A couple from central Alberta got into the beekeeping business by accident and now they help others succeed
LACOMBE, Alta. — Nestled in the grass near a field of brilliant canola sits a bee yard containing multi-coloured hives, most in shades of green, yellow, pink, red, and coral. The cheerful colour scheme identifies the hives as belonging to Howard Oudman and Freda Molenkamp-Oudman. Stacked among them are a few hives owned by Krystal […] Read moreAuthor Archives
Alberta farm raises produce for food banks
A decline in business prompted the initiative, and more than 31,000 pounds of root vegetables were delivered last year
WESTEROSE, Alta. — Steve and Nicky Breum’s 320-acre Gone Green Farms sits in a long lush valley in central Alberta not far from Pigeon Lake, one of the busiest recreation areas in the province. The couple raise livestock including Highland cattle, pigs, geese and ducks, but it’s their five acres of vegetable gardens that keep […] Read more
Dutch immigrants find land of opportunity
MILLET, Alta. — It was a chance for a new life, and the Dutch couple knew they had to at least give it a try. “We wanted to go the land of opportunity,” said Nynke Miedema, recalling the hopes and dreams she and husband, Lykele, shared when they left the Netherlands for Canada in 1983. […] Read more
Alberta family celebrates fishing lure milestone
From humble beginnings to world records, Thompson-Pallister Bait Co. celebrates 90 years in monumental fashion
LACOMBE, Alta. — Thompson-Pallister Bait Co. Ltd. celebrated its 90th anniversary in a monumental fashion. On June 1, the fourth generation family business unveiled what is possibly the world’s largest fishing lure; a 27.5 foot model of its classic red and yellow Five-Of-Diamonds spoon, the company’s most popular lure. Together with a 14-foot hook, the […] Read more
Alta. chase game pits predator against prey
Ranch Tracker contestants must find flags hidden over 150 acres before being caught by a hunter on horseback
RED DEER — For competitive thrill seekers, a game of Ranch Tracker may provide the adrenaline rush many seek. The playing field is 150 acres of heavily treed, gently rolling hills at the Heritage Ranch recreation area surrounded on three sides by the curving Red Deer River. It’s a giant game of hide and seek. […] Read more
Choosing a rural lifestyle, for the family’s sake
On the Farm: Research into holistic nutrition convinced the Poburans that they wanted to grow their own food
SPRUCE VIEW, Alta. — Stephen and Nicole Poburan have made a deliberate decision to raise their family on the farm so that they can give their two young sons, Hayes, 5, and Kett, 19 months, a lifestyle the city just can’t provide. On their home at 4Acres Farm they raise Nigerian dwarf goats and kunekune […] Read more
History reveals store’s many faces
A booming pizza business has become the latest chapter in the fascinating story behind the Pendryl General Store
WINFIELD, Alta. — Kim Butters recalls the day she and husband Jerry Zimmerman took over management of Pendryl General Store from a shared arrangement with her parents, Marilyn Butters and Emile Snoxell. It was Jan. 13, 2000, a bitter cold day. Kim was doing inventory, tediously counting items of fishing gear. “Mom walked out from […] Read more
Central Alberta operation receives an A for diversity
On the Farm: Angus, Appaloosas and Alaskan husky sled dogs are the name of the game at the Appelman place near Westerose, Alta.
WESTEROSE, Alta. — They call it the A Farm — and for good reason. Hans and Jolanda Appelmans raise Angus cattle, ride spotted Appaloosas and race Alaskan husky sled dogs. However, the farm is not exclusive to animals starting with “A” nor is it exclusively agriculture. The mature Angus cows are bred to a Simmental […] Read more
Sew amazing
The Central Alberta Quilters Guild held its annual show in Red Deer April 5-6, attracting quilters and art lovers from across the province. This year’s theme — Challenge Yourself-Inspire Others — recognized the Canada Winters Games that were held in the city earlier in the year. Show entrants were asked to select their favourite quilt, which proved to be an extremely challenging task, considering the 220 pieces of stitched art that were entered. | Maria Johnson photos
The Central Alberta Quilters Guild held its annual show in Red Deer April 5-6, attracting quilters and art lovers from across the province. This year’s theme — Challenge Yourself-Inspire Others — recognized the Canada Winters Games that were held in the city earlier in the year. Show entrants were asked to select their favourite quilt, […] Read more
Old store reinvented and open for business
The 117-year-old general store in Namao, Alta., was once known as Johnny’s Store; it is now home to a local craft market
NAMAO, Alta. — Johnny’s Store has been a fixture in this central Alberta community for 117 years. Its iconic white, black and red exterior with vintage round metal Coca-Cola signs at the junction of highways 28 and 37 is a well-known landmark. “I remember them being there forever,” says owner John McNeilly referring to the […] Read more
