September 10 Tofield Mercury by Caribou Publishing

New CPR device purchased by Beaver EMS

Kari Janzen Staff Reporter

Beaver Emergency Medical Services (BEMS) recently purchased another Lund University Cardiopulmonary Assist System (LUCAS) 3, a chest compression system, being able to do so with half of the cost, $10,000, received from the now-dissolved Beaver County Victim Services Unit.

BEMS Operations Manager Alex Kyle said that the LUCAS is like having a third person on the ambulance unit, freeing the paramedics to provide other medical care at the same time that CPR is being performed.

“CPR is actually pretty time consuming and in a rural area like us, we don't have as many resources. In Calgary, you might have two or three units responding to a cardiac arrest, where here we do have two units, but they're not always available. Having a CPR device that is dedicated to doing the chest compressions is a real lifesaver from the practitioner standpoint, because if you have the machine, it can do it, and then we can do our other treat-

ments, like airway, give medications, defibrillate, all sorts of stuff,” Kyle said.

Kyle said that CPR cannot effectively be performed for longer than two minutes, and sometimes EMS will deal with a cardiac arrest for 40 minutes on scene.

“That's a lot of time, tiring people out, but the LUCAS never gets tired. It has a battery and can run for 40-plus minutes, and even if you had to run a cardiac arrest for longer and the battery got low, we can actually plug it into an outlet, so it can do infinite compressions. It’s always the right depth; it's always going the right speed. It's really an awesome piece of equipment,” Kyle said.

This newest addition to the Tofield station is unique to many ambulance units, as Alberta Health Services does not have any LUCAS devices.

“Not a lot of ambulance services actually carry these. AHS doesn't at all, it's only municipal, private services. Some of the fire services, like Strathcona, I think Medavie, which is up by Two Hills, St. Paul, they're starting to get

them rolled out. Even some hospitals are starting to carry them, because even though there could be 30 staff on board, the LUCAS will still do better compressions than switching out every two minutes,” Kyle said.

To use the LUCAS, a back plate slides underneath the patient and the machine is positioned correctly overtop and

clips to the plate. The paramedic turns the LUCAS on, pulls the suction cup down to the chest, and presses another button to start the compressions.

“If a patient is in a shockable rhythm and we had somebody physically doing chest compressions, they would have to stop and then you would defibrillate them, but with the

LUCAS, you can have it doing the compressions and defibrillate the patient at the same time,” Kyle said.

All of the Beaver EMS frontline units have a LUCAS, whether that be a LUCAS 2 or 3.

“We have two frontline units here in Tofield and one in Viking, and this is the second LUCAS 3 that we have,” Kyle said.

The last president of

Beaver County Victim Services, Jim Warren, said he is glad to see that the funds donated are being put to good use.

“With the limited amount of resources in a small town, this will do the job of a person, and they'll do it more efficiently. If you're just one ambulance with two paramedics on it, this is essentially your backup person,” Kyle said.

BEMS recently purchased another LUCAS 3 CPR device for the Tofield station with funds received from the now-dissolved Beaver County Victim Services Unit. L-R: Dale Bayliss, paramedic, Aleisha Wagar, Primary Care Paramedic (PCP), BEMS Operations Manager Alex Kyle, Lee Nealon, PCP. KARI JANZEN PHOTO

Round Hill Pavilion grand opening ~ story inside

Culture Days event to be held in Tofield

Kari Janzen Staff Reporter

The Tofield and Area Welcome Initiative is hosting an Alberta Culture Days event once again, where people are invited to come to the Tofield Community Hall on Friday, Sept. 19 from 4-7 p.m. to join in the celebration of arts, culture, heritage, diversity, and community spirit of Tofield and area.

“The mandate for the Tofield and Area Welcome Initiative is to make new and existing residents feel welcome in the community regardless of their cultural background,” said Brenda Chehade, the Tofield Town councillor on the committee.

“During Culture Days events, we focus on the many different cultures that make up our community and we want to celebrate them. It also gives people a chance to ask questions about a culture that they might not feel comfortable with in an everyday setting. At Culture Days events, questions are expected, and people are happy to share information about their food, dress, and traditions,” she said.

There will be 20 tables set up for ven-

dors, a few of which include A Taste of Gaby, Glass by Hass, Avon, Beaver County Soap Co., and Two Guys with Wood.

“There are more that haven’t been confirmed yet,” Chehade said.

The Bruderheim Museum and the United Church are among two of the groups who will have displays set up, with people at the booths to explain what they’re all about.

“Someone will have a table of items that have come from other communities and how they are making their way back home, and Tofield/Beaver County West Family and Community Supports Services will have a craft table making stained glass replicas,” said Chehade.

The event is able to be hosted in part due to the province’s Alberta Culture Days grant, which the Welcome Initiative was successful in receiving this year.

“Last year the committee was not successful in getting the Culture Days grant but we were successful in our application of another grant available through the government for towns, which was Alberta Days.

“One of the things we are doing dif-

ferently this year is the time of the event. Last year we held Alberta Days during the day. This year we decided to

go from 4-7 p.m. so that way families can come enjoy, as well as those who work,” Chehade said.

Last year the Tofield and Area Welcome Initiative hosted a Alberta Day pre-celebration on Friday, Aug. 30, at the Tofield Community Hall, featuring local artists and historians. Similarly, an Alberta Culture Days event is being at the Community Hall next week Friday, Sept. 19, from 4-7 p.m.

Parcel #1 - Selling the NE 13-47-18 W4M Being 160 Acres M/L - Camrose County

Parcel #2 - Selling the NW 14-54-15 W4M

Being 160 Acres M/L - County of Two Hills

Parcel #3 - Selling the NE 11-54-15 W4M Being 159 Acres M/L - County of Minburn

Parcel #4 - Selling the SE 11-54-15 W4M Being 159 Acres M/L - County of Minburn

Street Address: 5302 46th Ave, Two Hills, AB Legal: Plain 6104NY, Blk 15 Being 2.17 Acres M/L

Landfill fire at Claystone likely caused by lithium-based battery

Kari Janzen Staff Reporter

The Ryley Fire Department was dispatched to Claystone Waste on Sunday evening, Sept. 7, responding to reports of a fire atop the landfill.

“The fire ignited at approximately 7:30 p.m. and became visible at approximately 8 p.m.,” Claystone Waste’s news release said.

Landfill staff arrived at Claystone at 8:20 p.m. and were able to extinguish the fire by using equipment to smother the flames with soil.

“The Ryley Fire Department attended the scene and worked in

collaboration with landfill staff to water and monitor for flareups.

Claystone continued to spread material for water application by the fire department crew, to extinguish any residual hotspots. By 10 p.m., the fire department deemed the site safe and left. An overnight fire watch was set up until the arrival of the morning crew,” the news release said.

“This situation could have been much worse if not for our dedicated crew who responded so quickly,” said Matt Rawluk, Chief Operating Officer.

“Not only did they guide the fire department when they ar-

rived, but they had already been actively fighting the fire by pushing the material and covering it with soil to prevent it from spreading.

“The fire was essentially extinguished by 8:45 p.m., and we’re thankful for the assistance of the Ryley Fire Department to ensure everything was fully extinguished.”

The cause of the fire is under investigation but Claystone’s release says that initial evidence points to an improperly disposed lithium battery.

