kahansen@telus. net or 780 672-4643.

County taxes up two per cent for average ratepayers

By Murray Green

The average ratepayer living in Camrose County can expect to pay about $16 more in taxes this year.

Although the two per cent increase is minimum, the County wanted to balance the books while keeping up the services for ratepayers.

At the regular council meeting of April 14, administrator Paul King presented the final operating and capital budgets for council’s approval. The final operat-

ing budget shows expenses of $23,091,694, offset by operating revenue of $11,877,184.

On the capital side, total expenditures for 2015 are budgeted at $9,146,211, offset by grants, debentures and reserves totalling $7,464,368. The total funds to be generated by taxes are $12,896,353. This includes $4,635,589 payable to the Alberta School Foundation Fund (ASFF), which is a two per cent increase from 2014.

Council approved the 2015 budget and tax rate bylaw.

Over the past year, non-residential linear, nonresidential railway and residential assessments showed signs of growth in the County. Farmland and machinery and equipment sectors had decreases. The decrease in farmland assessments is largely due to acreages being subdivided from farmland.

An average country residential property in Camrose County is assessed at $280,000 and the corresponding taxes for 2014 will be about $1,502. This would

include a municipal portion of nearly $830 and a school fund portion of around $672.

Councillor Trevor Miller moved that the 2015 final operating budget be adopted. That includes total operating revenues of $11,877,184; total operating expenses $23,091,694 and a total tax levy (operating) of $11,214,510.

Miller also moved that the 2015 final capital budget be adopted with a total capital and project expenses of $9,146,211 to be funded

by internal revenues (own sources – grants, debentures or reserves) of $7,464,368 and a total tax levy (capital and projects) of $1,681,843.

Administration has reviewed the budget numbers for 2015 and the revenues required are sufficient to pay expenditures and transfers set out in the budget of the municipality and any requisitions of that municipality, and has set the property tax rates in order to meet those defined revenues.

The COUNTRY BOOSTER, May 5, 2015 – Page 3

Social media helps From Agri-News

Thanks to the power of smartphones, people have begun to use the power of social media and the internet to research products they want to buy, services they may need or the entertainment they choose to enjoy.

“Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn are all social media platforms, designed for communicating with others,” says Elaine Stenbraaten, new venture specialist, Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development, Fairview. “Some of these platforms are good for networking with your friends, colleagues and customers and others are great for communicating in business. Facebook is one of the most commonly used social media platforms. It’s an excellent tool for networking and communicating with your customers and can be a great way to communicate your brand.”

Given this, said Stenbraaten, having an effective online presence is more important than ever.

“A good website is an absolute must this day in age, both from the perspective of being searchable in the world wide web and for connecting to your clients. As Megan Madden, president of Southpaw Communications, is fond of saying, ‘If your website is not up to date, people assume you are out of business.’ While your website doesn’t have to be flashy or change constantly, it is about engagement and should direct people back to the method of engagement that you want to use, whether that is social media, in person or even the plain old telephone.”

If you’re new to using online marketing and social media take small steps, explains Stenbraaten. “Start simple and set up a Facebook page for your business. Facebook can be a great place to connect with your customers and let them know about your business. While not typically a ‘selling’ website, its purpose it to ultimately keep you top of mind with your customer and let them know more about you and your business.

The biggest thing to remember about social media and Internet marketing is just to start, said Stenbraaten. “By ensuring that your business is branded and that you know who your client is, you can target your online campaign for maximum efficiency. Not only will you see your customer engagement grow but your return on investment will be well rewarded in the long run.”

To find more information, go to the Explore Local website to watch recorded webinars on social media.

Camrose

A great place to raise your family

Education:

From pre-school to post-secondary, Camrose provides educational opportunities to all of its citizens, no matter their age.

Sports and Recreation:

From the urban park trail system to the Camrose recreation centre, Camrose offers an array of choices in sports and leisure activities.

Arts and Culture: From the local arts groups to the Jeanne & Peter Lougheed Performing Arts Centre, to the Bailey Theatre, Camrose supports and encourages the expression of your creativity.

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From health care to the oil patch, Camrose acts as a regional centre that continues to flourish as the hub of east central Alberta.

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Murray Green, Camrose Booster Camrose County councillors presented $77,500 from the County Legacy Grant Program to Bashaw and District Support Services (BDSS) to help with the expansion of a new school gymnasium. From left to right, coun. Trevor Miller, coun. Doug Lyseng, coun. Ken Krause, BDSS committee member Bryan Gust, BDSS director Christian Buelow, committee member Terri Brown-Gust, coun. Brian Willoughby, coun. Greg Gillespie and coun. Jack Lyle.

The COUNTRY BOOSTER, May 5, 2015 – Page 4

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FOR SALE BY TENDER FARMLAND – BEAVER COUNTY MAYNARD OLSON hereby offers the following lands for sale by tender, subject to existing reservations on title: NE 30-49-16-W4 containing 64.7 hectares (160 acres) more or less excepting thereout: a) all that portion taken for right of way of the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway, as shown on Railway Plan G.T.P. 2, containing 1.30 hectares (3.22 acres) more or less b) Plan 1420388 (road) containing 2.439 hectares (6.03 acres) more or less, excepting thereout all mines and minerals.

The highest or any tender may not necessarily be accepted.

All tenders must be in writing and include a deposit of 5% of the tender offer and received before 12 noon, May 15, 2015 in a sealed envelope marked Olson Tender at the office of: KNAUT JOHNSON FRANCOEUR BARRISTERS & SOLICITORS 4925-51 STREET CAMROSE, ALBERTA T4V 1S4 ATTENTION: JEFFREY W.H. SPADY PHONE 780-672-5561 The successful tenderer must complete the purchase and pay the balance of the adjusted purchase price on or before June 30, 2015 (closing date) or the deposit will be forfeited.

