The Community
Press Volume 114, Issue 42
Wednesday, April 27, 2022
$1 Including GST
Discover Aviation event gives 100 young people a chance to fly
The Iron Creek Flying Club presented Discover Aviation on Saturday, April 23 at the Flagstaff Regional Airport, where club members gave 100 youth an opportunity to experience flying, some for the first time. See full story Page 25.
Killam Detachment’s newest constable loving rural Alberta Leslie Cholowsky Editor
Killam RCMP Detachment’s newest constable couldn’t be more delighted to be starting his career in rural Alberta. Brett McFarlane has always wanted to be a member of the RCMP. He got his wish when he was accepted into the force last year. McFarlane has spent the last eight years in the Canadian Armed Forces, lately a member of Edmonton’s PPCLI Infantry Regiment. He says his training got a bit delayed when he got COVID-19 while at Depot, the RCMP Training Centre, but because many of his fellow classmates were in the same boat, they got to stay in the program and continue after a short delay. McFarlane was born in Vancouver, but grew up in Langley, BC, in a rural area, where his family had horses, pigs, and goats, and where he lived until he joined the army at age 23. He says he enjoyed his time in the army, and got to travel the world serving on peace-keeping missions. Some of his training took place in Eastern Europe, and he has very fond memories of his time there, and is very concerned about what’s currently happening in the Ukraine. McFarlane says his position in Killam
really is the community policing position he was hoping for. He says Killam wasn’t actually his first choice for a posting, as he was hoping to get something a little closer to Edmonton, where he and his family were living. But now that he’s here, he says, “I’m loving where I’m at. I enjoy everyone here at the Detachment and the entire Flagstaff Region has been fantastic.” He worked his first shift in Killam back on March 6, and says, “I love rural Alberta so far.” He says what really stands out here is the people. “Coming from Edmonton, it’s quite a difference, with people smiling and waving. I miss it. I grew up in south Langley, and went to a small school; there were only 70 kids in the whole school. “I really like that aspect of rural living; everyone is friendly and genuine.” McFarlane’s wife and daughter will be joining him here this week, and the couple are expecting their second child this summer. McFarlane is training under Cst. Jake Rains, and he says he reached out to Rains while still at depot. The two will be working together for a six-month period, and McFarlane says he has great respect for Rains and his policing style. He thinks it’s a huge advantage to come out of Depot and work at a smaller
Cst. Brett McFarlane is the Killam RCMP Detachmentʼs newest member.
detachment where constables get a taste of everything. “I definitely think I got the best posting out of everyone in my class. “I’ve spoken to some who went on to large detachments, and they aren’t doing half the things I am able to here. “I’m grateful to be in the community, with friendly people, and doing this
type of policing. “Here I get to work with every call from start to finish. “That’s the best part, for me, to get to follow up and see things through. “I am really fortunate to be here, and I’ve loved every minute so far.” If you run into Cst. McFarlane, feel free to introduce yourself.
Page 2 - The Community Press, Wednesday, April 27, 2022
FIRST
in partnership with
Inter Pipeline Ltd.
LOCAL MENTAL HEALTH INITIATIVE Are you struggling with Mental Wellness and Mental Health Issues? We will put you in touch with a Psychologist. Costs can be covered by FIRST or Your EAP Program.
