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T he Olde s t and t he Be s t
The Oldest the Best
Br uce Stampede, oldest single day pro rodeo in Canada , delivers the goods with exciting action
Bruce oldest single pro rodeo in Canada, delivers the goods with exciting action
The 111th Annual Bruce Stampede drew big crowds once again this past weekend, kicking off Friday evening with the always exciting ABRA Jackpot, setting the stage for a weekend packed with rodeo competition, entertainment, and heartfelt tributes.
Saturday belonged to local competitors, as the Bruce Stampede's community rodeo brought many familiar faces back to the arena. Enthusiastic amateur participants gave it their all across a wide range of events, cheered on by friends, family, and fans of all ages.
Winners in Saturday's local rodeo events included:
•Wild Cow Milking: Brent Harray, Darren Morken, Brad Lockhart
•Mutton Busting: River Wong
•Cow Riding: Reece Kingdon
•Bloomer Race: Kacie Harray, Bailey Harray, Sara Gould
Memorial Wild Pony Race: Cooper Axten, Jackson Orfino, Dailyn
Lockhart
Organizers extended thanks to all competitors and encouraged them to return next year for another round of fun and friendly rivalry.
Following the local rodeo was the slack performance, where cowboys and cowgirls vied for top scores in the pro events. Later that night, the beer gardens opened and The River Jacks lit up the evening with a live performance that kept the crowd singing and dancing late into the night.
Sunday morning started with a community pancake breakfast, made even more memorable by a surprise appearance from federal politician Pierre Poilievre, who stepped up to flip pancakes for attendees.
Adding to the excitement, a CF-18 Hornet jet fighter from 409 Squadron at
4 Wing Cold Lake roared over the Stampede grounds in a thrilling flyby.
Pilot Captain Tyson Valette, a Camrose native, performed two stunning passes that had spectators gazing skyward in awe.
Following the flyby, the Stampede honoured three members of the Canadian Armed Forces for their distinguished service.
Lieutenant Colonel Brodie Conrad, originally from Trenton, Ontario, began his military career in 1983 as an Army Reserve Supply Technician before moving to the Regular Forces as an Airframe Systems Technician. He worked on aircraft like the CC130 Hercules and Boeing 707 and later spent six years with the Royal Canadian Navy repairing CH-124 Sea
Continued on Page 3
More scenes from Bruce Stampede
A special highlight of this year’s Stampede was a thrilling flyby from the Royal Canadian Air Force. Spectators looked to the skies as a CF-18 Hornet jet fighter from 409 Squadron, 4 Wing Cold Lake, roared overhead. The aircraft, piloted by Captain Tyson Valette, performed two passes over the grounds. Capt. Valette had flown in from an air show in Camrose happening the same weekend.
ALLY ANDERSON PHOTOS
Bruce Stampede Parade bigger and better with 44 entries
Patricia Harcourt Editor
The 2025 Bruce Stampede Parade was even bigger and better this year with 44 crowd pleasing entries. The streets were lined with spectators eager to see what was in store for this year’s parade, and they weren’t disappointed!
The following are the first place winners in the various categories of competition based on the parade entries:
Best Commercial Entry - S&R Feeds of Vegreville, whose owners live in the Bruce area;
Best Antique Car - Chuck Ham with his black 1921 Ford Model T; Best Non-Commercial Entry - Beaver County;
Best Novelties Entry - Bruce Hotel;
Best Antique Entry - Dudley Lund of Viking with a black short box 1/2-ton truck;
Best Heavy Horse Team - Sheldon Stayura drives Bruce Stampede
Wagon;
Best Light Horse Team - Andy Koch of Vegreville with two black horses;
Best Dressed Cowgirl 13 and UnderGracie Hay of Viking, 6-years-old; Best Saddle Horse 14 and OverMyron Ohlmann of Sherwood Park riding with Sheriff’s Posse; Best Decorated Horse and RiderTrifon Newchuk of Vegreville.
The highly successful Bruce Stampede ran from Friday, July 25 to Sunday, July 27 this year and was jampacked. Highlights included the amateur rodeo on Saturday and the professional rodeo on Sunday, both in the afternoon.
Other activities included pancake breakfasts and barbecues, the Sunday morning parade, cowboy church, a dance, horse shoe tournament and much more.
The parade also received visits from Battle River-Crowfoot Conservative candidate Pierre Poilievre and Camrose MLA Jackie Lovely.
Parade last Saturday.
