The Tofield Mercury March 18, 2020

Mercury

$1 GST INCLUDED Vol. 102 No. 29, Wednesday, March 18, 2020

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April 25-26, 2020

Alberta declares state of emergency Moush John Tofield Mercury

SITUATION

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

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.

“This is an unprecedented moment in our history and decisive action is needed. We recognize that these measures will have a profound impact on the lives of Albertans, but they are necessary in the face of this growing pandemic,” Kenney said addressing the media on Tuesday, March 17.

Although this has been a developing situation since the past few days, the province has been swift to implement mechanisms in place to contain and restrict contact, and thereby help the spread.

“These measures are necessary if we are to limit the spread of COVID-19 in our province,” said Alberta’s Chief Medical Officer Dr. Deena Hinshaw. “Our intention is to limit opportunities for disease transmission by limiting the amount of time Albertans are spending in large crowds and crowded spaces. All Albertans should take immediate action and follow all recommended public health measures. Protecting the health of Albertans is, and always will be, our top priority.”

Taking a cue from how serious the situation has been, the Town of Tofield, and other organContinued on Page 4

Page 2 - The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, March 18, 2020

Funds will continue to flow, staff will continue to work: Supt. Rita Marler Moush John Tofield Mercury

The Tofield School parking lot stands empty on Monday, March 16 as BRSD follows the Alberta provincial guidelines to shut down schools for the semester. MOUSH JOHN PHOTO

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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.

According to Diane Hutchinson, Communication Director of BRSD, they are hoping to find a “clear direction” at the end of the spring break, which was due to start on Monday, March 23.

“We have been told to expect the cancellation of classes to be longer-term, likely until the end of this school year,” Hutchinson explained. “So it’s important that we take the time to put quality plans in place. By the end of spring break, on March 30, we expect to be able to share a clear direction.”

Students of schools in the area – Tofield School, Ryley School, Holden School, and CW Sears will be given dates to come and pick up their belongings, and the Spring report cards would be included or dis-

patched, depending on the school.

“We are still finding our way forward to a new ‘normal’,” said BRSD Superintendent Rita Marler. “School staff are working and we are putting plans in place to continue to provide educational support to students. The first priority is making learning plans and resources available for Grade 12 core courses.”

”

We truly believe at Tofield School, unprecedented times require unprecedented measures, and so we are doing everything to move forward Grade 12 teachers have contacted students on Tuesday, March 17.

“School staff will be away for their Spring Break from March 23 to

27 and by Monday, March 30 we will be ready to provide literacy and numeracy support for grades 1 to 4 students and core course support for students in grades 5 to 11,” Marler added.

“We’ve been directed by Alberta Education that funds will continue to flow, staff will continue to work.”

Programming plans for students in grades 5 to 11 will also focus on the core subjects of Language Arts, Math, Science and Social Studies, while Kindergarten to Grade 4 will focus on literacy and numeracy development.

According to Marler, all operations will continue unabated with technology support being critical.

“Facilities and custodial staff continue to keep our buildings safe and clean; and division teams are very busy designing new ways of ensuring students get what they need; and bills continue to be paid,” she said. “Division office however is not open to the public at this time, but staff are available by phone or Continued on Page 3

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The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, March 18, 2020 - Page 3

Tofield School Continued from Page 2 email.”

Unprecedented times require unprecedented measures, says Principal Muench Despite all the uncertainty, both CW Sears and Tofield School staff were busy trying to figure out how to support their students in the next few weeks.

“We have great staff, and together we know we will be able to come up with solutions, which will help our students,” Muench said. “Technology has made huge progress and with new apps and software our teachers will be able to deliver instructions and guidance in a way that will create a learning

‘Adventures of the Fearsome Pirate Frank’ musical postponed

platform well within the grasp of our kids.”

For Muench, these are extraordinary times, and rather than looking upon it as a step back, she accepts it as a challenge, one that can be won.

“We truly believe at Tofield School, unprecedented times require unprecedented measures, and so we are doing everything we can to move forward in a way that makes sense,” Muench added. “With guidance from BRSD and Alberta Education, we are certain we will be able to overcome this together.”

The BRSD regular board meeting scheduled to be held on Thursday, March 19 will be live streamed now.

Moush John Tofield Mercury

With the developing situation of COVID-19 in the province and across the nation at the moment, Tofield School staff and main organizer of the annual musical Adventure of the Fearsome Pirate Frank Melissa Korpan, has decided to not go ahead with the event this year as scheduled.

“It was a tough call to make, but it’s in the best interests of all in the community,” Korpan said.

“Due to the recent announcements from Alberta Health Service (AHS) regarding large group assemblies and from other organizations postponing and cancel-

ing events here in Alberta and around the world, it is in the best interest of our cast, crew, and audience that we postpone next week’s performances. A new date for the performances will be set once things have settled down and COVID-19 is under control.”

The show would be running from Wednesday to Friday, March 18–20, with a total of five shows.

Adapted from the book

by Pat Lydersen, the music and lyrics were by Wendy Woolf, and direction by Korpan herself.

“The students have worked so hard over the past few months so it was a difficult decision; however, we need to consider the health of our cast, crew, and audi-

ence. I made it clear to them that when things settle, I will be setting new performance dates, so this is not a cancellation,” Korpan explained.

“If you have purchased tickets already for an evening performance,

bring your tickets back to the school office to receive a full refund. However, if you choose to hold onto your tickets for the new performance dates, we will honour your tickets at that performance.”

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Council Corner Town listened, and with Lions Club help, will be constructing a new Skate Park In September of 2019, Mayor and Council released an official statement through Council Corner regarding the Skate Park in Tofield. At that time, Council provided the rationale for removal, citing safety concerns noted by an independent inspector.

With the public safety in mind, the difficult, however necessary, decision for removal was actioned. Following removal, the passionate response from the public, residents and visitors was brought forward to Mayor, Council and Administration.

These passionate responses were appreciated and did not fall on deaf ears.

Over the past number of months, Administration has been working with a reputable company to develop a strategy for implementing a new park feature. Site identification has taken place, rough numbers have been established and intent is being further investigated.

Through this process the Town has been working closely with the Lions Club, and lines of communication have been very open.

Recently, Council and Administration were provided a Delegation by the Lions Club, regarding the Skate Park concept. Council passed a motion in principle to provide support of the project, seeing the Lions Club as the primary grant applicants for the project. Council provided direction to Administration to continue to work closely in a partnership with the Lions Club to continue to work through the necessary steps.

Now, a project of this scope is both labour intensive and provides an immense cost. There-

fore, the necessity of granting dollars is required, and provides a challenge for the Town to be the grant applicants, therefore this provides the inclusion of the Lions, who the Town have established a strong working relationship with, and look to continue to do so. It should be noted; outside of these two entities, a project of this magnitude would require the inclusion of other groups, agencies and possibly the public.

Although a great deal of work has already been actioned by Administration, a project of this magnitude must be done slowly, correctly and achieve success the first time around. With this being kept in mind, bringing this project from vision to fruition is

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more realistic for the 2021 construction season. 2021 allows grant application(s) to be submitted, firm budget numbers to be secured and intent from other agencies, groups and the public to be secured.

Although this may not be the response the public was hoping for, both Mayor Council and Administration remain both optimistic and dedicated to furthering this project through the necessary steps. The Town looks forward to working closely with the Lions Club in the upcoming months, and as further updates can be provided, they will be brought forward to the public.

