Vegreville News Advertiser - September 2, 2020

VOL. 73 NO. 36

73 YEARS OF SERVING THE COMMUNIT Y

WEDNESDAY, September 2, 2020

Repaving Underway in Vegreville

Crews with Border Paving were busy repaving Highway 16 A August 31. (Rosanne Fortier/Photo)

Michelle Pinon News Advertiser Employees with Border Paving were busy repaving a portion of Highway 16A in Vegreville August 31.

The heat of the asphalt created a bit of a haze as crews were steadily working at the intersection of 67 Street Monday morning.

According to Michaleen Elabdi, Assistant Director of Alberta Transportation Communications and

Public Engagement, approximately $470,000 is being invested to repair a 1.3-kilometre stretch of Highway 16A in Vegreville. “This work includes both grinding off old pavement and replacing it with new asphalt at the intersection of Highway 16A and 67 Street, and re-paving two turning lanes at the east end of Vegreville. This project will deliver a smoother driving experience for motorists and extend the lifespan of the existing highway.�

Museum Society Turns Assets Over to the Town

RCMP Staffing Levels in Vegreville Questioned

See page 15 for story

See page 16 for story

PAGE 2

News Advertiser

September 2, 2020

www.NewsAdvertiser.com

www.NEWSADVERTISER.com

ads@newsadvertiser.com news@newsadvertiser.com

WHAT’S INSIDE Agriculture.....................10 Business............................5 Community...............14,15 Classifieds......................18 Employment.............16,17 Family.............................22 Marketplace...................21 Notices...........................24 Real Estate......................23 Salute To Minor Soccer ..............................11,12,13 Sports.............................19 Tributes..........................20 Upcoming.....................8,9

Health and Safety a Dynamic Industry Page 10

Hilliard Area Pioneers at Graveside Services

Page 22

4-DAY WEATHER Thurs.

19°C

Fri. 20°C

Sat. 14°C

Sun. 13°C

MORE ON PAGE 19

LOTTERY NUMBERS Friday, August 28, 2020

5 8 9 28 32 48 50

MORE ON PAGE 21

facebook.com/Vegreville

@NewsAdvertiser

Check page 4 for staff, flyers, auctions, real estate and more.

RCMP files from August 24 - 30 Arthur Beaudette News Advertiser August 24 09:28 – Traffic stop conducted. The vehicle did not have a valid plate on the vehicle. The 58-year-old female driver from Cochrane was charged and provided a ticket with a $324 voluntary payment.

21:11 – Report from a mother that her son had been cut by someone and attended the hospital. Members located the young man and spoke to him about the alleged incident. He did not want to provide a statement or any information about what transpired. It was noted by members that the individual did have a bandage on his arm.

August 25 09:42 – Report of a break and enter to an abandoned property in Vegreville.

A lock was cut and a board with coin was taken. Possible subjects described as 2 males in their late twenties on BMX bikes, one wearing a black shirt, black jeans with a backpack and sunglasses was described by the property owner. Under investigation.

10:36 – Report of a break and enter to a sea can on an industrial site near Vegreville. A lock was cut and items were taken. Under investigation.

10:57 – Report of a possibly intoxicated driver on Hwy 16 who was “swerving all over the highway”. The vehicle was located in Vegreville at a business doing deliveries. The driver was not intoxicated and stated that the wing was pushing the vehicle around.

12:15 – Anonymous report of a possibly intoxicated male at the door of a Vegreville business. Members located the individual who was not intoxicated but stated that they had a medical condition which affects their speech and walking.

14:13 – Report of cows in the ditch on Hwy 857 near TWP 520. Members attended but were unable to find the moo-cows.

August 26 00:47 – Traffic stop conducted on Hwy 16 near RR 151. The driver provided a name which came back as the registered owner. Investigation revealed that this was false information. The driver was arrested for obstruction, breaching his conditions, and driving while unauthorized. All three offences are automatic court appearances. The vehicle was seized for 30 days.

10:11 – Report of a bicycle stolen from inside a fenced yard in Vegreville. The

bike is described as a men’s bike with orange pinstriping and disk brakes.

Under investigation.

14:15 – Caller reported that they had received a call that they suspect is related to phone fraud. During the course of the call, the reporting party provided their social insurance number to the caller. No other information was provided. The caller was referred to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.

17:10 – Report of a suspicious vehicle following a female on Hwy 631.

Members attended and learned that the couple was out picking bottles.

20:23 – Report of an erratic driver in a white Volkswagen who was not stopping for stop signs and speeding within town limits. The complainant provided video and a statement. Vegreville members have charged the owner of the vehicle with Failing to Obey a Traffic Control Device which comes with a $243 voluntary payment options.

August 27

21:28 – Call from a monitoring company about a panic alarm set off by a senior who fell and could not get up.

Members attended and provided assistance to the individual who declined EMS. Family was notified of the fall.

August 28

06:54 – Report of a bicycle being stolen overnight. Bicycle is described as blue and black. Under investigation.

09:19 – Report of a break and enter on a rural property SW of Vegreville. A vehicle was entered by punching the locks but nothing appeared to be taken.

Under investigation.

13:48 – Report of a scam call where a senior provided all of the information (including bank information) to a

caller. The complainant later attended their bank and realized it was a scam, then closing their accounts and cancelling their VISA. They were directed to Equifax and the Canadian Anti Fraud Centre.

August 29

07:59 – Report of a break and enter to a Vegreville business. Access was gained to a locked compound and property was taken. CCTV being reviewed.

Under investigation.

August 30

00:37 – Report of a slow moving vehicle with hazard lights on a rural road NE of Vegreville.

Members attended and found the slow moving COMBINE with hazard lights active travelling down the road.

02:11 – Traffic stop conducted by Vegreville members and observed indicators that the driver was impaired.

Roadside samples were taken which confirmed consumption of alcohol.

The driver was arrested and taken to the detachment where the 66-year-old male from Calgary provided two more breath samples more than two times the legal limit. The driver was later released with documents for court and the vehicle was seized and towed.

04:48 – Report of a head-on collision on Hwy 16 east of Vegreville. One driver was travelling eastbound in a westbound lane when it collided with a vehicle in the westbound lane. Both drivers and one passenger were injured and transported to hospital. Serious injuries occurred. The investigation is ongoing.

09:49 – Traffic enforcement by both Traffic Services and Vegreville Members resulting in approximately 12 speeding tickets.

During the week there were 105 calls for service made in total including: 2 false alarms, 0 false 911s, 2 animal strikes, 0 wellbeing checks and approximately 33 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.

september 2, 2020

Community Policing Report Presented to Vegreville Town Council Michelle Pinon News Advertiser Vegreville RCMP S/Sgt Terry Hyggen presented his community policing report to members of town council at the Aug. 18 legislative committee meeting.

Hyggen discussed the department’s policing activities and released crimerelated statistics which occurred between Jan. 1 and June 30, 2020.

Some of the highlights of the report include calls for service, property offences, persons crimes, vehicle collisions, and drug trafficking investigations.

Hyggen stated, “There were 1,971 calls for services…Each Vegreville member investigated an average of 165 calls during the first half of this year or 27 calls per month.

There were 256 property offences reported within the Town of Vegreville, 37 break and enters, 19 vehicle thefts, and 89 mischiefs. Property Crimes have increased 30 percent of the past five years, however, these are down 17 percent from the first half of 2019.

There were 90 persons crimes reported, a decrease of eight percent from 2019. An increase of note was four robberies, suspects were identified and charged on two, and one was determined to be unfounded.

The suspicious sudden death of a 57-year-old Vegreville man on June 2,

News Advertiser PAGE 3

www.NewsAdvertiser.com

was determined to be a homicide.

Investigation assisted by divisional and district resources resulted in charges of manslaughter against a 51-year-old male.

An ongoing covert drug trafficking investigation resulted in significant seizures and multiple arrests. Vegreville members assisted by divisional resources charged 12 offenders with trafficking in methamphetamine, heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine.

Eighty motor vehicle collisions reported, 217 charges laid under the Traffic Safety Act within the Town of Vegreville.

He also reported that even though the School Resource Officer program is coming to an end at the end of 2020, each Vegreville School will be assigned liaison officers who will attend on a casual basis and assist as requested.

Mayor MacPhee told Hyggen council was happy with the SRO Program, but could not continue funding it because of the economic downturn.

There are 12 habitual offenders in the community on court-imposed conditions and are regularly monitored by the detachment. Compliance checks have resulted in 21 charges for failure to comply with conditions.

The detachment performance plan for 2020-’21 was prepared and implemented in the spring and priorities have been carried over to include crime reduction and police-community relations. We have a number of initiatives to address these issues.

