INCLUDE YOUR BUSINESS Christmas s Greetings section
Christmas Marketplace - 2/9
Lukaszuk squirming - 4
Fire destroys beloved local restaurant
BY JANA SEMENIUK
Bruderheim’s Highway 45 restaurant was gutted by fire in the early morning hours of Dec. 3.
The popular Chinese eatery, a staple in the small town for many years, was completely lost in the blaze.
RCMP Spokesperson Cpl. Troy Savinkoff said although the cause is still undetermined, it does not seem suspicious.
“At 3:29 a.m., Fort Saskatchewan RCMP responded to a report of a structure fire at a restaurant on 48 street in Bruderheim. Upon arrival, the fire had already engulfed the building,” said Savinkoff.
“RCMP assisted with traffic control and scene containment. The structure was a total loss. RCMP continue to work with the fire investigator to determine cause. The fire does not appear suspicious at this time.”
Lamont County Communications Coordinator Jay Zaal also confirmed by email that Lamont County emergency crews were dispatched at 3:25 a.m. and said they arrived approximately 10 minutes later. Zaal also confirmed the building was not salvageable.
“Crews were dispatched to a working structure fire on Highway 45 on the south edge of Bruderheim, and arrived to a fully involved single-story restaurant,” said Zaal by email.
Zaal also confirmed that no injuries were reported and the “building has suffered a roof collapse and will be a total loss.”
Meanwhile, fans of the popular restaurant shared more than 35 messages of support for the business owners on the Highway 45 social media page.
“Our family's favourite,” said one commenter. “Devastating news to wake up to this morning, but we’re happy to know you're all safe.”
“Sorry for the loss of this building, many good memories, hope that you will rebuild,” said another. “Bruderheim will not be the same without this business... great food and friendly staff.”
While some gave messages of condolence, others shared fond memories of a time in the early 80s when the restaurant was known as Max’s Drive In. Kids flocked to the then-burgerjoint for “fries and gravy and played table-top pac-man”.
Bruderheim AG Society member Sherry Cote said the news is “devastating”. Bruderheim Mayor Ron Ewasiuk said he hopes the owners will recover and rebuild.
“Like everyone I was very sad to hear of the fire at Highway 45 restaurant,” said Ewasiuk. “On behalf of council, our prayers are with the owners, and we hope they can rebuild in time.”
The owners put a post on their social media page acknowledging the fire and said they will update as more information is available.
Bruderheim's Highway 45 restaurant in happier days.Smoldering remains of the town's popular chinese restaurant.
The restaurant is engulfed in flames during the early morning of Dec. 3.
Petition to recall MLA Armstrong-Homeniuk approved
BY JOHN MATHER
A recall petition aimed at removing Fort Saskatchewan-Vegreville MLA Jackie Armstrong Homeniuk from office has been approved by Elections Alberta.
Organizers of the campaign sent out a press release late Dec. 8, advising the local media of this.
The petition was submitted by Edwin Laarz, a resident of Fort Saskatchewan-Vegreville who decided to be the applicant for the recall petition in response to widespread concerns from community members regarding representation, accountability, and responsiveness from the current MLA.
He can be contacted at info@recalljackie.ca on ce the website is done.
“On December 8, 2025, the Chief Electoral Officer, Gordon McClure, confirmed that the requirements of section 2 had been met and the application meets the requirements for approval of a recall peti-
tion.” The releases said.
Jackie ArmstrongHomeniuk has 7 days to make a statement.”
In its official statement advising the recall, organizers wrote, “Jackie Armstrong-Homeniuk fails to represent Fort Saskatchewan-Vegreville with the accessibility, accountability, and engagement constituents deserve. Residents report unanswered emails, ignored phone calls, and a lack of engagement or presence at critical community discussions.
“When voters require
strong, visible advocacy she remains silent, such as when the government chose to remove citizens’ rights by invoking the notwithstanding clause, or when supporting the Mature Asset Strategy, which shifts orphan well cleanup costs onto landowners.
“Her association with the 2022 essay scandal shows a history of poor judgement. Fort Saskatchewan-Vegreville deserves an MLA who shows up, listens, and defends those they serve,” wrote Laarz.
Once officially issued by Elections Alberta, the recall petition will require 14,688 signatures from eligible voters in the constituency to trigger a by-election.
