Mundare fire victim fears homelessness with pets this winter
BY JANA SEMENIUK
Mundare resident Dean Cook’s world was turned upside down on Jan. 19 when his 39-foot camper caught fire and was destroyed.
The camper was Cook’s home, in the town’s campground, before his neighbour’s heating device sparked the fire.
Cook said he and his three puggle dogs barely got out alive.
“It went up so fast,” he said, adding he was asleep at night when the fire started. In his rush to get out of the
burning camper, his most senior dog, 11-year-old Rae, injured her leg when she fell down the stairs. Cook finally had to put her down in March.
Now with only two small dogs left, Cook, 65, was able to purchase a new trailer with his insurance money and move back to his old space in the campground.
The new camper is smaller, and isn’t a year-round camper like his old one, leaving him with trying to find a home before winter that will accept pets.
Cook said it’s impossible.
“I’m going to be homeless,” said Cook. “I’ve got dogs and I’m not parting with them.”
Cook said he has suffered with intense post traumatic stress disorder since the fire, and needs his dogs for emotional support.
“They won’t take dogs in senior’s places and I think that’s sad. It gives people a reason to get up in the morning,” he said.
“They add joy and happiness to my life and a reason to carry on. I
don’t think I would want to be here (if I couldn’t have them).”
Shahad
Bharmal, Chief Executive Officer of the Lamont Health Care Centre confirmed that all senior’s living facilities in Lamont County are pet free, including self contained units.
“It’s a board decision,” he said.
Meanwhile, the benefits of seniors having pets is well known. According to researchers, having a pet provides many positives for seniors including encouraging mobility, lowering blood pressure and allaying anxiety.
According to a 2021 article, Dr. Ann Toohey, University of Calgary researcher and adjunct asst. professor, said 40 percent of Canadian adults between the ages of 65 and 69 have a pet and the number drops to 22 percent for those ages 80 and older.
Toohey’s work looks for ways to support seniors who are struggling to keep their pets and believes municipal leaders need to create more appropriate housing and policy changes that are
more socially inclusive to seniors and their pets.
In the meantime, Cook’s friend Mary said she is worried about him and also believes more accommodations should be available for seniors who have pets.
“Taking care of an animal makes life worth living for a senior who doesn’t have a family,” she said.
“I’ve known so many that have had to give up their animals. I know (Dean) is still traumatized from the fire. His dogs are his children. They’re his life.”
Mundare resident Dean Cook fears homelessness due to a lack of senior accommodations that will take pets.
Photo: Jana Semeniuk
Below: Mundare’s Jan. 19/25 campground fire. Rick Sabin photos.
Model T races in Bruderheim cancelled amid family emergency
BY JANA SEMENIUK
The annual Model T races, held in the town of Bruderheim since 2017, are cancelled this year due to a family emergency of the event’s organizer Matt Hotte.
The races, which showcase post-war era vehicles, was scheduled for Aug. 30 at the Bruderheim AG grounds, and cancelled via social media post by the group Alberta T Racing.
The post described a harrowing situation on July 22 where Hotte and his wife Cassie welcomed their fourth child,
a daughter named Ida, to their family. Ida’s health quickly deteriorated after her birth, however, prompting urgent life saving measures by medical staff. The post said with Ida steadily improving, the family were finally reunited at home on Aug. 5.
Their joy was short lived when only three days later, on Aug. 8, Hotte suffered a head on collision and was ejected from his truck.
According to the Aug. 10 post, Hotte was airlifted by STARS to hospital and has undergone several surgeries and
remains intubated.
The post described the difficult decision to cancel the much-anticipated annual event.
“As you can imagine, the Hotte family is enduring an incredibly painful and uncertain time. While we wish we could be counting down the days to our favourite event with all of you, right now, we are asking for grace, patience, and privacy as the family focuses on healing— physically, emotionally, and spiritually,” said the post.
“This event, and this community, mean the
Hotte (left), organizer of the annual Model T races held in Bruderheim, is shown here with friend Jim Koladich as they put the finishing touches on the restoration of a 1932 Ford in 2023. Hotte was involved in a serious vehicle accident last week, prompting the cancellation of this year's Model T races.
YAROSH, Candice Megan
August 22, 1984 – August 3, 2025
On Sunday, August 3, 2025, Candice Yarosh of Wostok, Alberta passed away at the age of 40 years. Candice is survived by her husband Kirby; two sons Easton and Jameson; parents Dwayne and Lorie Matenchuk; father-in-law Terry Yarosh; mother-in-law Deb Knupp; one sister Kimberly (Justin); nana-in-law Phyllis Eton; along with numerous relatives and many friends.
An Evening Visitation was held on Monday, August 11, 2025 from 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. at Autumn Rose Funeral Home in Vegreville, Alberta (5036 51 Ave). A Funeral Mass was held on Tuesday, August 12, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. at the St. Michael Recreation Centre with Fr. Christopher Rayappan SAC officiating. Private interment was held in St. Michael the Archangel Roman Catholic Church Cemetery.
world to the Hottes. Cancelling was not a decision made lightly.
We know how much love and support surrounds this family, and we ask that you please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.”
Celebration of Life
Gauthier, Nora Gladys
Memorial donations may be made to the “Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation.” Please bring a printed picture of Candice to contribute to a photo display board.
To send condolences please visit www.autumnrosefuneralhome.com
780-603-5800
With a deep sense of sorrow and loss, our family announces the passing of, Nora Gladys Gauthier of Lamont, AB on July 26th, 2025, at the age of 88 years.
Nora leaves to cherish her memory, one daughter: Jayne and four sons: Edmond (Chris), Norval (Karen), Everett (Heather) and Trevor (Cindy), 13 grandchildren, 11
great grand children, and one special sister, Ethel. She is predeceased by her husband, Maynard. They were married for 61 years. Also, her parents Lillian and Reginald, and 2 sisters, Elaine and Betty.
