Oct 29 Tofield Mercury

Rain doesn’t put a damper on annual Trunk or Treat

Despite a very wet start to the day on Sunday afternoon, Oct. 26, it dried up just in time for the Tofield and District Chamber of Commerce’s early Halloween celebration. Main Street Tofield came alive with colourful costumes and candy for the organization’s annual Trunk or Treat.

“It’s a great event for families, offering a family-friendly, barrier-free, petfriendly, and inclusive event,” said Greg Litwin, Chamber president.

Roughly 15 local businesses and organizations decorated vehicles and lined the street to connect with community members and celebrate the spooky season. From pirates to cowgirls and video game icons to cartoon characters, business representatives dressed up and stood outside their vehicles handing out candy to more than 200 children who showed up with their families to enjoy the displays and collect the treats.

The event featured plenty of creative costumes including several dinosaurs, a pair of Harley Quinns chasing a princess, and a few dressedup dogs that delighted the crowd. Families filled the street with laughter as they moved from trunk to trunk, and volunteers noted the cheerful turnout despite the gloomy weather earlier in the day.

When the outdoor festivities wrapped up, families headed over to the Tofield Community Hall for the Tofield Agricultural Society’s Family Cash Bingo. The hall quickly filled as

people warmed up, grabbed snacks from the concession, and joined in on 14 lively rounds of bingo.

A 50/50 draw and candy jar guessing games added to the fun, with proceeds going toward the Western Days Promenade to help keep rides and activities free for kids.

Events like these continue to highlight the community spirit that makes Tofield special, bringing families, local businesses, and organizations together for an afternoon of fall fun.

Tofield Country Quilters donate handiwork to various organizations

Debra Mendham Submitted

This group of an approximately a dozen ladies get together twice a month on the first and third Fridays to sew, learn, and enjoy

Last Friday we invited Simon Bosma from the Lutheran Church to come and accept the latest quilt that the ladies have all worked on, donated to assist the church in all the great work that the church does in town and their mission work in Guatemala.

We have packed up 32 quilts, games, and kitchen towels, etc. that are also being donated to Zebra Child and Youth Advocacy Centre, Safe Place (Sherwood Park) and to Alberta Hospital Edmonton, all places that requested a need for these items through the media and other sources.

Tofield mayor and councillors sworn in

Kari Janzen Staff Reporter

The newly elected members to Tofield Town Council were sworn in on Monday, Oct. 27 in the Council Chambers, solemnly committing to “diligently, faithfully, and to the best of [their] ability, execute according to law the Office of Councillor (or Mayor) for the Town of Tofield.”

The first order of business during the organizational meeting was to appoint the deputy mayor.

Mayor Adam Hall asked if any member of Council was interested in putting their name forward for deputy mayor, and Brenda Chehade said she would. No other councillors volunteered, so Chehade was appointed deputy mayor.

Council then went through the list of committees and appointed the necessary number of councillors to each board.

Councillor Dustin Terpstra volunteered to be the Town’s representation on the Tofield Agricultural Society board. Chehade was appointed to the Beaver County Victim Services board, with Councillor Jennifer Durrant as the

alternate. Mayor Hall was appointed to the Beaver Emergency Medical Services (Ambulance) board with Councillor Elaine Taylor as the alternate.

Beaver Emergency Services Commission will be represented by Terpstra with Hall as the alternate. Durrant was appointed to Beaver Foundation, and Chehade was appointed as alternate.

Hall was appointed to the Beaver Regional Partnership Committee, as the position is required to be held by the mayor.

Terpstra was appointed to the Claystone Waste Public Advisory Committee. Hall was appointed to the Community Attraction and Retention Committee with Chehade as the alternate. Taylor will represent the Highway 14 Regional Water Services Commission with Durrant as the alternate.

Hall and Chehade were appointed to the Intermunicipal Committee, as the positions must be held by the mayor and deputy mayor.

Durrant was appointed to the Northern Lights Library System with Taylor as the alternate. Durrant was also appointed to the Tofield Municipal Continued on Page 11

This ad has been placed to help spread awareness that Lilly is a service dog. Qualified assistance dogs are entitled to escort a person into establishments.

Holden councillors sworn in- Carl Marsh appointed as mayor

Kari Janzen Staff Reporter

Holden’s new councillors were officially sworn in on Monday, Oct. 27 in the Village Council Chambers. Councillor Shawn Cole nominated Carl Marsh for the position of mayor, and Councillor Alan Ramshaw and Councillor Tammy Hill voiced their agreement.

No other nominations for the position of mayor were made, so Marsh was appointed mayor for the Village of Holden. For the nomination of deputy mayor, Hill nominated Tyler Beckett, Cole nominated Ramshaw, and Marsh nominated Cole.

A secret ballot was taken, which resulted in a tie. A second vote was

then taken which repeated the results. As the vote was 2-2-1, the councillor with one vote for deputy mayor was removed, which left Beckett and Cole. Another vote was taken, which resulted in Beckett being appointed deputy mayor.

Council decided to go with the status quo on the regular meeting date and time, and will continue to

meet on the third Monday of each month at 6 p.m., unless the Monday falls on a statutory holiday where in that case the meeting is to be held the following day.

Council then went

through all the other regular requirements of an annual organizational meeting including appointing Banking Services and Signing Authority, Subdivision Authority, and CAO Appointments Review. As

Council will attend regional council presentations and joint council orientation this week, board and committee appointments will be made at the next meeting of Council on Monday, Nov. 17.

The Tofield

Local Operation Christmas Child collection deadline mid-November

Kari Janzen Staff Reporter

Sunday, Nov. 16 is the deadline for local churches in Tofield who are participating in the collection of shoeboxes through the Operation Christmas Child (OCC) project organized by Samaritan’s Purse, to be taken to the Camrose drop off location during national collection week, Nov. 17-23.

“OCC is a project of the international relief organization, Samaritan’s Purse. Our mission is to provide local church partners around the world with shoeboxes filled with small toys, hygiene items, and school supplies as a means of reaching out to children in their own communities with the Good News of Jesus Christ. We ship these simple gifts from Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and several other ‘sending’ countries to children in the developing world and countries affected by war, poverty, natural disaster, famine, and disease. Distributions also occur in Aboriginal and Inuit communities in North America,” the Samaritan’s Purse website says. Local churches involved in collecting shoeboxes include the Tofield Community Church and Bardo Lutheran Church.

"Each year, Tofield Community Church is blessed to participate in OCC. The shoeboxes we pack and send to Samaritan's Purse are one of the ways we share the gospel of Jesus Christ with people who have never heard that He alone redeems and reconciles repentant sinners with the Living Holy God,” Pastor Jon Stewart said. “Christmas is a time of year that Christians celebrate the birth

of Jesus Christ and all that His birth implies. As we have been gifted and receive this good news, we share and gift it to others.”

