Looking back at 1985 - a busy year
The tooting of horns, popping of balloons and tossing of brightly colored streamers has ushered in another new year, and signalled that it is time to look back over the past twelve months of news.
JANUARY
Patricia Cuthand of Sputinow gave birth to the 1985 New Year's baby in ‘Elk Point, with her son arriving at 4:08 a.m. on January 2, weighing in at nearly 94 lbs.
Nine lengthy days of debate, testimony and discussion started on January 8, as the Energy Resources Conservation Board debated the possibility of Amoco Canada Ltd.’s multimillion dollar pilot project southeast of Elk Point. The hearing stretched into three weeks, ending Wednesday, Jan. 23 with an ERCB announcement of their intention to reserve decision on the development. Approval came on February 28 with construction starting almost immediately.
Discussion of water supply upgrading proposals, ranging in cost to over $2 million, was part of Council’s very first meeting of the year, and the Elk Point and District Recreation Board brought down a budget reflecting a 73.4% increase over 1984 expenditures.
Also on the recreation scene, Elk Point's first-ever Ringette team, the Elk Point Scarlettes, took to the ice.
Clark Stuparyk was named the President of the Elk Point Chamber of Commerce for 1985, with Al Mitchell as Vice President. The Chamber approved a motion to ask the Town for a substantial $5,000 grant for the year’s operations, with a list of additional expenses to be attached to the request.
Construction of the new Municipal Library started in mid-January, with a total cos of $223,000 plus furnishing predicted, and Mayor Buck signing the $167,140 construction contract Tollfam Contractors Lloydminster.
The Murray Babcock won Lindbergh Bonspiel Grand Challenge, with the Mike Maksymeik rink from Edmonton area and the Emil Mudryk rink winning the third event.
F.G. Miller Principal Bob Tredger was among 37 Albertans cited for heroism after he saved the life of a drowning boater in May 1983.
Spring Park Community Association held the first snowmobile rally of the year, with Willie Lesyk’s straight flush hand good for the $300 first prize, while in Heinsburg, the County Library was officially opened for business with Sherry Young cutting the ceremonial ribbon.
FEBRUARY
The Elk Point Community Impact Assessment Committee celebrated the completion of their 7-month project with a banquet featuring much back-patting on a job well done.
Four ‘‘Cabbage Patch Kids’, skipped by Bernice Pleschuk, were champions of the Elk Point Ladies Open Bonspiel, with Chris Merrick skipping the second event winners and “‘Hank’’ Keck of Fort McMurray skipping the top third event team.
Elk Point Ukrainian Dance entertained nearly three hundred visitors to their annual Pyrohy Supper with a colorful display of dancing.
Willie Lesyk won his second Poker Rally championship in two weeks when he topped 96 competitors at Heinsburg, while Elk Point Coop Peewees won the Westmin-sponsored Peewee Hockey Tournament.
The Elk Point Chamber experienced a welcome boom, with 31 members and guests attending the February 6 meeting. The Chamber-sponsored Management Assistance Program drew to a close that evening with a wind-up banquet at which the program was termed “more than worthwhile’.
Elk Point Municipal Hospital welcomed new Administrator, Clem Johnson, who moved to the area from Lesser Slave Lake.
Elk Point Pacers hosted their twelfth annual basketball tournament, with 1984 winners, the Aegis Lockwork team from Edmonton, again taking home the win,
Clandonald, Dewberry and Derwent communities took part in a talent show which raised over $1,300 in contributions to be sent to aid starving people in Africa.
Four new employees joined the Town of Elk Point staff, all filling positions located in the Community Services Centre. FCSS Director Marie Buck, Recreation Director Neil McMann, Jack and Jill Playschool Instructor Carolina Mayner and FCSS/Rec. Dept. Secretary Linda Piotrowski took the vacant positions. Council meanwhile was studying alternative plans for the widening of Highway 41 through town.
