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Weekly The
Review Volume 48, Issue 51 December 22, 2025
A full house for Viking School Christmas concert Patricia Harcourt Editor
It was a full house at the Viking School auditorium on Tuesday, Dec. 16 for the annual Christmas Concert. Members of the local community turned out in droves despite the cold outside with its harsh wind chills. It didn’t stop the enthusiasm inside as this annual tradition is anticipated by family and friends each year. Students sang Christmas songs in a
festive atmosphere, and the older ones took part in a storyline in which Santa’s elves hatch a plan to save their North Pole workshop.. That saw Santa and Mrs. Claus coming to Viking to hold a concert along with the elves and students, plus several country and western entertainers, as a finale to the show. Costumes and sets were festive and bright, and school staff helped make this fun annual event a true hit with all who attended.
Merry Christmas from The Weekly Review, Monday, December 22, 2025 - Page 3
The following are letters sent to Santa Claus by local students. We typed up the copies and then passed them along to Jolly Ol’ Saint Nick himself. Each format is slightly different depending on the class. Some names were omitted because they were hard for the typist to read. But have no fear, Santa always knows. Dear Santa, My name is Alice and this year I have been nice. For Christmas this
year, I would like a Barbie School and a Magic Kit. Merry Christmas Santa! Love, Alice ———————— Dear Santa, My name is Hudson and this year I have been naughty (but I can explain) and nice. For Christmas this year, I would like a R.C. Car, Books, Golden Lambo, Clothes, and a PS5.
Merry Christmas Santa! Love, Hudson ———————— Dear Santa, My name is Gian and this year I have been nice. For Christmas this year, I would like a PS5, Nintendo Switch, Diamond Lambo, an xBox, and some Nerf Guns. Merry Christmas Santa! Love, Gian
‘tis the season Our Administration ˢ˙Ѓ˖˘ʟ ˔˟˟ ˧˥˔ˡ˦˙˘˥ ˦˧˔˧˜ˢˡ˦ʟ ˔ˡ˗ ˟˔ˡ˗Ѓ˟˟ ˪˜˟˟ ˕˘ CLOSED ʷ˘˖ʡ ʥʨ ʙ ʥʩʟ ˔ˡ˗ ʽ˔ˡʡ ʤʡ ʷ˘˖
All of us at Claystone wish you the very best this holiday season! Merry Christmas from our staff
HOME HARDWARE 5119 51 Ave. Viking, AB 780-336-3123 May you enjoy all the wonder and fun that is Christmas time. We can’t thank you enough for your support and friendship!
Ploc Electric You LIGHT up our year! 780-385-1497
Merry Christmas & Best wishes to you in 2025!
Wishing you and yours a Happy, Safe Holiday Season!!
Ward’s Hi-Way Auto Body & Painting Ltd. Irma, AB 780-754-3868
Robert, Kathryn & Staff
ONE SOLITARY LIFE He was b born iin an obscure b village. ill H He worked k d iin a carpenter shop until he was thirty. He then became an itinerant preacher. He never held an office. He never had a family or owned a house. He didn't go to college. He had no credentials but himself. Nineteen centuries have come and gone, and today, He remains the central figure of the human race. All of the armies that ever marched and all of the navies that ever sailed, all the parliaments that ever sat, and all the kings that ever reigned have not affected the life of people on this earth as much as that...
God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.
Merry Christmas to all and a Happy New Year
Love, Viking Colony
Page 4 - The Weekly Review, Monday, December 22, 2025
Dear Santa, My name is Warren and this year I have been nice. For Christmas this year, I would like a Camera with a Screen, Lego Boat, and a PS5 Controller. Merry Christmas Santa! Love, Warren ———————— Dear Santa, My name is Lezlie and this year I have been nice. For Christmas this year, I would like a Robot Cat, a Real Cat, Labubu, Ben Azelart Merch, and a Nerf Gun. Merry Christmas Santa! Love, Lezlie ———————— Dear Santa, My name is Mack and this year I have
been nice. For Christmas this year, I would like a R.C. Car, PS5, Golden Lambo, Nerf Guns, and an Elf Stuffy. Merry Christmas Santa! Love, Mack
My name is Gracie and this year I have been nice. For Christmas this year, I would like a Cat, Wii, xBox, Math Work, and a Labubu. Merry Christmas Santa! Love, Gracie
———————— ———————— Dear Santa, My name is Ellie and this year I have been nice. For Christmas this year, I would like a Labubu, Furby, Dollhouse, Elf Stuffy, and a Doll Hair Brush. Merry Christmas Santa! Love, Ellie ———————— Dear Santa, My name is Janelle and this year I have been nice. For Christmas this year, I would like a Barbie School, Cat Toy, Robot Cat, PS5, and Clothes. Merry Christmas Santa! Love, Janelle ———————— Dear Santa,
Dear Santa, My name is Jillian and this year I have been nice. For Christmas this year, I would like a Makeup Kit and Makeup Doll, Elf Stuffy, Books, a Toy Car, and a Barbie School. Merry Christmas Santa! Love, Jill ———————— Dear Santa, My name is Teddy and this year I have been nice. For Christmas this year, I would like an xBox, Ben Azelart Merch, and some Farm Toys. Merry Christmas Santa! Love, Teddy
———————— Dear Santa, My name is Kwaku and this year I have been nice. For Christmas this year, I would like a PS5, xBox, Nerf Guns, Real Elf, and a Wii. Merry Christmas Santa! Love, Kwaku ———————— Dear Santa, My name is Bryson and this year I have been nice. For Christmas this year, I would like some Nerf Guns, Ben Azelart Merch, Farm Toys, and an XBox. Merry Christmas Santa! Love, Bryson
Wherever you may be, Whatever you may do, We hope the holidays Are bright and shining for you. -Best wishes from Viking Beaver FCSS
VIKING
BEAVER
It’s been a real gift to have you as a customer and we hope Santa is as generous to you as you have been to us! ~Management and Staff of Viking Shell Car Wash and Convenience Store 780-336-3000
From our family to yours, wishing you a bright and beautiful season. Best wishes for health, happiness and prosperity in 2026! From your friends at Vision Credit Union.
Merry Christmas to All! …and many thanks to all of the valued customers who supported us this year! We appreciate your incredible support.
Hwy 14 1km west of Irma
780.754.2262 www.kenlar.ca
Merry Christmas from The Weekly Review, Monday, December 22, 2025 - Page 5
Merry Christmas Santa! Love, Nora ————————
Dear Santa, My name is Merrick and this year I have been nice. For Christmas this year, I would like some Ben Azelart Merch, Labubu, Elf Stuffy, Dog Toy, and some Farm Toys. Merry Christmas Santa! Love, Merrick ———————— Dear Santa, My name is Nora and this year I have been nice. For Christmas this year, I would like a Robot Cat, a Real Cat, Elf, Cat Toy, and a Labubu
Dear Santa, My name is George and this year I have been nice. For Christmas this year, I would like some Hot Wheels Monster Trucks, RC Car, PS5, a Real Cat, and a Dog Toy. Merry Christmas Santa! Love, George ———————— Dear Santa, How do you know the order? My mom wants a necklace. My brother wants a truck. I want a watch. Love, Addison ————————
Dear Santa, How long do elves stay? Here is what I want you to give. Jason a remote control car. I would want a microscope. Love, Erica ———————— Dear Santa, Can I have a drone? Dear Santa, can I have a remote control car? Can I have a robot? Dear Santa, can my friend have a car?
Dear Santa, Do you like elves? My brother likes weights. I want a treadmill for Christmas.
Teardown, and I also want a remote control truck with a trailer. Love, Jaxon
Love, Hiyan
———————— Dear Santa, How do reindeer fly? Do you have a brother or a sister? I want a Megadon Monster Truck. I want a unicorn stuff for Jaycee. Love, John
———————— Dear Santa, How do your reindeer fly? My parents want PJs, my Dad wants a new belt. I want little live pets.
Love, Lexie ———————— Dear Santa, How many houses do you go to year round? My dad wants a new truck. Santa, I want a dirt bike, RC truck, trex toy, a scooter, Orbeeze gun, a toy truck with bales, gates for the cows, and gas tanks. Love, Louis
Love, Arlo ———————— Dear Santa, What is your favourite cookie? For Christmas, my Dad wants a boat. I want a game called
Best wishes for a joyful holiday season. Warmest wishes for a safe and happy holiday season and all good things for the coming year.
A Very Merry Christmas to you, and a Happy New Year!
Todd Ritchie
Financial Advisor and Mutual Fund Investment Specialist 5103 50 St, Viking AB
5036 53 Ave, Tofield AB
780-336-4000 780-662-3833 cooperators.ca/local/ritchie-agencies
From the management and staff at Crossroads Esso
780.336.3200
Investments. Insurance. Advice.
Ritchie Agencies Insurance Ltd. | Co-operators Financial Investment Services Inc. Not all products are available in all provinces. © 2021 Co-operators Life Insurance Company and Co-operators Financial Investment Services Inc. Co-operators® is a registered trademark of The Co-operators Group Limited. For Saskatchewan, visit cooperators.ca, or contact 1-800-265-2662. ADV1012 (11/21)
PEROGY TRUCKING 780-385-2004 Viking, AB
Warmest wishes from your friends at ATB ATB Viking 5217 50 Street 780-336-3209
Thankyou youfor foryour yourbusiness businessinthis year! forward to to serving youyou in in 2026! Thank 2014 andWe welook look forward serving 2015!
Lawrence and Family
Page 6 - The Weekly Review, Monday, December 22, 2025 both!)
Looking for some Holiday suggestions? This Christmas, we asked our Caribou Publishing Staff, as well as Camrose MLA Jackie Lovely, for a list of their festive favourites. Here are some of the responses we received before our deadline! Jackie Lovely MLA, Camrose Constituency Favourite Christmas Song: My mother would play the piano and we kids would gather around and sing. Every Christmas song is a favourite Favourite Christmas Movie: Sound of Music Favourite Christmas Snack: Mandarin Oranges
(obscure Canadian comedy) Favourite Christmas Snack: Chocolate swiss rolls with vanilla and mint icing Leslie Cholowsky Editor Favourite Christmas Song: O' Holy Night Favourite Christmas Movie: White Christmas, 1954 with Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemarie Clooney, and Vera-Ellen Favourite Christmas Snack: Shortbread cookies, with cherries or chocolate chips (or
Patricia Harcourt Editor Favourite Christmas Song: Handel's Messiah - Hallelujah Chorus Favourite Christmas Movie: A Christmas Story Favourite Christmas Snack: Cabbage Rolls Michelle Anderson Administration Favourite Christmas Song: Little Drummer Boy Favourite Christmas Movie: The old claymation ones: Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer and Santa Claus is Coming to Town Favourite Christmas Snack: not a snack but a food - the stuffing/dressing!
