March 8 Lamont Leader

Special needs students forgotten as EIPS makes provisions during water shut off EIPS board and trustee refuse to answer media questions about the situation

by Jana Semeniuk

A water main break in the town of Lamont had some parents concerned after Elk Island Public Schools sent an email to families the evening of Mar. 1 informing them that both the Lamont Elementary School and the Lamont High School would remain open without running water the next day, Mar. 2.

EIPS supplied portable toilets, hand sanitizer and bottled water to more than 600 students and at least 50 staff members between both schools but, according to one parent, failed to provide for special needs students.

Sylvia McDonald said her son Julian McDonald, 11, was born with a chromosome disorder which renders him non-verbal and requiring a full-time

aid in school. She said she was concerned after receiving the email from EIPS as it didn’t address a special needs plan for Julian, who requires help in the washroom.

“There was no plan in place for Julian. I know there are at least four other handicapped students in the high school and there was no plan for them either,” she said, adding no special needs portable toilets were made available.

“I couldn’t send him to school and put his aid through using a small individual portable toilet for him. There’s no room. They (portable toilets) were also just lined up outside in the parking lot.”

Continued on Page 3

Chipman Players deliver another winning performance

BY JOHN MATHER

It was Ringo Starr of the Beatles who warbled “Act Naturally,” a jaunty ditty from the creative minds of Johnny Russell and Voni Morrison back in 1965. It was also recorded by Country and Western star Buck Owens before the Beatles picked it up.

But the Chipman Players have brought that phrase to reality with another winning performance at the Chipman National Hall.

The Players presented their version of “Million Dollar Meatballs,” last weekend to successive packed houses, and the season will conclude with two additional performances this weekend on Mar.11 and 12.

Doors open at 5:30 with dinner served at 6 p.m. and the play beginning at 7:30..

Included in the cost of the $40 ticket is a bountiful meal prepared by Tom’s Catering.

When reading the cast of characters in the program, attendees get an introduction to the local performers and their love of putting on a fun-filled performance for their audience.

“The role is very different than what I’m like in real life,” states Mo Thompson in the program. “Usually I am polite and enthusiastic, and inviting as the Postmaster of the Village of Chipman. In “Million Dollar Meatballs” she plays Humphrey the snarky maitre’d who would rather be elsewhere than the restaurant where he works.

Caren Cossey Kwasnycia who plays Boris Stroganoff, a strange waiter in the restaurant says in the program, “I hope to give you a good laugh, lots of fun and help you forget the world’s “drama.” ”

Bruce McGregor is one of the founders of the Chipman Players and this year plays one of the main characters, “Frankie” the brains of a pair of hapless jewel thieves who stumble into the restaurant Chez Monyeu.

“This was our 13th show,” he said following the play, Mar. 4. “We’ve been going for 15 years but we lost two productions because of Covid.”

The Chipman National Hall was filled to near capacity on Mar.3 and 4 as the play took place. Continued Page 2

Eight portable toilets stand on the South side of Lamont Elementary School for staff and students to use Mar. 2 after water was shut off to the school when a water main broke Mar.1. At least one student was overlooked when no special needs bathroom was brought in to accommodate his disability. Photo: Jana Semeniuk

Bruce McGregor points at a line, while stifling a laugh, as Tom Hrehorets’ fake moustache falls off during the Chipman Players’ production of “Million Dollar Meatballs,” performed before large crowds Mar, 3 and 4 at Chipman’s National Hall. McGregor plays “Frankie” a jewel thief, and Hrehorets is “Beans’ his harebrained sidekick in the hilarious production. Two more performances will be held Mar. 11 and 12.

Chipman Players

“I think we may have been eight tickets short of a sellout, so the response has been fantastic,” added McGregor.

“We usually sell out. I have no idea why people come out to see us, but if you want to attend a show for the Chipman Players you have to buy your tickets early. I’m

sure the food also has something to do with it.”

McGregor adds people are now coming to the performances from around the region.

Visitors come from Edmonton, Tofield, Fort Saskatchewan, Vegreville, Mundare, Andrew, Bruderheim and most parts of Lamont County.

Rehearsals, he said, began in the first week of January. Rehearsals take place two nights a week

until the last week of February when the rehearsals ramp up to every evening.

McGregor breaks into laughter when asked if the cast actually follows a script. It’s obvious to the audience that lines are ad-libbed throughout the production much to their delight.

“Well, you know, most of the cast does follow the script, but you know sometimes Tom  (Tom Hrehorets, who plays

Beans, McGregor’s sidekick in crime in the play) and I get a little wonky.

“We use the script as more of a guideline,” he said. “The show was probably a lot different tonight than it was last night.”

The National Hall can seat 160 patrons.

He said the cast members come to the Chipman Players from across Lamont County including Andrew.

“How we get our cast is we see who wants to

take part,” he said. “We never hold auditions. If you want to be part of the play you’re in. Once we know how many cast members we have we start looking for a script with that many characters.”

Notice is hereby given that, under the provisions of the Municipal Government Act, the Town of Lamont will offer for sale, by public auction, at the Town of Lamont Council Chambers, 5307 –50 Avenue, Lamont, Alberta on Thursday, March 23, 2023, at 10:00 a.m., the following lands:

1.The property shall be offered for sale on an "as is, where is" basis and the Town of Lamont makes no representation and gives no warranty whatsoever including as to the adequacy of services, soil conditions, land use districting, building and development conditions, absence or presence of environmental contamination, or the developability of the subject land for any intended use by the Purchaser. No bid will be accepted where the bidder attempts to attach conditions precedent to the sale of any parcel. No terms and conditions of sale will be considered other than those specified by the Town of Lamont.

2.The property listed above shall be subject to the tax sale if the total outstanding property tax arrears remain outstanding prior to the tax sale.

3.The property will be offered for sale by auction, subject to a reserve bid and to certain registrations shown on the existing certificate of title as described in section 423(1) of the Municipal Government Act

4.Payments by certified cheque or bank draft only. The successful bidder must, at the time of sale, make a non-refundable ten percent (10%) deposit payable to the Town of Lamont, with the balance of the purchase price due within 30 days of the public auction.

