Vegreville News Advertiser - July 9, 2025

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Atco Prepares For Industrial Park

Throughout our town there have been ATCO open excavations with the prominent orange fencing you can’t miss. Doris Kaufmann Woodcock Manager of Media & Corporate Communications ATCO said, “The Town of Vegreville is working with ATCO on electrical and gas work to provide energy for the industrial park. The open excavations are related to laying new infrastructure to accommodate this project.

Additionally, ATCO has set up ‘work zones’ along the route for our employees and subcontractors (the fencing you mentioned). The full project is projected to take about 7-9 weeks. Along the way, we are committed to keeping residents and businesses in the area informed. We extend our thanks to the community for their patience and are working hard to minimize the impacts of this work.” Some construction vehicles have been seen at the industrial park itself but no other movement as of yet.

Beware the Boogyman

Elections come and go and then come again. There is another thing that comes along with the cycle of elections that is just as predictable. The tactic of fear mongering. Every party does it and the threats are mostly predicable with slight seasonal variations.

Despite our multi-party system (when compared to the United States) there are mostly two camps. On the left to varying degrees you have the NDP and the Liberals. On the right there are the Conservatives and the others, they don’t really register unless you are in Quebec. Then it’s quite simply anything that benefits Quebec is good, anything else… bad.

When it comes to the Conservative side of the conversation, we are told that the Liberals will spend us into a bottomless pit of debt, cut our military and expand government. For the most part, that has proven out, particularly in the past ten years. There were years under the Paul Martin and possibly Chrétien government where fiscal responsibility was a focus, but that feels like a distant memory. When they place their aim on the NDP, the discussion goes to bending to the will of unions and more overspending. The conservatives are pretty consistent on the fiscal conservatism part of things.

On the Liberal and NDP side we are told that the Conservatives will cozy up to big corporations, cut jobs to the bone and dismantle our government services. Oh… and let’s not forget tax cuts and wrecking the environment in some fashion. Again, pretty standard lines from the left side of the political spectrum.

The truth always sits somewhere in the middle. There have been conservative governments, particularly in Alberta’s recent past that have spent like drunken sailors. On the federal level, both sides have ignored our military and flip-flopped on promises to make improvements then done nothing. The Liberals have cozied up to big business as long as they were Liberal adjacent. (SNC Lavalin). The Liberals were making a big deal about Poilievre’s comments on crypto currency, yet in 2021 Carney was appointed to the board of Stripe (an online payment company) touting his push to replace fiat currency with a digital alternative (basically…. Crypto, but centralized). In his book Views, “The most likely future of money is a central bank stablecoin, known as a central bank digital currency or CBDC,” [Carney] wrote.”

Now we see in recent news that the roles may be shifting a little once more. Recent announcements peg federal job cuts at 10,000 which is a drop in the bucket compared to the massive increase under Trudeau but not inconsequential. Finance and National Revenue Minister François-Philippe Champagne has directed his colleagues to find billions in spending cuts to the tune of 7.5%, 10% and 15% in the coming years. The consumer carbon tax has been removed and it’s looking more and more like the economy will come first which some will say puts the environment second (I’m looking at you Steven Guilbault).

With Poilievre on the outside looking in and the Liberals not looking at all like the Liberals of a few months ago, we need to ask ourselves… who’s the boogyman now? Maybe a good idea is just that… a good idea. Just imagine if politicians on all sides could see this and actually work together. Then… no one to fear. Just government that works and a Parliament that does not look like a dysfunctional family out of a comedy. Tell me what you think. Email me at abletters@newsadvertiser.com

FROM THE PAGES OF THE VEGREVILLE OBSERVER COMPILED BY DAN BEAUDETTE

90 Years Ago – July 10, 1935

A new bright store for men’s wear is to be seen on Vegreville’s Main Street in the newly re-opened shop of Valentine Pruner in the Oligny Block. Mr. Pruner’s continually expanding business made it necessary for him to find roomier premises and when Mrs. McGill vacated her ladies’ wear store it gave Mr. Pruner the opportunity for which he was looking.

Mr. J.C. Davidson of the Canadian Bank of Commerce received word this week of his transfer to a city appointment and he leaves shortly with his family for Edmonton. Mr. Davidson has been an accountant at the local branch for the past seven years.

