3, 2025! during the postage strike, donations by mail up until January 3. on to the Food Bank, and we will Tree and finale in the first paper of on January 8, 2025.
BY JANA SEMENIUK
A couple of grinches broke into the Andrew Unwind Bar and Grill overnight on Dec. 12 and, while spooked by the intense blaring of the tripped-up security alarm, did not leave until they stole $4,000 in fundraising money meant for the Andrew Community Centre Association (ACCA).
Hotel bar owner and president of the ACCA, Tammy Pickett, was devastated to learn of the robbery.
“Our team have worked very hard to raise funds this past year. We have completed many renovations and updates and hosted successful events.
“This will place a huge dent into our fundraising efforts,” she said by text.
Pickett said the thieves stole a small amount of liquor and a cash box containing money made from the sale of 50/50 tickets, which hasn’t been drawn yet, in addition to money made from the selling of New Year’s Eve supper and dance tickets.
“As per AGLC regulations, the draw will continue as planned and the winner will receive 50 percent of total ticket sales. The club has to take the hit for the stolen monies,” she said.
“The 50/50 draw, on a sell-out, is $10,000 with $5,000 winnings. However, now on a sell-out, our profit will be under $1,000 with the chance of running a deficit. We hope to sell all
our remaining tickets and have a great turnout for our supper and dance to recoup some losses.”
According to Sgt. David Henry of the Two Hills RCMP Detachment, the heartless criminals backed up a truck to the heavy metal door of the bar in the early morning hours of Dec. 12.
“They tore apart the metal trim of the door and tried to tear apart the video surveillance (once inside),” he said. “They weren’t able to do that.”
Sgt. Henry said the bar has a wonderful security system and the loss could have been bigger.
“They were fortunate and had a great system,” he said. “A good video, loud alarm. That was very efficient.”
Sgt. Henry declined to provide too much information, but said the RCMP Ident team is examining evidence taken from the scene.
Currently there have been no suspects named in the robbery.
A clearer shot of the suspects showing one wearing a possible green camouflage jacket. Tammy Pickett security photo.
The truck believed to be used in the robbery. Tammy Pickett security photo.
Council rejects administration motion on fire bill
BY JOHN MATHER
Lamont County Council refused to accept a recommendation from administration that upheld the fire bill given to the Evans family following a fire in an out building last June.
Tammy Evans had appeared before council earlier in November asking that the $22,907 be reduced to $15,000.
Giving a presentation to council Nov. 26 Evans had said while she had no animosity towards the emergency services department, she did have many concerns about the way the fire had been handled and the bill her family was presented with.
Council at that time had taken the issue under advisement and asked administration to report back to them.
Lamont Emergency Service Regional Chief Bo Moore addressed the questions Evans had asked for clarification on at the previous meeting.
Councillor Roy Anaka asked if the responses to her questions had been sent to her and Moore replied it hadn’t been.
“The direction was to bring it back to council first,” said Moore.
Anaka said the delegation had received some information regarding the billing 15-minutes prior to their presentation which they nor council had seen before.
Anaka said they had been asking for this information since last July and wondered why it had taken so long, and a delegation to council, to receive some answers.
Moore said there had been info texts and emails between the Fire Department and the delegation before they appeared at council but the specific questions he
had just provided answers for hadn’t been asked.
He said other questions were responded to within hours of the fire.
Tarnawsky interrupted to explain to Moore that the council was asking about the question the delegation had sought answers to at their meeting with council.
Moore said answers had been on the web site.
Anaka said, “We try to be transparent. We need to have more communication in these events.”
Councillor Aaron Wick referenced a recent gas station fire on Highway 16 near his home, and he said there was no heavy equipment used there.
“Why do we go in and start knocking everything down?” he asked. He admitted he had seen fires where heavy equipment was used.
But, he said, the use of heavy equipment complicated investigations into determining a cause and that held up any insurance settlements.
Moore said at this particular storage shed fire which was a tin structure. The tin had to be moved so material underneath could be extinguished. He said there were ATV, vehicles and garden equipment and propane tanks under
the tin.
He added the heavy equipment was needed to move the tin.
Reeve David Diduck had questions about why some engines were on scene for many hours and others were returned to station fairly quickly.
Moore said it took several hours to clear the entire structure of the tin covering to expose the fire underneath and get it under control. In addition, he said, several tankers were used to go back and forth between water sources.
He added the delegation was asking questions which they wanted answers to and he didn’t think it was fair she was not informed of the answer before it was posted online with a meeting agenda.
“I think I want the department to report back to council, but I thought that there had been a reduction in fees requested and I thought we were going to discuss that when we looked at the final draft of the fire bylaw and fees structure.”