Since 1993, over 232 million shoeboxes have been distributed to children in over 170 countries and territories

across the world. Last year Camrose and area collected 1,999 of the 436,290 shoeboxes sent from across Canada, added to the total 11.9 million sent worldwide.

“Not only do the shoeboxes make a big impact to the children,” local OCC media relations

volunteer Glenda Strauss said, “but they often open doors for Samaritan’s Purse to work with local community leaders in identifying and addressing important needs such as clean water, literacy, vocational training for Continued on Page 14

Cornerstone Christian Academy

PUBLIC NOTICE DODDS COAL MINING COMPANY LTD. WATER ACT NOTICE OF APPLICATION

Notice is given that Dodds Coal Mining Company Ltd. has filed an application under the provisions of the Water Act for a Licence to divert 100,000 cubic metres of groundwater annually from a water retention pond, located at the Dodds Coal Mine in the NW-09-049-17-W4, to an irrigation pond located at the Coal Creek Golf Resort in the SE-14-049-18W4. The diversion is for Commercial (golf course irrigation and pond evaporation) purpose.

The groundwater which is currently being dewatered at the Dodds Coal Mine is being held in the retention pond at the mine site. No additional water will be dewatered at the mine site for the purpose of this application. The dewatering operation is currently authorized under the Alberta Energy Regulator, Approval No. 00225432-00-00.

Any person who is directly affected by this application may submit a Statement of Concern within 30 days of the date of this notice.

To submit a Statement of Concern, sign into the Digital Regulatory Assurance System (DRAS) using an Alberta.ca Account or an Alberta.ca Account for Organizations.

• DRAS webpage - https://www.alberta.ca/digital-regulatoryassurance-system.aspx

* To sign up for an Alberta.ca Account or an Alberta.ca Account for Organizations see the How to Create an Alberta.ca Account for Individuals for Access to DRAS or the How to Create an Alberta.ca Account for Organizations for Access to DRAS knowledge article.

Alternatively, you may submit a written Statement of Concern to:

Environment and Protected Areas Approvals Unit, 5th Floor, South Petroleum Plaza 9915 108 Street EDMONTON, AB T5K 2G8

The written statement of concern should include the following:

• Quote the application number: DAPP0152984

• Describe concerns that are relevant to matters regulated by the Water Act

• Explain how the filer of the concern will be directly affected by the activity and/or diversion of water proposed in the application.

• Provide the legal land location of the land owned or used by the filer where the concerns described are believed to be applicable.

• State the distance between the land owned or used by the filer and the site in the application.

• Contact information including the full name and mailing address of the filer. Please provide the telephone number and email address for ease of contact.

Environment and Protected Areas will review each written Statement of Concern, seek more information if needed,and concerns that are relevant to the application, and for which the Director has delegated authority to address in the decision on the application, will be considered in the technical review of the application.

Statements of Concern submitted regarding this application are public records which are accessible by the public and the applicant. Failure to file a Statement of Concern may affect the right to file a Notice of Appeal with the Environmental Appeals Board.

Copies of the application and additional information can be obtained from:

Dave Bowal

Dodds Coal Mining Company Ltd. Dodds_coalmine@hotmail.com 780-663-2285

So in the past week, Alberta had the Lieutenant Governor Salma Lakhani read the speech from the throne to open the fall session of the Legislature.

She referenced the 2023 Thorne speech where it was stated at that time, “The world needs more Alberta energy – not less – and Alberta’s government intends to empower Albertans to deliver it.”

“Honourable Members, that is exactly what this government has done every moment since that time, and it will continue to do so until the job is done. This government has driven back the anti-energy movement in our country and helped to turn the tide of national public opinion from antioil and gas sentiment into a national consensus that Alberta’s energy resources are a national treasure that can and must be developed aggressively using the made-in-Alberta technologies that allow us to do so in the most environmentally responsible manner.”

She continued on stating Alberta as continuing to win the “battle for our freedom and provincial rights – because your

Province moves ahead -let’s put separatism to rest JOHN’S RANT OPINION

government believes we are on the right side of history and Albertans will not be denied their prosperous future.”

She reported the province is actively working with Ontario to build an oil pipeline to that province and actively co-operating with Manitoba, Saskatchewan and First Nations to gain access to the Port of Churchill for future oil and gas exports.

Lakhani pointed out because of the province's diplomacy and negotiating efforts with the U.S. the “vast majority of Alberta exports – from energy to agriculture and almost everything else –have remained tarifffree.”

The speech highlighted improvements the government would be making to infrastructure on Alberta highways,  improvements committed to for schools and teachers, despite the ongoing strike, improvements to rapid transit in both Calgary and Edmonton, and social services.

Health services are to continue being reformed to improve services to all Albertans.

And it touched on the sovereignty issue.

“Honourable Mem-

bers, this government has been clear and will continue to be so. Your government believes in a strong, free and sovereign Alberta within a united Canada.

“Sovereignty does not mean separation. Strength and self-determination do not have to mean national independence. And one can love this province with all their heart – and love our nation just as much.”

“In fact, it is your government’s view that both Canada and Alberta can only succeed when a proper constitutional balance has been restored and Alberta is empowered to freely pursue its full potential while Ottawa focuses its efforts on key areas of federal jurisdiction.”

That is a pretty clear statement of where the government stands on separation.

Which brings up a couple of side points to the throne speech.

The Republican Party of Alberta, a small group of doom and gloomers who clamour for Alberta independence, issues a release regarding the speech from the throne from its leader Cameron Davies.

“As the Alberta Legis-

lature reconvenes for its fall session, I extend my best wishes to all members for a productive term. But let’s be clear: this session must confront the defining issue of our time, Alberta’s independence.”

“For too long, the UCP has clung to the illusion that Ottawa can be reasoned with,” Davies went on. “Despite years of evidence, from stifled pipelines to crushing carbon taxes, the Premier still believes that pleading for fairness will change anything.

"The diplomacy has failed. The paperwork has failed. What hasn’t been tried is trusting Albertans themselves.

“It’s time for Premier Danielle Smith to stand with the people of Alberta, not with Ottawa, and call a binding referendum on independence. Let’s Albertans decide our destiny.”

Well the last time I looked the Republican Party of Alberta had no seats in the Alberta Legislature.

Zero seats!

And the elected representatives are the people I trust to guide the welfare of this province moving forward.

Which brings me to Thomas Lukaszuk and

his Forever Canadian petition. All the signatures must be collected by Oct. 28. Then they have to be verified for fake names, duplicate names and overall legitimacy.

Yet, Lukaszuk’s supporters are complaining because the majority of provincial and federal politicians have refused to sign his databasegathering formwork.

The CanadaWill Project identified 72 of Alberta’s Federal and provincial politicians who have refused to state whether they support or oppose “Alberta  separation.

“Each politician was contacted four times between October 2 and October 20 and asked a single, direct question: “Do you reject Alberta separatism? Yes or No.”

