The Community Press
Longest Ballot Committee potentially thwarted Elections Canada
Leslie Cholowsky Editor
Elections Canada announced on Monday, July 28, that due to the high number of candidates (over 209 as of Monday) for the upcoming by-election, voters at advance and election-day polls will be using an adapted ballot.
“The adapted ballot will feature a blank space where electors can write the name of their preferred candidate.
“This will replace the typical list-style ballot, on which electors mark a blank circle next to the name of a candidate of their choice.”
In order for a vote to be counted, electors must hand write the name of their candidate of choice. “As long as the elector’s intention is clear, their vote will be counted, even if they misspell the candidate’s name.”
Voters may also write the name of their candidate’s political party, if applicable. “But if the elector writes only the party’s name, their ballot cannot be counted - it must have the name of the elector’s preferred candidate.”
A list of candidates will be available at every voting table so that electors can
to modify ballot for by-election
find the name of their candidate of choice.
These adapted write-in ballots will feature the same security and integrity measures found on a normal ballot, says Elections Canada.
Monday’s announcement also says, “Elections Canada is aware that the changes to the ballot may reduce its accessibility for some electors.
“All regular accessibility tools will still be available, but some of them, such as the braille list of candidates and adapted braille voting template, will only be available on election day (Monday, Aug. 18).
“Anyone who has concerns can contact the Elections Canada office in Battle River–Crowfoot to find out what options and accessibility supports are available to them.”
Electors who feel they need support when voting are welcome to bring a friend, family member, or caregiver to assist them, including helping them to complete their ballot.
“Election workers, who are sworn to maintain the secrecy of the vote, are also available to help.”
Eligible voters in the upcoming byelection can vote by special ballot at the local Elections Canada office in Camrose. They may also apply online to vote by mail, or apply by mail or fax, but this must be done by Tuesday, Aug. 12.
Elections Canada has also warned that due to the large number of candidates, election results may take longer than normal to report and publish on the website elections.ca.
To learn more about the adapted ballot, visit elections.ca, or contact the Elections Canada office in Battle River-Crowfoot, located at 6601 48 Avenue, Suite 27, Camrose, Alberta T4V 3G8 Toll-free phone: 1 866 354-7174 and Toll-free fax : 1 888 756-4658.
That office is open Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sundays noon to 4 p.m.
The Longest Ballot Committee, largely responsible for most of the independent candidates, told CBC News that Election Canada’s decision “Sounds like they found a very reasonable solution.”
In the General Election, there were 91 candidates which resulted in a ballot that was more than a metre long.
Enjoying a lazy summer day at the lake a lazy summer day at the lake
LESLIE CHOLOWSKY PHOTO
5037
$219,000
$49,000
Another ER closure in Killam
Killam Health Care Centre’s Program Manager Stephen Basarab advised on Tuesday, July 29 that the Killam Health Care Centre’s Emergency Department would experience a temporary closure from Wednesday, July 30 at noon to
Thursday, July 31 at 8 a.m.
Covenant Health says, “This is a temporary measure, and Covenant Health is working to ensure community members continue to have access to the care they need during this time.” Patients should call 911
in the case of an emergency, and nearby Emergency Departments in Daysland and Viking remain open.
Alternatively, patients can also call Health Link, at 811, nor nonemergency health related questions, it is available 24/7.
RCMP arrest male after series of thefts and damages
Leslie Cholowsky Editor
RCMP’s Southern Alberta District Crime Reduction Unit, with the assistance of both Strathmore and Brooks RCMP, initiated an investigation into a series of crimes where irrigation machinery has been damaged or stolen from various farms in the Wheatland County region.
Officers observed a suspect in
the process of stealing irrigation equipment from a farm in Newell County. The suspect then fled the area at an extremely high rate of speed, police report.
When police located the suspect’s vehicle, they determined that he had fled on foot in Brooks.
The suspect was then located in Brooks and arrested, and through further investigation, police were able to confirm that suspect’s involvement in additional thefts
from farms in southern Alberta, including the MD of Taber.
Police charged Abram Wiebe Ham, 31, a resident of Vauxhall, with five counts of Theft over $5,000; five counts of Mischief over $5,000; Dangerous Operation of a Motor Vehicle; Theft under $5,000; and Possession of Break in Tools (four counts.)
Ham was released at a Judicial Interim Release Hearing, to appear in court in on Aug. 6.
show ‘n shine entries: john 780-385-2289 JEREMY 780-385-8445
Parade: Stacey 780-385-4703
Parade: Stacey
Bench Show Exhibits: Lorna 780-888-7099, Jean 780-888-7037
Lorna Jean 780-888-7037
Ball: John 780-385-5844 Food: Kim 780-385-0355
Ball: John Food:
Horse Show: Dusty 306-441-6792
Cattle Show: Iris 780-385-0752
OPINION
Public spaces are under assault - from speakerphones.
Are you suffering from Speakerphonia?
Grocery stores, waiting rooms, transit seats, food courts - you name it - are now filled with private conversations made public by people holding their phones to their mouths like they’re eating a cookie. It’s loud, it’s rude and it’s everywhere. And it’s not just an annoyance: it’s a symptom of something much bigger, a growing epidemic of public coarseness and self-absorption.
When did we decide it was acceptable to treat every public setting like our personal living room? I don’t want to hear your call when I’m waiting for coffee or browsing the cereal aisle at the grocery store.
Your conversation is not important to me. Neither are your Reels, your FaceTime session or your kid’s favourite YouTube cartoon blaring out of your phone. Portable devices were never meant to be public broadcast systems. Yet here we are.
It’s not just the noise, though that’s bad enough. It’s the mindset behind it. Somewhere along the way, we stopped caring about how our actions affect other people.
That lack of basic courtesy has morphed into something worse: entitlement.
I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve watched someone walk into a restaurant, order food and sit down, only to launch into a full-volume conversation on speakerphone. Or worse, they scroll through Instagram with the sound on, laughing out loud while ignoring the people around them. And let’s not forget the ones holding virtual meetings in cafés, oblivious to everyone else just trying to enjoy a quiet moment.
Somehow, this behaviour has become normal. But it’s more than just inconsiderate: it’s performative - a declaration of self-importance: “I matter. My conversation matters. You? Not so much.”
It’s a form of “main character” syndrome, where everyone else is seen as background noise. And when that’s your mindset, of course you ignore the people around you.
Even the excuses are weak. Some blame the phone itself - no headphone jack, they say. Yes, Apple ditched it in 2016. But wireless earbuds have been around for nearly a decade. If you don’t have them, step outside. You don’t get to disrupt a public space just because your tech choices are inconvenient.
We’ve reached the point where distraction has become the default. We pull out our phones the second boredom threatens. We doom-scroll through anxiety. We FaceTime because it’s easier than being alone with our thoughts. But just because we can doesn’t mean we should.
Even the phrase “I need to take this” has become a performance. We’ve convinced ourselves our conversations are urgent and essential. But let’s be honest: no one is listening. No one is impressed.
In a country where we apologize when someone else bumps into us, how did we end up yelling into speakerphones in a Tim Hortons lineup?
