Flagstaff County: The Podcast: Recent Episodes
Flagstaff County staff
Known as the "Community of communities," Flagstaff County consists of 10 rural communities in east central Alberta. Together, these communities create a region that boasts an affordable cost of living, plenty of year-round recreational opportunities, friendly steering-wheel-hand-waving folk and a quiet rural lifestyle.
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It's almost time for the 15th annual Movie in the Park! This year's end-of-summer celebration is August 20 in Killam Heritage Park.
Jessica Docksteader, program facilitator of the Family Resource Centre in Killam, which is operated by the Parents For Fun in Flagstaff Society, tells Flagstaff County Communications Coordinator Cary Castagna all about the summertime institution in Flagstaff.
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Bagpiper Kari Fox-Newby is one of the many volunteers helping to organize the 6th Annual Gathering of the Clans Highland Festival (GOTCHF) coming up Aug. 24, 2024, in Sedgewick. She tells Flagstaff County Communications Coordinator Cary Castagna what's on tap for the popular summer event. A member of the Battle River Pipes and Drums, which will be performing at GOTCHF, Kari also pulls out the ol' bagpipes and plays a familiar Scottish tune.
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Canada's top-ranked competition pilot, Neil Harris, is coming to Flagstaff County to compete in the Flagstaff Flyers Regional Aerobatic Contest. Find out what he thinks of Flagstaff Regional Airport and the Iron Creek Flying Club, and much more.
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Nicole Nychyporuk, the grand prize winner in last year's Flagstaff Fitness Challenge, has gone on to lose a whopping 105 pounds (and counting)! She tells Flagstaff County Communications Coordinator Cary Castagna how she transformed herself.
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Sarah Williams, head instructor of Empowered Defence Centre, is bringing a mother-daughter self-defence course to Strome this summer. In a wide-ranging interview that touches on everything from her professional background to training philosophy, Sarah tells Flagstaff County Communications Coordinator Cary Castagna all about what course attendees can expect to learn, while also sharing a few practical self-defence tips.
Ski cross racer Maren Vincett, who grew up in the Galahad area, and Flagstaff County Communications Coordinator Cary Castagna meet at the base of the Valley Ski Hill near Alliance for a wide-ranging interview. Maren recalls her early days taking Nancy Greene ski lessons, discusses last month's Ski Cross Junior World Championships in Sweden, and looks ahead to what she still hopes to accomplish in the adrenaline-pumping sport of ski cross.
Killam-area artist Kristin Kueber lifts the veil on her creative process, her influences, what inspires her, and much more. Flagstaff County Communications Coordinator Cary Castagna hosts this behind-the-art chat.
When it comes to food bank donations, Flagstaff residents are extremely generous, says Flagstaff Family and Community Services Executive Director Lynne Jenkinson. Lynne chats with Flagstaff County Communications Coordinator Cary Castagna about the Food Bank, the Toilet Paper Tower Challenge, her upcoming retirement, and much more.
Flagstaff County Reeve Don Kroetch and Communications Coordinator Cary Castagna chat about the importance of engaging with the public, roll out this year's public participation plan, and then look back at the findings of last year's public engagement.
With the Red Serge Ball happening next month, Flagstaff County Communications Coordinator Cary Castagna sits down with Noreen Metz, program manager of Flagstaff Victim Services, and Jessica Docksteader, program facilitator of the Family Resource Centre in Killam, which is operated by the Parents For Fun in Flagstaff Society. Flagstaff Victim Services and the Parents for Fun in Flagstaff Society will share the proceeds from the impactful evening designed to honour our RCMP and other first responders.
Jessica Docksteader, program facilitator with the Family Resource Centre in Killam, joins Flagstaff County Communications Coordinator Cary Castagna to discuss the facility that is operated by the Parents For Fun in Flagstaff Society and that is so much more than just an indoor playground.
