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Another successful Big Country Gather Rodeo in the books
BY ANNIE DUNCAN
Your Southwest Media Group
Rugged Rodeo, home of the gather, and the Big Country Agriculture (AG) Society joined forces this past August 19 weekend for the Big Country Gather Rodeo at the Crossroads Centre in Oyen.
Big Country AG Society is a not-for-profit organization that cares for the Crossroads Centre. They proudly welcomed Rugged Rodeo to their arena
for Oyen residents and surrounding areas to experience the western lifestyle.
The weekend was packed full of barrel racing, steer wrestling, team roping, bull riding and more for viewers to enjoy.
Rugged Rodeo hosts an open rodeo for people of all ages, young and old, to have the rodeo experience without needing to be a rodeo star with a prorodeo card. Contestants come to buck a bull, rope a calf, and race some barrels without the pressure of being on the pro circuit.
Everyone must start somewhere, and the Big Country Gather offers the opportunity for athletes to practice and show off their skills in hopes that one day they will be a pro.
The Crossroads Centre has been home to various events not
limited to the Rodeo over the years. President of the AG Society, Aaron Rude, explains that they hope to expand the building to host larger events. Rude believes with the ability to host events like the Rodeo, it will not only benefit the arena but every business in the commu-
nity.
“When you get an event like this, it supports everyone,” says Rude.
Rude would like to thank all of the volunteers and businesses that supported the event, saying it wouldn’t have been possible without everyone’s efforts.
PHOTOS BY ANNIE DUNCAN
Occasionally you may find a news headline that is unintentionally funny, such as this one found in England’s Daily Echo. “Stolen prosthetic arm discovered in a secondhand shop”. Or this headline: “Warehouse worker packing stress balls punched his boss in the face”.
Other headlines state the obvious ... “Federal agents raid gun shop, find weapons”. And then there’s headlines like the following one, that just don’t make a lot of sense: “County to pay $250,000 to advertise lack of funds”.
When Saskatchewan’s You Tuber, Quick Dick McDick (QDM) featured his latest comic news report, he didn’t need to utilize a comic’s favourite tool - exaggeration. And you’ll soon see why.
He begins by telling about Saskatchewan’s finance minister taking a private plane to attend a
OPINION
CHECK IT OUT with Joan Janzen
No exaggeration needed
Chamber of Commerce luncheon in North Battleford. The 8-hour road trip cost taxpayers $8,000, because the finance minister wanted to make the trip in a timely manner in order to get back to her constituency in Humboldt.
News anchor, QDM informed his viewers of the Governor General’s $100,000 inflight catering costs while on a flight to Dubai, for herself and 29 passengers. Meanwhile, in real life news reports, Franco Terrazzano from the Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) wasn’t kidding around when he said Canadians have a right to feel disrespected. He also said the CTF would love to see a full break down on the costs from the entire trip.
Those with the title of Governor General get a salary of close to $300,000/ year, get a pension of $150,000/year, no matter how long they served as
Governor General, and have a $200,000/year expense account for the rest of their lives. You can see why there is no need for exaggeration.
Continuing to the next news topic, QDM reported Canada’s Public Safety Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister announced they’re implementing an importation ban on all handguns without parliamentary approval. He summarized the situation saying, “Trudeau announced a freeze on legal RCMP vetted handgun
transactions causing the largest sale of legal handguns in Canadian history. Then he comes up with a permanent loop hole to keep these empty shelves from being restocked. We’re banning RCMP vetted legal purchases of handguns while planning to remove mandatory minimum sentencing for those charged with gun smuggling and selling of illegal guns in Canada.”
Rick Igercich of the National Firearms Association (NFA), Canada’s largest advocacy group, tried to make sense of the government’s buy back program. “My understanding of buy back is you have to own something in the first place in order to do a buy back,” he notes. But even more alarming news is taxpayers will be paying for the buy back.
The next news flash for QDM involved Sask Power’s plans to beef up their power transmission with their American counterpart, the Southwest Power Pool, with a $52 million tariff to buy power for our excess needs. The comic news anchor explained the Estevan area power station uses carbon capture in the industry. Meanwhile plans are to phase out coal fired generating stations, replacing them with wind and solar. However we don’t know how much wind and solar
power is produced daily because Sask. Power doesn’t publicly release this data, claiming it would “be disadvantageous business wise”.
