May 17 Tofield Mercury

ELECTION

2023

Local Candidates Profiled Pages 6 & 7

Your LOCAL Media since 1918!

Volume 105 Issue 37

www.tofieldmerc.com

Wednesday, May 17, 2023 s

Tofield Grads celebrate their big moment The Tofield School graduating class of 2023 held their ceremonies at House Church on May 12 with 49 grads taking the stage and over 400 family and friends attending. See more coverage on Page 20, 21, and 22.

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Page 2 - The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, May 17, 2023

Ride for mom roars through Tofield Jana Semeniuk Staff Reporter

Approximately 300 bikers participated in the Ride for Mom event on May 13 that visited Camrose, Leduc, Wetaskiwin, and Tofield starting and

ending in Nisku. The ride, first created by Leduc Victim services, seeks to end domestic violence through educating, empowering and challenging all members of society to stand with women and not against

them.

RCMP blocked the road in front of the Tofield Community Hall for two and a half hours so bikers could park their bikes and come into the hall to enjoy home baked treats before continuing

on their route.

This year marks the fourth Ride for Mom, with the last ride raising nearly $20,000 in 2018.

Amount of funds raised this year was not available by press time.

The staff of C.W. Sears School invite you to join us as we celebrate the retirement of: Michelle Munroe • May Korobko • Lynne Langager

OPEN HOUSE Wed., June 7th from 4 pm - 6 pm @ C.W. Sears School Gym 5716 47 St. Tofield

Elect

Rich Richard hard B runeau Bruneau

A better future.

Camrose Camrose

Better healthcare.

Better jobs.

Better education.

Approximately 300 bikers joined the Ride For Mom which stopped in Tofield on May 13. The annual ride seeks to put an end to domestic violence through education, empowerment, and speaking up.

RichardBruneau@albertandp.ca albertandp.ca Authorized by Alberta NDP

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The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, May 17, 2023 - Page 3

Holden Rural Academy hires assistant principal Jana Semeniuk Staff Reporter

Holden Rural Academy (HRA) has announced the hiring of an Assistant Principal for their coming school year.

Brent Anderson, who has spent several years teaching in rural schools around Alberta, will begin his position with HRA in September. The grades seven to 12 school has, up until now, operated with only a principal,

Brent Anderson has been named as the next year's new assistant principal hired for Holden Rural Academy.

Brian Dewar.

“We’re in a position now where Brent is coming in to help get things off the ground and we can work together where I will work on the work experience and he will focus on the athletics,” said Dewar.

HRA opened last September as a charter school offering placebased education where students have the opportunity to spend time learning with businesses and organizations in the community as well as learning the Alberta curriculum.

They opened after Battle River School Division closed their school in 2020.

Meanwhile, Dewar said the school is filling up quickly for next year.

“Enrollment is going up. We are now growing for next year and

I’m pleased to see that.

We’ve had to post more aide positions and more teacher positions for next year,” said

Dewar. “We have 73 confirmed students already for next year and several more coming in to enroll.”

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Council Corner Town recognizes paramedics during Paramedic Services Week Throughout Canada, and direct to us, Alberta, we are privileged to have paramedics at our call. Within our area, we have become reliant on the notion that if and when needed a paramedic will be there for us.

There is a reason for this notion, and reliance. The fact is, because for us, they are.

The life of a paramedic is stressful, exceptionally demanding, and exceptionally important. These people encounter people at their most vulnerable, and provide comfort, support, and life saving techniques that can not be measured. Truly, the question should become, what would we do without these people? The response to this question is bleak at best.

It stands to make sense that a small token of appreciation should be provided to these

hard-working people not only in our community but in Alberta, and throughout Canada.

Therefore, the Mayor and Council wish to recognize May 21- 27, 2023, as Paramedic Services Week. There has been a theme affixed to the week, being termed as “Diversity In Paramedicine – the Patient”. The topic of diversity is both complicated and vast, and cannot be summarized in a simple statement, nor a singular approach.

Diversity in paramedicine could be viewed as the diversity in calls which paramedics attend, the diversity in patients, and the necessity for diversity in approach. It is evident that all of these must be taken into consideration when approaching this profession. It is also equally evident that our people providing service to our region recognize this, and dis-

play this in their everyday approach.

Our medical services field has been exceptionally challenging, especially during the past three years. Call volumes and demands have grown and have created a challenging at best environment in which to navigate.

The presence of our paramedics has helped to provide stability to this area, and to say we would be lost without this service would be an understatement.

It may be safe to say that all people in our medical profession act as lifesaving heroes and need to be recognized for their efforts and abilities. In this instance, lets collectively take time to thank our paramedics, every day, but especially during May 21-27th 2023.

Respectfully, Mayor and Council.

Page 4 - The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, May 17, 2023

CARC gives special thank you to nurses during national week Jana Semeniuk Staff Reporter

Members of the Ryley Beaver County Community Attraction and Retention Committee (CARC) spent last week delivering a special thank-you to nursing staff at the Tofield Health Centre in celebration of National Nurses Week which ran from May 8-14.

According to the Canadian Nurses Association, National Nurses Week takes place annually to coincide with the week of Florence Nightingale’s May 12 birthday. Nightingale was a statistician who was also a nurse in the Crimean War. She became known as the ‘founder of modern nursing’ because of her dedication to improving hospital standards. Nightingale lived to be 90 and passed away in 1910.

Meanwhile, CARC Vice Chair Brenda Chehade, also councillor for the Town of Tofield, delivered stacks of special thank you cards, complete with a packet of seeds tucked inside each one, for every nurse in each department of the Tofield Health Centre. Chehade said there were 74 given in total.

“We got the names for every nurse in the hospital and each nurse got a card with a packet of seeds,” said Chehade.

“There were four different departments.”

Chehade said CARC is made up of 10 people from different parts of the county whose objective is to help attract and retain health care workers for the area. She added that the idea came from Cyndy Heslin who spearheaded the committee in 2018.

“It was the vision of Cyndy Heslin.

She got it up and running and it was a lot of work,” said Chehade. “I joined a year or two later.”

Chehade said the committee works very closely with RhPAP (Rural Health Professions Action Plan) to coordinate events such as last year’s Rural High School Skills Day, held in Ryley, where health professionals from the Beaver County region were teaching students from Tofield School, Holden Rural Academy and Viking School basic medical skills, to encourage them to consider careers in rural health care.

The committee’s first attraction event was in Tofield in 2019 where 36 nursing and medical students from the University of Alberta were billeted by local families over a two-day weekend so they could take part in several activities that showcased the Tofield area as a great place to live and work.

“We took them paintballing, on wiener roasts, and to the Bull Bash.

There was lots to do and show them,” she said, adding the large event produced two very positive outcomes. “We got a nurse out of it, and we won a province-wide award.”

The Tofield Ryley Beaver County CARC won RhPAP’s Rhapsody Community Award in 2021 which recognizes a rural Alberta community that has developed innovative and collaborative approaches to successfully attract and retain health care providers in the area.

Meanwhile, Chehade said attracting health care workers to the Tofield area is more important now than ever with staffing shortages at the Tofield Health Care Centre resulting from several retirements that happened simultaneously.

“A lot of health care workers retired early during COVID. We lost a lot that we probably wouldn’t have right away,” she said, adding that even with the recent hiring of nine nurses at the Tofield Health Care Centre, they are still short.

“Nurses always are a struggle.

They're always looking for nurses (and) that's hard because you are working against the whole province.”

Tofield Ryley Beaver County CARC (Community Attraction and Retention Committee) Vice Chair Brenda Chehade (r) hands a stack of specially prepared thank you cards to a nurse in Tofield Health Centre's acute care department celebrating nurses during National Nurses Week.

BRENDA CHEHADE PHOTO

The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, May 17, 2023 - Page 5

Names to be added on Legion Memorial Wall in Tofield John Mather Staff Reporter

Members of the Tofield Legion and several visitors gathered at the Tofield Memorial at Tofield Cemetery May 13, to mark Decoration Day. The actual day is marked on May 29, but it was explained that the Legionnaires were unable to gather on that day.

Decoration Day began on June 2, 1890, originally to serve as a form of protest in support of the veterans of the Battle of Ridgeway.

Those original veterans felt their contributions in protecting Canada during the Fenian Raids were being overlooked by the government.

There were a total of 30,000 participants in the original commemoration in 1891 with up to 50,000 watching the parade where the veterans placed decorations at the Canadian Volunteers Monument near Queen’s Park in Toronto.

The event became annual, and more veterans began taking part from the Fenian Raids, the North-West Rebellion, the Second Boer War, and the First World War. Commemoration of Decoration Day became less prominent in the 1900s although it returned to some prominence as the First World War began.