Kari Janzen Reporter & Sales Favourite Christmas Song: Christmas Cookies by George Strait Favourite Christmas Movie: Fiddler on the Roof Favourite Christmas Snack: Peppernuts
Ally Anderson Production & Sales Manager Favourite Christmas Song: Snowman by Sia Favourite Christmas Movie: I have a controversial tie! It's between Die Hard (it happens during an office Christmas Party!) and Lord of the Rings (the Fellowship leaves Rivendell on December 25, has elves, snow, magic, feasts, a white-bearded man, and gifts!) Favourite Christmas Snack: Gingerbread cookies. The softer, the better!
Viking Accounting Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! -Mariee, Jenn, & Rosanne
Kittle Farms Ltd. 780-336-2583
Just in the Nick of Time We’d like to deliver our greetings for a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all our neighbours and Friends. Thanks folks!
Continued on Page 7 Kerry Anderson Publisher Favourite Christmas Song: White Christmas by Bing Crosby Favourite Christmas Movie: National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation Favourite Christmas Snack: Shortbread cookies Eric Anderson Publisher Favourite Christmas Song: That Spirit of Christmas by Ray Charles Favourite Christmas Movie: Three-way tie between Home Alone, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, and Coopers’ Christmas
At The Birth Of Our Saviour
National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989)
At this special time of year, we give thanks for the many blessings we share, including the privilege of serving good people like you.
With Best Wishes for a Joyous Yuletide from the Residents, Management and staff.
Vialta Lodge Viking, AB With sincere gratitude from all of us this holiday season
~BOARD AND STAFF
Delivering our best Have an enjoyable holiday season and Merry Christmas from the management & Staff of
Hi-Way 9 Express Ltd. 800-622-5800
Greetings of the Season As another holiday season comes our way, we d like to seize the chance to say, The one thing that we know it true, we are forever grateful for friends like you! We Wish You All the Happiness the Season Can Bring!!
Merry Christmas from The Weekly Review, Monday, December 22, 2025 - Page 7 White Christmas (1954)
Mariah Carey’s hit single All I Want For Christmas Is You (1994) Lisa Kuflay Production & Sales Manager Favourite Christmas Song: O’ Holy Night Favourite Christmas Movie: Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964 version) Favourite Christmas Snack: Rosette cookies or Ferrero Rocher chocolates Crystal Moren Production & Sales Manager Favourite Christmas Song: I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas Favourite Christmas Movie: Shrek the Halls Favourite Christmas Snack: Grandma’s Cake & Sauce
John Mather Reporter Favourite Christmas Song: Song is actually a Christmas album "The Sackville All Star Christmas Record"-- a Toronto based brass band doing traditional Christmas songs. Lots of saxophone and piano. Recorded in 1986. Favourite Christmas Movie: National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation Favourite Christmas Snack: Mini sausage rolls heated up and served with hot mustard
Cassandra Lundbek Reporter Favourite Christmas Song: I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas Favourite Christmas Movie: How The Grinch Stole Christmas! (the original)
Favourite Christmas Snack: My grandma's traditional Danish cookies Sylvia McDonald Circulation Favourite Christmas Song: Let it Be Christmas by Alan Jackson Favourite Christmas Movie: A Christmas Carol Favourite Christmas Snack: Butterscotch Marshmallow Squares Aileen Bilodeau Circulation Favourite Christmas Song: Silent Night Favourite Christmas Movie: Don’t have one Favourite Christmas Snack: Any kind of nuts Colton Kuflay Student Favourite Christmas Song: 12 Days of Christmas Favourite Christmas Movie: Polar Express Favourite Christmas Snack: Chocolate tarts
Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy New Year!
J.D. Construction 780-385-5689
From the crew at J.D. Construction Home Alone (1990)
Merry Christmas! At this time of caring and sharing, we thank you for choosing us to take care of all your medical needs. We wish you all a Happy, Healthy Christmas Season! Dr. H. Potgieter Dr. M. Hagen Dr. C. Niemand Dr. K. Overbo Dr. J. Smith Kerry, Lori, Jennifer, Val, Brandi, Taylor, and Kelsey
Shawn, Jeff, Mark, Shayne, Krissy, Dennis and Laura Bird
Wishing you comfort and joy this holiday season...Merry Christmas!
From the mayor, council, administration and staff of the Village of Holden
For unto you is born this day, day ay, a Savior who is Christ the Lord.
Viking Medical Clinic
Beaver Emergency Medical Services would like to thank their Paramedics for their dedicated service throughout the year.
We want to wish everyone a Wishing all a Blessed Christmas. 780-336-4842 Viking Funeral Services Ltd. Merry Christmas and a safe holiday season. RoseMae Kjelland, Charlene McFeely, Lana Golka, Colby McFeely, Jordan Golka, Dale Morrical
Page 8 - The Weekly Review, Monday, December 22, 2025
100 Years Ago This Month: Historical events from December 1925 The month of December has been home to many historical events over the years. Here’s a look at some that helped to shape the world in December 1925. • The Farmer-Labour Party is dissolved just two hours after its formation in Japan on December 1. The dissolution was ordered by the Japanese government, which accused the party of harbouring a secret communist agenda. • The border delineating Northern Ireland and Ireland is established on December 3 when representatives of both countries sign the Northern Irish Border Agreement. • The George Gershwin composition “Concerto in F” is performed for the first time on December 3. The performance in New York’s Carnegie Hall is conducted by Walter Damrosch and features Gershwin on piano. • A counterfeiting scheme is uncovered by the Banco de Portugal on December 4. An alert bank teller tips off the bank, which ultimately discovers that wealthy entrepreneur Arthur Virgílio Alves Reis is the mastermind behind the scheme. Reis was eventually sentenced to 20 years in prison. • The Pottsville Maroons defeat the Chicago Cardinals in front of 6,000 fans on December 6 in a game the press depicted as the championship of the National Football League. • Russian Orthodox bishop Peter of Krutitsy is arrested on December 9. Peter is charged with conspiring with
Russian emigres in the west. Peter is ultimately executed by shooting on October 10, 1937. • George Bernard Shaw is awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature on December 10. • Karam Chand and Kartari Chand tie the knot in India on December 11. The Chand’s marriage lasts 90 years and 291 days, and is the longest marriage recorded. Karam Chand passed away in 2016 and Kartari in 2019. • Communist politician Benjamin Gitlow is pardoned by New York Governor Al Smith on December 11. Gitlow was convicted for publishing a manifesto calling for the overthrow of the U.S. government, which Governor Smith characterized as a “political crime” upon issuing his pardon. • The Qaja dynasty, which had ruled Iran since 1789, comes to an end on December 12 when the country’s Parliament declares General Reza Khan Pahlavi Prime Minister and installs him as Shah of Iran. • The Fascist government in Italy signs a secret pact with Britain on December 14. The pact is designed to reinforce Italian dominance in Ethiopia. • The national service fraternity Alpha Phi Omega is founded at Lafayette College in Pennsylvania on December 16. • U.S. Army Colonel Billy Mitchell is convicted on eight charges of insubordination on December 17. Mitchell was critical of military leaders for investing in battleships and had argued for greater investment in airbased defenses.
• Reichstag President Paul Löbe speaks out in favor of partial prohibition in Germany on December 19. • George Edwin Taylor passes away on December 23 at the age of 68. Taylor was the first African American presidential candidate, running for the highest office in the United States as nominee of the National Negro Liberty Party in 1904. • Law No. 2263 is passed by the Italian parliament on December 24. The law states that the decisions of Prime Minister Benito Mussolini and his government were not subject to legislative review and could only be overruled by order of King Victor Emmanuel III. • A Christmas story published in the London newspaper The Evening News on December 24 identifies a children’s character as “Winnie-the-Pooh” for the first time. The character had previously been referred to as “Edward” in a poem published in Punch magazine in 1924. • The Turkish government passes a law identifying the Gregorian calendar as the official calendar for all government affairs on December 26. The use of the Islamic calendar in government affairs also is banned. • The Japan Sumo Association is founded on December 28. • The first attempt at a global New Year’s celebration is made via international radio on December 31. Musical entertainment and greetings from various consuls general from an assortment of foreign countries are sent from New York.
In Lieu of Christmas Cards THANK YOU to all who contributed to the “In Lieu of Christmas Cards” Campaign. The Viking Legion really appreciates your continued support. The money received will be given out to groups requesting support in late January 2026. We wish a Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy, and peaceful New Year to all from the members of the Viking Legion #81.