5.Successful bidders agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of the Town of Lamont’s standard Tax Sale Agreement, a copy of which shall be made available to prospective bidders at the Town of Lamont Office prior to the tax sale. Prospective bidders will be required to register in advance of the public auction.

6.Purchasers are responsible for obtaining vacant possession.

7.The Town of Lamont may, after the public auction, become the owner of any parcel of land not sold at the public auction.

Chef Gordon Ramrod (Rick Rafuse) takes off his hat and quits before Chez Monyeu owner Sue Dujour (Joyce Doberstein) and busgirl Ginger Snap (Jo-Ann Fontaine) in the Chipman Players production of “Million Dollar Meatballs.” The play was performed before packed houses Mar. 3 and 4, and will be performed again Mar. 11 and 12 at Chipman National Hall.

8.All sales are subject to current taxes.

9.GST may apply on properties sold at the public auction.

10.Redemption may be effected by payment of all arrears of taxes and costs at any time prior to the date of the sale. Properties may be deleted from this sale as the tax arrears and costs are paid.

2 - The Lamont Leader (Lamont, Alberta), Wednesday, March 8, 2023

No comment

Continued from front

McDonald said she finally received a response from the school’s principal Mr. Paul McKay at 11 a.m Mar. 2.

“Mr. McKay said he had a plan for us, so we came into the school at about 11:30 a.m. and the water came back on shortly after we got there,” she said.

Town of Lamont Director of Public Works Tyler Edworthy confirmed that the water line was repaired and water service was restored by 11:30 a.m.

Meanwhile, after submitting her concerns in an email to EIPS, McDonald said she received a call from Director of Specialized Supports, Marcus Reed, Mar. 6.

“He said he agreed that there was no plan in place for Julian and there needed to be one. He said he would be meeting with faculties and all the departments he would need to work with, to plan for this in

the future,” adding that although she was happy Reed called her to discuss her concerns, she still felt frustrated.

“Julian has been at this school since he was three years old. After this many years it’s frustrating that the thought for him wasn’t even there,” she said. “The school itself thought of him but they couldn’t do much with what they were given. I think the school had no choice but to depend on facilities. It’s the division that dropped the ball and didn’t think of the special needs students.”

Meanwhile, other parents took to social media to share their concerns in addition to their support for EIPS’ decision on the use of portable toilets.

“A school full of children going outside to use the bathroom tell me how that’s not a liability issue,” said one poster.

“Running water is a health and safety issue. Businesses close when there is no access to running water… I’m not sure what the school is thinking?” wrote another.

Meanwhile another social media poster wrote, “My grandparents went to school with no running water and lived a great life. If you figure your kids won’t survive a day then that’s easy. Don’t send them.” And another wrote “Not all businesses close. The post office will be open, running water or not. The kids will survive, it's not -40 and I hope to everything we raised our kids to roll with what the day gives them and not hide under the covers because they can't flush.”

Lamont Mayor Kirk Perrin praised EIPS for their decision in using the portable washrooms to keep the schools open. “I agree with their decision to keep the schools open,” said Perrin. “(It) provided those children who needed it, a safe place to be during the day so their parents could go to work and know their children were looked after. No, it was not an ideal situation, as such the schools did an excellent job informing parents of the conditions and allowing them to

make an informed decision on whether or not their child should attend.”

Meanwhile, earlier this year, a water main break in Fort Saskatchewan closed down two Fort Saskatchewan schools for the day on Jan. 16. EIPS has so far refused to answer any media questions from the Lamont Leader around the decision to use portable toilets including how the decision was made, how much it cost the division, and why Fort Sask.

schools were shut down while Lamont schools were kept open under similar circumstances. In addition, no answers were provided when asked about supervision for young students going outdoors to use the portable toilets or provisions for special needs students when water has been shut off to a school.

In addition, no comments from Lamont County EIPS School Trustee Colleen Holwaychuk were provided upon request.

Jeff Park, Executive Director for the Alberta Parents’ Union said school boards need to be more accountable to parents for their decisions. “School boards need to be openly communicating with parents in trying situations like this. We entrust the school with the most precious thing we have - our own children,” he said. “It is not unreasonable that parents should expect clear and straightforward accountability from EIPS here.”

NOTICE OF DECISION - PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT

The following Development Permit (DP-2023-02) was approved on March 1, 2023, as Discretionary Use and a Variance- Land Use Bylaw 33-2015 as amended.

Plan 822-1424 Block 4 Lot 24

Discretionary Use- C1 District

Variance Required for Parking

Automotive and Equipment Maintenance and Repair Shop

For additional information, please call the Town of Bruderheim at 780-796-3731. Written notice of appeal can be submitted to:

Subdivision and Development Appeal Board

Box 280, Bruderheim, AB T0B 0S0 By 12:00 NOON on March 21, 2023.

Wednesday, March 8, 2023 - 3 23032dg0

The Lamont Leader (Lamont, Alberta),

Cowell limo ride was justified as he did his job

BY JOHN MATHER

It really irritates me when someone is harassed for doing their job. Especially when they have been tasked with a very important job, which takes-in many hours, and they try to do it in a efficient, cost-effective way.

Jennifer Lee, a journalist employed by the CBC the national news organization that thrives on government handouts in the billions, seems to have a hate on for AHS administrator John Cowell, after he took a limousine from Calgary to Edmonton to attend the official throne speech last fall and then have a private business meeting with his boss, Health Minister Jason Copping.

Now, Cowell, who had only been appointed to the position a few weeks earlier had vowed to make the AHS more efficient.

The cost of the limousine ride from Calgary to Edmonton was expensed at $1,400.

During the time Cowell was riding in the back of the limousine, not being disturbed by the driver, he privately worked on reports, responded to texts and emails, and generally continued with his busy work day while he was transported to a meeting.

To me that sounds like he was working efficiently. I’ve flown to meetings on an airplane and you can’t get much work done in cramped seats, with babies crying and all the other distractions that come with air transportation. Not to mentioned the time wasted getting on and off the plane.

