The Tofield Mercury Jan. 6, 2021

Proud to be an Independent CANADIAN Publication

Your Independent Local Newspaper Established in 1918 VOLUME 103: ISSUE 19

MERCURY RAISES $3K FOR LOCAL FOOD BANK. SEE PAGE 3

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2021

$1 INCLUDING GST www.tofieldmerc.com

CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT FOR TOFIELD AND AREA. SEE PAGE 4

2020 YEAR IN REVIEW

Please turn to pages 2, 9, and 15 for highlights and more images from 2020.

Page 2 - The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, January 6, 2021

Moush John

YEAR IN REVIEW: 2020

Tofield Mercury

January 2020 • Tofield skated to an 8-2 home win over Lamont despite allowing the game’s first goal. After that Hudson Lungal scored six goals within the next 20 minutes of play. He scored 7 in total in an 8-point game.

• Tofield School staff and students enjoyed a pancake breakfast, which was hosted at the Tofield Legion. All the grades had breakfast throughout the morning in 30-minute time slots to accommodate everyone.

• It was quite the competition for Tofield Skating Club at Wainwright when ten skaters who participated in the Wainwright multi-level competition brought home 25 gold and three silver medals.

• The Tofield detachment has a new officer, Cst. Kevin Roscoe, a direct recruit from Ottawa.

• It wasn’t one of the best tournaments for Tofield Bantams on home ice, but Coach Jeff Van Engelen remains hopeful that his team will see the “light” as the season progresses.

Tofield played four games, and came up short overall.

• The Holden 4-H Beef

Club started off 2020 with a tire recycling fundraiser to raise money for the club. They met at different locations to load the tires into trailers and took them all to the Ryley landfill in the afternoon.

• Tofield School’s Annual Reindeer Games are held during December, with students from grades 9 to 12 and staff members participating. “This is a fun annual Christmas activity for students and staff, that has been running for several years,” said Melissa Korpan, organizer of the Reindeer Games.

• What started as a tribute to the Scottish poet and lyricist Robert Burns or Rabbie Burns, continues to be a social evening for the Tofield and area community, hosted by the Tofield Legion. On Saturday, Jan. 25, the Legion had the tradiional

Scottish fare of haggis, with the evening commencing with the playing of the bagpipes and Legion President Barbara Ferguson carrying in the haggis.

February 2020 • After 17 years, one of Tofield’s popular events, the Snow Goose Festival is set to make a comeback in April this year. “A festival like this is important because it’s an opportunity especially for the urban public, but even the country folks to learn more about wildlife, to be introduced to it,” said Geoff Holroyd, one of the main initiators and organizers of the event and Chair of the Beaverhill Bird Observatory (BBO).

• In its 22nd year, the Quint Tournament was won by home team Ryley Rebels Sr. Boys as they beat Hay Lakes 83-71.

After seven years, it was

Tofield’s Davin Codd in action against Mayerthorpe.

“sweet victory” for Head Coach Brent Anderson and his boys.

• Battle River School Division (BRSD) Board passed several motions on Jan. 23 that will set start a process to consider closure and consolidation of schools in Ryley, Holden, Round Hill, and Hardisty.

• The Town of Tofield presented Recreation/Facilities Coordinator Vanita Eglauer with a plaque for her 30 years of service to the organization and community. “Vanita has been an invaluable asset to our organization,” said CAO Cindy Neufeld. “Her dedication over the years has been unparalleled.”

• Tofield will be hosting the CFCW Critters for the first time on home ice on Thursday, March 5.

• The Tofield Fire Deparment Firemen’s Ball held in November 2019 raised $6,111 for the Stollery Children’s Hospital in Edmonton. “We found that this comunity was so generous and willing to donate to a worthy cause,” said Dan Hillyer, President of the Tofield Fire Department Society.

• Beaver Municipal Solutions (BMS) is taking action to respond to community concerns through a new ‘Response to Consultation’ report released on Monday, Feb.

Tofield skaters, Jordyn Charlesworth, foreground, and Emma Zilkie.

10. The report follows a series of public information sessions held across the Beaver region last fall about the proposal to transition BMS to a municipally-controlled corporation (MCC) under the operating name of Claystone Waste.

• Tofield School has introduced new courses to give students a hands-on opportunity for the various career options that might be available.

Speaking to this Princi-

being hosted over this past weekend.

• During the afternoon of Friday, Feb. 21, Tofield School students from grades 5 to 12 enjoyed the warm weather participating in the first Tofield School Winter Games.

This event was organized by the Senior Leadership Class.

• Emmytt Yurkowski, who plays Peewee AA with Strathcona is out for the year with a broken collarbone. He has had a

Tofield

O FFICE H OURS

Dr. Peter Yoo DDS

MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY

10 AM - 2 PM (NO 9 AM - 6 PM 9 AM - 6 PM 9 AM - 4 PM

DENTIST)

CLOSED

Dr. Gagandeep Singh DDS

5111-50 Street • Ph: 780-662-3553 Services provided:

Dr. Peter Yoo would like to welcome Dr. Gagandeep Singh to his Tofield office.

• Family Dentistry • Oral Surgery • Implants Member of the: • Extractions • Cosmetic Dentistry • Child Development Program “Your dental health matters. If you have an emergency or concern outside office hours please call me directly at (780) 893-9270.”

A flock of snow geese in flight at the last Snow Goose Festival held in 2002. pal Janice Muench said, “We are very excited to be able to continually respond to student voice and parent feedback in order to add meaningful programming at Tofield School.”

• The Tofield Curling Club hosted the Ladies Bonspiel earlier this month, with the Men’s

tough year with injuries.

• Tofield Tier 3 Atoms who won the first round playoffs against Onoway, and went on to beat Chauvin Atom by a huge margin 25-4, winning the Zone 7 banner. Hudson Lungal (#16) got to his 100 points as well.

Continued on Page 9

The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, January 6, 2021 - Page 3

Tofield, Ryley & Area Food Bank gets more than $3k from the Mercury Moush John Tofield Mercury

This year, The Tofield Mercury raised $3,060 for the Tofield, Ryley, and Area (TRA) Food Bank.

The donation was received by Food Bank President Dawn Arnold on Thursday, Dec. 17 at the Food Bank.

According to Arnold, the Food Bank has been able to meet the needs of their client and continues to do so because of the generous contributions from the community.

“We have been diligent in phoning our clients and keeping them informed of our operational hours and also that we are there for emergencies; we are consciously making an effort to ensure that no one is falling through the cracks,” she said. “Overall, we have

not seen the huge upsurge in demand that we had predicted.

“Increased government aid provided to many of our clients has helped to offset the need for visits to food banks around the province. However, as these programs come to a close, we do expect a potentially significant rise in requests for assistance.”

Arnold emphasized how Tofield and area community has supported the Food Bank through the years, but with COVID looming large throughout last year, the donations both in cash and in food have been exceptional.

“The generosity of our community throughout this past year, and especially during this past holiday season, whether it was grocery items, garden produce or monetary

assistance has been outstanding,” Arnold added.

“We have received so much from so many that it has been unbelievable.

With all this support we are well set to provide for those in need in our community in the coming months, and are very thankful for each and every contribution we have received so far!”

Arnold expressed her gratitude also to the “amazing” volunteers of the Food Bank, without whose support none of the work that the organization does would ahve been possible.

“We are blessed to have dedicated volunteers who give of themselves and donate so much of their time doing all the things that it takes to run our organization and keep our doors open, especially during this pandemic.”

New Year, New You! Virtual online yoga & fitness training

President Dawn Arnold of Tofield, Ryley, and Area (TRA) Food Bank receives a donation of $3,060 that was raised by The Tofield Mecury.

MOUSH JOHN PHOTO

Highway 14 Regional Water Services Commission Box 540, 5029-51 Ave. Ryley, Alberta T0B 4A0 (780) 663-2019 or 1-866-333-3791 Fax: (780) 663-2050 E-mail: info@hwy14water.ca

NOTICE #1 AT THE DECEMBER 17, 2020 REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING THE HIGHWAY 14 REGIONAL WATER SERVICES COMMISSION BOARD PASSED AN INCREASE IN THE URBAN MONTHLY FIXED CHARGE FROM $28.50 TO $40.80 PER MONTH EFFECTIVE FEBRUARY 1, 2021.

NOTICE #2 Many of my clients love going to class, but others are more shy and prefer the comfort and security of their own home. If this is you, please join my growing online community. Work out when it works for you.

• Pre-recorded videos for: - Yin, Hatha, Restorative and other Yoga styles.

- Cardio, strength, low impact, minimal equipment, body weight.

- New uploads weekly to my growing

library of classes.

- Unlimited access. Do as many classes as fit your schedule.

- Something for everyone. All ages and abilities.

$25/month. Join today and begin the New You! michelleyoga.net Click on Member’s Studio • Boston Marathon Qualifier • 200 Hour RYT • 30 Hour Apprenticeship with Gerda Krebs • Whole Body Alignment completion • 100 hour Yin Teacher Training • Member of the Yoga Association of Alberta • Certified Lifestyle Meditation Teacher • 85 Hour Pre-Natal Teacher Training Mamata Yoga • 20 Hour Teaching Yoga to Children • 23 Hour Pain Care Yoga Teacher Training • Kettlebell Level 1 Agatsu • Certified C.O.R.E. Cycle Instructor • AFLCA Older Adult Specialty Leader • AFLCA Group Exercise Speciality Leader • AFLCA ArthriProfessional Yoga Teacher tis and Excerise • Canfitpro Healthy Eating & & Fitness Instructor Weight Loss Coach • doTerra Wellness Advocate.

