The Kids Can Catch event, hosted by Camrose and District Fish and Game Association, takes place at Pleasure Island Fish Pond, a five minutes’ drive east of Camrose. Bring your own fishing gear if you have it. If you’re brand new to this exciting pastime, fishing mentors will be on hand to give you tips for success. They will even lend you a rod and reel for the day! Complimentary barbecue lunch and beverages will be offered, compliments of Heidelberg Materials. There will be fun giveaways for youth, too. Make this an outing for the entire family. Walking trails are plentiful and off-leash dog walking is encouraged. Handicap accessible toilets are on site. You can immerse yourself in fishing and conservation information as well, if you choose.
Photo: Cody Ness (left), Wayne Harde, Payten Ness (age 7) and Kinsley Ness (age 6) are looking forward to the Kids Can Catch day on the last Saturday in June.
Photo by Ron Pilger
Camrose Interclub 4-H Beef
VJV Livestock Marketing Group
Corn R anches
C ode Custom Farming
Dee -Jay Plumbing & Heating
Bashaw Ag Socie ty
Bashaw Crop Ser vices
East Countr y Elec trical
Drever A gencies Inc.
L amb Ford
Gord B amford
Iron Cross Oilfield Contr ac ting
Burns tad Farms
Dynamic Homes
Highmark Machine Work s
Vision Credit Union
Busy Bee Farms
Weber Funeral Homes
Identit y Promotions
Farmer Pe te
Papa (K evin) Babcock
Bi-West Buslines
Western Financial Group
Fountain Tire
Erick son Ag Ser vices
Cattle Vids
Taves Management Inc
Mowbre y Gil A ccounting Firm Big Rigs Truck & RV Wash
Doane Ser vices
Sehlstrom Farms Detention Brewer y Double B Farms
Charlie Gould
Andreassen Bor th Law Firm
Vik ing Auction Market
Herder Farms
Broughton Gas Fitting
DCL Pile Driving
Keith & Nanc y Friend
Camrose Machine & Welding
Ross Agri
Terra Firma HDD
Co- operators
Boston Pizza
Edge C onstruc tion OP T Tof ield Packers
Danny Hooper
Flaman Sale s Road To Rail
Bob McMillan
Atema Construc tion
Koetha Cattle
RME (R ocky
Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Phone 780-672-3142 Fax 780-672-2518
Jare d Hovde of Corn R anches Inc. purchased the Interclub Reser ve Champion Steer raised by Sophia Feitsma of Armena 4-H Beef Club.
VJV Livestock Marketing Group, represented by Brad Lohr, purchased the Grand Champion Steer raised by R owyn Stefanishion of Rosalind
BRWA updates County on some recent activities
By Murray Green
Battle River Watershed Alliance executive director Catherine Peirce updated Camrose County on the watershed during the regular meeting of council on May 27.
Her presentation was accepted as information.
“Our Water for Life Goals are to have a safe, secure drinking water supply; healthy aquatic ecosystems; reliable, quality water supplies for a sustainable economy. Our mandate and role is to offer a state of the Watershed; watershed management planning; convening and collaborating; education and literacy,” she added.
A water shortage advisory has been on since May 31, 2023. “This is on because the water flows are below normal range. Precipitation accumulations are moderately low to low across a large portion of the agricultural area of Alberta, including Camrose County,” she informed council.
The Watershed receives Alberta Community Partnership Grants with Camrose County (managing partner), Flagstaff County and Lacombe County as partners.
“Our goal is to share the state of the watershed data with municipalities and stakeholders to gather feedback on alignment with community values and identify watershed management priorities for service delivery plans and programs,” said Catherine.
Indigenous groups reaffirmed the value to continue ongoing and consistent relationships on shared priorities
Prioritization for next steps include Indigenous co-leadership on the Land and Water Committee; new communication approaches to disseminate information; offer up-todate reporting data.
