y Season
Mundare Christmas Extravaganza
BY MARK COURTNAGE
The Recreational Centre in Mundare was buzzing with people at their annual Christmas bake and Craft Sale on Saturday.
Filled with the smell of freshly baked goods and some amazing art and crafts, the atmosphere was incredible with a lot of smiling faces walking out the door with some great produce.
Local artist Esteban Lachapelle was showing his beautifully painted chopping boards and other items.
Only living in Mundare for a year, this was his first time at the craft sale.
Stephanie Marshall, an artist from Vegreville was also new to the craft show and was showing her Christmas table decorations.
Claire Lucas, a local person, was showing her wooden creations. Claire uses recycled and old scraps of wood to build toys, games, cutting boards, trinket boxes and and so much more.
If you wanted to sit down for a coffee or cake, or a hot meal, there was a concession on site.
Outside, horse sleigh rides were available and father Christmas was at the town centre waiting to have his picture taken with the local children.
All in all, a good time was had by everyone at Mundare’s Christmas Extravaganza.
Nathan and Tristan Persaud, and Cassia Bala with Mom and Santa at the Mundare Christmas Extravaganza, Saturday.
Sleigh rides at Mundare’s Christmas Extravaganza. Mark Courtnage photos
L
AMONL
HET EADER NT
• Order Printing for 2025 pickup
(print orders placed now until Dec 17th, won’t be finished until early January due to print shop holidays)
• Friday, Dec. 13 - Noon deadline to book Ads or Submit News for Wednesday, Dec 18th edition. (production day moved up due to print restrictions)
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*The Lamont Leader office will be open Tuesday,Dec 178:30 am to 4 pm for holiday production
• Tuesday, Dec 17 - Noon Deadline to come in and donate to Fill the Tree Campaign
*any donations coming in after this date,will be acknowledged in the New Years edition
• Friday, Dec 20 - OFFICE CLOSED
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teven
stland
Above: Mundare Mayor Cheryl Calinoiu, left, Santa Claus, and Mundare councillor Irene Talaga joined together on a sleigh for a photo with Santa at the town’s Dec. 7 Christmas Market. Adults and children were invited to get their pictures taken with the jolly old fellow and they could have them put on a Christmas tree decoration.
Santa Claus, accompanied by an inflatable reindeer, waves to huge crowds who lined the streets of downtown Fort Saskatchewan during the Fort Saskatchewan and District Chamber of Commerce’s Santa Claus parade Dec. 6.
Nenshi gets failing grade after session wraps up
BY JOHN MATHER
The Alberta Legislature wrapped up its fall session on Dec. 4 and during the time MLAs were sitting, 13 bills were passed into law.
These included an update to the Alberta Bill of Rights, three bills affecting transgender and non-binary people pertaining to pronoun use in schools, genderaffirming health care for youth, and participation in women’s sports; a bill allowing creation of all season resorts on Crown land and a Sovereignty Act motion against the federal government’s proposed emissions cap on oil and gas.
And just to show, besides there being a visitors gallery at the Legislature, where school children and guests of MLAs can watch the proceedings, there is also a peanut gallery.
That is currently the home of provincial NDP leader Naheed (No Seat Nenshi).
True to his party's subservience to the federal party led by Justin Trudeau’s greatest cheerleader Jagmeet Singh, Nenshi has done nothing constructive since being chosen leader of the provincial wing of the party.
He stayed true to form Dec. 5 during a press conference when he joked, “There is some good news. Danielle Smith got on Fox News. I think she fulfilled her life goal.
“The only things they had to say on health care and education were, ‘Let’s make sure vulnerable kids are more vulnerable in schools and in the doctor’s office’,” said Nenshi.
When asked when he would seek a seat in the Legislature, he declined to give a direct answer. It’s obvious he likes sitting in the peanut gallery.
Meanwhile the NDP house leader Christina Gray said over the last five weeks of the session, the Province has not prioritized issues of education or health care and has failed to make Alberta more affordable.
“Danielle Smith’s agenda this session was all about helping Danielle Smith,” Gray said.
When asked, Gray said the NDP had tabled 26 amendments to the bills during the session, but all had been defeated.
CONTINUED
Nenshi said the majority of the work MLAs do happens “outside of the dome” and they plan to continue their work on behalf of Albertans.
“We are dispersing across the province now to continue to talk to Albertans about the real challenges they’re facing,” Nenshi said.
Now I’m sure Nenshi and some of his socialist sycophants are hoping to win over lots of support in such locations as Marwayne, Bawlf, Oyen or Bellis.
I really just can’t see that happening.
However he might have some fun meeting with himself in the local coffee shop.
Can Nenshi really think he’s going to have an impact in Fort McMurray after his group in the Legislature at his bidding voted against the UCP motion to invoke the Sovereignty Act opposing the Liberal move to cap oil and gas production.
If this draconian measure were to move ahead I can’t see those workers who have suddenly lost their jobs in Fort McMurray, or any other oil and gas producing jurisdiction in Alberta, would be racing to the polls to put an X next to Nenshi’s name.
