Thee Communit Th Communityy
Press Feliz Navidad
Volume 115, Issue 24
Wednesday, December 14, 2022
$1 Including GST
Attempted transformer theft causes outage FortisAlberta says theft and destruction of property runs into millions of dollars each year Leslie Cholowsky Editor
The weekend before last, the Thompson family, who farm south of Killam, were the unintended victims of what is becoming a very common crime. Mabel Thompson says around 3 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 4, she woke up when the power went out. “My husband’s CPAP machine, which helps him breathe while sleeping, had quit.” So had the furnace, luckily the temperatures had moderated from the -31 C just a few evenings prior. Thompson says she looked out the windows and could see that a few of her neighbours still had power, so she made sure to call her service provider, Fortis, to report the outage. “A power outage can be so dangerous in the winter,” she says. Besides heating the home, it also keeps water flowing for the cattle, and keeps critical devices like her husband’s CPAP machine running. Thompson says the next morning she received a call from Fortis confirming that her power was back on. “The employee I spoke to said some idiots had sawed off a power pole with a transformer to steal the metal wire, causing the outage. “It was just a half-mile down the road, at a well site, and we are at the end of that service line.” Killam RCMP report mischief/theft under $5,000 at that location for that date, with no suspects. FortisAlberta Corporate Communications Manager Tanya Croft says, “We have 1.1 million poles and 127,000 km of power line in our electrical distribution
system. “To this point in 2022, we have recorded 377 incidents related to theft in our service area. “Each year the theft or destruction of FortisAlberta property costs approximately $4 million in replacements and repairs.” She says Fortis does not receive special funding to address these costs, but must manage them within the rates set by the Alberta Utility Commission (AUC). “Thieves target electrical equipment located in remote areas (e.g. oilfield sites, like the incident in question) to remove the copper wire. “The individuals who break into utility equipment or cause power lines to come down in the course of a theft or act of vandalism run the risk of fatal electrocu-
tion and create hazards for the public. “Thieves and vandals that target electrical transformers can cause spills of oils and other materials that are harmful to the environment and wildlife. “FortisAlberta is required to ensure that these spills are reported and remediated in accordance with provincial and federal standards.” The nature of the thefts can also lead to fire, with the cost of firefighting absorbed by the nearest municipality, and ultimately, taxpayers. “These aren’t victimless crimes,” says Thompson. “We are all the victims.” A similar incident last summer near Alliance nearly caused a field fire, were it not for the quick work of Alliance firefighters.
SHEILA MILLER PHOTO
A similar incident occurred near Alliance last summer, causing a fire. FortisAlberta says it has recorded 377 incidents to date in 2022.
Walter Jahns Singers’ Christmas concert rings in the season
TOM MYSCHUK PHOTO
The Walter Jahns Singers performed in Forestburg on Sunday, Dec. 11, returning to the stage for the first time since Christmas 2019. Director Carl Jahns and accompanist Diane Jahns are joined by choir members: Anne Bexson, Jean Brennan, Joyce Logue, Leona Jahns, Leona Dickau, Rosemarie Oberg, Helen Sather, Karen Gill, Rosie Ball, Bernice Des Roches, Brenda Oberg, Denise Gamroth, Debi Anderson, Laura Young, Marion Oberg-Riise, Allen Dietz, John Oberg, Doug Grovet, Lorna Williams, Gary Disterheft, Darrell Ball, and Raymond Anderson. See full story on Page 30.
