September 25 Lamont Leader

Bale fire concerns

photo only shows a partial amount of the 20,000 tons

Bruderheim. Residents have expressed concerns about a

HempplantclosurecausingconcernoffireriskforBruderheimresidents

BY JANA SEMENIUK

The recent closure of the Canadian Rockies Hemp Corporation (CRHC), which has operated its hemp processing facility out of Bruderheim since 2019, is causing fire risk concerns for the town residents according to town councillor Len Falardeau.

Falardeau said the yard where CRHC operated is full of hemp bales that, if ignited, could cause significant damage to the town.

“I’ve had a few phone calls already,” said Falardeau at the Sept. 18 council meeting.

“I don't know if you're fully all aware, but the hemp plant, at this moment, there's no power on the site. (Residents are) very concerned about (the hemp bales) catching on fire. Is it in receivership? Who's responsible for the hemp plant at this time? If there is a fire there, they have pumps in their ponds, but if they're electric, pumps are not good for nothing, so the liability could fall upon us, and some people in

that area are quite concerned about it.”

Chief Administrative Officer Phyllis Forsyth said the Town does not know the status of the hemp plant and that a plan is being worked on in case of an emergency.

“

“At this time, the Town has not been officially notified of anybody being in receivership. Fire chief Moore and myself are also aware of the information that's being passed around,” she said.

“We have been in contact with the company. We are doing our due diligence in ensuring that everything is ready, if any event, emergency or disaster, Fire Chief Moore is working on (a) plan. Any costs born to having a fire on the site would be put back onto the property.”

help alleviate concerns.

“Do they have any feet on the ground? Is there anybody looking in on that property like councillor Falardeau brought up? There should be a fire watch, even though it is in receivership, there should be some kind of a security system put in place there,” he said.

“I'm sure they're most probably insured, or a bank is involved in a shape or form. But again, we as the Town of Bruderheim have not received any official notification from anybody other than what we've heard and what you have heard in the community.”

- CAO Phyllis Forsyth

” ... if any event, emergency or disaster, Fire Chief Moore is working on (a) plan.

“(In case) people should get into that building and somebody gets hurt. It appears to be abandoned. So these are some of the questions that maybe we can address to the owners. I'm looking for feet on the ground, night patrol or whatever.”

CAO Forsyth said the town is powerless to direct what happens on private property.

Aaron Barr, Chief Executive Officer for the CRHC, told the Lamont Leader in Aug. that equipment failures contributed to the company’s closure July 18, and lack of funding meant it could not regain momentum.

He said in a recent text message that, regarding fire risk, ‘Electricity is off but there is power for the fire and alarms’. Currently there are 20,000 tonnes of hemp bales stored outside on the CRHC property. Barr said in an earlier interview that the company may be undergoing an ownership change and he was unsure of what will become of the hemp bales.

Councillor George Campbell questioned security measures that could

“We cannot mandate what happens on private property. If they have security that's up to them,” she said.

Barr did not respond to questions around the company’s current status.

This

of hemp bales currently stored outside the now-closed Canadian Rockies Hemp Corporation facility in

possible risk of fire due to the large amount of bales. Photo: Jana Semeniuk

Cando to double in size to better serve Heartland region

BY JOHN MATHER

The Cando Rail Terminal in Sturgeon County which serves Alberta’s Industrial Heartland is set to double in size.

The company made the announcement during the AIHA annual conference in Edmonton Sept. 19.

The expansion will transform the terminal into a state-of-the-art rail-centric supply chain hub with the capability to stage, arrive, and depart long unit trains.

Already the largest private rail terminal in Canada, the expanded Sturgeon Terminal provides critical rail capacity for customers’ supply

chains and export strategies.

In conjunction with this expansion, Cando is partnering with Dow to support the company’s Path2Zero project. Dow will be an anchor tenant in the expanded terminal, reflecting Cando’s commitment to advancing low carbon solutions and supporting its customers’ growth.

Cando has already invested $150 million in the Sturgeon Terminal. It employs more than 60 people, and can currently stage and store approximately 3,600 railcars across 302 acres.

In building the expansion, the company purchased 320 acres directly

west of the existing terminal.

The expansion plans involve an additional investment of up to $200 million and the creation of up to 50 new jobs.

The expansion will have the capacity for up to 2,500 new railcar storage spaces in a Storagein-Transit (SIT) yard, and additional car capacity of up to 1,150 spaces on Arrival/ Departure tracks – including the capacity to stage 12,000foot unit trains.

Cando will complete the engineering design by the end of this year and plans to start construction in the second quarter of 2025.

Bison killed in Elk Island Park accident

BY JOHN MATHER

Three bison were killed and another two were injured Sept. 19 in an early morning collision with two pick up trucks at Elk Island National Park.

The two injured bison were later euthanized by RCMP and Parks Canada.

In a news release, Elk Island spokesman Charlotte Chamber said the accident occurred on the parkway in Elk Island just north of the south entrance at Highway 16.

The accident took place in foggy conditions around 4 .m. when a Ford F150 and a Toyota truck collided with the bison.

“When officers arrived, three bison were deceased and two bison were seriously injured and couldn’t be saved,” said RCMP Cpl. Troy Savinkoff.

The five bison were identified by Parks Canada on Sept. 20 as three young females, one young male, and one middle-aged male.

“Parks Canada takes

the protection of wildlife very seriously and works hard to reduce humancaused wildlife mortality,” Parks Canada said in a statement Friday.

“Parks Canada would like to remind motorists to observe speed limits and to drive with caution, especially in the early morning and evening hours when it may be more difficult to see wildlife.”

Savinkoff said alcohol and speed weren’t a factor in the crash, but weather did play a factor in the collision.

Due to their massive size bison at Elk Island National Park frequently wander onto the roads without fear, sometimes forcing travellers through the park to retrace their route back to where they came from as the buffalo sometimes will not move for several minutes or longer.

of the existing 320 acre site. Dow will be an anchor tenant for the new project with its Path2Zero project which is currently under development.

NOTICE OF DECISION - PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT

The following Industrial (M-1) Development Permit was approved on September 16, 2024:

Plan 955PX Block OT Quad Portion SE 1/4

Industrial Development Use- Light Construction and Manufacturing

For additional information, please call the Town of Bruderheim at 780-796-3731

Written notice of appeal can be submitted to the Subdivision and Development Appeal Board, Box 280, Bruderheim, AB T0B 0S0 by 12:00 NOON on October 7, 2024. Appeal fee $300.00.

MOYER RECREATION CENTRE #4 - 54569 RANGE ROAD 215 JOSEPHBURG, AB T8L 4B9

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 9

Doors open at 5:00pm

Join Life in the Heartland for a special in person event featuring industry updates from companies and projects in Alberta’s Industrial Heartland.

Tank cars line one section of track, while construction takes place on a rail/truck loading and unloading dock, at the massive rail terminal in Sturgeon County. At the Alberta Industrial Heartland annual meeting, Sept. 19, the company announced it will double its size to the west

Real Estate Auction

The

Buy 1 Or Buy All 4 Quarters of Pristine Farm Land with Great Opportunities Situated In The Heart Of East Central Alberta. Just A Short 30 Minute Drive to Vegreville/Camrose/Sherwood Park.

These Quarters of Land Will Also Make a Great Investment Opportunity as Many Neighbours are Willing to Rent & Purchasing these Would Give the Buyer the Ability to Farm In Mile Long Stretches.

Directions: From Hwy 14 to Hwy 854, North on Hwy 854 for 12 Kms to Hwy 626, West on Hwy 626 for 0.3 Kms to Rg Rd 173, North on Rg Rd 173 for 3.1 Kms, East Hand Side of Road. OR From Hwy 855 to Twp 510, West on Twp Rd 510 for 4.5 Kms to Rg Rd 173, North on Rg Rd 173 for 1/2 Mile, East Hand Side of Road

Parcel #1: NW-15-51-17-W4M Being 160 Acres M/L w/ Approx. 129 Cultivated Acres Currently Seeded to Wheat.

This Quarter Consists of 160 Acres with Approx. 130 Cultivated Acres & Approx. 30 Acres Hay/Grass Land Which Can Be Used For Pasture Land/ Hay Land/ Future Yard Site, With Its Own Approach or it Could Also Be Cleared Into Arable Acres. Currently Being Rented for $110.00/ Acre

Parcel #2: NE - 15-51-17-W4M Being 160 Acres M/L w/ Approx. 113 Acres Cultivated Currently Seeded into Wheat.

This Quarter Consists of 160 Acres with Approx. 113 Cultivated Acres & With A Little Bit of Work 47 Acres Could Be Developed into Arable Land. Currently Being Rented Out At $110.00/Acre

Parcel # 3: SW-15-51-17-W4M Being 157 Acres M/L w/ Approx. 140 Acres Cultivated Currently Seeded into Canola

This Quarter Consisting of 160 Acres with Approx. 140 Cultivated Acres & With A Little Bit Of Work 17 Acres Can be Developed Into Arable Land. Currently Being Rented Out At $110.00/Acre

Parcel #4: SE-15-51-17-W4M Being 160 Acres M/L w/ Approx. 79 Acres Cultivated Currently Seeded into Canola

This Quarter Consists of 160 Acres with Approx. 79 Cultivated Acres & With A Little Bit of Work The 81 Acres of The Old Yard Site Could Be Developed into Arable Land or Turned Back Into Future Yard Site. Currently Being Rented Out At $110.00/Acre. The Old Yard Site Consists of Power & Gas at Property Line, Abandoned Water Well.

Subject to Final Bid. If Final Bid is not Accepted, the Deposit Will Be Returned.

Real Estate Terms & Conditions: 10 % Down on Sale Day. Balance & Possession on or before November 14th, 2024. If Balance is NOT RECEIVED by November 14th, 2024 the Deposit will be Forfeited as Liquidation Damages. All measurements are approximate and need to be verified by the purchaser.

Ring #2 Selling by Totally Unreserved Auction for Darrel Magneson 4 Quarters of Land Forming a Full Section (Selling as 1 Block) of Mixed Farming Land in the Heart of Beaver County.

Located Just 3.5 Kms North of Hwy #14 on Rge Rd 165 or 5 Miles East of the Town of Riley on Twp Rd 500.

Located Just 3.5 Kms North of Hwy #14 on Rge Rd 165 or 5 Miles East of the Village of Ryley on Twp Rd 500.

This Full Section of Farm Land Consists of Approx. 400 Acres M/L of Cultivated Land and Approx. 80 Acres M/L of Hay Land with the Waskwei Creek Running Thru the East Side, Providing the Property with Ample Water for Both Livestock and Nature Lovers. In addition No Subdivisions have happened on the Beautiful Parcel of Land. The Former Yard Site is Located in the Centre of the Section with Power, Natural Gas & an Older Water Well. There is Also an Older Quonset with a Few Out Buildings. This is an Excellent Opportunity for Either a Farmer or an Investor. The Cultivated Land Does Have a Current Lease in Place Until October 31st, 2028. However, the Lease/Rent is to be Renegotiated at the End of this Harvest Year. The Current Renter Does have the Option to Match the Final Bid on Sale Day.

Legal Descriptions:

SE 4-50-16 W4M Consisting of 160 Acres M/L - SW 4-50-16 W4M Consisting of 160 Acres M/L NE 4-50-16 W4M Consisting of 160 Acres M/L - NW 4-50-16 W4M Consisting of 160 Acres M/L

Opinion

Will we ever solve the dilemma of societal disrespect

BY JOHN MATHER

There seems to be a trend developing of animosity between elected officials, bureaucrats and the general public.

The elected politicians are more inclined to hide away from the public and when it’s time to answer questions spew out the lines prepared by backroom communications hacks, rather than speak the truth.

You see these backroom communications hacks want to put a positive spin on any message.

Everyone knows the carbon tax is costing the Canadian taxpayer, yet the government spinmeisters want you to believe you will get more money back in carbon tax rebates than what you pay in carbon tax.

Well, I’ve been alive for many, many years and I’ve learned one fundamental rule of life and finance.

There is no such thing as a free ride. Nothing is free, no matter how much spin is put on it.

Recently the Town of Westlock updated a council procedure that sets rules around who can attend meetings in person and who can tune in virtually.

