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The paper created EXCLUSIVELY for farm families and rural residents of east central Alberta 8 PAGES | JUNE 16, 2026

Explore. Fish. Paddle.

armer days in Camrose County can mean many opportunities for some fun in the sun, and one doesn’t need to go too far away from home to find a nice summer retreat. Whether you like fishing, hiking, kayaking or even just a quick dip in the water, Camrose County Nature Conservation Centre has so much to offer. Twenty minutes east of Camrose, the man-made conservatory has walking trails, fishing platforms, a playground, a well-maintained pond, boat launch, fire pits, sheltered areas and grills for local families to enjoy. Away from the hustle and bustle of the highways, the park is located off of Township Road 452, offering residents a scenic day-use area to relax in nature.

INSIDE

A variety of merchandise, auctions, services and more! Win a colour photo of your farm! See page 8

NEWS Revitalize and play . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Rural women's shelters face cuts . . . . . 6 Currents of change . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Photo by Adan Shaikh

From left, Christine Laskosky, Tawnya Anderson and Kristy McKay enjoy a sunny day paddling on the pond.

The COUNTRY BOOSTER, June 16, 2026 – Page 2

Camrose Interclub 4-H Beef

Custom Silaging Hank

• Chopping • Trucking • Bagging 14’ bags! • Swathing

Darren

BOOK NOW!

THANK YOU to the Buyers, Sponsors and Supporters of our 2026 Sale! BUYERS

Andreassen Borth Law Firm Bashaw Ag Society Bashaw Crop Services Bi-West Translines Big Rigs Truck & RV Wash Bite to Eat Stony Plain Burnstad Farms Busy Bee Farm Ltd. Camrose Machine & Welding Cash Chem Bashaw Cattle Vids Charlie Gould Code Custom Farming D&D Vehicle Sales DCL Pile Driving Dee-Jay Plumbing & Heating Donna Howse Drever Agencies Econo Lube Spruce Grove Erickson Ag Services Ferry Point Greenhouse Flaman Sales – Everald Olson Fountain Tire G & L Farms Garrett Wood Gateway Farms Highmark Machine Works Hilltop Corral Cleaning

Iron Cross Oilfield Contracting JMF Farms Keller Walker Real Estate Team Koetha Cattle Lamb Ford Lazy E Bar Ranching Lindholm Seed Farms Losness Drilling Matthew Farms Meerevo Farms Ltd. Mirror Lake Dental Nelson Valley Farms Nu Edge Construction On Track Truck Parts OPT Waste Management Plumbing With Pride Sheilagh A. Ross Holdings SR Feed & Farm Supply Spruce View Acres Simmentals Straight Arrow Sales Taves Management Terra Firma HDD Tofield Packers Viking Auction Mart Vision Credit Union VJV Livestock Marketing Group Westerhof Dairies Western Financial Group

JUDGES

“Any size job welcome, big or small.”

Hank 403.783.1270 • Darren 403.704.0843

Custom Farmin h c s t e o g Mitchel Kroetsch Kr

Tyler Dietrich Dacie Przekop Justine Bullick Indy Fowler

VOLUNTEER SUPPORT Ron Pederson Colin Fankhanel Carl Bergstrom Round Hill Ag Society Dave Vikse MNW Accounting Tofield Packers Lazy E Bar Ranching Christian Von Platten Ed Albers VJV and Koetha Cattle Co Carol Lauinger Janet Kerr

SERVICES AVAILABLE

• Manure Spreading • Tub Grinding • Combining • Trucking • Trenching

• Swathing • Baling • Field Work • Seeding • Silaging

403-588-1206

• Corn Planting • Cattle Feeding and more RR4, Lacombe, AB T4L 2N4 mitchel@southshoreltd.com Kroetsch Custom Farming

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'PS B CFUUFS CBDLZBSE FYQFSJFODF DPVOU POű )XZ +VODUJPO 5 minutes east of Camrose

Grand Champion winner Elyse Herder of the Rosalind club and Andrea Thalen owner of VJV Livestock Marketing Group.

