MARWAYNE, Alta. — A small business owner in Marwayne credits support from her rural community with sustaining her through health and economic challenges. Since 2006, Kari Rooks-Whelan has operated No Need to Nock, a mini-mall offering boutique fashions, gifts and a bistro in addition to her main focus, an ATB Financial agency. During that time, […] Read more
Stories by Karen Morrison
The queen of all things fun
OTTAWA — Saying yes to all project ideas opens up a world of opportunities for young people, said a 4-H leader. Caroline Boddy, who spoke at the recent Global 4-H Network Summit in Ottawa, detailed the benefits of her leadership style. “I say yes with all my heart and follow those kids wherever they want […] Read more
Love for past shared with the future
LLOYDMINSTER — Gerald Miller created a sanctuary from being bullied as a child by immersing himself in his collections. What was once his escape is now a window on the world of history. Gerald and his wife, Brigitte, have created a museum for their 20,000 treasures at their home in Lloyd-minster and showcase their collections […] Read more
Next generation confident of success with Angus
The Gibson family divides responsibilities for the cattle and crops while working off farm and raising families
VERMILION, Alta. — Angus cattle used to be hard to sell for the Gibson family, who started raising them in the 1970s. Today, Ernie and Judy’s perseverance at Everblack Angus near Vermilion has been rewarded — the breed has become one of the most popular and high profile in Canada. They raise up to 1,000 […] Read more
A tale of two future ag leaders
VERMILION & SEDGEWCK, Alta. — Cultivating crops of young leaders and advocating for agriculture are the goals of two growing programs. Lacey McCrae, 27, a semi-finalist with the Canadian Cattlemen Association’s Young Leaders program, and Kelsey Fenton in the Alberta Barley and Alberta Wheat Commission’s AdvancingAg program are among those participating. “For anything to progress, […] Read more
Alberta farm family seeks a simpler way of life
Couple launches outdoor dining experience and runs farm and farrier business with focus on natural, slow pace
VIKING, Alta. — Passersby will be craning their necks to see what’s going on at Nature’s Green Acres Aug. 18 when 80 diners sit down to enjoy a five course, white linen dining experience in a cow pasture. Shannon and Danny Ruzicka provide the lion’s share of ingredients from their own farm with other items […] Read more
Alberta 4-H member raises $4,000 for food bank
It started with $150, Ernie the lamb and a plan to help the needy. It ended with Emma Van Steekelenburg’s efforts totalling $4,000 for the Brooks Food Bank and the St. Vincent de Paul Society. That includes the $150 received through the RBC Make 150 Count program for young farmers seeking to make a difference […] Read more
Media savvy employees in high regard
OTTAWA — Communication has expanded well beyond the written word to a plethora of audio-visual expressions in a digital world. Krista Scaldwell, vice-president of communications with Great-West Life, told delegates at the recent Global 4-H Network Summit in Ottawa that those skills are highly sought after in her employees. She stressed the need for a […] Read more
Animal rights activists begin targeting 4-H
OTTAWA — Be prepared, have a plan and avoid strong reactions when dealing with animal rights activists, delegates heard at the Global 4-H Network Summit in Ottawa earlier this month. “Calm is the key,” said Cory Gooch, chair of the Calgary Stampede’s 4-H on Parade. He and Leah Jones, chief executive officer of the 4-H […] Read more
Undies tell all — about soil health
OTTAWA — 4-Hers were challenged to use critical thinking skills to debunk bad science and wade through the infinite virtual world of information during a presentation at the Global 4-H Network Summit in Ottawa earlier this month. Clayton Robins, executive director of the Manitoba 4-H Council, told young people to dig deep. “Seek out the […] Read more