More like they would put the X right through it.
As Alberta Government Whip Shane Getson stated, “No wonder Nenshi is Trudeau’s choice for Alberta. He does his work with not even a second thought of the drastic impact it has on everyday Albertans.”
By failing to oppose the emissions cap, Getson said the NDP has “put the political interests of their friends in Ottawa ahead of Albertans’ prosperity.”
He added it is a disgrace and an attack on the economy and future.
One has to wonder why the NDP, the workers’ party, won’t fight for the livelihoods of Albertan workers.
Kerry Anderson Publisher John Mather Reporter Jana Semeniuk Reporter Crystal Moren Office
BY HAZEL ANAKA
Here we are already a week into December and yet again, I’m shocked. How is this possible? In many ways I’ll be glad to see the end of 2024 if only because of the atrocious harvest. We have yet to receive our crop insurance payout and the settlement for wildlife damages from the Province. But truly time does seem to speed up the older you get and it seems I haven’t made the adjustment yet. Onward.
I did manage to fall this week on the icy patch on our sidewalk right at the base of the steps. It’s a wonder I didn’t crack my head on the bottom step. My left knee and ankle seemed to take the brunt of the impact. Worst thing is I can’t even sue the negligent party for pain and suffering. Fortunately, I didn’t break or sprain anything. Even the mus-
FROM WHERE I SIT: Better than nothing
cle soreness only lasted for a couple of days. Another classic case of more luck than brains.
I think I’ll be taking my ankle-high lined Merrell boots out of rotation this winter. I’ve worn them for years confident because the grip on the soul looks so promising with its deep ‘lugs.’ Their height has been adequate in most snowy situations. They’re slip-ons that accommodate my orthotics. What’s not to love? The fact that they’re crappy on ice! It appears that the rubber is so hard, it doesn’t flex and grip the way you need it to in icy situations. I have to try other options so I’m not writing about a broken hip. Maybe those studded things you slip onto your shoes, still safe and sound in the packaging, also need to see the light of day.
One thing that has been a pleasant surprise this year is my increased use of the Google maps navigation on my phone. It has gotten me safely to and from so many obscure addresses I’ve lost count. I used to spout off about how we imperil our brain function by over reliance on
technology. The hell with that. I’m regularly using my brain for other functions and tasks so I gladly take a pass in this case. No more maps, paper or digital, for this kid. No more writing out my driving directions on a piece of paper. The big thing is to remember to just glance at the phone display and not forget that I’m driving in the real world. So far, so good.
The other day Roy and I were in Edmonton trying to do a few errands and a bit of Christmas shopping. Several months ago, the west end location of Bianca Amor Liquidation (that used to be a few doors down from that male mecca, Princess Auto) moved to a new location. We decided to check it out. My first observation is that this store is smaller than the previous one. I also noticed far more square footage dedicated to food and clothing. My theory is that responsive retailers and/or those like dollar stores operating on slimmer margins are changing their focus to essentials like food. Even Costco has an aisle of noodles and noodle soups near the front of the warehouse. It used to
Lamont and Area
LAMONT UNITED CHURCH 5306 - 51 Ave., Lamont, AB 780-895-2145
Rev. Deborah Brill
SUNDAY SERVICES 11:15 AM CHRISTMASEVESERVICES DECEMBER 24TH, 2024
PARTRIDGE HILL UNITED CHURCH 5 PM
LAMONT UNITED CHURCH 7 PM Everyone Welcome!
CHECKOUTOURNEWFACEBOOKPAGE!!
AA Meetings Thursdays at 8:00 pm
be that only cashstrapped college kids survived on ramen noodles. In the same aisle was a large display of Spam, that scary canned meat from our youth. Is this a coincidence? A ‘tube’ of lean ground beef at Costco was $55. I should have checked the weight but was repulsed by the bluey-red colour of it. And why the weird packaging anyway? At No Frills I picked up a couple small cans of salmon and I do mean
small. At the till, my observation that they had to retool the factory to make those teenyweeny cans work was lost on the young male cashier.
By the way, I have now used that Calgarybased shipping service ChitChats a couple of times and am pleased. I was clearly wrong when I predicted the federal government would step in and force striking Canada Post back to work. The stoppage of
services probably doesn’t matter a whit to anyone but us rural kids who have no affordable alternatives. It’s also indicative of just how much the rural constituent really matters to Ottawa in the grand scheme of things. Maybe like me, you’ve begun your annual inventory taking of the year ending and are making plans for the approaching new year. Doing this just once a year isn’t great, it is better than nothing, from where I sit.
From the files of the Lamont Leader
Train derailment at Hilliard
Bruderheim Community Church 4904 Queen Street 780-796-3775
SUNDAY WORSHIP
10:30 AM
Lady of Good Counsel, Skaro 1st, 3rd, 5th
@ 9:00 am St. Michael the Archangel, St. Michael 2nd, and 4th Sundays @ 9:00 am
August 15, 2006 Lamont Leader: Sixteen rail cars ended up in a pile of twisted metal after they left the tracks at Hilliard last Thursday, Aug. 10.
