Greek Orthodox hall burns to the ground
BY JANA SEMENIUK
Flames lit up the sky on range road 200 on Feb. 6 as the Holy Ascension Russo-Greek Orthodox Church Hall was on fire.
This hall, which was made up of an Atco trailer, was located just north of Skaro National Hall which was recently featured in the Jan. 29 edition of the Lamont Leader (“Group aims to revitalize 95-year-old Skaro Hall”). The Holy Ascension Russo-Greek Orthodox Church nearby was not damaged by the fire.
Lamont County Communications Director Jay Zaal said crews from Bruderheim, Lamont, Chipman and Mundare (water support) responded just after 5 p.m.
“LCES (Lamont County Emergency
Services) was assisted by Medavie EMS, RCMP, Lamco Gas, and Fortis Power,” said Zaal by email. “Upon
arrival they found a tin structure showing fire from one corner and full of smoke. Crews attempted entry but due
Fire danger complaints investigated six weeks before Mundare campground fire
BY JANA SEMENIUK
A Mundare campground resident’s concerns around a possible fire were investigated by Lamont County Emergency Services (LCES) nearly six weeks before a fire claimed two campers and left three people homeless on Jan. 19.
Dean Cook, 65, lost his newly renovated 39-foot trailer in the blaze. Cook said he was worried that his neighbour in the campground was not heating his unit in a safe way and lodged a complaint with the Town of Mundare which in turn contacted LCES. Jay Zaal, communications coordinator with Lamont County confirmed the account.
“Members of LCES attended the Mundare Campground upon request of the Town of Mundare (on Dec. 17) and spoke with residents about fire safety
and heating trailers safely. As these trailers are considered a private dwelling, LCES cannot enter the premises - SAFETY CODES ACT Revised Statutes of Alberta 2000 Chapter S-1
Current as of April 1, 2023.
Section 34(1),” he said by email.
The fire not only destroyed two of the trailers but also sent one resident, whose heating unit started the fire, to hospital.
According to reports he was released a short while later.
Meanwhile, Lamont County Chief Administrative Officer
Peter Tarnawsky clarified earlier statements by Zaal around the billing for the Mundare Campground fire at a recent Coffee with a Councillor event in Bruderheim.
Zaal indicated through email on Jan. 27 that neither the Town of Mundare or the resident
would be receiving a bill for the Jan. 19 fire, as per a previous regional agreement.
Tarnawsky said it is normally the landowner who will receive a fire bill, but billing the Town of Mundare was difficult due to an unsigned fire services bylaw.
“The Town of Mundare passed a fire services bylaw on (Jan. 28) that mirrors ours. If that fire happened today, the Town of Mundare would receive a bill,” he said. “They did not have their bylaw passed (at the time of the fire) therefore it’s challenging for us to bill the Town of Mundare.
“They didn’t pass the bylaw until (Jan. 28) therefore we don’t have legal remedy to pursue it from (the Town) but we may pursue it on a moral basis. It’s the landowner who gets the bill.”
to fire conditions and an unsafe floor, were unable to proceed. Crews began a defensive attack applying water from the outside.”
Zaal said crews from Andrew were brought in to do fire watch overnight. However, at approximately 8:30 a.m. the interior ceiling collapsed and the fire lit up again.
“The fire began to free burn with a complete structural collapse shortly after,” he said. “Heavy equipment was brought in to lift the tin roof and walls off of the pile so crews could extinguish the remaining fire spots.”
Zaal said there were no injuries or damage to the surrounding trees or outbuildings. Zaal said the cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Moore updates Bruderheim on year-end fire stats
BY JOHN MATHER
Lamont Regional Fire Chief Bo Moore appeared before Bruderheim Council Feb. 5 to update the Town on its annual fire stats.
“It’s a very short report,” he said. “In 2024 across the County, crews were called for service 323 times, a 23 per cent increase over the previous year.
“That puts us at an average of more than one call a day which is very busy for our on-call staff.”
He said the number of callouts had been steadily increasing since 2021 at a rate of about 10 to 15 per cent per year.
“He gave a brief overview of the most recent capital budget.
Mayor Karl Hauch asked if the new equipment purchases would be housed in Lamont or if any would be stationed in Bruderheim.
Moore replied there would be some decisions made and “juggling of apparatus” when the equipment arrives. He added one truck wasn’t scheduled for delivery for 22 months.
He said during the year the department had funded a pump operators course and a life fire instructor’s course. Continued on Page 19
The remains of the Holy Ascension Russo-Greek Orthodox Hall that was destroyed by fire on Feb. 6. The charred rubble is shown here after re-igniting the next morning, Feb 7, when the roof collapsed.
Water line discussion flows at Coffee Talks session
BY JOHN MATHER
It had to be the most successful Coffee with a Councillor depending on how you look at it.
A crowd of 50 turned out at Bruderheim’s Community Hall Jan. 30 to hear from Lamont County Division 5 councillor Neil Woitas.
While most of the other Coffee sessions with a Councillor had seen only the local Councillor and Reeve joined by a couple of County officials, this event had four councillors attend along with the Chief Administrative Officer, Public Works Director and Director of Communications.
And the crowd had concerns they weren’t shy about expressing.
Quickly following a heated discussion on fire billing policies in the County, Barbara Holowaychuk raised concerns about the proposed water intake and proposed pipeline for water running approximately 14 kilometres from the intake in the North Saskatchewan River to the Alberta Industrial Heartland between Bruderheim and Lamont.
“How many of you have seen this study," she asked, holding up a copy. “And how many of you have read it?”
“Apparently somebody paid for it but whether it was the Heartland or Lamont County, we’re not sure,” she added. “The Lamont County Water Industrial Supply Project for a water intake past our farm on Range Road 201 and a pipeline down the centre of Range Road 201 from the river to the Heartland.”
“So they want to rip up our road and put in this pipeline,” she stated. “Do you think we’re happy?”
The matter had come up at council recently when Woitas asked about it after residents complained to him about it. Yet he hadn’t seen the report.
Apparently it had been done last fall and presented to three residents.
At the council meeting
CAO Peter Tarnawsky said it was a concept plan although that hadn’t been properly explained to the residents who received it.
Further Reeve David Diduck had said he had seen the plan at the Division Three Coffee with a Councillor in the fall when Holowaychuk and her husband Alvin attended and brought the subject up.
He said the best solution in the conceptual study, and he emphasized the study was conceptual, was to put the pipeline down the middle of 201.
“Is that the best place for it to go,?” he asked. “I don’t think so.” And many of the residents spoke their agreement
with this assessment.
When asked whose idea it was, Diduck said council would make the final decision on where the pipeline would go and it might not go down 201.
Woitas said he didn’t know about the pipeline or the study.
He said it would cost a million dollars a mile to put it down the middle of the road and there were some areas where it would be impossible to excavate because of the rocks underneath the road surface.
He said it would only cost $38,000 a mile for a right of way.
Diduck said while council had not seen the conceptual plan it had been discussed at his Coffee with the Councillor in the fall.
Diduck said there was no County involvement in selecting the site. It had been done by the Province, after resident
again said the preferred site for the intake was near the Vinca Bridge. He said the study was commissioned by the Industrial Heartland Association and council had nothing to do with it. The residents weren’t pleased with that answer and accused the County of lack of transparency and a cover up. Continued on Page 19
“How many of you have heard about this,” asked Holowaychuk on Jan. 30. "Our understanding is it is a $50- $100 million project. Our understanding is there is some government money but the provincial government will only pay up to 30 per cent.”
The water line she said was a 20 inch diameter.
One resident said he didn’t think the line would be big enough and wondered if the cost was going to be well spent?
The resident said the waterline to feed to Suncor plant in Fort McMurray was 36 inches.
The Reeve said he had read the report and could give some background
He pointed out Inter Pipeline had owned the property where the water intake is to be located and they had turned it over to the County for a nominal sum.
He said the Province had authorized three water intakes for the Industrial Heartland and Lamont County had one of those.
He said the Province had given the Heartland a $1.5 million grant to create a conceptual engineering study.
He was interrupted by residents saying the Vinca Bridge area was the preferred site and Diduck said there was no preferred site.
He said the government requested the conceptual plan for the intake in the river and they wanted to know where the water was going to go.
