Thee Communit Th Communityy
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Volume 115, Issue 21
Wednesday, November 23, 2022
$1 Including GST
BRSD actively recruiting bus drivers in face of “crisis-level” provincial shortage
Leslie Cholowsky Editor
The Battle River School Division (BRSD) is, like other divisions across the province, experiencing a shortage of bus drivers. The Alberta School Bus Contractors’ Association (ASBCA) said last week that the provincial shortage has reached a crisis level. “Every day there are fewer busses available and fewer certified operators to drive them,” says Mark Critch, president of the ASBCA. The Association says the major crisis is arising from a shortage of certified drivers. Some areas are reporting 30 per cent fewer drivers than what is needed to provide adequate service to students and families. BRSD Director of Transportation Kristi Edwards says the division has been facing a shortage of bus drivers for quite some time. “The issue started prior to the pandemic, but has been heightened over the past couple of years.”
She says, “We have been fortunate to recruit/retain enough drivers to cover all of our 78 regular bus routes, however two of those drivers have not yet been able to access all the training they need, so we are currently relying on spare drivers to cover those two routes. “If a regular driver needs to be away from their route it can also be a challenge to find spare drivers.” The Association says bus drivers must complete the Alberta Ministry of Transportation’s MELT driver training certification, which ensures that drivers are qualified and competent to drive. The 3-4 week course is mandatory for new drivers, and costs up to $5,000. The ASBCA says part of the issue causing a shortage is the training cost, along with a lack of wages for the time spent training, then the hourly wage paid to drivers afterwards. The ASBCA is asking the province to come up with a solution for an issue that threatens to reduce the overall numbers of drivers available before the situation becomes more serious.
The Association asserts: “With the shortage of school busses and drivers, Alberta children are being put as serious risk. “If a school bus is late, or worse, doesn’t show, for whatever reason, kids are being impacted by having to wait outside, in various weather conditions. They are also at risk of losing valuable learning time, which will impact them for years to come.” BRSD Communications Director Diane Hutchinson says, “Our school division recognizes that the training requirements to be a bus driver are rigorous and can be costly. “BRSD is delighted if we can hire someone who has already completed the necessary training, but in reality most people who are being hired do not yet have all of the courses they need.” Edwards says, “BRSD considers it a worthwhile investment to help people hired as bus drivers access the training they need and also covers the cost of training for new bus drivers. “In exchange, we ask that bus drivers
commit to staying with us for a minimum of two years.” The ASBCA says the province needs to reallocate funds, “that are desperately needed to fund and assist school bus contractors and their drivers. “Financially incentivize people to consider getting training to become a neighbourhood school bus driver. “Who should be expected to pay $5,000 for a course to certify them for a part-time job paying minimum wage?” the Association asks. Edwards says, “BRSD is aware that salary can be an issue in the recruitment and retention of bus drivers. “The school division is trying to find new or innovative ways to support bus drivers.” BRSD is actively recruiting for bus drivers. Edwards is also part of a sub-committee through the Student Transportation Association of Alberta, working on a solution for driver recruitment and retention both locally and throughout Alberta.
RCMP respond to multiple reports of suspicious vehicles Provided by Killam RCMP Detachment for the period Nov. 11 to Nov. 14 On Nov. 11 it was reported that a white F150 was driving slowly and swerving just west of Hardisty. Members were already attending a related file. Vehicle was not located. Another complaint that day, a noise complaint, was made to the Killam RCMP in Daysland. Members attended and discovered complaints were unfounded. On Saturday, Nov. 12, a suspicious person was reported to be siphoning gas out of a vehicle parked at Maxim Auto in Killam. Members attended and found it was the owner of the vehicle.
Later that same day a report of two suspicious vehicles driving numerous times past a residence in Sedgewick was made. The vehicles were described as an older black truck and newer white truck. Vehicles not located. On Sunday, Nov. 13, Killam RCMP assisted with a structural fire in Forestburg. A shop along with a garage were completely destroyed by fire. Unknown cause, nothing noted by fire as suspicious. The same day, it was reported that a suspicious vehicle was parked outside of a residence in Sedgewick. This is an ongoing issue with the same vehicle coming around the residence. Patrols were conducted and the caller
was encouraged to continue calling when they observe the truck. Also that day, EMS called for assistance with a suicidal male with a knife. Members attended and spoke to the male who expressed he was suicidal and wanted to kill himself. He wanted help and was non-violent. Members advised EMS to enter and they transported to hospital. Later on Sunday, a black Dodge truck was reported driving slowly by a residence in Sedgewick. Extensive patrols were made. Vehicle not located. On Monday, Nov. 14, a noise complaint from Daysland was made. Members spoke with surrounding neighbours who stated that they had no
issues with the house the complaints are about. RCMP remind the public to please call 911 in case of an emergency. This includes any crime in progress and any emergency that would include numerous agencies such as RCMP, Fire Department, and EMS. Did you know in our area the nonemergency number is 780-385-3502 for the Killam Detachment service area? Some examples of when to call the non-emergency line include, but are not limited to: suspicious vehicles, activities, or persons; neighborhood disputes; noise issues; and break and enters and thefts where the suspect is NOT there and crimes were committed in the past.
