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Vermilion Tim Hortons Donates To KidSport

February

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Lorna Hamilton Reporter

Caylie Gnyra Reporter

Vermilion Tim Hortons owner Greg Whitney along with manager Rommel Mandocdoc presented KidSportVermilion representative Derek Young

The atmosphere in the Vermilion Elementary School gym was electric as 43 students proudly presented their research findings at the school’s annual Science Fair.

Organizers Raelene Tupper and Greg Haslehurst are proud this event has been ongoing for 25 years. The Science Fair was introduced to promote learning the scientific method and allow students another opportunity to learn about science. Students from grades one through six were invited to create presentations on research or experiments they had conducted at home with the help of their families.

Participation in the science fair was completely voluntary, and students were permitted to choose whether to embark on a project alone or in a group with friends.

Standing in front of their project on shadows, grade three students Hudson and Alban explained together that the science fair was about “Trying, learning new things, participating, having fun, good sportsmanship, and hanging out with friends who might look at your thing.” Alban noted that Hudson, who was participating in his first science fair, was “lucky to work with a ‘professional,’” as Alban had presented a project on mountains the previous year.

Students met with volunteer judges to discuss and explain their projects. Merit

a donation on March 5. The donation was proceeds from the ‘Smile Cookie’ campaign that was held from September 14-20, 2020. The presentation was delayed due to COVID and Whitney said, “I was thankful for all the support

ribbons were awarded to projects that met the standard of excellence. Mr. Haslehurst commented, “The judges were impressed with the students’ strong presentation skills exhibited while explaining their projects. As well, every student was excited about their topic.” Experiments included a question, hypothesis, materials list, procedure, and conclusion, as well as supporting images. Research projects included information and pictures, drawings, or models.

Some students, like athletes Karsen, Riddick, and Aaron, focused on a project with immediate real-world applications. Using a radar gun and a target, these three analyzed the speed and accuracy of three different types of balls with the hopes of identifying the best one to use for their emerging mini stick league.

Clutching a large crystal in her palm, grade one student Josslyn earnestly explained that rose quartz has powerful healing properties.

Grade four student Issiaga used his experience with a project on monarch butterflies last year to develop an immaculately crafted black-and-white poster on magnets. Other students branched out in their use of glitter and colour to draw the interest of the crowd. With the aid of a visual hook, students were then able to explain the details of their work to parents, teachers, and fellow students.

“It is great to see students entering the Science Fair multiple times as they progress through elementary school.

from Vermilion and surrounding areas; this isn’t possible without them.” He also thanked his staff for all the hard work they put into the campaign. KidSport Vermilion has been operating for more than 15 years and provides

Hundreds of different topics have been explored by students over the years. Thank you to everyone who made this year’s science fair another success,” commented Mr. Haslehurst.

VES principal Sheila Doherty said, “The opportunity for students to engage in this rich learning experience is just one of the many wonderful outcomes of the science fair. One of my favourite things to see is how excited students are to share with others what they have learned. The leadership skills as well as communication skills that can be observed are just awesome! Mr. Haslehurst and Mrs. Tupper did a fantastic job organizing and meeting with the students to keep them on track for the science fair. Our community judges are always eager to come and listen to the students proudly tell them all about their project. Thank you to everyone who joined us for this special event!”

Alban and Hudson presented on shadows while Issiaga presented on magnets.

Karsen, Riddick, and Aaron applied their findings on ball speed and accuracy to their new mini stick league. Photos Caylie Gnyra

James explains his mushroom experiment to a friend.

Lorna Hamilton Reporter

Rotary Club Of Vermilion Raises Funds And Awareness For Polio Eradication

The Vermilion Rotary Club took decisive action in the fight against Polio, spreading awareness and collecting donations at three local schools on February 22.

Dawn Riley, Margaret McCormack, and Beaudon Rogers, members of the Vermilion Rotary, visited Vermilion Elementary School, St. Jerome’s School, and J.R. Robson School, engaging students and teachers in their mission to combat Poliomyelitis (Polio). Their initiative allowed participants to learn about the disease, contribute donations, and symbolically mark their pinkie finger with a washable, non-toxic purple marker—a gesture mirroring the dye used to identify immunized children.

Expressing satisfaction with the enthusiastic response, Vermilion Rotary member Dawn Riley shared, “The students and teachers donated

a total of $300, with the Rotary Club matching the amount raised.” She added, “The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation will also double the donation amount, bringing it to $1,200.”

Rotary International reports that Afghanistan and Pakistan remain polio-endemic regions. Worldwide, Rotary members have mobilized resources, raising $2.1 billion and immunizing over 3 billion children across 122 countries through oral vaccination campaigns.

“Our advocacy efforts have spurred

Submitted

Do you live in Vermilion or the County of Vermilion River and need help with your taxes? The Public Library and Vermilion Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) are teaming up to offer a free tax

governments to contribute over $10 billion to this cause,” highlighted the International Rotary’s website, emphasizing the critical importance of sustaining eradication efforts. “If all eradication efforts ceased today, within a decade, Polio could afflict as many as 200,000 children annually.”

The Rotary Club extends its gratitude to the staff and students of the schools for their steadfast support of this vital campaign.

The Vermilion Rotary’s commitment to polio eradication exemplifies the power of community action in tackling global health challenges, offering hope for a Polio-free future.

Free Income Tax Clinic

clinic in partnership with the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP).

The clinic will be by drop off and appointment only at the Vermilion Library starting March 1st. Trained volunteers will be available to assist eligible individuals with prepar-

ing and filing their tax returns.

The CVITP program, supported by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), aims to make tax filing accessible to those with modest incomes, including seniors, newcomers, Indigenous peoples, and

persons with disabilities.

Don’t stress about taxes this year – take advantage of this free service provided by Vermilion Library and Vermilion FCSS. For more information or to book an appointment, contact Vermilion FCSS at 780-581-2413.

Logan Hassan having his pinkie coloured purple for Purple Pinkie Day at VES.

Avery Kralkay having her finger painted purple for Purple Pinkie Day at St. Jerome’s. Photos Lorna Hamilton

Gavyn Naphan-Fraser getting his finger painted purple at St. Jerome’s.

From left, JR Robson students Lance Adams and Carter Jaremco having their pinkie done purple for purple pinkie.

Photo submitted

From left, Vermilion Rotary Club member Margaret McCormack, JR Robson students Linden Gannon, Cole Cusack, and Zach Mewis. Photo submitted

Vermilion Lions Club Continues Community Support

Lorna Hamilton Reporter

In a demonstration of commitment to community betterment, the Vermilion Lions Club has once again extended its helping hand to local organizations in Vermilion. One of the fortunate beneficiaries of the Lions’ generosity is the Vermilion Senior Centre, currently engaged in a fundraising campaign aimed at replacing its aging flooring. Lions member Cliff Rolheiser, alongside Lions President Hayward Vaters, recently presented a $4,000 donation to Dianne Dunn, Executive Assistant, and Sterling MacCallum, President, of the Vermilion Senior Centre. This contribution helped boost the Centre’s efforts towards its $50,000 target for the flooring replacement project, however the centre is still in need of donations as their current amount raised so far is just over $25,000. The Centre has begun some of the floor renovations.

Another recipient of the Lions Club’s benevolence is the Vermilion Armoury, a longstanding emblem of community heritage since its establishment in 1952. While no longer serving as a military reserve unit, the Lt Col W.C. Craig Armoury Historical Society ensures the facility remains a

vital hub for various community activities, including martial arts, archery, and Army Cadets programs.

Don Henry, President of the Armoury Historical Society, expressed the ongoing need for funds to support the upkeep of the building. To this end, the Society initiated an online raffle through rafflebox.ca and sought support from the Lions Club. Peter Clark, Treasurer of the Vermilion Lions Club, acknowledged the diverse array of activities hosted at the Armoury and affirmed the club’s decision to contribute towards its enhancement.

