1-877-783-4494 6305 - 44 Avenue, Ponoka MONDAY TO SATURDAY WWW.PONOKANEWS.COM Vol. 66, No. 52 | WEDNESDAY, DEC. 24, 2014 | 403-783-3311 | [email protected]CONNECTING THE COMMUNITY S tampeders play with passion but lose again Story on page 15 Abduction brings charges: Police arrested four suspects involved in an alleged unlawful confinement of a Ponoka man Wednesday, Dec. 17. A traffic stop was initiated at the Stam- pede Esso where several officers came to the aid of the victim. Photo by Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye Seven charged with abduction appear in court, four to be released on bail BY PONOKA NEWS STAFF Three suspects out of seven were re- manded in custody by choice and four others were to be released pending bail after their first court appearance on Friday, Dec. 19 over charges of abduction and unlawful confinement of a Ponoka resident over an alleged drug debt of $200. Police arrested the seven suspects on Wednesday, Dec. 17 after they abducted a 23-year- old male from his home and forc- ibly confined him to another residence. The seven accused are: Christine Kirke- by (29) of Red Deer, Shane Kerik (42) of Lacombe County, Tyler Scott (21) of Red Deer, Lane Dickson (19) of Red Deer, Ash- ley Shewchuk (28) of Ponoka, Zackary Purdy (24) of Innisfail and James Miller- Laney (28) of Ponoka. They jointly face charges of break, en- ter and commit robbery using a firearm; assault with the intent to steal while armed with an offensive weapon; use of a firearm during kidnapping; carry imitation of a weapon; utter threats to kill and unlawful confinement. According to the details of the incident disclosed during the court proceedings, at approximately 5 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 17, four men arrived at the victim’s house and kicked down the door while in posses- sion of what appeared to be a rifle, swords and machetes. They forced those in the house to lie down on the floor while searching for valu- able items. Before leaving, they told the victim they would return for him. The vic- tim, who cannot be named, did not report the incident to police. Crown prosecutor R. Clark told the court those who broke into the house that morning were part of a new drug trafficking gang operating in Ponoka. The abduction and confinement is said to have been trig- gered by $200 in drug money allegedly owed by the victim to one of the accused. Later in the day, the suspects returned and took the victim to the confinement resi- dence, where he remained for some time. The police were alerted to the incident by passersby, one of whom witnessed the vic- tim being transported back to a maroon Chevy Suburban. continued on page 3
Transcript
1-877-783-44946305 - 44 Avenue, PonokaMONDAY TO SATURDAY
charges: Police arrested four suspects involved in an alleged unlawful confinement of a Ponoka man Wednesday, Dec. 17. A traffic stop was initiated at the Stam-pede Esso where several officers came to the aid of the victim.
Photo by Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye
Seven charged with abduction appear in court, four to be released on bail
BY PONOKA NEWS STAFF
Three suspects out of seven were re-manded in custody by choice and four others were to be released pending bail after their first court appearance on Friday, Dec. 19 over charges of abduction and unlawful confinement of a Ponoka resident over an alleged drug debt of $200.
Police arrested the seven suspects on Wednesday, Dec. 17 after they abducted a 23-year- old male from his home and forc-ibly confined him to another residence.
The seven accused are: Christine Kirke-
by (29) of Red Deer, Shane Kerik (42) of Lacombe County, Tyler Scott (21) of Red Deer, Lane Dickson (19) of Red Deer, Ash-ley Shewchuk (28) of Ponoka, Zackary Purdy (24) of Innisfail and James Miller-Laney (28) of Ponoka.
They jointly face charges of break, en-ter and commit robbery using a firearm; assault with the intent to steal while armed with an offensive weapon; use of a firearm during kidnapping; carry imitation of a weapon; utter threats to kill and unlawful confinement.
According to the details of the incident
disclosed during the court proceedings, at approximately 5 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 17, four men arrived at the victim’s house and kicked down the door while in posses-sion of what appeared to be a rifle, swords and machetes.
They forced those in the house to lie down on the floor while searching for valu-able items. Before leaving, they told the victim they would return for him. The vic-tim, who cannot be named, did not report the incident to police.
Crown prosecutor R. Clark told the court those who broke into the house that
morning were part of a new drug trafficking gang operating in Ponoka. The abduction and confinement is said to have been trig-gered by $200 in drug money allegedly owed by the victim to one of the accused.
Later in the day, the suspects returned and took the victim to the confinement resi-dence, where he remained for some time. The police were alerted to the incident by passersby, one of whom witnessed the vic-tim being transported back to a maroon Chevy Suburban.
continued on page 3
2 PONOKA NEWS Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2014
Town looks at economic development strategy
BY JEFFREY HEYDEN-KAYE
The Town of Ponoka has been without an eco-nomic development strategy for some time but planners have put an end to that.
Town council approved a new economic de-velopment strategy for 2015 to 2017, drafted
Ponoka Animal Services(Old MacDonald Kennels)
Sponsored by
Check our website www.oldmacdonaldkennels.ca
PET OF THE WEEKPET OF THE WEEK
To adopt call To adopt call 403-783-7447403-783-7447
Need a Need a little CASH?little CASH?Pick him up Pick him up
today!today!
403-783-8322
by economic development officer Stephen Novak, during its regular meeting Tuesday, Dec. 16.
Novak told councillors that it is difficult to make any sort of plan without a strategy in place, but once it’s been approved, he will be able to put plans in motion that will help set the stage for the future of the town.
“What I’d like to do is have council pass this, so we get moving forward with the economic develop-ment strategy in 2015,” said Novak.
Implementation of the plan will begin in January 2015, he added. The strategy looks at five priorities: 1 - Tourism development2 - Advertising and media3 - Airport development4 - Business development, retention and expansion5 - Population growth
In each priority, there are brief guidelines for Novak that he says may change over time. Part of the planning includes hosting business cafes and bringing different town departments together to consult on improvements.
For option 2, administration will look at the town’s website, www.ponoka.ca to determine areas that need to be fixed. It will also look at advertising strategies. The cost es-timate for both is $25,000.
Option 3 seeks more use of the
Ponoka Industrial Airport. An air-port business plan is already being planned for and Novak wants to use that to plan for its future.
A business development, reten-tion and expansion survey is in the works for option 4 and will be used in conjunction with the business ca-fes. Estimated cost to host a café is about $1,000 and the surveys are es-timated to cost $10,000 to $20,000.
Part of option 4 includes down-town revitalization; a committee has been organized specifically for the purpose of decreasing vacancy rates and increasing consumer traffic.
“A revitalized downtown is a measure of pride for the entire com-munity,” states the plan.
Option 1 tackles tourism from the standpoint that Ponoka is home to the Ponoka Stampede and has the Calnash Ag Event Centre as a main stage for equine events. Also the golf courses, arena and other centres are ideal for hosting events.
“These venues can be utilized to host local, regional, provincial, na-tional and international events if the opportunities are fully investigated,” states the document.
Coun. Carla Prediger asked No-vak to bring updates of the plan on a quarterly basis to see how it is mov-ing forward.
Council approves deal with
planning groupBY JEFFREY HEYDEN-KAYE
Town planners will be able to look to the future after council approved a three-year contract with Parkland Community Planning Services (PCPS).
The request to ratify the agreement came Tues-day, Dec. 16 during council’s regular meeting. The contract with the group will cost $73,000 per year.
“The services provided by PCPS to date have been excellent. The backlog of files that existed when vacancies in the planning department were created last October has been addressed,” said CAO Rachel Kunz.
Betty Quinlan, director of corporate services added this group will help the town prepare for the future.PCPS helps with the town’s rail spur line
During budget deliberations Dec. 8 and 9, town councillors heard from Meghan Jenkins, planning manager for PCPS.
She discussed the rail spur line owned by the Town of Ponoka in the Northeast Industrial Park that was built in the 1980s. She said administration over the years did not keep up with maintenance and insurance and other items needed to run the spur line, which created issues.
CP Rail refused to put their train cars on the spur line as it was unsafe to do so and the town did not have the authority to operate it.
“In May of this year everything was up to date; you had your operating authority. To date, the town has spent $228,000 with rehabilitation, monthly track inspections and insurance,” said Jenkins.
She says the town is at a crossroads and has to decide if it should manage the spur line, which ser-vices three businesses.
“Estimated it would be about $27,000 per year for track inspections, spraying, liability insurance as well as a licencing fee with CP Rail,” she explained.
The businesses that the line services have ex-pressed interest in its continued use and Jenkins
suggests planners need to either keep it as a town resource or sell it to the companies, who do not pay any fees to use it.
She added CP Rail has expressed no inter-est in buying the line. One issue with the line is that it cannot be ex-panded much further as the Ponoka County boundary is close to the line.One more change
to the 2015 interim
budget
There was little dis-cussion by councillors before passing the 2015 interim budget for the Town of Ponoka.
Council approved the budget during its regular meeting with only one amendment. Administration request-ed council increase the 2014 paving replace-ment budget to $400,000 from $200,000.
Quinlan said the adjustment is needed mainly for auditing pur-poses.
www.ponokanews.com
PONOKA RISINGSUN CLUBHOUSE
Community BlueBox Program
For $12.00 per month
We will pick up your paper, clean tins, glass, No. 1-5 plastic and cardboard.
We also pick up cardboard from local businesses.
For more information on these programs please call
Best wishes for a Blessed and joyous Christmas season.Drop-in’s welcome at all events
Regular Jam Session every Saturday at 1pm. No Jam Session Dec. 27
No Gospel Concert in December. See you in January!
No Potluck in December. See you in January!
Billiards - 9:00am Mon through Sat – 50 cents per game. Honour system
Monday Bridge 1:00pm
Monday Whist - 1:30pm
Monday Yoga - 6:30pm NEW PROGRAM
Tuesday & Thursday Exercise class 9:30am
Tuesday Shuffl eboard - 7pm. No shuffl eboard Dec. 23 or 30.
Wednesday Sewing Guild 9:30am to 4pm
Wednesday Cribbage 1:00pm
Wednesday Duplicate Bridge 7:00pm
Thursday Floor Curling - Check for times with co-ordinator - Gail 783-2450. No fl oor curling Dec. 25 or Jan. 1
Thursday Weaving 1:00pm Welcome to drop-in to see how it’s done
Thursday Bridge 1:00pm
Thursday Art Club Drop In Noon to 4pm
Thursday Pickleball - Check for times with co-ordinator Gail 783-2450. No pickleball Dec. 25 or Jan. 1
Friday “500” 1:00pm
Saturday Yoga 9:30am NEW PROGRAM
Memberships available for 2015 - $10.00 per person. To rent our facility contact Dorothy
@ 403-783-3027 or George @ 403-783- 3514 or leave a message @ 403-783-5012. Rentals are increasing and
we would like to invite our town administration, business groups, and general public (Wedding, funeral, and
Birthday groups), to inquire about rentals services and prices early in their planning. We may fi t your bill!
Seven charged . . .continued from page 1
The suspects and the victim were located in the Suburban at the Stampede Esso gas sta-tion, where a high-risk traffic stop was con-ducted. Witnesses said several officers with their guns drawn were seen shouting at the suspects.
