Are you able to donate this Christmas? We have opportunities for you! Cash donations? KidSport Hanna or the Hanna Community Youth Fund relies on the generosity of individuals, businesses, and organizations If you are looking to help financially disadvantaged youth, look no further than these organizations Donations can be made at the Town Office for both programs which provide support directly to the local organization to cover registration fees for sports, music, dance, youth programs, etc
Parents and guardians can apply to access these funds when they are facing difficult times
Applications and additional information for KidSport or the Community Youth Fund can be found online at hanna ca/giving-receiving
Ice for Rent
D
Call the Arena at: 403-854-4177
18th Annual Community Christmas Dinner
Now accepting RSVP’s Volunteers, under the leadership of Karin Miller, are ensuring that no one goes without all the trimmings this year. RSVP’s can be phoned in:
Town Office: (403)-854-4433
Pharmasave: (403)-854-2655
Budget Meeting
December 14, 2023 - 6:00 pm
Meeting for Town Council members to discuss and deliberate the Town of Hanna 2024 budget Meeting is open to the public.
Council Meeting: December 12, 2023 6:00 pm
Watch Live: hanna.ca/tv
Notice of Development
The following Development Permits were issued in accordance with the Town of Hanna Land Use Bylaw #967-2012 Written appeals can be submitted to the Town Office
Home Occupation: To operate a home based business providing Small Engine Repair & Servicing
Municipal Enforcement Reminder
Don’t forget to shovel all sidewalks clear of snow & ice within 24 hours of the snowfall. Please be aware that power cords laying across a public sidewalk in order to plug in your vehicle is strictly prohibited Municipal Enforcement will be monitoring this for the safety and enjoyment of the community
Lynks formerly HLC (403) 854-2099
Karin Miller (403) 854-1846
Donations will be accepted for Kiddies Korner Playschool.
Deadline: Apply for Food Hamper
Live entertainment at Acadia Lodge 7:00 pm
Parent and Tot skating 10:30 am Drop-In Hockey 12:00 pm
Hockey Day in Hanna Toque Toss
Hockey Day in Hanna
Council Meeting 6:00 pm
Workouts with Shandi 6:00 pm
Book Club 2:00 pm
Council Budget Meeting 6:00 pm
HDA Fundraising Christmas Gala 5:30 pm
Skate With Santa 1:00 pm
Christmas Movie Matinee 4:00 pm
Christmas Dinner 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
Include your event in the Community Calendar Contact the Town Office
Skate with Santa - Sunday December 17 - 1-3 pm
Enjoy a magical afternoon at the Arena while skating with the jolly fella himself!
Free hot dogs, hot chocolate and a take home activity for families. Complete your day by taking in the Christmas movie matinee to follow.
OPINION: The definition of irony
BY JOAN JANZEN
The definition of irony is - a state of affairs or an event that seems deliberately contrary to what one expects. For example, it would be ironic if a movie about The Flat Earth Society would win a Golden Globe award.
This bit of trivia also serves as an illustration of irony. William Eno, known as the Father of Traffic Safety, invented the stop sign, crosswalk, traffic circle, one-way street, and taxi stand, but never learned how to drive. Yet another illustration is a tree planted in Los Angeles in 2002 in memory of Beatles guitarist George Harrison. The tree later died after being infested by beetles.
There’s been a few examples of irony right here in Canada. True North reported the Liberal cabinet spending $160,000 on a three-day retreat to PEI to discuss the affordability problem in Canada and the escalating cost of living in our country.
We’re not sure what solutions materialized from the discussion, but recently disclosed documents revealed the breakdown of expenditures. According to an article by Cosmin Dzsurdza from True North, the Privy Council Office (PCO), which manages the federal cabinet’s affairs, listed expenditures of $88,930.01 for hotel accommodations and $20.733.45 for meals and incidentals. Individual room charges ranged from $1,200 to $3,200, while an additional $7,689.65 was spent on miscella-
neous transportation and $1,169 for an Airbnb rental.
In the article Dzsurdza wrote, the government response stated, “PCO does not have this information for attendees from other departments,” who are among the 49 individuals who attended the retreat, paid for by your tax dollars.
True North recently discovered yet another ironic turn of events. Andrew Lawton observed that while the Canadian Human Rights Commission has been quiet on weeks of rampant anti-Semitic hate and calls for violence against Jews and Israelis (a concerning form of freedom of expression), its commissars published a paper titled “Discussion Paper on Religious Intolerance.”