Michelle Anderson

THE HIGHWAY 14 REGIONAL WATER SERVICES COMMISSION has been notified by STRATHCONA COUNTY, of a $0.06/cubic meter increase in the EPCOR rate effective January 1, 2021. The Commissionʼs water rates will reflect this increase effective February 1, 2021 on the February month end utility bills. Please note that there is no increase from Strathcona County (transportation of supply) or the Highway 14 Regional Water Services Commission.

Changes to rates are as follows: • Distribution Commodity Rate has been increased from $3.695/m3 to $3.755/m3.

• Bulk Commodity Rate has been increased from $3.445/m3 to $3.505/m3.

• Non-Member Commodity Rate has been increased from $3.845 to $3.905/m3.

• Truck Fill Rate has been increased from $5.233/m3 to $5.293/m3.

The Highway 14 Regional Water Services Commission can be contacted at 1-866-333-3791 during regular office hours from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.

Page 4 - The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, January 6, 2021

Obituary Richard Kimmel Richard Kimmel passed away peacefully Jan. 3, 2021 at the age of 79 years.

He is survived by his wife Grae and daughter Niccola. At Richard’s request there will be no service.

Family wishes to thank Extendicare Viking staff for the wonderful care. Donations in memory of Richard may be made to the charity on one’s choice.

Viking Funeral Services Ltd. Box 670 Viking, Alberta T0B 4N0 780-336-4842 www.vikingfuneralservices.ca

Obituary

Christmas bird count in Tofield and area Joyce Kelly-Sinclair Guest Columnist

Saturday, December 18, 2020 heralded the date for the Tofield Christmas Bird Count held amidst COVID restrictions.

The day was marked with an incessant NW winter wind, as low voluminous powdery clouds skirted themselves across the lonely expanse, only to reveal a glimmer of peachy hues in a clearing with traces of moisture across the region.

Seventeen devoted individuals scanned the 24 kilometer circle radius of the Tofield town and along with four backyard feeder watchers were successful finding a

Aug. 21, 1970 - Dec. 24, 2020

Weber Funeral Home 780-662-3959 www.weberfuneralhome.ca

179, Pine Grosbeak 18, White-winged Crossbill CW (denotes species seen either 3 days before or after actual count day), Common Redpoll 341 and lastly House Sparrow 342.

A historical result for Tofield would be the American Crow sighted

by Irene Crosland, Sara Pearce-Meijering, Jac Curry and Matt Turnbull, respectively. The American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos), unfortunately has a bad reputation, but well known – large, black, ubiquitous and noisy, he is well worth knowing. Each crow is a character, some individuals superior in vocal powers or in the Continued on Page 5

TOWN OF TOFIELD NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Bylaw #1324 January 11, 2021

Steve Smith On the evening of December 24, 2020 Steve Smith went to heaven to be with his Mom Mavis.

Steve was born August 21, 1970 in Duncan, BC to Mavis and Barry Smith (now of Chetwynd, BC), he loved them beyond compare.

Steve is survived by his loving wife Rhonda "Sweetie", son Koby, and daughter Haley "Muriel" (Dillion); his father Barry, brother Wayne (Connie) Smith, brother Ken (Lillian) Smith; his father and mother in-law Ken and Val Gerbrandt; brothers & sisters in-law Dale (Rhonda) Gerbrandt, Lisa (Gene) Wesley and Bev Smith. He is also missed dearly by numerous nieces and nephews, extended family and many friends.

Steve dedicated his life and love to his soulmate Rhonda and children Haley and Koby. All the good times included road trips, camping, travelling to other countries, kayaking, concerts/music festivals galore. A highlight of their travels was when he got to see the Grand Canyon. Steve enjoyed his career as a Journeyman Welder and Heavy Duty Mechanic and was very good at it. He had always hoped to go back to work.

Steve enjoyed spending hours on end working on projects in his garage with family and friends, he was always willing to lend a hand at the drop of a hat. He always had a positive attitude even when not feeling his best and could find humour in the toughest times. We are going to miss those smiling eyes and that laugh!

Steve loved anything to do with the outdoors. He grew up learning how to trap, hunt, and fish from his Dad, brothers and uncles. He learned how to be a survivor, which showed through his strength and courage during his illness.

We want to give a special thanks to the UofA hospital ICU team that gave Steve such great care in his final hours. We also want to give a heartfelt thank you to unit 3G2 and 5B1 for the years of caring for Steve like he was family.

Steve left this world surrounded by family. A celebration of life will happen at a later date. Cremation has taken place. These were Steve's final wishes.

record 27 species with a total of 1,738 birds.

Here as follows were the sightings recorded: Northern Goshawk 1, Gray Partridge 10, Ruffed Grouse 3, Eurasian Collared-Dove 7, Rock Pigeon 101, Great Horned Owl 4, Snowy Owl 1, Downy Woodpecker 31, Hairy Woodpecker 10, Northern Flicker 1, Pileated Woodpecker 5, Northern Shrike 1, Blue Jay 27, Black-billed Magpie 130, Common Raven 69, American Crow 1, Blackcapped Chickadee 257, Red-breasted Nuthatch 2, White-breasted Nuthatch 16, American Robin 3, European Starling 18, Bohemian Waxwing 189, Dark-eyed Junco 1, Snow Bunting

PURPOSE – TO AMEND THE TEXT OF LAND USE BYLAW #1222 Town of Tofield Council is considering an amendment to Land Use Bylaw (LUB), Part Seven, Section 7.8 Industrial District – M by inserting the following: 7.8(1)(j) Office; Lot E, Block 48, Plan 812 2599 only The public hearing will be held on Monday, January 11, 2021 5:00 p.m.

In alignment with the Municipal Government Act Meeting Procedures (COVID 19 Suppression) Regulation, Town Council will hold a virtual Public Hearing. You are invited to attend the Public Hearing remotely to express your views or listen to the deliberations.

A copy of Bylaw 1324 is available on the Town of Tofield website at www.tofieldalberta.ca Participation Procedures If you or someone you represent is affected by the proposed bylaw, you may participate in the virtual council meeting to address town Council at the Public Hearing. Those wishing to speak to Council must pre-register with the Town by Wednesday, January 6, 2021 at 4 p.m. by email, at cneufeld@tofieldalberta.ca or by telephone at 780-662-3269. Registered participants will be provided with the information necessary to access the public hearing by virtual means.

Written submissions must be submitted to the Town by Wednesday, January 6th, 2021 at 4 p.m. Please send your written submissions to the address below or send by email to cneufeld@tofieldalberta.ca. These must be signed, dated, and contain your civic address. Written submissions received by this date/time will be included as part of the council meeting agenda package and will be reviewed before oral representations are heard.

MAILING ADDRESS Box 30 Tofield, AB T0B 4J0 Cindy Neufeld, Chief Administrative Officer Town of Tofield Box 30 Tofield, AB T0B 4J0

The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, January 6, 2021 - Page 5

Loose Ends: House party, Covid style

Carol Livingstone Tofield Mercury Columnist

Since we weren’t able to hug our kids at Christmas we planned on at least seeing them. The change in rules two days

before Christmas, allowing family members to visit one time only didn’t sit well with us. What had changed ‘out there’ on December 23rd that made visits on December 24th through 26th safe?

Our kids didn’t want to risk bringing something out with them that could turn their already at-risk parents into Covid victims. So we hoped to play Yahtzee, part of our usual Christmas entertainment, via Zoom, something we’ve heard a lot about

but had no idea how it worked.

The boys figured they could teach us all we needed to know but rather than spend six or eight hours trying to be kind and patient, they introduced us to something called HouseParty. It proved easy to set up; the only screaming was speaker feedback and that stopped once we dumped a computer and, thankfully before any ears started bleeding. My part was simple - say Hi

once their faces turned up on our screen. I handled it masterfully.

The worst part was having to look at myself, like staring into a mirror for three hours. I had no idea my eyes disappeared whenever my glasses slid down my nose. Or that my beige sweater is four times as ugly as I thought. Or that Hubby and I had unconsciously dressed alike.

The only big difference was his black and red check pants that he in-

sists on calling sweats because pj bottoms sounds so wimpy. Mine are charcoal grey and I call them sweats because if I call them what they are, yoga pants, even I LOL. But with our beige tops, grey hair and glasses on screen we looked like geriatric Bobbsey Twins.

The best part was that the dice weren’t visible, making cheating possible. Hubby and were scrupulously honest, natch; the kids, not so much. Flicking a die over

to improve their count.

Calling Yahtzee moments after announcing only a pair of deuces showing.

And how many consecutive rolls of 29 for threeof-a kind can one player get? Four, apparently.

HouseParty wasn’t as good as the real thing but it was better than nothing. But if we do it again I think I’ll pull a bag over my head. Seeing the kids was great but three hours of that fat old woman staring back at me was three too many.

Town of Tofield shop broken into, truck stolen Sgt. Lee Knelsen Tofield RCMP

The Tofield RCMP responded to 34 occurrences from Dec. 28, 2020

Christmas bird count imitative faculty, to most of their race.

Another interesting sighting noted by feeder watcher, Natalie Fendelet, was the Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus). This bird a rare sighting during winter, but a most beautiful creature to welcome in your yard – seen at close range reveals the black crescent on its breast, intricate black dots, in flight the yellow under the surface of wings and tail are also seen.

Last year’s count garnered an amazing total of 42 million birds, observed in North, South and Central America,

Bermuda, West Indies and Pacific Islands, as well as Antarctica. This represented more than 2,500 different species.

Bird Studies Canada and its partner, the National Audubon Society in United States, utilize the data found to gauge the health of bird populations to help guide conservation action.

