Kneehill County council is contemplating expanding its Growing Kneehill country market and long table dinner event, and looking at ways to potentially make it into a multi-day event.
Council had first expressed a desire to grow the event during the April 18 Committee of the Whole meeting, and Agriculture Services and Parks manager Fallon Sherlock brought the item back for further discussion during the regular Tuesday, May 9 council meeting.
“Administration has historically reallocated staffing to successfully support the Growing Kneehill event, while county services are temporarily reduced or delayed so the team may manage planning, preparing, and delivering of this important event,” Ms. Sherlock explained during presentations.
She noted administration had prepared three options in consideration of event delivery-hiring a contractor in order to reduce pressures on Kneehill County staff, continuing to utilize Kneehill County staff to deliver the event, or reducing the event to a single-day country market event only.
Ms. Sherlock shared that to hire a contractor for event delivery was estimated at some $52,000, though administration would recommend an additional 10 per cent contingency of $5,200 in the event of cost overages. However, this is some $22,200 above the approved budget of $35,000 for the event-this $35,000 is only reflective of rental costs and does not take into consideration any staffing costs. Ms. Sherlock noted, if council approved this option, administration would look at opportunities to reduce costs, including sponsorships and volunteers, as well as food donations from local vendors.
While there would still be some internal staffing costs, these would be reduced by some $28,000, and would allow the county to maintain its existing service levels.
If council preferred to maintain event delivery as it has historically, using three full-time and eight to 12 seasonal Kneehill County staff, internal staffing costs would be between $30,000 to $40,000. Using staff to deliver the event would also result in reduced or delayed services, such as weed inspection and spraying, in the two weeks leading up to, and during, the event.
The third option, which would reduce the event to a single-day country market only, would result in significantly lower financial implications, estimated at approximately $10,000.
Following a lengthy discussion regarding the event and the merits of each option, council approved hiring a contractor for event delivery, with an increase of $22,200 to the Ag Services budget.

Congratulations to the DVSS Drumheller Valley Secondary School (DVSS). The school held its graduation ceremony for the Class of 2023 on Saturday, May 27 at the Badlands Amphitheatre. They were welcomed by guest speakers Golden Hills Board Trustee Justin Bolin, Superintendent Bevan Daverne, MLA Nate Horner and Drumheller Mayor Heather Colberg. Abdu Bura was the Valedictorian. Tavia Bertsch and Peyton Jede delivered the Address to Parents and Nick Pepin and Cam Sharpe delivered the Address to Teachers. Along with receiving their diplomas, some graduating students also received recognition for their hard work over their school careers through awards, scholarships, and bursaries sponsored by local businesses and organizations, totalling more than $60,000 from the local community and representing nearly $100,000 in total including awards from universities.

Michelle An, an international student from China, was the recipient of the Physics 30 award sponsored by Ray and Dayna Ainscough and Peoples Pharmacy.

Chloe Anderson received the Valley Cruisers Car Club Automotive Bursary for her participation in mechanics class or automotive RAP program, presented by Doug Lubinski.

Ella Andrew was awarded the Co-operators ProPlan Financial Group Community Involvement Scholarship, presented by Brooklyn Gipman and sponsored by Co-operators ProPlan Financial Group to the student who has committed to volunteering within the community and/or school, and is a good all-around student.

Riley Babuik was awarded the Biology 30 award, sponsored by Drumheller Associated Physicians and presented by Drs. Amanda and Brock Randolph, as well as the Drumheller Family Scholarship sponsored by the Royal Tyrrell Museum Cooperating Society, which is awarded to the student who has achieved scholastic excellence, contributed to leadership in the community, is caring and helpful to others, and shows personal integrity and values, and presented by Patty Ralrick.

Kiara Bertsch was presented with the Drumheller Hospital Auxiliary Society award, which is given to the student who has applied and been accepted to a School of Nursing or LPN course in the fall, and presented by Jason Rasmussen; the Home Town Realty Peter van der Heyden Memorial Scholarship sponsored by Home Town Realty and Kelly Boyko, which is presented to a student who has shown community involvement, is well rounded and compassionate towards others and presented by Jannelle Storch; and the Kloot and Associates Scholarship which is presented to a student who has expressed an interest in criminal justice, law, psychology, or sociology and presented by Michael James.

Tavia Bertsch was presented with the Social Studies 30-1 award sponsored by BrokerLink Insurance and presented by Peter Bjel; the Drumheller Hospital Auxiliary Society award, sponsored by the Drumheller Hospital Auxiliary Society and presented by Jason Rasmussen, and the Sil-Con International Program Student Liaison Award which is presented to a local Drumheller and area student who did the most to help international students succeed and feel welcome at DVSS and in the community, sponsored by Sil-Con International and presented by Cindy Sereda.

