The Tofield Mercury - January 5, 2022

Mercury The Tofield

Volume 104, Issue 18 | Wednesday, January 5, 2022 | $1

Page 2 - The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, January 5, 2022

Part 1 - a look back at the year that was JANUARY • Lindbrook shopkeeper warned by RCMP and AHS inspector. Two Tofield RCMP officers and an Alberta Health Services (AHS) inspector visited the Lindbrook store and gas station on Thursday, Jan. 7, in an attempt to enforce the Town of Tofield and provincial mask by-law. Shopkeeper Hemla wasn’t present at the time of their visit, but her sons Logan and Phillip were, along with an employee.

• Sunshine Villa residents

optimistic about COVID-19 vaccine. With Alberta expanding its COVID-19 vaccine distribution to vaccinate paramedics and emergency medical technicians, it’s only a matter of time that it reaches the senior residences and facilities.

“Facilities under Beaver Foundation aren’t ‘designated’, so after long-term care and designated supportive living, senior residences and lodges might be the next in line,” said Owen Ligaard of Beaver Founda-

tion. Alberta has already administered 46,791 doses of vaccine at a rate of 1,058 per 100,000, according to a statement made earlier this week. By the end of January, Alberta will have capacity to administer 50,000 doses of vaccine per week.

• Former Tofield resident Phelma Schertel, who lives in Armstrong, BC, recalls her hometown fondly. At 98, Schertel, born in Tofield, was able to narrate her life in great detail to Carrie O’Neill, Resident Relations

Coordinator of Heaton Place, where she lives now.

• U of A makes history in Western Canada with Hesje Observatory. The virtual launch of University of Alberta’s Hesje Observatory on Tuesday, Jan. 12, made it the only university in Western Canada with a Dark-Sky Preserve Observatory. According to Glynnis Hood, who is the manager of the Augustana Miquelon Lake Research Station and also an Environmental Sciences professor at U of A, this facility is one of the only observatories that has the benefit of being in a designated DarkSky Preserve.

• Ryley Lions Club awards scholarship to Logan Oslund. Ryley Lions Club awarded Ryley’s Logan Oslund of the final graduating class of Ryley High School a scholarship of $500. Oslund also received an additional scholarship of $500 from the Lions of Alberta Foundation Legacy Scholarship program to assist him with his studies at the University of Alberta Augustana Campus.

• With the first week of in-class learning over,

Tofield School Principal Janice Muench reflects on what the semester holds for students of Grade 5 and above.

“Our first week back was very good, however, we notice that everyone is growing tired of all things Covid-related,” Muench said.

• Tofield resident Irene Crosland moved from her journey of nursing of 43 years, the last 18 being in town, to bird photography, and in her words it was “large leaps and little steps in the right direction.” According to Crosland, her nursing career brought her many thrills and also many little side trips of discovery into new skills, new cultural contexts and areas of growth and change.

• Vertical Roots, a labour of love for its owners.

Tofield couple, Becky and Mike Newhook started Vertical Roots as a test farm in the back of a garage during COVID-19 lockdown.

Speaking to their endeavour, Becky said, “My husband Mike is the master grower and started working with hydroponics greens using NFT and Bucket Sys-

tems.”

• Tofield couple who moved from the city to a farm west of town couldn’t have been happier. Originally from Saskatchewan, both Shannon and Jim Durovick had been raised on farms, but when they moved to Alberta, somehow they found themselves in the city.

• Recently Tofield was deemed “hands-down one of the most welcoming communities” by MLA Jackie Lovely, and this was after Lovely had watched a short video on the Welcome Basket program. Tireless proponents, councillor Brenda Chehade and community member Sandy Brolly have been promoting the program in an attempt to get more newcomers on board.

FEBRUARY • Ryley’s Sarah Hrabec scores a perfect, makes it to Dean’s List. Ryley High School graduate Sarah Hrabec scored an almost perfect 3.99 GPA this semester, making her way to the Dean’s List. Last semester she scored a 4.0 GPA to make it to the President’s List.

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The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, January 5, 2022 - Page 3

• Tofield’s Busy B ended 2020 on a high note hosting their first ever Santa’s Workshop at the Legion in December. “We hope to make this an annual event,” said Yvonne Brown, who is the main operator and organizer of the establishment.

• Former head of the RCMP Musical Ride Fred Rasmussen passes away. A beloved Tofield community member and former head of the RCMP Musical Ride, Fred Rasmussen passed away last month. Rasmussen, who lived with his wife Lorraine in the community was a known face in Tofield and area.

• The Govt. of Alberta launched Step 1 of its fourstep framework easing restrictions across the board on Monday, Feb. 8. With the

health system and hospitalizations remaining below 600, Premier Jason Kenney said, “This is a cautious step forward that protects both lives and livelihoods and it is only possible thanks to the hard work and sacrifice of Albertans.”

• Beaver Foundation focuses on seniors’ mental health. The pandemic has been tough for the seniors in the community, which has led to Beaver Foundation focusing on its residents’ mental health and well being.

• World’s longest hockey game raises more than $1.8 million. Just west of Tofield at Saiker’s Acres, the world’s longest hockey game had it’s last day on Monday, Feb. 15; hosted for 11 days straight from Feb. 4, it brought together people

for a cause – to cure cancer.

Founder Brent Saik started this event in 2003, and it continues to this day in the memory of his father, Terry Saik, who he lost to cancer.

• NASA ambassador to make Tofield base for aurora expeditions. Tofield and its surrounding areas are the stomping grounds for Edmonton photographer Hugo Sanchez, who is a NASA ambassador for their program Aurorasaurus.

• Friends of Ryley School Society fundraises for new playground. After a silent auction in December, the Friends of Ryley School Society (FORSS) decided to ramp up their fundraising efforts and held a 50/50 draw recently through Rafflebox.

• Ryley councillor disqualified as Village of Ryley ponders by-election. This past Friday, Feb. 19, the Village of Ryley received an affirmative response to their application for an order declaring that councillor Nik Lee has been disqualified from serving as a councillor and that his position is therefore vacant.

• Tofield School’s Kylie Kuflay, Class of 2020, was the recipient of Ethel Brown Memorial Scholarship, rumoured to be awarded for the last time. According to staff Rick Bobier, many of the scholarships have been hit hard because of COVID19 and the pandemic might have an impact on the contributions they were known to make. The Ethel Brown Memorial awarded Kuflay with $1,000, which she used to pay for her first year at the University.

MARCH • Tofield School students awarded Athletic and Academic Awards. It wasn’t the same environment or the space in which this year’s award recipients celebrated their success, a fact that Tofield School Principal Janice Muench and her staff had to work with. “Awards at Tofield School had to look a bit different this year and we certainly grappled with how to honour the hard work of our students who achieved academic and athletic excellence,” she said.

• Alberta’s 2021-22 budget projects a deficit of

$18.2 billion, which is second only to the province’s record $20.2-billion chasm estimated in the current year. Travis Toews, Alberta Minister of Finance and President of the Treasury Board said in a news conference before tabling the budget on Thursday, Feb. 25, that he wasn’t happy with COVID-19 and the pandemic, and the resulting economic challenges that it resulted in.

• BRSD Superintendent Rita Marler completed her Doctor of Education degree recently with a focus on K12 leadership, with her research study being on the instructional leadership role of the assistant principal.

• The Alberta Party has presented a Shadow Budget since 2015 to give Albertans an alternate view of how the province could be run. The number one role of government is to look after its people and people are a major focus of the Alberta Party’s 2021 Shadow Budget – people, economy, and jobs, which presents a budget scenario with a $15.94 billion deficit in 2021-22, and a

$4.98 billion deficit in 202223.

• Tofield’s PharmaChoice will be one of the few pharmacies in the province to administer the COVID-19 vaccine, according to owner, Darren Erickson. “Ours was one of the pharmacies invited to participate in vaccine distribution by Alberta Health Services (AHS) about a month ago,” he said.

• Holden woman sentenced to 18 years for killing husband appeals, petition garners more than 11,000 votes. Holden’s Helen Naslund pleaded guilty to killing her husband Miles Naslund, 49, in September 2011, and on Friday, Oct. 30, 2020, was sentenced by the Alberta Court of Queen’s Bench to 18 years. On Thursday, Feb. 25, Naslund filed a notice asking the Alberta Court of Appeal to review her sentence, according to which ‘the 18-year sentence brings the administration of justice into disrepute.’ The document further states that the sentencing judge failed to give proper consideration to her history of domestic abuse.

