Avantika with Mum and her two munchkins

My cousin, Avantika, has always been like an older sister to me. From my earliest memories, I was practically another one of the kids in my aunt and uncle's home, and that naturally extended to my cousins, who treated me as one of their own. Over the years, we shared countless wacky adventures—so many, in fact, that if I tried to recount them all, we'd be here for days.

At one point, I was living with them and attending the same school as Avantika. Naturally, both she and my cousin Kamlesh kept a watchful eye on me because I had an uncanny habit of getting myself into trouble—usually by accident. Our older brother, Tom, was attending college at the time. They were like my own personal bodyguards, which sounds cool until you realize it also comes with a few drawbacks.

On one particular day, I was making my way over to Avantika to check in and see how her day was going when I noticed a guy staring at me rather strangely. To this day, I struggle to interpret people's expressions and body language. You could probably draw me a map, and I'd still miss the signs.

Slightly confused, I eventually found Avantika standing with a group of friends.

"I'm not sure why," I said, "but this guy keeps looking at me weird."

That... was a mistake.

The whole thing probably lasted only a few moments, but in my memory, time slowed. I could almost see her pupils dilate.

To me, she had always been the loving, laughing, cheerful Avantika. But the moment those words left my mouth, she became someone I barely recognized—like a lioness protecting one of her cubs.

Without missing a beat, she grabbed my hand and marched me toward where the guy was standing. I tried—unsuccessfully—to resist, despite being bigger than she was. As we walked, she tapped one of our male friends on the shoulder and motioned for him to follow.

I remember thinking, I really hope she doesn't get him to beat this guy up.

We followed her—our friend with determined confidence, ready to back her up if needed, and me... reluctantly, wondering how I'd somehow managed to get myself into this situation.

The guy was standing with a group of his friends, but as Avantika approached with unmistakable determination, they seemed to scatter like small fish fleeing from a shark.

She stopped just inches from his face, her eyes burning with the fierce intensity of a mother bear protecting her cubs.

(Editor's Note: The original language has been edited for age appropriateness.)

"You!" she shouted, pointing directly at me. "You see him? That's my baby brother! If you ever even look in his direction again..." She then pointed to the towering friend standing behind her. "You see my friend? He's going to have to pull me off you because I'll beat you within an inch of your life!"

The poor guy looked at me as if to say, Dude... what on earth is happening?

I did my best to silently reply, I'm so sorry. I had absolutely no idea this was going to happen.

To this day, I'm honestly not sure which one of us was more frightened—him or me.

Many years later, however, Avantika would face a very different fight.

A far more dangerous adversary.

Cancer.

In 2019, she was diagnosed with Stage IIB cancer of the endocervix. Then, in 2022, she received another devastating diagnosis—Stage III colon cancer.

For a long time, the outlook seemed uncertain. All our family could do was pray and trust God that the treatments would work.

(Author's Note: I have intentionally abbreviated this part of her journey because, as I told her, her battle deserves a story of its own.)

Despite numerous setbacks and difficult prognoses, my sister refused to give up.

She faced cancer the same way she faced every challenge in life—with courage, determination, and the heart of a warrior.

By June 2025, she had beaten it.

Today, she is stronger than ever and stands as a living testimony to God's limitless power and grace.

Her two children have inherited their mother's resilience and tenacity, and every day they are blessed with the miracle of having their mother beside them.

To me, however, she will always be what she has been for as long as I can remember:

My sister.

Avantika.

A fierce warrior.

(Image generated using AI)

Albertans are being encouraged to have their say as the Legislative Assembly of Alberta's Standing Committee on Alberta's Economic Future conducts its review of the Lobbyists Act.

The committee is inviting written submissions from members of the public to help inform its review of the legislation, which governs lobbying activities across the province. Feedback will be accepted until 12 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 17, 2026.

The Lobbyists Act is designed to promote transparency and accountability in government by regulating interactions between lobbyists and public office holders. Its purpose is to balance public access to decision-makers with the need for openness around efforts to influence government policies and decisions.

Administration and enforcement of the legislation is carried out by Alberta's Office of the Ethics Commissioner and Lobbyist Registrar.

