May 3 Lamont Leader

Canada’s longest serving fire fighter laid to rest

Almost 100 first responders among 350 attending funeral for Bob Mitchell

BY JANA SEMENIUK

A funeral for Canada’s longest serving firefighter, Bob Mitchell, was held on May 2 at the Lamont Recreation Centre with over 350 people attending, including nearly 100 first responders. Mitchell, 90, who served the fire department for nearly 72 years, passed away on Apr. 26.

Tributes have poured in over social media since Mitchell’s passing, as friends and colleagues honoured the man who devoted his life to serving others. Mitchell was predeceased by his wife Muriel in 2003, after 40 years of marriage.

Prior to the service, fellow firefighters gathered outside, to organize themselves before marching into the hall with Mitchell’s casket. Retired firefighter John Helton said it was an emotional day.

“It’s hard to reflect on what he means to all of us,” he said. “I’ve known Bob for 40 years.”

Rev. Deborah Brill officiated the services where Mitchell’s son Kelly shared heartwarming and humorous stories about his dad while retired fire fighter Herman Sieker delivered Mitchell’s eulogy.

A touching slide show depicted Mitchell’s full life including time spent working at the local car dealership, vacations taken with his wife in addition to hunting trips where Mitchell proudly posed with his prizes.

In a touching tribute, Mitchell was delivered to his final resting place at the Lamont United Church Hackett Cemetery on the back of a firetruck.

Mitchell began with the Lamont Fire Department in 1951 when he was just out of high school. A huge fire in 1950 prompted the town to purchase a fire truck and start the fire department with Mitchell being one of the founding members.

Mitchell earned several honours in his lifetime, most recently the Queen

Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal in Oct. and on March 24, 2022 he marked his 25,773rd day of fire department service making him the longest serving fire fighter in Canada.

A special medal, the only one in existence, was crafted by the Canadian Volunteer Fire Fighters Association to mark the occasion and was presented to Mitchell last year.

In 2021 for 70 years of service with the Lamont Fire Department they renamed their fire station after him. As he sat in his wheelchair in full uniform and watched the unveiling of the new

sign bearing his name, he said he was awestruck.

“I couldn’t speak,” he said during an interview with the Lamont Leader. As Bob looked around at the large crowd who gathered to celebrate him that day, he smiled.

“I didn’t think I had this many friends.”

A firefighters' bell sits near the casket of Bob Mitchell while first responders file past paying their respects.

Jana Semeniuk Photos

Several personal items belonging to Bob Mitchell were spread out on display at his funeral service.

A photo of Bob Mitchell is displayed near his casket during his funeral service May 2.

Threat made against Lamont High School

BY JANA SEMENIUK

Local parents were contacted by Elk Island Public Schools on May 1 with news that a threat was made against the Lamont High School.

While the email would not reveal details around what the threat was or who made the threat, it stated that police have been contacted and would be present at the school.

“EIPS administration was made aware a threat was uttered against Lamont High. Our first and foremost concern is the wellbeing of all our students and we take threats seriously,” said the email. “The RCMP are investigating and will keep us informed of their findings.”

Several families expressed frustration at the lack of information.

EIPS Communication

Director Laura McNabb said they are not able to comment on an active investigation.

“RCMP will be on site at the school as a precaution. We have not been advised to close the school,” she said.

Constable Suzanne Ahlstrom confirmed a threat was made on social media the evening of May 1.

“The investigation was launched and a suspect was identified and located. There is currently no imminent threat to the school,” she said by email.

Ahlstrom did not divulge if the individual was a student, if an arrest was made or if charges will be forthcoming.

Lamont High School has an enrolment of approximately 330 students from grades seven to 12.

EIPS holds public engagement session in Andrew discussing school closure

BY JANA SEMENIUK

A public engagement meeting between Elk Island Public Schools and residents in the Village of Andrew on April 25 drew at least 70 concerned people out to the school gymnasium to discuss the possible closure of Andrew School.

Lamont County school board trustee Coleen

4th annual automotive Swap meet 4th annual automotive swap meet

Holowaychuk was unable to attend the meeting.

EIPS has so far held two board meetings around the issue with the Andrew Mayor, Merwin Haight, and Deputy Mayor, Tammy Pickett, speaking as delegates at the Apr. 20 meeting in favour of keeping the school open.

Andrew School has faced several issues since the early 2000s. According to a report from EIPS, a severe flood that occurred in 2003 was caused by improper roof and sprinkler system installation 10 years prior. Since then, EIPS said they provided maintenance on the building but did not fully repair

the problems. As a result, the school which also houses the village offices, library, weight room and bowling alley, has suffered regular leaking and more roof damage as a result of ice damming. Today the total damages are estimated at more than $3 million to fix.

Continued on Page 4

EIPS Superintendent Mark Liguori speaks to a crowd of approximately 70 people in the Andrew School gymnasium on Apr. 25 about details on the potential closing of Andrew School. EIPS is holding a special meeting on May 4 at 10 a.m. to discuss the issue. Photo: Jana Semeniuk

Andrew School

Continued from Page 2

Additionally, declining enrollment forced EIPS to remove the school’s high school program in 2019 and the following year the junior high program, leaving only the elementary K-6 students.

Superintendent Mark Liguori opened the public engagement meeting by explaining the issues with the sprinkler system and the roofing system, as well as how changes to the province’s funding model have influenced their thinking around Andrew School.

Liguori said that the Province moved to a three-year weighted average to fund schools which means that the school board gets funding per student split up over three years based on enrollment projections.

While this year, Andrew’s enrollment was at 62 students, Liguori said that Andrew’s projected enrollment for next year is only at 41. The school also has capacity for 385 students, making Andrew School the most underutilized and most expensive school to run of the 43 that make up EIPS.

While many parents were frustrated at the information, one parent asked Liguori if EIPS were to blame for the declining enrollments.

“Has EIPS taken into consideration that declining enrollment may be due to the threat of closing the school over the last four years,?” she asked. Liguori said that he did not want to answer for the board and invited the parent to register as a delegate and speak at the next board meeting.

Another parent had a question around bus ride times as he has older children who already ride the bus to the town of Lamont for school and if Andrew School closes, his kindergarten child would need to also take the bus to Lamont.

“My kids currently get on the bus. (School ends at three) and they are not home until 4:40 p.m. Do you think that's an acceptable (ride time) for a five-year-old,?” he asked. Liguori said long bus rides are a reality in rural areas.

“I need to be clear that

some of our longest ride times in our division exist in this area because of low density,” said Liguori.

Andrew deputy mayor Tammy Pickett asked Liguori what would happen to the items in and around the school, such as the playground, that were fundraised for by school council and other non-profit groups if the school closed down.

“To my understanding there is also $20,000 donated for the Chromebooks through parent council. Parents and volunteers in the village have busted their butts, so if upon closing, what happens to those items?” she asked.

Liguori said all items are the property of EIPS.

“The reality is any funds that were used by a school council or any fundraising group that use the name of Andrew School, all of the materials that were purchased are the property of the school division,” he said. Pickett went further and specified the playground.

“For the playground, it’s actually in the ground. Should that be something that we should be concerned about that you guys will pull out and stick in Fort Saskatchewan?” Pickett said.

Liguori told Pickett the playground would be a board decision.

“The answer is, could it be considered? Absolutely. Is it easy? The answer is no, because it's an asset,” he said. “It would be a conversation with the board.”

The crowd began to thin out partway through the meeting, with parents complaining that they felt EIPS had already made up their minds about closing the school and there was no point in trying to talk to them.

Andrew pharmacist

Asif Majeed said the move to close the school would be heartbreaking and devastating for his family as he has a young child who has been attending Andrew School for the past two years.

EIPS is holding a special board meeting on May 4 at 10 a.m. where the fate of Andrew School is scheduled for discussion.

Fort Saskatchewan RCMP charge four on multiple offenses

On April 15, just before 4 a.m., Ft. Saskatchewan RCMP responded to a suspicious vehicle downtown Fort Sask.

RCMP members observed weapons and break-in tools in the vehicle, and the suspects were arrested.

A search of the vehicle was done and police located weapons, suspected Fentanyl, Cocaine, Methamphetamine and four catalytic convertors.

Four males have been charged for multiple Criminal Code and

Traffic Safety act offences as a result of their involvement in criminal activity within the city.

Johnathan Boczek (29), Michael Graff (35), Jordon Kerrivan (33), Jason Van Wezel (45) all face multiple charges.

All four accused were

taken before a Justice and released on conditions with the exception of Kerrivan who was remanded in custody. All four are scheduled for their next court appearance on May 11 at the Fort Saskatchewan Court of Justice.

Looking for Skilled Tradespeople with

Vessel Fitting

Come to the Job Fair

When: Saturday May 6th 11:00 am - 2:00 pm

Where: Royal Canadian Legion Tofield Branch # 91 4909 52 Ave Tofield

Resume’s Welcome

We are excited for the opportunities ahead in the Tofield shop and we look forward to being part of your community.

Dacro has been in business since 1974 and are established industry leaders in custom design and fabrication of pressure vessels. Dacro is a proud union shop with a collective agreement with Boilermakers Local 146. Resume’s Welcome.

