New Bruderheim CAO
ExperiencedLeaderreporterbroughtintoadministercouncildecisions
BY JOHN MATHER
After a lengthy process, Bruderheim has named former Lamont Leader reporter Jana Semeniuk as their new Chief Administrative Officer.
Semeniuk is a Bruderheim resident who has spent many years being involved in the community and reporting on its events and politics.
Bruderheim made the announcement of her hiring on April 15 right at the end of the regular council meeting.
In a recorded vote Mayor Ron Ewasiuk and Councillors Arlie Young and Luis Diaz supported the hiring of Semeniuk, while Councillor Dayna Jacobs opposed it.
Semeniuk started her new position on April 16.
The town issued a release shortly after stating Semeniuk would officially join the leadership team to oversee its
core administrative functions and organizational planning.
“With this transition, I would like to
thank our Chief Operating Officer (COO) Dennis Tomuschat, who has been managing these additional responsibilities during the Interim period,” stated Mayor Ewasiuk in the release.
“He will now resume his full-time responsibilities focused on the day-today operations for the Town.”
The release concluded by stating, “This move allows both executives to dedicate their expertise to their positions, ensuring a more streamlined leadership structure as we move into our next phase of growth.”
Semeniuk replaces Phyllis Forsyth who resigned last fall after the municipal elections brought in a majority of new councillors and a new mayor.
Calls grow louder for crosswalk Installation in Bruderheim
BY MELISSA MACINTOSH-YOUNG
A growing chorus of concern from residents, parents, and local officials is putting pressure on the Province to address what many are calling a serious safety hazard at the intersection of 48 Street and 52 Avenue in Bruderheim.
The intersection, which falls under Provincial jurisdiction, serves as a critical link between the Bruderheim Childcare Centre and Bruderheim elementary school.
Despite heavy daily foot traffic—particularly during morning drop-offs and afternoon pick-ups—there are currently no sidewalks, crosswalks, or pedestrian-controlled lights in place.
That lack of infrastructure has sparked alarm among families who say children are being forced to navigate a busy roadway without basic safety
measures.
In an effort to push for change, the childcare centre has launched a community-wide petition aimed at demonstrating the urgency of the issue.
Organizers hope that strong public support will compel Provincial officials to act before a serious incident occurs.
Taylor Peters is the executive director of the Bruderheim Childcare Centre. “I started the petition because the intersection is very busy and feels unsafe with no proper crosswalk or sidewalks.
“We walk the children to the school, but it’s a high stress environment. We are constantly watching over our shoulders at all times, and with the children it can be unpredictable sometimes,” she said.
“We always encouraging walking in a straight line, but they are just children so sometimes they can get a little
distracted. It also affects us in the colder months. We currently don’t walk children if it’s too icy or low visibility because we’ve seen cars speeding through that area, and can’t risk any “what if” situations of a vehicle not seeing us, or sliding through the intersection.
“This further affects our ability to provide care for families that require it on those days,” said Peters. “They have to find alternative ways to get their children to school which sometimes include them not being able to work or going to work late. As a centre we do our best to have quality and safe care in our small town that has several families. I believe that the areas surrounding us should also reflect that. It’s crazy to me that there is a school and daycare there, but no safety regarding transportation and several children (not just
children at the centre) have to use that intersection to walk to school. Our educators wear a high visibility vest, but no one else does”
While the Province has acknowledged the Town’s request, a March 11, 2026 email response from Derrick Wilson, Operations Manager for Transportation & Economic Corridors, indicated “that the audit for the intersection is on hold due to budget cuts” —an answer that has done little to ease community frustration.
Bruderheim Mayor Ron Ewasiuk has taken the concerns directly to the Province, reaching out to both the Transportation Minister and local MLA Jackie Armstrong-Homeniuk. In his correspondence, Ewasiuk emphasized that the intersection presents a significant and growing safety risk.
Continued on Page 19
Newly appointed Bruderheim Chief Administrative Officer Jana Semeniuk poses with Bruderheim Mayor Ron Ewasiuk after being named as the town’s chief administrator last week. Semeniuk is a former reporter with the Lamont Leader.
Opinion
Stop the noise and put the issue to a vote
BY JOHN MATHER
Are you as sick of this “should we stay or should we go talk” as I am?
It seems every day a new group wants to direct Albertans to either join the separatists movements and leave Canada, or join the let’s stay in Canada groups.
It’s as if all these groups don’t believe Albertans can think for themselves.
And no doubt as these groups natter on about all the possibilities, ramifications and everything else that could accompany a separation vote, most are probably taking a chunk of your hard earned money in the process through various donations and fundraisers.
I got talking to a couple of different groups of people over the past week about this.
I didn’t ask them if they were people wanting to stay in Canada or people wanting to separate although I suspect there was a cross section of both.
But the consensus coming out of the talk was, “Let’s have a vote on the issue and put it to rest once and for all.”
