Local News Archives -

Young artists featured in Redwater

admin — Wed, 15 May 2024 04:08:43 +0000

By Brandie Majeau

The Redwater Art Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and

supporting local artists in the Redwater community. They organize a range of events,

exhibitions, and programs throughout the year to showcase the exceptional talent of the

area’s artists. One of their major initiatives is the Art Walk, which features the works of

local artists at various businesses throughout the community.

The Art Walk is an opportunity for local creators to be in the spotlight, gain

exposure, and share their artistic gifts. This year, the walk features an impressive

collection of over a dozen pieces created by students from grades 1-4 at Ochre Park

School. On May 2, Jeannie Hare, a passionate member of the Redwater Art Society,

paid a visit to Ochre Park School and Principal Lori Moores to retrieve the selected

artwork. As an avid art enthusiast, Hare had been eagerly looking forward to this

moment. After a warm exchange of greetings, the two discussed the various pieces of

artwork that had been chosen for the society’s upcoming display. With a sense of

excitement and satisfaction, Hare left the school premises, carrying with her the

beautiful assortment of art that would soon be admired by the public.

The art exhibit will be displayed at Sheldon’s Floor and Tile, one of the many

businesses that participate in the Art Walk. The collection of pieces created by these

young artists are truly remarkable, and it provides a unique opportunity for visitors to

appreciate their creativity, imagination, and skill. Each piece is a reflection of their

unique perspectives and tells a story that is both inspiring and

captivating.

Whether an art enthusiast, a curious visitor, or simply looking for a fun and

enjoyable way to spend the day, everyone is encouraged to stop by Sheldon’s Floor and

Tile to take a closer look at the incredible artwork created by these young creators. It

is a must-see display that promises to leave a lasting impression on everyone who

stops to visit.

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Business Social a huge success

admin — Wed, 15 May 2024 04:03:21 +0000

By Brandie Majeau

The Town of Redwater, nestled in central Alberta, recently hosted a Meet & Greet

Social event on May 2, 2024, a highly anticipated gathering that was a testament to the

vibrant community spirit. The event’s primary objective was to showcase the town,

foster interest, and gain valuable investor knowledge and contacts, all of which were

made possible by the active participation and support of community members.

The Town of Redwater has been diligently working on implementing new bylaws

and policies to aid the development process, and the spring activity is a promising

prelude to a bustling summer. The town has embarked on several exciting initiatives,

and the future of Redwater is brimming with potential. Two new triplexes and an

increase in residential property development are among the recent developments, soon

to be accompanied by the addition of Dairy Queen and a new restaurant, Uptown Pizza

& Donair.

Moreover, the town is also working with MCSNet to obtain enhanced broadband

wireless internet services, and business licenses will fund a Downtown Beautification

policy initiative. The event was a success and provided attendees with insightful

discussions about the current state of the economy, lucrative investment opportunities,

and the latest business trends, making it an enlightening experience for all.

The Town of Redwater extends its heartfelt gratitude to Pembina for their

generous sponsorship of the event and to Cindy and her team at Rainbow Restaurant

Wok & Grill for their warm hospitality. The food was exceptional, and the spread was

unsurpassed. The Town would also like to express its appreciation to all those who

participated in the business social, as their presence and engagement made the event a

resounding success. Redwater also extend a warm invitation to anyone who missed it to

join them next year.

Investor portfolios containing valuable insights and information on investment

opportunities in Redwater are available at the Town of Redwater Administration office. If

interested in investments and development opportunities in Redwater, please contact

the Land Use and Economic Development Officer at tlane@redwater.ca or// 780-942-

3519 ext. 330.

The Town of Redwater remains committed to supporting development and

creating a conducive business growth and development environment.

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Alberta addresses wildfire concerns