As the afternoon sunlight faded, a busy entourage of Sow Buntings flitted across the semi bare foraged field, concluding a satisfying day observing nature for this long standing citizen science project.

to Jan. 3, 2021 (inclusive).

Also included in these calls for service were five motor vehicle collisions with wildlife, three motor vehicle collisions, ten traffic complaints, three false alarms and traffic enforcement provided by the K Division Traffic Unit.

On Dec. 28, Tofield RCMP responded to a break and enter to a commercial property in Ryley.

RCMP attended and found that entry was gained through a door on the property. This file is still under investigation.

On Dec. 28, Tofield RCMP responded to a fire to a commercial building in Ryley. RCMP along with Ryley/Tofield and Holden Fire attended the scene and were able to successfully extinguish the fire. Preliminary assessment of the property appears that the fire was not suspicious in nature.

On Dec. 28, Tofield RCMP responded to a reported theft of catalytic

converters from two vehicles in Tofield. This file is still under investigation.

On Dec. 28, Tofield RCMP responded to a break and enter to a residence in Holden. RCMP attended and found that entry was gained through front door. This file is still under investigation.

On Dec. 28, Tofield RCMP responded to a wellbeing check on an individual in rural Tofield.

RCMP attended the scene and were able to speak to the individual and confirm their wellbeing and others in the residence.

On Dec. 29, Tofield RCMP responded to a wellbeing check on an individual in Tofield.

RCMP attended the scene and were able to speak to

the individual and confirm their wellbeing and others in the residence.

On Dec. 29, Tofield RCMP responded to a suspicious vehicle complaint in Beaver County.

Complainant advised RCMP that the vehicle has been seen driving around the remote area over the past couple days and individual is not known to the residents.

RCMP attended shortly thereafter and patrols made although unable to locate or identify.

On Dec. 29, Tofield RCMP responded to a potential break and enter to a residence in rural Tofield. RCMP attended the scene and confirmed that there was nothing criminal and that this was just a false alarm.

This was a property that

WANTED DEAD OR ALIVE

Canadian Prairie Pickers are once again touring the area!

Paying Cash For Coin Collections, Silver & Gold Coins, Royal Can. Mint Sets.

Also Buying Gold Jewelry

$ $

was recently victim to a break and enter over the holidays.

On Dec. 30, Tofield RCMP responded to a potential break and enter to a commercial property in Ryley. The complainant advised that the lights to the residence were on, door was open and a number of tools and equipment were openly visible. RCMP spoke to the property representative who confirmed that he had forgotten to properly close his business and that this was just a false alarm.

Continued on Page 7

Make sure they know you want your vehicle brought to

TOFIELD AUTOBODY You can choose where your vehicle is taken for repair unless: • Your vehicle is impounded • You’re unable to express your wishes or • You don’t have written emergency instructions

PAYING HIGHEST PRICES

• Complete collision service • Windshield Repair & Replacement • All Insurance Companies • Guaranteed Workmanship

To arrange a free, discrete in-home visit

780-662-3432

$

We purchase rolls, bags or boxes of silver coins

$ $

$

call Kellie at 1-778-257-8647 Bonded since 1967

4908 - 52 Ave.

Page 6 - The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, January 6, 2021

Opinion

Keep the conversation going!

Facebook.com/TofieldMercury Twitter.com/TofieldMercury Website/www.tofieldmerc.com

Email us your letter to the editor: news.tofield@gmail.com, or drop it in at our office

Happy New Year!

Moush John Editor

Welcome to another new year! Welcome to 2021!

I wonder how has it been so far. Yes 2020, which was a leap year by the way sucked. But between the lull of a not-sonormal Christmas and not-so-normal New Year, I couldn’t help but think what this year will bring, as I’m sure many of you did. What does another new 359 days have in store for us?

Collectively, everyone is thinking about the end of this pandemic, and I suspect whichever country recovers from the coronavirus the fastest will have a huge role to play in determining what the world will look like in the coming years. Some places have done an extraordinary job in containing this pandemic, while others have failed miser-

ably.

The active cases in Alberta have dwindled slowly but surely after the lockdown, and our province’s COVID19 immunization program is underway. Yet, we are living in a world of masks and sanitizers. It’s been a long road and come March 2021, we will be a year since our world went upside down for the most part.

But many of us rose to the unrelenting challenges, with bigger hearts and better attitudes. In Tofield itself we were able to increase our cash donations to our local Food Bank, and that wouldn’t have been possible without the generosity and thoughtfulness of many of you.

Our healthcare professionals came through for us with

Published Wednesday of each week by: The Tofield Mercury 5312 - 50 Street P.O. Box 150, Tofield, AB T0B 4J0 Ph: (780) 662-4046 Fax: (780) 662-3735 news.tofield@gmail.com

skill, ingenuity, fortitude, and compassion.

Researchers have been inspired with hope to come up with a solution to reset the world back to pre-pandemic days. Educators and teachers have adapted to a new way of delivering knowledge, while students have adapted to a whole new way of learning.

Each industry has its spectrum of greatness.

In every area, people have been touched by the new and unknown, and

yet there’s no one who wants to relive 2020. And if we can hope and imagine, it will only be a better year . . . it can’t go worse than tragic, difficult, painful, and downright heartbreaking. (I’m trying here not to focus on the situation in the UK and other places where a variant of the coronavirus is afoot!)

I believe 2021 will be a year of different urgency, one of great catching up and connections. What last year forced many of us to do was to live

in bubbles both literally and metaphorically, which led to a lot of self-reflections, inward journeys, and meaningful connections.

Someone I know committed to connecting with a person or more from each year of her school in another province, and she said most of them she reached out to were so appreciative of her gesture. Many people dedicated a month at a time to learning new skills.

There were others who undertook diffi-

cult personal challenges to see how far they could go. This past year has been game changing for a lot of people, for others it was about finding themselves.

So even though recent events in the provincial political realm have left us Albertans a little disillusioned (trips outside our country, while most skipped their holidays to stay safe!) and 2021 remainsa year of uncertainty, here’s to looking towards light, towards better.

Funds by the Government of Canada

Print Subscription $33.50 Pick-up Subscription $24.94 Online Subscription $16.75 * Prices do not include GST *

Kerry Anderson

Moush John

Lisa Kuflay

Sarah McLaughlin

Joanne Suchy

Michelle Anderson

Publisher

Managing Editor

Office Manager/ Composition/Sales

Front Office/ Composition/Sales

Front Office/ Distribution

Administration

*Advertisements designed, set, and produced by The Tofield Mercury, as well as original photographs, articles and columns, editorial content, and other printed materials are protected by copyright and may not be used or reproduced without the expressed and signed written consent of The Tofield Mercury. In addition, we reserve the right to edit, delay, and/or refuse any and all material submitted to us without notice. Submitted Letters to the Editor and Opinion columns reflect the exclusive thoughts and opinions of the article’s author, and do not represent those of this publication, nor its publisher and staff.

The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, January 6, 2021 - Page 7

RCMP report Continued from Page 5 Tofield RCMP wants to warn the public that property crime is usually a crime of opportunity and can be avoided when proper precautions are taken. Please ensure that your property and assets are not advertised or visible, turn off lights, your doors are locked/secured and if available, turn on your security/theft deterrent systems.

On Dec. 30, Tofield RCMP responded to a theft of cigarettes at a business in Tofield.

RCMP attended and found that a male suspect had appeared to pay with a debit/credit card although the transaction did not authorize and the male left the scene. This file is still

under investigation.

On Jan. 1, 2021, Tofield RCMP responded to a residential break and enter in Tofield. RCMP attended and found that suspects had broken into a garage on the residence and once inside, had stolen meat from the freezer. This file is still under investigation.

On Jan. 1, Tofield RCMP responded to a suspicious vehicle complaint in Ryley. RCMP attended the scene and made patrols although were unable to locate the vehicle.

On Jan. 1, Tofield RCMP responded to a theft complaint in Beaver County. RCMP attended and found that a significant amount of scrap copper wire was stolen from the property; file is still under investigation.

On Jan. 2, Tofield RCMP responded to a domestic disturbance in rural Tofield. RCMP attended and were able to separate and keep the peace between parties involved and ensure the safety of all parties involved.

On Jan. 2, Tofield RCMP responded to a domestic disturbance call in Tofield. RCMP attended and were able to identify all parties involved and separate everyone without incident.

On Jan. 2, Tofield RCMP responded to a suspected impaired driving complaint on Hwy. 834. The complainant advised the RCMP that the driver was driving at an unreasonable speed and crossing over the center line. RCMP located the vehicle, performed a

traffic stop and were able to confirm that the driver was not impaired by drugs and/or alcohol. A warning was provided to the driver.

On Jan. 3, 2021 approximately around 6 a.m., the Town of Tofield Operations shop was broke into and a 2015 white Dodge Ram 1500 pickup truck with Alberta license plate BRH-7120 was stolen.

RCMP attended the scene and found that entry was gained through a broken window. This file is still under investigation.

On Jan. 3, Tofield RCMP responded to a complaint of two semi trucks that were accessed in Ryley and a number of items were stolen from inside them. This file is still under investigation.

On Jan. 3, Tofield RCMP responded to a

domestic disturbance in Ryley. RCMP attended and spoke to both parties

and were able to safely separate both parties for the evening.

/HDUQ DERXW WUDLQLQJ IXQGLQJ DW

UXUDOPHQWDOKHDOWK FD

Tofield and Area Church Directory Tofield Alliance Bardo Lutheran Church Sunday Worship @ 10:30 am Church Pastor - Calvin Andringa

Sunday Worship - 10:00 am • Sunday School • Life Groups • Youth Group • Music & Worship • Senior Activities 780-662-2762 • 5907 - 49 Street

All are welcome!

