County municipal inspection deemed “not warranted” Agri-Days at Mundare
BY JANA SEMENIUK
The County of Lamont will not be undergoing a municipal inspection.
The decision was handed down by the Minister of Municipal Affairs, Ric McIver, on Aug. 19. The request for an inspection of the county’s governance was made by signatures of 903 Lamont County residents, more than the 20 percent required, and submitted on Feb. 12 by petitioners Sylvia Holowach and Ann Gagnon.
Reasons given, during a residents meeting in Dec. included inflated staffing costs, changes to the land use bylaw, and dishonesty. Once the petition was received and deemed sufficient, the minister’s office conducted a preliminary review which included interviews with council members, administration and the petitioners, in addition to examining the county’s audited financial statements, their website and an internet search. The review concluded on Apr. 19.
Minister McIver said in his decision, that the review revealed that a municipal inspection was not warranted.
“The review identified a few areas of improvement, such as an instance where a council meeting was not properly scheduled. However, I do not believe these findings warrant an inspection of the municipality, which is an extraordinary and costly measure,” said McIver in his letter, adding that two possible instances of pecuniary interest were noted.
“I have no role in determining matters related to pecuniary interest or enforcement in this area; the legislation sets out a clear process for addressing these matters, ultimately relying on the courts to decide,” he said.
McIver went on to say that he felt council members may lack understanding of what their roles entail and offered a solution.
“Members of county council may lack a full understanding of the roles and responsibilities of council and municipal
administration,” he said.
“To address this, I have offered Lamont County Council and administration a roles and responsibilities workshop to be conducted by Municipal Affairs.”
Lamont County Communications Director Jay Zaal said Reeve David Diduck would provide comment on the decision after the Aug. 27 county council meeting where the minister's letter is scheduled for discussion.
McIver said that although concerns were raised around dissatisfaction with the council, if the council is operating within their legislated authority, ‘the MGA (Municipal Governance Act) does not authorize the minister to intervene in local decision making’. He pointed to another petition process as a way for electors to hold councils accountable.
According to the MGA, sections 219240, residents can collect 10 percent of the population signatures for a new bylaw, to request a public meeting, vote on a question, or vote on an advertised bylaw or resolution. Section 221.1 states that in terms of a public meeting, the council must call one, to discuss the matters outlined in the petition, within 30 days of declaring the petition sufficient.
Meanwhile, McIver also highlighted Bill 20, the Municipal Affairs Statutes Amendment Act, which he said will ‘modify the MGA to strengthen provincial oversight, enhance transparency and ensure local elected officials are held accountable to the Albertans they represent’. Bill 20 received royal assent and will come into effect upon proclamation.
A social media post by the petitioners expressed gratefulness for their supporters, in addition to a look ahead to the future.
“It seems the will of over 900 people isn’t loud enough,” stated their post. “Now, we will regroup and use other "tools" available to us; including starting the process of sourcing out candidates to run in every division in the next election.”
An acrobat, from Cirquetastic Circus and Acrobatics, performs an aerial twist before a crowd during Mundare’s Agri Days Aug. 17. The acrobats performed many stunts before an appreciative crowd. More Page 2
Mundare Agri-Days
BY JOHN MATHER
Mundare’s Agri Days had a few smaller crowds this year, but was still gauged as an overall success by organizers.
“Our bench show had more exhibitors this year than it had for a few years,” said co-ordinator Irene Talaga.
She said exhibitors came from Vegreville, Ardrossan, St. Albert and Killam as well as from the Mundare area.
“It’s been a strange growing season for garden vegetables,” she added. “One exhibitor, who won for her corn last year didn’t have any corn ready for this year, but her broad beans won a prize and they are in
early.”
She said she was also impressed with the number of entries that were in the PeeWee and Novice categories.
“There were a lot of crafts from the kids in those categories,” she said. “That’s good to see as they will keep the show going in future years.”
Mundare Chief Administrative Officer Colin Zyla said the events were all very well received.
While the crowds were a little smaller, watching the magician Rob Dante and the Cirquetastic Circus and Acrobatics team were well received, he said crowds weren’t
as large as the wrestling event had been in previous years.
“But we couldn’t offer wrestling three years in a row,” he said. “We had to change it up some.”
The pony rides and the vendor markets both proved to be popular with children lined up for the pony rides.
The main Saturday events started out with another successful pancake breakfast put on by Mundare Emergency Services.
Later in the morning the downtown streets were lined as large crowds turned out to watch the annual parade.
John Mather photos.
A visitor to Mundare’s Agri-Days bench show examines some of the award winning plants and flowers that were displayed. A large number of exhibits from baking, to crafts, to garden vegetables and fruits were on display at the Mundare Recreation Centre.
Mundare councillors Glen Rozumniak and Irene Talaga were on one side of the town float in the Agri Days Parade Aug. 17. The pair had lots of candy to toss to the large number of spectators who lined the parade route.
The Town of Bruderheim unveiled its new inflatable on the back of its truck during the Mundare Agri Days parade, Aug. 17. The inflatable promotes the town’s ‘Tax Free for Three’ program. Councillor Wayne Olechow walks behind the truck tossing candy to spectators.
Young girls enjoy the pony rides during the Mundare Agri Days, Aug. 17. The pony rides proved to be very popular with young people.
A good sized crowd came to Mundare's Agri-Days, Aug. 17, beginning with the pancake breakfast served up by the Mundare Emergency Department. After breakfast, there was always time to socialize and visit before heading over to watch the parade.
