increased recycling costs with a County of Stettler agreement and a hike to regional emergency services.
Macdonald stated that $3,000 was also added to the operating budget for lift station repairs which are still tentative; it’s not certain the repairs are needed.
The CAO also mentioned some good news regarding fire hydrant repairs: it appears the hydrants may not need repair, just some basic maintenance.
Macdonald stated she was told the hydrants may only require some gaskets and O-rings and won’t require digging up the pavement.
After looking at the proposed operating budget Coun. Clark German complimented the CAO.
“I think you did an excellent job Elaine,” said German.
He also asked the CAO if she’d had a chance to look into the amount of water Big Valley actually purchased, but Macdonald answered she wasn’t able to do that yet.
German noted he felt the village
CARA Hosts Aussie Graziers!
Twenty-four graziers from down under have spent the past 3 weeks meeting with producers and industry across western Canada.
Beginning the first of August, this group of ranchers from many points in Australia visited farms, ranches and dairies at points across southern British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan.
Councillors discussed the municipal assessor, with Macdonald stating she was very happy with Big Valley’s assessor. The CAO stated the village’s assessor knows the job very well and meets all the requirements of the Municipal Government Act (MGA).
Mayor Dan Houle responded that in his opinion assessments in Big Valley may be a bit too low.
Their stop at Chinook Applied Research Association on August 21st included a visit to our Dwayne Smigelski crop trial site northeast of Oyen. CARA’s Manager Dianne Westerlund shared some history of the area and discussed how CARA came to be and operates.
German added that it does seem that Big Valley has a lot of properties assessed at the minimum value, with the CAO pointing out there are 37
Councillors unanimously approved the 2023 operating budget.
Karin Roen, Agronomist and Extension Coordinator, shared highlights of a trial evaluating use of early spring seeded winter cereals for forage. Discussion also included use of poly-crops (annual crop mixes) for grazing as well as soil improvement.
Rancher Pat Rutledge, Monitor area rancher and Board member of CARA, engaged tour participants in a discussion of local grazing practices.
The group was then introduced to ‘taco-in-a-bag’ and enjoyed homemade pie (courtesy of Clay Cup) for lunch at the CARA Center.
After lunch, Dr. Yamily Zavala discussed principles of soil health and demonstrated how infiltration and aggregate stability are influenced by healthy soil characteristics. A tour of the Soil Health Lab completed the day of learning for both the Aussie Graziers and CARA staff.
CARA Program Agronomist Karin Roen shares information on a trial evaluating spring seeded winter cereals for forage use.
CARA’s Soil Scientist Dr. Yamily Zavala discussed soil health.
Bud Herbert
Master Electrician, Red Seal Instrumentation PO Box 193, Oyen, AB T0J 2J0
Cell: 403-664-9637
buds_e_i_services@yahoo.com
Office: 403-676-2162 Fax: 403-676-2152
CAN’T SEE OUT?
Youth in Philanthropy program a success
Three student groups from Forty Mile participated in CFSEA’s Youth in Philanthropy program, collectively granting $5,400 to charitable organizations:
• SCHS YiP awarded $1,800 to CARA
OPTION #2 Replace the Window
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www.anchorglass.ab.ca
email: tim@anchorglass.ab.ca
Programs:
Phone: 403-854-4414
Toll Free: 1-800-463-3148
West Central Crisis & Family Support Centre
• Mental Health & Addictions
• Family Support (FSW) & Diversion Support
• Family Violence Intervention (FVI)
• Rapid Access Counselling (RAC) for Children Youth/Caregivers
• Rapid Access for Counselling (RAC) for Adults
• Crisis Intervention & Debriefing
• Suicide Intervention & Suicide Impact Supports
• Sexual Assault Victim Support
• Trafficking Intervention
• Family Intervention Rapid Support Teams (FIRST)
• Client Advocacy
• Intimate Partner Violence Intervention
• Court Mandated Supports
The West Central Crisis & Family Support Centre’s mission is to provide support services to individuals and families experiencing trauma, violence, addiction, or crisis in their lives, as well as outreach programs to communities within our boundaries.
• Youngstown School YiP granted $1800 each to Hanna Food Bank
• Jenner 4H MultiClub granted $1800 to the Brooks and District Health Foundation- Aarit Hok Pediatric Fund
YiP engages students in the grantmaking process, helping them learn about local challenges and make meaningful contributions to the community.