Town of Westlock Mayor Jon Kramer noted the changes to section five, which states that only members of council and administration and out-of-town delegations are permitted to attend council meetings virtually.

“My hope would be that virtual (attendance) in the future would be open for everybody, just for the convenience of it, but I think our tech limitations now is what has led us to this, in that anonymous viewing or participation, is there’s no way around it,” said Kramer. “So my hope is that once tech limitations change, maybe we can see ourselves making another change in this as well, including online participation a little bit more.”

But this does pose a challenge to municipalities.

The Alberta Government through the Municipal Government Act does say that citizens can participate in the development of their local governments and express their views to locally elected representatives.

As part of the amendments to the Municipal Government Act (MGA) included in the Red Tape Reduction Statutes Amendment Act, 2022, SA 2022, c 16, section 199 of the MGA was amended to allow council meetings and council committee meetings to be carried out by “electronic means.”

But largely, I believe, because of social media public participation has taken on a nasty vibe which has municipalities in a quandary.

CONTINUED

Just last week, most people saw the altercation between Jagmeet Singh and a member of the public outside the House of Commons.

As Singh was leaving the building with one of his handlers, someone accused Singh of being a ”corrupt bastard” in a loud voice.

Singh took exception and challenged a man nearby. Singh got in his face and challenged the man. The man said if he had something to say to Singh he would certainly repeat it to his face.

The standoff lasted a few seconds but was, as is the case these days, recorded by another bystander and posted to social media.

Trudeau has been scrummed by angry protestors and during the last election actually cancelled some appearances because he was worried for his safety and that of his entourage.

In Alberta, I know of situations where people have complained about the lack of access to their elected MLAs.

Late last week, MPs on Parliament Hill complained they worried about their own personal safety and the safety of their staff as they left the building.

Now I’m sure some of these MPs protest too much. Many are backbenchers noted for saying very few words during their parliamentary stay and would not be recognized by anyone.

But they have a point.

Protestors can turn nasty, both those on the left and those on the right.

We need to note only the Truckers Convoy, or a couple of years earlier, protestors shutting down railways lines across the country.

In both cases the police and government were powerless (or unwilling) to do anything.

Except Justin Trudeau truly overreacted when he imposed the Emergency Act to put the brakes on the Truckers Convoy in Ottawa, a day after they decided to leave peacefully on their own.

Yes. People, protestors, MPs and all levels of complainers in between are being ignorant. When I grew up, there was discipline in school and respect throughout society.

And I can say my generation of baby boomers may have led the breakdown of that structure with our laissez faire attitudes of free love and an easy going much less disciplined society.

But it has spiralled out of control to the point where we are at now. My arguments will render me an a$$hole unless I actually agree with your point of view.

We see professional organizations forcing their members to adhere to strict codes of conduct which include wokeness and politically correct attitudes.

Case in point Jordan Peterson. He is not allowed to express his own opinions and his professional association has forced him to take retraining to become more politically correct.

Trudeau wants to bring in internet rules which will control what is said over the internet.

For sure there is lots of disinformation out there. My rule of thumb taught in the first level of journalism is confirm the information through three separate sources. If they agree the information is probably true and you can run with it. If not, don't use it.

But the third leg of this quandary between the public and elected officials is the bureaucrats. Years ago when bureaucracies were founded in France they served a purpose to put together proper methods to achieve the policies put forth by the government.

But now these rules have changed where bureaucrats often control the message. And they don’t want anyone opposing them.

I can’t claim to have an answer to this dilemma.

I truly believe it starts with respect.

Respect in asking for information and respect in giving truthful information.

If a mistake is made, admit it.

If there is respectful debate with less name calling, a thing called compromise can be reached.

Some have three strike legislation where if a person is deemed to harass bureaucrats or councillors three times they can be shut off from participation in meetings or in fact in contacting public offices.

Think back to when Trudeau cut the carbon tax on home heating oil. In the Maritimes. One of his noble MPs stated if the rest of Canada, primarily Western Canadians voted for Liberals, maybe we could get some breaks too. Is that the proper attitude to project? And then whine when you get pushback on it.

Is there a pattern here?

You can’t keep everyone totally happy all the time, but by working together in an honest, truthful and respectful manner, maybe we can get closer to that goal.

And all these localized policies aimed at limiting public participation is not the route for local municipalities to go.

Kerry Anderson Publisher John Mather Reporter Jana Semeniuk Reporter Crystal Moren

BY HAZEL ANAKA

If the lousy harvest weather has you waiting more than working, you’re not alone. Maybe you’ve had a chance to watch some TV news or political commentary. Let me be the first to say: Welcome to the pissing match also known as Question Period in the federal House of Commons.

These people were all duly elected by us to do the serious work of running the country on our behalf. If you’ve never been elected to public office at any level of jurisdiction, you may be confused or unclear about what is expected, demanded, required by law. But even the innocents among us know what common decency, respect, and decorum look like. Maybe we can’t point to any current Canadian or even global examples of statesmanlike behaviour but in our hearts, we think it

FROM WHERE I SIT: Stink less and work better

should be attainable even in 2024, even in a minority government setting.

Partisan politics has never been for the faint of heart. Now the gazelle is old, wounded, bleeding and the lions are circling. On one of the political talk shows this Sunday, Trudeau was described as dead man walking. He’s overstayed his welcome and seems intent on reducing the government and his party to ashes. Pundits believe members of the government have lost their will. They are not introducing any new business and keep finding ways to lose ground, support, and credibility. They are parroting their tired old script while not-so-subtly locating the exit doors. “We’re going to keep working hard every day for Canadians” feels like more of a threat than a promise. No, please, stop working for us; we can’t take much more of your help.

I don’t know if Pierre Poilievre comes up with his own slogans but they are pointed, catchy, memorable. He’s introduced a non-confidence motion that will be voted

on before you read this. Based on all the other party leaders showing their cards well in advance, the motion will be defeated and the Liberals will live another day. According to the pundits covering the Ottawa scene shrewd Liberal political staffers have been leaving their jobs in droves. They know that 10 years is the normal life expectancy for a governing political party in Canada and the Trudeau Liberals are at 9 years and counting.

Chrystia Freeland, Finance Minister, Deputy PM, and once thought to be Trudeau’s successor is now persona non grata. Adding to Trudeau’s woes are the bye-election losses even in ‘guaranteed’ Liberal ridings, the departure of his campaign manager, and plummeting poll numbers. Having his ally NDP leader, Jagmeet Singh kick the stool out from under him last week was another huge blow. Since the last election the NDP has voted with the government to avoid triggering an election. Now to stay alive, the Libs need to become bed fellows with the Bloc Quebecois. And if any-

Lamont and Area

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one knows how to turn the screws to get what they want, it’s Quebec. Are we ready for the latest dose of western alienation?

What is most despicable to me is the hypocrisy of them all. They are all contorting themselves to show how the other guys are acting either in selfpreservation or as a power grab or both. Yet, they conveniently forgot the times they’ve each voted contrary to common sense or good government. They forgot the lies they’ve each told. They see boogey men around every corner and project dire warnings about what a Conservative or returning Liberal government would do. Singh must be delusional to think he can form government yet every so often those words come out of his mouth. Poilievre hasn’t done nearly enough to impress female voters and shake off the scary labels he’s earned. Trudeau has become as much a pariah to Liberal candidates fighting in bye-elections as Trump is to Republican candidates; if you really want to help me, just stay the hell away from me and

my constituency. And so, it goes. The name calling will continue and ramp up when the writ is dropped. Every party other than the Tories will continue to try to convince themselves that “Canadians don’t want an election” when every indicator is that, yes, we want to throw those bums out and elect a new batch of bums. We want some stability and some certainty. We want enough time for the next government to make its mark and get

some stuff done without constantly holding back trying to please everyone. We want to know that no foreign entity is tampering with our elections----we can screw things up quite nicely all by ourselves. We want to know that the candidate selection process in every single riding is fair and open and that candidates aren’t being parachuted in or anointed from above only to further taint the process. We want the whole political process to stink less and work better, from where I sit.

From the files of The Lamont Leader

Nov. 22, 2005 issue of The Lamont Leader. Vandals attacked and broke two windows of the Hazco office on Main Street Lamont last week leaving signs protesting the opening of a proposed sulfur plant. Manager Robb Mann said the act has intimidated employee Sylvia Holowach. Citizen group Friends of Lamont said they had nothing to do with the vandalism although they do oppose the proposed sulfur plant.

SUNDAY WORSHIP

10:30 AM

Andrew Council narrowly votes to side with public survey on electing a mayor

BY JANA SEMENIUK

Andrew Council discussed a recent bylaw, at the Sept. 23 council meeting, introduced to determine the number of councillors for the Village in addition to whether the mayor will become an elected position.

Currently, the Village council consists of five council members with the mayor decided within the council once a year at the organization meeting in Oct. If the mayor became an elected position, they would be elected to a four-year term the same as the council.

A recent municipal inspection on the Village uncovered that a bylaw stating the number of councillors did not exist and must be created.

According to the Municipal Government Act (MGA) a village must operate with at least three council members, and a bylaw in place for more than three.

Additionally, Village administration distributed a survey to the residents in April, gauging their opinions on the number of council members as well as whether the mayor position should be elected by the public or determined by the council each year.

Chief Administrative Officer Kylie Rude shared the results of the survey which indicated a close margin for the number of councillors, with 44 percent of respondents wanting three council members and 56 percent wanting five.

In terms of whether the mayor position should be elected by the public, an overwhelming 69 percent voted yes while only 31 percent were comfortable with the mayor being chosen by the council each year.

A wide range of opinions were presented by council members as they discussed the issue during the Sept. 23 council

meeting.

CAO Rude indicated that the elected mayor position is separate from the council positions and a candidate can only run for one position; either the mayor or as a councillor, not both. Mayor Barry Goertz said he would be afraid of losing good council candidates if they chose to run for mayor and were not elected.

“For this Village, knowing that we have struggled somewhat to fill the seats or fill them with qualified people within those seats to take one or two or three candidates that wish to be the spokesman and lose them for council. So on that alone, I would be against this,” he said.

Councillor Merwin Haight disagreed.

“For the position of mayor to be elected, I'm in favor of that,” he said.

“I think that's what the public has called for.”

Councillor John Vanfeyvyken agreed with Mayor Goertz but said he was torn.

“I don't think the mayor should be elected by the public. I'm really torn between one or the other, but I think that the mayor should be elected by Council at the organizational meeting,” he said.

Councillor Chris

Lupul sided with councillor Haight.

“Going against what the public has asked for, that's not why I joined Council,” he said. “I joined on to represent the members of the public, and if they want to see a mayor elect, then I'm going to strongly fight for that.”

As the tie-breaker, Deputy Mayor Tammy Pickett took her time in answering. She asked CAO Rude if there was a way to survey the public on who they would prefer as mayor without an official vote. Rude said that would be a plebiscite which would be carried out separately at more cost to the Village.

“Let’s go with elected with the public,” Pickett

Our Lady of Lourdes Knights of Columbus #6382

We would like to thank the following businesses for their support of the 2024 Terry Fox Run held on September 15. Your donation makes a difference, Thank you.

AAA Natural Foods

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OK Tire Lamont

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Alberta T8L 2C3

If

finally said. “It’s what the public are wanting.”

The bylaw stating the Village will operate with four councillors and one elected mayor, will be brought back for third and final reading at the next Village Council meeting on Oct. 9 at 7 p.m.

Andrew Deputy Mayor Tammy Pickett was the tiebreaker vote Sept. 23 on whether the Village would institute a mayor elected by the public verses chosen by council each year at the organizational meeting.

Photo: Jana Semeniuk

New Bruderheim principal loves the hugs

BY JOHN MATHER

Having travelled as a teacher and administrator through two school divisions, sometimes you arrive in a situation where you just know it could well be your last position.

With Bruderheim School’s new principal Melanie Buckley, it’s the hugs.

I’ve taught and been an administrator in the Elk Island School Division and in the Battle River School Division, she said.

Buckle finished teaching summer school at her former school in Camrose and then began her duties as the principal at Bruderheim on Aug. 20.

