Many attend Tofield Remembrance Day ceremony
Kari Janzen Staff Reporter
Every seat was filled and the walls of the Tofield Community Hall were lined with people who came out to attend the Tofield Remembrance Day ceremony on Tuesday, Nov. 11. The marching parade left the Tofield Legion at 10:30 a.m. and marched to the hall, passing the cenotaph at the Town Administration building along
the way.
The Master of Ceremonies was Comrade Paul Shaw, Tofield Legion president.
The ceremony began with the March of the Colours, led by the bagpipes played by Comrade Chris Warren.
Tofield councillor and pianist Jennifer Durrant led in the singing of the national anthem. The Last Post was then played, followed by a minute of silence, the
Reveille, and the Lament. Shaw read the Act of Remembrance.
Comrade Jim Warren
read ‘The Poppy,’ and sea cadet PO 2nd Class Ferguson read John McCrae’s ‘In Flanders Fields.’ Two hymns were sung; Abide with Me and O God, Our Help in Ages Past. A collection was taken for the upkeep for the Wall of Honour at the Tofield Cemetery.
Local dignitaries and representatives partici-
pated in the laying of the wreaths.
Reverend Carolyn Woodall gave the bene-
diction. The ceremony concluded with the singing of God Save the King and the Retiring of the Colours. A light lunch was provided at the Tofield Legion following the service.
KARI JANZEN PHOTO
A large crowd filled the Tofield Community Hall on Nov. 11 for the town’s Remembrance Day ceremony, which featured a parade, readings, hymns, and wreath laying in honour of Canada’s fallen. Master of Ceremonies Comrade Paul Shaw, Tofield Legion president.
Great community turnout for Cornerstone fall supper
Cassandra Lundbek Staff Reporter
Cornerstone Christian Academy (CCA) in Kingman, which serves students from Kindergarten to Grade 12, hosted its annual Fall Supper on Saturday, November 8. With better weather than last year, the event saw a strong turnout. With approximately 150 tickets sold, the tables were full for the community supper.
Principal Alan Welde emphasized the social
benefit of the event, saying that “the supper is a community builder. We enjoy having a meal with our community members and school supporters.”
The atmosphere was lively and friendly as guests mingled among familiar company. The meal itself was a highlight, completely homemade.
“Volunteers from our Board and school community made a delicious meal of ham, Tuscan chicken, and a variety of
vegetables and desserts,” said Welde.
Tables were invited to the buffet line in the order that their tickets were sold, making for a smooth serving process.
Providing the evening’s musical entertainment was Three and Company. The group has been performing together since 2000, and their 2008 project, I Believe, achieved significant recognition when it was selected as the Southern Gospel Album of the Year at the Gospel
Music Association Canada’s awards in Calgary.
The Fall Supper serves as a major fundraiser for the Academy.
“This is one of our two major fundraisers. The other event is the Spring Banquet and Auction, which will be held in March,” Welde said.
The funds raised from these events are vital, as they are “used to purchase school resources
and contribute towards building maintenance and bus expenses,” Welde said.
The supper raised approximately $10,000 through ticket sales and donations, which the school will use to balance its budget.
“We have budgeted to raise approximately $12,000, or 8 per cent of our year’s total budget, through fundraising and donations to balance our
books,” Welde said.
“The Board was pleased to announce that CCA’s mortgage will be paid in full within a few months, and we are very appreciative of the hard work and donations that have made this possible.”
The Board also announced it has started the recruitment process for a replacement principal, as Welde is retiring in June 2026 after 44 years of teaching.
Three and Company was the evening’s entertainment.
The Tofield School girls played 2 rounds against STCA and lost the first round 25-14 and lost round 2 with 25-23. Photos are from game action.
Above: Tori Clenin with a saving bump.
Bottom Left: Libby Kyle spiking the ball.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22nd
Doors Open @ 6:00 pm
COLTON KUFLAY PHOTOS
Keira Helfrich spiking the ball.
Tofield Mayor, Council, and CAO sign civility pledge
Kari Janzen Staff Reporter
Tofield mayor Adam Hall brought forward a civility pledge, drafted by Town of Tofield Administration, for discussion at Council’s regular meeting held Monday, Nov. 10. Hall said that he felt that it would be a good idea for Council to consider committing to a set of standards since the Provincial government repealed all municipal codes of conduct through Bill 50 earlier this year, with a replacement code of conduct yet to be introduced.
“The first item of new business is something that I requested to have added to the agenda for discussion, and not to implement tonight, but to discuss and then rework if we need to,” Hall said.
“You will all remember from organizational training that there is no longer a code of conduct that we are held to. You will also remember that (the Provincial government) said that they didn't know when or how that would come back. And so, as I started pondering it, it made sense to me that maybe we could look at something that we could pledge to one another,
that we would conduct ourselves in a civil manner as councillors, and understand that there will be times where we have differing opinions, but that differences of opinions does not mean that we take it outside and throw punches or something like that,” Hall said with a laugh.
Hall said that he met with Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Jeff Edwards to discuss the idea, and Edwards drafted a Pledge of Civility for both Council and for the CAO.
“Prior to the election,” Edwards said, “I had reached out to our legal firm to ask about our ability to reinstate the councillor code of conduct policy, and we are not able to reimplement the policy, as the Province has prevented our ability to do so. As Mayor Hall had mentioned, that also revokes the Council Code of Conduct bylaw as well. So, there is nothing in place for municipalities,” Edwards said.
Hall asked to hear Council’s thoughts, whether they liked it, didn’t, or wanted to see changes.
“I really like this,”
Deputy Mayor Brenda Chehade said. “I was concerned at the meeting
when (the government) said that they were taking the code of conduct away. I love the wording in this pledge; it's really well written. I'm very much in favour of this,” she said.
Councillor Dustin Terpstra agreed, Councillor Jennifer Durrant said she 100 per cent agreed with what Chehade said, and Councillor Elaine Taylor said she liked the proposed pledge.
The pledge states that council members “will always strive to conduct debates - whether in person, online, or in written communication - in ways that allow for the widest range of opinions on ideas and policies, yet also respect the dignity, integrity, and rights of those with whom we might disagree,” pledging to listen first, respect different opinions, be courteous, disagree constructively, and debate the policy, not the person.
The full pledge can be found on the Town of Tofield website, in the Nov. 10 agenda package. Edwards also said that a pledge has not been made to the community by the CAO, which he is happy to do.
“To be quite open, I am very happy to have that provided as well, be-
cause that is not only my commitment to the council members, but it is my commitment to the community also,” he said.
Key components of the CAO pledge include a commitment to “conduct myself as your chief policy advisor in an honest and ethical manner, provide advice, on all issues, which is professionally sound, ethical, legal and in accordance with the policies and objectives of council, and to admit to any mistakes of substance made by myself or my staff and take corrective action.”
Hall asked Edwards if the pledges should be brought back to the next meeting to be signed, or if it could be done that evening if Council were in favour.
“You have two choices within this capacity. One would be to have a motion to have this brought back to the next meeting, or if Council is prepared to sign it this evening, you could do that as well. It is at the discretion of Council,” Edwards said.
Chehade moved that Council sign the pledge at that meeting. Hall asked for any comments or concerns on the mo-
tion, and Taylor brought up the fact that Durrant hadn’t been able to read the pledge before the meeting, due to an undetermined issue with receiving the agenda through email earlier.
“I've been speed reading it really quick,” Dur-
rant said, “and I’m in agreement with the wording of it. I'd be happy to sign it tonight.”