admin — Tue, 07 May 2024 22:19:55 +0000

By Brandie Majeau
The Alberta Forestry and Parks Minister, Todd Loewen, hosted a rural media roundtable
on April 30 to address concerns and response plans for this years wildfire season.
Loewen announced that hundreds of Alberta Wildfire response team members are
trained and ready to respond, assuring Albertans that the government has been
diligently preparing for months to enhance the response time and management of
the wildfires in Alberta.
As much of Alberta received snow or rain precipitation over the past week, Alberta’s
Wildfire team breathes a sigh of relief at the reduced risk in the upcoming weeks.
However, as Minister Loewen discussed, so much is dependant on the weather and
the government is only a partial piece of the wildfire season. With the current wildfires
this year, it has been found that 77% of them so far have been caused by people.
Minister Todd Loewen stressed the importance and preventative actions of individuals
and communities and the need to be aware of and follow bans and restrictions.
Minister Loewen also acknowledged the ongoing communications between
municipalities and the Alberta Wildfire Department, the expectations, and clarifications
of who is in charge and who is responsible for responding. With the unprecedented
wildfires of 2023, the Alberta government is preparing and is focused on getting the
message out to Albertans to remain calm but be prepared.
Communities may consider the community fireguard program, fire services training, and
FireSmart educational programs. Individuals are asked to share the responsibility of
reducing the threat of wildfire by participating in preventative measures.
As the wildlife season begins, Minister Loewen explained new strategies and learning
methods from the extensive experience of First Nations fire fighting teams to develop
strategies such as nighttime fire fighting. Due to the usually reduced temperatures and
increased humidity at night, teams can use drones for thermal imaging and helicopters
equipped with night vision capabilities to fight 24 hours a day to target and suppress
wildfires. The Alberta government is also using AI technology to assist in planning and

predicting potential fire activity and fuel loads.
For up-to-date information on wildfire status and locations, prevention and
preparedness, and wildfire career opportunities, visit alberta.ca/alberta-wildfire. Staying
informed is key to being prepared and ensuring the safety of our communities.

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Thorhild Ukrainian Dancing Club performsat Thorhild Lodge

admin — Tue, 07 May 2024 22:16:16 +0000

By Brandie Majeau
On the afternoon of April 22, Thorhild Lodge residents were treated to an
unforgettable experience. The air was filled with an electric buzz of anticipation as the
Ukrainian Dancing Club Groups 1-3 from Thorhild arrived, adorned in their vibrant,
traditional costumes, ready to showcase their talent and skill. The performers danced
with grace, precision, and passion, guiding the audience through a rich and diverse
culture with every step.
The upbeat Ukrainian music created an atmosphere of pure joy and celebration
that encouraged the audience to tap their feet and clap their hands, pulling them into the
rhythm and magic of the stories told through dance. The residents were delighted by the
colorful spectacle, cheering on the performers with each new dance and expression of
artistic flair.
The dancing club’s hard work, and commitment were evident in their every move.
They highlighted a year of dedication and training that had taken them from the fall
through the spring into a journey of Ukrainian dance, a skill that will become a piece of
each student, a piece of history and a chance to connect to a heritage and share it with
those around them. The Thorhild Ukrainian Dancing Club shared this history with the
residents of Thorhild Lodge and gave them memories filled with laughter, smiles, and a
connection to simpler times.

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Thorhild Lodge staff retires after decades of service

admin — Tue, 07 May 2024 22:09:42 +0000

By Brandie Majeau
Thorhild Lodge organized a special celebration to honor the retirement of two long-term
staff members. On April 19, a heartfelt farewell was bid to the two pillars of the Thorhild
Lodge community, Julian Topolnisky and Kim Lahti, who have been a constant presence for
years. Both of them have been a part of the lodge, and the echoes of their years of service will
be
felt long after their final days of work. Invitations were made to current staff, lodge
residents, board members, and former staff to join the celebration as Julian and Kim
close one chapter of their lives and embark on the next part of their journey.
Julian Topolnisky, a dedicated member of the staff for 17 years, and Kim Lahti, who has
been there for 23 years, were honored by the board and staff members. They were
presented with years of service awards and retirement gifts, symbolizing a deep
appreciation for their long-standing commitment and invaluable contributions to Thorhild
Lodge.
The celebration was meticulously designed to honor two exceptional individuals who
have dedicated themselves to their careers. Julian and Kim, retiring after decades of
service, were the focal point of the event. The atmosphere was filled with heartfelt
conversations, emotional reminiscing, and genuine appreciation for their modest and
abundant contributions. The attendees were moved by the moments that displayed the
outpouring of love and respect for the retiring pair. It was a celebration of their
remarkable achievements, their unwavering commitment, and the profound impact they
had on the lives of our residents and the entire Thorhild Lodge community throughout
their careers.

