Thee Communit Th Communityy
Press Your LOCAL Paper!
Volume 115, Issue 20
Wednesday, November 16, 2022
$1 Including GST
Flagstaff County CAO Shelly Armstrong honoured for 30 years of service at RMA fall convention Leslie Cholowsky Editor
Flagstaff County Council travelled to the in-person Rural Municipalities Association (RMA) fall convention over Nov. 7 to 10 in Edmonton, including CAO Shelly Armstrong and Assistant CAO Jim Fedyk. Reeve Don Kroetch says that for his part, he very much enjoyed the convention. “The afternoon break-out sessions were really good, and tailored to rural municipalities. There was a little something for everyone.” He said he thinks attending these types of events is important for Council, not only for its team-building potential, but to meet municipal neighbours in a more relaxed setting. “Instead of sitting down for the first time with an agenda in front of you, or a contentious topic, you can sit down and talk on a different level.” Case in point, he said that during the convention Flagstaff County councillors had an opportunity to meet with County of Stettler councillors on an emergent issue pertinent to both regions. He says that he and Councillor Mat Ponto also had the opportunity to meet with many of the new cabinet ministers recently appointed by Premier Danielle Smith, including Rebecca Schulz, new Continued on Page 10
Flagstaff County CAO Shelly Armstrong received recognition of 30 years of service at the Rural Municipalities of Alberta (RMA) conference held Nov. 7 through 10 in Edmonton. Above: Armstrong with RMA President Paul McLauchlin.
Remembrance Day service in Lougheed
The C.J. Kinross VC Legion Branch in Lougheed held only an outdoor ceremony for Remembrance Day, with a moderate crowd and a brief but heartfelt service.
Page 2 - The Community Press, Wednesday, November 16, 2022
#LocalHeroes2022 a campaign to give back to local first responders Leslie Cholowsky Editor
Flagstaff Victim Services Unit (VSU) is bringing back the #LocalHeroes2022 #FlagstaffCounty campaign this November as an opportunity for Flagstaff residents to honour local first responders, whether thats RCMP, Peace Officers, Firefighters, EMT paramedics, doctors, or nurses. The campaign asks that participants show their support for local first responders by using blue decor or lighting in their yards. This will be the third year, and VSU Program Director Noreen Metz says it has grown in different capacities every year. “Each year we engage with the community to understand how we can add something different. We listen to that feedback.” She says there were around 100 entries the first year, and nearly as many the second year. “That’s so huge, to see the support for our first responders. We want and need them to feel connected and valued by the communities they serve.” Last year VSU challenged each community to ‘out blue’ one another. “Last year we distributed victim services information
to every town and village in the county, and asked them, as a town, to light it up blue, and challenge one another that way.” Last year the Town of Killam got the plaque for the most participating households. That wasn’t just a win for Killam. Metz says that she received a number of calls from municipalities asking for refills on the information pamphlets she sent out to accompany the campaign promotion. “It’s different this year again, we’ve gone from a town-wide challenge to individuals again.” A new aspect of this year’s campaign will be the Local Hero nomination. Anyone can call, email, or mail Flagstaff VSU with the name of their favourite first responder, and why. “I think it’s a beautiful way to showcase our first responders and what they give back to their communities,” Metz says. “It is an opportunity for residents to showcase the pride they have for our local first responders.” One first responder from all who were entered will receive a plaque, and Metz says every entry will be showcased in some method. She’s been thrilled to see the displays over the past
#Local Heroes 2022
two years. “Some people have actually made things, just for this campaign; just for one week.” Metz says every year the campaign runs it connects the community to our first responders. “You have no idea what a profound impact you have on our first responders when they see your appreciation in such a tangible, visible way.
to do the same. Also new this year are yard signs being sold by VSU. Metz says quantities are limited, so it is firstcome, first-served. All profits from the signs, which cost $20, are being donated to Wounded Warriors for their PTSD programs for all first responders. The #LocalHeroes week will end on the same day as the eighth annual Charity
Checkstop event. The Charity Checkstop is a fundraiser for VSU, where vehicles voluntarily drop into the checkstop area at the end of Main Street Killam, and make donations to VSU, or the Flagstaff Food Bank, or Flagstaff Christmas Sharing; or all three. This year the two events are tied together for the first time.