BY HAZEL ANAKA

Again, this week it’s time for a roundup; a disparate series of topics that won’t grow up to be dedicated columns but deserving of honourable mention nonetheless… How about those Oilers? Has this first series not been edge of the seat action? It’s been hard on the nerves but not as soul destroying as when they played more like Keystone cops than cup contenders. There were the hard-hitting, penalty assigning, low scoring games early on. There was the very noticeable hobbling of Connor McDavid’s innate scoring genius mitigated by Draisaitl being on fire. Goalie Stuart Skinner kept them alive more than once. Guys like Kane, Hyman, Kostin, Bouchard were just a few of those stepping up for the cause. And let’s not forget Yamamoto who finished the Kings off in 6 giving the guys time to rest and regroup before facing Las Vegas. Leads came and went like ping pong balls. I can only imagine the pandemonium downtown in the arena and adjacent areas during watch parties. That distant sound you hear is the ringing of cash registers.

FROM WHERE I SIT: Another Day

With the weather finally warming up, I see signs of life in the flower beds. The tulip and allium bulbs I planted last fall are poking through. I haven’t done any bed cleanup or checked the perennials because I’ve been busy. I have to say it’s a bit concerning that Roy caught our stray, Rocky digging some holes in the yard. When he showed up mysteriously last September, he was a model dog. Never barked, never dug, never pooped in public. He seemed too good to true. A month or so later he dug a hole in a flowerbed that I promptly covered with a piece of plywood thinking that would send a message and I thought it did. Obviously, until we can mulch all the beds (after spring seeding) he’d better watch his step. No one has the time or inclination to police his behaviour.

The incessant spring winds and tinder dry conditions are the perfect scenario for out-of-control fires. As I drove home from Edmonton the other day, the huge plumes of smoke seemed entirely too close to home. Of course, you can’t really tell until you’re much closer, but it is scary to contemplate the financial and psychological loss of such a ruthless force. As it was, it was two or three miles east of us. No one, but no one is safe from this threat. The usual fire bans and cautionary

words about the hazards of careless smoking and faulty mufflers seem to be necessary annual reminders. Be careful and be safe.

The desire and need for organizing and decluttering are an ongoing, day in day out reality. But the urge hits overdrive in spring. Vehicles, garages, basements, sheds are fair game. When you can throw open the doors and let sunshine and fresh air flood the space, it energizes a person. When a trip to the landfill (or optimally donation centres) is made easier by warm spring days, more can get accomplished more easily. Soon, garage sales signs will sprout like dandelions and I love it. It’s definitely counter intuitive to want to purge on one hand and buy more on the other, but it is the truth about more people than you know.

If organizing whatever you have…and that can be everything from your sock drawer or pantry to rooms and buildings dedicated to hobbies, interests, side businesses…you may want to check out a website and YouTube channel called Clutterbug. Cass has created a quiz that helps determine which of four bugs you are based on how you like to see (or not) and use your stuff. No one is a pure Butterfly, Bee, Cricket or Ladybug but some gradation of each. I’m sure a person could

STUDENT EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

SUMMER EMPLOYMENT PROGRAMS

2 Positions

The Village of Chipman is seeking candidates for a Public Works Student Labourer through the end of August.

Under the supervision of Chipman Public works, the participant will be required to carry out a variety of maintenance and general labour–related duties. This is a hands on position involving a variety of tasks including:

-grass cutting and grounds maintenance

-painting curbs, public works buildings and facilities

-general clean-up

-light servicing of grounds maintenance equipment

Applicants must be 16 years of age or older.

Please submit resume no later than May 10, 2023 to:

The Village of Chipman Administration Office

4816-50 th Street

Chipman, AB T0B 0W0

Fax: (780) 363-2386

We thank all applicants for their interest, however only those who have been selected for an interview will be contacted.

go down a rabbit hole of videos but resist the urge.

My results say I’m a Butterfly. I need easy, visible solutions like clear containers and boxes or baskets without lids. Closed storage needs large labels. While this is true for nearly everyone, butterflies especially need to see what they have in order not to forget what they have. Out of sight, out of mind. I’ve

been pondering that category and I think she may be onto something. So, to give it a try in my studio/office I ran a number of clear rectangular vases through the dishwasher and am gradually filling them with supplies. For now, it’s baby steps. Let’s just say I’ve gotten on various bandwagons whole hog before, buying books, supplies, tools only to discover that

Church Calendar

ROMANCATHOLICCHURCH SERVICES

Our Lady of Good Counsel, Skaro 1st, 3rd, 5th Sundays @ 9:00 am St. Michael the Archangel, St. Michael 2nd, and 4th Sundays @ 9:00 am

Administrative Office: Our Lady of the Angels Parish 10004 ~ 101 St., Fort Sask. 780.998.3288

Email: olangels.ftsask@caedm.ca www.olafortsask.caedm.ca

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

Rev. Deborah Brill S UNDAY S ERVICES 11:15 A . M .

CHECKOUTOURNEW FACEBOOKPAGE!!

Everyone Welcome!

may not have been the best new idea or interest or answer at all. I do know I wish I had a nickel for every time I have to open a box, bag, bin, basket, or drawer to remind myself what I so carefully stashed inside. It’s crazy making.

So, let’s wind this up here. Whether you are glued to Sportsnet, poking around in the yard, or cleaning the garage, stay safe and sane. There’s always another day, from where I sit.

Lamont Alliance Church

5007 44 st., Lamont 780-895-2879

Sunday Service 10 am

J OINUSFOR SERVICES

SUNDAYMORNINGS @ 10 AM

Pastor Darren Anderson

Check out: www.lamontalliance.com

Bethany

Lutheran Church

20577 TWP 550 Fort. Sask. (7km East of Josephburg) 780-998-1874

Pastor Rev. Jeff Dul

Worship Service 9:30 am Sunday School (during service) Coffee after Service

Bruderheim Community Church

4904 Queen Street 780-796-3775

Sunday

Worship 10:30 am

All are Welcome!

Pastor Wayne Larson

AA Meetings Thursdays at 8:00 pm U KRAINIAN C ATHOLIC C HURCH S ERVICES

Check us out on Facebook

Josephburg

Community Church

21380 Township Road 550 Josephburg, Alberta 780-998-9331 josephburgchurch@albertacom.com

Sunday Worship 10:30am

All are Welcome!

Fellowship & coffee following service

Pastor Brad Diprose

Worship Leader Debra Morris

Check us out on Facebook

Church Directory Ad $40 per month

Call us at 780.895.2780

The Lamont Leader (Lamont, Alberta), Wednesday, May 3, 2023 - 5

Posturing is over… time to decide Alberta’s fate

BY JOHN MATHER

The Race is On and it Looks like Heartaches

And the winner loses all.

Well the race is on in Alberta and I’m going to be really curious about how this one plays out.

This is one election where I think voter turnout is going to be the most important aspect of the race.

We have the two main parties, the UCP and NDP firing salvos of mud at each other while at the same time patronizing us with big gobs of our own money being spent on building pet projects or advancing social programs.

There are a couple of lesser parties in this provincial slugfest, but I haven’t really seen them doing any serious sort of campaigning.

We have two female leaders both making serious  comeback attempts to win the hearts and minds of Albertans.

Danielle Smith of the UCP, led the Wildrose a decade ago. She failed to win the government and crossed the floor to join the Progressive Conservatives subsequently losing her seat not to mention a lot of political credibility.

But she came back from the ashes and put together a winning leadership campaign last fall after UCP's original leader, Jason Kenney was eaten by his own party.

Notley won the province for the NDP when the Jim Prentice Progressive Conservatives imploded in vote splitting with the Wildrose Party, allowing the NDP to come up the middle..

Her disastrous term led to Jason Kenney removing himself from an Ottawa perch to become the self proclaimed saviour of Alberta, merging the Wildrose and Progressive Conservatives into the United Conservative Party.

Kenney promptly thrashed the Notley NDP, who had done nothing to endear themselves to Albertans during their term in office.

They did care about the urban centres but really irritated rural farmers as they tried to force unions on farm labourers, often family members.

So now Smith and Notley are vying for the ultimate comeback. I expect this election will be the end of the political road for one of them.

Can Smith expect to survive a palace coup if she doesn’t form the government? The UCP is a fractious lot and only a convincing win will help keep the various factions in line.

Can Notley survive the wrath of her union cronies if she doesn’t form the government? She has led the provincial socialists for quite a few years and no doubt some of her union buddies such as Gil McGowan would quickly pull out a knife and put it in her back if she doesn’t form the government. And realistically she must be getting tired of promoting ideas and theories which, while honourable on paper, really won’t hold water when put into real action.

CONTINUED

Letter: What have we come to?

I once believed that Canada was a Country of Freedom, a country where one felt safe, a country in which our Constitution, and Laws of the Land protected us. I believed it was a land where we could age relatively comfortably, and feel confident in that safety.

Recently, (Feb 2023), I was walking my small 15 lb dog, Bear, in a park in the small community of Bruderheim, one hour east of Edmonton, Alta. Bear was happy and anxious to be leashed so he could experience his usual stroll, sniff the fresh air, the grass, and enjoy all the little pet scents he normally explored. I am 76 years of age, and am awaiting knee surgery, so this excursion is also important and vitalizing for me.

As Bear and I strolled along one of the paths in the park, I noticed a person with two large dogs walking toward us. Bear barked,

CONTINUED

A debate between the two will be quite entertaining because both are very comfortable before the cameras and both are gifted speakers.