Police were seen taking away two swords for evidence after five individuals were ar-rested.
Later that same evening, an Emer-gency Response Team (ERT) was mobilized to assist Ponoka RCMP with the execution of a search warrant at the confinement residence. Witnesses say police blocked off the street and turned motorists around to ensure the home was secured. Two more people were arrested as result of the search of the residence.
At the beginning of the court proceedings on Friday, Judge W. Andreassen informed the accused they could choose to wait to ap-ply for release on Jan. 2 or attempt to gain bail during their first ap-pearance.
In the Jan. 2 hear-ing, the suspects will be able to notify the court how they want to be tried for their offences.
According to the criminal trial proce-dures, if the accused is charged with an indict-able offence and the offence is not within the jurisdiction of the provincial court, the accused can choose which court will hear the case. The accused may choose to be tried by a provincial court
judge without a jury and without a preliminary inquiry; by a Queen’s Bench justice without a jury, or, by a Queen’s Bench justice and jury.
Early in the pro-ceedings Kerik’s bail was set at $2,000 with a 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew condition attached.
Purdy opted to re-serve his election until Jan. 2 and remain in de-tention at the Edmonton Remand Centre where he will appear in court via CCTV.
Scott and Dick-son also chose to be remanded in custody. “They all wish the issue of release to go over to Jan. 2,” said Clark.
Regarding Purdy, the Crown requested a no contact order, di-rectly or indirectly, with Kirkeby, Shewchuk, Miller-Laney, the vic-tim or another man who lives in the same residence as the victim. He had clothing and swords stolen from him on Dec. 13.
Purdy objected to a no contact order with Kirkeby, who is his common-law wife, but Andreassen ordered it anyway.
Scott was issued the same no contact order.
The Crown was opposed to Kirkeby’s release as she has a fail to appear conviction for a less serious situation on her criminal record, stated Clark.
Through duty coun-sel, Kirkeby claimed she was not in the SUV when it was pulled over by police. How-ever the pre-sentence investigation (PSI) re-port contradicted her account. Judge Andre-assen told Kirkeby she
had the opportunity to provide an explanation to the confusion but she would have to take an oath and consent to cross-examination. She refused.
Kirkeby was re-leased pending a $1,000 bail with several strict conditions includ-ing not being within a one-kilometre radius of Ponoka and have no direct or indirect con-tact with any of the co-accused (excluding Dickson), victim or the other man who lived in the house.
Shewchuk’s bail was set at $1,000 and the Crown consented to her release. Her condi-tions mirror Kirkeby’s and she is to have no contact with Dickson.
Miller-Laney was dealt with separately and the Crown pros-ecutor consented to his release because he pro-vided investigators with a plausible explanation to his lack of involve-ment. He will be back in court on Jan. 2
Miller-Laney drove the SUV to pick up the victim, on an order from Purdy and said he was promised there would be no violence and was arrested after the ESSO incident dur-ing a warranted search of Shewchuck’s house where she was also ar-rested.
He was released on a no cash bail set at $2,500 with similar conditions to the two women involved.
“ Quality and comfort is our No.1 priority - so go ahead and smile!”
Y O U M A Y Q U A L I F Y F O R D E N T U R E S T H R O U G H
T H E S E N I O R B E N E F I T S P R O G R A M .
C A L L T O D A YF O R I N F O R M A T I O N
PONOKA D E N T U R E C L I N I C
5101 - 49th Ave • 403-783-3771
• Danny Jones •
MLA Fox defends decision to cross floor
PONOKA NEWS STAFF
Lacombe-Ponoka MLA Rod Fox said he had chosen to join the PC caucus in the Legislature because the leadership of Premier Jim Prentice had brought Wildrose and PCs closer with unified goals.
“These are the same principles that I ran under in the last election,” said Fox in an interview with Ponoka News.
He said advocating for his con-stituents, many of whom had voted because of his alignment with the Wildrose Party, would still be a pri-ority. He added that being a member of the PC Party would help him get things done in the legislature rather than being stalled.
Despite the positive tone he tried to reflect, Fox struggled to answer direct questions regard-ing his personal opinion on Smith’s move. When asked why he did not go independent like Rimbey-Rocky Mountain House-Sundre MLA Joe Anglin, Fox answered that he felt he would be able to en-act policies that he has been fighting for.
“We’re doing very good work,” said Fox. He said the decision did not come lightly and
he is still proud of the changes the Wildrose Party helped bring about.
Fox claimed that Prentice had bridged the gap between the two parties. “These were the policies that I ran under and those are the policies and prin-ciples that this government has adopted,” said Fox.
A letter to the editor submitted to Ponoka News by Rod Fox also reflected the unease the MLA has felt regarding his decision to desert the Wildrose Party.
“I have made an extremely difficult decision, to join the governing PC Party of Alberta.
“Although this was personally a decision that was reached after many hours of agonizing and
soul searching, I feel that it is now in the best interests of this area, for me to work from within the government rather than the outside,” the letter said.
“I finally made my decision minutes before it was due,” Fox ex-plained.
He also claimed “I was thinking about what is best for Alberta.”
The other MLAs who crossed the floor were Gary Bikman, Cardston-Taber-Warner, Jason Hale of Strathmore-Brooks, Bruce McAllis-ter of Chestermere-Rocky View, Rob Anderson of Airdrie, Jeff Wilson of Calgary-Shaw, Blake Pederson of Medicine Hat and Bruce Rowe of
Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills. Reactions on Twitter were mixed. Greg Bratt
questioned the decision. “Our MLA essentially changed the vote of his supporters en masse. That makes no sense.”
However, Ponoka resident Rob McArthur feels Prentice is the right kind of balance for the province. “Prentice is bringing PC back to where it belongs. #Wildrose was a little bit extreme for (my) liking. Happy to see our MLA cross.”
Former NDP candidate Kyle Morrow was quick to state his displeasure. “Rod Fox’s decision to cross the floor is an absolute betrayal of those who voted for change.”
The future of the Wildrose Party remains un-certain with only a press release by the executive committee stating its commitment to Albertans.
Rod FoxMLA
Be environmentally friendlyRECYCLE YOUR PAPER!
Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2014 PONOKA NEWS 3
4 PONOKA NEWS Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2014
Your Guide To Local Houses
of Worship
CHURCH DIRECTORY
PONOKA WORD OF LIFE CHURCHPastor Rob McArthur 403-783-5659
9 miles east on Hwy 53 403-782-9877Jr. Church during service for children
Sunday Service 10:30 am
Teachers and students of St. Augustine Catholic School raised $4,900 for a refugee couple who is sponsored by the par-ish. They held their Goodwill Cup game Thursday, Dec. 18 to help Nan Khan and Ko Tun Tun, here in the centre, accepting the cheque from everyone involved. Photo by Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye
Thousands raised for Myanmar refugee coupleBY JEFFREY HEYDEN-KAYE
Students at St. Augustine Catho-lic School went over and above to raise money for a refugee couple being spon-sored by the St. Augustine parish.
The school hosted its Goodwill Cup Thursday, Dec. 18 at the Ponoka Culture and Recreation Complex with teachers playing against students and they raised $4,900 for the couple who landed in Ponoka Monday, Dec. 15. Usually they raise $500 to $700 for the Goodwill Cup.
Deacon Rollie Comeau said a plea was made by their archbishop to sponsor refugee families and the St. Augustine parish answered the call. He estimates they need $20,000 to $22,000 to ensure the couple has everything they need for a year.
He says Nan Khan and Ko Tun Tun
will receive some English language les-sons over the next few months, with help from St. Augustine students and the school division, who will provide train-ing and technology needed to learn.
“We’re going to try to get them em-ployed and try to get them help with English,” said Comeau.
“It’s total immersion, nobody speaks Burmese here,” he added.
He says Nan Khan had to walk through the forests of Myanmar before crossing over into Thailand where she found a refugee camp. There she met Ko Tun Tun and the two married.
It took three years for them to get refugee status.
Not only did the school raise money but also many families in the area do-nated furniture and supplies to help the
couple as they move into their new apart-ment. Comeau said they also raised about $4,400 at a turkey supper fundraiser and the federal government provided another $7,200.
The parish had to show they would be responsible for the couple for the first year while in Canada.
Helping organize the event was Dar-ren Josephison, who said he was proud to see the school come together to help this couple. Each day the event came closer, more money was raised.
“The kids really bought into it,” said Josephison.
While the couple gets used to the cold Alberta climate, Comeau said he has been in touch with Myanmar families in Red Deer and Edmonton to help get the couple settled.
The beginning of ChristmasIn case you don’t get to
a Christmas worship service December 24 or 25, this is the story you’ll hear…
And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be regis-tered. This census first took place while Quirinius was gov-erning Syria. So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city.
Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Naza-reth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Beth-lehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her first-
born Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tid-ings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling
cloths, lying in a manger.”And suddenly there was with the angel a
multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:
“Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”
So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.” And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. And all those who heard it mar-veled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and prais-ing God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them.
- Luke 2:1-20You are welcome to join one of our local
congregations in celebrating what the shep-herds experienced.
Pastor Tim Graff
Trinity Evangelical Lutheranb Church
Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2014 PONOKA NEWS 5
Remember When...
Photo courtesy of Fort Ostell Museum
These young ladies from Ponoka were all dressed up for an annual 1970’s Christmas party. Shown from left to right are: Heather Vold, Lorna Hurmann, Norma Schultz, Elaine Traptow, Jeanette Boman, and Sharon Jenkins, with Francis Paulsen featured in the back row.
Reflections of Ponoka
Cissell family among first settlers in Dakota countryBY MIKE RAINONE FOR THE NEWS
In the hot summer of 1900, a group of immi-grants from South Dakota arrived in the Village of Ponoka on the CPR. train and then ventured out into the rugged and fertile rolling hills to the west in search of a homeland where they could begin a new life with their families. They were so im-pressed with what they saw that these determined settlers returned to the local Land Titles Office and began making plans to transport their loved ones, their world belongings, and a few head of livestock back to the prairies to challenge a boun-tiful livelihood full of hardships, adventure, and opportunity.
Planting the first seeds in the area that would later be called the Dakota District, these hardy men left their women and children in Ponoka to live in small log shacks and rooming houses, while they built the sturdy log homes, barns, and fences that would be their new family homesteads. With the assistance of a few men the ladies and their children crossed the flooded Battle River together, with Hattie Wing becoming the first white woman to cross the raging river at Ferrybank.
The arrival of the CissellsFrank and Cora Cissell were among that first
group of 15 women and 25 children who made the gruelling trip from the Dakotas back to Ponoka on the settler train. Upon their arrival in the fall of 1900 with their two children Florence and George, they would live in a house in the village built by Eb Olmstead and Corlis Wing. In the spring of 1901, they moved out to their homestead at the N.W. 22.
