Mundare fire
Two trailers burst into flamesatcampground
At least one man is left homeless after blaze
BY JANA SEMENIUK
At least one man has been left homeless after a fire broke out at the campground in Mundare on Jan. 19, destroying two trailers.
The man named Dean, who lived at the park said he is devastated after losing his trailer in the fire.
“I’ve lost everything,” he said.
Lamont County Communications Coordinator Jay Zaal said by email the temperature was -32 when emergency crews were dispatched to the fire.
“Crews from Mundare, Chipman and Lamont attended an RV fire (two trailers) this morning around 3:20 and worked to contain the fire in the -32degree weather,” he said. “EMS, (Vegreville) RCMP and ATCO attended the scene. Cause not yet determined, one occupant treated by EMS and transported to hospital.”
Zaal said the other trailer was not occupied at the time of the fire.
Rick Sabin, who lives across the street from the campground, said he woke up to flashing lights and an orange glow reflecting on his bedroom curtains at 3:47 a.m.
“When I woke up, I just saw the curtain flashing. I didn't hear sirens until I looked up out the window, (at) 3:47 a.m. when I got up,” he said.
Sabin added that he saw huge flames coming from the trailers and felt lucky the wind never picked up.
“If it was windy like a few days ago, I think those flames probably would have caught the middle trailers and possibly the outside ones, plus the vehicles there.”
Mundare Chief Administrative Officer Colin Zyla gave what comments he could around the fire.
“The town was shocked to learn of the fire that destroyed two trailers in the MRC campground and feel terrible for everyone involved,” he said by email. “We cannot comment on what happened as Lamont County Emergency Services is investigating the incident.”
In a follow up email, Zaal said there are so far no dollar estimates to the amount of damage. In addition, he said the cold did not hamper emergency crews’ response times or hinder their efforts to fight the fire.
The scene in Mundare on Jan. 19 as a fire rages in the campground destroying two trailers. Photos: Rick Sabin
Andrew Rural Academy pleads for funding from Lamont County
BY JANA SEMENIUK
Members of the Andrew Rural Academy (ARA) foundation board attended the Jan. 14 Lamont County council meeting as a delegation and pled their case for a $50,000 working fund donation from the county.
Board members included Village of Andrew councillor Merwin Haight, ARA Project Manager Stan Zabrick, and Andrew Chief Administrative Officer Kylie Rude.
The group explained ARA’s beginnings, from the closing of Andrew School by Elk Island Public Schools in 2023 (due to expensive needed repairs to the roof and dwindling enrollment), to a volunteer group becoming an official society and taking on the decision to pursue a charter school.
Zabrick said their application for provincial approval was submitted on Oct. 14 although the 90-day approval window didn’t begin until Nov. 27.
“We are 41 days away from an answer, and we expect that answer to be positive,” he said. “The Village (of Andrew) has been supporting us to provide a $50,000 seed fund so far, but looking at the magnitude of the work that's still to be done in communications and marketing, there are costs associated with that. We're looking for some (financial) assistance to bridge us until our application is approved by the ministry. This is no longer an if, it’s a when.”
Zabrick said their application is based on 85 students in the first year and growing at 1520 percent each year. He added that the K-12 school’s focus as a charter school will be on STEM learning; science, technology engineering and math, which he said will benefit the entire county in years to come.
“There's local rural
economic growth that will come out of this school. We intend that, years out, we will see population retention, and we're building vibrant communities,” he said. “We think that should be important to the county.”
Council members had questions for the group.
Councillor Roy Anaka asked what kind of commitment ARA has from prospective students.
Zabrick explained that the school can only accept parent declarations of interest at this point.
“There's a parent declaration form which is not an enrollment commitment, but just an expression of interest that goes out,” he said.
“Every day we are seeing additional names coming in and as of this morning we are between 61 and 65 students on the enrollment and I anticipate having no trouble getting to 85.”
Andrew CAO Kylie
Rude added that many parents are waiting for the final approval before making their decision.
Deputy Reeve Daniel Warawa asked how the school will be funded, to which Rude replied it will be funded the same as a public school.
Reeve David Diduck asked if the previously recognized issues with the roof and sprinkler system have been addressed.
“The roof has been repaired and still has some ongoing changes to the gutters,” said Andrew Councillor Merwin Haight, adding that the majority of the building’s sprinkler system has already been replaced over the years through maintenance and repair.
“It’s not where it’s about to crumble and fall.”
The council gave no indication when they would have an answer for the charter school.
In the meantime, ARA
has distributed printed leaflets and organized an open house for Jan. 30 where parents and kids can enjoy pizza while also touring the school and asking questions.
A full page advertisement explaining details of the ARA was on page 3 of the Jan. 15 edition of the Lamont Leader.
Additionally, a visit from Global News on Jan. 20 gave board members and potential students a chance to be interviewed and captured on video. The news segment is scheduled to be aired later this week.
A row of children are interviewed by Global News for the Andrew Rural Academy on Jan. 20.
Photo: Stan Zabrick
Andrew Rural Academy foundation board members attend the Jan. 14 Lamont County Council meeting to request a $50,000 donation for the new charter school slated to open Sept. 2025. Photo: Jana Semeniuk
Meal Prepared By
Opinion
Fresh faced Liberal candidates just recycled Trudeau
BY JOHN MATHER
Well the race to succeed Justin Trudeau and get thumped in the next federal election has moved into full swing with a few heavyweights pitching their names into the fray last week.
To date there are six people foolish enough to want to succeed Trudeau and be voted into political oblivion. The two main contenders are Mark Carney and Chrystia Freeland.
Carney announced his bid in his “hometown” of Edmonton. The fact he hasn’t lived here in years didn’t bother him, as he read his campaign missive.