High interest in Mundare corner interchange
BY JOHN MATHER
About 60 people braved snowy winter weather Dec. 4 to travel to Mundare’s MRC Centre as representative’s from McElhanney’s Edmonton office and Alberta Transportation held an open house and information session to show proposed interchange formats for the Highway 16 and Secondary Highway 855 intersection.
“What we’re showing is to share information related to a future interchange,” said Ryan Betker, branch manager of McElhanney’s Edmonton operations.
“We offered several options and recommended one, and are seeking feedback on all of the options presented.”
He said the recommended option was what is called a “diamond interchange,” which features off and on ramps in all four directions.
There would also be a grade separation of the bridge going across Highway 16.
Betker added there was no timeline of the project to move forward yet.
He said it wouldn’t move forward until it was fully funded by the Alberta Government.
“This is step one … there’s lots of future stages to go through moving the project forward.”
He said the open house would spur the community’s interest in the project to further
lobby to get an interchange built.
The project has been called on for years, as the corner has been the site of many accidents over the years.
There were improvements made at the interchange several years ago when acceleration and left turn lanes, along with flashing warning lights were built in the area.
Yet several people viewing the drawings of proposed interchange plans took the opportunity to post sticky notes on the drawings warning that school buses regularly crossed the intersection during the school year and agriculture trucks hauling multiple trailers turning left or right had issues getting up to speed on the busy highway.
These comments, added Betker, will all be taken into consideration before additional drawings are made.
Several representatives from the province and McElhanney were on hand to answer questions and concerns.
“It’s a very impressive turnout today,” he said. “With the weather we weren’t sure how many would come out, but hopefully this number of people do help increase the advocacy for the project.”
He added there were people waiting to view the project when doors to the information session opened at 4 p.m.
“Unless there’s something we completely
A large number of area residents came out to Mundare’s MRC, Dec. 4, to see the first plans for a grade separation at Highway 16 and Secondary Highway 855. The intersection has been the scene of many accidents over the years and residents have been lobbying the Province to build an interchange.
missed, we’ll generally try to finish the project off soon,” he added, saying the team would meet with both Mundare and Lamont County Councils in the near future. They had had a closed session meeting with both Mundare and Lamont County several months ago.
“We’ve had really good input tonight,” he said. Members of both Lamont County council and Mundare council attended the session.
“We’ve needed this interchange for a long time,” said Mundare councillor Glen Rozumniak.
Mayor Cheryl Caliniou said, “We need an overpass at that corner. Hopefully it will happen soon,” she said.
“They did the turning lanes and lights but it still hasn’t been enough. They need an inter-
change.”
She felt the open house was a good first step in moving the project forward.
County Councillor Daniel Warawa whose Division one area takes in the proposed interchange, thinks he’ll see
the project built.
“I know the MLA wants it and Minister (Transportation Minister) Dreeshen wants it,” he said.
“He was pushing it and I think it has moved along somewhat.”
Warawa said he told
the Minister the interchange was needed not all that long ago.
“I think the recommended plan is the safest one and it won’t affect any high loads coming through the area.”
CELEBRATING 25 YEARS OF INVESTMENT, INNOVATION AND OPPORTUNITY FOR ALBERTANS.
BETWEEN THE BOARDS
Sawyer Hanson scores 7 for U13 Wild
BY MELISSA
MACINTOSH-YOUNG
It was a busy weekend for tournaments, with only one league game played by U13 Wild.
U18 Wild took part in the Kneehill U18 Chiefs, Tier Three tournament in Three Hills. Wild played hard but unfortunately, they did not place, losing three of their four games.
U13 Wild had one away game against Drayton Valley. Wild came out on top with a 94 win. An amazing seven goals were scored by Sawyer Hanson! Denton Holowach had 1g and 2 a, Mary Sobkow 1g, and Christian McLeod 1a.
U11 hosted a very successful home tournament over the weekend.
Wild beat Wainwright 16-7 in the bronze medal game.
This week’s “Player of the Week” shout out goes out to the U11 Wild team for playing your best and winning bronze. Well done Wild!
Tune in next week for more Between the Boards action as regular leaguge games resume.
BRONZE MEDAL WINNERS
January 18,1930 ~ November 28,2024
Paul (Joe) Stodola, a cherished husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, passed away peacefully in his sleep in Edmonton on November 28, 2024 at the age of 94.
He will be lovingly remembered and missed by his dear wife Olga of 67 years; their children Gerald (Bernice), Kelly (Michelle), Kim, Kevin (Michelle) and Robert (Lacy);
grandchildren Bradley, Shane (Ania), Jaret (Melissa), Damian, Desmond, Ivan, Emily, Hazel, Violet, Stella; great grandchildren Ian, Mia; siblings Steve (Stella), Doris, Stella, Tina (Dale), Vicki (Dan), Julian (Pat); along with a large extended family, friends, and neighbours. Joe was predeceased by his parents Anton & Mary, son Garry, granddaughter Shantel, and siblings Annie, Nancy, Jennie, Stanley, John, Mike, Peter, Joe, Adelaide.
