The Oyen Echo

What Trump giveth, Biden taketh away

CALGARY, REGINA, HOUSTON – One of the first acts of Donald Trump as president of the United States was to invite TransCanada, now TC Energy, to resubmit its Keystone XL pipeline application, and to then approve it. Now, newly-inaugurated President Joe Biden, has cancelled the Presidential Permit for the pipeline to cross the international border in his first day in office January 20.

The 830,0000 barrel per day pipeline was supposed to run from Hardisty, Alberta, past Shaunavon, to Steele City, Nebraska, eventually connecting to oil hub of Cushing, Oklahoma. The southern portion of the pipeline, which runs from Cushing to the U.S. Gulf Coast, was completed under the Obama administration. Up to 15 per cent of the pipeline’s capacity had been designated for North Dakota oil production. Current maps don’t show the lateral pipeline to North Dakota, but the specs for a recently completed Canadian pumping station list it at 700,000 barrels per day capacity, which would leave room for that American oil to be added downstream. CONTINUED PAGE 5

Small World Cafe opens its doors in Youngstown

The Village of Youngstown is just a short drive from Oyen, 59 kilometres to be exact. The village’s motto is “Where quality of life meets opportunity.” A couple of the approximately 150 residents who call the village home recently seized upon an opportunity and opened a new business. It’s called Small World Cafe, and it opened its doors on Thursday, January 14th.

The cafe is located at 301 Main Street and is housed in a brand new building. Lester Klassen, manager of the cafe, explained that he and his father-in-law, Ian, were looking to start a project that would benefit everyone in their com-

munity.

“I wanted to do a youth centre, but Ian was interested in a restaurant since there was no place for families to go for a meal or have a cup of coffee. Hanna and Oyen are the closest places for people to pick up something to eat. So this is what we came up with. It was something we both could work at, and I was willing to manage it,” he said.

The men began designing a building in 2018, and a local contractor started construction in 2019. “I did some of the interior finishing and helped with the framing,” Ian added. The building is about 2500 square feet in size, and the seating area is estimated to be thirty square feet. CONTINUED PAGE 2

The Keystone XL route cuts through southern Saskatchewan. Construction was expected to take place in that region this year, with hundreds of millions of dollars to be spent. MAP COURTESY TC ENERGY

JOAN JANZEN joanjanzen@yahoo.com

BRIAN ZINCHUK LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATVE REPORTER

Dianne is making all the treats, soups, breads, sandwiches, etc for the Small World Cafe. Dianne is married to Jerry and has lived in the Youngstown area ranching for 25 years. SUBMITTED PHOTO

Café Open for Business

CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE

Now the cafe is up and running. “We’re busier than I thought we would be. It’s been really good. There’s young families in town, and we’ve had some kids from the high school drive over for lunch. I guess it was a good a time as any to open because people want to get out of their houses,” Lester said.

The cafe is open Monday to Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and is closed on weekends. “It would be cool to be open on weekends, but it would mean extra employees. Plus, we want to maintain our family life,” Lester said. “We’re doing it 100 percent in order for the community to have something to enjoy. Ian loves to help people any way he can, and he is pretty good at keeping the community alive any way he can.”

“We’re take out only,” he said, which is due to the current health regulations. But, Lester said it gives them time to figure out how to run things efficiently before they’re allowed to have customers sit down to a meal inside.

Diane is the cook at Small World Cafe. She has lived in the Youngstown area for 25 years and has always enjoyed making meals for fall suppers and branding events in the community. Now she is making all the treats, soups, breads and sandwiches for the cafe. “We cannot be more thrilled to have such a talented cook,” Lester said.

“We hope this will be a great addition to our little town,” Lester said. He’s also hoping people travelling on the highway will take a small detour into Youngstown and stop in for a bite to eat or a cup of coffee, latte or ice cap. “We’ve got a little bit of everything.”

It certainly sounds like a cozy little place to take a break, and online ordering will soon be available for patrons’ convenience.

3” x 3” Colour Ad announcing your special occasion!

Book Notes

**The library is currently operating but through curbside service only**

ADULT FICTION:

The Cowboy Way – by Elmer Kelton

Hidden in Plain Sight – Jeffrey Archer Neighbors by Danielle Steel

Wrong Alibi by Christina Dodd

The Forgotten Orphan by Glynis Peters

NYPD Red 6 by James Patterson

When She Was Good by Michael Robotham

In a Holidaze by Christina Lauren

CHRISTIAN FICTION: One Little Lie by Colleen Coble

TEEN (Y) FICTION:

One of Us is Lying and One of Us is Next both by Karen McManus

Crownchasers by Rebecca Coffindaffer

Admission by Julie Buxbaum

JUVENILE FICTION:

The Big Island Burglary (Nancy Drew) by Carolyn Keene

Call of the Sound Dragon by Tracey West

Stealing Greenwich by Brittany Geragotelis

Eva in the Spotlight and Eva’s Campfire Adventure (Owl Diaries) by Rebecca Elliot

PICTURE BOOK/BOARD BOOKS:

Let’s Bee Thankful – by Ross Burach

Are You There Little Tiger? By Sam Taplin

A Parade of Elephants by Kevin Henkes

Little Hippo by Julie Abery

Mad, Mad, Mad by Leslie Patricelli

GRAPHIC NOVEL:

Baby-Sitters Little Sister: Karen’s Roller Skates by Katy Farina

Smile and Sisters by Raina Telgemeier

Stranger Things: The Bully by Greg Pak

NON-FICTION:

Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey

Group: How One Therapist & a Circle of Strangers Saved My Life by Christie Tate

This Time Next Year We’ll Be Laughing: A Memoir by Jacqueline Winspear

The How Not to Diet Cookbook by Michael Greger

Castles by Laura Buller

My Book of Gymnastics by Vincent Walduck

• Engagements! • Weddings! • Anniversaries!

Name of Groom: _____________________________________________________

Bride’s Maiden Name: ________________________________________________

Date of Wedding: ____________________________________________________

Location of Wedding: _________________________________________________

Currently Residing: ___________________________________________________

DEADLINE: Wednesday, February 10th

Close-up coloured photos work best.

Please email your photo and information to: kate@yoursouthwest.com or text: 1-306-671-0242. $30 (includes GST), by cheque, credit card or e-transfer Your Southwest Media Group Box 727, Kindersley, SK. S0L 1S0

By Tricia Fischbuch

I’m Trying to Love Rocks by Bethany Barton

DVD:

Paw Patrol 3 Pack (Jet to the Rescue / Ready Race Rescue / Mighty Pups)

Peppa Pig: Peppa’s Perfect Day

KITS:

The Jungle (board book & 3 9-piece puzzles)

Eric Carle Matching Game

Family Literacy Day is January 27 and we are partnering with Big Country Adult Learning to offer some fun and free family literacy activities! Starting January 19, arrange to pick up a Family Literacy Day bag (filled with library books and a literacy activity booklet) and post a picture of your family doing a literacy activity together! Use the hashtags #FamilyLiteracyDay, #OyenLibrary, and #BCCALC and you could win a prize! (Contest is open January 25-27 and a literacy bag must be picked up at the library in order to qualify. Call/email the library to schedule a pick-up day). Get ready, get set, and get reading together! Book Club is scheduled for Wednesday January 27 at 6:30 via Zoom. Contact the library to register and receive the book (Seven Days of Us). Next month’s read is 1984. Copies are available at the library.

Digital radon detector kits are available for Marigold Library System patrons to borrow. Search “Marigold Radon Detector” in the TRACpac app or online at www.tracpac.ab.ca to place your hold.

Have you tried the new TRACpac app? Search the catalogue, place holds, access e-resources, and lots more by downloading “TRACpac app” from Google Play or the Apple App Store. Instructional videos on how to navigate the app are available on Marigold Library System’s YouTube channel.

Need materials to supplement learning at home? We can help! Let us find something for you on our shelves or we can order items in for you! (Please note that shipping times are longer due to COVID so try to order as early as possible).

Disposable masks are still available. Call the library to arrange pick-up.

“I hope you realize that every day is a fresh start for you. That every sunrise is a new chapter in your life waiting to be written.” – Juansen Dizon

403-664-3644 ext. 2727

aoymlibrary@marigold.ab.ca

Hours: Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays 12-5; Tuesdays 2-7

In the last column that I wrote I indicated that my next column would be a follow up to the last one. We have a very serious problem in Alberta right now and it is only going to get worse. Our problems were serious before the pandemic and that has only acerbated the problems. Alberta is in serious financial difficulty due to political mismanagement of our resources and the pandemic as well we have

~ Prairie View ~ Alberta Needs a New Direction

the highest unemployment rate in the country. Much of the blame is due to the Trudeau governments misguided emphasis on climate change and their reckless use of borrowed capital to alleviate the large loss of jobs due to the pandemic. Yes, any government would have had to provide relief for these people, but Trudeau has wasted billions of dollars on programs that were not properly targeted. He didn’t seem to care; the objective was to make himself look good for the next election.

However, Alberta’s problems are far more complicated than just blaming our incompetent Prime Minister.

Premier Jason Kenney must share much of the blame for the mess that Alberta is in today. To me his leadership is wishy washy. As soon as he was elected as premier,

he should have started implementation of the “Firewall” principals that I wrote about in my last column. What he has done instead is appoint a committee to study the possibility of implementing a police force or starting our own pension plan. That is not decisive leadership. That is kicking the can down the road and will not get the attention of the Federal Government. He also did not demonstrate leadership when he found out some of his caucus and senior bureaucrats left Alberta for a winter holiday when the rest of us were told to stay home. He dithered for three days before taking decisive action.