To learn more about the Rural Community Fund of Forty Mile or how to support its long-term impact, visit cfsea.ca/rural-community-endowment-funds/ or contact PrairieCrocusFund@cfsea.ca
Oyen Lodge welcomes new resident
BY DIANNE SPATH
Hello, everyone. It’s that time of year again, the harvesters are going steady, and the combine dust is in the air. The canning season has begun as the vegetables in the garden are getting picked. Additionally, many rhubarb and zucchini desserts are being prepared. The weather has been wonderful for the harvest season. Sorry, there was no news last week. I was busy getting ready for the garage sale.
On Monday, August 18th, Elections Canada visited the Lodge from 9:00 to 11:00 for the voting poll for seniors, so there were no morning activities. In the afternoon, there was bingo.
Tuesday morning started with exercises, then the regular bus run downtown for shopping. There was Catholic Church led by Father Rodell at 10:00, and in the afternoon, there was a pub afternoon in which refreshments and snacks were served in the Gazebo.
Wednesday morning there was Church led by Catherine Holland, followed by a phase card game and in the afternoon was shuffleboard games.
Thursday morning started with exercises, and then the rest of the day was spent setting up for a huge garage sale at the Lodge.
On Friday and Saturday, there was the garage sale and bake sale from 10:00 to 5:00. The proceeds from the sale go towards entertainment for the seniors. Thanks to everyone who donated and purchased items from the sale. A huge thank you goes out to Sherry Hoyt for helping me on her days off. It was a lot of work. Also, thanks to our secretary Amanda, our maintenance guys, and to Ralph and Marvel’s daughter Rita for also being a great helping hand for the two days. I
honestly couldn’t have done it without all their assistance. It was greatly appreciated.
The Oyen Lodge would like to welcome a new resident, Erica Wulf.
Monday, August 25th, started with exercises, followed by a one-on-one Scrabble game. In the afternoon there was bingo.
Tuesday morning, there were exercises, followed by the regular bus run downtown for shopping. In the afternoon, there was an ice cream parlour in which banana splits, sundaes and floats were served.
Wednesday morning started with a phase ten card game and then some baking. In the afternoon, there were shuffleboard games.
Thursday started with exercises, followed by card games. In the afternoon, there was the regular Birthday Bash in the Gazebo. Miniature chocolate or vanilla bundt cakes were served, along with coffee and tea.
Thursday was “National Red Wine Day”, so a little red wine was also served with their cakes.
Friday morning started with horse races. #1 Horse-Poncho was the top winner that day. Then there was an outdoor walk. The weather has been hot, but the residents enjoy their morning walks, which is the right time of day. Friday afternoon, there was card bingo, and in the evening, there was music by Dale Huston.
I will be taking a week off the first week of September, so there will not be any news that week. Hope everyone has a great long weekend and enjoys the harvest season.
“A bountiful harvest is the reward for a season of hard work.” “In the beauty of the harvest, nature shares its bounty.”
From left: Haley Powell (Principal Youngstown School), Willard Edward (Hanna Food Bank), Hudson Berry, Lilianna Moggridge, Hudson Pilgrim and Darryl Berdahl (teacher).
From left, Dianne Westerlund (CARA, General Manager), Alyssa Kulyk, SCHS English Teacher Lara Stockman who helped Alyssa with the program.
OPINION:
Reading about government waste will raise your blood pressure
BY JOAN JANZEN
Here’s a bit of humour to start your day. A genie granted a wish, but with one condition: that the man’s worst enemy would get two times more of what he wished for. The man asked for 120/80 blood pressure.
A recent article by the Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) had the following heading: “Warning: Reading about government waste will raise your blood pressure.” I’ve often referenced Dr. Suneel Dhand, who assures his listeners that people’s stress hormones are constantly elevated in our modern world.
“It may even be from watching too much mainstream media,” he suggested. “The algorithms get you hooked on stories that are not to your liking.” He also suggested what his response would be if he were diagnosed with mildly high blood pressure, but we’ll get back to that later.
Dr. Dhand said, “For most things out there, there are lots of natural things that can help.” One of those natural foods which he, along with Dr. John Campbell, recently discussed is Lion’s Mane mushrooms.
