Volleyball photos inside on page 19
Tofield Satellites home opener attended by 400
Kari Janzen Staff Reporter
The newly-returned local senior hockey club, the Tofield Satellites, played their first official home game at the Tofield Arena on Saturday, Oct. 4, a home opener tailgate party and alumni night complete with beer gardens, a food truck, live music, face painting, and free admission for Satellites alumni.
“It was a pretty good game, all things considered. We ended up losing to the Innisfail Eagles 8-6 but we're a young group just trying to gel together and figure some things out,” Tofield Satellites president and general manager Chris Roy said.
When asked about the highlights of the game, Roy said it was most definitely the fans.
“The fans were a massive highlight of the game. I believe we had around 400 people there,” he said.
#23 Matthew Langdon scored the first goal of the game and, after two Innisfail goals, #21 Landon Schmidt scored another for the Satellites.
The Eagles got five goals in the second period and one in the third, along with four Satellites goals scored by #22 Landon Van Engelen, #17 Carson Pewarchuk, #9 Ty Yoder,
and #34 Kole Gable in the third.
The team’s next home game is Saturday, Nov. 1 against the Westlock Warriors at 8 p.m.
The Tofield Satellites had been in town since the 1970s but folded in the 2014/2015 season. Now back, they are playing in the NCHL (North Central Senior Hockey League), and are the only team bearing the Tofield name since the Tofield Minor Hockey Association officially dissolved this spring when the decision was made to permanently join Strathcona.
"With the loss of minor hockey in Tofield, our community no longer had a local team wearing the name ‘Tofield,’ until now,” the team’s social media says.
“The Tofield Satellites are proud to fill that gap, giving local players a place to represent their hometown and providing our children with hometown heroes to look up to. We're not just about hockey; we're about community. The Satellites offer affordable, family friendly entertainment right here at home, creating memories and keeping the spirit of local sports alive. We believe in giving back, inspiring the next generation, and bringing people together through the game we all love.”
The Tofield Satellites played their first official home game at the Tofield Arena on Saturday, Oct. 4 against the Innisfail Eagles, but lost 8-6. PHOTOS SUPPLIED
Kari Janzen Staff Reporter
Council for the Town of Tofield approved repairs for the Town’s vacuum truck at their regular meeting held Monday, Sept. 22. Administration brought the Request for Decision (RFD) to Council because reserve funds were needed to complete the repairs.
“The vac truck just recently underwent repairs, as Council may recall, but this was an unexpected repair,” Chief Administrative Officer Jeff Edwards said.
“With the damage, this piece of equipment is useless at this point in time. Therefore, given the amount of just shy of $50,000, Administration is asking to have the ability to access operational reserves to pay for this repair.”
The RFD outlined that, “through continual use
and demand, the machine has experienced critical failure with both the fan unit, as well as the protective internal shrouds, leaving it fully inoperable.”
Edwards also told Council that if the vac truck is not fixed, the Town would have to look at renting one, because Public Works uses the truck frequently.
“A piece for consideration is that if we do not have this piece of equipment repaired, which we use weekly, if not, oftentimes, daily, then we are forced to look to rent. Therefore, from Administration’s view, it is something that we do feel strongly to have Council’s approval for,” Edwards said.
Deputy Mayor Harold Conquest asked how many years the repair would extend the vac truck’s life expectancy.
“That is a very good question,” Edwards said. “My humble guess would be five years. We are looking at a replacement cost of possibly upwards of $500,000 for this piece of equipment.”
Mayor Deb Dueck asked where the vac truck is on the 25-year equipment replacement schedule, and Edwards said at least five years away.
Councillor Larry Tiedemann, in support of approving access to the reserves, said this scenario is exactly what the reserves are for.
“You mentioned damage,” Councillor Norm Martineau said. “Was it wear and tear damage or just something that went through that shouldn’t have gone through?”
Edwards said it was a combination of both. Dueck asked if the damage could be avoided in the future, but that could
not be confirmed.
“If they've got the hose stuck down somewhere, they don't know what they're sucking up,” Councillor Brenda Chehade said, “that's probably where the damage came, I would assume.”
Edwards agreed, and Conquest said that when he heard about it, he was sure that it hadn’t been caused by operator error.
“That’s right; that is important to note. It was not operator based whatsoever,” Edwards said.
The motion that Council permit Administration to access the necessary funds, estimated to be $48,878.59, from Operational Reserves to have the repairs made to the vac truck was carried.
The Town of Tofield’s vac truck has been approved for repairs, which are estimated to cost nearly $50,000.
Thirty attend Holden candidates forum
Kari Janzen Staff Reporter
About thirty people attended the candidates forum that was held in the village of Holden on Monday, Oct. 6 at the Holden Seniors Drop In Centre, with seven of the eight people running for council able to attend.
Delbert Degenhardt was the moderator of the evening, and, to begin, each candidate had a minute to introduce themselves.
In order of the way they were seated, current mayor since 2023, Tyler Beckett said he sees a lot of potential in the village, he wants to see more businesses, and make Holden a place where you don’t need to leave to get essentials.
“It would be nice to see businesses coming back, to bring the town back to where people can live here
and not have to travel to get food. I’d also like to bring tourism in to bring in some outside dollars, and let the town revitalize a bit,” Beckett said.
Graeme Duckworth has lived in Holden for six years and while he doesn’t like politicians, if elected, he will do his best.
“I think this town is awesome. It's nice and quiet except for the trains. But I see a lot of potential in this town, I don't see it happening, but I would like to see that happen. I'm not good at politics; I don't like politicians, because if their lips are moving, they're lying. So, I prefer to think of myself as just a councillor, and hopefully my lips are telling the truth when they're moving,” Duckworth said.
Current councillor John Markel said he’s been on council for the last two terms, has been part of
many boards and committees, and he’s been glad to see the work that has been done in Holden, most recently on the sewer systems, and hopes to continue to be part of council to move projects forward.
Mark Giebelhaus has
deep roots in Holden and wants to continue to build Holden towards the future.
“I'm a fourth-generation farmer and I've lived in town now for over 15 years. I started school here in grade one and I graduated here in Grade 12. My
grandfather and his brothers were carpenters in the area for years, and his brothers had the hardware store, grocery store, and a gravel truck business. I built the laundromat and the hair salon, and now with the bottle depot I'm helping support the town,
to keep it viable. It would be nice to see some stuff move back in here and get busier, so I want to try and work on that in the future, too,” Giebelhaus said.
Tammy Lynn Hill and her family moved to Holden from Wainwright
Continued on Page 8
KARI JANZEN PHOTO
A candidates forum was held in the village of Holden on Monday, Oct. 6 at the Holden Seniors Drop In Centre, with seven of the eight people running able to attend. L-R: Tyler Beckett, Graeme Duckworth, John Markel, Mark Giebelhaus, moderator Delbert Degenhardt, Tammy Lynn Hill, Carl Marsh, Alan Ramshaw. Missing: Shawn Cole.
Tofield's Canada Post Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) have been completing their minimum four hours of picketing outside the post office during the postal strike, pictured here on Monday, Oct. 6. L-R: Lloyd Brandt, Angela Fuller, Richard Brockhurst. They said the weather has been a bit more bearable than last time, when they had to stand out in the November-December temperatures. KARI JANZEN PHOTO
C.W. Sears Elementary students were outside the school building on Monday afternoon, Oct. 6, to show their support for teachers with sidewalk chalk messages and drawings. That morning, 51,000 members of the Alberta Teachers' Association went on strike. L-R: Camryn Appleby, Rilynn Aitken, Eryn Aitken, Taylor Aitken, Naomi Reeves, Claire Reeves.
HAROLD CONQUEST
* Initiated: Reduction of Council from seven to five members
* Initiated: Purchase of columbariums rather than farmland to enlarge cemetery
* Initiated: Establishment of a heritage trust fund using part of the dividends from Claystone
KARI JANZEN PHOTO
Rural Claystone Waste large item pickup well underway
Vanessa Poitras Staff Reporter
Claystone Waste’s twice-yearly large item pickup began Thursday, September 26 and will wrap up on Thursday, October 30.
