VOL. 73 NO. 6
73 YEARS OF SERVING THE COMMUNIT Y WEDNESDAY, February 5, 2020 The Only Locally Owned News & Adver tising Media in Vegreville .
Explosion Rocks Full Throttle Truck & Trailer Repair
Shortly before 9:30 a.m. Monday morning there was an explosion at Full Throttle Truck & Trailer in Vegreville. (Michelle Pinon/Photos)
Michelle Pinon News Advertiser Around 9:30 a.m. Monday, Feb. 3 a loud boom could be heard throughout the downtown core of Vegreville. A plume of smoke was rising from a hole in the roof of
Full Throttle Truck & Trailer Repair at 4834-50 Avenue. Employees calmly walked outside to the muster point while emergency crews were dispatched. Wood & Garden Estates resident Lance Hiscock was having his
morning coffee “when the entire trailer shook� and he came outside to investigate. Eyewitness Brian Shtokal was about to exit the Co-op parking lot when he saw something
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Hockey rules in Vegreville
Family Literacy Day Carnival
See page 7 for story
See page 18 for story
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RCMP files from January 27 - February 2 Arthur Beaudette News Advertiser
January 27
13:26 – Report of a suspicious male walking around and looking at vehicles in Vegreville. Members patrolled the area but were unable to locate the subject of the complaint. 15:46 – EMS requested assistance with a patient who appeared to be intoxicated. It was later determined that the patient was having a diabetes related medical emergency. Members attended and also ensured the individual’s dog and car were taken care of. 22:13 – Traffic stop conducted and a Defect Notice (warning) was issued to the driver for illegal window tint.
January 28
Svitlo Ukrainian Dancers Host Page 8
17:52 – Report of an ongoing neighbour dispute. The complainant reports that the neighbour is using power from an outdoor outlet. The complainant stated that the neighbour had been spoken to, but the issue has continued. Members attended and spoke to the subject of the complaint who admitted to plugging in to the neighbour’s outlet but thought they were OK with it. The complainant did not want to charge the neighbour and was fine with a warning.
intoxicated male who reported to possibly be intoxicated and violent. Members attended and the grossly intoxicated male was co-operative and transported to hospital by EMS for further treatment.
January 30
14:01 – Report of the burning of hay bales in the County of Minburn. Approximately 24 round straw bales were burnt within the last 11 days. Under investigation.
January 31
10:37 – Complainant called to report stalking and harassing behavior via Facebook, text messages and phone calls. The complainant requested that the police contact the subject of the complaint and provide a warning. They did not want to proceed with charges. Members spoke with the subject and provided a verbal warning as requested. 12:07 – Report of multiple catalytic converters stolen from commercial vehicles. Investigation ongoing.
January 29
Local 4-H Clubs Curling Day Page 15
07:50 – Report of 3 horses on 857 near Vegreville. The reporting party indicates that he has them in the “vet pen” but did not know who they belonged to. Members located the owner who indicated that they would retrieve the horses and check the fence. 10:52 – Report of attempted theft of a catalytic converter from a vehicle in Vegreville. 11:55 – Report of a SCAM of $400 of Google Play cards. The complainant had been contacted and told that her Social Insurance Number had been used in illegal activity. The complainant had purchased cards at multiple locations and provided the numbers for $400 in cards. One of the locations recognized this as a SCAM and called the Vegreville RCMP. At one point, the complainant received a call from a number with the FAKE caller ID of the RCMP. 16:43 – Complainant called to report a vehicle that was driving recklessly. After passing the vehicle the subject of the complaint appeared to be following her. When she proceeded to her rural property in Minburn County, the subjects (2 occupants) stopped at the end of her driveway where the driver got out, then got back in the vehicle and left. 15:58 – Call to assist EMS with an
15:55 – Report of the theft of a cell phone and other items from a vehicle in downtown Vegreville. The complainant stated that when coming out of the business she noticed her unlocked car door open and the items missing. 21:48 – While on patrol, members noted a vehicle in a parking lot with expired license plates. The vehicle was towed. 22:41 – Complainant called to report that her 30-year-old adult son is intoxicated and breaking things in the house. Members attended and the subject of the complaint willingly left the residence. 22:57 – Members responded to the report of a male yelling in a back alley in Vegreville. Members attended and found a known male who was grossly intoxicated, and bleeding from his hands and head. The individual was uttering threats & racial slurs, screaming and combative. Members trans-
ported the subject to the hospital for treatment. When at the hospital, the subject continued with threats to the hospital staff and attempted to assault RCMP members. The subject was arrested and once cleared by hospital staff was lodged in cells until sober.
February 1
00:30 – Anonymous complaint of an underaged individual inside a Vegreville drinking establishment. Members attended and did not locate anyone underage but did discuss the concern with the owner. 10:33 – Call received from a male asking him for help to move out after having a fight with his spouse. Members attended (no to help move furniture) and observed minor injuries to both parties. The female was transported to hospital and both parties were charged with assault and released with documents for court and appropriate conditions of no contact with each other. *** RCMP does NOT provide moving services. 13:43 – Call for assistance from St. Joseph’s Hospital was received when a MHA (Mental Health Act) patient left without being discharged. The hospital was concerned with the patient’s wellbeing. Members attended and convinced the subject to return to the hospital. 17:42 – Report of a known male with face tattoos looking in windows the night before. Members determined that this subject was also part of a complaint the night before when the subject was arrested. 20:57 – While on patrol, members conducted a traffic stop and determined that the driver was suspended as a result of a previous impaired driving charge. The vehicle was towed and seized for 30 days and additional charges were levied.
February 2
11:16 – Report of a cut fence at a Vegreville business. Items were stolen from inside the fence. Under investigation. 20:40 – Report of theft from a Vegreville business. 3 unknown youth entered the business and stole multiple items. Under investigation.
During the week there were 85 calls for service made in total including: 1 false alarm, 1 false 911, 2 animal strikes and 21 tickets from traffic enforcement. Have questions about the blotter? Reach out to us at blotter@newsadvertiser.com and we will do our best to provide answers to your queries.
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Local Municipalities losing Millions of Dollars Michelle Pinon News Advertiser Local municipalities continue to lose millions of dollars in tax revenue because oil and gas companies are unwilling or unable to pay their property taxes. Having lost a sizable chunk of change in recent years, several counties in this region are being hard pressed to make up for the significant shortfall in revenue. Dwight Hopper, Taxation-Assessment Co-ordinator with Minburn County, said: “The municipality has lost approximately $3.35 million in unpaid property taxes from oil and gas companies since 2015. The number includes over $1 million in current taxes from the 2019 tax year which closed on Oct. 31. But what’s more troubling is that a large portion of this amount is owed by companies that are still in operation; not bankrupt. And this is a trend.” He went on to say, “Council has made a conscious effort to limit property tax increases in such an economy, and instead has been focused on operational efficiencies and cost savings. However, given the ongoing trend of tax delinquency, in addition to downloading of costs and funding cuts by the provincial government, the county may have to look at service reductions in the near future. The county hopes the province takes action on companies that willingly neglect tax obligations, since this essentially pushes further burden onto other property owners and sets a poor precedent.” The county estimates that it has almost 200 abandoned wells. There are 33 wells listed to be abandoned by the provincial Orphan Wells program. “We are concerned about the environmental liability these create for agricultural landowners.” Margaret Jones, Assistant Chief Operating Officer with Beaver County, said the municipality has lost approxi-
mately $3.9 million in tax revenue from oil and gas companies in the past two to three years and has dipped into reserves to cover the shortfall. As of Dec. 31, 2019 the county had $1.6 million of uncollected taxes that fiscal year. “We used grants and reserves to cover this interim budget to maintain services as closely as we can.” Although the decision to use reserves doesn’t currently affect the day to day operations of the county, Jones said it would affect its long range program and the results it would like to achieve in the future. Jones said they were starting to make adjustments to levels of service, and council has begun the process of priority based budgeting in 2020. “In the Fall we worked on a strategic plan, focusing on goals for the future. And now, administration has developed a program inventory and our best estimate at this time of what those programs will cost.” Over the next couple of months council will be dedicating time at each council meeting to go through the program inventory list to get a clear understanding of the level of service each program provides to ratepayers, what it costs to deliver those programs, and decide if they want to continue delivering those programs. There may be a public engagement process after that depending on what they want to adjust to those programs, and then make a final decision.” Jones said there was also a reduction in assessment on oil and gas properties by the province this year. “That is provincially regulated and we have to follow the rules.” She believes all municipalities want the government to strike a reasonable balance on the review of tax assessments and the needs of municipalities. “At the very least, tax recovery rules need to be reviewed.” She would like to see mechanisms put in place that would force oil and gas companies to pay their taxes.