Being a Class II landfill, the Beaver Regional Landfill only accepts household waste and construction debris.

“Lithium batteries are particularly hazardous in landfills because they can smolder for days or even weeks before igniting.

“Lithium-ion batteries, which are found in phones, laptops, and

vape pens, are a significant cause of fires in landfills,” said Tam Connelly, Director of Facilities.

“These items should never go in household garbage or recycling bins but should be disposed of properly.”

Claystone said that Alberta Environment and Protected Areas has been notified of the incident, as required under provincial regulations.

OFFICE HOURS

Tofield woman winner of $50,000

Kari Janzen Staff Reporter

Mary An Detecio of Tofield is the lucky winner of the monthly WinWin Staff Lottery, which supports Alberta health foundations. Detecio has worked in the Environmental Services department at the Tofield Health Centre since July 2021, and said she bought tickets to support the Tofield and Area Health Services Foundation (TAHF).

“When I'm buying the ticket, my purpose is just to help the foundation. Then, I'm lucky,” Detecio said.

TAHF Chair Brenda Chehade said that Alberta health foundations receive a percentage of whatever is contributed to the lottery.

“There are two pots; there's staff WinWin, and there's regular WinWin and the foun-

dations get a percentage from each pot. Every time anybody buys a ticket, it helps us in some way, shape, or form,” she said.

Detecio said when she got the phone call, letting her know she was the July monthly winner of $50,000, she couldn’t believe her ears.

“I thought, I can't believe it, it’s unreal,” she said.

Detecio says she plans to use the money to help her family back home in the Philippines.

“They need help. They're not asking, but they’re my family. They are why I am here,” she said.

Funds that the TAHF receives from the lottery go towards making Tofield Health Centre staff lives better.

“Those funds are used for the betterment of the staff. Right now, we are in the middle of purchasing special re-

cliners for the people who come in for weekly IV infusions. Because the infusions take awhile, the recliners will help out the nurses, because the IV patients won’t be sitting in a chair or on a bed that could be used for other patients. We have found two spaces

Notice of Nomination Day

Local Authorities Election Act (Section 26)

LOCAL JURISDICTION: The Battle River School Division, PROVINCE OF ALBERTA

Office(s)Number of Ward Vacancies

within the hospital to put the recliners,” Chehade said. Chehade also said

that WinWin lottery funds have been used to purchase five rolling stools for use in long term care, to make it easier for staff to help feed residents, moving from table to table.

Location (Address) of Local Jurisdiction Office: Battle River

DATED at the City of Camrose in the Province of Alberta, this first day of January, 2025.

Imogene Walsh Returning Officer

KARI JANZEN PHOTO

Mary An Detecio of Tofield is the lucky winner of the monthly WinWin Staff Lottery, pictured here with Tofield and Area Health Services Foundation Chair Brenda Chehade.

Amendment to School Library Ministerial Order walks back on some of the original ban

Leslie Cholowsky Staff Reporter

Just a few months after putting a Ministerial Order in place for school libraries, the Province’s Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides walked back some of the wording on the order this past Monday, Sept. 8.

The original order forbade any library materials with any visual or verbal explicit sexual content, that is detailed depictions of masturbation, sexual penetration, or sexual physical contact. It was the verbal part that caused school boards, and particularly the Edmonton Public School Board, to start pulling books off the shelves, including classics like ‘The Handmaid’s Tale,’ ‘ The Color Purple,’ or Aldous Huxley’s ‘Brave New World.’

Premier Danielle Smith, called the Board’s actions “vicious compliance,” earlier this month when it complied to the actual wording of the original order, adding, “We’re not trying to remove classics of literature.”

She said the order was an attempt to remove “graphic images that young children should not be having a look at.”

As of Monday, the order has been amended to having Alberta’s school libraries ensure that materials containing any explicit a visual depiction of a sexual act are not accessible or available to children or students in a school.

The new order quietly implemented another change to the original order, one which originally allowed certain grades access to ‘non-explicit sexual content when it is developmentally appropriate.’ All the age restrictions and references to non-explicit content have been removed in the new order.

The Ministerial Order does not apply to public libraries contained within schools, like the Killam and District Municipal Library.

The original order did, however, have a clause stating that if students had access to collections of materials in the school building or otherwise, that were not part of a school library, that a school authority staff member had to supervise student access to ensure students did not access materials that they would not otherwise be permitted to access if in a school library.

The Minister’s office later confirmed that the clause would apply to public libraries contained within a school.

However, the revised Ministerial order no longer contains that clause.

Nor do the new standards apply to learning and teaching resources authorized or approved by the Minister, or materials, in physical or electronic form, brought into the school by a child or student without the knowledge of any school authority employee.

Nicolaides said Monday, “Our goal has always been to make sure students are not exposed to visually graphic sexual material in school libraries. I am confident we can meet that goal while making the process as simple and straightforward as possible for schools and teachers.

“The revised order will ensure that classic literary works remain in school libraries, while materials with explicit visual depictions of sexual acts do not end up in the hands of children.”

The Province maintains that the updated standards will prevent misinterpretation and ensure that restrictions focus specifically on materials with explicit visual depictions of sexual acts.

The Alberta NDP shadow minister for Education, Amanda Chapman, said Monday says, “These changes increase confusion for parents, schools and

teachers when the issue of age-appropriate books was already being dealt with.

“Nothing today addresses the additional burden placed on teachers and school staff to catalogue books that contravene the UCP government’s gaslighting ministerial order.

“Instead of ensuring everybody understands only age-appropriate books are in schools, now the government is pitting parents against schools just because someone doesn’t like a book. “

Under the new order, students, parents, teachers, school council members, and community members can ask the school authority to review, change access to, reconsider, or remove specific school literary materials in a particular school for reasons related to the explicit visual depiction of a sexual act.

School Libraries must also now make available a list of their entire collections to the public, and this must be completed by Jan. 5, with the new order pushing that deadline back from the original date. By Oct. 31, school boards must provide the minister with a list of literary materials they intend to remove in order to implement the standards.

JOHN’S RANT OPINION

Well the summer of posturing, promising and pausing is almost over for our Federal politicians.

They return to the battleground of the House of Commons Sept. 15 for the first time since the April federal election.

Prime Minister Mark Carney has vowed to pause the Liberals seriously misguided EV vehicle mandate. This is something I hope goes beyond pause to being dead in the water.

My main reason for this is in a free market economy anyone should have the right to purchase an electric vehicle if they want. But by the same token they should have the right to buy an internal combustion engine powered vehicle also.

And in some parts of our vast country the ICE engine is the best option for travelling vast distances where charging stations aren’t readily available.

Now the problem Carney faces with his pause, as I pointed out in a recent column, is that most of his voters are in heavily populated southern Ontario and southern Quebec. There, a major trip is about 10 miles and there is more infrastructure to support electric and hybrid vehicles.

But the rest of the coun-

try should not be made to suffer because of this population inequity.

That’s what gives rise to these separatist types and other kooks who want people to sign petitions to stay in Canada. Ever wonder what will happen if that petition doesn’t get enough signatures? Will that mean people want to separate?

Nobody seems to want to answer that question yet.

Now Carney will also have to come up with his “nation building” package sometime in the next few weeks.