Councillor Bender makes an earnest plan that householders in Vegreville should cut the grass along the streets in front of their premises. The town has no funds available for this purpose, so citizens will have to whittle the grass off themselves somehow. Apple juice is probably the most readily available raw material for vinegar making in most parts of Canada, and cider vinegar is therefore more widely made in the home than other kinds.

75 Years Ago – July 12, 1950

Alex Mandruk was elected by acclamation on Saturday, July 8th as school trustee in the Vegreville School Division No. 19. He represents the New Vegreville School District No. 1480, which has become a Sub-Division of the enlarged Division.

The Standard Oil Co. of California is presently engaged in drilling six miles northeast of Vegreville. The rig came in last week and by this time the well is probably spudded in. So far, oil explorations and drilling in the area have produced no results, but oil, like gold, is where you find it.

The Alberta Visual Arts Board has announced the awards in the recent Scholarship competition. Among these awards is the Second prize of $25.00 given to Nick Bedniak of Norma as a special Honorable Mention.

Peahens, which usually lay one egg every 36 hours and only about 35 a season, have a record to shoot at. R.M. Murray’s prize bird laid three in one day. The eggs sell for $3.50 apiece.

Construction of a $2,500,000 spur pipeline linking the main oil duct at Gretna, Man., to the refinery plant at East St. Paul should begin sometime in August, officials of the Winnipeg Pipeline company said.

50 Years Ago July 10, 1975

Golfer Mike Sorochan shot a blistering 32 on the local links Monday afternoon with a highlight hole-in-one on the Number 9 hole. Mike was playing a match with Don Dary who carded an excellent 36.

Madeline Kitz presented a member of the Two Hills Boys Ukrainian Dancers with a plaque. The boys placed first in the Group 17 years of age and over category at the Canadian Showcase of Ukrainian Culture.

Don Pecush departed July 4th for a six-week Lions-sponsored camp. The event is an annual affair and Vegreville has participated since 1967.

Situated in the west part of Vegreville, the Homesteader Inn is an impressively designed complex. Finished in almost total Cedar, the Inn blends with the simple country surroundings. Large parking facilities surround the Inn and will be paved in the near future. The tavern in the Homesteader Inn, which seats around 400 persons, is the largest in Vegreville. Equipped with pool tables, shuffleboard, snack bar, and entertainment, the tavern is as modern and comfortable as the best of them.

People believe that if your right hand itches you will receive money in it. If the left itches, a letter.

25 Years Ago – July 11, 2000

The Pysanka Festival drew more than 6,000 people to Vegreville this weekend. This is nearly the amount that attended last year’s festival, said Orest Olineck, Vegreville Cultural Association manager. The Vegreville Youth Society and Youth Connections are looking for a location to hold their monthly youth dance, said Dawn Orchison, Youth Connections Coordinator. The owners of Daddy O’s Night Club, the current dance location, are actively seeking investors for the building. They hope investors will re-open the building as a night club in the future.

It took only six minutes yesterday (Monday) afternoon to turn Gordon and Brenda Tuck’s farmstead into a winter wonderland. The farmstead, located south of Vegreville near Highway 36, was hit with mothball-sized hail around 4 p.m. “We just arrived home when the hail hit. We were trapped in the garage. The roof, the sidewalk, and the lawn were white. The crops are toast, but we had insurance, thank “God” said Brenda.

Pysanka Festival Master of Ceremonies Orest Zubritsky presented CFCW “Ukrainian Hour” Radio Announcer Dan Chomlak with the Canadian Ukrainian Music Hall of Fame Award Friday evening during the opening ceremony for the Pysanka Festival. His program aired daily Monday through Saturday on CFCW in Camrose for over 20 years.

Letters Welcomed

One role of the Vegreville News Advertiser is to promote dialogue on various issues of concern to area residents. We accomplish this by welcoming Letters to the Editor and allowing various issues to be debated through our pages. All letters must contain the writer’s name, address and phone number. Anonymous letters will not be printed, however the writer’s name may be withheld from publication in special circumstances deemed appropriate by the Publisher.

The Vegreville News Advertiser reserves the right to edit letters for length, clarity, spelling and grammar, taste or for reasons of potential libel. A maximum of 150 words is preferred. The Vegreville News Advertiser reserves the right to withhold letters from publication.

