BY JOHN MATHER
On a bright sunny day with the North Saskatchewan River gently flowing by in the background, indigenous veterans marked Aboriginal Veterans Day, Nov. 8 at Metis Crossing.
The event was emceed by Metis vet-
Indigenous, Metis, mark
Remembrance Day at Metis Crossing
eran Bruce Gordon. Gordon, 78, served three years at CFB Borden in Ontario from 1956 to 1959, and as a Red Seal electrician ended up in Edmonton where he repaired American fighter jets that would later be sent to battle in Vietnam.
He also had an 18-year-career as a member of the Legion of Frontiersmen.
“I’m a very proud to be Canadian, proud to be an Albertan and proud to be Metis,” he said.
The event was organized for the third year in a row to be hosted at Metis Crossing, where a glass and stone monument etched with the names of those Indigenous and Mets veterans who gave the ultimate sacrifice,
The Otipemisiwak Metis Government plays a huge role in organizing the event and battling for the rights of Metis veterans in Alberta.
Lisa Wolfe is the provincial secretary of Education, Training, Language, and Veterans Affairs for the Lac Ste. Anne Metis District.
It is estimated 12,000 indigenous people, including Metis, served in the world wars and at least 500 lost their lives.
She added there are currently about 3,000 indigenous people serving with Canadian forces.
Knowledge keeper Lilyrose Meyers gave a prayer stating “this (Aboriginal Veterans Day) is what our brothers and sisters gave their lives for.”
She said she had relatives who had served and she appreciated all their services.
As the Metis National Anthem was played, a slide show of several Metis and Indigenous veterans who gave their lives for Canada were flashed on screens in the background.
Shirley Pallister explained the Northeast Rebellion and the Battle of Batoche.
The Battle of Batoche, she added, was the more important battle because
“it was the first one where the Metis people fought side by side as a united group.”
She read a proclamation from the Federal government proclaiming Aboriginal Veterans Day on Nov. 8. She spoke of the discrimination the indigenous veterans faced when they returned from service.
A delegation of government officials and educators from Taiwan also attended the service and laid a wreath on behalf of the Taiwanese government.
Lisa Wolfe, Provincial Secretary of Education, Training, Language and Veterans Affairs for the Lace Ste. Anne Metis District of the Otipemisiwak Metis Government places a wreath on the monument for the fallen Indigenous and Metis Veterans at Metis Crossing just across the North Saskatchewan River from Lamont County. Indigenous Veterans Remembrance Day was marked at Metis Crossing Nov. 8.
Gordon Harris, MC of Aboriginal Veterans Day at Metis Crossing.
Public blocked from Bruderheim budget deliberations
BY JANA SEMENIUK
Residents of Bruderheim were barred last week from attending most of the Town’s annual budget meetings, advertised as public slated for Nov. 5 and 6, by the town council.
After the meetings opened, any public attending was quickly ushered out of the building so the council could deliberate privately in a closed session which lasted beyond two hours each night.
Both meetings were slated for three hours each and the public were admitted a total of 32 minutes Nov. 5 and 36 minutes Nov. 6. The meetings were also not livestreamed.
An agenda, posted online for the Nov. 5 meeting, contained seven items and was concluded by the end of the first meeting. No additional agenda was presented online for the Nov. 6 meeting.
Three residents, Andy Styles, Luis Diaz and Ryan McIvor, who were left out of the meeting, said they were very disappointed.
“I was pretty disappointed. I didn't think it speaks well for trans-
parency of the town council in terms of how the money is being allocated. Unfortunately, it raises some suspicions whether they're warranted or not,” said Diaz.
“The council has really created an atmosphere of distrust.”
Ryan McIvor, who ran for council during last year’s byelection and lost to councillor Arlie Young, echoed Diaz’s statements.
“It definitely shows Council's character in a poor light and their supposed transparency is definitely not transparent,” he said.
Resident Andy Styles, who showed up for both meetings, said he was surprised at the extended closed sessions.
“I feel that we're being deceived. But I believe that when you declare that there's a public meeting over a budget, then it should be a public meeting,” he said. “How are people supposed to know how towns are run, how budgets are prepared?”
Styles, who said he intends to run for council during next year’s election in Oct. 2025, said it’s important for anyone wanting to run for coun-
Bruderheim Chief Operating Officer Dennis Tomuschat and Chief Administrative Officer Phyllis Forsyth worked together on Bruderheim's budget which was presented for deliberation during their Nov. 5 and 6 budget meetings. The three-hour meetings, advertised as public, were only open to the public for approximately 30 minutes each night due to sessions closed to the public. Photo: Jana Semeniuk
cil to attend council meetings but feels it’s difficult to gather information given the lack of transparency.
Meanwhile, Chief Administrative Officer
Phyllis Forsyth said the next budget meeting for Bruderheim will be on Nov. 20. When Diaz asked her if it would be open to the public, she said it would.
“How come tonight wasn’t open?” he asked her. “What’s the difference?”
Forsyth said she couldn’t tell him because it was in a closed session.
By comparison, last year’s budget meetings were held on Nov. 1 and Nov. 29 for three hours each time with only one closed session on Nov. 1 for approximately 30 min.
Currently there is no legislation directing councils to livestream their meetings, although they are supposed to be held publicly. According to section 198 of the MGA (Municipal Government Act) it states, “Everyone has a right to be present at council meetings and council committee meetings conducted in public unless the person chairing the meeting expels a person for improper conduct.”
The act also states, in section 197, that councils must conduct their meetings in public unless a matter to be discussed is within one of the exceptions to disclosure in the Freedom of Information and Privacy act. The sections of the FOIP act referenced in the budget meeting agenda were; sections 17, harmful to personal privacy, 19, confidential evaluations, 23, local public body confidences, 24, advice from officials, 25, disclosure harmful to economic and other interests of a public body and 29, information that is or will be made available to the public.
See Minimal info Page 15
2ND
The Town of Lamont will be hosting this “Just
Kids” secret shop as part of the Lamont Christmas Light Up 2024! One of Santa’s elves will help your child shop & wrap gifts for the special people in their lives!
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO
Support this event ~ Volunteer as an Elf ~ Help wrap gifts
Contact Dawn or Betty at the Town Office 780.895.2010 or general@lamont.ca
Donations to “Just for Kids” Christmas Store are separate from Lamont Christmas Light Up! Donations
Bruderheim residents (L-R) Ryan McIvor, Andy Styles and Luis Diaz were left out of Bruderheim's budget meetings, scheduled for Nov. 5 and 6, after closed sessions ate up more than 80 percent of each one. Photo: Jana Semeniuk
The
Traffic accident results in both drivers taken into care by ambulance
BY CHELSEA TOBIAS
A traffic accident
occurred between a small silver Kia and a large red double tandem gravel truck on Friday at the corner of township road 560 and secondary highway 830 near Shell Scotford NW of Bruderheim. It appeared the Kia had been struck across the driver side of the vehicle causing air bags to deploy and was pushed into the ditch.
The tandem truck cab flipped onto the passenger side and the second dump trailer had remained on its tires. Both vehicles ended up in the ditch on the right side of the road facing south.
There was a local Lamont RCMP officer directing traffic around the first response vehicles which included a Strathcona fire truck and an ambulance.
At that time the driver of the car had been already taken into the ambulance to be assessed by paramedics and the driver of the truck was seen hovering around his rig.
