The Steve McQueen Band featuring Mitch Larock & The 4:54 Band
Friday & Saturday Supper
Catered by
Jackie’s Delicious Delights
SUNDAY, JULY 3:
Pancake Breakfast • Sunday Service
Community Jam Session • Farewell BBQ
4-H Club in Hanna raises funds for charity
BY
The East Sounding Creek 4-H Beef Club from Hanna, AB is showing their support for two vital organizations serving southern Alberta. Those organizations are the Oyen & District Food Bank and the Helicopter Air Lift Operation (HALO) Air Ambulance.
Greg Norris, a 4-H leader, said, “The whole idea behind the charity steer fundraiser is we’re wanting to see how many people’s lives we can touch with one $1100 calf. And we’re teaching kids to give back to the community.” The calf, its care and feed, were all donated.
The Norris family of Sibbald have donated a steer and its care to the 4-H Club. Feed and supplements for the animal were donated by Trouw Nutrition in Medicine Hat. The steer, named Hot Shot, will be sold during the Hanna District 4-H Market Steer Sale held on June 11 at the Hanna Agri-Sports Complex. Proceeds from the auction will be donated to HALO and the beef will go to the Oyen Food Bank.
Paul Carolan, HALO CEO, said the nice thing about being based out of Medicine Hat is they’re not only closer to Oyen, but also have
a direct route through the Suffield base to Oyen. Paul will be speaking at the Charity Steer Fundraiser, and expressing his appreciation. Rural communities are dependent on the life saving critical care and transport that HALO Air Ambulance provides to southern Alberta residents.
The Oyen & District Food Bank has been an integral part of the community for more than two decades. They provide food bank services as well as emergency hampers when needed. This local food bank helps out between 12 to 16 families every month and handed out 50 hampers during the Christmas season. Approximately ten volunteers donate their time and energy to this worthy project. Bins are placed in various locations where food can be donated and food drives are also held periodically. Of course, cash donations and donations of food by farmers, gardeners and businesses are also a big help in keeping the food bank well stocked.
The East Sounding Creek 4-H Beef Club is showing their support for these two organizations by raising funds through the sale of their charity steer.
JOAN JANZEN Your Southwest Media Group
Acadia Valley News
By Yolanda Kuhn
yakuhn@hotmail.com - call or text 403-664-0582
I am happily reporting the news this week to give Yolanda a much deserved break! Hope everyone is healthy, wealthy and wise!
The Sunset Club (Seniors) has seen many upgrades, cleaning and purging these last couple of weeks. We received a government grant and are fixing and upgrading. We are so thankful to the AV Rec Club for donating the cupboards from the old hall to us and to the many workers who tore out the old ones and installed, painted and cleaned. There were some busy bees for several days. Watch for upgrades to the outdoors next!
We have been enjoying the orioles this past week, feeding out of our hummingbird feeder and demolishing apples, oranges and bananas. I love spring!!
The District Track and Field was held at Assumption School yesterday, Wednesday. The WPS did very well with 25 grade 4 – 9 students participating from our school. They came home with 4 medals. The top athlete in their grade category were:
Colton Cowan – Gr 4 boys
Marissa Cowan – Gr 8 girls
Carter McNeill --Gr. 8 boys
Reese Skappak –Gr 9 boys
They also received 2 plaques, elementary girls and junior high girls, which were received for total top points.
Leslie Neilson’s parents were here lately and our neighbourhood again enjoyed the afternoon bagpipe concert performed by Leslie’s Dad. Always great when he plays. What a talented man!
The DidySmokeIt team are off to Porkapalooza in Edmonton this weekend. This is one of the biggest barbeque competitions. Hope they do well!
It is nice seeing several RVs using our campgrounds. The Reservoir is very low. Hopefully we will get some rain soon. It is very dry everywhere, so please be diligent with campfires, etc. We don’t want any fires!!
Hope everyone has a good week!
- Pat Didychuk
Letter to the editor
Congrats to all graduates! Best of luck in your endeavours but never forget your roots and cherish them! I can’t believe Oyen area residents agreed to have wind turbines. You think your electricity bills are high now? Wait till these monstrosities are in place: not only will costs be higher, you’ll be lucky to have a constant power source. Besides killing off birds (how eco-friendly is that?) and the inability to recycle the arms so they are dumped in graveyards with solar panels (the poles are made of steel in coal-fired plants & can be recycled at cost), the low-density sound - reverberations? - are detrimental to many people’s and farm animals’ equilibrium & health. It’s like feeling the thump thump from a techno party miles away. Then you wonder why your wife is crankier than usual, your dog snarls and your steers
aren’t eating. The chickens aren’t laying eggs & something’s just not right. Then, in the mega-sub-zero Prairie winters, the blades will need de-icing and will probably just stop working. Got your wood stoves stoked?
I applaud work on green tech, but we are NOT there yet. We need oil & gas for energy.
On a nicer note, love getting the Oyen Echo every week. I read about the families from the Valley area and smile, coz I recognize so many names, even tho they likely don’t know me from Adam. Meh, just give Bruce Simmons a Hello! and tell him his cousin is crazy. Not news to him.
And thanks to Joan Janzen for weekly sense.
Mary Ruth Olson New Westminster, BC
Grazing Land for Sale by Tender Special Areas #3
Land Acres
Full Section 25-32-6-W4M 639
NE 23-32-6-W4M 160
N 1/2 24-42-6-W4M 320
Further details available by contacting Reid A. Wilkie at 403.577.2539 or reid@smithhersey.com
1. The land is located 2 miles SE of hw 886 “S curve” 15 miles south of Consort on 886 and RR32-4.
2. The land is comprised of approximately 1,119 acres of Special Areas grazing lease, has 4 dugouts, set of pipe corrals on NE 25, is fenced as one continuous parcel, and has not been grazed recently.