Possibly Cowell could have driven himself to Edmonton and back. But he wouldn’t have gotten any work done. And any phone calls would have led to distracted driving which we all know can be dangerous.

A taxi cab or uber wouldn’t serve the purpose either, because it wouldn’t allow the privacy to continue with his workday. The same goes for riding on a bus such as Red Arrow.

Yet, after Lee wrote her story, other lefties jumped all over Cowell stating it was such a waste of money.

Gil McGowan, head of the Alberta Federation of Labor was quoted on the CBC saying the trip just showed the arrogance of someone appointed by the UCP government.

No, his friends in the NDP, would never work this efficiently. Who knows how they would travel to a meeting when they were summoned, but no doubt there’d be a champagne cost in there somewhere.

The funny thing, though,is McGowan’s comments reported early in the morning on CBC Radio, were subsequently lost with no record of them online.

CONTINUED

Former Deputy Premier Thomas Lukaszuk, who seems to have turned into a serious lefty, gas lighting anything he doesn’t like, also blasted Cowell on Twitter.

He probably forgets when he was caught up squandering $20,000 government money on exorbitant cell phone bills from Europe. He stated at the time the costs were justifiable because he was doing his job.

The CBC story further quoted one Lorina Hardecastle, a teacher of health law and policy at University of Calgary who stated, “The optics are quite poor.”

Well they are if you don’t think the man should do his job efficiently.

AHS defended the expenses in a statement emailed to CBC News.

“[He] required the use of a vehicle so that he could work and take calls of a sensitive nature while on the road, and also avoid the expense of

an overnight stay,” spokesperson Kerry Williamson said.

“The cost of the travel is equivalent or better than airfare, hotel, parking and taxi use. Dr. Cowell's expenses fall within the Government of Alberta’s expense policy, which allow reimbursement for the expense of using a third-party vehicle, such as a town car or taxi.”

However, Mount Royal University political scientist Duane Bratt , who usually takes a position opposed to the UCP, defended the expenses.

"That seems perfectly reasonable and perfectly normal for me. This is a high-paid executive. That would allow him to have a driver so he could work while he was travelling between Calgary and Edmonton ," said Bratt.

“When you break it down, it's roughly $100 an hour. Is this someone that we would prefer to waste more time driving... especially when you’re going to multiple meetings? I don’t have a

problem with this.”

Now, for comparison, in no attempt to balance her story Lee conveniently forgets to seek out the expenses of CBC executives from when they travel to Ottawa to plead for more money to keep the ailing, bloated organization going.

She was only concerned with the spin of the optics. Sometimes, when someone is doing their job, the optics can be overrated.

Health Minister Jason Copping told CBC, “I appreciate $1,400 looks like a lot of money and it is a lot of money.

“We asked Dr. Cowell to deliver on results so we can fix the health-care system, This is comparable for other options on that particular day.”

Really, news reporters should sometimes, consider the optics of their reporting before just bowing to the pressure from their editors to create a narrative which will leave the potential to damage a person’s reputation.

BY HAZEL ANAKA

Oprah and I have often said that it’s not what happens to us in life but how we react to what happens in our life that determines our overall contentment. How we respond to what happens boils down to how we choose to see things. And because most of want to appear congruent in our opinions and beliefs, we choose the side of an issue that supports exactly that. Let’s look at a few examples to see which side of an issue you’d gravitate to.

Q. Why are infant car seats tethered to the passenger side back seat? Here are a couple options. A. You could believe that the position keeps the parent and baby out of harm’s way in traffic when moving the baby in or out of the car while parallel parked. Thus, making it a sensible public health policy. OR you could think that it’s a practice that ensures that mama does all the heavy lifting (literally) when it comes

FROM WHERE I SIT:You Decide

to dealing with baby out in public. Because, after all, in nine out of ten cases, the male is driving which puts the woman nearer the baby needing food, water, snacks, a hug, a diaper change, or a transfer into the stroller. This ran through my head as I sat in an Edmonton parking lot people watching. Far too often, it’s the woman who is struggling with one or two kids, a diaper bag, the stroller, her purse, a bag with toys and snacks….but hey, dad is carrying the car keys. Which option supports your belief system…You decide….

Q. Why do politicians of all stripes at all levels of government distill messages and use brief, scripted answers when questioned by a constituent or the media? A. First, you should understand that the issues dealt with by politicians are complex. There is always background, context, mitigating factors, policy, budget implications, and precedent setting potential. There is usually one designated person empowered to speak to the issue on behalf of the council. And frankly, not all councillors are created equal and have the same

degree of knowledge, experience, motivation, and ability to communicate. It’s pretty certain that neither the irate member of the public or the reporter working to deadline has the time, commitment, responsibility, or willingness to consider all the factors. There is inherent danger in distilling complex answers into sound bites that can be misquoted, misunderstood, or taken out of context so short, none answers are usually the result. OR you may believe that politicians have something to hide, are only intent on getting re-elected, and want to cover their butts at all costs so evading questions makes perfect sense. You decide…

Q. Why do visible minorities seem to be becoming more ‘visible’ in the service industry and professional settings like medicine? A. You may realize that these people, often immigrants, are filling the holes in an ever-deepening shortfall in the Canadian workforce. They may be working minimum wage jobs at fast food joints or treating you at the local medical clinic. They are doing jobs that Canadians are either

unwilling or unqualified to do. They are often working several jobs to keep body and soul together or professionals going through very expensive, years-long hoops to get Canadian credentials so they can use the training they have. The healthcare crisis has gotten the government’s attention and now they are actually getting close to streamlining the process to credential professionals so that you and I can find a family doctor and get care in a timely way. OR “They” are taking over

the world and our country. “They” are stealing our jobs. “They” are ‘diluting’ our culture. You decide…

Q. Do you clutch your heart and do without in the grocery store because of escalating food prices? Have you had to change either your diet or shopping habits to cope? A. The increased cost of doing business (inputs, transportation, weather extremes like frost or drought) at every step in the food chain has a trickle-down effect. Unfortunately, because there is only one con-

sumer, you feel the full impact. OR you’re convinced that grocery store chain CEOs are unmasked bandits holding up shoppers in broad daylight. The reality is: you want it, they have it; pay or go without. You decide…

Hopefully, these few examples show there are at least two ways to understand any situation. If you notice yourself consistently picking the jaded, cynical, conspiracy theory, poor me victim explanation, it may be time to try a different approach. Your level of contentment hangs in the balance, from where I sit.

