Looking back at 1999’s headline news
from Elk Point Review by Vicki Brooker
The final year of the 1900s as quite a newsy twelve months in Elk Point, with major issues such as the fate of our health centre, the Northern Lights Library System Headquarters, and our downtown filling up our front page. Let’s take a look back at the biggest stories of the year:
January
January arrived with virtually the whole community up in arms over the possibility of closure of the Elk Point Health Centre. A 1096-signature brief presented at a packed meeting on the second-last day of 1998 was followed up by a brief from the Chamber of Commerce, chartering of buses to take area residents to the Lakeland Health Region’s public meeting in Cold Lake, and the creation of hundreds of buttons reading “Supporter of Elk Point Health Centre.”
The outcry spurred the LRHA to schedule an additional forum for Elk Point, where a total of 34 briefs were presented by representatives of all walks of life, from a high school student to health professionals to concerned residents of surrounding municipalities. The petition by this time had grown to 2464 signatures and was presented to George Cuff and Associates, the consultants studying the elimination of the LRHA’s deficit.
The all-out effort resulted in the LRHA sparing Elk Point's long term and active care hospital beds by a vote of 10 to 2 at the LRHA’s public meeting, where they submitted a deficit budget after cutting expenses to the bone.
February
The Elk Point Chamber’s Annual Meeting was quiet and anticlimactic after the hue and cry over the Health Centre, as the members looked toward changing the focus of the organization, and planned ways to bring new businesses to the community and diversifying the economy. A television news report which said Elk Point's grocery prices were the highest in all of 30 communities studied around the province, brought forth considerable ire from local businesses.
The fate of the Pan Canadian building came under discussion by both the Chamber and Town Council, with Chamber President John Yettaw visiting Council to urge them to reconsider taking over the building, and suggesting the Chamber could help find a business willing to locate there
Property taxes and utility costs were the main concerns brought forth by local seniors who met with a government focus group studying the needs of seniors. Long term care needs were explored at another workshop.
Elk Point's health centre was spared by George Cuff’s report, but the LRHA Board did not fare as well. Health Minister Halvar Jonson fired the entire board, saying a new board would be appointed within six months to a year.
Elk Point Leos Club received their charter, with a number of distinguished guests from Lions and Lioness Clubs in the area on hand for the Charter Night celebration.
Heinsburg gloried in the abundant snow which brought 379 participants to their annual snowmobile rally on a beautifully warm and sunny day.
Elk Point Elks were named season-end champions of the Sask Alta Hockey League, ending a very successful first year back in the league.
Figure skater Daylan Hoffman won gold in inter-provincial championships held in Calgary.
March
The Chamber of Commerce was headed strongly in new directions after soundly defeating a motion to shut down its operation entirely. A revived economic development committee and a year-round phone number were in the works, as were plans for sprucing up main street.
Town Council turned down an opportunity to join the County and Town of St. Paul in hiring a County Fire Chief to oversee all three jurisdic4ens.Money that would have gone to fund the position will be directed to upgrading Elk Point’s firefighting equipment.
Peter Danyluk and Mark Ference went on to district speak-offs after winning at Elk Point 4-H Multi Club competition, while Jamie and Danielle Schnurer represented the Saddle Slickers.
The combined Elk Point - Dewberry Bantam Colts hosted Bantam “C” Provincial hockey finals, with Onoway taking home the gold. Peewee Lightning also headed off to Provincials, while the community's figure skaters wound up the season with Millennium Memories — with a very special precision team made up of skating dads.
There may have been a “Vacancy in Paradise,” but none at the Elementary School as six sell-out crowds enjoyed the annual dinner theatre presented by Elk Point Community Choir.
The DARE Program saw 42 Grade Six students from Elk Point graduate from a program which equipped them to deal with the problems of drugs, alcohol and peer pressure, in a ceremony which highlighted the school’s special week of achievements. A science fair, fine arts night and open house were also held, while across the street, FG. Miller’s Career Day was another big success.
April
A petition from ratepayers hoping to stop a proposed curb and gutter project was quashed by Council, who passed a bylaw to borrow funds to go ahead with the work.
Town Council changed their minds on the Pan Canadian building, then changed their minds again and agreed to Van Horne’s conditions, planning to offer it as a new headquarters for Northern Lights Library System. A newly formed group called the Elk Point Regional Cultural Society had announced their intentions of obtaining the building and attracting the NLLS Headquarters after the Town’s decision to turn down the building, and everyone was quite surprised when the Town announced their second change of heart.