“Yet here, administration is recommending upholding the bill as per the fire bylaw and fee and charges bylaw.”
Chief Administrative Officer Tarnawsky said
the resolution reflected the current bylaws and if council didn’t want to do that then they could receive the report as information.
Anaka thought these decisions seemed to carry on too long.
“We’ve had closed ses-
sions to discuss the changes, open sessions to discuss the changes and now we’ll have a workshop,” he stated. “We won’t see a resolution until at least April. When Vegreville had an issue like this they dealt with it very quickly.”
Tarnawsky said council was being diligent in trying to make sure they got the bylaws right as they moved through the changes.
Council then passed a motion to accept the report as information.
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Tennis Anne Marx (nee Hambleton), born in Rocky Mountain House, Alberta in March 1956, passed away in November 2024 after a life full of adventure, accomplishments, and love. Raised on a farm with her parents, Aunt Susie, and sister Nola, Tennis was influenced by her father's respect for indigenous people and her Aunt Susie's nursing career. Her passion for learning was evident early on, excelling academically and graduating as Valedictorian from David Thompson High School. She went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from the University of Alberta in 1979.
Tennis had a distinguished 31-year career with Alberta
Agriculture, Food and Rural Development, making history as one of the province’s first female District Agriculturists and later as a Beef Production Systems Specialist. She was recognized with multiple awards for her exceptional service and expertise, including the Premier’s Award of Excellence in 2007. She also earned a Master’s degree in Animal Science from the University of Saskatchewan in 1999.
Outside of work, Tennis was a passionate traveller, photographer, and outdoors enthusiast. She shared a rich life with her husband Brian, raising three daughters and four grandchildren. Tennis’s legacy of love, kindness, and hard work will continue to inspire all who knew her. She is survived by her family, who will cherish her memory forever.
The family is requesting that donations be made to ALS Canada (als.ca) in lieu of flowers.
Full obituary available at DIGNITY MEMORIAL: https://www.dignitymemorial.com/enca/obituaries/edmonton-ab/tennismarx-12086198
Melissa MacIntosh Young photo
Opinion
Freeland resignation should be the last stand of Trudeau Liberals
BY JOHN MATHER
So Canada’s feminist prime minister has stood tall again as another strong female member of his cabinet has had enough of his dithering idiocy.
On the day she was to deliver the better late than never fall financial statement, Chrystia Freeland pulled the pin on working alongside Justin Trudeau and up and quit.
So that fall statement became a winter statement introduced quickly by Liberal house leader Karina Gould who then tabled it without discussion..
With a Prime Minister who self admits to not caring about financial statements does it really matter?
Well to my pocket book it does, and it should to the rest of Canada. Really a $62 billion deficit?
Freeland in her resignation statement said, “On Friday, you (Trudeau) told me you no longer want me to serve as your Finance Minister and offered me another position in the Cabinet,”
“For the past number of weeks, you and I have found ourselves at odds about the best path forward for Canada.”
She added the threat of 25 per cent tariffs from U.S. president-elect Donald Trump wasn’t being taken as seriously as it should be by the Prime Minister’s Office. What? ... didn’t the child actor’s visit to see Trump earlier this month in Florida not convince the orange man to drop his threats against the governor of the 51st State?
“We need to take that threat extremely seriously,” Freeland continued in her post. “That means keeping our fiscal powder dry today, so we have the reserves we may need for a coming tariff war. That means eschewing costly political gimmicks, which we can ill afford and which make Canadians doubt that we recognize the gravity of the moment.
Well Freeland has a better understanding of the Canadian psyche than sock boy does.
So while Trudeau and his office minions dithered, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith worked with colleagues from the western states on ways to move oil and gas stressing the importance of the Albertan black gold to the U.S. economy.
Then, she later added plans to strengthen the Alberta border as requested by the incoming Trump regime.
She did this in advance of any statement from Trudeau, with Alberta Public Safety and Emergency Services Minister Mike Ellis adding plans to upgrade our border security with Montana had been in the works for some time.
Knowing any movement from Ottawa on border security would be tied up in bureaucracy and would likely be centred on Ontario and Quebec, rather than the west, Smith took a strong proactive stance.
The feminist Trudeau has been rambling about a Team Canada approach but it’s becoming rapidly apparent he’s only about Team Trudeau.
He spitefully slammed the U.S. electorate last week stating they had elected a U.S. president named Trump when they should have elected a strong woman president in Kamala Harris.
Wrong, wrong, wrong.
Harris isn’t qualified to be Vice President, but who knew what Joe Biden was thinking with that one. She certainly wasn’t qualified to be president when she wouldn’t even give interviews during the campaign, instead spending huge amounts of money on support from U.S. left wing influencers and entertainers.
