FALL SECTION INSIDE!
Kicking off Community The 100 Years of Lougheed Fair th
Press 115 Years of Telling YOUR Story
Volume 116 Issue 13
www.thecommunitypress.com
Harvest progress ahead of seasonal average
Let’s Go Rural! event engages local students
LESLIE CHOLOWSKY PHOTOS
Flagstaff high school students had a great opportunity on Wednesday, Sept. 20, in Killam at a ‘Let’s go Rural’ event sponsored by Rural Health Professional’s Action Plan (RhPAP) and the Flagstaff Healthcare Attraction and Retention Committee. Students got to go hands-on at a number of different stations and talk to rural health professionals. Above left: Suturing practice was part of the day’s curriculum. Above right: Students got to practice putting in an IV line. See story/photos on Pg 22 & 24.
RCMP report young girl approached by suspicious person P6
Wednesday, September 27, 2023 s
Leslie Cholowsky Editor It’s harvest time for Flagstaff County farmers, and as of last Tuesday, most were ahead of the seasonal average in terms of completion. Flagstaff County Ag. Fieldman Nick Dunn says that’s outstanding, considering the twists and turns the weather has taken this growing season. “We got to get in the field a little earlier than expected, and there was something to get in the field for. We are ahead of the game, ahead of our averages, which is kind of a trend we’re seeing across the province. Normally at this time of year we’re sitting at 55 per cent complete; right now we’re at 66 per cent, and that’s as of Sept. 19, so we’re even farther ahead now.” Dunn says harvest is going fairly well, especially considering how close Flagstaff County was to declaring an agricultural disaster earlier in the season. “Due to those conditions improving, basically we got rain, that led us away from that.” Dunn says ground moisture was there for seeding, but with weeks of no rain, it wasn’t looking good for area farmers. The rain did finally come, he says. “Any later and we wouldn’t have seen the growth we did.” “This year we’ve got the good, the bad, and the ugly if you look at the entire region, we’re all over the map; the direct result of inconsistent rain and storms.” Because of that, crop maturity has been all over the map. “It seemed like canola was flowering for a month and a half,” he jokes. With the recent rain, he says he has noticed a lot of second growth around, with that he says, we can expect that sprayers will be going with post-harvest application. He adds that cool nighttime temperatures and shorter days serve to naturally slow down crop and weed growth. Dunn says Flagstaff County ended the growing season with near normal precipitation levels, between 13 and 15” of rain. “It just comes down to timing, earlier would have been better.” Pulse crops in the region are 100 per cent harvested. Dunn says the County’s rental scare cannons were busy keeping geese off the last of the pulse crops until they could be harvested. He says most of the canola has at least been swathed. Last week was an excellent week for harvest weather-wise for springseeded cereals, he says, with rain
showers more of a delay in harvesting than a true impediment. “But a lot got done.” The area has not recorded any damaging frost yet, to his knowledge. “I hope it stays away until harvest is done, it’s just another delay to getting started each day.” With great progress over the last week, Dunn hazards a guess that most farmers will be done harvest by the end of the first week of October, just around the corner. He says that the central portion of the county, from east to west, received the most rain this season, and that’s where yields are the most favourable, “for those who didn’t get hit with hail, of course.” He says random storms are another thing that spread crop maturity out this growing season. “Hail has had a massive impact on our crops, although some did bounce back well from it, especially canola, that’s why it was flowering for so long.” Dunn says there are dry pockets still existing in the north, and especially in the southern parts of the county. “The County of Paintearth to our south declared an agricultural disaster due to drought.” He adds, “If we had not have got that rain, we would have been declaring agricultural disaster.” He says yields have been somewhat unexpected. “Guys were thinking they’d be in the field earlier this year, it was a blessing that they weren’t, as they waited for the crop to cure.” “There are still a lot of crop insurance claims out there, likely more than in past years. I know adjusters are busy, I would ask that farmers try and be patient, they are trying to catch up.” He says despite the dryer spring, the area was lucky with low grasshopper infestation, adding that Wheat Midge infestation has been high the last couple of years, including this year. He says more crops were put into sileage this year than anticipated, good news for ranchers whose hay fields saw little growth this spring, too. Dunn says some guys had to sileage a little more than they anticipated, mostly due to hail damage, with some cereal crops being sold for feed. That helps local producers, where drought affected pasture growth, too, he says. He knows there are local producers who have made the decision to reduce herd numbers, adding that he hopes beef prices stay high.
Page 12 - The Community Press, Wednesday, September 27, 2023
September 2023 Meetings
Council Meetings Flagstaff County Co ouncil M Meetings eetings aare re conducted the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month commencing at 9 a.m. unless u otherwise planned. Council and Committ ommittee meeting agendas aare re aavvailable at the County’’ss websit ebsiite te at: flflaagstaafff ff. fff..a . b.ca/ .ca/council/mee .ca/ccouncil/meeetings-ande minuutes tes
780-384-4100 1-877-387-4100 Email: Stay Connected with Us:
Monday to Friday 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. (Closed Noon - 1 p.m.)
Address: e
12435 TToownship w Road 4442 PP..O. Box 35 358 Sedgew e wi wic icck, AB T0B 4C00
KILLAM COMMUNITY HALL Doors Open at 5pm Dinner at 6pm Keynote to follow
Visit flagstaff.ab.ca to purchase your tickets!
The Community Press, Wednesday, September 27, 2023 - Page 13
October 19 from 6-8 pm To register, please call 780-384-4100
FREE!
Page 24 - The Community Press, Wednesday, September 27, 2023
Event engages local students interested in careers in the health care field
LESLIE CHOLOWSKY PHOTOS
Students from Daysland, Forestburg, and Sedgewick High Schools came together at the Killam Community Hall for a “Let’s Get Rural” day. Designed for rural students interested in pursuing a career in the health care field, students had the opportunity to go ‘hands on’ with a number of procedures, from injections to suturing, with instructors from local health care centres, EMS, and AHS on hand.
2023 SECTION
The Community
L
THE LAMONT
Press
EADER
Serving
(780) 385-6693
(780) 336-3422
(780) 662-4046
ads@thecommunitypress.com
ads@weeklyreview.ca
adsmercury@gmail.com
Lamont
county
(780) 895-2780
lmtleader@gmail.com
Page 2 - 2023 FALL SECTION, September 27, 2023
Scenes of harvest progress
g n i t a r Celeb
DAYSLAND ALBERTA
g n i r a e H r e of Bett A farmer between Holden and Daysland straight cuts his barley at the beginning of the harvest season.
We're humbled and honoured you've chosen us for your hearing healthcare needs for 11 Years!
To say "thank you" we're offering: • FREE hearing testing for all of October *Age 18+ • Hearing Aid sales, custom hearing protection • Safe Earwax Removal
A farmer bales the straw dropped by the combine in a field east of Tofield. KARI JANZEN PHOTOS
WINTER STOCK ARRIVING DAILY! RANGERS
AMPR’UP 2.0 E-BIKES
11562 Twp Rd 442 4 mi East of Sedgewick Golf Course
(780) 384-2215
QUADS
HELMETS
1-PCE SUITS
October Check out the clearance section on our website GARAGE www.crosscountrysales.com
HUGE Discounts on New, Non-Current Accessories!
SALE
October 2 - 31
Winter Jackets, Pants, Boots, Gloves sizes Youth XS to Adult 4XL Question? Email us: crosscty@telusplanet.net
2023 FALL SECTION, September 27, 2023 - Page 3
Wishing our local producers a safe and successful harvest!
www.briltd.com
1 877-913-3373 Find us on social media
Fall Has Arrived!
Alpaca Fibre Scarves Hypoallergenic and hand crafted by Artisans in Ecuador
r u o t u o Check ! r o c e D l l a F e l b i d e r Inc
New Items Arriving All the Time!
Killam, Alberta
Serving Town & Country since 1962
Hours: 9-6 Mon thru Fri, 9-4 Saturday & Closed Sunday Make the trip to Killam to shop at our awesome store! Biggest drug store in East Central Alberta!