This program is held every year in the spring and fall for all residents of the Beaver County region. One exception to this bin program is the town of Viking, where curbside
pickup is provided. The bins were in Bruce from Sept. 26 to Oct. 2, in Ryley from Oct. 3-9, will be in Tofield from Friday, Oct. 10 to Thursday, Oct. 16 in the truck parking lot on 51 St. and 51 Ave, and will be in Holden from Friday, Oct. 17 to Thursday, Oct. 23 in the empty lot at 5024 50 St., at the Gazebo Park entrance at 51 St., beside the Beaver County bins on 48 St., and west of the Public Works
Re-Elect
Eugene (Gene) Hrabec for Beaver County Division 3
Proven leadership, accountability, dedication, and community involvement!
Cast your vote on Oct 20, 2025 in Ryley for Eugene (Gene) Hrabec
shop at 4920 48 Ave.
Acceptable items include larger items such as mattresses, furniture, appliances, tires, barbeques, and more. Claystone discourages putting yard waste and waste from large renovation projects into the community bins, as they can take up a lot of room or weigh down the bin.
“Rather than putting yard waste in the community bins, bring it to the
School Boa -Elect ard T Albrecht Trrustee
landfill. We accept bags of leaves, tree branches, and even the logs from a cutdown tree,” the website says.
Fridges, freezers, water coolers, and other items containing freon are also accepted, but the $25 freon charge and proof of payment sticker must be taken care of at the Town or Village offices.
“Construction and renovation debris, including chunks of concrete or ce-
ment, should be brought to the Ryley Landfill. Electronic waste should be taken to one of our transfer stations,” the website says.
For those who cannot physically get their large items to one of the bins, an online form can be filled out to request assistance.
“Note that your large items must be on the curb as Claystone staff will not be able to enter private property. The pickup of
the large item will likely take place outside of the scheduled community bin pickup dates based on staff availability,” the website says. The bin program is provided to save residents a trip to the landfill as well as it being free of charge for community members. More information can be found at claystonewaste.com/residen tial-collections/large-itempickup/
on Oct 20, 2025
Da r r e n E r i c k s o n
BSc. Pharmacy
2025 Mayoral Candidate
Age In Place Facility for Tofield
One of the many questions I have been asked by residents in the past weeks is regarding the need for an Age in Place Facility for Tofield. When planning and construction of Sunshine Villa started the plan was for this exact concept, senior apartments, lodge setting and a nursing home facility, all under one roof. Provincial funding models changed and it was completed as a seniors lodge only. There is land available for two extra phases to be added but this is dependent on several factors.
Beaver Foundation, which oversees the senior facilities in the county, consists of the Beaver Foundation CAO, and representatives from Beaver County, Tofield, Ryley, Holden and Viking communities. These committee members assess the need for each facility. A major consideration for determining need is occupancy of the current senior facilities and waiting lists for move in requests. Sunshine Villa has one opening with all other facilities in Beaver County having in excess of nine vacancies each. In our pharmacy I see new residents from out of province and from other communities in Alberta moving to Tofield because of close proximity to Edmonton. Currently the City of Edmonton has a shortage of senior home beds with substantial wait lists.
Beaver Foundation is under the umbrella of the Alberta Senior Citizens Housing Association who assess the need for cities and communities trying to access these types of facilities. Based on today's provincial budget I don't think the province has changed their funding model since the construction of our newest facility 12 years ago. The first prerequisite of bringing our case for an Age in Place Facility for Tofield, would be to give evidence that the care facilities in the County of Beaver are filled to capacity on an ongoing basis and provide the government with a substantial wait list.
That being said, do we sit back and wait until all of the needs assessments are met or do we find ways to utilize the facilities in place, proving that we need more housing. I have a background in healthcare, relationships with seniors, Tofield residents, facility managers, our provincial MLA and the building development and management skills to plead our case for expansion. I won't stand and promise what I'm not sure I can deliver but I will promise to investigate options and advocate for the seniors in our community.
In their 2018 book Truth Decay, Jennifer Kavanagh and Michael D. Rich of the RAND Corporation, wrote about the role news publishers and broadcasters play in mediating information – separating fact from fiction. They differentiate between these businesses and Big Tech platforms, arguing that because the former can be sued for defamation and hold themselves to journalistic standards, they remain accountable.
According to Kavanagh and Rich, “the filters and algorithms embedded in social media platforms and search engines, such as Google, contribute to Truth Decay — and particularly to increasing disagreement and the blurring of the distinction between opinion and fact — by inserting bias into the types of information a person is likely to encounter or engage with.”
In the seven years since their book was published, generative artificial intelligence has compounded the problem. AI companies are flagrantly scraping and summarizing content directly from published news articles. This is theft on an industrial scale –plain and simple.
Publishers are being harmed because these artificial intelligence overviews are so detailed that the reader often stays within Big Tech’s walled garden, rather than being
pointed electronically to news websites via links. No clicks mean no money for publishers to reinvest in fact-based, fact-checked journalism.
Readers are being harmed too. All too often, these artificial intelligence overviews serve up slop: inaccurate, irrelevant, out of date, and even harmful information. In today’s attention economy, these companies prioritize engagement. That leaves it up to the user to try to separate fact from fiction.
In a world of misinformation and disinformation, we need fact-based, fact-checked journalism. Crowdsourcing is not journalism. There are no alternative facts: there are just facts. And Canadians need facts to live their lives and to make informed decisions that empower them to participate effectively in democratic processes.
“Buy Canadian” is part of the solution. According to a recent report from Canadian Media Means Business, 92 per cent of digital ad dollars are now going to non-Canadian platforms, which puts the sustainability of Canadian media in jeopardy. Governments across Canada should not be spending their advertising dollars with foreign search and social media giants.
They should walk the talk and “Buy Canadian.” They should follow the Government of Ontario’s
& Distributed every
at Tofield,
P.O. Box 150, Tofield, Alberta T0B 4J0 Phone 780-662-4046
E-mail: (Advertising): adsmercury@gmail.com, (News): news.tofield@gmail.com
lead and set aside a minimum of 25 per cent of their advertising budgets for trusted news brands. And that should be one of the planks in the Government of Canada’s new Buy Canadian Policy, which seeks to ensure our economy is resilient and self-reliant.
JOHN’S RANT OPINION
Canadians need fact-based, fact-checked information
Beyond ensuring federal advertising is placed in a brand safe manner and without any additional cost to the taxpayer, a federal set-aside would send an important signal to other orders of government and to the private sector about protecting Canada’s digital sover-
eignty and sustaining independent, commercially viable public interest journalism.
More than 85 per cent of adults in Canada turn to newspaper content each week, and two-thirds trust that content – ahead of television, radio, magazines, social media, and online
search.
This National Newspaper Week, as we face the rise of fake news amplified by algorithms that prioritize engagement, it is in everyone’s interest to protect the truth.
Paul Deegan is President and Chief Executive Officer of News Media Canada
Kerry Anderson Publisher Lisa Kuflay Manager Reporter Reporter Office Assistant Michelle Anderson Payroll Administrator Crystal Moren Production Kari Janzen Reporter
RCMP Report
Fall is a season of change in Alberta. Our days are getting shorter, and this can heavily impact visibility and driving conditions.
This October, the Tofield RCMP Detachment offers the following safety tips for both drivers and pedestrians to ensure the safety of all road users:
Drivers:
-Be mindful when driving in school and playground zones, especially in the early mornings or late afternoons. Drive the speed limit, to ensure you are able to brake and come to a stop quickly if needed.
-Never pass vehicles that are stopped at a crosswalk. There may be pedestrians crossing the road that you cannot see.
-Do not assume pedes-
trians see you. Always make eye contact before turning at an intersection and ensure that pedestrians have cleared the crosswalk before you enter it.
-Marked or unmarked, crosswalks exist at all intersections. Always yield to pedestrians at a crosswalk.
Pedestrians:
-Follow the rules of the road and obey all posted signs and signals.
-Always try to cross streets at marked crosswalks. If a crosswalk is not available, locate a well-lit area where you have the best view of traffic, and only cross when it’s safe to do so.
-Make sure that you are visible to motorists and that all vehicles have stopped before you enter a
crosswalk.
-If you are walking when it is dark out, or visibility is low, consider wearing high-visibility gear or clothing.
-If there is no sidewalk available, and you have to walk on a street, make sure to walk facing traffic and as far from traffic as possible.
