1041 by Vermilion Voice

Check out

Innisfree Fair

Lorna Hamilton Reporter

The Innisfree Agriplex was buzzing with excitement on August 14 as the 44th Annual Fair, hosted by the Innisfree & District Agricultural Society was held. With a blend of tradition and modern flair, this year’s fair was a standout celebration that drew a lively crowd and offered something for everyone.

Deanna Jackson, president of the society, couldn’t have been prouder. “It was a very successful event again this year with 35 entries in the parade and the 38 entries in the bench show,” she said. “A huge shout out to the volunteers and the Innisfree-Minburn 4-H club for setting up, and to the vendors for coming out. Without the community, none of this happens, and it keeps small towns alive for the young people.”

The festivities kicked off with a hearty pancake and sausage breakfast, served by the Town of Innisfree from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Attendees fueled up before the parade, which started at 11 a.m., and were ready to

dive into the array of family-friendly activities that began at noon at the Agriplex. For those who needed a lunch break, the Innisfree Hall Board was on hand with beef on a bun plate and a hotdog plate which included pasta salad, beans and a drink, ensuring everyone stayed energized throughout the day.

The fair boasted a lineup of entertainment. Kids and grownups bounced their way through bouncy houses, enjoyed face painting, and tested their skills on a mechanical bull. The petting zoo provided adorable animal encounters, while the ice cream truck kept everyone cool. An extra layer for the grown-ups was the beer gardens which offered a relaxing spot to unwind.

Shoppers had an array of items to explore with a variety of vendors showcasing their wares. Highlights included Katie & Steph’s Freshly Squeezed Lemonade, Donna’s Leather, Lisa Thiessen’s garden veggies and pies, Faspa’s sourdough bread, Nori’s jewelry and canning, and even a booth for Alberta Mental Health.

The bench show had a wide range of

exhibits, from vibrant flowers to home-baked goodies. But the fun didn’t stop there—fairgoers were also treated to thrilling mutton busting and the always entertaining greasy pig contest where Caleb Callaghan and

Jackson

As the day wound down, it was clear that the 44th Annual Fair had once again delivered a memorable experience, rich with community spirit and small-town charm.

Harper

won pigs.

Top left, An attendee enjoying the slide in a bouncy house. Top right, children enjoying the animals at the petting zoo provided by Thistle Hill Farms. Middle left, Katie Anderson and Stephanie Nott from Innisfree selling their homemade lemonade. Middle right, Reid St. Onge from Lake Wapasu taking a go on the mechanical bull. Bottom right, Reid Broadhead from Innisfree having a try for the 8 seconds. Photos Lorna Hamilton

Chatsworth Farm Enchants During Open Farm Days

Caylie Gnyra Reporter

Scores of pollinators buzzing in Chatsworth Farm’s verdant garden mirrored the steady thrum of over 500 visitors taking in the sights, sounds, and ambrosial tastes of life lived in harmony with the land on Open Farm Days, Saturday, August 17. A province-wide event, Alberta Open Farm Days invites urban and rural neighbors to visit local participating farms to learn about the production of food and other agriculturally based resources.

The Wasylik family warmly welcomed visitors for their fifth annual Alberta Open Farm Days. The farm was a hive of excitement and education, showcasing the Wasylik family’s dedication to sustainable agriculture.

One of the first thoughtful details visitors noticed upon arrival was the new parking layout, which improved

upon last year’s by drawing vehicles away from the main yard and off the country road, making more space for vendors while maintaining accessibility with the help of horse-drawn wagons brought in by Wowk Ranch and golf carts.

Visitors had the opportunity to learn about all the livestock the family raises: beef cattle, sheep, pigs, chickens, turkeys, ducks, and geese, alongside growing a variety of cereal and legume crops. Visitors could take home a little bit of the farm after the tour, stocking up on eggs, beef, lamb, and their newest offering, pork.

Rick, who established Chatsworth Farm in 1993 and later married Johanna, named the farm after the old Chatsworth school district. The pioneer one-room schoolhouse, visible from their front porch, served as a nostalgic backdrop for the day’s

events, symbolizing the area’s rich agricultural history.

The event drew an enthusiastic crowd of Albertans from all over the province—from Calgary to Bonnyville and everywhere in between—visitors who were eager to connect with the origins of their food and learn about sustainable farming practices. Guests were treated to a variety of activities, including farm tours, machinery demonstrations, live musical performances, and cooking demonstrations by three chefs from Edmonton. The artisan farmers market was a highlight for many, featuring an amazing lineup of vendors.

To accommodate those who found traveling the distance challenging, Chatsworth Farm introduced a ‘Bus With Us’ option, which departed from Edmonton, making the farm even more accessible.

Throughout the day, attendees enjoyed a barbecued hot dog lunch, participated in seed planting and face painting, and took part in wagon rides. They also had the chance to engage with community displays from organizations like the North Saskatchewan Watershed Alliance and Sky Drones Inc.

The event was a resounding success, with many commenting on the quality of vendors, the thoughtful organization, and all the new additions. It offered visitors a meaningful way to connect to the land and provided a deeper understanding of the Wasylik family’s commitment to ethical and sustainable farming. For those who missed the opportunity to attend, the Wasylik family continues to share their farming journey on Instagram, providing a daily glimpse into life at Chatsworth Farm.