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Page 4 - The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, January 5, 2022

Loose Ends: Holiday Snail Mail

Carol Livingstone Tofield Mercury Columnist

Imagine my surprise at hearing that millennials (I’ll call them mills; it’s easier to spell) have embraced the oldfashioned tradition of holiday snail-mail, apparently sending out more Christmas cards each year than the baby boomers do. The mills think that the greeting cards are not so antiquated as they once thought, and they like sending out special cards to important people in the lives. Naturally, Christmas rates high as one of the biggest card-giving times of the year but if

they are serious about reviving the tradition there are other times throughout the year that the mills should consider. After all, special people shouldn’t have to wait until Christmas to be told they are appreciated.

What about Easter, Thanksgiving, or even St. Pat’s? Or a wedding, anniversary, birth or birthday? Or a simple thank you, or ‘because you are a good friend’ or ‘sorry I was such an ass.’

There was a time when I sent a lot of cards to family and friends, coworkers.

About half of them responded in kind. Others called to say they didn’t do the card thing anymore, a subtle way of asking to be taken off my Christmas list and stop making them feel guilty about not buying a box of cards just so they could send me

one.

But even before the dwindling of mailed holiday wishes, I sent out birthday wishes to my kids, and many nieces and nephews, some of whom we saw so seldom that at first they had to ask their parents which Auntie and Uncle we were. I’d get calls (or letters; remember those?) from the parents telling me that the kids were so thrilled with receiving personal mail addressed directly to them – a true rarity – they haunted the mailbox for days in anticipation. So I tried finding cards that were special to them and included a little note. I learned later that some of the kids kept every card, sometimes in an album.

When the kids grew up and no longer considered getting mail cool, I missed it. I at-

Employment Listings

Work! adsmercury@gmail.com

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY The Village of Ryley is seeking an Administrative Assistant to join our team.

This role will include: • Answering telephone calls and electronic inquiries.

• Scheduling and confirming appointments.

• Greeting people and directing them to contacts and service areas.

• Maintaining and ordering office supplies.

• Opening and distributing regular and electronic incoming mail and other material.

• Setting up and maintaining manual and computerized information filing systems.

Minimum Requirements: • High School diploma or equivalent.

• 2+ years administrative experience.

• Preference will be given to candidates with Municipal experience.

• Intermediate in Microsoft Word and office computer/equipment.

• Extremely organized. Strong multitasking and time-management skills.

• Can handle sensitive information with the highest degree of integrity and confidentiality.

Email your cover letter and resume to: CAO@ryley.ca DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: January 11, 2022

tempted a revival once we had grandsons, sending them funny Valentines and spooky Halloween wishes but that only lasted until it was suggested I save money by sending ecards. Shopping for a special card, adding a personal note and imagining their happy faces when they opened it made me happy too. E-cards in an album would be like collecting spam.

Employment Listings

Work! adsmercury@gmail.com Summer Village of Island Lake Request for Proposals

Development Officer Position The Summer Village of Island Lake, being Alberta’s largest Summer Village and located on the shores of Island Lake, approximately 20 minutes northwest of the Town of Athabasca, is looking for an outgoing and enthusiastic individual to fulfill a part time contract position for a Development Officer services within our community.

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svislandlake@wildwillowenterprises.com Position will be open until a suitable candidate is found

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY The Village of Ryley is seeking an Executive Assistant to the CAO to join our team.

This role includes: • Overseeing all incoming and outgoing communications, including emails, phone calls, reports, and internal correspondence • Filing important documents, such as reports, meeting notes, emails, and letters • Keeping the executive’s calendar up-to-date, including adding events, rescheduling appointments and providing daily briefings • Acting as the liaison for internal and external contacts, including vendors, colleagues, clients, and customers • Conducting research and creating reports on various topics based on the needs of the CAO • Planning and organizing events that take place externally • Keeping important information and documents organized physically, and electronically • Maintaining a high degree of discretion and confidentiality The successful Executive Assistant candidate will have a variety of hard and soft skills needed to do their job well on a daily basis.

Examples of these skills include: • Exceptional attention to detail • Communication and interpersonal skills • Ability to conduct research and create reports or presentations • Time management • Ability to learn quickly • Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion • Intermediate computer and office equipment skills • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment Minimum Requirements: • High School diploma or equivalent.

• 5+ years administrative experience.

• Preference will be given to candidates with Municipality experience.

• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Access.

• Ability to write, speak and interact clearly and professionally.

• Extremely organized. Strong multitasking and time-management skills.

• Can handle sensitive information with the highest degree of integrity and confidentiality.

Email your cover letter and resume to: CAO@ryley.ca DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: January 11, 2022

The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, January 5, 2022 - Page 5

Continued from Page 3

• Battle River School Division (BRSD) is bringing back the Early Learning program, which was stopped last spring because of budget constraints. Among other schools, CW Sears will also be providing this program at a cost of $295 as this isn’t government funded.

• Battle River Crowfoot MP held a virtual Town Hall meeting on Friday, March 12, moving away from his Facebook live format to a Zoom platform. He said, “I have done a number of Facebook Live events, but not everyone has Facebook, and I wanted to make sure as many people as possible could participate, especially in the challenging times that we are in; as a region, as a province, and as a country.”

• The Tofield/Beaver West FCSS will have a busy month as it gears up to host a plethora of events focused on various social issues, such as family violence and community wellness and other related topics. “We feel that these are timely presentations and counselling opportunities as the uncertain times have changed our everyday lives,” said Tracey BoastRadley, Executive Director.

• This year, Holden will have a brand new garden in the village to showcase an artistic gallery while providing an ambience the public can enjoy while visiting there. Plans are in the works for a Serenity Garden to be built that will surround The Gallery in Holden with lovely plants and artifacts for the enjoyment of all in the community and for visitors alike.

• The Tofield Lions Club is fundraising for a pump track in town, and is asking for support from various local municipalities and organizations.

• Pharmacies already facing vaccine shortage. Residents of Tofield and area in for a wait as vaccine shipping and supply problems abound.

• Ministik School building demolished. In May 2020, when Strathcona County council went in favour of a 7-2 vote to demolish the Ministik School

building in the fall, it still seemed in the distant future.

However, last Thursday, March 18, the school building came down in the afternoon.

• The Friends of Ryley School Society’s (FORSS) fundraising efforts will eventually be successful if the final stretch of their fundraising goals go according to their expectations.

“Our tentative break ground date is early May for phase one because we would like to see something for the kids to play on for the last two months of school,” said Cassandra Freeman, FORSS Secretary.

• Step 3 of re-opening delayed by rising COVID cases, Hinshaw blames social gatherings.

• Alberta has updated its draft kindergarten to Grade 6 curriculum this past Monday, March 29. Speaking to this development, Battle River School Division (BRSD) Superintendent Rita Marler and Asst. Superintendent Shan JorgensonAdam stated that they are pleased with the literacy and numeracy focus.

• Beaver County Victim Services (BCVS) is planning an Annual Easter Egg Hunt throughout the communities they serve.

APRIL • Lindbrook shopkeeper, Hemla Wilson was recently charged regarding mask bylaw enforcement, but she is not willing to accept them, and is scheduled to appeal all counts when due for court. There’s been an ensuing tug-of-war between Wilson, Tofield RCMP, and AHS officials. “They have given us these tickets under the guise of education,” she said.

• Tofield resident Chris Roy decided to launch a new venture in the midst of the pandemic when he was looking to build something of his own, one that would also fulfill his dream of having his own locker at home.

“I used to play for Beaumont Chiefs Jr. B team, and we were the only team lucky enough to have our own dressing room with stalls,” Roy said. “Ever since then I’d always wanted to have one at home.”

• Local residents appeal their $62k firefighting invoice, BESC responds. It wasn’t the kind of start the Zemlaks had hoped for in 2021 when on Jan. 28, around 3 p.m. they were alerted by a phone call from their neighbour who informed them that their shop was on fire and that 911 had been called already. When Samantha and Dale Zemlak – who reside on a farm on the west side of Beaver County – arrived on scene, their shop was fully engulfed and crews were tending to the fire. Their propane tank had caught fire and began to flare.

• In 2020, the Battle River School Division (BRSD) decided to close doors of Holden School, which resulted in the communities of Ryley and Holden making other arrangements for students. However, a local group from the area headed

by Holden resident Karla Janzen decided to go a different route and start a charter school in Holden, Holden Rural Academy (HRA).

• In a new turn of events, BRSD will not be introducing the new K-6 curriculum this fall as decided earlier by the school division. “School divisions do always expect to be involved in piloting any changes to curriculum, as that is an opportunity to review its strengths and provide feedback,” said Superintendent Rita Marler.

“In our first glance at the overview of the curriculum we were particularly pleased to see the emphasis on literacy and numeracy, both of which are extremely important to us. However, we have now made the decision not to be involved in piloting any aspect of the curriculum next year.”