Tenant on the farmland for 2015 growing season. Remaining rent payable to successful tenderer.

Property is fenced with 55 arable acres and the balance in native pasture with three dugouts. Electricity on site with a 40’x60’ machine shop. Edmonton water line, gas and phone lines all very close to the property.

The COUNTRY BOOSTER, May 5, 2015 – Page 5

Moisture update From Agri-News

Warmer weather has seen an early start to spring this year, with winter snows retreating from most of the agricultural areas of the province. Over the past 30 days, precipitation accumulations have been highly variable, ranging from less than five mm throughout much of central Alberta to well over 50 mm across parts of the southern Peace Region.

“Early spring soil moisture reserves are highly variable through the province, with most areas south of Red Deer and the Peace Region, estimated to be near normal to above normal,’ said Ralph Wright, manager, agro-meteorological applications and modelling section, Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development, Edmonton.

“However, relatively dry areas are emerging through large parts of the Northern Region and through most of the northern parts of the Peace Region.

“At this time of year, dry areas still have ample time to receive adequate moisture ahead of germination and wet areas have time to dry, providing the weather cooperates.”

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RELENTLESS ON WEEDS. SAFE ON WHEAT. FLUSH AFTER FLUSH™ CONTROL. With EVEREST® 2.0, no grower has to sacrifice yield or crop safety in order to control weeds in wheat. EVEREST 2.0 Herbicide, the new standard for grass control in wheat, has advanced safener technology built in to provide peace of mind while delivering long-lasting control of green foxtail, wild oats and key broadleaf weeds.

FLUSH AFTER FLUSH™ CONTROL LEADS TO BETTER YIELDS In University of Saskatchewan field trials, researchers found that regardless of conditions, EVEREST 2.0 delivered Flush after flush™ control of wild oats and green foxtail with no risk of injury symptoms. The crop was able to grow without adverse effects, thanks to the super selectivity of EVEREST 2.0 on all varieties of spring and durum wheat.

“We like that EVEREST 2.0 gives customers a wide application window that lets you spray at your earliest convenience, regardless of weather conditions,” says Brent McIndoe of Andrukow Group Solutions Inc. “Spraying early provides the best weed control, and with EVEREST 2.0, young wheat has the best chance to become

established and reach its top potential yield. And at the same time, if the rains come and the crop advances, EVEREST 2.0 is still safe to apply.”

BEST-IN-CLASS CONTROL OF GROUP 1 RESISTANT GRASSY WEEDS More and more, spring wheat growers in Western Canada are plagued with Group 1 resistant grassy weeds. As a Group 2 herbicide, EVEREST 2.0 is the best option for growers struggling with Group 1 resistance. It is the only group 2 herbicide that provides Flush after flush control with unsurpassed crop safety.

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SUPERIOR FORMULATION AND CONVENIENCE “EVEREST 2.0 is an advanced, highly concentrated liquid formulation,” says Trent McCrea, Arysta LifeScience Marketing Manager, Herbicides.

“It’s a user-friendly, no-hassle product that wheat growers can rely on, with exceptional convenience and flexibility.” One 2-litre bottle will treat 80 - 100 acres for wild oats and green foxtail. In addition, the high-quality liquid formula with safener technology makes it compatible with multiple tank-mix partners.

Always read and follow label directions. EVEREST and the EVEREST 2.0 logo are registered trademarks of Arysta LifeScience North America, LLC. “Flush after flush” is a trademark of Arysta LifeScience North America, LLC. Arysta LifeScience and the Arysta LifeScience logo are registered trademarks of Arysta LifeScience Corporation. ©2015 Arysta LifeScience North America, LLC. ESTC-298

The COUNTRY BOOSTER, May 5, 2015 – Page 6

Trespassers causing damage to fields

By Murray Green

Camrose County Protective Services officers receive increasingly numerous calls of trespassing and damage to property every year.

Mud bogging, quads and moto-cross vehicles cause severe damage to land every year.

“It is very frustrating as law enforcement officers that we are not able to catch these perpetrators more often. It has been my experience that the trespassing vehicles law enforcement are able to charge are often the ones that actually get stuck in the fields they are trespassing and mud bogging in,” said Sgt. Mike Kuzio, protective services manager. “If anyone ever observes this illegal activity occurring, they should do their best to get a licence plate number. Once law enforcement has this information there are many possibilities officers now have regarding laying charges, or seeking restitution for property damage.”

If the trespassers are found committing the offence they receive a summons with the specified penalty of $287.

“However, if there is extensive damage to a property there are other avenues law enforcement officers can take to seek restitution,” added Sgt. Kuzio.

Mud bogging on private land is not only trespassing, but it is vandalism. It is very expensive for a landowner to repair the damage mud bogging and ruts cause.

Any person who, without the permission of the owner or occupier of land, enters on land when entry is prohibited, or does not leave

Ruts like the ones left in this field add extra work for landowners as they prepare for seeding season in the county.

land immediately after he or she is directed to do so by the owner or occupier of the land or a person authorized by the owner or occupier, is guilty of an offence.

A person who is guilty of an offence, whether or not any damage is caused by the contravention, is liable for a first offence, to a fine not exceeding $2,000 and for a second or subsequent offence in relation to the same land, to a fine not exceeding $5,000.

“Law enforcement can compel an accused to court for first or second time offences to stand before the courts and the judge can lay a fine as high as $2,000 for a first time offence, or $5,000 for a second time offence if the offence occur on the same property.

