March 1 Lamont Leader

Town bullies harass Andrew CAO and vandalize his property

New Andrew CAO uncertain if he will stay

BY JANA SEMENIUK

Andrew Chief

Administrative

Officer Tim Melnyk has been on the job for eight weeks and said during a recent interview that he is uncertain if he will stick around after experiencing a string of targeted vandalism in addition to public bullying by residents.

“How much do these people want me here?,” he asked. “It's something in how and why they think that way. I don't grasp it. It doesn't bother me but once you start getting stuff that starts happening, (in) your personal life, then it's time to make a decision that maybe it's time to move on.”

Melnyk’s trouble began within the first two weeks he came to town when he discovered someone had drilled screws into two of his truck tires. He speculated someone had used a cordless power drill in the vandalism.

“(They were) right in the middle of the sidewalls. I ended up putting air into it and putting some silicone around it and drove to Canadian Tire and they fixed it for me,” he said.

In addition to the vandalism on his truck tires, Melnyk said that prior to a council meeting soon after he was hired, he took down no less than 20 signs posted all over town with the following statements; “Village of Andrew residents – Attend council meetings and see what your council and CAO are doing to our village! We need to get rid of them!”

The signs have showed up on public bulletin boards and taped to other surfaces around the village intermittently since last year when previous CAO Sheila Lupul was terminated in May. Meanwhile, Melnyk endured a fur-

ther attack after his wiperblades were found crumpled on his windshield in addition to an incident after the Feb. 8 council meeting when he went to the parking lot to start his truck. Melnyk allowed the truck to run while standing and having a chat with Andrew Mayor Merwin Haight.

“We were standing there talking and I went ‘oh my God, that motor sounds terrible’, so I shut my motor off right away, lifted up the hood and there's oil

all over the place inside,” he said.

Melnyk explained that someone undid the oil lock on his engine sending oil flying through the opening when he started it up.

“I was down three liters of oil just from idle time. Luckily, I wasn't on the highway because it would have blown my motor,” he said.

Melnyk said the attacks continued the day he brought his wife to town from the province of Sask. for a visit.

As the couple were seated in a local pub on Feb. 17, Melnyk said a resident approached and berated him in front of his wife.

“One person came up to us and said “There’s the CAO who doesn’t know anything”,” said Melnyk, adding the beratement continued by a different resident as the couple walked outside.

“A blue truck pulled up and rolled down their window and shouted “How does a CAO like yourself not been s—t canned yet?”,” he said.

Melnyk said his family has so far remained in Sask. while his four children, ages 12 – 16, finish the school year. He said their home recently sold but his wife isn’t sold on living in Andrew.

“She said the town is full of bullies,” Melnyk said, adding he has filed police reports on the vandalism to his truck.

Meanwhile, Melnyk speculated on why he believes his presence in town may be causing resentment.

“Some folks are not used to change,” he said. “There’s been a lot of change since I started (Jan. 3). (There may be) a little retaliation.”

Councillor Barry Goertz would not comment on the matter.

“Sorry no comment. All comments should come from our appointed spokesperson – Mayor,” he said by text. Deputy Mayor Tammy Pickett as well as councillors Benny Dubitz and Evan Genung did not respond to a request for comment by press time.

Mayor Merwin Haight said the matter is under investigation.

“No comment at this time as the complaints are being dealt with by the RCMP,” he said.

An anonymous sign, photo taken last year, that has popped up around the village of Andrew intermittently since the termination of previous CAO Sheila Lupul last May. Most recently, more than 20 of them were posted in various spots around the village in Jan. after CAO Tim Melnyk was hired Jan. 3. Photo: Jana Semeniuk

Bruderheim to look at hiring its own CAO

BY JOHN MATHER Bruderheim

Council will be hoping the town administration presents a plan for having the town move forward to hire the next Chief Administrative Officer on their own, without the support of Strathcona County, at their Mar. 1 council meeting.

The original motion, developed Feb. 1, was to have administration engage with Strathcona County regarding changes and revisions to the Chief Administrative Officer Service Agreement as appropriate.

Mayor Karl Hauch said the original agreement between Bruderheim and Strathcona was signed more than 20 years ago.

“The motion was very broad in scope and allows for leeway, but I

believe it gives administration the ability to work with Strathcona County to develop options for hiring a CAO in the future,” he said.

“Likely we won’t be getting a CAO through Strathcona County any longer,” he said. “But first we have to approve the new directions.”

The original arrangement came about because Bruderheim had experienced several CAOs leaving in a short period of time, explained Hauch. The administration of the day was in a bit of chaos and the council of the day reached out to Strathcona for support.

He added Strathcona came up with a plan where they would provide a professional administrator and they would pay the salary and benefits.

Continued on Page 7

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The Lamont Leader (Lamont, Alberta), Wednesday, March

China election interference should raise concerns

BY JOHN MATHER

So the Chinese interfered in the last Canadian federal election.

Why doesn’t that come as a surprise.

But our illustrious Prime Minister doesn’t seem too concerned about it.

Yet, he should be.

Now the allegations are that the Chinese instructed operatives for their government - in the form of business people and foreign students - to vote for specific Liberal candidates in potential swing ridings, to defeat other candidates in order to see a minority Liberal government formed.

The rationale for this is that the Chinese see the Liberals as more sympathetic to the Chinese Communist government.

The story was broken by the Globe and Mail more than a week ago. They received leaked secret documents from the Canadian Security Intelligence Service  that covered a period before and after the Sept. 2021 election.

The CSIS reports were shared among senior government officials and Canada’s Five Eyes intelligence allies of the United States, Britain, Australia and New Zealand. Some of this intelligence was also shared with French and German spy services.

Over the past decade, China, under President Xi Jinping, has adopted a more aggressive foreign policy as it seeks to expand its political, economic and military influence around the world, reported the Globe.

MPs on the Commons Procedure and House Affairs committee are already looking into allegations that China interfered in the 2019 election campaign to support 11 candidates, most of them Liberal, in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).

Drawn from a series of CSIS intelligence-gathering operations, the documents illustrate how an orchestrated machine was operating in Canada with two primary aims; to ensure that a minority Liberal government was returned in 2021, and that certain Conservative candidates identified by China were defeated.

