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Vol. 19, No. 4, Wednesday, December 13, 2023 www.LamontLeader.com
Members disgruntled at UCP Fort Sask-Veg constituency AGM BY JANA SEMENIUK Members of the Fort SaskatchewanVegreville UCP constituency are calling for a re-do of their annual general meeting after the scheduled meeting Dec. 7 resulted in several angry complaints around irregularities to the UCP Central Alberta Director. Email notifications went out in midNovember inviting members to the UCP AGM at the Vegreville Kinsmen Golf Course to elect a new board including a new president, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and secretary in addition to 27 new directors. As the crowd gathered for the meeting, the building’s 75-person capacity limit was quickly reached leaving more than 30 people outside standing in the cold. Confusion ensued when one of the facilitators told the line of people
UCP Central Alberta Director Al Biel received several emails complaining about the process of the Dec. 7 Fort Saskatchewan-Vegrevile UCP constituency association AGM, including voting irregularities and standards of practice. Photo: Jana Semeniuk they would not be allowed inside, due to fire capacity, and they would also not be allowed to vote. Members became angry and complained to those in charge, who then reversed course and allowed members into the building as other members
A line of at least 30 UCP members were left waiting in the cold Dec. 7 as the Vegreville Kinsmen Golf Course facility, chosen to host the Fort Saskatchewan-Vegrevile UCP constituency association AGM, was filled to capacPhoto: Jana Semeniuk ity. voted and left. Long-time member Helen Wowk said she has never seen an AGM like this one. “I've been a member for many years (and) I've been to many of these. I have never experienced anything like this in my life. This is absolutely ridiculous,” she said as she stood outside waiting. As one member left the building, he said he was not allowed to ask questions. “You can’t even ask questions. It was brought up, no questions,” he said, while another member said the meeting should be rescheduled. “If there wasn’t enough room in there to vote then this meeting should be redone,” she said. Not everyone was upset. Long-time member Jocelyn Mouyios saw the large crowd as a positive sign for the UCP. “I see it as a great sign that people are involved in democracy and they want to be a part of it,” she said. Meanwhile, inside, members were asked to provide identification while their names were crossed off a sheet of paper. Additionally, ballots were hand-
ed out to each person as they approached a table. Four ballots, one for the president, one for the CFO and one for the secretary had only one candidate name printed on them, while a long sheet held 27 candidate names for directors. When another call went out for any other director nominees, the list grew to 53 names. The newly elected president is Ruven Rajoo, new CFO is Sheryl Cymbaliuk while Renee Roberge was elected as the new secretary. Numbers of votes for each candidate, and the names of any additional candidates who were running for the top three positions were not available by press time. UCP Central Alberta Director, Al Biel, was present at the AGM and said in a later interview that he received a substantial amount of emails complaining about the Dec. 7 meeting but declined to provide a number. “There were several complaints around the Dec. 7 AGM centred around voting irregularities, standards of practice and calls to re-do the AGM. “People who have emailed their
complaints will have the opportunity to have their complaints heard by an arbitration committee, but the option to re-do the AGM will sit with the arbitration committee. We will be putting forward governance and policies to ensure this does not happen again. “This is going to be a number one priority. By doing so we will be able to build more trust and confidence in the UCP party for the members at large. We need to bring the voters together,” he said, adding the ballots were not destroyed after the meeting, rather they were brought to the party office. Biel said the organizers were caught off guard by the large number of attendees. “Typically, in the past we have had 30 or 40 members and now we’re having close to 130. We are starting to see more and more people get
Newly elected president of the Fort Saskatchewan-Vegreville UCP Constituency Association Ruven Rajoo. Photo: Jana Semeniuk involved.” Biel added he is hoping the process for creating new governance around AGMs is completed within the first quarter of the new year. Several questions in an email to Fort Saskatchewan-Vegreville MLA Jackie Armstrong-Homeniuk, through her assistant Varun Chandrasekar, were not responded to by press time.
2 - The Lamont Leader (Lamont, Alberta), Wednesday, December 13, 2023
Deep ditch concerns councillor, residents BY JOHN MATHER Lamont County councillor Neil Woitas took the opportunity during the Nov. 28 council meeting to raise questions about a deep ditch that had been trenched along a section of Range Road 181. “I’ve got a few questions for public works about this project which local ratepayers are calling the widow maker,” he said. “Who designed this ditch?” Public Works Director Darby Dietz said the project had come up several years ago and the County had a couple of options regarding getting the water to drain from it. He said one was to take the water east through crop lands to Limestone Creek. He added in discussion with the landowner the preference was to go south rather than across the cropland.
Woitas asked who designed the ditch and who approved it. Dietz replied the design was done inhouse and he had approved the project. Woitas then asked where the money for the project was coming from. Dietz replied it had been budgeted the previous year. “This ditch is about eight feet deep,” said Woitas. He added when a truck took the dirt away the backhoe sat at the site doing nothing until the truck returned. Dietz added he hadn’t seen the completed project but he planned to next day. Woitas asked him to report back and state if he felt it was safe having a ditch that deep so close to the edge of the road. Woitas also asked if the County could get in trouble with Alberta Environment by rerouting water into a fish bearing creek.
Dietz replied Environment had been contacted and the project was compliant. Woitas said councillors weren’t aware of the project. Reeve David Diduck said he felt Dietz should look at the ditch. Councillor Daniel Warawa asked if it needed a guard rail. It was felt a guardrail would run for about three-quarters of a mile.
Diduck said he had received a call from the landowner from the west and put a service request for the ditch work to public works more than a year ago and hadn’t heard anything more. He felt when the work was as extensive as this project councillors should be informed. Council accepted the discussion as information.
A backhoe waits for a dump truck to return as a huge ditch is created along Range Road 181 recently. The deep ditch has prompted calls for a guard rail to be erected for safety reasons.