While Lawton observed he found only one tweet from the Human Rights Commission addressing concerns of anti-semitism and Islamophobia in Canada during the last month, the commission has put out dozens of tweets concerning other groups.
In the paper, the commission claims that because “statutory holidays related to Christianity are the only Canadian statutory holidays linked to religious holy days,” they are therefore discriminatory.
“It is so revealing that they’re silent on this explicit hate we see every day but find the real culprit to be Christmas,” Lawton said on his online show. “They argue that this is the case because non-Christians may need to request
TO THE EDITOR:
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• Slurs and/or personal attacks • Misinformation We reserve sole discretion to decide whether or not a reader submission will be published. We will not publish anonymous submissions or letters containing personal attacks. We reserve the right to edit or refuse all letters.
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special accommodations to observe their holy days and other times of the year where their religion requires them to abstain from work.”
Lawton reasoned that people of other religions have the right to have their holy holiday off. “If we’re being really technical, non-Christians get more holidays than Christians because they get the traditional stat holidays off as well as getting the holidays off they are entitled to,” he reasoned.
Lawton considered the idea they are pushing to be fundamentally flawed since this is a predominantly cultural holiday, and there are many people who don’t believe in the Christian holiday yet celebrate Christmas.
Meanwhile, an article by The Epoch
Times noted the UN agency (UNESCO) has released a 59-page report this month, which includes the imposition of global policies designed to stop the spread of various forms of speech. The agency aims to create an “Internet of Trust” by targeting what they deem to be “misinformation,” “disinformation,” “conspiracy theories,” and “hate speech”.
The definition of trust is a “firm belief in the reliability, truth, ability or strength of someone or something.” In this case, everyone on the globe is expected to trust UNESCO to determine what is misinformation, disinformation, conspiracy theories and hate speech.
Pop89: Where are you headed?
BY MADONNA HAMEL
We both slide onto our bar stools at the same moment and order an IPA on tap. Mine arrives first. I sip and smile to myself.
There is something about airports. I like finding a place to plop myself down and watch the world pass by. An airport is, technically, an international transit zone, belonging to no one and so belonging to everyone passing through. For that reason, I don’t mind long layovers. They give me a chance to seat myself and watch and listen, and if the chance arises, talk to someone I would never, ever otherwise meet.
The young man next to me takes a sip of his beer and grins.
“Wow”, he says. “That’s great!”
“Right?” I laugh. “Something about the hoppiness. I love IPAs. Cheers.” I toast him.
“So where are you headed?” he asks.
“Home. Saskatchewan. I was with my brother. He had a stroke. He’s brave. He’s learning to let go. That’s a big learning curve.” I shrug and give a little laugh. “I’m learning too. From him. And you?”
“I was with family, too. In India. I must get home to my wife before Thanksgiving. It’s the busiest day of the year in America, and I don’t want to get stuck in an airport. It’s chaos. So much to be thankful for,” he says in a mocking voice, raising his beer glass.
“Well, we’re lucky enough to be sitting at a bar in an airport lounge drinking $15 a pint beers when most people in the world will never afford to take a plane trip, anywhere,” I say, toasting him back with my glass. “So, there’s that.”
“Oh my company pays for this. I have a great job, as my mother reminds me, constantly. But, your point is taken.” He takes a long sip and stares at the glass as if sussing out its ingredients. “My father is not well. I probably will never see him again.” He smiles wanly, removes his wool over-coat and leans his forearms onto the bar. “So, are you doing anything special for Thanksgiving?”
“We’ve already had ours, “ I say. “Last week.”
“You Canadians - Canada Day, Thanksgiving, always must be ahead of everyone. Always gotta be number one.” He rolls his large brown eyes. “That’s a joke. I’m being sarcastic. I live in the greatest city in the world.” He winks. “New York. The city that never lets you sleep. Where you can get whatever you want. Even if you don’t need it. Or shouldn’t have it.” He takes another sip. “Of course, with online shopping, you can get whatever you want wherever you live without having to go anywhere or talk to anyone. And the deals! Especially on Cyber Monday.”
“What exactly is Cyber Monday, anyway?” I ask. “It sounds ominous.”
“Online shopping day.”
“Not to be confused with Black Friday?”
“Nono. Black Friday kicks off the season of Christmas shopping. It’s been around far longer.”
“Practically a revered ancient tradition.”
He gives a guffaw, then holds up his drink. “Like Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving has become tainted. Frankly, with all the anger around colonization and dispossession - something, believe me, my homeland knows all about - I would not get near the Thanksgiving Day parade. Too risky.”
