Family leaves new home in Lamont for 10-year old son’s cancer treatment team in Ontario
BY JANA SEMENIUK
Lili Sikkema was excited for a fresh start when she moved to Lamont from Ont. a year ago with her husband Daniel and their 10-year-old son Gabriel.
Gabriel, the Sikkemas’ only child, had been battling leukemia since he was two and was in remission for a second time. The move brought Daniel closer to his job in the oil and gas field and gave Lili an opportunity to work at the local elementary school while Gabe attended classes.
Gabe was also thrilled to go to an overnight summer camp for the first time and was looking forward to another first this year; playing hockey.
Everything changed one day in July when Lili noticed the tell-tale rash beginning to spread across Gabriel’s back.
“(We went) to the Lamont Health Care Centre for blood tests and (they said) if there’s anything that shows up, we’ll call you,” she said.
“They called me.”
Lili said she and Daniel thought nothing of the slight rash the first time they saw it in 2017. Gabriel was two years old then, and initially doctors thought he might be suffering the effects of teething, seeing as he also had a slight fever.
Two weeks later when the rash did not subside but instead, spread further across his small body, Lili knew something else was going on, but had no idea how it would change their lives forever.
“(Gabe) was diagnosed with B Cell Lymphoid Leukemia. They said B Cell was the more favourable type because it’s easier to treat,” she said, describing the shocking news.
“There was a 90 percent chance that
this treatment would work.”
The treatment, Lili explained, included chemotherapy, steroids, spinal taps and bone marrow extractions over the next three years.
While it sounds unimaginable for a toddler to endure, Lili said that, although Gabe did become sick, overall, he did remarkably well.
“Kids are resilient. You know, they just somehow do it, and they don't complain, and they just manage. Kids are unbelievably amazing,” said Lili.
For a year after treatments, Lili said Gabe had no issues. He started school and things seemed to be heading to normalcy, until Lili received a call from Gabe’s school one day.
“The school called and said Gabe had a headache and he’s not feeling well. I picked him up and (immediately) looked at his stomach,” she said. “The rash was back.”
The hospital confirmed Lili’s worst fears, sparking both parents’ anger
after watching their son endure three years of chemotherapy.
“We were just so mad and sad. I thought, you’ve got to be kidding me.
After three years of all this? They said he’s been off treatments for a year and a half so something worked,” she said.
“(They said) we’re going to try this new thing. We’re going to do chemotherapy and something called immunotherapy.”
According to the Canadian Cancer Society’s website, immunotherapy is a “type of cancer treatment that uses the body’s own immune system to fight cancer.”
Lili said Gabe went through another two and a half years of immunotherapy, finishing his last few treatments at the U of A hospital in Edmonton when the family moved to Lamont.
When Gabe finally ‘rang the bell’ at the hospital, signifying the end of his final treatment in Dec., Lili said he was in remission with no cancer detected in
any of his testing.
With Gabe’s most recent relapse, however, Lili said the Leukemia was now found in his brain fluid and spine. The Sikkema family made the tough decision to travel back to Ont. where Gabe could be seen by a medical team who have known him since his first diagnosis while also having the support of family and friends.
“Everything seemed fine, and my heart just sunk (at the news). Every time it comes back it gets more aggressive and more resistant to treatment,” said Lili.
“We felt moving back (to Ont.) would be the best choice for him. They know him and he wouldn’t be in a strange hospital with strange doctors. Gabe is sad he didn’t get to say goodbye to his friends (in Lamont).”
Lili said Gabe’s new schedule will include Car T Cell treatment where she said the team at the Sick Kids hospital in Toronto are the “leading pioneers”.
“If Car T doesn’t work, then (we) have the bone marrow transplant. That’s the other option, then that’s it. There are no more options,” she said.
Meanwhile, Lili said Daniel is unable to take any more time off work to be with his family and is struggling to keep up financially while Lili and Gabe are in the hospital in Ont. She said the future is uncertain.
Lili’s sister started an online fundraising campaign for the family at givesendgo.com. looking to raise funds to keep the family going while supporting their son during his treatments.
“Gabe is a pretty awesome kid, and he doesn't really complain much,” said Lili. “I just really hope that this treatment works, because we're just so sad for him to see him going through this again.”
The Sikkema family, Lily, Daniel, and 10-year-old Gabriel, squeeze in for a selfie before attending the Lamont Summer Sizzler Rodeo on July 13. Ten days later, Gabriel was diagnosed with cancer for a third time. Photo: Lily Sikkema
Two Hills man charged after alleged death threats towards minor
BY JANA SEMENIUK
A Two Hills man was arrested after allegedly making death threats against his alleged victim who was a minor during alleged sexual offences.
Two Hills RCMP received a complaint on July 23 that Mark Sayler, 40, had sexual relations with a youth between 2017 and 2020 and recently allegedly threatened to kill her. Sayler was arrested after an investigation by police.
“With this in mind,” said Sgt David Henry, Detachment Commander of the Two Hills RCMP, “should there be more victims out there, no matter how long ago the crime was, we ask that you please come forth and talk to us. We can help you should you wish to make a formal complaint or if you want access to victim services or any other assistance we can provide. We just
want victims to know that we are here should they need us.”
Sayler has been charged with sexual assault, uttering threats, luring a child, invitation to sexual touching and sexual exploitation.