“Silence from elected leaders is not neutrality—it’s complicity,” said Tim Glowa, Co-founder of CanadaWill.ca. “We scraped and reviewed two years of public statements and news coverage, then reached out four times to every MLA and Alberta-based MP. Those who ignored our requests are now classified as ‘Pro Separation / No stance’ in our database. Albertans deserve clarity from their elected representatives.”

Well, one should ask themselves this: Regarding the Federal politicians… if Alberta were to separate it stands to reason they would all be out of a job. And so would those Alberta senators. Why? Because if Alberta is independent it will have no affiliation except through agreements with the rest of Canada.

Do some really think those elected MPs and unelected Senators want to give up their massive salaries?

I don’t think so. And their pensions would also disappear.

And for this, provincial politicians which includes the majority of the NDP caucus who don’t want to sign the petition it’s because they see it as a frivolous vanity project of Lukazuk’s and they don’t want their names associated with his database.

The province has unequivocally stated its belief in Canada.

As long as the Feds work in collaboration with the province and allow them to develop their natural resources, especially here in Alberta, separatism will fade in obscurity.

JOHN MATHER

Traffic tickets and warnings see increase in Tofield

Kari Janzen Staff Reporter

Community Peace Officer Chelaine Regehr’s quarterly report to the Town of Tofield Council and Administration, which was included in the correspondence at the regular meeting held Monday, Oct. 27, outlined that traffic warnings and tickets saw a significant increase in the last three months, as 15 speed tickets were issued, two seatbelt tickets, one tint ticket, and one ticket for a license plate improperly displayed. Eight traffic tickets were issued in the previous quarter.

“The majority of traffic infractions have been for speeding on the service road. Other Provincial infractions include drivers not wearing a seatbelt or having tint on their windows.

“Warnings have also been written or verbally given for a variety of reasons which include Jturns on main street,” Regehr’s report read.

During the months of July, August, and September, 11 door knockers were issued, 40 notices to maintain, and 18 notices to entry. Two dogs were reported at large, five unsightly complaints were made, there were four

stances where assistance was provided to the RCMP or to the public, six trailer complaints, and 19 traffic warnings.

“All complaints were resolved with either enforcement or educating the offender. Grass enforcement took up a good portion of time this past quarter, with the majority of the properties entered by a contractor being repeat offenders,” Regehr’s

ground increased this year, as there were issues with campers not paying their fees.

“This increased the amount of work required to run and enforce at the campground, for both administration and enforcement,” Regehr said.

Regehr’s focus in the next quarter will be to make sure sidewalks are being cleared of snow and ice, and continue to

Snow geese heading north

noise complaints, four complaints related to the campground, four in-

report said.

It was also noted that enforcement at the camp-

observe traffic.

“Now that the call volume has slowed down

and it has not snowed, it leaves more time to conduct traffic operations and patrols of the town.

Our focus in the next quarter will be to make sure sidewalks are shoveled to continue to make sure the public stays safe,” her report said. The Town of Tofield contracts Peace Officer services through the Town of Vegreville.

AS THE DEADLINE FOR PAYMENT OF 2025 COUNTY PROPERTY TAXES WAS JULY 31, 2025

If payment is not received by October 31, 2025, a 10% penalty will be added to any outstanding current taxes on November 1, 2025.

Tax payments can be made at the County Office at 3755 43 Avenue, Camrose, Alberta T4V 3S8.

After hours/weekend payments can be placed in the mailbox at the front door. (Please do not deposit cash in the mailbox) or you can pay online or at any financial institution (on or before deadline).

Also, cheques received post-marked by October 31, 2025 will be considered on time.

There is also a credit card payment feature called OPTION PAY available on the Camrose County Website for your convenience. For more information, visit: www.county.camrose.ab.ca

Camrose County offers a Pre-Authorized Monthly Payment Plan for taxes.

If you wish to start on January 1, 2026, your application must be received before December 15, 2025. Application forms and further information can be obtained from the Camrose County website: www.county.camrose.ab.ca or by emailing tax@county.camrose.ab.ca or by contacting the County Office at 780-672-4446.

Teresa Gratrix

County

Administrator

Camrose County

Tofield Health Foundation sponsors free public skating

Vanessa Poitras Staff Reporter

Public skate at the Tofield Arena is held weekly from 2-3:30 p.m. Sunday afternoons, which started in October. New this year, one Sunday per month is sponsored by the Tofield and Area Health Services Foundation, therefore making it free of charge for all ages.

Upcoming free skate days include November 16, December 21, January 18, February 15, and March 15. Helmets are required for all participants who will be on the ice.

"The Tofield and Area Health Services Foundation has been

around since 2004,”

Brenda Chehade, Tofield and Area

Health Services Foundation Chair said, “and the board is always

looking for ways to engage with the community to let everyone

Tofield girls Gracie and Ellie participated in the Parents & Tots public skate last year, held on Wednesdays from 10-11 a.m.

Voltage Electric Ltd. is hiring a Journeyman Electrician

Location: Lougheed, Alberta - Job Type: Full-Time - Start Date: To be determined

Voltage Electric Ltd. is a fast-growing electrical and technology solutions company serving rural Alberta. We specialize in electrical, networking, security systems, fiber optics and trenching. With a strong commitment to quality, safety, and innovation, we’re looking for a certified Journeyman Electrician to join our team.

What You’ll Do:

- Install, maintain, and troubleshoot electrical systems in residential, commercial, and agricultural settings

- Work hands-on with emerging technologies such as security systems, surveillance, networking, and fiber optics

- Read and interpret blueprints, diagrams, and technical documents

- Ensure compliance with electrical codes, safety standards and company guidelines

- Mentor apprentices and support team development

What We’re Looking For:

- Journeyman Electrician Certification (Alberta or Red Seal)

- Self-motivated, reliable, and committed to safety

- Strong problem-solving skills as well as willingness to learn new technologies and systems

- Ability to work independently and in a team setting

- Valid Class 5 driver’s license with clean abstract and clear Criminal Record Check

- Seeking candidates local to Flagstaff County area or willing to relocate

What We Offer:

- Competitive wages based on experience and qualifications

- Opportunities to expand your skills into security, surveillance and networking.

- A steady local workload with a supportive and experienced team

- A chance to make an impact in a growing company that values innovation and community

Apply today!

Send your resume and a brief cover letter to: admin@voltageab.ca

Subject Line: Journeyman Electrician Application

know what we are doing, especially for preventative health initiatives.

“We like to promote things that may help people with a healthy lifestyle, promoting both physical and mental health. The Health Foundation has been sponsoring a free swim at the Ryley Pool for many years, so we thought, why not a free skate? Both activities

are available to anyone who wants to get out have some fun and spend some time with friends, family, or just to get some exercise.

We hope to continue this event with the Tofield Agricultural Society for many years to come.

“We want everyone to enjoy getting out for a skate, bring a friend, and don't forget your helmet,” she said.