3. Bids must be submitted to Smith & Hersey Agribusiness Law by 4:00 p.m. no later than June 29th, 2022
4. Bids must be accompanied by a certified cheque, bank draft, or electronic transfer to Smith & Hersey Agribusiness Law of $20,000.00 as a deposit. All unsuccessful bidders shall have their certified cheque, bank draft, or funds returned to them.
5. If a bid is accepted and the bidder does not proceed with the sale, the deposit of the bidder will be forfeited to the owner of the Parcels.
6. All bids must be unconditional. All bids received shall constitute an unconditional offer to purchase the land.
7. The balance of the bid price will be payable and the purchase and sale transaction will be completed on or before August 5th, 2022, subject to registration of the assignment with Special Areas. The Buyer and Seller shall equally divide the Special Area’s assignment fee.
8. Property taxes and lease payments will be adjusted as of the closing date. Each party will be responsible for their own legal fees.
9. The Parcels are sold on an “as is, where is” basis with no representations and warranties being provided by the owner. Bidders must rely on their own research and inspection of the Parcels to confirm acreage, condition, taxes, and other particulars.
10. The owner will not be obligated to accept the highest or any bid submitted for consideration.
Please forward all tenders and inquiries to: Smith & Hersey Agribusiness Law In Person Deliveries to Office at Roger E. Johnson Enterprises Building - Wednesday Each Week Box 95, Consort, AB T0C 1B0 Attn: Reid A. Wilkie - Lawyer reid@smithhersey.com 403.577.2539
Oyen & District Seniors’ Assoc. News
Hello everyone! This week at the lodge was all about gardening and getting our grounds ready for the season. On Monday we had a garden meeting to discuss what we are wanting this year out of our gardening program. FCSS joined us to talk over some ideas on the community garden! On Tuesday even though a bit windy we bundled up so that we could take a walk around the building and prepare our garden beds and talk about which flowers we would like to plant. On Wednesday
we got our hands dirty planting some wild flowers and some herbs in pots. Thursday we headed over to the green house to check out the selection and let the residents look around and decide which plants they’d like to put outside the lodge. Friday we bundled up to try and play some games outside, and finished off our week with a Turtle documentary. We hope everyone had a fabulous week!
Kate Winquist
Nodding
I heard someone say, the reason we “nod off to sleep” in a boring meeting is so it looks like we’re emphatically agreeing with everything. We definitely cannot afford to fall asleep now, after decisions were made at meetings in Switzerland last week that impact our lives. If we fall asleep, our silence may be construed as agreement.
Last week the World Economic Forum (WEF) met in Davos, Switzerland. The UN’s World Health Organization (WHO) also held their conference at the same time at Geneva. Billionaires, politicians, celebrities and even dictators met in Davos, the luxury ski town. They presented a contradictory message at the WEF, about the importance of climate change while arriving on their private jets.
The media portrays both organizations as institutions whose purpose is to help the world become a safer place, yet their authenticity is questionable. False store fronts were constructed on the streets of Davos prior to the conference, making it appear much like a movie set. The only authentic kiosks were those set up by The Wall Street Journal, Google, You Tube and Dow Jones, all of which were participants in the conference.
Hundreds of armed men surrounded the area, protecting the elites from the common people. In addition to the Swiss police,
CHECK IT OUT with Joan Janzen
off to sleep mirrors agreement
hundreds of heavily-armed soldiers were present, and convoys of military trucks.
Meanwhile in Canada, the media appears to protect these organizations. Anyone who dares to ask questions about the amendments to the International Health Regulations (IHR) which were voted on, is quickly criticized and demeaned. Anyone who dares mention concerns regarding negotiations being made for a Global Pandemic Treaty, where 193 countries are involved, immediately has those concerns swept away as though they were irrelevant.
When the media issues a public response to any dissenting voices, they utilize the expertise of neutral voices, but fail to mention the connections of these experts. Those connections include everything from the Trudeau Foundation, working for the WHO, or the federal government. Could any of these experts be considered as ‘neutral’ in their opinions?
All endeavours are accomplished one step at a time. Leslyn Lewis, MP, explained, “If this document is passed,” she said, referring to amendments to the IHR, “I believe it lays the foundation for the transfer of powers from nation states to the unelected WHO during pandemics, thus legitimizing the drafting and potential passage of the World Pandemic Treaty.”
The amendments are the first step in the process.
The head of the WEF has already said “the future is being built by us”. However, everyday citizens only recognize most of these people by name. They may be more familiar with others, such as Justin Trudeau, but do they trust these individuals to make decisions on their behalf?
Christine Anderson, a German Member of European Parliament, said, “Granting government powers to a non-elected body is the exact opposite of democratic recourse and takes away any possibility for the people to hold officials accountable. This amounts to no less than disenfranchising the people. I am imploring you, look into this and protect the rights of the people.”
This is easier said than done, since any outsider who dares to “look into this”, is promptly and publicly demeaned. Questions, discussions and even information and data are censored.
When the masses object, they’re described as rebellious, refusing to follow and
obey the wisdom of these leaders, however many people are tired of pseudo leaders. The strength of a movement is not in blind obedience, and alignment can’t be forced upon everyday citizens.
Douglas McArthur once said, “A true leader has the confidence to stand alone, the courage to make tough decisions, and the compassion to listen to the needs of others. He/she does not set out to be a leader, but becomes one by the equality of his/her actions and the integrity of his/her intent.”
Authentic leaders work to empower the people they lead; this happens through relationship. Relationship alignment is not easy to achieve but it’s worth the effort.