He was brought before a justice of the peace and remanded into custody. Sayler appeared before the Alberta Court of Justice in St. Paul, on July 31, and has been further remanded until his new
Lamont’s Dylan Strumelak along with his Fort Sask 11u AA Red Sox team won provincial gold on the July 26 weekend in Fort Sask. Dylan pitched well in game three, earning him the game’s MVP. He also played third and outfield on the weekend. Left, Dylan with parents Shaun and Ashley Strumelak. Photo courtesy the Strumelaks.
court date of Aug. 11 in Vegreville.
Anyone who has been a victim of, or has information on, possible sexual interference cases, be it related to this individual or another, is asked to please call the Two Hills RCMP at 780-657-2820 or your local police.
If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online www.P3Tips.com or by using the "P3 Tips" app available through the Apple App or Google Play store.
To report crime online, or for access to RCMP
news and information, download the Alberta RCMP app through Apple or Google Play. To contact RCMP non-emergency line within any Alberta RCMP Jurisdiction call 310RCMP (7267).
BY JANA SEMENIUK
In 2020, Andrew resident Jodie Calfat was desperate to help save the local school from closure by Elk Island Public Schools.
The one-time K-12, Andrew School’s enrollments had slowly been dwindled down, prompting first the removal of their high school program in 2019, then their junior high in 2020 - leaving the school as a K-6 whose time was running out.
“There was some writing on the wall then,” said Calfat, whose two children were 11 and 9 at the time. “We were in trouble.”
A group of approximately 30 people gathered with signs in front of the school for a photo op for the Lamont Leader in May of 2020, all different wording with basically the same message; “Save our School.”
They eventually created an official group, the Andrew School Committee, which enlisted the help of a local filmmaker to create promotional videos in an effort to boost the school’s enrollment in addition to spreading public awareness campaigns.
Despite their best efforts, the school was closed in June 2023 due
to small enrollments and a large quote, $3 million, to repair the school’s roof and sprinkler system.
For Calfat, the closure of the school meant her children were moved to school in Vegreville. This also meant their bus ride, which used to take under 10 minutes to Andrew School, was now an hour and-a-half each way totalling three hours each day on the bus.
“They would always come home and they have usually about an hour nap,” said Calfat.
Five years on, with the revival of Andrew School into the Andrew Rural Academy, Calfat said her youngest daughter, Brooklyn, will be coming
back to Andrew for grade 10 this year while her older daughter Alyssa wants to finish high school with her friends in Vegreville.
“Brooklyn is looking forward to the extra sleep, and that child needs her sleep,” Calfat laughed.
While Brooklyn is starting a new chapter this year at Andrew, Calfat will be also.
“I’ll be working at the school in the Hot Lunch program,” she said.
In addition, the Andrew Rural Academy Foundation Board was able to have the roof and sprinkler system repaired for less than $200,000.
With all of the positive news around the resurrection of Andrew’s school, Brooklyn found it only fitting to make a new sign. This time it says; “We saved our school.”
RATE OF PAY: AS PER COLLECTIVE AGREEEMENT DATE POSTED: JULY 30, 2025
CLOSING DATE: AUGUST 13, 2025 OR WHEN POSITION IS FILLED START DATE: AUGUST 14, 2025 OR WHEN SUITABLE CANDIDATE IS FOUND SUBMIT APPLICATIONS TO LODGE MANAGER IN
Brooklyn Calfat, age nine helping to save Andrew School from closure in 2020 and today, five years later, grateful to see it happen. Photo: Jodie Calfat
Opinion
How can you not say justice is tilted against Lich, Barber?
BY JOHN MATHER
So what is it that the Crown doesn’t like about Tamara Lich or Chris Barber?
Those are two of the organizers of the 2022 Freedom Convoy that saw truckers from across the country converge on Ottawa for a three-week, noisy but peaceful, protest against government over-reach when it came to social distancing and vaccine mandates during the Covid crisis.
Now keep in mind, Crown prosecutors had never really done anything when indigenous protestors destroyed privately owned heavy equipment being legally used to construct the Coastal GasLink Pipeline in B.C.
On June 5, 2020, the BC Prosecution Service issued a statement saying that criminal contempt for 22 members of the Wetʼsuwetʼen Nation and their supporters would not be pursued.
Additionally, Coastal GasLink issued a statement that they would not pursue civil contempt charges against the protesters.
Crown prosecutors never really said anything when indigenous and professional agitators threw up barricades near Belleville, Ont, on Feb. 6, 2020 causing VIA Rail to cancel trains on their lucrative Toronto-Montreal and TorontoOttawa routes.
On February 13, CNR shut down its rail lines east of Toronto. On the same day Via Rail, which rents these lines for its passenger service, announced it would be shutting down its entire network, with the exception of the Sudbury – White River line and the Winnipeg – Churchill train between Churchill and The Pas, until further notice.
CNR issued multiple injunctions against the protesters, including several separate injunctions against the Mohawk protesters near Belleville. The Ontario Provincial Police decided not to act immediately on the injunctions.
And what did those Ottawa politicians led by sock boy Justin Trudeau do?
Trudeau said politicians should not be telling the police how to deal with protesters and that resolution should come through dialogue. The Canadian government does not tell the police what to do operationally. In any case, the police services are under provincial or municipal control.
But when Lich and Barber and their peaceful group of truckers drove into Ottawa, Trudeau invoked the Emergency Measures Act, raided personal banks accounts, and forced the arrests of organizers including Lich and Barber.