Family Day Winter Whirlwind Sunday, February 16th 1p.m. to 4 p.m.
Dog Roasting - sponsored by the Fire Department Snowman/ Sculpture Buildling Contest Laster Tag in Gazebo Park- 10 yrs & Up
All events will take place outside, please make sure you are dressed for the weather. Fire pit for hot dogs and warming will be available
Notice of Borrowing Bylaw
TAKE NOTICE that the Council of the Village of Andrew, in the Province of Alberta, has given first reading to borrowing Bylaw 2025-003 which will, upon final passage and approval, authorize the proper officers of the said Village to borrow monies from the Alberta Treasury Board and Finance or another authorized financial institution by way of debentures or bank loan, to pay for the sewer line replacement, water line repairs, and roadwork on 51 Avenue.
The total cost of the aforesaid project amounts to $1,000,000. After deducting from this cost, the amount of $200,000 to be financed with provincial grants, and the net amount to be borrowed on the credit and security of the municipality at large by the issue of debentures is $800,000.
The debentures, or bank loan, is repayable either in monthly, semi-annual or annual payments of combined principal and interest installments not to exceed thirty (30) years calculated at a rate not exceeding the interest rate fixed by the authorized financial institution on the date of the borrowing, and not to exceed six percent (6%).
NOW THEREFORE NOTICE is hereby given by the Council of the Village of Andrew, that, unless a sufficient petition against proposed Bylaw 2025-003 is submitted within 15 days of the last advertisement, in accordance with the Municipal Government Act, the Council may pass the said borrowing bylaw.
All persons interested are hereby notified and may govern themselves accordingly. Copy of this bylaw can be obtained from the Village Office – 5021 50 Street, Andrew, or online at www.andrewab.com.
DATED at the Village of Andrew in the Province of Alberta, this 3rd day of February, 2025. Kylie Rude, Chief Administrative Officer 5021 50 Street PO BOX 180 Andrew, AB T0B 0C0 p: 780-365-3687 f: 780-365-2061 admin@liveinandrew.com www.andrewab.com Facebook: Village of Andrew
BECJM Enterprises LTD Charles Matthews ~ Donated the firewood.
Maple Syrup Snow Candy Scavanger Hunt Tug of War ShakaBall Gaga/Octo Ball for all ages Log Pull Races 13 yrs & Up Bruderheim AG Society Walker School Museum open and other activities Horse Shoes Outdoor Skating Rink Snow Painting Hot
Barbara Holowaychuk
Sweethearts Draw
Opinion
Team Canada is only a team in hockey, not U.S negotiations
BY JOHN MATHER
So we dodged a bullet last week, when the diplomacy skills of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau got U.S. President Donald Trump to hold off on his threat to impose tariffs on Canada for at least a month.
Whew!
But hold on.
Do you really think Trump isn’t going to resurrect the threat of tariffs at the end of this new timeframe?
Of course he is (In fact on Sunday he announced tariffs on steel and aluminum).
He has a strong hand against what right now is probably one of the weakest opponents he’s ever faced in the moribund Liberal government.
When the 30-days are up, there will be two or three days before a new Liberal leader and prime minister will be installed.
Will it be the man unelected to any seat in Parliament Mark Carney - an unelected Prime Minister of Canada! Just who would he be representing when facing off against Trump?
Or maybe it will be squeaky, bobbing and weaving Chrystia Freeland. At least she has a seat in Parliament. But when it comes to dealing with Trump, she openly admits he doesn't like her.
That really has to build up the confidence going into strategic negotiations.
So since the 30-day reprieve was awarded, Premiers and even Justin Trudeau have been touting the Team Canada approach.
You know all for one, one for all.
But Trudeau has basically stolen Danielle Smith’s playbook. That’s no problem because it was the best solution at the time.
And now she's pushing for more pipelines running east and west across Canada to get oil and LNG to Canadian tidewater ports for markets overseas. You know, those markets that Trudeau says there is no market for.
Meanwhile Alberta Energy minister Rebecca Schultz was in Japan last week letting that country know Alberta is open for business and we have an abundance of LNG to send to that country.
Letter:
Federal Government back to spending with Meta and only 2% to Canadian print media
Nearly two-thirds of Canadians (65 per cent) want the federal government to commit a percentage of its advertising budget to Canadian news media, according to a new survey conducted by Totum Research.
“The Government of Canada’s decision to resume advertising with Meta is a real kick in the shins to independent publishers across Canada,” said Dave Adsett, publisher of the Wellington Advertiser and chair of News Media Canada.
“Disinformation travels faster than the truth, and it sends the wrong signal to local advertisers when the government is rewarding a company that is unwilling to fact check information on its own platforms.”
Almost two thirds (63 per cent) of Canadians trust advertising in newspapers/ news sites, while just 28 per cent trust ads they see on Facebook/Instagram.
“News publishers call on the federal government to follow the Government of Ontario’s lead to and support the home team by earmarking 25 per cent of their advertising budget to trusted news sources,” said Paul Deegan, president and CEO of News Media
CONTINUED
Justin held a meeting to discuss setting an agenda for a meeting.
That’s the Liberals' style.
Spend money on meetings dithering around while accomplishing nothing but taking more money from Canadians pockets books.
And when it comes to Team Canada, suddenly Team Quebec roared back to life. Pipelines are socially unacceptable so there will be none going across his province, Premier Francois Legault thundered.
And then, out of the blue, up piped NDP leader Jagmeet Singh like a critter in a whack a mole game agreeing with Quebec’s position.
What a Team Canada-player Singh is.
Just two more weeks until he gets his undeserved pension, which he has propped the Liberals up for more than a year to achieve.
And Bloc Quebecois leader Yves-Francois
Canada. “Last year, just two per cent of all federal advertising dollars went to all print publications in the country combined.”
When it comes to their preferred medium to receive information about federal government programs and initiatives, more than half (58 per cent) of respondents cited newspapers/news sites, while only 17 per cent chose Facebook/Instagram.
Totum Research conducted an online survey, on behalf of News Media Canada, of 2,418 adult Canadians between December 922, 2024 / January 6-20, 2025, with a maximum margin of error of ±2% at the 95% confidence level.
About News Media Canada News Media Canada is the voice of the print and digital news media industry in Canada and represents hundreds of trusted titles in every province and territory. News Media Canada is an advocate in public policy for daily and community media outlets and contributes to the ongoing evolution of the news media industry by raising awareness and promoting the benefits of news media across all platforms. For more information, visit www.newsmediacanada.ca.
Blanchet has also agreed with this position.
So let’s get real. There’s no Team Canada. That is a farce propagated by the Liberals in order to hold another meeting.
Meanwhile, Smith and several of her cabinet colleagues are again in Washington, and several U.S states, meeting with legislators making the case of not imposing any tariffs after the 30-day grace period is up.
So one province is working for its residents and Canada.
Another province is holding an election taking all the steam out of its negotiating position.
And yet another is blowing up any unity in Canada by stubbornly refusing to allow a pipeline across its territory.
That is a pipeline that would definitely strengthen this country’s economy.
What a mess this country is.
Smith has been accused of being a traitor to Canada when in reality she is the only one working aggressively to help the country.
Kerry Anderson Publisher John Mather Reporter Jana Semeniuk Reporter Crystal Moren
BY HAZEL ANAKA
I spent virtually all of Sunday, no not watching the Super Bowl, ick! I spent it watching and bidding on items in two different online auction sales. Luckily, it worked out in that the start times were staggered and in the one sale I was only interested in one lot, which I got for a reasonable price. All of these auctions also allow you to subscribe to lot closing notification so about ten minutes before your selected lot is coming up, you get a text reminder. And another. And another. You can also subscribe to get notified if you are outbid. And don’t we hate when that happens?
Of course, there is also the option of setting your maximum absentee bid on a particular lot. But much like some of you have overpaid for a cultivator or a combine or a wheelbarrow with a bum wheel, sometimes a bidder gets caught up in the
FROM WHERE I SIT: A Good Thing
moment and goes beyond what may be prudent. Ahem. It is really advisable to keep one’s head about them in these situations. The rate for the buyer’s premium varies from auction house to auction house. It can be anywhere from 15% to 23% on top of the ‘hammer price.’ In some cases, there’s also a sliding scale in that the really large ticket items are assessed a lower rate. In the famous Barret Jackson car auctions in the States, both the buyer and seller pay a premium.