QDM summarized the situation. “So we’re going to phase out our Canadian coal powered generation and switch to wind and solar. And when they’re not producing enough when it’s minus 35, we’ll buy power from the US, which uses 50 percent coal fired power. We’re phasing out coal generation here in Canada, and putting Canadians out of work, just to turn around and pay a $52 million/year tariff and then buy coal fired power from the US where there’s no such thing as a carbon tax. Am I taking crazy pills here?” QDM asks. Terrazzano from CTF said: “I think there’s two things Canadians expect. We expect people in leadership to use some common sense. And we need our leaders to have respect for our taxpayers’ money.” Our leaders seem to forget they are first and foremost public servants, employed by taxpayers.
After about ten minutes of commentary, QDM ended his news report. Unfortunately, there are many more recent crazy Canadian government news stories he could choose from. And no exaggeration is needed.
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Helen ‘Terry’ Salamejo Herron
August 2, 1939 ~ August 3, 2022 (age 83)
Helen “Terry” Herron, resident of Grande Prairie, AB, formerly of Fort St. John, BC, passed away on Wednesday, August 3, 2022, at the Grande Prairie Regional Hospital, at the age of 83 years.
Terry was born on August 2, 1939, to Victor and Victoria Grudecki in Empress, AB, and grew up on the family farm in Acadia Valley, AB, with her seven siblings. Upon completion of high school, Terry enrolled in the Nursing Aide School in Calgary, AB, in 1959. Once completing her schooling, she worked as a Licence Practical Nurse in Brooks, Drayton Valley, and Stony Plain, AB, and finished her career working in the Peace Lutheran Care Home, Fort St. John, BC, for 20 years. Terry and Max retired and
moved to Grande Prairie in 1998 to be closer to their grandchildren.
Terry found great personal satisfaction volunteering in her spare time at a local care home, doing the weekly hairdressing for the residents. She volunteered for the Crohns & Colitis Foundation, and rang the bell for many years for the Salvation Army Kettles campaign. She loved gardening, camping, and travelling around attending music festivals. But mostly, she loved being with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, attending Christmas concerts, dance concerts, hockey games, and whatever the kid’s interests were at the time, she would be there.
Terry was a loving wife, mother, and friend and one a per-
son would be proud to have. She put family and friends first, always having a shoulder to cry on and an ear to listen. Her nursing background gave her the compassion to be the caregiver till the end. Her faith in God gave her the strength to smile through her pain and never asking for help as not to be a burden on her family.
The family would like to send a special thank you to Dr. Maxwell for the tenderness shown to our mother, the most compassionate nursing staff of Unit 12 for the care they provided for mom, and the nurses on Unit 23 for all your kindness and support given to dad at his time of sorrow.
dlow, Josh (Carley) Herron, Shelbe Herron, Jessica Bauer, Nicole Penner, and Amy (Bob) Collinge; great-grandchildren: Kallan and Maddax Wardlow, Miller Herron, Alycia, Graycen, Rohnyn Penner, Sophya, Jaxxon, and Nixxon Collinge; sister Pauline (Gordon) Hopkins and Antonia Shubert; brothers and sisters in-law; as well as many nieces and nephews.
Terry was predeceased by her father Victor; mother Victoria; brothers: Johnny, Steve, and Chester; sisters Theresa and Annie; father and mother in-law Jim and Annie Herron; brothers inlaw: Donnie, Lorne, Victor, and Joseph; and well as her nephew Vic.
“Mom, you left us heartbroken more than you will ever know but we will stay strong and look after Dad for you. Go rest your weary bones until we meet again. We love you to the moon.”
Terry will be sadly missed by her husband of 61 years, Max Herron; children Bradley (Michele) Herron and Noreen (Bob) Rolls; grandchildren: Cassidy (Kyle) War-
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, August 9, 2022, at 11:00am, at St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church in Grande Prairie (10404 102 St.).
