The paper created EXCLUSIVELY for farm families and rural residents of east central Alberta
all around Camrose and area are getting ready for Halloween. The many jack-o-lanterns, scary decorations and painted pumpkins brightening the front yards remind everyone that just because the days are getting shorter does not mean the fun is going to end. In only a few days, the neighbourhood streets will be bursting with little trick-or-treaters dressed in cool and creative costumes. Remember to stock up on candy, because the scariest thing you can say on Halloween is… "Sorry, we’re out!"
From left, Ethan and Adam Toovey, Demi Stringer, Chloe and Aleigha Rissling enjoyed a day of decorating pumpkins.
Photo by
Adan Shaikh
Get your plants ready for winter
By Adan Shaikh
Summer months already feel like a distant memory with the temperatures getting colder each day and days getting shorter. One thing gardeners must remember is to winterize their gardens and potted plants so the soil continues to thrive again next spring.
• Remove any annuals that have run their course, but keep an eye out for any seeds they leave behind to be used next year.
• Trim back the perennials, as the soil freezes many perennials go dormant or sleep. The bulbs, stems and roots store nutrients to be used when days get warmer again in the spring.
• Add mulch around the sensitive plants to provide some insulation during the frosty winter months.
• Fertilize the soil as the plants go dormant to provide some extra nourishment for the next growing season. This adds to the nutrients the plants already store, giving them some extra support through the frost.
These small steps can set up the stage for blooming gardens and plants season. Spring is always better when melting snow reveals budding plants instead of rotten ones.
Adan Shaikh, Camrose Booster
How the plants and soil go into the winter season can make or break the next season for gardeners.
& Janet see a
This is Mike and Janet who got $1076 in profit shares in 2024. They usually invest their share in their family farm. Recently, that meant a new shed big enough for their equipment and two pickleball courts. Now they host games for friends and family twice a week. It gets pretty competitive, admits Mike. Turns out profit shares make for some serious rallies.
people. Real results.
County election forum
By Nadine Leming
Prior to the October 20 Municipal Election, the candidates gathered together for the County election forum. Roads and infrastructure was a big topic throughout the evening, with candidates acknowledging there is work to be done, but it’s going to take time, funding and resources to make that happen. Current councillors feel confident that the Public Works Department does well making the most of the resources available and will continue to maintain roads and sidewalks in County villages and hamlets.
Another talking point at the forum was economic development in recruiting to and retaining business in the County. Candidates currently on council talked about how they have a solid economic development manager on staff who is making inroads into growing the tax base.
Other topics discussed by the candidates were recreation and social services. Candidates spoke of working with partners like the City of Camrose as well as accessing community resources within the County and villages for recreation options. Currently the County is funding playgrounds and
other recreation opportunities for ratepayers. When it comes to social issues, many of the current County councillors talked positively about working with Camrose and District Family and Community Support Services (FCSS), allowing ratepayers an opportunity to access the services they need. Another discussion was on locally owned utility companies. The common message from each candidate was not to get into the utilities business and let the experts do what they do well. Many of them recognized that local utility companies provide excellent service and affordable rates.
Water is an issue for many farmers and
nities. With rural municipalities facing dry droughtlike conditions, what does water conservation look like? The candidates talked about how the County is currently exploring options for accessing water by working with larger centres like Red Deer and Edmonton. A couple of candidates also commented on how farming practices have improved over time and farmers are able to do more with less water while producing crops that feed our neighbours and country.
