Please note that the summer schedule for Flagstaff County Council meetings is as follows:

• July 18
• August 15

In case you missed it, read about this month's Flagstaff Region Featured Business: Williams Custom Bikes.

And be sure to watch the following video, too!

The Flagstaff County office and shop will be closed Monday, July 2 for Canada Day.

For Public Works emergencies, County residents may call Darrell at 780-385-6105, while hamlet residents may call Mike at 780-385-8211.

Flagstaff County has contracted Accurate Assessment Group Ltd. to carry out all property inspections for assessment purposes in 2018.

Accurate Assessment Group Ltd (Sean Cosens) will be visiting residential and commercial properties in Ranges 9, 10, 17 as well as 40-16 to 42-16 over the next few months.

Join us Saturday, July 14 for the Archaeology Roadshow!

We are pleased to announce that our 2017 Annual Report is now available online.

The Annual Report offers a comprehensive look back at 2017.

Join us on June 20th, 2018 for the local launch of "Heritage Barns of Flagstaff: Volume I." The night will include an opportunity to purchase the book, a chance to meet the compiling author, and a discussion with stakeholders from the "Heritage Barns of Flagstaff" project. These stakeholders will speak about the Heritage Barns of Flagstaff project from inception to current work and onward to future endeavours province-wide.

Flagstaff Crafted is an online marketing initiative that supports the works of Flagstaff Region based businesses that are uniquely Flagstaff Crafted.

Thank you to everyone who came out for our Heritage Barns of Flagstaff Book Launch on Friday, June 1, 2018 at the University of Alberta's Peter Lougheed Leadership College.

The legalization of recreational cannabis is a complex issue that will have many social and economic impacts. And while it is a mandate of the Government of Canada, all levels of government will have an important role to play as the legislation is rolled out this year.

Tax & Assessment Notices for 2018 were mailed to Flagstaff County, Strome and Galahad property owners today (May 31, 2018).

If you have not received your notice by June 15, 2018, please contact our office at 780-384-4100.

Take notice that, the Council of Flagstaff County, under the authority of Section 22 of the Municipal Government Act, Chapter M-26, Revised Statutes 2000 (MGA), and amendments thereto, intends to consider Bylaw 06/18 to close a road in accordance with Section 24 of the MGA, and intends to consider Bylaw 07/18 to remove the Municipal Reserve (MR) Dedication in accordance with Section 674 and 675 of the MGA, as indicated on the sketch below.

The fire restriction that had been in place for Flagstaff County since May 17 has been lifted.

Happy Day of the Honey Bee!

As the world's most important plant pollinator, the bee plays a critical role in our food system.

She's back! Our resident barn expert Sydney Hampshire is looking to document many more barns this summer in the Flagstaff Region.

It's all part of our Heritage Barns Project, designed to bolster the understanding and appreciation of this region's rich agricultural heritage.

We are deeply saddened by the passing of Gerald Kuefler, former Reeve of Flagstaff County.

Gerald served on Flagstaff County Council for 13 years, from 2004 until 2017.

Under the Water Act, landowners are NOT permitted to drain any wetland without first obtaining provincial authorization.

This spring, we have received several complaints about landowners draining water from fields to adjacent land. This practice is becoming all too common.

Move over, Connor! The Edmonton Oilers' No. 97 isn’t the only star attraction gracing billboards in the Alberta capital.

Take a moment for yourself and read about this month's Flagstaff Region Featured Business: Tamina Miller Meditation. And be sure to watch the accompanying video, too!

Tamina is hosting an amazing lineup of presenters as part of A Weekend with Sarah McLean and Friends on June 8 to 10 at the Battle River Crossing Resort near Alliance.

The Iron Creek Flying Club (COPA Flight 157) presents the 4th annual Aerobatics Competition on Saturday, June 16, 2018 at Flagstaff Regional Airport.

Bring your own lawn chair! For more information, call Shelley at 780-384-2026.

Just three days after their new wildland fire gear arrived, Galahad firefighters had the opportunity to put it into action.

The new gear was made possible through a $7,200 grant from Enbridge to Flagstaff County Regional Emergency Services.

Flagstaff County Peace Officers are hosting a free Farm Truck Inspection blitz on Thursday, May 10, 2018 at the UFA parking lot in Killam.

