By Murray Green

Wearing a non-medical mask may help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
There are many ways to make a cloth mask. Health Canada has sew and no-sew options. Here are a few suggestions if you’re wanting to make your own.
Choose a fabric or cloth that can withstand frequent cycles through washing and drying machines.
Use multiple layers of tightly woven fabric. Four layers is optimal.
Use a combination of fabrics, such as a high thread-count cotton (e.g. 600-thread count pillowcases and cotton sheets) with spun bond polyproplylene or polyester.
Use different fabrics or colours for each side of the mask. This helps you to know which side faces your mouth and which side faces out.
If you are buying a cloth mask, make sure it has multiple layers of fabric, fits securely against your face, allows for clear breathing and can be laundered.
Find out more about when and how to wear a cloth mask at www.alberta.ca/masks.

By Murray Green

Celebrate great food, good times and warm summer days during Local Foods Week Aug. 10 to 16.
Get ready for the provinces third annual week-long celebration of Alberta food and food producers. Local Food Week came into effect as part of the Supporting Alberta’s Local Food Sector Act (May 2018).
You can celebrate by participating in several activities, such as visiting a local farmers’ market. Take time out of your day to talk to vendors, learn about their products and try something new. Participate in the Alberta Farmer’s Market Association competition by cooking a dish with ingredients purchased from a market vendor, share your dish on social media for a chance to win cash prizes.
You can jump in the car and get your family to a u-pick or participate in a farm tour organized through Open Farm Days (Aug. 15 and 16).
Make a meal with ingredients grown in Alberta, ask your local grocery store what is sourced from local producers, or dine at an independent restaurant in your area that sources ingredients from local farmers and growers.
Share how you eat and support local on social media, using the hashtag #ablocalfood.
Information about Alberta grown food can be found at www.albertalocal food.com.
Farmers’ markets, u-picks and buying direct from a farmer or food producer is a great way to diversify our economy, make fresh local food more accessible and ensure families who make and grow our food prosper and thrive. Now more than ever we need to show our local restaurants, businesses, farmers, and producers all the support they need to get back into business.
The Food Artisans have set aside one week to celebrate Alberta grown and made food, but believe people should be embracing, buying, and supporting Alberta food year-round.
In conjunction with Local Food Week and Open Farm Days, Alberta On the Plate is also on Aug. 7 to 19.
A province-wide dine around festival celebrating local food and drink will also be held. Showcasing the incredible bounty grown and produced across the province. Participating restaurants will offer multi-course fixed price menus highlighting local producers, growers, distillers and brewers.
“As a young family running a local market garden farm, we have greatly appreciated the Food Artisans initiative. They have been a fantastic resource to us for connecting and promoting the local producers in our county.  The ‘Producer Nights’ they host have been valuable for our farm, providing us information and guidance from skilled and successful producers in the industry which has helped boost our own business. These Producer Nights have also helped us connect and plug into the other local producers in our area inviting more collaboration, farmer-to-farmer support, and fostering an overall positive community between all of us. The Food Artisans committee works hard, using volunteer hours to support, create awareness and promote local food producers, inviting the community of Camrose to buy and eat local. We are so thankful for this wonderful resource known as the Food Artisans of Camrose County and its team of passionate advocates for all things raised, baked and grown right here at home,” said Andrea Forstbauer, of Grey Arrow Farm in Camrose County.

