March 8, 2022 Country Booster

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

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8 Pages

March 8, 2022

March 22

Photos by Lori Larsen

Battle River Watershed Alliance education leader Kandra Forbes gets a bird’s eye view from the Aberhart Bridge of where the Battle River flows into Driedmeat Lake. With more snow in the March forecast, hopes remain high for healthy water levels this coming spring and summer.

Most vital commodity Join Battle River Watershed Alliance in celebration of World Water Day on March 22 to help build awareness of the importance of protecting one of the earth’s most valuable commodities – water.

See inside story on page 4 for full details.

Inside...

A variety of merchandise and services: Farm supplies and services and more!

News Features…

Farm Safety Week. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Fire prevention is your first line of defence. . . . . . . . . . . .

Ryley School received funding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

3 6 8

Visit our website: www.camrosebooster.com

Win a colour enlargement of your farm!

See page 8

The COUNTRY BOOSTER, March 8, 2022 – Page 2

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County seeks answers from provincial government

By Murray Green

Camrose County invited Camrose MLA Jackie Lovely to council chambers on February 8 to seek answers to previously asked questions sent to her prior to the meeting and to the Government of Alberta.

According to County administration Paul King, what they received is a series of non-answers to important questions of the day, including the fiscal framework that is to replace MSI funding.

“The minister of municipal affairs started talking about this three years ago and then they extended MSI (Municipal Sustainability Initiative funding) for a couple of years. Today, we haven’t heard a word. MSI is due to end in 2023 and, as municipalities, we are dangling by a thread, wondering if we are going to get some money, or how much. It is very difficult for us to meet legislation of having threeyear budgets if we don’t know if we even have money,” said King.

A few days later, the government announced that MSI will be in place for 2024, but no amounts were set.

“The minister is responsible for getting back to everybody on how to proceed and I will leave it to his capable hands,” said Lovely.

“We have made it clear that we are not in favour of a provincial police and we

have large concerns. Paul and I have gone through the PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC accounting firm) report and I will do that again. I wish they would have made a recommendation,” said Reeve Cindy Trautman.

“I am hearing from constituents, your ratepayers, who have a different opinion, so the minister will weigh all of this and they will get in touch with you and respond to your letter,” said Lovely.

Reeve Trautman inquired about the March 1 consultation in Camrose. At the point of this report, she didn’t know of any date that has been set. The Camrose Booster could not confirm any date for a meeting in Camrose on policing either.

“I’m not organizing it, so I don’t know,” said Lovely.

“I know Kaycee Madu is not the minister anymore, but this is a huge issue. He stood up in front of us and said I’m going to do this (meeting), and you were at the RMA convention when 99 per cent of the people said they were not in favour of this,” shared King.

“That was of those present. I’m hearing from ratepayers who have a different opinion. This is something the acting minister will respond to,” added Lovely.

“This report talks about two different levels of officers going out in teams, but I’m going to tell you, people in

this County, when they call the police, they want two big burly police to show up with guns because they need the police, they don’t need social welfare. There is a small percentage of police calls that require mental health issues and social issues,” explained King. “This report talks about building 63 teams that will respond to calls, and two different levels of police officers. Then they will use CPOs to enforce legislation. We employ those types of officers and we have never been contacted for our opinion or any consultation with us. We employ four CPOs. (CPOs will be used for RAPID response if a provincial police unit is established.

Currently, Alberta Fish and Wildlife and Alberta Sheriffs officers are being used for RAPID response.) I’m just concerned about the tone of the whole report and nothing concrete as what the municipalities are going to have to pay.

“The province has not shared the real actual cost of the installation of a provincial police, but the cost would be passed onto all ratepayers. On top of the actual unknown cost, it has been estimated to be $375 million in transition costs and $728 million to have provincial police instead of RCMP. In Surrey, BC, they are two years behind in switching. The taxes went up 4.5 per cent and our residents can’t afford that kind of a tax increase. It would be a chaotic mismanagement of our money to switch from RCMP to provincial police,” continued King.

Reeve Trautman added that the County does recusation for police taxes, so in a roundabout way, they do pay for policing. “I would like to see the justice system fixed first. It is just a revolving door for criminals. Maybe we should build another jail, perhaps in Camrose County. Until the justice system

is fixed, it doesn’t matter what police force you have in place.”