Organizers said they will announce signing locations, volunteer opportunities, and additional information through social media and the official recall website www.recalljackie.ca which is currently under construction.
Accident at intersection south of Mundare
BY JANA SEMENIUK
A two-vehicle collision occurred at the intersection of Highway 16 and 855 on Dec. 1.
Vegreville RCMP received a report at 6:31 a.m. of the accident between a Ford Edge and a Dodge Caravan. One driver was ticketed for failing to proceed safely after stopping at the intersection. No injuries were reported.
The intersection south of Mundare
has been a heated subject for elected officials and residents over the years as 14 collisions have occurred there since 2022 - with four of them fatal.
This past summer, there were three related to the intersection itself, within two weeks of each other, two of them fatal.
This past July, a 61-year-old man lost his life in one collision, and a 17year-old girl lost her life in another.
hardson
Fort SaskatchewanVegreville MLA Jackie Armstrong Homeniuk
Braya Melnyk, 10 months, along with brother, Renn, 3, mom Tasha, and dad Tristan all took the time to visit Santa Claus when he stopped at Mundare’s Town Hall Dec. 6. Cold weather forced the cancellation of the sleigh rides, but other events went off without a hitch. John Mather photo.
Opinion
It’s fun watching Thomas Lukaszuk squirm
BY JOHN MATHER
Thomas Lukaszuk, who led the wildly successful Canadian Forever campaign to oppose Alberta separation has suddenly been made aware that what he asked for was a referendum and what he will probably get is a referendum on Alberta’s separation from Canada.
That’s not what he wanted.
He wanted to stop the separatists in Alberta from getting their own referendum onto the table and put to a public vote.
But now it appears, his simple question, “Do you agree that Alberta should remain in Canada?” may go to a desired referendum.
And as much as he says he wants to put Danielle Smith on the hot seat and have her put it to a vote in the Alberta Legislature, that’s not what his petition said.
As received by Elections Alberta on June 5, 2025, it states:
“Therefore we, as represented by the signatory and applicant below propose a referendum on the following question…”
And that was what was submitted by Thomas Lukaszuk, former deputy premier of Alberta.
Suddenly, someone must have pointed it out to him, something I pointed out weeks ago, that voters might say yes and nip the process in the bud, or they might vote overwhelmingly no and then Thomas is the saviour of the Alberta Separatist movement.
Right now, I’m sure those various separatist factions, for they certainly aren’t united, are smiling and high fiving each other in their respective dens for pushing this forward.
You can bet when a date for a referendum is announced they will pull out all the stops to push for a no vote on Lukaszuk’s referendum question.
And Thomas will have massive amounts of egg on his face.
Oh the shame of it all!
Now I’m sure he will use this collection of signatures to collect a list of names and email addresses, line up campaign organizers and organize for a future run at the leadership of an existing or yet to be formed political party.
I fully believe Lukaszuk has been biding his time to throw his name back into provincial political circles.
In a letter to those who have viewed the Forever Canadian web site, he writes, “There have always been regional disagreements, and there will probably always be.
“However, what sets Canada apart from most nations is the fact that we have strong democratic mechanisms and institutions that allow us to either negotiate or litigate these differences. Threats of secession and weaponizing separatism are not part of our political process or a negotiation tactic. We must reject those who deploy such measures.”
“This is why I decided to mobilize Forever Canadian, a group of my friends from all walks of life, with very diverse political beliefs, to give Canadians living in Alberta an opportunity to reject separatism, show our unconditional love for Canada, and send a clear message to the world that Canada is not divisible.”
Why he never thought that his question could be rejected in a no vote is beyond me.
But now, he’s trying to put Smith into a corner by arguing far and wide to whoever will listen to put it to a vote where the Legislature will vote on this.
Now there may be some with a separatist bent in the UCP membership and even among MLAs.
By trying to trick Smith into calling for a legislative vote would force her to possibly see a fracturing of her caucus, something, as
Lukaszuk knows no politician is going to do. So he backtracks.
In the left wing Tyee publication he states, “I appreciate the dilemma of her position,” Lukaszuk concluded, “but, let’s be frank, it was Jason Kenney and her who put themselves into this position in the first place. First, they curated this sentiment of criticism within their own party. Then they created legislation for these referenda, and then they even made it easier for separatists to have these referenda. So they have no one else to blame but themselves.”
But it was Thomas who moved ahead, quite gleefully, with his own Forever Canadian petition to beat the separatists at their own game.