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Condolences shared after suicide of Two Hills corporal BY JANA SEMENIUK Social media feeds were flooded with messages of condolence over the weekend after the death of Two Hills RCMP Corporal Amy Lahoda, 38, who took her own life on Dec. 9. Lahoda was new to the Two Hills detachment, arriving on Oct. 22 from N.W.T according to an earlier interview with Sgt. David Henry. Henry could not be reached for comment by press time. Deputy Commissioner Curtis Zablocki, Commanding Officer K Division, posted a social media message sharing the tragic news and recounting Lahoda’s final hours. He said Lahoda reached out to several people earlier in the day ‘sharing her distress’. He said members responded to her call and spent hours trying to help Lahoda, however despite their best efforts
he said she passed late in the afternoon. “This is a devastating loss and my heart hurts for Amy, her loved ones and all of you who have been affected by today’s events,” he said in his post. Meanwhile, Zablocki added that Lahoda joined the RCMP in 2009 and was posted to E Division at the Richmond Detachment. She was also posted to Wood Buffalo, Cochrane and Airdrie. In 2022 she returned to G Division and recently came back to K Division and joined the Two Hills Detachment. An additional social media post on Dec. 11 stated the Two Hills RCMP administrative office will be closed until Dec. 18. Complaints nonurgent in nature are directed to contact their 24-hour complaint line at 780-657-2760 and emergency issues to call 911.
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The Lamont Leader (Lamont, Alberta), Wednesday, December 13, 2023 - 3
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4 - The Lamont Leader (Lamont, Alberta), Wednesday, December 13, 2023
Opinion LETTER TO THE EDITOR
The end is near, but see ya next year! BY JOHN MATHER So Copout 28 is on the verge of wrapping up. But those climate zealots who want to end the world’s dependence on fossil fuels are upset because its draft final communique doesn’t include a definitive timeline to end the use of fossil fuels. Well really … what did they expect? The communique, if agreed to, would be signed off on by 74 countries and 43 organizations. Some of these organizations include: United Nations Disaster Risk Reduction, World Food Programme, New Women Connectors, International Crisis group and many more. Countries signing off included Canada along with Nigeria, Yemen, Venezuela, United Arab Emirates, United States, China and the Republic of the Marshall Islands among others. So it didn’t include a timeline to absolutely shut down fossil fuel production. Well since many of those nations signing the communique are oil producing countries I can understand that. Do climate zealots really think countries are going to sacrifice their national economies? And really ask yourself this. Since 70,000 climate zealots gathered in Dubai and they arrived mostly on fuel guzzling aircraft, how would they continue to attend these conferences in the future if there was no oil or aviation fuel to propel them there? This conference, and others like it, are really nothing more than a gathering of national delegates sustained by taxpayer dollars, and NGOs funded by taxpayer dollars in the form of grants for the most part. They gather and wring their hands and bleat that we have to change … the world can’t continue as it is going. Well the world has been around a lot longer than any of these zealots have. It has been around long before life eased out of the primordial swamp and eventually man rose up to become the dominant species. Man has progressed remarkably over the millennia. He has endured ice ages which saw other species decimated. There have been changing climatic conditions on earth since the planet first formed and it will continue to change as the earth ages.
Let’s look at the facts
Dear Editor: It is clear the Liberals-NDP don't care about the west. Their answer to climate change is one more tax and it will be all better . But the carbon tax is illogical. When does a tax stop a behaviour? Take smoking, drinking, etc. You can tax them all you want, but what happens is the families suffer, as the addiction means more than the tax . If the Liberal-NDP coalition really cared about environment and science as they say, when will they publically praise the west, and Alberta? Why you might ask? Firstly, it took Alberta
only 11 years to do a remarkable thing; transition from coal to natural gas, still balance provincial books as they transitioned, and with minimal loss of corporate business. According to the Parkland Institute this is six years ahead of federal mandated legislation. Why did we transition ahead of time to natural gas ? Simply, natural gas has 60 percent lower carbon-dioxide emissions, making it a really high-intensity energy source. Coal has also been notorious for the presence of sulfur. Natural gas has sulfur in it, too, but because it's a gas, it can be cleaned by running it
through a filter. As CBC put it in their article, “Alberta steps closer to ending coal power, faster than many expected. But then comes the hard part," by Blake Shaffer, dated December 30th, 2021. Alberta did this at a cost, as it is estimated that Parkland County alone lost over $200 million. According to Energyrates.ca, "As coalpowered electricity is being phased out, this will result in an increase in the usage and investment of renewable energy, as well as natural gaspowered electricity generation. Continued on Page 15
CONTINUED Now man may have influenced some of these changes since the industrial revolution basically remade society more than 100 years ago. But life will continue, because man is an adaptable animal. Since his creation, man has been evolving and will keep on evolving long after my family lines are long gone. So why this rush to phase out fossil fuel when currently there is no realistic efficient manner to replace them. Wind and solar power aren’t the answers yet. They may be in the future but fossil fuel will be needed in the interim. Nuclear reactors might be the way to go, but still care has to be taken in both their mass development and placement. A nuclear meltdown could cause more climactic
damage and threaten life more than oil and gas. Remember Chernobyl or Three Mile island? Not to mention nuclear can be weaponized putting civilization at risk also. If these huge bun tosses such as Copout 28 did put a final deadline on the use of oil and gas what would replace it? What would the climate zealots do if they actually achieved their goals? They can’t just shut up and go away. That’s not in their nature. No, they have to be spewing the rhetoric, marching up and down chanting hey, hey ho ho…. And waving their placards. They know nothing else. And if oil and gas was successfully shut down, then how would these people get to their conferences if no
mode of travel other than walking existed? What would the United Nations do? Nine UN subcommittees alone signed off the Copout28 communiqué. They wouldn’t be needed if they were actually successful. What would these people do? No, no one is going to put a concrete timeline of getting rid of oil and gas. Despite fools like Canada’s environment minister and Green Peace zealot Steven Guilbeault, there are just far too many people around the world who depend on being able to wring their hands about climate change. Handwringing and proselytizing about doom and gloom is just too big a growth industry for any of these conferences to ever achieve real change. See you at Copout 29.