The Daysland & District Agricultural Society’s
Community Christmas Party
Saturday November 26 at the Daysland Community Hall Doors open at 5:30 pm Supper at 6: 30 pm Dance to Follow featuring New Soul Duo
2023
Come celebrate with friends! The Sedgewick Lions Club is holding a
New Year’s Eve Dance December 31, 2022 at the Sedgewick Community Hall
Tickets just $40 each and
D
rts
Lifting People’s ’s Spirits
Co-presented presented with with DaysArts and d d i for f the h Arts Art rts the Alberta Foundation
NOVEMBER 26 TO DECEMBER 3
Doors Open 8 p.m. Snacks and Party Favours Dancing from 9 to 1 a.m. Music by ACE Entertainment Midnight Lunch
TICKETS $25/person Call Irene McGillivray at 780-384-3828 to reserve/purchase your ticket!
DD BUS AVAILABLE TO PRE-BOOK YOUR SPOT - CALL Kim @ 780-888-7136 NO MINORS - Semi-Formal Attire
Contact: Amy Weller @ 780-781-5355 Neil Spiller @ 780-608-4387
Proceeds to fund a new Family Cabin at Sedgewick Lake Park Campground
Created by The Community Press
The
al nu An h 7t
CHARITY
CHECKST
Helping p g Victims of Crime and Tragedy g y
To honour our local FIRST RESPONDERS decorate your yard or house i an a EXPLOSION EXPL E of BLUE! in Light up starting the week of November 26, and share your photos with us by Dec. 3rd! #LocalHeroes2022 #FlagstaffCounty or by emailing us: flagstaffvsu@gmail.com There's a fabulous grand prize for those who share their explosion of blue!! 18” 1 8 x 24” 24 Yard Yard signs sig gns for sale - $20 $20 each To purchase yours, email: flagstaffvsu@gmail.com
NEW THIS YEAR!!
“It transfers to a rejuvenation of pride and spirit within themselves, and such a feeling of support from the community.” She says it came from a desire to acknowledge first responders, and to tell them: “I see you; we see you.” Metz says the people who participate are so visible and so enthusiastic, she hopes it will inspire more
Telll us: Who is your local hero hero, and why? Send us your letter or email! One special hero will be honoured and recognized with a plaque, in The ‘Press, and on social media!
P
Saturday, December 3rd from 10 to 3 Raising Funds For Flagstaff Victim Services Collecting Food/items For The Flagstaff Food Bank Accepting Gift Cards For Helping Victims of Crime and Tragedy
Flagstaff Christmas Sharing
End of main street, Killam This is our main fundraiser for Flagstaff Victim Services. We really appreciate your support. We use these funds to help victims of crime and tragedy and to keep our program running. Partnering Par P artner ar nering eriing Agencies: A Age ge encies: nci n cies e : Flagstaff F Fllagsta a ag ta aff ff Victim Viiict c iim m Services S Services, ervi e erv r ices e RCMP RCM RCMP, RCM MP P EMS EMS, EMS FFCS FFCS, FF FCS Flagstaff Food Bank, Flagstaff Emergency Services, Killam Fire/FRESS, Alberta Health Services, and Wetaskiwin RCMP Integrated Traffic Unit. POSTER BY THE COMMUNITY PRESS
The Community Press, Wednesday, November 16, 2022 - Page 3
Wheaties end weekend with welcome win Leslie Cholowsky Editor