Page 2 - The Community Press, Wednesday, December 14, 2022
25th Annual F.I.R.S.T. (Flagstaff’s Informed Response Sharing Team)
SUPPER & AUCTION Saturday February 4th, 2023 Sedgewick Community Hall Doors Open at 5PM. Supper 5:3 PM. Auction 6:30 PM. Cost: $30 Per Person. Tickets Available at FFCS Office in Killam.. Phone P o e 780-385-3976 780 385 3976
Diamond $2500
Platinum $1000
Gold $750
Silver $500
Bronze $250
We will advertise your participation in The Community Press and on our website. Your business, or personal donation will be noted in all advertisements and on our website at firstforflagstaff.ca. Please help make a difference in the lives of families, and in the future of the Flagstaff Community. FIRST is a Registered Charitable Organization, tax receipts are available. Sponsors so far: B attle River Implements (Diamond sponsor); Richardson Pioneer Grain (Gold sponsor); Heisler Royal Purple (Bronze sponsor); Dagwoods Auto & Deisel (cash); Lynne Jenkinson & Austin Hanson (Bronze sponsor); Poplar Grove Farms (Bronze sponsor); The Community Press (Gold sponsor in-kind); Vision Credit Union (Bronze sponsor); InterPipeline (Platinum sponsor); Killam Lions Club (Silver sponsor); Gibson Energy (Diamond sponsor); Andreassen Borth Barristers & Solicitors (Bronze sponsor); Ball Family Dental (Bronze sponsor); Flagstaff County (Platinum sponsor); Campbell-McLennan Chrysler (Bronze sponsor); Westland Insurance (Silver sponsor); Coutts Home Hardware (Bronze sponsor); Rocky Mountain Equipment (Silver sponsor); James Insurance Group (Bronze sponsor).
Leading Sponsors: CFCW & New Country 98.1 (in-kind)
The Community Press, Wednesday, December 14, 2022 - Page 3
Flyers get first win of the season, Sabres drop one to Hughenden Saturday was a busy night in the East Central Senior Hockey League, as the Irma Aces were hosted by the Forestburg Flyers and the Jets flew in to Sedgewick to take on the Sabres. Forestburg broke the ice on their first win of the season against the Aces, with a 4-3 final. Forestburg got on the scoreboard first with a goal by Justin Fuller, from Braydan Davis and Cory Lohr late in the first. Tyler Fischer tied it up for Irma with a goal from Zach Mackay and Carter Lawson, then scored his second of the night a few second later to put Irma ahead by one going into the second period. Nick Holt tied it up 2-2 with an unassisted goal midway through the period, then Mackay scored for Irma to once again pull ahead in the last minute of the period, heading into the final 3-2 Irma. He was assisted by Taylor Schubada and Fischer. Forestburg’s Brian Roth opened the scoring in the first minute of the third period to tie it up, assisted by Alex Badry. Lohr popped the goahead goal in for Forestburg at the 2:45 mark, from Davis and Michael McTavish, for a 4-3 final, and the Flyers first win of the season. Brendan Davis got the win in goal for the Flyers, while Austin Prior took
the loss for Irma. Forestburg will now be on the road until Saturday, Jan. 7. In Sedgewick the Jets and Sabres played to a 4-3 finish for Hughenden. Things were festive at the Wild Rose Co-op Recreation Centre with Santa taking a spin on the Zamboni, and a big crowd cheering on the Jets and Sabres. Saturday night’s game is the last for the Sabres’ home games until the new year. Logan Morrison started things off with Hughenden’s first goal early in the period, assisted by Ryley Johnson. Trenton Small put the Jets ahead by two a minute later, assisted by Blayd Anholt. Trevor Bromby put the Sabres on the scoreboard on a power play, ending the period 2-1 Jets. Dalton Zemanek scored a power play goal in the first minute of the second period to tie things 2-2, assisted by Curtis McKinlay and Carter Ortman. Clay Lang put the Sabres ahead 3-2 on another power play, from McKinlay and Jesse Reeds. Kyle Sanders and Ryley Johnson each got 10minute majors for fighting near the end of the period, with a bunch of penalties handed out on both sides in the second and third period as tempers occasionally flared. Nick LaPorte scored in the last minute of the second period, from Braden