• The Snow Goose Festival, which was to be revived in 2020, will be back next year, circumstances permitting. As of now there’s a strong possibility of the Festival being held in 2022.

“With the vaccines rolling out, a Snow Goose Festival for 2022 feels very promising,” said Vanita Eglauer, Recreation/Facilities Coordinator – Town of Tofield. “I am starting to get more calls for Snow Goose sightings – so people are not forgetting about the Geese. I’ve prepared some maps and have the information available at the Nature Centre for anyone coming by; its an outside display. I’ve provided information to get to the ebird!”

• Tofield and Area Health Foundation (TAHF) is hosting a Mother’s Day fundraiser until April 30, in

partnership with Beary Berry Honey, a local business just west of Tofield.

“Our Foundation is in the same situation as many other non-profit charitable organizations due to COVID-19, and we are all seeing a major decrease in donations,” said TAHF Chair Brenda Chehade.

• Tofield School focuses on real-life experience with Cosmetology program.

Tofield School will have its first batch of the three-year Cosmetology credit program by June 2023.

• As part of the National Volunteer Week being celebrated from April 18-24, volunteers in the community were recognized with a gift box of appreciation. These boxes were provided in partnership with Tofield/Beaver County West FCSS, Town of Tofield, Beaver County, Volunteer Alberta, and the Government of Alberta.

• Tofield and Area Health Services Foundation (TAHSF) donated $15,000, which has been used to beautify Freebury Memory Care Unit of Tofield Health Centre with a series of therapeutic murals, decals, and paintings.

• Busy B donations support global causes. Busy B’s Yvonne Brown is currently promoting a few projects, among which are Rebuild Haiti and Africa donations.

• The Beaver County 4-H Multi Club has members participating in the Explore 4-H project this year. This particular project includes a broad range of options for activities, including woodworking, skiing, sports, and first aid!

• After missing an entire baseball season due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the Powerline Baseball League is looking with cautious optimism towards a 2021 season, said Kris Kushnerick, Communications Director of the League. The league currently has seven teams committed to the upcoming season.

• Ryley School – a small school with a big heart, says Principal Schaade. Last year Holden School was shut down, and Ryley School students had to face a different reality. But the Ryley community got together and started the initiative of a new playground, and now Ryley School Principal Maria Schaade and her staff are “reinventing” the school to serve students better.

MAY • Tofield RCMP initiates new crime reduction strategy. Within the past few weeks Tofield RCMP has

initiated a new crime reduction strategy – Project Spotlight. “After following with input from the public and the communities that Tofield RCMP serve, there was a need for a strategy to target those responsible and counter the criminal activities within our communities and Beaver County, to make them safer,” said Sgt. Lee Knelsen, Tofield RCMP Detachment Commander.

• The 45th Annual Highway Cleanup keeps local groups busy, Spilstead Ladies Society raises over $2,000. Several volunteers wearing bright orange safety vests collected trash along highways outside town to raise funds for community organizations.

• The Beaverhill Bird Observatory (BBO) located in the Beaverhill Natural Area about 10 km east of Tofield, opened its new education and research center. “After much fundraising by the board and generous donations from its members, the BBO is thankful to have seen the project completed, resulting in a warmer, and more spacious working space for the staff as well as the public,” said Geoff Holroyd, co-founder and current chair.

• On March 17, 1951 on St. Patrick’s Day the snow storm that hit Tofield shut down Tofield and surrounding areas. Jerry Kallal recalls hearing the exact date from Stewart Ferguson, a longtime Tofield resident.

• It has been an ongoing battle between Lindbrook shopkeeper, Hemla Wilson and the Tofield RCMP since last year, and on Jan. 18, 2021 the former was charged with ‘Individual contravening order of medical officer of health, contrary to Section 73(1) of the Public Health Act.’ Wilson has appealed the charge and is “frustrated” and “feels threatened.”

• The tropical bird, White-faced Ibis, has been spotted in and around the Beaverhill Lake areas with the herald of spring. According to local birdwatcher and photographer Irene Crosland, this shore bird is back in the area. “It is not only humans that love to explore; to go where no man or woman has gone before; it seems that for reasons only they know for sure, birds also explore new regions, expanding their territories,” Crosland said.

• The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 91 of Tofield turned 91 last month amidst strict COVID-19 restrictions.

“COVID-19 restrictions continue to wreak havoc on Tofield Legion’s attempt to

celebrate a milestone,” said President Barb Ferguson.

“Provincial health guidelines torpedoed our 90th anniversary celebrations last year and threaten our plans for this spring.”

• Ryley Legion, a mainstay of 50th Street celebrates 75 years of service. “The Ryley Legion received its charter in April of 1946, and on June 16, the District Commander, a Mr. Abbott from the Lougheed Branch, was in attendance to conduct the official formation of the Ryley Branch. Along with the 15 charter members, approximately 30 to 35 applicants were recognized, approved, and duly initiated,” said Annette Short, former president, current membership chair, and an associate member.

• Though less traffic is expected on provincial highways this upcoming Victoria Day long weekend due to current public health restrictions, Alberta RCMP will be out patrolling and removing impaired drivers from the roads in participation of National Impaired Driving Enforcement Day on Saturday, May 22.

• ‘Model’ Tofield, Ryley & Beaver County West named 2021 RhPAP Rhapsody Community Award recipient. The Community Attraction & Retention Committee (CARC) for Tofield, Ryley and Beaver County West is the recipient of the 2021 RhPAP Rhapsody Community Award, and has been recognized for its focus on community partnerships and collaboration.

• What started as a small bet of $100 between two Tofield residents – Erik Haugen and Craig Rude – morphed into a competitive fundraiser. According to Rory O’Neill, who was one of the main witnesses and organizers of the fundraiser, when the pandemic hit, both contestants made a $100 bet over who could go the longest without a haircut.

• The Tofield, Ryley, and Area Health Services Foundation (TRAF) kicked off the Alberta Rural Health Week by acknowledging and appreciating the “hard work” of community health-care professionals by putting up signs in the towns and surrounding areas expressing gratitude.

• Red Deer College is changing to a polytechnic, the province announced earlier in May. Polytechnic status in Alberta enables institutions to offer apprenticeship education along with degree, diploma, and certificate programs, similar to NAIT and SAIT.

Page 6 - The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, January 5, 2022

Huge donation to Tofield Ag Society for arena repairs

Clean Harbors donated $75,000 to the Tofield Ag. Society (TAS) for arena repairs at a presentation held prior to Christmas. From Left to right: Beaver County Reeve Kevin Smook, Town of Tofield Mayor Deb Dueck, Secretary/Treasurer of Tofield Ag Society and Town CAO Cindy Neufeld, Dave Berrecloth, President TAS; Stan Yuha, Clean Harbours; Darren Yoder, Vice President, TAS; and Daryl Lindberg, Director TAS. With the help of the Town, County, and local organizations, the Ag. Society is raising funds to replace the arena floor and brine lines. A 2021 inspection concluded that both were in need of replacement and repairs or risk complete failure. The Ag. Society is making its way through this hockey season and then plans to begin the needed work at a cost of over $1 million.

Keep the conversation going!

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Opinion

Email us your letter to the editor: news.tofield@gmail.com, or drop it in at our office

LETTER Alberta RCMP offer some traffic safety tips for the new year Dear Editor; With 2021 being a thing of the past, and 2022 staring at us, the Alberta RCMP and Innisfail Integrated Traffic Unit (ITU), would like to wish all of you a happy new year.

We would also like to take this time to remind you that with the freezing temperatures we are currently experiencing, it is important to adjust your driving and your

Published Wednesday of each week by: The Tofield Mercury 5312 - 50 Street P.O. Box 150, Tofield, AB T0B 4J0 Ph: (780) 662-4046 Fax: (780) 662-3735 news.tofield@gmail.com

speed.

The extreme cold weather negatively affects the air pressure in your tires.

Which means that your tires may be underinflated, which could affect your vehicle responsiveness.

It also raises the chances of getting a flat tire.

Please take the time to ensure that your ve-

hicle is road worthy, and slow down whenever you are out and about.

Especially at intersections where pedestrians and other vehicles are crossing.

Ensure you come to a full and complete stop before proceeding, and that it is safe to enter the intersection.

Eric Ponton, Corporal QE II Integrated Traffic Unit - Innisfail

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The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, January 5, 2022 - Page 7

We Filled the Tree!

Obituary Milton Malick Feb. 16, 1933 - Dec. 29, 2021

Thanks to the help of our generous readers, the Tofield Mercury hosted another successful ʻFill the Treeʼ campaign over the Christmas season, raising money for the Tofield, Ryley, and Area Food Bank. Above Sue McNabb (left), Volunteer Coordinator of the Food Bank poses with Lisa Kuflay (right) of the Tofield Mercury. At last count, $3,105.35 was the total raised for the 2021 season. Thanks again to our awesome readers for another outstanding year!