His indecision started right after the UCP founding convention when he allowed party officials to start purging Wildrose influence from

the party and effectively putting the old PC progressives in control of what was supposed to be a united party. Many of us from the former Wildrose Party thought that Kenney would be a dynamic leader. What a let down when we seen what was really happening. So, we are back where we started when we formed the Wildrose Party. I am optimistic that many of the old grassroots Wildrose supporters are still there. In addition, I think there are many additional Alberta citizens that have had it up to here with the way Alberta has been disrespected by the Trudeau and his cohorts that they are willing to try something different to bring about real change.

I think we are one step ahead of where we were last time. On June 29/20 a founding convention was held that formed the

“Wildrose Independence Party of Albert”. This party is building on the old Wildrose Party with one major change. Their document that I copied from their web site states that their purpose is Sovereignty. This new party is already getting some traction but if they campaign on sovereignty instead of Independence they likely will not garner enough support to form government. If they want to form government, they will have to attract at least 40% of the voters in an election. As well hi-light how Alberta would be independent without separation by implementing the “firewall” principles like Quebec has done.

The party in its mission statements lists 14 principles that would guide the party. To me the most important would be what I think were what I have referred to as the

“firewall” principles and they are [1] Establish an Alberta Police Force, [2] Establish the Alberta Revenue Agency, [3] Establish our own Pension Plan, [4] Establish our own Employment Insurance Plan, [5] Establish our own Immigration policy and [6] Be governed by our own Environment Act. This would make Alberta independent without separation.

welcome

You can email them to kate@yoursouthwest.com or text it to 306-671-0242 with a brief explanation.

Oyen News: Congratulations and Condolences

Congratulations to Ralph Jorgenson on his 90th birthday January 8.

Sympathies to Lyle Lorenz and family on the death of his wife of 54 years, Rosemary, 73, of Lacombe who died December 10, 2020, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Born in Consort June 12, 1947, to Mary and Clifford Long, Rosemary married Lyle July 2, 1966, and they had four children Stacy, Trish, Kristi and Trudi. After several years in Altario and brief stops in Calgary, Kitscoty and Marwayne the family

moved to Stettler in 1975 and spent 12 years there. Then following a year in Oyen, they settled in Lacombe in 1988 where they were active members of the community for three decades.

Lyle was the superintendent for Acadia School Division while in Oyen and son Stacy found employemnt at The Oyen

Echo while attending school.

Condolences to Ernie Pennington of Flaxcombe, Sask. and family on the death of his wife Margaret Elizabeth December 26, 2020, at the age of 75 years.

Condolences to the families of longtime Oyen Echo subscribers Karl Berg, 84, of Sedalia

who died January 3 and Irene Kulyk, formerly of Buffalo/Medicine Hat, 89, who died in Coronation January 16.

Sympathies go out to the family and friends of Margaret (Thayer) Williams, 93, of Edmonton who died January 6 at the Good Samaritan Southgate Care Centre. She was raised in Oyen and was

best friends with Faye Ball and Laura Carr, both of Oyen. They were all brdiesmaids for each other. She was predeceased by husband Clifford, brothers Stanley and Basil Thayer and sister Bertha (Bespflug).

Congratulations to all the winners of the Oyen Lions Club Xmas Holiday Raffle drawn at midnight,

December 31, 2020: $3500 - Sheena Willick; $1000 - Stephanie Hanewich; $100 each - Mitzi Dick, Troy Pederson, Karyn Heggestead, Deandra Santos and Erin Logan. Construction has been taking place over the last several days at Canada Post. Two new doors with automatic openers have been installed.

OPINION

CHECK IT OUT with Joan Janzen

Getting by with a little help from friends

TJOAN JANZEN joanjanzen@yahoo.com

here’s rumours floating about that suggest an election may be in Canada’s near future. It’s a time when many folks in western Canada are finding it a challenge to discern how they have benefitted from the current administration. However there are those who have benefitted.

A line in the lyrics of an ancient Beatles tune comes to mind ... “I’ll get by with a little help from my friends.” It may be a suitable tune for those who benefit from their personal ties with Justin Trudeau.

Rob Silver, the husband of Trudeau’s chief of staff, was awarded an $80 million contract to a new company he had established, to

manage a Liberal government program to aid small businesses.

Trudeau’s half brother, Kyle Kemper, the son of his mother Margaret Trudeau and her second husband, was given a $12,430 contract in June, 2019 by Global Affairs Canada to give a speech in Switzerland.

In 2020, a contract was awarded to a Montreal firm, which was founded and operated by a former Montreal Liberal MP and personal friend of Trudeau. The non-competitive contract worth $237 million, was granted to produce 10,000 medical ventilators. An identical ventilator, produced by a Mississauga, Ont. firm was sold around the world for half the price paid by the federal government.

It pays to be a friend of Trudeau. Last year he appointed 19 federal

public servants to work part-time to advise former Finance Minister Bill Morneau in his efforts to become Secretary General of a Paris-based Organization for Eco

nomic Cooperation and Develop -

ment (OECD). He was also given $6,265.76 to spend on hospitality, but Global Affairs said it had no projections as to the final price tag for this undertaking.

Trudeau’s friendships extend beyond our borders. In 2013, when asked which country he admires most, he replied, “There’s a level of admiration I actually have for China. Their basic dictatorship is actually allowing them to turn their economy around on a dime.”

After becoming Canada’s Prime Minister, he said Ottawa intends to pursue deeper trade ties with the Chinese communist regime. In 2016 and 2017 he visited China in order to pursue talks towards a free trade agreement, even though there was a $50 billion imbalance in trade between the two countries in China’s

favour.

In 2017, Canada committed hundreds of millions of dollars in investment in Beijing’s Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank. Trudeau may mistakenly believe his openness to China will result in a positive responses from the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), but China has more lofty goals than friendship.

The senior editor of China News, Dana Cheng, who earned her doctorate in the United States, explained, “When I was growing up in China a few decades ago, we were told the communists were going to liberate the whole world.”

These are all things to take into consideration as we hear of rumours of an upcoming election.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

By Robert Blagen

THE US ELECTION: Will we ever know the truth about the US election? We know that major coverups are possible because when JFK was murdered, it was one of the biggest coverups in the US history that we know of. There are lots of conspiracy theories about the murder. Some say it was political and some say it had something to do with the banking system. Others say it was the Mafia; but whatever it was, it’s for sure it was one hell of a good coverup. Maybe the people involved in it that are getting closer to their own demise will come forward and let the world know who was involved in it before they die because they are all getting very old if any of them are even still alive.

The Media are trashing Trump to rile the protesters up and causing the riots, but everybody knows that this is not right. By the thousands, the people were headed to Washington to show their disdain for Biden and his Democratic Party. Now the word on the street is that the violent protestors and agitators were hired by someone to make Trump and the Republican Party look bad, and they’ve done a good job of it. Do you think we’ll ever hear about this from the biased Media? Trump’s Social Media accounts with Twitter and others have been suspended. I wonder who’s paying them to do that. Trudeau

has been bleating about Trump, and he probably doesn’t have any of the facts. You would think a person in his position would know enough to keep his mouth shut till all the facts are known. It’s amazing how a person can be tried, convicted and sentenced by the Media, Biden and Pelosi. Pelosi says Trump is unhinged. Maybe we will find that it is Pelosi that’s really unhinged. One thing is for sure, Biden’s win of the Presidency is forever stained. Isn’t it amazing that they didn’t arrest any of the Black Lives Matter protesters who tried to burn down most of the cities in America, but they want to arrest the protesters trying to show support for President Trump? You would think Pelosi would have better things to do with her time than to peruse her personal vendetta against President Trump.

The Trump followers say they were trying to defend Democracy, and Biden and Pelosi and the Media call it an attack on Democracy. We know that Democracy has been eroded for a long time in Canada and the USA. I guess we’ll have to wait four more years to see if we have any more or less Democracy. I wonder if Biden and Pelosi are trying to start a Civil War by impeaching the President. It might be a dangerous move in such a divided Country.

Biden revokes presidential permit for Keystone XL pipeline expansion

CONTINUED FROM FRONT

Ironically, the most contentious portion of the pipeline – the international crossing which required a Presidential Permit, was one of the first things completed when construction got underway in 2020. That 2.2 kilometre long-section of pipeline crossed the border in May, 2020, in the RM of Val Marie, southeast of Shaunavon. Usually the border crossing is the ceremonial last weld, not the first, on such pipelines.

The reason the pipeline was not completed within the four years of the Trump administration was due to multiple court delays, several from one particular judge in Montana. In one of those rulings in November, 2018, U.S. Federal Court Judge Brian Morris said the greenhouse gas emissions of the Enbridge Alberta Clipper pipeline, which ran on a different route and was owned and operated by a completely different company, should have been considered in the Keystone XL evaluation. But he did not mention anything about the recently completed and operational Dakota Access Pipeline, which handles North Dakota oil. As a result, the Keystone XL pipeline, which had been cancelled by the Barrack Obama/Joe Biden administration in 2015, is not anywhere near completion.

Alberta Premier Jason Kenney bet heavily on the project – figuratively and literally, with Alberta investing $1.5 billion into it to get construction going in 2020.