Page 4 - 2023 FALL SECTION, September 27, 2023
Beary Berry Honey branches out; introducing Aspen Grove Meadery Kari Janzen Beary Berry Honey near Tofield has recently branched out and has begun making and selling mead. “Mead is wine made from honey instead of sugar as a base,” said coowner Sandra Thiessen. Under the parent company of Beary Berry Honey Inc., Aspen Grove Meadery has been up and running for the last year and half. The ingredients of a basic mead is honey, water, and yeast, and more complex meads can include fruit, spices, or hops. The meadery currently has five meads available, including Apple Pie Mead, Blackberry Mead, Black Currant Mead, Cherry Hibiscus Mead, and Red Raspberry Mead. “We experimented with many flavours. Some worked, and some didn't work. The first flavour that my husband (Sam) made, actually won a national bronze award,” Thiessen
said. Although Sandra, Sam, and their son Matthew had no previous experience making this type of alcohol, Thiessen said her husband did a lot of research. “(Sam) did a lot of reading, and then he just decided one day to try it and it worked. And that's the one he won (with).” The Blackberry Mead was awarded a WineAlign National Wine Awards of Canada bronze medal in the mead classification for 2023. The family started out with a small operation and equipment, but have since expanded. “We first bought the smaller equipment, 20 litre carboys, then we moved up, and now we have 1,000 litre stainless steel tanks,” Thiessen said. Mead can be considered a niche taste, but it hasn’t always been that way. “A lot of people haven't heard of it. It's actually the oldest alcoholic drink, because that's what they had back then, honey, and yet,
it's the least known-about drink,” said Thiessen. The mead-making process takes time, and the success of flavour experimentation is a monthslong wait. “(First you) add the honey, fruits, water, and yeast. And then it ferments for two weeks. After that it ages in the tank, ideally for nine months. “It's quite a long process,” Thiessen said. Thiessen said that one of the challenges was waiting, just to see if their new venture was effective. “It was over a year before we could start marketing it. (One of the) challenges in that year was just waiting to see if the recipes actually worked,” she said. “Licensing is always a challenge. It's just a lot of paperwork getting it running,” Thiessen said. They were working to get the licensing for the new business complete, all for a product they were hoping would be marketable.
• Farm • Residential • Commercial
24 hour service
Wishing the best for the farming community during the harvest season! We would like to wish the farmers all the best during harvest season!
Grooming appointments:
Boarding Services:
587-594-5748
780-243-3206
“We already had an existing business, but when you make alcohol, it has to be a business of its own for AGLC (Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis). So, we had to form a new business and keep everything separate (from Beary Berry Honey) and that’s why we had to start Aspen Grove Meadery,” said Thiessen. Now that the business and meads have been established, the drink has been selling well at markets, as well as at local businesses. “Tofield Spirits carries it, Country Garden Liquor Store in Camrose, they carry it as well. We're in the Rocky Mountain Wine and Food Festival this fall under the Sobey’s banner, so we're hoping that Sobeys might pick it up, (too),” Thiessen said.
RYALTA INDUSTRIES LTD. 5105 - 50 St. Ryley
780-663-3759 Working together with the local farmers to help bring in the harvest.
All the best this fall! THANK YOU FOR YOUR PATRONAGE
780-663-3583 Thank you to the farmers for all they contribute! We hope they have a safe harvest! From Richard, Christine, Dylan, Dave, John, Brian & Kyle
Wishing our local farmers a safe & bountiful harvest this fall! Ryley, Alberta 780-663-3828 www.cleanharbors.com
Nonnie’s Grill & Artisan Shop
DINE IN or TAKE OUT Call (780) 297-8856 22106 South Cooking Lake Rd Unit 2, Sherwood Park, AB
Wednesday & Thursday - 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm Friday & Saturday - 12:00 pm to 9:00 pm 95% of everything at Nonnie’s is homemade and prepared on site.
We wish all a bountiful & safe harvest!
Holden Country Bottle Depot 780-688-3378 • 780-632-9313
Wishing our farming community a safe and productive harvest season!
2023 FALL SECTION, September 27, 2023 - Page 5
Andrew area woman grows incredible blooms Crystal Moren Sarah Laudin, of Andrew, grew up with a love for flowers and turned that love into Sunshine Blooms Farm; a cut flower farm. Her grandmother and mother always had flowers growing on the farm. Sarah has carried that forward; in beautiful perennial gardens surrounding the front of her home, and more specifically in three different types of perennials planted on another piece of land for retail purpose. Sarah has focused on Gladiolus, Sunflowers, and Dahlias, and for the first time, Sunshine Blooms Farm hosted tours of the Dahlia Fields this September. Guests met at the farm, heard a bit of information about Sarah and her business, and then they were invited to stroll amongst
the many rows of plants and view all of the gorgeous blooms. At the end of the tour, guests could purchase a fresh cut bouquet prepared by the host. Sarah grows some 1,300 Dahlia plants, which include over 110 varieties. These flowers require their tubers to be hand-dug-up every fall, and properly stored for the winter and then replanted every spring. Sarah was eight months pregnant last fall and dug 700 tubers out of the ground. A few years back, Sarah decided to start up a Coop for sale of her flowers, where today, along with a handful of local growers, they supply fresh cut flowers to some Edmonton and local stores. "Some mornings, I am out here in the dark at 5 a.m. with a headlamp, cutting flowers to haul
into the city" It is important to get them in fresh, as they don't have a long vase life once cut; hence the reason they are not readily available as an order-in flower unless there are local suppliers. Sarah's main job is working on the family farm. She also has two young children and spoke of opening a Farm Stand in the near future, to sell fresh cut bouquets to locals.
Sarah Laudin, of Sunshine Blooms Farm, holds a variety bouquet of Dahlias she hand cut for tour guests.
All the Best for 2023 Harvest!
REGULAR 24/7 TOWING
PLUS equipment, sheds, antique/classic vehicles, RVs, and more!!
780-998-7668
Don’t think Towing – Think Titan!
Traeger is the Grill for You. It’s like having a second oven right outside your door.
Thanksgiving and Christmas are fast approaching, Traegers make a Great Gift!
Traeger Grills & Supplies
7 80.992.14 49 780-992-1449 Celebrating 11213 - 11213-88 88 Av e Ave 11 years! Fort. Saskatchewan Fort Saskatchewan
T H A N K I N G O U R L O C A L F A R M E R S !!
Stop in and stock up.
WEBB’S Machinery Lamont, AB. 780.895.2389 4503 48 Street
Than
mers
Besstt wisheess for a saf afe hhaarvest!
Traeger Pellets
BUY 3 GET 1 FREE !! WEBB’S Lamont Location Only Show this coupon at time of purchase, expires November 30, 2023
Page 6 - 2023 FALL SECTION, September 27, 2023
Alberta and Prairies storms cause over $300 million in losses Leslie Cholowsky According to initial estimates from Catastrophe Indices and Quantification Inc (CatIQ), storms that hit Alberta and the Prairies this summer resulted in estimated damages of over $300 million, just in those losses that were insured. Out of that figure, it is estimated that 30 per cent, around $90 million, will go toward replacing or repairing stormdamaged vehicles in Alberta. In the past three years, Alberta vehicles have racked up over $500 million from severe weather claims. “Unfortunately, residents in Alberta and across the Prairies experienced another summer of extreme weather events that damaged or destroyed homes, vehicles, and businesses,” says Aaron Sutherland, Vice-President, Pacific and Western, Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC). “This is the third straight summer in which Alberta has seen significant insured damage from hail, wind, and rain. The trend is clear, and it's important that consumers work with their insurance representative to ensure they have the right coverage to protect their property or business from the impacts
of these storms.” A number of this summer’s weather events have been designated as catastrophes by CatIQ, including Central Alberta Flooding from June 18 to 20, resulting from heavy rainfall in the Edson, Whitecourt, and Edmonton area primarily. Canada Day storms in Alberta and Saskatchewan, including Flagstaff County, caused over $100 million in insured damage. That includes an EF-4 tornado near Didsbury, which completely destroyed three homes, did severe damage to four others, and moderate damage to another five. Storms with powerful wind gusts brought down trees and damaged structures in Saskatchewan. A Calgary hailstorm on July 15 resulted in large hail falling on the south central residential area, damaging siding and roofs, denting vehicles, and even broke a glass ceiling at Chinook Shopping Centre. Other severe prairie storms occurred July 24 to 26, in Alberta and Manitoba, producing grapefruit-sized hail, and violent winds, including at least three confirmed tornados. This storm system also produced
dented vehicles, cracked windshields, flooded roads and basements, with strong winds that damaged roofs, downed trees, and damaged power lines. The Town of Tofield experienced severe flooding July 24, as well as some areas of Beaver County due to heavy rains hitting the areas over a number of days. Damage caused by wind and rain is covered under a standard home, commercial property, and through comprehensive auto insurance policies, says
Thank You to our Loyal Customers!