Reserve Grand Champion Cassie Wenstob, also Rosalind club. Steer was purchased by Gramma, Auntie Joanne and Uncle Mark Shologan.

4-H Vision: Empowered and connected communities built by youth.

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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).

Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Phone 780-672-3142 Fax 780-672-2518 News email: news@camrosebooster.com Display Ads email: ads@camrosebooster.com Classified Ads email: ads@camrosebooster.com Website: camrosebooster.com

4925-48 Street, Camrose, AB T4V 1L7 The most effective, most economical advertising medium in the Camrose area. 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.

The COUNTRY BOOSTER, June 16, 2026 – Page 3

County Corner News and Information from Camrose County N Phone 780.672.4446 | www.county.camrose.ab.ca P

Camrose County Launches Tourism Map Camrose County is excited to announce the release of its first printable Tourism Map. The map serves as a convenient guide for exploring Camrose County and supporting local tourism and businesses. Free copies will be available at Camrose County and other municipal offices, Camrose visitor information centre, local businesses and attractions throughout the County. Pick up a copy and start exploring Camrose County this summer!

ASSESSOR II

More info: https://county.camrose.ab.ca/careers

Richardson Ground Squirrel

CONTROL UPDATE Community Events & Local Life

2026 Summer Photo Contest!

Three photo winners and one reel winner will each receive a prize basket sponsored by Camrose County and local businesses. Enter all three categories for multiple chances to win!

Events, markets, businesses, and everyday moments.

CONTEST CATEGORIES

Send entries to ecdev@county.camrose.ab.ca by August 5, 2026, and include the category name for each submission.

HIRING JOIN OUR TEAM

Starts June 16th

Submit up to three photos and/or one reel showcasing your summer in Camrose County.

WE ARE

Public voting will take place at the Camrose County Community BBQ on August 15, 2026. Winners will be announced on August 18, 2026.

Adventures & Activities

Fishing, golfing, hiking, lake days, camping, and recreation.

Nature & Agriculture

Landscapes, wildlife, sunsets, farms, and rural life.

By entering, participants grant Camrose County permission to use submitted photos and videos for county promotional and marketing purposes.

Battle River Farmstand Celebrates Grand Opening

Battle River Farmstand, located at 22174 Highway 605 just outside Bashaw, celebrated its grand opening on May 9. Camrose County Economic Development was pleased to attend and support this exciting new local business. The self-serve farmstand offers a variety of locally grown produce and locally made products (including ice cream), providing residents and visitors with a convenient way to shop local throughout the week. On weekends, customers can also find fresh baking, sourdough bread, and cinnamon buns. In addition to in-person shopping, pre-orders are available through Battle River Farmstand’s online store and social media channels. Camrose County congratulates Battle River Farmstand on its successful opening and wishes the owners continued success as they bring fresh, local products to the community.

www.battleriverfarmstand.com | 403-877-1516

Emergency use registration for 2% liquid strychnine to control Richardson ground squirrels has been approved for Alberta and Saskatchewan. Currently NO product is available in Canada, and supplies are expected to be very limited once imported. TRAINING: Agricultural producers must complete mandatory online stewardship training before purchasing strychnine. Training is available until August 1. Certificates are valid for the 2026 season and expire September 1, 2026. https://sarm.ca/strychninestewardship-training Producers are encouraged to complete training early. Camrose County Agricultural Services can be contacted at 780-672-4765 or asb@county.camrose.ab.ca