The motion was carried unanimously and the mayor and all councillors, and the CAO, signed the respective pledge of civility.
Twp 530 on the west side Lamont County, Alberta
POSSESSION: 12 noon on December 15, 2025
CONTACT: Tender packages can be picked up or emailed. Please call Kuzyk Law Office at 780-632-4552 OR email: maryann@kmlawyers.net
Holden Council determines local board appointments
Kari Janzen Staff Reporter
Council for the Village of Holden held a special meeting on Monday, Nov. 10 to appoint the newly elected council members to the local boards and committees. The agenda item had been deferred from the organizational meeting held Monday, Oct. 27 so that the councillors could first attend the regional council presentations and joint council orientation later that same week.
Council decided to remove Battle River Alliance for Economic Development from the list of boards and committees. Councillor Alan Ramshaw was appointed to the Beaver
Ambulance Society with Councillor Tammy Hill as alternate.
Mayor Carl Marsh and Deputy Mayor Tyler Beckett were appointed to the Beaver County Intermunicipal Committee, with Councillor Shawn Cole appointed as alternate. After much discussion, Beckett was appointed to the Beaver Emergency Services Commission with Hill as alternate.
Hill was appointed to Beaver Foundation with Beckett as the alternate, Ramshaw will represent Council on the Claystone Waste Public Advisory Committee with Marsh as the alternate, and, as is often held by the mayor and deputy mayor, Marsh and Beckett were appointed to the Beaver
Support your local food bank this holiday season
Kari Janzen Staff Reporter
The Tofield Mercury has officially launched its annual Fill the Tree fundraising campaign for 2025, in an effort to encourage the community to consider donating towards the Tofield Ryley and Area food bank this Christmas season.
What started out as a small front counter campaign decades ago has grown into a major fundraiser for Caribou Publishing newspapers. Each paper raises funds for its own unique food bank, which benefits hundreds in Beaver, Flagstaff, and Lamont counties.
Last year Tofield Mercury readers and customers stopped in or sent cheques as we filled the tree and raised $3,080. The total raised from all Caribou papers was over $30,000. This season with food banks low on supplies, the goal
Regional Partnership Committee.
Hill will represent Council on the Beaverhill Players Society with Cole as the alternate.
In the past, Council used to appoint two members and two alternates to the Farmer’s Day Planning Committee but this year Council decided to reduce the representation on that board to one member and one alternate, and those positions will be held by Cole and Hill, respectively.
Hill was appointed to the Go East board with Ramshaw as alternate. Marsh, as mayor, was appointed to the Her-
your vehicle brought to
itage Resources Committee with Cole as alternate.
Marsh was appointed to the Highway 14 Regional Water Services Commission with Beckett as alternate.
Ramshaw will sit on the Holden Agricultural Society board and Cole will serve as the alternate.
Hill will represent the Village for the Holden Community Hall Association with Beckett as the alternate.
Ramshaw and Beckett were appointed to the
Holden Economic Development Committee with Hill as alternate.
Cole will represent the Village on the Holden Historical Society (Museum), with Marsh as the alternate.
Hill was appointed to both the Holden Library Board and the Northern Lights Library System (NLLS), with Ramshaw as the alternate for NLLS, as alternates are not permitted on the Holden Library Board.
Marsh was appointed to the Intermunicipal Development Planning
Committee with Beckett as alternate.
Cole was appointed as the member for Studio 14 (The Gallery) and Marsh was appointed as alternate.
Cole was appointed to the Tofield and Area Health Services Foundation with Hill as alternate. Ramshaw was appointed to the Viking/Beaver Family and Community Support Services board with Hill as the alternate. The next regular meeting of Council is scheduled for Monday, Nov. 17.
is to match or exceed that amount.
Those who donate $20 or more will receive a tax receipt, and all contributors will have their names added to the on the Fill the Tree promotional page that is printed in the paper each week. As the number of names grows, so does the amount of money for the food bank.
“Thanks to our amazing readers, every year seems to get bigger and better. We know times are tough for many Canadian families and there’s never more pressure than during the holidays,” said Eric Anderson, Tofield Mercury Associate Publisher.
Cash donations are already being accepted at The Tofield Mercury office. Donations can also be mailed to Box 150, Tofield, AB, T0B 4J0. Cheques should be made payable directly to the ‘Tofield Ryley and Area Food Bank.’
- 52 Ave.
You can choose where your vehicle is taken for repair unless:
• Your vehicle is impounded
• You’re unable to express your wishes or
• You don’t have written emergency instructions
JOHN’S RANT OPINION
November is shaping up to be a crossroads month for our province. Several things may or may not happen which will direct where Alberta goes in the future.
Firstly, we have the federal budget which was handed down last week. It, to me, was not a positive budget, even though several potentially positive benefits for our province are mentioned.
And this is something I really have trouble coming to grips with.
We elected our politicians because we expect them to lead. And that’s whether we elected them at the federal, provincial or municipal level.
Yet when given the task of preparing a budget which will direct spending, it is very hard to pin them down to what will happen.
The industrial carbon tax “could go up” if certain conditions were to occur. And if that happens then the emissions cap “could be removed.”
Why can’t the politicians and creators of the budget say what will happen with any more clarity than “could happen”, “If such and such occurs” or maybe.”
Don’t we elect them to lead with authority.
Can’t they be positive and pass a budget that has black and white statements rather than a bunch of gray statements that may occur or maybe they won’t.
The only thing that could be construed as positive is there will be an increase in military spending which will take several years and we don’t really know the concrete outcomes of the initiative.
We also know the government wants to give more money to the CBC to study putting an entry into the Eurovision competition.
To this I have to ask why? The very thought of this makes me cringe.
Do Canadians really care about Eurovision? Seems more like a vanity project
to me.
Now, as the budget was being dropped, a pair of Conservatives decided they wanted out of the party.
One from Nova Scotia said he was disappointed by the leadership of Pierre Poilievre. And the Nova Scotian former Conservative decided to join the Liberals… wonder what he was promised?
The second member to leave the Conservatives was Edmonton Riverbend MP Matt Jeneroux. He said he resigned to follow up on pressing family matters, not anything to do with the Conservative leadership style.
But that didn’t stop the Facebook anonymity gang from slagging him stating he was pressured and bullied by the party brass so he resigned.
And those same anonymous bunch further say there’s lot’s more Conservative’s willing to do the same. So clearly the Conservatives will have to clear the air in their party.
But, I would also say the honeymoon with Mark Carney is rapidly drawing to a close and that marriage isn’t looking too stable.
He’s gone from elbows up and fighting for Canada against the U.S. tariffs to pretty much full blown capitulation.
The vote on the budget is a couple of weeks away and while the Conservatives and Bloc Quebecois will likely reject it, the NDP will likely give it support.
And knowing the Liberals only need three MPs from the NDP or Greens to side with them, it is likely to pass.
Since it doesn’t really promise anything positive for Alberta, separatists will probably use it as an excuse to ramp up the rhetoric. And the UCP has some issues of their own.
Carney promised to deliver answers on the B.C. coastal tanker ban and possible pipeline development by the Grey Cup.
Our Premier Danielle Smith has been
Alberta and Feds are heading to the crossroads
holding back criticizing the budget too much because she wants to see what Carney will do.
Well, that deadline is this weekend. What’s it going to be, Mr. Prime Minister?
Your answers could further ramp up the separatist rhetoric.
And then there's the UCP AGM at the end of the month. Apparently separatists are buying memberships to stack the AGM to force a vote on a separatism referendum.
