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.
BY DIANA WALKER
South Central High School, Oyen Youth Justice Committee, RCMP and CIA (Communities in Action) jointly hosted a Community Appreciation BBQ at South Central High School parking lot from noon to 1:30 p.m. on May 22. The free luncheon of hot dogs, chips and a beverage were a token of appreciation for community members who support local programs and schools that empower our youth.
Serving were Karlene Hrappsted (Court and Support Navigator), Maryann Oliver (FCSS Executive Director), and Cst. Curtis Smit. At the barbecue: R/Cst. Mark Hatchette, Pam Stark (FCSS Volunteer Co-ordinator), Chris Wilkinson (FCSS Project Co-ordinator) and Jason Birchmore. The grill was provided by ATCO.
PHOTOS BY ANN O’CONNOR
OPINION:
How to root out waste and inefficiency?
BY JOAN JANZEN
An employer said to his employee: “You’ve got a problem with avoiding personal accountability.” The employee responded, “Ya, and whose fault is that?”
A man stood up at a board meeting and announced to one of the members at the table, “The Board has decided to let you go for poor performance and needless overspending. So take your measly quarter billion severance package and hit the street!”
Ian Madsen from Troy Media addressed the topic of overspending and government waste in a May 1 article. Overstaffed departments, subsidy giveaways, and unchecked government waste are prompting Canadians to recognize the need for an agency dedicated to rooting out inefficiency.
He acknowledged the Office of the Auditor General is efficient at identifying waste and poor performance but is not proactive and lacks enforcement powers. He also expressed the need for a Canada Accountability, Efficiency and Transparency Team.
So what is the most cost-efficient and non-partisan means of rooting out waste and inefficiency? In his article, Ian commended the work of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) on tracking government spending, waste and extravagant programs. One exam-
They’re doing it solely because they are committed to action rather than half-promises.
ple is CTF’s tracking of $30 billion in subsidies to multinational corporations like Honda and Volkswagen.
The National Citizens Coalition is another non-profit organization that has been advocating for less government waste and greater individual freedom since 1967. They stand for common-sense policies that put Canadians first.
As you can see, both the Auditor General and non-profit organizations are very adept at identifying government waste and inefficiency. It is true there is an urgent need for a Canada Accountability, Efficiency and Transparency Team, but would it be possible for such a team to remain non-partisan if it was funded by the government?
What would happen if a non-profit organization such as the CTF was allowed to form a Canadian accountability team and was given enforcement powers? If that were the case, Canadians could be certain that the team would be independent of the government and non-partisan
TO THE EDITOR:
ROLL ON DEMOCRACY!
If ever we get the chance to decide together our common future, we will not let any of us get a far larger part of the wealth and leave a large group with just enough to survive.
Of course such a call for real democracy can hardly be understood these days, as everyone seems convinced, despite all evidence, that “representative democracy” is democracy. This has been repeated so many times, over such a long period of time, in the mainstream media, that even several progressive forces are buying it.
I can already hear strong reactions. Oh, but this real democracy is not possible today, we are far too many. Non-
sense! First, the technology is there; second, and more importantly, most decisions should be taken by the concerned people, directly or indirectly, not by absolutely everyone. Plus, we should realize that real democracy would eliminate a lot of issues raised by the actual absence of democracy in terms of peace, fairness and environment.
Most of what we can do now is listening to the rich and powerful ones, laughing at us, despising us, protected by this fiction of democracy – the representative democracy. A time will come, I hope, for our own collective future and the future of our planet, that democracy, real democracy, will prevail.
Bruno Marquis Gatineau, QC
Letter to the Editor Policy: We welcome the opinions of our readers in the form of letters to the editor, as long as submissions do not include: • Profanity, vulgarity and/or obscenities • Slurs and/ or personal attacks • Misinformation We reserve sole discretion to decide whether or not a reader submission will be published. We will not publish anonymous submissions or letters containing personal attacks. We reserve the right to edit or refuse all letters.
while reporting directly to Parliament. Wouldn’t it be another waste of taxpayer dollars if the government were to duplicate the work of organizations that are already doing a great job? CTF has a proven performance level, and given the opportunity they would be equally as effective at enforcing efficiency.
While Parliament was delayed and now plans to close from June 20 to September 15, non-profit groups such as CTF will keep on working. They are the ones who are engaging with Canadians and asking for their input. And they’re not doing it because they’re getting compensated by a huge government pay cheque followed by a large pension. They’re doing it solely because they are committed to action rather than half-promises.
The group is also proactive, pushing the government to cut spending and stop increasing the debt and wasting billions on debt interest payments.
In their most recent newsletter, CTF warns Canadians about future plans to tax home equity.
“Since 2016, the federal government has forced Canadians to report the sale of their homes to the CRA, even though it’s presently tax-exempt,” the report stated. “There is no need to require this unless you were planning to tax home equity at some point.”
They also took a look at the forecasted $225 billion federal debt over
the next four years. “How will the government pay for all this spending? It isn’t likely to come from building pipelines and developing Canada’s natural resources,” CTF reported.
One of the best ways to push politicians to act is by conducting polls, which politicians care about. CTF reported polls made a big difference on issues like the capital gains tax hike.
Meanwhile, the Fraser Institute’s policy report stated, “Over the past decade, the size of government in Canada and the overall government debt burden have grown faster than nearly every other advanced economy in the world.”
During a CTF podcast, Franco Terrazzano mentioned elements of the throne speech that jumped out at him. One was a vague commitment to cut the waste, but very little detail. If you want to hear more vague commitments, all you have to do is listen to the answers given during a session of Question Period.