Critical safety items such as brakes, steering, lights, fuel systems and drive shafts will be inspected.

Reeve Don Kroetch joined more than 50 medical, nursing, physiotherapy, respiratory, and paramedic students from the University of Calgary, Mount Royal University, and SAIT for a Medical Skills Weekend sponsored by Rural Health Professions Action Plan (RhPAP), Covenant Health and Flagstaff County.

Did you miss our Build-a-bee-box Workshop? We can only imagine how much that must've stung! That's why we've put together the following video demonstrating how to build your own bumble bee house at home.

Since 2015, Flagstaff County has been providing $750,000 annually in recreation grant funding to the Agricultural Societies throughout our municipality. We are appreciative of the Ag Societies for their efforts in distributing this funding within our region.

Here's another sure sign of spring, courtesy Flagstaff Waste!

Calling all Flagstaff farmers! Planning on growing peas or wheat this year? If so, the Alberta Insect Pest Monitoring Network wants to hear from you by April 30!

As part of the 2018 insect survey season, fields will be surveyed for pea leaf weevil (peas) and wheat midge and wheat stem sawfly (wheat).

Connie Prendergast, Flagstaff County's Records Management Clerk, has been recognized with an AIIM 2018 Leadership Award in the Social Buzz category!

Connie received her award last week (Friday, April 13, 2018) at an awards banquet in San Antonio.

Just a friendly reminder that a penalty of 6% will be levied on all unpaid taxes on May 1, 2018.

To avoid the penalty, payments made by mail must be postmarked no later than April 30, 2018, and payments made by Internet Banking or TelPay must be received no later than April 30, 2018.

Routine maintenance on the bridge on Twp Rd 440, between Rge Rd 105 and 110 (east of Lougheed), has recently been completed.

The completion date for this project was delayed from mid-December due to issues with the girder manufacturing process.

Agriculture Canada has released the Cereal Aphid Manager, an easy-to-use mobile app that helps farmers and crop advisors control aphid populations in wheat, barley, oat or rye. The app predicts what the aphid population will be in seven days and the best time to apply insecticide.

Thank you to the Etty, Leslie-VanDewark, Marcinkoski, Martin, Pfeffer, Prichard, Roth, Ruzicka and Zimmer families for attending Flagstaff County's Alberta Century Farm and Ranch Awards last night in Killam! The awards dinner was an opportunity for Flagstaff County to honour these local families – each of whom has been recognized by the province for continuously owning and actively operating the same land for a minimum of 100 years.

We have partnered with The Community Press to present a monthly business profile in print and online called "Flagstaff Region Featured Business."

The feature continues this month with a Flagstaff County-produced video and story on the Wooden Spoon in Sedgewick.

Although it still looks like winter outside, it's almost time for spring cleaning!

As part of the 2018 Community Sponsored Spring Clean Up, no-fee weekends will be offered at the following Transfer Sites for residential waste.

The new 2018 Municipal Planning Services Ltd. (MPS) Subdivision Fees will go into effect on May 1, 2018.

Hey kids, here's your chance to get a bird’s-eye view of Flagstaff County! 

Flagstaff County and the County of Paintearth No. 18 have partnered to conduct a feasibility study on the Valley Ski Hill. The facility, located immediately southwest of Alliance, has a longstanding history and is valued by many residents. However it is likely that a significant investment will be required to sustain the facility due to the geological condition of the hill (part of the hill has experienced significant erosion) and the cost of replacing aging equipment and amenities.

Daysland-area resident Brian Spiller is the winner of our 2018 Public Input Session draw. Reeve Don Kroetch presented him with a Flagstaff County swag bag at our Administration Building in Sedgewick.

Congratulations, Brian!

Effective Thursday, March 29, 2018 at 7:00 a.m. Flagstaff County has ordered Road Ban Order No. 2018-1. This Ban Order replaces Order No. 2017-8. The purpose of this order is to change the road bans on oil surface roads to 50% and gravel/dirt/sand roads to 75%, as well as to identify the specific roads that are ban-free as per the attached map, including oiled roads that are transitioning to gravel.

After a nearly two-week supply disruption, fuel is once again available at the Flagstaff Regional Airport.

Join us Wednesday, April 18 for a Build-a-bee-box Workshop!