Ukrainian Music on the Move

G R E S LE GARAGE SALES

Full line of smaller but reliable machinery, tools and more. Dodge Laramie CC 1500, 5.7 litre, leather, loaded, sunroof, rear slide, new rear axle replaced recently, new brakes, rear bumper replaced, box rails, nice shape truck, 285 kms. One owner - 2008 Ford F-150, 4.6 litre engine, extended cab, 6ft box, 351 KMS, 235/75/R17 rubber, bed liner, runs well - 1979 Case 2290, w/ 23.1 X 34 rear tires, 11.00 x 16 fronts, Firestone tires, good starting unit, Ezee on Loader, 6 ft bucket, no welds, 540-1000 PTO, triple rear remote hyd, power shift, rebuilt in 2015, not much farm uses since - 1973 Dodge grain truck, 12 ft - 6 inch, metal box, 4 speed transmission w/ reverse, 8.25-205 tires, rear duals - 18 X 8 ft double axel trailer, 2-5/16 ball, farm use, steel frame, good rubber, solid deck needs a few boards - Versatile 875 4WD tractor, 3200 hrs, #053842, 20.8-38 tires, front and rear duals, 6 cylinder Cummings, Firestone tires, standard transmission, low and high range 315 HP, no PTO, 8-way hyd, plumbed for air seeder - White 271 model, 24 ft tandem disc, 20 inch front and 21 inch rear blades, double fold, no welds or breaks - HYD Rock Digger, Unity Sask-Built, Geres model, 9.5 x 15 tires, new cylinder and hoses - Yard works 19 HP B&S 42 inch mower, foward/reverse, 5-speed - Artisan 26 inch snowblower, 5 hp, B&S engine, running - JD 5103 tractor with Loader, 512 quick - attach, 13.6 x 28 rears, tires awesome shape, always indoors, 2073 hrs, #3029TPY23 - WR tidy tank, 100 gallon - tire changer, 1991, 1680 Combine - Excellent shape. Plus guest consignors including the following: Western Star tandem grain truck with a newly sanded and painted box, tarp, good rubber, 20 ft box, 14000 lb front axel, 15 speed transmission, three way lock, 32,000 hours, 507,000 kms, C10 Cat engine, must see. JD 750 Dozer, Recent work order work on tracks and sprockets, with blade. Selling off site - (5) 1650 bushel grain bins with good floors, south east of sale site 2 miles. Degelman rock picker, bale elevator, 22 ft disc. View the items at the farm July 11 from 10-7 pm and morning of the sale from 8 am till 10 am start. All items to be paid for after sale, cash or check or etransfer, bins to be removed before August 1.

The best part of music is sharing the experience with others.

Hence, the Vegreville 52nd Annual Pysanka Festival kicked off on July 3 with a touring concert by the Broken Banjo Band, who traveled through Vegreville in a flatbed trailer to the parking lots of all five Senior Citizens’ Living Facilities in Vegreville and Main Street, concluding with a mini-concert at Vegreville Elks/Kinsmen Park on July 3. This band performed catchy tunes of Ukrainian Folk music, which drew people from blocks away to listen. Their biography cites they are a group of former dancers-Cheremosh & Shumka alumni who joined together to play traditional Ukrainian folk songs on the Tsymbaly, Bandura, Mandolin, Bayan, Bubon and Sopilka.

The Broken Banjo Band performs. (Rosanne Fortier/Photo)
Residents of Heritage House enjoy the concert. (Rosanne Fortier/Photos)

Vegreville’s Party in the Park

The Party in the Park and Canada Day Colour Run started with an explosion of colours and ended the same.

A sense of community, joy, and culture were all showcased when Vegreville celebrated Canada’s 158th Birthday on July 1 at Pysanka Park. One of the main attractions was the popular Colour Run with 212 cheerful participants in its third year at Vegreville.

The park was crowded with numerous attractions that were enjoyed by all such as inflatables, face painting and henna, mini golf as music flowed through the park.

The live music started with Samantha Rarama’s youthful and lovely voice leading attendees in singing O’ Canada. The Abraham Lake Singers performed indigenous music which drew a large crowd and found a young gal dancing to their performances. After this, the Rockzilla band rocked the park with their energetic performance.