Understanding past complaints regarding trespassers tearing up field, many

times it will be at the discretion of the land owner to determine if they would like restitution,” explained Kuzio.

“However, compelling an accused to court for a first offence for trespassing is not common practice. A person charged with a second or subsequent offence with respect to the same land is required to appear before a justice without the alternative of making a voluntary payment (automatic court appearance).

“Another option if the perpetrators were caught in the act, we would be able to lay a criminal code charge of Mischief to Property,” said Sgt. Kuzio. “After this charge is laid the landowner can then advise law enforcement the cost of the damage and officers would then create a Restitution Request, which will be giv-

Mud bogging holes leave damage to fields and can spread diseases such as clubroot if vehicles venture across fields.

en to the crown prosecutor, who would then bring that information in front of a judge for his/her discretion.”

Besides rut and crop damage there are a few other levels of damage that most people don’t realize.

Ruts compact the soil and when ruts are left the water will not drain away properly and plant roots cannot penetrate the rut thereby cutting yields for producers.

Many farmers no longer work the land prior to seeding because it conserves moisture, and costs a lot for tillage. But, you cannot direct seed a field that is rutted because the field is too rough to travel across with a drill, a sprayer, or other equipment. Most ruts are deeper than the depth of seeding, so no seed is planted in every rut. Every time a drill tire hits a rut the

seed depth across the entire drill changes. All of these factors add costs to farmers and yields are reduced.

Clubroot is a very serious canola disease in Camrose County. It can seriously hurt yields and in severe cases a farmer may have to wait years between canola crops. Clubroot is a soil borne disease and is easily transmitted between fields on tires, vehicles and on soil, or mud that sticks on vehicles.

“Biosecurity for crop and oilseed producers is a very important part of their management plans,” said Mark Millang, County agricultural services manger. “Many off-roaders are unaware of the risks soil borne pathogens like clubroot cause landowners.

Plant pests including diseases, insects, nematodes, bacteria, fungi, viruses and weeds can be easily spread through the movement of soil and plant material.”

If you drive across a field that has the disease, you will transmit that disease to every other field you drive across until all the mud, soil and disease spores are cleaned off the vehicle.

Ruts that are left by driving on back country roads destroys the road.

The ruts you leave cannot be fixed with a grader pass.

And you hurt the landowners who need to roads to access fields and bins.

Rural crime watch programs can assist with seeking trespassing. Landowners need the public’s help to stop the damage caused every spring.

Mud bogging is vandalism and theft. Report crimes to Camrose County at 780-672-4449.

Deep holes left on gravel roads are not easily fixed by just grading. The roads often remain in poor condition until they can be rebuilt.

The COUNTRY BOOSTER, May 5, 2015 – Page 7

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Murray Green, Camrose Booster Camrose County councillors presented $75,000 from the County Legacy Grant Program to the Bawlf Educational Support Team (BEST) to provide outdoor equipment and digital technology at the new Bawlf School. From left to right, coun. Trevor Miller, coun. Doug Lyseng, coun. Ken Krause, BEST director Crystal Kelland, Bawlf School council chair Gail Flemming, coun. Jack Lyle, coun. Greg Gillespie and coun. Brian Willoughby. In front, twins William and Claude Kellend.

Average farmland values continue to climb in Canada From Agri-News

Average farmland val-

ues in Canada continued to rise in 2014, but the climb wasn’t as steep as the previous year both nationally and in many key agriculture regions, according

to the latest Farm Credit Canada Farmland Values Report.

Alberta farmland values increased an average of 8.8 per cent in 2014, following gains of 12.9 per

cent in 2013 and 13.3 per cent in 2012. Values in the province have continued to climb since 1993.

The Edmonton area saw moderate growth with most demand coming from

competition for available grain land. This was also experienced in areas with poorer soil quality due to increased demand from the beef sector.

Strong beef prices have

increased the demand for pasture in the more traditional beef areas throughout the province. This was especially prevalent in the central to northern east portions of the province.

The COUNTRY BOOSTER, May 5, 2015 – Page 8

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Armed bandits hit Bashaw Two male suspects entered Bashaw Foods Liquor Town store and held the employees at gunpoint on April 21.

The employees working at the time of the offence were bear sprayed, held at gunpoint and assaulted with an ice chipper located in the store.

Bashaw RCMP responded at 5:42 p.m. to the robbery, but the suspects fled the scene with an undetermined amount of cash in a white 4x4 truck parked near the intersection of 51 Avenue and 50 Street.

A similar offence occurred down the road in Donalda at 6:08 p.m. on the same date.

Bashaw RCMP and Stettler RCMP responded to an armed robbery at Dino’s Bar and Grill located at 5020 on Main Street in Donalda.

The employees working at the time of the offence were held at gunpoint by two males.

A VLT and an undetermined amount of cash were taken from the location by the suspects and they could be heard leaving the location in a truck parked behind the bar.

Bashaw Victim Services is providing assistance to the employees and owners of Bashaw Foods Liquor Town and Dino’s Bar and Grill.

Bashaw RCMP is continuing their investigation.

If anyone has more information on the crimes contact the Bashaw RCMP at 780-3723793.

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2

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Falun - 9 km

Wetaskiwin 20 km

Kitchen - appliance included

Directions From Leduc, AB go south on Hwy 2 to Hwy 13 west, then 2.4 km (1.5 miles) west to Range Rd 262, then 0.4 km (1/4 mile) north. Property is on the west side of the road.

Open House Dates:

May 9 & May 23 – 2 to 4pm For more information, contact:

Horse barn

15 box stalls

Visit our website for auction and property details:

rbauction.com/realestate

NEW LISTING – Quarter of pasture 15 minutes east of Camrose with conservation easement agreement. This property is a great place to build your dream home with land rental income. $239,000. S-74.

