The Community
th
Press 115 Years of Telling YOUR Story
Volume 116 Issue 11
www.thecommunitypress.com
Big plans for Vista Theatre location in Hardisty P14
Wednesday, September 13, 2023 s
40-year old missing person case remains unsolved Leslie Cholowsky Editor
Kicking off 100 Years of Lougheed Fair
Killam transformed into Scarecrow Town during 6th Festival The Killam Chamber of Commerce celebrated the sixth Scarecrow Festival on Main Street this past Saturday, Sept. 9, feeing over a hundred people with free hot dogs and donuts. There were kids games, live entertainment, and lots of visitors to the town, both human and.. otherwise. Above, an enthusiastic visitor was spotted outside Rogue Coffee on Main Street Killam. See more on Page 15.
This year marks the 40th anniversary of the case of missing person Desmond Joseph Runstedler. Runstedler, last seen near Lougheed in May 1983, apparently just disappeared after attending a wedding dance in Lougheed. Some campers near Lougheed saw him later that night, trying to hitch a ride on Highway 13 around 2 a.m., and as far as the RCMP are aware, that was the last time that he was seen. It was an unseasonably cold May night, reaching temperatures as low as -5 degrees celsius. He lived in a farmhouse about 3km east of Lougheed at the time. He was last seen wearing blue jeans, a navy blue turtleneck, and white, high-top running shoes. Reports say that Runstedler wasn’t reported as missing right away, that didn’t happen until January 1984, when the Lougheed postmistress called his family after his mail went unclaimed for months. This left police with few clues as to what became of him. In a 2005 report in The Community Press, reporter Lex McKechnie says, “The first and simplest conclusion would be that he left town and moved on. However, the information RCMP have gathered since his disappearance makes that possibility unlikely.” At the time of his disappearance, Runstedler worked for the County in waste management as well as working part-time at the Lougheed Hotel bar. Killam/Forestburg RCMP Cst. A. T. McKechnie said, “If he did simply leave town, he didn’t take anything with him. He left behind a JVC stereo which was supposedly his pride and joy.” Cst. Journeay was the Killam member investigating the case at the time he was reported missing. In the search to track down Runstedler, his bank accounts, Revenue Canada accounts, unemployment agencies, social services, and even immigration were all contacted. “There was no activity in any of those departments,” said Cst. McKechnie in 2005. In fact, his bank account was left untouched, the bank closed it due to inactivity. Income Tax return cheques made out to Runstedler were never cashed. Cst. McKechnie said in 2005, “I think he met with foul play.” But if Runstedler passed away, his body has never been found. Continued on Page 23
Page 2 - The Community Press, Wednesday, September 13, 2023
Daysland students reflect on competing at LRA Rodeo Finals Daysland Jr. High students Jayda Songhurst and Levi Robbins competed last weekend at the Lakeland Rodeo Association (LRA) finals, in junior barrel racing and junior steer riding respectively. Songhurst, 14, has been barrel racing for seven years. She says, “I had a really great time at the LRA finals this year! They are always a great accomplishment for my horses and I.” Songhurst will head to the Wildrose Rodeo Association finals later this month. She and her horses ended as season leader in both associations in Jr. Barrel Racing. Robbins, 13, has been riding junior steers six years. He says, “I enjoyed the LRA finals. The St. Paul Rodeo committee always puts on a great show for the crowd and contestants.” Robbins qualified for not only the LRA finals, he will be attending the Wildrose Finals in Rimbey later in September, and also the Chinook/Foothills Rodeo Finals in Brooks this October. He has one more year of Jr. Steer riding.
ITUURREE NIT FURRN PPAATI O FU TIO
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Last chance for your GED GED program ends May 2024 Monday & Thursday nights Starting October 16
Free movie at the Living Room Theatre in Killam Wednesday, Sept. 27 at 7 p.m. Gord Downie’s “The Secret Path” In Honour of Truth & Reconciliation Day
What do you want to learn? Open Tuesday - Friday 9-5 5023 50 (Main) Street, Killam
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The Community Press, Wednesday, September 13, 2023 - Page 3
Family Support Network starting new group for parents of children with disabilities Leslie Cholowsky Editor
The Camrose Family Resource Centre, Healthy Families program, and Parents for Fun in Flagstaff have partnered to bring a new initiative to the region, starting Monday, Sept. 18. The Family Support Network is inviting families with children who have a disability to come together at the Family Resource Centre in Killam. While the children play
at the Centre, parents can share their experiences and insights into raising children with disabilities. The group will also provide parents with an opportunity to find resources to help support their individual needs, and to exchange ideas and advice with other parents who are facing similar challenges. Healthy Families Team Coordinator Kristin Matier says, “What the vision of starting this group for me was that parenting
a child with special needs has parents facing different challenges and barriers than parenting a typical developing child. “The vision of this group was for parents to have a space that they can explore these challenges with other parents that are facing similar situations, and have a community of support that is tailored towards that.” Matier says it’s the hope that the group will form into a tool that attends to the needs and
wants of the parents who attend. “There will be a wealth of knowledge and support in the room with us and access to any community resources, but the actual structure of our time together will be led by the group itself.” Family Resource Centre Program Facilitator Jessica Docksteader adds, “We saw a need in the community and are trying to offer something to get these families connected.”