A sparkling set of fireworks over the trout pond was the finale wrapping up the day’s festivities.

Color Run. (Tammy Hewitt/Photo)
Dancing in before Fireworks. (Tammy Hewitt/Photo) Fireworks. (Tammy Hewitt/Photo)

Kaleidoscope of Ukrainian Entertainment

The dazzling colours, brilliant choreography, and energetic spirit showcased the strength of professional Ukrainian dancers and the distinctive voices of Ukrainian musicians at the Grandstand Shows during the 52nd Annual Pysanka Festival on July 4, 5, and 6.

The dances and music were a testament to the experiences, emotions, and stories from the lives of many generations of Ukrainians. They were a pure reflection of the joy of being alive and celebrating heritage and culture.

The audience was wowed by twirling dancers, intricate foot and arm movements, horizontal twists and body lifts, graceful and bouncy movements, and soulful and energetic singing and instrumental playing.

The entertainers were Volya Ukrainian Dance Ensemble, Auda, Viter Ukrainian Dancers and Folk Choir, Vyshyvanka,

Studia Shumka, Pavlychenko Folklorique Ensemble, Lastivka Ukrainian Choir and Orchestra, ShockolaD, Feyeria Bandura Group, and more.

Rhythmic and engaged energy was intense when young and old folks from the audience got up to dance to the finale performances at the Grandstand.

The MultiPlex Centre also had music and dancing entertainment which featured the lively performances from The New Lumberjacks Band, Mason Mochoruk and Kiera Strasky, Polka Ramblers, The Sparkling Tones, Svitlo, Kikkino Northern Lites, Tryzub School of Ukrainian Dance, Mryia Dance Group, Boyan Ukrainian Dancers, Tanya Navolska-Bandura, Brandon Hachkowski and Ukrainian Tradition Band, Boyan Ukrainian Dancers, Mryia Dance Group, and Neech.

The audience issued a thunderous applause after each of these performances.

For people who wanted to hone their

skills, the dance competitions was the place where dancers could develop their blending technique, artistry, and personal growth while the audience was treated to watching their fine talents.

As well, a time to test a person’s creative or physical skills was offered at the three fun Ukrainian-inspired challenges at the Pysanka Games, where participants

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rushed to make the best Pysanka, toss the harvest in a bucket, and try out a festivalthemed puzzle with a Ukrainian twist. In the evening was the Zabava, which means fun, entertainment, and a party in Ukrainian, and indeed it will be with its high-energy Ukrainian music and polkas from renowned Ukrainian bands, which enticed people to dance through the night.

or

for

Vyshyvanka Ensemble perform Pryvit. (Rosanne Fortier/Photo)
Ukrainian dancers wow the crowd. (Rosanne Fortier/Photo)
Spectacular Ukrainian dancers. (Rosanne Fortier/Photo)

Spectacular Rodeo in Hairy Hill Delights Fans

Hairy Hill Rodeo had a fabulous show of stamina and family fun on July 4 and 5 that has continued on for 35 years with their original Rodeo Queen, Violet Sawchuk. After securing a camping spot, fans enjoyed the weekend’s events for this rodeo that is known Canada wide.

The rodeo was started as a way to organize an event for family and friends who would come to the Sawchuk farm to come hang out and do informal horse riding events together. As tradition of this event, there have been birthdays celebrated together though Mark Sawchuk expressed sadly that “ Lately, there have not been birthdays, mostly memorials.”

Each day’s rodeo featured events such as the Kids Wild Pony Race, Wild Horse Race, Wild Cow Milking alongside barrel

racing and other rodeo staples. The wild horse, wild cow miking events were said to be part of what makes this family run rodeo unique from other rodeos. Each day concluded in an enthusiastic Whiskey Race where contestants ran (shoeless) from one side of the ring to the other before franticly searching for their footwear. The whiskey race gets its name from the historical Whiskey Trade Rebellion where distillers and farmers ran from the authorities to avoid paying a new tax on their products. A rodeo dance with good friends and a campfire went on as the sun dipped to wrap up the night.

Festivities on Saturday started with the good ole pancake breakfast, and Rodeo Slack. It continued in the afternoon with the Heavy Horse Pulls that whet fans’ appetites for the main rodeo that started at 4 pm. To entertain excited crowds,

there were the same events as Friday with the addition of Sheep Riding and the conclusion of the silent auction which helps to raise funds for the rodeo itself on Saturday night.