The reports shows that a former Chinese consular official in Vancouver boasted about how she helped defeat two Conservatives candidates.

But Justin Trudeau is questioning the accuracy of the reports of CSIS, which come from his own intelligence agency.

“We are very concerned with the leaks, particularly because there are so many inaccuracies in those leaks,” Trudeau told a news conference last week.

CONTINUED

Trudeau has maintained that Canadian voters alone decided the outcome of the last federal election.

“The election integrity held,” he said. “That does not mean, nor have we ever contended, that there isn’t ongoing efforts by countries like China to interfere in our democracies.”

But the prime minister didn’t specify which parts of the leaks are inaccurate.

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has accused Justin Trudeau of ignoring the Chinese interference.

“Justin Trudeau knew about this interference, and he covered it up because he benefited from it,” Poilievre said last week. He did not cite evidence beyond the Globe story.

However, Justin Trudeau is ruling out a public inquiry to examine

China’s interference and again insisted that Beijingdirected influence activities did not affect the outcome of the 2019 and 2021 elections.

Speaking to reporters while marking the first anniversary of Russia’s military invasion of Ukraine, Trudeau said he is satisfied with hearings now being conducted by a parliamentary committee into the past two election campaigns.

“I applaud the work by parliamentary committees to monitor the situation,” he said when asked if he would set up a public inquiry as requested by former chief electoral officer Jean-Pierre Kingsley.

Mr. Kingsley suggested an independent inquiry is necessary because the Chinese interference operations outlined in leaked secret and top-secret Canadian Security Intelligence Service

reports, which were viewed by the Globe and Mail, threaten to undermine confidence in the electoral system. He said Canadians must be able to “trust that the electoral process is not being tampered with by a foreign government.”

So my question on top of this is where is Jagmeet Singh?, he who so desperately wants to be Prime Minister?

Singh hasn’t said word one about this issue of Chinese interference.

Is it because he has an agreement to prop up the minority Liberal government for reasons that escape most Canadians.

Have the Chinese reached out and somehow comprised Singh and that’s why the agreement was created and he has been mum about the Chinese interference.

It makes you wonder?

BY HAZEL ANAKA

This week will be a mishmash of topics that have captured my attention lately.

On February 24th the world marked the first anniversary of Russian’s invasion of Ukraine. The general consensus is that winning the war is within Ukraine’s grasp if the rest of the world continues its support of the mission. Every thinking person understands that this war is in fact the world’s war and losing it to Putin cannot be allowed to happen. The latest ask by President Zelensky is for fighter jets. Poland has readily agreed as long as other countries come on board. The fact that Biden visited Kyiv likely bodes well for the US eventually saying yes. Hopefully, this immediate threat and the encroachment of our Artic air space by China convinces Canadian politicians that starving the Armed Forces of funding decade after decade has been wrong-headed. The time to properly fund the forces so they can protect our interests is now. And

FROM WHERE I SIT: Hits and Misses

Canadians had better not whine about it.

Ten years ago, when we visited New York City, the one Broadway show we saw was the Jersey Boys. While the details of the play have long faded, the overall impression of an extraordinary theatre experience has never waned.

So, it was with excited anticipation that we attended the Citadel’s version on Sunday. To say the music was incredible is to underestimate it. The show is the true story of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. The acoustics in the Shoctor Theatre allowed the incredible falsetto voice of ‘Frankie’ to fill the space and our hearts with his hit songs: Sherry, Big Girls Don’t Cry, Walk Like a Man, Oh What a Night, Can’t Take My Eyes Off You, Rag Doll, My Eyes Adored You, and many more. I think many of us miss what seemed like a simpler, more innocent way of life…when songs were straightforward; lyrics were understandable (even with the doowaps and shoo-bee-dos); dance moves were choreographed; and singers wore matching suits. This story reminds us that the world of breaking through and getting noticed, touring, and maintaining marriages and families has never been easy. Being a star is

no protection from trouble and heartache and in fact, creates some. A quick Google search tells us Frankie Valli is still performing at 88.

The WIFI nightmare continues. A service call by MCSNet was both instructive and maddening. I’d attempted to set up the 3 nodes of the Google Nest WIFI Pro the day before and been unsuccessful. The tech was also unsuccessful despite many attempts. He then sold us the $100 router the company uses and that seemed to work. Everywhere in the house except my office!! It worked in the old house and the new west wing but the signal dropped off precipitously the minute he crossed the threshold into the back entrance and my office. He has no explanation. Because his schedule that day was packed and he was already running late he couldn’t do what he/we think will be the ultimate and final fix. He will run a new cable outside from the radio on our TV tower to my office. I’ll buy another router dedicated to this one room and theoretically will finally live happily ever after. Unfortunately, this won’t happen until my birthday in early March.

Not being able to stream either Netflix or YouTube has meant I’ve been forced to watch

Minor hockey

U11 Wild wins game in shootout

KERRY

ANDERSON

These are some of the results from Minor Hockey League games held recently. (Please note that scores and scoring is taken from the websites, and some game scores and scoring is dependent on proper league entries).

On Sunday Elk Island U11 Wild downed Smoky Lake 6-5 at Bruderheim. The teams were tied three times just in the first frame before Wild took a 4-3 lead after two, and made it a two goal lead 8:16 into the third before Smoky Lake scored two late to tie the score 5-5. The teams

decided the game by shootout, SL scoring once while Jonas Wytrykush and Tyler Jonker scored for Wild. Sawyer Hanson got a hat trick in the game, and Tyson Jonker (1g 2a) and Jonas Wytrykush also scored. Assists went to; Christian McLeod (2a) and Denton Holowach (2a). Clark Wilson got the win in goal.

Elk Island U15 Wild won a 7-6 playoff game on Sunday against Thorhild at Bruderheim. The teams were tied three different times by 14:07 of the third period when things went crazy.

satellite TV. When I say ‘watch’ I really mean listen and glance up occasionally because my hands are never idle. No matter how old the episodes are shows like Frasier and Whose Line is it Anyway? never get old. The material stands the test of time and is just as funny today as the day it first aired. I’ve also watched a boatload of Forensic Files and rewatched some old movies. Hell, I even watched the Hunger Games for the first time.