Hyggen had also put out a call out to members of the general public asking for input until the end of August.

Discover

what's in your

Backyard

Tr a v e l b a c k i n t i m e a t t h e Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village a n d e x p l o r e L a m o n t C o u n t y.

Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village is open Tuesday through Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. until September 7th ukrainianvillage.ca | lamontcounty.ca

20091AA3

PAGE 4

News Advertiser

September 2, 2020

www.NewsAdvertiser.com

Feeding the Hand that Bites Arthur Beaudette News Advertiser - Opinion People with certain life experience will be familiar with the phrase “don’t bite the hand that feeds you.” This phrase means that you act badly towards the person who is helping or has helped you. When you bite the hand that feeds you, you are being unthankful, ungrateful, unappreciative, and other “un” words. Put another way, you turn against, attack, and even harm someone who is helping you.

The case in North America is closely related to this saying.

We seem to have not learned that lesson and choose to keep feeding the hand that bites us. Despite our approximately $14 billion trade deficit with China ($124 billion for the US) we keep going out of our way to send more money to China while they bully and attack us.

Most people will be aware of the current affairs with the two Canadian Michaels held in Chinese prison and the tension with Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou who has been arrested and is being held pending an extradition trial. What most people likely don’t know are the other connections not forefront in the news.

Many years ago, a Canadian company called Lucent Technology was a powerhouse in the telecom space, supplying most telecoms across the globe with crucial hardware to run their networks. Security researchers are confident that

Name: Helena Vadnais Occupation: travel investor Likes: university, ice-cream Dislikes: frowning, cold weather .

after a decade of spying and hacking that Lucent was crushed by Huawei and another Chinese company after its technology was siphoned off. This allowed Huawei, backed financially by the Chinese government to undercut Lucent by as much as half on major contracts.

Also unknown to most is that Canada actually sends China (a superpower with a $10 billion space program) foreign aid totaling $41 million in 2019 alone including money earmarked to address pollution. Additionally, another $1.6 million was sent to the Chinese Communist Party by Environment and Climate Change Canada, formerly headed

by Catherine McKenna.

First hand, we see that the majority of attacks on our own website and those managed locally come from China IP addresses. Weekly, we see 2,000 – 3,000 attempts; 5 to 10 times more than from other countries such as Russia and North Korea.

In 2017 Equifax was hacked and the FBI attributed the breach to a state-sponsored attack. They also named four members of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) which is an arm of the Chinese Military.

There was also the recent hack on the Canadian Revenue Agency as well as the earlier warning from both CSIS and U.S. Intelligence agencies that accused China-backed hackers of attempting to steal American research on COVID-19 research.

There are a few with the power to make change for the betterment of our countries, however, choices for self-interest or profit come before the well-being of Canada. For instance, our PM’s admiration for China’s dictatorship is no secret, however our support for China did not start with the current government.

One other group well positioned with the power to make change that comes to mind is professional sports. Almost 100% of sports merchandise is made outside of North America. Combined, fans of football, baseball, basketball, and hockey spend approximately $6 - $8 billion to show their support. Add to that Soccer, NASCAR, and various other sports, and the number likely exceeds $10 billion. Now, if these sports leagues insisted that their merchandise was made in North America, millions would be added to the economy and the professional sports organizations would have a few million less in their pockets. I think they would survive. I’m not sure how many fans in China where this merchandise is manufactured spend their hard-earned money on tickets or TV subscriptions to watch these live sports, but eventually, the money will run out.

Much like shopping local and the “100-mile meal” initiatives, there is empirical evidence that when money stays close to home, local economies and communities prosper. Amazon hasn’t sponsored any local events or sports teams in our communities to my knowledge.

While “nationalization” is a dirty word these days, we need to be wary of feeding the hand that bites us and look closer to keeping some of this money and these jobs at home where the money will stay in our economies and benefits our citizens. When we can afford it, we can increase aid to those in need..

Tell me what you think.

Email me at abletters@newsadvertiser.com

september 2, 2020

News Advertiser PAGE 5

www.NewsAdvertiser.com

Alberta’s Financial Situation Grim Jackie Armstrong-Homeniuk MLA for Fort Saskatchewan-Vegreville Dear friends and neighbours: I cannot believe how quickly summer has flown by as we head into September. I hope you have spent some time with your families during July and August and are ready for back to school next week.

Recently, Alberta’s government released its fiscal update, revealing that our province’s financial situation is grim.

Alberta has been hit especially hard by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and oil price crash on an already weakened economy from years of mismanagement.

The deficit now sits at $24.2 billion — $16.8 billion higher than estimated in Budget 2020. Revenue is projected to be $38.4 billion, a decline of $11.5 billion, or 23 percent from Budget 2020. Alberta now faces a debt burden of $99.6 billion, or $22,400 per Albertan.

To put things into perspective, imagine an average Albertan family having their income reduced by 23 percent while having their expenses increase by nine percent to deal with a family emergency.

Alberta’s government acted swiftly during the pandemic to ensure that all Albertans had what they needed. All told, the province has spent some $14 billion on mitigating the health and economic effects of the pandemic. One of the areas we invested was Alberta’s Recovery Plan, a bold, ambitious longterm strategy to build, diversify, and create tens of thousands of jobs now. By diversifying our economy and attracting investment with Canada’s most competitive tax environment, we are putting Alberta on a path for a generation of growth.

This spending is but a short-term solution meant to meet the immediate needs of our province. It is time to look at ways to scale back this spending so we do not leave our children or grandchildren with a high amount of debt.

At some point, debt will have to be repaid, and our prov-

ince needs to position itself so that debt repayment does not equate to being unable to provide the services and programs Albertans need.

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2019-20 Annual Report results showed that our government was on track to control spending, as total expenses were almost $300 million lower than Budget 2019.

We need to get back to balanced budgets and are committed to being responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars. The key to this strategy is attracting investment back to Alberta and for the government to get out of the way and let the market drive our recovery.

Sincerely, Jackie Armstrong-Homeniuk, Fort Saskatchewan-Vegreville

#OpenInVegreville A partnership between the Town of Vegreville and the Vegreville & District Chamber of Commerce.

B A K E R Y

Visit the Town's YouTube Page or the Chamber's Facebook to see video features of our local businesses!

PAGE 6

News Advertiser

www.NewsAdvertiser.com

September 2, 2020

from the pages of the vegreville observer

Compiled by Dan Beaudette

90 Years Ago – September 3, 1930

At a regular meeting of Vegreville Town Council councillor Kieryluk reported that a committee of council had looked into the matter of heating the disposal plant by electric heaters, in consultation with Mr. McDonald of the Canadian Utilities, the latter would supply three heaters for the purposes at a cost of $400.00 and an estimated power consumption of $60.00 per month, the same to operate by automatic control.

Visions were conjured up at a meeting of the Town Planning Commission of the day when Vegreville will be a city with all its industries with their belching chimneys segregated to one part of the town, while the residential sections are off to themselves in another, and interspersed here and there in the city will appear leafy parks with roads winding hither and yon and yon and hither.

The first sample of the 1930 crop was brought into town on Wednesday and was given to J. R. Moore to examine. While no official grading has been given, Mr. Moore expressed himself as believing that it would make a good number three.

75 Years Ago – September 5, 1945

Pte. Ann Semotiuk has returned to Vancouver after spending her leave with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Steve Semotiuk.

There is one thing sure, there will be no frozen grain glutting the elevators this fall. Up until the present time of writing there are no reports of frost damage, and the wheat is practically all cut.

Ernie Robertson, son of Mrs. Ed Robertson, has returned safely from the Royal Naval Service. He was away for about three years, engaged in convoy work on the Atlantic, escorting troop ships with American soldiers to Londonderry, Ireland.

Jake Mast delivered wheat this week to Joe Dubuc at the Midland & Pacific elevator, which graded No. 1 Northern and yielded about 25 bushels per acre. This field of wheat was fertilized.

Canada had no dandelions before the arrival of the white man.

The weeds came as stowaways on the first ships to land on these shores. Their phenomenal determination to multiply the plant on a massive scale. Every minute seek in that large blowball has its own parachute ready to be launched by the first breeze to be carried by the millions over the landscaped.

50 Years Ago – September 3, 1970

An item of interest that was not recorded last month was the fact that the Capitol Theatre in Vegreville closed its doors on August 3rd after over half a century of bringing film entertainment to Vegreville. Former owners D. Sherbaniuk and N. Kereliuk retired last year when the business was sold to Bill Applewhite and associates. Mr. Applewhite operated the theatre for about a year but revenues just would not keep up to expenses and the closing of the business was necessitated.