C h u r c h

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LAMONT UNITED CHURCH 5306 - 51 Ave., Lamont, AB 780-895-2145

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The Lamont Leader (Lamont, Alberta), Wednesday, March 8, 2023 - 5

Lamont Farmers’ Market plans moving ahead

BY JANA SEMENIUK

Plans for a Lamont Farmers’ Market are full steam ahead.

An informational meeting held in Lamont on Feb. 13 drew at least 33 people interested in signing on as a vendor which was a positive sign for market manager Peggy Sawchuk.

“A lot of the attendees were husband and wife teams and the majority of them were make it, bake it or grow it vendors,” she said. “For a farmers’ market, at least 80 percent of your vendors must be make it, bake it or grow it people.” Sawchuk added that the other 20 percent are usually selling a commercial product.

Sawchuk said the market will be slated for the parking lot of the Lamont Arena, with the option of moving indoors during bad weather.

“What's going to make us different or unique say in comparison to (other markets) is we’re outdoors, but we have the option, if it's raining, we can move into the arena so our customers are not shopping with umbrellas. That’s one of the unique (features) of the Lamont Market because very few have that,” she said.

Sawchuk said she is aiming for opening day to be the Wed. before May long weekend and running every week

until the end of Sept.

“We will also throw in additional special event markets like when the rodeo was in town, and we'll hold a Saturday market and Christmas markets,” she said, adding that the Lamont Market so far has 25 vendors signed up.

Sawchuk said she does not remember Lamont having a market over the 40 years she has lived in the area, and this market will be run through the Alberta Farmers’ Market organization.

“It means you can sell eggs and you can sell baked goods and stuff like that. Whereas in a public market, your baked goods have to come out of a commer-

cial kitchen,” she said. “(The logo of) that little girl with the pitchfork, you can't use that logo unless you are approved by the government. I think that logo instills a lot of confidence in the customers because they know that there's set rules and regulations (such as) they're buying eggs that are at the proper temperature and (things) like that.”

Sawchuk added that vendors who sell vegetables typically pick them the day before or the day of the market to ensure optimum freshness and nutrition.

“You are getting more for your money at a farmers’ market and the nutritional value is so

much better,” she said.

Sawchuk said the market is aiming to run from 3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and a food truck has been lined up for customers to have dinner as well as enjoy some possible entertainment.

“You may find on a Wednesday, there's a busker there and we have a food truck that signed up,” she said.

“We're going to try and make it where you can bring the family for supper, have a place to sit and eat, and do your market shopping locally and supporting local.”

While plans are in progress, Sawchuk said the final paperwork is still waiting approval from the Alberta

Farmers’ Market and she was assured that as long as the application is in by mid April they will have approval long before they need it.

Meanwhile, the Town of Lamont council passed a motion to waive the 2023 facility rental fees in support of the Lamont Farmers’ Market initiative.

Councillor Dave Taylor spoke in favour of the market.

“I think it would bode well for good community engagement,” he said. “(It will) get some people looking around and bring them to this town as well.”

U15 Wild wins two playoff games

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).

Elk Island U11 Wild dropped a 3-1 playoff game against Tofield on

Saturday at Bruderheim. Jonas Wytrykush scored unassisted for the Wild. Wild went to Bon Accord on Sunday and dropped a 9-7 game against CNN2. Down 5-1 early in period two, Wild fought back with four of the next five goals to get to score to 6-5 before losing hold again in the third frame. Scoring for

Wild were; Sawyer Hanson (2g 1a), Tyson Jonker (1g 1a), Jace Zanatta (1g 1a), Barrett Danilkewich (1g), Austin Klita (1g), and Jonas Wytrykush (1g).

Elk Island U15 Wild won two playoff games this past week. On Thursday at Lamont, Elk Island beat Smoky Lake 6-4 after jumping in front

3-0 after one. Gage Holowach scored twice for Wild, while Rowan Young (1g 1a), William Furey (1g 1a), Kayden Winslow (1g 1a) and Andrew Svitich also scored. Assists went to; Kyran Belcourt (2a), Cameron Olechow, and Liam Ellis. Liam Ellis made 43 saves in goal for a .915 save percentage

game. On Sunday at Slave Lake, Wild beat the home team 8-5. Elk Island scored the game’s first three goals, but Slave Lake came back with four of their own and took a 4-3 lead late in the middle period before Wild took over.

Nicklas Mehlenbacher (1g 2a) had a 3-point game. Andrew Svitich,

Thank You

William Furey and Kayden Winslow each scored twice. Kyran Belcourt (1g 1a) added the other. Assists went to; Sydney Cossey, Rowan Young, Reid Chudyk, and Xavier Storr. Liam Ellis got the win in goal.

We would like to thank the donors, sponsors and volunteers that made the CFCW Critters vs Bruderheim Comets hockey game fundraising events such a success. We were able to raise $12,000 for an accessible washroom in the Karol Maschmeyer Arena.

840 CFCW

A Buyers Home Choice

A & D Maschmeyer Farms

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BM Services

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Bruderheim Comets

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Webbs Machinery

Wolf Midstream

A resident of Beaverhill Lodge in Lamont does a Valentine's craft with a young child during their Valentine's Day party last week which aimed at having Valentine's Day fun by making connections between residents of the lodge and their community members.

Photo: Jay Zaal

Third day added to Kalyna Dance Festival for large number of entries

BY JANA SEMENIUK

The Kalyna Dance Festival had their 25th anniversary this past weekend at the Smoky Lake Agricultural Complex with so many entries, a third day was added to the normally two-day festival.

Kalyna Festival Board President Karen Svitich said there were 225 entries this year, from 193 last year.

“(We just had a large) volume of entries (and) we had more modern dance entries than we've had in previous years,” said Svitich. “We couldn't fit them in one day so we needed to have an extra day.”