Sure, texting while driving is worse. It can kill. But the everyday erosion of manners and mutual respect matters too. It adds up. When we stop caring how our behaviour affects others, the concept of shared space starts to break down.
So no, I don’t want to hear about your son’s doctor’s appointment while we both reach for granola at Loblaw’s. I’m not here for your personal podcast. I’m just trying to get through the day without one more unnecessary blast of noise.
So out in your earbuds or, better yet, just wait. - © Troy Media
Nick Kossovan is a well-seasoned veteran of the corporate landscape and a self-described connoisseur of human psychology.
Killam,
Box 99, Sedgewick, Alberta T0B 4C0 Phone 780-385-6693
E-mail: (Advertising): production.cp@gmail.com, (News): newsroom.cp@gmail.com
by the Government of Canada
Seniors care vital
News from the Legislature Jackie Lovely MLA for Camrose Constituency
In rural communities like ours, seniors care is a vital part of who we are. It’s where we see compassion in action every day. And at the heart of that care are health care aides (HCAs), the people who provide hands-on support to seniors and those living with illness or disability.
These are trusted, dedicated, and vital workers. And for the first time in Canada, Alberta is taking steps to formally recognize their important work by officially regulating the profession.
Starting February 2026, only individuals registered with the College of Licensed Practical Nurses and Health Care Aides of Alberta will be allowed to use the “health care aide” title and provide those services to the public.
This move will give Albertans greater confidence in the care they receive. HCAs will be required to meet approved education standards, follow a professional code of conduct, commit to ongoing training, and renew their registration each year. And just like other regulated health professions, they’ll be held accountable through a formal process if concerns arise.
This is about raising the bar and ensuring Albertans are getting the highquality care they deserve from trained, qualified professionals. It also means HCAs will be better supported in their work, with clear standards and pathways for continued development.
In the Camrose Constituency, senior care is also an important part of our regional economy. Local seniors’ lodges, continuing care homes, and home care providers employ dozens of HCAs. Many of them have told me personally how proud they are of this change.
The College of Licensed Practical Nurses, a trusted health regulator, will be expanding to take on this new oversight role. They’ll maintain a public registry, enforce standards of practice, and support HCAs and their employers throughout the transition.
What this means for families is peace of mind. Whether your loved one is in a long-term care home, recovering in hospital, or receiving help at home, you can be assured they are in the care of professionals who are held to the highest standards.
And for those working as HCAs, many of whom living right here in our community, this is about dignity. It’s about ensuring their knowledge, care, and service are finally reflected in the way our system treats them.
To every health care aide across rural Alberta: thank you. Your work matters, and now our province is showing just how much we value it.
Jackie Lovely, Camrose
MLA
Alliance writer introduces new neighbour
Diane Dammann Alliance
P.780-879-3970
E.petendia@gmail.com
This has been a Brown week. On Thursday, I had lunch in Killam with Margaret and Edwin Odell. It took great effort on their part to come out to the Eggs and Co. We had a lovely lunch. Marg
After a few visits to the place where my fiancé, Jesse, spent some of his childhood, I rolled into Alliance at the end of June - with him, our fluffy dog, and a giant trailer full of furniture and boxes.
We also made the move in a mix of new and classic vehicles, each one packed with pieces of our life. I had no idea how quickly this place would start to feel like home. Even though we’re still settling in and making the space our own, I’ve
and Edwin both grew up in the Alliance area.
Saturday there was an early birthday celebration for Dagny Brown at Cliff and Dagny’s home in Camrose. Guests from Barrhead were her care givers, Brother Ken Dahl and family came from Sylvan Lake, Clifford’s son Ryan and daughter Natasha came from Provost, Gillian Acaster and family came from
Castor for her mom’s celebration. Dixie Streicher, Deb Szoke, and I also attended.
At the Air Show later on Saturday afternoon, I heard my name and found Audrey Muyers seated with her daughter. Audrey now lives in Camrose. She and Don used to live west of us by the power plant. They had the coolest antique cars.
Fresh eyes on Alliance
already had time to soak in a lot. Jesse and I have played pool and had some of the best food at the local restaurant - I highly recommend the pizza. I’ve even started to look forward to running errands: for the heartfelt chats and helpful answers from the kind woman at the grocery store and post office; for the reminder from the bottle depot that cardboard goes in the big bins (or to just keep it); and for the always-welcoming faces at the Trading Post.
There’s something comforting about being recognized - even if they don’t quite know your name yet.
July 1st stood on its own - my first Canada Day in Alliance. And wow. The parade, the pride, the togetherness, the way this neighbourhood seemed to glow with simple celebration. It was exactly the kind of start I didn’t know I needed. There was joy in the air and a real sense that here, people still take care of each other.
The Farmer’s Market is one week early in August to accommodate the Castor Fair. The Alliance Bench Fair will be held in conjunction with our Farmer’s Market on Aug. 7.
The variety of entries has certainly expanded in both the adult and junior sections. The Fair Committee has done a great job.
This map-dot town might still be new to me, but it already feels familiar - in a wonderful way. I may be a fresh face, but this humble little place has already given me more than I expected: a sense of calm, connection, and belonging.
Thank you already for the smiles, the stories, and the beginning of something special. One thing’s clear so far: Alliance runs on heart.
Maggy McIntyre
Killam Fire Dept. donates Fire Ball funds to FRESS
The Hardisty
Hardisty Rodeo Association would like to thank our 2025 Sponsors:
Diamond Sponsors
Sureway Construction Group Ltd.
F5 Services
Inter Pipeline Ltd.
Bonness Oilfield Supply
Rick’s Oilfield Hauling
Sand Hill Supply
Total Safety
Husky Midstream
Flagstaff Fitness Challenge week 6 winner
The Killam Fire Station hosted the second-annual Fire Ball earlier this year, and last Wednesday, donated a portion of the profits from that event to the Flagstaff Regional Emergency Services Society (FRESS). Fire Chief Joe Knievel (right) and Deputy Chief Rick Krys (left) presented Regional Fire Chief Derek Homme with a cheque last Wednesday, July 23, at the Killam Fire Station. FLAGSTAFF COUNTY PHOTO
Platinum Sponsors Ponderosa Land & Cattle
Gold Sponsors
Armstrong’s Rockin’ K & J Ranch B-Tech Diesel
Bruce Debord
The Week 6 Flagstaff Fitness Challenge winner is Judith Devoe. Organizer Cary Castagna says “Judith’s commitment to the challenge is proof that staying active is always worth it — and now she's celebrating with an awesome prize pack! Way to go, Judith! Your dedication is helping inspire others across the region to move more and live well. Let’s hear it for our latest fitness champ!”