Of course, if you’re the seller, you or your estate is also paying either a set fee or a percentage of sales to the auctioneer. In my conversations with auctioneers, I guess the fees they pay for the selling platform, registration of bidders, collection of money, software, et cetera et cetera is very steep. But it gives anyone in the world access to any sale in the world so I suppose that doesn’t come cheap.
There were a number of items I was interested in and I guessed Roy, Hilary, and Ash would be interested in some of
the other offerings. So, we attended the pre-sale viewing and each, in our own right were shocked and awed. Some things were beautiful and desirable. Others were downright strange like many, many ugly African masks (some with hair); swords and knives, some avant-garde art. There were also many lots of those teeny-weeny soldiers and canons and miniscule armaments like you see very rich men play with in movies when they recreate famous battles.
Because Ash is a wine collector he was drawn to those items. He managed to buy 5 or 6 desirable bottles within his budget. Roy and I like antique furniture. Hilary and Ash were still searching for a piece of art for above their fireplace. One of the pieces on the short list was a large framed pastel that ending up selling for $1000. They were pleased to buy an original oil landscape by an Edmonton artist for less than half that.
Roy and I bid far higher than we wanted on an antique drop-front desk before eventually surrendering. I did manage to
Lamont and Area
LAMONT UNITED CHURCH 5306 - 51 Ave., Lamont, AB 780-895-2145 Rev. Deborah Brill SUNDAY
AA Meetings Thursdays at 8:00 pm
buy my second choice one for less than $100 before fees. The real draw for me though were the hundreds of antique (over 100 years old) books spread over nearly 200 lots. Most of these books had magnificent embossed, ornate,
gilded covers and topquality paper; many were foreign language. Sometimes, the integrity of the spine and binding was damaged but hey, I hope to look that good when I’m 150 years old! Some lots comprised a single precious volume;
others as many as twenty. I can now report that I was the successful bidder on several lots and was the disappointed loser on others. As I study my invoice this frigid Monday morning, I am somewhat shocked but not remorseful with any of my purchases. And that’s a good thing, from where I sit.
From the files of the Lamont Leader
June 8, 2010 edition of the Lamont Leader: Fort Saskatchewan RCMP Constable Curtis Huculak attended the Chipman Show n Shine over the weekend with a retro. brown serge jacket, blue pants and retro police car. An antique vehicle fan himself, he enjoyed the car show and the fun of his retro. look.
Students learn at Industrial Heartland Career Forum
BY JOHN MATHER
Students from around the region met at the Dow Centennial Centre in Fort Saskatchewan for the Industrial Heartland Career Forum.
Students from six area schools, Sturgeon Composite, Fort High, Lamont High, Salisbury Composite, Bev Facey and St. Andre Bassett, attending the forum were treated to a variety of displays in the Lions Halls where local companies, area post secondary institutions, and labour groups all presented briefs and gave demonstrations to the attendees.
More than 250 students took part in the forum.
The students were split into groups and when one group was touring and participating in the display areas, another group filed into the Shell Theatre where several speakers gave presentations on what it was like to work in the Heartland, the educational requirements and the benefits of being employed in the industrial sector.
Fort Saskatchewan economic development officer Erin Brush Duncan introduced the speakers.
“You are all just starting out on your career paths,” she said. “I hope you participate and learn from the activities and speakers here today.”
Speakers, she said, would share their experiences in the areas of skilled labour, energy and cutting edge technologies like AI.
“Our goal is to inspire and provide you with the information and connections you need to have a successful career in the skilled trades.”
Karlee Conway, head of communications for the Industrial Heartland, welcomed the students.
She gave a brief overview of the Heartland stating its size was 582 square kilometres.
“One of the features are we have $45 billion of capital investment in the
region which represents about two per cent of the province's gross domestic product,” she said. “People choose to locate here because of the abundant supply of natural resources.”
“We also have carbon capturing storage which is a world class development that has helped some of our major industries reduce their carbon output.”
She added a corridor of well developed pipelines and railroads helped get products from there to their final markets.
She explained the area’s designated industrial zone designation meant multi billion dollar industries wishing to locate in the Heartland could get faster permitting.
Lisa Pollio, program manager from Careers in Energy, spoke about how their program supported companies secure the skilled talent they need for sustained future growth.
“We’re always reaching out to youth to try and get them to understand the exciting careers available in the energy industry.”
She said the industry was constantly growing and evolving and there were new energy resources and people had to be trained to work with these and help meet the global energy demand.
She directed the audience to the Careers in Energy website where attendees could match their expectations with various careers in the industry.
The next speaker, Eden Marklund, was a boilermaker apprentice who had worked several
years in the oil patch.
She told the audience she got interested in the trades as a matter of self sufficiency.
“Also there was my love of building things,” she said. “I was the kid who always took things apart and put them back together, or sometimes didn’t put them back together.”
She said she started working in an office and then evolved into a program where she could attend school half a day then work in the field the rest of the day.
She said she did a lot of on the job training and while she struggled with school theory, hands-on learning kept her engaged.
“I always did better when I could put my hands on the things we were talking about,” she stated.
After graduating Red Deer College she got work in the industry and she states she’s been able to build a life and do things which if she made minimum wage she wouldn’t be able to do.
“I’ve been able to overcome challenges and keep moving forward,”
She started in a fab shop and then started working shutdowns.
“It was hard and long hours but I received two tickets and now I’m pursuing machining.”
Her advice to the students was to always ask questions.
“There’s a lot to be learned,” she said.
“Listen to the people around you. Questions are the huge things. There are no dumb questions.”
She said her job now had her going to different locations and it was always different, something which she really enjoyed as opposed to sitting at a desk.
Dr. Gavin Mei from the University of Alberta spoke to the students about the application of AI in robotics.
He explained to the students about how the latest AI technologies was being utilized in robotics and how that was helping the industry. Using a short video he showed how robotics was used to make the workplace more safe.
Many had laser scanners, which helped with site inspections on job sites.
He said AI had evolved to where there were now self driving cars but it had also evolved in the construction industry.
He said robotics could use cameras and scanners to view the workplace for safety issues. They could also be used for lifting heavier objects and to be used to give alerts if the worker was moving into a dangerous situation.
The U of A display at the Career Forum attracted a lot of attention with the four-wheeled robot that jumped up and down and performed a variety of tasks.
Angus Hybrid Bulls for Heifers
Land for Rent
Wheat:
CWRS - AAC Brandon - Improved Rated MR for FHB resistance
- Most widely grown CWRS variety in Western Canada for 5 years
CWRS - AAC Wheatland VB
-Wheat Midge tolerant
- Very good lodging resistance
CWSWS - AC Andrew - Great silage option
-In demand by milling and ethanol industries
Yellow Peas:
CDC Canary - Improved standability
-Early maturity
-Higher Yielding Faba Beans:
CDC 219-16 - Zero Tannin
- Seed is smaller than Snowbird, larger than CDC Snowdrop
6-Row Feed Barley:
AB Advantage - Improved plump and bushel weight - Smooth awned
-High grain and forage yield
2-Row Malt Barley:
CDC Copeland - Strong demand by malting companies
BY MELISSA
MACINTOSH-YOUNG
Elk Island minor hockey is beginning to wind down for another year. However, Wild players stayed busy, with six games played over past weekend.
U18 Wild had a disappointing, two loss weekend. Friday night’s home game ended in a close, 5-4 loss against Mayerthorpe. Goals were scored by Kayden Winslow 2g, Xavier Storr 1g and 1a, Will Furey 2a, Avery Klassen 1g, Ashton Strickland 1a, Nicklas Mehlenbacher 1a, and Gage Brenton with 1a. U18 travelled to Irma on Saturday to take on Mannville/Irma. Wild were down eight players, leaving them at a huge disadvantage. The end result was an 82 loss. Kayden Winslow had 1g and 1a, and Xavier Storr had 1g.