Worship services can also be accessed online @

Rev. Adam Hall

49232 Rge Rd 184 Tofield, AB

Pastor Mark Loewen 780-662-2365

www.bardolutheranchurch.weebly.com Sunday service in-person and drive-in

Pastor Kevin Langager 780-662-3411

Holden United Church Tofield Community Church Tofield United Church Pastor Ken Stumph

Due to COVID-19 in-person worship services have been suspended.

Online services will take place and can be listened to on the phone. For login info please call: 780-662-3471 or email: beaverpastoralcharge@gmail.com

Salem Mennonite Church

780-662-3166

Sunday Worship @ 10:30 am Service available online @ www.tofieldchurch.com You can attend live services with COVID-19 social distancing guidelines in effect.

at 10:00 am. Also available online at: www.salemmennonite.ca

Page 8 - The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, January 6, 2021

Letter to the Editor THANK YOU to our friends and family and

all residents who showed a conscience and

did the right thing by staying home this Christ-

A new year brings about new changes and as such the Village of Ryley will now be operating a separate FCSS program specific to the residents living in the Village of Ryley.

Residents living within the Town of Tofield and Rural West Beaver County (Ranges 17-21) will continue to remain clients of our Tofield/Beaver County West FCSS program.

We would like to thank the Village of Ryley Residents for their past patronage and let you know that you will be missed. Thank you to the Village of Ryley for their past partnership.

As always our team is available at the Tofield office (780-662-7067 or 780-662-7066) Monday to Friday 8:30 am to 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm to 4:30 pm.

The Director is situated in the Beaver County office (780-663-3730) every Tuesday following a change to enhanced status in our county.

mas. We were supposed to have 12 at our place, but scaled it back to just the two of us. Our parents, brother and family, and daughter all cancelled flights from BC. They stayed home to FLATTEN THE CURVE. Same with our kids who live in Edmonton. We missed being together this year, but we did this

because it was the right thing to do.

For all of us, it meant we couldn't be close to many of our loved ones during a special time of the year. You showed a conscience and did your part to flatten the curve.

You also showed more leadership than many of our Elected Officials, who chose to ignore the advice

to avoid non-essential travel, advice from Dr. Hinshaw and the Provincial Government.

Albertans deserve and expect better from those in leadership roles.

Thank you for doing your part during this pandemic.

Kevin Smook Tofield Resident

SUBSCRIPTION REQUEST FORM Name: Address: Town: Postal Code:

Prov.

Phone:

Rates for a one year subscription are:

Within Canada: $35.18 (Price Includes G.S.T.) Send Payment to: Box 150, Tofield AB, T0B 4J0 or pay online anytime at tofieldmerc.com Click on subscribe and choose mail or online subscription.

21012CT0

Serving all the farms, ranches, acreages and towns in Beaver County

Order Printing LOCALLY! • Business Cards • Raffle Tickets • Forms • Envelopes Tofield Mercury & Weekly Review

Bruce, Holden, Kinsella Ryley, Tofield, Viking

Chronicle The Beaver County

A Free Weekly Publication Serving All of Beaver County Wednesday, December 2020,Volume Volume Issue 51 Wednesday, January16, 6, 2021, 14,13, Issue 1

5 year financial plan passed as info item Patricia Harcourt As required by the Municipal Government Act, Beaver County Council accepted a 5-year financial (operating) and five-year capital plan at the Dec. 16 regular meeting.

The documents were formulated by the county’s Director of Finance Ed Bujnowicz and Assistant CAO Margaret Jones.

This is the county’s second in two years, as mandated by the new MGA. “The provincial funding follows the recent announcements or remains at the current level,” said the report. “The MSI operating and MSI capital grants have been

reduced by 25 per cent for 2021 and remain at these levels (in the projections) to 2025.

“The MSI initiative is expected to expire in 2023 and be replaced by the Local Government Fiscal Framework grant. It is not known what changes, if any, will occur.”

Other assumptions are that operating revenue will increase slightly each year, and the Claystone Waste grant will increase in 2021 and again in 2022. Plus, county salaries and wages will increase by 0.5 per cent starting in 2023.

The municipal price index of 1.029 per cent will be used as the annual increase for contracted serv-

ices and materials.

Road construction costs will follow the plan council approved and no changes in levels of service are included in the plan. There is no tax levy for the road construction as it is all funded from grants.

The plan sets out Claystone Waste grants of $1.4 million and $1.7 million for 2021 and 2022. “The grant is being used to offset operating costs and the allowance for uncollectible taxes; otherwise, significant deficits would result,” said the report.

Council expressed interest in the campground statistics, and asked that they be further defined for

them after Bujnowicz told council “that campground line is funding itself.”

“The campgrounds appear to be a moving target,” said Reeve Jim Kallal, suggesting the figures be further broken down “to show more detail.”

CAO Bob Beck suggested administration could bring back more well defined statistics in January, along with a report on the results of the recent campground survey.

“It sure helps me understand our glance into the future as much as we know it,” said Smook, thanking administration for the report.

“It’s well worth it,” he said.

Landflood contract renewed for beaver control Patricia Harcourt The county has extended the contract with the current landflood contractor, which had been set to end at the end of December, for the 2021 year.

A company was hired in April to perform beaver control services focused on infrastructure related issues caused by beaver populations.

The wet weather conditions caused beaver to proliferate in the county, and the county provided extra funds over the summer to continue with the program.

County agriculture representative Aimee Boese reported to council that the contractor spent 1,319 hours working for the county and removed 493 beaver at a cost of $74,844.

“This was approximately double the work that was completed in

2019,” she said.

But the county must now look to what should be done over the winter months as lakes and streams and other bodies of water are frozen over, helping with the beaver control.

“We don’t know the conditions there will be in the coming spring,” said Boese, noting that “this year was an exceptional one for water.”

“I would like to see an extension of his contract,” said Division 4 Councillor Barry Bruce, adding he has heard of many who were satisfied with the work done on beaver control ‘for a fairly reasonable cost.”

Division 1 Councillor, Kevin Smook, agreed, stating that the time line for a tendering process would mean missing out on the upcoming winter months.

“We would lose time if we tendered it. The winter season is a

great time to take out those critters,” he said.

Boese said there would a “six to eight week turnaround,” with the tender process put into play at the beginning of January.

“I’m in favour of extending the contract,” said Deputy Reeve Gene Hrabec, adding that “the timing is

important.”

Division 5 Councillor added that he “was not against an extension.”

Boese said the contractor can’t do as much in the fall until the ice has hardened.

“We typically get calls in January/February as people look towards spring runoff.”

2 - Beaver County Chronicle, January 6, 2021

Council deals with line of credit bylaw, returning officer appointee and tax payment waiver request

Claystone Waste was pleased to be able to continue Beaver ˀ˨ˡ˜˖˜ˣ˔˟ ˆˢ˟˨˧˜ˢˡ˦Ϡ ˧˥˔˗˜˧˜ˢˡ ˕ˬ ˦ˣ˥˘˔˗˜ˡ˚ ˔ ˟˜˧˧˟˘ ʥʣʥʣ ˛ˢ˟˜˗˔ˬ cheer to several local not-for-profit organizations. Due to the pandemic, the first cycle of the program in 2020 was suspended, however it was reinstated in the fall.

Patricia Harcourt

A total of $44,851.50 was awarded:

SPREADING 2020 HOLIDAY CHEER

x ALTA VI Memorial Society ($2500) for gazebo louvers

Beaver County Council passed its annual Line of Credit Bylaw to give authorization to borrow from a financial institution on a line of credit.

“It doesn’t happen very often,” said the county’s Director of Finance Ed Bujnowicz, at council Dec. 16 meeting.

This could occur, states the report to council, “Normally only in the event of large, unexpected expenditures. Administration invests sums of money for varying periods of time, but plans in advance for any transfers so that payroll and accounts payable requirements can be met.”

Returning Officer - 2021 Municipal Election Council agreed to appoint Assistant CAO Margaret Jones as the Returning Officer and Administrative Assistant Cindy Cox as Substitute Returning Officer for the 2021 municipal election to be held next October.

The province has lengthened the nomination period from a fixed date of four weeks before election day, to the period from Jan. 1 to noon of nomination day.

In 2021 the nomination period starts Jan. 1 and runs to Sept. 20, and nominations can be filed any time during that period.

The province made other amendments including public notification of candidates, voter accessibility (including vouching) and voter residency, mandatory advance votes for small municipalities, candidate and third party advertising, and campaign expenses, finances and contributions.

These changes and the candidate nomination form will be made available on the county’s website by Jan. 1. The county will also post a candidate’s information and other forms as they become available.

Late Payment Penalty Waiver Refused Council denied a request from a ratepayer to have the late payment penalty on taxes waived.

The ratepayer stated that the taxes have been consistently paid on time for the last 25 years by mail, with no issues. However, this year the county did not receive the payment by the due date, and the ratepayer suspects it was lost in the mail.

Administration recommended the request be denied, as it sets a precedent for similar problems.

Division 1 Councillor Kevin Smook stated that, as this issue has been discussed before, he was “fine with the recommendation,” and had nothing to add. Division 4 Councillor Barry Bruce, Division 5 Councillor Dale Pederson and Reeve Jim Kallal (Division 2) all agreed.

Deputy Reeve Gene Hrabec (Division 3) said he “believes it can be lost in the mail,” and should the letter arrive postmarked prior to the deadline, the penalty charged to the ratepayer should be reimbursed.