“The Land Use Planning Project shares support alignment of service delivery plans with Watershed plan recommendations; improve consistency in land management; provide watershed management policy guidelines to improve water quality, quantity and reduce risks,” explained
Crossroads Ag Products
Battle River Power Coop
Located in the Er vick Industrial Park
Located in Legacy Junc tion, Crossroads A g Produc t s o ers seed sales, grain marketing and silage supplies like plas tics and grain bags. With experienced local sta they provide trusted suppor t and produc t s to area farmers. Visit their website crossroadsag.ca for more information.
Battle River Power C oop is a memberowned ele ctric utilit y ser ving rural residents, farms and small businesses across 13 municipal distric ts . They have been providing safe, reliable electricity distribution to rural Alber ta for over 7 5 years and ser ve over 8,500 members.
Their o ice is open Monday to Friday, f rom 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Thistle Hill Farm
Petting Zoo & Pony Rides
Located near Hay L akes on Highway 2 1 Thistle Hill Farm Petting Zoo & Pony Rides o ers both an onfarm and a mobile petting zoo for event s . Featuring goat s, sheep, rabbit s and more, they are popular for bir thdays, school groups and communit y event s, providing a fun and educational experience for all ages Hours var y, so check their Facebook page or call 780-878- 334 4 for current times.
Municipal Election
The next municipal general elec tion will be held on Oc tober 20, 2025.
You can register to vote at any time. There are several bene fits to registering ahead of an elec tion. Registere d voters will receive impor tant updates from Elec tions Alber ta after a provincial or by-election is called, including personalized mailed voter information cards that tell you where, when and how to vote in upcoming provincial elections. Registering in advance also makes the voting process faster and easier, because you won’t have to register at the voting place.
❱ If your registration is up to date, you’re ready to vote!
❱ If your registration is out of date, or ( for ex ample , if you have recently moved or changed your name since you previously registered), you will need to re-register
❱ If you have not registere d be fore, you can register now. www.voterlink .ab .ca
Catherine.
Watershed Management Planning allows them to work collaboratively to develop and implement watershed management recommendations that support the ecological, economic and social well-being of the Battle River and Sounding Creek watersheds.
“Incorporating watershed management in land management plans and administration improves transparency and reduces risk; reduces municipal costs associated with infrastructure, drought and flood; protects important regional economic drivers and human health; supports compliance with provincial requirements,” reported Catherine.
Tra ic Sign s
Tra ic control signs have been stolen from roads in Camrose County. If you see anyone other than Camrose County sta working on signs , please repor t it to Protective Ser vices at protser v@county camrose .ab .ca or 780-672-4449.
The se missing signs may create dangerous intersections. If you notice any missing signs, please repor t them to Public Work s at publicwork s@county.camrose .ab .ca or 780-672-4449.
Submitted Jim Anderson of Coutts Home Hardware in Forestburg, recently received his Gold Hammer Award in recognition for 50 years of working in the Canadian Hardware Industry. He started working for Coutts Home Hardware in 1975 and still continues to work there. Jim was presented with his award during a cake and coffee ceremony held by Sharmagne Ray, Home Hardware territory manager.
GOLDEN HAMMER
MP Kurek presents King Charles awards
By Murray Green
Battle
River-Crowfoot MP Damien Kurek
presented King Charles III Coronation Medals to Camrose and area recipients at the Camrose branch of the Royal Canadian Legion on June 4.
“Truly, one of the best parts of being your representative is to see incredible people like this and the ability for them to be honoured. Out of 40 million Canadians, only 30,000 people will receive the medals. Each MP was given 20 medals to present. We had well over 100 nominations, so I lobbied to have more medals because this part of rural Alberta has so many incredible people. I was lucky to get six more medals to present, for a total of 26,” Kurek explained.
Camrose recipients were Blain Fowler, Kevin William Gillespie, Constable Michael Kuster, Norm Mayer and Erhard Pinno.