From the beginning, Frank and Cora won a special place throughout the district, where they never hesitated to help others in a time of need. It was always hard to get a doctor in those early days, so Cora became a skilled mid-wife, deliv-ering over 200 babies, as well as also tending to the sick and assisting Eb Olmstead with the fu-
nerals. Frank also established a blacksmith shop
and did work for many people, and the keen com-
maraderie and teamwork of the growing district
was always evident, as when others were called
from their fields to do special work, their neighbours would drive their outfits and fill in for them. The con-genial Cissell was also very skilled at carpentry, building and plastering many houses in Dakota, and then in 1912, he bought a threshing machine and threshed grain from Ponoka to Springdale, quite often not finish-ing the run until Christmas Day. The happy couple had four more chil-dren born in Alberta, including Ray, Lodema, Emma, and Merle, the last three who remained in the district to farm and raise their families.
There was also a lighter side to the active lives of Frank and Cora Cissell and family, who would host the very first Christmas party in the Dakota district, with Frank removing all the petitions in their palatial log home for the celebration, to which absolutely everyone was invited, and were asked only to bring something for the dinner. District pioneer Will Hoar recalled that it was a wonderful occasion for the children, as Frank made doll beds, and the women made the dolls, the clothes, and the bedding to the delight of the girls. Frank also enjoyed playing on the very skilled Dakota baseball team with Jack Lee, Corlis Wing, Ed Chapell, Clint Bai-ley, Elmer Skinner, Waldo Herrick, Ned Cough, and George Winslow Jr. Games were played at Joe Stewart’s big log barn, which had a large hay loft where all the dances were held. Frank and Cora left the homestead in 1932 and moved to their other farm
on the S.E. 33, where they lived un-til their passing, Frank in 1936 and Cora in 1940. The congenial couple would never be forgotten for their hard work, devotion, and kindness to all. The family of Merl and Hilda
Cissell
Merl Cissell was the youngest son of Frank and Cora Cissell, and while living with his folks on the S.E. of 33 he bought the Wing home-stead. Merl married Hilda Mass of the Usona district in 1941, and they moved to a new set of buildings which he built in 1949. Together they raised four children, including Judy, Elaine (Mrs. Richard Groom), Frank (who married Patricia Palecheck), and Connie.
The family was very active in many community projects such as 4-H, Home and School, F.U.A., and sports such as curling, baseball, hockey and basketball. Merl was an avid big game hunter, president of the Fertile Valley Mutual Telephone Company and Dakota Cemetery As-sociation, and was always willing to help out others when called upon. Hilda was very well known for her splendid alto voice, and always took an active part in countless choruses, trios, and duets over the years, as well as being a longstanding member of the Dakota United Church and the United Church Women. Several gen-erations of the Cissell family have carried on the proud farming tradi-tion.
Photo courtesy of Dakota History BookThis mid-1940s photo was taken on the Frank and Cora Cissell family homestead in the Dakota district. Shown are Lodema and Pete Allison, Alma and George Cissell, Emma and Milton Olmstead, and Florence and Lynn McClaflin, with Frank and Cora seated and Merl Cissell, who was celebrating his 21st birthday, kneeling in the front.
6 PONOKA NEWS Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2014
5019A Chipman Ave., Box 4217, Ponoka, AB. T4J 1R6Phone: 403.783.3311 Fax: 403.783.6300 Email: [email protected] every Wednesday by PNG Prairie Newspaper Group in community with: Regional Publisher, Fred Gorman
Service to Albertans or to political interests?The now-former Wildrose leader Dani-
elle Smith and her eight colleagues shocked the province last week when they summar-ily deserted their own caucus to cross the floor to join the ranks of the PC in the pro-vincial legislature.
Of course, there was no lack of expres-sion of lofty goals of serving Albertans at a time of difficulty (given the decline in oil prices) and joining forces of conservative-oriented MLAs in the legislature, etc. to justify the move.
One hopes that the PC leadership and the defectors do not really think they can convince the electorate with that kind of talk, because if they do, it is kind of insult-ing the intelligence of the people or it means they are unbelievably naïve.
All thinking adults probably realize that in our age, politics has become a career for serving the interests of the practitioner of the profession first, the interest group(s) they are supported by second and the elec-
torate third, if it ever comes to that.
There are two key ques-tions here and we may not know the answer to one of them, at least in the short term, or maybe never.
The first is: Why did Pre-mier Jim Prentice need to recruit nine MLAs from the main opposition? He already had a very, very comfortable majority and he could have any legislation he wanted passed without any problem.
The answer probably is that he wanted to stifle opposition at a time when he knows he will be sailing rough seas. With the panicky mode of the PC government becoming more visible with the fast decline of oil prices, the premier must have calculated that he could do well without a loud opposition as he will have to make some tough decisions he will
find hard to sell to the public. And given the fact that the Wildrose opposition has been given a lot of credit for the resignation of the last two PC premiers before Mr. Prentice, the move seems logical. Hav-ing lost their media-savvy leader, the remaining mem-bers of the Wildrose caucus do not really seem to be able to make a lot of noise.
The second question is: What is the quid pro quo? In exchange for floor crossing,
what do the new PC MLAs get? Promis-es of ministerial or similar high positions, memberships in the boards of some big cor-porations or oil companies, some special interests? It is inconceivable that Smith and her eight followers have switched their alle-giances while they must have predicted that there would be a strong and very justifiable
backlash from the public. So, if they made the move despite that, they must have been rewarded or received promises for such rewards. Or was there some “strong persua-sion” (read it arm twisting) involved?
Regardless of their motives, the out-come is not something Alberta can be proud of: A dominating majority and a silent/weak opposition at the legislative arm of the gov-ernment, which equals to a lame governance machinery. Without a proper opposition to be able to voice objections to government’s practices and an executive council unwilling to take advice from a dissenting voice, how will our provincial government be much different from that of Vladimir Putin’s in Russia?
It looks like Mr. Prentice has learned a lot from Prime Minister Stephen Harper on how to silence opposition during his tenure with the federal government, an experience that might serve his purposes well as a poli-tician but not for the future of the province.
Mustafa EricEditor
Opinion
Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2014 PONOKA NEWS 7
COUNCIL UPDATES & BYLAW INFO
EVENTS AND RECREATION
NOTICES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Wishing everyone a Safe and Happy Holiday!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
from Ponoka Town Council.
Town TimesPonoka, AB T4J 1P7
Ph: 403-783-4431 | Fax: 403-783-6745 | Email: [email protected] Check us out Online: www.ponoka.ca
SEASON’S GREETINGS TO ALL!TOWN HALL HOLIDAY HOURS
December 24 – Closed at 12 noon December 25 & 26 - Closed
December 31 – Closed at 12 noon January 1, 2015 – Closed
**Planning & Development will be closed from Dec. 17 – Jan. 4**
ARENA COMPLEX HOLIDAY HOURSClosed December 24 - 26 - January 1, 2015 – Closed
AQUAPLEX HOLIDAY HOURSDecember 24 – Closed at 12 noon December 25 & 26 - Closed
December 31 – Closed at 4 pm January 1, 2015 – Closed
WASTE TRANSFER FACILITY HOLIDAY HOURS December 24 – Closed at 12 noon December 25 & 26 - Closed
December 31 – Closed at 12 noon January 1, 2015 – Closed
Residential Garbage Pick-UpGarbage pick-up regularly scheduled for Christmas day will be picked up on Friday December 26. The same schedule will apply for New Years. Thursday garbage will be picked up on Friday, January 2.
RECYCLING CARDBOARD: Please help us keep our Recycle Depot neat and orderly. Please refrain from dropping off cardboard and
paper until Saturday, December 27 when staff will be working at the Recycle Depot. Thank you for your consideration.
2015 Dog Licenses Available $25.00 Per Dog until January 31st, then the cost returns to the regular price of $40.00. All dogs over the age of three months must be licensed. As per Bylaw 114-01, owners will be fi ned $50 for dogs caught not wearing a current dog tag. Thank you for being a responsible dog owner.
Aquaplex & Recreation Update:Pick up Christmas Pool Schedule at the Aquaplex offi ce and check out public & family swim times during Christmas Break!Cross Country Ski Trails - Through cooperative eff orts of the Town and Ponoka Community Golf Course, cross country ski trails have been set at the Ponoka Community Golf Course. Monetary donations to off set the costs to groom/set these trails are greatly appreciated, and can be made at the Town offi ce during regular business hours.
Public Skating: Proudly sponsored by Ponoka LionsMonday - Thursday: 11:30 am - 1:00 pm
Saturday & Sunday: 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm
**Shinny Hockey on Weekdays only**
Library NewsHoliday Closures: Ponoka Jubilee Library will be closed from December 24th - December 28th for the Christmas holidays, reopening Monday December 29th. We will also be closing at 2:00 pm on Wednesday December 31st, be closed January 1st and reopen Friday January 2nd. We wish everyone a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Residential Snow RemovalWhen clearing your sidewalks and driveways of snow this winter, please respect your neighbors and put the snow on your own property. Please also remember not to pile snow on Town boulevards or right of ways. Thank you for your cooperation.
County turns down two
zoning requestsBY JEFFREY HEYDEN-KAYE
Two rezoning applications to Ponoka County were turned down after councillors heard opposition on the matter.
Public hearings on the requests were held Tuesday, Dec. 16 during council’s regular meeting.
The first request came from Kel-vin and Jennifer Jones to reclassify approximately 5-acres of land, on Township Road 432 and Range Road 11, to country residential from ag-ricultural. A portion of the property was already subdivided some years ago, which is normally discouraged in the county’s municipal develop-ment plan, stated a letter from West Central Planning Agency.
The agency further said it could not support the proposed zoning, but did not have any objections, either. However, there were two objections from neighbours, one written and one submitted orally during the hear-ing.
Concerns of land being torn up and loss of wildlife were raised by Rose Hagemann, who wrote a letter to council. She suggested with the Rimbey Ridge subdivision close by, adding a lot to this parcel would not be ideal.
“Too many residential lots are being subdivided out of quarter sec-tions,” she continued.
Jess Donald spoke against the request stating with additional subdivisions, dogs cause issues with his cattle. He says dogs usually are not leashed and he had to shoot one some years ago as it was attacking his cattle.
Mr. Jones said the 5-acres is not ideal for farming and would be better suited for resi-dential use. He added he never objected to neighbours with their subdivision applica-tions.
Coun. Mark Matejka did not feel approving the request would benefit the area considering the subdi-vision nearby. “It’s not meeting a need.”
The second application came from Leo and Jolanda van der Toorn who wanted to split a 5-acre parcel in half.
Located on the corner of Town-ship Road 424 and Range Road 245, there was one letter of opposition to the request from Mike Stretch and Henk Krijger. They felt having two small parcels would not benefit the area.
“Where is the beginning and where is the end?” Kriijger added during the public hearing.
The van der Toorns were not at the hearing so no other comments were made. Reeve Paul McLauchlin suggested the request was not ideal. “Splitting fives is a tough thing to do,” he said.
Both requests were declined. Truck for the Rising Sun
Clubhouse
A request from the Ponoka Ris-ing Sun Clubhouse to help them with a new truck was approved.
The Clubhouse uses the truck as part of its blue box recycling program, explained assistant CAO Tom Webber. He told council that the Clubhouse’s truck is failing and recommended council donate a 2008 Dodge long box, which is not used often.
“We’ve got three or four of those and we’re looking at gradually get-ting rid of them,” said Webber.
He says the county is consider-ing a more fuel economic truck. He said the value of their truck is ap-proximately $12,000. Coun. Bryce Liddle favoured the request. “It’s a good group and a good contribu-tion.”