•Penny and Richard Hammer •Sandy (Ole) Olson •Louise Jamieson •Karen Coulombe •Norman Lefsrud •Ray and Judy Labreche •Joe and Andrea Lansing •Rick and Sara Ploc and Family •Audrey Jober •Gerald and Lynn Sullivan •Bill and Edna Stefanik •Dwayne and Brenda Kabish •Dawn and Warren Hodgins •R.J. Cormack •John and Lois Antos •Garry and Maryann Wolsinka •Cole and Ev McLaren and Family •Doug and Cheryl Lefsrud •Dean, Roseanne, Hunter, Alexander, and Easton Morken •Martha, Marvin and Tyler Long •Ken Andreson and Family •Han's-On Massage Therapy •Richard and Georgina Nordstrom •Wanda Law and Family •Lydia and Brent Hanson •Ron and Colleen Slavik •Ron and Marion Petroskey •Clint Nearing •Ron and Val Erickson •Emil Mazankowski •Robert Ash •Morris and Paulette Erickson •Ed and Arlene Majeski •Allan and Jackie Darling •Debbie Mazankowski •Laura Bridgeman •Joan Stewart •Marion Cottrell •Ellen Loveseth •Ken and Sharon Pobuda •Joan Fountain •Cole and Travis Harasyn-O'Neill •Freda Otto •Merle and Shirley McMullen •Ron and Kathy Miskew •Elehda and Patrick Sevick •Dan and Wanda Sullivan •John and Karen Cumming •Lane, Joyce Francis and Girls •David and Patricia Oracheski •Geraldine Place •Trent, Kelsey, Jaylen, and Bryson Place •Viking AG Foods •John and Kathy Paterson •Kaye Roddick •Paul and Marilyn Dinisyk •Willie and Diana Sarasin •Dorothy Koch •Bill Kittle •Andy and Marie Jakubec •Ben and Pam Jacobson •Rosalie Skori •George and Jeanette Jamieson • Kelly and Bobby Ash •Reg and Ellen Erickson •Lil Fitzmaurice •Pat Erickson •Eric and Ally Anderson
Letters of Requests for Donations will be considered if sent in by January 15, 2026
Merry Christmas from The Weekly Review, Monday, December 22, 2025 - Page 9
Tips to engage your faith more during the holiday season Shopping is a big part of the holiday season, and data regarding retail sales bears that out. According to the National Retail Federation, roughly 19 percent of total retail sales during a five-year period beginning in 2019 occurred between November and December. NRF data is a testament to how much shopping now factors into the holiday season. But millions aspire to more fully engage their faith over the final month of the year. Indeed, religious holidays like Chanukah and Christmas mark a perfect time for the faithful to place a greater emphasis on their faith. That goal can be accomplished in a number of ways. • Read scripture each
day. Many adults’ first interactions with their faith as youngsters were reading stories about the foundations of their religions with their parents, religious instructors or even on their own. Those stories might have been kid-friendly adaptations of notable stories found in the sacred writings of various faiths, including Christianity, Islam and Judaism. This holiday season adults can engage their faith more fully by committing time each day to reading scripture. If time is short, commuters can even listen to audio versions of sacred writings on their way to and from work. • Volunteer at your local house of worship. Houses of worship recognize the holiday season is a special time of year. But they also recog-
Thank you for your continued support. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
nize that the less fortunate might be particularly needy during this time of year, and many churches, synagogues, temples, and other houses of worship host holiday season food, clothing and toy drives, as well as additional events, in an effort to ensure everyone gets what they need. Volunteering to lend a hand during such events can be a great way to
engage more fully with your faith. • Attend services. The hectic pace of the holiday season is well-known, and it can be hard to make it to daily or weekly services. But such services can be just what people need to reconnect with their faith during the holiday season. If it’s been awhile since you were a regular attendee at church services, commit to regular attendance
cial time of year. But it also marks a great time to reconnect with one’s faith.
May your home be filled with love and laughter throughout the holiday and after! D&D Septic Services 780-663-2147, 780-984-2000 or 780-679-9219
Season’s Greetings! Irma Insurance Services S 780-754-2121
Amber, Ty, & Erin
Merry Christmas! Have a warm and safe holiday season.
Brydon Trucking & Picker Services Ltd. 780-336-2034
BEAVER COUNTY SEED CLEANING CO-OP Phone 780-688-3917
Merry Christmas!
Sincere thanks for your support through the year! ~ Betty Ganie Quilt Shop
Viking Cold Beer & Liquor Store 780-336-3321
throughout the month of December. The holiday season is an undeniably commer-
4907-50 St. Irma, AB Mon.- Sat. 9 am to 5 pm
We are closed Dec. 20th - Jan. 4th
780-754-2227
A Harvest of Good Tidings Lefsrud Seed & Processors Ltd. Many thanks for all the support we received. Your well wishes are very much appreciated. Merry Christmas and all the best in the New Year. Kevin and Kyla Lefsrud Ed and Ellen Lefsrud
Thanks for your business this past year!
Ph 587-218-6640
ERIC’S Backhoe & Contracting Services Ltd. Eric, Gail, & Family
With warm wishes and gratitude for your continued patronage. ~ Management and staff
BRUCE FUELS 780-688-3900
Kevin: 780-336-2500 Ed: 780-336-2588
Page 10 - The Weekly Review, Monday, December 22, 2025
Love, Sloan ————————
Dear Santa, I was wondering, do your elves age? My Mom was hoping for a nap for Christmas. I would like a Grinch stuffy. Love, Sophia ———————— Dear Santa, How do your reindeer fly? I want you to give Laynee a Stitch eraser. I would like a bracelet kit.
Dear Santa, I was wondering if time is different in the North Pole? My brother was hoping he could have a Paw Patrol truck. I would like a baby doll and three BFF bracelets please.
Merry Christmas and a very big thank you to all my loyal clients old and new for a very successful year! Susan Lentz
(780) 385-5287
Real Estate Associate slentz.hometime@gmail.com susanlentz.nowrealestategroup.ca
May the coming season bring peace and joy and all good things; And when the holiday is through, may it’s message of hope remain with you.
Beaver Foundation, Sunshine Villa, Tofield, Holden, & Vialta Lodges
Love, Laynee
Üééð
Love, Blaire ———————— Dear Santa, How do you deliver presents in one night? My brothers all want a new toy. I would like a book.
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From Murray, Lee, Derek, Kelton, Stanley Nathen, Kayden, Wyatt, and Tate
Construction 780-336-6088
Merry Christmas from The Weekly Review, Monday, December 22, 2025 - Page 11
Find the 23 Holiday Hazards
Hans On Massage Therapy Take time to enjoy the holidays! Gift Certificates available Sonya Maxwell 780-336-2548
HAVE A SAFE AND HAPPY
HOLIDAY SEASON! Viking Fire and Rescue
HAVE A SAFE & HAPPY HOLIDAY SEASON! we are closed December 24th to January 1st and reopen January 2nd.
We thank everyone for your friendship and continuing support. We wish you all the very best in the coming New Year!
’Tis the season for celebrating friends and neighbours like you!
SLAVIK’S LIVESTOCK HAULING
Greetings and best wishes to all of the folks who make our communities such wonderful places to work and live.
780-336-2184 780-385-0512
Holiday Hours CLOSED DEC 25, 26 & JAN 1 REGULAR HOURS OTHERWISE 8 AM - 5 PM
Merry Christmas From Darrel and Staff
Wild Rose Fuel & Agro Viking, Alberta
www.wildroseco-op.crs 780-336-4777
Page 12 - The Weekly Review, Monday, December 22, 2025
So, what’s the deal with Boxing Day anyway? Christmas Day is a big event on the calendar each year. Indeed, December 25 is a day when family, faith and festivities converge for billions of people across the globe. The festive atmosphere of Christmas Day might leave many people a little tired come December 26, but Canadians know the party isn’t over upon going to bed on Christmas night. That’s because Boxing Day is celebrated in Canada and elsewhere, including the United Kingdom, on December 26. What is Boxing Day? Christmas Day has long been a day to gather with friends and family, but that wasn’t necessarily possible for everyone. The working class and servants working in wealthy households in the United Kingdom and other locales in the British Commonwealth typically worked on Christmas Day. But the day after Christmas was customarily a day off from work for such individuals. According to Britannica, it was customary for the upper classes in Great Britain and the Commonwealth countries to present the poor and working classes with presents on the day after Christmas, which came to be known as Boxing Day. Is Boxing Day an official holiday? oxing Day is a popular holiday, but it’s not a given that workers will have the day off. According to StatutoryHolidays.com, Boxing Day is a statutory holiday only in Ontario. It’s also a statutory holiday for federally regulated workers and banks across Canada. Various provinces recognize Boxing Day as a public holiday, and workers living in those areas tend to get the day off, even if it’s not technically mandatory for employers to close for the day. Is Boxing Day still celebrated in the same way it used to be? Few twenty-first century households have servants, so the Boxing Day of modern times is not all that similar to the holiday celebrated in the past. However, Boxing Day remains a festive day on the calendar. Many people take advantage of retailers’ sales and go shopping on Boxing Day, while countless others spend the day watching various sporting events. The Premier
League, which is the highest level of the English football league system and among the most competitive leagues across the globe, typically schedules a full slate of matches on Boxing Day. However, that tradition is not necessarily a given in 2025, as the league announced it would move the games to December 27 while leaving room for teams to move fixtures to Boxing Day to accommodate broadcasting demands.
Fans may need to be patient and wait and see if they can spend Boxing Day with the Premier League. If there’s no Premier League, Canadian sports fans can still spend the day watching the World Juniors Ice Hockey Championship, which begins its roughly month-long run on Boxing Day. Boxing Day is steeped in tradition and remains a fun and festive day on many Canadians’ calendars.
Lauren Hill
Steven Hill
Norman Hill
Thank you for your business in 2025 and looking forward to doing business with you in 2026. Website www.hillrealty.ca 780-449-5622
OUNTY SEED EED C LEANING O OP B EAVER COUNTY C B LEANING CO O--OP OP BEAVER EAVER COUNTY OUNTY SEED EED C CLEANING LEANING C O OP For September Sale: Common Seed Oats, OPEN Closed Dec. 20th - Jan. 4th &BY October November APPOINTMENT ONLY Pony and Barley Open byOats appointment only Phone 780-688-3917 • Holden, AB
Serving all the farms, ranches, acreages and towns in Beaver County
Chronicle
Bruce, Holden, Kinsella Ryley, Tofield, Viking
Phone780-688-3917 780-688-3917 • Holden, AB AB Phone Phone 780-688-3917 • • Holden, Holden, AB
The Beaver County
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5108 50th St. St. Ryley, Ryley, AB., AB., T0B T0B 4A0 4A0 5108 -- 50th
Wednesday, November ,2025, 2023, Volume 16, Issue 46 Wednesday, December 4, 2024, Volume 17, Issue 49 Monday, December 22, 18, 51 Wednesday February 16 2022Volume Volume 15Issue Issue 7
County supporting the arts in Village of Holden Patricia Harcourt After losing the use of the Paragon Theatre last year, the Village of Holden is receiving support with funding and an arts and culture plan for the village. With the loss of the theatre, residents are still putting on performances and keeping their theatrical and artistic roots alive. But now they have received some help from the county. At the Dec. 17 meeting, Beaver County Council unanimously passed three motions in support of the Village of Holden and its residents. On a motion by Councillor Dale Pederson (Division 5), council passed a recommendation to offer the Paragon Theatre property in Holden
to the Village of Holden for $1. And councillors agreed, on a motion by Councillor Shawn O’Shea, to allocate funds in the 2026 final operating budget. That allocation includes $207,813 for cultural facility upgrades in Holden, and $180,000 for a public works salt and sand shed. After this motion, Councillor Kevin Smook (Division 1) declared his desire for the Paragon Theatre name be retained and used for the arts and culture scene in the community. The theatre was demolished in the early part of the year, leaving the Beaverhill Players without a facility to show their programs and performances. Reeve Gene Hrabec (Division 3) called the retaining of the theatre’s name “a good suggestion.”