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Smoky Lake Lions serve

admin — Tue, 07 May 2024 21:50:04 +0000

The Lions’ motto is “We serve,” which Smoky Lake Lions have been doing for 77 years. In the
fall and winter, the club and the wonderful community have been actively fundraising through a
raffle to construct a dog park in town. Contrary to popular belief, a dog park is not only for our
furry friends but also an essential meeting place for dog owners. It is an attraction for tourists
and an item on the checklist for prospective newcomers to town. On March 26, a raffle draw
was held, with Ray Carter from Bruderheim as the lucky winner. Long-time Lions Dave and
Kathleen Dalby handed over the cheque to Ray.
All Lions are encouraged to attend Lions conventions as it helps them connect with other Lions,
learn about Lions activities worldwide, and get the bigger picture beyond their club. The club is
part of the zone, the zone is part of the district, and two districts form the Multiple District. At the
Multiple District Convention in Lethbridge on April 27, our esteemed Lion Dave Dalby from the
Smoky Lake Lions Club was honoured with the Senior Leadership Award. This prestigious
award is bestowed upon a past District Governor who continues to serve as a Lion for at least
ten years following their term and maintains a good standing. Lion Dave Dalby, who has served
as District Governor twice, from 2009-2010 and 2014-2015, was set to receive the Senior
Leadership medal ten years after his first term, but the pandemic delayed it. Lion Dave remains
an active club member, attending all meetings and sharing his invaluable knowledge and
experience with the club. Alongside his wife Kathleen, also a Lion, they lead numerous Lion
activities such as the annual Dog Walk (this year on May 26), the vision care for children (on
June 1 in the Smoky Lake Complex), and many other initiatives.

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Budd Coutt’s to offer new pilot program

admin — Wed, 01 May 2024 02:07:32 +0000

By Brandie Majeau
As Alberta’s economy continues to grow and diversify rapidly, some industries and job
creators are experiencing a labor shortage in high-demand fields. The Alberta government is
exploring various channels to train students entering skilled trades to address this issue and
create opportunities for rewarding careers.
Under a new pilot program, the Alberta government will provide $350,000 in funding to
support the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) Local 955 Trust Fund. This
significant investment will enable the trust to deliver training for the Crane and Hoisting
Equipment Operator – Mobile Crane Operator apprenticeship program. The pilot program, set to
take place at the Budd Coutt’s Apprenticeship and Education Centre training facility, offers a
promising path for Albertans pursuing apprenticeship education in the Crane and Hoisting
Equipment Operator field.
The IUOE (International Union of Operating Engineers) facility has been providing a
wide range of training courses to thousands of workers in diverse sectors, including construction,
transportation, and manufacturing. The courses are designed to equip trainees with the
knowledge and skills required to excel in their respective fields.
The facility has also been actively involved in assisting workers to find employment with
client employers through its placement services. This has helped many workers secure
meaningful and sustainable employment while also contributing to the growth of the economy.
The pilot program will offer four sessions for the 2024-2025 academic year, offering a
total of 40 training spaces for crane and hoisting equipment operators in the province. In addition
to the Budd Coutt’s Apprenticeship and Education Center training, NAIT, SAIT, and IUOE will
offer more than 300 Mobile Crane 1 training seats in the upcoming academic year. This will
enable more workers to receive quality training in a safe and conducive environment, using state-
of-the-art equipment and facilities. The additional training spaces will also help to address the
growing demand for skilled crane and hoisting equipment operators while also promoting safety
and efficiency in the workplace.
Rajan Sawhney, Minister of Advanced Education, stated, “Apprenticeship education is an
affordable and rewarding post-secondary option for learners. As demand for skilled tradespeople
continues to grow, I am committed to ensuring that we have the workers we need to reach our
potential and build our province’s economic future. That is why Alberta is collaborating with a
private sector union to provide hands-on training in apprenticeship education. This is a historic
moment for skilled trades training in Alberta.”

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Thorhild Ukrainian Dancing Club takeshome gold and silver

admin — Wed, 01 May 2024 02:04:53 +0000

By Brandie Majeau
The Thorhild Ukrainian Dancing Club is wrapping up its competition season and 2023-
24 dance year. Their dancers have already competed in two competitions and have
succeeded in adding an impressive number of medals to their collections. The club’s
dancers have put in a lot of hard work and dedication to achieve such impressive
results. Groups consisting of performers from 3-5, attended competitions at Camrose’s
Culture Fuze Festival on March 8-10. They performed exceptionally well and received a
collection of silver and gold medals for their efforts. The judges were impressed with
their choreography, timing, and overall presentation.
On March 16, groups 2-5, along with all solo and duet performers who competed in
Camrose, headed to Westlock’s Rodyna Festival to display their dancing skills. They
once again brought home an impressive collection of silver and gold medals once
again. The performers were able to maintain their consistency and precision, delivering
a memorable performance for the audience.
Thorhild Ukrainian Dancing Club will be attending their final competition, group 5, along
with all club solos and duets, will be heading to Saskatoon on April 27 & 28 for this
competitive event to wrap up the season. The club is hoping to finish the season on a
high note and bring back more silver and gold medals to add to their already impressive
collection. The performers are excited for this last competition and are looking forward
to showcasing their skills in this highly anticipated event.
The final performance for the Thorhild Ukrainian Dancing Club will be held at Thorhild
Central School on May 4 at 1pm. This free performance invites everyone to attend and
enjoy the year of dedication highlighted by all the dancers. The club’s dancers will be
highlighting their skills and talent in one final show. Everyone is welcome to attend and
support the club’s dancers as they celebrate the end of their season.