Bruce Stampede results
Continued from Cover
King helicopters aboard the HMCS Algonquin and HMCS Regina. He later trained as a pilot, earning his wings in 2002, and flew helicopters such as the CH146 Griffon across Canada. Currently, he serves in Alberta as Officer in Charge of the Air Component Coordinating Element West, supporting domestic emergency responses like wildfires and floods. With over 41 years of service, LCol Conrad has had a long and distinguished career in the Canadian Armed Forces.
Major John King joined the Canadian Armed Forces in 1985 and earned his wings in 1987. Over a 37-year career (29 years full-time and 8 years in the reserves), he flew multiple aircraft including the CT-114 Tutor, CE-133 TBird, CH-135 Twin Huey, and CH-146 Griffon. His service included tours in Haiti, Kosovo, and Afghanistan—
This year’s parade at the Bruce Stampede was even bigger and better, with 44 entries in all. There were many prizes given out, include Chuck Ham’s price for his Ford Model T for Best Antique Car and the Bruce Hotel for its creative Novelty entry.
where he served as Griffon Flight Commander. He held staff roles at various headquarters and is currently with the 1 Canadian Air Division Detachment in Edmonton.
Captain (Retired) Patrick Howell, from Red Deer, Alberta, joined the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1986 as a pilot. After training on the CT-114 Tutor and CF-5, he flew the CF-18 Hornet in Germany, Cold Lake, and during the Gulf War. He also completed two tours in Afghanistan as a Forward Air Controller. He retired in 2022 after over 30 years of service and now flies the 787 Dreamliner for Air Canada.
Sunday’s pro rodeo didn’t disappoint, delivering edge-of-your-seat performances in every event. Saddle Bronc went to Bryan Huey with an incredible 87 point ride on Northcott Yule 91 Mary Lou. Strawb Jones took the Bareback trophy for another year with his 88.5 point ride on Northcott Yule Rodeo 633 Broken Arrow.
Tyler Craig and Beau Gardner tied for first with 85 points on the bulls,
with stock Northcott Yule Rodeo 821 Dudley and Big Stone Rodeo Inc 93 Fingers giving the cowboys their big score.
Ben Robinson had an 8 second run for tie down roping, while Landon Beardsworth flipped his calf in 4.7 seconds for the Steer Wrestling trophy.
Tana Millard flew out the gates for the Ladies Barrel Racing, completing her three barrels in 17.32 seconds, just snatching first place by 0.11 seconds.
Cecil Baynton took home the trophy for Steer Riding with a score of 77. Lastly, for Team Roping, cowboys Kolton Schmidt and Landen Glenn completed in 5.1 seconds.
The 111th Bruce Stampede was a true celebration of rural tradition, athletic talent, and national pride. From calf scrambles and barrel races to jet flybys and pancake breakfasts, it was a weekend that captured the heart of the community. Organizers, volunteers, and competitors alike ensured the event was a resounding success—and plans are already underway for next year’s celebration.
PATRICIA HARCOURT PHOTOS
Grace Hay was presented with Best Dressed Cowgirl 13 & Under at the Bruce Stampede’s
OPINION
JOHN’S RANT OPINION
So this week, in the middle of a summer vacation I’ll scribble about John’s adventures in shopping.
It’s something I don’t on a regular basis, but sometimes a more major shopping adventure has to occur.
Such was a trip to a big box Costco where I usually try to limit my visits to about twice a year.
Now I’m a quick shopper. I know what I want; arrive where the product is and quickly pick it up.
My first worry was the long line at one entrance stretching out in to the parking lot.
And I realized it was July 2, following the Canada Day holiday weekend and the first shopping day with the kids released from school for summer vacation.
Once I picked up my oversized shopping cart, and proceeded to a different entrance, I saw this large line was people lined up for the Costco $1.49 hot dogs. They must be tasty, although I admit I’ve never had one.
So with my oversized cart I proceed to the main body of the warehouse..
And tho and behold …
Multiple families, kids in two, wandering aimlessly to stock up on what I presumed must be vacation supplies.
Now Costco has wide shopping aisles for those oversized carts, but when families with four kids in
tow - and those kids rather than in single file near the parent are strung across the wide aisle - it suddenly becomes very narrow.
In the computer, home electronics and home appliances aisles it was possible to move about.
Hardware aisles no problem.
But then I hit the food and grocery aisles.
Total chaos!
People milling multiple directions.
Now I remember during COVID, grocery stores, among others, made lanes one-way to facilitate less direct contact with people.
Once shoppers got used to this idea, it worked quite well and actually sped up efficiency in the stores, which was the purpose.
Costco should keep that policy and make all their aisles one way.
And in the food aisles are the free samples purveyors with people lined up to taste delicacies of a variety of types, and with kids standing around not in line but outward into the aisles taking up space.