Canadians have become weary of hearing words. They want to see waste and inefficiency eliminated, tax cuts enforced, pipelines built, natural resources developed, and censorship laws trashed. Stalling on all of those things makes it apparent that the government has a different set of values and ideologies than most of the people who live in Canada.
Pop89: Running together toward joy
BY MADONNA HAMEL
I woke to a riot of bird song at 4:15 this morning. Various denominations of the ornithological choir gave it their all: a hover of robins followed by an exaltation of larks over a steady bass line provided by a cote of mourning doves. I found myself wondering, once more, if each species understands the songs of the others? Or do they at least know who’s who? Are they better than many of us humans who, though we belong to the same species, more often than not, do not speak each other’s language? (Although we can all hum the same melody without knowing the lyrics.)
These are the things I think about when awakened at 4:51 by birdsong. And I’m not complaining. It’s a lovely thing - to wake to song. To want to leap out of bed and into the fresh morning air and marvel at the dives and darts and busy little bodies of birds as they start their new day.
So many of us in the world are not happy upon waking. For many reasons - from mistrust to tragic loss, from illness to the creakiness of aging, from worry about work, children, politics, or plastic, we just want to roll over and duck under the covers.
And I’m not even talking about all the wars going on in the war, so many we risk becoming insensitive to the images children crying, bleeding or dead. Thousands of them, their lives only just getting started, perish when caught in the crossfire of the cruel and maleficent energies of war. And others are being used as trading chips, human barter for a transactional game of hostage-taking and exchange as if this were all a card game, a football game, a real estate deal.
I’m reading a book called: “Living Gently in a Violent World.” Its subtitle is brave in its countercultural tone: “The Prophetic Witness of Weakness.” What? How can weakness be a good thing? What place is there in our contemporary world for weakness? The
authors, Stanley Hauerwas and Jean Vanier say, over and over again, it takes true suffering to break the illusion that we have some kind of control over life. And to ask for help. It’s not a new idea - 12-step programs are built around this acknowledgement.
The idea of the book is taken from the idea behind L’Arche, a community for disabled adults. We may think we are helping them, the authors say, but they are teaching us to be wiser, more real, more true to our humanness. When we turn to the lived example of people “who are weaker than us,” they say, we see people who “long for authentic and loving relationships more than for power.”
I remember how I clung to the word “empowerment” when I was a young woman, how I craved strength and power to be seen, heard, respected, taken seriously for my ideas and reflections. To be constantly overlooked in classrooms, workplaces and social settings simply because I was female was the most disheartening fact of life. Engrained in the culture was the prejudice that a woman’s voice in the media or politics was derided as “shrill” or strident”. A voice of leadership and authority was that of a deep male voice; a woman’s words were dismissed simply because of a higher vocal register. Can I be blamed for wanting strength, power, control? In order to survive, I had to be firmer, tougher, and make male ways of being my model; the world did not value gentleness and soft-spoken voices. I had to speak up or bow out. Be part of the transaction or be transacted, without say of my own. I couldn’t begin to imagine what life must be like for the women and children being used as pawns in war-torn places, running for cover while men shoot and bargain over their bodies?
Perhaps that is why, when the white smoke came pouring out of the Vatican chimney, everyone men, women and children, Catholic or not, ran for St. Pe-
ter’s square. For the first time in a long time they weren’t running away from hurt and hate and bad news. They had something marvellous to run toward. Together. What joy to have something to run toward in a time when the world sends us to our rooms, when we can’t seem to to get up enough enthusiasm to face a day that broads and bombards us with indignities and obscenities.
Yes, I would have loved to have been there in St. Peter’s Square, to run, not alone but as a collective, for happy and hopeful reasons. To run not away from bombs and gunfire, but neither toward a pop star or Hollywood actor, mistaking themselves for something larger than life, when actual size is plenty enough.
To run toward the sublime choir and hum along to an ancient hymn, to cheer for whomever steps out on that balcony because they are there to remind of the eternal powers of Mercy and Love. As Pope Leo himself said, obviously emotionally moved by the cheers, “May we always be this joyous, this hopeful, this filled with spirit.”
Having lost our way in search of riches and reputation, we can recalibrate our route and run toward joy. We can prefer to give love, make peace, and lend an ear over striking a deal. The new pope is being lauded for his ability to unify a room full of disparate personalities with calm, and concentrated caring - qualities traditionally perceived as feminine. Maybe finally, all of us, myself included, are appreciating these qualities and talents as manifested in gentle people who, instead of asking, “What’s in for me?” ask, “How can I help?” Surely, it’s past time we dropped the lonely pursuit of self-interest and embraced, unchecked, an unguarded and genuine love of life. It’s time to drop the strong man stance and break into a collective run toward joy.
Lots happening at Oyen Lodge as summer begins
BY DIANNE SPATH
Hello, everyone. We had a brief taste of summer weather for a few days, with temperatures around 30 degrees in some areas. It’s hard to believe the month of May is over already, but that’s alright; let the summer begin. I think everyone is looking forward to some camping trips, kayaking, golfing, gardening, and all the other summer fun activities.
Monday morning started with exercises, followed by a one-on-one scrabble game with a resident. Amazingly enough I ended up with some pretty good letters and squeaked by with a win. That doesn’t happen too often. Monday afternoon was bingo.