Stu Muirhead of St. Paul skipped the Mixed Bonspiel Grand Challenge winners in Elk Point's second spiel of 1985, with Bill Currey skipping the Second Event winners and the third event won by a Bonnyville rink skipped by Mike Leroux.
The Empress Restaurant celebrated the official opening of their newly expanded premises, while Tags Foods and Gas and Work Wearhouse opened their doors for the first time.
Elk Point Lions Club hosted a 63-machine snowmobile rally at Stoney Lake, which was won by Jeff Zeilinski, while the Elk Point Elks Hockey Club wound up their regular season with a home-ice win over Goodfish Kings.
Dances of many eras were the | theme for the 1985 Figure Skating ; Club Ice Carnival, which . featured guest skaters from St. Paul.
The Windsor Club’s Ladies Open Grand Challenge was won by a rink skipped by Pauline Scott, with Pearl Anderson skipping the Second Event winners and Gail Hurtubise the Third Event champions.
The month ended in tragedy as a 28-year old worker from Gibbons fell to his death from the partially completed Elk Point Bridge, with work on the project subsequently halted for some time while the accident was investigated by the Department of Workers’ Compensation.
AMOCO SITE TOUR — Bernie Goruk of Amoco explains the proposed layout of the pilot project site.
COUNTY LIBRARY OPENED — Heinsburg’s Community Library committee gathered at the official opening of facility. L-r: Shirley Hendricks, Sherry Young, Bob Smith, Virginia h, Laverne Wilson, Raylene Nychyporuk and Rhonda Hodgson. |
CANADA'S OLDEST ACTIVE ELK — Ron Barwick is presented with a birthday gift by Exalted Ruler Bill Schuhmacher and Honored Royal Lady Lois Sharek of the Elk Point Elks and OORP, at the party honouring his 85th birthday.
MARCH
Sisters Leanne and Elena Drobot took top honors in the Elk Point 4H Beef Club Public Speaking Competition, while Heinsburg 4-H hosted a well-attended Craft Display.
The Liz Zayac rink from Heinsburg topped the Dewberry Ladies Bonspiel, while St. Paul's Noel Looy skipped his rink to victory in the Elk Point Men’s Open. John Doonanco’s Glendon rink won the second event, with Bonnyville’s Hot Line rink taking the third event trophies.
Elk Point’s Bantam Elks wound up their hockey season with an enviable record of only six losses in 34 games, and did well in playoffs in both the Lakeland and Highway 16 leagues, although they lost out in the Zone 2 Provincials.
Elk Point Chamber of Commerce gave the senior citizens the green light for the coming season’s operation of the Tourist Information Booth, with other tourism-related items also high priorities on the agenda.
The oil industry continued to make front page headlines, with Murphy Oil announcing a $35 million project, and Amoco’s $87 million development was given approval.
School, science and book fairs highlighted Education Week at Elk Point Elementary, with Justin Conrad being named the School FairGrand Aggregate winner. Jeremy Briand took top honors in the Primary section of the Science Fair, while there was a tie in the Intermediate section between Bradley Yakemchuk and Todd Younghans, and Colin Bjorkman.
Town Council discussed the marathon length of their previous meeting at a 2 hr., 20 minute meeting, with a decision made to restrict visits by delegations to the first meeting of each month, when there is no meeting of the Committee of a Whole.
A Vermilion rink skipped by Gordon Watling won the Town and Country Bonspiel Grand Challenge, with Murray Babcock and Dave Yake skipping the Second and Third Event winners.
A well-attended Weed Fair was the highlight of Agriculture Week, with displays by fifteen manufacturers of agricultural chemicals as well as displays and informative talks by Alberta Agriculture representatives.
Fifteen participants graduated from an Alberta Disaster Services rescue course, part of which involved learning to lower stretchers from a rooftop.
The first contribution was made to a newly established fund for furnishings and equipment for the new library, with “Buzzy” Pelechosky presenting Librarian Doreen Mayner with a substantial cheque toward the fund.
Mary Bennett of Elk Point was among four new members appointed to the Northern Alberta Development Council, along with Betty Duckett of Grand Centre, Ted Sonntag of Hotchkiss and Eugene Dextrase of High Level.