Cremation has taken place, and a memorial service will be held on Aug 30, 2025 at 1:00 pm at the Lamont United Church in Lamont, AB.
Memorial donations in memory of Nora may be made directly to the Lamont Health Care Centre, Box 479, Lamont, AB TOB 2R0
Matt
Photo: Jana Semeniuk
Potential municipal elected officials get primer
BY JOHN MATHER
Twenty people either serving as a councillor or mayor, or wanting to after this fall’s municipal election, attended a training sessions hosted by all the municipalities in Lamont County at the Bruderheim Firehall on Aug. 6.
Several Chief Administrative Officers and other municipal staff from across the region also attended.
“We thought this would be a good idea to host a session for those contemplating running for municipal office,” said Lamont CAO Peter Tarnawsky, in introducing the program and Russell Farmer who conducted the session.
Farmer, does contract work for Lamont County, and has an extensive background in government administration.
“So running for council is an important decision,” stated tarnawsky. “It should not be a decision made solely on remuneration. It’s best made when it’s about serving your community.”
Farmer spoke of good governance including the types of people who should run for council and why.
“In my experience people who have a genuine interest in the welfare of their community and by that I don’t just mean their special interest project.
“They must want to represent the entire community.
“They should also have a history of getting involved,” Farmer continued. “They should have been involved with community groups, charity groups or served on municipal boards or committees.
He stated previous experience and people with a broad range of objectives are good candidates. One issue people generally won’t make a strong councillor, he added.
He also spoke that there is a substantial
“ ”
... you are there to best serve the community, not yourself, your friends or your special interest groups.
time and effort involved in being a councillor, reeve or mayor.
“They must study the council agenda before a council meeting and those can be very lengthy,” he said.
“There’s also a time commitment for additional committee work and public events which elected officials must take on.”
It is, he said, a major time commitment.
He referred to several sections of the Municipal Government Act, which not only establishes municipal governments, but sets out the roles of the CAO, Mayor, Councillor and other officials.
He stressed the importance of being able to work with others so that as a council they can all get along and hopefully reach consensus in their decision making.
“Councils,” he stated. “Affect the quality of life in the community, the welfare of the community and the welfare of the residents of the community, and it is the elected officials who will direct this through their governance decisions.”
“It is a position of power and responsibility but you are there to best serve the community, not yourself, your friends or your special interest groups.”
Using a power point presentation during his two-hour session, Farmer touched on communication techniques, conflicts of interest, and how council decisions are best achieved.
He stressed elected officials can’t be involved with staff of the municipality they represent.
For municipalities, the only employee of the council is the CAO and that person, explained
Farmer, hires and is responsible for the remainder of the staff.
He spoke briefly of the separation of powers between the federal and provincial governments stressing that municipalities exist at the pleasure of the Provincial Government.
“It is the Province that creates municipalities.
“Municipalities have what is called natural person powers, the ability to make decisions on its own behalf,” he explained. “That allows them to tax and pass
bylaws and enter into legal agreements on their own behalf.”
He stated while elected officials don’t need to know the entirety of the Municipal Government Act, there are administrators who are aware of the various sections and chapters, they should have a basic understanding of it.
He spoke of the collaboration between municipalities and again how that came back to the welfare of all those
municipalities involved. Farmer’s presentation was well presented and appears to have been well received by those who were in attendance. At the conclusion of the evening, attendees were presented with packages from each of their communities outlining the procedures they needed to become a candidate for election.
Municipal elections across Alberta are scheduled for Oct. 20. The Lamont Leader (Lamont, Alberta), Wednesday, August 13,
Ronald Bernicki
Oct. 27, 1933 – July 30, 2025
On July 30, 2025, Ronald Bernicki passed away peacefully at 91 years old, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and quiet strength. He was the devoted husband of Elaine Bernicki for 62 wonderful years and a proud father to Blaine, Clint, and Monica Bernicki. Ron is also survived by grandchildren - Alysia (Ryan) and Cameron, greatgrandchildren - Bodie and Brooks, along with many other family members and friends. Born and raised in Daysland, Alberta, Ron carried with him the values of hard work and community from an early age. He and Elaine settled on a farm in Bonnyville, where they started their family, moving their farm to Chipman, Alberta where they have called their home for the past 29 years.
Ron was a lifelong sports enthusiast who loved both playing and watching—especially baseball, hockey, golf, and curling, both on ice and the floor. His sense of fair play and team spirit extended far beyond the game.
A man of principle and quiet leadership, Ron was a proud member of the Masonic Lodge in Cold Lake and Harmony Lodge No.75 in Sedgewick, and gave generously of his time to the community. His many years of service at the Lamont Seniors Drop In Centre, including time as president, reflected his commitment to supporting and uplifting others.
Ron’s presence will be deeply missed, but his legacy lives on in the stories we share, the values he passed down, and the strong, loving family he helped build.
Miss Me - But Let Me Go
July 6, 1963
Opinion
Canada just isn’t ready yet for compulsory electric vehicles
BY JOHN MATHER
So I’ve just spent two weeks in my home province of Ontario. A couple of noticeable things … the Greater Toronto area has one of the best public transit systems I have every travelled on.
The subway is very clean and widely used. The GO Trains are very smooth, clean and efficient.
In fact it was quite enjoyable in a perverse sort of way cruising merrily alongside the heavily travelled Highway 401 and seeing bumper to bumper traffic slowly inching its way along 12 lanes of traffic (six lanes each direction) while the GO Train happily passed the frustrated drivers probably steaming in the 30+ temperatures (closer to 40 if you added humidity.)