U13 Wild hosted two home games over the weekend, ending with a tie and a win. First game resulted in a 4-4 tie with Mayerthorpe. Points were earned by Jonas Wytrykush 1g and 2a, Christian McLeod 1g and 1a, Denton Holowach 1g, Nash Klassen 1g, Mary Sobkow 1a, Sawyer Hanson 1a and Kayden King with 1a. Their second game was a 5-4 win against Whitecourt at the Bruderheim arena. Jonas Wytrykush had an impressive four goals, Sawyer Hanson 1g and 1a, Mary Sobkow 1a, and Denton Holowach had 1a.
U11 Wild had an exciting weekend, winning both of their scheduled games. First game was a close 8-7 win against the Thorhild Titans. Wyatt Klaita had an amazing five goals, Dylan Strumelak 2g, Jaxon Calder 1g and Braden Roy with 1a. U11’s sec-
ond game of the weekend was an 8-5 win against the CR Knights. Wyatt Klita netted 2g and 2a, Alex Holt 1g and 2a, Dylan Strumelak 2g, Braden Roy 1g and 1a, Brody Dowhaniuk 2a, Jake Holt 1g, Ryder Dagg 1g and Jaxton Fertuck with 1a.
This week’s player “Shout Out” goes out to the Elk Island Wild U7 Team. The U7’s participated in their first tournament of the season at the annual Smoky Lake Stars U7 tournament last weekend. U7 players played hard and had great weekend of hockey.
Tune in next week’s Between the Boards for more minor hockey news.
"An excerpt from the upcoming book "A Generation Gone: The 1960 Tragedy That Changed a Small Canadian Village Forever" by Jana Semeniuk chronicling events leading up to, and including the aftermath, of the Lamont Chipman school bus train accident on Nov. 29, 1960. The accident claimed the lives of 17 high school students and left many more injured both physically and psychologically. This chapter details the little Archer Memorial Hospital's history and that many believe its existence is why so many lives were saved that tragic day."
Chapter 10 –Little Mayo of the North The Edmonton Journal chose Lamont as their ‘town of the week’ for an article in 1958, although it was in fact still a village at that point and would remain so until 1968. The article detailed Lamont’s attractive attributes, as seen in the accompanying photos: the new high school under construction, a flourishing business district with cars lining the wide main street and a large grain elevator sitting at the end. A final photo showed the village’s hospital, ‘treeshrouded in a picturesque setting’.
Lamont may have been a small rural village in 1960, with just over 630 people, but it had one big source of pride: the Archer Memorial Hospital. Rated a top medical facility since opening in 1912, it was originally named the Lamont Public Hospital and began with only 15 beds, an operating room and a sterilizing room. The hospital itself was a magnificent newly built four-story wooden structure at the start of the century, with tall windows and a small balcony on the second floor. Leading the medical team was Dr. Albert E. Archer, who, together with his wife, nurse and anesthetist Jessie, had already been meeting the medical needs of the community since the
early 1900s. The couple used their own home to treat patients and even turned their backyard into a makeshift tent hospital during the typhoid outbreak of 1907. It was apparent, however, that the village needed a proper hospital.
Dr. Archer came from a prominent Methodist family and his father, a reverend, joined him in persuading the Methodist Church of Alberta to help them raise funds for the hospital project. They collected $13,000 in a fifteenmonth fundraising campaign (the equivalent of almost $350,000 in 2024). Just prior to opening day, Dr. William Rush joined Dr. Archer as the two doctors for the new hospital. Dr. Rush previously doctored in Vegreville and Leduc as well as doing mission work with the first nations people in B.C. He also looked after the business affairs of the hospital.
The hospital’s ability to provide advanced medical care would be tested barely one month after opening day. Amy Eaton, a woman visiting her family in the neighbouring Village of Mundare, became ill and needed surgery. When she required a blood transfusion, her brother Donald volunteered to be her donor. The procedure was not only a first for the hospital, it is thought to have been the first blood transfusion recorded in Alberta.
The Lamont Public Hospital was special not only for its high level of patient care but also for the establishment of the Lamont Nursing School, an unusual feature for a rural hospital. The hospital offered training to new nurses from the moment it opened, but the first official graduation ceremony occurred in 1915, when one lone nurse, Annie Purschke, received her degree. The program eventually grew, helping the hospital stay staffed in addition to providing opportunities for young
women who wanted to learn the field. A total of 595 nurses graduated from the program over its lifetime before rising costs, difficulties securing teaching staff and new provincial regulations forced its closure in 1972.
While Dr. Archer wholeheartedly supported the development of the nursing school, he also believed in universal health care, a cause he would champion for the rest of his life. There are countless documented examples of Dr. Archer
selflessly tending to the sick without payment and believing that no one should be without healthcare because they can’t afford it. In 1926, a Ukrainian family called for Dr. Archer to see their son who was sick.
Continued on Page 9
Continued from Page 8
While at their home, Dr. Archer noticed a very young girl, wide-eyed and emaciated, sitting in the corner of the room. The small child did not speak, instead trying to be invisible while she observed the unknown visitors. The doctor instantly knew the girl, known as ‘Little Pearl’, was suffering from rickets, a vitamin D deficiency causing bones to become very weak. He said she would need long-term care in the hospital. The family refused because they could not afford such treatment, but Dr. Archer wouldn’t give up. He persuaded the family to allow him to take Little Pearl back to the Lamont Public Hospital at no charge. For more than a year she remained there, where she not only made a full recovery but also learned to speak and walk. It was one of Dr. Archer’s most famous success stories. He did not let his care for the residents end with their medical needs. Dr. Archer also thrust himself into the community by serving on the Lamont School Board, the village council and even serving a term as mayor. Dr. Archer was also very active in the United Church as director of the choir for 20 years and as a church elder.
By 1921, the Lamont Public Hospital had 55 beds and had recorded another first; after a thorough inspection, it became the first nonurban Canadian hospital to gain approval under the standardized guidelines of the College of Physicians and Surgeons. To date, they have remained on the list of accredited hospitals consistently for over 100 years.
Dr. Morley Alphonso Ryerson Young was 28 years old when he joined the staff at Lamont Public Hospital in 1922. Dr. Young was a large man, just over six feet tall, with thin brown hair combed
Salute to Health Care workers special section
straight back from a deeply receding hairline. He was in his third year of medical school at the University of Alberta when he was drafted into the army in 1918 during the First World War. He joined the First Canadian Tank Battalion at the age of 23, serving seven months before the war ended on Nov. 11. Dr. Young resumed his medical studies when he returned and graduated from McGill University in 1921.
In the ensuing years, Lamont’s little hospital was gaining a big reputation. For 15 years, Drs Young and Archer carefully followed their appendectomy cases, and published two papers based on the results, noting how low the mortality rates could be. While literature in 1921 was reporting a five to seven percent mortality rate, the Lamont Public Hospital was experiencing rates of 1.22 - 1.28 percent for the two periods covered, thus earning them the nickname ‘Mayo Clinic of the North’ after the famed Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.
And they were growing. In 1946, 449 out-ofprovince patients travelled to the modern facility in Lamont for health care. There were 2,558 admissions in all, including 568 surgeries and 189 births. Among those births were at least eight of the 17 children who would later become victims of the tragic bus accident, pronounced dead in the same hospital where they were born. Soon, a new wing was added and two new doctors in 1948. Although things looked positive for the hospital approaching the next decade, change and tragedy were soon to come.
In 1949, Dr. Archer passed away suddenly from coronary thrombosis at the age of 70.
The Lamont Public Hospital was renamed the Archer Memorial Hospital in 1950 as a tribute to its founder, who was so loved by his community. Additionally, a
beautiful stained-glass window depicting Jesus blessing a number of children was unveiled at the same time in honour of Dr. Archer.
The window’s image symbolized how the community saw their beloved physician and the deep loss they felt with his passing. The window can still be seen today mounted inside the hospital’s chapel. Additionally, a similar window, with the depiction of a nurse carrying a newborn child, was unveiled in the late 50s as a tribute to Dr. Archer’s wife Jessie, who passed away in 1952 at the age of 74.
After Dr Archer’s passing, Dr. Young, who was now 55 years old and married for nearly 30 years with two grown sons, was appointed medical superintendent. He paid tribute to his dear colleague by saying, “Albert Ernest Archer died as he lived, with equanimity, unperturbed by the lesser affairs of men. He had an abiding faith in the Master of the Universe, and a charitable attitude toward the weakness of his fellow men. He felt honoured in being a member of the medical profession and during his lifetime did much to maintain the dignity and prestige of the profession he loved so much.”