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Thorhild Bullarama – A sold out show

admin — Wed, 01 May 2024 02:03:15 +0000

By Brandie Majeau
The Thorhild Bullarama, a thrilling bull-riding event, was recently organized
successfully by the Thorhild & District Agricultural Society after a hiatus of 12 years. The
Thorhild Community Association had hosted this annual event in the past, but due to the
lack of volunteers, it had to be canceled. However, this time, the organizers enlisted the
help of other organizations to make the event a resounding success. The Thorhild Minor
Hockey hosted a delicious steak supper at the community hall before the event, while
the Radway Lion Club hosted the concession at the arena. The Thorhild Fun Hockey
was responsible for the clean-up on Sunday.
It was a sold-out show! To kick off the Bullarama, the Waste Management of
Canada Kid’s Meet & Greet event allowed twenty lucky kids to meet and greet the
bullfighters and riders and collect their autographs. As bull riding fans poured in, the
stands began to fill, and the crowd of spectators waited with high anticipation for the
excitement to begin.
The competition was nothing short of intense, with eighteen fearless riders
participating in the Bullarama. Cody Coverchuk, a name that will be remembered,
emerged as the ultimate champion with an impressive 83-point ride in the long-go and
another 83-point ride in the short-go, elevating him to the #2 spot in the season
standings with the Bull Riders of Canada. Four riders managed to qualify for re-rides in
the long-go, and a total of twenty-one bulls were taken on during the event, each ride a
testament to the riders’ courage and skill.
Thorhild Bullarama also feature a variety of fundraisers and the announcement
of the recent Splash & Crash fundraiser winner. The evening’s 50/50 winner, from
Athabasca, took home $1,680 which left the same amount going back to the
maintenance fund for the Agriplex building. A quad donated by Conlon Motorsports was
also raffled off and was won by local Megan Hay.
The Splash & Crash fundraiser, part one, was a car parked on a dugout, and
people guessed what day & time it would fall through the ice. Kendra Toronchuk won
half the $8,310 pot for her winning guess of April 13 at 214pm. Part two, “Crash,” is now
underway, where raffle tickets are available to purchase for $10 for a chance to win the
car and drive it in the demo derby on July 1, or a $1,000 cash prize equivalent.
With the enthusiastic participation of multiple organizations and volunteers, the
Thorhild Bullarama was a tremendous success. The event was an excellent opportunity
for the community to come together, enjoy thrilling bull-riding competitions, and show
their support for local organizations.

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Thorhild County native receives national award

admin — Wed, 01 May 2024 02:01:16 +0000

On Thursday 4 April 2024, Mr. Jacques Perron, Chairman of the Canadian Mineral Industry
Education Foundation (CMIEF), presented the Edward Futterer Scholarship to Simon Erdman
during a special presentation ceremony held in the College of Engineering at the University of
Alberta. This marks the fifth time, since the inception of the scholarship in 1979, that a student
from the University of Alberta has received this award. There are approximately 25,000 Mining
Engineering students across Canada.
Erdman, 22, is in his senior year of Mine Engineering at the university of Alberta. He is from a
ranch near Radway and attended Radway Public School, graduated from Redwater School and
was an active member of the Radway 4H Multi Club. Previous awards include the Rutherford
Scholarship, the Redwater Agricultural Society Scholarship and a Golden Key Scholarship. “I
was really surprised to receive this award.” says Erdman,” I had no idea that I was being
considered for it.”
The Canadian Mineral Industry Education Foundation has been offering scholarships since 1964
to undergraduate students with a strong interest in a career in the mining industry. The Edward
Futterer Award is presented to an outstanding undergraduate student in his/her final year in
Mining Engineering from all universities across Canada. The award brings recognition and
honour to the student and mining school.

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