Crone, to tie the game 3-3 going into the final. LaPorte got his second of the night in the third, a power play goal, assisted by Brady Johnson and Cody Johnson to give Hughenden a 4-3 win. Wyatt Johnson got the win in goal, while Tanner Watkins took the loss for the Sabres. In other ECSHL action, Friday saw the Coronation Royals head to Oyen, where the Eagles beat them 11-6. On Saturday the Del-
burne Outlaws hosted the Stettler Imperials, with the Imperials stealing a 10-4 win. Delburne had no luck at all this weekend, travelling to Provost Sunday to lost 60 to the Combines. This coming Friday the Hughenden Jets will face off against the Combines in Provost. On Saturday the Flyers will head to Oyen to take on the Eagles, while Sedgewick will head to Stettler to play the Imperials. Irma will host the Del-
is holding a
New Year’s Eve Dance December 31, 2022
Ready for Change? FREE 8-week course to improve your skills for Employment & Personal Success
‘Change it Up’ starts January 16 Two EVENINGS a week. Check out upcoming courses and the online job board at fcal.net
What do you want to learn? We are open Tuesday- Friday 9-5 5023 50 (Main) Street, Killam
780-385-3712 fcal.net Tuesday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Make it
Santa takes a turn around the Wild Rose Co-op Recreation Centre ice on the Zamboni in preparation for the Sedgewick Sabres Hughenden Jets matchup on Saturday, Dec. 10.
Lougheed Field House Kick Off to Christmas! Thursday, December 22
Burger or Hot Dog, Fries, Dessert, Drink just $10 from 5-7pm. Soccer with Santa 6-7pm Caroling the Streets of Lougheed 7-9pm Meet in front of Field House. Trailer available. Vendor tables welcome, call 780-385-4703
Starting in December, we will be having our Early Bird Annual Membership! For the month of December, a 2023 Annual Membership will cost only $100* per member. *Starting January 1, the annual membership price will increase to $222 per member. Members must be aged 16 & up
Coke & Pepsi Cases, plus tax, plus deposit
2
$13
Family Size Bars on Sale Stocking Stuffer Idea!
Cadbury or Toblerone 90-100g
Flyer Prices in effect Friday, Dec. 16 to Thursday, December 22 New Starfrit Stock has arrived!
Appliances, Storage Containers, Utensils & more!
Bioderma
25%OFF Skin Care Products Selected t ypes and sizes
So many Stocking Stuffer ideas! .
at the Sedgewick Community Hall Doors Open 8 p.m. Snacks and Party Favours Dancing from 9 to 1 a.m. Music by ACE Entertainment Midnight Lunch
league with 15 points, with the Sedgewick Sabres nipping at their heels with 12 points, and Provost close behind at 10.
•Setting Conditions for Success •Building Foundations for Growth • Initiating Positive Change
2023 Early Bird Annual Membership: Come celebrate with friends! The Sedgewick Lions Club
burne Outlaws, and Provost and Coronation will battle it out in Coronation. The Oyen Eagles lead the
FOR
Leslie Cholowsky Editor
TICKETS $25/person Call Irene McGillivray at 780-384-3828 to reserve/purchase your ticket!
DD BUS AVAILABLE TO PRE-BOOK YOUR SPOT - CALL Kim @ 780-888-7136 NO MINORS - Semi-Formal Attire
Proceeds to fund a new Family Cabin at Sedgewick Lake Park Campground
this week’s ad is sponsored by
780-385-3598 Serving Town & Country since 1962 Open Hours: 9-6 Mon thru Fri, 9-4 Saturday & Closed Sunday.
