Vol. 67, No. 47 | WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2015 | 403-783-3311 | WWW.PONOKANEWS.COM CONNECTING THE COMMUNITY Vold, Flewelling take CFR finals by storm Story on page 23 Ponoka 1961 looked forward to a new town hall, freeway and more Story on page 5 Packed Legion during Remembrance Day ceremony There was standing room only at the Ponoka Legion on Remembrance Day as hundreds of residents came to show their respects to the veterans and the memory of the befallen. The ceremony started at 10:15 a.m. with a short march and parade to the Legion’s ceno- taph with members of the Legion, Air Cadets and RCMP and with accompaniment by the Edmonton Transit Pipes and Drums band. Dignitaries representing local, provincial and federal leaders paid their respects as well. It gave community groups an opportunity to show their respects by placing a wreath during the ceremony. Groups such as the girl guides, boys scouts, Boys and Girls Club and others helped create an environment of respect and remembrance. Legion chaplain Rev. Len Eichler told attend- ees that across Canada people have stopped to take time and remember the soldiers of the past. He says the poppy flower has created beauty to the many soldiers’ graveyards who died for their country. “They (poppy flowers) keep faith with those who sleep,” said Eichler. He suggested Canadians are lucky to have the freedoms many other people around the world do not. While most people strug- gle to gain freedom from corrupt leaders, Canadians can vote for their leaders and make a change to government if they are unhappy. “We don’t throw bombs, we cast ballots.” “We don’t put in prison those who lost. We give them a pension,” he said lightheartedly. “I’m so glad for my children and grand children this is our home and native land,” he added. Freedom, said Eichler, is something that should not be taken for granted. He suggested Canadians would do well to remember the feelings of veterans who would have given their lives to secure freedom in Canada. The veterans who did return from battle suffered other challenges such as post-trau- matic stress disorder as well as injuries and other mental concerns. Eichler urged attendees to remind themselves of those sacrifices. He suggests a positive attitude of remembrance. “Lest we forget.” The ceremony was followed by a pot luck lunch and music performances by the pipes and drums band. BY JEFFREY HEYDEN-KAYE 1-877-465-8279 6305 - 44 Avenue, Ponoka 20 % off 20 20 % % off MSRP MSRP Our Our BLACK FRIDAY BLACK FRIDAY EVENT EVENT ends ends November 30, 2015 November 30, 2015 Financing Available Financing Available O.A.C. See dealer O.A.C. See dealer for details. All Prices for details. All Prices include all fees but do include all fees but do not include GST. not include GST. Members of the Ponoka Legion and others march on Remembrance Day during the Legion’s march Photo by Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye
Packed Legion during Remembrance Day ceremonyThere was standing room only at the
Ponoka Legion on Remembrance Day as hundreds of residents came to show their respects to the veterans and the memory of the befallen.
The ceremony started at 10:15 a.m. with a short march and parade to the Legion’s ceno-taph with members of the Legion, Air Cadets and RCMP and with accompaniment by the Edmonton Transit Pipes and Drums band. Dignitaries representing local, provincial and federal leaders paid their respects as well.
It gave community groups an opportunity to show their respects by placing a wreath during the ceremony. Groups such as the girl guides, boys scouts, Boys and Girls Club and others helped create an environment of respect and remembrance.
Legion chaplain Rev. Len Eichler told attend-ees that across Canada people have stopped to take time and remember the soldiers of the past. He says the poppy fl ower has created beauty to the many soldiers’ graveyards who died for their country.
“They (poppy fl owers) keep faith with those who sleep,” said Eichler.
He suggested Canadians are lucky to have the freedoms many other people around the world do not. While most people strug-gle to gain freedom from corrupt leaders, Canadians can vote for their leaders and make a change to government if they are unhappy. “We don’t throw bombs, we cast ballots.”
“We don’t put in prison those who lost. We give them a pension,” he said lightheartedly.
“I’m so glad for my children and grand children this is our home and native land,” he added.
Freedom, said Eichler, is something that
should not be taken for granted. He suggested Canadians would do well to remember the feelings of veterans who would have given their lives to secure freedom in Canada.
The veterans who did return from battle suffered other challenges such as post-trau-matic stress disorder as well as injuries and other mental concerns. Eichler urged attendees to remind themselves of those sacrifi ces. He suggests a positive attitude of remembrance. “Lest we forget.”
The ceremony was followed by a pot luck lunch and music performances by the pipes and drums band.
BY JEFFREY HEYDEN-KAYE
1-877-465-82796305 - 44 Avenue, Ponoka
20% off2020%% offMSRPMSRP
OurOurBLACK FRIDAY BLACK FRIDAY
EVENTEVENTendsends
November 30, 2015November 30, 2015
Financing Available Financing Available O.A.C. See dealer O.A.C. See dealer
for details. All Prices for details. All Prices include all fees but do include all fees but do
not include GST.not include GST.
Members of the Ponoka Legion and others march on Remembrance Day during the Legion’s march
Photo by Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye
2 PONOKA NEWS WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2015
Town fi nances show surplus for
third quarterThe Town of Ponoka’s operations budget
is showing a surplus of $913,000 for the third quarter.
Town council approved the town’s third quarter operating and capital fi nancial statements, Tuesday Nov. 10 during their regular meeting after hearing that fi nanc-es are in order.
Budgeted for operations is $16.3 million with $11.9 million spent, or 73 per cent for the end of September. Capital project expenditures are sitting at $2.6 million of the $12.3 million budgeted, however, invoicing for many of the capital projects will not come to the town until the fourth quarter.
Coun. Teri Underhill asked about car-ry-forward projects. These are usually projects where the money for the project has been set aside until it can be used. “That money could be used somewhere else,” she remarked.
There are some areas where the town has money in reserves from carry-for-ward projects, but depending on the proj-ect, some of those funds are federal or
provincial grants that have a specifi c use, said Sandra Lund, director of corporate services.
“Some of the grant money has specifi c uses,” said Lund.
Mayor Rick Bonnett added that depend-ing on the project, there may be some projects approved through a grant where the town also had to have matching funds. Lund added that the Municipal Sustainable Initiative and federal Gas Tax funding does not require matching funds.
Other areas in the operating statement show some increase in investment funds at $114,000 compared to the $75,000 budgeted for. Tax penalties are higher this year with $96,000 compared to the $85,000 budgeted.
Electricity transmission costs are also lower than budgeted sitting at 51 per cent, or $1.5 million in costs compared to the $2.9 million forecast.
Gas and electricity for recreation is sitting at 68 per cent, somewhat lower than forecast for this time of year. Administration costs for contract services is sitting at 82 per cent, or $1.4 million of the $1.7 million forecast.
BY JEFFREY HEYDEN-KAYE
The Ponoka Literacy Society
Presents the following programs
English Language Learning(English as a second language)
One on one tutoringOne hour a week
No charge
Adult Basic EducationNeed help with reading,mathematics or spelling?
One on one tutoringOne hour a week
No charge
Basic Financial LiteracyGain knowledge in basic budgeting,
reading bank statements, understanding how credit works, making a basic plan, needs versus
wants and taking control of moneyOne on one tutoring or
small group tutoringNo charge
Time and place to be announced
Basic Computer KnowledgeOne on one tutoring
with a computer instructorTwo hour sessions
No chargePonoka Drop-In-Center
To register for any of the above please contact Dorothy Houghton 403-783-5211 or 403-341-9428
Volunteer tutors are needed for the Ponoka areafor one hour a week to teach English Language Learning.
Training and materials are supplied
Please contact Dorothy Houghton at the above phone numbers
Monday, December 7Monday, December 7thth
Doors open at 6:30pm • Performance at 7:00pmDoors open at 6:30pm • Performance at 7:00pmPonoka United Church, 5020 52 Ave.Ponoka United Church, 5020 52 Ave.
A musical evening lled with talented local artistsof all ages and tons of Christmas spirit! An appearance
by Santa Claus with treat bags for all children attending!Admission: Silver collection in support of Cystic Fibrosis and the Ponoka Food BankFor more information and details contact
Roy Scabar at 403-783-3250 or 403-783-7350
54th Annual Ponoka Kinsmen
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2015 PONOKA NEWS 3
Police busy investigating break-ins and other criminal activity
Police are investigating a break in to a business on 50 Street overnight of Monday, Nov. 2.
Offi cers say the front door and mail slot had been tampered with and a drop box for rent was also tampered with. An undis-closed amount of money was taken from the drop box.
Domestic disputeOffi cers charged a man
with assault after a do-mestic dispute in an apart-ment in town on Nov. 3 at midnight.
Police say the intoxi-cated man resisted arrest by clenching his fi sts and pulling away his arms. He was also charged with ob-structing a peace offi cer.
Flag stolen from Centennial Park
A report of a man tak-ing a Maple Leaf fl ag from Centennial Park on Nov. 4 has police investigating.
Witnesses say a man grabbed a fl ag and walked towards 7-Eleven on
BY JEFFREY HEYDEN-KAYE
Highway 2A. The suspect is described as in his mid 30s and he was wearing a grey hoodie and sweatpants. He was then seen entering a blue Dodge van that drove north on Highway 2A.
Abandoned vehicle from rollover
The owner of an aban-doned vehicle found Nov. 7 at 7 a.m. had to answer some tough questions.
It appears the vehicle was involved in a roll-over and the back win-dow was found kicked out. The owner is said to not have concrete answers into the reason the vehicle was abandoned. The fi le is under investigation.
Electronics stolenA break and enter to a
Ponoka County home on Nov. 7 resulted in the theft of an Xbox 1, Nintendo Wii game pad, power cord for a television and multiple games. The fi le is under investigation.
Vehicle break-insPolice are investigating
the break in of a Ford F250 overnight of Nov. 9.
The ignition and door locks were punched in and fuel cards and cash were taken from the vehicle. That same night another vehicle on 40 Avenue had its rear window smashed in but nothing was taken.
Man falls asleep at the wheel
Members of the Ponoka Integrated Traffic Unit charged a Winnipeg man with failing to drive in the
centre of the lane after falling asleep at the wheel.
The incident occurred Nov. 10 at 2 p.m. south-bound on Highway 2 where a silver Honda Accord entered the median, ap-peared to over correct and rolled several times. The 29-year-old driver received minor injuries from the in-cident. He also received a ticket for $155.
Police investigate im-paired driver
A call of an impaired driver had police investi-gating the situation Nov. 11.
Police say the vehi-cle was located at the 7-Eleven when the driver entered the car, a Dodge Neon, and started the ig-nition. A traffi c stop was conducted and offi cers say they could smell an odor of liquor emanating from the vehicle.
The driver, a 27-year-old Maskwacis man, was charged with impaired driving and taken to the detachment.
Man throws vacuum during argument
An argument between two men resulted in in-juries to one Nov. 12 at 5 p.m. after a vacuum clean-er was thrown at him. By the time police arrived the argument had deescalat-ed. Charges of assault with a weapon were laid on a 25-year-old Ponoka man.
Police identify culprit in liquor theft
Surveillance foot-
age from Liquor Town helped police identify a Maskwacis man allegedly involved in the theft of three bottles of Smirnoff vodka valued at $100.
A 19-year-old teenag-er was charged with two counts of theft under $5,000.
Loud music results in fi ne
A neighbour dispute over loud music on Nov. 15 at 2 a.m. landed a 32-year-old Ponoka man with a $100 fi ne under the town’s noise bylaw.
Police say the music was turned up so loud that the walls in the next apart-ment shook and music could be heard down the street. Police believe this is an ongoing issue.
These fi les represent events from Nov. 3 to 16.
If you have information on any crime call Ponoka RCMP at 403-783-4472 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
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We want to help. That’s why we’re proposing changes to laws that keep farm
and ranch workers safe and ensure they’re treated fairly.
• Ensuring farm and ranch accidents can be properly investigated so they
can be prevented.
• Making sure farm and ranch workers can still support their families if they’re
injured on the job.
• Protecting farm and ranch owners against the impact of workplace injuries
and illnesses.
If approved, laws that govern workplace safety and Workers’ Compensation
Board insurance coverage would apply to farm and ranch workers as of
January 1, 2016.
We also want your views on how we can work with employers to make lives
better for farm and ranch workers. For example:
• How should hours of work for farms and ranches be regulated?
• How should vacation leave work on farms and ranches?
• How do we make these changes while protecting family farms and ranches?
A town hall session will be held Tuesday, December 1 from 1:00-4:00 pm:
Red Deer College, 100 College BlvdSpace is limited, pre-registration is encouraged.
To learn more, take part in an online survey or attend a town hall near you,
visit work.alberta.ca/farmandranch
For further information, call 1-866-415-8690.To contact the Workers’ Compensation Board,
call 1-866-922-9221.
Farmers, ranchers and their
workers want to return home
safely after working hard all day.
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
403-783-8322
“Let the“Let thesun shine”sun shine”
with Apollo!with Apollo!
4 PONOKA NEWS WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2015
Religion
Real change - Now
I grew up in a family that believed that the Bible was the Word of God and that it was something that we, as a family. needed to read and to obey. To ac-complish this, my parents would read Bible stories to us every time we sat down to eat, which in a Dutch home was three times a day. After the meal, we had the story, and some of my
PASTOR TOM CNOSSENHobbema
Fellowship ChurchMember of the Ponoka Ministerial Association
favorite stories were from the time the Israelites were in the wilderness, heading for the Promised Land. It was during that time that Jehovah God travelled with His people, and taught them many, many lessons.
