Thee Communit Th Communityy
Press
Fire r te Figh te SaluDE! I
Vol. 115, Issue 17
INS
Wednesday, October 26, 2022
$1 Including GST
‘Flagstaff Celebrates Success’ event a celebration of local entrepreneurs
Flagstaff County, through the Economic Development Department, held the fifth Flagstaff Celebrates Success event last Thursday, Oct. 20, in Killam, during Small Business Week. The evening was a celebration of local small businesses, as well as the innovative programs and collaborations made through the county. Leslie Cholowsky Editor Flagstaff County Council has identified Economic Prosperity as a strategic priority in its latest strategic plan. “To work collaboratively with our local businesses and regional partners in the diversified growth of our economy.” That breaks down to collaborative economic development, and nothing demonstrated the strength of that commitment better the recent Flagstaff Celebrates Success event held in Killam on Thursday, Oct. 20. The evening was a culmination of a small business week celebration of local businesses where Flagstaff County, together with local business JCE Films, created 14 short films featuring local businesses from around the region that were featured on the county’s social media sites over the past week. Flagstaff Economic Development Officer Jenalee Waring told Thursday’s crowd, “This week in Flagstaff has been dedicated to our small business community - you guys.” Small Business Week started with a breakfast in Hardisty, and featured other opportunities for learning through a partnership with BREOC.
Waring called Thursday’s event, “A formal celebration of the passionate and resilient small businesses throughout our region.” She added, “It has been an absolute thrill to spend the week with some of you, and we sincerely thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your impact in our communities.” A recorded message from Battle River Crowfoot MP Damien Kurek, and live greetings from Camrose MLA Jackie Lovely were also part of the event. Reeve Don Kroetch started his talk off by quoting Mahatma Gandhi, saying, “Every worthwhile accomplishment either big or little, has its stages of drudgery and triumph; a beginning, a struggle, and a victory. “I’m not sure he was talking about Flagstaff County’s small businesses and entrepreneurs, but you certainly have dealt with more than your fair share of struggles during the pandemic. But you’re all here tonight, and that’s a testament to your resilience. “You are innovative and resourceful and possess an entrepreneurial spirit that has helped you adapt and persevere through some tough times.” Kroetch told the small business owners present, “You’re not alone. The Flagstaff County Economic Develop-
ment team is working hard to ensure that our region is sustainable and continues to grow and thrive.” Kroetch pointed out that the county’s Economic Development team has won three prestigious national marketing awards for their work in the Flagstaff County region, including the Flagstaff Region Grows Video, the Succeeding Together apparel, and the Flagstaff Crafted Gift Guide. Kroetch said the Flagstaff Featured Business program turns five years old this month. “Since 2017 we have been featuring businesses throughout the Flagstaff County region monthly with videos and newspaper stories in partnership with The Community Press. “Flagstaff County is continuing to work collaboratively with our communities,” Kroetch added, including BREOC, BRAED, and various other groups in the region. He said Flagstaff Crafted is another success that deserves to be celebrated, “It is now bigger and better than any of its three years in existence. This program enhances the exposure of local makers, artisans, producers, and retailers of local products.” Launched in 2019 with 14 businesses, Kroetch says the program now boasts over 100 small businesses
from across the region. “Flagstaff Crafted continues to help entrepreneurs tell their stories, grow their customer base, and connect them with business resources.” Kroetch turned the discussion to the audience. “This is about you. I want to hear your stories about how your vision turned into reality; the stages of your drudgery and triumph; your beginning, your struggles, and your victory. “I want to listen to your ideas of how Flagstaff County can continue to support your small business which in turn supports our local economy and the quality of life in rural Alberta. “I hope you share our vision for the future, and I hope you enjoy tonight’s event.” Waring took the opportunity of Kroetch’s mention of Flagstaff Crafted to dive in and celebrate one of the program’s original members, Sweet Three Designs, owned and operated by Candace Patten, through a special video. “Candace exemplifies the collaborative intent of the program. Collaborating between businesses is imperative to the success of small local businesses and Flagstaff Region in particular,” Waring said. See BUSINESS P10
Page 2 - The Community Press, Wednesday, October 26, 2022
Join us on
Friday, November 4
Member Appreciation Day On this day we celebrate our loyal members, and take this opportunity to thank you for your continued trust in our services.
Find out what your share RI WKH SURÀW LV WKLV \HDU Join us at your local branch for refreshments
The Community Press, Wednesday, October 26, 2022 - Page 3
Lougheed Fire Dept. has new Chief
30th Annual
HOUSE
Saturday, November 5 10 am - 5 pm
Sunday, November 6 Jarret Hayes is the Village of Lougheedʼs new Fire Chief, after former chief Mike Marlow retired with 20-plus years of service under his belt. Hayes has also served on the Daysland Department, and continues to serve with the Hardisty Fire Department. He has instituted joint training nights with Hardisty since becoming chief. Leslie Cholowsky Editor
Earlier this year Lougheed’s long time Fire Chief Mike Marlow stepped down after over 20 years of service to the community, and Jarret Hayes took over the position. Hayes served with the Daysland Department for three years, and then after moving to Lougheed, joined the Lougheed and Hardisty Fire Departments. He says that one of the things he and Marlow discussed before the latter retired was bringing in more training and regular meeting times and dates. Since taking on the Chief’s duties, Hayes is still an active member on Hardisty’s Fire Department, and has been holding combined training with both departments. “We work together a lot, so it’s to both of our benefits to train together.” He says it’s a lot of work, but it’s for the good of the community. Being a small community, Lougheed, like other area villages, tries to focus on recruitment and retention of its volunteer firefighters. Hayes says he has a core group of 10-12 firefighters in Lougheed. “We’re all here because we want to serve our community.” He says it’s been a bit of a challenger coming in as someone new to the region, “But I’ve been here for two years now, and
I’m getting to know many of the people here. Everyone is super friendly, too.” Hayes says he’s also been trying to involve the Fire Department more in community events, like setting up at the Lougheed Fair this past summer.