Born in Skaro to a large family, Joe often reminisced fondly of his time growing up on the farm, sharing these stories with his children and grandchildren. Joe's main focus in
life was his family. He was a loving and dedicated husband to his wife, a caring and supportive father to his children, and a source of wisdom to his grandchildren. He will also be remembered for his incredible work ethic, sense of humor, willingness to unselfishly help neighbours and friends, tinkering on projects in the garage, and his love of travel.
A memorial service to celebrate Joe's life will be held on Friday, December 20, 2024 at 11am at Lamont Recreation Centre Hall (484449 Street) with Father Carlos Nunez presiding. Interment to follow at the Our Lady of Good Counsel Cemetery Skaro, AB.
Stodola Paul (Joe)
U11 Wild team proudly wear the bronze medals they won over the weekend.
Photo by EIWMH
Fort Saskatchewan Vegreville MLA Jackie Armstrong-Homeniuk was honoured to receive the King Charles III Coronation Medal from Alberta Premier Danielle Smith. The medal was given in recognition of serving the people of Canada.
Last year, we raised $1,885! With your help, we can get to that number again! can
Lamont Leader; Kerry, Michelle, Brennan & Garrett Anderson; Crystal & Hunter; Sylvia & Family; Aileen; John Mather; Jana Semeniuk & Family; Al Harvey & Family; Chuck & Andrea Varga; Albert & Florence Stelmach; Julian, Joannie & Kaitlyn Lopushinksy; Ray Letawsky; Patrica & Lawrence Hryniw; Chipman Hotel Staff; Tyson, Tristan & Tatum Jonker; Lincoln, Aspen & Cohen Jonker; Christmas Angel; Pat & Terry Oleksyn; Erich & Rosena Frobel; Ed & Donna Kucheraway & Family; Jack Kucherawy; Gerry & Carol Palichuk; Johnny & Wendie; Grant & Hazel Hackett; Anonymous #1; Richard & Sharon Johnston; John & Doreen Homeniuk; In Memory of Daniel, John & Jonathan Patan & Thomas Kowal; Steve & Stella Stodola; Bob & Brenda Melnyk; Barb Tessier, Robert & Debbie Tessier; Laurie & Julian Woldanski; Marshal & Zenia Maydanski; $7000!!
Add your name with a Minimum $5 cash or food donation office in Lamont or mail donation to: Box 1079, Lamont, AB T0B 2R0. Cheque payable to ‘County of Lamont Food Bank’
Anonymous #2; The Little Things - Deanna Ruether; Zennia Trollope; In Loving Memory of Louise Moren; Dave Fedun; Oscar OS Pederson; Oscar BJ Pederson; Tom & Mae Adamyk; Jim Antoniuk; Nickie Antoniuk; Wayne Antoniuk; Gale Antoniuk; Adeline Antoniuk; Wayne & Lorraine Field; David & Mary Boyko; Peter & Emily Kostiuk; Lamont River Rats Snowmobile Club; Mary-ann & Milton Holowach; Ron & Debbie Tresham; Delores Cossey & Family; Wayne & Darlene Schoepp; Gloria & Harvey Downie; Richard, Linda & Stefanyk Family; The Painting Fireman; Nora Gauthier; Mark & Alison Courtnage; Wayne & Mary Letawsky; Bill Skubleny; Bernie & Linda Kotylak; Antoinette Siracky; Al & Carol Ropchan; Mark, Ginger, Taylor & Elie Ropchan; Kim, Derek, Jarret & Tyson Burns; Anonymous #3; Mark & Debra Bilocerkowec; Albert & Wenlove Candia & Family; Willie & Mary Ann Borys;
We don’t keep a dime. All money
Fire charges still vexing Lamont County as new bylaw discussed
BY JOHN MATHER
Lamont
County Council discussed and gave first reading to its Regional Fire Services Bylaw update Nov. 26. But additionally, council opted for a workshop to further debate fire charges prior to final passage and these proposals would be taken to a public hearing.
It was the third revision of the bylaw since council started discussing changes to it earlier this year.
Regional Fire Chief Bo Moore brought the revised bylaw before council.
The purpose of the bylaw, it stated, was to establish and operate a Fire Service, authorize the prevention and control of fires, and authorize the recovery of related fees, expenses, and charges.
The revised bylaw, Moore pointed out, contained a definition for exploding targets, which council had had concerns over for several months.
He pointed out section 60 of the bylaw updated previous bylaws to read, “When the fire department has taken action for a response related to a fire within or outside the county for the purpose of preserving life, property, and the environment from injury or destruction, an owner, occupant, or person shall be liable for all costs if the Fire Chief determines that: (a) The fire started without a permit being issued for the fire, or where there was a failure to comply with the conditions of any permit that was issued; (b) There were intentional wrongful or unlawful actions by the owner or occupant; or (c) The owner or occupant failed to take proper care, failed to pay proper attention, or was otherwise negligent in relation to the starting, monitoring or spread of the fire. He added these changes had been discussed in previous sessions. It indicates there is no
charge to a person in the county if he is not at fault, he said, but section B would allow for costs if fault was found.