The announcement at the time noted, “This investment includes $1.5 billion in equity investment in 2020, followed by a $6 billion loan guarantee in 2021.” Construction work has already taken place within Alberta, including 145 kilometres of pipe already put in the ground, and the recent completion of the Bindloss Pump Station. Construction was supposed to get going through southwest Saskatchewan this year to the American border.

This is the executive order killing Keystone XL, citing the reasons why Biden did it

WASHINGTON – This is the verbatim executive order killing the Keystone XL

pipeline, again, as signed by newly-inaugurated President Joe Biden within his first hour in the Oval Office:

“Sec. 6. Revoking the March 2019 Permit for the Keystone XL Pipeline. (a) On March 29, 2019, the President granted to TransCanada Keystone Pipeline, L.P. a Presidential permit (the “Permit”) to construct, connect, operate, and maintain pipeline facilities at the international border of the United States and Canada (the “Keystone XL pipeline”), subject to express conditions and potential revocation in the President’s sole discretion. The Permit is hereby revoked in accordance with Article 1(1) of the Permit.

“(b) In 2015, following an exhaustive review, the Department of State and the President determined that approving the proposed Keystone XL pipeline would not serve the U.S. national interest. That analysis, in addition to concluding that the significance of the proposed pipeline for our energy security and economy is limited, stressed that the United States must prioritize the development of a clean energy economy, which will in turn create good jobs. The analysis further concluded that approval of the proposed pipeline would undermine U.S. climate leadership by undercutting the credibility and influence of the United States in urging other countries to take ambitious climate action.

“(c) Climate change has had a growing effect on the U.S. economy, with climate-related costs increasing over the last 4 years. Extreme weather events and other climate-related effects have harmed the health, safety, and security of the American people and have increased the urgency for combatting climate change and accelerating the transition toward a clean energy economy. The world must be put on a sustainable climate pathway to protect Americans and the domestic economy from harmful climate impacts, and to create well-paying union jobs as part of the climate solution.

“(d) The Keystone XL pipeline disserves the U.S. national interest. The United States and the world face a climate crisis. That crisis must be met with action on a scale and at a speed commensurate with the need to avoid

setting the world on a dangerous, potentially catastrophic, climate trajectory. At home, we will combat the crisis with an ambitious plan to build back better, designed to both reduce harmful emissions and create good clean-energy jobs. Our domestic efforts must go hand in hand with U.S. diplomatic engagement. Because most greenhouse gas emissions originate beyond our borders, such engagement is more necessary and urgent

than ever. The United States must be in a position to exercise vigorous climate leadership in order to achieve a significant increase in global climate action and put the world on a sustainable climate pathway. Leaving the Keystone XL pipeline permit in place would not be consistent with my Administration’s economic and climate imperatives.”

LAND FOR SALE BY TENDER

Sealed tenders will be received by Smith & Hersey Agribusiness Law of Consort and Oyen until the deadline of 4:00 p.m. on February 18, 2021, for the sale of the following Land:

1. Section 34-30-29-W3 2. W ½ 27-30-29-W3

3. W ½ 26-30-29-W3 4. S ½ 22-30-29-W3

5. W ½ 15-30-29-W3 6. W ½ 23-30-29-W3

7. E ½ 27-30-29-W3 (home ¼ is SE)

• 1,874 total acres - 1,624 of which are cultivated (GPS measurement)

• 180 acres of pasture with very good water

• Yard site contains: 2 homes (1,200 and 800 sq ft); heated barn (30 x 50); heated shop (32 x 48); large machine shed (70 x 120); small machine shed (40 x 60); 38,000 bu of bin space (17,500 bu has aeration)

Land is located 4 miles south of Loverna, SK directly on the AB/SK border.

Tenders on the Land must be accompanied by a certified cheque, bank draft, or electronic transfer in favor of “Smith & Hersey Agribusiness Law” for $20,000.00 as a deposit. The deposit will be returned if the tender is not accepted. If a tender is accepted and the tenderer does not proceed with the sale, the deposit of the tenderer will be forfeited to the owner. The balance of the tender price shall be paid and the sale will close no later than March 19th, 2021. The owner and the successful tenderer will each be responsible for their own legal fees. Each tenderer must understand that a tender is an unconditional offer to purchase the Shares/Land set out in the tender. Tenderers must rely on their own research of the Lands, and Smith & Hersey Agribusiness Law and the owner make no warranties or representations in regard to the Lands.

The Vendor requests bids for a share purchase whereby the Purchaser buys the vendor’s corporation which maintains only the lands and assets listed above. The Home Quarter is personally owned and will be sold as well. Share purchase tenders will be given significant preference over land purchase tenders. Should a potential purchaser require further information or have questions regarding a share sale, please contact the Vendor’s lawyer, Reid Wilkie at the number below.

The owner has complete discretion whether to accept the highest or any tender. Further inquiries, or to arrange viewing the lands, can be made by contacting Reid Wilkie at (403) 577-2539 or reid@smithhersey.com. Tenders may be emailed or sealed in an envelope marked “LAND TENDER” and delivered to:

Smith & Hersey Agribusiness Law

Attention: Reid A. Wilkie

Box 95 Consort, AB, T0C 1B0

Phone: 403.527.5506 or 403.664.2812

Email: reid@smithhersey.com

In person to Reid Wilkie in Consort every Wednesday

In person to Reid Wilkie in Oyen every Thursday

Back in 2014, I started writing a column for a quality local newspaper over a threeyear period. During that time, I shared a bit about life on our ranch and what it was like to raise our kids among the daily activities of breakdowns, calving cows, and lost dogs. I covered the challenges and triumphs around our newly established homestead including how to manage one mule’s emotions and my war on gophers. I shared anecdotes about that “one time” I got stuck (and that “other time” I got stuck), and the occasion when my twin fouryear-old’s confidently rode away to gather pairs declaring they didn’t need me any longer. I answered the question no one actually asked – why does a woman from treeless southwest Saskatchewan self-identify as a tree hugger? Of course, no self-respecting ranch writer can avoid talking about the weather so that thread wound its way into several op-eds. Crocuses, gender equality in agriculture, love stories, and politics were a few of the completely arbitrary topics I unpacked over the years.

I enjoyed the literary exercise of writing things out and it became a diary of sorts that I like to look back on. I also think it’s important to engage audiences who may be

A Little Bit Western Back in the Saddle Again

By Tara Mulhern Davidson

unfamiliar with farm life to help create a connection between them and where their food comes from. And of course, I appreciated when fellow ranchers or parents could resonate with some of my experiences. It’s nice to be back in the saddle again.

The metaphor is also fitting for a new year and a fresh start. January always seems a bit familiar and routine for me, in a good way and it does remind me of saddling up once again after a long time grounded.

This last year has been full of confusion, chaos, and controversy for most everyone. However, I like to think that there were some opportunities too. If 2020 taught us one thing, it’s that we can adapt and switch gears when we need to. Things that seemed so important at one time, suddenly were not as significant as we thought. When society was unencumbered by commitments and schedules and hustle and bustle, the silence was deafening and a little uncomfortable. But sometimes discomfort is okay.

In our household it felt like we were given the gift of more time with our four kids who range in ages from three to ten. We ate every meal together, the kids spent more hours than ever with their animals, they used their imaginations, and learned plenty of

Sympathy from the community is extended to all of the family of Irene Kulyk, formerly of Buffalo/Medicine Hat, who died January 16 in Coronation at the age of 89 years. Her son Randy and his wife Sandra were by her side.

Sympathy of the community is also extended

Buffalo News

Reported

Lorraine Monkman

403-379-2222

real-life skills. As with anything, a little can go a long way though, and more quality time came with some struggles too. (Why is everyone hungry again? What is “new math” and why can’t I carry the one? What is the Zoom passcode? Why am I incapable of baking bread? How many hours until bedtime?).

For me, getting back in the saddle is maybe more about gaining a different perspective. Finding a change in scenery, getting outside of my own head and having a chance to see things from another hilltop, a different vantage point. It’s about being intentional with my time and energy (you have to catch the horse and get it saddled after all), but also staying calm and cool during unanticipated events (for example, when your saddle slides off when you lean too far over to identify a plant because you left your cinch too loose. Yes, this is a very specific example).

You never know what you’re going to encounter when you hop on your horse and head out, but part of the beauty is not knowing. Just remember to cinch up.

Tara is a rancher and writer from Ponteix, SK. She and her husband and their four children operate the Lonesome Dove Ranch.

Cereal News

Reported by Maxine Girletz 403-664-0513

to the family of Karl Berg of Sedalia, 84, who died January 3. Jan. 26-Feb. 1 Happy birthday to Rick Wilson, Aiden Schnurer, Kara Marie Huston, Lesa Sletton, Mykenzie Olsen, Alice Grover, George Peacock, Rick Clarkson, Michael Pederson,

With my first column to the Oyen Echo under new ownership, I congratulate Kate Winquist on your recent acquisition. Best wishes for a long and successful career with the Echo. Congratulations on your retirement to Diana Walker. May you enjoy health and

By Ashley Bray

Healthy Homemade Soups

Homemade soups are a healthy and comforting food choice during the cold winter months. Not only are soups delicious, but they are easy to modify to include your favourite foods and flavours. By following the tips below you will be able to make a healthy soup that is a complete meal containing vegetables, protein and whole grains.