The year 1960 began with promise for the Archer Memorial Hospital. It had expanded to 91 beds and just opened a physiotherapy department in addition to upgrading the nurses’ residence and teaching facility. Additionally, the United Church of Canada, a long-time partner of the hospital, decided to award a bursary to women interested in entering the field of nursing, making it even easier for local women to choose it as a career.
With the ever-looming threat of another war, Health Services, a part of the Civil Defense Health Planning Group, was tasked with coordinating the preparation of hospitals for war emergencies. Continued on Page 18
In 2024 Town of Lamont Council formed a RhPap Healthcare Providers Attraction and Retention Committee to facilitate community involvement in the attraction and retention process.
The Committee consists of healthcare providers, AHS, RhPap consultants and the Lamont Health Care Centre with the goal of enhancing retention of healthcare providers. The focus is on ensuring all healthcare providers in the community feel welcomed, appreciated, and valued.
Town of Lamont Council, Staff and the RhPap Healthcare Providers Attraction and Retention Committee would like to thank the Health Care providers for everything they do to care for our community. You are taking care of our loved ones and being there when we are unable and we sincerely appreciate all that you do.
Lamont’s historic hospital
The St Michael Landfill site, St. Michael Regional Solid Waste Commission is a Class II facility that accepts non-hazardous materials.
Every load brought to the landfill site is weighed and directed to the proper disposal area. Household garbage goes to the working face with separate areas for; antifreeze, batteries, concrete, electronic waste, household hazardous waste, metal, plastic fertilizer bottles, oil containers, paints, tires, waste oil, waste oil filters, and wood branches. The working face is compacted daily and covered.
We do not charge for household refuse generated during the routine operations of a family dwelling.
But we want our Lamont County residents to be able to use the landfill safely and in an environmentally sustainable way for years to come so we require proof of residency.
if you are new to the Lamont County Region, please bring a copy of your tax notice, power bill, natural gas or water bill with your municipal or civic address and/or legal description, as the land owners are listed in the computer. This will allow us to make sure people from out of our area aren’t using your landfill as dumping grounds.
Loads coming to the landfill must be tarped and secured Sorry we are not registered to accept these items - therefore they are prohibited We
• Animal Waste
• Animal CarcassesDomestic
• Explosives
• Chemical Wastes
• Hazardous Wastes (Outside of Residential Household Hazardous Waste Program)
• Hot Loads
• Human Wastes
• Liquid Wastes
• Radioactive Wastes
• Sealed Drums
• Sewage / Septic Wastes (Lagoon provided)
• Toxic Materials
Roofing materials $40/metric tonne
• Construction & Demolition $40/metric tonne
• Large unsorted loads $80/metric tonne in addition to the above charges
Lamont Fish and Game honours seasonal trophy winners
BY JOHN MATHER
A large crowd turned out again as the Lamont Fish and Game Association honoured its award winning hunters and anglers at the annual Fish and Game Dinner in Lamont, Feb. 8.
After nibbling on appetizers of assorted wild game sausage bites, smoked whitefish, smoked deer ham, and deer jerky, attendees settled down to listen to dignitaries welcome the guests.
Lamont Mayor Jodie Foulds told the crowd he appreciated what the association did for the Lamont community.
“You create opportunities for hunters and anglers to educate youth, and newcomers on the safe ways to enjoy the outdoors.”
A congratulations letter from MLA Jackie Armstrong Homeniuk was read, as she didn’t attend.
Following the speeches dinner got underway and people were served a buffet of roast beef, Venison Balls in BBQ sauce, Pulled Beaver in BBQ sauce, Elk Roast, Moose Mushroom bites, Wild Ribs, Deer Stir Fry with peppers and onions, Waterfowl in Tomato Sauce, Baked Rabbit, Baked Fish, Salads, Mashed Potatoes, Vegetables, Buns, Gravy and Dessert.
After the dinner the awards got underway.
The Fish and Game Association put a lot of stock in its recognition of youth within the organization.
One of the ways it honours those youngsters who may not have won some of the individual prizes is through the presentation of the Al Biro Medallions and Youth Participation Awards.
Biro was a longtime active member of the club who unfortunately passed away during the past year.
Those receiving the awards were: Aiden Chopping, Owen MacIver, Lane, Lowes, Olekci Pichota, Bryce Lowes, Tucker Hanes,
Logan Kaban, Harper Paul, Grayson Paul, Lucas Krawchuk, Ben Chopping, James Lowes, Cohen Kaban, Taitem Hanes, Ryan Carstairs, Wyatt Carstairs, Roxy Engman, and Matthew Iverson.
In the youth individual trophy winners, Matthew Iverson took home the prize for Walleye for his 78 cm giant. Grayson Paul won in the Northern Pike for his 98 cm beauty and Iverson was back in the Perch category for his 33cm specimen.
Winning the trophy
for largest White-Tail Deer was Aiden Chopping. Olekci Pichota took two trophies for the largest Mule Deer and the largest Moose while Brandon Krawckuk won in the Shed Antler category for his White-Tail Deer.
In the photography winner in the wildlife category was Brandon Krawchuk for his mule deer; Scenery went to Roxy Engman for Sunset at the Lake; Trail-Cam went to Lucas Krawchuk for his capturing a moose; and Trophy went
to Tucker Hanes for his Walleye.
There were two winners for the Jerritt Zayac Memorial Junior Trapshoot Award going to both Matthew Iverson and Lane Lowes.
Olekci Pichota won the Youth Master Big Game Award and Matthew Iverson won the Youth Master Angler Award.
Most Outstanding Youth Award went to Ethan Radke.
In the adult categories Jason Carstairs won the Walleye category for his 77 cm specimen.
The Northern Pike
Several
Award went to Rob Hanes for his 104 cm beauty. Hanes also won in the Perch category and the Trout category.
Andy Styles won the Goose Award for his 6 lb. 10 oz. Snow Goose; and Rob Hanes picked up the prize for his Spruce Grouse.
The Vic Berube Memorial White-Tail Deer Award went to Logan Anderson, while John Biro won the Non Typical White-Tail Deer Award.
Jane Willisko won the Moose category while the Elk Award went to Colton Biro, and Cy Hallet won for the Shed Antler category.
In the photography category it was Tatianna
Harold & Alice Stumpf May 2nd to 6th Realignment Auction May 9th to 12th
Larry & Leanne Walton Real Estate & Farm May 9th to 13th
Estate of Denis Mercier & Laureen Morck May 16th to 20th
Dan Hart (Dan’s Trucking) May 23rd to 27th
Estate of Lewis Andrew June 6th to 9th
Estate of Ernie Glasel July 11th to 15th
Pichota winning in the Wildlife category for her photo of a loon; Anastasia Engman won in the Scenery category for her photo of a waterfowl; the Trak-Cam Award went to Norbert Reh for his white tail buck; and Rob Hanes won in the Trophy category for his Rainbow Trout shot.
Rob Hanes also won the trophy for the Master Angler.
There were no entries in the Master Bow Hunter category.
The George Kuzyk Memorial Master Big Game Hunter Trophy went to Logan Iverson and Kaedyn Biro won the Don Block Memorial Scholarship Award.
Please note that the Lamont Leader will be CLOSED on Monday, February 17th for the Family Day Holiday. We reopen on Thursday, February 20, 2025. The paper will be available on Wednesday, February 19th. Ad deadline for the February 19th paper IS THIS WEEK: Friday, February 14th @ noon.
Two Hills Double-Up
Selling February 25, 2025
Two Hills, AB • 2 Parcels, 316 Acres STARTING BIDS $450K - $490K
BID $590,000
Larson Legacy
Selling March 27, 2025 Wainwright, AB • 1 Parcel, 156 Acres
STARTING BIDS $220K - $590K
‘En Bloc A’:
At the conclusion of the auction, Parcels 1 – 3 will be offered for sale ‘En Bloc’.
Requirements:
• bid at least once on all Parcels AND
• have been high bidder on either Parcel 1 or Parcel 2.
Starting Bid: $70,000
‘En Bloc B’:
At the conclusion of the auction, Parcels 6 – 11 will be offered for sale ‘En Bloc’.
