Your news this week: Photos from an exciting weekend - 3 Haying in the 30s donation - 6 Agriculture takes centre stage - 14 OPINION: Why recognize stupidity - 4
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Vol. 21, No. 46 Wednesday, August 19, 2026
Mundare Agri Days packs the streets Despite slowpitch cancellation, Mundare celebration another huge success BY GRANT JOHNSON Mundare was packed Saturday as people from across Lamont County and beyond came out for the annual Agri-Days celebration. The day started with a pancake breakfast at LCES Station 5 in Mundare, where station members cooked breakfast for the community. It gave people a chance to grab some food and visit before the busy day of events got underway. After breakfast, people lined both sides of Main Street for the annual parade. Families watched as floats made their way through town, with plenty of people keeping an eye out for candy being thrown from the passing floats. While the wet weather put a stop to the slowpitch tournament, which was cancelled because the ball diamonds were too wet, it did little to slow down the rest of Agri-Days. There was plenty for people to see and do throughout the day, including street performers, a street market and the annual bench show.
The car and motorcycle show and shine also brought plenty of vehicles into town, giving visitors a chance to check out a wide variety of cars and motorcycles. The burnout competition added another loud and entertaining event to the schedule before the festivities eventually wrapped up with fireworks. The event brought the community together for a full day of food, entertainment, competition and activities, with people travelling from across the area to take part. A successful Agri-Days takes a lot of work behind the scenes, and the weekend would not have been possible without the many volunteers who gave their time to organize, set up and run the events. From the pancake breakfast and parade, to the street market, show and shine and fireworks, Mundare once again had plenty happening for visitors to enjoy. More photos Page 3
Firefighter Brian Sharun, Lieutenant Matt Onyskow, Captain Sean Brison, and Firefighter Chris Elliot cook breakfast to kick off Agri Days at Mundare on Saturday.
A real Barn Burner Chipman produces a winner, attendees ask for annual event BY JOHN MATHER The old time Chipman Barn Burner dance held Aug. 15 was a very successful event raising $300 for the Chipman Agricultural Society. Attendees at the event, said organizers, had just one request … make this an annual event. Organizers were very pleased and wanted to thank all their volunteers from Beaver Creek Co-op for providing pallets for tables and wood chips for the floor, to Trevor Schinkinger
Trucking who provided gravel to ensure the driveway was passable to the dance site. Hay was brought in to be used as seating and the Town of Chipman was instrumental in assisting to get the quonset hut ready for the event. Trick Ryder provided the entertainment for the dance. “There were tons of compliments on the food, the venue, the decor and the volunteers,” added organizers. “Many people stated that this
event brought them back to their younger years, when this type of party and decor were more common.” Comments posted to the Society’s Facebook page raved about the evening. “What an awesome evening,” posted Carl Nieberding. “This brought me back to the way things were done when I used to go to country dances in my youth.” The beneficiary of the fundraising
will include providing back to school backpacks to local Chipman students which will be filled with supplies, said Society president Jen Ausman. She added the Barn Burner also kicked off the start to the Society’s fundraising season which will also include a Halloween children’s party, the community turkey bingo, and the angel tree for local seniors in both Chipman and the residents of local retirement and nursing homes. Photo of the event Page 3
2 - The Lamont Leader (Lamont, Alberta), Wednesday, August 19, 2026
96 Acres along North Saskatchewan River
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780-764-4007 www.kowalrealty.ca Mundare cowboy Cooper McNiven came in second place in the Saddle Bronc competition at the Tofield Western Days Sodbuster Rodeo on Sunday, Aug. 9 with a 71-point ride atop Overthinking. KARI JANZEN PHOTO
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The Lamont Leader (Lamont, Alberta), Wednesday, August 19, 2026 - 3
Chipman Agricultural Society 1st annual Barn Burner
Crowd dances to music of Trick Ryder as evening grows darker at the Chipman Barn Burner
Mundare hosts Agri Days Grant Johnson photos
First ever burn out competitions held during Agri Days
Town of Mundare and Lamont County were among the many parade floats
Street performer
Mundare Fire and Rescue hosted breakfast at the fire house
4 - The Lamont Leader (Lamont, Alberta), Wednesday, August 19, 2026
Opinion
Why recognize stupidity with our own brand? BY JOHN MATHER When did Canadians suddenly swallow so many dummy pills? I ask this following a petition signed by roughly 200,000 Canadians, who I assume are of sound mind and body, to have U.S. Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra removed from his position. The petition was initiated by Calgary resident Leanne Walker and presented in the House of Commons by Green Party leader Elizabeth May. Now May presenting the petition in Parliament I can see because she will try almost anything to remain relevant in the House of Commons. And since she had already announced her intention to not run in the next election there won’t be much blow-back on her from this stupid idea. The petition states, “U.S Ambassador Pete Hoekstra has repeatedly made public statements undermining the Canada-U.S. diplomatic relations, including characterizing the 2025 Canadian federal election as “anti-American”; Ambassador Hoekstra has normalized the Trump administration's threats to annex Canada as the “51st state,” describing such rhetoric as a “term of endearment”; Ambassador Hoekstra has accused Canada of interfering in U.S. domestic politics while himself making repeated interventions in Canadian political discourse inconsistent with diplomatic protocol; Ambassador Hoekstra has been linked to a Michigan-based voter identification app used by the Alberta separatist Centurion Project, while claiming no knowledge of its use; and The Alberta Prosperity Project met with U.S. State Department officials three times between April 2025 and January 2026, with Hoekstra claiming no knowledge of those meetings, raising serious questions about U.S. diplomatic interference in Canadian unity.” For these reasons, the petition goes on, the petitioners call upon the Government of Canada to formally declare Pete Hoekstra persona non grata and request his removal as U.S. Ambassador to Canada; raise with the United States the pattern of conduct by Ambassador Hoekstra inconsistent with the Vienna convention on Diplomatic Relations; and direct a parliamentary committee to review U.S. diplomatic interference in Canadian domestic affairs.
