BMO
and the Calgary Stampede celebrate farm families as a tribute to Alberta
CALGARY – Following a year of unprecedented circumstances, BMO Bank of Montreal and the Calgary Stampede are proud to belatedly recognize the southern Alberta farm families who received 2020 BMO Farm Family Awards. Each year 19 families are selected for their contributions to the agriculture industry and their community, and are traditionally celebrated at a special awards ceremony during the annual Calgary Stampede. With the cancellation of the 2020 Stampede as a result of the global pandemic, last year’s winners could not be recognized in the traditional way. However, their passion for farming and dedication to their communities and family farms remains significant, particularly during these challenging times.
“The BMO Farm Family Awards recognize the positive contributions farmers across Alberta have made to their communities and the vital role they play in the health and sustainability of the economy,” said Lynda Taylor, Senior Vice President and Head, Agriculture and Agribusiness, BMO Bank of Montreal. “BMO has a long and proud history of supporting Canada’s agricultural community, and we are thrilled to honour the leadership, innovative approach to farming, and commitment to western values that these families have shown. Congratulations to 2020’s winning families.”
The BMO Farm Family Awards aim
agriculture
to maintain a primary focus on agriculture and agri-food at the Calgary Stampede and within southern Alberta, promote the relationship between urban and rural communities and create awareness about agriculture and the value of the family farm. Every year, each of the municipal districts in southern Alberta nominates one family who displays the qualities of a Farm Family to be recognized for their accomplishments.
“Family farms are the bedrock of Alberta agriculture. Their passion and dedication to preserving their land and way of life is a testament to their grit and innovation. Farming isn’t easy –it constantly evolves. There are tough moments that can strain families and test their resolve but these farm families represent the best of the strongest, longest-lasting industry in Alberta and they’re just getting started,” said Alberta Minister of Agriculture, Devin Dreeshen.
Each Farm Family will receive a personalized gate sign celebrating their recognition as a BMO Farm Family Award winner.
The two winners of the 2020 BMO Farm Family Awards from our area are:
Special Areas No. 2 - Kingcott Family
Special Areas No. 3 - Lyon Family You can find family profiles on both the Kingcott and Lyon families on page 2 of this paper.
WHERE YOUR HOUSE IS
• Oyen • Acadia Valley • Empress • Buffalo • Bindloss • Sibbald • New Brigden • Sedalia • Cereal • Youngstown
Kingcott Family
Lyon Family
rough two world wars, the Depression and the advent of modern agriculture, a Kingcott has worked the land in Rose Lynn, about a 30-minute drive southeast of Hanna.
Today, David and Wendy Kingcott, their son Trevor and his wife, Kelly, and their 13-year-old grandchildren, Abby and Jaxon, are carrying on the century-plus family tradition.
“Not many families can say they have stayed in the farm and ranch business through the Dirty irties as well as the economy that faces all of us now,” David says. “Farming will always be in our blood. It gives us much pleasure and pride knowing that Trevor loves it as much as we do and is working to continue the legacy for his family.”
In 1909, David’s grandfather came from England to Rose Lynn with a group of 10 families that settled in the area. He was soon joined by his bride, followed by his brothers in 1915. David’s grandparents ran a dairy farm, raised chicken for eggs and for eating, and had extensive gardens. ey’d load their horse-drawn wagon and travel the streets of Hanna, selling fresh eggs, milk, chickens and produce, helped by their six children.
When David’s father, George, was in his teens, he led a shi into beef cattle. George then bought his uncle’s farm about a mile from the old homestead and set about building his own operation. George and his wife, Joyce, had six children. In high school, David and his brother Richard bought a farm with their father’s help, and all three farmed together. e brothers took over the family farm in the early ’90s, running the farms together until their children were old enough
to start working with them. David and Richard then amicably divided the operation.
Today, the 2020 BMO Farm Family for the M.D. of Special Areas # 2 run 500 cow/ calf pairs — half purebred Hereford, half Angus-Hereford cross — as well as 75 bred heifer replacements and 30 bulls. e 9,600acre operation grows all its own feed for the cattle from grain, corn silage, alfalfa and dryland hay. ey background their calves on their small feedlot, which they also use to custom feed some of the calves from neighbouring farms.
David and Wendy’s three children — Trevor, Robin and Blake — helped on the farm as they grew up. Robin is married with three boys and works in a law o ce in Brooks while Blake lives in Red Deer and has one daughter. Trevor is taking on more of the running of the farm, another step in the continuation of the Kingcott legacy.
“He’s been farming with me since he was in high school,” David says. “We’re very proud of being a century farm. We’re also proud of the community that we’re part of.”
Both David and Trevor have been directors with the Berry Creek Ag Society, in addition to being part of the Hardgrass Bronc Match. e entire family are active in the Pollockville Curling Club, with Trevor as resident president and Wendy as a former director. Trevor is a coach in Hanna’s junior curling program, which Abby and Jaxon take part in.
“It’s been the best place to watch our family grow. Now we get to watch our grandchildren grow up on the farm and enjoy this lifestyle as much as we have.”
In 1978, when Dwight and Wendy Lyon looked out at the land they were thinking of buying, they didn’t see an unforgiving, arid landscape. Instead, they saw an opportunity to build a lasting legacy for themselves and their family.