The Kia driver remained in the ambulance and was not seen by observers. Other occupants of the Kia had been clearing personal belongings out of the car as well as collecting items from the ditch and on the road.
Strathcona RCMP
arrived and quickly got to work taking photos, and speaking to the first responders, civilians who came by the accident shortly after it occurred, parents of the Kia driver, and the truck driver as well.
A second ambulance arrived on scene and began to assess the truck driver. He was then strapped into a gurney.
Tow trucks arrived and began to get in place to load up the remains.
Information of both drivers’ health is not yet known, but both are believed to have survived the ordeal.
No cause of the accident had been determined or charges laid at press time.
If
Manager at service@cmchrysler.ca
Drivers of both vehicles were taken into care by EMS. Chelsea Tobias photo.
tandem gravel truck seemed to get the worst of this accident, which could have been a very different result for the Kia driver. No official cause or charges have been laid and the state of both drivers is unknown. Chelsea Tobias photo.
Opinion
Trump answered the call for common sense over wokism
BY JOHN MATHER
It may not have been an election for the ages, but it’s certainly likely to be a defining election for a generation.
I’m speaking of the U.S. presidential election where Donald Trump soundly defeated the Democratic candidate Kamala Harris.
Now, I didn’t say the Republican party because with Trump’s fingers so deep inside the Republican party it is his party right now.
The Trump faction has won the presidency, the Senate, and looks to be on the way to control the House of Representatives. That is a clean sweep.
Why did this happen, if Trump was so hated?
The Democrats certainly believed themselves and their message, their policies and their ideals. But they failed to share that with the country in a useful manner.
Trump appealed in plain spoken terms to working people. He decried the woke, the politically correct, and everyone else who shuns common sense.
The studio floors of CNN will need air blowers to dry them from the flood of tears that poured from the voice of announcers and “in-the-know” experts as they covered the returns Tuesday afternoon and evening and then carried on into Wednesday.
Now the leftist media is worried about damage about to be unleashed on them by the Trump administration and its unknown agenda.
Why?
Anytime a new government takes control their outcome is unknown. But hey, it’s a great sound bite to keep screaming invective against Trump. And the Democrats should look at their elitist machine and totally dismantle it.
That machine knew early into the Biden presidency that he was unable to be a serious president because of cognitive issues. They knew they had one of the weakest vice presidents ever selected. But she posed absolutely no threat to Biden. Or so they thought, until she engineered a coup against him.
They never read the fine print that Harris, right from day one, was poised to take over should Biden be declared unfit.
CONTINUED
Whoops, they realized that early in the presidency and kept Biden away from the public.
The public noticed.
Biden wanted a second term, but it soon became apparent he wasn’t capable, yet they didn’t take action until his disastrous debate.
So Kamala Harris was allowed to become the candidate, untested, and unelected by a nomination process! But she was kept from giving interviews or speaking on anything but scripted programs.
She was allowed to speak at rallies after so called influencers Oprah Winfrey or Michelle Obama spoke tropes about how good she was and when she finally spoke the crowds were still swooning over the influencers, not listeners to Harris’ words which amounts to nothing of substance. A word here to Bruce Springsteen, Taylor Swift et al. … stick to your music. Don’t weigh in on a country that you as elitist entertainers don’t know.
There are 4,000 counties and townships across mainland U.S, which have voting stations.
In the areas where Trump grew his votes three percent or more since the 2020 election against Joe Biden, the 2024 map filled up. When the same stat was showed for Harris versus Biden in 2020 ticket, there were maybe two or three counties illuminated...
This was an obvious thrashing of the Democrats.
But we had abortion, white women, black men and the Latin vote, the dems declared.
They were really excited when some unknown comic made a stupid joke about Puerto Ricans at the Trump rally in New York a week prior to election day. They rolled out Puerto Rican “Influencers” (does anybody know these people) to condemn the Trump campaign.
Guess what?
Trump carried the majority vote among white men in any age bracket, white women, black men, Latinos, and other categories.
He and his volunteers worked harder
and got their vote out and spread their simple message.
Your costs are up, your taxes are too high, and your employment situation sucks. Let me fix that.
One Democratic commentator who will probably be fired shortly, Julie Roginsky, candidly stated after the election the Democrats relied too much on virtue signalling and telling people how their institutions would work for the populace.
“When we address Latino voters… as Latinx, for instance, because that’s the politically correct thing to do, it makes them think we don’t even live on the same planet as they do,” she said
But the public doesn’t want institutions to run their lives. They just want to get on with their lives with their own money free from any hassle by “influencers.”
They don’t care about pronouns beside your name. They don’t want handouts, food banks, or other forms of government supported freeloading.
They want jobs so they can work, earn a living, feed their family and have self respect.
They don’t need information technology to eliminate their jobs. They need more support to create more jobs at all levels of employment. Do that and some of the homeless camps disappear.
But Democrats only aimed their message at the college intellectuals and hand-selected focus groups.
They forget to message the American people.
Will Trump be perfect? Nope.
But he has shown he can grow an economy and I expect he’ll do that again.
Is he perfect? Nope,
But he's aggressive and blunt in a time where that works better than trying to be politically correct and please all the people all the time.
That just doesn’t work.
So now he has a strong mandate. He strives to drain the Washington swamp and take America back to a more prosperous time.
Hopefully, Canadians will soon take that same approach with the Trudeau/Singh alliance in this country.
Kerry Anderson Publisher John Mather Reporter Jana Semeniuk Reporter Crystal Moren
BY HAZEL ANAKA
If we believe that the electorate always gets it right and if we believe that citizens get the government they deserve, it may become easier for some of us to swallow last week’s election results in the United States.
There is no shortage of blame to go around at the Democratic party side of the equation. Joe Biden stayed on far too long past his best before date. He’s not the first elected official to have aged before our very eyes but his decline seemed extreme. As a woman of a certain age, I am loath to say there is an arbitrary age at which to retreat to your bed and cover your head with a quilt never to be seen or heard from again. Many of us can still out-think and out-perform our youngster counterparts and should continue to work and contribute as
FROM WHERE I SIT: Cold Comfort
long as we can. And for the love of God, have the self-awareness, humility, and grace to recognize when we no longer can.
The Democrats are the Liberal option in the States. A little condescending, a lot self-righteous, and so damned sure they know what’s best for you. Remind you of anyone? I’ll give you a hint: his initials are JT and he still has a nice head of hair.
If you were to put Kamala Harris on one side of a balance beam scale and Donald Trump on the other, she would outweigh him on every single measure of human traits. Every single measure; no ifs, ands, or buts. In my opinion, he is a despicable self-serving narcissistic bully criminal conman putz. However, apparently, he can take the temperature of the electorate and tell them what they want to hear. His lies and promises are largely bluster----remember the wall Mexico was going to pay for---but yet he is forgiven time and time again. Neither you nor I have the time or stomach to revisit all the chaos and damage he has done. He stacked the Supreme
Court with Republicanleaning judges which led to the repeal of Roe v Wade (women’s reproductive rights legislation). The promises he did keep were disastrous. The Canadian government is tying itself into knots as they strategize how best to handle his latest threats of trade tariffs on everything and mass deportations, both of which will have serious detrimental immediate impact on us. If you think prices are high now, just wait….If you think housing and other services for immigrants is an issue now, just wait….
I have an online friend in Wisconsin who is a staunch Democrat. She is beside herself with worry about what the maniac will do next. Yet, there are countless others who believe he’ll be good for business. On the democracy, security world stage he is a live grenade. Frankly, I fear for Ukraine. Trump is far too cozy with Putin and other world dictators to be able to see the big picture. Those dozens of bomb threats called into polling stations on election day were attributed to Russian interference.