How to make a healthy soup

Step 1: Choose a low-sodium broth. No-salt-added chicken, beef or vegetable broth are all healthy and delicious options. You can also add a can of nosalt-added tomato sauce or canned tomatoes.

Step 2: Add vegetables. Use your favourite vegetables – fresh, frozen and canned are all healthy options. Follow Canada’s Food Guide and ensure half of the ingredients are vegetables. For more flavour, cook the vegetables for about five minutes in a small amount of oil before adding the broth.

Step 3: Choose your protein. Try plant-based protein foods like beans, lentils, chickpeas and tofu. To reduce cooking time, try canned beans, lentils and chickpeas instead of dry. Lean meats, eggs, seafood and chicken are also great protein options. All raw meats should be cooked before adding to the soup.

Step 4: Select a whole grain. Any whole grain such as barley, brown rice or whole grain pasta is a healthy option. Add grains last, and follow the directions on the package to avoid under or over cooking.

Tips

• Substitute half of the meat for beans or lentils to increase the fibre content. For a thicker texture, puree or

Naomi Buettner, Rhonda Levall, Sandra Rude, Spencer Hogan, Marcy Logan, Ethan Peacock, Lois Smereka, Pam Dirk, Braxton Pederson, Scott Kreiser.

Happy anniversary to Denise and Roland Stief, Brent and Deb Hryciw, Curtis and Ashley Beaudoin.

rest in the years ahead. I regret to report the passing of Irene Kulyk who passed away January 16, 2021. She is survived by her son Randy Kulyk and family and daughter-in-law Pam Kulyk and her family. Sincere sympathy of the community to all the families.

mash the beans before adding to the soup.

• Create a creamy texture by adding low fat milk or top with a dollop of plain yogurt.

• Flavour your soup with herbs and spices instead of salt.

• Use up leftover vegetables in soups – if they are already cooked, add them at the very end to avoid over cooking them.

• Cook soup in a slow cooker to decrease hands on cook time (all meat must be pre-cooked).

How to Choose a Healthier Canned Soup

Sometimes making a homemade soup isn’t possible, and you may want to purchase a canned version. Canned soups typically have more sodium and fat, and less fibre than homemade soups. Use the nutrition facts table and the percent daily value to compare products and choose the healthier option at the grocery store.

1. Sodium: Aim for less than 360mg of sodium. Products with the following claims will be lower in sodium: No added salt, low sodium or salt-free.

2. Fat: Choose products that are lower in fat. Aim for less than 3 grams of fat per serving.

3. Fibre: Choose products with more fibre. Soups with beans, lentils and peas often have more fibre than those with meat.

For recipes and information on additional nutrition topics visit www. HealthyEatingStartsHere.ca

Ashley Bray is a Registered Dietitian with Alberta Health Services, Nutrition Services. She can be reached by e-mail, ashley.bray@ahs.ca.

Youngstown Communiqué

Reported by Robert Blagen 403-854-0664

That was quite the Alberta Clipper storm we were subjected to last week, with a couple of rain showers and a flurry of snow mixed in for good measure. The wind across the province was reported to have set some new speed records, and much damage was reported. Here in town, it did a bit of damage by tearing off shingles and siding on buildings as well as lost and blown away items be searched for and returned to their rightful place/owner. It made for some treacherous conditions driving conditions and polishing up the streets, side-

walks, and other areas one might try to walk on to top it all off. Please be careful when you are out and about walking.

I don’t know if you have been noticing of late, but we sure have been having some wonderfully colourful and beautiful sunrises and sunsets these past few months. If you haven’t noticed, take the opportunity to check them out. Some of them almost take your breath away. Some great news, The Small World Cafe here in town, recently built and owned by Lester and Sarah Klassen, has opened up for business, offering a

“Take out” menu. Dianne Nelson has taken on the duties of Chef and is in charge of the kitchen. For the time being, their plan is to be open from 9:304:30 Monday - Friday. I have tried it and what I had was very good. You won’t be disappointed. I would like to send my condolences out to Ken Baltas of Hanna’s family and friends, who has died recently. Although the thermometers seem to show that temperatures are hovering around 0, give or take a few degrees, I find it feels much colder with the windy conditions. On Sunday night, we again had some rain showers and then a skiff of snow. Now the weatherman is predicting much colder conditions with some stormy squalls thrown in for good measure. It looks like it may be time for some more winter fun!

A Guide to Post Secondary Education

MHC adds Agroecology to program mix

Great Plains College is here and ready!

WrittenbytheMedicineHat College

Great Plains College is committed to being a leader in post-secondary and labour market development in Saskatchewan. Over the past number of years, the college has strived to become a responsive, innovative and results-oriented institution committed to meeting the needs of learners, employers and communities in Saskatchewan.

An exciting new program has been added to Medicine Hat College’s academic offering, giving students interested in sustainable agriculture an opportunity to become a registered technologist in Agrology (RTAg), while staying close to home in the southern Prairies.

Great Plains College offers post-secondary certificate, diploma, degree and graduate degree programs, as well as university, safety training, Adult Basic Education and English language training at locations across western Saskatchewan. Campus locations are available at Kindersley, Swift Current and Warman, with additional programming available at Biggar, Maple Creek, Martensville and Rosetown Program Centres.

The two year Agroecology Technician diploma program provides students with the competencies required for producing food, forage, fiber, and fuel using sustainable methods, as well as a range of knowledge in the three E’s: environment, economics, and energy using systems theory.

real-world experience in designing, monitoring and assessing sustainable agroecological systems, meeting the knowledge, technical skills, and per formance competencies required for certification with the Alberta Insti tute of Agrologists.

“Medicine Hat College is excited to bring this opportunity to learners in southern Alberta and Saskatchewan as the pro gram is well-aligned and serves the needs of our region and communities in terms of offering new streams of employment and alternative ways of doing agriculture,” explains the program’s coordinator, Brent Smith.

The program and course offerings include a wide variety within the themes of Business & Administration (Administrative Assistant, Business, Master of Business in Community Economic Development), Health Care & Humanities (Continuing Care Assistant, Early Childhood Education, Practical Nursing, Youth Care Worker), Trades & Power Engineering (Electrician, Heavy Equipment Operator, Occupational Health & Safety, Power Engineering, Welding) and University.

Learners will engage in experiential learning opportunities to gain

The college is proud to offer one of the most competitive scholarship programs among regional colleges. Students are automatically considered for an Entrance Scholarship of $500-$5,000 when they apply to a full-time student loan-eligible program before the scholarship deadline (April 30 for September entry, or October 31 for late fall or winter entry). Grade 11 students applying to a full-time student loan-eligible program are also considered for an additional Early Entrance Award of $1,000. More information can be found at www. greatplainscollege.ca/scholarships.

The college also offers custom training options for special course needs. To arrange specialty courses, please contact the college at 1 (866) 296-2472 to speak with one of the safety training coordinators.

and drought-proofing and water harvesting that all have a profoundly positive impact on the future of our communities and our environ-

There is so much to appreciate about Great Plains College and we encourage you to contact us to find out more about the many options available for you. We offer quality education in a variety program areas, provide quality instructors with field and industry experience and offer one of the most robust scholarship programs in the province - all of this with the ability to access those opportunities close to home.

students to transfer to universities offering sustainable agriculture programs.

This program uniquely teaches a systems-thinking approach to sustainable agriculture and will equip learners with the knowledge and skills

Great Plains College makes safety training easy. We truly believe safety training doesn’t cost…it pays. Proper safety training helps keep workers safe and companies productive, but finding

gram leverages an important part of our region’s economic sector and prepares students to find meaningful, longterm employment and a future income stream that’s not going to be subject to market forces.”

a crop or livestock pro ducer.

time for all the required courses and certifications amongst a busy work environment can be a challenge.

That’s where Great Plains College comes in. As a trusted partner in safety training, the college prides itself on working alongside industry to ensure quality safety training opportunities are readily available so that all jobs can get done safely.

Employment opportunities that stem from the completion of the Agroecology Technician

Safety training courses are scheduled across the college locations and are based on regional industry demand. Training can be provided at college location or onsite at the workplace, offering companies and individuals a chance to choose the most convenient option for them. The college recognizes the specialty course needs of the energy industry in western Saskatchewan and works to ensure classes are available in unison with industry’s cycles.

Some regularly scheduled safety training options available at the college include: ATV and UTV training, Chainsaw Safety, Class 1 Truck Driver MELT theory (distance and in-person options), Confined Space Entry and Rescue, Fall Protection for Rig Work and Rig Rescue, Fire Extinguisher, First Aid/CPR, Global Ground Disturbance Levels 1 and 2, H2S Alive, Power Mobile Equipment

(Forklift, Scissorlift, Skidsteer, Telehandler and Articulating Manlift), Special Oilfield Boiler Operator, and Workplace Fall Protection. A full listing of course options and a safety training calendar is available online at www.greatplainscollege.ca/safety-training.

“Additionally, there are all kinds of agricultural products that our region is well-suited to produce that we are currently not taking advantage of, and this program can be influential in creating new industry and bringing subsequent jobs in our region,” remarks Smith.

Applications are now open for this program, with the first intake of students to begin their studies in Fall 2021.

Check us out – visit www.greatplainscollege.ca, attend an online interactive webinar or open house event, access our campus virtual tours, or contact a student adviser at 1-866-296-2472 to discuss the many options available. Follow us on our social media channels to keep up-to-date on the latest news and events.

