The Olds Gazette--"Your Hometown Weekly Newspaper"

Gano Resigns From County Council
Jon Koch
Gazette News
Almost two months to the day after registering a landslide victory in a
Division 2 by-election, Joy Gano has resigned from Mountain View County
council.
In a news release received by the Olds Gazette on Dec. 19, Gano announced
that she had tendered her resignation as councillor for Division 2,
effective immediately.
In the media release, Gano indicated that her resignation was an “extremely
difficult decision” for her, and was based on “a pressing health issue.”
“I took on the position of Councillor with enthusiasm and the full intention
of making a solid contribution during my term,” Gano stated in the press
release. “I now find that I must deal with a health issue that requires my
full and undivided attention.”
Gano, who was sworn in as the councillor for Division 2 on Oct. 26, won an
Oct. 17 by-election to fill the seat vacated by Charlie Van Arnam by a
ratio of almost two votes to one, receiving 354 votes compared to 145 for
runner-up Peggy Wigton’s 145 and 50 for Jamie Veres.
“I knew it was coming for a day-or-two, and that’s about all,” said MVC
reeve Al Kemmere on Dec. 16 after word on Gano’s resignation first became
known. Kemmere says council is very disappointed that Gano is leaving
council so soon after being elected.
“Joy has caught on pretty darn quick,” Kemmere added. “She got in the saddle
pretty darn fast, and council really appreciated that.”
Gano’s sudden resignation leaves Division 2, which includes Cremona and
Water Valley, without a representative on county council for the second time
in less than twelve months. Charlie Van Arnam resigned in protest from
council in August after council voted 4-3 to terminate the services of
then-county commissioner Harold Johnsrude.
With Section 168 of the Alberta Municipal Government Act stating a vacancy
on council occurring more than 18 months prior to a general election must be
filled within 90 days, the county now has until mid-March to fill the seat
vacated by Gano.
Kemmere says county will have an official announcement regarding the date
for a by-election at the Jan. 11 meeting of Mountain View County council.
In Our Mailbag This Week... Letters To The Editor
Dear Editor,
While attending to my banking in Olds, I came upon a box of chocolates,
selling for $3.00 a box, with a paper attached stating that in buying these
chocolates, that I was supporting the local Santa's Anonymous. There has not
been a Santa's Anonymous in Olds, since 1999, when the Olds & District
Christmas Angels starting a society to take on the Christmas Hamper Program.
As a director of the Olds & District Christmas Angels, I spoke with the bank
manager and explained that we as a society were not aware of anyone selling
boxes of chocolates on our behalf: and asked that he remove the box and hold
same until the seller returned. That we had not been contacted by the seller
of... and if we had been... the support letter attached to the box of
chocolates would have read "in support of the Olds & District Christmas
Angels."
The Olds & District Christmas Angels Society depend totally on the generous
support of the citizens and businesses in the Olds area. We do not promote
or condone any program of sales that could possibly benefit anyone other
than the persons that we are committed to assisting through the Christmas
Season. All of the directors that are associated with the Christmas Angels
donate a lot of time to assure a better Christmas for over 300 people, every
year.
I am sure that the business in Olds, being approached, as a support a
Santa's Anonymous program have been very willing to display these boxes of
chocolates, as they are ready and willing to support a very good cause. We,
as the society that does our best to ensure a better Christmas for as many
of the less fortunate in our community, are upset in the fact that someone
is using a very good cause... to profit from a program that "no one" should
profit from.
Our hampers are to assist those in our area that need a little help through
the Christmas Season. We are here, once a year, to ensure that the children
of Olds and District have gifts to wake up to, and that there are the basics
for a Christmas dinner, as well as enough non-perishable food items to give
our hamper recipients a break of $200.00 or so, to spend on utilities, fuel,
insurance, rather than groceries.
As we cannot be everywhere, we are asking that the citizens of Olds, let us
know, where these boxes of chocolates are being sold, on our behalf are
located, so that we can approach the managers/owners of these businesses
regarding our concern.
Thank you,
Bonnie Groome
Director of the Olds & District Christmas Angels
Better Late Than Never
Scott Reid’s popcorn and beer comment was agreeably asinine. Incidentally,
it also raises an irony that has been very slow in seeing the light of day
through the eyes of the media. The Government of Canada publishes expense
reports online and Scott Reid’s can be found at this web address
(http://www.pco-bcp.gc.ca/di/expense_list).