On Jan. 27 members of Lamont County council held a special meeting to discuss its options, and agreed to cancel the property taxes levied and write off more than $2.8 million. While the county can apply under two provincial programs for funding to offset some the losses in tax revenue, that would only amount to just over $291,000; and there is no guarantee they’ll receive those monies. Roberta Malysh, Chief Financial Officer for Lamont County, stated in a report to council that: “Lamont County has exhausted all avenues of legal appeal to enforce the municipalities’ standing as a preferred creditor as intended by the Alberta Municipal Government Act (MGA). Under the MGA, counties do not have the authority to forgive properties taxes, but counties have the authority to cancel or refund all or part of a tax. According to a recent survey conducted by the Rural Municipalities of Alberta (RMA), approximately $173 million in property taxes are currently
owed to rural municipalities by oil and gas companies. Al Kemmere, President of the RMA, said there has been “all kinds of reaction” to those survey results, and in turn has resulted in a future meeting with the Minister of Municipal Affairs Kaycee Mandu that will be held mid to late February. “That’s been a positive development.” As well, Kemmere said will be meeting with representatives of the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers to discuss the situation and see if they can come up with some solutions going forward. The RMA is currently conducting zone meetings throughout the province in order to share and gather information as well as discuss issues currently facing its member municipalities. The RMA Spring Convention & Trade Show will be held from March 16-18 in Edmonton. Various ministers and government officials will be in attendance which will allow local elected officials
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Coronavirus - The Cat is Out of the Bag Arthur Beaudette News Advertiser - Opinion News watchers around the world are keeping a close eye on the coronavirus. Still in its relative infancy, the impact of the current outbreak is already far reaching and significant. Stock markets are falling, travel is being restricted and some people are just showing how terrible they are by spreading lies and prejudice. What some people do not realize is that a coronavirus is not new. Human coronaviruses were first identified in the mid1960s and there are seven variants that can infect people. In fact the Centre for Disease Control (CDC) states that there are four variants of coronavirus that people around the world commonly get infected with. The current variant is new and identified as 2019-nCoV and is thought to have evolved from a virus that infected animals to make people sick. Chinese authorities identified this outbreak in Wuhan City in China. In 2003 there was the SARS outbreak. This was also a coronavirus strand and spread worldwide. As of Monday, CNN reported the death toll has overtaken the 2003 SARS infection in mainland China which was at 349 deaths at the time of writing. There is still a lot that is not known about 2019-nCoV spreads however there are a few key things that have the
interest of the medical community. It is thought that the virus is spread like influenza when someone coughs or sneezes and someone else in close contact (about six feet) to others. It is not yet known if a person can get infected by touching a surface that has the virus on it. Another curious trait is that with most respiratory viruses people are most contagious when they are the sickest. However, with 2019-nCoV there have been reports of the infection being spread from patients with no symptoms. There’s is still much to learn. As mentioned by one of our readers, Fred Duckett, it is likely that the virus will spread despite travel restrictions. The Spanish flu in 1918 (when air travel was nowhere near as prevalent) infected about 500 million and killed an estimated 20 - 50 million people. It was first observed in Europe and within months spread across the globe. The Mayor of Wuhan estimated that it’s possible 5 million people may have left the city before restrictions were imposed. The first 30 days of the 2019-nCoV virus has seen it leave China and now we have more than 17,300 cases reported in 25 countries. As John Hopkins Center for Health Security researcher, Eric Toner - M.D., stated, “Probably, the cat’s already out of the bag.” Their computer simulation has
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Alberta Municipalities facing a Monumental Challenge “You can’t wring money from a stone”. That was the response Premier Kenney provided when asked by the Rural Municipalities Association for help with a massive shortfall facing their members. According to the RMA, oil and gas companies owe about $173 million in property taxes to rural municipalities. This comes after the province sliced property tax assessments for shallow gas producers by 35% last year. That will continue this year. This comes after the Alberta Government trumpeted the addition of 300 RCMP officers in a “partnership” between the province, Federal Government and rural municipalities. The problem is that the province isn’t providing any money. Instead they are downloading the cost to municipalities. It is unclear how many new officers will go to each detachment. More money doesn’t necessarily mean more boots on the ground. Larger centres won’t feel the pinch of additional policing costs, but they will be heavily impacted by a 48% increase in the amount of fine revenue the province takes (it was 27%,
LETTER TO THE EDITOR - CONTINUED ON PAGE 5 Name: Pat Dobush Occupation: semi-retired pharmacist Likes: my family and friends Dislikes: smoking, bad weather during harvest time.
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Local Municipalities - CONTINUED from PAGE 3 and administrators the chance to discuss the issues facing them. In total, there are 69 member municipalities that belong to the RMA. Fort Saskatchewan-Vegreville MLA Jackie Armstrong-Homeniuk stated: “There are ongoing conversations between the government and the Rural Mural Municipalities of Alberta to
determine the best path forward. In the first quarter of the year, the government will be bringing forward a suite of policies, covering the entire lifecycle of wells, which deal with well licences and liabilities. Further to this, the government has stated that should the federal government rebate Alberta a portion of what
we have paid into equalization, through the reform of the fiscal stabilization program, that this one-time payment could potentially be put towards a well reclamation program that can help to clean up abandoned wells and put Albertans to work in the process.”
LETTER TO THE EDITOR- CONTINUED from PAGE 5 now 40%). It’s estimated that this will cost the City of Camrose $250,000. Plus the amount of money the province provides municipalities to assist with infrastructure has been reduced as the MSI program is phased out to be replaced by a long term funding framework. This change is being made despite the commitments many municipalities have already made to multi-year capital projects. Alberta’s two largest cities, Edmonton and Calgary signed City Charters with the previous government. Those Charters have both been canceled despite the promise by the UCP to keep them in place. This is not how a province works.