New Lamont motel owner excited to resurrect chamber of commerce
BY JANA SEMENIUK
The former Archie’s Motel in Lamont has a new owner with new ideas. Lion Grewal, a real estate agent from B.C. though originally from India, made the hotel his home this June and given it a new name; Lamont Inn and Suites.
Grewal said he has a lot of work ahead of him, renovating and bringing the 1960s style motel up to date, but insists it is a labour of love.
“It’s destiny. It had the square footage and the location, and they dropped the price,” he said smiling. “I want to be a part of the community. I like to spend my money here. I met the owner at the local hardware store. I’m meeting owners everywhere and getting tremendous support.”
Grewal said his 23suite motel already has at least three rooms rented for Sept. and he is planning a grand opening sometime later in the month. He said he is very impressed with the town of Lamont.
plates. “I fell in love the moment I saw it. I (also) had a wonderful visit at the library with everyone I have met. I am so impressed with the friendliness. I feel attached to the town already.”
“My first $20 spent in Lamont at the local antique shop,” he said, proudly holding up one of a complete set of antique tea cups and
In terms of his future in the town, Grewal said he is focused on somehow resurrecting the idea of a local chamber of commerce. He said he was part of a chamber for seven years while living in Utah and would like to share his experience.
“We can incorporate Chipman and join hands with Bruderheim,” he said. “Somebody has to be the engine. Somebody has to take the lead. Let’s all organize it together. It’s not money, it’s effort and time in volunteering and making it happen.”
New owner of the former Archie's Motel in Lamont, Lion Grewal, is happy to be part of the community. Photo: Jana Semeniuk
Opinion LETTER: Nearly $18,000 fire bill
Trump has to stop name calling as two misfits battle for U.S, president
BY JOHN MATHER
Well, I actually endured the almost two hours of Donald Trump rambling on with Elon Musk on Twitter, or now X, the other night.
My immediate takeaway from it was if Trump wants to lose the U.S. presidential election to Kamala Harris, carrying on like he did with Musk is the way to do it.
Trump let his tongue out for an unscripted romp, with more than one million listeners.
But what did those listeners get from it.
How great Trump was. How stupid, crazy etc. etc. etc. was Harris.
He didn’t deal with any policy.
He said the world was a much finer place when he was in power.
He said everything cost less when he was in power.
I’ll give him that one, but around the world costs have steadily increased since 2019 so I can’t give him any credit there. Inflation, and corporate greed will drive prices up everyday of the week no matter who or what party in is control of the government, no matter the country.
Now Harris is an ultimate left winger. And her running mate for vice president Tim Walz is even further left.
I mean why, as Minnesota state governor, would you put menstrual devices in the boys washrooms of grade schools. This is so insane, but then again Trudeau seems to favour this as well.
But on the whole, the Harris/Walz team would appear to make Trudeau seem very centrist in fact almost conservative. God help the world if they are elected.
Harris grew up in a household where her father was a Marxist economist. That explains her radical left wing positions she has taken during the past several years.
While she has walked many of them back, she still keeps them around to satisfy the extreme left side of the Democratic party.
Trump’s unpredictability is a cause for concern as well.
I’m not Trump acolyte, but he did a better job with the U.S. economy when he was in power than the Biden/Harris squad had done.
Trump’s often rambling responses to Musk’s prompts still gave Democrats some sound bites they are likely to use against the former president. He levied plenty of name-calling, deriding Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker as a “loser,” ripping Harris as “incompetent” and claiming Biden is “close to vegetable stage.”
Now, the Harris squad has taken to calling the Trump/ J/D/. Vance ticket weird.
Dear Editor:
On July 22nd at approximately 1:30 a.m. I received multiple phone calls from neighbours and friends indicating that our home was burning in St Michael.
My grandparents raised us in this 2 bedroom home for several years. Grandpa and grandma in one bedroom, mom and the other four kids on the floor on foam mattresses that were put away every day.
This has blown into a small tempest in the U.S. but in Canada where we call Trudeau policies wacko, it’s pretty much par for the course. Heck, we could call Jagmeet Singh weird for his support of the Liberals and be correct.
But then we all know he’s just hanging around until his full pension kicks in in February next year.
Trump spoke of the assassination attempt on his life in July, his plans for mass deportation, and referred to Harris’ ouster of Biden from the Democratic race to be the presidential nominee a “coup.”
So what.
Maybe he’s waiting until the coronation of Harris at this week’’s Democratic convention, but Trump had better start putting some issues out which the American people can relate to.
Now, Harris has yet to do any mainstream interviews but has agreed to debate Trump in September.
And trotting out washed up Hilary Clinton and Sleepy Joe Biden on the first day of the democratic convention doesn’t do anything exciting for me.
But apparently it does for CNN commentators.
As the battle lines are drawn, maybe it’s time Trump started listening to his advisors. Stop with the name calling and lies and start talking about how the country and world would be better off with you at the helm.
Now, either way, whoever gets elected as the next president it isn’t really a good choice. I’ve said several times, I don’t know what compels Americans to wait until their presidential candidates are either nearing really elderly status, such as Biden or Trump, or have amassed fortunes such as Harris or Barrack Obama a few year ago before they can get to the top of their parties nomination sheet.
Harris is a long time politician with a background as a lawyer.
As teenagers, my grandfather felt we were getting too big for the space ...