But the residents certainly don’t think like Albertans. It’s almost like being on a different planet, but I can understand how their support for some programs comes about.
Having grown up in urban Ontario, in a suburb of Toronto, I was pretty used to the transit system. It required a good sized population, which the Greater Toronto area has, in order to be successful.
And a 10-mile trip was considered a big trip. It required lots of planning. Which is why there is such support for electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles which use gas and electricity in this part of the country.
My sister and her husband have a hybrid SUV.
It’s a very pleasant vehicle and certainly saves them money. They also have a home covered in solar panels which adds up to considerable costs savings.
But in Alberta an eight hour trip to get the kids to a hockey tournament when it’s -30C is more the norm.
Distance between communities in Alberta are great. And to a large degree it makes the efficiency of hybrid or electric vehicles problematic.
Now, where in Canada do we have the infrastructure to support every new car to be sold in 2035 and there after to be electric.
That’s a problem.
Also electric cars have been proven to not work as well in cold temperatures and when your travelling with small children you wants to stay warm in your cars. Cold weather is a nasty draw on the heating system of electric cars.
I listened to an unbiased production of CBC (who else) about a person who drove his electric vehicle across the country.
CONTINUED
The only area where he had any issues, he claimed, was in northern Ontario, where the distances between communities are fairly great. There, said the driver and owner of this Chevy Volt, electrical outlets to charge his vehicle were tougher to find.
But he had a few apps on his phone which guided hime to charging stations along his chosen route.
Well driving along the Trans Canada Highway you will find a number of fuel stops which are built to accommodate electric cars with charging stations.
And in larger communities some commercial outlets and shopping malls also provided charging stations.
But this driver stuck to the main roads.
Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and B.C all have miles and miles of back roads which provide spectacular scenery and a more pleasant, relaxing drive as opposed to racing along those freeway sections of the Trans Canada highway system.
It is now twinned across Alberta on both the Yellowhead and Highway 1 along the souther part of the province. But not so in B.C., Saskatchewan and Manitoba. There are freeway sections, but also two lanes sections.
I wouldn’t trust myself or my family to take any side trips on rural highways in the west in an electric car.
I could probably survive in the hybrid, but for me gasoline or diesel powered vehicles are still the way to go and will be for the foreseeable future.
So hopefully Mark Carney will show he’s a leader and cancel the Trudeau mandate to have all electric vehicles by 2035.
With the Terrible Trump Tariffs and high costs, the major car manufacturers are backing away from electric vehicle production.
They have discovered the sales just aren’t there – there isn’t any market for them.
Now, what that will do for those heavily Trudeau-Doug Ford subsidized battery plants in Ontario I don’t know.
But I do know Proper Planning Prevents Poor Performance and the Trudeau government hadn’t been known this philosophy.
I do hope Carney, even though he’s surrounded himself with former Trudeau minions, will put the 5P’s into practice.
If you must move to an all electric vehicle plan, and it likely would work in a heavily populated area, much like successful transit systems, but please make sure the infrastructure is there to support the program before you implement it.
Kerry Anderson Publisher John Mather Reporter Jana Semeniuk Reporter Crystal Moren
BY HAZEL ANAKA
How do you feel about artificial intelligence (AI)? Are you using it and grateful for the shortcuts it provides? Or are you a purist who is always last to adopt anything new?
Let’s be clear, I’m no expert on AI. Frankly, I lump it in with microwaves and radios. I don’t know how those work either. But it is difficult to avoid its daily intrusion into our lives. Let’s begin with the Canadian connection to AI. I wrongly assumed and probably repeated the inaccuracy that a Canadian invented AI. The father of AI is an American who first coined the term. And as with most inventions in any field, there are usually teams of people hard at work around the
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world on the same challenge or problem.
The Canadian connection to AI is Geoffrey Everest Hinton. He is a British-Canadian computer scientist, cognitive scientist, and cognitive psychologist known for his work on artificial neural networks, which earned him the title "the Godfather of AI". He is a Professor Emeritus at the University of Toronto and a Nobel Prize winner in Physics. During a recent TV interview, he was asked what career advice he would give his grandson since AI is taking jobs away from humans. “I’d tell him to be a plumber,” was his serious answer. “To pick a job a computer can’t do.”
I think this invention is much like Pandora’s Box, a genie’s bottle, a tube of toothpaste, and that horse who got out of the barn all rolled into one. We can’t go back. At the risk of sounding like a curmudgeonly doomsayer, let me throw out some concerns one by one.
Regardless of age, we are constantly urged to use our brains in order to
to Us
keep the synapses and neural pathways healthy and in working order. Disuse of anything leads to rust, seizure, atrophy, and decay whether it’s our noggin, that old engine, or muscle groups. So, I am offended that AI steps in to make suggestions when I have a perfectly good head on my shoulders that I hope will serve me well until my last breath. And lest you think this is an old person’s issue, can you imagine how easy plagiarism will be for kids writing book reports and term papers. No need to copy long paragraphs out of an encyclopedia by hand and change the odd word here and there to throw the teacher off. The very first search result you now get through Google is an AI summary. Wouldn’t we like to believe that the doctor treating us or the financial advisor investing our money got their qualifications the good old-fashioned way---through years of study and critical thinking?
In an age of instant experts, overnight successes, imposters and
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frauds, what assurance do we have that that musician wrote his own lyrics and music? That that best-selling author penned that book herself? That that graphic designer made the creation with latent talent that would only improve with years of practise and apprenticeship under a mentor? Every so often the media will show us very clumsy AI generated posts or short videos of celebrities whose identity has been tampered with. Put an actress’s head on a porn star’s body. Make it appear that so and so is in fact singing something actually written years after their death. Not everyone has the same degree of awareness, cynicism, suspicion, and sophistication to spot these fraudulent fakes. If they were, we wouldn’t see people bilked out of thousands of dollars every day through the latest scams.