Family and friends gathered for a mammoth birthday celebrating Ron Barwick's ee Barwick was honored with man tions, including! those trom the Alberta Elks Association and the Elks Grand Lodge of Canada, a fitting tribkute to the oldest active member of the Lodge in Canada.
Elk Point Elementary, F.G. Miller High and Heinsburg Schools held their annual speak offs, with winners going on to do well at the County level. Heinsburg hosted the Elemen Koff for the County, while the High School speak off was in Lafond.
Elk Point Elks Hockey Club's end awards were presented at their final home game of the season with Vic Stepa receiving trophies for Most Valuable Player and Player of the Year. Murray Cochrane was Top Scorer, while Willie Lesyk was named Rookie of the Year.
Also on the sports scene, the R.C.M.P. Scarlettes hosted their first Ringette Tournament which was won by Kitscoty, and Elk Point Coop Peewees were defeated by Lloydminster in the Provincial Playoffs.
The Elk Point Oilmen’s Association hosted their second annual Oilmen’s Bonspiel, which was won again this year by Klinger Oilfield Services. Thirty-two rinks took part in three days of curling and entertainment.
The Regional Director of Environmental Health Services, Bob Scotten, visited both St. Paul and Elk Point Town Councils to urge development of a regional landfill site to replace the present sites, which he declared are inadequate.
Murphy Oil hosted a very informative Open House to explain their planned project, while attendance at Chamber of Commerce meetings continued to climb.
F.G. Miller Junior High students presented a family. oriented evening of fun for all, including skits, mimes and displays of break dancing entitled “Just For Fun’, and the Elk Point 4H Beef Club hosted a volleyball tournament won by the Clandonald team.
Annette Ference opened her “Single Styles Creative Hair Care”’ salon, Heinsburg students attended a Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation course, and Landonville Lords and Corlan Crusaders won the Elk Point No-hit Hockey Tournament.
APRIL
Dome Petroleum hosted an Open House outlining plans for their new enhanced recovery and slant drilling projects in the Lindbergh oilfield.
Elk Point Chamber of Commerce members were urged to display an attitude of professionalism to get their priorities straight and to spend more time on planning both long and short-term Chamber projects.
75 years of the Girl Guides in Canada was celebrated with a full page in the Review written and laid out by the Elk Point Guides as they worked for their Reporter badges.
The Town of Elk Point received a sizeable nest egg on Easter Monday when MLA John Drobot presented Mayor Buck with a $67,238 cheque toward the new library, under the major' cultural/recreation grant! program.
A late spring blizzard dumped over a toot of heavy, wet snow on the Elk Point district on the weekend of April 19 to 21, forcing cancellation of many events in its wake. The Elk Point Curling Club year-end banquet and dance, with presentation of awards to league winners, started as the first flakes fell and ended with some of the curler’s storm-stayed in Elk Point until morning.
The hardy Elk Point Ukrainian Dance Club held its spring concert as scheduled on the stormy Saturday evening, although attendance was small and the scheduled visit by the Edmonton Veselka Dancers was cancelled. Your reporter also missed this event, which was covered instead, and very adequately, by Don Conrad, with accompanying photos. The Minor Hockey banquet also carried on in spite of the weather and was the subject of a report submitted by Stella Lorenson.
A new record of 43 members and guests were on hand for the mid-April Chamber meeting, which featured six guest speakers.
Town Council voted to go ahead with a water supply upgrading project costing nearly $2 million, and also approved plans for a new water supply line.
A long-time landmark in Elk Point, the dilapidated Elk Point Clinic, was bulldozed to the
ground to make way for a new business block, which now houses the Lakeland Review office.
Public health nurses from all areas of Local 114 picketed Elk Point Municipal Hospital in the fourth week of their wage parity dispute, a strike which is now in its tenth month.
Heinsburg School hosted the County of St. Paul Science Fair, with over 50 exhibits coming from schools throughout the County.