His motion to deny the request was then passed unanimously.

x Bardo Lutheran Church ($2500) for section of chain link fence x Beaverhill Bird Observatory Society ($2500) for solar power system on their Education Centre x Big Picture Theatre Foundation ($2500) for operational costs x Bruce Sports and operational costs

Stampede

Association

($2500)

for

x Friends of Ryley School ($2500) for school playground x Friends of Tofield Students Society ($2500) for chrome books and charging station x Happy Wanderers ($2500) for transportation costs x Holden Community Hall Association ($2500) to replace flooring x Ryley Community Preschool ($2500) for enclosed playground x Studio 14 Art Association ($2500) for refurbishing stained glass windows x Sunshine villa Residents Association ($1200) for rhythm band and drumming program for residents x Tofield and District Chamber of Commerce ($1250) for Welcome Basket printing costs x Tofield and Area Food Bank Society ($2300) for emergency lunches for three local schools x Tofield Curling Club ($2500) for two overhead gas heaters x Tofield Golden Club ($2500) to replace floor tiles in games area x Tofield Historic Society ʛʗʥʤʨʣʜ ˧ˢ ˥˘ˣ˥˜ˡ˧ Ϣˇ˔˟˘˦ ˢ˙ ˇˢ˙˜˘˟˗ϣ ˛˜˦˧ˢ˥ˬ book x Tofield Municipal Library ($2500) to replace computer software x Viking Minor Hockey Association ($2500) for power skating program x WECAN Food Basket Society of Alberta, Tofield-Ryley Depot ($451.50) for COVID-19 PPE and driver stipend -annual Claystone Waste thanks everyone for their interest in our biigrant program, which will continue into 2021. The forms and documents are currently being updated and are expected to be ready shortly. If you are interested in our program, please contact us at connect@claystonewaste.com for more information.

Toll Free: 1.855.221.2038 Ph: 780.663.2038 50117 Range Road 173 (Secondary Highway 854) Box 322, Ryley, AB T0B 4A0

FOR SALE Market Hogs and Sausage Sows Available: Live, Dressed, or Packaged ready for your freezer. Call 403-882-2421 or text 403-740-3645

Ryley Landfill Hours: We ee ekdays 9:00 am - 4:30 pm; Saturda ay ys / STATS 9:00 am - 3:00 pm; Close ed d Sunda ay ys NO N OT TE E:customers must arrive at least 15 minutes prior to closing; Administration Offices closed from 12:00 - 1:00 pm

Lindbrook Transfer Station Hours: Tues 10:30 am - 5:30 pm; Thurs 11:30 am - 6:30 pm; Sat 10:30 - 5:30 pm

Tofield Transfer Station Hours: Wed, Fri and Sat 10:30 am - 5:30 pm

Viking Transfer Station Hours: Tues 10:30 am - 5:30 pm; Sat 10:30 am - 5:30 pm

Kinsella Transfer Station Hours: Wed 11:00 am - 5:00 pm; Fri 11:00 am - 5:00 pm

Beaver County Chronicle, January 6, 2021 - 3

Whistle cessation gets support from MP Patricia Harcourt Beaver County has received some feedback after sending letters to local politicians regarding the quest to end train whistle blowing at three rural rail crossings.

Letters went out to MLA Lovely, MLA Wilson and MP Damien Kurek asking for help in finding out the status of the county’s attempts at whistle cessation.

The three crossings in question include Lindbrook at Hwy. 630, Holden where R.R. 161 intersects Twp. Rd. 492, and Bruce where Hwy. 857 intersects Main Street.

The county has had to submit information several times to both CN Rail and Transport Canada due to COVID-19 and other complications. Transport Canada misplaced the documents and CN did not get back to the county after it had received documentation.

Kurek informed council that Transport Canada was in the process of completing its findings report, and intends to follow up with the county early in the new year.

Deputy Reeve Gene Hrabec (Division 3) said he called Kurek and was told that, “If we haven’t heard by two weeks in January the county should contact him and (Kurek) will follow up with the ministerial office.”

Hrabec said Kurek is “working on this with

Tutoring

CN,” and has had a “good conversation” with Transport Canada, which is “dragging its feet.”

“I sense some progress,” said Division 1 Councillor Kevin Smook.

Division 4 Councillor Barry Bruce, who has spoken up strongly against the train whistles, said: “I’m glad CN held up their end of things,” adding he had “little hope for Transport Canada,” which he felt “has little interest in rural Canada.”

“It’s good to see it’s back on its wheels again,” said Division 5 Councillor Dale Pederson, of the project to stop the whistles.

“Getting the MP involved is great,” said Reeve Jim Kallal (Division 2). “It’s a step in the right direction.”

Kallal said he wanted “to stay on it and appease the people living on those tracks.”

Services

Hubert & Margaret Graham Parts, Sales & Service Bus: 780-663-3759 Res: 780-662-2384 Fax: 780-663-3799

ryalta@digitalweb.net 5108 - 50th St. Ryley, AB., T0B 4J0

Real Estate

L /SEL BUYrma ti on i nfo dvi ce ! &a

780-983-3694 Office: 780-464-4100

Gerry Footz

REALTOR

Website: www.gerryfootz.com

Young Agrarians Apprenticeship

4 - Beaver County Chronicle, January 6, 2021

Beaver County Service Centre 5120 - 50 Street Box 140 Ryley, Alberta T0B 4A0 Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Phone: (780) 663-3730 Fax: (780) 663-3602 Toll Free: 1-866-663-1333 www.beaver.ab.ca Email: administration@beaver.ab.ca

2021 Municipal Election

FCSS Changes

2021 is the year of municipal elections and October 18, 2021 is Election Day.

Changes to Town of Tofield and Rural West Beaver County A new year brings about new changes and as such the Village of Ryley will now be operating a separate FCSS program specific to the residents living in the Village of Ryley. Residents living within the (Ranges 17-21) will continue to remain clients of our Tofield/Beaver County West FCSS program.

In the past, submission of nominations was restricted to one day only.

The Local Authorities Election Act has been amended to extend the time period during which nominations can be filed.

The new Nomination Period is January 1, 2021 to noon on Monday, September 20, 2021.

We would like to thank the Village of Ryley Residents for their past patronage and let you know that you will be missed. Thank you to the Village of Ryley for their past partnership.

At any time during this period, a candidate may submit a Nomination Form. The Nomination Form as well as a Candidate Information Package is available on the County’s website at www.beaver.ab.ca/council/2021-municipal-election.

As always our team is available at the Tofield office (780-662-7067 or 780-662-7066) Monday to Friday 8:30am to 12:00pm and 1:00pm to 4:30pm. The Director is situated in the Beaver County office (780-6633730) every Tuesday following a change to enhanced status in our county.

Additional information regarding municipal elections is available on Alberta Municipal Affairs’ website at www.alberta.ca/municipalelections.aspx. Inquiries may be addressed to the Returning Officer, Margaret Jones, or the Substitute Returning Officer, Cindy Cox, at 780-663-3730, or by e-mail to mjones@beaver.ab.ca or cindy@beaver.ab.ca.

Budget Approved 2021 INTERIM BUDGET APPROVED On December 16, 2020, Beaver County Council approved an interim budget for 2021. The interim budget enables the County to continue operations until the final budget is approved in the Spring.

The Open Door Opening the Door to a Brighter Future Youth Employment Skills Strategy (YESS) is the Government of Canada’s commitment to help young people, particularly those facing barriers to employment, get the information and gain the skills, work experience and abilities they need to make a successful transition into the labor market. The open door provides a series of activities and interventions to assist youth (aged 15-30) navigate through these barriers. We will be offering services through our office, as well as through an online platform.

Development of the 2021 budget has been a challenge. The uncertainty around the COVID-19 pandemic and recovery of the oil and gas industry made it difficult to predict revenue and expenses with any degree of certainty.

Participants will have access to a variety of services through our employment office such as: • Job skill development • Creating cover letters and resumes • Interviewing skill training • Employment opportunities • On the job training • Provision of work materials and necessary PPE

Council was relieved to hear that the Provincial Government delayed implementation of the assessment model review, however other assessment reductions for the oil and gas industry resulted in a loss of over $17 million in the County’s assessment base.

Mentorship The Open Door Employment office is committed to guiding participants through the employment process. Our Employment office Coordinators are available to offer help in person, over the phone or virtually.

To offset this loss in assessment, spending has been reduced in almost every department. Budgets are tightening up, vacant staff positions are not being filled, and employee compensation was frozen for 2 years.

Council is also working with its partners (urban municipalities and other non-profit organizations) to hold the line on spending related to fire protection, recreation, and cultural services.

Employers Through professional relationships, The Open Door will direct participants to apply to work with valued employers. As part of the YESS program, our participants will be placed with a one week (36.5 hour) full time employment opportunity. Employers are eligible to have some (if not all) of the 36.5 hours reimbursed by the Camrose Open Door upon hiring the participant.

Despite Council’s efforts at restraint, it continues to feel the impact of government down-loading. RCMP cost-sharing has increased and the Provincial Government has mandated an e-ticketing system for our peace officers at the County’s expense. Most notable is an expected 25% reduction in the MSI operating and capital grant. Although a reduction was expected in 2022, we now anticipate it to be implemented in 2021, resulting in a loss in revenue of over $400,000.

For more information call, text or email our Employment office.

Email: Melanie@camroseopendoor.com Samantha@camroseopendoor.com Call or text 780-679-8836

County Council will continue to work hard over the next few months to develop a budget that reflects the levels of service that residents enjoy while being mindful of the current economy and the challenges that COVID has placed on all of us. In particular, Council recognizes that our small businesses are struggling and is considering a reduction in the mill rate for this key sector of our local economy.