CONTINUED It is open for signatures until November 18. Now right around that date the U.S. midterm elections will be held and if the huge amount of polls are anywhere near correct the Republican Party will lose control of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives. And that would leave President Donald Trump stuck with his ill-advised cabinet to consult with, but not necessarily being able to get any legislation passed in the remaining two years of his presidency. Now that could affect Canadian trade in a favourable way. Trump has imposed tariffs on trade across the world handcuffing those countries that do business with the U.S. If the democrats control the government those tariffs will likely be killed off or at least reduced. The majority of U.S. politicians along with the population don’t like the trade tariffs and realize it's hurting the U.S. economy. But back to Hoekstra. How many Canadians are actually aware of this fellow? He’s a career politician and diplomat who has been the U.S. ambassador to Canada since 2025. He ran unsuccessfully for Governor in Michigan in 2010. Trump appointed him as the U.S. Ambassador to the Netherlands in 2017 and he left that position in January 2021. Trump announced his intent to nominate Hoekstra to serve as the United States ambassador to Canada. On April 9, 2025, Hoekstra was confirmed by the U.S. Senate as Ambassador to Canada. His tenure has coincided with a sharp deterioration in Canada-United States relations amid Trump’s tariffs and repeated suggestions that Canada become the 51st U.S. state, and has drawn recurring criticism in Canada
for his public remarks, including comments on Canadian consumer boycotts, an expletive-laced exchange with Ontario's trade representative at an Ottawa gala in October 2025, and accusations that Canada had interfered in American politics. His career has been plagued with controversy and that is well documented. But who are a group of unsatisfied Canadians to demand he be tossed from the country? Have they met him, each and every one of them? Until I read of this petition I didn’t know who the guy was. Now, he was appointed by Trump, who I agree is a highly controversial if not an unstable individual. He is also Hoesktra’s boss. They may have a similar mindset, I don’t know, but he acts on the instructions given to him by the U.S. president. As in any business you follow the boss’s directions or you won’t have your job very long. So Hoekstra, while maybe not politically correct, is towing the line of his boss. If he was thrown out as the petitioners demand, do they think they get to choose the next ambassador? Do they think Trump would send a veritable milquetoast as the new U.S. ambassador? That I would highly doubt. This petition I would link to Trudeau Delusional Syndrome where Trudeau and his followers actually thought he was a smart person on the world stage. Do these petitioners remember some of his embarrassing moments to Canada on the world stage? The little dress up event in India for example? Leave Hoekstra alone and ignore any rambling you might see as unsavoury. He will be gone in another two years.
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The Lamont Leader (Lamont, Alberta), Wednesday, August 19, 2026 - 5
FROM WHERE I SIT: Say Hi
BY HAZEL ANAKA No one who regularly reads this spot will be surprised to hear that I love thrifting through auctions, garage sales, and of course, thrift stores. I did take a self-imposed thrifting moratorium last November and found it quite easy to do. If you’re an alcoholic you don’t go and sit on your favourite stool at the local watering hole. If you want to stop shopping new or used, then clearly you stay away from the shops and don’t open emails about auction sales. You find other things to fill your days and life. While it was a needed reset and a valuable exercise for about six months, I have begun going back to thrift stores. I go less often and buy much less. I’ve adopted a take it or leave it attitude and am far more dis-
cerning about what I do buy. So naturally, when I heard that Andrew had a thrift shop, I had to check it out. Jeselina Thrift Store opened in May just west of the post office. It was early July when I popped in to find a young man working. For some reason, especially as I get older, I almost always feel compelled to make observations and share my opinion….as though someone actually wanted them. That could be the actual definition of ‘old lady.’ This compulsion happens in all kinds of settings with all kinds of people. In a subconscious way I size up the situation and the person I’m with. This is a vital step. I haven’t had my clock cleaned yet but it could happen if my approach was heavy-handed, misconstrued, or unkind. I start slowly and gently to gauge the reaction. I use humour liberally. I am well-intentioned and I give a damn. If I sense in the other person, the tiniest willingness to engage in a conversation that matters, I proceed. And let’s be clear. I’m a pragmatist with lots of practical, real-world
experience not some fluffy apathetic airhead. I also give the other person full credit and assume they want customer feedback. And if there is a reason things are the way there are that is not readily apparent to me, this is the perfect time to educate me. So, I’m having a conversation with Noel and asking if his mom is here. Before long, Betty (the owner) and her dear friend Marie come back. I repeat my observations about the
From the files of the Lamont Leader
November 22, 2016 issue of the Lamont Leader: TDRF Protection & K9 Services had its grand opening recently on Main Street Lamont. Rob Forbister and Tania Dalueg pose with canine Sky on November 18.