Custom Glass Showers

Visitors explored relationships with the land at Chatsworth Farm northwest of Vermilion during Open Farm Days on August 17. Photos Caylie Gynra

Lorna Hamilton Reporter

Lakeland FC U13 Girls Strike Gold, U17 Boys Secure Bronze

The weekend of August 9-11 was a thrilling showcase of determination, grit, and soccer prowess as Lakeland FC stormed into the Alberta Soccer Association Tier 3 Provincials in Camrose. Facing off against fierce competitors from Edmonton, Calgary, and the Foothills region, the Lakeland squads delivered a weekend of unforgettable action.

The U13 Girls kicked off their campaign with a bang, taking on CalGlen West Hills Galaxy in their opener. The Lakeland side dominated the pitch, securing a 3-1 victory that set the tone for the tournament. On Saturday, they continued their winning streak, overpowering Sting

FC with another 3-1 win. The momentum didn’t stop there, as they edged past OUSC Anthem’s in a nail-biting 3-2 victory, showcasing their resilience and hunger for gold.

Come Sunday, the U13 Girls were ready to seal the deal. After sweeping through top teams from Calgary, the Foothills, and Edmonton, they faced Edmonton’s Viktoria Football Club in the championship match. It was a tight contest, but the Lakeland girls held their nerve and secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory, bringing home the coveted gold medal.

Lakeland FC were represented by a variety of players and coaches throughout the age groups including Steven Dykstra – Head coach of U13 boys, Gordon

Thank You

Vermilion Soccer Association would like to thank all our generous sponsors and hard working volunteers. With your help over 250 children and their families enjoyed Canadian grassroots soccer in the summer sunshine! Special thanks to everyone in our team including our officials, coaches, managers, field and equipment supervisors, board & exec members for enabling a successful 2024 outdoor season!

Sincere thank you for our sponsors and their contributions to our community.

Bryan Ford

Lakeland FC U13 Girls with their gold medals. Photo source Andrew Rosher Facebook

COLUMNIST

Dawn Hames Columnist

Tzatziki is a wonderful dip or sauce that is delicious and refreshingly cooling. Tzatziki is Greek in origin. It can be served with fresh vegetables for dipping, used as a dip for spanakopita, as a dip for crackers or with chicken. The zucchinis are ready in the garden, and I discovered the young ones are perfect with this dip. Right now, the dill and mint are ready in the garden. Our cucumbers did not do well this year, but there are

Craig Baird Columnist

many great ones in season now at the grocery store. The cucumber in this recipe makes it a very cooling food and it complements spicy foods very well.

Yogurt is the base for this dip. Yogurt adds beneficial probiotics to this dip and Greek yogurt is a good source of body building protein and calcium. Garlic contain sulfur compounds that work to detox our bodies by binding to heavy metals such as lead, mercury and cadmium and then escorting them out of the body. Herbs are known to be full of beneficial nutrition. Mint is anti bacterial and ant fungal, and well as a source of anti-oxidants that help to

Tzatziki

fight inflammation in the body. Mint is also known to freshen breath, promote clear thinking and mental focus. Mint is known to boost digestion naturally, helping to prevent heartburn. Dill also is an aid to natural digestion. Dill contains an array of vitamins and nutrients, as well as being antibacterial and anti fungal. As you can see, every ingredient in this recipe has its own unique health benefits. Tzatziki makes a great addition to your summer “no cook” recipe collection. This dip can be thinned with milk or cream for a salad dressing as well.

Tzatziki

1 cup Greek yogurt

1/2 English cucumber

2 gloves garlic, pressed or finely chopped

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 tablespoon olive oil

3/4 teaspoon sea salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

2 teaspoons chopped fresh mint (optional)

1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill (optional)

Grate the cucumber, and with clean hands squeeze out all of the liquid from the cucumber. Stir all the remaining ingredients together. Allow to chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes or more for the flavors to blend.

Unveiling The War Memorial In Vermilion

On Aug. 4, 1930, it was a momentous day for Vermilion when its war memorial was officially unveiled. It was from the Vermilion area that 300 young men left to fight in the First World War. Of those, 83 did not return.

The memorial was to honour those who did not return home.

Described as “a handsome memorial shaft of stone, firmly cemented and built on the crest of a little knoll in the town park”, it was unveiled in front of 1,500 people.

On the memorial, it stated “Lest ye forget 1914 – 1919”. Sealed in a box and put inside the monument were the names of those who did not survive the war, those who contributed to the machine gun fund, memorial hall, historical sketch of the town, along with copies of the local newspapers, coins, town statistics and more.

At the ceremony, the Union

Jack was flying at half mast, and a guard of honour from the Alberta Mounted Rifles under Major Casey marched towards the memorial. They were followed by the pipers’ band and nearly 100 veterans of the First World War. After the veterans came the Boy Scouts, Girl Guides, Cubs and Brownies. Members of the Legion and IODE all marched as well.

A prayer was given by H.A. Edwards. After this, General Griesbach and President Maxwell of the Legion, began to remove the Union Jack that shrouded the memorial. Within the crowd, no one wore a hat out of respect for the ceremony.

General Griesbach then spoke of the monument, and how it was built from stone gathered in the area, which symbolized to him the manner in which the men responded to the call to fight in the First World War a decade and a

half earlier.

