April 30 Tofield Mercury by Caribou Publishing

Canada 2025 Election Results on page 3

which was the perfect height for the young bird enthusiasts wandering by.

Tofield was a busy place on the weekend, as many from the city and surrounding areas travelled into town to catch a glimpse of the celebrated snow geese. Six twohour bus tours, seven three-hour bus tours, and six three-hour field hikes were offered on both Saturday and Sunday, and while Town of Tofield Recreation and Facilities Coordinator Vanita Eglauer said she had not yet looked at the final attendance numbers, it was up from last year.

“We seem to be growing and that has been our goal from the beginning. We resurrected the festival in 2023, and each year we are seeing more people. It was a really good weekend. Despite the cool weather on Sunday, the tours actually had some really good sightings and everybody that I spoke to was very happy,” she said.

The trade show was held in the curling rink this year and there were 17 vendors with many interactive booths including the Beaverhill Bird Observatory (BBO) who had burrowing owl Nina along, with whom many had the opportunity to pet and take a photo with. Claystone Waste’s photo cutout board was also a popular attraction,

Geoff Holroyd of BBO said a south wind the day before the festival began brought in a lot of snow geese for the weekend, which was very fortunate.

“We were really lucky. There was a very strong south wind on Friday that brought the geese in large numbers. I was watching one flock of a couple thousand on the ground, and every couple of minutes, a flock of 100 or so would just fall out of the sky, joining them. We have lots of options for the busses driving around. There are also many other birds beyond the geese. There is one spot that had over 100 white-faced ibises,” he said.

Berta Beltran who came to Tofield from Edmonton agreed, and said she saw many other bird species.

“We saw a lot of Canada geese, white fronted geese, of course the snow geese, but then also normal ducks and coots. And we saw a coyote and some mule deer too! We really enjoyed it, and it was such a perfect day, beautiful and sunny,” she said.

Free kids activities were hosted by Nature Alberta and Nature Kids, where kids could make their own mini snow goose, test their wildlife knowledge with interactive quizzes,

Continued to page 18

Kari Janzen Staff Reporter

KARI JANZEN & LISA PRIESTLEY PHOTOS

KELSEY WITHAM STAFF REPORTER

An ‘Easter in the County’ event was held at Spilstead Hall on April 18, an annual event that Tofield Beaver County West Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) started in 2022.

“We partnered with Camrose Family Resource Centre this year and we had a very successful day celebrating Easter. Over 50 people joined in on the festivities on Good Friday,” FCSS Executive Director Tracey Boast Radley said.

Families also received a visit from the Easter Bunny and participated in an Easter egg hunt,” she said.

“There were many Easter-themed crafts, such as egg dyeing, colouring, play dough Easter creations, sparkle tattoos, and sensory bins.

Boast Radley said snacks and refreshments were provided and included cheese and crackers, vegetables and dip, fruit, lemonade, and coffee.

Left and above: About 50 came to Tofield FCSS's Easter celebration at Spilstead Hall on Good Friday, April 18 to participate in many Easter-themed festivities.

PHOTO SUPPLIED

Kurek Re-elected in Landslide

Carney’s

Liberals regain Federal Minority

Battle River-Crowfoot Member of Parliament Damien Kurek has been re-elected for another term following the results of the April 28 Federal Election, receiving a dominant 82 per cent of the local votes in the riding.

Even without all ballots counted at press time, 65,109 voters in Battle River-Crowfoot went to the polls, an increase from the 58,639 total who voted in 2021. While Kurek was elected with 71 per cent of the votes in 2021, he rose to 81.9 per cent in 2025. Liberal candidate Brent Sutton meanwhile received 11.4 per cent of the vote, NDP James MacKay received 4.3 per cent, People’s Party candidate Jonathan Bridges 1.6 per cent, and Green’s Douglas Gook just 0.7 per cent.

Following his victory, Kurek put out a statement late Monday evening, saying; “Thank you to Battle River-Crowfoot once again for the honour to serve. My promise to you is that I will work and fight to ensure you continue to be heard in the House of Commons.”

Kurek stated that while the national result did not go as hoped,”Conservatives made massive gains and will work to restore the Canadian promise.”

New Prime Minister Mark Carney, meanwhile, has officially gained a seat in the house, and his Liberals have maintained their minority government in Canada, falling short of a majority (with 169 elected or leading at press time).

In his victory speech, Prime Minister Carney thanked all those who were willing to put their name in to run as a candidate in the election. “Thank you for standing up to serve our country at this critical time.”

Carney also stated that his goal was to implement a government that would work for all Canadians regardless of party affiliation.

“My message to every Canadian is this: no matter where you live, no matter what language you speak, no matter how you voted, I will always do my best to represent everyone who calls Canada home.”

The 2025 Canadian Federal Election was one for the record books, as the Conservative Party and Liberal Party both made gains, mostly at the expense of the NDP, who have lost official party status, having fallen short of the 12-MP minimum in the house.

Despite being unable to top the Liberals, the Conservatives gained 25 seats in the house from 2021 with 144. The Liberal Party gained nine seats from 2021. The Bloc Québécois lost 10 seats, the NDP lost 18 seats, and the Green Party lost one seat.

Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre and NDP leader Jagmeet Singh both lost in their ridings,

which is likely to bring about new faces and changes in leadership going forward. Bloc leader Yves-François Blanchet was re-elected in his riding as was Elizabeth May, the sole Green Party candidate in all of Canada to be elected.

As of Tuesday afternoon, without final ballots being as yet counted, the number of votes cast nation-wide was already up nearly 2,000,000 from the previous federal election.

With threats of annexation and increased tariffs from US President Donald Trump, voter engagement was expected to be high. Advanced voting in particular saw large increases in most ridings.

Battle River-Crowfoot MP Damien Kurek

Truck

1995 International 9400 T/A Hi-Way Truck

IHC Eagle T/A Hi-Way Truck

Western Star T/A Hi-Way Truck

Kenworth T/A Hi-Way Truck

Sterling T/A Day Cab Hi-Way Truck

Freightliner S/A Truck

2012 International Durastar S/A Cab & Chassis

2005 Freightliner S/A Cab & Chassis

2006 GMC C8500 T/A Cab & Chassis V

Ram 3500 4x4 Crew Cab Long Box

Dually Truck - Long Horn Edition

GMC 3500 HD 4x4 Crew Cab Service Truck

GMC 3500 4x4 Ext Cab Truck w/ Diesel & Welding Deck

Ford Rancher 4x4 Ext Cab Trucks

2018 Chev Express Bus

. T

2010 GMC Topkick S/A Sanding Truck w/ Hi-Way C202XT Sanding Box

Peterbilt T/A Dually Garbage Truck

2005 GMC 5500 S/A Dump Truck

Freightliner T/A Grain Truck w/ Bunk

Chev 70 T/A Diesel Grain Truck w/ Cascade Super Box 11

Peterbilt T/A Hydra Vac Truck

Freightliner T/A Vac Truck

Hino S/A Cube Van

Sterling S/A Cube Van

3 - New Durahaul 10' T/A 3500 Lbs Dump Trailers

Durahaul 7'x22' T/A Split Tilt Deck Trailer 1994 Manac 53' Tridem Dry Van Trailer