Lamont and Area
LAMONT UNITED CHURCH 5306 - 51 Ave., Lamont, AB 780-895-2145
Rev. Deborah Brill
SUNDAY
From my perspective, the only good thing that may come out of his leadership is the screws he’s going to turn into the Liberal government to pay “their fair share” of defense spending: 2% of Canada’s GDP as promised ten years ago. The criticism for missing that deadline and pushing it out another eight years to 2032 is getting so universally widespread, frequent, and pointed that even Justin should be able to understand it. No one is mincing words
about the real and present danger to us especially in the arctic. Crazies in Russia, North Korea, and China are just a hop, step, and a jump away across the Pacific Ocean.
But, as I write this on the eve of Remembrance Day, don’t worry. We only have 16,000 vacant positions to fill in our miliary forces. We do have 21 ice breakers; Russia has more than double that number. Ours are probably ‘in the shop’ or too old to repair or don’t have anyone to
operate them but that’s okay, we’re peace-loving Canada still resting on our laurels from WWII. Has even one of Canada’s procurement processes for new planes or ships been completed without political interference, scandal, or canceled orders subject to penalty in the last 50 years? I’d love to hear the answer to that one. American officials are openly questioning our priorities. I agree with them that our new dental and drug plans will be cold comfort if we go to war, from where I sit.
From the files of the Lamont Leader
AA Meetings Thursdays at 8:00 pm Bruderheim Community Church 4904 Queen Street 780-796-3775
Lady of Good Counsel, Skaro 1st, 3rd, 5th
@ 9:00 am St. Michael the Archangel, St. Michael 2nd, and 4th Sundays @ 9:00 am
Lady of the Angels Parish 10004 ~ 101 St., Fort Sask. 780.998.3288 Email: olangels.ftsask@caedm.ca www.olafortsask.caedm.ca
November 15, 2005: Loris Koch from Chipman points to himself in the group of soldiers on a mural during the Chipman Remembrance Day services. Nearly 500 gathered at Veteran’s Park on Main Street where the mural resides with a cenotaph, flagpoles and pedestals.
BETWEEN THE BOARDS Minor Hockey pre-season wraps up
BY MELISSA MACINTOSH-YOUNG
and the kick off to a fantastic 2024/25 Regular Season. 6
The 2024 preseason has come to an end.
There were only four games played this weekend. Elk Island Minor Hockey teams will find out later this week if they will change tiers or if they will remain at the same level.
The U18 Wild lost 7-5 to the Plamondon Cougars on Sunday. Wild played hard but unfortunately were short players due to refereeing clinics scheduled at the same time. Goals were scored by Gage Brenton 1g and 1a, Jocelyn Cozicar 1g, Xavier Storr 1g, Logan Jesso 1g, Kayden Winslow 1g, Rowan Young 1a, Nicklas Mehlenbacher 1a and Bronson Trenaman 1a.
The team also chose their team captain and assistant captains the past week; Will Furey is captain and the assistant captains are Rowan Young, Ashton Strickland and Logan Jesso. Congratulations!
U13 Wild played two games and had two loss-
BY JANA SEMENIUK
The Lamont Farmer’s Market, usually open weekly from May to Sept. each year, will now be open all year round.
Anke Hutzfeldt, market manager, said that it won’t be a weekly market through the winter but a once-a-month market instead. Then when spring hits, it will move back to once a week until the fall.
“It was too long of a break,” she said. “We were thinking it would be nice to keep them
es. First game was a close 5-4 against Whitecourt.
Goals were netted by Sawyer Hanson 2g, Jonas Wytrykush 1g and 1a, Jace Zanatta 2a, Denton Holowach 1g and Christian McLeod 1a. Their second game, on Sunday, resulted in a 9-6 loss against CR Knights.
Points were earned by Jonas Wytrykush 2g and 2a, Mary Sobkow 1g and 1a, Jace Zanatta 1g and 1a, Denton Holowach 1g, Liam Shiach 1g, Christian McLeod 1a and Nash Klassen 1a.
U11 Wild had a home game in Bruderheim on Sunday. Wild lost 8-3 to the CR Knights. The trio of goals were scored by Dylan Strumelak 1g, Easton Yarosh 1g and Wyatt Klita 1g.
This week’s “Player of the Week Shout Out” goes out to U9B Wild player Nash Ziegler. Nash shows exceptional stick handling and skating skills for such a young player. He gives it his all every time he hits the ice. Good job Nash!
Check out Between the Boards next week for preseason tiering results
going and keep (it in) the community. That way we can keep the connection.”
Previously the markets would close from Sept. to May.
The markets are scheduled to take place inside the Lamont Arena meeting room, for the third Wednesday every month, starting in Oct. from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. until April.
Additionally, a special Christmas Market is slated for Dec. 14.
For most businesses, the Christmas Season is so important that it can make or break the kind of year you have. That's why it's so important to ADVERTISE!
The Lamont Leader is once again selling special 'Shop Local' advertising pages this year, running from November 20 to December 11
Priced to be affordable for any size of business, you get 4 weeks of exposure in the top-read paper in our area *PLUS* A FREE FIFTH WEEK December 18!! Advertise for the holidays! 780-895-2780 • lmtleader@gmail.com
Player of the Week- U9B Wild player Nash Ziegler.
Municipal Affairs tells Leader it expects transparency from councils
BY JANA SEMENIUK
The office of municipal affairs responded to an email request for information from the Lamont Leader regarding the use of extended closed sessions in council meetings, after more than 80 percent of the Town of Bruderheim’s recent public budget meetings, on Nov. 5 and 6, were held behind closed doors.
The office’s response email said that very clear requirements are set out in the MGA (Municipal Governance Act) for councils to conduct their business openly, except in very limited and specific circumstances.
Additionally, in terms of rules outlined in the MGA, there is no distinction between different kinds of meetings, and a ‘council meeting’ also means a ‘budget’ meeting.
The email further stated that if residents believe there should be more transparency with respect to the items discussed at a council meeting, they should communicate those expectations to their locally elected council.
Additionally, citizens have the option of filing a FOIP (Freedom of Information and Privacy) request for information from the town, working with other residents to request a municipal inspection, or to raise concerns with the local
While the ministry said it is not their role to comment on the appropriateness of a particular council decision when discussing matters in closed sessions, they said that they support local governments to engage their electors whenever possible.
MLA, Jackie ArmstrongHomeniuk, or the minister’s office.
EIPS down another trustee - now at 7
BY JANA SEMENIUK
EIPS trustee Jacqueline Shotbolt resigned from the division board effective Oct. 31 due to relocating outside of her ward of Fort Saskatchewan.
Shotbolt’s resignation leaves only seven members left of the normally nine-member board after Jim Seutter first gave his resignation in Nov., 2023 for the same reason.
The board opted to forego a byelection when Seutter resigned, as well as after Shotbolt’s resignation. Both Seutter and Shotbolt were elected to the board in 2021.
