increased recycling costs with a County of Stettler agreement and a hike to regional emergency services.
Macdonald stated that $3,000 was also added to the operating budget for lift station repairs which are still tentative; it’s not certain the repairs are needed.
The CAO also mentioned some good news regarding fire hydrant repairs: it appears the hydrants may not need repair, just some basic maintenance. Macdonald stated she was told the hydrants may only require some gaskets and O-rings and won’t require digging up the pavement.
After looking at the proposed operating budget Coun. Clark German complimented the CAO.
“I think you did an excellent job Elaine,” said German.
He also asked the CAO if she’d had a chance to look into the amount of water Big Valley actually purchased, but Macdonald answered she wasn’t able to do that yet.
German noted he felt the village
214 candidates on by-election ballot
BATTLE RIVER-CROWFOOT — Advance polls have opened for the federal by-election in the Battle River-Crowfoot riding.
For the first time, Elections Canada will require voters to fill out a blank ballot. There are 214 candidates on the ballot, making this by-election one of the most diverse in our history. Many candidates are connected to the Longest Ballot Committee, which advocates for changes to improve Canada’s electoral system.
Councillors discussed the municipal assessor, with Macdonald stating she was very happy with Big Valley’s assessor. The CAO stated the village’s assessor knows the job very well and meets all the requirements of the Municipal Government Act (MGA).
Mayor Dan Houle responded that in his opinion assessments in Big Valley may be a bit too low.
Prime Minister Mark Carney called this by-election in June after Conservative Damien Kurek resigned. Kurek won decisively in the April general election but stepped down to let Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre run in this by-election. Poilievre, who lost his seat in Carleton in the April 28, 2025 election, is eager to return to politics.
German added that it does seem that Big Valley has a lot of properties assessed at the minimum value, with the CAO pointing out there are 37 in total.
Councillors unanimously approved the 2023 operating budget.
Some of the candidates include Liberal Darcy Spady, NDP’s Katherine Swampy, and Independent Bonnie Critchley.
Due to the high number of candidates, Elections Canada will change the ballot design. Voters will write the name of their chosen candidate in a blank space. Misspelling is okay; your vote will still count! Matthew McKenna from Elections Canada says it’s crucial to include the candidate’s name to validate the ballot, but mentioning a political party is optional. To make voting accessible, large-print lists of candidates will be at polling stations, along with magnifiers and large-grip pencils for those who need help. Poll workers have received extra training and are ready to assist voters.
Poilievre raised concerns about the longest ballot initiative, recalling when over 90 candidates appeared on the ballot in Carleton. He said, “I admire those who want to run for office, but it’s important for the election process to be clear and simple for all voters, especially those with vision impairments or age-related difficulties.”
Election day is Monday, August 18, from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. (local time).
BY KATE WINQUIST
Due to the high number of candidates in the upcoming Battle River-Crowfoot by-election, ballots had to be redesigned.
Huston/Lyster Family celebrates 115 years on family farm
One of the greatest joys of Clark and Byrne Huston’s life has been being able to carry-on the family farm tradition from their grandparents and parents; and witnessing the tradition move onto the fourth and fifth generations of their family through their daughter, Marika, and son-in-law, Trent Lyster, and their children. The Huston/Lyster family is the 2025 BMO Farm Family from Special Area No. 3 and are celebrating 115 years on their family farm.
The Huston family has long ties to the Sibbald and Esther areas, as both of Clark and Byrne’s grandparents homesteaded in the area and grew up there. Clark’s grandparents homesteaded in 1910 on the same farm they live on today. After marrying in 1976, Clark and Byrne began farming with Clark’s parents, Murray and Jean Huston, along with Clark’s sister and brother-in-law, Georgine and Jim Westgard. Together they raised purebred Herefords and grew cereals and grains. After Murray and Jean passed away, the siblings moved on with their own farming operations.
While Clark and Byrne started to acquire more acres, in 2006, they also changed over
From
The Huston/Lyster family was one of three nominated by their local Agriculture Service Boards within Special Areas 2, 3 and 4. Every year the Calgary Stampede and the Bank of Montreal recognize outstanding farm families in southern Alberta. These families were invited to receive this award at the Calgary Stampede. To find out more about the Farm Family Awards, visit: https://ag.calgarystampede. com/events/bmo-farm-family-awards”
to a Commercial herd. “There was a lot of work with the purebreds, such as attending bull sales, cattle shows, paperwork and hosting our own production sale for 22 years,” reflects Byrne. “Our lifestyle was busy with raising six children and me teaching full-time, so it was time for a change.” In 2015, they incorporated as Clarbyrn Farms; and in 2016 Marika and Trent moved to the farm and became shareholders. Trent had previously worked as a mechanic and salesman for John Deere, but he and Marika were eager to get back to the
farm life they enjoyed growing up. Clark and Byrne are now semi-retired and Trent and Marika, along with their three children – Brandt (15), Brianna (13) and Macy (10) – are taking care of the day-to-day operations.
Clarbyrn Farms Ltd. farms 6,000 acres focusing on crops such as durum, mustard and pulses (peas & lentils) that they market; as well as corn, barley and hay they grow to feed their cattle. They utilize continuous cropping and a four-year crop rotation, while having an agrologist test their soil annually
to carefully plan out the fertilizer and chemical applications. Other practices such as seeding with a minimum disturbance air drill and spraying with a high clearance sprayer are commonplace for them.
They run 250 cow-calf pairs and custom background feed about 400 calves each winter. Their Commercial cattle are a cross between Simmental and Charolais, and they have a closed herd, as they use their own heifers as replacements. Based on practices from their purebred days, they have birth records dating back to 1944, and they utilize this information when picking replacement heifers. They closely monitor the number of cows they have per acre and their grazing time.
“Currently, more cross fencing is being built so cows can be rotated, and we can make better use of the grass and help maintain and improve the land,” Byrne shares.
The Hustons and Lysters have been involved in their community and in different capacities over the years. When Byrne was teaching, she coached almost every sport and was a student council advisor. She and Clark also started the Prairie Rose 4-H Club and served as leaders when their
kids were younger. They have also been active in the Sibbald Community Club, Big Country Agricultural Society and the East Central and Alberta Hereford Associations. Clark also took over the task of keeping the Sibbald Cemetery records from his parents. He played with a band for many years and now enjoys entertaining at local senior facilities and various local events. Trent and Marika are also very involved with their kids’ sporting activities; Trent coaches baseball and hockey and Marika serves as hockey team manager and coaches softball. Their children are active members of the East Sounding Creek 4-H Beef Club and participate in 4-H beef and breeding projects. Marika also plays a major role in organizing the 2-day Beef Pen and Youth Show held annually each February in Oyen.
While Clark and Byrne have much to reflect and appreciate about Clarbyrn Farms, they are equally looking forward to the future of the operation as the fourth and fifth generations carry on the Huston farming traditions. They hope it will remain a special place – not only them –but all 18 of their grandchildren, as their family tree continues to grow.
left: Macy, Brianna, Brandt, Trent, Marika, Byrne and Clark.
OPINION: Stay home and watch TV
BY JOAN JANZEN
In a previous article I repeated John Diefenbaker’s famous quote: “I am Canadian, a free Canadian, free to speak without fear, free to worship God in my own way, free to stand for what I think is right, free to oppose what I believe is wrong…” Once again, a situation in Canada is challenging those freedoms.