But the urban media is opposed to Smith. They like to slam her for talking to a “street preacher” who was involved with the convoy blockades near Coutts last winter. Smith should have known better, but the media just doesn’t want to let this go. And Danielle has been known to veer off script on occasion.

Notley is loved by the urban media. Her party has a stranglehold on Edmonton, yet many still don’t realize Notley will follow any directions against Alberta coming from the Trudeau Liberals, because her party leader Jagmeet Singh is keeping the Liberals in power.

And yes, the Alberta NDP is answerable to the Federal NDP.

Will she go against Jagmeet and his policies? Not likely. But then again I really doubt Singh will get an invite to visit Alberta during this campaign period.

As this election plays out both parties will introduce policies and spend more of

and suddenly one of the dogs pulled the leash out of the owner’s hand and raced toward us.

Instinctively, I reached down and picked Bear up, holding him against my shoulder. The large dog jumped up on me, grabbed Bear by the leg with his teeth, knocking us over onto the ground.

Bear was screaming as the dog violated his little body, struggling to escape the terrifying, menacing onslaught of those deadly vicious jaws. I struggled up and attempted to protect us, also becoming the recipient of the terrorizing attack. Finally, the owner gained a semblance of control over the dog, and I was free to pick up the pieces from the vicious assault which had just been imposed upon us.

Continued on Page 22

our money if we vote for them.

This is an important election for Albertans… possibly one of the most important in our history as a province.

The UCP will stand up to Ottawa and will use steadfast conservative principles to guide our economy forward.

The NDP will roll over to Ottawa directives while promoting unnecessary social directives and green initiatives at the expense of our oil and gas industry.

In this election Albertans have to take a stand.

There may be some other parties to vote for but they haven’t been doing anything to make any headway against the two main parties. Should the vote be split and maybe usher in a minority government for the first time in the province’s history? Would a third party with absolutely no experience in governing be a strong fit to hold the balance of power?

This could be a good thing. Many very good pieces of legislation have come about because of consensus building forced on legislators by a minority government - but never in Alberta.

But this also an election

that should show the great divide between urban and rural dwellers in this province.

Albertans need to get out and vote in this election.

It is no time to just sit around the campfire and talk politics.

It’s time to listen carefully to what’s being said. Separate the wheat from the chaff, because as we all know politicians do have a propensity for blowing smoke.

Once a decision has been arrived at, make sure you get to your voting station and exercise your basic right.

The race is on… and Alberta doesn’t deserve to usher in a government that will ruin it. Social media misinformation is running full speed ahead as we head into this vote. Don’t buy the PAC bulls#it.

This province has to stand strong and join with its western partners Saskatchewan and Manitoba to protect it from the eastern elite and green fanatics who want to wipe out our economies.

We need to elect a government that will do this for us.

What is the fate of Alberta?

Come late May 29, we’ll know. It’s now up to all of us.

Engineering for Scotford interchange gets $750,000

BY JOHN MATHER Transportation and Corridors

Minister

Devin Dreeshen gathered local politicians from around the region to reaffirm the province’s commitment to build an interchange at the intersection of Highway 15 and Secondary Highway 830 Apr. 24.

“I have to give a shout out to the MLAs who have advocated for this,” said Dreeshen. Local MLAs Jackie Armstrong Homeniuk, and Nate Glubish from Sherwood Park.”

“They have advocated for this project and in our spring budget we got more than $700 million for transportation in this budget than in the previous year.”

He said people in the area know the Highway 15 and Secondary Highway 830 was an extremely important intersection.

“With the trains moving through Scotford and the traffic volumes some people say they can be caught at the intersection for more than an hour during peak periods,” said Dreeshen.

“It is located next to

the CN Rail Scotford Yard and has heavy loads transporting goods to and from the Shell Scotford complex,” he added.

He then announced that the government was moving ahead with the engineering work and design work for the interchange upgrades and $750,000 was committed to the project for this year.

“Improvements to this intersection will ease traffic flow and bring improvements to both area communities and to industry,” he said.

“And we recognized strong infrastructure is needed to attract investment and growth to the region,” he added.

Fort SaskatchewanVegreville MLA Jackie Armstrong Homeniuk said the announcement was “great news for the region.”

“Improving this intersection will save time and money for both commuters and industry,” she added. “This project will also promote future development in the region.”

She added it would also add to the provincial

economy since the region is home to the Alberta Industrial Heartland.

“It is critical we have the highway infrastructure in place to help the growth in this region,” she added.

She also mentioned several other transportation projects in the region which had been approved.

“Thank you to the Alberta government for making this much needed investment in the future of this intersection,” said Strathcona County Mayor Rod Frank.

He added the project was the result of the area municipalities including Strathcona, Fort Saskatchewan, Lamont County and Bruderheim working collaboratively together to achieve success in the Alberta Industrial Heartland.

Dreeshen said he couldn’t say what sort of interchange would be built.

“There will be an open town hall so the engineers can get local input,” he said. “We want to make sure when the interchange is completed the trains can do

their thing and the truck traffic and commuters can also do their thing.”

He added the engineering would take up to a year and then it is a matter of getting full funding for construction and having the project placed on the capital plan.

“That can take a year or two so it should be in the two to four year range, but obviously we want to build something as fast as possible,” he said. “But we have to make sure it works for all the stakeholders.”

Dreeshen wouldn’t speculate on when the twinned section of Highway 15 would be extended out to Highway 45. The current twinned section of the highway ends just beyond where the planned interchange will be built.

“We’ll have to see,” he said. “We got $700 million in additional money in this year’s budget. There are constant priorities and things can change.”

He said there were many projects already in the capital plan that had to be completed.

Andrew councillor fed up with extended meetings

BY JANA SEMENIUK

Andrew Councillor

Evan Genung voted against extending the most recent regular meeting of council Apr. 26, when it reached the two-hour mark after being called to order at 7 p.m.

As a result, 12 items on the council agenda were pushed to the next meeting on May 10. Genung said the length of the agenda was unreasonable to complete in two hours, and spoke on Deputy Mayor Tammy Pickett’s motion to extend the meeting.

“When the agenda is prepared, is there any consideration made to have the meeting done in two hours? Because this agenda is a four-hour package,” he said.

“Are we doing it with the intent that every meeting is going to be extended? Because that needs to be corrected.”

The lengthiest agenda items were the Chief Administrative Officer’s report which took 30 minutes and a first reading of council meeting procedures which took 43 minutes.

One of the meeting procedure bylaws read by Mayor Merwin

Haight dealt with the length of council meetings and read, ‘in accordance with the provisions of the municipal government the length

this could not be done in two hours,” said Genung. “I’m saying no to the extension.”

In a later interview, Mayor Haight explained

of time between a number of CAOs, we have our budgets we have to work on and just the large volume of business we have to catch up on,” he said.

“Plus dealing with the potential school closure, and having to relocate the Duckstop, the library and the village offices. That alone is a phenomenal amount of work. If the school closes, we have 90 days to relocate.”

of council meetings at the meeting shall be no longer than two hours. If the council meeting is to proceed longer, a unanimous consent is required to extend the meeting for an additional 45 minutes with a 15-minute recess before the meeting is extended’.

Andrew council meet the second and fourth Wed. of every month at 7 p.m.

Genung said that Haight and CAO Tim Melnyk must have known how long the meeting would take when the agenda was being prepared.

“What I'm saying is, you knew what was in the agenda (and) you must have known that

that he would eventually like to see the meetings be finished in under two hours, but felt there were simply too many important items to cover at each meeting.

“Due to the volume of work this council needs to do, this includes updating bylaws, some we have been working on for extended periods

The council’s agenda at the previous meeting, Apr. 12, also could not be completed after two hours with one 45minute extension, pushing several items to the Apr. 26 meeting.

At least 12 agenda items were then pushed from the Apr. 26 meeting to the upcoming May 10 meeting scheduled for 7 p.m.

CERTIFIED SEED FOR SALE

Wheat:

CWRS - AAC Brandon - Improved Rated MR4 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

Allison’s Oasis Relax & Repair

THE FIT BODYWRAP SYSTEM is a body immersion treatment that delivers far infrared heat directly to the body. During a session the infrared heat penetrates the body which works to increase core body temperature to elevate heart rate and blood circulation, replicating a cardiovascular exercise. Results from the infrared bodywrap sessions can be life-changing. Whether it's relaxation, pain relief, weight loss, cellulite reduction, skin rejuvenation or detoxification, the bodywrap will help with all of these.

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

Box 296, Viking, AB T0B 4N0

Dealer for Brett Young Forage Seed

“

... you must have known that this could not be done in two hours

- Councillor Evan Genung

Andrew Councillor Evan Genung

Photo: Jana Semeniuk

Lamont Veselka Dancers entertain at seniors lodges

Lamont Veselka Dancers, aged three to 15, performed last week to the delight of seniors at both the Morley Young Manor and Beaverhill Lodge in Lamont. Photos: Jana Semeniuk

Grass fires plaguing Lamont County prompting fire ban

BY JANA SEMENIUK

Several grass fires over the past week, coupled with windy dry conditions have prompted a complete fire ban in the County of Lamont effective May 1.

Communications Coordinator Jay Zaal said it’s important to take precautions in light of these recent developments.