Tuesday morning started with exercises and the regular bus run downtown for shopping. Before lunch there was outdoor walking. In the afternoon,
there was a pub day, on which refreshments and snacks were served. Before supper, Taylor Neilson was at the Lodge to play piano.
Wednesday morning was Church with Brad, followed by crossword games and some outdoor walking. In the afternoon, there were shuffleboard games.
Thursday morning started with exercises and some outdoor walking. In the afternoon, there was the monthly birthday bash, in which golden cake with a creamy butterscotch topping was served along with coffee and tea. Happy Birthday to Gloria Jorgenson on May 29th.
It’s hard to believe the month of May is over already, but that’s alright; let the summer begin.
Happy Birthday to Lalaine Lachica on June 1st.
Friday morning started with horse races. #6 horse, Topsy, was the top winner that day. In the afternoon, there was card bingo, and in the evening, there was music by the Jorgensons and Dale Huston.
Clothes 2 You by Jodi from Coronation will be at the Lodge from 1:00-4:00 on Tuesday, June 3rd.
The Oyen Lodge staff would like to thank the Community Foundation of Southeastern Alberta and Lanfine Wind Community Fund for the lovely basket of goodies delivered to the staff at the Lodge. Thank you for the wonderful gesture. Have a great week, everyone. Summer means happy times and good sunshine.
Ghost of 1967 still haunts the Maple Leafs
BY BRUCE PENTON
This could have been the year. Toronto Maple Leafs’ fans across the country, of which there are millions, could hardly contain themselves when their beloved team won Game 6 of the Eastern Conference semi-final to force a Game 7 at home against Florida Panthers.
BY BRUCE PENTON Sports Columnist
Beat the Panthers, advance to the Eastern final, cruise by the Carolina Hurricanes and cause mass hysteria in LeafLand by playing either Edmonton or Dallas for the Stanley Cup.
But the Ghost of 1967, the year the Leafs won their 13th and most recent Stanley Cup, got in the way. Florida knows a thing or two about playing critical playoff games and they bashed the Leafs 6-1 in that Game 7 showdown to extend that Stanley Cup drought to 58 years. It was Toronto’s seventh straight Game 7 defeat.
There were tears. There was disbelief. There was angst. There were threats. And that was only from within the Leafs’ locker room. Outside, in the stands of Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, angry and upset fans didn’t hide their displeasure. At least one Toronto sweater got thrown onto the ice. Some guy paid more than $10 for a cup of cold beer and then figured centre ice, not his stomach, was the best place for it to settle.
So now what? Team president Brendan Shanahan has been ousted. The Leafs’ ‘Core Four’ (Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, John Tavares and William Nylander) are almost certainly going to be the Tipsy Trio after Marner declares free agency this summer. Tavares, too, might go.
Marner, who stands fifth on the all-time Leafs’ scor-
ing table, behind only Mats Sundin, Darryl Sittler, Dave Keon and Borje Salming, is a hometown boy who seems to be the scapegoat for Toronto’s troubles. The Leafs tried to trade him to Caroline in exchange for Mikko Rantanen in March, but Marner stuck to his no-trade clause and said no.
Now, with the NHL’s salary cap rising by $7 million to a record $95.5 million this year, Marner can accomplish three things: He can get out of Toronto, where he’s underappreciated; he can make a gazillion dollars as a free agent; and he can select a future home where the Stanley Cup banner has more of a chance to fly than it does in Toronto.
Considering that Marner and Connor McDavid connected so well in the Four Nations Face Off (remember, it was Marner’s pass to McDavid that led to the winning goal in overtime), perhaps the Oilers could break the bank and sign the Leafs’ star. On the other hand, it would be almost impossible for the Oilers to pay top dollar to three superstars and fit under the salary cap, no matter how high it goes.
While the Leafs came up short again, there were strides made in the Big Smoke. A division championship, development of some younger players (Matthew Knies and Bobby McMann for two) and a potential all-star goalie in Anthony Stolarz bodes well for the team’s future.
If they have to call Ghostbusters to take care of that Ghost of 1967, so be it.
• Headline at the Canadian parody website TheBeaverton.com: “Researchers warn Tim Hortons inapp NHL Hockey Challenge is a gateway to drinking their coffee.”
• RJ Currie of sportsdeke.com: “Fun fact: Picasso was born Pablo Diego José Francisco de Paula Juan Nepomuceno María de los Remedios Cipriano de la Santísima Trinidad Ruiz y Picasso. Try fitting that name on a jersey.”
• Headline at fark.com: “Patriots QB Drake Maye
East Sounding Creek Beef 4-H Club
BY COLEMAN NORRIS
Breaking! Breaking!
Well we made it through the Miserable February weather without getting frostbite, although some of us that took our steers and heifers into the Beef Expo this year were mighty close. With a whooping -45 windchill throughout that weekend. If any of you braved the weather to come and watch, you would have seen all the hard work that has been put into our animals. They are looking fantastic and are leading like puppy dogs after the event.
We all gathered together for our annual club speakoffs on Jan 29. There were a lot of nervous kids amongst us. Everyone did a terrific job. Moving on to the district level this year and coming out on top for the Juniors is Reid Foot with 1st and Jensyn Duque with 2nd. For the Intermediates is Ridge Foot for 1st and Quade Tye for 2nd. Last but not least our Seniors with Dylan Woods with 1st and Emma Westerlund with 2nd. District speakoffs were held in Youngstown this year, Our club was represented by Reid Foot Junior, Ridge Foot and Quade Tye Intermediate. These kids did a spectacular job with Reid Foot winning the Junior class and Ridge Foot coming in First and Quade Tye coming in 3rd. The Foot boys then moved on to the Regional Speakoffs which were held in Wainwright this year where there is some very stiff competition. The boys ended up doing a great job and should be very proud of themselves for making it this far.