Fire Chief Derek Homme, of the Flagstaff Regional Emergency Services Society (otherwise known as FRESS), and Capt. Chad Kuefler, of the FRESS Forestburg station, join Flagstaff County Communications Coordinator Cary Castagna to talk about a big event on April 20, 2024 in Forestburg, where firefighters will be toasted and pigs will be roasted!
Leslie Cholowsky, editor of The Community Press, takes a lookback at the local stories and events that shaped 2023. With Flagstaff County Communications Coordinator Cary Castagna as host, Leslie identifies eight news themes that wove their way through the past year.
Flagstaff Scottish Club co-founder Ian Malcolm chats with Flagstaff County Communications Coordinator Cary Castagna about the upcoming Robbie Burns Night in Killam. Ian also plays a few songs on the bagpipes.
Flagstaff County Communications Coordinator Cary Castagna kicks off Season 4 of the podcast with local musician Tom Lichak.
As we near the end of 2023, I urge you to subscribe to the Flagstaff County Podcast. We have a great lineup of episodes already planned for 2024 – covering a wide array of topics relevant to Flagstaffians (or is that Flagstaffers? Or Flagstonians? Or maybe Flagites?) – anyway we don’t want you to miss any episode, so please click that subscribe button.
Listen now at: https://flagstaffcountythepodcast.buzzsprout.com.
For several weeks in the mid-1930s, a farmhouse south of Daysland, Alberta is seemingly terrorized by a "ghost". Many, including homeowners Mr. and Mrs. Louis Lansing, are convinced that an "evil spirit" has taken up residence there. Listen, as Flagstaff County Communications Coordinator Cary Castagna narrates this Depression-era tale, to find out what happened.
Sources: Vintage Edmonton (vintageedmonton.com) and various newspaper accounts, including the Edmonton Journal.
One year later, we revisit the Alberta government's historic announcement to return the Manitou Stone to its rightful home in modern-day Flagstaff County, which is on Treaty 6 territory, a traditional meeting grounds, gathering place, and travelling route to the Cree, Saulteaux, Blackfoot, Métis, Dene and Nakota Sioux.
Ken Eshpeter, a director with the Friends of the Battle River Railway Society, stops by to tell Flagstaff County Communications Coordinator Cary Castagna all about the little railway that could.
If you're interested in riding the rails in Central Alberta, be sure to visit the Battle River Train Excursions website at: battlerivertrain.com.
The grand prize in our 2023 Flagstaff Fitness Challenge features 10 training sessions via Zoom (valued at $500) with personal trainer Josh Damberger. Josh tells Flagstaff County Communications Coordinator Cary Castagna why he got into the fitness industry and what services he offers, before sharing some tried-and-true fitness tips that are sure to keep you on track in this year's challenge!
Josh can be reached via email at: joshdamberger@gmail.com.
Matthew Pfeffer sits down with Communications Coordinator Cary Castagna to talk about what he does as Agricultural Foreman, and then reminisce about his hockey and swimming careers.
How many people can say that something they've created is in a museum? Flagstaff County Parts Technician Kelly Harris can. A lavish Russian coronation cloak that Kelly created during her time with the Czar Theatre Guild, as well as some Fabergé eggs that she had a hand in creating, are housed at the Royal Alberta Museum in Edmonton. Kelly, now a Sedgewick resident, discusses her lasting legacy, and how it all came about, with Flagstaff County Communications Coordinator Cary Castagna.
Flagstaff Food Bank board secretary Lynne Jenkinson provides Flagstaff County Communications Coordinator Cary Castagna with a wrap-up of the recent Tower of Toilet Paper Challenge. Lynne also updates Cary on the latest statistics from the Flagstaff Food Bank.
Flagstaff County Reeve Don Kroetch gives the podcast version of a State of the County address. With Communications Coordinator Cary Castagna hosting, Reeve Kroetch looks back at the County's accomplishments, as well as the challenges faced by the County, its residents, businesses, and regional and community partners, in 2022. The reeve then offers a glimpse at some of what Flagstaff County council will be working on in 2023.