Memorial Donations may be made to Grande Prairie Regional Hospital Foundation (11205 110 St. Grande Prairie, AB, T8V 4B1).
Independent Grain and Special Crops Market Analysis
My small town of Eatonia had a second-hand consignment store.
I want to say it opened in the early 1980s.
It could have been in the late 1970s.
I was a young boy then; time was abundant, and dates seemed unimportant. Unlike now, when time is becoming scarce.
The second-hand store was full of treasures for a boy like me.
I was not interested in the various toys, household appliances and children’s clothing.
Nope, I was introduced to the magic of reading at a young age and was seduced by the packages of rolled-up comic books and magazines offered for purchase.
10 for a $1 is what I remember. What a deal!
Inside one of those rolls was Alfred E. Newman and his gap toothed grin on the cover of a MAD Magazine with the heading “What Me Worry?”. It has been suggested that I would have been better off reading one of the literary classics available; however, Mad magazine introduced me to the buzzword of the 1970s. Inflation.
Forty years later, I still have not read any classic novels (although I watch the Alice in Wonderland mov-
ies multiple times a year. Does that count?), and inflation is still in the news and almost every conversation.
Inflation is affecting everyone on all four corners of the planet. While some are benefiting from inflation, it is catastrophic for others.
Inflation is a product of a complex worldwide economic system where simplistic solutions do not exist. Charlatans and those without a depth of knowledge of the subject offer simplistic solutions to inflation.
Do not believe them.
Instead, hedge against inflation with investments in assets that pro-
tect against the decreased purchasing power of your currency. Farmland, real estate, Gold and Bitcoin are assets commonly discussed.
Each of these assets can be effective for a while; however, the complexity of the world economic system results in periods of differing performance.
Each asset is valued against the dollar, and one must consider each performance on a relative basis. How does one perform against the other?
Today’s chart displays the Bitcoin-Gold Ratio measuring the performance of each against the other as they have consistent quality,
transparent price and characteristics of money that real estate does not possess.
As one can see, Bitcoin has historically outperformed Gold on a relative basis; however, that performance depends on the investment timing.
On October 27, 2021, a buddy asked me if he should invest in Bitcoin or Gold. I highlighted that date on the chart with the yellow dashed line.
My analysis told me that below the ratio of 34.87, Gold was likely to outperform Bitcoin on a relative basis. So far, it has.
I anticipate that Bitcoin will again be an attractive investment relative to Gold and lower my Own Bitcoin/ Own Gold line.
I don’t know IF, and don’t know WHEN.
Assets should be evaluated on a relative basis when investing.
How are you hedging against inflation?
Trent Klarenbach, BSA AgEc, publishes the Klarenbach Grain Report and the Klarenbach Special Crops Report, which can be read at https://www.klarenbach.ca/
Classifieds
COMING EVENTS
Friday, August 26th Eston Museum will be hosting a “Berry, Berry Delicious Dessert Day” from 12 noon to 3:00. Bring your lunch and have dessert on us, OR come for dessert at your leisure! Silver collection. Call Shari @ 306430-8730 or Lee @ 306-4027190 for more details.
CONDO FOR SALE
FOR SALE: 2 bedroom condo, ground floor, premium location for senior living. Located in Caleb Village, Kindersley. Call for more info 306-962-7996.
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FIREARMS WANTED FOR OCTOBER 2022 LIVE & ONLINE AUCTION: Rifles, Shotguns, Handguns, Militaria. Auction or Purchase: Collections, Estates, Individual items. Contact Paul, Switzer’s Auction: Toll-Free 1-800694-2609, sales@switzersauction.com or www.switzersauction.com.
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
ROCKY MOUNTAIN EQUIPMENT is NOW HIRING: AG Equipment Techs, Heavy Equipment Techs - Journeyman & Apprentices, Parts Techs. View Open Roles & Apply: www.rockymtn.com/ careers. Relocation and Signing Bonus Offered.
FEED AND SEED
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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. 1-844-4535372.
