was told the hydrants may only require some gaskets and O-rings and won’t require digging up the pavement.
After looking at the proposed operating budget Coun. Clark German complimented the CAO.
“I think you did an excellent job Elaine,” said German.
He also asked the CAO if she’d had a chance to look into the amount of water Big Valley actually purchased, but Macdonald answered she wasn’t able to do that yet.
German noted he felt the village should be as prepared as possible for water purchases because an unexpected and non-budgeted purchase could have a big financial effect on the village.
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.
I
show you steps to minimize income taxes and keep more of what you earn.
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Hello, everyone. Everything still looks great outdoors, and we’re still getting showers here and there. Crops look good, and it’s nice to see the trees looking so green this year. The rodeo theme is still up in the Lodge till the end of the month. The Pollockville Bronc match is on July 25th-27th, and the Medicine Hat Stampede is July 24th-27th. July 26th is “National Day of the Cowboy”.
Monday morning started with exercises followed by a one-on-one Scrabble game. I squeaked by with a win by only a few points. It helps when you get the right letters, but that doesn’t happen too often. Then there was Catholic Church with Father Rodell. In the afternoon, there was bingo. Happy Birthday to Janice Kulche and Amy Brown on July 14th.
Tuesday started with exercises and the regular bus run downtown for shopping. We did some walking in the building as opposed to outdoors because of the heavy smoke. In the afternoon, there was an ice cream parlour, in which floats, sundaes and banana splits were served.
Wednesday, the Company “If The Shoe Fits” were
at the Lodge from 10:00-2:00. It’s nice they are at the Lodge twice a year, so the residents never have to travel to the city for shoes, etc. In the afternoon, there were shuffleboard games.
Thursday morning, there were exercises followed by a one-on-one with a resident to do some baking. In the afternoon, we had coffee and ice cream treats in the gazebo.
Friday morning was horse races. #6 horse Topsy was the top winner that day. After that, there was an outdoor walk. In the afternoon there was bingo, and in the evening was music by Dale Huston.
I would like to thank Tracy Hudson for the cowboy décor, which she will be donating to the Lodge. It is greatly appreciated, and the residents really enjoy them. I would also like to thank The Oyen Echo for putting the pictures of our events and activities in the paper. Everyone loves pictures!
There will be no news for a few weeks, so I hope everyone enjoys the rest of July and has some summer fun.
“The rodeo is not just a sport; it’s a way of life.”
“A true cowboy is someone who gets back on the horse after every fall.”
The Oyen Lodge residents had so much fun during rodeo week, we thought we’d share some more photos! PHOTOS BY DIANNE SPATH
OPINION:
Listen to what everyday Canadians are saying
BY JOAN JANZEN
A husband said, “A lot of women say their husbands don’t listen. Luckily, I’ve never heard my wife say that.”
Similar words could be spoken by our federal government: “A lot of Canadians say their government isn’t listening to them. Luckily, we haven’t heard any Canadians say that.”
However, the government is saying departments are instructed to identify 7.5% spending cuts in 2026, which will increase to 10% in 2027, as they project to launch a spending review. At the same time, their recently released spending program calls for an 8.4 percent increase in 2025-26. It makes no sense.
Franco Terrazzano from the Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) said online, “Even if the government sticks to its current plan to cut back, you’re still paying for a bigger bureaucracy taking bigger pay cheques. The cost of the federal bureaucracy increased 73 percent since 2015, as they added an additional 99,000 employees since 2016! Are you getting anywhere close to 73 percent better service from the federal government?”
It appears the government can safely make substantial cutbacks without affecting services. Let’s give them a few suggestions.
According to Fraser Institute experts, the deficit is headed towards $100 bil-
lion. Deficit means the government is spending far more money than it’s bringing in.
They could cut out pay raises, after handing out more than $1 million of them over the past four years. All MPs took home a total of six pay raises since 2020, even though their starting salary is $210,000.
“According to access to information requests, more than 110,000 bureaucrats are getting a six-figure salary,” Franco reported.
Therefore, the government should put a stop to taxpayer-funded bonuses, after they’ve rubber-stamped $1.5 billion in bonuses during the past decade.
Speaking of bonuses, according to more access to information records obtained by CTF, the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) gave out $30.8 million in bonuses in 2024. This means 2,398 CMHC staff each received an average bonus of $12,865. The records also show that twelve CMHC executives each took home an average bonus of $84,859.