“O God, our Help in Ages Past” was sung by the Vermilion Citizens Band after the speech, and then offerings were placed at the foot of the monument.

General Griesbach then reviewed the veterans at the ceremony, some of which had served under him during the First World War.

The monument itself was crated by Mr. Swanson out of Vermilion, and it was built 4.88 metres in height, with 4.88 metres as a foundation into the ground.

All in all, it was felt it was a fitting tribute to the lives lost during the war.

Contact Craig at craig@canadaehx. com

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

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

Braxton Hoare Columnist

The dream of extending human life—or even achieving immortality—has captivated humanity for centuries. Today, scientific advancements bring us closer to understanding and potentially manipulating the aging process. However, alongside these breakthroughs come significant ethical questions and technological limitations that must be carefully considered.

Genetic Engineering and Reprogramming: Rewriting the Code of Life

Imagine your body as a complex piece of software that develops bugs over time—small errors in the code that accumulate and lead to bigger problems. Scientists are exploring ways to fix these bugs by editing our genetic code and resetting the instructions that tell our cells how to function.

Gene Therapy involves directly altering specific genes, such as those that cause cells to age prematurely, to rejuvenate them and extend their lifespan. However, gene therapy faces significant challenges. The technology is still in its infancy, and there are risks associated

Doreen Klatt Columnist

When I was young, my Dad was a member of the local “Order of Foresters” group. This group sponsored a rodeo queen contestant every summer for the popular Lea Park Rodeo north of Marwayne, Alberta. It was my understanding that Rodeo Queen ticket sales helped fund the rodeo.

During the 70’s and 80’s, Dad did his best to convince each of his five daughters to run for rodeo queen. He had no trouble convincing me. I was a cowgirl, worked on our ranch, loved riding, and knew it would be fun.

Selling tickets was my least favourite thing to do, but if you knew the right friends, they would sell books of tickets for you. The winning of the “crown” in 1971 was based mostly on ticket sales, but horsemanship and dress counted too. I ran twice for the crown, my first year was 1971. I was decked out in a purple western suit and mounted on Cherokee, a beautiful big chestnut 5-year-old mare, whom I had trained myself. She was fast and flashy! I had so much fun aboard my mare all weekend.

All of us contestants were in the spotlight; rodeo fans would stop and talk as we rode by. We were asked to not only

Life, Death, And Immortality

with altering DNA, including the potential for unintended mutations that could lead to cancer or other health issues. Additionally, the long-term effects of gene editing are not yet fully understood, and widespread application in humans is still far off.

Epigenetic Reprogramming seeks to reset the “settings” of our cells, effectively restoring them to a more youthful state. This technique shows promise for reversing some aspects of aging, but it also has limitations. The process is not yet fully controlled, and there’s a risk that reprogramming cells could lead to uncontrolled cell growth, similar to cancer. Moreover, applying this technology safely and effectively to entire organisms, rather than just individual cells, is a challenge that researchers have yet to overcome.

Digital Immortality: Uploading Consciousness

While genetic engineering focuses on the biological aspect of life extension, digital immortality takes a different approach. Imagine being able to upload your consciousness—your thoughts, memories, and personality—into a digital platform, effectively creating a virtual version of yourself that could, in theory,

live forever.

However, Digital Immortality is fraught with both technical and philosophical limitations. The technology to fully upload and replicate human consciousness is not only far from reality but also faces monumental challenges. We currently lack a complete understanding of the human brain and consciousness, making it nearly impossible to replicate these complex systems digitally. Even if it were possible, questions remain about whether a digital copy would truly be “you” or just a sophisticated simulation. Furthermore, the enormous computing power required to achieve this is beyond our current capabilities, and the ethical implications of creating digital versions of people are still hotly debated.

Ethical

Considerations: Who Gets to Live Longer?

As we push the boundaries of life extension, ethical questions become increasingly important. One major concern is access—if these treatments are expensive, they could deepen social inequalities, with only the wealthy being able to afford them. Moreover, extending life significantly could strain resources and alter the social fabric in unpredictable ways. As

Rodeo Queen

ride in the grand entry and perform the horsemanship class, but also to ride together all over the rodeo grounds during the rodeo and attend the rodeo dance.

In the years to follow, my sisters, Lori, Judy, and Rena also ran for rodeo queen. They had their pick of our ranch horses too and did very good in the horsemanship competitions. My Mom took care of all the tickets and money, and our neighbour made our fancy suits!

I ran again in 1979 and won the title that year sporting my favourite red two-piece western suit. I rode Smoke, a dappled grey Arabian-cross gelding who was a fancy pants, and who was very athletic and would do anything for me and we rocked the horsemanship competition. Because I won the title in 1979, I had to get all decked out again in 1980 to crown the new Miss Lea Park! One of the highlights of my entire life was in 1978 the year I ran for Miss Rodeo Canada. What an amazing first-class experience and by the way, we didn’t have to raise money or sell tickets. I wore a navy and red suit, stylish western red felt hat and red boots. I rode April, a big bay quarter horse mare who could turn on a dime. The horsemanship competition was a serious event and April turned out to be a good choice.