But it hasn’t!
“I chose the pathway that’s legislative, that gives her the opportunity to not call a referendum,” he said. “Separatists chose the pathway that forces her to have a referendum. I’m giving her an opportunity to do the right thing.”
“I certainly hope there is no referendum,” he added. “There doesn’t need to be one. Nearly half a million Albertans spoke loud and clear. But if there is one, I’m ready for it. I’m pivoting my campaign from a petitionsignature gathering campaign to a referendum campaign, and we’ll be prepared for it, just in case.”
The only problem is that’s not what his petition application said.
It proudly states “referendum.”
You made your bed Thomas. Now you have to lay in it.
Kerry Anderson Publisher John Mather Reporter Jana Semeniuk Reporter Crystal Moren
BY HAZEL ANAKA
Have you ever noticed…that the provincial government didn’t have an issue with the recall legislation they put into place until their own MLAs began ending up in the crosshairs? It was deemed a mechanism to make democracy work better and give the people a say in the removal of an unfit councillor. Everything was hunky dory when the only people being targeted were local government officials like councillors, mayors, reeves. It even happened in Lamont County. After untold cost and bureaucratic investigative time, the accusations were deemed unfounded. And the only result was a varnished reputation. Now that at least 14 MLAs including the Premier
FROM WHERE I SIT: Have You Ever Noticed…
are the targets of recall petitions it’s not so funny. The fact that the provincial government used the Notwithstanding Clause of the constitution to end the recent teachers’ strike raised the ire of thousands of people. Because there are so many petitions to certify and investigate, Elections Alberta has requested and gotten more money to hire additional staff to get the work done.
Unless I’m sorely mistaken, I thought regular elections were a way for people to rid themselves of candidates they no longer wanted representing them. There have always been provisions in legislation empowering the Minister of Municipal Affairs to remove an elected official whose behaviour was especially grievous. But maybe I’m out of touch. A good old-fashioned tar and feathering in the town square allows Joe Public to vent his outrage in front of a crowd. Lord knows, everyone feels powerless, is mad about something, and has rights, dammit.
Have you ever noticed…that the very
motor vehicle crashes that turn a highway into a parking lot, ruin any hope of getting somewhere on time, and give rise to road rage are also a rubbernecker’s delight? We encountered two such situations on Friday. The early one resulted in me canceling a medical appointment I’d had for months. Now I’m on a wait list in hopes of getting in before February. Of course, crash sites after dark (think 4:30 PM) look so much worse because of the flashing lights of so many emergency responders. The police and sheriff vehicles, fire trucks, ambulances, tow trucks put on a multicoloured light show. The lights visible for miles don’t actually tell you which lane/s have been closed off until you’re caught in the wrong one. Then you’re either hoping for the kindness of strangers to let you merge ever so gratefully or cursing the jerk who’s racing to the head of the line only to cut you off there.
Then, as we crawl by the actual scene, we turn into amateur crash investigators. “That truck must have t-boned that
Lamont and Area
LAMONT UNITED CHURCH 5306 - 51 Ave., Lamont, AB 780-895-2145
Rev. Deborah Brill
SUNDAY
11:15 AM
Everyone
SUV. Oh, no, I think that red car ran the stop sign cuz look where the other guy ended up.” There are firefighters directing traffic and sweeping up debris. The ambulance is gone, the tow trucks haven’t yet arrived. The truth of the matter is that 99% of the time it’s driver error. Driving too fast, too aggressively for the road conditions. Just because Highway 29 was dry and clear doesn’t mean the Henday won’t be a skating rink especially since Edmonton got rain the day before. If you don’t have time to drive for the conditions, how on earth will you have time for the police, ambulance, tow truck, hospital stay, rehab appointments, missed work, insurance claims, and body shop?
Have you ever noticed…that Zellers lives again? After my missed appointment we ended up at Londonderry Mall to have lunch. I don’t understand how Zellers can exist if its parent company (The Bay) went under. We did a quick walkthrough of the single level store. It seems to have a lot of clothing. Nearly every item in the
AA Meetings Thursdays at 8:00 pm Bruderheim
store was at least 50% off. If a person is looking for investment wardrobe pieces, this is not the place to go. Qualitywise, it would be on par with Walmart, (Canadian) Giant Tiger, H & M, Old Navy, and other fast fashion shops. However, if money is tight, you’re clothing an entire family, and you no longer need a career wardrobe, your dollar will go further. Apparently, the store has been open about a month. I’ve seen no advertising so maybe management hopes word of mouth spreads the news. A young father got me to weigh on barrette choices for this 4year-old daughter so I did my good deed of the day!