The County asked about the assessment review process. “That will come from the minister’s office,” replied Lovely.

“We are asking you to find the answers for us about our questions,” said King.

“I would prefer that you send a letter to me and the minister on each item that you have a concern about.

I would be happy to receive that from you and forward it. That is the best way to move forward, so I am not mixing up your words,” said Lovely. “I’m your local MLA. I can’t act on behalf of the minister, I don’t have that authority.”

“But shouldn’t you be advocating for us?” asked Reeve Trautman.

“Yes, I would be happy to do that for you, just CC me on your letters,” continued Lovely.

Stepping up to the “baa”ffet

Lori Larsen, Camrose Booster As the fog rolled in on Monday, February 28, these sheep got busy making short work of a bale of hay. is published for Controlled Distribution

By CAMROSE BOOSTER LTD. Blain Fowler, Publisher Circulation 11,639 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).

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The entire contents of THE CAMROSE BOOSTER and THE COUNTRY BOOSTER are protected by copyright and any unauthorized reproduction of it, in whole or in part, without consent in writing, is expressly prohibited.

Clearview honours new teachers

By Murray Green

Clearview’s board of trustees was extremely pleased to celebrate four exceptional first-year teachers, who were each nominated by their school’s principal for the Edwin Parr Teacher Award on February 23.

The Edwin Parr Award recognizes outstanding work by first-year teachers in Alberta and is presented by the Alberta School Boards Association. Clearview has the opportunity to nominate one candidate

each year. This year, Clearview’s board considered four very strong first-year teachers.

“Clearview’s board of trustees would like to congratulate the four exceptional young teachers who were nominated for the Edwin Parr Award. The passion and commitment to inspire and care for each student is the foundation of personal growth and learning,” said Guy Neitz, Clearview board chair.

Morgan VanDusen, a

teacher at Wm. E. Hay Stettler Secondary Campus was named the top first-year teacher.

Kallie Stewart was also nominated. She teaches a combined Grade 3 and 4 class at Donalda School.

Jessica Heintz, who teaches Science 9 and Math 9 and 10 at Wm. E. Hay Stettler Secondary Campus and Samantha Johnston from Stettler Elementary School were also nominated.

The COUNTRY BOOSTER, March 8, 2022 – Page 3

Farm safety

By Murray Green

Canadian Agricultural Safety Week (CASW) will feature Your Farm, Your Family, Your Success as its focus March 13 to 19.

Organizers are calling all farmers, ranchers, farm families, farm workers and farming communities to implement farm safety plans, talk about farm safety, and value #FarmSafetyEveryday.

Canadian Agricultural Safety Week is an annual public campaign committed to raising awareness about the importance of farm safety. In 2022, organizers are focusing on not just practical safety advice and awareness, but also the reasons why safety is essential for all farming operations.

“Farm safety is not just about knowing what hazards exist,” said Andrea Lear, Canadian Agricultural Safety Association’s chief executive officer.

“Farm safety is also about changing unsafe behaviours and habits, understanding the positive business case for incorporating safety on farming operations, and addressing what it truly means to value safety and health. This year, CASA is excited to host conversations about making meaningful and long-lasting change for the health and safety of everyone who lives, works and visits farms and ranches.”

Farm Credit Canada (FCC) is the presenting sponsor of CASW and a valuable farm safety champion. FCC supports many farm safety programs, including Back to Ag, a program that assists with the cost of adaptive technology for farmers who have experienced a traumatic injury and CASA’s BeGrainSafe program.

“Farms present a variety of workplace hazards, so incorporating solid safety practices each and every day is paramount for reducing risk to farm family members and employees,” said Michael Hoffort, FCC president and CEO. For more than a decade, CASA has been raising awareness about the importance of safety on Canadian farms through CASW, which takes place every year during the third week of March.

The Canadian Agricultural Safety Association is a national, non-profit organization dedicated to improving the health and safety of farmers, their families and agricultural workers. CASA is funded in part by the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a federal, provincial and territorial initiative. For more information, visit www.casa-acsa.ca, find CASA on Facebook, LinkedIn, or follow on Twitter @ planfarmsafety.

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County driveway plowing

By Lori Larsen

Camrose County reminds residents that they will plow driveways on a

“fee for service” basis. They, however, are not available on an “on call” basis.