“The political bubble of Ottawa is so detached from reality,” Franco observed. “Global Affairs might be the greatest waste offenders in all of government, and that’s saying a lot.” He gave the example of Global Affairs Canada buying $527,000 worth of artwork during a year-end spending spree in
TO THE EDITOR:
Critchley is up for the job
I am proud to say that I live in the Carleton riding that voted out Pierre Poilievre. Not because he’s mean spirited and, as he claims, ‘wanted to reduce the civil service’, but simply because his opponent, Bruce Fanjoy will truly represent our riding. Bruce knocked on doors, listened his constituents, and is genuinely committed to representing our interests. He was the only local politician who seemed to care. Pierre didn’t show up for us, too busy trashing Mark Carney.
When I listened to Bonnie Critchley’s interview, I thought how lucky this riding would be to have her as your rep-
resentative. Like Bruce Fanjoy, she is all the things that Pierre Poilievre isn’t. A member of parliament is all about having a seat at the table to voice your riding’s issues and concerns. Bonnie is more than up for the job.
Pierre will only be focused on being at the head of the table. He’s already pushed the person you elected aside, no thought for your riding. The only thing stopping him is you.
Voters of Battle River-Crowfoot you have the power. We did it, you can too. Bonnie is one of you, and will serve you well as your Member of Parliament.
Alison Armstrong Carleton Riding
2023 and 2024. It’s just one of many examples.
The last available records showed the government spent $15.5 billion on foreign aid in 2022, and annually spent $11.2 billion on corporate welfare. Those are two areas which could be considered during a spending review, but there are more.
Last year, a seven-person panel was formed to get advice on the future of the CBC. It was stacked with ex-CBC staff, and according to records obtained by CTF, the panel cost taxpayers approximately $200,000. And what results did the panel reveal in February 2025? The panel proposed that the federal government nearly double CBC’s annual funding. You can’t make this stuff up.
The CBC already cost taxpayers $1.4 billion this year, and Access to Information records revealed some interesting data. Ten years ago, there were 438 CBC employees receiving huge salaries; In 2024-2025, 1,831 employees received six-figure salaries, costing taxpayers $240 million. There’s no information given as to what role these employees hold, and there are more employees besides those big wage earners.
“Why do we have a state broadcaster? It’s never been easier for people to access information.” Franco mused.
Meanwhile, the Prime Minister is residing at Rideau Cottage. The official
residence of the Prime Minister at 24 Sussex Drive has been closed to the public since 2022. The National Capital Commission (NCC) has spent $4.3 million on removing flooring, plaster and mechanical and electrical systems, and estimates it would cost $36.6 million to restore 24 Sussex Drive to good condition. NCC spends approximately $8.5 million per year renovating and maintaining the six official government residences.
Those are just a few areas where spending cuts would not impact the lives of average Canadians. The federal government could look at Argentina as an example of successful spending cuts.
At the close of 2023, newly elected president Javier Milei told his nation there was no money. Within one month, he slashed public spending by 30% and eliminated half the federal cabinet ministries. He got the state out of the way so ordinary people could rebuild what government overreach had damaged.
Less than two years later, Argentina’s inflation is falling every month; the economy has grown 7.7 percent since mid-2024, poverty is declining, and investment is returning. All of this happened while economists warned he would bring disaster, labour unions protested, and the media predicted chaos. Sounds familiar, doesn’t it? If Argentina can do it, so can Canada.
Pop89: How wars start
BY MADONNA HAMEL
When I and my five siblings were young and got into scrapes with each other, raising our voices, yelling and blaming the other for taking our toys, or the last cookie or just being annoying, my mother had the power to silence us with the phrase: “That’s how wars start.” Even as kids we knew that hollering and blaming were not ways to solve our problems. We older ones were expected to be good examples, to be there for each other, and speak up for the less fortunate. And I recall that, for days after after my Confirmation, (the Catholic sacrament that marks one’s passage into adolescence), I walked around feeling protected by a holy spirit that would give me the grace and courage to defend the younger kids, rather than pick fights with them. I imagined myself clothed in chainmail and bearing a sword, a valiant St. Joan of my lumber town. While it didn’t take long to get into another kerfuffle, I was conscious of the truth that yelling and name-calling were no solution to my problems. At twelve years old, I knew I had to learn how to keep my temper from boiling over. If I wanted to enjoy life, and, most of all, contribute to the betterment life in general, I had to hear people’s stories, not just tell my own over and over, louder and louder. I had to try and be on good terms with people, not just expect respect from them. I had to understand that everybody has needs and fears, not just me. In order to enjoy life, in order to live and play with my siblings and my neighbours and my school mates, I had to hear other’s voices.