Unreserved Real Estate Sale for Garth & Darlene Fleming
Sale Starts December 6th & Closes on December 9th, 2024 Holden, Alberta
Directions: From Hwy 14 Go 3 1/2 Miles South On Rg Rd 163, West 1/2 Miles to Corner of Twp Rd 490 & Rg Rd 164
Selling A Beautiful Half Section Of Mixed Farm Land Located Just South of Holden
Parcel #1 - Consisting Of the NW-33-48-16-W4M - Being 160 Acres
M/L - Beautiful, Mostly Open Land Currently Having 63 Acres Cultivated, 97 Acres being Pasture Land & Few Trees with a Creek Running Through The North East Corner. Surface Lease Road & Lease Site That Currently Has A Yearly Revenue of $3600.00/Year. With Some Work There Is An Opportunity For Many Of the Pasture Acres To Become Cultivated.
Parcel # 2 - Consisting Of The SW-33-48-16-W4M - Being 160 Acres
M/L - Beautiful, Mostly Open land, Currently Having 50 Acres Cultivated, 110 Acres Being Pasture Land & A Few Trees, Dug Out, Also A Former Yard Site. Quarter Is Fenced & Cross Fenced, With Some Work There Is An Opportunity For Many Of The Pasture Acres to Become Cultivated.
Please Contact Garth @ 780-868-4181 For More Information
Real Estate Transactions are being Handled by Maxwell Polaris Victor Lillo (780) 708-2000 & Allen Olson (403) 783-0556
Real Estate Terms & Conditions: 10 % Down on Sale Day. Balance & Possession on or before January 15th, 2025. If Balance is NOT RECEIVED by January 15th, 2025 the Deposit will be Forfeited as Liquidation Damages. All measurements are approximate and need to be verified by the purchaser.
Allen B. Olson Auction Service Ltd.
1-855-783-0556 Toll Free - (403) 843-2747 Rimbey Office 780-208-2508 East Central Office Rimbey, Alberta - License No. 165690 Email: abolson@telusplanet.net - Homepage: www.allenolsonauction.com
Close Out Sale for Camrose Auto Wreckers
Sale Starts November 15th & Closes November 19th, 2024
Location: 4213 37th Street, Camrose, AB - 2 Rings Selling
Selling Over 800 Lots Including:
Selling Approx. 30 Running Vehicles & Over 800 Vehicles for Parts (Various Conditions) A Car Crusher Plus Transmissions, Engines, Tires, Rims, Truck Boxes & Much Much More Information Regarding Viewing, Payment & Removal Dates is Available on our Website
8 - The Lamont Leader (Lamont, Alberta), Wednesday, November 13, 2024
Local services
Bruderheim observes Remembrance Day with ceremony
BY MELISSA MACINTOSH-YOUNG
Monday, November 11th marked 105 years since the first Armistice Day was observed. Like many communities in Canada, Bruderheim gathered on a cold, grey morning to observe
Remembrance Day, honour and remember those who served in the military, including those veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice.
The town held a commemorative ceremony at the Community Memorial Hall followed by a
short walk to the Moravian Cenotaph for the Laying of the Wreaths.
Remembrance Day holds a deeply rooted significance, bringing the community together to honour and remember those who served. Such
Fallen but never forgotten in Andrew as veteran shares stories
BY CHELSEA TOBIAS
November 11th at 10:55 am the sound of military boots boomed through the streets of Andrew AB.
Soldiers of both active and ex-military were marching to the cenotaph to pay their respects to the brave men and women who laid down their lives for future generations of children they would never know.
A moment of silence, two minutes that seemed to go on forever and not nearly long enough, all at once.
With a final salute the battalion marched forward to make their way to the community hall. Once the men stood at attention at the front of the stage, the ceremonies commence.
O Canada played through the speakers, and the community stood together in pride and camaraderie.
Mayor Barry Goertz approached the podium for opening remarks and introductions, he then invited Jim Beckham to
the podium to give a sermon.
Once done with his sermon, Mr. Beckham invited the community to see a photo of his father from World War One. Mayor Goertz returned to the podium and welcomed groups and individuals to come lay wreaths while names of fallen soldiers were read by Mr. Fred Kucharski of the Rainbow club.
Once all the wreaths were laid out, the people at the hall stood up and bowed their heads in respect to God Save the King.
The battalion soldiers march out, food is served, a donation jar is posted on the luncheon table, and the bar is opened.
Roving around, it was observed that some photos of soldiers from the Village of Andrew were placed out and community members paused to read the memorial prints as they passed by.
Mr. Beckham shared the photo of his father
George William Beckham who was stationed in France, posed in front of a medical building.
Jim recalls though his father refused to fire a gun or carry a weapon at all he still volunteered to be a medic in the army.
While Mr. Beckham recollected memories of his father his eyes teared up in pride of the man who raised him.
He also shared a story about a friend of his
community gatherings highlight how local connections to past wars shape community identity, reminding residents of the sacrifices made by friends, family, and neighbours.
Residents gathered afterwards at the hall for
father’s. A Native American man who served by his side, by the name of Ramsey Montroy. Mr. Montroy would cut the Beckhams’ hair; Jim received his first hair cut from Ramseys, but he recollects that Ramseys often struggled to cut hair due to mustard gas and how his hands were affected by it.
Unfortunately, not much else is known about George’s time in the military as he didn’t like to speak about it and referred to it as a “dark spot” in his life.
a lunch provided by the Bruderheim Bethlehem Lutheran and Bruderheim Community Church.
Many residents have family members who have served or are still serving our country.
The sharing of personal stories during Remembrance Day events, fostered a collective sense of gratitude and respect especially for younger generations.
Photos by: Mark Courtnage, Melissa MacIntosh-Young, John Mather and Chelsea Tobias
RCMP leads the march to the Moravian Cenotaph at Bruderheim.
Jim Beckham recalls his father, a medic at war.
Everyone paid their respects at the Andrew cenotaph during Remembrance Day ceremonies.
Remembrance at Chipman
MARK COURTNAGE
Although a bitterly cold morning, the turnout for Chipman’s Remembrance service was incredible.
Meeting at the National Hall at 10.30am, the various wreaths were collected up by community members and the parade then, led by RCMP Officer Inspector Larocque, headed off, briefly stop-
ping along the route to acknowledge the First World War cenotaph before heading towards the Second World War one where the ceremony was to be held.
In true tradition O Canada was sung and that was followed by Keira Ausman reading John McCrae’s “In Flanders Fields”.
Then Allison and Holley Radcliffe read
“We shall remember” and “The Poppy” by George Olsen was read by Faith Deng. Last post was followed by 2 minutes silence Lament, Reveille and a prayer before the wreaths were placed by the cenotaph.
Refreshments were held at The Chipman Golden Seniors building afterwards.
Large, young crowd gathers for Lamont Remembrance Service
BY JOHN MATHER
A large crowd turned out Nov. 11 as Lamont hosted its annual Remembrance Day Services at the Community Hall.
During the ceremony Councillor Colleen Holowaychuk gave a presentation on the forming of the “No Stone Left Alone”ceremony.
“The impact of this initiative is immeasurable,” Holowaychuk said. Started by Maureen Bianchin-Purvis in 2001 the program honours veterans and educates children by placing poppies on headstones each November.”
In 2023, 11,340 students from 200 communities honoured 80,838 veterans in 287 events across nine countries.
While Lamont has no cemetery, children were invited to place poppies on styrofoam crosses used to represent the headstone of those who gave their lives from Lamont.