She said it’s the programs that change when you switch schools, “but overall it’s done a little differently, but it’s still very similar to other positions.”

She added Elk Island has a much more intricate intranet system than she is used to.

“I love this school,” she said. “We have 110 students right now. It’s like a small family. Many of the students know one another or come from the same family.”

Buckley said she is still going to focus on the same Tiger traits that have existed at the school for some time.

They are Teamwork, Integrity, Grit, Empathy and Respect.

She adds there is a regular monthly assembly where these traits are always emphasized.

“I came from the Battle River Alternative Centre for Education in Camrose,” she said. Describing it as similar to Elk Island Next Step program, she said it offered classes to part time students and adults completing their high school courses.

So what is the difference from teaching adult students to running a K6 school like Bruderheim?

“You know big kids don’t give you hugs,” she laughs. “It kind of

takes you by surprise.

I’m just getting used to it.”

She adds the littler kids all greet her every day and say hello.

“It’s a different world,” she adds.

She states that with a smaller class size, (the biggest class at Bruderheim is 25 students), she’s not had any problem merging into the new environment.

“We have lots of space and we have a great facility here,” she adds. She said her teaching has been a blend of teaching and administrating in both urban and rural settings.

“When my kids were going to school, I was teaching in Calgary,” said Buckley. “Then dealing with students with complex needs is my background. I have been in big cities and I’ve done some counselling in Sherwood Park.”

She started her career in 1996.

“There’s different cultures wherever you go, but kids all want the same thing. The parents want their kids cared for and happy and the kids want to be happy and able to learn.”

She adds she can’t help but add some of her own style to administrating in the school, but that’s been limited since she started at Bruderheim Aug. 20.

“Just look around us tonight.”

The interview took place during the town’s Community Awareness event held in the school gym Sept. 10.

“This is an amazing way to get people together,” she added.

She said she may get involved with the town’s upcoming Deutschland Days on Oct. 5.

Outside of school she has a couple of dogs and likes to read and go camping.

At Bruderheim, which also takes in an outreach program at the Scotford Colony, she oversees 19 students including some half time staff.

She says with the smaller school size, she’s able to visit all the classrooms multiple times a day.

“I try to get out to recesses to see the kids in an unstructured environment as well as a structured one.”

She adds she is totally impressed with the community involvement.

“I’m totally impressed with the town of Bruderheim,” she states.

She states while it’s a board decision, she is hoping she could end her career at Bruderheim.

“I’m hoping at this stage of my life if they like me they’ll keep me. I’m at a stage of my life where it is harder changing schools.”

She said returning to Elk Island School Division after seven years, it’s sort of like returning home.

“It’s comfortable.”

Lamont County Reeve David Diduck took centre stage Sept 19 as chair of the Alberta Industrial Heartland Association to address the crowd at the organization’s 25th Anniversary Annual Meeting at the Edmonton Convention Centre. A sellout crowd was once again on hand for the event.

Melanie Buckley, the new principal at Bruderheim School, stands in the Land Based Learning Space in the courtyard of the school. Since arriving Aug. 20, she been really impressed with the school’s small size which allows her to have a lot of personal interaction with all the students.

Ice is in at Lamont Arena, meaning hockey is right around the corner

BY MELISSA

MACINTOSH-YOUNG

The ice is finally in at the Lamont arena and it is sporting a fantastic new look, which means the 2024/25 hockey season will soon be in full swing.

Elk Island Minor Hockey will be hosting Conditioning Camps for players over the next few weeks at the Lamont arena. Player camps are being run by Ian Barteaux from The Defensive Edge.

Goalie Camps will also be held weekly with Billy Teefy from Doghouse Goalie Development.

The association will also be running development sessions for their players throughout the season.

Conditioning Camps and Development sessions are made possible through grants the association receives from the Oilers Community Foundation.

Lamont and Bruderheim arenas.

Elk Island Minor Hockey is a member of NEAHL (North Eastern Alberta hockey League). They currently have ninety-four players registered for this season ranging from tykes to U18. The association will be playing out of both

Elk Island Minor Hockey players will be holding a bottle drive in the communities of Bruderheim and Lamont on Sunday, September 29th to raise funds for the individual teams upcoming year.

For more information on EIMH, please visit https://elkislandwild.ca /new-page.

Installation of arena ice underway in Bruderheim

BY JANA SEMENIUK

Barely emerging from summer means it’s already time to prepare for hockey season.

Scott Adam, public works staff member for the Town of Bruderheim, said the process for installing the ice surface inside the Karol Maschmeyer arena starts in Sept. and takes approximately two weeks to finish with layer upon layer of ice gradually being built up.

Dennis Tomuschat, Chief Operating Officer for the Town of Bruderhiem, said a compresser gets turned on which will get the arena’s cement pad cold enough to freeze water before the layering begins.

“We start with a misting layer (of water) and get the ice up to about an eighth of an inch. Then we go and put in what’s called ‘white ice’,” he said. “Its white powder mixed with water.”

Adam, added the white ice is put in place by a machine that is selfpropelled, but still needs to be pulled manually

around the rink. Its extended arms spray the white water as it is being moved.

“It takes a bit of muscle to pull it around,” said Adam. “When we are doing it by hand it takes about 30 minutes to do one whole layer. (It sits to freeze) for about 15 minutes per spray. It usually takes about eight layers.”

Adam said after the white ice is put in, lines will be painted into the ice using templates.

“After we put the lines in, we’ll seal it all in with water (with another

eight layers). It’s built up to about an inch and a half,” he said.

Adam added that sometimes things don’t go according to plan.

“Last year we had the Zamboni decide to have a coolant leak all over the ice, and so, that coloured the ice. We had to cut it all out and rebuild it again,” he said.

Adam said that so far this year everything has been going smoothly.

“We’ll be finished (the ice) at the end of the month and hockey starts next month,” he said. “Right on deadline.”

In loving memory of Ken Kitlarchuk

August 3, 1954 - September 26, 2023

One year ago we said goodbye, but your presence is still felt in every aspect of our lives. We miss you deeply, and cherish the memories we made together.

Forever loved and missed, Your loving family

UNRESERVED AUCTION SALE

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2024 AT 10:00 A.M.

LOCATION: 20321 Township Rd. 512, Strathcona County

DIRECTIONS: Being from the Junction of Highway 14 & Hasting Lake Rd. (Rg. Rd. 204), turn North, & then immediately right onto Township Rd. 512, then go 3/4 mile east.

Tractors: 2014 JD 6230 FWA Left Hand Reverser, 16-sp trans, 3-ph dual hyd. PTO, low profile, 10.5/80-18 front tires, 16.9 24 Ind. rear tires c/w JD 673 Quick Attach FEL c/w 8-ft bucket, 3037 hrs., S/N L06230D650284;HLA 8-ft Clam Dump Bucket, S/N 11LA26887; Round Bale Fork; JD X739 4x4 Wheel Steer Hydro Riding Tractor c/w front PTO, 25-hp eng., & 60-inch Quick Attach mower; 513 hrs., S/N 1MOX739ATFM031403; JD Z445 Front Mount Zero Turn Mower c/w 54-inch deck, 435 hrs., needs hydro drive; Ford 9N Tractor c/w 3-ph, PTO, hyd; MH 44 Diesel Tractor, not running

Truck & Trailers: 2002 Mack CH613 Tandem C&C, day cab, E7 Mack eng., 460-hp, 18-sp Fuller Trans, 11R22.5 rear tires, 315/80R22.5 steering 224-inch wheelbase, 320,363.4 km, S/N 1MZAA18Y42W142932; 2009 Ford F250 XLT Super Duty, 4x4, 5.4 eng., single cab, long box, auto trans, air, power W & DL, 111,500 km, S/N 1FTNF21579EA02810; 1974 Fontaine 40-ft 8 Compartment Tandem Axle Feed Trailer c/w hyd. augers, S/N 1988-T; Loadline 28-ft Tandem Axle End Dump c/w air switch tarp, S/N 2D9ED2925M1012372

Boat: 1996 Legend Sport Fish V170 17-ft c/w Mercury 75-hp outboard, trolling motor & fishfinder & 2000 EZ Loader Trailer; Boat S/N SMK39890E596; Motor S/N 0642257, Trailer S/N 1ZEADELAX1A10572

Chicken Equipment: Approx 2000-ft Chicken Water Line; Approx. 1300-ft Chicken Pan Feeders c/w 13 drive units; NG 225,000 BTU Chimney less heaters; Chicken Cooling Lines & Pumps; MS Schippers Disinfecting Foam Dispenser, Gas Powered Pulsfog Fogger; (6) 12T Hopper Bottom Bins; Exhaust Fans; 3 New 1/2-hp - 1/3 EL motors; Hotsy 980SS, 2000 PSI Diesel Pressure Washer, 156 hrs., like new; 2 hose Reels c/w 150-ft & 300ft Pressure Washer Hose Generator: 2004 Stamford 75 KVA Diesel Standby Generator c/w auto switch over control

panel, (Purchaser is responsible for disconnecting by electrician) Equipment & Miscellaneous: Farm King 48-inch 3-ph Rototiller; Sitrex 2-gal. 320 8-ft Hay Tether; 3ph 2-bottom Plow; Badger Manure Loader, parts; Beatty 800-gal. Liquid Manure Wagon, parts; JD 80 Yard Wagon; 5-ft Quad Blade; 6-ft Lawn Roller; 8-ft Front Mount Snowblade; Danville Estate Weed Roller; Electric Black Dirt Sifter; Cement Mixer; 42-inch Lawnsweep; 4-Wheel FEL Mount Trolley; NG Incinerator; 20-ft x 30-ft x 12-ft H Tarp Shed; 10-ft x 24-ft Loading Ramp c/w hyd. transport; JD T14 Square Baler; 9 1/2-ft Bin Rings; (5) Fuel Tanks c/w stand; 100-gal. Tidy Tanks; 250 gal Water Tank; JD 52-inch Quick Hitch Front Mount Broom, needs repair; (8) Bundles Asphalt Shingles; (2) Pallets Firewood; Approx 350 6-inch x 6-inch New Paving Bricks; Honda Gas Pressure Washer; Back Pack Sprayer; Backpack Blower; Upright Air Compresser; 50T Hyd. Press; 3T Floor Jack; JD 12 Drawer Tool Box; Hyd. Power Pack; NG Hot Water Tank; Pallet Jack; Assort Steel & Wooden Shelving; Assort Socket Sets; Open End Wrenches; Power Tools; Electric LKS 250-amp Welder; Delta Floor Press Drill; Work Benches; Large Assort. Pipe Fittings, Electrical, Bolts, Nuts, Screws, Nails, many more items Woodworking Equipment: General International 11/2-hp Dust Collector; DustFX Ceiling Air Cleaner; Ridgid Oscalating Belt Sander, like new Makita 12-inch Sliding Compound Miter Saw; Mastercraft 36-inch Wood Lathe; Flat Master 18inch Sander; Delta 12-inch Compound Miter Saw; Delta 12-inch Planer; Craftex 14-inch Bandsaw, like new; Canwood 6-inch Jointer; House of Tools 16-inch Bandsaw; Ridgid

Scott Adam and Kathleen Mackintosh, public works employees for the town of Bruderheim pose with their water-spreading machine used to install ice in gradual layers inside the Karol Maschmeyer arena in Bruderheim on Sept. 19. Photo: Jana Semeniuk

The Lamont Leader (Lamont, Alberta), Wednesday, September 25, 2024 -9

Maze provides fun adventure on a fall day

BY JOHN MATHER

Maybe it was a corny idea to begin with, but the results during the past two years have been nothing short of a’maze’ing.

The Kittlitz family farm in Strathcona County just west of Lamont County and south of Bruderheim has been operating for 130 years.

Jonathon Kittlitz is a fourth generation on the farm.

A year ago he and his wife Ebony decided they wanted to do something different with their silage corn field.

So they opted to turn it into a corn maze for a few weeks in the fall before the corn was ready to be harvested.

The corn maze is 12 acres with three and a half miles of walking paths through the several feet tall crop.

“First of all we realized there was nothing like this in our county,” said Ebony Kittlitz. “If you wanted to go to a corn maze you had to drive more than an hour to get to one.