He claims to be a political outsider looking in on the Liberal leadership.
And that was his first lie!
He has been part of the Justin Trudeau team for years, he’s just not held a membership. He’s also godfather to one of Chrystia Freeland’s kids. I doubt her kids have any Conservative godparents.
Taking a page from the NDP in Alberta, Carney had his henchmen toss a few media types from the Western Standard, True North and the Counter Signal from the meeting before it began.
One weird occurrence at the kick-off party was the appearance of a limousine dressed up to look like a Rolls Royce. On social media, some said it had transported Carney to and from the event.
Journalist Stacy Brotzel, wife of former Deputy Premier and Conservative turned pretty much NDP shill Thomas Lukaszuk, claimed it was hired by a “Conservative reporter” with no proof to substantiate the claim.
Apparently even the limo owner couldn’t say who rented it, which is surprising for a business that would send out a limo without having a name on a credit card for billing purposes. But go figure.
Carney wouldn’t answer where he might run for a seat but disgraced Liberal MP Randy Boissonnault used the occasion to state he would run again in Edmonton’s only Liberal seat and he was supporting Freeland.
Still there are several other seats available in Edmonton, all held by Conservatives except for two where the NDP hold the seats, so Carney could seek an Edmonton nomination.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Tariffs to affect farms too
With the Premier’s secret trip to flirt with the up coming American President Trump, her main focus was on Alberta’s energy sector emphasizing the economical down side. Certainly, the Alberta human work population in this sector is significant. However when one details the human work population in the agricultural sector along with related businesses, it is as equal and probably higher.
The cattle producers of Alberta dumped over 8,000 head of cattle (a record for one day) this January 14 via auction markets throughout Alberta in anticipation of the
CONTINUED
But don’t bet on it.
consequences about to become effective immediately at the conclusion of Trump’s inauguration and the coming week as they are expecting the worst.
These cattle producers have been suffering for years of inadequate returns, almost nil returns on their laborious work of raising the best beef and related animals in Canada and currently are realizing a reasonable return for their efforts.
The upcoming tariff is going to have a huge impact not only on the best Canadian beef produced in Alberta but on everything related to food which relates to agricultural
He is an elitist who headed up the bank of Canada, the Bank of England and is proud to share sandwiches with the elitists who form the World Economic Forum.
You want more of Trudeau and his disastrous policies, then Carney’s your man.
Freeland, amid a group of yelling protestors, squeaked out her campaign launch in Toronto on Sunday.
Now, she too, hailed her Albertans roots, but knows better than to run in the west. I was actually surprised to see her run.
I honestly thought Freeland was smart enough to stay out of this leadership fray knowing full-well it’s the kiss of death for the winner.
She would be much better positioned to run in the next election, work from within the party to institute changes and then run for the leadership.
But now, she too, has chosen to run, risking political ruin.
She cast herself as looking out for everyday Canadians, but she’s so closely attached to the Trudeau baggage, she can’t win the next Federal election should she be chosen leader of the Liberals.
And if her campaign launch speech was
support businesses.
From all media coverage the Premier seems mindless to the significant array of products Alberta exports and their impact to the Alberta economy and it is not only oil and gas.
For example when one attends a cattle show whether it is at Edmonton Farm Fair or at Regina Agribition or Manitoba Agex the display is participated by breeders from Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and a few from eastern Canada, the provincial borders have no play.
Continued on Page 6
any indication, she’ll be no match on the debate stage against Pierre Poilivre.
Liberal House leader Karina Gould also threw her hat into the ring on Sunday. The Burlington, Ont. MP is probably positioning herself to make a run again when a new leader is sought after the next election.
If anyone follows question period in the House of Commons, they will know Gould can make a career out of not answering any questions put to her, or the Liberal government from the opposition benches.
She is a master of bafflegab and gobbledy gook. A quisling to her Trudeau master, she along with Freeland has been there for several years faithfully following the Liberals edicts while driving this country into the ground.
The other three candidates are Chandra Arya, Jaime Battiste, and Frank Baylis. You have to look far into the backbench to find two of these individuals and the other, Baylis, is a former MP.
Why they want to pony up the $350,000 entry fee for a losing effort is beyond me.
But spending exorbitant amounts of money on losing policies and cause does seem to be the Liberal way for the past nine years.
And under the next leader nothing will change.
Kerry Anderson Publisher John Mather Reporter Jana Semeniuk Reporter Crystal
BY HAZEL ANAKA
Instead of working on fun and engaging studio projects this frigid Sunday I should have poured myself a stiff drink and settled down with my arch enemy technology. My MacBook Pro laptop is a 2019 model and it has served me well. When it’s acted up Apple Care has been excellent in helping me over the phone.
Of course, I’ve also learned a lot and gotten braver over the years just because I had to. I’m no longer afraid I’ll break something if I check the wrong box or delete something. Lately, I’ve been getting warning messages that I’m almost out of storage space. I have the internal hard drive on the machine itself, a 2-terabyte iCloud storage plan, and more storage through Google. For a regular user that should be plenty of space. However, I have a
FROM WHERE I SIT: Technology Fairy
lot of photos and every YouTube video I’ve ever made plus word documents and more.
I’ve come to the point in my life when it’s just simpler sometimes to pay the piper. So, despite trying all the tips on storage management, I checked what it would cost to upgrade my storage plan. Hello. How does $40 month sound to you? I was gobsmacked at the huge jump in price. I spoke to Hilary who suggested I save my videos onto an external hard drive to free up some space. Smart girl.
Well, my lovelies, nothing is ever as simple and straightforward as it should be. While Roy attended a conference, I sequestered myself in the hotel room to get some work done. First of all, I wondered about the odds of an external hard drive failing. In case, you’re wondering, they do. They can also be defective or become corrupted. In the event of a catastrophic event like a fire, both the computer and drive would be lost unless you stored your drive off-site. Doesn’t that sound convenient?