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The Lamont Leader (Lamont, Alberta), Wednesday, December 13, 2023 - 5
FROM WHERE I SIT: Long Overdue
BY HAZEL ANAKA So, did you get that warm fuzzy Christmas feeling when you woke up to a couple of inches of fluffy white snow last week? The bedroom’s roller shades and blackout drapes promote great sleep but each morning when I open the curtains, it’s a surprise. Is the road wet? Is the sun shining? Is it foggy? Or does it look like the perfect Christmas card setting? Snow means a change in footwear and the likelihood it will be tracked into the house and car. It means that someone had better dig out the ergonomic shovel and get to work. But after a lifetime lived in Alberta, it also sets the stage for the holidays. Roy and I actually made a special trip to get some Christmas shopping done. Sometimes hoping to tack it onto a day full of errands and appointments is just that, a hope. Our shopping list is
short and we made some headway. Because I also buy things throughout the year as I find them, I needed time to regroup and see what’s what. For the mixed group getting together Christmas Day, a white elephant gift exchange seemed the best option. That way there is no obligation to buy gifts for each person present. Of course, it also requires some thoughtful shopping and that everyone behave like grown up good sports. A gracious response, even if you’re disappointed, is always the right response. I know there are two schools of thought about how and when to shop. Some people who are always late shoppers, seem to like the adrenalin rush of the lastminute hunt. Perhaps, they don’t have the organizational skills or money to shop earlier. Maybe they like crowed stores, empty shelves, and long checkout lines. Maybe they score incredible last-minute deals. I would consider it a personal failure if I was running around, desperately seeking a gift the day of. Other people shop all year long and are just
grateful if they remember what they bought and where they hid it. I’m more in this camp. I also think Black Friday and Cyber Monday are the not-so-official kick off to shopping. For me those days were a bust this year. I haven’t been in a mall for months so I haven’t had the chance to people watch and draw conclusions. It also sounds like they may not be the safest places in the world anymore what with midday gun play. How crazy is that? Forecasts indicate that sales will be down this season for all the reasons we’re well aware of… .a sagging economy, stubbornly high prices and inflation rates. The best gift anyone can give themselves is a nil credit card balance. Living within one’s means is a novel concept but should be easier when so many are in the same boat. Having that frank talk with a spouse and the kids is an opportunity for personal growth and to create new traditions that are less materialism-focused. As we criss-crossed the city, I was surprised to see encampments in places other than the
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downtown core. The same was true in Denver when we visited in November. My dentist is a block north of Whyte Ave and for the first time in my experience, there was a man covered in blankets on the sidewalk across from his office. I was in the chair facing the full-length window long enough to see reactions. Some people were startled. Some gave him a wide berth. Some were oblivious. An older lady got his attention and slipped him some money. Eventually, two women showed up, spoke to him, offered another blanket, and perhaps more before heading away in a shelter van without him. It’s sad, distressing, and complex. And anyone who claims to have figured it all out is lying. Whose perspective counts the most… the person, loved ones like parents, police, mental health and addictions agencies, Joe Public, businesses, taxpayers, politicians? If any of us can help others this season, we should. That could mean donating money or goods to food banks, social service agencies, homeless shel-
ters, charities. What may be even harder, is treating people with dignity regardless of their station in life. I think I’m too cowardly to engage with someone who may be volatile or violent. All I can say is thank God for those with the compassion, courage, and com-
NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND CLAIMANTS Estate of: John William Brezinski who died on September 3rd, 2023. If you have a claim against this Estate, you must file your claim by January 10th, 2024.
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6 - The Lamont Leader (Lamont, Alberta), Wednesday, December 13, 2023
Blowing sand issues from SIL plant brought to council meeting BY JOHN MATHER A couple of Lamont County councillors brought concerns to council Nov. 28 about sand blowing across neighbouring lands from Sil Industrial Minerals. Division five councillor Neil Woitas told council he had received a call from a resident neighbouring the sand plant on Nov. 25 about sand blowing from the pant site. “There was dust blowing and they are hauling sand to the site six days and a week and the dust was unbearable from the trucks and from piles of sand with the wind blowing,” said Woitas. He said he had walked into the resident’s pasture land with him and “there was a pretty heavy covering of sand on his pasture and on the ice for his water.” “Along with that they’re digging out their berm and moving it north. He also said Sil Industrial Minerals had applied for a lay down yard on a neighbouring parcel of land, but they were stockpiling sand on it which he felt they weren’t supposed to do. “The neighbour is now getting dust blowing across his land from more directions.”