Competitors also needed to be able to speak and have a very good knowl -

Lyla Fee

July 14, 1957 - August 28, 2014

In loving memory of a wife, a mother, and a Grandma

Those we love don’t go away, They walk beside us every day... Unseen, unheard, but always near, Still loved, still missed, and very dear, You’re so peacefully free from pain, In our hearts you’ll always remain.

Forever Loved by Bob, Danette and Robert and family, Darcy and family

edge of rodeo! I was interviewed by none other than CFCW’s Curly Gurlock. He was funny and entertaining, and I was at ease answering his ice-breaker question “who is the rodeo cowboy from Paradise Valley?” I immediately answered, “calf-roper, Don Henry, and there’s a sign as you enter the village that reads, ‘Welcome to Paradise Valley, home of Don Henry”. (that was back in 1978, the sign is not there anymore).

It was so much fun meeting several rodeo queens from all different places across Canada. Interesting story: years later when my daughter was making wedding plans, we met her future mother-in-law, Anita, and by some strange twist of fate, her and I discovered we had both run for Miss Rodeo Canada the same year! Neither of us won the competition but both of us shared fun stories. A quick look at the 1978 group picture had us both laughing, there we were, and didn’t know each other. How exciting that our children were getting married to each other a generation later.

Looking back makes me smile … I was just a hardworking cowgirl from a ranch about an hour south just having some fun. I have to admit, I loved the colorful suits, the sashes, and the crowns, but I also gladly did my job, raised money, promoted rodeo, rode like the wind, and had fun winning a title. What more could a cowgirl ask for!?

we explore these new possibilities, it’s crucial to ensure that advancements in life extension are pursued thoughtfully, considering both their potential benefits and the ethical dilemmas they introduce.

The Meaning of Life: Does It Change Without an End?

Finally, we must consider how the possibility of immortality might change our understanding of life itself. The knowledge that life is finite has traditionally given our experiences urgency and meaning. If death becomes optional, will life still hold the same value? These questions challenge us to think deeply about what it means to live a meaningful life.

Moving Forward Thoughtfully

As we navigate these new frontiers, it’s essential to balance scientific innovation with ethical reflection. The idea of extending life is undoubtedly appealing, but it’s important to ensure that these advancements are made thoughtfully and inclusively, enhancing the quality of life without compromising its meaning. The journey toward life extension is full of potential, but it must be approached with care, considering both the opportunities and the challenges it presents.

In Our Hearts

We thought of you today. But that is nothing new. We thought about you yesterday. And days before that too. We think of you in silence. We oﬀen speak your name. Now all we have are memories. And your picture in a frame. Your memory is our keepsake. With which we’ll never part. God has you in his keeping. We have you in our heart. -Unknown

From, Your loving family

In Memory of Frank Gannon 1934 - 2022

Doreen and Widz photo - taken in 2005, at a special historical parade celebrating Alberta’s 100th birthday. Photo Submitted

Lorna Hamilton Reporter

Vermilion Honours Healthcare Workers With Appreciation Lunch

On August 14, the Vermilion Physician Retention and Attraction Committee hosted an appreciation lunch at the Vermilion Healthcare Centre to celebrate the dedication and hard work of local healthcare workers. The event was marked by the pres -

ence of key community figures, including Greg Smith, a ten-year veteran of the Vermilion Healthcare Workers Recruitment and Retention Committee; Kirby Whitlock, Chair of the Retention Committee who joined in January; MLA Garth Rowswell; and Interim CAO for the Town of Vermilion, Mike van der Torre. The gathering

also served as an opportunity to introduce and welcome three new doctors to the community: Dr. Ashraf Al Oud, Dr. Omar Abugharsa, and Dr. Akram Krimeed, who have recently joined the Midtown Medical Clinic and are now accepting new patients.

In his opening remarks, Whitlock expressed deep gratitude for the

unwavering commitment of the healthcare workers. “I want to take this moment to acknowledge the incredible work each of you does every single day,” Whitlock stated. “In the face of challenges that most people can’t even imagine, you all stand strong, providing care, comfort, and hope to those who need it most.”

He highlighted the resilience and dedication required in the healthcare profession, noting that their contributions extend beyond times of crisis. “It’s not just during crisis that your contributions matter. Every day, in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and countless other settings, you are there,” he said. Whitlock also emphasized the importance of maintaining open communication with healthcare workers, urging them to reach out with any issues or concerns.

Greg Smith then took to the microphone to welcome and speak on each of the new doctors in town.

From left, Greg Smith and Kirby Whitlock at the Lunch held for the healthcare workers. Photos submitted

Healthcare workers enjoying their lunch.

Lorna Hamilton Reporter

Lt. Col Craig Armoury Gets A Fresh New Look

The Lt. Col Craig Armoury, a cornerstone of our community’s heritage, has recently undergone significant renovations, thanks to the generous contributions from the Vermilion Rotary Club, The Lions Club, and Cornerstone Co-op. These donations, paired with the hard work of dedicated volunteers, have breathed new life into the historic building.

Over the past few weeks, volunteer crews have tackled a series of muchneeded repairs. They’ve worked tirelessly to update the bathrooms, repair portions of the siding, and repaint the hall’s walls, giving the Armoury a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere.

In the spring, the Vermilion Rotary Club donated $7,500, while the Vermilion Lions Club contributed $4,000, both essential to the ongoing restoration efforts. Corner-

stone Co-op’s Communities in Full Colour program added $1,500 to the cause, covering the cost of the paint that has returned the Armoury to its 1951 glory.