Rachel Bolin was presented with the Boston Pizza Award - 5 Years of Service, sponsored by Boston Pizza and presented by Heather Jones.

Abdu Bura, an international student from Ethiopia, is the 2023 class valedictorian and was the recipient of the Math 31 award sponsored by Hi-Way 9 Express Ltd. and presented by Shannon Wade; the Greentree Dental Academic Award sponsored by Greentree Dental and presented to the student who has completed all three sciences at the 30 level and has the highest overall average in all three sciences, and presented by Dr. Charles Kim; and the Excellence in Education Award sponsored by Riverside Medical and awarded to the graduating class valedictorian in recognition of the student who strove for excellence in education, presented by Janel Berg.

Trevor Chan, an international student from Hong Kong, received the Waterloo Math Contest award, which is presented to the student who scored the highest in the Waterloo math contest, and presented by Alex Dextras.

Hannah Dean was presented with the Chiropractic Wellness Centre award, which is presented to a student pursuing post secondary in the fall, sponsored by Chiropractic Wellness Centre and presented by Angie Gill.

Elena Eskeland was presented with the Instrumental Music 30 award, sponsored by Ron and Helen Leonhardt and presented by Lynn Hemming, and the Sierra Bilson Memorial Art Scholarship sponsored and presented by Todd Bilson and Candice Ryan and presented to the student with a love and talent for art pursuing post-secondary studies.

Brody Ewing was presented with the OpenCircle Career and Technology Studies Award, sponsored by OpenCircle to the student who has displayed high interest in CTS trades courses, demonstrated leadership qualities and a co-operative attitude towards fellow students and teachers, and presented by Matt Sandersen; the Peterson Auto Body RAP Bursary sponsored by Peterson Auto Body to the student interested in pursuing a trade and who has completed at least 15 RAP credits, been a positive asset to the business which employed them, and presented by Matt Lauridsen; and the Rotary Trades Scholarship sponsored by Drumheller Rotary Club and presented by Bev Krabsen to a student who is continuing their education in the trades.

Duncan Ewing was the recipient of the Business Leaders of Tomorrow Scholarship sponsored by the Drumheller and District Chamber of Commerce and awarded to the student graduating DVSS and enrolled in a business management program in post secondary, presented by Chamber President Deana Hannem; and the Freemasons of Drumheller Bursary in Memory of Lorraine M. Hunter sponsored by the Freemasons of Drumheller and presented by Dave Carter to a student going on to post-secondary education who is a good all-round student and has demonstrated leadership in the community and/or school and has completed high school in three years at DVSS.

Morgan Ewing was presented with the A.M.R. Dance Award which is given to a student who has participated in dance, sponsored by A.M.R. Dance and presented by Alison Rutz; she also received the Drumheller Family Scholarship sponsored by Royal Tyrrell Cooperating Society and presented by Patty Ralrick to a student who has achieved scholastic excellence, contributed to leadership in the community, is caring and helpful to others, and shows personal integrity and values.

Jaxson Gill was the recipient of the Three Drums of Wheat Local #20 ATA Teaching Scholarship, sponsored by the Alberta Teachers Association and presented by Andrew Berdahl to the student who is accepted at a recognized college or university, and the Drumheller Minor Hockey Scholarship sponsored by the Drumheller Minor Hockey Association and presented by Kadena Chambers.

Mykaela Guldberg was presented with the Co-operators ProPlan Financial Group Business/Agricultural Scholarship, sponsored by Co-operators ProPlan Financial Group to the student entering post-secondary school to study either business or agriculture and who has been a good all-around student, community minded and known for their good character and positive attitude; and the Drumheller Chiropractic Centre Science Scholarship Award, sponsored by Drumheller Chiropractic Centre and given to a student who has a passion for further education and who is pursuing a career in health sciences and has been involved in school or community activities; both awards were presented by Christine Burfield.

Beatriz Gumasing was the recipient of the Math 30-1 award sponsored by Dan and Shelley Hird and presented by Dan Hird; the Royal Tyrrell Museum High Science Award, sponsored by the Royal Tyrrell Museum Cooperating Society and presented by Patty Ralrick to a student who has the highest science average based on a minimum of two 30-level science courses; and the Dr. Boris Nahornick Scholarship, sponsored by the Estate of Dr. Nahornick and presented by Shannon Palomaki to a student who will be continuing their education in the field of healthcare.

Amanda Hanik was the recipient of the Drumheller Hospital Auxiliary Society award, sponsored by Drumheller Hospital Auxiliary Society to a student who has applied and been accepted to a School of Nursing or LPN course, presented by Jason Rasmussen; and the Drumheller Kinsmen Community Service Award, sponsored by the Drumheller Kinsmen to a graduating student going to university in the fall and who has been highly involved in the volunteer endeavours of the community, presented by Shannon Palomaki.