Also passed unanimously was Smook’s motion for council to direct administration to develop Terms of Reference for a project plan for arts and culture programming in the Village of Holden, and investigate a funding agreement with the Village of Holden and community organizations. Council passed the motion to offer the Village of Holden the property in question for $1 despite not knowing if the village would accept the offer. “Is Holden okay with the $1 fee for property?” asked Deputy Reeve Lionel Williams (Division 2). The reply came from Deborah Juch, general manager of community and protective serves. She said that Holden was to hold a council meeting soon and she had not
yet been informed of any decision. She added that Holden had not yet come back with any plans for the property. Juch spoke of the plans to support arts and culture in the village, and referred to a recent review of the HoldenComplex. The review found the facility to be sound with just a few repairs and upgrades required. “I am asking council to support the planning process for arts support in the Village of Holden, she said, noting this process would likely take two to three years to formulate and implement. She said the three motions passed by council aligned with the recommendations made by the Governance and Priorities Committee (GPC) meeting of Oct. 8.
County applies for compensation for oil and gas tax arrears Patricia Harcourt Beaver County Council agreed to acknowledge an application for compensation from the province on uncollected oil and gas taxes. The two provincial programs are called PERC, or Provincial Education Requisition Credit, and DIRC, or Designated Industrial Requisition Credit. Many companies in the oil and gas industry have struggled to pay their property taxes over the past decade. Tax recovery efforts through the Municipal Government Act haven’t been highly successful. PERC was introduced in 2018 for uncollected education property taxes, “to assist municipalities with payment of the school taxes that cannot be collected from the oil and gas companies,” explained a Corporate Services report to council
Dec. 17. Another program a year later called DIRK was put in place by the province to provide compensation for uncollected Designated Industrial Property (DIP) requisition taxes. “This program provides municipalities with a credit equal to the unpaid provincial education requisition taxes and the provincial DIP requisition taxes,” for a particular municipality. However, “No credit is given for uncollectible municipal or seniors’ foundation taxes.” Municipalities are allowed to place a special lien on properties owned by oil and gas companies in arrears, as stipulated in the MGA. “The lien can be registered without affecting a municipality’s ability to apply for PERC and DIRC,” states the report to council. That’s because the Alberta Government no longer requires
municipalities to cancel the tax levy owed by a company in order to be eligible for the programs. Instead, a council motion is required to acknowledge the submission of a PERC and DIRC application. The delinquent companies in Beaver County that the county has made a submission through the two programs were listed in the report to council. Sequoia Resources Corporation and Long Run Exploration Ltd. have both filed for bankruptcy. Due to the former rule that the council must cancel the tax bills of companies in arrears before being eligible for the PERC and DIRC compensation, taxes for 2016 to 2020 for these companies were cancelled. But this rule no longer exists, and the property taxes for 2025 remain unpaid. “The 2025 property taxes remain
unpaid and it is deemed unlikely that the taxes will ever be collected,” said the report. “These outstanding taxes meet meet the criteria for a PERC AND DIRC application.” A motion was made by Councillor Shawn O’Shea (Division 4) to follow the administration’s request which reads: “That council acknowledge the county’s application for a Provincial Education Requisition Credit and a Designated Industrial Requisition Credit for the uncollected education property taxes of $65,907.21 and the uncollected designated industrial property requisition taxes of $1,651.90…” The motion passed unanimously. With the county’s acknowledgement by motion, a submission can be made to the two programs for compensation on the delinquent oil and gas companies for tax arrears.
2 - Beaver County Chronicle, December 22, 2025
IMPORTANT DATES IMPO January 14, 2026 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM - Governance and Priorities Committee Meeting 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM - Regular Council Meeting
Snow & Ice Control
Beaver County Holiday Hours: December 24, 25, & 26 - CLOSED January 1 - CLOSED
Snow's Sn now's here! Here's Here e'ss how we handle handlle it... Q:: When d does Q oes the County ty ssend end out the snow plows? A We leap p into into action when whe en the the snow stacks up up to o about about 100 mm mm A:: We ((4 4 inches). inchess). Q: What if itt looks looks like a snow globe exploded? A clleared within 48 48 A:: We aim to get those bus routes and main roads cleared hours s, and and all local roads within n 72 72 hours. But But if Mother Mothe er Nature Nature throws throw ws a hours, curveb ball, or we're e in in a snowpocalypse, sn nowpoca alypse, it might take take a bit bit longer. longer. curveball, Q my road be first? Pretty t please? please e? Q:: Will my A:: Your Your emails, calls, and messages messsages every r winter wiinter haven't gone gon ne u nnoticed, we we hear you. But we prioritize prioritize bus routes, rou utes, collector roads, unnoticed, an nd then local local roads. Emergency Emergenc cy services service es are are also a top concern. concern. and Driveways will be cleared, cleared d, but they're they e 're lower on on the list. We can't be every rywhere at once with over 2,600 kilometers of of roads, roads, everywhere b ut we w ork ha ard to mak ke them m ssafe afe f and passable as soon as we can. ca an. but work hard make We know w waiting can ca an be a drag, and we e can't can't make mak ke everyone's every r one's winter wi ish hes come ttrue, rue but butt our crews are d ed dicatted d to to battling batttling the the snow. sno ow wishes dedicated So, while we can't control the weather (we're still working on that), we're all geared up to keep the County moving. Stay warm and drive safe out there! For more info on snow and ice clearing head to the County Roads page on the website!
A Beaver County Christmas Out on the roads where the snowbanks grow, And prairie winds decide where they they’ll e ’ll blow, Lights shine bright on fa ffarms rms and towns, As winter settles gently down. From quiet hamlets to busy s yards, From skating rinks to Christmas cards, Neighbours wave — the kettle’s on, Even when the daylight’s gone. Plows hum late through frosty t nights, Keeping things safe, safe f , doing what’s right, While homes glow warm against the cold, With stories shared and moments told. It’s not just lights or gift gifts f s or cheer, It’s lending a hand, looking out for f r who’s near — fo Working together, steady and true (You (Yo Y u could say we’ve dam well learned a thing or two). So from Council, staff staff, ff, and the whole County County t crew, Warm holiday wishes are heading g to you. May your season be merry, cozy cozy, and z , an nd bright, And your Christmas un-beaver-lievably un-beave v r-lievably full of light.
Riders R iders a are re rreminded eminded tto o rrespect espect landowners by avoiding private fields, as operating snowmobiles and other off-highway vehicles without permission is considered trespassing. As per Bylaw No.05893, off-highway vehicles must travel single file on the far right side of the road, following traffic flow. Riding in ditches is not permitted.
FAMILY VIOLENCE CRISIS SUPPORT For many of us, the holiday season is associated with warmth, celebration, and time spent with loved ones. However, this is not the experience for everyone. For those impacted by family violence, the holidays can bring increased stress, fear, and isolation. Limited access to support services, winter travel challenges, and concerns about disrupting the holidays for children can make this time of year especially difficult. If you or someone you know needs support, please consider reaching out to the resources below, and remember that you are not alone. Family Violence Information Line (toll free) Call or Text: 310-1818* *Standard text message rates may apply
Alberta Abuse Helpline Call: 1-855-443-5722 Call 911 if someone is in immediate danger. Family violence is a crime. Scan the QR code for more information and help resources.
Beaver County | 5120 - 50th Street, Box 140, Ryley AB, T0B 4A0 | 780-663-3730 | beaver.ab.ca
Beaver County Chronicle, December 22, 2025 - 3
seasonal celebrations near you! Obsidiian Ridge R e Winter Wo Wondderland Fes F sttivaal Decemmber 27 - 31 scaan the qrr coode to viisitt go east off eddmonton forr more evvennt details!!
Driveway Plowing Tip
A GENTLE REMINDER THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
When plowing your driveway, please avoid pushing snow across the road and creating ga large pile.
Christmas can be a hard time for many people. You might be grieving a loss, feeling overwhelmed, struggling with trauma, or simply finding this season e. There are people heavier than expected. You don’t have to carry that alone. who care and are ready to listen. able: If you or someone you know needs support, help is available: If toda Call or text 2-1-1 for local support and social services Kids Help Text Line, 24/7: 7-4-1-7-4-1 heavy, y feels Mental Health Helpline 24/7: 1-877-303-2642 remem please ber: th Suicide Crisis Helpline: Call or text 9-8-8 w o r l d is a e In an emergency, please call 9-1-1 b Please be kind to yourself and to others. Checking in,, reaching out, or listening can make a real difference.
These p piles iles can com compact mpac into solid ice, and if a one it can snowplow hits one, cause the plow to jjolt off se course, posing a serious o safety risk to the operator and other vehicles.
etter p la you in ce with it.
QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS ABOUT ROADS? Please call the Beaver County Service Centre at 780-663-3730.