Apparently, creating AI is an extremely resource-heavy activity requiring tremendous amounts of power and water. It produces a large carbon footprint. That’s
not a selling point. We don’t have to Google the answer to know that laws, limits, and restrictions always come after the horse has left the barn. No one foresaw or did anything proactive to protect privacy, eliminate hate, or other abuses in social media platforms until the harm was proven usually in a court of law, congressional hearings, or public outrage. Have we forgotten the BC teen who killed herself after posting her cue cards suicide note on social media---the very platform that allowed hatred to drive her to this desperate act? No one will do a damn thing to limit AI until the damage is done. Certainly, for those in the driver’s seat of the technology and in fields raking in economic benefits, there is no motivation to unplug the money-printing machine. ‘Make hay while the sun shines’ doesn’t just apply to suntanned farmers.
In support of AI, I will concede that most inventions, advancements, culture-shifting changes have been feared as the ‘end of the world.’ From cottage industries to the industrial revolution, from the space race to self-driving cars, there
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have always been the naysayers and critics who predicted the end of life as we know it. Eventually, most of us admit that we like having a cell phone in our pocket and a navigational system in our car. Even though we no longer know anyone’s phone number or can read a map and landmarks. We like having surgeons do tiny laparoscopic incisions instead of stem to stern butchery. We prefer antibiotics over eye of newt concoctions. We prefer the convenience of a text over the gorgeous penmanship of a wartime love letter.
If you Google AI and go down the rabbit hole of questions searched by others, you will see many responses to the question of how to remove AI from devices. From a quick read, it seems to range from difficult to impossible. That tells me this is just the latest example of how, whether it’s good or bad, whether we want it or not, our choice in the matter doesn’t exist. AI is here to stay, that’s clear. For now, how much we let it encroach on our lives and thinking may still be up to us, from where I sit.
BY JANA SEMENIUK
While the first day of school is a mere two weeks away, the threat of a potential teacher strike is ramping up.
In June, 95 percent of teachers voted in favour of strike action. Since then, teachers had 120 days to initiate the action, with 72 hours notice, if an agreement couldn’t be met.
According to reports, meetings have continued through the summer and a key meeting is planned
BY JANA SEMENIUK
A second special council meeting, called in the Town of Bruderheim for Aug. 5, was cancelled after only half of the sixmember council team showed up.
The normally sevenmember council was brought down to six after former councillor Wayne Olechow resigned in Feb. Councillors Arlie Young, George Campbell and Len Falardeau were absent from the Aug. 5 special meeting while Mayor Karl Hauch, Deputy Mayor Dayna Jacobs and Councillor Ashley Carter were seated in council chambers on time.
On the agenda was one item; the sale of the town-owned property at 4939 51 ave, listed at $55,000 according to the meeting agenda. The property was brought forward during a special council meeting on July 22 with Chief Administrative Officer Phyllis Forsyth seeking council’s approval to sign a sales agreement for not less than $45,000. Several questions were brought forward by some of the council members, including why no for sale sign was posted on the property, and why the offer was being brought to council for a decision when, according to Forsyth, it was not a solid offer and a counter offer was also made.
Council members also expressed concern for
for Aug. 26 between the Alberta Teacher’s Association (ATA) and the Teacher Employer Bargaining Association (TEBA).
The ATA have already rejected an offer of a 12 percent general wage increase over four years, and more than $400 million in classroom improvements that would have started this fall.
Finance Minister Nate Horner said he was disappointed with the rejec-
tion.
“I am disappointed that the Alberta Teachers’ Association members did not accept the mediator’s recommendation for a four-year central agreement,” Horner said according to reports.
“I hope the ATA will soon return to the bargaining table so that we can continue to work towards the best deal for students, families and parents.”
Meanwhile, Elk Island Public Schools have not
shared any further information on a potential strike on their website or social media.
In late June, EIPS Director of Communications Laura McNabb said information would be shared as it became available.
“The ATA and the Teachers Employer Bargaining Association have dates set throughout the summer to continue mediation,” she said by email.
“Should the situation change, EIPS will reach out to school families to
advise.”“Should the situation change, EIPS will reach out to school families to advise.”
According to EIPS’ school calendar, the first day of school is scheduled for Aug. 28.
the cost to the Town for a special meeting, outside of their regular meetings, totaling nearly $500.
Despite the council passing a motion to delay a decision on the property until the regular Aug. 20 council meeting, a special meeting was called for Aug. 5 to approve another unconditional cash offer of $50,000.
With no quorum (four out of the six council members) in attendance, Mayor Hauch had no choice but to cancel the special meeting. No reasons were given for the absence of the three council members.
Bruderheim’s next regular council meeting is scheduled for Aug. 20 at 7 p.m. at the town’s firehall.
Mundare Agri-Days this weekend
BY JOHN MATHER
As various summer festivals wind down around the region, Mundare will host its annual Agri-Days this weekend.
Action gets underway Aug. 16 when entrants are invited to bring their entries to the Mundare Recreation Centre to be judged for the annual bench show.
This showcases products grown and crafts created by Mundare area residents.
Later Friday evening there is a beach bash to be held at the Corner Pub.
On both Saturday and Sunday there will be a ball tournament at the Ukrainia Park.
Saturday begins with the Mundare Fire Department sponsored pancake breakfast which will run from 7:30 to 9:30
a.m.
The market along the main street will open at 9:30 a.m.
And then at 10:30 a.m. the parade will work its way along Main St. and up 53 Ave.
Throughout Saturday there will be performers and activities for the entire family along the main street.