Woitas said it seemed the company wasn’t doing anything to mitigate the situation and the resident would like to see a stop work order put in place. “They could at least water the road,” he said. Division two Councillor Aaron Wick said he had visited the site and he had noted the same things Woitas had. Division four Councillor Roy Anaka added he had been to the site Nov. 25, and through the brush he noticed the sand on the ground and on the trees. “There is a visible sand pile on the quarter they purchased. It was a dust storm,” he said. He also noted the trucks hauling sand from the south and west. He said he took photos of the area and when he left his eyes were uncomfortable from the dust. “It wasn’t black soil dust, it was sand particles.” He told council the sulphur facility west of Bruderheim along Highway 15 had installed dust screens so their stockpiles wouldn’t blow across fields and wondered if the company could be asked to do a something similar. He thought under Sil
Industrial Minerals permitting, they were to water their yard but he saw nothing like that happening while he was there. He asked what administration could do. Chief Administrative Officer Peter Tarnawsky told council they had also received a letter from the resident complaining of the situation and had forwarded it to the planning department to see what could be done. “I’ve asked to see if there is a solution to the piles and what are the regulations surrounding the lay-down yard,” he said. Woitas again said the company appeared to be hauling six days a week and since the weather was still warm they should be watering the road. Anaka added the stock pile area should also be watered. Reeve David Diduck asked if the majority of the blowing sand was from the stockpiles or from the trucks hauling sand and Anaka replied the day he was there it was mostly from the trucks. Woitas said when he had been there, blowing sand was creating visibil-
LOPETINSKY James “Jim”
(Ruby) and Don (Sylvia); and numerous relatives and friends. He was predeceased by his parents, John and Mary. Jim was a proud member of the Masonic Lodge and a Shriner. The family wishes to thank the doctors and nursing staff of the Fort Saskatchewan C o m m u n i t y Hospital and the Lamont Health Care Centre for their kind and compassionate care. A Celebration of Jim’s Life will be held on Friday, December 22 at 12:00 p.m. at the Lamont Recreation Centre, 4844 - 48
Avenue, Lamont. A private interment will be held at a later time at Holy Trinity Orthodox Church, Sunland. In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to Lamont Health Care Centre (Palliative Care) or Holy Trinity Orthodox Church in Sunland. Photos, memories, and condolences may be shared through www.parkmemorial.com
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of James “Jim” Lopetinsky, 85, of Lamont on December 7, 2023. Jim is survived by his wife of 57 years, Evelyn; sons, Lorin (Shannon), Scott, and Sheldon (Sandra);granddaughter, Alyona; brothers, David
Park Memorial Lamont 780-895-2157 Family-Owned Funeral Home And Crematorium
ity issues on nearby highway 38. There were trucks dumping just about every two minutes,” he said. Diduck asked administration to check the road use agreements to see if there is a requirement for watering. He said he had been by the area on Nov, 25 and agreed visibility from the highway was an issue. Tarnawsky told council in a quick email from economic development they had looked at the development permit for the additional parcel of
land and it did allow for stockpiling of sand. Woitas replied that hadn’t been stated in the letter residents received when the permit was applied for. He said it specified a lay-down yard to which Tarnawsky said he assumed economic development had reviewed the latest permit for the site. Public Works director Darby Dietz said the road use agreement said dust should be maintained and controlled on Range Road 204, but it stopped at Sil Industrial
Minerals’ property line. Woitas asked for a motion to have public works get the range road watered. “From what I gather it’s impacting more than the neighbouring residents,” said Diduck. The motion which passed was for administration to have the company contacted and asked to water both the roads as per the agreement and if necessary amend the agreement to include the company’s stock pile areas.
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The Lamont Leader (Lamont, Alberta), Wednesday, December 13, 2023 - 7
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8 - The Lamont Leader (Lamont, Alberta), Wednesday, December 13, 2023
Lamont firefighter takes painting hobby to the next level BY JANA SEMENIUK Lamont firefighter Andy McDonald’s hobby of painting beautiful landscapes has become more than a past-time; McDonald is now finding satisfaction in teaching his oil-painting technique to others. “I want to teach people how to paint,” said McDonald. “I don’t just want to show them. There’s a difference.” McDonald has been a firefighter since 2012 and first began painting three years later after coming across online videos of famous artist Bob Ross. Ross was an iconic
American art instructor who taught his simple easy style of painting a masterpiece in under an hour to television audiences everywhere between 1983 and 1994 on PBS. Ross filmed more than 400 episodes before he passed away in 1995 at the age of 52 from lymphoma. A seed was planted in McDonald. He experimented with Ross’ technique of wet-on-wet oil painting and saw success. He said the painting technique is not new and has been used for centuries. “What it means is,
Lamont firefighter, Andy McDonald, aka The Painting Fireman, stands at his display set up at the Christmas in the Country Christmas Market Dec. 3 in St. Michael Hall. McDonald not only paints stunning artwork, but he also teaches others how to create their own beautiful works of art. Photo: Jana Semeniuk
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you're putting wet paint on top of wet paint on top of wet paint. That's why you can paint it in two hours,” he said. “Monet did it, Van Gogh did it. It wasn't popular because they weren't on TV, but this style of painting has been around since the 16th century.” M e a n w h i l e , McDonald has spent the past year selling his paintings at craft sales and farmer’s markets while donating 25 percent of each sale to the Friends of Lamont Firefighter Society. McDonald’s paintings have sold for between $125 and $185 and he estimates that so far, he has contributed nearly $500 to the non-profit organization. A d d i t i o n a l l y, McDonald teaches painting classes twice a week, adding he keeps the number of students small. “If you get 20 people, (with) one artist upfront, you're showing them what to do and they're just copying. Teaching somebody how to paint is going behind them, getting them to hold the
brush properly, showing them the strokes and how to do it. You're physically doing it with them step by step by step,” he said. McDonald said he feels immense satisfac-
tion when he has taught someone to paint. “The paint nights really took off. I love seeing people come in and say ‘I can’t paint’ then walk out (with a beautiful painting) and say ‘wow!
I just did this’,” said McDonald, adding he also enjoys the support he is getting from his family and friends. “They are all on board with it and it’s been really good.”
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT We are seeking to establish a permanent Full Time Administrative Assistant in meeting the need for Administrative/Infrastructure support assistance. Qualifications and Skills Completion of high school diploma and office experience, preferably in a municipal environment. Intermediate Microsoft Office and proficiency in office equipment. Experience with Accounting Software is an asset. Valid Class 5 Drivers License Carry out written or oral instructions and maintain accurate records as required. Excellent attention to detail. Manage multiple, competing priorities and interests while meeting deadlines and providing support to internal and external stakeholders with frequent interruptions. Display a high degree of professionalism in a complex government and community office. The right candidate will promote positive community awareness and public relations, be highly adaptable and flexible to change, and establish strong and positive working relations with both internal and external customers.
