The Community
Press Your LOCAL Paper! Yo
Volume 113, Issue 31
It’s Over
Wednesday, February 3, 2021
$1 Including GST
INSIDE THIS WEEK’S ‘PRESS
KILLAM RECREATION PHOTO
Killam Memorial Arena, Hardisty Gibson Energy Centre, and Sedgewick Wild Rose Co-op Rec. Centre announced their ice will be going out last week.
Provincial announcement offers little hope for return to hockey Leslie Cholowsky Editor Local minor hockey associations and arena operators were looking to the Province last week for some relief on when restrictions on hockey would be eased. That announcement came at the end of last week, and was the last straw for arena operators within the Flagstaff Community. Flagstaff Recreation announced late Friday, Jan. 29, that “the very hard decision has been made to remove our ice for this season.” That call came on the heels of a decision by Sedgewick, on Tuesday, Jan 26, to remove the ice
Alberta Paramedic Association lobbying for changes to core-flex shift model for rural EMS - P10 Killam RCMP report a rash of vehicle thefts and break ins - P16
at the Sedgewick Wild Rose Co-op Rec. Centre. Sedgewick Rec. Board Chair Greg Sparrow said, “It was a financial decision for us. We were hoping to do whatever we could to keep it going, but were just unable to do that.” Sparrow says the arena operations started the 2020-21 season behind, after a shutdown due to roof concerns in 20192020, then an early end to hockey this spring. “Then this year we have hardly used the ice at all. It’s costing us in the range of $15,000 per month to keep the ice plant running and the arena ready to go.” He says that if Hockey Alberta decided to extend
the season to make up for lost time, that cost would rise even further. “We want to be able to open up next season. We’re looking forward to a fresh start in September.” Hardisty followed suit on Sunday, Jan. 31, with an announcement that the ice making plant at Gibson Energy Centre would shut down for the rest of the season. Daysland Arena Board Chair Kevin Davis says no decision has been made on whether or not to keep the ice in there. Davis says that even after organized hockey was shut down, that facility was able to keep fairly busy with private rentals to individual families,
with interest coming from both in and outside the community. He says they will meet towards the end of this week to discuss the issue further. Forestburg Arena Board will hold a meeting this week to discuss the future of their ice. The East Central Senior Hockey League cancelled the remainder of their season in an announcement Jan. 10, which includes the Forestburg Flyers, Sedgewick Sabres, and Hughenden Jets. Battle River Knights Minor Hockey President Eilish Morrison said that their organization has sent out partial refunds to players and families, but as of last week, still had hopes of restrictions lift-
ing on practice and play going forward. “We were holding out hope the whole time as Hockey Alberta was in talks with us. “Obviously that got changed a lot. So since it was delayed so much we were able to give half back for now.” Northern Alberta Interlock League suspended all play after the November lockdown by the province, and has not updated their website since that time. Hockey Alberta announced late Tuesday that it has concluded regular league play for the remainder of the 2020-21 season, in conjunction with the leagues that oversee tiered, AAA, and AA hockey.
AND MUCH MORE!
