The Community
TE U L HE A S OT P T CM E! R D
Press
SI
Volume 115, Issue 7
IN
Serving the area since 1908 Wednesday, August 17, 2022
$1 Including GST
Killam to hold by-election to fill vacant Council seat Leslie Cholowsky Editor
Killam Town Council accepted the resignation of councillor Tien Coté during its regular council meeting held Thursday, Aug. 11. Assistant CAO Darlene Gotobed says a Nomination Day is planned for Sept. 19, with a by election, if needed, to be held Oct. 17. Advance voting for the byelection, if it is needed, would be Oct. 11. Council reviewed the final version of their 2022-25 Strategic Plan. Council held a spring planning session to build direction for the current Council to follow, and the finalized plan received Council approval, and will be available on the Town’s website shortly. Council also reviewed correspondence from the Province regarding availability of small grants to plan Alberta Day celebrations, for Sept. 3. Gotobed says that, “Council felt that Sept. 3 was far too close this year to make any viable plants. It will be put on the calendar for next year so some planning can be implemented prior to the date.” The province is offering grant funding of up to $1,500 for events. Part of Council’s new strategic plan includes an updated website, providing access to all town docu-
Work resumes this week on the west-side Lift Station in Killam, with repairs very near completion after issues earlier in the year had the town asking residents to go easy on waste water for a few days.
ments. Gotobed says research is presently underway to determine an effective and cost-efficient way to include the amount of data this requires. Repairs continue on the west-side lift station this week, Aug. 15 to 19. Gotobed says the groundwork and cementing have been completed and cured. “Some of the metal framing had to be manufactured.” She says the fabrication is now complete, and the
framing was received late last week. Some parts, including a chain hoist assembly, are still to be delivered. “That being said, we are proceeding with the mechanical and platform installation this week. Workers should be onsite most of the week and part of next week. “It is very near to being completed!”
Flagstaff Fitness Challenge aimed at all fitness levels Leslie Cholowsky Editor
Flagstaff County has held a Flagstaff Bike Challenge for the past two summers; as a way to challenge local residents “to get outside, get active, and feel connected to the area in a safe manner during the pandemic.” Flagstaff County Communications Coordinator and organizer Cary Castagna says, “It was designed for participants of all ages and abilities.” This year, however, the challenge has been expanded to include not just biking, but a variety of activities. It’s now called the Flagstaff Fitness Challenge, and allows residents to count the time spent on their favourite summer activities, including walking, hiking, running, cycling, swimming, weight training, yoga, and much more. The contest is tracked through the Strava app, which can be downloaded on any smartphone, whether it’s an iPhone or an Android phone. The challenge goes for five weeks, and is presently in the middle of Week Three. Participants are eligible to win weekly prizes, and the top three finishers for each week will be entered into the grand prize draw, so
it’s not too late to get out and get moving! The Strava app allows participants to track their activity, and also allows them to cheer on their fellow competitors, or even throw out a challenge. Participants are encouraged to share photos and feedback throughout the contest. The winner is the participant with the highest recorded activity time for that week! The top three participants for each of the five weeks will have their names entered for a grand prize, sponsored by Hardisty’s BAM Fitness. The prize is a One-week Kickoff, that includes two coaching calls, complete nutrition/ macronutrients review and program plan, a fitness and mobility assessment with a progress plan, an emotional health check for self-sabotage, and motivational cycles. Grand Prize winners will also receive an At-Home cable pulley system, and At-home pilates bar kit with resistance band, donated by Grizzly Country Bike Shop in Hardisty. For the first week of the challenge, all participants logged 22 hours and five minutes of activity, travelling 160km and working on 42 different activities! For more information and a link to download the app, check it out at: bit.ly/FitFlagstaff
For Week One of the Flagstaff Fitness Challenge, the top three participants were Lizanne Pereira, Josie Storbakken, and Shane Mascarin. Above, Pereira with her weekly prize. Mascarin was Week Twoʼs winner.