Among the swimmers taking part in the provincial meet for summer swim clubs were Cindy Zaparozan who picked up a third place ribbon, Margaret Horton who also picked up a third place ribbon, Hobe Horton who placed fourth in his race and Janet Kennedy who also picked up a third place ribbon.

Dr. F.G. Schulte leaves on Monday for Toronto where he will enter post graduate studies at the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College. His family will continue to reside in Vegreville and on completion of his studies Dr. Schulte will return here.

A major life insurance company is destroying 150,000 insurance applications and medical forms and replacing them with now ones in an attempt to week out life insurance applicants who use drugs, including marijuana.

25 Years Ago – September 5, 1995

It’s doubtful a plebiscite concerning video lottery terminals in Vegreville will be held this year, according to town officials.

Allowing communities to decide by plebiscite whether or not they want VLT’s in town is one of the recommendations of the provincial Lotteries Review Committee.

The franchise company is hoping to find new operators to open u the recently closed Nutter’s store in Vegreville. “We’re hoping to find new people to take over the Vegreville store,” said Bruce Champion, franchise licensing director for Nutter’s Bulk and Natural Foods Ltd. “We have confidence in Vegreville and think it’s a good market.

The vice-chairman of the Elk Island Public School board will seek a second term as trustee. Lois Byers, a Vegreville resident, made the announcement Wednesday.

Nellie Sribney was honored upon her retirement after many years’ service as a teacher at St. Martin’s and St. Mary’s Schools. VCSSD also honored Joyce Savoie for 10 years’ service as a teacher at St. Mary’s High School. Savoie has moved to Vancouver.

Four local children were winners in a Send A Postcard to Your Favorite Farmer contest, sponsored by Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development. Matthew Hrudy, Craig Newman, Sarah Pichoch and Craig Woloshyn won farm toys.

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.

Viewpoint Tough Times Ahead: What is Trudeau Prepared to Cut? Aaron Wudrick Troy Media Contributor As Preston Manning used to say the last time the federal deficit was so big when you’re in a hole the first thing to do is stop digging. Very soon now, the Trudeau government needs to put down its very large shovel.

Getting Canada’s $343 billion federal deficit under control will be a daunting task. Winding down emergency program spending represents the biggest chunk of money, but, at least in theory, it is also probably the easiest to do.

Temporary measures justified because the economy was closed will no longer be necessary now that it’s reopening.

The tougher challenge for Trudeau and newlyminted Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland will be cutting into spending that is unrelated to the pandemic. It’s tougher because this government has proved either unwilling or incapable of doing so even when times were good: if the prime minister had kept his own campaign promise to balance the budget in 2019 we would have incurred around $100 billion less debt.

The collapse in tax revenues due to the economic shutdown compounds the problem, which means the government will have to really tighten its belt to avoid falling into a persistent structural deficit that is impossible to reverse.

So what can be cut?

The obvious place to look at is the largest expense. The federal government’s single biggest cost centre is the $51 billion it spends on salaries and benefits for its 368,000 employees.

Many government employees have been working hard during the pandemic and they deserve our thanks. But fully 27 percent of federal employees took at least some (paid) leave during the pandemic, which shows that even in an emergency it’s possible for the Ottawa to get by with substantially fewer people on the payroll.

The savings from a reduced headcount would be considerable: if the government were to reduce its workforce by about 15 percent and also reduce the salaries and benefits of remaining employees by an average of 15 percent, it could save Canadian taxpayers around $14 billion a year.

Some will protest that this seems cruel and unfair. But is it unreasonable to ask government to cut costs when many businesses have gone bankrupt and millions of Canadians have lost their jobs or taken pay cuts? Are we really “all in this together” if those whose salaries are paid by taxpayers are completely insulated from the economic impact of the pandemic—with all the pain borne by those outside government?

Politicians themselves should be no exception. If MPs and senators took a 20 percent pay cut, they would save taxpayers $16 million a year and demonstrate in a concrete way that they are willing to walk the walk. If the prime minister of New Zealand and politicians in India and Japan can do it, why can’t Canadian politicians?

Beyond slimming down its payroll, there are plenty more places for the federal government to cut costs.

Axing corporate welfare and regional development would save nearly $4 billion a year. A onequarter reduction in transfers to Crown corporations (including the CBC, Canada Post, and the Canada Council for the Arts) would save $2.5 billion while cutting back foreign affairs spending by the same ratio would save $1.3 billion. Taking a long, hard look at departments and agencies that lie outside core government functions—from Canadian Heritage to the National Capital Commission to Telefilm Canada—could save hundreds of millions, if not billions more.

There is simply no getting around the fact that significant spending cuts will need to be a major part of eventually getting the federal books back to balance. The longer we wait to take up the task, the greater the risk that interest rates will rise and send the cost of servicing our debt through the roof. The Trudeau government needs to channel its inner Paul Martin, stiffen its spine, and start making tough choices.

Aaron Wudrick is the federal director of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation.

september 2, 2020

www.NewsAdvertiser.com

News Advertiser PAGE 7

PAGE 8

News Advertiser

www.NewsAdvertiser.com

September 2, 2020

Drainage Report Presented to Vegreville Town Council Michelle Pinon News Advertiser The issue of flooding has become inescapable for several people in local communities, and Vegreville is no exception.

Several neighbourhoods have experienced flooded out basements and backyards this spring and summer which has been a source of frustration and stress for many residents. It has also hampered efforts to carry out drainage repairs.

At the request of town council a report was recently compiled by the infrastructure, planning, and development department.

Director Dale Lefebvre presented that report to council on Aug. 18. He stated that higher than normal precipitation over the past couple of years has been a key factor in the rate of drainage repairs in lanes, (alleys) in the community.

“This is not an excuse, this is a fact.”

According to the report, there has been a total 238.7 mm of rain this summer, (between June and mid-August).

That, coupled with the fact temperatures are well below normal in the 20 degree range. “It just started drying out enough last week to do 45 and 45A Avenue.

Even if lanes appear dry on the surface, underneath the first few inches of material it is wet and causing problems.”

The report outlined the drainage repairs that were completed in 2019, and to date in 2020, as well as the list of drainage repairs that are being planned for 2020. The complete report has been posted on the town’s website and available for viewing by residents.

As far as major repairs that are required, in excess of routine maintenance and involve the installation of new infrastructure, those include: 48A and 48 Street from 57 to 56 Avenue and

west of 50 Street between 45 and 44 Avenue. “Those two lanes will likely come up at budget time,” said Lefebvre.

While they are making some headway, whether it is going to remain the biggest factor in terms of progress.

Lefebvre did point out, “We’re busy doing what we can to keep infrastructure in the community working as well as we can.

Mayor Tim MacPhee said, “What we’re trying to accomplish is to build a solid base in the lanes that are problems and have water flow either way to the street or to the avenue. The amount of rainfall is unforeseen and is a challenge, but MacPhee said they are making some progress. “And I understand there are some citizens that are upset and frustrated. I know there are two lanes that have been like that for 25 years in this town. They will not get any better until we put money in the budget that we’re going to put a stormwater system in those lanes because Dale (Lefebvre) says they’re flat, so they are not going to drain either way. So the priority on those lanes is difficult and going to come down to those things we’re doing.

MacPhee pointed out the town can use its own staff for repairs, but they might need some other equipment, which could possibly be rented in the spring. “If we say it’s a priority we must give them the tools to work with.”

Coun. Berry said he appreciated the amount of work that was done to prepare the report for council and attending to problems and priorities. He agreed that over the next two budget cycles funds would have spent to address those problems and priorities.

september 2, 2020

www.NewsAdvertiser.com

News Advertiser PAGE 9

Municipalities Receive Funding Under the Stimulus Program Michelle Pinon News Advertiser The Town of Vegreville is one of 46 towns and villages to be awarded funding under the Alberta Government’s Municipal Stimulus Program, (MSP).

As to what project or projects to allocate funding towards, some preliminary ideas were put on the table for discussion during council’s Aug. 18 legislative committee meeting, Altogether, the town will be receiving a cheque for $678,505 from the Province. The program is not tied into any federal government funding, but municipalities must commit their funding allocation to a project or projects by Oct. 1, 2020, or risk losing access to their allocation. Municipalities must also spend all allocated funding on the accepted project(s) by December 31, 2020.

As to whether the funds could be combined with any other grant funds the town may have received, is something the town’s administration will be looking into, and if there are any costshare restrictions.

The ideas ranged from replacing the ice plant at the curling rink, making upgrades to the museum and developing a campground at that site, paving the pysanka roadway, overlay on 50 Street, and improving walking trails and parks in the community.