In 1931, the Federal Government established the Armistice Remembrance Day Act which commemorated November 11 as the official day commemorating military service in Canada.

“We have traditionally supported Decoration Day,” said Tofield Legion President Jim Warren.

“Usually we hold it in the Legion because the weather doesn’t generally cooperate, but this year it was the perfect day to go to the cemetery.”

“This year we’re also adding 15 names to our memorial wall, so that’s why we wanted to mark

it at the cemetery.”

He added members of the Legion also use Decoration Day to mark the graves in the Legion Field of Honour with small Canadian flags.

“The Field of Honour is where 90 per cent of our war veterans are buried,” Warren added.

“We do that every year no matter what and this year we were able to have the service outside.”

At the dinner which followed the outside ceremony, Warren talked about the history of Decoration Day and explained what the day was about.

“I was to give the people a better understanding,” he said.

Warren added there are a few other Legion branches in Alberta that mark Decoration Day. The names of 15 veterans who have passed away will be carved on the Memorial Wall at the cemetery this spring or early summer are: Bill Barrett, Chris Campion, Ida Carey, Hans Christensen, Doug Clement, John Cooper, Margaret Dickson, Ed Fisher, Gordon Kyle, Frank Langkaas, Al Race, Gerd Thomas, Keith Tiedemann, Vera Tiedemann, Harvey Wade, John Warner, James S Warren, Jim Williams and John Williams.

Warren said the carving of the names on the Memorial Wall will be done by Ron Epp of Epp Memorials.

Warren added when the plaque was stolen from the cenotaph in Tofield a few years ago, Epp came to the rescue creating a replacement plaque which was installed at no cost to the Legion.

“We used to have the stone on our Memorial Wall carved by a company from Saskatchewan,” stated Warren.

“And that was very expensive. Ron has the equipment to allow him to carve the stone now so we’re using him to add

the names.”

He added the names on the Memorial Wall hadn’t been update for probably a decade.

The Legion will host an unveiling of the added names during its Remembrance Day ceremony at the cemetery this fall.

Tofield Legion members marked Decoration Day on Saturday, May 13.

JOHN MATHER PHOTO

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Success Starts Early Pre-K or Kindergarten Event at your school

Everyone starting a BRSD Pre-K or Kindergarten program this fall is invited to attend a get-to-know-you event. As a parent, you can reduce your child's anxiety (or your own!) and start to get excited about what's ahead. Every child will get to connect directly with their teacher and school team. Please call ahead to book a time slot during the event.

Tuesday, May 23 2:30 to 5:00 p.m. New Norway School 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Daysland School

Wednesday, May 24

Thursday, June 8 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. CW Sears School Friday, June 9 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sparling School

12:00 to 3:30 p.m. Ecole Sifton School

Tuesday, June 13 Tuesday, May 30 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Round Hill School 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Forestburg School

Wednesday, May 31 2:00 to 5:30 p.m. Bawlf School

Thursday, June 1 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. Viking School

1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Ryley School 2:30 to 3:30 & 4:00 to 5:30 p.m. Killam Public School

Wednesday, June 14 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. Chester Ronning School

Friday, June 16 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Jack Stuart School

Wednesday, June 7 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. Bashaw School Families can meet the teachers and school team, get information about learning supports that can be provided to meet student needs, tour the school and take part in fun activities. Every child will receive a gift bag with fun items to help their learning at home.

Page 6 - The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, May 17, 2023

Candidate profiles for Camrose Constituency - Part 1

Cattle farmer Bruneau challenges Lovely for Camrose Legislature seat

ELECTION

2023

“I know what rural life is like and what the challenges are” John Mather Staff Reporter

Richard Bruneau, 45, spent several years working with the Canadian Diplomatic Service as an officer of the government in some of the world's most dangerous places.

Now he’s entered the shark-infested world of provincial politics as he tries to unseat Camrose MLA Jackie Lovely in favour of the opposition NDP, the party he’s running for in the constituency.

“This is the first time I’ve run for office so it’s a new thing for me,” he said. “It’s been a really great experience so far.”

Bruneau grew up in Camrose and went to Augustana University. He did development work in Latin America, later becoming a Canadian diplomat and working in various embassies around the world.

“I came back to the constituency about 10 years ago to help my wife run a cow/calf operation near Kingman,” he said. “I’m also a businessman running a cafe in Camrose for about five years.”

Bruneau has a young daughter who attends kindergarten in Round Hill.

“I chose the NDP to run for because it represents my values and what I want my daughter’s future to look like.

“I base my political values on compassion and caring for people and communities,” he said. “I want to see governance based on competency and integrity, something I feel has been lacking over the past few years.

“I want to be a politician who is a public servant,” he concluded. “I want to serve the people who I represent. If I can bring those characteristics back to the legislature then I will be happy. I feel the NDP also represents those things.”

Bruneau feels the issue

in the Tofield, Ryley, and Holden area is the healthcare system.

“The Tofield Healthcare Centre has closed its emergency room due to a shortage of doctors and nurses,” he said. “Healthcare is something I’m hearing about across the constituency.

“You hear of late times for surgeries when you can get in, troubles in getting an ambulance… those are things we have to find a way to bridge.”

“Much of this has been caused by the negative relationship between the UCP and the doctors and nurses and it's something the NDP wants to fix.”

Bruneau added he had also heard about the education system and teachers facing large classrooms with kids with complex needs that they aren’t able to address.

“It’s been making their jobs that much more difficult and unsustainable… these are things I’m hearing about quite a bit.”

He adds affordability is another big issue he’s hearing about.

“In Beaver County, I’m hearing about how many costs have been downloaded on to the municipality whether it be policing or infrastructure, it’s making it really hard for them to deliver the same level of service for the community and residents without raising taxes.

“I’m a taxpayer in Beaver County and I’m well aware of this.”

He stated the NDP wants to fix the relationship between the province and municipalities which he feels has really eroded under the UCP. When asked if all the NDP policies would result in tax increase he said it really wouldn’t matter which party forms government taxes will be raised.

Bruneau added it’s about spending tax dollars “on the right things.”

“It’s about spending money on the right things

for Albertans.”

Bruneau pointed to the UCP so-called war room where he said millions of dollars have been spent, where that money could have been channeled to more worthwhile and beneficial outcomes such as doctors or nurses.

“There’s so many things that are left unfilled,” he said.”We can do so much better by our kids and our seniors and the people less fortunate in our province and I think that best represents our NDP values.”

He said he had been to several events in the Tofield, Ryley, and Holden area including last week’s huge 4-H Beef Show and Sale in Holden.

“My in-laws have been involved in this event for years and it was something we wanted to introduce our daughter to,” he added.

“You know what,” he said. “The reception has been really positive.”

“When folks find out I’m a farmer and have strong connections to the community they really

enjoy chatting.

“I know what rural life is like and know what the challenges are and people see themselves represented in who I am. I’m optimistic. Rural folks aren’t being represented by the UCP. It’s time to change that.”

He added he has lots of signs going up and large ones going up on people's private property not on public land.

Bruneau said his early Latin American work was for non profit organizations working Guatemala, Mexico, Uruguay and Bolivia.

“Later I became a diplomat with the Canadian Foreign Service, now Global Affairs Canada,” He was, over a 10-yearperiod, posted in Afghanistan, New York, Jordan, and in the Palestinian Territories where in his last posting he served as the Deputy Head of Mission.

“I was a political officer, in charge of Canadian political relations with other countries.”

NDP Candidate Richard Bruneau Bruneau said his background was not only graduating with a major in physics and math from Augustana University, but then attending Ottawa University where he got a Masters degree in International Affairs.

“That’s when I discovered what a diplomat was,” he chuckles.

Bruneau said he was scheduled for an all-candidates meeting in Tofield but it was “cancelled because Jackie Lovely refused to attend.”

“It’s up to me to get out and meet with people,” he said.

He added, while he certainly sympathizes with those affected by wildfires across the province, it won’t, at this time, be affecting his campaign.

“As a farmer with a cattle operation, I know there are a lot of challenges if a fire breaks out and I can certainly sympathize with them.”

“As Albertans we always come together and support each other.”

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The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, May 17, 2023 - Page 7

Candidate profiles for Camrose Constituency - Part 2

Bob Blayone running as an Independent candidate in Camrose

ELECTION

2023

Feels Independent MLAs could disrupt and hold balance of power in minority government scenario Patricia Harcourt Staff Reporter

Bob Blayone says he wants to open up the political discussion so everyone can get a chance to provide input on issues of the day.

The 55-year-old candidate is running as an Independent in the Camrose riding during the Alberta provincial election. And he is deliberately running separate and apart from several parties in which he used to participate, having become disillusioned with the party system of governance.