That strategy didn’t work so well. Trudeau takes Harris’ side, as the strong feminist he is, but fails to recognize strong women leaders in Canada such as Smith, Premier of Alberta; Rachel Notley, former Premier of Alberta; Alison Redford, former Premier of Alberta; Kim Campbell, former Prime Minister of Canada, former cabinet ministers Jody Wilson Raybould, Jane Philpott, and now Chrystia Freeland and several other women who have led political parties in Canada.
But now Trudeau hails Kamala Harris. No word about Kristi Noem, Governor of South Dakota who is also touted as the next possible director of U.S. Homeland Security under Trump.
It will be this strong woman who will guide the U.S. response to border issues not only along the southern U.S. border but along the one here in the north.
Premier Smith has met with Noem and is active on strengthening Alberta’s portion of the northern border.
These two women are strong leaders! They meet and make visible moves.
But Trudeau turfs his strong female ministers.
Bye, bye Justin. Get out now.
I hope Jagmeet Singh, who tied himself so tightly to Trudeau, will now cut that strong tie and call an election.
This country not only needs it, it deserves it.
Kerry Anderson Publisher John Mather Reporter
Jana Semeniuk Reporter Crystal Moren
BY HAZEL ANAKA
If you’re able to read The Lamont Leader and this column each week, congratulations. It means you have basic literacy skills and even more importantly, are using them on a regular basis. Because words are the essential building blocks of reading, I thought it would be fun to see which words earned the distinction of ‘the word of 2024.’ Since dictionaries trade in words, they are the natural experts. Because traditional dictionary companies also have websites, they are able to track word searches on their online platforms. Typically interest spikes in a particular word and social media spreads the fire.
A quick Google search netted five different results (plus runners-up) and the process used to make their choices. For dictionary.com their 2024 word was demure. To me, demure seemed like
FROM WHERE I SIT: Word Play
an odd old-fashioned choice that speaks of a long ago quieter, more reserved time. However, in reading the background info, this word made the grade because of a TikTok post by Jools Lebron that spiked a 1200% increase in interest in the word. Today, apparently demure refers to increased emphasis on “refined and sophisticated appearance or behavior in various contexts, such as at work or on a plane” as more people return to the workplace. Don’t say I didn’t tell you.
Dictionary stalwart Miriam-Webster chose polarization as their 2024 choice. It doesn’t take much soul-searching to understand this one. They define polarization as “division into two sharply distinct opposites; especially, a state in which the opinions, beliefs, or interests of a group or society no longer range along a continuum but become concentrated at opposing extremes.” Remind you of anything? Perhaps, our neighbour’s election on November 5th? Polarization between
political parties isn’t the only example that springs to mind. The same could be said of vaccinations, refugee and immigration policies, and how to fix the economy.
The Oxford University Press chose ‘brain rot’ as its 2024 word, based on 37,000 votes, discussion, and data analysis. While it seems ultra-current to consider the term’s definition: “supposed deterioration of a person’s mental or intellectual state, especially viewed as a result of overconsumption of material
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(now particularly online content) considered to be trivial or unchallenging. Also: something characterized as likely to lead to such deterioration.” I was gob smacked to learn that the term first appeared in 1854 in Henry David Thoreau’s book Walden. From that it would appear there have always been risk factors for our brains and their functioning. Now that we know the phrase, it’s up to each of us to ramp up our game and stop brain rot in its tracks.
Brat is the unlikely word chosen by Collin’s Dictionary. It was sparked by a music album of the same name and is newly defined as “characterized by a confident, independent, and hedonistic (engaged in pursuit of pleasure; sensually self-indulgent) attitude.” Kamala Harris was called brat (not a brat) during the campaign. On the Collin’s short list were phrases I’ve never heard of. Consider these examples: Lookmaxxing: attempting to maximize the attractiveness of one’s physical appearance. Rawdogging: the act of undertaking an
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activity without preparation, support or equipment. Delulu: utterly mistaken or unrealistic in one’s expectations or ideas. This last one sounds like a cutesy version of delusional and just may catch on. Especially with people who say convo, deets, and other short forms of real words.
To round out our word fest, consider Cambridge’s choice for 2024: manifest. It is a 600year-old word redefined to mean, “to use methods such as visualization and affirmation to help you achieve something you want in the belief that doing so will make it more likely to happen.” This word was searched 130,000 times on the Cambridge site. Successful stars, entrepreneurs, and athletes often claim to have manifested a particular event in their lives.
I hope you’ve found this list to be both interesting and educational. Actively looking for ways to insert these words into our conversations could be fun, from where I sit.
PS. Only a demure brat would risk brain rot by manifesting more polarization……mic drop.