Continued on Page 6
Now, Harris is also running strong on the woman and black cards.
I don’t care about either. I look at the policies she presents and study her ability to do the job.
And while she seems to be running on Americans policies such as border security and the economy, I just can’t see Harris on the world stage.
Having heard her make several speeches, mostly to the faithful followers, I don’t see anything special.
She would have absolutely no respect in the middle east when she had to meet with some of those leaders who have no respect for women.
I can’t see her sitting down to a meeting with Putin, or dictators from North Korea or China and receiving any respect.
A Harris government wouldn’t strengthen the U.S. on the world stage, Americans will want to see some tangible policies, not just name calling.
I actually had to turn off the Democratic Convention the Aug. 16. evening, as Alexandria Ocasio Cortez was rambling. She followed CAW boss Shawn Fain.
What a sorry excuse of a man. Online his salary is listed between $156,364 or $186,961 depending on which site you want to believe. This doesn’t include speaking gigs, honorariums or any other kick backs he probably might sneak into.
The average UAW worker gets about $30 an hour and Fain gets his cut.
Unfortunately the public can’t ever wake up to the lies being spewed by their politicians. They like their looks, their style or something.
But remember at both the Republican and Democratic convention there was probably not one homeless person, one person on unemployment or one person on social assistance voting for any of their policies.
They aren’t represented.
Kerry Anderson Publisher John Mather Reporter Jana Semeniuk Reporter Crystal Moren
BY HAZEL ANAKA
Because I’m now on a medication that warns against prolonged or excessive exposure to sunlight, Sunday morning seemed the perfect time to get out into the yard. It was overcast and/or smoky and relatively cool. So outfitted in jeans, a long-sleeved top, and gloves I was ready. I’m a proponent of the school of thought that says that deeper infrequent waterings are more beneficial to plants than daily little dribbling, teasing if you will, of water. So, the time was nigh.
You probably already know that gardening is like housework and farming: the work is never done. So, my plan to thoroughly water trees, flowerbeds, and pots morphed into deadheading and weeding. An hour and a half later, it and I were done.
(Almost eIeven weeks after my surgery, it was,
FROM WHERE I SIT: The Determining Factor
in hindsight, too much work all in one go. Dummy.) I yanked out most of the volunteer sunflowers that messy birds had ‘planted’ all around their winter feeders. Many of the sunflowers had been damaged by high winds and were leaning on my peonies and delphiniums, who have enough trouble standing upright on their own as it is.
Sunflowers also make great, albeit very thirsty cut flowers. I yanked out the peas that hadn’t yielded a single decent sized pod and gave those miserable strawberries a stay of execution. For now. I picked a few tomatoes.
The concrete curbing, landscape cloth, and rock mulch we invested in are largely doing their job of weed suppression and spread but persistent little devils do manage to germinate, so they needed to be gone. I finally planted the sixpack of impatience in some gaps in pots. As I dug the holes, I realized that the soil in those three large patio pots will need to be totally replaced next year because the water had barley percolated down
more than half an inch. The soil is depleted, compacted, and tired. There is truly no end to the work.
Earlier in the summer I’d complained to my brother-in-law that a couple of our specimen trees were dying and would need replacing this fall or next spring. He rightly reminded me that trees, like all living things have a life span. These two trees are nearly forty years old and have long outlived our birch, Mayday, and Russian olive trees. Birches love moisture and the nearly ten years of drought conditions that nearly wiped out some farmers played a role in the trees’ early demise. The Mayday succumbed to black knot disease and the Russian olives have naturally shorter lifespans.
The two trees in question have steadfastly provided the burgundy foliage I love, shade, blossoms and berries, a habitat for birds, and a climbing apparatus for kittens. I’ve often vilified the woodpeckers who perforated their trunks with row upon row of holes because that doesn’t improve the
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health of a tree. Why don’t they just concentrate on chimneys and grain auger piping like they often do?
Maybe it’s because we have selectively and sometimes severely pruned these trees that they have so many suckers or water sprouts. Maybe they would be there had we done nothing; we’ll never know. The only remedy for them is to cut them off at ground level and not allow them to sap the energy of the mother tree.
Only recently, have I put two and two together. Like any responsible organization or board who focus on a succession plan for C-suite executives or board members, these trees need a succession plan as well. So, when I’m up to it, I’ll select the strongest, most suitably positioned sprout and remove all the others. That ‘chosen one’ will become the in situ, home-grown replacement. Is that genius or what? There is precedent. Several years ago, my sister transplanted a number of these very suckers and they are now flourishing despite their shallow
root system and inauspicious start in life. To give these chosen ones the best chance for survival, the two mother trees should probably come down after harvest. The down side to that idea
would be the loss of the fall berries which flocks of birds gobble up en masse for weeks. A gardener’s conundrum—do it now or do it later? Maybe the ease or horror of harvest will be the determining factor, from where I sit.
From the files of The Lamont Leader
December 20, 2005: Town of Lamont Mayor Fred Pewarchuk received the Alberta Centennial Medal from the Government of Alberta. The award was part of the Province paying tribute to Albertans whose achievements have benefitted their fellow citizens. “My life revolves around the community,” he said.
Bruderheim Community Church 4904 Queen Street 780-796-3775
SUNDAY
WORSHIP 10:30 AM All are Welcome! Check us out on
6 - The Lamont Leader (Lamont, Alberta), Wednesday, August 21, 2024
email me the forms which I have yet to receive.