“I was born and raised in Alberta, growing up poor and finding success through Alberta oil and gas. Dana and I have been married 32 years and have two grown children, and both Dana and I come from farming families,” he said, by way of introduction.

“As an Independent MLA I’ll not be working for a political party,” he said. “I’ll be working for the people in the Camrose region and will work to get the provincial discussion going.

“I’ll not be answering to political parties, politicians, or bureaucrats,” he explained. “I’ll be answering to the people. I’ll be free to represent people, businesses, farms, and families.”

Currently living in Peace River, Blayone is making plans to move to the constituency in which he is running, and hopes to represent after the May 29 provincial election. At the moment, he is favouring the Kingman area.

Blayone ran for the Independence Party of Alberta in last fall’s by-election against Pre-

mier Danielle Smith.

Smith won the riding in a landslide to become MLA for Brooks-Medicine Hat. Blayone received two per cent of the voting tally.

Asked his opinion about Smith as premier, he replied: “Not good.”

Then he clarified that he holds no bad feelings for anyone. “I have nothing against Jackie or Richard,” he said, referring to UCP incumbent Jackie Lovely and NDP candidate Richard Bruneau, both running in Camrose.

However, Blayone says these other candidates “are too beholden to their parties,” and have to stick to the party line to remain in good standing with their power bases.

According to polling he is following, Blayone believes the province is headed into a minority government situation.

He hopes two or three Independent candidates will be elected to demand certain initiatives such as auditing Alberta Health Services and other government departments, ending nepotism in hiring practices, and holding town halls for public awareness and input.

“We could hold the balance of power,” he said, if enough independents were elected to office.

Blayone spoke of his disillusionment regarding previous parties he had volunteered with, including the Wildrose Party, UCP and, most recently, the Independence Party of Alberta.

He left this last party when it summarily removed former leader Pastor Artur Pawlowski.

“I’m done with political parties,” he said. “I

want to represent a community, that’s why I am coming to Camrose.

“We could open up discussion,” he said, and have town halls where people with knowledge in certain areas could talk with community minded people.

Blayone wants input from people other than the standard spokespersons for prevailing issues like climate change, the pandemic, and scientific responses.

“I give information, I don’t go out and stump it,” he said, and prefers “public open town halls (and) honest discussion with the citizens.”

Blayone also defends the oil and gas industry, having ran an oil and gas service company for 21 years (1993-2014) in Peace River. More recently, he said, the couple have been in Camrose.

“We’ve been renting for the past two months in Camrose,” he said, “but I’m looking for property,” in the riding.

With a daughter in Edmonton and a son in Calgary, he said the location was ideal.

After selling their oil service company in 2014, Blayone soon got involved in politics by volunteering for the UCP. His MLA Don Williams helped get him “inner circle access” where he witnessed the inner workings of a political party in action.

“It was an opportunity to receive an education on what happens behind the scenes in politics and government,” he said.

“I was so passionate about defending our oil and gas,” he said. He worked “behind the scenes,” adding: “I had no intention of being a politician.”

But when the COVID19 pandemic hit, Blayone said he “got really upset,” telling then premier Jason Kenney that the party had “an inner circle of power and the others (MLAs) were whipped.” Then he heard that “Covid wasn’t what it seemed to be,” but the government kept going with the same pandemic response.

“That’s when I shut the door to politicians,” he said, after being disillusioned, “from heavy handed governance of the UCP.” He left the UCP in 2020 and travelled across Alberta at his own cost for three years hosting town halls.

He tried joining the Wildrose Party but only stayed briefly. “I saw the top down heavy handed governance in that party,” he said.

Then he lasted a year in the Independence Party of Alberta before leaving for the same reason. “They were not listening to the membership.”

Now as an Independent candidate he wants to represent Camrose with no party affiliations to hold him back.

“I’ll challenge nepotism in government agencies, climate change/carbon tax fraud and the overreach of government and public health through Covid,” he said. “I’ll audit the government’s involvement with the United Nations global organizations WEF and WHO.” Blayone also promised to “hold transparent public conversations using town halls, surveys and polls, providing the people transparent discussion and debate.

“I’ll defend citizens

Independent Candidate Bob Blayone

from government overreach so that it does not supersede the people’s rights and freedoms personally, in business or on the farm.”

He also said that, “Albertans are facing serious challenges, as taxes, energy and food prices increase, people are struggling to make ends meet. It’s unacceptable to me that seniors, single parents and families are having to choose between heating their homes or food.

“Our healthcare system is ranked one of the most expensive, yet provides one of the lowest levels of service, as doctors and nurses are silenced in offering solutions.

“All government agencies are failing. It’s time we had an honest conversation and solved these issues.”

He noted that Independent MLAs are given dedicated time to speak in the Alberta Legisla-

Part 2 coming next week featuring WLC candidate Pamela Henson and we hope to get an interview from incumbent MLA Jackie Lovely.

ture.

And, if elected, he said: “I’ll ensure the voice of the people will be heard once again.”

23053WW0

Page 8 - The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, May 17, 2023

The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, May 17, 2023 - Page 9

Page 10 - The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, May 17, 2023

Ryley School market a total success with 27 vendors John Mather Staff Reporter

Ryley School hosted another very successful market this past weekend.

“The market has had its ups and downs as any market does,” said organizer, teacher and woodshop instructor Colin Bennion. “But around noon it was very busy.”

There were 27 vendors at the market.

He said the market was first tried last spring and it proved to be very successful.

“So we decided to host another one this spring and it has more vendors and a wider variety of goods for sale,” he said.

“It’s been great.”

He added there were tables offering woodworking products, woollen wear, student made materials, and gems.

The table run by the students featured goods all made or created by students at the school.

Profit from it went to help offset the costs of options at the school.

“We want to do what we can to not only offer a wide variety of options to the students but to reduce the fees for those programs wherever possible,” he said. “So the student table profits do go to do that. The tables fees each vendor has paid to be here also go to re-

duce the student fees.”

For next year, he said the wood shop fee had gone down by $10 per student which allowed the program to do more than it otherwise could.

The success of the market has led the organizers to decide to host a second market in the fall near the Christmas holiday period.

“We’re not sure of the date yet, because we haven’t set the school calendar,” said Bennion.

The Friends of Ryley School Society had a table at the market.

“We’re the welcoming committee,” said one of the ladies at the table.

“It’s been a tremendous market. There have been

surges of people coming out.”

The school ran the ac-

tual market but the Friends table ran some draws and games of

chance to raise funds for their projects that support the school.

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Ryley students work a craft table during the successful market held over the weekend by Ryley School.

Ryley petition receives more than enough signatures John Mather Staff Reporter

The petition being circulated in Ryley to have former Mayor and councillor Nik Lee removed from council has hit the necessary number of signatures.

Petition organizer Mickey Wilson said in a post late last week, he wanted to go over the petition again, but he was confident about 250 signatures had been obtained on the petition, 25 per cent more than was required.

Wilson added the petition, once he is satisfied the signatures are legitimate will be turned over to the Ryley Chief Administrative Officer Julie Brownridge so it can be officially verified against tax records.

At a Feb. 21 special council meeting Councillor Brian Ducherer was ele-

vated to Mayor and Councillor Lyndie Nickel was named Deputy Mayor replacing Nola Wood Herrick. Neither Lee nor Wood Herrick has attended a council meeting since.

“People have been asking if he has resigned,” added Wilson. “But I haven’t heard anything to indicate he has said anything to council.”

Wilson has been very satisfied with the positive response from the community to the petition.

“Democracy is a powerful tool in the hands of the people.”

It was recently pointed out that if the results were verified by the May 23 regular council meeting Ryley might be the first community in Alberta to invoke the new Recall Legislation which was added to the last rewriting of the Alberta Municipal Government Act a couple of years ago.

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The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, May 17, 2023 - Page 11

Holden Rural Academy Announces Brent Anderson as New Assistant Principal for 2023/24 School Year!

Holden Rural Academy is excited to announce the appointment of Brent Anderson to the Academy leadership team with his appointment to the Assistant Principal position for the 2023-2024 school year.

“On behalf of myself and the HRA board I can’t begin to explain how excited and happy we are to be able to have Brent Anderson join our team. We look forward to everything he has to offer to make our school even better!” says Justin Ewasiuk, HRA’s Board Chair.

Brent graduated from the University of Alberta/Red Deer College Collaborative Middle Schools program in April of 2000. He started his teaching career in 2000 in the small village of Amisk. He then moved to Ryley School in September of 2001.