We all realize the important role relationship plays in families, so shouldn’t it
be equally as important in our communities, provinces and nation? Why would we allow a global institution to make decisions for us ... institutions that do not listen to people, but expect blind obedience?
We aren’t made to function independent of one another. We are gifted to serve each other. We’re meant to be empowered by leadership, not discouraged. It’s hazardous to forget the importance of the voice of the people, while expecting them to pay their taxes and dues, while the government makes decisions on their behalf. Such a strategy would be a disaster in a family setting; so why would it work provincially, nationally or internationally? This is not a time to nod off to sleep while world leaders make decisions on our behalf.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Does Democracy Really Work?
There seems to be concerns nowadays about the threat to democracy in democratically aligned countries. Why are large segments of the population protesting and even in some cases using violence against their democratically elected government. “Rep by Pop” and “Majority Rules “ seems a fair way of governing. But is it? In my opinion there are cases where democracy works and cases where it does not. I think the success of democratically made decisions depends largely on the size and area affected by that decision. A good example of this is when the city of Calgary voted to accept or reject the fluoridation of their water supply. Hear you had people of a set area making a decision which affected them all equally. To me that sounded like a fair way to resolve the question.
On the other hand when you consider an area the size of Canada and the large variation in its population it’s obvious that the lesser populated areas will receive less consideration when important decisions are being made. This is evident from the staunch defence of the dairy industry in NAFTA negotiations to the perpetuation of the. “Equalization “ formula which sees billions of dollars transferred from the west to the two big eastern provinces. Of course politicians will say that the money first goes to Ottawa and then is distributed according to the formula but this is just a matter of semantics.
Will this situation ever change? As long as 90% of elections are decided before polls open in the west the answer is no. In fact this was so obvious that a number of years ago it was decided not to show the election results until the polls were closed across Canada as it was felt western voters would lose interest in casting their ballots knowing the election was already settled.
So what is the solution to this obvious inequality? I believe that once again the area or size and the population in that area should have greater say in decisions that affect them. This would mean greater power given to the individual provinces and less power to the central government so that certain areas are not treated more “equally” than others.
Presently the leadership of the federal conservative party is being debated. It is interesting to note that many of the candidates are recognizing the obvious presence of Western alienation. They are all aware that it exists but what will they do about it. Are their speeches sincere or is it just lip service? If the status quo continues as I’m sure it will, their concerns Will soon be swept aside and we’ll go back to playing the same old game.
Don Bamber, Oyen
Flames-Oilers a great sports rivalry
BY BRUCE PENTON Sports Columnist
For a sports fan, there’s nothing quite like a great rivalry. For a hockey fan, that’s defined by the Battle of Alberta.
For the first time since 1991, a National Hockey League playoff series involved the Calgary Flames and Edmonton Oilers. The last two weeks of May featured the two Alberta rivals, and it not only provided an intense on-ice event, but an equally intense off-ice showdown. Case in point: a bar in Red Deer, located within one kilometre of precisely half-way between the province’s two major cities, has a dividing line smack dab in the middle of the establishment — Flames’ fans on one side, Oilers’ on the other. Sharpen the tongue but leave the hardware at home.
Alberta’s hockey fans, non-hockey fans, people of all ages and all stripes have an opinion about the Battle of Alberta. There are always bragging rights at stake, and politics even enters the fray, because the governing UCP has its strength in Calgary, while the opposition NDP is strongest in Edmonton.
The vast majority of fans simply enjoyed the friendly back-and-forth, although some obviously took it more seriously than others. On the world stage, the Battle of Alberta hardly registers as a well-known sports rivalry, but in Canada, it’s by far the biggest. Football might have its Blue Bombers-Roughriders battles, or its Argos-Ti-Cats confrontations, but nothing compares with Oilers-Flames. Globally, however, Yankees-Red Sox ranks up there, as does the Federer-Nadal battles on the tennis court. The best baseball hatred, however, might be between the Dodgers and Giants, both of which were born in suburban New York before moving to the West Coast in the late 1950s.
What are your favourite sports rivalries? How about Ali-Frazier? Those of a certain age will remember that one. Followers of Premier League soccer in the UK will say there’s nothing more intense in the world of sports than Manchester United and Manchester City. On a smaller scale, Pats vs. Warriors in southern Saskatchewan certainly gets fans’ blood boiling. Tiger-Phil was pretty good on the PGA Tour, a full genera-
Jake Roggensack
I was born in Viking, Alberta the youngest of 3 kids to Garrett and Tara Roggensack of Lougheed, Alberta. Obviously I was the icing on the cake finalizing my family and becoming little brother to my brother, Lane, and sister, Dale.
I attended playschool in Lougheed where Lane and Dale attended elementary school but we moved to Southern Alberta the summer of my Kindergarten debut. I started Kindergarten and elementary school in Nobleford, Alberta until my family moved to Wainwright in 2014 where I attended Grade 5 at Wainwright Elementary School. I completed my Junior High Years and my first semester of Grade 10 at Wainwright High School and then in February
tion after Arnie-Jack. If you need full names on those golf references, you’re not a true sports fan.
Winning is all that matters to the competitors in these rivalries, but for fans, the buildup and the trash talking is what elevates these battles from the mundane to the can’t-miss.
• Scott Ostler of the San Francisco Chronicle, on only one food truck outside at an Oakland A’s home game as a sad sign of the times: “Used to be there were eight or 10 to choose from. Pretty soon it will be just a guy selling day-old churros and two kids with a lemonade stand.”
• Dwight Perry of the Seattle Times: “Kiara Thomas was arrested and charged with assault in Laurel, Mississippi, for punching an umpire at a 12-year-old girls softball game, WLBT-
of 2020 became a Badlands Badger and moved to Oyen, AB where I have been ever since.