Respectfully submitted, Mayor and Council

Page 4 - The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, March 18, 2020

Province under lockdown; Canada’s borders are restricted only to citizens and permanent residents Continued from Front Page izations have decided to follow suit in terms of restricting contact and limiting access to the public indefinitely.

“In order to minimize and mitigate risk to the Town of Tofield staff, patrons and visitors, the Town of Tofield’s administration, FCSS, and Operations offices in Tofield will be closed effective 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 17 indefinitely,”

said Asst. CAO Jeff Edwards. “Town operations will continue unimpeded through this closure, and all public are asked to please phone or email the Town office. These times are unprecedented, and ever evolving. The best interests of our staff, and our community are placed at the heart of this decision, and we apologize for any inconvenience during this time.

Mayor, Council, and staff wish each of you health

during this time of uncertainty.”

Beaver Foundation facilities to allow only essential visits On Monday, March 16, the Beaver Foundation CAO Own Ligard issued a similar statement encouraging everyone to help them protect the residents and tenants of the nine facilities across the County, which includes all the lodges and manors in the communities of Tofield, Ryley, and

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Holden – Holden Lodge; Sunshine Villa; Tofield Lodge; Vialta Lodge; Beaver Manor; Ryley Lions Golden Manors 1 & 2; Northview Manor; and Beaverhill Heritage Apartments.

“This decision was taken to prevent any potential spread of COVID19 and other illnesses,” Ligard said. “At this time, we are asking only essential visits be allowed, restricting access to the facilities if visitors are especially feeling unwell, or showing symptoms of fever, cough, difficulty in breathing, or flu-like symptoms.”

Ligard clarified that essential visits include homecare support/or family medical emergency visits, should resi-

dents’ health decline.

All outside activities/entertainment that ere scheduled have been cancelled until further notice.

COVID-19 is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by the novel coronavirus. Symptoms include fever, coughing, difficulty breathing and mild to severe, and possibly lifethreatening pneumonia in both lungs.

There are at least 444 confirmed cases of COVID-19 nationally as of midday Tuesday, according to federal deputy public health officer Dr. Howard Njoo.

On Monday, March 16 Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that Canada will be closing

it’s borders to people who are not Canadian citizens, or permanent residents of Canada.

Exceptions will be made for air crews, diplomats, immediate family members, and US citizens.

Trudeau reiterated the government’s recommendation that Canadians abroad return home via commercial means while they remain available.

“If you are abroad it’s time to come back home,” he said. “If you have just arrived, you must self-isolate for 14 days.”

Meanwhile in Alberta, sitdown restaurants have been limited to half their capacity, but only up to 50 people.

Take-out, delivery or drivethrough is permitted.

Continued on Page 7

Beaver County Victim Services is now accepting applications for a

Position Title: Program Co-ordinator Full Time Position: 37.5 hours/week Position Summary: Under the Direction of the Board of Directors program implementation, co-ordinate and administration of the Beaver County Victim Service Units served by Beaver County Victim Services.

The Coordinator will manage the office(s) including satellite offices and direct assistant coordinator and volunteer advocates in working with victims of crime or tragedy.

Requirements: • to work with victims of crime/trauma • office management/organizational skills • computer skills • strong interpersonal and problem solving skills • ability to work with minimum supervision and independently under stressful situations • ability to provide support, assistance and information to vicitms of crime or tragedy • ability to maintain confidentiality pursuant to the Freedom of Information and Privacy Act • willingness to complete the following training within the first year of service: 1. Solicitor General Advocate Training Certificate 2. Solicitor General Coordinator Training 3. APBVSA Coordinator Training • post secondary education in human services social work, psychology an asset • must obtain Enhanced Security Clearance from the RCMP once selected • must possess a valid drivers license • must be at least 18 years of age • must be a Canadian Citizen or Landed Immigrant Previous experience working with Social Services or related field is an asset.

Must be available to work from both the Tofield and Viking RCMP detachments.

Please submit resumes to: Beaver County Victim Services Attention: Personnel Committee P.O. Box 540 Tofield, AB T0B 4J0 Email: bcvictimservices@gmail.com Closing Date: April 9, 2020 - Only those selected will be interviewed.

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The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, March 18, 2020 - Page 5

Loose Ends: Watches stop, time doesn’t

Carol Livingstone Tofield Mercury Columnist

For the past three weeks I’ve had to guess at the time. My watch battery started fading and after several days of

teasing me with the correct time for a while and then slowing down, only to start up again when I whacked the watch on a hard surface, it finally died. These batteries usually last several years so you forget that they aren’t going to last forever, a fact that does nothing to prevent me from being irritated.

What the heck time is it?

I kept wearing it even though it was reading 12:22 when I knew it

must be closer to 4:43.

Then I had to take it off; I’d rather stare at my naked wrist. We searched for a new battery, not available locally, or the city, apparently. Hubby was on the Net doing a lot of checking (and even mentioned ordering one from Amazon) while I was continually asking him if he had the time – I stopped when he answered in the negative once too often, and resorted to carrying a

some numbers – if you can’t find an 834 then a 392 will do. He thought he might have one of those out where you’re apt to find almost anything, his garage/workshop but no luck.

Somewhere he read a 377 was also a possibility and stuck one in my watch. It ran fast by ten or twelve minutes all that first day and still is. I’m still asking Hubby for the right time and making adjustments. You’d al-

handset around from our cordless land line. That quickly grew old because I’d never remember to take it with me when I went from one room to another. After one afternoon of sewing, when time means nothing, I got a ton of stitching done but at the cost of a decent supper. Brown beans on toast, anyone? If you add some shredded cheddar cheese it almost counts as a real meal.

Hubby’s search gave us

most think the silly thing is trying to make up for all the time it didn’t keep.

Seven days with 24 hours in each times three weeks if you don’t take the time change into consideration – that’s a lot of making up. I keep hoping it will settle down before I give it a whack to end all whacks.

Meanwhile, we’re out of beans – Kraft Dinner, anyone? Add a wiener and it almost counts as a real meal.

Theft attempt in Tofield unsuccessful Cpl. Sheryl Cody Tofield RCMP

During the last week, Tofield RCMP responded to a total of 32 requests for service, four of which were traffic collisions.

Sometime during the evening hours on March 9, unknown individual(s) attempted to steal a van from the area of 54 Ave. and 49 St. in Tofield. There were scratches on the drivers door and the ignition was damaged. Neighbourhood enquiries were negative as to possible suspects at this time.

On March 9, a suspicious trailer was reported in the storage yard in Holden. Tofield RCMP attended and located an enclosed trailer that had been stolen from the Bashaw area on Feb. 28.

The registered owner

claimed the trailer and took possession of it.

There is a suspect in this theft and the file is still under investigation.

During the evening hours of March 9, there was a motor vehicle collision on Hwy. 14 and Rge. Rd. 201 between a Jeep and a moose. The driver of the vehicle had lacerations to his face and was transported to Tofield Health Centre via ambulance.

On March 13, Tofield RCMP were dispatched to a disturbance in Ryley.

A female in the house lit a piece of clothing on fire and placed it on the floor of the kitchen. A family member put the fire out at which point the female attacked the family member. The female was arrested on a Mental Health warrant and transported by police to an assess-

ment facility. No charges were laid.

Tofield RCMP were dispatched to a theft from the Busy B thrift store on March 14. Sometime during the night, access was gained and the computer surveillance cable and the surveillance sim card were taken. There was no damage to the locks or the doors and the doors were still locked when the manager attended the store to open for the day.

This file is still under investigation.