Lion’s Mane is a mushroom which can be purchased at a health food store as a supplement or as a tincture. “It’s remarkably good for your brain,” John reported. He said it’s also delicious if you can find the mushrooms sold fresh
anywhere. Ironically, it looks much like a human brain in appearance.
John gave a personal example concerning his brother, who was in an accident which resulted in him having neurological problems. Consequently, for two years, he would get lost in a parking lot, had headaches, and could no longer cook or take care of basic needs. “After a couple of years, neurologists weren’t giving him any treatment,” John said. However, after taking Lion’s Mane for three weeks, he was able to begin functioning in his day-to-day activities.
“Some good research is coming out of Japan,” John reported, adding that the supplement is very popular there. “There are masses of people reporting significant benefits from Lion’s Mane mushrooms.” As usual, comments posted after listening to John Campbell’s and Dr. Suneel’s discussion proved to be very informative.
One individual said, “I was diagnosed with ADHD. Chemical ADHD meds made me either like a zombie or a Duracell bunny. Lion’s Mane has been an absolute game changer”.
A comment from someone reported a daily intake of Lion’s Main really helped her fibromyalgia. Someone else reported being diagnosed with a nerve issue and was prescribed painkillers, which didn’t help. After taking Lion’s Mane for a few months, he has zero nerve pain.
Dr. Dhand said, “This is probably going to take the western world by storm, according to the trends I’m seeing.”
John agreed, asking, “Why isn’t this being tested? It’s almost as if cures for many diseases are built into the natural system and into our ecosystems. But I’m not telling anyone what to do. This is purely for educational purposes.”
As he educated his listeners, he proceeded to interview a man who shared his experience with his six-month-old puppy, which developed a cancerous tumour on its nose. “We were told they needed to operate quickly, and would cut out the entire area exposing his teeth, followed by chemo,” the dog owner reported. Even with surgery and chemo (costing $4,000), he was told the dog would be lucky to live another four months because it was an aggressive cancer. He decided against having the surgery and let the cancer run its course.
Meanwhile he looked at other ways to treat his puppy and came across Lion’s Mane mushrooms. The only thing he gave his puppy was a daily adult dose of Lion’s Mane tincture, “because he’s a big dog,” he explained. Now the dog is four and a half years old, the tumour is gone, and he is a very healthy dog.
A physician listening to this report commented, “Lion’s Mane mushroom has shown promising neuron regenerative effect, but are we now seeing potential anti-cancer outcomes too? I’d love to see more documented cases like this. Natural compounds deserve more attention.”
One listener commented: “I am a
pharmacist and medication is the absolute last resort for me and my family.” If you listen to Dr. Dhand you’ll hear him agree that medications are a last resort, which leads me back to his recommendations for what he would do if diagnosed with mildly high blood pressure.
“It’s estimated that 50% of the western world’s adult population has been diagnosed with high blood pressure,” the doctor said, so dealing with it in the early stages is important.
He recommends cutting back on carbohydrates, sugar and processed foods, and exercising. “Start walking more,” he suggested. “Park further away from the grocery store entrance, take stairs instead of the elevator, walk after meals.” His suggestions for relieving stress included going to the gym, walking in nature, watching a comedy show, and spending time with family and friends.
“Evidence shows people who don’t sleep enough are predisposed to high blood pressure,” he noted. He recommends not looking at screens right before going to bed, and instead try reading or having a bath before retiring for the night.
“Adopt a strength training routine for 20 minutes at least three times a week. That will help with natural blood pressure reduction,” he advised. I really hope you’ll take the good doctor’s advice; you’ll need all the help you can get when I write about CTF’s report. Because “Reading about government waste will raise your blood pressure”.
Pop89: Apostle of Yes
BY MADONNA HAMEL
It took me a week to drive from Val Marie to Cortes Island, off the coast of BC. In one week, I travelled the Trans-Canada Highway through open prairie space at a sane pace, into the Rocky Mountains, where giant machinery continues to carve into mountainsides to make travel not only safer but also faster.
The “safer” part I get, the “faster”, I don’t. We all seem to be rushing to our ends. And new technologies rush us even more. But what’s the big hurry to get it all over with? I prefer the designated speed limit of Banff National Park: 90 km/hr. It feels habitable. Every highway should be 90 km/hr, but after Kelowna, the crazy Coquihalla Highway, from the Okanagan to Hope, clocks at 120km/hr. Colloquially referred to as the Coq, it is pronounced Coke, because, I quip, everyone who drives it ten km over the speed limit is on cocaine.