THE FOOT INSTITUTE
is pleased to offer the services of
DR. DARREN WOODRUFF, DPM
Foot Specialist for the Medical & Surgical
Treatment of the Foot and Ankle. Specializing
in Conservative Therapy, Biomechanics &
Foot SurgeryDr. Darren Woodruff,
DPM
Dr. Woodruff will see patients at:
Medcombe Walk-in Clinic4956 Highway 2A Lacombe
For appointments call
403-342-0566www.footinstitute.com
“Too many residential lots are
being subdivided out of quarter sections.”
Rose Hagemann
8 PONOKA NEWS Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2014
DEC. 27 to DEC. 31DDEECCC 22 DDDEECCC 33331113311222777CCDDDEBOXING WEEK SALEBOXING WEEK SALESALE ON ALL TV’S!SALE ON ALL TV’S!
Need some great sound for your new tv?Need some great sound for your new tv?
huge
headphone
sale
Bluetooth audio
sale
$19995 $15995
Jaclyn Berry was recently hired as the new library manager at the Ponoka Jubilee Library. She looks forward to expanding programs there.
Photo by Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye
Free library memberships approved for 2015
BY JEFFREY HEYDEN-KAYE
Board of directors at the Ponoka Jubilee Li-brary approved a new initiative that will see free memberships for 2015.
The initiative is something the board wants to see as an ongoing practice at the library, explained new library manager Jaclyn Berry.
Town and county residents and folks from Maskwacis will be eligible as long as they can show proof of residency, she added. While the pol-icy is still being worked on, she says she is excited to see its implementation. “We’re hoping actually that this will expand the library membership.”
Revenue from memberships is usually $12,000 but the board already raised $8,500 last year and they decided they just need to get the program started. She says they may ask for donations when people sign up but won’t require it.
Berry feels the need is strong for people who may not have the money buy a membership to borrow books. She says Banff has been operating this way for some time and the Edmonton Public Library promoted the same thing in 2014. Many other provinces operate the same way.
“Outside of Alberta, in a lot of places it’s built in to the taxes,” said Berry.
Berry excited to take on manager
position
Being hired as the new library manager Dec. 5 was an exciting day for Berry. While she says she’ll miss organizing the programming at the library, she’s excited for the opportunity to lead staff.
“We’re only limited by our imagination,” she explained.
There are many ideas she feels will benefit the community; from adult programs to baby pro-grams to plans for students after school. “We have kids coming in every day after school.”
Figuring out how to spend the $5,000 Telus grant the library was recently awarded is an excit-ing thought. Berry says setting up a maker space will be a priority but she wants to speak with other libraries that have set up their own spaces before purchasing items.
She also looks forward to advocating for the library.
“I’m such a book nerd that I can’t imagine a town without a library,” said Berry.
“I’m very excited to see how we can expand the library into one of those community hubs,” she added.
Berry says she hopes to see them move into a new, larger space in the next few years.
Staff are working on their end of year survey for clients. Anyone who fills one out gets entered into a draw to win a $50 gift card to Mackenzie’s No Frills.
“I’m very excited to see how we can expand the library into one of those
community hubs.” Library manager Jaclyn Berry.
Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2014 PONOKA NEWS 9
www.ponokachevro let .com
403-783-4494 OR TOLL FREE 1-877-465-8279 KELLY VOLDKELLY VOLDSales
2015 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500 DOUBLE CAB 4X4 (#15413)
MSRP $38,915 Lease at 0% $186 Bi-weekly**
2015 GMC Terrain AWD (#15313)
MSRP $32,345 Lease at 0% $223 Bi-weekly**
2014 GMC Sierra 1500 4x4 (#14853)
MSRP $34,440 Sale Price $30,9990% Financing for 84 Months = $185 Bi-weekly
2014 Buick Enclave (#14736)
MSRP $44,095 Sale Price $41,9000% Financing for 84 months - $249 bi-weekly
2010 TOYOTA VENZA(Stk# 14932B)
Was $19,995 SALE PRICE $15,732 + taxes
2010 GMC ACADIA(Stk#14692A)
Was $19,995 SALE PRICE $15,995 + taxes
2012 CHEVROLET ORLANDO (Stk#141028B)
SALE PRICE $16,995 + taxes
PRE-OWNED
NEW
Leather, sunroof 8 Passenger, Remote Start
Only 1800kms!Heated Seats, Bluetooth
2010 GMC YUKON DENALI(Stk#14655A)
Was $35,995 SALE PRICE $33,551 + taxes
2013 CHEVROLET CRUZE LT TURBO (Stk#34456)
Sale Price $16,888 SALE PRICE $14,498 + taxes
46 MPG!!!Very Clean
Sunroof, Nav, DVD, Very Clean!
Automatic, remote start, rear camera
Boxing W e e k Bonus Sale
PLUS…SIGN AND DRIVE LEASE BONUS- $0 Due at Signing- $0 Security Deposit- $0 Down Payment- First 2 Bi-Weekly Payments Made For You
2015 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500 CREW CAB 4X4 (#15476)
MSRP $44,905 Lease at 0% $249 Bi-weekly*
2015 GMC Acadia AWD (#15521)
MSRP $45,660 Lease at 0% $283 Bi-weekly**
includes truck loyalty
On NOW until Jan 2nd $1500 December Holiday Cash (*eligible owner only*)$500 Additional of Select 2014/2015 Chevrolet Buick and GMC
2011 CHEVROLET EQUINOX(Stk#14224A)
Was $11,995 SALE PRICE $10,888 + taxes
*Includes GM Truck Owner Loyalty **Includes both GM Owner Loyalty and $500 Boxing Week Bonus ***All Lease are based on 36 months term and 20,000 km/yr – O.A.C.
Vehicles may not be exactly as illustrated. All payments include GST and are with $0 down. New vehicles lease payments are calculated at 0%. OAC. See dealer for details.
Showcase livestock and accessories across ruralShowcase livestock and accessories across ruralAlberta in the 2015 breeder’s supplementAlberta in the 2015 breeder’s supplement
Call Karen at 403-783-3311
Distribution of over 22,000 homes (over 72,000 readers)
The Business of Cattle
Showcase livestock and accessories across rural Alberta in the 2013 breeder’s supplement
DEADLINE: JANUARY 17
Distributed last week of January
SUPPLEMENT TO:
Bashaw StarBashaw Star INDEPENDENTINDEPENDENTSTETTLERTHE
weekenderA Stettler Independent Publication…
the
NewsNewsNewsPONOKA
1⁄2 PAGE ....... $4951⁄4 PAGE ....... $2683 COL. X 4” ... $1702 COL. X 5” ... $1402 COL. X 3” ... $110
All pricesinclude colour
DEADLINE:JANUARY 16
Distributed lastweek of January
Showcase livestock and accessories across ruralAlberta in the 2015 breeder’s supplement
VJV MARKET REPORTMARKET REPORT DECEMBER 17, 2014
On Wednesday, December 17th, 2014 - 2142 head of cattle went through our rings
- TOTAL- 2142
Vold Jones & Vold Auction Co. Ltd. | Dawson Creek Auction
The Wolf Creek Public Schools (WCPS) board of trustees is still on the fence regarding whether or not it should support an appointed member of the Maskwacis Four Bands sitting on the board.
The board, as a collective the trustees directed superintendant Larry Jacobs to further investigate what an appointed member on the board would mean, what the person’s role would entail.
“We need to discuss this because it’s not going to go away,” said board chair Trudy Bratland.
The WCPS board has considered a First Na-tions member on the board in the past but the issue came to head again in mid-November when the Maskwacis bands sent a letter of request to the ministry and copied WCPS in the process.
Regarding the issue, the board has not been di-rectly contacted by the Ministry of Education of the Maskwacis bands.
“I honestly don’t think it’s going to be left up to us,” said trustee Pan Hansen.
“I would like to see some direct contact from the ministry to us,” she added. When the time comes, Hansen believes the ministry will an-nounce to the board of its intention and the trustees with be left to fit the position into the budget and “play nice.”
Trustee Bob Huff is still seeking a frame of reference and wants to know how their role would fit into the board.
He was also curious how many school boards across the province are getting similar letters.
Hansen told the board she spoke with the Wetaskiwin trustees, who sit with an appointed First Nations member. ‘They’re an absolutely full voting,” she addressed to Huff’s question.
“That’s the trustees point of view. There’s a larger point of view out there,” said Huff. Where does this appointment end . . . are all trustees going to be appointed? Is that what the public wants?”
14 PONOKA NEWS Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2014
at THE ROYAL HOTEL
Wednesday, December 31 9:00 pm to closing
RING IN THE NEW YEAR!
You could WIN $500
CASH!
ENJOY
atTHE ROYAL HOTEL
Wednesday, December 31 9:00 pm to closing
RING IN THE NEW YEAR!
You couldWIN $500
CASH!
4916 50 Street | 403-783-370744494916 50 S
TICKETS $10
AVAILABLE
LOUNGEat the
only
A midnight lunch • ChampagneParty favours • Door prizes
BY JEFFREY HEYDEN-KAYE
Students at the Nipisihkopak Secondary School heard from two
First Nations professionals about what their future might hold.
The talks were held Wednes-day, Dec. 17 at the high school in
Samson students hear from First Nations professionalsMaskwacis where Bevery Crier, curator and historian and Bert Crowfoot, photographer and digital media storyteller spoke a little about their jobs to encourage students to continue their education.
Crier said it was the history of the Samson people that excited her. She enjoys reading about her forefathers and suggested it has be-come a real joy for her. “My job doesn’t really fell like a job, because I enjoy what I do.”
She says working in the Samson Cree Na-tion Intergovernmental Office has helped her understand how the past has affected the Sam-son Cree Nation.
Archives in their museum, Acimopkamik, the Storytelling Place, also show images and have documents regarding Indian residential schools. While those times are not looked at with fondness, Crier suggests the history is im-portant for students to know.
“It’s about you and it’s also about learning about your history,” said Crier.
“We get to understand why things trans-pired in our community,” she added.
Crier suggests while students look at their education they should stay strong to their cul-ture and know their history.
Crowfoot talked about how he started out as a photographer do-ing sports stories for a small First Nations
*Offer includes ¼ page, ½ page and full page ads for any
or all weeks in January
Receive a 25% to 45% discount on your red tag ad. Whatever discount
you advertise is the discount you’ll receive!
Women’s Casual
T - Shirts
S, M, L & XL all colours
We’ll match We’ll match your offer!your offer!
Josie’s Jean Shop*all ads run as a red tag template ad as shown . Max discount may apply. Ask your sales rep for details.
Ponoka CapitolTheatre
4904 - 50th St.Ph. 403-783-3639
PLAYING Dec. 27 - Jan. 1Dec. 27 - Jan. 1
AGES 1264 $10.00
AGES 211 & SENIORS $7.00
TUESDAYS & MATINEES
$6.003D $3 EXTRA
Holiday Closing
DECEMBER24, 25, 26 & 31
SCREEN #1
The Hobbit 3D
144 min2:00 PM
Sat & Sun8:00 PM Daily
Rated PG
SCREEN #2Night at the
Museum98 min
Sat & Sun 2:00 PM7:00 PM Daily
Rated PG
Trustees stall appointed FNMI member decision
newspaper. From there, he would sell his im-ages and buy better equipment.