Investors don’t see a jurisdiction ripping up agreements as a stable investing environment. Further, the financial challenges municipalities are facing may force some to throw in the towel and dissolve. The UCP government vowed to work together with municipalities if they formed government. Unfortunately, Municipal Affairs Minister Kaycee Madu has traded barbs in the media on a regular basis with the Mayors of Edmonton and Calgary. There is a better way to make this relationship work. The Alberta Party would build bridges and strengthen relationships to help all Albertans get through the
tough times ahead. Alberta needs a fresh approach. Kevin Smook Alberta Party Critic for Municipal Affairs ----------------------------------------------It is interesting to me that “You can’t wring money from a stone”, yet as reported in the Calgary Herald, the Former CEO of Crescent Point Energy, Scott Saxberg, received a severance package worth more than $15 million when he left in 2016. Clearly there is money in some stones but not others. –AB (Arthur Beaudette)
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from the pages of the vegreville observer
Compiled by Dan Beaudette
90 Years Ago – February 5, 1930
Elections loom up next Monday in the municipal field, although both school boards get away with acclamations. Mayor J.B. Holden and Ex-councillor Hugh Rose will go to the mat in the mayoralty. Council nominees are numerous and of good calibre. W.H. Laurenceson, who had already served some eight years on the council, was nominated but has withdrawn. Councillor Joe Shaw, who has a fine record of service behind him has his hat in the ring. Newcomers to the municipal field are Louis Knies, Henry L. Bender, Clayton T. Third, and Charles Hayter. There are just 3 to be elected, so the picking is good. These days of heavy snowfalls and drifted trails have been taxing the ingenuity of car owners, but as always happens, men rise to the occasion. It is now a common sight to see a car fearlessly attacking a four foot snow bank and if it fails in the attack the carful of men, armed with shovels, mercilessly asail the drift, and in a short time they have conquered the obstacle and sail merrily away, looking for new snow banks to conquer.
75 Years Ago – February 7, 1945
While Pte. Charles G. Rattray, M.M. has been home for a couple of weeks and has been receiving a warm welcome from his hosts of friends in Vegreville, Lavoy and the district generally, the Observer did not get hold of him till last weekend to extract any information from him. He saw all of his active service in the Sicilian and Italian campaigns and is not by any means in love with either Sicily or Italy. But, as a good soldier, he was right on the job. Retiring President Little of the Vegreville Chamber of Commerce thanked the members for their co-operation throughout the year just closed, and stated that while there had not been as many meetings held during the year, due to a variety of circumstances, as he would have liked, individually and collectively the members had worked hard to promote the interests of Vegreville and District. President John Decore thanked the Chamber for confidence displayed and assured the members he would do all in his power to make the year 1945 a success and solicited the kindly support of all. Warrant Officer C.J. Brennan of Vegreville, who has been overseas with the R.C.A.F. in the party returning home in the near future. The Promotion of Cpl. Rose Ellen Farrell to the rank of Sergeant in the Canadian Women’s’ Army Corps has been announced at Headquarters, M.D. 13, Calgary. Sgt. Farrell, whose home is in Vegreville, enlisted in the C.W.A.C. on November 5th, 1942. Joyce Roberta Jonas of Inland, has been promoted to rank of Corporal in the Canadian Women’s Army Corps, it was announced recently at Headquarters, M.D. 13, Calgary. Cpl. Jonas enlisted on March 2nd, 1943.
50 Years Ago – February 5, 1970
The Vegreville Kinsmen Club held a very successful Radio Auction and report that the bidding was in excess of what they expected. Mr. C.G. Davey, Superintendent of the Province of Alberta Treasury Branches, announces the appointment of Mr. R.E. Charbonneau as manager of the Vegreville Treasury Branch. Mr. Charbonneau, formerly with the Credit Department, Treasury Branch Head Office in Edmonton, brings 11 years’ experience in the financial field to his new position. A Vegreville rink made up of John Pylpiuk, Jo Brault, Bob Jeffrey and Sheila Pylpiuk lost out in the finals of the mixed curling bonspiel on Sunday to a Fort Saskatchewan rink.
25 Years Ago - February 7, 1995
Several communities targeted to lose acute care facilities are scrambling to come up with counter proposals. Last week, a draft discussion paper was released by the Lakeland Regional Health Authority, proposing to turn nine of the region’s 16 hospitals in community health centres. This means hospitals in Mundare, Willingdon, Two Hills, Lamont, Redwater, Myrnam, Glendon, Vilna and Elk Point would lose acute care services. Acute care services would remain in Vegreville, Ft. Saskatchewan, Smoky Lake, Lac La Biche, St. Paul, Bonnyville and Cold Lake. Advanced technology is allowing Oliver Gara to make himself more marketable. Gara, who runs a small cow-calf operation near Vegreville, also is pursuing a certificate in business administration from Lakeland College. However, he neither has to be away from his family or farm to reach his goal, thanks to audio graphics teleconferencing in place at the college’s Vegreville campus. Five skaters from the Vegreville Figure Skating Club attended the third annual Skate by the Lake competition in Bonnyville January 28-29. Cheri Robert placed first in preliminary freeskate and second in preliminary elements. Amber Tuck placed third in pre-preliminary freeskate. Dani Keller, Danielle Fisher and Ashley BremerHerzog also attended the competiton.
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. The Vegreville News Advertiser reserves the right to withhold letters from publication.
CPP doesn’t need to be overhauled, it needs to be killed
By Matthew Lau Research Associate Frontier Centre for Public Policy As the calendar flipped to 2020, the federal government again made the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) tax more expensive, even though CPP doesn’t help the economy or workers. The combined employee and employer contribution rate has risen from 10.2 per cent in 2019 to 10.5 per cent this year, while the maximum taxable amount (but not the exemption amount) has also gone up. This means workers at all incomes will pay more. For example, for those earning $58,700 or more annually, the combined employee and employer CPP tax hike will be $298 in 2020. It’s the second of five annual planned increases; by 2023, the CPP tax is scheduled to rise to 11.9 per cent. Unfortunately, expanding CPP does no good for the economy and workers – indeed, the entire plan is a bad idea. The claim from the Liberal government that expanding CPP helps workers save for retirement is false. CPP is a pay-as-you-go plan, meaning that workers paying into it aren’t really saving for their retirements – their CPP taxes are instead used mostly to pay benefits to current retirees. When today’s workers retire, the funding for their benefits will in turn rely on the next generation of workers’ taxes. But even if we suppose, incorrectly, that CPP was a program through which workers saved for their own retirements (instead of paying for somebody else’s), expanding it would still be foolish. Forcing all Canadians to save a certain percentage of their income is unfair and unreasonable.
Take for example a worker with a terminal illness who is not expected to live to retirement age. The federal government forces this worker to put aside 10.5 per cent of their income for retirement – savings that will prove worthless. How does this make sense? This example proves a more general point: the amount workers should save for their retirements depends on their circumstances and preferences. It’s preposterous to have a one-size-fits-all government approach to retirement savings for a diverse population of millions of workers. As American economist Milton Friedman put it: “Why is it that it is appropriate for government to tell me what fraction of my income I should save for my old age? If that’s okay, why can’t it come in and tell me exactly what fraction of my income I have to spend for food, what fraction for housing, what fraction for clothing?” Yet another problem with the government’s onesize-fits-all approach is that not everybody wants their money invested in the same way. Some Canadians might want their money invested in riskier assets with higher potential returns. Others might want to invest in safer assets, even if the expected returns are lower. Because of the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board’s active investment strategy, its costs are $3.3 billion per year or 0.83 per cent of assets. Many Canadians might prefer a passive investment strategy with much lower costs. When it comes to how and how much individual workers should save for retirement, the federal government doesn’t know better than Canadians themselves. By expanding CPP, the government is unfairly treating adult workers as if they were children, unable to make their own financial decisions. Matthew Lau is a research associate with the Frontier Centre for Public Policy.