Effective April 1, 2018, producers will need to have an Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) completion letter dated within the last 10 years to be considered current and eligible for cost-share funding with the Environmental Sustainability and Climate Change programs of the Canadian Agriculture Partnership (CAP).

It takes investment to build community. The citizens of Flagstaff County — the “Community of communities” — contributed nearly $6 million last year in support of a variety of activities and services.

Here is a breakdown of regional funding the County provided in 2017.

The Battle River Economic Opportunities Committee (a unique collaborative partnership consisting of Flagstaff County, the County of Paintearth, the Towns of Castor and Coronation, and the Villages of Forestburg, Halkirk and Heisler) will receive $1.75 million from the the Coal Community Transition Fund (CCTF) stream of the Alberta Government's Community and Regional Economic Support (CARES) Program.

Kim Cannady, Flagstaff County Regional Emergency Services Coordinator, hosted the 2018 East Central Chief Officer Meeting on Saturday, March 17, 2018.

We have partnered with The Community Press to present a monthly business profile in print and online called "Flagstaff Region Featured Business."

All residents of Flagstaff County are invited to provide input into future programs and services at our Public Input Session on Thursday, March 15, 2018.

At the root of the Flagstaff Region's rich farming heritage lies one million acres of fertile farmland. This arable land forms the bedrock of our very existence. Our purpose-driven forefathers toiled this same soil for decades, plowing a path to prosperity through sheer resilience and resourcefulness for generations of farming families.

There are literally hordes of unpaid workers in your field. They are the quiet, unheralded beneficial insects that work tirelessly to control crop insect pests for you. If it wasn’t for them, we would have poorer crops to harvest in the fall. There are legions of them out there and they are the unsung heroes that keep insects and other pests under control.

Flagstaff County invites sealed tenders for gravel crushing.

Residents of Flagstaff County are invited to provide input into future programs and services at our Public Input Session on Thursday, March 15, 2018.

Discover a valuable piece of the Flagstaff Region's rich agricultural heritage with our just-released coffee-table book!

It’s probably the last thing on your mind right now. But when infestations of Richardson’s Ground Squirrels are wreaking havoc on crops and farmland in a few months, eradicating the irksome varmints will be top of mind. By then, however, it could be too late.

Flagstaff County landowners should be aware of several important factors when it comes to drainage and brush removal.

Did you know that provincial legislation is in place to deal with unauthorized drainage on private property? Did you also know that municipal bylaws and policies exist to address brush removal on right-of-ways?

Thank you to everyone who stopped by our promotional booth during the Edmonton RV Show!

The four-day expo presented an amazing opportunity to meet countless camping enthusiasts from throughout the Edmonton area and extol the virtues of venturing off the beaten path and visiting the Flagstaff Region!

Flagstaff County is currently hiring for 2018 seasonal positions.

Flagstaff County has partnered with The Community Press to present a monthly business profile in print and online called "Flagstaff Region Featured Business."

Flagstaff County is confident Phoenix Gas will meet the needs for natural gas services to Galahad residents. 

Going to the 2018 Edmonton RV Expo? So are we!

Small business is the economic lifeblood of virtually every community in Canada – and the Flagstaff Region is no exception.

Save the date: All residents of Flagstaff County are invited to provide input into future programs and services at our Public Input Session on Thursday, March 15, 2018.

Flagstaff County has partnered with The Community Press to present a monthly business profile in print and online called "Flagstaff Region Featured Business."

With the new year upon us, construction of the new Flagstaff County Maintenance Shop is progressing towards a projected completion date of mid-June. 

Christmas has come early for pilots at Flagstaff Regional Airport.

A new energy-efficient runway lighting system is now in place and fully operational at the Flagstaff County-owned airport.

If you’ve driven on Twp Rd 442 just west of 50th Street in Sedgewick lately, chances are you’ve noticed that the new Flagstaff County Maintenance Shop is starting to take shape!

Just in time for Christmas, the Battle River Watershed Alliance is launching a new hardcover coffee table book in which the Flagstaff Region is featured prominently.

Titled the Traversing Terrain & Experience Atlas, this publication is composed of a compilation of stories, art, photography, geography, and interesting facts.

The former Flagstaff County Council was recently recognized for their years of service to county ratepayers.

Flagstaff County has partnered with The Community Press to present a monthly business profile in print and online called "Flagstaff Region Featured Business."