I’ve driven back and forth across Canada a few times. I’ve traversed most of the States with my bluesman ex; I love to drive and can’t imagine why there’s even such an invention as a “driverless vehicle”. But, I resent the ways we are forced to fly along at breakneck speeds, especially during rush-hour, huddled close to each other, assuming everyone else is prudent. No doubt the tailgaters behind me are triggered by a Saskatchewan plate - assuming I am white-knuckling through every curve in the road. I know I question their manic zipping between lanes.
After driving through Vancouver’s bedroom communities of Coquitlam, Langley, Abbotsford and Delta, I eased into a two-ferry wait line-up at Tsawwassen Terminal that would get me on a ferry to Nanaimo on
Vancouver Island. From there, I would drive to Campbell River, take another ferry to Quadra Island, then cross the island to another ferry to take me to Cortes Island, where my brother lives.
Island life is a lot like prairie village life: the pace is slow, the services sparse, and the internet sporadic. You have to be friendly to the few people you find yourself surrounded by because they are all you have, and they will show up at 4 am if you do the same for them. They also have extra zucchinis, tomatoes and crabapples, and if you make them a pie, they will give you a hunk of meat next time they hunt or butcher. Above all, they will commiserate with you about the weather.
But when serious health concerns hit - which they invariably do, and sooner than you’d expect (because who pencils in “serious health problem” on their calendar?) there’s only so much a neighbour can do. Then family must take over, and that is always a tricky proposition because the timing is never right and the good intention can look a little like a road sign pointing to hell. Nobody wants to leave the land they worked all their adult life to acquire, and everybody would prefer to believe that the little bout of health troubles is a minor setback, not a call to change gears.
I find the best way to help someone going through an enormous life change requiring selling everything and moving lock, stock and barrel is to just be present. Just listen. This is not an easy task - we all have opinions and suggestions and ideas about how things should proceed. And so many people, uncomfortable with my brother’s situation - living in a kind of void where he feels like he’s floating in space, discombobulated and hopeless - rush him into being positive. “You shouldn’t feel that way,” they say. As if they, if they should suffer so unfortunate a blow, would rise to the occasion jovial and carefree. Best just to listen without thinking you have to provide a solution. Listen with ears and heart open. It’s not easy; it’s nigh
impossible. But it must be done. It is how we bear witness.
These were my thoughts when I woke early this morning in my brother’s cabin and crept into the front room to watch Pope Leo celebrate the Mass of the Feast of the Assumption on my computer. I didn’t want to wake my brother because he gets so little peace from his “beehive of a brain” that has no place to land and make sense of things.
But also, I didn’t want to explain that once again, I am turning to this consoling yet engaging new Pope for words of consolation and direction. It’s a source of amusement for my family that I have turned the Pope’s words into a form of Lectio Divina - divine reading. That they give me both solace and insight and hope. “What’s your new boyfriend got to say?” said my brother the last time he saw me watching the Pope’s general audience.
But, here’s what he said, what I needed to hear: The witnesses of tenderness and forgiveness in places of conflict, and the peacemakers and bridge-builders in a broken world, are the joy of the world. And many of them are women, like Mary and her cousin Elizabeth and the other women who stayed at the feet of the dying Christ. And who were there on Easter morning. They are our “Apostles of resurrection. Let us be converted by their witness.”
Every cross has its resurrection - will I stay around long enough to witness the resurrection to come for my brother in the form of a new home, a new job, a new life? Mary, when she said yes to the angel, became a wondrous “union of grace and freedom, which urges each of us to have trust, courage and participation” in our life…So, “let us not be afraid to choose life! It may seem risky and imprudent. Many voices whisper: Why bother? Let it go. Think of your own interests. But, these are voices of death,” says Pope Leo. They are the voices of No! And I choose to be an Apostle of Yes!
Alberta
(L-R) Steven Dahl, Tyna Nelson, Angela Hoffmann, Jody Tye, Tricia Stouffer, Amber Ness, Farrah Hagens, Karen Ness. Teacher: G.
Get set for a season of NFL excitement
BY BRUCE PENTON
The 2025 National Football League season starts this week, so it’s the perfect time for a few recollections and some lookaheads.