Svitich said modern dance entries ran Fri and Sat while Sun was dedicated to those in Ukrainian Dance. Of the total 13 dance clubs participating, four were from Lamont County; LA Dance Moves, Stepz Cloggers and Lamont

Veselka Dancers from the town of Lamont while Xpressions Dance Studio came from Bruderheim. Svitich said one reason for the influx of entries this year was the growth of some dance clubs, namely Xpressions.

“Their club has grown quite a bit, and they definitely had more entries this year,” said Svitich. In

the program, Xpressions was listed as having 64 entries in the modern dance categories.

Svitich added that the dance groups earned medals ranging from bronze to high gold for their performances. She said that the groups don’t compete against each other, but rather earn medals based on

their performance as judged by an adjudicator who delivers their critique in front of the audience with all of the dance members onstage.

“We try to keep it really positive and encouraging and sort of more like a workshop style where they get feedback about their individual performance, and just

some tips about how to improve and grow,” said Svitich.

Meanwhile, Show Stopper Awards are financial awards ranging from $50 - $100 and given out after the festival is completed. According to the program, they are ‘presented to the dancers who catch the eye of the adju-

dicator’. The description went on to explain that these awards are not based on score, but rather something memorable about the dancer or group of dancers. This year six out of the 23 winning entries were Lamont County dance groups. Four of them were from Xpressions Dance Studio in Bruderheim; Allison Freeman in solo 10 and under, Olivia and Ivy Akitt in Duets, and one group aged 11-13 and another group in the 14 and up category.

LA Dance won with a performance in the 10 and under category, and Lamont Veselka Ukrainian Dancers won in the 10 and under category.

Meanwhile, next year’s festival date has been announced as Mar. 1-3, and Svitich added that the Kalyna Festival Board is also looking for new members.

Lamont Veselka Dancers joyfully skip in a circle holding hands during their Ukrainian Dance performance on Mar. 5 at the Kalyna Dance Festival in Smoky Lake. The annual festival added a third day to accommodate a large number of entries this year. Photo: Jana Semeniuk

Bruderheim provides support for Chipman 4-H Beef and Multi Club

BY JOHN MATHER

At their regular Mar. 1 council meeting, Bruderheim Town Council had discussions about an application from the Chipman 4-H Beef and Multi Club seeking $1,250 through the town’s Bruderheim Community Investment Program.

Interim Chief Administrative Officer Robert Stephenson reported to council that the administration felt the request be approved.

Stephenson told council in its most recent revision to the Investment Program policy in October of last year, it was amended to allow neighbouring program groups to apply as long as they could provide membership or services to Bruderheim residents.

The policy allows for clubs to apply for up to $5,000 per year with two application periods which in turn allow for two seasonal grants of up to $2,500.

Councillor Wayne Olechow asked if the 4-H club was going to use the funds to reduce a deficit, which was showing in their budget.

Bruderheim Legislative Services Officer

Sherry Cote answered the club was applying to buy some tables for their club members to do activities on.

“They’re applying for funds to buy some capital items for the long haul,” she said. “They will do separate fundraising programs to clear up their deficit.”

Councillor Ashley Carter asked how many club members were from Bruderheim, to which Cote replied at the present time there were none.

“It is open to all children from Bruderheim,” she said. “They have more than 40 members and offer programs from photography to dogs, to cooking… there’s a whole gamut. I really don’t believe people are aware the club is here, but they do operate out of the Walker School.”

Carter asked if they had to have residents in the program to be considered for a grant.

Deputy Reeve Judy Schueler said, “In all reality they may not have any members today but they could tomorrow.”

Carter agreed but wanted to be sure they provided the grant within the policy parameters.

“I want to make sure we’re doing our job as councillors to support our community and children first,” she said.

Councillor Dayna Jacobs, who attended the meeting virtually, said she felt the club did a lot to support the town.

“We had them work with me at the recent Critters game,” she said. “They put on the bird-

house building workshop on Family Day. I have no problem supporting their application.”

Stephenson told council the groups receiving funding through the Community Investment Program couldn’t receive more than 75 per cent of their budget from the program, must be registered non profit, be community based and it further stated the program must provide goods or services which can be used by the residents of Bruderheim.

“It doesn’t specify local membership,” he said.

Schueler added she

had worked with club members as well.

Olechow asked why they were called Chipman if they were located in Bruderheim.

Cote said the club had originated in Chipman.

“That is the name of their club,” she said. “They would have to go through the Societies Act to change their name, and they still run their beef program out of Chipman.”

“They have been running programs out of Bruderheim for about 15 years.”

Olechow asked if the group could appear before council to give an overview of what they do.

“This is a new group of organizers to Bruderheim,” said Cote. “And they are very committed to this community. They help out at all our events if we ask them.”

Councillor George Campbell said he had worked with the club for a number of years when the 4-H Light Horse Club was active in the community.

“At one time they had a vet put on a presentation and here’s an opportunity for them to help us with our events. By backing this club I think it helps develop good relationships.”

Council passed a motion to provide the grant funding as requested.

Provincial budget moves Vinca Bridge replacement project forward

BY JOHN MATHER

The provincial budget, released last week, includes $8 billion for the Ministry of Transportation and Economic Corridors’ three-year capital plan, a $718-million increase compared with the 2022 budget.  Included in this is a direct commitment for $60.5 million over three years for the Vinca Bridge replacement near Redwater.

The replacement was first announced back in 2018 as part of the support for the Alberta High Load Corridor within the Alberta Industrial Heartland.

“Alberta’s Industrial Heartland Association is pleased that the 55year-old Vinca Bridge replacement is included in the Government of Alberta’s 2023 budge,” said Mark Plamondon, executive director of the Alberta Industrial heartland Association.

“As a vital component of Alberta’s highload corridor and a strategic connector in Alberta’s Industrial Heartland, the bridge services a thriving industrial zone with over $45 billion in total capital investment and billions more expected in the coming years.”