Flagstaff County Communications Coordinator Cary Castagna chats with resident Sharleen Chevraux, who helped bring the Manitou Stone back to Alberta in 1973. The Killam businesswoman and retired English high school teacher says she has mixed emotions after the recent announcement that the meteorite is slated to return to its historic location in Flagstaff County.
Maryse Bourgault is an assistant professor in the College of Agriculture and Bioresources at the University of Saskatchewan. She is also the Western Grains Research Foundation (WGRF) Integrated Agronomy Research Chair. The drought and agriculture researcher chats with former Flagstaff County Agricultural Fieldman Harry Brook about the effects of heat stress on crops, in particular cereals and pulses, and how to maintain productivity under dry conditions.
Former Flagstaff County Agricultural Fieldman Harry Brook gets the not-so-sweet lowdown on what honey bees are facing – including some common diseases and the impacts of pesticide exposure – from Elizabeth (Liz) Walsh. Liz is a postdoctoral researcher at the Beaverlodge Research Farm in the Peace Region of Alberta, under Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, where she works on honey bee health and disease ecology in Steve Pernal’s laboratory.
Dr. Syama Chatterton, a pulse crops pathologist with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada in Lethbridge, and former Flagstaff County Agricultural Fieldman Harry Brook discuss pulse diseases.
Brent Hoyland started working at Flagstaff County on Tuesday, January 2, 1990, as Agricultural Fieldman. He retires Friday, July 29, 2022, as Assistant CAO. Brent sits down with Communications Coordinator Cary Castagna and looks back at his 32 1/2-year career at Flagstaff County.
Nick Dunn, Flagstaff County's new agricultural fieldman, discusses the extensive responsibilities and services of the Flagstaff County Agricultural Service Board.
Nick, who recorded this episode recently while he was still serving in the role of assistant agricultural fieldman, can be reached via email at: ndunn@flagstaff.ab.ca, or by phone at: 780-384-4138.
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Flagstaff County Council is responsible for developing a plan to determine the long-term strategic direction of the municipality. The 2022-25 Strategic Plan contains Council's vision for the future of our Community of communities.
Flagstaff County Communications Coordinator Cary Castagna sits down with Reeve Don Kroetch and Deputy Reeve Howard Shield to discuss the plan.
Flagstaff residents are invited to view the Strategic Plan on our website at: www.flagstaff.ab.ca, and then to submit their feedback via email to: publicinput@flagstaff.ab.ca.
Dr. Vern Baron, forage researcher with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada in Lacombe, and former Flagstaff County Agricultural Fieldman Harry Brook broach the topic of climate change and the future of farming.
Megan Andre, executive director of the Agroforestry & Woodlot Extension Society (AWES), sits down with Flagstaff County Agricultural Fieldman Harry Brook and Assistant Agricultural Fieldman Nick Dunn to deliver a presentation on the restoration and maintenance of shelterbelts.
For more information, visit the AWES website at: www.awes-ab.ca.
Alberta Agriculture and Forestry insect technologist Shelley Barkley gives Flagstaff County Agricultural Fieldman Harry Brook the lowdown on insect surveys and which bugs are being monitored throughout the province.
Flea beetles, bertha armyworms, diamondback moths, cabbage seedpod weevils, crucifer root-feeding maggots, grasshoppers and the canola flower midge are among the biggest threats to a canola crop.
Flagstaff County Agricultural Fieldman Harry Brook discusses these insect pests with bug expert Dr. Boyd Mori, University of Alberta assistant professor and NSERC (Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada) Industrial Research Chair.
Flagstaff County Agricultural Fieldman Harry Brook roots out some facts on soil fertility with Dr. Jeff Schoenau, a professor of soil fertility and professional agrologist who works in the Department of Soil Science at the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon.