Many Canadians had not heard the name Sean Feucht until recently when the American worship leader came to Canada to conduct services from coast to coast. CBC reported permits for his shows on public land were pulled in some eastern Canadian cities and municipalities. A CBC article reported, “Some oppose his affiliation with the MAGA political movement”.
Nevertheless, I took the time to listen to the worship service he conducted in a church in Montreal, and there was no mention of anything political. He preached the gospel, and his listeners joined him in worshiping Jesus.
The CBC article continued to explain, “Amid backlash from the public, Parks Canada East cancelled his permit, citing safety concerns”. However, the safety concerns appeared to come from outside the church when one of the protesters threw a smoke bomb at the musician’s head.
Before the service began, police entered the church wearing flak jackets with the intent to stop the musician from entering the church. However, ac-
cording to 176(1) of the Criminal Code, it’s an indictable offence to obstruct or prevent an officiant from celebrating a religious service.
Nevertheless, Sean Feucht did enter the church, at which time the police told the pastor he needed a permit. Now, anyone who regularly frequents a church knows a permit is not necessary when inviting a guest speaker or musician into their assembly. But in Canada, where we’re “free to worship”, the city of Montreal is fining the pastor $2500. These tactics would be expected in communist countries, but not in Canada.
When a farmer near a small town in Ontario made his property available for Sean to hold a worship service, he was told by authorities he couldn’t have more than 200 people on his farm.
After doing a bit of homework, I found out what this supposedly dangerous musician does besides sing. For the past twenty years, he and his team have been rescuing children from being trafficked in India, and then sponsoring them. The leader of the team was once a
TO THE EDITOR:
rescued child.
The host of the National Telegraph podcast pointed out Section 2 of the Charter, which guarantees freedom of religion and expression. “The charter applies to speech we like and speech we don’t like. You have to stop people from shutting down things they don’t like,” he said.
Even though some people are saying the musician shouldn’t be allowed in the country, the podcast’s host said, “We let 17,500 people with criminal records into our country. And our Minister of Public Safety wrote a letter in favour of letting a guy involved in a terrorist group into Canada.” Yet somehow, a worship leader is being accused of posing a huge threat.
Sean Feucht said in an online interview, “The world is watching this, and they think Canada is crazy. We didn’t come in here trying to provoke controversy. We came in here doing what we’ve been doing for the last three years. This is our third year bringing worship here, but this is the first year we’ve seen this kind of response.”
David Krayden reminded his listeners on his Stand on Guard podcast that our country was birthed on Christian values, which is why there are 25 scripture verses etched on the Peace Tower. Those verses were meant to guide the nation and its leaders, reminding them of a higher authority and the importance of justice and peace.
CBC interviewed the CEO of the
Yuck Yuck’s Comedy club in Toronto. He was asked how do we draw the line when it comes to allowing someone to perform that makes a lot of people feel the message is inappropriate.
The CEO said the only time that you can really censor somebody is under the condition that what they’re saying is potentially violent or if they’re a convicted felon. “Other than that they’re just saying things you don’t agree with.”
The interviewer asked the CEO what he would say to someone who feels the message makes them feel unsafe in their neighbourhood. The CEO answered, “I would say you have an agenda which is not really what you need to have. These people aren’t going to cause any violence; you just don’t agree with what they say. When people start to cancel people that’s completely unacceptable.”
The interviewer asked what the CEO would say to someone who felt angry or threatened by a comedian or musician on stage. The CEO replied, “Stay home and watch TV”.
Opposing municipalities and cities, Parks Canada and protest groups could avoid creating this national embarrassment if they would only “stay home and watch TV”. Then Canadians could be free to speak without fear, free to worship God in their own way, free to stand up for what they think is right and free to oppose what they believe is wrong.
Pierre Poilievre was a failed candidate on April 28. He was no longer wanted as an MP by the voters of Carleton. Damien Kurek should not have resigned causing an unnecessary by-election for the taxpayers to fund in the 2nd safest Conservative riding in Canada. Pierre has been cocooned in the Ottawa bubble all of his life, first as an aide to Stockwell Day, then as an MP over 20 years for the Carleton riding. Arranging a by-election for Pierre is a very safe riding makes him look weak. It was time for him to move on to the private sector.
Neil Shank
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Pop89: Here, let me do that for you
BY MADONNA HAMEL
“Here, let me do that for you”, says the automated voice, assuring me, in carefully programmed language and hushed tone, that it really cares about my needs. Let me assist you even when you don’t need it. Let me make life easier for you. Like the worst kind of helicopter parent, let me keep you safe and immature.
But of course, there is nothing parental about that voice. It is more like Big Brother, listening in, watching your every move. It transcribes your private conversations for you, and noses into the conversation when uninvited, posing as a “companion”, not the data “collector” it is.
And here I want to say that I deliberately choose the word “collect” and not the word “harvest” when it comes to gathering data. “Harvesting” will always be reserved for these prairie farmers and their machines, gathering real crops in real weather in real time and space. Getting really dirty, in real bodies. Life online makes it too easy rob the embodied reality from words. Words like “friend”, “chat”, and “meet” are now used to describe people we’ve never met nor talked to, calling them friends when we don’t know them. But hey, they “like” us and we “like” them until they disagree with something we say and they “unfriend” us.
The problem of sweet-talking surveillance systems isn’t that they are out there, hovering over our zooms, informing us they are transcribing our meetings, whether we asked them to or not. The problem is: we don’t mind. If I were a conspiracy theorist my theory would be this: we have been groomed for this moment. Big Brother, once a fearful prospect, became
Chartered Professional Accountant will be in Oyen at the Oyen Liquor Mart By Appointment ONLY
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Works Inc.
a “reality” show with people actually auditioning to be spied on. Voyeurism went from creepy to a national pastime. Along with exhibitionism. And once you’ve got people willing to be spied on and given them the tools to spy, what’s one more eyeball and ear in the room? The young were born with cameras in the room. Even in their bedrooms. Surveillance comes disguised as a “service”.
We’ve all been groomed to expect “convenience”. I remember when corner stores were named “convenience” stores. When their hours were extended into the wee hours to serve our every little need. And speaking of hours: I remember moving from analog to digital clocks. Before then we had to learn to tell time, read a face clock. Later, working in radio, I had to “talk to time” - tailoring my words to coincide with the sweep second hand as it arrived at the top of the hour.
To me, the creepiest tech intrusion is cell phones. I’ve gone from rotary dials to push button to mobile to cell phones in the span of one life time. And with cell phones screaming at me to stay current and cool with the latest upgrade, it ain’t over yet. The latest upgrade includes things I don’t ever need or use, but, uninvited, keeps constant track of my conversations and opinions, my cravings and complaints. All in the name of “service”. When Dylan sang “You gotta serve somebody”, this is what what he was talking about.
We’ve been captured into paying more for “services” that direct the world and create desires. This is what it was like when slick advertising burst in a big and intrusive way onto our tv screens and magazines in the 70s. But now we pay to get advertising on our phones, and then we pay more to have it removed. More and more I feel like my cell phone is a stalker, a hungry ghost, that haunts and haunts and is never satisfied.
In the days before cells a long walk did not involve
To all residents of the Village of Empress and surrounding communities:
The Village of Empress is pleased to announce the sale of the former hospital buildings (both the original facility and the 1980s structure), along with three adjacent residential lots, to a corporation dedicated to opening a recovery and healing centre right here in our village.