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Weber Funeral Home 780-662-3959 • www.weberfuneralhome.ca

Tofield and Area Church Directory

Make sure they know you want your vehicle brought to

• Your vehicle is impounded • You’re unable to express your wishes or • You don’t have written emergency instructions

Milton Malick of Holden, Alberta was born on February 16, 1933 in Daysland, Alberta. He passed away at the Daysland Health Centre on December 29, 2021 at the age of 88 years.

He is survived by his wife Marie of 66 years; 5 children and their partners, 10 grandchildren and their partners; 9 greatgrandchildren; 1 great-great grandson; 1 brother; 1 sister; 2 sisters-in-law; numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

A Divine Liturgy will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, January 5, 2022 at the Holden Ukrainian Catholic Church in Holden, Alberta. Those planning to attend will need to provide proof of full vaccination or a negative covid test within 72 hours of the funeral.

Memorial donations may be made to the Holden Ukrainian Catholic Church or to the Daysland Health Centre Foundation - Palliative Care Fund.

•

5907 - 49 Street

Sunday Worship @ 10:30 am 49232 Rge Rd 184 Tofield, AB All are welcome!

Pastor Mark Loewen Worship services can also be 780-662-2365 accessed online @ Sunday School for all ages at www.bardolutheranchurch.weebly.com 9:45 am Sunday Worship 10:45 am 780-662-3411

Tofield Community Church Holden United Church

Lead Pastor: Jon Stewart Tofield United Church Children/Youth Pastor: Nathan Nichols Due to COVID-19 in-person worship services have been suspended.

Live Sunday Worship at Online services will take place and can 10:30am www.tofieldchurch.com 780-662-3166 Services will be live streamed and available on our website/YouTube

be listened to on the phone. For login info please call: 780-662-3471 or email: beaverpastoralcharge@gmail.com

Rev. Adam Hall

Page 8 - The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, January 5, 2022

Minor Hockey Report: Zilkie with 37 save performance Kerry Anderson These are some of the results from Minor Hockey League games held recently. (Please note that scores and scoring is taken from the websites, and some game scores and scoring is dependent on proper league entries).

Tofield U11 (2-2-2) skated to a 3-3 tie at Whitecourt on Dec. 19 after taking a 2-0 first period lead. The home team came back with two in the second to tie the game, but Logan Riddell scored the go-ahead goal just seconds later. With 2:11 remaining in the middle period, the home team scored again to tie the game.

The two teams battled in the third but nobody to could break the logjam.

Also scoring for Tofield were; Levi Montgomery and Aiden Baraniuk. Assists went to; Austin Williams and Kale Hart.

Tofield U13 (5-4-2) won a 2-1 home game against Smoky Lake on Dec. 19. Tofield was up 2-0 late in the third period but SM scored with 5:51 remaining to make the final minutes interesting. Mason Jeffrey scored both Tofield goals unassisted and Everett Zilkie made 37 saves for a .974 save percentage in the contest.

Tofield-2 U13 (4-5-0) dropped two pre-Christmas contests. On Dec. 18, T-2 lost 9-2 at Wetaskiwin with Gabriel Thorson connecting on both goals unassisted for T-2. The next day Tofield was at home to Maskwacis and dropped a 21-7 game. Scoring for T-2 were; Gabriel Thorson (1g 3a), Jonas Teefy (2g 1a), Merek Fritz (2g 1a), Matthew Iverson (1g 1a), Carson Kroeker (1g), and Gavin Lutz (1a).

Tofield U15 (2-7-1) travelled to Vegreville on Dec. 18 and skated home with a 4-3 victory.

Amy Lynn Fraser had a two goal game. Other scorers were; Ryan Conrad (2a), Owen Rennie (2a), Carter Olson (1g), Colben Pedersen (1g), Brady Suchy (1a), and Ty Rude (1a). Jack Teefy made 42 saves to pick up the win.

Tofield U18 (8-2-1) travelled to First Nations Arena on Dec. 18, beating Maskwacis 8-3 and outshooting the home team 64-18. Brandon Aucoin got a hat trick in a four-point game.

Other scorers were; Ben Jennings (1g 2a), Brody Van Engelen (2g), Zach Lungal (1g 1a), Kien Yuha (1g), Josh Swedburg (1a), and Kevin Bartsch (1a). Ashton Perry picked up the win in goal.

Tofield’s Kaylum Roberts got a goal in his U15 Strathcona AA Elite Warriors 8-2 loss to Lloydminster on Dec. 19.

HOMEWISE REALTY

Kathy O’Shea REALTOR

780-603-8516 kathy@keyrealtor.ca

Ralph Soldan REALTOR

780-603-0944 Office Located at 5013 - 48 Street Vegreville, AB ralph@keyrealtor.ca

49529 RR 155 near Holden

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4928 - 52 Ave., Ryley

Attractive 2 bdrm 1 bath bungalow close to downtown. Recent upgrades. Spacious yard & garden. Heated/insulated garage. $89,000 realtor.ca E4249236

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FEATURED LISTING 532027 RR164 Rural Lamont Cty

Grand acreage living. 5 bdrm executive home with 3 baths conveniently located just off of Highway 16! Hot tub room for entertaining. 5.81 acres with heated shops and 90x45 cold storage. $749,900 realtor.ca E4265759

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79 Acres of Pasture Land Located Only 7 KM South of Vegreville on Secondary Hwy 857. Add to your present farming operations or purchase as an investment. $165,000 realtor.ca E4259684

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Great first home or retirement property in friendly Lavoy. 2 bdrm, 1 bath. Many recent upgrades, plus detached garage and space for activities, garden, and RV storage. Must-view property. $129,500 realtor.ca E4236389

51025 RNG RD 143 Minburn Cty 12 mins from Vegreville, 12 acres with mature yard site. Spacious 4 bdrm, 2 bath home. Grassed area and shade trees. This property has it all - space, storage, and location! A must view. $449,500 realtor.ca E4261577

5003 - 50 St., Spedden

Great opportunity to own a business on a main drive to Garner Lake Provincial Park in the community of Spedden. All stock and features, plus 1380 sq. ft.

4 bdrm, 3 bath home and empty lot. $269,500 realtor.ca E4268020

158 acres of Agricultural Land located 3km from Holden.

Mature yard site with 3 bdrm, 2 bath home. Oversized garage/shop, older barn. 75 acres Cropland, 50 acres could be converted. $499,500 realtor.ca E4247224

4812 53 St., Innisfree

Well maintained 2 bdrm 1 bath home in friendly community of Innisfree.

Laminate flooring, upgraded appliances, fresh paint. Value price perfect for first time buyer or retirement home. $62,500 realtor.ca E4259383

133 Brookwood Est. Minburn Cty

4.1 acres with well-maintained 1576 sq. ft. 3 bdrm, 2 bath home built in 1996.

Fireplace, jacuzzi tub, recent upgrades.

Detached garage. Country living just 10km on pavement from Vegreville. $199,500 realtor.ca E4268211

NW-20-53-14-W4 Minburn Cty

Excellent opportunity to start your own farming operations. Fertile 160 acres, 80 cropland, 80 pasture. Older yard site with machine storage buildings. Pipeline crossing gives you an annual income. $549,900 realtor.ca E4270359

4819 - 51 St., Innisfree

Well maintained and upgraded 4 bdrm, 2 bath home with detached garage. Many recent upgrades and spacious rooms.

Great for growing young family or retirement couple at a great price! $168,900 realtor.ca E4248863

4502 50 St., Myrnam

Located on the south edge of Myrnam, you will find 22.29 Acres with 3 bdrm, 2 bath home, cattle shed, barn, 3 wall machinery shed, plus misc. out buildings. Lots of potential at a value price. $285,000 realtor.ca E4268214

Serving all the farms, ranches, acreages and towns in Beaver County

BEAVER COUNTY SEED CLEANING CO-OP

OPEN BY APPOINTMENT ONLY

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Bruce, Holden, Kinsella Ryley, Tofield, Viking

Phone 780-688-3917 • Holden, AB

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Hubert & Margaret Graham Parts, Sales & Service Bus: 780-663-3759 Res: 780-662-2384 Fax: 780-663-3799

ryalta@digitalweb.net 5108 - 50th St. Ryley, AB., T0B 4J0

A Free Weekly Publication Serving All of Beaver County Wednesday, January 5, 2022, Volume 15, Issue 1

Deputy Reeve opposes “boiler plate” code of conduct bylaw Patricia Harcourt Beaver County Council has a new Code of Conduct bylaw following a split motion for third and final reading at the December 15 regular meeting.