During his tenure with Battle River School Division Brent was the athletic director and taught mainly Physical Education along with other option classes. Brent was most recently teaching grade 6 at New Norway School. Brent has demonstrated a passion for working with kids both in and out of the classroom and looks forward to joining Holden Rural Academy. Holden Rural Academy looks forward to Brent joining our staff and the contributions he will be making to the Academy and its community.

Page 12 - The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, May 17, 2023

RCMP Report Report of Tofield home broken into

On May 7, RCMP were called to assist fire with a complaint of someone having a fire in their backyard in Ryley. Police want to remind everyone to call and see if there is a fire ban on in their area before having any kind of outdoor fires.

On May 8, a company truck was stolen overnight from Ryley near 50th St. and 54th Avenue. The vehicle has since been recovered by Breton RCMP. No suspects at this time.

Another attempted theft of truck in Ryley occurred during this same time frame but thieves were unsuccessful. If you have any information in relation to these files please contact your local RCMP detachment or call Crime Stoppers.

On May 8, a fraud was reported to

police. A buyer agreed to purchase an item and sent the seller a certified cheque for more than the agreed upon price.

The seller brought the cheque to the bank and had the foresight to hold the cheque until it cleared. The cheque did not clear.

The buyer is no longer responding to the seller. This is a good reminder that fraud scams are continuing on a daily basis and buyers beware.

On May 9, a break and enter was reported from Ryley into a shed. No witnesses or suspects at this time.

Only one item was taken.

On May 9, another complaint of a stolen truck was reported from Range Road 170 and Township Rd 482 Beaver County. The keys were

left in the truck. The truck was recovered a short time and distance away. Please remove all sets of keys from vehicles when they are not being used.

On May 10, during the day time hours a home in Tofield was broken into. It does not appear anything was taken but the house was rummaged through. No witnesses or suspects at this time. Ensure all doors are locked when you are away from your residence.

On May 11, a report of a stolen flat deck trailer was received. Trailer was taken from a rural area near Rge Rd 203 and Twp Rd 501. No witnesses or suspects at this time, unsure exact date of the occurrence.

During the day on May 13, suspi-

cious persons at the Holden Esso were reported. Police attended and the suspects left in a vehicle. Vehicle was confirmed stolen.

A short time later, Viking and Killam detachment members were able to locate the vehicle and all three suspects were arrested with the assistance of the police dog service.

Charges are pending.

Several complaints were made this week in regards to teen bullying.

Parents talk to your teens about engaging in these kinds of scenarios and about appropriate behaviour.

Bullying can have a detrimental effect on some and is 100 per cent avoidable.

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A Free Weekly Publication Serving All of Beaver County Wednesday, May 17,16 2023, Volume 16,15 Issue 20 7 Wednesday February 2022 Volume Issue

Warner residence proclaimed historic site Patricia Harcourt The Warner residence north of Tofield, also known as Sunnyside Stock Farm, has been proclaimed a Municipal Historic Resource site.

Beaver County Council passed second and third (final) readings for Bylaw 23-1131 after motions respectively by councillors Lionel Williams (Division 2) and Barry Bruce (Division 4) were passed.

The designation process began last August when a local resident gave the county a Statement of Significance to consider the designation of the Warner residence as a municipal heritage site in the county.

The residence is located on SW 19-51-18-4 Pcl. f/s. At the time, no objections were made but Alberta Transportation offered a stipulation. The designation was alright with the department “as long as the designation does not prevent the owner from designating five additional metres for the Highway 834 widening project…as a condition of the designation,” explained Development Officer Jessica Post.

However, she added that, “The authority to consider and agree or refuse Alberta Transportation’s recommendations lies with council.”

Council passed first reading of the designation bylaw in January 2023. The NOI period was extended to allow for more time - 120 days- to consider Alberta Transportation’s comments upon a request by the applicant.

In April, Alberta Transportation advised council that they had no objection to the designation of the dwelling, buildings, and the land as legally described.

Post noted that, once an NOI (notice of intention) has been served on the property’s owner, “the site cannot be altered without council’s permission and is protected as if it was designated until either council passed the bylaw, revokes the NOI, or until the expiry of the 120 days from the receipt of the notice, whichever occurs first.” This ensures the property is protected during the designation process.

The Warner residence will be listed on the Historic Resources Management Information System, which provides a listing of all historic places designated under the province’s Historical Resources Act. The only other area within Beaver County which has this historic designation is the Viking Ribstones on the eastern side of the municipality between Viking and Kinsella.

Also, the Village of Holden has four buildings or monuments that have been designated as Municipal Historic Resource sites.

2 - Beaver County Chronicle, May 17, 2023

County approves Ag related appointments, chemicals for vegetation control Patricia Harcourt Beaver County Council approved several appointments at the May 3 regular meeting.

Council approved the Agricultural Service Board’s (AGB) recommendation to appoint Russell Hellekson to fill the available Producer-at-Large member position on the ASB. The position is a three-year term ending in May 2026.

The ASB made the recommendation April 18 after receiving multiple applications for the position advertised.

Council approved the 2023 vegetation control herbicide purchase of Clearview Vision Max and Halt from Veseris, and the purchase of Garlon RTU and Gateway Adjuvant from Advantage VM, for a total purchase of $85,696.

Every year, in preparation for the county’s Vegetation Management Program, a tender for the purchase of needed herbicides is prepared and posted, explained the county’s Agricultural Fieldman Jonathan Culbert, in his report to council “Quantities and selection of chemicals requested in the tender are based on existing service levels and previous years’ use/cost rates,” he stated.

“Due to the recent updates for the Purchasing Policy, and the overall cost of the chemical purchases, council approval is required to make this purchase.”

Tenders were reviewed by the agricultural fieldman, GM of Community Services and GM of Corporate Services as outlined in the said policy.

He added: “Overall, the pricing offered by both potential suppliers is relatively similar. Therefore, administration recommends that the purchase be split between the two potential suppliers based on product preference or, when possible, better pricing offers.”

Council also approved appointment of pest inspectors as preparation for the spring/summer work.

Council passed a motion to appoint Robert Young, Kyle Prest, Cameron Schoff and Jennifer Schoff as inspectors under the Agricultural Pests Act for 2023.

“The scope of this year’s operations plan will require that these inspectors be appointed,” said Culbert. “The employees recommended for appointment will all receive training in implementing the Agricultural Pest Acts.”

He also stated that both Aimee Boese and Culbert are employed by the county as Agricultural Fieldmen, so “their appointment is already addressed under the ASB Act.” The same four individuals appointed under the Pest Control Act, were also appointed to the role of Weed Inspectors including Young, Prest, Cameron Schoff and Jennifer Schoff.

Culbert said all four employees will also receive training in implementing the Weed Control Act, while himself and Boese are appointed as inspectors as well.

2023 3 CY CYCLE 1 GRANT PROG GRAM Our first round of grant funding for 2023 will be e closing on May 31. All Not-for-Profit community groups located withiin Beaver County that have a proj oject, event or activity that could use some s funding support, t, are encouraged to submit an application. Th his program is not for individuals or businesses.

Large capital projects do not qualify for this fu unding. For example, if your organization is developing a skate park, k, the e overall capital proj oject would not qualify, however an application for a bench located in the skate park would qualify. In addition, retroactiv ve funding of proj ojects and activities that have already been started or completed will not qualify.

If you have any questions about our bi-annual community grant n form, please contact program or would like to request an application our office at 780.663.2038 and ask to speak k with Anne or email connect@claystonew ewaste.com.

SPRING LARGE ITEM COLLECTION PROG GRAM CONTINUES ʶ˟˔ˬ˦˧ˢˡ˘Ϡ˦ ˟˔˥˚˘ ˜˧˘ˠ ˖ˢ˟˟˘˖˧˜ˢˡ ˣ˥ˢ˚˥˔ˠ ˛˔˦ ˦ ˦˧˔˥˧˘˗ʡ ˇ˛˘ ˥˘ˠ˔˜ˡ˜ˡ˚ municipalities are scheduled as below:

Monday, May 15 to Thursday, May 18ϞV Village of Ryley No curbside collection. Bring your item ms to the large bins located: x Old carwash beside Village OfficeϞ50 0 St & 50 Ave x Truck stop area close to the cardboard binϞ51 St & 50 Ave x Trailer park close to the 4 yd binsϞ53 3 St & 52 Ave x Grassy area north end of Village on n 57 Ave between 49 & 50 St.