“It was my husband's idea. He had the idea of bringing families together to have an enjoyable afternoon.”

Jonathon states the maze was first designed on grid paper.

“This year we are featuring an old time heritage theme,” he said. “A slogan for this year is 130 years of the Kittlitz family farm.”

He said the property was settled by his greatgrandfather 130 years ago.

“I’m fourth generation and we thought we would go with the heritage theme this year. Each year we will change the theme.”

In creating the maze, Kittlitz said he sows the corn in late May and then cuts the trails in early July.

The maze then opens in late August and will stay open until late October or “until my silage guy says he’s ready to come and cut it.”

He chuckles and admits for a short period the crop is a double income earner with people paying admission to go through the maze and then making his money for the sale of silage.

Traffic wasn’t too heavy during their first year, but Kittlitz said it has definitely picked up this year.

“We’re happy with the traffic.

“Every day we’re open,” said Ebony, “there’s more and more people coming. They’re hearing about us through word of mouth and through our advertising.”

The maze is located just south of the homestead address of 55231 Range Road 205 just north of Township Road 552.

There is no age limit to go through the maze, but Kittlitz states they must be able to walk well and not have any health conditions.

He does add there are emergency kits  available in the maze in the event someone does have a medical issue.

Children of all ages are welcome.

It takes a variable amount of time to complete the maze.

“This year, we’ve had people complete it in as little as half an hour while others have been in it for more than three hours.

“We’ve even had to go in and find some people,” said Jonathan.

There are various trials in the maze.

“You can end up on the same trail because some of them loop around in circles and others end in a dead end.

“We give some little hints for people while they are in the maze and there is a map of it at the start. Some people take a picture of that on their phones to help them navigate the maze.”

While the weather plays a large role in bringing people out to the maze, Kittlitz adds they have a lot of youth

groups and team building exercises at the adventure.

Outside the maze there is a large area where kids can play in bouncy castles, jump in a ball pit and/or have fun in other play areas such as giant swings and sand pits.

The couple say they will keep adding to this area and possibly add a mini golf set up in a couple of years.

"We’re going to have the fire departments from Bruderheim, Chipman and Lamont come in for a team building exercise in a week,” said Ebony. “We’re had church outings, and even the RCMP in Redwater want to come out for a team building event.”

Jonathan adds people can bring their own food and have a picnic at the maze.

“We don’t discourage people from bringing in their food.”

The couple, who operate the facility along with some help from family members, also sell some snacks and soft drinks in a small concession.

There is a sign at Highway 15 and Range Road 205 to indicate where the maze is. Kittlitz states there is a new sign coming to provide better directions.

He says they have had visitors from as far as Calgary come to the corn maze.

They conclude by stating it is very family friendly and there are no goblins or witches who may jump out to startle people going through the maze.

In mid October as the nights come earlier they put on flashlight nights to help guide people through the maze, which Jonathan said adds a totally different experience than trying to traverse it during the day.

Upon entering the maze shorter stalks of corn offer a glimpse of the heavy industrial area around Fort Saskatchewan, but then the trails starts to descend and the corn can

grown several feet high at which pint there is nothing to see but green and yellow stalks of corn on either side.

And in the middle of the maze there are a couple of comfort area where some flowers are planted and people can

sit on a bench for a short rest and to try and find the right direction out of the maze.

A‘MAZE’ING CORN

In the Keato Meadow Corn Maze there is a long maze and for those less adventurous there is a short maze. Above Ebony Kittlitz and daughter, Noah, 9, stand in the entrance to the short maze while Jonathon Kittlitz stands further back at the entrance of the much longer and more complicated maze.

Unreserved Real Estate Auction for Lagoona Beach RV Park

Starts on Oct 11th, 2024 to Ends on Oct 15th, 2024

Address: 3915 49th Ave, Killiam, AB

Selling 5.71 Acres with 18 Full Service RV Lots with Power (2 with Power Only), Sewer & Water Plus Internet, All Graveled & Nicely Treed with a Lake View.

Managers Office with 2 Bathrooms/Shower Combo (Handicap Accessible), Washer & Dryer Facilities

Plus the Main House is 1632 sq ft with Walk Out Basement, 4 Bedrooms & 2 Bathrooms, Under Floor Heater, Continuous Hot Water Heating & AC. New Single Car Garage Approx. 10'x20' Built in 2022.

Zoned: Commercial Utilities: 220 Power, Gas & Town Water

This Property Could be an Excellent Investment as Killiam is Located at the Intersection of Hwy 36 & Hwy 13 in the County of Flagstaff with a Population of 1000 People & Lots of Oilfield Activity in the Area. OR You could use it as your home with a private campground right on a beautiful lake. There are so many options for this property.

Open Houses: Saturday - September 21st & Sunday - September 29th from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Owner: Tom at (780-719-8877)

Realtor & For More Information: Hill Realty Inc.

Norm Hill (780) 449-5622

Aaron Olson (403) 913-9644

Real Estate Terms & Condi ons: 10 % Down on Sale Day. Balance & Possession on or before November 14th, 2024. If Balance is NOT RECEIVED by November 14th, 2024 the Deposit will be Forfeited as Liquidation Damages

(403) 843-2747 Rimbey - (780) 208-2508 Hwy 16/Rge Rd 185 1 (855) 783-0556 Toll Free - License No. 165690 E-mail: abolson@telusplanet.net - Homepage: allenolsonauction.com

Killam

Killam,

Family garden business is a labour of love

BY JANA SEMENIUK

Pitchfork Gardens, a you-pick gardening establishment located just south of Lamont, was buzzing with activity as they held their final vegetable picking weekend known as their Beat the Frost sale Sept. 21 and 22nd.

They not only accommodated dozens of gardeners spread out over the property stuffing their bags with freshly picked vegetables, they also raised $1,000 for the County of Lamont Food Bank.

“The final day is over and we are very thankful for everyone that visited us this season. A big shout out to all our followers and customers,” they posted on their social media page.

Owner and avid gardener, Aaron Geiger, said Pitchfork Gardens is usually open for business around the first of July until late Sept.

He also said they were one of the few businesses that actually blossomed during the pandemic in 2020. Geiger runs the home business along with his wife Dawn and said they made plans to open the you-pick gardening business shortly after they moved here from Edmonton in 2019.

“We opened during COVID and what ended up happening was it actually turned out to be a blessing, because people were coming out here and enjoying it because it’s outdoors,” he said.

Geiger said having the gardening business also ensured they could develop a relationship with the local food bank whose need skyrocketed during the pandemic.

“When things were ready, instead of it going to the compost pile, we picked them and made sure that it was obviously still in good condition (and) we donated to the food bank, and that's where our relationship kind of started from,” he said. “(We have) pretty much everything you would grow in your normal garden is the easiest way to describe it.”

Gieger said they have 45 acres of land, of which one acre is dedicated to the garden which contains raised beds, greenhouses and large rows of vegetables including cabbage, strawberries, potatoes, beets, onions, swiss chard, and pumpkins just to name a few.

One of the areas that has Geiger particularly excited is the tomato greenhouse where 28 different varieties are grown on 300 plants. He said his favourite is the ‘Get Stuffed’ tomato which grows like a pepper where the seeds are held in the center allowing a good size space around it. He said the tomato is savory and can be stuffed and baked just like a pepper.

Geiger said he also grows plenty of heirloom varieties of vegetables including the lemon cucumber.

“When it’s younger it’s a very sweet cucumber, (but) as it gets old it goes a darker yellow and has a little bit of a lemony zing to it,” he said.

Geiger said picking

your own vegetables is cost effective and a great activity families can do together.

“We set our prices in 2020 and haven’t moved them,” he said. Geiger said he’s also had several Ukrainian immigrants visit the garden and share their stories with him.

“They miss home. A lot of Ukrainian immigrants came over to escape what was going on over there. They would come out and pick a tomato and sit down and smell it and (I have) found them crying because it reminded them of home,” he said.

“One lady came to beat the sale and she’s still struggling. Her husband is still over there and her family is here and she’s trying to find work.”

In the meantime, Geiger said running the garden is a big job and a labour of love.

“Well it has to be a (labour of love),” he said. “(Because) anyone that plants a large garden like this has to be kind of half crazy.”

Be prepared before the next power outage.

Aaron Geiger, owner/operator of Pitchfork Gardens. Jana Semeniuk photo.

Pitchfork Gardens had plenty of families out picking vegetables together for the last picking weekend of the season. L-R: Wendy Consorata and her children Cole, 8, and Hayden, 6. Photo: Jana Semeniuk

CLASSIFIEDS CLASSIFIEDS

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Fall Vegetables are Ready!! Potatoes, Carrots, Beets, and Cucumbers!

Off Highway 13 Turn North on RR 122 go North 3 Miles. Helen Tanton 780-888-6800

CARD OF THANKS

The family of Hubert Fleck would like to thank all those who attended his service at the "House". Thanks to Weber Funeral Home for their compassionate care. To Pastor Peter Beckman for officiating. Many thanks to those who brought food, sent flowers, cards, phone calls and words of comfort. Also for the many donations in memory of Hubert. Our family is very appreciative of all your kindness and prayers during this very sad time.

With gratitude, Elaine, Dean, Darren, Deanna & Michele and our families.

COMING EVENTS

Viking AA Group Meetings Wednesdays at 8 p.m. at the Golden Valley Lutheran Church

LEARN TO PLAY AN INSTRUMENT!

Battle River Pipes and Drums is hosting an OPEN HOUSE Sunday, Oct. 6, 12 noon to 2 pm at 4402 47 Avenue, Sedgewick. Introduction to Bagpipes, Snare Drum and Tenor drum. We also have a professional tenor drum instructor coming to Sedgewick on Saturday, Oct. 5, if you'd like to get one-on-one hands-on instruction. Call Ian for more details: 780-390-0096

Brian’s U-Pick will be located in Daysland between Daysland Pharmacy and the Former ATB Building Monday to Friday 10 to 4 Saturday 10 to 3

Last day Monday Sept. 30 10 to 4

Bruderheim Community Thrift Store SUMMER SALE : clothes only September 23rd to October 4th, Monday to Friday 9 am to 6 pm. Opposite of Bruderheim School.

FOR SALE

2001 Ford F150 4x4, full loaded 4 door with canopy. Great condition, bills and invoices from past 5 years for all work done. Rust around bottom of truck box. 190,000 kms. $4000.00. 780-8952636

WHITE SPRUCE TREES: 5’ average $50. Installation ONLY $19. Includes: hole augered, Wurzel Dip enzyme injection, bark mulch application, staking. Minimum order 20. One-time fuel charge: $150 - 200. Crystal Springs. 403-820-0961. Quality guaranteed. www.albertasprucetrees.com.

Brian’s U-Pick is having a Liquidation Sale and Closing Out Sale on all Potted Plants and Trees: Apples, Cherries, Plums, Apricots, and Perennials. Lily of the Valley, Peonies, Mother of Thyme. Also, Poplars, and Willows. All must go and be gone by the end of September.

Also has Strawberry Plants, Blueberries, Currants, Goji Berries, Raspberries, Saskatoons. All must go and be gone within two weeks. Call Brian at 780-678-0053.

GARAGE SALE

Garage Sale

Flagstaff Scottish Club Friday, Sept. 27 and Saturday, Sept. 28 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 4402 47 Avenue, Sedgewick

LAND FOR SALE

Land for sale: 13.22 acres in Whitford. Great piece of land for farming or to build your dream home or hobby farm. No services on land. Call 780-9517158 for more information.

SEED FOR SALE

WE BUY DAMAGED GRAINHeated, Mixed, Tough, Light, Bugs, Spring Thrashed....Barley, Wheat, Oats, Peas, Flax, Canola. "On Farm Pickup". Westcan Feed & Grain 1-877250-5252.

ALBERTA FEED GRAIN: Buying Oats, Barley, Wheat, Canola, Peas, Screenings, Mixed Grains. Dry, Wet, Heated, or Spring Thresh. Prompt Payment. In House Trucks, In House Excreta Cleaning. Vac Rental. 1-888483-8789.

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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!