Recently the pope spoke about an upcoming charity soccer match and the power of sports to actually bring opposing forces together. He cited the story of the truce at Christmas in WWI where German, French and English soldiers joined each other in a soccer match. He reminded us that a “match” can be a “meeting… where even adversaries find a cause that unites them:
Big Country Agricultural Society’s Oyen indoor Rodeo Raffle Box 50/50 Winner, drawn July 13, 2025: Congratulations to Susan Senkiw of Sibbald who is now $10,000 richer! BCAS president Quinn Wagstaff made the presentation.
PHOTO BY DIANA WALKER
ASHLEY D. HERRMANN in attendance on Wednesday, July 23, August 20, September 17 & October 15
KIPLING B. WEISE in attendance on Wednesday, August 6, September 3, October 1, October 29 & November 26
The media has helped feed an economy of outrage that depends upon a supply of outrageousness to keep the viewers tuning in and the ratings rising.
this year, in particular, that of the children who ask for help, the children arriving in Italy from war zones.”
Sadly, he added, with traces of sorrow showing in his eyes as he spoke softly, from a voice of reason and a posture of composed and unwavering compassion, “it seems increasingly difficult, almost impossible, to find spaces to listen to these things.”
“We must,” he reminded us, “create opportunities to challenge divisions and recognize that this is the greatest challenge: meeting. Contribute together to a good cause. Restore unity to broken hearts, our own and those of others.”
I just got back from a trip to Spruce Coulee in Cypress Hills with three of my sisters, two sisters-in-law and a buddy from university days. All seven women in a two-room cabin for four days, one of which was spent indoors due to a 24-hour rainfall. We played cards, read books, ate chips, stoked a fire and told stories. We were happy to reconnect after skipping a year due to family illnesses and stresses.
Despite a feeling of world-weariness after two years of frightening hardships and sudden life-changes, we laughed a lot in that little cabin. It became evident that we’d each grown a great deal, due mostly to the steady support and encouragement of family.
We were lucky to “find the space” required to listen to the things that matter. And to remind ourselves it behooves us, as adults, to create many more spaces in our daily lives to speak of those things. We need to be brave and composed, speak softly but unwaveringly about any skewed priorities.
The Western world leaders drank the Kool-aid when it adapted the belief that, at all costs, it must not upset the bully. This is not leadership, this is cow-towing. We need a space where hearts and souls are present, where we bestow authority upon those who still know how to care about kids bleeding to death in war zones, about people seeking sanctuary. Do we really need to up our insult-game?
What good is it doing for the world to facilitate a man who rose to power by denigrating, debasing, degrading others? Why aren’t we all calling him out in person? Saying “Stop talking to us that way. That’s how wars start.”? If only enough people in the room said: “Sorry, call us when you get some manners.”
It’s not just his supporters giving him airtime. Smug editors of left-leaning magazines and news shows love to give the president a megaphone. His rudeness guarantees readership. “I’m about to raise your ratings,” he tells them. Thanks, they say, proving once again that morals don’t matter when money takes over.
The media has helped feed an economy of outrage that depends upon a supply of outrageousness to keep the viewers tuning in and the ratings rising. And the president – who cares most about attention and money and could care less about harm to others, or to his own psyche, soul, heart and mind – has a limitless supply of outrageousness.
What if we revered money less and kindness more? What if, instead of creating more mud-hurling, war-starting YouTube channels and podcasts, we gave more of our attention, concern, time and energy to children killed in bombings, to graciousness, to intelligent conversation, to gentle humour and fulfilling encounters? It doesn’t take “balls” to counter selfishness; it takes heart. Turn off the computer, stop being the voyeur of the never-ending train wreck that makes money off your anxiety. Visit a sick friend, call a family member, spend a week camping with people you claim to love but haven’t actually had a real conversation with in a very long time. Create a space wherein you listen to what really matters. Say a prayer, share a meal, take a walk together. Before it’s too late.
Acadia Municipal Library
BY TRICIA FISCHBUCH Library Manager
This week’s new book collection includes The Perfect Son by Freida McFadden in adult fiction, 52 Weeks of Accessories: Beautiful Patterns for Year-Round Knitting in non-fiction, and The Day the Crayons Made Friends by Drew Daywalt and Heart Takes the Lead: Maybe Brain Is Not Always Right by Scott Stuart in the picture book section.
Remember that the library is closed for the next two weeks and will reopen on Tuesday August 5th.