Detroit Lions tied Kansas City for the best record during the 2024 regular season (15-2), but injuries caught up to them and the Lions flamed out against Washington in the divisional round of playoffs.
BY BRUCE PENTON Sports Columnist
KC’s 15 wins, most of them by narrow margins, helped get them to the Super Bowl for the third straight year before getting blasted 40-22 by Philadelphia Eagles.
The Eagles, with much the same lineup as last year’s champs, will be gunning for two in a row this year.
The Most Valuable Player race, a contest in 2024 between the three most recent winners (Patrick Mahomes, Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen) will probably include those three quarterbacks as well as a fourth, Cincinnati’s Joe Burrow, who was the league’s passing leader last year but couldn’t overcome his team’s shaky defence en route to a non-playoff 9-8 record.
How will the league’s young quarterbacks fare in 2025? Will Caleb Williams of the Bears, the No. 1 pick last year, continue his ascent under new head coach Ben Johnson, acclaimed as the NFL’s No. 1 offensive innovator?
Will Washington’s Jayden Daniels, last year’s offensive rookie of the year, improve on his spectacular quarterbacking play or will he suffer from a sophomore jinx that has afflicted so many over the years?
Will Bo Nix of the Denver Broncos find his second year as the team’s No. 1 quarterback as easy as it appeared to be for him during the second half of his rookie campaign?
What about the old guys? Forty-year-old Aaron Rodgers is nearing the end of a Hall-of-Fame career as the starting quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers, who were solid at every position except QB last year. How will Russell Wilson fare in the Big Apple? After bouncing around the league following a solid 10 years in Seattle, Wilson has wound up as the Giants No. 1 quarterback while the team gives high profile draft pick Jaxson Dart a chance to use 2025 as a year of schooling. Across town, the Jets are hoping Justin Fields, who had so-so stints at QB with the Bears and Steelers, can find some magic.
Will Caleb Williams of the Bears, the No. 1 pick last year, continue his ascent under new head coach Ben Johnson, acclaimed as the NFL’s No. 1 offensive innovator?
The spotlight will be shining brightly on quarterback J.J. McCarthy in Minnesota. The team’s top pick two years ago, McCarthy was injured in his first training camp and played zero minutes in 2024. That opened the door for journeyman Sam Darnold to have a surprisingly sensational season with the Vikings (143) and convert that success into a lucrative free-agent contract with Seattle Seahawks.
And, of course, a preview of the National Football League season would not be complete without a few words on America’s team, the Dallas Cowboys. Owner Jerry Jones has made QB Dak Prescott the highest-paid player in the league but had acrimonious contract talks with his No. 1 defensive player, Micah Parsons, who eventually demanded a trade. Time for kickoff. Sit back and enjoy.
• Former NFL offensive lineman Art Donovan, who weighed 260: “I’m a light eater. As soon as it’s light, I start eating.”
• Mike Bianchi of the Orlando Sentinel: “Did you see where they erected a massive 12-foot statue of Tom Brady in front of Gillette Stadium in New England? They actually wanted to build a 14-foot statue, but Brady insisted that it be slightly underinflated.”
• Bianchi again: “Ah, football season. Sweet football season. For a few precious months, you give us something to believe in and a diversion from inflation, immigration and political polarization. We don’t just watch football; we need football.You see, football in our pigskin peninsula isn’t just a sport; it’s our sanctuary from the heat, the hurricanes and the headlines.”
• RJ Currie of sportsdeke.com: “Former World Chess champion Magnus Carlsen is reportedly a major celebrity at home in Norway. And good news ladies, he
Buffalo news briefs
BY LORRAINE MONKMAN
The first eight months of 2025 have been the most trying times I have ever lived. So many people in my circle of friends have had issues. But finally I believe I am ready to resume writing this column on a more regular basis. Sincere thanks to my faithful readers who put up with my neglect. I will try to be more diligent in the future.
This week, finally, I have good news. Chad and Haylie Stopanski of Brooks became parents to identical twin boys who were born in Calgary on August 15, 2025. George William weighed 4 pounds 3 ounces and Jack Alexander weighed slightly over 4 pounds. They are thriving and ex-
pect to be home very soon.
Proud grandparents are Carmen and Kevin Stopanski of Brooks while the great grandparents are Marg and Simon Schonhofer of Brooks (formerly of Buffalo) and Peter and Diane Stopanski of Red-
isn’t married — although he has been mated.”