These include Nikolai from 11 to noon. One Red Nose performs from noon to 2 p.m
From noon to 4 p.m. there will be bouncy castles, a maze, and game along the main street
Singer Perry, the street market and a petting zoo will run from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
The public will be allowed in the bench show to view the exhibits from 11 until 3:30 p.m. and then entrants are asked to
pick up and remove their exhibits.
Organizers state that in the event of any inclement weather, the main street entertainers and the market will be moved indoors at the arena.
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Education minister responds to attacks on new rules around sexual content in school libraries
BY JANA SEMENIUK
While many parents are applauding Alberta Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides’ ministerial order restricting explicit sexual content in school libraries, others are critical.
New province-wide standards, for ensuring only age-appropriate materials are in school libraries, were brought forward by way of a ministerial order signed by Nicolaides on July 4.
Nicolaides said he was first made aware of the graphic material, both images and descriptions, of child molestation, lewd sexual acts, and suicide, when the books were brought forward to him by parents.
The Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA) wrote an op ed July 29 stating that, due to Nicolaides’ order, books such as George Orwell’s 1984 and Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaids’ Tale would be banned from all school libraries.
Additionally, they claimed that sexual health education books that do not meet the definition of ‘non-sexualcontent’ would also be banned.
“The minister says these new criteria do not amount to banning books and that this order is not censorship,” CCLA states. “We disagree on both counts.”
Nicolaides fired back in his own op ed Aug. 8, stating that CCLA’s assertions were “shockingly deceptive from an organization that claims to be committed to integrity.”
“They have labelled these policies that are intended to ensure young students are not exposed to explicit sexual content as a “book ban.,” said Nicolaides, adding the government has no ability to ban books.
“This was never about banning books. This policy is about ensuring young students are not
exposed to graphic sexual content in a school library book. Full stop.”
Nicolaides said that books with information and images around puberty and other important biological information will not be restricted for any students.
“I’d like to ask the CCLA: Do they, in fact, support allowing explicit sexual content in school libraries?” said Nicolaides.
“Would they be willing to post the graphic images we found in school libraries on their website, and explain to their readers why they think they should be available to students?”
Meanwhile, a loophole where students can still access inappropriate material via public libraries housed inside public schools, remains open. The Minister of Municipal Affairs, Dan Williams, who oversees all provincial municipal libraries, has not yet moved to address the issue.
In an earlier statement to the Lamont Leader through his press secretary, Williams said, “Public libraries should be places where children can access age-appropriate resources that are safe and will help them learn and grow. I am considering options to ensure that this will be the case in all libraries.”
A follow up email to the minister’s office on Aug. 11 indicated no decisions have yet been made to address the issue.
According to Education Minister Nicolaides’ ministerial order, school divisions will have until Oct. 1 to remove any sexually explicit material (using definitions outlined in the order) from school libraries and until Jan. 1, 2026 to create a publicly available listing of library material in addition to policies that outline how books are selected and reviewed.
●1992 CASE IH 9280 4WD tractor, 7,230 hrs., 375 hp. Cummins, 20.8-42 duals, 12F/3R, 4 hyd’s w/ return.
●1983 MASSEY FERGUSON 4880 4WD tractor, 7,631 hours, 320 hp. Cummins, 23.1-34 duals, 18F/6R partial powershift transmission, 4 hyd’s., big 1000 pto.
●1979 MASSEY FERGUSON 4880 4WD tractor, 12,453 hours, 400 hp. Cummins, big 1000 pto., 4 hyd’s., 3 pt. hitch , 18F/6R partial powershift, 20.8-38 duals.
●1974 VERSATILE 850 4WD tractor w/ Degelman 13 ft. dozer blade, 11,826 hours, 280 hp. engine, 12F/4R, 18.4R38 duals, 2 hydraulics w/ return.
●1975 CO-OP IMPLEMENTS D13006 2WD tractor, 6,204 hrs., 130 hp. engine, 12F/3R, 1000 pto., 11.00-16 fronts, 18.4-38 rears, 2 hydraulics.
●1963 COCKSHUTT 1900 2WD tractor, 99 hp. diesel, 6F/2R, 540/1000 pto, 2 hyd’s., 18.4-34 rears.
●1975 DAVID BROWN 995 2WD tractor, 4,933 hours, 62 hp. diesel, 12F/4R, 540/1000 pto., 3 pt. hitch, 1 hydraulic, 7.50-16.5L fronts, 16.9-30 rears.
●1975 WHITE 2-105 2WD tractor w/ Leon FEL & 6 ft. bucket, 7,135 hrs., 105 hp. Perkins diesel, 18F/6R w/ powershift, 20.8R38 rears, 540/1000 pto., 4 hyd’s.
●1970 CASE 970 2WD tractor w/ Ezee-On FEL & 7 ft. bucket, 95 hp., 6,873 hours, 540/1000 pto., 2 hydraulics, 10.00-16 fronts, 18.4-38 new rears.
●PARTS TRACTORS: Massey Ferguson 1505 4WD tractor, 1973 Case 1270 tractor, Ford 8000 tractor, & (2) Minneapolis Moline tractors.
TILLAGE & SEEDING
●1998 FLEXI-COIL 5000 air drill w/ 1999 Flexicoil 3450 tow between 450 bushel 3 compartment air cart, 57 ft., 8” spacing, Stealth 3” openers, monitor.
●CASE CONCORD 4812 air drill converted to NH3 applicator, 48 ft., 12” spacing, 11L-15 tires.
●1999 Flexi-Coil tow behind 3450 PARTS 450 bushel 3 compartment air cart, 16.5L-16.1 fronts, 18.4-38 rears.
●2009 BRANDT 7000 Contour Commander heavy harrow, 70 ft., 5/8” tines, 5 bar.
●1982 CI 807 cultivator w/ 3 bar harrows, 35’, 12” spacing.
●DEGELMAN R558 bat reel rock picker, 11L-15SL tires.