And why, oh why, must they leave their oversized shopping carts in the middle of the already compressed aisles?
Dodging the free samples kiosks, I move down the aisles.
More people talking on cellphones inquiring if this or that product is needed. Taking up valuable space
which is at a premium because of the pallets of products waiting the middle of the aisles too be restocked on shelves.
And do people really need to take selfies of themselves shopping in Costco?
That’s why I limit myself to twice a year.
As a single person, I also don’t see the need to impulse buy 38 rolls of triple ply toilet paper or four litres of olive oil when a 350ml bottle will last me months.
So as mentioned I’m on vacation.
I have come back to Ontario to visit family.
I finally arranged to have a rental car at the airport when I landed at Toronto, which for me is difficult because I don’t own a credit card.
Simply put, I don’t like them. I have a debit card, can purchase pre-paid cards for use on the internet marketplace, and I always carry some cash. For me cash is still king no matter what the World Monetary Fund would like to believe about a world with nothing but digital currency.
So, with no credit card, renting a car is difficult. A friend’s daughter spent two days trying to navigate the internet world of car rental agencies to see where I could use debit or cash with limited success. Finally, through AMA, I was able to get a confirma-
Summertime adventures in shopping and holidaying
tion to have a rental at National Car Rental at Toronto Airport with proof of a return flight to Edmonton and using my debit card.
No problem until I arrived to pick it up and the small cog functionary at the rental stall, who thought he was a big wheel, refused to even acknowledge my confirmation without a credit card. What to do after a few choice expletives were uttered?
My nephew came and got me in what I think must have been record time from his home near Avenue Road and Wilson Ave. in Toronto to the airport.
Off we went. Next day with the skill-
ful aid of my 17-year-old great niece Amanda, (thank you Amanda) I boarded the Toronto Transit Commission system for the first time in 40 to 45 years. Bus to Wlson station and subway to Union Station - an easy ride. Smooth, uneventful and cost $3.55 for a senior like me.
At Union Station I boarded a GO (Government of Ontario) train bound for Oshawa at the eastern end of the line out of Toronto about 63 km.
One smooth, thoroughly enjoyable ride viewing either Lake Ontario through one side of the train or a highly congested Highway 401 out the other, I arrived in Oshawa about 43 minutes after leaving
Letter: Pierre
Union Station.
My sister and brotherin-law picked me up; within minutes for the 45 minute journey up to Peterborough near where they live.
Costs: $12.25. Suddenly not having that rental car for $1,500 for a two-week rental didn’t seem too bad. If you travel in Toronto, I would highly recommend the public transit system. It can get you completely across southern Ontario linking with airports, major rail lines and bus lines along the way. All at a fraction of the rental car cost.
A big win for a solo vacationer like me.
JOHN MATHER
Poilievre
is my pick, here’s why
I want someone representing this area who will fight for us.
Pierre has been going from community to community, farm to farm, and all throughout our region to speak with us and hear what issues are most important. I believe that he will not only champion our issues, but he will also be our voice and advocate in Parliament.
Damien Kurek said Pierre was “a man of principle, character, and is the
hardest working MP I have ever met.” That’s the kind of guy I want representing me as my MP.
I don’t want some Johnny-come-lately who is just trying to create division and confusion, professing to be a “palatable alternative” representing me. If you want to vote for the Liberals, then vote for any of the 100 plus names on the ballot. A vote for Pierre gives us a strong voice in parliament. We need to get Pierre
Poilievre back in the House of Commons so he can fight the Carney Liberals’ reckless policies and stand up for us.
Pierre is already leading the charge in pressuring Carney to abandon his ridiculous plan to ban all gas and diesel-powered vehicles.
Pierre believes in freedom and smaller government and so do I. He has my vote.
Gayleen Erickson
Roberta Thelma Twerdochlib
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Roberta Thelma Twerdochlib, at 91 years, on July 16, 2025.
Roberta was born on April 16, 1934, in Lundbreck Alberta, to Robert and Thelma Jones.
She is survived by her 6 sons: Randy (Robin), Boyd, Darren (Bonnie), Gerald (Connie), Ean (Becky) and Mel (Michelle). She will be lovingly remembered by her niece, Christine (Doug); her 10 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren, and numerous other nieces and nephews.
Roberta was predeceased by her husband, Andy, who sadly passed
away suddenly in 1981; her parents, Robert and Thelma Jones; her sister, Estell; her niece and nephew, Sandra and Murray; her longtime companion of 25 years, Wilf Steinbach; and numerous brothers- and sisters-in-law.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Vegreville Hospital, and Mary Immaculate Care Centre in Mundare.