Killam, Alberta
Page 14 - The Community Press, Wednesday, December 14, 2022
An Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) is a voluntary free self-assessment tool for producers who are committed to environmental stewardship. The program began in 2003 with a goal to help producers identify their environmental risks and implement mitigation strategies. Provinces and Territories of Canada have different methods to complete the plan. When the program launched in Alberta, there were binders that would
walk producers and technicians through the process of developing their own personal EFP that they would take home from their Municipalities. In 2019 the Alberta EFP transitioned to an online workbook to help with the costs and efficiency of the program. Most Provinces and Territories are transitioning to this completion method. There will be a new version launched in early 2023 that will include a renewal process as they expire every 10 years
and will need to be updated. This new version will also have a conversion feature to encourage producers to convert their binder workbooks to the online platform. The online experience will also help producers update their EFP on an ongoing basis and allow for the plans to be carried out remotely with or without their technician. If you would like help with your EFP, there are technicians throughout the province such as myself and workshops to attend for your support through this assessment process. To date, one in four Western Canadian farmers have completed an EFP. Producers who have an EFP benefit economically, environmentally and socially. Some environmental benefits would be to help protect water, soil, air, and biodiversity. This all goes for being a steward of the land, which comes with intangible social benefits like recognition from neighbors and other agriculture operations.
An EFP acts as a pre-requisite for federal (60 per cent), provincial and territorial (40 per cent) grant funding which will be formerly known as Canadian Agricultural Partnership in Alberta (CAP). This funding can be fully reimbursed to cost-shared with the producer and contains maximums depending on the program. In April 2023, Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (SCAP) will be launched with $500 million in new funds, representing a 25 per cent increase in the cost-shared portion. New focuses with SCAP will include building sector, climate and environment protection, research, science, innovation, market development, trade, resiliency and public trust. If you have any questions or are thinking about starting or renewing your online EFP, please contact me at 780-390-0342 or Murray Warnke at 780-352-8651. You can also visit their website at www.albertaefp.com to start the application process or to find more information.
F
lagstaff
This Holiday
Season
Purple Scissor Salon 5011 - 50 St., Daysland
780-374-3623
Watch for our Christmas Deals on Facebook! *Gift Baskets & Stocking Stuffers*
Full of great gift ideas! Keep an eye on our Facebook page
t u o k c e h C our as m t s i r Ch ! m o Ro
Daysland Pharmacy
COUTTS HOME HARDWARE OOpen Mon-Sat 8:30-5:30 Open Late Thursday 7-9 pm
Forestburg Your HOME For Christmas!
We are making up custom Candy Trays! Great selection of Box Chocolates, Toys, Giftware and Xmas Gift Ideas!
5023 - 50 St. Daysland, AB Stop by and see for yourself!
s Card ! t f i G e ilabl a v A
5009 - 49 Ave. Forestburg Karlee Kuefler
Walk-in s Welcom e
Come in and get your Stocking Stuffers and Christmas Shopping done here! Great selection of hair products, styling tools, ools, makeup, and more!
780-582-3539
Shop Locally this Holiday Season!
Fresh Flowers, Poinsettias,
the more you Save EVENT Spend
THEE
JAMESS INSURANCEE GROUP 780-385-3654 780 385 366 ocal bbu oca business usinness ess 780-384-3639 local 780-888-3999 www.tjig.ca
KILLAM TIRE
4802 49 St, Hardisty, AB 780-888-2488
Clip out or show this ad and get
Eggnog Latte for just $2.50
& MECHANICAL
4915 - 51 Ave, Highway 13 Killam, AB
780-385-3791
Lakeview Liquor Store
Come Join us for Lunch! 780-384-3554
4819 - 48 Ave., A g , AB Sedgewick, Hours 10 am - 2 pm Monday to Friday
FREE GIFT WRAPPING NG AVAILABLE!
of t f i ! g s e t h e t k Give ratch Tic s! r c e S f f & u t S ry e g t n t i o k L c o t S Great
ALL TOYS regular priced
In time for Christmas!
Town & Country 780-385-3598
4906 - 50 St., Killam
$75 $5 $100 $7 $150 $10 $200 $15
From Dec. 15 to Dec. 23
All your Christmas Gifts for those on your list! Budding Ideas
Paw Prints
MAIN STREET KILLAM
Framing
780-385-3014
LAST CALL! FOR OUR
BIG
The Community
Press
Christmas Greetings
EDITION Wish your Customers & Neighbours well & thank them for all their support during these uncertain times.