Ultimately these two disrupters were charged with mischief. For more than a year the case was dragged through the courts, before the pair were found guilty.
And now the Crown wants sentences of seven years for Lich and eight years for Barber.
That’s some quality jail time. For mischief?
Yet every day we hear stories of arrested felons, out on bail committing additional crimes from robbery, to murder.
Does the Crown or government do anything to resolve this?
No!
Yet they want Barber and Lich to get eight and seven years respectively.
If this convoy had taken place anywhere in Canada except Ottawa they would not have even been charged.
But how dare they bring their peaceful, but noisy, convoy in the nation’s capital, to protest perceived over-reach in Covid mandates by the Feds.
Now whether we agree or disagree with the convoy, the right to protest is enshrined in Canada.
But just don’t do it in Justin’s playpen called Ottawa.
What a double standard.
On February 18, 2020 in the House of Commons, Trudeau addressed the Commons asking Canadians for patience as the government sought a negotiated end to the railway
blockades.
“On all sides, people are upset and frustrated. I get it. It’s understandable because this is about things that matter – rights and livelihoods, the rule of law and our democracy.”
Now that related to the rail protests. It was OK to protest. Just don’t do it in Ottawa.
Now of course, Tyee scribbler David Climenhaga had to weigh in with his commentary on the situation where he bashed both Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre and the convoy.
He pens, “On July 21, in an obvious attempt to influence the courts, federal Conservative leader and Alberta by-election candidate Pierre Poilievre jumped to the defence of convicted insurrection convoy leaders facing serious jail time for their activities during the February 2022 occupation of the national capital.
“Poilievre and other prominent Conservatives, members of a political movement generally associated with calls for harsh justice to be meted out on those convicted of even minor crimes, accused the courts and prosecutors of seeking political vengeance.
“‘How is this justice?’ ” the Conservative leader complained.”
Well, the other shoe has dropped as Lich’s and Barber’s sentencing was delayed again. Another 2 months of political theatre while the courts play games with the lives of Freedom Convoy organizers. A final decision is expected October 7, 2025.
Political vengance is exactly what it is by those who still worship Justin Trudeau’s socks!
Kerry Anderson Publisher John Mather Reporter Jana Semeniuk Reporter Crystal Moren
BY HAZEL ANAKA
Well, it’s taken a good week to return to some semblance of a normal routine since returning from our Alaskan cruise.
And all of that time to have my headache go away. My first suspicion was withdrawal from a week of Gravol pills for motion sickness.
According to Dr. Google, the substance is out of the body within 2 days but can last as long as a week in others. You’ve gotta know by now, that if there is a possible adverse reaction in a small segment of the population, I will be among them. It's also possible Gravol is not guilty as charged. It could just as easily be dehydration; caffeine withdrawal---I drank a lot of coffee onboard; time and elevation changes. My hair-
FROM WHERE I SIT: Something Incredible
dresser said it could be sugar withdrawal as well. Let’s just say, a dessert or two and fresh fruit like pineapple may have been consumed once or twice. Nudge nudge wink wink. The current blistering temperatures never help either. One day I rushed home after a couple errands in Edmonton because I came so close to vomiting in a business place. That’s a scary unsettling feeling. An afternoon nap seemed to help. The mysteries of the brain, my brain in particular fascinate me. It is increasingly scary to see what the lack of rainfall is doing to yards and crops. Will it be another year of crop write offs and insurance settlements? I sure hope not. I’m so glad I didn’t invest in any bedding plants or plant a garden this year. It would have been a losing battle after a huge time and money investment. Despite that, some items like my 2-year-old clematis is blooming like there’s no tomorrow. The liatris, daylilies, and hydrangea seem to be thriving. The grass is a crunchy yellow/brown hue. Gertie, who’s been here for the
long weekend is not at all heat tolerant so she’s been hanging out in the air-conditioned comfort of the house with me. It hasn’t stopped her from wanting to sniff every blade of grass while she’s out doing her business.
I can’t believe the summer is half gone. I need to plan some day trips to see friends, burn through some gift cards, and generally try to recapture that feeling of long days of gay abandon we all had as kids.
These dangerously high temperatures provide just the excuse we need to avoid some of the back-breaking outside work that still exists. Personal development guru, Jim Rohn used a garden analogy to say that in life we need to guard against bad habits in our behaviour because left unchecked ‘weeds will take the garden.’ We have all seen the wild jungle that results when we don’t manage to curb unwanted growth in our yards. It becomes twice as much work and a seemingly impossible task. We are guilty of that neglect and it needs to stop now.
I also need to get a few
Lamont and Area
LAMONT UNITED CHURCH 5306 - 51 Ave., Lamont, AB 780-895-2145
Rev. Deborah Brill Church resumes AUGUST 10th SUNDAYSERVICES 11:15 AM CHECKOUTOURNEWFACEBOOKPAGE!! Everyone Welcome! AA Meetings Thursdays at 8:00 pm
more donations to the Andrew Rural Academy because in a few short weeks, the page will be turned on a whole new chapter in rural education in this area. The fact that so many families have committed their kids to this learning option proves the need is there. I will continue watching with interest as that lovely building comes alive again. This can do nothing but good for the village and surrounding area. I hope, by now, you too are a believer. Again, kudos to those visionaries who saw this possibility and worked their tails off to make it manifest. I certainly need to stay out of the Back-to-School dis-
plays in store because it’s a point of weakness for me and I have enough stationary to last a lifetime.