Effective immediately and until further notice for all non-urgent files, please call: 780-662-3353; 24-hr Complaint Line: 780-6623352; or email: KTofieldAdmin@rcmp-grc-gc.ca.

Also, Tofield RCMP will only be processing civil fingerprinting requests on a limited basis.

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Page 6 - The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, March 18, 2020

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Opinion

Email us your letter to the editor: news.tofield@gmail.com

Strange days indeed, most peculiar

EDITORIAL Kerry Anderson Tofield Mercury Publisher

Isolation is one of the main components necessary when a population is fighting off an infectious virus like COVID-19. Closing our recreation facilities, large public gatherings and schools is helpful, and on Monday the Trudeau Government closed most air travel and border crossings to tighten the noose on this corona virus.

Their actions seem slow, but they were correct in doing so.

It’s important in this day and age of international travel and blended cultures that humans are quick to identify and isolate an illness. Literally the only thing saving our species from eradication throughout history has been our isolation from one another, due more to slow travel methods and bad technology than desire. But those days are gone.

In 541-542 AD, the Plague of Justinian killed one-fifth of the world’s population as a rodent parasite called the Oriental Rat Flea carrying a bacterium called Yersinia Pestis travelled to ports via shipping and ultimately killed 40 million people, with the greatest destruction coming in Eastern Rome. Luckily the ability to transport this disease from its epicentre was horribly slow and travel was infrequent at the time.

The same bacterium caused the Black Plague (AKA Great Bubonic Plague) which between 1347 and 1351 killed up to 200 million people, which was thought to be half the world’s population. Although trade and travel between countries was more common than during the Plague of Justinian, it was a small fraction of what it is today. A strain of Yersinia Pestis is still on earth to this day, if you can believe.

The Great War was the most likely cause of the quick spread of the Spanish Flu in 1918-1920, as up to 50 million people died of the 500 million who

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

contracted the disease (10 per cent death rate). There were 1.8 billion people on the planet when this form of H1N1 Influenza Virus began its destructive path.

In the 21st Century, quick action by the medical field with cooperation internationally has limited horrible disease from infiltrating the human species and wiping us off the map.

The Swine Flu H1N1 of 2009-2010 killed 200,000. Ebola 20142016 killed 11,300 (2550 percent of those

infected). MERS from 2012 – present has killed 850 people.

SARS coronavirus from 2002-2003 killed 774.

COVID-19 has killed 6,400 people at this time and has been the hardest on the elderly, those with respiratory issues, weak immune systems, or all. Thus far it is thought that the illness has a death rate of 0.6 per cent.

The problem is that it spreads very easily, can live on surfaces for several days, and is most infectious often before a carrier shows

signs plus the week after symptoms begin.

Thanks to today’s instantaneous communication ability, the world is learning to begin quickly isolating pandemics before they become too destructive. COVID-19 might become a learner-illness, because although it is easy to contract the death rate is lower than many of the deadly diseases listed above.

Hopefully, our world governments can take the most effective ways different countries have fought

this virus, and better implement an international plan taught from this go-round.

The thing to remember is take precautions if you are in a high risk category. But also remember that even if you contract the disease, there is a very good chance that your own antibodies will destroy it. So don’t panic.

At the time of writing there were only 56 cases in Alberta out of 4.5 million people. So share, don’t hoard, be helpful and look after one another.

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Kerry Anderson

Moush John

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The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, March 18, 2020 - Page 7

Continued from Page 4 In his statement, Kenney said, “This is a serious moment in our history.”

He announced that any gathering larger than 50 people – including weddings and funerals – must be cancelled; adding that public recreation facilities, casinos, bingo halls, bars, museums, and art galleries, would be closed immediately if they weren’t already.

Worship services and conferences also fall under the 50-person rule.

Grocery stores, shopping centres, health-care facilities and airports are among the essential services that remain open.

Kenney said his government will spend $60 million on charities and non-profit groups who are helping people cope with the effects COVID19. That’s to include $30 million focused on seniors, with the money being delivered by the end of March.

The funding will be provided to adult homeless shelters, women’s

COVID-19 outbreak

emergency shelters and the Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) program, which supports municipalities and civil society organizations in providing services to vulnerable Albertans.

“COVID-19 will test all of us,” he added. “But I believe – I know – that this province is resilient and we are ready for the test.”

At this time, not-forprofit community kitchens, soup kitchens and religious kitchens are exempt, but sanitization practices are expected to be in place and support will be in place for this practice.

Until further notice, all Albertans are restricted from attending bars and nightclubs, where minors are prohibited by law.

The COVID-19 outbreak was declared a global pandemic by World Health Organization (WHO).

So far there are 97 cases in the province. Of which, 70 are from the Calgary zone; 20 from the Edmonton zone; three

Hard hit countries with highest mortalities (as of noon Tuesday, March 17) Note: many experts expect the mortality rate to be lower than reported, due to the difficult to estimate number of non-severe and asymptomatic cases that were not tested for. Likewise, testing rates and response have differed by region

Country

Infected

Deceased

Rate

China

80,881

3,226

3.9%

Italy

31,506

2,503

7.9%

Iran

16,169

988

6.1%

Spain

11,316

510

4.5%

Hard hit countries with lower mortalities (as of noon Tuesday, March 17) Country

Infected

Deceased

Rate

Germany

8,616

23

0.2%

South Korea

8,320

81

0.9%

United States

5,124

96

1.8%

Switzerland

2,700

27

1%

Canada (as of noon Tuesday, March 17)

Canada

Infected

Deceased

Rate

488

5

1.1%

Source: ncov2019.live (checked against day-old WHO data & local reporting - some discrepancies may apply based on date range of reports and presumed but unconfirmed cases) from Central zone; one from South Zone; and three from North zone.

Alberta has tested 12,258 cases since the outbreak, with 97 testing positive.

Effective March 12, all travellers returning from

outside Canada were advised to self-isolate for 14 days and monitor for symptoms.

Earlier on Tuesday, March 17, Hinshaw tested negative for COVID-19, one day after she went into self isola-

Tofield and Area Church Directory Tofield Alliance Bardo Lutheran Church 48 St. 57 Ave., Tofield 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

Holden United Church Worship & Sunday School - 9:00am

Tofield United Church Worship & Sunday School - 11:00am

Rev. Adam Hall Church Office: 780-662-3471 Emergency: 780-918-8327

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‘18 Ram 1500 Crew 4x4, rear cam, 3.6L V6, 10,812km $35,999

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‘18 Wrangler Unltd Sahara NAV, heated seats, 4x4, 11,245km $46,999

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

Chronicle The Beaver County

A Free Weekly Publication Serving All of Beaver County Wednesday, March 18, 2020, Volume 13, Issue 12

Bruce, Holden, Kinsella Ryley, Tofield, Viking

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Beaver County responds to COVID-19 situation On Tuesday, March 17, 2020, the Province of Alberta declared a State of Emergency under the Health Act to respond to COVID-19 spread in Alberta.

Beaver County has been fortunate to have no reported cases in our region at this time, but preparations are being made in the event that this changes.

As well, we remind our residents and business owners to take all precautions outlined by the Province, by following the directions at the following Provincial website: https://www.alberta.ca/coronavirus-info-for-

albertans.aspx County operations have been relatively unaffected at this time, and road maintenance and other activities are still ongoing.

However, the County will be closing the doors to our County Service Centre and Public Works office to the public, effective March 18, 2020.

“We have a duty to protect our staff and residents to the greatest extent possible,” stated Reeve Jim Kallal.

“If we take some proactive steps before they are needed, we can do our part to protect the public and our staff."