Since then, the 2020 BMO Farm Family for the M.D. of Special Areas # 3 has done just that on their operation at Big Stone, located 142 kilometres northwest of Medicine Hat. e couple raised their four children on the ranch and have nine grandchildren with one more on the way. e operation has grown to 450 head of cattle on more than 12,000 acres.
“We purchased neighboring farms and land with Dwight’s brother and his family, and we’ve never looked back. We live directly below the Blood Indian Reservoir and Park,” Wendy says. “We love our location down in the creek and built our home there in 1986. Special Areas has been good to us. We love our surroundings and the people in our communities, including Big Stone, Youngstown and Oyen.”
What started as a mixed farming operation has evolved into one focused primarily on ranching. Crop land has been seeded to grass and hay as the Lyons built up their cattle herd. At crunch times, it’s all hands-on deck to do what needs doing.
“We have cattle drives twice a year and we move cattle 15 miles each way. Our kids and the grandchildren all help out and love it. Of course, our neighbors help out as well,” Wendy says. “We usually do two old-fashioned brandings a year. ey’re a lot of work, but they’re also fun community events that allows everyone — kids included — to learn about ranching life.”
If you’re lucky enough to take part in an event on the Lyon ranch, you’ll be rewarded with a slice or two of Wendy’s famous cream pies. (Not to mention the fresh homemade doughnuts at the corral co ee break.) Her daughters and the ladies of the community help put on the feast needed to feed the 70 helpers come branding time. While oldest daughter Kim, her partner and two children live in Penhold, second daughter Stacey ranches outside of Oyen with her husband and their four children. ird daughter Sheri and her son are also nearby in Oyen, close enough to come home to help out.
Dwight and Wendy’s son Russell and daughter-in-law Dawn are part of the operation. Russ has worked for the local feed lot for the past decade, but is now focusing on the ranch as he transitions to taking over its operation. e couple, who are expecting their third child this summer, both work ofarm as well.
e older grandchildren spend time on the ranch in the summer, working cattle, fencing and haying. e younger set like feeding the cows in the tractor with grandpa and checking cows on the side by side. eir children and the grandchildren attend or have attended Youngstown Kindergarten and Youngstown School, two of the many community staples the family supports. eir contributions have enriched the Big Stone Community and Ladies clubs, the Youngstown United Church, the Youngstown Curling Rink and many more. It’s part and parcel of their ranching life, Wendy says.
“It’s a true farming community here. When we rst moved down, we were here a week and felt like we’d been here a year. It’s a really great community.”
Scenic Saskatchewan Ranch
rough two world wars, the Depression and the advent of modern agriculture, a Kingcott has worked the land in Rose Lynn, about a 30-minute drive southeast of Hanna.
Today, David and Wendy Kingcott, their son Trevor and his wife, Kelly, and their 13-year-old grandchildren, Abby and Jaxon, are carrying on the century-plus family tradition.
“Not many families can say they have stayed in the farm and ranch business through the Dirty irties as well as the economy that faces all of us now,” David says. “Farming will always be in our blood. It gives us much pleasure and pride knowing that Trevor loves it as much as we do and is working to continue the legacy for his family.”
In 1909, David’s grandfather came from England to Rose Lynn with a group of 10 families that settled in the area. He was soon joined by his bride, followed by his brothers in 1915. David’s grandparents ran a dairy farm, raised chicken for eggs and for eating, and had extensive gardens. ey’d load their horse-drawn wagon and travel the streets of Hanna, selling fresh eggs, milk, chickens and produce, helped by their six children.
When David’s father, George, was in his teens, he led a shi into beef cattle. George then bought his uncle’s farm about a mile from the old homestead and set about building his own operation. George and his wife, Joyce, had six children. In high school, David and his brother Richard bought a farm with their father’s help, and all three farmed together. e brothers took over the family farm in the early ’90s, running the farms together until their children were old enough
to start working with them. David and Richard then amicably divided the operation.
Today, the 2020 BMO Farm Family for the M.D. of Special Areas # 2 run 500 cow/ calf pairs — half purebred Hereford, half Angus-Hereford cross — as well as 75 bred heifer replacements and 30 bulls. e 9,600acre operation grows all its own feed for the cattle from grain, corn silage, alfalfa and dryland hay. ey background their calves on their small feedlot, which they also use to custom feed some of the calves from neighbouring farms.
David and Wendy’s three children — Trevor, Robin and Blake — helped on the farm as they grew up. Robin is married with three boys and works in a law o ce in Brooks while Blake lives in Red Deer and has one daughter. Trevor is taking on more of the running of the farm, another step in the continuation of the Kingcott legacy.
“He’s been farming with me since he was in high school,” David says. “We’re very proud of being a century farm. We’re also proud of the community that we’re part of.”
Both David and Trevor have been directors with the Berry Creek Ag Society, in addition to being part of the Hardgrass Bronc Match. e entire family are active in the Pollockville Curling Club, with Trevor as resident president and Wendy as a former director. Trevor is a coach in Hanna’s junior curling program, which Abby and Jaxon take part in.
“It’s been the best place to watch our family grow. Now we get to watch our grandchildren grow up on the farm and enjoy this lifestyle as much as we have.”
In 1978, when Dwight and Wendy Lyon looked out at the land they were thinking of buying, they didn’t see an unforgiving, arid landscape. Instead, they saw an opportunity to build a lasting legacy for themselves and their family.