Playing sports is my all time favorite hobby and I was lucky to play all kinds of sports growing up. I was a really shy kid when I was younger, and sorta still am today EXCEPT when you get me on a field, diamond, sheet of ice, ski hill, or motorboat. Then I am not shy whatsoever and want to get into all of it – and I am super competitive so you’re definitely gonna know I am there. When it comes to sports, no more shy Jake. I grew up playing hockey and baseball but in the off season of those sports I would go skiing with my family and wakeboarding and surfing on my uncle’s boat in the summer. I did play one season of football and soccer and also played Junior High volleyball. I do quite a bit of hockey refereeing throughout the winter and I really enjoy that on top of playing all the sports. It’s hard to get me out of bed to get to school, but I will never sleep in on game day (OK there was 1 time last summer and I had to run poles in 34 C weather) but that is extremely rare and I am usually the first one at the diamond or the rink.
I hope to continue my baseball dreams and play College baseball, preferably in the States. At this point, I am leaning toward Agri Business but those plans could change. I am excited to continue pursuing my baseball dreams and I am grateful to have gotten to finish my High School education at such a great school and with the Badger program.
TV reported. The capper? In her mugshot, Thomas rocks a ‘Mother of the Year’ T-shirt.”
• From the ‘What????’ department, found in Phil Mushnick’s NY Post column: “During a recent Michigan-Minnesota women’s softball telecast, ESPN’s Lisa Byington advised, ‘The last thing you want to do is walk the leadoff hitter, especially with nobody on base.’”
• Headline at TheBeaverton.com: “Sportsnet apologizes for interrupting gambling commercial with hockey.”
• Patti Dawn Swansson, on news that wrestler Ric Flair will climb into the ring this summer at age 73: “Hey, if Mick Jagger can prance around on stage and pretend he can still sing at age 78, why can’t Ric Flair pretend he can still fake fight?”
• Bob Molinaro of pilotonline.com (Hampton, Va.): “It’s reported that after one year as an NBC football studio analyst, former Saints quarterback Drew Brees is out. Hardly enough time to know he was in.”
• RJ Currie of sportsdeke.com: “Over the last five playoffs, the Toronto Maple Leafs are 0-9 in elimination
games — 0-4 in Game 7. Even my 1990 VW is better in the clutch.
• Headline at TheBeaverton.com: “Stanley Cup ‘Playoffs Participant’ banner raised again at (Toronto’s) Scotia Bank Centre.”
• Headline at Fark.com: “Nike to Kyrie Irving: Just do it … with another shoe company.”
• Dwight Perry again: “Former Duke basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski was paid nearly $3.3 million in base salary, $2 million in bonus pay and just over $7.2 million in other reportable compensation in 2020, according to the university’s federal tax returns. Looks like he’s perfected his bank shot.”
• Vancouver Giants coach Michael Dyck, to Kamloops This Week, on why he wouldn’t criticize the officiating after a 4-2 WHL playoff loss: “With the price of gas these days, I can’t waste money on fines.”
• Another one from fark. com, on Steph Curry completing his degree 13 years after leaving Davidson: “Hopefully, he can find work now that he graduated.”
Care to comment? Email brucepenton2003@yahoo.ca
R.
1-306-460-7011 chingconstruction@hotmail.com
Glen Durand
Some big changes at Special Areas Fire Services!
Special Areas Fire Chief Glen Durand is retiring from the Special Areas effective July 15 after more than forty years of service. Glen first began his career at Special Areas back in 1982 and moved into the Fire Chief role in 2006 with the retirement of Brian Krieser.
“Glen’s dedication to supporting local volunteer-based firefighting in the Special Areas has resulted in a transformation of our regional fire services. Glen’s impact on the Special Areas will continue to shape our fire and emergency services for years to come,” said Owen Francis, Director of Municipal Services & Emergency Management.
best possible emergency and fire services.
“There is nothing more rewarding than watching new firefighters learn and grow into skilled members of their departments. They are the backbone of Special Areas fire services, and my role as Fire Chief with the Special Areas is to give them the support they need.” - Rob Palmer, Special Areas Deputy Fire Chief
Rob Palmer, Deputy Fire Chief since 2015, will formally move into the role of Special Areas Fire Chief on July 16th with Glen’s retirement. Currently, Rob is serving as Acting Fire Chief during this transition period. Rob is excited to be able to keep serving the public and to support local fire departments in delivering the
Rob’s focus in the new role is to make sure fire departments and firefighters have the tools and training they need to be successful to respond to ever-changing types of incidents. When asked what Rob has learned from Glen in the past seven years, Rob shared the most important lesson was to make sure you are supporting volunteer firefighters. “As Glen would say, without volunteers we would be in a world of hurt!”
For more information about fire services in the Special Areas visit https://specialareas. ab.ca/services/fire-emergency-services/.
Investing in higher learning in southern Alberta
The Alberta at Work initiative will create more than 180 new seats in high-demand programs at Lethbridge College, Medicine Hat College and the University of Lethbridge.