Elk Point's inaugural Winter Gymkhana Series was declared a big success as the year end winners accepted year-end prizes at the final meet. Team ropers also celebrated the end of their season of monthly sessions. Then it was show time, with Rylee McKenzie showing the Furriest Horse at the Fun ‘N’ Furry Horse Show.
Elk Point OORP hosted the annual District Meeting, with Lois Sharek elected as the incoming District Deputy.
Volunteer Week saw Elk Point FCSS bring in a “third doctor” in the form of comedian “Doctor Spot” to entertain local volunteers.
May
A pair of hockey banquets, for minor and senior players, wound up the season, with Gary Marceniuk named Minor Hockey Coach of the Year and League Governor's awards going to Susan MacKinnon and Doug Bassett.
Elk Point OORP topped the fundraisers when the Elks and Royal Purple hosted the North Central Zone Walk-athon, with Mary Kinjerski the top individual fundraiser for the second year in a row.
The Lions were also walking on the first of May, with Cheryl Lawrence winning awards for both the most individual pledges and for the oilfield challenge.
Elk Point Ukrainian Dance Club celebrated twenty years of spring concerts with their delightful year-end presentation. Another wonderful concert came from the Elk Point Community Choir.
Town Council announced a major shot in the arm for downtown Elk Point, with a comprehensive street and sidewalk replacement program to take place in conjunction with a major street overhaul in the north part of town.
The Regional Cultural Society visited Council to outline their plans for the Pan Canadian Building, and offered to work with the Town, County and Chamber to create a win win situation regarding the building. A full hour of discussion regarding the building also took place at the mid-May Chamber of Commerce meeting, with everyone finally finding something to agree on: they wanted the Northern Lights Library System headquarters there. A motion was subsequently passed, supporting the Town’s bid for the headquarters, with no mention made of ownership of the building.
Representatives of Van Horne Oil and Gas met with the Cultural Society and the Town of Elk Point, and heard proposals from both groups, but the two could not agree to work together.
F. G. Miller’s Class of 1999 celebrated on the May long weekend, with former classmates coming back to emcee and their former teacher, Wayne Hymanyk, as guest speaker.
Talent exploded in Elk Point with former Dewberry singer Tanya Bowman winning the teen talent contest.
A two-day long weekend gymkhana was an overwhelming success, with 74 participants and a truckload of prizes.
Thirteen teams took part in the 13th Annual Jan Frisby Memorial Ball Tournament, with Tuu Times the fourth-time winner.
The Junior Boys Crusaders won the SPAA banner in County Fastball, while the girls won the B side.
June
Melissa DeSilva showed the Grand Champion Steer and James Babenek the Supreme Champion Female as Elk Point 4-H Multi Club held their annual achievement day as part of a very busy June 5 in Elk Point. Six Elk Point steers went on to become part of the Parade of Champions at the Interclub show the following Monday, three of them making it into the top five.
The June 5 weekend also included the annual
Auto Show, a baby crawling contest, a radio controlled vehicle race and the Chamber’s very successful Community Wide Garage Sale.
Five students graduated in Heinsburg High School’s “year of firsts,” with the grads wearing caps and gowns and all having the ability to obtain their diplomas at the end of the month.
Younger students from Grades 5 and 6 at Heinsburg were also honored as they graduated from the DARE Program.
The brand new MidWest Rodeo Association held their first amateur competition at Whitney Lake.
Three F. G. Miller students, Tanya Pankiw, Travis Brown and Krystal Yake, advanced to Provincial track and field competition.
The Town of Elk Point held the line on taxes for another year, passing their mill rate at the June 14 meeting.
The Chamber adjourned for the summer, with Vic Stepa taking over the president's chair from John Yettaw, who resigned due to a transfer to St. Paul.
The Edmonton House Black Powder Brigade displayed the fur trade lifestyle at Fort George and Buckingham House on Father’s Day weekend.
Thirteen area groups were approved for $87,894 in funding from lottery grants for enhancing area facilities including soccer fields, arena upgrading and golf course.
Windows in two Elk Point churches were smashed in a vandalism spree that covered several neighboring communities.
As the school year drew to a close with the presentation of countless awards, interest was shown in the creation of a charter school in the area.
July
The second half of 1999 with the celebration of the nation’s 132nd birthday, a day packed with activities from a pancake breakfast and parade to Elk Point's first ever soapbox derby and a star-studded stage show. Stoney Lake stampeded in bright sunshine, while a week later, rodeo action filled the stands at Whitney Lake with fans. Elk Point White Sox hosted the Midget “A” Provincials, where Acme Red Sox were crowned Alberta's best. Elk Point's Midget Girls won provincial silver medals at Waskatenau.