Then I wondered if YouTube videos should
be saved at all or do they exist in the stratosphere under the care and attention of the YouTube people. The advice was, yes, by all means keep a copy of videos if only to prove your ownership of the content.
Then I let my Googling fingers research the options for external drives. I learned that the more affordable format is the one that is more prone to heat up and fail than the much more expensive SSD types. Well, how many terabytes would be enough for moi? And which make of drive is the best?
All of this takes time. I have a couple Seagate ones now but the new (to me) one is something called Western Digital. It ranked well in some computer geek’s blog post so I thought I’d buy a 4-terabyte unit at Staples for $140 on sale. The newbie clerk was woefully unhelpful but we determined it would work on the Mac operating system so I bought it.
The leaflet in the box was written in 25 distinct languages in about a size 3 font. Omg. Sometimes, software installations are very intuitive and you just follow the instruc-
Lamont and Area
LAMONT UNITED CHURCH 5306 - 51 Ave., Lamont, AB 780-895-2145 Rev. Deborah Brill
SUNDAY
tions. This time not so much. I’m smart enough to know I shouldn’t delete anything until I can find and open the alleged back up copy. I couldn’t do either. So, I started Googling for help and finding that all kinds of issues with being locked out are common. The causes and troubleshooting options are many.
Finally, I decided to click on the links in my welcome email and found some help. I have been getting dizzy entering, re-entering, being blocked from opening anything because of the dreaded ‘incorrect password’ scenario. No email with a link for resetting the password ever
comes. I keep a password book will all my passwords listed. So, what the hell? I also read that improperly ejecting the device could wreck it. I’m nearly at the end of my rope. Sometimes, there’s inexplicable magic that happens when you restart a computer. Other times, going to bed defeated and hoping the technology fairy visits during the night, is all you can do from where I sit.
From the files of the Lamont Leader
Pink
pancakes
served at Lamont Elementary to raise money for cancer research
Feb. 23, 2010 edition of the Lamont Leader: The Hot Mamas lunch group served pink pancakes for a good cause Feb. 18. Here the group, plus a few helpers, pose for a photo after serving up some 800 pancakes and orange slices to over 200 students. The event raised over $1,200.
AA Meetings Thursdays at 8:00 pm Bruderheim
Between the Boards U18 game is evacuated
BY MELISSA
MACINTOSH-YOUNG
Wild had another busy week playing some great hockey.
U18 Wild travelled to Mayerthorpe, on Friday evening, to take on the Mustangs. The arena was evacuated due to an ammonia leak after the first period. Players and spectators were quickly moved to the community hall next door. Emergency response allowed players to retrieve their gear from dressing rooms approximately an hour later. The game was not permitted to resume and will be rescheduled for a later date.
U18 Wild defeated the Edgerton Avalanche in an 8-0 shut out on Sunday in Bruderheim.
William Furey scored a hat trick, Ashton Strickland 1g and 1a,
Letter: tariffs
Continued from page 4
All participants are known as Canadian first. As well when Canadian breeders display annually in Denver they are referred as “Canadian”. I can firmly say that the cattle producers are proud to be labelled as Canadian.
During my life journey I witnessed the manifestation of the political sliver initiated by a Quebec leader which resulted in almost separation from Canada. The Alberta Premier’s off handed commentary interpreted by many reporters has initiated that “sliver”. I’m sure this makes all Albertans uneasy, because I love to be a Canadian first followed being an Albertan.
The Premier’s way (media reporting) not being a Canada team player is a concern. As a Canadian, especially now when the Canada team needs to work together to fend off the tariff issues from an
Gage Brenton 1g and 1a, Kayden Winslow 1g and 1a, Cameron Olechow 1g, Avery Klassen 1g and Rowan Young 1a.
U13 Wild had no league games.
U11 Wild had an amazing 15-4 win over Wabasca. Goals were netted by Dylan Strumelak 4g and 2a, Jaxton Fertuck 2g and 3a, Wyatt Klita 3g and 1a, Hunter Kobylka 1g and 2a, Ryder Dagg 2g, Jake Holt 1g and 1a, Sawyer Wytrykush 1g and 1a, Ellie Poirier 1g and with Braden Roy 1a.
This week’s Player of the Week Shout Out goes out to Jack Scheers. Jack plays with Wild U9. Jack has one of the meanest slap shots around, and can really get in there and get the goals.
Tune in next week for more exciting minor hockey action!
unethical, the up coming President of United States, all provinces need to be together. Certainly, Alberta has been harmed in some instances like not obtaining support from Quebec regarding the building of the eastern pipeline. Instead Quebec opted to purchase Russian oil. The Premier should quietly obtain certain understandings from certain Premiers in the entry to Team Canada team. The Premier of Nova Scotia just did that. One today can envision if the eastern pipeline by now had been built, the impact regarding to the tariff issues in the energy sector would have been lessened.
Myself being an avid Oiler fan, I was pleased that our Premier attended Oiler games last spring. Obviously, the Premier noted that the Oilers displayed in totality of teammanship. Oiler players who did not or do not display that “TEAM” are assessed by management along with induced fan influence are placed on waivers. John W. Chomiak
This week’s Player of the Week Shout Out goes out to U9 Wild Jack Scheers, who plays both in and out of the net.
BY JOHN MATHER
Fort
Saskatchewan
and District Chamber of Commerce executive director Marcie Mazurenko has tendered her resignation to the Board of Directors.
“This role has presented me with numerous challenges, each of which has been a valuable learning experience. While it has been a demanding journey, I am grateful for the opportunities to develop my skills and resilience, as well as to contribute to the longevity of the organization. I appreciate the opportunity to work with the businesses, municipalities and the communities in meaningful ways,” she stated in her letter. She will leave her position as of February 6. She did say she would be willing to work with the new executive director to bring that person up to speed.