Did you know?
From Stefan Cloutier, Manager, and the Staff Don’t go from this boat to the one below, talk to your broker today!
Great Northern Grain Killam, Alberta
the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC). Flood damage is not typically covered under standard policies. Hail waivers can be added to home and building policies, but generally come with higher deductibles. IBC reports that insurance companies are continuing to work through the claims process to help clients impacted through the storms. The figures quoted do not include figures of insured losses from wildfires which have struck many areas of the province of Alberta.
During the During he h home ome heating season, if you are away from your home for extended periods of time, you may need someone to check your home regularly to keep some insurance coverages in force.
oker r B e c aps uran s g n o I n r re ou Call y ure there a ou are le y ke s i a h m w o e t erag m home! v o c n i fr o away
780-385-3622 www.tjig.ca
S. James Agencies Killam 780-385-3654 Sedgewick Land & Insurance 780-384-3639 Battle River Agencies Hardisty 780-888-3999 Battle River Agencies Lougheed 780-386-3741
2023 FALL SECTION, September 27, 2023 - Page 7
Local plant providing higher quality grain with new sorter Kari Janzen The Beaver County Seed Cleaning Plant in Holden recently installed a new colour sorter in early March of this year. The previous sorter had been in use since 2011, but now needed replacing due to technological advancements in the industry. “(The new one is) much more advanced and can do a lot more than the old one could,” said plant manager Tyler Suchy. “With the technology, (the colour sorter) is not like the other equipment. Things (have) advanced, like the computer. It was (becoming) obsolete, and you couldn’t get tech support,” he said. Purchased from Saskatoon, Sask., the new sorter, with its enhanced features, has more precision in sorting the grain from the impurities. “It's more precise and we can do a wider variety of separations. It’s more beneficial to the producers because we can do more,” he said. Suchy and the other cleaning plant staff did much of the installation work, sourcing out help in areas where needed. “I used a local electrician, a local welder, and the rest, my people (and I) did. We tried to do what we could and got professionals where we couldn't,” he said. Operation of the plant continued during the set up of the new sorter, with work being done on it consistently a little bit at a time. “We just chipped away at it when we were working,
Wishing the farming community an abundant harvest!
as the plant ran. It took longer that way but we saved quite a bit of money (as opposed to hiring) it all out to a contractor,” Suchy said. The sorter runs for as long and as often as needed, which means it could sit idle for a whole day, or operate nonstop. “It varies a lot. Today for example, we have nothing booked in so (there is) zero (amount of runtime). (In the) springtime we’ll go around the clock. Basically all cereals go through that machine. It does see a lot of use throughout the year,” said Suchy. The primary function and purpose of the sorter is to purify the grain. “It's just an extra tool to take impurities out of grain. So for example, ergot, wild oats, and low percentages of other grains. Most guys are using it for seeding, so the more pure the seed the better, so you're not seeding (anything) other than what you want to grow. And some also use it for upgrading grain. If there (are too many) impurities and it's not going to make a good grade at the elevator, you could clean it up and it makes a better grade,” he said. The seed cleaning plant can be very busy, but they have a good system for keeping track of everyone’s grain. “Everything's labeled. You check the bins before you dump in, make sure nothing has been forgotten about in the bin. It's labeled as soon as you dump it, there’s samples taken off the truck, (which) are kept and labeled. And then of course, you clean out between batches, so there's no contamination,” Suchy said.
Good luck to the farmers during their harvest!
John Daoust Shingle Co. 780-662-4901
The Beaver County Seed Cleaning Plant is the only public one in the county, and belongs to the Alberta Seed Processors Co-op, formerly known as the Alberta Association of Co-op Seed Cleaning Plants Ltd. “We're a cooperative. There are private ones in the county, (but) this is a public one. We are the only coop plant in the county,” he said. The plant isn’t too busy at the moment because farmers are focusing on getting the crop off as quickly as possible. “We've been slow for right now because guys are busy combining, but that's fairly normal. We’ll get the occasional guy, if it works out, to bring it in off the combine but most guys focus on combining,” Suchy said.
5407 - 50 St. 780-662-3269
Wishing our local farmers a safe & bountiful harvest!
THANK YOU! Mayor Dueck and Council
Tofield Autobody “Collision Repair Specialists”
780-662-3432 Hoping the weather holds for the farmers this harvest season!
780-662-4400
BLR Services Inc. - Licensed Heavy Duty Mechanic Mobile & Shop Services Agriculture - Construction - Tractor/Trailer - Skidsteers I am available to help you keep all of your machinery running smoothly.
Call Bryan @ 780-686-6344
Tofield Bottle Depot
would like to wish the farmers a great harvest season!
Hours of Operation Tuesday - Saturday 10:00 am to 5:00 pm We are located at 5304 - 56 St. We sort your bottles!
780-662-3936
D&D Septic Services
THANK YOU FARMERS, AND HAVE
A BOUNTIFUL HARVEST!
Thank you farmers! RYLEY SAUSAGE
Ryley: 780-663-2147 Camrose: 780-679-9219 Cell: 780-984-2000
wishes you all the best this harvest season!
• Septic Cleanings • Pump Sales • Portable toilet rentals Serving the areas of Camrose, Viking, Daysland, Tofield and More!
780-663-3990
Phone:
Page 8 - 2023 FALL SECTION, September 27, 2023
PetSmart Charities of Canada provides funding to help develop Canada’s first pet food bank Leslie Cholowsky A recent survey of pet owners discovered that a majority (77 per cent) would forgo their own food before their pets. Unfortunately, for some, that’s not an option, and pet shelters are seeing record numbers of animals being surrendered and pet rescues bursting at the seams with adoptable animals. PetSmart Charities of Canada is stepping up to bring more awareness of pet food insecurity by celebrating the first-ever Pet Hunger Awareness Day, which was held Tuesday, Sept. 26. "We know that circumstances change, but we believe everyone deserves the love of a pet, even when times are tough," said Aimee Gilbreath, president of PetSmart Charities of Canada. "We're eager and excited to draw attention to this important issue through Pet Hunger Awareness Day because when families face food insecurity, their pets often do too." To help those who love their pets but might struggle to afford to feed
them, PetSmart Charities of Canada has committed $500,000 to help end pet hunger. A sum of $300,000 will go to Humane Canada to help develop Canada's first national pet food banking network, which aims to serve over 21,000 pets throughout the country. The grant supports: -Identifying pet food assistance programs across Canada and developing an interactive map to connect pet parents in need with local resources; -The purchase and distribution of pet food for existing pet food pantries and; -Identifying areas of need and helping increase the number of organizations offering pet food banks and pet food assistance. "We are so grateful to partner with PetSmart Charities of Canada to ensure families with companion animals can feed their pets and stay together," said Kathy Duncan, Director, National Programs at Humane Canada. "The pet food banking program helps so many vital organizations implement and maintain pet food pantries in animal shelters and human social serv-
ices agencies across Canada." The additional $200,000 will go towards grant funding through 2024, sent directly to various animal welfare organizations across Canada and helping keep pet food pantries stocked. Flagstaff Food Bank already accepts donations of pet food. “We never pur-
chase it,” says Flagstaff Food Bank board member Lynne Jenkinson, “but we do accept donations of dog and cat food, and distribute it to those in need.” She says she suspects other food banks do the same. She thinks the development of a pet food bank is a great idea, and has already registered with the program.