of some restrictions, including in-person dining in local restaurants, cafes, and pubs. Indoor and outdoor children’s sports and performances will also be allowed, on a school-related basis only. Indoor personal fitness will be allowed on a one-on-one basis, by appointment only. No sports games, competitions, team practice, league play or group exercise of any kind will be allowed under Step 1. Indoor social gathering will also still be banned. Dr. Deena Hinshaw,
Chief Medical Officer for the province, explained more fully on Monday, Feb. 1, that even if hospitalization numbers decrease rapidly, the timing of the steps won’t. Hinshaw explained that COVID-19 statistics have leading indicators, which are daily case numbers and positivity rate, and lagging indicators, hospitalizations, and ICU use. She explained Monday that while the lagging indicators are being used to determine each step of easing restrictions, it’s important to maintain a
three-week period between steps, to allow for analysis of the leading indicators as a result of each step forward. The next benchmark will be when hospitalizations go down to 450, which would then potentially ease some existing restrictions on retail stores, and open up community halls, hotels, banquet halls, and conference centres, with a further easing related to Step 1. Steps 3 and 4 will come at 300 and 140 hospitalizations respectively, and will see, in Step 3, finally
allowing indoor social gatherings with restrictions, and will include easing restrictions on places of worship, adult team sports, museums, art galleries, zoos, and interpretive centres, movie theatres, casinos, libraries, and easing restrictions for activities and centres opened up under Step 1 and 2. Step 4 will see play centres reopen, allow performance activities, outdoor sporting evens, wedding ceremonies and receptions, funeral receptions, amusement parks,
indoor concerts and sporting events, festivals, day and overnight camps, and will life the workfrom-home measures, as well as further easing of restrictions in earlier steps. As previously indicated, steps will be taken three weeks apart to assess case impacts, with the lowest-risk activities in each sector considered for change first. The Province is now tracking 57 cases of the new COVID variants; in particular the variants See RESTRICTIONS P7
Thin ice warnings issued after multiple accidents on the weekend - P10 Family Day 2021 looking a lot different - P16 Visitor to Flagstaff Regional Airport receives special treatment from local aviators - P8 New provincial funding for rodeos and performing arts - P13
Alberta announces easing of COVID-19 restrictions
Leslie Cholowsky Editor
The Province has announced a new four-step approach to easing the current pandemic restrictions for Albertans, starting on Monday, Feb. 8. Step 1 is defined by the Province having no more than 600 people in hospital for COVID-19 and declining. Since we’ve reached that benchmark, barring unforeseen circumstances, the first step should be implemented as planned. This will mean easing
Page 2 - The Community Press, Wednesday, February 3, 2021
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FIRST program coupons land in the hands of those in need Leslie Cholowsky Editor
The final accounting of the initial Flagstaff Informed Response Sharing Team (FIRST) COVID-19 coupon program (funded through the Alberta Social Services COVID-19 grant program) shows that 1,152 coupons for fuel and food made their way into the hands of Flagstaff County residents. The coupons were in $25 increments, and could be used to purchase food or fuel at any of 11 Flagstaff businesses, with some restrictions on what could be purchased. From the period starting June 12, 288 individuals or families received at
least $100 worth of coupons, with 77 per cent used to purchase food. Families were eligible to receive $100 in coupons once per month. FIRST and FFCS Executive Director Lynne Jenkinson says every municipality in Flagstaff had at least one person who received the coupons, with less than one percent selfreferring. Alberta Health Services accounted for the most referrals to the program, at 55 per cent, followed by FFCS, which distributed 25 per cent, or 300 coupons directly. She has received a number of confidential thank you notes, she says, where recipients have shown their grati-
Seeking information on Sedgewick family The Community Press recently received an inquiry from Maryanne Armistead, who is working on her family history. She made the following request, which she’s asked us to share with our readers. “I am seeking information about the King family who once resided in Sedgewick. “In particular, Frank Thomas King, his wife Florence Ashby, and their children Kenneth Ashby King and Margaret Grace King. “The month and day of their births and deaths would be most helpful, I have the years. “Any information on these people, no matter how insignificant it may seem, is valuable to me in compiling my family ancestry. “Anyone in Sedgewick or the surrounding area that has information or photos, please contact me.” Armistead may be reached by phone (long distance) at 1-250-562688, or via email to: armipg@shaw.ca
tude for the program. She says this is the most feedback of this type from any other FIRST program or any other grant program she has been involved in. “This shows how much this grant was needed and acknowledged by the community.” In all, $28,800 worth of coupons were distributed through the first phase of this program, started as a COVID-19 relief measure and initially funded through the Province of Alberta. The initial grant was for $50,000, and the remainder was used to pay Care-A-Van drivers to drive clients to out-oftown medical appointments, also covering fuel costs for clients. “This funding took a worrisome toll off of all the clients by providing them a little bit of assistance that could have
freed up other funds that they had.” This part of the program served 176 people in the region, with the two vans travelling a total of 47,932 km. Jenkinson is appreciative of the businesses who took part in the program, and is proud that the funding went directly into the Flagstaff County region, also supporting local businesses. Funding under the initial grant ran to the end of December 2020. FIRST has secured a further $40,000 in grant funding to extend the program in to 2021 from the Federal Government Emergency funding stream through the United Way. “I implore you to reach out to us or get families to reach out to us for these coupons. $100 can make a huge difference to some,” says Jenkinson.
