Newell Newsletter (March/April 2013)

County of newell March/April 2013

www.countyofnewell.ab.ca

Check the County of Newell website forlast minute meeting changes

www.countyofnewell.ab.ca

UPCOMING MEETINGSUPCOMING MEETINGS

the office will be closed on the following days:

Municipal Planning Commission/Council

Thursday, April 11, 2013 at 10:00 a.m.Thursday, April 25, 2013 at 10:00 a.m.Thursday, May 9, 2013 at 10:00 a.m.Thursday, May 23, 2013 at 10:00 a.m.Thursday, June 6, 2013 at 10:00 a.m.Thursday, June 20, 2013 at 10:00 a.m.

Monday, May 20, 2013 - Victoria Day

All meetings are held in the Council Chambers of the County of newell Administration Building located in Brooks, AB at 183037 RR 145

unless otherwise noted.

the MPC meeting will begin at 10:00 a.m. the Council meeting will begin immediately

after MPC adjourns.

Contact Us:

County of newellP.O. Box 130Brooks, AlbertaT1R [email protected]:fax:

403-362-32661-888-361-7921

County websitewww.countyofnewell.ab.caAdministratorKevin [email protected]

Assistant AdministratorLayne [email protected]

Manager of It & GISJames [email protected]

County PlannerDiane [email protected]

Development Control officerAlyce [email protected]

County AssessorKevin [email protected]

economic DevelopmentMichelle [email protected]

Manager of financeMatt [email protected]

Agricultural Service BoardAgricultural fieldmanTodd [email protected]

Assistant Agricultural fieldmanHolly [email protected]

Agricultural technicianWill [email protected]

Public worksSuperintendent of Public worksMark [email protected]

Asst. Superintendent of Public worksTerry [email protected]

technical ManagerGeoff [email protected]

County CouncilDivision 1 - Rolling HillsClarence AmulungTelephone: 403-964-2292Division 2 - tilleyIke SchroederTelephone: 403-377-2587Division 3 - Patricia/MillicentAnne Marie PhilipsenTelephone: 403-378-4724Division 4 - Rainier/Scandia/Bow CityRyan AndrewsTelephone: 403-793-8144Division 5 - CassilsMara NesbittTelephone: 403-362-3037Division 6 - BassanoJoel BulgerTelephone: 403-641-4469Division 7 - RosemaryAllen EastmanTelephone: 403-378-4280Division 8 - DuchessBrian de JongTelephone: 403-362-4587Division 9 - GemMolly Douglass (Reeve)Telephone: 403-641-2562Division 10 - BrooksLionel JussTelephone: 403-362-5689

newell newslettereditor/Design & layoutAriana Nielsen (Executive Assistant)

ProofingJoanne Wells (Records Management)

Printed by: The Brooks & County Chronicle

Copyright © 2013 County of newell

County of Newell - Council Notesby Molly Douglass, Division 9 Councillor, County of Newell Reeve

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It’s March! Does this maybe mean we’ve made it through another winter? Council Meetings have been fairly quiet in accomplishing the business of the day. By the time you are reading this Newsletter, our new building will be up and running as the official moving day was March 8, 2013. You will find us just south of the Centennial Regional arena out “in the County!”

Each year Fire Guardians are appointed for our various divisions. Thank you to these great guys who give their time and energy to help keep us all safe.

Rolling Hills – Bill DickinsonTilley – Patrick FabianPatricia – Mark MartinDuchess – Gregory WittScandia –Trevor SandauBrooks Rural – Kevin SwansonBassano – Cory CochraneRosemary – Wilf HarderGem – Les DouglassBow City – Jim KetchmarkAll Divisions – Keith Martin

In addition, a number of office staff have been appointed for the issuance of Fire Permits only.

Telus representatives updated Council on the amount of cable and temporary cable buried in 2012 and plans for 2013.

The contract for the County of Newell Water Project for Division 7/Rural Rosemary was awarded to Tollifson Cable Services.

Gem School grade 4-6 students along with their teacher, S. Heryford, attended the January 7th Meeting as part of their Social Studies program and had lunch with Council and Staff. How nice it was to have these folks join us! Students and teachers are always welcome, and of

course all public.

Agricultural Services Board Fieldman, T. Green, brought information on a rabies monitoring program that Council agreed to support.