Thank You to our Clients past, present and future
2023 FALL SECTION, September 27, 2023 - Page 9
Communities benefit when consumers shop locally Ideas about shopping are never set in stone, and the pandemic illustrated just how quickly consumer trends and opinions can change. Many individuals are now reevaluating how they spend their hardearned money, particularly since inflation has affected just how far a dollar can be stretched.
When consumers think about which stores to patronize, locally owned businesses may be the smartest option for a number of reasons - not the least of which is the way such enterprises benefit the communities they call home. More money kept in the community Shopping locally
means that more money will stay in the community. According to recent research from Civic Economics, local eateries return nearly 79 per cent of revenue to the community, compared to just over 30 per cent for chain restaurants. Overall, for every $100 spent at a local business, around $73 remains in the community, versus roughly $43 when shopping at a non-locally owned business. Get a personal touch Local business owners typically are inclined to go the extra mile for their customers and are personally invested in the services and products they are selling. As a result, shopping locally tends to be a personalized experience. Furthermore, a local business owner may be more amenable to ordering products for specific clientele. Such personalized service is typically not accessible when shopping big box stores or other shops where owners are off-site. Lines are short Waiting in long lines
IRMA INSURANCE SERVICES
for checkout or to pick up merchandise ordered online can drain consumers’ energy and contribute to stress. Local businesses tend to have short lines and small crowds, which can lead to a more pleasant shopping experience. Generates tax revenue Local businesses generate more tax revenue per sales dollar, according to Rubicon, a digital marketplace for waste and recycling businesses. Taxes paid by local small businesses go to support schools, parks, roads, and other programs that benefit the community as well. Support nonprofits Local businesses often support good work in the community, such as nonprofit groups. These can include schools and sports teams, among other groups. Studies indicate nonprofits “receive 250 percent
more support from small businesses than larger ones.” Support other local businesses Local business support other local businesses by buying and selling
among each other. Small businesses are a boon to the economy, particularly local economies. These enterprises help their communities in a multitude of ways.
IRMA
We salute farmers of today and tomorrow because they keep us fed. Without farmers and farming industries we would not be provided with the great variety of food we enjoy today.
Thank You
From Management, 0 ûČ & Board of the Irma Co-operative Association 780-754-3654 U N R E S E R VE D O N L I N E T I M E D C O M P L E T E D I S P E R S A L AU C T I O N F O R I VA N D MY T R I W NEAR VIKING, AB
BIDDING OPENS: 9 AM OCT 7
BIDS START CLOSING: 9 AM OCT 10
1988 Versatile 4700 25 Ft Swather
1994 Belarus 8400 Combine
Rem REM 2100 Grain Vac
1986 International 1754 S/A Day Cab Grain Truck
1979 Case 2090 2WD Tractor
Massey Ferguson 820 25 Ft Tandem Disc
FARM - AUTO - HOME - COMMERCIAL
Ph: 780-754-2121 Fax: 780-754-2239 Email: irmainsurance@baughan.ca
Thanks to all our Farmers!
Curtis Rusnak: 780-888-7722
teamauctions.com
Page 10 - 2023 FALL SECTION, September 27, 2023
2023 FALL SECTION, September 27, 2023 - Page 11
BRSD to mark upcoming dates of significance Battle River School Division (BRSD) honours National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, acknowledging its significance on Sept. 30 and throughout the year. Throughout the month of September, Battle River School Division (BRSD) proudly joins communities across Canada in recognizing National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. We are dedicated to a journey of understanding, reflection,
and commemoration. On September 29, staff and students will culminate our month of learning by wearing our orange shirts in honour of Orange Shirt Day. This day serves as a symbol of our commitment to reconciliation, and a reminder that every child matters. BRSD Superintendent, Rhae-Ann Holoien, emphasized the importance of this learning, which is a significant observance with a much broader
commitment. "National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day are not just one day events for us,” says Holoien. “This learning is part of our commitment to reconciliation and understanding that takes place throughout the month of September and beyond. We are dedicated to fostering a culture of empathy, inclusivity, and mutual respect."
To those who work in acres, not hours We thank you!
From Flagstaff County Council and Staff RECAPPERS • RECAPPERS • RECAPPERS • RECAPPER
PACKER WHEEL
for drill press wheels
CALL TODAY FOR YOUR CAP NEEDS
FOR ALL YOUR CAP NEEDS 2 piece caps (3/16 material) for easy installation
The Ultimate Vertical CROP CUTTER D65
Available at:
McNabb Welding & AgSales Parts Crossroads Parts
CALL TODAY
This is is aa vertical vertical crop crop cutter cutter mounted mounted on on ends ends of of swather swather This (Divider Boards). Boards). The The use use of of Rotoshear Rotoshear eliminates eliminate`sbuild buildup up (Divider of materials materials on on the the end end of of the the table. table. Rotoshear Rotoshear also also elimielimiof nates uneven uneven curing, curing , and and beaver beaver huts huts in in your your swath. swath. As As aa nates result of of uneven uneven swaths swath your now able to travel at aatfaster result you’re now able to travel a faster speedsOrder whileyours Ordertoday! yours today ! speed.
McNABB WELDING ROTOR-SHEAR@ FORESTBURG WELDING & MACHINING & AG PARTS info@mcnabbconstruction.ca www.rotoshear.com www.mcnabbconstruction.ca
RE-CAPS With 37 different sizes and three profile of caps, we can provide caps for most packer wheels on the market. Material is 7 gauge or 3/16 and two piece for easy installation.
Merlin Bady, Pres., PHONE: 780-582-3581 Box 667, Forestburg, AB 780-582-2478 FAX: Toll Free: 1-877-582-3637 4107 - 53 STREET
780-582-3637 Fax: 780-582-3732 AB. FORESTBURG,
• Propane Bottle Refills up to 100 lbs NOW • Custom Made Battery Cables for All Equipment : E L B A L I AVA • Custom Made Air and Hydraulic Hoses
Support your Local Paper which supports your community!
Don’t forget to ADVERTISE your Event or Business!
Page 12 - 2023 FALL SECTION, September 27, 2023
MP MP DAMIEN.KUREK@PARL.GC.CA 1.800.665.4358 • @DCKUREK WWW.DAMIENKUREK.CA
2023 FALL SECTION, September 27, 2023 - Page 13
ONLINE TIMED FALL CONSIGNMENT AUCTION
Viking Auction Market Ltd.
BIDDING STARTS MONDAY, OCT. 16TH AND BIDDING ENDS FRIDAY, OCT. 20TH
Corner of Hwy 26 & 36
CAMROSE, ALBERTA
54th Annual
Visit our website to register for our online timed auction
WWW.LINDSTRANDAUCTIONS.COM Accepting delivery of consignments from Friday, October 6 to Friday, October 13 from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm.
ALREADY LISTED: 3 LARGE LATE MODEL FARM DISPERSALS! CONSIGN TODAY TO BE PART OF THIS BIG AUCTION! Public Viewing: Monday, Oct. 16th to Thursday Oct. 19th from 8:00 am- 6:00 pm & Friday, Oct. 20st from 8:00 am until NOON SHARP. At our yard: 2 MILES NORTH OF CAMROSE ON HIGHWAY 833. (47321 Sec, Hwy 833) We conduct Alberta’s Largest 1-day Farm Machinery Consignment Auction 4 times a year. Selling farm equipment, cars & trucks, lawn and garden, recreation vehicles and shop equipment. Whether you have 1 piece or a complete line of machinery, we have the facility & the experience to bring you top dollar for your equipment.
For full listings and pictures visit our website at: www.lindstrandauctions.com
CONSIGN NOW!!
AT LINDSTRAND AUCTIONS SALE SITE, 2 MILES NORTH OF CAMROSE ON HIGHWAY 833. (47321 Sec, Hwy 833)
780-336-2209
ery v e s e l a S Regular ting at 9AM tar s y a d s e u T r a d n e l a C site b e W k c e Ch les a S l a i c e p for S Cliff Grinde 780-336-6333 Darcy Sheets 780-336-6485
Ph: 780-672-8478
Ed McCormack 780-787-0083
LINDSTRAND
Terry Cartier 780-603-8119
AUCTIONS
LT D .