Anaka said as long as the wording made things consistent for all fires, that was his main concern.
Moore stated it did.
Fire insurance was still a concern for council.
“We can’t control the amount of fire insurance people have,” said Reeve David Diduck. “We cancelled the maximum $10,000 firefighting cost to ratepayers in the exist-
ing bylaw. And we don’t know if a person is carrying any insurance or not when firefighters go out to a fire.”
Councillor Aaron Wick still felt a portion of the firefighting costs should be borne on the countywide tax bills, and all agreed the issue of fire insurance and knowing how much each landowner had on their property, if any, should be better communicated so ratepayers weren’t shocked if and when they got a huge bill for firefighting.
Help Wanted
LOVE TO COOK?
“Fire insurance on a property is an individual decision,” said Diduck. “But we can control the maximum we could charge for fighting a fire.”
“We did that before in the old bylaw and it got overlooked in the new bylaw and now the question is do we want to set a new cost or do we want to put it into the taxes and give everyone a freebie. What is it going to cost us?”
Warawa pointed out taxes were currently
used for firefighting equipment and incidental costs such as hauling water to a fire.
“How could the County sustain adding the costs of fighting the fire to the taxes?” he questioned.
Councillor Roy Anaka pointed out that being a regional fire department providing firefighting services to the five municipalities would complicate that decision further.
Chief Administrative Officer Peter Tarnawsky
told council that was a question the council had been wrestling with for several meetings and it was still up in the air. Diduck added he could live with the new sections but he would still like to see a maximum cost for accidental fires put into the bylaw. He said it could be added as a tax levy but the concern there was why should everyone in the County have to pay for one individual’s fire.
Continued on Page 14
Vialta Lodge in Viking is currently hiring for a 2nd Cook
Approximately 13 shifts a month. Opportunity for more hours in other areas if interested.
RCMP Security Clearance Check required upon hire.
Apply with resume to:
Wanda Lefsrud, Manager, Vialta Lodge vialta@telusplanet.net or call 780-336-3353
Killam, AB www.campbellmclennan.com
If you possess leadership qualities, are
We offer a clean, fun, safe, and warm environment to work in. Competitive pay plan. Benefits package.
Apply by resume Attention Wes, in person at Campbell McLennan Chrysler in Killam or by fax 780-385-3803 or email wcampbell@cmchrysler.ca or Gerry Keyzer Service Manager at service@cmchrysler.ca
CLASSIFIEDS CLASSIFIEDS
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Bless a Grandparent
Make the holidays special for Tofield seniors' homes by providing a gift this season! Every $15 donation provides two senior gifts. These snowman wrapped gifts each include a Mary Kay Mint Bliss foot lotion, socks, and a holiday card. Etransfer rsmarten@telus.net Call Rick or Sonya at 780-240-4605 for more information.
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AUCTIONS
MEIER GUN AUCTION, Saturday, December 21 - 10 am, WetaskiwinSelling over 200 Rifles, Shot Guns, Antique Firearms, Ammunition, Scopes. Consign now. Free Pick-up. Call 780-440-1860; www.meierauction.com.
49p
CARD OF THANKS
The Basterash Families would like to give a heartfelt thank you to everyone for their support after Mom’s passing. The cards, food, phone calls, and memorial donations are all greatly appreciated.
Special thank you to the staff at the Long Term Care who took wonderful care of Mom. Also to the staff on the Acute side.
She Loved You All!
We would also like to thank the following people:
Doctors Hanton, Rami, and Stanislav who took care of Mom over the years. Katherine and Dan at Budding Ideas for all the flowers you put together for us. They were all so beautiful.
To Joe and Les at Fee and Sons for your caring and compassion, there were many phonecalls back and forth.
Carol Arntzen and the Catholic Church for a most delicious lunch that you prepared.
On behalf of the Basterash Families, in lieu of Thank You cards, a Memorial Donation will be given to the Killam Cemetery Fund.
Gerald, Jack, Denis, Ginette, Garret, Elaine, Dan, and Families
COMING EVENTS
LUTEFISK SUPPER
Golden Valley Lutheran Church Friday, Jan 10th , 2025, at 6:30pm Tickets are $35.00 each ADVANCE TICKETS ONLY Contact Muriel at 336-2444
Old Fashioned Christmas at Pleasington Historical Church Sunday, December 22 at 2 p.m.
Carol Singing, Impromptu Program, and Sharing of Christmas Goodies. Everyone Welcome!
Family Movie Night at the Viking Seniors Centre December 13 at 7 p.m. Suitable for Young Children Christmas Treats for Children Coffee, Tea for Parents Free Admission Everyone Welcome!
FIREARMS WANTED FOR OUR 2024 AUCTION PROGRAM: Rifles, Shotguns, Handguns, Antiques, Militaria, Collections, Estates, Single Items. For Auction, or Possible Purchase: Toll-Free 1-800-694-2609, Email Us at sales@switzersauction.com or Visit Us @ www.switzersauction.com for Auction Dates & Details.