“What do you mean?”
“I mean, maybe they should have the parade online,” he laughs. “Have everything online: Black Friday. Thanksgiving Sunday. Cyber Monday. And don’t forget, Giving Tuesday. Which is really too bad because by the time it comes around, everyone’s broke.”
“Giving gets a day?” Now I’m the one being sarcastic.
“To balance things out.”
“I suppose one day of giving is supposed to ease our conscience? Relieve our guilt for over-doing it the week before? In that case, the less fortunate had better hope we sin big, or they’re getting zip!”
“Oh the less fortunate won’t get anything anyway. The British Empire described the people of India as The Great Unwashed Masses, and I can tell you, the
masses are still begging on the streets. The poor of the world have no online presence. How did we get onto this subject?”
“Giving Tuesday. Whatever happened to baking cookies and carrying them on a plate across the street to your neighbour? I’m proud to say I live in a village where, when somebody dies, everyone in town gets a call to bring squares or a plate of sandwiches to the community hall before the funeral.”
“I won’t even be there for my father’s funeral.” He knocks back his beer and offers to buy me another one. “This is an interesting conversation.”
“Isn’t it?”
“Usually, I end up talking to some guy about a new app, or car. And by now, you’d have asked me what I do for a living. Another beer?” I decline, but he orders himself orders himself another IPA. “I’m in cyber security, by the way.”
“I have no idea what that means. Is Artifical Intelligence involved?”
“It’s involved in everything, my friend. It’s my generation’s Industrial Revolution.”
“Right. And my parents’ was television, and mine was computers, and then came social media. And we’re still messed up. Nothing’s changed.
“AI is where we’re headed. It’s the ultimate information-generating system. And information is power.”
“Says who?” I leaned toward him. “I don’t hear a lot of people saying: You know, I could use more information. Or power, for that matter. People don’t want power. They want food. A home. They want to be warm. They want weekends so they can sleep in, watch the game, or get out of town. People want to love, and they want to be loved. They want to belong. They just want a cold beer and a good conversation with a fellow human being willing to talk about things that matter. The number of people who actually want power are so few it’s a waste of time to even talk about them. Do you?”
“No,” he said. “I just want to get home.”
Stodalka, Ronald B. Baba, Marilyn A. Herrmann, Bryce R. Farrell, Darren E. Folkersen, Ashley D. Herrmann, Mario M. Mudri
Alouettes put stop to ‘dynasty’ talk in Winnipeg
BY BRUCE PENTON
Dynasty? What’s all this talk about a Canadian Football League dynasty?
The ‘D’ word was bandied about in Winnipeg and area, because the Blue Bombers were appearing in their fourth consecutive Grey Cup game, and were aiming to win their third Cup in four years.
BY BRUCE PENTON Sports Columnist
Instead, after falling 2824 to Montreal Alouettes in the 2023 game in Hamilton, the Blue Bumblers have now lost back-to-back Grey Cup games and any talk of a ‘dynasty’ has been put on the back burner.
Toronto Argonauts got in the way of the Bombers winning three Cups in a row last year, with a 24-23 victory, but when the Eastern Division’s best regular-season team, the Argos, were hammered 38-17 by Montreal in this year’s East final, many Bomber fans presumed the road to Cup glory would be even easier with the Argos out of the way.
But the Als were having none of that. On a roll going into the Grey Cup game after winning seven consecutive games dating back to Sept. 22, when the streak started, Montreal overcame a 10-0 deficit and outscored Winnipeg 21-7 in the second half to win their first Grey Cup since the Anthony Calvillo-led 2010 team.
The victory was especially sweet for Als’ quarterback Cody Fajardo and head coach Jason Maas, both of whom were dumped by Saskatchewan Roughriders after the 2022 season. Maas, the Riders’ offensive co-ordinator, believed in Fajardo, but that belief was not shared by Riders’ head coach Craig Dickenson, who benched his QB for the final two games of the season, and then fired Maas at the conclusion of the 2022 campaign. Maas was subsequently hired by the Alouettes to be their head coach, and free agent Fajardo was quick to join Maas in Montreal.
The rest is history. Montreal stumbled along to a 6-7 record by mid-September before winning out. With Maas calling the shots and Fajardo playing like an all-star, the Als won their last five games in the regular-season, dumped Hamilton in the East semi-final and then stunned the Argos in the East final. And the
roll continued against the Bombers.