“With the dry conditions and warm weather forecast, it is important to take all precautions to limit potential igniters (not tossing cigarette butts out the window, use of ATVs and recreational vehicles, no burning of brush, fire pits or camp fires, etc,” he said

by email.

Zaal confirmed at least five fires in the past week, including a grass fire that began as a barn fire.

“The fire near Chipman started as a barn fire and proceeded to a grass fire. The duty crew (active during weekdays) worked hard to contain and extinguish this and the grass fires. From their hard work, the duty crew has saved three residences from damage this week,” said Zaal.

Zaal said he has no information on what caused the barn fire near Chipman or the exact dates of the fires.

Fire crews head into a danger zone at RR 183 and Twp 542 getting control of a grass fire, April 29.

Crystal Moren photo.

A farmer was using his JD tractor with discs hooked up, and was discing fire stop paths around the field and flames, working with the fire & rescue.

Crystal Moren photo.

Bruderheim Minor Sports narrowly averts soccer coaching crisis

BY JANA SEMENIUK

As the soccer season is gearing up to begin for children this week, Bruderheim Minor Sports Association president Tara Wilson said a coaching shortage nearly derailed at least three teams of kids.

Wilson put out a desperate call on social media last week for six coaches to sign up or the kids couldn’t play. She said within days the coaching spots were filled.

“We did fill all the spots, thankfully. People from the community got involved with soccer and stepped in,” she said by text.

Wilson said BMSA registered at least 100 kids this year from under three years old to 11 for soccer. She said she likes

to have two coaches per team to lessen the workload.

“It doesn't matter if you can make every single practice. It's just getting out there and helping with the time that you have,” she said.

Wilson said head coaches should be over the age of 18, but a junior program helps teens start coaching much earlier.

“We created our Junior Helper program, (for kids over 14),” she said. “They can come and help (coach) and it (gives them) great leadership experience it lets them help out their community and also gives them something for their resume.”

Wilson said no special skills are required to volunteer as a soccer coach

with the exception of an online course called Respect in Sport Certification and a clean criminal records check.

“It’s (Respect in Sport Certification) an online module that takes around 30 minutes to complete,” she said, adding that children under five years old practice once a week while children over five are practicing twice a week.

“We even offer coaching programs through Alberta Soccer if you want to take those. A lot of people say ‘I'm good. I can find skills on YouTube, and I can work it out’. The nice thing about soccer is that it's fairly low commitment (and) it's only two months.

In addition to volun-

teering for coaching, Wilson said volunteers are also needed on the administrative side of BMSA.

“When it comes to BMSA, we currently only have four people on the whole association and we would love to see more people in the community get involved,” said Wilson.

“We would love to see new sports come to town, and we would love to see new activities and new opportunities but we need the volunteers for it. (For) as little as an hour a month, somebody can really make a difference.”

Wilson said BMSA is holding their Annual General Meeting on May 19 at 7 p.m. in Bruderheim where volunteers can get more information, sign up to coach or volunteer for a spot on the board.

KOZAKEWICH, Bill W.

April 26, 1934April 30, 2023

On Sunday, April 30, 2023, Bill Kozakewich of Smoky Lake, Alberta, formerly of Andrew, passed away at the age of 89 years.

Bill W. is survived by his loving wife of 67 years Evangeline; sons

Elias (Tammy), Jim, Ralph (Randa) and Michael (Roxanne); eight grandchildren; six great grandchildren and three sisters Marie (Tom), Irene and Anne (Allan); along with numerous loving relatives and friends. He was predeceased by his parents William and Cassie Kozakewich; brother-in-law Bill.

A Prayer Service will be held on Friday, May 5, 2023, at 7:00 p.m. at Autumn Rose Funeral Home (5036-51 Avenue) in Vegreville, Alberta. A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, May 6, 2023 at 10:30

a.m. at the Wostok Hall with Father Kolin Berglund officiating. Interment to follow in the St. Nicholas Orthodox Church Cemetery –Bukowina. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the “St. Nicholas Orthodox Church –Bukowina” or “Heart and Stroke Foundation of Alberta.”

To send condolences please visit www.autumnrosefuneralhome.com

AUTUMN ROSE FUNERAL HOME VEGREVILLE 780-603-5800

Are you .....sick and tired of persistent pain .....feeling stressed and fatigued .....dealing with chronic health issues Let

Do you believe your body can heal when given the right stimuli?

Valerie Golka

Certified Yoga Therapist RYT-200, RYT-300, C-IAYT

Book now for a "free" initial assessment. Email yoga4u2.valerie@gmail.com

All appointments are held on-line through Zoom.

These children in Bruderheim enjoy some soccer practice. Jana Semeniuk file photo

Griffiths pushes a collaborative approach at mayor’s dinner

BY JOHN MATHER Former Progressive Conservative MLA and Municipal Affairs Minister

together then they all will experience benefits.

Doug Griffiths

wowed the large crowd at Bruderheim’s Mayor Karl Hauch’s annual dinner April 28.

Griffiths is author of 13 Ways to Kill Your Community and also now runs a consulting business 13 Ways Inc.

Griffiths spoke with great enthusiasm on his topic of ways communities and the management of them have evolved over the years.

“I love what I do because I think building communities is the single  most important job on earth,” he said. “I have been working on community building for 25 years and I love this stuff.”

His topic was “Collaboration, Coopera tion and the Future of Communities.”

He said the topic was important and the lack of the cooperation and collaboration between communities is “the plague of the 21st century.”

“It will destroy them if they don’t work together.”

Using examples of municipalities he had worked with, he showed how communities not working together on economic development will hurt one or two of them while benefitting the third, but if they all work

Using humour as he spoke, he outlined how societies have changed since man first started walking the earth and how we’ve evolved from hunters and gatherers, to agrarian societies, to the industrial revolution, to now, the technology age.

“We don’t change to our own detriment,” said Griffiths. “We’re going to look like idiots if we don’t adapt to the changes that are coming in society.”

He used the speed of computer and technological change as an example of how quickly we must adapt to change.

“Technology is changing everything about our communities,” he told the audience. In healthcare, education and right to general meetings using zoom he pointed out how things were changing quickly.

He pointed out how housing was changing from larger homes to much smaller living spaces.

Online technology could be used to bring further investments to communities quickly,” he pointed out.

He said the new generation of workers worked well in a collaborative setting rather than in the past where full competitiveness was the norm.

“That was an old mind set where I win by mak-

ing you lose,” he said. “It’s a completely different set of values now.”

He said this wasn’t new that each generation had all changed their values over the years.

Griffiths talked about regional cooperation between communities and used the example of regional fire departments as an example.

“Firefighters used to be able to put out a fire,” he said. “But now the firefighters have to be properly licensed to drive the truck, qualified to use the equipment and they need special instruction in techniques from fighting different types of fires to search and rescue.”

He added that most community buildings must also force some collaboration between communities so the region can have a strong community centre.

Griffiths advocated eliminating borders as communities begin to work together more.

He said as societies move forward they have to stop thinking “it’s about us” and more on how working collaboratively can help the vast majority of the population.

Communities have to work to discover what makes them unique and then use that uniqueness as a marketing tool.

He finished his presentation by stating there

were five rules for positive development of communities.

Lowest taxes, infra-

structure, housing and workforce, services and finally collaboration and co-operation were the

building blocks of making a community successful, he concluded.

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 May 5th will be included in our Sales Posters, Newspaper & Radio Advertising, Web Page, Social Media and extensive mailing lists.

Whether you have one piece or a complete line of Machinery give Aaron a call at (403) 913-9644 or Allen at (403) 783-0556 to discuss the best option for you to realize top dollars.

Guest speaker Doug Griffiths, poses with Fort Saskatchewan-Vegreville MLA Jackie Armstrong-Homeniuk, and Bruderheim Mayor Karl Hauch following Griffiths’ presentation at the Bruderheim Mayor’s Dinner April 29. Griffith spoke on how communities have to have a collaborative approach towards future development and success, rather than trying to go it alone. Jana Semeniuk photo

Violence against women and vulnerable groups is increasing. Let’s learn how to stop it together.

Featuring Julie Lalonde (stalking), Muhammad (domestic violence), and Morag McLean

Julie Lalonde

Mundare can’t afford cost of requested water line

BY JOHN MATHER

At the April 18 Mundare Council meeting, Mundare Chief Administrative Officer Colin Zyla updated council on the costs of supplying a water line to the home of Marsha Woloschuk.

Woloschuk appeared before Mundare council April. 4, to ask if she could have a water and sewer connection put to her home on the south side of Highway 15.

“I have a problem,” she said. “I’ve lived here for  a long time. I moved into my first house when I was 20 years old and I’m now 91 year old. I’ve paid taxes that entire time.

“Where are my taxes going,” she asked. “I don’t have sewer and I don’t have water.”

“I pay for my garbage. Why can I not get water and sewer?

Accompanied by her daughter, it was explained to council that her well had caved in recently, forcing her and her daughter to haul water to her home. She

does get some assistance from her son but since he works out of town, most of it falls to herself and her daughter.

“I have no water to wash clothes, and can’t take a shower,” she said. She added she had paid to have her well looked at and no one can do anything to help it.

It was explained to council that the south side of the town has never had services.

Woloschuk was told the golf course and the Whitetail area had paid to have that area serviced when it was developed.