Those veterans were: Sergeant Edward Alexander, Lance
Corporal William T. Currie, Corporal Harold Doige, Private Fred Fransher, Private William Hare, Private Stanley Harris, Sergeant Perry Hull, Private Robert McCurdy, Private Boyd Swan, Lieutenant Vaughn Allan, Trooper Calvin Alton, Trooper Peter Chorney, Flight Sergeant Ernest Herbert Coone, Lieutenant Leroy Coons, Pilot Officer Arnold Harvey Harris, Private Leo Frank Kucy, Corporal Elmer Adolf Lilge, Squadron Commander Lim Mah, Signalman Angus Irvine McCartney, Sergeant Edward Plachner, Warrant Officer 2nd Class Gordon Raymond Schneider, Warrant Officer 2nd Class Norman Alberta Stelter, Private John Anton Stodola, Flying Officer Gordon Foster Trudgeon, and Sapper Harold Yerex.
The program began with the dignitaries being piped into the hall by Piper Brian McLeod of the RCMP K Division. With Lamont
Councillor Dave Taylor acting as the Master of Ceremonies, greetings were brought to the room by Lamont Mayor Jody Foulds.
Greetings and regrets from Fort SaskatchewanVegreville MLA Jackie Armstrong Homeniuk were read by Mae Adamyk.
Five-year-old Avaya Agader then dazzled the crowd with her rendition of “We Remember.”
Following the religious portion of the service, the last post was played and poppies laid at the cross sitting front and centre of the room.
Remembrance Day program coordinator Councillor Linda Sieker said they get about 300 people out to the event every year.
“I was really impressed with the number of young people and young families who came out this morning,” said Sieker.
“And that’s in addition to the young people who placed the poppies for the No Stone Left Alone program.”
No Stone Left Alone at Bruderheim
BY MELISSA MACINTOSH YOUNG
In a touching tribute to the sacrifices made by Canadian soldiers, grade five and six students from Bruderheim Elementary visited the graves of local veterans on Friday, November 8, as part of the No Stone Left Alone program.
This initiative, designed to educate young Canadians about the importance of remembrance and respect for military service, gives students the opportunity to learn history outside the classroom while connecting with the community’s legacy of service.
As they stood in the solemn setting of the local cemetery, each student carefully placed a poppy on a veteran’s grave.
The poppy, Canada’s enduring symbol of remembrance, served as a reminder of the brave men and women who served in the Armed
Forces to protect our freedoms.
The students took a moment of silence at each gravesite, honouring those who had served and, in many cases, made the ultimate sacrifice.
Bruderheim Elementary has been registered with the No Stone Left Alone program, a national organization committed to ensuring that every Canadian military headstone receives a poppy during the Remembrance period.
This initiative seeks not only to honour veterans but also to educate young Canadians about the contributions and sacrifices of those who came before them.
Since its inception, No Stone Left Alone has engaged thousands of students and community members across Canada, inspiring a new generation to carry forward the torch of remembrance.
For many students, this experience was their
first close encounter with the reality of war and the personal stories of those who fought. Teachers and volunteers led discussions about the significance of military service and the importance of honouring the past. By connecting students to the personal stories of local veterans, Bruderheim Elementary hopes to deepen students’ understanding of Canadian history and foster a sense of gratitude.
The No Stone Left Alone program, founded in 2011, has grown significantly over the years, with events taking place in cemeteries nationwide. Each year, thousands of students visit gravesites and place poppies on headstones in a solemn act of remembrance. By engaging younger generations in these ceremonies, the program aims to ensure that the memories of Canada’s veterans live on.
Wreath givers waiting during the ceremony in Chipman.
An RCMP officer stands at attention after placing a wreath during the Lamont Remembrance Day service Nov. 11.
Students participate in No Stone Left Alone in Bruderheim.
Slim vote keeps mayor’s dinner
BY JANA SEMENIUK
Only four of the seven Bruderheim town councillors voted in favour of continuing the Mayor’s annual dinner event as discussed at the end of the Nov. 6 budget meeting. The motion was made by deputy mayor George Campbell to replace the Oktoberfest (Deutchland
Days) with the Mayor’s Dinner for next year. Last month was the first time the Deutchland Days event was held, in celebration of Bruderheim’s German history, cancelling the mayor’s dinner, which was originally scheduled to be held at the same time.
Councillor Dayna Jacobs questioned
whether both events could be held, but separately, reasoning that the mayor’s dinner would not cost as much as Oktoberfest did this year, although no dollar amounts were given at this meeting for either event.
Councillor Len Falardeau said he would only support Oktoberfest
Canada Post could strike as soon as Friday
Canada Post’s union CUPW delivered 72 hour notice of job action on Tuesday morning, November 12.
The postal union announced its intent to strike that, if followed through with, would go into effect as early as Friday morning.
At press time, CUPW representatives commented that the national executive board has yet to decide if a job action will occur at the 72 hour deadline. It is dependent, they say, on if ensuing talks with Canada Post are productive.
“After almost a year of bargaining, despite our best efforts, the parties remain far apart on many issues,” the union said in a statement.
According to some union employees on social media, but unconfirmed at press time, Canada Post may have countered with a notice of its own; a lockout that could also take effect if the strike does not.
The CUPW strike would primarily impact mail and package delivery during the everimportant Christmas season, while also potential-
Parcel #1 - Consisting of the SE 36-53-18 W4M
Being 160 Acres M/L
Pasture Land Fence with Page Wire, Single Strand Barb Wire & A Dug Out.
Located North of Hwy #16 on Rge Rd 180 for 5 Kms. West Side of the Road
ly leading to closures of larger post offices in urban centres. There is no confirmation yet if potential strikes would be rotating, or Canada-wide.
In terms of local delivery, local post office employees have ensured Caribou Publishing that their offices are expected to remain operational, and weekly newspapers will be put in post office boxes as usual as long as they are delivered to each individual post office, which is the current plan.
Continued on Page 14
and felt there was no point to the Mayor’s dinner.
“I think the October Fest was a bit of a hit, and I don't think we need two events, and I'm fully supportive just continuing with Oktoberfest. It's more appropriate,” he said. “I feel that the mayor's dinner’s usefulness, and its age is gone. We just started a new program Oktoberfest, I think, stick with it.”
During an interview from 2019, Mayor Karl Hauch said he was first elected as Mayor in 2011 during a byelection. He said the first Mayor’s event was a breakfast held at Lily’s where the community was invited to attend a breakfast courtesy of the town. Hauch said the event eventually morphed into the Mayor’s dinner where guest speakers were invited along with community members and other elected officials.
Historically, according to previous reports, the Mayor’s dinner was held at a cost of $2,500 prior to
2021. In 2022, the cost sky rocketed to $4,000 in order to pay for higher catering costs and the cost of council and staff to attend, in addition to the costs of a guest speaker. Tickets at that time were priced at $25.
In Dec. 2023, the council discussed holding a golf tournament instead of the mayor’s dinner, but it was felt by some that there wouldn’t be time to plan for one in 2024.
Chief Administrative Officer Phyllis Forsyth shared with council that $7,000 was allotted for the mayor’s dinner, of which half would be used to fund the Oktoberfest.
The motion to begin plans for the 2024 Mayor’s dinner was approved.
During the July 3 council meeting, CAO Forsyth shared that tickets for this year’s Mayor’s Dinner would be priced at $59.51 available on Eventbrite.
At some point after this meeting, the Mayor’s Dinner event was cancelled and only
Oktoberfest remained, although it isn’t clear when this was decided. Emails to Forsyth for clarification were unanswered and text messages to Mayor Hauch only said ‘council wanted to make a change’ but did not indicate when the change was decided.