●FARM KING 60 ft. harrow drawbar, 5 bar, H78-15 tires.
●Seed drill mover, 25 ft., P235/75R15 tires.
●1967 CHAMPION 600B road grader w/ 14ft. blade & ripper, Detroit diesel, 14.00-24 tires.
●LIEBHERR 925 excavator.
●KOMATSU PC20-6 mini excavator trackhoe.
●Land Pride 10 ft. land leveller. ●(2) 3 pt. hitch mowers, 540 pto. ●2001 Amida AL5000 s/a light tower, 12,280 hrs. ●Onan generator & welder/ generator. ●(3) Heaters. ●Bush Hog post hole auger. ●Dynamometer. ●Shop tools. ●+ MUCH MORE!
●(2) NEW HOLLAND CR9070 combines w/ NH 76C 16 ft. p/u’s, (1) 2008 -2,510 eng. hours, 1,954 sep. hours, (1) 2007 -3,885 eng. hours, 2,710 sep. hours, Outback STX GPS & Hemisphere receiver globe, both have -NH
IntelliView II monitors, shedded, + MORE!
●1997 NEW HOLLAND TR98 combine w/ 13 ft. NH 971 p/u, 2,814 hrs., 30.5L-32 fronts, 16.9-24 rears, + NH 971 rigid straight cut header w/ 30 ft. bat reel.
●1991 NEW HOLLAND TR96 combine w/ Melroe 388 p/u, 2,761 sep. hrs., 3,731 eng. hrs., Redekop chopper.
●2007 CASE IH 2020 flex draper header w/ 30 ft. p/u reel & transport, plastic fingers, double knife.
●2004 CASE IH 2010 rigid draper header w/ 30 ft. p/u reel, double knife, single point hookup, no transport.
●2003 MACDON 962 platform header w/ 36 ft. split bat reel & transport, single knife drive, 9.5L-14 tires.
●1998 HONEYBEE SP36 draper header w/ 36 ft. p/u reel & transport, plastic fingers, single knife drive, single point hookup, ST225/75R15 tires.
●1995 HONEYBEE SP30 draper header w/ 30 ft. bat reel & transport, single knife, P205/70R15 tires.
●1998 JOHN DEERE 930 platform header w/ 30 ft. p/u reel & transport, plastic fingers, single knife.
●BERGEN t/a swather transport, 11L-15SL tires.
●Convey-All UH-22 Universal 22’ p/u header.
●(2) Swath rollers -(1)10 ft. & (1) 6 ft.
●2003 MACDON PRAIRIE STAR 4952 swather w/ 2004 Macdon 972 header, 30 ft. split p/u reel & plastic fingers, 3,298 eng. hrs., 2,327 header hrs., single knife, 500/70R24 fronts, 16.5L-16.1SL rears.
●1990 MASSEY FERGUSON 200 swather w/ 26 ft. UII p/u reel & plastic fingers, 3,302 hours, double swath, single knife, 16.5L-16.1L fronts, 9.5L-15 rears.
●1985 JOHN DEERE 590 p/t swather, 30’ bat reel.
●INTERNATIONAL 4000 swather
●2009 LODE-KING 58 ft. Super ‘B’ grain trailer, 28 ft. lead & 30 ft. rear, 79” high sides, roll tarp, 11R22.5 tires.
●1997 DOEPKER Super ‘B” grain trailer, 28 ft. lead, 31 ft. rear, 78” sides, 11R24.5 tires.
●1994 DOEPKER 31 ft. grain trailer, 11R24.5 tires.
●1984 DOEPKER 52 ft. ‘B’ train grain trailer, 26’ lead & rear.
●BUSH-HOG Loadcraft 40’ stepdeck equipment trailer.
●2006 SWS 30 ft. flat deck t/a dually trailer.
●1981 Tusco 28’ t/a dually step deck trailer w/ 4 reels.
●TRAILMOBILE Benedict dry van trailer.
●1985 Fruehauf 28 ft. water tanker hauling trailer w/ ±5000 gallon stainless steel tank, 11R22.5 tires.
●2011 SPRA-COUPE 7660 high clearance 90 ft. sprayer, 1,568 engine hours, 174 hp. Perkins diesel engine, 725 gallon poly tank, Raven SCS 5000 rate controller, Outback GPS, Automate sectional control, 6 speed powershift transmission, autosteer, 20” spacing, 3 way nozzle bodies, fence row nozzles, hydraulic tread adjust axles, 320/90R46 duals, fenders, deluxe air ride seat, A/C, heater, radio, shedded, excellent condition, 2nd owner.
●Crop dividers.
●2010WESTFIELD MK130-81 Plus Flex mech. swing grain auger, 13”, 81 ft., dual auger hopper flighting, 540 pto., ST235/80R16 tires.
●FARM KING 1385 mech. swing auger, 13”, 85 ft., single auger hopper flighting, 540 pto., 11L-15FI tires.
●2000 WESTFIELD MK100-51 mech. swing auger, 10”, 51 ft., dual auger hopper flighting, 540 pto., ST205/75R15 tires.
●SAKUNDIAK HD8-1400 augerw/ E-Kay hyd. mover & Honda 24 hp. electric start engine, 8”, 45 ft., P235/75R15 tires.
●BRANDT 835 auger w/ Kohler 20 hp. electric start engine, 8”, 35 ft., 235/75R15 tires.
●BRANDT 840 auger w/ Kohler 30 hp. electric start engine, 8”, 40 ft., P235/75R15 tires.
●SAKUNDIAK grain auger, 8”, 41 ft., w/ motor.
●PRO 10 ft. grain bagger w/ grain conveyor, 540 pto., LT265/75R16 tires.
●IBEC 1200N 7 tier grain dryer w/ auger.
●MORIDGE batch grain dryer, 540 pto.