A Memorial Service will be held at the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 39 in Vegreville on August 9, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Haying in the 30’s Cancer Support Society and Royal Canadian Legion Branch 39, in Vegreville. Photos, memories, and condolences may be shared through www.parkmemorial.com
Park Memorial Vegreville 780-632-2000
Family Owned Funeral Home And Crematorium
James Gordon Barker February 17, 1948June 23, 2025
With family at his side, James “Jamie” Barker passed away at the age of 77 in Kelowna, BC.
Jim was born and raised in Kinsella, AB and has called Westbank, BC home for the past 45 years.
He is survived by his loving wife Peggy; his three boys Don (Kathy), Corey (Jackie) and Chris (Sarah); his grandchildren Ethan, Charlie, John and Victoria; his sister Kris; brother Brian
James Gordon Barker OBITUARIES
(Donna); as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents Allan and Helga; his brother Ron; and his brother-in-law Howard.
Jim always had a passion for aviation, and even as a small boy, he told his mother that he wanted to be a helicopter pilot. This lifelong interest in helicopters turned into a long career as a helicopter pilot, with over 20,000 hours of logged flight time.
Jim spent most of his career as chief pilot of Alpine Helicopters, where he left a legacy of safe, confident, highly skilled mountain flying.
Jim was an expert in all areas of helicopter flight, from fighting fires, running medivac flights, to dropping off heli-skiers and hikers for once in a lifetime experiences in the Canadian Rockies.
As per Jim’s wishes, he requests that those who
he left behind get together and have a cold beer and share some stories.
The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations can be directed to the Kelowna General Hospital (www.kghfoundation.co m), The Canadian Cancer Society (www.cancer.ca), or the Canadian Red Cross (www.redcross.ca).
Condolences, photos, and memories may be sent to the family by visiting his obituary page at www.springfieldfuneralhome.com.
Jim kept a copy of this poem in his flight log book:
Impressions of a Pilot Flight is freedom in its purest form,
To dance with the clouds which follow a storm; To roll and glide, to wheel and spin, To feel the joy that swells within.
To leave the earth with its troubles and fly, And know the warmth of a clear spring sky; Then back to earth at the end of the day, Released from the tensions which melted away. Should my end come while I am in flight, Whether brightest day or darkest night; Spare me no pity and shrug off the pain, Secure in the knowledge that I'd do it again. For each of us is created to die, And within me I know, I was born to fly. by Gary
Claude Stoker
Viking Council agrees to support berry research study at town solar farm
Patricia Harcourt Editor
Viking Council agreed to give in-kind support to a Viking Berry Research Study at the town’s solar farm during council’s July 21 meeting.
The request came from Pace Canada LP which is conducting the study through Tannas Conservation Services Ltd., or TCS.
Pace is in Viking to work on setting up a solar energy station that would be called “Valhalla” if the project achieves fruition.
“TCS will execute the ‘agri-voltaics’ project aimed at evaluating berry production’s compatibility with solar existing infrastructure,” explained Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Doug Lefsrud in his report to council.
“The project’s aim is to assess the viability of berry crops within ‘agrivoltaics’ systems to address Canada’s significant fruit import trade deficits and explore sustainable agricultural partnerships,” he explained.
And he said it was “an opportunity to demonstrate leadership in marrying renewable energy infrastructure with innovative agricultural practices.”
He told council that the town could position itself using this project “as a model of sustainable rural development.”
However, not all of council was convinced proceeding at this juncture was
a good idea.
Mayor James Buttner felt that the proposed solar project proposed by Pace called “Valhalla” may not proceed, calling it ‘hit and miss” at this point.
Councillor Cindy Lefsrud said she was “not sold” on the project, and felt “something wasn’t right” about the proposal after having a meeting with the proponents.
However, CAO Lefsrud said the plot of ground that would be used for the project would be “the size of my office.”
A motion by Councillor Dana Ewashko for the town to support the project was passed but the vote was split.
In the report, it was stated that municipal in-kind support “would focus on infrastructure use and logistic facilitation without additional financial burdens.”
Environmentally, the project was expected to “enhance sustainable land use by dual-posing existing solar facilities (to) promote biodiversity and local adaptation strategies in agriculture.”
Project objectives as stated in the berry research draft plan included determining the suitability of different berry crops for commercial production within ‘agri-voltaic’ systems.
This would also include assessing the performance of crops within the solar panels and outside of them, and identify management challenges and adaptations that appear as unique to this ‘voltaic’ system.