How crazy is this? During an online auction I bought a vintage Gestetner, virtually sight unseen. From my high school days---you know, when dinosaurs roamed the earth--- the school had an electric (?) one. Yet I clearly remember people turning a crank on what was the precursor to the modern-day photocopier. The one I bought was much older, much simpler, and housed in a beautiful wooden carrying case. I was frankly more interested in the papers, templates, stylus, and 8.5-
inch brayer than the actual ink-soaked plates. Some of the store flyers in it were from a grocery store in Saskatchewan during the late 1930searly 1940s. They promise “Better Quality, Lower Prices, Live Better for Less.” For a stumble down memory lane, get a load of these prices: 3pound jar of Nabob coffee $1.87, men’s broadcloth shirt 75 cents, 100 pounds of white sugar $7.35, Aylmer’s tomato soup 10 cents, Rogers syrup 10 pounds for 88 cents, Palmolive soap 4/25 cents. I hope this hasn’t scarred you for your next grocery shopping trip.
Rain or shine, work or play, I hope August has something incredible in store for you, from where I sit.
From the files of the Lamont Leader
Bruderheim Community Church 4904 Queen Street 780-796-3775
SUNDAY
WORSHIP
10:30 AM
All are Welcome! Check us out on Facebook
Michael 2nd, and 4th Sundays @ 9:00 am
May 15, 2012 issue of the Lamont Leader: Local volunteers Mel Snyder, Wayne Schoepp and Vic Schneider are getting everything organized for the chuck and chariot races in Bruderheim with proceeds to support Alzheimers research. The group is getting the grounds ready for 40 to 50 chuckwagon and chariots This is the second year for the competitions.
Use caution in EINP during bison rut
BY JOHN MATHER
July is the start of the bison rutting season at Elk Island National Park and park officials have issued a statement warning patrons of the dangers that this could represent for them.
Officials say the rutting season starts in July and runs until September.
During this time the park will resonate with the sounds of the bellowing bulls, said the release.
This includes giving the bison more space than usual, officials state.
practically everywhere.
Drivers should also slow down when passing the bison.
BY JOHN MATHER Alberta Industrial Heartland executive
“Mature males are more alert, more aggressive, and far more likely to choose ‘fight’ over ‘flight’ as they compete with each other for the attention of females.
“Watch and listen for bison wallowing, charging, bellowing, snorting and head shaking!”
The park encourages all visitors to always practice wildlife safety.
Normally, 100 m is a safe distance but during the rutting season this space should be doubled or tripled.
Parks officials say if you are moving through the area on foot, give the bison as much space as possible.
They state the bison can run up to 55 kph.
Visitors are encouraged to stay in their cars when on or near roads that have bison in the area, which at the park is
If visitors are on bicycles then don’t even try to pass the bison. If you must pass by the bison, use a vehicle as a shield and if possible try to hitch a ride with the vehicles' occupants.
Never ride through a herd on the road. Wait for the herd to move on or turn around.
All pets must be kept on a leash and under control at all times.
Bison bulls may become wounded during the rut by aggressive competing males, say park officials.
“This is natural, however please report any severe wildlife injuries (open wounds) to Parks Canada Dispatch at 1877-852-3100.”
director Mark Plamondon will be a Strategic Conference Speaker at the Carbon Capture Canada 2025 conference to be held next month in Edmonton.
Carbon Capture Canada, said a release on Linked In, is the only pan-Canadian national convention showcasing Canada’s incredible opportunity for carbon capture and underground storage innovation, technology and destination for global investment.
Canada, it continued, is poised on the cusp of a multi-billion-dollar opportunity to become the global leader in CCUS (Carbon Capture Underground Storage) technology, deployment, and leadership. Position
yourself and your organization to take advantage of this dynamic market by being a part of Canada’s only major Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage convention.
It will allow attendees to meet with the key industry players over three days of the convention, with a two-day business conference, expanded tradeshow floor, with all major players and facility bus tours to see in-person actual CCUS projects in play.
Alberta’s Industrial Heartland—Canada’s most advanced carbon sequestration hub—is home to the companies, and more importantly the people, driving real momentum in CCUS and low-carbon investment.
Mark brings an investor-focused, pragmatic perspective to this critical phase of industrial transformation.
The conference will be held from Sept. 23 to 25 at the Edmonton Convention Centre.
viking, alberta
Local catering business changing hands but kept all in the family Popular Ukrainian menu stays
BY JANA SEMENIUK
Tom’s Catering, a wellknown local catering outfit specializing in Ukrainian food, came under new management and ownership as of July 1.
Former owner Tom Hrehorets has sold the thriving business to his brother-in-law Charlie Price, along with Price’s daughter Tamara.
Price said Hrehorets wanted to keep the catering business in the family and the menu of traditional Ukrainian food will continue.
“It’s a very important fact that nothing changes. The menu stays the same,” said Price.
“We took over Tom’s Catering and (it will) continue as Tom’s, just under a new manager.”
The new crew are operating the business
out of the regular place; a professional kitchen built in Hrehoret’s garage in Lamont. Price said that will continue for now.
natural fit for her to help take over her uncle’s business.
“She is a pastry chef
ago and was looking for a new challenge.
“This is totally different,” he said. “And Tom’s still around to help out.”
For his part, Hrehorets said after 36 years of catering, two years officially with Tom’s Catering, he’s ready to hand it over.
“Last year we served over 20,000 people. I thoroughly enjoyed catering and still do,” he said.