“This past weekend, after about three weeks of hard work, the Armoury now sports a bright and inviting space, painted back to its original green color from 1951,” said Don Henry, President of the Lt. Col Craig Armoury Historical Society. “In 1951, the walls were a light green, which we have now matched. Over the years, they were repainted various shades of green and brown, but the most recent dark green was in dire need of repair.”

The Lt. Col Craig Armoury stands as more than just a building; it is a vital hub for local organizations and activities, including the army cadets, archery club, and martial arts. The sustainability of this historic site relies heavily on community support and donations.

Amazon Wish List Organized To Support Jasper Teachers

Caylie Gnyra Reporter

President Jessie Smeall of the Alberta Teachers’ Association Evergreen Local #11 has launched a thoughtful initiative to support teachers in Jasper as they prepare for the upcoming school year. After hearing that many teachers were seeking help in setting up their classrooms, Smeall took action by organizing an Amazon wish list. This wish list includes the top 10 requested items from teachers at the elementary, junior high, and senior high school levels.

The wish list was created based on input from teachers and administrators, ensuring that the items selected are tailored

to the specific needs of the classrooms. Donors can purchase items directly from the Amazon wish list and they will be shipped to Smeall. She will then ensure that these supplies reach the teachers in Jasper when the time allows.

This initiative offers a practical way for the community to support local educators and help them start the school year feeling prepared and well-equipped. Those interested in contributing to the school supply drive can visit https://tinyurl.com/JasperTeachers-Wish-List

Every contribution, big or small, will make a difference in ensuring that teachers and students in Jasper have the resources they need for a successful school year.

“We are incredibly grateful for the generosity of these organizations,” Henry continued. “Their donations help us maintain this important space, ensuring it remains a vibrant part of our community for years to come.”

DEADLINE TO APPLY: SEPTEMBER 30, 2024

Now accepting applications for 2025 Family & Community Support Services (FCSS) funding. Funded agencies design and deliver social programs that are preventative in nature to promote and enhance well-being among individuals, families and communities. Funds are provided jointly by the Government of Alberta and your local municipality.

Applications are specific to the local municipality and if you wish to apply for funding from more than one municipality, separate applications must be submitted to each office. To access the application, contact the respective municipality or visit their website.

Email: pmtinshop@gmail.com

We are a seller of metal roofing and metal siding panels to the light commercial, agricultural and residential sectors. We offer custom rollforming to meet your project requirements.

We are proud to offer a wide array of profiles, colours, gauges, trim and accessories with daily manufacturing. With our experience and expertise we can help answer any questions you might have regarding your upcoming project.

We open for High School registration for the 2024 - 2025 school year on August 29, 2024

• Flexible independant programming in person or online

• Alberta Education curriculum

• Comfortable learning environment

• Individual course and adult upgrading

• Career counselling and support services available

• Dual Credit and CTS in partnership with Lakeland Collage

From left, Don Henry and Bob Fisher who were doing some final touches.

Photo Lorna Hamilton

Just a fraction of repairs that needed to be done to walls in the Armoury hall.

Photo submitted

Submitted

The 2024 Spring Budget of Buffalo Trail Public School is a disturbing document. Since the inception of Buffalo Trail, its boards have always been highly fiscally conservative and prudent. It has a small surplus built up over the years by continuously spending slightly less than the jurisdiction received. When I sat on the board, I was impressed by the ability to project and expend the funds received to within 0.01 – 0.02 % of the budget. A $15,000 surplus on a $50,000,000 budget is nothing – an amount that could be wiped out by an increase in the cost of paper. But each year we were able to post a miniscule surplus.

It appears that the ability of the Board

Letter To The Editor

$1.4 million more than their projected revenue of $58 million, that money to come from these accumulated surpluses. And even worse, this number is only achieved by reducing teaching staff by 11 and support staff by 14. This means that it is likely that every school will lose someone – teacher or support staff. In large jurisdictions, like Edmonton Public, this reduction might mean class sizes going from 25 to 26. In Buffalo Trail, it may mean a class going from 13 to a split class of 25. In high schools, it may mean the loss of a program and be one more class that students must take online or remotely. It may mean the loss of aidesupport for a struggling student, or library support for teachers and students.

The situation Buffalo Trail finds itself in

about 500 students since I retired from the Board in 2017. That would seem to justify a reduction in 20 or so teachers. Teaching staff has been reduced annually as student numbers have fallen, but this year the reductions seem much more drastic. On the other hand, rural students need the same quality of education that urban students can receive. Certainly, Edmonton Public has split grades, but it also has extensive supports for their teachers. Rural High School students need the same access to programming as their urban counterparts because they will be competing in the same world and that programming cannot be provided in a high school with 100 students. Every staff member lost from such a high school is carrying away a program that is no longer being taught.

If you were able to put all of Buffalo Trail high school students in one school,

BOOKS FOR BELIZE

and placed that school in Edmonton or Calgary, that board would be moving to close it because, in their opinion, the numbers wouldn’t make il viable. Distance forces us into class sizes that are less efficient. (If there are 14 Math 30 students, you need to provide a teacher for them which their numbers don’t justify, or you need to create a split 20/30 class with 25 or so students. And how then do they compete with students whose teachers could simply focus on teaching math 30.) The province cannot continue to fund urban and rural students in the same way. Or as a region, we cannot expect the same service we have always had or expect our students to compete on an equal footing with urban students. Perhaps small rural schools (under 250 students) will have to be closed and students spend much longer times on buses. (At what education cost, and at what cost to the viability of communities?)