August
Parking and pedestrian traffic in downtown Elk Point were disrupted as sidewalks were torn out, water valves changed and new curb, gutter and sidewalks
were poured in a major overhaul project. The project was extended north to 51 Avenue and east to Highway 41.
Heinsburg’s CNR station and water tower received designation as provincial historic resources.
The Midwest Rodeo Association held their first finals with buckles going to the top three contestants in bronc riding, steer riding and barrel racing.
Elk Point schools were victimized by spray paint-wielding vandals.
Elk Point's agricultural bench fair boasted a brand-new aggregate winner: Rose Kozicky.
Elk Point Community Choir enjoyed a tour of the Maritime provinces.
It took 16 years, but Elk Point Oilmen’s annual Golf Tournament finally gave away its Hole In One prize. Tom Parenteau, who also won the championship flight, took home a brand-new quad for his efforts.
Horses and riders converged on Elk Point for the Charlene G. Baker Memorial Horse Show.
September
Retired teachers saluted their successors at a First-Day-of-School breakfast, and current teachers reached a settlement in pay negotiations.
Elk Point Chamber of Commerce enthused over the appearance of the new downtown sidewalks and discussion centred on numerous ways to further enhance the downtown area.
The County of St. Paul halted the use of oilfield waste sand in road construction, despite receiving the go-ahead from Alberta Environment.
Information Night saw over 30 agencies, organizations and groups showing what they have to offer the community.
FE G. Miller’s 1999 graduates returned for a memorable evening celebrating their achievements, while students from Grade 7 through 12 were honored at the annual Awards Night earlier in the week.
A total of 47 participants raised funds for cancer research in the annual Terry Fox Run.
October
Elk Point seniors celebrated the International Year of Older Persons with a turkey dinner and program on October 1, where all those who turned 80 this year were honored.
Heinsburg High School's top students were honored at an afternoon ceremony, with Juanita Daniels receiving the Grade 12 School Board award.
Elk Point was one of four finalists to make the short list of communities being considered by Northern Lights Library System for their new headquarters, and was chosen by NLLS Board as the potential site.
Review Sports columnist Doug Bassett was named Baseball Alberta's 3M Coach of the Year.
Amy Millar and Travis Lindquist were recognized by Athletics Alberta as part of their Top 10 Bantam Girl and Bantam Boy Athletes of the Year.
Ranger Oil announced plans to drill 40 new wells and re-activate 120 others. Noise and increased truck traffic concerned area residents attending the open house.
Wolanuk’s Fashions and Foods closed its doors after 22 years in the business community.
November
Stems ‘N’ Stuff was named Elk Point's Business of the Year, when they received eight out of a total of 25 Business of the Year nominations.
John Vandenburg retired after 35 years with Co-op.
Two local seniors were injured in a single vehicle accident in town.
Town Council approved a new youth curfew bylaw which covers the hours from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m.
Genevieve Russell received a medal of honor from the Royal Canadian Legion at the annual Remembrance Day observances.
A total of 204 parcels were sent overseas with Operation Christmas Child.
The Chamber learned about exciting new recreation and tourism opportunities which could come about if the Iron Horse Trail becomes part of the Trans Canada Trail.
BPO Elks - Grand Exalted Ruler Paul Clendenning was greeted by a large contingent of Elks and Royal Purple members from 14 area lodges when he visited Elk Point.
The home of Ed and Patsy Zarowny was gutted by fire.
Elk Point Seniors started off the Christmas party season in grand style, and recognized residents 85 years and over.
The 1999 Dog Obedience class graduated, with Jamie Schnurer showing the top dog.
December
Christmas came early to Heinsburg, where Santa and the Elk Point Community Choir appeared at the annual Community Christmas Concert. Heinsburg Community School honored local Community Club volunteers at their Craft and Bake Sale.
Elk Point went all out for Extravaganza, with live music, a petting zoo, hay rides, hot chocolate and much more, including prizes galore to be won by shoppers.
The weeks before Christmas saw a great focus on music and entertainment, with two packed concerts for the Community Choir and even larger crowds for the two Elementary School concerts. Three local churches combined their musical and acting talents for a glorious pre-Christmas Cantata, and the Baptist Church and Christian Community Church each held a concert as well.
Town Council ended the year by doing their utmost to hold the line on taxes for the coming year.
Elk Point lit wp homes and businesses for Christmas in great style, and fireworks filled the December 31 sky as another year came to an end with the First Night Festival.