This new centre — focused on wellness, recovery, and long-term healing — will carry forward Empress’s proud legacy as a place of care and compassion. The developers have expressed a clear commitment to hiring local staff once the facility is operational, ensuring economic benefits and job opportunities stay within our community.
We want to be clear: this is not an injection site or emergency clin-
taking the world with me. Now I have to wrestle with the indoctrinated idea that I am somehow irresponsible if I leave it at home, as if I were a bad babysitter. Now I go for walks at night without my phone, so I can focus on communing with creation, which ultimately comes down to listening to the grace that put me here in the first place. I leave my phone at home despite recent family crises. I cannot afford to let fear and worry fill my consciousness, my bones, my very footsteps. When something has that much control over my mood and my day, I have made it a god. We are serving some strange and empty gods.
And I still drive with a map on the passenger seat, having high-lit in pen my route. GPS feels like cheating, like losing one more survival skill. Like not knowing how to tell time. And I can remember not having a computer. I went to libraries and read books. Still do. With books, no one can alter the information between the covers while I sleep. No one can say one thing one day, another the next; no one can edit the facts for me.
I’m not so old that I used an abacus. ( Actually, I did. Once. ) But I remember when calculators were introduced. It also felt like cheating. When I worked in retail and restaurants, I counted back change calculated in my own humble brain. The cash register did not tell me how much was owed. (Also, counting back change is a way to keep your neural pathways active.)
In stores, I go to the human being at the check-out counter, who, while helping me fill bags, confesses in a hushed whisper, “I do fear losing my job to automation. I know that the reason for replacing me is to make more money for the company. So what can I say?”
What can we say? Until we get our sense of meaning and fulfilment from other places - technology will be there to make a few people very, very rich. The rest of us can be humans. Embody action and presence. We can mean it when we say: “I can do that for you.”
ic, but a purpose-built space designed to support people on their healing journey.
The official closing date for the sale is October 2025, and Village Administration is already working closely with the purchaser and the Development Authority to support the development permit process. Council would like to acknowledge the dedicated leadership and vision that made this possible —
this project aligns directly with Empress’s goals for growth, renewal, and wellness.
We understand that people will have questions, and the most common will be: “What kind of facility is this?”
It’s a recovery centre — a healing place — one that fosters dignity, care, and second chances. The Village is committed to transparent communication and will share additional details as the project progresses in 2026 and beyond.
This is a transformative opportunity for our region. Thank you for your continued trust and support as Empress steps into this new and hopeful chapter.
Sincerely,
Mayor Martin and Council Village of Empress
Tennis pro Pospisil calls it a career
BY BRUCE PENTON
Vasek Pospisil wasn’t the biggest name taking part in this year’s National Bank Open in Toronto, but he was likely the best player to retire at the end of the competition.
BY BRUCE PENTON Sports Columnist
Pospisil, a 35-year-old from Vernon, B.C., has been the only Western Canadian on the world tennis circuit in recent years. Our country’s best male players — Felix Auger-Aliassime, Denis Shapovalov and Milos Raonic — are all Easterners. Once ranked in men’s singles as high as 25th in the world, Pospisil’s on-court heroics were often surpassed by the three aforementioned Easter Canada players, and the resulting media coverage was, to say the least, lacking.
But Pospisil did have some great moments. He paired with American Jack Sock to win the Wimbledon doubles crown in 2014. In 2017, at the semi-major Indian Wells tournaments in California, he scored a second-round victory over Britain’s Andy Murray who, at the time, was ranked No. 1 in the world. He made the final in three ATP tournaments in his career, and was a doubles’ winner seven times. Pospisil also helped Canada win its first Davis Cup in 2022 and represented Canada twice at the Olympics.
A feature story on Pospisil in the Globe and Mail said the tennis pro “made his mark as an advocate for players’ rights, joining Novak Djokovic in founding the first-ever Professional Tennis Players Association in 2019.”
Pospisil didn’t make much of a splash at the Na-
tional Bank Open, falling to Argentina’s Bagnis Facundo, 6-2, 3-6, 6-3 in the first round. He has battled numerous injuries in the last three years. “It’s a really, really tough sport, physically and mentally, and at some point you burn out. At least I did,” Pospisil said in a Globe and Mail story following his elimination.
Now that he has retired from the pro game, said the Globe story, he’s “keen to help with any Davis Cup duties, should Tennis Canada ask him.”
Helping to develop future Canadian tennis stars will also be high on Pospisil’s post-retirement agenda.
“Nothing would make me happier than to help young juniors in less privileged positions,” he told the Globe and Mail. “I learned through years of trial and error, so if I can help expedite the learning curve for somebody who is a good person, or two or three or more players, then I would find that fulfilling.”
Meanwhile, Canada’s national open had a shadow cast over it before it began when the three biggest names in the game — world No. 1 Yannik Sinner of Italy, No 2 Carlos Alcaraz of Spain and 25-GrandSlam winner Novak Djokovic of Serbia — all announced they were withdrawing from the event. That left the competition wide open, with spotlight on the best Canadians. Unfortunately, Auger-Aliassime and Shapovalov were both eliminated in the round of 64.
But while the ATP tour carries on, Pospisil, whose family came to this country from Czechoslovakia just before Vasek was born, stays behind. He’s a proud Canadian who had a decent career on the world stage.
• Another fark.com offering: “Hertz is sponsoring a car in a NASCAR race. Thankfully, it’s not somebody named Simpson.”
• Hall of Fame football coach Don Shula: “Sure, luck means a lot in football. Not having a good quarter-
back is bad luck.”
• Cathal Kelly of the Globe and Mail, after the Blue Jays were dominant in taking three of four from the Tigers in Detroit: “It was like watching a bouncer slap around an overserved customer.”
• Kelly again, on disappointing free-agent signee Anthony Santander, who signed a $93.5 million contract with the Jays: “He was so terrible that when he got injured, the team got better.”
• Janice Hough of leftcoastsportsbabe.com, after an MLB game in which Colorado fell behind 9-0 in the first inning and later won 17-16 over Pittsburgh: “I remember Little League games like this. Especially in tournaments when teams run out of pitching.”
• Headline at fark.com: “Pirates put up nine runs in the first inning against the worst team in baseball. Add seven ‘insurance’ runs. Lose.
• The late Bob Uecker, Mr. Baseball: “The biggest thrill a ballplayer can have is when your son takes after you. That happened when my Bobby was in his championship Little League game. He really showed me something. Struck out three times. Made an error that lost the game. Parents were throwing things at our car and swearing at us as we drove off. Gosh, I was proud.”
• RJ Currie of sportsdeke.com: “Note to Felix Auger-Aliassime, who is trying to plan his September wedding. You’re a guy, Felix — wedding plans take care of themselves.”
• Headline at theonion.com: “Mavericks GM Trades Away All Of Team’s Basketballs”
• Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun: “With a name like Seranthony Dominguez, shouldn’t he be playing for the Royals? Can you just see him on British television — up next, Sir Anthony, he’s a Royal.”
Care to comment? Email brucepenton2003@yahoo.ca
Museum Musings
BY KAYDANCE STAMMERS
Norma Brown donated this beautiful wedding dress worn by her mother, Nellie May (Moore) Gripp. She was born in 1919, met and courted Leonard Gripp until they got married on December 29th, 1939.