ENTER OUR CONTEST!
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Send a clear photo of your baby, email to: lmtleader@gmail.com, or send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to the LAMONT LEADER, Box 1079, Lamont, AB. T0B 2R0, or you can also drop it off in person.
Remember to add baby’s name, birth date, and the names of the proud parents and mailing address.
DEADLINE FOR ENTRIES IS Monday, Feb. 3rd @ noon
Your baby will appear in the paper! Your baby will automatically be entered for a draw for a gift from Lamont Value Drug Mart and the winner will also receivea gift from the Lamont Leader!*
*Winner is chosen by randon draw - there is no judging of photographs or participants.
Preliminary waterline report triggers some residents
BY JOHN MATHER
Councillor
Neil Woitas
had questions over the County process water line at the Jan. 21 meeting after receiving calls from residents who had seen a report and thought the route planning was a done deal.
“Between Christmas and New Years, and between now and our Christmas break, I’ve been getting lots of phone calls from people that live along Range Road 201 regarding the meeting that was held on October 24 at a neighbour’s place.”
He said two families, two people from Alberta Environment, the CAO, and a member of public works had presented to them at that time a thick report on the water line going down the centre of Range Road 201.
After one resident called, Woitas said he was told there were lots of rocks in the road, trees and he replied it was the
first he was hearing of the meeting or heard of the report.
The resident then dropped off a copy of the report to Woitas who was told it would cost a million dollars per mile to dig and rebuild the gravel road.
He added it was only $138,000 per mile if they were to create a road allowance along the adjacent farm fields.
He said he was getting blasted by the residents for this even though he had no knowledge of it.
“It was never presented to us,” he said.
CAO Peter Tarnawsky said, “We met with people who issued statements of concern to the notification that was placed in the newspaper on the 28th of February (2024). We’ve only met with the people who have issued statements of concern, and we’re doing that in accordance with the application that we’ve made to the
Maschmeyer earns a star
BY JOHN MATHER
It was a tough week for the Ottawa Charge of the Professional Women’s Hockey League, dropping two. But in a game played in Quebec City, the team along with the Montreal Victoire, 18,259 spectators packed the Videotron Centre.
The was no scoring in the first period of the game, but Montreal got on the board when Catherine Dubois took a pass from Kati Tabin and Erin Ambrose to beat Bruderheim’s Emerance Maschmeyer who was in net for Ottawa.
Shiann Darkangelo scored in the third to tie the score at one.
Tabin scored the ultimate winner at 13:47 of the third with Ambrose and Abby Boreen getting assists.
Maschmeyer faced 35 shots in net stopping 33 which was enough to earn her the second star of the game.
Earlier in the week, the Charge had played in
Province for the water license. The construction of the pipeline was dealt with at a conceptual level in what amounts to a conceptual design, which is the document that those folks have received.”
He said they were working with only three families who had filed a notice of concern.
He added the design was only that … a conceptual design.
“It may be that as we go into a detailed design, that what you’re proposing to be a likely less costly alternative of putting it within the road right of way, and not in the middle of the road would emerge as the solution.”
Public Works Director Darby Dietz told council that as part of the application for the water license they had to show where the water was coming from, where it was needed and how the County was going to get
Toronto where they were on the short end of a 4-2 decision.
Mannon McMahan opened the scoring for Ottawa with an assist going to Victoria Bach.
Toronto’s Hannah Miller tied the score midway through the first period.Maggie Connors put Toronto ahead at the 8:46 mark of the second.
McMahan scored her second of the game to tie the score before the end of the period with an unassisted goal.
In the third period Blayre Turnbull gave Toronto the lead with an unassisted goal at 11:04 and Emma Maltais scored into an empty net to seal the win at the 18:02 mark.
Maschmeyer faced 36 shots during the game allowing just three goals. A total of 6,500 watched the game at TD Place.
The Charge travelled to Minnesota last night to play then will host NewYork at home Jan.27.
it there.
He said there was a detailed design for the water intake on the North Saskatchewan River but only a conceptual design of where the pipe would go to get into the area of the Industrial Heartland east of Bruderheim.
Woitas said the release of the report had riled up several neighbours in the area and they were very concerned about the costs.
Dietz said the County planners had to mark several check boxes when they submitted their application and the use of Range Road 201 was just to check that box on the application and it was a concept at best.
Woitas said the neighbours had thought it had been presented to council and had been approved by council.
Tarnawsky said the designs had been completed on council’s
behalf by the Industrial Heartland Association.
Reeve David Diduck said the report had been brought up at the Andrew Coffee Talks sessions but I had explained it was only a draft document and not an official one.
He said before it got a final stamp of approval from council it would have to be well engi-
neered and council had moved in that direction at a recent council meeting by seeking an engineer to undertake the designs.
He added the first step in the entire process was to get the water license. Council passed a motion to accept the discussion on the water line as information.
Some county councillors looking forward to the upcoming election
BY JANA SEMENIUK
As Lamont County Reeve David Diduck began the Jan. 14 council meeting, he asked each of the four council members if they had any additions or deletions to the day’s agenda.
Before giving his additions, Lamont County Division five Councillor Neil Woitas made note of the upcoming election.
“There are 279 days until the election. I have an app for that,” he said. Woitas, first elected in 2017, said he is keeping track of the days until the election via an app on his phone.
He said he intends to run and is looking forward to the Oct. 20 election.
“I’m not worried,” he said. “I’m looking forward to it.”
Woitas will be in famil-
iar company. Other council members who said they also intend to run for re-election are Division three Councillor and Reeve David Diduck, Division four councillor Roy Anaka, as well as Divison two Councillor Aaron Wick.