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Hockey rules in Vegreville Michelle Pinon News Advertiser
Go Wranglers Go! The boisterous chanting echoed from the home team’s bench, and got all of the initiation hockey players fired up during the opening game of their day long tournament on Saturday, Feb. 1. Resounding cheering and clapping could also be heard from the bleachers across the ice by family members who came from near and far to see the players, who range from four to six years, give it their all. Vegreville fielded two of the eight teams. Altogether there were 125 players circling on and off the ice throughout the day. Tournament Organizer Kaylee Pipke said there are a lot of players on each of the rosters, and having three games in one day gave all of them many chances to play, and allow them to continue improving their skills on the ice. For the legion of fans, the action was thoroughly entertaining; and for the kids, it was good old fashioned fun. “The kids just want to skate and have fun.” Pipke said the players skills are “quickly progressing” and she is extremely impressed by that since several of the players have never skated before. “The first years’ are doing really well,” said Pipke. The second and third year players make up the other team, and demonstrated more advanced skating, shooting, passing skills. But the most important thing was to have fun. Prizes, raffles, medals made things even more fun for the youngsters. The coaches offered encouragement, advice and hugs for the players. “It takes a special person to coach these guys,” said hockey mom Jill Morrow. In fact her son Blake had been counting down the number of sleeps before the tournament began. “They’re having fun.” The kids get to hang out with their friends and enjoy all of the fun things that go along with it, added Jill. Great Grandma Evelyn Wolinski, with her son Gregg and his wife Lori, and Great Auntie Christine Harding and her husband, were cheering on five-year-old Nash, son of Sean and Laurel LaFrance. Grandpa Gregg could see a big improvement in the players skating since the beginning of the season. He said the tournament was a really nice thing for the players. “The kids are giving it their all.” When Nash comes over to visit, there’s hockey in the basement, with Nash firing shots away at Grandma Lori. “I call it Baba’s Bootcamp,” says Lori, who makes sure to incorporate some dryland training in between games. Lori, a competitive runner, beamed with pride when she talked about Nash running in a five kilometre race with her this past summer. Nash’s Dad Sean built him a rink in the backyard, and they all love watching Nash play. “He enjoys the game. He always says he wants to be a goalie,” added Gregg, with his parents “trying
The Vegreville Wranglers Team 2 faced off against the Tofield Titans Team 1 during the opening game of the tournament.
to talk him out of it” as goalie equipment is much more expensive than regular hockey equipment. Interestingly enough though, Gregg said his parents have already purchased goalie equipment for Nash. Auntie Christine’s two sons Cameron and Craig both played hockey, and went through all levels in the minor hockey system. She said it was a great experience, and taught the boys discipline, teamwork, sportsmanship and dedication which continue to serve them well in their adult lives. Hockey was also a great way to meet new people, and get to know the community, when they left home. “I used to figure skate, and I played a bit of hockey,” said Christine. She encourages all hockey parents to strap on the skates to really experience what it’s like for the kids. Lori added that, “It’s important to keep the fun in the sport.” But no matter who’s playing, the entire family are behind each other 100 per cent. “It’s so exciting and special for them.”
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Svitlo Ukrainian Dancers host Razom 2020 the Ukrainian ancestors through artistry and athleticism. A total of 36 dance families gathered for the celebration. One of those families was the Hudema family. Jerry and Audrey Hudema came out to support their five-year-old granddaughter Shelby Crowther. Jerry
“She loves performing and all of the dancers feed off their energy…There’s a lot of encouragement and camaraderie.” Christel said there is a lot of interaction with the older dancers, who are great role models for the younger dancers. Christel said the kids are learning so much more than dancing as they learn about history and culture, as well as language as several of the dancers are part of the Ukrainian bilingual program at A.L. Horton School. Great Grandma Anne Skolski was in attendance with her daughter Pat and her husband Orest Yackimec who came to support their son Shane and his wife Raeanne. The shining stars of the family were Paisley and Beckett. There was no mistaking the love in their eyes and the happiness in their hearts, and to see and feel their grandchildren’s enthusiasm for Ukrainian dancing. It was the same for all of the families as they watched the happy, nervous and excited dancers perform All of the performers with the Svitlo Ukrainian Dancers impressed the audience of 320 people during Razom 2020. on stage. The dancers will be preparing for said it was about 20 years ago when he saw his daugh- festivals in St. Paul and Camrose this year. They are Around 320 people enjoyed stellar performances ter Holly dance. Holly was in attendance with her also looking forward to performing for the large by all 46 of the dancers who depicted the story of husband Kendall Warawa for the celebration. crowds at the Pysanka Festival in Vegreville July 3-6. Former college buddies David Sen, Michael But for now, they enjoyed soaking in the atmosphere, Budd and Curtis Bohn have been attending dining on great Ukrainian fare and hitting the big the event since 2002. David, who is married to dance floor to enjoy the sounds of Millenia. Christel, were cheering on their daughter Members of the organizing committee included: Sydney. “It’s a great social event,” said David. Patricia Shewchuk, Roxy Weleschuk, Christel Sen and Christel said Sydney is enjoying her first year Amanda Tymchuk. The ladies spent the last three of dance and has noticed her daughter has months planning the fundraiser, looking after all of become more social, is making new friends, the details and fine tuning everything it entails to learning dance skills and gaining confidence. make it extra special.
Michelle Pinon News Advertiser The history, music and culture of the Ukrainian people was brought to life by members of the Svitlo Ukrainian Dancers during Razom 2020 at the Vegreville Social Centre.
COUNTY OF MINBURN NO. 27
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY Agricultural Service Board Summer Students
The County of Minburn #27 would like to invite applications for two Agricultural Service Board Summer Students. This is a seasonal position beginning approximately May 1, 2020 and ending approximately August 31, 2020. Job duties will include coordination of weed control activities on Public and private land, obtaining easements from landowners, performing herbicide applications, conducting field surveys for crop disease and insects, and other related duties. Applicants should have excellent personal skills and keen interest in agricultural practices. A general knowledge of equipment repair and maintenance would also be an asset. Preference will be given but not limited to a post secondary student currently enrolled in an Agriculture related program. Interested candidates may submit a resume and references to the undersigned by February 28, 2020. Austin Borysiuk • Assistant Agricultural Fieldman • Agricultural Service Board Office County of Minburn #27 • Box 550, Vegreville, Alberta • T9C – 1R6 aborysiuk@minburncounty.ab.ca • Telephone: Office 780-632–4033 • Cell 780-581-5984
COUNTY OF MINBURN NO. 27
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY HERBICIDE APPLICATOR The County of Minburn #27 would like to invite applications for the position of Herbicide Applicator. This is a seasonal position beginning approximately May 1, 2020 and ending approximately September 30, 2020. Job duties include herbicide application of road allowance and spot treatment of noxious weeds. Applicants will be required to attend training to obtain a valid Alberta Pesticide Applicators license. A general knowledge of equipment repair and maintenance would also be an asset. Interested candidates may submit a resume and references to the undersigned by February 28, 2020. Austin Borysiuk • Assistant Agricultural Fieldman • Agricultural Service Board Office County of Minburn #27 • Box 550, Vegreville, Alberta • T9C – 1R6 aborysiuk@minburncounty.ab.ca • Telephone: Office 780-632–4033 • Cell 780-581-5984
FEBRUARY 5, 2020
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Minute To Win It Rosanne Fortier News Correspondent Children learned the importance of mindfulness and teamwork in a fun way at the Minute To Win It: Five Senses Edition program at the Vegreville Centennial Library recently. Ment a l Hea lt h Capability Building (MHCB) Vegreville partnered with Vegreville Centennial Library to present this program which had 15 children from the ages of eight to 13 participating in it. Kirstin McSveen, Program
A participant from the Shafanial team tries to toss as many balls as he can into a cup. (Rosanne Fortier/photo)
Manager for MHCB said they were doing a version of mindfulness for Minute to Win It where participants used their five senses: sight, hearing, smell, and taste. They did the sense of touch in combination with the other senses. “We did mindfulness because it teaches children about living in the present moment where they had to concentrate on each of their senses. We turned it into a fun game and made it educational. As well, participants practiced working as a team together.”