Coun. Taneen Rudyk liked the idea of improving walking trails, parks, and improving common areas. She did ask, “What can we achieve in the time frame would be challenging.” Town Manager Cliff Craig said it is a sizable amount of

Healthy Advice for One and All Michelle Pinon News Advertiser The message on the Coyote Country sign in the Village of Chipman is a reminder to one and all who live in the community and travel by the sign which is located along Highway 15. (Michelle Pinon/Photo

This sign serves as a reminder to Chipman residents and motorists on Highway 15.

(Michelle Pinon/Photo)

money and the town would need to have its application submitted by Oct. 1.

Coun. Jerrold Lemko remarked, “The money needs to be used for the greater good of the community.” He wondered if there would be an opportunity to partner with the Rotary Club to develop a skateboard park in the community.

Coun. Dave Berry said his number one pick would be improvements to the walking trails.

Mayor Tim MacPhee said he would have to shut down their lobbying efforts for now and have another conversation about it later.

Pat Dehid For the News Advertiser Most common woman’s shoe size 7 ½.

PAGE 10

News Advertiser

September 2, 2020

www.NewsAdvertiser.com

Health and Safety a Dynamic Industry Michelle Pinon News Advertiser Adam Denine already has nearly six months of experience under his belt as the Town of Vegreville’s Health and Safety Advisor and says he’s enjoying the challenges that go along with the job.

“The role of a health and safety advisor is dynamic. With all the work that everyone does within the town and the ever-changing legislation in regards to health and safety,” stated Denine.

One of his roles is to make sure town operations align with requirements from the Province and ensuring that all employees, visitors, and contractors stay safe.

Denine says he has already started to build a strong foundation of trust with town employees and work together to achieve a zero-incident workplace by continuing with being a proactive safety workforce.

His position falls under the department of community services and includes reviewing, developing, and implementing the Town’s Occupation Health and Safety Management System. “This system is what ensures the safety of our staff, visitors, and contractors within the Town of Vegreville, and what’s required under the Alberta Government Occupational Health and Safety Act. So a lot of the responsibilities include things like identifying hazards and risks to our members and proactively working with them to mitigate the issue. This would also include a fair amount of records management to determine health and safety needs and documents, and fix health and safety issues as they arise.”

Denine has a Certificate of Health and Safety from the University of New Brunswick. He is also a certified National Construction Safety Officer, Incident Safety Officer as well as a Health and Safety Officer. “In addition to many other safety, leadership and investigation courses over the years. I have been involved with health and safety for five years and have a background in chemical safety, construc-

Adam Denine, Health and Safety Officer for the Town of Vegreville, love the dynamic industry. (Michelle Pinon/Photo)

tion, oil and gas, industrial facilities, and emergency response.”

The ever-changing industry has many challenges, and Denine is more than up to the task at hand.

FAMILY BUILT. FAMILY BACKED. Serving Western Canada for Over 20 Years!

‘SUPERIOR’ FOUNDATION SYSTEMS ENGINEERED | ENERGY EFFICIENT | PRE-CAST CEMENT

POST FRAME - STUD FRAME - PRECAST Shops | Barns | Riding Arenas | Machine storage

780-603-5095

september 2, 2020

News Advertiser PAGE 11

www.NewsAdvertiser.com

Shelley Berry Speaks on why she is Passionate about Soccer well from watching their kids play soccer together. Some of our kids play Outdoor Soccer, Tier 3, and Indoor Soccer, and families get together all the time. Teams go for supper, shopping, and socializing together at tournaments. It’s a great experience for everyone and I’ve loved being involved in this sport. I couldn’t be happier watching how much it has done for my daughter. Watching her grow from a little girl kicking the ball around to the amazing, confident Soccer Keeper she is now, has been one of the best experiences of my life.

It has been great to work with Allan Bohrson and the Soccer Executive. I appreciate how much work the guys put in for the RJV Soccer Park to keep it maintained. We look so forward to when the kids can be back out there next year playing the sport they love!”

Berry closed in saying.

Goalkeeper Britney Berry with members of the Vegreville U-15 boys indoor team. (Submitted Photo)

Rosanne Fortier News Correspondent Shelley Berry has a big passion for the sport of soccer.

So, it is fitting that Berry is the Vegreville Soccer Registrar, Communications Director, and Fundraising Director for the Vegreville Minor Soccer Association.

“I got started with Vegreville Minor Soccer Association in 2015 because my daughter was very passionate and committed to soccer, and I wanted to be a part of that. Allan Bohrson, our President helped me a lot when I became Registrar and we work very well together. His enthusiasm and passion to

continually provide better soccer opportunities for the youth in our community and surrounding communities is inspiring. I love communicating with the parents, the coaches, and the kids. My daughter, Britney has played since U5 and is now in U17,” Berry explained.

Berry went on to say soccer is an awesome sport that teaches kids so many skills. “They learn how to play as a team, working together, and relying on each other. Community Soccer is a sport all kids can participate in, and kids and parents love that. I think keeping kids active, learning new skills, learning how to work as a team, and having fun is very important for

our youth.

Kids look forward to coming to their practices, games, and tournaments.

They love showing their parents how much they’ve improved. That is always been my favorite part of coaching; seeing how much the kids have improved from the first day of soccer until the last day of the season. Our coaches are awesome; they teach the kids that it’s not all about winning; it’s about working with your teammates and doing your best!

Kids learn life skills, as well as soccer skills. They make new friendships that last forever.

It’s not just kids that make new friendships; many parents become friends as

COUNTY OF MINBURN D ISCOVER

THE

Friendly communities, beautiful scenery & miles of peaceful county roads

4909 - 50 Street, Vegreville, AB

T9C 1R6 | 780-632-2082

PAGE 12

News Advertiser

www.NewsAdvertiser.com

September 2, 2020

Message fro VMSA Pres

2020 started off as normal as any other y of the preparations for our Annual Gene March 4th at the Legion Hall. The AGM is of our Outdoor Season. On line Registrat were in place for a Coach Clinic and Refere ready for creating the teams. Then….we all 19. All soccer related operations were susp Alberta Soccer. At this time, the VMSA Exe refund all registration fees. We decided tha to the uncertainties of this virus and the “s The next step for the VMSA is our fall typically starts in mid-September. Although “return to play”, the VMSA is working Lakeland District Soccer, and Sherwood P implement the appropriate steps and guide outlined by Alberta Health.

So, stay tuned. The VMSA will be updatin with all pertinent information as we go. We some sort of an Indoor Season for the kids be returning to a “normal” Outdoor Season Allan Bohrson President, Vegreville Minor Soccer Associ

september 2, 2020

ge from the A President

as any other year. The VMSA had made all Annual General Meeting which was held The AGM is the annual kickoff to the start ine Registrations were open and all plans ic and Referee courses, and we were getting Then….we all know what happened. Covidons were suspended under the direction of he VMSA Executive elected to immediately e decided that this was the best option due us and the “stay at home” directive.

SA is our fall/winter Indoor Season which ber. Although there is no clear timeline for is working closely with Alberta Soccer, Sherwood Park soccer, to determine and eps and guidelines which ultimately will be

ll be updating our website and social media as we go. We are hoping that there will be n for the kids this fall, and hopefully we will utdoor Season in the spring of 2021.

Soccer Association

www.NewsAdvertiser.com

News Advertiser PAGE 13

PAGE 14

News Advertiser

www.NewsAdvertiser.com

September 2, 2020

Vegreville Town Manager Receives Long Service Recognition Award Michelle Pinon News Advertiser Vegreville Town Manager Cliff Craig was recently honoured for his 25 years of service by the Canadian Association of Municipal Administrators, (CAMA).

The CAMA’s Long Service Recognition Awards Program recognizes and celebrates the dedication to public service and municipal management. CAMA recently bestowed a

Council. It is my responsibility to keep council updated and informed about governmental and community affairs in addition to providing recommendations for policies to improve operational efficiencies. Some of the main policies and programs include organizational and department structures, employee

Vegreville Town Manager Cliff Craig holds the recognition pin that was officially presented to him by Mayor Tim MacPhee at the Aug. 24 council meeting. (Town of Vegreville/Submitted Photo)

recognition pin to Craig, who has served 15 of his 25 years with the Town of Vegreville.

According to CAMA, the awards are based on the number of years of full-time, paid employment in municipal government in a management capacity. Craig responded by stating, “The CAMA 25 Year Award is appreciated as it recognizes the years of service that I have worked in municipal management for communities in Alberta.”

Mayor Tim MacPhee said, “Cliff has worked with the Town since 2005 first starting in the Finance Department. He worked his way up to Corporate Services Director, and in 2016 he became the Town Manager. We are very fortunate to have Cliff as our Town Manager. The diverse requirements of the role are no small task, and the fact that Cliff worked his way up the management chain is a huge benefit to the Town of Vegreville.”