Richardson Pioneer, a division of Richardson International, is Canada’s leading agribusiness. Richardson Pioneer supports Canadian farmers throughout the growing season – providing agronomic services and advice, selling crop inputs, buying their crops at harvest and selling them to markets around the world through the most efficient network of high throughput Ag Business Centres in Western Canada.

Working with Richardson opens the door to a world of possibility. We currently have opportunities for Seasonal Truck Drivers at our Richardson Pioneer Ag Business Centre located in Lamont, Alberta

SEASONAL TRUCK DRIVERS

This position is responsible for deliveries of fertilizer, chemical and seed to local customers.

Responsibilities: Truck inspection and maintenance; unloading and loading of crop input products; yard maintenance.

Qualifications: Must possess a valid Class 3 with Air Endorsement or higher; strong organization and interpersonal skills; ability to work flexible hours including evenings/weekends; previous related experience is preferred.

Richardson International provides an excellent compensation package consisting of competitive salary and training and career development opportunities. Interested candidates should apply online at www.richardson/work.ca by March 31, 2023

Richardson International values diversity in the workplace. Women, Aboriginal People, Visible Minorities and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply and self-identify.

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!

Chipman 4-H member Faith Deng, 10 last Fall, carves a pumpkin along with other members of the Chipman 4-H Beef and Multi Club after their Halloween Party. Leader File Photo

Budget aids students in several ways, says MLA

I am very pleased to share that Alberta’s technology and innovation sector broke investment records for a fourth straight year, attracting $729 million in investments in 2022, a 30 per cent increase over 2021.

Low taxes and a business-friendly regulatory environment are leading to the rapid diversification of our economy.

I am also happy to share that as part of Budget 2023, our government is capping domestic tuition increases at two per cent beginning in the 2024-25 school year, as well as reducing the interest rate on student loans, doubling the interest-free grace period, and increasing eligibility for the Repayment Assistance Plan.

I know that these measures will go a long way toward supporting students struggling with the effects of high inflation.

Our government is also focused on building capacity in childcare. The Space Creation Grant will help with the creation of 42,500 new nonprofit licensed spaces over the next five years.  Applications for this grant funding are open to new and existing nonprofit groups interested in creating new childcare spaces or starting new childcare programs. For more details, visit: https://www.alber ta.ca/child-care-space-

creation-grant.aspx

September in Alberta will once again see the celebration of Alberta Culture Days, which will run alongside Month of the Artist.

Alberta Culture Days funding assistance will support Alberta Culture Days activities, events and promotions that engage public participation and inspire future involvement.

More details and guidelines for this grant program can be found at: https://open.alberta.ca/publications/alber ta-culture-days-grantprogram-guidelines-2023

Our government is also providing more than $38 million in community grants to help nonprofits enhance public facilities and community-based social programs.

Through our government’s Driving Back to Work Program, unemployed Albertans can obtain more than 90% of the funding necessary to pursue a career in the trucking industry.

Details and the application for this program can be found at: https://www.alberta.ca /driving-back-to-workgrant-program.aspx

CAREERS is a nonprofit organization that works with Alberta schools to connect students to employers for paid internships.

The CAREERS Youth Internship Incentive Program provides qualified employers with up to $3600 per intern. Details and application can be found here: https://www.caree rsnextgen.ca/supportan-intern/youth-intern-

ship-incentive-programyiip/ Please contact my constituency office at fortsaskatchewan.vegreville@assembly.ab.ca if you have any questions or concerns.

PEAS

Jackie ArmstrongHomeniuk, MLA Fort SaskatchewanVegreville

The Town of Bruderheim was presented with a $7,500 cheque Mar. 1 from Peter Hanson of Enbridge Alliance Pipeline. The money will go towards construction of the town’s community playground which is being developed next to the skateboard park this spring. Accepting the cheque were from left: Councillors George Campbell, Wayne Olechow, Mayor Karl Hauch, Peter Hanson, Councillor Len  Falardeau, Deputy Mayor Judy Schueler, and Councillor Ashley Carter. Councillor Dayna Jacobs was absent.

Lamont Council receives annual fire response update

BY JOHN MATHER Lamont County Regional Fire Chief

Shayne Milliken appeared virtually before Lamont Council

Feb. 28, to give his annual update on fire services provided to the community.

“I’m here to provide an annual update on current call volumes and call trends both regionally and district specific,” explained Milliken. He told council the call volumes were in an upwards trend with most of the increase occurring during the dry seasons.

“We had 435 calls across the region, and 312 were emergency calls,” he said. “The difference between those numbers is every 911 call is counted as a call to each of our stations.”

He said 2021 was the busiest year on record. He added many of the calls received were false alarms.

He further pointed out 11 per cent of the calls were actual fires, within 36 per cent being public services calls. Another small portion, two per cent, represented vehicle accidents.

“We don't have a lot of structure fires within the town,” he said.

“In 2022 of 435 total responses across the region about 135 were in the Lamont town region and 59 were handled directly by Station Four here in Lamont.”

He added Lamont had an impressive chute time, which is the time from when a call is received to when the first emergency vehicles roll out the door. Lamont had a chute time of 6:36 while the regional average chute time was 7:20.

He said the total response time is about 16:10 under the regional average of 18:40.

He did say one trend faced by Lamont and all other fire stations in the region was the number of personnel available to respond immediately. In Lamont the number was 3.78 compared with the regional personnel response of 4.86.

“This is not a unique trend but one faced by volunteer departments across the country,” he said.

Lamont Emergency Services has a total complement of 86 staff with 22 working out of the Lamont Fire Hall including one district chief, one assistant district chief, two captains, two lieutenants, and 16 firefighters.

“We do have healthy base numbers at this fire station,” he said.

He added the firefighters also provide 186 volunteering at community events including the Christmas Hamper program, the Heroes in the Sky, Remembrance Day ceremonies, the Lamont parade and several other events.

Another initiative he pointed out was the full establishment of the training centre at Chipman which has been under development for the past 10 years.

He added during the dry seasons, there was a full time crew on staff from mid-April until mid-June. This is an extension of a pilot project that was piloted in 2021 and has proven very successful in reducing chute times.

Councillor Al Harvey asked if there was a bylaw or some other form of penalty for some places putting in constant false alarms.