The dissenting voice was Deputy Reeve Gene Hrabec (Division 3), who felt that a code compiled by council was preferable to what he described as a “boiler plate,” or generic style document.

Hrabec also opposed the addition in the bylaw of a clause under Section 20 entitled “Compliance and Enforcement,” which states that sanctions can be imposed by council upon a councillor “upon a finding that the member has breached this bylaw.”

Council was considering adding to the list of breaches that of failure

to comply with a “requirement to attend training.”

Hrabec stated that purpose of the code of conduct bylaw was for council to develop its own document as a team building effort.

“I believe our previous one was picked apart,” he said, but “that bylaw is our work together.”

He didn’t believe in taking out the previous bylaw fashioned by council “and putting in a boiler plate” to replace it.

Hrabec also said that the new bylaw “adds a lot of grey to all of our conduct…It covers other stuff we do on a daily basis outside of council business.”

And he clarified his position: “I’m against how this is presented, I’m not against a code of conduct (for council).”

Division 2 Councillor Lionel

Williams asked if Hrabec wanted council to do the work of crafting the bylaw themselves.

Hrabec appeared to agree, stating that “as a group…we can sit down and develop our own code of conduct, discuss the issues and see how to develop it.”

He noted that “one of the weaknesses” cited in the recent corporate governance review was an issue around confidentiality.

While he was “okay” with what he called a “boiler plate” approach to the bylaw, Hrabec said he wanted to “vote on it and move on.”

A motion was passed to amend the bylaw to add the clause regarding sanctions if a councillor failed to attend training ordered by council.

Hrabec voted against it before asking: “What is the training that

council deems mandatory?”

Interim CAO Margaret Jones replied that the bylaw “doesn’t specify, it depends on what training is tailored,” for a particular breach of the code of conduct bylaw.

“Is that any training that council directs?” Hrabec asked.

Both Williams and Reeve Kevin Smook (Division 1) pointed out that the new bylaw refers to “the sanctions that may be imposed on a member by council.”

“I think that’s the answer,” said Williams.

Council passed a second motion for third and final reading on the amended bylaw, with Hrabec again opposing the motion.

Then all of council signed the new Code of Conduct bylaw which had just been passed.

County Council passes interim budget Patricia Harcourt The county’s 2022 interim budget was passed at the December 15 meeting of Beaver County Council.

The interim budget allows the county to continue operations until the final budget is approved, likely in April.

Director of Finance Ed Bujnowicz then presented the county’s 5-Year Financial Capital Plan, for council’s information.

Bujnowicz noted that assessment revenue is expected to go down in the third and fourth year of the plan. As a result, he expects the county to be in a deficit situation for the 2023-26 fiscal years.

Pointing to a graph in the report, he said it “shows a big deficit every year,” and posed the question of

how the county will deal with this reality, either by raising revenues or raising taxes.

As for 2022, the budget will be a balanced one, but he indicated that once assessments in oil and gas start dropping the county will be facing a shortfall in revenue.

He suggested one scenario where the loss of assessment could be met by slightly raising taxes (2.773 per cent) per year so the pain will be less for the ratepayer over time.

The other scenario would be to address the issue year by year as is the case now, but which could end in a “drastic increase” in taxes to offset loss in assessment.

Interim CAO Margaret Jones said the principle is to avoid the spike by increasing taxes over time to mitigate the impact on the taxpay-

er.

Reeve Kevin Smook (Division 1) recalled when the council of five years ago addressed that issue with just such a plan. However, after municipal elections the new council did not proceed with it.

Essentially, it involved yearly increases to offset loss in assessment.

The county’s new public participation process will seek out what ratepayers want in terms of these scenarios, he said.

Deputy Reeve Gene Hrabec (Division 3) felt it was better to “front load” higher taxes than have it happen later. “It’s an easier pill to swallow politically,” he said.

He preferred the largest increase at the beginning of the five year plan, then decrease it as the years

progress. But Bujnowicz said council had already conditionally approved a balanced budget for 2022 with a zero mill rate increase.

Division 3 Councillor Lionel Williams agreed that the five-year scenario of small increases every year “is a lot more reasonable for people to accept and manage financially.”

Smook said council is faced with three options: frontloading the tax increases, keeping it steady over the years, or backloading it to later years.

And Hrabec said that the county’s assessments could go up five per cent “and then we wouldn’t have to worry about it.”

“They could go down, too,” said Smook.

2 - Beaver County Chronicle, January 5, 2022

Claystone Waste e is a municipally con ntrolled corporation established in 20 20 by the Town of Viking, Vikin 2020 ng Town of Tofield Tofield, Village of Ryley, Village of Holden and Beaver County.

Claystone Waste is committed to being a responsive

Monday, January 24 at 7:30pm

community partner and to operating with the highest standards of environmental and operational excellence in the delivery of waste management services.

Claystone Waste operates the following facilities:

Beave ver Regional Landfill 50117 17 Ran ange Ro Road 17 173

780.

0.663.

3.2038

The Beaver Regional Landfill is open six days a week, k, Monday to Saturday. It is an engineered, sanitary class 2 landfill that

accepts municipal solid waste from Beaver County and the surrounding municipalities, as well as significant volumes of class 2 non-hazardous industrial wastes.

In addition to the regional landfill, Claystone Waste operates five transfer stations. County residents can bring bagged household garbage, e, and other dry waste, such as broken chairs, furniture, e, mattresses and scrap wood for disposal. The location and hours for each transfer station is noted below:

Kinsella Transfer Station 46418 18 Ran ange Ro Road 113 13

x x

Wednesdays: Fridays:

780.

0.663.

3.2038

11:00 am to 5:00 pm 11:00 am to 5:00 pm

Viking Transfer Station 12503 To Town wnship ip 480

x x

Tuesdays: Saturdays:

780.

0.71 718.79 7956

10:30 am to 5:30 pm 10:30 am to 5:30 pm

Tofield Transfer Station

Don’t forget to Advertise Did you know? During the pandemic, our readership and d subscription counts INCREASED.

51032 32 Ran ange Ro Road 191

x x x

Wednesdays: Fridays: Saturdays:

780.

0.662.

2.27 2731

10:30 am to 5:30 pm 10:30 am to 5:30 pm 10:30 am to 5:30 pm

Lindbrook Transfe fer Station 51008 Ran ange Ro Road 201 x x x

Tuesdays: Thursdays: Saturdays:

780.662.

2.270 704

10:30 am to 5:30 pm 11:30 am to 6:30 pm 10:30 am to 5:30 pm

Ryley Transfe fer Station 50117 17 Ran ange Ro Road 17 173

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780.

0.663.

3.2038

9:00 am to 4:30 pm 9:00 am to 4:30 pm 9:00 am to 4:30 pm 9:00 am to 4:30 pm 9:00 am to 4:30 pm 9:00 am to 3:00 pm

* Pl Please note te th that all tr transfe fer sta tati tions ex excep ept fo for th the Ryl yley Tr Transfe fer Sta tati tion are re clo losed on Sta tatu tuto tory ry holid idays ys.

Administration Offices 50117 17 Ra Range Ro Road 17 173 (S (Secon onda dary Hi Highwa way 854) 4) 780.

0.663.

3.2038

Box ox 32 322 Ry Ryley, y, AB T0B 0B 4A 4A0

Toll Fr Free 1.

1.855.

5.22 221.

1.2038

Administration offices are open Monday to Friday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm and are closed from 12:00 to 1:00 pm.

Beaver County Chronicle, January 5, 2022 - 3

Beaver County denies tax waiver requests Patricia Harcourt Beaver County Council split on opinions regarding waiving tax penalties for two county ratepayers with the majority voting against the requests so as not to set a precedent.

Deputy Reeve Gene Hrabec (Division 3) was in favour of granting the requests, citing the fact that two oil and gas companies had their tax penalties waived in 2021.

But Interim CAO Margaret Jones also pointed out that both companies approached the county to arrange a payment schedule ahead of time so penalties were never imposed. And both companies were paying their taxes in full according to their agreements.

Jones said the two taxpayers asking for a waiver at the December 15 meeting had already exceeded the deadline for payment and have had the penalties imposed upon them.

“Beaver County tax notices were mailed on May 14, 2021,” she stated, in her report.

“Taxes were due upon receipt and, if not paid by October 31, 2021 (November 1, 2021 this year), penalties were levied.”

Learn at Lunch

The first request came from a resident who wrote a letter stating he had mailed the payment on time.

Jones said that, although the county may believe the ratepayer, “no postmark on the envelope can be seen (and) the policy is to have the postmark on the envelope,” as proof on when the mailing took place.

“Normally, we would see a faint mark on it,” to indicate a postmark, but there was no hint of a postmark on the envelope.