During the Oct. 16 council meeting, CAO Forsyth was questioned by Councillor Jacobs on why the Mayor’s Dinner had a dollar amount of $4,500 on the budget. Forsyth said the Mayor’s Dinner had a cost of $9,000 allotted to it, not $7,000 as previously indicated in Dec.
“It was $9,000 (and half) cut to $4,500 (which) went to Oktoberfest,” she said.
Meanwhile, councillors who voted in favour of continuing the Mayor’s Dinner event were Arlie Young, Dayna Jacobs, Deputy Mayor George Campbell and Mayor Karl Hauch. Opposed were Councillors Wayne Olechow, Ashely Carter and Len Falardeau.
Real Estate Auction for Ducks Unlimited
Parcel #2 - Consisting of the NW 7-55-17 W4M
Being 148.95 Acres M/L
Currently Seeded to Alfalfa, New 4 Strand Barb Wire Fence Around the Perimeter of the Property. Beautiful Mostly Open Quarter that does have a Subdivision out the NW Corner, a Good Shelter Belt, Ample Wildlife, Does Have a Few Sloughs That Would Work as a Water Sources, on the SE Corner of TWP Rd 552 & Rge Rd 180
Located 8.7 Kms North of Hwy #15, 20 Kms North of Hwy #16, East Side of the Road.
Parcel #3 - Consisting of the SW 25-55-18 W4M Being 160 Acres M/L
Seeded to Alfalfa/Grass, Can be Hay/Pasture Land, Old Yard Site, One Flat Bottom Grainary, New 4 Strand Barb Wire.
Located On the Corner of Rge Rd 181 & Hwy 29 with 1/2 a Mile of Hwy. Frontage
Parcel #4 - Consisting of the SE 35-55-18 W4M Being 160 Acres M/L A Very Nice Open Quarter with Dugouts, Brand New 4 Strand Barb Wire Fence, Seeded to Alfalfa/Grass, Excellent Hay or Pasture Land.
Located 1.7 Kms North of Hyw #29 on Rge Rd 181
CLASSIFIEDS CLASSIFIEDS
COMING EVENTS
FIREARMS WANTED FOR OUR 2024 AUCTION PROGRAM: Rifles, Shotguns, Handguns, Antiques, Militaria, Collections, Estates, Single Items. For Auction, or Possible Purchase: Toll-Free 1-800-694-2609, Email Us at sales@switzersauction.com or Visit Us @ www.switzersauction.com.
Killam/Forestburg Baptist Church
Christmas Banquet
Sunday, December 8 at the Killam Community Hall
Doors open at 5 PM supper at 530 PM Phil Calloway, an award-winning author, speaker, radio host, and Christian comedian will be our Special Guest. For tickets please call 780-385-3607
Adults $25, ages 13-17 years $20, under 12 years FREE
Order of the Eastern Star Forestburg Chapter is hosting a Soup/Chilli Luncheon
Monday, November 25 11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. at the Masonic Hall Basement in Forestburg $10/Lunch
Christmas is Coming!! Viking Grad Class of 2025 is selling Christmas Greenery Red or White 6.5" Poinsettia $13 24" Wreath $38
Outdoor Arrangement $50 Contact your local graduate for more information OR contact Donna at 780-385-4809 or Erin Hollar at 780-336-6377
Pick-up is scheduled for December 5 & 6th at the Viking Carena or discuss possible delivery with your seller
Hurry! Selling until November 18!
VIKING
HEALTH CENTRE AUXILIARY
CHRISTMAS MARKET
Thursday, December 5 11 am to 5 pm
Viking Community Hall
Lunch available for purchase
Great Christmas ideas, Crafts, Baking, Gifts, Décor & more
To reserve table, call Kim 780-385-0902
Viking United Church Candlelight Service
December 1, 7:00 pm
Donation to Christmas Hamper Program (toys, food, money) Coffee & Dessert following service
Everyone Welcome
GALAHAD LIONS CLUB
TURKEY BINGO
Monday Nov 25th
Galahad Agriplex 7:00 PM
15 Go-Go Bingos, 1 Bonanza, 1 Door Prize Master Card $5.00
Celebration of life for Ken Ninomiya on November 16/24
At the lougheed senior center from 2-4
Please join us for coffee and fellowship
FOR RENT
55+ adult bungalow in Belvedere Gardens with a single attached garage. Two bedrooms, in-floor heating, vaulted ceilings, open concept. Available December 1st, 2024. $1400/ month includes utilities, except power. 4527 55 Ave, Tofield, AB. Contact Dan 780970-7908
Large, non-smoking 2 Bedroom Apartment in Killam. Call Chuck 780-263-7290
2 Bedroom House For Rent Near Hardisty. Small older home 2 kms out of town. Includes fridge, stove, microwave, washer & dryer. Recent reno’s. Very reasonable rate for the right person or couple. Call or text (780) 699-3449 for details
3 bedroom house, with fenced yard located in Tofield. Available December 1st. Rent is $1350.00 per month plus utilities, damage deposit is $1350.00. No smoking, no pets. References required, 1 year lease. Phone 780-8871953
HARDISTY: 2 BR furnished house for rent available now. $1200 plus electricity. Call or text 780-717-6783
FOR SALE
Single electric bed (head and feet adjustable). Like New. For more information call 780-385-2362
Farm raised feeder and market hogs for sale. Daryl Hrehorets, 780-203-0533.
All Classified Ads booked in our paper will also be posted online at the new online Classifieds Section at no additional cost. THOUSANDS of page views online every month in addition to our THOUSANDS of weekly readers. Plus our site is Google SEO optimized. IT PAYS TO ADVERTISE WITH US!
Christmas is Coming! Anybody in need of Christmas Lights, Brian has some for sale. They are mixed colours, some are flashing/blinkers. Will sell by length which would be $10 each. There are two strands that need bulb replacements. There is one that has a package with it. If interested, please call Brian at 780-678-0053.
BUILDINGS FOR SALE
INTEGRITY POST FRAME BUILDINGS since 2008 BUILT WITH CONCRETE POSTS. Barns, Shops, Riding Arenas, Machine Sheds and more, sales@integritybuilt.com 1-866-9747678 www.integritybuilt.com.
SEED FOR SALE
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.
HELP WANTED
JP’s Country Daycare is hiring. This daycare is a growing daycare located in Daysland Alberta. Looking for part time help for 2-3 times a week working 5 - 8 hrs shifts, to help support other staff members and help provide quality childcare for the community. Level 1 or 2 would be great, but willing to train applicants if they are a good fit. Please email resumes to jpcountrydaycare@gmail.com, subject "Help Wanted"
SERVICES
Roy's Handyman Services. Flooring, trim work, basement finishing, decks, fences, kitchen cabinet installs and carpentry work. Call 780-232-3097
Painting
Quality Residential and Commercial Interior Painting. Betty Tkaczyk 780-632-8749
Drywall Taping/Ceiling Texturing 40 years experience on the job, from commercial buildings to new homes to home renovations. No job too small. Experienced Killam drywall taper/texturer here to help you with any job, big or small. Don't want to do it yourself?Give me a call!
Flagstaff Taping & Texturing Murray Cholowsky Call or text at 780-385-1251
PRIVATE MORTGAGE LENDER. All real estate types considered. No credit checks done. Deal direct with lender and get quick approval. 1-866-4051228; firstandsecondmortgages.ca.