Leonard Gripp was born at a farm home south of Oyen on September 1st, 1916. After attending school in Oyen, he began butchering with his dad and sold meat and homemade sausage. He also worked as a hired man on farms and hauled oil and gas from Calgary to Oyen for C.V. Johnson’s Garage. As well as all that, he worked at Jimmy Wong’s restaurant to help supplement his income.
In 1939, he took over the Gripp family farm.
Leonard had a passion for curling and was especially good at baseball.
In 1937 to 1938, Nellie May took teaching training in Calgary at “Normal
School.” When she returned to Oyen, she taught at Farming Valley School near Cereal. She taught full-time until 1940, when she moved to the Gripp Family Farm after marrying Leonard Gripp.
During their marriage, they had four daughters: Louise, Carol, Janet, and Norma. After many years of marriage, Leonard passed away from cancer in November 1976.
Nellie May’s wedding dress currently resides in the main building of the Oyen Crossroads Museum.
In addition to the 1928 car story in an earlier issue of The Echo, we would like to mention Ralph Wold donated the car he bought from Howard Haines in 1972 to the Oyen Crossroads Museum in 2024.
Our Hours are 9:30 to 12:00 and 12:30 to 5:00 from Tuesday to Saturday. Call us to book a time for the Treasure Hunt. 403-664-2330.
Nellie May Gripp’s wedding dress from 1939. PHOTO BY DIANA WALKER
Oyen pioneers made their own fun
BY JOAN JANZEN
Pioneers worked extremely hard, but they also knew the importance of celebrating together as a community and having fun. The history book ‘Many Trails Crossed Here’ showed how pioneers made their own fun.
Alf Brunner wrote, “There were about eighteen families within a three mile radius of our place. I still think, with fond memories, of the evenings when you could see lights in nearly every direction. We used to drop over to the neighbours for a card game or a cup of coffee.”
Something as simple as picking berries became an opportunity to have a picnic with friends. “All we needed was half a dozen people and a mouth organ and the fun began!” Alf recalled.
Many days and evenings were spent playing baseball, football, running and jumping competitions and attending community dances. And there was no need for imported music because every district had its own performers.
A travelling variety show called the Chautauqua visited Oyen every fall. It brought music, drama, magic, art and cooking lessons, speakers and comedy to rural areas that were hungry for entertainment.
Although pioneers loved being entertained, they always took time to make their own fun. As early as 1929, the community of Oyen held stampedes, and every special occasion or fair was an opportunity for everyone to get together and have a parade.
Pioneers not only showed the value of hard work and perseverance, but they also showed future generations the importance of celebrating together as a community.
Above: The 1927 Jubilee Celebration in Oyen was a festive occasion, including a parade and all kinds of entertainment.
Left: Charlie Nelson drives a team pulling a beautifully decorated hay rack loaded with ladies, in an entry in the 1917 fair parade. PHOTOS FROM MANY TRAILS CROSSED HERE
Charmaain Snell, , InsuranceAdvisor schindel agenciees@outlook com
Alberta RCMP sees 6.9% decrease in Crime Severity Index across the province
EDMONTON — The Statistics Canada report on Police-reported crime statistics in Canada, 2024 shows that there was a 6.9% decrease in the Crime Severity Index (CSI) across Alberta RCMP jurisdictions compared to 2023. The crime score in Alberta RCMP jurisdictions is the second lowest it has been since 2015. The CSI tracks both volume and seriousness of police-reported crime. It assigns weights to different offences based on how severe they are; more serious crimes carry a higher weight than less serious crimes.
In Alberta there are 147 different RCMP jurisdictions that are measured for the CSI. These jurisdictions are policed by the 113 RCMP detachments across the province. Of the 147 jurisdictions policed by the RCMP 95 had a decrease in the CSI from 2023 to 2024.
Jurisdictions with small population sizes can generally see higher fluctuations in their CSI score yearto-year. This is because even small changes in crime, especially if they are violent crimes, can have a significant impact on the scores. Jurisdictions with larger populations are less likely to have large fluctuations in CSI scores; however, we have seen significant decreases in CSI scores in many of our larger jurisdictions. Wetaskiwin with a population of 13,412 saw a 19.2% decrease, Strathmore with a population of 16,189 saw a 24.6% decrease, and Red Deer with a population of 112,917, the largest jurisdiction the Alberta RCMP oversees, saw a 19.7% decrease. These statistics demonstrate a significant decrease in crime in these communities, brought on by the hard work of RCMP employees, and from the efforts of community members themselves.
In Alberta the top 10 CSI contributions account for 74.9% of the crime across the province. The number one contributor to Alberta’s CSI score is Break & Enters making up 17.67% of the scoring. While Break & Enters are the highest cause of the CSI in Alberta it is down compared to 2023 with there being 875 fewer Break & Enters reported to the RCMP.
Of the top 10 contributors to the CSI in Alberta two were in violent crime categories: Assault and Sexual Assault. Both crimes have seen a decline over the past year with there being 653 fewer Assaults, and 273 fewer Sexual Assaults across the province.
Violent crimes like Assault and Sexual Assault can lead to significant trauma, not just to the individuals effected, but to their friends, their family, and the community they call home. The pain of these crimes is frequently long lasting, impacting those effected for years to come. Decreases in these heinous crimes are more than just a number, they are a significant benefit to the health and well-being of Albertan Communities.
“We are extremely pleased to see Crime Scores de-
clining across the province,” says Deputy Commissioner Trevor Daroux, Commanding Officer of the Alberta RCMP. “This trend reflects the shared efforts of Alberta RCMP officers, the communities we serve, and our dedicated partner agencies. We’re sincerely grateful for the support we’ve received. Reducing crime isn’t the work of one group, it demands collaboration among public services, community partners, and all level of government, but these results show that when we work together, we get results. There is still a long way to go, but the Alberta RCMP remains committed to working with our partners to protect Albertans and strengthen the communities we all proudly call home.”
The Alberta RCMP uses the information gathered through the CSI to develop comprehensive, intelligence-led strategies that help to break the cycle of criminal activity over the long-term. They look at people, places, and crime types prevalent in Alberta’s most vulnerable communities and target priority offenders who cause the most harm.
In the past year, the Alberta RCMP has taken significant steps to increase the safety and resilience of the communities it serves. We have leveraged technologies, like Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems, to assist our frontline operations, as well as improved our Real Time Operation Centre, which triages calls for service and dispatches resources across the province. We have also deployed Community Response Teams throughout rural Alberta, providing focused outreach and targeted enforcement. Our specialized crime reduction teams also work with community partners to help address the root causes of crime and educate Albertans on how to stay safe.
The RCMP continues to look for new and innovative methods to help reduce crime across the province to keep Albertans safe.
Posting Date August 11, 2025
1. U.S. STATES: Which state is home to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame?
2. GEOGRAPHY: What is the capital of Saudi Arabia?
3. TELEVISION: Ron Swanson is a character on which sitcom?
4. MOVIES: Who is the villain in the animated film “The Little Mermaid”?
5. SCIENCE: What part of the cell contains genetic material?
6. U.S. PRESIDENTS: Which president established the Peace Corps?
7. HISTORY: Which country is home to Botany Bay, an early British colony?
8. MATH: Who is known as the father of geometry?
9. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE: When did the Great Smoky Mountains National Park open?
Whether they’re thumbing through pages or swiping to the next article, 4 in 5 people in Canada read the news each week — by print, online or digitally.