... and he purchased a mobile home for the four kids and Mom to live in across the street in St Michael.
Our family has great pride in this property and has been renovating it completely for the past several years.
This week I received a invoice for nearly $18,000 for firefighting.
The house was not saved in any way, shape or form. In fact it was dug up with a backhoe.
I have left several messages with the fire chief who indicated I need to appeal this with the council. He was going to
I did not ask the fire department to come to my property, and now that I know how much I will be charged in the future I do not want them coming to any of my properties!
I suggest that all members of the county contact the County Council to discuss this matter in great detail.
You might be asking yourself, doesn't insurance cover this? No, in fact insurance only covers $2,000 for firefighting with our policy!
You may also be asking yourself, don't taxes cover this? No, in fact they do not cover anything other than our
councillors padding their pockets!
This County built a ramp on the road at St Michael post office 30 years ago and has flooded my property every year since. It has been well documented and nothing has been done to rectify this man-made dam built by the county.
This cost me tens of thousands of dollars for vac truck and pumping every spring!
I think the county would love to clean up the burnt rubble and be the proud new owners of yet another disgraceful lot in the once beautiful hamlet of St. Michael.
"You people" should be ashamed of yourselves! love you BYE TIM LEWYK
Camrose
NE1-47-18-W4 (142.28 acres) Z Beaver County: NW14-48-14-W4 (141.29 acres)
Z Lamont County: NW7-55-17-W4 (148.95 acres), SW25-55-18-W4 (158.28 acres), SE35-55-18-W4 (160 acres), SE36-53-18-W4 (160 acres)
For more information on the parcels or tender process, contact James Olson:
Z 780-678-0404 Z james_olson@ducks.ca
Submissions are due by 1PM (MST) on Aug. 30, 2024.
Dear Editor:
On December 14, 2020 Glenn Boreham removes trees that have encroached on power lines and he carves a work of art that people from all over take pictures of. It's important to the town of Bruderheim to let that artwork stay as
It's a good thing to promote
and tourism for rural towns. Glenn Boreham Bruderheim, Alberta
Generations United: 106 Years of the Skaro Pilgrimage
Attendance nearly doubles as 3,500 pray at Shrine ceremony in 2024
LANDON ZABEL
This past Wednesday parishioners of Our Lady of Good Counsel Church held their annual pilgrimage to the Skaro Shrine; on August 14, upholding the tradition that is now 106 years old.
Organizers estimate the mass was attended by roughly 3,500, a stark increase from last year's attendance of 2,000.
The Pilgrimage began with the praying of the Rosary in unison, then came the Vespers or evening prayers.’ Finally the Mass was held which at its end signaled to the crowd to begin the Candlelight Procession up the Grotto.
The evening is performed in recognition of Mary’s assumption into Heaven– in the Catholic faith this means that at her passing, Mary’s body and soul ascended into Heaven.
Among those in attendance were the Gabinet sisters, whose father had helped construct the Grotto in 1919. The sis-
ters recounted how their father, Martin Gabinet, along with many other families had toiled, his personal efforts going as far as planting the spruce trees that now tower over the ceremony.
He and many other Polish settlers had come together under the leadership of Father Sylla during the fall of 1918 when it was decided that a Grotto was to be built in the likeness of the Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto that resides in France.
Over the following winter months, parishioners gathered stones from their fields, 10-15 wagon loads each, which would be used to resurrect the Grotto during the summer months.
Soon the construction of the Grotto took precedence over all else, as folks adopted the motto “Let us go to the Grotto and help. God will help us do our chores later.”
For the sisters, the Pilgrimage is not only a religious tradition but a familial one as well. The
Chapel that shares the grounds with the Grotto has hosted weddings for their children, and many family members have found rest within the site's graveyard.
The older sister expressed “You get such a feeling when you are there, especially when they sing the hymns, and the procession of the candles – it gives you shivers.”
She also explained how her husband used to ring the church bell as the Priests began the procession down the aisle, making their way to the Grotto to deliver the Mass; and, how she used to clear the Grotto of the hundreds of candles that
decorated the meticulously placed stones in the days that followed the Pilgrimage, preparing the Grotto for future celebrations.
The Gabinet sisters have attended the Pilgrimage every year since their youth, the younger sister only missing one because of a medical complication –between the two of them that is 188 Pilgrimages.
When the congregation began the Our Father the significance of the moment was tangible. Many witnessed seniors arise from their walkers, a show of respect, many of them standing for only this prayer, mustering their
strength as their wives looked on in adoration of their husbands' perseverance.
Janine Whiting, an organizer who helps the Pilgrimage take place, describes the site “I think that even if you are not a Catholic it really is a very spiritual place – I think there is a spiritualness to this area, to this ground, to this location that tugs at your heart no matter what your background is.”
Janine, much like the Gabinet sisters, holds a strong connection with the Pilgrimage as her great-grandparents helped with the construction of the Grotto; a statement that is true for many residents of Lamont County.
The following morning an additional Mass was held, this one within the Church, for a lesser crowd – the Anointing of the Sick. Where those
with nowhere else to turn but faith, hope for a miracle.
The land that the Grotto resides upon was donated by Matthew Huculak, the first church built on the property was constructed of logs, mud, and moss. Throughout the years the folks of Lamont County have done their best to slowly bring the site to its current state.