Carter, Kendall, & Brynn Chisan
Alberta Ag Centre
Hardisty Home Hardware
& Heimbecker
Kevin D Tower Prof Isaman Chopek LLP
Rolin Acres
Wild Rose CO-OP
Rustic
Safety First
MacRae’s Farm & Ranch Supply
Silver Sponsors
Balon Valves
Bronze Sponsors
Hays Land & Cattle
Eng’s Restaurant & Lounge Lakeview Liquor Store
Webb’s Ford Sales Triple Nine Contracting
Thank
for our Memorials:
We would like to thank the following businesses and individuals that helped so many ways:
Safety First Muirhead Ltd. Bromby Welding
GCS Energy Services Ltd. Bullhead Environmental
Town of Hardisty Gratton Coulee Agri Parts
Agriterra Equipment Ray Flanagan Foundation
Erkel Enterprises OC Ranch
Warren Lefebvre and all the gate volunteers Van Hecke Farms
E360 Hardisty Minor Hockey
Highway 9 Susan Tschetter & all the booth workers
M.J. Veterinary Services Lougheed AG Society
Hays Land & Cattle Batlle River Bobcat
Kyle Newton Munnster Inc & Greg MacKay
Alberta Ag Centre KenLar Insulations
Thank you to our members for your countless hours:
Granger
Warren Lefebvr
Buelow
Buelow
Bitzer
Wannechko Henry
Field family visits Killam first responders who answered call to tragic vehicle accident
Leslie Cholowsky Editor
Jason and Josey Field and their children paid a visit to the Killam Fire Station last Wednesday, July 23, to thank first responders who responded to the serious motor vehicle accident that injured four members of the family, including Jason, and led to the death of their daughter Emma earlier in the year.
Jason told firefighters that he and his family wanted to spend some time with the crew who, he said, “saved our family’s lives.”
“By the time you were there, Emma was already with Jesus, and you guys saved our lives; you saved Jake and Maddy’s lives, and we are just... again, there are no words to say, pure love and appreciation for everything you guys did.”
The Field family told first responders that they were floored by the flood of support they have been receiving, especially now that they are back in the community. “There’s still a little bit of a road and an adjustment back.”
Killam Captain Bud James said, “There are a lot of good things about being a part of a small community, and this is one of them. You guys have been through a lot, and suffered a horrible loss, but it’s so nice to see you today.”
The Fields say that their faith has been a large part of getting through the tragedy, along with the support from the community. Jason told the firefighters and RCMP present, “You handled yourselves perfect in that environment, and that situation. I remember you guys doing everything you could to get us out of there.”
Regional Fire Chief Derek Homme thanked the family for coming, and
Jason for his kind words. “All the training and dedication the guys put in help, but there was also a lot of good fortune that day in the ALS crew who were in Killam that day, which is very rare.”
Homme explained that an ALS, or Advanced Life Support, paramedic is a healthcare professional trained to provide a highest level of pre-hospital emergency care than a Basic Life Support paramedic. Chief Joe Knievel added, “there were two in town that day, they came out of Camrose.”
Homme said, “They had all the advanced drugs and everything they needed for the situation.”
Field said, “I don’t believe in accidents; that’s just another example of extraordinary efforts. We grieve for our daughter, obviously... everything after that, after the accident itself was miracle after miracle and blessing after blessing.”
He said looking back, he can’t help but feel blessed and just to know what the community has done for them, and the outpouring of support, including the fundraising done by FRESS at the fire ball, “that stuff is just humbling.”
He added, “You’re going to hear us say thank you, over and over and over again - I just don’t know what else to say.”
Homme said, “It’s just good for us to see that you and your family are doing so much better.” Deputy Chief Rick Krys added, “Yes, after that day, it’s awesome to see them walking aroundthat’s what I love to see today. It’s awesome.”
Field said he has been “blown away by everything. The response, the ICU, the nurses, the doctors....”
That’s when Krys told them that the locum doctor who attended at the Kil-
lam Hospital was not even supposed to be in the town until the next day, but had shown up a day early, and a nurse who was sick also ended up coming in and helping. “He wasn’t even supposed to be there. They were talking about his skill in intubating, and his experience; another thing that fell in your favour.”
Field said, “The Lord was with us that day, which may seem bizarre to hear because we just lost a daughter, but I can’t help but feel the blessing, and the work you guys did. It’s overwhelming, and I don’t have the words to express the miracle of us standing here and having the kids run around.”
He praised the firefighters for having the training, and being ready to snap into action when needed. “You guys are
A
thank
a special breed to do that, to step into those situations.
“We have nothing but gratitude for you.”
Krys responded, “Gratitude is when we see the results, that’s the biggest thing for us.
“I understand you lost one, but you have two who appear to be on their way to full recoveries, and from what they looked like that day, it’s unbelievable.”
The Fields repeated their thanks for the incredible flood of support received from the community, repeating his thanks to the firefighters, who responded, “you already did.”
The Fields said they also hope to meet the paramedics and doctor from that day.
you from the Field family to the community
We have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support from our church, our community, and so many others that have been there for us during this difficult time. The chain of events that allowed Jake and Madison to survive was nothing short of miraculous. We praise the Lord for his mercies and providence.
To the first responders at the scene, and to the incredible hospital stafffrom Killam to Camrose, then to the Stollery and Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital - thank you. You are heroes.
We mourn the loss of our beautiful Emma. Our hearts are broken, but we take comfort in knowing she is with
God, and through our faith in Jesus Christ we will be with her once again in eternity.
On Aug. 22, at 4 p.m. there will be a celebration of life gathering at the Baptist Church in Killam. All are welcome.
The love, compassion, and kindness shown to us has been humbling. Though we may not be able to thank each of you personally, please know how deeply grateful we are and how blessed we are to be a part of this community.
With love, Jason and Josey Field
LESLIE CHOLOWSKY PHOTO
Jason and Josey Field and their three children visited the Killam Fire Hall on Wednesday to talk to first responders. Above, from left: Captain Bud James, Captain Trevor Levitt, Captain Troy Zieffle, Firefighter Colten Waddy, Jason Field, Josey Field, Regional Fire Chief Derek Homme, Killam Chief Joe Knievel, Deputy Chief Rick Krys, and Killam RCMP Sgt. Andy Wetzstein. Front Row: Jake, Lincoln, and Maddy Field.
Sedgewick community pulling together to help family in need
email: sedgewicknews@gmail.com
I recently came across a quote that resonated with me: “We’re all just one accident, one diagnosis, one unexpected phone call away from a completely different life.”
One community member is experiencing this right now. Leslie Ann Whitehead has recently been diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.
While the cancer is quite advanced, her doctors are optimistic, and the prognosis is good.
Leslie will undergo 12 rounds of chemotherapy over the next six months, requiring regular travel to Edmonton for treatment, tests, and appointments.
The financial strain of this journey is significant.
Friends of Leslie Ann are organizing an online auction to show their love and support and help ease the burden. And Christie from Brandywine and Brew is organizing a gift card train for the family.
If you feel inclined to help Leslie Ann and her family as they face this diagnosis, please consider donating to the online auction or gift card train. I feel blessed to live in a community where we care enough to help each other through life’s ups and downs. Keep fighting, Leslie Ann!
The Sedgwick Library has put up this year’s Story Walk. This year’s book is “Let’s Go! haw êkwa!” by Julie Flett. Start at the south end of Main Street, near Jodi’s Pantry and head north towards the park. Happy Reading!
The Flagstaff Fun
Wagon sponsored by FIRST and FFCS did make an appearance at the Sedgewick Dog Park last week. This week it will come back for a Nerf War behind the Sedgewick school. What fun that will be! I have some excited boys ready to join! Thanks for bringing summer fun to all our communities!