Motorists are additionally reminded to remain alert for increased wildlife activity along rural roadways. The fall months bring several changes in animal behaviour that can heighten the risk of wildlife–vehicle collisions.
During this season, deer, elk, and moose are entering their rutting (breeding) period. From September through November, these large animals move more
Tofield RCMP focus on pedestrian and wildlife safety this October
frequently and unpredictably, often crossing highways and rural roads without warning. At the same time, shorter daylight hours mean more drivers are on the road during dawn and dusk, the very times when wildlife is most active and hardest to see.
These combined factors make fall one of the peak times of year for collisions involving wildlife.
Motorists are encouraged to take extra precautions when travelling in rural areas:
-Slow down and stay alert in areas known for wildlife crossings.
-Be especially cautious at dawn and dusk, when visibility is limited and animals are more active.
-Scan roadsides and
ditches for movement, reflective eyes, or herd activity.
-Use high beams, when possible, to improve visibility, but dim them when approaching other vehicles.
-If an animal is spotted,
reduce speed and be prepared to stop, many species travel in groups, so more may follow.
For more traffic safety information, follow us on Facebook @RCMPinAlberta and on X @RCMPAlberta.
Holden Candidate Forum
Continued from Page 3
in 2020, she runs the preschool that operates out of the school in Holden, and she wants to make the village a place that the area kids want to grow up to live in.
“My 10-year-old has already told me she wants to stay here, and that's why I'm running for council. I want to make this village so that all our kids want to stay here and so that younger people want to move in. I think we have a lot of problems with people who are younger who want to move here but they think that the older people don't want anything to change.
“I like to be old fashioned, but I also think we need to have change. We have to do stuff that can get the economy going, start doing community
things and get people to start volunteering more,” Hill said.
Carl Marsh moved to Holden in 2011, having moved from Edmonton to get away from the city. He has served on council for one term in the past, as mayor and deputy mayor, but stepped back due to work.
“I'm kind of semi-retired now, so I can offer the time and the commitment to the village again. My concern is safety, keeping taxes low as much as we can, keeping crime low, trying to get rid of the riff raff.
“I don't have a big mandate or big hopes and dreams, I just like it here and I want to see it keep growing, and I think I can chip in and help,” Marsh said.
Alan Ramshaw has lived in Holden since 2016 except for a threeyear period when he lived in Edmonton for work, but he said he chose Holden because he believes Holden is in the middle of everything.
Notice of Election and Requirements for Voter Identification Local Authorities Election Act (Sections 12, 35, 46, 53)
“It's 40 minutes from Camrose, 25 minutes from Vegreville, Tofield’s 20 minutes, Viking is not that far away, so for employment for families and things like that, this is a nice place to live.
“It's a calm community and one of the reasons I really enjoy it. I think that as a whole, I'm a really good communicator, I have a little bit of experience with government, I'm great with people, I'm task oriented, so I think that I would be a good asset to Holden as well. I look forward to trying to help the community bring in a little bit of business, and families who would like to live and stay in the town. I think there's a lot of potential here,” Ramshaw said.
Current councillor Shawn Cole was not able to attend the forum.
Some of the questions from the audience were about unsightly properties and teenagers speeding down the streets of Holden.
FARMLAND FOR SALE BY TENDER
TENDERS ARE INVITED for the purchase of the following property located in Beaver County:
Parcel 1:
NW 4-50-16-W4 +/- 160 Acres
Excepting Thereout All Mines And Minerals
Parcel 2:
NE 4-50-16-W4 +/- 160 Acres
Excepting Thereout All Mines And Minerals
Parcel 3:
SW 4-50-16-W4 +/- 159 Acres
Excepting Thereout All Mines And Minerals
Parcel 4:
SE 4-50-16-W4 +/- 159 Acres
Excepting Thereout All Mines And Minerals
Parcel 5:
SW 9-50-16-W4 +/- 160 Acres
Excepting Thereout All Mines And Minerals
The titles to all parcels will be free of any financial encumbrances, which will be discharged within a reasonable period after closing. However, titles will remain subject to existing reservations and all other registrations on the titles.
TENDERS will be accepted for one or more parcels. Tenders must be submitted in writing, accompanied by a bank draft made payable to Fielding & Company LLP in trust for 10% of the tender price, sealed in an envelope marked “Young Tender”, and delivered to Fielding & Company LLP, Barristers and Solicitors, at #100, 4918 - 51 Street, Camrose, Alberta, T4V 1S3, no later than 12:00 noon on October 31, 2025. The tender price does not include GST.
Tender will not be opened in public. Conditional tenders will not be accepted, and the highest or any tender may not necessarily be accepted.
The deposits of all unsuccessful tenderers will be available for pickup after the tender has been processed.
The successful tenderer shall be obligated to complete the purchase on or before 12:00 noon on November 28, 2025 (the “Closing Date”). The tender price will be subject to the addition of GST on the Closing Date. The successful tenderer must pay this GST to the Vendor based on the entire tender price, unless the successful tenderer is a GST registrant and has provided the Vendor with their GST registration number and GST Indemnity before the Closing Date. The 10% deposit shall constitute a deposit towards the tender price. If the successful tenderer fails to complete the purchase after acceptance of the tender, their deposit shall be forfeited.
The Vendor makes no warranties or representations about the property’s size, condition, environmental state, or fitness of the property for any purpose.
Municipal taxes for the property shall be adjusted as of noon on the Closing Date. There will be no further adjustments. Surface leases will be assigned to the successful tenderer, but surface lease payments received by the Seller prior to the Closing Date will not be adjusted.
The transaction will close using title insurance with “GAP” coverage. The successful tenderer is responsible for obtaining and paying for the title insurance.
For further information about the property, phone Don Young at (780) 288-8766. For information about the tender process, phone Ian W. Smith, KC at Fielding & Company LLP, at (780) 672-8851.
Closeout Auction for Wild West Meats
Sale Starts October 17th & Closes October 20th, 2025 - Camrose, AB
Location: 4718 44th Street, Camrose, Alberta
M
2013 International Scout Terra
Star S/A Reefer Truck
Cargomate 13’ T/A Bumper
Pull Refrigerated Enclosed
Trailer
2 - 20’ Seacans
M P
Unused Big Bite Sausage
Stuffer
Patty-O-Matic Model 330A
Patty Maker - Factory
Reconditioned
Tipper Tie Air Stapler
Sausage Air Stapler
2 - Sausage Stuffer
B&P Electric Meat Saw
Hobart Electric Meat Grinder
Berkel Electric Meat Slicer
Berkel 12” Meat Slicer
Cabela’s Deluxe 8 ½”
Meat Slicer
Globe 10” Commercial
Meat Slicer
Nesco 8 ½” Meat Slicer
Spiromac Double Chamber
Vacuum Sealer
Cabela's Pro Series Vac Sealer
Craftworx Vac Sealer
Electric Knife Sharpener
R
Maytag Print Proof Stainless
Steel Refrigerator
Wood’s 30” Frost Free Refrigerator
Samsung 36’ Refrigerator
Whirlpool 29 CUFT 36” Refrigerator
Plus Many More
I M F
Manitowoc Ice Maker
Costway Model Ice Maker
Manitowoc Model Ice
Bagger Stand
Crystal Clear Ice Coldmatic Ice Freezer
True Model Double Door
Freezer
Unused Hotpoint Chest Freezer
2 - Frigidaire Upright Freezer
New Air Series Ice Cream Freezer
Isa Gel Pro Gelato Freezer
Taylor Crown Ice Twister Ice Cream Machine
Taylor Menchies Frozen Yogurt Machine
Plus Much More
C
True Manufacturing Comp.