In 2018 the Rosary Garden was constructed to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Pilgrimage; and, just this past Wednesday while the air was full of hymns, children walked about the path of the Rosary with great determination. Those children will one day build upon what their ancestors have left them, with each passing generation, something is improved – an ongoing labor of love.
Children leading the procession as flower petals rained upon them
Above left: The Grotto illuminated by hundreds of blessed candles. Above right: The crucifix that rests atop the Grotto. Below left: Thousands of patrons await their turn to find their candle’s resting place. Below right: The view from the top of the Grotto before the Mass takes place.
Landon Zabel photos
Roads agreements discussed by Lamont County council
BY JOHN MATHER
Lamont County Council had a discussion during their committee of the whole meeting Aug. 13, looking at the master road use agreements and how they apply across the county.
“There’s some concerns expressed about our agreement not being one size fits all,” said Chief Administrative Officer Peter Tarnawsky. Reeve David Diduck asked if the Peace Officer Derek Wright could also attend this segment of the meeting, even though Public Works Director Darby Dietz would lead the discussion.
Lamont issues numerous road use agreements to third party users and the contract outlines the terms and condition each of the licensees must meet in order to use select roads as designated by the County.
Dietz said the County used to have annual agreements but in 2023 they agreed to enter into multi-years agreements such as three and fiveyear terms.
Dietz told council his department had reached out to other communities to find out what they had for road use agreements and they found they were moving away from posting bonds to cover any potential damages to roads and just having a road use agreement.
He said many counties just studied their roads and if the agreements weren’t being adhered to then the permits and licences were pulled and the contractors or licensees were no longer able to conduct business in that jurisdiction.
Dietz added the terms of any road use agreements included dust abatement although it varied whether it was done on a regular basis and whether the entire agreement route was covered under dust abatement measures or
just segments of it.
“What major issues do we have with our road use agreements right now?” asked Diduck.
Dietz replied dust suppression was a concern.
Division Five councillor Neil Woitas also added that in his district there were some roads where agreements were issues for oilfield work in the winter but now another company was hauling logs in the summer and that could destroy the top of the road.
Division Four councillor Roy Anaka said there were concerns with dust control on Range Road 162 near Township Road 580 where gravel was being hauled.
“There are days when there is little dust control and water was only sprayed once for the whole day,” he said.
“When people are putting fungicides on their crops it isn’t adhering to the leaves because they are coated with dust.”
Diduck said he had heard complaints about licensees not watering the whole road when required but only in front of residences.
“I think one problem we have is with the enforcement of the agreements,” he said.
“I think we have situations where we have industry using roads and at the end of the day the roads aren’t put back to the standards they were in before. I had one resident call and say one of the oil companies was using roads all over the place not being in the agreements. Is it Derek’s (Peace Officer Derek Wright) responsibility to monitor this or who’s?”
Dietz replied it was a joint effort between the Peace Officer and other police jurisdictions. He said grader operators were often key to informing staff of the infractions because they knew which roads had agreements and who was
using them.
Diduck wondered if the licensees were being monitored for speed, weights and whether they were on the right roads.
Dietz said they had inspections before and after the hauler conducted as per the agreement.
He added supervisors drove the roads and any complaint received from landowners were followed up.
“But if Derek can’t see it he can’t do anything about it. He does follow up when things are reported,” said Dietz.
Division Two councillor Aaron Wick was concerned about the cost of bands posted.
“If we have a $10,000 bond and we’re told it costs $14,000 per kilometre to repair the road we’re not even covering our cost of rebuilding if there’s serious damages,” he said.
Dietz said that cost would just cover regraveling not rebuilding.
He said when an issue arose they would deal
with it immediately, not waiting until the company was finished with their agreement.
“Council can increase the bond rate where it would be high enough to cover regraveling, but not enough to discourage people wanting to have an agreement.”
Diduck felt council should increase its bond requirement for haulers, but he also wanted to see more enforcement.
Wright told council he had authority to monitor infractions on County roads but there were no weight restrictions on the roads right now.
“I do cursory checks where they’re hauling, but it’s difficult knowing when the various companies are hauling.”
He said by the time someone sees him everyone knows he’s in the area and they all obey the rules.
Wright said he could ask for help from Alberta Sheriffs and he could coordinate with neighbouring jurisdictions also.
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BY JOHN MATHER
Lamont County council received a package from the Edmonton Metropolitan Region Board outlining their 2024 regional transportation priorities.
Debra Irving, the County’s Director of Planning and Community Services explained the report to council.
Chief Administrative Officer Peter Tarnawsky told council it had come as a correspondence item, but he felt it deserved more attention.
“There are quite a few projects that affect Lamont County as a whole, so I thought it would be good to bring it to council’s attention,” said Irving.
“This is really to advance to the province what the Edmonton Metropolitan Region’s
budget priorities are to the Province for the next year.”
She added it gave a lot of strengths to the document because it was representative of 13 municipalities in the region and not just one community.
The Vinca Bridge upgrade to a heavy haul heavy load bridge had moved from the design stage to where it is now ready for construction and is fully funded.
This, she reported, will improve transportation corridors to the north from the Heartland Industrial Area.
In Fort Saskatchewan traffic moving to Lamont County could be impacted as Highway 15 from Highway 21 to 101 Street is expanded to six lanes each direction and a pedestrian underpass is constructed. Irving said this project had been
made a top priority for funding and it was ready for construction.
Highway 16 between Range Road 222 and Elk Island Park has also moved from design stage to ready for construction and will provide better access between Southern Lamont County and the Edmonton Region.