2008 Falcon Tridem Pole Trailer

R L M

Victory Freedom V Twin Motorbike

Bad Boy Elite 54" Zero Turn

Riding Lawn Mower

Bobcat Zero Turn Riding Lawn Mower

Yamaha 400 4x4 Quad

Hyundi 750 TM-7 Wheel Loader

Road Grader E

2022 Bobcat E63

Bobcat S66 Skid Steer

Bobcat S66 Skid Steer 2018 Bobcat S70 Skid Steer

Bobcat T190 Skid Steer

MT100 Mini Skid Steer ASV RC30 Track Skid Steer

SR160 Skid Steer

Plus A Hugh Assortment of Trucks & Equipment To Numerous to Mention

Assortment of Skid Steer & 3 pth

Attachment & Accessories

Assortment of Portable Toliets

Listings are Subject to Additions & Deletions

Officer Appreciation Night for Tofield Sea Cadet Corps

Cassandra Lundbek Staff Reporter

The 56 Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Corps Nootka of Tofield celebrated their dedicated officers during an Officer Appreciation Night on Thursday evening, April 17 at the Tofield Community Hall.

While a Cadet Appreciation Night is planned for June, this event offered a heartfelt opportunity to shine a spotlight on the leaders who support and mentor the cadets yearround.

“It was nice that we got to appreciate some of the officers who work really hard, tirelessly,” said Cpl. Cinzia Capella. “It was awesome that they came out and did that.”

The evening followed the structure of a typical cadet ceremonial parade night, beginning with opening ceremonies, which is a tradition at every cadet gathering.

Cadets took their positions as the evening commenced, with the messenger assigned to play music and escort the officer for the opening of O Canada, followed by a uniform inspection.

A highlight of the night was the march-past, where cadets performed their drill movements in

front of the officers, which is a gesture of respect and a display of the skills they’ve honed throughout the year.

Though the space was a bit tight, the cadets adapted with enthusiasm.

For the officers, the recognition was especially meaningful.

“I believe they work really hard, and it’s just nice to be noticed,” Capella explained.

Many officers had been looking forward to the event since before its delay in March. Capella, who also serves as an officer, reflected on the lasting connections built over the years.

“I’ve seen a lot of cadets go through the program, and it’s nice that I have friendships with some of them. I have friendships with quite a few officers, and they’re lifelong friendships,” she reminisced. “CI (Civilian Instructor) Tucker was one of the very first cadets I started with, and now she’s a CI beside me.”

Several honours were presented, including the Navy League of Canada award, which went to Cadet Manning. Manning had to meet several

requirements, including completing volunteer hours, achieving a certain rank, and accomplishing various other goals.

“It’s a big honour that he worked hard for,” Capella noted.

For the first time since Capella has been active with the corps, the Navy League also presented recognition for years of service to the officers, which was deeply appreciated by those receiving it.

Promotions were also announced for cadets moving up in rank, though some were not present due to the Easter holiday and will receive their promotions at the next event. Cadet of the Month was presented to Cadet Torpe.

Looking ahead, the sea cadets will host a Battle of the Atlantic ceremony on Sunday, May 4. They will welcome other cadet groups and the local legion to commemorate the ships and sailors lost during the longest battle of the Second World War.

The event serves as a poignant reminder of the Navy’s legacy and the values cadets uphold today: duty, honour, and remembrance.

ROADSIDE BRUSH & WEED CONTROL PROGRAM

Camrose County will be spraying along County Roadsides for the control of brush and weeds commencing June 1st. Spraying will not be done in front of building sites. The brush control program will be undertaken for safety, ease of snow removal and site line improvement.

Persons must complete an "Agreement for the Restricted Use of Herbicides for Brush & Weed Control in Sensitive Areas" and must POST Camrose County "DO NOT SPRAY AREA" signs prior to May 30th, 2025. Agreements are available on Camrose County website - www.county.camrose.ab.ca

DO NOT SPRAY SIGNS are available for purchase at: Camrose County Agricultural Service Office 4238-37 St., Camrose AB T4V 5B2 780-672-4765

asb@county.camrose.ab.ca

COUNTY ROADSIDE PROGRAM

The County recognizes that certain individuals wish to harvest the roadside vegetation for hay; if you wish to harvest the roadside vegetation you must contact Public Works office at 780-672-4449 prior to May 30th, 2025 and identify these locations.

The 56 Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Corps Nootka of Tofield celebrated their dedicated officers during an Officer Appreciation Night on Thursday evening, April 17 at the Tofield Community Hall. Back, L-R: Cadet Torpe, Cadet Ferguson, Cadet Meyn, Cadet Biglow, Cadet Bramner, Cadet Hill L., Cadet Hoffman, Cadet Johanson, Cadet Cross, Cadet Manning. Front, L-R: CI Cowan, CV Boos, CV Fischer, Coxswain Hill W., Lt(N) Braim, CI Tucker, CI Capella. CASSANDRA LUNDBEK PHOTO

JOHN’S RANT OPINION

BY JOHN MATHER

Thirty days to accomplish more of the same. So do we blame this election on Trump?

According to CNN on Monday morning it was Trump who was the main topic of the Canadian national election.

They were commenting on Trump’s first 100 days in office and his ongoing comments about tariffs and added stupid commentary taunting primarily Liberals and NDP followers with talk of making Canada the 51st state.

Let’s face it, he would have a very hard time doing this without bringing the U.S. military into the picture.

And would they really want to fight Canadians?

This country has established itself for more than 150 years as a peace loving, economic force that welcomes the world to its shores.

Yet for the past 10 years the Liberal government under the deranged Justin Trudeau, Steven Guilbeault, Johnathan Wilkinson and other flawed cabinet members propped up by a sad sack Jagmeet Singh have destroyed much of this reputation, allowing the bully Trump to taunt us with his misguided musings.

Trump boldly states he doesn’t need anything from Canada. Take a look again Donald.

The auto industry is so interconnected between Canada, the U.S, and Mexico that you simply can’t shuffle the monopoly pieces around the board and have the entire industry relocated into the U.S, in a few short months.

We have a strong aluminum industry in Quebec. That province also supplies much of your electrical energy along the eastern seaboard.

Ontario provides surplus power to the midwestern states.

When Premier Doug Ford threatened to cut those supplies off Trump heard the howls of protests from those states and quickly moved to impose devastating tariffs on the province and country.

That he can do and has done to some degree.

Saskatchewan supplies potash the U.S. needs to grow its vast export crops of corn and soy.

B.C. and some Atlantic provinces supply massive board feet of lumber that the U.S. needs for home construction.

No Donald, you can’t make it without the help from Canada.

And did I mention the supplies of Canadian oil and natural gas you rely on from Alberta?

So this is what the lacklustre Liberals under a new, but uninspiring new team captain Mark Carney, campaigned on.

The Dippers were running so scared they truly disappeared off the political map. Canadians were well aware Singh had supported Trudeau for two years while the country continued its horrific downhill slide when he could have stopped it.

Yet the Conservatives tried to point out the Liberal record of the past 10 years.