Page 2 - The Community Press, Wednesday, August 17, 2022
Organizers gearing up for Gathering of the Clans this weekend Leslie Cholowsky Editor
This weekend will mark the fourth annual Gathering of the Clans Highland Festival taking place in Sedgewick on Saturday, Aug. 20. Kari Fox-Newby is a member of both the Flagstaff Scottish Club and Battle River Pipes & Drums, who along with a small army of volunteers have organized what they hope will be the best-ever event. Having more time to plan has definitely been an advantage, and playing on the previous years’ experience means the group has contacts in place already for many of the main events. Fox-Newby says that organizers meet and discuss what went really well, and what they’d like to see in the future after each of the previous events. Feedback from vendors, bands, and visitors is also a great source of information. Organizers were surprised with a hand-written letter from a woman in
Saskatchewan who took in last year’s event. “She gave us a lot of really great feedback and praise.” One of the new bands who came last year, the North Haggis Pipe Band, also said they had so much fun at the event they wanted to come back, she says. The festival consistently attracts over 1,000 visitors, and this year they’ve already pre-sold a record number of tickets to the dinner. Tickets are still available for the main gates, and can be purchased at the gate, as well as for the evening Ceilidh (pronounced Kaylee). That’s Gaelic for a social event at which there is music and singing, traditional dancing, and storytelling. Cabot’s Crossing will once again be entertaining at the dance. From the time the gates open until the end of the day, there’s tons of stuff to do, including a wander through the Vendor Village, featuring unique artisan vendors you won’t see anywhere else. FoxNewby says, “We have
more craft distilleries and breweries this year, among others.” She says the focus for choosing vendors is approaching the event as an old time country faire. There will also be live demonstrations, this year featuring local blacksmith Ethan Harty, Highland Dancers, Irish Wolfhounds, a petting zoo, Highland cattle and sheep, and the return of storyteller Callum Lykan, a very popular visitor from past festivals. Lite Entertainment is also back, with their exciting fire-breathing show, and more. The event also has an indoor stage, for those who want to get off their feet, with the Ratte Family String Quartet playing, along with other entertainers. One of the big highlights of the festival are the highland games events, featuring a whole host of competitions you’ve likely never heard of, but which are a ton of fun to watch. Local contestants are invited to sign up and try their hand at these events. Fox-Newby says the pro-
fessionals will set them up and train them before letting them loose on the field. The Caber toss is always a crowd favourite, because who wouldn’t want to see someone pick up a giant pole and toss it end-overend down the field? Contestants can still register through Ian Malcolm, and are encouraged to wear a kilt. The Flagstaff Scottish Club will also bring their store to the site, with lots of kilts and jewellery for sale, as well as a little baking, samplers from their cookbook, and their signature shortbread and a host of other items. Of course it wouldn’t be a Highland Festival without pipes and drums, and this year Battle River Pipes & Drums will be one of four bands. Not only will they lead the opening ceremonies, but each band will perform throughout the event on a regular schedule. Fox-Newby says one of the highlights for her are
the impromptu performances at the Ceilidh, as well as being part of the mass band performance that takes place. Food will be provided from food trucks, with a great variety of menu items available. This year the group has made the event more accessible with transportation available for those who are less mobile, and improved seating choices. Parking is free, and very well organized. Fox-Newby says this
year the event has a record number of volunteers, which will ensure that everything goes as smoothly as possible. She recommends visitors come prepared to spend some time in the sun, with water, sunscreen, and hats. The Gathering of the Clans Highland Festival is not only a unique event, it’s a great boon not only for locals, but as a tourist attraction for Sedgewick, and for Flagstaff County.
Friday, August 26 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Forestburg Community Hall
FOR EST BU RG FA R M E RS M A R K ET
Free Hot Dogs!! Pop, Water, Ice Cream Mini Donuts Various Vendors Contact Village Office to book a Table Or Pay at the Hall!
PATIO & Fall & Winter Showcase GARDEN Kinsella Performing Arts Guild
Season Tickets $125 (all 3 shows). Reserved Seating. The Jake and Elwood
BLUES REVUE A tribute to the Blues Brothers November 19
Doors Open 5:30 pm Show: 8 pm
Gala Dinner
Tickets $55
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KATE DAVIS January 14, 2023
COMEDY
Appetizers. Doors Open 6:30 pm. Show: 8 pm
Tickets
$55
Canadian Country Music Legends February 18, 2023 Country Dinner Doors Open 5:30 pm. Show: 8 pm
Tickets $55 Supported by the Alberta Foundation for the Arts - Kinsella Rec & Ag Society
For Tickets Call: Cheryl McKie 780-385-5557 or email: dmckie@telus.net
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The Community Press, Wednesday, August 17, 2022 - Page 3
Killam Long Term Care under COVID outbreak Leslie Cholowsky Editor Covenant Health has listed the Killam Health Centre Long Term Care as presently on COVID-19 outbreak status. When a site has two or more residents or staff members who meet certain criteria for new cases, an outbreak is declared. Covenant Health provided a statement on Monday, Aug. 15, with more
details. “On Aug. 7, a COVID-19 outbreak was declared for the Killam Campus of Caring. To date, there are 17 cases associated with this outbreak. “During the outbreak period, we will continue to screen all visitors for symptoms and ask that masks are continuously worn in all areas of the facility. “Please do not come to the site if you are feeling unwell or
exhibiting any symptoms of COVID-19. “We are grateful to our staff who are working diligently to provide the best care to the residents while preventing any further spread. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work through this challenging time.” According to data released by the Province on Wednesday, Aug. 10, Flagstaff County reported
seven new COVID-19 cases in the seven days leading up to Aug. 8, putting the region into a “High” rating for sevenday case rates. The Province reports that there are presently 748 people in hospital with COVID-19, and 28 of those in Intensive Care. Last Monday the province reached a 23.73 per cent positivity rate out of those who were eligible for testing.