Despite the office closure, staff will remain in the office and can be contacted by phone at the County office at 780-663-3730, or by email at administration@beaver.ab.ca.

Should the Province recommend stricter social distance requirements, the County may be forced to have all staff work from home.

Council has cancelled the March 20, 2020, Council meeting and public hearings and scheduled three Special Council meetings on March 19, 24, and 27, 2020, to hear updates on the COVID-19 emergency and how this affects County residents.

Community 'Helping Hearts' dinner postponed To align with the recommendations made by Chief Medical Officer of Health for Alberta in regards to the management of COVID-19, the Tofield and Area Health Services Foundation Board has decided to postpone its upcoming Community Helping Hearts Dinner that was to be held on Saturday, March 21, at the Ryley Community Centre.

Tickets will be refunded at the point of pur-

chase.

The Health Foundation mission is to preserve, protect and enhance the role of the Tofield Health Centre and associated providers of health care services to Tofield, Ryley, Holden, and surrounding communities.

"We appreciate the support of our community," said Beaver County Councillor and foundation board member Kevin Smook. "After decid-

ing on a new date and discussing this with our honourees Lionel and Susie Williams, the Health Foundation will make an announcement about the rescheduling of this event in the future."

For more information please contact: Brenda Chehade, Chair, Tofield and Area Health Services Foundation; Phone: 780-952-6276; Email: council1@tofieldalberta.ca.

Beaver County Council meeting miscellaneous highlights from March 4 Future Dates Council passed a motion to attend a Beaver Regional Partnership Joint Council meeting in the afternoon of March 27, 2020, at the Ryley Community Hall. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss Battle River School Division's plan for school closures, Beaver Foundation, Beaver Emergency Services Commission, Highway 14 Water Commission, and other issues.

Council passed a motion for the county to pay for Council’s attendance at the Tofield and Area Health Foundation Community Helping Hearts Dinner on March 21, 2020, in Ryley. This dinner has since been postponed due to the prohibition of large gatherings issued by the province in light of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

Public Hearing – Road Closure – Plan 146 E.T. in NW 30-48-13-W4 A Public Hearing was opened to hear objections or comments regarding the county’s intent to close Road Plan 146 E.T. in the Hamlet of Bruce. The Public Hearing was adjourned to March 20, 2020 (now postponed) due to an error in the public hearing ad. There were no members of the public at the hearing.

The matter of Bylaw 20-1078: This Road Closure Bylaw was deferred to the March 20, 2020, regular council meeting (now postponed).

Minutes of the Town of Tofield/Beaver Joint Special Council Meeting – February 10, 2020.

Council approved the minutes of the Town of Tofield/Beaver County Joint Special Council meeting of February 10, 2020.

Inter-Municipal Collaboration Frameworks Council approved the following InterMunicipal Collaboration Frameworks: Leduc/Beaver Inter-Municipal Collaboration Framework dated March 4, 2020; • Wainwright/Beaver Inter-Municipal Collaboration Framework dated March 20, 2020; • Strathcona/Beaver Inter-Municipal Collaboration Framework; • Flagstaff/Beaver Inter-Municipal Collaboration Framework.

Range Road 132 and Township Road 480 Tender Council awarded the contract for the widening of Township Road 480 and Range Road 132 to Iron Stone Services in the amount of $614,711.80 plus 10% contingency ($61,471.18).

Public Hearing – Redistricting a Portion of Plan

022 6466, Block 1, Lot 1 Council conducted a Public Hearing to consider public input regarding the redistricting of a portion of Plan 022 6466, Block 1, Lot 1. There See HIGHLIGHTS BCC2

NOTICE FROM THE BEAVER REGIONAL ARTS SOCIETY The March 22 Canadian Country Legends Show at the Paragon Theatre in Holden and the supper following the performance have been cancelled because of COVID-19.

Call Christine at (780) 6883812 for information.

2 - Beaver County Chronicle, March 18, 2020

Highlights Continued from BCC1

were no members of the public present at the public hearing.

Following the public hearing Council passed the following motions: Council approved waiving Section 2.11(b) of the Municipal Development Plan to allow the redistricting of a portion of Plan 022 6466, Block 1, Lot 1 only.

Council approved waiving Sections 2.12 and 2.13 of the Municipal Development Plan to dispense with the requirement to prepare a professionally-prepared conceptual scheme, a bio-physical assessment, and a public meeting.

Council passed second and third reading of Bylaw 20-1076.

Campground – Request for Direction Council directed administration to arrange for the campground operators to attend a council meeting to discuss roles, responsibilities, and expectations with council.

Tandem with Gravel Box and Class 6 Single Cab Dual Tire Trucks Council approved the purchase of one new Tandem with Gravel Box from Nortrux for a cost of $185,500 plus GST. Council also approved the purchase of one new Class 6 Single Cab Dual Tire Truck from Diamond International Trucks Ltd. for a cost of $112,875 plus GST, to be delivered 150-180 days after the order.

Beaver Emergency Services Commission 2020 Requisition Council passed a motion to defer the payment of the Beaver Emergency Services Commission’s 2020 operating grant until its accumulated surplus position (on a cash basis) is determined.

Council also deferred the payment of the Beaver Emergency Services Commission’s 2020 capital payment until the following information has been submitted: 1. a) an update to the apparatus replacement plan and Business Plan; 2. b) a reconciliation of the capital reserve to the Business Plan.

Request to Purchase NE – 10-46-11W4 Council deferred a decision on the land sale to allow time for administration to report back to Council with preliminary testing for gravel, and for the County Assessor to report back with a value for the property.

Corporal Mouland – Viking RCMP Detachment Corporal Brad Mouland - Viking RCMP Detachment, attended the meeting and provided an update on the recent activities of the detachment.

Shared Services Requests Report Council reviewed the Shared

Services Request Report. Holden Agricultural Society – 2020 Shared Services Council passed a motion that the Agricultural Societies payments be processed, if requested, and that notification be given that for future years Beaver County will follow the agreement and pay once the Provincial Agricultural Society grant has been received.

Holden Library Council reviewed the Holden Library report.

Tofield Library 2020 Shared Services Grant Council passed a motion to accept the 2020 budget submitted by the Town of Tofield – $107,950.

Priority Based Budgeting Revised Work Plan Due to changes to assessment legislation, administration advised that the project work plan be extended to early 2021 with the intent that the results of the Priority Based Budget exercise be incorporated into the 2021 budget. Council passed a motion to approve, in principle, the revised work plan for the priority-based budgeting project.

Review of Public Notice for Field Functions Council reviewed a report on Public Notice for Field Functions.

Council directed administration to use a check list for drainage field functions.

User Fees Council reviewed the current Fees for Services Bylaw and the Bylaw for sewage system fees in the Hamlets of Bruce and Kinsella and the Equity Industrial Park. Ryley Request for Contribution Council passed a motion to contribute $333.34 towards the cost of the Prairie Principal’s presentation on February 17, 2020, in Ryley.

Ryley Request for Letter to Minister of Education Council considered a request from the Village of Ryley that a letter be forwarded to the Education Minister and MLA Lovely with info copied to BRSD Board Chair and Superintendent regarding the proposed school closures in the Beaver County region.

Following a recorded vote Council passed a motion to defer the matter to March 20, 2020 Council meeting.

Capital Purchase – Aerial Photos Council passed a motion authorizing administration to proceed with the tendering process for the purchase and acquisition of the new 2020 Aerial Photography of the County before the passage of the 2020 budget.