As Moses neared the end of his life, he spelled out for Israel what their fu-ture would look like and how life would go for them depended on one thing. Simply put, if they obeyed the Lord, there would be blessing, but if they walked in disobedience, their lives would be cursed. You can fi nd this out in the book of Deuteronomy in chap-ter 28.
God was for His peo-ple – He still is – and He was waiting to bless them. Moses told the Israelites:
“If you fully obey the Lord your God and carefully follow all his commands I give you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the na-
tions on the earth. All these blessings will come upon you and accompany you if you obey the Lord your God: “(Deut. 28:1-2)
From that point on, Moses lists blessing after blessing that God was will-ing to give an obedient peo-ple: their children would be blessed, as well as their crops and livestock. There would be plenty for all and their army would be strong. Sounds like great promises for a politician to make – but these are promises coming from a God who keeps promises.
On reading this, you would wonder why any na-tion, let alone any person, would not want the real change that God wants to give people. A lot of us have this idea about God that He is out there want-ing to take away from us when the opposite indeed is true – God is willing and wanting to bless and prosper people, and that is
something He has proven He will do.
The problem is, we want change, but we want it our way, and often that “way” stands in opposi-tion to our Creator. When we do things our way, we have one big problem that taints every decision that we make, and that prob-lem is sin – and sin is de-structive, it always hurts somebody.
One of the ways we sin, both individually and col-lectively as nations is to think we can do things our way, without God. We think if we can just get rid of God, we can truly be free. The Psalmist pictures this in Psalm 2:1-3 where he writes:
“Why do the nations con-spire and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth take their stand and the rul-ers gather together against the Lord and against His Anointed One. “Let us break their chains,” they say, “and throw off their fetters.”
In our world, we have seen not just a drift away from truth, but an ava-lanche. The secular has replaced the sacred more rapidly now than ever, and we are entering those days predicted by the prophet Isaiah where people “…call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness.” (Isaiah 5:20)
It’s late, but it’s not too late. There is another story in the Bible where God sent a prophet to a city known for its deprav-ity – the ancient city of Nineveh – and He declared that judgment was com-ing – real judgment. That story has a surprise end-ing. Instead of thumbing their noses at God and kill-ing His prophet, the people – all of the people – re-pented. And with that God changed His plan. Instead of judgment, He showed them grace.
If we want real change, and blessing in our lives, the way is simple and old. God doesn’t change, but He wants us to change our minds and turn to Him.
“If my people, who are called by my name, will hum-ble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14)
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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
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2015 PONOKA NEWS 5
Refl ections of Ponoka
MIKE RAINONEHAMMERTIME
Ponoka 1961 looked forward to a new town hall,
freeway and more
The addition of the Highway 2 thru-way
After countless hours of negotiations, our fl am-boyant Department of Highways Minister Gordon Taylor and the Alberta Government presented the fi nal decision on the construction and route of a new 52-mile stretch of divided four-lane highway freeway that will replace the current Highway 2 to accommodate the main fl ow of the extremely heavy and increasing num-bers of north/south traffi c between Edmonton and Calgary. Also a part of this $13 million ($250.000.00 a mile) project would be the improvement and hard-surfacing of Highway #53 to both the east and the west of Ponoka, with all construction set to start in the spring of 1962.
In the beginning, Taylor had led extensive negoti-
ations with the residents of the Hobbema Indian Reserves to purchase 160 acres of right-away land for the construction of the new free-way through that area. The Alberta Government initially offered $200 an acre, but the natives re-sponded with a request of $40,000.00 an acre, and when that was not ac-cepted, the Hobbema Tribal Chiefs and offi cials asked for a lifetime payment of $30.00 a month for every man-women-and child liv-ing on the reserve, which was also rejected. The fi nal route of the highway will pass 2 ¾ miles west of Ponoka, and in the closing discussions of the project, the Town of Wetaskiwin protested and were ex-tremely disappointed that the new freeway will miss their community by 10 miles to the west.
Major announcement
from Town CouncilThe Ponoka Town Council
have been holding many fi ve-hour meetings over the past few months, and made two major announce-ments last week. Under the direction of newly sworn Mayor Debs Nelson in November, they gave sec-ond and third readings to a bylaw to allow for the sale of the existing town hall at 5101-50th Avenue and to approve the sale of de-bentures for the purpose of funding a project to build a new town hall.
Cost of the project is es-timated at $125,000, and the new two-story struc-ture will be designed to host a 16-by-32 foot coun-cil chambers, staff offi c-es, a police station, court room, probation offi cer, a health unit lab, special quarters for the duties of the magistrate-barristers, and witnesses, as well as
Photo courtesy of Fort Ostell Museum
This fi rst Ponoka Town Hall was built in the early 1920s for a few thousand dollars and served the community until it was demolished in 1963. The multi-purpose brick building housed the town offi ces, fi re hall, police station, cell block, dogcatcher’s offi ce, and a spacious upstairs auditorium that hosted many community meetings and gala social functions.
Growing old as a grandparent is amazing
There is absolutely no doubt that one of the greatest joys that we will have as grandparents is sitting down in a cozy room in the company of our children and grand-children while sharing the adventures of the week, some past memories and wishes, as well as passing
around a few sweet treats. I just love it when they boldly ask us those deli-cate but delightful ques-tions such as….how old are you, what was it like when you were kids way back then, and on and on..
It is during these pre-cious moments that we sit back, scratch our heads, then begin to share some of our most favourite memories and adventures, while being very careful to stay away from a few deep, dark, and delightful secrets that we will always keep to ourselves. As we lean forward and slowly sip our cup of tea, we will fi nally get their attention (for a few moments) and then happily reveal that we were indeed born be-fore television, polio shots, Xerox, Frisbees, comput-ers, penicillin, frozen foods, contact lenses, the
pill and much more than we can’t remember.
When we were growing up there were no credit cards, ballpoint pens, laser beams, and our modern men had not invented panty hose, dishwash-ers, air conditioners and clothes dryers. It was in our days back in the 50s, 60s,70s and whatever that grass was mowed, Coke was a cold drink, pot was something our mother’s cooked in, rock music was your grandfather’s fa-vourite lullaby, Aids were helpers in the principal’s offi ce, a chip was a piece of wood, hardware was found in the hardware store, software wasn’t even a word, man hadn’t walked on the moon, and music was much milder. Today we should now be very pleased and proud to share what it was like
having fun growing up and somehow managing to ‘survive’ without some of the amazing perks and practises that we have today and here is just a little hint of how it really was way back then..
*Draft dodgers were peo-ple who closed their front doors when the evening breeze started.
*We were taught to know the difference between right and wrong and to stand up and take respon-sibility for our actions.
*Pizza Hut, McDonald’s and instant coffee were unheard of in those days when we thought fast food was what people ate during Lent, and ice-cream cones, phone calls, rides on a bus and Pepsi were all a nickel.
*The term ‘making out’ referred to how you did on your school exam, hav-
ing a meaningful relation-ship meant getting along with your cousins, and your grandmother and I got married fi rst, and then lived together.
*We were before gay-rights, computer dating, dual careers, daycare centres and group thera-py, and the cardinal rule around the house was that ‘everyone’ should be pres-ent on time to sit down at the table for meals. We went outside a lot to get fresh air and fi nd friends, and going to school were among the best days of our lives.
*Our lives were gov-erned by the ‘Ten Commandments’, we were taught to respect our el-ders, and that serving our country was a privilege, and living here was even a bigger privilege.
*We were yet to hear of
FM radios, tape decks, CDs, electric typewriters, yogurt or guys wearing ear-rings and time-sharing meant quality time together with our family, even on the weekends.
*When we went shop-ping with our parents, and carried the groceries, they actually had 5 and 10 cent stores where some items really cost that much, you could purchase a fancy Chevy Coupe for $600, and gas was only 11 cents a gallon.
Whatever the case, please try to remember that we are not ‘ancient’ and have somehow man-aged to adjust to the new generation, with your help, but that we will always be there for you, no matter what. Cherish every mo-ment, share the joy, and have a great week, all of you.
Heading into the early ‘roaring 1960s’, both the Town and the County of Ponoka were enjoying progress and growth in all areas, as well as somewhat of a ‘popula-tion explosion’ that had the town sitting at 4179 citizens, the county at 8611, and growing steadily. 1961 would be a very good year, highlighted by exciting plans for a new town hall, highway expansions
in all four directions, a parking meter compromise, and much much more. Other 1961 milestones saw the Ponoka Stampede make a profi t of $2375.91, the Ponoka Separate School District formed, Albert Matejka and Sons sell six head of yearling bulls to the Russians, and local minor hockey star Larry Mickey sign to play with the Moose Jaw Canucks of the SJHL, he would later go on to play for six NHL teams.
space to serve customers and accommodate other year round services. Project Architect Dr. Minsos has promised that his fi nal plans will feature a build-ing with dignity and style that will provide adequate space that could later serve a city with a population of 12 to 15,000. The con-struction will be of strong and durable materials that will last for a lifetime, with construction set to begin in 1962. Another vital an-nouncement was the ap-proval of the construction
of a new south bridge over the Battle River, with most of the funding $150,000 coming from the govern-ments.
Also around the coun-cil table, with the back-ing of the Ponoka Retail Merchants Association and with the approval of most of our urban and rural citizens, the deci-sion was made to keep our community park-ing meters in place, at least for the time being. Shoppers are reminded to bring along lots of nick-
els, dimes and quarters to keep the metal street mon-sters fed. Councillor Arthur Wedin reported that our fi ne police force will soon have radio receiving and broadcasting equipment in their cars and offi ce; and Councillor Cerveny announced that the town will provide and maintain outdoor skating rinks for children in Riverside and Lucas Heights. Yes, it was a very good year, and in-deed the future looks very exciting for Ponoka Town and County!
BY MIKE RAINONE FOR THE NEWS
6 PONOKA NEWS WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2015
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, Michele Rosenthal
All editorial content, advertising content and concepts are protected by copyright. Unauthorized use is forbidden.
Paris attacks: The terrorist strategy
As always after a major terrorist attack on the West, the right question to ask after the slaughter in Paris is: what were the strategic aims behind the attack? This requires getting your head around the concept that terrorists have ratio-nal strategies, but once you have done that the motives behind the attacks are easy to fi gure out. It also becomes clear that the motives have changed.
Mandate of the new ag minister
When the PC government of the period responded to the pressure coming mostly from feedlot operators to abolish the non-refundable $1 check-off on beef sales in 2009, it didn’t take a lot of time for many stake-
GWYNNE DYERThink Globally
MUSTAFA ERICEditor
Opinion
holders to realize what a mistake the move was. A year later, the check-off was made non-refundable again, because many in ranchers and beef farmers came to the conclusion that without the centralized support that non-refundable dollars go to, selling their beef in the market and getting research done to help improve their industry practices would become only more and more diffi cult.
Now the provincial organi-zation of the beef producers, ABP, has been campaigning to raise the amount of non-refundable check-off from its current level of $1 per head of cattle sold to $2.5. With many regional meetings already held to
discuss the matter, ABP is preparing to adopt the raise as an organizational policy, and once its authoritative body puts the stamp on the decision at their December meeting, plans to approach the provincial government to legislate the increase.
This shows that the in-dustry has come a long way in assessing the value of centralized support for stakeholders of the livestock business, because, as in many other sectors of the 21st century economy, free trade is anything but free.
From digital products to cereals, toys to fresh fruits, all traded merchandise has to meet certain standards, decided either directly by governments or by interna-
tional organizations where national governments have substantial powers of veto in establishing the parameters by which global commerce is conducted. And that is not necessarily a bad thing, but it does show the need for governments to listen to voice of key sectors that pull their economies.
Canada’s new government has done something unprec-edented and made public the mandate letters that each minister receives after being tasked by the prime minister with their portfolio.
The mandate letter to Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Lawrence MacAulay (http://pm.gc.ca/eng/minister-agricul-ture-and-agri-food-man-
date-letter) signals some understanding on the part of the new government of the importance of that commu-nication and of the support the ag sector needs to thrive.
Some of the specifi c targets set by the prime minister in his mandate letter include “marketing support and assis-tance to help food processors develop new value-added prod-ucts; investing in agricultural research to support discovery science and innovation in the sector; promoting Canadian agricultural interests during future trade negotiations; work-ing with provinces, territories, and other willing partners, to help the sector adjust to climate change and better address water and soil conservation and development issues; supporting
the minister of transport in undertaking a full review of the Canadian grain transpor-tation system in the context of responding to the Canadian Transportation Act review”among others.
It remains to be seen in what format and at what pace the implementation of the steps aimed at those tar-gets will or will not proceed. But with oil prices forecast to remain below $100/barrel level well into 2020, invest-ment in and support for agriculture seem to be the most secure route to stop the provincial economy from falling into further decline.
One hopes that the provin-cial and federal governments will be able to see eye to eye on that score.
The 9/11 attacks on the United States in 2001 fol-lowed the classical terrorist strategy of trying to trick the target government into over-reacting in ways that ultimately serve the terror-ists’ interests. Al-Qaeda’s goal was to sucker the United States into invading Muslim countries.
Al Qaeda was a revolu-tionary organisation whose purpose was to overthrow existing Arab governments and take power in the Arab countries, which it would then reshape in accord with its extreme Islamist ideology. The trouble was that Islamist movements were not doing very well in building mass support in the Arab world, and you need mass support if you want to make a rev-olution.