Lions President Hayward Vaters emphasized the club’s dedication to investing funds raised back into the Vermilion community.

“Our Lions Club looks for opportunities to spend the funds raised in and around Vermilion in meaningful ways,” stated Lions President Hayward Vaters. “Our members were impressed by Don Henry’s presentation and agreed to donate $4,000 to this important community initiative.”

The momentous occasion of the cheque presentation was marked by Lion Tyson Tschauner and Lions President Hayward Vaters, who were pleased to present the cheque in support of the Lt Col W.C. Craig Armoury Historical Society’s mission.

Lakeland’s Indoor Rowers Cover 170 Kms

Caylie Gnyra Reporter

Twenty-four individuals came out to the Lakeland College gym on Saturday, February 24 to participate in Indoor Rowing Day in Canada. Together, they rowed almost 175 kilometers over the course of three hours, beginning at 9 a.m. and ending at noon sharp.

The event was first started in 2020, just weeks before the first Covid lockdown. Recognizing that rowers had not been out on the water in months, co-organizers Peter Walsh and Nancy Russell—both members of the Provincial Advisory Council comprising presidents of various rowing associations— sought to devise a challenge that would bring rowers together to promote the sport in the off-season while encouraging fresh faces to try it out. The challenge is done on rowing machines, also known as ergometers or ergs, which provide a similar resistance and glide to what would be experienced in a rowing shell on the water.

Each year, Russell’s crew in PEI and other Maritime clubs kick off the event, which begins at 9 a.m. Atlantic Time. Rowers in each province begin at 9 a.m. their time and have until noon their time to row as many kilometers as possible to be tallied for their local club. Many rowers will row for a period of 20 minutes, or toward a set kilometer goal, and then take a break, stretching, coaching, and encouraging others until they are ready to row again.

As a coach for the Lakeland club, Walsh’s enthusiasm for the sport makes him particularly adept at convincing people to try out rowing, and this event was no exception. He managed to entice 11 members of the regular pickleball crew at the gym to do their warmup on the ergs, highlighting the low-impact, full-body workout that rowing provides.

Club rowers aimed to row between 20 and 30 kilometers in the three-hour

stretch, while other non-club participants were happy to put in a single kilometer. They all add up, encouraged Walsh.

In the last ten minutes of the challenge, club rowers pushed extra hard to meet their individual goals. Kyle Niedermaier reached 29 km and Jamie Stromberg hit 28 km, while Kylie Stafford and Janice Jackson both rowed over 21 kilometers. Max Burt rowed for an impressive 52 minutes nonstop. The final total for Vermilion was 174,320 meters.

With the aim of the event being participation, there were no rewards other than bragging rights, and Walsh was happy to proclaim the reach that the event has had. “We have had all ten provinces represented every year since we started doing this, and last year we even had a club from Yellowknife participate,” he said proudly.

Across the nation, over 980 athletes participated in this year’s event, collectively rowing nearly 5,000,000 meters.

Anyone interested in rowing in the upcoming season can check out the Lakeland Rowing Club on Facebook or email lrcvermilion@gmail.com

From left, Cliff Rolheiser, Dianne Dunn, Sterling MacCallum, and Hayward Vaters.

From left, Tyson Tschauner, Hayward Vaters, Don Henry, and Jim Storch. Photos submitted

Lakeland Rowing Club members, Lakeland College varsity rowers, pickleballers, and others participated in Indoor Rowing Day in Canada on February 24. Photo Caylie Gnyra

Lorna Hamilton Reporter

Lakeland College’s Vermilion Campus Set

To Host The Little Royal Rodeo

Lakeland College’s Vermilion Campus is full of excitement as it prepares to host the much-anticipated Little Royal Rodeo on March 9th and 10th.

Formerly known as the Little International during its nascent years, this agricultural extravaganza has been a staple event at the college for decades. Its roots trace back to 1929 when it was rebranded as the Little Royal, expanding its scope to include home economics displays. For over 40 years, it stood as a beacon of tradition and excellence, captivating audiences with its blend of rural charm and educational fervor.

Despite facing a period of dormancy in the 1970s, the event experienced a triumphant resurgence in 1986. Since then, it has flourished, almost doubling in attendance and reclaiming its status as a cherished event within the Lakeland College community.

This year’s Little Royal will kick off on March 9 with the much-anticipated Little Royal Steer and Heifer show. The morning will see weigh-ins from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m., followed by the commencement of the show promptly at 10 a.m.

The day’s events promise a riveting display with categories ranging from Junior Heifers to Open Steers Junior show. Spectators can expect fierce competition as the top contenders vie for the prestigious titles of Grand and Reserve Champion.

As the day progresses, excitement mounts with the onset of the slack at 1 p.m., paving the way for the electrifying rodeo performance and beer gardens opening at 6:30 p.m. While there is a nominal $15 admission fee for the performances, children aged 12 and under enjoy complimentary entry— a gesture emblematic of the event’s commitment to inclusivity and community spirit. Additionally, Saturday night promises to be a lively affair with a Rodeo dance scheduled at the Lakeland College Gymnasium, providing attendees with an opportunity to unwind and celebrate amidst the camaraderie of fellow rodeo enthusiasts.

packed Slack beginning at 8 a.m. The culmination of the weekend’s festivities arrives with the Rodeo performance at 2 p.m., coinciding with the opening of the beer gardens. It’s a day destined to be filled with heart-pounding thrills and unforgettable moments.

Commenting on the forthcom -

ing event, Ashley Watt, Manager of Equine and Rodeo Operations, expressed enthusiasm, stating, “Our Rodeo club is looking forward to hosting Little Royal Rodeo. We have a very strong, competitive team and are eager to showcase our talent in front of a hometown crowd.”

The excitement continues into Sunday, with the action-

In Memory of Brenda Lee

who passed away Feb 25 ,2023

I am so grateful to have been Brenda’s friend,

of her many friends. Some

BRENDA JEAN LEE

Gone from our sight but not from our minds or our hearts

Ed, Shelley (Rollie), Warren (Scarlet), Kaiden & McKenna

2022 Little Royal. Photo Vermilion Voice

Dawn Hames Columnist

I was recently part of a potluck, Asianthemed meal. It was so fun, some of the dishes were sweet and sour meatballs, Asian dumplings, fried rice, plain rice with soya sauce, naked egg roll (egg roll filling), and sushi, among salads and desserts. It was a feast. A lady from the Philippines made and brought an authentic noodle dish, and someone else brought Japanese buns. It was so fun to try different foods. The table centers were bamboo placemats, with brightly coloured Chinese rice bowls, with silk orchids.

When I was taking an after-degree art

Craig Baird

Back in February 1910, the community of Vermilion was still a very new place. It was only five years old, but it was already a popular place for people to settle. The population was booming but with that came crime. That is not to say that the community was full of crime. Then, as with now, it was a quiet and peaceful place to live.

course at the University of Saskatoon, I shared a residence on campus with a lady from Japan, she taught me how to make sushi. A lot of people don’t like sushi, because they think it is raw fish, and in her case, it was raw fish. She did however “cook” it without heat in rice vinegar, which denatures the protein and sanitizes the fish. Since I am a prairie girl, eating raw fish is not something I would look forward to. Lots of sushi that is available for purchase in the prairies uses fish such as precooked crabflavored Pollock, and it works amazingly. The best rice for making sushi is a sticky rice, or a rice such as sweet Thai. You can use short-grain rice, but long-grain will not work as well, as it is not very good at sticking together. The authentic vinegar to use is rice vinegar.