Craig said he started his career in local government in 1992 as SecretaryTreasurer to the Board of Education with County of Forty Mile No. 8. “Over the next ten years, I was with County of Forty Mile, County of Wheatland, Municipality of Crowsnest Pass, and the Town of Coaldale. My positions ranged from Secretary-Treasurer, Assistant Administrator to Director of Finance and Systems.”

Back in April of 2005, Craig accepted the Finance Officer position with the Town and moved to Vegreville. “During my tenure here, I have held the following positions: Finance Officer, Assistant Town Manager, Corporate Services Director and am currently the Town Manager.”

He explained, “The Town Manager position reports directly to Mayor and

policies, and financial policies. The Town Manager position is responsible to ensure all bylaws and resolutions of the Town are enforced while being kept current and relevant.”

Craig feels the town’s senior leadership group is key to his position and the success of the town as a whole. “It is the contributions of the directors and staff together with council that result in the effectiveness of our town operations for our community.”

He went on to say, “Some of the accomplishments of the town have been the formalization of the annual Budgeting process, updated financial policies and practices, fully funded reserves, current Employee Policy Manual, Inter-municipal Collaboration Framework Agreements in place with the County of Minburn in addition to recently approved ‘Respect in the Work Place’ and the ‘Drug and Alcohol’ policies which have positive implications beyond just our employees. On a professional level, I attained my Certified Local Government Manager [CLGM] designation have been a member on various task forces and advisory boards related to government finance and municipal organizations.

One of the major challenges that occurred within my first year of accepting the Town Manager position, was the closure of the CPC Centre in Vegreville.

There have been many other highlights over the years as well, and Craig said he continues to work closely with economic development for the attraction of new business to the community.

september 2, 2020

www.NewsAdvertiser.com

News Advertiser PAGE 15

Vegreville Regional Museum Society Turns Assets Over to the Town

Michelle Pinon News Advertiser A chapter in Vegreville’s history has officially closed.

Board members of the Vegreville Regional Museum Society have voted in favour of turning over its assets to the Town of Vegreville.

That decision came during a board meeting on June 15 and was formally recognized by members of town council during its August 24 meeting.

As stated in a letter from the Vegreville Regional Museum Society to Mayor MacPhee and Council, that was dated July 6, the following motion was passed, “Moved that the Vegreville Regional Museum Society Board communicates with the Town of Vegreville the unanimously approved decision that its assets be turned over to the Town of Vegreville, in compliance with the Vegreville Regional Museum Society Bylaws Distribution of Property Section 18.01 Jerry Wilde/Ted Wilson. Carried.”

Under Section 18.01, “Upon the dissolution of the Society and after the payment of all debts and liabilities, the remaining property of the Society shall be transferred to the Town of Vegreville or such other charitable organization as the directors may select.”

Howard Austin, Vice-President of the Vegreville Regional Museum Society, signed the letter which also stated, “The present museum board will have to meet to determine if a replacement executive will come forward.” At the June 15 museum board meeting President Len Bullock and Treasurer Jerry Wilde advised members they would be resigning their positions before Dec. 31, 2020.

The letter went on to say, “We believe the present situation could become very awkward if all the present aging board members were to resign. There is no animosity that we are aware of on the part of any board member. The town administration is commended for recognizing that present operations could not continue.”

Back in December of 2019, town council passed a motion not to fund the Vegreville Regional Museum Society.

Prior to that, the Society had submitted a letter of request to the town asking for $35,000 to fund its operations in 2020 and to have its lease extended to December 31, 2020.

Coun. Taneen Rudyk made a motion to receive and file the letter. Coun.

Dave Berry stated, “It needs to be pointed out that we have actually met the museum executive and discussed matters going forward, and at that time, that the town would be accepting all of the assets of the museum and that we are encouraging a transfer of the

Society into Friends of the Museum so they can still participate in some fashion. And I would suggest we make a motion to that effect.”

Mayor MacPhee stated, “I want to say we had a very good working meeting with the museum board July 21, and as a council we let them know we recognize the importance of some of those artifacts within the facility and that we would be wanting to keep them on display because they are important to this area.

Some things are going to change there, the way the building is used. I think they all agree something has to be done and we will be working with them, their ideas, and their input moving forward, and the Friends of the

Museum will hopefully be a working partner with us moving forward.”

Coun. Berry made a motion to accept the artifacts and the assets and send official correspondence back to the museum board to notify them officially and confirm what was agreed upon.

MacPhee asked if there was anyone else who would like to say anything.

Coun. Marielle Broziak wanted to personally thank the museum volunteers for all of their contributions. MacPhee also wanted to thank the volunteers for their years of service and said they would need their input moving forward.

Both of those motions were passed by council as well as another motion to spend up to $30,000 to replace the

septic system at the museum.

MacPhee said they are currently looking at ways in which the facility and its grounds can be utilized in the future. Some of the ideas that have been discussed include renting out space to user groups, hosting visiting delegations, family reunions, farm to fork programs, and developing a campground. There have also been discussions regarding the artifacts and collections that are currently housed in the museum.

PAGE 16

News Advertiser

www.NewsAdvertiser.com

September 2, 2020

RCMP Staffing Levels in Vegreville Questioned Michelle Pinon News Advertiser During a recent presentation by Vegreville RCMP S/Sgt. Terry Hyggen, there were several questions around staffing levels at the detachment.

In terms of staffing, Hyggen said three members were awaiting home sales before they can transfer out of the com-

munity. He added that three constables were trained within the last year and have become valued members of the team.

“A newly funded constable position was created in June, and we anticipate it will be filled by a cadet in the new year.”

Currently there are eight municipal and four provincial officers in the detachment.

Hyggen said they continue to have the same number of boots on the ground, and there are eight members plus the SRO and one officer working in the rural section. Coun.

Tina Warawa asked about the number of rotations in a day, but Hyggen said he couldn’t get into specifics mainly due to safety and privacy concerns.

He noted that minimum staffing levels are maintained, but the division’s policy does not allow him to disclose specifics.

Coun. Taneen Rudyk said there is some concern municipalities are paying for policing, but not receiving services. Hyggen reiterated they have 12 members and they are closely monitored by its operations strategy branch at headquarters, and are based on the number of occurrences they are dispatched to as well as the geographic area, and the crime severity index they see on an annual basis. “We are not high on the index, however, there is a steady response to complaints. He went on to say, “what I

can tell you is we have a compliment of members that are providing the services based on where they need to be.”

Referring to the stats, Hyggen said call volume for person’s crime was 90 calls for Vegreville and 46 in outlying areas. There were 256 calls for property offences in Vegreville and 140 in outlying areas.

“Roughly two-thirds of our calls are within the Town of Vegreville.”

Hyggen reminded council of the amount of provincial resources the town doesn’t provide for, and includes undercover operators, general investigation services, crime reduction services, and air support services. “There are a lot of resources that council and the public are not aware of.” There are many other people involved in the safety of the community, not just the services of the eight members the town employs. “Rest assured the division and the district are also contributing to policing here as well.”

september 2, 2020

www.NewsAdvertiser.com

Widespread Effects of COVID-19 Creates a Multitude of Challenges Hair by VJ owner Vijay Massey is very glad to be back at work and looks forward to the days ahead.

(Michelle Pinon/Photo)

Michelle Pinon News Advertiser COVID-19 has affected everyone in some way shape or form over the past five and a half months.

As to what degree? That depends on your age, health, responsibilities, and circumstances There’s also no question that it has affected the day to day activities of people; everything from work to school to interacting with family and friends. Additionally, social activities and public events have been dramatically impeded.

Generally speaking, COVID-19 has created widespread repercussions on many different levels, both personally and professionally.

Businesses have felt the brunt of the public health emergency and resulting restrictions with many having to close up shop entirely or scale back operations significantly.

Vijay Massey, who has owned Hair by VJ for the past 16 years, admits it’s been quite the adjustment for him; having gone from full-time to a complete shut down which lasted just over two months.

The work stoppage has been difficult, working six days a week to a total clo-

sure, was a big adjustment. With four children and bills to pay dealing with the stress has been challenging. Even though the shop was closed during that time, he says he would come into work most days to try and keep some sense of normalcy.

VJ says he was never so happy when he was given the green light to reopen to the public in mid-May. “I was very excited to go back to work.” VJ wants to reassure people that he is taking all of the safety precautions and following health protocols, and will provide face masks if customers do not have one.