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The Community Press, Wednesday, February 3, 2021 - Page 5
Buying or Selling?
Jeff Golka
www.jeffgolka.ca Dedicated to you and your family’s full Real Estate needs! SEDGEWICK
SEDGEWICK
SEDGEWICK
SEDGEWICK
Bungalow Home, Large Shop on acreage only 2miles south of Sedgewick on pavement! What a great location and beautiful 5 bedroom/4bath home, plenty of space to enjoy life in this open concept home, big living room, large game/gym room, large Master bdrm, Kitchen has new renos counters/under sink/new taps. Beautiful large open basement for hobbies, multi-family living, or enjoying space for large theatre TV viewing. Outside has 3bay insulated/heated shop ready to go, tool room, and plenty of upper storage, and paint booth for the automotive mechanic. Fabulous yard, big deck, and double attached heated garage! Asking $499,000. www.jeffgolka.ca “my listings”
SALE PENDING
HARDISTY HARDISTY
HARDISTY
HARDISTY HARDISTY
Modern Industrial Building at Hardisty on 5.10acres! Perfect space for construction, manufacturing, and industrial operations at Hardisty built in 2014. Building has a total of 15,000sqft, 4 Double/Door Bays and 1 Single/Door Bay with separate washrooms in each. Single bay is complete with 2 bedroom Living space, Full Kitchen and living Room and laundry service. All efficient underfloor heating design, electric doors, Sloped bay with drains and gravelled parking area on 5.10acres. An outstanding building ready for office/storage bays, manufacturing, and business at Canadaʼs largest oil storage facility! Price $1,695,000.00 www.jeffgolka.ca Modern Gorgeous Newer Duplex in Hardisty! Only 4 years old this gorgeous Duplex Home “A” is ready for purchase! Ideal Modern Design home, hi-end appliances, gas fireplace and double garage. Kitchen w/island/pantry is fantastic, nice Dining room overlooking the yard, living room is spacious, upstairs has 3 Bedrooms with 4pc/bath, large Master Bedroom/walkin closet/4pc/Ensuite. Own this modern home and have money left to enjoy life! Unit ʻAʼ Asking $309,000. View www.jeffgolka.ca “my listings”
Quiet, Private 4.82 Acreage at Hardisty! Well maintained 4 bedrooms/2bath Home with big kitchen/dining, beautiful enclosed deck, large living room with great view of yard. Comes with all appliances, water softener, air conditioned and full completed basement. Asphalt driveway entry, exceptional yard, childrenʼs play area/swings, large workshop/storage, double car garage, horse shelter, tack room, fenced and cross fenced land for horses and pets for acreage enjoyment. Price $289,000. www.jeffgolka.ca
14.63 acre Acreage between Amisk and Hardisty! Excellent acreage just south off Hwy 13, follow the pavement past Hardisty Oil storage terminal. Large acreage has 3 RV sites for year-round revenue, 1460sqft Double wide home on full undeveloped basement needs interior work. Nice exterior redone, good windows, new eaves, soffit and facia. 2 water wells, all fenced and plenty of room for more RV sites for cash revenue while living in main home. Horse outdoor riding arena with special loam brought in for its purpose, great horseback area also. $199,000. www.jeffgolka.ca “my listings” Wonderful Cottage, 5.12acre Oasis at Fish Lake Hardisty, Lot 84+88! Hard to find this little piece of Paradise, close to two lakes for Fishing, Kayaking or full Watersports/Swimming with a gorgeous 9-hole Irrigated Golf course out the back door! Tucked away of the beaten path but still only 1 mile to town for Dining, Bars and Stores, and a short Golf cart ride to the golf course/driving range with cheap fees. The Cottage has 900sqft, large master, great deck for outside enjoyment, drilled well, newer Septic tanks, RV hookup and numerous trails for exploring. No Covid tickets here for no mask, its nice and private to enjoy life! Price $199,900 www.jeffgolka.ca “my listings.” Hardisty Lake Lot, Summer Cabin with Power! Cute summer cabin with power, very large treed lot for privacy, and just a short walk to the beach for watersports. Hard to find these large Lake Lots, this is 14208sqft, plenty of room for large RVʼs or for family camping and winter road access. Some renovations needed for Cabin or build a nice 4 season Lake Home on this huge Lot! Price $145,000 E4141322. View on jeffgolka.ca