Lamont and Area
Church Directory LAMONT UNITED CHURCH 5306 - 51 Ave., Lamont, AB
ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH SERVICES
780-895-2145
1st, 3rd, 5th Sundays @ 9:00 am
R EV. D IRK J ESSEN SUNDAY SERVICES 10:30 AM CEMETERY COMM. SUPPER SEPTEMBER 25: 5-7PM
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layout of the shop and make a few gentle suggestions. These women were as gracious, kind, and welcoming as anyone could hope. At the same time, I learned something about the origin of the store. Betty is a Sudanese woman who opened and named her store after her mother, Jeselina, who died in 2021. Her mother was a businesswoman who used her success to help other Sudanese refugees. Her father is a Pastor in a Western Australia Pen-
Our Lady of Good Counsel, Skaro
St. Michael the Archangel, St. Michael
2nd, and 4th Sundays @ 9:00 am Administrative Office: Our Lady of the Angels Parish 10004 ~ 101 St., Fort Sask. 780.998.3288 Email: olangels.ftsask@caedm.ca www.olafortsask.caedm.ca
tecostal Church. Betty’s hope is to continue her mother’s mission by carrying on her legacy of helping others. Marie has purchased land in Andrew and has big plans for a new development. Betty may have opened the store before she was totally ready but had/has big plans. We talked about what could improve the shopping experience for the customer, the need for clear, readable signage, and how pricing items is a good idea. To be perfectly honest, I warned against being open 7 days/week with rather long hours each day. But because, there are living quarters in the back, she felt they could do it. Apparently, Betty has run thrift stores In Edmonton so she has a lot of merchandise in storage and will keep replenishing the stock here. She has clothing from baby sizes to adults. Because Betty was so receptive and had such big plans for improving the displays and flow within the small space, I said I would delay writing about the store. I know how exhausting this type of work can be and I wanted them to have time to do the
Bruderheim Community Church 4904 Queen Street
780-796-3775
painting and rearranging that was needed. The other day I popped back in to see Noel behind the counter. More items were priced, like seemed to be displayed with like, the floor space seemed bigger. Never one to give up, I asked Noel if he had any graphic design skills like familiarity with Canva. I thought he could create more readable, snazzier signs for clothing prices and any other messages that need conveying. On each visit I was able to make a purchase of things I really wanted. The store has a mix of new and used items and welcomes donations of gently used goods. There were two bridal gowns the last time I was in, so if you feel like eloping….just sayin.’ I hope that taking the time to make a few observations, learning the shop’s back story, putting names to faces, and spending a few bucks has made this family feel a bit more welcome in this small village. Opening a business takes guts, hard work, and a desire to serve a community. Stopping in to say hi and check out the store is the least we can do in response, from where I sit.
Bethany Lutheran Church 20577 TWP 550 Fort. Sask.
JOIN US
(7km East of Josephburg)
Sunday Worship 10:30 am
Pastor Rev. Jeff Dul Worship Service 11:00 am
All are Welcome!
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Check us out on Facebook
Lamont Alliance Church 5007 44 st., Lamont
780-895-2879
Sunday Service 10 am
J OIN US FOR SERVICES SUNDAY MORNINGS @ 10 AM Pastor Darren Anderson Check out: www.lamontalliance.com
780-998-1874
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6 - The Lamont Leader (Lamont, Alberta), Wednesday, August 19, 2026
Having Steering Trouble Funny? Stopping? Break Pads $329.85 per axle
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A cheque for $37,455.50 was presented to organizers at the Haying in the 30s event at Malliag Aug. 1. It was presented on behalf of The St. Michael Recreation Centre with Bernard Florkow and Corbierre family representing the amount raised at the supper, live and silent auction on March 21st.
780-992-1449 11213-88 AVE., FT. SASK.
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Two-term Councillor Jacobs steps down inBruderheim
BY JOHN MATHER Two term Bruderheim councillor Dayna Jacobs resigned her seat last week, creating the need for the second byelection in the Town since last fall’s municipal election. “After a lot of thought, my time with Bruderheim Town Council has come to an end. I began this journey in 2021, and as of August 10, 2026, I’m officially closing this chapter,” Jacobs posted to Facebook last week. Her official resignation will be brought before council at their Aug. 19 meeting. A potential by-election date will be Nov.
23, to avoid any potential conflict with the Alberta Referendum voting in October and before the holiday season begins in December. The by-election date will also be voted on by council today (Wednesday). Jacobs reflected on her time on council in her Facebook post. “It has been quite a journey,”she wrote. “One filled with challenges, growth, lessons, and many experiences I will carry with me into whatever comes next. “Serving this community has taught me more than I ever expected, and I’m grateful
for the opportunity to have represented the residents of Bruderheim.” She thanked those who had supported her during her time on council. In closing Jacobs said she was proud of what she had accomplished as a councillor. Lester Quijano Acosta, first elected to council last fall, resigned his council seat after just four months on council. He was replaced by Rick McIvor who won a by-election on May 25 with a 20 vote win over former councillor George Campbell.
Kubota tractor stolen from Lamont Rodeo Grounds BY MELISSA MACINTOSH-YOUNG
The Lamont & District Agricultural Society was asking the public for help after a tractor and trailer were stolen from the Lamont Rodeo grounds over the weekend. According to a post made by the agricultural society, the theft occurred sometime between noon on Saturday, August 15, and 7 a.m. on Sunday, August 16. The stolen equipment included a 2009 Kubota tractor, along with a gooseneck
trailer. The Agricultural Society expressed its frustration over the theft, asking anyone who may have information to contact the Fort Saskatchewan RCMP detachment. “Please share. More eyes the better,” the society stated in its appeal to the community. The theft has prompted members of the agricultural community to keep an eye out for the distinctive tractor and trailer. Anyone who witnessed suspicious activity around the Lamont
Rodeo grounds during the time period or who may have seen the equipment being transported is encouraged to contact police. The Agricultural Society is also asking residents to share the information widely in hopes that someone will recognize the stolen equipment or have information that could assist investigators. The Fort Saskatchewan RCMP are investigating the theft.
UNRESERVED ACREAGE SALE MEL SQUIRE WESTLOCK, ALBERTA SATURDAY, AUGUST 29, 2026 AT 10:00 A.M. LOCATIO : 59513 RG. RD. 271 Westlock, Alberta DIRECTIO S: Being from Westlock, go 2 miles west on Highway 18 to Rg. Rd. 271, then 1/2 mile south, 2nd place on left side.