To review the interim budget, go to the www.beaver.ab.ca. Your input is welcome!

Tax Deadline

Tax Deadline Beaver County Tax Deadline Please note that an additional penalty of 3% will be added to any outstanding taxes on January 16, 2021. Please ensure that all tax payments are made on or before January 15, 2021.

Mailed payments must be sent to: Beaver County, Box 140, Ryley, AB, T0B 4A0 Inquiries can be made by phoning (780) 663-3730. Please ensure that the postmark is on or before January 15, 2021.

The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, January 6, 2021 - Page 9

Continued from Page 2

YEAR IN REVIEW: 2020

March 2020 • After a long and arduous journey, co-owners of Nobal Buds – Brad Brooks and Ian Mansley – were happy to welcome

ders in a friendly game of hockey to a packed Tofield Arena.

• The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in Premier Jason Kenney declaring Alberta a state of public health emergency.

Beaver County councillor speaks at one of the BRSD presentation forums. customers on Friday, Feb. 28 to their new facility in Tofield, the first-ever cannabis store in all of Beaver County.

• Four communities whose schools are under threat of closure by the Battle River School Division (BRSD) had an opportunity on Thursday, Feb. 27 in Camrose to make presentations to the board of trustees in support of their schools.

• Tofield/Ryley/Beaver County West Family and Community Support Services (TRBW FCSS) has a new Community Programmer, Samantha Giegold.

• Tofield and area were treated to some on-ice entertainment on Thursday evening, March 5 as CFCW Critters took on Tofield’s First Respon-

This will empower authorities under the Public Health Act to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic more efficiently. Furthermore, Alberta’s Provincial Operations Centre has also been elevated from a level 3 to a level 4, the highest level.

• Following the guidelines of Alberta’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Deena Hinshaw, Alberta schools including those within the jurisdiction of Battle River School Division (BRSD) have cancelled classes indefinitely.

• Despite quiet times, work at Beaver Municipal Solutions (BMS) continues unabated.

According to Anne Ruzicka, Program and Communications Director, there’s been an increase in residential garbage due to folks cleaning up

their sheds. “It’s been steady for us, even though admin staff are working from home, we are open regular hours.

People require to dispose of their garbage regularly, especially now when families are spending more time together through social distancing,” she said.

April 2020 • Taking into account social distancing and restrictions on public gatherings, Battle RiverCrowfoot MP Damien Kurek held a virtual town hall meeting via social media on Wednesday, March 25.

• The COVID-19 pandemic has affected most businesses and programs, but with some “amazing” volunteers, Tofield-Ryley-Beaver County West (TRBW) Family & Community Support Services (FCSS) has been able to keep their Meals on Wheels program running.

• In the midst of chaos there’s always hope, and that’s what the Diederich family found out when Isla was born to Bailey and Tim Diederich of Tofield on Tuesday, March 31.

• Sunshine Villa residents showed their appreciation for essential and healthcare workers during this very uncertain time of the COVID19 pandemic by putting up signs on their windows.

• In a special teleconfer-

Critters on Tofield ice provide entertainment to a packed arena.

ence with Alberta Weekly Newspapers Association (AWNA) editors and publishers, Premier Jason Kenney thanked community newspapers for delivering news to areas of the province not served by other media.

• Ryley resident Joel Schmidt makes face masks with his 3D printer to help those who are in need of masks.

• The Tofield Quilters Guild put their talents to work earlier this month to support frontline workers. They provided 38 scrub bags and 10 scrub hats for medical staff at the Smith Clinic.

• 38th Tofield Sodbuster Rodeo cancelled. The Tofield Agricultural Society, which hosts it in partnership with the Town of Tofield amde this decision given the pandemic guidelines.

• On April 28, the total number of cases in the province was 4,850.

There were 1,800 confirmed recovered cases, and 154 new cases of COVID-19 that have been reported.

May 2020 • With the COVID-19 lockdown, the graduating class of 2020 was unable to participate in any of their sports since March, bringing an early end to their school athletics. Recognizing this, Alberta Schools Athletic Association (ASAA) launched #BeALightAlberta campaign asking schools across the province to honour their Grade 12 athletes by keeping the gymnasium and field lights on at 9:30 p.m. on Monday, May 4.

• On May 8, 36 graduates constituting the Tofield School Class of 2020 would have walked the stage. But with the COVID-19 situation at hand, the ceremony has been postponed, and a grad parade will be held instead.

• Single vehicle rollover leads to fatality west of Holden.

• On Thursday, May 14 Tofield’s Main Street came alive again for a few moments around 10

Sunshine Villa residents put up signs of kindness and hope on their windowsn in support of frontline workers during COVID-19. a.m. as Tofield and area’s June 9 that Alberta will Fire Departments, Ambu- be ahead of its stage two lance, RCMP, and Peace relaunch. The province Officers participated in is expected to get into its the Frontline Workers stage two mode as early Appreciation Drive By. as Friday, June 12, in-

Isla Mae Diederich was born at 11:43 a.m. on Tuesday, March 31, 2020.

• Ryley Legion mem-

bers – Jim Nicholson and Marlene Podoborozny – were presented with ‘Quilts of Valour.’

June 2020 • Pres Winter, a former resident of Beaver County and now residing in Viking was given a Lifetime Achievement Award for his work with bluebirds at the 29th Annual Emerald Awards on Tuesday, June 2 in a virtual ceremony.

• Beaver County Council has authorized administration to engage engineering services to investigate and propose options to determine and possibly alleviate drainage concerns in Lindbrook Estates, using funds from the public works reserve.

• Premier Jason Kenney announced on Tuesday,

stead of June 19, a week ahead.

• Alberta’s historian, Rob Lennard or ‘History Wrangler’ as he is known in the province has launched the Beaver Place Tales contest to celebrate the 45th anniversary of the critter.

• Tofield hairdresser Tamara Gacek’s career spans over four generations as she reached a milestone of 30 years in her profession.

• Motor vehicle services, including vehicle registrations, driver’s licence renewals, and knowledge and road tests will be unavailable to Albertans June 19-22, across the province.

• Great weather on Tuesday, June 23 brought a total of 22 teams and players to participate in the Annual Ron RobinContinued on Page 15

Page 10 - The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, January 6, 2021

Business & Professional Oilfield & Energy Small Ads - $50/month

Medium Ads - $80/month

Tofield Autobody *COLLISION REPAIR SPECIALISTS *WINDSHIELD REPAIRED & REPLACED

780-662-3432

adsmercury@gmail.com

Large Ads - $160/month

Insurance

Electrical

Automotive

Contact the Mercury 780-662-4046

• Farm • Residential • Commercial • 24 hour service

• AUTO • HOME • BUSINESS • FARM We find insurance that works for you. Call us for a free quote.

Health & Beauty For your automotive, farm and industrial supplies

780-662-3212 After hours: 780-662-4574 or 780-662-0017

P RIMARY C ONNECTIONS M ASSAGE T HERAPY

Box 480, 5314 - 50th St. Tofield, AB BrokerLink.ca

Meat Packers

Registered Massage Therapy “Masseuse Caboose” 5024-53 Ave.

780.662.4150 | 1.866.213.2037

662-4498 Rhona Lawson R.M.T/M.T.A.A.

5020 - 50 Ave., Tofield, AB HOURS:

For your vehicle parts needs

Heavy Duty Mechanic

FREE vehicle removal Cash paid for some Please call ahead for appointment confirmation Vehicle Removal: Weekdays AM Saturdays PM

SLAUGHTER DAY IS EVERY WEDNESDAY Heavy Duty Mechanic Services - Mobile & Shop -

662-2403

Construction

Mon. - Fri. 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Saturday 8:00 am - 12:00 pm

Phone 662-4842 for Appt

Fresh Meat & Sausage Counter

780-686-6344 Agriculture~Construction~Tractor/Trailer

Plumbing & Heating LICENSED INSURED

Insurance

GOLISH CONSTRUCTION LTD. CELL: 780-385-4179 JOHN GOLISH

• Siding, Soffits & Facias • Windows, Doors & Capping • Decks, Railings & Ramps • Shingles & Metal Roofing • Overhead Doors • Concrete Repair • Basement Development

• Bathroom Remodeling • Kitchen upgrades • Foundation Repair • Drywall Board & Tape • Paint & Texturing • Flooring & Tiling • Garages & Additions

No job too small, call to book your project!

Place your Business Directory ad for 6 months and get 1 month

FREE!

Commercial • Farm • Auto Home • Recreational• Hail • Tofield • Holden

780-662-0165 780-688-3865

Todd Ritchie Financial Advisor Ritchie Agencies Insurance Ltd 5036 53 Ave | Tofield 780-662-3833 www.cooperators.ca/Ritchie-Agencies

INVEST IN YOUR BUSINESS! ADVERTISE IN THE

TOFIELD MERCURY!

Home Auto Life Investments Group Business Farm Travel

CALL THE TOFIELD MERCURY TO ADVERTISE!

The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, January 6, 2021 - Page 11

Business & Professional Oilfield & Energy Small Ads - $50/month

Medium Ads - $80/month

Plumbing & Heating

Roofing

RED’S

John Daoust Shingle Co.

P LUMBING & D RAIN C LEANING

Contact the Mercury 780-662-4046 adsmercury@gmail.com

Large Ads - $160/month

Veterinary Clinic

Box 576, Tofield

•Boilers •New Homes • Renovations • Repairs •Distillers Ph: (780) 662-7237 Cell: (780) 238-7429 ES

Garnet Malin - Tofield, AB

B&M

EE S FR ATE TIM

Cedar shingles & shakes, Asphalt, Repairs, Barns, Churches

John Daoust 662-4901

Thermal Imaging

PLUMBING AND HEATING INC Authorized Armstrong and Coleman dealer Authorized Trane dealer for all your for all your plumbing and heating needs. plumbing and heating needs.