There has already been speculation about expanding ports in Montreal and Churchill, Manitoba.

The Churchill port expansion is a long overdue idea whose time has come. It would provide an option for western commodities to get to Europe and markets other than the United States.

It would also be a short trip for shipping of rare earth minerals if Doug Ford’s government can ever fast track development in northern Ontario’s Ring of Fire area.

But last week it was leaked, or rumoured that there might be a new western pipeline in Carny’s package. A new Northwest Coast Oil Pipeline could

be included in the supposed list of 32 projects that was shown to the Globe and Mail last week.

The proposal, described as being in the “concept” phase, could be pursued within a larger economic corridor, and would link “Canadian heavy crude to markets in Asia,” the Globe stated.

The list includes a heavy focus on Western Canada, with other projects including an LNG Canada Phase 2 and the dredging of the Burrard Inlet to allow for larger oil tankers to serve Trans Mountain’s Burnaby

Will Carney move ahead with action when House reconvenes?

Mountain terminal.

If this turns out to be a true concept and the Carney government green lights it, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith will have to tone down her anti-Ottawa rhetoric.

After all, she champions any pipeline to move Alberta oil and gas to any offshore markets whether it be Europe out of Churchill or Asia out of Vancouver or Prince Rupert.

But of course there are a few flies in this proverbial ointment that Carney and crew will have to overcome.

The first is the B.C. government which currently

has no desire to see a pipeline built across their province.

“Our message to the federal government is there is an absolute desire in challenging times for people to invest in B.C. They are doing that. The private sector is doing that, and we are investing in the future in B.C., especially in terms of electrification,” Energy Minister Adrian Dix said.

“And we expect and hope the federal government will get behind real projects … this is not a time for fantasy politics. It’s a time for serious politics and serious projects.”

As Dix pooh-poohs a

fantasy pipeline, indigenous groups will also split themselves into groups either supporting or opposing a pipeline. That depends on how much money they can get from such a project.

Carney is trying to downgrade the horrible policies incurred over the past ten years of Trudeau the younger.

Let’s hope he has the negotiating skills to bring all the opposing sides in line, including within his own caucus, to see some projects move ahead that will really build Canada’s economy over the next decade or more.

JOHN MATHER

Kerry Anderson Publisher Lisa Kuflay Manager Reporter Reporter Office Assistant Michelle Anderson Payroll Administrator Crystal Moren Production Kari Janzen Reporter

Over 250 kids taught swimming lessons at Ryley Pool

Vanessa Poitras Staff Reporter

The Ryley Pool and Wellness Centre had

successful summer with 260 participants in swimming lessons this year. These classes were all

lifesaving and first aid classes taking place at the pool in July and August.

"The summer staff

were great and a great bunch of kids came through with no real issues," Susie Williams, Ryley Pool manager said.

"We are looking forward to the fall with our new hours, and free swim the first Sunday of everymonth," Williams said.

Morning swim is happening 7-9 a.m. Mondays and Wednesdays as well as 7:30-9 a.m. on Fridays.

Ryley Pool's summer staff 2025. Back, L-R: Kaitlyn Suchy, Mercedes Fisher, Brooklyn Tavaroli, Cassie Svenson, Teagyn Tavaroli, Ryley Pool manager Susie Williams. Front, L-R: Ethan Thom, Zack Cahoon.

Public swim hours are from 6-8 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Friday and 2-5 p.m. Sundays.

Adult lane swim is from 5-6 p.m. Monday evenings.

Tractors: Stieger ST225 Bearcat 4-WD Tractor, CAH, 4 hyd, hyd. return line, Cat eng, 20 SP trans, 18.4x38 duals, 6025 hrs.; Kubota M-110

F.W.A. Tractor, CAH, 3-ph, dual hyd., dual PTO, left hand reverser, 8-SP trans c/w Quicke Q51

F.E.L. c/w Quick attach bucket & grapple, joystick controls, 2848 hrs., S/N; Bale Fork for above loader; Ford 1700 Utility Tractor, 3-ph, PTO, diesel eng, 12 SP Trans, 578 hrs, S/N 704054; JD 4020 Diesel Tractor, cab, dual PTO, dual hyd., c/w JD 46A F.E.L. c/w bucket & bale fork, S/N SNT223R094222R; MH 44 (Six) Gas Tractor, PTO

Skidsteer: Clark Bobcat 773 Skidsteer c/w smooth bucket, CH, auxilary hyd, 6578 hrs, S/N 509638946

Skidsteer Attachments (sold seperately): 60inch Tooth Skidsteer Bucket; Skidsteer Pallet Forks; 8-ft Skidsteer Snow Bucket, like new; 6-ft HD Skidsteer Rough Cut Mower Motorcycle: 1998 Harley Davidson 95 Year Series, 1340 CC, Motorbike c/w Evo engine, 4 SP trans, c/w all flairing & saddle bags, 64,424 kms, S/N 1HD1FCR48WY621411 Trailers: 1998 Timpte 48-ft Convertible Super Hopper Tandem Axle Trailer, S/N Convertible Super Hopper Tandem Axle Trailer, S/N 1TDC46623WB093199; Single Axle Trailer c/w 8ft x 10-ft steel deck, NV S/N; Single Axle Trailer c/w 8-ft x 8-ft deck, lights, NV S/N; Grizzle Rancher Special Quad Tandem Axle Trailer c/w 4ft x 6-ft box & winch

Vehicles: 2010 Chrysler Challenger 2D Hard Top Car, c/w sun roof, fully powered, leather int, 244,000km, S/N 2B3CJ5DT3AH183761; 1999 Ford Super Duty F450 Heavy Duty Dually Service Truck, c/w cabinets, V Mac Air, Titon Vio Eng, auto, 133937 km, S/N 1FDXF465XEB93591; 2009 Ford Lariat F150 Crew Cab, 4x4, V-8, auto, fully powered, 306359 km, approx. 100,000 on new engine, S/N 1FTPW14V59KC86776; 1986 International Series 1900 Tandem Axle Gravel Truck, 13-sp trans, DV 550 diesel eng, roll tarp, S/N 1HTLKTVR76HA12860

Side by Side & Quad: Arctic Cat HD X700 Prowler Side by Side, 1621 km; Arctic Cat 90 DVX Kid Quad like new

Equipment: JD Eztrak Z225 Zero Turn Mower c/w 48-inch deck, 107 hrs. See Picture JD D170 Hydro Riding Lawn Mower c/w 48-inch deck, 303 hrs.; 48-inch Lawn Aerator; 36-inch Lawn Sweep; 5 Pallets of Patio Bricks; Maletti 48inch 3ph Rototiller Haying Equipment: JD 535 Round Baler c/w monitor, 540 PTO, S/N E00535X862040; Hesston 1345 Hydroswing Discbine, 1000 PTO, S/N HP56521; Tonutti V12 12-Wheel (V) Hay Rake; NH 1033 Square Bale Wagon Tillage Equipment: FarmKing C1225 16-ft Offset Disc, like new, S/N 1255 16055026; Wilrich 30-ft VS Cult. c/w mounted harrows, hyd. wings; JD 9350 30-ft Hoe Press Drill c/w factory trans; AC 22-ft