• Another one from RJ Currie: “Elks QB Tre Ford was benched for Cody Fajardo after a week-six loss when he completed only four of 12 attempts for 34 yards with no touchdowns. I have a higher rate of passing kidney stones.”
• Headline at theonion.com: “Rockies Pitcher Pledges To Give Up Home Run For Sick Child”
• Headline at fark.com, after Indianapolis named Daniel Jones its starting quarterback: “The Colts officially throw in the towel on the 2025 season.”
• Super 70s Sports: “Archie Manning is the Abraham of quarterbacks. In 100 years, all 32 teams will be starting one of his descendants.”
• Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun: “If you didn’t get excited watching Shane Bieber make his return from Tommy John surgery on Aug 22, check your pulse.”
• Another one from Simmons: “Why did the CFL need to announce in mid-season that the Argos will move three home games to Winnipeg, Regina and Hamilton next season (because of World Cup stadium conflicts)? Why not wait until the season ends to anger all of the 17 Argos fans I know?”
Care to comment?
Email brucepenton2003@yahoo.ca
cliff. Warm congratulations to all the families.
Old neighbour Hazel Dearing of Lethbridge will celebrate her 100th birthday on September 6. Hazel is doing very well and she phones me occasionally for a visit.
R.M. OF PRAIRIEDALE
NO. 321 OPERATING FOREMAN
The Rural Municipality of Prairiedale No. 321 is currently accepting applications for the full-time position of Operating Foreman. The R.M.of Prairiedale offers a competitive wage and benefits package.
As Foreman, you will be responsible for, but not limited to, overseeing the dayto-day operations of RM’s maintenance and utility duties, including road grading, snow plowing, shop work, and equipment maintenance.
Key Responsibilities:
• Supervise and organize day to day maintenance and utility duties
• Schedule, plan and report to Council and take directives from Council on a regular basis
• Grade/snowplow roads
• Lead a team of grader and utility operators
Preference will be given to candidates who possess:
• Strong communication skills
• Ability to work well with Council, Administration, and staff
To
3 tips for cold calling your way to a new job
While it might seem like most professional communication happens online
4 strategies for retaining your employees
As the job market becomes increasingly competitive, it can be challenging to retain your employees. Here are four strategies to help keep your talent.
1. Focus on communication. Communicate openly with your employees. Listen to their concerns and be open to new ideas. Let them know they’re heard and that you take them seriously.
• Demonstrates strong leadership, organizational and management skills
• Self motivated with a strong work ethic
• Work independently with little guidance
• Minimum of 5 years experience operating a grader, tractor and other maintenance equipment
• Valid class 5 driver’s license
• Mechanical ability with troubleshooting ability
3. Offer benefits. Ask your employees what your company could improve and add these to their benefits and perks. For example, you could include group insurance,paid holidays, yoga classes, flexible working hours and telemedicine.
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2. Think about development. Employees often quit because of a lack of advancement opportunities.Therefore, provide training so your employees can develop their potential,avoid boredom and take on new challenges.
We would like to thank all applicants for their interest but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Please submit your resume with references to: administrator@rmofprairiedale.ca PO Box 160 Major, SK S0L 2H0 306-834-1201 (Phone)
these days, making phone calls is still an effective way to look for a job. In fact, doing so allows you to reach out directly to prospective employers and be proactive about pitching your skills. In order to make a good impression, be prepared:
4. Get out of the office. Create opportunities for your employees to socialize and have fun in a context that doesn’t revolve around work. Use the opportunity to celebrate their successes.
Permanent Part-time Hours
Employee retention also depends on effective recruitment.Therefore, use a specialized agency to start your talent search today.
LOOKING FOR DEDICATED, FLEXIBLE AND DEPENDABLE APPLICANTS
For interested applicants, You may send in your resume to oyenmed@telus.net or drop it off at the Oyen Medical Clinic
Subject: Reception Job
Application Deadline: August 29, 2025
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Telecommuting has become increasingly popular in recent years. It allows companies to recruit qualified talent across the globe. If your company is about to welcome a new telecommuting employee, here’s how to do it.
• Talk about the company. Describe the company’s mission, values and other information to help the employee develop a sense of belonging.