CONTACT 780-385-3976
The Community Press, Wednesday, April 27, 2022 - Page 3
‘Positive Tickets’ to return Leslie Cholowsky Editor
Flagstaff County will soon be re-introducing a positive ticket program for county Peace Officers. The program is aimed at youth, and those who receive the tickets will also receive a $10 coupon good at many Flagstaff County businesses. Skyler Zelinski, who has been a Peace Officer for Flagstaff County for over a decade, says a similar program was in effect back when he first started working for the County. At that time, it was a FIRST initiative working with the RCMP Community Resource Officer. “I wanted to bring it back,” says Zelinski. He took the idea to his boss, Regional Emergency Services Director Kim Cannady, who endorsed it whole-heart-
edly, and got the program approved. “The intent of the program hasn’t changed, the ticket is issued with the goal of creating positive relationships between youth and Peace Officers,” says Cannady. “This time it will be a Flagstaff County patrol service initiative,” says Zelinski. “We’ve also tied in to Flagstaff Economic Development’s Flagstaff Bucks program. “Each ticket will come with $10 coupon, which can be used all over the region. “We’re happy to tie it in with local businesses, sharing the positivity. “It’s something I’ve been wanting for a long time, so I just decided to do it.” Economic Development Coordinator Shaina George says, “The purpose of this program is to encourage youth to feel connected to the commu-
nity and build a strong sense of leadership and belonging. “Recognizing the positive contributions of our young people is vital to building and maintaining a strong and thriving community.” The coupons will be modelled on the current Flagstaff Bucks initiative where participating businesses allow the bearer to exchange Flagstaff Bucks as though they are cash, then submitting them to Flagstaff County for reimbursement. The coupons will work the same way. Economic Development is currently work-
ing on getting a full list of participating businesses together. Any who are interested in being added to future lists should contact Flagstaff County. Zelinski says often when he is on patrol he sees positive enforcement opportunities, but up until now, has been unable to act. He will be handing out Positive Tickets to youth caught in the act of doing positive acts within the Flagstaff Region. This can include wearing a bike helmet, picking up littler, holding the door for someone, volunteering at community events, and more.
Alliance Library, 101-1st Ave, Alliance
PRE-TRADES MATH & SCIENCE Starting in May!
What do you want to learn? 5023 50 (Main) Street, Killam Office hours: Tuesday - Friday 9 am - 5 pm
780-385-3712 fcal.net
Come on in!
Enter the Baseball season with your best swing!
780-385-0083
FUNERAL PLANNING FREE INFO SESSION- May 18
Christie Crackers
FFree Drop-In Basketball Thursdays 7 pm B
Home Alone, for ages 9-12. $40. Course runs from 9am-12:30pm. Babysitting, for ages 11-15. $75. Course runs from 9am-2:30pm. Register on our website at lougheedfieldhouse.com/calendar
~Don’t forget Mom on May 8~ 4913 55TH STREET KILLAM, AB.
Upcoming Sessions
Basket ball ends at end of April!
Home Alone/Babysitting Course Friday June 3
DAILY 10: 10:00 am to 8 8:00 :00 pm
POTLUCK DESSERT & FAMILY GAMES at the Killam Community Hall, 4929 50St
Spring has Sprung Lougheed at Guardian Field House Open to all ages, but those aged 15 & under must be accompanied by an adult.
OPEN MAY 1, 2022
Meet your Neighbour Killam - May 16 @ 7 pm
We have batting cages and a pitching machine for practice and the open turf is perfect for catching. Purchase a drop in fee or a monthly membership to use the facility at your convenience, or book the turf to use the whole turf privately.
Batting Cages!
$299 Planters Deluxe or Cashews 200g
60s - 150s
$499 $1299
Flyer Prices in effect Friday, Apr. 29 to Thursday, May 5
Earth Luxe for Men
Lubriderm Body Lotion
Aftershave Balm or Refreshing Body Wash
400ml - 480 ml Selected t ypes
30% OFF
$699
Nosh & Co. Candy Bags 275 - 375 g , Selected t ypes
780-385-3598
lougheedfieldhouse.com this week’s ad is sponsored by
Tylenol Tablets 40s - 150s Motrin Tablets
Serving Town & Country since 1962 Open Hours: 9-6 Mon thru Fri, 9-4 Saturday & Closed Sunday.
CLASSIC HITS & COMEDY VARIETY SHOW With Richard & Deborah Popovich
Saturday, May 7 at Viking Community Hall Show 7 p.m. Doors open 6 p.m. Tickets $30 per person Tickets at Java Blossom Flowers Viking, Viking Pharmacy (cash only), Auxiliary members, or at purchase at the door.