6. John F. Kennedy; 7. Australia; 8. Euclid; 9. 1940; 10. Bull
Alberta RCMP Change of Command Ceremony
— Last week, special guests and RCMP employees witnessed Deputy Commissioner Trevor Daroux assume command of the Alberta RCMP from Deputy Commissioner Rob Hill.
Deputy Commissioner Trevor Daroux is in his 37th year of policing, having served as a Deputy Chief with the Calgary Police and served with the RCMP. He was appointed the 27th Commanding Officer of the Alberta RCMP in 2025. In 2017, he retired from Calgary Police as the Deputy Chief in Charge of the Bureau of Community Policing. That same year, he joined the RCMP and served as the Director General National Crime Prevention and Indigenous Policing. Before becoming Commanding Officer, Deputy Commissioner Daroux served as the Alberta RCMP’s Criminal Operations Officer. Throughout his career, he has held a variety of operational, investigative, and administrative roles. His passion lies in working through a multi-disciplinary lens to address the root causes of crime and social disorder.
When accepting his current role, Deputy Commissioner Daroux shared his focus on supporting RCMP employees in Alberta by embracing new innovations and improving relationships with all Albertans through community outreach.
“I’m honoured to step into the role as the Commanding Officer of the Alberta RCMP,” says Deputy Commissioner Trevor Daroux. “Throughout my time with the RCMP, I have seen firsthand the positive impact our dedicated employees make every day. We’re not just responding to crime, we’re responding to people, and that means engaging with the communities we serve. Working hand in hand with our communities and partner agencies, I know that our collective efforts will continue to build a stronger safer Alberta, and I look forward to helping guide our employees as we move forward.”
As Commanding Officer, Deputy Commissioner Daroux assumes the responsibility of leading Alberta’s provincial police service, overseeing nearly 4,200 employees across 113 detachments serving more than 1.5 million Albertans.
“Deputy Commissioner Daroux’s extensive operational experience will be a tremendous asset to Alberta and its people,” says RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme. “He has shown a passion for working to better address the root causes of crime and social disorder and understands the importance of building trust which is central to everything we do at the RCMP. I look forward to seeing what the Alberta RCMP will achieve under Trevor’s leadership.”
LaPrairie Works takes over provincial highway maintenance operations near Hanna and Oyen
LaPrairie Works, leader in highway and bridge maintenance and civil infrastructure construction in Western Canada, is pleased to announce it became the new provincial highway maintenance contractor for Alberta’s Contract Maintenance Area (CMA) 519 on August 1st, 2025.
CMA 519 includes provincial highways near Hanna, Oyen, Sunnynook, Empress, Jenner and surrounding areas. In each of these key locations, LaPrairie Works will have a permanent shop facility.
The company’s expansion into CMA 519 establishes its southernmost highway maintenance contract in Alberta and reflects a deliberate strategy to broaden its service footprint across the province.
“We’re committed to delivering high-quality maintenance services that align with the region’s unique needs and priorities.” said, Kelly McManus, President, Transportation & Highway Operations. “CMA 519 is a vital agricultural hub. Its highway network serves as a key transportation corridor that ensures Canadian products get to market. Keeping this infrastructure strong and reliable supports the farmers and ranchers who feed us, the trucks that move our goods, and the families who rely on these roads for their daily travel.”
To facilitate its operations, LaPrairie Works has assembled a skilled team of highway maintenance professionals who are deeply committed to its goals and ISO 9001:2015 quality standards.
Sacred Heart Parish is experiencing pastoral changes this summer
BY DIANA WALKER
Father Rodel Abanto came to serve the parish on August 1, 2022. He made his home in Oyen Monday through Wednesday and the remainder of the week in Hanna. He also held services in Acadia Valley. Now, celebrating his third anniversary, Father Rodel will live full-time in Oyen. He will conduct Holy Mass in Acadia Valley and Oyen, while a priest from Drumheller will serve Hanna.
Starting August 3, Holy Mass will be held Sundays in Acadia Valley at 9:00 a.m. and in Oyen at 11 a.m.
Father Rodel says, with a smaller area to serve, he looks forward to visiting Assumption RC School regularly and celebrating Holy Mass at the Oyen Lodge every Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. He will also celebrate daily mass at 6:30 p.m., Tuesday through Friday, at Sacred Heart Church. Monday will be his rest day.
Father Rodel is available for chats, confession or counselling by calling 403-589-9300 or emailing shcoyen@telus.net
COST: $110 plus GS (up to 750 words, includes photo) Will be uploaded to our website www.oyenecho.com at no extra charge. Eulogies & Poems will be charged an extra .20¢ per word. You can submit it to us directly or ask your funeral director to submit it on your behalf. email: kate@yourwestcentral.com Call/Text: 306-463-2211
Father Rodel Abanto of Sacred Heart Parish.
EDMONTON
Deputy Commissioner Trevor Daroux assumes command of the Alberta RCMP.
Coronation RCMP cautions
public on online conduct during by-election
COUNTY OF PAINTEARTH, AB — As a by-election unfolds in Eastern Alberta, the Coronation RCMP is reminding the public about the importance of respectful and lawful conduct, both in person and online.
In recent days, several candidates have reported receiving negative and, in some cases, potentially threatening commentary on social media platforms. While Canadians are entitled to express their opinions, even those critical of political figures, threats or comments that cross the line into criminal conduct will be taken seriously.
Uttering threats, including online or through social media, is a criminal offence under Section 264.1 of the Ca-
nadian Criminal Code. This includes threats to cause bodily harm, death, or damage to property. Individuals found making such threats may be subject to investigation and could face criminal charges.
Coronation RCMP encourages all members of the public to engage respectfully during the democratic process. We also ask those affected by threatening comments to preserve evidence, such as screenshots, and report concerning incidents to police.
Anyone with information or concerns is asked to contact Coronation RCMP at 403-578-3666 or call the RCMP non-emergency line at 310-RCMP (7267) or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
West Central Crisis & Family Support Centre
Free and Confidential Counselling Services
Programs:
• Mental Health & Addictions
• Family Support (FSW) & Diversion Support
• Family Violence Intervention (FVI)
• Rapid Access Counselling (RAC) for Children Youth/Caregivers
• Rapid Access for Counselling (RAC) for Adults
• Crisis Intervention & Debriefing
• Suicide Intervention & Suicide Impact Supports
• Sexual Assault Victim Support
• Trafficking Intervention
• Family Intervention Rapid Support Teams (FIRST)
• Client Advocacy
• Intimate Partner Violence Intervention
• Court Mandated Supports
The West Central Crisis & Family Support Centre’s mission is to provide support services to individuals and families experiencing trauma, violence, addiction, or crisis in their lives, as well as outreach programs to communities within our boundaries.
Oyen Extended Care residents and their families gathered in the courtyard on July 27 to celebrate with a Summer Beach Party.
The outgoing Resident Family Council of Penny Grover, Joanne McBain and Trudy Hittel hosted the party. Throughout their reign, they held monthly birthday bashes and celebrated holidays with food and entertainment.
Recently, they announced their planned retirement, asking others in the community to step up to the task.
Linda Grudecki, Elaine Zeer and Lucille Hertz answered their plea. The
incoming council got acquainted with the residents while working alongside the outgoing team.
Joanne McBain’s grandchildren, Freya and George McBain, greeted the guests, offering each a wide-brimmed hat, Hawaiian lei and necklace.
Family groups were guided to their tables, nestled beneath the trees, hoping to shelter them from the coming showers.