It can be quickly noted that he spends taxpayers money at bars and pubs as
he entertains the elite. I say that because you can be sure he's not out
buying us everyday people a beer. He even looks down on it.
The most interesting case rises from an expense submitted Friday, May 19,
2005 whereas it is recorded he attended a “Dinner meeting to discuss media
briefing” at Suite 34 (http://www.suite34.ca). The Toronto Star reported on
May 21, 2005:
“Partying Liberals were treated Thursday night to the incredible sight of
Belinda Stronach, Canada's new human resources minister, and Tim Murphy, the
Prime Minister's chief of staff, dancing atop a speaker at an Ottawa bar.”
The bar? Suite 34.
Darcey Jerrom
Olds
Alberta Shelves Main Ingredient Of Crystal Meth
Effective immediately, one of the main ingredients used in the production of
crystal methamphetamine will be moved under the watchful eye of local
pharmacists. Following an amendment to provincial regulations, single-entity
pseudoephedrine will be reclassified as a schedule 2 drug, requiring it to
be placed behind the pharmacist's counter.
"With all of the western provinces now on board, we are now able to make a
unified push to control the production of crystal meth," said Health and
Wellness Minister, Iris Evans, "By restricting the sale of the main
precursors of the drug, we hope to reduce the production and sale of this
dangerous drug."
With the regulation change, Alberta joins British Columbia, Saskatchewan and
Manitoba in imposing greater restrictions on the sale of precursors to the
production of crystal meth. Two of the primary ingredients in crystal meth
are ephedrine and pseudoephedrine, medications used to treat sinus
congestion. Many ephedrine products are already classified as a schedule 1
drug, requiring a prescription for access.
"I think we've made the right move to continue our fight against crystal
meth without unnecessarily limiting access to medications that Albertans may
legitimately need," said Evans.
A number of medications, most notably cold medicines, contain
pseudoephedrine as an active ingredient. These products will still be
available on shelves as they contain only limited amounts of
pseudoephedrine. The regulation change will only move single-entity
pseudoephedrine behind pharmacy counters and under the supervision of
pharmacists as it is easier to produce crystal meth from a single-entity
source.
Alberta continues to be a leader in the fight against crystal meth and other
drugs. Over the last year, the province has: opened 24 new detox residential
treatment beds for youth affected by crystal meth, launched a new task force
that will coordinate government and community-based action against crystal
meth, increased funding to the Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission by
12 per cent, including $4.2 million to establish new youth detoxification
and residential treatment services.
CLC Weighs Heavily in Olds College Distinction
Chinook’s Edges School Division Named College’s “Partner Of The Year”
Jon Koch
Gazette News
The afternoon of Dec. 14 wasn’t a good time to study at the Olds College
library. This is because a number of the community’s best and brightest
mingled amongst the books and students at the official launch of the
college’s 2006 Gala on Dec. 14.
In a tradition that began in 2003, Olds College has awarded a group,
individual or organization with the distinction of being the college’s
“Partner of the Year.”
This year was no exception, and with the announcement of the $47 million
Community Learning Campus still fresh in the minds of those in attendance,
it came as no surprise that Chinook’s Edge School Division was awarded this
year’s honor.
Chairman of the Olds College Board of Governors made the announcement on
Wednesday, and CESD board chair Roy Brassard accepted on behalf of the
organization. He says it is quite a honor for his organization to be
selected by the college for this distinction.
“We’ve worked fairly closely with the college for the last two years, and
it’s been a really great relationship,” said Brassard during an interview on
Dec. 19. “We shared a vision that’s going to benefit so many of our
students, that I can honestly say it’s been an honor to be recognized by
them as being so significant to our community.”
“Links To The Future”, the official theme of the 2006 Gala which will be
held on Mar. 10, 2006 was also announced. This year’s keynote speaker will
be Lesra Martin, whose efforts to free incarcerated former-boxer Ruben
“Hurricane” Carter were portrayed in the movie “The Hurricane”
The 2006 Gala will be the fourth of ten galas which are being planned to
coincide with the college’s Centenary in 2013. Past winners of the Olds
College Partner of the Year Award have been Henry Heuver (‘03); John Deere
Ltd. (‘04) and the Town of Olds (‘05).
The official presentation of the Partner of the Year award will take place
at the Olds College Growing The Legacy Gala on Mar. 10, 2006.