Many are angry that party president Rob Smith voted with Smth to not put a direct referendum question on the AGM agenda.
So they want to raise it from the floor of the convention and are also running one of their own, Darrell Komick, to seek the party presidency.
One more thing.
Several MLAs are the subject of recall petitions leading to speculation on whether the government might move to rescind the recall legislation passed only a few years ago.
Expect this to be discussed in the workshops and social gatherings at this week's Alberta Municipalities Convention in Calgary.
Both Smith and NDP leader No-need Nenshi will be making speeches to this gathering of Alberta municipal representatives.
So if all these scenarios play out to the detriment of Alberta’s future prospects by the end of the month, it will be very interesting and possibly very scary to see just what occurs in our province during the next year. It’s a worrisome time.
JOHN MATHER
Letter: Proud, prosperous Alberta
Dear Editor,
Alberta’s separation from Canada is not just prudent—it is a moral imperative for our children’s future. Yet too many of us remain shackled to a dying dream: the “old Canada”, where Ottawa seemed fair. That Canada is gone, replaced by a regime that bleeds us dry while mocking our values.
We still transfer $25 billion net annually to a federation that uses our money to buy Quebec’s votes and Vancouver’s condos. Ottawa’s net-zero fanaticism has shuttered refineries, killed nearly 200,000 energy jobs since 2015, and turned Calgary skyscrapers into ghost towers. Our youth flee to Texas and Tennessee, where taxes are low and opportunity real. Here, they inherit waiting lists, tuition debt, and a carbon-taxed future.
The saddest sight? Retirees clutching their meager CPP/OAS cheques, terrified of change, willing to mortgage their
grandchildren’s birthright for a few “secure” dollars today. There is no reason why these deserved monies could not be increased in an independent and prosperous Alberta. The current pension cheques were built on Alberta oil, yet they vote to keep the boot on our neck.
Independence means keeping every dollar we earn, slashing income taxes 40%, building pipelines in short order, not decades, and creating a $500-billion Heritage Fund that actually grows. We have the resources and the grit.
To the comfortable pensioner clutching yesterday: your nostalgia is betrayal. Alberta’s children deserve a country that fights for them—not one that sells them out.
It’s time to choose: a proud, prosperous Alberta, or a slow death in Carney’s (Trudeau’s) Canada.
Kerry Anderson Publisher Lisa Kuflay Manager Reporter Reporter Office Assistant Michelle Anderson Payroll Administrator Crystal Moren Production Kari Janzen Reporter
Paul McKinstry Kingman, AB
Canada Post delivers plan to feds on moving forward
Leslie Cholowsky Staff Reporter
Canada Post has provided the federal Minister of Government Transportation, Public Works, and Procurement
Joël Lightbound with a “comprehensive transformation plan,” which the Corporation says, “details the decisive action the Corporation is prepared to take to deliver the services Canadians need in a way that is financially sustainable.”
“These changes include converting the remaining households to community mailboxes, modernizing its network of post offices, amending service standards for letter mail, and reducing overhead costs.”
The Corporation was given 45 days to submit that plan back to the Minister, which was done this past Monday, Nov. 10.
Canada Post says its
Back on Sept. 25 the federal government made some amendments to long-standing rules governing the post office and mail delivery, and then asked the corporation to implement “concrete changes that respond to today’s rapidly changing environment and avoid becoming a recurring burden on taxpayers.
proposed plan also supports the Minister’s direction to ensure postal service remain accessible to all Canadians, particularly those in rural, remote, and Indigenous communities.
Doug Ettinger, President and CEO, Canada Post, says, “The comprehensive plan we have submitted responds to our challenges and modernizes the postal service to support today’s economy while serving all Canadians.
“While our situation requires that we act with urgency, we will be thoughtful and respectful in our approach and responsive to feedback.
“Canadians deserve a postal service that is strong, stable and focused on meeting their changing needs, and we are focused on delivering that.”
The Corporation says that going forward, it will be guided by a set of five principles, which are: prioritize service, proceed thoughtfully, treat employees with respect, keep Canadians informed, and to be flexible.”
Canada Post says, “We will continue to collaborate with the government on our plan, now that we have submitted our proposal.
“Canada Post looks
forward to sharing the details of its transformation plan with customers, employees and all Canadians once it is finalized and endorsed.”
CUPW, the union representing postal workers, said on Friday that it continues to meet with federal mediators in an effort “to explore negotiated solutions that part parties can agree to with the assistance of the Federal mediators. Our goal remains to get negotiated collective agreements that can be ratified by the membership.”
CUPW noted on Friday that Canada Post’s 45-day deadline was
nearing, adding, “But we still haven’t had a full, public and transparent mandate review to hear from all stakeholders.”
CUPW says that the changes announced by Lightbound in September will result in “devastating cuts to postal services and good jobs which will harm communities and businesses, especially in rural, remote, and Indigenous areas as well as seniors and persons with disabilities who make up over 40 per cent of the population.”
CUPW did not immediately respond to Canada Post’s Monday statement.
Ethan Neufeld Student Reporter
On Friday, Nov. 7, the Government of Alberta asked Albertans to share their own personal views on increasing the speed limits on select highways.
There is a survey available online to vote if the government should increase speed limits on various divided highways by 10 km/h, from 110 km/h to 120 km/h.
“Alberta’s government is investigating how to safely increase speed limits on divided highways, and if Albertans support increasing speed limits.
“We are investing more
than $1.5 billion this year alone to improve highway safety and upgrade infrastructure across the province.
“We want Albertans to be able to drive the speed limit that the highways are designed for.
Modern vehicles combined with public awareness mean we can explore higher speed limits,” says Devin Dreeshen, Minister of Transportation and Economic Corridors.
This survey gives Albertans the opportunity to give their own personal opinion on whether the government should
begin to modernize the Albertan highways, including their views on restricting commercial trucks from using the farleft land in three or more lane highways.
After a review on the survey results, the government plans on doing a “mini-trial” of 120 km/h speed limit highways, which will monitor the impacts of higher speed collisions and strongly
monitor driving behavior.
The Alberta Government reminds drivers to drive according to the weather conditions, as these limits are set for ideal road conditions, and motorists should slow down if the roads are icy, wet, or have reduced visibility.
To participate in this survey, visit https://www.alberta.ca/di-
vided-highway-speed-limitincrease-survey and include your opinion before Dec. 12.
Tofield Boys Volleyball play St. Carlo Acutis Catholic High School
The Tofield Titans Senior Boys played STCA and lost round one, 2518 and round two, 2512. Above left: Joseph Woodruff sets for a teammate. Left: Brent Hanasyk with a
COLTON KUFLAY PHOTOS
bump. Above Right: Gavin Lutz going for a block
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (AGM)
BEAVER COUNTY SEED CLEANING CO-OP
BEAVER COUNTY SEED CLEANING CO-OP OPEN BY APPOINTMENT ONLY
BEAVER COUNTY SEED CLEANING CO-OP September & October Open by appointment only
BEAVER COUNTY SEED CLEANING CO-OP For Sale: Common Seed Oats, Pony Oats and Barley
Held @ 7 p.m. on Tuesday, December 2nd @ the Holden Complex COFFEE & DONUTS WILL BE PROVIDED
Serving all the farms, ranches, acreages and towns in Beaver County Bruce, Holden, Kinsella Ryley, Tofield, Viking
Phone 780-688-3917 • Holden, AB
Phone 780-688-3917 • Holden, AB November
Phone 780-688-3917 • Holden, AB
The Beaver County Chronicle
A Free Weekly Publication Serving All of Beaver County
Wednesday, December 4, 2024, Volume 17, Issue 49
Wednesday, November , 2023, Volume 16, Issue 46
WednesdayFebruary162022Volume15Issue7
Wednesday, November 12, 2025, Volume 18, Issue 45
New and returning Battle River School Division Trustees sworn in
County agress to release legal opinion on BESC shared services agreement with stakeholders
Patricia Harcourt
After discussion, Beaver County Council has agreed to release the redacted legal opinion of Brownlee LLP dated Aug. 12, 2025 regarding the Beaver Emergency Services Commission (BESC) shared service agreement. Also released would be the required inter-municipal collaboration framework.