“I’m not saying the person didn’t mail it, not at all,” she said, but all there was on the envelope was the receiving postmark only.

The second request involves a person who passed away, and the executor of the estate asking for a waiver as he was unaware of the taxes being owed, assuming they had already been paid.

“We sympathize absolutely with the situation, absolutely,” said Jones, noting the county has had other requests of a similar nature in the past.”

But she said that, even so, the policy needs to be followed.

Hrabec spoke to Councillor Dale Pederson’s (Division 5) for the county to

proceed as per administration’s recommendation to deny the requests.

“I’m speaking against it,” he said. “We just did it for some of our gas companies,” referring to the payment options agreements made earlier in the year with them. Hrabec said he considered these agreements to be precedent setting to allow them for others as well. He asked for a recorded vote.

But Division 2 Councillor Lionel Williams disagreed, stating: “We have to stick with the policy.”

“I appreciate where people are coming from,” calling the situations “unfortunate.”

But he predicted that, “if we open that door, it will be a flood,” of requests that would come in from other ratepayers. He said that deviating from the policy means “setting ourselves up” for hundreds or even thousands of such requests.

Reeve Kevin Smook (Division 1) also noted that the gas companies “were up front” about their financial situations and dealt with the problem in advance and the county “takes that into consideration.”

The motion was passed with Hrabec opposed.

Accepting Proposals OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF BLACK NUGGET LAKE PARK Beaver County is accepting proposals for the operation and maintenance of Black Nugget Lake Park for a term of up to three years, commencing with the 2022 season.

Proposals will be accepted until 2:00:00 pm, Tuesday, February 15, 2022.

Information packages are available at the Beaver County Service Centre, Ryley, by email request to slungal@beaver.ab.ca, or by visiting our website @www.beaver.ab.ca.

The lowest or any proposal will not necessarily be accepted.

Accepting Proposals OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF CAMP LAKE PARK Beaver County is accepting proposals for the operation and maintenance of Camp Lake Park for a term of up to three years, commencing with the 2022 season.

Proposals will be accepted until 2:00:00 pm, Tuesday, February 15, 2022.

Information packages are available at the Beaver County Service Centre, Ryley, by email request to slungal@beaver.ab.ca, or by visiting our website @www.beaver.ab.ca.

The lowest or any proposal will not necessarily be accepted.

4 - Beaver County Chronicle, January 5, 2022

Beaver County Service Centre 5120 - 50 Street Box 140 Ryley, Alberta T0B 4A0 Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

We want to hear from YOU!

Phone: (780) 663-3730 Fax: (780) 663-3602 Toll Free: 1-866-663-1333 www.beaver.ab.ca Email: administration@beaver.ab.ca

Tips for Safe Travelling For your traveling safety!

Due to the extreme cold and wind, sand and salt will not adhere to road surfaces.

In addition, the current temperatures cause significant risk to the safety of our staff and proper functioning of equipment. Due to these factors, the County has temporarily paused its snow clearing and icy intersection maintenance.

Please use caution when driving, and always drive at a speed that matches the prevailing visibility, traffic, and road conditions.

Life in Alberta means that the weather can change at a moment’s notice. That’s why it’s important to adjust your driving behavior to the changing road and weather conditions. Beaver County is committed to providing snow and ice control that makes it possible for commuters to travel as safely as possible.

Please remember these few safety tips: • Posted speed limits are the maximum speed you should travel under ideal conditions.

• Driving towards sunrise or sunset can also hamper visibility; drive with caution and wear your sunglasses • Clean your windshield and all other windows free from snow and frost • Turn your headlights on • Beware of black ice • Slow down on overpasses and bridge decks and before you reach an intersection • Brake early before the Stop sign • Yield to on-coming traffic, especially if the roads are icy • If you must stop, pull over as far off the road as is safe • Use your hazard lights when stopped • Carry a winter driving safety kit

Important Notice to Residents Important Notice to Beaver County Property Owners and Residents Help Prevent Traffic Safety Hazards Residents and property owners are advised to keep the snow and ice they clear from their driveways, and property on their own property.

Beaver County asks that you refrain from: • Depositing snow, ice and other material onto roadways, right-of-ways, ditches or property other than your own.

• Conduct any form of work or maintenance on any County road, road right-of-way, or ditch without permission from the County.

Pushing snow and ice onto County roadways, ditches, right-of-ways, and property other than your own results in: • Increased traffic and safety hazards by making roads uneven and unpassable • Slowing down the County’s snow removal process • Increased risk of damaging equipment during back blading of ditches • Potentially damaging roads and road maintenance equipment • Blocking or damaging culverts during freeze and thaw cycles which can lead to higher risks of flooding during the spring • Causing inconveniences for other property owners, residents and motorists.

• Damaging utility lines, bridge structures, road access as well as vegetation.

Let’s stay safe out there!

Winter driving kit • The following items, carried in your vehicle, will be invaluable should an emergency develop: • Bag of abrasive material (sand, salt, or cat litter) • Small snow shovel • Snow brush • Traction mats • Flashlight • Window-washing solvent • Gloves or mittens • Ice scraper • Cloth or paper towels • Booster cables • Blanket • Warning flares, triangles • Cellular phone and charging cord • Candle and matches • Snacks If you require snow removal service, please contact our office at 780-663-3730 or toll free at 1-866-663-1333.

Tax Deadline BEAVER COUNTY TAX DEADLINE Please note that an additional penalty of 3% will be added to any. outstanding taxes on January 18, 2022.

Please ensure that all tax payments are made on or before January 17, 2022.

Mailed payments must be sent to: Beaver County, Box 140, Ryley, AB, T0B 4A0 Inquiries can be made by phoning (780) 663-3730. Please ensure that the postmark is on or before January 17, 2022.

The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, January 5, 2022 - Page 9

INVITATION TO TENDER FARMLAND Rick Schmaus hereby offers the following land for sale by tender, subject to the existing reservations on title: Parcel 1 - NW-2-49-15-W4th (160 titled acres) Parcel 2 - NE-2-49-15-W4th (160 titled acres) Tenders are to be submitted in sealed envelopes marked "Schmaus Tender", to Andreassen Borth, Barristers and Solicitors, #200, 4870 - 51 Street, Camrose, Alberta, T4V 1S1, on or before 12:00 noon on January 14, 2022, and shall be accompanied with a cheque for $5,000.00, and GST number.

Tenders will not be opened in public.

The highest, or any tender, not necessarily accepted.

Unsuccessful tenderers will be notified by mail, and their cheques returned.

Successful tenderers shall be obligated to complete the purchase on or before March 1st, 2022, and their cheque shall constitute a deposit towards the purchase price.

For further information, or to view the property, please contact Rick at 780-385-1137 or Jordan at 780-385-1221.

Main Str Street eet Commer cial Commercial Lot F or Sale For Viking, V iiking, AB

Great nity!

Oppor tu

Great Commercial ercial Lot on Main Streett in V Viking, iking, AB. ONLY ONL LY ONE LIKE IT AVAILABLE! AVAIL A AILABLE! Large attractive central location, would be perfect for constructing a new building. Build yourself an office, offffice, rent out o upstairs apartment. office Build two of ffffice f spaces, space use one/rent one. Pays for itself! Or place property.. The possibilities are endless. Located a pre-built on the property Flair,, near Food Bank/FCSS, between bottle depot and Food with Flair across from bank and financial advisors, near liquor stores and school. Last serviced in 2012 (torn down).

The staff at the Tofield Mercury would like to wish everyone all the best in the new year!

ASKING

$19,000 Barb Chrystian 780-385-0631 Lifting People’s Spirits

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Page 10 - The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, January 5, 2022

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Automotive

Medium Ads - $80/month

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• Boarding • Beginner to advanced lessons • Clinics

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Large Ads - $160/month

Insurance

• Colt Starting • Lessons • Mileage/Fine Tuning

• Tofield 780-662-0165

• Equine First Aid

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Todd Ritchie Financial Advisor Ritchie Agencies Insurance Ltd 5036 53 Ave | Tofield 780-662-3833 www.cooperators.ca/Ritchie-Agencies

For your vehicle parts needs FREE vehicle removal Cash paid for some Please call ahead for appointment confirmation Vehicle Removal: Weekdays AM Saturdays PM

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Phone 662-4842 for Appt Phone 780-662-4842 for Appt.

Fresh Meat & Sausage Counter

Place your Business Directory ad in the Tofield Mercury for 6 months and get 1 month FREE!

The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, January 5, 2022 - Page 11

Business & Professional Oilfield & Energy Small Ads - $50/month

Medium Ads - $80/month

Real Estate

Plumbing & Heating B&M

Contact the Mercury 780-662-4046 adsmercury@gmail.com

Large Ads - $160/month

Veterinary Clinic

Kevin Smook

PLUMBING AND HEATING INC

REALTOR ®

Authorized Armstrong and Coleman dealer Authorized Trane dealer for all your for all your plumbing and heating needs. plumbing and heating needs.