Osama bin Laden’s innova-tion was to switch the ter-rorist attacks from Arab gov-ernments to Western ones, in the hope of luring them into invasions that would radicalise large number of Arabs and drive them into the arms of the Islamists. His hopes were fulfi lled by the US invasion of Iraq in 2003.
Once the Western troops went in, there was a steep decline in terrorist attacks on Western countries. Al-Qaeda wanted Western troops to stay in the Middle East and radicalise the local popula-tions, so it made no sense to wage a terrorist campaign that might make Western countries pull their troops out again.
The resistance in Iraq grew quickly and and attract-ed Islamist fi ghters from many other Arab countries. The organisation originally known as “Al-Qaeda in Iraq” underwent several name changes, to “Islamic State in Iraq” in 2006; then to “Islamic State in Iraq and Syria” – ISIS for short – in 2013, and fi nally to simply “Islamic State” in 2014. But the key personnel and the long-term goals remained the same throughout.
The man who now calls himself the “Caliph” of Islamic State, Abu Bakr al-Bahdadi, fi rst joined “Al-Qaeda in Iraq” and started fi ghting the US occupation forces in Iraq in 2004. But along the way the strategy changed, for ISIS eventu-
ally grew so strong that it conquered the extensive territories in Syria and Iraq that now make up Islamic State. Popular revolutions were no longer needed. The core strategy now is simply conquest.
In that case, why are Islamic State and Al-Qaeda still attacking Western tar-gets? One reason is because the jihadi world is now split between two rival jihadi franchises that are compet-ing for supporters.
The split happened in 2013, when ISIS, having launched a very successful branch op-eration in Syria known as the Nusra Front, tried to bring it back under the control of the parent organisation.
The Syrian branch resisted, and appealed to Al-Qaeda, the franchise manager of both jihadi groups, for sup-port. Al-Qaeda backed the Syrians, whereupon ISIS broke its links with Al-Qaeda and set up as a direct com-petitor.
ISIS and the Nusra Front then fought a three-month war in early 2014 that killed several thousand militants and left the former in con-
trol of most of eastern Syria. Soon afterwards ISIS overran most of western Iraq and renamed itself Islamic State.
Islamic State and Al-Qaeda’s local franchise, the Nusra Front, are currently observing a ceasefi re in Syria, but the two brands are still in a bitter struggle for the loyalty of jihadi groups else-where in the Muslim world.
Spectacular terrorist opera-tions against Western targets appeal to both franchises because they are a power-ful recruiting tool in jihadi circles. But Islamic State has a further motive: it actually wants Western attacks on it to cease.
It’s a real state now, with borders and an army and a more or less functional economy. It doesn’t want Western forces interfering with its efforts to consolidate and expand that state, and it hopes that terrorist attacks on the West may force them to pull out.
France is a prime target because French aircraft are part of the Western-led coa-lition bombing Islamic State, and because it’s relatively easy to recruit terrorists
from France’s large, impover-ished and alienated Muslim minority. Russia has also be-come a priority target since its aircraft started bombing jihadi troops in Syria, and the recent crash of a Russian airliner in Sinai may be due to a bomb planted by Islamic State.
So the outlook is for more terrorist attacks wherever Islamic State (and, to a lesser extent, Al-Qaeda) can fi nd willing volunteers. Western countries with smaller and better integrated Muslim communities are less vul-nerable than France, but they are targets too.
Putting foreign ground troops into Syria would only make matters worse, so the least bad option for all the countries concerned is to ride the terrorist campaign out. Horrendous though the attacks are, they pose a very small risk to the average citizen of these countries. Statistically speaking, it’s still more dangerous to cross the street, let alone climb a ladder.
Gwynne Dyer is an indepen-dent journalist whose articles are published in 45 countries.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2015 PONOKA NEWS 7
5115 - 50 Avenue 403-783-3440*Prices on this sale have no bearing on past or future salesHOME FURNISHINGS GALLERY
After two long days of budget deliberations town council looks ready to bring a modest 1.5 per cent tax increase to residents.
Deliberations were held Thursday, Nov. 12 and 13 in a public meeting with a focus on a small tax increase due to the slow economy, said Mayor Rick Bonnett. “It was a very tough budget to pull through.”
Initially, the draft in-terim budget proposed a three per cent increase
but Bonnett said coun-cil sifted through details line by line to fi nd funds from carryforward proj-ects that were not needed. Approximately $100,000 was pulled out of a landfi ll project that was no longer needed.
Also during delibera-tions, staff pulled money from budgeted salaries for operations out of the Hudson Green Nature and Activity Centre that were not needed. This helped council create funds for a new peace offi cer posi-tion, which will take the
place of the bylaw offi cer position.
The draft interim budget allows for $67,000 for the peace offi cer job, which includes salary, benefi ts, workers compensation and training. Bonnett says a truck has been budgeted for as well in the fl eet re-placement program.
Despite the small tax in-crease, Bonnett said coun-cil wants to have several reports ready in the event that the province or the federal government opens up granting for large capi-tal projects. “We’re hoping
to be part of that infra-structure win.”
Other areas council wants to see spending drop is for unnecessary projects. During delibera-tions, administration re-quested $150,000 to redo the aquaplex roof, but council did not feel that would be necessary con-sidering it is on its last legs.
Dave McPhee, director of operations and proper-ty services said there has not been a full engineer-ing study on the building and the leaks could not be
found. He recommended fi xing the roof. “This will fi x it without having to spend three times the cap-ital amount.”
Council suggested he take some of the money from the $150,000 and conduct a structural integ-rity study to determine if it is worth putting any more money into the building.
“If the building is done, I don’t want to see a 20-year fi x for it,” added Bonnett during deliberations.
Four aging playgrounds will be replaced over the next two years. For 2016,
BY JEFFREY HEYDEN-KAYE there is $160,000 budgeted and another $136,000 for 2017. The four playgrounds were built in the 1980s, Wes Amendt, director of community services told council.
Councillors also took away the 1.3 per cent cost of living adjustment from their own remuneration but kept it for manage-ment staff. Union staff will see an increase in their salaries as it was an agree-ment made with the union last year.
Thank you to everyone who did the budget survey! We will post the full results on the website. The top three priorities identifi ed by Ponoka citizens are 1) Families and Children 2) Business and Industry 3) Well-maintained infrastructure. We also have a Ponoka Top Ten list based on the budget survey results. Please visit the website at Ponoka.ca to see what Ponoka residents said!
COUNCIL UPDATESNext meeting of Council: Tuesday, November 24. New time and location - 6:00 pm at the Ponoka County Boardroom. Agenda packages are posted on the website in advance of every Council meeting. Everyone is welcome to attend.
TOWN NOTICESTown Hall offi ces are now OPEN in our new location on 54 Street. Turn north at the Fire Hall corner. Thank you for your patience while we moved. Sign Up for Monthly Tax Plan payments - Please sign up by December 18, 2015 for the 2016 Tax Year. You will need to sign a form and be sure to bring a “VOID” cheque with you.Winter hours at the Waste Transfer Station have started: 10 – 4, Tuesday to Saturday. Remember - the Waste Transfer Station now accepting paint. Used Electronics can be taken to the County of Ponoka’s Waste Transfer Station.Garbage and Recycling carts will be delivered in December – Please see the article above for details!Recreation Schedules are online – Please visit our website to tell us what recreation facilities you use most often in the winter! Question of the Day is on the home page of Ponoka.ca Kiddie Pool is now open!Ice Rental: Small ice surface is available for rent. Contact Tamara @403- 783-0131
Ponoka Fire Department Weekly ReportPONOKA FIRE WEEKLY REPORT: NOV. 5 – 12
The Ponoka Fire Department proudly supported all our Veterans, Service
men and women who have and continue to serve this Great Country we
live in on November 11 at the Ponoka Legion. Thank you to all members
who took part in the Ceremony and March to the Legion and the wreath
presentations.
For the week of Nov. 5 – 12 the fi re department responded to
6 emergency calls
• 1 Fire in a Field • 1 Medical Assist
• 2 Alarm Calls • 1 MVC
• 1 Mutal Aid Call for a Structure Fire
Ponoka’s 2nd annual Festival of Trees takes place from November 19 – 21CP Holiday Train – December 8 Arrival at 5:30 PM; show from 5:45 – 6:15 pm. This is a fundraiser for our local foodbank! Please donate generously to those in need at Christmas.Ponoka FCSS Starry Nights Road Trip – December 3 Ponoka to Red Deer for shopping, dinner and a sleigh ride at Heritage Ranch; tickets on sale now - $40. Call 403-783-4462 for yours now!
Board and Committee Vacancies – Great opportunities to get involvedNew Heritage & Downtown Committee is seeking members representing Downtown businesses and the public at large. Contact our Economic Development Offi cer Stephen Novak at403-783-0116.Ponoka Subdivision & Development Appeal Board has two vacancies – please apply by November 30, 2015. Application forms are available at Town Hall or on the website under Employment and Other Opportunities. Ponoka Jubilee Library Board is seeking applications for enthusiastic and community-minded individuals. Application forms are available at Town Hall or on the website under Employment and Other Opportunities. Please apply by November 30, 2015.
At the beginning of December your new waste and recycling roll-out carts will be delivered to your home. You will receive one grey cart for waste and one green cart for yard waste. Yard waste service will start in May 2016.
The carts have serial numbers that are recorded and will be associated with your address. When you receive your cart, be sure to look inside for paperwork. The paperwork will include: 1. Your NEW 3-DAY Collection Schedule 2. A Map of the Town that will show your collection area 3. An explanation of our new Blue Bag program
THE NEW RESIDENTIAL RECYCLING SERVICE
WILL BEGIN ON JANUARY 4, 2016
This is also a great time to sign up for the Ponoka Rising Sun Clubhouse Blue Box Program. This curbside service creates employment opportunities for members of our community. To sign up for the Ponoka Rising Sun Clubhouse Blue Box program, please call 403-783-5810.
For more detailed information visit the Town website, Facebook or Twitter. You are also invited to drop by the New Town Hall on 54 Street for printed material.
THE CARTS ARE COMING!
10 PONOKA NEWS WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2015
This weekend join us for ourThis weekend join us for our
Christmas Open HouseChristmas Open HouseFRIDAY, NOV. 20 8:30am - 11:00pmFRIDAY, NOV. 20 8:30am - 11:00pm
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Looking to take yourfi tness to the next level?Join us Madness eveningFriday, Nov. 20 at 5:30 pm for an informative seminarwith Bond Nutrition.
Safe neighbourhoods the numberone priority for residents
Budget survey results released by the Town of Ponoka show that neigh-bourhood safety is the number one priority for town residents.
The survey was con-ducted several weeks ago during an open house bud-get deliberation process. There were a total of 265 questionnaires completed either in hard copies or online. The top 10 priori-ties collated from the sur-vey results are as follows:
Safe neighbourhoods
Access to healthcare for seniors
Trained, professional fi re and rescue services
Road maintenance such as pothole repairs and snow removal
Recreation - community facility
Develop a long-term strategy for revenue gen-eration and debt manage-ment
Services and infrastruc-ture
Good utilitiesUpgraded or new parks
and recreation facilitiesWalkable community.
How would you spend $20,000 or add $50 to your taxes in 2016?
For the above question there were several areas identifi ed in the results. The survey results state that there were 25 men-tions on snow removal and 23 mentions on rec-reation and a recreation multiplex.
These are the other men-tions:Improved/expanded trail system,
Mobile audio system,Bicycle racks and rules
for cyclists and sharing trails,
Photo radar,Walking trail to the
Ponoka Legion and Calnash Ag Events Centre,
More cycling trails - do not need to be paved,
Continue with snow re-moval,
Continue, or add, more funding for seniors trans-portation such as the Wheelchair Van Society and FCSS.
Other areas identifi ed in-cluded a need to revitalize the downtown area and have a new area, design and new cottage business-es.
BY JEFFREY HEYDEN-KAYE
Coun. Tim Falkiner was not present at the budget meetings and Coun. Teri Underhill attended a por-tion of the Friday meeting.
How the budget might change
The area that could see the draft interim budget change and see a tax in-crease is if talks with Ponoka County on a region-al fi re services fall through.
In that case, the town would have to fi nd money to pay for its share of the fi re hall, equipment and salaries considering Ponoka County current-ly pays half the operating costs.
The town has budget-ed for the purchase of a $500,000 fi re truck with a fi xed master stream water cannon. While coun-cil gave the nod for the budget item, Coun. Carla Prediger suggested at bud-get deliberations that any requests related to capital purchases should include the county fi rst.
The current truck, a 2007 Rosenbauer engine, is shared with Ponoka County.
Ponoka County’s fi re ser-vices agreement is set to expire in April, 2016 and the county has already begun the process of mov-ing forward with its region-al system.
continued from page 7
1.5% tax increase
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2015 PONOKA NEWS 11
Dental Hygienekim green
centre
Thank youto Wolf Creek Golf Resort &
Ponoka Golf and Country Club.
would like to send a
congratulationsto Brooklyn Green and Mina Shin for
accomplishing their goal of protecting our water shed.
They have put up a total of 75 birdhouses to reduce
the use of pesticides on local golf courses.
Thank youto Sommer Home
Hardware for donating the materials.
Thanks to Murray McKay for his expert
advice.
403-783-4004 • #3, 6110 48 Ave., PonokaLocated across from Tim Horton’s in the 48th Ave. Business Centre
Please join us in celebrating the 25 year career of Pam Baron!
We hope you will stop by for refreshments, treats and to celebrate Pam’s achievement.