In recent weeks, it seems the Stay in Canada groups have formed almost as many factions as the separatists have.
After all, the separatist have the Alberta Prosperity Project, the main movers and shakers behind the Stay Free Alberta petition movement. There is also the Republican Party of Alberta. They too want to leave Canada. And there are a couple of other minor parties.
But they all claim to want the same goal but don’t work together.
And now the Stay in Canada zealots are doing the same thing.
First there is Thomas Lukaszuk and his Forever Canadian campaign. Last summer he tried to preempt the separatists by setting up his own petition campaign asking Albertans if they wanted to remain in Canada. He gathered over 400,000 signatures and demanded a referendum on the topic.
But when he got those signatures he suddenly realized a simple yes or no answer could swing either way so he changed his mind on the referendum, when he had asked Elections Alberta for, and suggested Premier Danielle Smith and her UCP caucus, to simply put it to a vote in the legislature.
CONTINUED
On Facebook, in the photo, he hangs his head and states why he devoted a year to this.
“I get asked why I’m so passionate about “Forever Canadian,” he pens. “I chose to give a year of my life to the Canadian unity referendum not because it would be easy – but because it truly matters. This isn’t just about politics.
“It’s about who we fundamentally are. It’s about our identity.”
Now Naheed Nenshi and his NDP were all in favour of this. In fact they so wanted their little segment of publicity they all signed a declaration of their love for Canada and desire to remain a united country.
Well, they signed it but the UCP didn’t fall for that publicity stunt.
So a couple of weeks ago, it was Nenshi racing back to the drawing board to state his NDP, so noble and pure, would launch the “For Alberta, For Canada” advocating that Albertans vote to stay in Canada if separation is put to a public vote.
The NDP’s efforts are being undertaken separately from the Forever Canadian campaign.
“He’s doing his thing. We’re doing our thing,” Nenshi said of Lukaszuk’s group.
Then later last week, First Nations groups got involved taking the Stay Free Alberta gang to court arguing the campaign of separation violated treaty rights signed by the crown prior to Alberta becoming a province.
The treaty was penned by the ancestors of King Charles. In one sense it has nothing to do with Canada as it is set up today.
But an Edmonton judge has paused the next steps of a potential referendum on Alberta separation.
Justice Shaina Leonard issued a written decision to delay the verification of signatures on the petition for Alberta’s independence a week ago.
It doesn’t stop Stay Free Alberta, the separatist group leading the charge, from collecting signatures.
But Elections Alberta can’t verify the group’s petition or make a referral to Alberta’s justice minister until the courts have made a final decision on a court challenge launched by Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation and the Blackfoot Confederacy.
And now various party insider Stephen Carter, who previously has worked campaigns for Nenshi, former Premier Allison
Redford, former Calgary mayor Jyoti Godek, has announced plans to hijack the dead in the water Alberta Provincial Liberal party to make it a clearing house for fundraising and advertising dedicated to promote Alberta staying in Canada.
Carter is calling it a “constellation campaign,” as he told CBC in an interview.
“We want everyone to succeed, whether it's a small campaign that's targeting your 200 friends and neighbours or a large campaign that's targeting 200,000 Albertans in a specific district,” he said.
So this sounds like he wants to be the big honcho of any Let’s Stay in Canada group.
You guys do the leg work and I’ll take the credit sort of position while charging an enormous fee.
I’m sure ego minded people like Lukaszuk and Nenshi will refuse to buy into this farcical idea. It is the same as having all those separatist groups work together.
They’ve all had lots of time but they won’t come together. Too many want the power within.
So let’s just put it to rest.
Let Albertans vote on whether they want to stay in Canada or leave.
While these people campaign, ask one simple question, “Are they telling you the truth.”
The pro Canada side glosses over the fact Ottawa has abused western Canada, including Alberta, for years, and in the process cost this country’s economy trillions of dollars.
That was stated by an RBC financial report last week where they laid the economic mess of Canada squarely at the feet of Justin Trudeau.
The separatists, however, aren't telling you how they will deal with such things as currency, a stable economy if Alberta goes alone, how are they going to attract industry to the province if it is an independent country, and what form will the new national government take?
So seek answers. Who’s telling the truth and who’s lying?
Who is keeping this alive just to give themselves a small sense of ego driven achievement.
No, put it to a vote and then let it die one way or the other. It will fester if there’s a closed vote or it will quickly fade into obscurity as a footnote in the province’s history if the vote is largely one sided.
But let’s quit squabbling and let’s just let the people decide already.
