The Community
th
Press 115 Years of Telling YOUR Story
Volume 116 Issue 04
www.thecommunitypress.com
New Gazebo at Daysland Hospital - P16
Wednesday, July 26, 2023 s
Flagstaff County proposes noxious weed spraying along provincial highways Leslie Cholowsky Editor
Local takes home two Bronze medals at North American Indigenous Games SUPPLIED PHOTO
Twelve-year-old Destiny Castagna returned from the North American Indigenous Games on Sunday, tired but proud of her results. Competing in the 14U category, Castagna won two bronze medals, one in the 14U 200m backstroke competition, and a second on the Alberta U19 Freestyle 4x50m relay. Above, Castagna shows off her two bronze medals. The games featured over 5,000 athletes, coaches and team staff from 756+ Indigenous Nations coming together in Halifax, NS from July 16 to 23. See the full story on Page 17.
AHS issues water quality advisory for Shorncliffe Leslie Cholowsky Editor
Alberta Health Services (AHS) issued a new water quality advisory on Monday, July 24, for Shorncliffe Lake near Czar. AHS says, “Due to elevated levels of fecal bacteria currently present in the water of Shorncliffe Lake, located near by Czar, AHS is advising the public not to swim or wade at the lake’s beach, effective immediately. “At current levels, gastrointestinal illness may result from contact with the water and there is the possibility of skin, ear, and eye infections with water contact. “If members of the public do decide to access the lake,
they should take precautions to protect themselves. Avoid contact with the face/mouth and ensure hands are washed after being in the lake. “Hand washing can also help protect against skin, ear, and eye infections.” AHS adds a warning that visitors and residents are reminded to never drink or cook with untreated water directly from any river, lake or reservoir, at any time. Water-borne organisms, including fecal bacteria, can cause vomiting and diarrhea. AHS Environmental Public Health officers will continue to monitor the water quality along the beach at Shorncliffe Lake and signage has been posted at common access points.
Flagstaff County Council made a decision during the July 12 regular meeting to prepare a proposal to Alberta Transportation (AT) for roadside noxious weed control along provincial highways in the region. The Provincial Weed Control Act states that noxious weeds must be controlled, and that prohibited noxious weeds must be destroyed. When AT was made aware of noxious weeds along areas of HWY 13 near Daysland, and secondary highways 856, 872, and 881. County weed inspectors notified AT of the weeds; however AT indicated they do not have the resources to complete this work. Council agreed to prepare a proposal to perform roadside spraying along these provincial highways, on a full cost-recovery basis, for submission to AT. Council also heard that a 2021 resolution of the Rural Municipalities of Alberta (RMA) was passed by members, to advocate for the return of a provincial vegetation management plan, also enhancing the Province’s approach to noxious weed management as well as unsafe vegetation. The resolution also asked the Province to ensure that the new plan include highways, ensuring an appropriately timed herbicide application, and focus on timely mowing right-of-ways to limit the spread of weed seeds. In response to that resolution, AT says it plans to conduct a review of current resources and practices around vegetation management, including weed management along roadsides. Council heard that as of spring 2023, that review has not been started. Inconsistent vegetation management along provincial highways has been an issue since the province privatized Alberta Transportation services in the mid-90s, says the RMA. Flagstaff County’s roadside spraying program is on track for the 2023 season, and the county has the capacity to complete this additional spraying work. If the proposal is accepted by AT, Flagstaff County will enter into a Municipal Access and Work Agreement with Alberta Transportation. Prohibited Noxious Weeds are those that are generally not found in the province, or are found in few locations such that eradication could be possible, according to Alberta’s Weed Control Act. Common noxious weeds in Flagstaff County include White Cockle, Scentless Chamomile, Absinthe Wormwood, and Toadflax. The county offers a program where a spray crew will spray infestations, with landowners responsible for labour/chemical costs. Leafy Spurge is another noxious weed found in the region, with the County is currently combining chemical, biological, and grazing to help control spurge.
Page 2 - The Community Press, Wednesday, July 26, 2023
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Sedgewick entrepeneur featured on TV segment Sandra Erickson Ph: 780-384-2030
Sedgewick email: sedgewicknews@gmail.com
Registration for gymnastics in Sedgewick is officially open! It's through the Camrose Academy of Gymnastics website and classes are offered twice a week. Don't delay registration! I'm sure it will fill up quickly. First 50 registrations will receive a t-shirt to celebrate the Academy of Gymnastics fifth birthday. Classes will be held at the Wild Rose Co-op Recreation Centre in the location the Library used to occupy. And luckily we have three coaches now so more families can be
accommodated! Ages for classes run from parent and toddler starting at 18 months to 9 years and up. Jessica Mose, owner of Prairie Soap Shack, has all reason to be proud. She recently did a live interview with Global Edmonton. Of course Jessica did fantastic. You can still watch the clip on her website. So amazing to see Jessica achieve important milestones and make her, what started as a side hustle, a full-time career as an entrepreneur! Congratulations! The Community Church of the Nazarene had an exciting week. Eighty-five kids participated throughout the week in their annual va-
cation Bible School. This year's theme was Rocky Railway and kids got to learn songs, bible verses, make crafts, and enjoy mini train rides as well as play games. Over 850 cookies were consumed and a total of $4,000 was raised by the kids, the church's mission board and private donations. The funds will buy four camels for missionary work in Africa. Thanks to everyone who made VBS in Sedgewick possible. It's always held during the third week of July if you're interested for next year. I also received this wonderful story about a circle of love. Barb St. Pierre from Sedgewick is in the palliative suite
in Killam Hospital, being cared for by the wonderful nurses and doctors there. Sean and Brian, Barb's boys, are here from the west coast to watch over her and make her comfortable. The refrigerator in the suite stopped working so the boys decided to donate a new one for the room. They purchased it from Ken's Appliances in Camrose. When hearing it was a donation for the hospital, they reduced the price. The next situation was to find a way of getting it to the hospital. Ritchie and Verna Erickson graciously lent their truck for pick up and delivery. The boys want to express their gratitude for all involved.
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Page 14 - The Community Press, Wednesday, July 26, 2023
Public Works Updates Please refer to our website at www.flagstaff.ab.ca for up-to-date road work throughout the County. Road Recovery Crews will be working on the following shoulder pulling project this week: • Northwest of Heisler on Range Road 165 between Township Road 430 and Township Road 442 for 8 miles. Public Works Services Please visit the Flagstaff County website at flagstaff.ab.ca for information regarding Gravel Sales, Residential Laneway Maintenance, Road Maintenance, Hamlet Services, and more. Please keep in mind that our seasonal crews will be out working on our roadways and to use extreme caution while travelling on these roads while they are being maintained in any way. We thank you in advance for your cooperation during this season.
The Community Press, Wednesday, July 26, 2023 - Page 15
Our fight against leafy spurge is going g airborne. Propelled by the success the M.D. of Provost has had with aerial spraying, we are following suit with a similar program highlighted by the following: x A 50/50 cost-share between the County and landowner. x Treatment by contracted helicopter services to areas over 10 acres and areas that are inaccessible. x Treatment by in-house resources to accessible areas under 10 acres. Calll forr more e information n If any landowners are interested in this program or would like to report leafy spurge infesta ons, please contact Nick Dunn or Ma hew Pfeffer at 780-3844100.