Wick, who was first elected in 2021, said he hopes for new ideas from a possible new council team.
“I’m intending to run again. Give it a go for sure,” he said. “Maybe we’ll get some new eyes and ideas.”
Reeve Diduck, first elected in 2017, reflected on his seven and a half years on council and said he hopes to continue.
“I am planning on running. It’s been a good seven and a half years, but there’s more work I
want to do,” he said.
“We have a lot of opportunities and are close to getting our water line approved. We had some statements of concern being addressed and once that happens the Province will be ready to make a deci-
sion.”
Division one councillor Daniel Warawa said that after serving on the council for several years he hasn’t made up his mind yet.
“You never know until the last minute,” he said. Some changes for this
years’ election include the criminal records check which is optional for municipalities.
If they decide they want to make it a requirement for candidacy, it must be cemented into a bylaw passed before Dec. 31 of an upcoming election year.
Lamont County and Elk Island Public Schools are the only organizations who have chosen to include the criminal records check into their candidate requirement for the 2025 election.
Lamont County has five councillor positions up for election, with their Reeve chosen by the council each year at their organizational meeting.
The Village of Chipman has two council positions and one elected mayor position,
the Village of Andrew has four council positions and one elected mayor position, the Town of Mundare has four council positions and one elected mayor position, the Town of Lamont has six council positions and one elected mayor position and the Town of Bruderheim will have four council positions and one elected mayor position. Elk Island Public Schools has one trustee elected to represent Lamont County on a nine member board.
Deadline for nominations is noon on Sept. 22. Anyone wishing to be a council candidate, or school trustee candidate, can acquire information at their town office or Elk Island Public School division.
County still waits legal opinion on drones as community concerns mount
BY JOHN MATHER
At the Jan. 14, Lamont County council meeting
Division Two councillor Aaron Wick had some questions regarding the County using drones to overfly properties in the area.
“Did we get a legal opinion,” asked Wick. “I had some calls and I know some people have opened files with the RCMP over their concerns.”
Public Works Director Darby Dietz replied the department hadn’t received a legal opinion over the drone usage back from their legal team yet.
“I did find out the Federal government is looking to make some changes to the rules possibly by the end of 2025. I'm not sure what those changes will be.”
He added from what he had heard it might lessen the requirements on the drone operators for having to file a flight plan in certain situations.
Reeve David Diduck told council he had received phone calls from residents not so much regarding Federal aviation rules “but what they consider to be an invasion of privacy.”
The issue came to a head during the
December 10 meeting when Councillor Neil Woitas brought the matter up after several residents had contacted him in Division five about a drone flying over their property.
At that meeting it came to light the County Planning Department had been using drones to overfly certain areas for planning matters that they would discuss in a closed session.
Chief Administrative Officer Peter Tarnawsky added it may have been an enforcement issue and his understanding was drones could overfly yards for that reason.
That was when it was decided the County should get a legal opinion on just what could be done while using a drone.
At the Jan. 21 meeting, Woitas added he was concerned about the drone operators taking movies and photos of properties they were overflying.
He said the information wasn’t presented to council because a possible mistake was made and that’s why legal opinion had to be sought for clarification on the possible mistake.
Woitas said he had heard the drone operator
had pictures on his computer and those had been shown to staff who weren’t part of the planning department and had no business seeing the photos.
Because of this it had come to the attention of the residents and then it had been reported to the RCMP.
Tarnawsky asked what mistake was made, and Woitas and Wick said you can’t take photos of private property without notifying the residents of the property.
Tarnawsky said he wasn’t aware of that situation but would certainly look into it.
Councillor Roy Anaka said he thought this was a matter discussed in closed session and wasn’t sure how it had now come up before council.
Woitas replied three people, outside of the planning department, had seen the photos and then word had spread.
Tarnawsky reiterated leave the matter with him and he would look into it since council and administration were still awaiting further legal opinions.
Council accepted the discussion as information.
Increases in crime and lack of officers discussed at RCMP review
BY JANA SEMENIUK
Fort Saskatchewan
RCMP Inspector Barry Larocque and Staff
Sergeant Terry Hyggen hosted a 2024 review at the Fort Saskatchewan detachment for media members on Jan. 20.
While the invitation went out to all media members in the area, only the Lamont Leader and a member from Fort Saskatchewan's Mix were in attendance.
Laroque said he wanted an opportunity to pro-
vide insight into the detachments’ statistics and communicate information.
LaRocque said the Fort Saskatchewan detachment currently has 41 officers, 11 of which are paid for by the Province and 33 which are paid for by the City of Fort Saskatchewan, but they need more.
He said the detachment patrols Lamont County and Sturgeon County, in addition to the city of Fort
Saskatchewan.
“(We) need more members. All police detachments are having the same problem,” he said.
“It’s a calling to be a police officer and not everybody is cut out for it.”
He said the amount of crime in Lamont County has increased 62 percent between 2021 and 2024 with a huge amount of vehicle theft prevalent across the province.
“The driver of crime are stolen cars for (the
whole) province. Absolutely through the roof,” he said.
Lamont County logged 73 vehicle thefts in 2024, up from 60 in 2023.
LaRocque said half the vehicles stolen still had their keys inside, and some were running when they were taken.
He said the vehicles are being taken to commit other crimes, and some are being stolen by organized criminals who ship the vehicles off to other countries in shipping containers.
LaRocque said that more is expected from officers with regards to paperwork and filling out reports which can make the rest of the job challenging.
“We are patrolling a lot of areas and trying to get to rural areas more and more,” he said. “We have to be strategic and efficient, not everyone will see us all the time.”