He became a founder of the Aborginal Multi-Media Society and is general manager of CFWE-FM, an Alberta wide radio network.
He says the biggest thing that makes the difference for people who look at their future is attitude; positive outlook changes every-thing. He referred to a time when there were 11 Native newspapers in the country that lost funding from the federal government.
Only two are left. Crowfoot says the reason they survived is because they took a nega-tive situation and made it positive. Those two newspapers became innovative and found a way to earn money in the market.
He recommends a strong will and indepen-dence.
“I’ve learned not to rely on federal money because they always hold that against you and use it to influence what you do,” said Crow-foot.
He recommends students look at their fu-ture and consider what they will say to their ancestors about their lives.
Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2014 PONOKA NEWS 15
SERVICES OFFERED • Personal & Corporate Income Tax Planning
• Business Advisory Service• Government Program Assistance
Ponoka Offi ce: 403-783-3315
Bashaw Offi ce (Tues): 780-372-3627
Wetaskiwin Offi ce (Mon & Thurs): 780-352-6488
WANT TO KNOW IF THE LIONS WANT TO KNOW IF THE LIONS COMMUNITY BUS IS AVAILABLE?COMMUNITY BUS IS AVAILABLE?
Check Outour Bus Calendar atponokalions.caponokalions.ca
Sports
BY AMELIA NAISMITH
A Ponoka gymnast’s dream is unfold-ing as he prepares to compete at the Canada Winter Games with Team Alberta, held in Prince George Feb. 13 to March 1, 2015.
Findley McCormick, Grade 12 , attend-ed the trials, held in Calgary on Dec. 13, along with 11 other gymnasts from across the province.
“It’s a pretty small gymnastics group in Alberta,” McCormick explained.
He placed fifth out of the six available
spots after demonstrating his abilities in all six events; parallel bars, rings, high bar, vault, floor and pommel horse.
“They pick based on your results, who will contribute to the team and who can do well individually,” said McCormick.
He didn’t have to wait too long to learn about his performance as the results were given shortly after the trials ended.
“I’m pretty excited I made it to the team,” said McCormick. “It’s a really good opportunity to be able to go.”
During the Winter Games, two of the
team members will definitely compete in all six events while the other four are to partake in four to six. “They’re specialists,” said McCormick.
“I will be doing probably five to six events,” he added.
McCormick has competed at the Na-tional Gymnastics Championships for the past five years, but this will be his first Can-ada Winter Games. “This will be one of the largest events I’ve attended,” he said.
Currently sitting as a top competitor in his age group, McCormick says this might
be one of his last years to compete in the sport and feels making the team is a reflec-tion of all his hard work.
He is really looking forward to compet-ing in his favorite event, the high bar. “It’s one of the most exciting events . . . there’s a lot of really impressive skills you can learn on high bar.”
Also from the event, McCormick hopes to bring home a team medal. “I’d like to place in the top six in an event.”
“I want to do my best, it’s a pretty com-petitive group,” he added.
Ponoka gymnast headed to Winter Games
BY MUSTAFA ERIC
Ponoka Stampeders once again found out Tues-day, Dec.16 when they lost 5-2 to Stettler Lightning that the pressure on the opponents’ net has to be crowned with a finishing shot if they are to win games in the highly competitive Junior Heritage Hockey League.
In their second fixture in less than a week, Stam-peders and Lightning locked horns at the Stettler Recreation Centre and unlike in the previous game, they displayed great enthusiasm and passion from very early on in the game.
Stampeders appeared to be the dominant side of the game in the first five minutes of the first period, but while they kept the pressure on the Lightning goalie with many shots, it took the hosts only one break from their defense to score their first goal in just the second minute. Despite ongoing Stampeder attacks, Light-ning scored another two minutes later taking a 2-0 lead. Ponoka boys, for their part, responded through Teagan Colonna about 30 seconds later reducing the gap to one, but Lightning put another number on the
scoreboard before the end of the first period. In the second period, it was Lightning’s turn to
play the role of the dominant party and they almost set up camp around the Stampeders net for extended periods. They continued to put pressure on the Stam-peders even at times when they were short handed and they were awarded for their efforts by two more points against only one response coming from the visitors, once again courtesy of Teagan Colonna just under three minutes from the end of the second pe-riod.
In the third period, Stampeders initially made a genuine effort to close the gap with the hosts but past the halfway point, they appeared to have resigned themselves to the outcome as the tempo of the game declined noticeably and final buzzer went off without any score being added to either side’s points.
Stampeders were scheduled to play two back-to-back away games, first against Blackfalds on Sunday, Dec. 21 and versus Red Deer Vipers on Monday, Dec. 22. As Ponoka News went to print early due to Christmas schedule, the scores of the games were not available at press time.
Stampeders play passionately but lose again
BY MUSTAFA ERIC
After winning their first game of the season with a small margin a week earlier, JV Broncs suffered a 101-40 defeat at the hands of visiting Lind-say Thurber Raiders, in a game which demonstrated the need for improve-ment for the Ponoka boys.
The hosts started the game rather confidently and scored their first few points without facing much opposition. By the middle of the first quar-ter, Broncs were leading by a score of 14-7 and there did not seem to be much trouble in the way keeping that lead.
Raiders coach took a time-out to reorganize his team’s offense and that was when the tide of the game changed. By the end of the first quarter, Raiders were leading Broncs by a score of 19-17.
Despite an early in-jury, which left one of Raiders’ offensive play-ers unable to continue, as the clock continued to tick, the visitors start-ed to demonstrate much improved coordination and ball movement, leaving Broncs defense in disarray.
With the superior individual ball-handling skills of the opponents added to their preci-
sion passing and shooting skills, the Broncs found it hard to keep pace with the faster dribbling Red Deer side.
When the final buzzer went off, Raiders had opened a 61-point lead over Broncs.
Broncs coach Ryan Newman de-clined to comment on the game.
Junior Broncs play their next home game on Wednesday, Jan.7 hosting Camrose.
JV Broncs suffer heavy defeat
Ignatius Cattleman of junior Broncs rises for a close range jump shot during the first period of their game against Lindsay Thurber Raiders of Red Deer on Monday, Dec. 15. Photo by Mustafa Eric
The puck rolls into the Lightning net as the Stampeders’ and Teagan Colonna’s second personal goal in their away game against Stettler Lightning on Tuesday, Dec. 16. Photo by Mustafa Eric
16 PONOKA NEWS Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2014
Cassandra Klinger, a Peewee player brought up for a Bantam game, races across the ice, look-ing for an opportuni-ty during the Bantam team’s Friday Dec. 19 game.
Photo by Amelia Naismith BY AMELIA NAISMITH
It was a big win for the Lacoka Bantam Warriors as they took on Wainwright, Friday Dec. 19 for a 7-3 finish.
“It was good, they put a lot of puck pressure on Wain-wright,” said assistant coach Tim Falkiner.
Lacoka girls’ offense brought sustained pressure throughout the three periods as they had 45 shots on net against 19 by the opponents. “Our girls usually outshoot the opposition,” said Falkiner.
“We put pressure on the other team and force them to turn it over,” he added.
During the first period of the game Lacoka dominated and set the groundwork for their win. “They were fresh. After one goal scored on them, they scored four in a row,” said Falkiner.
During the second period, the girls backed off a little. “They didn’t do some of the things they did in the first,” said Falkiner.
He added, during the last period, possibly because they were tired, the Lacoka girls dropped down to Wain-wright’s level.
Because the team was short a few players for the game, two Peewee girls were brought up to play defense alongside the team’s usual defense. “They played really well,” said Falkiner.
“They fit right in, it was a seamless transition for them,” he added.
Falkiner says the team’s goalie (Heather Schellen-berg) also played a solid game despite letting in a few goals as she played too far into the crease. However, he says her strong point is she recognized what she was do-ing wrong and rectified.
“She keeps us in so many games and she never quits on the puck,” Falkiner said, referring to the five shutouts the team has seen this season.
Lacoka Bantam dominates
Wainwright in home game
BY AMELIA NAISMITH
Ponoka Quality Paint/McDonalds Atom team was defeated during its Saturday Dec. 13 away game 9-1 by the Innisfail DQ Flyers.
Team captain Josh David scored the team’s sole goal at 8:25 in the first period.
On Sunday, Dec. 14 the team tied 2-2 with the Sedg-wick/Killam sharks.
Josh David and Kael Street scored one goal each, both in the third period.
Maskwacis Atom A Hawks also lost its away game of the weekend on Dec. 14 to the Blackfalds Bulldogs, 11-5.
Dayzel Bull earned himself a hat trick while team-mates Nathan Deshamps Jr. and Alex Soosay brought the number to five.
Maskwacis Peewee A Hawks lost 4-1 to Delburne during a Thursday Dec. 11 away game.
Kaedin Larocque-Wolf scored the team’s goal.Maskwacis Bantam A Hawks were defeated by
Rocky Riverside Fuels Raiders 16-3 in a Dec. 13 home game.
Isaiah Deshamps scored midway through the third period, closely followed by Ashten Buffalo’s single goal. Deshamps scored again with less than a minute left in the game.
The following day the team narrowly lost 7-5 to In-nisfail.
Carson Bear scored twice, claiming the first two goals of the game. Ashten Buffalo also scored twice and Therin Threefingers scored once.
Ponoka Fountain Tire Wolves Midget team beat Red Deer 5-2 during a Friday Dec. 12 away game.
continued on page 17
Mixed results in minor hockey weekend
continued from page 16Tyson Matejka and Jarret Henderson both scored
twice; Jordon Wombold scored once. Ponoka scored three of its goals unanswered in the third period and the last two on power plays.
Maskwacis Midget A Hawks were defeated by Rim-bey on Dec. 13, 14-2, during an away game.
Tyrone Jr. Potts and Chevazz Rabbit both scored once.The following day the team dominated the Thunder-
stars by winning 9-4 at home.Tristan Saddleback earned himself four goals and
Chevazz Rabbit took three. Dreyton Ermineskin and Bret Bull both scored once. Maskwacis claimed the first goal of the game, as well as three consecutive goals in both the second and third periods.
Maskwacis Peewee Female Hawks faced a shutout on Dec. 13 after they lost to 14-0 to Whitecourt in an away game.
The team lost to Whitecourt the following day 6-2, also an away game.
Brandee Strongman and Jayliese Swampy-Montour each scored once.
Maskwacis Midget Female Hawks were defeated 12-1 by Leduc during a Dec. 13 home game.
Summer Lightning scored the team’s only goal.
Maskwacis-Ponoka Novice Game
Ponoka’s Big Coun-try Novice team played in Maskwacis over the weekend against the host Maskwacis with Maskwa-cis winning 18-9. Ponoka goals were scored by 11 Jackson Badry (5), Kian McLean (3) and Dacian Heinz. Maskwacis goals were scored by Tralen Si-mon (9), James Wolfe (6) and Dominic Williams (3).
Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2014 PONOKA NEWS 17
BY AMELIA NAISMITH
After agreeing to what she thought was a standard TD Bank survey, a Maskwacis woman was selected and gifted with $20,000 to give back to her community.
TD Bank started a new program this year, #Ma-keTodayMatter, and during the fall of 2014, The Wetaskiwin branch of the bank chosen for Alberta, set about secretly identifying individuals who strove to go the extra mile when it came to being community minded.
The customer chosen was Vanessa Omeasoo, re-storative justice co-ordinator in Maskwacis.
“The whole idea is for us to help customers who maybe wouldn’t have the means to do it themselves,” said Linden Smail, branch manager.
“I think the biggest thing is it’s easy for organiza-tions to cut a cheque but it’s more impactful if there individuals out there and it’s their idea,” he added.
A TD Bank member called Omeasoo and incon-spicuously asked question on how the bank could better give back to communities. “I was talking about different things, mostly youth and elders,” said Omea-soo.
In late November Omeasoo was physically called into the bank. “I didn’t suspect anything at all.”
“There was no indication that the program was go-ing to be taking place,” said Smail.
Because she is also legally blind, Omeasoo did not see the camera crew and microphones lurking the in corners of the bank.
Omeasoo was chosen purely for her passion to make a difference in her community. “Everything that we were thinking of came out of her mouth,” said
Smail.When Omeasoo was informed of what she had
won, she was stunned silent until the crew and mem-bers of the community also arrived in Smail’s office. “Then I started crying, that’s when it was real.”
With the money, Omeasoo is launching a website and creating a series of videos made by the youths of the community, each of them containing teachings by elders. “Because our elders are passing away and not enough youth are going to elders and not enough el-ders are going to youth to teach,” she explained.
“Each time an elder goes to the spirit world, we lose a book from our oral library,” she added.
Because First Nation culture relies on oral sto-rytelling, not every elder was enthused by her video project in the beginning. However, she believes it is the technology that will engage the younger generations in learning.
Omeasoo told the elders that the community was going to need to adapt to changing times. “All of those teachings, all of those life lessons, it all goes with you and what about us.”
“In the new year, we’re going to start the project,” said Omeasoo. “I call it elder knowledge sharing.”
She’s already working with the drama students from the Ermineskin Junior Senior High School but says the project is open to anyone in the community who wants to contribute.
Omeasoo believes this project will also be able to alleviate some of the grief in the community, as not only their wisdom, but the people themselves will be immortalized.
“Generations from now will have access to that knowledge,” said Omeasoo.
Maskwacis video website in progress for youth/elder relations
THANK YOUTHANK YOUPONOKA JR. B STAMPEDERS TEAM, COACHING STAFF
and BOARD of DIRECTORS
would like to thank everyone who supported our very successful comedy night. A very special thank you to all
the businesses and individuals that donated auction items, Dan Skeels for your amazing auctioneering, Bob Ronnie for one fantastic meal as well as the Ponoka News for the
coverage of this night and support all year round.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Congratulations Andrew Brackenbury he is the Ponoka Mites player of the week. Andrew is 6 years old, his favorite hockey team is the Oilers and his favorite position to play is center. Andrew Loves dogs and his favorite thing to do is play with his brother. When he grows up he wants to be an architectural engineer like his brother and he would really, really like to have a hot tub if he had one wish. Keep up the hard work and good luck on the rest of your season.
Sponsored by Busat Enterprises Ltd
PONOKA TIM HORTON’S MITEO O
OF THE OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF TTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE WEEKEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKPLAYERLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEERRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR
BY JEFFREY HEYDEN-KAYE
Ponoka’s Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) is going to be able to help women with health issues thanks to a $5,000 donation from Shop-pers Drug Mart.
The drug store raised most of the money in September during the compa-ny’s Tree of Life, in support of women’s health, campaign. This is the third year donating to FCSS, said franchise owner Peter Lok.
“We wanted to support a local initia-tive and keep the funds local,” explained
Lok. FCSS executive director Shannon
Boyce-Campbell said the money will help pay for treatment or transportation for medical treatment or other programs that will help with women’s health. “We’re al-ways amazed at the amount that they can generate in a year,” said Boyce-Campbell.
Front store manager Ed Sito said he was amazed at the generosity of their cus-tomers. He says one lady donated $50 to the initiative.
“It’s a small community but everyone is generous with their budgets,” said Sito.
FCSS receives donation to benefit women
403-783-6497The First Step to Making your Dreams Come True.
May Him whose birthday we celebrate, bring you blessing of peace, joy and time to reflect on the important things in life
during this special Christmas season
Merry ChristmasMerry Christmaswishing you a
Shoppers Drug Mart front store manager Ed Sito and franchise owner Pe-ter Lok present a cheque for $5,057 to FCSS executive director Shannon Boyce-Campbell (middle) Thursday, Dec. 18 to help with women’s health issues. The money was raised from customer donations to the company’s Tree of Life campaign. Photo by Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye
Minor hockey weekend results
18 PONOKA NEWS Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2014
14123UC0
H O L I D A Y S A L E S E V E N T
Wis
e cu
stom
ers
read
the
fin
e pr
int:
*,
•, ★
,,
>,
†, §
The
Be
Your
Ow
n Sa
nta
Hol
iday
Sal
es E
vent
offe
rs a
re li
mite
d tim
e of
fers
whi
ch a
pply
to
reta
il de
liver
ies
of s
elec
ted
new
and
unu
sed
mod
els
purc
hase
d fr
om p
artic
ipat
ing
deal
ers
on o
r af
ter
Dec
embe
r 2,
201
4. O
ffers
sub
ject
to
chan
ge a
nd m
ay b
e ex
tend
ed w
ithou
t no
tice.
All
pric
ing
incl
udes
fre
ight
($1
,695
) and
exc
lude
s lic
ence
, ins
uran
ce, r
egis
trat
ion,
any
dea
ler
adm
inis
trat
ion
fees
, oth
er d
eale
r ch
arge
s an
d ot
her
appl
icab
le f
ees
and
taxe
s. D
eale
r or
der/
trad
e m
ay b
e ne
cess
ary.
Dea
ler
may
sel
l for
less
. *C
onsu
mer
Cas
h D
isco
unts
are
off
ered
on
sele
ct 2
014/
2015
veh
icle
s an
d ar
e de
duct
ed f
rom
the
neg
otia
ted
pric
e be
fore
ta
xes.
•$
500
Hol
iday
Bon
us C
ash
is a
vaila
ble
on s
elec
t new
201
5 C
hrys
ler,
Jeep
, Dod
ge, F
iat o
r Ra
m m
odel
s at
par
ticip
atin
g de
aler
s fr
om D
ecem
ber
2-31
, 201
4 on
ly. E
xclu
des
2015
Jee
p Pa
trio
t/20
15 D
odge
Gra
nd C
arav
an C
anad
a Va
lue
Pack
age/
2015
Dod
ge J
ourn
ey C
anad
a Va
lue
Pack
age.
Bon
us C
ash
will
be
dedu
cted
fro
m t
he n
egot
iate
d pu
rcha
se/le
ase
pric
e af
ter
taxe
s. S
ee d
eale
r fo
r co
mpl
ete
deta
ils a
nd e
xclu
sion
s. ★
The
Mak
e N
o Pa
ymen
ts f
or 9
0 D
ays
is a
lim
ited
time
offe
r w
hich
app
lies
to r
etai
l cus
tom
ers
who
fin
ance
a n
ew 2
014/
2015
Chr
ysle
r, Je
ep,
Dod
ge,
Ram
or
FIAT
veh
icle
(ex
cept
201
4 D
odge
Ave
nger
SE
and
2014
/201
5 D
odge
Vip
er)
at a
spe
cial
fix
ed r
ate
on
appr
oved
cre
dit
thro
ugh
Roya
l Ban
k of
Can
ada,
TD
Auto
Fin
ance
or
Scot
iaba
nk.
Offe
r do
es n
ot a
pply
to
Scot
iaba
nk s
peci
al r
ate
finan
cing
con
trac
ts lo
nger
tha
n 90
mon
ths.
Mon
thly
/bi-
wee
kly/
wee
kly
paym
ents
will
be
defe
rred
for
60
days
and
con
trac
ts w
ill b
e ex
tend
ed a
ccor
ding
ly.
Inte
rest
cha
rges
will
not
acc
rue
durin
g th
e fir
st 6
0 da
ys o
f th
e co
ntra
ct. C
usto
mer
s w
ill b
e re
spon
sibl
e fo
r an
y re
quire
d do
wn
paym
ent,
licen
se, r
egis
trat
ion
and
insu
ranc
e co
sts
at ti
me
of c
ontr
act.
Som
e co
nditi
ons
appl
y. S
ee y
our
deal
er fo
r co
mpl
ete
deta
ils.
3.99
% p
urch
ase
finan
cing
for
up to
96
mon
ths
avai
labl
e on
the
new
201
5 D
odge
Gra
nd C
arav
an/2
015
Dod
ge J
ourn
ey C
anad
a Va
lue
Pack
age
mod
els
thro
ugh
RBC,
Sco
tiaba
nk a
nd T
D Au
to F
inan
ce. E
xam
ples
: 201
5 D
odge
Gra
nd C
arav
an/2
015
Dod
ge J
ourn
ey C
anad
a Va
lue
Pack
age
with
a P
urch
ase
Pric
e of
$20
,998
/$19
,998
(in
clud
ing
appl
icab
le C
onsu
mer
Cas
h an
d Ul
timat
e Bo
nus
Cas
h D
isco
unts
) fin
ance
d at
3.9
9% o
ver
96 m
onth
s w
ith $
0 do
wn
paym
ent e
qual
s 20
8 bi
-wee
kly
paym
ents
of
$11
8/$1
12 w
ith a
cos
t of b
orro
win
g of
$3,
545/
$3,
376
and
a to
tal o
blig
atio
n of
$24
,543
/$23
,374
. >2.
79%
pur
chas
e fin
anci
ng fo
r up
to 9
6 m
onth
s av
aila
ble
on th
e ne
w 2
014
Dod
ge D
art S
E (2
5A) m
odel
thro
ugh
RBC,
Sco
tiaba
nk a
nd T
D Au
to F
inan
ce. E
xam
ple:
201
4 D
odge
Dar
t SE
(25A
) with
a P
urch
ase
Pric
e of
$16
,998
fina
nced
at 2
.79%
ov
er 9
6 m
onth
s w
ith $
0 do
wn
paym
ent,
equa
ls 2
08 b
i-w
eekl
y pa
ymen
ts o
f $
91 w
ith a
cos
t of
bor
row
ing
of $
1,97
7 an
d a
tota
l obl
igat
ion
of $
18,9
75.
†0.0
% p
urch
ase
finan
cing
for
36
mon
ths
avai
labl
e on
the
201
4 D
odge
Dar
t m
odel
s th
roug
h RB
C, S
cotia
bank
and
TD
Auto
Fin
ance
. Ex
ampl
e: 2
014
Dod
ge D
art
SE (
25A
) with
a P
urch
ase
Pric
e of
$16
,998
with
a $
0 do
wn
paym
ent,
finan
ced
at 0
.0%
for
36
mon
ths
equa
ls 7
8 bi
-wee
kly
paym
ents
of $
218;
cos
t of b
orro
win
g of
$0
and
a to
tal o
blig
atio
n of
$16
,998
. §St
artin
g fr
om p
rices
for
veh
icle
s sh
own
incl
ude
Con
sum
er C
ash
Dis
coun
ts a
nd d
o no
t inc
lude
upg
rade
s (e
.g. p
aint
). Up
grad
es a
vaila
ble
for
addi
tiona
l cos
t. **
Base
d on
201
4 Ward’s
uppe
r sm
all s
edan
cos
ting
unde
r $
25,0
00.