A record of devastating economic policies, intrusion into provincial af-

Thirty days to accomplish more of the same

fairs, lack of direction on crime in our urban area, uncontrolled immigration.

Those very things that gave Trump the reasons for being such an ass whenever he had a conversation with Trudeau.

And so here we are.

After 30 days of cross country politicking by the various party leaders, excluding to Yves Francois Blanchett who doesn’t set foot outside Quebec, we seem to have arrived at another minority Liberal government.

Exactly what we had going in.

To NDP leader Singh, congratulations. I’m sure you did what you thought was best, but was it best for your party or just yourself?

The voters seemed to think it was all about you and rewarded your party accordingly. The NDP have been virtually voted into obscurity.

The Bloc Quebecois dropped seats but will form the main player in this new minority parliament. So a separatist party is holding the balance of power in the country it wants to separate from?

Does that even make sense?

The Conservatives continue to hold the Liberals' feet to the fire. They created Canada’s economic mire and now let’s see if they continue to compound it.

As for the Liberals, you felt Carney is the man to match wits with Trump.

So be it!

We’ll all watch with bated breath.

But will he do anything to change up his rose glasses wearing cabinet?

Please ditch Guilbeault. Ditch

Wilkinson. They hold the west, Alberta in particular, in contempt.

Heed some of the wish list of Premier Danielle Smith.

She wants Canada to succeed and knows Alberta is the economic driver of the country.

Carney can throw the west a bone by giving the prairie provinces and their natural resources a little respect.

While the push will be strong please, please please don’t put Gerald Butts back into the PMOs circle. You could do without Marco Medicino and David Lametti as well since they were failed cabinet ministers in the waning days or Trudeau, but you have already hired them.

Could you make that short term? And please recognize Canada as a country.

Sure your main vote came from Quebec but don’t direct all your attention and tributes to them.

It’s time to unify Canada, not further divide. As a rookie your performance in the House of Commons will be scrutinized.

Don’t lose your temper.

Unlike your predecessor, be contrite, work towards consensus not toward further division.

Respect all Canadians not just the Laurentien elite friends.

You asked for a majority and Ontario and Quebec almost gave it to you.

Now however, you’ll be put to a better test.

How will you perform?

Canada’s future may well depend on this.

Kerry Anderson Publisher Lisa Kuflay Manager John Mather Reporter Jana Semeniuk Reporter

Kate Priestley Office Assistant Michelle Anderson Payroll Administrator

Crystal Moren Production Kari Janzen Reporter

From April 15 to April 28 Tofield RCMP received 75 calls for service.

Seventeen complaints were related to traffic offences, 9 included collisions of which three were related to animal collisions. Three violation tickets were issued for invalid documents or failing to obey traffic control device.

Several complaints of licence plates being stolen were made throughout this time frame.

Forty-two calls were related to wellbeing checks, suspicious persons complaints, mental health calls, or assistance general public in someway.

On April 15, a complaint was made regarding gas being syphoned from some vehicles located at 49 Street and 52 Avenue in Tofield.

On April 25, a complaint of someone burning debris in their yard was made. Location was Twp Rd 513 and Rge Rd

RCMP Report

195. Fire restrictions are in place at this time. Subject was warned to check the county website for any updates.

Also on April 25, a complaint of a male pushing a dirt bike along Rge Rd 192 was made. The bike was stolen out of Edmonton. No suspects were around at the time of recovery. File is still under investigation.

On April 26 a grass fire was reported just off of Hwy 14 and near Twp Rd 500. Unknown who started the fire.

Non-emergency events do not pose an immediate or potential threat to life or public safety. These also include crimes that have already taken place prior to being discovered. They often do not require police attendance, but do require police response. While these types of calls are still important, they are not an emergency. There are a number of tools and resources available to report non-emergency events or other

issues. Beginning in April 2025 Albertans can call 310-RCMP (7267) for non-emergency events and incidents. People will also still be able to call their local RCMP detachment’s non-emergency line or phone the police service of jurisdiction in their area.

Albertans can also use the online crime reporting tool found via the Alberta RCMP app that can be downloaded on through Apple or Google Play. You can also contact the Alberta RCMP via a web form at www.rcmpgrc.gc.ca/ab/contact.

Tofield’s Austin Munson gets silver

VANESSA POITRAS STAFF REPORTER

Austin Munson, 17, competed in the U18 Barebow Alberta Indoor Archery Provincials at Innisfail, during the weekend of April 11-13.

With seven others competing in his age group, Munson took home the silver medal.

"There are three rounds of 30 arrows. Austin's final score was 452. The targets are 18 metres away and the class of barebow is just a simple recurve bow, no sights and no counterweights,” Munson’s father, Trevor explained.

This was Munson’s first major competition and his fourth year practicing archery. He has

competed in local competitions before and has a goal to compete in the Canadian Nationals held in Lac La Biche in August

of this year.

"He first got into archery after attending a summer program at the arena in Tofield. He has

always wanted to compete and this was his first major competition,” Trevor Munson said.

Second round of book bingo in Beaver County in full force

Home-Time Realty and the Last Chance Pub and Grill are once again hosting their book bingo for the second consecutive year, in partnership with the Tofield Municipal Library, and new this year, also the McPherson Municipal Library in Ryley and the Holden Municipal Library.

Bingo cards can be picked up at any of the participating libraries, and books borrowed

through any of the three can be entered on the cards.

"Anyone can participate and it is free," Jessee Malica-Hare, Home-Time Realty realtor said.

This book bingo was started in 2024 as a fun way to get community involvement as well as some advertising for the businesses involved.

Prizes are available for community members who succeed in filling a single line by June 25, an ‘X’, or second line bingo

by Sept. 24, picture frame (all outer squares) bingo by Dec. 17, and the card blackout bingo by March 25, 2026.

“Every three months a draw will be made. If you have completed the current draw objective by the draw date, you'll be entered to win a prize,” the contest rules say.

Some of the prizes that were gifted last year included a steak dinners from Last Chance Pub and Grill and Indigo gift cards for $50 and $100

depending on the bingo won.

Eligibles books to be marked on the bingo card must be read after March 27.

Some books on the bingo cards are sports themed, audiobooks, thrillers or mysteries, set in Canada, or book picks from Home-Time Realty and Last Chance Pub and Grill staff.

"It is a good way to get engagement with the libraries," Malica-Hare said.

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VANESSA POITRAS STAFF REPORTER

Tofield's Austin Munson, 17, on the far left, competed in the U18 Barebow Alberta Indoor Archery Provincials in Innisfail, during the weekend of April 11-13 and took home the silver medal. PHOTO VERONICA DOUGHERTY

Community supports Ryley Pool at annual Spring Splash

Kari Janzen Staff Reporter

The Beaver Heritage and Ag Society’s annual Spring Splash event, a fundraiser for the Ryley Pool, was once again a well-attended evening of entertainment and generosity. The meal was prepared and served by A-1 Catering, and those who showed up to support the pool enjoyed a meal of roast beef, chicken, potatoes, and perogies with all the fixings. Silent and live auctions were held, with the latter led by Terry and Weston Magneson, whose banter brought about more than a few laughs.