VJ says in general people are still leary about returning for regular visits, and he is grateful for anyone who comes in to get their hair cut, styled, or coloured. He said the first customer that came in to get their hair cut after he reopened made him feel like he had won the lottery. He hopes that feeling will continue and business will also continue to pick up. With every new day, comes new opportunities, and says he will continue thinking positively.

Many customers have become friends over the years, and VJ says Vegreville feels like home, and his shop is where everyone is greeted with a smile and treated with kindness.

News Advertiser PAGE 17

PAGE 18

News Advertiser

September 2, 2020

www.NewsAdvertiser.com

MR. CLASSIFIED

APARTMENTS

COMMERCIAL

GRAIN BINS

Adult Only Buildings at 5310-46 St and 4917 – 61 Ave in Vegreville.

Bachelor, 1 & 2-bedroom suite.

Rent start from $645 to $825, DD Same. Rent incl. Water, heat and Energized pkg stall. Call 780-9186328 or 780-632-6878.

For Rent: Main Street Vegreville store front. 3900+ sq. ft.

Landlord, motivated. Phone or text 780-632-0480

Custom Bin Moving 14’–19’ Hoppers/Bins. New and used bins for sale. Wayne (cell) 780-632-0455

Vegreville. Available immediately.

Spacious 2 bdrm apartment to share. Just $475/mo. No DD. Everything included. Central and close to all amenities. Ultra clean.

Balcony. Non-smoker only. Don 780-631-0384 Cute upstairs loft suite in house for rent in central Vegreville. Approx.

650 sq. ft. $725/mo. Utilities included except internet/cable. Suitable for one mature tenant. NS NP 780699-3143

AUTOMOBILES 2000 Windstar. Ex. engine & transmission. Body damage. For parts $750. 780-922-5999 2008 Dodge Calibar. Automatic.

Loaded. 150,000 Kms. Clean. $5200.

780-994-3005 2002 Honda Civic, Standard Drives Excellent Needs TLC $3200 780922-5999 Rare Super Charged 40th Anniversary Grand Prix. Loaded. $4700. Phone 780-994-3005 2010 damaged Dodge Caliber 125,000kms. Drives excellent. For parts. $1500. Phone 780-994-3005 2005 Mercedes Smart Car diesel, automatic, black, 192,000kms, $3900. 780-994-3005

AUTO PARTS 4 used tires (P205-55-R16) on black slotted rims & 2 factory mags all for Chrysler P.T. Cruiser. All for $200 780-367-2763

GREAT LOCATION, READY TO GO! Health forces sale of Northeast Oregon 2-acre commercial property on corner lot. 40+ years RV sales & service business. Property includes 3-bay shop, sales office with 4 offices, retail parts store, 28x66 home in fenced-off area on lot. Super opportunity! $750,000.

Ask for Tim, call 1-800-338-6562 (business), or 541-231-3839 (cell).

Milton-Freewater, OR

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.

EDUCATION AIRLINES ARE HIRING - Get FAA approved hands on Aviation mechanic training. Financial Aid for qualified students - Career placement assistance. CALL Aviation Institute of Maintenance 888-6861704

EQUIPMENT

2 Hopper Bins. Approx. 1700 bu, smooth wall. $2900. Phone: 780632-9862

HEALTH & FITNESS GENERIC VIAGRA and CIALIS! 100 Pills $99.00 FREE Shipping! 100% guaranteed. 24/7 CALL NOW! 888889-5515

VIAGRA and CIALIS USERS! 100 Generic Pills SPECIAL $99.00 FREE Shipping! 100% guaranteed. 24/7 CALL NOW! 888-445-5928 Hablamos Espanol

HELP WANTED Visit us at jobs.newsadvertiser.com Looking for non-smoking person to work with young adult, autistic, male. Applicant needs high school diploma and appropriate education/ experience. Driver’s license and vehicle access required. Weekdays only. Must have CPR/First Aid and Nonviolent Crisis Intervention training or be willing to take courses (paid). Text 306-914-3935 autisticaidejob@gmail.com

HOMES FOR RENT

AIRLINES ARE HIRING Ezee-on 38’ heavy Duty disc for sale in excellent shape.24” blades 780632-9353

Advertise your rental property here for as little as $7.95 per week!

FEED

New 3 bdrm duplex Vegreville. $685/mo. Call 780-275-0089. New developments.

Wanted. Oats, Peas, Wheat, Barley, Canola: Dry, Wet, or Heated.

AlbertaFeedGrain.com 1-888-4838789 Hay for Sale Ph:780-603-7911

Near Aquatic Center in Vegreville.

Approx 450 Sq Ft., 1 bedroom, fully renovated, kitchen appliances, washer/dryer, soaker tub. NS, NP. $600/m + utilities. Same DD. References required. Call or text 780-632-0480

Call toll free from anywhere in Alberta

1.800.522.4127 or fax to 780.632.7981

Tired of renting? Cute little house in Willingdon, Alberta. Be mortgage free in six to eight years . For sale or lease to own. $65,000. 2 bdrm, 1 bath. Approx. 750 sq. ft. Older home with some upgrades. 85km to Fort Saskatchewan. 35km to Vegreville. 780-699-3143 In Vegreville Nice 2 Bdrm House on Quiet Street. $1,100/mo. + Utilities.

Must Qualify. 780-278-4499

LAND FOR SALE

MACHINERY For Sale: 2005 Massey Ferguson 9220 swather 25’ - 5200 header with Honeybee knife pick up reels $30,000. 780-632-1696 For Sale - International 715 combine, shedded. Call 780-764-2319.

No text messages.

1938 Model D John Deere on steel; New Holland 688 Baler, like new; 7 x 27” auger. PH; 780-363-2308

Topsoil for sale. $10/yard 2 yard minimum. You haul. 780-446-8728 8 hp Briggs & Stratton rear engine rider $475. Excellent condition.

Rototiller 6 hp new engine. Excellent condition. $350 Phone Rob 780764-4077 or 587-785-7792

LOTS SANDY LAKE TWO HILLS COUNTY. LAKEFRONT 75’x250’ LARGE DOUBLE GARAGE 24’x24’ METAL ROOF. LARGE STORAGE SHED 14’x12’ WITH DECK, KITCHEN, FRIDGE, MICROWAVE. EXTRA 2 SHEDS. 34’ MOTORHOME SOUTHWIND’89. LARGE COVERED DECK WITH METAL ROOF. PATIO FURNITURE & BBQ. BRICK OUTDOOR BAKING OVEN (PEECH).

FIREWOOD. 2 FIRE PITS. POWER WITH YARD LIGHTS. OUTDOOR BATHROOM. GRAVEL DRIVEWAY. FENCED & GATED. COMES WITH DRIVING LAWNMOWER TRACTOR, TOOLS & KITCHEN SUPPLIES. LOTS OF ROOM TO RIDE QUADS, PLAY VOLLEYBALL & STRESS RELIEF. VERY WELL KEPT. GOOD NEIGHBOURS. PICTURES CAN BE SEEN ON KIJIJI. $75,500 EXCEPT LATE MODEL CAMPERIZED VAN ON TRADE. CALL 780-446-4190

Lady 50 yrs. Abstainer. Need low rental suite. Ph: 780-631-9876

Wants to purchase minerals and other oil and gas interests. Send

details to P.O. Box 13557 Denver, Co. 80201

ADVERTISE to 10 Million Homes

across the USA! Place your ad in

over 140 community newspapers,

Attention cattlemen: 69 acres for sale + 160 acres pasture. Call Brian 780-446-8728

LAWN AND GARDEN

WANTED

MISC. Reach millions of homes nationwide with one easy, affordable buy in the NANI Network! For more information go to www.afcp.org/nani New authors wanted! Page Publishing will help self-publish your book. free author submission kit! Limited offer! 866-951-7214

TO GIVE AWAY To good home. Female cat, declawed, grey/white mitten feet, very tame & friendly. 780-768-2180

V

TRUCKS

1993 Chev 4x4 Ext Cab. For parts. $650. 780-922-5999

2006 Ford 4x4 Crew Cab. New tires. $4600. 780-994-3005

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.

780-922-5999 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: 780-994-3005

with circulation totaling over 10 million

homes.

Independent

Free

Contact

Papers

of

America IFPA at danielleburnettifpa@live.com or visit our website cadnetads.com for more information

september 2, 2020

News Advertiser PAGE 19

www.NewsAdvertiser.com

Mundare Volunteers Rallying Behind the Sport of Pickleball Michelle Pinon News Advertiser Invented in the mid-1960s, Pickleball is now one of the fastest-growing sports in North America. It’s popularity is rising and a group of volunteers in

heads up the group of volunteers, said they decided pickleball courts would be a great addition to the existing Quentin Warawa Memorial Park and have already begun fundraising for the project.

league in the Yukon and she has faced some opponents who use walkers and canes that play remarkably hold their own on the court. So it really is suitable for almost all ages regardless of mobility.”