Darrell Szott, Flagstaff County Public Works Superintendent, won the 2017 Peer Recognition Award at the recent Alberta Municipal Supervisors Association's fall convention in Edmonton.

The Alberta Municipal Supervisors Association recognizes one member for their long-standing commitment not only to AMSA, but to the enhancement of the field of municipal public works.

Don’t let the disarming charm of its pink, funnel-shaped flower fool you.

Himalayan Balsam is an aggressive invader of wetlands, streams and moist woodlands, where it chokes out native vegetation, damaging riparian biodiversity.

It was an especially productive season for Flagstaff County’s favourite bearded weedeaters.

Between May 20 and the end of July, as many as 180 goats grazed a quarter-section of Flagstaff County-owned land near the Town of Hardisty in a cost-effective bid to purge the area of an infestation of leafy spurge.

Come out and meet the new Flagstaff County Council for coffee, cookies and conversation.

Flagstaff County has contracted Accurate Assessment Group Ltd. to carry out all property inspections for assessment purposes in 2017. Accurate Assessment Group Ltd. will be visiting residential and commercial properties in Ranges 15, 16, and 17 of the County this week (Wednesday, November 29 and Thursday, November 30). If the property owner is not home and the Assessor requires further information, a call-back card will be left on the door of the residence or business.

Flagstaff County uses two logos: the Flagstaff County Corporate logo and the Flagstaff Region Brand logo.

Flagstaff County is once again undertaking snow plowing on private laneways.

Please contact the Public Works Department at 780-384-4123 by December 1, 2017 for further details regarding this service. 

Every time STARS air ambulance lands in our region, we are reminded of how fortunate we are to have this vital service.

The Strome and Galahad Fire Departments will be receiving some new equipment thanks to Enbridge.

Peter Hansen, Community Engagement Strategist with Enbridge, stopped by our Administration Building on Thursday, November 16 and presented Flagstaff County Emergency Services Coordinator and Regional Fire Chief Kim Cannady with a $7,200 donation to go towards firefighting equipment for our hamlet departments.

Find out what you can do to protect your well. Attend the FREE water well management workshop being hosted by Flagstaff County, and presented by the Working Well Program, with technical expertise provided by Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development and Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development.

Connie Prendergast, Records Management Clerk for Flagstaff County, took part in AIIM International's free Virtual Event on World Paper Free Day (Thursday, November 9, 2017).

She was one of 12 presenters who talked about “Developing the Digital Office.”

Flagstaff Celebrates Success is an annual event designed as a night to celebrate the local business community and countless volunteers that help make the Flagstaff Region so unique.

While staying true to that original premise over the years, Flagstaff Celebrates Success has undergone a continuing evolution in terms of its format.

Attention all residential and commercial fire alarm system users: Strathcona County Emergency Communications Centre is transitioning to a new phone number that alarm monitoring companies must use when reporting fire alarm notifications.

Flagstaff County has partnered with The Community Press to present a monthly business profile in print and online called "Flagstaff Region Featured Business."

Flagstaff County invites tenders for the sale of the following used equipment:

Get your picture taken with the jolly old elf on November 30 at the Flagstaff County Administration Building!

Join us for breakfast on November 21st, 2017 to listen to keynote speaker Brian Siddle from Strong Coffee Marketing talk about “5 Ways Small Businesses Can Increase Their Digital Footprint."

Here are the Official Election Results for Flagstaff County.

Fifty-five seniors from the Flagstaff Region enjoyed a day of learning and laughing at the 2017 Flagstaff Active Living Conference For Seniors.

The annual conference is designed to encourage seniors to be actively engaged in the community and to recognize the importance of active living to the well-being, independence and quality of life.

Magician Sheldon Casavant will have plenty of tricks up his sleeve when he brings his interactive comedy magic show to Killam tomorrow.

But his biggest trick may be turning the spotlight on willing participants from the crowd.

Congratulations to Micaela McConnell and Jessica Docksteader! They each won a pair of tickets to Flagstaff Celebrates Success 2017 in our Flagstaff Region Investment Facebook Contest!

Flagstaff County has partnered with The Community Press to present a monthly business profile in print and online called "Flagstaff Region Featured Business."