Councillor Sandra Nicholson said they would look into whether there were any grants available and try to find some sort of solution for them.

Councillor Rick Patrie said her issue wasn’t something that could be fixed in a week.

Zyla said the Town would have to talk to their engineers and get some cost estimates.

“We have to do some investigation and see what’s happening there,”

he said. “But I can’t give you a specific timeline.”

On April 18, Zyla reported back to council that he had spoken with the town engineers and the estimated cost to put a water line in the area would cost roughly $290,000 for a 200mm waterline. The estimate didn’t include any road construction costs.

“Based on my research I couldn’t find any seniors grants or any others that the Town could apply for to help cover the costs of a project like this,” Zyla reported. “We have our normal MSI grant but it is $290,000 for one or two homes.”

Nicholson said it was obvious the money wasn’t there for the waterline at this time.

She wondered if they could look at establishing a reserve fund, but council said with only two homes interested in the waterline and the costs continually rising there wasn’t any point.

Councillor Rick Patrie said a waterline has been offered to residents in the area years ago utilizing a

local improvement program but that had been rejected.

“The residents declined it at the time,” he said. “So prices have changed drastically.”

Zyla said unfortunately Town priorities did have to go where the majority of the population lived and right now that was the north side of the town and the Whitetail area.

“Ultimately the area in question could grow but right now where do you put your money,” he said.

Patrie agreed it was an undeveloped area and not likely to be developed soon as there are lots in the Whitetail area and on the north side of town.

Council after discussion passed a motion not to proceed with a waterline in the area due to the high cost of the project.

Summer seasonal Laborers

Emcon Services is currently seeking Laborers and Flaggers

For the Vegreville, Two Hills, and Lamont areas for the upcoming summer season. Job duties may include but are not limited to:

Flagging, Crack sealing, Rest area maintenance, Highway Inspections, sign and guardrail repairs, bridge washing, pot hole filling, grass trimming.

Ability to work extended hours and weekends as required.

Applicants must have a valid Class 5 drivers license.

Emcon Services Inc. offers competitive wages and maintains a substance abuse policy.

Please email or fax applications to:

Emcon Services Inc. Attn. Jim Mears

Email: wmears@emconservices.ca

A crowd of 109 came out to be feted by Lamont County FCC as they celebrated Volunteer Appreciation Week in Mundare with a dinner April 20. Words of appreciation for the volunteers were delivered by Mundare Mayor Cheryl Caliniou and MLA Jackie Armstrong-Homeniuk. Entertainment was by Double Vision, (above).

Bruderheim gets huge grant to upgrade water system

BY JOHN MATHER

The Town of Bruderheim has received funding from the provincial government to proceed with upgrades to its water treatment reservoir and capacity issues.

The grant from the Alberta Municipal Water/Wastewater Partnership is for up to $3,051,724.00.

Mayor Karl Hauch is thrilled with the amount of the grant equating to almost the Town’s total annual budget.

“The work has to be started by the end of 2025,” said Hauch. “The reservoir and pumping system is key to the future growth of Bruderheim.”

“Our firewater system flow has been falling with the growth of the town and we can’t continue to grow until we get our water system sorted out.”

Bruderheim will be responsible for all costs to use, operate, maintain, repair and replace the completed project.

While Bruderheim will still have to come up with almost $1,000,000 to complete the project, Hauch said administration would start working immediately on plans to apply for Federal funding and come up with several scenarios where the Town could access the additional funding whether through debentures or other methods.

He added it would take a full summer construction season to complete the expansion of the reservoir, and he hoped that would happen in 2024.

“It’s a great challenge for us,” added Hauch.

“But really, with this grant, it’s a great challenge to have.”

He added the Town had to proceed with the project, “or we’ll have hampered our growth for years.”

“The issue has been coming for a long time,” said Hauch. “We’ve been advocating for this for several years.”

Owner of  Strong's Garage in Bruderheim, Matt Hotte (L) stands with Jim Koladich as they put the finishing touches on the restoration of a 1932 Ford on May 1. While the garage, which primarily restores classic vehicles, is not yet open to the public, Hotte said plenty of work is and has been done inside of the historic building over the past 10 years, resurrecting its life as it was in the early 40s when it began as Strong's Garage.

During the annual Bruderheim Mayor’s dinner April 28, Fort SaskatchewanVegreville MLA Jackie Armstrong Homeniuk gave the Town a ceremonial cheque representing the $3-million plus for the Town’s water treatment plant upgrade. Accepting are Councillors Judy Schueler, Dayna Jacobs, George Campbell, Wayne Olechow, and Mayor Karl Hauch along with Armstrong Homeniuk. Jana Semeniuk photo

Photo: Jana Semeniuk

JESSE SARUKREACHES 101

Chipman increasing hall rental fees

BY JANA SEMENIUK

The Village of Chipman council has voted in favour of increasing their National Hall rental fees for the first time in nearly 20 years.

The decision was made during the regular council meeting on Apr. 11 and increased hall rental fee from $200 to $300.

Mayor Morris Langevin said the increase was mainly to cover rising utility costs, while administrative assistant Keiron Willis said rentals of the hall itself have also been

increasing.

“We’ve increased our rentals quite a bit. We’ve had a lot of birthday parties, but not very many weddings,” she said.

Councilor Trudy Smith said the Chipman Players, a drama group who put on dinner and play events at the hall, have brought many people through the facility increasing their exposure.

“I think when people are coming for the (Chipman) Players they come from all over the place, not just locally, they (can) see how pretty

the hall is. There’s a kitchen downstairs, which is an actual commercial kitchen, so that makes a huge difference.

It’s downstairs so you don’t have to move tables around and you have enough for upstairs and downstairs,” she said.

The council also agreed to leave currently booked events at the old rate and the new rate will apply to new bookings.

The Chipman National Hall was built in 1932.

MLA proud to be latest banned from Russia

BY JOHN MATHER

Fort Saskatchewan

Vegreville MLA Jackie Armstrong Homeniuk is wearing her recent travel ban from Russia as a badge of honour.

“As a proud Ukrainian Canadian and a vocal opponent of Vladimir Putin’s war of aggression in Ukraine, I’ve never been happier to be on a list,” she started.

“As chair of the Advisory Council on Alberta Ukrainian Relations, I have been active in my opposition to this war since before it officially began.”

She added that,”Putin is fighting a losing battle. News of this ban only strengthens my resolve against him and his evil regime.”

The ban puts Armstrong-Homeniuk in

some pretty elite company.

Former Premier Ed Stelmach and a Lamont County resident were banned from Russia last fall and Fort Saskatchewan Sherwood

Park MP Garnett Genuis was also banned from travel to Russia.

Former Premier Jason Kenney also has been banned from any travel to Russia.

On April 2, 2023, Jesse Saruk, a long-time resident of Lamont, celebrated her 101st birthday! She was joined by friends, family, and the staff from the Lamont Health Care Centre Continuing Care.

MLA Jackie Armstrong Homeniuk

The

Classifieds Affordable Advertising with L

COMING EVENTS

CLASSIFIED AD RATES

$14 minimum for first 25 words, 45¢ per word thereafter (G.S.T. not included)

PICTURE BOLD $10 $5

ALL CLASSIFIED ADS MUST BE PREPAID BEFORE INSERTION unless customer has an account in good standing.

LAMONT LEADER

Ph. 780-895-2780

Email: lmtleader

@gmail.com AUCTIONS

AUCTIONS

MEIER ODD AND UNUSUAL

LIVESTOCK AUCTION., Saturday, May 6, 10am, 4740 - 57 Street, Wetaskiwin, AB. Selling Chickens, Ducks, Geese, Peacocks, Sheep, Goats, Pigs, Horses, Cattle and more. Consign Now! 780-440-1860.

BUILDINGS FOR SAlE

INTEGRITY POST FRAME

BUILDINGS since 2008 BUILT WITH CONCRETE POSTS. Barns, Shops, Riding Arenas, Machine Sheds and more, sales@integritybuilt.com 1-866-974-7678 www.integritybuilt.com.

COMING EVENTS

ANNUAL GENERAL HALL MEETING

PRAGUE COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

Sunday, May 7, 2023 at 2 p.m. at the Prague Hall Beverages and snacks served

Pop up Greenhouse - Lougheed

Curling Rink - south entranceMay 12-27open daily from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

All proceeds will go towards the restoration of the Son’s of Norway Log Hall located in the Iron Creek Museum. Large selection of flowers, hanging baskets, succulents, vegetables, tomatoes and herbs.

90th Birthday Party for Ruth Zelinski.

Sunday, May 21, 1 to 4 p.m.

Lunch & visiting. Cake at 3 p.m.

Viking Seniors Centre

No gifts, cards okay. Everyone welcome!

Viking Historical Society Annual Museum Clean-Up

Saturday, May 13

Starting at 9 a.m.

Lunch will be provided ______________________________

Brian’s Greenhouse U-Pick Fruits and Berries Farm will be opening on May 2, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Hours of Operation are Tuesdays to Thursdays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed Mondays. We will have specials up until the greenhouse closes. We will be taking reservations for U-Pick Vegetables, Fruits, and Berries right up until the Greenhouse closes down.