One of the more bizarre series I tuned into

is the The Last of Us on HBO. It’s about a postapocalyptic world and is based on a video game. It made the local 6 o’clock news recently because of the positive impact it’s had on Alberta tourism. The show was shot in Edmonton, Calgary, Canmore, Nanton, High River and more. In fact, a map on the Travel Alberta website shows the locations. Other websites show the actual locations within the communities that benefited from this filming. This is just the shot in the arm the travel industry needs

after the COVID beating it took. I watched even though the genre is not my favourite. I likened it to the Star Wars series. Beyond the strange characters and special effects there was a strong storyline and real relationships. So too with The Last of Us despite the very creepy mutant fungal infection that is killing off the world’s people. Let’s hope its phenomenal success leads to a re-invigorated film industry in the province.

That concludes this week’s roundup of highs and lows, hits and misses. Now, back to regular life from where I sit.

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Wild scored three late goals to take a commanding lead. Thorhild replied with two in the final minute to come to within a goal with only 18 seconds remaining. William Furey got a hat trick for Wild. Other scorers were; Ashton Strickland (1g 1a), Rowan Young (1g), Nicklas Mehlenbacher (1g), and Kayden Winslow (1g). Assists went to; Thomas Purdy, Cameron Olechow, Gage Holowach, and Kyran Belcourt. Liam Ellis got the win in goal.

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The Lamont Leader (Lamont, Alberta), Wednesday, March 1, 2023 - 5

Bruderheim Community Church serves up traditional pancakes for Shrove Tuesday

BY JANA SEMENIUK

As Bruderheim Community Church members gathered to partake in a pancake dinner for the church’s traditional Shrove Tuesday, Pastor Wayne Larson reflected on why we do it. He said Shrove Tuesday is the day before the 40-day Lenten season which begins on Ash Wednesday. According to many Christian websites, Shrove Tuesday is exactly 47 days before Easter Sunday.

Pancakes are the tradi-

BABYOF 2022!

tional food for Shrove Tuesday as a way to enjoy butter, eggs and fat that would customarily be given up during the Lenten season.

“Come and eat pancakes and berries and syrup and lots of sweets, and then give up something sweet for Lent,” said Larson.

“So it's been a bit of a tradition, and it's been observed in a lot of the mainline churches.”

The Lenten season mimics the 40-day period, told in the Bible, where Jesus withdrew

into the wilderness following his baptism, without food or water and was tempted by the devil according to Christianity.com.

Meanwhile, approximately 40 people gathered for the Shrove Tuesday Pancake Dinner at the Bruderheim Community Church which served complete with pancakes, ham, a berry topping in addition to syrup and whipped cream.

Although the meal was free, donations were collected for the church.

23031dg2

Louanna Ouellet of Lamont County was the winner of the Lamont Leader’s “Babies of 2022” Contest. Louanna, along with mom Jessie (left), middle sister Abilene (centre), brother Dayne (centre right) and big sister Marley (right) came in for a family photo when she collected her prize ~ a gift basket of wonderful baby goodies donated by Lamont Vale Drug Mart. Louanna’s name was drawn from all the entries in the contest.

More than 40 people attended the Bruderheim Community Church's annual Shrove Tuesday Pancake Dinner Feb. 21. Photo: Jana Semeniuk

Mundare residents upset with animal control enforcement

BY JOHN MATHER

A pair of Whitetail residents came to Mundare Council Feb. 21 to discuss lack of enforcement of the Town’s animal control bylaw.

The couple had concerns about dogs running unleashed in the Whitetail area and defecating on the vacant lots and drainage areas around the acreages without cleaning up after their dog.

“We’re here as concerned citizens,” said the resident. “We’re not here to point fingers but we’re trying to be proactive before the spring when there are large piles of dog poop laying around.”

He said there were a few homes nearby where all the homeowners had dogs.

They told Council another homeowner had brought the issue to the town office last year and nothing had resulted from it.

“And other people are using the vacant lots as dumping grounds as well,” he said. “Some dump their lawn clippings on the vacant lots where they just sit and rot and they smell in the

summer.”

The ratepayers said they had spent a lot of money landscaping their property and weren’t happy with neighbours' dogs defecating on it. They did say they would be fencing their property in the spring but it still didn’t prevent the dogs from doing their business in the drainage areas adjacent to their property.

“And some of the owners clean up after their dogs and some don’t” he said. “It certainly isn’t the dogs’ fault.”

The couple said they were attracted to the area because they enjoyed golfing and the location was perfect.

Councillor Rick Patrie agreed with them saying the number of homeowners owning dogs had increased during the past year.

“I live in that area and I have a couple of dogs,” he said. “I have fake grass and mine never leave the yard.

“But there’s definitely more dog traffic than we had a year ago and I don’t know where they all live.”

The homeowner said

THAT’SWHATFRIENDSAREFOR

from a proactive point of view if the bylaws are enforced then there shouldn’t be a problem. He said the situation didn’t directly affect his property, but come spring it was going to be a mess.

He said there was a handout last year where residents were reminded not to flush paper towels into the sewer systems.

He wondered if a similar letter could be sent to the residents to clean up after their dogs.

“I’ve asked if there’s a penalty for failure to clean up after your dog and if it’s a $50 penalty then that is a joke,” the homeowner stated.

“In aid of being proactive and addressing this problem there should be a major fine and it should be enforced. He added he wouldn’t want to step into any dog poop because then he would be really upset.

He said the couple didn’t want to be viewed as the bad people by stating people should clean up after their dogs, but it is a bylaw that should be enforced by the Town.

“It’s the dog owners who are being irresponsible,” he said. “Coming to you is the only way I can address the situation.”

Councillor Irene Talaga agreed that the handout would be a good idea.

Patrie added maybe doing some door knocking in the area would be a good thing.

“I know I went to the golf course last weekend and their parking lot is a disaster,” he said. “And I know it’s hard to enforce.”

Chief Administrative Officer Colin Zyla said he had told the bylaw officer who knocked on some doors in Whitetail but no one was home.

Zyla added he had left a card but received no response.

Everyone agreed the handout was a good idea, because that didn’t single out any individ-

Bruderheim

Continued from Page 2

Bruderheim

would  repay Strathcona via a contract between the two municipalities.