Triple Door Cooler
Revco Model Stand Up Cooler
Siebel Single Door Cooler
Assortment of Single & Double Door Coolers
2 - Silver King 2 Door Cooler
Arctic King 3.3 Cu Ft Beverage Cooler
W S
Chef’s Mate SCL2-HC
Stainless Steel Prep Station
Beverage Air 2 Door Stainless Steel Cooler/Workstation
Omcan 2 Door Stainless Steel
Cooler/Workstation
For
O C E
Assorted Commercial/ Convection Ovens
Arland Master 200
Commercial Gas Oven
Whirlpool 30” Electric Range
Garland Countertop Electric
Stock Pot Range
Emberglo Steam Range
Ikon Natural Gas Charbroiler
Vollrath Cayenne Charbroiler
Omcan Model Pizza Oven
Perfect Fry Company
Rapid Fryer
Dean Stainless Steel Natural
Gas 2 Basket Deep Fryer
Pitco Gas 2 Basket Deep
Fryer on Casters
Unused Coleman Cookout
36” Griddle Station
Omvan Stainless Steel
Electric Grill
Campchef Smoke Pro SC
Pellet Grill
Assorted Grills & Fryers
Counter Top Overs & Convection Ovens
O
Reverse Osmosis Purified
Water System
Warn Pullz All Electric Winch
Accu Weigh Floor Scale
Assorted Digital/Electronic Scales
Assorted Refrigeration & AC Units
R E
Star High Performance
Warmers
Patriot Wares 3 Tray Warmer
Chesher Bun Warmers
Hatco Fla-R-Saver Display
Warmer
Food Display Warmer & Food Warmers
2 - Bunn Commercial Coffee Makers
Westbend 36 & 100 Cup
Coffee Urns
Omcan Electric Bread Slicer
Commercial Toaster Ovens
2 - Kitchen Aide Mixers
Hot Dog Grills & Rollers
Panini & 5 in 1 Grills
Silver Screen 8oz Popper
Electric Popcorn Maker
2 - Cash Registers
LED Signs
Assorted Air Fryers, Slow Cookers, Microwaves & Soup Kettles
Large Assortment of Commercial Work Tables & Counters
Unused Stainless Steel
36”x36” Commercial Equipment Stand
Stainless Steel Rolling Cart & Shelves
Unused Omcan 18”W
Stainless Steel Sink/Taps Bakers Racks, Shelving Units & Display Stands
Assorted Tables, Chairs & Stools
Large Selection of Glassware, Cutlery, Food Trays, Disposable Plates, Containers, Soup Cups, Deli Containers & More
Assorted Restaurant Supplies including Plate Dispensers, Cup Dispensers, Condiment Dispersers, Folding Tables, Cutting Boards, Various Baskets & Bins Plus More
Tofield United Church hosts community burger supper with donations to food bank
-Tofield Mercury office (open M-F 8:30am to 5pm)
-Tofield Municipal Library (open M-F 9:30am to 5pm, until 8pm on Wed. & Thurs., and Sat. 9:30am to 2pm) -Lindbrook Store (Centex) (open 6am-9pm every day except Sunday 8am-9pm)
-Beaver County office in Ryley (M-F 8:30am to 4:30pm)
-Village of Ryley office (M-Th 8:30am to 4:30pm but closed during the noonhour for lunch, closed Fridays) -Village of Holden office (M-F 8:30am to 4:30pm but closed during the noonhour for lunch)
-Spilstead Hall In a bin outside, accessible anytime
Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns. Call or text 780-662-4046, email adsmercury@gmail.com, or visit us 5312 50 St. Tofield.
or issuu.com (search Tofield Mercury).
The Tofield United Church held a community burger supper on Friday, Sept. 26, with the donations collected from the meal going to the Tofield/Ryley and Area food bank. Pictured: Tofield resident Dustin Terpstra, who is running for a spot on council, with his wife Cayla and daughters Georgia and Laine. Other candidates present included Harold Conquest and Jennifer Durrant.
The Beaver County Chronicle
Here are the results of a Beaver County Chronicle questionnaire for Division 3 candidates in the municipal election which will be held on Oct. 20.
1. What are your reasons for running, or re-running, for councillor in your division?
I would like to continue my advocacy for the residents of Beaver County and to complete some of the projects that are currently underway or planned.
Having the opportunity to sit on a provincial task force on CWD management that will not be completed until the end of the year is one of those types of projects.
The most rewarding part of being a municipal councillor is the opportunity to see a project, idea or a community request from the start to the finish.
A couple of boards that I sit on have huge influence on supporting our seniors on Beaver Foundation and helping us everyday that there is a medical, accident or fire with Beaver Emergency Services Commission. Infrastructure
projects and plans can be current, multi year and long term. I have served as the Deputy Reeve for the past seven years.
2. What issues in your particular division, and in the county as a whole, do you consider important to discuss during this election?
Currently in my area one of the most important issues is finding common ground and solutions between the residents around the landfill district. Unintended consequences of the growth need to be addressed sooner than later. The county is continuing to grow with development and business growth throughout the county which keeps providing the services. I have been advocating to ensuring we are fiscally responsible and pledge to keep asking those questions to ensure transparency.
3. Please state your goals if you are elected a councillor?
Currently in my area one of the most important issues is finding common ground and solutions between the resi-
Beaver County Division 3 incumbent - Gene Hrabec
dents around the landfill district. Unintended consequences of the growth need to be addressed sooner than later. The county is continuing to grow with development and business growth throughout the county which keeps providing the services. I have been advocating to ensuring we are fiscally responsible and pledge to keep asking those questions to ensure transparency.
4. Can you give a background of yourself in terms of personal, educational, occupational and any other information you think would be pertinent for the voter to know to help them get a better understanding of who you are and the direction in which you wish to proceed going forward?
In closing, I am very proud of the organizational direction and with the commitment from our employees, especially with our public works team which provides the majority of our services. We have transitioned seamlessly between retirements and new employees as well as a strong commitment to our community members and organizations.
Here are the results of a Beaver County Chronicle questionnaire for Division 3 candidates in the municipal election which will be held on Oct. 20.
1. What are your reasons for running or rerunning for councillor in your division?
I am running for Council as I believe we need a change with Beaver County Council. Possibly bring some new ideas to the table. I have never ran for Council in the past.
2. What issues in your particular division and in the county as a whole do you consider important to discuss during this election?
I am in Division 3. The landfill has been an issue in the past. The roads that are being used to get to the landfill
seem to have more garbage in the ditches as well as the condition of the road leading to and from the landfill is not always in the best shape.
More recently the odour from the compost has created a new possibly larger issue. The odour actually affects me at my residence when the wind blows in my direction.
With regards to the County as a whole, road condition will always be an issue and balancing act.
Police enforcement as well as bylaw enforcement may need to be assessed on how to get the best bang for the dollar and how best to support ratepayer concerns.
I also believe BESC, which involves not just the County but both the towns and villages, needs to be assessed for how effective the commission is in
overseeing the fire departments and emergency management.
3. Please state your goals if you are elected Councillor? If an incumbent, what are you most proud of accomplishing during your tenure?
My goals would be to be fiscally responsible to all ratepayers in the county. Also, to be as transparent with all decisions being made. Communication is a big key to transparency.
4. Can you give a background of yourself in terms of personal, educational, occupational and any other information you think would be pertinent for the voter to know to help them get a better understanding of who you are and the direction in which you wish to proceed going forward?
I finished the Elected Official Education Program Certificate from the U of A, which was completed in seven years of adult learning. As an elected official you are always learning and engaging with peers and provincial governement counterparts.
Beaver County Division 3 candidate - Rick Ells
My background was as a military policeman for 15 years.
When medically retired, I was the operations Warrant Officer for CFB Petawawa. I was also the Community Peace Officer for Beaver County for 20 years.
During that time I was also the Fire Chief for the County which also included both towns and villages. I was in charge of Health and Safety for the County employees, and voted in as the president of the Rural Utilities and Safety Association.
Until the formation of BESC, I was the Director of Emergency management for the County. During that time I organized and ran several simulated disasters which practiced all key players in how to deal with emergencies..
Hubert & Margaret Graham
Patricia Harcourt
Beaver County Division 3 incumbent Gene Hrabec
Patricia Harcourt
BEAVER COUNTY COUNCIL CANDIDATE PROFILES BEAVER COUNTY COUNCIL
BEAVERCOUNTY MUNICIPALELECTION: Monday,October20,2025
BEAVER COUNTY MUNICIPAL ELECTION: Monday, October 20, 2025
IfyouareunabletovoteatanAdvanceVoteoronElectionDayyou mayrequestaSpecialBallot(akamail-inballot).Youcanrequestyour applicationbyphone,email,inperson,orinwritingbetween12:00p.m. (Noon)onSeptember24,2025,and4:30p.m.onOctober17,2025. SpecialBallotsmustbereturnedtotheReturningOfficernolaterthen 12:00p.m.(noon)onMonday,October20,2025,eitherinpersonduring businesshoursorbymail(orcourierduringpostalstrike).Anyballots thatarereceivedlatewillNOTbeaccepted.