And just like that Vacation Bible School at the Community Church of the Nazarene has come to an end. A full week of learning about God’s love, singing, games and crafts with around 60 children has raised $3,000 for wells in Africa. Thank you to everyone who contributed!
It’s volunteer-run and it takes many hands to have it all go smoothly. Thank you for investing your time in sharing about God’s love. Starlight Airlines was a
Association hands out scholarships
The Hardisty Rodeo Association made presentations for their annual Scholarship winners after the Hardisty Rodeo last weekend. Winning from Central High Sedgewick Public School was Ethan Clark, and winning from Hughenden School was Jace Lomheim, who was also the 2025 Bareback champion from the Rodeo results, so celebrating a double win that day. Above, Rodeo Association President Clayton Granger presents Lomheim with his scholarship.
STROME AGENCY
We are accepting applications for a Casual ATB Customer Experience Advisor. Starting immediately.
The successful candidate will:
- Possess strong organizational & communication skills.
-Have a willingness to learn quickly.
-Have the ability to work with various computer applications.
-Enjoy working in a fast paced, team environment.
-Have the desire to deliver excellence in customer service every day.
Banking Experience is preferred but not essential
To apply: Please submit your resume to PO Box 105, Strome, AB T0B 4H0. or via Email to: bwolbeck2@atb.com or deliver to: 5016 50 St. Strome, AB T0B 4H0
big hit! If you missed this opportunity to have your children take part in VBS, you have a chance to catch Killam’s Baptist Church VBS in August!
Did you see the Killam Living Room is hosting a gaming tournament? This is your chance! Get registered, compete, and win! See their ad for more information.
And if you are looking for fresh garden produce, Helen’s raspberries are
ready for the picking. It’s a you-pick garden just north east of Sedgewick, called Heavenly Sweetness Sunshine Gardens.
Helen said to let the whole town know! Well, I did. Check the classified ads for more information.
Can you believe Hardisty Lake Camp is already done for another season? Amazing memories have been made, so much fun was had and new friendships forged.
The Parts Department at Campbell-McLennan Chrysler regrets to inform its valued patrons that long term Parts Advisor Chase Carson is moving on. We all wish him the very best in his future endeavours and want him to know he will be missed.
We are so fortunate to have this camp in Flagstaff County. Thank you to the incredible staff for a fantastic camp season! Sad it’s over already! My boys cannot wait to go back next year! Thank you to everyone who contributes behind the scenes by donating fire wood, planting flowers, time on the board or other random maintenance or donating funds, Thank you!
We now have some very large shoes to fill in our Parts Department! We are seeking a hard working, self-motivated individual for the Parts Advisor position.
Campbell-McLennan Chrysler offers an attractive benefits plan, competitive wages and a friendly atmosphere. Please apply in person at our dealership in Killam with résumé to our Dealer Principal, Wes Campbell or Parts Manager, Jason Cornell or email wcampbell@cmchrysler.ca
Editor’s Note:
‘English: My second language’ - part two
This excerpt is the second of three from Sophie Maglione’s 1994 UofA term paper on what her experience was as an Indigenous person growing up in a Residental School in 1946.
Part Two:
Grade 9:
The year was 1955, and I was 15 years old and attending Grade 9. This was also the year when we had to be bussed to St. Paul. This was the year when the native kids were being integrated into an all-white school. Up to now, all the 15 native schoolmates had gone through school together since Grade 1. This was to be a major transition for every one of us.
My first teacher at the Racette School in St. Paul was Mrs. Durande. She was a mannish-looking woman with iron gray hair and with a voice to match. Her figure resembled a bull-dog type of squarish build. She was a no-nonsense teacher and brooked no shenanigans from the students.
I was terrified of her. Our homeroom in Mrs. Durande’s class was all-French.
We were put in this room probably for the reason that we were a block of 15 students and they did not want to separate us, or else this was the only room that could accomodate us. (I say “they” all the time because I felt all the time that “they” worked against us children.)
The French kids were extremely giggly and they were constantly being in trouble with Mrs. Durande. They were also a tight clique and stuck with their own kind. Maybe we did, too, because we had no recourse.
Racette School was huge, with lots of students as compared to the “closed” school environment of Blue Quills.
Everyone was a stranger to us. The native students did not fit in at all. Our language was distinguishable with its native accent and even our clothes were not right. Were we in the process of being assimilated?
One of the things that stuck in my mind was our food break. At the beginning, Blue Quills staff packed our food in one huge box with sandwiches and dessert (dessert, if you can believe it) which was a switch from our usual fare
Alberta celebrates 75 years of being rat-free
Ethan Neufeld Student Reporter
Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation RJ Sigurdson issued the following statement on the 75th anniversary of Alberta’s Rat Control Program, “Rats are a worldwide menace that destroy property and spread disease.
“For three quarters of a century, Alberta has proudly been one of the few jurisdictions on Earth to live without the pest. We owe that reputation to our Rat Control Program, established in 1950.”
Since the first discovery of rats in Alberta back in 1950 the Alberta government has implicated several measures to ensure the pests stay outside of our province.
Realizing the damage rats cause and the diseases they carry, the responsibility for rats was transferred from the Alberta Department of Health to the Department of Agriculture
until they could find out the best way to eliminate them.
“We have a zero-tolerance policy for rats. If we spot an infestation, we quickly eradicate it.
As a result, we’ve prevented millions of dollars in damages to farms and homes and ensured deadly diseases stay out of our province,” says Sigurdson.
Since the early 1950s Alberta has maintained a Rat Control Zone (RCZ) along the eastern border with Saskatchewan stretching 600km long and 29km wide, running from Cold Lake down to the Montana border.
Sigurdson says, “Our success is a direct result of the proactive measures and hard work from agricultural fieldmen, pest control officers, municipalities in the Rat Control Zone, provincial staff, and so many more.”
From June 1952 to July 1953 approxi-
of no dessert.
The only thing was that we could not really enjoy our food because we had to eat in one group, which made us stick out like ‘sore thumbs.’
Everything we did, we had to do as a group, which was probably easier if you look at it in a supervisory context. For example, at lunchtime, the town kids brought their own single-bag lunches. I felt that we were like cattle being fed all at one time.
And on top of the humiliation, the white kids stared at us and giggled some more.
Eventually, arrangements were made to have a kind German lady, who could barely speak English, feed us at her house. She was an excellent cook and the food was good as compared to the fare at Blue Quills. In addition, we were spared from open ridicule like before.
Our school timetable changed and during some of our classes we were herded to the English class in a different room. This was the first initiation into segregated classrooms according to subject area. I believe these were the
times when the French class had their French lessons. This other homeroom teacher was a young, just-married English instructor. Her name was Mrs. McCool, who did not garner any respect from her all-English students.
What a complete change from that homeroom to Mrs. Durande’s room. We took oral French from Mrs. McCool and we could take Latin as an option, which I took. Of course, no Cree classes were taught.
This was a bilingual school for French and English schooling only. We were here to be integrated into the white community no matter how painful it was.
In retrospect, the three high school years were marked with humiliation, shame, and constant vigilance, because I felt I was being attacked in my inner being. I was in a strange land peopled by others who were not my kind.