MAY
The Review’s loss was Elk Point Baptist Church’s gain in early May, as John McGregor left the staff to expand his duties as Pastor.
Elk Point Elks and OORP lodges held their joint Installation of Officers, with Wayne Hanson taking the post as Exalted Ruler of the Elks and Erika Bender becoming Honored Royal Lady of the Order of Royal Purple.
Pomp and circumstance were the order of the day at the second annual RCMP Regimental Ball, with the St. Paul RCMP Subdivision Commanding Officer, Inspector Gil Donahue, and Mrs. Donahue leading the grand march. Cst. Mike Harvey was presented with a commemorative plaque, as he left Elk Point for a new posting in Red Deer.
Elk Point Chamber of Commerce voted to support the Safe Grad program sponsored by the Elk Point RCMP Detachment, to prevent accidents caused by impaired driving on Graduation days at Elk Point, EOE and Frog Lake Schools.
Oil workers from Westmin Resources and Murphy Oil took part in a rescue training program offered by Lakeland College and learned how to rescue fellow workers from confined spaces and how to use breathing apparatus.
Plans for Canada Day were well underway by mid-May, with a committee co-chaired by Karen Reed and Sid Holthe set up to plan the event, and the Elk Point Chamber deciding to sponsor a contest to honor two outstanding young people in the community on that day.
Elk Point and District Boxing Club hosted their first boxing card, with Elk Point boxers winning four out of their five bouts.
Elk Point Hospital Auxiliary held their annual tea, bake sale and bazaar, with good attendance bringing nearly $800 in profit to be used for Auxiliary projects.
Thirty-nine members of the F.G. Miller Class of °85 stood poised On The Edge Of A Dream on their graduation day, with Karen Kryvenchuk as valedictorian and Jim Forrest as guest speaker, and former Elk Point teacher Allan Buck as keynote speaker at the evening banquet. The Class of '85 was successful in meeting the Safe Grad challenge and was later congratulated by the RCMP for their cooperation.
Elk Point’s volunteer fire department was down to fifteen members, with only four of these working in Elk Point, which left the town only minimally protected during the day. More volunteers were urgently sought to increase the ranks, and membership was opened to people living outside the town limits who work in town during the day.
A child identification program sponsored by the Lions Club got underway, with numerous Elk Point and Heinsburg youngsters being fingerprinted and their pertinent facts recorded in case of emergency.
The Heinsburg High School’s Class of ’85 said farewell to their school days and were ready for “A New Beginning’. Wilson Faithful was valedictorian for the class of twelve, and Superintendent of Schools Bill Webb was guest speaker. Heinsburg, too, met the Safe Grad Challenge with flying colors.
Dave Kenyon was elected President of the Elk Point Oilmen’s Association for the coming year, with the Association’s membership numbered at 82. Lx Town Council discussed the possibility of annexing additional land, with Municipal Planner Ron DenBoer outlining the necessary steps of the annexation process. Dr. Bruce Kleeberger was named Deputy Mayor for the next six months.
Three hundred staff and students of| F.G. Miller High School tied their legs together to form a massive super-centipede and marched around the school calling “‘Inside! Outside!”’ in unison to kick off National Physical Activity Week in grand style.
The Honorable Bill Diachuk, Minister of Workers’ Health, Safety and Compensation visited Elk Point and was entertained by members of the Town and County Council, Chamber of Commerce and oil company executives at a luncheon.
A group to study the feasibility of a regional sanitary landfill site was formed by representatives of the Towns of Elk Point and St. Paul and the: North Eastern Alberta Health Unit. The County of St. Paul did not indicate immediately if they would take part in the study.
A report by consultants Natalia Krawetz and Felicity Edwards did not recommend formation of a district-wide citizens’ advisory committee to facilitate good relations between the oil community and the community at large, due to the number of needs identified, and because they felt a compromise between the groups was not likely at the time.
Elk Point Elementary School continued its long tradition of wins in the County Track Meet, with five of ten individual medal winners from this school and almost twice as many points as their nearest competitor.