• Present your tools. Familiarize the employee with the tools, software and online platforms the company uses daily.
• Offer mentoring. Ensure the new employee knows they have someone they can
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2. COMMUNICATION IT specialists must with their colleagues
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If the job is related and allows you to it may be worthwhile.The explore a field you’re you obtain a better offer may also for career development
lean on and contact if they need help.This will help them feel at ease.
• Introduce the team. Set up a video chat to introduce the entire team.You can reserve extra time for the employee to get to know the colleagues they’ll be working with directly.
• Follow up. Make sure the new employee receives feedback from their immediate colleagues in the first few weeks to help them adjust.The recruit should feel free to ask questions without fear of judgment.
Are you looking for telecommuting employees to join your team? Do business with a recruitment service.
Support staff wage and benefit increases reflect commitment to student success
Dunmore, AB — At a special public meeting held on August 25, 2025, the Prairie Rose Public Schools (PRPS) Board of Trustees approved wage and benefit increases for non-unionized support staff and bus drivers, effective September 1, 2025.
The Board motions included the following:
• A 6% wage increase for non-unionized support staff.
• A 3% wage increase for bus drivers.
• An increase of $75 to the Health/Wellness Spending Account for non-unionized support staff.
• A directive for administration to undertake a market wage grid review for non-unionized support staff to ensure wages remain comparable within the education sector.
“The Board of Trustees recognizes the essential work of our support staff, whose contributions directly impact the success of our students,” says PRPS Board Chair Lois Bedwell. “Our decision reflects the importance of providing fair compensation, but also the need to remain competitive with other school divisions across Alberta. Attracting talent to work in our jurisdiction is a priority to ensure we have thriving and supported school environments.”
In addition to providing compensation for staff, PRPS has also prioritized support for students in classrooms. From 2022 to 2025, allocations for student support in schools increased from $2 million to nearly $3 million dollars. This number includes 114 Educa
tional Assistants who work directly with students. Other added PRPS student directed supports include:
• Students who meet criteria for a severe behavioral code have one to one support.
• Students with a severe medical code have at minimum 2:1 support.
• A Resilience Strategist has been added to work with our most complex students and their families.
• A designated Student Support Advocate works directly with students and families facing barriers to attendance.
• The Student Wellness Counsellor (formerly FSLW) team has been increased by 0.2 FTE.
• Occupational Therapy contracted hours have been doubled.
• PRPS has partnered with the PALIX foundation to foster positive childhood experiences in our schools for all students using models such as the Brain Story and the Resilience Scale. These investments reflect the division’s commitment to ensuring students receive the support they need, while also highlighting the importance of retaining and attracting skilled staff through fair and competitive compensation. The approved support staff increases were built into the previously approved 2025–2026 operating budget, which remains balanced. The decision also responds to the reality of rising costs of living in southeast Alberta and across the province, and aligns with compensation trends for education support staff in other Alberta school divisions.
ADULT FICTION:
YOUNG ADULT FICTION:
The Dire Deeds of Doctor Gargo / by: Steve Behlin
The First to Die at the End / by: Adam Silvera They Both Die at the End / by: Adam Silvera
JUVENILLE FICTION: The Freedom Seeker / by: Ruchira Gupta
OYEN LIBRARY OF THINGS: TEST DRIVE A HOBBY SECTION : Bird Watching Kit Card Making Kit
SERVICE OPTIONS:
The library is currently open as usual, but we have added a curbside service option as well. If you prefer to pick up materials this way, please call ahead or email to let us know which day to put them out. *If you are unable to come out to the library due to physical conditions we can do deliveries within the town limits. Please just give us a call at the number listed below.
Library Summer Hours: Monday and Wednesday 11-5; Tuesdays 1-6 (NEW SUMMER HOURS) 403-664-3644 ext. 2 aoymlibrary@oyenlibrary.ca www.oyenlibrary.ca www.facebook.com/OyenLibrary
PRPS Bus Driver Bryan Goethals.
PRPS Payroll Staff Amber Kitching and Carla McNally.
BY DAYNA WILSON Library Manager
Acadia Municipal Library
BY TRICIA FISCHBUCH Library Manager
This week’s new books include Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros in adult fiction, Dinner with King Tut: How Rogue Archaeologists are Re-creating the Sights, Sounds, Smells, & Tastes of Lost Civilizations by Sam Kean in non-fiction, and What Do You Say, Little Blue Truck? by Alice Shertle in the children’s board book section.