Correspondence Council reviewed correspondence from Sturgeon County regarding the reception they will be hosting at the FCM Conference in Toronto, in June 2020.

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Beaver County Chronicle, March 18, 2020 - 3

Highway 14 Regional Water Ser vices 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

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

The Highway 14 Regional Water Services Commission has been following the global impacts of COVID-19 and the potential local impacts. The Commission provides a vital service to the region and we want to ensure the health and safety of our staff, customers and our communities. Through this period of public health concerns it is of utmost importance to ensure the continued and reliable supply of safe drinking water. Consequently, our office will be closed to the public until further notice. Our staff will continue their regular duties and be able to assist you with your customer service needs via telephone, fax, email and other forms of electronic communications.

Our operations staff will continue working to ensure the safe and reliable delivery of drinking water. We remain open for business in a remote environment to meet our customer’s needs. Payments can be dropped at our office anytime by placing them in the drop box.

Thank you for your patience during this time!

Real Estate

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780-983-3694

Contact information:

Office: 780-464-4100

Email: info@hwy14water.ca • Phone: 1-866-333-3791 • Fax: 780-663-2050

Public Notice

Services

Gerry Footz REALTOR

Website: www.gerryfootz.com

Agriculture Safety Week

County Services Centre Access During the Coronavirus Outbreak As Beaver County continues to monitor the coronavirus outbreak, our commitment to the health and safety of our community and our staff remains our top priority.

Our office will remain open and essential services will continue to be provided to our customers, however please note that EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY, County staff will be diligently practicing “social distancing” to prevent the spread of the virus.

Please visit our website or contact us by phone before visiting the County Services Centre. Most, if not all, of your questions or concerns can be addressed on-line or by speaking with a staff member on the phone. County staff are available and happy to assist you with any questions you have regarding County services, applications, payment of accounts, etc.

Please do NOT visit the Services Centre until it is absolutely essential or time-sensitive, and please do not enter the Services Centre if you have travelled out of the country, been in contact with a traveller, been part of a large group gathering, or have any symptoms of the COVID-19 virus or seasonal flu. For more information regarding COVID-19, please refer to Alberta Health Services’ website at https://albertahealthservices.ca/ topics/Page16944.aspx or the Alberta Government’s website at https://www.alberta.ca/coronavirus-info-for-albertans.aspx.

Thank you for respecting the health and safety of our employees and for helping prevent the spread of this virus.).

Canadian Agricultural Safety Week In recognition of Canadian Agricultural Safety Week, running March 15-21, the Beaver County Agricultural Service Board (ASB) encourages local producers to make safety a priority as they maintain and grow their operations.

Remember, a strong, productive farming community is a safe one.

For more information visit www.agsafetyweek.ca.

4 - Beaver County Chronicle, March 18, 2020

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

Notice of Development Permit

Dust Control

The following Development Application has been APPROVED (except where otherwise noted) by the Development Officer under the provisions of Land Use Bylaw No. 98-801, subject to the right of appeal to the Subdivision and Development Appeal Board.

Dust Control

APPEAL DEADLINE: April 08, 2020 Application No. 020020-20-D0005 Applicant: Suzanne Pelrine Location: NW 17-51-19-W4 Development: Home Occupation – Construction Company Office Any person wishing to appeal a decision may do so by serving written notice on the prescribed form (stating reasons for the appeal) and submitting the applicable fee of $200.00 to the Secretary of the Subdivision and Development Appeal Board at the following address. The notice of appeal must be submitted before 4:30 pm on the appeal deadline date shown above, or be postmarked by the appeal deadline date.

The prescribed form is available at www.beaver.ab.ca or at the County office. Further information regarding the above decision(s) may be obtained from the County Office, Ryley, Alberta.

SECRETARY Subdivision and Development Appeal Board Beaver County Box 140 Ryley, Alberta T0B 4A0 (780) 663-3730

Tenders Beaver County is seeking submissions from suppliers who can Supply and Apply Portland Cement: to CAN/CSA-A3000-18 GUL to have a minimum of 9% inter-ground Limestone content RFQ Closes March 23, 2020 @ 9:00:00am.

All submissions whether delivered in person, sent by mail, or courier, should be directed to: Beaver County Box 140 5120-50 st Ryley, AB T0B 4A0 RFQ No. RFQ2020-05PW – Supply and Apply of Portland Cement: to CAN/CSAA3000 – 18 GUL to have a minimum of 9% inter-ground Limestone content.

Attention: Dan Blackie, Superintendent of Transportation For a complete tender package visit: https://www.beaver.ab.ca/residents/proposals-quotes

Beaver County is seeking the provision of approximately 9.9.kms of Graded Aggregate Seal Coat to be carried out on stabilized gravel roads.

In 2020 Beaver County has discontinued the subsidy program and residents will pay 100% of the product cost.

The County reserves the right to maintain the sites in a manner suitable to the Public Works Department.

Residents desiring Spring applications of dust control on the County road adjacent to their property must apply by 11:59pm, April 15, 2020 to: Beaver County 5120 – 50 St Box 140 Ryley, AB T0B 4A0 Please note: Applications post marked before or on April 15, 2020 will be accepted. Applications may also be paid at the Beaver County Service Centre or over the phone using VISA or M/C, however applications must be submitted first.

You may call the office to have an application sent by mail.

Rescheduled Public Hearings

NOTICE OF RESCHEDULED PUBLIC HEARINGS As Beaver County continues to monitor the coronavirus outbreak, our commitment to the health and safety of our community and our staff remains our top priority.

County Council and staff will be diligently practicing “social distancing” to prevent the spread of the virus, and have therefore cancelled the March 20, 2020 Council meeting and public hearings.

The following hearings will be rescheduled: Bylaw 20-1078 - Road closure of Plan 146ET in NW 30-48-14-W4 in the Hamlet of Bruce, and Bylaw 20-1080 - Adoption of the Strathcona/Beaver Intermunicipal Development Plan

Tender deadline is March 23, 2020 @ 10:00:00am.

Each Tender shall be addressed to Beaver County in a CLEARLY MARKED SEALED ENVELOPE with the Tenderer’s name, address and tender number. The sealed envelope containing the Tender shall be delivered before the Tender Closing to Beaver County in accordance with the Invitation to Tender and the Instructions to Tenderers at: Beaver County Box 140 5120-50 Street Ryley, Alberta T0B 4A0 Attention: Dan Blackie, Superintendent of Transportation For a complete tender package visit: https://www.beaver.ab.ca/residents/proposals-quotes

At this time, a new date for the public hearings has not been set.

Please refer to the Chronicle or the County website for updates.

Proper notice will be given and you will have the opportunity to express your views at the rescheduled public hearing.

We appreciate your patience during this difficult time.

Questions may be directed to Kim Vana, Development Officer (kvana@beaver.ab.ca) or Margaret Jones, Assistant CAO (mjones@beaver.ab.ca).

The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, March 18, 2020 - Page 9

Paid sick leave now available to those in quarantine Leslie Cholowsky Staff Reporter

Premier Jason Kenney announced last week that all Albertans under quarantine or self-isolation will be eligible for a paid 14-day sick leave, but no details of this plan are presently available.

Alberta Employment rules presently say that employees who have worked for the same employer for at least 90 days are eligible for long-term illness and injury leave, up to 16 weeks, without pay, and without worrying about being let go due to the leave.

Kenney said that the new benefits will also waive the 90-day rule.

Under the existing rules, employers are not required to pay wages or benefits during long-term illness.

He assured the

province’s employers that this was not something coming out of their pockets.