When: Thursday, November 19 from 2 to 5pm
Where: Ponoka branch 4780 Highway 2A
servus.ca
You’re invited.
Provincial tests results for Ponoka schools need explanationNo matter how one can spin it, stu-
dents in Ponoka are signifi cantly un-der-performing when it comes to pro-vincial testing.
Last month, Alberta Education re-leased the results from the 2014-15 Provincial Achievement Tests (PATs) completed in specifi c subjects by stu-dents in Grades 6 and 9, both of which showed a disturbing pattern of marks that were lower than the provincial average - in some cases dramatically lower.
To make the optics look even worse, when the Ponoka schools results were compared to the average marks from Wolf Creek Public Schools (WCPS) as a whole, Ponoka still failed to meet those fi gure and again in some subjects the gap was substantial.
For Grade 9 students provincially, the results in English Language Arts showed 85.5 per cent of students who wrote the PAT reached the acceptable standard. The WCPS average was very close at 84.3 per cent, but the result at Ponoka Secondary Campus (PSC) was 67.2 per cent - which translates into 45 of the 71 students that wrote the exam. Four PSC students achieved the excel-lence standard.
The differences are just as stark in Math with 57.4 per cent of PSC students (31) who wrote the PAT achieving the acceptable standard, as compared to 64.6 per cent of WCPS students and
73.1 per cent provincially. Again, just four (7.4 per cent) PSC students out of 58 reached the excellence standard.
In Science, 78.9 per cent of Wolf Creek students who wrote the test made the acceptable standard compared to 82.4 per cent of students across Alberta. Yet, just 52.9 per cent of PSC students could make that standard, while four (5.7 per cent) of the 74 PSC students that took the PAT made the excellence standard.
Lastly, in Social Studies, 52.9 per cent (36) of the 78 PSC students that wrote the PAT made the acceptable standard as compared to 64 per cent of WCPS students and 73.5 per cent around the province. There were 10 (14.7 per cent) PSC students that made the excellence standard.
Meanwhile, the Grade 6 PAT results at Ponoka Elementary School (PES) also tended to trend lower than both the provincial and division-wide percent-ages while the marks look a bit better.
In English Language Arts, the pro-vincial average - of those that wrote the PAT - for achieving the acceptable standard was 91.4 per cent while the WCPS result was 89.2 and the average at PES was 77.5, which translates to 55 out of 77 students - six of whom made the excellence standard.
For Math, the acceptable standard was reached by 62 per cent (44) of PES students with the WCPS average of 81.1 exceeding the provincial average of 80.7 per cent. The results in Science were 84.6 per cent of Alberta students
BY JORDIE DWYER meeting the acceptable standard with 81.5 per cent of WCPS students and 73.2 per cent (52 students) at PES reach-ing that mark, while the Social Studies results showing PES at 60.6 per cent (43 students) making the acceptable standard with the WCPS and provincial results at 70.6 and 77.7 per cent respec-tively.
Since the results were released on
Oct. 8, the Ponoka News has attempt-ed on numerous occasions to solic-it comment and reaction from WCPS Superintendent Larry Jacobs or a rep-resentative. Initially, Jacobs indicated time was needed for the division and his offi ce to go over the results before commenting. However since that time, messages and emails to Jacobs for fol-low up have not been answered.
12 PONOKA NEWS WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2015
Keep it real.
PONOKA JUBILEE LIBRARY BOARD VACANCY
The Ponoka Jubilee Library Board is seeking applications for an enthusiastic and community minded individual to join the Library Board.
Any persons interested in serving on the Library Board are requested to submit a completed Board Application Form to the Town of Ponoka on or before November 30, 2015.
Ponoka Jubilee Library Board application forms are also available at the Library, 5110 – 48 Avenue, Ponoka.
TOWN OF PONOKA SUBDIVISION & DEVELOPMENT
APPEAL BOARD VACANCIES
The Subdivision and Development Appeal Board has two upcoming vacancies.
If you are interested in serving on these Boards, please submit a completed Application on or before November 30, 2015 to the Town of Ponoka.
Board Application Forms are available at Town Hall: 5004 – 54 Street Ponoka, AB T4J 1N8 or on the Town’s website:www.ponoka.ca
TOWN OF PONOKA BOARD VACANCIESGreat Opportunities to get involved!
Long Stay Deluxe 2 bdrm Suites4205 - 64 St., Ponoka, AB
Includes: Fridge, Stove, Fireplace, Air Conditioning, Window Coverings, Oak Cabinetry with Corian Countertops, Balcony, High Security Card Locks. (Fully Furnished Extra).
Are you passionate about Ponoka’s Heritage? Do you have ideas to share to make our Downtown Revitalization a reality?
The Town of Ponoka is seeking members for the new Heritage & Downton Revitalization Committee:
• Five (5) Members representing Downtown Businesses • Two (2) Members representing the public at large
If you are interested, please contact Stephan Novak - Economic Development Offi cer at 403-783-0116 or [email protected]
Ponoka youths receive silver Duke of Edinburgh medal
Hard work from two Ponoka youths has earned them silver Duke of Edinburgh medals.
Sarah Nicholson and Zachary Littlewood re-ceived their awards from Lieutenant Governor of Alberta Lois Mitchell Friday, Nov. 13 at the Fairmont Palliser in Calgary.
Winning the award is a result of dedication and time to complete fi ve spe-cifi c tasks including com-munity service, adventure, recreation and other skills. Nicholson is in Grade 11 and she was pleased to receive the award. She used the skill of gymnas-tics coaching to help her
BY JEFFREY HEYDEN-KAYE
Sarah Nicholson (middle) poses with Lieutenant Governor of Alberta Lois Mitchell (left) Friday, Nov. 13 in Calgary after receiving the Duke of Edinburgh silver medal.
Photo submitted
Zachary Littlewood poses with Lieutenant Governor of Alberta Lois Mitchell Friday, Nov. 13 in Calgary after receiving the Duke of Edinburgh silver medal.
Photo submitted
complete the job.“I was already doing it, so
just started keeping track of the dates,” said Nicholson.
Looking at the many ac-tivities she takes part in helped Nicholson realize how busy she has been in the last few years. Since she heard she had earned the award, Nicholson has already started the process to aim for the gold. This in-volves more time and addi-tional community service.
“This one’s a lot harder. It’s a whole year of every-thing,” Nicholson stated.
“It actually is a really good way to get citizen-ship,” she added.
Littlewood was nervous during the ceremony, being the fi rst up to receive the award. He said taking on the silver medal took some extra time. He is now in college studying videogra-phy and is continuing his pursuit to earn the gold medal. Littlewood is now fi ve to six months into the third challenge.
He looks forward to the opportunity to prove him-self.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2015 PONOKA NEWS 13
Ponoka RCMP provides County
with updateImprovements to the way crimes are investigated
along with better crime prevention were the big topics of the presentation by Ponoka RCMP to Ponoka County council in the latest meeting of the latter.
Sergeant Martin Girard, who is holding down the fort at the Ponoka Detachment until the new staff sgt. arrives, gave the RCMP’s six-month update to council during their regular meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 5 with a particular focus on how the detachment has worked hard to reduce criminal activity in the region as well as increase the number of crimes they are able to solve.
Girard provided to council with the example of the 193 charges recently laid against fi ve people allegedly involved in numerous thefts and other property crimes, which included the recovery of more than $25,000 in stolen property, as just one project that shows how well things are going.
“With the help of our plain clothes general investiga-tion section (GIS) unit, which currently has one member and a temporary NCO (non-commissioned offi cer) sec-onded to oversee the unit, we were able to undertake projects like the one that was able to make arrests in the thefts from mailboxes which also led to several other crimes being solved,” explained Girard, adding that the unit has laid another 50 charges in other investigations over the last couple of months.
“We had hoped to see what benefi t this unit would have and the bottom line is that it is thanks to this unit that we were able to solve these crimes. There is a time to be visible, time to use the other tools we have, and I think the results speak for themselves. This unit takes some of the pressure off our uniformed members,” Sgt. Girard said.
Down the road, he explained, the hope is to expand the detachment’s GIS unit because of the success they are having, they just simply need the expertise to be able to do it.
“We are hoping to be able to add a new GIS member in the future as the unit reduces the workload of our gen-eral duty members by working on major case investiga-tions, drug enforcement, targeted community issues and prevention through the Habitual Offender Management (HOM) program,” he said.
Girard added that through HOM, which targets in-dividuals identifi ed as repeat or problem offenders in the community in a proactive/preventative policing ap-proach, there have been several arrests made for breach-ing conditions and other offences.
“This is a great tool for keeping an eye on these indi-viduals and giving us the ability to handle these types of issues, and the pressure even forced one person to leave the area,” he stated.
As part of that discussion, Ponoka County chief ad-ministrative offi cer Charlie Cutforth added the county is continuing to look into use of the enhanced RCMP position they are currently funding in Rimbey, and may still bow out of its contract when it expires at the end of 2016, unless the county can determine there is a greater benefi t that can be derived such as what the Ponoka de-tachment has been able to do.
“With the increase in development of subdivisions in the region, having this unit and not necessarily have to take offi cers off the streets to help prevent or solve crimes is good,” Cutforth said.
“However, the fact they won’t be as visible might not satisfy residents, but it is timely that we can explain there are other options to posting a patrol car by a mail-box. If the funds the county provides for an enhanced position could be go to the right places, then that could free up other offi cers’ time.”
However, according to the experiences Girard has had in smaller detachments like Rimbey, the chances of them being able to provide the kind of work Ponoka detachment is doing is slim due to the number of mem-bers, for a detachment is based on the population it serves and Ponoka has reached a level where it becomes both physically and fi nancially viable.
County moves forward with plan to ensure fi re protectionWith crunch time loom-
ing on the continuation of providing fi re protection in half of its area, Ponoka County has decided it needs to take action and is moving forward on ensur-ing its eastern residents will have a fi re service that can respond if needed.
County council approved a motion at its meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 10 that will see the creation of what is being called the Ponoka East County Regional Fire Department as well as passing motions, effective Jan. 1, 2016, that will see responsibility for invoicing of fi re department service calls on area highways in the county. In addition, the new Regional Fire Chief Dennis Jones - who will of-fi cially take over his duties on Nov. 30 - has been given the authority to conduct random audits on all fi re calls in the county come the new year.
Council was also told the consultant who assisted the county during the hir-ing process for Jones has been retained to conduct a full review of what the regional fi re department organization should look like - from its structure to necessary equipment and right down to the bylaws that currently govern the county’s fi re protection
services.According to Ponoka
County chief administra-tive offi cer (CAO) Charlie Cutforth, the motions and the review are all about ensuring that the coun-ty can provide effi cient and effective fi re protec-tion services to its resi-dents in the event that an agreement on bringing the Ponoka Fire Department into the regional fi re de-partment model isn’t com-pleted before the former fi re protection agreement between the county and Town of Ponoka ends next April.
“What it all boils down to is we are proceeding with establishing a district fi re department so the county can be ready to provide residents with the service they expect should our current agreement expire before a new one can be completed,” Cutforth ex-plained in an interview last week.
“We understand that town has their own issues to deal with and by doing this, it lets them come back to us when they are ready.”
He added council came to this conclusion follow-ing some lengthy discus-sions with its new regional fi re chief and the consul-tant.
“Through our discus-sions, it was made quite
clear to council by both Dennis (Jones) and our consultant that there isn’t a lot of time left to get or-ganized in case that agree-ment expires without something else in place,” Cutforth stated.
“And if there is a need for us to have to provide our own fi re protection services, then we needed to begin planning now to make certain we had our own department in place to ensure the safety of our residents.”
Including in the plan-ning is nailing down what equipment they current-ly own - which includes one pumper unit pres-ently being used and housed at the Ponoka Fire Department, sourcing out possible volunteer fi re-fi ghting personnel (which may include previous or current fi refi ghters that live in the area), to staff the department, purchasing the necessary gear, hoses and other fi refi ghting/res-cue equipment to supply the department, fi nding a temporary location for a fi re hall and potentially having to negotiate with the Town of Ponoka re-garding the allocation of or compensation for the presently shared-owner-ship of several units cur-rently stored at the Ponoka Fire Department.
However, Ponoka
County’s preference is to have an agreement signed, sealed and delivered on a regional fi re protection service with the town be-fore ever having to take the step - and the expense - of going that route. The only problem is time is quickly running out with the present agreement ex-piring on Apr. 28, 2016.
“As I explained to Doug (Wright, the town’s inter-im CAO) through some emails last week, the mat-ter of getting this agree-ment fi nished has been pending for at least a year and while we still value our relationship with the town and it remains our sincere desire to see the agreement done, it was recommended to us as a county that the timelines for having something in place to meet our needs are getting very tight should the agreement ex-pire,” Cutforth stated.
“The Town of Ponoka and Ponoka County have had this fi re services part-nership for 33 years, and when the town is ready in the future, it would be wonderful to continue with that, but we can’t wait any longer.”
He added that if the two municipalities can com-plete an agreement in time, all of the planning being done will not be in vain considering the sig-
BY JORDIE DWYER nifi cant growth of subdivi-sions in the county along with the potential future growth of the town.
“What the future will bring, who knows? If there continues to be growth - whether in the county or the town - there may be a need for expansion of fi re
protection services, possi-bly including a new hall fi lled with equipment and members, to serve and that may mean another hall or a new larger loca-tion to replace the present one, but that is all some-thing that can be looked at down the road,” he said.