Kerry Anderson Publisher John Mather Reporter Melissa Young Reporter Grant Johnson Reporter
BY HAZEL ANAKA
If you asked the average ten-year-old what plans he had for the day, you’d probably get a baffled look. With a bit of urging, he may rattle off school, hockey practice, and lacrosse tryouts. Pretty typical; nothing very scary or exciting there. Ask the same question of yourself and any other adult you know and the initial reaction may be a scoff, an eyeroll, or a ‘where do I begin’ conversation. With age and maturity comes privileges as well as a boatload of responsibilities. I’m from the ‘work before play’ school of thought. Tackling the hard jobs before relaxing or fun and games. I’m of the generation that considers reliability, dependability, and responsibility virtues; even if it is sometimes to
FROM WHERE I SIT: Grownup and Mature
our detriment. Most of us understand that whatever life throws at us will manifest in how we feel. So, the other day as I thought about my answer to the massage therapist’s inevitable question…what are we working on today?...I was ready. The typical answer would be let’s do neck, shoulders, upper back. But during the drive to Bruderheim, I noticed how much my forearms ached. Putting two and two together was easy. Because of this very demanding online Illustrator course I have been keyboarding for as much as six or eight hours a day. And because I’m trying so hard and have a lot riding on it, I’m one tense mama. The treatment helped but was no magic bullet. I’m wearing my braces for tennis elbow (repetitive stress injury). I really do need to start the alternate icing/heating routine soon, but in my addled brain that would cut into my keyboarding time. Insane, I know. Now that I have some awareness of what the issue is, I’m trying hard to “unclench,” relax my arms, stretch my hands and fingers. When the
frustration crescendos, I walk away and do something else.
Let’s ponder what ‘something else’ might be…and see how you like my grownup choices. I haven’t spent a moment prepping for our income tax appointment so there’s that. Always such a joy. Or I could tackle the assembly of a recent Ikea flatpack purchase. Another guaranteed joy. Is this why some wag came up with the line about choosing between the devil and the deep blue sea? Or I suppose I could throw caution to the wind, really watch (not just listen to) the Oilers
game or binge-watch a series on Netflix or read some new design magazines or go to bed at a decent hour.
Let’s weigh the choices. Death and taxes are inevitable and CRA will get its pound of flesh plus penalty, arrears, and interest for late filing so postponing this job is a non-starter. Roy’s done the really hard part; I just need to do my business stuff. The accounting firm wants the docs a couple weeks before the appointment so the runway is getting shorter by the hour.
Despite Ikea’s very crappy illustration-only
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directions (because of their global market) the company does offer very good storage solutions at a decent price. I need more versatile closed storage I can afford so I’ll suck it up and put the darn thing together. I’ll say a prayer that I get it right the first time; that would be a novelty. Inevitably I get to step 84 in the process where I realize I reversed a piece in step 3. Argh. I spent $160 on the Alex 9-drawer tower which I hope will house most of my sewing accoutrements. The pieces are scattered all around the living room so this needs to happen very soon. Here I weigh the pain of assembly with the pleasure of the finished unit. Sounds better than income tax prep but clearly is the second choice.
I’m writing this on Thursday so the Oilers play their final game of the regular season tonight. It, among other things, will determine where in the finals they land. I love thrillers and police procedurals so I could definitely veg-out with one or five of those. I just started a new subscription to a pattern design magazine that
included every issue since launch so there’s a small stack of those awaiting me. Then I bought back issues of Uppercase magazine during a recent warehouse sale. That inspiring eye-candy will last me a lifetime. Did I mention I got a small publishing credit in the most recent issue? Plus, I interviewed Janine Vangool for my YouTube series and love everything she does. Devouring those would be a delicious escape from my real-world life. And finally, sleep as an option. Busy people are fond of saying they’ll sleep when they’re dead. I try to pick a happy medium and get only enough sleep to keep me going. I’ll sleep when I’m dead. By now you’ll have guessed that when my arms and mind need a break from my course, I’ll tackle tax papers. Only when that is done, will I break the Ikea project into manageable bits. At bedtime I’ll indulge in some creative reading with a movie playing in the background. I’ll continue to ask the online coaches and community for help with the course and relax any tense body parts. This all sounds so grownup and mature, from where I sit.
March 8, 2016 edition of the Lamont Leader: Lamont figure skater James Harding-Doctor earned bronze during Provincials held recently in Leduc.
Ukrainian Village announces reopening more than a year after devastating fire
BY GRANT JOHNSON
After more than a year of recovery and rebuilding, the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village is set to welcome visitors once again.
The popular historic site will officially re-open on May 16, marking a major milestone following the wildfire that destroyed its visitor centre last year.
“It’s a significant moment for all of us,” said Pam Trischuk, head of education and interpretation. “Welcoming the public back means we can continue to share the stories and experiences of Alberta’s Ukrainian her-
itage and give people a place to learn and celebrate that history again.”
The road to reopening has been anything but simple. Cleanup and restoration efforts have taken months, with government crews, consultants, and contractors working to repair damaged utilities and clear the site.
In the meantime, staff adapted, setting up temporary offices, a visitor centre, and even a gift shop inside the modern Red Barn, which was spared by the fire.