“Our priority is public safety and health, and we will make sure that no one has to choose between work and doing what is necessary to protect public health,” Kenney said Friday, March 13.

“We don’t want Albertans impacted by COVID19 to feel that they must go to work to sustain their income so they can pay their bills and take care of their families.”

He said officials are still working out details of the paid leave, but added: “I want to assure employers that we will ensure these actions will not be a further burden to your business.”

The province’s Twitter account responded to concerned employers questioning who was

footing the bill on Saturday by saying, “We recognize this could put pressure on employers, and are working towards a solution to address these challenges.

“Details of how these changes will take effect will be provided in the coming days.”

Opposition Leader Rachel Notley told the Toronto Star later that the Premier told her: “It is his expectation the province is not funding the paid leave, but instead expects the feds to cover off such payments through Employment Insurance (EI).

“They are not actually providing paid sick leave,” she explained to reporters Friday. “They are hoping that the federal government will expand access to EI.” The federal government did announce last week that it will now waive the

VILLAGE OF RYLEY

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ADOPTION OF THE RYLEY MUNICIPAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN BYLAW NO. 2020-935 The Village of Ryley wish to adopt a new Municipal Development Plan to address future land use and development, provision of transportation systems, environmental matters, and other matters related to the physical, social, and economic development.

The Council for the Village of Ryley have scheduled a public hearing to consider arguments for and against the proposed bylaw to adopt the new MDP. The public hearing will be held on Tuesday, April 7, 2020 at 7 p.m., in the Ryley Municipal Office. You are invited to attend the public hearing to express your views.

A copy of the proposed bylaw is available at the Ryley Municipal Office during regular business hours or on-line at www.ryley.ca.

If you wish to speak at the public hearing, please register in advance by contacting the Ryley Municipal Office, attention Glen Hamilton-Brown, CAO at 780-663-3653 or at cao@ryley.ca. Written submissions may be provided to council during the public hearing; however, it is requested that a copy of the written submission be delivered to Glen Hamilton-Brown, CAO, at the Ryley Municipal Office or by e-mail on or before 4:00 p.m., April 2, 2020.

If you submit comments regarding the bylaw in writing, the information you provide may be made public, subject to the provisions of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. Glen Hamilton-Brown, Chief Administrative Officer Village of Ryley Box 230, 5005-50 St. Ryley, AB T0B 4A0

one-week waiting period for EI sickness benefits for people who are in quarantine because of COVID19, or people who have been directed to self-isolate, committing around $5 million to this initiative.

It’s important to note that even quarantined individuals who do not have or develop COVID19 are eligible to claim for

benefits.

There is a new dedicated toll-free phone number specifically for those presently in quarantine seeking to waive the oneweek waiting period, it is: 1-833-381-2725 (toll-free).

For employees who have no paid leave benefits, sickness benefits can provide up to 55 per cent of their wages for up to 15 weeks.

Some conditions apply, in that you have to have worked the equivalent of 20 weeks since your last EI claim.

But if you collect sickness benefits during a quarantine, then get the illness, that would be considered the same claim, only now would require a medical certificate for benefits to be extended to the full 15 weeks.

VILLAGE OF RYLEY NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BYLAW No. 2020-934 BEING A BYLAW TO AMEND THE LAND USE BYLAW 2010-889 Pursuant to Sections 230, 606, and 692 of the Municipal Government Act, R.S.A. 2000, c. M-26, as amended, the Council of the Village of Ryley hereby gives notice of its intention to adopt Bylaw 2020-934.

The purpose of Bylaw 2020-934 is to amend the land use district of: Pt. NE-5-50-17-W4 (LINC 0013119508) from the UR – Urban Reserve District to the C2 – Commercial (2) District, as shown on Schedule A. THEREFORE TAKE NOTICE THAT pursuant to Sections 230, 606 and 692 of the Municipal Government Act, R.S.A. 2000, c.

M-26, as amended, a public hearing to consider the proposed Bylaw will be held: Date: April 7, 2020 Time: 7 p.m.

Place: Ryley Municipal Office 5005-50 St. Ryley, AB T0B 4A0 FURTHER, TAKE NOTICE THAT anyone wishing to make a verbal or written representation may do so at the hearing by providing the representation to the Chief Administrative Officer before 12:00 p.m. on April 2, 2020.

AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE THAT a copy of the proposed Bylaw may be inspected at the Ryley Municipal Office during normal business hours or on the website at www.ryley.ca.

To obtain more information regarding the proposed Bylaw, please contact: Glen Hamilton-Brown, Chief Administrative Officer, Village of Ryley – Phone (780)663-3653.

Page 10 - The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, March 18, 2020

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Insurance

• Farm • Residential • Commercial • 24 hour service

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

Health & Beauty Home Auto Life Investments Group Business Farm Travel

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

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

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

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

780.662.4150 | 1.866.213.2037

Heavy Duty Mechanic

662-2403

Heavy Duty Mechanic Services - Mobile & Shop -

Construction

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

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

Meat Packers 5020 - 50 Ave., Tofield, AB HOURS:

Insurance

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

SLAUGHTER DAY IS EVERY WEDNESDAY

Phone 662-4842 for Appt

Fresh Meat & Sausage Counter

NEW HOME CONSTRUCTION NEW HOME CONSTRUCTION ACREAGE ANDand TOWN DEVELOPMENT Acreage TownRESIDENTIAL Residential Development

David McQuaid

780-908-3327 westgencontr@gmail.com 780-662-4300 westgencontr@gmail.com LICENSED INSURED

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!

CALL THE TOFIELD MERCURY TO BOOK 780-662-4046

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

780-662-0165 780-688-3865

Place your Business Directory ad for 6 months

INVEST IN YOUR BUSINESS. ADVERTISE IN

and get 1 month

TOFIELD MERCURY!

FREE!

THE

CALL THE TOFIELD MERCURY TO ADVERTISE!

The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, March 18, 2020 - Page 11

Business & Professional Directory Small Ads - $50/month

Medium Ads - $80/month

Plumbing & Heating

Real Estate

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

Large Ads - $160/month

Veterinary Clinic

Kevin Smook REALTOR ®

780-662-4623 Celebrating 20 years of serving our community! www.home-time.net

RED’S

PLUMBING & DRAIN CLEANING

Roofing

Garnet Malin - Tofield, AB

John Daoust Shingle Co.

•Boilers •New Homes • Renovations • Repairs •Distillers Ph: (780) 662-7237 Cell: (780) 238-7429 Box 576, Tofield

B&M

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

CALL: 662-2454Service CALL: 662-2454

24 Hr. Emerg.

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

INVEST

E

EE ES FR AT IM ST

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

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

John Daoust 662-4901

Thermal Imaging Mike Klassen - Owner/Operator Call: 780-729-0260

sales@gradientimaging.ca or www.gradientimaging.ca

INVEST IN YOUR BUSINESS! Advertise in the Tofield Mercury

Things we do: NDVI & ADVI Imaging • Insurance Claim Photography • Crop Scouting • Thermal Imaging • Aerial Photography & Videography

Business Directory!

IN YOUR BUSINESS.

Advertise in the Tofield Mercury!

Tired of Reseeding your Alfalfa?

For Sale Certified Algonquin Alfalfa Seed 99.9% purity, zero weed seeds, Inoculated, in 55 lb bags Wholesale price $3.00 a pound. Algonquin Alfalfa is a tap root tri-foliate, extremely winter hardy, fine stem, with excellent disease resistance.

123456

Farmer Direct, we grow what we sell.