Members also felt pickleball courts would be a nice fit for the Quentin Warawa Memorial Park which contains a spray park and a skateboard park within it.

The estimated cost of the project is $70,000 and members have applied for a few grants, and are waiting on replies. They recently completed their first Liquor Survivor fundraiser, and Ming-Brison was happy to report it was a sell-out. Based on

Mundare Volunteers Rallying - CONTINUED ON PAGE 21

Tofield Golf Course & drivinG ranGe Nine Challenging holes!

Single membership: $480 Couple membership: $740

Group Bookings starting at

The Mundare Parks Society successfully raised funds for the Skateboard Park several years ago and are currently raising funds for two pickleball courts adjacent to it. (Michelle Pinon/Photo)

Mundare are raising money so they can enjoy the sport in their own community.

Pickleball combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. Trisha Ming-Brison, who

Officially, Ming-Brison is the President of the Mundare Parks Society and said members decided pickleball as it is a sport that any age and any ability can play. “I have an aunt who plays in a

$27/person includes 9 holes & cart

Located on the south-side of Hwy 14 at Tofield Book tee time online or call 780-662-3457

www.golftofield.ca

Mannville Riverview Golf Course & RV Resort

is open for the season.

Men’s Night Mondays, Ladies’Wednesdays.

Come Take the Challenge!

Golf Course is in Superb Condition!

Call Clubhouse to Register 780-763-2252

PAGE 20

News Advertiser

September 2, 2020

www.NewsAdvertiser.com

Tributes MEMORIAM

In loving memory of EWASIUK, John who passed away September 5, 1980 Down the path of memories We softly tread.

Sunshine passes - shadows fall Love’s remembrance outlasts all Silent thoughts of times together Are memories that last forever.

So may the winds of love blow gently And whisper that you can hear How much we love and miss you.

Lovingly remembered by your family

MAZANKOWSKI, Raymond Edwin “Always In Our Hearts” April 7, 1926 - September 6, 1990 In loving memory of our Husband, Father & Grandfather.

There is a bridge of memories from here, To Heaven above.

That keeps you very close to us It’s called the bridge of love As time goes by without you The days have turned into 30 years.

They had a million memories and a thousand silent tears, To us you were so very special What more is there to say, Except to wish with all our hearts, that you were here with us today.

Forever loved and remembered Your wife Carole and children Shauna Rae, Allan, Norine, and their families.

HAUBRICK, Don April 3, 1936 – June 20, 2015 Time passes, But not one day goes by that You are not here in our hearts.

The day you died was not just a Date on the calendar; It was the day our very existence Changed forever.

Remembering, loving and missing you Each and every day Michelle, Lee and girls, Shannon, Shane and family Shaun, Shelley and boys

OBITUARY

OBITUARY

KOMARNISKY, Selmer On August 24, 2020 Mr. Selmer Komarnisky of Willingdon, formerly of Holden, passed away at the age of 84 years. Selmer is survived by his loving wife of 30 years, Mila; one daughter, Debbie; one son, Robert (Deb); two granddaughters, Kala (Cory) and Nicole (Ryan); one sister, Emily (Jim) Homeniuk; and many other relatives and friends. Predeceased by his son, Craig; and parents, Harry and Tillie.

A private service was held on August 27, 2020 at Park Memorial Funeral Home, 4814-50 Street, Vegreville.

Reverend Pamela Milton officiated with interment at Holden Cemetery. In memory of Selmer, donations may be made to the Holden Cemetery Maintenance Fund.

Photos, memories and condolences may be shared through www.parkmemorial.com PARK MEMORIAL LTD. VEGREVILLE 780-632-2000 FAMILY OWNED FUNERAL HOME and CREMATORIUM

SEREDIAK, Delmar July 3, 1943 – August 30, 2020 On Sunday, August 30, 2020, Delmar Serediak of Andrew, Alberta passed away at the age of 77 years.

Delmar is survived by his loving wife of 34 years, Gladys; one step-daughter Beverly (Brad) Churko along with their children Tony, Colby and Taylor; one son Jordan (Victoria) Serediak; one daughter Ashley (Michael) Trudgeon along with their son Avery; one brother Ed (Kathy); two sisters Olga and Mary. Delmar was predeceased by his grandson Nick; parents George and Daisy Serediak; two brothers Pete and James.

Cremation has taken place. A Private Graveside Service will take place at St. Demetrius Russo Orthodox Church Cemetery – Serediak’s with Father Oleksii Suraiev officiating.

Memorial donations may be made to the “Alzheimer Society of Alberta.”

To send condolences, please visit www.autumnrosefuneralhome.com AUTUMN ROSE FUNERAL HOME LTD. VEGREVILLE, 780-603-5800

HIEBERT, Diane Frieda June 1, 1960 – August 26, 2020 On Wednesday, August 26, 2020, Diane Frieda Hiebert of Vegreville, Alberta passed away at the age of 60 years after a brief struggle with cancer.

Diane is survived by her loving family, daughter Karma (Mike) Jacques along with their children Max and Zoey; brothers Neil (Julie) along with their children Dallon Taylor and Jayden Olfert; Alan (Tracy) Olfert along with their children Melissa (Joey) Stephan and Josh and Keely Olfert; along with numerous relatives and friends.

Due to covid-19 restrictions, a Private Celebration of Diane’s Life was held at the Vegreville Alliance Church.

Graveside service will be held at a later date in Luseland Cemetery in Luseland, SK. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Vegreville Alliance Church c/o 4606 - 55 Ave, Vegreville, AB T9C 1G3.

To send condolences, please visit www.autumnrosefuneralhome.com AUTUMN ROSE FUNERAL HOME LTD. VEGREVILLE, 780-603-5800

KUSICK, Victor On Saturday, August 29, 2020, Victor Kusick of Vegreville, Alberta passed away.

Victor is survived by his loving family of three daughters, Valerie (Clarence) Yaremchuk with their children Chris (Robyn) and their children Connor, Pyper and Kiptyn: Danielle (Rodney) with their children Riggs and Baker: Shad along with his daughters Jenna and Alysha: Brandi (Rhett) along with their daughters Ava and Sidney; also great grandchildren Kyla, Jesse and Ricki; Rhonda and her sons Quinton (Stevie) and their children Myles and Emmy: Brendan (Kirstan) and their son Mack; and Darlene; three sisters, Mary (Keith), Vicky and Elizabeth; one sister in law Deloyce; along with numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

Victor was predeceased by his wife Evelyn; parents Alex and Kay Kusick; one brother Ronald; son-in-law Ivan Warawa.

A Public Viewing will be held on Monday, September 7, 2020 from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at Autumn Rose Funeral Home in Vegreville, Alberta. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, a Private Funeral Service will be held at Autumn Rose Funeral Home with Rev. Pamela Milton officiating. Interment to follow in Riverside Cemetery.

Donations may be made to the “Alberta Cancer Foundation.”

To send condolences, please visit www.autumnrosefuneralhome.com AUTUMN ROSE FUNERAL HOME LTD. VEGREIVLLE, 780-603-5800

Common Sense Peter McArthur Submitted The Public Purse; has been under a great deal of attack with little attention by the media; as few people today openly discuss the daily events of Government; which is a sad failing of our society. It is not wrong for the public to have a knowledge of what our elected officials are up to; and in fact, it is not improper for the public to demand honesty in all respects of the Public Purse.

Sadly, though the deterioration of public scrutiny has occurred along with the deterioration of readership of the printed press; whereas when I was growing up and delivered both daily and weekly papers; there was no such thing as a headline that escaped my reading of same. If anybody asked me; “what’s in the news today? I always had an answer; and I was often in awe at the speed with which the daily papers covered the news.

Of course; the Weekly Papers have always touched on the more important items with a broad interest; which is a skill of any first-rate; newsman and Editor. It is the Editor who can make a paper shine in so many ways that we mortals who can hardly read because the boob-tube has replaced much of our need to read. Well let me tell you I have just read a most enlightening article by none other than Arthur Beaudette in the News and Advertiser; “Where Hard-Earned Taxpayer Money Goes to Die”.

This is one of the finest disclosures of the mis-use of the Public Purse that I have read in a while. Mr. Beaudette has not only done the research, but he has also disclosed

the mis-appropriation of funds without due process: since when did it become acceptable to give out massive contracts ($380 Million) to some yah-ho without even a storefront; while the legitimate businesses are sidelined without any opportunity to even bid for the contract.