Interested Albertans can submit comments through an online form available at the Legislative Assembly of Alberta's website or by email. The committee notes that written submissions, along with the names of those who submit them, may be made public as part of the review process.

The Standing Committee on Alberta's Economic Future launched the review on May 27, 2026, and is required to present its final report to the Legislative Assembly within one year.

The committee's mandate covers a broad range of provincial portfolios, including Advanced Education, Agriculture and Irrigation, Arts, Culture and Status of Women, Infrastructure, Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration, Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction, Technology and Innovation, and Tourism and Sport.

Albertans wishing to participate are encouraged to submit their feedback through the online form at assembly.ab.ca or by email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. before the August deadline.

(Source: Government of Alberta and Legislative Assembly of Alberta)

On Saturday, July 11, people from near and far gathered at Centennial Hall to honour a man who dedicated more than two decades of his life to the Two Hills community—Sonny Rajoo. Surrounded by family, friends, community leaders and dignitaries, the hall echoed with cherished memories and heartfelt tributes celebrating the life of a man who earned a special place in the hearts of so many.

Through more than 20 years as a respected journalist and over a decade of service on the Town of Two Hills Council, Sonny became deeply connected to the people he served. His passion for community, unwavering commitment and genuine care for others left a lasting impression throughout the town and county.

As loved ones and colleagues shared stories and words of remembrance, the service reflected the profound impact Sonny had on those who knew him. Family and friends travelled from across Alberta and beyond to pay their respects and celebrate a life defined by service, kindness and dedication.

Whether through his work in local journalism, his years in municipal government or his involvement with numerous volunteer organizations, Sonny touched countless lives. His legacy will continue to be felt in the community he cared for so deeply.

The Rajoo family extends its heartfelt thanks to everyone who attended the service, sent messages of support, or kept the family in their thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Your kindness and compassion have been deeply appreciated.

We also take this opportunity to express our enduring love, gratitude and respect for Sonny Rajoo—a man for all seasons, whose legacy of service and compassion will not be forgotten.

To view the livestream of the service on YouTube, visit the following link: youtu.be/VaYfkIUY7MI?si=Z27mVINXPpAh7W3o.

(Image generated using AI)

Life can often feel overwhelming because of the pressures we face every day. Whether it's financial problems, family difficulties, or work-related stress, many of us tend to put our feelings under the metaphorical lid and carry on as though nothing is wrong. When someone asks, "How are you?" our automatic response is often, "Good, thank you," without giving it a second thought.

Keeping everything bottled up for too long can increase stress and leave us feeling emotionally exhausted. While this doesn't mean sharing your life's burdens with complete strangers, most of us have at least one trusted person—a family member, close friend, mentor, or colleague—who genuinely cares and is willing to listen.

Talking about our problems can help in several ways:

1. Saying the problem out loud can help bring clarity.

Sometimes, simply explaining a challenge to someone else helps us organize our thoughts. As we talk through the situation, we may discover a solution ourselves or gain a clearer understanding of what to do next.

2. It reminds us that we are not alone.

Sharing what you're going through with someone you trust can reduce feelings of isolation. Even if that person simply listens without offering advice, knowing someone is there to support you can make a meaningful difference.

3. Others may offer valuable perspective.

People we confide in may have faced similar challenges in their own lives. They may be able to share their experiences, offer practical advice, or simply provide encouragement that helps us move forward.

Opening up can feel intimidating. Many people worry about being judged or rejected. However, we all face challenges at different times in our lives, and supporting one another is part of what helps us grow stronger as individuals and as communities.

If you're struggling, consider reaching out to someone you trust. Sometimes the first step toward feeling better is simply starting the conversation.

If you or someone you know is experiencing ongoing mental health challenges or is in crisis, remember that help is available. Support can be found through local community organizations, healthcare professionals, and government resources, including the Government of Alberta and the Government of Canada.

Remember, you do not have to face life's challenges alone. Reaching out may feel like a small step, but it can be the beginning of finding the support, guidance, and hope you need.

(Image generated using AI)

Alberta will once again take centre stage in international athletics as the World Athletics Continental Tour Silver returns to Edmonton on July 12, bringing elite competitors from around the globe to the province's capital.