Elk Point Guides and Brownies held their annual mother daughter banquet, with five Brownies later flying up to Guides and six Guides moving up to Pathfinders.
Thirty-seven walkers took part in the Lions’ Journey for Sight.
JUNE
Dwayne Vogel showed the Grand Champion steer at the Elk Point 4-H Beef Club Achievement Day, while Lyle Yuschyshyn showed the Grand Champion female. Leanne Drobot and John Brooker showed the Reserve Champions. The Elk Point Club went on to district competition in St. Paul and won the coveted trophy for the Interclub Pen of Five Steers.
Spring fever hit the Chamber of Commerce, with only 16 members at their June 5 meeting, and Town Council prepared for the Town’s part in the Canada Day celebrations.
F.G. Miller High Drama students again sent their audience into gales of laughter when they presented “A Night to Remember’’, complete with some unusual awards, including one for departing Drama teacher Rob McCue.
The weather was not cooperative with sporting events, raining out several ball tournaments and hailing on the Elk Point Men’s Open Golf Tournament, at which Brad Buck won the Championship Flight. Heinsburg Eagles were lucky enough to find a reasonably pleasant weekend for their ball tourney, which was won by the Beauvallon Aces and Leyen Lasers.
The floweriest grand opening of the year took place at Millie’s Flowers and Crafts new location, with Mayor Buck cutting the ribbon.
An open. house featuring demonstrations of air and noise monitoring equipment was hosted by Amoco Canada, to outline the precautions against pollution taken by the company and to address the environmental concerns of area residents.
Elk Point Library Board, along with numerous volunteers, undertook the monumental task of moving countless cartons of books to the bright new library.
The Town of Elk Point brought down their budget on June 24, with mill rates reflecting a welcome 8.31% drop in non-residential taxes and a 7.46% drop in residential taxes.
The population passed the 1,200 mark, with 1,209 people recorded in the 1985 census.
ECS students were in the news, with a Mickey Mouse Graduation at Heinsburg and an open house for parents in Elk Point.
Stoney Lake Stampede Association held their 23rd Annual Rodeo, with the rain holding off until after the final performance, The Stoney Lake Hall was again the centre of attraction the following weekend, as twenty years of the Elk Point 4-H Beef Club was celebrated by members past and present. Special guests included former Premier's Award winner Susan Kotowich and 4-H Club time TV show host Bob Coe.
Elk Point Chamber found it necessary to hold a special meeting [to finalize plans for Canada Day and for the summer’s Tourist Information Centre operation.
MINISTER OF CULTURE — The Hon. Mary LeMessurier cut the ribbon to officially open the Elk Point Municipal Library as Mayor Buck and MLA John Drobot looked on.
JULY
Numerous events made up Elk Point’s Canada Day Celebrations with its salute to youth.
Elk Point became a part of one of Parks Canada’s Centennial Celebrations, when forty canoeists from St. John’s Schools of Selkirk, Manitoba and Stoney Plain, Alberta retraced the route of the fur traders. They arrived at the Highway 41 Campsite at approximately 5:30 p.m. on Monday, July 8th, 85.
Sixteen more canoes loaded with another forty-four Paddlers (The Batoche 85 Canoe Brigade) enroute from Edmonton to Batoche, Saskatchewan, visited the Elk Point area. They were greeted at the Highway 41 Campsite, where they stopped for their supper break. This trip was part of the commemoration of the Centennial of the 1885 Northwest Rebellion.
Three tentative designs for development of the town of Elk Point’s Recreational Land were displayed at an Open House.
Elk Point 4-H Beef Club celebrated twenty years of achievement and activities at Stoney Lake Stampede Grounds. Over a hundred former and present members, leaders and Special guests enjoyed the occasion.
Former students of Clandonald High School reminisced over forty years of memories, as the Classes of 1929 to 1968 attended a huge homecoming gathering.
A Grand Reunion of all those persons (an expected 500) connected with the Heinsburg School from its early beginnings in 1933 up to 1960 was planned. The California Cuties stole the show providing some of the best entertainment and laughs.
