Shows
The Flagstaff County PodcastView from the VestSend us a textHost 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.
2025-11-0835 minThe Flagstaff County PodcastHealing HandsSend us a textAs 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.
2025-05-2240 minThe Flagstaff County PodcastA World AwaySend us a text 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.
2025-03-2625 minThe Flagstaff County PodcastDollhouse DreamsSend us a textPodcast 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.
2025-03-2125 minThe Flagstaff County PodcastTimeless IdentitySend us a textTwenty-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.
2025-02-2614 minThe Flagstaff County PodcastWHLer Grateful for Local RootsSend us a textBrady 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.
2025-02-1922 minThe Flagstaff County PodcastFiddler on the Roof (of your mouth)Send us a textDr. 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.
2025-01-3037 minThe Flagstaff County Podcast'Sorry, Don'Send us a textThe 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.
2025-01-2431 minThe Flagstaff County PodcastNew sarge in town!Send us a textThere'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.
2024-12-111h 09The Flagstaff County PodcastChatting with AISend us a textIn 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.
2024-10-3128 minThe Flagstaff County PodcastDrones on the farmSend us a textMarkus 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.
2024-10-1813 minThe Flagstaff County PodcastLocal boy returnsSend us a textMeet 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.
2024-10-1720 minThe Flagstaff County PodcastPushing the boundaries!Send us a textFlagstaff 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.
2024-09-2025 minThe Flagstaff County PodcastAn evening of family fun!Send us a textIt'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.
2024-08-0827 minThe Flagstaff County PodcastFull-blown festival!Send us a textBagpiper 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.
2024-07-3139 minThe Flagstaff County PodcastWeight loss success story!Send us a textNicole 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.
2024-06-2735 minThe Flagstaff County PodcastDefend yourself!Send us a textSarah 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.
2024-06-2126 minThe Flagstaff County Podcast'Adrenaline rush!'Send us a textSki 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.
2024-05-3027 minThe Flagstaff County PodcastStroke of geniusSend us a textKillam-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.
2024-04-2027 minThe Flagstaff County PodcastBank on it!Send us a textWhen 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.
2024-03-0129 minThe Flagstaff County PodcastRules of EngagementSend us a textFlagstaff 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.
2024-02-2320 minThe Flagstaff County PodcastTradition, history and dancing!Send us a textWith 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.
2024-02-1327 minThe Flagstaff County PodcastHub for Early ChildhoodSend us a textJessica 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.
2024-02-0923 minThe Flagstaff County PodcastToast and RoastSend us a textFire 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!
2024-02-0222 minThe Flagstaff County PodcastTop Stories of 2023Send us a textLeslie 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.
2024-01-2632 minThe Flagstaff County Podcast'Pure dead brilliant'Send us a textFlagstaff 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.
2024-01-1841 minThe Flagstaff County PodcastAll Tuned UpSend us a textFlagstaff County Communications Coordinator Cary Castagna kicks off Season 4 of the podcast with local musician Tom Lichak.
2024-01-1230 minThe Flagstaff County PodcastThe Daysland 'Ghost'Send us a textFor 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.
2023-10-2829 minThe Flagstaff County PodcastThe train's a-comin'Send us a textKen 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.
2023-07-1419 minThe Flagstaff County PodcastA fitter Flagstaff!Send us a textThe 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.
2023-07-0617 minThe Flagstaff County PodcastGood SportSend us a textMatthew 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.
2023-05-0813 minThe Flagstaff County PodcastLasting LegacySend us a textHow 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.
2023-03-3020 minThe Flagstaff County PodcastTower of Toilet Paper Challenge Wrap-up!Send us a textFlagstaff 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.
2023-03-0125 minThe Flagstaff County Podcast2022 State of the CountySend us a textFlagstaff 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.
2022-12-2324 minThe Flagstaff County Podcast2022 State of the CountyFlagstaff 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.
2022-12-2324 minThe Flagstaff County PodcastThe Manitou Stone is Coming Home!Send us a textFlagstaff 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.
2022-12-0122 minThe Flagstaff County Podcast"You're too young to retire!"Send us a textBrent 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.
2022-07-2734 minThe Flagstaff County PodcastA Vision for the Future of Flagstaff CountySend us a textFlagstaff 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.
2022-06-1622 minThe Flagstaff County PodcastTop 5 News Stories of 2021Send us a textCommunity Press Editor Leslie Cholowsky and Flagstaff County Communications Coordinator Cary Castagna count down the Top 5 local news stories of 2021.
2021-12-2827 minThe Flagstaff County PodcastWinter Fitness TipsSend us a textBrittany MacMillan of BAM Fitness shares some winter fitness tips with Flagstaff County Communications Coordinator Cary Castagna.
2021-10-0717 minThe Flagstaff County PodcastAir Force ExploitsSend us a textRetired 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.
2021-09-301h 06The Flagstaff County PodcastEcDev UpdateSend us a textFlagstaff County Economic Development Officer Kristy Jackson tells Communications Coordinator Cary Castagna about all of the EcDev Team's innovative and ongoing initiatives.
2021-08-2620 minThe Flagstaff County PodcastGreat Scot!Send us a textLyssa 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.
2021-08-0610 minThe Flagstaff County PodcastPreserving the PastSend us a textFormer 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.
2021-07-1521 minThe Flagstaff County PodcastStones and BonesSend us a textFlagstaff 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.
2021-06-1037 minThe Flagstaff County PodcastCycling Tips for the Flagstaff Bike ChallengeSend us a textWith 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.
2021-05-2706 minThe Flagstaff County PodcastPublic Engagement: Part 2Send us a textIn 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.
2021-05-1311 minThe Flagstaff County PodcastWe're No. 1!Send us a textFlagstaff 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.
2021-03-1126 min