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4 - Beaver County Chronicle, December 22, 2025
Preserving Alberta’s past, one settlement and cemetery at a time Trent Wilkie, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The Alberta Family Histories Society (AFHS) is working to make Alberta’s past more modern, with projects that index names from community history books and provide detailed online cemetery records. Ron Gilmore, director of AFHS, said the organization runs several initiatives focused on preserving Alberta history. “Circa 1967, the federal government provided some funding ($1 per person) to local historical societies if they undertook to craft a book about the history of their settlements,” Gilmore said. “Some provinces matched that funding. The historical folks jumped on this and a host of community books were published. AFHS has been the beneficiary of many of such books in our library.” Gilmore said the Settlements Project, an initiative that archives names from community history books and makes them searchable online, is now indexing names from those community books and making them searchable online. “Not long ago, we initiated a project to index the names of the people in these books and make that available online,” he said. “This site also encompasses the Cemetery Project led by Wendy Schultz. For cemeteries, you can see the most common surnames, death rates and longevity rates.” The Cemetery Project documents and analyzes Alberta cemetery records and also includes maps showing which settlements have been completed and links to related books. For Schultz, the work is deeply personal. “I was a member of the society while I was still working, but I didn’t get involved until I retired in 2016,” she said. “At one of the first meetings I attended, the cemetery team lead stood up and asked for volunteers to help with cemetery work. I thought, 'Well, I can do that.' So I did. That eventually evolved into me becoming team lead. I’d always been interested in
genealogy, and I think a lot of that was because my parents split when I was young and I didn’t know my dad. I got a genealogy computer program and started entering everything. Like a lot of people, I got bit by the bug and just kept going.” The team visits Calgary cemeteries weekly to check for new markers, using city burial records as a guide. Rural cemeteries are handled through road trips and community partnerships. “We don’t just go out and write down the name and take the photos,” Schultz said. “We research because we really want to know everyone who’s buried at a cemetery, whether they have a marker or not. We do a lot of research before it ever goes online — fact-checking and verifying and making sure we’re comfortable with what we’re saying. You learn some funny stories along the way.” That attention to detail takes investment. “Between the time it took to drive up there and get the photos, set up a spreadsheet, research everything — all of these names to get extra information, find out who was buried there without a marker, link the photos and photo IDs to the spreadsheet so it all shows up well on our website — we’ve probably spent about 40 hours on that cemetery,” Schultz said. “If you’re going to do this properly, you put in the extra time because these people deserve it.” Every cemetery has a story, Schultz said, and some are perfectly
weird. “There was a case at Pine Creek Cemetery, formerly known as Winton, which is now inside Calgary city limits on the south side,” she said. “A number of years ago, a man wasn’t satisfied with the health care his mother had received in hospital. He felt things hadn’t been handled properly, so he hired what you might call a questionable doctor from the U.S. to fly up. They performed an autopsy at the cemetery in the middle of the night. The doctor flew out the next day, so authorities couldn’t catch him. Groundskeepers noticed the soil had been disturbed and started investigating. It turned out the health system was cleared of any wrongdoing. She had been treated properly. The gentleman just had some issues and ended up going to a facility for a while.” Other stories are more creative than criminal. “Blackie created a columbarium structure,” Schultz said. “It’s all the little niches that urns go into. It’s an above-ground outdoor structure, and they decided to shape it like a grain elevator, which I thought was a great idea because it’s a rural farming community.” The project is massive. AFHS currently has 373 cemeteries online, with a backlog of about 20 more, including High River, which has more than 6,000 names. As for those who would like the team to visit their community, there is a bit of a wait. “They’ll take a place at the end of the list, that’s for sure, but it will
take us a while,” Schultz said. The work doesn’t stop at names and dates. The AFHS website offers analytics on longevity, burial rates and even surname clouds showing the most common names in a cemetery. “You can go on our website and search for surnames,” Schultz said. “This is the AFHS website, not the Alberta Ancestors website. Searching for surnames is like one-stop shopping for any information our society might know about a person. If you put in your search names there, you might get newspaper clippings if we have them, cemetery records, and find out if the people you’re looking for are already present in some family trees of our society members.” For Schultz and Gilmore, the work is about more than data. It’s about memory. “Every cemetery has a story,” Schultz said. “Everybody deserves to be remembered.” Gilmore agrees. “Once you get the genealogy bug, there are so many horizons to explore,” he said. “Since we support worldwide research, it makes sense to gather what information we can here since we can, fairly readily. Then, making it available to others fulfills part of our mandate. The genealogy community is all about sharing and supporting others.” More information on the projects as well as the AFHS can be found at afhs.ab.ca and the searchable site at albertaancestors.ca.
Merry Christmas from The Weekly Review, Monday, December 22, 2025 - Page 17
Some unique Christmas traditions around the world Christmas celebrations span the globe. According to a 2025 report from the Centre for the Study of Global Christianity at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, there are roughly 2.6 billion Christians worldwide, a figure that undoubtedly contributes to the popularity of Christmas. Christianity continues to have the most adherents of any religion in the world, and the Christian population is expected to top three billion before 2050. Christians bring unique cultural touches to their Christmas celebrations each year. Celebrations vary widely, and here’s a look at some notable Christmas traditions across the globe. Yule Goat The Yule Goat is a Christmas tradition in Sweden. The goat is believed to be an invisible spirit that ensures that Yule preparations are done correctly. A popular theory connects the goat to the Norse god Thor, who rode a chariot pulled by two goats. Krampus While many people celebrate the benevolence of Santa Claus, some celebrate a much grumpier alter-ego of sort. Krampus is a man-goat, half-demon monster who punishes misbehaving children at Christmastime, says Britannica. He is the evil companion of St. Nicholas, and is believed to have originated in Germany. His name comes from the German word “krampen,” which means, “claw.” Christmas chicken Christmas Eve is a popular romantic occasion for couples and families in Japan. In addition to gift-giving and a romance, many people choose to feast on a meal of KFC fried chicken and strawberry shortcake for dessert. Roller-skating to Mass In the city of Caracas, Venezuela, it’s customary for Christmas Eve celebrants to roller skate to early morning Mass. Known as “Misa de Aguinaldo,” these special church services take place on the days leading up to Christmas, with the most festive held on December 24. On this day, the streets of Caracas are closed to automobiles, enabling revelers to cheerfully skate to church. Mummering In Newfoundland, Canada, celebrants known as mummers dress in elaborate disguises featuring mismatched clothing and whimsical accessories. The mummers obscure their identities and visit neighbors’ homes during the 12 days of Christmas, performing songs, skits or dances while others attempt to guess their identities. Las Posadas In some Hispanic regions, including Mexico, participants reenact Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter in Bethlehem through vibrant processions. They travel from house to house, singing traditional songs and requesting shelter only to be turned away until they reach a final home or church that will symbolically welcome them in. Spiderweb decorations Individuals in Ukraine decorate their Christmas trees with artificial spider webs. This tradition is inspired by a tale of a poor widow and her children who didn’t have money for tree ornaments. Upon waking up on Christmas morning, they found their tree covered in sparkling, glimmering spider webs that resembled tinsel. A spider had spun the beautiful display as thanks for finding shelter and warmth in the family’s humble abode. Today’s spider webs symbolize unexpected blessings and gratitude. Plenty of unique touches set Christmastime celebrations apart across the globe.
Christmas Greetings from Council and Staff wishes i h tto all ll residents. id t The holiday season is a time to reflect on the past year, to appreciate the strength of our community, and to look ahead with hope and optimism. We are grateful for the continued support, kindness, and civic pride shown by the people of Viking, which make our town such a welcoming and resilient place to call home. May this season bring you peace, good health, and time to share with family, friends, and neighbours. As we look toward the New Year, we remain committed to working together to support a vibrant and thriving community for everyone. From our families to yours, we wish you a safe, joyful, and happy holiday season and allthe best in the year ahead.
Sincerely,
Mayor; Council, and Staff Town of Viking
The Team at Webb’s Machinery Would Like To Wish You a Merry Christmas And A Happy New Year! Our Dealerships will be closed from Dec 25th - 28th, 2025 and Jan 1st & 2nd, 2026
Page 18 - The Weekly Review, Monday, December 22, 2025
Thank you for a wonderful 2025 and we look forward to serving you in 2026.
Happy Holidays May all your Christmas wishes come true!
Kinsella Transit Mix 780-336-2608
Viking office (780) 336-3332
All signs point to a great year, and we have customers like you to thank for it! We greatly appreciate your support, and we look forward to your continued friendship. We wish you and yours all the best this holiday!
The Board, Staff, and Management at
Irma Co-op 780-754-3654
M
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Wishing you all the best this holiday season! Thank you for your continued support!
Guenter’s Mechanical 13024 Hwy 14 Viking, AB T0B 4N0
Gas or Diesel Mechanical Repair We wo wis h y uld li ke ou Me to all rry and a v Ch ery a H app ristm Tha as y N nk e y w con ou Yea for tin r! ued you s r u Viki Yogi, Sh p p o r t n irley . 780 g Mea and -336 ts Staf -319 f 3
780-336-1330
Love,Peace & Joy 2025 Holiday Hours Dec. 22 & 23 Reg. Hrs. Closed Dec. 24-26 Open Dec. 29 & 30 Closed Dec. 31-Jan. 2 We Resume Regular Hours Jan. 6
780-336-4048 Wishing you and your family all the gifts of this magical time of year.
For your friendship and support, we are deeply grateful and look forward to serving you in the year ahead.
Barb Chrystian
Viking Veterinary Clinic Merry Christmas & Happy New Year to all our Customers! From the Staff at Viking Vet Clinic
Merry Christmas from The Weekly Review, Monday, December 22, 2025 - Page 19
We filled the tree for the Food Bank and Christmas Hamper Program! The Weekly Review; Eric & Ally Anderson; Kerry, Michelle, Brennan, Garrett Anderson; Patricia Harcourt; Dustin & Alie Moroz; Gerard & Dolly Wadley; Joan Stewart; Alex & Jean; Emma Maxwell; Ron & Marion Petroskey; Dennis & Laura Bird; Dean Fornal, Dianne Fornal; Ken & Linda Whitten; Norma Bauer; Dean Maxwell; JJim & Eileen Lawes; Lydia & Brent Hanson; Margaret These-Hanson; Morris & Paulette Erickson; Frances Gotobed; Maurice Fermanek; Andy & Marie Jakubec; Paul & Marilyn Dinisyk; Ellen & Ed Lefsrud; Kyla, Keldy, Kail, Kora Lefsrud; Cole & Ev McLaren; The Hodgins Family; Kyla yla Kevin, K Janet & Bryan Nordstrom; Doug & Cheryl Lefsrud; Steve LeBlanc; Dale Madu; Martha, Marvin, & Tyler Long; Lyndore & Diane Jacobsen; Audrey Jober; Paul & Colleen King; Mike & Barb Mack; William & Joyce Mattinson; “History & Activity of Bruce Alberta Canada” (Facebook group); Marion Cottrell; Lorne Hollar; Ellen Myren & Family; Lilian Hill; Roger & Cindy Hurum; Norma Bauer; Ruth Romanyshyn; Dudley Lund; Ingrid-These Hanson; Merle & Shirley McMullen; Laure & Stacy Brissard; Ken Andreson & Family; Gerald & Jeannette Dewart; Kary & Marlene Dewart; Freda Otto; Ellen Loveseth; John & Karen Cumming; Ken & Sharon Pobuda; Ron & Doreen Mizera; Kim Beaumont & family; Michael, Locklan & Milly Mizera; Golden Valley Lutheran Church; NA Lefsrud; Lloyd & Phyllis Pyzik; Joan & Connie Fountain; Fred & Carolynne Nordstrom; Glen & Karen Hill; Mac & Elaine Loades; Beatrice Zemanek; Norm & Doreen Willey; Cole & Travis Harasyn-O’Neill; Robert Ash Family; Karen Coulombe & family; Allan & Lynn Scarrott; JT & Lois Antos; Sonya Maxwell; Gurene, Penny, and Richard Hammer; Phyllis & Dan Lefsrud; Reg & Ellen Erickson; Lil Fitzmaurice; Les & Donna Congdon; David & Patricia Oracheski; Gerald & Muriel Walker; Dwayne & Brenda Kabesh; Colin & Evelyn Lang; Eamon & Eileen Cunningham; Kathryn Miskew
THANK YOU EVERYONE!