Our club has been very busy fundraising. This year we have done a bottle drive, battery drive and did clean up on Esther, Sedalia and New Brigden dumps. With this fundraising this year our club is purchasing some brand new club shirts so we can all look spiffy for our show this year.
On April 22 we met at the Crossroads Centre for our annual Mock Achievement Day, We started out the morning with a Judging Clinic, and then moved on to working with the steers learning how to clip our steers and heifers, how to show our animal off in the show ring and then what to expect in the grooming chute on show day. We also had Jack Fischer come
excited about lineman who pledged to fight and die to protect Patriots QB Drake Maye.”
• Zach Pereles of CBSsports.com., reviewing the past history of the final four in the chase for the NBA championship: “The Knicks — your father (or grandfather) will tell you — wore crowns in 1970 and 1973.”
• Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun: “The Blue Jays have to feel so fortunate to not have spent all that crazy money on Juan Soto The money was crazy, the player in this case, as we’re learning, may be crazier.”
• Vancouver comedian Torben Rolfsen: “Anthony Edwards of Minnesota Timberwolves was fined $50,000 for using inappropriate language in a postgame interview. The actual phrase is unknown but Minnesota fans think it was ‘Go Packers.’”
• Canadian humorist Frenchie McFarlane: “Rimouski is an old Mohawk word for ‘Where the moose ski.’ I told that to some American folk at the Memorial Cup and they bought it.”
• Super 70s Sports: “The Chicago Blackhawks set an NHL record in 1968 when their entire roster looked like dads who expected their daughters to be home by 9 p.m. and you didn’t want to find out what was gonna happen at 9:02.”
• Bob Molinaro of pilotonline.com (Hapton, Va.); ‘With 26-year-old Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continuing the NBA trend — now seven years running — of foreign-born MVPs, and 21-year-old Victor Wembanyama waiting in the wings, the next American MVP may be in the fifth grade.”
• RJ Currie of sportsdeke.com: “TSN described the Maple Leafs as looking paralyzed against Florida in Game 7, ‘lifeless’ and ‘not moving.’ That may be a little unfair — although I’ve seen morgues with fewer stiffs on ice.”
Care to comment? Email brucepenton2003@yahoo.ca
out to do a demonstration on how to properly put in growth implants into an ear. It was pretty cool cause we got to use real cow ears. It was a packed day of learning but it was a great day.
We gathered on May 12 to finish off our Carcass Project. Stay tuned next week as I will let you in, on the day and all the Winners.
Be on the lookout this week for our Sale catalogue where you can have a good preview of what will be for sale on June 7 in Hanna in the Arena. If you’re interested or need more details please reach out to any 4h families. We will all be happy to help. If you can’t
make it to the sale, you can always join us online with DLMS. So this is Coleman Norris signing off saying “do yourself a favour and put some beef on your plate”
Dump cleanup crew
Public speaking winners
Mock Achievement Day
To all Concerned Citizens
The Metis Nation of Alberta has changed its name to Otipemisiwak Metis Government or (OMG) for short there are 22 districts each has a advocate and a captain The area along the SASK border from the USA border in the south up to Amisk in the north is OMG District #2 of the Battle River Territory Elections are being held June 16, 2025 to June 24, 2025 for the position of captain.
Dave Trotter is running for the Captain position. He has 43 years experience with the Old Metis Nation of Alberta. During this time he worked for the Canadian Energy Regulator he understands policy and procedures. Dave belives in total transparency and honesty. Get out and Vote the time for the Metis to move is now Vote Dave Trotter on June 16-23, 2025 District #2. For more information go to www.metiselectionsab.com voting in person or on line at elections@metis.org. Mail in ballots will not be accepted due to possible mail strike. Dave Trotter 1-403-548-1641 email: davetrotter@platinum.ca
Left: Keith and Kathy Warrington and their two dogs extend a friendly greeting to all the guests who visit their Merid Mercantile greenhouse and Merid & Magna bed and breakfast situated between Alsask and Marengo in the middle of nowhere.
PHOTOS BY JOAN JANZEN
Above: Kathy Warrington points out one of many local historic photographs adorning the walls of their renovated Merid and Magna schoolhouses.
Right: Kathy is always looking for antique farm items like this tin watering can.
People from all over the world love staying “in the middle of nowhere”
BY JOAN JANZEN
MERID (AKA the Middle of Nowhere) — It’s been four years since Kathy and Keith Warrington completed the restoration of two one-room schools at their Merid & Magna bed and breakfast. At that time, I spoke to the couple about their newly opened historic retreat venue. Fast forward to 2025, and I find that the Warringtons have expanded their pursuits, welcoming visitors to Merid Mercantile and their new greenhouse, which is filled with a wide variety of herbs and 400 tomato plants.
Hanna Vision Centre
Dennis A. Heimdahl OD Wardell ZoBell OD Tuesday & Wednesday 9 am - 4:30 pm Thursday & Friday 9 am - 4 pm 609 - 2nd Ave. W., Hanna 403-854-3003
Coronation Vision Clinic
Wardell ZoBell OD Tuesday & Thursday 10:00 am - 4:00 pm 5002 Municipal Rd., Coronation 403-578-3221
“We started the mercantile because our guests wanted to experience local culture and enjoy local shopping. People really like it,” Kathy said. The shop carries lentils, garlic powder, dog treats, stained glass, crocheted items, bird houses, painted cow skulls, Ukrainian crafts and much more, all made or grown by local artists and farmers. Kathy is always looking for antiques and pottery to add to the store and keeps busy making homemade jams and salsa. The mercantile helps local artists sell their crafts and gives their guests a local shopping experience; it’s a win-win scenario.