This competition will remain open until a suitable candidate is found.
Email applications to Sharron.sinclair@bruderheim.ca
The Lamont Leader (Lamont, Alberta), Wednesday, December 13, 2023 - 9
We’re again raising money for the Food Bank this year! The Lamont Leader; Cashh or Cheque only. C Kerry, Michelle, Stop by The Lamont Leader Brennan & Garrett office in Lamont or mail donation Anderson; Crystal, Trevor & Hunter; Sylvia & Family; Aileen; to: Box 1079, Lamont, AB John Mather; Jana Semeniuk & Family; Joe & Olga Stodola, Al Harvey & Family; T0B 2R0. Cheque payable to In memory of John, Jonothan & Daniel ‘County of Lamont Food Bank’ Patan & Tom Kowal, Al & Carol Ropchan; Mark, Ginger, Taylor & Elie Ropchan; Kim, Derek, Jarret & Tyson Burns; Anonymous; Steve & Stella Stodola; Bob & Brenda Melnyk & Family; Chipman Hotel ~ from Dave & Staff; Marvin Tallas & Last year, we raised Over the Edge Eavestroughing; John Brodyk; Julian, Joannie, & Kaitlyn Lopushinsky; Ray Letawsky; Antoinette Siracky; Tom & Mae Adamyk; Tyson, Tristan & Tatum Jonker, Lincoln, Aspen & Cohen With your help, Jonker, Nester & Linda Prokopiw; Maryann & Milton Holowach; Marshal & Zenia Maydanski; David & Mary Boyko; Delores Cossey & we can Family; Ken & Denise Dorland & Family; Richard & Sharon Johnston; get to that Marion & Barry Tychkowsky; Nicholaas & Deborah Plooy; Anonymous; Barb Tessier; Herman & Linda Sieker & Family; number again! Lamont United Church; William Skubleny; Ed & Donna Kucheraway; Alvin & Iris Kliachik, Claire & Robert Kliachik; Wayne & Lorraine Field; Norma Drolet; Nora Gauthier; Rita & Ray Paquette; Ladies Auxiliary to Lamont Health Care Centre; Darlene & Wayne Schoepp; Anonymous; Lamont River Rats Snowmobile Club; Dawne & Darwin Hunter; Anonymous; John & Audrey Panek; Anonymous; Aiden & Emery Cholak; Anonymous; Chuck & Andrea Varga; Erich & Rosena Frobel; H. Danyluk; Circle Cee Charolais; Kzam Farms Ltd & Ken Wegner;
Add your name with a Minimum $5 cash or food donation
$4700!! $1,885!
There is still this week to get your donations in for FILL THE TREE. ALL funds raised go directly to LAMONT COUNTY FOOD BANK IN TIME FOR THE HOLIDAYS!
We don’t keep a dime. All money goes to the cause!
10 - The Lamont Leader (Lamont, Alberta), Wednesday, December 13, 2023
Initial youth council in Bruderheim a success story BY JOHN MATHER A few months ago Bruderheim council tasked Councillor Dayna Jacobs to look into setting up a youth council to hear what the concerns of the youth in the town were. On Dec. 6, 13 youth gathered at the firehall in Bruderheim to meet with Jacobs, mayor Karl Hauch and Chief Administrative Officer Phyllis Forsythe to discuss those concerns. “This was an amazing turnout,” said Jacobs. “This number is fantastic. I’m very happy.” She said she had tried to organize a group meeting in the summer but it hadn’t been successful. “This time we put up posters and put on the town Facebook page and brought in some pizza,” said Jacobs. “You know if you offer kids food you’ll get a turnout.”
The 13 kids who came out ranged form youngsters around 9 or 10 to teens up to 18 years old. Jacobs began the meeting by telling the youth that she took their concerns seriously. “We want to hear from the youth,” she said. “I take your concerns very seriously.” It was their youth council, she said. They would run the youth council themselves. “We hear from the parents and what their issues are when we’re on council,” Jacobs explained. “But we want to hear from you. Let’s face it… you are the future of Bruderheim. Why would you want to stay in Bruderheim if you had no say in it.” She then had the group select a chair, vice chair and recording secretary. “The chair will run the meeting,” she told them. “He or she will manage
the meeting, make sure there is good discussion and keep control over the conversation.” Rory Young, 17, was chosen as the chair and it was then decided the position would be for a six month period. Edward Furey, 18, was chosen as the vice chair. Prince Sullamo, 11, was voted to be the recording secretary. The group then moved to an open discussion about what they would like to see in town to support youth. Mayor Hauch related the story to the group of kids coming to council on a regular basis for a number of years asking the town to build a skateboard park. “We didn’t know what they wanted until they approached us,” he said. “But their persistence did pay off and we found the funding and built the skateboard park.”
He said this was what the youth council could do. They could find out from their friends what they felt was needed in town for kids activities and bring those ideas to council. The idea of a board game night came up and Jacobs said such a program was already under way in the town. Sports was also brought up and the group said they would like to see a basketball court. It was pointed out there was a half court by the arena and the group pitched building this up. Soccer was also pitched. Basketball seemed to be most popular but a youth dance was also discussed. The group also suggested they could broaden the scope of the activities to include other kids from around Lamont County. Another suggested if a basketball court was
developed the older kids could mentor the younger kids involved. Jacobs asked the best way to communicate with the group and it was stated more posters would help as well as posting on the town’s Instagram account. Most didn’t know the town had such an account. Forsythe suggested the chair following the meeting, meet with her and put the information discussed on a future council agenda. When it was suggested the half basketball court be turned into a full sized basketball court, it was adopted the chair meet with the CAO to discuss this idea.