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Call Rizwan 403-783-0898$94,900
RIVERSIDE (PANORAMA RIDGE)
End unit town house backing onto the park. 2 bed with 2 ensuite baths & a half bath, walk in closet. Less than 5 min. walk away from grocery & gas. Near Centennial Center & golf course. MLS CA0058501
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$227,000TO VIEW ALL LISTINGS VISIT US ONLINE AT WWW.FIRSTCHOICEPONOKA.COM
TYLER FESSLERAssociate
Located in a serene developed neighborhood.1235 sq. ft. bungalow with fi nished basement. 4 bedroom & 2.5 baths. MLS CA0066635
Call Rizwan 403-783-0898
LUCAS HEIGHTS
$260,047
3.93 acres, conveniently located halfway between Ponoka & Lacombe. Home offers a lot of open space with 4 bedrooms, an attached garage as well as a detached garage. Beautiful landscape includes 2 tier deck, cobblestone pathways. Many recent upgrades incl. some windows, shingles and siding. Call Sandra or Chanelle for more information.
$439,000
NEW LISTING
4 bdrm & 2 bath bungalow, located on an oversized lot on a quiet street in Riverside. Many renovations have been done to this home over the years and include: kitchen, fl ooring on the main fl oor, bathroom and shingles. There is also a detached double car garage. Call Sandra or Tyler.
$275,000
NEW LISTING
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RIZWAN SYEDAssociate
CHANELLE LYONAssociate
LISA BONEAssociate
Bi-level located in a north end cul de sac. Featuring 5 bedrooms & 2 baths. Hardwood fl oors through majority of main fl oor, kitchen & main bath recently redone. Double garage, RV parking, hot tub & fenced yard.Call Sandra or Chanelle for more information
NORTH END
$297,900
Beautifully fi n’d 2 bdrm townhouse, single att’d garage, appliances included. Located in Lucas Heights. Reasonable condo fees. Ready to move into. $230,000 + GST Call Sandra Lyon or Chanelle Lyon for more information
$230,000
LUCAS HEIGHTS
Movement afoot in downtown PonokaTiming may just be right for the Town of Ponoka’s
new Downtown Revitalization Committee as there are a number of new businesses opening up.
The committee was recently approved by council and
town planners are in the process of recruiting members to fi ll the committee, says Stephen Novak, economic development offi cer.
With the expected addition of Pizza Hut and a new physio therapy facility on Chipman Avenue, plus some shuffl ing of locations with the Bibles for Missions store
BY JEFFREY HEYDEN-KAYE moving to the old Rip’N Ronnies location, the committee may be able to provide feedback to council on some of the potentials for the area.
Novak says there are 11 voting positions available: two from town council, one each from the Ponoka and District Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Board, fi ve downtown business members and two voting members of the public. Novak is a non-voting member but will provide guidance to the committee.
He suggests this may be an opportunity for residents and business owners to provide feedback into seeing growth in the downtown area. The key with this com-mittee, says Novak, is action. “We want to focus on im-plementation of the plan.”
One area that needs to be addressed is how to entice businesses to the downtown core.
“There’s kind of a shift in the types of businesses that are located downtown,” said Novak.
“If you don’t have retail space, you can still make a go of it,” he added.
The downtown area has a mix of retail and business offi ces.
Tying in proper planning with the downtown area is something Novak feels may also help with its develop-ment. As the land use bylaw talks continue, Novak says there has been some discussion — although it is not set in stone — of allowing secondary suites in the down-town area.
He said providing rules for these suites would increase the residential population in the downtown area, which could in turn increase the need for services. Knowing how that will work can only happen by making plans and following through with them, suggested Novak.
“We need to have some wins. And we’ll probably have some setbacks,” he added.
The important part of that is taking action. Novak sug-gests the new committee can be of service to the town and development in the downtown area.
TO VIEW A COMPLETE LIST OF OUR PROPERTIES AND VIRTUAL TOURS PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT www.ponokaproperties.com
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BOB TILTGENAssociate
Proud sponsors ofRDC Arts Programs
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- Fully finished, 3 bdrms, 3 baths- Lg kitchen w/island & 5 appl- Hardwood floors, oak cabinets- Gas fireplace, 2 decks & patio- Corner lot, 26x30 garage$339,900 ~ Call Bob
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Town approves fi rst step in recreation master planTown council approved
$12,000 to have a predesign plan created for the future of recreation at the Ponoka Culture and Recreation Complex.
The decision was made Tuesday, Nov. 10 during council’s regular meeting after hearing a request for decision by administra-tion to accept McElhanney Consulting’s draft Recreation and Culture Master Plan.
There were six requests to council:Approve the plan;
Approve the relocation of the ball diamonds by the arena;
Plan for another $15,000
in the 2016 budget for a pre-design report of a new town hall and arts and culture centre and plaza;
To have administration plan for $162,000 over the next two years for a sche-matic design of a community and activity centre at the current arena site;
To include $300,000 for the redevelopment of the two ball diamonds being moved from the arena site;
For council to plan for the implementation of the activ-ity centre with several stages including construction to begin in 2019.
Coun. Loanna Gulka said that while she did not want to have another report sit on
the shelf, she also wanted to review the 2016 budget numbers before making a decision. “From my perspec-tive, I’d like to discuss this in the budget process.”
Wes Amendt, director of community services for the Town of Ponoka, suggested council did not have to make one decision over all the requests but could approve one, some or none. Mayor Rick Bonnett feels having the plan ready may be a benefi t to the town should money come from provincial and federal grants. “We just need to be prepared for it,” he said.
Council approved the $12,000 request but did not make any other motions.
BY JEFFREY HEYDEN-KAYE
Canola oil leak: Alberta Environment rolled out to investigate a trail of approximately 45 kms of canola oil that started east of Ponoka on Monday, Nov. 16. Offi cers stopped the driver near Secondary Highway 604 and Highway 2. The driver received a $776 fi ne and was charged with failing to prevent a spill. Alberta Environment was notifi ed as well as highway road crews. Photo by Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye
Gulka was opposed to the re-quest and Coun. Tim Falkiner was not in attendance.
Public forumThree residents spoke up
at the public forum during the regular meeting, Amanda Henderson-Kada, executive director of the Ponoka Rising Sun Clubhouse, John Jacobs and Greg Nelson.
Henderson-Kada said she had yet to sign an agreement with the town on the blue box recycling work that the clubhouse members do. She was worried their work would no longer be needed considering GFL Environmental, the company hired by the town to take over the program, is expect-ed to start in the new year.
“Right now, there’s been nothing in writing coming forward,” said Henderson-Kada.
She asked for a March or April start for her work because of the delay. No decisions were made at the public forum, however, council did approve the GFL contract on Sept. 21 on the condition that an agreement be made with the clubhouse. That is yet to occur.
For his part, Nelson’s con-cern was over spending within the town. He said he is one of the hard holdouts for the water meter and suggests council must con-sider its spending. “I think each and every one of you should start considering our budget.”
Jacobs also raised concerns over the spending at town hall. “During the last fi ve years I’ve seen we’ve cut into
our reserves by quite a bit.”He raised concerns over
the spending on the water meters, the North Bridge replacement and the bor-rowing needed to build the bridge. Bonnett offered that the reserves Jacobs referred to, the development fund, still had money saved and the money used for the water meters did not come from that fund.
47 Avenue improvementsCouncil approved a $30,000
reallocation to operations for the 47 Avenue storm drain project approved last year.
Dave McPhee, director of operations and property ser-vices, said the initial project was budgeted at $446,000 but the bids came in at $260,000. Seeing the project costs were low, planners extended the project, which eventually ended up $30,000 over. He said the entire project is es-timated to take three years.
Tax forgiveness requestA bank error put a resident
in an awkward position and late tax payment to the town, which resulted in penalties.
Seeing that the bank paid Ponoka County rather than the town, the resident re-quested the late fees of $201.29 be removed. Coun. Loanna Gulka wondered why the bank wasn’t paying the fee.
“It would be my suggestion that the bank should pay the penalties,” said Gulka.
Coun. Marc Yaworski dis-agreed saying the town should wave the penalty as it was a mistake, however, council denied reversal of the penalty but recommend-ed the homeowner speak with the bank to pay the mistake. If there were still issues, council requested ad-ministration to bring it back for further consideration.
18 PONOKA NEWS WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2015
SOLAR-WINDSOLAR-WINDWORKSHOPWORKSHOP
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St. Augustine students light candles of remembrance
Students at St. Augustine Catholic School lit their hearts with candles of remem-brance during a special Remembrance Day cer-emony Tuesday, Nov. 10.
The ceremony was or-ganized by the Grade 9 humanities students who took pride in cre-ating a memorable mo-ment. Along with a spe-cial slide show presen-tation and videos, the students put together a candle lighting ceremo-ny and a created a large Canadian fl ag to put the names of soldiers on.
“We wanted them (stu-dents) to do more than just sitting and watch-ing,” said teacher Thea Bowie.
The goal was to in-crease the thoughts of remembrance and re-spect. Adding the candles seemed a simple idea but it created a beautifully lit scene of light and respect among students. “We wanted to permeate our
faith into remembrance,” said Thea.
Lighting candles is a large part or respect, prayer and remem-brance, she added.
For Grade 9 student Aidan Gratton creating candle holders with a 3D printer added to the cer-emony. “I thought it was powerful and moving. It seemed to bring everyone together in remembering our fallen soldiers.”
Another co-organizer, Grade 9 student Ryan Frank found the ceremo-ny provided him with in-sight into the sacrifi ces made by Canadian sol-diers. “The amount of courage needed is just unbelievable.”
There were four areas of focus during the cer-emony: the Maple Leaf fl ag, candle lighting, the poppy fl ower and the wreath.
Among the attendees were members of the Ponoka Legion and Air Cadets and a prayer in Cree was said during the ceremony.
BY JEFFREY HEYDEN-KAYEStudents at St. Augustine Catholic School hosted their Remembrance Day ceremony tuesday, Nov. 10. Here (l-r) Ella Agorilla, Krisha Amulong , Priscilla Bonsu, Judite Vold, Hailey Petersen and Emily Rodriguez hold candles up for lighting.
Photo by Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2015 PONOKA NEWS 19
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Ponoka 4-H Renegade Riders newsOur names are Dakota
Anderson, Nathalie Devet, and Amber Dijkstra. We are the news reporters for the 2015-2016 4-H year.
Our club held its fi rst meeting on Sept. 29 and we had elections that eve-ning. The following are the results:
The Crestomere 4-H Multiclub started off the year with many new faces at our annual meeting on Oct. 3.
We elected our new ex-ecutives, who include our club leader Beatrix Stamm,
President Kris Malterer, Vice President Emma Rust, Secretary Isabell Stamm and Treasurer Julia Hopkins.
As a multi club, we have a variety of projects, in-cluding leadership, sew-ing, woodworking, small engines, sheep and veter-inary science for our 36
members and 10 very en-ergetic cleavers, who did Lego at their fi rst meeting.
This year, we are look-ing forward to the many events we have planned, including our Christmas party, judging and public speaking workshops, and our monthly project meet-ings.
BY MACKENZIE GILLARDCRESTOMERE 4-H MULTICLUB
Looks like this year will be fi lled with fun and tons of new experiences.
Our next meeting will be on Nov. 21 at Crestomere School.
To contact club leader Beatrix Stamm, the num-ber to call is 403 783 8740.
Renegade Riders during their Halloween ride. Submitted photo
District Representaives: Brydelle Wardley & Maddison Bruns
This fall we have had three rides already. We have been tested on our riding skills, had our Halloween ride where we could dress our horse and ourselves up, and play fun horse related games, some examples being broomstick pole bend-
ing, fi shing for jelly beans with your face in whipping cream, and getting your horse to step on an egg. As well, we fi gured out how to take our horse’s vitals which is very important to know if your horse is sick.
We want to thank the Town of Ponoka for sup-porting us by giving their bottles in our annual bottle drive. The money raised goes towards arena rental.
We will be having two more rides for the month of November. As well we will be doing our community service by serving ice cream at Rimoka Lodge dressed
in our club uniforms. On Nov. 21 we will be having an executive workshop at Moose Hall.
We are so excited for our 4-H year, please look for-ward to more news from our club.
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Ponoka Jubilee Library offers free memberships again in 2016
We have very exciting news. Between our annual Book Sale and the Silent Art Auction put on the by the Ponoka Friends of the Library Society, the library has raised over $2,800. With such amazing support from our community, it means that we are able to offer free library memberships again in 2016. So far, our free membership program has meant a 35 per cent increase in memberships at the library, which is huge for us. Thank you to every-one who gave generously at the book sale and con-gratulations to our highest bidders at the ‘Silent Art Auction’. And lastly, and most importantly, thank you to all our volunteers who helped with our book sale, and to all of the local artists who donated their pieces to our auction: Annette McKinley, Noni Chalmers, Lyla Langford, Mary Fierlbeck, Laura Wells, Danielle Folkerts, H. Jones, Roberta Jones and Sandra Bingeman.
We are excited to offer two different Christmas programs in December. ‘Vintage Family Christmas’ is on December 5 at 1 p.m. - Bring your family in for an afternoon full of old-fash-ioned crafting and snacks from the past. Each family will get to create unique vintage Christmas orna-ments, that they will use to decorate their own mini live Christmas tree. There is one tree per family, and space is limited, so please register at Ponoka Jubilee Library to ensure your spot, no cost. We also have a wreath making class on December 10 at 6:30 p.m. - Be taught to create a Christmas swag wreath, made from fresh boughs and all the trim-mings. The class cost of the class includes all supplies and instruction. Space is limited, so you must register and pay in advance.