Email:mwalsh@beaver.ab.caPhone:780-663-3730ext.1023
October8
9:30AM-12:00-GovernanceandPrioritiesCommitteeMeeting 1:00PM-4:00PM-RegularCouncilMeeting October20
8:00AM-8:00PM-MunicipalElection
8:00 AM 8
2025COUNTYCONSTRUCTIONSCHEDULE
Patchingoilroads
Hard-SurfaceLocations
Constructedinthefollowingphases:
Phase1(P1): Cement, Phase2(P2): ChipSeal1stLift, Phase3(P3): ChipSeal 2ndlift, Phase4(P4): FinalsweepofChips.
KingswayEstates-501 May12 May16
RgeRd202betweenTwp502&504 May19 May30
BeaverCreekEstatesNorth-50514RgeRd202 Jun2 Jun4
RgeRd200fromHwy630tocampground entrance&HoopersDr Jun5 Jun9
WhisperingHillsEstates-51308RgeRd195 Jun10 Jun14
RgeRd200fromHwy630toBlackfootGrazing ReserveEntrance Jun16 Jun24
Twp492approx.1.72kmseastofRgeRd170 Jun26 Jun27 Complete Twp490betweenHwy857&RgeRd142 Jul2 Jul25 Complete Twp490betweenHwy870&RgeRd120 Jul28 Aug22 P1, P2, P3
TwpRd512fromRgeRd191toHWY834 Aug25 Sep3 P1, P2
ShoulderPulls
RgeRd200fromHWY14toTWPRD500 Sept9 Sept30
TwpRd492fromHWY834toRgeRd192 Oct1 Oct9 RgeRd173from430meterssouthofTwpRd 500andTwpRd492 Oct10 Oct24
TwpRd500fromHWY854toRgeRd171 Oct27 Nov4 TwpRd502fromHWY854toRgeRd171 Nov5 Nov14
TwpRd484fromHWY855toRgeRd164 tbd tbd
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.
BRUCE & KINSELLA ROAD
InOctoberselectroads(asshownintheconstructionschedule)willbeundergoing someminorrepairworkandreceiveapavementoverlay.
Duringconstruction,sectionsoftheroadmaybetemporarilyclosedtoallowcrewsto worksafely.Detourswillbeclearlymarked.Pleaseplanalternaterouteswherepossible ordrivecautiouslyifyoumusttravelthroughtheconstructionzone(localtrafficonly).
DEVELOPMENTPERMITS
ThefollowingDevelopmentApplicationshavebeenAPPROVED(except whereotherwisenoted)bytheDevelopmentAuthorityundertheprovisionsof LandUseBylawNo.98-801,subjecttotherightofappealtotherelevant appealbody-SubdivisionandDevelopmentAppealBoard(SDAB)orLand andPropertyRightsTribunal(LPRT).
APPEALDEADLINE AppealBody ApplicationNo. Applicant Landowner Location Development
NOVEMBER5,2025 SDAB 020020-25-D0061 Carlene&JasonWalsh Same Lot1Plan7920355inSE16-48-14-W4 DiscretionaryUse–PartyBusBusiness(GeneralCommercial)
Anypersonwishingtoappealanapplicationmaydosoby servingwrittennoticeontheprescribedform(stating reasonsfortheappeal)totherelevantappealbody.For informationonhowtoappealcanbefoundourour websiteunder Services>Planning&Development> AppealingPlanningDecisions Furtherinformationregardingtheabovedecisionsmaybe obtainedfromtheCountyOffice,Ryley,Alberta.
PREPARATIONOFTHE2025ANNUALASSESSMENT FOR2026TAXATION
Pleasenote:Duetotheongoingpostalstrike,BeaverCountyis providingthisnoticeonlineandthroughalternatechannels. TheAssessmentDepartmentwillbeginconductingproperty inspectionsfor: Developmentpermitsissuedin2025,and Developmentsfrompreviousyearsthatwerenotyetcompleted. Theinspectorwillbevisitingpropertiestoverifyandcollectdata onneworexistingdevelopments. Thisworkhelpsensurefairandequitablepropertyassessments throughoutBeaverCounty. Ifyouhavequestionsorconcerns,pleasecontacttheAssessment Departmentat825-385-0055.
Howtopayyourtaxes...
Duetothepostalstrike,maildeliveryisnotanoptionforpaying yourtaxescurrently.Pleaseuseoneofthefollowingmethods: InternetorTelephoneBanking
Payee:BeaverCountyTaxes
Account#:9-digitrollnumberfromyourassessment/tax notice Paysimply.ca
Securepaymentsiteacceptingcreditcards,PayPal,and more.(Conveniencefeeapplies.)
InPerson
Debit,cheque,cash,ormoneyorderattheBeaverCounty ServicesCentre.
TomeetwiththeAssessor,pleasecall780-663-3730.
A10%penaltywillbeappliedtoalloutstandingbalancesasof November1,2025.
Note:CreditcardsareonlyacceptedthroughPaysimply.Pleaseallow 2–3businessdaysforelectronicpaymentstoprocess.
Getnews,meetinghighlights,theroadconstruction schedule,theChronicle,andmore-directtoyourinbox!
Website InformationonCountyprogramsandservicescanbe foundonourwebsite,alongwiththelatestnews.
4 - Beaver County Chronicle, October 8, 2025
Beaver County Division 1 candidate - Nora Abercrombie
Patricia Harcourt
Here are the results of a Beaver County Chronicle questionnaire for Division 1 candidates in the municipal election which will be held on Oct. 20.
1. What are your reasons for running, or re-running, for councillor in your division?
Above all, I want to look after my neighbours the way that they have always looked after me and my family.
From helping me find my stupid runaway cows, pulling me out of the snow, or helping me out when I was too pregnant to fit out my front door, I owe my neighbours. A lot. Also, I have deep roots in Beaver County, and want to give back as much as I can.. My family has been in the area since before 1900; some came from the Dakotas by covered wagon.
My great grandfather, Freeman Kelley, served as a forester in the Blackfoot Grazing Reserve. My mom went to her first dance at the Lindbrook Hall. Beaver County is a sacred place to me and I want to carry on the family tradition of service to preserve our environment, our traditions, and our great way of life. I want it to be just as great for future generations.
2. What issues in your particular division, and in the county as a whole, do you consider important to discuss during this election?
The overarching issue is security, and all that means. We need reliable roads, which are the fundamental infrastructure that allow people to live here successfully. We need water security. Whatever population or business growth we approve cannot risk people’s access to the water they need, when they need it.
The county has already identified surface water management as an issue. We need to ramp up crime prevention. This is a shared responsibility with other organizations; there are at least eight things we can do to make Beaver County very, very bad for criminals.
3. Please state your goals if you are elected a councillor?
My priorities are good roads, balanced budget, increased security, and staying out of people’s business unless they are causing harm to others.
It is critical that Council apply the rules equally and fairly to everybody. Whether it comes to tax assessment or being first to get the road worked on, everybody should be treated the same.
Also, Council should rely on the wisdom of our residents, especially our Seniors. They have seen it all and have valuable
advice that Council should take the time to hear what they say and consider it carefully.
4. Can you give a background of yourself in terms of personal, educational, occupational and any other information you think would be pertinent for the voter to know to help them get a better understanding of who you are and the direction in which you wish to proceed going forward?
My background includes working with the City of Edmonton on drainage, waste water, road networks, and asset inventory systems. I also worked in agriculture for 12 years, specifically on food safety and animal health. I worked a lot in environmental monitoring in the oil sands.
Apart from my work on municipal infrastructure, maybe my most relevant work experience is in emergency management.
I facilitated the devel-
opment of a plan to ensure the food supply to Albertans in a critical disruption, served as Plans Chief in a large E.coli outbreak, was a Consequence Manager during the Fort McMurray Wildfire and later served as Planning Manager for the Fort McMurray Wildfire Recovery Task Force.
I created the recovery tool kit for Fort McMurray after their big fire, which I was told was useful to them.
So, if something goes badly wrong here, I understand the legislated role of the municipality in a State of Local Emergency.
I know exactly how the Provincial Operations Centre will mobilize help for us, and how to work with them in partnership with our local first responders, churches, and agricultural societies.