HEALTH

HIP/KNEE REPLACEMENT. Other medical conditions causing TROUBLE WALKING or DRESSING? The Disability Tax Credit allows for $3,000 yearly tax credit and $30,000 lump sum refund. Take advantage of this offer. Apply NOW; quickest refund Nationwide: Expert help. 1-844-4535372.

FOR RENT

Large, non-smoking 2 Bedroom Apartment in Killam. Call Chuck 780-263-7290

HARDISTY: 2 BR furnished house for rent available now. $1200 plus electricity. Call or text 780-717-6783

HELP WANTED

Join Our Team! Dynamic insurance brokerage seeking an experienced broker. Competitive salary, Work-life balance, and a supportive team environment. Grow your career with us! Apply today: Call 780-662-0330, Email hello@ravenhillagencies.com.

SERVICES

Clay-Con Construction Clayton Rauser38+ year Journeyman Carpenter 780-385-5448

All Types of Renovations •Additions •Decks •Roofing •Concrete •Windows •Framing

•5” Continuous Eavestroughs •Siding •and More!

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! I also do ceiling textures.

Flagstaff Taping & Texturing

Murray Cholowsky Call or text at 780-385-1251

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.

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.

Mike & Dave Rv Inc. Service, Storage, Parts. Call us today! 780-415-5015 or visit our website: www.mdrv.ca **Located just 11 kms North of Tofield on Highway 834**

Painting

Quality Residential and Commercial Interior Painting. Betty Tkaczyk 780-632-8749

Roy's Handyman Services. Flooring, trim work, basement finishing, decks, fences, kitchen cabinet installs and carpentry work. Call 780-232-3097

Hawkeye Ag Inc. Custom Corral Cleaning. Excavator, Bulldozer, Grader, Skid Steer, Compactor, Manure Spreader. Serving Lamont County and Areas, custom corral cleaning, earth works, aggregate and excavation. Call Clayton @ 780.718.7479, or email at hawkeyeagservices@outlook.com.

Medical Taxi Service

Personal Taxi Service to Edmonton and Back $175

•Absolutely NO Hidden Fees •Escort to Reception/Waiting Room •Pick up and Drop off at your door

•Top Notch Service! •Retired Medic •Locally Owned and Operated 587-987-7810

WANTED

Roommate for 2 bedroom cabin. 10 minutes East down Highway 29 to Range Road 182, and a mile and a half South. Address 552044 Range Road 182. Furnished, landline available, satellite TV, smoking or nonsmoking, Village of Chipman water fountain. 10 acres fenced in pastures available, with feed. Small pets welcome, transportation available. $500-$700 monthly, open to negotiation. 780-363-2180, 780-983-2348

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COLLECTOR/ ENTREPRENEUR PURCHASING COINS & COLLECTIONS! CASH PAID! ROYAL CANADIAN MINT COINS, collections, rare & old coins, silver & gold coins, jewelry, nuggets, bullion, sterling, gold & silver! 306-774-2420.

Newly renovated Bruderheim home destroyed by fire

Homeowner plagued by same group of vandals for past three weeks

BY JANA SEMENIUK

A fire engulfed the rental home of Bruderheim resident and business owner Jesse Fifoot the evening of Sept. 23, after Fifoot recently completed over $40,000 worth of renovations.

The fire did not damage Fifoot’s business, J&P Storage, where he rents RV storage space and sits on the same property.

Fifoot said the home, located on 52 ave and highway 45, was left to burn for 20 minutes while the Bruderheim fire department were on the road unable to operate their fire truck.

Lamont County communications director Jay Zaal said fire crews arrived within minutes and he was not aware of any problems operating the fire trucks.

“Crews from Bruderheim, Lamont, and Chipman responded to a structure fire (Sept. 23) at approx. 8:10 p.m., and on arrival, located a single-family dwelling well involved with fire on multiple sides. They assessed the scene and were attacking the fire within minutes. The structure experienced significant damage. Further investigation is completed by the Fire Investigators and the

RCMP,” he said by email.

“The crews arrived on site and assessed the scene and were attacking the fire within seven minutes. To my knowledge no delay on operating the trucks.”

Meanwhile, Fifoot said he was first notified at 8:05 p.m. as he was driving back to town after hunting nearby. He said he had been living at the rental home for the past four months doing renovations and working his job while his wife and two children remained in their Bruderheim residence. He said he could see a huge ball of fire rising above the trees as he drove closer. He said he

was in disbelief.

“I've spent four straight months, renovating this house myself, and the intent, was to turn it into a rental home October 1, where I had a renter all ready,” he said.

“I look at the time I lost from my family, because I literally spent months down here renovating this entire house, and it's just gone. Everything's gone. The time is gone, the energy's wasted.”

Although Fifoot said the cause of the fire is still under investigation, he said he has been battling vandals over the past few weeks, starting earlier this month when four teens were caught breaking into the home.

“We physically caught four teens in the house. I got back from camping, and my daughter seen the front door open, and four teens ran out, and they actually got stuck on the barbed wire fence over there, when they tried to run. So that's how I caught all four of them. One had a torch and another had a lighter,” said Fifoot adding the same teens were caught near the property again Sept. 20.

“That same night they were caught again, and then they came back and walked up to my daughter and her friend in the front yard and started hollering some bad stuff

at them. I chased them out of here.”

Fifoot said all incidents were reported to the police. He said he feels a sense of injustice after trying to be understanding with the kids.

“After the first incident, I agreed not to press charges, despite them beating out the windows and kicking the walls in, I agreed to restorative justice, where they'll help with community service, and none of them registered for it,” he said.

“I agreed with the parents that I won't press charges, but they're going to give back to the community, and they didn't do it, and they didn't follow through.

“I've had three RCMP reports here for the last two weeks for the same group of boys.”

Fifoot said he didn’t want to make assumptions as to the cause of the fire, and will wait for the final report by fire investigators.

Meanwhile, Fifoot said the incidents have not deterred him from wanting to stay in Bruderheim.

“I want to rebuild. I want to have something here. I love the area,” he said adding he was fully insured. “The outreach from the community has been nothing short of amazing. It’s a small community vibe. I haven’t even gotten to a fraction of the messages yet.”

Fifoot said fire crews had the fire under control within one hour and finally left the scene at 1 a.m.

Bruderheim Seniors corn roast and pot luck an important fundraiser

BY TIFFANY ADAM

In Bruderheim for the Seniors Club the Corn Roast is much more than just a get together with all the members and your friends to share corn and potluck the members bring. It is a tradition from long ago to open the year for the club.

“We hope to get others in as we are in desperate need to get other members, in order for this organization to continue,” said Ed Lawrence, president.

Ed who is the youngest gentleman on the board will gladly tell the tradition of purchas-

ing the corn from the Hutterites and putting this corn roast on for as long as the centre has been open.

“We have been putting it on every year, every September. We did it before I came here and I have been here 10 years. It's actually one of our potluck suppers that we do a corn roast instead of a hot dog supper.”

The Senior’s club has just over 20 volunteers however 10 of them are lifetime members who are aged over 80 and they have served their amazing time and now enjoy the company of everyone that comes to

the centre.

So, the club only has about 12 active volunteers who do amazing work to help keep the club running. However, it takes about 18 to run the bigger fundraisers like the next oneDeutschland Days on October 5th.

Ed is hoping on September 26th to pass a special resolution that will modify bylaws and drop the age from 50 down to 40 to become a member.

“We need to get young members in that will take over and take this in the direction they need for the newer genera-

tions otherwise we won't survive because we own this building, it's not a lease, so we pay the utilities” he said.

The Seniors Club has a pancake breakfast every first Saturday of the month unless the holiday falls on the day then it’s the Saturday before.

It is open to everyone to come down - you do not need to be a member; this is their main fundraiser besides the couple of 50/50 they put on during the year. It helps offset the costs of the club.

The regular hours the club is open are Tuesdays and Thursdays

from 10 am to 12 pm and they are newly opened on Wednesdays from 7 pm to 9 pm.

Everyone is welcome to come check out the activities and meet the wonderful faces that run the club or become a member yourself and help keep a great tradition alive.

The scene Sept. 23 from a Bruderheim resident's home on 45 street looking onto a large fire nearby. The blaze destroyed a newly renovated rental property.

Photo: Allison Diaz

Bruderheim resident and business owner, Jesse Fifoot, vows to remain in the community he loves despite repeated problems with vandals and an unexplained fire engulfing his newly renovated rental property on Sept. 23. Photo: Jana Semeniuk

President Ed Lawrence giving the opening welcome speech to all the members. Tiffany Adam photo.

18 Wheels Food Bank fundraiser nearing their goal

BY JANA SEMENIUK

New friends, leather crafter Sheri Braunstein who owns and operates Wild Rose Leather and Beads and local poultry farmer Christine Hoefling, are nearing the end of their 18 Wheels and a Dozen Roses fundraiser for the County of Lamont Food Bank.

The two teamed up at the Lamont Farmers Market selling tickets for one prize of a dozen hand-crafted leather red roses, in addition to a handmade leather wallet with the image of a tractor-trailer imbedded on the cover, plus a second

prize of a thanksgiving turkey courtesy of Christine’s Poultry.

The pair have been selling tickets, for $10 each, every Wed. for the month of Sept. in hopes of raising at least $1,000 for the food bank.

They were recently invited to man a table at Pitchfork Gardens’ end of the year sale where they sold more tickets and are even closer to their goal.

“Christine is a selling machine,” Braunstein said laughing. “She knows everybody, so she’s been promoting this like crazy. Our goal was $1,000 and we’re

about $100 off our goal right now. Just a few more tickets and we’ll meet our goal!”

In an earlier interview, Braunstein said she felt she wanted to give back to the community of Lamont who treated her so kindly when she first set up a table at the weekly farmer’s market.

“They’re so kind and such a community, and it’s what I grew up with.

One of my favorite country songs is 18 Wheels and a Dozen Roses, by Kathy Mattea, so that’s why I decided to do 18 Wheels and a Dozen Roses; the wallet is the 18 Wheels and a dozen

Bruderheim pubic works employees visit Bruderheim School

BY JANA SEMENIUK

Bruderheim School children were treated to a plastic hard hat and a visit from the Town of Bruderheim’s Public Works department on Sept. 19.

roses (made of leather),” she said.

Meanwhile, the two said another fundraiser could be in the works.

“Oh yeah,” said Hoefling. “We’re already talking future plans.”

Tickets are still being sold up until the date of the draw, Sept. 25 at 5:30 p.m. taking place during the Lamont Farmer’s Market at the Lamont arena.

Notice to Creditors and Claimants Estate of MARY LOUISE LINDSTROM also known as LOUISE LINDSTROM who died on 2024-01-07.

If you have a claim against this estate, you must file your claim by: 2024-11-06, with: Heather Weir, Barrister & Solicitor 10316 - 124 Street NW Edmonton, AB T5N 1R2

If you do not file by the date above, the estate property can lawfully be distributed without regard to any claim you may have.

Bruderheim Chief Operating Officer Dennis Tomuschat said the event is like a career day for the kids.

“Kids get to see what we do and maybe they will even consider it for a career choice one day,” he said. “It’s important

Large equipment vehicles, including a dump truck, grader, and a loader were lined up for the staff to operate for the kids and answer questions about how they worked.

that they know how their town gets maintained.”

Kids posed for photos in the bucket of a frontend loader and pumped their fists in the air when the dump truck was lifted to full height.

As an added bonus, the public works department distributed containers of chips to each of the kids.

I budget a portion of my revenue to advertising with The Leader. It’s smart business to re-invest in promoting my business.

I see other successful businesses advertising in The Leader. Great minds think alike!