FREE SHIPPING ALBERTA-WIDE on orders over 2200 lbs.

Now Selling Brome, Orchard & Wheat Grasses

Maurizia Mau urizia rizia Hinse Hinsse s 780-434-8746 780-4 780-434-874 4 46 ext.

4-874 ex xt 20 2 200 00 classifieds@awna.com classi classifieds@ ed eds@ ed ds@ @awna @awna.com awna.com n com com

RAM R AM RIVER FORAGE FOR AGE SEEDS Call 403-330-9 403-330-9136 136

ramriv ramriverforageseeds.ca erfo orageseeds.ca

e SqueethezMOST out of your advertising dollars Place your ad in this newspaper and province wide $ with a combined circulation of over 710,000 for only...

995 plus GST/HST

Value Ad Network Alberta Weekly Newspapers Association toll free 1-800-282-6903 x200 email classifieds@awna.com or visit this community newspaper

Page 12 - The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, March 18, 2020

L

THE LAMONT

Affordable Advertising with

The

Classifieds

CLASSIFIED AD RATES

$10.75 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 __________________ CARD CARD OF OF THANKS THANKS The family of Helen Nearing would like to thank everyone for their expressions of sympathy. We appreciate the phone calls, visits, cards, flowers, food, and donations make in mom’s name.

Clint Rick, Sara, Tricia, Taylor Allan, Nancy, Rhett, Julie __________________ COMING EVENTS EVENTS COMING

9th Annual

BULL SALE Sat., March 28 1:30pm at the Ranch (near Elk Point, AB)

Charolais, Hereford, & Black Angus Selling: 80 bulls + open replacement heifers View sale catalogue online at: www.kcow.ca or call for a catalogue 780-614-5959

online bidding www.DLMS.ca

EADER

Serving

Lamont

county

3 papers for the price of 1!

__________________ COMING EVENTS COMING EVENTS

__________________ LIVESTOCK LIVESTOCK

__________________ SERVICES SERVICES

__________________ SERVICES SERVICES

__________________ SERVICES SERVICES

Viking Gallery & Arts Centre Annual Meeting to be held March 26 at 10 a.m. at the Station.

Everyone welcome to come and be a part of Viking’s Art Community.

Purebred Salers Bulls.

White, tan, red, and black.

Scattered Spruce Salers 780-768-2284 780-208-0199 (cell)

Marvel Construction Ltd. Commercial and Residental Cleaning

35+ years experience Drywall Taper for hire.

Big jobs or small.

WHY GO OUT OF TOWN OR OUT OF COUNTY FOR YOUR PRINTING? ORDER YOUR PRINTING LOCALLY FROM YOUR LOCAL PAPER! We design it.

We customize it.

Call your local paper with your print order today!

12p __________________ FOR RENT RENT FOR Townhouse for rent in Viking. $900/month plus utilities. Contact 780-385-5287.

51tfnc ___________________ HELP WANTED WANTED HELP LAMONT HEALTH CARE CENTRE Invites applications for the following positions: •2 Casual HOUSEKEEPING/ LAUNDRY WORKERS Please direct resume to: Don Harsulla Housekeeeping/ Laundry Supervisor Lamont Health Care Centre PO Box 479 5216 – 53rd Street LAMONT AB T0B 2R0 or FAX: 780-895-7305 LL11/12c ___________________ HAY SALE HAYFOR FOR SALE Hay for sale.

ALF/TM/BR/CW mix.

Shedded small square bales $7, round bales $60. Minimal rain.

Phone late evenings 780-942-4107 LL11/19p

HAY FOR

SALE

Big Round Alfalfa/ TimothyHay Bales.

Net wrapped,approx.

1300 lbs., good quality, $60.00/bale.

Can deliver40 bale loads.

Vilna, Alberta

(780) 210-0800

11/23c __________________ SEEDFOR FOR SALE SEED SALE Certified seed for sale Barley: Amisk. Oats: AC Morgan, O R E 3 5 4 2 M , Haymaker.

Brett Young: all canola & forage varieties. Haralie Seed Farms 780-6622617 or 780-405-8089.

Tofield Alta.

TM09tfn ___________________

REAL REAL ESTATE ESTATE Restaurant for Sale in Sedgewick 9,000 sq. ft. building, plus 3 lots 25x100.

Dining room plus lounge, 140 seats - plus opportunity for additional living space! Call 780-384-3600. Serious inquiries only! tfnp __________________ SERVICES SERVICES Handyman/Carpenter for hire.

Over 25 years of experience.

References available upon request.

Call: 780-919-0392.

TM12/19p __________________ Marvel Construction Ltd. •New Construction • Renovations • Repairs FREE ESTIMATES! Ramlal (Steve) Arjoon Home Improvement Specialist 780-298-1955 steve.arjoon @yahoo.com Serving Viking & Beaver County

Ramlal (Steve) Arjoon 780-298-1955 steve.arjoon @yahoo.com Serving Viking & Beaver County __________________ Carpet and upholstery cleaning - residential and commercial.

Truck mount unit, sewer back-up, and flood cleaning. Auto and RV cleaning.

Call Glenn and Cindi Poyser, Fancy Shine Auto and Carpet Care at (780) 384-3087 __________________ 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.

TM33tfnc

Living in Killam but willing to travel. Hand taper by trade but have experience with boxes, roller/flusher, taping tube. No bazooka experience.

Have own tools (10-12" boxes, pump, angle box, roller, flusher, hand tools, etc.)

Also do ceiling texture.

Non-drinker/partier, just want to get the work done.

Willing to work with existing building or taping crew.

Contact me if interested. 780-385-2106 / 780385-1251. tfnp __________________ Painting Quality Residential and Commercial Painting Betty Tkaczyk 780-632-8749 or 780-688-3564

Tofield Mercury 780-662-4046 tofieldmerc.com Lamont Leader 780-895-2780 lamontleader.com The Weekly Review 780-336-3422 weeklyreview.ca

CLASSIFIED DEADLINE IS MONDAY AT 5 P.M.

The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, March 18, 2020 - Page 13

Remember When

LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT: Travis Fairweather, Carmen Luross, and Dennis Wenger (from left) recite their fellow peers’ homorous future plans as emcee Erwin Eisenbraun looks on. This image appeared in The Tofield Mercury dated May 16, 2000.

Get all the local news, sports, and community events by subscribing to us!

Call 780-662-4046

Blanket Alberta Ads take approximately 10 days to process

COLOUR THIS PICTURE

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.

________________________ AUCTIONS AUCTIONS

________________________ COMING EVENTS COMING EVENTS

________________________ FEED SEED FEEDAND AND SEED

________________________ SERVICES SERVICES

ELECTRICAL DISPERSAL, GARDEN DêCOR On Line Timed Auction MAS Sales Centre, Blackfalds, AB, Mar. 26-April 1., Stock Panels, 40' C-Cans, Engraving Laser, Electrical Co. Dispersal, Large Quantity New Garden DÇcor, Office, Western Wear. www.montgomeryauctions.co m 1-800-371-6963. ________________________ BUSINESS BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES OPPORTUNITIES

EDMONTON STAMP CLUB STAMP SHOW. March 28-29, 2020. Saturday 10 am - 5 pm, Sunday 10 am - 4 pm. Central Lion's Rec Centre, 113 Street & 111 Avenue., Edmonton.