CRIMINAL RECORD? Why suffer employment/licensing loss? Travel/business opportunities? Be embarrassed? Think: Criminal Pardon. US entry waiver. Record purge. File destruction. Free consultation. 1-800347-2540. www.accesslegalmjf.com.
Medical Taxi Service
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MEMORIAL
Willam P. Lewis
November 16, 1938November 19, 2004
The Lord spoke to the heavy hearts that stood by his bed,
“Your sadness pains me deeply and I know you’ll miss this man, But it’s true, what you’ve been hearing, Heaven is a real place. The emptiness his parting left that seeps into your bones, And draw on it to ease your pain, For he is not alone.
You see his friends are up here and all his loved ones, too.
‘Cause it wouldn’t be a heaven withou each one of you.”
Lovingly Remembered by, MaryAnn & Scott Charlotte, Scott, & Family Darren, Jodi, & Kade
WANTED
CASH FOR COIN COLLECTIONS & COIN ACCUMULATION'S! Also buying all Gold, Silver, Old Jewelry, Nuggets, Sterling, Bullion, Ingots, Royal Canadian Mint Coins, Rare Coins +, Todd 780-504-7995.
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.
BY CRYSTAL MOREN
The Lamont Leader Fill the Tree fundraising campaign received $10,000, the largest donation it has ever collected last week, which in turn is the largest personal donation the County of Lamont Food Bank has ever received.
It was a regular Monday at the Lamont Leader office, when an envelope was personally delivered for the Fill the Tree fundraising campaign. It was hand labeled, Christmas Angel.
When Office Manager Crystal Moren sat down at the desk to update all of the weekly donation names onto the “Tree” in the newspaper graphic and opened up this envelope: “I was floored,” she said.
“I couldn’t believe itthe anonymous donation was for $10,000. I could-
n't wait to get this where it belonged, and met up with Jody Zachoda from the County of Lamont Food Bank.”
Jody explained, ”This is the most incredible personal donation we have ever received.
"It is such a shock. I'm at a loss for words to describe how touching this donation feels. It's a reminder that life is precious and we take for granted the ways that we can show other people how good the world can be.
“I want the donor to know that we are immensely thankful for their kindness and this gift is equivalent to half our entire Christmas Hamper grocery budget.
“We are so grateful to everyone who donates and every donation has an impact - big and small, they all add up.
Jody Zachoda is shocked and grateful to the Christmas Angel who donated $10,000 to the Lamont
This one feels like a Hallmark movie moment; What a legacy gift from an anonymous Christmas Angel. We will be sharing the story of their gift like a fairy tale."
“The County of Lamont Food Bank and The Lamont Leader hopes the donor reads this story,” added
Moren, “and it will warm their heart the way their selfless donation will feed many mouths.
“Anonymous as it was, it was donated this way for a reason; your strength and generosity is admired, Christmas Angel, Merry Christmas to you.”
Continued from Page 10
It is not known fully how this could affect rural mail, as it was advised by a source that while some may be able to pick up their mail at their nearest town’s post office, others may not. In the event of lapsed mail coverage, plans are being put in place by Caribou Publishing to have newspaper pick up locations around the county where rural readers can still grab their local newspaper. This will begin with the November 20 edition, unless the two sides come to an agreement. Online e-editions of the newspaper will also be available free of charge for any and all readers affected by a work stoppage. This ensures that advertisers will benefit from as many readers as possible, and likely even more than usual, as we are committed to remaining the top source of local news and advertising in our region during any disruption.
Leader’s Fill the Tree campaign with funds going to the County of Lamont Food Bank.
Minimal information shared at Bruderheim budget meeting
Council discusses possible land purchase but no details
BY JANA SEMENIUK
Bruderheim Chief Administrative Officer,
Phyllis Forsyth, opened the Nov. 5 budget meeting by stating the goals for the meetings, scheduled for Nov. 5 and 6, and listing some of the items scheduled for deliberation.
“I'd like to just start with our goal for the two nights of budget discussions to provide historical data, review the signing policy, discuss the organizational structure, remunerations budget, and start working on the administration budget tonight,” she said.
“Tomorrow, we're hoping to look at the operating expenses, municipal utilities, our requisites into projects and capital. And there is a possibility we will need a third night.”
Forsyth continued, stating she and Chief Operating Officer Dennis Tomushcat have worked hard to ‘keep cost increases to a minimum’ and that the MGA (Municipal Government Act) requires an interim operating budget and the project’s capital budget be passed before Dec. 31.
“At the end of budget meetings tomorrow night, I'm hoping to have motions to approve the organization plan, the remuneration numbers (payment for councillors), and hopefully to have an estimated change in taxes,” she said, although tax changes were not discussed in the open public session of either meeting.
Forsyth said they anticipate a small reduction in utility costs, and she anticipated a two to five percent increase in insurance for 2025.
The council began the meeting at 6 p.m. and went into closed session at 6:16 p.m. They came back to open session at 8:44 p.m., and made motions to approve an
organizational structure, not available to the public, in addition to a 2.1 percent cost of living increase for town staff. By comparison, a three percent cost of living increase was approved last year for staff during the budget deliberations.
The meeting was then recessed until the following evening, Nov. 6.
The next evenings’ meeting began at 6 p.m. and went directly into a closed session at 6:06 p.m. When they reconvened at approximately 8:30 p.m., a number of motions were made including; a motion for administration to discuss the land and maintenance with CN, and a motion to review ice rentals with other communities and provide recommendations on possible changes to fees and charges.
Councillor Arlie Young made a motion that administration advise representatives that the Town of Bruderheim is not in the position to purchase property. No details were given on who the representatives are or what property the Town was considering purchasing or for how much. The motion was
defeated, with no additional details discussed on whether the Town will now be considering purchasing property.
Another motion brought forward by councilor Wayne Olechow was that ‘the electronic sign project be cancelled and the project’s budget be updated’. No details were given on where the sign project idea came from, what it entails or what the cost would be.
Mayor Karl Hauch had some suggestions for the sign project.
“I think that there's options to partner with a not for profit in town to try to move this project forward and get grant money from the province,” he said. “I wouldn't be in favour of cancelling that, but that's just my opinion.”
Deputy Mayor George Campbell clarified that the electronic sign in question is a remote operated sign with CAO Forsyth indicating it would be updated from the town office.
After more discussion, the motion was amended to read that administration will research partners for grants for the sign project which was carried.
FEATURED PROPERTIES
TOWN OF LAMONT
• 4712 51 St Lamont 5,800 sq ft shop with office and sales space. Shop was used for agricultural machinery repair. Price: $450,000
LAMONT COUNTY
• W4-20-55-27-SE Plan 1023701 Block 1 Lot 1A Lamont County. 138.09 acres in the Lamont Heartland for industrial use. Located North of Highway 15 on Range Road 202. Price: $2,990,00
• HWY 834 between HWY 16 and TWP RD 530 Lamont County 19.48 acres with power and a holding tank. Nice building site. Price: $215,000.00
VILLAGE OF ANDREW
• 5317-50 Ave Andrew. An 18,000 sq. ft. manufacturing shop with office and storage space on 2.3 acres of land Price: $1,700,000
VILLAGE OF CHIPMAN
• W4-18-54-29-NE N 54466 A RR184 Village of Chipman 38.75 acres 25± acres in hay. Double car garage, power, septic, and well nice building site. Price: $289,900
STRATHCONA COUNTY
• SW Part of NW –23 –53 –23 –W4 40.55 acres North of Highway 16 on Range Road 232 in proposed medium industrial zoning with CP rail line at the border of the property. Price: $7,200,000
• Parts of SW and SE -7-53-22-W4 located at Highway 21 and Lakeland drive 63.62 acres of development land with Highway 21 exposure. The property is within the Bremner and local Employment Area ACP with expected future use of industrial. Price: $5,100,000
THORHILD COUNTY
• NW 1/4 -14-58-22-W4 and NE ¼ -14-58-22-W4 Plan 172-0793
Block 3 Lot 222 acres game farm with page wire 100 acres could be cultivated. 4 mile North of Redwater. Good HWY 28 access. Price: $690,000
Lauren Hill Steven Hill
Norman Hill
Wednesday,
(VISIT: lamontcounty.ca/community-programming for full posters and locations, or call 780-895-2233 for info./registration). Current CALC, FCSS & KFRN and seniors activities:
1. Youth Centres in Bruderheim (Tuesdays), Chipman (Mondays), and Mundare (Thursdays) – contact Dayna.J@lamontcounty.ca for more information.