Dawn Rolande Hodgins
For more than 50 years, Dawn Hodgins has been a pillar of volunteerism in Viking and across Alberta, dedicating her time and talents to countless community initiatives–especially those supporting children and families.
Her service includes decades of leadership in youth programs such as Sunday School, Scouts, 4-H and minor sports. She has held key roles in the United Church Women, Royal Purple at both local and provincial levels, and contributed tirelessly to community events, fundraising efforts, and facility operations.
Her enduring commitment, leadership, and generosity have left a lasting legacy of community spirit and care.
Lynne Jenkinson
Lynne Jenkinson is honoured for her exceptional leadership, dedication to community development, and commitment to public service. As the past executive director of Flagstaff Family and Community Services, a role she held since 2011, she has successfully secured and managed critical government funding to support local programs.
Her active roles on the boards of FIRST and the Flagstaff Food Bank–where she serves as secretary and lead fundraiser–demonstrate her tireless advocacy for vulnerable populations. Lynne’s deep understanding of services at all levels of government ensures that residents across the region receive the support they need.
Her passion for building strong, healthy communities–mentally, physically, and holistically–makes her a model of civic responsibility.
Sherry Kroeger
Sherry Kroeger was recognized for her exceptional dedication to children, families, and community life in Consort. Despite holding a full-time job, Sherry volunteers as the Playschool teacher, giving her time and energy to early childhood development.
She leads the “Little Chefs” program, bringing parents and children together to learn valuable life skills through cooking. She also manages the school’s Hot Lunch program–organizing meals, coordinating volunteers, and personally covering the cost for students in need to ensure no child is left out.
Sherry’s selfless service, compassion, and unwavering commitment to the well-being of others exemplify the values of community leadership and kindness that the King’s Medal seeks to honour.
Mary Elda Jewel Lien
In recognition of her extraordinary compassion and leadership, Jewel Lien has transformed a simple act of kindness into a vital community service. Since founding the Ryley branch of Bags of Love in 2009, she has coordinated the creation and distribution of nearly 1,000 comfort bags annually–each containing essentials and handmade items for children in crisis. Through tireless fundraising, volunteer coordination, and personal craftsmanship, she has brought hope and dignity to countless young lives across East Central Alberta. Her unwavering dedication and selfless service embody the values honoured by this medal.
Charles McBurney
In recognition of a lifetime of distinguished service to Canada and his community, Charles McBurney of Beaver County has demonstrated unwavering dedication across military, policing, civic, and volunteer roles. A veteran of the Royal Canadian Navy and long-serving member of the Canadian Forces Reserve, he has also served as a municipal and special constable, firefighter, and elected official at both municipal and county levels.
As a respected Métis Elder and community leader, he has contributed to Indigenous advocacy, seniors’ organizations, and numerous civic boards. His enduring commitment to public service and community well-being reflects the highest ideals of Canadian citizenship.
Blanche Nelson
In recognition of her outstanding dedication to public service, Blanche Nelson was honoured for being a pillar for the Town of Hardisty and Flagstaff County. Her contributions include a decade of service on the Victim Services Board, meaningful work and support to local law enforcement, and 30 years with the Hardisty Fire Rescue Department. A devoted member of the Royal Canadian Legion for 47 years, she has consistently demonstrated leadership, compassion, and a deep commitment to her community. Her lifelong service reflects the highest ideals of citizenship and volunteerism.
Leona Thorogood
Leona Thorogood was recognized for her exceptional leadership and lifelong commitment to community service across Alberta. A past national president of Kin Canada and vicepresident of the Kin Canada Foundation, she has championed volunteerism and civic engagement at every level. As a Life Member of the
Kinette Club of Stettler, she has led numerous initiatives that have enriched the lives of others.
Leona served as chair of the Stettler Health Services Foundation for many years, where she played a central role in advancing local health care. She currently is a founding leader of Stettler Needs Doctors, serving as treasurer and media relations officer, where she advocates tirelessly for physician recruitment and sustainable healthcare in rural Alberta.