When I arrived, Kathy was preparing for the arrival of bed and breakfast guests from Calgary. “It’s been extremely busy,” she said. “Lots of people doubted our sanity when we first started and asked us who would want to stay in the middle of nowhere?”
Then Kathy chuckled, telling me about their recent guests who arrived after dark. The husband looked up at the star-spangled sky and said, “This is just where I want to be – in the middle of nowhere!” Much to their amazement, the Warrington’s have discovered
that people from all over the world love staying ‘in the middle of nowhere.’
“It’s amazing what you can do if you take off the limits,” Kathy said. “People will come out here, and you don’t have to move anywhere.”
Keith said the best part for him is meeting people who are looking for a farm experience and want to learn about agriculture.
Kathy said the biggest gifts for her are the people who come to visit who used to live at Merid or had family who attended Merid School.
The Warrington’s have invested a lot of time, resources and funds into their labour of love. “You can spend money on whatever you want to, but you have to pick what matters,” Kathy said. Renovating the old one-room schools and keeping local memories alive is what matters to Kathy and Keith.
“We didn’t know what we were going to do when we started renovating,” Kathy admitted. “It just evolved and kept growing.” Now, it has become a fulltime endeavour. They’ve rented out their farmland and reduced their cattle herd to make more time to look after the bed and breakfast, greenhouse, garden, fruit trees, and mercantile.
Visitors who stay at Merid & Magna repeatedly tell their host and hostess how beautiful the countryside is. It’s a great reminder for local residents who take the rolling hills, prairie landscape, sunsets and starry skies for granted.
The latest handwritten note in the Merid & Magna guest book speaks volumes. “We have had an amazing peaceful stay here,” the Ontario guests wrote. “Adding this stop along our cross Canada journey was the right move!”
Oyen Thrift Store celebrates 10th anniversary
BY IMOGENE HAUCK
The executive and volunteers of the Oyen Thrift Store invite you to celebrate their 10th anniversary by joining them for a complimentary hamburger at the Thrift Store from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesday, June 10.
Be sure to check out the silent auction of a doll house, built and donated by Darrow Tye. Proceeds will assist in the operation of the FCSS van.
Oyen Thrift Store is very community-minded. We work hard to keep the store clean and welcome all your giveaways. Through the years, we have been able to help financially:
The Oyen & District Food Bank, Assumption Roman Catholic School, Oyen Public School, South Central High School,
New Brigden Hall (new), New Brigden School, Oyen & District Leisure Society (towards pickball), Oyen & District Handibus, Oyen Soccer Club and Oyen Family & Community Services (FCSS).
We are proud of our community emergency policy: we open our doors at no cost to anyone, any time of night or day, so they don’t go without clothes, household items, toys or books.
Please join us in our celebration.
CFSEA distributes over $1,174,809 in grants this spring!
MEDICINE HAT — The Community Foundation of Southeastern Alberta (CFSEA) is proud to announce the distribution of over $1,174,809 through its granting initiatives this spring, reinforcing its commitment to building strong and vibrant communities across the region.
Of this total, $261,887 was awarded to 36 organizations through the Community Grants program. These grants are application-based and reviewed by a dedicated committee made up of CFSEA Board and community members. Funding decisions are based on potential impact, fund availability, and alignment with the Foundation’s Vital Signs priority areas.
Those priorities include:
• Connection & Belonging
• Work & Economy
• Basic Needs, including food, health, and housing
“We are so grateful to work alongside the Rural Advisory Committees
in Brooks, Cypress County, the County of Forty Mile, and Special Areas & MD of Acadia, to ensure the greatest needs in our communities are being supported. Thank you to our incredible group of volunteers who make up our Grants Committee.”
– Glenda Hawthorne, CFSEA Grants Committee Chair
Community Grants are supported by CFSEA’s Community Fund, a flexible fund that allows donors to respond to the region’s most pressing needs. Many donors choose this fund to make a lasting difference where it’s needed most.
The next Community Grant cycle will open to applications in early August 2025, kicking off the grant cycle with a virtual workshop at noon on August 4th, 2025.
To learn more, connect with CFSEA by calling 403.527.9038, emailing grants@cfsea.ca or by visiting https:// cfsea.ca/community-grants/.
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legacy planning, and more. Do you agree? Let’s talk.
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Brooks RCMP seek assistance in locating sexual assault suspect
BROOKS — Brooks RCMP is seeking assistance in identifying a suspect in a sexual assault investigation. On May 18, 2025, at 6:45 a.m., the female victim was approached by the suspect in the area of Pleasant Park. The suspect was requesting a ride to a local gas station and during this conversation, he sexually assaulted the victim. The victim was able to get into her vehicle and leave. She was not injured.
The suspect is described as:
• Approximately 40 years old
• Dark complexion
• 5 feet 10 inches tall with a slim build
• Speaks with an African accent
• He was wearing a grey hoodie
If you have any information regarding the identify of the suspect, please contact Brooks RCMP at 403362-5535. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800- 222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the “P3 Tips” app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store.