By Murray Green

Alberta is expanding asymptomatic testing at participating community pharmacies, helping more people access timely COVID-19 testing close to home.
Any pharmacy in the province that wants to participate and is able to meet the safety requirements can now offer testing to Albertans who have no symptoms and no known exposure to COVID-19.
The expanded pharmacy testing follows the success of Alberta’s pilot program launched in June. An initial group of pilot pharmacies safely tested more than 10,300 Albertans, increasing testing capacity and helping support a safe relaunch.
To date, almost 677,000 COVID-19 tests have been completed across the province.
“Our innovative pilot clearly showed that community pharmacies can safely provide more Albertans with easy access to testing. Alberta continues to expand its testing capacity and maintain one of the highest testing rates in the world. Strong COVID-19 testing is a key part of our relaunch strategy and will help us continue to protect Albertans from this virus in the days ahead,” said Tyler Shandro, Alberta Minister of Health.
“With cases on the rise in Alberta, we must all do our part in the fight against COVID-19. The actions we each take today will help protect ourselves, our loved ones and our communities tomorrow. Testing helps us understand more about the spread of COVID-19 in Alberta,” added Dr. Deena Hinshaw, chief medical officer of health and former University of Alberta Augustana campus student.
“We are pleased to see Alberta Health expand the pharmacy-based COVID-19 testing program beyond the pilot. Most of the pharmacist practitioners participating in the pilot have been screening individuals prior to entering the pharmacy and testing by appointment only. Therefore, we encourage those interested in receiving a COVID-19 test to contact their pharmacist in advance, said Margaret Wing, chief executive officer, Alberta Pharmacists’ Association.”
“As a trusted partner to Alberta Health, Alberta Blue Cross is pleased to help deliver this initiative to enable pharmacies to support the reopening of our province for Albertans. This is a great initiative to deliver testing to Albertans, in a medium that is both convenient and accessible. Alberta Blue Cross is committed to supporting Albertans as we navigate together through COVID-19, and we are pleased to support this program,” shared Mark Komlenic, chief executive officer, Alberta Blue Cross.
Each pharmacy will adhere to strict protocols and has the specialized skills needed to protect patient safety. The pharmacy test is a throat swab, which is sent to Alberta Precision Labs for analysis.
Albertans are encouraged to reach out to a participating pharmacy for more information about how to arrange a test. A list of participating pharmacies is available through Alberta Blue Cross.
Testing is available to all Albertans, even if they don’t have symptoms. Asymptomatic testing is particularly encouraged: before or after spending time with individuals who have a higher risk of serious health outcomes (anyone over 65 or with underlying medical conditions); before or after travelling internationally, attending an event with recent travellers or hosting them; before or after participating in activities or events that may have put you at a higher risk of exposure (a large gathering where physical distancing was not followed); for frontline workers who have regular interactions with Albertans, particularly those at higher risk of serious outcomes.
In addition to participating pharmacies, anyone who wants to get tested can continue to book an appointment online with the AHS assessment tool.
Alberta has performed almost 677,000 tests on more than 566,000 Albertans.
Strong testing data helps government and public health officials understand how communities are affected by COVID-19 to make public health decisions.
Only those who have no symptoms and no known exposure to COVID-19 can be tested at participating pharmacies.
Anyone with COVID-19 symptoms or known exposure must complete the COVID-19 self-assessment or call Health Link 811.
AHS will directly contact any Albertan who tests positive to discuss the results, begin contact tracing and protect the public’s health.

By Murray Green

Alberta Minister of Economic Development, Trade and Tourism Tanya Fir will be touring Camrose on Aug. 15.
Fir will be touring downtown Camrose in the morning to see how businesses are doing during the recovery process. She will be touring with Camrose MLA Jackie Lovely. Both are planning to tour Round Hill as part of the Alberta Open Farm Days as well.
Minister Fir was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Alberta on April 16, 2019, as the MLA for Calgary-Peigan.
Like many other first generation Canadians, Fir comes from a home that understands the meaning of hard work. Born in Cranbrook, she moved to Calgary with her family in 1985 where she saw firsthand the promise and opportunity of the Alberta economy. Fir has been active in her community since then, including her volunteer service in support of Calgary Reads.
Fir earned a bachelor of commerce with a concentration in management of organizations and human resources from the University of Calgary.
She worked as a human resources advisor in Alberta’s oil and gas industry for more than 19 years and has a deep knowledge of the industry, those who rely on it for jobs, and the challenges they face right now.
She is focused on fiercely advocating for Alberta, its industry, world renowned natural beauty, and restoring it as a place that once again attracts the investment and opportunity that drew her family to the province.

By Murray Green

The Camrose Cruisers car club will be hosting its annual one-eighth mile Drag Race, Aug. 22 and 23 at the Forestburg Area 53 Raceway.
Camrose Cruisers cancelled its Show ’n’ Shine event due to COVID-19 concerns.
However, organizer Ken Mah has given the green light to holding the drag races in Forestburg. 
You can bring your classic, custom, driver or race car to the track to see how it measures up to similar vehicles.
The 100-footer event was replaced with the eighth-mile race a few years ago. This year will mark the fifth year of the eighth-mile drag racing event at Forestburg.
Qualifying runs will determine vehicle classes. All cars will participate in at least two qualifying runs to determine their respective class. The qualifying runs are not based on reaction time. It will involve two cars racing side by side. There will be two or three classes based on participation and categorized by speed. Elimination and final runs will be based with reaction time. The winners cannot have a faster time than their qualifying times. Doing so would be a disqualification.
The first day will feature racing from 12:30 to 4 p.m., depending on participation. The second day will be competitive side by side racing with eliminations beginning at 12:30 p.m.
Call Ken at 780-679-8347 to enter or for more details.