9, 2010 edition of the Lamont Leader: Tillie Franchuk is shown above folding adult bibs at the Long Term Care Centre as she continues to keep busy even at the age of 101. Tillie is from Mundare.
BETWEEN THE BOARDS: U13 Wild wins gold
BY MELISSA MACINTOSH-YOUNG
It was another busy weekend of minor hockey.
U18 Wild had two away games resulting in two losses. First game was an 8-1 loss to the Mayerthorpe Mustangs on Friday night. Wild’s only goal was scored by Rowan Young and assisted by Logan Jesso. Their second away game was a
2-1 loss against the CNN Spurs. Wild played hard, the single goal was scored by Kyran Belcourt and assisted by Kayden Winslow.
U13 Wild hosted a home tournament in Lamont over the weekend. The team played hard all weekend and advanced to the Gold Medal game against the Spruce Grove Dragons on Sunday. Wild beat the
Dragons 8-3 to bring home the gold! Goals were scored by Jonas Wytrykush 2g and 1a, Denton Holowach 2g and 1a, Sawyer Hanson 1g, Nash Klassen 2g, Liam Shiach 1g, Mary Sobkow 2g, Jace Zanatta 1a and Tyson Jonker 1a.
U11 Wild had one away game this weekend against Westlock. Wild lost to Westlock 11-8. Goals were netted by
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This week’s “Player of the week” Shout Out goes out to the U13 Wild team for showing what team work can accomplish and bringing home the gold. Way to go U13! Check in next week for more Between the Boards action.
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U13 Wild celebrate their Gold Medal win
Water line takes step forward
BY JOHN MATHER
At their Dec. 10, council meeting Lamont County Chief Financial Officer Rodney Boyko told council it had been approved for a $16.5 million grant to construct an intake for a process water line in the Designated Industrial Zone, which when all phases of the project were completed would be the largest project in the County’s history.
Administration recommended a motion that council direct Administration to issue a request for proposals for owner’s representative engineering services to commence procurement of design, build, own, finance and maintain services of the Process Water Project.
After some explanation Reeve David Diduck felt council should go in camera to further discuss the project.
Division 2 Councillor Roy Anaka moved the motion which was carried.
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Changes coming for county municipalities in 2025 elections
BY JANA SEMENIUK
Several changes are in store for Lamont County municipalities as they prepare for the upcoming 2025 general election on Oct. 20.
Those looking to vie for one of five available seats on the Lamont County council will need to acquire a criminal records check between July 21 and noon on nomination day, Sept. 22 to hand in with their nomination papers.
The bylaw, adding the candidate’s criminal records check requirement, passed unani-
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mously during the county council meeting on Dec. 10. So far, Lamont County is the only municipality that has adopted the optional requirement made available to councils through the province’s Bill 20 which will come into force on Jan. 1.
Earlier this year, Michael Francoeur, Assistant Communications Director for Alberta Municipal Affairs, confirmed by email that Bill 20 only allows a municipality to create the bylaw if they choose, and does not require it.
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Additionally, he confirmed that a criminal record check is intended for public transparency and doesn’t necessarily mean disqualification from candidacy, as shown in section 22 of the LAEA (Local Authorities Election Act) which states that a candidate is ineligible if convicted within the previous 10 years of election offences listed in the act.
All candidates looking to run in the next election must file a Notice of Intent with their local jurisdiction prior to submitting their nomination papers, which requires five signatures from electors within the municipality. Nominations for councillor or mayor can be handed in from Jan. 2 to the deadline of noon on nomination day.
Villages of Andrew and Chipman don’t have the candidate deposit requirement.
Eligibility requirements for candidates listed in the LAEA include, but aren’t limited to, residing in the municipality for six months or longer, not owing more than $50 in taxes to the municipality, or been convicted of election offenses listed in the LAEA within the previous 10 years.
Other changes will happen in the Town of Bruderheim which will see a reduction in the number of councillors this election year, thanks to a bylaw passed in Nov. 2023. Instead of voting in six councillors and one mayor, there will be four councillors voted in along with the mayor.
their council as the mayor will now become an elected position thanks to a bylaw passed last year. Instead of voting in five council members with the mayor chosen each year by the council at their organizational meeting, the mayor position will now be an elected position along with four council members to serve the four-year term.
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In addition to meeting eligibility requirements, the towns of Bruderheim, Mundare, Lamont, and also Lamont County require a deposit of $100. The
The reduction of council is expected to save the Town more than $90,000 in remuneration over the coming four-year term.
The Village of Andrew will also see changes to
Those with no changes to their mayor position or number of council include the Village of Chipman with two council positions and one elected mayor position, the Town of Mundare with four council positions and one elected mayor position, the County of Lamont with five council positions and their Reeve chosen by the council each year at the organizational meeting, in addition to the Town of Lamont which will also stay with six council positions and one mayor position.