CALL: 662-2454Service CALL: 662-2454

Mike Klassen - Owner/Operator

24 Hr. Emerg.

Call: 780-729-0260

Real Estate sales@gradientimaging.ca or www.gradientimaging.ca

Things we do: NDVI & ADVI Imaging

Kevin Smook

• Insurance Claim Photography • Crop Scouting • Thermal Imaging • Aerial Photography & Videography

REALTOR ®

HOURS: Mon., Tues., Thurs. and Fri.: 8:30am-5:30pm Wednesdays: 8:30am-7:00pm Saturdays: 8:30am-1:30pm

780-662-4623 Making you feel at home since 1999!

Place your Business Directory ad for 6 months and get 1 month FREE!

CALL THE TOFIELD MERCURY TO ADVERTISE!

www.home-time.net

INVEST

IN YOUR BUSINESS.

Advertise in the Tofield Mercury Business Directory!

• • • • • • • • • •

Accountant/Taxes Acreage Services Agriculture Automotive Bookkeeping Concrete Services Construction Custom Work Dental Dog Grooming

• • • • • • • • • •

Electrical Equine Services Health & Beauty Heavy Duty Mechanic Home Accessories Insurance Law Services Landscaping Meat Packers Painting

• • • • • • • • • •

Plumbing & Heating Real Estate Rental Equipment Roofing Thermal Imaging Trucking Septic Services Veterinary Clinic Water Hauling Welding Services

Page 12 - The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, January 6, 2021

The

CLASSIFIED AD RATES $10.75+gst first 25 words 39¢ each additional word PICTURE BOLD $10.00 $5.00 WEEKLY REVIEW Ph. 780-336-3422 Email: vikingreview @gmail.com TOFIELD MERCURY Ph. 780-662-4046 Email: adsmercury @gmail.com LAMONT LEADER Ph. 780-895-2780 Email: lmtleader @gmail.com ___________________ FOR FOR RENT RENT

2 bedroom house in Sedgewick. Large fenced yard and shed. No smoking. Pets negotiable. $1,100/month includes utilities. $1,000 DD. Contact Ian at 780-995-6146 tfnp ________________________ 1 Month Free Rent Apartment for Rent in Killam. Large, clean, non-smoking. Call Chuck at 780-263-7290 tfn ________________________ 3 Bedroom Townhouse for rent in Viking, AB. $950/mo. including utilities. Available now. Call 780-563-0191. tfn ___________________ FOR FOR SALE SALE 2016 Chev Silverado 4x4 double cab, many options, 189,800 kms - $14,500 includes GST. Please call 780-608-9024 (in Tofield).

TM50/51p ________________________ Round bales for sale, Brome hay, stored under cover, no rain. Call 587-990-1003 TM50/01p

Market Hogs and Sausage Sows Available: Live, Dressed, or Packaged ready for your freezer. Call 403-8822421 or text 403-740-3645 ___________________ HAY FOR FOR SALE SALE HAY Hay for sale. Alf/Tim/Br/Cw mix Rounds $50. 2019 Rounds $35. Small square shedded bales $6. Majority no rain.

Phone 780-942-4107 late evenings. ___________________ HELP WANTED WANTED HELP APIARIES OF ALBERTA are looking for Five Apiary Technicians $17-$19/hr depending on experience for full time (40+hrs/wk) employment March thru October 2021. Must have a min of 3 years (seasons) working fulltime on Canadian style commercial apiary in the minimum capacity of Apiary Assistant.

Gerard 780-662-4449 RR4 Tofield, AB. gsieben@mcsnet.ca ________________________ Vegreville Family Dental, located next to the Boston Pizza in Vegreville is looking for a very enthusiastic Registered Dental Assistant to join our team on a part time or full time basis. Our practice is committed to and focused on providing excellent quality patient care. We are looking for someone who is professional, reliable, possesses excellent interpersonal skills, is warm and friendly with patients. We offer competitive wages commensurate with experience as well as a great and friendly work environment! Travel or relocation assistance will be considered for the suitable candidate. If this opportunity sounds interesting to you, please apply to vegredental@gmail.com. ___________________ SERVICES SERVICES Roy's Handyman Services.

Flooring, trim work, basement finishing, decks, fences, kitchen cabinet installs and carpentry work.

Call 780-662-0146 or 780-232-3097.

___________________ SERVICES SERVICES Painting

Quality Residential and Commercial Painting Betty Tkaczyk 780-632-8749 or 780-688-3564 tfn ________________________ Shane’s Stucco & Drywall Service Shane Hollar Stucco (Traditional & Acrylic), Drywall, Stone, Textured Ceilings, Tile and Spray Painting 780-336-4832 shanes.stucco@gmail.com

EADER

Serving

Classifieds ___________________ FOR FOR SALE SALE

L

THE LAMONT

Affordable Advertising with

___________________ SERVICES SERVICES

Town & Country Guardian Drugs - Killam We have: •a Kodak picture maker.

•a colour/b&w photocopier.

•cold popand fresh snacks.

•a great selection of candles, giftware, and fragrances. toys, games,and plush animals.

•a huge selection of Hallmark cards.

•plastic gift cards •vitamins, minerals, and herbals.

•free gift wrapping.

•prescription service Open 6 days a week. tfnp

Lamont

county

3 papers for the price of 1! ___________________ SERVICES SERVICES Carpet and upholstery cleaning - residential and commercial. Truck mount unit, sewer backup, and flood cleaning. Auto and RV cleaning. Call Glenn and Cindi Poyser, Fancy Shine Auto and Carpet Care at (780) 384-3087 tfn ________________________ Drywall Taping/Texturing 35+ Years No Job too small!

Experienced drywall taper/texturer here to help you with any job big or small.

Don't want to do it yourself, give me a call! Based in Killam but willing to travel Hand taper by trade but have experience with boxes, roller/flusher, taping tube. No bazooka exp. Have own tools (10-12" boxes, pump, angle box, roller, flusher, hand tools, etc.) Also do ceiling texture.

Non-drinker, just want to work. Willing to work with existing taping crew. Call 780385-2106 or 780-385-1251.

The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, January 6, 2021 - Page 13

Remember When

TOFIELD’S NEW YEAR’S BABY: Lila and Robin Grunau were visiting her sister in Tofield for the Christmas holidays. Karlene delayed their trip home by arriving Jan. 3 at 5:30 a.m., weighing eight pounds, eight ounces (3,860 grams). Rob is holding their other two children, Kaylee and Kenten. Barb Martini presented the family with a beautiful quilt with the FCSS logo in the corner. Photo by A. Francoeur.

This image appeared in The Tofield Mercury dated Jan. 8, 1991.

SUBSCRIBE TO US TODAY! GET YOUR LOCAL NEWS DELIVERED EACH WEEK. CALL 780-662-4046

Blanket Alberta Ads take approximately 10 days to process ______________________ COMING EVENTS COMING EVENTS FIREARMS WANTED FOR FEBRUARY 20th, 2021 LIVE & ONLINE Rifles, AUCTION: Handguns, Shotguns, Militaria. Auction or Purchase: Collections, Estates, Individual Items.

Contact Paul, Switzer's Auction: Toll-Free 1-800694-2609, sales@switzeror sauction.com www.switzersauction.com. ______________________ HEALTH HEALTH HIP/KNEE REPLACEMENT. Other medical conditions causing TROUBLE WALKING or DRESSING? The Disability Tax Credit allows for $3,000 yearly tax credit and $30,000 lump sum refund.

Take advantage of this offer. Apply NOW; quickest refund Nationwide: Expert help. 1-844-4535372.

Deadline for Blanket Classifieds is Wednesday at 4 p.m.

______________________ EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES OPPORTUNITIES SPRUCE POINT PARK ASSOCIATION is seeking to fill the position of: PARK MANAGER. Park Point Spruce Campground and Marina is located on Lesser Slave Lake approximately 285 of northwest kms Edmonton, AB near Hamlet of Kinuso. Now accepting applications for the period of May 1st to September 30th, some flexibility on September end date. For complete package and details call 780-775-3805 or email sprucepointpark@gmail.com. Closing date: January 31st, 2021 or until suitable candidate is found. ______________________ FEED SEED AND SEED FEEDAND HEATED CANOLA buying Green, Heated or Springthrashed Canola.

Buying: oats, barley, wheat & peas for feed. Buying damaged or offgrade grain.

"On Farm Pickup" Westcan Feed & Grain, 1-877-2505252.

COLOUR THIS PICT URE

These blanket classified ads are produced through a joint agreement by The Community Press, Viking Weekly Review, Lamont Leader, Tofield Mercury and Alberta Weekly Newspaper Association (AWNA).

These ads appear in all AWNA member papers (120 papers) for the cost of $269.00 (+gst) for the first 25 words, $8.00 per word over 25. To place a blanket classified, call a CARIBOU PUBLISHING representative at 780-385-6693 or email ads@thecommunitypress.com.

______________________ LAND FOR SALE SALE LAND FOR

______________________ SERVICES

DUCKS UNLIMITED CANADA has for sale 4 project lands in Beaver County. Land locations are: SW27-50-16-W4, SE 1849-14 W4M, S½ 3-46-11 W4M and NW 32-47-13 Brent Call W4M. T h y g e s e n , b_thygesen@ducks.ca or 780 678-0150. ______________________ REAL ESTATE

CRIMINAL RECORD? suffer Why employment/licensing loss?

Travel/business opportunities? Be embarrassed?