In discussing this the youth said it would be more cost effective developing the half court into a full sized court rather than building an additional court. Further discussion pointed out it would keep kids active and the location was in a central, easy to access area of the town. The youth were then invited to attend a future council meeting if they wanted more information on how the council worked. “The help from our council and administration has been great to make this possible,” concluded Jacobs calling the evening a total success.
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INCLUDE YOUR BUSINESS Thirteen youth converged at Bruderheim for the initial Bruderheim Youth Council meeting Dec. 6. The group will address youth issues in the community and present them to council. Rory Young, centre in red shirt, was elected group chair.
L
THE LAMON NT
EADER R
t Thursday ay, Dec. 7- Noon Deadlinee to Order Prin i tin ing for 2023 pickku up (we’ll still accept orders but those that come in after this date won’t be finished until early Januar a y due to print shop holidays) s
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t Thursday, Dec. 28 & Friday ay, Dec. 29 - OFFICE C OPEN -JNJUFE TUBČ BWBJMBCMF EVF UP FYUFOEFE IPMJEBZT
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The Lamont Leader (Lamont, Alberta), Wednesday, December 13, 2023 - 11
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12 - The Lamont Leader (Lamont, Alberta), Wednesday, December 13, 2023
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The Lamont Leader (Lamont, Alberta), Wednesday, December 13, 2023 - 13
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ALL CLASSIFIED ADS MUST BE PREPAID BEFORE INSERTION unless customer has an account in good standing. LAMONT LEADER Ph. 780-895-2780 Email: lmtleader @gmail.com AUCTIONS AUCTIONS MEIER FIREARM AND SPORTSMAN AUCTION, Saturday December 16, 10AM Rifles, Shotguns, Ammo., Hunting Supplies. 4740 57 ST Wetaskiwin. Consignments accepted up to sale time, Free Pickup. Visit www.meierauction.com PH 780 440-1860. COMING EVENTS COMING EVENTS Caregiver’s Drop-In Group Viking Seniors Centre (5024 53 Ave Viking) Fall Dates: Dec. 19 Jan. 9, 16, 23, 30 Feb. 6, 13, 20, 27 10 a.m. to Noon Free of Charge! •If you are, were, or will soon be a caregiver for a loved one, please join us for a morning of information, discussion, support, and activities •Care recipients welcome to attend with their caregiver •For more information, please contact VBFCSS at 780-3364024 Brought to you in partnership by Viking/Beaver FCSS, Government of Canada, and The Town of Viking
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LUTEFISK SUPPER Golden Valley Lutheran Church Friday, January 5 @ 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $35 each ADVANCE TICKETS ONLY Contact Muriel at 780-336-2444 ________________________ Golden Valley Lutheran Church Invite You to Come and Experience a Christ Christmas Concert at the Golden Valley Lutheran Church Saturday, December 9 Starting at 7 p.m. Hot Chocolate and Cookies Afterwards Admission is Free Donations to the Food Bank Accepted Contact Chris for more info 306-903-7661
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Roy's Handyman Services. Flooring, Trim work, basement finishing, decks, fences, kitchen cabinet installs and carpentry work. Call 780-2323097 ________________________ Come see our beautiful, well maintained country Cemetery located at 21338 Twp. Rd 550 in Josephburg. We offer burial and cremation plots as well as columbarium niches for sale. Please contact the Josephburg Community Church @ 780998-9331 for more information.
FOR SALE FOR SALE Wheelchair Ramp, aluminum frame - mint condition. $3000 780-895-7458 ________________________ 520 Honda Snow Thrower for sale. Call 780-919-5669 SEED FOR FOR SALE SEED SALE WE BUY DAMAGED GRAIN - Heated, Mixed, Tough, Light, Bugs, Spring Thrashed....Barley, Wheat, Oats, Peas, Flax, Canola. "On Farm Pickup". Westcan Feed & Grain 1-877-250-5252. ________________________ ALBERTA FEED GRAIN: Buying Oats, Barley, Wheat, Canola, Peas, Screenings, Mixed Grains. Dry, Wet, Heated, or Spring Thresh. Prompt Payment. In House Trucks, In House Excreta Cleaning. Vac Rental. 1-888483-8789. GIVE AWAY GIVE AWAY Looking for loving forever companionship homes; American Cocker Spaniels, recently show dogs. 4 years old and older. NOT for breeding, new owners must spay or neuter. Serious inquiries only. 780-662-2727 or 780-2241535
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14 - The Lamont Leader (Lamont, Alberta), Wednesday, December 13, 2023
Lamont County set to approve 2024 budget on Tuesday - full report next week BY JOHN MATHER Lamont County is set to pass its 2024 interim operating budget at its regular Dec. 12 council meeting.
Taxpayers in Lamont County will see an adjustment to the farm and residential tax rate of four per cent. The council has pro-
posed a base operating budget for 2024 with revenues of $24,704,308 and expenditures of $27,207,524, and changes to levels of service of
Minor Hockey: Carstairs, Roberts shine 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). Elk Island U13 Wild (510-0) dropped an 11-0 game at Mallaig on Dec. 1. The next day at
Bruderheim, Wild were defeated 18-1 by Edgerton/Chauvin Avalanche after scoring the game’s first goal by Jonas Wytrykush. Wild scoring leaders this season are Madden Cossey (20g 10a in 13 GP) and Jace Zanatta (13g 13a in 15 GP). Ryan Carstairs got a goal and two assists in his U15 AA Fort Sask.
Community organizations receive County funding BY JOHN MATHER Three community organizations from across Lamont County received small donations from Lamont County council last week. The groups had written council requesting some financial support and those were received as correspondence Nov. 2. After discussing each of the requests, council granted $300 to the Elk Island Minor Hockey Association. Councillor Aaron Wick told council the Elk Island Minor Hockey was the former Lamont Minor Hockey Association which had joined with Bruderheim Minor Hockey.