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Bruderheim council opens public comments for two bylaw considerations
BY JANA SEMENIUK
The Town of Bruderheim’s Chief Administrative Officer, Phyllis Forsyth, called on the town council to consider public opinion before passing two bylaws.
One bylaw would give the council the decisionmaking authority on local developments, including new business applications, known as the subdivision authority, and the other to pass an updated procedural bylaw which includes the previously defeated idea of introducing a ‘Committee of the Whole’ (COW) meeting.
The COW meetings are described as an extra council meeting where no bylaws or resolutions are passed, similar to a closed session. The purpose of the COW is described as ‘to review matters or receive information referred by Administration or by members of Council’.
Forsyth re-introduced the COW that council unanimously voted down a little over two months ago. She explained that the new bylaw also incorporates the new government requirements for electronic public participation in public hearings.
Councillor Len Falardeau questioned Forsyth on why the
COW was brought back after council unanimously voted against the idea in Oct.
Mayor Karl Hauch, who also previously voted it down, now quickly moved to defend the idea.
“There’s no voting in COW meetings and it’s allowed in the MGA (Municipal Government Act),” he said before asking CAO Forsyth if he was missing anything.
Forsyth said many other municipalities are doing COW meetings.
Councillor Ashley Carter questioned whether the meetings would be closed to the public.
“That’s correct,” said Mayor Karl, with Deputy Mayor George Campbell in agreement, before adding that the council will share information coming out of the COW with the public.
Another council member who opposed the COW at the Oct. 2 meeting, Dayna Jacobs, was absent from the Dec. 11 meeting. Councillor Wayne Olechow was also absent and no information was shared for either absence.
An email to Municipal Affairs on the premise of COW meetings, revealed that COW meetings are less formal and focus more on discussion than on decision making.
Municipal councils have the discretion to create council committees by bylaw, including a COW to serve identified purposes. However, MGA section 197 dictates that all council committees, including COWs, must be held in public unless a matter falls under a section of the FOIP (freedom of information and privacy) act.
Forsyth said that for the subdivision authority bylaw, previously, the approval process of new developments and businesses was left up to one person as the Subdivision Authority.
She said the new bylaw will give all of council the decisionmaking power.
“That means the administration will do all the work for the subdivision with our contractors but leaves the decision-making responsibility with municipal council,” she explained.
Council voted in favour of passing first reading on both the Procedural Bylaw, with councillors Falardeau and Carter opposing, and the Subdivision Authority Bylaw which
passed first reading unanimously. Public input will be considered before second and the final third reading of each bylaw.
Meanwhile, having public comments open on the Town’s social media will be new for Bruderheim. For over a year Forsyth has closed off most public commenting on the Town’s social media page while all other municipalities in the county have them open for residents. She said the reason is time.
“The Town of Bruderheim does not have the resources to monitor and or respond to all the comments,” she said by email. “Council speaks as a whole and should not debate online.”
Forsyth added, by email, that the comment section on the Town’s facebook page will be open Dec. 16 on posts requesting public input into the two bylaws being considered by council; the Subdivision Authority bylaw and the Procedural Bylaw.
Forsyth did not say how long the comment section would remain
open. Bruderheim’s next council meeting is Jan. 8 at the town fire hall at 7 p.m. Public are welcome to attend.
Judy Shaw (R) from the Mundare Senior's Centre, accepts a cheque on Dec. 6 from Mundare ATB employee Teresa Eleniak (L) in the amount of $500 in support of the County of Lamont Food Bank. Below: Vice President of the Mundare Seniors Club, Danny Sequin, stands with fellow Mundare Seniors Club member Judy Shaw on Dec. 10 along with a cheque for the County of Lamont Food Bank for $500 collected through perogy sales.
Above:
Photos: Judy Shaw
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Chipman fire fighter honoured Andrew Rural Academy makes steady strides to open in 2025
BY JANA SEMENIUK
The Andrew Rural Academy charter school society, made up of 11 members, met on Dec. 10 to share updates and plan their next steps.
Vice Chair of the society, Kylie Rude, said Andrew’s new charter school, specializing in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) learning, will be among the first of its kind by offering the programming from kindergarten to grade 12.
One new charter school, Thrive Elementary, opened this Sept. in Edmonton and are also offering the STEM program from kindergarten to grade six. Rude said the board
and staff at Thrive have been role models for ARA who recently toured Thrive’s new school.
“They welcomed us with open arms and were just as passionate as we are and (very) supportive,” said Rude.
“They believe in what we're doing, because they're doing it (too).”