REAL ESTATE
FARMLAND AND PASTURE LAND BY SASKATCHEWAN RIVER. 160 acres. Best hunting in Saskatchewan. Excellent fishing. Thick pine & poplar bluffs, by water coulee. Old yard site with power and water. Revenue Potential. East of Prince Albert, SK. $248,000. Call Doug 306-716-2671.
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WANTED
NUMISMATIST PURCHASING COIN COLLECTIONS & ACCUMULATIONS! Royal Canadian Mint, Canada & World Collections Wanted. Also buying 9999 bullion, old money, jewelry, nuggets, sterling, gold, silver, coins, bars, monster boxes+++ESTATES WELCOMED! Todd 250-864-3521.
WANTED: Old advertising dealership signs, gas pumps, globes, pop machines, light ups. White Rose, Red Indian, Buffalo, North Star, Case Eagles. etc. Collector paying TOP PRICES. 306-221-5908.
WISTE - William Leroy Wiste (Bill) Bill was born in Manitoba on April 28, 1928. As a small boy, they moved to Glendon, AB, where his mother Edith remarried and had three more children, Raymond, Sonja, and Arne. Bill worked on the family farm, as well as logging with horses and milling lumber. It was hard work for a boy not yet in his teens. He had great respect and love for their horses, Bruce and Riley, and the 3 of them were a great team. He told many stories of the hardships of life “in the north country.” In 1947 the family moved to Loverna, SK, where Bill worked in their family-owned Monarch Garage. He moved to Calgary as a young man and found the love of his life, Bernice Baum. They married in 1950 and returned to Loverna for a short time, later returning to Calgary,
LAWSON - Harry James Lawson was born on February 28, 1927, in Empress, Alberta, to parents Lily and John Lawson. He spent his early years growing up on a farm at Cappon, Alberta, with brothers: John and George and sisters: Doris and Mary. At an early age, Harry started working
where he joined the Calgary Police Service. Their only child Brenda was born in 1957. Bill thrived on the camaraderie of the people he worked with, the connections he made with the community and often told stories of the enjoyable times spent with these people. He retired in 1984 at the rank of Staff Sgt. Throughout Bill’s life, he acquired, worked on and enjoyed many unique, collectable cars, which was a love passed onto his daughter Brenda. They spent many hours together working in the garage, Bill passing on his knowledge to her. After retirement, Bill and Bernice purchased a grand old house, barn, and large property in Loverna, which became their beloved home. Bernice spent several years meticulously restoring the house while Bill, using his vast knowledge, made a well-functioning and enjoyable acreage. They planted hundreds of trees and shrubs and had a huge garden, Bill hauling water to ensure success. Together, Bill and Bernice created a beautiful home and property.
for neighbours doing farm work. He then ventured to the Breton area working in the bush logging in the winters. Later he went to Lac La Biche to work in a sawmill. In 1953, Harry purchased a farm in the Everdell area, west of Rocky Mountain House. Harry also began a 28year career working for the Alberta Bridge Crew in 1959, mainly working as a crane operator. On his days off from the Bridge crew, he would return home to work on the farm. Harry retired from the Bridge crew in 1987.
Bill and Bernice spent many winters getting away from the frigid prairie weather in California, then southern BC, until Bernice became incapacitated with dementia. Bill looked after her as long as he was able, then, reluctantly placed her in a wonderful care home in Eatonia, an hour and a half away. He visited her often, sometimes staying overnight in their campervan, all while looking after their home and property. Bill was heartbroken to be alone without Bernice. In May 2019, Bernice passed away. Bill remained in their beloved home and was able to look after himself and their property, driving the one hour to get groceries and supplies up until just after his 94th birthday, when his tired heart began to fail. Bill was very frustrated that he couldn’t keep doing all the things that needed to be done as he was still the same driven, independent man he’d always been.
Bill spent his last two months in and out of Oyen hospital with his devoted daughter Brenda by his side daily. In his final 2 weeks, he moved to Eatonia
Harry married Hazel, and she was part of his life for 18 years before they parted ways. After another eighteen years, Harry met his second wife, Juliana. Juliana worked as a cook at the work camp where Harry stayed. Harry and Juliana got married on July 9, 1988. They spent many wonderful years together before Juliana passed away in 2007.