Thursday, May 25ϞTown of Tofield Curbside pick up, large items must be o on the streetϞnot on your lawn or driveway

Monday, May 29 to Thursday, June 1ϞV Village of Holden No curbside collection. Bring your item ms to the large bins located: x Empty lot at 5024Ϟ50 St x Gazebo Park entrance located on 51 S St. x ʵ˘˦˜˗˘ ʵ˘˔˩˘˥ ʶˢ˨ˡ˧ˬϠ˦ ʧˬ˗ ˕˜ˡ˦ ˢˡ ʧ ʧʫ ˆ˧ʡ x West side of Public Works shop at 492 20Ϟ48 Ave Please note that if you are a resident of Ryley o or Holden and are not able to get your large item to the community y collection bin, during one of the four days the bin is in your municipallity, y, please call John at 780.663.2038 to arrange for a scheduled pickk-u up. You will need to get your llarge items to duled pick-up time it t your front f t street t t for f the th sched h d Rural residents can take their large items to ourr transfer stations year e acceptable at which round. Check our website to see which items are ase call our Collections location. If you have questions or need help plea Department at 780.663.2038.

Toll Free: 1.855.221.2038 Ph: 780.6 663.2038

FACT: Events that get Advertised in the Local Paper ALWAYS have Better Attendance.

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Landfill and Ryley Transfer Station Hours: Weekdays 9:00 am - 4:30 pm; Saturdays / STATS 9:00 am - 3:00 pm; Closed Sundays NOTE: customers must arrive at least 15 minutes prior to closing;

Lindbrook k Transfer Station Hours: Tues 10:30 am - 5:30 pm; Thurs 11:30 am - 6:30 pm; Sat 10:30 - 5:30 pm

Tofield Transfer Station Hours: Wed, Fri and Sat 10:30 am - 5:30 pm

Viking Transfer Station Hours: Tues 10:30 am - 5:30 pm; Sat 10:30 am - 5:30 pm

Kinsella Transfer Station Hours: Wed 11:00 am - 5:00 pm; Fri 11:00 am - 5:00 pm

Beaver County Chronicle, May 17, 2023 - 3

Beaver County approves road closures Patricia Harcourt Beaver County approved two road closures at their May 3 regular meeting.

County Council gave third and final reading to Bylaw 21-1113 for the closure and consolidation of Road Plan 3808TR located in the SW 1551-19-W4 off of Range Road 193. The 0.51 acres of land received first reading in November 2021.

A public hearing was held in December 2021 followed by council giving the bylaw second reading.

Development Officer Jessica Post explained to council: “Road Plan 3808TR is currently being used as the applicant’s driveway and sole access to their property. The applicants have occupied and maintained the road plan for many years and would like to include this in their titled parcel.

“An existing gate was placed across the road plan by the previous owners as the road ends at the applicant’s home,” she said. “The gate was placed to prevent the public from trespassing

onto their private property.”

Adjacent landowners have been informed, and affected utility companies. Post said neither Alberta Transportation or Public Works have any concerns about the road closure.

One landowner expressed concerns about the parcel being landlocked due to the closure.

“The concerns have been addressed with the construction of a new approach,” she said.

The closure means the applicant will use the property “as a driveway,” and “it will go into the applicant’s name,” she said.

Council also gave first reading to another road closure application. Bylaw 23-1136 refers to the closure of land legally described as South of S1/2 18-50-17-W4.

First reading is the initial step needed in the process of closing and consolidating the road allowance described in the RFD as Meridian 4 Range 17 Township 50. It adjoins the south boundary of SW 18-50-17-4.

“A majority of the road allowance is undeveloped and has been maintained by the applicant

for many years,” stated Post. “The portion that is developed is being used by the applicant to gain access to their approach.

“It does not appear to be utilized by any other members of the public,” she said. “The applicant would like to close and consolidate the road allowance with the two parcels to the north (SW and SE 18-50-17-W4).”

Alberta Transportation and Public Works have expressed no concerns have been expressed about the road closure, she added.

Post said the applicant “will pay fair market value for the land and will pay for any costs associated with this consolidation of the road into the land.”

Council held a closed session on this application after a request by Deputy Reeve Gene Hrabec (Division 3). After coming out of closed session, Hrabec’s motion to approve first reading was passed.

The usual process is to now hold a public hearing before determining if second and third reading should proceed at a later date.

4 - Beaver County Chronicle, May 17, 2023

The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, May 17, 2023 - Page 13

LOOSE ENDS

CERTIFIED SEED FOR SALE

Bits and pieces from the news

Carol Livingstone Tofield Mercury Columnist

Research has shown that intense working out for a mere six minutes daily can improve brain function and may delay the onset of dementia or other neurological conditions.

Gee, even I could do six minutes – or so I thought until I checked out their suggestions.

Like, run briskly up the stairs instead of using the elevator – I don’t have an elevator to use but ‘run,’ ‘briskly’ and ‘stairs’ in the same sentence is like blending fire and water. Or start dancing – I used to enjoy dancing in an-

other life where I was younger, skinnier and stronger so that I could drag Hubby onto the dance floor, if he’d had enough to drink. Ah, those were the days.

Now I only dance like no one is watching because I’m alone in the house and I stay within grabbing distance of a wall to lean on or a chair to fall into until the dizziness passes.

The longest I’ve done is a minute, two at the most, plus another 10 to recover. Does that count?

An elephant in the Berlin Zoo has taught herself to peel bananas.

Zoo keepers think this demonstrates that she is ridiculously charming. She hasn’t taught her daughter this new skill but I wondered, could she train a monkey to do that?

An American vegan has been told he can’t use the word ‘tofu’ on

his vanity license plate (LUVTOFU) because it could be seen as a reference to sex instead of admiration for bean curd. I don’t know how strict our vanity plate rules are in Alberta but I recall an attractive blonde in a cute little red car with SXEMAMA on her plate. Passing motorists did a lot of honking and waving, which may have explained why her children were wearing dark glasses and ball caps pulled low and slouched in their seats.

Rain was coming down so hard that it drowned out our son’s TV. He lives in the city, where grass fires haven’t been threatening to decimate homes.

Has Mother Nature lost her way? Quick!

Someone give that woman a GPS! Or maybe that clever elephant could teach her

how to read GoogleMaps.

79- year-old Robert DeNiro has just become a father for the seventh time. I have no words.

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Bardo Lutheran Church Salem Mennonite Church Pastor Calvin Andringa Sunday Worship Services: In Person – 10:00 AM Streaming – 10:00 AM Livestream available at: tofieldalliancechurch.com

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Pastor Peter Beckman Sunday Worship @ 10:30 am All are welcome!

Worship services can also be accessed online @

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Pastor Mark Loewen 780-662-2365

bardolutheranchurch.ca 780-662-3411

Sunday School for all ages at 9:45 am Sunday Worship 10:45 am

Tofield United Church

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Lead Pastor: Jon Stewart Children/Youth Pastor: Nathan Nichols Live Sunday Worship at 10:30 am

Sunday Worship Service @ 10 am in person or via zoom/phone

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www.tofieldchurch.com 780-662-3166 Services will be live streamed and available on our website/YouTube

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Page 14 - The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, May 17, 2023

Golden Seniors Club celebrates mothers

23053dd1

Tofield Golden Seniors' Club members (L-R) Lynn Hryhirchuk, head of social events, Jim Robichaud, treasurer, and director Gord Hryhirchuk served coffee and tea in addition to trays of cinnamon rolls and muffins at their Mother's Day tea on May 13.

JANA SEMENIUK PHOTO Jana Semeniuk Staff Reporter

Tofield Golden Senior’s Club members were hopping on May 13 serving nearly 50 people who filled the seats for their annual Mother’s Day Tea. A variety of muffins along with cinnamon buns and cheese were enjoyed by the crowd as they were served coffee or tea by the members.

President Doug Hiob looked on in astonishment at the big crowd. “(This) surprises me. I never would have thought (so many people would be here),” he said.

Head of social events for the Golden Seniors’ Club, Lynn Hryhirchuk said she isn’t surprised at all at the popularity of the Mother’s Day Tea. “We had 45 (come out) for our Valentines’ tea,” she said, adding that

their regular soup and sandwich events are also a hit. Hryhirchuk said the desserts are all homemade and you don’t have to be a member to attend.

In addition, Hryhirchuk said people are eligible to join the club as a member starting at the age of 50.

She said there’s a charge of five dollars to attend the Mother’s Day tea and the money is used for utilities.

“There’s no grants for utilities. In the winter one month it was $500 for gas and the next month it was $700,” she said. “We have to do fundraising or we wouldn’t survive.”

The senior’s facility can hold approximately 60 people.

Meanwhile, Hryhirchuk said the club has activities happening nearly every day.

“Everyday except for Friday we have something going on. We have

pool every morning, Monday is floor curling at the hall, Tuesday we have a social with tea to visit, Wednesdays the ladies get together to sew and quilt and we have cards on Thursdays. We play Whist, Euchre, Canasta, any kind of cards,” she said.