Congratulations to Ayden Jarvis who won the first weekly reading contest at the Summer Reading Program! He received an ice cream gift certificate for the Prairie Elevator Teahouse for reading 525 minutes last week (that’s 8 hours and 45 minutes!). Great job, Ayden!
The reading contest will continue during the break and minutes can be handed in at the next Summer Reading Program session on August 7th. Kids can join the contest at any time and reading logs are available for pick-up in the library. Reading logs can also be requested through email while the library is closed at aavalibrary@marigold. ab.ca
The movie Karate Kid (2010 version) will be showing at the library on Tuesday August 12th. All kids are welcome to attend and a free snack will be provided.
“Books and summertime go together.”
Lisa Schroeder
Congratulations to Ayden Jarvis who won the reading contest for last week!
McKenna departure a big blow for WHL
BY BRUCE PENTON
The most electrifying player in Western Canada hockey circles is chasing big bucks south of the border and won’t be displaying his ‘how-did-hedo-that?’ talent this winter in the Western Hockey League..
BY BRUCE PENTON Sports Columnist
Gavin McKenna, 17, and the presumed No. 1 pick in the National Hockey League draft 11 months from now, announced July 8 he would be enrolling at Penn State and playing for the school’s hockey team.. Instead of making $100 a week or so playing for the Medicine Hat Tigers and facing a gruelling 68-game schedule that would have taken him on cold bus rides to 22 other cities in the west, McKenna and his new Penn State mates will travel in luxury — short regional bus trips and the occasional air flight.
What was the attraction? Why Penn State over Medicine Hat, which could have made another legitimate run at the Memorial Cup? There were, in fact, 700,000 attractions. As in $700,000, the reported value of the deal he signed with Penn State under the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s NIL (name, image, likeness) policy.
The NIL policy resulted from a series of legal challenges aimed at compensating athletes for the commercial use of their identities. It wasn’t too long ago that an aspiring NHLer who had designs on playing college hockey in the U.S. could not appear in a WHL game, lest his NCAA eligibility be ruined for competing as a ‘professional.’ The WHL is hardly a professional league, but players do get some minor com-
While McKenna is a big winner, the list of losers is longer.
pensation so they can fill up their gas tank, or buy an occasional Big Mac.
But all that changed when the NIL policy came into effect in 2022. Thirteen years earlier, a UCLA basketball player, Ed O’Bannon, filed a class action suit against the NCAA, arguing anti-trust laws were being violated by the schools profiting from athletes’ names and images, with no compensation going to the players.
He eventually won the suit, and the door flew wide open for every college sport in the U.S. to pay its players for helping to fill 70,000 seat football stadiums, 18,000-seat basketball field houses and 15,000-seat arenas. Player agents swooped in to represent the best athletes and negotiate deals based on ability and potential media exposure.
McKenna’s reported $700,000 deal with Penn State will be one of the most lucrative of all hockey players. He’ll suit up for the Nittany Lions for one year before getting drafted and turning pro in 2026. Last year, Penn State played 40 games, allowing players plenty of time for schoolwork (as if!) and practice. For players in the WHL, it’s almost a full-time job from September to April.
While McKenna is a big winner, the list of losers is longer: Thousands of WHL fans won’t get to see the next generational player; WHL owners will lose big at the gate, because McKenna would be a huge draw; and the Tigers, who had hopes of contending for the WHL title again this year, appear en route to a mediocre season.
Unfortunately, this U.S. college NIL policy could be a Canadian junior hockey killer.
• Comedy writer Alex Kaseberg: “Chicago native Pope Leo wore a White Sox hat. Or as Cubs fans
call it: the seventh sign of the apocalypse.”
• Headline at the onion.com: “WNBA To Expand Into Three More Cities As Caitlin Clark Cloning Experiment Nears Completion”
• Mike Bianchi of the Orlando Sentinel: “Quote of the week comes from Urban Meyer on an unnamed college program offering him a job as a general manager, where his main task would have been dealing with the agents of 17- and 18-yearold high school and college football players. ‘I’d rather step on a rusty nail and pull it out myself.’”
• Bianchi again: “By the way, can you imagine a negotiating session between Urban Meyer and a sports agent? You’d need a referee, a priest, a federal investigator and a tetanus shot.”
• Janice Hough of leftcoastsportsbabe.com, an avid San Francisco Giants fan: “Los Angeles Dodgers have lost seven consecutive games for the first time since 2017. Thoughts and prayers.”
• Comedy writer Alex Kaseberg: “The Colorado Rockies are now the third worst team in MLB history. To which the Chicago White Sox said, ‘Hey guys, we’re working this side of the street.’”