Participates had a minute to complete each game. Some of the challenges were a sound game where one kid had to guess what the sound the other kid was making was; another challenge was where children had to guess what the smell was in the various cups. The games didn’t have any prizes except the team who won received bragging rights. At the end, points were also given to the team which did the best team work together.
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Monday Game Night Rosanne Fortier News Correspondent
Vegreville Bowling Lanes is now hosting Monday Game Night. Every Monday evening adults can come in and play card and board games for free. The first session was held on January 20. Corinne Audy, owner of Vegreville Bowling Lanes and patron Marti Payne are cohosts for this event. Audy said they decided to have this game night because people need an opportunity to mix together in Vegreville.
“We are open to all kinds of games. The whole idea behind it is to give people a chance to meet people and make new friends. It’s pretty free flowing. People can teach each other about games they know or they can play their own game. We want to give people a chance to have some oldfashion fun that they can enjoy with others and at the same time, it gives them a break from being around technology,” Audy mentioned. Payne feels it is important they hold this game night because it is nice for people to
go out and playing games with others. It keeps their mind alert and gives them a chance to do something that is interactive. Then it is nice to get to know more people rather than just sit at home and watch television. “The bowling alley is my place because it doesn’t matter if a person is playing bowling or participating in game night, being here feels like a person is with their family,” added Payne.
Participants teach each other different board games. (Rosanne Fortier/photo)
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Eeyore Themed Drop-In Program at PLC Rosanne Fortier News Correspondent Vegreville and Area Parent Link Centre (PLC) used the character from Winnie the Pooh, Eeyore to teach about sadness to the children at the Eeyore Themed Drop-In program on January 31. PLC Community Programmer Litania Holyk said they used this character for the theme because it was a sad themed day and Eeyore was kind of like a sad character in Winnie the Pooh. At this program, there was an Eeyore craft and there were also some Eeyore’s quotes on a board for the parents to read to their children. Also available was ‘Donut Be Sad Chocolate Donuts’ which the kids were able to decorate for the snack. As well, Holyk read the children a story about being sad. “Sadness is one of those emotions which people don’t usually want to acknowledge. It also fits in with the Bell-Let’s Talk Week as well as it is about raising awareness about mental health because if we don’t deal with and handle emotions, they can escalate,” Holyk added.
Phoenix with her daughter, Megan. (Rosanne Fortier/photo)
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Two Hills County Resident left in the Lurch Michelle Pinon News Advertiser Two Hills county resident Dwight Popowich is among thousands of Albertans with oil and gas wells on their property that have been abandoned by industry giants, many of which have claimed bankruptcy in recent years. Not only has Popowich, who owns 75 acres of land near Two Hills, been financially left in the lurch by Sequoia Energy that went bankrupt in March of 2018; he’s been left in limbo by the province’s energy regulator which has yet to transfer the license of the shallow gas well over to the Orphan Well Association, (OWA), which manages the closure and reclamation of oil and gas wells and pipelines in Alberta. “I never heard if the well would be cleaned up. No one’s checked on it. I don’t know if it’s safe or leaking,” stated Popowich, who feels his health and safety have been put at risk because the well has been abandoned. “Under the law, every well has to have a licensed operator in charge of it and an emergency response plan to take care of all the neighbours, but nothing and no one
is looking after it.” Popowich said, “The minute the license was pulled by the Alberta Energy Regulator, (AER), it should have been
turned over to Orphan Well Association, which was set up to take care of exactly this problem. Oil and gas companies pay levies to the Orphan Well Association. The problem is our AER,
ALPN Research Regan Boychuk and Dr. David Swann speak to the media regarding the issue of orphan wells and tax payments outside McDougall Centre in Calgary on Jan. 22.
as incompetent as it is, did not take enough money on deposit to get the job done. As the money from companies became less and less, there weren’t levies being paid to the association to take of the problem. In addition, Popowich said no timelines were put in place by the AER to ensure those well sites get cleaned up. There’s no way the system is working. A few years ago the government had to borrow $235 million just clean up what they (OWA) had in their inventory. And then came along Sequoia and their 2,300 wells, and those wells haven`t been added to the OWA. We’re talking thousands and thousands of wells and no money to pay for it.” In my case it`s really not an orphan well. Even though Sequoia has gone bankrupt, Popowich said the AER has the
authority to transfer the license back to the original owner, Perpetual Energy, and get the company to pay for the expenses associated with reclamation of the well. “We know who the owner of the well is, or who the mother of this is well is, and that’s Perpetual Energy. They’re the ones who drilled it, and under polluter pay regulations it’s up to them to clean it up.” Popowich said he wasn’t aware Perpetual Energy had sold the well to Sequoia until his yearly lease payment of $2,500 didn`t arrive in 2017. It wasn’t until the Spring of 2018 that he heard the news announcement that Sequoia had filed for bankruptcy. In his opinion, “The AER should not have transferred the license from Perpetual Energy to Sequoia as it was not in the best interest of the province. It was only in interest of Perpetual as it got rid of some of their liability. It’s the closest thing to fraud that was legitimized by the regulator. The regulator was the one that was supposed to protect this from happening, and they haven`t done that. The people of Alberta need to understand what is really happening with their regulator. They have been captured by the industry, and industry is calling the shots. It`s a bizarre situation. Once the lease was signed they treated us as if we died. That we don`t exist. We have no rights to the property any longer. It’s expropriation of our land. We’re paid for the loss of the use of our land. Offsets come into play so as long as a well or pipeline is still in the ground, it puts restrictions on the land and the landowner. Even if well was abandoned and reclaimed there would be restrictions on the use and development of the land. We have no property rights. That’s really what this issue is all about.” Popowich said the situation has created a “snowball effect” and rural municipalities now facing serious financial issues because oil and gas companies haven’t paid their taxes. “My councillor has told me my taxes are going to go up and services go down in order to make up for the shortfall. And then there’s the amount money that`s being pulled out of the local economy, in the millions of dollars, because these payments are not being paid to us (property owners); and we can’t spend money what we don`t have locally.” Popowich went on to say, “We’re tak-
TWO HILLS - CONTINUED ON PAGE 20
THINK
BIG SELL BIG
T PRINPY &CO NTER CE
WIDE FORMAT PRINTING
FEBRUARY 5, 2020
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Spruce View Charolais wins Breeder of the Year Award
Pictured from left to right: Lyle Lakusta(son),Larissa MacIsaac (daughter) Effie and Lorne Lakusta, Bob Burla (Alta Charolais Asssoc director), Stephen Cholak (Alberta Charolais Association president).