The project site would be east of Viking using about 3.4 ha of land on a solar farm owned by the Town of Viking.
On July 21, police received a complaint of an erratic pilot truck on Highway 36 just north of Viking. The complainant advised the driver of the truck was swerving dangerously into the oncoming lane of traffic. Police attended the location and spoke with the driver in question. He advised he was trying to prevent vehicles from passing due to multiple oversized loads navigating through town limits and the intersection. He was warned about his
driving pattern and the complainant was updated.
Later that morning, police were advised of a person who had traded her vehicle to someone for another vehicle and the vehicle she received had actually been reported stolen out of Manitoba.
The matter had already been reported to the Edmonton Police Service and the St. Albert RCMP and an investigation was already underway. None of the circum-
WORD ON THE STREET
Series of Thefts and Suspicious Activity Reported in Viking Area
stances occurred in the Viking area.
Also this day, police learned a male from Viking failed to attend Vegreville Provincial Court as required.
A warrant for arrest was issued for 27-yearold Wayne Scott and an additional charge of failing to attend court has been laid.
On July 22, police received a complaint regarding property that went missing during the dispersal of an estate. Police advised the complainant that the matter was civil in nature and not a police matter.
That afternoon, police received a complaint of an individual breaching a condition of an Emergency Protection Order. Police reviewed the information provided by the complainant
and charges are pending and a warrant being sought.
Later that day, police received a report of an ongoing landlord/tenant dispute. The complainant was reporting for information purposes and is working to resolve the situation through a civil process.
On July 23, police received a complaint of an erratic driver on Highway 14. The complainant advised the vehicle was driving slowly and weaving all over the road. Police made a patrol and located the vehicle in question. The driver advised he was having mechanical problems and was driving slowly as he was concerned the
vehicle would break down completely. He was warned about staying in his own lane and the complainant was updated.
That evening, police were advised of a disturbance at Eastview Park involving several youth. Police attended and mediated between the youth and their parents, and the matter was resolved without charges.
On July 24, police received a complaint of mischief to a garage door in Viking. The complainant was able to provide security footage which aided in identifying a youth who was believed to be the culprit. The matter was resolved informal-
ly between the involved parties.
On July 25, police received a request to keep the peace at a location while assets were being removed. Police attended and mediated the situation. No further calls were received regarding this matter.
On July 26, police conducted a checkstop in the Bruce area. Several vehicles were checked, and one male driver was found to be impaired by alcohol. He was dealt with by means of Provincial Roadside Sanctions and was issued an immediate license suspension for 12 months and had his vehicle seized for 30 days. He also received a $1,200 fine.
Lougheed FAIR
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Holden updates Off-Highway Vehicle bylaw
Kari Janzen Staff Reporter
The Village of Holden updated and passed their OffHighway Vehicle (OHV) bylaw at their last regular council meeting held Monday, July 21, after receiving complaints from village residents about the use of golf carts on the streets.
The bylaw was first brought to Council at their regular May meeting, when they directed Administration to include golf carts into the bylaw. However, upon further research, Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Rosemary Offrey discovered that under provincial legislation, it is clear that golf carts must not be included in the OHV bylaw and a new golf cart bylaw would have to be created.
“When I looked at the requirements to submit a draft golf cart bylaw to the government for approval, I learned that we would have to post signage all around the village, wherever the golf carts would
be allowed to go. As far as we’re aware, we have one golf cart in the village, and, even if you charged $100 per year to register that golf cart, the majority of the cost to put up the signs would be worn by the ratepayers, not the golf cart owner.
“So, before I submit the drafted golf cart bylaw, and I actually did the whole thing, I want to make sure that Council wants me to do that. Once we're approved by the province, we move forward. If we're not going to move forward, I would just (leave it be for now) but maybe in the future it might be something worthwhile,” she said.
Council chose not to pursue submitting a golf cart bylaw.
At the May meeting Council discussed the complaints and had suggested just adding golf carts to the OHV bylaw so driving golf carts in the village would be permissible and make future complaints null and void.
“The definition of an OHV in
the bylaw now is any motorized mode of transportation built for cross country travel on land, water, snow, ice, etc., fourwheel drive vehicles, low pressure tire vehicles; it's too broad,” Mayor Tyler Beckett said.
“Technically, there's grounds to go after, but I don't feel like golf carts are the intent of the bylaw. Golf carts are quiet; they’re slow. I don't really see any reason to restrict a golf cart,” he said.
Councillor John Markel said he didn’t see any difference between driving a mobility scooter and a golf cart in town, but CAO Offrey said that mobility scooters are permitted on sidewalks.