AB License #312728
W W W. L I N D S T R A N D A U C T I O N S . C O M
www.vikingauctionmarket.ca
Page 14 - 2023 FALL SECTION, September 27, 2023
2023 FALL SECTION, September 27, 2023 - Page 15
Page 16 - 2023 FALL SECTION, September 27, 2023
We would like to take this time to thank all the farmers in our region, and wish them all a wonderful year.
Lougheed Co-op Seed Cleaning Plant P.O. Box 123, Lougheed, AB, T0B 2V0 Manager: Jeremy Simpson, 780-386-3771 Email: lscp@xplornet.com Website: lougheedprocessing.ca
RETAILERS FOR: 403-443-2577 780-777-5885 780-385-5330
PEDIGREED SEED FOR SALE Wheat: AAC Brandon AAC Redberry AAC Viewfield AAC Wheatland AAC Starbuck
Barley: AB Cattlelac CDC Fraser Esma Peas: AAC Carver
Oats: CDC Arborg
Seed Treating Available
! s r e m Far
Killam Towing Dallas Oberg 780-385-3785
24 hour emergency service
Salute to Agriculture!
with a big
Small & Large Animal Medicine & Surgery Small & Large Animal Digital Radiology
Maximize your profit this winter… Book a fall herd health visit. Discuss preventative medicine and herd management while preg checking your herd.
Iron Creek Veterinary Hospital For all your pet and livestock needs (780) 583-2476
Sedgewick, AB 780-384-0003 Happy Harvest to all of our local Producers!
2023 FALL SECTION, September 27, 2023 - Page 17
From the NAPA AUTO PARTS STAFF... Wishing our 5315 50th St. Tofield, AB • 780-662-3212 Local Farmers A Bountiful & Abundant Harvest! NAPA, working hand in hand with the local farmers! Working together is the quickest most efficient way to get the fall crop off. Here two combines pass each other picking up the fall crop, while a tractor with a grain cart waits to haul away the harvested crop. This action took place just south of Lamont Sept. 22. JOHN MATHER PHOTO
Best wishes to the farmers during their harvest!
From Trevor & Staff at Tofield, Camrose, & Wetaskiwin SHAREK ENTERPISES
A swather taking up space on town roads is a familiar sight during harvest season. This one was photographed JANA SEMENIUK PHOTO near Bruderheim in early Sept.
We wish the farmers all the best during their harvest!
5020 - 50 Ave. Tofield
(780) 662-4842
• For all your eye care needs • Evening and weekend Appointments Available Book online @ WWW.TOFIELDEYECARE.COM TEL: 780-662-0104 5024 51 Ave., Tofield AB
Bringing Freshness, Quality and Grade A Service to Your Dinner Table. Thank You Local Farmers for Your Patronage!
5023 52 Ave., Tofield 780-662-3988
VMJ Custodial Services 780-603-0710 Thank you to the farmers for their hard work and dedication!
Thank you to our farming community for their essen al service! www.claystonewaste.com
780.633.2038 780.663.2038
780-662-0307 #101, 5116 46 Ave. Parkstone Plaza, Tofield
Wishing the farmers a successful harvest!
Page 18 - 2023 FALL SECTION, September 27, 2023
ARE YOU ON AN ACREAGE WITH A SEPTIC TANK ? LOCAL BUSINESS
mk98ltd@gmail.com
Trevor Mikolajczyk
780-975-8343
SCOTT’S SEPTIC SERVICE IS HERE TO HELP!
~ WE HAVE THE PERSON FOR THE JOB ~ 24/7 ~ CUSTOM FENCING ~ LANDSCAPING & YARD MAINTENANCE ~ CUSTOM BALING ~ TRENCHING ~ B O B C AT ~ D U M P T R U C K wishing you a ~ C U S T O M M E TA L R E N O ’ S ~ HANDY MAN JOBS safe & plentifu~lBRUSH CUTTING ~ MOWING
harvest!
All the best to our local farmers for this years Har vest! M a y o r, C o u n c i l & S t a f f
From a septic tank cleaning to trouble shooting any problems, new pump installations, 200 feet of hose to stay off your grass, free estimates and reasonable rates, make Scott’s your next choice.
Scott’s Septic Tank Pumping 7 8 0 - 2 9 8 - 5 4 8 0
2023 FALL SECTION, September 27, 2023 - Page 19
We’re so thankful for our area producers!
ble i d e r c n ur I o g n i t rs! e Salu c u d o r Local P
IT IS OUR PLEASURE TO
SERVE ALL AREA FARM FAMILIES.
WE THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU DO AND WISH YOU A SUCCESSFUL HARVESTSEASON !
Hardisty Bulk Sales (780) 888-3555
Signature e Tire T Forestburg Forest Forestb F (Dallas Oberg Auto Ltd.) 780-582-3530
Viking, AB 780-336-4944
From seeding g to ship pping pp g g,,
Thank you, Farmers It can ttake k years off effort ff t and d planning l i tto b build ild a productive farm. Many exist today only because they have been passed from one caring generation to the next. It is our pleasure to pay tribute to the stability of our farming community and to those who have worked so hard to make it successful.
DAYSLAND PHARMACY Daysland, AB (780) 374-3900
Saluting those in the Ag Industry!
DOUBLE Z FARMS Jerome, Tina, & families (780) 376-2208
Strome, AB.
Strome Seed Cleaning Plant We Appreciate Your Business! Contact us with ith all ll off your marketing k ti needs! 780-376-3573
We’ve watched farming advance from ploughs to precision combines. Across a century of agriculture, one thing hasn’t We know relationships are the cornerstone of our business; we’re proud to be part of the informed decisions on your farm.
Find us at
www.PARRISHANDHEIMBECKER.com
Dakota Crop Inputs Sedgewick, Alberta
Viking Grain and Crop Inputs
780-384-2265
780-336-2413
Page 20 - 2023 FALL SECTION, September 27, 2023
Now is the perfect time to plant spring-flowering bulbs Patricia Hanbidge Lead Horticulturist Orchid Horticulture It is the end of summer! I always get a little bit sad when the evenings get cool and the days get shorter. In order to stop the autumn doldrums from happening, it is time to plant some spring flowering bulbs! There is a huge selection of hardy spring flowering bulbs that include: crocus; scilla; grape hyacinth; tulips and daffodils. Spring flowering bulbs must be planted in the fall to allow the bulb to develop a good root system. These bulbs also need a cold period (winter) in order to allow their flowers to fully develop. For best results plant them well before our ground freezes – now is the perfect time! Spring flowering bulbs are inexpensive, simple to plant and require very little for care. If you choose those that are hardy, then their beauty will increase every year. When purchasing bulbs, it is important to remember that this is one instance when you truly get what you pay for. The larger bulbs of each flower type will without fail give you a better product. Take time to examine the flesh of the bulb as it should be smooth and free of any blemishes. Your favourite garden centre should have plenty of stock in now that will ensure you can enjoy the latest bulbs of your dreams come spring. Bulbs should be planted in an area that is welldrained. The soil should be free of weeds and dug to a depth of about 12 inches (30cm). If your soil is a heavy clay soil, incorporate equal portions of coarse sand and a suitable organic matter like compost. A good rule of thumb is to incorporate a good four to six inches (10 to 20 cm) of organic matter prior to planting. Apply a standard bulb booster fertilizer (9-96) or bone meal at planting time to encourage a vigorous and healthy root system. The planting depth will vary for each type of bulb, but a good rule of thumb is to plant the bulb to a depth of three to four times the width of the bulb. There-
fore, if you are planting a tulip bulb that is two inches (five cm) wide, it should be planted eight inches (20 cm) deep. After planting, water the soil thoroughly and mulch the surface with leaves or grass clippings to a depth of two inches (five cm). When planting spring bulbs, you will get the best impact if you group the same type of bulb together. The bigger the grouping the larger will be the impact. Most spring flowering bulbs are low in stature.