4 ACRES BARE LAND A ND IN NEW LISTING – 11 quarters of DAYSLAND Great place SL SLAND LAND L AN D E– R GE reat t U plaCeEtooD build b D C I IC PR home PR your dream hhome. Close Cl to golf course and Grainland south of High Prairie, AB with 1,100 acres cultivated and more could be school. Asking $150,000. S-45 cleared. 1,850 sq. ft. modular home. Great 1/2 SECTION MIXED FARM – with beautiful 2-level home just north of Hwy 16 farm or investment opportunity. S-76. at Mackay, Alberta. $795,000. S-48 NEW LISTING – 120 +/- acres pasture NEW LISTING - DeGraffs RV Resort land with bungalow home, large heated on Gull Lake. Immaculate one-year-old shop and corral system. Ideally located park model trailer with deck and garden north of Camrose near Miquelon Lake. shed. $180,000. S-75 $640,000. S-78 QUARTER OF FARMLAND – with NEW LISTING – High Prairie pasture bungalow home overlooking Tillicum land, six quarters deeded and four quarters Beach south of Camrose with awesome views and potential for development. S-61 government lease. $850,000. S-79.

2 QUARTERS – of bare land for grain NEW LISTING – 10+/- acres on the or pasture. North of Killam. $625,000. S-51 south side of Daysland, suitable for acreage or highway frontage business. $150,000.

GRAINLAND – with AN AND ND QUARTER QU Q QUARTE UARTER UA RTD E ER! west R $3,600 surface revenue, of S-81. face aceElease lDUC revenu revenue Viking. $275,000. S-63.

4 ACRES IN DAYSLAND – with QUARTER OF RECREATIONAL 1400+/- sq. ft. bungalow home with newly LAND – in Smoky Lake County with renovated basement, large attached garage year-round off-grid cabin. $525,000. S-64. and heated insulated shop. $525,000. S-44

If you are thinking of selling your farm or acreage, please give us a call. All replies treated in strictest confidence.

Gordie Fischer

Joyce Prescott - Owner: 780.352.1495 Jerry Hodge - Ritchie Bros. Real Estate 780.706.6652 | jhodge@rbauction.com Broker: Muller Realty Inc.

780·754·3864 email: gordie@linview.ca

George Singer

www.linview.ca 1.888.546.3070

780·608·6555 email: george@linview.ca

The COUNTRY BOOSTER, May 5, 2015 – Page 9

RCMP Report April 22

The detachment received a call advising someone was burning bush in extremely windy conditions. The County of Camrose was contacted and attended.

A call was received about a suspicious vehicle in front of the Kingman Post Office. A member attended and found the vehicle to be the black 2009 Dodge Hemmi that was stolen out of Bawlf on April 19.

A gentleman attended the front counter to report an abandoned trailer in the area of Range Road 200 and Township Road 474.

An RCMP officer made a patrol and found the trailer.

An investigation revealed it had been reported stolen from Fort Saskatchewan last October. The registered owner was contacted and the trailer has been returned.

April 23

A vehicle was reported stolen out of the Kingman area. The vehicle was described as a silver 2000 Ford F350, four door crew cab. This vehicle was recovered later in the day by Strathcona County RCMP. A second vehicle was reported stolen, this time out of the Hay Lakes area.

The complainant reported coming home to find his house broken into with multiple items stolen, along with his black 2009 Ford F350 and 2012 red Razor Polaris ATV. The truck was seen being used in a “gas and dash” in Strathcona County later in the day.

This matter is still under investigation RCMP received a call regarding some keys that were found East of the Kingman Post Office. With the recent number of stolen vehicles in the area, the caller was concerned the keys may belong to one of them. A member attended the scene and discovered that the keys did in fact belong to the 2009 Dodge Hemmi, stolen from Bawlf, that had been found at the Post Office the previous day.

April 24

An RCMP member attended a collision between a school bus and vehicle towing a swather on Highway 834. All students were removed from the bus safely and without injury. This matter is still under investigation.

Police also attended a single vehicle accident on Highway 26 near Range Road 174 where a mini van drove off the road into the ditch. With the strong wind and a passing semi, the driver got frightened and drove off the road. The driver was unharmed and

Over 2,000 expected for MOTHER’S DAY at the Norsemen Inn Buffets served 11 am to 2 pm and 4:30 to 8:30 pm

T

he region’s most popular Mother’s Day destination, by a country mile, is the Norsemen Inn. “The number of people we serve keeps growing and growing year after year,” says Sean Willms, the hotel’s owner. “Last year we cracked 1,800 and this year we hope to reach 2,000, which is amazi amazing when you think abou about how we are able to pro provide an enjoyable, ef fficient, delicious effi ex xperienc to so many experience pe eople in such a short people tim me frame time frame.”

Wh Why do so many peopl people come to the Nor Norsemen Inn for the two Mother’s Da Day buffets?

It’s because they kno know the food wil will be good and plen plentiful and any size oof group will be able to step up to the abundant buffet table with very little wa waiting time.

People can enjoy their favorite salads, hot vegetables, so soups and meats.

Th h ki d off meats; llast year iit was roast beef, There are three kinds herb roasted pork loin and teriyaki chicken. The buffet also includes a dessert wagon overflowing with a score of favorites such as parfaits, cheesecakes and Nanaimo bars.

“We see the same people every year for Mother’s Day and they have big smiles on their faces because they know they’re going to have a great experience here,” says Sean.

