The Community
Press
2022 FALL
INSIDE! Volume 115, Issue 13
Telling YOUR Story!
Wednesday, September 28, 2022
$1 Including GST
New Flagstaff Assistant CAO a familiar face Leslie Cholowsky Editor
There’s a familiar face at Flagstaff County for the new Assistant CAO. Jim Fedyk, former Town of Sedgewick CAO, took up the post this month. Fedyk is no stranger to Flagstaff County’s halls. On Sept 1, 2011, 11 years to the day he returned, he started work as the County’s Community Recreation Liaison. “That was me starting a new career from scratch,” he says. Fedyk says working closely with County CAO Shelly Armstrong inspired him to focus his career path. “She’s the one who started me on this path to the administration education. She told me she thought I had the potential to do what she did.” Fedyk said that had a lot of influence on him at the time, having returned from a number of years working overseas, at a time where he was seeking to settle in to a long-term career. In 2014 he started his education in municipal administration, completing both Level 1 and Level 2 in a four-year period. Certificate in hand, he then sought a CLGM designation - “Certified Local Government Managers.” It signifies a public manager who has received a high level of academic and professional achievement, and who has a commitment to ongoing education. the CLGM designation “recognizes a manager, of good character and reputation, who practices the standards government by the society.” It requires an oath, and Fedyk says he takes that very seriously. While pursuing his education, he had moved to the community of Cold Lake where he remained in the recreation department, but this time in a very handson position, managing a number of large recreation facilities along with 100 staff. “I wanted to broaden my horizons by going there, and I did that, and gained a lot of practical experience. But I always thought I’d come back to a smaller municipality.” Fedyk says Cold Lake is an amalgamation of three former communities in close proximity. The issues of the day reminded him a lot of the Flagstaff County region. In 2014, he returned to Sedgewick to take on the position of CAO, taking his career firmly in hand with his designation top of mind. “I feel like I brought much needed
stability, consistency, and staff stability to the Town Office.” Fedyk has a lot of respect and admiration for the long-term employees of Sedgewick, especially those in Public Works. “They are extremely dependable and hard working.” Fedyk thinks one key aspect of his management style is that he doesn’t try to do other staff’s jobs. “People need to enjoy going to work. I respect them and support them and do what we need to do to give them autonomy in their positions.” The new position offered him the opportunity to continue to expand his education about municipal governance. Fedyk says he enjoyed working at the Town of Sedgewick very much. “I never had my eye on what was happening at Flagstaff County in terms of job opportunity. I was minding my own business with my work in Sedgewick.” But now that he is back with Flagstaff County, taking the position left by Brent Hoyland’s retirement, he says it feels right. “It felt odd to come back to Sedgewick after working in Cold Lake.” Both positions had challenges, he says, and he was able to apply a lot of the practical knowledge he’d gain in Cold Lake to his CAO position. Moving forward, Fedyk says he thinks partnerships within the region will be the key to everything. “They are not easy to forge, and it takes consistency and mutual respect. We must be willing to compromise; we all give and take, and that’s what keeps relationships healthy.” Fedyk comes to Flagstaff County at a good time as not only is he taking on a new role, for him, Flagstaff County is changing the administrative organizational structure, as approved by Council this April, and revised mid-September. Under the new organizational chart, Fedyk’s responsibilities will include Corporate Services, like finance, payroll, information services, and assessment; Community Services, including planning and development, economic development, and emergency services; and municipal services, including agriculture and public works. Fedyk answers directly to the CAO, Shelly Armstrong, but will be the go-to person for all three of the divisions. He says Council has also tasked administration with development of a succession plan for administration. “It’s part of strategic plan, and part of long-
Visitors to Flagstaff Countyʼs administration office may see a familiar face. Jim Fedyk has returned to Flagstaff County, taking on the role of Assistant CAO after the retirement of Brent Hoyland. term planning.” Fedyk says there will be less of a hands-on aspect in his new role, but considers it an opportunity for growth, to view projects and departments from a different aspect, providing input and guidance as needed. “My experiences to date have provided me with the benefit of learning; this role will continue that. I’m looking forward to learning as much as I can over the next few months. “It’s a great opportunity for me; it’s a great place to work. There are great peo-
ple here. “I left my role in Sedgewick to broaden my horizons, and I look forward to adding some value to the county organization with my past experience.” Fedyk attended his first Council meeting on Sept. 14, where Council appointed him as assistant signing authority. “Now we’re off and running,” he says. “Right now I’m trying to be a sponge and soak up as much information as I can.”