Sushi

Noir wrappers are made of seaweed. They are a super excellent source of many nutrients, including minerals and iodine. If you have fresh cooked salmon, you can use that as well. Sushi is often served with wasabi (a horseradish), soya sauce for dipping, and pickled garlic for refreshing your palette. Fillings can be carrot, avocado, cucumber, cooked fresh salmon, crab, pollock, shrimp, or caviar. I use English cucumbers, but if you use field cucumbers, the Japanese peel them and cut the seed outs as well.

Sushi

1 cup uncooked rice

2 tablespoons vinegar

4 teaspoons sugar

4 or 5 noir wrappers

1 carrot

1/2 cucumber

Crab flavored pollock

Cook your rice as per package directions. Stir in the vinegar and sugar. On a bamboo sushi mat, cover with a piece of saran wrap, and then a sheet of noir. Spread a thin layer of the rice mixture on the sheet, keeping the rice about 1/4 of an inch away from the farthest edge of the noir. You will need this edge free of rice for a better seal on your roll. On the edge closest to you, add matchstick slices of carrot and slender pieces of peeled cucumber, and pollock. Roll up the sushi, using the bamboo mat as your aid. When it is rolled, you can wrap it in saran wrap and store it in the refrigerator to chill. Repeat the process, until all the rice is used up. I usually end up with four long rolls, that can then be cut into individual pieces.

Handing Out Sentences In Vermilion

Nonetheless, there was crime and today I am looking at three cases.

The first case involved an unnamed person who laid charges against an unnamed person that stole a white steer from the property. In the case, no judgement was made in February because of the indefiniteness of the charge. It was put to the next sitting of the full court in April.

The next case involved Arthur McGuiness, who was arraigned on charges of perjury. It was alleged he had information taken by P.G. Dilkie,

charged A.D. Carmichael with theft. He stated that a $319 was removed from Carmichael from himself with directions that the proceeds of the cheque should go to pay off a debt of $250. Carmichael stated he never received the cheque. When the case went before W.M. Corbett, he dismissed it on grounds that there was insufficient evidence.

of Vermilion. He had three previous convictions against him related to petty theft so this was not the first time he had appeared in court. This time, he was released because there was not sufficient evidence to charge him. At the time, he was under suspended sentence for a previous conviction.

Contact Craig at craig@canadaehx. com

Support Craig by donating at www. canadaehx.com (Click Donate)

Lastly, the case of Fred Williams, who also had the alias of F.W. Burch. He was charged with stealing a razor from the property of Edwin Johnston

Listen to his podcast Canadian History Ehx on all podcast platforms.

INNISFREE & DISTRICT

5006-50 Ave., Vermilion,

AB T9X 1A2

Phone: 780-853-6305

Fax: 780-853-5426

FISH & GAME ASSOCIATION

INNISFREE & DISTRICT F SH & GAME ASSOCIAT ON

Would like to thank the TrophySponsors&AuctionDonors& all other Individuals&Businesses

who contributed time, merchandise, and services towards our 2023 Annual Supper & Dance

Would like to thank the TrophySponsors&AuctionDonors& all other Individuals&Businesses who contributed time, merchandise, and services towards our 2024 Annual Supper & Dance

5K Cannan Farms

5K Cannan Farms

5K Cannan Farms

Agland

Aaron Cannan

Aaron Cannan

ABC Drywall & Stucco

Without your support it would not be possible

Without your support it would not be possible

Hudson Contracting

Hudson Contracting Providence Grain

Randy & Susan Cannan

GT Automotive / NAPA Vermilion Richardson Pioneer

Humeniuk's Meat Cutting

Ray Nedzielski

Humeniuk's Meat Cutting Randy & Susan Cannan

Hudson Contracting Road Runner Waterhauling

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Innisfree Hotel

Richardson Pioneer

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Agland

Innisfree Seed Cleaning Plant

RM Consulting

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Agriterra

IRIS Vegreville

Agriterra IRIS Vegreville RM Consulting

Road Runner Waterhauling

ATB / Mannville Registries Innisfree Seed Cleaning Plant RONA Vermilion

Alberta Beef Producers NE Zone

Irma Liquor Store

Robin & Amberlyn Myshaniuk

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Jard Industrial Supply

Robin's DJ Service

Bernie's Hotshot Ireland Farm Equipment Ron's Auto & Ag

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Bernie's Hotshot

JMT Mechancial

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Blaine Woodall

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Lorna Hamilton

Photographer / Reporter:

Lorna Hamilton, Caylie Gnyra

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Susan Chikie, Lorna Hamilton

Kevin Loades

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Blaine Woodall Kevin Loades Rocky Mountain Equipment

Bumper to Bumper Two Hills/Veg Auto Jard Industrial Supply Scott Wowdzia Ent.UFA

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LMG Mechanical

Branded LMG Mechanical Rodney Smith

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Cabin Boyz JMT Mechancial Section 35

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Ron's Auto & Ag

Broadhead Family Maddigan Chrysler Rona Vantage Builders

Cargill Vegreville Krissy Folk Serendipitous Adventures

Bumper to Bumper Two Hills/Veg

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Mainstreet Hardware Southview Trucking

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Mama K's Homemade Salsa Stealth Bins

Mannville & Area Liquor Store

Stealth Bin Products

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Co-operators Koback Ent.

MarDar Electric

Cornerstone CO-OP MarDar Electric Stealth Bin Products

Tingley's Harvest Center

Mannville & Area Liquor Store Stepanick Boyz

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Mark's Vegreville

MarDar Electric

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Coulee Creek Taxidermy Minco Gas Toma Fine Floors

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McMath Controls Tisha's Auto Detailing

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Deerland Equipment Norstar Agriculture Vegreville Autobody

NuEarth Soil Solutions

Dwyer Mechanical NuEarth Soil Solutions Vegreville Ford

Dwyer Mechanical

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Midwest Auto Supply UFA Delegates Jeff Nott

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Extreme Equipment

Doug Agate & Cole Nott (Cole's Coup)

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Clinic

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Paul

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& Heimbecker Ltd Webb's Machinery

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G3 Grain

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Greater Canadians Pete's Antique Refinishing Westbrook Construction

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Randy & Susan Cannan Wildrose Ranch

Providence Grain

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Caylie Gnyra Reporter

Councillor Kevin Martin was sworn in as Deputy Mayor for March through June 2024 at Vermilion town council’s regular meeting on February 20. Council thanked Councillor Paul Conlon for the work he has done as Deputy Mayor over the past four months.

Sgt. Corey Buckingham then provided the RCMP detachment’s quarterly report, highlighting how the province is looking into using Remote Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS), also known as drones, to assist in gathering information at critical incidents. The province is also undertaking testing of body cameras for police officers.

Sgt. Buckingham then outlined the three priorities and four initiatives the department is focusing on this year: crime reduction through curfew checks, effective communication through town hall events and public communications such as media releases and monthly RAVE fanouts, and enhanced road safety and improved police visibility through documented vehicle stops. He noted that over 500 residents are now receiving RAVE alerts for community watch advisories, and encouraged more residents to sign up for the alerts at https://www.ruralcrimewatch.ab.ca/l/rave

Highlighting notable year-over-year statistics, Sgt. Buckingham explained that motor vehicle collisions are down 24% from 2022 to 2023, while persons crimes—predominantly domestic abuse—are trending upwards by 25%. He cautioned residents, particularly the elderly, to be vigilant against telephone fraud, particularly something called “number spoofing,” in which an individual makes it look like they are calling from a familiar or trusted number. For more information on recent frauds circulating, check out the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at https://antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/index-eng.htm

Sgt. Buckingham encouraged residents to be sure to formally report property crime to the RCMP so that they can have a bigger picture of what is happening and can react appropriately. He also noted that residents could sign up for the CAPTURE program, which stands for Community Assisted Policing Through Use of Recorded Evidence, to register their security cameras as potential sites of recorded evidence in the event of a crime. Visit https://www.ruralalbertacap ture.ca/ for more details.