$2.99 . Killam, Alberta
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The Community Press, Wednesday, April 27, 2022 - Page 15
April 2022 Meetings
Council Meetings Flagstaff County Co ouncil M Meetings eetings aare re conducted the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month commencing at 9 a.m. unless u otherwise planned. Council and Committ ommittee meeting agendas aare re aavvailable at the County’’ss websit ebsiite te at: flagstaffffff..a . b.ca/c .ca/council/mee .ca/ council/meeeetings-andminu utes tes
780-384-4100 1-877-387-4100 Email: Stay Connected with Us: s
Avoid 6% Tax Penalty
Monday to Friday 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. (Closed Noon - 1 p.m.)
A penalty of 6% (six per cent) will be levied on all unpaid taxes on May 2. To avoid penalties, payments made by mail must be postmarked no later than May 2, 2022, and payments made by Internet Banking or TelPay must be received no later than May 2, 2022. Payment options available: • County Office: 12435 TWP RD 442, Sedgewick, AB • Mail: Flagstaff County, P.O. Box 358, Sedgewick, AB T0B 4C0 • Internet banking: Through the Credit Union, ATB Financial, BMO • Bank of Montreal, e-Transfer, or TelPay (TelPay payments can be made at www.telpay.ca).
Page 16 - The Community Press, Wednesday, April 27, 2022
The Wait is Over!
The 2022 Flagstaff Crafted Spring/Summer Collection is here! Now available online at flagstaffcrafted.ca is Flagstaff County’s 4th edition of their bi-annual gift guide celebrating and showcasing Flagstaff Crafted small businesses and the products and services they offer. Each issue offers the very best local shopping experience. As you scroll through the Spring/Summer collection you will be in awe of our local talent – Flagstaff Crafted MVPs, who have worked hard at building purposeful businesses they are passionate about. We continue to grow our Flagstaff Crafted family and most recently expanded our program to include not only makers, but food producers and service providers as well. What does this mean for you, our supportive communities and shoppers? It means you will have VIP access to an online hub filled with diverse and local Flagstaff Crafted businesses. These businesses work hard at offering the very best products and services right here in rural Alberta – the Flagstaff Region. We strongly believe that when you create a program that supports small business by offering guidance, resources, and opportunities, you give them a path that leads the way to reaching their wildest business dreams. Thank you for continually supporting our local Flagstaff Crafted business.
Participating Businesses:
• Kristin Kueber Artist – Kristin Kueber • Willow Hill Designs – Dennis and Karen Wolbeck • The Design Den – Whitney Langton • Grazing Acres – Teresa and Vanessa Gratix • This Stitch Is Bananas – Tara-Lynn Devey • Twin Oak Farms – Dan and Shelley Skoberg • Wildrose Cinnamon Buns – Shelby Vuylsteke • NRG Coffee – Jon & Carolee Thiessen • Salted – Kerri Lefsrud, Jill Price, Kristy Jackson • Grey Arrow Farms – Andrea and Denis Forstbauer • Creations by Kim – Kim Armitage g
• Sweet Three Designs – Candace Patten • New Light Guitars – Megan Edey • Simply Bee – Tanya, Jen and Meeghan Ford • All Scrunched Up – Paige Petreman • Bar Double Diamond – Bethany Wipf • Ranch Raised Clothing Co. – Jess Fenton, Jackie Davidson and Becky Guenthner • Kimmy Energy Ltd. – Kimberley Krochak • Rebel Ridge Soaps – Andrea Whidden • HOM of Wellbeing – Shirley Damberger
Flagstaff Crafted Retailers: • Rusty Daisy Gift Co. (Daysland) d) – M Mandy d S Spiller ill • The Wooden Spoon (Sedgewick) – Jody Bergseth • Laurie’s Vintage Creations (Viking) – Laurie Ritchie • Rustic Stars (Hardisty) – Trish Granger g
•R Rurall R Roott C Collective ll (Killam) – Shila Bishop • The Sweeterie (Camrose) – Tania Greenwald • Killam Home Hardware – Derek & Stacy Graff
Photography By: • Branded by Barnes – Tess Barnes
•C Coldstream ld t Photography and Film – Shaina George