Alberta Charolais Association December 12, 2019 was a very special and memorable night for the Lakustas’ of Spruce View Charolais from Andrew. They were presented with the prestigious purebred Charolais Breeder of the Year award voted on by the Alberta Charolais Association (ACA) membership. The awards night was held in conjunction with the 60th anniversary of the ACA held in Red Deer. Spruce View Charolais was established by Lorne’s father Syl in 1984, and the family operation took off from there. Spruce View Charolais are located south of Andrew and is operated by Lorne and Effie Lakusta, with their son Lyle, and daughter Larissa MacIsaac and husband Matt. You will probably remember the Lakusta name as they were long time members of the North Central Alta Charolais Breeders group, consigning bulls and females to the
annual sales at Nilsson Bros Clyde. In order to share their genetic program, the Lakustas’ have tried to consign top females into various fall female sales as well as selling packages off farm. Spruce View Charolais have marketed their genetics across Canada, into the USA, Mexico as well as China. This has allowed them to meet so many great cattle people in the Charolais industry. Since the Lakustas’ start calving in April, they only market two-year-old bulls, making them one of the largest two-year-old bull marketers offering 50-55 bulls annually. They feel that their customers prefer the extra aged bulls since they can cover more cows and stand up much better. As well as solely marketing two-year-old bulls, the Lakustas’ raise the largest offering of Red Factor Charolais bulls in Northern Alberta from three different sire groups.
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Coronavirus - CONTINUED from PAGE 4 some frightening results. It is posited that this disease could kill 65 million people within 18 months if the conditions were right. Looking back at the Spanish flu, there were actually two waves. The first wave in the spring was not very impactful. The second came back with a vengeance and made history. It is important to NOT believe everything you read on the Internet. The Agence France-Presse (AFP) has fact checked and debunked a number of reports that are spreading. First, the claim that China had built a hospital to address the needs in 16 hours. When reverse image searches were done on some of the photos it was found that they were stock photographs from a manufacturer of modular buildings. Some of the other reports follow. Health experts in Sri Lanka refute claims of herbal cure for novel coronavirus. Australian health officials dismiss hoax report about new novel coronavirus case outside Sydney. There was a photo of people laying in the street “who died” from the new coronavirus in China, but the photo was actually from a 2014 art project in Germany. There were also
reports that Chinese ‘spies’ stole the virus from Canada. Also false. In short, don’t get your news from your social media feed or your friends on wing night. Despite the virus already being spread to 25 countries, Canadian officials as well as the World Health Organization (WHO) are downplaying situation stating that the risks to public health are low. Canada in particular has been slow to act on repatriating Canadians from China. In interviews they have stated they are “assessing the individual needs” of those who want to come home. Their individual need is that THEY WANT TO COME HOME! On Saturday, officials stated that Ottawa was going through a “deliberate process” to evacuate Canadians. In the meantime British, French, US and citizens from other countries have already arrived home and are being evaluated. Time will ultimately tell us the real truth. Is coronavirus 2019-nCoV a low risk or is the cat out of the bag? Tell me what you think. Email me at abletters@newsadvertiser.com
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MR. CLASSIFIED
Call toll free from anywhere in Alberta
1.800.522.4127 or fax to 780.632.7981
Ask the Guys Dear Classified Guys, I hate to admit it, but I've been around long enough to remember the switch from vinyl records to 8-track tapes. And as you know, that lead to cassette tapes, CD's and MP3's. Things seem to change faster than my suit styles (I have a collection of those as well). The same thing happened with computers. I can't tell you how many PC's I have in the closet, each outdating the other. When I upgrade, I can't bring myself to throw out the old. If you can't tell, I'm a collector of stuff. Granted, my first IBM XT computer with a 5¼" floppy drive isn't going to get internet access, but it does work. I tried it the other day for laughs. I've offered these things to my kids and grandkids, but no takers. I don't want to just throw them away or recycle them. How do I find someone who might be interested since most of them still work?
• • • Cash: Considering your collection, you already know that technology changes quickly. And with your habits, it's likely you still have some 70's leisure suits hiding in the closet as well. Carry: Unfortunately, unlike
Duane “Cash” Holze & Todd “Carry” Holze 02/01/15 02/02/20 ©The Classified Guys®
Fast Facts Trash Talk
Reader Humor Drink Mail
If you're like most people, you've had several cell phones in the past few years. The disposal of consumer electronics is a continual problem. Americans dispose of nealy 30 million TVs, 200 million computer products and more than 100 million cell phones and PDA's each year. Only about 20% of all those electronics are actually recycled. The rest are thrown in the landfill alongside typical kitchen garbage.
After my first day on a new job, a co-worker and I stopped by a nearby pub to celebrate. At the bar my new friend pulled out his cell phone, put it on the counter and placed his drink on top. Not sure what to think, I inquired about his strange coaster. "It never fails," he explained. "If I stop at a bar, my wife somehow knows to call and find out when I'll be home." Sure enough within minutes, the phone vibrated below his drink. "Aren't you going to answer it?" I asked. "Not until the fourth vibrate," he replied watching the glass. "If she's going to keep calling me, the least she can do is mix my drink!"
Phone Manners
fashion, your IBM XT is not likely to come back into style. And hopefully the 1970's polyester shirts won't either! Cash: Since most electronic devices change due to improvements rather than appearance, outdated equipment typically has limited use. Take televisions for example. While many of the cathode ray picture tubes still work perfectly fine, most people are craving a large-screen LCD or plasma television. Carry: Most computers follow similar trends, being obsolete by the time they're delivered to your door! And although your IBM XT may still work, most people wouldn't know what to do with it if it can't get email.
Cash: That's not to say that
your antiquated equipment can't find a home outside of your closet. Many people still have some use for older electronics. They may need them for parts or simply want them for their own collection! Carry: Place a classified ad offering your items to those interested and you're likely to have some options present themselves. For computers that are still usable by today's standards, consider donating them to schools or other local organizations who may use them for training purposes. Cash: And if you're successful in cleaning out your entire electronics closet, maybe you can work on your wardrobe closet next!
With the global increase in cell phone usage, telephone etiquette has gotten out of hand. It's common to overhear any number of private conversations while shopping, walking down the street or even watching a movie. According to an annual survey, cell phone etiquette is still evolving. The number of people who deem it acceptable to talk in restaurants is about 28% while calls on public transportation are okay but nearly 50%. Fortunately, people conversing during movies is only about 6%, but conversations in the supermarket are still acceptable by well over 50% of cell phone users. •
•
(Thanks to Stephen R.)
Laughs For Sale
•
Got a question, funny story, or just want to give us your opinion? Email us at: comments@classifiedguys.com.
This "flat screen" could use a diet. FOR SALE nitor. en mo 22" Fat Screondition. c In okay $45 needs TLC. Works, but
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ACCOMODATIONS Roommate Wanted. $600/mo. (negotiable) Non-tobacco smoker preferred. Must be good with dogs. Neil 780-632-6781
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For Rent: Main Street Vegreville store
Arlington Place (5333 – 49 Avenue) is a very clean and quiet building with respectful tenants. We have a (1) bedroom and (2) bedroom suite available. Rents are $725.00 to $775.00 and this includes heat and water. NS/NP. Contact Linda at 587-280-1727 or Murray at 780-603-7772 to view.
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COMPUTERS VM SYSTEMS Looking for a new computer? VM SYSTEMS has all you’ll ever need in computers! Installation – Sales – Service – Internet. One call will get you in touch. Phone 780-632-2859 9am – 5pm.
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Farm For Sale. 160 Acres 6 miles
2001 Buick Lesabre Custom Sedan; 4 door; 191,193km, Silver. Excellent Condition. Offers. PH: 780-632-3722
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Rare Super Charged 40th Anniversary Grand Prix. Loaded. $4700. Phone 780-994-3005
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2000 Windstar. Ex. engine & transmission. Body damage. For parts $750. 780-922-5999
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LIVESTOCK Replacement heifers for sale. Angus-Simmental Cross. Phone 780-764-4092 for more information. Please leave a message.
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RV Wanting to buy a Boler, Trillium, Scamp or Burro trailer a maximum of 13 ft. Can be a fixer upper if pest free. Phone 780-632-3453.