Once the actual emergency is over, which is
usually pretty quickly, the long process of recovery will begin, and coordinating with local organizations will be critical to getting back up on our feet as soon as possible. I know where some of the big delays can come from. To summarize, I will work to protect and defend what makes Beaver County special and stand with my neighbours no matter what challenges we face in the future.
Beaver County Division 1 incumbent - Kevin Smook
Patricia Harcourt
Here are the results of a Beaver County Chronicle questionnaire for Division 1 candidates in the municipal election which will be held on Oct. 20.
1. What are your reasons for running or re-running for councillor in your division?
I was first elected to Beaver County Council in 2013 and was acclaimed in both 2017 and 2021. I've been Reeve for seven of those years. I bring leadership and experience to the table. I believe Beaver County is on the right path and I want to continue to represent Division 1 and lead us into the future.
2. What issues in your particular division and in the county as a whole do you consider important to discuss during this election?
Roads are always front and centre in our Division and throughout the County. It took several years, but we finally committed to a 10-year hard surfacing road strategy which will improve the road network throughout the County, including the subdivisions in Division One. Work has already
begun and over the next 10 years every subdivision will have a hard top surface (teracem) which will improve the quality of life for our residents. We have also committed to maintaining the major roads in Division One such as Township Road 512 and Township Road 514 which see a large volume of traffic. This year we also constructed a hard top surface on Range Road 200 heading into the Islet Lake Staging Area where hikers, bikers and boaters enjoy the great outdoors. I also want to continue to encourage economic development in our division.
3. Please state your goals if you are elected Councillor? If an incumbent, what are you most proud of accomplishing during your tenure?
The 10-year hard surfacing road strategy took a lot of debate and discussion at the Council table to reach approval. It's a game changer for many of our west end residents who live in subdivisions and/or near major routes and I want to ensure the strategy continues so when the current year of
work is completed, we add another year to the end.
I also pushed to add two additional grader routes to our transportation program. This shorted the routes for each grader, allowing them to maintain roads more frequently.
We also established the Beaver County Economic Development Advisory Committee which includes several public at large members with strong business backgrounds. We updated the development parameters in Equity Industrial Park and were able to attract Cap Clean Energy, which will build a renewable fuel facility producing bio fuel from plant based residue, which will be acquired from our local producers. Another big win was the commitment by Parrish & Heimbecker to open a major grain handling facility near Viking. I will champion the enhancement and expansion of the Highway 14 Waterline, to allow for residential and industrial growth in Beaver County.
As a member of the Tofield Library Board, I'm proud that we joined the Dolly Parton Imagination
Library, which offers a free book each month to children up to the age of five.
I will continue to advocate to the Province so they understand the challenges we face in rural Alberta, and strive to maintain or increase the grants and funding we need from them.
4. Can you give a background of yourself in terms of personal, educational, occupational and any other information you think would be pertinent for the voter to know to help them get a better understanding of who you are and the direction in which you wish to proceed going forward?
My wife Sheila and I moved here in 1993 and raised four wonderful
children. When we first arrived, I got involved with several community groups to both meet people and give back to our area. I've been selling real estate for over 30 years and opened our own brokerage in 1999. Since being elected to Council, I've enjoyed representing the County on numerous boards and commissions.
I'm proud of the relationships Beaver County has built with our urban partners in Tofield, Ryley, Holden and Viking and, if re-elected, I will do my best to help strengthen and maintain those key partnerships.
MORE PROFILES IN NEXT WEEK’S EDITION
I have 16 years of experience serving the school community, consisting of:
• 4 years as a BRSD School Board Trustee
•4 years as the C.W. Sears School Council Chair.
•4 years as the Tofield School Council Chair.
•14 years as a Tofield Library Board member and Chairperson.
I will make sure that the board s decisions meet the students needs
If you would like to have a strong, experienced voice on the School Board, please vote for me!
Beaver County Division 1 candidate Kevin Smook
Tofield and area food drive collects over 2,500 pounds
Vanessa Poitras Staff Reporter
On Saturday, Sept. 27
over 2,500 pounds of food was collected to be donated to the TofieldRyley and Area food bank for a yearly food drive.
"The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints went around to Tofield and Ryley and collected 2,541 pounds for our food bank,” food bank manager Dawn Arnold said.
“This is a provincewide initiative that happens every year on the last Saturday of September. We so look forward to this because it provides us with much needed supplies for the fall,” she said.
Food Banks Alberta as well as JustServe work together to make this initiative happen annually.
"Working together, our efforts can make a difference to people struggling with food insecurity in our city. Donations of time or of food, large or small, make hope possible for so many families,"
as explained on the JustServe website. This initiative is coordinated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. A representative of the Church from Sherwood Park Stake Communications was contacted for comment but a response was not received by press time.
This volunteer project is also put on to celebrate National Day of Service which happens in the month of September every year.
RICHARD DANIEL DUECK
Jan. 25, 1953 - Sept. 28, 2025
I t is with deep sorrow and much love that we announce the passing of Richard ( Rick ) Dueck - a devoted husband, father and beloved Papa. Rick passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on September 28, 2025, at the age of 72 in Tofield, Alberta, after a brief and quiet battle with cancer. At the heart of Rick' s life was the loving partnership he shared with his wife Judy for over 50 years. Married in 1975, they began their life in Edmonton, Alberta before moving to Rick' s hometown of Ryley in 1980 to run a dairy farm, leaving city life behind. Together, they raised four children on that farm: Jeri (Dave), Jacqui (Steve), Danny, and Katie (Adam) Rick was a proud and devoted Papa to Brittany, Brady, Cody, Parker, Cole, Piper, Miller, Emmett, and Walker. An athlete in his youth and sports enthusiast for life, one of Rick' s greatest joys was coaching and watching his children and grandchildren play sports. Whether standing on the sidelines of a ball or soccer field, sitting in the bleachers of a hockey rink, or watching from the stands of a school gym, he was always their proudest fan. His support was unwavering, and his cheers - whether quiet or loud - were always filled with love.
Rick is survived by his siblings: Bobby (Valeria) Dueck, Val Ruff, Tim (Deborah) Rokos, and Neil (Carol) Rokos, along with a large extended family and many dear friends. He was predeceased by his three sisters - Lorna (Garry) Stone, Diane (Wayne) Brown, and Cindi (Graham) van Adrichem - as well as his parents, Bob and Mildred Rokos, and father, William Dueck.
A celebration of Rick's life will be held on October 10th, 2025 at 2:00 pm at Ryley Community Centre in Ryley, Alberta, with a light lunch to follow. All who knew and loved Rick are welcome to attend and celebrate his life.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to the Ryley Swimming Pool, a place that brought Rick and his family joy.
Though he may no longer walk with us, Rick was deeply loved and will be profoundly missed.
DAWN ARNOLD PHOTO
Tofield/Ryley and Area food bank volunteers sort through the donations collected through the food drive organized by the Tofield branch of Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints on Saturday, Sept. 27.
Kari Janzen Staff Reporter
Tofield Town Council received a letter from the Katchemut Creek Family Horse Club requesting that the Town waive the hall rental fees for the club’s year-end banquet, which was discussed at the regular council meeting held Monday, Sept. 22.
“This year has been amazing season of gymkhana, consisting of 12+ events and a few practice runs. Our members come from right here in town or up to an hour away and range in age from three to 80 years old.
“We have seen so many kids growing, from lead line, steering on their own, loping a pattern, all the way to being competitive with the season horses.
“This group is all about bringing confidence up, being a family, and truly having one another's back!
“We all work together to succeed in getting that 0.1 second faster or stronger.
“We are seeking spon-
sorship in the form of waiving hall rental fees for our year end banquet, which will be held on Oct. 11 at the Tofield Community Hall,” the letter read.
Mayor Deb Dueck asked Chief Administrative Officer Jeff Edwards what Council did in the past, and Edwards said last year Council chose to waive the hall rental fees.
“And how's our budget line item for all the times we’ve waived that fee?”
Dueck asked, to which Edwards said they still had some room.
“Being an active organization in our community, using our facility, and their participation in other events too, I think it would be logical,” Dueck said.
Councillor Brenda Chehade agreed, and said especially because it applies to a large age range of riders too.