Applications are now being accepted for All coaching positions within V.M.H. Deadline to apply is August 30, 2024.

To apply visit the VMHA Website: www.vermilionminorhockey.com

Any questions please reach out to Mitch Visser mvisser360@gmail.com

Want to get on the VMH email list, send an email to: c_holowaychuk@hotmail.com

Overwhelming Success, We

Lloydminster Heavy Oil Show

Tuesday,

9:00am

Looking back at our initial concern regarding removing money from surplus to fund this year’s budget, the immediate question is, “Will there be another $1.4 million to fund next year’s budget? And how long can this trend continue?”

This is not an issue we can blithely ignore. The Board received a fairly substantial increase in funds for this year, but that increase was more than eaten up by an overdue increase in staffing costs and benefits. It is time for the Province to figure out the actual costs of running rural schools so they can deliver quality education and to fund them accordingly. If that involves increasing our taxes so we can continue to deliver world-class education to all Alberta students, that seems a fair trade. After all, we are the lowest taxed jurisdiction with the highest income.

Bernie Heudphol

9:00am Exhibit Floor Opens

12:00pm Luncheon

Featuring:

Mark Scholz, President and CEO of CAOEC

Gurpreet Lail, President and CEO of Enserva

Murray Elliot, President and CEO Energy Safety Canada

AWNA CLASSIFIEDS

AUTOS

NEW INFORMATION: Selling 3 collector vehicles. Lots 823, 823A - E, Ring 1, Olds Auction. 1999 Pontiac GTP Nascar Pace Car. Rare model with sunroof. 1998 Cadillac Eldorado. Last series of the Eldorado. 1928 International Truck. All run and drive great. All Car Show ready. 403-994-2609.

BUILDINGS FOR SALE

INTEGRITY POST FRAME BUILDINGS since 2008

BUILT WITH CONCRETE POSTS. Barns, Shops, Riding Arenas, Machine Sheds and more, sales@ integritybuilt.com 1-866-974-7678 www.integritybuilt. com.

CAREER TRAINING

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

FIREARMS WANTED FOR OUR 2024 AUCTION PROGRAM: Rifles, Shotguns, Handguns, Antiques, Militaria, Collections, Estates, Single Items. For Auction, or Possible Purchase: Toll-Free 1-800-694-2609, Email Us at sales@switzersauction.com or Visit Us @ www.switzersauction.com.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

ROCKY MOUNTAIN EQUIPMENT IS HIRING: Parts Technicians, Sales Consultant, Agriculture & Heavy Equipment Techs - Journeyman, Apprentices and Sales roles. View Open Roles www.rockymtn.com/ careers. Possible Relocation and Signing Bonus Offered.

FARM MACHINERY

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 80 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

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 Rental. 1-888-483-8789.

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.

HEALTH

HIP/KNEE REPLACEMENT. Other medical conditions causing TROUBLE WALKING or DRESSING? The Disability Tax Credit allows for $3,000 yearly tax credit and $30,000 lump sum refund. Take advantage of this offer. Apply NOW; quickest refund Nationwide: Expert help. 1-844-453-5372.

SERVICES

CRIMINAL RECORD? Why suffer employment/licensing loss? Travel/business opportunities? Be embarrassed? Think: Criminal Pardon. US entry waiver. Record purge. File destruction. Free consultation.

Nurture

Think twice before disposing of any kind of batteries. As a result of improper disposing of a battery it may become damaged or punctured and they are a fire hazard as they explode if tampered with.

So, look before you toss them, they are in cellphones, toys, rechargeable tools, solar lights just to name a few. All the transfer stations have a safe collection site for those

please bring them in for safe disposal to prevent hazards to the entire operations.

The Hallelujah Chorus, by G.F. Handel

VERMILION AND AREA BUSINESSES

Lorna Hamilton Reporter

Vermilion Native Logan James Crowned CanAm Wrestling Champion

In a thrilling display of grit and determination, Logan James, a 35-year-old native of Vermilion, has ascended to the pinnacle of the wrestling world, claiming the title of CanAm Wrestling Community Chaos Champion. On July 20, Logan, now a resident of Olds, Alberta, faced off against the formidable Andy Anderson at Bulldogs Saloon in Olds, emerging victorious after a year-long feud that captivated the community.

Logan, a man of many talents, balances his career as a car salesman with his passions for singing and wrestling. His roots run deep in Vermilion, where he grew up and attended JR Robson School, graduating in 2007. During his youth, Logan was a fixture in local sports, playing minor hockey for the Vermilion Tigers and suiting up for the Vermilion Roar lacrosse team at both the minor and junior levels.

After high school, Logan relocated to Lloydminster, where he quickly made a name for himself by completing a threeyear gasfitting program in just two years. He also launched his music business, 100 Years Music Stable, a tribute to his centenarian grandfather, Elmer Isley, a Vermilion resident.