Per acre charges for the Brillion grass seeders were set at $5/acre and for the no till/conventional drills at $9/acre.

The Spragg Family from Rosemary will be our nominee for the 2013 BMO/Bank of Montreal Farm Family Award. Congratulations to all of them!

The topics of the thirteen resolutions discussed at the Ag Service Board Provincial Convention ranged from wild boar eradication to pesticide container collection to short term manure storage. After resolutions are passed, they are taken forward to the appropriate provincial government department for consideration.

As the March 7, 2013 meeting was the final one to be held in Council Chambers at 707 – 2nd Avenue East, former Councillors were invited to attend. Deputy Reeve B. de Jong shared some history of the existing building and the past Councillors recounted memorable moments of their time on Council. The meeting was formally adjourned at 2:26 p.m. with eleven former Councillors in attendance.

The first meeting in our new Council Chambers at 183037 RR 145 began at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 21, 2013.Just a reminder - MPC/Council meetings are open to the public. Please come join us for a meeting!

2 0 1 3 C A LC I U M P R O G R A M D E A D L I N E - A P R I L 3 0 , 2 0 1 3If you purchased calcium in 2011 or 2012, an application will be mailed to you in mid-March.

W E H AV E M O V E D !The County of Newell has now moved into their new building located ½ mile south of the Centennial Regional Arena at 183037 Range Road 14-5.

Access is south through Sunnylea to ½ mile south of the Centennial Regional Arena or south on 7th Avenue East to Silver Sage Road, turn west (right) on Silver Sage Road to Range Road 14-5 then south (left) and drive for ½ mile.

Our mailing address remains the same: Box 130, Brooks, AB T1R 1B2. Our main phone number also remains the same. Calling 403-362-3266 will connect you to our office, where you will be able to select the department you wish to speak to or to speak to a receptionist who will transfer your call.

We will be getting rid of the office furniture and other items from our old facilities. Once a final decision has been made, we will advertise how the public will be able to view and purchase these items.

SAVE THE DATE! We will be holding our Grand Opening Celebration on Friday, June 21, 2013 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Look for more details in the newspapers and online at the new & IMPRoVeD County website (www.countyofnewell.ab.ca) in the coming months!

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ANNUAL GENERAL MEETINGThe County of Newell

Annual General Meetingwill be held on

Tuesday, May 21, 2013 beginning at 7:00 p.m. at the

Community Hall in Patricia, AB

www.countyofnewell.ab.cathe newell newsletter - March/April 2013PAGe 2

Exploring South East Alberta Industryby Michelle Gietz, Economic Development Coordinator

read.the wall st. journal without leaving your office.PressdisPlay. newspapers from around the world.free with your library card.http://shortgrass.ca/library-pressdisplay

Your LibrarY Card CouLd Win You

an iPad Mini!Between March 1st and June 15th, 2013, everyone who signs up for a new library card at any Shortgrass public library or renews an existing card is automatically entered into a draw for an iPad Mini (32GB).

The contest was kicked off at the Medicine Hat & District Chamber of Commerce’s Home & Garden Trade Show at the beginning of March. The draw will be held during Shortgrass Library System’s 25th anniversary celebration on June 19th, 2013 and the lucky winner will be contacted the day after.

Anyone residing in south-eastern Alberta is eligible for a Shortgrass library card at any of the 12 participating public libraries, including the following libraries in Newell County:

Brooks Public Library, Tilley & District Public Library, Rosemary Community Library, Duchess & District Public Library, Bassano Memorial Library, Rolling Hills Public Library and the Alcoma Community Library (Rainier).

Some of the local libraries are offering additional opportunities to win prizes for new/renewed cards, so be sure to check in at your library and see what they have to offer.

The contest is not open to any Shortgrass library board members, staff or their family members.

For more information, please contact your local library.

In January, Albertans gained access to more than 1,200 newspapers from around the world through Press Display via their local public library.

The electronic resource provides same day news and information from 94 countries in 48 languages, including titles such as Wall Street Journal (USA/Canada) and Wall Street Journal’s Asian and European editions as well as almost 300 Canadian Newspapers.

That means library members can read their favorite international, national and provincial news publication from cover to cover, sometimes even before the publications hit the newsstands.

Financial news from all newspaper included in this resource are easy to read by using the front page menu. The business sections of all newspapers included are easily

accessed and the publications are full-colour, full-format, and run on a range of platforms, including PC, Mac, iPhone and Blackberry.