Despite the destruction of the visitor centre, there
was a silver lining. None of the village’s historic buildings were damaged.
Still, the loss was significant, with irreplaceable artifacts, furnishings, and original research files gone. Thanks to earlier digitization efforts and materials stored off-site at the Royal Alberta Museum, many key pieces of history were preserved.
Starting May 16, the village will be open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., as well as on holiday Mondays through Labour Day.
School field trips are already booking for May
and June, and a full slate of summer events is making a comeback.
Visitors can look forward to favourites like the Vintage Day Show and Shine in June, Ukrainian Day in August, and Harvest of the Past in September, along with themed weekends and drop-in programming throughout the season.
For staff and supporters alike, the reopening represents more than just a return, it’s a chance to rebuild, reconnect, and keep Alberta’s Ukrainian heritage alive for generations to come.
Another tremor near Morinville has Albertans questioning causes
BY MELISSA
MACINTOSH-YOUNG
Residents across central Alberta felt the ground shift once again Saturday afternoon, as a 4.1-magnitude earthquake struck northeast of Morinville.
According to Earthquakes Canada, the quake was recorded at 3:56 p.m., approximately 18 kilometres northeast of Morinville and about 41 kilometres north of Edmonton.
By Sunday morning, officials with the Alberta Energy Regulator indicated the tremor is believed to be an aftershock linked to a larger seismic event earlier this month.
That earlier quake — a 4.5-magnitude event recorded April 1 near Gibbons — was confirmed to be related to oil and gas activity in the region according to the Alberta Geological Survey (AGS) and the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER). They identified these events as "known induced," meaning they were caused by human activity, specifically industrial processes.
Since then, the area has experienced a series of smaller but still noticeable tremors.
On April 3, a 3.2-magnitude earthquake struck roughly 10 kilometres north of Gibbons. Days
later, on April 8, a 3.7magnitude quake was recorded about 15 kilometres northwest of the community.
The Alberta Energy Regulator says experts continue to monitor the situation closely. In a statement, the agency explained that scientists with the Alberta Geological Survey analyze seismic activity
using a network of more than 70 monitoring stations across the province.
“Our experts examine earthquake characteristics to determine if earthquakes are natural or induced,” the statement said.
While no damage has been reported from Saturday’s tremor, the recent string of earthquakes has raised ongoing questions
about seismic activity in the region and its connection to industrial operations.
Officials say monitoring and analysis will continue as more data becomes available.
Only about 20 percent of worldwide earthquakes are felt and 0.1 percent cause damage.
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A Good Friday fire at Ukraininan Cultural Heritage Village in 2025 gutted the information centre at the site and closed the venue for more than a year. After reconstruction, the Village is set to resume.
Work parties for Trout pond improvements May 3 and 9
BY GRANT JOHNSON
Big improvements are on the line for the Lamont Trout Pond as the Lamont Fish and Game Association gears up for a pair of spring work days.
Thanks to recent grants and sponsorship support, the association says a slate of upgrades is ready to move ahead, but they’ll need helping hands to get it done. Volunteers are being called out for organized work parties on May 3 and May 9.
Planned improvements include the installation of
new benches, upgraded signage, a new dog waste system, flag poles, and fresh paint for the docks, all aimed at improving the experience for visitors heading out to enjoy the popular fishing spot.
Located about two kilometres northeast of Lamont, the pond is stocked annually with trout and remains a go-to destination for local anglers. With these upgrades, organizers are hoping to make it an even better place to cast a line this season.
Report ditch dumpers to county
BY GRANT JOHNSON
As temperatures climb and the winter snowpack begins to disappear, residents are being reminded that spring thaw often reveals more than just grass and gravel,it uncovers a range of maintenance issues needing attention.
Across Lamont County melting snow is exposing garbage, fallen branches, damaged signage, and drainage concerns that were hidden throughout the
winter months.
Potholes and ditch washouts are also becoming more visible as runoff increases, with some areas already showing signs of flooding and erosion.
County residents are being reminded that if there is significant garbage or items dropped off in ditches, submitting a service request on the Lamont County website, is the best option for clean up
July 21, 1932 – April 13, 2026
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of Mary Kachur on April 13, 2026 at the age of 93. She is survived by her two children, Kenneth Kachur and Roseanne Berube; grandchildren Sandra (Jeff) Van Hecke, Patrick Kachur, Michelle Berube (Mario Savoie), Matthew (Katie) Kachur, Daniel (Charissa) Kachur, and 12 great grandchildren, all who will miss her deeply. She is also survived by sister Eileen Purschke, and sister-in-law Ann Wachowicz as well as many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, Wasyl (Bill) Kachur, parents John and Annie Pullishy and nine siblings: Mike, Dora, Lena, Jim, Joe, Nick, Adam, Rose, Helen.