We look forward to meeting you –Great Plains College is here and ready!

Upon completion of the diploma, the opportunity further exists for

For more information on MHC’s Agroecology Technician program or to apply, visit www.mhc. ab.ca. To schedule an appointment with a career specialist or academic advisor, call 1-866-2828394.

Creative passion becomes profession

Writtenbythe MedicineHat

College

From small town Saskatchewan to beautiful British Columbia, education at Medicine Hat College (MHC) helped pave the way to a career of joy and fulfillment for Myron Campbell.

Campbell is a thriving artist and a professor in the division of Visual Arts at the University of British Columbia Okanagan (UBCO). His creative journey began in the Visual Communications diploma program at MHC, which has since become Bachelor of Applied Arts – Art and Design.

big which was desirable to me having grown up in Weyburn, Saskatchewan. The facility had high end equipment and 24 hour access - both were unprecedented at the time. The program was well rounded in that I could pursue my own personal art, as well as client-based work at the same time. I knew it was the perfect fit for me.”

Campbell acknowledges the program as being influential in shaping him into the artist he is today, crediting the vast array of modalities, skills, and techniques he was exposed to during his time at the college.

“MHC’s program is unique in that it offers a real balance of both fine arts training and design training. It’s pretty rare to get that balance in a program, and the college does a great job of it,” explains Campbell.

I am on any given day. I was introduced to every medium possible and then built up my practice to what suited me. I received a real broad training which was so awesome.”

Campbell praises a professor he had at MHC as a huge inspiration and driving force behind where he is today, a role he strives to fill for the students he now teaches.

“Medicine Hat College is a little gem. I first heard about the institution from my junior high art teacher and after high school, I went to the city to visit a friend who was taking the program. I absolutely loved it there,” remarks Campbell.

“Medicine Hat was the

“Teaching creative studies is where I belong. My passion for art and creativity has lead me to a place where I’m forever being fulfilled, inspired, and growing as an artist, designer and practitioner.”

“It’s an ideal academic pathway for someone like me who can’t de-

Learn more about Art & Design and all of the programs Medicine Hat College has to offer at www.mhc.ab.ca. To schedule an appointment with a career specialist or academic advi-

Photo courtesy of the Medicine Hat College

Quarterbacks dominate NFL spotlight

The state of the National Football League, where the quarterback is king, is in good shape. Almost guaranteed for the Feb. 7 Super Bowl in Tampa, Fla., is a classic quarterback matchup.

The crop of young QBs is strong, and seemingly expanding every year. The crop of old guys, stars destined for the Hall of Fame, is slowly eroding, but their skills remain at a high level.

This year ’s playoffs featured four quarterbacks among the best the game has known — Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers, Drew Brees and Phillip Rivers. The latter was the first to be eliminated, as his Indianapolis Colts were beaten by Baltimore Ravens, led by one of the most exciting of the newcomers — Lamar Jackson. Brees, who will retire to a job in a TV broadcast booth, was sidelined the next week, losing to Brady and his Tampa Bay Bucs.

Patrick Mahomes of Kansas City Chiefs is the most prominent member of the new breed. The QB’s resumé already includes a Super Bowl title and a league MVP crown, and it’s likely more of each will accumulate before he calls it a career. Jackson, meanwhile, also has an MVP title, and is arguably the most exciting player wearing an NFL uniform today

This year’s playoffs also featured two quarterbacks just

beginning to post gold stars on their resumés. One is Buffalo’s third-year pro Josh Allen, and the Bills are riding his skills towards becoming an NFL power. Whether that manifests to a Super Bowl appearance this year or down the road remains to be seen, but if Allen were to guide the Bills to a Super Bowl title, there would be immediate talk of a statue in his honour. The Bills, of course, are known infamously as the team that made it to the Super Bowl four years in a row, from 1991-94 — and lost four years in a row. The second is another third-year player, Baker Mayfield of Cleveland, who led the Browns to their first playoff victory since 1995. The Browns, who beat Pittsburgh 48-37 Jan. 10 in a wildcard game, fell in the next round to Mahomes and the Chiefs. Mayfield statue plans, however, are still in the formative stage on the shores of Lake Erie.

Super Bowl 55 is still more than a week away, but the storylines are guaranteed to be intriguing. Brady on his home field? Rodgers making Green Bay fans forget about Brett Favre? Mahomes cementing his status as today’s No. 1? Allen breaking through? No matter how it shakes down, it will be a classic.

• Dwight Perry of the Seattle Times: “Jim Harbaugh has reached an incentive-laced con-

tract extension to coach Michigan football coach through the 2025 season. No truth to the rumour that Ohio State boosters bankrolled the whole thing.”

• Janice Hough at leftcoastsportsbabe.com., on the James Harden trade to Brooklyn Nets, coached by Canadian Steve Nash: “Harden, Irving and Durant in the same locker room? I really like Steve Nash. And hope his insurance has good mental health coverage.”

• Bob Molinaro of pilot online.com (Hampton, Va.): “The Nets have brought together an amazing array of star-studded head cases. If I were rookie coach Steve Nash, I’d add two shrinks to my staff — one for the players, one for myself.”

• Comedy writer Brad Dickson of Omaha: “Charles Barkley said pro athletes deserve preferential treatment when it comes to getting the vaccine. Personally, I think the

vaccine should be distributed based on a person’s form when driving a golf ball.”

• Comedy writer Alex Kaseberg: “The Tampa BayNew Orleans playoff game featured quarterbacks Tom Brady and Drew Brees, aged 43 and 42 respectively. You (could have placed) a bet in Las Vegas on which one is the first one to walk into the huddle and say, ‘Now why did I come in here?’

• Jack Finarelli, at sportscurmudgeoncom, on the James Harden trade to Brooklyn: “We will soon find out if James Harden, Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant learned their lessons about ‘sharing with others’ in kindergarten.”

• Dwight Perry again: “News alert: This just in: NBA rejects Nets’ desperate request to play games using three basketballs.”

• Phil Mushnick in the New York Post: “The practical subtitle for HBO’s tell-most documentary on Tiger Woods would have been ‘What TV and Other Media Knowingly, Dishonestly Ignored for 25 years.’”

• Former Raiders’ exec Amy Trask, in The Athletic, on how nervous she was about becoming a CBS TV contributor: “I went to our producer and I said, ‘Look, there is a really, really good chance I’m going to throw up all over myself when we go live. His face just lit up and he said, ‘That would be great content.’”

• Wizards guard Bradley Beal, to reporters, on his team’s floundering start: “At this point, we can’t guard a parked car.”

Care to comment? Email brucepenton2003@yahoo.ca

CORRESPONDENT WANTED for Acadia Valley

A Guide to Post Secondary Education

MHC adds Agroecology to program mix

WrittenbytheMedicineHat College

real-world experience in designing, monitoring and assessing sustainable agroecological systems, meeting the knowledge, technical skills, and performance competencies required for certification with the Alberta Institute of Agrologists.

Learners will engage in experiential learning opportunities to gain real-world experience in designing, monitoring and assessing sustainable agroecological systems, meeting the knowledge, technical skills, and performance competencies required for certification with the Alberta Institute of Agrologists.

many more.

required for protecting and conserving natural ecosystems, as well as maximizing production systems that mimic natural systems such as perennial crops, diversity, rotations, limited/no till grazing, and many more.

“Agriculture is one of southern Alberta’s leading industries, and there is always going to be resources and demand for agriculture because everyone needs to eat,” adds Smith. “This program leverages an important part of our region’s economic sector and prepares students to find meaningful, longterm employment and a future income stream that’s not going to be subject to market forces.”

diploma include agri

Learners will engage in experiential learning opportunities to gain

“Medicine Hat College is excited to bring this opportunity to learners in southern Alberta and Saskatchewan as the program is well-aligned and serves the needs of our region and communities in terms of offering new streams of employment and alternative ways of doing agriculture,” explains the program’s coordinator, Brent Smith.

“Medicine Hat College is excited to bring this opportunity to learners in southern Alberta and Saskatchewan as the program is well-aligned and serves the needs of our region and communities in terms of offering new streams of employment and alternative ways of doing agriculture,” explains the program’s coordinator, Brent Smith. This program uniquely teaches a systems-think ing approach to sustain able agriculture and will equip learners with the knowledge and skills

This program uniquely teaches a systems-thinking approach to sustainable agriculture and will equip learners with the knowledge and skills required for protecting and conserving natural ecosystems, as well as maximizing production systems that mimic natural systems such as perennial crops, diversity, rotations, limited/no till grazing, and

Employment opportunities that stem from the completion of the Agroecology Technician diploma include agricultural research technician, urban agriculture designer or landscaper, range management consultant or professional, and an environmental consultant.

Graduates will also be equipped with the entrepreneurial knowledge needed to start a business in sustainable agriculture or greenhouse horticulture, or support the takeover of a family agriculture business as a crop or livestock producer.

“An exciting aspect to this program is the innovative and creative opportunities in diversifying current practices and products that will emerge. Students will taught about free food production design systems, low input parks and community spaces, and drought-proofing and water harvesting that all have a profoundly positive impact on the future of our communities and our environment.

ducer.

jobs in our region,” remarks Smith. Upon completion of the diploma, opportunity further exists for students to transfer to universities offering sustainable agriculture programs.