Around 70 gather for annual family pig roast Diane Dammann Alliance P. 780-879-3970 E. petendia@gmail.com
Did you miss the Alliance news last week? Some readers told me they couldn’t find it. Well, I didn’t write it! You didn’t tell me any news. I still believe it is important for our community to have a presence in the local newspaper. It really is time for some other person to do the local news. I had a nice visit with Muriel Fankhanel in Daysland Hospital on Friday last week. She is looking quite well. Telli Ainley Elizabeth Bishop was born Tuesday, Aug. 9, weighing seven pounds and seven ounces. Her older siblings are Lincoln and Tempi Bishop, parents are Ashley and Rocky. I met Tammy, the partner of Carl Cameron. She has been in Alliance for about a year. I met her at Main Street Medley, where she is working. Gary and Anna Marie from Lethbridge were walking around town, looking at properties. Gary was born in Castor.
Doreen Kelly of Golden, BC, was in our area a while ago; she was traveling with her brother Randy Frank from Christina Lake. They traveled to Wainwright to attend the funeral of their brother Gerry Frank. Doreen tells me that they stopped to visit the original Blumhagen Homestead on the Battle
River, where her grandparents John and Sophie Blumhagen lived. They had a nice visit with Eileen Blumhagen, who lives there now. They also stopped in Castor to visit with Diane Taylor and visit the cemetery where the Frank grandparents are buried. The Women’s Institute Mystery Trip was Thursday, Aug. 4. We went to
the Castor Museum, had lunch at the farmer’s market, then went to see the Sodbuster Museum in Strome. The museums are certainly worth the visit. The 22nd annual Chalifaux/Beingessner Pig Roast also came by. Folks came from Grande Prairie, Saskatchewan, and all points in between for a wonderful meal, music, and visit for about 70.
SUMMER SAVINGS Reuseable Fruit/ Atoma or Option+ Animal Bags Calcium or Vitamin D Selected Types
$299 Nosh & Co Popcorn 190g - 220g
Selected Types and Sizes
25% $4
$249 KILLAM PENTECOSTAL TABERNACLE TURNS 100! Come & celebrate with us
Saturday and Sunday August 20 & 21 Celebration Schedule: Saturday from 1 - 4 p.m. Open house at Killam Pentecostal Tabernacle and The Living Room. We invite you to come and share stories and testimonies of God’s Faithfulness, Mercy and Grace. Sunday: 10 a.m. At the Killam Community Hall on Main Street Celebration Service with Great Worship and Special Guest Alberta District Superintendant Gary Taitinger
Sunday (continued): 12:00 Delicious Lunch (You must be registered to get in on this. Tickets are available for $25 each and must be reserved by August 12.)
OFF
Savvy Facial Tissues 6 pk 99
Flyer Prices in effect Friday, Aug 19 to Thursday, August 25 12” Plastic Ruler or 3 Prong Duotangs
10 pk Women’s Socks
50¢
Selected Types
$4 99
Ballpoint Pens, 3 Subject Notebooks, Pencil Cases
Microfibre Gym Towels
$199
$699
2 p.m. - Celebration Presentations Featuring Dignitaries and also previous and present Pastors.
.
This is an event you will not want to miss!!!!
780-385-3598
Contact Pastor Ben @ 780-385-3587 or 780-307-3251 or email killampentecostal@gmail.com for more information and for Tickets for the Sunday Lunch.
22083cu0
Serving Town & Country since 1962 Open Hours: 9-6 Mon thru Fri, 9-4 Saturday & Closed Sunday.
Killam, Alberta
Page 12 - The Community Press, Wednesday, August 17, 2022
The Community Press, Wednesday, August 17, 2022 - Page 13
August 2022 Meetings
Council Meetings
Have Your Say
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.