“No one expected us to be here — no one expected us to make the playoffs, no one expected us to beat a 16-2 Argo team and no one sure as hell expected us to beat a Winnipeg team we didn’t play well all year,” Fajardo told reporters after the game. Indeed, the Bombers had no trouble with Montreal during the regular season, winning 17-3 and 47-17. domination appeared to continue during the first half of the Grey Cup game before Fajardo and the Als took over in the final 30 minutes.
Eight straight wins did it for Montreal. And the ‘dy nasty’ talk in Winnipeg has been silenced.
• Kansas City Chiefs’ coach
Peter King always said if we could figure out how to get all the countries to play (football), wars. We’d just go play football. It’d be a great place.”
• Headline at theonion.com: “Motivated Leonard Calendar To Sit Out”
• Mike Bianchi days in Cleveland history: (3) When for Miami. (2) When the Cuyahoga River caught on fire. (1) When the Browns signed son!”
• Steve Simmons land has hit for the cycle now that the A’s are mov ing to Las Vegas. Oakland has lost teams in MLB, NBA, NFL and NHL”
• Super 70s Sports, on X, on how NFL teams often misjudge quarterbacks on draft day: “The Panthers are looking at their Bryce Young receipt and still on hold with customer service.”
• Jay Ornait on TSN’s Sportscentre, promoting a story about offensive co-ordinator Matt Canada being fired by the Steelers: “When things go badly in Pittsburgh, the Steelers blame Canada.”
• Comedy writer Brad Dickson of Omaha: “Today Deion Sanders said he thought the ‘four heads’ — known to most of us as Mount Rushmore — was in Southern California.”
• Dickson again: “In Hell the only sports channel is the Peacock Network.”
• Janice Hough of leftcoastsportsbabe.com: “Nothing is certain but death, taxes, and the Detroit Lions, even in their best year, playing a turkey game on Thanksgiving.”
Care to comment? Email brucepenton2003@yahoo.ca
Dry Land Butchering
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
may
Councillors
A Night in Bethlehem was well attended once again over the weekend. It truly was a hands-on Holy-Land experience. Kudos to the Oyen Ministerial and the Big Country Ag Society for their efforts and to everyone involved for making it a success.
TOWN OF OYEN LIBRARY
Booknotes
FICTION:
Beholder, byRyan LaSala
The Fragile Threads of Power, by Victoria Schwab
Inheritance, by Nora Roberts Into The Fire, by Irene Hannon
Love Interest : A Novel, by Clare Gilmore
Something Old, Something New, by Amy Clipston
These Still Black Waters, by Christina McDonald
The Vanquishers, by Kalynn Bayron
The View From Coral Cover, by Amy
Clipston
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 should be as prepared as possible for water purchases because an unexpected and non-budgeted purchase could have a big financial effect on the
During discussion Coun. Amber Hoogenberg asked why numbers show the village’s water usage has dropped year to year.
Macdonald answered the village has had a couple of leaks repaired over the past few years.
Hoogenberg also mused that the water tower has been drained and refilled which may have also played a role.
Billy Summers : A Novel, by Stephen King
Breaking, by Amanda Cassidy
Lumberjacks and Ladies : Four stories of romance among the pines, by Various
Authors
The Recovery Agent, by Janet Evanovich
JUNIOR FICTION:
Iveliz Explains it all, by Andrea Beatriz Arango
NON-FICTION:
Return of the Wild : 20 of Nature’s greatest success stories, by Helen Scales
Dumbing Us Down : The hidden curriculum of compulsory schooling, by John Taylor Gatto
CHILDREN’S PICTURE BOOK:
Be Wild : amazing animal behaviours to inspire young humans, by Leigh Crandall We Belong Here, by Frieda Wishinsky
YOUNG GRAPHIC NOVEL:
Kaiju No. 8 book 1 by Naoya Matsumoto
Kaiju No. 8 book 2 by Naoya Matsumoto
Kaiju No. 8 book 4 by Naoya Matsumoto
Kaiju No. 8 book 5 by Naoya Matsumoto
Kaiju No. 8 book 6 by Naoya Matsumoto
Kaiju No. 8 book 7 by Naoya Matsumoto
DVD:
The Divergent Series : 3-film collection
The Divergent Series : Allegiant
CURBSIDE SERVICE OPTION:
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.