Battle River School Division is accepting contracts for CARETAKING SERVICES at Round Hill School, located in Round Hill, AB.

The successful contractor will be responsible for the daily maintenance of school building contents and equipment, which are to be kept in a neat and sanitary condition, and be capable of addressing minor maintenance issues. Caretakers are responsible to keep all entryways and sidewalks clear of snow and ice in the winter months and will be required to complete a major ‘summer clean’ each year according to BRSD guidelines.

Caretakers may also be asked to respond to security alarm calls and to open/close the school building for extra-curricular or other community events. The schedule of regular, yearly, and special duties is available upon request. Round Hill School has an enrollment of approximately 100 students in grades 1-9. Contract compensation is based on student count and school area.

Start date for this contract is December 8, 2025.

Previous experience is an asset, please provide a detailed description of your experience in your application. Please include two to three references.

Requirements

Applicants must have:

• A current WCB account number

• Insurance (minimum $5 million liability)

• WHMIS certificate

• Valid Criminal Records Check with Vulnerable Sector (to be completed and provided by contractor and all employees prior to commencing work)

For more information, please contact Jennifer Hauck, Custodial & Grounds Coordinator, at 780-672-6131 ext. 5258 or via email at jhauck@brsd.ab.ca.

Submission deadline is November 20, 2025, at 2:00 PM

Applications are to be submitted to: Jennifer Hauck – Facilities 4724-41 Street Camrose, AB T4V 0Z6 Or via email to: jhauck@brsd.ab.ca

We thank all who apply. Only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.

BEAVER COUNTY SEED CLEANING CO-OP

September & October

BEAVER COUNTY SEED CLEANING CO-OP OPEN BY APPOINTMENT ONLY

BEAVER COUNTY SEED CLEANING CO-OP

BEAVER COUNTY SEED CLEANING CO-OP For Sale: Common Seed Oats, Pony Oats and Barley

October & November Open by appointment only

Open by appointment only

Serving all the farms, ranches, acreages and towns in Beaver County

Phone 780-688-3917 • Holden, AB

Phone 780-688-3917 • Holden, AB

Phone 780-688-3917 • Holden, AB

Phone 780-688-3917 • Holden, AB November

The Beaver County Chronicle

Free Weekly Publication Serving All of Beaver County

Wednesday, December 4, 2024, Volume 17, Issue 49

Wednesday, November , 2023, Volume 16, Issue 46

WednesdayFebruary162022Volume15Issue7

Wednesday, October 29, 2025, Volume 18, Issue 43

Patricia Harcourt

Harvesting in Alberta has wrapped up for another year with Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation R.J. Sigurdson lauding it as a highly successful one.

“Hot, dry weather through late summer and into fall supported a rapid harvest pace that kept farmers working hard to ensure crops were off the fields before the weather shifted,” said Sigurdson.

He reported that some areas of the province experienced a difficult growing season.

“Most parts of the province are entering winter with dry soil conditions,” he said. “We are hopeful for above-average winter snowfall as well as the spring rains farmers need to replenish soil moisture and support crop growth in 2026.”

The agriculture minister expressed confidence in those farmers and other producers in their field, calling them “resilient, dedicated and resourceful.”

In their days on the farm, he said that “they work constantly to face challenges head-on and drive sustainable growth in our agriculture sector.”

But this year’s crop results have been pretty successful. Regionally, all areas of the province are expected to exceed their five-year average in terms of yields.

However, the Peace area was closer to average yields.

Crop quality for spring wheat, barley and canola is exceeding the five-year average, with more of the crops in the top two grades, Sigurdson noted.

In contrast, durum, oats and dry peas are all grading lower than the five-year average.

With that news, he offered congratulations to farmers “for another successful harvest.”

Sigurdson concluded: “We applaud our producers’ dedication to growing the high quality agricultural products people around the world enjoy as they gather and create memories over the food we produce right here in Alberta.”

Indeed, in Region Three in the North East of the province, which encompasses the areas around Vermilion, Camrose, Provost, and Smoky Lake, harvest was reported to 99 per cent complete in the final report of the season for the major crops.

Dry soil and repeated frosts raised concerns about the successful establishment of fall-seeded crops. Those crops are rated at 51 per cent poor, 38 per cent fair, 11 per cent good, and zero per cent excellent.

Sub-surface soil moisture is rated at 48 per cent poor, 42 per cent fair,10 per cent good and zero per cent excellent.

IMPORTANTDATES

October30

9:30AM-RegularCouncil(OrganizationalMeeting)

November5

9:30AM-12:00PM-GovernanceandPrioritiesCommittee Meeting

1:00PM-4:00PM-RegularCouncilMeeting

NOTICETOPROPERTYOWNERS

PREPARATIONOFTHE2025ANNUALASSESSMENTFOR 2026TAXATION

Pleasenote:Duetotheongoingpostalstrike,BeaverCountyis providingthisnoticeonlineandthroughalternatechannels.

TheAssessmentDepartmentwillbeginconductingproperty inspectionsfor: Developmentpermitsissuedin2025,and Developmentsfrompreviousyearsthatwerenotyetcompleted. Theinspectorwillbevisitingpropertiestoverifyandcollectdataon neworexistingdevelopments.

Thisworkhelpsensurefairandequitablepropertyassessments throughoutBeaverCounty.

Ifyouhavequestionsorconcerns,pleasecontacttheAssessment Departmentat825-385-0055.

FAMILYVIOLENCECRISISSUPPORT

Familyviolenceisanabuseofpowerinafamilyorothertrustingrelationship wherepeoplerelyoneachother.Itincludesdomesticviolence,intimate partnershipviolenceandchildabuse.HelpisavailabletoAlbertansfleeing abuse.Someoneisalwaysavailabletolistenandhelp,24hoursaday,7daysa week.

FamilyViolenceInformationLine(tollfree)

CallorText: 310-1818* *Standardtextmessageratesmayapply Call 911 ifsomeoneisinimmediatedanger. Familyviolenceisacrime. ScantheQRcodeformoreinformationandhelpresources.

-Soup&buns fromTasty’sattheRiver Rockwillbeprovided!

Conflictbetweenneighbours?Theycan help!frompets,parking,noise,property

earnabout: StrathconaCountyCommunity MediationSociety&theservicestheyoffer BeaverCountyResidents.

Strathcona County Com Mediation Society & the services they o Beaver County Residents

Askquestions: Getyourquestionsanswered byaStrathconaCountyCommunityMediation representative.

WhoShouldAttend?

ThissessionisforBeaverCountyresidentshomeowners,renters,andcommunity memberswhowanttobetterunderstandhow toaddressneighbourhoodconcernsor supportpositiverelationshipsintheirarea.

2025COUNTYCONSTRUCTIONSCHEDULE

CulvertMaintenance

Patchingoilroads May1 Sep29

Hard-SurfaceLocations

Constructedinthefollowingphases:

Phase1(P1): Cement, Phase2(P2): ChipSeal1stLift, Phase3(P3): ChipSeal 2ndlift, Phase4(P4): FinalsweepofChips.