The COUNTRY BOOSTER, June 16, 2026 – Page 4

Investments and One card By Jackie Lovely, MLA Camrose Constituency

United Conservatives are delivering practical investments that show up in everyday life – shorter waits for surgery, more affordable paths to education, simpler access to the services people rely on, and world-class opportunities creating jobs in our communities. These are the kinds of results Albertans can see and feel – and together, they’re helping ensure Alberta remains the best place to live, work, and raise a family. Improving our health care system means helping Albertans get the care they need, when and where they need it. That’s why our government is investing $809 million to expand surgical capacity and help even more people get the procedures they need sooner. This includes adding operating room time, using specialized surgical centres for routine procedures, and upgrading hospitals and equipment. A new patient-focused funding model, already in place at 12 Alberta hospitals, means funding will follow the patient – supporting up to 50,000 additional surgeries and helping more Albertans get treated faster. United Conservatives are focused on student success, investing more than $1 billion to make postsecondary education more affordable and accessible. Applications for government loans and grants opened June 3 and include more non-repayable support like scholarships and awards – helping Alberta students reduce debt and stay in school. Eligibility rules have also been updated to better reflect each student’s financial situation, ensuring support goes to those who need it most so more Albertans can build new skills, finish their education, and create better opportunities for themselves and their families. For more information or to apply, visit studentaid.alberta.ca. One card. That’s it. Our government is making it easier to access important services by combining your driver’s licence or ID card with your health number and a citizenship marker, starting July 2. This means less to carry and fewer steps when you need to verify your identity or access care. The new cards feature a modern design and stronger security to help prevent fraud, while reducing the need for paper health cards over time. When you renew or apply, your information will be securely added – making everyday services faster, simpler, and more convenient for Albertans. Alberta’s summer sports season is bringing energy and excitement to communities across the province. Between February and August, we’re investing $1.3 million to help host 12 major sporting events. Cities like Calgary, Edmonton, Canmore, and Grande Prairie are welcoming more than 115,000 athletes and fans, boosting local businesses and tourism. From triathlons to BMX and softball, these events are creating good local jobs, filling hotels and restaurants, and showcasing Alberta as a top destination for world-class competition. United Conservatives are building momentum and an Alberta that works even better for everyone. We’re doing that with a clear plan: focusing on what matters most to Albertans and strengthening the province for what comes next. No matter what corner of the province you call home, you’ll see results – and a future you can count on. Contact my office if you require my assistance. A reminder that I am a commissioner of oaths and a notary public and provide the service free for constituents. You can contact Jackie Lovely, Camrose MLA, at Constituency Office, 104, 4870-51 Street, Camrose, AB T4V 1S1. Tel: 780-672-0000, camrose@assembly.ab.ca or at Legislature Office, 6th Floor, 9820-107 Street, Edmonton, AB T5K 1E7.

CAMROSE INTERCLUB SHOW AND SALE

Adan Shaikh, Camrose Booster On June 1 and 2, 4-H Clubs of Camrose and area gathered at the Bashaw Ag Grounds for their annual show and sale. The members from Rosalind, Armena, Camrose, Bashaw and Hay Lakes came together to showcase the fruits of their labour. More information on the winners of the Steer Show and Female show will be shared in an upcoming issue of The Camrose Booster. Members of the Rosalind 4-H Club received several awards including Interclub Grand Champion Steer and Supreme Champion Female.

ROYAL PURPLE DONATION

Adan Shaikh, Camrose Booster The Camrose Royal Purple donated $500 to the Compassion House Foundation. The organization provides help to women who must leave their homes to find cancer care. Their goal is to ease the stress of women battling cancer and to find a compassionate and supportive environment while they navigate treatment. From left, Marion Czapp, president of the Camrose Royal Purple; Muriel Rollheiser, supporter of Compassion House Foundation; and Sandy McCann, ambassador of Compassion House Foundation.

MOOSE HIDE CAMPAIGN

Adan Shaikh, Camrose Booster From left, Sarah Swedberg, Raylene Robbins, Ashley Martin, Daneille Ostafichuk, Abby Ness and Lindsey Shott walked around Mirror Lake for the Moose Hide Campaign. The Moose Hide Campaign, originating in British Columbia as a grassroots Indigenous-led movement, aims to engage men and boys in combating violence against women and children. It has since evolved into a nationwide movement involving Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadians from all communities, including First Nations, governments, schools, colleges and universities, police forces, and many other organizations. All groups are united in their commitment to taking action to end this violence.