“I will help Tammy right through. She is learning all my secrets of the trade and doing very well.
Additionally, Price said his daughter Tamara, 27, is a professional chef and it was a
and has been working in restaurants all of her career,” he said.
Price said he retired from his job in the oil and gas field five years
“She’s got the love of food like I do and that’s the main thing about catering. If you have the love of food, and you love to eat and seeing people happy, that’s success in catering.”
Wildfire smoke and smog affects second quarter air quality - over 250 hours high risk
BY JOHN MATHER
Fort Air Partnership has released their second quarter Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) Ratings and they show wildfire smoke and smog led to higher readings from April until June.
The air shed monitored by the Fort Air Partnership showed low risk AQHI readings 90.7 per cent of the time with 0.6 per cent of the readings registering in the very high risk category.
During the three month period 13,010 hours were monitored with 11,801 hours falling into the low risk category, 950 hours in the mod-
erate risk category, 180 hours into the high risk category and 79 hours in the very high risk category.
During the same period there were 212 onehour exceedances of the Alberta Ambient Air Quality Objectives (AAAQO) and 25 hours of the 24-hour objectives.
Heartland Air Monitoring Partnership monitors the air quality of a 4,500 square kilometre region northeast of Edmonton that includes Alberta’s Industrial Heartland.
Continuous data is collected 24 hours a day, seven days a week and generated through a live
feed accessible to anyone who visits www.heartlandairmonitoring.org.
HAMP’s data collec-
The Price family of Charlie, his wife Lucy and daughter Tamara, have taken over the popular local catering business Tom's Catering.
Photo: Jana Semeniuk
Lougheed FAIR 102nd Annual
Saturday, August 9
Pancake Breakfast 8-10 am Lougheed seniors centre Parade at 10:30 am men’s baseball & ladies softball at the diamonds museum open all day museum features include kids money pit, bingo, gift shop, ice creem, iceD coffee bench exhibits on display until 4pm entertainment for KIDS - kids corner including games & TRAIN beer gardens market vendors cattle show & judging hoRse show & judging meals & snack booths all day roast beef supper 5-7 pm lougheed community hall
Lamont County workers rescue injured hawks
BY JANA SEMENIUK
Two Hills Sgt. David Henry wants parents to be aware of potential pitfalls when allowing their children unfettered cell phone use.
“As kids will be going back to school in Sept., (it’s important) for parents to think through getting kids cell phones,” he said.
“Most of my lessons I do in the school were developed through kids telling me their experiences and what they’ve done and what they are doing. Sometimes it makes your skin crawl.”
Sgt. Henry said one of the biggest problems is parents not paying attention to what kids are doing on their phones.
“(There are) apps that are uncontrolled. One of the worst I’ve seen is Omegle. It’s a video chat. I went to a lecture on it and a lady showed us the app and within less than a minute someone was trying to show their private parts,” he said.
A search online shows Omegle described as a free video chat where you can ‘talk to strangers’ and meet new friends. Sgt. Henry said “It’s one of the highest places for pedophiles to show themselves and connect.”
Sgt. Henry said one of the best defenses for parents is an old school one; talk to your kids.
BY JOHN MATHER
A routine day turned into something else for a few Lamont County drainage workers on July 22.
The crew was working at a job site south of Highway 22 and Rge Rd. 165.
On arrival at the site, members of the crew found a couple of young hawks in one of the backhoe buckets.
Both the birds were injured, one more seriously than the other.
The crew carefully removed the birds and arranged for them to
be transported to the Strathcona Raptor Shelter.
In a follow up, one of the bird did unfortunately die, while the other is
eating well and on its way to making a full recovery.
“I see too many parents giving kids a cell phone and just letting them go with no monitoring. Just talk to your kids,” he said.
“On a Friday night, instead of sitting on devices, why not bring back family game night? Play Yahtzee or Game of Life? Kids need to feel their parents are tuned in and they can tell if they’re not.”
Sgt. Henry isn’t the only one alarmed with increased cell phone usage by kids.
Along with the risk of children becoming a victim through unmonitored cell phone use, studies are showing other negative consequences in terms of mental health.
A study done by researchers at the Western University of London Ont., discovered children were more likely to present with symptoms of anxiety and depression with excessive screen time. Additionally, a 2023 study published in the Journal of the Human Development and Capabilities found that every year before age 13 that a child acquired a cell phone, their mental health and well being were likely to decrease.
The study found links to kids who used smartphones before the age of 13 with sleep disruptions, cyberbullying and negative family relationships.
A hawk is carefully removed form some Lamont Public Works heavy equipment prior to be transported to the Strathcona Raptor Centre on July 22.
$20/wk for the first 35 words 45¢ for each additional word 4 Papers 16,000 readers
NOTICES. EVENTS. ANNOUNCEMENTS. THANKS. MEMORIALS. SALES. RENTALS. REAL ESTATE. GIVE AWAYS. & MORE! PRICING
COMING EVENTS
Toonie Clothing Sale.
Friday, Aug. 8 - 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 9 - 9 a.m. to Noon. Daysland United Church. 31p
LIVE IT OUT!
VBS is happening again this year, hosted at Viking Alliance Church This is open to all children who will be going into kindergarten, all the way through to kids who will be going into grade 6 this Fall. There is no cost. It will be running this year from August 18 to 22
To register, visit vikingalliancechurch.com and go to the VBS 2025 page. We look forward to seeing you there!