CESD Learns About Influenza Pandemic
Tamara Collins
for the Gazette
People all around the world will be effected by the Influenza Pandemic that
health officials say is coming. So Chinook’s Edge School Division (CESD) is
preparing by inviting Darren Barber from the David Thompson Health Region
Influenza Pandemic Planning Committee to inform the Board what this pandemic
will mean for their students.
Barber started his presentation by explaining the difference between
influenza and pandemic influenza. According to Barber influenza disease
characteristics include; respiratory ailments such as congestion, sore
throat and cough; CNS symptoms such as fever, head ache and chills;
moderately to generally severe in population; acute symptoms last seven to
10 days; recovery may be slow, and malaise may persist for weeks; increased
susceptibility to other illness; elderly and immuno-compromised are most
susceptible; and morbidity is also associated with complications.
The virus source is water fowl to poultry to pigs to people. The virus is
identified by strain, A, B or C, and named by H and N proteins. It can
modify its structure over time, it can be either a minor modification or a
significant one.
An epidemic of influenza happens annually and is seasonal in nature, it
usually occurs September through March, and effects 10 to 20% of the
population. Surveillance identifies most likely strains, and vaccine is
developed based on this information.
An influenza pandemic is a completely new strain of influenza virus, and is
highly transmissible and rapidly transferred from person-to-person. It is
highly infectious and highly virulent meaning severe symptoms and death
common. There is no immunity and no vaccine.
“We are very concerned because the virus coming looks similar to the one
from 1918,” said Barber.
In 1918 the Spanish Flu hit, killing 50,000,000 worldwide. The next major
outbreak was in 1957, when the Asian Flu hit and killed 7,000,000 people
worldwide, and then in 1968 the Hong Kong Flu hit killing 3,000,000
worldwide.
Barber says it is expected 60 per cent of the population will be infected by
the pandemic, 6.5 to 16.5 per cent will seek medical attention, 0.1 to 0.3
per cent will be hospitalized, and 0.03 to 0.12 per cent will die.
“This will all happen in a six to 12 week period,” said Barber. “If it was
spread out over a year we could handle it, but it is all very compressed.”
Barber explained that they are starting to prepare now because these
pandemic have a 20 to 40 year cycle through recorded history, and the last
true pandemic occurred in 1968. It is expected to show up any time in the
next 5 to 10 years.
“We cannot prevent it, and we cannot prepare for it,” said Barber. “We can
promote awareness that it is coming.”
The impact the pandemic will have on the work force is a concern for health
officials, who estimate one-third of the population will be ill to the point
of bedridden, and absenteeism will be higher because family members will
stay home to care for loved ones. There are also concerns about staff in
critical or skilled positions that cannot be easily replaced becoming
infected. All geographical areas will be in the same position, so the aide
and support from others places will not be available. The impact the
pandemic will have on CESD is high absentees, for staff and students due to
both illness and fear.
“You are going to have to deal with the absentees from the staff and
students,” said Barber. “A decision to close the schools has to be a
provincial one, we cannot close some, and leave others open. Your job will
be to maintain normal operations, provide information to students and
parents, and collaborate in the decision whether schools should be closed,
or left open.”
Olds Ag Society Looks To The Future
Jon Koch
Gazette News
The Olds Agricultural Society has big plans, and they’re looking for a few
friends to help them along the way.
Members of the OAS made a presentation to town council on Dec. 12 regarding
their long term vision for the society. Citing the difficulties the
organization has experienced breaking even on agricultural events, OAS
general manager Tami Gardner says the organization is looking at alternative
opportunities for generating revenue. One of the areas identified, according
to Gardner, was the convention and catering business.
With this in mind, Gardner and OAS board chair Eric Iversen brought forward
plans that would see the society construct two new facilities- an
agricultural pavilion and a community hall/ convention type facility- south
of 54th Street adjacent to the existing Caluori Pavilion. This, according to
Gardner, would create “a multi-purpose, multi-functioning facility” within
the community.
The agricultural building would allow the OAS to expand the repertoire of
events currently hosted by the society in their current facilities, with
performance horse and jumping competitions would be some of the events the
society could potentially draw to Olds. In addition, administrative offices,
a small hall and concession facilities would also be located within the new
agricultural building. According to Gardner, the Olds Chamber of Commerce
has indicated that they would be interested in maintaining a “presence on a
permanent basis” were such a facility constructed.
The second structure, a convention-type facility, is described by Gardner as
being “extremely multi-functional”. As a result, she believes it would be
able to accommodate gatherings to Olds of up to 800 people.