To add to the fun, there were kids’ games and face painting throughout this event. A highlight for the kids being a draw for a kid’s bicycle each day. Event goers perused the silent auction as well as other vendors located by the concession throughout the day.

This event was sanctioned by the Lakeland Rodeo Association (LRA), Wildrose Rodeo Association (WRA) and the FootHills Cowboy Association (FCA).

Junior Bull Riding
(Tammy Hewitt/Photo)
Enthusiastic participants of the Kids’ Wild Pony Race (Tammy Hewitt/Photo)
(Tammy Hewitt/Photos)

In loving memory of our dearest Dad, Gido, Great-Gido & Great-Great Gido

William (Bill) Laschowski

January 2, 1920 - July 13, 2004

The pain we are feeling today

Never seems to go away

We wish we could visit heaven

If only for one day

We know that you would hold us

And whisper in our ears

“Don’t think of me as gone,

As I am always here.”

We know you are in a better place

At peace and pain free

And still watching over us

Although the door between our worlds

Is closed and we’re apart

You will always remain in our hearts.

Forever Loved and deeply missed, but always remembered by Your loving family, Children, Grandchildren, Great-Grandchildren & Great-Great Grandchildren

RAWLUK, Tommy January 1929 – July 1995

In loving memory of a dear husband and father who passed away July 14, 1995. It broke our hearts to lose you, But you didn’t go alone.

For part of us went with you

The day God called you home.

Forever loved and sadly missed by loving wife Edna and son Dale

GROSUL, John B May 22, 1931 - June 28, 2025

It is in deep sadness we announce the passing of John Grosul on Saturday June 28, 2025. He is survived by his family three sons Bill and Jayne, Jimmy and Jen, and Ted; six grandchildren April Clark, Aaron Grosul, Adiline Grosul, Trent Grosul, Kienna Grosul, Kaige Grosul. Five great grandchildren Cayden Clark, Jordan Clark, Devyn Grosul, Ryker Grosul and Lochlan Grosul.

Predeceased by his parents Bill and Peril Grosul and brother Fred Grosul. Celebration of life will be July 26, 2025 at the Andrew Community Centre in Andrew, Alberta 1- 4 pm. In Lieu of flowers donation can be made to Alberta Alzheimer’s Society.

Vermilion RCMP Lays Charges in Break and Enter

Alberta RCMP Submitted

On June 7, 2025, Vermilion RCMP responded to a complaint of a break and enter in progress to a rural residence in the Vermilion River County. Further investigation determined that an alarm system, with remote surveillance capabilities, had alerted the homeowner to suspicious activity, who then contacted

911. Members attended but the suspect had already departed. Review of the CCTV footage by the members resulted in the identification of the suspect.

On June 11, 2025, Vermilion RCMP responded to a complaint of two separate break and enters to a single residence in Mannville, Alta. An investigation was completed, revealing the same suspect as the June 7 break and enter.

As a result of these investigations, Keisha Sharp, a 28-year-old resident of Mannville, was arrested and charged with:

• Break and enter to a dwellinghouse (x3);

• Fail to comply with probation order (x2); and

• Mischief under $5000 (x2). Sharp was brought before a justice of the peace, where she was ultimately released on conditions. She is set to appear before court at the Alberta Court of Justice in Vermilion on July 7, 2025.

“We would like to take the time to thank the public in trusting us with their safety” said Sgt. Corey Buckingham, Detachment Commander of Vermilion RCMP. “Thanks to calls from the public, as well as access to their installed security equipment, we were able to conduct the arrest of someone trying to break into the homes of those within our community”.

Extravaganza of Cultural Delights

The multifarious supply of attractions at the 52nd Annual Pysanka Festival captured the heart and soul of Ukrainian culture on July 4, 5, and 6 at Vegreville Agricultural Grounds and other nearby venues.

The theme this year was ‘Honouring Babas and Didos’ because their strength and traditions are what created the traditions and life spans of generations enjoy today.

Vegreville residents Ivan and Larissa Bombak were the Hospodar and Hospodynia, both first-generation Ukrainian Canadians born to parents who were refugees from Ukraine. Ivan grew up in Edmonton, and Larissa in Toronto. Larissa has been on the Board of Directors for the festival for 41 years.