Several family members helped the four ladies deliver the luncheon plates of hot dogs, potato and Jello salads to the tables. They also served pina coladas, strawberry daiquiris, tea, coffee and water, followed by birthday cupcakes and ice cream.
Back row, from left, Elaine Zeer, Joanne McBain, Penny Grover and Linda Grudecki. Missing: Lucille Hertz and Trudy Hittel. Front, George and Freya McBain.
PHOTO BY DIANA WALKER
Town of Oyen Library: Booknotes
BY DAYNA WILSON Library Manager
ADULT FICTION:
Dark Diamond / by: Neal Asher
Cold Dead Cash / by: William W. Johnstone
What Have You Done? / by: Shari Lapena
These Summer Storms / by: Sarah MacLean
A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping/ by: Sangu Mandanna
The Tenant / by: Freida McFadden
Do Not Disturb / by: Freida McFadden
Salty / by: Kate Myers
Tough Choices : An Amish Romance / by: Linda Byler
Second Chance at Sunset Inn / by: Amy Clipston
Not Quite Dead Yet / by: Holly Jackson
Purgatory Crossing / by: William W. Johnstone
Shot in the Back/ by: William W. Johnstone
Raven Bones / by: N.C. Lewis
Their Impossible Amish Match / by: Jocelyn McClay
Those we Carry / by: Scott Allen Saxberg
YOUNG ADULT FICTION:
Sunrise on the Reaping / by: Suzanne Collins
All We Lost was Everything / by: Sloan Harlow
Lady or the Tiger / by: Heather Herrman
Never Thought I’d end up here / by: Ann Liang
Watch Me / by: Tahereh Mafi
CHILDREN’S BOOKS:
Hobbies : Can you find it book / by: Chelsey Luciow
NON-FICTION BOOKS:
The Frost Proof Flower garden / by: Kristen Raney
Original Sin : President Biden’s decline, its cover-up and his disastrous choice to run again / by: Jake Tapper
Starlore of the Constellations : The Astronomy, Myth and Symbolism / by: Geoffrey Cornelius
GRAPHIC NOVELS:
Baby Sitter’s Club Vol. 17 : Mallory and the trouble with Twins / by: Arley Nopra
The library is currently open as usual, but we have added a curbside service option as well. If you prefer to pick up materials this way, please call ahead or email to let us know which day to put them out.
*If you are unable to come out to the library due to physical conditions we can do deliveries within the town limits. Please just give us a call at the number listed below.
Library Summer Hours: Monday and Wednesday 11-5; Tuesdays 1-6 (NEW SUMMER HOURS) 403-664-3644 ext. 2 aoymlibrary@oyenlibrary.ca www.oyenlibrary.ca www.facebook.com/OyenLibrary
“Should I do a career assessment?”
4 strategies for retaining your employees
As the job market becomes increasingly competitive, it can be challenging to retain your employees. Here are four strategies to help keep your talent.
It’s perfectly normal—even beneficial—to reflect on your professional future. By analyzing your background, skills and aspirations, you can identify the best next steps on your ideal career path. Find out how a career assessment can help.
Gain a better understanding of your profile
1. Focus on communication. Communicate openly with your employees. Listen to their concerns and be open to new ideas. Let them know they’re heard and that you take them seriously.
3. Offer benefits. Ask your employees what your company could improve and add these to their benefits and perks. For example, you could include group insurance, paid holidays, yoga classes, flexible working hours and telemedicine.
Start by listing your training and work experience. This will help you reflect on your proudest achievements and the challenges you’ve faced. This exercise can help you discover insights like:
• I genuinely enjoy working in the field
After assessing your background, pinpoint the skills you want to develop further. For instance, if you enjoy fieldwork, you might realize that highlighting your organizational skills and strong interpersonal abilities could improve your career prospects. Based on the skills you want to grow or the ones you’re less interested in, you can set short- and longterm goals. If you find that your current job doesn’t help you develop a specific skill, you might consider:
• Focusing on a different skill for the next few months, then reevaluating your progress
• I struggle to adapt to quickly changing situations
4. Get out of the office. Create opportunities for your employees to socialize and have fun in a context that doesn’t revolve around work. Use the opportunity to celebrate their successes.
• I find working with clients fulfilling in the short term but exhausting over extended projects
2. Think about development. Employees often quit because of a lack of advancement opportunities. Therefore, provide training so your employees can develop their potential, avoid boredom and take on new challenges.
• Seeking experiences that enable you to move into a more suitable role within three years
Employee retention also depends on effective recruitment. Therefore, use a specialized agency to start your talent search today.
• Going back to school to redirect your career
The Rural Municipality of Prairiedale No. 321 is currently accepting applications for the full-time position of Operating Foreman. The R.M.of Prairiedale offers a competitive wage and benefits package.
As Foreman, you will be responsible for, but not limited to, overseeing the dayto-day operations of RM’s maintenance and utility duties, including road grading, snow plowing, shop work, and equipment maintenance.
Key Responsibilities:
• Supervise and organize day to day maintenance and utility duties
• Schedule, plan and report to Council and take directives from Council on a regular basis
• Grade/snowplow roads
• Lead a team of grader and utility operators
Preference will be given to candidates who possess:
• Strong communication skills
• Ability to work well with Council, Administration, and staff
Whether you already work in information technology (IT) or are just starting your studies, here are three qualities essential to your success.
1. ANALYTICAL SKILLS
T h i s p o s i t i o n p r o v i d e s s u
As an IT employee, you’re often required to solve problems. Consequently, you must enjoy challenging yourself and looking for innovative solutions. You must also be inherently curious to stay updated with the latest technologies in a constantly evolving field.
2. COMMUNICATION SKILLS
3. ORGANIZATIONAL SKILLS
If you want to thrive in IT, you must have exceptional organizational skills. Depending on your job, your colleagues may regularly interrupt you and require you to switch gears constantly. Therefore, you must be well organized and able to multitask to keep up with your workload.
Do you have these qualities? If so, you have everything you need for a long career in this promising field.
IT specialists must be able to communicate with their colleagues and clients. This means you must be good at conveying your ideas, making yourself understood and finding the best moments to do so.
• Demonstrates strong leadership, organizational and management skills
• Self motivated with a strong work ethic
How to welcome a teleworking employee
• Work independently with little guidance
• Minimum of 5 years experience operating a grader, tractor and other maintenance equipment
• Valid class 5 driver’s license
• Mechanical ability with troubleshooting ability
We would like to thank all applicants for their interest but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Please submit your resume with references to: administator@rmofprairiedale.ca
PO Box 160
Major, SK S0L 2H0
306-834-1201 (Phone)
It’s rare to get your dream job on the first try. Therefore, if you’re offered an entry vel position, it’s necessary to ask yourself if it’s a good idea to accept it. Here are some tips to help you decide.
WHEN TO ACCEPT
DATE: AUGUST 26 2025 TH
SEND RESUME TO:
etessier@specialareas net or c/o Erika Tessier Box 757, Oyen, AB T0J 2J0
If the job is related to your area of expertise and allows you to use and develop your skills, it may be worthwhile. The job may let you explore a field you’re interested in and help you obtain a better position in the future. The offer may also be attractive if there’s room for career development within the company.
If you sincerely doubt that you’ll enjoy your everyday tasks, the job probably isn’t for you. The same applies if most of your skills and educational achievements don’t apply to the job and won’t contribute to your professional development. Finally, it may be best to refuse the position if the salary is significantly lower than your expectations or if the
Are you having trouble finding a job that suits you? Consult job hunting resources in your area.