February 20 Town Council

Committee then took the floor, emphasizing the value of the airport to the town. He stressed the essential nature of the airport with respect to fixed-wing Medevac (medical evacuation) transport, noting that the service allowed for patients to receive critical care during the “golden hour” following the time of traumatic injury or appearance of lifethreatening symptoms. Over 100 Medevac flights left the Vermilion airport last year, with an estimated 10% of those being critical.

To put the use of the Medevac flights into perspective, Hancock described how an ambulance ride to Lloydminster can tie up one of Vermilion’s ambulances for up to two and a half hours. “The faster we can get people [to the care they need], the more lives we can save,” he said.

Hancock supported his position that the airport provides an essential service by noting that one of our medical professionals commutes in from Kenora, Ontario on his own aircraft. Furthermore, he said, some developers decide whether to invest in a community based on the presence of an airport. The committee put forward suggestions on potential income generators for the airport, ranging from a hangar home subdivision to a drone delivery hub, aircraft training, aircraft storage hangars, aircraft component overhaul, and other aviation business investments. He stressed that Vermilion will only be attractive to new businesses if we can prove long-term stability.

Bringing his report to a close, Hancock noted that the Airport Advisory Committee had commissioned a feasibility study that found that it would be possible to have a GPS approach installed at both ends of the runway for an estimated $9,000. A GPS approach would allow aircraft to safely navigate toward the runway on 94% of days, excepted only by days with fog. This is “not an outrageous cost at all,” he said. He asked, point blank, if the Town had plans to decommission the airport, and was assured by Council that “That word has never been used on our end. The airport isn’t going anywhere any time soon.” Council asked

APRIL 12-14, 2024

enter the stadium and arena for public skate would be welcomed.

Moving on with the meeting, Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Kevin Lucas recommended to Council that the Town of Vermilion increase its firefighters’ honoraria to reflect the 3.25 per cent increase the County of Vermilion River Council approved for its firefighters. Council approved this recommendation, increasing practice hours by $0.56 per hour, standby duty by $1.45 per day, and the show-up rate by $0.73 per hour. “This will have essentially zero impact on our firefighting budget,” assured Mayor Greg Throndson.

Council then brought forward the Town’s Code of Conduct for review. “I think there’s still a bylaw that says you can hook a horse up outside Craig’s but that’s only for up to two hours,” quipped the mayor, emphasizing the Code’s need for revision.

Just prior to the meeting, FOCUS had submitted a letter to Council requesting written support from the Town for a project grant application. The project involves creating a modified bus route across neighbouring communities for seniors to better access the shops and services that are available in nearby towns. Given the tight turnaround time needed for the letter, Council requested that FOCUS provide background information on the grant and the project prior to delivering the signed letter of support.

Council opted not to send delegates to the 2024 Spring Municipal Leaders Caucus in March or the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) conference in June due to budget cuts, despite acknowledging the direct dollar value this type of opportunity creates for Vermilion through the conversations and connections that occur there.

CAO Lucas reported that the Director of Infrastructure and Planning Service job posting has received a handful of applications, but that “It will be a challenge to pull someone here.”

Director of Community Services Mike van der Torre reported that the resurfacing of the pool deck will be happen -

Planning Service’s report focused on the cost of damage associated with the garbage truck that caught fire while in service a few weeks ago. Although it is currently unknown whether the truck will be able to be repaired due to the possibility of complex wiring being damaged, the cost of a rental truck in the meantime is significant and repairs could take several months. Council discussed a campaign to educate the public on appropriate landfill waste to prevent future incidents.

Director of Corporate Services Brian Leibel reminded residents that they can view and pay utility bills online. Some residents have been reporting large jumps in utility bills, and Council noted that those increases were related to consumption levels as well as capital investments such as the new trunk line. Council plans to organize a media release with further details.

Council noted there have been internal conversations about the rain barrels that had been brought up by a member of the public concerned about drought in the previous meeting. Rather than the Town purchasing rain barrels up front, as had been suggested by the member of the public, Council explained that they were considering other options such as providing utility bill rebates for anyone who could provide a receipt for a rain barrel from a local provider. Council’s aim is to “provide local incentives and staying in the community but staying sensitive to these new needs.”

Manager Economic Development

Mary Lee Prior explained to Council that the Alberta HUB meeting was recently hosted here in Vermilion at the Pomeroy Hotel with approximately 55–60 surrounding communities in attendance. MLA Shane Getson, Parliamentary Secretary for Economic Corridor Development; MLA Tany Yao, Parliamentary Secretary for Small Business and Northern Development; along with CN’s Public & Government Affairs Manager for Alberta & NWT were all in attendance. They expressed that they “feel that the next two years are going to be about rural Alberta, so if [these communities] want something, now is

The Vermilion Public Library did not receive as much funding as they had anticipated, so they have had to scale back on some of their proposed extended services. Council appointed Richard Yaceyko to a three-year term on the library’s board, and Brad Gallamore to an additional two-year term on the board.

Mayor Throndson reported on the Healthcare Provider Attraction and Retention meeting, highlighting that Vermilion will be receiving three new doctors plus a fourth on the way, as well as an anesthesiologist. “We’ve got a lot of good news coming forward. A lot of good news,” he said. When questioned on the committee’s role in attracting new physicians to Vermilion, Mayor Throndson said that while Alberta Health Services is responsible for recruitment and the selection process, the mayor himself will personally show recruited physicians around our community to try to “put the worm on the hook.” “They want to feel like they’re part of the

As the public portion of the meeting came to a close, Director of Corporate Services Brian Leibel recommended that Council accept the Town’s accounts payable for the period of February 7–20, 2024 for $556,445.45. While this was approved, the mayor made note that accounts payable no longer require a

Issues of note in the Council round table included that glass will now be picked up by the Alberta Recycling Program, and that the municipality, are all preparing

BULL BREEDERS

Saturday, March 9 - 1:00

At Bow Slope Shipping Assoc Brooks, AB

At Bow Slope Shipping Assoc. Brooks, AB

Featuring: 120 2 Year Old Black Angus Bulls

Sale Will Also Be Available On DLMS.

Low Maintenance * Performance Genetics

Maternal * Longevity * Calving Ease

Submitted

Considerations When Using Alternative Feed – Have You Done Your Homework?

Alternative or non-conventional feeds, such as grain screenings, cull potatoes or distillers’ grains, can be an economical means for beef cattle producers to supplement forage and grain inventories while continuing to meet animal nutritional requirements. However, due to variability in the supply, nutrient composition and quality of these feed ingredients, there can be pitfalls if not properly managed. Below are several key areas that producers can focus on when deciding if alternative feeds are a good fit for their farm.

Match feed composition to beef cattle groups.

Two of the main components to creating a balanced ration for beef cattle is knowing the nutritional composition of the feedstuffs being used and their suitability for the type or group of cattle being fed. Ration-balancing tools, such as CowBytes, allow producers to input feed analysis results and ingredient costs to calculate appropriate rations that safely use alternative feeds and reduce the risk of digestive upsets.

Screenings from cereals, pulses or canola, can be cost-effective sources of protein and energy in the diet for mature cattle. However, inconsistency between loads and the potential for toxins requires feed testing to determine the true nutritional value.

In comparison, soyhulls or beet pulp, which are byproducts of processing, typically contain a consistent amount of energy due to having a high level of digestible fiber. This makes them an excellent feed for most classes of cattle.

Feeds, such as straw and oat hulls, have a poor nutritional composition, but can be utilized as fibre sources to partially substitute forage in rations for mature cows in early and mid-gestation. It is recommended to restrict the use of these feeds in the diet of bred heifers, a group that requires a higher plane of nutrition to meet their own growth and development needs, along with the rising demands of pregnancy. Feeding high levels of straw also increases the risk of impaction.