This investment of $5.3 million supports about 184 new seats over three years in programs including agriculture, health care, science and IT. The Alberta at Work initiative is making strategic investments in high-demand programs to meet labour demands, ensuring students have more opportunities to train close to home in the programs they choose, and supporting industry with the highly skilled and talented workforce they need for the future.
ments like this will make sure southern Alberta is equipped with the talent it needs to thrive in an ever-changing economy.” - Nathan Neudorf, MLA for Lethbridge-East
“With over 180 new seats added to post-secondary institutions, this government is setting up Albertans for success. Alberta’s recovery is well underway, and I’m excited to see these seats occupied, beginning this fall. I’m pleased to see Alberta’s government investing in southeastern Alberta’s economic recovery and am grateful for the minister’s continued support of Medicine Hat College.” - Michaela Frey, MLA for Brooks-Medicine Hat
In the southern region, the targeted enrolment expansion program will invest in six programs at these post-secondary institutions:
• Lethbridge College: $1.2 million
• Medicine Hat College: $324,000
• University of Lethbridge: $3.7 million
“It has been a privilege to travel across the province the past two weeks to deliver the news of these investments. Alberta’s economy is on the rise, and with this rapid pace of growth comes a growing need for highly skilled and talented workers. These investments are giving confidence to employers that regional workforce needs will be met, and provides reassurance for students pursuing fulfilling careers in high-demand industries.” - Demetrios Nicolaides, Minister of Advanced Education
“These investments in the University of Lethbridge and Lethbridge College are coming at an important time. Alberta is dealing with a skilled labour shortage and strategic invest-
“Graduates from Medicine Hat College have vital roles in creating and sustaining the vibrant economy and communities of southeast Alberta. We’re grateful for the opportunity to serve more students at our Brooks campus, and appreciate the government’s role in making college education even more accessible.” - Kevin Shufflebotham, president and CEO, Medicine Hat College
Most of the programs are ready to start accepting more students this fall.
Alberta at Work is a more than $600-million investment over the next three years in new and existing initiatives to help Albertans gain in-demand skills that will support economic growth and attract investment now and in the future. It features investments that support Albertans from primary school to post-secondary skills training, as well as retraining for changing career paths and finding well-paying jobs.
Rob Palmer
How to improve flea beetle management
BY KEITH GABERT
Flea beetles can do a lot of damage in a short time. To avoid beetle shock, growers and agronomists across the Prairies will want to scout as soon as seedlings emerge, and check often – especially in crops advancing slowly.
Seed treatments usually provide effective protection as long as canola reaches the three- to fourleaf stage in three to four weeks. Slow-growing crops under intense flea beetle pressure will likely require foliar insecticide. In 2021, dry conditions were ideal for flea beetles (especially warm and dry). Unfortunately, these conditions also slowed the crop – leaving small canola plants vulnerable for longer. The 2021 experience will have many canola growers on high alert for 2022.
The spray, or action, threshold for flea beetles is when average leaf area loss exceeds 25 per cent across the field. With a slow-growing crop and plant stands below five to eight plants per square foot, a lower action threshold may be appropriate.
To assess leaf area loss, scout for damage in a few spots in each field, checking 10 plants in each spot. Flea beetles tend to prefer fresh new leaves. If cotyledons are chewed up but newest leaves show very little feeding, then plants may be outgrowing the threat or seed treatments may be having an effect (or both). If the first true leaves are not present, flea beetles may be nipping them off at the growing point. Also check for stem damage, especially in cool or windy weather. Plants with extensive stem feeding could be assessed at 100 per cent leaf area loss.
Scout daily in areas approaching the action threshold. With a day or two of warm, dry conditions, damage can escalate well beyond the threshold.
Spraying is likely required if flea beetle damage exceeds the threshold, flea beetles are still feeding and the crop has not reached the four-leaf stage.
Tips to improve spray results
Use pesticides registered for flea beetles in canola. Refer to product labels for proper use instructions. Consider the weather. Insecticide will be effective on cooler days
as long as the flea beetles are active. Malathion is the only product that requires a minimum temperature of 18-20°C. Other product labels say to apply when flea beetles are active, but to avoid the warmest parts of the day. Some pyrethroid labels (Decis, for example) say they should not be applied when temperatures are above 25°C. However, if conditions are cool AND wet, don’t bother spraying anything. Flea beetles don’t like rain, and will take cover in the soil and leaf litter. Product labels also say not to spray if rain is likely within one hour. Use nozzles that provide good coverage. Low-drift nozzles are well-suited for weed control but not flea beetle control. A dedicated sprayer pass with nozzles that pro-
duce smaller droplets will provide the coverage needed for improved flea beetle results.
For more on flea beetle lifecycles and management, please see the flea beetles chapter at CanolaEncyclopedia.ca. This article is based on two more detailed Canola Watch Fundamentals articles called “How to assess leaf area loss from flea beetles” and “The flea beetle spray decision: 8 steps”. Find them at canolawatch.org/fundamentals. While there, please sign up to receive our timely Canola Watch agronomy emails.
– Keith Gabert is an agronomy specialist with the Canola Council of Canada. Email gabertk@canolacouncil. org
Independent Grain and Special Crops Market Analysis
“News Follows Price”
“Prices lead fundamentals.”
“Prices lead, fundamentals follow.”
Perhaps you have heard these terms before. It can be a difficult concept to understand. It requires an understanding of Technical Analysis.
It took an observation of thousands, then millions of charts.
I believe it now.
“Prices lead, fundamentals follow.” This concept is understood by some of the greatest investors of all time.
Paul Tudor Jones II, the founder of Tudor Investment Corporation, said in Jack D. Schwager’s Market Wizards: Interviews with Top Traders (1989):
“I always believe that prices move first and fundamentals come second.”
Jones believes that the price looks to the future and anticipates the fundamentals soon to follow.
On May 11, I published my Bullish sentiment anticipating a move higher based on the Kansas City and Chicago wheat charts in the Klarenbach Grain Report.
On May 14, India announced a ban on exports.
Wheat experienced a 14% move five days following the May 11 publication.
On May 27th, readers of the Klarenbach Grain Report were alerted to Soybeans attempting to breakout to 10-year highs.
What will the news be if this breakout attempt is successful?
What will this mean for Canola?
I am fascinated with this concept.
I think you will be too.
