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In this episode of the Flagstaff County Podcast, host Cary Castagna sits down with Lougheed Agricultural Society president John Snethun to explore the history behind the Lougheed Agricultural Fair.

John shares how the fair has evolved over the decades. He also discusses the volunteers who have kept it going, the role agriculture continues to play and why the event remains an important gathering for Lougheed and the surrounding region.

The 103rd Lougheed Agricultural Fair takes place Saturday, August 8, 2026. Visitors can look forward to a pancake breakfast, parade, livestock shows, family slow pitch, bench exhibits, children’s activities, market vendors, museum activities, a Show ’n Shine, a roast beef supper and much more.

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In this episode of the Flagstaff County Podcast, host Cary Castagna sits down with Chelsea Eshpeter to share the story behind Swinging for the STARS, an annual charity slow-pitch tournament held in Strome in support of STARS Air Ambulance.

Chelsea reflects on how the event began in memory of her father, Grant Eshpeter, who tragically passed away from an esophageal bleed, and how a family's loss grew into a community tradition that continues to bring people together for a life-saving cause.

The conversation explores the importance of STARS to rural Alberta, the incredible volunteer and community support behind the event, and what it means to honour Grant's legacy through a weekend of baseball, fundraising and giving back.

The 2026 tournament raised an incredible $31,028.50 for STARS Air Ambulance, and plans are already underway for next year's event on May 29–30, 2027.

Congratulations to Chelsea Eshpeter, who was recently nominated for a National Philanthropy Day Award in recognition of her dedication and leadership through Swinging for the STARS.

Watch Flagstaff County Podcast episodes:
 https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLa1ovI8UBoIhZF98RmhZ4-KZKpz2_W5l5

Learn more about Flagstaff County:
 https://www.flagstaff.ca

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In this episode of the Flagstaff County Podcast, host Cary Castagna sits down with Sarah Gibbard to discuss the inaugural Pioneer Day, taking place June 13 at Beacon Farms near Daysland.

Sarah shares the story behind the event, the inspiration for bringing people together through hands-on experiences, and how Pioneer Day aims to celebrate community, family, and the values that helped shape rural life.

From workshops and activities to food, vendors, and an evening concert featuring award-winning country artist Jarrid Lee, Pioneer Day offers an opportunity to rediscover the pioneer spirit while creating new memories with family and friends.

For more information and tickets, visit: 
 www.pioneerday.ca

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From a rural airstrip in Flagstaff County to the cockpit of a commercial airliner, this episode explores what it takes to turn a dream into a career in aviation.

Host Cary Castagna sits down with Aaron Forster, who grew up just outside Sedgewick, Alberta, learned to fly at Flagstaff Regional Airport, and now flies commercially with WestJet.

Aaron reflects on the early spark that drew him to aviation, the realities of flight training, and the path that led him to the flight deck. He also shares what life is like as a commercial pilot and offers advice for anyone considering a similar path.

The conversation also touches on growing up in Flagstaff County, the role of local opportunity, and the mindset required to pursue something bigger.

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Host Cary Castagna, Flagstaff County Communications Coordinator, sits down with Sgt. Andy Wetzstein, Commanding Officer of the Killam RCMP Detachment, to talk about the rollout of body-worn cameras in the region. 

Together, they explore how the program works, when cameras are used, and what the public can expect to see. 

Sgt. Andy also shares insight into digital evidence management, privacy safeguards, and how officers are adapting to this new technology in the field.

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The Battle River Community Foundation has been supporting local charities for the past 30 years. Last year alone, the BRCF granted Flagstaff non-profits more than $100,000. 

Executive Director Bobbi Way shares how her organization is celebrating 30 impactful years, reviving Reading University this year, and continuing to help charities tap into grant opportunities that leave a lasting legacy.

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As part of the upcoming 2025 Flagstaff Fitness Challenge, podcast host Cary Castagna sits down with Shirley Damberger, owner of HOM of Well Being. Their conversation focuses on the role of touch in balanced wellness, and also delves into Shirley's wellness routine.

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 Iranian-born Ala Hakim Oberg shares her inspiring journey from bustling Tehran to the quiet fields of Flagstaff County. Now a practicing lawyer in Forestburg, Ala sits down with host Cary Castagna to talk about the challenges, surprises, and joys of starting over in rural Alberta. From navigating immigration to building a career in law in a small town, this conversation explores resilience, reinvention, and the power of community. 

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Podcast host Cary Castagna visits the Alliance Doll Museum, where hundreds of curious eyes (doll eyes, that is 👁️👁️) look on as he chats with board members Karin McCracken and Dale Lambden.

Tune in as they uncover the fascinating story behind what’s believed to be one of Alberta’s largest doll collections!

Listen now and step into a world where history is told through porcelain faces and tiny outfits.

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Twenty-eight years ago, Flagstaff County held a contest to design a new corporate logo. Barb Cookson, who won the contest, tells host Cary Castagna what it's like to contribute such a lasting piece of the County's identity.

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Brady Ness, who grew up northeast of Sedgewick, is a 6-foot-4, 217-pound defenceman with the Moose Jaw Warriors of the Western Hockey League. The 18-year-old talks to podcast host Cary Castagna about life in the WHL and looks back with fondness at his small-town roots.

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Dr. Leanne Ball of Ball Family Dental in Killam takes time out of her busy schedule to sit down with podcast host Cary Castagna (with his "beautiful and contagious smile"). In a wide-ranging discussion, Dr. Ball touches on everything from her journey to becoming a dentist and how technology is revolutionizing dentistry, to her penchant for the violin and her plans to expand the business.

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The first episode of 2025 starts with an apology. Talk between host Cary Castagna and County Reeve Don Kroetch soon turns to the upcoming election and public engagement. Along the way, Reeve Kroetch spills the beans on whether or not he'll be running for a third consecutive term.

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There's a new sergeant in town and communication is one of his top priorities! Sgt. Andy Wetzstein, new commanding officer of the Killam RCMP detachment, sits down with Flagstaff County Communications Coordinator Cary Castagna to talk all about policing in the region.

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In a first for the Flagstaff County Podcast, Communications Coordinator Cary Castagna interviews ChatGPT about the County and AI technology. This episode was recorded and released on Halloween because many will find it rather spooky.

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Markus Weber, owner of LandView Drones, discusses the many agricultural uses for this burgeoning technology with Flagstaff County Communications Coordinator Cary Castagna.

Flagstaff County has partnered with the Strome Ag Society to present a two-day Ag Drone School led by LandView. The school is slated for November 7 and 8 in Strome.

To register, visit: https://www.landviewdrones.com/school or call 780-448-7445.

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Meet Jonathan Dahl, Flagstaff County's new Director of Municipal Services. Communications Coordinator Cary Castagna chats with the Sedgewick native, who chased the bright lights of the big city for the past few years before returning this summer to his rural roots.

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Flagstaff County Communications Coordinator Cary Castagna will do anything to get more residents to fill out the online survey on electoral boundaries. He'll even sing. Yes, sing.

After his questionable vocal performance (with apologies to Bob Dylan), Cary and Flagstaff County Reeve Don Kroetch discuss the current Electoral Boundary Review, including the possibility that the municipality could reduce its number of councillors from seven to five.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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Flagstaff County Communications Coordinator Cary Castagna kicks off Season 4 of the podcast with local musician Tom Lichak.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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The grand prize in our 2023 Flagstaff Fitness Challenge features 10 online training sessions (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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Flagstaff County Communications Coordinator Cary Castagna chats with county 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, which is Treat 6 Territory.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

For more information, please click HERE.

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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.

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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.