The documents would be released to the Beaver Region urban municipalities and to BESC itself. Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) for Beaver County Kayleena Spiess gave a report to county council at their first post-election regular meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 5.
She said administration sought a legal opinion after questions from county councillors arose concerning BESC,’s shared services agreement with the county, and amendments made to the Municipal Government Act
(MGA) concerning inter-municipal collaboration frameworks.
On Aug. 20 of this year, the legal opinion was reviewed in closed session at the Governance and Priorities Committee (GPC).
“The legal opinion is protected from disclosure under the Access to Information Act, but it is to the Beaver Region’s advantage to review it when amending its inter-municipal collaboration framework,” stated Spiess.
The Beaver Region is composed of the four urban municipalities of Tofield and Viking, and Holden and Ryley, plus Beaver County.
After its review, the GPC passed a motion recommending that council authorize administration to share the legal opinion with the Beaver Region urban municipalities and the Commission (less a section about governance risks).
A request was made Oct. 8 that administration seek clarification on the release of the legal opinion.
“The lawyer’s response cannot be shared in open session due to its privileged nature,” said Spiess, “but has been provided to council confidentially under separate cover.”
The motion to accept the recommendation for the redacted legal opinion to be presented to members of the Beaver Region and BESC was made by Deputy Reeve Lionel Williams.
The motion was passed with a vote of 4-1 with Councillor Dale Pederson (Division 5) opposed. Pederson gave no reason for his stance prior to the vote.
The legal opinion will be shared through CAO Spiess to the towns of Tofield and Viking, the villages of Holden and Ryley and BESC. These municipalities are all members of the Beaver Emergency Services Commission.
Hubert & Margaret Graham
PHOTO SUPPLIED
Battle River School Division's new Board of Trustees were sworn in at their organizational meeting on Monday, Nov. 3. From left: Ward 1, City of Camrose and Board Chair Patrick McFeely, Ward 1, City of Camrose new
member Valerie Sims, Ward 2, Beaver County returning member Lyle Albrecht, Ward 3, Camrose County and Vice Chair Karen Belich, Ward 4, Flagstaff County new member Deanna Maertz.
IMPORTANTDATES
December17
9:30AM-12:00PM-GovernanceandPrioritiesCommittee Meeting
1:00PM-4:00PM-RegularCouncilMeeting
STOP DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
Novemberis FamilyViolence PreventionMonth
Everyonedeservesto feelsafe,respected, andloved.
Nooneshouldhaveto liveinfear.
GETHELP24/7
Online:alberta.ca/safetychat
CallorText:310-1818
KeepinTouch
NotonFacebook?There’sother waystokeepintouch.
NOTICETOPROPERTYOWNERS
PREPARATIONOFTHE2025ANNUALASSESSMENTFOR 2026TAXATION
Pleasenote:Duetotheongoingpostalstrike,BeaverCountyis providingthisnoticeonlineandthroughalternatechannels. TheAssessmentDepartmentwillbeginconductingproperty inspectionsfor: Developmentpermitsissuedin2025,and Developmentsfrompreviousyearsthatwerenotyetcompleted. Theinspectorwillbevisitingpropertiestoverifyandcollectdataon neworexistingdevelopments. Thisworkhelpsensurefairandequitablepropertyassessments throughoutBeaverCounty. Ifyouhavequestionsorconcerns,pleasecontacttheAssessment Departmentat825-385-0055.
TheClaystoneWaste Facebookpageiswhereyou willfindserviceupdates,grant programinfo,jobpostings, andmore!
ScantheQRcodetofindus, likeus,andgiveusafollow!
Ifyouneedmoreinformationon ourwastemanagementservices, pleasecontactus!
Phone:780.663.2038
TollFree:1.855.221.2038
Email:info@claystonewaste.com
Billing:ar@claystonewaste.com Website:claystonewaste.com
OPENTENDER
BeaverCountyiscurrentlyacceptingsubmissionsforthe following: TEN2025-16INFR-NEWASHPALT DISTRIBUTORTRUCK Closes:December2,2025@10a.m.Local time
Pleasefindcompleteinformationforall requestsonourwebsite>Business> RFPs,Tenders,Leases&Sales
2025COUNTYCONSTRUCTIONSCHEDULE
CulvertMaintenance April1 Nov1
Patchingoilroads May1 Sep29
Hard-SurfaceLocations
Constructedinthefollowingphases: Phase1(P1): Cement, Phase2(P2): ChipSeal1stLift, Phase3(P3): ChipSeal 2ndlift, Phase4(P4): FinalsweepofChips.
KingswayEstates-501 May12 May16 Complete
RgeRd202betweenTwp502&504 May19 May30 Complete BeaverCreekEstatesNorth-50514RgeRd202 Jun2 Jun4 Complete
RgeRd200fromHwy630tocampground entrance&HoopersDr Jun5 Jun9 Complete
WhisperingHillsEstates-51308RgeRd195 Jun10 Jun14 Complete
RgeRd200fromHwy630toBlackfootGrazing ReserveEntrance Jun16 Jun24 Complete Twp492approx.1.72kmseastofRgeRd170Jun26 Jun27 Complete Twp490betweenHwy857&RgeRd142Jul2 Jul25 Complete
Twp490betweenHwy870&RgeRd120Jul28 Aug22 Complete TwpRd512fromRgeRd191toHWY834Aug25 Sep3 Complete ShoulderPulls
RgeRd200fromHWY14toTWPRD500 Sept9 Sept30 TwpRd492fromHWY834toRgeRd192 Oct1 Oct9
RgeRd173from430meterssouthofTwpRd 500andTwpRd492 Oct10 Oct24
TwpRd484fromHWY855toRgeRd164 TBDTBD
Gravelling Mar13 Dec22
HamletRoadRehabilitation(ExactDatesTBD)
Bruce -MainStfromrailroadtracksto4Ave th OctOct
Kinsella -MainStfromHWY14to3Ave rd OctOct
Kinsella -2AvefromMainSttoKingSt nd OctOct Completed InProgress Scheduled Delayed
WHENCONSTRUCTIONISCOMPLETE
Whenall four phasesofupgradesare complete,roadswillbesmootherand longerlastingforallusers.Tohelpkeepthemintopcondition,pleasefollow theseguidelines: Roadbansremaininplaceforaboutoneyear. Noloadingorunloadingontheroadway.
Avoiddrivingheavyortrackedequipmentontheroad—usealternate routesorhaulroads.
ReportdamageorunsafeconditionstotheBeaverCountyServiceCentre.
BeaverCountyiscommittedtoprovidinga safe, injury-freeenvironment foremployees,contractors,visitors,andthepublic.Roadconstructioncan createhazardssuchasheavymachinery,dust,mud,gravel,asphalt coatings,androckchips.Weapologizeforanyinconvenience—roadswith themosttrafficrequirethemostmaintenance. Thankyouforyour patienceandunderstandingduringconstruction.