Trent Klarenbach, BSA AgEc, publishes the Klarenbach Grain Report and the Klarenbach Special Crops Report, which can be read at https://www.klarenbach.ca/
“Flea beetle damage - infographic” Source: Canola Council of Canada
Get
your produce here
I am so excited that gardening season is back! Gardening has so many benefits for physical and mental health. It is a great form of exercise that keeps our bodies strong, helps reduce stress and anxiety, and may improve sleep and mood. But what I love most is being able to enjoy the fresh tasty produce.
Can’t or don’t want to grow your own? There are several ways you can still enjoy the benefits and flavours of fresh fruit and vegetables.
Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) – CSA is a way for consumers to connect with local growers. Members purchase a share of the farmer’s locally grown seasonal produce. In return, they get a weekly share of various fresh fruit and vegetables from about July through September. Two CSA growers are listed in our Local Food and Producers Directory found on the foodconnections.ca website or bit.ly/MHfood2020.
Good Food Clubs - The Good Food Club is a group-buying club for produce in Medicine Hat and area. Produce is purchased from wholesalers and local growers, so members get lower-cost fresh fruit and vegetables once a month. You don’t have to buy a produce box every month and there are various pick-up depots in Medicine Hat and Redcliff. For more information see: http://foodconnections. ca/club or call 403-502-6096.
Greenhouses - Many greenhouses in southern Alberta sell directly to local customers. Options vary but can include peppers, cucumbers, tomatoes, eggplants, lettuce and herbs. Payment is made via cash boxes on an honour system; some also have Interac payment as well. Check out the greenhouses near you in the directory bit.ly/MHfood2020. If you can’t make it out to the greenhouses, Rubens Veggies now has several veggie huts in Medicine Hat and Lethbridge.
U-Picks - Many local growers let you pick your own produce. Not only does it cost a little less if you do the picking, but it can also be a fun family activity. Most often you can pick fruit such as Saskatoons, black currants, sour cherries, raspberries, strawberries, and rhubarb. However, some producers grow vegetables such as beans, carrots, cucumbers, onions, peppers, tomatoes, or zucchini. To find a u-pick near you check your local papers and websites such as
Open
bit.ly/MHfood2020; www.albertafarmfresh.com; or https://www. pickyourown.org/CNALsoutheast. htm.
Active Lethbridge offers a list of u-pick farms in the Lethbridge area. activelethbridge.ca Farmer’s Markets and Market Garden Stalls – Now Open! Farmer’s markets offer products that are home-made, baked or grown.
The Medicine Hat Farmer’s Market at the Cypress Centre Fieldhouse, 2055 21st Ave SE, runs every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. until October 1 or every Wednesday 4-8 p.m. at the Carriage House and Park. For more info call 403-5271234.
The Brooks Farmer’s Market is held at Veteran’s Park every Thursday afternoon from 2 - 6 p.m. until Oct 6. For more info rosemaryag.ca/brooks-farmers-market
The Lethbridge Farmer’s Market runs downtown on Wednesdays and at the Exhibition Park on Saturdays. For more information go to lethbridgefarmersmarket.ca/. To find other farmer’s markets in southern Alberta visit: albertafarmersmarket.com/markets/
The Alberta Farm Fresh Producers Association represents growers across the province. Their members produce vegetable, berry and fruit crops as well as other specialty farm items. The association’s mandate is to bring fresh, healthy, local food and farm experiences to Alberta communities by connecting local farms and local people. Visit their website for a list of farms in your area: albertafarmfresh.com. Note: not all growers may be listed here.
If you are a grower and have more than you can use, consider sharing with others at the food banks, meal programs, and churches. There is also a sharing site called www.ripenear.me. For example, if you have a bumper crop of crabapples this year, you can enter your location and details about how you can share your bounty with others and help reduce food waste.
However your garden grows, I hope you enjoy the fresh fruit and vegetables that our sunny south grows this summer!
Pat MacIntosh is a Registered Dietitian with Alberta Health Services, Nutrition Services. She can be reached by e-mail, pat.macintosh@ahs.ca.
House & Barbecue at the Cereal Country Cottages
In celebration of Alberta’s Seniors Week (June6-12), we are hosting an Saturday, June 11th from 11:0 am-3:00pm
We are “inviting” (or trying to focus on) attracting new residents & their families/friends as well as inviting current and former residents and their “entourages” as well. Available units will be available for viewing and hot dogs, hamburgers, & drinks served.
TheReport from Battle River-Crowfoot MP Damien Kurek
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 Disservice to Canada
political side of Parliament often draws a great deal of attention and headlines, but often forgotten are Government services that are critical to Canadians. COVID-19 has taken a massive toll on the numerous government institutions we rely on, but mismanagement has hurt the ability of Canadians to access services.
I have heard from many of you about challenges accessing Service Canada, along with other departments. While many issues have emerged over the last two years, a specific concern is passport-related services. While Service Canada staff are working diligently (and I have spoken to local staff who I commend), significant backlogs and institutional challenges exist… response times are too long and there is an ever-growing backlog. Government workplaces need to return to normal and efficiencies need to be found. Unfortunately, the Liberal Government failed to plan for the expected increase in demand with so many ten-year passports expiring at the same time and did not acknowledge that Canadians were preparing to travel as restrictions relaxed.
Many of you have reached out to me about firearms-related policy issues and I often express
frustration with the Liberals’ policy direction. However, there has been a significant increase in delays for processing Possession and Acquisition Licenses (PAL) and Restricted Possession and Acquisition Licenses (RPAL). The Liberals seem to have intentionally increased the bureaucratic complexities related to firearms ownership. Please be weary of the possible legal consequences of expired licenses and be sure you leave ample time for your renewal. If you have concerns, please feel free to reach out.