More than 200 athletes, coaches and technical officials representing 15 countries will gather at Foote Field for the fifth annual Edmonton Athletics Invitational. The internationally recognized competition provides athletes with an opportunity to earn valuable world ranking points as they prepare for upcoming international championships.

The Government of Alberta has invested more than $181,000 through its Major Sport Events Grant Program to support the planning and delivery of the event. Organizers expect the meet to generate more than $1 million in economic impact for the Edmonton region while attracting an estimated 3,000 spectators.

Minister of Tourism and Sport Andrew Boitchenko said Alberta continues to strengthen its reputation as a premier destination for major sporting events.

"We're proud to welcome this event back for the fifth time. When world-class events keep choosing Alberta, it reinforces our reputation as a premier sport tourism destination and reflects the exceptional experiences we deliver," he said.

Hosted by Athletics Alberta, the Edmonton Athletics Invitational will feature a full schedule of track and field competitions, including sprint, middle and long-distance races, field events and para-athletics. Both Canadian and international competitors will battle for valuable ranking points as they continue their preparations for major competitions later this season.

Several prominent Alberta athletes are expected to compete, including Edmonton's Marco Arop, the Olympic silver medallist in the men's 800 metres; Amanda Rummery of Sherwood Park, a Paralympic sprinter, Canadian record holder and multiple-time national champion; and Calgary's Noah Vucsics, a Paralympic long jumper and international medallist.

Athletics Alberta Executive Director Jef Bailey said the event continues Edmonton's long-standing tradition of hosting high-level track and field competition.

"This is another incredible opportunity to witness these amazing athletes competing in Edmonton. We are very proud and honoured to be part of this athlete experience and to continue the rich legacy of track and field events in Edmonton," Bailey said.

Beyond the competition itself, organizers say major sporting events such as the Edmonton Athletics Invitational provide lasting benefits by attracting visitors, supporting local businesses and showcasing Alberta's world-class sporting facilities. The event also helps strengthen the province's tourism industry while reinforcing Alberta's growing reputation as an international destination for major sporting events.

The Edmonton Athletics Invitational is part of the World Athletics Continental Tour Silver, one of the premier levels of international track and field competition outside the Diamond League, and continues to attract some of Canada's top athletes alongside elite competitors from around the world.

(Source: Government of Alberta)

(Image generated using AI)

Feed is one of the largest expenses for beef cattle producers, making it essential to understand exactly what nutrients are being provided to a herd. According to the Beef Cattle Research Council (BCRC), regular feed testing allows producers to make informed feeding decisions, optimize feed utilization and improve herd performance while helping to manage costs.

Rather than relying on estimates, laboratory feed analysis provides an accurate picture of a feed's nutritional value, helping producers avoid both nutrient deficiencies and unnecessary supplementation.

Modern feed testing goes well beyond measuring basic nutrients such as crude protein and dry matter. Advanced analyses can also evaluate digestibility, fibre levels and mineral content, giving producers a more complete understanding of how their feed will perform.

When Should Feed Be Tested?

The BCRC recommends testing feed annually and whenever feed conditions change.

To obtain reliable results, each lot of feed should be sampled separately, whether it comes from a different field, harvest date or grain shipment. Producers are encouraged to submit samples well before feeding decisions are made, allowing at least two weeks for laboratory results.

For silage, testing should be delayed for a minimum of four weeks after ensiling to allow fermentation to fully complete.

What Should Be Tested?

The nutrients included in a feed analysis will depend on the type of forage and the management goals of the operation.

For hay and greenfeed, common tests include:

• Dry matter
• Crude protein
Energy content
• Acid detergent fibre (ADF)
• Neutral detergent fibre (NDF)
• Calcium
• Phosphorus
• Potassium
• Magnesium

Silage should also be tested for pH to assess fermentation quality.

Additional testing may be appropriate under certain conditions. Heat-damaged forage, identifiable by its brown or black colour and sweet, tobacco-like smell, should be analyzed for acid detergent insoluble protein (ADIP or ADIN), as heating can reduce protein availability and increase the risk of toxic nitrites.

Feeds such as distillers' grains or annual forages including canola and mustard may also require sulfur testing. Depending on growing conditions, testing for nitrates and mycotoxins may also be advisable.