SECONDLAYEROFCHIPSEALINCOMING
Constructioncrewshavebeenworkingtoupgradethefollowingroad: TWPRD512fromRGERD191toSECHWY834
Thislocationwillsoonbegintoreceivethesecondlayerofchipsealand theremaybedelaysasworkcrews'directtraffictoworksafely.Therewill bemanylooserocksafterthesecondchipseallayerisappliedandspeed limitswillcontinuetobereducedonthisroaduntilthefinalsweepis complete.
WHATARESHOULDERPULLS?
Thisworkreclaimsgravelfromtheroadedges,restorestheroadshapeforproper drainage,andimprovesoveralldrivingconditions.Duringthisprocess,residents maynoticetemporaryroughsurfacesandroadequipment.Weaskdriversto slowdown,watchforsigns,andgivecrewsspacetoworksafely.Formore information,visittheRoadMaintenanceFAQontheBeaverCountywebsite.
QUESTIONSORCONCERNSABOUTROADS?
PleasecalltheBeaverCountyServiceCentreat780-663-3730.
Saturday,November15,
2025AtTheHolden Complex
Steak$32
SteakandShrimp$37
Mailinglist
Children’smeal(BurgersandHotDogsonly) 12+$10,6-11$5,5andunderfree Supper5-7.30pm LiveAuction7.30pm SilentAuction5-LiveAuctionEnding FreePublicSkating5-8pm
ForFurtherInformation Pleasetext/callLucy780-781-6014
Getnews,meetinghighlights,theroadconstruction schedule,theChronicle,andmore-directtoyourinbox!
Website InformationonCountyprogramsandservicescanbe foundonourwebsite,alongwiththelatestnews.
Reeve opposes dog leash rules in animal control bylaw vote
Patricia Harcourt
Newly elected Reeve
Gene Hrabec refused to support the county’s revised Animal Control Bylaw #25-1180 at Beaver County Council’s Nov. 5 meeting.
Hrabec said the rules for dogs in the proposed bylaw were “an overreach” in rural areas of the county, such as in his Division 3.
Administration had asked that the bylaw be given all three readings to put it into law. First and second reading each passed 4-1 with the single opposing vote being that of Hrabec.
However, to allow a third (and final) reading to take place at the same council meeting, a unanimous vote in favour was necessary. Hrabec also voted against this motion so the bylaw will be carried over to another coun-
cil meeting for final reading.
Deborah Juch, General Manager of Community and Protective Services, stated the bylaw is being updated to accommodate a change in the provision requiring the leashing of dogs in the county.
The existing bylaw states that the animal’s owner shall “ensure the dog is on a leash and in control at all times when off property.”
Juch said that legal counsel advised that to ensure the intended effect, the provision should state: “The owner of a dog shall… ensure the dog is on a leash and under the control of a competent person at all times when off the owner’s property.”
Juch felt this change was not a controversial one so the reworded bylaw could have all three readings done at one sitting of council. She said
the changes were “for clarification and enforcement purposes,” only, and the entire bylaw had been passed earlier on Jan. 16, 2023.
It was determined no changes to the bylaw were needed after a review by the Governance and Priorities Committee in the spring of this year.
However, “recently discussions with legal counsel determined that one provision of the bylaw was potentially unenforceable simply due to the grammar as it was written,” said Juch.
Referring to the ‘dog on a leash issue,’ clarification was needed “to make it enforceable.”
But Hrabec opposed the new wording when it came to controlling dogs, especially in rural areas of the county.
Hrabec said that this “question of the responsibility of dog owners,” was
Non-residential tax incentive changed to align with MGA
Patricia Harcourt
Beaver County Council gave second and third reading to the county’s new Non-Residential Tax Incentive Bylaw #25-1178.
The new council finalized the bylaw which had been given first reading before municipal elections took place in October.
A Business Incentive Grant Policy had been passed in 2017, which provided a grant for new or expanded commercial or industrial development over a three -year period. The grant was akin to receiving a reduction in taxes of 75 per cent the first year, 50 per cent the second year and 25 per cent the third year.
However, changes to the provincial Municipal Government Act (MGA) after this required that such tax incentives such as deferrals or exemptions must be achieved through bylaw instead of policy.
Margaret Jones, manager of Legislative Services, stated: “The proposed bylaw includes all the policy guidelines,” with two amendments included.
One amendment was putting in a provision for
an application fee to be included in the county’s Fees, Rates and Charges Bylaw.
“At this time, no fee is specified in the Bylaw; however, the provision for it can still remain in the Non-Residential Tax Incentive Bylaw in the event a future council decides otherwise.”
Plus, “The proposed Bylaw indicates that the development or revitalization will be ineligible for the tax exemption if it has already commenced,” said Jones.
“This will encourage the developer to obtain all necessary permits, complete the work in a timely manner, and will also mitigate a risk to the developer that the Bylaw is revoked before the development can be completed,”
Jones also stated that the county assessor has been processing applications under the policy, an authority carried over into the new bylaw. Council is to hear any appeals to decisions made by the assessor, which is the chief administrative officer (CAO) or a delegate.
But if council decided it
directed mainly at the subdivisions and hamlets in the county.
But he saw it as “a bit of an over reach for the rural areas.”
Juch explained that the bylaw “is complaint driven,” and county officers would react differently if they encountered a wellcontrolled dog being walked off-leash, as opposed to a dog that is running onto other people’s property and isn’t under control.
A motion by Councillor Kevin Smook (Division 1) for first reading of the revised bylaw was then passed.
In favour of the bylaw, Smook said the bylaw “looks like a one size fits all,” adding: “People should be able to control their dogs,” and he didn’t want dogs on his property without his permission being given.
Hrabec countered that the bylaw “over steps in the rural,” and he did not support it.
wants to make decisions on applications instead of the CAO or delegate, an amendment to the bylaw would be necessary.
First reading took place on Sept. 17 prior to the October municipal election.
“Council passed first reading of the bylaw but requested that administration review the rate of the tax reduction incentive,” said Jones. “Corporate Services researched the tax incentives provided by the county’s rural and urban neighbours.” Jones attached the results of those comparisons for council to peruse.
“The county will update its public communication regarding the tax incentive,” Jones said.
Councillor Kevin Smook (Division 1) made a motion for second reading of the tax incentive bylaw for non-residential, and Deputy Reeve Lionel Williams (Division 2) made a motion for third reading. Both motions were passed by council.
Also passed was a motion by Councillor Dale Pederson (Division 5) to rescind Policy #ADM-028 Business Incentive Grant.
Deputy Reeve Lionel Williams said he didn’t “see anything specific here that is not suited to rural (areas).”
Hrabec replied that he did not see any issues in his rural area, suggesting there be a separate bylaw specifically for the hamlets and subdivisions only that leaves out the rural areas.
Hrabec also had a concern regarding the community peace officers and their discretion mentioned earlier by Juch in deciding what behaviour to enforce regarding dogs.
But Williams said the language in the bylaw says enforcement is “in the opinion of the peace officer.”
He added: “They need to have leeway to make decisions on their own like that,” referring to the CPO’s exercising discretion.
“So I am for it,” said Williams.
Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Kayleena
Spiess also defended the bylaw, reminding council of a recent incident “in the bush,” adding: “Incidents happen all over the county and bylaws should be for the entire county.”