Best of all you don’t need a reservation unless We you want to make one. “We encourage walk-ins with no Our experienced limitations,” says Sean. “Our i thi team of cooks and servers hhave bbeen ddoing this ffor a llong time. We truly enjoy our work and serving as many people as possible.”

As the cherry on the cake, every men mom who comes to the Norsemen on Mother’s Day will receive a free chocolate bar because the Norsemen wants to say thank you in a sweet kind of way. s, So gather up the youngsters, ces bring the grandparents, the nieces and nephews and brothers and sisters, ause at bring as many as you like, because y, the Norsemen Inn they’re ready, nd able to give you a willing and xperience like dining experience no other in central Alberta.

We hope to see you on Mother’s Day! Phone 780.672.9171 • www.norsemeninn.com

the vehicle undamaged.

Police stayed on scene until a tow truck arrived and pulled the vehicle out of the ditch. The driver was able to safely proceed home.

April 25

While on routine patrol, a member was approached by an individual who had a purse from a lady who left it in a shopping cart. The individual tried to gain the lady’s attention before she left the parking lot, but was unable to. The individual was contacted and the purse safely returned.

For the week of April 20 to 27, RCMP members also attended to three 911hang up calls, and five false alarms.

CLYDE AUCTIONEERING

Ag and Construction Equipment Sale

May 9, 10:00 a.m.

Pat 780-206-0193 / Ralph 780-206-7730 Wetaskiwin Ag Society Grounds – 3 km east on Highway 13 We are booking consignments now! Equipment may be delivered from Monday, May 2nd to May 8th.

Please telephone either Pat Patterson or Ralph Kellert to consign and confirm your time of arrival.

A listing and photos will be posted on our website soon.

The COUNTRY BOOSTER, May 5, 2015 – Page 10

Open House held at Camrose Colony School

By Dan Jensen

Camrose Colony held an open house at its first fully dedicated school building April 24.

The school was completed at the beginning of March. “I think it is going to create a different kind of learning environment and have a positive effect on the students,” said Camrose Colony German teacher Paul Tschetter. “The kids are pretty excited about being here.”

Camrose Colony students had been receiving their instruction in the church next to the school since the Colony opened in 1948.

“We had the desks in the front and the pews at the back,” explained school principal and Battle River School Division employee Sandra Fowler. “It was a little awkward because everything had to be stowed away in a separate room at the end of the day.

This new school is nice and bright and everything is accessible.”

The school has 24 students from Grades 1 to 8 who are taught the Alberta curriculum.

“The students start Grade 1 at age of six like they do at other BRSD schools and end on their 15th birthday,” said Fowler. “After they leave they apprentice under someone in the colony to learn a job.”

Educational assistant Stephanie Thiessen works mainly with the six-yearolds. “They are all eager to learn and the parents are appreciative of the work we do with them,” said Thiessen. “The thing I like most about working here is teaching the young ones to read. They come into the school not speaking Eng-

Camrose Colony school principal Sandra Fowler.

Camrose Colony educational assistant Stephanie Thiessen.

lish and at the end of Grade 1 they are reading.”

Battle River School Division supplies the instructors for the school, as well as all the desks, books and teaching materi-

als. Camrose Colony provides the building, as well as the teacher for the German classes, which are held before regular school starts at 7:30 a.m. and again after school ends at 4 p.m.

“We teach high German, but we speak low German (an Austrian German) amongst ourselves,” said Tschetter.

The mission of the Camrose Colony school is

to provide students with the opportunity to gain the necessary skills, knowledge and attitude they will need in order to become responsible, productive citizens in a changing and dynamic colony and larger community. Camrose Colony is a growing farming community with approximately 125 members and is located 10 km north of Camrose on Highway 833.

Ten colonies Battle River School Division has 10 Hutterite colonies, each with its own school for children aged six to 15.

Schools that have special needs students have additional aide time. All schools follow the Alberta Program of Studies and the children write provincial achievement tests.

School on a colony is reminiscent of the oneroom schools of pioneer days. Children of all ages play together and older children help the younger ones. Since teacher time must be rationed, the students become very independent. There is also lots of fun. All the holidays are celebrated.

Hutterite colonies build and maintain their own schools in order to keep their children on the colony and minimize outside influence. In keeping with their beliefs, very little technical equipment is used at school.

Hutterites believe that all of life belongs under the lordship of Jesus. Along with beliefs in non violence and baptism following confession of faith, the economic practice of sharing goods in intentional community stems from this principle.

All of Hutterites experience is fashioned in the context of this shared life.

Straight forward approaches to canola planting From Agri-News

Seven to 10 plants per square foot emerged uniformly. That’s the target.

That’s the ultimate goal with canola stand establishment.

“A simple straightforward approach is to stick with the common seeding rate of 5 lb./ac. That rate often produces enough plants per square foot to maintain yield potential and is easy to remember,” said Justine Cornelsen, agronomy specialist with the Canola Council of Canada. “Trimming rates below that standard tends to miss the target plant stand — and thin stands mean lower profits.”

Various profit-reducing factors result from a thin stand. First, stands

of fewer than five plants per square foot have lower yield potential. Hybrid canola studies show that stands of three plants per square foot yield around 80 percent of stands with five or more plants per square foot. “Shaving the seeding rate from 5 lb./ac. to 3 lb./ ac. may save $20 per acre, but if yield drops by 20 percent — say to 32 bu./ ac. from 40 — that chops revenue per acre by $80,” Cornelsen said. Targeting seven to 10 per square foot allows for some plant loss during the season so harvest counts remain at or above this critical five-persquare-foot threshold.

Second, thin stands tend to mature later. Each plant in a thin stand will have more branches, which

means seed maturity on later branches will be well behind the main stem.