By Murray Green

Bill 23, the Commercial Tenancies Protection Act, would protect eligible commercial tenants from having their leases terminated due to nonpayment of rent as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. If passed, the act would also prevent landlords from raising rent and charging late fees and penalties on missed rent.
The new measures will help address shortfalls in the current Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA) program, and will give eligible business owners peace of mind as they reopen and help with the provincial economic recovery.
“Alberta has the most generous support models for small businesses in Canada, but we know that more supports are needed. We’re listening to Alberta’s business community, and we’re responding to their needs. If passed, these protections will provide businesses with more protection as they reopen and rehire staff as we move through the phases of relaunch and recovery,” said Tanya Fir, minister of economic development, trade and tourism.
The legislation and upcoming regulation covers until Aug. 31 and would apply to commercial tenants with tenancy agreements that would be eligible for the CECRA program, but whose landlords have chosen not to participate and commercial lease agreements where tenants have had to close their business due to public health orders or have had their business revenue decline by 25 per cent or more as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
If passed, any late fees, penalties or rent increases imposed on a commercial tenant by their landlord between March 17 and Aug. 31 would need to be reimbursed. However, the legislation would not undo any evictions or lease terminations that happened before the legislation was tabled.
“As small businesses move into reopening, many are facing lower revenues and fear not being able to make rent payments. Today’s announcement of commercial eviction legislation will provide a safety net for those small businesses unable to access the CECRA and will help them reopen and continue their operations,” said Annie Dormuth, Alberta provincial affairs director, Canadian Federation of Independent Business.
“This moratorium legislation will reduce the anxiety and fear small businesses had of being evicted from their premises during the pandemic. Businesses who faced a potential eviction for nonpayment of rent due to substantial revenue decreases can feel a bit more reassured of their chances of reopening,” added Ken Kobly, president and CEO, Alberta Chamber of Commerce.
“Restaurants Canada appreciates the government coming to the table with this much-needed commercial rent protection legislation. The inability to pay rent with little or no revenue for the past few months, combined with the inability to convince landlords to participate in the CECRA program or other rent relief arrangements, is the number one concern for the majority of Alberta’s restaurants. The legislation introduced today will provide the time needed for restaurant tenants and their landlords to agree to long-term rent solutions without worrying about evictions,” Mark von Schellwitz, vice-president, Western Canada, Restaurants Canada.

By Murray Green

New school safety measures to combat COVID-19 include mask use for Grades 4 to 12 students and all school staff. They will be mandatory when school returns for the 2020-21 year.
Mandatory mask use is for students in Grades 4 to 12 and all staff. All students and staff in public, separate, Francophone, charter and independent schools will receive two reusable masks from Alberta’s government. More than 1.6 million masks will be distributed to 740,000 students and 90,000 staff. Additional single-use masks will be available at schools, if required.
Mask use will be mandatory for staff and teachers in all settings where physical distancing cannot be maintained. Students will be required to wear them in all shared and common areas such as hallways and on buses. Exemptions will be made for students and staff who are unable to wear a mask due to medical or other needs.
Mask use for kindergarten to Grade 3 students will continue to be optional. Mask use for younger children is a challenge due to difficulties with proper fit and compliance. In addition, evidence shows that children under 10 may be less likely than older children or adults to transmit COVID-19.
The government didn’t offer any suggestions for Grade 3 and 4 split classes.
“The safety of our staff and students continues to be my number one priority. Since cancelling in-person classes in March and developing our school re-entry plan, we have been clear that we would continue to adapt our guidelines as necessary based on current medical advice. These new safety measures will help prevent the spread of COVID-19 in our schools, and we will continue to work with our school authorities to ensure they are equipped for a successful start to the school year,” explained Adriana LaGrange, Alberta Minister of Education.
“After reviewing the emerging evidence, it is clear that masks can play an important role in limiting the spread of COVID-19. I am not making this updated recommendation lightly, but acting on the best current evidence available. While masks are important, I want to stress that they are only one of the many public health measures in place to limit the spread of COVID-19 and protect the health of students, staff and families,” added Dr. Deena Hinshaw, chief medical officer of health for Alberta.
Alberta’s government remains committed to adjusting the school re-entry guidelines based on current medical advice. The chief medical officer of health has been studying the evidence around masking in schools, and this decision is a direct result of evolving medical advice.
School staff will receive one reusable face shield for their use in the schools. Shield use is at the discretion of the individual staff member. Plastic face shields can help reduce exposure, but are not equivalent to masks. A mask must still be worn while wearing a face shield.
About 466,000 litres of hand sanitizer will be distributed between all school authorities. The specific volume provided to an individual school authority will be based on student population.
Each school will receive two contactless thermometers to assist with managing student and staff health. Thermometer use will be at the discretion of the school authority.
Alberta Health Services are working hard to expand testing capacity and reduce turnaround times for testing, including in-school staff, teachers and students, so that anyone with symptoms or close contacts of cases can be rapidly tested and receive test results promptly.
All supplies will be distributed to school authorities by the beginning of the 2020-21 school year. Authorities will then distribute to individual schools, staff and/or students based on the needs of their own communities.
Provincial health guidance for a safe return to school will continue to evolve as necessary to reflect the latest evidence on the nature of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Individual school authorities are developing return-to-school plans that meet the needs of their own communities. These plans are based on direction provided under the provincial school re-entry plan, and supporting health guidance documents.