Applications are now open for this program, with the first intake of stu-

“An exciting aspect to this program is the innovative and creative opportunities in diversifying current practices and products that will emerge. Students will

products that our region is well-suited to produce that we are currently not taking advantage of, and this program can be influential in creating new industry and bringing subsequent jobs in our

dents to begin their studies in Fall 2021. For more information on MHC’s Agroecology Technician program or to apply, visit www.mhc.ab.ca. To schedule an appointment with a career specialist or academic advisor, call 1-866282-8394.

Applications are now open for this program, with the first intake of students to begin their studies in Fall 2021. For more information on MHC’s Agroecology Technician program or to apply, visit www.mhc. ab.ca. To schedule an aplege

I first heard about the institution from my junior high art teacher and after high school, I went to the city to visit a friend who was taking the program. I absolutely loved it there,” remarks Campbell.

“Medicine Hat was the

real balance of both fine arts training and design training. It’s pretty rare to get that balance in a program, and the college does a great job of it,” explains Campbell.

“It’s an ideal academic pathway for someone like me who can’t decide

ner.”

Learn more about Art & Design and all of the programs Medicine Hat College has to offer at www.mhc.ab.ca. To schedule an appointment with a career specialist or academic advisor, call

students to transfer to

Lakeland College develops first bachelor of agriculture technology degree

Lakeland College is offering Canada’s first degree in agriculture technology this fall. Developed to enable students to keep ahead of the curve in the rapidly evolving world of agricultural technology, Lakeland’s bachelor of agriculture technology program offers real-world experience with the latest agricultural equipment, software, hardware and digital devices.

Starting in September 2021, the two-year, post-credential program consists of full-time studies at the Vermilion campus and experiential learning practicums off campus, all designed to bridge the gap between emerging technologies and agricultural management and production systems.

“There’s a lot of technology already available and in use in the agricultural industry. However, few people have an in-depth understanding of how to use it and the information it collects, or how to integrate that information into their commercial farm operations and agriculture businesses. Our new degree program will produce graduates who can effectively use emerging technologies and the data they produce in commercial agriculture to provide important answers on return on investment,” says Michael Crowe, Lakeland’s vice president of academic and research.

Students will delve into crop and livestock farming and smart agriculture as a management system, including data collection and analysis as well as the use of interpretative tools and programs such as robotics, geospatial tools, artificial intelligence and others. They’ll also learn how to analyze and troubleshoot industry-leading hardware, software and data platforms. Students will operate and adapt the technology and data systems on Lakeland’s Student-Managed Farm – Powered by New Holland.

“Graduates of the program will bring unique skill sets into the workforce by blending both agriculture production and agricultural technology expertise. Industry feedback indicated there is a shortage of agricultural professionals who can interface between the two disciplines – our degree program will fill that gap,” says Josie Van Lent, dean of the School of Agriculture Technology and Applied Research. “We great-

ly appreciate the support and help from industry in the development of this program.”

Courses offered in the bachelor of agriculture technology program include emerging technologies in ag, economics of precision agriculture and precision farming global positioning essentials, as well as specific courses related to the integration and use of ag technology in crops and livestock systems, farms and ranches. The curriculum looks at all platforms and all equipment brands. Students will specialize in either crops or livestock technological applications.

Graduates of the program will find employment in a variety of agricultural production fields. These can include data services, development, management, precision technology, production, research and sales with agricultural technology companies, research organizations, equipment dealerships and more. Practicums will be completed at agriculture data companies, technology and equipment manufacturers, agriculture equipment dealerships, crop input service providers, private agronomist service companies, crop and livestock service centres, farms, breeding and genomic companies, and other related agriculture industries.

The bachelor of agriculture technology program is the culmination of several years of consultation, research and development, says Crowe. It was established in response to demand from industry and students. More than 40 agricultural organizations and companies were consulted during an independent industry needs assessment. A student survey indicated strong interest in a degree program and identified curriculum interests in the area of agriculture technology.

Students in the bachelor of agriculture technology program will complete their on-campus studies and hands-on training in Lakeland’s new agricultural technology centre, which is slated to open later this year. The 8,000-square-foot building at the Vermilion campus will be an on-farm lab where students gain experience working with new ag technologies and analyzing new data-sets.

For more information or to apply, visit lakelandcollege.ca/AgTechDegree.

About Lakeland College

Established in 1913, Lakeland College is a place of possibility that serves more than 6,400 students every year at its campuses in Vermilion, Alta., and Lloydminster, Alta./Sask., and through online and off-site programs and courses. Lakeland’s agricultural sciences programming prepares graduates to make an impact in commercial agriculture and animal health. Programs are integrated with real-world learning situations and new technologies. The Student-Managed Farm – Powered by New Holland (SMF) is Lakeland’s flagship student-led opportunity. Students are in charge of managing commercial-scale crop, livestock and ag research enterprises utilizing the latest equipment and technology. With access to modern ag facilities, hundreds of head of livestock and 3,000+ acres, the real world comes to them before they graduate.

Lakeland also offers programming in the areas of business, energy, environmental sciences, fire and emergency services, foundational learning, health and wellness, human services, interior design technology, trades and technology, and university transfer. For more information visit lakelandcollege.ca.

Lakeland College is offering Canada’s first degree in agriculture technology this fall. Photo LakeLand CoLLege

KULYK - Irene Mary Kulyk passed away peacefully at the Coronation Hospital on January 16, 2021, at the age of 89 years.

Irene was born October 7, 1931 in Chinook, Alberta and she grew up on the family farm with her parents, Steven and Victoria Lesiak, and her brother Ted. After graduation, Irene took a job at the Cereal store and also worked as Post Mistress.

Irene met her husband Myroslav in 1948, and they were married in 1952. Their son Randy was born in 1955 and son Myron was born in 1957.

Myroslav and Irene ran a very successful farming and ranching operation south of Cereal for many years, and they decided to retire from the farm and build their retirement home in Medi-

cine Hat in 1996. Irene was an avid gardener, she loved to raise chickens, and was an excellent cook. She loved to experiment with new recipes and was known for her amazing homemade perogies. Irene maintained a beautiful home and played a very active role in the farm operations. She loved to attend local dances and music jamborees to listen to Myroslav play fiddle and to dance. She was an amazing and caring mother and grandmother.

Irene is survived by her son Randy (Sandra); daughter-in-law Pam; brother-in-law, Evhyn; grandchildren Jeff (Barb), Trevor (Deirdre), Lisa, Amanda (Rick), Blake, Tammie and Kirk. She is also survived by thirteen great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.

Irene is predeceased by her husband Myroslav, her parents Steven and Victoria, her brother Ted, and her son Myron. Memorial tributes may be directed to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Funeral arrangements in care of MacLean’s Funeral Home in Oyen, Alberta.

Snell, Charles William May 19, 1927 – January 13, 2021

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Charlie on January 13, 2021.

At a very young age Charlie started farming in Oyen, Alberta, he worked hard all his life but still found time to enjoy sometime to himself. Charlie married Ethel Chester and they had four children: daughter Darlene (Tom) Pankratz -children: Jonathan(Nadine) Pankratz, and Sarah (Malcom) Watson; sons: Rupert (Marie) – children: Chad (Joleen) Porfoun, Daniel, Jody, Kate (Andy Stroomer) ; Bill

-children: Amanda (Jeff Carleton), Travis (Jody) McKenzie (Francois); Jim (Roberta) – Children: Tammy, Tenielle, Tanner (Sheenagh Snell); and 14 great grandchildren.

Charlie married Ethel Nicholls in 2006 and added an additional family of two step-daughters: Cheryl (Darcy) Jaffray – children: Robyn (Cory Baldwin), Mitchell (Shawna) Jaffray, Nicole (Mike Beauchamp) and Corinne (Brian Jaffray) –children: Matthew, Mori sa (Adam Miller) and 9 great grandchildren.

Charlie also leaves to mourn his passing one sister Grace who is 102 years of age plus many precious nieces and nephews that he truly loved and many friends.

Oyen to Calgary, Edmonton and Medicine Hat as well as took many pleasure trips which he really enjoyed.

For those wishing to make a memorial contribution in Charlie’s name may do so to STARS.

A celebration of Charlie’s life will be held at a later date at the Chapel of the Rocky Funeral Home, Rocky Mountain House, Alberta on September 11, 2021.

Cremation entrusted to the Rocky Mountain Crematorium, Rocky Mountain House, Alberta Condolences may be forwarded to: www. rockyfuneralhome.ca

Rocky and Sylvan Lake Funeral Homes and Crematorium, your Golden Rule Funeral Homes, entrusted with the arrangements, 403 845 2626

Charlie was predeceased by his first wife Ethel Chester Snell, his brothers: Ross and Stuart; sister Hazel Marten and granddaughter Tonya.

Charlie not only farmed but got his pilot’s license in 1974 and owned his own airplane, he flew Medic trips from

David J. Anderson D.D. & Caitlin Geiger D.D. 109 - 1st Ave. West, Kindersley, SK 1-306-463-4124

& Caitlin Geiger D.D. 109 - 1st Ave. West, Kindersley, SK 1-306-463-4124

Kate Winquist, Independent Publisher

Sure-Fire Streaming:

The best in TV and film from your living room

JORDAN PARKER

https://parkerandpictures.wordpress.com/

Sonic the Hedgehog – Available On Prime

Back when a Sonic movie was announced, a Twitter firestorm launched after a lazy character rendering of the speedy 90s videogame hedgehog was released.