PHOTO COURTESY TRACY HUDSON - REMEMBER WHEN PHOTOGRAPHY
RCMP Livestock Investigations Unit reminds livestock owners to purchase permit
The RCMP Livestock Investigations Unit would like to send a friendly reminder to people who intend on transporting horses and cattle across the border during the upcoming winter months. It is law for all livestock leaving the province of Alberta be accompanied with a livestock permit. The inspection of livestock is pertinent for ownership identification, theft
prevention and traceability.
Lifetime Horse Permits cost $30 + GST and allow horses to be transported out of Alberta for the lifetime of the horse, or until there is a change of ownership. To request livestock inspection, please contact your location brand office by clicking the following link Offices - Livestock Identification Services Ltd. (lis-ab.com).
Our thanks
In December 2019, the new Line 3 replacement pipeline (L3RP) came into commercial service in Canada.
Since then, Enbridge has been making good on our promise to continuously monitor and operate the new pipeline to the highest safety standards and to return the land as it was, or better than it was, prior to construction.
We have now completed all above-ground, project-related field work associated with the L3RP, turning over ongoing maintenance of the pipeline right-of-way to our Prairie Region operations team.
So once again, Enbridge would like to take this opportunity to recognize the support and patience of municipalities, residents and communities across the Prairies both during and after construction of this essential pipeline maintenance project.
Our thanks to all of you, for helping us to make a safe pipeline even safer and ensuring a reliable, cost-effective supply of energy well into the future – to support our everyday lives, heat our homes, drive our vehicles and power industry.
Let’s plan: Budget 2024
Albertans are invited to share their views as the government develops Budget 2024
Feedback from Albertans is an important part of the budget process and will help set the province’s financial priorities. Budget 2024 will further the government’s commitment to balance the budget, address growth pressures, keep life affordable and stand up for Albertans.
Albertans are encouraged to fill out the Budget 2024 online survey and join telephone town halls with President of Treasury Board and Minister of Finance Nate Horner. Businesses, municipalities, industry associations, community organizations and other groups can send budget submissions on behalf of their organizations through an online portal.
“Budget 2024 is an opportunity to continue building a resilient economy, strengthening services for Albertans, attracting more investment and creating jobs. Your input is important in determining how we will keep our econo-
Mactavish & Company
523c
403-528-4995
Terry Lynne Mactavish
my moving forward so every Albertan can benefit from our prosperity and responsible fiscal management. I look forward to hearing what is important to you and your community for Budget 2024.”
Nate Horner, President of Treasury Board and Minister of Finance
Listening is key to the budget process, and through public consultations with Albertans, community groups, business leaders and the finance community, the government can build a stronger and more prosperous future for tomorrow.
The survey and online submission portal are live until Jan. 19, 2024. Telephone town halls will be held on Dec. 11 and Dec. 12. To participate, Albertans can register online.
QUICK FACTS
• Last year, 23,780 Albertans completed the Budget 2023 online survey and about 25,000 Albertans participated in the telephone town halls.
• Albertans provided their views on key topics including health care, cost of living and inflation.
• The government received about 159 total budget submissions: 140 submissions came from partners, such as financial associations and community organizations, with 19 submissions from individual Albertans.
• Alberta’s budget must be released before the end of February each year.
Teine Energy Ltd. (Teine) is a privately held company with productive assets in Alberta and Saskatchewan. We are a low-cost operator, focused on scalable, long-term profitability. At Teine, we are driven by our most important asset - our people. Our dynamic team thrives on industry disruption and works together to find innovative solutions to everyday challenges. Integrity, accountability, and humility define our character and teamwork is our keystone. We are a proud employer of energy professionals and embrace Canadians’ demand for domestically produced environmentally responsible, and ethically sourced energy.
We invite you to join our team. Teine has an immediate opening for a full-time Contract Operator in the Dodsland area, reporting to the area Foreman.
Responsibilities:
• Manage and maintain day-to-day operation of oil/gas wells, pumpjacks, compression and water flood.
• Contribute to successful daily execution of the business plan. Such as, production volume targets, health, safety, environment, OPEX, reliability by identifying opportunities to maximize production, minimize operating costs and eliminate downtime.
• Provide equipment maintenance and troubleshooting.
• Perform housekeeping, performance monitoring and maintenance
Required Qualifications and Skills:
• Contract position.
• 8 on 6 off shift (9 hours/day).
• Minimum 5 Years of Operating experience, or Petroleum Engineering Technologist and other technical training would be considered.
• Basic knowledge of MS Office Suite.
• Possess a valid Class 5 Driver’s Licence and provide clean driver’s abstract.