If feeding low- to medium-quality forage-based diets or grazing crop residues, additional protein supplementation is often necessary. Byproducts such as canola meal, soybean meal or dried distillers’ grains (DDG) are high-quality protein feeds that can be easily fed in multiple feeding scenarios and to all classes of cattle. Supplementing cows that reach peak lactation in early spring can provide the added energy and protein needed to support milk production before pasture turnout.

There can be an increased risk of toxins with some alternative feeds due to the concentration of nutrients during processing or the presence of certain conditions at harvest and storage. For example, heated or sprouted grains have an elevated risk of moulds and mycotoxins, while cereal screenings increase the danger of ergot toxicity. These contaminants can lead

to reduced production performance, fertility issues and abortions in cattle. It is recommended to avoid feeding to bred heifers, pregnant cows or cowcalf pairs. Feed testing is necessary for any suspect feeds.

Think about handling and storage

Consider storage and feeding requirements before purchasing alternative feeds. Having the proper facilities and feeding infrastructure will make incorporating these feeds easier.

Handling can be a challenge when working with high-moisture feeds such as cull potatoes or fruit and vegetable waste. These types of products can freeze in cold weather, making consumption by cattle difficult. For example, whole, frozen cull potatoes present a choking hazard when fed. To reduce this risk, the potatoes can be chopped using a tub grinder or crushed with equipment such as tractors. However, it is important to keep in mind that once processed, storage time is greatly reduced.

In addition, high-moisture products tend to ferment rapidly, especially when temperatures warm up. This creates potential spoilage issues, so it is recommended to feed quickly unless ensiled.

Feeds, such as chaff, oat hulls or screenings, can be bulky to transport and store. Covered commodity sheds can help reduce feed losses when compared to outside storage. The storage facilities used should be functional and well-maintained. These feeds are also dusty and ideally fed as part of a total mixed ration (TMR) with a wet ingredient or water included in the mix.

Continued on page 9

Ranchers Choice Ranchers Choice

SIMMENTAL BULL SALE

Continued from page 8

when compared to source 2.

When thinking of on-farm ration preparation and feed delivery, consider the mixing characteristics of the novel feed, such as particle size, shape and density. Feeds with a fine particle size should be combined with other ingredients in a TMR to allow for the greatest utilization of the product. In contrast, larger particle feeds can be either fed on their own or mixed with other ingredients as part of a balanced ration.

What about costs – do they add up?

It is key to compare feeds on an equal nutrient basis and not simply on purchase price. This allows for a direct comparison between feeds. Consider the scenarios below (nutrient values expressed on a dry matter (DM) basis):

Two protein sources are available: source 1 contains 30% protein and costs $350/tonne, while source 2 costs $375/tonne and contains 38% protein. The cost per unit of protein for source 1 is $1.17/kg. In comparison, the cost per unit of protein is $0.99/kg for source 2. Therefore, although protein source 1 is purchased at a lower price, it will end up costing more to feed the same amount of protein per head per day

Assume corn grain is priced at $248/ tonne and contains 88% total digestible nutrients (TDN). The cost per unit of energy is $0.28/kg. If grain screening pellets are available as an alternative energy source, and they contain 70% TDN, the breakeven price to pay for these pellets would be $195/tonne. It is important to remember that some screening pellets might be fortified with vitamins and minerals which must be considered when doing comparisons.

The BCRC’s interactive calculator for Evaluating the Economic Value of Feeds can help producers determine the value of feeds they are considering for purchase compared to the value of standard feeds. Keep in mind that it is important to use “dry matter” values rather than “as fed” when running cost comparisons.

Considerations when calculating the cost of transportation should include the distance hauled and the physical nature of the product itself. As an example, culled potatoes, culled onions or other fruit and vegetable wastes can have moisture contents ranging from 70-90%. This means that 1 tonne of these feeds at a dry matter of 25% would contain

750 kg of water! This greatly increases the transportation costs, especially over long distances. In addition, due to the high-moisture content, bedding costs may increase along with a higher risk of digestive upsets and buildup of manure tags.

Carefully manage the inclusion of alternative feeds

Local alternative feeds can be effective and economical additions to beef cattle rations. However, careful management is required to avoid potential problems and to ensure the nutritional requirements of the type of cattle being fed are met.

Thank you to the Beef Cattle Research Council for allowing the reprinting of this article. https://www.beefresearch.ca/

Feeding hay to beef cattle in the winter. Photo Submtited

A Guide To Selecting Bulls At A Bull Sale For Your Herd

Lorna Hamilton Reporter

Selecting the right bulls for your herd is a critical decision that can significantly impact the genetic quality, productiv -

ity, and profitability of your cattle operation. Bull sales offer an opportunity to acquire new breeding stock, but making informed choices is essential to ensure long-term success. This article provides a detailed guide to help you navigate bull sales and choose bulls that best fit your herd’s goals and requirements.

Understanding Your Herd’s Needs: Before attending a bull sale, it’s crucial to have a clear understanding of your herd’s objectives, breeding goals, and specific requirements. Consider factors such as desired traits (e.g., growth rate, carcass quality, maternal characteristics), environmental adaptability, and any existing genetic strengths or weaknesses within your herd.

Research and Preparation: Research the upcoming bull sales in your region and identify those that offer genetics aligned with your breeding objectives. Study the sale catalogs or online listings to review pedigrees, performance data, and any available genetic evaluations (e.g., EPDs - Expected Progeny Differences).

On-Site Evaluation: Attending the bull sale in person allows you to assess the bulls firsthand and gather additional

information beyond what’s provided in the catalogs. Pay attention to the following aspects during your on-site evaluation:

Physical Conformation: Evaluate the bull’s overall appearance, structural soundness, muscle development, and body condition. Look for bulls with balanced conformation and adequate muscling, as these traits can influence longevity and performance.

Pedigree and Genetics: Review the bull’s pedigree to understand its ancestry, genetic background, and potential for transmitting desirable traits to offspring. Consider the performance records of the bull’s relatives and any genetic markers associated with key traits of interest.

Performance Data: Examine the bull’s performance data, including birth weight, weaning weight, yearling weight, and ultrasound measurements (e.g., ribeye area, marbling score). Compare these metrics to industry benchmarks and your herd’s specific goals to identify bulls with superior performance potential.

Health and Reproductive History: Verify the bull’s health status, vaccination history, and reproductive soundness

through veterinary records and examinations. Ensure that the bull is free from any heritable diseases or reproductive disorders that could impact breeding performance and calf health.

Temperament: Assess the bull’s temperament and disposition, as docile bulls are easier to handle and less likely to pose safety risks to handlers and other cattle.

Making the Selection: After thorough evaluation and consideration of all relevant factors, narrow down your choices to bulls that best meet your herd’s needs and priorities. Prioritize bulls with proven genetics, sound conformation, and optimal performance potential. Consider diversifying your selection to introduce genetic variation and minimize the risk of inbreeding.

Final Considerations: Before making a purchase, establish a budget and determine your maximum spending limit based on the perceived value and potential return on investment of the selected bulls. Take advantage of any pre-sale consultations or assistance offered by sale organizers or breeders to address any remaining questions or concerns.

20TH ANNUAL BULL & HEIFER PRODUCTION SALE

Pink Shirt Day - A Symbol Of Unity Against Bullying

Lorna Hamilton Editor

In the vast tapestry of social movements, some threads stand out more vividly than others. Pink Shirt Day, observed annually in Canada, is one such thread—a vibrant symbol of solidarity against bullying. As we commemorate this day each year, it’s essential to reflect on its history and understand why it continues to hold

consciousness. The genesis of Pink Shirt Day dates back to 2007 in a high school in Nova Scotia, where a small act of kindness sparked a ripple effect that would resonate far beyond the school’s walls. When a ninth-grader faced harassment and bullying for wearing a pink shirt to school, two senior students took a stand. They rallied their peers to wear pink shirts the next day, creating a visible

simple yet powerful gesture captured the public’s imagination and laid the foundation for what would become an annual movement against bullying.