Prayer Service will be held: Friday, April 24th, 2026 at 7:00 PM and Divine Liturgy will be held Saturday, April 25th, 2026 at 10:00 AM at the Assumption of Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church (Star Peno); 564080A Range Rd. 193 Star, Alberta (one mile east and one mile south of Skaro Shrine on Hwy 45). Internment to follow in the church cemetery.
The family would like to thank Rose and Charlie at the Fort Saskatchewan Care Community for their compassionate support and care as well as the staff at Fort Saskatchewan Hospital.
Donations can be made to Star Peno Church or the Alberta Cancer foundation in lieu of flowers. Memories Eternal.
Lamont County wants Provincial inspection of rusty Emergency Unit
BY JOHN MATHER
Lamont County council ordered administration to get the Alberta Transportation compliance safety department have a look at one of the County Rescue Units after a repair estimate for frame rail repairs came in at more than $59,000, not including removing and replacing the rescue box from the unit.
asked where the truck operated from and was told it was stationed in Bruderheim.
Moore said it was looked at twice a year for regulations servicing.
Uganez was surprised no one had commented on the frame rust before.
Chief Bo Moore appeared before council April 14 and discussed the matter.
In a previous meeting the council had asked County mechanics to look at brake issues with the unit.
“In doing that inspection our mechanics also found significant rust issues on the frame of the apparatus,” Moore told council.
“Two outside independent contractors were brought in to examine the rust and all three agreed the rust would impact the ability of the apparatus to function.”
He suggested the unit be removed from the Emergency Services inventory and council look at its replacement further down the road.
The unit is a 1996 model with more than 400,000 km on it. Councillor John Uganecz questioned the inspection and findings of significant rust.
”I work around trucks and I’ve seen trucks with many more miles than this without any rust issues,” he said.
“I mean are you aiming for parade quality here or what,” he questioned? “I mean this is crazy. It’s absolutely insane.”
Moore replied those who inspected the vehicle stated they wouldn’t approve the frame as it is as per the Motor Vehicle Inspection form stating any rusted to a depth sufficient to become weakened.
Councillor Neil Woitas
He wondered if there were photos so council could see what was being called rust.
Woitas was concerned the County couldn’t even sell the unit if it couldn’t be certified. Reeve Aaron Wick asked how it would affect fire service if it was taken out of service.
Moore replied it wouldn’t affect the service levels.
Councillor Gerald Thorowsky asked if there were any replacement units available and Moore replied they hadn’t looked at that.
“I’m not suggesting replacing the truck right now because it’s not affecting our service levels.”
Woitas then asked that Alberta Transportation safety compliance department be asked to do an inspection of the unit.
He said the department would come in and look at the shop operation and inspect the truck and offer their opinion.
He said if it was ap-
proved they could then at least sell the truck and get some money back on the unit.
A motion was made to have the inspection requested and it was carried.
TRESHAM , Ron
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Ron Tresham on April 14th, 2026, at the age of 61, after a long and incredibly hard battle with cancer.
He was a devoted and lifelong loving husband to Debbie and a proud father to his two daughters, Amanda (Joseph) and Rebecca (Aaron). He held a very special role as “Funpa” to his grandchildren Caleb and Noah, who brought him immense happiness. He was a cherished son to Rosemarie and Alan (pre-deceased) and a dear brother to David and Jason. He adored his dogs Belle, Rosie, and Casper, who gave him joy and hope during his cancer fight. Ron was a hardworking man who dedicated his life to providing for his family and ensuring their happiness and success. He deeply loved his wife, always made others laugh, and found his greatest joy in watching his children grow and follow their dreams. His legacy will live on through the values he instilled, the love he gave so freely, and the countless memories shared with those who knew him. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing and loving him.
A small celebration of life with family will be held in the near future. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Lamont Food Bank or an animal shelter of your choice.
Photos, memories, and condolences may be shared through www.parkmemorial.com.
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Lamont Leader (Lamont, Alberta),
Lamont County economic development head wins award
BY JOHN MATHER
Lamont County’s Economic Development manager Shane Olson was recognized at the recent Economic Developers Alberta conference with the Economic Developer of the Year Award.
The conference was held during the past weekend at Alberta’s Kananaskis Country.
The Chair’s Recognition and Awards Dinner celebration was a diamond theme to recognize the 100th anniversary of the International Economic Development Council.
After 20 years within the economic development ecosystem in Alberta, I’m incredibly honoured to be recognized as Economic Developer of the Year,” said Olson, accepting the award.
“This work has never
Lamont County Manager of Economic Development, Shane Olson, poses with his Alberta Economic Developer of the Year Award, along with other award recipients during the organization’s annual conference in Kananaskis during the past weekend.
been about one person, it’s about partnerships, perseverance, and a shared belief in the potential of our communities.
“I’ve been fortunate to learn from and work with some outstanding people along the way.”