Beckett agreed and said, “I personally think we should look at this bylaw and adjust whatever we need to adjust to make it so that devices such as golf carts are exempt.”
Councillor Shawn Cole asked what in particular the resident complaints were about.
“They were complaining be-
cause the individuals were driving the golf carts around the town like a normal vehicle,” CAO Offrey said.
“Our current bylaw says you can drive OHVs to the closest route in and out of town from your property. Another complaint in regard to the bylaw was when snowmobiles were running around and creating a lot of noise and not taking the shortest route out,” she said.
“I agree with the snowmobile complaint, because that’s also a noise complaint,” Beckett said.
“You're being hassled by noise. They're okay just as long as they're leaving town. But quiet vehicles like golf carts, and scooters, I don't see a problem with them being on our roads and being used to jump from your house to the store or your house to the café. I think it's a small change that would just make things easier and less confusing,” he said.
Council also discussed what the speed limit should be, as the bylaw as amended in 2007 said speed shall not exceed 30 kilo-
metres per hour. Beckett suggested the bylaw be changed to say the posted speed limit, which is 40 km/h.
At the May meeting, Council moved to direct Administration to add that golf carts be allowed to drive in Holden, along with other changes as discussed, though, as previously stated and later learned, that is not permitted.
At the June council meeting, Council directed Administration to proceed with drafting a standalone golf cart bylaw to submit to the province for approval.
At the July meeting, CAO Offrey told council about the required signage if they went ahead with a golf cart bylaw and so Council decided not to proceed. The OHV bylaw went through second and third readings, and was passed, with the speed limit change, and the addition that no person shall operate an OHV on Village streets without a license plate and liability insurance.
BEAVER COUNTY SEED CLEANING CO-OP Closed June 20th –Sept. 2nd
ER COUNTY SEED CLEANING C For Sale: Common Seed Oats, Pony Oats and Barley
ER COUNTY SEED CLEANING CO OPEN BY APPOINTMENT ONLY
VER COUNTY SEED CLEANING CO September & October Open by appointment only
Look forward to seeing you in the fall! Phone 780-688-3917 • Holden, AB
Phone 780-688-3917 • Holden, AB
Phone 780-688-3917 • Holden, AB November
Phone 780-688-3917 • Holden, AB
Serving all the farms, ranches, acreages and towns in Beaver County Bruce,
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Beaver County takes Best Non-Commercial Float in Bruce Parade
Road maintenance and land sale decisions made after closed session
Patricia Harcourt Editor
Beaver County Council met in closed session at its July 16 regular meeting to discuss two issues out of the public eye.
The first issue dealt with ending a joint agreement with the Town of Viking on road maintenance.
The item was listed as a “disclosure harmful to inter-governmental relations,” concerning the Viking road maintenance agreement.
A verbal discussion took place in closed session. Those involved in such discussions are not
allowed to convey what was said or done during these closed sessions.
However, motions must take place in open session, and Councillor Dale Pederson (Division 5) did made a motion; “to authorize the Reeve to forward a letter of acknowledgement to the Town of Viking regarding its notice to terminate the Viking Road Maintenance Agreement with an effective date of August 21 2025.” That motion was carried.
Pederson represents the far eastern side of the county in Division 5 where the Town of Viking is located. Another closed session
was held regarding a potential land purchase that was categorized as a “disclosure harmful to economic and other interests of a public body.”
After coming back to open session, Councillor Lionel Williams (Division 2) made a motion “to authorize administration to negotiate the purchase of land with the terms and conditions discussed in closed session.” That motion also passed. Neither the property to be sold or the public body that may purchase it in has been officially disclosed by the county at this point.
Poilievre bows out of ‘Talk Truth’ forum scheduled for Thursday
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.”
Holden, Kinsella Ryley, Tofield, Viking
Hubert & Margaret Graham
PATRICIA HARCOURT PHOTO Beaver County officials were out in full force at the Bruce Stampede Parade Sunday and their entry won for Best NonCommercial. Participating were: CAO Kayleena Spiess (driving), front passenger Division 4 Councillor Barry Bruce, rear passenger Division 2 Councillor Lionel Williams, and walkers Reeve Kevin Smook (Division 1) and Deputy Reeve Gene Hrabec (Division 3). Standing in the truck box were Cody Fluet and county mascot Penny the Beaver.
To reach our goal of having a bylaw that is consistent, transparent and easy to understand, we want to review the existing bylaw to identify what’s working and what’s not.