Through her officiant work with Firefly Blessings, she continues to support individuals and families with compassion and care during life’s most meaningful moments.
Proudly accepting the award on Leona’s behalf was her daughter Chantelle Schwenk.
Dawn Rolande Hodgins received her award and medal from Battle River-Crowfoot MP Damien Kurek.
Lynne Jenkinson received her award and medal from Battle River-Crowfoot MP Damien Kurek.
Sherry Kroeger received her award and medal from Battle River-Crowfoot MP Damien Kurek.
Mary Elda Jewel Lien received her award and medal from Battle River-Crowfoot MP Damien Kurek.
Charles McBurney received his award and medal from Battle River-Crowfoot MP Damien Kurek.
Blanche Nelson received her award and medal from Battle River-Crowfoot MP Damien Kurek.
Chantelle Schwenk received the award on behalf of Leona Thorogood from Battle RiverCrowfoot MP Damien Kurek.
Custom Silaging
Hay Lakes 4-H leader receives Premier’s Award
By Murray Green
Grace Tabler was named the 2025 recipient of the 4-H Alberta Premier’s Award–the highest honour for 4-H members.
This prestigious award, was first introduced by for-
mer Premier Ernest Man-
ning in 1964, recognizing a member who exemplifies leadership, community service and commitment to 4-H values.
Grace’s kindness, passion and willingness to lend a hand have made her a standout in the 4-H
community. Over the next year, she will represent 4-H Alberta at various events and have the privilege of meeting Alberta’s Premier and the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Economic Development as part of her role.
She started 4-H at a young age and completed 11 years as a Hay Lakes Multi 4-H Club member. She participated in many life skills projects like
cooking, gardening and leadership.
She has a passion for helping with the Cleaver project in her club and this year Grace has taken on the role of Cleaver leader. Grace was a west central ambassador for the last two years and in that role, she had the opportunity to attend various 4-H events where she learned a lot and made many connections.
Grace currently serves
as the Youth Representative on the 4-H Alberta board of directors. For the upcoming 4-H year, Grace is excited to continue building connections across the province and hopes to positively impact 4-H youth.
Grace takes over from Vanessa Hadwin, the outgoing Premier’s Award winner. She completes her role at the end of December.
Grace Tabler, right, of Hay Lakes was honoured with the highest award for 4-H members, the Alberta Premier’s Award that exemplifies leadership, community service and commitment to 4-H values. She received the award from past winner Vanessa Hadwin.
Edberg Library relocate project
By Murray Green
After more than three years of fundraising and renovations, the Edberg Municipal Library celebrated its grand re-opening on May 30, with a free community barbecue at the new Main Street location.
“The event was really well attended and the Edberg Library board could not be more thrilled to see how all their hard work has paid off,” said library board director Jacquie Boden.
The process started in the fall of 2021, when Jacquie pitched the idea of moving the Edberg Municipal Library to the soon-tobe-vacant Edberg fire hall.
“At the time, I was left with bewildered looks from fellow board members and, thinking my dream was dead in the water, I dropped the subject,” she said.
It was not until months later, at a subsequent library board meeting, that Jacquie was pleasantly surprised to learn that her idea had actually taken hold and other board members were talking about the benefits of moving.
The board discussed the numerous accessibility issues with the current library, as well as the space constraints, the lack of adequate parking and the absence of a washroom.
While the Edberg Community Hall had served the library well over the nearly 40 years it was housed there, a central location on Main Street with no stairs and its own bathroom was quite alluring.
“In the following months, the board members set out collecting quotes on what it would cost to renovate the one-bay fire hall. After a great deal of research, it was determined that the labour and supplies for this project would cost more than originally anticipated. The next blow to the budget came when the quote to move the fibre optic Supernet came in at approximately $40,000. Although the board tried to find a way around this, it was soon accepted that this cost was unavoidable and the board pressed forward,” Jacquie explained.