Press Display provides newcomers to Alberta with access to news in their native language, helping preserve cultural ties. Newcomers in particular also have an opportunity to develop language skills by reading English-language newspapers.

Check it out today at http://shortgrass.ca/library-pressdisplay

Press Display Improves Local Access to

Financial News Sources

March 18th,2013 we kicked off our newest campaign to refresh the Library’s brand and continue to respond to the needs of our community. A new colourful library card has been designed. Free cards will be offered to children 12 and under. Children must be accompanied by their parent or guardian to register the first time. The free card is also available to teens, ages 13 to 17. Adult cards are now priced at $ 10.00 a year or $ 5.00 for three months. We do not want the price of our membership to be a barrier, our goal is to encourage users of all ages to revisit their public library. The colors of our new cards reflect many things about the library. We chose colors that are bright, vibrant and strong, all of these characteristics sum up the spirit within the City of Brooks.

New and great programs for all ages; catch movie night at the library; come in and browse “ THE GALLERY” to view art works by local and guest artists.

Partnering with the RCMP and Schools we are working together to bring literacy to youth. We have created a Teen Advisory Board. Watch for continued updates to the youth areas of our facility.

Hours of operationMonday 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.Tuesday, Wednesday, & Thursday 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.Friday 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.Sunday 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Phone 403-362-2947, Email [email protected], Website: brooks.shortgrass.ca

The Province of Alberta and, specifically, South East Alberta has a very diverse industry background. In 2006, the Alberta economy generated $474.3 billion dollars’ worth of industry revenues from a participating labour force of 1.86 million workers (skilled and unskilled). The five most substantial revenue creating industries in Alberta in 2006 were the Management of Companies and Enterprises, Utilities, Wholesale Trade, Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction, and Finance and Insurance. South East Alberta generated approximately 3.5% of Alberta’s total industry revenues.

Using comparison statistics, Exploring South East Alberta Industry reveals a unique perspective of industry that is consistent with regional perception and, at times, contrasts historical perceived industry strengths. From an inclusive regional level analysis of South East Alberta Industry, Special Areas #2 – 4 have the highest industry revenues per capita than any other region in South East Alberta. The inclusive Region of Newell places fourth out of ten in Southeastern Alberta with an industry per capita rate of $134,723.55. This is slightly under the provincial average industry per capita rate of $144,155.58.

Industry revenues per capita by community throughout South Eastern Alberta, places the City of Brooks, our main service center, in third place with an industry per capita valuation of $155,377.13. This exceeds the provincial average. In addition, the City of Calgary ranks in 6th place and the City of Edmonton ranks in at #7. In the Region of

Newell, the Town of Bassano ranks in at #9 with $125,748.85, and the County of Newell (Rural) in spot #12 with $121,435.69.

Analyzing revenues per employee, rather than by capita, generates some interesting adjustments to the figures. From a labour perspective, south east Alberta accounts for 3.66% of Alberta’s total employees. Labour as a percent of the population is around 50%. Though the County of Newell does not exceed the provincial industry revenues per capita; it does exceed provincial revenues per worker, a measurements of working efficiency. Industry revenues per Worker in the County of Newell are $266,269 per worker compared to a provincial average of $255,016.

Workers in our region are very productive. Our region generates more revenues/worker than the provincial average and more than that generated by workers in the City of Edmonton. This implies high valued industries within our area such as manufacturing, utilities and oil and gas extraction. We are by no means a poor rural region with dwindling populations. Yes, our populations have declined slightly from the 2006 to the 2011 census, but our industry revenue base is diverse and reaps above average returns.

For more information about industry in the Newell Region found in our publication, Exploring South East Alberta Industry, please contact Michelle Gietz at the Newell regional Economic Development Initiative 403-794-2329 or email [email protected].

County crews will soon be busy with this year’s dust abatement program. The product that the County presently uses is calcium chloride, a product that is readily available and quite economical to use. The County will continue to use calcium and will be investigating other products over the next few years. Key items that we will be considering are cost of application and longevity of applied product.

The County will be starting in Division 3 this year and working through divisions in order (4,5,6,…ending with 2). The target start date for field work is June 1st; however, weather plays a major role in when we can apply calcium. Rain and spring road conditions can delay the application. The County treats approximately 170 km of road each year and the process can take up to two months to complete.