There are no student or teacher desks in Thrive Elementary. Children sit together at square picnic style wooden tables with benches where they are taught the basics of STEM education. It’s a scenario ARA school society hopes to emulate when they open their doors to students in kindergarten to grade 12,
Andrew Rural Academy school society members, consultant Stan Zabrick (L) and society board chair Jason Tkachuk, hold a poster advertising the new charter school including the school's new logo, shown in the upper right corner, during their last meeting for 2024 on Dec. 10. Photo: Jana Semeniuk
possibly in Sept. 2025.
Meanwhile, the group voted in support of their official logo; a large letter A with gold wheat sheaves curved on each side and Andrew Rural Academy circled above and below.
The group also voted on their official colours; blue and yellow, partly in keeping with the colours of Ukraine.
Although a superintendent has not yet been hired, Rude said there are some candidates being considered and the Village of Andrew has committed $50,000 in their 2025 budget to help fund the hiring of a superintendent until the school’s provincial funding comes through.
The committee identified several possible career outcomes for graduates of ARA’s STEM program, including jobs in automation using technology such as drone use and development, trades, AG sciences, health sciences, civil engineering and construction as well as humanities and general business.
The society’s next meeting is scheduled for Jan. 14 at 7 p.m. in the multi-purpose room at the village office.
Cando Rail to double it size at Sturgeon Terminal
Exciting news in the Industrial Heartland.
Cando Rail & Terminals has announced their plans to double the size of the Sturgeon Multi-Purpose Rail terminal, transforming it into a rail-centric supply chain hub.
This rail hub will stage, arrive, and depart long train units, allowing for increased trade and economic output from our region.
Cando’s project is in partnership to support Dow's Path2Zero investment with improved rail infrastructure and capacity.
Design is anticipated to be completed by the end of this year with construction commencing in 2025.
I am excited by the opportunities this will bring to our constituency, including job creation and future economic
development and diversification.
Our government is dedicated to ensuring safe and efficient roadways for Albertans.
Please contact my constituency office if you have any questions or concerns.
Jackie ArmstrongHomeniuk, Parliamentary Secretary for Settlement Services and Ukrainian Evacuees MLA Fort Saskatchewan-Vegreville
BY TRUDY SMITH
October 9th, 2024 was
a big day for Lt. Jennifer Kaluza, as she received her 12 yr. Service Medal, issued by the Province, at the regular Village of Chipman Council meeting, presented by Councillor Smith.
The Alberta Emergency Services Medal honours emergency services personnel who are involved in supporting response, prevention, and preparedness in Alberta and have committed to over 12 years of service.
Jennifer started her career with the Chipman Fire Department as a fire
fighter in 2012, and worked her way up, and currently serves as a Lieutenant in Fire Station #3, Chipman Fire District.
Jennifer has been a very valuable member, being on as many calls as her full time job allowed. Her calm personality under stress and "fire" was and is a great asset.
Jennifer has always been interested in taking the required courses and training to further her knowledge, and help new fire fighters. Insisting on keeping everybody safe, working under the Fire Service Motto "nobody is left behind"!
Jennifer can be seen driving either the Engine or the Brush Truck, hauling the fire hose through the brush, wearing a Breathing Apparatus or cleaning up the equipment, leading by example!
Lieutenant Kaluza continues to work to improve her district and herself with continuing education, and most recently received International Status by taking the NFPA 1041 Instructor Certification. Jennifer's perseverance through some stressful times in the past has certainly been outstanding.
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)
• Tuesday, Dec 17 - Noon Deadline to book Regular Ad OR Christmas Greetings Ad in FINAL paper of 2024
*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
• Monday, Dec 23 - FINAL PAPER OF 2024 HITS STORES & MAILBOXES!
• Tuesday, Dec 24 ~ Wednesday, Jan 1 - OFFICE CLOSED
There will be no response to any messages during this time due to staff holidays. We will still be receiving submissions via email for our January 8 paper & subscriptions can be renewed online!
• Thursday, Jan 2 & Friday, Jan 3 - OFFICE OPEN
Limited staff available due to extended holidays
• Monday, Jan 6 - OFFICE OPEN 3pm Deadline to Book Ads or Submit News
• Wednesday, Jan 8 - First Edition of 2025
From left to right: Regional Deputy Fir Chief Scott Calder, Lt. Kaluza, Regional Fire Chief Bo Moore, Councillor Smith, retired Fire Chief.
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.
CARD OF THANKS
To all of our Customers who supported Brian’s U-Pick in 2024, we would like to thank you for your support and wish you all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Brian
COMING EVENTS
VIKING & DISTRICT AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY AGM MEETING
Wednesday January 15, 2025 Viking Community Hall5021 54 Ave at 7pm Everyone WelcomeNew Members Welcome
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!