In 2014, Logan pursued his wrestling dream, training under the legendary Lance Storm at the SWA Storm Wrestling Academy. Over 90 intense days, he honed his craft under the guidance of the WWE and WCW icon, laying the foundation for his future success in the ring.

Currently employed at Hildebrand Motors in Olds, Logan’s wrestling journey took an unexpected turn when CanAm Wrestling brought its action to town. Provoked by Anderson’s disparaging comments about

Olds, James took to social media to defend his adopted hometown, sparking a heated rivalry that culminated in their epic showdown at Chaos Overload.

“I wasn’t going to stand for that because I love Olds; it reminds me so much of Vermilion,” James explained. “My wrestling character is basically myself turned up 12 times. I’ve been called the ‘Ambassador of Olds,’ and it’s been absolutely wild.”

After his hard-fought victory, James was greeted by a wave of adoring fans, including members of the Olds Stingers minor lacrosse team, who posed for photos with the newly crowned champion. James’ love for wrestling dates back to his childhood, when he would rent WrestleMania tapes from 4-B Variety on Main Street in Vermilion.

In his newfound celebrity status in Olds, James has embraced his role as a community supporter. Bulldogs Saloon, the venue

for the CanAm matches, has even named a drink after him—the “Famous Logan James.” Proceeds from the drink sales go to various local organizations, including the Olds Stingers, the local food bank, Mountain Valley Emergency Shelter, Christmas Angels, and Paws Rescue Release Soci-

ety. Each month, a new cause benefits from James’ generosity.

As the CanAm Community Chaos Champion, James eagerly anticipates the day he will defend his title. In the meantime, fans can keep up with his journey on Instagram at @thefamousloganjames.

Newly crowned CanAm Wrestling Community Chaos Champion Logan James with members of the Olds Stingers minor lacrosse team.

Logan James doing the winning pin against wrestler Andy Anderson. Photos submitted

Caylie Gnyra Reporter

Town Council’s August 13 meeting was a swift one, with the public portion clocking in at exactly 45 minutes. Deputy Mayor Josh Rayment called the meeting to order at 6 p.m., and after Council adopted the agenda and minutes of the last meeting, he opened the floor to public commentary. With no members of the public present and no verbal or written commentary coming through administration, Deputy Mayor Rayment moved on to the staff recommendation for Bylaw 6.2024, the Animal Control Bylaw.

Interim Chief Administrative Officer Mike van der Torre recommended the second and third reading for this bylaw. Councillor Robert Pulyk clarified for the public that the reasons for redoing this bylaw were to emphasize the issue of pets without tags and nuisance dogs. Additionally, reference to pigeons was removed, urban laying hens were added, and fines were updated. Essentially, this was a cleanup of an old animal control bylaw. Council voted to approve second and third readings of the bylaw.

Council then moved to Bylaw 7.2024, the Urban Laying Hen Bylaw. Again, van der Torre recommended second and third readings of this bylaw, highlighting the key prohibitions of the banning of roosters and the requirement that hens must be urban laying hens. Referencing his own experience working in agriculture, Councillor Robert Pulyk brought up his concerns about biosecurity, specifically when an animal dies under questionable circumstances. He explained that, under those circumstances, licenced producers must have those animals tested by a vet to determine what they died from to ensure it wasn’t something like Avian Bird Flu. Residents will be expected to monitor their chickens and if there are any concerns at all, to have the animal tested.

With the premise ID numbers that will be assigned to applicants, owners will be registered with the government, and if there happens to be a local biosecurity concern, the government has the right to quarantine areas—and that, he explained, could affect our community. He celebrated the fact that citizens will soon be able to keep laying hens, but

August 13 Town Council

of the reason they are offering so few licenses is for biosecurity purposes. After Council passed second and third readings of the bylaw, Councillor Kevin Martin thanked administration for putting months of dedicated work into this.

Director of Corporate Services Brian Liebel then recommended a capital budget amendment to be addressed as soon as possible. The RCMP building’s roof is in urgent need of repairs, and requests made to the RCMP K Division (Corporate Head Office) for assistance have not gotten the response the Town had hoped for. However, Liebel indicated that new staff in the K Division have seemed more receptive, so funding may be obtained in the future. However, given the urgency of the repair, Liebel recommended that Council fund this $70,000 project with reserve funding, noting that any funding obtained from the K Division in the future would go towards replenishing the reserve.

Councillor Pulyk inquired whether there was any particular reserve this would be coming out of, and how much would be left in that reserve pool. Liebel replied that there was something peculiar about this budget amendment in that the only reason the Town is planning on moving ahead with it is because of its urgency, and that although it puts the reserve into a deficit until 2025, he was fairly confident it was not going to put the municipality in a bad position. Councillor Martin noted that the Town has helped with the roof previously, and asked if this would be a complete recovering. Van der Torre clarified that a $5,000 repair had been done in recent years but is not holding, and confirmed the entire roof needed to be redone, emphasizing the urgency is “right now.” Deputy Mayor Rayment asked if taking from the reserve would be bad practice, and Liebel answered that they would still fall within the boundaries of what is considered acceptable. Councillor Pulyk asked if the roof could be repaired by this fall, and van der Torre stated that the hope is that contractors can start within 30 days. Council voted to approve this amendment to the capital budget.