The Killam Wheat Kings played two games over the past week. They travelled to Wainwright on Thursday, Nov. 10 to take on the 2021-22 league champions, the Bisons, for the first time this season. The Bisons scored the first period’s only goal, then went ahead by two with a second goal early in the second period. Trey Forster scored Killam’s first goal, from Evan Williams and Rhett Bergseth, to put the score at 2-1, then Wainwright scored their third late in the period to go ahead 31. The Wheat Kings scored early in the third to come within one again, with a goal from Ty Milgate, assisted by Chance Reum and Kyler Bergseth to make it 3-2. Two more goals from the Bisons, including one in the last 30 seconds of the game into an empty net, left Wainwright ahead with a 5-3 final in a game that was closer than the score looks. Cole Bullee was in net for Killam, fending off 37 shots. The Wheat Kings travelled to Onion Lake on Saturday night, where they put the wheels back on the bus to come away with a much-welcomed win. Kyler Bergseth scored the only first-period goal, from Ashton Kelly and Keegan McArthur, to head into the second 1-0. Killam scored five consecutive goals in the second period, and both teams racked up some significant penalty minutes, with 66 minutes handed out between the two games in that period alone. Kaden VanPetten scored from Ty Milgate; then Milgate scored from Trey Forster. Kelly scored his second, with assists from K. Bergseth and Milgate,
then Kale Hurlburt scored, unassisted. That was followed by a goal from Brendan Zunti, assisted by Milgate and Reum, to make it 6-0. Onion Lake then scored their first of the night, before Reum scored with four seconds left in the period to make it 7-1 going into the third. Killam scored twice more, from K. Bergseth assisted by Matthew Pfeffer, and from Landon Kelndorfer, assisted by
Brady Caruth and Chase Rombough. One final goal from Onion Lake put it at a 9-2 final score. Bullee was again in net for Killam, this time getting a win. Killam outshot Onion Lake 67-26. The Wheat Kings are back at home this Friday, Nov. 18, when they will host the Vegreville Rangers with an 8 p.m. start. On Saturday, the team will head to Cold Lake to take on the Ice.
Lougheed looking for a new CAO Leslie Cholowsky Editor
Lougheed CAO Karen O’Connor has tendered her resignation, and the village is on the search for a new chief administrative officer. O’Connor has served in this role since July 2017, when she was hired as CAO, after serving as Acting CAO from April 2017, moving up from municipal clerk to acting, and then full CAO. O’Connor replaced David Alderdice, who only held the CAO position from February 2016 to March 2017. Lougheed is the third municipality in Flagstaff
THE DICE CUBES Sat., Jan. 28 at 7:30pm Concert sponsor: Coutts Home Hardware
MARTIN KERR
County this year to undergo changes in the administrative leadership role with Daysland, then
Sedgewick on the search over the past months. O’Connor will work to the end of November.
COMPUTER ESSENTIALS
THREE 2-HOUR CLASSES USE A PC, LAPTOP, OR MAC $179 (NO GST)
CALL FOR A CONVENIENT TIME!
FREE Resume Help BY APPOINTMENT 780-385-3712 LEARN MORE ABOUT INDIGENOUS LIFE IN CANADA
Join us for another episode of 8TH FIRE (rescheduled)
Wednesday, Nov. 16 at 7 p.m. The Living Room, 5018 50 (Main) St. Killam
What do you want to learn? We are open Tuesday- Friday 9-5 5023 50 (Main) Street, Killam
780-385-3712 fcal.net Tuesday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
2016-17
Holiday Savings!!