Hryhirchuk said the club’s next big event is their garage sale on May 26 and 27.

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OPINION

The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, May 17, 2023 - Page 15

Want to have your say?

Write a Letter: news.tofield@gmail.com

(all opinions must be signed to be published)

JOHN’S RANT

Let’s talk provincial election Two leaders, both fairly gifted speakers and quite good at home addressing a crowd.

There have been a lot of opinion polls trying to tell us which is the more popular with Albertans… Danielle Smith of the UCP or Rachel Notley of the NDP. With most of the Edmonton media firmly ensconced on the NDP bandwagon and Calgary Herald columnist Don Braid leaping into the Notley camp, no one feels Smith is the better leader.

Having met both Smith and Notley, I confess I like them both.

In a few interviews with Smith I’ve found her to be easy to talk to, down to earth, and she doesn’t put on any airs to try and talk above you. She’s a regular person.

Notley has a legal background and sometimes comes across as a little too legal beagle like, but again she is honest about what she wants and presents herself well in a crowd.

So many are calling Notley the more trusted leader because of some gaffes from Smith. People have spent quite a bit of research going back over the years to find any sound bites that Smith may have made which the oppo-

On the UCP side there is one candidate being sued and the UCP forced him to forgo the nomination, so he will now run as an independent.

On the NDP side there are activists, eco warriors and candidates who have said disparaging comments about the police and want to defund them. Others have easily referred to fellow Albertans as rednecks and slagged the energy industry which sustains this provincial economy.

While the UCP has dealt with problematic backbenchers in the past, the NDP seem to relish the controversy surrounding their candidates.

And NDP Leader Rachel Notley is only accepting questions from media outlets and reporters that she likes.

Shouldn’t a fully transparent and capable leader take questions from everyone, whether they are openly supportive of your party or not?

Cheap shots are praised and held up like badges of respect by Notley.

So who do you trust to have the better worker bees behind them as the leader of the province?

sition can use to make her look bad. And as she is a former radio, television and newspaper commentator there are a lot of sound bites out there.

Even fellow Conservatives like Ken Boessenkool and former Deputy Premier Thomas Lukaszuk have come out against Smith.

But in this election, as in all our elections, we don’t vote for just the leader. We vote for candidates in constituency.

Rachel Notley and Danielle Smith are two candidates running in two constituencies.

There are 85 other constituencies that have candidates for both parties, along with a smattering of other parties such as the Alberta Party, Wildrose Independence Party, and independent candidates.

These candidates will form the cabinet and be the backbenchers of the ruling government.

They are the worker bees of the government. They sit on committees deciding what policy should be enshrined as legislation.

So rather than just judge the two leaders, maybe some of the other candidates should be looked at as well to see whether they pass the so-called smell test.

JOHN MATHER

LETTER The paramedic evolution It is truly amazing how much the ambulance services have evolved over the years, from starting out as ambulance drivers to our present-day Paramedics; what used to just be a transportation of a patient to a hospital to now being able to bring the emergency room to a patient.

The profession first started by employing emergency vehicle operators (ambulance drivers) who had basic first aid training and brought nurses in the ambulance to the emergency, and then transported the nurse and patient back to the hospital.

Over the years the training changed, so that the EVOs would go to school to become Emergency Medical Technicians to gain the medical training required to provide the basic emergency care to those in need. The designation name was later changed from an EMT to a Primary Care Paramedic (PCP). A Primary Care Paramedic could then go back to school to become an Advanced Care

Paramedic, who has a much broader set of skills and can perform more advanced treatments. With all the extensive training, medical skills, and broad scope of medication administration, the ambulances of today are essentially a mobile emergency room, playing a much larger role in our current health care system.

If a person calls 911 with chest pain, an ambulance will come to their home, assess the patient, review the cardiac monitor heart tracing, consult a cardiologist and administer life saving drugs right there in their living room, and then transport that person to the University Hospital.

In an event of a potential stroke, the paramedics will perform the patient assessment, and if all the stroke criteria is met, they may meet up with the stroke ambulance from Edmonton who can do a mobile CT, or transport directly to the CSC (Comprehensive Stroke Centre) at the University Hospital in Edmonton to provide the best

treatment for the patient in that condition.

The paramedics often respond to vehicle accidents which can require them to aid in extrication, stabilization and treatment of a critically injured patient and have them transferred to a trauma hospital by STARS or by ground ambulance.

The extensive education and training the paramedics receive as well as the on-the-job critical thinking is what allows them to be able to act quickly to help those in medical need. This is why the paramedics of today are much more than “ambulance drivers” as they once were.

This week we ask that you thank a paramedic for all their dedication to helping those in need, they are available day or night to bring each and every person the best emergency medical care available.

Beaver Ambulance Society

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Page 16 - The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, May 17, 2023

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The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, May 17, 2023 - Page 17

Business & Professional Services Directory

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

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Page 18 - The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, May 17, 2023

L

THE LAMONT

Affordable Advertising with

The

Classifieds

CLASSIFIED AD RATES

$14 minimum for first 25 words, 45¢ per word thereafter (G.S.T. not included) PICTURE BOLD $10 $5 Go into The Community Press for an extra $5 WEEKLY REVIEW 780-336-3422 vikingreview@gmail.com

TOFIELD MERCURY 780-662-4046 adsmercury@gmail.com

LAMONT LEADER 780-895-2780 lmtleader@gmail.com ANNOUNCEMENTS ANNOUNCEMENTS Peter Kotyk Happy 90th Birthday May 15, 2023

3 papers for the price of 1!

FOR SALE FOR SALE

SERVICES SERVICES

ANNUAL CHURCH AND CEMETERY CLEAN-UP ST. JOHN NEPOMUCENE CHURCH - PRAGUE Wednesday, May 24 at 6:30 p.m.

Beverages and snack to follow

Large, quiet, non-smoking 2 bedroom apartment in Killam.

For viewing, call Chuck at 780-263-7290.

-255 Massey Ferguson with ease on Loader -12 Ft Ease on Disk -Buhler 740 Snow Blower -1952 Farmall MD restored -1934 10-20 McCormickDeering -1960 Fordson Dexta -350 International Diesel -John Deere 60 High Wheel Tricycle -Shop Equipment & Tools -Minneapolas 5-Star Tractor Restored & New Tires -1,200 Gallon Water Tank -Lawn Sprayer -Drill Press Call 780-385-8814 or 780385-8805 for offers.

20/24p

Grandpa Ken’s Photo Studio - Location Irma Business Centre.

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Portraits, Family, Weddings, Teams, and Individuals. No sitting fee. By appointments only. 780-754-3081. Email grandpakenps@gmail.com.

19/22c-4 ________________________ Carpet and Upholstery cleaning - residential and commercial.

Truck mount unit, sewer backup, and flood cleaning. Auto and RV Cleaning. Call John and Sheri at Fancy Shine Auto and Carpet Care at 780-3843087 ________________________ Ampcore Electric Andrew Erickson - Certified Master Electrician 780-254-0000 •Residential, Farm, & Commercial Wiring •New Construction •Renovations •Service Upgrades •All Electrical Needs ________________________ Roy's Handyman Services.

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Don't want to do it yourself? Give me a call!

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19/21c ________________________ ANNUAL MASS BLESSING OF THE GRAVES ST. JOHN NEPOMUCENE CHURCH- PRAGUE Saturday, May 27 Mass at 11 a.m.

Potluck lunch and fellowship to follow at Prague Hall 19/21c ________________________ 90th Birthday Party for Ruth Zelinski.

Sunday, May 21, 1 to 4 p.m.

Lunch & visiting.

Cake at 3 p.m.

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For a table call or text Terry @ 780-678-6131.

FOR RENT RENT FOR

Having a Garage Sale?

Put it in the Classifieds!

county

FOR RENT RENT FOR

OBITUARIES OBITUARIES Budney, Marvin Edward May 21, 1938 - April 21, 2023 With deep sadness we announce the passing of Marvin Edward Budney on April 21st, 2023 at the age of 84.

Survived by his wife Lillian of 52 years; brothers Lawrence (Alice), David, Dennis (Elaine), brother-in-law Howard (Jane - deceased) and sister Diane (Wayne); numerous nieces and nephews, cousins and one surviving aunt aged 98: Auntie Nancy Letawsky.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, May 26th, 2023 at 1pm at Good Shepherd Catholic Church 18407 - 60th Ave NW, Edmonton, Alberta.

House for Sale or Rent - 5316 - 57 Ave in Viking. 4 bedroom 2 bath. Large backyard with detached garage, across from playground. Available Oct. 31, 2023. No smokers, no pets, damage deposit required.