“Harvest timing for this crop is much more difficult, and growers will have to decide between letting the side branches mature long enough to produce viable seed or cutting on the early side to limit shelling losses on the main stem,” Cornelsen said. “And because a thinner stand takes longer to mature, this also increases the risk for frost and green seed.”

It only takes two percent green seed to drop to a No. 2 grade, which usually has a discount of at least $10 per tonne. At 40 bu./ac., that’s $10 — often more — per acre.

Thin stands tend

to require more inputs to keep those few plants alive and competitive. The flea beetle threshold, for example, is based on leaf area loss but with a consideration for plant counts.

With seven to 10 plants per square foot, growers can afford to lose one or two to flea beetle damage and still be at or above five per square foot.

“With a thin stand, canola is more likely to need protection from flea beetles, cutworms or whatever else comes along,” Cornelsen said. “The cushion that a healthy stand provides just isn’t there.”

Typical cost for an earlyseason insecticide spray is $5 per acre plus application cost.

With fewer plants,

the canopy takes longer to fill and can’t compete strongly with later weed flushes. This may increase the need for a second incrop herbicide application.

Product, application and time required for that second in-crop application will be $8 to $20 per acre.

Thin stands can also make the sclerotinia stem rot spray decision more difficult. Large leafy plants with many branches are still at risk from sclerotinia stem rot. More branches mean a longer flowering period, which may increase the need for a split fungicide application to keep the crop protected. Complete cost of a fungicide application is $25 to $30 per acre, or double for a split application.

The COUNTRY BOOSTER, May 5, 2015 – Page 11

Celebrating two lifetimes of building community

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Terry and Donna Howe are being recognized by the Battle River Community Foundation as community builders.

Both Terry and Donna Howe grew up in families which taught them the value of being involved with the communities where you live and work. “My parents did exactly that,� said Terry, who was born and raised in Castor, where he still lives. “They thought it was important to be active and support the town. I guess you could say that I learned it from them.�

Donna, who was raised in Halkirk and went to school in Castor, says she and Terry, her husband of 39 years, are pleased to follow in the footsteps of their families. “We live here too,� she says, “and we want to help.�

Terry and Donna Howe are being recognized by the Battle River Community Foundation as “community builders� – people who dedicate their time and energy to helping local communities thrive. The couple will be the guests of honour at a tribute evening taking place in Alliance on Friday, May 29. All proceeds from the dinner will be used to start the Terry and Donna Howe fund, which will support projects in the Alliance / Castor area.

Terry and Donna, both of whom are celebrating their 60th birthday this spring, have truly spent their adult lifetime giving back to their local communities. Terry recently retired after 35 years as manager of the Alliance Seed Plant and Donna has been a lab and x-ray tech at Our Lady of the Rosary Hospital in Castor since 1977.

Terry helped the seed

plant grow from a 200,000 bushel operation to a thriving business processing an average of 800,000 bushels a year. He was also instrumental in the development of a business hub around the plant which includes the sale of feed and vet supplies. “People can come into town and make one stop to get everything they need,� he says.

Terry played a role in supporting the Battle River Railway. He also served 10 years on the provincial seed plant board, and was president of the Managers’ Association for three years.

Donna has served on a wide range of committees through the Castor hospital as well.

In addition to their busy work lives and having a farm to run, the couple raised three daughters and at different times also welcomed exchange student “daughters� to their family, who were of Japanese, Brazilian and Danish descent.

Now they are delighted to have expanded the family to include two granddaughters. “A lot of what we were involved with over the years was because of our kids,� says Donna. “Terry was a 4-H leader and I was active in Sunday School and helped manage the girls’ hockey and baseball teams. Now that the girls are grown we’ve slowed down a bit, but we still do like to help.�

That “help� has included Terry serving on the fundraising committee for construction of a new community hall in Castor

and both partners being active members of the Alliance Legion. Terry is an active curler. Donna also volunteers with the MS Bike Tour to raise funds in support of a cure for the disease she has lived with since 2003.

The couple is a bit overwhelmed at the idea of being put in the spotlight. “I hope people show up,�

Donna laughs.

But they are very pleased to be able to raise dollars to support projects in the area where they live. “It’s good to have this community,� Terry explains. “I believe that you have to support home or home won’t be there. It’s great to support a group that will help the donations grow and give the money back to local projects.�

Donna adds that one of the things that made them agree to be part of this Battle River Community Foundation event and start a fund to benefit the local area is that they will actually be able to see the results. “We always donate, but when you send your money far away you may never get to see the good that it does. With this it’s more personal – we will know that it’s benefitting our own community. And it will be there forever, so many generations could benefit.�

Tickets for the Community Builders Tribute Night honouring Terry and Donna are available through the following people: Judy Larson, 780-385-3568; Velma, 780-385-4126; or Peter 780-879-2248. Get yours today.

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The COUNTRY BOOSTER, May 5, 2015 – Page 12

WAS WINTER hard on your

FLAG? We stock Province of Alberta and Canada flags, in a complete range of sizes.

The Smith Clinic has Family Physicians accepting new patients The Smith Clinic is a multi-disciplinary clinic located in Camrose.

Currently, we have three family physicians accepting new patients.

Patients must be currently without a family physician in Camrose.

New Maternities are also accepted. For further information, please call our general information line (780)672.2425. We are pleased to assist you with your family practice needs.

Other provinces and country flags available from us as well.

We offer long-lasting, non-fading, high-quality flags. Our line meets and exceeds government durability specifications.

We also sell flag poles!