By Murray Green

A new vision to guide education will transform student learning, update curriculum and strengthen the K-12 system.
Alberta’s government is honouring its commitment to end the focus on so-called “discovery” or “inquiry” learning by repealing the 2013 ministerial order on student learning and replacing it with one that will give students a foundation of literacy and numeracy and a knowledge of the rich and diverse history of Alberta and Canada. The new ministerial order emphasizes civic virtues, core knowledge, and outcomes students need to succeed in school and throughout life.
“This new ministerial order on student learning is a return to proven teaching methods that will set Alberta’s students up for rich personal and work lives. Moving forward, education will promote skills development and knowledge pursuit, equipping students to explore opportunities that will help them develop their talents and unleash their potential,” said Adriana LaGrange, Alberta Minister of Education.
The new ministerial order was developed after the government broadened consultations to hear a wider range of perspectives from parents, teachers, and subject matter experts. It places an emphasis on essential core knowledge, evidence and fact-based materials, and focuses on literacy and numeracy as foundational elements woven throughout the entire curriculum.
“As a lifelong teacher, I fundamentally believe that students should gain the knowledge and skills they need to form foundations for successful and fulfilling lives. Literacy and numeracy are the bedrock for successful learning, and I am pleased that the final ministerial order recognizes that importance,” said Angus McBeath, chair, curriculum advisory panel.
Now that the new ministerial order is in place, the 2018 draft K-4 curriculum will be reviewed and future curricula will be drafted for the next grades. All draft curricula will be aligned with the new vision.
Due to delays resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, timelines for piloting the new draft curriculum are being adjusted. Validation will be expanded from K-4 to include Grades 5 and 6. Participating schools will start piloting this curriculum in classrooms in September 2021. At a minimum, a draft curriculum for Grades 7 to 10 will be ready for classroom validation in September 2022.
It is anticipated that all students attending school in Alberta will be learning from the new K-6 curriculum by the 2022-23 school year.
In August 2019, the independent 12-member curriculum advisory panel was established.
In December 2019, the panel submitted a draft ministerial order on student learning and recommendations on curriculum direction to government.
In February, more than 8,500 Albertans, including education partners, gave feedback on the draft ministerial order during a public engagement.

By Murray Green

Though summer activities have been a bit different this year given the ongoing pandemic, there are still a lot of drivers on Alberta roadways, many of whom are newly-licenced. Whether they hold a learner’s licence or recently received their Class 5-GDL, new drivers have limited experience behind the wheel of a vehicle and are still becoming familiar with the rules of the road.
“During the summer season, we experience an increase of vehicle traffic. In August of last year, there were 19 fatalities as a result of motor vehicle collisions across Alberta,” explained Supt. Gary Graham, Alberta RCMP Traffic Services. “This is why it is important that all motorists–new and experienced–do their part to keep our roads safe this summer.”
According to Alberta Transportation, one in five new drivers is involved in a collision during their first two years of driving. To promote road safety, Alberta RCMP encourages new motorists to remember the following when buckling up: obey all traffic and speed signs; share the road responsibly and provide extra space for motorcyclists and cyclists; practice proactive driving to anticipate hazards and reduce or avoid dangers; never drive impaired or under the influence of drugs and alcohol. Abide by the zero-tolerance law.
Supt. Rick Gardner, Alberta Traffic Sheriffs, asks experienced motorists to be mindful of vehicles marked as new drivers. “Maintain a safe following distance on busy roads and highways, allow for extra space when passing, and be patient–give new drivers extra time at controlled or uncontrolled intersections,” said Gardner. “Whether it’s your first time in the driver’s seat or not, road safety is the responsibility of all Albertans.”
For more traffic safety tips, follow @RCMPinAl berta on Facebook and @RCMPAlberta on Twitter.

By Murray Green

The Food Artisans of Camrose County are a collective of local growers, producers and processors.
Your neighbours in Camrose County and area produce and process a bounty of food. Residents are fortunate with the wide variety of foods they can buy locally from fresh fruits and vegetables to a wide range of meats including beef, pork, poultry, bison and lamb; to honey, cheese, flour and processed cereals, teas, baked goods and decorated cakes.
Follow Food Artisans of Camrose County on Facebook and Instagram. Visit the Camrose County website for a comprehensive list of local food producers  www.county.camrose.ab.ca. 
There are many reasons to shop local but here are the main reasons why to buy local foods.
Supports local farmers and processors–farmers receive fair incomes for their work in providing food for us to eat and enjoy.
Local food tastes better. Fresh, top quality, safe food that has not travelled far, and is in season, tastes so good.
Local food offers greater variety of food. You can buy honeyberries, heirloom tomatoes or free range poultry in the grocery store.
Local food is sustainable. Less transportation in shipping food to market; often less use of pesticides. Not all local food is sustainable so talk to the farmer about their management practices.
Local food builds community and being able to chat with the producers at the farmers’ market or visit their farms. That helps build a relationship with the grower or farmer so you can ask how the food was grown or raised, what ingredients are in the food and learn more about where the food comes from. It is fun to visit the farm!
Market gardens offer opportunities to u-pick or we-pick their crop. For a great list of market gardens check out www.albertafarmfresh.com.
Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) links the consumer with a local farmer. Before the growing season you buy a membership in the farmers’ crop of vegetables, meats, eggs…Once the crop is harvested you receive a regular basket of their food.  Check the local food listing at  www.county.camrose.ab.ca for CSAs in the area. Alberta Approved Farmers’ Markets in Camrose County include the Bashaw Farmers’ Market on Friday, Rose City Farmers’ Market in Camrose on Thursday, the Camrose Downtown Farmers’ Market on Thursday, the Miquelon Lake Farmers’ Market on Friday and the Camrose and District Farmers’ Market on Saturday. Some of these markets run year round and others are seasonal. For a list of other farmers’ markets check out www.albertafarmersmarket.com.
Win a Food Artisans of Camrose County local foods basket.
This summer the agricultural communications committee of Camrose County is hosting a contest to encourage you to shop direct from local producers and processors at farm stores, market gardens and farmers’ markets. Enter to win a basket of local foods throughout the summer by completing the contest brochure. You can pick up a copy of the brochure at the county office, local farmers’ markets in Camrose and Bashaw, the Alberta Agriculture office in Camrose, the Camrose Public Library, the Chamber of Commerce office as well as many other businesses around town and county.
Charley Boyd was the winner of the grand prize basket last October. “As newcomers to Camrose last summer, my husband and I were the lucky recipients of the year end basket of local foods from Camrose County. I love choosing local food and it was full of our favourites: frozen cherries, saskatoons, chicken, pork and beef. There were fall vegetables, preserves, honey and flour. This area has so much good food to offer from generous, hardworking producers. Filling in our contest card was a great way to get to know the area (checking out u-picks) and to experience how friendly the community is such as at the farmers’ markets,” she said.
When you are shopping the farmers’ market this summer watch for the Food Artisans of Camrose County logo.