Highest calls for service in Divisions 1 and 2, states county patrol report
Patricia Harcourt Editor
The County Patrol Report for the first half of 2025 indicates the highest number of calls for service took place in the most populated areas of the west end.
Calls in Division 1 were listed at 2043.5 per cent, and for Division 2, 18-39.1 per cent.
The next highest was Division 4 with 4-8.7 per cent service calls. and the same number for Divisions 3 and 5 at 2-4.3 per cent.
Overall in the six-month reporting period, there were 14 calls in January, 26 in February, nine in March, 19 in April, 42 in May, and 46 in June for a total of 156 calls for service.
The largest category of complaint were those for dogs at large (9-19.1 per cent), followed by dog attack complaints (612.8 per cent). There were also complaints for animals other than dogs-atlarge, Animal Protection Act violations reported, dog barking calls, and dogs harassing other animals complaints. Each comprised 2-4.3 per cent of overall calls for service.
Also, 2-4.3 per cent of calls complained about lighting on a property, 3-6.4 per cent complained about noise, and 4-8.5 per cent about animal control issues.
Also, 3-8.5 per cent of calls concerned unsightly or nuisance properties, and 48.5 per cent were calling to make public inquiries. Road protection issues constituted 5-10.6 per cent of the calls received in January to June this year.
Officer generated files included 2-66.7 per cent for commercial vehicle inspections and 1-33.3 per cent for overweight truck inspections. There was a total of 44 of these files including 10 each in January and February, eight each in March and April, five in May, and three in June.
Officers issued more warnings than tickets in the six-month period: 13-29.5 per cent of the total of the category “tickets vs warnings” were for tickets, and 3170.5 per cent of them were for warnings.
And a majority of the tickets issued were for speeding (11-84.6 per cent) with 1-7.7 per cent for weight dimensions and
1-7.7 per cent for non-moving violations. Warnings were fairly evenly distributed amongst speeders (6-25.8 per cent), vehicle equipment issues (8-25.8 per cent), commercial vehicle issues (7-22.6 per cent) and non-moving violations (619.4 per cent). The rest were much smaller including warning for dogs at large and dog attacks, each at 1-3.2 per cent.
There were 223 warnings issued in the first six months of 2025, including 43 in January, 24 in February, 37 in March, 54 in April, 34 in May, and 31 in June.
The report was issued in the meeting package for Beaver County Council’s July 16 regular meeting.
It was also reported that community police officers’ work included doing shifts between 6 a.m. and 12 midnight. Also reported were that two more community services policy revisions have been completed.
Deborah Juch, who oversees the county’s two CPOs and community protective services, also reported: “Summer events and parade attendance is underway,” including participation in a recent Sports Day in Ryley and Farmer’s Day in Holden.
The 2025 departmental operating budget has been drafted, and the corporate strategic plan updated.
Bruce Stampede Parade has suprise float with Poilievre
Patricia Harcourt Editor
Pierre Poilievre surprised many in the crowd at the Bruce Stampede Parade by appearing smiling and waving on the back of a pickup truck.
The leader of the Conservative Party of Canada made a campaign stop in Bruce Sunday morning during the rodeo weekend after being invited by organizers. Supporter Harvey Chrystian of Bruce proudly draped his antique tractor in
Poilievre election banners before heading down the parade route, and many also flocked to the parade grounds after the big show to meet the candidate in the by-election currently underway in the local riding of Battle River - Crowfoot.
He was third in line in the parade, coming right after the RCMP’s lead car and the Bruce Stampede’s horse and wagon team. And right behind him was Camrose MLA Jackie Lovely.
Poilievre is in active election mode as he cam-
paigns to win the federal riding of Battle RiverCrowfoot. Previous to this, Damien Kurek had stepped down as the riding’s MP to give the Conservative leader the chance to win a seat in Parliament. Poilievre lost his own seat in the Ottawa area in the recent federal election.
The by-election will be held on August 18. In the meantime, an election forum was held in Camrose on Tuesday, July 29 with Poilievre one of 10 candidates invited to participate.
JOE HARTUNG PHOTO
The Greased Pig event was a whole lot of fun for everyone, except maybe the pig.
PATRICIA HARCOURT PHOTOS
Pierre Poilivre, Conservative Party of Canada leader and candidate in the Battle River-Crowfoot riding by-election, made a surprise appearance at the Bruce Stampede Parade on Sunday. He waved, flashed ‘V’ for victory signs, and threw candy for an excited crowd of onlookers.
Bruce resident Harvey Chrystian (left) poses with Pierre Poilievre, who was on a campaign stop and participated in the Bruce Stampede Parade earlier Sunday morning where Chrystian’s antique tractor also displayed supporting signs. Poilievre is running in the Battle River-Crowfoot by-election and found many supporters during his stop.