Have you ever noticed…how many cashiers, front counter workers, and waitstaff are Ukrainian? Because the accent is unmistakeable, I always start a conversation. How long have you been in Canada? Do you like it here? Was your family in danger? Are you going back after the war? The stories all have a similar refrain, a sadness, an air of surrender and accept-
ance that the war will drag on for years and that Putin is untouchable. I make like a store greeter and offer a heartfelt welcome to Canada. I hope this holiday season you think hard before signing petitions of any kind, stay safe on the roads, save some money on your gift giving, and treat everyone you encounter with kindness, from where I sit.
From the files of the Lamont Leader
Nov. 12, 2014 issue of the Lamont Leader: Dr. John Slanina based in Lamont shared the horrors of treating patients at war with the Leader readers. The doctor was overseas with Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry 2002-2003 treating many landmine victims.
Lamont AG Society honours past member with donation
AG Society helps Fill the Tree on behalf of Donna Carter
BY JANA SEMENIUK
Lamont AG Society president Terry Eleniak dropped by the Lamont Leader office on Nov. 27 to give a special donation to the Lamont Leader Fill The Tree Campaign; A $250 check in the name of late AG Society member Donna Carter who passed away in the fall.
Eleniak said the donation was put forward by the AG Society’s board members as a way to honour Carter who contributed so much to the organization over the decades.
“As a board and association, we felt that Donna was really instrumental in the development of the Lamont and District AG Society,” said Eleniak. “We wanted to acknowledge her and the dedication she’s given to the AG Society and the community.”
Carter’s daughter, Kathy Corcoron said Carter was a member of the society from the 70s through 2015 and remembers her mother’s dedication to seeing the organization succeed.
Even in her later years when her health was beginning to fail, Corcoran said Carter still found ways to support the AG Society.
“If mom could get on the AG society float and ride in the (parade) she
was going to do it,” said Corcoran. “It was always in her nature to help others.”
Corcoran also said as the president of the AG Society, Carter was a force that got the Society’s buildings built. She said Carter wasn’t afraid to voice her concerns and raised large amounts of money for other community events such as the Terry Fox Run.
Meanwhile, Eleniak also credits Carter with engaging the youth through the 4-H clubs to help bring up the next generation through the Society.
“She dealt with the kids because that’s the next generation. She was very instrumental in gymkhana and having kids events to help them get involved,” he said.
Today, Eleniak said one of the two barns at the AG Society grounds is named ‘Carter Corral’ after the former president. He said he is also grateful to Carter’s daughter for her work with the society.
“Kathy really carried on some of her mother’s legacies. It was evident that Donna’s traits moved over to Kathy as well,” said Eleniak.
Carter passed away Oct. 14 at the age of 90.
Holiday Schedule
• Friday, Dec. 5- Noon Deadline to ORDER New Printing for 2025 pickup (still working on existing orders in this time, new orders may not be ready until January due to print shop holidays)
• Monday, Dec. 15 - NoonDeadline to book Ads or Submit News for Wednesday, Dec. 17 edition
• Tuesday, Dec. 16 - Lamont Leader office open 8:30 - 4 4 pm deadline: to book regular or holiday greeting ad in the December 22 Christmas paper, or donate to Fill the Tree
*any names that come in after noon Wednesday will be acknowledged in the New Year’s edition*
• Friday, Dec. 19 - LEADER OFFICE CLOSED
• Monday, Dec. 22 - FINAL PAPER OF 2025 HITS STORES & MAILBOXES ON SPECIAL EARLY DAY!
• Tuesday, Dec. 23 - Monday, Dec. 29 - OFFICE CLOSED
There will be no response to any messages during this time due to staff holidays. We will still be receiving payments and submissions via mail and email & subscriptions. Bills can be paid via e-transfer to lmtleader@gmail.com using secret answer ‘leader’
• Tuesday, Dec. 30 9-5 - OFFICE OPEN
Limited staff available, office mainly open to receive bill payments and subscription renewals
• Wednesday, Dec. 31 - Sunday, Jan. 4 - OFFICE CLOSED
• Monday, Jan. 5 - OFFICE OPEN Normal hours & operations resume
• Wednesday, Jan. 7 - First Edition of 2026 - normal deadlines
Donna Carter's birthday was celebrated with family and cake while in long term care in 2021.