What that means from a design perspective is that they should be planted at the front of the border but also somewhere that enables you to enjoy the show on a regular basis. Spend a bit of your fall in the garden planning for spring, plant some spring flowering bulbs and enjoy the grand show in the spring! I have a love of all tulips. You can extend the spring season by planting a collection of early, mid and late flowering selections. Spring on the prairies is
often short so play with the climate and extend every season by planting for extending the colour. Do remember that a lot of the exotic tulips are not really perennial in nature and you may need to replant annually. H o w ever, if you use some of the old tulip types like Darwin, you should be able to get lots of years of blooming tulips. Plan for spring... plant now so you can spend the long winter anticipating the show you are creating to be enjoyed in spring.
Saluting our farmers!
Your Independent Insurance Broker.
Viking Insurance Viking Registries 780-336-4711
Guenter’s Mechanical 13024 Hwy 14
780-336-1330 Thank you to all the farmers
To those that work In acres, not in hours..... We are proud to support you! We salute the dedicated men and women of our agricultural industry. Their commitment to produce a thriving variety of crops and livestock requires long hours, risk and hard work. Our hats go off to you! ~ Staff and Management
For all your crop input needs
Killam - 780-385-2230 Forestburg - 780-582-3887
Farmers, thank you for all that you do! ~ Irma Mayor, council, staff and residents
2023 FALL SECTION, September 27, 2023 - Page 21
KILLAM, ALTA.
MAXIM KILLAM
Purple Scissor Campbell Campbell McLennan McLennan
Chrysler • Dodge • Jeep Killam ✦JEEP CHRYSLER DODGE Big Town Dealership,
CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM
la
Killam, AB
780-582-3539 Toll Free 1-877-385-2331
5009 - 49 Ave. Forestburg www.campbellmclennan.com
AUTOMOTIVE LTD.
dd
780-385-3791
Killam, Alberta
Killam, Alberta
PLUMBING & HEATING
Vaughn Prichard
780-385-3644 780-385-3562
Along Hwy 13, 4951 51 Ave.
VILLAGE OF FORESTBURG
Make Daysland Your Home!
Murray Prichard www.Daysland.com 780-374-3767
780-384-3504 www.sedgewick.ca
Mayor, Councillors, and Staff
780-582-2220 780-582-3668
llage Budding Ideas 4809 49 Ave, Paw Prints 780-385-3976 780-3 of Killam, AB 780-385-3771 Dan & KathrynAB Fee Village of Lougheed Alliance Killam,
780-385-3977 780-879-3911 (780) 385-3976
Killam, AB 780-385-7827 7780-385-3014 80-88 89-3774
Coutts FProud O Rto support E ST BourUFarmers! RG Budding Providence Sedgewick Home V ET C LI N I C Ideas Place Hardware 780-582-3560 Place “For allAging your in floral needs.”
www.villageoflougheed.com
780-386-3970
Wild Rose
We salute our Agricultural Producers!
4708-43 Ave. Dr. Jeff Serfas
Forestburg, Daysland,Alberta AB
Killam Forestburg TollMain FreeStreet, 1-866-582-3556 Flagstaff Family & Shop Late Thurs 7-9 pm Community Services
78 80-582-3970 780-582-3596
4841 47th St., Sedgewick
780.384.3528 780-3
-You’re 2527at home here.
T h aJOIN n$75 k yGo uC US Fa r m fo r CG ROW I N GOUR o u r l oFARMERS! c a780-385-3598 l communities! INer sTHANKING 780-374-3939 780-3 IFT
ERTIFICATE
WILD ROSE
UPCAKES
780-385-3771 780-385-3976 780-3
D
Forster Feeder of Hardisty Chris’s Waterwell Town Flagstaff Manufacturing Ltd. Servicing Family & & CHRIS CULSHAW Community Services Forster Hydrovac Service KILLAM
Killam
“We appreciate our farmers!”
FAX: 385-3166
iscover HARDISTY
MORE THAN Killam YOU CAN IMAGINE Box 724,
LIQUOR KILLAM 780-385-3771 780-385-3976 780-385-2283 780-3 7 880-385-3165 0-888-2349 780-888-3623 780-582-3560 $25 GIFT CERTIFICATE GIFT CARD 780-385-3050
Losness Drilling
Killam General Insurance Alberta Registries Agent Box 369, Forestburg
Hoss, Tracey, & Staff
780-582-3560 (780) 384-3932 $40 GIFT CARD
Liquor Daysland, Alberta
(780) 386-3764 www.losnessdrilling.com
Drive-In Restaurant Killam
Killam, Alberta
www.briltd.com 780-385-3598 780-385-3949 780-3 780-374-3939 $25 GIFT CERTIFICATE Wagon Wheel Shelcraft Town of Hardisty Dagwood’s ANDREASSEN Motel Killam Woodwork Auto & Diesel BORTH 780-385-3838 9-6 Mon - Fri, (1997) Ltd. Repair LAW 9-4 OFFICE Saturday An Independent Business Serving Independent Agri-Business
STORE HOURS:
Mon. - Fri. 8 am - 6 pm Sat. 9 am - 4 pm Closed Sunday Sun. Noon - 4 pm
780-374-3939
Killam Office 7(780) 80-385-3598 385-3670
GIFT BASKET
Town of Hardisty GIFT CERTIFICATE
Killam, Alberta Hardisty, Alberta
780-385-2344 780-888-2349
Killam, ELECTRIC Alberta LTD. 780-385-3652 780-888-3623 780-385-3563
780-3
Page 22 - 2023 FALL SECTION, September 27, 2023
Farmers show neighbourly support as generations pass the torch “We don’t put nothing away until the neighbours are done” Jana Semeniuk Lamont County division five councilor, and local farmer, Neil Woitas, 62, is working long hours these days along with several family members and friends who are scrambling to get their 2,900 acres of crops off the fields while the weather is still good. Woitas said they are having a good year this year thanks to an early rain. “We had the early rain, so our crops are yielding really good,” he said. “We're under the gun here, trying to get it done before it rains. (We) could lose a week (or a) couple of weeks (if it) rains. Before you know it, it’s mid-October and it can snow and you won't get
the crop off.” Woitas said their fields have 50 percent canola; 20 percent barley, and the rest are wheat. Historically, Woitas said that although his family settled in the area in 1897, his dad, Mike didn’t have his own farm until he purchased one near Bruderheim in 1954. Woitas said his dad carried a lot of the workload on his own father’s farm, as Woitas’ Gido (grandfather) was also an electrician who spent a lot of his time working for his neighbours. “He was an electrician and started Woitas Electric. He wired just about every farm house in division five,” said Woitas. “My dad quit school in
THE TOFIELD AGRICULTURE SOCIETY WANTS TO WISH THE FARMERS A GREAT HARVEST SEASON!!!
780-662-3707
grade eight to farm so my Gido could do the electricity. (Gido) also fixed furnaces and (did a lot) for everybody. He (Gido) had no time for farming.” Woitas said his Gido, John, passed away in 1977. Meanwhile, Woitas’ dad, Mike, filled his own time with much more than farming. He was elected county councilor from 1966 to 1985, influencing Woitas as he grew up and planted early seeds in him for a future in municipal politics. Woitas was elected as Lamont County division five councilor, just like his father, in 2017, and still serves today. “When I was little, I spent a lot of time with my dad while he was county councilor,” said Woitas. “Now that I’m a
county councilor I know a lot about our (local) history and they (administration) can’t pull the wool over my eyes.” While Woitas’ dad passed away at the age of 79 in 2005, his mom, Vickie, only passed away in 2021 at the age of 91. Woitas said his mother stayed on the family farm until right before her passing. Today, Woitas said his son Jon is poised to take over the land with his fiancé Rachael Melenka as the next generation of Woitas farmers. Jon has been working there alongside his dad since 2006. “He was seeding with a 60foot air seeder since he was 11,” said Woitas, adding that his other son Alex, also works with the family on the farm.
Wishing all the farmers a plentiful harvest season!
Crystal Buyar Beauty 780-953-1570 buyarbeauty@gmail.com @buyarbeauty
780-918-9300 Greg Litwin, Realtor®
5324 -50 St. Tofield, AB.