By Lori Larsen

The weather is perfect for getting out and exploring the offerings in and around Camrose County. While some annual events have been postponed or changed to accommodate COVID-19 restrictions, there is still plenty to do and discover right here in our own County.
Pack a picnic lunch, fuel up the vehicle and load the family into the car. Daily road trips can not only be a great way to find out interesting information but can be loads of fun.
Spend an afternoon learning more about Alberta’s greatest economical asset, agriculture. Visit a local farm or producer (with permission) and let your children experience the origin of most of their food. Visit the Open Farms participating locations on Aug. 15 and 16.
Take home some homegrown or homemade goodies from one of the several Farmers’ markets located in Camrose and Camrose County.
Traverse a lake, river or creek by canoe, kayak, or motorized vessel (where allowed) or walk a trail along the shoreline discovering the flora and wildlife. Spend a day at the lake on a beach or pick up a fishing license and fishing rod and try your luck casting a line (where fishing is legal). The county has numerous recreational waterbodies including: Camrose and District Fish and Game Pleasure Island Fish Pond, Dried Meat Lake, Little Beaver Lake (Ferintosh), Tillicum Beach, Miquelon Provincial Lake Park, Ministik Bird Sanctuary, Buffalo Lake, Battle River and Stoney Creek.
Bring an all new meaning to “take out” with a picnic lunch or dinner at one of the parks situated throughout the county, including: Pleasure Island Fish Pond, Pelican Point Park, Tillicum Beach Park, Nature Conservation Centre, Miquelon Lake Provincial Park, Ferry Point Landing, Village of Hay Lakes Telegraph Park, or New Norway Campground.
Up for a round of golf? Hit up the greens, from nine to 27 holes, at a county golf course including: Miquelon Hills Golf Course, Double Dam Golf Course and Campground and Silver Creek Golf Course.
Get to know a little of the County history by searching out or visiting historical buildings and places including: Ukrainian Catholic Parish of the Holy Transfiguration, Alberta Pacific Grain Elevator at Meeting Creek, Canadian Northern Railway Station at Meeting Creek, Catholic Church of St. Thomas at Duhamel, Harold Person Log Cabin, Hegre Norwegian Lutheran Church, Holy Cross Ukrainian Catholic Church, Iverson Farmstead, Parkland Evangelical Lutheran Church, Trondhjem Lutheran Church, Verdun School or Webster McLeod Farmstead. For the photography buffs there are a multitude of abandoned farms, farmhouses and other buildings that make stunning photos that can be taken from the roadside respecting no trespassing on private property.
While many of the museums in the county are temporarily closed due to COVID-19, walking around the grounds offers great photo opportunities.
Or simply take a drive around the County. Create your own version of a scavenger hunt looking for delightful attractions such as bale art, a giant oil lamp, sausage, human haystackers or baseball glove.
Make a game with your family to name the different crop fields, spot and name a variety of wildlife or take your photo in front of as many “Welcome to..” signs as possible.
Finish your day with one of Central Alberta’s famous prairie sunsets, appreciating this amazing countryside and realizing there really is something to do from sunrise to sunset in Camrose County.