References required. $1,000/month rent. Call Dennis Bird at 780-336-2369 (house) 780-385-5689 (cell) or Laura at 780-385-2043 for more info! ________________________ 3 bedroom house with garage in Viking. Ph (403) 461-4350 ________________________ For Rent in Viking. 3 bedroom townhouse. Comes with fridge, stove, washer, dryer.

Includes all utilities except internet. Available April 1.

Call 780-336-6089 or 780336-6088

LIVESTOCK LIVESTOCK FOR SALE FOR SALE Registered Red & Black Angus bulls for sale. Call 780-986-9088 ________________________ Registered Polled Hereford Bulls, Yearlings, & Two Year Olds.

Guaranteed Breeder.

PMD Polled Herefords.

Paul 780-336-2675

20p

TM19-20c

20p

Lamont

COMING EVENTS COMING EVENTS

FOR SALE FOR SALE

Congratulations, Dad/ Geedo on this significant Milestone in your Life!

We hope you are Blessed with Good Health & Happiness!

Love Sylvia, Gordon; Terrylynn & Mervin, Blayne; Crystal & Gene, Kyle & Skye, Karissa & Matthew; Bonnie, Eric

EADER

Serving

If anybody is interested in getting any Spruce Trees, Brian’s Greenhouse U-Pick Fruits & Berries Farm has some available for a reasonable price.

They are $10 a foot must be potted. If interested, be at the site before May 23. After May 23 we will no longer have any trees. Contact Brian for appointments and directions.

The number to contact is 780678-0053 between 10 am to 4 pm Tuesdays to Thursdays, 10 am to 6pm Fridays and Saturdays, and 10 am to 5 pm Sundays.

20p ________________________ Brian’s Greenhouse U-Pick Fruits & Berries Farm is having a Closing Out Sale for the Greenhouse. Starts May 23.

We will have 50% off on all Plants, Perennials, Shrubs, Trees. All stock must go.

20/21p

SEED FOR FOR SALE SEED SALE Certified Seed For Sale. Oats: ORE3542M - newer milling oats variety. Available for pick up in Camrose or Tofield.

Brett Young: Forage varieties are available. Haralie Seed Farms. Harold & Errol Warkentin, Tofield, Alberta.

PH 780-662-2617, Cell 780405-8089 SERVICES SERVICES Painting Quality Residential and Commercial Interior Painting Betty Tkaczyk 780-632-8749 tfnp ________________________ Sue's Cleaning Service, professional cleaning, run errands, prepare meals. Over 20 years experience. Located in Holden area. call or text 780-221-7744 TM20-21p

WANTED WANTED Wanted - inoperable Massey Ferguson tractor models 2805 or 2775. Please call 780-945-7678 17/21p

The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, May 17, 2023 - Page 19

REMEMBER WHEN

The Graduation Group - Picture taken before Graduation Ceremonies held last Friday at Tofield Gospel Church. Tofield Mercury - May 11, 1993 CLUES ACROSS 1. Excited movements 8. Soap opera actress Patsy 13. Unknowing 14. Dangerous mosquitos 15. Exaggerated and sensationalized 19. Military policeman 20. Touch softly 21. Wrap 22. A story of one's life 23. Midway between east and southeast 24. Toward the mouth or oral region 25. A list of dishes available at a restaurant 26. Changes the meaning of 30. Semitic Sun god 31. Sneaker parts

32. Capital of Zimbabwe 33. Breezed through 34. Partner to pedi 35. Becomes less intense 38. Bottoms 39. Tested 40. Vistas 44. Take care of 45. Traditional rhythmic pattern 46. S. African political party 47. Cologne 48. Men 49. The Science Guy 50. Gospel author (abbr.)

51. Act of signing up 55. Human feet 57. A very short time 58. Streetcars 59. Cuplike cavities

CLUES DOWN 1. A type of pool 2. Malaise 3. Seasoned 4. A pair 5. Young male 6. Make a mistake 7. Experienced 8. It often accompanies injury 9. Old world, new 10. Commercial 11. Course of lectures 12. Promote 16. Female horses 17. Greek mythological figure 18. Small amount 22. Orthodox church altar 25. Actress Tomei 27. Excited 28. Looked directly at 29. Popular cold desserts 30. More reasonable

32. Disk above the head of a saint 34. Devoted to the extreme 35. Make an effort 36. It’s in the surf 37. Member of aboriginal people of Japan 38. Discounts 40. Cliff in Hawaii 41. Extremely wild person 42. All persons 43. Aromas 45. Popular kids' game 48. A difficult situation 51. Popular Georgia rockers 52. It’s in all living cells 53. Unspoken language 54. ‘Talk to you’ abbreviation 56. Influential lawyer

ANSWERS ACROSS: 1. BUSTLES 8. PEASE 13. UNAWARE 14. AEDES 15. MELODRAMATIC 19. MP 20. PAT 21. SARAN 22. BIO 23. ESE 24. ORAD 25. MENU 26. REDEFINES 30. SAMAS 31. LACES 32. HARARE 33.

ACED 34. MANI 35. ABATES 38. SOLES 39. TRIED 40. PANORAMAS 44. TEND 45. TALA 46. ANC 47. EAU 48.

MALES 49. NYE 50. MK 51. REGISTRATION 55. PEDES 57. INSTANT 58. TRAMS 59. CALYCES ANSWERS DOWN: 1. BUMPER 2. UNEASE 3. SALTED 4. TWO 5. LAD 6. ERR 7. SEASONED 8. PAIN 9. EEC 10. AD 11. SEMINAR 12. ESPOUSE 16. MARES 17. ARAS 18. TAD 22. BEMA 25. MARISA 27. ELATED 28. FACED 29. ICES 30. SANER 32. HALO 34. MONASTIC 35. ATTEMPT 36. BREAKER 37. AINU 38. SALES 40. PALI 41.

MANIAC 42. ANYONE 43. SCENTS 45. TAG 48. MESS 51. REM 52. RNA 53. ASL 54. TTY 56. DA

Page 20 - The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, May 17, 2023

Tofield celebrates graduating class of 2023 Jana Semeniuk Staff Reporter

The Tofield School graduating class of 2023 held their ceremonies at House Church on May 12 with 49 grads taking the stage and over 400 family and friends attending.

Emcee, Tofield School teacher Melissa Korpan, emphasized how proud the friends, family and teachers are of this year’s graduating class.

“They have grown so much over the last 13 years and they have become the amazing young adults you see before you,” she said.

“We are all here to celebrate you, Tofield School’s class of 2023.

Know that I, along with your school staff, your parents, your families, your friends (and) your community, we're all proud of you of all that you've accomplished and all that you'll become.”

Several speakers spent time giving praise to the grads in addition to advice on their futures.

Battle River School

Division trustee Lyle Albrecht, gave kudos to the students for enduring several changes over the past few years, including at-home learning during the pandemic, in addition to their being well prepared for the future.

“Whatever your plan is, know that you're up to the challenge because of the years spent here at Tofield School.

The staff have done their best to give you the tools to succeed in whatever path you choose, and education is something that you will always have, and can never be taken away from you,” he said.

Tofield Mayor Deb Dueck encouraged the students to own their futures and not to overlook the importance of volunteering.

“Many of you spent countless hours volunteering in our communities. This does not go unnoticed and I encourage you to continue being a volunteer wherever you end up,” she said. “The experiences or rewards from being a volunteer are

Tofield School graduate Duvan Arroyave leans forward while principal Zenovia Lazaruik traditionally moves his tassel from the right to the left.

many and there are a multitude of opportunities that can open up to you.”

Beaver County Reeve Kevin Smook shared scholarship opportunities with the grads as well as suggesting they keep their home town in mind as they embark on their futures.

“Whatever you decide, please remember that Beaver County, and Tofield are great places to work, live, and play. You will always be welcome here, please never forget that,” he said. “Remember that many of your parents, aunts, uncles, they commute from the city and they commute out here to live because it's a really cool place to live. It's a great community and you're all a part of it.”

Tofield School Valedictorian, Ainslee Steinwand, spoke to the history the students shared together over the last 13 years, the importance of community and friendship in addition to thanking parents and teachers.

“You have raised amazing people with all the skills they need to change the world, to the teachers. Be proud of the education that you have given us,” she said. “As we pick up

Graduate Victor Didusenko gives an animated greeting to Tofield School principal Zenovia Lazaruik as he walks across the stage to accept his certificate JANA SEMENIUK PHOTOS during the graduation ceremony on May 12.

the pen and make our own decisions, we all need to remember to smile. The future is exciting, and it is uncertain. It's not the past that matters, the steps taken to get you there.

We will do great things as we take on the world.”