Dr. Brian Beres, a senior research scientist at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada's Lethbridge Research Centre, and Flagstaff County Agricultural Fieldman Harry Brook discuss the research into ultra-early wheat seeding.
Dan Johnson, a professor of environmental science at the University of Lethbridge and grasshopper expert, tells Flagstaff County Agricultural Fieldman Harry Brook everything he wanted to know about grasshoppers, including how last summer's hot weather could impact 2022 populations.
Flagstaff County Agricultural Fieldman Harry Brook unearths information on the topic of soil salinity with the help of Ross McKenzie, retired soil and crop research scientist formerly with Alberta Agriculture.
Dr. Edward Bork is the Mattheis Chair in Rangeland Ecology and Management at the University of Alberta, and also serves as the director of the Rangeland Research Institute at the U of A. Dr. Bork and Flagstaff County Agricultural Fieldman Harry Brook engage in a wide-ranging conversation about native range management.
Flagstaff County Assistant Ag Fieldman Nick Dunn talks to Markus Weber, president of LandView Drones, about how drones have had an impact on the agricultural industry and how producers can use them as another tool in the toolbox to increase efficiency and return on investment.
It's a rat race that Alberta is winning. For more than 70 years, the province has worked to stop destructive Norway rats from taking up residence within our boundaries. Flagstaff County Agricultural Fieldman Harry Brook chats about the ongoing efforts to maintain provincial "rat-free" status with Karen Wickerson, a specialist with the Alberta Rat Control Program.
To report a rat anywhere in Alberta, send an image via email to 310RATS@gov.ab.ca.
Community Press Editor Leslie Cholowsky and Flagstaff County Communications Coordinator Cary Castagna count down the Top 5 local news stories of 2021.
Jan Slaski, expert researcher with the Bio-Industrial Division of InnoTech Alberta, updates Flagstaff County Agricultural Fieldman Harry Brook on hemp.
Christina Eynck, a research scientist with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada in Saskatoon, tells Flagstaff County Agricultural Fieldman Harry Brook everything he's ever wanted to know about alternative oilseed crop camelina.
Agricultural spray technology is the topic of discussion between Flagstaff County Agricultural Fieldman Harry Brook and Tom Wolf, spray specialist.
Flagstaff County Agricultural Fieldman Harry Brook talks to Linda Hunt, project coordinator with a new initiative called the Alberta Farm Mental Health Network. The initiative aims to connect farmers with the mental health supports they need.
Brittany MacMillan of BAM Fitness shares some winter fitness tips with Flagstaff County Communications Coordinator Cary Castagna.
Retired Royal Canadian Air Force pilot Jim Gillespie – born and raised in Daysland – shares a few exploits from his illustrious 33-year military career with Flagstaff County Communications Coordinator Cary Castagna. Now 84, Gillespie lives in Camrose with his wife.
Flagstaff County Economic Development Officer Kristy Jackson tells Communications Coordinator Cary Castagna about all of the EcDev Team's innovative and ongoing initiatives.
Lyssa Mossestad and Karli Grove, organizers with the Gathering of the Clans Highland Festival, fill Flagstaff County Communications Coordinator Cary Castagna in on the plans for the annual event to be held this year on Saturday, August 21.
Considering placing a conservation easement on your land? Flagstaff County Agricultural Fieldman Harry Brook and Guy Greenaway, of Corvus Conservation, talk about the options available to landowners and what to keep in mind.
Former Flagstaff County Councillor Charlotte Curtis is compiling obituaries, birth notices and wedding and anniversary announcements, along with funeral cards and wedding invitations, into binders for a historical collection and backing it all up with an online database. She tells Flagstaff County Communications Coordinator Cary Castagna all about this exhaustive project that encompasses the entire Flagstaff Region.
Flagstaff County Agricultural Fieldman Harry Brook and Shari Clare, director and senior biologist with Fiera Biological, explore the drawbacks of draining wetlands in agricultural fields.