However, the big stumbling block for the OAS in trying to construct such a
facility is funding. Having previously received a grant for over $3.8
million from the Alberta Lottery Fund at the end of March, 2005, as of the
Dec. 12 meeting, only about 50 per cent of the roughly $11 million needed by
the society to construct the new facilities is in place. As the result, the
society is approaching the town with a proposal to become “a primary partner
in opportunity.”
Gardner and Iversen declined to request an exact amount from the town when
asked by councillor Kris Bojda “how many zeros” were attached to the request
for funding.
“Whatever you’re comfortable with,” Iversen responded, acknowledging that
the town had recently wrapped up their budget process, and that they had
fiscal limitations as well.
Gardner added that the OAS has approached other organizations for funding,
including Mountain View County and the provincial government. While she
believes the province is aware there is a shortfall in funding for regional
fairs like Olds, she doesn’t think any additional funding will be made
available anytime soon.
“There is a provincial government review underway right now of the 289
smaller ag societies in the province,” Gardner added. “I do not believe
there will be any additional funding announcements for the regional fairs
until that review has been completed.”
Bojda also asked Gardner whether the OAS had considered building a hotel
facility as part of their long term plans, to which Gardner responded in the
affirmative.
“The Ag Society is very cognizant of the hotel limitations,” said Gardner,
adding that it is a common occurrence for event participants to have to
stay out of town due to the lack of rooms in the community. “We are
endeavoring to do whatever we can to attract that kind of investment to the
community.”
Gardner added that the site of the old residence that the society owns north
of the Caluori Pavilion off of 54 St. “would be an ideal site for a hotel.”
“It would ensure incredible financial viability to the convention centre,”
she added.
The OAS also presented long-term plans that would see the organization shift
their operations south of 54 St. This move would call upon the town to trade
land it currently owns west of the Caluori Pavilion to the OAS for the land
presently occupied by the society north of 54 St. This maneuver would only
be able to take place were the OAS able to acquire land to the south of
their existing holdings.
“It’s imperative to this total migration south of 54 St. [that OAS acquire]
the Dr. Harvey Cole property, as it is the only way to fit a racetrack so
far,” said Gardner, adding that negotiations are ongoing.
The OAS will be making a further presentation to Mountain View County at
their first policies and priorities meeting of the New Year on Jan. 4, 2006.
CESD Takes A Look Within To Define Values
After taking a look at research conducted on Chinook's Edge School Division
in 2004 and considering stakeholder input, CESD worked internally to define
and identify common values that would encompass what the division is all
about.
In 2005, under the direction of consultant, Susan Clayton, persons within
CESD and stakeholders united and began the process of merging their thoughts
and beliefs together, bouncing them off one another, until they came to a
conclusion.
After a great deal of sharing and expressing in a room filled with energy
and enthusiasm, values were molded and shaped to capture and depict beliefs
and principles.
"The process of coming together in this group to define our values has been
very rewarding. We are all here to improve our division and in doing so, I
have realized how connected and similar we all are. We have a great deal of
potential within this group and it was a real privilege to be associated
with this process," said Trustee, Jackie Swainson.
Jackie was one of many involved in the process, which also involved
administrators, teachers, custodians, bus drivers, students and
stakeholders.
"It was fun because it is not usual for an 11-year-old to participate in
meetings like this. I learned a lot about different people here and to work
in a group of this size with the adults and the members of the Board was
good," said Kreg Klymyk, who attended Innisfail Middle School.
After a lengthy planning session, consultant Susan Clayton commented on
"This level of dedication is something that this district should be proud
of. The level of excellence and willingness to trust in the process is
powerful. The collaboration is like none I've ever seen. We mixed people up
in any old order and nobody grumbled. I feel energized, what a powerful
group."
The drafted Values were approved last week at the Board of Education
meeting.
1. Responsibility (for behaviors, actions and attitudes) - Chinook's Edge
Values personal responsibility.
2. Honesty and Integrity in our communication, behavior and attitudes -
Chinook's Edge values relationships based on honesty, integrity, respect and
compassion.
3. Passion for the Work - Chinook's Edge Values dedication and commitment.
4. An environment of belonging: everyone has a voice/input - Chinook's Edge
values an environment of being safe, caring and inclusive.
5. The growth and development of all members of our school community -
Chinook's Edge Values growth and development through learning.
"Defining our values was a powerful and reflective process that has allowed
us to move forward with continuous improvement within our division," said
Superintendent, Jim Gibbons.