^Ba
sed
on IH
S Au
tom
otiv
e: P
olk
Can
adia
n Ve
hicl
es in
Ope
ratio
n da
ta a
vaila
ble
as o
f Ju
ly,
2014
for
Cro
ssov
er S
egm
ents
as
defin
ed b
y C
hrys
ler
Can
ada
Inc.
TMTh
e Si
riusX
M lo
go is
a r
egis
tere
d tr
adem
ark
of S
irius
XM S
atel
lite
Radi
o In
c. ®
Jeep
is a
reg
iste
red
trad
emar
k of
Chr
ysle
r G
roup
LLC
.
dodgeoffers.ca
★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★
★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★
★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★
CANADA’S #1-SELLING MINIVAN FOR OVER 31 YEARS2015 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN CANADA VALUE PACKAGE
$20,998 PURCHASE PRICE INCLUDES $8,100 CONSUMER CASH* AND FREIGHT.
@ $118 3.99%
BI-WEEKLY≥ FOR 96 MONTHS
WITH $0 DOWN
FINANCE FOR
CANADA’S FAVOURITE CROSSOVER^
2015 DODGE JOURNEY CANADA VALUE PACKAGE
$19,998 PURCHASE PRICE INCLUDES $2,000 CONSUMER CASH* AND FREIGHT.
@ $112 3.99%
BI-WEEKLY FOR 96 MONTHS
WITH $0 DOWN
FINANCE FOR
$500 &HOLIDAYBONUS CASH
PAYMENTSNO90
DAYSFOR ★
THE MOST TECHNOLOGICALLY ADVANCED VEHICLE IN ITS CLASS**
2014 DODGE DART SE
@ @@$91 2.79%
BI-WEEKLY> FOR 96 MONTHS
WITH $0 DOWN
OR 0%†
FOR 36 MONTHS ALSO AVAILABLE
FINANCE FOR
$16,998 PURCHASE PRICE INCLUDES FREIGHT.
★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★
ALUE PACKAGE
PRICE $8,100R CASH*HT.
★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★
SOVER^
ACKAGE
E PRICE S $2,000ER CASH*GHT.
SS**
36 MONTHS AVAILABLE
CE GHT.
Starting from price for 2014 Dodge Dart GT shown: $23,690.§
Starting from price for 2015 Dodge Journey R/T shown: $34,790.§
Starting from price for 2015 Dodge Grand Caravan Crew Plus shown: $34,490.§
Our family was so pleased this past November when my dad, Michael Rainone Sr. 95, and step-mother Jean, 89, moved into a brand new care centre, The Heights at Mountain View in Victoria, B.C. Operated by the Bap-tist Church Foundation, the Heights is a bright and spacious facility that offers countless activities and out-ings, delightful amenities, and comfortable accom-modations to hundreds of clients. Their unique new concept features groups of 20 or more residents living together in one area, which is suited to their medical and care needs.
Our parents seem to love their new home and the great staff, and have already made many new friends, with my dad still being somewhat of a senior ‘social butterfly’, who is full of jokes and good humour. At this time of the year, all care centres and lodges are decorated for the occasion, are full of good cheer, and blessed with the tasty culinary treats and special entertainment that residents and guests can share together. An email friend sent me this delightful poem, which I will dedicate in good fun to all the special residents of our community care centres and lodges.
Twas the Night before Christmas.Twas the night before Christmas at Rock-Away Rest and all of us seniors were looking our best.Our glasses, how sparkly, our wrinkles, how merry; our punchbowl held prune juice plus three drops of
sherry.A bed sock was taped to each walker, in hope that Santa would bring us soft candy and soap.We surely were lucky to be there among friends, secure in this residence and in our Depends.Our grandkids had sent us some Christmassy crafts, like angels in snowsuits and penguins on rafts.The dental assistant had borrowed our teeth, and from them she’d crafted a holiday wreath.The bed pans, so shiny, all stood in a row, reflecting our candle’s magnificent glow.Our supper so festive, the joy wouldn’t stop....It was creamy warm oatmeal with sprinkles on top.Our salad was Jell-o, so jiggly and great, and then puree of fruitcake was spooned on each plate.The Social Director then had us play games, like “Where are you Living” and ‘What are your
names?”Old Grandfather Cooper was feeling his oats, proclaiming that reindeer were nothing but goats.Our resident wanderer was confined to her chair, in hopes that at bedtime she still would be there.Security lights on new fallen snow, made outdoors seem noon to the old folks below.Then out on the porch there arose quite a clatter, but we are so deaf that it just didn’t matter.A strange little fellow flew in through the door, then tripped on the sill and fell flat on the floor.Twas just our director, all togged out in red; he jiggled and chuckled and patted each head.We knew from the way that he strutted and jived that our social-security cheques had just arrived.We sang, how we sang, in our monotone croak, till the clock on the wall tinkled out its soft 8:00 p.m.
stroke.And soon we were snuggling deep in our beds, while the nurses distributed our nocturnal meds.And so ends our Christmas at Rock-Away Rest. Before long you may be with us, but what-ever life
may bring, we will always wish you the very best.Just a little more fun.*Cool message from wife to mother-in-law: Please
don’t teach me how to bring up my children, because I’m living with one of yours and he still needs a lot of improve-ment.
*Secrets to a long and happy marriage. An old lady was sipping on a glass of wine while sitting on the patio with her husband of 60 years. Quietly she whispered, ‘I love you and I don’t know how I could ever live without you.’ Her husband leaned over and asked, ‘Is that you or the wine talking?’ After a pause and a mischievous little smile she replied, ‘It’s me dear, talking to the wine.’
Some jolly Christmas cheer at the Care Centre*You know when you are getting old when
Santa looks younger. Never worry about the size of your Christmas tree....in the eyes of all chil-dren they are 30 feet tall. The gift of love, the gift of peace, and the gift of happiness....May
all of these be yours this year. Our sincere greet-ings to those soldiers who are serving our nation and won’t be with their families this Christmas. For those who haven’t made plans for Decem-ber 25th, everyone is welcome at the Ponoka
Community Christmas Dinner at the Kinsmen
Recreation Centre, with coffee and treats from
10:00 a.m. until noon, followed by dinner. Take
in all the joy, and have a great week, all of you..
Marylis Buffalo Marylis Buffalo was born on April 21, 1945 in Maskwacis and passed away on December 11, 2014 in Ponoka with her children by her side. Marylis leaves to mourn her loving family: daughter Leanne and Garry and their children Carson, Hannah, Jenna, Shelby (Paige and Twister), Jocelyn, and Camille; son BJ and Terri and their son Larson; sister Verna
and her children and their families Vivian (Ryan), Shawn, Walter, Lorna, Tom, Jody, Edward, Kimberly, Blair (Mami), Waylon (Raven), and Shayna (Mike); brother Eugene; nieces and nephews and their families Duane, Crystal Martina, Carolyn (Rick), Candace, Darren, Gregory (Karla), Garnet, Gwendolyn, and Rory; as well as numerous step-children, adopted children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, relatives, and friends. Marylis was predeceased by: parents Edward and Louisa (Yellowbird) Buffalo; grandparents Jacob and Maggie Yellowbird and Mr. and Mrs. Osawaysis (Buffalo Child); brother and sister-in-law Marvin and Velma (Bruno) Buffalo; and brother-in-law Earl Roland Littlepoplar. Traditional Services were held at the Montana Band Gymnasium at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, December 15, 2014 with the Interment following at the Samson Central Cemetery in Maskwacis. To express condolences to Marylis’ family, please visit
www.womboldfuneralhomes.com.
Arrangements Entrusted To PONOKA FUNERAL HOME
~ A Wombold Family Funeral Home ~
In Loving memory of
EVELYN LECLAIREDecember 21, 2013
Goodbye is not forever,Goodbye is not the end.
It simply means we will miss you,
Until we meet again
Love Norm, Brenda, Norlyn and families
December 26, 2014James Strachan will be eighty years old!To mark this event in his life, James is inviting you to
wish him well at an open house to be held on SUNDAY, JANUARY 4, From 1:30 to 4:30,
in Hall One of the Ponoka United Church 5020 52 Ave.
(No cards or gifts, please. A smile, a handshake, or a hug is all you need to bring)
THANK YOU
The family of late Marylis Buffalo would like to thank everyone for their support during this extremely diffi cult time. We would like to give special thanks to Dr. Halse and Dr. Chan for the care of mom. Special acknowledgement to the nursing staff, lab, x-ray and physio therapy staff at Ponoka General Hospital. The care and compassion shown to mom was truly appreciated. Mom loved her nurses on both units. We were fortunate to have such a wonderful team look after mom. Thank you. We would like to thank everyone for the phone calls, the visits to the hospital, the fl owers and cards, the food and baking provided and all supports. A sincere and heartfelt thank you to AKO Child and Family Services, Montana Tribal Administration, Maskwacis Health Services, Maskwacis Community Health, Maskwacis Home Care, “the boys” at PeSakastew Center, and also to Samson Initiatives for the plot preparation and cross. Leanne and BJ would like to give special thanks to the relatives who sang the ceremonial songs, conducted pipe ceremonies, the fi rekeepers, the cooks (especially Corrine, Angie and Martha), the family and relatives who assisted us in so many ways during the wake and funeral, and to the relatives who travelled distances to be with us. Thank you to everyone who came to show support and those who sent messages. Your kindness and compassion will not be forgotten. Thank you Marlon and staff at Ponoka Funeral Home for your kindness. May the Creator bless each and every one of you. Hai Hai
Leanne, Garry and FamilyBJ, Terri and Family
EugeneVerna and Family
the family of Late Marvin
Obituaries
In Memoriam
Card Of Thanks
Celebrations
announcements
Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2014 PONOKA NEWS 19
www.ponokanews.com
BIG BROTHERSAND
BIG SISTERS
Mentors make a
difference
403-783-3112
AL-ANON WEEKLY MEETINGFOR FRIENDS AND
FAMILY OF ALCOHOLICS.Tuesdays 8 p.m.
Neighborhood Place5115 - 49 Ave., Ponoka
For more info 403-783-4557
ALATEEN Weekly meetings
Tuesdays @ 8 p.m. Neighborhood
Place 5115 49 Ave.
PonokaFor more info.
403-783-4557 or 403-783-8371
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS
Monday night meetings at the Anglican Church Ponoka 8:30 p.m. Phone 403-783-0719 for info.
operated by Cameron BayHoldings Inc. now haspositions for AssistantRestaurant Managers.