Beautiful 20/wide 2008 Modular Home! Gorgeous view of the historic Train Trestle and the Hardisty river valley. Enjoy this 1520sq.ft of living on one level, all appliances w/newer Washer/Dryer, and two blocks to the post office and downtown. Very clean and maintained, spacious living with 4 bedrooms, 2 full baths, walk-in closet and has some furnishings. Landscaping completed with a terrific yard nice trees, storage shed, and room to build a Double Garage on this large 70x120ft lot. Great retirement place, home away for the project working person at oil terminal, or spacious clean home for a family. Asking Price $129,500. Visit on www.jeffgolka.ca
HEISLER / STROME ACREAGE Land for Sale Between Heisler/Strome 66acres, 60acres broke (some in grass), SW-09-43-15-W4, Productive Grain/Pastureland, Huge Dugout for Cattle, Gas well Revenue, Power Line Revenue, Gravel production potential. Reduced, asking $4000/acre or $264,000 good land w/revenue. Offers. Call Jeff for information 780-888-4030
Call: 780-888-4030
Rivercity KILLAM
KILLAM
KILLAM
Email:
jeffgolka@remax.net
KILLAM
KILLAM
KILLAM
Well Maintained Family home close to Killam School, Downtown and Arena! Good Killam home, great location with 3beds/2baths, nicely finished basement and attached single garage. Big living room area, nice open dining room, Kitchen with all appliances, water softener and a big upstairs laundry. Basement has large Family area, office/hobby room or can be modified for a 4th bedroom, with downstairs bathroom/Shower. Outside the yard is fantastic, huge deck, newer fencing, big yard for wonderful family time, large storage shed, and plenty of parking. Do not miss this great property! Asking $184,500. www.jeffgolka.ca “my listings”
LOUGHEED
Beautiful Killam Acreage, 30acres, 1640sqft Bungalow Home, Machine Shop and Historic Barn! Look no further than this gorgeous home, w/ entire new basement, new Kitchen, new bathroom w/heated floor, updated Windows/Blinds, new flooring, new furnace w/AC and new paint! Features open concept living, huge dining area, 4 bedrm up/2 down, 3 baths. Downstairs is amazing open family room, exercise, and gaming area, (aux)power switch, composite deck, and double heated garage. Outside has gorgeous trees, creek, Artesian free running water, nice laneway, and only 5 minutes to Killam. Asking $499,000. www.jeffgolka.ca “my listings”
SOLD
Outstanding Acreage for ultimate Animal Care! Gorgeous refinished 1947 home with all the modern touches, new windows, flooring, and fireplace what great home, well maintained with new shingles, host of improvements make this a fantastic home. Outside has numerous buildings with an original Historic hip roof Barn with a hay loft, new metal roof, heated medicine room, it looks amazing. Also corrals, waterers, chicken coops, and 2 good water wells. The back yard is wonderful for family time plenty of trees for wind breaks and sheds for storage. Also, a great heated workshop, double garage for vehicles, as well as a large Quonset for dry storage. They really donʼt come anymore complete, currently in 14 +acre subdivision application, check it out and make it yours. Price $325,000. Visit on jeffgolka.ca