Think: Criminal Pardon.

US entry waiver. Record purge. File destruction.

Free consultation. 1-800347-2540. www.accesslegalmjf.com ______________________ GET YOUR MESSAGE SEEN ACROSS Alberta.

The Blanket Classifieds or Value Ads reach over 600,000 Alberta readers weekly. Two options starting at $269 or $995 to get your message out! Business changes, hiring, items for sale, cancellations, tenders, etc. People are increasingly staying home and rely on their local newspapers for information. KEEP people in the loop with our 90 Community Weekly Newspapers. Call THIS NEWSPAPER now or l i a m e classifieds@awna.com for details. 1-800-282-6903, X225.

780-434-8746 www.awna.com.

VERY INEXPENSIVE 2 QUARTERS OF PASTURE LAND, Central SK, for sale. 8 other good quarters may be available.

Requires fencing. Great hunting $74,900. Call Doug at 306-716-2671. ______________________ THE BLANKET PROVINCE with a classified ad. Only $269 (based on 25 words or less). Reach 90 weekly newspapers. Call NOW for details. 1-800225; Ext 282-6903 www.awna.com.

PLEASE RECYCLE

SUDOKU

ANSWERS

Page 14 - The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, January 6, 2021

Did you have a baby in 2020? Enter our Contest!

TOFIELD IGA, TOFIELD MERCURY and CARLA LEHMAN PHOTOGRAPHY We will celebrate the babies born in 2020 in our Feb. 3rd, 2021 issue. Your baby’s photo will appear in our special BABIES OF 2020 feature for FREE! Send a clear photo of your baby, email to: adsmercury@gmail.com, or send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to the TOFIELD MERCURY, Box 150, Tofield, AB. T0B 4J0, or you can also drop it off in person. Remember to add baby’s name, birth date, and the names of the proud parents and address.

DEADLINE FOR ENTRIES IS JAN 31, 2021 AT NOON Your baby will appear in the paper!

You will automatically be entered for a draw for a $50 gift certificate at TOFIELD IGA, a free portrait session & 8x10 print with CARLA LEHMAN PHOTOGRAPHY, and the winner will receive a gift from The Tofield Mercury.

The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, January 6, 2021 - Page 15

YEAR IN REVIEW: 2020 Continued from Page 9 son Memorial Golf Tournament at the Tofield Golf Club. One of their major fundraisers, the community supported this cause as they came to tee off.

• As the academic year ended last week for the Kindergarten students of CW Sears, it was bittersweet as they said goodbye to their teachers from their vehicles, accepting the graduation certificate in a drive-by graduation.

July 2020 • Annual Flag Day tradition hosted by Tofield Lions Club was celebrated at CW Sears School on Thursday, June 25. This was the 24th consecutive year that the Tofield Lions have been involved in Lions Project Pride.

• Construction on the $20 million Highway 834 bypass around Tofield began this spring and is ongoing, expected to be completed in one year.

• In less than four years, Ministik School has gone from “save our school” parent protests about a possible closure, to fully decommissioned in 2017, to complete demolition plans this fall.

• As part of its annual Sports Day activities on June 20, Ryley celebrated with many village-wide activities including family fire hydrant painting.

• Dr. Racha Sabha joins Tofield Clinic as the new doctor in town.

• Tofield’s Welcome Basket program affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

August 2020 • STARS was in action this past weekend on Saturday, Aug. 1. They responded to a medical emergency on Hwy. 14 at the Ministik Tempo in the afternoon. Later that day, around 10 p.m., STARS 3 was dispatched to the Elk Island Park area for a male in his early 30s injured in a motorcycle accident.

• Local farms across the province of Alberta will be participating in Open Farm Days on Aug. 15

and 16.

• Tofield and area residents celebrated the Grad Class of 2020 of 36 graduates at an outdoor ceremony this past Saturday, Aug. 15.

• MLA Jackie Lovely attended the Waterfowl Warmup event on Thursday, Aug. 20 when she spoke to some of the concerns that ratepayers in her constituency have been facing.

• After an unscheduled delay caused by malfunctioning machinery, voting members of the Conservative Party of Canada (CPC) voted Erin O’Toole as their new party leader after the third round of ballots.

September 2020 • On Saturday, Aug. 29 the Ryley Community Centre came alive as 16 graduates, and their friends and families celebrated the milestone of the Ryley grad students.

• After years of hard work, culminating into qualifying and being accepted in the 124th Boston Marathon but having it cancelled twice because of the Covid-19 pandemic, Michelle Anderson will be participating with other Boston participants from all over the world, virtually, on Sept. 7.

• Sunshine Villa turned nine this month.

• A podcast called “Criminology” with hosts Mike Ferguson and Mike Morford from Ohio, have taken on the Septic Tank Sam murder from 1977 just outside of Tofield.

• Ryley’s Reum family were honoured and recognized for their 100 years of contribution to family farming.

• Sgt. Lee Knelsen was appointed as the new Detachment Commander of the Tofield RCMP Detachment effective Tuesday, Sept. 8.

• Tofield’s Lawson family received the Alberta Century Farm and Ranch Award honouring their dedication and commitment for 100 years of farming.

October 2020 • Tofield’s Sabrina O’Brien was recently honoured with the Alberta Council of Turnaround Industry Maintenance Stakeholders (ACTIMS)’s Women in Trades Journeyman Award.

• BRSD students across the board have taken to at-home learning with more than 700 enrolled division wide, according to Diane Hutchinson, Director of Communications at BRSD. • Lindbrook residents express concerns over campground expansion.

• Marianne Armstrong, mother of Braeden Bumphrey heartbroken after her son’s memorial cross is stolen.

• Damien Kurek, Battle River-Crowfoot Member of Parliament, was named to the Standing Committee of Public Safety and National Security (SECU) on Tuesday, Oct. 7.

• Ryley’s Hrabec family was awarded the Alberta Century Farm and Ranch Award by MLA Jackie Lovely, Beaver County Reeve Jim Kallal, and Beaver County councillor Gene Hrabec at the original homestead.

• Edmonton legend and a longtime Oilers’ locker room attendant, Joey Moss passed away on Monday, Oct. 26 at the age of 57.

• Joy Zoopkow was sworn in as the new Mayor of Holden on Monday, Oct. 19 and took the reins from former Mayor Mark Giebelhaus.

November 2020 • Yvonne Brown of Tofield Farmer’s Market held a small celebration focused on Alberta Culture Days on Friday, Oct. 30 at the Community Hall.

• Claystone Waste Ltd., the newly formed municipally controlled corporation owned by Beaver County, the Towns of Tofield and Viking, and Villages of Ryley and Holden appointed its first Board of Directors.

• Holden resident Helen

Naslund, 56, was sentenced to 18 years, while her son Neil Naslund, 28, got three years for assisting her in hiding the body – that went undiscovered at the bottom of a pond for nearly six years – after Naslund pleaded guilty to manslaughter.

• Sunshine Villa residents celebrated National Red Head Day, which is considered to be Nov. 5.

• The Hastings Lake Bible Camp hosted a Christmas lights experience drive-thru event this past weekend, from Friday to Sunday, Nov. 20-22 called Hastings Lights.

• CW Sears identifies positive COVID case, with BRSD tally reaching 10 positive cases in total.

December 2020 • COVID-19 pandemic continues to play spoiler

as Tofield Winterfest was cancelled this past weekend, however that didn’t dampen residents from the town and surrounding areas to participate in Stuff the Bus on Saturday, Nov. 29.

• Tofield School was declared a COVID-19 outbreak site by Alberta Health Services (AHS) on Tuesday, Dec. 1.

• Former Tofield graduate, Michel Blades of Elk Island Public Schools played her part in Kristian Basaraba’s 2020 Governor General’s History Award for Excellence in Teaching.

• In a bid to curb the spread of COVID-19 pandemic, Premier Jason Kenney resorted to stricter restrictions on Tuesday evening, Dec. 8 banning all outdoor so-

cial gatherings and making masks madatory across the province.

• Camrose MLA Jackie Lovely has been recognized by her peers at the Legislative Assembly of Alberta by being named in the Alberta MLA Awards for Best Community Outreach.

• Tofield’s Carmelle Stewart gives back to the Tofield and area community by writing cards and messages for area seniors.

• Tofield’s WWII veteran Hans Christensen passed away at the Tofield Long Term Care facility last month, shy of three months from celebrating his 105th birthday.

• Northern Saw-whet Owls fly from Beaverhill Bird Observatory (BBO) to Saskatchewan and beyond.

The staff at the Tofield Mercury would like to wish everyone all the best in the new year!

Page 16 - The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, January 2021

FORGET THE BATTERIES WITH OUR LATEST RECHARGEABLE HEARING AIDS. 20+ RECHARGEABLE SOLUTIONS!

Amplifon is the global leader in hearing healthcare with more than 10 million satisfied customers worldwide.

TOFIELD Inside the Tofield Eyecare Building 5024-51 Ave Thursday, Jan 14, starting at 10am

BO GO

up to

65 OFF %

& ENJOY UP TO 2 FREE ACCESSORIES*!

INTEREST-FREE FINANCING FOR 24 MONTHS**

INSTANT APPROVAL

DE

D

LS CO

N

E

*Offer valid on selected models. Discount is applicable to binaural purchase, the second aid only. Cannot be combined with other discounts. ** See clinic for more financing details. Expires 3/31/2021. © 2021 Amplifon Canada. All Rights Reserved.

GI

780.673.1000

W

FERING EXPA F O N

HY

Call and book a complimentary hearing test today!

NO

QUOTE REF: BOGO65PC

E

T & S O R A F ET Y P

www.amplifon.com/ca

O