Harry moved to the Westview Lodge on January 15, 2011, where he resided until September 2021. Harry spent several months in the Red Deer and Rocky Mountain House Hospitals. He then moved to the Good Samaritan Clearwater Centre on February 4, 2022. Harry passed away peacefully on May 6, 2022, at the age of 95 years, with family by his side.
Harry was a hard worker and took pride
Oasis Living, where Bernice had also received outstanding care. Bill passed quietly the morning of August 10, 2022.
A small family service was held on August 14 in Loverna, where Bernice’s ashes were placed in his arms for eternity.
He leaves behind his loving daughter Brenda Goodwin (Dale Kallhood), grandson Dale Goodwin (Miranda Skjel) and granddaughter Jesse Goodwin.
Many thanks to Bill’s brother Raymond and wife Sheila for the many “Come for supper!”s and support since Bernice passed.
Also, thank you to the kind staff of Oyen hospital, and especially Dr. P. Muller.
Thank you to the loving, caring staff at Eatonia Oasis Living.
And thank you to all the many people who touched Bill’s life.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Eatonia Oasis Living would be graciously accepted.
Funeral arrangements are in the care of MacLean’s Funeral Home in Oyen, AB.
To leave condolences, please go to ofsmacleans.com
in his accomplishments. He had a strong will and the determination to “do it his way.” Harry’s smile was genuine, his laugh was infectious, and he had a great sense of humour. He was a kind, caring and gentle soul who cherished his family and friends. Harry is and will be dearly missed.
Harry will be lovingly remembered by his two sisters: Doris Walker and Mary Johnston, sister-in-law Dorothy Lawson, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Harry is predeceased by his parents, one infant sister, two brothers, his wives, one stepson, and numerous other family members.
Memorial donations in Harry’s name may be made to the Boys and Girls Club or the charity of the donor’s choice.
WORSHIP SERVICES
Business & Professional Directory
BORDER KENNELS
ALSASK
Saturday, September 3
• Beer Olympics 3.0. Theme: Anything But A Human. For mor infomation contact Emily 306-430-8084 or Katina 306430-1102 by text.
CEREAL
Tuesday, August 23, 30
Cereal Cottages Weekly Coffee Time 9:30 am.
Wednesday, August 24, 31
• Cereal Quilting Club meet at CJ Peacock Centre. See Joan Pennett for more info.
Friday, August 26
• Free Cereal Family Ride Nite starts at 6:00 pm. Call 403-664-9791 for details.
Sunday, August 28
• 8th Annual Cereal Kids Rodeo. Pre-registration required for contestants before August 21st. Rodeo action begins at 10:00 am. Spectators most welcome!
Thursday, October 6
• CAA Chase the Ace Raffle begins again 7:00-9:00 pm. More than $12,000 could be up for grabs. Ace Jackpot from $2000 to $7500. License # and other details pending.
Mid to late October 2022
• CAA’s Volunteer Supper & AGM
Mid to late November
* Monday Night Bingo - hosted by Cereal Board of Trade (BofT); doors open at 6:30 pm, Bingo starts at 7:30 pm. Concession open each Bingo night. Runs every Monday all summer.
* Cereal Museum (Cereal Sports Grounds) open through August Monday - Friday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm.
EMPRESS
Saturday, September 10
• Empress & District Historical Society Whistle Stop Supper at the Empress Train Station. Bar Opens 5:30 pm; Supper 6:30 pm. Tickets $50 (only 60 tickets available). Entertainment by Jack Humeny.
OYEN
Ongoing
• BCAS Oyen & District Farmer’s Market runs each Friday until September 2, 2022 11:00 am - 2:00 pm at the Oyen & District Memorial Arena. To book a vendor’s table, bake table or to provide a lunch please text Delaine at 403-6640320.
• Cereal’s Community Turkey Supper
* Cereal Board of Trade (BofT) Campground - power & water are on and ready for campers until freeze! $25 serviced site; $10 non-serviced site.$10 for sewer dump (for day users only). Please contact Dennis at 403-801-1072 for more info.