Equipment: JD 7720

c/w belt pickup, chopper, long unloading auger & hopper topper, 4021 eng. hrs., S/N H07720X601709; 1979 Versatile 4400 18-ft Hydro SP Swather C, rubberized canvases & pick-up reels, S/N 00196; Brandt 842 PTO Grain Auger; (2)1500 Bus. Westeel Hopper Bottom Bins; Chief Westland 5 Ring Flat Bottom Bin c/w aeration, needs floor Miscellaneous & Tools: Beatty Windmill c/w 30ft tower See Picture; 7-ft x 8-ft Truck Deck; Approx. 20 Bales Twine; 130-gal. Tidy Tank c/w 12V pump; Kids Ferris Wheel; Pallet Jacks; Assort. Cords; Assort. Chains & Boomers; Floor Jacks; Blue Ox Tow Bar; Propane Cutting

Round Hill holds grand opening for new pavilion

Kari Janzen Staff Reporter

The Round Hill Renaissance Agriculture Foundation held a grand opening for their newly constructed pavilion on Friday, Sept. 5, offering the community a free barbeque, face painter, outdoor games, live music from The Awkward Turtles, tipi time with Joelle Skinner, and an official ribbon cutting ceremony.

The construction for the 30 by 50-foot pavilion began in the fall of last year, and Foundation President Nicola Irving said the trusses and roof were done in May-June.

“We actually put the finishing touches on last night. We are working with a local electrician and we've got a fancy, new propane generator on order. It's not here yet

so we’re using another generator for the time being,” she said.

The Foundation decided to take up the project as a way to extend the outdoor season for the students at Round Hill School.

“The school year, as you know, is from September to the end of June, but most of the growing stuff happens in between that time. We are calling it sort of like an outdoor classroom, an outdoor education centre, so we can host workshops, and teachers will be free to use it whenever they want to,” Irving said.

The pavilion is partially open-air, with solid walls on the west and north sides.

“The walls on the north shelter from wind and rain, and the north facing roof is clear as well, so it's

a bit like a greenhouse,” she said.

The Round Hill Renaissance Agriculture Foundation was formed in 2020, when the school was at risk of being closed by Battle River School Division due to enrollment numbers.

“We started this project five years ago because we were at risk of losing our school,” Irving said during the ceremony, “and we felt that the community needed the school, so we said, let's do something different and unique and give them a reason to keep us open,” she said.

“We created this foodscape space here and now we felt that we needed a focal point to be able to bring more of the classroom outdoors, and so the pavilion is our Continued on Page 12

NOTICE OF NOMINATION DAY

LOCAL AUTHORITIES ELECTION ACT (SECTION 26(1))

LOCAL JURISDICTION, CAMROSE COUNTY, PROVINCE OF ALBERTA

Notice is hereby given that Nomination Day is Monday, September 22, 2025 and that nominations for the election of candidates for the following offices will be received at the location of the local jurisdiction office set out below within the period beginning on January 1 and ending at 12:00 noon on Nomination Day. A deposit of $25.00 in cash, certified cheque, money order or debit or credit card must accompany each nomination paper. Nomination packages are available at the Camrose County Administration Office or on the County Website at www.county.camrose.ab.ca

Tofield Write Group to begin meeting again

Vanessa Poitras Staff Reporter

The Tofield Write Group has started up again at the Tofield Municipal Library, with the first meeting taking place Friday, September 5.

The group meets the first Friday of every month at 7 p.m. and is for community members to share their love of writing.

It is free of cost and free

to just show up without having to book a spot ahead of time.

"This group has been around for as long as I can remember, probably 10-plus years,” library manager Sydney Baxter said.

“It was founded by Shawn Urban, a Tofield local who passed away March of last year. Myself and a few others have taken over the group to keep it going for the com-

munity.”

Paper and pens are available but attendees are welcome to bring anything that they are working on, as well as any materials they need.

"Work on what you are working on and share with others is the theme of the group.

“Attendees come for support and to help keep them on task for their individual writing goals," Baxter said.

Want to make a difference in the Ryley Community?

Consider running for Village of Ryley Council this fall! This position allows you to help shape the future of the Village, have a voice in the decisions made, and play a crucial role in our community. You will build meaningful connections with your neighbours and make significant change in our Village. If you care deeply about the Village of Ryley and would like to contribute your time and energy to how things are run, fill out a nomination package. Nomination packages are available in person at the Village of Ryley office (5005 50 St, Ryley) or online on our website at www.ryley.ca/home/2025-municipal-election.

Who is Eligible to Run?

You are eligible to run for Village of Ryley council if you are:

• At least 18 years old

• A Canadian Citizen

• An Alberta Resident

• A Village of Ryley Resident for at least 6 months before the election

• Not ineligible under the Local Authorities Election Act

The nomination period is now open. Nominations will be accepted at the Village of Ryley office until noon, September 22, 2025.

Location of Local Jurisdiction Office:

Camrose County Administration Office 3755-43 Avenue

Camrose, Alberta T4V 3S8

Dated at the City of Camrose, in the Province of Alberta, this 4th day September, 2025.

Teresa Gratrix

Returning Officer

Candidate orientation sessions held prior to nomination day

Kari Janzen Staff Reporter

The municipalities of Tofield, Ryley, Holden, Viking, and Beaver County partnered together to bring out Strategic Steps Inc., a local government consulting company, to provide a municipal candidate governance orientation last week, holding one session in Viking, Ryley, and Tofield.

As described by the Town of Tofield Administration, “The political landscape is one that is often unknown, and truly one that may be misunderstood by those looking to participate in the electoral process. Feedback from throughout the

province, not just locally, is that if there was an information session in advance to provide an overview of expectations, roles, responsibilities and background on governance, this might help to increase willingness of participants.”

As such, the Town of Tofield contracted Strategic Steps to host three workshops, and invited the other municipalities to partner with them and to share the cost of the sessions.

About a dozen people attended the second session which was held at the Ryley Community Centre on Wednesday, Sept. 3, about four of whom were not already a current councillor or em-

ployed by a municipality.

Town of Tofield CAO

Jeff Edwards said nearly 20 people were present for the session in Tofield on Thursday.

“There were 18 total attendees, the majority of which were from within Tofield. I believe the session to have gone well, and I was pleased with the attendance,” Edwards said.

Ian McCormack, Strategic Steps President who facilitated the sessions, said the commitment of being a councillor is often not what people anticipate.

“I often ask relatively new councilors, maybe one year in, was the job what you thought it was going to be? And almost invariably, they say no. They say it's more meetings, more time, more community work, it's more, more, more. Except salaries,” McCormack laughed, “that's less.”

McCormack said many people who have historically been part of community organizations like 4-H, agricultural societies, and curling clubs,

Continued on Page 19

KARI JANZEN PHOTO

Ian McCormack, President of Strategic Steps Inc.

Tofield School holds introduction assembly

Colton Kuflay Student Reporter

Tuesday, Sept. 5 was the annual introduction ceremony of Tofield School students coming back for another year of school.

During the introduction there were activities to help introduce new Grade 5 students.

There was an activity where the some Grade 5 students asked questions to Grade 12 students about what they enjoyed most about school so far and what they plan to do when they leave.

To continue keeping up with the fun and games,

there was a heads, knees, and shoulders cup activity that was played.

This game involved a member saying a sequence of heads, shoulders, knees and cup.