Never before have I seen such fan service – These filmmakers re-branded and changed the Sonic character to look more believable, and their bet paid off.

Adults – full of nostalgia from playing the game on their Sega systems –and their kids arrived in droves to see the flick.

The best part? Sonic ended up actually being pretty darn good. It’s a lively adaptation, full of wit, with a wonderful voice performance from Ben Schwartz and the most full-bodied comedic turn from Jim Carrey in a decade make this a must-see.

When a small-town police officer discovers pesky sonic, he must help him fight off evil genius Dr. Robotnik, who is trying to steal him to do experiments on him.

With an A-grade cast, laughs for all ages and a generally fun atmosphere, it’s the perfect escapism for these modern times.

The Vanished – Available On Netflix

When you spend as much time watching movies as I do, not many twists and turns come as a surprise.

But The Vanished lands squarely on this list because it came right out of nowhere and left me gobsmacked.

Two parents camping at an RV park suffer their worst nightmare when their daughter goes missing, and they soon realize they’ll need to take the investiga-

tion into their own hands.

As they spar with law enforcement and search for their little girl, they recognize they’ll stop at nothing to find her.

This leads to some consequences and actions they’ll never be able to take back or forget, as they push against their own morals and boundaries to find their little girl.

Thomas Jane and Anne Heche, two of the most underrated actors working, sell this picture. But you need to see this heartstopping ending for yourself.

Pieces Of A Woman – Available On Netflix

This is, quite honestly, the most difficult film I’ve seen in the past decade.

Following a home birth that ends in absolute tragedy, a couple tries to pull together the remaining pieces of their relationship, but don’t know how to console each other.

The two lovers are dealing with the fragments of something that was dismantled for reasons beyond their control, and they struggle with what to do.

Vanessa Kirby gives an Oscar-worthy performance here as a woman struggling with losing her child, and Ellen Burstyn is the best she’s been in 20 years as a mother who just wants to hold her child and make things better.

It’s a tearful, heartbreaking affair, but you won’t catch a more raw, captivating flick this year. I guarantee it.

The Lovebirds – Available On Netflix

As a long-time couple comes to the realization they can no longer particularly stand each other, they’re put in a situation where they must band together to survive.

This comedy about two lovers who witness a murder is about as fresh, funny and enjoyable as it can get.

Issa Rae – the incredible star of HBO’s Insecure – and Kumail Nanjiani, who starred in comedy The Big Sick, have pretty impeccable chemistry here. They’re hilarious together, and they make this whole thing work.

It’s a foul-mouthed adult comedy, but one with a big beating heart, and that counts for something.

I belly-laughed numerous times, and there were surprises-aplenty in a movie I truly wish audiences could have experienced on the big-screen. This one is best with an audience, but your bubble should all really have fun with this one.

Yellowstone – Available On Prime

From the man behind such incredible hits as Sicario and Hell Or High Water comes this incredible Paramount series.

Yellowstone is about a wealthy ranching family – think Dynasty, but better acted – who face scrutiny and attempts to usurp their stronghold in the valley, even as they fight within the family as well.

Kevin Costner stars as patriarch John Dutton, and his no-nonsense, family-first character makes for the best work I’ve seen the acting legend do in years.

Playing his offspring are Luke Grimes, the criminally underrated Wes Bentley, and Kelly Reilly, who is fierce as foul-mouthed daughter Beth.

With ranch-hands who live and die by his orders and his security and righthand man Rip Wheeler (Cole Hauser in the role of his career) doing his bidding, John Dutton does some despicable things while staying away from the real danger.

This is an addicting show and entirely worth a

regret it.

WEEK OF JANUARY 24 TO 30, 2021

THE LUCKIEST SIGNS THIS WEEK: VIRGO, LIBRA AND SCORPIO

ARIES

After a few celebrations, your house might feel like it’s been turned upside down, so you’ll quickly set about restoring order. A major cleaning is needed, and you’ll unclutter your mind in the process.

TAURUS

You won’t hesitate to speak your mind and voice your concerns when others won’t. You might also write a poem or express something that ends up being quoted around the world, much to your surprise.

GEMINI

You’ll be worried about a financial issue. It’s probably just a simple mistake though, such as a bill addressed to the wrong person. You’ll soon be smiling again, and your natural charisma will return.

CANCER

You’ll have a lot going on. Your loved ones will get you to participate in a few activities or at least succeed in getting you out of the house. You’ll be talked into signing up for a group course of some kind.

LEO

You’ll need a second cup of coffee to feel like yourself and do away with procrastination. Afterward, you’ll become incredibly effective at kickstarting new projects and achieving certain goals.

VIRGO

In the middle of a crowd, you won’t always know how to push your way through it. At work, your boss, clients or colleagues will frequently seem uncertain and make a lot of vague requests.

LIBRA

At work, you’ll be entitled to a significant promotion. Before you agree to anything, however, it’s vital that you talk it over with your partner and the rest of your family to avoid any misunderstandings.

SCORPIO

The winter blues are setting in and beginning to affect you more and more. It won’t be long before you start planning a vacation somewhere tropical. Good times ahead will reenergize you.

SAGITTARIUS

You’ll be very sensitive, and your emotions might play tricks on you. You’ll shed some light on a nefarious affair at work or possibly within the family.

CAPRICORN

You’ll need to hone your negotiation skills, both in your personal and professional life. You have everything you need to reach a lasting agreement that will impact the rest of your career.

AQUARIUS

You’ll find yourself the focus of everyone’s attention, which will make you very happy. You might also receive a reward or possibly some kind of promotion at work.

PISCES

You

If your health is the least bit fragile these days, it would be a good idea to take some time to rest. Fortunately, the sleep you get will be incredibly restorative, and you’ll quickly recover your strength.

CROSSWORD PUZZLE ANSWERS

Classifieds

RATES (based on 25 words or less). $10.00 plus GST. Additional words are 20¢ each. Deadline is Thursday noon. 306-463-2211

Oyen & District Chamber of Commerce is ‘tentatively’ planning their Annual General Supper Meeting

Thursday, January 28

6 pm @ the Meeting Room in the Crossroads Centre (if provincial restrictions are lifted) RSVP to Lucille @ 403-664-0172 or Lucille.hertz@atco.com by noon Thursday, January 28

Zoom AGM February 3, 2021, 7 PM

Please email Quinton Flint for invite. Quintonf@town.coronation.ab.ca

BLANKET ALBERTA

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

BLANKET THE PROVINCE with a classified ad. Only $269 (based on 25 words or less). Reach 90 weekly newspapers. Call NOW for details. 1-800-282-6903 Ext 225; www.awna.com.

•

Expected Job Tasks include but are not limited to;

• Assist in creating, entering and tracking daily cost tickets,

• Data entry and cost tracking of all assets,

• Data entry, report generating and cost tracking of gravel pit volumes and expenses,

• Tracking and generating Sask. PST reports,

• Assist with updating and maintaining websites,

• Various filing,

• Other administrative duties forthcoming.

If you feel that this position may be for you, please forward a resume with references and a cover letter to vortraxsafety@netago.ca

*Due to COVID please do not drop a resume off in person*

We will be accepting resumes until February 7th 2021 and contacting those short listed the following week. Start date will be anywhere from February 15th to March 1st. We would like to thank everyone for their interest.

DO YOU WANT TO PUT YOUR PICK-UP TRUCK TO WORK? Roadex is seeking 1-ton owners to transport RV’s throughout N. America. Class of license required depends on province. Subsidized health and dental insurance, competitive rates, fuel discounts. Driver must have valid passport, be able to cross the border, pass a drug test and must be 21 years or older. For more information about us, please visit our website at roadexservices.com. To apply, please email resume and a current driver’s abstract to: recruiting@roadexservices. com.

FEED AND SEED

LOOKING TO BUY feed barley or feed wheat. Call Gary at 780-674-0673 or Schmidt Livestock at 780-674-2851.

HEATED CANOLA buying Green, Heated or Springthrashed Canola. Buying: oats, barley, wheat & peas for feed. Buying damaged or offgrade grain. “On Farm Pickup” Westcan Feed & Grain, 1-877-2505252.

FOR SALE

INTEGRITY POST FRAME BUILDINGS since 2008 BUILT WITH CONCRETE POSTS. Barns, Shops, Riding Arenas, Machine Sheds and more, sales@integritybuilt.com 1-866-974-7678 www.integritybuilt.com

LAND FOR SALE

DUCKS UNLIMITED CANADA has for sale 4 project lands in Beaver County. Land locations are: SW27-50-16-W4, SE 18-4914 W4M, S½ 3-46-11 W4M and NW 32-47-13 W4M. Call Brent Thygesen, b_thygesen@ducks.ca or 780 678-0150.

HEALTH

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

REAL ESTATE

VERY INEXPENSIVE

Blanket classified ads are produced through a joint agreement by The Oyen Echo and the Alberta Weekly Newspaper Association (AWNA). They appear in all 90 AWNA members’ community newspapers for $269. ($299 for Employment Opportunity, also posted on AWNA Careers online) for the first 25 words, $8 for each word over 25 (+GST). To place a blanket classified call THE OYEN ECHO 306-463-2211.

LAND, Central SK, for sale. 8 other good quarters may be available. Requires fencing. Great hunting $74,900. Call Doug at 306-716-2671.