“We want to thank you all for your generous donations tonight and also for all of your bidding on the auctions,” emcee and Ag Society secretary Lonnie Lauber said.

As has become a tradition, to sing a song for the crowd, Lauber also performed his own rendition of Johnny Cash’s I’ve Been Everywhere, incorporating local municipalities.

Next year will be the 50th anniversary for the operation of the Ryley Pool and Lauber said the 2026 spring splash will be a big deal.

“It’s been 49 years that the pool has been in operation and that in itself is a milestone,” Chairman of the board Terry Magneson said.

“After covid, Ag societies took a real fall. Many Ag societies folded or ceased to function, and they've had some real

hard times, but here in the little town of Ryley, to have an indoor pool is virtually impossible, but yet we do it, and we only do it because of people like you.

“We sincerely thank each and every one of you for coming out and supporting this event, and you can tell by the prices tonight that we have a real love for Ryley and a real love for the Ryley Pool. The board has a real love for you people, because you come and you make this event fun, and you generate a whole bunch of money, which helps keep the water in the pool warm, and that makes everybody happy,” Magneson said.

One of the live auction items that was sold was a picture of the late Keith Yoder’s combine. Yoder was a big supporter of the pool and a man Lauber said could always be relied on to show up for the harvest of the Fuel the Pool growing project. The photograph was purchased for $750 by Austin Schultz, who told the auctioneer to sell it again, and Mark Ewert took the picture home for $800.

The funds raised from the event will go towards the general operation of the pool. Pool manager Susie Williams said that they got the grant to renovate the changerooms, and that the project is well underway.

“For years now, the staff, if they're teaching lessons, they go into the washroom and it's full with kids, and we’ve never had a separate staff changeroom before, so this will be a real benefit,” she said.

Morley Knudslien provided the background music prior to the meal.

BEAVER COUNTY SEED CLEANING CO-OP For Sale: Common Seed Oats

BEAVER COUNTY SEED CLEANING CO-OP

BEAVER COUNTY SEED CLEANING CO-OP OPEN BY APPOINTMENT ONLY

BEAVER COUNTY SEED CLEANING CO-OP For Sale: Common Seed Oats, Pony Oats and Barley

September & October Open by appointment only

Serving all the farms, ranches, acreages and towns in Beaver County Bruce, Holden, Kinsella Ryley, Tofield, Viking

Phone 780-688-3917 • Holden, AB

Phone 780-688-3917 • Holden, AB November

Phone 780-688-3917 • Holden, AB

The Beaver County Chronicle

Free Weekly Publication Serving All of Beaver County

Wednesday, December 4, 2024, Volume 17, Issue 49

Wednesday, November , 2023, Volume 16, Issue 46

WednesdayFebruary162022Volume15Issue7

Wednesday, April 30, 2025, Volume 18, Issue 17

Council will no longer hire its CPOs

Administration to hire and also replace

Patricia Harcourt Editor

A new bylaw means the chief administrative officer will replace county council when it comes to hiring community peace officers.

A committee to hear complaints and adjudicate them concerning CPOs has been eliminated. In its place, complaints will be handled by the employee’s immediate supervisor.

Deborah Juch, General Manager of Community and Protective Services for Beaver County, presented county council with a new Bylaw #251167, called the Bylaw Enforcement Officer bylaw at council’s April 16 regular meeting.

The new bylaw replaces the former Bylaw #02832 which “provides for the appointment and discipline of bylaw enforcement officers,” said Juch.

She added that administration was recommending changes to the bylaw for several reasons.

“The bylaw is inefficient and restrictive in that council’s approval is required to appoint officers,” she said, resulting in “a delay in enforcement services” as there is only one council meeting per month.

And, as employees of the county, she said the

disciplinary board hearings

county’s chief administrative officer was a “more appropriate” person to hire such officers.

Zuch also stated that the older bylaw contains a clause about having a bylaw enforcement committee to oversee complaints about officers, which she said “has never been used.

“Moreover, complaints against county employees should be heard by the employee’s supervisor or the chief administrative officer as provided in human resource policies,” she said.

A further inconsistency was that the county has an investigation and discipline process for other county employees, but the older bylaw has officer complaints handled through a formal hearing process.

“Determining the validity of a complaint and any disciplinary action required is better aligned with that of other county employees,” she stated, through action such as verbal reprimands, suspensions, or termination of employment.

The newly proposed bylaw highlights included the CAO appointing both the chief bylaw enforcement officer and the bylaw enforcement officers, a task formerly requiring council approval.

Other changes in the new bylaw include the CAO determining the scope of these employees’ duties, which in general terms would include

response to investigation and enforcement of county bylaws and educating the public concerning the bylaws.

Also, the new bylaw includes an expansion of the examples provided for misuse of power. Additional misuse of power by an enforcement officer would include actions in contravention of any legislation, discriminatory behaviour, and use of excessive force.

The 2025 bylaw will have the chief bylaw enforcement officer investigate and determine the validity of allegations of misuse of power by a bylaw enforcement officer.

A similar kind of investigation regarding the chief bylaw enforcement officer would be handled by the CAO.

And resulting disciplinary action would be imposed by the employee’s supervisor.

Council had no discussion at the regular meeting concerning the new bylaw, which had previously already been given first reading.

Councillor Lionel Williams (Division 2) made a motion for second reading, and Councillor Dale Pederso (Division 5) made another for third reading, both of which passed.

The new Bylaw Enforcement Officer #25-1167 bylaw has now been enacted and replaces the previous bylaw.

County gets ‘gold standard’ review for clean audit of finances

Patricia Harcourt

Beaver County received its 2024 audited financial statements as presented by MNP LLP at the April 16 regular meeting of council.

“The good news is there are no issues,” announced Benji Waser, CAP, CA, CFM of MNP LLP, adding that a “clean audit opinion” is the gold standard for audits and represents a “snapshot” of the year-end financials.

The report opinion on the audit stated: “In our opinion the accompanying consolidated finan-

cial statements present fairly, in all material aspects the consolidated financial position of the County as of December 31, 2024, and the results of its consolidated operations, changes in the financial assets and its cash flow for the year then ended in accordance with Canadian public sector accounting standards.”

Beaver County has its audited financial statements posted on its website at beaver.ab.ca where it states: “We are pleased to share that we received a clean audit for the 2024 financial year.”

Deputy Reeve Gene Hrabec (Division 3) questioned the six per cent rise in staff vacation and overtime over the previous year in the report.

Chief Administrative Officer Kayleena Spiess replied that, “New staff are allowed to accrue....” adding, “We are still within the policy.”

After hearing the results of the second document of the report, Hrabec made the motion to accept the auditor’s financial report, which council passed.

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Bringamaskandeyewear especiallyonwindydays. Grabsomebuckets,ashovel, andsomeglovesandget readytoloaduponquality, localprocessedCategoryA compost!