Camrose County grader operators will clear driveways along their route at a cost. Those wishing to purchase the services of Camrose County driveway plowing can do so by completing the online driveway plowing request form available at county. camrose.ab.ca/county-roads/

driveway-plowing-blading/, or by contacting the Public Works Department at 780-672-4449.

If a resident is in need of immediate plowing assistance, Camrose County advises checking the availability of private snow removal services. Blading in the summer months is also available to private land owners when conditions allow.

County residents are reminded that if they are plowing their driveways to follow the practice displayed on the County website page at county. c a m r o s e . a b . c a/c o u n t y roads/driveway-plowingblading/ in order to maintain road safety, reduce hazards for grader operators and reduce potential damage to graders.

The COUNTRY BOOSTER, March 8, 2022 – Page 4

PM Trudeau’s power grab

By Damien C. Kurek, MP, Battle River-Crowfoot

In the last few weeks, we have seen the Emergencies Act enacted for the first time, alarming an antagonistic rhetoric from the Prime Minister and the Liberal government, and the silencing of Canadians who dared to voice their discontent with the government and its decisions. Facing Justin Trudeau’s authoritarian behaviour and the prospect of the prolonged use of the Emergencies Act, Canadians fought back with their voice.

Over the last couple of weeks, my office alone received more than 10,000 pieces of correspondence and phone calls regarding the invocation of the Emergencies Act. Many of my colleagues in Ottawa have echoed similar reactions in their constituencies. This resounding response from Canadians and rebuke from the Conservative Party led to Prime Minister Trudeau dropping the Emergencies Act less than 10 days after declaring emergency measures were necessary, leaving him and the NDP scrambling to justify why these powers were needed for such a brief time. Within 60 days, the use of this measure will be scrutinized. Conservatives will work relentlessly to get to the bottom of this Trudeauinduced fiasco.

Trudeau has abused parliamentary procedure, created division amongst Canadians, and torqued issues for his own gain and there is no time where it has been on greater display than in 2022. Name-calling, accusing opponents to his measures of being terrible things, and meandering out loud if Canadians “should even tolerate these people” (in reference to the unvaccinated); we are witnessing the desperate attempts by the Prime Minister to hold onto power as he loses control of the country he is supposed to lead.

The concept of good governance guides me in my work as your Member of Parliament and you have reached out in record numbers affirming the need for this. These principles encourage respect and reason when tensions are high, and issues are contentious.

They bring people to the table for discussion so we can hear each other out on all sides of the debate. Through COVID-19, our social interactions have been greatly limited and this has reduced the ability to have meaningful conversations about the things that affect us. While democracy is constantly evolving and we need a change in certain aspects, it can repair much of the damage and division caused by COVID and the actions of government. We just need good stewards of Parliament to voice the concerns of Canadians. I endeavour to be this for the people of Battle River-Crowfoot, but it has been highlighted how much this is needed across Canada.

The bottom line is this: Trudeau used the Emergencies Act, an extraordinary measure that needed to be deliberated with great caution. Instead, he used it to clean up a political mess of his own creation even though it jeopardized the rights of Canadians and silenced his opponents. This is unacceptable and Canadians let him know it. Participation in the political process is important and this is a prime example. Your elected representatives must hear from you so they can be your voice. Canada’s Conservatives will continue to be the voice in Parliament that stands for your rights and interests, and against the corruption of the Trudeau Liberals.

If you have any questions, comments, or concerns about how I represent you, do not hesitate to contact my office. It is an honour to be the Member of Parliament for Battle River-Crowfoot.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding this column, or need assistance with a federal government program, you are encouraged to write Damien at 4945-50 Street, Camrose, Alberta T4V 1P9, call 780-608-4600, text 403-575-5625, or email damien. kurek@parl.gc.ca. You can also stay up to date with Damien by following him on social media @dckurek.

Protecting our valuable commodity

By Lori Larsen

Water plays a vital role in the survival of everything on our earth, including all plant and animal life, and is an integral part of sustaining a healthy environment.

On March 22, join the rest of the world in celebration of World Water Day– a day set apart to build awareness of the importance of protecting our most valuable asset.

According to the World Water Day website, there are over two billion people around the world living without access to safe water.