Whatever was said the student had to place their hands on each part of the body until cup was said, then the student would grab the cup before the person they are facing off against could.

After this series of fun events and questions, Principal Thompson announced how he looked forward to this new year at Tofield School and dismissed the students.

The annual Introduction Ceremony at Tofield School was held on the first day of school, Tuesday, Sept. 5, to welcome the new Grade 5 students. Pictured above, students play the hands, knees, shoulders cup game.

BEAVER COUNTY SEED CLEANING CO-OP

November

September & October

BEAVER COUNTY SEED CLEANING CO-OP OPEN BY APPOINTMENT ONLY

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

September & October 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

The Beaver County Chronicle

A Free Weekly Publication Serving All of Beaver County

Hubert & Margaret Graham Parts, Sales & Service Bus: 780-663-3759 Res: 780-662-2384 Fax: 780-663-3799

ryalta@digitalweb.net 5108 - 50th St. Ryley, AB., T0B 4A0

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

Wednesday, November , 2023, Volume 16, Issue 46

WednesdayFebruary162022Volume15Issue7

Wednesday, September 10, 2025, Volume 18, Issue 36

Patricia Harcourt

Crop harvesting is underway in Beaver County and across the province.

The provincial government crop report as of Sept. 2 indicates there were hot, dry conditions for the previous week. This allowed for “significant harvest progress,” and further moisture reduction.

It is reported that during that time crops were ripening quickly. However, if some fields that were wetter the crops were more uneven.

In those cases, farmers are choosing to either swath and speed up ripening or are leaving those fields to be harvested later.

As of Sept. 2, crop harvesting is 22 per cent complete, a jump from 14 per cent the previous week, and the current provincial harvest is ahead of both the five and 10-year averages of 21 and 17 per cent respectively.

In the North East of the province, the completion is at 18 per cent as of Sept. 2. Provincially canola harvest is only at three per cent but is one of the last crops to be harvested. But 28 per cent of canola crops have been

swathed up to that date.

In Region 3, the North East, sunny and dry conditions allowed harvest of major crops to be 18 per cent completed as of Sept. 2.

The report states that harvest of dry peas is the furthest advanced at 78 per cent harvested. Spring wheat is 28 per cent harvested, barley is 26 per cent harvested, oats is 12 per cent done and canola is one per cent done.

The region’s sub-surface soil moisture is listed as 26 per cent poor, 39 per cent fair and 35 per cent good. No areas were rated in either extreme of excellent or excessive in terms of moisture.

In terms of tame hay, 33 per cent are in poor condition, 49 per cent are in fair condition, 18 per cent are in good condition and there are no acres rated excellent in terms of growth rates.

The warmer temperatures in the week leading up to the report of Sept. 2 have slowed pasture growth across the province with some pasture actually browning in the heat.

“However, the proportion of provincial pasture having good to excellent growth conditions is still higher than

Crop harvest underway across the province

average for this time of year, with this week’s rating of 44 per cent above both the five-year average of 35 per cent and 10-year average of 37 per cent.

“The provincial rating is due to higher-than-average ratings in the South and Central regions compensating for lower-than-average ratings in the rest of the province.”

Regional pasture are rated as having

good to excellent growth conditions as a change over the previous week are 40 per cent in the South (-6). 64 per cent for the Central (-21), 25 per cent for the North East (-3), 33 per cent for the North West (-6) ad 27 per cent for the Peace Region (-1).

During that time frame, hot and dry weather limited the growth of tame hay but is ideal for drying the second cut.

Bruce, Holden, Kinsella Ryley, Tofield, Viking

Hubert & Margaret Graham

PATRICIA HARCOURT PHOTO

Bales like this one dot the countryside in Beaver County as farmers stop making hay bales and turn to the harvesting that will they will be doing in earnest in September.

IMPORTANTDATES

September10

9:30AM-4:00PM-RegularCouncil(Budget)Meeting September17

9:30AM-4:00PM-RegularCouncilMeeting

HAVE YOU REGISTERED TO VOTE? HAVEYOUREGISTEREDTOVOTE?

WHOCANVOTE...

You’reeligibletovoteifyou:

Areatleast18yearsold, AreaCanadiancitizen, LiveinAlbertaonElectionDay, Liveinthedivisionwhereyou’revoting, ShowvalidphotoIDandarelistedonthe ElectorsRegisterorbringvalidphotoIDand signtheElectorRegisteratthevotingstation onElectionDay.

Monday October 20 2025

BEAVERCOUNTY MUNICIPALELECTION: Monday,October20,2025

ADVANCEVOTING: Datestobeannounced

ADVANCE VOTING: Dates to be announced

TheAlbertaGovernmentnowrequiresAlbertamunicipalitiestousethe ProvincialElectorsRegistertocreatevoterlistsformunicipalelections. SavetimeonElectionDay—check,register,orupdateyour informationat www.voterlink.ab.caorbyscanningtheQRcode! ThedeadlinetoregisterfortheMunicipalElectionisSeptember15th.

DEVELOPMENTPERMITS

ThefollowingDevelopmentApplicationshavebeenAPPROVED(except whereotherwisenoted)bytheDevelopmentAuthorityundertheprovisions ofLandUseBylawNo.98-801,subjecttotherightofappealtotherelevant appealbody-SubdivisionandDevelopmentAppealBoard(SDAB)orLand andPropertyRightsTribunal(LPRT).

APPEALDEADLINE

AppealBody

ApplicationNo.

Applicant Landowner

Location Development

OCTOBER8,2025 SDAB 020020-25-D0055 CONRADDYRLAND CONRAD&HOLLYDYRLAND Lot4Block1Plan8021033inNW-12-51-20-W4 DiscretionaryUse–880ft2Cabin(Dwelling,AccessoryUnit)

Anypersonwishingtoappealanapplicationmaydosoby servingwrittennoticeontheprescribedform(stating reasonsfortheappeal)totherelevantappealbody.For informationonhowtoappealcanbefoundourourwebsite under Services>Planning&Development>Appealing PlanningDecisions

Furtherinformationregardingtheabovedecisionsmaybe obtainedfromtheCountyOffice,Ryley,Alberta.

BeaverCountyvaluestheincredibleworkofcommunityorganizations! ThroughtheCommunitySupportGrantprogram,weprovidefundingand in-kindsupporttohelpbringimpactfulprojectstolife.

Thinkingaboutapplying?Here’swhatyou’llneed:

Acompletedapplicationform, Adetailedprojectbudget, Theorganization’smostrecentfinancialstatements, Evidenceoffinancialneedorquotesfortheproject.

Deadline:September30th,2025

VisitourwebsiteunderCommunity>CommunitySupport Requestsformoreinformationortofilloutanapplicationform.

ROADMAINTENANCE:SHOULDERPULLS

BeaverCountyconstructioncrewsarecompletingshoulderpullsonthe followingroadsthisseason.

RgeRd200fromHWY14toTwpRd500 TwpRd492fromHWY834toRgeRd192

RgeRd173,430meterssouthofTwpRd500toTwpRd492 TwpRd500fromHWY854toRgeRd171 TwpRd484fromHWY855toRgeRd164 TwpRd502fromHWY854toRgeRd171

Thisworkreclaimsgravelfromtheroadedges,restoresthecrownforproper drainage,andimprovesoveralldrivingconditions.Duringthisprocess, residentsmaynoticetemporaryroughsurfacesandroadequipment.We askdriverstoslowdown,watchforsigns,andgivecrewsspacetowork safely.Formoreinformation,visittheRoadMaintenanceFAQontheBeaver Countywebsite.Ifyourquestionisn’tansweredthere,pleasecontactthe BeaverCountyServiceCentreat780-663-3730.