Stamps for sale, Exhibits, Door Prizes, Jr Table, Free admission. www.edmontonstampclub.com. ________________________ EMPLOYMENT EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES OPPORTUNITIES

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, 1-877-250-5252. ________________________ HEALTH HEALTH

CRIMINAL RECORD? Why suffer employment/licensing loss? Travel/business opportunities? Be embarrassed?

Think: Criminal Pardon. US entry waiver. Record purge.

File destruction. Free consultation.

1-800-347-2540. www.accesslegalmjf.com. ________________________ GET BACK ON TRACK! Bad credit? Bills? Unemployed?

Need Money? We Lend! If you own your own home you qualify.

Pioneer Acceptance Corp. Member BBB. 1-877-987-1420. www.pioneerwest.com. ________________________ TENDERS TENDERS

BLANKET THE PROVINCE with a classified ad. Only $269 (based on 25 words or less). Reach 97 weekly newspapers. Call NOW for details. 1-800-2826903 Ext 200; www.awna.com. ________________________ COMING EVENTS COMING EVENTS FIREARMS WANTED FOR APRIL 18th, 2020 Live & Online Auction: Rifles, Shotguns, Handguns, Militaria. Auction or Purchase: Collections, Estates, Individual items.

Contact Paul, Switzer's Auction: Toll-Free 1-800-6942609, sales@switzersauction.com or www.switzersauction.com.

INTERESTED IN THE COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER business? Alberta's weekly newspapers are looking for people like you. Post your resume online.

FREE. Visit http://awna.com/resumes_add. ________________________ FOR FOR SALE SALE METAL ROOFING & SIDING. 37+ colours available at over 55 Distributors. 40 year warranty. 24-48 hour Express Service available at supporting Distributors. 1-888-263-8254. ________________________ INTEGRITY POST FRAME BUILDINGS since 2008 BUILT WITH CONCRETE POSTS. Barns, Shops, Riding Arenas, Machine Sheds and m o r e , sales@integritybuilt.com 1866-974-7678 www.integritybuilt.com.

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. 1844-453-5372. ________________________ PERSONALS PERSONALS NORTHERN ALBERTA WIDOWER, Late 60's. Semiretired farmer & heavy equipment operator. Would like to meet and share one another's interest and happiness; addiction free. Box 50, c/o AWNA, 3228 Parsons Road, Edmonton, AB T6N 1M2.

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

HAY & GRAZING TENDERS. Ducks Unlimited Canada is now accepting tenders for grazing on its projects. Visit ducks.ca/albertahaygraze for locations of properties available for 2020 in Alberta.

SUDOKU

ANSWERS

Page 14 - The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, March 18, 2020

T R A SM !

G N I S I T R E ADV 4 PAPERS PAPE PA PERS PERRS RS FO FOR OR 1 LLOW OW PR PRI PRICE! RIC RI ICE! ICE E! E!

Want prime exposure in 4 major newspapers in our region?

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, . d We h c r a M 25

Conttac Contact act ctt Us Us and and book boo ok today today dayy for ffo or or March Maarch 25!

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Mercury LEADER The Tofield

THE LAMONT

Serving

Lamont

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The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, March 18, 2020 - Page 15

Spilstead Hall hosts St. Patrick’s Day celebrations

ABOVE: Clay Giebelhaus and Alice Kowlchuk share a lighter moment at Spilstead Hall’s annual event of St. Patrick’s Day celebrations on Saturday, March 14.

RIGHT: Shaye Yoder enjoys himself at the celebrations donning the colours of the Irish tradition. With the current COVID-19 pandemic asking for social distancing, the Hall authorities made sure that the numbers were low, with a turnout of only 20 people. All guests were asked the three important questions, whether they had travelled outside Canada in the past 14 days; whether they were in close contact with someone who had travelled outside Canada in the past 14 days; and whether they had the symptoms of the virus. LISA KUFLAY PHOTOS

Get all the local news by subscribing to us!

Call 780-662-4046 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 The Highway 14 Regional Water Services Commission has been following the global impacts of COVID-19 and the potential local impacts. The Commission provides a vital service to the region and we want to ensure the health and safety of our staff, customers and our communities. Through this period of public health concerns it is of utmost importance to ensure the continued and reliable supply of safe drinking water. Consequently, our office will be closed to the public until further notice. Our staff will continue their regular duties and be able to assist you with your customer service needs via telephone, fax, email and other forms of electronic communications.

Our operations staff will continue working to ensure the safe and reliable delivery of drinking water. We remain open for business in a remote environment to meet our customer’s needs. Payments can be dropped at our office anytime by placing them in the drop box.

Thank you for your patience during this time!

Contact information: Email: info@hwy14water.ca • Phone: 1-866-333-3791 • Fax: 780-663-2050

PROGRAM SERVICES AND OPERATIONS UPDATE Due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, Tofield/Ryley/Beaver County West FCSS is changing how we will serve our clients.

We are working to help mitigate the potential spread of Covid-19 by lessening foot traffic in our office. We kindly ask that customers call our team at 780662-7067 for assistance or to make an appointment to visit the office. Please do not physically come to the office if you are ill.

Our office hours/contact remain:

Monday to Friday Director

Administrative Assistant

Community Programmer

8:30 am to 12:00pm Tracey Boast Radley Jamie Sutton

Sam Giegold

1:00 pm to 4:30 pm 780-662-7066

780-662-7068

780-662-7067

Program Changes • FCSS General Family Counselling – All counselling sessions will be conducted over the phone. Clients will be contacted weekly.

• Volunteer Income Tax – Please contact the office at 780-662-7067 to arrange an appointment.

Programs and Events Postponed New dates “To Be Determined”.

• Youth Cooking – All participants who registered will have their spaces honoured.

• Norm of the North Ryley Family Movie – Tuesday, March 24th • Frozen II Tofield Family Movie – Thursday, March 26th Programs and Events To Be Determined • Chipman Dinner Theatre – Cancelled, ticket purchasers will be contacted next week.

• Meals on Wheels – There is no change to the Meals on Wheels program. An update will follow should a change occur.

Thank you in advance for your assistance during these unprecedented times. ~ Tracey Boast Radley Director Tofield/Ryley/Beaver County West FCSS Box 1058, Tofield, Alberta T0B 4J0 • Telephone 780-662-7067 • Facsimile 780-662-3854

Page 16 - The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, March 18, 2020

Our COVID-19 Response & Commitment DUE TO THE EVOLVING COVID-19 SITUATION, WE HAVE MADE THE DIFFICULT DECISION TO

CLOSE OUR OFFICE TO THE PUBLIC TEMPORARILY AS OF WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18

To clarify, our paper will still be published each week and our staff will still be working between the office and at home during usual hours, we simply won’t be OPEN to the public in order to help prevent unnecessary person-to-person spread.

We ask that in order to practice responsible social distancing, all ad bookings, subscription renewals, print orders, inquiries, and payments that were planned to be made in-person, be made by phone or email instead at this time.

Email: adsmercury@gmail.com Phone: 780-662-4046

We can take and process Visa or Mastercard payments securely by phone or email. You can also mail cheque to PO Box 150, Tofield.

You can subscribe or renew anytime online at tofieldmerc.com.

Our Issuu digital e-subscription service is for sale there as well.

We are committed to publishing our newspaper uninterrupted Every Week and keeping our readers informed during this uncertain time.

Staff will also practice the utmost safety and take all sanitary measures in the handling of weekly paper before delivery to stores and mailboxes.

We hope you understand that in order to ensure continual delivery of the community news, we must do our part to keep our staff and our customers safe. To be clear: none of our staff have tested

positive or reported symptoms. This is an entirely preventative measure.