The next council will be made up of people passionate about continuing to grow and serve Camrose County.
commu-
Nadine Leming, Camrose Booster Candidates from left: Marty Maxwell, Don Simpson, Krystal Bonnet, Grant Bailey, Cindy Trautman, Tina Sroka, Scott Keller, Jordan Banack and Eldon Banack
NEXT LEVEL
is published for Controlled Distribution By CAMROSE BOOSTER LTD. Blain Fowler, Publisher Circulation 11,639 copies
Providing coverage to the communities of Camrose (RRs and Boxes only), Ohaton, Edberg, Meeting Creek, Donalda, Bawlf, Kelsey, Rosalind, Daysland, Heisler, Strome, Forestburg, Galahad, Castor (farms), Killam, Sedgewick, Lougheed, Coronation/Brownfield, Alliance, Hardisty Amisk, Hughenden, Czar Metiskow Cadogan, Provost (farms), Armena, Hay Lakes, New Sarepta, Round Hill, Kingman, Tofield, Ryley Holden, Bruce, Viking, Kinsella, Irma, Wainwright (farms and lock boxes), New Norway Ferintosh, Bashaw Bittern Lake, Gwynne, Stettler (farms).
Every Albertan knows that life has become more expensive. Families are watching grocery bills climb, parents are helping their kids with rising costs, and students are making tough choices as they prepare for their future. This is especially true as many Alberta students settle back into classes at their universities and trade schools.
United Conservatives are stepping up to make sure students can get the support they need. This year, we’re investing almost $1.2 billion in student loans, grants, scholarships, bursaries, and awards. That means thousands of young Albertans will have access to the help they need to pay for school and focus on getting the skills they need to start rewarding careers.
Already, more than 90,000 applications for loans and grants have come in for the 2025-26 school year, along with roughly 17,000 scholarship applications. Alberta Student Aid has worked diligently to improve processing times, so students and families get information faster and can plan with confidence.
We’re also making changes to keep education affordable. Tuition increases are capped, student loan interest rates are lower and they still get a grace period before paying interest. Students who need extra help can access the Repayment Assistance Plan, which makes paying back loans easier.
These supports help not just students, but also parents and communities across Alberta. When students succeed, our whole province benefits. Whether they become nurses, teachers, or tradespeople, today’s students are tomorrow’s workforce.
United Conservatives believe an investment in students today is an investment in Alberta’s future. By helping young people achieve their dreams, we’re building a stronger economy and brighter tomorrow for all Albertans.
Contact my office if you require my assistance. A reminder that I am a commissioner of oaths and a notary public and provide the service free for constituents.
You can contact Jackie Lovely, Camrose MLA, at Constituency Office, 104, 4870-51 Street, Camrose, AB T4V 1S1. Tel: 780-672-0000, camrose@assembly.ab.ca or at Legislature Office, 6th Floor, 9820-107 Street, Edmonton, AB T5K 1E7.
We see profit sharing.
Bjorn & Allison see support for a small business & big family.
This is Bjorn and Allison, owners of Bear Butchering. Thanks to killer jerky and loyal regulars, they’re busy year-round, processing domestic meats and wild game. The Vision profit shares are a help, though. With five kids at home, says Bjorn, every dollar keeps the wolf from the door. Good thing it doesn’t have the same effect on the rest of the game.
Harvest almost complete
By Adan Shaikh
Harvest in Camrose County is nearly completed and, according to Alberta Agri News, most producers are wrapping up ahead of the five-year pace.
Combines began their work in September and, thanks to the mostly dry fall, cleared the majority of the wheat and barley. At this point, only some scattered canola fields remain, meaning 92 per cent of the harvest is complete.
The fall, however, has not been easy. Hard frost stopped any late growth, killing any hope of secondcut hay and tightening feed reserves. Many local producers reported pulling cattle home earlier than usual this year. Soil moisture also remains a concern as temperatures plunge into freezing. Half of the region is still considered to be under poor moisture conditions. With few rainy days in the fall, the fields will be going into winter stress. With low moisture and without a good amount of snowpack this winter, many fall-seeded fields may be looking at starting spring on dry ground.
But there is much to be celebrate this harvest season. Almost all crops, including wheat, barley and canola, had above-average yields, which came as a pleasant surprise to many growers. Harvest may be off the fields, but around Camrose County, the last load of grain isn’t the finish line, it is the beginning of planning around the dry grounds, winter snow and preparing for what next year might bring.