We’re already look-ing ahead to 2016 and with that in mind have a ‘Beer Tasting’ on Saturday January 23 at 7:00 p.m. You will get to taste 10 different beers, from light to dark, with tasty snacks on the side. And our ‘4th Annual Dinner at the Library’ will be held on Thursday February 25 at 6 p.m. Sign up with your dish and the number of guests attending at the library.
Thank you to every-
one who took part in our Postcards for Peace cam-paign. The postcards that were returned to us were wonderful in their sincerity
and we are sure that the sol-diers past and present who receive them will appreciate them greatly. We have sent them off to two overseas
operations, Op Addenda in Afghanistan and Op Unifi er in the Ukraine, as well as to the Kipnes Centre for Veterans in Edmonton.
Coming soon: From Mary Higgins Clark comes ‘All Dressed in White’, the sec-ond thrilling novel in the New York Times bestselling
Under Suspicion series, featuring intrepid television producer Laurie Moran as she investigates the case of a missing bride.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2015 PONOKA NEWS 21
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Changes to funding procedures
may cut potential
liabilities for county
Restructuring the process on how Ponoka County ac-cepts and approves funding requests will likely reduce the chances of the county being on the hook for or los-ing money on incomplete or failed projects.
Previously, Ponoka County has provided contributions to various community or-ganizations on an annual basis as well as to assist in the construction of various projects.
However, that policy has - in the past - left the county open to having to fork over more cash to fi nish a project or, in at least one case, lose the money it provided as a result of the project not being completed.
That is why last month councillor Doug Weir pro-posed the county look at implementing a new policy to cover community project do-nations, which was presented at their meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 5 and was approved.
The new policy provides for the county to still maintain their annual contributions to the various organizations they presently support - with no real changes on how it has been done previously. The changes come in what the county will consider when a request is made to supply funding for a capital project or function.
Capital requests will nor-mally be received from only the organizations the county is presently partners with, though that doesn’t mean other groups would be left out of the mix, with requests separated into minor ($25,000 or less) and major (more than $25,000) categories.
All major project requests would have to include a complete breakdown of the project’s cost and funding, a formal statement confi rming the commitment from the lending institution if the county is asked to fi nance their portion of the request and a business plan with operating and capital bud-gets if council wants one. Funding for such projects may also require a construction progress schedule and funds would only be released upon a resolution of council.
Drop-ins welcome at all events.Nov. 27 - Christmas dinner & annual meeting 5:30 pm. Bring table service. Tickets are $20, available at the offi ce or from executive.
Regular Jam session every Saturday at 1pm
PONOKA ART CLUB CLASSESNov. 21 - Watercolor Flowers - Sandra BingemanContact Lyla Langford 403-783-1887 or Bernice Edwards 403-783-6858
Billiards - Weekdays 1:00pm. Mon through Sat – 50 cents per game. Honour systemMonday Bridge 1:00pmMonday Whist - 1:30pmMonday Yoga - 6:30pmTuesday Canasta - 1:00pmTuesday & Thursday Exercise class 9:30amTuesday Pickleball 6:30pm Centennial Centre - contact Janice Mackie 403-396-3160Tuesday Shuffl eboard - 7pmWednesday morning - PIANO LESSONS FOR SENIORS (Sara Driedger 403-790-1980)Wednesday Sewing Guild 9:30am to 4pmWednesday Cribbage 1:00pmWednesday Yoga - 6:30pmWednesday Duplicate Bridge 7:00pmThursday Floor Curling - 1:00pmThursday Weaving 1:00pm Welcome to drop-in to see how it’s doneThursday Bridge 1:00pmThursday Art Club Drop In Noon to 4pmFriday “500” 1:00pmSaturday Yoga 9:30am
Memberships available for 2016 - $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!
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
403-783-5810 Weekdays
Maskwacis youth
picture their community
Some 40 photos, the results of Photovoice, a proj-ect conceived and funded in partnership among AB Medical Association, Canadian Medical Association, Pediatrics Department of University of Alberta and Nehiyaw Kakeskewina Learning Society in Maskwacis are currently being displayed at the University of Alberta Faculty of Extension after being exhibited earlier in Ermineskin and Wetaskiwin.
Melissa Tremblay, the lead for the project at the U of A end, said the project was aimed at “reframing percep-tions” of the Maskwacis youth of their own community.
Under the $40,000 project, 11 youths, ranging in age from 15 to 19 were provided with a digital camera each and they had training sessions with professional pho-tographers.
The youth also had special sessions with the commu-nity elders with a view to being encouraged to see the positive aspects of their community.
Natasha Rabbit of the Nehiyaw Kakeskewina Learning Society said during the inauguration of the photo exhibit on Sunday, Nov. 8 that the idea of using photography and involving youth in the effort came about during the dis-cussions on various ways community promotion.
After its tour in Wetaskiwin and Edmonton, the photo exhibit will be on permanent display at the Maskwacis Health Centre.
Photos taken by Cree youth of Ermineskin nation to refl ect the positive aspects of their community have been displayed in Ermineskin, Wetaskiwin and Edmonton. Photo by Mustafa Eric
BY MUSTAFA ERIC
Strong retention in solar training programGreen Arrow Energy’s
solar training program on the Montana First Nations reserve is seeing strong re-tention among students.
Just halfway through its second training phase, leaders are pleased with its development. Chief Darrell Strongman spoke to attendees at an open house Thursday, Oct. 29 and said the developing this renewable energy falls in line with First Nations principles. “We are the keepers of Mother Earth,” he stated.
The program runs for 13 weeks and in the fi rst group, 16 started out and only one did not graduate. The current, second group still has all 16 of its stu-dents with no drop-outs.
Strongman added that the goal of the program
Montana Chief Darrell Strongman speaks to attendees of a solar power training school open house Thursday, Oct. 29. The group celebrated being at the halfway point in its second training program. Photo by Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye
is to bring as many First Nations members into the program as possible and he says the training pro-gram is inclusive of all First Nations. Among the 16 trainees are eight from the Montana Band, four from Samson Cree, two from Alexander First Nation and two from Saddlelake Cree.
“This initiative here is clean energy so we’re very happy about that,” said Strongman.
The next step for the band is to develop a solar farm that will bring energy savings to many on the reserve. What originally began as a way to reduce power costs has devel-oped into a full fl edged economic development project, added Strongman. Because of the need to un-derstand the installation process, trainees are learn-ing the ins and outs of the industry, which he feels is giving them additional life skills.
“The power of the sun. The sun gives us life,” added Coun. Brad Rabbit.
He said the project could not come about without support from a collabora-tive group; funding agen-cies, First Nations com-munities, federal and pro-vincial stakeholders and industry leaders helped get the project going. “When you work collec-tively and when you all have the same focus … it’s very easy to see a common goal,” explained Rabbit.
Among the other speak-
BY JEFFREY HEYDEN-KAYE ers was Green Arrow CEO Barry Wheaton who is proud of the develop-ment of the project. “The future’s really bright,” he predicted.
He suggests reliance on fossil fuels is changing into renewable resources and he feels solar power has a strong future. “Oil and gas is not a shoe-in as what it used to be,” Wheaton added.
While the Montana Band is among the leaders in First Nations develop-
ing solar power, others are starting to join in the effort. Not only does it save in utility costs but Wheaton says it is cleaner and better for the environ-ment. He added that the training will take employ-ees to new heights.
Student Henry Rabbit said that when he and his fellow classmates started they did not know much about each other but that has changed. “We came to-gether as strangers, but we leave as a crew.”
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2015 PONOKA NEWS 23
Sports
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Vold, Flewelling take CFR fi nals by stormLocal cowboy defends Canadian championship
The best Canadian rodeo athletes converged on Edmonton for a week of tough Canadian Finals Rodeo (CFR) that saw two Ponoka area cowboys tak-ing home a championship buckle.
Bareback rider Jake Vold got enough good rides in to hang on to win his second straight Canadian title, while team roper Tyrel Flewelling with his partner Roland McFadden secured the title with enough season winnings to buy a new truck.
Vold entered the CFR - his sixth straight appearance - with a huge lead in the standings and despite a slow start the fi rst two nights, plus getting bucked off in the second perfor-mance Saturday night (Nov. 14), he couldn’t be caught and then put his stamp on the repeat by winning the go-round Sunday, putting up the highest score in bareback this year - an 89.25.
“To repeat as the Canadian champ, I was probably twice as excited as I was when I won my fi rst one last year and I never thought I could be more excited than when I did that,” said Vold, who ended the season with nearly $100,000 in earnings.
And just like last year, Vold knew early that he would be putting on the championship buckle. Last year, he clinched victory on the Friday night, while this time around the title wasn’t his for sure until after the Saturday afternoon perfor-mance. However, that didn’t mean Vold wasn’t going to give it his all right to the end this year.
“Last year, when I knew rather early on that I was going to win, I don’t think I was as focused and I let some money slip through my fi ngers,” he explained.
“This time around, I wasn’t going to let that happen, I was going to max out the amount of money and on Sunday everything worked
BY JORDIE DWYER ANDJEFFREY HEYDEN-KAYE
out in my favour.”Vold is the third cowboy to
win back-to-back Canadian titles in the last 10 years. Dusty LaValley was the last one to complete the repeat - doing it twice, in 2010-11 and 2006-07 - while Kyle Bowers won the title in 2008 and 2009. In total, there have been 12 repeat champions in the event dating back to the inception of the Canadian championship in 1945 - 10 of those winning back-to-back (three of those did the feat twice), while two won it multiple times - Bob Duce with fi ve from 1949 to 1953 and Dale Trottier’s record of six from 1969 to 1974.
For his part, Vold isn’t worrying about any records or what’s gone on in the part, his focus is on fi nish-ing off the season strong at the Chute-out event in
Las Vegas that runs Dec. 10 to 12.
“Keeping an eye on the prize and on my goals has really helped in continuing to try and be a dominant force at each rodeo I’ve been at,” he stated.
“And things have changed, even from a few years ago when I came onto the pro circuit. It’s tougher now as everyone works hard to get better and try to one up everybody. For me, it’s just about keeping that confi dence in myself and constantly learning some-thing new.”
Once the Vegas event is over, Vold will take a brief rest before getting back on the training regime in order to start off next year with his fi rst rodeo in Denver at the end of January and will once again look at the
goals of winning at home in Ponoka again along with adding to his CFR title honours.
“Winning another Canadian championship would be the icing on the cake and it’s always great to win in Ponoka, and one always likes to make it to Calgary because winning there is life-changing,” he added.
Flewelling, who fi nished the season with $38,800, was glad to see two Ponoka area cowboys win the cham-pionship. He grew up in the Lacombe and Ponoka area and got his rodeo start with Vold in the Battle River High School Rodeo Association.
Winning wasn’t as secure as for Vold. “It took right to the end with Levi (Simpson) and Jeremy (Buhler) in the last round,” said Flewelling.
Simpson, who is also from Ponoka, fi nished second overall with just over $3,000 behind Flewelling who said his and McFadden’s goal was to stay second in the av-erage. That strategy worked and earned them the win. The stock proved good enough to test every rodeo athlete’s skill.
Flewelling was able to see the stock in Ponoka before heading to the CFR and he knew it was going to push his skills. “It’s probably the best steers we ever had from there.”
“You just never know how the week’s going to play out,” he added.
With the prize money so high — fi rst place earned $12,000, or $6,000 each for team ropers — a contes-tant in last place still has a chance to come back and
win. In Vold’s case, he was sitting with a large fi rst place margin at the outset of the CFR but two fi rst place wins by Caleb Bennett dropped the gap by $24,000.
First place winners are invited to the Houston Livestock and Rodeo show in March where prize money is estimated at $50,000, says Flewelling. This was his fi fth appearance at the CFR and third Canadian championship.
While there had to be a fi rst place winner, Ponoka was well represented this year with Simpson taking second place in team roping. Zane Lambert was in the running for the champion-ship in bull riding, but was bucked off on the last day, which landed him at second place, just $500 behind the leader.
Ponoka’s Jake Vold keeps a strong hold of his horse Friday, Nov. 13 at the Canadian Finals Rodeo in Edmonton. His efforts earned him a strong lead and eventual bareback rider championship. Photo by Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye
24 PONOKA NEWS WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2015
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Enjoy snacks, libations, chili & hot dogsEnjoy snacks, libations, chili & hot dogsDonations to the Food Bank acceptedDonations to the Food Bank accepted
FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL403-783-4076403-783-4076
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Stamps on the verge of great plays
Stampeders’ James Jansen almost secures a goal against the High River Flyers Saturday, Nov. 14 in Ponoka. The Stampeders lost 4-1. Photo by Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye
Last weekend’s results for the Ponoka Stampeders may look like the same old loss after loss, but if you look closely, their game continues to show im-provement.
At the end of the week-end the Stamps had a re-cord of 4-12-0. While the wins seem small com-pared to the number of games played, there are more wins in this sea-son than in the previous three seasons combined. The Stampeders showed in their Saturday, Nov. 14 game against the High River Flyers that they are playing better.
Despite losing 4-1, play-ers were moving fast-er than before and were making key plays to get the puck closer and closer to the net.