Requirements:
• bid at least once on all Parcels AND
• have been high bidder on at least 3 of the Parcels.
Starting Bid: $125,000
Lamont Top Grade
Selling April 2, 2025
Lamont, AB • 11 Parcels, 2 ‘En Blocs,’ 1,018 Acres
STARTING BID $260,000
Cash Cow
Selling March 26, 2025
Vegreville, AB • 1 Parcel, 119 Acres, SLR $10,800
STARTING BIDS $325K - $590K
‘En Bloc’:
At the conclusion of the auction, Parcels 1 – 3 will be offered for sale ‘En Bloc’.
Requirements:
• bid at least once on all Parcels AND
• have been the high bidder on any 1 Parcel AND • have been the high or second highest bidder on a second Parcel.
Starting Bid: $75,000
Triple Horsepower
Selling April 1, 2025
Tofield, AB • 3 Parcels, ‘En Bloc,’ 478 Acres
STARTING BID $310,000
Bullish On Beef
Selling April 16, 2025
Innisfree, AB • 1 Parcel, 160 Acres
Lamont County Gem
Selling July 22, 2025
Lamont, AB • 1 Parcel, 160 Acres, SLR $6,500 STARTING BID $310,000
Vermilion Vista
Selling November 4, 2025
Vermilion, AB • 1 Parcel, 80 Acres STARTING BID $490,000
Bruderheim councillor resigns
BY JOHN MATHER Bruderheim
Council accepted the resignation of long time councillor Wayne Olechow during their Feb. 5 meeting.
Olechow, who has served as a member of council for 13 years, in a letter to CAO Phyllis Forsyth said his new job prevented him from being present at all coun-
cil meetings.
“Due to a change in my job, it will not allow me to make the meetings as required as mandated within the Municipal Government Act,” he wrote.
“I believe it is unreasonable to miss out on five months of meetings and show up for a couple meetings (sic) at the end
of my term. This is not fair to me, Council, Town Staff or residents.”
He said he was proud of the accomplishments of those councils he had served on and also enjoyed working alongside all town staff and previous and current councils.
Council accepted his resignation but won’t
hold a by-election since his resignation comes within the last 12 months of the current council’s term.
“I just want to say we’re going to miss the energy and commitment for our community that Councillor Olechow brought to his role,” said Mayor Karl Hauch.
“Hopefully he can come back at some later date.”
Full civic elections will be held in October.
Deputy Mayor George Campbell was appointed to replace Olechow on the Bruderheim Minor Sports Association and attended that group’s annual meeting Feb. 9.
Mayor Karl Hauch will assume Olechow’s role on the Alberta HUB committee, and Councillor Ashley Carter will replace him as an alter-
nate on the Youth Advisory Council. Campbell will replace him on the Emergency Advisory Committee.
The remaining committee vacancy on the Intermunicipal Relations Committee: Bruderheim/ Strathcona County will be filled at a later council meeting.
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
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AUCTIONS
BOWDEN REDDI-MART STORE
AUCTION - Online February 14-19. Selling Ice Cream Machines, W/I Cooler, Shelving, Meat Equip & More. www.montgomeryauctions.com 403885-5149.
COMING EVENTS
Round Hill District Ag Society is hosting a hall expansion fundraiser Saturday, February 22 @ the Round Hill Community Centre. Supper @ 6:00 pm, followed by live entertainment as well as live and silent auctions. Limited tickets at the door. For advanced tickets call Dianna 780-6080215
Sedgewick Lake Park Association
Annual General Meeting Tuesday, February 18 at the Sedgewick Fire Hall Meeting at 7 pm New Members Welcome!
Happy Birthday Greg Ruzicka! Join us to celebrate 80 years of hard work, heart, and true grit at the Prague Hall on February 16th from 3-5 pm. Enjoy a coffee and dessert, no formalities, just an afternoon of shared memories.
Tofield Golden Club Valentine's Day Tea: Friday, February 14, 2025
$5.00 at the door
5004 - 54 Ave, Tofield
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Enjoy a tea & dessert, and musical entertainment by Jenn Durrant beginning at 1:30pm.
Family Day Celebration Killam Agriplex
Sunday, February 16
After Sunday Mass
SWIMMING 12:30 - 2 pm
FAMILY MEAL in the Multipurpose Room 1 - 3 pm FREE!
Bring Your Family and Invite Another Family to Join You! For More Information Call Liza 780-385-3503 or Geri 780-385-8311
Family and Friends are Invited to Join us for Coffee and Cake in Celebration of Marcella Schulte’s 99th Birthday Sunday, February 16 2 to 4 p.m. at the Strome Seniors Centre
Come Enjoy an Evening of Country Music February 15 at 7 p.m.
Viking Senior Centre
5024-53 Ave Viking $20 per person
Performed by:
Darlene Thibault, Deb Hill, Loretta Neubuhr, Randy Kereliuk, Will Ryan, Dalte Lotsberg,. Lead Guitar by Ray Gathercole, Bass Guitar by Tim Rukaruck. Drums by Rob Hughes 06P
All Classified Ads booked in our paper will also be posted online at the new online Classifieds Section at no additional cost. THOUSANDS of page views online every month in addition to our THOUSANDS of weekly readers. Plus our site is Google SEO optimized. IT PAYS TO ADVERTISE WITH US!
Round Hill District Ag Society is hosting a hall expansion fundraiser Saturday, February 22 @ the Round Hill Community Centre. Supper @ 6:00 pm, followed by live entertainment as well as live and silent auctions. Limited tickets at the door. For advanced tickets call Dianna 780-6080215
MEMORIAL
In Loving Memory of LOUIS SUTTER who passed away on February 10, 2005 The rolling stream of life rolls on, But still the vacant chair, Recalls you, the voice, the smile, Of the one who once sat there. In Quietness, In Confidence, and In Our Faith, We Remember You, Louie, Dad, Grandpa, and Great-Grandpa ~The Family
Stewart William Law December 3, 1941February 17, 2018
Loved Ones May leave this world But they never Leave our Hearts
In Loving Memory of a Wonderful Husband, Father, and Grandpa
HELP WANTED
JP’s Country Daycare in Daysland is hiring for part time, ECE workers. We are a busy and growing daycare with a positive work environment. Email resume's to jpcountrydaycare@gmail.com 06/09
Sedgewick Lake Park is seeking applications for Park Manager for the 2025 season. May 1 to Sept. 30. Duties include guest registration, weekly deposits, maintenance and upkeep of the grounds, buildings and equipment, as well as supervision of summer students. Salary based on $6,000 per month. Resume to be submitted to sedgewicklakepark@gmail.com, or mailed to PO Box 536 Sedgewick, AB T0B 4C0. Deadline for applications is March 15, 2025. For further information, please email sedgewicklakepark@gmail.com
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
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Three charged in theft of semi-trailer truck caught near Bruderheim
BY JANA SEMENIUK
Three people have been charged in the theft of a Peterbilt semi-truck that was finally stopped with the help of a police helicopter and a spike belt near Bruderheim on Jan. 30.
The driver of the stolen semi was Edmonton resident Patrick Hurley, 46. Hurley was injured when attempting to carjack a vehicle, after police subdued the semi with a spike belt, resulting in Hurley being taken to hospital where he received medical
Maschmeyer
BY JOHN MATHER
The break in the Women’s Professional Hockey League allowed Ottawa Charge goalie and Bruderheim product Emerance Maschmeyer to play in the final game of the Canada U.S, rivalry series in Summerside, PEI last Saturday night.
treatment.
He is facing several charges including possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, possession of break and enter instruments, possession of identity documents (x6), fail to comply with release order, criminal flight, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, theft of a motor vehicle, mischief over $5,000 and possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine).
Sturgeon County resi-
dent Jonathan Friesen, 49, is also facing charges including possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, possession of break and enter instruments, and six counts of possession of identity documents.
A 37-year-old woman from Sturgeon County, Bobbie-Lee Moody, is also facing charges including possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, possession of break and enter instruments, and six counts of possession of identity documents.
Hurley and Friesen
were both taken before a justice of the peace and remanded into custody with their next court date set for Feb. 10 at the Alberta Court of Justice in Vegreville. Moody was released on a $2,000 Promise to Pay Release Order with her next appearance date set for Feb. 24 at the Alberta Court of Justice in Vegreville.