Consequently, I attached myself with Margaret Lapatak and Veronica Cardinal, two of my relatives, who I felt were coping better than I was.
To be continued as Part 3 next week.
mately 63,600 kg (140,214 lbs) of 73 per cent arsenic trioxide tracking powder was used on 8,000 buildings and 2,700 farms (24 kg/farm; 8 kg/building). Powder was blown underneath all permanent buildings in the control zone, at a cost of over $152,000 for 1952-53.
He says Albertans have kept our province rat-free over seven decades of vigilance.
You can help rat on rats through 310-FARM or rats@gov.ab.ca
Since 1959, infestation numbers have dropped drastically to only one to five confirmed per year.
The Provincial government has increased its funding over the years, reaching 100 per cent funding in 1975, and inspecting 2,0004,000 premises annually
“We are so proud to celebrate this success as we mark 75 years ratfree!”
Did you know?
It is illegal to own rats as pets in Alberta Under the Act, it is illegal to import and sell rats in the province, or keep them as pets. A few white rats have been brought in by pet stores, biology teachers and well-meaning individuals who did not know it was unlawful to have rats in Alberta. The white rat or laboratory rat is a domesticated Norway rat. If white rats escaped captivity or were turned loose, they could multiply and spread throughout Alberta just like the wild Norway rat.
It is illegal for private citizens to keep any strains of rattus species of rats as pets, including hooded and white rats.
Rain delays push Area 53 Raceway’s big payout weekend to August
Leslie Cholowsky Editor
Area 53 Raceway fans were looking forward to a big day of racing on Saturday, July 19, especially in the Sportsman category, with a one-day big cash payout, with $3,000 up for grabs for first place.
Unfortunately, Mother Nature rained on that parade, forcing the group to reschedule for their next race weekend, which will now be Saturday, Aug. 16. The big payouts, which also include a $2,000 prize for second place, and $1,000 for third, on top of the regular 60/40 split, were made possible due to
sponsorship from Poplar Grove Farms and CJ’s Sign Shop. There was also a $500 “Best Package” and $500 “Best Reaction Time” prize up for grabs which have been transferered to the August date as well.
After multiple efforts to dry the track that Saturday, Track Manager Corey Kozey announced that the event had been rescheduled.
Special guests for the day included Scott Graham from LA County Sheriffs, and Scott Hulsey from the Oklahoma State Troopers, who showed up despite the rain, along with Officer Mike Wynnyk from Edmonton Police. The idea was for Wynnyk to participate in ‘call-
out’ racing, which allows other drivers to directly challenge them on the track.
The weather was a lot more cooperative on July 23 when Miles of Mayhem racers arrived at the Forestburg track, one of the 2025 tour stops for them.
That group says, “Miles Of Mayhem Drag ‘n drive is a five day competition where street legal drag race cars run 1/8 mile time trials every day at four different tracks, while driving on public roads between each track unassisted by support vehicles, traveling over 1,700 km.”
This year’s races were scheduled for Rimbey, Medicine Hat, Forestburg, and then Edmonton, and when racers ar-
rived in Forestburg with 158 cars doing 490 passes, it was “an awesome day,” that group said.
The Mayhem event essentially rents the track and the volunteers, who run everything as though it was an Area 53 race event.
Racers really had a lot of great things to say about the Forestburg facility and its volunteers.
One, especially, said, “I haven’t been to Area 53 for a couple of years, you guys have really done a pile of work! Love the new return road, and the personalized barriers. And you still have the small track, down home friendliness we all love.”
The cars were ready, the racers were ready, but unfortunately Mother Nature had other ideas, when Area 53 Racetrack at Forestburg had planned a weekend of racing for some big money prizes on Saturday, July 19. The weekend included special guests
Scott Graham from LA County Sheriffs, and Scott Hulsey from the Oklahome State Troopers.
BUTCH HENRY PHOTOS
Measles cases continue to rise
Leslie Cholowsky Editor
According to the Province’s Measles dashboard, the biggest cause of confirmed measles cases is simply not being immunized.
The Province says, “Measles is an extremely contagious disease that is spread easily through the air. The best protection against measles is to ensure you are up to date with your immunizations.”
People with one or more doses account for 110 total cases, while those without any protection count for 1,156 cases.
The Province says, “Cases have been reported in all zones of the province, with the highest numbers in the north, south, and central zones. Due to the number of people in these areas who may not be immune to measles, it’s likely that some cases are going undetected or unreported.”
And while Alberta Health Services shares known public exposure locations for Edmonton, Calgary, Central, and parts of the North Zone, there is a standing advisory in place for the province’s South Zone and some areas of the North Zone.
“All Alberta residents, workers, students and visitors are advised to be aware of the increased risk of measles and ensure their measles immunizations are up to date.”
Measles vaccines are provided free of charge for eligible populations through Alberta Health Services public health centres.
The Province is reporting a total of 1,454
confirmed cases for 2025 as of July 21, saying that all but 23 of those are presently past their period of communicability.
In week 28 (July 6-12) 158 new measles cases were reported Canada-wide, 81 of those were in Alberta, says Canada Health reporting.
While Ontario has recorded more total cases than Alberta, at 2,279, the per-capita rate of infection is much higher here, almost three times higher.
Alberta is reporting 47 new cases since the previous update a week ago.
The highest total infections have been among children age five to 17 (629 cases) in Alberta, with those under five a close second (418 cases), and those 18 to 54 a very close third (399 cases).
Adults born in 1970 or later, who have a documented history of two life-time doses of measles-containing vaccine spaced at least four weeks apart, or those with a history of lab-confirmed disease or serological evidence of measles are considered protected.
Adults born earlier than 1970 are generally considered to be immune to measles, as measles circulated widely before 1970.
Prior to the current outbreak, measles had been considered to be eliminated in Canada since 1998, with an average of 91 cases reported annually from 1998 to 2024.
The current outbreak began in New Brunswick in October 2024 and has continued to spread in Canada, says Canada Health.
RCMP Report: Police investigating criminal harassment
Killam RCMP Detachment Report for the period of Friday, July 18 to Thursday, July 24
Friday, July 18
A complaint was filed of an item that a threatening item was left on his property with his name on it. No witnesses. File is still under investigation.
A break and enter was reported at a shop near the tank farm. The gate and fence were cut. The shop was broken into and a vehicle on a trailer was left. Subjects had also changed the lock on the door to the shop. File is still under investigation.
Members conducting proactive patrols and MAS (Mandatory Alcohol Screening) drivers entering and exiting the Hardisty rodeo grounds. Three subjects all blew fails and were issued Provincial Sanctions.
Saturday, July 19
A report was made of hearing what sounded like gunshots and then a loud vehicle driving away in Forestburg. Extensive patrols made and no signs of distress. No one located.
Sunday, July 20
A report was made of a vehicle following the Complainant from the Hardisty Rodeo grounds to Sedgewick. Vehicle not located in Sedgewick.
A report was made of a blue Dodge doing donuts and burnouts around the rodeo grounds. Patrols made and truck was located. Complaint refused to provide a statement. Member spoke to the Driver about stunting.
An assault with a weapon was also reported in Hardisty. A Subject allegedly flashed a handgun at the Complainant. Subject was arrested and held for a JIR. Subject was released on conditions.