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IMPORTANTDATES

April30

7PM-SpecialCouncilMeetingatRyleyCommunityCentre,for: PublicHearing-CommunityStandardsBylaw MillRateBylaw-3Reading rd

May7

9:30AM-4:00PM-GovernanceandPrioritiesCommitteeMeeting May21

9:30AM-4:00PM-RegularCouncilMeeting

WHATSHAPPENINGINOURCOMMUNITY

BookClub

Location:RossCreekCommunityHall,531041RgeRd191 RuralbookclubthatmeetsthefirstTuesdayofeachmonth.Meetings runfrom7PM-8PM,allageswelcome!

TofieldAA -Thursdays,8-9PM BasementofBardoLutheranChurch,473757Ave,Tofield. VikingAA -Wednesdays,8PM,Zoomoptionalsoavailable. GoldenValleyLutheranChurch,532756Ave,Viking. https://area78aa.org/meetings/147-3

Submityourevent/s,meetingsand/orgatheringstotheeventscalendaronthe website!Justheadtothewebsite,undertheExploremenuclickonCountyRegion EventsCalendar.WehavepartneredwithGoEasttosharelocaleventsonourwebsite!

CommunityStandardsBylawHearing BeaverCountywillbeholdingapublichearingtogiveresidentsan opportunitytoprovideinputontheproposedCommunityStandards Bylaw.ThepurposeofthisBylawistosetstandardsforcommunitysafety, residentialpropertymaintenanceanduse,protectpublicspaces,prevent disputesbetweenneighboursbyprovidingguidanceonissuesthataffect relationshipsbetweenneighbours,establishfinesforcontraventionsofthe Bylaw,andenableenforcementofcontraventionsoftheBylaw. TheproposedbylawcanbeviewedbeloworobtainedattheBeaver CountyOffice(5120–50Street,Ryley)orontheCounty’swebsiteunderthe Newssectionatwww.beaver.ab.ca.

Detailsofthepublichearingareasfollows:

Date: Wednesday,April30,2025

Time: 7:00p.m.

Location: RyleyCommunityCentre,5102-49St,Ryley

Contact: MargaretJones-780-663-3730ext.1016or mjones@beaver.ab.ca

ToSpeakorsubmitwrittencomments: Thedeadlinetospeak/submit writtencommentshaspassed. Writtensubmissionswillnotbe acceptedduringthepublichearing.

WhatIfawildfirewasheadingyourway,wouldyoubeready toleaveinahurry?You might befine,butwhatifyou'renot?

May4-10isEmergencyPreparednessweek.

Takeafewminutesinthenextweektoprepare:

Makeachecklistofessentialsandpostitonyourfridge, and/or Packabasicemergencykitnow,andincludeachecklist forlast-minutegrabslikeprescriptionmedicationsand importantdocuments.

Otherthingstothinkabout:

Doyouhavelivestock?Whataboutthem? Doesyourvehiclehavefuelinit? Whatrouteareyoutaking? Beingpreparedmeanslesspanicandmorepeaceofmind.

Visitwww.getprepared.caformoreresourcestohelpyou andyourfamilyprepareforalltypesofemergencies.

CementLocations

Constructedinthefollowingphases: Phase1(Cement),Phase2(Chip Seal-1stLift),Phase3(ChipSeal-2ndlift) Phase4(Finalsweep ofChips)

KingswayEstates May12 May16

RgeRd202betweenTwp502&504 May19 May30 NorthBeaverCreekEstates50514RgeRd

CONSTRUCTIONSEASONIS COMING,PLEASE REMEMBER...

Constructionworkers havefamilies,friends, andlives.Please respecttheposted speedlimitsin constructionzones toensurethey canreturn home safely.

NATIONALVOLUNTEERWEEK

Mailinglist

Getnews,meetinghighlights,theroadconstruction schedule,theChronicle,andmore-directtoyourinbox!

Website InformationonCountyprogramsandservicescan befoundonourwebsite,alongwiththelatestnews.

April27-May3,2025.Thisyearsthemeis: VolunteersMakeWaves. Ithighlightsthepower,impactandimportanceofindividualandcollectivevolunteereffortsacross Canada.Likeawave,volunteeringismovementbuilding.VolunteerWeekisatimetocelebratethe dedicationandcontributionsofvolunteerswhomakeadifferenceinourcommunities.Recognizing theireffortsshowsappreciationandraisesawarenessaboutthepowerofcontribution.Volunteering inspiresotherstogetinvolvedandfostersacultureofgenerosityandconnection.

County adopts 10-year Hard Surfacing Road plan

Patricia Harcourt

A new integrated road management strategy was adopted by Beaver County Council April 16.

This is a 10-year strategy for the hard surfacing of roads in the county, which was presented by Dan Blackie, General Manager of Infrastructure.

“Administration has developed a long-term framework to maintain, upgrade, and expand its hard-surfaced road network,” said Blackie.

“The strategy aims to enhance road resilience, cost efficiency, safety, and accessibility over the next decade,” he explained.

He also outlined criteria used in selecting roads during this period: “The roads selected for resurfacing in the 10-year plan are chosen based on several key factors including: connectivity to highways and major corridors, safety considerations, population density, public input, and internal expertise.”

Council was provided with a list of roads and how many miles for each of the 10 years. For instance, the 2025 Plan calls for 15 miles of hard surfacing to take place this year alone.

“To ensure roadways are properly prepared for hard surfacing, the year preceding the scheduled surfacing work will be dedicated to pre-construction activities,” he told council. “This includes replacing culverts, performing shoulder pulls where necessary, and addressing any deficiencies to establish a stable foundation for the resurfacing process.”

To implement the strategy, Blackie also said that administration would be responsible for coordinating first calls and doing the oversight.

Field operations will require a grader operator, three packers, a reclaimer operator, and mechanical maintenance support.

“Ensuring adequate staffing and source allocation will be crucial for maintaining project timelines and quality standards,” he said.

Financial implications were also given for the 10year project.

Final estimated costs are to be covered through a combination of grants, the Claystone Waste Dividend, and annual provisions from the county budget.

The projected cost for Portland Cement Stabilization is estimated at $280,000 per mile.

Blackie also said that the Municipal Government Act makes provisions for funding options that include the county imposing a special tax or a local improvement tax, which requires a bylaw to enforce.

“The special tax bylaw must be considered by council separately each year,” he said.

“The local improvement tax requires that a local improvement plan be prepared.” Plus, affected property owners must be notified and given the opportunity to petition against this move.

In his report introduction, it states that: “Beaver County recognizes that a strong, well-maintained

road network is vital for ensuring safe, efficient travel for both residents and the commuting public. Roads not only support daily life but are crucial for economic development, emergency services and the overall quality of life within the county.”

The county currently has 70 miles of roads stabilized with Portland cement including 15 miles in Division 1, 14 miles in Division 2, 21 miles in Division 3, three miles in Division 4, and 17 miles in Division 5.

These road foundations “allow the county to focus on long-term improvements ensuring safe, reliable travel across all divisions,” stated the report.

After a motion by Councillor Barry Bruce (Division 4) to accept the new 10-year hard surface road plan, Deputy Reeve Gene Hrabec (Division 3) referred to “inequities” regarding the distribution of Terracem.

Still, Hrabec said he would support the motion, even if he didn’t agree with it,“because we need a plan.”

The motion to adopt the 10-year plan was then passed by council.