Sheri Braunstein (L) and Christine Hoefling (R) sit with the grand prize for a County of Lamont Food Bank fundraiser at Pitchfork Garden's end of the year sale Sept. 21. Photo: Jana Semeniuk

Bruderheim Chief Operating Officer Dennis Tomuschat takes questions from Bruderheim School children during a visit from the town's public works department on Sept. 19. Photo: Jana Semeniuk

Lamont County has proclaimed September 23-29, 2024 as Rail Safety Week: lamontcounty.ca/ news/post/rail-safety-week-sept23-29

Community Services: Serving Lamont County, Lamont, Bruderheim, Mundare, Andrew & Chipman

(VISIT: lamontcounty.ca/community-programming for full posters and locations, or call 780-895-2233 for info./registration). Some of the current CALC, FCSS & KFRN include:

1. Fall programs coming soon. Visit lamontcounty.ca/community-programming for schedules (when updated later this month)

2. Park Play & Parenting – Various Dates & Locations - Registration Required at least three days in advance: https://signup.com/go/ALbOkbf

3. Move Your Mood Online Family Fall Challenge – Register: erin.b@lamontcounty.ca

4. Youth Coalition: for more info contact Erin.B@lamontcounty.ca

5. Meals in Motion: OCTOBER Menu. Call Chrissy to order at 780-975-9592.

View a larger menu at lamontcounty.ca/ communityprogramming OCTOBER MENU NOW AVAILABLE

Access current monthly services & programs information scan the QR code or for FCSS, CALC and KFRN on each of the services’ Facebook pgs: | FCSS: FCSSlamontcountyregion | KFRN: groups/1922602184662497 | CALC: LamontCountyAdultLearns |

For more info, scan the QR code or lamontcounty.ca/community-programming | Contact CALC/FCSS/KFRN: 1-877-895-2233

Happy #WeedAwarenessWednesday Lamont County. Each week, from April –Sept. we feature prohibited noxious weeds for awareness/recognition.

If you find it, report it!

Weed inspectors inspect/identify weeds each year as required by the Alberta Weed Control Act. See our social media accounts or the QR Code. For a list of noxious weeds visit: lamontcounty.ca/weeds

Other Items

Public Hearing for LUB Amendment (Oct. 8) | Fire Restriction in Effect (July 23). Two Development Permits (appeal dates by Sept 24 and 26). New Economic Development website: lamontcountynow.ca.

Service Level (annual) Engagement Survey results (lamontcounty.ca/news). Annual Charity Golf Tournament Raises $37,000 (lamontcounty.ca/news).

Lamont County is hiring for an Agricultural Operator, Paid on Call Firefighters.

Next Agricultural Service Board (ASB) Meeting

The next scheduled ASB meeting is (Wednesday) October 9, 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)

The next Regular Council Meeting is planned for Tuesday, October 8, starting at 9:00 a.m. The public is welcome to attend at the Lamont County Administration 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).

Rail Safety Week 2024

First year 4-H members may be eligible to have fees waived

Kari Janzen Staff Reporter

This year, for kids who are interested in joining their local 4-H club, memberships can be paid for in full by local Alberta Co-ops, including Wild Rose Co-op.

“We are thrilled to announce that 4-H Alberta has partnered for a second year in a row with Federated Co-operatives Limited as a generous sponsor of the new CO-OP Growing Leaders program, an exciting initiative that will fund new 4-H Alberta members,” the 4-H Alberta website says.

“Each of these 13 Co-op locations will be supporting 4-H Alberta by funding new member registration fees for firstyear members (to a maximum of $200) and up to 50 per cent (to a maximum of $100) for second-year returning CO-OP Growing Leader Member applicants,” the website says.

An online application must be completed and submitted in order to receive funding, though an application does not guarantee approval.

“Funding will be provided on a firstcome, first-serve basis. All information entered in the application will be confirmed with the local club and Co-op. Applying for funding does not guarantee that you

will be approved,” the website says.

Last year, the first year of this partnership, 209 new members joined 4-H through this program.

“The innovative and ground-breaking program is designed to remove barriers and provide easy access for youth who may have been curious about 4-H Alberta, but have never enrolled in a local club. During the inaugural rollout in the 2023/2024 club year, 209 members joined through the CO-OP Growing Leaders Program,” the website says.

The deadline to apply for funding is December 15, though clubs register new members in October.

4-H Alberta CEO Kurt Kinnear said this program is helping bring up the future leaders in our communities.

“We were thrilled to see so much success during the CO-OP Growing Leaders Program’s pilot year and are proud to continue this partnership. This ‘out of the box’ initiative has helped 209 new members experience the 4-H Alberta youth program, giving them an opportunity to grow their leadership and life skills, make lifelong friends, and have a lot of fun in the process. “Federated Co operatives Ltd. and the participating Co-ops understand and appreciate the importance of our young members who

will become the future leaders in our communities,” Kinnear said.

4-H began in Alberta in 1917 and continues to work towards their mission of inspiring, mentoring, and empowering youth to create positive change in communities through effective leadership.

Requirements for 4-H kids include practicing communication through public speaking, participating in community service activities, showcasing what they’ve learned at annual achievement days, keeping careful record of what they do and learn in their specific project, and demonstrating participation in 70 per cent of all club activities.

Member projects vary and can include raising animals such as cattle, sheep, chickens, goats, bees, horses, as well as other projects like photography, archery, interior decorating, sewing, small engines, and everything in between. As Tofield Beef and Multi Club president Sierre Spruyt said in an update to the Tofield Chamber of Commerce, although members may want to add another project to the club, a leader is necessary to carry it out.

“There can be a struggle in finding someone to lead that group. If people

have ideas of new projects, they need to come with somebody that is willing to lead that, because somebody who's well versed in beef may not know much about chickens,” she said.

4-H Alberta is also able to offer financial assistance to families who may not be able to join 4-H due to financial restriction, also with an application deadline of December 15.

“In 2022, 4-H Alberta launched its first financial assistance pilot program. Due to the high demand on the program and thanks to the generosity of our community, the McCall MacBain Foundation, as well as UFA, we will once again be offering the Financial Assistance Program for the 2024/2025 Club year and will be able to increase the funding available for up to four times the number of youth from 2022,” the website says.

“Any member who may be considering to opt out of 4-H Alberta or may not be in a financial position to join the 4-H Alberta program due to financial constraints or limited financial resources are strongly encouraged to apply by completing this application,” the website says.

$2,000 goal for local MK5K fundraiser held at Hastings Lake

BY KARI JANZEN

Sonya Martens of Hastings Lake organized and participated in her first year of the nationwide 23rd annual Mary Kay 5K with nine others on Saturday, September 21.

Martens lives right on Hastings Lake, and walks the shore often.

“I live right on the lakefront here, so I walk that all the time,” she said.

An independent sales director with Mary Kay for 12 years, Martens said their group’s personal fundraising goal is $2,000.

“I can still collect until September 30, and we're only $260 away. I've got Lamont and Tofield markets this week, so I'm more than confident that we're going to surpass the goal,” she said.

The funds raised from the MK5K goes to the Mary Kay Ash Charitable Foundation which supports women living with cancer and women who experience domestic violence.

“The Foundation’s mission is to support women living with cancer through our Look Good Feel Better program and to help women experiencing domestic violence by providing grants to women's shelters and community outreach programs across the nation,” their website says.

"We felt honoured to walk for our friends and family who have fought and beat cancer, and for the ones who sadly passed from the disease. We hope that with further research it can continue to help the ones we love to beat it in the future," participants Nicole Renneberg and her mother Judy Seib said.

One of Marten’s neighbours who is currently battling cancer joined the 5K, and Martens said another neighbour was grateful that they walked in her daughter’s memory.

“Two of my neighbours are currently battling cancer and Joanne actually was able to do the walk with us.

Continued on Page

Continued on Page 11

Ten people participated in the Mary Kay 5K by Hastings Lake on September 21, raising money for women living with cancer and women who experience domestic violence. Pictured L-R: Nicole Renneberg, Joanne McIntosh, Judy Seib, Nancy Digdon, Debra Teichgraber, Sonya Martens. Missing from photo: Jenaya Munro and her son, Rick Martens, Lisa Kuflay. PHOTO LISA KUFLAY

Tofield acting commander says RCMP app not being utilized

Kari Janzen Staff Reporter

In 2022, the Alberta Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) officially launched an app, called Alberta RCMP, for both iOS and Android devices in which Albertans are able to receive updates, report crime, access mental health supports, and more. New acting commander for the Tofield detachment Cst. Steve Genereaux said the app is not being utilized.

“We have an online police reporting tool which isn't being utilized, and I'm not sure why. I think it may be because nobody knows about it. We have the ability for members of the community to make reports online. In cases where they’ve made a call and they're being put on hold, they can use the online tool, and it still goes to the same place,” he said.

Cst. Genereaux said there are different levels of priority for calls that members need to address, and using the app can help manage the less urgent calls.

“In terms of files, we have some files that are urgent, super important, and we have other files that are (less so). We

have a dedicated unit that actually investigates those files and allows the local members more time to spend on drug investigations, theft investigations, those higher priority items, and gives them a bit of breathing room. Instead of having the members go out and do every single file, we have a dedicated unit that can do these investigations.

“I'm looking into why it isn't being utilized, and I don't have an answer yet, but I think it's a great tool, because it allows people to report from home without having to drive all the way into the detachment, while still getting the same level of service that they've always gotten and it also frees up our members to be able to go out and do proactive controls,” Cst. Genereaux said.

The app also provides news, detachment locations, crime mapping and statistics.

“Developing the app allows the Alberta RCMP to provide the public with online access to news, crime reporting, detachment locations, crime mapping and statistics,and a map for initiatives like Project Lock Up. The app also provides access to partner law enforcement services, mental health supports, Crime Stoppers

and links to Alberta RCMP social media accounts,” the RCMP website says.

Superintendent Peter Tewfik, officer in charge of Alberta RCMP’s Community Safety and Wellbeing Branch says the app is an efficient tool to relay information to the public and for residents to report crime.

"An app is an easy way for the public to stay connected and report crime to the police along with gaining quick and easy access to Alberta RCMP news and information. The app provides the public with an option for digital accessibility that is convenient and centralized,” he said.

Alberta RCMP clarified that the app will not replace other tools of reporting crime or finding information.

“Even though the app provides convenient links to Alberta RCMP social media accounts, this app will not replace the existing website, social media feeds, or other sources for information. The tool also will not replace other methods of crime reporting, engagement, or emergency assistance. Citizens should remember that social media posts or use of other third-party crime apps are not appropriate ways to report

a crime,” the website says.

Alberta RCMP reminds people to phone 911 in emergencies and to file a report online through the app or call the local RCMP detachment for non-emergencies.

“For emergencies, or if you see a crime in progress, phone 911. For nonemergency property crimes, you can file your report online through the Alberta RCMP app, or contact your nearest RCMP detachment. If you have informationabout a crime and wish to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the ‘P3 Tips’ app. For scams and fraud, contact your local detachment and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca,” the website says.

Alberta RCMP also clarified that the app does not track or monitor users.

“In full compliance with Canadian privacy laws for mobile apps by the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada and the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Alberta, the Alberta RCMP app will not track or monitor users in any way,” the website says.

Cardiovascular exercise can provide brain health benefit

Three seconds go by in a flash, but that’s enough time for another person to join the masses already diagnosed with dementia.

According to Alzheimer’s Disease International, every three seconds someone in the world develops dementia, a condition that more than 55 million people were living with in 2020. The World Health Organization notes that various diseases and injuries that affect the brain can contribute to dementia.

As menacing a threat as dementia presents, individuals are not helpless against it. In fact, exercise, which can help lower risk for heart disease, stroke and various other conditions, can be a valuable ally against dementia as well.

What is the link between exercise and dementia? Dementia remains something of a mystery, but the Alzheimer’s Society notes that evidence is now strong enough to support the assertion that lack of physical exercise increases a person’s risk of developing dementia.

The Alzheimer’s Society also notes that researchers have discovered improvements in thinking and memory and reduced rates of dementia among middle-aged and older adults who exercised compared to those that did not. Is cardio the most effective exercise at

lowering dementia risk?

Speaking with CNBC, Silky Singh Pahlajani, a clinical professor of behavioural neurology and neuropsychiatry at Weill Cornell Medicine, noted that cardiovascular exercise, often referred to as cardio, can provide the biggest benefit for brain health of any form of exercise. Cardiovascular exercise can increase heart rate, which helps deliver oxygen cells to the brain.

The National Institutes of Health notes that oxygen shortages prevent the brain from working as well as it should, and a 2023 study published in the journal Redox Biology found that oxygen abnormality plays a crucial role in the occurrence and progression of Alzheimer’s disease.