Since then, the 2020 BMO Farm Family for the M.D. of Special Areas # 3 has done just that on their operation at Big Stone, located 142 kilometres northwest of Medicine Hat. e couple raised their four children on the ranch and have nine grandchildren with one more on the way. e operation has grown to 450 head of cattle on more than 12,000 acres.
“We purchased neighboring farms and land with Dwight’s brother and his family, and we’ve never looked back. We live directly below the Blood Indian Reservoir and Park,” Wendy says. “We love our location down in the creek and built our home there in 1986. Special Areas has been good to us. We love our surroundings and the people in our communities, including Big Stone, Youngstown and Oyen.”
What started as a mixed farming operation has evolved into one focused primarily on ranching. Crop land has been seeded to grass and hay as the Lyons built up their cattle herd. At crunch times, it’s all hands-on deck to do what needs doing.
“We have cattle drives twice a year and we move cattle 15 miles each way. Our kids and the grandchildren all help out and love it. Of course, our neighbors help out as well,” Wendy says. “We usually do two old-fashioned brandings a year. ey’re a lot of work, but they’re also fun community events that allows everyone — kids included — to learn about ranching life.”
If you’re lucky enough to take part in an event on the Lyon ranch, you’ll be rewarded with a slice or two of Wendy’s famous cream pies. (Not to mention the fresh homemade doughnuts at the corral co ee break.) Her daughters and the ladies of the community help put on the feast needed to feed the 70 helpers come branding time. While oldest daughter Kim, her partner and two children live in Penhold, second daughter Stacey ranches outside of Oyen with her husband and their four children. ird daughter Sheri and her son are also nearby in Oyen, close enough to come home to help out.
Dwight and Wendy’s son Russell and daughter-in-law Dawn are part of the operation. Russ has worked for the local feed lot for the past decade, but is now focusing on the ranch as he transitions to taking over its operation. e couple, who are expecting their third child this summer, both work ofarm as well.
e older grandchildren spend time on the ranch in the summer, working cattle, fencing and haying. e younger set like feeding the cows in the tractor with grandpa and checking cows on the side by side. eir children and the grandchildren attend or have attended Youngstown Kindergarten and Youngstown School, two of the many community staples the family supports. eir contributions have enriched the Big Stone Community and Ladies clubs, the Youngstown United Church, the Youngstown Curling Rink and many more. It’s part and parcel of their ranching life, Wendy says.
“It’s a true farming community here. When we rst moved down, we were here a week and felt like we’d been here a year. It’s a really great community.”
Scenic Saskatchewan Ranch
Who is profiting from high lumber prices
Howmuch wood would a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could afford to chuck wood? If the woodchuck needed to purchase wood at today’s prices, he would likely have completely stopped chucking wood in 2021.
In a similar fashion, most home owners are postponing any renovation projects until lumber prices go down, which some say may not happen until at least the fall. Contractors and home renovators are wanting to know when prices will drop, why prices increased so dramatically, and who is profiting from those high prices?
“It’s a perfect storm of very strong demand and a very slow supply response because of a decade of under-building and Covid-19,” said Paul Janine of Forest Economic Advisor. He noted many sawmills reduced production expecting demand to plunge, but instead were hit with a wave of renovation projects. Low interest rates combined with people moving to rural homes caused a substantial increase in home construction. Consequently saw mills and dealers were unable to replenish their inventories. Some wise contractors stocked up on lumber before the price increased.
In the U.S., The National Association of Home Builders suggested the administration reduce tariffs on imports from Canada, which is their top lumber exporter. The volume of imports from Canada, which sup-
plies almost a third of the U.S. lumber supply, decreased due to those tariffs and a mountain pine beetle that devastated forests in B.C. A wood shortage caused by the mountain pine beetle and wildfire damage resulted in the closure of a mill at 100 Mile House.
A video blog by Tony’s Tractor Adventure addressed the subject of rising lumber prices. As an amateur sawyer and logger, he knows first hand that it takes a lot of work to turn logs into lumber. He receives repeated comments from truck drivers, factory workers in saw mills and sawyers who say they aren’t making any more money. The people who own and sell the logs say they are bringing in the same amount of money as they did twenty years ago. According to the Wall Street Journal, timber growers have gained nothing from the rising prices of lumber. When you take into consideration inflation, logs are selling for less now than in the 1980’s.
Sawmills were able to keep up with the demand that was needed, until the shut down when box stores were permitted to stay open as an essential service. Shut up at home, the entire population began renovating, wiping out the supply chain of lumber.
The sellers buy the product for a price and raise it up a margin. That margin is pretty well stabilized throughout all the box stores. Meanwhile, the large saw mills and wood
product manufacturers are in control of a huge portion of the lumber supply chain.
The five major companies are Georgia-Pacific, Sierra Pacific Industries, Interfor, Weyerhaeuser and West Fraser. West Fraser bought mills across the regions of the U.S., and that company is now valued at $13 billion and its share price has jumped 250 per cent in the past year. According to the Wall Street Journal, Canadian firms that have bought up sawmills are harvesting profits.