8,000 sq. ft. Steel Constructed Shop Heated, 20 ft Doors! Terrific 8000 sq ft steel heated shop, 1600 sq ft enclosed mezzanine, offices, washroom, parts room, work benches and wash bay all on hi-strength reinforced concrete. 3 large doors/back and front driveway for access in and out of the shop for the equipment, and all this sitting on 3 large lots, steel security fenced and storage shed. Ideal for heavy equipment company, heavy trucks or large farming operation. Price $599,000. View on jeffgolka.ca Classic Gorgeous Character Home in Lougheed! Love and care by its owner for 60 years this beautiful home has its original staircase, railings, banisters, original doors/ frames/ mouldings, original wood flooring underneath and large wood pillar colonnades in the living room. Well-maintained 5-bdrm home, new shingles, a mix of originality with a classy modern 2002 gorgeous Kitchen w/island, Dining room, main floor laundry, all under Vaulted ceilings w/skylights and beautiful bright arch windows to admire its quiet, relaxing back yard. French doors lead to large patio, yard is amazing plenty of fruit trees and 6ft privacy fence for pets and kids. Perfect for retiree with main level bdrms or big family home, all this with a taste of history and the comforts of today. Asking $135,000. View on www.jeffgolka.ca
Nice Home, Garage, Sheds in good area! Well maintained 3 bed/2bath home in a quiet area in Lougheed and full finished basement, newly painted, lots of storage and nice covered porch area. Inside home has good layout open concept with nice bedroom sizes. Beautifully landscaped 60x120 lot, great fire pit area, wood shed, storage shed and good 14x26 garage with plenty of rear parking. Asking $109,000. View on www.jeffgolka.ca “my listings”
HUGHENDEN / AMISK
Nice Home and Big Lot in Killam! Good size 4 bed/3 bath home, gorgeous finished basement with nice open layout. Some upgrades include flooring, newer appliances and shingles, upgraded windows, newer furnace and water softener. Outside is beautiful backyard, huge 90x120 lot ready for large garage, covered breezeway with single car garage. Take advantage of this great property in Killam and enjoy one of the nicest backyards you will find! Price: $185,000. E4195306. View on www.jeffgolka.ca. “My listings.”
New, never built on Killam Lot in a Prime Location! Great lot in Killam with an Acreage feeling right on the edge of town looking out at the countryside, available now. Leveled 60x130ft lot with plenty of room for home, garage, and yard. Located close to the Ball Diamonds and Heritage Park, lot is level and ready to build on with full municipal services at the lot line. Private sale so no building timeline requirements, and great lot for privacy. Choice of 2 lots, second lot beside it is available for double lot purchase. Asking $31,500. www.jeffgolka.ca “my listings”
Outstanding Premier Home with Garage, Decks and Yard! Beautifully done modern 5Bdrm/3bath home in Amisk with so many features to reveal! The home has wonderful large entry, with big open kitchen w/island, big Living room, double patio doors to Covered deck and second level sun deck just gorgeous. Big master bdrm/3pc ensuite and 3bdrms up/2 down with huge basement, awesome family room and mancave. Garage is heated and large door for bigger trucks. Lots of Parking, a must-see home with fantastic yard! Not far to Wainwright or Hardisty! Price $249,000. www.jeffgolka.ca
Wonderful Home, 4Bdrms, Heated Garage in Amisk! Make this your home with all the work done on it and in great location in Amisk! Landscaped huge yard, nice deck, and with large heated garage. Inside the 4bdrm/2bath home is well maintained with big bright windows, nice kitchen and eating area and big living room. Basement is fully finished, large Laundry, great storage, very energy efficient and lots of outside parking and back lane, just a terrific property. Asking $199,000. View on jeffgolka.ca