2. Parents and Tots: Bruderheim (Thursdays from 10-11 a.m. at Karol Maschmeyer Arena) and Mundare (Tuesdays from 9:15-10:15 a.m. at the Mundare Admin. Building) - contact Melissa.S@lamontcounty.ca for more info. (Note: programs follow the school calendar.)
3. Youth Coalition: for more info. on future opportunities, contact Erin.B@lamontcounty.ca.
4. Meals in Motion: NOVEMBER Menu. Call Chrissy to order at 780-975-9592.
5. KFRN: Family Activity Night (Lamont): Nov. 20, 5:30-7 p.m. (no registration necessary).
6. CALC: My Journey…Who Am I? (register with Cheryl or Cody at 780-895-2233 x233/241 or Cheryl.B@lamontcounty.ca | Cody.O@lamontcounty.ca).
7. CALC: English Language Learning (register with Cheryl/Cody).
8. CALC: Kitchens Program (register with Cheryl/Cody).
10. CALC: Digital Skills for Seniors: Thursdays from 10-11 a.m. in Mundare & Andrew.
11. Snow Angels Program (volunteers needed): Contact Michelle.A@lamontcounty.ca or 780-895-2233x223, (honorarium for volunteers).
12. Fitness Fun for Older Adults: $10 per session. At Mundare Seniors Centre. Contact Michelle.A@lamontcounty.ca for information.
13. Yoga for Older Adults: $12 per session. At Lamont Arena Mtg. Room. Contact Michelle.A@lamontcounty.ca for information.
14. Lamont Light Up! 2024 – Join us on November 30, 2:30-4:30 p.m., at the Lamont County Admin. Building, for paper crafting. We will be making Christmas cards and gift tags. No registration req.
15. Seniors’ Coffee: (Wed.) 10-11 a.m. at Andrew Lions Club, & (Thurs.) 10-11 a.m. at Mundare Seniors Centre. Join FCSS for coffee, conversation, snacks, and assistance with senior-related forms and programming. FCSS also offers Seniors Supports from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Mundare (Thursdays) - michelle.a@lamontcounty.ca
16. Seniors Bus trips: $15 per person per round trip. November 21 and December 12. Call Helen at 780895-7539 to reserve a spot (departs from Lamont Rec. Centre).
Access current monthly services & programs information scan the QR code or for FCSS, CALC and KFRN on each of the services’ Facebook pages. For more info, scan the QR code or see: lamontcounty.ca/community-programming | FCSS: FCSSlamontcountyregion | KFRN: groups/1922602184662497 & kalynafrn.ca | CALC: LamontCountyAdultLearns |
Illegal Dumping & Garbage in Ditches/Roads
Private Snow Removal Reminder
As a reminder, per Bylaw 857.22 (Fees and Charges Bylaw –lamontcounty.ca/financial-services) the costs related to private snow removal are:
Regular Flags – $125/each flag (per snowfall)
Medical Flags – $100/year (a doctor’s letter is required)
Senior (65+) Flags – $200/year Flags can be purchased at the Lamont County Public Works Building. Call 780-895-2547, if you have any questions.
Feral Pigs
Why is there concern over wild pigs in Alberta?
These pigs are invasive, notoriously difficult to catch and can uproot entire ecosystems. Invasive species can cause unbalanced competition on the landscape (see a recent CBC article: https://t.co/KiKPkwTe86). Sighting should be reported and managed (take pictures, note the location and notify Lamont County Agricultural Services, hunting is not a viable option).
More information about the ‘at large’ species is at: alberta.ca/wild-boar-inalberta.aspx
Other Items of Interest
Illegal dumping effects everyone—including clean up costs, tipping fees, the disposal of hazardous materials, etc. Costs associated from people dumping on roadways, ditches, and in other areas across the County can be significant. It takes time away from other services provided and may even contribute to budget planning. Do your part to ensure we have safe roadways and no obstruction in our drainage courses.
Christmas Hamper Requests
Coffee Talks – see summaries & the planned sessions at lamontcounty.ca/coffeetalks.
Tax Installment Payment Plan Reminder: Lamont County offers taxpayers the ability to pay property taxes in monthly installments by pre-authorized withdrawals rather than one single payment. Sign up before December 31.
The County of Lamont Food Bank is accepting application for Christmas Hampers from Nov. 12 to -Dec, 12. Please call 780-619-6955 to register or for more information. Christmas Hamper pick-up and delivery is Sunday, Dec. 22.
Please NOTE: All flag purchases or signup for Medically Fragile or Seniors service (for private snow removal), must be completed at the Public Works/Ag Services Building553004A Hwy 831 (and not at the Administration Building). Please complete this before the first major snowfall.
ASB Annual Photo Contest – submit your favourite photos to lamontcounty.ca/photo-contest before Nov. 22. Win a prize!
Private Snow Removal reminder (and flags): a submitted Snowplow/Grading Agreement and Hazard Assessment/ Inspection is required and should be completed by Nov. 15 (before the first major snowfall). See lamontcounty.ca/ departments/public-works/roads/private-snow-removal Sign up for regional (emergency) notifications by email/text/phone: lamontcounty.ca/alerts (Everbridge alerts/not the AB Emergency Alert system that interrupts your phone; rather, it is updates for local events/activities such as traffic/water/fire incidents, etc.).
Lamont County Council Budget Discussions –scheduled for November 14, 15 and 18 at the Admin. Building (Council Chambers starting at 9 a.m. each day). The public is welcome to attend or observe online.
Next Agricultural Service Board (ASB) Meeting – NOTE: last week’s inFocus
The next scheduled ASB meeting is (Wednesday) December 11, starting at 9:00 a.m. The public is welcome to attend at the Lamont County Administration Building or virtually through Microsoft Teams (link): lamontcounty.ca/departments/agricultural-services/agendas-minutes-asb. Next Lamont County Council (Regular Council Meeting)
The next Regular Council Meeting is planned for Tuesday, November 26, starting at 9:00 a.m. The public is welcome to attend at the Lamont County Admin. Building or virtually through Microsoft Teams (link). A link to meetings, agendas and minutes can be found at: lamontcounty.ca/governance/agendas-minutes.
Please Note – inFocus is also available for viewing online at: www.lamontcounty.ca/communications (for those wanting to view the weekly submission as fullsized PDF and to access hyperlinks)
Community Services: Serving Lamont County, Lamont, Bruderheim, Mundare, Andrew & Chipman