Sedgewick Legion Branch lays wreath to honour Queen’s 70-year-reign Garry Swainson, President of the Royal Canadian Legion, Sedgewick Branch 55, placed a wreath at the Sedgewick Cenotaph on Monday, Sept. 19, to commemorate the 70-year reign of Queen Elizabeth II, whose funeral was held that day.
Page 2 - The Community Press, Wednesday, September 28, 2022
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The Community Press, Wednesday, September 28, 2022 - Page 3
Wheat Kings open up season on Friday Editor
The Killam Jr. B Wheat Kings will start the regular season of the North Eastern Alberta Jr. B Hockey League (NEAJBHL) this Friday, Sept. 30, at home. Returning Head Coach Bob Charchun says, “We are very excited about this year’s team. “We are quite experienced with lots of leaders, and the young guys coming in have competed very well. “We had a healthy camp, with over 30 play-
ers, which is optimistic. Junior hockey can be a bit of a revolving door and there is internal competition, which is a good problem to have.” Charchun adds, “The guys have worked very hard and their attitudes have been terrific.” Onion Lake and Vegreville return to the league this year. Charchun says, “That is good to see. I would expect they may have their share of challenges as they re-enter league play and establish a nucleus of players.” Charchun says he’s very happy to have As-
sistant Coach Nick Mantai back. “It’s great for our players to have a different perspective; his playing days were not very long ago. “Nick brings in Junior A playing experience, and AAA Midget playing experience which is a benefit for our guys.” He says that GM Murray Gaume will join the staff on the bench again as well. “He is the heart of our organization and the kids really appreciate him.” This year the team welcomes two new trainers. “They are a welcome part
Central High Rams football starting in Sedgewick and lost, however no penalties were taken. You can cheer for our team on Oct. 5 in
Sedgewick as they play against Vermillion at the Sedgewick Wildrose Co-op Recreation Centre.
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If you drive by Sedgewick Lake and the cemetery, you may have noticed the beautiful flowers all season long. Thank yous go out to the Sedgewick Lions, the Sedgewick Legion, The Sedgewick Lake Committee, and the employees of Sedgewick Lake for supporting the Sedgewick Cemetery flower program. Did you read last week's paper? The Battle River Community Foundation is hosting a Community Builders Fundraiser Dinner on Oct. 29 in honour of Sharon and Jack Moser in the Killam Community Hall. Tickets are available at Crafty Creations and Guardian Drugs in Killam as well as from any director or ambassador. The Battle River Art Club is hosting an art class soon. Visiting instructor David Shklony will show you everything pastel. Contact Ronda Johnson if you are interested in participating. It might be worth the drive to the Amisk Fall festival this weekend. It sure sounds amazing. The Lougheed Seniors are hoping to organize an indoor flea market midOctober. Rams played Hanna for an exhibition game
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of our professional staff and team. Shae (Graumann) and Lara (Birkill) have instantly fit into our family and will get the opportunity to gain experience in a trainer role, which they both have interest in pursuing after finishing their studies at Augustana.” Charchun says the whole organization is very excited to get things going this weekend in the home opener. “The kids have worked hard all month and they are looking forward to league competition. “We have a lot of great options with this year’s team and we need to use our depth to our advantage.”
What’s coming up:
The 8th Fire Documentary Sept p 28 at 7 p.m. - Living Room Theatre in Killam What can we help you with? English as a Second Language, Reading and Writing Skills, Basic Math, Building Blocks Family Literacy Program, Resume and Interview coaching, GED Test Prep and much more!
Come on out and pick up one of our new course brochures! What do you want to learn? We are open Tuesday- Friday 9-5 5023 50 (Main) Street, Killam
780-385-3712 fcal.net Tuesday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
NATIONAL DAY OF TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION --- Friday, September 30 ---
The Community Press office will be CLOSED Friday in honour of this important day. We will re-open Monday, October 3. Please leave voicemails or emails and we’ll be sure to reply as soon as we can.
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Killam, Alberta
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A Age: 20 Height: 6’2” Weight: 235 lbs Position: Goalie Hometown: Alliance Years with w Team: 2
Fav. NHL Team: Edmonton Oilers Fav. Hockey Player: Stuart Skinner this feature brought to you by:
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Page 12 - The Community Press, Wednesday, September 28, 2022
The Community Press, Wednesday, September 28, 2022 - Page 13
September 2022 Meetings
Once registered, you’ll be entered in for a FREE one-on-one support opportunity to discuss their unique circumstances and determine the next steps and considerations most relevant to their business, valued at $5,000!