The plan “outlines priorities for future projects balancing immediate needs with sustainable development,” said the report.

“It represents Beaver County’s proactive planning and investment in the community infrastructure,” concludes the report.

New Ryley Foods owners to expand services

KARI JANZEN STAFF REPORTER

The new owners of Ryley Foods, JJ and Viral Patel, have recently introduced a weekly flyer and JJ Patel said he wants to operate more like a grocery store as opposed to a convenience store.

“Before I bought this store, they were mostly selling cold drinks, chips, and chocolates, but I am going to make this store like a full grocery store. Right now we are stocking up on the groceries, dairy items, and produce. In the next couple of weeks I will also start with some meats,” Patel said.

The Patels became the new owners of Ryley Foods at the end of December 2024 and live in the living quarters above the grocery store.

“My home country is India, and I

KARI JANZEN STAFF REPORTER

came to Canada in 2022, to Regina, Saskatchewan, but this is my first business,” Patel said.

When asked what brought him to Ryley, Patel said he has relatives who live in the city.

“One of my cousins is living in Edmonton, so I was looking for nearby places, and this is pretty close,” he said.

Patel moved to Ryley with his wife and two children.

“One is seven years old and he started schooling in Ryley, and my younger one is two years old,” he

said.

“Right now, we are starting with digital flyers, but later on we are planning to distribute in post office boxes as well, to reach out to everyone. The majority of older people are not using Facebook,” he said.

Patel said he is seeing customers come from neighbouring towns and villages, not just Ryley.

“Many of the customers who are visiting my store are from Holden too, and they are also asking if I can do deliveries to older people’s homes, and I am planning for that as well, maybe weekly, or once or twice a week,” he said.

In early April Battle River School Division (BRSD) announced that the Board of Trustees approved the 2025 capital plan at their March 20th meeting, which includes details on the replacement of C.W. Sears Elementary School and Tofield School, to build a new building to create a K-12 school.

“The plan has been submitted to Alberta Education for consideration by the Government of Alberta. Alberta Education

requires that each school board submits its capital plan annually,” the BRSD media release said.

The Government of Alberta soon sent out a media release of their own, and the replacement of the Tofield schools is one of the 24 projects that has been approved for pre-planning funding.

“A major part of building or renovating a school is planning the design, location, classroom layout and more to ensure the school best serves the community. By providing pre-planning funding to

Patel says the hours have not changed, but he is considering opening for a few hours on Sundays, as people have been requesting.

school boards, Alberta’s government is helping ensure that proposed projects are ready to go to the next step of the construction process, said a media release.

Continued on Page 20

Summer Machinery & Attachment

Selling equipment to all four Western provinces and the Northern USA. Listings & Consignments are now being accepted for our Summer Machinery & Attachment Consignment Auctions at our Hwy #16 East Location

Location: Hwy #16 & Rge Rd 185 (1 Mile East of Hwy 834) South Side of the Road Phone: (780) 208-2508 Office Aaron Olson - (403) 913-9644

We are now accepting Listings & Consignments for this Sale. Any items prelisted by May 9th, 2025 will be included in our Sales Posters, Newspaper & Radio Advertising, Web Page, Social Media and extensive mailing lists.

you have one

or a

give Aaron a call at (403) 913-9644 or Allen at (403) 783-0556 to discuss the best option for you to realize top dollars. Listings Including Dispersals for Barrhead Rentals, Heavy Metal Equipment, Hutzkal Farms & Errorl Warkentin

Rimbey & Hwy #16 East, Alberta - License No. 165690 Email: abolson@telusplanet.net - Website: www.allenolsonauction.com

Spring 2025 Large Item Pickup

JJ and Viral Patel KARI JANZEN PHOTO

Tofield Council moved to sign the contract with current Assistant CAO Jeff Edwards at the regular council meeting on Monday, April 28, and also moved to appoint Edwards as CAO of the Town of Tofield, succeeding Cindy Neufeld, effective June 1. Pictured, Mayor Deb Dueck signs the contract with Edwards looking on. KARI JANZEN PHOTO

Tofield 4-H celebrates 80 years at annual show and sale

Kari Janzen Staff Reporter

The Tofield 4-H Beef and Multi Club held their annual show and sale at the Tofield Arena on Monday, April 28, and celebrated their 80th anniversary with many memorabilia, including Tofield community member Yvonne Brown’s 4-H jacket.

“It’s hard to believe that 4H is nearing the end of another year, and it’s hard to believe that Tofield 4-H Beef club is celebrating 80 years. This year has flown by with a whirlwind of activities such a tire round up, turkey and ground beef bingos, the rubber mat fundraiser, hosting three levels of communications events, farm tours, plus our regular monthly meetings,” general leader Matt Spruyt wrote in this year’s show catalogue.

The club has 21 members this year, and their projects included poultry, sheep, and beef. This year’s show was set up a bit differently, with sale at 4 p.m. instead of 7 p.m., a switch the club made

based on buyer feedback.

“Typically, the sale was at seven o'clock in the evening but what we heard from our buyers was that that was already a full day of work, plus coming to the show and sale, so we tried to make it part of the work day,” poultry leader Kari Cameron said at the Tofield and District Chamber of Commerce meeting in March.

Being separate from a district show and sale this year, Cameron said the Tofield club has made their programs to appear more in the format of a bull catalogue.

“We tried something different with catalogue printing. If you've ever seen a bull sale catalogue, that's what I created with all their bios,” she said.

Also in the catalogue was information on buying beef, lamb, and poultry at the grocery store compared to the savings that can be made if that meat is purchased from 4-Hers instead.

As for the competition, official show results were not available by press time.

Members Simon Kolkman, Katie Knudsen, and Rayea Haugen.

The poultry judge speaks with a Cleaver member.

Poultry project members Harlow Milliken, Charlie Milliken, and Lindsey Bevan.

Phone:

Email: admin@trinican.ca

Website: Trinican.ca

guides

out in the

grounds and reported they did not get wet during Saturday’s showers. This photo appeared in the Tofield Mercury on April 25, 1995.

CLASSIFIEDS CLASSIFIEDS

COMING EVENTS

The Lougheed Fair is looking for Volunteers for Food Booths, Cattle Show, or any area volunteers choose. Please contact Iris at 780-385-0752 or Stacey at 780-385-4703.

Exhibitor Books will soon be in a store near you!

The Viking Historical Society annual cleanup at the Viking Museum will take place on May 3/25, beginning at 10 a.m. If it is raining or too blustery, we will postpone until May 10. Bring gloves, rakes, etc. Lunch will be provided. Everyone welcome.

Extendicare Viking Spring Tea!

Saturday, May 3, 2025

2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Serving cake, coffee & tea for $8.00 at the door.

Door Prize, Raffles, and Crafts & Baking for sale!