Friendly reminder: Taxes are due Monday, October 16, 2017. A penalty of 12% will be applied on all unpaid taxes after the due date.

Here's the official list of Flagstaff County candidates who have filed their nomination papers to run in the October 16 election.

Congratulations to the 25 recipients of a $1,000 Flagstaff County Educational Scholarship!

Wondering what’s in your water? Here’s your chance to find out for FREE!

Flagstaff County landowners can have their drinking water tested for extractable metals (including arsenic) at no charge.

This summer Flagstaff County sponsored 10 students to attend a seven-day ACCA youth camp at Goldeye Centre as part of the ACCA Co-operative Youth Program. During the August 23rd Council meeting, seven of those students presented to councillors their camp experiences, relating how much they learned and how much fun they had, and expressing thanks for the County sponsorship.

Flagstaff County has developed a 2017 Municipal Election Candidate Information Package to assist those who are considering running for County Council this fall.

Flagstaff County will be providing for Special Ballots in the 2017 Municipal Election.

Requests for Special Ballot may be made after Wednesday, August 23, 2017.

Flagstaff County’s premier event of the summer isn’t just taking root — it’s blossoming!

Congratulations to the Wolbecks!

The Heisler-area family was honoured at a Century Farm and Ranch Award summer recognition event July 27, 2017 in Camrose.

Congratulations to the Leslie-VanDewarks!

The Hardisty-area family was honoured at a Century Farm and Ranch Award summer recognition event July 27, 2017 in Camrose.

Congratulations to the Zimmers!

The Heisler-area family was honoured at a Century Farm and Ranch Award summer recognition event July 27, 2017 in Camrose.

Congratulations to the Zimmers!

The Daysland-area family was honoured at a Century Farm and Ranch Award summer recognition event July 27, 2017 in Camrose.

Congratulations to the Stenson family!

The Forestburg-area family was honoured at a Century Farm and Ranch Award summer recognition event July 27, 2017 in Camrose.

Congratulations to the Simpson family!

The Sedgewick-area family was honoured at a Century Farm and Ranch Award summer recognition event July 27, 2017 in Camrose.

Congratulations to the Marcinkoski family!

The Strome-area family was honoured at a Century Farm and Ranch Award summer recognition event July 27, 2017 in Camrose.

Congratulations to the Hastings family!

The Heisler-area family was honoured at a Century Farm and Ranch Award summer recognition event July 27, 2017 in Camrose.

Congratulations to the Hampshires!

The Sedgewick-area family was honoured at a Century Farm and Ranch Award summer recognition event July 27, 2017 in Camrose.

Congratulations to the Pfeffers!

The Strome-area family was honoured at a Century Farm and Ranch Award summer recognition event July 27, 2017 in Camrose.

The “TEXT with 9-1-1” service is now available to Flagstaff County residents.

This service allows people who are deaf, hard of hearing or speech impaired to communicate with 911 operators by text.

It's no secret that Flagstaff County – with one million acres of fertile farmland – is steeped in a rich farming tradition. But did you know that Flagstaff County is home to the second-most Alberta Century Farm and Ranch Award recipients?

All County residents are encouraged to attend a Public Open House to learn about the proposed Municipal Development Plan (MDP) and Land Use Bylaw (LUB) for Flagstaff County.

The Zimmer family of Flagstaff County was honoured at a Century Farm and Ranch Award summer recognition event in Camrose.

There’s a sign welcoming visitors to John and Irene Feddema’s farm that cheekily reads: “Knock twice ... If no answer ... pull weeds!”

There’s a beetle invasion taking place on two Hardisty-area farms.

But not to worry. It’s all part of an innovative weed control program that Flagstaff County’s Agricultural Services department is spearheading in partnership with the Alberta Invasive Species Council.

Beginning at the end of this month, ASB staff will be conducting random grasshopper and clubroot surveys across Flagstaff County.

Approximately 50 fields will be surveyed for grasshoppers and 200 fields will be checked for clubroot.

It’s been a bane to producers in the eastern Prairies for many years.

But now Fusarium head blight (FHB), a serious fungal disease that affects kernel development in cereal crops, is increasingly posing a threat to producers throughout Alberta, including Flagstaff County.

Still using Google Maps to view your property in Flagstaff County? That's so 2016. Been there, done that.

Looking for an up-to-date Flagstaff County ownership map?