“The contract has worked put very well and provided many very professional people,” added Hauch. “It stabilized our community administration and

ual.

Councillor Sandra Nicholson added the same problem occurred in the town’s parks and the cemetery.

The couple added they had owned two dogs in the past but because they enjoyed travelling more now, they didn’t have a dog anymore.

The ratepayer also asked about the noise trains make coming through town, blowing their whistles.

CAO Zyla said council had looked into this before and it would cost about $400,000 to install crossing arms, and the town only controlled one crossing with the others on  non-town roads.

The ratepayer further questioned truckers using jake brakes or engine retarder brakes in town.

Zyla said RCMP enforced that and he would check if the bylaw officer had any authority to enforce it.

On Highway 855 in the Whitetail area, only the west side of the highway is in the town limits, with the east side being in Lamont County, Zyla added.

The ratepayer suggested, since the truckers generally don’t stop in Mundare, maybe they could be rerouted to go from Highway 15 to Highway 16 at Chipman rather than coming through Mundare.

“They beat the hell out of your roads and contribute nothing to the community,” he said.

“All it takes is for the word to get out and the problem is solved. Hit a few with fines and the word will spread.”

Zyla said the Town didn’t have control over the highways so they couldn’t keep the trucks out of town. He did add he’d talk to the bylaw officer to see if any enforcement could be done.

Council moved to accept the delegation’s conversation  as information.

council. Strathcona provided great support when it was really needed.”

Hauch feels Bruderheim has more experience now and will

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“Strathcona will be part of the solution going forward, because they’ve stood with us a long time.”

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Friends Roger Stutzman, from the Tofield Floor Curling Team, and Al Belzile from the Mundare Floor Curling Team, share a laugh during the Feb.16 Invitational Tournament in Tofield. The Tofield team took first place out of 16 teams winning $100.

Photo: Jana Semeniuk

Expanded support for Ukrainians announced on one year anniversary of invasion

BY JANA SEMENIUK

On Feb. 24, the oneyear anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Fort Saskatchewan-Vegreville MLA and Parliamentary Secretary for Ukrainian Refugee Settlement Jackie ArmstrongHomeniuk was joined by Rajan Sawhney, Minister of Trade, Immigration and Multiculturalism and Jeremy Nixon, Minister of Seniors Community and Social Services to announce $7 million in expanded supports for Ukrainian refugees settling in Alberta during a press conference in Vegreville. Additionally, dis-

Charity

BY JOHN MATHER

The CFCW Critters came to Bruderheim to take on the Bruderheim Comets in a charity hockey game Feb. 23 and it was a great evening filled with some hockey and lots of hilarity, all for a good cause.

“It was a pretty good success for our town,” said Mayor Karl Hauch, who plays with the Comets. “For the first time hosting an event like this we raised more than $10,000.”

The game was held to raise funds to construct and fully accessible washroom at the arena, which Hauch estimates will costs $80,000.

“There are matching grants so we do have to raise $40,000 but our administration is doing a very good job at coming up with different fundraising ideas for the project.”

“It was truly amazing support from our businesses, industry and other neighbouring municipalities,” added Hauch. He pointed out Strathcona Mayor Rod Frank and Councillor Katie Berghofer were in attendance, along with Lamont County Reeve David Diduck and Councillor Dan Warawa.

MLA Jackie Armstrong Homeniuk was on hand to drop the official faceoff for the game flanked by a pair of RCMP in their red serge.

Hauch said the goal is

placed Ukrainians will be able to access even more supports through an expanded rent supplement program and extending the Ukrainian Evacuee Emergency Support and Benefits program. Both programs will be supported with $13.5 million allocated in the 2023 Alberta budget.

Oleksandr Danyleiko, the consul general of Ukraine, expressed his gratitude during the press conference.

“I'm really grateful from my heart for our government for Alberta to support Ukrainians to provide them because they are stressed,” said Danyleiko. “You can

imagine what the feeling they have, leaving the country, leaving loved ones, leaving their homes and go to a place they don't know.”

Former Alberta Premier Ed Stelmach, was also present at the press conference and said that the number of Ukrainian refugees coming into Lamont County changes regularly.

“That changes all the time. I’m guessing we have about 30 now and a few just arrived the other day,” he said, adding that he hopes criteria for the new Ukrainians to qualify for the additional supports will be relaxed.

“Off the (previous) rental assistance, I believe, only about 16 percent qualified in their applications because

they're (government) asking for asset base, well it’s pretty difficult to find out what your assets are in Ukraine if there's nothing left,” he said.

Meanwhile, Armstrong-Homeniuk has high hopes that the new supports will be helpful for those settling

Squeeze

in the area.

“The supports are going to make a difference for the Ukrainians that have come out to Alberta and specifically settled in Lamont County and area,” she said. “I'm really happy today.”

CERTIFIED SEED FOR SALE

Wheat:

to have the washroom completed in the next year.

Continued on Page 14

Land for Sale

Ducks Unlimited Canada is offering land for sale in the County of Lamont under its Revolving Land Conservation program. This program gives landowners the opportunity to buy project land for their own operational needs and support conservation. Land will have an area protected by a conservation easement but it can still be used for grazing, hay production or for recreational purposes.

LOCAL RLCP LAND FOR SALE & SPECIFICATIONS

LAKUSTA PROJECT:

Z County of Lamont: parcel is southwest of Two Hills

Z D-SE17-54-13-W4 and NE8-54-13-W4, 92 total acres

Z Access is on Township Road 541A

Z Parcel is located adjacent to Bens Lake

Z Tame grass: 82 acres

PROPERTY IS AVAILABLE NOW

Z Contact: Brittany Woelk b_woelk@ducks.ca 780-678-9699

ag.ducks.ca/program/revolving-land

CWRS - AAC Brandon - Rated MR for FHB resistance

- Most widely grown CWRS variety in Western Canada for 5 years

CWRS - AAC Wheatland VB

-Wheat Midge tolerant

- Very good lodging resistance

CWSWS - AC Andrew - Great silage option

-In demand by milling and ethanol industries

Yellow Peas:

CDC Canary - Improved standability

-Early maturity

-Higher Yielding

Faba Beans:

CDC 219-16 - Zero Tannin

- Seed is smaller than Snowbird, larger than CDC Snowdrop

6-Row Feed Barley:

AB Advantage - Improved plump and bushel weight

- Smooth awned

-High grain and forage yield

2-Row Malt Barley:

CDC Copeland - Strong demand by malting companies

Phone: 780-336-2583

Ducks Unlimited Canada-Alberta

Fort Saskatchewan-Vegreville MLA and Parliamentary Secretary for Ukrainian Refugee Settlement Jackie Armstrong-Homeniuk and former Alberta Premier Ed Stelmach after a press conference in Vegreville Feb. 24 announcing additional support for new Ukrainians. Photo: Jana Semeniuk

hockey game a fundraiser for Bruderheim

The Lamont Leader (Lamont, Alberta), Wednesday, March 1,

Corona Aurora takes over the skies

BY JANA SEMENIUK

A rare perspective of the Northern Lights sent many Albertans running for their cameras and pulling out their phones in the early morning hours of Feb. 27, hoping to capture photos of the incredible display.

Bruderheim resident Grant Northcott arrived at his job, as night security, near St. Michael at 12:30 a.m. and couldn’t believe what he saw.

“I was dumbfounded. Especially when I used the 3 second exposure on

my Iphone. I’ve never seen the Aurora Borealis like this except in pictures. This was amazing,” he said by text.

Northcott said the lightshow went on with varying intensity for the next three and a half hours. A second show occurred later in the evening of Feb. 27, starting at 7:30 p.m. and slowly fading by 8:30 p.m.

Meanwhile, social media pages dedicated to Aurora Borealis sightings lit up with photos,

emojis and comments as the images poured in from some of the nearly 200,000 online group members.

According to Aurora.live, when auroral activity peaks, it becomes very bright, structured and fast and is known as the coronal aurora or corona. The website describes them as rare and elusive, only happening sporadically at higher altitudes during substorms.

Portable Air Monitors moved to Newbrook area

BY JOHN MATHER

The Fort Air Partnership’s (FAP) portable air monitoring station has arrived at its new location in Newbrook after spending the past year in the Town of Lamont.

It began reporting from the Newbrook area earlier this month.

“The portable station

was moved near Newbrook to fill a gap of no continuous air monitoring being done historically in the northern region of the FAP Airshed,”  the FAP stated in a press release.The nearest continuous air quality monitoring station is located in Redwater, 42 km away.

Newbrook portable

PLANNING A SPRING AUCTION?

Take Advantage of our 59 Years in the Auction Business, conducting Annual Machinery

We offer:

* A Complete Auction Service * Farm, Commercial, Industrial & Real Estate Auctions

* Competitive rates with straight commission or guarantees

* An extensive advertising program to suit your individual sale

* Prompt Payout

station, located six km south, is on the northern border of the FAP, providing a good representation of the air quality leaving the FAP Airshed when there is a northerly airflow.

FAP has ten continuous air monitoring stations in and around Alberta’s Industrial Heartland.

Upcoming Auction Sales

Nick’s Oilfield Welding Killiam, AB

Real Estate & Retirement

March 31st to April 4th

Hwy #16/Rge Rd 185

Spring Consignment Sale

April 7th to 11th

Rimbey

Spring Consignment Sale

April 21st to 25th

Ron Fiveland of Westerose, AB

April 28th to May 2nd

Joe & Maria Beckman of Yellowhead County, AB

Real Estate

June 22nd to 26th

Gary Bagstad of Rocky Mountain House, AB

June 23rd to 27th

Unreserved Real Estate & Retirement Auction Sale for Nick's Oilfield Welding

Starts Opening March 31, 2023 & Closes on April 4th, 2023

Real Estate & Equipment Located in Killam, Alberta Street Address: 5607 51st Ave

Legal: Plan 6031MC, Block A, Lot 1 & 2

Selling a Behlen 40'x60' Commercial Building on a 110'x158.5' Double Lot with Hwy #13 Frontage. The Building has 2 - 12'W by 13'H Over Head Doors on the North Side and 1 - 14'W by 13' H Overhead Door on the East Side, Plus 2 Man Doors. It also has a Natural Gas Boiler with Cement Floor & Radiant Heat, 125 Amp Service, Exhaust Fans, Office Space, Storage Above the Office & Washroom plus Eavestroughs & Telephone Service.

2022 Taxes: $2,452.33

Viewing by Appointment - Please Contact Nick at (780) 385-2342

Killam is a thriving, vibrant town with a population 989, located within the Flagstaff County, at the busy intersection of Hwy 36 & Hwy 13 in east central Alberta. The Town offers a full range of all the amenities you are looking for! Including an active hospital, public school, RCMP office and a strong, competitive retail sector.

Real Estate Transactions are being Handled by Morrison Realty Kim Hughes (403) 704-3141 & Allen Olson (403) 783-0556

Real Estate Terms & Conditions: 10 % Down on Sale Day. Balance & Possession on or before May 4th, 2023. If Balance is NOT RECEIVED by May 4th, 2023 the Deposit will be Forfeited as Liquidation Damages. All measurements are approximate and need to be verified by the purchaser. Online Bidding Fees Apply - 4% up to a Max. of $800.00 per Item.

License No. 165690

Allen B. Olson Auction Service Ltd.

Rimbey & Hwy #16 East/Rge Rd 185, Alberta (780) 208-2508 - Hwy #16 East/Rge Rd 185 (403) 843-2747 Rimbey - Toll Free 1-855-783-0556

Email: abolson@telusplanet.net - Homepage: allenolsonauction.com

Nick’s Oilfield Welding

Bruderheim resident Grant Northcott captured this rare image of Corona Aurora Borealis in the early morning hours of Feb. 27 near St. Michael.

Photo: Grant Northcott.

ADOPTABLE

Bobby Lee is a small, quiet, clean tabby cat. Rescued from landfill. Recently spayed and in need of a forever home without other cats. No adoption fee. For more info, call or text 780-806-8914.

COMING EVENTS

COIN SHOW and SALE –Canada’s largest. 11 & 12 March 2023, 10 am – 4:30 pm. Lions Centre 11113 – 113 Street, Edmonton. Free market evaluations. Dealers from across Canada, auctions, displays, coin striking. Family friendly. www.edmontoncoinclub.com.