WE BEAT LAST YEAR!!! TOTAL RAISED: $3,890! please accept our apologies if anyone was inadvertently missed
May you and your loved ones rejoice in the splendour of all His creations during this beautiful and wondrous season. We thank you sincerely for your valued business throughout the year!
From Cliff & Sharon & all the Staff of
A Yuletide Wish From Our Family to Yours May your days be merry and bright, corner of your heart and home with contentment. With our warmest wishes for a memorable and happy holiday season, we thank you for your continued support.
Viking Auction Market Ltd. 780-336-2209 www.vikingauctionmarket.ca
Viking Grain & Crop Inputs www.PARRISHANDHEIMBECKER.com
Viking, Alberta 780-336-2413
Page 20 - The Weekly Review, Monday, December 22, 2025
PRICING
CLASSIFIEDS
$20/wk for the first 35 words 45¢ for each additional word 4 Papers 16,000 readers
NOTICES. EVENTS. ANNOUNCEMENTS. THANKS. MEMORIALS. SALES. RENTALS. REAL ESTATE. GIVE AWAYS. & MORE!
COMING EVENTS COMING EVENTS —————————New Year's Eve Family Dance in Alliance with the River Jacks. Wednesdady, December 31 8 pm to 1am. $40 single, $70 couple, $100 family. Call 780-385-1483 for tickets, Diane Dammann ———————————————— Viking Station Teahouse Christmas Lunch Turkey and all of the Trimmings Tuesday, December 23 Starting at 11:30 am. Please call ahead and RSVP for this event. $30 per person. Children 10 and Under - $10. 780-385-4165 ———————————————— Viking & District Ag Society Annual General Meeting Wednesday January 14, 2026 7pm, Viking Community Hall New Members Welcome! ———————————————— Ward's and Bud Haynes FIREARMS AUCTION January 31st in Edmonton. Firearms, Ammo, Accessories. Call Brad Ward, 780-940-8378 to consign your items or collection. FirearmsAuction.ca. ———————————————— LUTEFISK DINNER Golden Valley Lutheran Church Friday, Jan 9th, 2026, at 5:30pm Tickets are $35.00 each ADVANCE TICKETS ONLY Contact Muriel at 336-2444 48/1WRc ———————————————— Christmas Eve Candle Lighting Service Wednesday, December 24th at the Lougheed Community Hall at 7:30 pm Along with telling the Christmas story, wewill sing carols and light candles for thismost holy night. All are welcome.
FOR SALE FOR SALE
—————————Steel Seacan Storage 10ft x 40ft, 3 Double Doors White. Year 2024. No Rust nor Damage. Original Owner. Seacan condition will compliment all Yardsites Located: Lamont / Bruderheim $9,800. Ph: 780 940 2984 39/51p
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FOR SALE FOR SALE —————————•Tanaka Pro Force 305 6 inch Ice Auger, carrying case, manual, and spare plug •Husquavarna 55 Rancher Chainsaw, 18" bar, spare chain, and case - good condition •GE 24 inch front-load dishwasher (NOS) Model GLD4209L15WW $350 for each item, OBO. Call 780-888-1336 FOR RENT RENT FOR —————————Farmhouse for Rent Between Forestburg & Killam. Central to Forestburg, Galahad, Strome, Killam 1 bedroom with upstairs loft Full Basement. Fridge, stove, washer, dryer. 1 Bathroom. Rent includes Utilities. Call 780-878-1837. References Required. 49/51p
———————————————— House for Rent or Sale in Viking. 3 Bedroom, 2.5 baths. No smoking or pets. Available immediately. Call 780-385-0626. 51/01c
HELP WANTED WANTED HELP
——————— Flagstaff Community Adult Learning “Learn here, Connect here, Belong here.” We are looking for a Program Coordinator to join our team. You will be the lead in recruiting, training and supporting volunteer tutors, as well as planning and facilitating courses for adults. • 21 hours/week (schedule negotiable) • $23/hour • Based in Killam, driver’s licence required • Experience with teaching English an asset • Must be very organized, adaptable and able to build connections with a wide range of people Please forward your resume and cover letter to director@fcal.net 49/50c
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!
Our next Classifieds come out January 7 with a January 6 at Noon Deadline to book!
REAL ESTATE ESTATE REAL ——————————½ Section Pastureland NE 35 & NW 36-41-10-W4 located south of Hardisty in the Battle River valley at RR 101 & TWP RD 420. Fenced, cross-fenced, mix of seeded and tame grass with large dug-out, pumping system, full power on site with gravel revenue. Call Mike Golka REMAX River City 780-914-9889 MLS#’s E4447511 & E4447499 tfnc SERVICES SERVICES ——————————Drywall Taping/ Ceiling Texturing Experienced Killam drywall taper/texturer here to help you with any job, big or small. Don't want to do it yourself? Give me a call! Murray Cholowsky Flagstaff Taping & Texturing Call or text at 780-385-1251 ———————————————— Painting Quality Residential and Commercial Interior Painting. Betty Tkaczyk 780-632-8749 ————————————————
SERVICES SERVICES ——————————Town & Country Guardian Drugs Main Street Killam We have: •a colour photocopier. •cold pop and fresh snacks. •a great selection of giftware, houseware, fragrances, clothing, toys, games, plush animals and more. •a big selection of greeting cards. •stationery. •seasonal gifts •vitamins, minerals, supplements •free gift wrapping •prescription service 6 days a week. ———————————————— INTEGRITY POST FRAME BUILDINGS since 2008 BUILT WITH CONCRETE POSTS. Barns, Shops, Riding Arenas, Machine Sheds and more, sales@integritybuilt.com 1-866-974-7678 www.integritybuilt.com. TRAVEL TRAVEL ——————————EXTRAORDINARY VILLA IN OSOYOOS, BC, breathtaking lake views, just 3 minutes from town. Vacation in Canada's warmest destination. Or for warmer weather, two luxurious 5-star resort units in Phoenix, Arizona. Call Doug: 306-716-2671.
C H R I ST M AS
Merry Christmas from The Weekly Review, Monday, December 22, 2025 - Page 21
Poilievre: Christmas a Church Services time for hope, gratitude For December 2025 Golden Valley Lutheran Church
Next week, we look back more than two thousand years to mark the birth of Jesus Christ. Here in Battle RiverCrowfoot, and for millions of families from coast to coast to coast, Christmas is truly a time to celebrate with song, food and prayer – cherished traditions that have been passed down from one generation to the next. Over the past several months, I’ve had the pleasure to get to know the incredible people of this region. Deeply grounded in common-sense values, your spirit of hard work and entrepreneurship has allowed your farms and businesses to overcome adversity and become the success stories that they are. I have tremendously enjoyed my time here in the riding - meeting with and hearing from the families I am so proud to serve. During the holidays, we are reminded of the challenges many people face, from struggling to afford basic necessities to the broader difficulties confronting Canada on the world stage. Yet it is the hope we find in the Christmas story which reminds us that even in uncertain times, there is light ahead. The spirit of hope encourages us to persevere and continue to fight for what is right. While many people are fortunate to enjoy time off with family during holidays, others continue to serve. I want to acknowledge those who will be spending their Christmas on duty. From the first responders, health care workers, and the dedicated members of CFB
Wainwright who give up their holiday in service of others. I would be remiss not to acknowledge the oil and gas workers who keep the oil and gas flowing, the heat on in our homes and who keep our economy moving. As 2025 draws to a
close, we think of Bethlehem two thousand years ago: a humble town on the fringes of the vast Roman Empire, but in whose dark streets “shineth the everlasting light”. Together with my wife, Anaida, and our children, Valentina and Cruz, we wish you all a
very merry Christmas and happy New Year. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this column, or if you require assistance regarding a Federal Government program, you are encouraged to send an email to pierre.poilievre@parl.gc.ca or call 1-800-665-4358.
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All are welcome to worship with us as we celebrate the birth of our Lord & Savior Jesus Christ Advent Worship Services Sunday morning Dec 21 at 10:30 AM Longest Night Service Friday, Dec 19th - 7:00pm at Golden Valley For those in the community who are grieving at Christmas Christmas Eve Worship Service Wednesday, December 24th 8:00PM Candlelight Worship Service with Holy Communion Christmas Day Thursday, Dec 25th - 10:30am Worship Service with Christmas Carols Lutefisk Dinner Friday, Jan 9, 2025 – 5:30pm ADVANCE TICKETS ONLY Tickets are $35.00 each Contact Muriel at 780-336-2444
Roman Catholic Family Father Chad Miciak Office: Vegreville 780-632-3272
Viking: Mass every Sunday at 9 a.m. Vegreville: Mass every Saturday at 4:30 p.m. and every Sunday at 11 a.m.
United Church Morning Meditations via Zoom -Tues & Thurs 7:45 - 8:15 Viking: Sunday Worship - 9 a.m. office 780-336-3103 Facebook: Viking United Church
Candlelight Service Viking United Church Sunday, December 14 @ 7:00 pm Everyone Welcome. Refreshments to follow. Donations to the Christmas Hamper program Irma:
Sunday Worship - 11 a.m. office 780-754-3939 Facebook: Irma United Church
Viking Alliance Church Rev. Steven TeVelde - Office: 780-336-4950
Adult Bible Study: Sunday 9:45 a.m. Sunday Worship: 10:45 a.m. Children’s Sunday School is provided during the Sunday worship service www.vikingalliancechurch.com
Immanuel Lutheran Church Bruce, Alberta
Pastor Greg Kjos
Sunday Service at 9:00 am
Page 22 - The Weekly Review, Monday, December 22, 2025
Mid-Winter Machinery & Attachment Consignment Auction Hwy #16 East, Alberta - Online Auctions Selling equipment to all four Western provinces and the Northern USA. Listings are now being accepted for our Mid-Winter Machinery & Attachment Consignment Auctions at our Hwy #16 East Location
H #16 E S Y F
6 9 , 2026
Location: Hwy #16 & Rge Rd 185 (1 Mile East of Hwy 834) South Side of the Road
Phone: (780) 208-2508 Office Aaron Olson - (403) 913-9644 We are now accepting Listings for this Sale. Any items prelisted by January 9th will be included in our Sales Posters, Newspaper & Radio Advertising, Web Page, Social Media and extensive mailing lists. Whether you have one piece or a complete line of Machinery give Aaron a call at (403) 913-9644 or Allen at (403) 783-0556 to discuss the best option for you to realize top dollars.