Heidi Marcin Clinic Manager Smith Clinic, Camrose 780-672-3142 4925-48 Street, Camrose, AB T4V 1L7

Beginning May 10th the City Centre Walk-in Clinic will be OPEN SUNDAYS 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Affordable websites BRCF presents grant to Forestburg School for small business – created locally

- better b copy writing - easier to navigate - sharper pictures - more information - generally more exciting Battle River Community Foundation director Judy Larson presented a cheque for $1,000 to Forestburg School principal Brock Bartlett.

The Battle River Community Foundation has granted $1,000 to the Forestburg School.

The grant is the first to be awarded from income earned by the Forestburg School Enhanced Learning Fund established in 2012 from the Estate of Jim Lorrain. The fund provides income to the school to support learning opportunities beyond those funded by the

Battle River School Division.

The Battle River Community Foundation exists to support projects in East Central Alberta which benefit communities and have a positive impact on the future.

Grants from the Battle River Community Foundation are primarily made possible through the generosity of individual donors and organizations that have created

endowment funds. The principal of these endowment funds is kept intact and the income is made available annually to support local projects and organizations in accordance with the wishes of the donors.

Since it was founded in 1995 the Battle River Community Foundation has granted over $ 2 , 9 0 0,0 0 0 t o supp or t c om mu n it y pr og r a m s a nd pr oje c t s t h r ou g hout t he r e g ion.

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The COUNTRY BOOSTER, May 5, 2015 – Page 13

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Rail lines upgraded From Agri-News The Canadian National Railway Company (CN) has announced a multi-year program to invest approximately $500 million in infrastructure improvements to its Western Canada feeder rail lines in Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan. The company does not mention grain in its news release, but says the upgrades will occur on lines “handling rising volumes of industrial products, natural resources and energy-related commodities.”

In 2015, CN will allocate approximately $100 million for work on northern Alberta branch lines, investing in infrastructure upgrades and safety improvements, including heavier rail, crushed rock ballast and new ties, to ensure the network can efficiently accommodate future freight volume growth in the Peace River region.

Claude Mongeau, president and chief executive officer, said: “CN is building for the future with large capital investments in long-term safety and capacity improvements to ensure it continues to play its role as a true backbone of the economy.

“CN sees significant long-term potential in its customer base located on its Western Canada feeder network. We want to provide our customers with the capacity for continued efficient freight transportation services that increase their competitiveness in North American and global markets, as well as ensure our rail infrastructure is as safe as possible.”

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By CAMROSE BOOSTER LTD. Blain Fowler, Publisher Circulation 12,610 copies Providing coverage to the communities of Camrose (RRs and Boxes only), Ohaton, Edberg, Meeting Creek, Donalda, Bawlf, Kelsey, Rosalind, Daysland, Heisler, Strome, Forestburg, Galahad, Castor (farms), Killam, Sedgewick, Lougheed, Coronation/Brownfield, Alliance, Hardisty, Amisk, Hughenden, Czar, Metiskow, Cadogan, Provost (farms), Armena, Hay Lakes, New Sarepta, Round Hill, Kingman, Tofield, Ryley, Holden, Bruce, Viking, Kinsella, Irma, Wainwright (farms and lock boxes), New Norway, Ferintosh, Bashaw, Bittern Lake, Gwynne, Stettler (farms).

Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

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The COUNTRY BOOSTER, May 5, 2015 – Page 14

Candid modern farmers From Agri-News

Farming Smarter has released the third installment in its trio of stewardship videos.

Entitled Candid Modern Farmers, it joins the previously released Farming in the Wild and Not Grandpa’s Farm.

What does sustainability mean to an Alberta farmer? It means a prosperous and healthy livelihood for future generations. This is no small thing. It means protecting natural resources through intelligent farm practices that recognize renewable is only true if you make it so. In Candid Modern Farmers, Alberta farmers discuss their love the land and how they consider themselves stewards on behalf of all Albertans.

All three videos are available for viewing from the Farming Smarter web page.

SHELL ROTELLA ROAD SHOW

Murray Green, Camrose Booster Camrose UFA Petroleum agent Trevor Sharek and nine-year-old Devin Degenstein of Gwynne had hands-on experience of the Shell Rotella Road Show through the interactive displays and learned about the advancements in lubricant protection on Saturday, April 18. Sharek and his staff also served a barbecue lunch for his customers.

Mayor writes letter of support for biosphere reserve

By Dan Jensen

Camrose Mayor Norm Mayer has written a letter of support for a Beaver Hills Initiative nomination of the Beaver Hills moraine as a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) biosphere reserve.

Beaver Hills Initiative Protected Area Working Group chair and University of Alberta Professor Emeritus Dr. Guy Swinnerton told committee of the whole council in a March 2 presentation that a biosphere reserve is an area that demonstrates excellence in sustainable development.

“There are 635 biosphere reserves in 119 countries,” said Dr. Swinnerton, “16 of which are in Canada. The only one in Alberta is associated with Waterton National Park.”

U NESCO designates areas as biosphere reserves if they include a mosaic of important ecological systems (in the Beaver Hills moraine a dry mixed boreal forest surrounded by aspen parkland and Elk Island National Park, one of the richest national parks in the world in terms of diversity), if they have significant biological diversity, if they promote conservation and if they provide an opportunity to explore and demonstrate

approaches to sustainable development.

“It (biosphere reserve) has to be able to sustain conservation, logistic support or capacity building, and development,” said Dr. Swinnerton.

The Beaver Hills Initiative – formed as a result of proposed development in proximity to Elk Island National Park – is dedicated to providing a greater understanding of the ecological and cultural significance of the Beaver Hills moraine and supporting cooperative efforts to sustain quality of water, land, air, natural resources and community development. The Initiative has developed a land use framework that provides a toolbox to help local governments, non governmental organizations and industry to focus on where development can go while minimizing the effects of ecological goods and services. Its mission is to work together for a sustainable region through shared initiatives and coordinated action.