By this time, the seed was planted and the board decided to cautiously move forward and apply for every grant they could find. In fact, the members of the board applied for so many grants they lost count of how many grants they applied for and were subsequently denied.
“Thankfully their spirits were lifted in June 2022, when a phone call from Farm Credit Canada
revealed that the project would be receiving a $15,000 grant. This first grant fuelled the board’s fire and they pressed onward with their fundraising efforts. In the fall of 2022, the board partnered with Canadian Mental Health Association and put on a fundraiser at the Edberg Community Hall focusing on mental health in agriculture. This fundraiser was a great success and netted an additional $5,050. The next victory came soon after the fundraiser, when the Battle River Community Foundation graciously donated $10,000 towards the project,” shared Jacquie.
The new year started off with a bang when it was announced that the project would be awarded $33,162 through the Camrose County Legacy Grant.
“After recieving this amazing news, it was decided that the renovations could finally commence. In the spring of 2023, the go ahead was given to gut the interior of the fire hall and a few months later, the damaged concrete floor was removed and new concrete was poured,” she recalled.
In December 2023, the library board was absolutely floored when they learned that they would be awarded a $71,065 grant from the Alberta Government through the Community Facility Enhancement Grant.
This grant provided the stability to move ahead with
Hauser
the framing and drywalling and by summer 2024, it was ready for painting. A $1,000 grant though Co-op’s Communities in Full Colour program provided plenty of paint for the interior as well as some for the exterior and enough to repaint the bookshelves.
The subsequent months included the instillation of the bookshelves, the relocation of the Supernet, the moving of the books and computers and, finally, the opening of the new location to the public on October 7, 2024.
“In the eight months since the new library has been open, membership is up substantially, foot traffic has greatly increased, new programs have been offered and the library’s selection of books and DVDs has expanded. This was a huge undertaking by a very small group of people, but it is easy to see that this library will be a huge benefit to the community for years to come,” said Jacquie.
“The Edberg Library board would like to offer a sincere thank you to the Edberg Village council and CAO for believing in this project and for supporting it from the beginning. Without Village council’s approval and support, this project would have never got off the ground. The board would also like to thank Jeremy Friesen of Redline Skidsteer for being the contractor and
being by its side for the duration of this project. Last but not least, they would like to recognize Pam Fankhanel, who is the manager of the Edberg Municipal Library.
Her contributions to this project were endless and she continues to be the backbone of the everyday happenings at the Edberg Municipal Library.”
Murray Green, Camrose Booster
The Edberg Municipal Library had an official grand opening on May 30. On hand for the ribbon cutting were, from back left, president Kaye Innes, director Kaylin Herbert, library manager Pam Fankhanel and director Jacquie Boden. Children, from front left, are Norman Herbert, Daniel Boden and Johnathan Boden were eager to check out the books and DVDs.
Health care is supported
By Jackie Lovely, MLA Camrose Constituency
Recently, Albertans have been hearing false and irresponsible claims from the Alberta NDP regarding Bill 55, specifically that the legislation will privatize our healthcare system and force Albertans to pay out-ofpocket for medically necessary services. These claims are downright false and amount to nothing more than political fear-mongering. Our government remains firmly committed to a publicly funded healthcare system. That commitment is unwavering. Bill 55 does not open the door for private corporations to operate public hospitals, nor does it change the fundamental principle that healthcare is based on medical need and not on financial means. The Health Facilities Act explicitly prohibits private hospitals in Alberta, and that will not change under this legislation.
Bill 55 is about modernization and responsible governance. Its goal is to streamline outdated legislation to ensure that Alberta’s healthcare system remains responsive, efficient, and focused on delivering timely, high-quality care. Only public entities such as Alberta Health Services, provincial health agencies, and provincial health corporations are to be permitted to operate hospitals. There is absolutely no role for private companies in delivering patient care. Furthermore, decisions about your health care, for example like what treatments you receive, when you get discharged, and what services are provided to you, will continue to be made by qualified doctors and healthcare professionals. These decisions will remain rooted in medical necessity, not financial considerations, or bureaucratic interference.