Shawn Hems received the Foods 30 award sponsored by Yavis Family Restaurant and presented by Matt Lauridsen.

Stephanie Hovdebo was the recipient of the Anderson Drug by Freson Bros. Award, sponsored by Freson Bros and presented by Cody Johnston, to a student who has demonstrated community involvement, in particular with a seniors group or person, or who has shown commitment to a worthy cause for the less fortunate; and the Drumheller Hospital Auxiliary Society award, sponsored by the Drumheller Hospital Auxiliary Society and presented by Jason Rasmussen, to a student who has applied and been accepted to a School of Nursing or LPN course.

Peyton Jede received the Michele Salvatore Memorial Award, sponsored and presented by Paul Salvatore, to a student who best exemplifies the five challenges of Rachel Scott--Look for the best in others, dare to dream, choose positive influences, kind words, and start a chain reaction--and is involved in school and/or community activities.

Haydn Jones was recipient of the Boston Pizza Award - 5 Years of Service, sponsored by Boston Pizza and presented by Heather Jones.

Kaley Kim received the Chemistry 30 award sponsored by Elson and Pat McDougald.

Yui Kubota, an international student from Japan, was awarded the Math 30-2 award sponsored by CIBC and presented by Alex Dextras and Valley Law Chambers Scholarship sponsored by Valley Law Chambers and Andre Wilkins and presented by Peter Bjel to an international student who has demonstrated academic, athletic and community spirit, or any combination of successful attributes.

Abbegail Leavitt was presented with the Total Control Security Inc. Bursary, sponsored by Total Control Security Inc. to a student entering a technology, telecommunications, or a related field.

Jaxon Leavitt was the recipient of the Boston Pizza Award, sponsored by Boston Pizza, and the 2023 Discovery Award Bursary sponsored by Inter Pipeline Ltd. and presented by Matt Sandersen to a student continuing on to a post secondary school and pursuing an engineering, electrical, or business program.

Minhye Lee, an international student from Korea, was presented with the Marie “Amy” Kuschke Memorial Scholarship Art 30 sponsored by Drumheller Associated Physicians and presented by Drs. Amanda and Brock Randolph, and the Sierra Bilson Memorial Art Scholarship, sponsored and presented by Todd Bilson and Candice Ryan to a student with a love and talent for art and who is pursuing post-secondary studies.

Malcolm Li, an international student from Hong Kong, was the recipient of the DVSS International Award, sponsored by the Friends of DVSS and presented to an international student who has been the most dedicated to the International Program at DVSS.

Moham Mateer was presented the English 30-1 award sponsored by Western GM Drumheller and presented by Doug Lubinski.

Ben Messom was awarded the Kayla Lindsell Team Spirit Memorial Award, sponsored by For Sight Vision Centre and Logan Lindsell and presented by Grooklyn Gipman to a student who displays team spirit or sportsmanship, who has volunteered or had community involvement, shows kindness when dealing with others, and a hard work ethic; and the Three Drums of Wheat Local #20 ATA Teaching Scholarship sponsored by the Alberta Teachers Association and presented by Andrew Berdahl to a student who is accepted at a recognized college or university.

Luke Miles was presented the DVSS Spirit Award sponsored by Century 21 Power Realty and presented by Wendy Olson to a student who demonstrated all qualities and characteristics which make DVSS a better place for everyone.

Abigail Minto was the recipient of the Drumheller Hospital Auxiliary Society award which is presented to a student who has applied and been accepted to a School of Nursing or LPN course, sponsored by the Drumheller Hospital Auxiliary Society and presented by Jason Rasmussen.

Tanner Moulton received the DeBona-Brown award, sponsored by Sam Brown and presented by Wendy Olson, to a student who displays athletic excellence, demonstrates leadership, and affirms the importance of exercise and physical activity to health and well being; and the Drumheller Minor Hockey Scholarship sponsored by Drumheller Minor Hockey Association and presented by Kadena Chambers.

Lexy Neadow was presented the Drumheller Lions Memorial Award sponsored by the Drumheller Lions Club to a good all-round student in either academic or vocational programs.

Eva Ochoa was presented with the Drama 30 award sponsored by Western GM Drumheller and presented by Doug Lubinski, and the Kaleidoscope Community Theatre Scholarship, sponsored by the Kaleidoscope Community and presented by Becky Neuman to a graduating Grade 12 student who has contributed to the enhancement of a Drama program and/or community theatre and who has shown interest and commitment in either acting/performing, or in the backstage and technical areas.

Shelby Poland was presented the Social 30-2 award sponsored by Canalta and presented by Heather Jones.

Remi Russell was the recipient of the Ken Morrow Family Graduation Sponsorship, sponsored by the Kenneth Morrow Family to a student who shows good character and a financial need, and presented by Melanie Morrow and Patti Burrows.