$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.
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
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
CLASSIFIEDS
Mike & Dave RV Inc.
Service, Storage, Parts. Call us today! 780-415-5015 or visit our website: www.mdrv.ca
**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
Painting
Quality Residential and Commercial Interior Painting. Betty Tkaczyk 780-632-8749
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
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.
Bylaw infractions drop from 18 in June last year to five for June this year
Enforcement falls off as officer restricted to two hours per month in Viking
Patricia Harcourt Editor
Viking’s Bylaw Enforcement Report for the month of June shows a steep drop in infractions dealt with over the same month last year. Coinciding with this is a drop in the hours the bylaw officer is being asked to work in Viking.
A total of five bylaw issues were dealt with by bylaw officer Wayne Nyback of Rural Bylaw for the month of June. Last year’s report for June had 18 bylaw infractions cited in that report.
Seemingly by way of explanation, Nyback points out in his report that “bylaw (is) attending twice a month for one hour each.”
Those two hours of enforcement last month has resulted in five infractions being dealt with, including: a verbal warning for parking left of centre; Municipal Government Act (MGA) actions for an unsightly property; an unsightly
property that was not recorded with MGA in June; the assisting of RCMP with removing squatters; and a semi truck illegally parked on a residential street.
The report came before Viking Council at the July 21 meeting.
Mayor James Buttner said the complaints by residents are the same ones “over and over again.
“We need to do something different,” he said. “There’s got to be a way.”
Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Doug Lefsrud said the town appreciated the recent help from the local RCMP on certain issues.
However, he asked the rhetorical question, “Are we making any headway?” in enforcement problems, to which there was no immediate response.
The town is still dealing with unsightly properties, dogs barking, and dogs being at large, among other issues such as illegal parking.
TOFIELD WESTERN DAYS
THURSDAY, Aug. 7
4:30 pm Food Truck Fair, Kids Activities & Inflatables 7:00 pm Bull Bash - Late night Beer Garden onsite to follow
9:00 pm : Rodeo Dance with Live Band Featuring: Slow Walkin’ Walter
SUNDAY, Aug. 10
1:00 pm: Rodeo Performance
Hwy. 16 bust nets drugs and loaded firearm charges
A routine traffic stop on Highway 16 has led to the seizure of a loaded firearm as well as illegal drugs.
The bust was made by the Alberta RCMP’s Community Response Team with assistance from Strathcona County RCMP and ‘K’ Division Police Dog Services.
The incident took place on July 24 when the response team was conducting patrols east of
Sherwood Park. The team made a routine traffic stop on a Range Rover on Highway 16 after which the vehicle’s driver was arrested.
Police searched the vehicle resulting in the finding of 207 grams of methamphetamine, 31 grams of psilocybin, and a 9-mm loaded restricted handgun with ammunition.
An Edmonton man, 49,
was charged with possession for the purposes of trafficking, driving while unauthorized, and the unauthorized possession of a firearm in a
motor vehicle.
He was remanded into custody and was tp appear in a Sherwood Park court July 30.
The Alberta RCMP
Community Response Team states that it uses outreach strategies and targeted enforcement and engagement with police partners and com-
munity to improve community safety and wellness, reduce victimization and address the social determinants to the root cause of crime.
IRMA NEWS
By Marjorie Lawson
A service to remember the life of Winston Ford will be held from Irma School on Wednesday, July 30 at 1 p.m.
Margaret Emter and Keith Creasy flew out to Vancouver Island to spend time with their sister Leslie Beeler.
Vision Credit Union will be hosting a barbecue in celebration of Irma Days.
Congratulations to the
U15 girls on winning provincial gold and to the U19 girls for a bronze in play this past weekend.
Congratulations and best wishes to Stacey Neumiller as she transitions into retirement from her position at the village office.
Temperatures are set to rise as we move towards the weekend.
Come out and enjoy all the fun and activities planned for this Irma Days weekend! The parade begins at 11 a.m. on Saturday and will begin at the hotel, then follows the service road along the highway and up Main Street before turning right to go back towards the hotel.
IRMA NEWS
A picturesque setting at Beaver Creek Estates recently.
Longest Ballot Committee potentially thwarted by Elections Canada
Leslie Cholowsky Staff Reporter
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 find the name of their candidate of choice.
These adapted writein ballots will feature the same security and integrity measures found on a normal ballot, says Elections Canada.
Monday’s announce-
ment 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 by-election 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 Tollfree fax : 1 888 7564658.
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.