780-662-4623 Making you feel at home since 1999!

CALL: 662-2454Service CALL: 662-2454

24 Hr. Emerg.

www.home-time.net

Roofing John Daoust Shingle Co. Box 576, Tofield

RED’S

P LUMBING & D RAIN C LEANING

•Boilers •New Homes • Renovations • Repairs •Distillers Ph: (780) 662-7237 Cell: (780) 238-7429 Garnet Malin - Tofield, AB

ES

EE ES FR AT TIM

Cedar shingles & shakes, Asphalt, Repairs, Barns, Churches

John Daoust 662-4901

HOURS: Mon., Tues., Thurs. and Fri.: 8:30am-5:30pm Wednesdays: 8:30am-7:00pm Saturdays: 8:30am-1:30pm

CALL THE TOFIELD MERCURY 780-662-4046 FOR YOUR ADVERTISING NEEDS! CLUES ACROSS 1. __ de Mornay, actress 8. Surrenders 13. Omission 14. The white poplar 15. They become butterflies 19. Used to chop 20. Select 21. Volcanic craters 22. Consumer price index 23. Utilize 24. “True Blood” actress Paquin 25. Got up 26. Sank in 30. Retail 31. Giants 32. Most bald 33. Changes color

34. Unit of loudness 35. Undresses 38. Fathers 39. Learned skill 40. Remove qualification 44. Covered with frost 45. Speak up 46. Nowhere to be found 47. Part of surgery (abbr.)

48. Type of wrap 49. Church seating 50. Mathematical figure 51. College football conference 55. Turkish officer title 57. Organized body of knowledge 58. Smooth and glossy 59. Left

CLUES DOWN 1. Get back 2. Pass or go by 3. Having a sharp taste 4. Midway between east and southeast 5. Cairo Regional Airport 6. Peace officer 7. Brings to life 8. Automotive vehicles 9. One point south of due east 10. Football position 11. Goes by 12. Most attractive 16. Road divisions 17. Not the sea 18. Small, faint constellation 22. Cabbage 25. Least frequent 27. Change slightly 28. A country in NE Africa 29. Metric units of measure

30. More coherent 32. Make uninteresting 34. Nausea 35. Institution of Oceanography 36. Of little value 37. Hindu model of the ideal man 38. Biblical exclamation 40. You throw it at a board 41. Be about to happen 42. Brutal 43. Opened one’s mouth widely 45. 19th letter of Greek alphabet 48. Saturate 51. The woman 52. Someone who is highly skilled 53. A way to launch an attack on 54. Where golfers begin 56. Atomic number 58

INVEST IN YOUR BUSINESS.

ANSWERS DOWN: 1. RECOUP 2. ELAPSE 3. BITTER 4. ESE 5. CIR 6. COP 7. ANIMATES 8. CARS 9. EBS 10. DE 11. ELAPSES 12. SEXIEST 16. LANES 17. LAND 18. ARA 22. COLE 25. RAREST 27. MODIFY 28. EGYPT 29. ARES 30. SANER 32. BORE 34. SICKNESS 35. SCRIPPS 36. TRIVIAL 37. RAMA 38. SELAH 40. DART 41. IMPEND 42.

FIERCE 43. YAWNED 45. TAU 48. SOAK 51. SHE 52. ACE 53. SIC 54. TEE 56. CE ANSWERS ACROSS: 1. REBECCA 8. CEDES 13. ELISION 14. ABELE 15. CATERPILLARS 19. AX 20. OPT 21.

MAARS 22. CPI 23. USE 24. ANNA 25. ROSE 26. PERMEATED 30. SALES 31. OGRES 32. BAREST 33. DYES 34.

SONE 35. STRIPS 38. SIRES 39. CRAFT 40. DECERTIFY 44. RIMY 45. TALK 46. MIA 47. IVA 48. SARAN 49. PEW 50. PI 51. SOUTHEASTERN 55. PACHA 57. SCIENCE 58. SLEEK 59. SECEDED

Page 12 - The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, January 5, 2022

L

THE LAMONT

Affordable Advertising with

The

Classifieds

CLASSIFIED AD RATES

$10.75 minimum for first 25 words, 39¢ per word thereafter (G.S.T. not included) PICTURE BOLD $10 $5 ALL CLASSIFIED ADS MUST BE PREPAID BEFORE INSERTION unless customer has an account in good standing.

WEEKLY REVIEW 780-336-3422 vikingreview @gmail.com TOFILED MERCURY 780-662-4046 adsmercury @gmail.com LAMONT LEADER 780-895-2780 lmtleader @gmail.com ______________________

CARD THANKS CARDOF OF THANKS The family of Howard Reil would like to say thank you to friends and family for the love and support you have given us.

Thank you for the flowers, food, phone calls, cards and donations in Howard's memory. Your kind words and memories mean so much to us. God Bless You. Inez, Scott, Kerry, Colin, Leanne, and families.

TM01p ______________________

FOR FOR RENT RENT 1 bedroom apartment in Tofield, located at 4816 57 Ave. Fully renovated and new appliances.

Heat and water included. Small 4-plex in a great neighbourhood.

DD $800 and rent $800/mth. Call 780-938-1671. Available Dec 15th.

______________________

______________________

EADER

Serving

Lamont

county

3 papers for the price of 1!

______________________

______________________

FOR FOR RENT RENT

HELP HELP WANTED WANTED

SERVICES SERVICES

SERVICES SERVICES

New Business? Want to Relocate?

Premium Office Space location for lease on Main Street, Tofield.

30 minutes from Sherwood Park!

•1,500 Square Feet •New Paint •Air Conditioning •Security system •3 private offices with Reception area and front desk •Separate Coffee room with Kitchen •Available January 1, 2022 •$1,375/month email Kerry for viewing kamcjm@gmail.com ___________________________ House for Sale or Rent - 5316 57 Ave in Viking. 4 bedroom 2 bath. Large backyard with detached garage. across from playground. Available December 1, 2021. No smokers, no pets, damage deposit required.

References required. $1,000/month rent. Call Dennis Bird at 780-336-2369 (house) 780-385-5689 (cell) or Laura at 780-385-2043 for more info! ______________________

APIARIES OF ALBERTA are looking for Five Apiary Technicians $17-$19/hr depending on experience for full time (40+hrs/wk) employment March thru October 2022. Must have a min of 3 years (seasons) working fulltime on Canadian style commercial apiary in the minimum capacity of Apiary Assistant.

Also required, two positions for Apiary Worker (NOC8431) $15$17/hr, experience required.

Work includes assisting Apiary Technician with all duties in the bees and honey harvesting.

Gerard 780-662-4449 RR4 Tofield, AB. gsieben@mcsnet.ca TM48/02p ______________________

Drywall Taping/Texturing 35+ Years No Job too small!

Need to re-order: •Company Forms?

•Invoices?

•Envelopes?

•Business Cards?

•Bookmarks?

•Score Cards?

•Certificates?

•Receipts?

•Posters?

•Menus?

•Invitations?

•Calendars?

•Letterheads?

Call your local paper with your print order today!

GIVEAWAY GIVEAWAY Free to good home. Border Collie/ Black Lab x, 12 years old, nuetered, all shots. Friendly, likes people & kids, needs acreage or farm home. Comes with new dog house, heated blanket, warm water dish. 780.977.2987

SERVICES SERVICES

Experienced drywall taper/texturer here to help you with any job big or small. Don't want to do it yourself, give me a call!

Based in Killam but willing to travel Hand taper by trade but have experience with boxes, roller/flusher, taping tube. No bazooka exp.

Have own tools (10-12" boxes, pump, angle box, roller, flusher, hand tools, etc.) Also do ceiling texture.

Non-drinker, just want to work.

Willing to work with existing taping crew. Call 780-385-2106 or 780-385-1251.

Shane’s Stucco & Drywall Service Shane Hollar Stucco (Traditional & Acrylic), Drywall, Stone, Textured Ceilings, Tile and Spray Painting 780-336-4832 shanes.stucco@gmail.com tfnc ___________________________ Painting Quality Residential and Commercial Painting Betty Tkaczyk 780-632-8749 or 780-688-3564

tfnp ___________________________ Roy's Handyman Services.

Flooring, Trim work, basement finishing, decks, fences, kitchen cabinet installs and carpentry work.