Watch For Signs. GST will be charged where applicable. Lunch Available. Skidsteer Tractors: 2007 Bobcat T300 Track Skidsteer, cab, A., H., c/w gravel bucket, 2363 hrs, S/N 532017066 Skidsteer Attachments: Tomahawk 8-ft Snow Bucket; Pallet Forks; Pallet Fork Extensions Trucks: 1997 Chev 3500 4x4 Crewcab Dually, 454 engine, auto fully powered, cloth int. running boards, Tonneau cover, c/w fuel tank & tool box, nice & clean, 291021 km, S/N 1GCHK33R5VF047490; 1990 Chev 1500 1/2 Ton, Extend-A-Cab, 305 V8 eng, auto, Tonneau cover, 333,361 km, S/N 2GCEK19T7X1175637 Trailers: 2006 Keystone Everest 36-ft Tandem Axle 5th Wheel Holiday Trailer, 4 slides, awning, skirting, 6500 watt gen., nice & clean, S/N 4YD364276H485847; 2003 Trailtech Tandem Axle Bumper Pull 12-ft Dump Trailer c/w El. over hyd hoist, G.V.W. 6350 kg, S/N 2S9PM239131011985; 2006 Haulmark 16ft Tandem Axle Enclosed Bumper Pull Trailer, ramp back door, Model TS/X16DTO, S/N 16HPB16206K00409; Single Axle Bumper Pull Trailer c/w 5-ft x8-ft box; Fabex Inc. 5th Wheel Tandem Axle Trailer Frame, needs new 71/2-ft x 22-ft deck, S/N 219293-0717 Tools & Miscellaneous: 7500-5000 Power Generators; 17 Kilowatt Backup Gen. c/w power panel; Nusteel Toolbox c/w cabinet; (2) gray tool cabinets, (12 drawers);Tool
Box; Mastercraft 12-inch Planer; Rockwell Tablesaw c/w 7-ft bed; Mastercraft Air Com; Lincoln AC180 El Welder; Metal Bandsaw; Cutoff Saw; Scroll Saw; Ridgid Tile Saw; Gas Powered Ice Auger; 12V Trolling Motor; 20-ft Tube N.G. Heater; Assort. Tools, Wrenches, Cordless Tools, Bolts, Screws, Nails, Air Nailers (up to 31/2-inch); Assort Leg Traps; Assort Alum Ladders & Saw Horses; Assort. Windows, Doors, Tires, Construction Hardware, Shelving, Vanities, Sidewalk Blocks, Bricks & Landscaping Bricks; Assort. Scaffold c/w wheels & legs; Coleman 15-ft Canoe; 17-ft Canvas 20-ft x 30-ft Event Tent; (30) 15-ft Fibreglass Pipe; (2) lifts 8-ft Windboard; Assort. 6-ft Chainlink Fence; (3) Coal & Wood Cookstoves; Assort Equilizer Hitches & Receivers; Assort. Chains & Boomers; Assort. Scopes; Binoculars; Hunting Clothes; Crossbow; Assort. Alum Scrap Iron; Assort Lumber; Metal Shingles; Counter Tops; Vanities; Propane Tanks; Assort. Chicken Feeders & Waterers; Assort. Tires; Electric Smoker; Wine Making Equipment; Ammo Boxes; RV Blue Tank; Insulated Tarps; Ironsmith Round Heater; Barrel Heater; Banding Machine; Assort. Chimneys; Assort. Fire Extinguishers; 3944 Meters 0f 3/16-inch Stainless Cable; 4-ft x 4-ft Welding Table; Quad Blade; Quad Ramp; Many more items too numerous to mention.
Visit our website for full listings and pictures: www.millersauctionservice.com Auctioneer Note: Plan on attending this Sale. All equipment is well looked after & nice and clean. For more information call Mel Squire at 780-706-4888 or Millers Auction Service at 780-789-2226 or 780-920-6738. License No. 200809 Box 71, Sunnybrook, AB
This list is subject to additions or deletions. TERMS: Cash or valid cheques, certified check, bank draft, bank letter of credit, ALVIN MILLER (780) 789-2226 electronic transfer, Mastercard or Visa. 3% or Cell (780) 920-6738 usage fee for Mastercard and Visa. No TREVOR MILLER (780) 722-2705 purchases to be removed until settlement BARRY KASHA (780) 374-2472 Camrose, Daysland, has been made. List is subject to additions Killam, Tofield, Holden, and/or deletions. Neither the owner, the Kingman, Rosalind, Viking auctioneer or staff of the auctioneer shall Clerk: Tera Lange “For Reasonable Rates and Excellent, be held responsible for any loss or accident on or off the auction site. Friendly Service, Give Us A Call”
The Lamont Leader (Lamont, Alberta), Wednesday, August 19, 2026 - 7
A massive de-ethanizer was transported from Edmonton to the Dow Path 2 Zero site on Aug. 14. The hauler transporting the load took up most of the lanes on Highway 15 and contained 448 wheels. The unit is almost 100 metres long, 7.7 metres wide and weighed in at 750 tonnes. This photo was taken along Highway 15 near Range Road 202. John Mather photo.
Bruderheim firefighters taking part in the second Great Bruderheim Water Fight, get doused with water during the action on Aug. 12. This was the second event in the town hosted by the Town and Lamont County FCSS following a very successful day in July. John Mather photo.