Allen B. Olson Auction Service Ltd. Rimbey Office - 403-843-2747 - Toll Free - 1-855-783-0556 Hwy #16 East Office - 780-208-2508 Rimbey & Hwy #16 East, Alberta - License No. 165690 Email: abolson@telusplanet.net - Website: www.allenolsonauction.com
Helpful Phone Helpful Phone Numbers Numbers Emergency
911
Canadian Mental Health Association
780-672-2570
Tofield RCMP
780-662-3353
Family Violence Info Line
310-1818
EARVSS
825-966-8329
Mental Health Help Line
1-877-303-2642
Beaver Emergency Services Commission
780-336-3041
Canada Suicide Crisis Help Line
1-833-456-4566
Poison & Drug Information
1-800-332-1414
National Trans Life Line
1-877-330-6366
Beaver County
Office of the Public Guardian
Town of Tofield
780-663-3730 780-662-3269
Protection for Persons in Care
1-877-427-4525 1-888-357-9339
Town of Tofield Utility Emergency
780-220-3712
Senior’s Abuse Hotline
1-780-454-8888
Tofield/Ryley & Area Food Bank
780-662-3511
Support Network Distress Line
780-482-4357
Tofield/Beaver County West FCSS (General Family Counselling Tofield Health Centre/Public Health
780-662-7067
Indigenous Hope for Wellness Help Line
1-855-242-3310
780-662-3263
Association for Communities Against Abuse 1-866-807-3558
Tofield Medical Clinic
780-662-2080
Bullying Prevention
1-888-456-2323
Tofield & Area Health Foundation
780-952-6276
Camrose Addiction and Mental Health
780-679-1241
Town of Viking
780-336-3466
The Open Doors – Youth 24/7
780-679-4357
Viking/Beaver FCSS
780-336-4024
Child Abuse Hotline
1-800-387-5437
Viking/Holden & Area Food Bank
780-336-4024
Children’s Mental Health Crisis
780-427-4491
Viking Medical Clinic
780-336-4780
Kids Help Line www.kidshelpphone.ca
1-800-668-6868
Viking Hospital
780-336-4786
Youth Emergency Shelter
780-468-7070
Viking Public Health
780-336-4782
Camrose Hospice Society
780-608-0636
Viking Health Foundation
780-336-3466
24 Hour Residential School Crisis Line
1-866-925-4419
Kalyna Primary Care Network
780-603-4455
The Family Centre
1-587-410-5757
Health Link
811
1-888-594-0211
AISH
310-0000 or 1-800-232-7215
Mental Health and Addictions (Recovery Alberta) Addiction Helpline
1-866-332-2322
Alberta Supports
1-877-644-9992
Alberta Quits Helpline
1-866-710-7848
24hr Emergency Income Support Centre
1-866-644-5135
Employment Insurance Regular Benefits
1-800-206-7218
Merry Christmas from The Weekly Review, Monday, December 22, 2025 - Page 23
Kwanzaa celebrations bring communities together December is brimming with festive holidays designed to celebrate family, friends and good fortune. While Christmas and Chanukah may dominate the holiday landscape this time of year, African American and Pan-African cultures observe a week-long celebration known as Kwanzaa from December 26 to January 1. Kwanzaa is designed to affirm African family and social values. It is
primarily celebrated in the United States and is not a religious holiday, setting it apart from events like Christmas and Chanukah. The name of the holiday and the celebration were the brainchild of Maulana Karenga, a professor of Africana studies at California State University, Long Beach. Karenga borrowed the word “kwanza,” meaning “first,” from the Swahili phrase “matunda ya kwanza.” He added an extra letter “a”
Set up your holiday playlist Staying home for the holidays can make the season a little more convenient, saving celebrants from having to contend with the millions of individuals who take to the roads, railways and friendly skies each December. But staying home comes with its fair share of obligations, especially for individuals who are planning holiday gettogethers with family and friends. Mood and merrymaking go hand in hand come the holiday season, and music can be used to establish a celebratory vibe this time of year. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or simply aspring to create a festive atmosphere throughout the month of December, the following songs can help set the right tone this year. • “Sleigh Ride,” by Ella Fitzgerald • “The Christmas Song,” by Gregory Porter • “Jingle Bell Rock,” by Bobby Helms • “Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!,” by Frank Sinatra • “Jingle Bells,” by Kimberley Locke • “Silver Bells,” by Tony Bennett, featuring Count Basie and His Big Band • “Here Comes Santa Claus,” by Elvis Presley • “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” by Diana Krall • “White Christmas,” by Bing Crosby • “Winter Wonderland,” by Louie Armstrong • “The First Noel,” by the cast of “Glee”
• “Happy Holiday,” by Peggy Lee • “O Tannenbaum,” by the Vince Guaraldi Trio • “Boogie Woogie Santa Claus,” by the Brian Setzer Orchestra • “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” by Mariah Carey • “Santa Baby,” by Eartha Kitt • “Mele Kalikimaka,” by Bing Crosby and The Andrews Sisters • “Blue Christmas,” by Elvis Presley • “Frosty the Snowman,” by Gene Autry • “Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town,” by Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band • “Fairytale of New York,” by The Pogues featuring Kirsty MacColl • “Rudolph the RedNosed Reindeer,” by Burl Ives These are just some of the songs that can make up a merry and festive holiday season playlist.
to the word to make it a seven-letter word to coordinate with the seven children present at an early Kwanzaa celebration in the mid-1960s, as well as the seven principles of the holiday, according to Britannica. The notion of the holiday is rooted in first fruit celebrations, which are found in cultures throughout Africa both in ancient and modern times. The values that are the tenets of this festival include Umoja (Unity),
Kujichagulia (SelfDetermination), Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility), Ujamaa ( C o o p e r a t i v e Economics), Nia (Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity), and Imani (Faith). These principles were drawn from the values found throughout Africa. Each day of the celebration is dedicated to one of the seven principles. Seven symbols embody the holiday, including fruits, vegeta-
bles and nuts; a straw mat; a candleholder; ears of corn; gifts; a communal unity cup; and seven candles in the colors of red, green and black. Families come together to light one of the candles in the kinara (candleholder) each day, and discuss the day’s principle. On December 31, participants join in a community feast, and many people wear traditional African clothing. The feast includes foods from African, African
American and Caribbean traditions. Dishes enjoyed during Kwanzaa include candied yams, fried chicken, jerk chicken, jollof rice, gumbo, and collard greens. CBC Kids News says celebrants also play drums and dance during Kwanzaa festivities. Kwanzaa unites Black communities and helps to celebrate heritage, culture and community spirit. The holiday rounds out the year with ritual and celebration.
Merry Christmas and A Happy new year! All the best to our family, friends & customers for 2026! 2023! from everyone at Allen B. Olson Auction
Allen B. Olson Auction Service Ltd. Rimbey Phone: (403) 843-2747 or East Central Phone: 780-208-2508 Fax: (403) 843-3204 or Website: www.allenolsonauction.com
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Creative Sandblasting 780-336-2600 or 780-336-4842 Jordan Golka, Colby McFeely, RoseMae Kjelland
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Page 24 - The Weekly Review, Monday, December 22, 2025
Hosting? A few ideas to keep guests entertained over the holidays Gatherings with loved ones are a big part of what makes the holiday season such a special time of year. As families grow and spread out across the map, they may not get too many chances to spend quality time with one another. But the holiday season is a time each year when families make a concerted effort to get together. As families get together under the same roof during the holiday season, individuals tasked with hosting gatherings tend to have a lot on their plates. Memories tend to be made around the holiday dinner table, but the season also presents ample opportunities to create nights to remember outside the house as well. Hosts can keep the following ideas in mind as they look for ways to entertain guests this holiday season. • Take a turn as a tour guide. Locals may not make the rounds of nearby tourist destinations
too frequently, but the holiday season is a great opportunity for hosts to show guests what makes their towns so unique. Serve as a tour guide for guests on a sightseeing day with visits to local monuments or museums. Wrap the day up at a holiday bazaar where local small business owners have set up shop. This affords guests a chance to tour a new community or a hometown they haven’t visited in awhile, and also makes for a great chance for all to squeeze in a little last-minute holiday shopping. • Plan an ugly sweater outing. If hosts and their guests are all of age, an ugly sweater bar crawl can make for a fun night out on the town. Encourage guests to wear an ugly holiday sweater and map out a route and schedule of visits to local bars and restaurants. Hosts must prioritize safety on these types of excursions, so arrange for a bus to take guests from one spot to the next if
establishments are far away from one another. • Host a holiday movie night. Weary travelers who want to stay in may appreciate a holiday movie double feature. Hosts can let guests pick a pair of holiday films and
Holiday hosts can embrace various ways to entertain guests during a
time of year when there’s no shortage of fun ways to spend a night.
Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and Prosperous New Year
At Christmastime and all year through, we hope each day will bring anew, health and happiness, laughter too, because we appreciate all of you!
Proud to serve your community.
Wild Rose
then host a double feature, complete with traditional movie fare like popcorn and candy. Hosts can even offer adult guests a glass of homemade eggnog during the films to up the holiday ante even further.
www.wildroseco-op.crs
Have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! From Susan Barss & Deputy Reeve Bob Barss M.D. of Wainwright Division 7 Councillor
Viking Insurance & Registries 780-336-4711 78 80 80 0-336-4711 336 4711
Janet & Staff want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a safe and propserous New Year! 780-385-3598
Serving Town & Country
Killam, Alberta
HOLIDAY HOURS Wed., Dec. 24 - 9am - 3pm Dec. 25 & 26 - CLOSED Sat., Dec. 27 - 9am - 4pm Sun., Dec. 28 - CLOSED Mon., Dec. 29 - 9am - 6pm Tues. Dec. 30 - 9am - 6pm Wed., Dec. 31 - 9am - 3pm Thur., Jan. 1 - CLOSED Fri., Jan. 2 - 9am - 6pm
Special Thanks to all our customers who have supported us throughout the past year!
Merry Christmas from The Weekly Review, Monday, December 22, 2025 - Page 25
Al’s Towing 780-336-3356
Wishing you the best this time of year
Dale Pederson Div. 5 Beaver County Councillor
from Murray and Staff!
ELECTRIC LTD. Electrical Contracting
3820-42 Ave. Camrose, AB.