The County’s dust abatement program is covered by two public works policies - residential dust abatement and non-residential dust abatement. Copies of these policies are available on County’s web site or the County of Newell Office.

The residential dust abatement program enables ratepayers to apply for calcium at a subsidized cost of $1.10 per linear meter up to a maximum of 300 meters (1000 feet). The cost of calcium is $3.80 per meter for portions in excess of 300 meters. There are five standard lengths available - 100, 150, 200, 250 and 300 meters - and this is done to streamline the application process and field application. The County receives about 250 applications per year and about 70 km of calcium is applied under this policy.

The non-residential dust abatement program covers calcium that the County and/or industry apply at full cost of application ($3.80 per linear meter). Categories include:• County Aggregate Haul Routes - at residences along this route, the County applies

calcium for a distance of 100 meters in front of the residences.• Intersection Treatments - where gravel surfaced and paved roads intersect, including

high traffic gravel survace intersections. The department recommends application of calcium at these locations to reduce wash board and dust generated by traffic. A 30 meter application of calcium shall be applied.

• Additional Locations - locations are identified by operations and Council where application is of overall benefit to the community and beneficial to reducing road maintenance with above average traffic volumes. These locations are subject to Council approval. Industry may also request for dust abatement on roads to control dust created by their activities.

Advertisement of the Dust Abatement Program takes place in March and April through local media. Rates associated to the program are approved by Council annually. If you have any questions regarding the program please contact the Public Works Department at 403-794-2311.

Brooks Public Library UpdateProud member of the Shortgrass Library System

2013 DUsT AbATEMENT (CALCIUM) PROGRAM

Have you mastered a skill that you would love to share with others?

newell further ed. is seeking instructors for all types of courses from computers, photography, yoga, crafts, or general interest.

Please call 403-641-3444 for more info.

CHECK ouT our nEW WEbSiTE!www.countyofnewell.ab.ca

www.countyofnewell.ab.ca the newell newsletter - March/April 2013

Fire Smart for the Farm & Acreageby Keith Martin, Fire & Emergency Services Coordinator

The words “Prairie Fire” struck fear in every homesteader across the prairies many years ago. There was no insurance and no disaster recovery programs. I am pretty much convinced that it is the same today even though there have been vast improvements in Fire Protection, Insurance and Disaster Recovery Programs.

If a major prairie fire was to happen in your area are your prepared for what you need to do? Do you have a 72 Hour Emergency Kit? Do you have a Ready to go Kit?

72 Hour emergency Kit No one knows for sure when disaster will strike, but we can all be prepared. Create your own 72-hour emergency kit, and you will have the necessary items to help you and your family until emergency responders can reach you. Below are items you may want to include in your kit.

food and water (3-day supply of non-perishables per person required)• protein/granola bars • trail mix/dried fruit • crackers and cereals • canned meat, fish and beans • canned juice • water (4L per person, include small

bottles to carry with you)

Bedding and clothing • change of clothing (short- and

long-sleeve shirts, pants, socks, undergarments)

• raincoat/emergency poncho/jacket • spare shoes • sleeping bags/blankets/emergency

heat blankets per person • plastic and cloth sheets

light and fuel • hand-crank flashlight or battery-

operated flashlights/lamps• extra batteries• flares• candles• lighter• waterproof matches

equipment • manual can opener• dishes and utensils• shovel• radio (with spare batteries/hand

operated crank)• pen and paper• axe/pocket knife• rope• duct tape• whistle

• cellphone charger• basic tools• small stove with fuel (follow

manufacturer’s directions for operation and storage)

Personal supplies and medication• first-aid kit • toiletries (toilet paper, feminine hygiene,

toothbrush) • cleaning supplies (hand sanitizer, dish

soap, etc.) • medication (acetaminophen, ibuprofen,

children’s medication, etc., and 3-day supply of prescription medication)