KingswayEstates-501 May12 May16 Complete

RgeRd202betweenTwp502&504 May19 May30 Complete

BeaverCreekEstatesNorth-50514RgeRd202 Jun2 Jun4 Complete

RgeRd200fromHwy630tocampground entrance&HoopersDr Jun5 Jun9 Complete

WhisperingHillsEstates-51308RgeRd195Jun10 Jun14 Complete RgeRd200fromHwy630toBlackfootGrazing ReserveEntrance Jun16 Jun24 Complete Twp492approx.1.72kmseastofRgeRd170 Jun26 Jun27 Complete Twp490betweenHwy857&RgeRd142 Jul2 Jul25 Complete Twp490betweenHwy870&RgeRd120 Jul28 Aug22 Complete TwpRd512fromRgeRd191toHWY834 Aug25 Sep3 Complete ShoulderPulls

RgeRd200fromHWY14toTWPRD500 Sept9 Sept30

TwpRd492fromHWY834toRgeRd192 Oct1 Oct9

RgeRd173from430meterssouthofTwpRd 500andTwpRd492 Oct10 Oct24

TwpRd500fromHWY854toRgeRd171Oct27 Nov4

TwpRd502fromHWY854toRgeRd171Nov5 Nov14

TwpRd484fromHWY855toRgeRd164TBDTBD

Gravelling Mar13 Dec22

HamletRoadRehabilitation(ExactDatesTBD)

Bruce -MainStfromrailroadtracksto4Ave th OctOct

Kinsella -MainStfromHWY14to3Ave rd OctOct

Kinsella -2AvefromMainSttoKingSt nd OctOct

WHENCONSTRUCTIONISCOMPLETE

Whenall four phasesofupgradesare complete,roadswillbesmootherand longerlastingforallusers.Tohelpkeepthemintopcondition,pleasefollow theseguidelines: Roadbansremaininplaceforaboutoneyear. Noloadingorunloadingontheroadway.

Avoiddrivingheavyortrackedequipmentontheroad—usealternate routesorhaulroads.

ReportdamageorunsafeconditionstotheBeaverCountyServiceCentre.

BeaverCountyiscommittedtoprovidinga safe, injury-freeenvironment foremployees,contractors,visitors,andthepublic.Roadconstructioncan createhazardssuchasheavymachinery,dust,mud,gravel,asphalt coatings,androckchips.Weapologizeforanyinconvenience—roadswith themosttrafficrequirethemostmaintenance. Thankyouforyour patienceandunderstandingduringconstruction.

SECONDLAYEROFCHIPSEALINCOMING

Constructioncrewshavebeenworkingtoupgradethefollowingroad: TWPRD512fromRGERD191toSECHWY834

Thislocationwillsoonbegintoreceivethesecondlayerofchipsealand theremaybedelaysasworkcrews'directtraffictoworksafely.Therewill bemanylooserocksafterthesecondchipseallayerisappliedandspeed limitswillcontinuetobereducedonthisroaduntilthefinalsweepis complete.

WHATARESHOULDERPULLS?

Thisworkreclaimsgravelfromtheroadedges,restorestheroadshapeforproper drainage,andimprovesoveralldrivingconditions.Duringthisprocess,residents maynoticetemporaryroughsurfacesandroadequipment.Weaskdriversto slowdown,watchforsigns,andgivecrewsspacetoworksafely.Formore information,visittheRoadMaintenanceFAQontheBeaverCountywebsite.

QUESTIONSORCONCERNSABOUTROADS?

PleasecalltheBeaverCountyServiceCentreat780-663-3730.

CALLTORESERVE YOURSPOT! 780-663-3732 calp@beaver.ab.ca

NOVEMBER12-DECEMBER10TH TH

Location:VikingFCSSOffice4924 53Ave,Viking Wednesdaysfrom10AM-12PM (5sessionstotal)

Learnhowtouseyoursmartphone, tabletandlaptop

Cost-$2PERSESSION Ifcostisabarrier-feecanbewaved

InOctoberselectroads(asshownintheconstructionschedule)willbeundergoing someminorrepairworkandreceiveapavementoverlay.

Duringconstruction,sectionsoftheroadmaybetemporarilyclosedtoallowcrewsto worksafely.Detourswillbeclearlymarked.Pleaseplanalternaterouteswherepossible ordrivecautiouslyifyoumusttravelthroughtheconstructionzone(localtrafficonly).

Howtopayyourtaxes... Duetothepostalstrike,maildeliveryisnotanoptionforpaying yourtaxescurrently.Pleaseuseoneofthefollowingmethods: InternetorTelephoneBanking

Payee:BeaverCountyTaxes

Account#:9-digitrollnumberfromyourassessment/tax notice Paysimply.ca

Securepaymentsiteacceptingcreditcards,PayPal,and more.(Conveniencefeeapplies.)

InPerson

Debit,cheque,cash,ormoneyorderattheBeaverCounty ServicesCentre. TheCountyServiceCentrewillhaveextendedhoursuntil 5:30pmonOctober28&30forin-persontaxpayments. TomeetwiththeAssessor,pleasecall780-663-3730. A10%penaltywillbeappliedtoalloutstandingbalancesasof November1,2025.

Note:CreditcardsareonlyacceptedthroughPaysimply.Pleaseallow2–3 businessdaysforelectronicpaymentstoprocess.

schedule,theChronicle,andmore-directtoyourinbox!

Website InformationonCountyprogramsandservicescanbe foundonourwebsite,alongwiththelatestnews.

Province blames municipalities for election delays

George Lee Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Municipalities should accept responsibility for long queues and delayed results last week because they had “ample time” to prepare for election day, the provincial government has maintained.

New requirements were approved in the spring of 2024 and local governments should have been staffed up and ready, the office for Municipal Affairs Minister Dan Williams said in an emailed statement.

“If a municipality’s election authority was unable to come up with an effective plan, it is up to the local authority to explain to voters and candidates why long waits have developed,” the statement said.

Long lines at polling stations Oct. 20 and count delays were reported across the province. Problems were most likely in larger centres because of the volumes of votes and voters, especially in municipalities that in the past used electronic tabulators. Provincial legislative changes banned the use of the tabulators, meaning all municipalities had to count ballots by hand.

Also changed were voter identification requirements, meaning some voters had to fill out attestation

forms. Published reports blamed lineups of a half hour to two hours or more on the forms and understaffing, with some Albertans saying they were unable to cast their votes at all before polls closed.

Said the Municipal Affairs statement: “Voter attestation forms are a normal part of an election process and should not delay a properly staffed voting location.”

Some municipalities didn’t publish results until later in the week instead of the same day as polling or early the next morning.