BEAVER COUNTY MUNICIPAL ELECTION:

CONSTRUCTIONUPDATEFORTHEFOLLOWING LOCATIONS:

Overthesummer,Countyconstructioncrewshavebeenworkingto upgradethefollowingroads: BeaverCreekEstatesNorth50514RGERD202 RGERD200fromSecondaryHWY630toHoopersDriveand CampgroundEntrance TWPRD492Approximately1.72kmseastofRGERD170 TWPRD490betweenHighway857&RGERD142 TWPRD490betweenHighway870&RGERD120

Theselocationswillsoonbegintoreceivethesecondlayerofchipsealand theremaybedelaysasworkcrews'directtraffictoworksafely.Therewill bemanylooserocksafterthesecondchipseallayerisappliedandspeed limitswillcontinuetobereducedontheseroadsuntilthefinalsweepis complete.BeaverCounty'sgoalistoprovideahealthy,injuryfreework environmentforallemployees,contractors,visitors,andgeneralpublic. Therearepotentialhazardstothepublicandvehiclesduringthe constructionprocess.Thiscanincludeheavymachinery,dustormud,road materialsuchasgravel,asphaltcoatingsandrockchips.Weapologizefor theinconveniencethatroadmaintenanceandupgradingcauses,butthe sameroadsthatreceivethemosttrafficalsoneedthemostmaintenance. Thankyouforyourpatienceandunderstandingduringconstruction.If youhaveanyquestions,pleasecalltheBeaverCountyServiceCentreat 780-663-3730.

Thesoilstabilizingfortheroadbasewithsoilcementisnowcomplete.We willsoonbestartingthefirstlayerofchipsealandtheremaybedelaysas workcrewsdirecttrafficinordertoworksafely.Therewillbemanyloose rocksafterthechipseallayerisappliedandspeedlimitswillbereducedon theseroadsonceopeneduntiltheprojectiscomplete. Duringthis constructionphase,portionsoftheroadmaybeclosedtoallowcrews toworksafelypleaseuseanotherroute,detourswillbepostedorbe cautiouswhenyouneedtodrivethroughconstructionzones(local trafficonly). BeaverCounty'sgoalistoprovideahealthy,injuryfreework environmentforallemployees,contractors,visitorsandgeneralpublic. Alreadythisyearwehavehadpeopleexceedingthepostedspeedlimit throughourconstructionzones,endangeringstaff,contractorsandthe public.Therearepotentialhazardstothepublicandvehiclesduringthe constructionprocess.Thiscanincludeheavymachinery,dustormud,road materialsuchasgravel,asphaltcoatingsandrockchips.Weapologizefor theinconveniencethatroadmaintenanceandupgradingcauses,butthe sameroadsthatreceivethemosttrafficalsoneedthemostmaintenance. Thank-youforyourpatienceandunderstandingduringconstruction.If youhaveanyquestions,pleasecalltheBeaverCountyServiceCentreat 780-663-3730.

ROADSURFACINGUPDATE:

BeaverCountyispleasedtoannouncethatthehardsurfacingprojectsat thefollowinglocation(s)havebeencompleted:

RgeRd202betweenTwp502and504

Thisupgradewillprovidesmoothertravelandextendthelong-term durabilityoftheroadwayforallusers.

Toensuretheroadremainsinexcellentcondition,weaskthepublicto pleasefollowtheguidelinesbelow:

Roadbanswillremaininplaceforapproximatelyoneyear. Noloadingorunloadingontheroadway.

Avoiddrivingheavyandtrackedequipmentontheroad,pleaseuse alternateroutesorhaulroads.

ReportanydamageorunsafeconditionstotheBeaverCountyService Center.

CONSTRUCTIONNOTICE:

ThebridgeonRangeRoad144,betweenTownships494and500, willbeunderrepairfromSeptember8–12,2025.Trafficwillremain opentoonelanewhileworkisunderway,andrepairsareexpected totakeaboutfourdays(weatherdependent).

Mailinglist

Getnews,meetinghighlights,theroad constructionschedule,theChronicle,and more-directtoyourinbox!

Website

RgeRd200fromHwy630to BlackfootGrazingReserve Entrance

Twp492approx.1.72kmseastof RgeRd170

Twp490betweenHwy870&Rge Rd120

TwpRd512fromRgeRd191toHWY 834

ShoulderPulls

RgeRd200fromHWY14toTWP RD500 Sept9 Sept30

TwpRd492fromHWY834toRge Rd192 Oct1 Oct9

RgeRd173from430meterssouth ofTwpRd500andTwpRd492 Oct10 Oct24

TwpRd500fromHWY854toRge Rd171 Oct27 Nov4

TwpRd502fromHWY854toRge Rd171 Nov5 Nov14

BridgeReplacement(RGERD171 fromTWP484-490 Jun26 Jul26 Gravelling Mar13 Dec22

HamletRoadRehabilitation(DatesTBD)

Bruce -MainStreetfromrailroad tracksto4Avenue th Kinsella - MainStreetfrom Highway14to3Avenue rd 2AvenuefromMainStreetto KingStreet nd

InformationonCountyprogramsandservicescan befoundonourwebsite,alongwiththelatestnews.

“Autumnshowsushowbeautifulitistoletthingsgo.”

Governance and Priorities Committee meets to discuss several issues

Patricia Harcourt

The Governance and Priorities Committee (GPC) met on Wednesday, Sept. 3 for a discussion meeting on several issues.

Minutes of the previous meeting held Aug. 20 indicate a delegation from Clean Harbors regarding a permit renewal issue was held with Michael Parker, Clean Harbors Vice-President for Environmental Compliance.

Also present was Stan Yuha, Clean Harbors Facility Manager, and Mark Reynolds, Clean Harbors Compliance Manager.

The committee held a closed session starting with a motion by committee member Barry Bruce for the session to begin at 9:54 a.m. to discuss matters under the Alberta Access to Information Act (ATIA) concerning two items.

One item concerned discussions where there could be “disclosure harmful to intergovernmental relations - Claystone Waste Collection Rates.”

The other issue involved “privileged informationBESC (Beaver Emergency Services Agreement) Shared Services Agreement.

After the closed session concluded, the committee came back into public session and a motion by committee member Bruce was carried, stating: “that the Governance and Priorities Committee recommend that council authorize administration to share the Aug. 12, 2025 legal opinion from Brownlee LLP regarding an Intermunicipal Collaboration Framework and the BESC Shared Services Agreement, excluding the section regarding governance risks, with the Beaver Region urban municipalities and the Beaver Emergency Services Commission.”

At the Sept. 3 GPC meeting, the committee heard a business case for the Tofield Curling Club.

The club stated it plans to rebuild the front entrance/foyer of the curling club building at a projected cost of $80,000 to $90,000.

The club plans to apply for any available grants and the Town of Tofield has already committed to giving $60,000 towards the project.