The International Economic Development Council is the largest non-profit, non-partisan membership organization serving economic developers. It is based in Washington, D.C. and has 4,500 members.
BY MELISSA MACINTOSH-YOUNG
A remarkable conservation journey has reached its destination as 44 wood bison from Elk Island National Park have been safely transported and released into the wilds of Alaska.
After a three-day journey, travelling hundreds of kilometres north, the herd has stepped onto a new landscape—one that echoes the vast, untamed environments their species once roamed freely.
Their release marks another important milestone in ongoing efforts to restore wood bison populations across North America.
These animals now join a carefully managed conservation herd; part of a long-term initiative aimed at rebuilding a
species that once faced the brink of extinction.
Their arrival is more than symbolic—it directly strengthens genetic diversity within the population, improving resilience and supporting sustainable growth for future generations.
Elk Island bison have a long legacy of “big moves.” Because the park is fully fenced, maintaining a healthy balance within the habitat means periodically relocating animals to new environments.
These bison are often
transferred to conservation areas, Indigenous communities, and other national parks, where they play a critical role in re-establishing herds that were once lost.
These carefully managed relocations are a key way Elk Island National Park continues to support bison recovery efforts not just across Canada, but around the world.
The journey from the plains of Alberta to Alaska highlights the enduring collaboration between Canadian and
Alaskan conservation organizations.
Programs like this rely on years of planning, research, and cooperation across borders, all with a shared goal: ensuring the survival and health of this iconic species.
Wood bison, the largest land mammals in North America, were once nearly wiped out due to
overhunting and habitat loss. Today, through careful stewardship and relocation efforts like this one, their numbers are slowly recovering—one herd at a time.
For these 44 travellers, the move represents more than a relocation, it is a return to the kind of northern wilderness where their ancestors
thrived for centuries. As they explore their new home, they carry with them the promise of renewal. From prairie grasslands to rugged northern terrain, this herd is beginning a new chapter—one defined by resilience, restoration, and hope. Their adventure is just beginning.
Mundare School welcoming kindergartners
BY GRANT JOHNSON
Families in Mundare will get a firsthand look at early learning in action next month as Mundare
School prepares to welcome its next class of kindergarten students. An open house for future kindergarteners and
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their families is set for May 13th from 3 to 4 p.m. in the school’s kindergarten room, offering a chance to explore the classroom and meet staff.
The event comes on the heels of a new full-time STEM program introduced this year in the
kindergarten class, an initiative that teacher Eric Boyd says has already made a big impact.
“STEM in kindergarten is all about nurturing curiosity,” Boyd explained.
“It gives young learners the space to explore, build, and discover.”
Boyd recalls one standout moment when the
class worked together to dig up a large rock, paint it, and return it to the schoolyard.
“It was the perfect mix of problem-solving, creativity, and collaboration,” he said. “That’s exactly what we’re trying to build with this program.”
Now, the school is invit-
ing families to see that same energy and excitement up close.
Boyd says staff are looking forward to welcoming the community and giving parents a glimpse of how learning begins at Mundare School, through curiosity, creativity, and a whole lot of discovery.
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From the Filipino Community regarding the Annual Prague Mass: We would like to share that this year’s celebration will be held in Edmonton instead of Prague. It will take place on Saturday, May 16, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM at Annunciation Church and its hall. As we prepare, we reflect with gratitude on the many years of dedication and care the Prague community has given to this celebration. You have made it truly special and meaningful. We warmly invite the extended Prague community to join us this year as we continue this cherished tradition in a new setting. Your lasting impact is deeply appreciated. 14/16c
COMING EVENTS
Check out our incredible Pre-Owned Inventory priced to sell at Campbell-McLennan Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep-Ram in Killam, AB. Shop online campbellmclennan.com and get in touch with one of our awesome sales staff!
Large Garage Sale in Sedgewick Friday, May 1, Noon - 7 p.m. Saturday, May 2, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. 7 Maclean Crescent, Sedgewick, AB Household/Kids/Baby Items. Something for everyone!
Beaverhill Players presents Sadie Flynn Comes to Big Oak by Norm Foster Mad Platter Catering
$55 supper and show $25 show only Friday, May 29 7pm -show onlySaturday, May 30 at 7pm Sunday, May 31 at 2pm Holden Community Hall Dave 780-720-5839
Chemo Care Hydration Packages. $55 buys one and Sonya donates one. Includes: Night Cream, Lip Balm and Foot Lotion. The goal is 300 pkgs by June 30. See Sonya Martens at the Tofield Market Friday, April 24th & May 8th. www.MaryKay.ca/smartens or call 780-240-4605.
CLASSIFIEDS
NOTICES. EVENTS. ANNOUNCEMENTS. THANKS. MEMORIALS. SALES. RENTALS. REAL ESTATE. GIVE AWAYS. & MORE!