Celebrate the New Year at the Alliance Community Hall. Dec 31 . Fun, Food and Favors for the whole 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
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
BUILDINGS FOR SALE
HARDISTY: 2 BR furnished house for rent available now. $1200 plus electricity. Call or text 780-717-6783
Starfrit Cherry Pitter - Brand New, never been used. Also for sale - Starfrit Electric Knife, used very little. A Vegetable Chopper - never been used. Call Brian at 780-678-0053
If anyone is looking for a Lagostina Stainless Steel with Copper Trim Kettel set - a 12 piece set. Asking $250, valued at $799. Brand new. If interested, call Brian at 780-678-0053.
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
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.
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; 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
Painting Quality Residential and Commercial Interior Painting. Betty Tkaczyk 780-632-8749
Classified Ads are 3 for 1
County wants legal opinion on drone issue
Usage for surveillance over private land questioned
BY JOHN MATHER
Lamont County councillor Neil Woitas brought an issue with County drones flying over private properties to council’s attention at their Dec. 10 meeting.
“Yesterday I saw tracks in and out of an abandoned farmyard and a neighbour told me there had been a drone flying in and out of the yard about 100 feet above the buildings,” he said.
“When the neighbour found a person in a nearby truck and asked them what they were doing they said they were checking their emails.”
Woitas asked when the County had changed the rules to allow County drones to overfly yards without giving neigh-
bours any notice?
He said with some more investigation it was discovered a County employee had been flying a drone over farmyards.
Chief Administrative Officer Peter Tarnawsky said from what he understood the drone was part of an enforcement matter and the County could overfly yards.
According to a person from the planning department in attendance at the meeting the drone operator would be updating council on areas where they were conducting surveillance and this would be updated in closed session.
“Right now we have about seven sites under surveillance,” she told council.
“Two have since been removed from the enforcement list.”
Woitas said he thought the drones were to be used for drainage matters and to check for possible fire hotspots not for surveillance.
“When you come out of your house and there’s a drone 100 feet above your buildings, we should give them a heads up. I’m pretty sure you can’t fly a drone 150 feet above somebody’s property without letting them know.”
Benoit said the County drone operator was licensed and followed the FAA flight regulations.
“If council wants to review a policy they certainly can,” said Tarnawsky.
Reeve David Diduck said he could appreciate why it was done, but he
had trouble with it infringing on privacy issues.
Woitas said there were three yards close together that were flown over.
Diduck felt the County should get a legal opinion on the use of the drones.
“I’d be disappointed without being notified,” he said.
Woitas said when the County had first purchased a drone it was stated they wouldn’t be flying over homes.
A person who holds a drone licence at the council meeting said there are certain areas you are not allowed to fly, but you don’t need a homeowner’s permission to overfly any property.
We can’t fly over an airport or a military base,” he said. “Taking pictures becomes a pri-
vacy issue and you have to stay a certain height above the ground.”
Tarnawsky asked if council would like a policy or get a legal opinion.
Diduck suggested they get a legal opinion about flying over private yard sites.
Council passed a motion to get such a legal opinion.
COUNCIL UPDATE – November 26 & December 10 Meetings
Council has directed that administration publish a summary of decisions from the past two Council meetings each month. Meeting highlights are also summarized on the Lamont County website, and social media after each Council meeting. Once approved at the next Council meeting, all directions, approvals, and items discussed are in the approved minutes posted at lamontcounty.ca.
The following are updates from the past two Council Meetings, including important initiatives and activities that were discussed, debated, reviewed, and what Council has directed Administration to complete and implement.
November 26 Regular Council and
Annual Organizational meeting (minutes were approved December 10).
Highlights from this meeting include:
Regional Fire Service Bylaw (880.24)
Service Bylaw, including setting a workshop in January to consider alternative
damage (some policies may not have an appropriate amount).
Council Procedure Bylaw (881.24)
Council reviewed and completed second and third readings of its Council Procedure Bylaw—amending allowances for the public (and media) to complete audio recordings of meetings and Councillor ability to check phone messages as relevant between agenda items. Of note: video recordings of Council meetings are always available once published at lamontcounty.ca/governance/agendas-minutes.
Alberta Invasive Species Council Sponsorship
Council approved Bronze Sponsorship ($1,000) to the Alberta Invasive Species Council to continue its important work and campaigns such as Squeal on Pigs, Invasive and Noxious Weeds, and invasive species resources.
Council Business
(directing Administration to respond to questions and bring this back to a future Council meeting).
- Council received update on closure of RR191 for third party use, and directed Administration to erect signage as appropriate for road use at users risk, as well as time-frame the gates are not locked.