Notice to motorists in the Hardisty area: Alberta Transportation has permanently closed Rge Rd 100A immediately north of Highway 13.

Don't get left in the dust!

County landowners living on or near gravel roads are encouraged to take advantage of our residential dust control program.

Flagstaff Regional Airport will soon be getting a new energy-efficient runway lighting system to replace the current runway lights that were installed in 1982.

Work is underway on the lone road-construction project planned for 2017: a 6.25-mile stretch of Twp Rd 435 just east of Lougheed.

Caburn Contracting was awarded the project after submitting the lowest bid of seven companies.

Starting this year, MG 30 is being used exclusively for all dust suppressant applications on County roads.

County Council approved a motion last year to discontinue the use of Calcium Chloride.

Construction of the new Flagstaff County Maintenance Shop is expected to begin by mid-August.

Voters in Flagstaff County and municipalities across Alberta will go to the polls on Monday, October 16, 2017.

Applications are now being accepted for our 2017 Educational Scholarship Program!

This year, there are 25 $1,000 scholarships available!

Attention all rural Flagstaff County landowners: Got a service request for Public Works, such as a sewer or road issue?

The Hamlet of Strome has been awarded a $2,500 community grant through FortisAlberta’s annual Tree Planting Project.

The grant is earmarked for the Trees for Strome project, an initiative that aims to replace up to 47 "decaying or defective" trees in Strome as identified in a tree risk assessment conducted last fall.

Calling all Flagstaff students!

This year, there are 25 $1,000 scholarships available through the Flagstaff County Educational Scholarship Program!

Happy Day of the Honey Bee!

As the world's most important plant pollinator, the bee plays a critical role in our food system.

Flagstaff County is excited to announce that this year's “Flagstaff Celebrates Success" will be held Wednesday, October 11 at the Killam Community Centre.

A study is underway on the economic ramifications that would occur with the closures of the Battle River Generating Station and Paintearth Mine.

As part of the process, which also focuses on generating ideas to transition the region into the future, a series of town hall meetings are slated for this week in Castor and Forestburg.

Alberta's new helmet law is now in effect.

As of today, helmets are mandatory for those riding off-highway vehicles (OHVs) on public land. OHVs include any motorized vehicle built for cross-country travel on land, ice, and snow.

Roll out the sleeping bags and don’t forget the S’mores! Flagstaff County is excited to announce that ...

Even before the most recent spate of late-April flurries and noticeable lack of sunshine, this spring was already poised to be one of the wettest in recent memory. Buoyed by persistent snowfall on the heels of a rapid spring thaw — in addition to heavy precipitation last fall — the excessive moisture has admittedly wreaked havoc on County roads.

If you are hauling more than 10 loads in a 24-hour period to the same location within Flagstaff County, then you are required to enter into a Multiple Load Road Use Agreement (MLRUA) with Flagstaff County.

Join us for a fun-filled shop hop to quilt stores across East Central Alberta and the Flagstaff Region!

A brief overview of the New Maintenance Shop Project:

Absinthe wormwood, a weed known for its strong unpleasant odor and silvery-grey foliage, has been designated a “noxious weed” in Flagstaff County.

Q: Will my taxes be raised to build the new Maintenance Shop?

A: No. Provincial MSI Grant funding is earmarked for the bulk of the project. Remaining costs will be covered by Building Reserves. Flagstaff County is debt-free and we intend to remain debt-free. No debenture borrowing will be required.

It takes investment to build community. The citizens of Flagstaff County — the “Community of communities” — contributed more than $6 million last year in support of a variety of activities and services.

This year, the populations of Richardson’s Ground Squirrels (RGS) could be high in many areas of the province. They had a good season last year, and the numbers are increasing.

Since being built in 1975, the current Maintenance Shop has served as the Sedgewick-based hub of a distributed network of County facilities used to store equipment and materials to support a wide variety of County operations.

Flagstaff County Peace Officers are offering a free Farm Truck Inspection on Monday, April 10, 2017 in the UFA parking lot in Killam.

Critical safety items such as brakes, steering, lights, fuel systems and drive shafts will be inspected.

The Hamlet of Strome cracked the Top 5 in Fortis Alberta’s 2017 Earth Hour Challenge, finishing fourth with a 9% reduction in power consumption.