• pet food and supplies • garbage bags • toys/reading material Copies of personal documents, money (in waterproof container)• legal documents (birth and marriage

certificates, wills, passports, contracts) • insurance policies • cash in small bills • credit card/s • prepaid phone cards • copy of your emergency plan and

contact information

Ready-to-go KitKeep ready-to-go kit items in a backpack, duffle bag or suitcase, in an accessible place, such as a front-hall closet. Make sure your kit is easy to carry, and everyone in the house knows where it is. Take it with you if you have to leave your house so you can be safe. • 4L of water for each person • food that you don’t have to keep cold • manual can opener • plastic/paper plates, cups, knives, forks,

spoons • flashlight and extra batteries • change of clothes • card with emergency contact information

and the number of someone to call who lives out of town

• pet food and supplies for at least three days

• small first aid kit • personal ID card • personal hygiene items, soap, hand

sanitizerStore medicine you usually take near your ready-to-go kit.

notes• Update your kits every six months (put a

note in your calendar/planner) to make sure that food, water, and medication are not expired, clothing fits, personal documents and credit cards are up to date, and batteries are charged.

• Small toys/games are important; they can provide some comfort and entertainment during a stressful time.

• Some items might leak, melt, or break open. Dividing groups of items into individual Ziploc bags might help prevent this.

On days where the wildfire hazard is extreme, or if a wildfires are burning in your area, be cautious and prepare for a worst-case scenario. Do what you can, but remember that if an evacuation order is given, you must

leave. Large moving fires are dangerous and should be left to professional firefighters.

Here’s a checklist of general things you can do to prepare to evacuate:

□ Ignite no new fires and report any open fires to authorities.

□ Check your fire pits and burn barrels to make sure they are fully extinguished. Be careful if smoking outdoors.

□ Try to remain at home until the fire danger drops, unless the order to evacuate is given. Keep in touch with absent household members.

□ Keep the radio on all day, tuned to a local station. Have a battery powered radio in case of power failure.

□ Move grazing animals to a safe refuge. □ Keep pets close to the house. □ Place valuable documents, family

mementos, computer backups and other things you cannot replace in your vehicle.

□ Pack extra food, medications, pet food, money and credit cards, sleeping bags, clothing, toys and games in your vehicle for quick departure.

□ Ensure your vehicle is fueled and operational. Park in the garage facing outward, or adjacent to the house in a cleared area that is not blocking access. Make sure the windows are rolled up and the keys are immediately available.

Preparing the Inside of your House: □ Close all windows and doors. This will

slow down the spread of fire if it does ignite inside the house.

□ Move combustibles away from windows and sliding glass doors. Don’t give fire a chance to spark.

□ Fill sinks, bathtubs and buckets for use as extra water reservoirs.

□ Attach inside hoses and gather buckets and towels.

outside your Home:If you have time before you evacuate, there are things you can do to increase your home’s chances of withstanding a wildfire and to help the professional fire fighters when they arrive at your property.

□ Cover all openings with metal coverings or fire-resistant material. This helps to keep sparks and embers out.

□ Move any combustibles well away from the house and outbuildings or store them inside.

□ Attach garden hoses to taps and place them so they can reach any exterior surface of the building, including the roofs.

□ Place a connected sprinkler on the roof and nail it down. Do not turn it on unless the fire is an immediate hazard.

□ If you have an outdoor pool or hot tub, make it as accessible as possible so firefighters can use the water.

let’s be Proactive – fire Prevention on the farmFire requires three elements, Fuel, Oxygen & Heat. If one of these is not present, the fire cannot start. If one of these is taken from a fire it will go out.

Start with a PlanDo a walk around your farm and look for any dangers that could start or support a fire. If you are not sure of what to look for contact your local fire department or Keith Martin, Fire & Emergency Services Coordinator at the County of Newell and make a request for some assistance.

no smoking in farm Buildings – There should be no smoking permitted in any barn or farm building at any time. Make sure that smokers materials are extinguished thoroughly in a safe manner / location prior to entering a barn or farm building.

Practice Good Housekeeping – Keep a clean organized barn or farm building to aid in preventing fires from occurring.

Provide Adequate Ventilation – Chemical reactions found in baled damp hay can be a cause of barn or hay storage area fires. Rows of tightly packed bales allow for a buildup of heat. Spontaneous combustion can occur when the smoldering fire has reached a high temperature and is exposed to oxygen. Also keep hazardous products stored in well ventilated areas.

Practice electrical Safety – Electrical malfunctions are a leading cause of fires. Wires should be enclosed in approved conduit to protect them against weather, animals, and from mechanical damage. Do not overload circuits. Regular cleaning of electrical appliances and equipment will prevent a build-up of dirt and dust which can contribute to overheating and malfunction.