In a news release, Weyerhaeuser reported a $681 million profit in their first quarter, which is a 220 percent increase over last year at the same time. West Fraser had an 81 percent sales increase over last year, bringing in a $9 million profit In the first quarter of 2020, compared to a $665 million profit in the first quarter of 2021. Rising lumber prices are proving to be very profitable for big forestry companies. But will consumers continue buying lumber at such exorbitant prices?
Sports with Bruce Penton
Lack of hitting not a big hit with fans
What
do the following people — Joe Musgrove, Spencer Turnbull, John Means, Carlos Rodon, Corey Kluber and Wade Miley — have in common?
Unless you’re an avid fan of Major League Baseball, you might not know the answer is that the aforementioned sextet had pitched no-hitters in the first seven weeks of the 2021 season. The number would be seven if Madison Bumgarner’s seven-inning no-hitter was counted, but MLB has said no-hitters won’t be recognized if they happen in shortened games in doubleheaders.
Considering, for example, there were only two no-hitters thrown in all of 2018 and only one each in 2017 and 2016, having six occur in the first seven weeks of 2021 is rather remarkable. But it begs the question: What the heck is going on?
Easy. Pitchers are getting better, and hitters aren’t.
The overall MLB batting average through May 23 was an abysmal .235. Used to be that it was an insult to call somebody a .250 hitter, but these days, that number would be well above average.
In 1968, the overall MLB batting average was .236,
with Carl Yastrzemski’s .301 good enough for the American League batting title. As a team, New York Yankees hit .214. Baseball took action, lowering the mound to minimize the dominance of pitchers, and tightening the strike zone. This isn’t 1968, but MLB may decide to do something drastic once again to get more hitting, more offence, more excitement, into the game.
Fans are staying away — and not just because of COVID-19 restrictions — because games are dragging, not to mention the excitement level.
Home runs are up; doubles and triples are down. Teams rarely bunt anymore. Pitched balls are put into play less frequently. Strikeouts are up, again. A record number of strikeouts has been set every year since 2007. Pitchers who threw 95 miles per hour 20 years ago were freaks. Now every team has a couple of them, with most teams rostering a pitcher or two who regularly zoom past 100 on the radar gun. Said Marlins’ manager Don Mattingly: “Sometimes it’s unwatchable.”
No-hitters are fun to watch, but an 11-8 game featuring 27 hits, stolen bases, wild overthrows and spectacular catch-
Drive By Bridal Shower in honour of Chanelle Heatherington
bride-to-be of Aspen Pitre Sunday, June 6th Oyen Seniors Rec Centre 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. Everyone welcome!
Seeking Companionship
Lady (58-65 years old) My name is Vern Dodd. I’m retired, live in a 4 bedroom home in the village of Empress. ere is no COVID here! I need help with cooking, housekeeping and gardening. Call me at 403-565-3863 (anytime a er dinner). Please leave a message if I’m not home. I’d like to hear from you soon! ankyou.
es in my mind provides much more entertainment. Baseball has to figure out a way to reduce the former and increase the latter.
• Scott Ostler of the San Francisco Chronicle, describing a night at the ballpark interviewing ‘cardboard’ fans: “At the A’s ballpark, I interviewed one of those cardboard fans, the only one that was not smiling. Said the fan, ‘I wasn’t cut out for this.’”
• Comedy writer Alex Kaseberg: “MLB has had six no-hitters already. Normally they only have two no-hitters a year and sometimes none. Who would have guessed a symptom of COVID-19 would be batters hitting like one of the Kardashian sisters?”
• RJ Currie of sportsdeke. com: “Police in Ireland broke up a fight at a chess tournament after a player was found strategizing using a computer in the toilet. Imagine that: Plotting against kings and queens on the throne.”
• Eammon Lynch of GolfWeek, on the proposed Super Golf League: “Imagine Gretzky having quit because Dancing on Ice offered more money. Or Jordan’s Bulls deciding that joining the Harlem Globetrotters was better than winning championships.”
• Comedy writer Eric Stangel, on Twitter: “While you were sleeping, nine more no-hitters were thrown.”
• Sports figure Kyle Porter of CBS, on Twitter, describing Rickie Fowler’s outfit during Day 1 of the PGA: “Rickie looks like he’s in disguise as an undercover investigator into a complex Phil Mickelson cryptocurrency enterprise.”
• Patti Dawn Swansson, on Twitter: “It isn’t easy being green, but my favourite curler, Chelsea Carey, plans to see if the colour fits. Chelsea will be skipping a team from the Flattest of Lands next season, which means she’ll be going after a rare trifecta — champion
of Manitoba, Alberta and Saskatchewan.”
• Dwight Perry of the Seattle Times: “So, which NBA team will be the first to hoist a ‘2021 Play-In Champion’ banner next season?”
• Patti Dawn Swansson again: “It’s official: The people at Guinness World Records have declared film of Corey Perry’s knee hitting John Tavares’ head to be the most dissected piece of video evidence since Abraham Zapruder’s home movie of the JFK assassination.”
• Headline at fark.com: “Leafs captain Tavares removed from ice on stretcher. Expected to recover in time to make Leafs’ tee time next week.”
• Another fark.com offering: “Shohei Ohtani is the most exciting player in MLB and will only see a World Series from the stands because he is on the Angels.”
• Steve Simmons of Sunmedia, on double threat Shohei Ohtani of baseball’s Los Angeles Angels: “In simpler Toronto terms, he is Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Hyun-jin Ryu all in one person.”