The NDP’s new municipal affairs critic said the rules were an expensive misstep made by the UCP. Local governments were forced to pick up the tab for "ideologically driven legislation" not of their own making, said Rob Miyashiro.

The member for LethbridgeWest, Miyashiro said in an emailed statement: “The UCP’s new voting rules and ban on tabulators created long lines at polling stations, led to delayed results and downloaded millions of dollars onto municipalities.”

Changes were “a solution to a problem that didn’t exist,” the shadow minister said. “They were driven purely by ideology and need to be repealed.”

Miyashiro, a former Lethbridge city councillor, said he’s been part of efficient municipal elections.

“When I last ran, we had accurate results within an hour. This time, things were very different.”

It took three days for the mayoral and council races to be unofficially declared in Miyashiro’s southern Alberta city. Official results weren’t declared until Thursday, CTV News reported.

Lethbridge hasn’t counted its election ballots by hand since 1989, the Lethbridge Herald reported. The cost of running the election was estimated to almost double to over $650,000 this year.

The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo in northern Alberta, home to the oilsands centre of Fort McMurray, also saw election costs double, to about $600,000. The Fort McMurray Today reported long lines at the ballot boxes and a count that took nearly 19 hours for first results.

Turnout of the electorate generally dropped across Alberta, typically by about 10 percentage points to one in four or five voters. The City of Lethbridge collapse was particularly dramatic at about 15 percentage points, official stats from its administration reveal. Voter turnout was just 19.35 per cent in 2025 for the city, compared with 34.88 per cent four years ago.

The St. Albert Gazette reported a drop of about five percentage points to about 30 per cent of the

Edmonton suburb’s electorate. The City of Red Deer cited a drop of nearly 10 percentage points to just over 21 per cent.

Numbers for Lacombe County — a rural community along the QE II corridor north of Red Deer — show a drop of more than 10 points in contested divisions to about 27 per cent from the historically reported number of 37.7.

In some locales, a drop was negligible or non-existent. In the Town of Taber election in southern Alberta, for example,  the electorate percentage appears to have been around 29 per cent in each of the two elections.

And some municipalities may even have seen their turnout go up, based on published reports. Bucking the trend, Fort Macleod appears to have seen an increase in voter turnout of about two percentage points to nearly 38 per cent.

The minister’s office said it will examine election data. “Following every municipal election, we review our legislation and regulations to identify if any improvements need to be made.”

But Miyashiro’s statement calls on the UCP to rethink its approach to dealing with municipalities. “The government should focus on working with municipalities, not ordering them around like children,” it said.

Share your input in the 2025 ASB Gopher Impact Survey

Nerissa McNaughton Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Across the Prairies, producers know the sight all too well: mounds of freshly turned earth dotting pastures and fields. While they may seem small, these mounds signal a much larger problem lurking beneath the surface. Richardson’s Ground Squirrels, commonly known as gophers, are causing significant and costly damage to agricultural lands, and their impact appears to be growing. If you are a producer facing this challenge, your experience is important. Agricultural Service Boards (ASBs) has opened the 2025 ASB Gopher (RGS) Impact Survey to gather data from local residents and farmers.

You are encouraged to visit agriculturalserviceboards.com/ 2025-gopher-survey/ to take the survey.

One of the ways gophers have been managed since the early 1900s

is through the use of strychnine.

Although concerns over its use, as it is a neurotoxin, led to strychnine being banned in 1992, limited emergency usage was reintroduced as more effective methods to control the gopher populations had not yet been developed. As of 2024, strychnine was, once again, under a full deregistration protocol.

This, says the Government of Alberta, is unacceptable.

In an open letter posted on social media and signed by Premier Smith and Ministers Sigurdson and Schow, “Alberta’s farmers and ranchers are in crisis.” The letter notes that the federal ban was “made without consultation or solid science,” and “has left producers without viable alternatives,” leaving Albertans to face an $800+ million risk to hay and pasture.

Meanwhile, other interest groups want the ban upheld. For example, Animal Alliance of Canada, a federally incorporated non-profit organ-

ization, posted on their website: “Along with many other animal advocacy and environmental organizations across Canada, we have submitted a joint Notice of Objection to Health Canada and the Pest Management Regulatory Agency as of early May 2024. In March of 2024, Health Canada announced a ban on the use of Strychnine; this will take full effect in September 2024. Unfortunately, they decided to continue to allow the issuance and use of Compound 1080, another deadly poison. We are hoping they will reconsider this decision that continues to harm and kill many species of wildlife. (See the full statement: at www.animalalliance.ca/help-ban-poisons).

For many reasons, the ASBs RSG Impact Survey is vitally important. From landowners directly impacted by the rodents to residents concerned about wildlife and the health implications of pest control methods, everyone wants to have a say.

“The purpose of this data collection is to provide a clear and credible summary to the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, with the goal of encouraging timely action to support Prairie producers facing increasingly severe pest damage,” MP John Barlow, noted in a letter earlier this summer.  This is not a formal scientific study. Instead, it is a practical tool for gathering municipal-level data directly from producers and other impacted persons. The survey asks for your best estimates on the impacts you've observed, and photos are also welcome. The more responses they receive, the more credible and compelling the data becomes.

Taking a few moments to share your input can contribute to a longterm solution that benefits the entire agricultural community. So, please provide your input and help shape the future of agriculture in your region.

Local veteran honoured with 55-year pin

Submitted

Chuck McBurney served out of Halifax on the HMCS La Hulloise with the Royal Canadian Navy.

In 1961 the frigate was a member of the Ninth Canadian Escort Squadron serving out of Florida and Cuba, looking for submarines.

for approximately five years, and then to the Kingsway Legion

for another five years, and back to Tofield Legion, Camrose Legion,

and now currently with the Ryley Legion. Thank you Chuck for your 55 years of service with the Royal Canadian Legion.

McBurney was a member of the Montgomery Legion for many years, moving to the Tofield Legion

PHOTO SUBMITTED

Ryley Legion president Gordon Pope presented Chuck McBurney with a 55-year pin at the Legion on Tuesday, Oct. 14 in recognition of McBurney’s years of service.

Stewart Clubb

Stewart Clubb of Tofield, A lberta passed away on October 23, 2025 at the age of 69 years. He is survived by his wife Nancy and his children Forestt ( Megan ) , Brittany (Ken) and Annette (J ames ); Mai ( Masaki ) , Maria, Erin, Blaire ; grandchildren A lice, Wolfric, Barrett, Bucklee, Miuna, Flora, Kento, Blossom; numerous family and friends.

A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, November 6, 2025 at The House Church in Tofield with Pastor Gordon Miller officiating. Memorial donations may be made to the Bags of Hope or the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

Weber Funeral Home

780-672-3131

www.weberfuneralhome.ca

Rose Ross

It is with gratitude for a beautifully lived life, and with sadness in our hearts, that the family of Rose Ross announces her gentle passing on October 22, 2025.