By Murray Green

A severe wind storm ripped through the community of Sedgewick, flattening one building and ripping the roof off the Vision Credit Union building on Aug. 3.
 The flattened building was vacant and owned by Colin Tanton.
“As a result of the wind and deluge of rain, a vacant commercial building on the corner of 50th Street and 48th Avenue completely collapsed, while the roof of the Vision Credit Union bank in the downtown was severely damaged/blown off. As well, a large number of trees were snapped off or uprooted and cleanup is still underway around town to deal with them. The golf course and lake had tree damage in considerable degree. Yet…the citizenry has rallied in conjunction with the town and various groups and recovery is almost complete. Electrical services were out from approximately 7 p.m. on Monday until 12:30 a.m. on Aug. 4, when they were restored by Fortis,” explained Sedgewick Mayor Perry Robinson.
“Our Fire Chief, Tyson Armitage, immediately deployed the fire department to attend for potential hazards and did a reconnaissance of the community and addressed situations as encountered. Council members also made the rounds ascertaining the severity of the incident and discussed potential further measures with our director of emergency management. Chief Armitage determined that to be unnecessary at the time,” shared the mayor.
“Town public works also immediately deployed to assess the situation and assist where required. As well, our dedicated citizenry stepped up and immediately began assisting their neighbours with various urgencies, such as fallen trees and damage to residences, such as missing shingles, etc. While there were electrical lines down, the potential hazards presented by them were completely mitigated by the loss of service to them and the citizenry was advised, where encountered, to govern themselves accordingly. As darkness fell, the situation was securely in hand and nothing remained but to clean up and restore services,” said Mayor Robinson.
“Thanks to the dedicated and conscientious citizenry of Sedgewick, our community responded very successfully to a potentially  devastating situation. We are grateful that nobody was hurt and are thankful for the attendance of law-enforcement and EMS to assist with potential situations requiring their expertise. Repairs, cleanup and restoration work is well underway and, hopefully, we won’t have any more of these nasty weather situations to deal with any time soon. Thank you for your interest in our community,” Robinson added.
The Vision Credit Union lost its roof, the golf course lost many trees, the town Internet tower was damaged and several residents lost trees in their yards.
“The wind tore two-thirds of our roof off and severed our gas line and powerlines. As it was raining, there is water damage in the back half of the building, but nothing too severe considering what it could be. We tarped it all off to mitigate further water damage,” said Sedgewick Vision Credit Union manager Michael Rostad. “There was one other building that I am aware of that was demolished in town, but other than that I believe the majority of the rest of the damage is from trees falling.”
The Sedgewick branch will be operating out of Camrose until the repairs can be completed.
The storm hit the town at about 6 p.m. Between 10 and 35 millimetres of rain came with strong gusting winds that caused damage across Alberta in a strip going west to east, hitting both Sedgewick and Killam.

By Murray Green

With warmer weather in central Alberta, the growing season has improved. Rains are still fairly common to add to the growth of plants.
 Quite a bit of hay has been put up in many areas.
First cut hay is behind the five-year average of 96 per cent done with 88 per cent complete, with yields of 2.4 ton per acre and quality rated as 59 per cent good and 19 per cent excellent.
In the Camrose to Provost region, warmer temperatures along with spotty localized showers and hail have been reported over most of the region, according to the Alberta Crop Report.
Overall, crop conditions are five per cent ahead of the five-year average of 75 per cent good and excellent.
Crop stages for spring cereals are mid-way through flowering, while fall-seeded cereals are just entering the dough stage. Oilseed and pulse crops are over 40 per cent podding.
Tame pasture is currently rated as two per cent poor, six per cent fair, 61 per cent good and 31 per cent excellent.
First-cut dryland hay is reported as 27 per cent completed with estimated yields of 1.8 ton per acre and quality rated as 76 per cent good and excellent.
Soil moisture ratings are estimated as 90 per cent good or excellent, with eight per cent rated excessive for surface and 91 per cent good or excellent and seven per cent rated excessive for sub-surface.

By Murray Green

Brenda MacDonald was named the superintendent of schools and chief executive officer for Clearview Public Schools starting Aug. 1.
She was Clearview’s deputy superintendent for the past five years.
After an extensive national advertising campaign, Clearview received numerous and excellent applications for the position of superintendent. Following analysis and interviews, the board of trustees was excited to offer MacDonald the position.
“We are looking forward to Brenda’s proven leadership in her new role as superintendent. Brenda has an exceptional record of school and division leadership throughout her 35 years as an educator, during which she has worked as a teacher, school leadership, curriculum coordinator and deputy superintendent,” said Greg Hayden, board chair.
“Brenda is a supremely qualified candidate with experience and a passion for public education, students, staff and Clearview.  Ms. MacDonald has an intimate knowledge of Clearview and, with her ‘get it done’ attitude, will guide the division to exciting new levels. Her new ideas combined with current initiatives will continue the successes we are achieving.  Clearview’s future is bright.”
Brenda began her career as a teacher in Stavely Schools in Livingstone Range.  After moving with her family to central Alberta, Brenda taught in Poplar Ridge in Chinook’s Edge School Division. From 1998 to 2006, Brenda was the curriculum coordinator, and was with Red Deer Catholic as curriculum coordinator from 2006-15. Arriving five years ago as Clearview’s deputy superintendent, Brenda is known as an educator who is consistently dedicated to the success of all learners and the empowerment of all school community members.
MacDonald has a masters in arts specializing in curriculum and instruction and a bachelor of education in high school biology.  Brenda completed her superintendent leadership certifications and, with her 18 years at various central office positions, she has provided success building progressive learning organizations. “Brenda has a passion for rural education and finds the work extremely rewarding. She is a passionate leader who instills trust and prioritizes collaboration, shared decision making and visionary strategic planning.”
Brenda has been married to her husband Doug for 36 years and is very proud of  two married sons, Derrick and Charvel and Dale and Randi. Brenda is anxiously awaiting her first grandchild this summer. She enjoys camping, boating, skiing, biking, swimming, reading and traveling. For several years, she has done humanitarian work with the Rotary Club, supporting teacher and principal professional development in Belize.
“It is truly an honour to have this opportunity to serve the board of trustees, students, staff and communities of Clearview Public Schools. I have a strong connection to Clearview and central Alberta and have enjoyed developing excellent and lasting relationships. Clearview is committed to learning successes and it is going to be a privilege to continue to work with our dedicated and passionate staff,” said Brenda.