Hair Visions by Violet in Daysland
NOTICE: NOTICE
Violet will be back to work Tuesday, Sept. 19.
For appointments, please call 780-374-3753
GEAR UP. GET IN THE ACTION...
VOLUNTEER.
FRESS is looking for volunteer firefighters throughout the Flagstaff Region, but especially in our Lougheed, Strome, and Galahad Stations
Arson destroys Coronation church
FRESS Firefighters are paid an hourly rate for attendance at training and for call response. Earn up to $20/hour while serving your community & saving lives.
Find an application online at: www.flagstaff-ress.org Contact Derek Homme for more info. dhomme@flagstaff-ress.org
F I R E
D E P T
HEISLER F I R E
D E P T ALBERTA
ALLIANCE ALBERTA
FORESTBURG FALL FARMER'S MARKET
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Scope Original Nosh & Co. Nuts 250 - 375g or Outlast Popcorn 190 - 220g Mouth Wash 1L
2 $11 $299 FOR
On Tuesday, Sept. 5, just after noon, Coronation and Consort RCMP responded to a 911 complaint of a structure fire at the Evangelical Free Church in the Town of Coronation. Witnesses on scene provided video and witnessed a male attend the church earlier in the morning with a jerry can. The male was later seen returning to the Church just before 12 p.m., and leaving soon after, just before the fire was reported. As a result of the investigation, Coronation RCMP have charged Nickolas Guy Fortier (23), a resident of Coronation, with Arson and Mischief Over $5,000. Fortier was released on an Undertaking with conditions. His next court appearance is set for Oct. 13 at the Alberta Court of Justice in Coronation.
Flyer Prices in effect Friday, Sept. 15 to Thursday, September 21
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$199 $399 HUGE Thank You goes out to all who helped make the 6th Annual Scarecrow Festival a Great Success! .
780-385-3598
Killam, Alberta
Serving Town & Country since 1962
Open Hours: 9-6 Mon thru Fri, 9-4 Saturday & Closed Sunday.
Page 12 - The Community Press, Wednesday, September 13, 2023
September 2023 Meetings
Council Meetings Flagstaff County Council o M Meetings eetings aare re conducted the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month commencing at 9 a.m. unless u otherwise planned. Council and Committ ommittee meeting agendas aare re aavvailable at the County’’ss websit ebsiite te at: flflaagstaafff ff. fff..a . b.ca/ .ca/council/mee .ca/ccouncil/meeeetings-andminuutes tes
780-384-4100 1-877-387-4100 Email: Stay Connected with Us:
Monday to Friday 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. (Closed Noon - 1 p.m.)
Address: e
12435 TToownship w Road 4442 PP..O. Box 35 358 Sedgew e wi wic icck, AB T0B 4C00
The Community Press, Wednesday, September 13, 2023 - Page 13
ADDITIONAL OFFER! On a first come, first serve basis we are offering 1 hour one-on-ones for your HR Needs: When: Where: Cost: Register:
September 27, 2023 Between 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM Forestburg - Battle River Innovation Centre
$40 Pre-registration only. To book your 1 hr oneon-one please call the Battle River Innovation Centre at (587) 844-2111
MEET THE TRAINER BARRY CHRISTIANSEN, MBA, CEC
OWNER/PRINCIPAL AVANT-GARDE CONSULTING LTD Barry is a business professional with a unique combination of training in leadership, sales management and human resource strategy. He is known for being highly effective in partnering with executives and managers to influence employees towards achievement of organizational goals. Barry completed his Bachelor of Commerce at the University of British Columbia, followed by an MBA in Leadership from Royal Roads University where he also obtained his Certified Executive Coaching designation.
Property For Sale by Public Auction
A tax sale public auction for 5104 49th Street in Strome is scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 13 at 11 a.m. at the Flagstaff County office. The reserve bid is $58,000. Terms for the sale are cash, certified cheque or bank draft to be received within 48 hours of the sale.