“Our citizens go and watch them practice as well,” Deputy Mayor Harold Conquest said.
Conquest moved that Council waive the club’s hall rental fee, which was carried.
Locals got to have an up-close view of the fire trucks and other new equipment at the Tofield Fire Department’s open house on Thursday, Oct. 13, during Fire Prevention Week.
Above: Firemen’s hats were given out to the kids. Below: Kids made their way through a tunnel filled with smoke from a smoke machine
These photos appeared in the Tofield Mercury on October 18, 2005.
$20/wk for the
first 35 words 45¢ for each additional word 4 Papers
16,000 readers
COMING EVENTS
New Musician Open House at Battle River Pipes and Drums Band Camp. Introductory lessons for pipe chanter, and snare, tenor, or bass drums.
Saturday, Oct. 14 from 2 to 3 p.m. Please RSVP to info@flagstaffscottishclub.com or call Ian for more info at 780-390-0096. 39/40c
Sunshine Villa
Annual Autumn Pie Social 5834 51 St. Tofield Saturday, October 18th 2pm-4pm
$10 admission for adults, $5 for ages 5-15, Under 5 is FREE!
Accepting food items for Tofield & Area Food Bank. Funds raised go towards resident recreation.
TM40-41C
COMING EVENTS
EDMONTON COIN SHOW & SALE - October 18/19, Saturday, 10 am - 4:30 pm, Sunday, 10 am - 3:00 pm.
CLASSIFIEDS
Lions Centre; 11113 - 113 Street, Edmonton. Free market evaluations. Dealers from across Canada * Auctions * Displays * Watches * Family friendly! www.edmontoncoinclub.com/shows
Walter Jahns Singers will resume practices for the 2025-26 season on Monday, Oct. 20 at 7 p.m. at the Forestburg Community Hall. All are welcome.
FOR RENT
Storage Unit For Rent in Killam Inside private warehouse building behind Community Press office. Security cameras on site, building heated in winter. Upstairs units available, approx 8’ x 12’. Back alley access only.
$99/mo. with $100 damage deposit. Or pre-pay for 6 months for $495 (1 month free) or pre-pay for 1 year for $990 (2 months free). Rental contract required. First month due at signing. Call/Leave Voicemail for Ally 780-385-6693 or stop by The Community Press office on Main Street in Killam.
WORD SEARCH
89 hours w/sweeper $31,000
Call Rick at 780-385-4054. 39/40p
Multiple Items For Sale GREAT PRICES!!!!!!
Located in Viking, AB Chop Saw & Stand $300 Electric Mower $250 Scroll Saw $120 Air Tools $200 Golf Clubs $500 Plus many more toolssome never even used! Call Victor at 587-306-3806 37/40p
CAUGHT YOU LOOKING
Book Your Ad!
Contact your Local paper!
SALE
Here are the tomatoes that are available at Brian’s Market Garden now: Oxheart tomato: $3.50 for a bread bag; or $4 for a flat box. Old Brook - $3.50 for a bread bag; or $4 for a flat box, and Roma VF Red - $3 for a bread bag; or $3.25 for a flat box. Also Sweet Million Cherry tomatoes - $2.75 for a bread bag; or $3 for a flat box. Call 780-678-0053 to book. 39/40c
————————————————
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 - 225. Crystal Springs. 403-820-0961. albertasprucetrees.com.
For Sale Custom made by Paul Beard of Beard Guitar in Hagerstown, Maryland. Comes with custom Fibreglass Carrying Case, Guitar High Chair, Bracket to support the guitar when standing, table mount on back of chair to lay guitar down to tune/play standing up, books, tabs, cds. Asking $6,200. Call Darrell at 780-916-2318 39/40p
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
S-70 Bobcat For Sale
Dobro Guitar
PRICING
$20/wk for the first 35 words 45¢ for each additional word 4 Papers
16,000 readers
Hjordis Anne Armitage
March 4, 1938 - September 3, 2025
Join us as we honour and celebrate the life of Hjordis Armitage
Saturday, October 18, 2025 12:30 pm
Kinsella Community Centre Kinsella, Alberta
40/41c
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
CLASSIFIEDS
NOTICES. EVENTS. ANNOUNCEMENTS. THANKS. MEMORIALS. SALES. RENTALS. REAL ESTATE. GIVE AWAYS. & MORE!
Town & Country Guardian Drugs - 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.
Painting
Quality Residential and Commercial Interior Painting. Betty Tkaczyk 780-632-8749
YOUR PRINTING NEEDS with Caribou Publishing (owner of your local paper) From Business Cards to Books and everything in between! production.cp@gmail.com
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! Flagstaff Taping & Texturing Call or text at 780-385-1251
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.
Crossword
FIREARMS WANTED FOR OUR 2025 AUCTION PROGRAM: Firearms, Ammunition, Accessories, or Militaria. Collections, Estates or single items. For Auction, or Possible Purchase: Contact us: 1800-694-2609, 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.
Humboldt Broncos survivor to speak at BRAIN conference
Kari Janzen Staff Reporter
Ryley area resident and stroke survivor
Joslien Wannechko is once again involved in the organization of another Battle River Arts, Innovation and Neuroscience (BRAIN) conference in October, to be held in Westaskwin this year at the Reynolds Museum on Saturday, Oct. 25.
“Last year’s two-day conference in Camrose was a tremendous success. We had people from all over presenting and we had wonderful financial support from many groups and organizations including Beaver County. This year’s conference isn’t going to be as big, but it will be just as good,” Wannechko said.
The conference is de-
scribed as a participatory gathering for individuals, with firsthand insights from leading scientists, those with brain injuries, and artists who understand the power of art in recovery.
Last year’s wellknown speaker was Norman Doidge, a Canadian psychiatrist, psychoanalyst, and author, and this year Ryan Straschnitzki, a Humboldt Broncos bus accident survivor and para-ice hockey advocate, will be speaking.
Wannechko met Straschnitzki in June this year at an event in Calgary at the Synaptic Spinal Cord Injury and Neuro Rehabilitation Centre featuring a demonstration of their exoskeleton, which is a “wearable device that supports and enhances
movement acting as an external frame around the body, often powered by motors and sensors, to help a person move in ways they otherwise couldn’t due to injury, illness, or disability,” as described by Synaptic Health.
“I went down there and the first presenter was Ryan. I had no idea he was already wellknown, having been on Global News and such, but I asked if I could video him and he said sure, no problem. I jokingly said, we're going to make you famous, not realizing that his name was out there long before then,” Wannechko said.
Wannechko said she was drawn to Straschnitzki’s attitude towards life and asked if he would be willing to be featured on her
YouTube channel for an interview.
“No problem, he said, and we did. And then I thought during the interview, well, I hope that Jane (Ross, BRAIN conference organizer) and all the rest of the crew don’t mind, but I asked Ryan if he would come to our BRAIN conference,” Wannechko said.
“Mind?” Ross said, “we were overjoyed!” BRAIN has a goal of bringing a brain education and rehabilitation centre to the Battle River region so that people with brain injuries in the area won’t have to travel so far for treatment.
“Why should people have to go to Florida and Denmark for stroke recovery?” Ross said. “Or why should people have to go to Calgary,
Vancouver, or Ottawa to learn to walk again with exoskeleton? That's not necessary. We can get an exoskeleton right here in rural Alberta, in our region, Battle River,” she said.
Wannechko said that just last week they met with the dean of the U of A Augustana campus, the dean of rehab, and the assistant dean, and they’ve agreed to work with BRAIN on their mobility improvement centre and brain centre in Maskwacis.
“Maskwacis just got $1.8 million for their health centre, and that's for all of us, not just for indigenous peoples,” Ross said.
When asked about the target audience for the conference, Ross and Wannechko said it’s open to everyone.
“It's for anyone who
will listen! It’s for people who have or know someone who may have brain issues, people with injuries, for example, like Ryan, people with migraines, ADHD, really anyone looking for a sense of community that gives a person more hope,” Wannechko said.
Ross shared a story of one man who attended last year’s conference which provided him with connections to people who are able to provide help for his daughter.
“We all know people in our communities or in our families that have need of this good news, and they don't have to sit around and moan and groan. There is help available if you know the right people and if you have the support,” Ross said.