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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
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Raspberries are ready!!! Garden Vegetables ready!!! East of Sedgewick, off Highway 13, turn north on RR122, then go north 3 miles. Helen Tanton - 780-888-6800 28tfnc
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102nd Annual Lougheed Fair
THIS SATURDAY!
August 9 starting at 8 am. Parade at 10:30. Show N Shine at 1. Beer Gardens / Market Vendors
Kids Entertainment / Food / Snacks / Exhibits Full day of events for all ages you do not want to miss!
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
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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
FOR SALE
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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
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
FOR SALE
Trees for sale: Brian has the following for sale: Windbreak trees, poplars, disease resistant and fuzz free. AC Sundancer, fast-growing, 3 years old; Open leaf poplar, fastgrowing, 3 years old; Laurel leaf Willows, 2-16', 2-12', and 4-6' available. Cherry and Plum trees also available. Buyer’s responsibility to dig out all trees. Call Brian to make an appointment at 780-678-0053. Must be gone by Aug. 15 30/31p
If there is anyone looking for any raspberries or cherries from Daysand and area, you can get them beside the Daysland Pharmacy from Brian's Market Garden. Open Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. 30/31p ————————————————
For anybody who likes picking berries, Brian would like them to come and pick raspberries. They should bring their own pails, and must call for an appointment for the day and time. After 2 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, or after 4 p.m on Saturdays, or anytime on Sunday. Picking will be done every two days at $10 per gallon pail. Contact Brian at 780-678-0053 to make your appointment. 30/31p
INTEGRITY POST FRAME BUILDINGS since 2008 BUILT WITH CONCRETE POSTS. Barns, Shops, Riding Arenas, Machine Sheds and more, sales@integritybuilt.com 1-866-974-7678 www.integritybuilt.com.
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*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.
REAL ESTATE
Josh Post REALTOR ® The Foundry Real Estate Co. Buying? Selling? Let's Find the Fit for You! Call/Text 780-238-7694 TM27-32P
SERVICES
General Contractor
Red Seal Journeyman Plumber and Gasfitter. Bathroom Renos & Tile New to the Area. 30 plus Years of Experience. Dave 403-999-8464
———————————————— 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**. TM27-32P
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Painting
Quality Residential and Commercial Interior Painting. Betty Tkaczyk 780-632-8749
——————————————— 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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CRIMINAL RECORD? Why suffer employment/licensing loss? Travel/business opportunities? Be embarrassed? Think: Criminal Pardon. US entry waiver. Record purge. File destruction. Free consultation. 1-800-347-2540.
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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.
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VISIT OSOYOOS, BC - A haven for snowbirds looking for milder winter weather and an abundance of activities! Hotel suites starting from just $850/month. Learn more at www.osoyoossnowbirds.com; call the Osoyoos Visitor Centre at 1-888-676-9667 or email: visit@destinationosoyoos.com to request digital information on wintering in Osoyoos.
FIREARMS WANTED FOR OUR 2025 AUCTION PROGRAM: Firearms, Ammunition, Accessories, or Militaria. Collections, Estates or single items. For Auction, or Possible Purchase: Contact us: 1-800-694-2609, Email: sales@switzersauction.com or Visit us www.switzersauction.com for Auction Dates & Details.
Lamont Farmer’s Market manager stepping down
BY JANA SEMENIUK
Anke Schroeder, Market Manager
for the
Lamont Farmer’s Market
for the past two years, announced her resignation from the volunteer position, via social media, July 31.
Schroeder took over from the market’s original manager, Peggy Sawchuk, who passed away in Oct. 2023.
“As I step down from my role, it’s time to make space for a new team with fresh energy and ideas to take the market to its next level. I’m excited to see it grow and thrive in the years ahead,” she wrote.
In a later interview with the Lamont Leader, Schroeder said she will be filling her time working on her interior design business in addition to her role with the Fort Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce and focusing on her health.
“I really have to concentrate on my business as an interior designer, and I really have to look
after my health as well,” she said. “I was really running myself to the ground lately, and I had to make some hard decisions for myself, and to concentrate on my core business. Also, I wanted to concentrate on being a director for the Fort Saskatchewan and District (Chamber of Commerce).”
In addition to managing the market, Schroeder was also a vendor with her jewelry business Black Cat Designs.
“I'm very proud of all
my vendors and all the customers who have been so supportive and maybe now we can reach new customers and some other vendors and make this market grow,” she said. “Maybe it's time for a new crew to take over and do this.”
Meanwhile, Schroeder said she is proud of the progress the market has made over the past few years including acquiring a highway sign, tripling the number of social media followers in addition to expanding the market for year-
round markets.
“I hope they continue with that,” said Schroeder. “In the end, I can't say what we're going to do, because it’s not me anymore. But I hope that they will continue doing that, because I think it was a good thing to not just completely shut it off.”
Schroeder said the market’s advisory committee will take over, and recently they announced, on social media, that Alycia Swan, with Burnt Bunny, will be the new interim Market Manager.
UNRESERVED ACREAGE SALE RICK AND SANDRA NORTON TOFIELD, ALBERTA
SATURDAY, AUG. 16, 2025 AT 10:00 A.M.
LOCATION: 50501 RG. RD. 192 Tofield, Alberta
DIRECTIONS: Being from Highway 14 & Davidson Rd. (RG. RD. 192) go 1 mile south.