Recovery Alberta’s local Addiction and Mental Health office moves to a new location
BROOKS — Recovery Alberta teams and programs previously located at Newell Plaza and the north end of the Brooks Health Centre are now serving clients in a new space at the south end of the health centre, next to the Home Care office.
Staff have been preparing for this move for several months and look forward to welcoming clients to this new space. An open house is planned for July 24, with community welcome to attend from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. to view the renovated space and learn more about the services available.
The newly designed space is bright, inviting and tailored to create a welcoming environment for clients. Additional features include a therapy playroom, a group therapy room, and an observation room, all of which contribute to
more effective psychotherapy sessions and expanded learning opportunities for clinicians.
Bringing all mental health and addiction services into a single location enhances accessibility and simplifies the delivery of care. Services in the new space include child, youth and adult mental health therapy and addiction counselling for individuals and groups, a depot clinic for clients receiving long-acting injectable medications, and outreach services.
If you have questions about how to find the new location, call 403-793-6655 for assistance.
Anyone with non-urgent questions about access to mental health and addiction services or programming is encouraged to call 1-888-594-0211 or visit recoveryalberta.ca.
From a tough crop year to livestock feed gains
The 2025 crop year continues to be challenging in some regions of Alberta. Agriculture Financial Services Corporation (AFSC) has adjusted the low yield allowance, enabling farmers to salvage crops for livestock feed in an effort to reduce producers’ feed-related costs.
The low yield allowance is a standard part of production insurance and is meant for situations where there may not be value in harvesting for grain (e.g. low yield due to extreme heat and severe drought).
Producers should contact AFSC at least five days in advance of harvesting to share details about their situation and find out how best to proceed. AFSC will work with clients to complete a field inspection as soon as possible.
This change means that if the appraised yield falls below the established threshold level, AFSC can reduce the
Classifieds
AUCTIONS
MEIER 2-DAY LIVE ONSITE AUCTION for Grant Yeske, Saturday, August 23 & Sunday, August 24 (10am #409, 67325 Churchill Park Rd., Lac La Biche. Selling Bobcat S300, Trucks, Classic Cars, Trailers, ATVs, RVs, Oil Field Buildings, Full Mechanics Shop, New Mopar Parts, Engines, Lawn Tractors, Attachments, Firearms, Sportsman Items, Antiques. Visit www. meierauction.com.
appraisal to zero, based on information gathered by the adjuster during the inspection. The appraised yield of the crop will be used in the calculation of any subsequent indemnities.
“We recognize that this year’s conditions have had a significant impact on some producers – and changes to the low yield allowance can help them through times like this.”
AgriInsurance is a federal-provincial-producer cost-shared program that helps producers manage production and quality losses. Support for the program is provided by the governments of Canada and Alberta under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership.
HEALTH
PROMOTE YOUR MESSAGE THROUGHOUT Alberta. The Blanket Classifieds or Value Ads connect with more than 500,000 readers in the province each week. Choose from three packages beginning at $269, $299 or $599 to share your message in over 70 Weekly Community Newspapers. Contact THIS NEWSPAPER today or email classifieds@awna.com for more information. Call 1-800282-6903 or 780-434-8746 or visit www.awna.com.
LIVESTOCK
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“Having investments” isn’t the same thing as financial planning. We believe a real financial plan adapts and grows alongside your life - and includes investments, tax opportunities, estate and legacy planning, and more. Do you agree? Let’s talk.
steven.paetz@investorsgroup.com (403) 664-9494 A tax refund is just a missed opportunity A large refund means you’ve been overpaying your taxes throughout the year. I can show you steps to minimize income taxes and keep more of what you earn.
Robert “Bob” William Monkman, beloved husband of Lorraine Monkman of Buffalo, passed away peacefully at Big Country Hospital in Oyen on Friday, July 18, 2025, at the age of 80 years. Besides his loving wife Lorraine, Bob is survived by his three children, Dale Monkman, Lisa (Gord) Sulz and Debra (Chris) Schneider; four grandchildren, Quinn, Kip and Coy Schneider and Olivia Sulz; one brother, Jack Monkman and one brother-in-law, Chris (Michele) Olson. He was predeceased by his parents, Ross and Rena Monkman; one sister, Doris (Ed) Kornelson; one brother, George Mercer; sisters-in-law, Audrey Monkman
and Bev (Miles) Barkley and parents-in-law, Walter and Gloria Olson.
Bob was born in Medicine Hat on April 1, 1945, to Ross and Rena Monkman. He attended Lila School in Buffalo until grade nine. After his father’s passing Bob made farming his life. He enjoyed curling, especially the time when he scored an eight-ender in Bindloss with Marg and Simon Schonhofer and Win Vanderloh. Bob also enjoyed playing cards and fishing trips with his friends and family. Bob was a member of the Kiwanis Club started by Dr. Anderson in Empress for many years.
The memorial service was held in the Buffalo Community Hall (Buffalo, Alberta) on Monday, July 28, 2025, with Rev Dr. Shane Andrus officiating. Those who wish to remember Bob with a donation, may do so to the Buffalo Fire Club or to the charity of your choice. To leave a message of condolence you may visit www.pattisonfuneralhome.com.
GROWING THROUGH GRIEF: Feeling stuck
BY ANGELA CLEMENT
Are you feeling like you are doing all the things right and still nothing is improving? Do the same feelings keep coming back? Do you feel like you should be feeling better by now? Are you starting to believe that you will just feel the sadness and longing forever?
If you have had these feelings, you are not alone. Many people who have had the loss of a close loved one can feel frustrated or overwhelmed with the thoughts and emotions that accompany us in the process of grief.
What to do? First check in and see if you are numbing. What I mean by that is you are doing something else that is distracting you from actually taking time to rest. I find myself scrolling through my phone with no real intention. Some watch TV. Sometimes I get busy working or doing things that need to be done. It’s not to say that these things are wrong. Sometimes we just need a little reprieve from all that is happening and also life is busy. Yet if we don’t take time to just sit in silence and rest, then we are going to miss out on an opportunity to free ourselves from some of these heavy emotions. They will keep resurfacing. I believe our emotions bring messages for us. Have you ever had the experience of coming to some kind of realization in the night? Or in the shower or in the bathtub? It is in these times of silence where we quiet our minds just enough to give way for some intuitive guidance to appear and often it helps us gain a new perspective on our situation.
If you are taking that quiet time for yourself and you are still feeling like you are stuck, no need to despair. Life is full of seasons just like nature. A season
of non action gives you time to rest and also an opportunity to dream again. Sometimes we just have to be okay with things being slower or even sadder than we would like for a while and turn our attention to just being more creative. Now being creative doesn’t necessarily mean painting, drawing or making music even though those are great creative outlets. Being creative can mean simply learning a new game, trying a new recipe, decorating a space, gardening, reorganizing or simply spending some time in nature. Being creative is just doing something that helps you reconnect with your soul. We all need to schedule more time for this. We might feel like it is wasting time, but it’s not. It is deeply caring for ourselves and turning our troubles over to the Divine for healing. Why not do some simple things that bring you joy each day? Cherish some time to do something just for you. It’s okay to slow down and take a break.