Candidates require 3 - 5years quick service
experience along with some managerial experi-
ence. Previous McDonaldsexperience is an asset.Skills needed include:
ability to work with store and other managers, hire and train crew, run effec-tive shifts, maintain food and labour controls, be a brand ambassador to our guests as well as under-
stand, maintain and support the store programs and procedures. Ability to work any days, hours or
shifts as restaurants are 24 hours. Annual salary of
$40,000. 00 plus benefi ts. Stores are located at 4419
Are you interested in pursuing an exciting career with Petrofi eld
Industries at our Tornado Hydovac Trucks manufac-turing production facility?
We are centrally located in the family friendly
community of Stettler, Alberta.
We currently have an openings for:
Service and Parts ManagerQuality Assurance Team
LeaderFinisher Product Testing
AssistantPurchaser
Industrial Painters/HelpersWelders Helper
General LabourersConstruction Workers
Our Company has a enthusiastic fast paced
working environment, with advancement opportu-nities. Wage would be commensurate withexperience/skills.
For more information about these positions and our company, check out our
website www.tornadotrucks.com.
Resumes can be emailed to hr@petrofi eld.com or faxed to 403-742-5544.
JOURNALISTS, Graphic Artists, Marketing and more. Alberta’s weekly
newspapers are looking for people like you. Post
your resume online. Free. Visit: awna.com/for-job-
seekers.
ComingEvents 52
Meetings 59
Personals 60
ComingEvents 52
Farm Work 755
Medical 790
Oilfield 800
Restaurant/Hotel 820
Trades 850
Clerical 720
Professionals 810
Buying or Selling your home?
Check out Homes for Salein Classifieds
CELEBRATIONSHAPPEN EVERY DAY
IN CLASSIFIEDS
TOO MUCH STUFF?Let Classifiedshelp you sell it.
Celebrate your lifewith a Classified
ANNOUNCEMENT
Looking for a new pet?Check out Classifieds to
find the purrfect pet.
ClassifiedsYour place to SELLYour place to BUY
Start your career!See Help Wanted
1St Ponoka Scout GroupANNUAL
BOTTLE DRIVESaturday, Jan. 3 from 10am – 2pm
Please place bottles at curb marked for 1st Ponoka Scouts.Bottles can be dropped off at the Scout Hall, 3924 46A St. Close.To arrange for pickup call 403-704-9615 or 403-783-0703.Leave message
AUTOMOTIVE SERVICES
A & JA & J AUTOMOTIVEAUTOMOTIVEREPAIR6701 - 46 Ave.
Ponoka, AB T4J 1J8(403) 783-8755
Al DickhautOwner/Operator
Rimbey Implements Ltd.
Al York General ManagerAl York General Manager
Rimbey, AB
Cell: (403) 783-0593
Bus: (403) 843-3700
Fax: (403) 843-3430
AG EQUIPMENT
A & J AUTOMOTIVE
Al DickhautOwner/Operator
A & J AUTOMOTIVE
6701 - 46 Ave.Ponoka, AB T4J 1J8
(403) 783-8755
ANIMAL SERVICES
This space could be yours for
$30PER WEEK
Call 403-783-3311
This space could be yours for
$30PER WEEK
Call 403-783-3311
We are a rapidly growing company operating one of the largest networks of John Deere agricultural equipment dealerships in North America. We proudly own 18 John Deere dealerships in
British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan.
We’re growing & we need awesome people like you to join us! In March of 2015 we will be opening a new 30,000 sq. ft.
shop!
We’re looking for someone who:- Has the ability to recommend, discuss and demonstrate any of our products
- Completes all sales documentation in a timely and accurate manner
- Will follow up with customers to ensure satisfaction and build long-term relationships
- Maintains accurate customer profi le records in a timely manner
- Is eager to keep current on product knowledge, the competition, and equipment values
- Will assist with special projects, demonstrations and seminars- Is motivated to achieve the gross margin objectives
We’ll give preference to individuals with:- Three to fi ve year’s sales experience- A background in agriculture
We’d like to offer:•The opportunity to grow in your career as the Cervus organization grows
•An exemplary health, dental and optical benefi ts package•A competitive pay scale•A fulfi lling career where you can relate to and engage with an enthusiastic team
Visit us in store or apply online at www.cervusequipment.com under the careers section!
PONOKA OFFICE ASSISTANTCalnash Trucking has an immediate opening for an Offi ce Assistant. In this position you will be responsible for general offi ce duties, data entry, computer skills with knowledge in excel/word, and accounts payable/receivable. Must be energetic, self motivated, above average communication skills and organized.
We off er training, excellent remuneration and benefi t package.
Call Jim Ashbough 783-2764 or Cell: 588-0599Jack Surbey 783-5283 Cell: 588-0597
BOBCAT SERVICES
SALES & SERVICE
BOTTLE DEPOT
Call Jim Ashbough 403-783-2764 or Cell: 403-588-0599Jack Surbey 403-783-5283 or Cell: 403-588-0597
PONOKA BOTTLE DEPOTOpen Monday - Saturday
10 am - 5 pmClosed Sundays & Holidays
Closed Dec. 24/14 to Jan.1/15We Now Recycle Milk Cartons for Deposit
3, 5520 Hwy 2A(Across from Husky)
403-783-6875
Tues - Fri: 8:30 am-5:30 pmSaturday: 9 am-3 pm
403-783-51851-800-662-7135
Fax: 403-783-4635
Motorcycles & ATV’s
OVERHEAD DOORS
www.doorsondemand.ca
403-963-5000
5306 - 60 ST, PONOKA, AB T4J 1K7
PH: (403) 783-6372 • FAX (403) 783-6345
“Reasonable rates on all your plumbing needs”Gas Fitting - Home Renovations - Drain Cleaning
-24 HOUR SERVICE-
PLUMBING
SHANDALL PLUMBING LTD.
JAMES AVERY
Bashaw Golf and Country Club in Central Alberta requires a
GENERAL MANAGER for our 9 hole course that includes a newly renovated clubhouse and seasonal/day use campground.
The successful applicant must be self-managing, have strong organization skills, customer service experience and be capable of managing the overall performance of all operations. Golf experience is not necessary, but would be a considerable asset.
The club is prepared to offer a competitive compensation package in accordance with previous experience and education.
Please email your cover letter with resume to both [email protected] and to the President of the Board [email protected] no later than Friday, January 2, 2015.
To see more details about our club please visit our website at www.bashawgolf.com. We thank everyone in advance for their interest in this opportunity. Please be aware that only the short listed candidates will be contacted for further consideration for this position.
Only those selected for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls please.
EXERCISE, EARN MONEY, AND WIN PRIZES!AND WIN PRIZES!Reliable carriers are automatically entered into a monthly draw.
Win an additional $50Keep up the good work and your name will be entered to win a
$400 Gift Certifi cateEach week the Ponoka News reaches residents where they live, work and farm. In town our papers are delivered door to door by reliable carriers and we could use more help.
If you are interested in a local route please contact Susan Whitecotton at 403-783-3311
Join the PONOKA NEWS Carrier Team in the Carrier Team in the Riverside area.Riverside area.
ALLOWANCE ALLOWANCE NOT CUTTING IT?NOT CUTTING IT?
Business Services#1000 - #1430
Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2014 PONOKA NEWS 21
Unplanned pregnancy may be
diffi cult to face.We care. For
confi dential help call 403-343-1611 (24 hrs.)
NOW OPEN!PONOKA
PET CENTRAL5027 – 50th
(Chipman) Avenue403-783-2916
CLINKERS
KENNELS
403-783-6272
* Quality Boarding for your dogs & cats
*Proof of vaccinations and advance bookings required
- ADVANCED EYE HEALTH & VISION EXAMS- CONSULTATION & REFERRAL SERVICES- DESIGNER EYE WEAR & CONTACT LENSES- INSURED MEDICAL EYECARE SERVICES NOW AVAILABLE FOR ALL AGES
$300/credit. Only 499 tickets sold. Three Early Bird Draws. $100/ticket. June 19 draw. Proceeds
support Motorcycle & Harley Programs, GPRC
Fairview Campus. 1-888-539-4772;
www.gprc.ab.ca. Licence #395479.
Horses 2140
Grain, FeedHay 2190
Houses/Duplexes 3020
4 Plexes/6 Plexes 3050
Suites 3060
Stores/Commercial 3120
Suites 3060
Real Estate#4000 - #4190
Realtors & Services..........4010Houses for Sale................4020Houses Wanted................4030Condos/Townhouses ........4040Acreages ..........................4050Acreages Wanted ............4060Farms/Land ......................4070Farms/Land Wanted ........4080Manufactured/Mobile Homes ..................4090Income Property ..............4100Commercial Property ......4110Industrial Property ............4120Cottages/Resort Property ..4130Businesses for Sale..........4140Buildings for Sale ............4150Lots for Sale ....................4160Out of Town Property ......4170Investment Opportunities ..4180Mortgages Bought/Sold....4190
8 a.m. - 5 p.m Mon. to Sat. • Open late Thursday24-hour Emergency Call
Dr. Bill Frischke • Dr. Kelly Loree • Dr. Leighton Coma Dr. Trevor Hook • Dr. Patricia Kelly • Dr. Jasmine Hardy
Southwest Industrial Park 4102-64 St., Ponoka
403-783-5200
ADVERTISE YOUR
BUSINESS HERE
FOR JUST
$30PER WEEK.
REACHING 6000 HOUSEHOLDS PER WEEK.
On-Farm Mobile Veterinary Services
Ultrasound-aided Reproduc ve Programs
CETA Cer ed Dairy and Beef Embryo Transfer
Herd Health
Bovine Veterinary Services
Dr. Bruce Wine
Phone 403-391-1684
This space could be yours for
$30PER WEEK
Call 403-783-3311
For Rent#3000 - #3200
DO
YOUR PARTRECYCLE YOUR PAPER!
Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2014 PONOKA NEWS 23
24 PONOKA NEWS Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2014
CHRISTMAS SAVINGSStuff your stocking withStuff your stocking with
for the month of Decemberfor the month of December
MSRP $67164
$22994 OR $193 BW $24950 OR
$199 BW
$26995 OR $221 BW $28875 OR
$237 BW
2014 ESCAPE SE AWDT0556A LEATHER, LOW KM
2010 F350 KING RANCHL0398 WHITE BEAUTY
$$2222999944 OR$$119933 BBWW$21900 OR
$229 BW $$2244995500 OR$$119999 BBWW$27500 OR $219 BW
$$2266999955 OR$$222211 BBWW$34900 OR $269 BW $$2288887755 OR
$$223377 BBWW$35900 OR $288 BW
2009 LINCOLN MKS AWDT0620AABSOLUTELY PERFECT
2012 F150 FX4 CREW CAB 4X4T0565ALEATHER
* ALL PAYMENTS BASED ON 72 MONTH O.A.C., 0 DOWN 4.99%. EXAMPLE #T0556A PAYMENT OF $219 BW. TOTAL INTEREST OVER TERM $4747 OR TOTAL PAYMENTS OF $34,164. *ALL REBATES TO DEALER, COSTCO APPLIED.
2014 F350 XTR CREW CAB DIESELT0468AFTERMARKET LIFT KIT, WHEELS AND MORE
2014 F350 KING RANCHCREW CAB DIESELT0469LOADED (DEMO)