All proceeds go to Resident Council

ANNUAL SPRING CEMETERY AND HALL CLEAN UP ST. JOHN NEPOMUCENE CEMETERY - PRAGUE

PRAGUE COMMUNITY HALL

Wednesday, May 14, 2025 at 6:30 PM

Beverages and snack to follow

COMING EVENTS

Flagstaff Family Day Homes

Annual General Meeting

Tuesday, May 6th, 2025

6:30 pm

At the FFCS Building 4809-49th Avenue Killam, Alberta

Viking Healthcare Auxiliary is holding 3RD ANNUAL SPRING STRAWBERRY TEA

Thursday, May 22, 2025 From 2 to 5 pm

At Viking Legion Hall $5.00 tea, cake, Strawberries

Time for Tea with the Bride to Be Please join us to celebrate Chelsey Teers, bride elect of Landon Bechthold . Saturday, May 10th @ The Lougheed Senior's Centre from 1-4 pm.

Chelsey is registered at myregistry.com

Killam Health Care Hospital Reunion for all Past and Present Employees Saturday, May 24 From 2 to 5 p.m. at the Killam Catholic Church Basement Hall 5214-50 ave

COMING EVENTS

PRAGUE COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

ANNUAL GENERAL HALL MEETING

Sunday, May 4, 2025 at 2 PM at the Prague Hall Beverages and snack served

ANNUAL MASS - BLESSING OF THE GRAVES MASS IN PRAGUE COMMUNITY HALL

Saturday, May 17, 2025 at 11 AM

Potluck lunch and fellowship to follow

M.A.I.D.

Medical Assistance in Dying Information Session

Presenter: Rachel Coventry Palliative Care Resource Nurse Alberta Health Services Monday, May 5 at 10:30 a.m. Heisler Senior’s Club Main Street, Heisler Lunch Provided Pre-Register by April 30 Mariann Wolbeck 780-889-2243 Kathy Kuntz 403-318-6634

The Lougheed Ag Society is accepting Applications for 2025 Recreation Grants DEADLINE IS May 7, 2025 at 5 p.m. Send Applications to: Lougheed Ag Society PO Box 305 Lougheed, AB T0B 2V0 Eligible applicants need to comply with Rec Grant as requested by Flagstaff County. For further information and to see therequirements, check out the Flagstaff County website.

COMING EVENTS

Birdhouse Building!

Bring your kids/grandkids and make a beautiful home for a flying friend. All supplies and instructions provided. Sunday, May 4 at the Sedgewick United Church at 10 am. Register at 780-385-5856

FUNDRAISER

Chemo Care Hydration Packages. $55 buys one and Sonya donates one. Includes: Night Cream, Lip Balm and Foot Lotion. The goal is 300 pkgs by June 30. See Sonya Martens at the Tofield Market Friday, May 9th & 23rd. www.MaryKay.ca/smartens or call 780-240-4605.

FOR SALE

Apple trees (nine varieties) and Pear Trees (three varieties) for sale until April 30 only. Call Brian at 780-6780053 to arrange viewing or pickup.

WHITE Spruce Trees: 5’ average $50. Installation only $19. Includes: hole augered, Wurzel Dip enzyme injection, bark mulch application, staking. Minimum order 25. One-time fuel charge: $150-225.Crystal Springs. 403820-0961. Quality guaranteed.

GARAGE SALE

Two Seniors continuing to downsize. Elna sewing machine in beautiful wooden cabinet, large L-shaped twotiered glass-topped desk. Three-drawer bureau, indoor fluorescent grow lamp, carpet cleaner, food dehydrators, Mehu-Liisa Juice Extractor. Unique salt and pepper collection, electric snow thrower, CD's, rolling plastic cabinets, canning supplies, miscellaneous golf goodies, plus tools and other miscellaneous items.

#20 Canary Crescent, Sedgewick. Friday, May 2 4 to 8 p.m. and Saturday, May 3 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Garage Sale

May 3 & 4, 2025

5520 43 St, Lamont, AB. 9 am - 3 pm, weather permitting. Coffee table, reclining couch, planer, lots of puzzles & more.

Estate & Garage Sale

4701-51 Ave Sedgewick

Friday, May 2 12-7 Saturday, May 3 10-7 Sunday, May 4 10-3

Wide selection of household goods, vintage/antique items, sporting goods, small appliances, extensive costume jewellery collection, succulents

CLASSIFIEDS CLASSIFIEDS

GARAGE SALE

Moving Out/Household Sale

Friday, May 2 and Saturday, May 3 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Lots of Sewing Items, Fabric, Household, Etc. 16 McLean Cresent Sedgewick

Multi-family Garage Sale May 1-3. Thursday/Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 8:30 to 5:30 p.m. 14365 TWP 444, look for signs on Hiway 13 between Strome & Killam. Lots of items including household, camping, lawn and garden, toys, books, etc.

BUILDINGS FOR SALE

Integrity Post Frame Buildings since 2008 BUILT WITH CONCRETE POSTS. Barns, Shops, Riding Arenas, Machine Sheds and more, sales@integritybuilt.com 1-866-9747678 integritybuilt.com.

SEED FOR SALE

FORAGE SEED FOR SALE: Organic & Conventional: Sweet Clover, Alfalfa, Red Clover, Smooth Brome, Meadow Brome, Crested Wheatgrass, Timothy, etc. Star City, SK. Birch Rose Acres Ltd. 306-921-9942.

BARLEY – *NEW-AB Standswell* Smooth AWN, High Yielding, Grain and Forage Great Lodging Resistance. 1st NITROGEN USE EFFICIENT CEREAL IN CANADA. Attracting Japanese Interest. OTHER BARLEY: Cerveza, CDC Austenson, CDC Maverick, Sundre. WHEAT – Pintail, Forage or Grain. OATS – AC Juniper, AC Morgan, AC Mustang, Derby, CDC S01 Super Oat. PEAS – Very Early Yellow Peas, Forage Peas. ALSO AVAILABLE: Polish Canola & Spring Triticale. mastinseeds.com; 403-5562609.

FOR RENT

2 Bedroom, large, clean, non-smoking suite in Killam. Available June 1. Call Chuck at 780-263-7290

2+2 bedroom farmhouse north of Killam. Call Deanna @ 403 783 5347 for details.

HEALTH

Hip/Knee Replacement. Other medical conditions causing Trouble Walking or Dressing? The Disability

Tax Credit allows for $3,000 yearly tax credit and $30,000 lump sum refund. Take advantage of this offer. Apply NOW; quickest refund Nationwide: Expert help. 1-844-453-5372.

SERVICES

Painting

Quality Residential and Commercial Interior Painting. Betty Tkaczyk 780-632-8749

SERVICES

PRIVATE MORTGAGE LENDER. All real estate types considered. No credit checks done. Deal direct with lender and get quick approval. Toll free 1866-405-1228; www.firstandsecondmortgages.ca.

General Contractor

Red Seal Journeyman Plumber and Gasfitter. Bathroom Renos & Tile

New to the Area.

30 plus Years of Experience. Dave 403-999-8464

Medical Taxi Service

Personal Taxi Service to Edmonton and Back -$175

•Office Hours Mon-Fri 9-5

•Absolutely NO Hidden Fees

•Escort to Reception/Waiting Room

•Pick up and Drop off at your door

•Top Notch Service!