COMING EVENTS
Battle River Art Club Show and Sale
Saturday, April 25 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sedgewick Community Hall. Lunch & Snacks available. For more information call Chris McMullan - 780-384-2167
Viking Historical Society AGM Tuesday, April 28
7 p.m.
St. Matthews Hall on Main Street Viking, Alberta Everyone Welcome. Looking for New Members and New Ideas!
The Sedgewick Lions Club will be conducting Free Vision Screening for children ages six-months to 12-years-old. Date: Thursday, April 23. Time 2:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Place: Sedgewick Library (4806-47 Street) 14/15c
Come join us for a come-and-go dessert and coffee appreciation event for Donna and Jack Brooke at the Station Gallery and Tea House in Viking, Alberta on Wednesday, April 29 from 2:00- 3:30 pm. Please help us spread the word. Sponsored by the Viking Christian Men's Group. 15/16c
Battle River Minor Hockey Association Annual General Meeting, Wednesday, April 22 in the Multi-Purpose Room at the Killam Agriplex at 7 p.m. Voting on proposed Special Resolution: Bylaw changes. See website for details. www.battlerivermha.ca 14/15c
PRAGUE COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Sunday, May 3, 2026 at 2 PM at the Prague Hall Please attend if interested, as we will be discussing the status of the Prague Church. Beverages and snack served. 14/16c
COMING EVENTS
Dolores Larson Simpson’s 90th Birthday Celebration! You are cordially invited to the celebration of our dear sister, Mom, Grandma, Great-Grandma, and friend. Party to take place Sunday, May 3 at the events room at the Sierras of Taylor Drive in Red Deer (4512 52 Avenue) with refreshments and a short program. Please RSVP to elsieramsden@telus.net or via text 403-443-9450 (Elsie Larson Ramsden)
Flagstaff Satellite Family Day Home Society Annual General Meeting Wednesday, April 29, 2026 7pm At the FFCS Building 4809-49th Avenue Killam, Alberta Everyone Welcome!
Bethania Cemetery Society Annual General Meeting will be held April 22 at 7 p.m. at the Sedgewick Library's Board Room on Main Street in Sedgewick. All interested members are welcome to attend.
14/15c
Sedgewick Lake Park AGM, Thursday, April 23rd, 2026 7pm at the Sedgewick Fire Hall New members are welcome
There will be a celebration of life for Joseph Fornal on Saturday, April 25, 2026 at the Holden Community Hall, at 2 p.m.
Tofield of Dreams
Shovels & Cake Groundbreaking Ceremony Friday, April 24 at 1pm Join us in celebrating our project sponsors, Tofield Golden Club members, and community supporters. Tofield Golden Club 5004-54 Ave. Tofield, AB TM15-16C
FOR SALE
FOR SALE
Registered Red & Black Angus Bulls for sale. Call 780-986-9088
11/18LL ————————————————
Antique coal/ wood cook stove, working good condition asking $400 OBO, and other antiques. Call John 780-208-2278, no calls from sunset Friday until sunset Saturday sabbath. TM16P
Anyone looking for landscaping trees or for a windbreak, Brian has some trees available. Poplars are disease resistant and fuzz free.
1) Okaneese Poplars, fast-growing. Up to five-years-old - 8' to 10' tall, @ $45 each.
2) AC Sundancer Poplars, fouryears-old, 4' to 8' tall @ $45 each. For anyone with a dugout or pond, these willows are ideal: Laurel Leaf Willows. Brian has two 16' @ $50 each, two 12' @ $45 each, six 6' at 45 each, and six smaller potted trees at $20 each. If interested, please call Brian at 780-678-0053 before May 1. Trees must be gone by June 1.
FORAGE SEED FOR SALE:
Organic & conventional: Sweet Clover, Alfalfa, Red Clover, Smooth Brome, Meadow Brome, Crested Wheatgrass, Timothy, etc. Free Delivery! Birch Rose Acres Ltd. 306-921-9942.
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BARLEY – *NEW-AB Standswell* Smooth AWN, High Yielding, Grain and Forage Great Lodging Resistance. 1st NITROGEN USE EFFICIENT CEREAL IN CANADA.OTHER BARLEY: Cerveza, CDC Austenson, CDC Durango, CDC Maverick, Esma, Sundre. WHEAT – Pintail, Forage or Grain. OATS – AC Juniper, AC Morgan, AC Mustang, Derby, CDC S01 Super Oat. PEAS – Very Early Yellow Peas, Forage Peas. ALSO AVAILABLE: Polish Canola & Spring Triticale. Special pricing on truckloads. www.mastinseeds.com; 403-556-2609
———————————————— 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: $150-300. Crystal Springs, 403-820-0961. Quality guaranteed. albertasprucetrees.com
Maschmeyer stops 30 at home against Seattle
BY JOHN MATHER
Looking to finish off their season on a winning note, the Vancouver Goldeneyes won a pair of games in the past week from their fellow expansion team the Seattle Torrent.