Rose is survived by her daughters, D olores (A lbert ) , Karen (V ince ) and daughter-in-law Rachel. Her grandchildren, greatgrandchildren and great-great-grandchildren: Carla (Ray), Ryan (Adam), Callen, Regan (Ryan), Jody (Joe), Jessica (J onathan ) , J arret ( Shelby ) , J ustin, Tamara (A lvin ) , Samantha ( Keaton ) , Brianna and Rowen, Tanya (Robert), Kevin (Tara), Ethan, Branden, Myles, J anene ( Ryan ) , A iden and D ylan, Jacealene and Kiea. She is also survived by many beloved nieces and nephews, and so many friends.

Rose was predeceased by her husband Clayton, son Kenneth, son-in-law John and special friend Claire. Her parents George and Arminnie, stepfather Bill, grandparents, Leocadie ( Lucy ) and Romeo and her siblings, Lucy, Marguerite, Hank, Blanche, Yvonne and Donna.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, October 30, 2025 at 1 p.m. at Bethel Lutheran Church (5204-50 St.) in Ryley, Alberta. Interment to follow at Ryley cemetery.

Memorial donations to the Canadian Cancer Society.

Holden hosts family and teen Halloween dances

Kari Janzen Staff Reporter

The Holden Community Hall Association in partnership with Viking Beaver FCSS and the Camrose Family Resource Centre held a family Halloween dance on Friday, Oct. 24, to provide the opportunity for local families to participate in some spooky fun.

A teen dance was also held later that same evening by the Hall Association.

The hall was fully decorated with ghosts, skeletons, werewolves, zombies, and all the other typical scary beings in celebration of the spooky season.

“The family dance was a huge hit,” Hall Association member Amber Kostyk said.

The family dance was free to attend and complimentary hot dogs were also served. Escape rooms and other activities were set up for the kids to enjoy.

Kostyk said the teen dance was not as well attended, with 23 kids who showed up.

“The last two teen dances haven’t had big turnouts so our board will have to discuss our hosting more in the future.

“Even with a smaller dance for the teens, the Community Hall Association appreciates all the support we get to help with our fundraising from the events and concession,” she said.

“I’m not sure if it was the teachers strike and the kids needed some time out of the house or what it was, but the family dance had over 30 adults and almost 40 kids, with everyone dressing up this year,” she said.

Tofield Council

sworn in

Continued from Pag 3

Library board, as Chief Administrative Officer

Jeff Edwards suggested to Council that, as noted in the past, “that the same individual who represents Northern Lights also represents the library board as well,

so that there is cohesion between the two.”

Chehade will represent the Tofield/Beaver County West Family and Community Support Services with Durrant as her alternate. Taylor will sit on the Tofield Historical Society with Terpstra as alternate.

Durrant was appointed to the Tofield Welcome Initiative, Hall was appointed to Tourism Representation

with Terpstra as alternate, and Chehade was appointed to the Tofield and Area Health Services Foundation with Taylor as the alternate.

Hall and Chehade were appointed to the Tofield Winter Festival Committee.

Council then went through all the other regular requirements of an annual organizational meeting including appointing Development

Officers for the Town, Subdivision Authority Officer, Assessor, Auditors, and Signing Authorities.

Council decided to keep the twice-monthly council meetings scheduled to be held at 5 p.m. on the second and fourth Mondays of each month, and when a Monday is a statutory holiday, the meeting will take place on the Tuesday following.

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

MISSING DOG

Viking, Alberta area

Large, white Maremma breed dog. Female. Answers to Molly scared of guns - ran from home

If you see her, please call 780-385-0480 or 780-385-4500 42-43

To Give Away: Bus seats available for free (out of a school bus-legs on one side only) Call 780-914-7861

COMING EVENTS

Sedgewick SDA Church

Free Community Harvest Supper Sunday, November 2 at 5pm Sedgewick SDA Hall Blue sign at 42029 RR 131 SW 1-42-13 W4M Sedgewick, AB info@sedgewickadventist.ca

Flagstaff Scottish Club Annual General Meeting will be Sunday, November 23, 2025, 2pm at the Clubhouse in Sedgewick. 4402 47Ave. All interested folks are encouraged to attend. Dinner to follow. Please call Ian Malcolm for more information and to RSVP for dinner at 780-390-0096. 43/44c

COMING EVENTS

Flagstaff Players Annual General Meeting Thursday, Nov. 6 at 6:30 p.m.

CLASSIFIEDS

NOTICES. EVENTS. ANNOUNCEMENTS. THANKS. MEMORIALS. SALES. RENTALS. REAL ESTATE. GIVE AWAYS. & MORE!

FOR SALE

Sedgewick Community Hall All are welcome! 43/44c

GALAHAD LIONS CLUB ANNUAL FALL HAM SUPPER

Sunday Nov 9th

Galahad Agriplex 5 to 7 pm

43/44c

Budding Ideas & Paw Prints in Killam, AB invites you to their Christmas Open House

Saturday, November 8 10am - 5pm Sunday, November 9 12 - 4 pm 5008 - 50 St., Killam

FOR SALE

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.

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

WHITE SPRUCE TREES: 5’ average $50. Installation ONLY $19. Includes: hole augered, Wurzel Dip enzymes injection, bark mulch application, staking. Minimum order 25. One-time fuel charge: $150 - 250. Crystal Springs. 403-820-0961. albertasprucetrees.com.

FOR RENT

Storage Unit For Rent in Killam Inside private warehouse building behind Community Press office. Security cameras on site, building heated in winter. Upstairs units available, approx 8’ x 12’. Back alley access only. $99/mo. with $100 damage deposit. Or pre-pay for 6 months for $495 (1 month free) or pre-pay for 1 year for $990 (2 months free). Rental contract required. First month due at signing. Call/Leave Voicemail for Ally 780-385-6693 or stop by The Community Press office on Main Street in Killam.

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

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

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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.

Painting

Quality Residential and Commercial Interior Painting. Betty Tkaczyk 780-632-8749

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PRIVATE MORTGAGE LENDER. All real estate types considered. No credit checks done. Deal direct with lender and get quick approval. 403-543-0927; www.firstandsecondmortgages.ca.

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ALL YOUR PRINTING NEEDS with Caribou Publishing (owner of your local paper) From Business Cards to Books and everything in between! production.cp@gmail.com

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Be prepared for winter power outages.

GENERAC Generators

It’s not just a Generator, it’s a Power Move.

Receive a free 5-year warranty with qualifying purchase - valued at $535 Call 587-803-3600 to schedule your free quote!