The club was requesting $30,000 from Beaver County to help with their project.

The committee also received an expression of concern from a Ryley area resident regarding “excessive odour pollution from Claystone Waste Ltd. compost facility north of Ryley, AB.”

The landowner stated that she had “serious concerns about the ongoing excessive odour emissions from the Claystone Waste Ltd. compost facility… As a landowner whose property is (inset distance) from the site, I am directly affected by these odours, which have significantly impacted my quality of life, the use of outdoor spaces, and the health of my performance horses.”

She added: “Given Beaver County’s involvement in regional waste management through Claystone Waste, I urge you to take immediate action to address this issue.”

The committee also addressed a request from Margaret Jones, Manager of Legislative Services, and Peggy Ewert, Contracts and Procurement Coordinator, for GPC to consider recommending Policy INFR-001 Acquisition of Land for Road Widening and accompanying administrative procedure to Council for approval.

Another Policy, INFR=008 Fence Replacement and accompanying administrative procedure was also requested as a policy for council to approve.

The committee was also requested to recommend that council pass first reading of Bylaw 25-1178 - Non Residential Tax Incentive.

First reading for Bylaw 25-1179 Fees Rates and Charges is also being requested as a recommendation to council.

Matters referred by the committee then are presented to County Council for final approval.

KARI JANZEN PHOTO

Harvest season is well underway, with a forecast of sun and high 20s this week. Pictured here, the Holden Hutterite Colony straight cuts a field of wheat on Saturday, August 30.

Continued from Page 8

outdoor classroom.

“We did this primarily to support the school and we really hope that every single teacher in Round Hill School will use this space whenever they are able to adapt their classes

to be out here. And we also hope to extend that to not just the Round Hill School, but every school in our school division and beyond. We're developing a field trip program right now so that teachers can bring their classes out for a whole program of activities based on outdoor learning.

“This pavilion is more than the building. It's a

multi-function, intergenerational space that is for education, but it's also for connection and the community,” Irving said.

Camrose County Division 5 councillor Carlene Wetthuhn and Division 6 councillor Jordon Banack were in attendance to express their support of the initiative.

“Camrose County is proud to be a long-term supporter of the Founda-

tion. This collaborative effort is a great example of how our rural communities work together to make good things happen.

“It takes the work of not just one individual person, but that of a board many volunteers and other community groups to make our communities thrive.

“Camrose County is able to provide support via our Legacy grant for investment in brick and mortar projects like this and the hall addition that was completed this summer, as well as operational funding for our Ag Society and recreation funding for our skating rink and programs like baseball and swimming lessons.

“Congratulations and thank you to the dedicated members of the Round Hill Renaissance Ag Foundation, the school community, and the many donors and volunteers who made this project a success,” Wetthuhn said.

The Round Hill Renaissance Agriculture Foundation held a grand opening for their newly constructed pavilion on Friday, Sept. 5.

PRICING

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16,000 readers

CARD OF THANKS

I would like to give a big shout out to all those who were able to attend our fundraiser! An extra big thank you goes out to Iron Creek Colony, Bruce Ag Society, Viking Meats, AG Foods, Atco, Brettzky, Cindy Lefsrud and the Town of Viking. We couldn’t have ever put on this great event for one of our own that supports so many people in different ways. I would also like to thank all who helped me put this together. Stay tuned As we are going to be doing another fundraiser! This will be posted soon in the newspaper, social media and posters at our great local businesses who support this town.

Thank you again. Jamie Buttner, organizer Skate and Burger Fundraiser

On behalf of the Olga Brissard family, we would like to thank all our friends, family, and community for attending Olga's Celebration of Life. Thank you for your kindness, your food, your flowers, calls, and cards written with comforting words. Your gestures reminded us that we are not alone in our grief and touched us deeply. Thank you to Father Miciak, Viking Funeral Services, Mary Hansen, Bob Wesley, and all who helped us honour our mother's memory with dignity and grace. We are truly grateful for your exceptional service. To Donna Brooks for the wonderful luncheon. Jenn Guhle, your eulogy shared beautiful stories and memories, it truly highlighted what a special person Olga was. To Camen O'Hara and Kyle Muhlbach for your readings. Kyle, thank you for your slide show, grandma would have loved it. Shari Gustafson, your prayer was especially meaningful. A big heartfelt thank you to all of mom's nursing coworkers that attended, Olga would have been so proud. Finally, to everyone who donated to the Viking Health Centre on Olga's behalf, Thank you. She dedicated 40 years to the Viking Hospital; she would have been grateful for your donations. To anyone we might have missed, know you compassion was appreciated by the family.

Reale, Laure, Lynette

CLASSIFIEDS

NOTICES.

CARD OF THANKS

We would like to extend a sincere thank you to the doctors and staff of the Killam Hospital for the care and kindness shown Maxine during her stay there. Thank you to Fee & Sons for their capable handling of all the funeral arrangements. To Reverend Laureta Blondin, thank you for conducting a beautiful funeral service. Thanks to Sheila Tanton for being the organist and a huge help behind the scenes and to the Anglican Church Ladies for providing lunch. Lastly, thank you to everyone who came to the funeral, sent flowers, memorial donations, and offered their sympathies.

Sincerely, Harold and Family

Lougheed Ag Society would like to thank all of our sponsors for their help in achieving continued success in the Fair, from all of you who sponsor exhibits to those who sponsor the events, all of you are not listed but please consider this a great appreciation for your support.

Macraes Farm and Ranch Supply, Bush Bunny Customs, Sawyer Robison for tilling the ground, Soul Barn for eggs, Ness Bros, Diamond J Bakery, Poplar Grove Farms - Ricky Snethun, Spectre Systems, Iron Creek Veterinary Hospital, Battle River Implements, Sweet Pea Agriculture and many more.

COMING EVENTS

Annual General Meeting for Friends of Hardisty and District Public Library Society

Tues Sept 23, 2025 at 7:30 pm at Town of Hardisty's Library Looking for new members!

36/37c

Order Fall Potatoes and Carrots!!!

East of Sedgewick, off Highway 13, turn north on RR122, then go north 3 miles.

Helen Tanton - 780-888-6800

Birthday Party

Ccome and enjoy

George Walz's 90th Birthday Party at the Tofield Golden Club; 5004 54 Ave, Tofield, Saturday, September 13th from 1-4 pm. No gifts.

COMING EVENTS

You're Invited to our OPEN HOUSE at Flagstaff Community Adult Learning. Tuesday, Sept 16th 11:30 AM - 2 PM including Free Lunch Main Street Killam5023 50th Street

Come and see what we do, find out about upcoming classes and meet the staff.

35/36c

SAVE THE DATE

Tofield & Area Welcome Committee presents Alberta Culture Days Friday, September 19, 2025 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm

Tofield Community Hall

Join us for a celebration of arts, culture, heritage, diversity, and community spirit of Tofield and Area!

TM36C

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.

FOR SALE

Pyrenees Puppies, 7 months old. Female and male. Asking $100. Call Garth at 780-688-3514.

36/38c

Great Pyrenees about 1.5 years old. 2 females and 1 male, in the Holden area. Asking $200 per dog. Call 780-688-3514

FOR SALE

Equipment For Sale

• Zero Turn Cub Cadet Lawnmower 54" with approximately 250 hours 2 years old

• Kubota Side by Side with Dump Box

• Massey Ferguson model 255 with approximately 3,000 hours with ease-on front end loader.