Another department many folks are experiencing challenges is with Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). They play an integral role in ensuring new immigrants can come to Canada and contribute economically and to our social fabric. Further, IRCC’s responsibility is to fortify Canada’s ability to help those in crisis and aid them upon arrival in Canada, including Afghan interpreters and Ukrainian refugees. IRCC is facing an enormous backlog of nearly two million applications for citizenship, permanent residency, study permits, temporary work visas, and visitor visas among others. Contact with IRCC remains extraordinarily difficult and this has become unaccept -
able. MP offices have a dedicated phone line and email to advocate on behalf of their constituents. If you need assistance, please feel free to reach out.
These are a few examples of delays in service delivery, but there are many more instances I have heard about from constituents and colleagues across Canada, including from Indigenous Services, to the CRA, all the way to Veterans Affairs. The bottom line is action must be taken by the Liberals to ensure these services are available to Canadians. I will continue to advocate for these issues to be addressed. On a practical note, if you need assistance or advice regarding services offered by the Federal Government, please do not hesitate to contact my office, my staff and I are here to help. I work for you and will do everything I can to help make sure the Government serves the people of Battle River—Crowfoot.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding this column or need assistance with a Federal Government program, you are encouraged to write Damien at 4945-50th Street, Camrose, Alberta, T4V 1P9, call 780-6084600, text 403-5755625, or e-mail damien. kurek@parl.gc.ca. You can also stay up to date with Damien by following him on social media @dckurek.
CUTTING HAY IN SPECIAL AREAS DITCHES
Ratepayers are advised Special Areas will begin roadside grass control (ditch mowing) for local roads on June 14, 2022.
Alberta Transportation is responsible for roadside grass control on primary and secondary highways.
If you would like to harvest roadside vegetation for hay, contact your local District Office at:
- SA2 - Hanna - (403) 854-5625
- SA3 - Oyen - (403) 664-3618
- SA4 - Consort - (403) 577-3523
1. U.S. STATES: Which state is the smallest in land area?
2. MEDICAL: What is a common name for the medical condition called hyperlipidemia?
3. PSYCHOLOGY: What is the abnormal fear represented by peccatophobia?
4. FOOD & DRINK: What fish is the basis of Worcestershire sauce?
5. GEOGRAPHY: Nuuk is the capital of which island constituent country?
6. U.S. PRESIDENTS: Which state has produced the most presidents?
7. ART: In which major city would you find the Uffizi Gallery?
8. MOVIES: What is the main setting of the “Mama Mia!” movies?
9. MYTHOLOGY: What is the name of the Greek god of wine?
LONGHORN YEARLING & 2-YEAR-OLD BULLS FOR SALE. Also 3 yearling Speckle Park Longhorn cross bulls for sale. 403528-0200 (Cell) or 403-5486684. Leave a message if no answer. walkersu7texaslonghorns@gmail.com
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.
COMING EVENTS
FIREARMS WANTED FOR JUNE 2022 LIVE & ONLINE AUCTION: Rifles, Shotguns, Handguns, Militaria. Auction or Purchase: Collections, Estates, Individual items. Contact Paul, Switzer’s Auction: Toll-Free 1-800694-2609, sales@switzersauction.com or www.switzersauction.com.
Commercial Property GET YOUR MESSAGE SEEN ACROSS Alberta. The Blanket Classifieds or Value Ads reach over 600,000 Alberta readers weekly. Two options starting at $269 or $995 to get your message out! Business changes, hiring, items for sale, cancellations, tenders, etc. People are increasingly staying home and rely on their local newspapers for information. KEEP people in the loop with our 90 Weekly Community Newspapers. Call THIS NEWSPAPER now or email classifieds@awna.com for details. 1-800-282-6903, 780-434-8746 X225. www. awna.com.
FARM MACHINERY BLANKET THE PROVINCE with a classified ad. Only $269 (based on 25 words or less). Reach almost 90 weekly newspapers. Call NOW for details. 1-800282-6903 Ext 225; www. awna.com.
FEED AND SEED
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.
CERTIFIED SEED. - WHEAT
– AAC Goodwin, AAC Penhold, AC Sadash, CDC Go, Go Early, Pintail. OATS - AC Juniper, AC Morgan, AC Mustang, Derby, CDC Arborg, CDC SO1 Super Oat, ORE 3542M. BARLEY – Cerveza, CDC Austenson, CDC Maverick, Sundre. Very Early Yellow Pea, Forage Peas. Polish Canola, Spring Triticale. mastinseeds.com; 403-556-2609.
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: $125-175. Crystal Springs. 403-820-0961. Quality guaranteed.
LAND FOR SALE
BEST HUNTING IN SASKATCHEWAN right by Sask River. Very high Deer population. Thick pine & poplar bluffs, close to water coulee. Old yard site with old power and water. Revenue on crop and hayland. East of Prince Albert. $248,000. Call Doug 306716-2671.
HEALTH
GET UP TO $50,000 from the Government of Canada. Do you or someone you know have any of these conditions: ADHD, Anxiety, Arthritis, Asthma, Cancer, COPD, Depression, Diabetes, Difficulty Walking, Fibromyalgia, Irritable Bowels, Overweight, Trouble Dressing...and Hundreds more. ALL Ages & Medical Conditions qualify. CALL THE BENEFITS PROGRAM 1-800-211-3550 or send a text message with Name and Mailing Address to 403980-3605 for your FREE benefits package.
HIP/KNEE REPLACEMENT. Other medical conditions causing TROUBLE WALKING or DRESSING?
The Disability Tax Credit allows for $3,000 yearly tax credit and $30,000 lump sum refund. Take advantage of this offer. Apply NOW; quickest refund Nationwide: Expert help. 1-844-4535372.