Care to comment? Email brucepenton2003@yahoo.ca
Cereal News Briefs
Reported by Maxine Girletz and Ina Hains
Ina Hains made a trip to Langdon the week of the 18th to help with the grandgirls for a few days while Sheldon and Sheryce had work related commitments.
Our sympathies to the Rea families of Marengo on the passing of Kevin Rae on May 19th in Calgary. Kevin and his brothers brought their Limo Bulls to the Cereal Auction Mart for over 15 years every March. Since the Auction Mart closed, they held their Annual Bull Sale at the Oyen Ag Center. This was the 1st year that it was held just outside of Alsask at the ranch belonging to Jamie Rae due to Covid for the 2nd year. Many from Cereal and District supported the Bar 3R Limo’s and will miss Kevin delivering their Bulls. He loved a good visit and was very well known here in Cereal.
Cereal and District were very happy to receive the great soaker on the long weekend. It was great to have the rain cover such a big area, some receiving up to an inch and some more than an inch. It was very much needed.
The Annual Cottrell Cemetery Clean-up will be held on Monday, June 7th at 8:30 am. I hope that as
many can make it like usual. Bring lawnmowers, trimmers, or anything that you would like! If possible we’ll have coffee and lunch following the clean-up at the Seniors Centre depending on restrictions at that time. If not we’ll have coffee and treats at the Cemetery where we can social distance. If no change in restrictions bring water for yourselves. Looking forward to seeing you there.
May 31 - June 6
Happy birthday to Carol McLean, Connie Holbein, Hayden Kulyk, Nathaniel Thornton, Raylene Rosenau, Tim Westerlund, Barb Olsen, Clyde McBain, Mare Gagnon, Ajay Diakow, Ed Rice, Keenan Smith, Morgan Senkiw, Patrick Callin, Patti Machell, Rhonda MacNutt, Darcy Miller, Rodney Rosine, Shelby Wall, Tammy Morey, Annette Lupuliak, Gage Olsen, John Kuchle, Kelen Rosine, Larry Olsen, Lily Thornton, Steven Rude, Tanner Snell, Tiffany Pederson, Greg Olsen, Miranda Peterson, Quinnlee Molzan.
Happy anniversary to Farley and Chrissy Vanstone, David and Crystal Reimer, Peter and Tara Pagenkopf, Jason and Jaime Bowles, Shelaine and Scott Woods, Tyrel and Leslee Wilson, David and Mavin Kolotylo, Steven and Sandra Beaudoin.
Quiet Week
I did not receive submissions for Oyen Briefs, Acadia Valley News, Oyen Lodge, Youngstown, Food for ought or any other area correspondent other than Cereal this week. Don’t be shy to send in your local news items. Advertising is also greatly needed and appreciated to keep this publication a oat! anks and Happy First Week of June!
East Sounding Creek Show and Sale Update
By Emma Westerlund
The East Sounding Creek 4H club is busy finalizing plans for the Hanna district’s annual show and sale which will be held on June 12th for the market steers. We have received an exemption from the government to go ahead with a modified day. Unfortunately, due to Covid, our show will not be open to spectators this year but our sale will be broadcast live on DMLS. Our annual sale is a once a year opportunity for people to purchase local, youth raised, hand fed beef. If you are interested in more details about our sale or would like to purchase a ¼, ½, or whole beef please contact Quinn Wagstaff 403-6649447, Aaron Rude 403-664-7164 or Greg Norris 403-664-9735. Local abattoir spots have been booked as well as transportation for the steers after the sale so potential purchasers only need to successfully bid on a steer and then be able to pick up their boxed beef at the abattoir at which time the purchaser will also pay for their custom cut and wrap.
One of the goals of the East Sounding Creek club for this year was to try
and have a “as normal as possible “ year which includes having a female show. The female show will be held at the Crossroads Centre on Sunday, June 13th. This too, unfortunately, will be closed to spectators due to Covid but with the addition of the second day we are also able to add some new competition categories including grooming and showmanship for our female classes.
Full size, colour catalogues featuring all members of the Hanna district will be circulating in the weeks prior to June 12th so please keep an eye open for them or request one from a 4-H family! Included in the catalogue will be more details about every market steer that will be selling on June 12th, a cost comparison breakdown between purchasing 4H beef versus store bought beef and more details about DMLS (you’ll want to set up an account a few days prior to the sale in order to bid in our live auction). Also featured in the catalogue is all of our Cleaver kids as well as our members who have chosen to not have a market steer but have chosen a female, sheep, or pig as their main project.
BOOK Notes
**The library is currently operating through curbside service only**
Contact the library to arrange a pick-up day for your items during regular library hours. Materials can be ordered through the TRACpac app or www.tracpac. ab.ca. We also take inhouse requests; contact the library and we will put something together for you!
