The Community
Press Your LOCAL Paper!
Volume 114, Issue 31
Wednesday, February 9, 2022
Freezing rain causes problems for drivers
$1 Including GST
Hours reduced for Daysland Emergency Dept. Leslie Cholowsky Editor
LESLIE CHOLOWSKY PHOTO
For most Flagstaff residents, attempting to drive anywhere last Friday, Feb. 4, while it was raining resulted in a very icy windshield. Many drivers report that windshield wipers and full heat werenʼt enough to keep windshields from icing over, often while driving. Stopping anywhere for longer than 5-10 minutes meant coming back to a vehicle covered with a thin layer of ice.
Alberta Health Services announced Friday, Feb. 4, that the Daysland Health Centre Emergency Department (ED) would be temporarily implementing reduced hours starting Monday, Feb. 7. “The ED will continue to be open seven days a week, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.” AHS says it is working to ensure local residents continue to have access to care, noting that emergency department services needed outside of these times can be accessed at St. Mary’s Hospital in Camrose (42 km away) or the Killam Health Care Centre (31 km away.) In addition to reduced ED hours, the Daysland Health Centre will also have the number of acute care and rehabilitation beds temporarily reduced due to a temporary shortage of Registered Nurses and Licensed Practical Nurses. “Patient care will not be affected as the site ha sufficient capacity at this time and there is space for additional patients as needed. AHS says 10 acute care bed spaces and seven rehabilitation beds will remain open. “AHS is grateful for the support of surrounding healthcare centres and medical staff, and would like to thank the community for its patience and understanding during this time.” AHS expects that the Emergency Department will resume its usual hours of operation Feb. 17.
Tragic accident claims life of Castor firefighter Leslie Cholowsky Editor
The Castor Fire Department was called to a motor vehicle accident the evening of Friday, Feb. 4, that had occurred near the town on Secondary Highway 599. Highway conditions were not good at that time, with roadways covered with ice from freezing drizzle. While enroute to the scene, one of the Department’s vehicles lost control on the icy roadway and rolled. The accident claimed the life of Castor firefighter Stephen Rayfield and injured Fire Chief Patrick Kelly. Killam and Alliance Fire Departments were called in response to the incidents, and attended the scene also providing traffic support, as was Flagstaff Regional Emergency Services Director Kim Cannady. Castor Council released a statement on Saturday, Feb. 5, with the details of the accident, adding, “This has been a traumatic event for all our firefighters and their families. So please support them in any ways you can in the coming days.”
“It is a reminder to all first responders how dangerous our jobs are. Our hearts go out to their family's and our partners in Castor fire department,” says Sergeant John Pike of the Coronation RCMP in an official statement issued Monday. Rayfield was reportedly a very active member of the Castor community, and fire department. He leaves behind a wife and child. In a touching tribute, firefighters and fire departments across the province and the country have expressed their condolences to the Castor Fire Department members on their social media account with many planning to lower a flag in Rayfield’s honour. AHS EMS first responders also conveyed condolences to the Rayfield family, and expressed their hopes for Chief Kelly to make a full recovery. Victims from the original accident were taken to hospital with minor injuries. Brian Starkell, national president of the Canadian Volunteer Fire Services Association, told CBC that los-
ing any volunteer firefighter is a "huge tragedy." "In the fire industry, we're a big family. When we have a tragedy with our own family, it's a shock for all of us across Canada," he said. "[For] not just his immediate family, but also his department and the rest of the firefighters, it's a brotherhood and a sisterhood, and it's a shock to everybody." Flagstaff Regional Emergency Services Society (FRESS) Manager Derek Homme said, “Just a terrible situation all around. “These are the risks that our volunteers unfortunately must take when the calls come in.” Castor Mayor Richard Elhard said that the community will support firefighters and the grieving family in the days to come. “This community, for sure, will stand behind them," he said. A friend of the family has organized a GoFundMe account for Rayfield’s family, hoping to raise $30,000. By Tuesday late afternoon the total raised was already over $23,000.