• RJ Currie of sportsdeke.com: “Soccer Gold Cup favourite Canada was eliminated in the quarterfinal by Guatemala. This might be harder for Canadians to bear than Justin Bieber.”
• Headline at theonion.com: “White Sox Fans Asked To Remove Polish Sausage From Mouths During National Anthem
• Blue Jays’ manager John Schneider, about his team’s recent 10-game winning streak: “In about 10 days, I went from very mediocre to a really good manager.”
• Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun: “An old joke of my father’s: ‘I have two sons. One at Penn State. The other at State Pen.’”
Care to comment? Email brucepenton2003@yahoo.ca
Bud Herbert
Master Electrician, Red Seal Instrumentation PO Box 193, Oyen, AB T0J 2J0
Cell: 403-664-9637
buds_e_i_services@yahoo.com
Office: 403-676-2162
Fax: 403-676-2152
KEEP IN TOUCH!
Send us your story ideas, photos, sports scores. If it matters to you, it matters to us! Call 306-463-2211 or email Kate at kate@yourwestcentral.com
VIVA VITALITY:
Water Safety 101
BY LAURA LUKYE
Summer is here and water safety should be top of mind. Drowning is still one of the most preventable threats to children’s safety. Drowning is the third-leading cause of injury-related death for Canadian children under 14 years of age, and it happens quickly and silently.
Water can be a source of fun, relaxation, and adventure—but it also comes with risks that should never be underestimated. Here are some water safety tips for all ages:
Supervision saves lives.
• Never leave children unattended near water, even for a moment.
• Assign a designated “water watcher” during gatherings—someone whose only job is to monitor the water.
• Be especially vigilant around bathtubs, kiddie pools and even buckets of water at home.
Learn to swim.
• Swimming is a life-saving skill that everyone should learn.
• Enroll children in age-appropriate swimming lessons as early as possible.
• Adults who don’t know how to swim should consider taking lessons as well.
Use life jackets.
• Always wear an approved life jacket when boating, kayaking or paddleboarding.
• Life jackets are also recommended for young or inexperienced swimmers, even in pools.
Know the water conditions.
• Pay attention to warning flags and signs at beaches and lakes.
Oyen Briefs
BY DIANA WALKER
BCAS Indoor Rodeo
• Check for currents, waves, depth and underwater hazards before entering natural bodies of water.
• Be cautious around rivers, especially after rain when currents can be deceptively strong.
Avoid alcohol around Water.
• Alcohol impairs judgment, balance, and coordination—key skills for swimming and boating safely.
• Avoid drinking before or during swimming, diving or boating activities.
By staying alert, following safety guidelines, and ensuring that everyone around you is informed and prepared, you can help prevent threats and save lives. Whether you’re swimming, boating, or simply relaxing near the water, always make safety your top priority. A few simple precautions can make all the difference in ensuring that every water experience is a safe and enjoyable one. For more information, visit Parachute.ca. Laura Lukye is a Health Promotion Facilitator with Primary Care Alberta.
Big Country Agricultural Society’s Oyen Indoor Rodeo held three 50-50 draws during the event, one each night, July 10, 11 and 12.
Thursday’s draw, raffle License #742401 was a blue ticket #18042310 worth $1,140. It remains unclaimed. Please call Cheryl Ball 403-664-9872 or Diana Walker 403-664-6600 if you are holding that ticket.
Friday’s red ticket worth $597.50 was won by Sharon Berg and Erin Logan of Oyen.
Saturday’s yellow ticket worth $1275 was won by Tammi Bouvier of Oyen.
Summer fun
The Shirley McClellan Aquatic Centre is a hub of activity offering Aquasizes Mondays and Wednesdays from 6
to 7 p.m.; free swim on Saturdays from 1 to 5 sponsored by the Oyen Lions Club and Lane Swim Mondays through Fridays from 7 to 8 a.m. Three swim lessons sessions remain: public lessons for ages over 6 July 21-25; July 28-August 1; August 18-22. A Preschool Session will run August 11-15 for ages 6 and under.
Best wishes
We extend best wishes on their future endeavors to Jason and Jaime Bowles and their children Bentley, Ryker and Mila on their move to Strathmore. Jaime joined Jason who was born and raised in the area in 2007. They bought their first home in 2008 and have been an integral part of the community.
Sad news
We are saddened by the news that AG Foods has made the decision to close their doors. We wish Steve and Geena and their family MJ, Shawn and Jenny Kang best wishes on their new paths.
RODEO PARADE!