Sat., Feb. 11 at 7:30pm Concert sponsor: Forestburg IDA / The Source
Forestburg Concert
eries
2023
THE RIVER JACKS
Sat., March 25 at 7:30pm Concert sponsor: Battle River Railway
TRAVIS DOLTER
Advil Tablets or Caplets
Moritz Icy Squares or Ferrero Rocher
52s - 72s
$399
Liquid Gels 40s - 72s
Selected Types & Sizes
Quality Street Selected Sizes
$1299 ea
$649
Flyer Prices in Effect Friday, Nov. 18 - Thursday, Nov. 24
Best Picks for your Nails! Sally Hansen Nail Polish
Sat., April 15 at 7:30pm
Selected Types & Shades
Concert sponsor: Nutrien Ag Solutions
25%OFF
Purex Laundry Detergent 1.47L
$499ea
Performances at Forestburg Community Centre
Werther’s Original Popcorn 142g - 170g
Four Great Concerts for $120 or $35 per Concert
$349 ea
For Information and Tickets call: Forestburg Village Office: 780-582-3668 Carl and Diane Jahns: 780-582-2181 Susan Laurendeau: 780-582-2140 Mary Ellen Cunningham: 780-582-2255 Follow Us on Facebook for all Details
Advertisement Sponsored by Nutrien Ag Solutions
780-385-3598 Serving Town & Country since 1962 Open Hours: 9-6 Mon thru Fri, 9-4 Saturday & Closed Sunday.
. Killam, Alberta
Page 14 - The Community Press, Wednesday, November 16, 2022
The Community Press, Wednesday, November 16, 2022 - Page 15
November 2022 Meetings
Council Meetings Cancelled Meetings eetings Meetings ouncil M Flagstaff County Co re conducted the 2nd and 4th aare Wednesday of each month commencing at 9 a.m. unless planned. otherwise p ommittee meeting Council and Committ vailable att the are aav agendas are te at: ebsiite County’’ss websit tings-and.ca/council/meeeeetings-and.ca/council/me . b.ca/c fff..a flagstafff tes utes minu
7800-384-4100 1-877-387-4100
SANTA IS COMING TO VISIT FLAGSTAFF COUNTY!
Email: s Stay Connected with Us:
Come take photos with Santa and enjoy some holiday treats! Hot Chocolate, Cookies, Candy Canes, and Advent Calendars
Thursday, Dec. 1st 3:30 - 6:30 pm Flagstaff County Admin Building 12435 TWP RD 442 Monday to Friday 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. (Closed Noon - 1 p.m.)
e Address:
w ownship 12435 TTo Road 4442 PP..O. Box 33558 icck, AB wic wi Seedgew T0B 4C00
Public Works Updates
Please refer to our website at www.flagstaff.ab.ca for up-to-date road work throughout the County. Private Laneway Maintenance
Public Works Services
Flagstaff County will once again be undertaking snow plowing on private laneways. Please contact the Public Works Department at 780-384-4123 for further details regarding this service. We will begin laneway inspections in November.
Please visit the Flagstaff County website at flagstaff.ab.ca for information regarding Gravel Sales, Residential Laneway Maintenance, Road Maintenance, Hamlet Services, and more.
Please keep in mind that our seasonal crews will be out working on our roadways and to use extreme caution while travelling on these roads while they are being maintained in any way. We thank you in advance for your cooperation during this season.
Page 16 - The Community Press, Wednesday, November 16, 2022
Hardisty, Lougheed gymnasts compete in Chilly Challenge
PHOTOS COURTESY DANA ANDRESON
Gymnasts from the Wainwright Gymnastics club took a trip to Camrose on Sunday, Nov. 13, to take on Chilly Challenge 2022, hosted by the Academy of Gymnastics in their new gymnasium. Navi Schmidt is pictured above competing on uneven bars, Aurora Burden is pictured competing on the floor (top right), and Lexi Schmidt (right) is pictured on the balance beam. The Schmidts, from Hardisty, are competing in Level 2 this year while Burden, from Lougheed, is competing in Level 4. Coach Dana Andreson says, “This competition was a great warm up for the busy season ahead. Their next meet will be in California in January.”
We are listening to you!
Learn how to bring your content creation and marketing skills to the next level.
Thursday, Nov. 24 9am - 12pm Battle River Innovation Centre 5004 - 49 Ave. Forestburg, AB
Sign up on Eventbrite
businessmarketingseminar.eventbrite.ca