“The aims and the mission of the Initiative coincide with the biosphere program,” said Dr. Swinnerton. “We want to insure the quality of life of people living in the area by protecting and sustaining the relative ecological goods and

services like water, air and natural resources.”

The Beaver Hills Initiative has received in excess of $1 million in grants from agencies since it was established in 2002, the most notable recent one being one for $250,000 from Alberta Municipal Affairs. Contributions in kind over the same period are estimated to be in the region of $1.5 million. Beaver Hills Initiative partners include three levels of government, ten non governmental organizations, local communities including the Fort Air Partnership and Strathcona Industrial Association, the University of Alberta, Alberta Innovates and Technology Futures.

“We try to encourage partners to use information in such a way that any decisions take into account the long term ramifications of development,” said Dr. Swinnerton. “It could be tourism, it could be agriculture, it could be industry.”

UNESCO biospheres foster the region’s environmental, economic and social sustainability, expand the capacity of residents and local communities to address their future, provide a “brand name” to improve and diversify the local economy, gain access to the information and support through national and international net-

works, attract research activity that addresses local and global issues, and increase national and international recognition.

“A biosphere reserve designation would put us on the map internationally as an area that is practicing responsible land use,” said Dr. Swinnerton. “If we are successful we obviously become part of that global network whereby we have the opportunity to contribute at a global level, but also benefit from the work that is being done in those 600 biosphere reserves around the world, which in many cases exhibit similar problems and issues that we are dealing with: the effects of urbanization, impact on natural resources and how we deal with tourism issues.”

The nomination is the second that has been submitted by the Beaver Hills Initiative. The first, in 2012, received overall positive feedback from the Canadian Commission for UNESCO but did not provide enough information about First Nations engagement and treaties honoured, general public and citizen engagement and the reasons Beaver Hills Initiated wanted to make the moraine a biosphere reserve.

“We have been very much committed to meet-

ing those requirements and we are anticipating that we will be submitting our new nomination in May,” said Dr. Swinnerton. “We have already demonstrated a number of ways that we have been able to show how good research and good science can be used intelligently to make good practical decisions, whether we are talking about municipal levels of government or areas of interest.”

The designation does not intrude on property rights, Aboriginal rights, jurisdictional authorities or on the responsibilities of elected bodies.

“I cannot stress too strongly that the international designation does not impose another level of bureaucracy or another level of government,” said Dr. Swinnerton.

W hile biosphere reserves have pristine areas within them, their real intent is to demonstrate how development and other uses can work in a complementary and compatible way.

“Last September, I was back in Britain looking at biosphere reserves there and one of the most recent ones internationally is associated with Briton, a major city on the south coast of England, that has a great deal of industry in it,” said Dr. Swinnerton.

The COUNTRY BOOSTER, May 5, 2015 – Page 15

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?

YOU’RE A WINNER!

Accidents do happen, so it’s best to be prepared. We can quickly calculate the replacement value of your residence and property, then tailor insurance for you and your family at a very competitive rate.

CENTRAL AGENCIES INC.

REAL ESTATE – INSURANCE 4870-51 St., Camrose Ph. 780-672-4491 Edm. Direct 780-429-0909

• Stainless Steel Tub • Nylon Racks • Anywhere Silverware • 49 decibel

WDF760SADW

The farm appearing in this photograph is located in the Camrose trading area. If you recognize it as yours, come to the Camrose Booster, 4925-48 Street, Camrose. You will be presented with a free 8” x 10” color enlargement of the photo.

• This week’s prize must be claimed by May 12, 2015.

• Congratulations to Grant Zimmel of Strome, the April 21st Mystery Farm winner!

• This week’s Mystery Farm is sponsored by the businesses on this page.

CABINETS

Camrose Custom Cabinets 3623-47 Avenue, Camrose Phone 780-672-7875 Toll Free 1-800-251-9705

BUILDING MATERIALS

Hauser Home Hardware Building Centre 6809-49 Avenue, Camrose Phone 780-672-8818

INSURANCE

LAWN AND GARDEN

Camrose Insurance Services Ltd.

Battle River Implements Ltd.

MICHAEL KELEMEN 5704-48 Avenue, Camrose Phone 780-672-9251 Phone 780-672-2273

4717-38 Street, Camrose Phone 780-672-4463

Tall Tub Dishwasher Reg. $849

SALE…

699

$

Main Street, Camrose Phone 780-672-8759 Toll Free 1-877-672-8759

“We Sell for Less Than Big City Stores”

Discover the benefits of Co-op membership!

• Is owned by its members.

• Stocks a full range of quality products, including our popular Country Morning meats and Harmonie and Co-op brand items.

• Has knowledgeable, friendly staff available to assist you with product and service information.

• Offers a hassle-free guarantee.

• Supports the community.

The more you use your Co-op membership, the more you benefit.

Sign up for membership today! Be an owner … become a Co-op member!

You’re at home here.

Wild Rose Co-op Locations in Camrose, Killam, Sedgewick, Viking, Galahad, Alliance and Hardisty

Visit Nufloors today for ALL your floor covering needs.

3810-48 Avenue, Camrose Phone 780-672-4983 Toll Free 1-888-672-4983

Add a flag to your farmyard We sell top quality, long-lasting flags – from Canadian and provincial flags to flags from countries around the world. Choose from many sizes to suit your specific needs.

4925-48 Street, Camrose Phone 780-672-3142