Call 780-232-3097 tfn ___________________________ For all your local livestock and hay hauling services: D & H Outlaw Transport Darian Kozak 403-740-2934 780-888-7441 (Dispatch)

WEEKLY REVIEW Ph. 780-336-3422 Email: vikingreview @gmail.com TOFIELD MERCURY Ph. 780-662-4046 Email: adsmercury @gmail.com LAMONT LEADER Ph. 780-895-2780 Email: lmtleader @gmail.com tfnp

Caught You Looking!

Advertise in the Classifieds today!

The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, January 5, 2022 - Page 13

COLOUR THIS

Hello ... Mum? Fifteen month old Ryan Norton has temporarily misplaced his mother, Sandra. Have no fear, someone is sure to help this young man find his way home.

And if that doesnʼt work, he could always leave a trail of bread crumbs. This photo appeared in The Tofield Mercury dated January 14, 1982.

Blanket Alberta Ads take approximately 10 days to process ______________________ AUTO PARTS AUTO PARTS GET YOUR MESSAGE SEEN ACROSS Alberta.

The Blanket Classifieds or Value Ads reach over 600,000 Alberta readers weekly. Two options starting at $269 or $995 to get your message out! Business changes, hiring, items for sale, cancellations, tenders, etc. People are increasingly staying home and rely on their local newspapers for information. KEEP people in the loop with our 90 Weekly Community Newspapers. Call THIS NEWSPAPER now or email classifieds@awna.com for details. 1-800-282-6903, 7 8 0 - 4 3 4 - 8 7 4 6 X225. www.awna.com.

______________________ EMPLOYMENT EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES OPPORTUNITIES F R E I G H T L A N D CARRIERS, a tri-axle air ride flatdeck carrier is looking for Owner/Operators to run Alberta only or the 3 Western Provinces.

Must have own plates, insurance & WCB. Truck gross revenue is an average of $20,000/month.

Call 1-800-917-9021 or email: dispatch@freightland.ca. ______________________ FEEDAND AND SEED FEED SEED CERTIFIED SEED. WHEAT – AAC Goodwin, AAC Penhold, AC Sadash, CDC Go, Go Early, Pintail. OATS - AC Juniper, AC Morgan, AC Mustang, Derby, CDC Arborg, CDC SO1 Super Oat, ORE 3542M. BARLEY – Amisk, Busby, Cerveza, CDC Austenson, CDC Maverick, Sundre. Very Early Yellow Pea, Forage Peas. Polish Canola, Spring Triticale. mastinseeds.com; 403-5562609.

These blanket classified ads are produced through a joint agreement by The Community Press, Viking Weekly Review, Lamont Leader, Tofield Mercury and Alberta Weekly Newspaper Association (AWNA).

These ads appear in all AWNA member papers (120 papers) for the cost of $269.00 (+gst) for the first 25 words, $8.00 per word over 25. To place a blanket classified, call a CARIBOU PUBLISHING representative at 780-385-6693 or email ads@thecommunitypress.com.

______________________ FEEDAND AND SEED FEED SEED ALBERTA FEED GRAIN: Buying Oats, Barley, Wheat, Canola, Peas, Screenings, Mixed Grains.

Dry, Wet, Heated, or Spring Thresh. Prompt Payment. In House Trucks, In House Excreta Cleaning. Vac Rental. 1-888-483-8789. ______________________ HEATED CANOLA buying Green, Heated or Springthrashed Canola.

Buying: oats, barley, wheat & peas for feed. Buying damaged or offgrade grain.

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Travel/business opportunities? Be embarrassed?

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ANSWERS

Page 14 - The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, January 5, 2022

Continued from Page 5

JUNE • Ryley FCSS, which recently formed its own entity away from Tofield and Beaver County West FCSS has a new director – Mickey Wilson. A resident of Ryley, Wilson is officially the Director of Programs for Ryley, and according to him, “The first program we have up and running is FCSS and so that is my focus right now!”

• Tofield’s BardoLutheran Church bid farewell to their long-serving pastor – Pastor Kevin Langager this past weekend. A journey of almost 38 years, Langager came to Tofield straight out of seminary in Saskatchewan, which he attended. “I have mixed feelings

as I retire,” Pastor Langager said.

• Seniors across the province are annually recognized via Seniors’ Week from June 7 to 13. Tofield and Beaver Count West FCSS has partnered with Beaver County Community Adult Learning Program to celebrate seniors in Tofield and Beaver County West areas.

• Tofield’s Brooke Busenius is headed to the National Junior High Rodeo Finals in Des Moines, Iowa and will be competing in poles and ribbon roping.

She was placed fourth in both events for the Provincial Finals held in Nanton, and missed her opportunity to come in the top three.

• Grade 3 student Chloe Madsen of CW Sears belonging to Mrs. Couves’ class set up a lemonade stand and donated the proceeds to the Tofield, Ryley and Area Food Bank (TRAFB). “What matters is the gesture, and we’re so thankful for Chloe’s donation,” said Dawn Arnold, President of the Food Bank.

• On Monday, June 7, Islet Lake resident and Beaverhill Bird Observatory (BBO) President Geoff Holroyd wasn’t prepared to encounter a black bear in his backyard, but that’s exactly what happened. “I guess it’s time to be bear-aware! I just live at Islet Lake, north of Lindbrook and saw the black bear in my backyard this morning. I have taken down my bird feeders.”

• With the province back in Step 1 and anticipating a Step 2 entry later this week, Powerline Baseball League (PBL) and the Tofield Braves are excited to take to the field. “It has been an exciting week for the Powerline Baseball League and the Tofield Braves with provincial government’s announcement that the

province will be moving towards easing restrictions,” Kris Kushnerick, PBL Communications Director said.

• An ensuing battle between Lindbrook Shop owner and the Tofield RCMP continue to get the attention of Tofield and area residents. In a more dramatic development on Wednesday, June 9, the Tofield RCMP arrested the shop owner, Hemla Wilson and her older son Logan Wilson in one incident, while the younger son Phillip Wilson was arrested from the Lindbrook Shop in a separate incident.

• It was a proud moment for North Star Outreach School’s staff and students as they celebrated the graduation success of their Grade 12 class. “In typical North Star Outreach fashion, we quietly celebrated the successes of our Grade 12 class – a small, but mighty group of students,” said Ross McDonald, North Star Outreach staff.

• After months of search, the Village of Holden has appointed Amanda Cox as the new Chief Administrative Officer (CAO). A resi-

dent of Camrose, Cox is not new to all the administrative duties that her new position entails.

• The Ryley School staff and students came together along with community members to witness the ribbon cutting at the Phase 1 of the playground. On Monday, June 14 morning, the playground was inaugurated after a lot of team work by the Friends of Ryley School Society (FORSS), according to Cassandra Freeman, secretary of FORSS. • After surviving a year of fewer donations and less than usual support, the Tofield, Ryley, and Area Food Bank (TRAFB) President Dawn Arnold remains optimistic. “Even though donations for both food and finance are down this year, which is understandable, we’re hopeful,” Arnold said.

“Covid is almost over, and people are getting back to normal, therefore the need too is much less.”

• After being postponed once, Tofield School Grad Class of 2021 was finally able to celebrate their graduation with their friends

and families at the school gymnasium on Friday, June 18. There were 25 graduates who walked the stage, and each student was allowed to bring two guests, keeping the numbers down to within the required onethird of the Fire Code occupancy of the gymnasium.

• Septic Tank Sam identified after 44 years. The case, which had left the police and investigative fraternity baffled across Canada for 44 years will finally come to an end. The victim who had been found in a septic tank on a rural farm just outside Tofield, and nicknamed ‘Septic Tank Sam’ has been identified using genetic genealogy.

• Ryley FCSS launches LGBTQ2S+support group.

Ryley FCSS Director Mickey Wilson has been trying to create initiatives for the community and one such identity is the LGBTQ2S+ support group. In partnership with the other local FCSS chapters, it’s called the Beaver County Adult Meetup, which happens every third Thursday at the Ryley Community Centre from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, January 5, 2022 - Page 15

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780-662-4046 / adsmercury@gmail.com

Page 16 - The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, January 5, 2022

Did you have a baby in 2021?

Enter our Contest!

We will celebrate the babies born in 2021 in our Feb. 2nd, 2022 issue. Your baby’s photo will appear in our special BABIES OF 2021 feature for FREE! Send a clear photo of your baby, email to: adsmercury@gmail.com, or send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to the TOFIELD MERCURY, Box 150, Tofield, AB. T0B 4J0, or you can also drop it off in person.

Remember to add baby’s name, birth date, and the names of the proud parents and address.

DEADLINE FOR ENTRIES IS JAN 31, 2022 AT NOON Your baby will appear in the paper!

You will automatically be entered for a draw for a pair of baby sunglasses from TOFIELD EYECARE, a $30 gift certificate from UNCLE ROGER’S, and the winner will receive a gift from THE TOFIELD MERCURY.