ADULT FICTION:
The Rose Code by Kate Quinn
Not Dark Yet by Peter Robinson
Find You First by Linwood Barclay Klara & the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro
Sufferance by Thomas King
Y FICTION:
A Heart so Fierce & Broken by Brigid Kemmerer
by Tricia Fischbuch
The Cost of Knowing by Brittney Morris
J FICTION:
The Last Shadow Warrior by Sam Subity The Coldfire Curse and Shadow Hills (Dragon Kingdom of Wrenly graphic novel series #1 & 2)
NON-FICTION: Anxiety at Work: 8 Strategies to Help Teams Build Resilience, Handle Uncertainty, & Get Stuff Done by Adrian Gostick
With final exams just around the corner, be sure to check out SOLARO which provides study help for Math, English/ Language Arts, & Sciences for grades 3-12, & Social Studies for grades 6, 9-12. This e-resource is aligned to the Alberta curriculum and is accessible with a current library card. Contact the
Loyal Patron wins Oyen Library Raffle
By Heather White President, Friends of OAC Libraries
Brenda Sanderson is the lucky winner of $1,205.00 in the Town of Oyen Library’s 50/50 raffle. When Brenda heard that her name was on the winning ticket, drawn on April 30th, her comment was, “I am thrilled and honoured to be the first winner of the Oyen Library 50/50, but I owe half of the winnings to my husband, Denny, as we each put in $50.00. He said $100.00 was the better deal as each ticket cost $1.00. Brenda revealed that most of her share of the winning money will be put back into the library to add to the Audio CD selections. She says she plans to purchase one essential Pampered Chef cooking item for herself and keep back a small sum for future Library 50/50s.
Brenda has been a long-time loyal member of the Oyen Library. She explained, “We are so lucky to have had our wonderful library all these years. I have always made sure my children, my grandchildren, the many children
library if your child needs a card or can’t remember their barcode. Access SOLARO through the e-resources tab at www. oyenlibrary.ca or through the app available in your app store.
“Not all readers are leaders, but all leaders are readers.” – Harry S. Truman 403-664-3644 ext. 2727 aoymlibrary@marigold. ab.ca www.oyenlibrary.ca
Hours: Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays 12-5; Tuesdays 2-7
who came to play at our house while their moms worked, and all the children I worked with at the Assumption and Oyen Public Schools and on the Acadia and Meridian Colonies always had the opportunity to be read to and to be surrounded by books from our library. Our library has been a hub for the children in the community to gather for Story Time, crafts, and to lick the yummy icing off the cupcakes before taking the first bite.”
The library has not only been important to the children in Brenda’s busy life, but, as she revealed, it also played an essential role in the lives of her mother, Beth Barnett, and her lifelong friend, Sylvia Wiechnik. Their eyesight began to fail as the two ladies aged, so Brenda and Denny took up the Audio CD run. Brenda ordered the latest books in Audio CDs, and she or Denny would pick them up from the library. The titles were faithfully listed in Beth’s record book when she listened to them, and then they were delivered to Sylvia for her enjoyment. This gave the two ladies
something besides the weather to discuss – the good and the bad elements of each story. They had their own little book club. Brenda now enjoys listening to good stories while she bakes, cleans, etc. She stated, “I also read as much as I can to enrich myself and keep myself uplifted and entertained.”
This loyal Town of Oyen Library patron concluded, “Our library is one of the most important essential services in our little town. Another important service is the walking paths that the Town of Oyen has created for us dog walkers and walkers who get out and exercise every day. I met some of those walking gals who came from all across Canada to live in Oyen while their TC husbands worked on the pipelines, and they too read books from our library. I ask each and everyone who reads this article to donate to the library or invest in the Library 50/50 raffles sponsored by the Friends of the OAC Libraries. We need to maintain a good library service in Oyen.”
TOWN OF OYEN NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS: BYLAW 879-21
PURPOSE OF BYLAW 879-21: To add “Garden Suite” and “Secondary Suite” as discretionary uses to the residential districts within the Town of Oyen.
A Public Hearing will be held virtually on the following link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88005786883?pwd=eTBLbjl0bDNjNDN6aVRmc0N2SGNpUT09
(Meeting ID: 880 0578 6883 Passcode: 533976 – More information about the meeting or bylaws will be available on the town website)
The meeting will commence on Tuesday June 8, 2021 commencing at 6:45pm. Council will hear from any person claiming to be affected by the proposed bylaw. The time limit of oral presentations is subject to the direction of the Chairperson.
Persons wishing to submit a letter, petition or other communication concerning these matters in advance of the Public Hearing, may do so provided they are legibly written. Submissions will be received up to Tuesday June 8, 2021 at 4:30 pm. Submissions should be emailed to cao@oyen.ca or addressed to 201 Main Street, PO Box 360, Oyen, Alberta T0J 2J0
A copy of the proposed bylaw may be inspected by the public during regular office hours, from 8:30am to 4:30pm at the Town of Oyen at 201 Main St, Oyen, AB T0J 2J0 or you can request a copy by phone at 403-664-3511.
This notice is given pursuant to Sections 606 and 692 of the Municipal Government Act.
The Oyen Echo
Classifieds
RATES (based on 25 words or less). $10.00 plus GST. Additional words are 20¢ each. Deadline is Thursday noon. 306-463-2211
AUCTIONS
WILSON TONG SERVICE DISP. ONLINE TIMED AUCTION. June 1015, 2021, MAS SALES CENTRE. 3-Dodge 3500 F/Deck Tong Trucks, Motorcycles, Assorted Tongs, Slips, 20’ Enclosed Trailer, Elevators, Drifts, Tools, Shop & Welding Equipment, Pipe Fitting & More. See www. montgomeryauctions. com; 1-800-371-6963.