Terry Eleniak, president of the Lamont AG Society, hands a cheque to the Lamont Leader office administrator, Crystal Moren. The $250 check was donated to the Lamont Leader's Fill the Tree Campaign in the name of former AG Society member Donna Carter. Photo: Jana Semeniuk
Pembina steps up for County of Lamont Food Bank building
BY JANA SEMENIUK
The County of Lamont Food Bank received a huge boost from Pembina Pipelines towards their building fund last week.
The corporation announced a community-matching campaign where every dollar donated to the food bank by the community will be matched by Pembina up to $20,000. All funds in this campaign will go directly to the food bank’s new building fund.
“This contribution from Pembina comes at a crucial time,” said County of Lamont Food Bank Chairperson, Jody Zachoda. “By turning their support into a matching challenge, Pembina is helping us accelerate progress
toward a safe, dignified, purpose-built home for the food bank. Every dollar raised will go directly toward building this much-needed facility.”
The Town of Lamont recently confirmed a Memorandum of Understanding with the food bank, ensuring land located behind the Town’s arena as the site for the new facility.
According to statistics provided by the CLFB, food hampers distributed to needy families have nearly doubled since 2019. Growing from 476 that year to a staggering 900 hampers in 2024.
Zachoda said their current facility, a mobile trailer at the Alliance Church, is less than 800 square feet and very cramped.
A press release stated that in addition to accessing food security and programming, each year, food bank volunteers and Lamont County Community Services staff, also deliver hampers to clients without transportation, ensuring equitable access across all communities.
In addition to compiling weekly food hampers, Zachoda said, with the help of FCSS (Family and Community Support Services), they also now offer addictions counselling and are hoping to include many more services in the new building.
She added that the building will be a 5,000 square foot facility that would encompass the commercial kitchen in addition to office space,
Kayden King scores 7
KERRY ANDERSON
These are some of the results from Minor Hockey League games held recently. (Please note that scores and scoring is taken from the websites, and some game scores and scoring is dependent on proper league entries). If any players or teams are missing from the report please notify me at kamcjm@gmail.com with the player name, team and website.
Elk Island U11s didn’t play. The team is led by Alex Holt’s 38 points (35g 3a) in 12 GP. The team plays Smoky Lake on Dec. 21.
Elk Island U13 Wild (56-0) travelled to Lac La Biche on Saturday and beat the home team 7-3 with Kayden King scoring all seven goals for Wild. Assists went to; Damon Rolando Bouzane (3a), Samuel
Kimball (2a), Clara Holt (1a), Landen O’Connell (1a), Sawyer Wytrykush (1a), Quinn Dickinson (1a), Christian McLeod (1a), Hunter Kobylka (1a), Jaxton Fertuck (1), and Jaxon Calder (1). Jake Holt got the win in goal.
Ryan Carstairs has 5g 5a 10pts for Fort Saskatchewan U17 AAA Rangers so far this hockey season.
space for walk in coolers and plenty of food storage. She said a tentative sod turning could be in 2027.
“We are honoured to receive this $20,000 matching grant which will help us stretch donations for our building
fund at a time when we have clearly outgrown our current facility,” said Zachoda.
“When community members give now, their generosity is instantly doubled, helping us move closer to a space that can better serve the
increasing number of families who rely on us for years to come.”
Donations can be made through the Lamont Leader Fill the Tree campaign, or more options can be viewed at countylamontfoodbank.c om.
of
decided to dress up in a Christmas outfit when she set up her
at
annual Christmas marketplace Dec. 6. Her com-
a variety of local markets during the year.
Nancy Reilly
Mundare
bread stand
Mundare’s
pany, Baked Goods Sourdough, travels to
John Mather photo.
Cando expands portfolio with Houston acquisition
BY JOHN MATHER,
Cando Rail and Terminals, which operates a massive rail yard in Alberta’s Industrial Heartland, has announced it has completed the acquisition of the rail terminal and associated operations of Texas Deepwater Partners (“Texas Deepwater”).
It is a joint venture
project formed by USD Group LLC and Pinto Realty Partners to develop a premier energy logistics terminal on the Houston Ship Channel.