Page 2 - The Community Press, Wednesday, February 9, 2022
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The Community Press, Wednesday, February 9, 2022 - Page 3
‘Killam with Kindness’ submissions accepted this week Leslie Cholowsky Editor
While February is the shortest month of the year, it can sometimes feel like the longest, as winter drags on and spring feels a long way away. The Killam Chamber of Commerce recently came up with an idea to help make February days brighter. The period between Valentine’s Day and Family Day, that is Feb. 14 to 21, has been designated as Killam with Kindness, a campaign designed to recognize and recount random acts of kindness. During those days, the Chamber is collecting stories from residents about a random act of kindness they’ve experienced or seen. “This is a love-yourcommunity event,” says Chamber President Lois Polege. Polege says they are looking for a recount from residents of something that happened to them, something that they did, or something they saw that raised spir-
its or showed kindness. “A heroic or happy moment.” There’s no prize, it’s not a contest, but just a feel-good campaign to brighten spirits during February. They will post the stories on social media, using initials or first names only, to spread the good news. The Chamber has also designed a new bumper sticker “Killam with Kindness” that they will have available for sale soon at a modest price. “Wouldn’t that be a cool way to be known?” Polege asks. The Chamber will be collecting the stories up until Friday, Feb. 11, and then plans to post them between Valentine’s Day and Family Day on their social media accounts. “This is just a way to celebrate our community. It’s not to say we’re any better or worse than any other town or village. It’s
a focus; we want to set our focus on positivity, especially during these dreary winter days.” Polege adds, “I hope
we can all look around and see or remember a kindness that has happened to us, and then share it with others, too.”
Drop-In Basketball Games Thursdays at 7 pm Now free. Open to all ages, but those aged 15 & under must be accompanied by an adult.
Back to Work Boot Camp
Zumba Classes with Outcast Creative Mon, Feb. 21 6 wks
FREE!
February 15-17 Call to register today! GED Preparation - Resume Help Bookkeeping Basics Save the Date! Women’s Conference April 21 - In person
What do you want to learn? 780-385-3712 fcal.net 5023 50 Street, (Chevraux Centre) KILLAM Tuesday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
6 or 3 wk bundle or 1 week at a time. Registration on our website
DIY Doormat Workshop with The Design Den Fri, March 4 Choose from 1 of 7 design options. Registration on our website.
Did you know we have batting cages?
lougheedfieldhouse.com For lots of information on our facility, plus photos, booking rates, upcoming events, or to purchase a membership! *REP Covid Restrictions apply for all public events & private bookings. this week’s ad is sponsored by Gibson Energy
Dollar Days!
Monday, February 14 4 - 8:30 pm
Bashaw RCMP looking for stolen tractor
Tylenol Extra This week’s Great Buy! Str. Tablets Atoma Vitamin or Caplets 40s - 200s B12 Tablets select t ypes
100s
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Leslie Cholowsky Editor
Bashaw RCMP received a complaint on Saturday, Feb. 5, of theft of a tractor and a grain truck from Range Road 220 outside of Bashaw. RCMP are requesting the public’s assistant in locating both pieces of equipment, described as: a 2012 John Deere 9360 (photo), and a 1983 Chev 70, maroon in colour, bearing licence plate #07M471. Bashaw RCMP are asking the public's assistance for any information in locating this property or finding those responsible. Please contact Bashaw RCMP at 780-372-3793 or your local police.
Lougheed Field House
SURF & TURF
Please call ahead to reserve! 384-3600
9 oz. New York Steak w/ Shrimp on Skewer (Vegetables, stuffed potato, and dessert included)
$ 3 9.95
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*all customers will be entered for a DRAW, compliments of Vision Credit Union (Sedgewick) and Mizanes!
Flyer Prices in effect Friday, Feb. 11 to Thursday, February 17 Great Buy! Shmellos Fluffy
Mentos Mint
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4pk Scented Dough
or Whole Box
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Various Valentine’s Sleepwear available!
New Hall’s Minis available in Honey, Lemon, & Cherry 24 lozenges, no sugar added . 780-385-3598 Serving Town & Country since 1962
Sedgewick 780-384-3600
Open Hours: 9-6 Mon thru Fri, 9-4 Saturday & Closed Sunday.
Killam, Alberta
The Community Press, Wednesday, February 9, 2022 - Page 17
February 2022 Meetings
Council Meetings Flagstaff County Co ouncil M Meetings eetings aare re conducted the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month commencing at 9 a.m. unless u otherwise planned. Council and Committ ommittee meeting agendas aare re aavvailable at the County’’ss websit ebsiite te at: flagstafff fff...ab.ca/c .ca/council/mee .ca/ council/meeetings-ande minuutes tes
780-384-4100 1-877-387-4100 Email: Stay Connected with Us: s
Monday to Friday 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. (Closed Noon - 1 p.m.)
Address: e
12435 To Township w Road 4442 PP..O. Box 35 358 Seedgew wi wic icck, AB T0B 4C00 Send us your best shots to ecdev@flagstaff.ab.ca
Page 18 - The Community Press, Wednesday, February 9, 2022
Tom, Jackie, and Greg are proud to be your Wild Rose Co-op Grow Team Members at the Sedgewick Agro Centre. As a team they are committed to be involved and connected to the local community, building relationships built on trust, hard work, and friendly service. They will always strive to make suggestions and provide information based on their combined extensive knowledge of the Ag Industry, and always searching for innovative and progressive solutions to your farm's needs.
Give the Sedgewick Grow Team a call today at 780.384.3679