Brian’s Greenhouse U-Pick Fruits and Berries Farm is having a Closing Out Sale starting on May 23 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. We will have 50% off on all plants, perennials, shrubs, and trees. All plants must be gone before closing. All sales are final. No refunds or exchanges. All sales are strictly cash or cheque only. We will not accept Debit, Visa, or Mastercard.

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.

FOR RENT

House for Sale or Rent - 5316 - 57

Ave in Viking. 4 bedroom 2 bath.

Large backyard with detached garage, across from playground. Available Oct. 31, 2023. No smokers, no pets, damage deposit required. References required. $1,000/month rent. Call Dennis Bird at 780-3362369 (house) 780-385-5689 (cell) or Laura at 780-385-2043 for more info!

For Rent in Viking. 3 bedroom townhouse. Comes with fridge, stove, washer, dryer. Includes all utilities except internet. Available April 1. Call 780-336-6089 or 780-336-6088

______________________________

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

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. 1844-453-5372.

HELP WANTED

Cornerstone Christian Academy is looking for a temporary full-time bus driver, starting immediately until June 27. Please send resumes to ccasociety@gmail.com. Visit us online for more details cornerstonekingman.ca

LIVESTOCK FOR SALE

Registered Red & Black Angus bulls for sale. Call 780-986-9088

______________________________

Registered Polled Hereford Bulls, Yearlings, & Two Year Olds. Guaranteed Breeder. PMD Polled Herefords. Paul 780-336-2675

SEED FOR SALE

Certified Seed For Sale. Oats:

ORE3542M - newer milling oats variety. Available for pick up in Camrose or Tofield. Brett Young: Forage varieties are available. Haralie Seed Farms. Harold & Errol Warkentin, Tofield, Alberta. PH 780662-2617, Cell 780-405-8089

WWE BUY DAMAGED GRAINHeated, Mixed, Tough, Light, Bugs, Spring Thrashed....Barley, Wheat, Oats, Peas, Flax, Canola. "On Farm Pickup". Westcan Feed & Grain 1877-250-5252.

______________________________

CERTIFIED SEED. - WHEAT –

AAC Goodwin, Go Early, Pintail. OATS - AC Juniper, AC Morgan, AC Mustang, Derby, CDC SO1 Super Oat. BARLEY – AB. Standswell, Cerveza, CDC Austenson, CDC Maverick, Sundre. Very Early Yellow Pea, Forage Peas. Polish Canola, Spring Triticale. mastinseeds.com; 403-556-2609.

______________________________

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.

______________________________

FORAGE SEED FOR SALE: Organic & conventional: Sweet Clover, Alfalfa, Red Clover, Smooth Brome, Meadow Brome, Crested Wheatgrass, Timothy, etc. Star City, SK. Birch Rose Acres Ltd. 306-9219942.

FOR SALE

Truck for Sale. 1989 Ford F150 Lariat. Long box with canopy. Like new tires. New battery. Very little rust. In good working order. 293,625 kms. Asking $3,500. 780-336-2247 or 780-632-0284 (cell)

Brian’s Greenhouse U-Pick Fruits and Berries Farm has a Barbeque for sale. Used very little. It is a Natural Gas or Propane hookup. The brand is a Broil King. Asking $400. If interested, come to our opening May 2 to have a look at it.

FOR SALE

If anybody who is interested on getting a greenhouse, Brian’s Greenhouse U-Pick Fruits and Berries Farm has one for sale. Asking $11,000. It is two yuears old, 20’x50’ with a steel frame. Must be takend down. All the power goes with it. Come to our opening on May 2, it will stay standing until it is no longer in use or empty. Must and will require a down payment. The rest will be after it is down and cleaned up. We are located 4 miles East of Bawlf and 6 miles West of Daysland off of Highway 13 on RR172. Turn North on 172, 1 and a 1/4 miles north, second place on the East side of the road, or 6 miles South on RR172 from Highway 26.

Brian’s Greenhouse U-Pick Fruits and Berries Farm has 2- 20” circulation fans for sale for a Greenhouse. Brand new. Installed last fall. Very quiet. Asking $1,289.60 for both. They would stay on in the Greenhouse until it is empty. Must require a down payment. If interested, come between our Opening day and Before the Closing Out Sale Ends. To come have a look at them, call Brian at 780-678-0053 for appointments.

______________________________

Equipment For Sale

-255 Massey Ferguson with ease on Loader

-10 Ft Land Leveler

-12 Ft Ease on Loader

-6 Ft Rotary Mower with 3 point

Hitch

- Buhler 740 Snow Blower

- Arctic Cat Quad

- 1952 Farmall MD restored

- 1934 10-20 McCormick-Deering

-1960 Fordson Dexta

-350 International Diesel

-John Deere 60 High Wheel Tricycle

-Antique Lister Engine

-Shop Equipment & Tools Call 780-385-8814 or 780-385-8805 for offers.

______________________________

WHITE SPRUCE TREES: 5’ average $50. Installation ONLY $19. Includes: hole augered, Wurzel Dip enzyme injection, bark mulch application, staking. Minimum order 25.

One-time fuel charge: $125-175. Crystal Springs. 403-820-0961. Quality guaranteed.

SERVICES

Carpet and Upholstery cleaningresidential 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

______________________________

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.

18p

3 papers for the price of 1!

SERVICES

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. 1877-987-1420. 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 1-866-405-1228 www.firstandsecondmortgages.ca.

18p

Ampcore Electric

Andrew Erickson - Certified Master Electrician

780-254-0000

•Residential, Farm, & Commercial Wiring

•New Construction

•Renovations

•Service Upgrades

•All Electrical Needs

Painting

18p

Quality Residential and Commercial Interior Painting Betty Tkaczyk

780-632-8749

______________________________

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

tfnp

______________________________

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.

tfnp

WANTED

Wanted - inoperable Massey Ferguson tractor models 2805 or 2775. Please call 780-945-7678

BUYING LARGE AMOUNTS OF COINS & COIN COLLECTIONS!

Purchasing ENTIRE COLLECTIONS & accumulations. Also buying bullion, jewelry, scrap, nuggets, sterling, gold, silver, platinum, estate collections +++ TODD 250-8643521. 18p ______________________________

WANTED OLD ADVERTISING: Dealership signs, service station, gas pumps, globes, oil cans, Red Indian, White Rose, Buffalo, Husky, Ford, GM, Dodge, Tire signs, Coke, Pepsi, etc. Call 306-221-5908.

JOHN MATHER

Mundare council got an update on new internet services being offered in the community including the opportunity to have the service installed in a few Town community facilities.

Kevin Bernhardt, the business development manager for MCSnet, brought a powerpoint presentation to council April 18, outlining the services provided by the St. Paul-based company.

“I just want to tell you about the new technology we’re rolling out and some of our plans for the future,” he said.

Councillor Rick Patrie quickly agreed.

“It’s phenomenal,” he said of the service. “I think I was one of the first people to sign up for it.

“It works like a damn. My normal download is 700 megabytes per second if I’m in my basement and I can’t use that much.”

He added he had been a MSCnet customer for more than 15 years.

Bernhardt was promoting the new GigAir services the company provides.

He told council MSCnet serves an area from Lloydminster to St. Paul up to Westlock and Athabasca and most rural communities from the border of Edmonton to the north and east. They also serve down into the Camrose, Wainwright and Provost area.

They have more than 26,000 customers.

“We have invested in and built an internal network of more than 540 fixed wireless towers, three fibre to premise communities and we are a pioneer on our ever expanding GigAir technology,” he told council.

Several councillors said they had signed up for the service because of Patrie’s positivity about the service.

Bernhardt told council the company had been formed in 1995 and was family owned.

“Our focus is rural internet provision,” he added.

He said the government had designated the internet in rural areas as an essential service and

MCSnet was trying to meet the need.

He said that GigAir has now become the focus of the company.

He said as the company grows, crews lay hundreds of kilometres of fibre throughout the years to connect the towers to provide the GigAir service.

He said Chipman had “really embraced our GigAir service.”

He gave a technical briefing on how the service works using a mesh network that connects homes within a 200 metres range of each other using specialized antenna that reaches out to the area tower.

He said in Mundare there were currently 129 households using the service.

Bernhardt said while the GigAir service was available in the town, it wasn’t yet available in all areas.

“But we’re getting there,” said Bernhardt.

He said the service was “quick and easy and the company provided both good rates and reliable technology.

“We also have a fabulous customer service department,” he added. “When you phone us, you get a real person.”

He then talked to

council about a municipal partnership.

“We can hook up your library, arena and rec. centres,” he said. “And make them WIFI hotspots.”

“We’re looking for community use so the WIFI can work for the public,” he said. “What we want is a sign that states free WIFI is provided by MSCnet.”

Patrie said the Mundare Agricultural Society had already talked about getting the service for the arena because of the large number of teams playing there from out of town.

Patrie added some of the super league games played at the arena were being live streamed and the WIFI was necessary for that.

He added MSCnet was interested in sponsoring events in the community. Chief Administrative Officer Colin Zyla asked how the Town would start the service.

Bernhardt said the town could sign a letter of interest and then a crew would come out and assess the best location to provide the service and then installers would come and install the system.

Bernhardt added there was no limit to the num-

ber of public buildings that could get WIFI.

Zyla said the Town was interested in the MRC, the arena and the

HUB building at Victoria Park.

Councillors weren’t sure if Ukrainia Park would be able to use the

system. Council thanked Bernhardt for his presentation and they said they would be in contact.