JO MICHALUK (Foesier) who resides in Penhold, is turning 80 years old. Everyone is invited to her birthday party on March 11th at Crammond Hall – 12:30 to 6:00 p.m. RSVP is not required. Bring your favorite dish, dress as you wish, and BYOB. Catherine@catherinebrownlee.com.

FOR SALE

2013 Ford F350 Lariat Dually. Very good shape. Call 780385-1029.

Small square and big round hay bales. Call 780-385-1029

For sale OBO. 5 sow farrowing crates. Overhead feeder parts. Self watering parts. Rolls of barbed wire. Andrew area. 250-402-3754 09p

3

Classifieds Affordable Advertising with L

FOR SALE

For sale by owner: 80 acres of farmland by St. Michael. ENW3355184. $300,000.00. Call Ron @ 780-887-8012.

Viking - 4803 - 52 Ave. 3 bedroom house with basement. Double garage on corner lot. Appliances. 2 Bathroom. Partially finished basement. 1060 sq. ft. $120,000. Owner may carry. 780-699-9203.

FOR RENT

Large, quiet, non-smoking 2 bedroom apartment in Killam. For viewing, call Chuck at 780-263-7290.

House for Sale or Rent - 5316 - 57 Ave in Viking. 4 bedroom 2 bath. Large backyard with detached garage, across from playground. Available April 1, 2023. No smokers, no pets, damage deposit required. References required. $1,000/month rent. Call Dennis Bird at 780-336-2369 (house) 780-385-5689 (cell) or Laura at 780-385-2043 for more info!

FUNERAL NOTICE

Henry Ruzicka, 95, passed away at the Viking Extendicare on Thursday, February 23. The funeral is scheduled for Saturday, March 4 at 11 a.m. at the Holy Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Viking. Lunch following the service at the Viking Community Hall. Everyone welcome. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: Alzheimer's Society of Alberta or the Battle River Community Foundation (Prague Cemetery Fund).

FEED AND SEED

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.

WE BUY DAMAGED GRAIN - Heated, Mixed, Tough, Light, Bugs, Spring Thrashed....Barley, Wheat, Oats, Peas, Flax, Canola. "On Farm Pickup". Westcan Feed & Grain 1-877-250-5252.

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. 1-844-453-5372.

HELP WANTED

FREIGHTLAND CARRIERS

INC. is looking for owner/operators to deliver triflat deck freight in Alberta, Saskatchewan or BC. Monday to Friday work. Steady year-round work with substantial increases in rates. Contact Freightland by email at dispatch@freightland.ca or telephone toll free 1-800-9179021.

APIARIES OF ALBERTA are looking for Five Apiary Technicians $17-$20/hr depending on experience for full time (40+hrs/wk) employment March thru October 2023. Must have a min of 3 years (seasons) working fulltime on Canadian style commercial apiary in the minimum capacity of Apiary Assistant. Also required, two positions for Apiary Worker (NOC8431) $15-$17/hr, experience required. Work includes assisting Apiary Technician with all duties in the bees and honey harvesting. Gerard 780662-4449 RR4 Tofield, AB. gsieben@mcsnet.ca

HELP WANTED

CAMPGROUND HOST / Onsite Caretaker Vauxhall Lions Park - Vauxhall, AB. 2023 Camping Season May 1Oct. 15. 30 site campground on Hwy 36 - 1/2 mile north of Vauxhall. Duties: taking bookings, registrations, collecting fees, facility cleaning, grounds maintenance. Email bschnarr@xplornet.ca or send resume to Vauxhall Lions, P.O. Box 729, Vauxhall, Alberta T0K 2K0.

SERVICES

CRIMINAL RECORD? Why suffer employment/licensing loss? Travel/business opportunities? Be embarrassed?

Think: Criminal Pardon. US entry waiver. Record purge. File destruction. Free consultation. 1-800-347-2540. www.accesslegalmjf.com.

GET BACK ON TRACK!

Bad credit? Bills? Unemployed? Need Money? We Lend! If you own your own home - you qualify. Pioneer Acceptance Corp. Member BBB. 1-877-9871420. www.pioneerwest.com.

PRIVATE MORTGAGE

LENDER. All real estate types considered. No credit checks done. Deal direct with lender and get quick approval. Toll free 1-866-405-1228 www.firstandsecondmortgages.ca.

Roy's Handyman Services. Flooring, Trim work, basement finishing, decks, fences, kitchen cabinet installs and carpentry work. Call 780-2323097

Shane’s Stucco & Drywall Service Shane Hollar Stucco (Traditional & Acrylic), Drywall, Stone, Textured Ceilings, Tile and Spray Painting 780-336-4832 shanes.stucco@gmail.com tfnp

ROBERT WARREN COLIN JOHNSON

August 7, 1978March 3, 1998

In loving memory of a precious Son, Brother, Grandson, Nephew, Cousin, Uncle, and Friend.

I heard your voice in the wind today, And turned to see your face; The warmth of the wind caressed me, As I stood silently in place. I felt your touch in the sun today, As its warmth filled the sky; I closed my eyes for your embrace, And my spirit soared high. I held you close in my heart today, It made me feel complete; You have passed... But you are not gone, You will always be a part of me. As long as the sun shines, rain falls... The wind blows; You will live on inside of me forever, For that is all my heart knows. May the winds of love blow gently; And whisper so you can hear; How much we love and miss you, And wish that you were here.

Lovingly Remembered and Sadly Missed, Your Family and Friends

Former Chipman Fire Chief honoured with surprise retirement/birthday party

BY JANA SEMENIUK

Chipman Councillor, and former firefighter, Trudy Smith organized a surprise combination 65th birthday and retirement party for former Chipman fire chief Don McBride on Feb. 25 at the National Hall in Chipman.

McBride was firefighter for 23 years, serving as fire chief for four of those years, before he retired in 2021 during the COVID pandemic.

Approximately 20 family and friends came to wish McBride well as he and his family

Charity hockey

Continue from Page 8

“They counted some obscure rules for scoring goals,” said Hauch with a laugh. “At one point the referee put all five skaters with the Comets into the penalty box allowing the Critters to net a quick 10 goals.”