Smook added that a bylaw just aimed at subdivisions would not work as these subdivisions are surrounded by farmlands that must also have controls in place if an animal is running at large.
Division 4 Councillor Shawn O’Shea added his voice of support for the bylaw before Councillor Dale Pederson (Division 5) made a motion for second reading of the bylaw. The motion passed 4-1 with Hrabec opposed.
A motion by Williams to allow for third reading failed 4-1 (Hrabec once again opposed) as it must be unanimous to pass. The county will have to vote on a third and final reading as a stand alone motion at a future meeting. At this vote, unanimity will not be required.
COUNTRY SUPPER
Alberta January diplomas and Grade 9 PATs cancelled
Vanessa Poitras Staff Reporter
The Alberta Government has announced
that students will not be required to write
January diploma
exams or January
Grade 9 Provincial
Achievement Tests (PATs) this year, due to classroom hours lost as a result of the teacher
strike
Students may opt to write January diploma exams in April or June 2026 on a voluntary basis, although the government says that there will be no impact on
students’ ability to graduate or transition into post-secondary programs if they choose not to.
"To ensure students and teachers can concentrate on learning after lost instructional time due to the teacher strike, Alberta’s government has cancelled the January 2026 diploma examinations and Grade 9 PATs The cancellation will not affect students’ ability to apply to, be accepted by, or attend post-secondary institutions," a news release from the Province said Students who choose not to write at a later date will receive their school-awarded mark as their final official course mark. The cancellation of provincial exams applies to all school authorities provincewide.
Tofield Satellites
win first game of the season
Tofield Satellites (1-3-
0) won its first game of the North Central
Hockey League senior season on Saturday
with a 7-6 overtime win over Westlock at
Tofield Arena
Conor MacLean scored the winner with
35 seconds remaining in OT
Satellites were losing 6-5 in the third frame when Ty Yoder scored his 5th of the season from Landon Van Engelen to send the game
into a extra time The goal was Ty’s second of the game Conor MacLean got a
hat trick in the contest.
Other scorers were; Austin Lightning, and Carson Pewarchuk (1g 1a). Assists went to; Dylan Powell, Kole Gable, Matthew Tateson, Landon Van Engelen (2a), and Cody Taylor Braedyn Funke got the win in goal
Ty Yoder leads the Satellites in scoring at this point in the season with 5g 2a for 7 pts Carson Pewarchuk and Landon Van Engelen have six points each
On Saturday, Lacombe will visit Tofield Arena
OBITUARIES
Carol Chernyk
The family of Carol Chernyk are saddened t o announce her sudden passing on November 1, 2025 a t t he age of 68 years. Carol leaves behind her beloved partner Bob Kozack and is also survived by her siblings, J ohn, Pa t ric k (K aren ) and F ran k (D onna ) as w ell as her nieces and ne p he w s : D allas, Ma t he w , R achel, Cassie, Kevin, Byran, Jason, Clayton, Ralynn and Nicole. She will be dearly missed by her family and friends
She is predeceased by her parents Gene and Virginia, her first husband Eugene and her sister Betty
Carol owned and operated Mom’ s Ice Cream Corral in Tofield for over twenty years . S he em p loyed many in t he community over the years and took great pride in service to others
A celebration of Carol's life will take place on Friday, November 14, 2025 at 1 p.m. at the Tofield Community Hall (5309-50th St.) in Tofield, Alberta. Memorial dona t ions t o Ma p lela tt e
A nimal S hel t er S ocie t y in B eaver
County (www.mass-care org) or charity of one ' s choice
Weber Funeral Home 780-662-3959 www.weberfuneralhome.ca
Marie Westmancoat
It is w i t h bro k en hear t s t ha t w e announce the passing of Marie H elen Wes t mancoa t (Hutchinson) aged 90 on November 3, 2025 in Viking, Alberta with family by her side. She was a beloved wife, mother and grandmother known for lending a helping hand anyway she could
Marie is survived by her three sons; Barry (Tamme), Mark, Philip (Tanya); grandchildren Natasha and Myles and her adopted daughter Tanya; grandchildren Chloe and Kylaine. Her brother L eonard (U rsula ) and sis t er-in-la w
Olive
She is predeceased by her husband Brian, her parents; Leonard and Jean and her brothers Lester and Bill
Born in the Ryley area, Marie attended Bathgate school where her Aunt Ethel Pe pp er w as t he t eacher . S he of t en helped her in the winter to keep the fires going. After finishing at Ryley school, she moved to Calgary to stay with her Aunt Mary Birch. Initially she worked at the Bank of Montreal while attending secretarial school. She then went on to work at Pitney Bowes, an office equipment company
Marie married B rian in 1959 and moved back to the family farm in 1962
There she kept busy with the egg business, a large garden and working at Stats Canada. An avid Square dancer and founding member of the Swinging Beavers, both her and Brian danced at numerous clubs over the years, winning many badges
Marie retired to Tofield, spending her time traveling and being an active member of both the Ryley Sunshine Club and t he Tofield G olden C lub w here she played cards and even won gold at the Alberta Senior Games
Marie touched the lives of many and will be dearly missed by family, friends and the community
Cremation has taken place, and a celebration of her life is to be planned in the spring.
Weber Funeral Home 780-662-3959 www.weberfuneralhome.ca
PRICING
$20/wk for the first 35 words 45¢ for each additional word 4 Papers 16,000 readers
ANNOUNCEMENTS
COMING EVENTS
Lougheed Agricultural Society Annual General Meeting
Monday, November 24
Lougheed Community Hall
Doors open 5:30pm. Supper 6pm. AGM at 7pm. Please come and see what we as a society are planning and if you are interested in being a part of it, call or text 780-385-0752 to RSVP.
45/46c
Flagstaff Scottish Club Annual General Meeting will be Sunday, November 23, 2025, 2pm at the Clubhouse in Sedgewick. 4402 47Ave. All interested folks are encouraged to attend. Dinner to follow. Please call Ian Malcolm for more information and to RSVP for dinner at 780-390-0096.
Killam Baptist Church
43/44c
Christmas Supper and Program, Sunday, December 7th at the Killam Community Hall. Doors open at 5pm, Supper at 5:30pm. Special guests "The Farmer and Adele" will bring a program of Western Gospel music. All ages welcome. For tickets, please call the church 780-385-3607
45/47c
GALAHAD LIONS CLUB Turkey BINGO
Monday Dec 1st
Galahad Agriplex
7:00 PM
CLASSIFIEDS
FOR SALE
15 Go-Go Bingos, 1 Bonanza, 1 Door Prize. Master Card $5.00 45/47c
Heisler Elks Turkey Bingo
Monday, Nov. 17
At Heisler Community Culture Centre
Doors open 6:30. Bingo at 7:30. 15 Games for $5
Door prize on advance tickets Bonanza to follow
Forestburg Concert Series Presents Twilight Time - A Tribute to the Platters and Doo Wop Saturday November 15 @ 7:30 Forestburg Community Centre Concert Sponsor: Coutts Home Hardware Ltd. Tickets at Door : $35.00 18 and Under : Free Info Phone: 780-582-3668 or 780-582-2181
FOR SALE
INTEGRITY POST FRAME
BUILDINGS since 2008 BUILT WITH CONCRETE POSTS. Barns, Shops, Riding Arenas, Machine Sheds and more, sales@integritybuilt.com 1-866-974-7678
Steel Seacan Storage 10ft x 40ft, 3 Double Doors White. Year 2024. No Rust nor Damage. Original Owner. Seacan condition will compliment all Yardsites Located: Lamont / Bruderheim $9,800. Ph: 780 940 2984 39/51p
WHITE SPRUCE TREES: 5’ average $50. Installation ONLY $19. Includes: hole augered, Wurzel Dip enzymes injection, bark mulch application, staking. Minimum order 25. One-time fuel charge: $150 - 250. Crystal Springs. 403-820-0961. albertasprucetrees.com.