On April 14, they downed the Torrent 4-1 playing in front of their home fans and then on Saturday afternoon they edged Seattle 6-5 before a full house in Seattle.
On April 14, Bruderheim’s Emerance Maschmeyer was between the pipes and faced 30 shots in leading the Goldeneyes.
Sarah Nurse opened the scoring in the first period on an even strength goal from Claire Thompson and Tereza Vanisova.
In the second period it was all Vancouver as Hannah Miller, Anna Meixner and Madison Samoskevich all found
the back of the Seattle net.
Mikyla Grant-Mentis scored Seattle’s lone goal midway through the third frame.
On April 18, the game had to be settled in overtime.
Hilary Knight and Anna Wilgren scored in the first period to put Seattle up by two and that was enough for Maschmeyer to be chased from the net in favour of Kristen Campbell.
The change sparked the Goldeneyes as Jenn Gardiner scored to put the Goldeneyes within one at 19:05 of the second period. Sophie Jaques got an assist on the goal.
In the third, Vancouver came out flying with Hannah Miller scoring an unassisted marker at 3:04 and then Gardiner picked up her second of the game from Abby Boreen and Miller at 9:28.
That put Vancouver up
3-2, but Seattle came back with three unanswered from Cayla Barnes, Anna Wilgren and Danielle Serdachny to put the Torrent up by two.
Gardiner picked up her third of the game from Michelle Karvinen and Anna Meixner and then Miller scored her second of the game from Nurse and Jaques to tie the score - forcing overtime.
In the overtime Gardiner notched her fourth goal of the game at 52 seconds to seal the win for Vancouver. Miller and Jaques drew the assists.
Vancouver hosted Montreal on April 21 and then round out the season when they host Minnesota April 25.
Vancouver currently stands with 32 points while Seattle has 27. Both teams are eliminated from the playoffs.
ENROLL IN OUR SCHOOL T OO
The St. Michael Church received a new roof this week. Roofers used man-lifts to access the roof to remove old shakes and replaced them with new shingles. Thanks to Mark Sobkow for the aerial drone photos.
Pupils navagate a busy roadway in Bruderheim.
Proper crosswalk wanted
Particularly given its proximity to facilities serving young children, he said.
He argued that the issue goes beyond budgeting and into the realm of public safety responsibility. With increasing traffic and consistent pedestrian use, many believe it is only a matter of time before a preventable acci-
dent occurs.
Community members are now seeking clearer guidance from Provincial authorities on the criteria and process required for crosswalk installation on Povincially controlled roadways. Questions remain about what thresholds must be met, what data must be collected, and how communities can effectively advocate
for urgent safety improvements.
As the petition continues to gather signatures, the message from Bruderheim is becoming increasingly clear: the need for a marked crosswalk— ideally equipped with pedestrian-activated lights—is not a future consideration, but an immediate necessity.
FEATURED PROPERTIES
MINBURN COUNTY
• Part of W4-14-51-10-SW County of Minburn 140 acres with 950 sq ft bungalow and treed yard site. Power, gas well and septic tank. # 2 soil with 100 acres cultivated and 35 cultivatable acres in hay. House and yard are currently rented for $1000 per month plus utilities. Offers will be subject to subdivision with the County of Minburn. Price $1,300,000
BEAVER COUNTY
• SOLD 2 Property Sale: Property 1: 50301 RR182 1 ½ storey 1,710 sq ft house on 80 acres with Detached double car garage, Heated and insulated 40’ x 50’ shop, 44’ x 52’ wooden barn , Insulated 30’x 40’ detached man cave. 2 - 100’x50’ and 1-120’x50’ cold storage shops , 36’x54’ Machine shed and 2 3-sided pole sheds. 65± acres cultivation. Property 2: W4-18-50-23-SWN ½ 80 acres, 78± acres cultivated 2 soil.Total price for both $1,225,000
• SOLD W4-18-50-23-SE 160 acres 95± acres of cultivated and 65± acres of pasture. Price: $550,000
• SOLD W4-18-50-23-NE 160 acres 44± acres cultivated, 36± acres pasture and 80± acres wetlands Price: $300,000
• W4-18-50-14-NE 159± acres 140± #2 cultivated soil 10± acres hay 10± acres bush Price: $900,000
• W4-18-50-14-SE N 26.21 acres 16± acres cultivated and 10± acres pasture Price: $68,000
TOWN OF LAMONT
• 5119 48 Ave, 5121 48 Ave, and 5116 47 Ave 3 commercial lots 50' by 100', 65' by 100', and 30' by 100' Price: $200,000
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 ***or inquire about leasing units as small as 4000 sq ft***
Always Looking For New Farm Listings!!
The Lamont Leader (Lamont, Alberta), Wednesday, April 22, 2026