The first feature was the Open Ceremonies, where the A.L. Horton School-Ukrainian Language and Culture program wel-

comed the audience with the perfect singing of ‘O Canada’ in both English and Ukrainian at the Vegreville MultiPlex Centre on July 4. Dance performances by St. Paul and Svitlo Ukrainian Dancers followed this.

One memorable moment was when John Bandura was inducted into the Canadian Ukrainian Music Hall of Honour for a life devoted to preserving and celebrating our musical heritage.

John’s musical tour began on a homestead near Andrew, where he played violin and tsymbaly. At 12 years of age, he received his first accordion and taught himself to be an accomplished accordionist. When he was 15, he was performing with dance bands and soon joined a host of talented groups, including Paul Hrushchek’s band, the Northern Kings, and later the Five Gents. He performed with many other bands. Later, he formed his own group, John Bandura and Friends.

After this, Bill W. Lutyck was inducted into the Posthumour Music Hall of Honour because he was a true steward of community music and Ukrainian heritage, and his legacy is one of talent, endurance, and enduring passion.

At another site was The Yarmarok, which provided shoppers the opportunity to take home a souvenir of Ukrainian folk arts, crafts, and products, a treat, or something unique from another nationality.

At the Old Timer’s Log Cabin, people could trace their roots by locating the village where their ancestors came from or seek advice on how to find this information.

The Ukrainian Folk Art venue was a tapestry of workshops and displays which helped to weave stories of pysanka writing, pysanky, embroidery, beadwork, dough doves, wheat weaving, and more, and how the love and patience from our ancestors doing these crafts helped showcase the pride and beauty of the culture and love for family ties.

The Pioneer Village was a flashback in time that helped attendees to gain appreciation for the skills and hard work of early Ukrainian pioneers and artisans. These were demonstrations which showcased how rope was made using twine, flailing, how wheat was first ground in a stone grinding mill, and the art of bread being baked in an outdoor clay oven. There was also Zabava Evening Dances, a Petting Zoo, Beer Gardens, Farmer’s Food Market, and Outdoor Market, a Cultural and Band Showcase, a Ukrainian Music Tent, and food trucks.

Baba, get acquainted with these two darlings.
(Rosanne Fortier/Photo)
Ukrainian folk art displays. (Rosanne Fortier/Photo)
Getting the outdoor clay ovens ready to bake bread.
(Rosanne Fortier/Photo)

Across The Miles for Cancer

A group of bikers stopped overnight in Vegreville on June 29th to “share hope, knowledge, and charity in the fight against cancer”. The group named Texas 4000 rides their bikes from Austin, Texas to Anchorage, Alaska over 4,000 miles equivalent to 6437 kilometers.

in the sunshine, they also sang O Canada whilst holding up the Canadian Flag in honor of our upcoming holiday. It was reflected by a team member, “There was a lot of hype about Vegreville and you did not disappoint!”

Upon arrival, there was a stop at the Vegreville Fire Department (VFD) for supper and to store their bikes. They were served supper by local firefighters then proceeded on to stay overnight at the Vegreville Alliance Church. Often they stay over at local churches along their route with exception of one unusual stay at a water park. The next morning, the team proceeded with their daily ride rituals which included standing in a sacred circle, with pinkies linked, speaking to who they were riding for that day. Basking

Claire Levan, their youngest rider, explains “It’s a student organization from University of Texas. We’re all students that have recently graduated. We are biking from Austin, Texas, to Anchorage, Alaska, raising money for cancer research and support services. A lot of us are on the team because we have connections to cancer. We have also met people along the way and carry those stories with us. My family has a complicated history with cancer, but I ride mainly for my mom. She beat breast cancer twice so her story is really inspiring. I tell everyone this, but when the days get hard on the ride, I think of her going through treatment and, it makes the knee pain or the wind seem really insignificant. She really is my source of strength. Hearing the stories, it’s so inspiring. It really pushes you. When you’re on the bike and you’re having a hard day, you think of those people.”