By Murray Green

Proposed changes to the assessment model doesn’t sit well with Flagstaff County.
Flagstaff County council and administration are extremely concerned about the potentially devastating impact this decision could have on the long-term viability of the entire Flagstaff region.
With the impact of this loss in revenue, Flagstaff County will be required to look at a reduction of services and increases in property taxes.
“While the provincial government’s proposed changes are intended to enhance oil and gas industry competitiveness during this difficult time, these changes would have serious implications for municipalities and small local businesses throughout the Flagstaff Region, where we already face significant economic challenges due to our remote rural location and declining population,” said Reeve Don Kroetch, Flagstaff County.
Municipalities throughout rural Alberta are facing the same grim prospects for their residents.
Based on the four possible scenarios provided by the RMA (Rural Municipalities of Alberta) and financial data from the MFIS (Municipal Financial Information System) database, estimates indicate that Flagstaff County faces a decrease in revenue by as much as 18 per cent (about $5 million).
To compensate for that significant loss, if there were no changes in services, Flagstaff County would be required to increase the residential/farmland mill rate by as much as 191.1 per cent, or increase the non-residential mill rate by as much as 43.3 per cent, or cut full-time workforce by nearly three-quarters.
Raising tax rates to offset the impacts of the assessment model change will have the effect of simply transferring taxes from the oil and gas industry to other businesses and residents.
In reality, Flagstaff County may be forced to enact a combination of both tax rate increases and staffing cuts, as well as reduce service levels and intermunicipal agreements to remain viable. These changes will impact not only our municipality and the services provided to residents and businesses, but also all of the municipalities that comprise the entire Flagstaff Region.
Flagstaff County currently cost-shares with urban neighbours through intermunicipal agreements.
“Flagstaff County has already made significant reductions in programs and services to account for the loss of revenue from unpaid taxes from resource-based companies. Actual bad debt in 2019 totalled nearly $3 million. This year, we have budgeted for $4.5 million in bad debt,” said Reeve Kroetch.
Additional changes to the Police Funding Model, on top of historical unpaid taxes from oil and gas, may influence further reductions in services or property tax increases in the coming years.
Although the implications of the province’s proposed changes are far-reaching, municipalities were not consulted during the process.
Based on the Government of Alberta’s proposed scenarios, the largest oil and gas companies operating in the province will receive a disproportionate share of benefits from changes to the assessment model. Small and locally-owned companies will, on average, receive significantly less benefit, and in many cases will face significant assessment increases.
Flagstaff is contacting Premier Jason Kenney, MLA Jackie Lovely and municipal affairs minister Kaycee Madu to express their concerns over these changes. A decision is expected to be announced as early as mid-August.
Let your MLA know your thoughts on this issue. MLA Lovely can be reached by phone at 780-672-0000 or via email at camrose@assembly.ab.ca.
Call your Flagstaff County councillor if you have any questions about this or want additional information.

By Lori Larsen

Alberta RCMP 2019 statistics reported that July, August and October were the top three months for vehicle thefts, and July, August and September were the top three months for thefts from vehicles.
According to a data sample from 2018, 26 per cent of stolen vehicles had the keys in them and eight per cent were left running.
All total for the year, there were over 12,200 reported thefts from a motor vehicle, and close to 10,000 vehicles were reported stolen, with trucks being the most commonly stolen vehicle.
August reported the highest number of vehicle thefts, over 1,000, and thefts from vehicles, over 1,300, in Alberta RCMP jurisdiction in 2019, numbers that could have been much lower had one simple preventative measure been taken–locking the vehicle.
Other preventative measures suggested by the RCMP include: closing windows; removing valuables such as purses, wallets, shopping bags, change, electronics, sunglasses, anything tempting; removing garage door openers;  parking your vehicle in line of sight or in a well-lit area; using a steering wheel lock; locking your garage; and disabling power to the garage door if you’re leaving for an extended period of time.
For more information on how to protect your auto, visit the RCMP social media #AutoSafety or check out the RCMP Facebook page @RCMPinAlberta or Twitter @RCMPAlberta for feeds on tips and reminders to help reduce thefts of, and thefts from, vehicles.
If you see anything suspicious, report it to your local police service. If you see a crime in progress, call 911. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the P3 Tips.