Install and Maintain lighting Rods and Grounding Cables – Lighting can enter a building via metal objects such as antennas or anything that extends upwards. Check grounding cables frequently and repair if worn or damaged.

Keep yard Areas free of Brush and Debris – Clear the immediate areas around all barns and farm buildings by removing brush, debris, machinery and by mowing the grass and removing weeds. Keep grass along a roadway closely mowed (a motorist’s stray cigarette could be a source for fire).

Refuel equipment Safely – Refueling tractors and machinery should be done well away from farm buildings so flammable vapours can dissipate. Always refuel equipment outdoors, away from open flames and sparks. Make sure engines or motors are turned off and cool before refueling.

Install and Maintain Portable fire extinguishers – Install portable fire extinguishers in your barn and other farm buildings. You should have an extinguisher on all mechanical equipment and machinery. Know how to use them properly. Inspect your extinguishers monthly and recharge when necessary or after use.

It is now up to you, be prepared and be proactive to assist in keeping your Family, Farm & Acreage safe as possible from fire. Remember that “Safety is an Attitude.”

Newell Recycling News

newell ReCyClInG AGM: tuesday, March 26 at 7:00 PM is the Annual General Meeting at Newell Recycling Depot, 279 Veiner Road in the south Industrial Park. We are experiencing some problems with the sorting of recyclables that are coming into the depot so there will be a ‘Let’s Sort it Out’ segment. You may be surprised to find what can and can’t be recycled. If you have some questions or suggestions or are interested in sitting on the board but not sure feel free to sit in on a meeting (first Tuesday of the month, 7:00pm at Newell Recycling). We are always looking for fresh ideas.

eARtH DAy PAnCAKe BReAKfASt: Saturday, April 20 from 9 - 11 AM at the depot to celebrate EARTH DAY. Before the Trade Show opens at 11 AM come out and enjoy breakfast. Don’t forget to bring your recyclables, paint, old electronics and household hazardous waste. Ever wonder what happens to your recyclables when you leave them at the depot? Come and check out the display of the useful products that some of your recyclables are made into.

ConfIDentIAl SHReDDInG: Do you have private or business documents you need shredded? We have the equipment to turn them into confetti. Give us a call to arrange pick-up or to bring them to the main depot.

tHe weB: Check out information on what is accepted at Newell Recycling at the City of Brooks website: find QUICKLINKS in the middle of the website, scroll down to and click on WASTE MANAGEMENT, find and click on RECYCLING. Details regarding our collection sites and recyclables are also available on the Newell Regional Landfill site at http://www.newellwastemanagement.com

If you have any questions, or concerns call Newell Recycling at 403-362-2132. For waste disposal or management issues call the Regional Landfill Authority at 403-362-9567.

Rural recycling continues to be a great success with large quantities being brought in from the recycling depots. In total 1,230 tonnes of recyclables went through Newell Recycling in 2012. Please take the time to sort your recyclables to help us keep up.

enVIRo tIDBItSsubmitted by the County of newell environment Committee

(Allen eastman, Anne Marie Philipsen, Mara nesbitt)

Being a fairly new board we are open to a lot of suggestions. What could an Environmental Committee look like for the County of Newell. Discussion around the table suggests that our Agricultural community does a pretty good job of watching out for the environment. We would like to continue accomplishing things that will continue to improve our environment for future generations.

wide Range of objectivesInvestigate ways to encourage “green” elements in new developments, and redevelopments.

Participate in or provide input on any initiatives that may impact the water or air quality and general ecological health of the community.

Liaise and foster relationships with other local environmental organizations – the City of Brooks has a very active Environment Committee that has accomplished several great initiatives.

“Awareness” is important! What can be done , what is possible? Taking an interest is a key driver.

Saving Energy, Saves Money. It is possible to cut your energy bill each month without a huge expense up front. Become more energy efficient. Turning down the thermostat 1 degree C will save 2% on your heating bill....– Atco Energy Sense has recently distributed a fuel comparison fact card showing the annual operating costs of appliances on different fuel sources. Great information if you are considering replacing appliances.

wAtCH upcoming editions of this newsletter for activities you can participate in.

County of NewellMini Bus Service

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PAGe 4 www.countyofnewell.ab.cathe newell newsletter - March/April 2013

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Stay tuned to the Growing forward website for a Growing forward update!