“There has been some consideration of that and all regions of the County are working to establish a regional false alarm bylaw,” he said. “Right now we do have some fines which can be levied under our fees and charges bylaw.”

But, Milliken added, residential false alarms are not a common occurrence within the County.

“Our focus is on commercial structures that may have multiple false alarm issues,” he said. “With those we can also charge them for having repeat inspections of the facility.”

Council then accepted Milliken’s report and presentation as information.

Affordable Advertising with L

TheClassifieds

COMING EVENTS

FIREARMS WANTED FOR OUR 2023 AUCTION

PROGRAM: Rifles, Shotguns, Handguns, Antiques, Militaria, Collections, Estates, Single Items for Auction, or Possible Purchase: Toll-Free 1-800-694-2609, Email Us @ sales@switzersauction.com or Visit Us @ www.switzersauction.com.

FEED ABD 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. 1888-483-8789.

FOR SALE

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

For sale by owner, 2000 sq. ft. home, 3 full bathrooms, 4 bedrooms on 80 acres, fenced & cross-fenced. Double attached garage. Phone; 780-363-3939

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 sale OBO. 5 sow farrowing crates. Overhead feeder parts. Self watering parts. Rolls of barbed wire. Andrew area. 250402-3754

HEALTH

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.

AUCTIONS

WARD'S & BUD HAYNES

FIREARMS AND RELATED AUCTION. Saturday, March 25th, Edmonton. FirearmsAuction.ca. Call Brad Ward 780-940-8378; Linda (Haynes) Baggaley 403-5971095 to consign.

BUILDINGS FOR SALE

INTEGRITY POST FRAME BUILDINGS since 2008 BUILT WITH CONCRETE POSTS. Barns, Shops, Riding Arenas, Machine Sheds and more, sales@integritybuilt.com 1-866974-7678 www.integritybuilt.com.

COMING EVENTS

Tofield Golden Club: Soup, Sandwich & Sweets. Monday, March 13, 11:00 am - 1:00 pm, 5004-54 Ave, Tofield, AB. $10 at the door, Everyone Welcome.

3

HELP WANTED

Full Time

Individual wanted.

Viking Insurance Services

Wage negotiable on experience.

Email resume to viking01@telus.net

See display ad in this paper for further details.

MEMORIA

In Loving Memory of (R.W.) Dick Cottrell

March 31, 1919March 12, 1983

We have the last 40 years gone?

-"The Kids"

SERVICES

Painting

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

FOR RENT

1 Bedroom, basement suite in Forrest Heights, Edmonton. $950 monthly, $950 deposit. Full kitchen & bath, utilities included. No pets/ no smoking. References required. 780-868-8751

Large, quiet, non-smoking 2 bedroom apartment in Killam. For viewing, call Chuck at 780-2637290.

House for Sale or Rent - 531657 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!

FOR SALE

Big round wheat straw bales 5'x5', $30 each. Located outside of Tofield. Phone 780-662-4981, or 780-910-7068.

2013 Ford F150 4x4 Super cab. 88,000 kms. 3.5 eco boost. Mint Condition. Call Dale 780-3854296. 10/11p

2013 Ford F350 Lariat Dually. Very good shape. Call 780-3851029. 10p

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 tri-flat 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 1-800-917-9021.

Looking for work?? We are hiring! We are looking for a full time employee to operate the Killam Feedmill. Starting date April 1. Stop by or phone 780-385-0775.

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 780-662-4449 RR4 Tofield, AB. gsieben@mcsnet.ca 10p

Quality Residential and Commercial Painting

Betty Tkaczyk 780-632-8749 or 780-688-3564

CRIMINAL RECORD? Why suffer employment/licensing loss? Travel/business opportunities? Be embarrassed? Think: Criminal Pardon. US entry waiver. Record purge. File destruction. Free consultation. 1-800-3472540. 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. 1-877-987-1420. 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 1866-405-1228 www.firstandsecondmortgages.ca.

Drywall Taping/Texturing

35+ Years. No Job too small

Experienced drywall taper/texturer here to help you with any job big or small. Don't want to do it yourself, give me a call! Based in Killam but willing to travel. Hand taper by trade but have experience with boxes, roller/flusher, taping tube. No bazooka exp. Have own tools (10-12" boxes, pump, angle box, roller, flusher, hand tools, etc.) Also do ceiling texture. Non- drinker, just want to work. Willing to work with existing taping crew. Call 780-385- 2106 or 780-385-1251.

SERVICES

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

Carpet and Upholstery cleaning - residential and commercial. Truck mount unit, sewer backup, and flood cleaning. Auto and RV Cleaning. Call John and Sheri at Fancy Shine Auto and Carpet Care at 780-384-3087

Need to re-order:

•Company Forms?

•Invoices?

•Envelopes?

•Business Cards?

•Bookmarks?

•Magnets?

•Score Cards?

•Stamps?

•Certificates?

•Receipts?

•Posters?

•Invitations?

•Calendars?

•Letterheads?

•Menus?

And more!

Call your local paper with your print order today!

WEEKLY REVIEW

780-336-3422 vikingreview@gmail.com

TOFILED MERCURY

780-662-4046 adsmercury@gmail.com

LAMONT LEADER

780-895-2780 lmtleader@gmail.com

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

WANTED

CLASSIFIED

Tratch rink wins Mundare Ladies Bonspiel A & B EVENTWINNERS

Members of the Ziegler team out of Vegreville and Mundare sweep a rock into the house during Mundare Ladies Bonspiel action at Mundare Curling Club, Mar. 4. The Ziegler team won the C event at the three-day bonspiel.

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

The annual Mundare Ladies Bonspiel took place Mar 3-5 at Mundare Curling Club. When all the sweeping was done and the rocks were put back in the house, the A event winners were: top row left to right: the Carmen Tratch rink with skip Carmen Tratch, Kate Sanford-Mitchell, Candel Warshawski, and Kathy Dmytriw. They defeated the Werbiski rink front row left to right: skip Michelle Werbiski, Donna Shulba, Candace Shulba, and Tara Malko.