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8 - The Lamont Leader (Lamont, Alberta), Wednesday, August 19, 2026
Lamont set to join other counties in declaring agricultural disaster BY JOHN MATHER Lamont County is set to pass a resolution to declare the County an agricultural disaster area at their next council meeting Aug. 25. A motion was passed to send a resolution to council at the regular Agricultural Services Board meeting held Aug. 12. The move comes after several other counties in the region have declared agricultural disaster areas following the heavy rains which have fallen in the region throughout the spring and summer. At the regular Aug. 11 council meeting County Agricultural Fieldman Terry Eleniuk told council that Sturgeon County, Westlock County, Beaver County and Thorhild County had declared agricultural disaster areas. He said there was a checklist which counties could fill out, but declaring an agricultural disaster area would not necessarily trigger access to either provincial or federal funding. He added the Rural Municipalities Association had been sending directives on declaring agricultural disaster areas and what the procedures were to municipalities across the province. He said there were several factors which would have to be taken into consideration. Reeve Aaron Wick said had heard that farmers had poor crops and even where crops were good they were having trouble getting equipment on the fields to get the crops off. Eleniak said crops located on higher ground were looking promising but getting any forage crops off the fields for animals was posing a major challenge. Sturgeon County declared an agricultural disaster area on Aug. 6 for the 2026 growing season citing, “ongoing monitoring of agricultural conditions and recognizing the significant impacts of excessive moisture, localized flooding, and prolonged wet weather on produc-
ers throughout the region. “These conditions have substantially affected field access, delayed seeding and harvest activities, hindered crop development, and reduced overall agricultural productivity.” Sturgeon added in their statement that they would also be coordinating with neighbouring municipalities and regional partners to better understand the broader impacts across the region and to advocate for appropriate support measures. Reeve Aaron Wick said on Aug.9 the situation was something they would have to watch carefully because it would be affecting the financial and mental stability of farmers across the region. Division five councillor Neil Woitas added he had received several phone calls from farmers in his area who were having problems this summer.
The County accepted the discussion on the agricultural issues as information. Sturgeon County will be hosting a Q and A session regarding insurance offering and disaster assistance tonight (Aug. 19) at Cardiff Hall from 5 to 7 p.m.
Sturgeon County Declares Agricultural Disaster BY MELISSA MACINTOSH-YOUNG
Farmers across Sturgeon County are facing a growing agricultural crisis as relentless rain, saturated fields and localized flooding threaten to turn a difficult growing season into a devastating one. Sturgeon County Council declared an agricultural disaster for the 2026 growing season on Aug. 6, following a recommendation from the Agricultural Service Board. The declaration recog-
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nizes what producers have been experiencing firsthand for weeks: fields that remain too wet to access, crops struggling in saturated conditions and farming operations being pushed further behind with every additional day of rain. Excessive moisture has delayed seeding and field operations, hindered crop development and created growing concerns about crop yields, forage production and the long-term financial health of farms. For producers, the problem is not simply the amount of rain that has fallen — it is what they have been unable to do because of it. Fields that would normally be accessible to heavy farm equipment remain saturated, limiting opportunities to complete necessary fieldwork and creating uncertainty around when, or even whether, some operations will be able to get back onto
their land. And with harvest approaching, the window to recover lost time is rapidly closing. “The ongoing impacts of excessive moisture are creating significant uncertainty for producers and placing additional financial and operational pressures on farming operations throughout the municipality,” Sturgeon County said. The consequences could extend well beyond this year’s crop. Reduced yields mean reduced farm income, while additional costs can accumulate through lost field time, crop damage, forage shortages, equipment delays and the potential need to make difficult decisions about crops and land. The County has been monitoring conditions using weather information, crop reports and other agricultural data and has acknowledged the severity of the situation by formally declar-
ing an agricultural disaster. The municipality is now looking at ways to communicate the magnitude of the crisis to provincial and federal governments and advocate for support for affected producers. Sturgeon County is also working with neighbouring municipalities and regional partners to determine the broader impact of the excessive moisture across the region. Agriculture remains a major part of Sturgeon County’s economy and rural identity, making the current conditions a concern not only for individual farms but for the wider agricultural community. The County is urging producers to document the impacts on their operations as the season continues. Detailed records of flooding, crop damage, delayed operations and other losses may be important as governments assess the need for assistance.
The Lamont Leader (Lamont, Alberta), Wednesday, August 19, 2026 - 9
Attention Lamont Leader Readers
NOT RECEIVING YOUR LEADER? Check with your post office • Some mail boxes are marked to receive NO fliers!
• Some Canada Post outlets in their wisdom, include your weekly newspaper in this category despite us being their largest customer typically. But not all Post Offices do this. Some can tell the difference between your newspaper and junk mail and will allow you to receive the pertinent information in the Lamont Leader. • So to receive your Leader you have to contact your post office and either unblock fliers or see if your friendly neighbourhood post office will allow you to receive your Leader while still blocking unwanted junk mail. Thank you Management and staff
10 - The Lamont Leader (Lamont, Alberta), Wednesday, August 19, 2026
Town of Lamont secures $900,000 grant for wastewater upgrades MELISSA MACINTOSH-YOUNG
The municipality of Lamont has secured a significant $900,000 grant from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) to help fund upgrades to its wastewater force main system. According to the municipality, the grant was the second-highest amount awarded in Canada through the funding opportunity, providing a major boost toward improving the community’s waste-
water infrastructure. The funding will be directed toward wastewater force main upgrades, which are expected to improve the capacity, reliability and long-term performance of the municipality’s wastewater management system. Lamont says securing outside funding is an important part of its strategy to address infrastructure needs while limiting the financial impact on local taxpayers. “We are working
hard to find alternate funding sources so we can invest in important infrastructure and services while minimizing the impact on your municipal taxes,” the municipality stated in its announcement. The $900,000 investment is expected to help the municipality complete critical infrastructure work that may otherwise place additional pressure on municipal budgets. The municipality emphasized that every dollar obtained through grant
funding represents money that does not have to be raised through municipal taxation. The wastewater project is part of Lamont’s broader efforts to strengthen essential infrastructure and ensure reliable services for residents. With aging infrastructure placing increasing demands on municipalities across Alberta, outside funding opportunities such as the FCM grant can provide municipalities
with an opportunity to undertake major capital projects without relying solely on property tax revenues. Lamont officials say the investment will result in a stronger and more reliable wastewater system, while supporting the community’s long-term growth and infrastructure
needs. For residents, the grant represents more than a major capital investment—it is also an opportunity to address critical infrastructure needs while reducing the portion of project costs that must be carried by local taxpayers.