There was some intense movement early in the fi rst period with the Flyers taking two goals and keep-ing the Stampeders from scoring any. There was lit-
BY JEFFREY HEYDEN-KAYE tle action and no other goals in the fi rst. However, in the second period, Ponoka seemed to come out of a dream and made several attempts on goal.
Things were looking up for the Stampeders who had a player advantage against the Flyers but quick action earned High River a third goal before Ponoka was able to cap-italize, but Cody Lemon still managed to put one the scoreboard bring-ing the game to a 3-1 for the Flyers. Shots on goal showed Ponoka was mak-ing every effort to score. The Stampeders outshot the fl yers 40-33.
The devil is in the details, however, and the only thing holding them back from a win against the Flyers was to get past their goalie. The Stampeders’ only goal was assisted by two players: Kacey Straub and Tyson Crampain. For the Flyers, three of the four goals were unassist-ed.
Ponoka also kept their penalty minutes down with 33 total penalty min-utes compared to 52 for the Flyers. Details of the Sunday, Nov. 15 game against the Red Deer Vipers were not available at press time, but the Stampeders lost a relative-ly close 7-5 game.
Points went back and forth with Ponoka scoring four in the fi rst period. Red Deer scored four in the second period but with two minutes left Ponoka scored their fi fth and last goal. The Vipers came back in the third period and scored the three more goals to secure the win.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2015 PONOKA NEWS 25
Ponoka Bookstore Ponoka Bookstore & Gifts
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Midget Wolves feel growth pains at start of season
Players on Ponoka’s Midget Fountain Tire Wolves are looking at a season that will test their determination and skills.
Coach Dwayne Rausch said their Saturday, Nov. 14 game at home against the Rocky Royals was a good indication of the challenges the team will face this year.
Ponoka lost 2-5 against the Royals in their fi fth regular season game. “We’re just trying to get everyone on the same page,” said Rausch.
The coaching team is working closely with players to develop a uniform strategy and while Rausch is confi dent in his players’ abilities, he says practice will hone their skills to play against a tough tier 2 league.
“These guys have all played at a level to compete just on individual talent,” said Rausch.
Inidividual talent is not enough with the rest of the league, says Rausch, a situation which is forcing the Wolves to use every player on the ice. Athletes are making strong plays but are not able to complete them and convert shots into goals. “The last two games on the weekend we out-chanced the other teams.”
He feels their biggest strength right now is in the goaltending.
“It’s a mental thing. If you don’t practice it in a real disciplined way, it just doesn’t happen,” explained Rausch of the team’s challenge.
Ponoka was down 1-0 at the start of the second period but managed to score during a power play by Braeden Korchinski with three minutes left, however, the Royals did not give up and scored a second goal with 40 seconds left. It was in the third period that things fell apart for the Wolves.
RCMP-Wolves fundraiser next TuesdayBY JEFFREY HEYDEN-KAYE
The Royals were held for the fi rst portion of the third period but scored three goals towards the end. Ponoka did not give up and managed a second goal by Cooper Jones with 17 seconds left.
Unforced errors helped give the Royals a further goal advantage, which Rausch says is the area he wants to improve with his players. “You take that out and we’ve got a one-goal hockey game.”
Rausch feels the players will continue to make improvements because of the level of skill in this tier. “The league isn’t going to come down to our level of play.”
“It always seems to be two steps forward and one step back,” he suggested.
Rausch said the team is sitting with a rela-tively even number of fi rst, second and third year players.
Wolves face off against RCMPThe Fountain Tire Wolves and RCMP members
from the central Alberta team will face off in a fun exhibition game intended to raise money for KidSport Ponoka.
The game is set for Tuesday, Nov. 24 at 7:45 p.m. at the Ponoka Culture and Recreation Complex. Advance tickets can be purchased for $2 or at the door for $3.
Braeden Korchinski of the Midget Fountain Tire Wolves makes an attempt to score Saturday, Nov. 14 against the Rocky Royals. Ponoka lost 5-2.
Photo by Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye
Olson Vernon EdwardJune 30, 1947 -
November 3, 2015It is with great sadness to announce the passing of Vernon Edward Olson of Ponoka, Alberta on November 3, 2015, at the age of 68 years. He will be lovingly remembered by his cousin, friend, and co-worker, Jeannette Wemp; great nephews, Patrick (Rani)
Makey, Derrick (Samantha) Makey, Ryan (Bobbi Jo) Makey; niece, Shiela Makey; nephew, Darrell Siebel; great niece, Brandy; and numerous great-great-nieces and nephews; aunts, Myrtle Anderson, Irene Olson; as well as cousins, friends, and co-workers. He is predeceased by his father, Palmer; mother, Verta; and sister, Lucille. A funeral service was held on Saturday, November 14, 2015 at 1:00 p.m. at Baker Funeral Chapel, Wetaskiwin. Interment will take place at Crooked Lake Cemetery in Gwynne. In lieu of fl owers, donations are gratefully accepted to the donor’s choice.
BAKER FUNERAL CHAPEL - Wetaskiwin
780-352-2501 or (888) 752-2501Condolences - www.womboldfuneralhomes.com
Thelma Hornby
On November 7, 2015 Mrs. Thelma Hornby passed away at the Northcott Care Centre at the age of 90 years. Thelma is lovingly remembered by her daughter Gail Albers, her son Gerald Hornby and her daughter Kathryn (Dave) Shewchuk; grandson Mark (Kerry-Lynn) Albers and their children Rebecca and Brent; granddaughter Deanna (Barry) Groves and
their children Alexis and Dustin; granddaughter Hayley (Colin) Dion and their children Jace and Claire; and grandson Joe Hornby. She was predeceased by her husband Al Hornby. A Private Family Service was held after which Thelma was laid to rest next to her husband Al, at the Forest Home Cemetery. Memorial donations are gratefully accepted to the Alberta Heart & Stroke Foundation. To express condolences to Thelma’s family, please visit www.womboldfuneralhomes.com.
Arrangements Entrusted To PONOKA FUNERAL HOME
~ A Wombold Family Funeral Home ~
TERRY AKINSOn November 4, 2015 Teresa Anne “Terry” Akins of Ponoka passed away at the Ponoka Hospital and Care Centre at the age of 72 years. Terry will be lovingly remembered by her husband Denis Tatlow; her daughter Tamara (Dale) and Cassidy; her son Jim (Sarah), Terence, Tommy, Will, Levi, and Josie; her daughter Rochelle (Cory), Amy, Garrett, and Samantha; her daughter
Roxanne (Sacha), Joshua and Jesse; her daughter Jessica (Clayton), Joey, Christian, and Finn; Denis’ children Geoffrey, Simon, and Raymond and their families; her siblings Mike (Ann), Susan (Stan), Pat (Janet), Cathy (Brian), and Mark (Lynette) and their families; as well as numerous nieces and nephews, and extended family in Ireland. She was predeceased by her parents Mary and Bud Akins and siblings Tim, Joan, and Bill. A Funeral Mass was celebrated at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Ponoka at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, November 10, 2015. The Interment Service took place on Remembrance Day at the Forest Home Cemetery. Memorial donations are gratefully accepted to the St. Augustine Catholic Church Building Fund. To express condolences to Terry’s family, please visit
www.womboldfuneralhomes.com.Arrangements Entrusted To PONOKA FUNERAL HOME
~ A Wombold Family Funeral Home ~
MARKUS ABT1936 - 2015
It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Markus Abt on November 8, 2015 at the age of 79 years. He leaves to mourn his wife of 57 years, Adelle; his children Danny (Patti), Jerry (Rose), Donna (Mark) Wentworth, Rick, Brenda (Pat) McGill, and Brian (Tova); 16 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. He also leaves his brother Pete
(Jean); sisters Kay Anderson and Georgie (Clarence) Welty; sister-in-law Betty Abt; brother-in-law Dave (Sharon) Leibel; as well as many nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends. Markus was predeceased by his parents Kilian and Ramona Abt; brother John and sister-in-law Beatrice, brother Leo, sister Marie, and brother-in-law Mike Batycki. A Funeral Mass was held at the St. Augustine Catholic Church in Ponoka at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, November 13, 2015. Memorial donations are gratefully accepted to the Canadian Diabetes Association or to the Canadian Mental Health Association. To express condolences to Markus’s family, please visit www.womboldfuneralhomes.com.
Arrangements Entrusted ToPONOKA FUNERAL HOME
~ A WOMBOLD FAMILY FUNERAL HOME~Gerardus Peters
On November 4, 2015 Mr. Gerardus Peters of Ponoka passed away at the Ponoka Hospital and Care Centre at the age of 88 years. He is lovingly remembered by his wife of 61 years, Nellie; son Ted; daughter Helma; daughter Sandy (Greg) Gordon; grandchildren Ryan Braaksma (Danielle) and their children Brooklynn and Logan, Tanya (Mario), Jenna Gordon,
and Tyrell Gordon; brother Frank Peters; and sister Taans Van As. He was predeceased by three sisters, two brothers and his parents. A Funeral Service was held at 10:30 on Monday, November 9, 2015 at Ponoka Funeral Home with the Interment Service following at the Earlville-Rutherford Cemetery. The Pallbearers were Ryan and Tanya Braaksma, Tyrell and Jenn Gordon, and Mark and Dirk Stolk. Memorial donations are gratefully accepted to Northcott Care Centre. To express condolences to the Peters family, please visit www.womboldfuneralhomes.com.
Arrangements Entrusted To PONOKA FUNERAL HOME
~ A Wombold Family Funeral Home ~
The family of Vivian Reid
is pleased to announce her100th Birthday
on November 14, 2015. Her faith in God and
simple living have served her well. She is loved and
Aug. 24, 1932 - Nov.19, 2014Those we love don’t go away,
they walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard, but always near.
Still loved, still missed and very dear.
Alvin, David, Carla and Families
A heartfelt thank you to our work families at
Crawford Agencies and RCMP Ponoka Detachment, for your kindness during the loss of our mother.
We are truly blessed by your support during this diffi cult time.
Sincerely Jessica Nelson and Tamara Makus
Terry AkinsWe would like to extend our sincerest gratitude for all the phone calls, visits, cards, fl owers and meals. It has truly provided a measure of solace, knowing how loved she
was and that we are not alone in our grief. Special thanks to Dr. Greyling, Dr. Joe Van Der Westhuizen and the
nurses of PGH for their compassionate care. -Denis, Tamara, Jim, Rochelle, Roxanne, Jessica
and Families
THANK YOU!
We the family of ‘Betty’ Doris Elizabeth (Cable) Bartley wish to express our deepest gratitude to everyone who
donated to the various charities on her behalf. Betty always made everyone’s life a little brighter and in her
spirit, each of you have passed it forward to help the lives of those in need a little brighter. From cards to fl owers and the kind words of sympathy or the telling of your
personal experiences with Betty let us know that she was truly loved. Also, thank you to all of those who did their job of making our day easier for us including the staff at the Ponoka Funeral Home, Bob Ronnie Catering who provided us with the wonderful lunch, Flowers For You
with their beautiful fl owers and to a very special long-time family friend Reverend Dr. Doreen Sturla Scott who came
when we needed her the most to offi ciate the service. We are truly appreciative to the numerous caregivers that
Betty has had during her time of need including the Ponoka Hospital & Care Centre, Northcott Care Centre and especially to the Centennial Centre Apollo Unit that
helped lead Betty on the path of her fi nal journey. Sincerely,
‘Betty’ Doris Elizabeth (Cable) Bartley1937 - 2015
In the mid-afternoon of Monday November 2, 2015, ‘Betty’ Doris Elizabeth (Cable) Bartley passed away at the age of 77 years. Betty was born on November 26, 1937 in the Wetaskiwin area to James and Irene Cable and was the eldest of six children. The family moved to Tees then to Edmonton fi rst living in Walter Dale Flats and fi nally to Jasper Place where Betty spent most of her young life and graduated in 1955 from West Jasper Place High School. Betty always had a loving and caring nature and she knew that in her heart that she wanted to be a nurse. In 1959 Betty graduated from the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Edmonton with her Registered Nursing diploma. Betty then moved to the residence of the Alberta Hospital Ponoka in 1959 and
graduated with her Registered Psychiatric Nursing diploma. She decided to stay on with the Alberta Hospital Ponoka and worked on many wards but most of her time there was spent working on Hopewell 2 South and Hopewell 2 North. While in Ponoka, she met David Bartley and they were married on June 18, 1960 and four children Fern, Bret, Adele and Blair were born into this marriage. Betty’s personal belief of the image of a nurse was the traditional starched snow white uniforms with the cap and that she must refl ect this portrayal for the immediate recognition to all of those needing help. When Betty’s uniforms became old and could not be replaced, she reluctantly surrendered them and began wearing the nursing scrubs. It has been noted that Betty was one of the very last nurses to be seen wearing the traditional nurses’ uniforms. In 1986, Betty moved from the Alberta Hospital Ponoka (now the Centennial Centre) to the Ponoka Hospital and Care Centre and worked there until 1992 when her back and hips fi nally wore out. Retirement was not something that came easily for Betty but she knew that if she could not provide the best service to her patients and co-workers then she would sadly have to leave. Throughout her many years of pain and surgeries that weakened her physically, Betty’s compassionate dedication towards people remained strong and she continued to do everything in her power to help anyone especially those that were alone and needed the most attention. Betty was always more concerned about other people’s ailments and suffering than she ever was with her own. Betty was an avid gardener planting anything and everything. Many of her hours were spent canning and freezing vegetables and fruit. Betty enjoyed her indoor and outdoor fl owers especially growing African Violets from shoots that she had started. Betty loved learning about the world in which we live in and the people in it whether it pertained to the past, present or future gaining her knowledge through her travels, reading, listening to the news, or conversations with others. As painful as it is for us to let her go, it means more to us that she is no longer in pain. Betty will be lovingly remembered by her husband David Bartley, daughter Fern (Tom) and children Dylan and Courtney Hoar, daughter Adele and children Anna and Jens Ostergaard, and son Blair (Jennifer) and children Kailyn and Amber Bartley. Also by her sister Keitha Agate, brother Jim (Heather) Cable, brother Ian Cable, sister Bonnie Cable (Neil Fraser), and her numerous other relatives and friends. She was predeceased by her parents Jim and Irene Cable, son Bret Bartley, and sister Helen Farbridge. A Memorial Service was held on Tuesday November 10, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. at the Royal Canadian Legion in Ponoka with Reverend Dr. Doreen Sturla Scott offi ciating. Memorial donations are gratefully accepted to the Ponoka Rising Sun Clubhouse. To express condolences to Betty’s family, please visit www.womboldfuneralhomes.com
Arrangements Entrusted ToPONOKA FUNERAL HOME
~ A Wombold Family Funeral Home ~
PONOKA NEWS 27WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2015
Obituaries
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Meetings 59ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS
Monday night meetings at the Anglican Church Ponoka 8:30 p.m. Phone 403-783-0719 for info.
