The Flagstaff County Podcast
66 episodes - English - Latest episode: 10 days ago -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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Episodes
Stroke of genius
April 19, 2024 22:00 - 27 minutes - 18.6 MBKillam-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.
Bank on it!
March 01, 2024 22:00 - 29 minutes - 20.4 MBWhen 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.
Rules of Engagement
February 23, 2024 17:00 - 20 minutes - 14.4 MBFlagstaff 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.
Tradition, history and dancing!
February 13, 2024 21:00 - 27 minutes - 18.8 MBWith 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 re...
Hub for Early Childhood
February 08, 2024 23:00 - 23 minutes - 16.1 MBJessica 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.
Toast and Roast
February 02, 2024 00:00 - 22 minutes - 15.7 MBFire 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!
Top Stories of 2023
January 26, 2024 19:00 - 32 minutes - 22.7 MBLeslie 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.
'Pure dead brilliant'
January 18, 2024 16:00 - 41 minutes - 28.8 MBFlagstaff 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.
All Tuned Up
January 12, 2024 00:00 - 30 minutes - 21.3 MBFlagstaff County Communications Coordinator Cary Castagna kicks off Season 4 of the podcast with local musician Tom Lichak.
2024 Trailer
December 22, 2023 18:00 - 1 minute - 1.3 MBAs 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.
The Daysland 'Ghost'
October 28, 2023 21:00 - 29 minutes - 20.6 MBFor 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.
'Providential day'
September 26, 2023 22:00 - 15 minutes - 10.6 MBOne 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.
The train's a-comin'
July 14, 2023 16:00 - 19 minutes - 13.8 MBKen 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.
A fitter Flagstaff!
July 06, 2023 16:00 - 17 minutes - 12.3 MBThe 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: [email protected].
Good Sport
May 08, 2023 19:00 - 13 minutes - 9.05 MBMatthew 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.
Lasting Legacy
March 30, 2023 21:00 - 20 minutes - 14.3 MBHow 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.
Tower of Toilet Paper Challenge Wrap-up!
March 01, 2023 18:00 - 25 minutes - 17.7 MBFlagstaff 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.
2022 State of the County
December 23, 2022 22:00 - 24 minutes - 16.7 MBFlagstaff 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.
The Manitou Stone is Coming Home!
December 01, 2022 00:00 - 22 minutes - 15.2 MBFlagstaff 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.
Beatin' the Heat
September 26, 2022 16:00 - 36 minutes - 25 MBMaryse 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.
The Buzz on Bees
September 19, 2022 19:00 - 31 minutes - 21.7 MBFormer 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.
The Root of the Problem
August 29, 2022 22:00 - 28 minutes - 19.8 MBDr. 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.
"You're too young to retire!"
July 27, 2022 00:00 - 34 minutes - 23.5 MBBrent 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.
All about the ASB!
July 04, 2022 22:00 - 27 minutes - 18.7 MBNick 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: [email protected], or by phone at: 780-384-4138. For more information, please click HERE.
A Vision for the Future of Flagstaff County
June 15, 2022 22:00 - 22 minutes - 15.6 MBFlagstaff 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 th...
Climate Change and Agriculture
May 31, 2022 15:00 - 41 minutes - 28.8 MBDr. 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.
Shelterbelt Restoration
May 20, 2022 21:00 - 1 hour - 49 MBMegan 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.
Survey Says!
May 03, 2022 19:00 - 41 minutes - 28.4 MBAlberta 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.
What's Buggin' Canola?
April 19, 2022 21:00 - 38 minutes - 26.8 MBFlea 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.
Soil Fertility Facts
April 05, 2022 19:00 - 46 minutes - 32.1 MBFlagstaff 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.
Ultra-early Wheat Seeding
March 22, 2022 07:00 - 37 minutes - 25.7 MBDr. 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.
Don't Be Caught on the Hop!
March 08, 2022 18:00 - 45 minutes - 31 MBDan 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.
Salt of the Earth
February 22, 2022 07:00 - 32 minutes - 22.1 MBFlagstaff 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.
Home on the Native Range
February 08, 2022 07:00 - 50 minutes - 34.4 MBDr. 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.
Drone Technology in Agriculture
January 25, 2022 07:00 - 29 minutes - 20.3 MBFlagstaff 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.
Rats!
January 11, 2022 07:00 - 23 minutes - 16.4 MBIt'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 [email protected].
Top 5 News Stories of 2021
December 28, 2021 07:00 - 27 minutes - 18.6 MBCommunity Press Editor Leslie Cholowsky and Flagstaff County Communications Coordinator Cary Castagna count down the Top 5 local news stories of 2021.
Hemp on the Horizon
December 16, 2021 16:00 - 1 hour - 44.6 MBJan Slaski, expert researcher with the Bio-Industrial Division of InnoTech Alberta, updates Flagstaff County Agricultural Fieldman Harry Brook on hemp.
New Crop Idea: Camelina
November 25, 2021 15:00 - 30 minutes - 20.6 MBChristina 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.
Spray Technology – The Sky's the Limit
November 12, 2021 18:00 - 47 minutes - 32.6 MBAgricultural spray technology is the topic of discussion between Flagstaff County Agricultural Fieldman Harry Brook and Tom Wolf, spray specialist.
Mental Health on the Farm
October 14, 2021 14:00 - 18 minutes - 12.7 MBFlagstaff 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.
Winter Fitness Tips
October 07, 2021 14:00 - 17 minutes - 12.1 MBBrittany MacMillan of BAM Fitness shares some winter fitness tips with Flagstaff County Communications Coordinator Cary Castagna.
Air Force Exploits
September 30, 2021 18:00 - 1 hour - 45.7 MBRetired 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.
EcDev Update
August 26, 2021 21:00 - 20 minutes - 14 MBFlagstaff County Economic Development Officer Kristy Jackson tells Communications Coordinator Cary Castagna about all of the EcDev Team's innovative and ongoing initiatives.
Great Scot!
August 06, 2021 21:00 - 10 minutes - 6.91 MBLyssa 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.
Conservation Easements
July 29, 2021 15:00 - 28 minutes - 19.9 MBConsidering 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.
Preserving the Past
July 15, 2021 15:00 - 21 minutes - 15 MBFormer 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.
A Profit Drain
July 07, 2021 17:00 - 24 minutes - 17.1 MBFlagstaff County Agricultural Fieldman Harry Brook and Shari Clare, director and senior biologist with Fiera Biological, explore the drawbacks of draining wetlands in agricultural fields.
Agricultural Service Boards, Weeds and Pests
June 30, 2021 21:00 - 39 minutes - 26.9 MBFlagstaff 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.
Be-leaf it!
June 24, 2021 18:00 - 41 minutes - 28.7 MBCereal 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.