Tractor: 2013 Kubota MX5100 F.W.A. Hydro Tractor, 3-ph, PTO c/w Kubota LA844 F.E.L. c/w quick attach bucket, joystick controls, 484 hrs., S/N 65489
Antique Collector Equipment: AC WF Tractor, complete restore, PTO, pulley cast seat, S/N WF6230, new rubber; (2) JD B Tractors, tricycle front, pulleys, completely restored, S/N 185836 & 256822; (2) AC B Tractors, good rubber, pulleys, S/N B02137 & B9469; International FC Tractor c/w tricycle front, PTO pulley, completely restored, S/N FC41191; Lister 2-cyl. Generator c/w air comp, trailer & box; R.A. Lister 5-hp diesel pump eng. c/w wagon, S/N 564743; Lister 2-hp Pump Eng. c/w trailer, S/N 88229; Fairbanks Morris Z Pump Engine c/w trailer; T. Eaton 6-hp Pump Engine c/w trailer, S/N KC176691
Collector Car: 1949 Buick Super Model 51, 4D, new radial tires, 68628 original miles, blue in color, S/N 25091251
Trailers: Load Trail Tandem Axle Bumper Pull Trailer c/w 20-ft deck, ramps, winch, S/N 4ZECF202081046406; 40-ft Single Axle
Highboy Trailer, yard uses only; 2 W Yard Trailer
Mowers: 2020 Toro Series 3000 Z Master Zero Turn Front Mount Mower c/w 52-inch deck, 280 hrs., S/N 406539373; JD D170 Hydro. Lawn Mower c/w 54-inch deck, 26-hp Equipment: Land Pride 1860 3-ph Rough Cut Mower; 8-ft Blade c/w Skidsteer hook-up; Pallet Forks; 5-ft 3-ph Scarifier; 48-inch & 32-inch Lawn Sweeps; 5-ft F.E.L. Bucket; 250 Galvinized Tank c/w trailer & pump; Magnum A Generac Company 8 KVA Power Generator c/w light tower, 10525 hrs.; Trailer Gas Powered Woodsplitter
Antiques: Louis Hanson Hyd. Lift Barber Leather Chair; Assort. Antique Oil Cans; Antique Oil Tank c/w pump; Assort. Lanterns; 1-gal & 2gal. Cream Cans; Crock Jugs from 1/4-gal. to 3gal; Wooden Barrel; Wooden Phone; 2 Machettes; Brass Fire Extinguisher; Parking
Meter; AC Mailbox; Assort. AC Tractor Parts; Coffee Grinder; Toledo Post Office Scale; Assort. AC Scale Tractors; Harry Batty J & J Taylor Limited Safe c/w combination & key; Harrow Cart; Walking Cultivator; Small Liquor Kegs; Small Steam Tractor replica; Large Assort. Signs; Cast Bell; Assort. Crosscut Saws Tools: 4-Post Electric Over Hyd. Car Hoist; Hyd. Press; Ingersoll Rand Twin Cyl Air Compresser; Gas Powered Washer; Miller 180 Auto Set Mig Welder c/w bottles; Honda FB 5000X, 2000 & 1000 Generator; Acytelene Cutting Torch c/w bottles & cart; Mod-U-Blast Sandblaster Box; (3) Bolt Bins c/w bolts; Makita Planer; 12-ft Band Saw; 3/4-inch Socket Set; Large Openend Wrenches; Drill Press; Cutoff Saw; A-Frame Hoist; Stihl Gas Weeder; Stihl & Husqvarna Chainsaws; Assort. Power Tools; Assort. Wood Working Tools; Pipe Wrenches; Parts Washer; Many more items Miscellaneous: Job Box Alum Ramps; Assort. Ladders; Assort 6-inch x 8-inch Blocking; Quad Sprayer c/w 8-ft booms; Clevises; Booster Cables; Heavy Power Cords; Assort. Slings; Assort Brass Fittings; Assort. Oils & Spray Cans; Assort Auto Parts; Shop Fridge; Microwave; Ice Maker; 4-Drawer Filing Cabinet; Truck Sleeper; 2-inch Honda Water Pump; Large Assort. 2-inch Collapsable Hose; Quad Tires; Chains; Boomers; Live Animal Traps; Jerry Cans; Quad Box; Rachet Straps; Assort. Scrap Iron; Camping Misc.; 24.5 Truck Tires c/w rims; 250-gal. Plastic Water Tank; Firepits; 8-ft x 14-ft Platform; Assort Small Trailer Tires; Alum Toolbox & Fuel Tank combination; Many more items
Guns: Ruger 223 c/w scope S/N 695-12986; Mosberg Defender 12 ga.
Anke Schroeder, with Black Cat designs, models the handiwork of a face painter at the July 11 Lamont Farmer's Market. Schroeder stepped down from her role as market manager July 31. Photo: Anke Schroeder
Community Services: Serving Lamont County, Lamont, Bruderheim, Mundare, Andrew & Chipman (scan the QR code below for info.)
ygyp( ) (VISIT: lamontcounty.ca/community-programming for full posters, dates, contact information & registration info or call 780-8952233 for info./registration). Current CALC, FCSS & KFRN and seniors’ activities include:
1.KFRN: Mindful Meetups – Drop-in programs in July/Aug. (Lamont, Bruderheim & Mundare). 2. Community Awareness Nights – in September.
3. Seniors’ Coffee: 10-11 a.m. (Wed.) in Andrew, & (Thurs.) and in Mundare. Join FCSS for coffee, conversation, snacks, & assistance with senior-related supports. Seniors Coffee is in St. Michael (Thurs.) from 10 a.m. to noon.