Golden Memories were recalled as Bertha & Chester Botting celebrated their Fiftieth Wedding Anniversary with over six hundred well-wishers in attendance, overflowing a giant circus type tent.
Pothole repairing was well underway this time of year in Elk Point streets, with thirty tons of cold mix delivered to the Public Works Yard.
Development of Phase II of the Industrial Subdivision was discussed.
Brilliant sunshine tempered by gentle breezes brought large crowds to the Whitney Lake - rodeo Grounds, with Derek Hehr winning the Whitney Lake high point trophy.
Lakeland College graduation ceremonies were held at the Vermilion Campus on Saturday, June 22nd, with more than 250 students being honored, receiving diploma’s and certificates.
Farmers in the Elk Point area were searching the sky for rain clouds, as crop conditions began to deteriorate due to lack of moisture.
Pearl Bespalko of Elk Point was the top prize winner in a weekend’s Ladies’ Open Tournament at the Elk Point Golf & Country Club, with Roger McMillan and Eugene Piotrowski taking the championships in the Senior Men’s Open and Junior Open Tournaments respectively.
AUGUST
A total of over $5.3. million in building permits had been issued in Elk Point during the first seven months of 1985.
The Annual Clandonald Country Fair was well underway with two days of fun and frolic. Mrs. Josie McIntyre was the Grand Aggregate winner for the second year in a row and Larry Garnier was the proud winner of a new 4X4 truck raffled off the Knights of Columbus.
Elk Point Town Council voted to go ahead with development of series of Highway Commercial lots to fill a growing demand.
The new half-million dollar Esso bulk oil plant that was slated for Elk Point had to be delayed because of a land dispute.
The Elk Point Agricultural Fair was again an immense success, with huge displays of entries filling both floors of the Elks Hall. Mrs. Pat Bekker was announced for the third time the 1985 Grand Aggregate winner.
Twelve members of the Heinsburg 4-H Garden Club gathered the finest produce from their summer's labors and put it on display at the Heinsburg Community Hall for their annual Achievement Day.
Congratulations went out to Pearl & Bill Bespalko who brought home the gold medals from their respective sections of the Alberta Summer Games Golf Competitions in Fort McMurray.
Linda Simpson, new Recreation Director, joined the Town of Elk Point Staff.
The Elk Point second Oilmen’s Golf Open was held with Jim Baylis of Elk Point waltzing away with a first place finish in the championship flights.
Sixteen outstanding young people were honoured in Lethbridge, September 20 with the Alberta Junior Citizen of the Year Awards for 1985.
The construction of the Amoco Heavy Oil Cleaning Plant and Steam extraction pilot project at this point was well underway.
At least seventy-five ex-students, along with their spouses, teachers and board members, gathered at Stoney Lake Hall on Aug. 3rd and 4th for a Swedeboro School Reunion.
SEPTEMBER
Elk Point Family and Community Support Services released a report on social needs within the town, as determined: by a door-to-door survey undertaken the F.C.S.S.
The Farmstead of Craig and Bea Campbell, southeast of Elk Point won the Farmsteads fourteen years and under category to the County of St. Paul’s Farm Beautification Contest.
Building permits topped the $6 million dollar mark.
Elk Point Town Council ensured peaceful and quiet nighttime hours for town residents with the passing of noise Bylaw 408/85.
The Hospital Auxiliary started off their season with generous contributions toward the purchase of an electric wheel chair for patients who need the accommodation at the Elk Point Hospital.
Sixty-six golfers of all ages enjoyed Elk Point Golf & Country Club’s year-end windup tournament, which was played on a two ball foursome format.
Elk Point Airport was officially opened at 1:30 p.m., September 18th 85 by~- Transportation Minister Marvin Moore and MLA John Drobot. A large and shivering crowd braved the day’s near freezing temperatures to huddle on the windswept tarmac. The $818,000 airport facility consists of a 2950 foot paved and lighted runway, taxiing strip and apron.