Such destruction of our valued business procedures simply stinks rotten to the core; why do people work a lifetime building a business if some self-fulfilling leader thinks it OK to by-pass BASIC RULES. It is the basic rules of common sense that built this country; are we going to allow Mr. Trudeau to trample every rule of honest business that we have; each time he does this; many honest hardworking people suffer needlessly; it’s time to bring down the gangsters that are destroying Canada.

Some may think I’m being too forthright with my opinion, but I grew up in a family that did not believe in taking advantage of anyone, and the Public Purse was considered sacred. Let common sense rule and you would think the Canadian Senate would step-up and stop some of this. I remember the days when a Federal Bill was allowed to find its birth in the Senate and then be passed to the House of Commons; now somehow it appears that a broad broom is the only way to clean the House; if it is still the Public’s House. Let me encourage everyone to read Mr. Beaudettes (Opinion) article in the August 12th edition of the News Advertiser.

Articles written by Peter McArthur based on historical knowledge gleaned over many years

september 2, 2020

News Advertiser PAGE 21

www.NewsAdvertiser.com

Mundare Volunteers Rallying - CONTINUED from PAGE 19 that success, they are planning to do another one sometime this fall.

“The town and surrounding communities have been enthusiastic in their support for this project, so we anticipate it will receive a lot of use.”

She went on to say, “Our official committee name is Mundare Parks Society.

Most of the members of the Mundare Parks Society used to be members of the Mundare Parks Committee.” They changed the name of the group in order to be eligible to apply for certain grants.

“We have been in existence for approximately 14 years. It started with raising funds for our Spray Park. That was our biggest project and cost us approximately $250,000. We then put in a Skate Park that cost approximately $55,000. We then filled the demand for a park structure in Whitetail, (subdivision), and added a toddler play structure at the Spray Park. The total of those two projects was approximately $65,000.

“We have the most amazing crew of people working on this board. They are so good I often feel like I haven’t done anything. Cheryl Calinoiu is the Vice President, Shannon Kowal is the Treasurer, Deanna Kobbero is the Secretary. Michele Schuler is the go-to person who applies for all the grants and funding. Jaime Burghardt and Colin Zyla complete this dynamic crew. We have so much fun with our projects and have been together for many years fundraising.

The Quentin Warawa Memorial Park features a Spray Park and a Skate Park and plans are to add two pickleball courts in the future.

(Michelle Pinon/Photo)

Kathy’s

40 YEARS EXPERIENCE

Dog Training Innisfree

Private and Group Lessons Basic to Advanced Training

780-592-2360 kathysclasses50@gmail.com

PAGE 22

News Advertiser

September 2, 2020

www.NewsAdvertiser.com

Families Honour Hilliard Area Pioneers at Graveside Service Michelle Pinon News Advertiser Descendants of pioneers from the Hilliard area gathered for a graveside service on Aug. 22.

Family members huddled underneath umbrellas for the brief prayer service and the blessing of the graves of settlers, who are laid to rest in Pioneer Cemetery, which is located approximately four and a half kilometres southwest of the hamlet of Hilliard.

Organizer Cassie Gavinchuk declared, “What a day we’ve got,” as the rain began falling steadily. Perhaps it was God’s way of blessing the pioneers as

well as their descendants who were in attendance for the 11th annual service.

People from as far away as Manitoba, Calgary, Lacombe and Edmonton were in attendance. Several of them said they attend the service every year as a way of remembering and honouring their family members who settled in the area to carve out a new life.

The community cemetery was created by the Gavinchuk and Tomashewsky families who donated the land. Over the years the cemetery became neglected. One fall while combining her and her husband’s land adjacent to the cemetery Cassie began thinking that it should be cleaned up.

The clean-up was a huge undertaking for the family of Cassie and William as it had become overrun with caragana bushes, spruce trees and thistles. But with the help of other family members, they were able to do the work in stages for four years. Today there are 61 unmarked graves and 18 marked graves in the cemetery.

The first service was held in 2009 and has been held every year since. Donations from attendees have allowed for the continued maintenance of the cemetery. Cassie said they are very grateful for all of the donations, and she hopes the support will continue and allow the legacy of the pioneers to live on.

Edmonton resident Lois French said her grandmother Pearl Diduck is buried in the cemetery. She said her grandmother lived on a homestead near Hilliard. “I didn’t know her,” said French, as her grandmother was in her sixties when she passed away from cancer in 1932. French said she also came to honour her mother Anne Yanchuk, who has also passed away.

French pointed out that her aunt, Kay Tymchuk, donated the large granite monument in the cemetery. French grew up in the Paulus area, eight miles south of Chipman. A former church was

Kay Tymchuk donated this monument to commemorate the memory of Hilliard area pioneers and their children.

(Michelle Pinon/Photo)

converted into the school she attended. French said her first job was as a secretary of Strathearn School in Edmonton.

Ironically, she learned from Principal Tom Blacklock that his first posting as a teacher was at Paulus School. Primary School records are dated between 1904-1969. Paulus School was one of 67 schools registered in the municipality of Lamont County no.30.

According to the Provincial Archives of Alberta, (Heritage Resources Management System) website, the school was located in the geographical area identified as Fonds. The area, comprising Lamont County no. 30, was first surveyed in 1883. The first settler homesteaded in 1887. Many Ukrainian immigrants began settling in the area in 1891.

september 2, 2020

News Advertiser PAGE 23

www.NewsAdvertiser.com

Salute to Front Line Workers Kevin Welin

Kevin Welin, Front Store Manager for Vegreville Drug Mart

A Family and Their Horse Rosanne Fortier News Correspondent Krista LaRue was one of the participants in the Light Horse Show on

August 8 and 9 at the Vegreville Agricultural Grounds.

Krista’s husband, Peter LaRue and their two sons, Gauge and Colt used this time to bond over a fast food lunch and snacks while they enjoyed watching Krista’s horse perform at the

show. Gauge and Colt said they especially liked seeing their horse go through the obstacle course.

Standing is Peter LaRue, and sitting on the horse is his son, Gauge, his wife, Krista and his other son, Colt.

(Rosanne Fortier/photo)

September 2, 2020

www.NewsAdvertiser.com

Mundare By-election Candidates Ready for Sept. 9 Michelle Pinon News Advertiser

Frank Rosypal, Juanita Pesicka, and Doug Kleen are in the running for a seat on Mundare town council.

Voters can cast their ballot on Sept. 9 at the Mundare Recreation Centre between 10 am and 8 pm. The by-election was called to replace Jaime Burghardt who stepped down from council in June.

Juanita Pesicka is a licensed practical nurse currently working in the area of home care. She has lived in the community since 1993. With two grown children, Juanita felt it would be a good time to give back to the community, and that’s why she declared her candidacy.

“I began my health care career in this community and feel that I could be of great service to this community. I feel that I have the time and energy to advocate for the needs of the members of my community!

Through her profession she has practical experience in the area of governance, having served as secretary-treasurer with the local AUPE. “I would be honoured to serve my community and give my time to promote new ideas. Building a path for a clear and brighter future is my goal.” Juanita promises to listen to the concerns of all residents. I want to give a voice to those left unheard or unrecognized.”

She went on to say, “I am committed to inspiring my community to embrace its residents with pride and passion.” Juanita describes herself as honest, hard-

working and tenacious with a “can-do attitude” and is hoping residents will cast their vote in favour of her so she can move their ideas forward.

One area she would like to see improvements in infrastructure, and would like to bring in residents contribute ideas and for town council to formulate a plan with specific goals and timelines.

Frank Rosypal has resided in Mundare with his wife Eveline since 1978. They have two grown children, four great-grandchildren, and two greatgrandchildren.

He has served a total of 16 years on council during different terms of office between 1986 and 2017.

Frank is hoping to utilize his experience and knowledge over the next year. He said he wouldn’t run for council in 2021 and is starting to approach other people to run for a seat on council. “My biggest goal is to get younger people to run for council.”

Frank is a former coach, firefighter, and president of the ag. society. When he served on council Frank sat on various committees, including: Family and Community Services, Landfill Commission, Mundare School Advisory Committee, and Communities in Bloom.

He was also involved with continuing growth in the town and residential development along with involvement in the area of security, working closely with RCMP. At press time there was no response to an interview request from candidate Doug Kleen.

Made Fun & Easy!

News Advertiser

Personalized Labels

PAGE 24

ur Design Yo l In e b Own La ps! te 4 Easy S

m Pick Fro or l o C l l u 10 F ! s Design

actual label size 2 1/2” x 3/4”

$

starting at

for

13.95

+G.S.T.

175 labels

Phone: 780-632-2861 5110 - 50 St. Vegreville Email: ads@newsadvertiser.com