BUILDINGS FOR SALE
INTEGRITY POST FRAME BUILDINGS since 2008 BUILT WITH CONCRETE POSTS. Barns, Shops, Riding Arenas, Machine Sheds and more, sales@ integritybuilt.com 1-866974-7678 www.integritybuilt.com.
BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES
GET YOUR MESSAGE SEEN ACROSS Alberta. The Blanket Classifieds or Value Ads reach over
600,000 Alberta readers weekly. Two options starting at $269 or $995 to get your message out! Business changes, hiring, items for sale, cancellations, tenders, etc. People are increasingly staying home and rely on their local newspapers for information. KEEP people in the loop with our 90 Weekly Community Newspapers. Call THIS NEWSPAPER now or email classifieds@ awna.com for details. 1-800-282-6903, 780434-8746 X225. www. awna.com.
COMING EVENTS
SUNDAY, JUNE 6. Bridal Shower for Chanelle Heatherington. Oyen Seniors Rec Centre. Watch for more info.
OYEN FARMERS’ MARKET begins Friday, June 11, 2021 and will run from 11:00 - 2:00 each Friday until September. If you would like to book a vendors table, bake table or provide a lunch please
call: Delaine 403-6640320. COVID restrictions apply. Masks are mandatory.
Chanelle Heatherington, bride-elect of Aspen Pitre are registered at Oyen Flowers & Giftware. Shower: June 6, 2021. Wedding: July 10, 2021.
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
BLANKET THE PROVINCE with a classified ad. Only $269 (based on 25 words or less). Reach almost 90 weekly newspapers. Call NOW for details. 1-800-282-6903 Ext 225; www.awna.com.
ARE YOU AN EXPERIENCED Flat or Steep Roofer or trainee looking for an exciting opportunity? Community Roofing Ltd. is a company that has been in the roofing business for over 30 years. Qualifications and Skills: Previous experience preferred installing, repairing and replacing
flat and steep roofs, including Torch-On (single and 2 ply), laminate shingles and cedar conversions as well as TPO, safely and correctly on new/used residential and commercial roofs. Wages TBD, Drivers License an asset. Dependable and reliable. In house Fall Protection training. We also require labourers and non-experienced trainees. Call today, Ray 250-308-0157.
FEED AND SEED
CERTIFIED SEED.WHEAT – AAC Goodwin, AC Andrew, Go Early, Pintail, Sadash. - OATS – AC Juniper, AC Morgan, AC Mustang, Derby, SO1 Super Oat. - BARLEY – Amisk, Busby, Cerveza, Conlon, CDC Austenson, CDC Maverick, Sundre. Very Early Yellow Pea, Forage Peas. Polish Canola, Spring Triticale. mastinseeds.com; 403556-2609.
HEATED CANOLA buying Green, Heated or
EVANGELICAL MISSIONARY CHURCH Meeting IN PERSON again on Sunday mornings at 10 AM for Sunday School and 11 AM for the
SACRED HEART RC OYEN
1st Friday 6:30 p.m. Mass & Adoration at Sacred Heart Church. Rest of the Fridays at the Extended Care unit 6:30 pm
Sunday Mass at 11:00 a.m. Cell 403-795-6912. shcoyen@telus.net
ST. MARY’S RC, ACADIA VALLEY
ursdays 10:00 a.m.
Sunday Mass 9:00 a.m.
Rectory 403-664-3603. newtonrodrigues17@outlook.com
Springthrashed Canola. Buying: oats, barley, wheat & peas for feed. Buying damaged or offgrade grain. “On Farm Pickup” Westcan Feed & Grain, 1-877-250-5252.
ALBERTA FEED GRAIN: Buying Oats, Barley, Wheat, Canola, Peas, Screenings, Mixed Grains. Dry, Wet, Heated, or Spring Thresh. Prompt Payment. In House Trucks, In House Excreta Cleaning. Vac Rental. 1-888-483-8789.
FOR SALE
2011 BUICK LUCERNE
4 door, V6, 3.9 motor, power front seats. Mileage 95,600 km. Asking price $8,000. 403-6649785. Can be seen at Oyen Lodge.
WHITE SPRUCE TREES. 5’ average $50. Installation ONLY $19. Includes: hole augered. Wurzel Dip enzyme injection, bark mulch application, staking. Minimum order 20. One-time fuel charge: $125-150. Crystal Springs. 403-820-0961. Quality guaranteed.
HEALTH
HIP/KNEE REPLACEMENT. Other medical conditions causing
TROUBLE WALKING or DRESSING? The Disability Tax Credit allows for $3,000 yearly tax credit and $30,000 lump sum refund. Take advantage of this offer. Apply NOW; quickest refund Nationwide: Expert help. 1-844453-5372.
LAND FOR SALE
5 quarters of grassland SW of Oyen. 3 quarters grazing lease, 1 quarter cultivation lease, 1 quarter deeded. 100 acres broke last fall and ready to seed. Phone 403-6647253.
SERVICES
CRIMINAL RECORD? Why suffer employment/ licensing loss? Travel/ business opportunities? Be embarrassed? Think: Criminal Pardon. US entry waiver. Record purge. File destruction. Free consultation. 1-800-3472540. www.accesslegalmjf.com
GET BACK ON TRACK! Bad credit? Bills? Unemployed? Need Money? We Lend! If you own your own home - you qualify. Pioneer Acceptance Corp. Member BBB. 1-877-987-1420. www. pioneerwest.com.