Saskatoons, frozen, 4 litre bags, $25.00. Call or text 780-893-5490. Delivery possible. TM44-47P
FOR RENT
Small Commercial Room For Rent
Perfect for hair, esthetics, lash, office etc. Own parking, separate back entrance. Bathroom for you and clients, water access in room. Minimum one year. 4912 52 Ave TOFIELD, AB Message if interested. Please text 780-672-4033 TM45-46P
MEMORIAL
In Memory of Dyan Payne
Nov. 15th is 20 years since the day we lost you, and for a time it felt as though our lives had ended, too. We hide our tears when we say your name, But the pain in our hearts is still the same. What we shared will never die, It lives within our hearts - no lie; Although we smile and seem carefree, There's no one who misses you more than we.
Forever missed, Evelyn and Megan
REAL ESTATE
½ Section Pastureland NE 35 & NW 36-41-10-W4 located south of Hardisty in the Battle River valley at RR 101 & TWP RD 420. Fenced, cross-fenced, mix of seeded and tame grass with large dug-out, pumping system, full power on site with gravel revenue. Call Mike Golka REMAX River City 780-914-9889
MLS#’s E4447511 & E4447499 tfnc
SERVICES
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!
Murray Cholowsky Flagstaff Taping & Texturing Call or text at 780-385-1251
Main Street 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.
PRICING
$20/wk for the first 35 words 45¢ for each additional word 4 Papers
16,000 readers
SERVICES
——————————-
PRIVATE MORTGAGE LENDER.
All real estate types considered. No credit checks done. Deal direct with lender and get quick approval. 403-543-0927; www.firstandsecondmortgages.ca.
————————————————
ALL YOUR PRINTING NEEDS with Caribou Publishing (owner of your local paper) From Business Cards to Books and everything in between! production.cp@gmail.com
————————————————
Be prepared for winter power outages.
GENERAC Generators
It’s not just a Generator, it’s a Power Move.
Receive a free 5-year warranty with qualifying purchase - valued at $535 Call 587-803-3600 to schedule your free quote!
————————————————
CLASSIFIEDS
NOTICES. EVENTS. ANNOUNCEMENTS. THANKS. MEMORIALS. SALES. RENTALS. REAL ESTATE. GIVE AWAYS. & MORE!
SERVICES
Leave the tanks at home. Inogen Portable Oxygen Concentrators Convert the air around you into medical grade oxygen. At just under 3 lbs, Inogen lightweight and compact portable oxygen concentrators easily deliver your prescription oxygen on-the-go Call Us Now. 1-833-997-1719
Say “NO” to cleaning out your Eavestroughs. Protect your home with LeafFilter. Call now 1-888-483-0274. Use Promo Code: 285 to get 20% Off your entire purchase
————————————————
Transform Your Bathroom and Change Your Life. SafeStep Walk-In Tubs or Walk-In Showers For your FREE Information Kit and Our Senior Discounts, Call Toll-Free 1-866-922-0705
SERVICES
Painting
Quality Residential and Commercial Interior Painting. Betty Tkaczyk 780-632-8749
WANTED
FIREARMS WANTED FOR OUR 2025 AUCTION PROGRAM: Firearms, Ammunition, Accessories, or Militaria. Collections, Estates or single items. For Auction, or Possible Purchase: Contact us: 1-800-694-2609, Email: sales@switzersauction.com or Visit us @ www.switzersauction.com for Auction Dates & Details. ————————————————
WANTED: Looking for 1970-1971 Barracudas and 1969-1970 Chargers, in any condition. Running or not. TOP PRICE PAID for 6-pack or Hemi car. Call 306-221-5908.
Crossword
Donations for our FILL THE TREE Campaign! The Community Press, Tofield Mercury, Lamont Leader, and Weekly Review are once again raising funds for our Food Banks at Christmastime! We don’t keep a dime, help support a great cause!
FOR ALL GOLD & SILVER COINS, JEWELRY, BARS, INGOTS, NUGGETS, GOLD Dust, Dental Gold, Bullion, Sterling Silverware, plus anything made of gold or silver!
Covering ALL OF ALBERTA, and I can come to you! I also purchase coin collections!
Ryley School Remembrance Day Ceremony
Ryley School students, staff, families, and local dignitaries attended the school’s Remembrance Day ceremony on Thursday, Nov. 6 in commemoration of those who contributed to Canadian freedom.
Special guests in attendance included Ryley Legion president Gordon Pope and other Legion members, Battle River School Division board trustee Lyle Albrecht, Ryley mayor Steph Dennis, Holden mayor Carl Marsh, and Beaver County Division 3 councillor and reeve Gene Hrabec.
“Remembrance Day is more than a moment of silence,” principal Maria Schaade said, “it is a reminder of our shared responsibility to ensure that the lessons of the past are never forgotten. It is an opportunity to reflect on the importance of peace, respect, and an understanding of our world and our daily lives here at school and in our community.”
Saige Vanstone and Gabby Romaniuk were the emcees of the ceremony, and read the land acknowledgment. The Grade 1/2 class led in the singing of the national anthem.
“This year is the 80th anniversary of the end of World War Two,” Pope said. “We don't have any veterans left from that time. We do have a veteran’s wife, Mildred Stensrud, who is the last surviving wife of a veteran who served in World War Two, from Ryley.”
Retired veteran Doug Harbak shared an overview of his career with the students.
“I was in the graduating class of 1974 here in Ryley. In the 60s and 70s, the Canadian Airborne Regiment was stopping in Ryley on the way to and from training in Wainwright. I saw the soldiers’ uniforms and their equipment, their weapons, and I was hooked,” Harbak said.
Throughout his career, Harbak went on a sixmonth United Nations peacekeeping tour to invade Egypt, served five years in Germany during the Cold War, and two years in China.
“I had very satisfying career; one that I will never regret. The travel opportunities were immense, all around the world, and it is a great learning experience for a person who doesn't mind taking orders and accepting authority,” Harbak said.
Jakob Reimer laid the wreath for the First World War, Elise Boettger laid the Second World War wreath, Shanalee Campbell laid the wreath for the Korean War, Blakely Hellekson laid the Peacekeepers wreath, Dannieka Hofer laid the wreath for Current Missions, and Axton Squires laid the Ryley School wreath.
Grade 9 student Emmie Kischook read ‘In Flanders Fields.’ Two junior high student presentations, an essay and poem, were read by Alyson Freeman and Theo Kumson.
A poppy was placed beside portraits of Ryley community members who have served, which was done by students Sasha McKinney, Hailey Myers, Quinlee Swinamer, Liam Venables, Genessy Richards-LeCerf,
Beaver County Reeve Gene Hrabec, a member of the Holden Legion, reminded those in attendance that Remembrance Day is a special time to honour the sacrifice of those who served and died in conflicts.
“Today, more than any time, we need to put aside our differences and take time to remember and uphold the values that those service members fought for, and recognize their willingness to fight for freedom and peace for each and every one of us,” Hrabec said.