LaRocque said the detachment has 11 marked patrol cars that
logged in 323,993 kilometers of patrolling in 2024. In terms of recent crime events in Lamont County, LaRocque said the detachment is managing several crime scenarios at once sometimes which can result in poor communication.
A vehicle stolen on Jan. 12 from Bruderheim was spotted in the village of Chipman Jan. 16. Continued on Page 15
Lamont County Councillor Neil Woitas with his election days app. Jana Semeniuk photo.
ous air monitoring stations in and around Alberta’s Industrial Heartland.
HAMP has 10 continu-
CLASSIFIEDS CLASSIFIEDS
COMING EVENTS
A come and go tea will be held for Jean Zimmer to celebrate her 80th birthday. Family and friends are invited to this celebration, on Sun. Jan. 26, 2025 from 1:30- 4:00pm at Our Lady of the Prairies Catholic Church hall, Daysland, AB.
Flagstaff Food Bank Annual General Meeting
Wednesday, February 26 at Noon. At Flagstaff Family and Community Services building, 4809 49 Ave, Killam.
Please RSVP by Wednesday, Feb. 19 to email: reception@flagstafffcs.ca as lunch will be served
FIREARMS WANTED FOR OUR 2025 AUCTION PROGRAM: Rifles, Shotguns, Handguns, Antiques, Militaria, Collections, Estates, Single Items. For Auction, or Possible Purchase: Toll-Free 1-800-694-2609, Email Us at sales@switzersauction.com or Visit Us @ www.switzersauction.com for Auction Dates & Details.
FOR RENT
Looking for Roommate. 5140 53 Ave Viking. 2 rooms availble for rent. Call 587-216-3946 or 780-498-2110 for more info.
FOR SALE
Anyone looking for free firewood...must be cut up and cleaned up in Spring. Call Brian at 780-6780053
Strawberry Plants/Runners for sale. Bare roots or Everbearing. Chemical Free. Orders need to be confirmed by March 31. Call Brian at 780-678-0053.
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BUILDINGS FOR SALE
INTEGRITY POST FRAME BUILDINGS since 2008 BUILT WITH CONCRETE POSTS. Barns, Shops, Riding Arenas, Machine Sheds and more, sales@integritybuilt.com 1-866-9747678 www.integritybuilt.com.
LOOKING FOR
In search of land to purchase North of highway 14, West of highway 36 and East of Holden. (Bruce area preferred). Want to be near family in that area Call 780 336 1022
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.
START 2025 WITH AN ADVENTURE. In DESPARATE need of two Veterinarians in Yellowknife, NWT. Population 20,000 - approximately same number of small animals. Please call Pat at 867-444-7479.
NEWTEC IRRIGATION. Looking to Hire: Travelling Salesperson. Agricultural Experience Preferred. TOP WAGES. Please call for more information: 306-260-9575.
SOUTHERN ALBERTA NEWSPAPER GROUP is looking for Mailroom evening staff. Lots of room for advancement within the company. Email rturner@abnewsgroup.com for more information.
REAL ESTATE
5 ACRES, fenced, on Bawlf school bus route; 2016 Custom Built energy efficient, 1632 square foot, two-bedroom, den, two bath, one level. In-floor heating. 26'x32' finished garage; trees, gardens and outdoor chessboard. $519,000 For more info/photos, call 780-888-7011.
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MEMORIAL
In Loving Memory of Dean Howard Hopfe July 24, 1958January 22, 2024
A year has gone since my dear husband’s passing. We greatly appreciate for all the condolences, well wishes, support throughout the year.
Those we love don’t go away, They walk beside us every day, Unseen, unheard, but always near, Still loved, still missed, and very dear
SERVICES
PRIVATE MORTGAGE LENDER. All real estate types considered. No credit checks done. Deal direct with lender and get quick approval. Toll free 1-866405-1228; www.firstandsecondmortgages.ca.
CRIMINAL RECORD? Why suffer employment/licensing loss? Travel/business opportunities? Be embarrassed? Think: Criminal Pardon. US entry waiver. Record purge. File destruction. Free consultation. 1-800347-2540. www.accesslegalmjf.com.
SERVICES
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 tfnp
Painting
Quality Residential and Commercial Interior Painting. Betty Tkaczyk 780-632-8749
Town & Country Guardian Drugs - Killam We have: •a Kodak picture maker. •a colour/b&w photocopier. •cold pop and fresh snacks. •a great selection of candles, giftware, and fragrances. toys, games,and plush animals. •a huge selection of Hallmark cards. •plastic gift cards •vitamins, minerals, and herbals. •free gift wrapping. •prescription service Open 6 days a week.
Lamont History Corner a window to the past at town office
BY JANA SEMENIUK
Local historian Trudy Harrold recently teamed up with the Town of Lamont on a project to help bring their rich history to life.
In a social media post, the History Corner was introduced as a section of the town office where visitors can come to view artifacts that help tell Lamont’s story.
Harrold, who has amassed a large collection of items donated by current and former town residents, said she was happy to finally be able to start a project dear to her heart.
“Sometimes you wake up in the morning, and you've got an idea to work with (and) that's how this happened. I've been thinking about how to create ways for people to engage (with) the his-
tory of Lamont and one morning, I just woke up and went, I know exactly what to do. I approached Dawn (Nielsen) and Tyler (Edworthy) from the Town, and I said ‘here's my idea’,” she said.
Harrold said she was happy to have tremendous support from the Town’s administration in putting her collection together and filling a small corner of the town office. She said she plans to circulate items for different themes each month. Currently, she said the theme is focused on the history of Lamont schooling.
“We've got a theme running around schools right now, and associated with that is a little honouring display for the students from the bus train accident as well,”
said Harrold, referencing the tragedy from Nov. 1960 where a loaded school bus was hit by an oncoming freight train and resulted in the deaths of 17 students from Lamont High.