In the ready for design phase, is the upgrade for Highway 15 to an expressway between 101 St. and 119 St. which has been ranked a high priority for funding. This will widen that segment of the highway from four to six lanes.
Additionally Highway 15 from Highway 21 to 84 St. in Fort Saskatchewan has been marked as a top priority for funding to become a six lane expressway.
Highway 15 from the Anthony Henday to Highway 21 in Fort Saskatchewan has been tagged as prioritized for planning and funding to go to six lanes with interchanges.
Fort Saskatchewan city manager Troy Fleming
said the road expansion in Fort Saskatchewan, while approved, won’t be proceeding before 2029.
“With the Dow Chemical expansions going on we didn’t feel right now was the right time to start a major road project,” he said.
“With Dow bringing in so many people over the next few years bringing in all that road traffic, we’ve got it in the tenyear plan once Dow starts ramping down.”
He added while the city had lobbied the Province for partial funding for the project based on the fact most of the traffic using the highway is from other jurisdictions, it wasn’t forthcoming in this year’s budget process.
He said delaying the expansions on the roadway will allow the city to continuing to seek provincial funding for the project.
Highway 15 is currently getting an overlay upgrade from Highway 15 and 21, east to 112 St.
BY JOHN MATHER
Students who have graduated Grade 12 and are now studying at a recognized post secondary institution, and live in Lamont County, are encouraged to apply for a Centennial Scholarship by the August 31 deadline.
Two scholarships are annually awarded in the amount of $1,000 each.
The scholarships have been awarded since they were instituted by the county in 2005.
In addition to being enrolled at a post secondary institution and a resident of the County or one of its towns or villages, students applying must have demonstrated a commitment to their community and education.
When applying, applicants are asked to submit a completed application form which is available
on the County’s website, a cover letter from the applicant, official high school transcripts and two letters of recommendation.
Once received the applications will be reviewed by a committee consisting of the Reeve, or designate, one other County Councillor, the County Manager and the Executive Secretary.
Big donations bring big smiles to County of Lamont Food Bank
BY JANA SEMENIUK
County of Lamont Food Bank chair Jody Zachoda was full of smiles last week as she accepted two large unexpected donations for the food bank.
The Chipman AG Society donated several whole chickens from Brenda’s Poultry while the Jones Family Greenhouse and their customers gave a cheque for $3,200.
Zachoda said she is beyond grateful.
“I can tell you it makes a huge difference. Right now, we have had to purchase kids’ lunch snacks, canned tomatoes, canned meat and frozen meat all
summer long,” she said by text. “It definitely put a big dent in our budget.”
Zachoda said the requests for food hampers has increase slightly so far over the summer.
“I have noticed the amount of families with children accessing a hamper has increased a bit,” she said. “We’ve had consistently served between 18-26 children per week. In perspective, the number of adults is only slightly above that.
Roughly 24-31 adults served per week.”
In addition to accepting large donations, the food bank also has donation bins located at
Lamont Foods, County of Lamont Office, Lamont ATB, Chipman Post Office, Bruderheim Community Church, Bruderheim Family Mart, Town of Bruderheim Office, Village of Andrew Office and Town of Mundare Office.
According to their social media, the food bank is currently low on canned meat (except tuna), canned tomatoes, feminine sanitary products, dry soups, canned soups, cookies and pasta sauce.
Meanwhile, Zachoda said she is also excited around news of another donation.
“We are certainly excited and grateful to hear that we will be receiving proceeds from the Reeve’s Golf Tournament!” she said.
The Lamont County Reeve’s Annual Charity Golf Tournament runs Aug. 22 this year at Mundare’s Whitetail Crossing Golf Club.
According to the County’s website, the tournament raised $25,000 last year which was donated between the food bank, School Breakfast Programs and Mental Health Initiatives.
Full agenda for upcoming Bruderheim Council meeting
BY JANA SEMENIUK
Bruderheim town council will reconvene this Wed. Aug. 21 at 7 p.m. in the town fire station. The meeting is the first regular council meeting since July 3.
Items for decision listed on the agenda include an error made by the provincial government where Bruderheim was mistakenly listed as being part of a project connecting 14,000 rural households to the internet, a granting opportu-
nity for up to $200,000 providing support to partnerships of two or more municipalities, as well as a letter of request from the Bruderheim fire fighters association requesting a waiver of the hall rental fee for the pancake breakfast on Aug. 31.
Additionally, a list of 27 resolutions from Alberta Municipalities is available for the council members to review and provide guidance on for delegates to vote on at
the upcoming conference Sept. 25-27 in Red Deer. The full list and explanations are available in the council agenda on the town’s website.
Reports are listed from Mayor Karl Hauch and Deputy Mayor Wayne Olechow in addition to staff reports from Chief Administrative Officer
Phyllis Forsyth, which includes expenses for the Federation of Canadian Municipalities Conference (FCM) taken by councillors Dayna
Jacobs, Ashley Carter and CAO Forsyth in June, as well as a report from Chief Operating Officer Dennis Tomuschat which includes an update on maintenance to roads, parks and utilities, in addition to an update on the reservoir project.
In other reports, the second quarter budget report is slated in addition to a Fort Saskatchewan RCMP report with first quarter crime statistics.