Council Meetings Flagstaff County Co ouncil 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: flagstaffffff..a . b.ca/c .ca/council/mee .ca/ council/meeeetings-andminu utes tes
Wednesday, October 12 5 - 8 p.m. Learn more about programs and supports available for succession in the region
780-384-4100 1-877-387-4100
SIGN UP NOW ON EVENTBRITE
www.flagstaff.ab.ca/county-services/economic-development
Email: Stay Connected with Us: s
Tuesday, October 4 5:30 - 8:30 pm Battle River Innovation Centre 5004 49 Ave Forestburg, AB
DINNER GALA
Thursday, October 20th
SHOW ME THE MONEY Tips and Tricks to Help You finance Your Small Business
Killam Community Hall Cocktails 5:30pm. Dinner 6pm.
Monday to Friday 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. (Closed Noon - 1 p.m.)
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Sign up at eventbrite.ca www.flagstaff.ab.ca/county-services/economic-development
Wednesday, October 19 9-10 a.m.
TOOLSHED BREWING
12435 TTo ownship w Road 4442 PP..O. Box 33558 Sedgew e wi wic icck, AB T0B 4C00
WHEN:
Public Works Updates
Please refer to our website at www.flagstaff.ab.ca for up-to-date road work throughout the County. Road Recovery
Private Laneway Maintenance:
Public Works Services
Flagstaff County will once again be undertaking snow Please visit the Flagstaff County website at plowing on private laneways. Please contact the Public flagstaff.ab.ca for information regarding Gravel Works Department at 780-384-4123 for further details Sales, Residential Laneway Maintenance, Road regarding this service. We will begin laneway inspecMaintenance, Hamlet Services, and more. tions in November. Please keep in mind that our seasonal crews will be out working on our roadways and to use extreme caution while travelling on these roads while they are being maintained in any way. We thank you in advance for your cooperation during this season.
Crews will be working on the following road recovery project this week: • North of Killam on Township Road 444 from Range Road 141 to Highway 36 for 3.0 miles.
Monday, October 17 7:30-9:30 am
WHERE:
Hardisty Community Hall 4807 49 St, Hardisty
Page 14 - The Community Press, Wednesday, September 28, 2022
Muriel Fankhanel recognized for years of service in Alliance
Muriel Fankhanel was presented with a plaque in recognition of her years of service to the many clubs in Alliance. From left: Verlene Spady representing the Women's Institute, Randi Wickstrom representing the library and the Seniors Club, Karin McCracken representing the museum, Leslie Ganshirt representing the village, Muriel Fankhanel, Bill Alcorn representing the Legion, and Diane Dammann representing Friends of the Battle River Railway and the Ag Society. Missing from the photo is the Fun For All Club members, they were busy in the kitchen.
Sedgewick Legion Branch donates to Library
Royal Canadian Legion Sedgewick Branch #55 President Garry Swainson presented a cheque for $25,000 to Sedgewick Library Manager Barbara McConnell last week, to be used for renovations at the new Main Street location.
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Hockey players to be followed by newspapers, but parents’ help needed Kerry Anderson With minor hockey season fast approaching and youngsters getting seeded into their skill-level tiers, it’s time to consider sending us a quick email so we can report on how your local minor league player is doing. If you live in Lamont County, Beaver County, or Flagstaff County, this is open to you; and we’ve been told it is such a thrill for young hockey players to see their names in print when they score or assist on a goal. But we need your help. Either The Lamont Leader, Tofield Mercury, Weekly Review, or Community Press will report scores and scorers from minor hockey games - but we have to know your youngster’s name, what team he/she is on, what league he/she
plays in, and the web address. Please send your email to: kamcjm@gmail.com Sometimes people send the wrong web information, or improper instructions as to find players’ teams and scores. So if your child is missed. Please double check and send another email. If your youngster is playing outside of our counties in higher levels, please let us know what team, league and the web address for score sheets from games. We will be collecting all the players names, teams, leagues, and web addresses from now until all the leagues begin, and then looking up and reporting the scores each week during the hockey season. Let’s drop the puck and have a great hockey season.
Perfect late summer and fall weather has allowed for an efficient harvest for farmers this year. LISA KUFLAY PHOTO
Community Builders Dinner in honour of
Jack & Sharon Moser Saturday, October 29 at the Killam Community Hall
Tickets $100 ea. Available at Guardian Drugs or Crafty Creations in Killam. Can also be purchased by calling BRCF office at 780-679-0449. Each ticket is eligible for a tax receipt for $50
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