Celebrate the New Year at the Alliance Community Hall. Dec 31 . Fun, Food and Favors for the 3whole family. $40 each, $75 couple, $100 family (one household)
Music by The River Jacks, Call 780 385-1483 or 780 879 2158 for tickets.
FOR RENT
Large, non-smoking 2 Bedroom Apartment in Killam. Call Chuck 780-263-7290
2 Bedroom House For Rent Near Hardisty. Small older home 2 kms out of town. Includes fridge, stove, microwave, washer & dryer. Recent reno’s. Very reasonable rate for the right person or couple. Call or text (780) 699-3449 for details
48/49p
HARDISTY: 2 BR furnished house for rent available now. $1200 plus electricity. Call or text 780-717-6783
FOR SALE
2019 GM Fuel Pump. Part #13516865. LIke new, asking $300 OBO. Phone 780-895-2408.
Portable, maintenance-free 12’x12’ deck with attached ramp and two steps. (Buyers responsibility to move - must be gone by the spring). Call Brian at 780-678-0053
Tame Round Bales for Sale. Camrose Area. Call 780-678-7094 50p
BUILDINGS FOR SALE
INTEGRITY POST FRAME BUILDINGS since 2008 BUILT WITH CONCRETE POSTS. Barns, Shops, Riding Arenas, Machine Sheds and more, sales@integritybuilt.com 1-866-9747678 www.integritybuilt.com.
SEED FOR SALE
ABFeed Grain: Buying Oats, Barley, Wheat, Canola, Peas, Screenings, Mixed Grains. Dry, Wet, Heated, or Spring Thresh. Prompt Payment. In House Trucks, In House Excreta Cleaning. Vac Rental. 1-888-483-8789.
HELP WANTED
Part time support/ respite worker for adult male in wheelchair. Home is in the Round Hill area. Valid drivers license, will train, wages to be discussed. Send resume to: broblin.br@gmail.com or text 604-7933756.
SERVICES
PRIVATE MORTGAGE LENDER. All real estate types considered. No credit checks done. Deal direct with lender and get quick approval. Toll free 1-866405-1228; www.firstandsecondmortgages.ca.
Roy's Handyman Services. Flooring, trim work, basement finishing, decks, fences, kitchen cabinet installs and carpentry work. Call 780-232-3097
Drywall Taping/Ceiling Texturing 40 years experience on the job, from commercial buildings to new homes to home renovations. No job too small. Experienced Killam drywall taper/texturer here to help you with any job, big or small. Don't want to do it yourself?Give me a call!
Flagstaff Taping & Texturing
Murray Cholowsky Call or text at 780-385-1251
Medical Taxi Service
Personal Taxi Service to Edmonton and Back -$175
•Office Hours Mon-Fri 9-5
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CASH FOR COIN COLLECTIONS & COIN ACCUMULATION'S! Also buying all Gold, Silver, Old Jewelry, Nuggets, Sterling, Bullion, Ingots, Royal Canadian Mint Coins, Rare Coins +, Todd 780-504-7995.
Lamont Council meeting
Continued from Page 10
Council agreed the fire department should not be a money making department, and it was shown that it currently did operate at a loss.
Wick wondered how
Ottawa
BY JOHN MATHER
Two late third period goals hoisted the Ottawa Charge to a 3-2 win over Toronto Sceptres in their home opener Dec. 3. Ottawa rookie Mannon McMahon scored the first goal for her team with an assist going to Alexa Vasko, who signed with the charge during the off season, coming over from Toronto.
Sarah Nurse tied the score for Toronto late in the first period on a power play and Izzy Daniel gave Toronto the lead at the 15:22 mark of the second period when she put the puck past Ottawa’s goalie Emerance Maschmeyer, on a play where assists went to Lauren Barnard and Nurse.
But Ottawa roared back in the third period when Jincy Roese scored from Tereza Vanisova to tie the game on a power play and then Vanisova scored her second of the season three minutes later to put Ottawa ahead.
Maschmeyer, from Bruderheim, faced 22 shots during the game. Attendance at Ottawa was 6,451.
Ottawa secured its first-ever one-goal regulation win. Last season, the team led the league with 10 one-goal defeats in 11 games (0-16-4).
On Friday the Charge had a rematch against the Montreal Victoire and the result was the same as in their season opener, with Ottawa dropping a 2-1 decision.
With 11,065 fans looking on, the two teams skated to a scoreless first period.
many ratepayers carried a $10,000 fire insurance policy or how many even had insurance.
Council wasn’t prepared to go further than first reading and Anaka suggested discussing it further in the budget.
Diduck said he’d like to see what the cost of fires in 2024 would have been had costs been capped at $10,000.
“If council is leaning
towards a no fault do we want to put a cap on that no fault?” he wondered.
Wick suggested they hold a public meeting to discuss the proposed bylaw with ratepayers.
“We need the public to see this and have some feedback from them,” added Councillor Neil Woitas.
“We’ve been on this for six months. If we bring forward our pro-
posals and show the public what we’ve done. Let them see the one we think is the best,” Wick said.