Lamont County moves ahead with succession hiring as difficulties continue hiring mechanics
BY JOHN MATHER Planning ahead,
Lamont County Council discussed succession planning, deciding to move ahead with the hiring process for a new mechanic for public works to replace a current employee who will be retiring.
“Hiring mechanics is very challenging right now,” said Chief Administrative Officer Peter Tarnawsky. “We had one mechanic who left and it took us a num-
ber of weeks to replace him and we have another retiring in a few weeks.”
Public Works Director Darby Dietz took over the discussion.
“Due to challenges we were unable to hire a mechanic until June of this year after one mechanic left earlier in the spring,” he said.
He said with retirement looming for another mechanic, the County had advertised the position with no success to
date.
He added another mechanic will be retiring in November.
Dietz told council they had advertised for a lead mechanic but they will be changing that to a regular mechanic moving forward.
“We have had to source many repairs through third party contractors,” he told council to keep the work orders from piling up.
Reeve David Diduck asked if they had a full
complement of mechanics currently and Dietz said one was on medical leave with two others working.
Council moved in camera to further discuss the mechanics role.
Coming out of camera, Councillor Roy Anaka moved council direct administration move ahead with hiring a full time mechanic in anticipation of a future retirement in November.
It was passed.
schedule your free quote!
County of Lamont Food Bank board chair Jody Zachoda stands next to Larry from Chipman who volunteered to deliver several chickens from Brenda's Poultry on behalf of the Chipman AG Society last week.
Be prepared before the next power outage. to
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
Join us in a Celebration of Life for Jeannie Ferrier, to be held in the Sedgewick Community Hall, Saturday, August 17, 2024 at 2 p.m.
Please make any memorial donations to the charity of your choice.
Celebration of Life for Duane Stauffer, who passed away on September 8, 2023, will be held at the Tofield Golden Club at 2pm, on Monday, August 26th. A lunch will be served, anyone who knew him is welcome.
Free Chokecherries!
**No Saskatoons**
Cucumbers, Beans, Beets, Carrots, and Potatoes are Ready!! Off Highway 13 Turn North on RR 122 go North 3 Miles
Helen Tanton 780-888-6800
BRUDERHEIM COMMUNITY
THRIFT STORE
LOCATED AT MORAVIAN CHURCH COMPOUND FROM 9AM TO 6PM
PLEASE CALL 780 707 0810 FOR DONATIONS.
The Lougheed Ag Society is accepting Applications for 2023 Recreation Grants DEADLINE IS AUGUST 15, 2024 at 5 p.m. Send Applications to: Lougheed Ag Society PO Box 305 Lougheed, AB T0B 2V0
Eligible applicants need to comply with Rec Grant as requested by Flagstaff County. For further information and to see therequirements, check out the Flagstaff County website.
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COMING EVENTS
Viking AA Group Meetings
Wednesdays at 8 p.m.
Multi-Purpose Room at Viking Health Care Centre
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Alliance Bench Fair
Wednesday, August 21 at the Alliance Community Hall in conjunction with the Farmer's Market. Entry books at the Post office and library. No entry fee. Entries in at 9:30 pick up at 3.
FOR SALE
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Brian’s U-Pick Fruits, Berries, and Veggies has Strawberry Runners for sale. Available now.
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Chomiak descendants honour pioneer family
BY JANA SEMENIUK
At least 70 relatives of Lamont County residents John and Cathie Chomiak gathered at the family’s farm south of Mundare on Aug. 17 to honour their late family members, Motivi and Salomea, who were the first in their family to arrive from Ukraine in 1901.
tance of their grandparent’s courageous journey to their new country.
“Our Grandparents who decided to relocate from Ukraine to Canada in 1901 had to be courageous, determined and absorb challenging risk resulting in a successful livelihood,” he wrote.
“All of us exist because of their initiative.”
The event included viewing a newly built memorial garden and specially crafted mural depicting the image of Motivi and Salomea for the occasion.
In an email invitation to his family, Chomiak, 84, reiterated the impor-
Relatives of all ages stood together in front of the new garden, which is adorned with flowers and knotty wooden poles holding a carved sign ‘Chomiak Pioneers Memorial Garden’ suspended overhead by a few chain links. Included
in the garden are plaques, mounted on large stones, depicting the family’s 2009 Farmstead Beautification Award, their 2001 Alberta Century Farm and Ranch Award, in addition to another plaque listing names of the original family and four generations after.
Chomiak noted that of the nine original children, three were lost in childhood to illness, leaving six to populate the following generations.
Chomiak, a retired engineer, spoke to the crowd, sharing his thoughts on their family history as well as his future plans for more development on the homestead site.
“There's lot of work to do yet, and hopefully, now that I don't have engineering, I can spend my final years doing the yard,” he said.
Last Aug., Chomiak, planned to raze a 123year-old log homestead on the property which was once home to his late grandparents and their growing family.
Today, he said that the rotting roof has been removed but 75 percent of the walls will continue to stay and stand after being reinforced.
“I tip my hat not only to our grandparents but to the Homesteaders who had to be geniuses in being creative, knowledgeable and frankly
engineers to build structures which have the longevity like this one,” he said.
Chomiak said that some of the removed logs became family keepsakes by slicing and branding them before being polished on one side to retain the authenticity of the wood. He described his thoughts, around how well the wood was preserved, in his email invitation to family members.
“It is amazing how well this 123 years wood has preserved after being axed and fitted. Some of the logs were enclosed in clay in the sealing process and are in great
condition.”