Understanding the Results

The BCRC emphasizes that interpreting laboratory reports correctly is just as important as conducting the test itself.

• Dry Matter

Dry matter represents the portion of feed containing nutrients, with water removed. Since nutrients such as protein, energy, vitamins and minerals exist within the dry matter portion, understanding this value is essential when balancing rations.

For example, a 1,200-pound beef cow typically requires approximately 24 pounds of dry matter daily. While feeding 30 pounds of cereal silage may appear sufficient, silage containing only 35 per cent dry matter provides just over 10 pounds of nutrients, with the remainder consisting of water.

• Protein

Crude protein plays a vital role in rumen function, growth, reproduction and milk production.

Protein levels below seven to eight per cent on a dry matter basis can limit digestion and reduce feed intake, particularly in mature cows. Requirements increase for growing cattle, pregnant cows and lactating animals.

• Fibre

Fibre measurements, particularly acid detergent fibre (ADF) and neutral detergent fibre (NDF), help predict digestibility and feed intake.

As forage matures, fibre levels rise, reducing digestibility and limiting consumption. High-quality forage allows cattle to consume more feed and obtain greater nutritional value, while lower-quality feeds such as straw often require additional supplementation to meet nutritional requirements.

• Minerals

Although required in relatively small amounts, minerals are essential for healthy growth, reproduction and immune function.

Because soil and forage mineral content varies considerably across regions, regular mineral analysis is recommended. The proper balance of calcium and phosphorus will depend on the type of forage being fed, and producers are encouraged to work with a qualified nutritionist when developing supplementation programs.

Better Information Leads to Better Decisions

The BCRC says feed testing removes much of the guesswork from cattle nutrition by providing accurate information that supports better feeding decisions.

Combined with professional nutritional advice, laboratory feed analysis can help producers maximize feed efficiency, maintain herd health and improve the overall profitability of their operations.

Additional feed testing resources, calculators and educational tools are available through the Beef Cattle Research Council.

Information for this article was sourced from the Beef Cattle Research Council.
For more information about the Beef Cattle Research Council, visit their website at www.beefresearch.ca.

The Two Hills Chronicle is pleased to share the July 2026 winners of the popular Brosseau Cash Raffle. Each month, the raffle continues to bring excitement to participants while supporting the ongoing work and activities of the Brosseau Community Centre.

Congratulations to all of this month's winners, and thank you to everyone who purchased tickets. Your continued support helps strengthen community initiatives and contributes to the success of local events and programs.

July 2026 Winners

Once again, congratulations to all of the July winners.

If you would like to take part in next year's draws, 2027 Brosseau Cash Raffle Calendar tickets are now available for purchase from the Brosseau Community Centre. Purchasing a calendar not only gives you the opportunity to win monthly cash prizes throughout the year but also supports an important community organization and the many activities it hosts.

The Two Hills Chronicle wishes everyone the best of luck in the upcoming draws.

(Image generated using AI)

Alberta has secured one of the largest private-sector investments in Canadian history after Meta announced plans to build its first Canadian data centre in the province, a project valued at more than $13 billion.

The proposed facility, to be located in Sturgeon County, is expected to create more than 3,000 construction jobs and approximately 300 permanent operational positions, while generating an estimated $250 million annually for Alberta through royalties, taxes, levies and other government revenues.

The investment also includes roughly $60 million in local infrastructure improvements, including upgrades to roads and water systems.

Premier Danielle Smith described the announcement as another milestone in Alberta's strategy to become a global destination for artificial intelligence and advanced technology investment.

"Artificial intelligence is transforming the global economy, and Alberta is making sure we lead rather than follow," Smith said. "This project will create thousands of jobs, generate hundreds of millions of dollars in annual revenue, and make electricity more reliable and affordable."

Alberta's AI Strategy

The announcement follows Alberta's introduction of regulations specifically designed to attract large-scale AI data centres while protecting provincial infrastructure and natural resources.

Unlike many competing jurisdictions, Alberta requires major data centre developers to provide much of their own electricity generation, finance the infrastructure required to support their operations and meet strict environmental and water-use standards.

According to the provincial government, these measures are intended to ensure that new developments do not place additional strain on Alberta's electrical grid or taxpayers.