In another instance they scored a goal because the goalie couldn’t stop the puck because the shooter had it on a string.

“There were quite a lot of shenanigans going on,” said Hauch. “When we had a dinner after the game, several of the Critters admitted they had to cheat more than usual to win.”

The final score of the game was 20-10 for the Critters.

A Comet player was awarded a penalty shot but had to take it with a beach ball.

In another instance a Comet player scored the first goal of the game. To

embark on a move to BC.

“I’m surprised,” said McBride smiling. “It’s nice to know someone is thinking of me.”

Smith said she didn’t want McBride to move away without knowing how much he meant to the people who knew him and worked with him.

“He is amazing as a fire chief because he works with you. There’s no BS, he is just straightforward. He is a front end leader (and I have) nothing but respect for the man,” she said, becoming emotional as

celebrate, the Critters presented him with a trophy to mark the goal and as they rallied around him, the Comet goalscorer was the recipient of a cream pie to the face.

The Comets brought in a ringer, Dawson Madden, who plays in the Alberta Junior Hockey League with the

she described McBride.

Former long-time Chipman village councilor Gary Stead attended the celebration, and shared memories of Don first coming to the Chipman Fire Department.

“When Don first came to the department, he wanted me to approve chocolate coated almonds sales (as a fundraiser for the department),” he said. Although Stead was skeptical, he supported the initiative.

“Don sold over a quarter of a million dollars in

Drayton Valley Thunder.

He said it was the most fun  he’d had playing hockey in a long, long time.

In a surprise twist, Hauch’s nephew Emerson who plays Triple A Midgets in Fort Saskatchewan was recruited to play for the Critters so it was Uncle

chocolate almonds,” Stead said, adding the department was able to buy a truck and a compressor machine among other needed pieces of equipment.

Meanwhile, McBride said he wasn’t looking forward to retiring from the fire department and has been scoping out possible departments to join once he finishes moving to BC.

“I've already checked out the local folks there and they'll make a space available for me if I choose to go on with it,” he said. “I get a little

facing off against his nephew.

“It was a great time … a lot of fun,” concluded Hauch.

A crowd of 225 came out and filled the arena for the game, which also featured a silent auction.

more creaky as time goes by.”

McBride was presented with a wooden plaque commemorating his time with the Chipman Fire Department. The inscription reads, “Don

McBride. Thank you for 23 years of Outstanding Service to the Chipman Fire Department, as Fire Fighter and Chief, as well as to the Village of Chipman.”

Services Ltd.

Viking Insurance EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Viking Insurance in Viking is looking for a Full-Time Individual who can provide a high level of customer service, has attention to detail with strong communication and organizational skills.

Responsibilities: Obtain and write new business, process and change policies online, handle money.

Qualifications: Able to work with others including the public, good computer skills, insurance industry experience an asset, ability to achieve General Insurance Level 1 licence.

Wage negotiable on experience.

Email resume to: viking01@telus.net

Application deadline: Until suitable candidate is found.

We thank everyone for their applications, however, only those chosen for interview will be contacted.

HELP WANTED

Vegreville Family Dental, located next to the Boston Pizza in Vegreville is looking for a very enthusiastic Registered Dental Hygienist to join our team on a part time or full time basis. Our practice is committed to and focused on providing excellent quality patient care.

We are looking for someone who is professional, reliable, possesses excellent interpersonal skills, is warm and friendly with patients. We offer competitive wages commensurate with experience as well as a great and friendly work environment! We are willing to compensate for travel as well.

If this opportunity sounds interesting to you, please apply to vegredental@gmail.com.

All applications will be treated confidential. Thank you!

Phone: (780) 208-2508 Office

Aaron Olson - (403) 913-9644

Justin Janke - (780) 515-0888

Norm Hill - (780) 903-6199

Terry Skiftun (780) 632-1774

We are now accepting Listings for this Sale. Any items prelisted by March 7th will be included in our Sales Posters, Newspaper & Radio Advertising, Web Page, Social Media and extensive mailing lists.

L-R: Chipman Village Councillor Trudy Smith, Former Chipman Fire Chief Don McBride, and former long-serving Chipman Village Councilor Gary Stead.

Photo: Jana Semeniuk

The mascot from the Critters had no issue with climbing on top of the Bruderheim Comets net to distract the goalie as play carried on in front of him during the Feb. 23, Critters vs. Comets charity game at Bruderheim Arena. A sellout crowd helped raise more than $10,000 towards fully accessible washrooms at the arena.

For help or assistance in filing your taxes, please contact FCSS at 780-895-2233 Ext. 226.

Register at lamontcountyadultlearns.com or email /phone: Cheryl.b@lamontcounty.ca or 780-895-2233 Ext. 233.

Seniors Bus Trips Spring 2023

Each month the Seniors Transportation Committee embarks to local malls across the region (select destinations).

Cost: $15.00 per round trip. Bus picks up at 9 a.m. at Lamont Rec. Centre and returns at 4 p.m. Reserve your spot by calling Helen at 780-895-7539.

Bus trip dates/destinations:

March 16: Londonderry Mall

April 20: Kingsway

May 18: St. Albert Mall

June 15: Sherwood Park Mall.

Strychnine Use Deadline – MARCH 4

Under the authority of the Pest Control Products Act, Health Canada has cancelled registration of all strychnine products used to control Richardson ground squirrels, due to environmental risks as published by Health Canada’s Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA). To comply with the re-evaluation decision, the registration of 2% Liquid Strychnine is cancelled and subject to the following phase out timelines:

• Last date of sale by Registrant: March 4, 2021 (DONE).

• Last date of sale by Retailer: March 4, 2022 (DONE).

• Last date of permitted use by the User is March 4, 2023 (FINAL). Continued possession and/or use of the product after March 4, 2023, is a violation of the Pest Control Products Act.

Spring is Coming – Shelterbelt Trees/Growing Hemp

Lamont County Agricultural Service Board assists landowners in the acquisition and distribution of shelterbelt trees to promote soil and water conservation and rural beautification. Lamont County works closely with three organizations that can assist you with the purchase of tree and shrub seedlings. There are other options out there for trees and nursery support (at your discretion), as well as specialty crop options such as growing hemp (lnkd.in/g_HPidyc).