- Council received update on standards for line painting for RR202 near the railway crossing, that solid line painting was appropriate for that distance.
- Council received update on changes to the Local Authorities Election Act in preparation for the 2025 Municipal Election process.
- Council directed Administration to set up an Electronic Fund Transfer program for vendors to minimize payment delays as a result of the Postal Strike and potential mail delays/non-delivery.
Discussions in the afternoon.
-
December 102 Council meeting (minutes are approved next Council meeting).
Highlights from this meeting include:
Lamont County Council Approves its 2025 Budget is posted at lamontcounty.ca/news
Process Water Line Intake
Council authorized Administration to pursue a Request for Proposals for the procurement of the process water line intake.
2025 Municipal Election Bylaw (885.24)
Council completed second and third readings of its Municipal Election Bylaw to ensure RCMP Criminal Record Check is completed within 60 days of nomination day.
Schedule of Fees Bylaw (882.24)
increase from the water commission), as well as an update for Planning and Development rates and associated fees.
Council Business
-Council received update from Emergency Services Department with responses to
-Council received update on the Alphabow Insolvency Court proceedings.
-Council received an update related to a drainage matter for VIP Rail Alberta Midland.
-In Committee of the Whole, discussed merging three gravel road maintenance policies into one policy and directed Administration to bring this back to a future Council Meeting for approval.
---
NOTE: The 2025 Budget Committee also took place in Council Chambers between , 15 and 26. These discussions formed presented and approved by Council at the December 10 Council Meeting. A full summary of the approved budget and initiatives for 2025 is posted at lamontcounty.ca/news
equipment replacement guidelines.
Please sign up to receive digital copies of the community newsletter at lamontcounty.ca/newsletter (paper copies will be sent to Lamont County residents shortly after the Canada Post strike ends)
Lamont Emergency Services Regional Fire Chief Bo Moore and Lamont Mayor Jody Foulds presented Captain Andrew McDonald with the Alberta Emergency Services Medal at the regular council meeting Dec. 10. The medal is given to persons who have committed more than 12 years of service. McDonald joined the Lamont Fire Department in 2012.
- The Lamont Leader (Lamont, Alberta), Wednesday, December 18, 2024
Community Programming
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. Youth Centres in Bruderheim (Tuesdays), Chipman (Mondays), and Mundare (Thursdays) – contact Dayna.J@lamontcounty.ca for info.
3. 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.)
4. CALC: My Journey…Who Am I? (register at 780-895-2233 x233/241 or Cheryl.B@lamontcounty.ca | Cody.O@lamontcounty.ca)
5. CALC: English Language Learning (register with Cheryl/Cody). 6. CALC: Kitchens Program (register with Cheryl/Cody).
7. CALC: Digital Skills for Seniors: Thurs. fr.10-11 a.m. (Mundare & Andrew).
8. Snow Angels Program (volunteers needed): contact Michelle.A@lamontcounty.ca or 780-895-2233x223, (honorarium for volunteers).
9. 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
10. Meals in Motion – JANUARY MENU now available (see lamontcounty.ca/community-programming for the full menu and how to order).
11. 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 & kalynafrn.ca | CALC: LamontCountyAdultLearns | | CALC/FCSS/KFRN: 1-877-895-2233 | 5303-50 Ave. Lamont, AB T0B
The Reeve’s Annual Holiday Video Message. See Lamontcounty.ca for this annual update.
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. Contact the Tax Clerk if you have any questions related to this or the outstanding unpaid tax penalty (Jan. 1). 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 and when phone lines are limited/extremely busy). Winter safety tips page: lamontcounty.ca/ be-prepared.
SQUEAL ON PIGS (CAMERAS INSTALLATION)
As part of the Squeal on Pigs/Wild Boar control, Lamont County is installing cameras at specific locations to monitor boar traffic (including on or near private land) in the efforts to control and eradicate. These will be installed by a contractor during the next 2-3 weeks in a Lamont County vehicle with proper identification. This is an eight-month surveillance program developed in conjunction with Alberta Pork and Squeal on Pigs. Learn more about how wild boar is controlled in Alberta at: alberta.ca/wild-boar-inalberta.aspx. This invasive pest cannot be controlled by hunting. Report a sighting or if you have questions, contact Lamont County Agricultural Services at 780-895-2585 or abinvasives.ca/squeal-on-pigs/ at 310-FARM (3276) and wildboar@gov.ab.ca.
The next scheduled ASB meeting is (Wednesday) February 12 (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, January 14 (in 2025), 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)
MERRY CHRISTMAS, A JOYOUS UKRAINIAN CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR! May your 2025 be full of joy!