Gary Demasi, Meta's Vice President of Data Centre Strategy and Development, said Alberta offered the right combination of infrastructure, energy availability and workforce to support the company's expansion into Canada.

"We're thrilled to announce Meta's first Canadian data centre in Alberta," Demasi said. "Sturgeon County is the perfect home for Meta thanks to its strong access to infrastructure and energy, talented workforce and outstanding community partners."

Powering the Future

The new facility will operate under Alberta's "bring your own power" model, combining electricity from the provincial grid with new on-site natural gas generation.

The government says this approach will help maintain grid reliability while supporting growing demand from energy-intensive AI computing operations.

The project is also linked to the recently announced Project Greenlight, a $4.6-billion natural gas-fired electricity generation facility being developed by Pembina Pipeline Corporation, Morgan Stanley Infrastructure Partners and Kineticor.

Provincial officials estimate the additional generation capacity could reduce electricity transmission costs by as much as six per cent for Alberta consumers.

Minister of Affordability and Utilities RJ Sigurdson said the project demonstrates Alberta's ability to support large-scale technological investment without compromising power reliability.

Environmental Considerations

Water use has also been a central consideration in the project's design.

Meta says the Sturgeon Data Centre will use a closed-loop liquid cooling system with dry cooling technology, eliminating the need for operational water use during cooling. Water consumption will be limited primarily to domestic services, fire protection and equipment maintenance, with all necessary approvals remaining subject to Alberta's Water Act.

The facility will be constructed within Alberta's Industrial Heartland, an established industrial zone rather than agricultural land or residential areas.

Long-Term Economic Impact

Technology and Innovation Minister Nate Glubish said Alberta's success in attracting the investment reflects years of work developing competitive regulations and actively promoting the province to major technology companies.

Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration Minister Joseph Schow added that investments of this scale strengthen Alberta's reputation as a destination for international business while creating employment opportunities for Albertans.

Sturgeon County Mayor Alanna Hnatiw welcomed the announcement, saying the project aligns with the municipality's long-standing vision of encouraging responsible industrial development that delivers jobs, infrastructure improvements and long-term tax revenue.

The investment also includes expanded digital infrastructure that will strengthen Alberta's connections to North American data networks, supporting businesses and future technology development across the province.

The announcement marks another significant step in Alberta's efforts to diversify its economy beyond traditional energy industries while positioning itself as a growing hub for artificial intelligence, cloud computing and advanced digital infrastructure.

(Source: Government of Alberta)

(Image generated using AI)

Alberta is positioning itself as a North American leader in government innovation after announcing a sweeping artificial intelligence (AI) initiative that is dramatically accelerating the modernization of decades-old public sector technology.

The Government of Alberta says advanced AI tools have enabled it to accomplish in hours work that would traditionally have taken years, reducing both the time and cost required to modernize critical government systems while strengthening cyber security and improving the delivery of public services.

Over the past 18 months, Alberta's Ministry of Technology and Innovation has developed its own suite of AI-powered tools using Anthropic's Claude AI models. These AI agents were tasked with reviewing more than 466 million lines of government computer code, completing the analysis in approximately 20 hours and providing officials with the first comprehensive assessment of the province's legacy technology infrastructure.

The systems support a wide range of government services, including registries, social programs, wildfire response, and public safety.

Minister of Technology and Innovation Nate Glubish said Alberta is not only modernizing its own technology but is also making its methods available to governments around the world.

"Alberta spent decades building technology that worked for government. Now we are rebuilding it to work better for Albertans and doing it faster and for far less," Glubish said. "The tools our team built are world-class, and we are sharing them openly because every government is stuck with the same aging systems we were."

As part of that commitment, Alberta has released 21 open-source Velocity White Papers, detailing the province's approach to AI-assisted government modernization. The papers include technical guidance, software tools, simulations and implementation strategies designed to help other governments modernize their own systems.

Officials estimate that Alberta currently operates more than 1,280 applications and 3,400 collections of computer code across its 27 provincial ministries. Traditionally, replacing those aging systems would have cost an estimated $2 billion and taken more than a century to complete. By incorporating AI into the process, Alberta believes it can reduce both the time and cost by as much as 95 per cent.