Ryley mayor Steph Dennis shared that when she was a kid, she found Remembrance Day ceremonies somewhat boring, but as an adult came to appreciate and better understand the depth of sacrifice that the soldiers and their families endured.
“I always empathized with soldiers and their families, but I didn't fully begin to understand until I started becoming an adult, realizing that the sacrifices that are made by any person who enlists in our armed forces may be difficult for a child to understand. But every child can relate to how it feels to have a parent be there for you, and that is why we cannot take for granted those who lost their lives for us, and cannot allow our-
selves to forget,” Dennis said.
Holden mayor Carl Marsh said, to him, Remembrance Day is about two things: sacrifice and freedom.
“It’s about the sacrifice of the men and women who have stepped up to serve so that we can have freedom today. Maybe you don’t really understand the freedom that you have, because it’s all you’ve ever known. It's
the simple, small pleasures in life, like sharing your opinions with each other, your favourite hockey team, or your favourite teacher. Those are freedoms that we enjoy today because we're a free people. But it's not free. That's my message today: the freedom that we have today is not free. It has been paid for,” Marsh said.
BRSD trustee Lyle Albrecht spoke about the
Tomb of the
Soldier in Ottawa.
“Inside that tomb rests the remains of one Canadian soldier who fought and died in the First World War. We don't know who it is but the monument represents all soldiers who never returned,” Albrecht said.
The ceremony ended with a tribute video to Canadian soldiers and the singing of God Save the King.
For most businesses, the Christmas Season is so important that it can make or break the kind of year you have. That's why it's so important to
The Tofield Mercury is once again selling special 'Shop Local' advertising pages this year, running from November 26 to December 17. Priced to be affordable for any size of business, you get 4 weeks of exposure in the top-read paper in our area
do you have to lose?
and Declan Stefura.
Unknown
Kari Janzen Staff Reporter
Ryley School held their Remembrance Day ceremony on Thursday, Nov. 6. Pictured: Students and local dignitaries who played a part in the ceremony. KARI JANZEN PHOTO
Remembrance Day ceremony held at Tofield School
Tofield School hosted a Remembrance Day ceremony to honour soldiers who fought at war, Friday in the school gymnasium.
Masters of Ceremony for the event were Gabe Hall and Bella Stolz. The ceremony began with Mr. MacDonald playing bagpipes as attendees stood in silence while the Sea Cadets of the R.C.S.C.C. Nootka marched and carried respective flags.
The ceremony included; a lighting of candles to remember fallen soldiers and the light they brought to the world, a wreath laying ceremony to remember those who fought and are fighting in war, a stand in silence for the bugle call “The Last Post“, and a reciting of John McCrae’s poem "In Flanders Fields"
by three selected Tofield School students.
Newly elected Tofield Mayor Adam Hall, BRSD trustee Lyle Albrecht, and Beaver County Councillor Kevin Smook all gave speeches of their own to express their deepest gratitude towards the soldiers who fought and those who died to protect our beliefs and homes.
CW Sears students honour Canadian veterans
C.W. Sears Elementary School in Tofield held their Remembrance Day ceremony on Friday, Nov. 7 in the school gymnasium, to honour those who have served to protect Canada.
“Today we gather to commemorate Remembrance Day,” Principal Adam Madsen said, “a solemn occasion when we honour the people who have served or are serving in our Armed Forces, and especially those who have given their lives to protect our freedom and our country.”
Flag bearers Alexa and Ryker from 3D presented the colours, followed by Tofield Legion president Paul Shaw and Legion member Joe Yurkowski. Kayla from 4S read the land acknowledgement, which included a special tribute to Indigenous code talkers who used the Cree language to develop a coded system to disguise military intelligence for Allied communications during the Second World War. Isabelle and Allison
from 4C read the Story of Remembrance. Grades 1 and 3 sang ‘Peace Like a River,’ and Grades 2 and 4 sang ‘Make a Difference.’ Frankie from 4S read the Commitment to Remember.
Braxton and Eliza from 1ST, Max from 2S, Dayton from 2KM, Kieran and Lennox from 3CM, Mary from 4SC, and Basilia from 4S were wreath layers. The readers for each wreath were
Mercer from 1K, Amethyst from 2H, Rosie from 3D, and Harper from 4C.
Luke and Jiah from 4SC read John McCrae’s poem, ‘In Flanders Fields.’ The music video for ‘A Pittance of Time’ by Terry Kelly was played before all those in attendance sang God Save The King, and the ceremony concluded with the retiring of the colours.
Colton Kuflay Student Reporter
A student reciting “In Flanders Fields”. COLTON KUFLAYPHOTOS
Kari Janzen Staff Reporter
Grades 1 and 3 sing ‘Peace Like a River.' KARI JANZEN PHOTOS
CW Sears School held their Remembrance Day ceremony on Friday, Nov. 7 in the school gymnasium, to honour those who have served to protect Canada. Pictured, flag bearers Alexa and Ryker from 3D.
L-R: Beaver County Councillor Kevin Smook and Tofield Mayor Adam Hall.
Candle lighting ceremony.
Legion member Jim Warren.
Blue-green algae advisory lifted for Black Nugget Lake
Blue-green algae advisory lifted for Black Nugget Lake
Kari Janzen Staff Reporter
Alberta Health Services (AHS) announced last week that the cyanobacteria (bluegreen algae) advisories have been lifted for lakes in Central Zone including Black Nugget Lake in Beaver County.
“Recent weather has cooled lake and reservoir water temperatures to such an extent that cyanobacteria
presents a low health risk, including in seven water bodies in Central Zone, which had previously been placed under cyanobacteria advisories,” the AHS news release said.
Effective Nov. 5, advisories were lifted for Astotin Lake in Elk Island National Park, Battle Lake, Buck Lake, Pigeon Lake, and Wizard Lake in the County of Wetaskiwin, Black Nugget Lake, and Pine Lake in Red Deer
County.
“As always, visitors and residents are reminded to never drink or cook with untreated water directly from any recreational body of water at any time. Note that boiling water will not remove the toxins produced by cyanobacteria. An alternate source of drinking water should also be provided for pets and livestock any time cyanobacteria may be of concern.”
Board of Trustees were
on Monday, Nov. 3.
in at their
Kerry, Michelle, Brennan, & Garrett Anderson; Eric & Ally Anderson; Lisa, Derick, Cody, Keifer, & Colton Kuflay; Crystal & Hunter Inverarity; Kari Janzen; Carole Nolan; Dorothy & Gilbert Suchy; Ken & Marilyn Bruha; Jean; Geoff Holroyd; Beaverhill Bird Observatory; Christine Armstrong; Kelly Phillips; Rose & Joe Yurkowski; Doug Hiob; Theresa Manderson, Mr. Handsome,
Battle River School Division's new
sworn
organizational meeting
L-R: Ward 1, City of Camrose and Board Chair Patrick McFeely, Ward 1, City of Camrose new member Valerie Sims, Ward 2, Beaver County returning member Lyle Albrecht, Ward 3, Camrose County and Vice Chair Karen Belich, Ward 4, Flagstaff County new member Deanna Maertz.
TERRY PEDERSON PHOTO
The Beaverhill Players performed two shows of Murder on the Grill at the Holden Community Hall on Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 8 and 9. The interactive murder mystery dinner theatre was attended by a total of 165 people. Back, L-R: Amy Harper-Solomon, Ken Davy, Debbie Perkins, Celeste Harper. Front, L-R: Brett Solomon, Kelly Story, Dave Maruszeczka, Kari Janzen, Tom Keller.