Page 2 - The Community Press, Wednesday, November 23, 2022
invites e c r e m m o amber of C h C t ossroads c r i r C t s e i h t D t d a n a as The Killam family to our Christm ur you and yo
s d a o sr
s o r C he
t
December 2 - 4 • Kids Matinee Movie at the Living Room (Main St.) - 3:45pm • Smokies at Vision Credit Union • Pictures with Santa at the Living Room - 5-6pm • Festival of Trees & Gingerbread House Display at the Living Room - 5-9pm • Lighting of the Christmas Trees - 6pm • Free Family Crafts, Activities, Refreshments at Killam Library - 6-8pm • Parade of Lights - 6:30pm • Hay Rides and Skating (after parade and weather permitting) • Cookie Decorating at the Adult Learning Centre • Pictures with Santa at the Living Room - until 8:30pm
Saturday, December 3 • Craft Fair at Community Hall - 10am - 2pm • Scottish Club Open Hosue - 10am - 3pm • Pictures with Santa at the Living Room - 1-3pm • Family Matinee Movie at the Living Room - 3:30pm
COME TO KILLAM FOR SOME FUN FOR ALL AGES!
Sunday, December 4 • Community Christmas Concert at the Living Room - 6 pm
DDesign, i Promotion, P i & Printing by
The Community Press, Wednesday, November 23, 2022 - Page 3
ALERT investigation started the week in Camrose Leslie Cholowsky Editor
Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT) warned Camrose and area residents of a heavy policy presence Monday, Nov. 21, and over the next several days. “On Nov. 21, a total of 17 search warrants are
being conducted at properties in Camrose and surrounding communities. “ALERT is working in collaboration with Camrose Police Service, Edmonton Police Service, and RCMP, and the searches are expected to last several days.” ALERT says there is no immediate risk to public
safety. ALERT says that further details will be provided once evidence is seized, collected, and catalogued. Members of the public who suspect drug or gang activity in their community can call local police, or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-
TIPS (8477). Crime Stoppers is always anonymous. ALERT was established and is funded by the Alberta Government and is a compilation of the province’s most sophisticated law enforcement resources committed to tackling serious and organized crime.
The Daysland & District Agricultural Society’s
Community Christmas Party
Saturday November 26
Ready for Change? FREE 8-week course to improve your skills for Employment & Personal Success
at the Daysland Community Hall
•Setting Conditions for Success •Building Foundations for Growth • Initiating Positive Change
Doors open at 5:30 pm Supper at 6: 30 pm Dance to Follow featuring New Soul Duo
‘Change it Up’ starts January 16 Canadian Christmas Traditions at Killam’s Parade of Lights Friday, December 2nd
Join us to decorate a cookie! Tell us about your holiday traditions!
Tickets just $40 each
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.
#Local Heroes 2022
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
DEALS Annual Pull Your Discount Day
Milk Choc. Board Games
Wed., Nov. 30 9am - 6pm
$999 After Eight Boxes
$699
Flyer Prices in effect Friday, Nov. 25 to Thursday, December 1
Coke or Pepsi Men’s or Products Ladies Wallets 6 x 710 ml
Starting at
$1299 $399 +tax +dep
3 pc Melamine Holiday Set Paw Patrol & Princess $16.99 Werthers Original Popcorn 2 for $5 . 780-385-3598
Killam, Alberta
Serving Town & Country since 1962 Open Hours: 9-6 Mon thru Fri, 9-4 Saturday & Closed Sunday.
Created by The Community Press
NOVEMBER 26 TO DECEMBER 3
l ua nn A 7th The
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!!
Contact: Amy Weller @ 780-781-5355 Neil Spiller @ 780-608-4387
WEEK LONG
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
Page 14 - The Community Press, Wednesday, November 23, 2022
F
lagstaff
This Holiday
Season
Purple Scissor Salon 5011 - 50 St., Daysland
780-374-3623
Watch for our Christmas Deals on Facebook!
CHRISTMAS LIGHT UP NIGHT SALE FRIDAY 5:30-8PM ONLY!
*Gift Baskets & Stocking Stuffers*
Daysland Pharmacy TOYS 25% OFF!
for Big Savings COME VISIT US AND CHECK OUT OUR GREAT DEALS ON CHRISTMAS GIFTWARE, ACCESSORIES, & TOYS! 5023 - 50 St. Daysland, AB Stop by and see for yourself!
FREE Door Crasher Gift first 20 Adult Customers! 50% OFF All Red Tag Christmas Stock! HUNDREDS OF IN STORE SPECIALS! FREE hourly draws!
check out our Christmas Light Up room!
FORESTBURG FIRE DEPT FREE HOT DOGS AT FIRE HALL
COUTTS HOME HARDWARE OOpen pen Mon-Sat 8:30-5:30 Open Late Thursday 7-9 ppm
Forestburg Your HOME For Christmas!
Shop Locally this Holiday Season!
Lakeview Liquor Store Friday, November 25 Hardisty Town Wide Late Night Shopping and BLACK FRIDAY SALE here! Keep your night open!