UNRESERVED AUCTION REALIGNMENT EQUIPMENT RICHARD AND LORI DOOL THORSBY, ALBERTA

SATURDAY, MAY 6, 2023 AT 10:00 A.M.

LOCATION: Thorsby, Alberta - 1251 TWP Rd 490

DIRECTIONS: Being from the junction of Secondary 778 & Glen Park Road, go 1/2 mile west on Glen Park Road.

Watch

Trucks: 1984 Ford F250, 6.9 diesel, auto, extended cab, long box, 316,186 km (completely rebuilt), S/N 1FTHX2513EKB15070, nice & clean; 1975 Ford F600, V-8, 5x2 spd trans, 14ft box c/w roll tarp, 9:00x20 rubber, 27,450 miles, S/N FC00CB03538, one owner truck; 1980 Ford Louisville 800, 429 V-8, 5x2 trans, 20ft flat deck, 10:00x20 tires, approx. 10,000 km on new motor, one owner, runs great, S/N N80KVHB0498

Tillage Equipment: JD 40ft 9350 Hoe Press Drills c/w hyd. factory transport, fert attachment, field ready; Ford 21ft DT Cultivator c/w hyd. wings & mounted harrows; Ford 230 16ft Tandem Disc c/w notched front blades & mounted harrows; Ford 140 5x16in Plow c/w hyd. lift & coulters; Ford 140 5x16in 3-point hitch Plow c/w trip beam & coulters; Ford 12ft DT Cultivator c/w hyd lift; Degalman 5ft Hyd. Rock Picker, S/N 14465; UFA Hyd. Rock Picker; Calhoun 1T Fertilizer Spreader; (2) 3ft, (1) 5ft Crowfoot Packers; 5 Diamond Harrows c/w drawbar Swather: Case IHC 4000 15ft Hydro SP Swather c/w CAH, pick-up reel & rubberized canvas, nice & clean

Feeding Equipment: Enoross 12-wheel Hay Rake; Jiffy 180 Silage Feed Wagon; NH Bar Hay Rak; Farm Wagon c/w gal. gravity box; Farm Wagon c/w 8ftx16ft deck; Ford 503 3-point hitch PTO, Bar Rake; 15-Bale Stooker & F.E.L.

Bale Fork; Rake Wheel

Antiques: Harrow Cart; Potato Cultivator, 2 rows; Farm Wagon c/w 5ftx12ft grain box; Oliver 70 Tractor c/w pulley; Buzz Saw Mandrell c/w belt; School Desk; Wash Tub; White Porcelain Cook Stove; 3 Set Hanging Lights; JD 34 Manure Spreader, nice

Trailers & Camper: 1984 C95 Bigfoot 10ft Truck Camper, sleeps 4 c/w bathroom, stove, fridge, sink, hyd. jacks, S/N 457259, nice & clean; 1987 Terry 5th Wheel Holiday Trailer 23.5ft c/w fridge, stove, bathroom, sleeps 6; Fleetwood 6x10ft Tent Trailer c/w sink, sleeps 6

Miscellaneous: Ford 3-point hitch Post

Pounder; JD 45 6ft 3-point hitch Blade; 6in x 24ft Grain Auger; (2) 300-gal. & 1 Oval Fuel Tank c/w stands; 500-gal. Sprayer Tank c/w hyd. pump; (4) 36in x 16ft Culverts c/w couplers; Assort 14ft Galvanized Construction Material; Assort. Truck Tires; 8ft X-ray Dark Room; Camper Body; Landscaping Boulders; Tools; Batt. Medical Scooters; Welding Supplies; Jerry Cans; Creepers; Shop Fan; Sand Blaster; Engine Stand; Electric Motors; Storage Racks; Skidsteer Pallet Fork; (2) Feed Augers; ATV Sprayer; Box & Arrow Set; Allied Loader, QA bucket mounts; Dome Climber; Household Items; Many more items too numerous to mention

Visit our website for full listings and pictures: www.millersauctionservice.com

Auctioneer Note: Many good items on this Sale. Plan on attending. For more information call Richard Dool at 780-499-2469 Or Millers Auction Service at 780-920-6738 or 780-789-2226.

Lamont Jr. and Sr. High students and parents were invited to attend a Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) Information evening was hosted April 12, at Ardrossan Junior Senior High. This program is offered through Career Pathways and Elk Island Public Schools in order for students to gain work experience and earn diploma credits. Grade 9 through 12 students and their families, were encouraged to attend - to hear from guest speakers from Dow Chemical, Career Pathways & Careers, and Next Generation as well as past RAP students' success stories.

Bruderheim appoints new CAO

BY JOHN MATHER Bruderheim

went south to find their new Chief Administrative Officer.

The Town has hired Phyllis Forsyth, the former CAO of Redcliff, Ab and she took the reins of the administration on May 1.

“We’ve been looking for about the last year or so to move back to be closer to family,” she said. “And I’m a small town girl so when this opportunity came up I jumped on it.”

Forsyth has spend 32 years in municipal government and the last 12 years as a CAO.

Coming originally from central Alberta, she has previously worked

for the summer village of Sylvan Lake, Clearwater County, Rocky Mountain House and then spent the last three years as CAO of Redcliff, near Medicine Hat.

"The Town of Bruderheim Council is thrilled to announce that Phyllis Forsyth has been appointed as CAO to lead our town into the future,” said Bruderheim Mayor, Karl Hauch.

“This is a huge step forward for our community and we are very pleased that we are able to have a CAO of Phyllis’s calibre and experience. We are confident she will help us to grow and achieve our vision for Bruderheim.”

Forsyth’s local authori-

ty career has allowed her the opportunity to develop critical knowledge and skills in many areas of municipal government, and it is those opportunities that have empowered her to understand the needs of small communities.

“I look forward to utilizing my knowledge and abilities to assist Bruderheim in achieving the goals that keep the community special,” said Forsyth, who plans on moving to the Bruderheim area.

“I want to be involved in the community I serve and get to know the residents of Bruderheim.”

“There are things council is going to want looked at and I’m look-

ing forward to that,” she added.

“I’m excited to learn more about this community.”

“This is the perfect spot for my husband and I to come to,”

She said as things in her hiring unfolded fairly quickly, she and her husband have found housing in Fort Saskatchewan to begin with.

She didn’t rule out later moving to Bruderheim once she gets settled into the job.

Current interim CAO Robert Stephenson will stay on to assure a smooth transition.

Crystal Moren Photo

RCMP vehicles are parked in front of Lamont High School the morning of May 2 after a threat was made against the school the night before on social media. A suspect has been located but no further information was presented to frustrated parents by either RCMP or EIPS.

POLICEATTENDHIGHSCHOOLTHREAT

UCP MLA proud of accomplishments and looks forward to election

It has been an immense honour and privilege for me to serve the residents of Fort Saskatchewan-Vegreville as your MLA for the past four years.

As we approach the end of this four-year mandate, I would like to quickly recap some of the many great things we have accomplished together for our community in this time.

I successfully advocated for the $60 million Vinca Bridge replacement, to improve connectivity and economic development in the region, and I also led the successful push for new overpasses at the inter-

sections of Highway 830 with Highways 15 and 16, which are now in the engineering and planning stages respectively.

Additionally, I have advocated for improving and updating the TWS 560 and Highway 830 intersection, and multiple other paving upgrades and safety improvements being conducted on Highway 16.

On our secondary highways I have also advocated in the planning of local transportation projects such as repaving Highway 855 and 857 North of Highway 16.  The town of

that they would speak with the owners.”

Bruderheim has also recently been awarded $3 million in funding for their reservoir and pump station.

I am also proud to have provided over $3.3 million to the Vegreville Industrial Park, and an additional $1.6 million for industrial area roadway construction. I have also been a strong advocate for the Vegreville Lift Station to receive repair funding of over $1.2 million, and have provided over $1.1 million for reconstruction of Range Road 143.

Additionally, I have secured over $4 Million in Municipal funding to be provided to the

County of Lamont, with an additional $400,000 to Elk Island Park, over $400,000 to the Village of Andrew, over $400,000 to the Village of Chipman, over $600,000 to the Town of Mundare, over $1 million to the Town of Lamont, and over $1 million to the Town of

Bruderheim.

I have also had the opportunity to serve as the Associate Minister of the Status of Women, and currently serve as the Parliamentary Secretary for Ukrainian Refugee Settlement. I want to thank my constituents for making the

past 4 years so memorable, and I look forward to the next mandate.

Jackie ArmstrongHomeniuk, MLA Fort Saskatchewan-Vegreville Parliamentary Secretary for Ukrainian Refugee Settlement in Alberta

LAMONT COUNTY

Continued from Page 6

The attacking dog owner seemed to be genuinely concerned, and graciously transported Bear and I to our respective Health Care Hospitals for examination and treatment. Bear was in surgery for three hours from his multiple injuries, and placed on 4 different medications. I had sustained a lacerated hand from those giant teeth, and had to have a tetanus injection as well as antibiotics. The dog owner paid for the veterinary expenses.

As any concerned victim would do, I consulted the Police, as the “Server and Protector” for people in Canada, and was told that “They had only put down one dog in 10 years, they could do nothing, but

As a once active Farmer, and someone who has been a longterm canine owner, I have witnessed dogs who have tasted blood and they are unmanageable, and not to be trusted. In my experience, contrary to some beliefs; a dog who initiates a bloody attack is not rehabilitative.