Amendments to Area Structure Plan requested BY JOHN MATHER Rose Mary Axell appeared before Lamont County council Aug. 11 to discuss with council some possible amendments to the Area Structure Plan (ASP) for the Ross Creek Estates. Her and her husband Lorne are the developers of the Estates. “The current country residential ASP for our Ross Creek Estates ASP contains 49 1.25 to 1.5 acres lots on 147 acres of land.,” said Axell. “We respectfully ask for council support to improve the ASP amendments to improve the project’s financial viability while continuing to provide significant benefits in Lamont County and surrounding area.” She said when it was originally approved substantial growth was forecast with the development of Alberta Industrial Heartland Region. “That unfortunately didn’t materialize.” She added several of the current regulations in the ASP present significant challenges for the development. Changes requested included removal of paved internal roads since access to the subdivision is from gravel roads which make paved internal roads impractical; remove the requirement to connect to the regional water line but rather create a onsite water reservoir; remove requirements for an onsite water water treatment facil-
ity; remove requirement for a condo association which would remove condo fees making the purchase prices more attractive to buyers. She told council the changes were essential because the development had remained stalled for a decade because of infrastructure requirements which were not economically viable. “We’re not seeking to lower the standards, but rather have the development along with existing county policies, Axell said. “Lamont County promotes itself as open for growth and Ross Creek has the potential to create housing opportunities for workers, retirees or young families.” She also asked if council could consider renaming the development from Ross Creek Estates to Ross Creek Ranch. She asked if the num-
ber of lots could be increased from 49 to possibly 52 which would improve the project's economics. She said she felt the changes would better align the development with the County’ needs. She added they were looking for council support to have a successful development on the site. In response to a question from Councillor John Uganecz, Axell said lot prices could drop by a substantial amount if the amendments were made which would make the development more attractive to outside developers. Councillor Roy Anaka asked how fire services would be supplied if there was no water on site, and Axell replied it would be supplied by volunteer firefighters. Other councillors added a water reservoir could be constructed to provide a water supply. Uganecz questioned
going to gravel roads instead of paved because of the dust issues it could create. Reeve Aaron Wick thanked the delegation and said they would meet with their planners to see what the amendments could cost them. A motion was then passed to accept the delegation and discussion as information.
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The Lamont Leader (Lamont, Alberta), Wednesday, August 19, 2026 - 11
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12 - The Lamont Leader (Lamont, Alberta), Wednesday, August 19, 2026
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The Lamont Leader (Lamont, Alberta), Wednesday, August 19, 2026 - 13
PRICING
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$20/wk for the first 35 words 45¢ for each additional word 4 Papers 16,000 readers ANNOUNCEMENTS ANNOUNCEMENTS
—————————Veggies are Ready! Potatoes, beets, carrots, pickling cukes, dill, and beans! East of Sedgewick, off Highway 13, turn north on RR122, then go north 3 miles. Helen Tanton - 780-888-6800 -—————————————— Harold & Barbara Conquest 65th Anniversary Celebration Sunday, Aug. 23 Tofield Golden Club 5004-54 Ave. Tofield, AB Drop in 3 - 5 pm RSVP appreciated but not required. Please email: maryconquest@gmail.com by Aug. 13. TM32P -—————————————— Battle River Pipes & Drums & Flagstaff Scottish Club 50/50 Raffle. Buy your tickets now, the current amount you could walk away with us over $1,500 cash! Tickets start at $10. Draw to be made during the Gathering of the Clans Highland Festival in on August 22 in Sedgewick. Go to: rafflebox.ca/raffle/ flagstaffscottishclub -—————————————— You can book Blanket Classified Ads and Value Ads through your local paper! Appear in over 65 different newspapers and over 300,000 homes in Alberta. Prices $299 to $699. Contact a Caribou Publishing paper today!
NOTICES. EVENTS. ANNOUNCEMENTS. THANKS. MEMORIALS. SALES. RENTALS. REAL ESTATE. GIVE AWAYS. & MORE!