●Assorted Bins -see website for details.
●2001 FREIGHTLINER Columbia highway tractor w/ sleeper, 1,406,704 km, 500 hp. Detroit diesel, 13 speed.
●1997 IHNavistar 9300 highway tractor w/ sleeper, 1,127,664 km, 470 hp. Detroit diesel, 18 speed.
●1997 IH Navistar 9200 highway tractor w/ sleeper, 1,316,041 km, 470 hp. Detroit diesel, 13 speed.
●1990 WHITE GMC highway tractor w/ sleeper, 1,464,560 km, 31,572 hrs., 475 hp. Cummins, 13 speed.
●1980 GMC General N9500 t/a truck w/ National 600A crane, 25,000 lb. lift capacity, spreader bar, 398,609 km, 4,377 hours, Detroit diesel engine, 13 speed transmission, 14/80R20 fronts, 11R24.5 rears.
●1997 MONACO DYNASTY CLASS ‘A’ 39’ motorhome 131,844 km, Cummins, A/C, generator, + MORE! ●2002 Dodge 2500 diesel truck. ●2005 GMC 3500 diesel truck. ●1990 GMC Sierra 3500 dually service truck, under hood compressor, 5.7L gas, 4X4. ●1999 Buick Century 4 door car, 189,153 km, 3.1L. ●2002 Cadillac Seville STS 4 door car, 176,408 km, 4.6L engine. ●2002 Volkswagon Jetta 4 door diesel car, 450,961 km.
GRAIN HANDLING
Marco Navarro-Genie
“Kill Jews, get your own state.” That’s how senior Hamas official Ghazi Hamad described the Oct. 7 massacre of Israeli civilians in an interview on Oct. 24, 2023—justifying the violence and boasting that it would be repeated.
The attack, carried out
by Hamas terrorists who stormed into southern Israel, killed more than 1,200 people, including women and children.
Prime Minister Mark Carney is now offering Hamas that payoff. His decision to recognize a Palestinian state at the UN in September is not rooted in diplomacy or peacebuilding—it’s a politically timed distraction.
Recognition would mean Canada formally supports Palestinian statehood at the United Nations—a symbolic but politically significant move that bypasses ongoing peace negotiations.
By aligning Canada with a narrative celebrated by Hamas, Carney is jeopardizing Canada’s international credibility and using foreign policy to shield himself from criticism over his failure to secure a U.S.–Canada trade deal before the Aug. 1 deadline. Carney failed to land
the trade agreement he insisted only he could negotiate. Rather than accept the consequences, he manufactured a diplomatic diversion.
When Trump warned that recognition would make an agreement “very hard,” Carney got the reaction he was counting on. He set the bait, and Trump took it.
Domestically, it’s political gold.
Carney gets to revive the story that got him elected: the technocrat standing tall against the “Orange Man.” But this time, he’s not just risking his reputation; he’s gambling with Canada’s economy.
Thursdays - Beaver & Camrose County residents play for $65 Rates not valid on holidays 780-663-2473 or www.coalcreek.ca
$20/wk for
COMING EVENTS
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Gathering of the Clans Highland Festival 2025 Sedgewick, Alberta at the Recreation Grounds
Saturday, August 23
Gates open at 10 am.
Heavy events, artisan vendors, demonstrators, pipes and drums, highland animals, kids zone, food trucks, and much more. Evening entertainment starts at 5pm Dance with Cabot’s Crossing starts at 7pm. Overnight camping available and a donation breakfast Sunday morning. Advance gate admission and tickets to the Ceiliedh (dance) are available now at flagstaffscottishclub.com/gotchf-event
MEIER 2-DAY LIVE ON-SITE
AUCTION for Grant Yeske, Saturday, August 23 & Sunday, August 24
10am #409, 67325 Churchill Park Rd., Lac La Biche, AB.
Selling Bobcat S300, Trucks, Classic Cars, Trailers, ATVs, RVs, Oil Field Buildings, Full Mechanics Shop, New Mopar Parts, Engines, Lawn Tractors, Attachments, Firearms, Sportsman Items, Antiques. Visit www.meierauction.com
SUMMER SALE!
$500 Off a pair of hearing devices! Free remote control! Can be combined with government funding from AADL of $900 Benchmark Hearing Centre Main Street Daysland Phone 780-374-3748 Or book online! benchmarkhearingcentre.ca
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High Noon on the Prairies
An annual reunion/get-together for veterans.
All Veterans Welcome! Aug. 18-21 at Hardisty United Lake Church Campground
Please contact Bob Stuart at 780-385-4224 or Dan Lemire at 780-781-0954, or email: hnotp@hotmail.com 27/32p
Carrots, Potatoes, Beets, Beans Are Ready!!! East of Sedgewick, off Highway 13, turn north on RR122, then go north 3 miles. Helen Tanton - 780-888-6800 28tfnc
CLASSIFIEDS
COMING EVENTS
Garage Sale, Friday, Aug. 15 and Saturday, Aug. 16. Friday 3 to 8 p.m. Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 5607 49 Ave, Killam, AB 31/32p
FOR SALE
*1989 8460 COMBINE - 2901 hours; *1984 860 Massey Combine - 2367 hours; *885 Massey Swather - 18 Ft. UII Header, Crop Lifters - 2636 hours. Ph: 780-829-2270; email: jlinhondo@gmail.com.