“We got our bikes last October and, then training really ramped up in January. So we’ve been biking pretty serious for six months. I like to say it’s definitely a physical challenge, but mentally too. One day, I was having really hard time. My friend rode up next to me and was like, why do you ride? Grandma, my grandpa, and then talking about that reminds you why you ride and why you’re going to keep riding.” They ride about three to five days (80-100 miles) before a break. Each rider had scheduled breaks where they take turns driving or riding in the support vehicles in addition to planned group breaks along the route for everyone to rest together.

The team was escorted to the highway by the VFD where they continued the journey on HWY 16 headed toward Edmonton for a rest day. A few team members expressed planning on taking in some Canada Day Festivities. There was a total of 60 riders this year that were broken into three groups called Sierra, Rockies, and the Ozarks. The latter team was the one who stopped in Vegreville. The three groups ride separate routes until the day 60 when they will finish the last 10 days together. They had started their ride May 17th and will end on July 25th.

Name: Jackie Kisilevich
Vegreville Fire Services Escort out to Hwy 16. (Tammy Hewitt/Photo)

Do You Love Science and Have

The field of science is vast and offers opportunities in both laboratory settings and the great outdoors. Do you love math, physics, chemistry and biology? Does the idea of getting your boots dirty on the job sound appealing? A career as an agronomist might be the perfect fit. Here’s an overview. The science of agriculture

Agronomy encompasses all aspects of agriculture, including soil management, crop production, livestock farming, food processing and agro-environmental practices. Agronomists can specialize in any of these areas.

These professionals can also work with farmers to advise them on best practices for improving crop yield while taking care of the environment. This ensures that the food they produce is good for everyone.

An important job

Climate change is increasingly pushing agricultural producers to adapt their techniques to meet the challenges of unpredictable conditions. Agronomists play a crucial role in this transformation and are more important than ever.

Their job focuses on reducing water pollution, protecting ecosystems and improving soil management and pesticide usage. Both government agencies and private companies actively seek their expertise.

Career path

Many universities offer undergraduate programs in agronomy. These programs often feature hands-on learning opportunities through fieldwork, internships and research projects, allowing students to apply theo-

retical knowledge in real-world settings. Do you want to help farmers overcome challenges while earning a competitive salary? Find out more about agronomy training and make a meaningful impact.

Buying a House as a Couple: Tips for a Successful Purchase

Purchasing a new home with your significant other is an exciting journey. However, if you want the entire process to go off without a hitch, you must begin by addressing certain subjects with your partner. Follow this guide.

Discuss your needs

Take some time to define your priorities as a couple. What type of house do you want? Which city or neighbourhood do you want to live in? Do you want a large lot or not? Having this conversation early will help you avoid disagreements during your search.

Think about the future

Consider your shared vision for the next two, five, 10 or even 15 years. Discuss any short- or medium-term plans that could impact your housing choice, such as starting a family or returning to school. These life events could affect your ability to repay your mortgage.

Assess your financial situation

Take a close look at both your finances, including your income, debts and investments. Establish a realistic budget that accounts for the purchase price of the home and additional expenses like insurance and property taxes. Don’t forget to set aside money in an emergency fund for unexpected costs as well.

Address the important issues

Openly discuss sensitive topics to prevent potential conflicts. For example, talk about how you’ll divide expenses, such as groceries, utilities and mortgage payments. You’ll also want to talk about how

you’ll manage your finances and share the responsibilities of homeownership.

Consult a professional

Surround yourselves with knowledgeable experts, such as a real estate agent, mortgage broker, financial planner and notary to help you navigate the purchasing process and avoid costly mistakes.

How Can Solar Panels Help Farmers?

As climate change intensifies, the farming community is seeking sustainable ways to improve their operations. Techniques like no-till seeding, minimal pesticide use and crop diversification are promising strategies for the future of farming. Did you know agricultural solar panels are growing in popularity? Here’s how they benefit farmers.

How can solar panels help farmers?

As climate change intensifies, the farming community is seeking sustainable ways to improve their operations. Techniques like no-till seeding, minimal pesticide use and crop diversification are promising strategies for the future of farming. Did you know agricultural solar panels are growing in popularity? Here’s how they benefit farmers.

Reduced costs

REDUCED COSTS

Once installed, solar panels produce electricity without emitting greenhouse gases and can last up to 40 years.

Additionally, many farmers can connect their systems to their local electrical grid, enabling them to sell surplus energy back to their electricity supplier. This benefits the community and further reduces reliance on fossil fuels.