SERVICES

CRIMINAL RECORD? Why suffer employment/licensing loss? Travel/business opportunities? Be embarrassed? Think: Criminal Pardon. US entry waiver. Record purge. File destruction. Free consultation. 1-800347-2540. www.accesslegalmjf.com

GET YOUR MESSAGE

SEEN ACROSS Alberta. The Blanket Classifieds or Value Ads reach over 600,000 Alberta readers weekly. Two options starting at $269 or $995 to get your message out! Business changes, hiring, items for sale, cancellations, tenders, etc. People are increasingly staying home and rely on their local newspapers for information. KEEP people in the loop with our 90 Weekly Community Newspapers. Call THIS NEWSPAPER now or email classifieds@awna.com for details. 1-800-282-6903, 780-434-8746 X225. www awna.com.

GET BACK ON TRACK! Bad credit? Bills? Unemployed? Need Money? We Lend! If you own your own homeyou qualify. Pioneer Acceptance Corp. Member BBB. 1-877-987-1420. www.pioneerwest.com.

(Part-time Temporary)

Special duties will include, but are not limited to:

• Promote adult literacy programs in all communities served

• Plan, develop, coordinate, deliver and evaluate programs

• Recruit, interview and assess potential learners

• Network with other literacy organizations and community agencies

• Meet the requirements set out by Alberta Advanced Education for Community Adult Learning Program (CALP).

Requirements:

• Post-secondary degree in Education, Adult Learning, or a related field, or a combination of relevant education and experience

• Must be able to work independently

• Excellent oral and written communication skills

• Experience in teaching adult basic reading, writing, numeracy, computer skills, and English as a Second Language (ESL)

• Computer proficiency with experience in using distance learning platforms and integrating technology into learning

• Police information check

This is a part-time temporary position (maternity leave) from April 2021 to April 2022 at 20 hours/week (July & August off). Deadline to apply: February 12, 2021 Submit resume and three references to: Sherri Robertson, Secretary-Coordinator

Big Country Community Adult Learning Council Box 667, Oyen, AB T0J 2J0 Ph: 403-664-2060 Email: bccalc@telusplanet.net

Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

The Oyen Law Office of Niblock & compaNy llp

commencing at 1:00 p.m. Jeffrey J. Neumann in attendance on January 28th and February 18th

The Chinook Applied Research Association is driven by farmers and ranchers in east central Alberta to bring innovative and profitable practices to the local agricultural industry. Based in Oyen Alberta, CARA’s program includes a wide range of applied research, demonstration and extension projects.

The Summer Technicians will work closely with Agronomists and Field Technicians to ensure trials are of outstanding quality. Responsibilities will include:

• Assisting with the establishment, maintenance, harvest and data collection from various applied research and demonstration projects

• Assisting with tours, field days and other extension events

Qualifications for the position include:

• Student of an agricultural, environmental or science program

• Valid driver’s license

• Good communication skills

• Self-motivated and organized

• Working knowledge of word and excel computer programs

• Ability to work both independently and in a team atmosphere

Why work for CARA?

• Learn skills in agricultural research and extension

• Opportunity to work in the great outdoors

• Opportunity for personal development

Please submit resumes to cara-dw@telus.net or to Box 690, Oyen, Alberta T0J 2J0 by February 12, 2021

R. Barry Miskuski, John F. Stodalka, Jeffrey J. Neumann, Ronald B. Baba, Marilyn A. Hermann, Bryce R. Farrell, Darren E. Folkersen will be open

MARCH 6 MARCH 6

• Explore our campus & facilities from home

• Find out how to earn course credit and an official MyExperience Transcript for workplace, study-abroad, research and other hands-on learning

• Learn more about our extraordinary courses & programs, opportunities student supports and more

WHO IS OPEN HOUSE FOR?

• High-school students

• College students

• Mature students

• Prospective graduate students

• Family & friends

A Guide to Post Secondary Education

WrittenbytheMedicineHat College

At the University of Lethbridge EXPERIENCE MATTERS

students to transfer to

Applications are now open for this program, with the first intake of students to begin their

theory.

Learners will engage in experiential learning opportunities to gain

teaches a systems-think ing approach to sustainable agriculture and will equip learners with the knowledge and skills

Your education is more than what you learn in the classroom. At uLethbridge, you’ll prepare for the career world by gaining first-hand experiences, new skills and the ability to apply your knowledge.

Now, you can show what sets you apart with uLethbridge’s unique MyExperience Transcript (MET). A record of your high-impact experiences, you can share your MET with future employers, professional associations, volunteer boards and others to illustrate your competitive edge.

Here are a few examples of experiential learning opportunities at uLethbridge, by category:

Leadership

• uLethbridge Students’ Union & Graduate Students’ Association executive & council roles

• Student clubs/organizations executive roles

• Student-for-a-Day leaders, student mentors, tutors

• Residence assistants

• Pronghorns athletes

Research, creative expression & authorship

• Independent study

• Exhibitions, performances & productions, studio coursework, ensemble or performance groups

• Publication authorship/co-authorship

Innovation & entrepreneurship

• AGILITY programming

Travel & global citizenship

• International exchange (outbound), study tours, courses offered abroad, work-study, Semester at Sea, archaeological field school, Malawi field study

Work-integrated learning

• Co-operative education

• Applied studies

• Internships, practicum placements and preceptorships

Community service

• uVolunteer experiences

• CKXU, The Meliorist, PRIDE Centre, Women’s Centre, LPIRG, ULSU Volunteer Crew experience

subject to market forces.”

Employment opportunities that stem from the completion of the Agroecology Technician

Professional development

emerge. Students will taught about free food production design systems, low input parks and community spaces,

• Workshops, conferences & speakers’ series

• Integrated Management Experience & Student-Managed Investment Fund

• Mental Health First Aid

• The Inquiring Mind

Early Start Experience

region,” remarks Smith.

Upon completion of the diploma, the opportunity further exists for

For more information on MHC’s Agroecology Technician program or pointment with a career specialist or academic advisor, call 1-866-2828394.

Creative passion becomes profession

Writtenbythe MedicineHat College

the executive of clubs, a teaching assistant, a French tutor, a volunteer for the International Centre and more. To sum up, uLethbridge puts you on the path to success by helping you build relationships, find opportunities and develop new experiences and skills.”

Lorenzo Bachman-Conrad

With the Early Start Experience (ESE), first-year students take and earn credit for a liberal education course before the Fall 2021 term starts. Get to know the Lethbridge Campus, meet fellow students and your professors and learn about the resources available to you, while making the transition from high school to university easier and giving you credit toward your degree.

Did you know?

From small town Saskatchewan to beautiful British Columbia, education at Medicine Hat College (MHC) helped pave the way to a career of joy and fulfillment for Myron Campbell.

• The average salary of uLethbridge co-op students is $25.77/hour. 1

• The national average is $21.03. 95% of uLethbridge coop students received positive performance evaluations. 1

• The Fall 2020 term saw 1,222 uLethbridge students participate in at least one work-integrated learning experience, for a total of 63,385 placement hours

• The MyExperience calendar saw 2,426 registrations for 180 virtual events and workshops during the Fall 2020 term.

1 Career Bridge WIL Annual Report 2018-19

Meet a few uLethbridge students who are learning by doing:

Valentine Deregnaucourt

Bachelor of Science student | Major: Kinesiology

When Valentine moved to Canada from France, she looked for a university known for its research programs, innovation, and ability to help students develop skills and work experience.

“Since I started at uLethbridge, I’ve had so many opportunities and experiences. Because it’s a small university, I was able to get to know my professors, and staff. In my first two years, I was involved in three different research projects, on

“Medicine Hat was the

Dhillon School of Business student | Major: Computer Science, Minor: New Media

Lorenzo is building an impressive resume and a strong network by working where he learns. His campus roles so far include lifeguard, teaching assistant, tutor and marketing designer/consultant.

I am on any given day. I was introduced to every medium possible and then built up my practice to what suited me. I received a real broad training which was so awesome.”

“I started as a lifeguard for Horns Recreation at the University, and now provide marketing support for the department. It is incredible to work for the same institution where you learn. I’ m a teaching assistant in the Dhillon School of Business, and love having the opportunity to help students make connections and apply course concepts in a new and exciting way. I was also working on a textbook with one of my instructors, but it was put on hold because of COVID-19.”

Haley Shade

Campbell praises a professor he had at MHC as a huge inspiration and driving force behind where he is today, a role he strives to fill for the students he now teaches.

Bachelor of Science student | Major: Biological Sciences

In the Cancer Cell and Natural Product Laboratories at uLethbridge, Haley is gaining valuable research experience testing prairie plants for anti-cancer compounds.

“Working in the lab, I’ve learned more about the scientific process and gained experience conducting my own research, working in a laboratory and refining my skills. In addition to setting up experiments investigate the plants we work with, I’m going back into the community to speak with medicine men and Elders to learn more about the Traditional uses of each plant.”

Learn more about uLethbridge programs, experiences, opportunities and supports at our Virtual Open House, March 6.

“It’s an ideal academic pathway for someone like me who can’t de-

Learn more about Art & Design and all of the programs Medicine Hat College has to offer at www.mhc.ab.ca. To schedule an appointment with a career specialist or academic advi-

For details, to register for Open House or to apply to uLethbridge, visit uLethbridge.ca

In the Cancer Cell and Natural Product Laboratories at uLethbridge, students gain valuable research experience testing prairie plants for anti-cancer compounds. | UNIVERSITY OF LETHBRIDGE PHOTO