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ARDENT Wood Stove to dismantle; Made in Canada. $3,000, will consider offers. Three-car carport, new, 30' by 36' to be moved from Andrew; please call for viewing/photos 780-888-7011 or 780-888-2600
32/33p
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2006 Chrysler Sebring Convertible. 158,250km Rebuilt Status. 2 new front tires. $4,500 obo. Power windows, locks, seat - needs windshield, 400km on oil change. Text me at 587-500-6087 31p
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BLS Fresh Garden Products
The following will be available soon: peas, beans, cucumbers, cabbages, dill. For other products please text 780-860-2672. In the Bruce area. TM32-35P
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Equipment for Sale
1999 John Deere 566 Round BalerTwine only. 23,877 bales Call Roger at 780-385-1070 30/32p
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Champion 8000w/10,000 Dual fuel generator with CO Shield. Operates on either gas or propane. Like NEW (only has 1.5 hours run time on it) Comes with all cords, attachments, etc. Call or text: 780-385-0354. Asking $1,000. 30/32p
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4 month old Hens. Mixed breed Australorp, Plymouth Rock Columbian Rock Hens. Started to lay eggs. $18.00 a bird. More information phone or text 780-632-9881.
NOTICE
NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND CLAIMANTS
Estate of Joseph MARYNOWICH who died on November 27, 2019. If you have a claim against this estate, you must file your claim by September 9, 2025 and provide details of your claim with: Public Trustee at: 4th Floor, 10365 - 97 Street Edmonton AB T5J 3Z8
Phone: (780) 427-2744
Fax: (780) 422-9136
If you do not file by the date above, the estate property can lawfully be distributed without regard to any claim you may have.
REAL ESTATE
Josh Post REALTOR ® The Foundry Real Estate Co. Buying? Selling? Let's Find the Fit for You! Call/Text 780-238-7694
SERVICES
Town & Country
Guardian Drugs - Killam
We have: •a colour photocopier.
•cold pop and fresh snacks.
•a great selection of giftware, houseware, fragrances, clothing, toys, games, plush animals and more. •a big selection of greeting cards. •stationery. •seasonal gifts •vitamins, minerals, supplements •free gift wrapping
•prescription service 6 days a week.
General Contractor
Red Seal Journeyman Plumber and Gasfitter. Bathroom Renos & Tile
New to the Area. 30 plus Years of Experience. Dave 403-999-8464
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Mike & Dave RV Inc. Service, Storage, Parts. Call us today! 780-415-5015 or visit our website: www.mdrv.ca
**Located just 11 kms North of Tofield on Highway 834**.
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Medical Taxi Service
Personal Taxi Service to Edmonton and Back -$175
•Office Hours Mon-Fri 9-5
•Absolutely NO Hidden Fees
•Escort to Reception/Waiting Room
•Pick up and Drop off at your door
•Top Notch Service! •Includes up to 4 Hour Wait•Locally Owned and Operated. 587-987-7810
SERVICES
Painting
Quality Residential and Commercial Interior Painting. Betty Tkaczyk 780-632-8749
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Hakim Oberg Law
ALA HAKIM OBERG
Barrister, Solicitor & Notary Public
Based in Forestburg, AB 5004 - 49 Ave. (Professional Centre, 2nd Floor) Please call for appointment. 780-238-6938
ala@hakimoberglaw.com www.hakimoberglaw.com
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Hawkeye Custom Corral Cleaning Hawkeye Ag Inc is your complete solution for corral cleaning. We also provide services in the agriculture space: land clearing, pen rebuilding, aggregate for small and large farm operations. Based out of Lamont. 780-718-7479
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PRIVATE MORTGAGE LENDER. All real estate types considered. No credit checks done. Deal direct with lender and get quick approval. Toll free 1-866-405-1228; www.firstandsecondmortgages.ca. ————————————————
CAST AN EVEN WIDER NET! GET YOUR MESSAGE SEEN ALL ACROSS ALBERTA FOR 1 AFFORDABLE PRICE! The Blanket Classifieds and Value Ad Network both reach over 500,000 Alberta readers weekly and are also posted online on multiple news websites and administered by the Alberta Weekly Newspapers Association. Three pricing options start at $269, $299 or $599. Cast the widest net you can with over 75 Weekly Community Newspapers. Keep your money in Alberta! Contact your local newspaper at: production.cp@gmail.com and we’ll help facillitate your ad and get you started!
Ukrainian Village to remain closed all summer following spring wildfire
BY JOHN MATHER
The Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village adjacent to Elk Island National Park will remain closed for the entire summer season following a wildfire at the site on Good Friday.
Officials from the Ministry of Arts, Culture and the Status of Women made the announcement Aug. 11.
“We are working to restore the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village so future generations can continue to experience and learn from Alberta’s
Ukrainian heritage,” said David Makowsky, director of the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village branch.
“This has been a profound loss for our team and the community, and we are committed to reopening as soon as possible.”
The April 18 fire destroyed the Visitor Centre building, including the visitor reception, gift shop, exhibition galleries, offices, conservation lab, collections and curatorial storage and public washrooms.
The remains of the information centre after the April 18 fire at Ukrainian Village.
In addition, furnishings for the historical buildings that were stored in the collection areas in the Visitors Centre were lost.
The site offers an interpretation of a historical settlement in east-central Alberta near the turn of the 20th century and is operated by the Government of Alberta.
The Ukrainian Canadian CongressAlberta Provincial Council will present this year’s Ukrainian Day on the Alberta Legislature grounds on Aug. 24.
Lamont County is a silver sponsor for the Ukrainian Day event at the Legislature Grounds.
Reeve David Diduck will be bringing greetings on behalf of Lamont County at the event the County has an advertisement in the program highlighting the County church tours and historic Ukrainian culture in Lamont County.
NEIGHBOURHOOD MOVIE NIGHT
Residents of the Brookside neighbourhood in Bruderheim were treated to a Drive-In Movie Night (or Outdoor Movie Night) over the weekend, courtesy of Jim Blakey and Laura Anderson Loren. The fun evening was topped off with hotdogs, cotton candy and delicious movie popcorn. By Melissa
MacIntosh-Young