• Company must be incorporated.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills as well as able to work with minimum supervision.
• Valid H2S, First Aid/CPR tickets.
Please submit your resume online at https://www.teine-energy.com/careers/ We appreciate the interest of all applicants, however, only those candidates to be interviewed will be contacted.
The Municipal District of Acadia No. 34 is inviting applications for a full-time Chief Administrative Officer (CAO)
The MD of Acadia is in east-central Alberta along the Saskatchewan border and is home to 494 people.
Reporting to Council, the CAO is responsible for a variety of tasks, including:
- Financial Management
- Human Resources
- Legislation and Policy Implementation
- Community Engagement
- Intermunicipal Collaboration
- Planning and Development
The MD of Acadia is seeking an individual that is highly motivated with excellent communication skills. The individual should possess strong organization, leadership, and interpersonal skills to guide staff, interact with community members and groups, and an ability to provide Council the necessary information and advice to make informed decisions.
The ideal candidate will also possess at least 3 years of experience in municipal administration; a post-secondary degree; and a strong knowledge of the Municipal Government Act (MGA) and of the fundamentals of financial management (budgeting, accounting, PSAB principles).
The salary range for this position is $90,000 - $110,000 annually with a competitive pension (LAPP) and benefit package avaialble.
To apply for this position, please forward your resume and cover letter, along with three professional references to:
CAO Competition
Municipal District of Acadia No. 34
P.O. Box 30, Acadia Valley, Alberta T0J 0A0 or via Email to: councillor.rafa@mdacadia.ab.ca
Deadline for applications is Friday, December 15, 2023. For
information on this position, please contact Peter Rafa at 403-664-9135
Girletz Cowboy of the Year
BY GWEN SNELL Freelance Journalist
Former Cereal hometown cowboy Tanner Girletz was recently named Cowboy of the Year at the CRF (Canadian Rodeo Finals) held in October at Red Deer. When asked about how he felt receiving the award, Girletz responded that he felt "Shocked and honoured! I never expected and actually nominated someone else for the award. It is crazy for me that my peers feel like I deserve something like this."
Tanner Girletz is humble regarding this prestigious award, but his list of accomplishments reads like a Hollywood superstar. Girletz is a former Canadian Bull Rider Champion, has nine Canadian Final Rodeo appearances, nine Professional Bull Riding Finals, has coached for the rodeo team at Olds College for six years, and is the 2023 CPRA (Canadian Professional Rodeo Association) Administrator.
A third-generation cowboy, the Girletz family's accomplishments are long and varied. Both Grandfathers competed in rodeos. "Grandpa Wilf Girletz was a professional bull rider and rodeo cowboy, winning Canada 8 times. My Grandpa Cliff Holt was also a competitor in the pony chariot racing." Competing rodeo at the professional level definitely runs in the family as it involves the entire family for Tanner Girletz – his dad (Kevin), his mother (Rita) and his sister (Savanna). "My cousins and brother-in-law fought bulls, uncles all rode bulls. It was in the family, you could say."
And cowboys aren't the only thing which made a name for the Girletz ranch. Well known to have some
of the best bulls in the country, they had many Canadian Champion bulls and CFR bulls over the years. Tanner Girletz entered into bull riding a bit later than most. He states: "I was around 14; I was a little later than most as I loved hockey my whole childhood. I played hockey every winter and rodeos with mom and dad during the summer, just touring around with them. I finally got the nerve to get on, and I was hooked from there.". Girletz turned pro the day he turned 18 when he purchased his card and started entering. "Once I got the feeling for riding bulls I wanted nothing more but to be the best. It was something I pushed myself really hard at."
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Coming out of the chute on a 1600-pound bull can be like a bolt of lightning or a slow stroll. Anticipating the ride is likened to a dance, according to Girletz. "If you are in time with them, it goes real good. If not, it turns ugly usually pretty fast."
Girletz's advice to newcomers to bull riding is simple… It's not a hobby. You have to love the sport, and focus is key. "It's a dangerous sport and not to be taken lightly. Go to a good school, get the right equipment, and take it as serious as possible."
Retired from professional bull riding in 2017, Tanner Girletz continues to be an ambassador for the sport. He believes that the sport is evolving with better rodeos, better bulls and better riders, and it's great to see the sport growing. "the money is outstanding, the bulls are awesome, and everyone getting on at a professional level is great. The sport has turned from a bunch of guys going around having fun to a bunch of guys working out hard, focus is through the roof, and the bulls aren't just luck – they are bred and made to be the best in the world."