It was felt if fees and charges were discussed at a meeting that would cover what was concerning the council.
Diduck said if first reading was given an amendment could be made in second reading and then a public meet-
in home opener, drops another to Montreal
In the second frame, Montreal opened the scoring when MariePhilip Poulin scored
short handed with Ottawa’s Gabbie Hugh off for a cross checking penalty.
Bell scored at the 15:11 mark to tie the score and then two minutes later Montreal’s Mikalya Grant-Mentis scored her first goal of the season, the eventual game winner, to give Montreal the lead.
Maschmeyer faced 29 shots on net and became the first goalie to start three games in the league this season.
The Charge get a break in the schedule not playing their next game until Dec. 17, when they take on the Boston Fleet in Boston.
ing could be held.
Wick suggested having three proposals to present to the public before moving further ahead.
Council then gave the bylaw first reading and then a second motion was passed to have administration set up a date for a workshop for council to discuss some ideas for fire billing charges to be held in January.
Both motions were carried.
REGION
Local author Natalie Nichols hosts book signing
BY MELISSA
MACINTOSH-YOUNG
Local Bruderheim author, Natalie Nichols, hosted a book signing at the Metro Kalyn Library in Bruderheim on Saturday.
Natalie writes under the pseudonym, Anna Bonnacord. Anna is after her grandmother and Bonnacord is the street she grew up on as a child.
The fictional book, “Whiskey Venus”, is her
first novel.
Natalie shared that her inspiration for the book came from her own past trauma as well as her experience as an online counsellor over the past ten years.
Characters and situations are based on real life people whose names have been changed.
Her second book, “Whiskey Venus in Boston”, is set to be released in February 2025.
New report shows how air quality affected in Heartland
BY JOHN MATHER
A new report by Heartland Air Monitoring Partnership (HAMP) shows how five key substances affect air quality in the Heartland Airshed over time and how those trends compare to other locations in Alberta, Canada and around the world.
The Air Quality Trending and Comparison Report focuses on five common air contaminants (parameters), as defined by the federal government: fine particulate matter, ozone, sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide. Six of HAMP’s 10 monitoring stations were used in the comparison because they monitor for these parameters and have the
longest data sets.
Some of the key findings in the report showed that the biggest changes in air quality typically happen because of major natural events like wildfires or winter temperature inversions and these led to Heartland’s poorest air quality days.
South and south-west winds lead to slightly higher levels of fine particulate matter in the Heartland (commonly during temperature inversions).
Fort Saskatchewan and Gibbons, stated the report, have higher levels in particular, because of their proximity to urban areas and their location downwind of the Edmonton Metropolitan Area.
The report determined Ozone levels in Alberta are higher in rural areas – so in the Heartland Airshed this also means rural monitoring stations (Lamont County and Elk Island) record higher levels of ozone.
In summary the report concluded that even though the Heartland has had some very poor air quality days due to wildfire smoke, overall, the Airshed continues to experience clean air.
The Heartland Air Monitoring Partnership monitors the air quality in a 4,500 square kilometre region northeast of Edmonton that includes Alberta’s Industrial Heartland. Continuous data is collected 24 hours a day, seven days a week and generated through a live data feed accessible to anyone who visits www.heartlandairmonitoring.org.
HAMP air quality monitoring and reporting is guided by a scientific advisory group and driven by national and provincial standards.
When a big change in air quality happens, it can almost always be linked to an event occurring over a much larger region. For example, typically when the Heartland experiences elevated fine particulate matter or ozone, other monitoring stations in the Edmonton Metropolitan Area region are recording the same phenomenon.
Natalie Nichols, holds her first novel Whiskey Venus at the Metro Kaylin Library. Melissa MacIntosh Young photo.
Chipman seniors had their last dinner of the year on Nov. 28 catered by Tom’s Catering and his kitchen crew which served up a large feast and huge variety of food for a large crowd. Trudy Smith photo.
Snowfall after the storm on Sunday, December 8th; freezing rain fell before changing to snow overnight. Accumulations varied over the region with some areas experiencing larger damaging amounts of the heavy wet snow, causing trees to crack and break under the weight. Crystal Moren photo.
Lamont Leader (Lamont, Alberta), Wednesday, December 11, 2024
Community Services: Serving Lamont County, Lamont, Bruderheim, Mundare, Andrew & Chipman
(VISIT: lamontcounty.ca/community-programming for full posters & locations, or call 780-895-2233 for info./registration). Current CALC, FCSS & KFRN and seniors activities:
1. KFRN: Family Fun (Activity) Night: Free program for ALL FAMILIES! No registration required for this program. Dec. 18 from 5-7 in Andrew.
2. KFRN: Connecting Generations: Join us for crafts, singing Christmas carols, and a snack with our friends at Beaverhill Pioneer Lodge in Lamont. Registration is required by Dec. 16 at noon via signup.com/go/EmayFTL.
3. Youth Centres in Bruderheim (Tuesdays), Chipman (Mondays), and Mundare (Thursdays) – contact Dayna.J@lamontcounty.ca for info.