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

Nick’s Oilfield Welding

Regional Fire Chief leaving

BY JANA SEMENIUK

Lamont County

Regional Fire Chief

Shayne Milliken has resigned after two and a half years in the position, and nearly 15 years in Lamont County emergency services.

Milliken has taken a new position as a manager with Alberta Health Services. His last day in Lamont County will be Mar. 31.

County Communications Coordinator Jay Zaal, has not been hired yet.

“That process is still ongoing and Deputy Regional Chief Kelly is his acting replacement until then,” said Zaal.

Shayne Milliken

“No specific timelines have been set for filling the role, as the focus is on the most appropriate fit.”

Lamont home needs to be rezoned to allow business

BY JOHN MATHER

Long time Lamont resident Allen Antoniuk appeared before Lamont Council Feb. 28 hoping to turn a home he owns on the main street into a small business.

have it rezoned, but for now I think council could provide an override of the zone and that’s what I’m asking for.”

would have any trouble renting the property, but he felt the masseuse business  was best suited for this location.

used as a residence for 20 years when it also served as his office.

“After close to 15 years here, it is simply time for a change personally and professionally,” said Milliken. “In addition to my fire department career here, I also worked full-time in EMS in Lamont and Andrew for a number of years. This means that my entire professional career, essentially, has been in my home community.”

Milliken said he started with the Bruderheim Fire Station in 2008 and worked his way up to becoming the Deputy Regional Fire Chief of Training in 2016. He became the Acting Regional Fire Chief in Apr. 2020 and permanent the following month. He said that although he has only been in the role of Regional Fire Chief for a short time, he celebrated a lot of accomplishments with his team.

“Replacing key apparatus, some of which were over 40 years old, migrating to the AFRRCS provincial radio system, implementing a peak season staffing model, completing the long-awaited Regional Training Centre project, standardizing operations across all stations, and hiring our first full-time Deputy Fire Chief are amongst some of the projects I am most proud of,” he said, adding that the Deputy Regional Fire Chief is Kam Kelly who was hired into the newly created position in June of 2022.

Meanwhile, Milliken said he will assist with the transition to a new Regional Fire Chief, who, according to Lamont

Milliken said he will miss Lamont County.

“Growing up here, I will easily miss the community the most. The people here are great to deal with,” he said.

“When the public knows you, and you know them, it makes the job a lot easier. It takes a long time to build that rapport with people.”

“I own the property on the corner across from Petro Can, the little white house,” he said. “I’m asking council to give me a variance so we can have a small business, a masseuse, operate a business there.”

Antoniuk said the masseuse rents a home from him in Chipman and wanted to open a business in Lamont.

“I had my real estate office there for 20 years,” he said. “I know it’s zoned R-2 and in the future I would like to

Land for Sale

He said the business would be beneficial for the town. Under the R-2 designation a business can be run from the home, if it is also used as the principal residence. In this case it would only be used as a business which contravenes the R2 designation.

Antoniuk added the business wouldn’t have more than five customers a day, so it wouldn’t create any traffic issues.

He said he had multiple rental properties across several municipalities and he didn’t feel he

“I think this is a better fit for the property,” he said.

Councillor Al Harvey asked how long the property had sat empty and Antoniuk said when he moved his office three years ago he put the building into his own name, but it had been

Antoniuk did ask if he could also put a small sign up on the property to promote the business.

Council deliberated the issue in a closed session and when they emerged they passed a motion indicating, “council direct administration to advise the proponent of the land use bylaw process.”

CERTIFIED SEED FOR SALE

Wheat:

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

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

Ducks Unlimited Canada-Alberta

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

Cell: 780-385-4900

The Lamont Leader (Lamont, Alberta), Wednesday, March 8, 2023 -

The Lamont Leader (Lamont, Alberta), Wednesday, March 8, 2023

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

See all current monthly Community Services and CALC 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, Connecting Generations, Cooking with Your Littles, CALC family connections/My Journey, & the KFRN monthly programs newsletter.) Posters are added to the website and Facebook once the events are finalized. See the QR code link for full posters.

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

Learn more about CALC programs such as My Journey…, CALC Kitchens, Creating Family Connections programs, Canadian Firearms Safety Course, and Digital Skills and Coffee Talks (or if you need assistance with the Affordability

Payments in Mundare and Andrew) at: lamontcouantyadultlearns.com.

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

http://www.grazingschool4women.com m p // g g

Register today, as the event is March 17.

Community Grants – Apply Today

Lamont County recognizes the valuable contributions made by community and volunteer organizations/groups to improve the quality of life (health, well-being and social development) for residents. Specific requirements are needed to apply and receive grant funding. Applications for community grants are accepted by Council online at lamontcounty.ca/governance/boardscommittees/lamont-county-grants-application-form

See Policy 3112 – Council Community Grants for eligibility & requirements. Deadline to apply is June 1

We want to hear from you, if you are between ages 12-23 complete the Youth Engagement Survey at redcap.albertahealthservices.ca/surveys/ ?s=4F3NXLHJK7X7NE7R or use the QR code:

Homestyle meals for seniors and low-income households ($10 per meal bi-weekly menus). Contact 780-895-2233 Ext. 226 to place order or learn more about the program.

AHS Dietician Seminar on Wednesday, March 22 in Andrew (Lions Club @10 a.m.) & Lamont (Arena Meeting Room @ 1 p.m.)

St. Patrick’s Day Tea

The Auxiliary to Lamont Health Care Centre at Beaverhill Lodge is hosting a St. Patrick’s Day Tea on March 17 from 1:30-3 p.m. for everyone. Admission by donation (door prizes) – proceeds to Lamont Health Care Centre and Beaverhill Lodge.

Next Agricultural Service Board (ASB) Meeting

Family Activity Night

Volunteer Appreciation Week Dinner

The annual free dinner for Volunteer Appreciation is Apr. 17 (Andrew), Apr. 18 (Bruderheim), Apr. 19 (Lamont) and Apr. 20 (Mundare) for Lamont County. Pick up tickets at Lamont County Administration Building and other locations (tickets are limited).

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.

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.

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).

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

Lamont County Youth Survey