Flagstaff County Agricultural Fieldman Harry Brook talks Ag Service Boards with the province's ASB Program Manager Doug Macaulay, then discusses the Agricultural Pests Act and Weed Control Act with Gayah Sieusahai, pest regulatory officer with Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development.
Cereal leaf diseases is the topic of discussion between Flagstaff County Agricultural Fieldman Harry Brook and Kelly Turkington, a research scientist in plant pathology with AAFC (Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada) in Lacombe.
Flagstaff County Assistant CAO Brent Hoyland shares with Communications Coordinator Cary Castagna information he has dug up regarding three historical wonders: the Manitou Stone, the Viking Ribstones and the Hardisty Bison Pound.
Flagstaff County Agricultural Fieldman Harry Brook chats with Dr. Joy Agnew, associate vice-president for applied research at Olds College. Dr. Agnew has led the development of the Olds College Smart Farm, which was designed to improve the productivity, profitability and sustainability of ag production through technology and data utilization.
With the Flagstaff Bike Challenge set to launch in mere days, Flagstaff County Communications Coordinator Cary Castagna picks up some savvy cycling advice from Bill Kropinske, owner of the Hardisty-area Grizzly Country bike shop.
Flagstaff County Agricultural Fieldman Harry Brook dives into the topic of on-farm water resources with Joe Harrington, Agricultural Water Specialist with Alberta Agriculture and Forestry.
In the highly anticipated sequel to Part 1 of our Public Engagement episode, Flagstaff County Reeve Don Kroetch talks to Communications Coordinator Cary Castagna about public engagement, while also outlining the next steps in the budget process and discussing some of the challenges facing council.
In lieu of our annual public open house due to ongoing COVID restrictions, Flagstaff County Council is using this podcast to publicly engage with residents.
Listen as the reeve and councillors highlight current programs, services and priorities. (For further information, visit our website at: www.flagstaff.ab.ca.)
Then, if you have any comments or questions, or any suggestions for new programs and services, please email them to budgetinput2022@flagstaff.ab.ca. Council will present your feedback and respond to questions in a follow-up episode.
Flagstaff County Agricultural Fieldman Harry Brook and Breanne Tidemann, a research scientist in field agronomy and weed science with AAFC (Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada) in Lacombe, go deep into the weeds and discuss herbicide resistance.
Flagstaff County Agricultural Fieldman Harry Brook and Marla Riekman, Soil Management Specialist with Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development, get their hands dirty with soil compaction.
Flagstaff County Assistant Agricultural Fieldman Brenda Martin sinks her teeth into the topic of growing strawberries with horticulturist Robert Spencer of Spencer Horticultural Solutions.
Flagstaff County Assistant Agricultural Fieldman Brenda Martin gets to the root of fruit trees with horticulturist Robert Spencer of Spencer Horticultural Solutions.
Flagstaff County is home to the most Century Farm and Ranch Awards in all of Alberta! Assistant CAO Brent Hoyland responds to this historical feat and gives Communications Coordinator Cary Castagna a history lesson.
Flagstaff County Agricultural Fieldman Harry Brook talks to Grant Lastiwka, a forage specialist for Union Forage, about how treating grass and forages as a crop can reap financial benefits.
Flagstaff County Agricultural Fieldman Harry Brook delves into the Alberta Climate Information Service (ACIS) – a vast online storehouse of meteorological data designed for farmers – with Ralph Wright, manager of Agrometeorological Applications and Modelling for Alberta Agriculture and Forestry.
Flagstaff County Agricultural Fieldman Harry Brook cultivates newfound knowledge on recurring crop diseases with help from Dr. Michael Harding, a plant pathologist for Alberta Agriculture and Forestry.
Flagstaff County Agricultural Fieldman Harry Brook shines a light on the topic of greenhouses with horticulturist Robert Spencer of Spencer Horticultural Solutions.
In our inaugural episode, Flagstaff County Agricultural Fieldman Harry Brook digs into the topic of shelterbelts with tree expert Toso Bozic.