Battle River Watershed Alliance (BRWA), in collaboration with Watershed Planning and Advisory Councils (WPACs) of Alberta, will be presenting an online World Water Day event themed UN World Water Day 2022, “Groundwater: Making the Invisible, Visible”.

The digital presentation via Zoom, which runs from 1 until 3 p.m. on March 22, will feature speakers Dr. Brian Smerdon, Dustin Twinn and Dr. Rita Wong, and will highlight the value of groundwater and water resources.

Dr. Brian Smerdon is a Research Associate and Instructor in the Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences at the University of Alberta and president of the Canadian chapter of the International Association of Hydrogeologists. He works to discover and share the story of groundwater: where it originated, how long its journey has been, and its experience along the flow path.

Dustin Twinn is a council member for the Swan River First Nation.

He dedicates the majority of his time at the nation working on the restoration of their traditional territory.

Dr. Rita Wong is an Associate Professor in Critical and Cultural Studies at Emily Carr University.

She investigates the relationships between contemporary poetics, water justice, and ecology. She has published many books and coedited an anthology with Dorothy Christian entitled Downstream: Reimagining Water. She understands that when waterways are healthy, life (including people) will be healthy too, and that we cannot afford to endanger and pollute the waters that sustain our lives.

Battle River Watershed Alliance is a not-for-profit organization that is dedicated to preserving and enhancing the land and water in these basins.

“We are all stewards of the Battle River watershed, and what we do affects downstream and future users,” said BRWA education lead Kandra Forbes.

“From drinking water, to doing laundry, to fishing or using water for agriculture or industrial uses, everyone impacts the watershed they live in.

“Everything we do affects the watershed, whether at home, work or play. Household soaps, cleaners, pollutants from lawns, roads and driveways–even pharmaceuticals in household wastewater–can end up back in the river or in our groundwater.

Urban development and shoreline landscaping, as well as recreational activities on or close to rivers, streams or water wells can also impact water quantity and quality.”

Besides ensuring the ongoing management of watersheds in the Alberta Battle River and Sounding Creek region, the dedicated staff at BRWA provides Camrose and surrounding areas with a variety of programs and services to help educate and maintain community awareness.

Recently BRWA implemented the Riparian Web Portal which is an interactive website designed to support Albertans in building healthier riparian areas by providing: • Access to condition assessments • Summary statistics for waterbodies • Resources for conservation and restoration.

To visit the Riparian Portal, go to riparian.info.

“We hope that this will be a useful tool for people to learn more about the health of shorelines and streambanks that matter to them and access resources that can help them take action on the ground to care for these places,” said BRWA Watersheds program manager Sarah Skinner.

The future of our watersheds is dependant on the ability to educate youth on the importance of protecting the earth and its natural resources.

One of the mandates of BRWA is to provide programs designed specifically to build youth awareness. One such program is the Caring for Watersheds Contest open to youth in grades 7 to 12 across Alberta with proposal deadline for March 22. The program is offered by BRWA in partnership with Nutrien.

For more information on the contest, visit CaringForOurWatersheds. com.

“At the Battle River Watershed Alliance, we are committed to sharing the importance of being good stewards of both the land and water within our watershed,” said both Forbes and Skinner. “We work to empower the next generation of watershed stewards by offering education programs.”

For more information on Battle River Watershed Alliance and the programs they offer, visit the website at www.battleriverwatershed.ca.

Submitted Battle River Watershed Alliance program manager Sarah Skinner inspects, via canoe, the waterways and riparian sites along the Battle River watersheds.

The COUNTRY BOOSTER, March 8, 2022 – Page 5

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Armena 4-H going strong this year

By Brynn Burkhardt, Armena Beef 4-H Club

The Armena Beef 4-H Club started its 68th year with an organizational meeting in October. This year, we have nine members and one Cleaver. The annual weigh-in was held on October 30, 2021 at

Knull’s Farm. We weighed nine steers, two carcass steers, and three heifers.

All calves were weighed, tagged and vaccinated.

Thank you to Knulls for hosting us, and to James Selin for the use of his scale.

We have been meeting on the first Thursday of the month and have had three in-person meetings and one Zoom meeting.

A district Yearly Diary Workshop was held at the Hay Lakes Agriplex on November 20, 2021. Six

members from our club attended to learn how to properly complete the yearly diaries.