Town Administrator, Pat Vincent, said development has almost doubled this year over last. With the population increase, Vincent classed Elk Point as a “boom town” and fast becoming an exciting new voice in northeast Alberta.
Elk Point & Country Club President, Ed Soldan reported that his group had a very successful year.
A five-month study got underway by Roman Consulting Services Ltd. on behalf of Travel Alberta. The study was designed to identify private sector investment opportunities in tourist related businesses in the Lakeland Region.
Forty clubs, organizations, government departments and education institutions packed the Community Service Centre for an over-whelmingly successful Information Night.
Approximately thirty members of the Elk Point & District Society Fair Board met for a smorg supper at the Empress Restaurant followed by wind-up reports and suggestions for next year’s fair.
OCTOBER
Approval by the Energy Resources Conservation Board signalled an immediate start on Murphy Oil’s $33 million oil treatment and extraction project, located northeast of Elk Point.
Elk Point Golf & Country Club’s 1984-85 executive was returned by acclamation at their Annual Meeting with President Ed Soldan; Vice-President - Bill Bespalko; Secretary - Pearl Bespalko and Treasurer - Evelyn Babcock agreeing to retain their positions for the coming 1985-86 season.
Elk Point’s “‘seventy-five year love affair for books’’ gave birth to a fully modern Public Library, as Alberta’s Minister of Culture snipped the ceremonial ribbon and declared the facility officially open. The library opening was the realization of a long-awaited dream for the volunteers who have fostered the love of literature since the community’s earliest days.
The future of the A.G. Ross Arena was in doubt, as a result of lack of support of the Elk Point & District Agricultural Societies meeting held in the arena.
Elk Point Chamber of Commerce embarked on a new course, members voted to institute a new fiscal year. Murray Harper, with the acceptance of a new slate of officers, was placed in the President’s Chair.
The Energy Resources Conservation Board in cooperation with government departments and industry, opened a Energy Information Centre in the Elk Point Public Library. Mrs. Beverly Baylis, the information officer, looks forward to welcoming you and to helping you find answers to your questions.
Harvest in Elk Point area progressed at a ‘‘one day at a time’ basis, due to unfavorable weather conditions.
A survey of opinions and search for usable ideas to further promote the Tourist industry in the Lakeland, Zone 6, had been undertaken. Roman Consulting Services Ltd. of Edmonton were retained to do this survey. Input was gathered from four corners of the zone.
Tragedy marred the first week of use of the newly realigned Highway 41 and new bridge south of Elk Point, when two local girls were killed in a 2-vehicle collision.
Calgary-Westmin Resources Ltd. spent an additional $22.5 million on accelerated development of its extensive heavy oil acreage in the Lindbergh area of east-central Alberta.
Elk Point Town Council approved a multi purpose recreational area master plan for development of the recently purchased ‘golf course quarter’.
Elk Point cowgirls Wendy Lorenson and Lorelei Wickham brought home a pair of championships from the Lakeland Rodeo Association Showdown Finals in Camrose.
Elk Point Town Council was presented with a $623,263.12 cheque by MLA John Drobot, going towards their current water treatment and supply project.
NOVEMBER
Response to the ‘85 Further Education Course Program through Lakeland College was terrific.
Fifty-eight young boxers from all corners of the province met in Elk Point, for the Alberta Bronze Gloves Tournament for two days of action.
Elk Point Co-op Peewees were off to a great start for the 1985-86 season, winning the league opening game with a 9-7 victory over St. Paul.
A large group of seniors and other well-wishers gathered in the newly-constructed “Riverview Senior Citizens Club” at Heinsburg to officially open the new building.
The Elk Point Oilettes held their first organizational meeting, October 30th in the Old Courthouse, with 22 women in attendance.
Harvest activity came to a-sudden halt, as snow blanketed unthreshed swaths with sticky whiteness, leaving nearly a quarter of the years crop unharvested.
Dome Petroleum was granted verbal approval of two applications in the Lindbergh Heavy Oil Field after two and one half days of hearings by the Energy Resources Conservation Board in Elk Point.