A report of criminal harassment was made in Hardisty. The Complainant was being followed and threatened by the Subject. Subject identified. File still under investigation.
Monday, July 21
A break and enter was reported from an oil lease site. Diesel was stolen from equipment along with a lease radio, road radios, and a power cord. Damage was also done to the outbuilding. No witnesses or suspects at this time.
A stolen dirt bike was reported in Forestburg. The bike was stolen overnight from the Forestburg Campground. No witnesses or suspects.
A report was made of a dispute behind the Vision Credit Union in Daysland. Video surveillance was reviewed. A Subject was smashing the window out of a truck with a hammer. Subject known to Members. File still under investigation.
The stop sign at the intersection of 13 and 36 was reported in the ditch. Member attended scene and temporary stop sign was already in place.
Tuesday, July 22
Killam Member on active patrol conducted a traffic stop. The Member approached the driver and conducted a mandatory alcohol screening. The Subject blew 0. Subject was known to Member. Subject currently on conditions not to be in a motor vehicle without the owner present. Subject was arrested for Fail to Comply and released on an Appearance Notice.
Members received reports of a suspicious parked car in Amisk. License plate was run and the vehicle was not reported stolen. Nothing criminal happening.
Wednesday, July 23
A report of a break and enter to an unoccupied lease site. Approximately 40 ft of wire was pulled from the ground. The hitch and part of the frame from the vehicle was left behind. No witnesses or suspects at this time.
Killam /Forestburg RCMP are reminding citizens that 310-RCMP (310-2767) remains a fully active, province-wide phone line dedicated to handling nonemergency police matters. Whether you need to report
a suspicious person, property damage, or a minor theft, this number connects you directly to the appropriate RCMP detachment—no area code required. The 310-RCMP line is an important tool that helps streamline the reporting process, ease pressure on 911 serv-
ices, and support more efficient police responses to non-urgent incidents.
Report prepared and provided by the Killam RCMP Detachment
The Battle River Community Foundation awarded
$2,500 grant
Special Olympics Alberta - Camrose. Sharleen Chevraux, Secretary of the Battle River Community Foundation Board, presents a cheque to Carol Wideman, Co-Chair of Special Olympics Alberta - Camrose, with Program Director Taylor Howe.
Strike or Settlement? Canada Post’s union vote closes Friday
Leslie Cholowsky Editor
Members of Canada Post’s largest union have until this Friday, August 1 to vote on whether to accept a new contract or move toward strike action.
It’s now been over a month since the Federal Minister of Jobs and Families approved a ‘direct to member’ vote on Canada Post’s final offer to its workers.
According to a Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) update to members, their final opportunity to update their emails in preparation for the vote was Monday, July 7.
Details on the vote were made known Wednesday, July 16 by Canada Post, who says: “between Monday, July 21 to Friday, Aug. 1, more than 53,000 Canada Post employees represented by CUPW will be able to vote on the Corporation’s final offers.”
The Unions have “unanimously recommended that all members decisively reject Canada Post’s “final” offers.”
CUPW has continued to ban overtime hours for all Canada Post workers as part of its strike action against the corporation. It has announced that if employees vote ‘no’ in the “forced vote,” the union will invite Canada Post back to the bargaining table, and CUPW
will not take any additional actions such as a rotating or full-scale strike.
The Canadian Press is reporting that spokesperson Jon Hamilton said that in the event one or both contracts are not accepted “Canada Post won’t speculate other than to say the uncertainty will continue.”
Canada Post presented its final offers to CUPW on May 28, then just two days later, asked the Minister to direct that a vote take place to employees.
CUPW issued a statement Saturday, May 31 inviting Canada Post to “Fair, Final, and Binding Arbitration,” adding, “At this time and in these circumstances, only arbitration can end the ongoing labour dispute fairly and expeditiously.”
On June 1, Canada Post responded to CUPW’s request for negotiations to be sent to binding arbitration, rejecting that proposal.
Canada Post said it felt “arbitration would be long and complicated and likely last more than a year, further extending the uncertainty over the last 18 months, and leaving employees even longer without a contract.” Negotiations for the new contract started Nov. 15, 2023.
In its latest statement the corporation says, “The Canada Labour Code allows the Minister of Jobs and Families to direct that employees be allowed to vote
on an offer when that’s in the public interest. After 19 months of negotiations, four global offers, mediation and an Industrial Inquiry Commission, Canada Post and CUPW have remained at a significant impasse since December 2024.”
Last fall CUPW’s national membership initiated strike action Nov. 15, which was followed by a lockout notice from Canada Post.
On Dec. 12, Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon declared negotiations at an impasse, and asked the Canada Industrial Relations Board to order the postal workers back to work. Strikers returned to work the morning of Dec. 17, and Canada Post’s contracts with its employees were extended to May 2025 “to give more time for negotiations.”
Since then, a report was issued by the Industrial Inquiry Commission.
Canada Post says, “The Industrial Inquiry Commission has stated that ‘Canada Post is facing an existential crisis: It is effectively insolvent, or bankrupt. Without thoughtful, measured, staged, but immediate changes, its fiscal situation will continue to deteriorate.’”
Canada Post’s current offers can be found at: canadapost.ca/offers
Three candidates confirmed for Tofield forum this week
The Heritage Christian Ministries Association issued a release on Tuesday, July 29 saying that a “Talk Truth” Candidate Forum, scheduled for Thursday, July 31, in Tofield has three confirmed candidates.
The release focused on Conservative Candidate Pierre Poilievre’s decision to decline the invitation.
“Thank you for the invitation. Unfortunately, Mr. Poilievre won’t be able to attend the Forum,” said Poilievre’s team in the statement.
The group’s release also notes that candidates Bonnie Critchley, Independent, and Jonathan Bridges, People’s Party of Canada, had declined as well, and
the organization is awaiting responses from Liberal Party Candidate Darcy Spady and NDP Candidate Katherine Swampy.
Key forum topics will be:
-The protection of life and the future of MAID legislation;
-The defense of parental rights and opposition to radical gender ideology in schools;
-Safeguarding freedom of conscience and free speech;
-Upholding Canada’s Christian heritage and cultural values;
-Economic policy, healthcare access, and rural community support; and
-Constitutional rights, Alberta’s provincial sovereignty, and energy policy.
The three candidates who have accepted the invitation include Grant Abraham, United Party of Canada; Jeff Willerton, Christian Heritage Party of Canada; and Michael Harris of the Libertarian Party of Canada.
According to their website, “Talk Truth examines the issues that matter most to our communities—like government overreach, threats to free speech, and the challenges facing our faith.”
Leslie Cholowsky Editor
Coronation RCMP issued a warning on recemtly, saying that, “As a by-election unfolds in Eastern Alberta, the Coronation RCMP is reminding the public about the importance of respectful and lawful conduct, both in person and online.
“In recent days, several candidates have reported receiving negative and, in some cases, potentially threatening commentary on social media platforms.
While Canadians are entitled to express their opinions, even those critical of political figures, threats or comments that cross the line into criminal conduct will be taken seriously.