Since that pivotal moment, Pink Shirt Day has evolved into a nationwide phenomenon, transcending geographical boundaries and cultural differences. Each year, on the last Wednesday of February, Canadians don pink shirts to raise awareness about the prevalence and impact of bullying in schools, workplaces, and communities. Beyond its symbolic significance, Pink Shirt Day serves as a catalyst for dialogue, education, and action against all forms of bullying—verbal, physical, or cyber.

At its core, Pink Shirt Day embodies the values of empathy, compassion, and inclusivity. It sends a clear message that bullying in any form is unacceptable and that everyone has a role to play in creating a safe and supportive environment for all. By donning pink shirts and participating

in related activities, individuals reaffirm their commitment to fostering kindness, respect, and understanding in their interactions with others.

Moreover, Pink Shirt Day serves as a poignant reminder of the profound impact that small acts of kindness can have on combating cruelty and discrimination. It highlights the power of collective action in effecting positive change and encourages individuals to speak out against injustice and intolerance wherever they encounter it.

As we mark another Pink Shirt Day, it’s crucial to recognize that our work is far from done. Despite progress in raising awareness and implementing anti-bullying initiatives, many individuals still experience the devastating effects of bullying on a daily basis. Therefore, it is incumbent upon all of us to remain vigilant, to listen to those who are marginalized or oppressed, and to take meaningful action to create a more equitable and inclusive society.

In the face of adversity, let us remember the spirit of solidarity that Pink Shirt Day represents. Let us stand together, shoulder to shoulder, as allies and advocates for those who may feel alone or powerless. And let us reaffirm our commitment to building a world where kindness triumphs over cruelty, and where every individual can live, work, and learn without fear of harassment or intimidation.

Pink Shirt Day is not just a day on the calendar; it’s a call to action—a call to create a brighter, more compassionate future for generations to come. So, let us wear our pink shirts proudly, not just today, but any day, as a visible reminder of our collective resolve to stamp out bullying in all its forms. Together, we can make a difference— one small act of kindness at a time.

(left to right): Valerie Richards, Lori-Ann Stenhouse, Derek Collins, Brian Teasdale.

GMACK Progress Steer And Heifer Show 2024

Lloydminster Exhibition

Submitted

The 13th Annual Lloydminster Exhibition

Progress Steer and Heifer Show presented by GMACK will be held on March 16 & 17.

The Progress Steer and Heifer Show has been the place to showcase high caliber Steers and Heifers by both youth and adults.

In 2024, we are looking forward to another strong year with an increased number of head to show.

The event features the Justamere Jr Show and the GMACK Open Steer and Heifer Show. This spring show is a great opportunity for youth, and breeders to showcase their progress Steers and Heifers.

Entries are currently open, and will close March 1@ 4 PM MST. Information and event details will be posted on our website at www. lloydex.com. The show can also be followed on Facebook via livestream on event day March 16 and 17.

The Lloydminster Agricultural Exhibition Association is a community-based organi-

serving Lloydminster and area since 1904. The Lloydminster Agricultural Exhibition Association exists to enhance both the agricultural and urban communities, by providing facilities and resources for the development and conducting of business, education, social and recreation activities throughout the year.

Auctions

MEIER FIREARM AND SPORTSMAN AUCTION, Saturday, March 9, 10AM. Rifles, Shotguns, Ammo., Hunting Supplies. 4740 57 ST Wetaskiwin. Consignments accepted up to sale time, Free Pickup. Visit www.meierauction.com PH 780 440-1860.

BLANKET THE PROVINCE with a classified ad. Only $269/wk (based on 25 words or less). Reach almost 80 weekly newspapers. Call NOW for details. 1-800282-6903 Ext 225; www.awna.com.

coming EvEnts

EDMONTON COIN SHOW & SALE - March 9/10 2024, 10 am - 4:30 pm. Lions Centre 11113 - 113 Street, Edmonton. Free market evaluations. Dealers from across Canada * Auctions * Displays * WATCHES * Family friendly! www.edmontoncoinclub.com/ shows.

custom HomEs

GET YOUR MESSAGE SEEN ACROSS Alberta. The Blanket Classifieds or Value Ads reach over 600,000 Alberta readers weekly. Two options starting at $269 or $799 to get your message out! Business changes, hiring, items for sale, cancellations, tenders, etc. People are increasingly staying home and rely on their local newspapers for information. KEEP people in the loop with our 90 Weekly Community Newspapers. Call THIS NEWSPAPER now or email classifieds@ awna.com for details. 1-800-282-6903, 780-434-8746 X225. www.awna.com.

FEEd And sEEd

WE BUY DAMAGED GRAIN - Heated, Mixed, Tough, Light, Bugs, Spring Thrashed....Barley, Wheat, Oats, Peas, Flax, Canola. “On Farm Pickup”. Westcan Feed & Grain 1-877-250-5252.

ALBERTA FEED GRAIN: Buying Oats, Barley, Wheat, Canola, Peas, Screenings, Mixed Grains. Dry, Wet, Heated, or Spring Thresh. Prompt Payment. In House Trucks, In House Excreta Cleaning. Vac Rent al. 1-888-483-8789.

HEAltH

Vermilion Senior Citizen Centre

HIP/KNEE REPLACEMENT. Other medical conditions causing TROUBLE WALKING or DRESSING?

barrassed? Looking for a live-in Caregiver/Nanny Email resumes to: trnich4@gmail.com

Hello, my

WAntEd

Put Your Business in the Spotlight: Advertise Today! www.vermilionvoice.com

Submitted

Making The Most Of Your Doctor’s Appointment

Working closely with your doctor is one of the most important things you can do to help you get – and stay – as healthy as you can.

Have you ever caught yourself saying the following things

• “Doctors are so busy. I don’t want to bother them.”

• “The doctor’s the expert, not me. I just listen.”

• “I’m afraid of saying something that isn’t right.”

• “I’m actually a little scared of my doctor. He intimidates me.”

Partnering with your doctor shouldn’t have to be a struggle. Doctors are experts on medical care but you are the expert on yourself. And, together, you can find a solution that best fits your values, beliefs, and lifestyle.

Things to do before visiting your doctor

• Be prepared. Write down what you want to say, how you feel, and any symptoms you are having.

• You can also write down the three most important questions you have; what means the most to you.

• Don’t be afraid to say what you think.

• Bring someone with you, espe cially if you have trouble remembering or would like some support

• Always asks questions to ensure you understand.

Some examples of questions you can ask when talking with your doctor about treatments and tests are:

• What is the name of the test, medicine, surgery, or other treatment?

• Why is it needed?

• What are the risks?

• What are potential side effects?

• Are there alternatives?

• How much does it cost?

• What will happen if I decide not to have treatment?

• How do I prepare for each test or treatment?

• Is the cost of the medicine covered by my provincial health plan or private health insurance?

• How do I take this medicine?

• How will this medicine react with other medicines I am taking?

After your doctor visit it’s a good idea to make notes following your Doctor’s visit. Those can include:

• What your health professional thinks the problem might be.

• What you might expect to happen next.

• What you can do to manage your problem at home.

Follow the instructions your doctor gave you, including filling a prescription, scheduling tests, or making another appointment. Call your doctor if you still have questions or if there is anything you do not understand.

Watch closely for changes in your health and be sure to contact your doctor if you have any problems or symptoms that concern you. Followup care is a key part of your treatment and safety.

Update the medical records that you keep at home, including new test results and medicine changes.

How can you partner with your doctor?