How should aging adults approach exercise if they have been largely sedentary? Middle-aged and older adults who have not been physically active throughout their adult life but want to begin incorporating exercise into their daily routines are urged to speak with their physicians prior to beginning a fitness regimen. Preexisting conditions may make it difficult, if not impossible, to engage in certain forms of exercise.

A personal physician can consider a patient’s unique medical history and

then recommend certain exercises that won’t put him or her in jeopardy of suffering an injury or illness.

A gradual approach to exercising is typically best for individuals who have lived a sedentary lifestyle. Starting off slowly with a short walk or light physical activity like gardening can help the body acclimate to physical activity at a safe pace.

As adults bodies’ become more accustomed to exercise, men and women can then gradually increase the intensity of their workouts, switching from walking to jogging on a treadmill when possible.

Honey testing to begin at National Bee Diagnostic Centre

Jesse Boily Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The National Bee Diagnostic Centre (NBDC) in Beaverlodge is receiving funding to develop sugar and botanical testing services with the hope to increase the sales of Canadian honey in national and international markets.

Northwestern Polytechnic will receive more than $390,000 to create a Canadian honey authentication system.

“Not only will we be testing for quality, we will also be able to identify plant compounds in the honey that may have additional health benefits,” said Patricia Wolf Veiga, NBDC manager.

“Quality testing could create a distinctive Canadian brand similar to that of New Zealand’s Manuka

honey, marketed as an upscale product with higher levels of antimicrobials and antioxidants.”

The announcement of new funds comes from the federal government’s PrairiesCan $15.6 million investment in Alberta to increase access to equipment and testing facilities.

“This is all about ensuring Alberta businesses have what they need to innovate from start to finish in order to compete within Canada and around the world,” said Dan Vandal, Minister for PrairiesCan.

“Our government’s support for these projects is building on Alberta’s solid track record of commercializing innovative products, services and technologies in key sectors of our economy while supporting quality jobs in communities across the province.”

Canada’s honey crop was valued at $278 million in 2021, NBDC said in a statement to the News.

It noted that fake or adulterated honey entering the Canadian market has been an issue for decades, and that honey is one of the top three counterfeit foods in the world.

“Fraudulent honey impacts beekeeping in Canada by driving honey prices down and adding to issues already faced by the industry, such as bee mortality,” said NBDC.

“The testing of honey quality monitors for a fraudulent product that enters the Canadian market, but also protects the reputation of Canadian honey worldwide.”

The NBDC will test honey using High Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography (HPTLC), which “will determine the sugar spectrum in honey samples and identify botanical compounds that may be responsible for additional health benefits.”

beets,” said NBDC, noting that the influx of these products is hurting Canada’s sale to the United States, its biggest market.

“We are appreciative of PrairiesCan’s investment to advance sugar and botanical testing services at the NBDC,” said Sivagowry Lewis, NWP Dean of Applied Research and Innovation.

“In addition to honey, this funding will allow for diversification to include the testing of other agricultural products.”

The initiative is expected to grow the capacity of the NBDC, and it will then be able to offer similar services to other agricultural products in the future.

NWP said it expects to begin testing early next year but is waiting on equipment arrival, the creation of protocols, and the hiring of staff.

“The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has tested both domestic and imported honey since 2018 and found that 25 per cent of the imported samples had been cut with sugars such as corn syrup, rice and

Harvest recipe: layered no-bake pumpkin cheesecake

When fall comes around, there’s no lack of pumpkin spice offerings, but if you’re looking for a light and easy fall dessert, this no-bake layered pumpkin cheesecake will hit the spot.

While the receipe calls for cool whip, heavy whipped cream can be used, and is especially great if you sweeten it with a touch of maple syrup and vanilla.

For this recipe you’ll need an 8” x *8 pan, or a 9”x9” will also work, but you might get one extra layer in the smaller pan.

Ingredients:

1 (15oz or 398ml) can Pumpkin Puree (not pumpkin pie mix)

1 oz package of cream cheese (brought to room temperature)

1/2 c brown sugar

1/2 t cinnamon

1 t pumpkin pie spice

1 16 oz container Cool Whip (or 2c heavy whipped cream)

1 box graham wafers (any brand)

With a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the pumpkin puree and cream cheese until it’s light and fluffy.

Add the brown sugar, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice to the mixture. Fold in the Cool Whip carefully to keep the mixture light and airy.

In the ungreased pan, cover the entire pan with a layer of graham crackers, breaking or cutting them to fill the pan.

Spread about 1/4 of the pumpkin mixture at the bottom of the pan.

Repeat the layers until you’re left with the last layer of pumpkin mixture at the top.

Refrigerate for at least six hours, or overnight. This part is important to give the crackers time to soften into a cake-like consistency!

Toppings: For a topping you can use finely crushed graham wafers, or your choice of ground nuts.

Before serving, add another dollop of whipped topping and even a caramel or chocolate drizzle to dress it up.

Sandhill Cranes

the typical V-pattern, heading South in the early legs for their winter migration. This photo from southern Lamont County. Below a coyote living in Elk Island National Park. Crystal

MK5K

Continued from Page Continued from Page 5

Nola lost her daughter Amber to cancer, and she and her family from South Carolina were grateful to us for walking in her memory,” Martens said.

Martens said her sisterin-law went through the Look Good Feel Better program and she said the difference was amazing.

“The program is for those who are living with the effects of cancer and my sister-in-law was living with me at the time she went through that program. They give them a whole box of cosmetics, and they get to have a makeover up at the Cross Cancer Institute, and when they come out of there, it's like night and day how they look, and they get to take home all those products that they used.

"I am grateful for all of the donations and especially to many at the Lamont and Tofield markets for supporting this great cause. Together we are making a difference in many communities,” she said.

Volunteers work together to put together both take out and eat in orders at the Andrew Harvest Perogy supper.

Harvest perogy supper

held at Andrew

BY MELISSA MACINTOSH-YOUNG

On Sunday September 22nd the Andrew Community Centre was filled with the smell of butter and onions as residents gathered for the much anticipated Harvest Perogy Supper.

Hosted by the Andrew Community Centre Association, the event drew a large crowd, offering a break from the busy harvest season with an eat-in or take-out option. The delicious meal included perogies, sausages, vegetables, coleslaw, and a tasty dessert. Volunteers worked together to fill take-out orders, serve food and clear tables.

In addition to being a great meal, the Harvest Perogy Supper also served as a fundraiser.

Tammy Pickett, ACCA president, stated that the current ACCA was newly formed this year.

She said that the ACCA consists of four

mk98ltd@gmail.com

members; herself, Judy Rodomsky, Bree Kelly, Hannah O’Connor along with dedicated volunteers Annalee Laderoute, Cassie Ostashek and Marty Stuart. Pickett shared that the Community Centre had not been used in some time and is in need of a few repairs. The association is currently working towards raising funds for repairs such as a new roof and upgrades to the bar area. The group has also been hosting Bingo games every second Tuesday and is available for birthday party rentals.

This supper was not just about a break from the busy Harvest Season, but a way to strengthen bonds within the community. All those in attendance left with a full stomach, a warm heart, smiles on their faces, already looking forward to next year's supper.

This combine is hard at work in the north west end of Beaver County.

LISA KUFLAY PHOTO A grain cart empties into the waiting grain trailer during the harvest season in mid-September.

KARI JANZEN PHOTO

Lee Harding Troy Media

The fall harvest is in the storehouse, and it’s time to put away all proposals to cap fertilizer use in the name of saving the planet.

The Saskatoon-based Global Institute for Food Security (GIFS) conducted a comprehensive analysis of carbon emissions across Saskatchewan, Western Canada, Canada, and among international peers. Its study examined emissions from transportation, seed production, fertilizer and manure use, crop inputs, field activities, energy consumption, and post-harvest processes.

The studies, published last year, had very reassuring results. Canadian crop production was less carbon intensive than other places, and Western Canada was a little better yet. This proved true crop by crop.

In other words, Canadian farmers are focused on ensuring food security, not causing the droughts, fires, or storms that critics unfairly blame on them.

Carbon emissions per tonne of canola production were more than twice as high in France and Germany as in Canada. Australia was slightly less carbon intensive than Canada but still trailed Western Canada.

For non-durum wheat, Canada blew Australia, France, Germany, and the U.S. away with roughly half the carbon intensity of those countries. The U.S. had twice the carbon intensity for durum wheat as Canada, and Italy almost five times as much.

Canada performed exceptionally well in lentil production. Australian producers had 5.5 times the carbon emissions per tonne compared to Canada, while U.S. producers had eight times as much. In some parts of Canada, lentil production even acted as a net carbon sink, absorbing more carbon than it emitted. Canadian field peas produce one-tenth of the carbon emissions per tonne as found in Germany and onesixth that of France or the United States.

According to GIFS,

Canada excels in agriculture through practices such as “regenerative agriculture, including minimal soil disturbance, robust crop rotation, covering the land, integrating livestock and the effective management of crop inputs.”

The adoption of zero-till farming is especially important. Zero-till farming is an agricultural practice where the soil is left undisturbed by avoiding plowing or tilling, which helps retain nutrients, moisture, and greenhouse gases in the soil.

Western Canada has been especially keen to adopt the zero-till approach, unlike the United States, where only 30 percent of cropland is zero-till.

The adoption of optimal methods has already reduced Canadian carbon emissions substantially. Despite this progress, some net zero advocates are pushing to reduce carbon emissions from fertilizer use by 30 percent, similar to cuts being proposed in other sectors.

This target is unfair to Canadian agriculture, as the industry has already made

significant progress in reducing emissions. Nitrates are essential for crop growth, so farmers are already highly motivated to keep them in the soil rather than losing them to the atmosphere, regardless of concerns about global warming. Fewer nitrates would lead to lower yields and decreased protein content in crops.

Farmers are already motivated by their personal and economic interests to use fertilizer as efficiently as possible. While universal adoption of optimal tech-

niques might reduce emissions slightly, Canada is so far ahead in this game that a hard cap on fertilizer emissions could only be detrimental.

In 2021, Fertilizer Canada commissioned a study by MNP to estimate the costs of a 20 per cent drop in fertilizer use to achieve a 30 per cent reduction in emissions.

The study suggested that by 2030, bushels of production per acre would drop significantly for canola (23.6), corn (67.9), and spring wheat (36.1). By 2030,

the annual value of lost production for those crops alone would reach $10.4 billion.

If every animal and human in Canada died, leaving the country an unused wasteland, the drop in world greenhouse gas emissions would be only 1.4 percent. Any talk of reducing capping fertilizer inputs for the greater good is nonsense.

Public Policy. © Troy Media

Lee Harding is a Research Fellow for the Frontier Centre for

Heather Cameron Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Kevin Chanut, AFSC Vice President Lending with Agriculture Financial Services Corporation (AFSC), says that Succession Planning is a longterm strategy to ensure there’s a plan in place for a farm’s future and typically involves the transfer of the operation from one

generation to another.

“A farm succession plan is a comprehensive plan to intentionally transition a farm operation from one ownership to another over time,” said Chanut. “It needs to consider the needs and perspectives of all parties, will involve detailed preparation to ensure a smooth transition. Each plan will be unique to your own operations, one of the best

ways to design a successful plan is to start planning early and work together openly throughout the process. It begins with gathering information about the business and the people involved and then working with various advisors to ensure the succession goes smoothly. AFSC does not specialize in farm succession planning, but we work with clients and their team of advisors

to support the planning process.”

A good succession plan, Chanut says, is much more than good tax planning; it will be a written document that includes a three-to-five-year business plan, an understanding of the timeline for transition of ownership, a communication plan this includes an outline for how decision is made during the Continued on Fall Page 18

LARGE SUNFLOWER GROWN IN LAMONT COUNTY

20 suggestions for fall maintenance before the snow falls

1) Clean your gutters.

2) Check smoke detectors.

3) Bleed any water radiators.

4) Clear steam radiator vents.

5) Aerate the soil.

6) Store anything that can’t handle cold temperatures.

7) Water your lawn in the fall.

8) Keep window wells clean.

9) Fertilize your lawn in the fall.

10) Straighten your gutters to prepare for ice.

11) Clean gutter spouts.

12) Cut your grass short.

13) Winterize your sprinkler system.