•Includes up to 4 Hour Wait

•Locally Owned and Operated 587-987-7810

CLUES ACROSS

1. Racquet sports association

4. Places to sleep

8. Native American tribe

10. Small platforms

11. Egg shape

12. Running out

13. French painter

15. Some are “of the Caribbean”

16. Painful intestinal problem

17. More irritated

18. Prove yourself

21. Catch

22. Supplement with difficulty

23. American automotive giant

CLUES DOWN

1. Consisting of uncombined atoms

2. Island country

3. Heavenly body

4. Caribbean island

5. Copyread

6. A place to eat

7. Drops down

9. Native group of Alaska

10. Engage in 12. “Desperate Housewives” lane

14. Thyroid-stimulating hormone

15. Foot (Latin)

17. A place to bathe

19. Animosities

20. Partner to cheese

24. Form of “to be”

25. Boxing’s GOAT

26. Peyton's little brother

27. Eli’s big brother

34. Capable of producing

35. Reproductive structures in fungi

36. Allowed to go forward

37. Smiles

38. Arteries

39. VVV

40. Win a series without losing a game

41. This (Spanish)

42. Opposites of beginnings

43. Germanic mythological god

23. Venus __, plant 24. A donation

25. Pokes holes in the ground

26. Midway between northeast and east

27. Looked into 28. Not young

29. Annoy constantly

30. Something one can strike

31. Most glacial

32. Ten less than one hundred

33. Idle talker

34. Has moved through the air

36. Container for shipping

Continued from front page

and contribute in Nature Alberta’s community art project by participating in the ‘glue the feather on the owl’ game.

The weekend’s speakers included Sandy Van Dijk, whose talk was entitled From Grasslands to Canals to Mountaintops: A Year of Birding Adventures, and Wes Olson who spoke about Bison, Bugs and Birds: Linking the recovery of endangered species. On Sunday Lisa and Chuck Priestley of STRIX Ecological presented on their project called New Tracking Technology Helps Biologists Understand Raptor Movements, and Geoff Holroyd, Sara Pearce Meijerink, Myrthe Van Brempt, and Jana Teefy of the Beaverhill Bird Observatory (BBO) spoke on saw-whet Owls: residents, migrants or vagrants; an avian enigma exploredwith MOTUS and climate change.

A banquet was held Saturday night, and Eglauer said close to about 100 people were in attendance. The meal was

catered by Sandy Lusk and speaker Wes Olson talked about buffalo.

“Thank you to everybody, to all the volunteers that helped prepare to pull this all off, and thank you to the guest speakers in the afternoons. There was good attendance for the speaker series,” she said.

The snow goose festival was very popular in the early 90s, but after many dry years, the water levels in Beaverhill Lake dropped and the snow geese were no longer passing through there.

“In the 2010s, the water levels, snow, everything was rising. The migration was getting here again and there was a group of interested birders, including the Beaverhill Bird Observatory, and some people from Edmonton who wanted to revive the Snow Goose Festival. In 2020 we were going to, and then COVID hit, so it paused for a couple years and we held the first in 2023,” Eglauer said at the Tofield and District Chamber of Commerce meeting in March.

KARI JANZEN, KATE & LISA PRIESTLEY PHOTOS

Town of Tofield Recreation and Facilities Coordinator and Communications Assistant Aimee Boese, Tofield Mayor Deb Dueck, and Tofield CAO Cindy Neufeld were facilitating tour check-ins and answering questions in the curling rink on Saturday.

Claystone Waste's photo cutout board was a popular attraction at the trade show, at a perfect height for the young bird enthusiasts.

Short-eared owl. Lisa Priestley said there were at least four observed on Sunday, and lots of Northern Harriers, which she said means that there is lots of food available for them. They mostly eat mice and voles.

American Coot

Lisa and Chuck Priestley from Strix Ecological Consulting gave an hour-long presentation on American Kestrels, Barred Owls and Saw-Whet Owls on Saturday in the Tofield Arena meeting room.

The Tofield Country Quilters Guild had a booth at the trade show during the weekend, pictured L-R: Natalie Warkentin and Liz Madsen

KARI JANZEN, KATE & LISA PRIESTLEY PHOTOS

Black-necked Stilts

Hassan Chehade, centre, had a table of his stained glass art on display for purchase at the trade show.

Yellow-headed Blackbird

Mallard

Snow Geese and a Greater White-fronted Goose

(L-R) Hudsonian Godwit and American Avocet

“School boards can use the information gathered in the pre-planning stage to submit a project proposal that is wellrounded and better prepared for consideration for funding by Alberta’s government. While many projects that receive pre-planning money do eventually move to the next stage of the construction process, not all projects that get pre-planning funding move forward,” the Province’s media release said.

BRSD Secretary-Treasurer Imogene Walsh said that the elementary school has been at the top of BRSD’s list for a few years now.

“If we left C.W. Sears as being the number one project, and we got that approved and actually

built a new school, then the likelihood of getting a new school for Tofield School would be so far down the line. The biggest benefit of instead building a new K-12 school would mean that it is a new school to support all of our students in the community of Tofield,” Walsh said.

Walsh said the board made their decision based on feedback they received from a value scoping exercise in January.

“It was an exercise to help the board decide what would be the best alternative to put on their capital plan. They looked at leaving it exactly the way that it currently is configured, or a K-6 and a 7-12, and a K-12. At the end of the day, the board made the decision based on the feedback that they had gotten, but ultimately, one of the things that would have been a driver of the whole

process, is understanding that this solution would actually provide us a new building for all of our Tofield students,” she said.

Walsh said the next step is to wait for government approval, but that there is enough room on the school property to build a new school while the other two buildings are still in use.

“A school project takes anywhere from 18 to 24 months to completion. We have lots of property there, so we do feel like we could put a construction site on the existing property. We have not gone to the Town to ask them for any other location,” Walsh said.

School boards are required to submit a threeyear capital plan to Alberta Education each year.

“The School Capital Manual indicates that modernization projects are assessed based on the

following criteria: building condition, community renewal, efficiency solutions, enrollment pressures, functionality and programming, health

and safety, and legal,” BRSD’s Capital Plan Report 2025 says.

The report says that C.W. Sears was built in 1979 and that portables were added in 1986, 1987, 1994, 2017, and 2018. It says that one of the major issues is that the floor is separating from the walls in specific locations.

“I was with the Town and the County when we went and spoke to the Minister of Public Safety,” Warren said in a previous interview with The Tofield Mercury,” and it was a decision that had already been made and they weren't listening to us. Whether you've done it extremely well for 30 years, it doesn't matter. We brought up a bunch of points that they hadn't

considered. People in car accidents aren't victims of crime. Fire victims aren’t necessarily victims of crime, and it was not going to be included until our committee brought that to their attention. It hadn't even occurred to them. That's the thing that has me concerned; we brought up a couple points, so down the road, how many of these things are going to be overlooked or not taken care of?”

“I would really like to say a heartfelt thank you to the many volunteers

over the years of the program who have been reason our victim services was one of the best in the province, to the board members who tried valiantly to keep our program community based, and most importantly, for the tremendous support we received from the community,” Warren said.

offering 4 different Ad Sizes at

to give you a chance to create a souvenir for your graduate, and to let them know what a great achievement it is. Whether you’re a grandparent, parent, relative, or family friend . . . send us your messages with or without images!