20% OFF!
NEW Stock of Starfrit products!
Save
Don’t forget your Family Pet on Christmas Morning! Cat stockings available! Hours: 9-6 Monday thru Friday, 9-4 Saturdays, Closed Sundays
Ads range from $30 to $650! Join over 160 local businesses and get noticed by thousands for less than the cost to mail out some cards
Deadline: Saturday at Noon EMAIL: ads@thecommunitypress.com
F
lagstaff
This Holiday
Season
Hand poured Soy Melts now available!
Main Street Medley
MAIN STREET Alliance, ll AB 780-879-2100 DO: Embroidery - Engraving WE DO:WEEmbroidery - Engraving (rotary & laser) Signs - Vehicle Signs- Decals - Decals - VehicleGraphics Graphics Direct Garment Printing and a wholelotlotmore! more! Direct toto Garment Printing and a whole
GREAT SELECTION OF GIFTS!
NEW! Killam Chamber 2023 Wall Calendars! Featuring local photographers! Ideaa!! ift Ide Gift Great Gi
The Community
$15 ea. Get them at our office on Main St. or from other Chamber members!
Press Main M ain S St. t K Kiilllam Killam am 7 78 780-385-6693
From Camo-Pink to everything in between. We can personalize almost anything!
Watch for Open Monday to Friday 9-5 our weekly specials online! Open Saturdays 9-5 in December
Open Tuesday to Friday 9-4 (we close for lunch from 12-1)
TOYS are a re
10% OFF
1, y u b – g n i h Clot 50% OFF! get 1
in December
Construction With Skyrocketing Utility Bills...
Itʼs time to have
7780-385-3993 www.briltd.com
We will come out and do a FREE INSPECTION
of your Attic For:
Stop in for a FREE Hearing Aid Clean and Check to make sure you Hear for the Holidays!
•Insulation R Value•Ventilation •Attic Hatch Opening & Cover •Proper Chimney Clearances We Will Then Provide You with a FREE ESTIMATE! This Inspection Includes: Houses, Barns, Garages & Shops
All Insulation Jobs Booked before January 31, 2023 will be entered in for a draw to win $1,000 off your Project! CALL NOW FOR YOUR FREE ESTIMATE! Murray 780-336-6088, Lee 780-336-6089
F
lagstaff
Employee Pricing
This Holiday
Season
ALL CHRISTMAS
on now!
Big town dealership, small town atmosphere
Campbell McLennan Killam
CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM www.campbellmclennan.com
780-385-2121
Ask Jason or Chase in the parts department for your installed tire price today! Our pricing is very straight forward and includes the mounting, balancing, and installation with environmental fee to give you a clear before tax total.
Seasonal Tire Storage: $50 per season $50 when winter tires are installed in the fall and $50 when the all-season tires go back on in the spring!
lagstaff
Lights, Decor, Trees, & more!
HARDISTY
Phone: 780 780-888-3537 88 Next week is the last issue of 2022! Early deadline of Sunday at 9am. Get your Ad in before it’s too late. Email ads@thecommunitypress.com
This Holiday
Season
Page 20 - The Community Press, Wednesday, December 14, 2022
TOWING Rentable bins. Pick up and take away.
Big or Small, Short Haul, Long Haul, We Do It All!
e E L
24 HOUR 24 HO OU UR RED R D HOT RE HO OT OIL OIL FIELD OI F ELD LD S SE V VI VICES ICES
Cancade Hopper Bin Mover
Power Poles to Masterpieces
Competitive Pricing! Competitive Pricing!
When the wind picks up which anchor would make you feel more secure?
e Con ort! p Sup
12” Helix
Trailer Bottom Enclosed to prevent rock chips on Bin
16ft wide & 30ft sidewall Give our Extremely Gorgeous Drivers a Call! Remember to Support Local this Christmas season!