Farmers can significantly lower their energy bills by generating their own electricity. Solar panels installed on farm roofs can be used to power lighting systems, heat or cool buildings and even heat water.

Spotlight on shellfish farming!

provinces like Prince Edward Island and sel production. In the United States, some of the largest shellfish farms are found in Washington, Alaska, California, Virginia,

Shellfish farming truly showcases the expertise of outstanding companies. Next time you buy a batch of shellfish at your local fishmonger or grocery store, take a

Small ecological footprint

Farmers can significantly lower their energy bills by generating their own electricity. Solar panels installed on farm roofs can be used to power lighting systems, heat or cool buildings and even heat water.

SMALL ECOLOGICAL FOOTPRINT

FIELD PROTECTION

Planting crops under solar panels is an emerging strategy that shows promise. Recent studies have shown that some crops thrive better in shaded conditions rather than in direct sunlight.

Although manufacturing solar panels does have a carbon footprint, farms can offset this impact within about three years, depending on the model and usage. Once installed, solar panels produce electricity without emitting greenhouse gases and can last up to 40 years.

Although manufacturing solar panels does have a carbon footprint, farms can offset this impact within about three years, depending on the model and usage.

Additionally, many farmers can connect their systems to their local electrical grid, enabling them to sell surplus energy back to their electricity supplier. This benefits the community and further reduces reliance on fossil fuels.

The partial shade provided by the solar panels helps protect delicate plants. It also helps retain soil moisture by reducing evaporation—an essential factor during increasingly frequent droughts.

Field protection

health benefits. They’re rich in protein, omega-3 fatty acids and essential minerals. They’re also excellent sources of vitamins B3 and B12.

Planting crops under solar panels is an emerging strategy that shows promise. Recent studies have shown that some crops thrive better in shaded conditions rather than in direct sunlight.

GROWING REGIONS

The partial shade provided by the solar panels helps protect delicate plants. It also helps retain soil moisture by reducing evaporation—an essential factor during increasingly frequent droughts.

In short, solar panels certainly have their part to play in farm resilience. You can show your support for your local producers by purchasing their products.

In Canada, British Columbia and Maritime

In short, solar panels certainly have their part to play in farm resilience. You can show your support for your local producers by purchasing their products.

Highland Cows: Exceptional Livestock

Have you ever seen spectacularly horned cattle with long reddish-brown hair grazing in a field? Without a doubt, they were Highland cows. Originally from Scotland, these creatures have carved out a special niche among agricultural producers. Here’s an overview.

Adapted to the climate

Northern winters can be brutal, but Highland cattle thrive in these conditions. Originating in a region where weather condi-

Highland cows: exceptional livestock

Northern winters can be brutal, but Highland cattle thrive in these conditions. Originating in a region where weather conditions are harsh, these animals developed a thick undercoat that protects them from the cold. Their long outer coat is waterproof, protecting them from precipitation. It’s no wonder they adapt so well to wet or chilly climates.

tions are harsh, these animals developed a thick undercoat that protects them from the cold. Their long outer coat is waterproof, protecting them from precipitation. It’s no wonder they adapt so well to wet or chilly climates.

Tasty meat

Highland beef stands out for being leaner and more flavourful than traditional beef. It’s also rich in protein and iron. Many Highland cattle farmers allow their herds to graze freely and feed them exclusively on grass. The result is a balanced and highly marbled product. practices.

From farm to fork, Highland cattle are a true standout. Support your local farmers by choosing local products and savouring their exceptional taste.

leaner and more flavourful than traditional beef. It’s also rich in protein and iron. Many Highland cattle farmers allow their herds to graze freely and feed them exclusively on grass. The result is a balanced and highly marbled product.

Highland beef stands out for being

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A focus on animal welfare

Farmers who raise Highland beef place a strong emphasis on animal welfare, advocating for the respectful treatment of animals from birth to slaughter. Many invite customers to visit their farms and allow them to observe the animals in a healthy, stress-free environment that reflects responsible farming practices. From farm to fork, Highland cattle are a true standout. Support your local farmers by choosing local products and savouring their exceptional taste.

ADAPTED TO THE CLIMATE
TASTY MEAT
Clams
Oysters

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