Moving on, Deputy Mayor Rayment proclaimed September 23–29, 2024 as Rail Safety Week, highlighting the dangers of ignoring safety warnings at level crossings and trespassing on rail property to reduce avoidable deaths, injuries, and damage caused by incidents involving trains and citizens. Now several weeks into juggling both his Director of

Community Services position and the Interim CAO position, van der Torre reported being busy with budgeting and citizen concerns. Deputy Mayor Rayment expressed appreciation to him for getting budget information ready. Council also had questions about the cemetery, noting that spaces in the new crematorium are filling up. Van der Torre also reported that a new sound system for the Regional Centre will be requested in the upcoming budget, given that the current system has been there since day one and three independent companies have recommended replacement.

Van der Torre also fielded questions about Director of Infrastructure and Planning Robert Dauphinee’s report, as Dauphinee was absent for the meeting. Councillor Pulyk inquired whether Dauphinee had any alternative sites on the radar for the waste coming out of our waste treatment plant, to which van der Torre replied that he had recommended to Dauphinee that he start to look into new options. Council then recognized Town staff for working on replacing the dilapidated bricks on our downtown streets, and van der Torre reported that the team is getting more comfortable with it and more confident on it, and thus working quicker. He explained that it has been a massive undertaking and something the Town workers have never done but are tackling the project with dedication to the work. He went further to explain how incredibly budget-saving it has been to not have to bring in someone else to do this work.

Director of Corporate Services Brian Liebel reported that he is still working on the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system. Deputy Mayor Rayment clarified for the public that this project involves moving every piece of financial information for the entire town over to the new system. He emphasized that everyone at the Town has been working very hard to save the Town money.

ous purposes. A few test flights have been underway, with Prior noting that Elon Musk’s Starlink had to be engaged for the drones to access internet to operate in broadbandless areas between Vegreville and Vermilion.

During Council Round Table, Councillor Kirby Whitlock congratulated all new businesses that opened up in the last few weeks. He also reported that the Vermilion and District Healthcare Provider Attraction and Retention Committee had recently voted him Chair. He highlighted the Healthcare Providers Barbecue that was being held at the hospital the following day, and noted that Jolan Wong, formerly of Vermilion, was competing in the Paris Olympics as captain of Canada’s ladies’ volleyball team.

Councillor Pulyk mentioned two other high-level athletes from Vermilion who had been competing recently at international events: cyclist Alison Farkash at the Paris Olympics and Sam Ree at the FISU World University Championship Rowing in Rotterdam, Netherlands. “Vermilion does put out some top-quality athletes, so congratulations to all of them for participating and getting involved,” he said. He also mentioned some concerns about the province micromanaging funds, and noted that their reduction of funds is going to put pressure on municipalities.

Councillor Martin extended his appreciation to the Vermilion Agricultural Society for hosting a very wellattended fair, “even with Mother Nature throwing a wrench in a couple of days.” He echoed Whitlock’s congratulations to the new businesses that have opened up recently, and highlighted his good chat with Dr. Alice WainwrightStewart of Lakeland College along with Greg Smith and Whitlock regarding doctor retention in the town. He noted that the college’s annual Feast on the Farm event took place on August 15, and extended a shout out to all the firefighters that had gone out to Jasper and those who have friends and family affected by the fire.

Manager of Economic Development Marylee Prior presented her report, highlighting that the Town has been getting more traction on new business in the downtown retail and industrial areas. Councillor Pulyk recognized that congratulations were in order, given Prior’s appointment as President of Alberta’s Lakeland Destination Marketing Organization (DMO). Councillor Pulyk also highlighted Art in the Park coming up on September 14 with free lunch and free cinnamon buns cooked in the community’s unique wood-fired oven. Prior also reported that communities within the HUB region—that is, along Highway 16 from Lloydminster and Strathcona and up to Cold Lake— had been experimenting with utilizing drones for vari -

Deputy Mayor Rayment agreed with Martin, saying, “It was amazing to see our local firefighters take on a federal initiative to save a national forest— that’s where Councillor [Paul] Conlon is today.” He also expressed gratitude to the Agricultural Society for the amazing job they do each year putting on the fair. Finally, he celebrated the work of Town staff, who have been working hard to keep the streets looking clean and the town beautiful.

Following a review of the minutes of the County of Vermilion River’s last meeting and its upcoming agenda, Deputy Mayor Rayment closed the public portion of the meeting at 6:45 p,m., at which time Council entered a closed session.

1041

Innisfree Fair

Chatsworth Farm Enchants During Open Farm Days

Lakeland FC U13 Girls Strike Gold, U17 Boys Secure Bronze

Thank You

Sponsors

Bryan Ford

COLUMNIST

Tzatziki

Unveiling The War Memorial In Vermilion

Life, Death, And Immortality

Digital Immortality: Uploading Consciousness

Ethical

Rodeo Queen

Lyla Fee

Moving Forward Thoughtfully

Vermilion Honours Healthcare Workers With Appreciation Lunch

Lt. Col Craig Armoury Gets A Fresh New Look

Amazon Wish List Organized To Support Jasper Teachers

Letter To The Editor

BOOKS FOR BELIZE

Lloydminster Heavy Oil Show

AWNA CLASSIFIEDS

VERMILION AND AREA BUSINESSES

Vermilion Native Logan James Crowned CanAm Wrestling Champion

August 13 Town Council