4. SUMMER CAMPS & SUMMER FUN - Registration started June 2 (see lamontcounty.ca/community-programming for FCSS & KFRN programs). See Lamont County’s calendar for local community events, public meetings & other important dates lamontcounty.ca/eventscalendar
To access current COMMUNITY SERVICES programs and information, scan the QR code or for FCSS, CALC & KFRN on each of the services’ Facebook pages. | CALC/FCSS/KFRN: 877-895-2233 |
Ukrainian Day 2025 – Ab. Leg. Grounds: “United by Roots and Spirit”
Join the Ukrainian-Canadian Congress – Alberta Provincial Council, for Ukrainian Day on Sunday, August 24 at the Alberta Legislature Grounds in Edmonton (new location this year due to the fire and recovery at Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village). See: uccab.ca/programs/Ukrainian-day. There will be food, drinks, performances, concerts, displays and a lot of entertainment.
Beaver trapping commences in problem areas to reduce damage to infrastructure, water bodies & to open up flow on moving water, some dams will remain as assistance for drought prevention. Keep pets on leash for safety. Note: it is a criminal offense to damage or remove traps. If additional information is needed, contact Agricultural Services at 780-895-2585. For feral pigs/wild boar sightings, learn more: abinvasives.ca/squeal-on-pigs
REMINDER: Lamont County summer roadside work continues. Please exercise caution when passing equipment, including private farm and industrial equipment on our roads. Additional tips and safety around rural crime prevention and scams. See: lamontcounty.ca/departments/enforcementservices/fraud-prevention
Weed Inspections Are Happening! Lamont County Agricultural Services reminds residents that weed inspections are ongoing throughout the growing season and inspectors can be seen in fields and County right-of-ways. Inspectors will be in marked Lamont County vehicles and wearing high-visibility vests (with valid identification). Please contact Agricultural Services if you have any questions at 780-895-2585.
Please Note – inFocus is also accessible online at: lamontcounty.ca/communications (to view full-sized PDF & access hyperlinks).
Beaver Control Reminder and SQUEAL ON PIGS
Other Items of Interest
Weed Wednesday – REMINDERS of noxious weeds and control. See Lamont County Facebook and X for posters each week. Visit: lamontcounty.ca/weeds for a full list of weeds that are commonly identified across Lamont County. This week’s featured prohibited weed is Yellow Clematis, a prohibited noxious weed. If you find it, report it! Learn all about it on the Alberta Invasive Species Council fact sheet: abinvasives.ca/fact-sheet/yellow-clematis. Reminder, when road closed barricades are in place on County roadways, this is done as a safety precaution. Roadways may be under construction or repair, and entry past the road closed barricades may put County employees or travelers at risk of injury or damage to property. Additionally, those disobeying a traffic control device be issued a fine of $243. Please respect all signage and traffic control directions. Thank you and safe travels!
Thank you to everyone who completed the Annual Public Engagement Survey. Results will be compiled and presented at a future Council Meeting. Lamont County Council appreciates everyone who took the time to provide their input.
Scholarship/Bursary opportunity for Lamont County Residents: The Association of Alberta Agricultural FieldmenAAAF Memorial Bursary has a September 1 deadline. Visit lamontcounty.ca/scholarships for information on how to apply (send your application to the Ag. Fieldman). This is intended for students continuing their education at a College or University; and students must be enrolled in an agricultural, environmental science or related program.
Municipal Election Information –lamontcounty.ca/municipalelection
Local County and municipality events, farmers’ markets, community services programming (including summer camps), community celebrations and activities, Council and committee meetings, etc., can be found at: lamontcounty.ca/eventscalendar
Reeve’s Annual Charity Golf Tournament – SOLD OUT (a few spaces to golf opened up last weekcontact economicdevelopment @lamontcounty.ca ASAP if you want to golf and have not registered yet). These spaces are on a first come basis. Donation opportunity for swag & prize sponsorship also available.
Recent News Posts (lamontcounty.ca/news)
Scholarship Opportunity - AAAF Bursary (Sept. 1 deadline) (July 29)
Temporary Road Closures (July 28)
Intermunicipal Subdivision and Development Appeal Board - Call for Members-At-Large (July 28)
Planned Power Outage (July 23)
NEWS RELEASE – Second Annual Great Bruderheim Water Fight Makes a Splash Across… (July 15)
Confirm you are registered to vote in the 2025 Municipal Election at voterlink.ab.ca
Council Meeting Highlights – June 10 (lamontcounty.ca/governance/ agendas-minutes)
Council Meeting Highlights – June 24
Registration Renewal Reminder
If your last name or company begins with the letters E, Gr, and R, remember to get your registration renewed before the end of August! See monthly reminders: alberta.ca/vehicle-registration-expiry-date-chart.aspx Brought to you by the Elk Island Traffic Safety Partners.
REGULAR COUNCIL AND Agricultural Service Board (ASB) Meetings
The public is welcome to attend any scheduled meeting in person or virtually). Meetings start at 9 a.m. in Council Chambers/Lam ont County Admin. Bldg. (unless otherwise noted).
Next Regular Council Meeting: Tuesday, August 12 | Next ASB meeting: Wednesday, August 13 lamontcounty.ca/governance/agendas-minutes | lamontcounty.ca/agendas-minutes-asb