$1 including gst
Last chance to buy a gift for a child from the Angel Tree located in the Tofield and Ryley Post Offices! Story inside
Your LOCAL Media since 1918! VOLUME 107: ISSUE 16
www.tofieldmerc.com
Wednesday, December 11, 2024
Tofield RCMP detachment fire deemed arson Kari Janzen Staff Reporter
The structure fire that Tofield and Holden fire departments attended on Monday, Dec. 2 at 5:34 a.m. located at the Tofield RCMP detachment was deemed an act of arson one week after the incident, on Monday, Dec. 9. “Tofield RCMP is seeking the public’s assistance in relation to a fire that occurred at the Tofield RCMP detachment. That fire, which took place in the early morning hours of Dec. 2, has now been deemed an arson by investigators,” the RCMP release says. “Police are looking to identify and speak with anyone who may have been in the area between the hours of 2:30 a.m. and 6:30 a.m. on Dec. 2, and observed suspicious activity. Anyone with information is asked to contact Tofield RCMP at 780-662-3352. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the ‘P3 Tips’ app.” Tofield RCMP detachment members have been temporarily relocated to the Town of Tofield Council Chambers, and
The structure fire that Tofield and Holden fire departments attended on Monday, Dec. 2 at 5:34 a.m. located at the Tofield RCMP detachment was deemed an act of arson one week after the incident, on Monday, Dec. 9. Here fencing was set up, pictured two days after the fire on Wednesday, Dec. 4. LISA KUFLAY PHOTO the public is able to obtain their criminal record checks there, among other services. “The temporary office will have support staff to conduct criminal record checks, collision statements, and take complaints on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m,,” the release says. The Tofield detachment’s phone lines, 780-662-3353 for administration and 780-662-3352 for non-emergencies, remain active. “Please be advised that our phone lines
have been forwarded and the numbers have not changed,” the release says. In an update to Tofield Town Council during their regular meeting on Monday, Dec. 9, acting detachment commander Cpl. Stephen Cunningham said that the detachment may get an ATCO trailer to use in the interim. “They're looking at an ATCO trailer, which sounds like the best option for the time being. They do have to upgrade it to RCMP specs for us to use and then we will be in touch with
(CAO) Cindy (Neufeld) and (Assistant CAO) Jeff (Edwards) about a possible location. From my understanding, it’s going to be about eight to 10 weeks for them to build it and have it ready to go,” he said. Cpl. Cunningham also said he is going to work on getting a sign installed at the Tofield detachment so that if any members of the public go there in order to receive assistance, the Tofield RCMP’s temporary location, hours, and contact information will be listed.
Ryley annual turkey dinner fundraiser a hit Kari Janzen Staff Reporter
The Beaver Heritage and Ag Society held their annual turkey dinner fundraiser for the Ryley Pool and Wellness Centre on Thursday, Dec. 5 at the Ryley Community Centre. They prepared for about 160 people and pool manager Susie Williams said the dinner was really well attended. “I think we had a really good turnout. The food was great, and we’re thankful to everybody for coming,” she said. Those who came out for the meal were treated to the works: salads, mixed vegetables, stuffing, buns, turkey, cranberry sauce, potatoes,
gravy, desserts, coffee, and tea. This year Ryley School students helped out with the dinner, adding to the number of volunteers involved each year. “We always have wonderful volunteers, and the school helped us out lots, with both clean up
and preparation. The students came and dished up the plates and things like that,” Williams said. The funds raised from the dinner go towards the operation and maintenance of the pool. Most recently one of the three boilers was replaced, as it was nearing 48 years old.
“It is preventative maintenance. The pool is going to be 50 years old in 2026, and we've replaced the third boiler after 48 years. That's
quite a lot for each boiler, because they run continuously whenever we're open,” Williams said in an earlier interview. “It’s all replaced, and
up and working great. The water is nice and warm, so everybody should come for a swim,” she said.
The Beaver Heritage and Ag Society held their annual turkey dinner fundraiser for the Ryley Pool and Wellness Centre on Thursday, Dec. 5 at the Ryley Community Centre. They prepared for about 160 people and pool manager Susie Williams said the dinner was really well attended. KARI JANZEN PHOTOS