On January 15, the weather warmed up enough that we were able to go sledding at Telegraph Park in Hay Lakes for our

club Christmas party. A great time was had by all who attended.

Some of the upcoming events with which we are hoping to continue include public speaking at Scandia Church in Armena and our Farm Tour on March 26.

The COUNTRY BOOSTER, March 8, 2022 – Page 6

Camrose Flying Club / COPA Flight 137 is now accepting applications for the

By Lori Larsen

Jim Prost Young Aviator Flying Training Scholarship The scholarship was created to honour the memory of Jim Prost, an enthusiastic local aviator and tireless volunteer for the various activities of the club and its members.

The amount of the scholarship may vary, but will have a minimum value of $2,000.

It will be awarded to a well-rounded individual who has demonstrated a keen interest in aviation generally or as a career.

To qualify for the scholarship, a candidate must be a resident of Alberta, with preference firstly to candidates residing in an area local to the Camrose Flying Club/COPA Flight 137, and secondly to candidates residing in the Battle River region.

To initiate consideration by the selection committee, applicants are required to write a letter or essay about themselves. It is suggested that, as a minimum, submissions include: 1. Your full name, age and contact information.

Fire prevention is your first line of defence

Cody Bell (right) of Camrose, received the first Jim Prost Scholarship from Jim’s widow, Connie Prost, shown with Glenn Lyseng (left), Secretary-Treasurer, and Barry Graham, now Past-President of the Camrose Flying Club/COPA Flight 137.

2. Academic status.

3. Why you want to learn to fly, including your career thoughts, if any.

4. Details regarding things you have done in the past to fuel your interest in aviation.

5. Community service or involvement.

6. Any other information that you feel would support your application.

In addition to your letter of application, you will need to include references from two people who have worked with you and can attest to your suitability for the award. These people should be unrelated adults who are teachers, group leaders or the like. They must fully identify how they know you and provide their contact information should the committee wish to obtain additional comment.

Applications, references and any support material may be emailed to info@camroseflyingclub.ca to arrive no later than April 30, 2022.

Photo courtesy of Hay Lakes Fire Department In a manner of minutes, property can be totally destroyed as a result of fire, leaving behind destruction, loss and heartache. Fire prevention and education is a key role for all fire departments and can be the first line of defence for protecting lives and property.

The best day for any fire department is a slow day, a day where firefighters don’t have to don the gear and go out to attend to an emergent situation. This is exactly why fire safety education and awareness is a vital component of any fire department’s duty.

In an effort to ensure Hay Lakes and County residents remain as safe as possible, Hay Lakes Fire Department (HLFD) offers the following tips on fire prevention around the home and farm.

Begin by ensuring everyone in the home, office or business is aware of what to do in the event of a fire.

“Having an escape plan could accumulate crucial seconds that could be lifesaving,” noted Hay Lakes Fire Chief Bryce Wolfe.

Have a carefully drawn out fire plan that includes: clear passageway to all escape routes; clearly marked escape routes that are as short and direct as possible; enough exits and routes for all people to escape; emergency doors/ windows that open easily; emergency lighting where needed; training for all family members or employees to know and use the escape routes; and a meetup point outside the home or office. If you have guests, ensure they are aware of the emergency escape plan.

Assign someone to assist infants, elders or anyone with mobility limitations to evacuate the premises.

All members of the family and office must be instructed to not return to the structure until deemed safe to do so by the fire department.

Smoke and CO2 detectors should be properly installed and maintained on all levels of the home/ office, in bedrooms and outside sleeping quarters.

HFLD also recommends that every home be equipped with an operable dry chemical fire extinguisher. “While we always say get out first, having a working fire extinguisher in the home and garage could give you and others valuable time to get out safely,” said Raymond.

“Having a fire extinguisher and proper training in its use adds an extra layer of protection. It could make the difference between a small contained fire in a home and a total loss house fire.”

Safely store ignitable liquids, propane and chemicals in approved containers away from sources of heat, and proper maintenance and use of specialized equipment is always necessary.

Yearly inspections and cleaning of furnaces, ducts

and clothes dryers is a must to prevent lint buildup. “During these extremely cold periods, often space heaters may be used by residents to warm their homes, garages or other structures,” explained Hay Lakes Fire Safety officer Len Raymond. “It is especially important to place these space heaters away from combustible materials. In addition, they should be plugged directly into a wall outlet. Using extension cords can cause the cords to overheat and pose the threat of a short and possible fire.”