When asked about his time growing up in Cereal and what he liked most, Girletz responded: "The people. Everyone around knows everyone, and I love that. It's quiet, friendly and very community-driven." He is quick to credit his family for his success. "Without my family, none of what I have done would be possible. My wife and kids, mom, dad, sister, uncles, aunties, cousins, friends, everyone around me in my circle has pushed me to be better, and I can't thank all of them enough."
Tanner Girletz currently resides in Bowden with his wife Brittany, daughter Rowyn, and son Stratten. His advice to those who wish to learn more about rodeo is to join their local ag society, volunteer at a rodeo, ask lots of questions and watch videos. Sounds like solid advice from Cowboy of the Year.
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COMING EVENTS
CLASSIFIED AD RATES (20 words or less). $10.00 plus GST. Additional words are 20¢ each. Deadline is Friday noon. 306-463-2211
FIREARMS WANTED FOR OUR 2023 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.
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2023 Carol Morgan Memorial Award recipients are Harlow Griffith and Aditya Raval. These students were chosen from their Grade 1 teachers for showing kindness, compassion, hard work ethic, being a great friend to all and being a hard working student. Carol Morgan was a Grade One teacher at the Hanna Primary School for over 25 years, she believed in students working hard to learn to read. She was kind, compassionate, hard working and strong. She passed away from cancer, much to young. This award is given each year to Grade One students showing some of these traits. Presenting the award is Carol’s granddaughter Taevia Morgan. Congratulations to Harlow and Aditya.
PHOTO COURTESY J.C. CHARYK HANNA SCHOOL
Alberta RCMP Major Crimes investigate Brooks homicide
BROOKS - On July 23, 2023, at 5:20 p.m., Brooks RCMP responded to a report of an assault in an apartment complex located in Brooks. Upon arrival, the victim was located in life threatening condition and was transported to hospital by EMS. Unfortunately, Tesfahiwot Haile, a 41-year-old male resident of Brooks, succumbed to his injuries in hospital three days later.
RCMP Major Crimes Unit took carriage of the investigation, with assistance from Brooks RCMP, and on Nov. 24, 2023, arrested and charged Abune Getahun (43), a resident of Brooks, with Second Degree Murder.
Hospitality during the holiday season
The following devotional was submitted by one of our subscribers who wishes to remain anonymous, and allow the Biblical message to speak for itself. The topic he addresses is “hospitality” which is an important part of the holiday season.
He begins by defining the word hospitality as “the friendly and generous reception and entertainment of guests, visitors or strangers”, and his writing follows: We find many verses in the Bible about hospitality. Jesus set the example in Matthew 14: 13-21, when He was confronted with the issue of how to feed 5,000 men as well as the women and children. His disciples suggested He send them into the nearby towns to fend for themselves. However, Jesus took the food available, multiplied it and fed the people, which is an example of hospitality.
In Romans 15:13, among other things, Paul exhorts us to be “given to hospitality”. In 1 Peter 4:9 we are advised to “be hospitable to one another without grumbling”. (Wives can be forgiven for this when their husband shows up with an unannounced guest for supper; not that I have ever done this, ha ha).
Hebrews 13:2 says, “Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing, some have unwittingly entertained angels.” Romans 12:13 says we are to “distribute to the needs of the saints, and be given to hospitality”.
The second commandment is to “love your neighbour as yourself”. That would include being hospitable. Showing hospitality must be an act of caring, motivated by love.
In 1 Corinthians 13:13
it says (paraphrasing), that anything we do in life, no matter how great, including feeding the poor, profits nothing unless it’s done out of love. It also says “And now abide faith, hope and love; but the greatest of these is love”.
My prayer is: Lord God would you in-still in the hearts of myself and others an awareness of other’s needs and empower us with your divine love to show hospitality and care to all.
After a Judicial Interim Release Hearing, Getahun was remanded into custody with his first court appearance set for Nov. 29, 2023, at Alberta Court of Justice in Brooks. RCMP are not seeking any further suspects.
ACADIA VALLEY
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9
• Here’s the Deal. Acadia Valley Community Club presents Golden 20’s Christmas at the Acadia Valley Hall. D.J. Steve with Table of Fun is the entertainment this year. Kelly Skappak catering. Tickets $65 each. For more info call/text Jena 403-928-0021. No minors.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 16
• Christmas in the Valley presented by the Acadia Valley E.C.S.