The truck was discovered stolen at approximately 8 a.m. from Edmonton and subsequently tracked to Vegreville using GPS equipment that was
installed inside the truck. When officers attempted to stop the vehicle, it fled from police. While no actual pursuit was initiated, police were able to track the truck using the police helicopter and observed the semi driving through Lamont, Chipman and Bruderheim before a successful stop using a spike
belt on highway 15.
RCMP Corporal Troy Savinkoff offered comments through a press release.
“Offenders such as these commit crime almost continuously until they are caught,” he said. “Arrests like this protects the public from being their next victim.”
Maschmeyer made 28 saves in the game, while Team Canada peppered U.S. goalie Aerin Frankel with 40 shots.
Canada had opened the series back in November with a 7-2 loss in San Jose, but Canada rebounded with a pair of wins; one a 5-4
And with the series tied at two games apiece, Maschmeyer started in goal in the pivotal game and led Canada to a 3-2 victory.
victory in Salt Lake City Nov. 8, and then with a 4-1 win in Boise, Idaho Nov. 10.
That brought the series back to Canada where the U.S. tied the series with a 2-1 squeaker last Thursday in Halifax leading to Saturday’s showdown in Summerside.
Maschmeyer faced 37 shots in the third game
Bruderheim Council moves to keep Urban Hen bylaw
BY JOHN MATHER
Council received an update on the Urban Hen Bylaw which had been introduced as a one-year pilot project in May of 2024.
According to Chief Operating Officer Dennis Tomuschat, standing in for Chief Administration Officer Phyllis Forsyth, only one person had applied to have urban hens within the town limits and it had been deemed a successful program. It was recommended the Town keep the bylaw in place for more residents to apply.
“Our applicant has done an immaculate job on following all the rules set out in the bylaw and has done an excellent job at keeping her property clean and following all rules,” Tomuschat told council.
Deputy Mayor George
Campbell made a motion to keep the bylaw in place.
Councillor Dayna Jacobs wondered if the town could post online asking if any residents had any concerns about the bylaw they could reach out to administration.
“Maybe they feel there’s something that needs adjusting or something like that,” she said.
Tomuschat said since it wasn’t a public hearing this wouldn’t be necessary.
Yet Jacobs stated she had “heard through the grapevine” there were some questions regarding the program.
Tomuschat suggested council pass the bylaw as it stood and if the Town heard from residents it could be brought back to council if any “tweaking” was needed. “This is rather new so I
can’t see anyone from council or others having needs to improve yet.”
Mayor Karl Hauch suggested council pass the standing motion to pass the bylaw and they make a second motion seeking feedback on the bylaw.
Both motions were passed.
•••
Bruderheim council passed a motion to appoint Natalie Nichols as the substitute returning officer for the upcoming fall elections.
Jacobs asked why the Town had to have a substitute returning officer and could it be anyone from the administration office.
Tomuschat said it could be anyone but a substitute was needed in the event that the returning officer, Sherry Cote, was sick or ill during the election.
of the series, the 4-1 win in Idaho, before backstopping the Canadians to the championship win on Saturday.
Maschmeyer will be with her Ottawa Charge teammates tomorrow night when they host the Minnesota Frost and the Charge will host Toronto Feb. 16.
Edmonton Journal, Nov. 29, 1960: Rated one of the finest hospitals in northern Alberta, the Archer Memorial Hospital in Lamont, Tuesday was carrying on emergency treatment for the 26 injured in the school bus-train collision.
Lamont Hospital
Continued from Page 9
Doctors at Archer Memorial Hospital took this seriously and began making a disaster plan.
Dr. Albert Dobson was one of the medical staff who pushed hardest for such a plan. He referred to a 1950 incident in Canoe River, British Columbia, where a passenger train collided with a troop train and killed 21 people, including 17 Canadian soldiers on their way to fight the Korean War. It took three hours for a hospital train to arrive on the scene, resulting in many more needless deaths, as Dr. Dobson put it. Most were injured and killed due to the steam engine rupturing and scalding the victims.
Although the doctor’s suggestion for a civil defense plan made sense to him, it drew plenty of criticism from skeptics who thought it was a lot of trouble to go through for something that ‘would never happen anyway’.
Lamont Lakers high school basketball teams bring home tourney medals
BY MELISSA MACINTOSH-YOUNG
High school basketball teams across the region showcased their talent and determination in tournaments, bringing home a few welldeserved medals recently.
The Lamont High School senior girls’ basketball team had an impressive performance, securing a gold medal after a strong tournament run.
“It would take nothing more than a school bus hit by a train to create a first-class disaster and the hospital should be prepared for it,” he stated.
The doctors got their disaster plan.
The Archer Memorial Hospital tested the plan first with a mock disaster in 1957 where a feigned explosion at the nickel plant in nearby Fort Saskatchewan sent a number of ‘injured’ to the hospital. Assisting the hospital in their drill were, ironically, 40 grade 10 and 11 students from the Lamont High School who acted as the ‘injured’. The hospital eventually held two drills: the one in 1957, and another the following year where they had to evacuate patients from the hospital to make room for more critically injured patients needing treatment. The drills were a success, but they were also a tragic peek into the hospital’s near future.
Dr. Morley Young, however, supported his colleague’s proposal while offering an eerily prophetic scenario.
This stained glass window is at the Lamont Health Care Centre to this day. It was unveiled in the late 1950s in memory of Jessie W. Archer and Ethel B.Young the wives of the founder and partner of the Hospital (Albert Archer and Morley Young).It was dedicated by the Womens Auxillary of the Lamont Hospitals. Mark Courtnage photo.
Meanwhile, the Lamont High senior boys’ team brought home the bronze medal. Their hard fought efforts demonstrated skill and sportsmanship.
TheWinner
The Lakers boys’ basketball team won bronze.
The Lakers girls’ basketball team brought home a gold.
Fire chief answers questions from Bruderheim councillors after report
Continued from front
He added three wildland firefighting courses were held along with a drivers operators course and a fire services instructors course.
He added the department had held a successful fall recruitment campaign which netted 30 applications of which 26 were valid.
“New recruits have been onboarded and have completed the health and safety training and online fire training.
“Now they are assigned to working on hands-on practical skills and once they complete this they can start attending weekly training meetings and responding to fires.”
In Bruderheim, he said, the department responded to 133 events up 77 per cent from 2024. They also responded to 35 in-town calls, an increase of 66 per cent. There were 15 alarm calls, one working fire event, four no dollar loss fires and 15 medial calls.
Coffee talk
Continued from Page 2
Residents said it was sad when they had the study but councillors didn’t know about it.
Holowaychuk said no one said it was conceptual in Andrew.
The residents referred to an ad back in February a year ago asking if there were concerns with the water line application they could speak up.
“How many saw this ad and paid attention,” she said.
When asked if the study had been done on council’s behalf, CAO Tarnawsky said he may have misspoken and should have said the study was done on the County’s behalf by the Heartland Association.
“One of the difficulties we have in attracting industry is the lack of water,” he said. He said it was a conceptual plan and any line down 201 was truly conceptual. He
There are 15 active members in Bruderheim and four new members have been hired to complement that crew.
Councillor George Campbell asked what were the majority of calls in the county.
Moore replied the most were non dollar loss wild land or grass fires and then motor vehicles collisions.
Moore said they were one of the lowest departments in the region for medical calls.
Campbell then questioned the fire billing system and asked Moore for an explanation.
“We operate on a fee for service bylaw,” he said. “Bruderheim adapted the bylaw last year which allows Lamont County to do fund recovery right from users.
In Bruderheim, he said of the 35 calls only one bill was issued for a working fire.
“It is based on a fee for services based on trucks and hours on scene,” added Moore.
added the final location of the line was yet to be determined.
Another resident pointed out it was going to be located right along their land.
“It sort of hard to have a trusting relationship when we know nothing about this,” she said.
“Yet it would affect our taxes. Nobody from the County told us anything.”
“That transparency you say you use to achieve your goals is lacking,”
She added they would need to have legal counsel to help them work their way through the process.
“We’re not anti development, but the fact this development is surrounded by agriculture and the magnitude and scale of this surrounded by agriculture really concerns us.”