Personals 60DRADER - We are lookingfor anyone from Rimbey who knew our aunty HelenDrader or Uncles Art (Arthur) or Wes (Wesley) between the years 1940 and 1980. We are looking for someone who can share some of their stories and history with her nieces and nephews on a very personal matter. Please contact Dave Drader in Calgary at 403 286-8957 (call collect) or email me at [email protected].
EXCELLENT OPPORTUNITYAbacus Datagraphics Ltd. is seeking a full time
Line Locator Assistant in the Ponoka areaDuties would include assisting the party chief in locating and staking buried pipelines.
Applicants must be physically fi t and must possess a valid driver’s license, H2S and First Aid/CPR tickets.This job involves a lot of overtime and out of town work.Abacus is a fast paced company and is a friendly environment to work in. We offer a full paid benefi t program and a very competitive RRSP plan after a three month trial. There is also room for advancement within the company.
oats, barley, wheat & peas for feed. Buying damaged
or offgrade grain. “On Farm Pickup” Westcan
Feed & Grain, 1-877-250-5252.
For Rent#3000 - #3200
Acreages/Farms ..............3010Houses/Duplexes ............3020Condos/Townhouses........3030Manufactured Homes ......3040Four Plexes/Six Plexes ....3050Suites ..............................3060Cottages/Seasonal ..........3070Roommates Wanted ........3080Rooms for Rent................3090Motels/Hotels ..................3100Offices ..............................3110Stores/Commercial ..........3120Industrial ..........................3130Warehouse Space............3140Garage Space..................3150Storage Space ................3160Land ................................3170Pasture ............................3180Mobile Lot ........................3190Misc. for Rent ..................3200
Wanted to Rent#3250 - #3390
Acreages/Farms ..............3255Houses/Duplexes ............3260Suites ..............................3270Rooms..............................3280Manufactured Homes ......3290Housesitting Wanted ........3300Garage Space..................3310Storage Space ................3320Stores/Commercial ..........3330Office Space ....................3340Industrial ..........................3350Warehouse Space............3360Resorts & Cottages..........3370Pasture/Land....................3380Mobile Lot ........................3390
Houses/Duplexes 3020
HOUSE FOR RENT
4 B/R, 2 Bathhome for rentin Riverside w/
double garage & large backyard.
Avail. December 1$1,500 + utilities, Security deposit $1,500.00. May
in Ponoka. Utilities incl.plus cable & internet.5 appliances, N/S, N/P.$1250/mnth plus D.D.780-217-9363
PONOKA: 2 bedroom basement suite. All utils.
included + washer/dryer. $700/mo., $700/DD. avail. Dec 1. 403-704-5768
* RIVERSIDE APTS. *Newly renovated
1 & 2 bedroom units in Ponoka: 3724-45 Street.
403-357-0287
RoomsFor Rent 3090
PONOKA, Crossroads area, large, furnished bed-sitting room with cable tv.
$450/mo., $200 dd, Ron 403-783-5785
Pasture 3180PASTURE & HAY LAND. 400 - 8000 acres of year round water supply. Full
operational with manage-ment available. Central Saskatchewan. Cross-
fenced & complete infrastructure. Natural
springs excellent water. Shortly ready to locate
cattle. Other small & large grain & pasture quarters.
$150k - $2.6m. Call Doug Rue 306-716-2671.
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
Acreages 405013,500 ACRES 35 MINUTES West of
Edmonton. Tomahawk Ranch $24,775,000. Visit
hlco.ca for details. Hansen Land Brokers/Assoc.
Broker Lively Realty Ltd. Call 403-540-9659.
BEAUTIFUL BUFFALOLAKE - LAKEFRONT 1/2acre Treed Lot, Utilities toproperty line, no building
- ADVANCED EYE HEALTH & VISION EXAMS- CONSULTATION & REFERRAL SERVICES- DESIGNER EYE WEAR & CONTACT LENSES- INSURED MEDICAL EYECARE SERVICES NOW AVAILABLE FOR ALL AGES
Ponoka Veterinary Clinic Dr. Murray Jacobson Dr. Clayton West Dr. Ashley Shannon
Mon. - Fri.8 am - 5 pm
Sat.9 am - 4:30 pm
24 Hr.Emergency403-783-4348
5502 - Hwy 2A Ponoka, AB T4J 1M1
VETERINARY SERVICES
• Dr. Murray Jacobson • Dr. Clayton West
• Dr. Nicole Macdonald • Dr. Katie Graves
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PER WEEK.REACHING 6000 HOUSEHOLDS PER WEEK.
BRUCE’S BOBCATSnow Cleaning & Removal
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Full Time & Casual Part Time Employment Opportunities(2) FT & (5) PT Guard positions with the Commissionaires
at the RCMP Detachment in Maskwacis.Guards are responsible for the monitoring and well-being of prisoners while in the care of the Police.Applicants must pass a RCMP clearance and/or criminal record check, be capable of working independently and shift work.First Aid and CPR is an asset.
25TH ANNUAL Red Deer Christmas Antique Show & Sale. Nov. 21 & 22. Sat. 10
- 5:30 & Sun. 10 - 4:30. Westerner Exposition
Grounds. Over 350 tables. Canadiana, furniture and collectibles. Carswell’s
403-343-1614.
Agricultural#2000 - #2290
HOW CAN YOU MAKEYOUR PHONE RING?& Make Some Quick Cash?Place your ad HERE...
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2015 PONOKA NEWS 31
Doug Gill, president of the Golden Age Bowlers presents Nell Liddle of the Ponoka Wheelchair Van Society with a cheque for $1000 on Monday, Oct. 26.
Submitted photo
Repeat offenders receive heavy sentences
An individual with a lengthy record of getting behind the wheel when he shouldn’t have has ended up with yet another jail term.
Harold Unrau, 54, from Ponoka, pleaded guilty at Ponoka Provincial Court on Friday, Nov. 13 to a charge of driving while unauthorized along with two counts of breach of probation fol-lowing an incident back on Oct. 4. He was handed a total of 59 days in jail as a result, which amounted to time served with credit for time spent behind bars already. He must also pay a $300 victim surcharge.
He admitted that around 11 a.m. that day, he came out of the apartment he was staying at and drove to a local liquor store where he purchased some alcohol and brought it back to the apartment where police found and arrested him as a result of a witness calling in a complaint regarding his driving. Unrau was under
a one-year driving ban as well as 12 months proba-tion - with conditions to abstain from alcohol and not enter businesses that sell alcohol - at the time due to an impaired driving conviction he received last December, which included him serving a 60 day jail sentence.
Unrau still faces one count each of impaired driving and driving while over the legal limit, which he has pleaded not guilty to with a trial set for next April.
Petty theft A Ponoka woman who has
had signifi cant problems with alcohol which has led to numerous run-ins with police had another jail sen-tence imposed last week.
Dodi Soosay, 38, was given 20 days behind bars after pleading guilty at Ponoka Provincial Court to one count of theft under $5,000 for stealing a $50 phone card from a Ponoka gas station back on Apr. 22.
Soosay was recently sen-tenced to 45 days in jail on
other theft charges. Her lawyer explained Soosay had always struggled with alcohol addiction and kind of fell back into the pattern of drinking which led her to steal after a family death hit her hard and that she had beeen trying hard and wanted to be there for her family. The lawyer said she felt remorseful and embar-rassed when she sobered up and realized what she had done.
In sentencing Soosay, Judge D.J. Plosz described her actions as “beyond stu-pid”. “With an ugly record of repeated petty thefts, you can still receive two years in jail for a charge like this and this kind of stuff isn’t doing you or your family any good,” Judge Plosz said. “It’s time for you to turn things around and end this in-and-out-of-jail cycle or one day you will fi nd yourself with a fairly lengthy time in prison.”
Hefty fi neGetting into the driver’s
seat without a licence has taken a big chunk out of the
wallet of a Ponoka woman.Thirty-two year-old
Michelle Spence plead guilty to one count of driving while unauthorized and fi ned $1,150 after she was caught driving on Aug. 15 without having gotten her licence back following a suspension for an impaired driving conviction from Sept. 2013.
The fi ne was a joint sub-mission and, as her lawyer explained to the court, was a result of the efforts Spence had been taking at the time to restore her driving privileges. While Judge Plosz accepted the sentence as recommended, he added Spence should be grateful for the generosity provided to her through this offer and cautioned her that the province will further suspend her licence for the next six month, during which time she needs to continue to work on the complying with the conditions of not driving along with doing what she needs to do to properly get her licence back.
BY JORDIE DWYER
Acreages 4050NIHO LAND & Cattle Co.
BC Acreages for Sale. Waterfront, building lots,
recreational properties and more. Prices start at $27,000. Contact our
recreational and rural land specialists today. Contact:
STEEL BUILDINGS. “ Really Big Sale - Year end Clear Out!” 21 x 22 $5190. 25 x 24 $5988. 27 x 28 $7498. 30 x 32 $8646. 35x34 $11,844. 42 x 54 $16, 386. One
end wall included. Pioneer Steel 1-800-668-5422;www.pioneersteel.ca.
Financial#4400 - #4430
Investments ......................4410Money Wanted ................4420Money to Loan ................4430
Call Jim Ashbough 783-2764 or Cell: 588-0599Jack Surbey 783-5283 Cell: 588-0597
BOBCAT SERVICES
SALES & SERVICE
BOTTLE DEPOT
Call Jim Ashbough 403-783-2764or Cell: 587-729-0092
PONOKA BOTTLE DEPOT
Open Monday - Saturday10 am - 5 pm
Closed Sundays & Holidays
We 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
403-783-2454
5306 - 60 ST, PONOKA, AB T4J 1K7
PH: (403) 783-6372 • FAX (403) 783-6345
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TELL it all! Tell it well! Makeyour ads sell for you by givingfull description of goods orservices offered. Includeprices and terms. Phone1-877-223-3311 for a friendlyad taker.
Changes to funding
In addition, the county would provide provisional funding approval if the re-quest includes grant funding support from other levels of government and funds would only be released following approval of the grant.
County thankedRod Schaff, operator of
Central Alberta Raceways near Rimbey, attended the meeting to express his thanks to the county for the support that was provided, in several ways, during this past season.
“We could not have done it without the help from the county. Thank you very much,” he told council during his presentation.
He added the past season
was an impressive one that saw the facility is way in the black fi nancially, a positive that will make next season a bit easier given the tightening up of the economy resulting in the dropoff in sponsorship.
Schaff remains hopeful they will be able to maintain their sponsorship funding levels, including the assis-tance from the county, while looking forward to better things on the horizon that could eventually lead to the facility running on their own and being able to provide some funding back to the county.
Rimoka changes Ponoka County Reeve Paul
McLauchlin provided council with an update on the chang-es at the Rimoka Housing
Foundation, which the county participates as a member of their board.
Recently, it was announced that the Bethany Group - a non-profi t organization that manages as well as owns several seniors care homes throughout the province - was terminating their man-agement agreement with the foundation, which owns three supportive and independent living facilities in Rimbey and Ponoka.
McLauchlin, who is also the foundation’s board chair, ex-plained that Rimoka has since hired Wendy Sheppard as the interim chief administrative offi cer. Sheppard has been with Rimoka for the last 18 years and will oversee the managerial transition back
to local management of the organization that has 65 staff.
“There is a long list of tasks ahead to move the layered management system that was in place,” he told coun-cil as part of his individual councillor report.
“Right now, the board is happy with the way the transition is going and the how accommodating Bethany has been in support of this transfer of administrative processes.”
The board is also pleased to be going back to running the operations locally and McLauchlin also indicated Sheppard has been doing all of the heavy lifting for Rimoka to date on the re-placement of their Rimbey facility.
continued from page 21
32 PONOKA NEWS WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2015
OPENOPEN10 AM - 11 PM10 AM - 11 PM
77 Days Days A WeekA Week
Hammy’sHammy’s SPIRITS
Bay #5, 4502 - 50th St. • 403-783-2333Prices in effect Wednesday, November 18 to Tuesday, November 24, 2015
Prices do not include GST or deposit. We reserve the right to limit quantities