CARDOF OF THANKS THANKS CARD
—————————Thank you! The Family of Marilyn Maertz want to thank the doctors and nurses in Daysland for their care of Marilyn and the doctors and nurses at the Royal Alex ICU, who tried so hard to save Marilyn, then when they realized it was not possible, to care for her with such compassion. Thank you Susan MacKinnon for leading the service and for your kind words. Thank you Fee & Sons for guiding us through this tough time. The ladies of the Nazarene Church did a great job of preparing and serving the lunch. Thank you! Thank you to everyone that brought food, cards, and messages of condolences and hugs. We especially want to thank all our relatives and friends that came to honour Marilyn, to support the family, and to join us as we celebrated Marilyn’s life. I personally am so proud of our children, their spouses, and our grandchildren for the excellent tribute to Marilyn’s life journey. Thank you Marilyn, for being you, a wonderful wife, mom, and gramma; for showing us how to live a beautiful life and sharing it with us. As always, love you! Crest Roger, Deanna, Chance, and Adam Susan, Jordan, and Keenan Dennis, Teralyn, Sheylyn, Jenna, Emily
COMING EVENTS COMING EVENTS CARDOF OF THANKS THANKS CARD —————————The family of David Foster would like to thank everyone for all the kind words, phone calls, food, and hugs. Your support has meant so much to the family. From his family. -—————————————— We would like to thank all firemen from the Forestburg and Heisler Stations who showed up promptly and were so thoughtful, also to the EMS and the Killam/Forestburg RCMP Detachment. Your compassion was greatly appreciated. Especially thank you to neighbours Elon, Allen, Robin and Janice, and our family, who supported us during that awful day. Eric & Dianne Stenson
—————————Round Hill & District Ag Society presents the Harvest Show & Shine Sunday, Sept 6, 2026 on the Ag grounds. Bring CASH for: Pancakes Breakfast 8-11 AM Registration 9 AM - 12 Noon Concession 11 Am - 3 PM Threshing Demo 1 PM Trophy Presentations 3 PM For more info call: 780-672-6104 Or see us on Facebook Dog free event please TM33-35C ——————————————— WANT PEOPLE TO SHOW UP? REMEMBER TO ADVERTISE. IN YOUR LOCAL PAPER! EMAIL US TODAY production.cp@gmail.com
COMING EVENTS COMING EVENTS
—————————8th Annual GATHERING OF THE CLANS HIGHLAND FESTIVAL **THIS SATURDAY* August 22 Sedgewick, Alberta 10:00 am Gates open with artisan vendor village, old time demonstrators, kids zone, food trucks clan tents and craft liquor tasting. 11:00 am Welcome performance of Battle River Pipes and Drums with visiting pipe and drum bands 12:00 pm 2 stages of music and dance entertainment, Heavy events with local and professional competitors, Scottish beastie demonstrations 4:00 pm Closing mass band ceremony 5:00 pm Ceilidh begins with our opening entertainment 7:00 pm Headlining Band St. James Gate begins flagstaffscottishclub.com/gotchf-event ——————————————— Viking Ag Society presents Viking Chariot & Chuckwagon Races Rescheduled to this weekend! August 21, 22, & 23 Viking, Alberta Friday & Saturday: Beer Gardens 5pm, Races 6pm Sunday: Beer Gardens at Noon, Races at 1pm. -—————————————— Village Picnic Sunday, August 23rd Holden Community Hall Potluck at noon Musical performances by the Western Thistles and Jed and the Valentine Check them out on youtube and you will be impressed Tickets $20 including fees on villagepicnic.com Read the book Fartknocker! Dunbar goes to Vegreville by BM Kalf available on amazon ——————————————— Belva's Moving Sale 5015 - 51 St., Hardisty Friday, August 21st 2:00 - 7:00 pm Saturday, August 22nd 10 am - 2:00 pm Furniture, kitchenware, tools, and more. ——————————————— FUNERAL NOTICE Funeral to be held for Doris Arnett on Saturday, Aug. 22 at 2 p.m. at the Viking Lutheran Church. Lunch to follow.
COMING EVENTS COMING EVENTS
—————————Mint Pharmacy - Viking, AB You’re Invited to a Community BBQ Tues, September 8 from 2-5 pm 5305 - 51 St. Viking Join us for food, fun, & prizes!
FOR SALE SALE FOR
—————————HARMON PELLET STOVE This stove comes with the ceramic platform, a bag of pellets, and the chimney. Model #P61-2. Thermostatically controlled, high efficiency, heating capacity of 1,300-3.500 square feet, maximum 60,000 BTU, direct throught the wall venting and very easy to use. New price of $6,900 asking $1,800. Is in extremely good shape and is all ready to keep your home warm through the winter months. Pictures available. Call 780-678-5586. Located at Hardisty for viewing. ——————————————— 2000 Dodge Ram 1500 4x4 (2nd Gen) 5.2L Magnum V8 (318). Regular Cab. Mileage at 270,717. Black with grey interior. 8 foot box with matching canopy (lockable, with keys). New tires all the way around and new spare tire. Recently installed new water pump, newer battery, heater core, and A/C evaporator core replaced a few years ago. Like-new interior. AM/FM CD player, factory radio. New fog lights (uninstalled) thrown in. Some passenger side damage to windshield, AC has a slow leak. Minimal rust; dent in rear passenger-side bed panel. Asking $4,500 OBO, will entertain offers. Vehicle sold as is-where is. Located in Killam, call or text for viewing 780-385-1251. ——————————————— For Sale by owner NW & SW 1-56-13W4 320 acres turnkey pasture & hayland near Two Hills; lake, well, corrals, fenced and steel gates. Certified appraisal $789,000. C 780-217-1884, 780-406-4993 28/31LLC ——————————————— YOUR AD HERE!