Diduck said he appreciated her comments but reiterated his comment
Campbell said he felt, “with insurance and tax dollars going towards the fire department, the residents shouldn’t be charged for the services you guys provide.”
Moore responded that municipalities have no financial investments in the operations of the fire department other than maintaining the fire halls.
“When the bylaw was presented to council your council approved the bylaw which included a fee for service structure.”
Hauch agreed and said homeowners had to make sure they had adequate insurance coverage.
Moore added anyone receiving a bill for a fire can appeal it to Lamont County council.
Council then thanked the Chief for his presentation.
Moore then added he appreciated the efforts of town staff in clearing the snow from the driveways and sidewalks of the firehall.
that the plan was conceptual.
“Before it can proceed there will have to be a detailed engineering design.”
Then it was asked how the water was going to be returned to the river.
Some said they had heard it would be returned into a nearby ditch which was unacceptable.
Diduck again said nothing had been finalized by the council and much of the discussion around the issue had been reported in the Leader.
“There has been certain amounts of transparency,” he said. “Maybe we could have been more transparent. You always can be.
“But it seems like everyone is in agreement that process water is what we need.”
The discussion on the subject took up a good 20-minutes of the Coffee Talks session.
TOWN OF LAMONT
• 4712 51 St Lamont 5,800 sq ft shop with office and sales space. Shop was used for agricultural machinery repair. Price: $450,000
LAMONT COUNTY
• W4-20-55-27-SE Plan 1023701 Block 1 Lot 1A Lamont County. 138.09 acres in the Lamont Heartland for industrial use. Located North of Highway 15 on Range Road 202. Price: $2,990,00
• HWY 834 between HWY 16 and TWP RD 530 Lamont County 19.48 acres with power and a holding tank. Nice building site. Price: $215,000.00
VILLAGE OF ANDREW
• 5317-50 Ave Andrew. An 18,000 sq. ft. manufacturing shop with office and storage space on 2.3 acres of land Price: $1,700,000
VILLAGE OF CHIPMAN
• W4-18-54-29-NE N 54466 A RR184 Village of Chipman 38.75 acres 25± acres in hay. Double car garage, power, septic, and well nice building site. Price: $289,900
STRATHCONA COUNTY
• SW Part of NW–23 –53 –23 –W4 40.55 acres North of Highway 16 on Range Road 232 in proposed medium industrial zoning with CP rail line at the border of the property. Price: $7,200,000
• Parts of SW and SE-7-53-22-W4 located at Highway 21 and Lakeland drive 63.62 acres of development land with Highway 21 exposure. The property is within the Bremner and local Employment Area ACP with expected future use of industrial. Price: $5,100,000
THORHILD COUNTY
• NW 1/4 -14-58-22-W4 and NE ¼ -14-58-22-W4 Plan 172-0793 Block 3 Lot 222 acres game farm with page wire 100 acres could be cultivated. 4 mile North of Redwater. Good HWY 28 access. Price: $690,000
Lauren Hill Steven Hill
Norman Hill
20 - The Lamont Leader (Lamont, Alberta), Wednesday, February 12, 2025
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. FCSS: Youth Centres in Bruderheim (Tuesdays), Chipman (Mondays), and Mundare –contact Dayna.J@lamontcounty.ca for more info.
2. FCSS: Parents and Tots: Andrew, Bruderheim (Temporarily closed until further notice) Lamont and Mundare - contact Melissa.S@lamontcounty.ca for more info.
3. FCSS: Family Activity Night - in Andrew on Feb. 22 from 5-7 p.m. No registration required.
4. FCSS: Grace in Progress - in Lamont on Feb. 20 from 7-9 p.m. Register by Feb. 13 at signup.com/go/DEZqHiZ
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Access current monthly services & programs information scan the QR code or for FCSS, CALC & KFRN on each of the services’ Facebook pages. For more info., scan the QR code (above): lamontcounty.ca/community-programming | FCSSlamontcountyregion groups/1922602184662497 & kalynafrn.ca | LamontCountyAdultLearns | | CALC/FCSS/KFRN: 877-895-2233 |
5. FCSS: Healthy Nutrition Seminar - Seniors - Feb. 27 (Mundare). Contact Darlene.O@lamontcounty.ca to register or for more info.
6. FCSS: Matinee Movie (with Town of Mundare) – March 2 fr. 2 to 4 p.m. Contact Dayna.j@lamontcounty.ca for more information. Families welcome to attend.
7. FCSS: Fitness Fun for Older Adults (Mundare Sr. Citizens Club) – eight-week program from 1-2 p.m. on Thursdays starting Feb. 20. RSVP with Michelle at 780895-2233 x223 or Michelle.A@lamontcounty.ca
8. CALC: (register: 780-895-2233 x233/241 or Cheryl.B@lamontcounty.ca | Cody.O@lamontcounty.ca) - My Journey…Who Am I? | English Language Learning | Kitchens Programs | Digital Skills for Seniors: Thurs. fr. 10-11 a.m. (Mundare & Andrew).
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. Seniors Coffee is also held in St. Michael at the Community Centre (Thurs.) from 10 a.m. to noon.
10. Meals In Motion: contract Chrissy at 780-975-9592 to order for FEBRUARY (see full menu at lamontcounty.ca/community-programming).
11. Seniors Bus Trips: Monthly day trips to local malls; $15 per trip. Departs at 9 a.m. from Lamont Rec. Centre on Feb. 17, Mar. 17, Apil 21, May 18 and June 23. To reserve a spot, contact Helen at 780-895-7539.
Other Items of Interest
Zhoda Community Centre – Annual General Meeting – Wed. Feb. 26 at 7 p.m. (Zhoda Hall - 155045 TWP 552) –everyone is welcome!
Edmonton & Area Land Trust – Get Involved in Conservation. Online volunteer info. session Feb. 26 at 12 p.m. Conservation land in Lamont County inc. the Smith Blackburn Homestead (close to Elk Island Nat. Park): tinyurl.com/26n3ffcz
NOTICE of Public Meeting – on the Fire Billing Charges as stated in Bylaw 880.24 (Regional Fire Services Bylaw): March 4 from 6-8 p.m. at the Lamont Rec. Centre (More details at: tinyurl.com/277osp6r).
WE’RE HIRING: Seasonal positions, Planning & Development Officer and Agricultural Operator – visit lamontcounty.ca/careers for more details and to apply.
Reminder: you can report road conditions or service needs with a Service Request at lamontcounty.ca/servicerequests (all phone, email and online submissions are entered into the same queue, online submissions can be addressed faster during peak events and when phone lines are limited or extremely busy).
Annual Assessment Inspections
Lamont County's assessor, Accurate Assessment Group Ltd. is commencing its annual property inspections (including new permits/permits not started/completed from the past few years).
These inspections are occurring the week of February 10 throughout Lamont County.
The assessors will be in fully marked vehicles - a white GMC Canyon and a black GMC Sierra - will have ID on them at all times.
lamontcounty.ca/coffeetalks (for schedules & prev. session summaries)
#Lamont County Cares –Lamontcounty.ca/lamontcountycares
#MentalHealthMatters #LetsTalk
Alberta Healthy Living Program Free Workshops and Sessions (AHS)
Alberta Health Services offers free workshops for the public.
Check out the current program Class Schedule: albertahealthservices.ca/assets/programs/ ps-cdm-central-ahlp-program-guide-current.pdf
For more information about the Alberta Healthy Living Program Central Zone and options for the Healthy Living Program, visit ahs.ca/ahlp
REMINDER: Lamont County Buildings are closed for the Statutory Holiday (Family Day) on February 17.
Next Agricultural Service Board (ASB) Meeting – Feb. 12 and March 12
The next scheduled ASB meeting is (Wednesday) February 12, starting at 9:00 a.m. The public is welcome to attend at the Lamont County Admin. Building or virtually. Meetings, agendas & minutes can be found at: lamontcounty.ca/departments/agricultural-services/agendas-minutes-asb.
Next Lamont County Council (Regular Council Meeting)
The next Regular Council Meeting is planned for Tuesday, February 25, starting at 9:00 a.m. The public is welcome to attend at the Lamont County Admin. Building or virtually. 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).
Community Programming