Leave the tanks at home. Inogen Portable Oxygen Concentrators

Convert the air around you into medical grade oxygen. At just under 3 lbs, Inogen lightweight and compact portable oxygen concentrators easily deliver your prescription oxygen on-the-go Call Us Now. 1-833-997-1719

Say “NO” to cleaning out your Eavestroughs. Protect your home with LeafFilter. Call now 1-888-483-0274. Use Promo Code: 285 to get 20% Off your entire purchase

Transform Your Bathroom and Change Your Life. SafeStep Walk-In Tubs or Walk-In Showers For your FREE Information Kit and Our Senior Discounts, Call Toll-Free 1-866-922-0705

WANTED OLD ADVERTISING: Dealership signs, service station, gas pumps, globes, oil cans, Red Indian, White Rose, Buffalo, Husky, Ford, GM, Dodge, Tire signs, Coke, Pepsi, etc. Call 306-221-5908.

FIREARMS WANTED FOR OUR 2025 AUCTION PROGRAM: Firearms, Ammunition, Accessories, or Militaria. Collections, Estates or single items. For Auction, or Possible Purchase: Contact us: 1-800-694-2609, Email: sales@switzersauction.com or Visit us @ www.switzersauction.com for Auction Dates & Details.

NOTICES. EVENTS. ANNOUNCEMENTS. THANKS. MEMORIALS. SALES. RENTALS. REAL ESTATE. GIVE AWAYS. & MORE!

WANTED: Looking for 1970-1971 Barracudas and 1969-1970 Chargers, in any condition. Running or not. TOP PRICE PAID for 6-pack or Hemi car. Call 306-221-5908.

SENIORS SPECIAL! 10% MORE ON ALL CASH PAYOUTS. SILVER Coins, Canadian Coins, GOLD coins, chains, rings...We buy them ALL! Silver flatware, tea sets, all things silver, Canadian Mint sets. We come to the privacy of your home, no fees! Call Joy or Ted 1-825-966-4373.

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Donations for our FILL THE TREE Campaign! The Community Press, Tofield Mercury, Lamont Leader, and Weekly Review are once again raising funds for our Food Banks at Christmastime! We don’t keep a dime, help support a great cause!

Crossword

10th annual Kingman kids market a success

Submitted

Over 20 young entrepreneurs ranging from Kindergarten age up to Grade 12 were at the Kingman Community Hall on Saturday, Oct. 25, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. for the 10th annual Kids’ Market, hosted by the Kingman Recreation Association (KRA).

“Throughout the three-hour window, a number of patrons of all ages came through the hall and either bought varieties of homemade wares or browsed and encouraged the vendors in their talents,” parent Lydia Grams said.

“There was also

busking provided by three different vendors, playing their instruments separately during the time,” she said.

Coffee, tea, juice, and sweet and savoury snacks were also for sale in the kitchen, with the proceeds going towards the KRA and market expenses.

Operation Christmas Child Deadline

Continued from Pag 5

women, and school meals for children.”

“One story is of a boy in Uganda named George who would do his homework with a stick and write in the dirt until he received a shoebox and inside was his very own school supplies,” Strauss shared.

Each box, for girls and boys in three age groups, 2-4, 5-9, and 1014, is packed with personal care items such as combs, toothbrushes, and washcloths, clothing items and accessories like sunglasses and hair bows, school supplies, and small toys.

A ‘wow’ item is also suggested.

“From soccer balls, to baby dolls, to stuffed an-

imals, just as each child is unique, every single shoebox gift that a child receives has fun

‘wow’ items for them to delight in,” the Samaritan’s Purse website says.

Samaritan’s Purse also recommends that a $12 shipping fee be included in each box or paid online. Boxes can also be packed online at www.packabox.ca.

Buy Canadian should fund Canadian jobs and news, not U.S. Big Tech

A Message from Canada’s news publishers

To the Government of Canada,

We applaud the Government of Canada’s ambition to build Canada strong, and commitment in the forthcoming Budget to Buy Canadian

Last year, the federal government including agencies and Crown corporations spent over $100 million on advertising. Most of it went to U.S. Big Tech.1

Why are we funding American tech monopolies that extract tens of billions a year out of Canada -- largely untaxed -- at the exp ense of local journalism and culture, and whose platforms have become vectors for division and disinformation?

Let’s reinvest our ad dollars in Canada. In Budget 2025, the Gove rnment of Canada should follow Ontario’s lead and set aside a minimum of 25% of its advertising budgets for Canadian news media.

At no additional cost to taxpayers, the government can support local jobs while getting its message out in a brand safe environ ment. Far fewer Canadians trust ads on Facebook and Instagram than those published by Canadian news media. 2

Buying Canadian advertising in Canadian news media is both the right and smart thing to do.

Respectfully, Canada’s news publishers

Ethan Neufeld Student Reporter

Alberta’s government has decided to change the license plate for the first time in over 40 years, and Albertans get to choose it.

From Oct. 15 to Nov. 5 there will be a tournament-style online vote for Albertans to take part of that will choose the new license plate.

Along with the eight new design options to vote on, the current “Wild Rose Country” theme will be replaced with “Strong and Free.”

world that this is the land of the strong and free.”

Some of the potential new license plates include beautiful Albertan landmarks, with one containing the Three Sisters Mountains which has been a persistant symbol of Alberta’s agriculture and energy production.

In the first round of vot-

ing, there will be four plates that move on into the second round. After the second round, only two plates will move on to the final in which the winner will be decided.

“Alberta is strong and free, and Albertans will have the opportunity to choose a new licence plate that captures that

spirit,” says Dale Nally, Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction.

“The new licence plate will be a fresh design that every Albertan will be proud to show off, whether they’re driving to

work, heading to the lake, or exploring North America.”

If Albertans want to replace their license plate with the new one right after it is released, they will have to pay a $28 fee, but can get the plate for

“From our wide-open landscapes to our entrepreneurial spirit, Alberta has so much to be proud of, and our new licence plate will reflect that pride,” says Danielle Smith, Premier.

“For the first time in four decades, Albertans will choose how we tell that story. I look forward to seeing which design is selected to show the

free on their registration renewal date. You may also use an old plate as long as you want after release, granted it is in good condition.

To vote, simply go to Alberta.ca/PickAPlate and choose your favorite one.

MINOR HOCKEY REPORT

Tofield, Ryley, Holden and Beaver County families in general: If your kids are playing hockey (boys or girls), The Mercury would love to report how they are doing each week during the winter season.

But we need your help. Email: kamcjm@gmail.com or adsmercury@gmail.com

and let us know your child’s name, hockey team, league and website if possible and we will try to track goals, assists, or wins in goal. Or send us a quick email if he/she has a good week on the ice. Please make sure your hockey star gets the publicity they deserve in our local hockey column and don’t forget to subscribe to the Tofield Mercury so

What team is your hockey star on - let us know Alberta

the kids can clip out their team score, and personal statistics from the hockey games. If your hockey star isn’t in our weekly hockey column, it is because nobody took the time to inform us. We track dozens of different teams in many different leagues and age categories, so it is easy to miss a child’s accomplishments. Please help us today. Thank you.

Ken & Marilyn Bruha; Jean; Geoff Holroyd; Beaverhill Bird Observatory;