HOMEWISE REALTY
Madu’s Plumbing & Heating Ltd. Ralph Soldan REALTOR
780-603-0944 Office Lo Located at 5013 - 48 Street Vegreville, AB ralph@keyrealtor.ca
5301 46 St., Two Hills 4 Bedrooms, 4 Baths, Beautiful 2,090 sq. ft. home built in 2014. Oversized attached garage features floor heating, 14 ft doors, and plenty of room for your toys. 24,000 sq. ft. fenced lot with large garden area. A Must View Property! $569,500 realtor.ca E4460829
Ph: 780-672-8700
51020 RNG RD 165 (SEC HWY 855), Rural Beaver County 3 Bedrooms, 3 Baths, 1,796 sq. ft. home on one of the best acreages you’ll find wthin an hour of Sherwood Park. 5 acres of land plus insulated and heated garage, steel quonset, and big red barn. $685,000 realtor.ca E4464626
780-336-4917 Merry Christmas to all! Keep warm and stay safe this holiday season.
HURUM TRUCKING LTD.
4901 47 Ave., Myrnam 29 Whitetail Green, Mundare 4 Bedroom, 3 Bath home with 1,650 sq ft built in 2007. Backs on to Whitetail Golf Course with a great view of the 12th hole. Many recent upgrades. $479,900 realtor.ca E4456822
Great Opportunity to Own a Three Unit Apartment in the Friendly Community of Myrnam. Property Consists of One 2-Bedroom Apartment and Two1-Bedroom Apartments. $249,000 realtor.ca E4415711
5102 52 St., Willingdon
SE-2-56-12 W 4th Rural Two Hills County
Very well maintained 4 Bedroom, 2 bath home. Upgrades include deck, metal roof, fenced yard. Completely finished basement. Detached single garage. Perfect first home or retirement home! $189,500 realtor.ca E4449137
Excellent Opportunity to Add to Your Present Farming Operation or Start Your Own Farming Operation in the County of Two Hills. Property Consists of Approximately 90 Acres Quality Cropland and 147 total Acres. Invest Today! $499,500 realtor.ca E4461000
The word is out... Christmas is on its way and so are our best wishes. Hurum Trucking Ltd. (Bovine Relocators) would like to send a sincere Thanks to all our Customers and wish you all the best that the Season brings, and a Happy, Healthy, Prosperous New Year! Roger & Cindy Ph: 780-336-4962 Cell: 780-385-0507
Page 26 - The Weekly Review, Monday, December 22, 2025
Camrose MLA tells Legislature about ‘How the Grinch stole copper’ George Lee Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Greedy grinches in Forestburg forced the cancellation of a nostalgic shopping excursion by train to a market called Jolly Jingles, the legislature heard last week. By digging their criminal claws into a train’s copper wiring, thieves denied shoppers a 1950sera passenger train experience across the central Alberta prairie parkland landscape to the Christmas market in Rosalind. Jolly Jingles went ahead as planned on Nov. 15. But the trip offered by Battle River Train Excursions back and forth through Heisler did not. Grinch comparisons aside, thefts of copper and other metals are a serious and costly criminal enterprise. And they’re a trend that the Alberta government continues to try to curtail, said the UCP’s Jacqueline Lovely. “This type of story has become all too common, not only in my constituency but across Alberta,” said Lovely, who represents the riding of Camrose. “Thieves will steal copper and other precious metals wherever they can be found, quickly reselling them to unscrupulous buyers who won’t question where they came from.” Perhaps through an increasingly robust illegal market, a surge in copper theft in Alberta suggests criminals are circumventing a law that came into force five and a half years ago. The Scrap Metal Dealers and Recyclers Identification Act requires that legitimate buyers record sellers’ ID. It was strengthened through amendments this year to make it constitutional while closing a business-to-business loophole. Businesses selling scrap metal, legit or otherwise, hadn’t had to provide identification before the amendments.
Statistics that fully measure the copper theft problem aren’t available, but a good indicator comes from the communications provider Telus. The company saw a 58 per cent increase in copper theft in 2024 over the previous year in Alberta alone, it said in media reports. Although valuable, stolen copper itself represents losses typically dwarfed by damages and other impacts. Reportage from across the province explains that the thefts jeopardize infrastructure, and pose threats to the environment and public safety. Cables are cut and stolen, wires are stripped from lighting and power infrastructure, and generators are stolen or damaged. Effects ripple through the rest of the economy, through lost revenue, service outages and charges, insurance premium increases, construction delays and costs for cleaning up environmental hazards. By one published RCMP estimate, losses exceed $10 million per year in Alberta due to copper theft, including property damage. In October 2024, a single break-in at a commercial site in Nisku caused more than $700,000 in property damage. Testimony from a year ago before the Senate Committee on Transport
found that two unnamed companies alone faced damages totalling $8.5 million in Alberta in just over a year, a tally from 866 individual thefts. In the Forestburg case, thieves stripped copper wiring and conduit from a power generator to the caboose and a passenger car. “Without this power we are unable to provide heat, light and sound in these cars,” a notice from the Friends of the Battle River Railway says. Thieves took the wiring from a generator motor and stole the starter, meaning the nonprofit that runs six or more excursions a year has had to scramble for a
long-term fix. Local reporting pegged damages at $30,000. Concluded Lovely in her member statement: “To the Friends of the
Battle River Rail and all other Albertans who have been the victims of theft and other crimes: we hear you. We hear that you’re fed up with
the status quo, and we’re doing all that we can to stand up for you and your families because that is the right thing to do.”
Wishing you the gift of faith, the blessing of hope and heavenly peace all through the holiday season and in the year to come.
Phone: (780) 603-5800
Gordon & Patricia Pawluk www.autumnrosefuneralhome.com Owners / Directors
Killam, Alberta
BeDevil
24 HOUR RED HOT OIL FIELD SERVICES
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year Call Dan McRae 780.385.5640 Season’s Greetings from all of us at
J&L AUTOMOTIVE 780-336-3173 Jim & Eileen, Mike & Kyla Emma, and families
Dan@BeDevil.ca
• 45 Ton Picker • 30 Ton Picker • Tri Drive D i Wi Winch hT Tractor t • Tandem Hiway Tractors • Gravel Trucks • Scissorneck Trailers • Hiboy Trailers • Super B Hiboys • Pilot Trucks • Rig Matting 8’x40’ x 8x20’ • Tandem Texas Bed • Tri Drive Texas Bed • 590 Backhoes • 721 Case Payloader • Stepdeck Trailers • Telehandler 35,000 lb. Lift Capacity • 1000 barrel Tank Cradle Trailer • Maintenance Trucks • FRAC Manifolds • 250 Hitachi Trackhoe for all size Screwpiles • Everything Pump Jacks - Installation, Moving, & Repairs
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Merry Christmas from The Weekly Review, Monday, December 22, 2025 - Page 27
Canadian Soldiers’ heartwarming Christmas tradition during WWII In the winter of 1943, amidst the chaos and hardship of World War II, two young Canadian soldiers, Private Jack McGregor and Corporal Tom Parker, found themselves stationed far from home in the icy trenches of Italy. The holiday season, typically a time of warmth and family, felt a world away from the grim realities of war. Yet, it was during this difficult Christmas that McGregor and Parker started a tradition that would live on for decades, touching the hearts of generations to come. The two soldiers had been childhood friends, both from small towns in Ontario, and had enlisted together when the war broke out. As Christmas approached that year, both men found themselves longing for the festive cheer they had known as children: the smell of roasting turkey, the sound of carolers, and the warmth of their families’ company. But instead, they were surrounded by the cold, barren landscape of Italy and the ever-present fear of enemy fire. “It was hard to imagine a Christmas without our families,” recalled McGregor, who passed awawy in 2015. “We were in the trenches, and there was nothing to remind us of home. But Tom and I decided that we wouldn’t let the war steal Christmas from us. We had to make something special out of it.” On Christmas Eve, the two soldiers set to work, determined to bring a little holiday magic to their fellow troops. Using scraps of tinfoil and wire, they crafted a small, makeshift Christmas tree and decorated it with bits of colored paper. They scavenged for any food they could find—a few cans of
fruit, some hard biscuits—and laid out a simple feast for their comrades. But it was their gift to each other that would become the centerpiece of their tradition. With little to give, the men exchanged simple handwritten letters expressing their gratitude and hopes for the future. These letters were not just words of encouragement, but promises to carry on the memory of the Christmas they shared, no matter what the future held. “We didn’t have much,” Tom Parker remembered in a past interview. “We had each other, and that was enough. We gave what we could: a letter, a smile, and the promise that we would see this through together.” Decades later, after
the war had ended, McGregor and Parker’s tradition lived on. Every Christmas, they would gather with their families and, in memory of those wartime Christmases, exchange simple letters of gratitude and joy. It was a gesture that reminded them of the power of friendship and the enduring spirit of the
holiday season, no matter the circumstances. “It was never about the gifts or the food,” said McGregor’s daughter, Emily, now in her 60s. “It was about showing kindness, even when everything else seemed bleak.” The tradition passed down through the generations, inspiring others to focus on the sim-
ple, enduring gifts of love, friendship, and hope during the holidays. For the McGregor and Parker families, and countless others who heard the story,
that Christmas in 1943 remains a symbol of resilience, showing that even in the midst of war, the spirit of Christmas could still shine through.
Food With Flair Mainstreet Viking 780-336-2476
Happy Holidays to all our Customers!
MERRY CHRISTMAS
From all of the Food With Flair Staff!
from Staff & Directors of
IRON CREEK GAS CO-OP LTD. Sedgewick, AB. 780-384-3762
Wishing you all the Best of the Season! From the Mayor, Councillors & Staff
Village of Irma We would like to take this time to wish you a Merry Christmas. May it be filled with wonder and joy. From the staff and management at
Irma Home and Garden
& A HAPPY NEW YEAR! ED PRODANIUK AUCTIONS & STAFF
ONLINE - www.prodaniukauctions.com
PH. 780-446-9555
FAX. 780-473-5750
EMAIL - edprodaniukauctions@gmail.com
780-754-3642
Page 28 - The Weekly Review, Monday, December 22, 2025
May Your Christmas Be Bright With Life’s Greatest Blessings B est wish es a n d sin cer e th a n k s f r o m o u r f a m ily to yo u r s.
Na m e B us ine s s
1234 Was hington S treet | S omers ville Heights Insurance - Investments -| Advice 000-000-0000 www.namewebs ite.com