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1993 Chev 4x4 Ext Cab. For parts. $650. 780-922-5999 2006 Ford 4x4 Crew Cab. New tires. $4600. 780-994-3005 2004 Dodge Dakota 4x4 loaded, superb condition. Low km. $6,500. 780-632-3527. 2000 Dodge Dakota V8, 4x4, farm truck. $1600. 780-922-5999 2002 GMC 4x4 HD ¾ ton Service Truck 340k $3500 780-922-5999 1997 Ford 7.3 Diesel, 4 x 4, missing transmission. Nice deck, $2800. 780922-5999 2004 Chev 4 x 4, new t/case, canopy, $3200. PH: 780-994-3005 2002 F250 Crew cab, 7.3 diesel. Loaded. 410,000kms. $6500 PH: 780994-3005
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Local 4-H Clubs Curling Day a Sweeping Success
Local 4-Hers enjoyed the annual Curling Day event at the Two Hills Recreation Center on Jan. 3. (Submitted Photo)
Submitted The Two Hills 4-H District held its annual Curling Day at the Two Hills Recreation Center on Jan. 3. Clubs in attendance were:Two Hills Beef and Multi Club, Willingdon Multi Club and
Myrnam Beef and Multi Club. Members curled for a few hours, then enjoyed a pizza lunch together. After lunch, prizes were handed out to the winning teams. The event was topped off with a gift exchange that was enjoyed by all!
Explosion - CONTINUED from FRONT PAGE come through the roof, but didn’t know what it was. “I’ve never seen an explosion like that. I thought the building was on fire.” Vegreville Fire Chief Phil Rowe said crews came on scene at 9:38 a.m. The fire extinguished itself. No injuries were reported at the time of the explosion, but later one person was taken to hospital for observation. The cause of the explosion is undetermined. Rowe said it appeared a trailer was being worked on at the time of the explosion. Rowe, who is also the safety codes officer for the fire department, said that according to Section 40-2 of the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act employers must report serious inju-
ries or incidents if it: *results in a death *results in a worker being admitted to hospital *involves an unplanned or uncontrolled explosion, fire or flood that causes or may cause a serious injury *involves the collapse or upset of a crane, derrick or hoist *involves the collapse or failure of any component of a building or structure According to Trent Bancarz, media spokesman with Alberta Labour and Immigration, the incident was reported to the department, and an investigation is currently underway.
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Water Main Break in Vegreville
Tributes MEMORIAM
HOOK, Winnie November 13, 1920 - February 9, 2009 In loving memory of our dear mother and grandmother, Winnie Hook. Those we love don’t go away, They walk beside us every day, Unseen, unheard, but always near, Still loved, still missed, and very dear. Always a smile, instead of a frown, Always a hand, when one is down, Always true, thoughtful and kind, Wonderful memories she left behind. Softly the leaves of memory fall. Gently we gather, treasure them all, Some may forget now that you are gone, We will remember no matter how long. We miss you Mom, You were one of a kind. Always remembered and dearly missed, Albina, Daniel and Arthur Dianna, Mark, Nathaniel & Travis
HUMENIUK, Oksana February 6, 2012 A Tribute to Mother You can only have one mother Patient, kind and true No other friend in all the world will be the same to you. When other friends forsake you to mother you will turn For all her loving kindness she asks nothing in return. As I look upon her picture sweet memories I recall Of a face so full of sunshine and a smile for one and all. Sweet Jesus, take this message to my dear mother up above Tell her how I miss her and give her all my love. Love Shelley, Gerald & Lindsay
OBITUARY
HENNIG, Jason Colin November 7, 1972 -February 3, 2020 On Monday, February 3, 2020, Jason Colin Hennig of Andrew, Alberta passed away after a short courageous battle with cancer at the age of 47 years. Jason is survived by his step-children Adrian Rainer and Marinna Dyck along with his granddaughter Avery Dyck; mother Judy Radomsky; sisters Trina Hennig and Jolyne (Jeff) Kacuiba and their children Spencer and Tia; along with numerous relatives and friends. Jason was predeceased by his father Colin Hennig and cousin Raevon Hennig. Those who wish to pay their respects may do so on Saturday, February 8, 2020 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the Andrew Community Centre followed by a Christian Funeral Service at 11:00 a.m. officiated by Pastor Jeff Dul. Interment to follow in the Zawale United Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the charity of one’s choice. To send condolences, please visit www.autumnrosefuneralhome.com AUTUMN ROSE FUNERAL HOME LTD. VEGREVILLE,780-603-5800
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OBITUARY
OSTASHEK, Mary March 11, 1931 – January 28, 2020 On January 28, 2020, Mary Ostashek of Andrew, Alberta passed away peacefully with family by her side at the age of 88 years. Mary has resided in the Two Hills Long Term Care Centre for many years where she was very well taken care of. Mary is survived by her brothers Metro Zabrick of Victoria, B.C. and Jim “John” (Laura) Zabrick and her sister Jean Lamash both of Andrew; along with many nieces and nephews. Mary was predeceased by her husband Nick Ostashek; parents Wasyl and Rose Zebreck; sister Lena (Harry) Holowaychuk; brothers Nick (Anne) Zabrick and Jack “James” Zabrick; her friend Cecil Loomis. A Funeral Service was held on Saturday, February 1, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. at the Holy Trinity Orthodox Church of Sunland (RR161 & TWP RD 580 North of Andrew, AB) with Father Kolin Berglund officiating. Interment followed in the church cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the “Two Hills Resident Council Club -Two Hills Long Term Care” or to “Holy Trinity Orthodox Church Cemetery of Sunland.” To send condolences, please visit www.autumnrosefuneralhome.com AUTUMN ROSE FUNERAL HOME LTD. VEGREVILLE, 780-603-5800
NESTOROWICH, Annie (Pysklywyc) April 22, 1927 – January 31, 2020 On Friday, January 31, 2020, Annie Nestorowich of Mannville, Alberta peacefully passed away at the Lamont Health Care Centre. Annie is survived by her loving family, son Gary (Paulette) along with their children Stacey (Troy) and their family Tyler, Avery and Mitchell; Garrett (Katie) and their family Kellen, Jake and Ryder; and Sherriene (John) and their family Jayla and Jack: granddaughter Tracey Euchuk and her children Steven, Dylan and Jordan along with Annie’s great-great granddaughter Aria: and granddaughter Michelle (Todd); sister Elsie Meleshko; brother Orest (Irene); sister-in-law Dora Pysklywyc; Annie was predeceased by her husband Steve Nestorowich; daughter Gloria (Ed) Grabas; grandson-in-law Warren Euchuk; parents Peter and Domka Pysklywyc; brothers Steve and Nick; brother -in-law Tom Meleshko. A Parastas (Funeral Service) will be held on Friday, February 7, 2020 at 10:30 a.m. at Autumn Rose Funeral Home (5036-51 Ave.) in Vegreville, Alberta with Fr. Andrij Nykyforuk officiating. Interment to follow in the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church Cemetery – Myrnam. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the “Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church – Myrnam.” To send condolences, please visit www.autumnrosefuneralhome.com AUTUMN ROSE FUNERAL HOME LTD. VEGREVILLE,780-603-5800
Town of Vegreville public works employees work to repair water main break.
Michelle Pinon News Advertiser Employees with the Town of Vegreville public works department worked to repair a water main break at 51 Street and 50 Avenue on Jan. 27. The cause of the water main break was a hole in the cast iron waterline.
The town’s five year capital plan includes: cast iron water main replacement at 51 Street, from 48 Avenue to 50 Ave, 43 Avenue, 49A Street to 50 Street as well as overlay and water valve replacement. Those improvements have been slated for this Spring. The total estimated cost is just over $1.2 million.