He made a motion to provide the funds for a silver sponsorship and it was passed by council. Up next was the Lamont High School Parent Advisory Committee which requested support for its annual Christmas dinner it provides to students. Council agreed to donate $250 to the group. The Andrew Curling Club wrote to council seeking a donation from advertising at the rink. Reeve David Diduck noted the letter had been received in October but still felt the club could use the funding. Councillor Roy Anaka moved that council donate $250 to the club and it was passed.
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Rangers 6-4 win over Storm on Sunday. On Saturday Ryan picked up a goal and an assist in his team’s 7-6 win over Sabres. He has 9g 12a 21 pts in 17 GP. Kalem Roberts picked up a goal in his Fort Sask. U18 AA Rangers 41 win over Sting on Saturday.
$1,939,089; resulting in a reduced deficit of $564,127 to be funded from the tax stabilization reserve. Council is also expected to approve a 2024 capital budget of $4,120,179 for capital assets and $782,500 for capital projects with funding from
grants, reserves and trade in of equipment. The Council budget committee had been having meetings throughout November to arrive at the final interim budget. Council focussed on a priority-based budgeting format and did its due diligence to focus on
reducing an approximate $2.5M deficit down to just over $500,000 while continuing to protect its reserves. The Tax Rate Bylaw is typically approved in the first quarter of 2024. Any deficit will be funded through Lamont County reserves.
The Lamont Leader (Lamont, Alberta), Wednesday, December 13, 2023 - 15
Lamont church youth group spreads Christmas joy with chicken pies BY JANA SEMENIUK The Lamont Alliance youth group decided to make a difference for those in need of a food bank hamper this year by using their resources to bake 37 chicken pies on Dec. 1. Each pie will feed a family of four to six and came with a hand-made Christmas card detailing instructions to re-heat from frozen. Church pastor Darren Andreson said the 26 kids did nearly all the work themselves. “The teens worked in small teams that did jobs such as pull apart chickens, cut vegetables, and prepare shells. (They) came up with the idea, figured out how to satisfy health regulations, did
the shopping, and did almost all the work themselves.” Anderson added that additional help came from Shelby Pilatzke, from Ironwood Catering in Bruderheim, who taught the kids about food safety and supervised the event. “Normally a food bank cannot legally accept prepared food because of health regulations,” said Anderson. “The exception is when it is prepared in a commercial kitchen approved by Provincial regulators and under the supervision of someone certified in Food Safety training. Shelby allowed us to fulfil these obligations.” Youth group member Claire Andruchow, 17,
came up with the idea, wanting to find a way to help the community through the work of the food bank. Meanwhile, another youth group member, Lily Boone, said she was proud to help other families in a worthwhile project. “Would for sure do it again. I felt happy I could do it for other families. It wasn’t technically hard work it was good work,” she said. Anderson added that the teens displayed an act of service that showed their understanding of biblical teachings. “In the Bible, it is clear that Christmas is all about Jesus coming to serve and then commis-
Letter
any climate change? Yet, our industry, our ability to create wealth for Canada, and our families are threatened . "Grasslands store most of their carbon underground, in their roots and the soil. And that makes THEM... reliable “carbon sinks” according to a 2018 University of California at Davis study https://www.washingtonpost.com/climatesolutions/2020/08/19/c limate-change-prairie/ “If you are looking for a definition for the word ‘resilience,’ it is these native prairies and marsh systems,”.. The vast trees of Northern BC, Northern Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba… A c c o r d i n g to https://www.canada.ca/en/services/environment/our-environment/nature-based-climate-solutions.html are the best natural based climate solutions. Wetlands, marshes and forests… are nature climate solutions… so why is the west under attack for climate change when our agricultural way of life naturally protects the environment? Is this not one more attempt by Ottawa to isolate the west, devalue land, and hurt the Canadian economy ? Anyone who desires to
look into what is labelled climate change, please look into the logic, and I am asking our political leaders is to know your riding stands by you if you defend the rights of your riding, and put the rights of the voters, our industry, God and faith first. Please if you agree with me write your MLA and MP - they are under great pressure . Please stand up and let them know enough is enough... you have our support to go after big polluters… and countries far bigger. Stop the attack on the west, support the family farm, and watch Canada become sustainable and environmentally more friendly than anywhere. God bless Canada, God bless the west." Stewart Schwab RR#1 Star, Alberta
Continued from Page 4 In the short term, some increases in the cost of electricity may occur – this could be due to coalfired power plants closing down earlier than expected or companies needing to source their energy from more expensive sources." Secondly, when it comes to this climate crisis as they say, and they say they have science behind it, explain to us how the west and its vast prairies, mountains, grasslands, and farms are not a part of the solution ? According to the world atlas 2023, “Fortunately for us, the Earth’s atmosphere has just the right amount of carbon dioxide. The atmosphere is approximately 0.04% carbon dioxide, which may not seem like much, yet it is the difference between the world we know and one covered in ice. So let's look at some science please. Don't plants vegetation, even the soil take in CO2? We have vast farm lands across the prairie. Naturally, we'd expect having less population and more farm land or natural basins - wouldn't the west be helping fight
sioning his church to serve. In the fall, Claire came to me with the idea to periodically include service nights amongst the usual Friday night fun events. Christmas seemed like the obvious time to try this as we are remembering the incredible love Jesus brought to us,” he said. “As we learn more about his remarkable salvation, it changes us and our outlook on the world. This event shows the teens coming to a greater
understanding of the love of Jesus and the impact his love should have in our lives.” Anderson added that the Lamont Alliance
Youth Group meet twice a week; Mondays for Bible study and Fridays for Christian socialization.