5118 - 50 Street, Tofield
Tofield Car, RV, & Truck Wash 780-913-5318
Thank you to the farmers for all their hard work and late nights to put food on our table!
“Jonathan and Rachel have moved in and are renovating the house. They'll start their family there.” Woitas said he feels very proud that the tradition of farming will also continue for his family. “It’s going to be excellent. It was my dad’s dream,” he said adding that neighbours can also be counted on in case help is needed. “We’ve got a pretty good group (of neighbours). We help each other. Some farmers, as soon as they are done, they clean their combines and put them away (right away). “We’re lucky because we’ve got good neighbours. We don’t put nothing away until the neighbours are done.”
Coyote Auto Salvage
Wishing everyone a bountiful harvest!
Quality and Service (780) 662-2403 or (780) 289-8147 Email: coyoteauto@hotmail.com
Busy B
North store 780-662-4116 South store 780-662-4325 Wishing all the farmers a successful harvest!
Economy Concrete
Tofield Hotel
Farmers are our bread and butter.
780-662-3116 or 780-916-8642
Thanks for all you do!
Wishing the best for the farmers during harvest time!
Volunteers are welcome!
780-662-2600
• Tofield 780-662-0165 • Mundare 780-764-2238
Beaver County Seed Cleaning would like to wish the farmers a bountiful harvest season!
Wishing the farmers the best during their harvest!
Phone: 780-688-3917 • Holden, AB
780-662-3334 5018 - 52nd Avenue, Tofield
Wishing all the farmers a successful harvest season!
2023 FALL SECTION, September 27, 2023 - Page 23
Special farewell for patriarch of century family farm Jana Semeniuk The Hrehorets family, originally from Andrew, lost their family patriarch earlier this month when George Hrehorets passed away at the age of 95 on Sept. 10. George is the first family member the Hrehorets have lost in 37 years. Lamont resident and George’s son, Tom Hrehorets, said the family held a fitting tribute to his father who loved horses, hunting, and es-
pecially his farm north of Andrew. George got to spend one last night on the family farm, the place he where he was born in 1928, and then brought to his funeral the next day in a horse drawn wagon. “(The funeral director) said she never had anyone ask for anything like this,” said Hrehorets. “She teared up when we said what we wanted to do.” Hrehorets said he is proud that his parent’s
farm currently houses the fourth generation of Hrehorets just north of Andrew. “My nephew, Cody, lives on the farm now and he’s the fourth-generation farming (there),” he said. “In 2018 we celebrated 100 years of farming on that property. It was (my grandparent’s) farm first, then my dad, then my brother, and now my nephew.” Hrehorets said his dad was born the only son
George Hrehorets' casket sits in the shop area of his family farm for one final night Sept. 18 before being buried after his funeral the next day. TOM HREHORETS PHOTOS
with four sisters and learned how to work hard very early in life. “He used to tell stories about working with his dad in the field and (how exciting it was) when they got their first tractor,” he said. “He seen it from having nothing to all this new stuff. Farming was in his heart. He always loved farming.” Hrehorets said his parents married in 1952 when his mother, Elizabeth, was 16 and George was 24. Their union was followed by the births of seven children, with Tom being the youngest. He said his parents lived happily on the farm, raising their family until 1983 when George retired to move into the village of Andrew and open his little shop; George’s Saddlery. “When they moved to town, mom and dad
would go almost every evening to the farm,” said Hrehorets. “That went on for months, then it was a couple of times a week,
Mayor, Council and Staff
then once a week, then maybe it was once a month. They made their new life.” Continued on Page 28
Thanking our Farmers for their year round hard work
ThankYou to our local farmers! Mayor, Council & Staff
Employment Opportunity AGRO/FRONT-END TEAM MEMBER Beaver Creek Coop is seeking a qualified candidate as an Agro/Front-end team member. This position has become available due to a team member retiring. The main focus will be to carry out customer requests. As well as: • Provide prompt service and assistance to customers in a friendly manner either in person or over the phone.
The Hrehorets family load George Hrehorets' casket onto a wagon for the horse-drawn ride to his funeral Sept. 19. Hrehorets' nephew Christopher Gow is standing on the rear of the wagon. Front to back on the left carrying the casket are Hrehorets' brothers Tom, Wayne, and Brian, on the right are Len, Darrell, and Wes while standing at the rear is funeral director Maryanne Zarusky.
• Candidates should possess some Agriculture industry knowledge. • Basic computer skills would be a requirement. Data entry skills are considered an asset. • Candidates must demonstrate effective organizational skills and the ability to work well within multigenerational teams. • Cash handling and previous customer service experience required. • Warehouse or yard and forklift experience an asset. 1 year experience (preferred) • Be capable of physical labour; lifting, pulling pushing up to 25 kg.
Over 1100 years of deddicated servicce • Burial B i l and d Cr Cremation ti S Services i • Pr P e-aarranged d Funeral F l Plans Pl • Monument Sales and Service S Phone 780.672.2 2121 4817-51 Av Avenue, Camr C ose www w..burgarfuneralh home.com Recorded Obituary Line: 78 80-679-2400 Daysland: 780-374-3535
The work hours are from Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm and every third Saturday. Please submit resume no later than 4:00pm, October 20, 2023 to: Kevin Andrychuk Beaver Creek Co-op Box 600 Lamont, AB TOB 2R0 Email: Beaver11@telusplanet.net Fax: (780)-895-2052 We thank all applicants for their interest, however only those who have been selected for an interview will be contacted.
Page 24 - 2023 FALL SECTION, September 27, 2023
Is it even possible to not be on social media?
The answer is "Yes," however, the existential question is, "Can you live without social media?" How social media works: Me: "I prefer mangoes to oranges..." Random Person (hiding behind an anonymous account): "So basically, what you're saying is that you hate oranges. You also failed to mention pineapples, bananas, and grapefruits. Educate yourself!" You can never win on social media. Are there times when you wonder if the benefits, whatever they may be to you, of being active on social media outweigh the adverse effects of being exposed to all the toxicity it manifests? W h a t motivates you to spend as much time as you do scrolling, posting, and commenting on social media? FOMO (Fear of Missing Out)? Wanting to appear relevant? Seeking recognition? Studies have shown how social media negatively impacts our mood and self-esteem and is creating a generation lacking social skills and unable to develop meaningful relationships. Many people, regardless of age, find creating a persona on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter much easier than navigating the real world as themselves. Gen Z has turned being unengaged with their surroundings and community into a Zen-like thing. Today, many people have
the limiting belief they are an introvert and use social media as a crutch to avoid face-to-face interactions. Without a strong sense of self, it is easy to lose yourself while vying for your place in the world, comparing yourself to everyone's beautiful social media life. Social media works the way an abuser and manipulator works. Asking if one can live happily without social media implies the person knows social media is hurting them but fears a life without it. It would be overly simplistic for me to advise, "Deactivate it!", "Delete it!", "Stick to emailing the people who matter to you, asking how they are doing." If you followed this advice, you would be sharing and inquiring without being voyeuristic. However, we have long passed the point where having a digital presence is optional, especially if you have an ongoing career, a business or are seeking recognition (e.g., artistic endeavour, promoting a cause, running for political office). Conversely, having a digital "presence," which you maintain occasionally, greatly differs from being constantly "active" on social media. It has become a familiar sight to see people hunched over their phones in social settings, mindlessly scrolling through their feeds, ignoring everyone around them as if what is happening in the digital world is more
important than what is happening in the real world. Your life will not implode if you do not have any social media accounts. However, being completely off the digital grid comes at a price. Imagine 30 years ago not having a telephone. The reason for having one was so people could reach you and vice versa. Nowadays, people prefer to send a message (Facebook messenger, WhatsApp, Twitter direct message, LinkedIn message) rather than call because it is more "efficient." Think of all the messages you now receive, whether by email, text, or social media, that would have been a telephone call or a letter not long ago. If you eliminate social media entirely from your life, you offer fewer ways for people to communicate with you. Essentially, you would be severely cutting yourself off from family, friends, professional networks, and the world at large. Having a social media presence is akin to having a landline telephone back in the day. I recommend having a presence on LinkedIn and Facebook (other platforms are optional) where you connect selectively and have message notifica-
tions turned on. Consider the notification ping as your telephone ringing. However, just because you have a social media presence does not mean you have to be active on social media; being inactive offers many benefits. You free up considerable amounts of time. (Are we not all time-stressed?) You have more control over your personal information and privacy. Your mental well-being improves since you will not be comparing yourself to the posturing (flaunting a sugar-coated lifestyle while drowning in debt)
typically displayed on social media, causing feelings of self-doubt and inadequacy. You will be more social in real life. You are less in your head and more in the present moment. In terms of your professional life, having a social media presence is a necessary evil; otherwise, you will miss out on networking and employment opportunities. Not being active on social media is not an act of rebellion; it is you choosing to prioritize your mental health and time, which
you will likely find liberating. The key is to convince yourself that not being active on social media will help you follow your own pace of development, with progress and failures. Focusing on yourself first, instead of looking at what others are "supposedly" doing, will foster a sense of self-awareness, which many people lack. Nick Kossovan, a self-described connoisseur of human psychology, writes about what's on his mind from Toronto. You can follow Nick on Twitter and Instagram @NKossovan
LAMONT 5109 50 Ave
780-895-2454 HAVE A SAFE &
SMOKY LAKE
BOUNTIFUL HARVEST!