Let me reassure that every Albertan will continue to receive the care you need, when you need it, without being charged out-of-pocket for insured services. Bill 55 does not change that core promise. Any suggestion otherwise is not just misleading; it is a deliberate attempt to erode trust and stir fear in all Albertans.
This legislation proposes necessary updates to the Provincial Health Agencies Act, Public Health Act, and Alberta Health Care Insurance Act. These amendments aim to modernize how public health services are planned and delivered, improve hospital governance, and align the system with today’s health care needs. Outdated terms like “regional health authorities” will be replaced, responsibilities will transition to Primary Care Alberta, and the obsolete Hospitals Act will be repealed, with its functions integrated into more relevant legislation.
These are smart and overdue reforms that reflect the ever-evolving landscape of health care in Alberta. With the support of the government’s plan to refocus the system around patient care, ensuring they can access the right care, at the right time, in the right place. This legislation is not about privatization; it’s about strengthening and modernizing a system that all Albertans rely on.
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.
Murray Green, Camrose Booster
These Canada Geese parents had eight goslings to look after prior to adopting eight more that didn’t have parents at Miquelon Lake Provincial Park in late May. The little geese were rescued by park staff when the mother goose wasn’t found. When a suitable family was located, they were released and the family quickly blended into a large extended family of Canadian Geese. Canada Geese are known for their communal parenting and will often adopt goslings that are the same size as their own. The little goslings are growing
RCMP prepares for the fire season within County
By Murray Green
The Camrose RCMP Detachment presented a quarterly Community Policing Report covering the period from January 1st to March 31st to Camrose County at the regular council meeting on May 27.
“As we approach summer, I would like to highlight the preparations that the Alberta RCMP have made to address what may be another busy wildfire season. The wildfire seasons of 2023 and 2024 have provided our organization with many lessons on the best ways to handle the unpredictability of wildfires,” said Sgt. Ross Assoon in his report.
“In March, we began planning for the 2025 wildfire season and this included the early staffing of our Division Emergency Operations Centre (DEOC). In the past two years, DEOC has been the cornerstone of the police response to the wildfires in Alberta. The members and staff in DEOC are able to process information from various sources to determine the most optimal way to deploy police resources in areas under threat of wildfires,” he added.
“Depending on the severity of the fire season, it may be necessary to draw resources from your police service to ensure the safety of people and property in affected communities. I want to assure you that the Alberta RCMP will keep the needs of your community in mind and will work to deploy only the resources which will not adversely impact the security of our own community. The Alberta RCMP remains ready to respond to wildfires in coordination with other provincial resources to protect our citizens and communities,” shared Sgt. Assoon.
He pointed out that most crimes within the County are on the decrease. “From January to March, there have been 457 calls to service in the County. This equates to a 24 per cent reduction year over year. Property crime has been reduced by 34 per cent and Persons crime reduced by 28 per cent compared to last year,” he said.
Although the Detachment continues to run with two vacancies, it has been able to cut some costs with having a reservist, Const.
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.
Joel Barrette, assisting for three months.
“We will soon be expecting two members to join our detachment, Const. Holt and Const. Keykhanzady. We expect them in the summer and then we will be at full staff,” said Sgt. Assoon.
“Hot Spot patrols have been made regularly. All hamlets in the county have been actively patrolled. Patrols of each community have been tracked on the daily occurrence log. Highway 21 has been actively patrolled with speed operations and several tickets laid for speed,” he said about the RCMP duties.
KELEMEN
Avenue, Camrose
RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme presented a King Charles III Coronation Medal to Lois Greenhalgh along with Assistant Commissioner Trevor Daroux.