Meanwhile, an artificial stone mural of the original couple was displayed and received a blessing from Father Myron Pyszcz. The mural, a creation made by Hungarian artist Zsolt Lazar and his wife Csilla, in-laws to Chomiak’s grandson, was a first for the artist whose work is normally centred in wood carvings and paintings.
“It was an honour. John asked me to do this and I was so happy,” he said, describing the mural being made from artificial stone and epoxy using layers of the materials to create the images.
“I started in Jan. and finished in July.”
Once speeches and blessings were complete, Chomiak’s family gathered for refreshments and entertainment from Julia Vos, a country singer Chomiak has known since she was a child.
Chomiak said he felt joyous at being able to pay tribute to his late grandparents along with so many members of his family.
“It was a joyful feeling, and that they respected where they came from,” he said. “As I said in my notes to them, if it wasn't for those two people, we would not be here.”
Father Myron Pyszcz shared prayers and a blessing for the Chomiak family memorial garden and an artificial stone mural depicting the original Chomiak pioneer couple, Motivi and Salomea. Standing behind are John Chomiak and his granddaughter Christy.
Country singer Julia Vos entertains the crowd of extended family during their celebration.
Remains of the original homestead, on the family farm, where Motivi and Salomea Chomiak raised their nine children, three of who passed away in childhood due to illness.
Hungarian artist Zsolt Lazar, and his wife Csilla, raise their hands in the crowd as they are acknowledged by Chomiak. Lazar spent more than six months crafting the artificial stone mural sitting in the centre of the Chomiak Memorial Garden.
Andrew community rallies to get charter school off the ground
BY JANA SEMENIUK
The newly formed Andrew Rural Academy Charter School Society held their annual general meeting Aug 12, attracting at least 10 people from the community.
Board Chair Jason Tkachuk was acclaimed for another year, in addition to Vice Board Chair Kylie Rude, who is also the village Chief Administrative Officer.
Andrew Mayor Barry Goertz’ wife Jan stepped in as the secretary/treasurer which Tkachuk said will be split into two positions once funding for the school is in place.
Filling the roles of board directors are Chris Shandro, Andrew councillor Merwin Haight, and Barb Leppek who will act on behalf of the library board.
As community members stepped up to fill the much-needed roles on the board, former
Councilhas directe summarizedon the approvals, anditem
The following are up what Council has d
Andrew mayor Gary Leppek volunteered to be on a website committee with councillor Haight. Leppek, who owns Barpek Products in Andrew, also made the society another offer.
“I do realize (the website) will take some funding. I’ll tell you right now, that at least for the first year, Barpek will look after the bill,” he said. Leppek’s offer was met with smiles and gratitude from the board members.
Meanwhile, although the opening of the school has been pushed back to fall of 2025 due to staffing challenges, Tkachuk said the ARA has positives to be thankful for. He said the acquisition of the school building, via the Village, is one and is ‘nicer than 95 percent of the charter schools in Alberta’.
Tkachuk added that the ARA will be a kinder-
dthatadministration publ Lamont Countywebsite, a ms discussed are dates fromthe past two C irected Administration to c
garten to grade 12 school with a pre-school and daycare in addition to an arrangement with Lakeland College for assistance in keeping high school students ‘on a productive path’.
He said that although the society was at first looking at a phased in opening of the school, starting with K-6, the government discouraged the plan.
“They actively discouraged that. There's no other jurisdiction that has streamlined the charter process, (and) they don't want anyone failing, and to date, not one has failed,” he said. “They want to see a fullscale opening.”
Questions from the gallery arose, including whether the school has acquired the necessary funding.
Tkachuk said the Village has agreed to help with startup costs
C
ishasummary of decision ndsocial mediaafter each inthe approvedminutespo Council Meetings, including complete andimplement.
including basic advertising and administrative assistance. He added that the school’s official charter application requires information they need professional help to complete. He said the society is still looking to hire a superintendent “There is funding waiting for us once we get the paperwork in order and submit it,” he said. “I understand it's a long process, but it's what we need to do.”
Meanwhile, Tkachuk said that after Elk Island Public Schools surrendered the building, they took nearly all the gym equipment and chairs which will need to be replaced. Councillor Haight added that gym equipment that was purchased by fundraising stayed with the school as per negotiation.
The group discussed possible fundraising and awareness events includ-
A OUNCIL UPDATTE
s from the past twoCounc h Council meeting.Once a ostedat lamontcounty.ca. important initiativesand a
ing a barbeque or Christmas event.
Tkachuk said the ARA could also take advantage of funding opportunities through private companies.
“Charter school boards are allowed to make partnership agreements with private enterprise. We have been in preliminary communication with Dow,” he said.
–July 9, July 17 & il meetingseachmonth. M pproved at the next Counc activitiesthat were discuss
“(Private companies have) outfitted science labs, Pioneer has outfitted greenhouse projects, and we're able to enter into those type of agreements currently for the benefit of the school.”
The public are welcome to the ARA society’s next meeting scheduled for Sept. 10 at 6:30 p.m.
August 13Meeti
eetinghighlights are also il meeting,all directions, ed,debated, reviewed,an
Andrew residents and council members smile as they gathered to support the Andrew Rural Academy at their annual general meeting on Aug. 12. L-R: Andrew resident and business owner Gary Leppek, Andrew mayor Barry Goertz, his wife Jan Goertz and Andrew resident Larissa MacIssac. Photo: Jana Semeniuk