780-656-3690
3 Wheatland Ave
HAVE A SAFE & BOUNTIFUL HARVEST
ALL THE BEST TO OUR FARMERS, HAVE A SAFE & SUCCESSFUL HARVEST 185053 www.stmichaellandfill.ca 18553 Township Road 562 780.702.9880 HOURS: Tuesday - Saturday 9 - 4:30 pm CLOSED Sunday, Monday and all statutory holidays
Contact us today for fall savings on 2024 canola seed! Contact us today forSchmidt fall savings onSales 2024 canola seed! Lee Sorochan ~ Territory Manager Tamryn ~ Territory Agronomist Lucas Bell ~ Sales Manager
780.998.2058
• Lee Sorochan – Territory Manager
2023 FALL SECTION, September 27, 2023 - Page 25
Fall is the time to prepare your fireplace for the winter As hours of daylight shorten and fall gives way to winter, thoughts shift from fall foliage to spending time cuddling under warm blankets and being cozy indoors. A fireplace can improve the ambiance of any room and help to create a warm and welcoming gathering spot. Home fireplaces typically are wood-burning or gas. Though maintenance for these fireplaces differs, certain preparatory steps must be taken to prepare a fireplace for winter. Clear the clutter Items can accumulate in areas that are not in use, and a fireplace is no exception. Take a few hours to remove any belongings from in front of the fireplace and clean the mantle thoroughly. Have the chimney cleaned Hire a professional chimney cleaning company to inspect the chimney and clean it thoroughly before winter. According to BobVila.com, a chimney should be cleaned once a year, or after about every 80 fires. The National Fire Protection Association says failure to properly clean chimneys is one of the leading contributors to home fires. That’s due to creosote, a highly flammable residue that builds up in the flue that lines the chimney. Inspect the interior The interior of a wood-burning fireplace is likely lined with fire bricks. Check for cracks and loose joints. Hire a professional mason to make any repairs, as special materials are needed to withstand the heat of fires. Install a chimney cap and screen According to Family Handyman, a chimney cap is a protective covering that goes over the top of the chimney. It is made of steel or copper mesh with a cap on top. This protects the chimney from rain and
downdrafts and keeps animals and debris from getting into the chimney. Prune overhanging branches If there are trees close to the home and the chimney, cut them back, as they can be a fire hazard. Branches and leaves also can restrict the proper draft of the chimney. Assess the outdoor vent Gas fireplaces typically emit exhaust through a vent in the home. Remove any blockages from the vent, including leaves, cobwebs and debris. Check glass or other coverings The glass or face of the fireplace helps regulate carbon monoxide exposure and protects people from the flames. Be sure the glass covering is intact. Clean ceramic logs Gas fireplaces use ceramic logs, rocks or beads that can become dusty. Clean them prior to use. Dirty ceramic logs can be a fire hazard and produce an un-
pleasant burning smell. Check the blower and pilot If the fireplace has an electric blower, clean and dust it so it doesn’t become clogged. Inspect the pilot light for any wear and tear that includes wiring or structural issues. It takes several steps to prepare fireplaces for cold weather seasons when they’re most likely to be used with frequency.
Fall pastures running short? Looking for an option to utilize that dry grass?
Rite-Lix tubs could be an answer. They contain a protein supplement that during dry conditions will improve the digestibility of low-quality forages & increase the amount of critical energy cows need Call Alliance Seed Cleaning for more information
780-879-3927 Excellent for clearing dust ou equipment from y your
765 CFM Cordless Blowers
WINTER IS COMING! Also works great for easy snow removal We Carry Fire Retardant Coveralls In-Store! Drug & Alcohol Testing services available
Call Colin 780-842-0399 for more info, or stop by On Line Locators 5001 - 48 Ave., Sedgewick, AB OPEN Monday thru Friday 8 am - 4 pm
Page 26 - 2023 FALL SECTION, September 27, 2023
ATTENTION FARMERS:
BeDevil
Cancade Hopper Bin Mover
e n o C ort! p p u S
Trailer Bottom Enclosed to prevent rock chips on Bin
Moves Hopper Bins up to 16ft wide & 30ft sidewall
Give our Extremely Gorgeous Drivers a Call!
McRae 780.385.5640 Killam, Alberta
www.BeDevil.ca
2023 FALL SECTION, September 27, 2023 - Page 27
Killam, Alberta
www.BeDevil.ca
l i v e D Be
S E C I V R E S T O H D E R R U O 24 H rucks • Picker
V • s e o h k c a B W • s t a M p m a w S
d o o W d e l c y c e R • g n i m m i r T e e r T • s n a c a e S • s e l i P w e r c S • Rig Mats
! T N E M P QUI
E E M O S WE
A
i r D i r T
4
E S A C 1 72 r e d a o l Pay
d e B s a ve Tex
r e k c i P 5 T on
Da
n@
BeD
evi
l.ca
k c u r T Bed EM D I R T RE I F L L E H
r e k c i P 0 Ton
3
Call Dan McRae 780.385.5640
CK U R T TOW
b l 0 0 0 , 5 3 r e l d n a y h e t i l c e a T p a lift c
Page 28 - 2023 FALL SECTION, September 27, 2023
Hrehorets Continued from Page 23 Hrehorets said George worked in his little saddlery shop until 1998, adding advanced age did not slow George down, even in later years, when it came to hunting. “He was getting old and his health was failing, but he was 90 years old when he got his last moose,” said Hrehorets. “He had to get my broth-
ers and friends to come because he couldn't drag a moose out of out of the bush, but he got his moose.” Hrehorets said he was out of town when he got word that his dad passed away. His parents were married for nearly 71 years and he knew they wanted a special send off for him. “(After prayers, the night before the funeral,) the hearse brought dad to the farm so he could have
one last night there,” he said, adding the casket sat in the farm’s shop area among the machinery George loved so much. “Cars were (lined up for) everybody to come to the farm. We unloaded Gido and put him by the combines and the guys were having drinks and snacks and people were coming to talk and reminisce about (him).” The next morning, Hrehorets said he and his family, all dressed in red
because it was George’s favorite colour, loaded his casket onto the back of a horse drawn wagon for the long ride to the church and George’s final resting place. His mother rode in a car following the wagon.
“It took an hour and a half to get to the church and we had that (extra time) to be with our dad before we parted ways,” he said. “We reminisced, we cried, we laughed, we joked around and it was just that time that we got
to spend with him, that last little bit as a family. It just meant so much.” George Hrehorets’ funeral and interment was held at the Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Kahwin on Sept. 19.
403.343.8083
www.davexconstruction.com
Various species of geese including Canada geese, snow geese, and the greater white-fronted geese, stop to rest and feed on any leftover grain in a recentlyharvested field east of Holden.