LIVESTOCK FOR SALE REGISTERED YEARLING SIMMENTAL BULLS. Fullblood Fleckvieh, Horned & Polled, A1 Bloodlines, Performance EPD’s. Very Quiet. Simmeron Ranch. Martin 780-913-7963. www. simmeronranch.ca.
PERSONALS
DIY HOME CHRISTIANITY BOOK for sale at ralph757. com. Thorough, simple, brief. No church, no strings. Click white tab at upper right corner of web page.
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. 1-800-347-2540. 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.
PRIVATE MORTGAGE
LENDER. All real estate types considered. No credit checks done. Deal direct with lender and get quick approval. Toll free 1-866405-1228; www.firstandsecondmortgages.ca.
WANTED
CASH for ALL gold & silver! Bullion, coins, bars, jewelry, nuggets, sterling, 999 SILVER +. Also buying COIN COLLECTIONS, ROYAL CANADIAN MINT COINS & old money. Canada & world collections WANTED. Todd 250-864-3521.
WANTED: Old advertising dealership signs, gas pumps, globes, pop machines, light ups. White Rose, Red Indian, Buffalo, North Star, Case Eagles, etc. Collector paying TOP PRICES. 306-221-5908.
ACADIA VALLEY
Friday, June 10
• Palliser Economic Partnership is hosting its 2022 Annual General Meeting 12:00 noon at Acadia Valley’s new community hall. Wednesday, June 15
• Vendors Market from 11:30 am - 5:00 pm at the Acadia Valley Community Hall. BBQ Hamburgers from 11:30 am - 2:00 pm.
ALSASK
Saturday, June 11
• Alsask Community Annual Life-Size Fooseball. To enter a team or for more information contact Sara 306-460-4303 or sarawilke@sasktel.net
Saturday, September 3
• Beer Olympics 3.0. Theme: Anything But A Human. For mor infomation contact Emily 306-430-8084 or Katina 306-430-1102 by text.
BUFFALO
August 6 & 7
• Buffalo Ag Society KCRA Rodeo
CEREAL
Tuesday, May 31
• Cereal Cottages weekly Coffee Time 9:30 am.
Monday, June 6, 13, 20, 27
• Monday Nite Bingo hosted by the Cereal Board of Trade(BofT). Doors open at 6:30 pm. Bingo starts at 7:30 pm at the CJ Peacock Centre. Concession open each Bingo nite. Bingo runs every Monday throughout the summer (except holidays). Monday, June 6
• Cottrell Cemetery Annual Clean-up will begin at 8:30 am. Tailgate lunch to follow. Bring your lawnmower, trimmer or whatever
you have, as there is a job for everyone!
Saturday, July 9
• Bulls & Broncs Jackpot. Includes beer gardens and VIP tables. Other details pending. Friday, July 29 - Sunday, July 31
• Prairieland Sports Days
Saturday, August 6
• CAA First Annual Mud Bog. Mud flies at 12:00 pm. Beer gardens. 12 years + $10 each; Children under 12 FREE
Sunday, August 8
• 8th Annual Cereal Kids Rodea. Pre-registration required for contestants. Rodeo action begins at 10:00 am.
Thursday, September 1
• CAA Chase the Ace Raffle begins again 7:00-9:00 pm. More than $12,000 coulbe be up for grabs. License # and other details pending.
* Cereal Board of Trade (BofT) Campgroundpower & water are on and ready for campers! $25 serviced site; $10 non-serviced site.
EMPRESS
Saturday, June 4
• Empress & District Historical Society will be hosting an archaeology presentation by Heinz Pyszczyk at 10:00 am at the Train Station. Lunch will follow. Proceeds to The Historical Society.
OYEN
Tuesday, May 31
• Parent Night with Trevor Moore 7:30 pm at SCHS Gym. Free Admission, Coffee & Dessert. Trevor is a mental health advocate, chronic pain warrior, mindset coach and keynote speaker who brings a wealth of training and experiential wisdom to the stage. Everyone welcome.
• Oyen Daycare BBQ Fundraiser 4:00 - 7:00
• Hearing Tests
• Medical Referrals
• Hearing Aid Fittings & Ongoing Support
• No Obligation Hearing Aid Trials
• Custom Ear Plugs
• All Makes and Models of Hearing Aids
• Batteries & Accessories
• Vendor for AADL, DVA
• Vendor for WCB AB & SK, Work Safe BC
• L.A.C.E. - (Listening & Communication Enhancement) Training
119 - 2nd Avenue West, Hanna, Alberta 403.443.2288 OR 1.888.536.MAXX (6299) hello@maximumhearing.ca www.maximumhearing.ca
IN HANNA Thursday: 9 am - 4:30 pm Friday: 9 am - 3pm Follow and
pm at the RCMP Ball Diamonds Food Booth. Donations for a hot dog, pop and chips. Proceeds will go towards a new outdoor play structure for the Oyen Daycare.
Wednesday, June 1 - Wednesday, June 22
• Big Country Community Adult Learning Council Walking Wednesdays Drop-in Group 10:00 am (meet at the Adult Learning Office). 1 hour walk with tea, coffee and water available afterwards. All ages welcome.
Friday, Saturday, Sunday, June 3, 4, 5
• Prairieland Athletic Association 2nd Annual Oyen Slo-Pitch Tournament at Oyen RCMP Centennial Park.
Saturday, June 18
• Oyen Lions Club Father’s Day Comedy Night Dinner, Show & Dance featuring Andrew Grose & Tim Nutt.
Wednesday, June 22
Oyen FCSS & Communities in Action is hosting Annual Activity & Resource Fair 4:00 - 6:30 pm at the Oyen & District Memorial Arena. Watch for more details.