The student’s Last Will and Testaments were delivered by graduates Rayden Henry and Davin Codd, providing a gentle ribbing of each student around several factors including their amount of facial hair, career choices, height and classroom habits, drawing laughter from the grads and the crowd.

Student chair of the grad committee, Jordyn Charlesworth, deliv-

ered a heart-felt thank you to each person who helped to coordinate the graduating ceremonies in addition to the banquet.

As graduates walked up to receive their certificates from principal Zenovia Lazaruik, retired Tofield School teacher Mr. Dave Gunderson, read out the name and future plans

of each graduate which included several different career choices such as veterinarian, teacher, biologist, business owner, welder, and dental hygienist.

Immediately following the ceremonies, grads along with their families and friends gathered for a dinner banquet at the Tofield arena.

Graduates listen on during the ceremony. Pictured above (L-R): Kiera Andrews, Alise Anderson and Christian Amirault.

Tofield School 2023 graduates toss their caps into the air in celebration at the conclusion of their ceremony.

The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, May 17, 2023 - Page 21

More scenes from Tofield Grad Photos provided by Carla Lehman Photography www.carlalehmanphoto.ca

Kylie Lungal

Braydon Oancia

Jackson Gates

Rayden Henry

Jessica Hill

Kaylen Desrosiers

Hannah Hood

Breanne Stewart

Logan Gray

Cody Kuflay

Jordyn Charlesworth

Jordyn Olson with Brodie Mercredi-Ochitwa following

Page 22 - The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, May 17, 2023

Touching moments as fallen classmate honoured during Tofield grad ceremony Jana Semeniuk Staff Reporter

While Tofield School students celebrated their 2023 graduation May 12, they did not leave behind a fallen classmate. Damion Dee, 17, was slated for graduation this year but tragically passed away this past Oct. In honour of Dee, an empty chair was placed on stage, among the graduates, with a rose and a graduation cap lying across the seat.

Battle River School Division trustee Lyle Albrecht addressed Dee’s empty chair during his speech to the graduates.

“I would like to commend this class for honouring the seat that is empty. It is vacant and I choose the word vacant because by no means is it empty or void. It is filled with memories and interactions to (help us) carry on,” he said.

As students Rayden Henry and Davin Codd gave the last will and testament for grads, a humorous take on the students themselves as they finish high school, they did not leave Dee behind.

“And Damion Dee leaves Tofield School as the best-looking ginger in the class,” she said, her words met with thunderous applause before asking for a moment of silence to further honour Dee. Retired teacher Dave Gunderson, read the names and future aspirations of each student, including Dee, as graduates walked across the stage to accept their certificates from principal Zenovia Lazaruik. Dee’s parents, Pam and Chris, accepted the certificate on his behalf.

“Damion didn't know what he wanted to do after high school. Some days he wanted to work. Some days he wanted to travel. And some days he thought about university,” said Gunderson.

“His potential was endless, just like everyone else in his grad class. Regardless of what his classmates plan on doing Damion's family hopes that his classmates bring Damion with them on their journeys. Keep kindness in your hearts and show off your weirdness and be unique.”

Tofield School principal Zenovia Lazaruik spoke to the support students displayed for each other after the loss of Dee as well as the lasting effect Dee has on Tofield School.

“This has been a tough year for our school community,” said Lazaruik.

“With the loss of Damion, these graduates displayed immense empathy for their classmates, their school and their community, traits that Damien shared. Empathy and friendship were at the forefront of his demeanor. Damien will always be part of Tofield School, once a Titan always a Titan.”

An empty seat, left for fallen student Damion Dee who tragically passed away this past October.

JANA SEMENIUK PHOTOS

Tofield School principal Zenovia Lazaruik presents Damion Dee's graduation certificate to his parents Pam and Chris. Damion, 17, tragically passed away this past October.

The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, May 17, 2023 - Page 23

Join us on the 'Empty Your Backpack’ Speaking Tour Cross Canada speaking tour helping youth unpack their beliefs, redefine their self-worth and embrace their authentic selves.

a presentation of FIRST

Thursday May 18th Daysland Palace Theatre at 6:30 pm

4th annual automotive meet automotive swap Swap meet

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Page 24 - The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, May 17, 2023

Outstanding Estate Auction For the Late Jack & Sandra Ladouceur Sat May 27 2023 10:00am / Major Items Sell: 1-1:30 P.M. Viewing/Sale Preview: Friday, May 26/ 10-4 P.M. Please Note: All items to be removed by Wednesday, May 31- 5 p.m. Sheds are exempt; Free Loading available for 4 days until May 31 5:00pm

Location: 64131 Highway 855 Buffalo Settlement West of Hylo on Highway 663 to 855 then 11 km South or north of Smoky Lake on 855, 45 km.

Yard (Brief & Partial Listing): *J.D. 214 Riding Tractor w/Mower Deck, 42 Front Blade, 36 Rototiller *Yard Machine 15.5 H.P. R/Mower w/42 Cut *Small Lincoln Arc Welder *V. Good Selection of Power & Hand Tools *3X3 Welding Table w/Vise *Heavy Drill Press *Hyd. Jacks *J.D. 57 Mower/Parts *Kodiak 4x4 400 Quad, Parts *Port. 2 Ton Engine Hoist *Garden tools *Approx. 50 7 Fence Posts *Various Plastic & Metal Drums *Tractor Weights *New Barbed Wire *Quad. Trailer *3X5 Util. Trailer *Tires & Rims*4 1/2X7 Skidoo Trailer *Bennett Farm Wagon *Tool Chests, Sand Blaster, Plus Numerous Other Items Equip. & Buildings, Old Vehicles, Scrap Iron, Etc.: *Cockshutt 560 Diesel Tractor w/E. On #100 F.E.L. w/5 Bucket & 7 Blade Runs needs some work *12 Livestock Panels & 2 Side Gates *30 Custom Built Pipe Bale Wagon; not complete *Approx. 16X70 Cattle /Metal Clad Horse Shed 11 High Approx. *16X16X8 Cattle/Horse Shed (Both to be moved & arranged w/executor) *12Fibreglass Boat *Extended R.T. Bennett Wagon*(2) Antique 50ties I.H.C. Truck Bodies-Quant. of Older Part Vehicles *Lots of Scrap Iron, Dump Rakes, Augers, Horse Mowers, Etc. Antiques & Collectibles: (Very Brief & Partial Listing): *Violins *Gramophone *32X70 China Cabinet *Admiral Record Player *3 Radio Cabinet *Small Air Planes *Hundred+ Die Cast Cars *White China Cabinet & Hutch *Small Barn w/Weather Vein *4 Horse Small Chuck Wagon; Brass w/Clock * 4 Horse Small Chuck Wagon w/Green Color *Ice Thongs *Hay Knives *Metal Gas Cans*Lots of Cds *Hundreads of License Plates *W/Plows *Saws*Butter Glass Churn*(2) H. Turn Cream Separators *4 Com. Fishing Nets *Various Wood Boxes *Tractor Seats*Hand Wringer *Wooden Tobbagen *Beer & other signs *(2) Doctor Bags*Various Jugs *Tobacco Tins *Broad Axes *Clippers & Razors *Bottles *Lots of Tonka Trucks, Etc. *Approx. 1000 Spoons; (3) Show Cases *Lots of Lanterns *Various Knifes Machetes *Various Bells *Singer Treadle Sewing Machines *Finlay C&W Heater *Lots of Wooden & Steel Wheels *Industrial German Reef 130 Sewing Machine *Etc. Horse Goods & Related: *Black Democrat w/Reach* Single Democrat *Project Democrat *Black w/Red Democrat & Reach *4 Wheel Democrat & Reach *4 W Democrat w/double seat *Custom Built 1 Horse Wagon *Red 4 wooden Wheel Wagon *Red 4 Wheel Wooden Wagon w/Wooden Grain Box *Mid Size Complete Horse Harness *(7) Saddles *Lots of Tack, Halters, Bridles, Etc. *Horse Collars *Harness Parts *Etc.

Sale terms: Cash or Cheque w/Bank Reference if unknown to staff. No Charge Cards or Debit. Full Settlement day of Sale. No Buyers Premium. G.S.T. charged where applicable.

Please inspect all items before bidding. All items sell as is-where-is with no warranty or guarantee as to description or condition. Not responsible for accidents on or off property.

Once an item is sold it immediately becomes the responsibility of the purchaser. Neither the owner or auction firm are responsible for safe keeping.

Andruchow Auctions Ltd. (780) 456-1210 16135 99 Street, Edmonton, AB. License and Bonded since 1974

www.andruchowauctions.com

Hummingbird Landscaping and Concrete Ltd. Concrete Work • Shop floors • Garage floors • Patios • Sidewalks Call Ernest Rudy 780-632-1792