Everyone loves a parade and the annual Oyen Rodeo Parade was no exception! Plenty of floats, horses, automobiles, popcorn and candy! What more could one ask for … perfect weather!
PHOTOS BY KATE WINQUIST
REMEMBERING WHEN The home-brewed beer
BY KEITH SCHELL
Long before home brewing kits became popular, there were always do-it-yourselfers determined to brew their own adult beverages, aiming to have a little fun and save some money on beer or other alcoholic spirits. Many years ago, my grandma on my mother’s side had an aunt and uncle who brewed their own beer. When Grandma, Grandpa, and the kids visited them in the far north for a week of summer vacation, brewing their own beer became part of the grand social event of the week.
for the evening. Because the contents of the stored bottles were under pressure, the foam would often come pouring out of the top when they were uncorked, and the corks would sometimes pop off with such force that they almost bounced off the ceiling!
To manage this, they usually dug out a large pot from the cupboard with a handle on one side and a spout on the other, setting it on the table to pour the pressurized contents into after opening the bottles. This way, they could save as much beer as possible for drinking that night.
After supper, Grandma’s aunt would go into their previously stored reserves and get out enough ‘barley pops’ for the grown-ups to enjoy.
folk to catch up, reconnect, and share a few homemade pints together.
Our mother recalls the big potato pot on the stove cooking the barley, and the happy conversations in the kitchen surrounded by family as the women worked and gossiped while the men sat around the kitchen table telling tall tales and occasionally taste-testing the barley concoction. Meanwhile, the kids played underfoot as the big potato pot bubbled on the stove. When it was finally finished, they would put the freshly made beer into washed-out ginger ale bottles, capping them with corks, and store the beer for a few weeks to carbonate.
After supper, Grandma’s aunt would go into their previously stored reserves and get out enough ‘barley pops’ for the grown-ups to enjoy as they socialized
However, the contents were usually under such pressure that if they opened the bottles too far away from the pot, the foam would spill out and end up all over the place before they could get it into the pot, similar to opening a champagne bottle. Everyone had to move quickly to get as much beer into the pot as they could. The men-folk in the family could move pretty fast when they were trying to save their beer! Once all the bottles for the evening were emptied into the pot, they would then evenly dole out the contents into everyone’s glasses. As much a social occasion as anything else, the week of vacation and visitation was always a happy time for kin-
A good friend of mine once told me a story about his own father and a buddy brewing their own beer on an old hotplate in the family basement. Wanting to have a little fun and save money, they followed all the directions they had for brewing beer. When they deemed it ready for bottling, they capped it in old beer bottles washed out from previous weekends of socializing and stored it in the basement to let it properly age.
They were supposed to let it carbonate for two or three weeks, but one Sunday, maybe a week in, they were completely out of beer, and all the beer stores were closed on Sundays back then. They decided they could no longer wait for their concoction to properly age and made the decision to drink their handiwork right then and there.
With the anticipation of master brewers sampling a fresh new batch, they held a couple of bottles over the kitchen sink to catch the spillage and proceeded to open them. As the foam rushed out of the top, they quickly took a sampling sip of their new barley creation. By all
accounts, it tasted horrible! But when you’re poor, you eat your mistakes, if you know what I mean, and following the philosophy of ‘waste not, want not,’ they toasted each other and proceeded to down the remainder of their skunky-tasting beer. Since it didn’t make them sick, they considered it a success! Hey, what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, right? And since one beer is never enough to quench the thirst of the serious beer drinker, they opened up all of their homemade witches’ brew over the kitchen sink, toasted each other, braced themselves, and quaffed their horrible-tasting home-brewed beer until it was finally all gone.
More recently, my late best friend once tried brewing his own beer, buying a home brewing kit and doing everything from scratch. While the end result tasted a little skunky but was certainly drinkable, the time and effort he spent making it did not really justify the results. In his opinion, you would have to be a serious hobbyist and devote significant time and effort to make it worth your while. While it was fun to try once, it was just easier and less time-consuming for him to go to the beer store and simply buy whatever brand he wanted.
Some current-day adult alcohol aficionados will keep trying to brew their own home beverages in an attempt to have a little fun and save a little money, but honestly, I don’t think that any of the major brewers and the emerging microbrewery industries in the country are going to have much to worry about. But hey, it’s always fun to have a hobby!
Cheers!