“There's a little bit about how Lamont’s (school) name came, because it actually started as Bloomfield (school) and then it morphed into a change to Lamont as time went on.”
Although not born and raised in the area, Harrold said she came to Lamont several ago and it has always felt like home. She added that it’s important for people to learn about their town’s history.
“I have a little saying that says, ‘if you don't know where you've been, you don't know where you're going’, so
Baby naming trend in Alberta remains consistent with previous years
LESLIE CHOLOWSKY STAFF REPORTER
It’s hard to say if Albertans are creatures of habit, or just running out of ideas, but as the Province released the top 10 baby names for girls and boys, not much has changed over the past seven years.
Noah was 2024’s top boy name, one that’s been first in the top 10 for the last six yearswith 243 new babies bearing this moniker. Oliver was this year’s second-most popular name, with 200 new Olivers. Oliver has hit the top 10 just three times in seven years.
Liam slipped to third place with 192 babies bearing this name in 2024, but held the top spot for seven years, from 2010 to 2016. Theodore, in fourth place last year, came in fourth again at 183. Henry, 157, and William, 146, remain popular, while Ethan seems to be making a comeback at number seven on this year’s list, with 140 babies. Ethan sat at the top of Alberta’s list for nine years, between 2001 and 2009.
Levi, Jack, and Lucas round out the top 10, with the latter two tied for 10th place. It’s the first time Levi has been in the top 10 since 2020. Olivia remained in the top 10, as it has been for the past 12 years, with 183 babies. Charlotte is the second-most popular girl’s name with 163, with Amelia in third page, with 147. Those two flip-flopped over last year.
Harper returned to the top 10 list for girls after a year off, Sophie hit the top 10 for the first time since 2011, and newcomer to the list altogether was Ellie, with 101 babies.
For the boys, the Greek and Roman gods were popular, with five Zeus, three Perseus, 14 Ares, six Apollos, 53 Atlas, and a nod to Norse mythology with one Freyr.
Place names were popular again this year, with 10 Bostons, seven Cairos, a Rio, two Texases, a Paris, a Houston, three Zealands, two Orlandos, eight Memphises, a Buffalo, and a Denver.
Thing names were a
it's just a little bit of awareness (so) we can create a more thoughtful future if we know something about where we have already been,” she said.
“I've always been really interested in history, and I've learned so much being able to have opportunities to study the history of this community. I wasn't born here. I came from the city a number of years ago, (and I was) welcomed into the community.”
In 1999, Harrold wrote and published ‘On Highest Mission Sent’, a book chronicling the history of the Lamont Health Care Centre, in addition to assisting with
thing, too, in 2024, with Dino, Ring, Ice, Cloud, North, Winter, and Wintersky.
Literature and music showed influences with a Drizzt, a Chesney, 10 Kylos, three Joaquins, a Dre, eight Ozzy, two Elvises and two Eltons.
There were three Marios to one Luigi, one Dandy, and even one Invictus. Legend made the list, along with Mc and Holden, and Two.
There was a Ford, but no Chev or Dodge.
There was a Wisdom, Sincere, Prayer, Messiah, Light, Joyous, Joy, Hosanna, Bliss, Blessed, Blessing, Brightness, Moses (seven), Jesus (three), Danté, Chosen (two), Christ, Testimony, and Heaven (two). There were eight boys named Wren, and one SaintJames.
There were 47 girls named Wren, plus variations. In fact, this year saw a lot of different spellings of the same or a similar name. With Lily as an example, there are 25 different variations, from Lilley to LilyMaria.
Continued on Page 15
the publication of ‘The Hospital by Lamont Creek Since 1912’, written by James Shortt in 2000.
Visitors can view the historical display at the Lamont town office during regular operational hours. As well, anyone with items they would like to donate can contact Trudy Harrold through the town office.
A small area of the Lamont town office holds the new 'History Corner' where visitors can learn about the town's roots through photos, stories and artifacts.
Chipman council considers hall fee reduction for Bible classes
BY JANA SEMENIUK
A local man is requesting a reduction in the rental fee for the Chipman National Hall in order to hold Bible fellowship classes.
Al Sonnicksen, 79, said he and his wife would like to conduct weekly classes for couples at the Hall for Bible fellowship.
Sonnicksen appeared at the Jan. 13 Chipman council meeting to make his request.
“It's couples. it's got to be done together, because there's going to be ladies and men, and the mentoring for the ladies will be done by the ladies,” he said.
What’s in a name?
Continued from Page 14 Mythology also showed up in girls’ names, from Persephone (two), Aoife, and Aries, as well as popular culture, with Onyxia, Ilona, Jolene, Sailor, Zendayah, Charlize, Channing, Shakira, Bellatrix, Renesmée, a ‘Princesskate’ and two girls named Crosby.
There was a Brevity, a Mystical, a Style, a
RCMP
Continued from Page 10
After a call and an email to RCMP by the truck owner, he complained that no officers had been out to investigate by Jan. 20.
“The amount of stolen vehicles that we're getting is quite large in that area,” said LaRocque.
“Unfortunately, it looks like this information was not passed on as quickly as we want it to be, and we will endeavor to change that and look into what is going on.”
LaRocque shared a recent incident where two RCMP members were called to Lamont County and spent a significant amount of time with someone who wanted to end their life.
“While we're out there
Sonnicksen said he believes Bible teachings will help guide people in their lives.
“We'll be fellowshipping and mentoring people to help them move in this the age in which we live because it's getting more complicated,” he said.
“I have a granddaughter that works at the Restoration of Women on fentanyl. It’s an epidemic in this country and deaths as a result, and there's got to be a way out. I believe getting them the basics and encouraging them and mentoring them and helping them is the way
November, Savvy, Unique, and even a Tuba.