Here are some tips for being a good partner with your doctor:

• Build a relationship with your doctor – Let your doctor know that you want to be a

partner in your health care. Tell the doctor what your expectations are.

• Be an active participant in each appointment – Listen carefully to what your doctor says. If you do not understand a diagnosis or treatment, ask questions. And tell the doctor if you think that following the prescribed treatment will be hard for you.

• Have a family member or friend with you during your appointment, if possible – He or she can take notes, ask questions to clarify information, and help you remember what your doctor says.

• Bring your medicines to your appointment – If you take prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including natural health products, bring all of them with you to any appointment with a doctor. If you cannot bring the medicines, bring a list of the medicines that you take.

• Ask for instructions – Before you leave the doctor’s office, make sure you know what you are supposed to do to care for yourself. Ask for written information, links to videos and websites, and any other instructions.

• Be sure to make and go to all appointments -- Call your doctor if you are having problems. It’s also a good idea to know your test results and

keep a list of the medicines you take.

• Prepare your child for tests and examinations – Let your child know why he or she is seeing a doctor and what will be done during the visit. Your child’s age and developmental level will determine how best to prepare him or her. And ask your older child if he or she would like to speak to the doctor alone. Teens may be more willing to talk about topics such as sexuality, mental health, and drugs or alcohol if they know they can have time on their own with their doctors.

A strong partnership between you and your doctor is key to getting great care. A primary care physician such as a family doctor should know your medical history and understand what is important to you. They may be the resource you need most when you face a major health care decision.

Lost in Vermilion on February 21 in the afternoon at 4pm This gentleman removed his Oakley prescription glasses (Greyish black/Charcol with green Oakley logo on the arm) in front of the Men's Den and laid them on the hood of his car to look under his car. He then proceeded to travel East to JR Robson and then to VES with the glasses on the hood so he lost them somewhere between these locations. If found could you please contact the Vermilion Voice o ce at 780-8536305, or Cory at 780-915-3274 (even if broken the owner can claim through insurance)

Lorna Hamilton Reporter

Alberta Government Invests In Women’s Future As Professional Drivers

In a move to address labor shortages and promote gender diversity in Alberta’s commercial trucking industry, the provincial government has earmarked $2.8 million to support Women Building Futures (WBF) in training more women for roles as professional drivers.

The initiative comes at a critical time, with the demand for drivers in the commercial transportation sector skyrocketing. Alberta, known for its robust production of goods, faces a significant shortfall with women currently representing a mere 2.9 percent of commercial truckers, lagging behind the national average

of four percent. The province currently grapples with approximately 4,260 unfilled transport truck driver positions.

To tackle this challenge headon, Alberta’s government had earlier pledged $40 million over four years to provide commercial driver training grants to unemployed and underemployed individuals. The recent commitment of $2.8 million over two years specifically targets WBF, aiming to empower more women through skill-building programs, confidence enhancement, and facilitating connections with companies committed to fostering safe and inclusive workplaces.

Devin Dreeshen, Minister of Trans -

UPCOMING ONLINE FARM AUCTIONS

Wes & Tracey Keller - April 18

Jackie Semeniuk – April 18

George Gow Estate – April 18

Robert McKerihan & Consigners – April 25

Fred Fry – Shop Tools, Pick up truck & household – Date not set

Lee Arthur – June 13

Charles Lovell Estate – June 27

Also remember to check out the two land auctions closing March 7 – Emil, Jean & Ron Musijowski March 11 – Brenda Dougan & Dougan Trucking LTD

portation and Economic Corridor, highlighted the urgency of addressing the shortage of skilled drivers, stressing its impact on the supply chain and the economy. “Alberta has a shortage of skilled drivers, which impacts the supply chain and creates inflationary pressures. Fewer than three per cent of Class 1 drivers in Alberta are women, and by providing grants to support organizations like Women Building Futures, we can help people get good-paying jobs and alleviate critical shortages in trucking,” explained Minister Dreeshen.

The significance of empowering women in the workforce resonates deeply within Alberta’s ethos of economic prosperity. With the province consistently leading the nation in the employment rate for women, recent statistics further underscore the positive trend as women’s unemployment dropped below five percent last month. This funding injection aims to prepare more women for rewarding careers, ensuring a stable income for their families and contributing to a robust economy.

At the forefront of this transformative endeavor is Women Building Futures, a non-profit organization renowned for its commitment to bridging gender gaps in traditionally male-dominated industries. Carol Moen, President, and CEO of WBF expressed pride in the organization’s role in facilitating women’s entry into new career paths within commercial transportation. “Women Building Futures is proud to stay at the forefront of leading change for women entering new careers in commercial transportation. By partnering with employers that value and work to make inclusive workspaces –and with tremendous support from the Government of Alberta – we will see more women driving to an economically secure future,” remarked Moen.

Quick Facts:

The $2.8-million grant spans two years: $1.3 million in 2023-24 and $1.5 million in 2024-25.

Trucking HR Canada reports that women constitute only about four percent of truck drivers in Canada.

Out of Alberta’s 149,638 Class 1 drivers, only 4,370 are women, accounting for 2.9 percent, and representing 20 percent of total vacancies in Canada.

Over its 25 years of operation, Women Building Futures has graduated 3,000 women.

In 2022-23, WBF delivered 18 programs in Alberta and Saskatchewan, provided coaching and readiness services 533 times, and saw 188 program graduates, with 87 percent of them employed in fields related to their training within six months of graduation. For More Information Contact - Don: 780-853-7172 or Hugh: 780-581-8608

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

TAX

The County of Vermilion River is seeking a highly motivated individual to fill a

leave in a

(Temporary Term) position as Tax & Assessment Administrator. Reporting to the Director of Corporate Services, and working in conjunction with the County’s Assessors, this position is responsible for the County taxation system in accordance with the Municipal Government Act (MGA) and County of Vermilion River bylaws and policies.

KEY QUALIFICATIONS

Degree or Diploma in Accounting, Business Administration or Appraisal & Assessment is

Experience in an Accounting or Taxation role in a municipal environment is an asset

Familiarity with Central Square (Diamond/Great Plains) software is an asset

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Property

Prepare,

Tanya Fir, Minister of Arts, Culture, and Status of Women, emphasized the government’s commitment to fostering gender inclusivity in Alberta’s burgeoning economy. “Alberta’s government is dedicated to ensuring women can fully participate in our province’s growing economy. Our province is stronger when more women are in the driver’s seat, and through funding like this, we can help women gain meaningful employment and help continue Alberta’s impressive economic momentum,” stated Minister Fir.

Walking Through Grief

Submitted

Some aspects of life lead to expected types of change, which may include birth, graduation, relocation, marriage, and career transitions. Grief can be a more unexpected change that is often associated with negative aspects. As we cope with grief, we can work towards accepting that grief is change, and that there can be space for the negative, neutral, and potentially positive things than can come from the grieving process.

When we lose a loved one, this can lead us into changing our routines, our interactions with others, our availability, and ourselves. We may be functioning in survival mode to get though the days and not fully

Kitscoty

Club has had a fun past few months. We had our Christmas party in December with a white elephant gift exchange, potluck and curling. We took advantage of public skating at the rink to have some fun skating together.

Town of Vermilion

Submitted

Administration for the Town of Vermilion proposed a 2024 Operating and Capital Budget with the goal of ensuring that Council’s highest priority programs are maintained, and the right generation is paying the costs. Specifically this is true for our utility rates.

In alignment with the practices observed in most Alberta Municipalities, our utilities, including Water, Sewer, and Solid Waste, are designed to be selffunded. This means that the revenue requirements are determined by the costs associated with providing these essential services to our ratepayers. Consequently, higher costs translate to higher revenue requirements.