14) Drain your garden hoses, disconnect and put away.

15) Make sure your chimney is clean.

16) Winterize your gas grill.

17) Store lawn chairs.

18) Change your furnace filters.

19) Update your winter driving kit.

20) Prepare your property for snow.

Joanna Overbo stands beside a massive sunflower she grew. She said most were blown over in a wind storm but this giant survived somehow. Submitted photo.

transition, and potentially a training plan to ensure appropriate knowledge transfer. Additional topics often covered in a farm succession plan, Chanut says, include individual needs assessments, financing requirements, life and estate planning, organizational structures and legal considerations.

“The toughest part of the process is often starting the conversation within the family and resistance to talking about the need and benefit to having a plan for your farm to continue as you look beyond present ownership and decision making to the future and the next generation of ownership. Sometimes it is necessary to bring in experts that can facilitate conversation and help the family as they work through all the necessary pieces of the plan. In working with a succession specialist, the process often begins with gathering information and then working with various advisors such as lenders, lawyers and accountants to prepare a plan that meets the needs of those involved. Farm succession plans should be regularly reviewed to account for changes. All family members involved in the transition and current and future owners should be part of the transition, and it will be necessary to have both legal and accounting experts who support the plan.”

Chanut emphasizes that it may also be necessary to have a Farm Transition Expert who can facilitate the plan and assist to ensure effective communication takes place to set the plan up for success. Chanut says there are also many online resources available, many accounting firms and solicitors focus on succession planning, and there are many individuals that offer succession planning facilitation services.

“You can look for opportunities to attend workshops and seminars put on by industry partners who recognize the importance of succession planning in setting up future generations to be successful such as the upcoming Bridging the Gap workshops hosted by Farm Management Canada, MNP and AFSC,” said Chanut. “Agriculture Financial Services (AFSC) is proud to partner with Farm Management Canada and MNP to present a series of Bridging the

Gap: Farm Transition Workshops. These one-day workshops are designed to help farm families successfully transition their operations from one generation to the next.”

Chanut says that the workshops will be held on October 19 at the Medicine Hat Exhibition and Stampede in Medicine Hat; November 12 at the Red Deer Resort and Casino in Red Deer; and March 5, 2025 at Evergreen Park in Grande Prairie, Alberta.

“These workshops engage multiple generations of farm families in meaningful discussions about planning, communication, and navigating the complexities of farm transition,” said Chanut. “Attendees will walk away with valuable resources, tools, and strategies to ensure the future success of their farms.”

AFSC, Chanut says, is proud to be able to assist producers as they start, establish, and expand their farm operations through the organization’s risk management and loan programs.

“Our programs and our agricultural industry specialists provide AFSC with an opportunity to support the next generation producers directly, and we recognize the benefit of providing existing and incoming generations with the opportunity and access to professional advice and assistance when it comes to succession planning,” said Chanut. “While we do not recommend any specific transition experts, accounting firms, or solicitors, we do highlight the importance of having professional assistance as part of a succession plan. Having an intentional and well thought out suc-

cession plan can support family relations, support the sustainment and growth of a farm business, and can optimize tax planning. It is all about looking to the future, working together to establish open communication throughout, understanding each other’s goals, setting a timeline for change to take place, and ensuring appropriate financial planning for the transition.”

One of the programs that AFSC offers, Chanut says, is The Next Generation Loan program, which provides new entrants and young agricultural producers with a consistent source of fixedrate term loans to establish their own operations.

“For those looking to start farming, join or take over the family farm, we offer loan terms and interest rates that are hard to beat. Not only do we offer a great in-

terest rate upfront, but we also offer a one percent interest rate reduction for up to five years on the first term of the loan,” said Chanut.

Beginning this month, Chanut says, the interest rate incentive is increasing to up to $1.5 million lifetime loan principal balance for each qualifying individual from the previous $1 million limit, and the required percentage of Next Generation ownership in a farming company needed to qualify for the Next Generation Loan is dropping to 20 per cent down from 25 per cent.

“Agriculture and farming are more complicated and require greater capital investment than ever,” said Chanut. “Without appropriate planning and support throughout a farm transition, there is a greater risk that any mistakes made could jeopardize the operation’s viability. To support and sustain the agricultural industry, it is vitally important that future generations are brought into the industry and are set up for success. A succession plan isn’t

something that is crossed off the to-do list. It is often a gradual process involving a sequencing of events. For instance, the incoming generation may purchase a quarter of land as a starting point, or they may buy into the business as a formal shareholder. Once a succession plan is in place, it is important to ensure you take advantage of risk management programs and find financing partners that best assist your operation and understand you, your operation, and the industry. AFSC is happy that we can provide relevant risk management and loan programs provided by team members that are knowledgeable and passionate about supporting agriculture and our clients. A farm succession plan is an investment into the business that will yield results for years to come. Far too often, farm operations fail because intentional planning did not occur. Being intentional and treating succession planning with importance is critical to the longterm success of a farming operation.”

A herd of cattle in a pasture stand by the fence on a cool September evening. KARI JANZEN PHOTOS

A farmer bales his hay while the sun shines in early September.

How to prepare for inclement weather

Kari Janzen Staff Reporter

As the winter months approach, it is good to consider how to be prepared for Alberta weather and have a plan when facing blizzards, freezing rain, ice storms, and extreme cold.

The government of Alberta says a blizzard warning will be issued when falling or blowing snow reaches speeds of at least 40 km/h with visibility reduced to 400 metres or less, with the expectation that the blizzard will last four hours or longer. If possible, it is suggested to avoid any travel during a blizzard.

“Avoid driving and wait several hours after the storm ends before going anywhere. If you have to drive, check Alberta 511 for current road conditions, travel during daytime hours, make sure you have a wellstocked vehicle emergency kit, and use the buddy system so someone knows where you are going and when you expect to get there,” the provincial website says.

An emergency kit for your vehicle is suggested

to include a first aid kit, a fire extinguisher, a blanket, a road map and compass, extra clothing and footwear, paper towel or rags, sand, road salt, flashlight with extra batteries, emergency food that won’t spoil (granola bars, nuts, or chocolate), an ice scraper and snow brush, a cell phone, a candle in deep tin, waterproof matches, a shovel, and booster cables.

During a blizzard it is also recommended to remain inside.

“If possible, avoid going outdoors. If you have to go outdoors, make sure you dress for the weather. If you live in a rural area, string guidelines between your house and any other buildings you might have to get to during the storm,” the website says.

If you end up on the side of the road during a blizzard, it is suggested to run the engine intermittently to stay warm, but also crack the window open to allow fresh air inside the vehicle.

“If you are stuck in your vehicle remain calm, stay inside and call for help. Occasionally run the engine to stay

warm, but beware of exhaust fumes and make sure the exhaust pipe is not blocked with snow. Also allow fresh air in by opening the window slightly on the sheltered side away from the wind,” the website says.

The guidelines for freezing rain and ice storms are similar to precautions during a blizzard, with the addition of being aware of the slippery surfaces. An ice storm is defined as large amounts of freezing rain that continues for several hours and can include wind, ice fog, and cold temperatures.

“Ice from freezing rain can build up on any surface making sidewalks

and pathways dangerous for falls and slips. Pay close attention to large sheets of ice on buildings, tree branches and power lines, which could fall unexpectedly,” the website says.

During extremely cold temperatures when the reading on the thermometer can dip below -40C, the province reminds individuals that if they are workingoutside, it is important not to be overexerted.

“Dress in warm, windproof layers. Watch for signs of frostbite, which can occur in less than 10 minutes in extreme cold. When working outside, do not over exert yourself. Sweating can lead to hypothermia, which can be fatal,” the website says.

Kosolowsky

Brett McKay

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The recent reduction in caseworker positions in Alberta's Family Support for Children with Disabilities (FSCD) program will likely affect hundreds of families and add to what advocates say is an “exceedingly long” waitlist to access supports.

Disabled children and families in Alberta are facing wait times of over two years to get an individualized contract with a caseworker, says Keltie Marshall, parent and cofounder of Hold My Hand Alberta, an advocacy initiative that supports disabled children and their families. These delays make getting appropriate early intervention care for children with disabilities almost impossible, Marshall said.

“Children don't have two years to wait to access the therapies that they need. Would we tell a diabetic child, sorry, you have to wait two years for your insulin. No, we wouldn't. And so why are we telling autistic kids, sorry, you have to wait two years for your speech therapy and your occupational therapy?”

Marshall said in the last 18 months, her family has had six different caseworkers, and she is concerned that the province’s decision to not renew the contracts of several caseworkers will make it harder for remaining employees to provide the supports families need.

“We have spoken directly with one caseworker who currently has over 400 families on her caseload. The standard is 100,” she said. “No wonder families can't ever reach their caseworker.”

The Ministry of Seniors, Community and Social Services (SCSS) acknowledged that there were staff cutbacks in the FSCD program, but said this would not impact access to services.

“The Family Support for Children with Disabilities program funding has not changed, and families can continue to access services in their agreements. Seniors, Community and Social Services reviews its recruitment needs on an ongoing basis to ensure staffing levels are stable and consistent across the province. As part of this process, seven temporary contracted disability services workers were notified that their contracts will not be extended once they expire,” Sherene Khaw, spokesperson for the Ministry of Seniors, Community and Social Services, said in an email.

“The end of these contracts will not affect families’ ability to access services that are part of their agreements. We continue to work closely with families to make sure their needs are supported.”

Families already in the queue for supports say FSCD acknowledges there are major delays, but they struggle to get any detailed updates about their file from the program.

An automatic reply email sent from the provincial family support service team to a service applicant, which was posted to social media by Hold My Hand co-founder Sarah

Doll, states: “For families contacting the program to inquire about when their file will be assigned to a caseworker, please note that there are currently delays in caseworker assignment, and we cannot provide any timelines at this time.”

Doll is no longer with Hold My Hand Alberta. Khaw said SCSS "routinely monitors caseloads and staffing on an ongoing basis to ensure a balanced workload province-wide. Caseloads across the province can vary due to multiple factors."

The issues with FSCD are one of many facing families of children with disabilities in Alberta, Marshall said. “We're also, right now, trying to fight an education system that is so underfunded that our kids are not safe at school. All of these things add a brick to your backpack.”

Marshall said advocates want to see better collaboration between ministries to create child-centred teams and funding increases that would help children “be their best.”

“We can't go across Canada and say, ‘Alberta is calling –but leave your disabled kids at home.’”

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Hours: Mon. –Fri. 8:30 am –5:30 pm Sat. 8:30 am –1:30 pm.

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We take great pride in ensuring veterinary visits for our patients, even those that rarely leave the farm, are as stress free as possible. Many of our staff are Fear Free certified practitioners and we can help you make that trip to the vet clinic much easier!

Our community event to look forward to in 2024: •Farm Cat Spay/Neuter Clinic is running through the month of October. Call the clinic for more information 780-662-2227 or check out our website www.hastingslakevet.com We care for cats, dogs, caged pets and farm pets including poultry, goats, sheep, pot bellied pigs and alpacas.

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A combine empties on the go, to increase efficiency during the harvest season.

KARI JANZEN PHOTOS

A forage harvester cuts up a crop of wheat to make silage to store for the winter.

(NC) As your kids get older, it’s inevitable that they will begin to use social media and other online tools away from the home and your immediate oversight.

So, it’s important that you teach them some basic cyber-safety tips. Here are three things that every child who’s online should know.

count. Passwords should have at least 12 characters and a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers and symbols. Passphrases have a minimum of 15 characters and use a mix of words strung together that are easy to remember but are nearly impossible for someone else to guess.

or set up automatic updates. You should also turn off any features in applications your children don’t need to use, which could expose their personal information, including cameras, microphones and location trackers.

Protect their privacy

Use tech wisely

If you’re in charge of your children’s devices, be sure to regularly install all software updates

Show older kids how to install and automate updates and turn off those potentially privacy-invading features when they don’t need them. Find more cyber safety tips at getcybersafe.ca.

Teach children never to share personal information online, like their home address or school name, and ensure that those details are never visible in the background of images that they post.

Teach password safety

Explain to your kids the importance of using unique, hard-to-guess passwords or passphrases for every game, app or website ac-