Viva Vitality: Understanding the science behind fluoride myths
BY JENNA LANNAN
Tooth decay is still the most common preventable chronic disease worldwide and one of the biggest global public health challenges. In fact, between 60 – 90 per cent of school-aged children have tooth decay and nearly 100 per cent of adults. Tooth decay accounts for one third of all day surgeries performed on children between the ages of 1 and 5.
Oral health has been recognized as a basic human right. Despite this truth, 70 per cent of the world’s population does not have access to basic dental care.
Prevention is key and the appropriate use of fluoride is important. More than 50 years of extensive research have time and time again demonstrated that fluoride is safe and effective in preventing tooth decay.
Fluoride, in the correct dosage, is healthy at any age! A mineral found in soil, water and various foods, fluoride works in two ways to prevent tooth decay. First, fluoride penetrates tooth enamel and makes it more resistant to cavities. Second, fluoride is known to inhibit one of the enzymes that is necessary for acid production in mouth. No acid means no cavities.
Fluoride is also added to drinking water and was listed by the CDC as one of the 10 greatest public health achievements of the 20th century. It has led to a huge
decline in tooth decay in communities who have water fluoridation compared to communities that do not.
When your child gets their first tooth, start brushing their teeth with fluoride toothpaste. For children under 3 years, use an amount the size of a grain of rice. For children 3 years and older, use a pea-size amount. You need to put fluoride toothpaste on the brush for your child and teach them to spit and not swallow it.
Talk to your dentist about a professional fluoride treatment. Based on a cavity risk assessment your dentist will decide how many professional applications of fluoride varnish are needed each year.
Getting an early start using fluoride benefits a child for life. Although fluoride is great, other factors still need to be considered in preventing tooth decay. Diet is very important. Limit sugary starchy foods and eat as many whole foods as possible. Habits such as daily consistent brushing and flossing are also important.
Alberta Health Services offers a free dental screening and fluoride varnish for children aged 12 months to 35 months. Please call your local health unit to book an appointment.
Jenna Lannan is a registered dental hygienist with Alberta Health Services population health promotion oral health department. Visit ahs.ca/oralhealth for more information.
Town of Oyen Library: Booknotes
BY DAYNA WILSON Library Manager
ADULT FICTION:
Broken Country / by: Clare Leslie Hall
Say You’ll Remember Me / by: Abby Jimenez The Fourth Girl : A Novel / by: Wendy Corsi Staub
YOUNG ADULT FICTION: Hyo The Hellmaker / by: Mina Ikemoto Ghosh
JUVENILE FICTION:
Gigi Shin : Live from Manhattan / by: Lyla Lee
OYEN BRIEFS
SERVICE OPTIONS:
The library is currently open as usual, but we have added a curbside service option as well. If you prefer to pick up materials this way, please call ahead or email to let us know which day to put them out.
*If you are unable to come out to the library due to physical conditions we can do deliveries within the town limits. Please just give us a call at the number listed below.
Volunteers work casinos for local community groups
BY DIANA WALKER
Oyen & District Chamber of Commerce members Oyen Home Hardware, Lijdsman Insurance, Here’s Your Sign, Schindel Agencies and Canalta, Oyen will be delivering Meals on Wheels, Monday through Friday, throughout June.
Diana Walker
Many volunteers in Oyen and area love to work casinos for local community groups. On May 21 and 22, a group of eight travelled to Red Deer to work at the Cash Casino for Oyen & District Seniors Association: Lynda and Dave Grudecki, Muriel Martin, Ken Clem-
ents, Bev and Gordon Haag, Betty Walker and Randy Girletz.
Working at Cash Casino on Friday and Saturday, May 23 and 24, for Big Country Regional Recycling Association were Art and Ann Berg, Dave and Vicki Smale, Manfred and Virginia (one night) Schroeder, Muriel Martin (one night), James Walker, Ken Clements and Elaine Michaels.
It was a sad day Wednesday, May 28 when Cynty and Bill Kolkman of the Baker’s Dozen closed their doors after two years and four months of service to Oyen and area with their soup and sandwich menu. Since their opening on February 1, 2023, they have also offered many smorgasbords for special occasions like Mother’s and Father’s Day and catered to special occasions such as school reunions and Oyen & District Chamber of Commerce luncheon meetings.
Confirmed case of measles in Hanna
HANNA — Alberta Health Services (AHS) has been notified of a person with confirmed measles in the Central Zone who has been in a public setting while infectious. Additional locations may be released if necessary. Individuals who were in the following location during the specified dates and times may have been exposed to measles:
Location: Hanna Health Care Centre, 904 Centre Street N
Anyone who attended this location at these times, who was born in or after 1970 and has fewer than two documented doses of measles-containing vaccine, may be at risk for developing measles. They should monitor for symptoms of measles and are strongly encouraged to review their immunization records.
Measles is an extremely contagious disease and the virus spreads easily through the air.
Symptoms of measles include:
• Fever of 38.3° C or higher; and
• Cough, runny nose and/or red eyes; and
• A rash that appears 3 to 7 days after fever starts, usually beginning behind the ears and on the face and spreading down to the body and then to the arms and legs. The rash appears red and blotchy on lighter skin colours. On darker skin colours, it can appear purple or darker than the skin around it, or it might be hard to see.
Complications of measles can include ear infections, pneumonia, inflammation of the brain, premature delivery, and rarely death. Persons who are pregnant, less than 5 years of age, or have weakened immune systems are at
greatest risk.