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Vegreville Breakfast Club Program gets Funding Boost Submitted Don Cherniawsky, Chief Operating Officer of RJV Gas Field Services, recently presented Heather Giebelhaus, Community Association for Lasting Success (CALS) Breakfast
Club Co-ordinator, with a $1,700 cheque. The donation came from proceeds of a company TV raffle. Staff purchased tickets and that amount of money was matched by the company. (Submitted Photo)
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Family Literacy Day Carnival Rosanne Fortier News Correspondent There were plenty of expressions of joy and excitement as children engaged in many early childhood learning experiences at the Family Literacy Day Carnival at the Vegreville Centennial Library on January 27. The theme for this year’s Family Literacy Day was Let’s Read Together. The local event focused on engaging families in literacy and child development activities. These activities ranged from language and speech development to fine and gross motor skills. The activities centered around the five domains of early childhood development which are: physical health and well-being, social competence, emotional maturity, language and cognitive development, communication skills and general knowledge. The activities that children could participate in were the shape scavenger hunt and sensory bin, shape spin and find, duck matching, ring toss, speech
plinko, language bingo, parachute games, literacy fishing game, songs, and stories. Erika Trufyn, Family Literacy
dren and families to engage in activities together. When a caregiver shows interest in learning a child is more likely to be engaged. There are many
Children listen while Library Programmer Calina Sokalski reads them a story. (Rosanne Fortier/photo)
Coordinator for the Community Association for Lasting Success (CALS) said, “It is important for chil-
learning experiences that happen by playing together.” CALS spearheaded this event in partnership with First Years Parent Link Centre-Vegreville, Vegreville and District Child Development Coalition, Vegreville Centennial Library, VegMin Learning Society and Alberta Health Services. According to ABC Life Literacy, the objective of Family Literacy Day is to raise awareness about the importance of reading and engaging in other literacy-related activities as a family. Taking time every day to read or do a learning activity with children is considered cru-
cial to a child’s development, and will dramatically improve a child’s literacy skills and can help a parent improve their literacy skills. ABC Life Literacy Canada says literacy is something that has an impact on all of us. It’s website states that 48% of adult Canadians have low literacy skills that fall below high school equivalency, and affects their ability to function at work and in life, and 17% function at the lowest level where they even have trouble to read the dosage instruction on a medicine bottle. Spending 20 minutes a day doing a fun learning activity as a family has many positive benefits; parents and children will have better relationships, improve children’s academic performance, reduce stress, increase the family’s happiness, improve vocabulary, increase earning potential, improve memory, improve health, and most of all, it’s a free activity to do. According to the World Literacy Foundation, the consequences of illiteracy are unemployment. The unemployment rate is two to four times higher for people with little schooling compared with those with a bachelor’s degree. Individuals who are illiterate have a limited ability to understand and obtain information that could be necessary for their lives. They also have lower income, lower-quality jobs, less financial resources, and sometimes have not as good health as people with better literacy skills.
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Lamont County hosts Emergency Response Table Top Exercise Michelle Pinon News Advertiser Disaster can strike at anytime, anywhere; and to better respond to emergencies the province has developed a new incident command system (ICS). Lamont County hosted an emergency response mock table top exercise based on the ICS system on Jan. 22 at the Lamont Recreation Centre. Approximately 35 people attended the event and included municipal staff from Lamont County, Town of Lamont, Mundare, Chipman and Andrew in addition to representatives from the RCMP, FCSS, and commercial industry. Lamont County Regional Fire Chief Dave Zayonce told participants the province has mandated the ICS, which is used throughout North America. The intent is to work together, and Zayonce stressed: “In the end it’s everybody helping everybody.” Emergency Management Specialist Anne Danielson walked participants through the exercise step by step. She said the exercise “Created a great networking opportunity and many of the participants commented on how beneficial it was to be able to share different experiences and perspectives while working through the table top exercise.” Lamont County Reeve Dave Diduck commented: “I think the key part is that you have to have an organized response if there is an emergency. And I think historically all the different fire departments from all the different towns all worked together, but this gives them a plan to work from and work with, and it puts everybody on the same page in dealing with an emergency.” Diduck said the new ICS would take emergency response to a higher level and give all communities access to additional services whether it’s a minor or major emergency. He spoke about a flood the county had a couple of years ago, and how it counted on certain urban municipalities for assistance. While the county didn’t have to utilize any of the town’s facilities, it was nice to have them onboard. “This plan let’s you
Emergency Management Specialist Anne Danielson led the table top exercise and is photographed with Dave Zayonce, Lamont County Regional Fire Chief on Jan. 22.
know what each municipality has available and what they can contribute, how to work from that and how to respond.” Zayonce commented that: “He and participants thought it was a great table top exercise and renewed learning opportunities for those who were conversant with the emergency management process, but equally better, was for those who were not as familiar found it to be a great learning opportunity. All feedback I heard was it was a great first step in our emergency management regionalization process, and all agreed cooperating at that level during a major emergency or disastrous event just made sense. No one is an island and can’t do it alone, so capitalizing on the wealth of experience from all levels in our region makes perfect sense to minimize the effects of any disastrous situation. Working together is a phenomenal opportunity to foster healthy relationships between agencies, municipalities and the private sector. Danielson will be compiling a report from the evaluation forms, group notes and some of her own observations, and include positive outcomes of the exercise as well as items noted for follow up from exercise participants and recommendations for the way Lamont County can further enhance their emergency management system.” By definition, “ICS is a standardized on-site management system designed to enable effective, efficient incident management by integrating a combination of facilities, equipment, personnel, procedures and communication within a common structure.”
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TWO HILLS - CONTINUED from PAGE 12 ing a real bashing out here in rural Alberta.” The situation has tied the hands of municipalities which are not allowed to borrow money if they are short of tax revenue. The only recourse is for municipalities to either reduce spending, take money out of reserves or raised taxes. “It’s not fair we will have to pay higher property tax and have services cut.” “I am glad to hear that the auditor general is looking into this. This is extremely good news. However, I hear Mr. Kenney’s comments about the tax revolt that’s happening in rural Alberta, and when he says we can`t get blood out
of a stone; I’d understand that if these polluter pay, these companies that are leaving these orphan wells, were made out of stone, that would be true, but they’re not. They’re made out of flesh and blood, because they are company shareholders. They’re human beings that’s who they are, and that’s who he’s trying to protect right now. He needs to stop protecting those people and let the law which already exists to push these wells back onto the polluters because they’re the ones who made the mess, and they need to pay for the clean up. If they sold those assets off it would go back to the company that had them in
the first place. The laws exist out there to give us a good ethical product, but if you don’t follow those laws there’s nothing ethical about it at all.” Popowich is very disappointed the Conservative government has “dropped the ball” and placed the province in such “dire jeopardy” right now. “The people of Alberta need to understand that these guys have not done what they said they would do.” He added,”We have no leverage other than speaking out like we are doing now.” Popowich is doing what he can at the local level as well as the provincial level as he is a member of the Alberta
Liabilities Disclosure Project (ALDP) which is speaking out on the issue. On Jan. 22, ALPN member Dr. David Swann, retired MLA and former Leader of the Alberta Opposition, held a news conference in Calgary. Swann, and fellow members of the coalition are calling on the Alberta government to hold oil and gas companies accountable for refusing to pay their rural property taxes and to clean up those well sites. ALPN member Regan Boychuk stated he wants the province to put an end to tax cuts for oil and gas companies and get them to clean up their act.