Anticipated release date is April 2nd, 2013 . www.growingforward.alberta.ca

2013 Rural Beautification Awards Tourby Holly White, Assistant Agricultural Fieldman

The 2013 garden season is just beginning which means I get to start planning our 4th Annual Rural Beautification Garden Tour! The date for this year’s tour has been tentatively set for July 19th. Of course we cannot have a wonderful tour without wonderful yard’s to tour so please nominate your friend or neighbor for this year’s tour.

We are also looking for anyone with an interest in gardening to volunteer to be our guest judge this year. If you are interested please contact Holly at the County of Newell. The guest judge will be selected by drawing out of a hat.

Yards will be judged based on criteria such as design, uniqueness, overall maintenance and functionality. In order to be eligible contestants must meet the following criteria:• They must be rural residents with at least 39 acres within the County of Newell.• They must not be a member of council or an employee of the County Ag Service Board.• They must maintain their own yards without the assistants of contractors or hired

gardeners.To nominate a yard simply fill out the ballot included in this newsletter or contact Holly White at the County of Newell at 362-8681 by July 12th.

NOMINATION FORMCounty of Newell

Annual Rural Beautification Award

I hereby nominate:

NAME:

RESIDENCE / LAND LOCATION:

TELEPHONE NO.:

as a candidate for the County of Newell’s Annual Rural Beautification Award.

Nominator:

Signature of Nominator:

Phone No.: Entries to be submitted to County Office before:

12:00 NOON – Thursday, July 12th

Beginning Monday March 18, 2013, the Brooks Public Library will be offering free library cards to children ages 12 and under, and teens ages 13 to 17. Adult cards will now be priced at $10.00 for the year or $5.00 for three months.

Sarah McCormack, Head Librarian at the Brooks Public Library says “We’ve had a lot of feedback from the community about how they access the library, and one issue that continues to pop up is that many people find the price of a library card cost prohibitive. This barrier often times discourages people from signing up for a library membership. After receiving this feedback, we were determined to change that, and found a solution that we hope will encourage users of all ages to revisit their public library.”

Parents and guardians wanting to sign their children up for a free library card must bring their child into the library to register. As well, everyone who wishes to sign up for a membership must provide as a piece of picture identification and proof of residence.

Along with the change in price, children, teens, and adult will now have the option of choosing from two different styles of library cards. Each of the new library card colours reflect the colours used in the library’s logo, which was unveiled in October 2012.

“The colours of the logo, and of our new cards, reflect so many things about the library.” says Tamara Van Horne, Training Coordinator at the Brooks Public Library. “First, the colours represent the park surrounding the library, and the heritage trees that created Brooks. For us it was important to represent that history and legacy. Secondly, it symbolizes the multiculturalism and diversity within our community. We also chose these colours specifically because they are bright, vibrant, and strong. All of these things sum up the spirit of the City of Brooks.”

About the Brooks Public libraryBrooks Public Library opened its doors for the first time on March 10, 1951. The Brooks Public Library received a certification of incorporation on April 23, 1957, providing the Brooks Library Board with the authority to act as a corporate body. A few years later, the Town of Brooks enacted Bylaw No. 470 which officially established Brooks Public Library as the town’s municipal library. In 1988, the municipalities of Brooks, Medicine Hat, Redcliff, Foremost, Bow Island, and the County of 40 Mile formed the Shortgrass Library System (SLS), which the Brooks Public Library is still a member of today. Currently, the Brooks Public Library serves an estimated population of 13,000 in the within the City of Brooks.

News Release – March 1, 2013

Brooks Public library unveils new library Cards and Membership Prices(Brooks, AB. - March 1, 2013) The Brooks Public Library is revamping their library cards with a new look, and a new price for their users. The new library card design and prices are the next steps in the library’s plan to refresh the library’s brand and respond to the needs of the community.

FortisAlberta is now accepting applications for its Community naturalization Grant for 2013.

In its second year, the grant program gives communities in our service terri-tory the chance to win one of eight grants worth $3,000!

The purpose of the grant is to help you develop or improve

environmentally-friendly programs and facilities.

The deadline to apply is Friday, April 12, 2013.

If you have any questions please feel free to contactKate George at (403) 514-5787.

Newell Newsletter (March/April 2013)

Documents

Transcript of Newell Newsletter (March/April 2013)