Sadly, little Bear is now petrified to go outdoors. When I put the leash on him and tell him we’re going for a walk, instead of excitedly wagging his tail and demonstrating eagerness to go, he cowers, shivers, and whines. There is no longer joy related to our daily walk, only terror. There is no exploring or curiosity, just a frightened little dog hugging close to my legs for the duration of the outing.

As for myself, I awaken several times each night, re-experiencing that bloody assault, as emotional trauma from that unlawful, vicious act. In part, it is in realizing that should another attack of any kind occur, either to myself, my family, my pet, or a child, there will be no justice, no “Serving and Protecting” by local Police. In fact, I am coming to the conclusion that, if I were to carry any protective device for myself and my pet In Canada, I would be incarcerated.

It would seem to be very clear that “crimes” are protected, and that those of us who protest “wrongs” are either neglected, or jailed as criminals.

Canadians, What have we come to??

Bill Hunter Bruderheim

• 15,000 sq ft Industrial shop built on 42.8 acres in Lamont County adjacent to the town of Lamont. There is an approximately 15 acres of gravelled yard with partial chain link fencing. located at 195043 HWY 29 Lamont County Price $3,175,000 or call for lease price.

• W4-18-53-24-SW Plan 0826481 Block 2 Lot 1 5.02 acres yard site in Lamont County. Utilities at the property line. Price $49,000

• W4-18-53-26-SE N ½ Lamont County 80 acres property with a 60 ‘ by 40’ shop and the remainder of the land currently in hay. Price $235,000

• W4-20-55-27-SE Plan 1023701 Block 1 Lot 1A Lamont County. 138.09 acres in the Lamont Heartland for industrial use. Located North of Highway 15 on Range Road 202. Price $4,400,000

TWO HILLS COUNTY RECREATION LAND

• W4-12-55-27 NW 146 acres with 1/2-mile frontage on the North Saskatchewan River. HWY 29 and RR 123 50± acres of cultivation power at property Nicely treed lot for a building site. Price $350,000

STRATHCONA COUNTY

• SW Part of NW –23 –53 –23 –W4 40.55 acres North of Highway 16 on Range Road 232 in proposed medium industrial zoning with CP rail line at the border of the property Price $7,200,000

• Parts of SW and SE -7-53-22-W4 located at Highway 21 and Lakeland drive 63.62 acres of development land with Highway 21 exposure. The property is within the Bremner and local Employment Area ACP with expected future use of industrial. Price $6,000,000

Lauren Hill Steven Hill Norman Hill

Tax notices are typically sent to ratepayers by mail before the May long weekend. If you have not received your notice before June, contact Lamont County’s Tax Clerk at 780-855-2233.

May Events: lamontcounty.ca/eventscalendar ar

Chipman and Bruderheim Youth Group/Centre, Education Week, Mental Health Week, Digital Skills Workshop, King Charles III Coronation Ceremony, Mundare Townwide Garage Sale, Bruderheim Market, Bullarama Supreme, Highway Cleanup, Economic Development Week, Emergency Preparedness Week, National Nurses Week, Lamont Farmers’ Market, and more!

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

Access current monthly services & programs information for FCSS, CALC and KFRN:

For more information, scan the QR code or visit lamontcounty.ca/community-programming

Contact CALC, FCSS or KFRN at:

Spring warming can result in localized flooding of roads. If you come across a flooded road, proceed with caution or find an alternate route. Please report it to Lamont County Public Works at lamontcounty.ca/service-requests. If the road is barricaded/closed, use an alternate route. Road closures are posted on Facebook/Twitter & lamontcounty.ca/pw-roads

If you are aware of a blocked/ frozen culvert on a County road, please report this to Public Works (for concerns on primary/secondary highways, contact Emcon).

Farming Season Road Safety ty

With snow melted and fields thawing, please take a moment to be cautious when traveling County roadways and highways. In preparation for another growing season, large pieces of farm machinery are waking from the winter slumber and will be on the roads leading to farming fields.

County Range Roads and Township Roads are gravel surfaced—with that, shoulders may still be soft. It is recommended other vehicles pull over, remain stopped, and wait for farm equipment to pass safely. If you attempt to continue driving past farm equipment narrowing your road access, you may steer your vehicle over the shoulder, and the road may give away (crumble).

When passing farm equipment, be cautious of the width of the equipment, as it may take a portion of your lane.

When approaching farm equipment on a highway traveling at highway speeds (80100km/h), depth perception may make this equipment appear further away than it really is. Farm equipment is traveling at ~40km/h, and that closes the distance between very quickly.

Let’s have a safe and successful harvest!

Is Your Child Ready for Kindergarten? n?

Kindergarten information nights for Elk Island Public Schools take place throughout April and May (Mundare–April 7, Bruderheim–April 12, Lamont–May 25 & Andrew–May 29). Complete your child’s 2023-24 kindergarten registration, then plan to attend the kindergarten information night at your child’s school. eips.ca/registration/kindergarten

The full list of information nights is at: eips.ca/programsservices/early-learning/kindergarten/information-nights

Registration Renewal Reminder

If your last name or company begins with the letters C and N; remember to get your registration renewed before the end of May! alberta.ca/vehicle-registration-expiry-date-chart.aspx This message is brought to you by the Elk Island Traffic Safety Partners.

Partners

Please Note – inFocus is also available for viewing online at: (for those wanting to view the weekly submission

LAMONT COUNTY LIBRARY BOARD

Spring Warming – Roads and Flooding

Next Agricultural Service Board (ASB) Meeting

The next ASB meeting is (tentatively) on May 10, 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.

Fire Protection and Brush Pile Burning ng

Fire Burning: Please follow the www.albertafirebans.ca for the most up to date fire restriction/fire ban information.

Brush Pile Burning: All brush piles must be extinguished as of April 1 as per Lamont County policy. Emergency services crews is scheduling time to thermal image brush piles that were burned this past season to ensure these are extinguished. No fire permits for brush pile & demolished building will be issued until November 1, 2022 (lamontcounty.ca/departments/emergency-services/fire-permits).

Note: There is currently a Fire Ban in Lamont County, effective May 1 (lamontcounty.ca/news).

No-Spray Agreements Deadline

The deadline for the No-Spray Agreements is May 15

[excerpt from the 2022 Year in Review] …Council has assessed its strategic direction and is focused on continuing to provide services affordably, while maintaining a risk-adverse focus to ensure we continue to consistently offer and focus on our priorities well into the future. Moving forward, Lamont County Council’s continues on its primary focus: the growth and prosperity of Lamont County in an open, transparent, accountable, and environmentally friendly manner. Development of Lamont County’s Industrial Heartland is a key driver, as development of the Heartland area creates both short and long term jobs, and revenue growth in Lamont County and our urban municipalities. This increases our County tax base. With increased investments in our County, we can work to maintain our infrastructure and use growing financial resources to build new infrastructure. We expect significant progress in regards to industrial development and our water license application to attract more industry to the region. Council represents the public in its decision-making process and it is important for you to provide feedback. We use your input to assist the decision-making process as it fits with the Municipal Government Act and other policies and procedures both set by Lamont County and the Alberta Government. Read the entire Reeve’s Message and the full 2022 Year in Review (available online/copies also available at the Administration Building).

Requirements must be met in order to have an agreement (renewed annually) – contact Ag. Services for more information at 780-895-2585:

1. Landowner must provide an up-todate certification to prove their organic status before renewal or granting of a No-Spray agreement (Certified Organic Growers Accepted).

2. Landowner is responsible for adequate weed and brush control for the designated area in the agreement, and this control must be done before July 15.

3. The municipal ROW shall not be used as a buffer zone for sensitive areas or vegetation.

Environmental Farm Planning

Producers require an EFP to be eligible for new funding under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership Program (CAP). See lamontcounty.ca/agservices for details.

What are some of the benefits of an Environmental Farm Plan (EFP)?

Creates awareness and assesses environmental risks in your operation;

Is essential to the sustainable production of crops and livestock; Increases efficiency and reduces production costs; Allows farmers to be eligible for funding (new funding is launching April 1, 2023); and

Is key for marketing and sustainable sourcing requirements and programs.

Interested in learning more, contact Agricultural Services at 780-895-2585 or agservices@lamontcounty.ca

Road Width Restriction Notification

Please be advised, there is a width restriction of 15 feet (4.6m) for Bridge 1127 (Bridge North of Chipman – RR 185 and TWP 552) for the duration of construction, effective immediately. Vehicles over this width need to follow the recommended detour route until project completion (tentatively March 2024). See lamontcounty.ca/departments/publicworks/roads for closure updates and more information.

https://abinvasives.ca/squeal-on-pigs/

Next Council Meeting

The next Regular Council Meeting is on Tuesday, May 9, starting at 9:00 a.m. The public is welcome to attend at the Lamont County Administration Building or virtually through Microsoft Teams (link): lamontcounty.ca/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.

Lamont Leader (Lamont, Alberta), Wednesday, May 3, 2023

Fire Prevention and Safety:

See the full poster at lamontcounty.ca/be-prepared.

Lamont County Year in Review – Reeve’s Message: Looking forward into 2023