“Today marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter as we add our first terminal in the United States to our network of terminals,” said Brian Cornick, President
and Chief Executive Officer of Cando. “The Cando Channelview Terminal is a multi-customer, multi-purpose railcar storage, staging, and transload terminal strategically located on the north side of the Houston Ship Channel, serving many of the world’s largest petrochemical producers.
The acquisition allows Cando’s network the capacity to store and stage more than 13,000 railcars.
The company now owns and operates 15 rail terminals and one short line railway, in addition to providing rail operations at more than 50 customer locations.
Maschmeyer gets Goldeneyes’ first shutout
BY JOHN MATHER
The Vancouver Goldeneyes rounded out a dismal road trip in Boston Dec. 4 with a 2-0 loss to the Fleet.
Boston rookie Abby Newhook opened the scoring in the first period when she managed to put the puck last Goldeneye’s goalie Emerance Maschmeyer. After a scoreless second frame, Boston’s Jill Saulnier added the insur-
BY JOHN MATHER
The Fort Saskatchewan and Lamont District Chamber of Commerce has put the brakes on the organization’s annual trade show.
The trade show had been an annual spring ritual in Fort Saskatchewan for the past 40 years, but the chamber’s board of directors decided to pause the event citing participation trends, industry changes, and community feedback.
“Although there will undoubtedly be some disappointment surrounding this news, it affords the Chamber a great opportunity to take the time to revisit the trade show,” said Colin Fagnan, Executive Director of the Chamber in a news release.
“Taking a pause for one year means we can ensure that when this event returns, it reaches greater heights.”
A dedicated Trade Show Revitalization Committee, chaired by the Chamber’s new President, Wade Robichaud, is being formed to lead the redesign.
ance marker for Boston scoring at 6:40 of the third frame.
Despite the loss, Coach Brian Idalski spoke highly of Maschmeyer’s efforts.
“I thought she was terrific for us, gave us a chance, kept us in there.
Vancouver returned to the friendly confines off the Pacific Coliseum on Dec. 6 taking on New York.
There Maschmeyer
This committee will examine new formats, fresh ideas, and innovative approaches – poten-
was sharp once again, shutting out the Sirens.
Vancouver came out strong scoring a trio of goals in the first frame on their way to the win.
Abby Boreen scored a pair of goals in the first including the eventual game winner at 4:42 from Tereza Vanisova.
Ashton Bell scored at 16:30 followed 39 seconds later by a third goal from Jenn Gardiner with
and
returns.
a short handed effort.
After a scoreless second period, Boreen got her second at 5:47 of the third from Gardiner and Sophie Jacques on a Goldeneye power play.
Maschmeyer was named the first star of the game stopping all 28 shots that New York fired at her.
Vancouver will host Ottawa on Dec. 16 and then host Montreal on Dec. 20.
The shutout was the third of Maschmeyer’s career and first in Goldeneyes history.
$20/wk
ANNOUNCEMENT
Adopt Someone Special Help bring joy to those in need by providing a surprise gift. Each $17 sponsorship provides a gift wrapped Mary Kay Mint Bliss foot lotion, and fuzzy socks! Sponsor 3 or more at $15 each.
Contact Sonya Martens 780-240-4605 www.marykay.ca/smartens TM47-50p
COMING EVENTS
Viking & District Ag Society
Annual General Meeting
Wednesday January 14, 2026 7pm
Viking Community Hall New Members Welcome
Strome Community Christmas Bash
Friday, Dec. 12 at Strome Hall. Happy Hour starts 5:30 p.m. Catered by 5-1-5-0 Smokehouse & Catering. Live Music by Mourning Wood. Tickets $50 Available from Brenda Hauck 780-678-5441 and Brenda Wolbeck 780-781-3550. 48/49c
LUTEFISK DINNER
Golden Valley Lutheran Church
Friday, Jan 9th, 2026, at 5:30pm Tickets are $35.00 each ADVANCE TICKETS ONLY
Contact Muriel at 336-2444 48/1WRc
You are invited to attend the Sedgewick SDA Church's Annual Christmas Concert "There Was A Baby" December 13, 2025 at 7:00 PM Luncheon to Follow Blue Sign - 42031 - RR 131 Come let us adore HIM!