The COUNTRY BOOSTER, June 16, 2026 – Page 5

Revitalize and play By Nadine Leming

Camrose County has regularly enhanced recreational amenities in the hamlets around the County on an as-needed basis. This year they will focus on the Tillicum subdivision. Administration created a QR code to survey residents in the area. The survey was well received with 153 responses. One of the most common requested projects was weed shoreline cleanup, with waste bins following up as the second choice. There were several other projects that came to the forefront as a result of the survey. Councillor Grant Bailey made the motion that Camrose County Council direct Administration to complete projects in the Tillicum Subdivision in 2026 to a maximum of $70,000 (additional $20,000 funding from the original $50,000 set aside in the budget) with the money to come from the Recreation Reserve. The motion was carried. The projects that will be completed this year include Weed Shoreline Cleanup at an approximate cost of $26,000, garbage bins at an estimated cost of $3,500, a gazebo at a projected expenditure of $25,000 to $40,000 and a canoe/kayak launch with a tentative price of $3,000. Additionally, the following projects are to be completed during regular maintenance within the 2026 recreation operational budget include solar lights near the mailboxes and parking areas, additional picnic tables, refurbish gravel trails with a skid steer attachment and volleyball net with sand.

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DIESEL ENGINE TECHNICIANS WANTED James & Romonda Kuntz

Proud to be Camrose Chamber of Commerce 2023 Small Business of the Year Award Winner

WWW.ONTRACKINC.NET • 780-672-6868

JUNCTION OF HIGHWAYS 13 & 21 • 4 miles west of Camrose, AB Want to Do Diesel Engines? Send Us Your Resumé! ontrack@ontrackinc.net

SUMMER INTERNSHIP PROGRAM MLA Jackie Lovely is accepting applicants for a summer internship in the Camrose Constituency office. Applicants must be 16 years of age or older. Part-time positions are available.

Resumes and questions can be sent to camrose@assembly.ab.ca

JACKIE LOVELY

MLA CAMROSE

PNONE: 780.672.0000 EMAIL: CAMROSE@ASSEMBLY.AB.CA #104, 4870 - 51 STREET CAMROSE, AB T4V 1S1

The COUNTRY BOOSTER, June 16, 2026 – Page 6

ALLEN B. OLSON AUCTION SERVICE LTD.

is pleased to announce the ....

1 Annual Summer Consignment Auction

Being Held Online July 10 to 14 , 2026 We Are Now Accepting Listings For This Sale. All Items Need to be On Site By July 7th, 2026 th

For More Information call 780-672-2434 Kevin 780-781-6806 or Curtis 780-888-7722

DRONE SEEDING & SPREADING WORKSHOP

Ross River Ranch, Camrose County June 30, 2026 ∙ 9:00 am - 4:00 pm (lunch provided) • AG Drone Basics • Regulations • Mission Planning • Calibration Process: – Material / Flow Rate – Spread Width

www.battleriverresearch.com 780-582-7308

Allen B. Olson Auction Service Ltd.

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3719 - 42nd Ave, Camrose 780-672-2434 Toll Free - 1-855-783-0556 Hwy #16 East Oﬃce - 780-208-2508 ~ Rimbey Oﬃce - 403-843-2747 Alberta License No. 165690 Email: olsonauctioncamrose@gmail.com - Website: www.allenolsonauction.com

38 Years of Keeping Heavy Duty Trucks & Tractors

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MURRY’S TRUCK PARTS LOCATORS Lot 238, 47017 Hwy 21• 780-678-2128 • murrystruckparts.ca