4. Parents and Tots: Bruderheim (Thursdays from 10-11 a.m. at Karol Maschmeyer Arena) and Mundare (Tuesdays from 9:15-10:15 a.m. at the Mundare Admin. Building) - contact Melissa.S@lamontcounty.ca for more info. (Note: programs follow the school calendar.)
5. CALC: My Journey…Who Am I? (register at 780-895-2233 x233/241 or Cheryl.B@lamontcounty.ca | Cody.O@lamontcounty.ca)
6. CALC: English Language Learning (register with Cheryl/Cody). 7. CALC: Kitchens Program (register with Cheryl/Cody).
8. CALC: Digital Skills for Seniors: Thurs. fr.10-11 a.m. (Mundare & Andrew).
9. Snow Angels Program (volunteers needed): contact Michelle.A@lamontcounty.ca or 780-895-2233x223, (honorarium for volunteers).
10. Seniors’ Coffee: (Wed.) 10-11 a.m. at Andrew Lions Club, & (Thurs.) 10-11 a.m. at Mundare Sr. Centre. Join FCSS for coffee, conversation, snacks, & assistance with senior-related forms/programming. FCSS also offers Seniors Supports from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Mundare (Thurs.) –for more information contact Michelle.A@lamontcounty.ca
11. Meals in Motion – December MENU now available (see lamontcounty.ca/community-programming for the full menu and how to order).
12. Office Closure (FCSS/CALC/KFRN) – Offices are closed from December 23 through January 6 during the holiday season. For emergent matters, contact 780-895-2233.
Access current monthly services & programs information scan the QR code or for FCSS, CALC and KFRN on each of the services’ Facebook pages. For more info, scan the QR code: lamontcounty.ca/community-programming | FCSSlamontcountyregion | KFRN: groups/1922602184662497
MERRY CHRISTMAS, A JOYOUS UKRAINIAN CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR! May your 2025 be full of joy!
Other Items of Interest
Tax Installment Payment Plan Reminder: Lamont County offers taxpayers the ability to pay property taxes in monthly installments by pre-authorized withdrawals rather than one single payment. Sign up before December 31.
Unpaid Taxes Penalty Deadline (December 31): For accounts with unpaid tax balances owing, as a reminder, an additional 10 per cent penalty is applied on January 1. Contact the Tax Clerk if you have any questions related to this. Reminder: you can report road conditions or service needs with a Service Request at lamontcounty.ca/servicerequests (all phone, email & online submissions are entered into the same queue, online submissions may addressed faster during peak events when phone lines are limited/busy). The County of Lamont Food Bank is accepting application for Christmas Hampers from Nov. 12 to Dec. 12. Please call 780-619-6955 to register or for more information. Pick up/delivery is Dec. 22. Industrial Heartland Career Forum – Discover a career in Alberta’s Industrial Heartland explore new career opportunities in the industrial/ trades sectors. Learn more at: industrialheartlandcareerforum.ca.
Winter Preparedness and Planning for Emergencies
Coming soon – the Reeve’s Annual Holiday Video Message. See Lamontcounty.ca in mid-December for this annual update.
Be prepared for the unexpected. Additional winter tips can be found at: lamontcounty.ca/be-prepared or alberta.ca/ build-an-emergency-kit – as having the supplies you need in an emergency helps address your needs and gives you the resources that can help keep you safe. A vehicle emergency kit is also a good resource to have. See a PDF list of items that can be included at: open.alberta.ca/dataset/68800072-745c-44d0-9a41-38235c170b4e/resource/ 1bb58421-3cff-4ffc-987a-7f5a73b91035/download/ma-emergency-kit-checklist-for-your-vehicles-2021-04.pdf
Reeve’s Annual Greeting (Video)
Watch for the Reeve’s holiday message to be posted at lamontcounty.ca/news & on our social media (Twitter, Facebook & YouTube) accounts later this week. On behalf of Lamont County Council and staff, Reeve Diduck would like to extend warmest wishes to all residents of Lamont County for a season filled with faith, hope and peace, and urge everyone to maintain contact with loved ones and friends over the Christmas holidays, Ukrainian Christmas in January, New Year celebrations and all cultural events throughout the season. Stay safe, healthy—best wishes for the holiday season & 2025!
Next Agricultural Service Board (ASB) Meeting
The next scheduled ASB meeting is (Wednesday) TBD (in 2025), starting at 9:00 a.m. The public is welcome to attend at the Lamont County Administration Building or virtually through Microsoft Teams (link): lamontcounty.ca/departments/agricultural-services/agendas-minutes-asb. Next Lamont County Council (Regular Council Meeting)
The next Regular Council Meeting is planned for Tuesday, December 10, starting at 9:00 a.m. The public is welcome to attend at the Lamont County Admin. Building or virtually through Microsoft Teams (link). A link to meetings, agendas and minutes can be found at: lamontcounty.ca/governance/agendas-minutes.
Please Note – inFocus is also available for viewing online at: www.lamontcounty.ca/communications (for those wanting to view the weekly submission as fullsized PDF and to access hyperlinks)