Keith Schell
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Oyen Eagles
their undefeated season! The boys swept the Rosetown Eagles in 2 straight games to claim the title
the second straight year! Standing left to right: Luke Caskey, Frazer Olsen, Jarvis Smigelski, Scott Olsen, Brendan Logan, Levi Westerlund, Brayden Robertson, Grady Martin, Head Coach: Aaron Anderson. On a knee left to right: Zach Zinck, Talen Thornton, Dawson Ruschkowski, Jordan Hoffman, Dyson DeBussac, Jory Niwa, Taylor Peers, Brett Peterson, Braden Smigelski. Missing from photo is Chris Jorgenson, Nolan Rattai and John Rolheiser. SUBMITTED
Congratulations to (LR) Sadie Rude, Briar Wilson and Harper Caskey whowon the U15 Softball D Provincial Championship in Wainwright on the July 12th weekend with the Consort Cubs! SUBMITTED
Left to right - back row: Coach/Manager Laura Wiltse, Coach Shane Wiltse, Coach Jared Dedora, Harper Caskey, Aubrey Kelts, Madi Grover, Tori Grover, Sienna DeVos, Sadie Rude, Coavh Brad Kelts, Coach Aaron Rude
Left to Right - front row: Briar Wilson, Devony Polson, Mia Wiltse, Raina Wittmack, Lilly Mohr and Reagan Dedora
Museum Musings
BY KAYDANCE STAMMERS
In 2024, the Crossroads Museum received a car, a 1928 brown Chevrolet, used by Gelbert C. Kasa and his children. Ethel Kasa wrote a description in 1972 about what they did with the car.
In early 1928, Gelbert Kasa bought a second hand 1927 Chevrolet from Mr. C.V. Johnson. He promised that when he traded it in on a new car, he would get his money back. One day, when Mr. Kasa was in town, he saw Mr. Johnson unloading a carload of new cars. A certain car caught his eye. Later, in the summer, Mr. Kasa bought the car with a special Radiator cap with 2 wings on it.
In July 1928, Marvin and three others took the car
on a trip to Stettler with the instructions of driving the car 20 miles an hour for a certain amount of miles so that the car would be broken in right. They drove around, went camping, visited some friends and relatives before heading home.
In the winter of 1928 and 29, Gelbert Kasa used the car as a school bus to take Sanford, Reuden, Hill, Gordan, Hazel, and Ethel to school. They used the car for a lot of things, traveling and using the car before selling it in 1948 to Mr. Jack Blaney, who then sold it years later to Howard Hains.
The Oyen Crossroads Museum is open for tours from Tuesday to Saturday, 9:30 to 12:00 and 12:30 to 5:00. Come over for a tour for free or call us to book for the Treasure Hunt.
This 1927 Chevrolet was donated to the Oyen Crossroads Museum.
RCMP Briefs
Arrest in assault with a weapon investigation HARDISTY — At approximately 11:30 a.m. on July 13, 2025, the Killam/Forestburg RCMP responded to a call of a male admitted to the Hardisty hospital with injuries consistent with knife wounds. Police arrived at the hospital and located a 71-year-old male being treated for abdominal and arm injuries believed to have been caused by an edged weapon. The male was later transported by STARS and treated for his injuries. He is expected to make a full recovery.
Police executed a search warrant at a residence in Hardisty in which they recovered evidence in relation to the incident. As a result of the investigation, Stephanie Lambert, a 43-year-old female resident of Hardisty, was located, arrested and charged with Aggravated assault and Assault with a weapon.
Lambert was brought before a justice of the peace who released her on conditions. She is to appear before the Alberta Court of Justice in Killam, Alta., on Aug. 5, 2025.
Oyen RCMP investigating mischief to police vehicle
OYEN — Between 8 p.m. on July 14, and 7:30 a.m. on July 15, 2025, a suspect(s) entered the property of an off-duty RCMP officer in Oyen. The suspect(s) placed two homemade tire deflation devices under the tires of a police vehicle parked at the residence. The homemade deflation devices punctured two tires, rendering the vehicle inoperable.
Oyen RCMP is actively investigating this serious incident. The lives of the officers and the public could have been placed at risk as a result of this crime. If you have any information regarding this incident, please contact Oyen RCMP at 403-664-3505. If you have information about this and you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800222-8477 (TIPS), online at www. P3Tips.com or by using the “P3 Tips” app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store.
Looking for a Better Work / Life Balance?
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306-463-6707
807 - 9th St. W. Kindersley, SK
We try our best to keep events up-to-date, but if you see an error or have a cancellation, please let us know!
ALSASK
- Drop in Pickleball every Tuesday 8:00 PM at the Alsask Rec Centre. All ages are welcome.