The budgeting process for the Town starts with the Director of the department (ie: Infrastructure) drafting a capital as well as an operating budget for submission to council. The finance department provides a calculation of what revenue including rates would be required to cover the costs as requested by the Director of Infrastructure for the three utilities after the Director of Infrastructure estimates the future consumption volumes. After considering the draft budget and utility rates, council chooses whether to approve the budget or deny it and request changes.

Grief Is

notice the extent of the changes that we must make. Our sleep routines may be impacted, our energy levels may be decreased, and depending on our coping abilities, we may find ourselves choosing to avoid other people or become more isolated. These can be more difficult aspects of change.

For many, there can also be a fear of not changing as a result of grief. There can be a lot of guilt associated with “moving on” through our grief journey. If we navigate this “too quickly,” it may seem like we have not changed enough because of the loss. However, if we take “too long” to grieve, then we may feel that it has changed our lives too much. These assumptions and expectations can largely be impacted by a lack of under-

The cleavers enjoyed making ornaments and taking them over to hand out to some seniors in our community to spread some Christmas cheer in December.

Speeches were held February 4th. Everyone did a great job of their speeches. In February, the cleavers made little bird houses and bird feeders to help our feathered friends.

Change

standing of the grieving process. Remember, there is no right or wrong way to grieve. Allow yourself to navigate the changes that come while you take your own pace with grieving. Taking a more neutral stance on the changes as being something that must happen with grief, can help reduce any feelings of guilt.

While you move through the grief journey, you can also be open to other aspects of change that may feel more helpful or positive. For example, you may open yourself up to increased interactions with others by relying on family and friends for support. Or perhaps you prioritize your well-being to take extra care of yourself while you adjust to the changes of losing a loved one. You may find

Our archery members continue to attend shooting nights at the Armoury in Vermilion weekly and are proud of the improvement they’re showing.

Small engines has worked hard on their project and managed to finish it. Photography held a workshop this past Thursday where they learned together.

2024 Utilities

contained numerous high costs including capital projects such as the Sanitary Sewer Trunk Main, demolition of the old waste water treatment plant, replacement of one of the Town’s water pumps, new equipment as well as several other ite ms. The 2024 operating budget for the three utilities likewise contained several cost increases including contracted services, costs of materials, a new organizational structure and engineering services. It’s worth clarifying that there was no provision in the proposed budget for a new

garbage truck, and the increase in rates for 2024 is unrelated to the recent fire damage to the existing garbage truck. Discussions with our insurer are ongoing to determine costs that will be the Town’s responsibility in relation to the fire damage.

The 2024 budget and rates were presented in Finance & Admin Committee then in open council on Dec. 5th, 2023 with Motion #23/12/141 from council to approve. The incident with the garbage truck occurred January 19, 2024, and the first utility bill in 2024

yourself changing your availability or saying no to others’ expectations as a way of prioritizing how to accept the changes in yourself. It could also be beneficial to embrace the grieving process by seeking the support of a therapist or religious leader to help you understand your experiences of grief and change.

It can be hard to accept the changes that result from grief. You are not alone in your journey. Make time for yourself to see that grief is change and explore the negative, neutral, and positive aspects of this change.

Funded by FCSS; City of Lloydminster, Towns of Vermilion and Wainwright, Villages of Kitscoty and Marwayne and County of Vermilion River.

Our light horse member has been out riding the barrels and our sheep project member has been keeping her sheep fed.

The creative options members have been busy. They made beautiful Christmas centerpieces in December, went to Lighten Up Therapy in January and have a photography course planned in February.

was for the period of January 1, 2024 through January 31, 2024.

We would like to remind all residents that when reviewing utility bills, consideration should be given to the fact that water and sewer amounts are calculated based on both rates and consumption quantity. Reducing consumption will consequently result in a decrease in your overall bill.

Should you believe there is an error with your bill or have further questions, please reach out to the Utility Department.

It’s important to note finances for the sewer utility are still burdened with the debt and depletion of reserves following the cost overruns on the new waste water treatment plant. The 2024 budget

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Lorna Hamilton Reporter

20th Anniversary Cutter Rally For Cancer

Underneath a canopy of clear skies and sunshine, the East West Chapter of the Alberta Carriage Driving Association joined hands with the Lloydminster Agricultural Exhibition Association to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Cutter Rally for Cancer. Held at the Lloydminster Exhibition Grounds on February 24, the event drew a crowd of 28 teamsters with all of their passengers, and over 50 horseback riders eager to support the fight against cancer while reveling in the great outdoors.

The day kicked off with registration starting at 11 a.m. and welcoming participants until 2 p.m. The trail opened concurrently and remained accessible until 4:30 p.m. Culminating the day’s activities, a hearty supper awaited attendees at 5 p.m.

Central to the event was the participation of individuals riding in horse-drawn sleighs, cutters, wagons, or on horseback. Each participant engaged in a thrilling dice

game, rolling five dice at various checkpoints throughout the run. The person boasting the highest cumulative roll at the rally’s conclusion was given the privilege of selecting one of three grand prizes: a cutter valued at $3,400, $2,000 in cash, or a harness package valued at $2,500 courtesy of Vern’s Harness Shop. The Grand Prize winner was Ryley Schaffer and she chose to take the $2000.

Attendees had a multitude of options to partake in the rally’s festivities. They could either join as a teamster driving their own team and cutter, ride on horseback, accompany a known teamster, or participate remotely through a “ghost hand.” This innovative feature allowed individuals unable to attend in person to still engage in the dice game, with the organizing committee rolling on their behalf.

Indoor entertainment was provided by Merle Tenney and Friends. A midway pause on the trail provided the attendees opportunity to gather around a crackling

firepit for a delightful wiener roast, fostering warm connections amongst both old and new acquaintances.

As the day drew to a close, the banquet ensued alongside the silent auction consisting of 80 plus items, a 50/50 draw of $1,100 won by Virginia Barlow, “Pop One for Perry” custom gas fire pit raffle won by Sandra MacEwan”, and two one-quarter beef raffles won by Todd Friday and Preston Krankowsky, culminating in prize presentations.

The Cutter Rally for Cancer traces its origins back two decades when the East West Chapter of the Alberta Carriage Driving Association tragically lost a member to cancer. Since 2004, the rally has been a beacon of hope, raising over $170,000 to bolster cancer care, education, and support services in the region. Initially, funds were split between the Canadian Cancer Society and the Lloydminster Regional Health Foundation, but in recent years, the full support has shifted towards the latter, with additional contributions aiding the Haying in the 30s Cancer Support Society fundraiser held annually in Mallaig. These funds have facilitated crucial equipment acquisitions for the chemotherapy ward in Lloydminster, and notably, last year’s fundraising efforts initiated an endowment fund dedicated to advancing the education of nurses

in cancer care. This year the Rally grossed $67,468 which expenses will be paid from before cheque presentations will be made to the Lloydminster Regional Health Foundation and the Haying in the 30’s organization.

The 20th Anniversary Cutter Rally for Cancer stands not only as a testament to the unwavering spirit of its organizers and participants but also as a beacon of hope for those battling cancer in the Lloydminster community and beyond. The Cutter Rally organizers would like to say a huge thank you to the hard-working committee and the dedicated volunteers.

Other highlights of the event this year were - the naming of the trail to the Ron C MacDonald Trail in recognition of Ron’s dedication to the rally and leadership of the trail crew for the past 20 years. They also honoured past chairpersons Roy McInnes, Marcel Berard, Tammy Hampel, Della Wist and Mike Sidoryk for their service to the committee. The only $10,000 platinum corporate sponsorship from Crude Master Transport Inc. (committed for the next 3 years) which is earmarked for the scholarship for the nurses program, and a note that there was a three way tie for the grand prize which had a tie breaker roll off held on stage, in the past they have had two other ties as a two way but never a three way tie.