Congratulations to Faye Loken who
won the summer library draw! Each time someone checked out a library item their name was entered into it. We hope everyone enjoyed their summer reading! Congrats again, Faye! Now that school has started, take a minute to check out some of the free eResources that are geared towards students. Some of the most popular ones include Brainfuse Help Now (which offers online homework help with live professional tutors) and Solaro (which features online study help & exam prep
ALSASK
- Drop in Pickleball every Tuesday 8:00 PM at the Alsask Rec Centre. All ages are welcome.
CEREAL
- Monday Night Bingo (except holidays) at the CJ Peacock Centre. Doors & Concession open at 6:30 PM. Bingo starts at 7:30 PM
- Cereal Cottages Coffee on Tuesdays 10:30 - 11:30 AM
- Quilting Club weekly Wednesdays 10:00 AM - 4 PM at the CJ Peacock Centre.
- Cereal Playground most Tuesdays 10:00 AM at the CJ Peacock Centre.
EMPRESS
- Empress & District Fine Arts, Culture and Leisure Society Craft Mondays 1:00 PM at Empress Community Hall Craft Room. Everyone is welcome and coffee is always on!
- Empress & District Fine Arts, Culture
and is aligned to the Alberta curriculum). Find out more at www.acadialibrary.ca/eResources
Big news! Starting in September, Elsie will transition from library assistant to take over as library manager. It’s been a privilege and a pleasure to serve the wonderful residents of the M.D. of Acadia and I have greatly appreciated all of the support and kindness from our terrific patrons and the community. Let’s give a warm welcome to Elsie as she gets settled into her new role!
“Reading is essential for those who seek to rise above the ordinary.”
Proudly Supporting
Our Local Communities
and Leisure Society Crib Wednesdays
7:00 PM at Empress Community Hall. $5 entry fee. $1 for each hand scoring 19 goes into the loonie pot. All monies will be paid out at end of evening. Great opportunity to see old friends and make some new ones.
- Empress & District Fine Arts, Culture and Leisure Society presents Snarples Thursdays 7:00 PM. No entry fee. Great opportunity to see old friends, make some new ones and learn a new card game. Empress Community Hall (314 Centre St.)
- Game Night Saturdays at 7:00 PM at the Community Hall. Come join us for a night of fun and excitement. Play games and hang out with friends and family.
- Empress & District Fine Arts, Culture and Leisure Society Garden Market Saturdays 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM until September 6. Breakfast served 9-11 AM or lunch from 11-2! Buy/Sell Local. Promoting local gardeners, artisans, crafters, bakers.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 20
• Empress & District Historical Society Whistle Stop Supper presenting Sleepless Nights (Classic Country & Rock) Empress Train Station. Only 60 tickets available. Advance tickets $50. Bar Opens 5:30 PM Supper 6:30 PM. Cathy (306) 628-7042, Rachel (403) 6645164, Laura (403) 580-7088.
OYEN
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2
• Oyen United Church Coffee Time 10:00 AM (202 - 1st Avenue East). Contact Virginia Schroeder at 403-664-3987 or pioneerpastoralcharge@gmail.com for more information. All are welcome!
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3
• Regular Pot Luck and Meeting for Oyen and District Seniors (50+) at Oyen and District Seniors Recreation Centre. Pot Luck at 6:00 PM and Meeting at 7:00 PM. Call Lynda 403-664-0908 or Beth 403-664-2462 for more information.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 5
• Oyen United Church will be at the
Farmer’s Market with their Bake Table. Convener: Jessie Battrum.
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9
• Oyen United Church Coffee Time 10:00 AM (202 - 1st Avenue East). Contact Virginia Schroeder at 403-664-3987 or pioneerpastoralcharge@gmail.com for more information. All are welcome!
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 28
• In-Person Referee Clinic. 2013 birth year and older can register. First time officials need to complete the online course prior to the in-person clinic. For info and registration call Wonona Makranoff 306-460-4489.
- Oyen Town Council meet 2nd Tuesday of every month 6:00 PM in Council Chambers.
- Community Choir every Wednesday at 7:00 PM in the Evangelical Missionary Church.
- Oyen United Church Coffee Time every Tuesday at 10:00 AM. All are welcome!