Put Safety First And Help Prevent Fires This Holiday Season
Each year, fires in Alberta cause death and injury to more than 350
individuals and result in an average of more than $160 million in damage.
Albertans are encouraged to follow some simple fire prevention tips, which
can greatly contribute to a safe and happy holiday season.
"The holidays bring added fire risks such as increased use of candles,
unattended cooking and unsafe care and placement of Christmas trees," said
Rob Renner, Minister of Municipal Affairs. "Fire safety is important
year-round, but the increased risk of injury, death and property loss from
fires during the holidays reminds us to take extra precautions in regard to
fire prevention and safety."
Provincial fire statistics show fires and fire losses increase dramatically
during the holiday season (December 15 to 31) when compared to a 17-day
average for the rest of the year. During the holidays, the number of fires
increases by 32 per cent; property losses increase by 27 per cent; and
injuries and deaths increase by 48 per cent and 40 per cent respectively.
A jump in the number of fires caused by candles, home heating, clothes
dryers, and electrical sources is a large part of the problem, with
increases in candle fires of 140 per cent, home heating fires of 60 per
cent, clothes dryer fires of 33 per cent and electrical source fires of 14
per cent.
"Candle-related fires are an ongoing concern for the Alberta fire service,
especially during the holiday season," said Alberta's Fire Commissioner Pat
Graham. "Being extra cautious when using candles can help families enjoy
what should be a happy and safe time of year."
For information on home fire safety tips that includes smoke alarms, escape
planning and fire extinguishers, visit the web site at
http://www.municipalaffairs.gov.ab.ca/fco_index.htm and click on Fire
Prevention Education on the left-hand side of the page.
Olds College Creates New Meat Hygiene Program For China
Advancing the skills of China's small farmers became a priority for the
country once they joined the World Trade Organization.
To that end, Olds College was asked to create programs to meet specific
priorities. Ten meat industry professionals arrived from China last week to
begin the latest course, a four-week Meat Hygiene program. Olds College was
asked to develop the program by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.
"To enable China's small farmers to become more competitive globally in
years to come, their government asked our assistance in helping develop
their industry. China's millions of small farmers are many years away from
attaining even a minimally recognized standard. An important first step is
to increase the food safety and quality standards," said Dave Wasylyshen,
Deputy Director of the China-Canada Agriculture Program for Agriculture and
Agri-Food Canada.
"Canada is involved in two different agricultural initiatives in China,
covering all facets of the agriculture industry and involving such
activities as ag production, sustainable development, grassland management,
and basic ag program administration. This is a very exciting program and
Olds College has a long history of involvement in different projects in
China. The college's efforts with the 'Small Farmers Adapting to Global
Markets' project has been very successful and I can see possible further
cooperation and enhancements to future program training. Nobody offers these
types of meat inspection training programs, so when we ask Olds College to
put one together as a test pilot, they had to start from scratch. I am
extremely pleased with what they have initially put together for the Meat
Hygiene training program."
Wasylyshen was on campus last week to analyze the program as it got
underway. Olds College invited Dr. Terry Hunt, former veterinarian and
contract instructor, to develop and deliver the Meat Hygiene program. Dr.
Hunt has previously worked in China and has extensive knowledge of the
livestock sector in the country. The 10 officials taking the program are
from six provinces in northern China, representing both the regulatory side
and the operational side of the country's meat industry.
"China has revamped their meat slaughter process in regards to food safety,
but they are early on in those changes and require further training," said
Dr. Hunt. "There is a very strong will for change in China. It may proceed
slowly, but there will be a change. Before these officials leave Olds
College, they will have developed an implementation plan to continue
delivering the training program to other industry workers in China."
The officials are working alongside Olds College instructors in the Meat
Processing lab, and will job shadow in federally inspected processing
plants.
Dog Bylaw Gets First Reading
Jon Koch
Gazette News
Olds Town council took the first step on Dec. 12 to replace a dog bylaw that
had been described by one judge as “woefully inadequate.”
Councillors gave first reading to a bylaw which would serve to increase
penalties for dog-related offences, bringing Olds in line with other
municipalities. The new bylaw also includes the provision which permits
animal control officers to designate dogs as “vicious dogs” should the need
warrant.
While councillors agreed with most of the provisions within the new bylaw,
concerns were raised over one section which restricted the number of dogs an
owner could possess on their property. The section, which stated that
“notwithstanding a hobby license” no person should be able to keep more than
six dogs three months old

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