Charinthon Saengdaeng was presented with the Valley Law Chambers Scholarship, sponsored by Valley Law Chambers and Andre Wilkins and presented by Peter Bjel, to an international student who has demonstrated academic, athletic and community spirit, or any combination of successful attributes.

Charinthon Saengdaeng was presented with the Valley Law Chambers Scholarship, sponsored by Valley Law Chambers and Andre Wilkins and presented by Peter Bjel, to an international student who has demonstrated academic, athletic and community spirit, or any combination of successful attributes.

Teigen Sattler was presented with the Badlands Motel and Sam’s Truck and Car Wash award, sponsored by Badlands Motel and Sam’s Truck and Car Wash and presented by Angie Gill.

Ella Schille was the recipient of the Drumheller Hospital Auxiliary Society award, sponsored by the Drumheller Hospital Auxiliary Society and presented by Jason Rasmussen to a student who has applied and been accepted to a School of Nursing or LPN course; the Jacor Marketing award sponsored by Jacor Marketing to the student who best exemplifies student equality by taking measures to prevent bullying and promote inclusion within the student body; and the Schumacher, Gough, and Company Award sponsored by Schumacher, Gough and Company and presented by Curtis LaPierre to a student who excels in both athletic ability and academic achievement.

Teanna Schmidt was presented with the Kelley Hamelin Bursary, sponsored by Rusty and Shirley Hamelin and presented by Rusty Hamelin, to a graduating student who has demonstrated a love for life, determination, and a caring attitude and who will be pursuing further education; and the O’Shea’s Employment Award sponsored by O’Sheas Restaurant to recognize the hard work of a student employee to balance education along with the high pressure job in the service industry, presented by Heather Jones on behalf of Stephanie Price.

Aislinn Schrock was presented with the Drumheller Hospital Auxiliary Society award, sponsored by the Drumheller Hospital Auxiliary Society and presented by Jason Rasmussen to a student who has applied and been accepted to a School of Nursing or LPN course; and the DVSS Leadership Award sponsored by the 2022 DVSS Grad Class and presented by Jessica Frisky to a student who has shown leadership in the current school year.

Cameron Sharpe was presented with the Drumheller Minor Hockey Scholarship, sponsored by Drumheller Minor Hockey Association and presented by Kadena Chambers.

Cassia Teske was the recipient of the Randolph Scholarship for Community Involvement, sponsored and presented by Drs. Amanda and Brock Randolph to a student planning to attend post secondary who has been actively involved in the community; the Rotary High Academic/Citizenship Award sponsored by Drumheller Rotary Club and presented by Bev Krabsen to a student who has achieved high academic standing, participated in school and community activities, and is planning to attend post secondary in the coming year; and the Three Drums of Wheat Local #20 ATA Teaching Scholarship sponsored by the Alberta Teachers Association and presented by Andrew Berdahl to a student who is accepted at a recognized college or university.

Vlad Voronchykin was presented with the International Student Community Involvement Award sponsored by the 2022 DVSS grad class and presented by Robert Metcalfe to an international student who has been a good student at DVSS and was involved in school and community activities and/or has volunteered with youth.

Shayle Watts was presented with the Music 30 (Choral) award, sponsored by Richardson Bulk Sales Ltd.

Kasen Wilson was the recipient of the Mitchell Dawson Memorial Scholarship, sponsored by Lindy Dawson and presented to a student who is helpful, has a good attitude, is kind and respectful to other students and staff, is a positive contributor to school culture and is always willing to assist others in need; and the Business Leaders of Tomorrow Scholarship sponsored by the Drumheller and District Chamber of Commerce and presented by Deana Hannem to a student enrolled in a post-secondary program in business management.

Emma Wismer was the recipient of the English 30-2 award, sponsored by Lynn and Clint Hemming, and the Newcastle Community Scholarship sponsored by the Newcastle Community Association to a good all-round student going onto a post secondary institution and who has volunteered within the community.

The recipient of the Governor General Award will be announced during DVSS’ opening assembly on September 5, 2023.

Missing are Cami Jopp who received the Western Communities Foundation Exceptional Achievement Citation and Bursary Award sponsored by Western Financial Group to a student who intends to seek further training or education to become a productive citizen of Canada and has overcome adversity; Piper McCluskey who was the recipient of the Riverside Dental Scholarship sponsored by Riverside Dental Clinic and presented to a student pursuing a career in a dental health profession; and Colton Mulholland who was the recipient of the Most Improved Student Award sponsored by Westview Co-op and presented to a student who in attitude, grade, and sportsmanship showed the greatest improvement since beginning high school in Grade 10.

DVSS submitted the above photo of Colton Mulholland receiving the Most Improved Student Award, sponsored by Westview Co-op.