He’s a big fan of FRESS, and of the departments working and training together, and area Chiefs meeting to share their challenges and successes. He says, “There’s a long road ahead, but we’ll keep at it. I know there are good things ahead.”
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JUDGING WILL TAKE PLACE AT NOON ON FRIDAY OCTOBER 28
CATEGORIES:
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October 24 to 28 JUDGING:
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Flyer Prices in Effect Friday, Oct. 28 - Thursday, Nov. 3
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Pumpkin Carving Contest
KIDS: TRADITIONAL MOST UNIQUE SCARIEST ADULTS: GENERAL
OUR SPONSORS Flagstaff Victim Services The Community Press BeDevil Enterprises Les & Cheryl Fee Town of Killam Country Girls Greenhouses
WHO CAN ENTER? KIDS UP TO AGE 17 & ADULTS - NEW THIS YEAR!
HOW TO ENTER?
Starting MONDAY, OCTOBER 24 bring your pumpkin to the Killam RCMP Detachment ANYTIME from 9 to 4
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ALL Pumpkins will be displayed at the Detachment! All entries must be picked up by 4 pm Friday, October 28th
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Killam, Alberta
Serving Town & Country since 1962 Open Hours: 9-6 Mon thru Fri, 9-4 Saturday & Closed Sunday.
Winners to appear in The Community Press!
Volunteer Firefighters
a Salute to our Local HEROES
b sECTION
October is Fire Prevention Month Not every hero wears a cape, plan and practice your fire escape
Wild Rose With thanks to our local volunteer Fire Departments
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Salute to Firefighters 2022 A message from
FLAGSTAFF REGIONAL EMERGENCY SERVICES SOCIETY (FRESS)
DEREK HOMME
REGIONAL MANAGER/FIRE CHIEF
On behalf of Flagstaff Regional Emergency Services Society, I would like to thank all the volunteer firefighters serving our region through our 10 local fire stations. These dedicated individuals are committed to assisting their friends and neighbors when the call comes in. One of the primary roles of a fire department is fire prevention. Every year beginning in 1922, the National Fire Prevention Association brings a topic forward as a part of fire prevention week. This year, prevention is dedicated to Home Fire Escape Planning - Fire Won’t Wait. Plan Your Escape. It is important for everyone to plan and practice a home fire escape plan, before a fire happens. Make sure your plan meets the needs of all your family members, including those with sensory or physical disabilities. In your planning, know at least two ways out of every room in your home, if possible. Make sure all doors and windows open easily and have an outside meeting place that is a safe distance away from your home that everyone can get to and know about. Practice your home fire escape plan with everyone in the household at least twice a year, including one practice during the day and another at night.
Recreational Fire Pits
Smoke Alarms
One of the most significant details of a home fire escape plan is to be sure smoke alarms are operational - so test them regularly - and installed appropriately.
dhomme@flagstaff-ress.org
Smoke alarms should be installed inside every sleeping room, outside each separate sleeping area, and on every level of your home. Smoke alarms should be interconnected so that when one sounds, they all sound. According to NFPA, today’s homes burn faster than ever.
www.flagstaff-ress.org
Experts say you may have as little as two minutes (or even less) to safely escape a home fire from the time the smoke alarm sounds.
Prevention of fires also includes ensuring new construction is up to codes. With that in mind, through the formation of FRESS, there is an inclusion within the Fire Bylaws to ensure recreational FIRE PITS are compliant with the regulations. All NEW construction of Fire Pits requires a permit to ensure it complies with the bylaw. a. “Acceptable Fire Pit” means an outdoor receptacle which meets the following specifications: i. a minimum of three (3) meters clearance, measured from the nearest fire pit edge, which is maintained from buildings, property lines, or other combustible material; ii. the fire pit height does not exceed .60 meter when measured from the surrounding grade to the top of the pit opening; iii. the fire pit opening does not exceed 1 meter in width or in diameter when measured from the widest points or outside edges;
iv. the fire pit installation has enclosed sides made from bricks, concrete blocks, heavy gauge metal or other non-combustible materials acceptable to the Regional Manager/Fire Chief; v. a spark arrester mesh screen with openings no larger than 1.25 centimeters and constructed of expanded or equivalent non-combustible material, which is used to cover the fire pit opening in a manner sufficient to contain and reduce hazards of airborne sparks; vi. the fire pit is not located over any underground utilities or under any aboveground utility wires; vii. the fire pit is not located in the front yard of a residence; and viii.as may otherwise be determined by the Regional Manager/Fire Chief having regard to health, safety, hazards and risk. This Permit is free of charge and may be accessed on the FRESS website. www.flagstaff-ress.org
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Sample Escape Plan WINDOW
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Please join us in thanking Flagstaff’s Volunteer Fire Departments
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780-384-4100 flagstaff.ab.ca
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Meeting Place WINDOW
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Sparky® is a trademark of NFPA®. ©NFPA 2022
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