Rural Women’s Shelters face cuts By Adan Shaikh

The Alberta Council of Women’s Shelters (ACWS) announced in a recent media release, that more than a dozen shelters across the province will see funding reductions beginning July 1 under a new funding allocation model through the Emergency Family Violence Services program. Collectively, the cuts total nearly $1 million per year. The reduction will have a negative impact on the services currently available for women and children fleeing violence in Camrose and area. The Camrose Women’s Shelter serves Camrose and the rural families nearby, the five per cent cut will reduce its ability to serve surrounding communities, according to

executive director NoraLee Rear. Although the province announced an overall increase in sector funding, ACWS says the funding was not distributed evenly, leaving some shelters facing reductions. “Instead of having the ability to attend interagency meetings in all of the surrounding counties and providing vital information we will not have the capacity to do that,” said Rear. She added the reduction will mean fewer resources to respond to clients in shelter and will likely require the organization to seek additional fundraising and grant support. Rear also worries the cuts could limit access to services for rural survivors, who already face

transportation barriers when trying to reach shelter. The reduction may also delay future initiatives. Rear said the shelter will no longer be able to offer its HOPE support group in surrounding communities and plans for a Second Stage housing project will be slowed. “It also means our dream of opening Second Stage housing will be slowed down. If we have to spend extra time and attention applying for additional grants or fundraising to fill the gap to meet the current need, reaching our plans for the future will be further away,” added Rear. ACWS argued the reductions disproportionately affect rural areas, where rates of intimate

CHARITY BBQ

Nadine Leming, Camrose Booster The Camrose and Area Animal Shelter Society held a charity barbecue on May 23 to raise awareness and funds for the shelter. They raised $907 that will help care for the animals. From left, Sherry Lafortune, board president; Debbie Cherkas, volunteer; and Linda Korbyl, volunteer.

partner violence are higher than in urban centres. “We don’t close rural police stations because they serve fewer people per dollar,” said ACWS executive director Cat Champagne. “Access to safety should never depend on a community or organization’s ability to fundraise.” The organization is

calling on the province to delay implementation of the reductions until next fiscal year and release details of the funding methodology. Rear is encouraging residents to contact their local MLA and the Minister of Children and Family Services, Searle Turton to voice their concerns.

The COUNTRY BOOSTER, June 16, 2026 – Page 7

. E R E H E C I V R E S . E R E H Y U B

Make mowing a better experience. 10 Alberta locations to serve you, including:

Lougheed 780-386-3755

Rural Producers Vet Survey By Nadine Leming

Reliable access to veterinary professionals is vital to the success of Alberta’s agribusiness sector. These experts are fundamental to the preservation of animal welfare and the long-term sustainability of rural communities. The Government of Canada’s Student Loan Forgiveness Program promotes workforce stability in rural and underserved communities by offering student loan forgiveness to eligible occupations such as doctors, nurses and teachers. At the present time, veterinarians and animal health technicians are not included in the program. The Municipal District of Wainwright has created a survey to gather feedback from farmers and ranchers to understand the economic value of vet services in the agriculture sector. The survey is looking for input from farmers and ranchers on how access to veterinary care impacts animal health, agriculture productivity and farm business viability. The information gathered will highlight the significance of animal healthcare to rural communities and support future advocacy for access to veterinary care. Responses are anonymous with the survey open until June 30. The link for the survey can be accessed on the County’s website by going to county.camrose. ab.ca/2026/06/01/ruralproducers-encouraged-tocomplete-veterinary-accesssurvey

Camrose 780-672-2452

Vegreville 780-632-2514

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The COUNTRY BOOSTER, June 16, 2026 – Page 8

You could win a photograph of your farm! If this is your farm,

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.

• Mystery Farm winner for May 12: Gerald and Cheryl Pilger of Ohaton • This week’s prize must be claimed by July 7, 2026

THIS WEEK’S MYSTERY FARM IS SPONSORED BY: It’s more than a flag … it’s a statement It’s a tool to show wind direction. It’s a superb identification marker.

Above all…

MAY 28 - JUNE 24, 2026

It shows you believe in your province or country.

4925-48 Street, Camrose ■ 780.672.3142