14 - The Lamont Leader (Lamont, Alberta), Wednesday, August 19, 2026
Local agriculture took centre stage during Alberta Open Farm Days BY MELISSA MACINTOSH- YOUNG
Agriculture and local food took centre stage across the region August 15 and 16 as the 14th annual Alberta Open Farm Days opened the doors to farms, gardens and agricultural organizations throughout the province. The provincewide event gave visitors an opportunity to meet producers, explore agricultural operations and learn more about where their food came from. Locally, Pitchfork Gardens and the Bruderheim Agricultural Society offered visitors unique opportunities to experience agriculture close to home. Aaron and Erin of Pitchfork Gardens welcomed visitors to the Lamont County garden for guided tours of the grounds. Guests were able to walk through the growing areas and learn more about the operation, the crops being grown and the work involved in producing food locally. One of the highlights of the tour was the garden’s working bee hives. Visitors were able to see the hives and learn more about the important role
honey bees played in pollinating crops and supporting food production. Pitchfork Gardens also offered a fun, hands-on activity for younger visitors with its “Plant a Dragon Egg” activity. Participants planted dragon’s tongue beans, taking home their own “dragon egg” to watch grow. The activity provided children with a simple and entertaining way to learn about gardening and experience the process of growing food from seed. The garden grows a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, including numerous varieties of tomatoes, peppers, beans and peas, as well as strawberries, raspberries and many other seasonal crops. Visitors were also able to enjoy the garden’s rural atmosphere and learn more about the operation directly from Aaron and Erin. Bruderheim AG Society celebrated agricultural history and the Urban Hen program In Bruderheim, the Bruderheim Agricultural Society hosted Open Farm Days activities that highlighted both the community’s agricultural history and its more recent urban
agriculture initiatives. The society opened the museum at Walker School, where visitors could explore local farming equipment and agricultural artifacts from years gone by. The displays provided a glimpse at how farming had changed over the generations and showcased equipment that was once an important part of everyday agricultural life in the community. Visitors also had the opportunity to take a closer look at Bruderheim’s Urban Hen program. Rather than simply viewing displays, guests were able to visit the homes of local residents participating in the program and see the urban hen setups firsthand. The tours provided an opportunity to see how residents had incorporated chickens into their properties while learning more about the practical aspects of keeping urban hens. The combination of agricultural history and modern urban agriculture demonstrated how Bruderheim’s connection to farming continued to evolve. Visitors could also take part in garden tours and other agricul-
Mundare sausage celebrates 25 years as roadside icon BY GRANT JOHNSON
Mundare’s famous sausage got a big birthday celebration during Agri-Days this weekend, marking 25 years since the World’s Largest Sausage was erected in the community. Stawnichy’s celebrated the milestone by hosting a community barbecue following the Agri-Days parade. Money raised from the barbecue went to the Edward E. Stawnichy Charitable Foundation, which supports local community initiatives. The foundation honours Ed Stawnichy, who was a driving force behind the family business for decades. Stawnichy joined his father in the business in
1965 and remained closely involved until his death in 2009. The World’s Largest Sausage has become one of Mundare’s bestknown landmarks. Standing 12 metres tall and weighing 12,000 pounds, the giant roadside attraction has become a familiar stop for travellers passing through the community.
For 25 years, visitors from near and far have pulled into Mundare to see the giant sausage and take a photo. What started as a roadside attraction has become part of the community’s identity, with the massive sausage now a familiar sight for generations of travellers and locals alike.
Stawnichy’s drives their sausage mobile in the parade before their community BBQ.
tural activities before enjoying pulled pork on a bun during the day’s events. Connecting the community to agriculture The local Open Farm Days activities offered residents an opportunity to experience agriculture in several different forms — from market gardening and working bee hives at Pitchfork Gardens to historic farm equipment and urban hens in Bruderheim. For families, the weekend offered hands-on learning opportunities, while also highlighting the people who continued to grow food, maintain agricultural traditions and introduce new approaches to agriculture in the community. The events demonstrated that agriculture was not only part of the region’s history, but remained an important and evolving part of the communities in Lamont County.
A group of visitors learn about bee keeping during a tour Pitchfork Gardens in Lamont. Photo by Melissa MacIntosh-Young
The Lamont Leader (Lamont, Alberta), Wednesday, August 19, 2026 - 15
MINBURN COUNTY
Captain Ryan Webb and Firefighter Brian Sharun compete in the sumo portion of the Firefighters Challenge in Mundare.
• W4-14-51-10-SW County of Minburn 158.97 acres with 1500 sq ft bungalow, a 50’ by 140’ half heated shop and second yard with house. # 2 soil with 100 acres cultivated and 35 cultivatable acres in hay. Second yard rented for $1,000 per month. Price: $2,300,000
Firefighters face off in Mundare challenge
LAMONT COUNTY
BY GRANT JOHNSON
Mundare was filled with firefighters, laughter and a little friendly competition Saturday as members of Lamont County Emergency Services took part in the second annual Mundare Firefighters Challenge. Firefighters from Station 2 in Bruderheim, Station 4 in Lamont and Station 5 in Mundare competed in a series of unusual challenges during Mundare Agri-
Days on Aug. 14. The competition featured two bouncy castle obstacle courses, including one stretching 150 feet, along with a soccer kick challenge, mini golf and a sumo wrestling competition. The sumo event quickly became a crowd favourite. Competitors climbed into oversized foam sumo suits before stepping into the ring and trying to push their opponent outside the circle.
The combination of the bulky suits and determined competitors brought plenty of laughs from both the firefighters and the crowd watching the action. The event was sponsored by KC Insurance in Mundare and gave local firefighters a chance to put their competitive sides on display while taking part in one of the community's annual AgriDays celebrations.
• W4-19-54-26-NW 191073 TWP RD 545 Lamont County 158.9 acres with 140± cultivated and 10± grass with a 1960 3 bedroom 1 bath bungalow with 40’x 80’ pole shed. Price: $795,000
• W4-19-57-15-NW East Half Lamont County 78.01 acres with 45 acres ± in hay. Nice building site. Price: $265,000
CAMROSE COUNTY Open House: Sunday, August 30, 1 - 5 pm
• 17456 TWP Rd 472 Camrose County 10.28 acres with 2145.68 sq ft 4 bedroom 4 bathroom house with finished basement and an attached 2 car garage. 36 ft by 60 ft heated and powered shop with electric door, concrete floor and mezzanine, a 40 ft by 60 ft powered shop with doors on both side and tack room. Property is beautifully upkept and landscaped. Price: $1,200,000
Tommy Peyton competes in the firefighter challenge.
780-449-5622 | nhill01@telus.net www.hillrealty.ca
Norman Hill
Steven Hill
Kelly Dick
Lauren Hill
16 - The Lamont Leader (Lamont, Alberta), Wednesday, August 19, 2026