The Badlands Baseball Academy boasts a total of 95 players
Submitted by Heather Norris
The Badlands Baseball Academy was begun in 2010 and is locate in Oyen, Alberta. The Academy’s mission is to provide the best education possible while providing the necessary skill development and knowledge to become an elite baseball player. The academy strives to teach its athletes teamwork, leadership, volunteerism, work ethic, and respect through the sport of baseball.
The Badlands Baseball Academy has become recognized throughout Canada bringing notoriety to a small town in Alberta. 95 players have attended the academy since its inception. They have come from all over Canada including Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island.
The academy provides a significant increase in population to our High School population allowing local students the benefits of teacher retention. We are proud to have 74 of the 95 players attending graduate here at South Central High School. 91% of those moved on to post secondary colleges or universities. 19 players have attended Canadian schools throughout 5 provinces including Ontario, British Columbia, Nova Scotia, Manitoba, and Alberta. 51 players have attended
American schools in 14 states including North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Delaware, Washington, Minnesota, Texas, Florida, New York, Tennessee, Utah, California, Arizona, and Kentucky.
Players are billeted with families within the community while attending the academy. Host families play an integral part of the functionality of the academy by opening their homes. They play a key role in the development and success of the player and provide an opportunity for these young men to pursue the next step in their developing baseball careers. Many long lasting relationships are formed through this experience. This year we will once again be recruiting host homes for our 2021 –2022 school term.
Not only does the Badlands Baseball Academy increase our school population but contributes to our local economy and is recognized and supported by local businesses. It takes a whole community to keep such a unique opportunity for a small town going.
If you would like more information in how to support the Badlands Baseball Academy or information regarding billeting contact Heather Norris at 403 664-0917 or Email: heathernorris2017@ gmail.com
Report from Battle River-Crowfoot MP
4945 - 50 St. Camrose, AB T4V 1P9
Text 403-575-5625 or toll free 1-800-665-4358
Email: damien.kurek@parl.gc.ca or social media @dckurek
Fighting Rural Crime
Many Albertans have felt the impact of rural crime, an issue that has been top of mind since I was elected. My Conservative colleagues and I have been working tirelessly to ensure greater resources for law enforcement to do their jobs, tougher laws to deter those would-be criminals, and reduce the number of recidivists on our streets. This contrasts with the Liberals’ approach to public safety which is characterized by numerous miscues, poorly crafted and misguided legislation such as C-21 (gun buyback), C-22 (eliminating mandatory minimums), and C-71 (a backdoor gun registry passed by the Liberals in 2018).
MP Blaine Calkins recently introduced his Private Member’s Bill, C-289. This initiative, which I am proud to co-second, targets recidivism and provides rural crime with necessary distinction in the Criminal Code. The bill, if passed, will create an aggravating factor for targeting a property or person that is vulnerable due to its remoteness from emergency medical or police services, and expands
the aggravating factor for home invasion to better apply to crime in rural areas. This will be done in two ways; by expanding the applicable area for home invasion beyond just the “dwelling-house” to other buildings on the property such as a barn or a shop, and by expanding the criteria so that the possession of a weapon or imitation weapon would trigger the aggravating circumstances, even if violence or threat of violence was not used. This means that shops, barns, or garages, which many rural Canadians spend great amounts of time in and keep extremely expensive equipment and other possessions in, would qualify in the same way as their home would.
Bill C-289 will also address repeat criminals and the “revolving door” of our legal system by ensuring that a sentencing judge considers the reason why an offender did not receive bail for the purposes of credit giving for time served while awaiting trial.
Over the last number of years, we have seen a troubling increase in rural crime. The police-reported crime rate and the
crime severity index have increased every year between 2015 and 2019 (the most recent year that data is available. Police-reported crime increases in 2019). Further, the crime severity index (CSI) and Violent Crime Severity Index (VCSI) are significantly higher in rural Canada than in urban areas. This is evidence of a failed approach to rural crime and an absentee Public Safety Minister who refuses to admit there is a problem, even when given the opportunity to do so.
The crime problems we face here in East-Central Alberta wreak havoc on law-abiding citizens and cause incredible amounts of distress, and Conservatives know this. As a lifelong resident of Battle River-Crowfoot, I have seen the escalation in crime and know the impact it has had on our communities, which is why I will continue to fight for rural Canadians by supporting the passing of Bill C-289 into law. We will continue to hold the Liberals accountable for their lack of action in combatting rural crime.
Special Areas – as an agency of the Province of Alberta – is cutting red tape by one-third by 2023. Red tape requirements are pieces of information required on public forms and policies to access programs and services.
After first completing an initial baseline count of red tape requirements, the red tape reduction team focused on standardizing and streamlining public forms and processes within the Special Areas. As a result of this work, approx-
imately 12% of Special Areas total red tape requirements have been eliminated. The next phase of this work begins June 1, and includes feedback from the public on how processes, forms, and policies can be further streamlined.
Ratepayers are invited to submit their ideas by September 15 on how Special Areas can cut red tape by going to www.specialareas.ab.ca/cutredtape/.