Jean Slywka was presented with a plaque commemorating her win in the Business person's Positive Attitude Contest sponsored by the Alberta Career Centre in St. Paul.
Elk Point Elks won the first game of their regular season with a 13-6 victory over Kehewin Voyageurs.
Elk Point Town Council discussed concerns regarding parking. violations which have contributed to problems in the community, especially the downtown area.
Kehew Lodge, a provincial pilot project designed to provide housing for native elders, was officially unveiled at the Kehewin Indian Reserve.
Action got underway at the Elk Point Curling Club, with a full week of league curling.
Sam and Amy Krider celebrated their Fiftieth Wedding Anniversary along with 300 guests. Lilly & Sam Sass also celebrated their Fiftieth.
Elk Point Order of Royal Purple's annual Flea Market brought the spirit of Christmas to Elk Point packing the Elks Hall with eager shoppers.
A total of $53,380.00 in Community Recreation and Cultural grants was presented to various groups by MLA John Drobot. The largest share amounting to $25,430.00 went to the Town of Elk Point for its various community recreational services.
One hundred persons representing provincial government agencies, oil companies and municipal bodies met in Elk Point to conduct a workshop on the short and long-term implications of oil sands development as it pertains to rural municipalities.
Plans for a large Christmas promotion by Elk Point retail merchants were unveiled at a Chamber of Commerce meeting.
There was discussion at one of Elk Point Town Council's meetings on an in-depth study of various construction methods for an enlarged water treatment plant.
Elk Point 4-H Light Horse Club held their very first organizational meeting at the Elk Point Elementary School. Eight members were in attendance.
Elk Point Co-op Peewees won two challenging games, defeating Grand Centre 5-1 and Lloydminster 5-3.
Elk Point Elementary School held their 1985 Children’s Book Festival.
DECEMBER
Santa Claus and a trio of green-suited elves (Marge Osinchuk & Rinkmates) swept their way to victory in the Elk Point Curling Club's first major bonspiel of the season, which attracted twenty rinks.
A bumper crop of Grand Opening celebrations, along with a steady stream of businesses moving to larger premises, renovating or changing ownership was a sure indication of the current period of rapid growth Elk Point experienced.
Building permits passed the $8 million mark.
Permanent Trust-Affiliated JCF Home Realty, started off their Elk Point business with an open house in the North Subdivision.
A delegation from Elk Point visited Member of Parliament, Don Mazankowski, in Vegreville, to lobby for improvements to the Elk Point Post Office.
Elk Point Municipal Hospital Board met with our MLA to discuss a request made to the Department of Hospital for addition of long-term care beds in our hospital.
Elk Point’s OK 3 Bakery was officially opened.
Elk Point Figure Skating Club reported that this year's program drew the best response ever, both in pledges and in the number of skaters taking part.
Dave Nobes, President of Dave's Pizza chain, along with a furry friend, joined to congratulate Elk Point franchise owners Carol and Lloyd Metz in the Grand Opening of their new restaurant.
Santa had a busy day in Elk Point with visits to the Lioness Brunch, Elks Free Movie and to the Stedmans Store, while shoppers enjoyed a similar hectic pace.
Council and Recreation Director, Linda Simpson, noted a number of interesting ideas which could be applied to the development of Elk Point recreational land.
Ron Fraess recently took the post of Public Works Superintendent with the Town of Elk Point.
Handsome bronze medallions were brought home when the Elk Point R.C.M.P. Scarlettes won the B side of a ringette tournament in Mannville.
Friday the thirteenth of December proved lucky for the Elk Point Elks who scored a 12-8 victory over the Kehewin Voyageurs.
Retiring F.G. Miller High School Secretary, Margaret Modin, was honored with gifts and a series of standing ovations at an. annual Christmas Brunch. She served the school for twenty-one and one half years.
Elk Point Elementary School presented their annual Christmas Concert to a gymnasium packed with proud parents, relatives and friends.