CLASSIFIEDS
COMING EVENTS
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Candlelight Service
Viking United Church
Sunday, December 14 @ 7:00 pm Everyone Welcome. Refreshments to follow. Donations to the Christmas Hamper program
You are invited to attend the Service of Lament and Light at Knox United Church, 4930-49 Street, Killam
Thursday, December 11th @ 7:00 p.m.
There are many reasons why we might not feel like celebrating at Christmastime.
We understand that. Our Service of Lament and Light is a safe space for just that; acknowledging all the grief that can be felt more poignantly this season.
Please call if you have any questions about the event.
RSVP @ 780-385-3642
Knox United is also holding a Memory Tree fundraiser at $5/bulb for names of loved ones that are then read aloud during the service.
Fee and Sons Funeral Home and Crematorium 4810 - 53 Street, Killam, AB
MEIER GUN AUCTION
Saturday, December 20 - 10am
Wetaskiwin - Selling Rifles, Shot Guns, Antique Firearms, Gun Safes, Ammunition, Scopes, Sportsman Equipment. Consign now! Free Pick-Up. Call 780-440-1860; www.meierauction.com.
FOR SALE
4 Violins/ cases, 2 cases, box Violin parts. All $650.00
2 Vintage Guitars, 1 damaged Fender with cases $325.00.
Phone 780-662-3431 TM48-49P
Steel Seacan Storage 10ft x 40ft, 3 Double Doors White. Year 2024. No Rust nor Damage. Original Owner. Seacan condition will compliment all Yardsites
Located: Lamont / Bruderheim $9,800. Ph: 780 940 2984 39/51p
FOR SALE
•Tanaka Pro Force 305 6 inch
Ice Auger, carrying case, manual, and spare plug
•Husquavarna 55 Rancher Chainsaw, 18" bar, spare chain, and case - good condition
•GE 24 inch front-load dishwasher (NOS) Model GLD4209L15WW
$350 for each item, OBO. Call 780-888-1336 ————————————————
If anybody is looking for some items for Christmas, Brian has the following for sale:
• Starfrit Cherry Pitter - brand new, never been used - $21.
• Starfrit Electric Knife - only used once - $30.
Call Brian at 780-678-0053 by Dec. 15th if interested.
FOR RENT
Farmhouse for Rent
Between Forestburg & Killam. Central to Forestburg, Galahad, Strome, Killam 1 bedroom with upstairs loft Full Basement. Fridge, stove, washer, dryer. 1 Bathroom. Rent includes Utilities. Call 780-878-1837. References Required. 48/50p
Small Commercial Room For Rent
Perfect for hair, esthetics, lash, office etc. Own parking, separate back entrance.
Bathroom for you and clients, water access in room. Minimum one year. 4912 52 Ave TOFIELD, AB Message if interested. Please text 780-672-4033
TM45-46P
Storage Unit For Rent in Killam
Inside private warehouse building behind Community Press office. Security cameras on site, building heated in winter. Upstairs units available, approx 8’ x 12’. Back alley access only.
$99/mo. with $100 damage deposit. Or pre-pay for 6 months for $495 (1 month free) or pre-pay for 1 year for $990 (2 months free). Rental contract required. First month due at signing. Call/Leave Voicemail for Ally 780-385-6693 or stop by The Community Press office on Main Street in Killam.
HELP WANTED
———————
Flagstaff Community Adult Learning “Learn here, Connect here, Belong here.”
We are looking for a Program Coordinator to join our team. You will be the lead in recruiting, training and supporting volunteer tutors, as well as planning and facilitating courses for adults.
• 21 hours/week (schedule negotiable)
• $23/hour
• Based in Killam, driver’s licence required
• Experience with teaching English an asset
• Must be very organized, adaptable and able to build connections with a wide range of people
Please forward your resume and cover letter to director@fcal.net 49/50c
REAL ESTATE
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½ Section Pastureland NE 35 & NW 36-41-10-W4 located south of Hardisty in the Battle River valley at RR 101 & TWP RD 420. Fenced, cross-fenced, mix of seeded and tame grass with large dug-out, pumping system, full power on site with gravel revenue. Call Mike Golka REMAX River City 780-914-9889 MLS#’s E4447511 & E4447499 tfnc
Drywall Taping/ Ceiling Texturing
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Bruderheim focused on slashing budget
Councillor Quijano Acosta notes several concerns
BY JANA SEMENIUK
The Town of Bruderheim’s new council focused most of their Dec. 6 budget meeting on ways to decrease the budget.