Retirement Auction for A1 Waste Management
P T A
620i 4x4
855D 4x4
Cat D4 Crawler w/ 9' Blade & Winch
Hyster P50A Forklift
MFC 2633ES Manlift
15 - 20' Seacans Mtd. On an Oilfield Skids
2 - 30 Yard Garbage Dumpsters
Metal Dump Bins w/ Pallet Fork Pockets
Rod Rig w/ Pal Finger PC3300 Picker, Pull Master Draw, Winch, Tank, Pumps & More
11 1/2' Truck Deck - Set Up for Septic w/ Tanks, Pumps & Compartments
Plastic Jug Recycling Outfit w/ Chopper, Auger, Tank & Pump
VacuTax Vacuum Tank w/ 250 Gal Sewage & 120 Gal Water
Portable Septic Vacuum Tank
Large Asst. of Truck Decks
2 - 20' Seacan Portable
Insulated Washrooms w/ 2 Poly Tanks, Hot Water Heater, Pump, Mens & Ladies Washrooms
2012 Wells Fargo 6'x13' S/A
UltraLav Mobile Restroom
Trailer w/ Mens & Ladies
Washrooms, Tanks, AC & Heat, Waste Tank Monitor
2 - 2012 Wells Cargo 6'x14' T/A UltraLav Mobile
Restroom/Shower Trailer w/ Mens & Ladies
Washrooms/Showers, Tanks, AC & Heat, Waste Tank Monitor
2 - 2012 Wells Cargo 6'x12' S/A UltraLav Mobile Restroom Trailer w/ Mens & Ladies Washrooms, Tanks, AC & Heat, Waste Tank Monitor
2 - American 8'x20' T/A
Mobile Restroom Trailer w/ Mens & Ladies Washrooms, Tanks & Heat 8'x20' Seacan Self Contained
Restroom w/ Mens & Ladies Washrooms, Tanks
Job Jon Double Portable Toilet Facility w/ 2 Rooms & Self Contained
Indirect
5 - Frost Fighter Indirect
2 - Wacker Neuson
Commercial/Industrial
Portable
34' Seacan Trailer
41' T/A Seacan Trailer
1990 Chagnon C1200 30 Yard
Sliding Bin Trailer
29' Sliding Bin Trailer
Fruehauf 29' T/A Grain Trailer
1977 Fruehauf 28' Highboy Trailer
28' T/A Flat Deck HighBoy
14 - 8'x13' Skid Mtd. Portable Waste Water Tanks w/ 7,755 Ltr Poly Tanks & SJE Rhombus Control Panels
Portable Fuel Transfer Tanks
2 - 1000 Gal Portable Water
Tanks
14 - Single Compartment Poly
Tanks
19 - Norwesco 7,755 Ltr Single Compartment Ribbed Poly Tank
26 - Liberty Pumps 41 Gal
Submersible Waste Water
Holding Tanks
10,000 Ltr/2200 Gal Upright
Poly Tank
Large Assortment of Poly
Tanks
3 - Job Jon Single Portable Toilet Facilities
- Self Contained
Eco Lav Skid Mtd. Restroom w/ Incinolet Toilet & Solar Panel
Skid Mtd. Propane Incineration Restroom Several S/A Trailers w/ Double & Single Port-A-Potties
Approx. 135 - 43"x43" Portable Toilets on Skids
3 - 43"x43" Portable Toilets on Skids w/ Metal Lifting Cage
12 - Spray Foam Insulated Portable Toilet on Skids
4 - Metal Insulated Portable Toilets on Skids
A group of local Beaver County residents which also included two Fort Saskatchewan residents participated in the Red Deer 10K Super race Saturday, Aug. 9. At the same location they completed the 5K Sprint race Sunday, Aug. 10.
On Saturday, Sept. 13 they completed the 21K with 30 obstacle Beast Spartan race in Seattle. They completed all three races and received their medals. The medals have a piece on the back of each one, when the smaller pieces are put together they make one large medal called the Trifecta. Back row L-R: Caleb Reid, Colton Kuflay, Noah Peterson, Charlie
Photo on the right:
Krahn, Lori Peterson. Front row L-R: Danielle Peterson, and Derick Kuflay.
Eden Peterson on the left and Sarah Peterson on the right getting readyto compete in the 3K Kids Spartan race for ages 914 in Seattle on Sept. 13. PHOTOS SUPPLIED
Tofield School's junior high boys and girls volleyball teams travelled to Ryley on Wednesday, Sept. 24 and both left victorious. Each playing two sets, the boys won 27-25 and 25-17, and the girls won 25-20 and 25-11. KARI JANZEN PHOTO
The Ryley Rebels faced the Tofield Titans at home on Wednesday, Sept. 24, and both the boys and girls teams battled for the win but fell short. Each playing two sets, the final score of the boys' games were 25-27 and 17-25, and the girls 20-25 and 11-25. KARI JANZEN PHOTO
Tofield School junior high boys and girls hosted a volleyball tournament this past weekend. COLTON KUFLAY PHOTOS ABOVE AND BELOW
KARI JANZEN PHOTO
Rural healthcare heroes nominations open early
Kari Janzen Staff Reporter
The Rural Health Professions Action Plan’s (RhPAP) nominations for the Rhapsody 2026 awards has opened earlier this year, and has also been made simpler to submit.
“The 2026 Rhapsody Awards honour exceptional healthcare professionals and teams who are making a difference in rural Alberta. This year the nomination period opens earlier than ever, giving communities more time to celebrate their local healthcare champions. The process has also been simplified: only one letter of support is required,” RhPAP’s Sept. 8 new release said.
period for the two categories of Rhapsody awards, which are the rural physician award and the healthcare heroes award, opened in September.
Usually open from January 1 to February 28 each year, the nomination
“Tofield Community Attraction and Retention Committee (CARC) has chosen in our Terms of Reference that we meet from September to June, taking the summer off for a much needed break
KARI JANZEN PHOTO
Over 30 Ryley residents gathered at the Ryley Legion on Monday, Oct. 6 for the candidates forum organized and moderated by Jorge Mendoza and Janet Peterson. Of the six candidates, five were present including Mickey Wilson, current mayor Stephanie Dennis, Cyndy Heslin, Stephanie Jackel, and Dale Roth. Kimberly Murphy wasn’t able to attend. Some of the questions from the public included concerns about administration costs, walking paths, street lighting, and enforcement for obeying stop signs. The Tofield Mercury wasn’t present for introductions but most of the candidates have provided their bios on social media. L-R: Mickey Wilson, Stephanie Dennis, Cyndy Heslin, Stephanie Jackel, Dale Roth. Missing: Kimberly Murphy.
after a busy year. We know that other CARCs do the same, so extending the deadline gives those fresh back from summer break time to get their nominations in,” Tofield CARC Chair Cyndy Heslin said.
The Rhapsody Rural Physician Award is described as “celebrating rural physicians who go above and beyond through outstanding medical care and meaningful community involvement. The Rhapsody Healthcare Heroes Award honours individuals or teams (including nurses, allied health professionals, and others) who show exceptional commitment to rural health and wellness,” RhPAP’s website says.
The rural physician award has been awarded annually since 2002, and the healthcare heroes award was established in 2018. Locally, one of the 2025 physician award nominees included Dr. Hermanus Potgieter of Viking.
“We have three physicians in Tofield that supply medical care to residents of Ryley, Tofield and Beaver County West. They are complemented by all the work at the Tofield Health Centre as well as all the Health
Care Providers throughout the Tofield area,” Heslin said.
Nominations are open until Friday, February 27, 2026 online at RhPAP.ca/Rhapsody and the recipients will be announced in April 2026. Evaluation forms are available to reference online in order to build a strong nomination.
Recipients are selected by an awards committee representing Alberta’s rural North, Central, and South zones. Tofield, Viking, Daysland, and Killam Health Centres are in the Central zone.
“CARC was the recipient of the Rhapsody Community Award for
2021. It was a great acknowledgement of all the work our team has done to attract and retain health care professionals. We were a fairly young team (established in 2018) to receive this award,” Heslin said.
“RhPAP is our biggest supporter and has been alongside the Tofield Community Attraction Retention Committee every step of the way. Our other supports come from the Village of Ryley, Town of Tofield and Beaver County West.
“We wish all the nominees the best of luck in their endeavours to help Rural Health be the best it can be in Alberta!”