THEE
780-385-3654 780 385 366 ocal bbu oca business usinness ess 780-384-3639 local 780-888-3999 www.tjig.ca
KILLAM TIRE
4802 49 St, Hardisty, AB 780-888-2488
Gingerbread Latte for just $2.50
4915 - 51 Ave, Highway 13 Killam, AB
Come Join us for Lunch! 780-384-3554
4819 - 48 Ave., A g , AB Sedgewick, Hours 10 am - 2 pm Monday to Friday
Lots of Holiday Giftware!
New Fashions plus Big Selection of Scarves, Mitts, Toques
Buy your Christmas Gifts here...
We’ll WRAP them for FREE!
Gift ideas for those on your list! lowers e Picture Budding Ideas FFlowers Paw Prints Custom & Gift G Gifts Gif ifts if Framing
MAIN STREET MAIN STREET KILLAM KILLAM
7 78 780-385-3014 80 8 0-3 0 -3 38 85-3 8 5-3 -3 30 014 0 14 1 4
Clip out or show this ad and get a
& MECHANICAL
780-385-3791
Shop and Save! HUGE SALES!
JAMESS INSURANCEE GROUP
Lots of decorating ideas to make your home cozy this Christmas season!
Scratch Tickets make a great Stocking Stuffer! 780-385-3598
Killam, Alberta
Serving Town & Country Hours: 9-6 Monday thru Friday, 9-4 Saturdays, Closed Sundays
Wild Rose
F
lagstaff
Season
Hand poured Soy Melts now available!
Main Street Medley
MAIN STREET Alliance, ll AB 780-879-2100 DO: Embroidery - Engraving WE DO:WEEmbroidery - Engraving (rotary & laser) Signs - Vehicle Signs- Decals - Decals - VehicleGraphics Graphics Direct Garment Printing and a wholelotlotmore! more! Direct toto Garment Printing and a whole
GREAT SELECTION OF GIFTS! From Camo-Pink to everything in between. We can personalize almost anything!
Watch for Open Monday to Friday 9-5 our weekly specials online! Open Saturdays 9-5 in December
Open Tuesday to Friday 9-4
ards C t Gif able! il Ava
es l i m S s a m Christ h t i w g i b s i can be th re Toys! John Dee
5009 - 49 Ave. Forestburg Karlee Kuefler
Walk-in s Welcom e
Come in and get your Stocking Stuffers and Christmas Shopping done here! Great selection of hair products, styling tools, ools, makeup, and more!
780-582-3539
(we close for lunch from 12-1)
Draw your discount, up to 30% OFF until the end of November
This Holiday
Hur r y! m 11:59 p s d n e Sale . 25 on Nov
780-385-3993 www.briltd.com
F F O 1 2 SAVE $ T plus GS
Stop in for a FREE Hearing Aid Clean and Check to make sure you Hear for the Holidays!
F F O 2 3 $ UE TO: SANVOE Q E H C A R MAIL T0B 2L0
l s GST plu
STOP I 8, KILLAM, AB NE: NLIN O Y L E 7 R 1 U C X BO PAY SE .COM YPRESS.C
IT OMMUNIT C E H T .T w w w
For most businesses, this is the biggest sales time of the year. Why rely solely on declining Facebook usage and word-of-mouth? ADVERTISE in the Local Paper! g Affordable rates for all budgets.
ads@thecommunitypress.com
F
lagstaff
Employee Pricing
Season
ALL CHRISTMAS 15% OFF Lights, Decor, Trees, & more!
on now!
Big town dealership, small town atmosphere
Campbell McLennan Killam
This Holiday
HARDISTY
CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM www.campbellmclennan.com
780-385-2121
Ask Jason or Chase in the parts department for your installed tire price today! Our pricing is very straight forward and includes the mounting, balancing, and installation with environmental fee to give you a clear before tax total.
Phone: 780-888-3537
Seasonal Tire Storage: $50 per season
Interested in advertising in these pages? Email ads@thecommunitypress.com
$50 when winter tires are installed in the fall and $50 when the all-season tires go back on in the spring!
lagstaff
Repurposed Plastic - Lougheed
This Stitch is Bananas - Sedgewick
This Holiday
Season
THINK LOCAL, SHOP LOCAL
Willow Hill Designs - Heisler
Kristin Kueber Artist - Killam
Rusty Daisy - Daysland
Page 20 - The Community Press, Wednesday, November 23, 2022
TOWING Rentable bins. Pick up and take away.
Big or Small, Short Haul, Long Haul, We Do It All!
e E L
24 HOUR 24 HO OU UR RED RE R ED HOT ED HO OT OIL OIL FIELD OI FIEL LD DS SE V VI VICES ICES
Cancade Hopper Bin Mover
Power Poles to Masterpieces
Competitive Pricing! Competitive Pricing!
!
When the wind picks up which anchor would make you feel more secure?
e Con ort! p Sup
12” Helix
Trailer Bottom Enclosed to prevent rock chips on Bin
16ft wide & 30ft sidewall Give our Extremely Gorgeous Drivers a Call! Remember to Support Local this Christmas season!