Interim Chief Administrative Officer Dennis Tomuschat explained that the budget is an interim operating budget at 50 percent of last year’s budget with final numbers to be decided in the spring.
“The finalized budget will come due sometime in May, because we have school requisitions, RCMP acquisitions, seniors’ requisitions, we don't typically get those until April (or) May, and then we can set the tax rate and move forward from there,” he said.
Councillor Arlie Young questioned funding aimed at the Resilient Rurals program which saw expenses of $55,000 in 2024 and nearly $40,000 in 2025. According to the program’s website, it was created in 2015 by partnering with the towns of Lamont, Gibbons and Bruderheim in order to “advance climate adaptation solutions”.
“There’s a big-ticket price on here,” said councillor Luis Diaz. Sherry Cote, staff member with the Town, said in most cases the costs associated with the program are offset by grant funding. Mayor Ron Ewasiuk emphasized the goals of the council.
“Like Councillor Luis said, there’s money changing hands and we
want to make sure our money goes to the best place,” he said.
With no decisions made on the future of Resilient Rurals in Bruderheim, the council moved on to discuss the RCMP requisition which is slated to reach a staggering $75,000 in 2026.
Councillor Lesster Quijano Acosta (R) had several concerns around the Town budget during their Dec. 6 budget meeting. Councillor Arlie Young is shown on the left.
“What do we get for that?,” questioned councillor Lesster Quijano Acosta. “We don’t have police presence in town. What am I putting $75,000 towards?”
Interim CAO Tomuschat explained that RCMP Staff Sgt. Scott Lande previously gave a presentation to council and described the challenges the RCMP are currently facing.
“$75,000 is not chump change in a town of 1,300 residents,” said Quijano Acosta. Tomuschat suggested bringing in someone from the Fort Saskatchewan RCMP to talk to council about their concerns.
Quijano Acosta also discussed annually licensing local dogs, which, according to the budget, brought in $2,500 in 2025. Despite this, Quijano Acosta felt a once-only license for the life of a dog, as done in the Town of Lamont, was a better way.
“A lot of municipalities have moved to a once in a lifetime dog tag fee. I think it will actually save money,” he said,
Photo: Jana Semeniuk
alluding to staff time used trying to collect annual license fees from residents. Tomuschat said the issue can be brought back to council for decision at a future meeting.
Quijano Acosta also questioned $3,500 spent on Indigenous relations, stating that very few people take part in the events.
“We did two events, one June 21 and one Sept. 30. In June, eight people showed up and in Sept. four people showed up. I don’t know how many indigenous families are in town but they don’t show up to the events,” he said. “Do we want to keep spending money when no one shows up?”
Mayor Ewasiuk suggested combining events to which Tomuschat said the issue could be brought back to council at a future meeting for a decision.
The last council meeting of the year is scheduled for Dec. 17 at 7:30 p.m. in the town’s fire station.
Fort native trying out for Canadian World Juniors
BY JOHN MATHER
A Fort Saskatchewan hockey player has been named to the 2026 Canadian World Juniors tryout camp, it was announced Dec. 8.
Keaton Verhoeff, a defenceman with the University of North Dakota Fighting Hawks was named to the tryout squad.
Vehoeff is eligible in the NHL draft in 2026. Before joining the University of North
Dakota, he played for the Victoria Royals in the Western Hockey League. Verhoeff has represented Canada on the international stage playing in both the 2024 U-17 hockey challenge, and the 2025 IIHF World U18 championships where he won gold medals. He originally started playing hockey as a goalie before switching to defence when he was 12.
Verhoeff’s mobility,
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Team Canada will trim the 27 man tryout roster down to the 24-man final team prior to its last exhibition game against Denmark, to be played in Minnesota, Dec. 22.
The tournament opens in Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota beginning Dec. 26.
The County of Two Hills believes in customer service - the foundation of that service is our employee base. Currently the following opportunity is available:
Bruderheim
$15,500!!
Last year, we raised $1,885! With your help, we can get to that number again!
Add your name with a Minimum $5 cash or food donation food office in Lamont or mail donation to: Box 1079, Lamont, AB T0B 2R0. Cheque payable to ‘County of Lamont Food Bank’ Cash or Cheque only. Stop by The Lamont Leader
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