CEREAL
SATURDAY, JULY 26
• Cereal Mud Bog. Mud flies at 12:00 noon. Dance to follow.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 24
• Cereal Kids Rodeo starting at 9:00 AM. Pre-registration required July 7th thru August 1st.
- Monday Night Bingo (except holidays) at the CJ Peacock Centre. Doors & Concession open at 6:30 PM. Bingo starts at 7:30 PM
- Cereal Cottages Coffee on Tuesdays 10:30 - 11:30 AM
- Quilting Club weekly Wednesdays 10:00 AM - 4 PM at the CJ Peacock Centre.
- Cereal Playground most Tuesdays 10:00 AM at the CJ Peacock Centre.
EMPRESS
New campaign encourages Albertans to take action against aquatic invasive species
A new province-wide awareness campaign is urging all Albertans who spend time on the water to take simple steps to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species. The Alberta Invasive Species Council’s (AISC) Protect Our Waters campaign is reminding everyone to Clean, Drain, and Dry their boats and gear to help protect Alberta’s lakes, rivers, and native biodiversity.
From zebra mussels to Eurasian watermilfoil, aquatic invasive species can spread quickly and cause long-term and irreversible damage to ecosystems, recreation areas, and infrastructure.
“Protect Our Waters is about more than just clean boats. It’s about safeguarding Alberta’s lakes, rivers, and the places we love for future generations,” said Megan Evans, Executive Director of the AISCl. “Preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species is something we all have a role in. It starts with a simple habit: always Clean, Drain, and Dry your gear after every outing.”
Aquatic invasive species often hitch a ride on watercraft and equipment. Even small amounts of water or plant material can introduce new species to uninfested water.
Clean, Drain, Dry means:
• Clean: Remove all visible plants, animals, and mud from your boat, trailer, and gear.
• Drain: Empty water from your boat and all equipment, including bilges, live wells, and buckets, before leaving the launch site.
• Dry: Let everything dry completely before entering another waterbody.
As part of the campaign, new Clean, Drain, Dry Dispose (CD3) boat wash stations are being installed at a few high-traffic recreation sites in the Edmonton area. These stations provide free tools to help boaters clean, drain, and dry their watercraft before heading home. Outreach teams will also be on site at these locations during busy times to answer questions and demonstrate proper cleaning techniques.
The Council emphasizes that stopping the spread of aquatic invasive species is something everyone across Alberta can help with. No matter where you recreate, following Clean, Drain, Dry practices every time you leave the water makes a big difference.
Boat wash units have been installed this summer at:
• Riel Recreation Park launch in St. Albert
• Cardiff Trout Pond south launch in Sturgeon County
• Astotin Lake launch in Elk Island National Park.
• Wilfred Laurier Park boat launch in Edmonton
- Empress & District Fine Arts, Culture and Leisure Society Craft Mondays 1:00 PM at Empress Community Hall Craft Room. Everyone is welcome and coffee is always on!
- Empress & District Fine Arts, Culture and Leisure Society Crib Wednesdays 7:00 PM at Empress Community Hall. $5 entry fee. $1 for each hand scoring 19 goes into the loonie pot. All monies will be paid out at end of evening. Great opportunity to see old friends and make some new ones.
- Empress & District Fine Arts, Culture and Leisure Society presents Snarples Thursdays 7:00 PM. No entry fee. Great opportunity to see old friends, make some new ones and learn a new card game. Empress Community Hall (314 Centre St.)
Submit your Upcoming Event to kate@yourwestcentral.com or text 306-463-2211
- Game Night Saturdays at 7:00 PM at the Community Hall. Come join us for a night of fun and excitement. Play games and hang out with friends and family.
- Empress & District Fine Arts, Culture and Leisure Society Garden Market Saturdays 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM until September 6. Breakfast served 9-11 AM or lunch from 11-2! Buy/Sell Local. Promoting local gardeners, artisans, crafters, bakers.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 16
• Empress & District Historical Society presentation “Wildlife, Landscapes, and Geology” by Dale Leckie Ph.D., P.Geol 4:00 PM at the Empress Train Station.
OYEN
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3
• Regular Pot Luck and Meeting for Oyen and District Seniors (50+) at Oyen and District Seniors Recreation Centre. Pot Luck at 6:00 PM and Meeting at 7:00 PM. Call Lynda 403-664-0908 or Beth 403-664-2462 for more information.
- Oyen Town Council meet 2nd Tuesday of every month 6:00 PM in Council Chambers.
- Community Choir every Wednesday at 7:00 PM in the Evangelical Missionary Church.
