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The Community
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TEXT ‘ABFIRES’ to 45678Proudly to donate $10 to Red in Cross for Jasper wildfire relie Made Canada Volume 117 Issue 40
www.thecommunitypress.com
Wednesday, April 9, 2025 s
Food Bank chair retires after 23 years Leslie Cholowsky Editor
When Deb Anderson first started volunteering with the Food Bank 23 years ago, a lot was different. First of all, it was still in Hardisty, and the board had really just made a decision to try to operate county wide from a more central location - Killam. She says the food bank made a couple of hops before ending up at their present permanent location, with thanks to Flagstaff’s municipalities, who chipped in to make it a reality. “It was originally a grader shop, so it took a lot of cleaning,” she says, “but it was great to have a place we could call our own.” She says in those early days, the food bank barely filled a third of the space in the building. “The volunteers built some of the shelves we use today.” Anderson said the food bank had a big growth spurt when it started making regular use of the Alberta Food Bank. “I’m sad to say we’re still very much needed; we’re still feeding lots of people.” Because of the generosity of Flagstaff residents who support the food bank with donations of cash and food, Anderson says, “ People used to leave here with two plastic bags, and it was rarely the same thing. We had no money to buy extras like milk or bread. “It’s evolved a lot since then.” Jan Bergseth is the new chair, and Holly Continued on Page 19
New Flagstaff Food Bank Chair Jan Bergseth (left) and Vice-Chair Holly Bovencamp (right) present past chair Debra Anderson with a token of appreciation for her 23 years of volunteering at the food bank. The presentation was made in front of two new cooler/freezer units recently purchased by the food bank.
RCMP looking for tips after Hardisty bank break-in Leslie Cholowsky
lance revealed two suspects, both wearing balaclavas, using a torch and power tools to Editor break into the bank building. The suspects fled the scene on an ATV. Killam RCMP are seeking assistance from Killam RCMP is asking the public’s assisthe public in gathering information about a break-in at the Vision Credit Union branch tance in gathering information regarding in Hardisty that occurred just after 2 a.m. on this incident and those involved. Anyone with information is asked to Wednesday, April 2. RCMP responded to multiple alarms please call the Killam RCMP at 780-385going off at the bank, and attended the 3502, or your local police. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can scene. Upon arrival, however, the suspects contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 had already fled the scene. RCMP said ATM cash drawers had been (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com, or by emptied, later learning that a large sum had using the “P3 Tips” app available through the Apple App or Google Play. been stolen. To report crime online, or for access to A review of the surveillance footage from RCMP and Tuesday, information, download the bank alerted members that many of the We willnews reopen Aug. 6 at the security cameras had been spray painted to Alberta RCMP app through Apple or 9 a.m. and our next edition Google Play. block any views. will still be published Wedneday. Aug. 7 Footage gained from remaining surveil-
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