It’s a strong showing for the community of just over 200 residents. Unfortunately, only the Top 3 receive grants.

As promised last fall when we announced we were proceeding with the Maintenance Shop Project, we will be striving to use local contractors whenever possible in the upcoming construction process.

The project is now out for Proposal Call and the RFP documents can be downloaded online from Alberta Purchasing Connection and COOLNet Alberta.

Forestburg-area resident Wendy Doran is the winner of our 2017 Public Input Session draw. Reeve Gerald Kuefler presented her with a Flagstaff County swag bag today at our Administration Building in Sedgewick.

Congratulations, Wendy!

The Hamlet of Strome is registered in Fortis Alberta’s EARTH HOUR CHALLENGE this year.

As part of this energy-saving initiative, residents are being asked to unplug and power down on Saturday, March 25 from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Earlier this month, Peter Hansen, Community Engagement Strategist with Enbridge, stopped by our Administration Building and presented Flagstaff County Emergency Services Coordinator and Regional Fire Chief Kim Cannady with a $3,000 donation to go towards our Community Resource Officer program. Enbridge is a huge supporter of all emergency services, with many of our local departments benefiting over the years. Thank you, Enbridge!

Fire Prevention Tips

Brush piles burned in the winter months appear to be out, but it is very common to have smoldering embers left in the bottom of these piles. Dry spring winds cause these embers in the pile to blow around causing stubble or grass fires.  

Ag Plastic Facts

There are two main types of agricultural plastics commonly used in agriculture, not including pesticide and other rigid plastic containers. First is Polyethylene (PE) resins which are found in greenhouse film, silage covers, mulch film, bale bags, bale wrap, grain bags and silage bags.

We've Unleashed a new Bylaw 

Flagstaff County has developed its first-ever Dog Control Bylaw for the regulation of dogs within the Hamlets of Strome and Galahad, and throughout rural Flagstaff. County Council approved Bylaw 01/17 during a regular Council meeting Feb. 8. This bylaw takes effect immediately. Here are the highlights: 

We're growing! Flagstaff County's rural population has risen to 3,738, according to the 2016 census data released February 8 by Statistics Canada.

That's an increase of 494 residents since 2011.

Congratulations to the Martin family on their Alberta Century Farm and Ranch Award! Ken Martin stopped by the County office this week to accept a commemorative plaque on behalf of his family.

Alberta families who have farmed or ranched the same land for 100 years or more are recognized through the Government of Alberta’s Century Farm and Ranch Awards.

Cotton swabs. Facial tissue. Paper towel. Kitty litter. Diapers. Wet wipes — even the ones labelled “flushable.” Personal hygiene products. Dental floss.

These are just some of the culprits that can clog the system of underground sewer lines that transports sewage from household and business plumbing to municipal lift stations.

Flagstaff County has approved standards for the efficient clearing of snow during the winter season, which aim to help keep our rural roads safe for all motorists.

There are four main facets outlined in the process of winter road maintenance in Flagstaff County.

November 24, 2016 — In our continued efforts to provide a high standard of service, Flagstaff County is pleased to announce that we are moving forward with our planned Maintenance Shop Project.

Since being built in 1975, the current Maintenance Shop has served as the Sedgewick-based hub of a distributed network of County facilities used to store equipment and materials to support a wide variety of County operations.

Early consultation shows the region’s residents are concerned about retaining community identity, would like to see closer relationships between communities and just want to get on with finding an appropriate solution, as three open houses for the Flagstaff Intermunicipal Partnership (FIP) Communities Collaboration Initiative are complete.

Adopting the Town of Killam/Flagstaff County Intermunicipal Development Plan Bylaw #06/16 and Bylaw #842

Pursuant to Section 606 of the Municipal Government Act, the Council of Flagstaff County and the Council of the Town of Killam give notice that they have given first Reading to Bylaw # 06/16 and Bylaw #842, respectively, to amend an existing Intermunicipal Development Plan.  

One lab-confirmed case of clubroot has been uncovered in Flagstaff County.

Inspectors with the County and the Battle River Research Group have conducted random inspections of 200 fields in recent weeks for the soil-borne disease that affects canola, mustard and other cruciferous crops in the cabbage family.

A steady stream of rural landowners from throughout Flagstaff County dropped off water samples at the administration office first thing this morning (Tuesday, October 25).