“Uttering threats, including online or through social media, is a criminal offence under Section 264.1 of the Canadian Criminal Code. This includes threats to cause bodily harm, death, or damage to property. Individuals found making such threats may be subject to
investigation and could face criminal charges.”
Battle River-Crowfoot by-election Independent candidate Sarah Spanier (who is not yet listed as a confirmed candidate by Elections Canada) spoke to The Canadian Press last week, saying she has stopped door-knocking because of death threats.
Spanier, of Castor, “says she has told Mounties about the online threats, which include a social media comment saying she would be met with a shotgun if she showed up at someone’s door.
“She attributes the threats and other derogatory messages she has received to her advocacy for transgender people during her campaign in the Battle River-Crowfoot riding, which encompasses communities such as Camrose, Drumheller and Wainwright,” The Canadian Press reported.
Spanier is reported to have entered the by-election race in “early May.”
Darcy Spady, the Liberal candidate
for the upcoming by-election, responded to Spanier’s situation by saying, “That’s wrong. No one should ever feel unsafe participating in our democracy. I applaud Sarah for putting her name forward to serve, and I hope we can send a clear message: threats and violence have no place here in Battle River-Crowfoot.”
Coronation RCMP encourages all
members of the public to engage respectfully during the democratic process. We also ask those affected by threatening comments to preserve evidence, such as screenshots, and report concerning incidents to police. It’s also against the law to tamper with, deface, or remove election/candidate signs.
Killam & Forestburg Baptist Church Killam: 780 385-3607
Service Times: Killam: Worship – 10:55 AM Forestburg: Worship – 9:00 AM www.killambaptistchurch.ca www.forestburgbaptist.ca
$20/wk
CARD OF THANKS
Johnny Wood's family would like to thank all who shared their support; love, hugs, kind words, stories, and smiles through our time of loss and grief. Please know that your caring meant the world to us. A special thank you to Pastor Jon Stewart, Tofield Community Church, for conducting Johnny's funeral service, and for his gentle, patient support throughout; to Micah Hussell for sharing his musical talent at the service; to the Tofield Golden Club catering ladies for the wonderful lunch following the service; and to the staff at Heritage House, Vegreville, with special mention of "Chef Dennis" for his amazing home cooked meals, every day. With deepest gratitude, the Wood family.
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The Strome & District Historical Society would like to thank everyone for supporting our June BBQ. A special thankyou to everyone who baked pies and purchased pies. Your generosity is greatly appreciated.
COMING EVENTS
VBS is happening again this year, hosted at Viking Alliance Church This is open to all children who will be going into kindergarten, all the way through to kids who will be going into grade 6 this Fall. There is no cost. It will be running this year from August 18 to 22. To register, visit vikingalliancechurch.com and go to the VBS 2025 page. We look forward to seeing you there!
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High Noon on the Prairies
An annual reunion/get-together for veterans.
All Veterans Welcome! Aug. 18-21 at Hardisty United Lake Church Campground
Please contact Bob Stuart at 780-385-4224 or Dan Lemire at 780-781-0954, or email: hnotp@hotmail.com 27/32p
CLASSIFIEDS
COMING EVENTS
Raspberries are ready!!!
Garden Vegetables ready!!! East of Sedgewick, off Highway 13, turn north on RR122, then go north 3 miles. Helen Tanton - 780-888-6800
28tfnc
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Garage Sale located 5028 - 56 Ave, (back alley), Tofield, AB.
Thursday, Friday, Saturday, July 31, August 1st, 2nd from 10 am - 6 pm. Ladders galore, tools, household & misc. items.
TM30P
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Organizational meeting for friends and family of Bethania Lutheran Cemetery on Wednesday, July 30 at 7 p.m. (at the cemetery) In case of rain, alternate date is Aug. 6 Bring your lawn chairseveryone is welcome. 28/30p
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Yard Sale at 4925 49 Street, Sedgewick, AB. Friday, Aug. 1 to Monday, Aug. 4. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. all four days.
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Wonder Junction Vacation Bible School - August 11-15 9AM - 11:45AM at Killam Baptist Church Children ages 5-12 years are invited to join us for games, snacks, singing, Bible stories, puppets and crafts! To register please call 780-385-3607 29/30c
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Gathering of the Clans Highland Festival 2025 Sedgewick, Alberta at the Recreation Grounds Saturday, August 23 Gates open at 10 am. Heavy events, artisan vendors, demonstrators, pipes and drums, highland animals, kids zone, food trucks, and much more. Evening entertainment starts at 5pm Dance with Cabot’s Crossing starts at 7pm. Overnight camping available and a donation breakfast Sunday morning. Advance gate admission and tickets to the Ceiliedh (dance) are available now at flagstaffscottishclub.com/gotchf-event
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FOR RENT
One bedroom basement suite for rent in Viking - available August 1st. Separate entrance. Shared laundry. $800 mo. Utilities included. Call or text 780-717-6783
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Attention Edmonton Post Secondary Students: Newly renovated one bedroom basement suite in safe, quiet Sherwood Park neighborhood. Close to bus terminal with express bus to NAIT, Norquest, U. of A. & MacEwan.
Fully furnished and equipped with TV, air fryer, fridge, microwave, A/C, security system, central vac, etc. Including wifi, cable and utilitilies. Shared laundry and entrance. Street parking.
$1100/month $550 DD Call or Text Debbie 780-907-8209 29/30p
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Storage Unit For Rent in Killam
Inside private warehouse building behind Community Press office. Security cameras on site, building heated in winter. Upstairs units available, Back alley access only. $100/mo. with $100 damage deposit. Or pre-pay for 6 months for $500 (1 month free) or pre-pay for 1 year for $1,000 (2 months free). Rental contract required. First month due at signing. Call/Text/Leave Voicemail for Ally 780-385-6693 or stop by The Community Press office on Main Street in Killam.
FOR SALE
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Saskatoon U Pick
Open Daily 8 am - 8 pm
$10/ 4 litre pail 15217 Twp Rd. 492 Call/ text 780-893-5490
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Equipment for Sale
1999 John Deere 566 Round BalerTwine only. 23,877 bales Call Roger at 780-385-1070 30/32p
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Champion 8000w/10,000 Dual fuel generator with CO Shield. Operates on either gas or propane. Like NEW (only has 1.5 hours run time on it) Comes with all cords, attachments, etc. Call or text: 780-385-0354. Asking $1,000. 30/32p
FOR SALE
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Trees for sale: Brian has the following for sale: Windbreak trees, poplars, disease resistant and fuzz free. AC Sundancer, fast-growing, 3 years old; Open leaf poplar, fastgrowing, 3 years old; Laurel leaf Willows, 2-16', 2-12', and 4-6' available. Cherry and Plum trees also available. Buyer’s responsibility to dig out all trees. Call Brian to make an appointment at 780-678-0053. Must be gone by Aug. 15 30/31p
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If there is anyone looking for any raspberries or cherries from Daysand and area, you can get them beside the Daysland Pharmacy from Brian's Market Garden. Open Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. 30/31p
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For anybody who likes picking berries, Brian would like them to come and pick raspberries. They should bring their own pails, and must call for an appointment for the day and time. After 2 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, or after 4 p.m on Saturdays, or anytime on Sunday. Picking will be done every two days at $10 per gallon pail. Contact Brian at 780-678-0053 to make your appointment. 30/31p
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2000 Doepker Super B Trailers
Tarp V.G./Brakes & S-Cams replaced. Also all Air Bags & Air Tanks (except 1) have been replaced. Asking $42,500. Call 780-385-2065.