When we take time to just be with ourselves we get to know who we are becoming. When life changes, so do we. See this as an opportunity to get curious about your own journey.Take time to figure out what you value and what truly matters to you. In this life, we come with a purpose built into your very being. You are a unique and special being with your own path to walk. If you can step out into the world being unapologetically you, this will be so helpful to others on the planet as well as you! It will bring you joy. Go find your tribe of people that you love to be with. If you haven’t found them yet, you may need to step a little out of your comfort zone and try getting out and doing things you love. The people you are meant to meet are there. They are waiting for you!
The loss of our first pet
BY KEITH SCHELL
The very first pet our family ever had was a young, jet-black stray tomcat who appeared out of nowhere one day at our country house when my little brother and I were very young.
As we slowed to turn into our driveway, we saw a heartbreaking sight.
In the gravel on the shoulder of the road, right across from our driveway, lay a small, still mass of jet-black fur.
sionally experienced by their child.
Any loving parent would do anything in the world to shield their child from the pain of loss, but sometimes that pain is unavoidable. It is just a part of life.
Keith Schell
And being very young, we were soft-hearted little kids that loved small animals, especially if the animals were friendly. This cat was very friendly right from the start, letting us pat him right from the moment we first saw him.
We had no idea where he came from or who he belonged to. The only people nearby with a black cat were our immediate neighbors a few hundred yards down the road on the other side of the highway. But their cat was older, fat, happy, and never wandered very far from home.
Falling in love with this newcomer immediately, my little brother and I quickly asked our parents if we could keep him.
After some deliberation, they agreed—on the condition that if some-
LUK
one came to claim the cat, we would have to give him up. We accepted the condition and hoped that day would never come. With that settled, the next task was choosing a name. As a little kid, I thought our neighbours’ cat had the coolest name ever for a black cat, and I insisted on giving our new cat the same one. My parents tried to talk me out of “copycatting”, so to speak, but I was adamant. So from that day on, there were two black cats in our rural neighbourhood that had the same name.
Since our new cat showed up in the summer after school let out, we decided to keep him outside temporarily, until we could figure out how clean he was. Once that was determined, we could then decide whether we would allow him inside the house or not.
Not long after getting that cat, we had to drive into town to do our weekly shopping. We left him outside, piled into the car, and headed off. A couple of hours later, with our errands done, we began our drive back home.
PLUMBERS & ELECTRICIANS Visit lukplumbing.com for more details or email your resume to jeanabaker@lukplumbing.com
306-463-6707
807 - 9th St. W. Kindersley, SK
We try our best to keep events up-to-date, but if you see an error or have a cancellation, please let us know!
ALSASK
- Drop in Pickleball every Tuesday 8:00 PM at the Alsask Rec Centre. All ages are welcome.
CEREAL
SUNDAY, AUGUST 24
• Cereal Kids Rodeo starting at 9:00 AM. Pre-registration required July 7th thru August 1st.
- Monday Night Bingo (except holidays) at the CJ Peacock Centre. Doors & Concession open at 6:30 PM. Bingo starts at 7:30 PM
- Cereal Cottages Coffee on Tuesdays 10:30 - 11:30 AM
- Quilting Club weekly Wednesdays 10:00 AM - 4 PM at the CJ Peacock Centre.
Our parents saw it immediately and knew what it was. They tried to shield us from seeing it, but from our spot in the back seat, we saw it. And in that instant, my brother and I had a terrible sinking feeling.
After pulling into the driveway, Dad quietly asked Mom to take us kids into the house. Mom did, and Dad walked back to the highway to investigate the situation.
Our worst fears were soon confirmed.
When Dad came in through the doorway, the grim look on his face told us everything. The little pile of black fur by the side of the road was, indeed, the body of our cat. He’d been hit by a car and killed.
And then the tears began. My younger brother and I cried and cried over the sudden loss. We hadn’t had that cat for very long, but it doesn’t take long for little kids to take an animal into their heart.
Through my tears I remember the look of shared pain on my parents’ faces, as if they would have given anything in the world to spare their children the heartbreak of this moment. It was the universal look of sadness that any good and decent parent gets on their face when faced with the unavoidable heartbreak occa-
And what can you say to the child who has just had their heart broken?
Dad returned to the road, gently gathered up the cat’s body, and quietly buried him in the woods behind our house.
One of the saddest days in a family’s life is when a child experiences the loss of a beloved pet. That day came quickly and suddenly for our young family, and there was nothing we could do to stop it.
But kids are resilient, and eventually, we healed. Not long after that sad day, another stray cat found its way onto our property. And once again, we opened our home to another wayward soul— and, once more, our hearts.
The pain you feel at the end of a pet’s life makes it almost not worth having a pet in the first place.
Almost.
We had three cats and a dog over the span of our family life, one right after the other. Each was an integral part of our family, and their companionship and devotion made our own lives that much richer for having had them.
But as anyone who has ever experienced the loss of a beloved pet intimately knows, the heartbreak of loss is the price of love.
- Cereal Playground most Tuesdays 10:00 AM at the CJ Peacock Centre.
EMPRESS
- Empress & District Fine Arts, Culture and Leisure Society Craft Mondays 1:00 PM at Empress Community Hall Craft Room. Everyone is welcome and coffee is always on!
- Empress & District Fine Arts, Culture and Leisure Society Crib Wednesdays 7:00 PM at Empress Community Hall. $5 entry fee. $1 for each hand scoring 19 goes into the loonie pot. All monies will be paid out at end of evening. Great opportunity to see old friends and make some new ones.
- Empress & District Fine Arts, Culture and Leisure Society presents Snarples Thursdays 7:00 PM. No entry fee. Great opportunity to see old friends, make some new ones and learn a new card game. Empress Community Hall (314 Centre St.)
- Game Night Saturdays at 7:00 PM at
the Community Hall. Come join us for a night of fun and excitement. Play games and hang out with friends and family.
- Empress & District Fine Arts, Culture and Leisure Society Garden Market Saturdays 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM until September 6. Breakfast served 9-11 AM or lunch from 11-2! Buy/Sell Local. Promoting local gardeners, artisans, crafters, bakers.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 16
• Empress & District Historical Society presentation “Wildlife, Landscapes, and Geology” by Dale Leckie Ph.D., P.Geol 4:00 PM at the Empress Train Station.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 20
• Empress & District Historical Society Whistle Stop Supper presenting Sleepless Nights (Classic Country & Rock) Empress Train Station. Only 60 tickets available. Advance tickets $50. Bar Opens 5:30 PM Supper 6:30 PM. Cathy (306) 628-7042, Rachel (403) 6645164, Laura (403) 580-7088.
OYEN
your Upcoming Event
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3
• Regular Pot Luck and Meeting for Oyen and District Seniors (50+) at Oyen and District Seniors Recreation Centre. Pot Luck at 6:00 PM and Meeting at 7:00 PM. Call Lynda 403-664-0908 or Beth 403-664-2462 for more information.
- Oyen Town Council meet 2nd Tuesday of every month 6:00 PM in Council Chambers.
- Community Choir every Wednesday at 7:00 PM in the Evangelical Missionary Church.
VOTE FOR PIERRE POILIEVRE
FOR NATIONAL LEADERSHIP ON LOCAL ISSUES: ON AUGUST 18
• Reversing the Liberal ban on gas and diesel vehicles
• Protect your firearms rights
• Unleash our oil and gas sector with pipelines and low taxes
• Zero capital gains taxes for farmers & small business owners reinvesting here
• Lock up criminals
• Rebuild our military
• Fight for farmers, energy workers and a fair deal for Albertans