By Murray Green

After the wet fall, the last thing you need is to expose your hay to more wet weather.
Protecting hay from weather damage can significantly reduce the cost of wintering cows.
“When hay is carried over the course of a winter, bales weather and lose both weight and quality,” said Barry Yaremcio, beef and forage specialist at the Alberta Ag-Info Centre. “This poses the key question of what kind of value losses occur when storing the bales outside unprotected from the elements.”
Yaremcio said that research on overwinter outdoor bale storage done in the Westlock area found a 5.7 per cent reduction in bale weight over the first winter. “A 1,400 pound bale in July would weigh 1,320 pounds the following spring. The bales were stored in an area that was higher in elevation compared to the surrounding area and the grass was mowed prior to bringing the bales onto the site.”
Yaremcio added that other research reports indicate that weight loss can be as high as 15 per cent, or 210 lb. for a 1,400 lb. bale. “Increased losses are expected if snow is trapped between the bales and during the spring melt if the water does not run off, resulting in increased water damage.”
The damage is not good for your animals. “Weathering also affects the acceptability of hay to livestock,” explained Yaremcio. “Cows will reject or waste up to eight per cent more feed from bales stored unprotected outdoors, as compared to bales placed under a tarp or stored under a shed.”
Bales stored outdoors tend to squat or flatten out during storage. “The total surface area of the bale in contact with the ground and exposed to rain increases, adding to the weather damage over time. Digestibility of the weathered hay can drop 10 per cent compared to hay protected from the elements,” added Yaremcio.”
This loss in consumption and digestibility is further compounded by leaching losses of protein and soluble sugars, or energy.
“Nutrient losses are greater from the leaf portion of the plant compared to the stems. Weathered hay can test two to three per cent lower in protein. Hay that tested 14 per cent after baling can be 10 to 11 per cent the following spring. Energy can be 20 to 50 per cent lower. TDN value of 63 per cent after baling can be as low as 45 to 55 per cent. If the winter is variable with many freeze and thaw cycles, damage will be greater than in winters that are constantly cold.”
Bales made with net wrap withstand weather damage better than those made with twine. “Net wrapped bales can have 10 per cent damage, whereas bales made with twine can have 18 per cent damage,” said Yaremcio. “Hard core bales with high density  (heavier bales) are packed tighter and shed water better than bales with lower density, or lighter bales. So, soft core bales sustain more damage than the heavier ones.”
Weather damage to the outer layers of the bale significantly impact overall bale quality. “A five foot diameter bale with four inches of deterioration affects 23 per cent of the total bale weight. Overall quality is reduced significantly even if it appears that a small layer of the bale is damaged,” he said.
“Spending time to prepare a bale storage site, covering the bales with a tarp or plastic, or placing bales under a shed will provide an economic advantage, especially if a portion of this year’s crop will be carried over into next winter’s feeding period,” explained Yaremcio.
“If a 1,400 pound bale is valued at nine cents a pound or $180 per ton, or $146 per bale with weight loss of 5.7 per cent, a reduction in acceptance, increased waste, by eight per cent and a 10 per cent loss in digestibility increases the cost of providing the same amount of nutrients to the cow to be equivalent to $161 per bale.
“If a 1,400 pound cow is fed 40 pounds of hay for 125 days, it requires 5,000 pounds, or 3.6 bales, of non-damaged or protected hay for the wintering period. Cost of the undamaged hay at $146 per bale is $525.60 per head for the 125 days,” Yaremcio continued. “It works out to $300 per cow more this year than the feed costs experienced last winter.”
“Using the values mentioned above, unprotected hay with the associated weight loss, reduction in quality and increased waste, the cost of providing the equivalent amount of nutrients from the hay and accounting for the losses increases the cost to $672.38 per head.”
The difference in feeding cost is $ 146.78 per cow when associated quality and yield losses are considered when storing hay outdoors unprotected from the weather. “In 1989, Harlan Hughes from North Dakota State University calculated that a $1 reduction in winter feeding costs would improve overall profitability of the operation by $2.48.”
For more information about protecting hay, contact the Alberta Ag-Info Centre at 310-FARM (3276).

Births
- To Ruth and Johnny Hofer, of Bruce, a son on July 31.
- To Michelle and Ty Stevenson, of Ferintosh, a son on Aug. 1.

Deaths
- Roger Joseph Badry of Camrose, on July 30, at 78 years of age.
- Grace Hilda Lemay of Camrose, on July 30, at 94 years of age.
- Thomas Herman Osborne of Holden, on July 30, at 83 years of age.
- Rachelle LaChance Busch of Camrose, on July 31, at 45 years of age.
- Lawrence William Hillaby of Sedgewick, formerly of Camrose, on Aug. 6, at 70 years of age.
- Corona “Toni” Vivian Wannamaker of Camrose, formerly of Belleville, ON, on Aug. 6, at 96 years of age.
- Denis Tessier of Tofield, on Aug. 6, at 71 years of age.
- Diane Gahr of Tofield, on Aug. 6, at 78 years of age.
- David George Ell of Camrose, on Aug. 7, at 76 years of age.