• Restored W30 International. New paint, runs good. Call Norman at 780-385-8814.

33/37p

BLS Fresh Garden Products

The following will be available soon: peas, beans, cucumbers, cabbages, dill. For other products please text 780-860-2672. In the Bruce area. TM32-35p

4 month old Hens. Mixed breed Australorp, Plymouth Rock Columbian Rock Hens. Started to lay eggs. $18.00 a bird. More information phone or text 780-632-9881. LL32p

HELP WANTED

Lamont Vision Centre is hiring!

- Optician (licensed or student) - Receptionist

Flexible hours for both positions. Please email resume to bailee.cvc@gmail.com to apply. 34/37P

JP’s Country Daycare located in Daysland, Alberta is looking for full-time and part-time Early Childhood Educators - ECEs. Willing to train, Government Top Up, Wage to be discussed based on experience. Resumes can be sent to jpcountrydaycare@gmail.com 36/39c

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

PRICING

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16,000 readers

•free gift wrapping •prescription service 6 days a week. SERVICES

CLASSIFIEDS

SERVICES

Looking for New Farm & Commercial Listings!

Give us a call, we’d love to sell your property!

Hill Realty Inc.

780-449-5622

nhill01@telus.net www.hillrealty.ca

Town & Country Guardian Drugs - 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

Red Seal Journeyman Plumber and Gasfitter. Bathroom Renos & Tile

New to the Area. 30 plus Years of Experience. Dave 403-999-8464

Medical Taxi Service

Personal Taxi Service to Edmonton and Back -$175

•Office Hours Mon-Fri 9-5

•Absolutely NO Hidden Fees

•Escort to Reception/Waiting Room

•Pick up and Drop off at your door

•Top Notch Service! •Includes up to 4 Hour Wait•Locally Owned and Operated. 587-987-7810

————————————————

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! Flagstaff Taping & Texturing

Murray Cholowsky Call or text at 780-385-1251

Painting

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

Hakim Oberg Law

ALA HAKIM OBERG

Barrister, Solicitor & Notary Public Based in Forestburg, AB 5004 - 49 Ave. (Professional Centre, 2nd Floor) Please call for appointment. 780-238-6938 ala@hakimoberglaw.com www.hakimoberglaw.com ———————————————

PRIVATE MORTGAGE LENDER. All real estate types considered. No credit checks done. Deal direct with lender and get quick approval. Toll free 1-866-405-1228; www.firstandsecondmortgages.ca

Be prepared for winter with GENERAC Call 587-803-3600

Crossword

SERVICES ——————————-

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. WANTED

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. ————————————————

CAUGHT YOU LOOKING! BOOK YOUR CLASSIFIED AD TODAY!

Candidate Orientation Sessions

Continued from Page 9

When they are elected to a governance board, McCormack said it can be difficult to step back from being doers to becoming the thinkers.

“That’s when we start to think about things like role clarity.

“This is where the conflict starts to show up, because Council is the brains of the operation and everybody else is the body of the operation, putting effort behind what Council's ideas are,” he said.

McCormack shared a story from an investigation his company carried out, where it was discovered that a councillor would go into the public works foreman’s office and tell him which work order he should do first.

“The poor public works guy didn't know who the boss was. Is the boss the councillor who sits in my office telling me what to do, or is the boss the CAO, which is how it should have been.

Situations like that puts the staff in a really awkward spot.

“So, individual members of council can't direct anybody. Council as a whole can only direct the CAO,” McCormack said.

McCormack also provided an overview of

municipal government structures, roles and responsibilities of elected officials, key dates and campaign guidelines, and ethics, integrity, and public service.

Nomination day is Monday, Sept. 22, with a noon deadline, and residents head to the polls on Monday, Oct. 20.

New staff member at Ryley School

PHOTO SUPPLIED

Justin Woodruff, Ryley School Administrative Assistant, is one of the newest staff at the school. He started in December 2024.

Holden museum holds season closing

Kari Janzen Staff Reporter

The Holden Museum held their season closing on Saturday, Sept. 6, as the museum ended their summer hours and will now be open by appointment only.

As a drawing card, Holden Historical Society president Dave Maruzeczka provided an overview of his new electronic bird detector.

“Probably a year or two ago, I was thinking that I wanted to monitor the environment around me, light levels, sound, those kinds of things.

“I like science and I'm an engineer so I was thinking of trying to build one for myself, which is a big feat, of course, but it can be done.

“I never got around to doing it, and one day I saw an advertisement for this device, and, looking into it, I said, that's just about what I want,” he said.

The puck-sized device is mounted onto a post not far from

Maruzeczka’s residence, where it uses microphones and sensors to record bird calls and collect weather data.

“I set it up at my place at the end of March or early April. It’s within a short distance of the house and is close enough to connect to my WiFi.

“It needs power and so I have an extension cord running to it, but it also is built to take batteries. If it doesn’t detect the WiFi, but you turn it on, it reverts to the batteries to operate and records everything to an SD card,” Maruzeczka said.

“The sounds it detects are sent to the server in California where they, in turn, use artificial intelligence to process the audio and compare it against all the known species to determine what kind of bird it is,” he said.

The sensors detect all manner of things including location, temperature, humidity, barometric pressure, sound levels, spectrums of light, among others.

Maruzeczka has taken the device to Victoria and Switzerland, detecting other kinds of birds that don’t live in this area.

“In my travels this summer I went to visit my son in Victoria and we put this thing in an open window, facing outward, and let it record there for a couple days.

“The second place I took it was on my trip to Switzerland. And, something I found out inadvertently, any conversations it may pick up are distorted and you cannot understand them,” he said.

The device runs in 60-second increments, recording nine-second clips when it detects a bird.

“It doesn't record continuously, only when it hears something. So, its monitoring, but not actively recording.

“It checks every minute, and if it hears something legit, then it records for nine seconds. The weather sensors are on all the time,” Maruzeczka said.

LAMONT COUNTY

• W4-19-54-11-SW Plan 1026758 Block 1 Lot 2 Lamont County. 75.12 acres in the Lamont County 55 acres ± in cultivation. Price $330,00

• W4-19-57-15-NW East Half Lamont County 78.01 acres with 45 acres ± in hay. Nice building site. Price: $280,000

TOWN OF LAMONT

• 5119 48 Ave, 5121 48 Ave, and 5116 47 Ave Lamont AB 3 commercial lots 50' by 100', 65' by 100', and 30' by 100' Price: $200,000

VILLAGE OF ANDREW

• 5317-50 Ave Andrew. An 18,000 sq. ft. manufacturing shop with office and storage space on 2.3 acres of land Price: $1,700,000

Lauren Hill Kelly Dick Norman Hill Steven Hill

KARI JANZEN PHOTO

The Holden Museum held their season closing on Saturday, Sept. 6, as the museum ended their summer hours and will now be open by appointment only.

TofieldFire Dept.invites publictopractice

JORDYN CHARLESWORTH PHOTO

The Tofield Fire Dept. invited the community to participate in a refreshing pump practice on Wednesday, Aug. 27, to cool off from the 30-degree weather in the greenspaceatBeaverhillDrive.