If symptoms of measles do develop, individuals are advised to stay home and call the measles hotline at 1-844944-3434 before visiting any healthcare facility or provider, including a family physician clinic or pharmacy.
Measles vaccine is highly effective at preventing infection and complications. In Alberta, measles vaccine is offered, free of charge, through Alberta’s publicly funded immunization program. The recommended schedule for measles immunization is two doses, the first at one year of age and the second at 18 months.
However, with measles currently circulating in Central Zone, those who live, work or travel to the area are also currently eligible for additional immunizations:
Albertans uncertain of their immunization history, or their child’s immunization history, can check eligibility and/or book an appointment by calling the measles hotline at 1-844-944-3434.
Classifieds
COMING EVENTS
Individuals who are 14 years of age and older can check their My Health Record.
The measles hotline connects you to a professional who can assist with accessing your immunization records or offer general information; provide advice for those experiencing measles symptoms and are feeling unwell; and assist with booking measles immunization appointments or locating a public health clinic offering immunization in your area.
You can also text ‘Measles’ to 88111 to get measles health information texted to your mobile device.
For further information on routine childhood immunization, visit ahs.ca/ immunization. You can also learn more from MyHealthAlberta about the risks of measles here and find frequently asked questions here.
For the latest information on measles in Alberta, visit ahs.ca/measles
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THE LAKESIDE LEADER is hiring a reporter/ photographer for an ongoing, full-time position in Slave Lake. Must have own car and camera. Email resume to: joemc@lakesideleader.com.
FEED AND SEED
FORAGE SEED FOR SALE: Organic & Conventional: Sweet Clover, Alfalfa, Red Clover, Smooth Brome, Meadow Brome, Crested Wheatgrass, Timothy, etc. Star City, SK. Birch Rose Acres Ltd. 306-921-9942.
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Special Areas welcomes Ratepayers at Annual Meetings
2025 annual ratepayer meetings are well underway after kicking off in Buffalo, AB on May 22. A total of six meetings have been planned throughout the Special Areas, a tour that translates to over 1,200 kilometres traveled. These public meetings allow residents to meet with their Advisory Councillors and Administration right in their communities.
Annual ratepayer meetings are an important part of Special Areas decision-making as residents can make motions to provide direction to Advisory Council. Ratepayer motions can be remarkably diverse, ranging from individual concerns on specific projects, to nominations for road committee members, to larger policy considerations. Motions made at ratepayer meetings help communicate local concerns and priorities and are a key part of Advisory Council’s fall meeting.
New this year is a Resident Satisfaction Survey. The survey takes about 10 minutes to complete and is completely anonymous. The survey will be open throughout the summer, closing on September 2. It can be accessed by visiting https://www.surveymonkey. com/r/2025RPSurvey.The survey asks community members to share their thoughts on municipal services and
initiatives, feedback on what is working well, and what needs more attention. By better understanding residents’ needs, concerns and suggestions, Special Areas aims to better serve communities through the provision of high quality and efficient services. Feedback collected through this survey will be summarized and shared with Advisory Council this fall. A summary report is expected to be available early 2026 and will be shared on the Special Areas Board website, social media and at local district offices.
If ratepayers are not able to attend their local ratepayer meeting, more information is available on the Special Areas website at https://specialareas.ab.ca/about/ratepayer-meetings-and-reporting/. Information includes audited financial statements, newsletters, and presentations from Administration. Ratepayers are encouraged to reach out to their Advisory Council member if not able to attend their local ratepayer meetings and have an issue or concern.
The next meeting of the Special Areas Advisory Council is planned for early fall. More information on Advisory Council members is available at https://specialareas.ab.ca/about/ board-and-advisory-council/.
Acadia Municipal Library
BY TRICIA FISCHBUCH Library Manager
New book additions include Shadow Stitch by Cari Thomas in adult fiction and Inner Excellence: Train Your Mind for Extraordinary Performance & the Best Possible Life by Jim Murphy in non-fiction.
Remember that our last after-school movie for the season will take place June 10th at 3:30PM. Enjoy free popcorn while watching Harold and the Purple Crayon starring Zachary Levi.
“You will learn most things by looking, but reading gives understanding. Reading will make you free.” ― Paul Rand
IN MEMORIAM
ADAMS
In loving memory of Sandra Adams who passed away June 10, 2003.
“She travelled life’s journey with courage And helped others on their hard way, She lived out each day in fullness, With a heart always cheerful and gay.”
~ Ever remembered by Diana Walker and family
IN MEMORIAM
WALKER
In loving memory of Florence Walker who passed away June 9, 2010.
“So many things have happened, Since you were called away, So many things to share with you, Had you been left to stay, Every day in some small way, Memories of you come our way, Though absent, you are ever near, Still missed, loved, and always dear.”
Forever missed, loved and never forgotten
~ Diana ~ Ron
~ Lee Ann, Sheldon, Kaylin, Shaina and Brittany
~ Dale, Stacie, Vance & Mya
~ Travis
~ Amanda, Craig, Asher, Ada, Archer & Aislyn
~ Debby, Chuck, Stephanie & Robby
Helen Ball
Nov. 14, 1924—June 10, 2010
Missed by Diana & Family; Mindy & Don & Family; Dwayne & Rhonda & Family
YOUR SMILE
Though your smile is gone forever
And your hands we cannot touch
Still we have so many memories Of the one we loved so much.
Your memory is our keepsake
With which we will never part
God has you in his keeping
We have you in our hearts.
It is sad to walk the road alone,
Instead of side by side.