In one ministry alone, AI is helping replace 185 aging systems with just 16 modern applications, simplifying operations while giving the government greater ownership and control over its digital infrastructure.

The province also says AI is strengthening cyber security efforts. Alberta's systems currently block an average of 189 million attempted digital connections every day, while automated tools help detect and prevent fraudulent activity targeting government social programs.

The initiative builds on the Alberta AI Academy, a free training platform launched in September 2025 to help public servants develop practical AI skills. More than 2,000 Alberta government employees have completed training, while the open-source platform has attracted more than 15,000 users across Canada, including participants from other provincial governments and the federal government.

Industry leaders have praised Alberta's approach.

Brian Peters, Head of North America Government Affairs at Anthropic, described Alberta's work as a practical and scalable solution to one of government's biggest technology challenges.

Google Cloud Canada Country Managing Director Farsad Nasseri said Alberta is emerging as a national leader in government transformation, while Info-Tech Research Group Managing Partner Cole Cioran called the Velocity White Papers the first comprehensive blueprint for implementing AI-powered public service modernization.

As governments around the world grapple with aging technology, rising cyber security threats and increasing public expectations for digital services, Alberta's AI-first approach could serve as a model for future government modernization efforts both in Canada and internationally.

(Source: Government of Alberta).

(Image generated using AI)

Alberta is positioning itself as a North American leader in government innovation after announcing a sweeping artificial intelligence (AI) initiative that is dramatically accelerating the modernization of decades-old public sector technology.

The Government of Alberta says advanced AI tools have enabled it to accomplish in hours work that would traditionally have taken years, reducing both the time and cost required to modernize critical government systems while strengthening cyber security and improving the delivery of public services.

Over the past 18 months, Alberta's Ministry of Technology and Innovation has developed its own suite of AI-powered tools using Anthropic's Claude AI models. These AI agents were tasked with reviewing more than 466 million lines of government computer code, completing the analysis in approximately 20 hours and providing officials with the first comprehensive assessment of the province's legacy technology infrastructure.

The systems support a wide range of government services, including registries, social programs, wildfire response, and public safety.

Minister of Technology and Innovation Nate Glubish said Alberta is not only modernizing its own technology but is also making its methods available to governments around the world.

"Alberta spent decades building technology that worked for government. Now we are rebuilding it to work better for Albertans and doing it faster and for far less," Glubish said. "The tools our team built are world-class, and we are sharing them openly because every government is stuck with the same aging systems we were."

As part of that commitment, Alberta has released 21 open-source Velocity White Papers, detailing the province's approach to AI-assisted government modernization. The papers include technical guidance, software tools, simulations and implementation strategies designed to help other governments modernize their own systems.

Officials estimate that Alberta currently operates more than 1,280 applications and 3,400 collections of computer code across its 27 provincial ministries. Traditionally, replacing those aging systems would have cost an estimated $2 billion and taken more than a century to complete. By incorporating AI into the process, Alberta believes it can reduce both the time and cost by as much as 95 per cent.

In one ministry alone, AI is helping replace 185 aging systems with just 16 modern applications, simplifying operations while giving the government greater ownership and control over its digital infrastructure.

The province also says AI is strengthening cyber security efforts. Alberta's systems currently block an average of 189 million attempted digital connections every day, while automated tools help detect and prevent fraudulent activity targeting government social programs.

The initiative builds on the Alberta AI Academy, a free training platform launched in September 2025 to help public servants develop practical AI skills. More than 2,000 Alberta government employees have completed training, while the open-source platform has attracted more than 15,000 users across Canada, including participants from other provincial governments and the federal government.

Industry leaders have praised Alberta's approach.

Brian Peters, Head of North America Government Affairs at Anthropic, described Alberta's work as a practical and scalable solution to one of government's biggest technology challenges.

Google Cloud Canada Country Managing Director Farsad Nasseri said Alberta is emerging as a national leader in government transformation, while Info-Tech Research Group Managing Partner Cole Cioran called the Velocity White Papers the first comprehensive blueprint for implementing AI-powered public service modernization.

As governments around the world grapple with aging technology, rising cyber security threats and increasing public expectations for digital services, Alberta's AI-first approach could serve as a model for future government modernization efforts both in Canada and internationally.

(Source: Government of Alberta.