- Yoga in The Valley Thursdays from 7:30 - 8:30 PM in the Hall. Call/text Jamie 403-548-5146 for more info. - Gymnastics - Cactus Gym Club’s Fall Classes until November 4 at the Acadia Valley Event Centre. To register or for more info, contact Michelle Hutton at 403-502-3050.
- Adult drop-in Volleyball Wednesdays 7:30 PM at Warren Peers School. Contact Marie 403-664-8589 for more info.
CEREAL
- Tuesdays - Cereal Cottages Weekly Coffee Time 9:30 AM
- Wednesdays - Quilting Days 10 AM - 4 PM $10.00
CESSFORD
- Tuesday from 7:00 - 9:00 PM Pickleball in Gym and Craft Night in Library Berry Creek Community School (except school holidays)
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CRAIGMYLE
- Wednesdays - 9:30 AM Coffee at Craigmyle Historic Church
DELIA
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13
• Delia & District Senior Citizens Christmas Dinner 5:00 PM at the Delia Drop-In Centre. See ad in this newspaper for details.
- Tuesdays & Thursdays - 9:00 AM Coffee & Cards at the Drop in Centre
- Wednesdays - 7:00 PM Cards & Pool at the Drop in Centre
- Thursdays - Pickleball 6:30 PM at the Delia Gym (No Pickleball Nov. 16)
- Thursdays - Drop in Curling 7:00 PM starting November 23
- Fridays - Public Skating at the Delia Arena 3:305:30 PM
- Sundays - 10:30 AM DCF Morning Service
- Sundays - Public Skating at the Delia Arena 2-4 PM
- Teens Only Crafts & Cookie at the Delia Library 4:30-6:30 PM
ENDIANG
- Mondays - 1:00 PM Endiang Floor Curling
EMPRESS
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15
• Christmas Tree Lighting. Starts at 5:00 PM. Tree Lighting at 7:00 PM. Hay rides and carolling. Includes free food and drinks.
HANNA
Hanna Senior Circle
- Wednesdays 1:00 PM Cards (Spades)
- Thursdays 1:00 PM Cards (Five Hundred)
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 6
• Live Entertainment: Richard and Deborah Popovich at the Hanna Seniors Lodge 7:00 PM. Entry fee is a donation to the Hanna Lodge activity department.
• Minor Hockey practice. 4:00 -10:25 PM.
• Youth Drop-In. Open Gym at Centennial Place. Drop-in fee applies. 3:30-5:30 PM.
• Learn to Play Pickleball. 6:00 PM at Centennial Place. All Ages. Drop-in or access fee applies. 6:007:00 PM.
• Pickleball for 16+ at Centennial Place. Drop-in or access fee applies. 7:00-9:00 PM.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7
• Mom and Tot. Supported by the Town of Hanna. No fee. 10:30 -11:30 AM.
• Drop-in hockey. Supported by the Town of Hanna. No fee. Noon - 1:00 PM.
• Tot n Me. (0-6 yrs and their family/caregiver at Centennial Place. Supported by the Town of Hanna. No Fee. 10:30 AM - Noon.
• Youth Drop-In. Open gym at Centennial Place. Drop-in fee applies. 3:30-5:30 PM.
OYEN
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 6
• Oyen Senior and District Citizens Association Christmas Supper at 6:00 PM. $25 per person. Contact Jessie Battrum 403-664-2515 for tickets.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9
• Oyen & District Leisure Society and the Oyen Eagles present Dancing with the Stars 8:00 PM - 3:00 AM at the Oyen Legion Hall. Funds will go towards upgrading our existing tennis courts and adding outdoor pickle ball courts.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 31
• BCAS presents Happy Bucking New Year - CPRA Professional Bull Riding at the Crossroads Centre in Oyen. Doors open at 4:00 PM, Bulls Buck at 7:00 PM.
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 1
• Regular Pot Luck Supper and Meeting for Oyen and District Seniors 6:00 PM at the Seniors Recreation Centre.
FEBRUARY 17 & 18
• Mark your calendar for the Big Country Ag Society Beef Expo 2024 - Pen Show and Youth Show at the Crossroads Centre
- Oyen Town Council meet 2nd Tuesday of every month 6:00 PM in Council Chambers
- Oyen & District Curling Club Fun League runs Tuesday evenings and starts first week of November. Contact Kari 403-664-1001 to enter a team.
- Oyen & District Curling Club Cash League runs Wednesday evenings and starts first week of November. Contact Brett 403-664-8868 to enter a team.