It takes investment to build community.

The citizens of Flagstaff County — the “Community of communities” — contributed more than $6 million last year in support of a variety of activities and services.

And the winner of the Flagstaff County trivia contest is ... (drum roll, please) ... Iris Williams of Lougheed!

Iris answered the most questions correctly to win a pair of tickets to Flagstaff Celebrates Success 2016, featuring David Segal, co-founder of DAVIDsTEA.

Construction has been completed on a 1.5-mile portion of Range Road 123 between Township Road 392 and the Battle River, southeast of Alliance.

A heartfelt thank-you goes out to eight-year-old artist Alex and the Stollery Children's Hospital Foundation for the cool artwork!

In recognition of Flagstaff County's recent $100,000 donation to the Stollery Children's Hospital, we have been gifted with this framed masterpiece.

Flagstaff County and the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) are proud to announce a partnership dedicated towards conserving the Meyers property, an ecologically significant piece of land along the Battle River.

This project is of particular importance as it represents the first time NCC and Flagstaff County have partnered to conserve a property owned by the municipality.

Field inspections for clubroot throughout Flagstaff County have begun.

Inspectors with the County and the Battle River Research Group are conducting random inspections of roughly 150 properties in the coming weeks.

Clubroot is a soil-borne disease that affects canola, mustard and other cruciferous crops in the cabbage family.

In response to queries regarding the historic Simpson Barn, Flagstaff County would like to point out that while Council recently approved a list of repairs to be conducted on the barn, the County is not funding those repairs.

Congratulations to the recipients of a $1,000 Flagstaff County Educational Scholarship! This year, we awarded a total of $51,000 in scholarships to 51 very deserving students in five categories.

Archaeologists have unearthed what is believed to be an ancient bison bone from a historically significant area of Flagstaff County.

The discovery was made in a three-metre-deep trench dug up with an excavator Aug. 27 during excavation efforts near one of the County’s gravel pits.

If you’re a landowner and you’re interested in reaping the countless benefits of a stewardship project on your property, there’s plenty of funding and experts available to help you.

Come and meet our four-legged weedeaters

Their work here is almost done.

Leafy spurge has been “bugging” Wyatt and Theresa Bitzer for years.

This summer, the Hardisty-area farmers are finally turning the proverbial tables on the persistent perennial weed – by unleashing 4,000 flea beetles on a patch of their infested land.

The tiny black beetles, referred to scientifically as aphthona lacertosa, are known to have a voracious appetite for leafy spurge.

Flagstaff County is donating $100,000 to the Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation.

Unanimously approved at last week’s regularly scheduled Council meeting, the donation is earmarked for the Foundation’s Battle River Community Initiative to help fund a new pediatric operating room at the hospital.

Flagstaff County is taking inventory of a valuable part of the region’s rich heritage: its barns.

Over the last three summers, university student Sydney Hampshire has been spearheading this important project, which aims to bolster the understanding and appreciation of rural agricultural history right here in Flagstaff County.

County Council’s Statement on the Phase-out of Coal-fired Power Plants

June 10, 2016 - County Council understands the concerns of residents of the Village of Forestburg and the citizens of Flagstaff County. Phasing out coal-fired plants will impact our communities and the workers employed in the coal industry. However, we recognize the provincial government’s plan to phase out coal-fired electricity generation by 2030.

A herd of hungry goats – 150 in all – is working to purge an infestation of leafy spurge from a quarter-section of Flagstaff County-owned land.

The four-legged, bearded weedeaters have been grazing through the noxious weed in a fenced area just southeast of Hardisty from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day since May 22.

Got prairie potholes?

Well we feel your pain. Let’s face it, wetlands or any other form of marginal farmland can take a toll on your farm’s bottom line.

 At the April 13^th Flagstaff County Council meeting, Kim Cannady, Regional Emergency Services Coordinator was recognized for his exemplary work in his field and for going above and beyond in his line of duties.

Close to 35 kids were treated to a bird’s-eye view of Flagstaff County this past weekend.

As part of the annual COPA For Kids aviation program hosted locally by the Iron Creek Flying Club-COPA 157, youths between the ages of eight and 17 took a free flight in light aircraft on April 30th at the Flagstaff Regional Airport near Killam and Sedgewick.