Make sure all electrical cords are maintained and used properly, and where possible, use surge protectors to prevent electrical damage or fire. Extension cords should also be used properly by not overloading them and not exceeding the maximum wattage allowed.

Use fireplace firepit screens.

Follow safety guidelines when using burning barrels including: use proper burning barrels; be aware of what is going into the burning barrel (never burn batteries or aerosol containers); always monitor weather and surrounding conditions; keep your burning barrel away from combustibles including buildings; and maintain your burning barrel to ensure it is not cracking or falling apart and it is cleaned of cooled ash regularly.

When using outdoor grills, ensure they are placed a safe distance (at least 10 feet) from combustible material such as fences, buildings and outdoor furniture; keep your grill on a flat, level surface; maintain your grill regularly, clean after each use and check lines (if gas) for leaks; keep a spray bottle of water on hand to extinguish smaller flames; never leave your grill unattended while in use; and never use a propane, gas or charcoal grill indoors.

Never leave appliances unattended while cooking.

In case of a small grease fire, cover the flame with a lid. If unsure or the fire is large and appears out of control, evacuate and call the fire department.

When cooking, turn all pot handles to the stove’s centre. Always double check to make sure you’ve turned off your appliances after use.

If you should encounter a fire emergency, your number one priority is safety. Evacuate all people from the premises or area immediately and call the fire department. Property can be replaced, lives cannot.

The COUNTRY BOOSTER, March 8, 2022 – Page 7

INVITATION TO TENDER FARMLAND (BASHAW AREA)

1,000

$

FREDA OLSTAD hereby offers the following hay land for sale by tender, subject to the existing reservations on title: SE 25-42-22-W4 Excepting thereout all mines and minerals Tenders are to be submitted in sealed envelopes marked “OLSTAD tender”, to Andreassen Borth, Barristers and Solicitors, #200, 4870-51 Street, Camrose, Alberta T4V 1S1, on or before 12:00 noon on March 30, 2022, and shall be accompanied with a cheque for $5,000.00 payable to Andreassen Borth in Trust.

Land is offered “as is”.

Tenders will not be opened in public.

No conditional Tenders will be considered.

The highest, or any tender, not necessarily accepted.

Surface rights ($2600.00 per annum) will be assigned on closing.

Unsuccessful tenderers will be notified by mail, and their cheques returned.

Successful tenderers shall be obligated to complete the purchase on or before April 28, 2022, and their cheque shall constitute a deposit towards the purchase price. The successful tenderer will arrange title insurance to facilitate closing.

For further information, or to view the property, please contact Gordon at 403-575-5294.

Count on…

Agricultural Communications Committee 2022 Scholarship

SCHOLARSHIP

Eligibility Requirements:

Selected Topics:

• Students must be in Grade 10, 11 or 12 • Must be a resident of Camrose County • Previous Camrose County scholarship award winners are ineligible • Essay should be 1,000 to 1,500 words in length OR video presentation should be 3 to 4 minutes in length

Please select from one of the following:

Please reference people interviewed or research material used for your essay or video presentation. (No Power Point presentations will be accepted this year.)

2. What job or business opportunities will contribute to the growth and sustainability of rural Alberta? How will this attract youth, families, urban populations, or new Albertans?

Submit entries to:

Camrose County Essay Contest 4238-37 Street, Camrose AB T4V 5B2 or email to: asb@county.camrose.ab.ca Please include the following as part of your submission: Full name, mailing address, phone number, high school being attended and legal land description or hamlet address.

Deadline: April 29, 2022, 4:30 pm

1. How can property owners, including those living in hamlets, acreages, and farms be prepared for an emergency?

Include provisions of transportation, medication, food and care for family members, pets, and livestock.

The winner will be photographed for press releases and the essay or video presentation will be displayed on the Camrose County website.

For more information: Doug Lyseng 780-672-7625 or Corey Stuber 780-672-4765

Look closely for verticillium stripe

By Clint Jurke

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Verticillium stripe caused yield loss in some canola fields in 2020 and 2021, and probably will again in 2022. The disease can be confused with blackleg, sclerotinia stem rot and lodging. Unlike these other common problems, verticillium stripe tends to be worse in dry conditions.