Learn more about shelterbelt options at lamontcounty.ca/ departments/agricultural-programs/environmentalprograms

Vehicle/Equipment Auctions – Fire Services

Lamont County Fire Services has five (5) trucks & one (1) digital mobile radio available for bid on GovDeals by Mar. 1: https://govdeals.ca/lamontcountyab (each asset has a full description and pictures).

Or see https://www.lamontcounty.ca/public-tenders for more details.

Learn more about My Journey…, CALC Kitchens and Creating Family Connections programs, Canadian Firearms Safety Course, as well as Digital Skills and Coffee Talks (and assistance with the Affordability Payments in Mundare and Andrew) at: lamontcountyadultlearns.com

You can also register for these programs via email to Cheryl.b@lamontcounty.ca

See all current monthly Community Services programs using the QR codes or visit: lamontcounty.ca/ community-programming

(Current programs include: At Home Alone, Snow Angels, Parents and Tots, Youth Group, Meals in Motion, Youth Retreat, Family Fun Night, Digital Skills workshops, Seniors Bus Trips, Income Tax Program, CALC kitchens /connections, and the KFRN monthly programs newsletter.)

Posters are added to the website and Facebook once the events are finalized.

See the QR code link right here

Round 2 Farmer Funding

The Agricultural Climate Solutions On-Farm Climate Action Fund (OFCAF) is an initiative to help farmers tackle climate change. Funding for this program has been provided by Agriculture and AgriFood Canada through the Agricultural Climate Solutions –On-Farm Climate Action Fund.

Read the Agriculture and AgriFood Canada OFCAF news release on the Government of Canada website. Or see https://rdar.ca/ofcaf/ for program details

The 2023 funding program opened February 13, 2023

2023 Housing and Service Needs Estimation Survey and 2023 Youth Community Engagement Survey

The Housing and Service Needs Estimation Survey is open until March 31. Share your thoughts with us in-person (FCSS Lamont County) or online: surveymonkey.com/r/2GWFBZ2. The 2023 Youth Community Engagement Survey is open until March 31. Watch the Lamont County FCSS’ Facebook page for survey links and details after March 1 (https://www.facebook.com/FCSSlamontcountyregion).

Registration Renewal Reminder

If your last name or company begins with the letters B and Y; remember to get your registration renewed before the end of March! alberta.ca/vehicle-registration-expiry-date-chart.aspx

This message is brought to you by the Elk Island Traffic Safety Partners.

Sustainable Agriculture Strategy (Government of Canada Consultation)

)

As part of consultations on a Sustainable Agriculture Sector, a Sustainable Agriculture Strategy: Discussion Document is now available for comment until March 31, 2023. Access the survey via: lamontcounty.ca/agservices

Please Note – inFocus is also available for viewing online at: www.lamontcounty.ca/communications (for those wanting to view the weekly submission as full-sized PDF and to access hyperlinks).

Family and Community Support Services (FCSS), Kalyna Family Resource Network and CALC Programming

Register by March 23 for the two-day camp using the QR Code above or signup.com/go/djcsAdm

Next Agricultural Service Board (ASB) Meeting

The next ASB meeting is on March 15, 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. If you would like to present or speak at a meeting, please contact Lamont County Agricultural Services.

The easiest way to report a road concern or request service from Lamont County Public Works, is to submit a Service Request directly on the Lamont County website. If you have a road concern or request for service, please SUBMIT a service request online at lamontcounty.ca/ service-requests. This is the easiest way to submit a request 24 hours a day and all submissions are tracked in the order received and addressed on a priority basis. When completing your request, make sure to clearly identify the location/area/segment of the road/etc. If possible, attach a photo of your service need for further clarity. More details mean we can action the request efficiently.

Reminder – Roadside Mulching

Lamont County Agricultural Services is working on roadside mulching from now until the end of March.

Signs are posted to enforce temporary road closures while they work. If you enter a closed area, the County will NOT be at fault for any damage to vehicles. Obey the signs! Lamont County’s Peace Officer is enforcing these road closures.

Snow Reminders/Safety

During the winter months, residents are reminded when plowing snow out of your driveway, please do not push the snow onto the public road or across the road into the ditch. Pushing snow across the road creates packed areas and slippery patches that are difficult to remove. Push snow to the right side of your driveway to ensure it does not get pushed back when the local road is plowed. Also, as a reminder, please keep kids off snow piles near roadways for additional safety.

Flaring – Did You Know?

When waste gas is ignited as a controlled burn in many oil operations and activities, this is called flaring. In fact, you may have noticed major flaring at sites near Fort Saskatchewan in the past few months. The practice is also used in many drilling and well locations across Lamont County, and is generally safer than venting gases into the atmosphere directly—including managing odours and airborne gas safety.

A benign burn of by-product material is typically converted to carbon dioxide and water vapour and prevents pressure buildup through combustion.

Rail Safety

Winter conditions can obstruct your view and impact your ability to stop quickly when approaching rail crossings (especially on roads that are icy due to thaw and freeze. Slow down.

Watch for the signs (stop, look, listen). Drive safely this winter. #RailSafe Trespassing on tracks: Taking a shortcut across the tracks or being on railway property is illegal, and trespassers can be seriously injured or killed. #AnytimeIsTrainTime

https://www.grazingschool4women.com/

While it may seem to be abnormal and damaging to the environment, flaring is actually a responsible and efficient way to dispose of waste gases. The controlled burn needs to follow Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) requirements and regulations to protect the public, the environment and for conservation. It is directed and managed by the AER to ensure safety and environmental protection—and more specifically, Alberta Ambient Air Quality Objectives and Guidelines—among the most stringent levels of safety and environmental protection. To ensure compliance, companies must apply for flaring license before a burn can commence, and sites are reviewed for compliance.

Next Council Meeting

The next Regular Council Meeting is on Tuesday, March 14, 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/governance/agendas-minutes (accessible via the Lamont County website—or sign up for meeting notifications and to receive the meeting agendas) If you would like to present or speak at a meeting, please contact Legislative Services. There is a Special Council Mtg. March 2 (Closed Session pursuant to FOIP Division 2, Section 19 (Confidential Evals.).