But to all there comes a moment
When the ways of life divide.
You gave us years of happiness
Then came sorrow and tears.
But you left us beautiful memories
We will treasure through the years.
Paul Rand
PHOTO CREDIT: SPECIAL AREAS
No inspection, no launch
Starting June 1, all boats, jet skis, kayaks and other watercraft entering via Alberta’s east or south borders must be inspected.
Invasive mussels threaten the water systems that families, farmers and businesses rely on and can cause millions in damages. Alberta is currently 100 per cent free of the tiny invaders but the risk is growing across North America. From clogging irrigation pipes, damaging pumps and disrupting water delivery, zebra and quagga mussels can put the food, farms and livelihoods that Albertans depend on at risk.
As of June 1, it is now mandatory for every boat, whether powered or paddled, entering the province from the east and south to get inspected for invasive mussels or other invasive species. If an inspection station is not open, all watercrafts crossing these highrisk borders must be inspected before launch and within 7 days or face fines up to $4,200.
“It just takes one invasive mussel to cause millions in damages to our waters and waterways -- that’s why mandatory inspections are now required. Alberta’s watercraft inspectors are trained to know where these deceptively small quagga and zebra mussels hide. If you’re coming from the east or the south, you must get your boat inspected – no exceptions and no shortcuts.”
Grant
Hunter, Associate Minister of Water and Chair of the Provincial Aquatic Invasive Species Task Force
Until Sept. 30, upon crossing into Alberta from the eastern or southern borders, anyone transporting a watercraft needs to stop at a station for inspection. If the nearest station is closed, inspections are still required within seven days and before launching into
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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
SATURDAY, JUNE 14
• Alsask Drop-Inn Club hosts its annual Pig Roast Supper featuring homemade fries, coleslaw & dessert; bar service; live music; and horseshoes, pool or cards. Doors open at noon to midnight with food service from 4 - 8 pm. Cost for this fundraiser is $25/person and $10 for children age 6-12. For info call Dave (306)4630169 or visit the Facebook page. Great opportunity to spend time with Dad for Father’s Day weekend. Everyone welcome - join us at the Alsask Drop-Inn Centre, 206 Main Street.
Inspectors work to inspect and decontaminate a watercraft. Credit: Alberta Government
any Alberta waterbody.
Inspectors will provide a sticker for watercraft owners to display as proof of inspection. It remains mandatory for anyone travelling with a watercraft to stop when passing an open station, regardless of entry point.
Alberta’s government has also invested in opening 11 watercraft inspection stations this year with increased staff and longer operating hours, more K-9 detection teams and additional mobile decontamination units.
Information on station locations, operating hours and more can be found at alberta.ca/watercraftinspections.
Quick facts:
• Alberta is the first province in Canada to require mandatory inspections for watercraft coming from high-risk areas to protect Alberta jobs, businesses and water infrastructure.
• In 2024, 13,408 watercraft inspections were completed – the most since 2019 – and 15 watercrafts were confirmed positive for invasive mussels.
• About 20 per cent of drivers transporting watercraft attempted to bypass watercraft inspection stations in 2024.
• Anyone crossing via Alberta’s western or northern borders with a motorized or non-motorized watercraft is still required to stop if they’re passing an open inspection station.
• Budget 2025 is investing $18 million over five years to expand Alberta’s aquatic invasive species inspection, detection and rapid response programs.
IS FRIDAY AT
Not intended for business use. Community and non-profit events are FREE OF CHARGE. Please try to keep wording to a minimum. We try our best to place as many events as possible, but closer dates will take priority. Please support the businesses that advertise in this newspaper. Without them, this publication would not be possible!
- Drop in Pickleball every Tuesday 8:00 PM at the Alsask Rec Centre. All ages are welcome.
BINDLOSS
SATURDAY, JUNE 7
• Bindloss Sports Days Mixed SlowPitch Tournament. Food Truck, Dance, DJ: Will Mohl. For more info and to enter, contact Mark at 403-928-5838.
CEREAL
- 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
SUNDAY, JUNE 22
• Empress & District Historical Society presentation by Dale Fisher - Archaeologist and Stone Tool Replicator “Flintknapping.” 2:00 PM at the Empress Train Station.
- Empress & District Fine Arts, Culture and Leisure Society Craft Monday 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 presents Snarples Thursdays 7:00 PM. No entry fee. Great opportunity to see old friends, make some new ones and learn a new card game. Empress Community Hall (314 Centre St.)
- Game Night Saturdays at 7:00 PM at the Community Hall. Come join us for a night of fun and excitement. Play games and hang out with friends and family.
OYEN
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 4
SUNDAY, JUNE 8
• SMBL-WCBL Heritage Baseball Game 3:00 PM Doug Lehman Field. Sylvan Lake Gulls vs Lethbridge Bulls. Celebrating the 30th Anniversary of the Oyen Pronghorns 1995 League Championship! Advance tickets available at the Town of Oyen Office. See full page ad in this paper.
- Oyen Town Council meet 2nd Tuesday of every month 6:00 PM in Council Chambers.
• Regular Pot Luck and Meeting for Oyen and District Seniors. (50+) Please bring Salads or Dessert for Pot Luck to complete BBQ Hamburgers which will be provided. Pot Luck at 6:00 PM. Meeting at 7:00 PM. Call Lynda 403664-0908 or Beth 403-664-2462 for further information.
- Community Choir every Wednesday at 7:00 PM in the Evangelical Missionary Church. Proudly Supporting Our Local Communities