Verticillium stripe, caused by the pathogen Verticillium longisporum, was first detected in canola in Manitoba in 2014, and surveys in 2015 found the pathogen’s DNA all across the prairies. It seems to be getting worse, likely because it is still establishing itself. The bottom line: it’s here and people need to know about it. That is why SaskCanola held a verticillium workshop in February. A video recording of the workshop is posted at www.youtube.com/canolacouncil.

Symptoms are easiest to see at harvest. Look for brittle stems with a peeling outer layer. Some stems may be lodged or broken.

Tiny specks called microsclerotia form under the peeling skin.

Verticillium stripe, like blackleg, will cause discolouration inside the stem. Blackleg stem infection tends to be darker and moderate levels of infection cause distinct wedge shapes of black. (Severe blackleg will leave the stem completely black and dead.)

Verticillium stripe, like blackleg, will cause discolouration inside the stem. Blackleg infection (centre) tends to be darker with distinct wedge shapes. Verticillium stripe, left, tends to cause grey discolouration throughout the stem cross section.

Verticillium stripe tends to cause grey discolouration throughout the stem cross section, getting continually darker as microsclerotia build up.

At the workshop, Yixiao Wang, a University of Alberta PhD student researching verticillium stripe, shared another way to distinguish blackleg from verticillium. Blackleg stem infection is concentrated in the crown–the point at ground level where the root and stem meet. Verticillium darkening can extend well up the stem. Using a knife to split stems longitudinally, Wang discovered she could distinguish the two diseases based on how far the darkening extended up the stem.

Some canola breeding lines are quite resistant.

Some are very susceptible.

But we don’t know the level of resistance in commercial cultivars in Canada, and we don’t have an official

method to rate this resistance.

For rotation, anecdotal evidence suggests that longer breaks between canola crops may help to reduce disease severity. It certainly works for blackleg and clubroot. We need more research to tell us how long a break will provide an effective reduction in soil inoculum levels of the verticillium pathogen.

The good news is that research continues in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. These studies will help us learn more about the pathogen and the disease. The Canola Research Hub at canolaresearch.ca has updates for ongoing and completed projects. Enter “verticillium” in the keyword search.

For more images, identification tips and a lifecycle graphic, see the verticillium stripe chapter in the Diseases section at canolaencyclopedia.ca.

The COUNTRY BOOSTER, March 8, 2022 – Page 8

Ryley School received funding

You could win a photograph of your farm!

If this is your farm,

By Lori Larsen

Generous donations have added a lot more play for the students of Ryley School and all other children in or visiting the community.

Donations from Alberta Blue Cross, Claystone Waste, Clean Harbours, Bathgate Water Commission and the Community Facility Enhancement Program of the Alberta Government contributed to the Ryley School playg round initiative.

“The Ministry of Culture is announcing several grants across Alberta under the Community Facility Enhancement Program (CFEP),” explained Camrose MLA Jackie Lovely. “The program was designed, in part, to help extend the lifespan of public facilities or create new ones that keep people connected and engaged, creating far-reaching and positive impacts on all Albertans.”

According to Lovely, the CFEP project in the Camrose constituency approved $92,383 towards the construction of the Ryley School Playground.

All of the playground equipment for the children has been ordered and will be installed in early May. There will be an additional bank of swings on the south side of the playground specifically for the junior high students.

“This investment makes a huge difference to a small community intent on growth,” noted Lovely, adding her thanks to Minister Ron Orr for approving the two projects in the Camrose constituency.

“Building the Ryley School Playground and the Tofield Fairgrounds will benefit those areas for years to come. Creating jobs and vibrant communities is a key aspect of Alberta’s Recovery Plan.”

RYLEY FUNDS

Submitted

On hand for the presentation of funding for the Ryley School playground were back row, left to right: Ray Vanstone, Rylee Olson, Taibry Norman, Ethan Vanstone, Lyndan Vanstone, Cassidy Penner and Nicholas MacMillan. Centre row: Rhys Bartel, Wyatt Olson, Saige Vanstone and Terra Penner. Front row: Spencer Penner, Gage Olson, Kinslee Olson, Treyton Norman, Charlie Penner, Braydan Vanstone and MLA Jackie Lovely.

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” colour enlargement of the photo.

• This week’s prize must be claimed by March 15, 2022.

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