The Community
Press Volume 113, Issue 28
Wednesday, January 20, 2021
$1 Including GST
Wind storm destroys local heritage barn Leslie Cholowsky Editor
High winds on Wednesday, Jan. 13, proved too much for the aging barn at the Holmstrom farm near Killam. Darrell Holmstrom provided this photo to brother Del’s ‘Alberta Barns’ Facebook page. Del Holmstrom featured a photo of the barn this September on his ‘Alberta Barns’ page after another windstorm ripped a hole in the roof, but the latest photo shows even more damage to the structure. The barn was built in 1905, says Holmstrom, featured in a family photo from 1934, on the Louis Larson homestead. The farmsite has a wealth of history for the region. Holmstrom says it was known as “Youngstown” and was a stopping place for settlers before the railroad came though, after which Killam became the stopping place. “The old chicken house was a post office,” says Holmstrom. Holmstrom family photo circa 1934, showing the barn in good working use.
DEL/DARRELL HOLMSTROM PHOTOS
The barn located on Darrell Holmstromʼs farm succumbed to wind damage after high winds in the region on Wednesday, Jan. 13. Top photo: Winter winds proved too much for the 100-year-plus building. Bottom photo: In September, a windstorm opened a hole in the roof spelling the beginning of the end.
Local RCMP Corporal making case for mini crime unit Leslie Cholowsky Editor
Corporal Trent Cleveland of the Killam RCMP has worked as acting commander for three-and-a-half years at the Detachment, and has come up with a proposal that he hopes will gain support both locally and by RCMP brass, as well as the Province. Presently Alberta K Division has four specialized crime reduction units in different areas of the province. The Killam Detachment is served by the Eastern Alberta District Crime Reduction Unit (EADCRU). Cleveland says this unit works out of the St. Paul Detachment, and contains seven or eight individual members. “If we ask for their help, they do come out,” Cleveland says, “but with the amount of rural property crime in
our area, I am proposing a two-constable over one corporal mini crime reduction unit be created.” He says this unit, like the larger EADCRU, would investigate property crime, deal with outstanding warrants, and generally work on highprofile ongoing investigations. “These would not be front line officers, but an investigation crew, primarily.” Cleveland says that this new unit could potentially service the Killam, Viking, Provost, Consort, and Coronation Detachment areas, all of which fall under the southern-most area of the present EADCRU. “The Mini Crime Reduction Unit can take over investigations that will allow the frontline general duty constables to continue with their first responding to the communities that they serve. “Having a local Crime Reduction Unit
for the five jurisdictions will allow members and the detachments to improve the intel and files shared with one another. The majority of the suspects causing the crimes in each jurisdiction are transient between all of these jurisdictions.” Cleveland said that the initial proposal was received positively by the Eastern Alberta District, but that in the end, it will all come down to funding. He says at present, it’s being reviewed over who would be responsible for funding such a unit. Cleveland said if the unit was to be started, it would be housed at the Killam Detachment. He said, “We would figure out the room for it,” noting, too, that Killam is one of the oldest detachments in the province, and is supposed to be slotted for a new detachment over the next five years or so.
Killam Detachment is the largest detachment in the proposed areas, with the most members, a Sergeant, and a Corporal. He’s made informal presentations to the RCMP about his idea, and he’s pleased with the reaction. Cleveland has also put the idea forward to the Flagstaff Community Action Committee, which contains an elected official from every municipality. He says he received positive feedback there for the idea, as well as in Viking, but has not formally introduced the proposal to the other communities. He has also talked to Camrose MLA Jackie Lovely, “She thought it was a good idea in principle. If the RCMP indicate we could go forward with it, we will open more formal talks with her. See PROPOSAL P13
Page 2 - The Community Press, Wednesday, January 20, 2021
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The Community Press, Wednesday, January 20, 2021 - Page 3
Killam community says goodbye to remarkable man Leslie Cholowsky Editor
Many Killam residents are in mourning this week as we learned of the passing of Gordie Enghoj on Monday, Jan. 11, at the age of 90. The Killam Memorial Arena is for many the heart of this small town; Enghoj was the indisputed heart of the arena. The Killam Wheat Kings Jr. B Hockey team based out of Killam have long given Enghoj the title of #1 fan, one he well deserved. As posted by Killam Recreation, “Gordie played a major part in Recreation here in Killam.” Enghoj volunteered, along with his father, with the construction of the building, which was very much a community effort, some 70 years ago. When the Memorial Arena had its grand opening at the New Year’s Eve Hockey Tournament in 1961, it was Enghoj who dropped the ceremonial puck drop in front of a facility full of fans. Throughout the years he spent in Killam, Gordie volunteered his time helping, both with minor hockey up to senior hockey. Many remember receiving his help in the dressing room tying skates, or just in knowing where to go, especially when school classes were using the facility. “Gordie even had keys to the facility and often was the first one at the facility on a busy day. He made sure everyone got in the facility and knew what rooms to use.” Killam Recreation Coordinator Charlene Sutter says, “It’s said he knew the facility schedule. And often knew it better than the rec staff themselves.” Enghoj offered help throughout the Agriplex; whether it was the bowling alley, swimming pool, or any other event taking place in the building, including Bingo. “Gordie’s passion was hockey and Killam. He loved the people here.” It was no secret that
Gordie also enjoyed a slice of pie whenever possible, too. Sutter says, “We missed Gordie when he was no longer able to visit the facility and cheer on his Jr. B’s. “A spot in the lobby has never been the same without him. “We will miss him dearly and never forget all that Gordie did for Recreation and the amazing person he was. “Rest In Peace, Gordie.” Enghoj was also quite a ladies man, with a host of “girlfriends” throughout the town and nothing would make him giggle more than pretending to catch him “cheating” with another girl. “He had a beautiful soul,” said one, “He had a heart of gold,” said another, from those paying tribute to his passing. Enghoj spent the last
few years in Killam Long Term care, where he could be back in the town where he was best known and cared for. Enghoj won’t be forgotten, he holds a place of honour in the Arena lobby, where a drawing by local artist Dan Fee depicts him as Killam Hockey’s #1 fan. Wheat Kings General Manager Murray Gaume has many fond memories
of Enghoj, including when he played for the team. “Gordie would come in before games and give us a big old rooster call before each game for good luck.” When he was no longer able to do that, Gaume says he was still at every game, cheering the home team on, and helping visitors find dressing rooms. Gaume says that Enghoj dropped the puck to
start every Wheat King season for as long as he was able to do so. Gaume says, “It’s a sad
time; he’s going to be missed. “He will leave a hole that will never be filled.”
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