... and a burger ... at our Public Input BBQ on Thursday, August 18!
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
We are seeking public input into future programs and services for all departments in preparation for the 2023 Business Plan and Budget. Stop by our administration building between 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Councillors will also be on hand to answer your questions.
Public Works Updates Monday to Friday 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. (Closed Noon - 1 p.m.)
Address: e
12435 TTo ownship w Road 4442 PP..O. Box 33558 Sedgew e wi wic icck, AB T0B 4C00
Please refer to our website at www.flagstaff.ab.ca for up-to-date road work throughout the County. Road Recovery Crews will be working on the following road recovery project this week: • Southwest of Strome on Township Road 442 from Secondary Highway 855 to Range Road 152 for 6.0 miles.
Dust Suppressant Crews will be spraying arterial residential locations with a second application of MG 30 dust suppressant
in August. All MG 30 dust suppressant applications are dependent on weather conditions.
Public Works Services Please visit the Flagstaff County website at flagstaff.ab.ca for information regarding Gravel Sales, Residential Laneway Maintenance, Road Maintenance, Hamlet Services, and more.
Please keep in mind that our seasonal crews will be out working on our roadways and to use extreme caution while travelling on these roads while they are being maintained in any way. We thank you in advance for your cooperation during this season.
It’s not too late to join! The 2022 Flagstaff Fitness Challenge runs until Sept. 4. It’s not too late to join our club on the free Strava app at: https://strava.com/clubs/fitflagstaff and compete for weekly prizes!
Page 14 - The Community Press, Wednesday, August 17, 2022
Phone providers can help reduce unwanted calls Leslie Cholowsky Editor
Ever fly across the house to find and/or answer your phone, only to find a robo-caller on the other end? Is your most frequent caller a pre-recorded call from “Mastercard/VISA security centre,” or “Amazon Customer Service,” or of course the everpopular “Service Canada”? Well most phone companies have a simple service that will allow you to put callers through a small ‘human’ test before it lets their call through. Chances are, the fewer scam calls that get through, the fewer victims there will be. Flagstaff VSU Program Director Noreen
Metz suggested that in the wake of local antifraud information sessions, and various reports of fraudulent and scam phone calls from around the region that people may not be aware of a simple service available from almost any provider that will help eliminate these types of calls from even reaching you. It doesn’t matter if you just have a cell phone, just have a land line, or both. Telus calls this service “Call Control.” They describe it as a “Free, optional feature that automatically screens robo-callers and prevents them from bothering you. “With Call Control on, when a caller phones you for the first time,
they’ll be prompted to enter a number on their keypad. “If they enter it successfully, the call will go through to you and they won’t be prompted again. “If they fail to enter the correct number, they’ll hear an automatic message that they’ve been prevented from reaching you.” Telus says this automated screening process prevents robocalls (recorded calls) from getting through, while being simple enough for human friends to pass. You can add friends and family to an accepted list that will automatically allow their calls through at any time. Rogers is introducing a new service they call
Spam Call Detect. It’s available for anyone with Call Display, which is also free on any Rogers phone. How it works, is that it monitors incoming calls in real time and notifies you of suspected spam or fraud right on the call display. After that, you can easily decide whether to ignore or answer. Bell has a Call Privacy service available for land lines only. If calls come in from a private or unknown phone number, callers must identify themselves before the call can go through. It won’t catch every call, but services like these will at least catch the annoying, prerecorded scam and fraud calls.
Hummingbird Landscaping and Concrete Ltd. Concrete Work • Shop floors • Garage floors • Patios • Sidewalks
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Faith: Talking to a friend listening ear. He never tires of your complaints, your frustrations, anger, fears, and worries. Praying to God is like opening your
heart to a friend. We should take heart in knowing that Christ will not only hear our burdens and cares, but He loves us enough to
help us get through our troubles. Pastor Teddy D. Joseph Stettler & Sedgewick Seventh-day Adventist Church
There will be a Graveside Service
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At one point of someone’s life, they have made a couple of friends. Some have obtained close friends, and a few have gained friends that are just like blood brothers and sisters. These friends are those you can count on. They are those who, with honesty, will stand by your side even when you make mistakes. Regardless of the situation that you are in, regardless of whatever problems and trials you may be facing, it’s good to know that one can have full confidence in confiding in their friends with whatever they may be facing. But unfortunately, as time goes on, our relationships may dwindle, our friendships may change. Some of us of may be so isolated that we may have no one in which we can confide in. But I submit to you today that there is always one who will never leave you nor forsake you. One who is always willing to lend a
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