29/30p
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*1989 8460 COMBINE - 2901 hours; *1984 860 Massey Combine - 2367 hours; *885 Massey Swather - 18 Ft. UII Header, Crop Lifters - 2636 hours. Ph: 780-829-2270; email jlinhondo@gmail.com
PRICING
$20/wk for the
first 35 words
45¢ for each additional word 4 Papers
16,000 readers
Viking Colony
We Repair and Service
All Farm Equipment! Call 780-385-6424 to Make Arrangements ————————————————
Town & Country
Guardian Drugs - Killam
We have: •a colour photocopier.
•cold pop and fresh snacks.
•a great selection of giftware, houseware, fragrances, clothing, toys, games, plush animals and more. •a big selection of greeting cards. •stationery. •seasonal gifts
•vitamins, minerals, supplements
•free gift wrapping •prescription service 6 days a week.
General Contractor
Red Seal Journeyman Plumber and Gasfitter. Bathroom Renos & Tile New to the Area.
30 plus Years of Experience. Dave 403-999-8464
Mike & Dave RV Inc. Service, Storage, Parts. Call us today! 780-415-5015 or visit our website: www.mdrv.ca
CLASSIFIEDS
Painting
Quality Residential and Commercial Interior Painting. Betty Tkaczyk 780-632-8749
**Located just 11 kms North of Tofield on Highway 834**. TM27-32P
Medical Taxi Service
Personal Taxi Service to Edmonton and Back -$175
•Office Hours Mon-Fri 9-5
•Absolutely NO Hidden Fees
•Escort to Reception/Waiting Room
•Pick up and Drop off at your door
•Top Notch Service! •Includes up to 4 Hour Wait•Locally Owned and Operated. 587-987-7810
Drywall Taping/Ceiling Texturing Experienced Killam drywall taper/texturer here to help you with any job, big or small. Don't want to do it yourself? Give me a call!
Flagstaff Taping & Texturing
Murray Cholowsky
Call or text at 780-385-1251
Hakim Oberg Law
ALA HAKIM OBERG
Barrister, Solicitor & Notary Public
Based in Forestburg, AB 5004 - 49 Ave. (Professional Centre, 2nd Floor)
Please call for appointment. 780-238-6938 ala@hakimoberglaw.com www.hakimoberglaw.com 27/30c
Hawkeye Custom Corral Cleaning Hawkeye Ag Inc is your complete solution for corral cleaning. We also provide services in the agriculture space: land clearing, pen rebuilding, aggregate for small and large farm operations. Based out of Lamont. 780-718-7479
Crossword
CRIMINAL RECORD? Why suffer employment/licensing loss? Travel/business opportunities? Be embarrassed? Think: Criminal Pardon. US entry waiver. Record purge. File destruction. Free consultation. 1-800-347-2540. www.accesslegalmjf.com. ————————————————
PRIVATE MORTGAGE LENDER. All real estate types considered. No credit checks done. Deal direct with lender and get quick approval. Toll free 1-866-405-1228; www.firstandsecondmortgages.ca. ————————————————
VISIT OSOYOOS, BC - A haven for snowbirds looking for milder winter weather and an abundance of activities! Hotel suites starting from just $850/month. Learn more at www.osoyoossnowbirds.com; call the Osoyoos Visitor Centre at 1-888-676-9667 or email: visit@destinationosoyoos.com to request digital information on wintering in Osoyoos.
KILLAM DENTURE CLINIC
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THURSDAY, Aug. 7
T he Community Pr ess Email: pr oduction.cp@gmail.com The Press Email: production.cp@gmail.com
TOFIELD WESTERN DAYS
4:30 pm Food Truck Fair, Kids Activities & Inflatables
7:00 pm Bull Bash - Late night Beer Garden onsite to follow
FRIDAY, Aug. 8
5:00 - 9:00 pm: Promenade/Street Fair
6:00 pm: Rodeo Slack
SATURDAY, Aug 9
9:00 - 11:00 am : Pancake Breakfast
presented by AUgust 7 - 10, 2025 at Tofield SPortsgrounds TICKETS: tofieldagsociety.ca 780-662-3269 Sponsored by Beaver
1:00 - 6:00 pm: Western Market
3:00 pm: Rodeo Performance
9:00 pm : Rodeo Dance with Live Band Featuring: Slow Walkin’ Walter
SUNDAY, Aug. 10
1:00 pm: Rodeo Performance
The Community Press, Wednesday, July 30, 2025 - Page
Lakeside Markets at Sedgewick Lake Park offer campers and locals a little of everything - potentially even better health
Leslie Cholowsky Editor
The Sedgewick Historical Society has hosted Lakeside Markets at the day camping area of Sedgewick Lake Park for the past few years every Saturday over the summer.
This year is no exception, with a variety of vendors on hand, along with the option of a barbeque lunch served by volunteers from the Historical Society.
The market runs from 10 until 2 and vendors say that during the morning, they often get local visitors, and from then on its the campers who come down to check out their wares.
It’s a wonderful environment, and definitely worth checking out sometime this summer, even if just for the scenery.
The Lake Park’s wading pool was also very popular this past weekend and the hiking trail offers the opportunity for a peaceful lakeside walk.
If you enjoy a taste of nature, but camping isn’t your thing, there are plenty of ways to get a taste of the outdoors at Sedgewick Lake Park, and a number of other places in Flagstaff County.
Most communities have walking trails that can quite often take you right out of the urban setting and right into nature.
The medical profession has, over the past few years, recognized that getting out into the great outdoors as often as possible can have health and mental wellness benefits.
Building on similar programs in Japan in the early 1980s, and New Zealand, and America, Canada launched its own nationwide green prescription program in 2019.
It’s called PaRx, where the BC Parks Foundation partnered with Parks Canada to provide access to national parks, historic sites, and nature reserves. Since then, 4,000 green prescriptions have been written by over 10,000 doctors in all 10
provinces in Canada.
The benefits of spending time in nature are as established as a centuries-old oak trunk, and include reduced stress and improved sleep, happiness, attention, memory, and creativity, studies have said. One Finnish study found that just 15 minutes walking in a city park is enough to improve energy and vitality.
There was a variety of vendors at Sedgewick Lake Park on Saturday, July 26, for the weekly Lakeside Markets run by the Sedgewick Historical Society. The idyllic setting makes for a pleasant browse while enjoying the scenery and greenery. The park setting offers not only an opportunity to shop, but can also have other health benefits as visitors enjoy the setting. In 2023 the Canadian Medical Association endorsed the benefits of visiting national parks and nature preserves, and spending time around Sedgewick Lake Park surely qualifies as spending more time in nature. “We call nature the fourth pillar of health, just as important as healthy diet, exercise and lifestyle at maintaining your health,” says Dr. Melissa Lem, a BC-based family physician who endorses what she calls personalized nature prescription plans.
LESLIE CHOLOWSKY PHOTOS