Place names were super popular for girls this year, with three Irelands, six Indianas, 34 Brooklyns, seven Bristols, a Chicago, five Denvers, a Tennessee, a Texas, a Rosalind, one Galaxy, three Jerseys, and a Memphis.
There were 11 Amens, two Bethlehems, three Blessings, a Bliss, a Chosen, two Divines, one Dove, one Embrace,
saving someone who is, thinking about committing suicide, it takes two of our members away from other things. I would suggest we do more things well than we don’t do well,” he said.
“I got a message from (the person) who wanted to commit suicide and thanked our members for going out there and saving their life.”
A request for a Fort Saskatchewan RCMP weekly update, to publish in the Lamont
to get it going.”
Sonnicksen said he already has several couples interested in attending. He did not say if he was connected with a specific religious denomination.
The hall rental fee is $300 plus GST and a $100 refundable deposit.
Sonnicksen did not specify how much of a reduction he would like.
The council members discussed the matter in closed session and made a motion afterwards to table the decision until other options are explored.
two girls named Eternity, one Godsglory, four Heavenlies, and one Heaven-Leigh.
There was a Gift, a Goodnews, an Icy, a Fedora, two Legacies, and two Novembers.
There was a Porsche, a Mercedes, and a Chevelle, and nine Azaleas.
More than 50,000 babies were born in Alberta in 2024, that represents the largest number for annual births since 2019.
Leader, was declined by RCMP last year due to lack of staff available to compile the information.
An email to Staff Sgt. Terry Hyggen to see if the idea could be revisited this year was not responded to by press time.
Meanwhile, LaRocque said the detachment are currently preparing for Body Worn Camera training next week. He said the cameras will be on RCMP members in early Feb. The Lamont Leader (Lamont, Alberta), Wednesday, January 22, 2025 -15
Cultivated Land for Rent
For the 2025, 2026 & 2027 Season 250 Acres in Beaver County Located at: 4-13-048-20-NW & 4-13-048-20-SW Contact Lindsey @ 780-409-4257 LLebsack@nictrucking.com 13427 TWP RD 484
FEATURED PROPERTIES 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
• P E N D I N G 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
- The Lamont Leader (Lamont, Alberta), Wednesday, January 22, 2025 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: Let’s Get…Cooking: Registration by Jan 22 at noon: signup.com/go/frXFYYb
2. KFRN: Family Activity Night : Free - Lamont Public Library on Jan. 28 from 5-7 p.m.
3. FCSS: Youth Centres in Bruderheim (Tuesdays), Chipman (Mondays), and Mundare –contact Dayna.J@lamontcounty.ca for more info.
4. FCSS: Parents and Tots: Andrew, Bruderheim (Temporarily closed until further notice) Lamont and Mundare - contact Melissa.S@lamontcounty.ca for more info. (Note: programs typically follow the school calendar.)
ogramsinfor
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 |
6. 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).
7. 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
8. Meals In Motion: contract Chrissy at 780-975-9592 to order for January (see menu at lamontcounty.ca/community-programming).
9. 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
Career Forum – Alberta’s Industrial Heartland: Jan. 30 in Fort Sask. Free registration at industrialheartlandcareerforum.ca. Childcare provided.
Cultivating Resilience Farm Succession Planning Workshop (AG Services): Wednesday, February 5at St. Michael Rec. Center from 5:00-8:00 p.m. Free to attend, supper provided. Register with Bonnie at 780-895-2585 or bonnie.c@lamontcounty.ca lamontcounty.ca//workshops and facebook.com/events/627390256613075/ AgKnow “How Are You, Really?”: youtu.be/kr5aFXPNP4E (Alberta Farm Mental Health Network #LetsTalk).
#RoomToGrow #ReadyForYou – Invest in Lamont County – lamontcountynow.ca Farmers Market(s), Trade Show and Other Events
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5. FCSS: POWER HOUR - Utility Presentation - Feb. 6 at the Lamont Alliance Church. Free to attend. Learn about Alberta’s utility market, billing and saving money on utilities. See UCAhelps.alberta.ca and UCAhelps@gov.ab.ca or 310-4UCA (4822)
Fort Saskatchewan & District Chamber of Commerce Trade Show and Market: April 25-27 at the Dow Centennial Centre in Fort Sask.
Register a booth at: fortsaskchamber.com/trade-show-sale. Additional details will be posted at fortsaskchamber.com/ The traditional farmers’ market typically runs on Thursday evenings from June to September.
Lamont Farmers’ Market: Typically runs the third Wednesday each month from 4-7 p.m. See facebook.com/groups/lamontfarmersmarket Contact lamontfarmersmarket@gmail.com for vendor booth options.
Andrew Farmers’ Market: Runs typically from the end of March through October.
See facebook.com/groups/1573078642742120/ Canadian Berkie Ski Festival (Feb. 7-9): 40th AnniversaryUkrainian Cultural Heritage Village - Feb. 8 (canadianbirkie.com/).
Now that the Canada Post strike action has ended, Lamont County’s community newsletter (Soundbytes) is in the final stages of printing and distribution to all rural residents. If you don’t receive a copy in the next few weeks, see paper copies at the Canada Post locations (while copies last), and at the Administration and Public Works/Ag Buildings.
You can also access a digital copy online at https://lamontcounty.ca/newsletter
Sign up for future editions digitally (as to reduce costs, future editions will not be sent by mail) using the signup form on the Community Engagement page. Limited paper copies will still be available at the Lamont County Administration Building.
Next Agricultural Service Board (ASB) Meeting
Community Newsletter – Watch your mailboxes. PleaseNote – isalsoavailableforviewing
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 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 28, 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)
See info on Seniors Bus Trips and the Power Hour Utility session links above