Lamont Alliance Church youth group members work hard to put together 37 chicken pies for the County of Lamont Food Bank on Dec. 1. L-R: Hanna Tarasiuk, 16; Jared Tarasiuk, 15; Wyatt Pomeroy, 13; Jackson Boon 21; Claire Andruchow, 17; Wyatt Boone, 17, Jayla Tarasiuk, 16. Photo: Darren Anderson
Start a rewarding health care career today 7PNQEM C HWNƂNNKPI ECTGGT CU C JGCNVJ ECTG CKFG YKVJ VJKU KPPQXCVKXG VTCKPKPI RTQITCO A new program is giving individuals the opportunity to become a health care aide at Mary Immaculate Care Centre in Mundare through on-the-job training at the site and online learning provided by NorQuest College.
Learn more about this amazing opportunity at DKV N[ 07[UE !
FARMER FOOD BANK CHALLENGE
1$/ ACRE
THE COUNTY OF LAMONT FOOD BANK
is accepting donations!
PUT SOME HUSTLE IN YOUR BUSHELS AND GET YOUR
DONATION IN BEFORE YEAR END! Randy Gubersky, of Gubersky Gluten Free Organics, made a donation of 300 bags of Organic Oatmeal.
tax receipts available on donations of $20+
780-619-6955
16 - The Lamont Leader (Lamont, Alberta), Wednesday, December 13, 2023
Community Programming
TIPP and Tax Deadline Reminders vvvv–a for seniors Tax ReminderHomestyle - A friendlymeals reminder that an additional 10% penalty is applied to unpaid Lamont County taxes on Jan. 1, 2024. If your taxes are overdue, submit them by Dec. 31 to avoid penalty. and low-income households Business Renewals - Reminder: business ($10 per License meal bi-weekly menus). Contact 780- licenses issued in 2023 expire Dec. 31 to be renewed for 2024. 895-2233 Ext. 226 to place order or learn more Tax Installment Payment Plan Reminder - Lamont County offers taxpayers the ability to pay about thetaxes program. property in monthly installments by pre-authorized withdrawals rather than one single payment. Sign up before December 31 for the next tax year. See lamontcounty.ca/ `http://www.lamontcounty.ca/communityfinancial-services/property-taxes to sign up for the tax installment payment plan for 2024. programmingv (VISIT: lamontcounty.ca/community-programming or call
Community Services: Serving Lamont County, Lamont, Bruderheim, Mundare, Andrew & Chipman
Access current monthly services & programs information for FCSS, CALC and KFRN on each of the services’ Facebook pages: FCSSlamontcountyregion|LamontCountyAdultLearns |groups/1922602184662497, or scan the QR code:
780-895-2233 for info. or registration). Some of the current CALC, FCSS and KFRN PROGRAMS include: 1. 2. 3.
For more information, scan the QR code or visit lamontcounty.ca/community-programming. Contact CALC, FCSS or KFRN at: 1-877-895-2233 | 5303-50 Ave. Lamont, AB T0B 2R0 |
4.
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Budget Discussions - Complete Lamont County Council discussed its 2023-24 Budget in Budget Committee meetings this past November. After careful deliberation, the Budget Committee recommended its amended budget to be brought forward in the December 12 Council meeting. A news release will be posted on the LamontCounty.ca website and on social media to summarize the approved budget after the final budget is reviewed and approved by Council. Of note: the Tax Bylaw and associated tax rates is not approved until finalized and discussed in early 2024.
5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
Parents and Tots (Andrew, Lamont & Bruderheim). CALC: Digital Skills Workshops (Andrew): For more information contact Cheryl.B@lamontcounty.ca. CALC: Kitchens in Lamont and Bruderheim (starting in January – Note: classes have moved from Mundare to Bruderheim). For more information contact Cheryl.B@lamontcounty.ca or 780-895-2233. CALC: Creating Family Connections (weekly) For more information contact Cheryl.B@lamontcounty.ca. Youth Centre: Bruderheim & Chipman (starts Dec. 12). Connecting Generations: Dec. 21. Family Fun (Activity) Nights in Lamont (Dec. 19). Grief Support Group (weekly). Grace in Progress (Bruderheim, Dec. 13).
Residential Snowplowing (Snow Removal) As the winter season approaches, it is important to review
Reminder: Holiday Officer Closure – Dec 23-27 & Dec. 31, 2023 to Jan. 1. 2024 the Residential Snowplowing: Policy #5100 and Snow and Ice Control: Policy #5104. Recent changes to the policy includes Service Request Reminder landowner(s) need to submit a Snowplow/Grading
As a reminder with the seasons changing, if you have a road concern or request for service, Agreement no later than the earlier of November 15 or the please SUBMIT a service request on the Lamont County website first significant snow event. The Snowplow/Grading (www.lamontcounty.ca/service-requests). When completing your request, make sure to clearly Agreement and the Inspection/Hazard Assessment must be identify location/area/ segment of the road, etc. If you attach a photo of your service need, this completed on an annual basis. provides us with more details so we can action the request efficiently. See lamontcounty.ca/publicworks.
NOTE: DATE CHANGE FROM WEDNESDAY to TUESDAY (weekly)
(ASB) Meeting The next scheduled ASB meeting is (tentatively) onNext June Agricultural 14, starting at Service 9:00 a.m.Board The public is welcome to attend at the Lamont County Administration Building or virtually through Microsoft Teams (link): lamontcounty.ca/departments/agricultural-services/agendas-minutes-asb. The next scheduled ASB meeting is TBD (tentativelyNext January 10, 2024), starting 9:00 a.m. TheMeeting public is welcome to attend at the Lamont County Agricultural ServiceatBoard (ASB) Administration Building or virtually through Microsoft Teams (link): lamontcounty.ca/departments/agricultural-services/agendas-minutes-asb. Please Note – inFocus is also available for viewing online at: Next Council Meeting www.lamontcounty.ca/communications Next Lamont Council (Regular Council) The next Regular Council MeetingCounty is on Tuesday, June 13, starting at 9:00 a.m. The public Please Note – inFocus is also available for viewing (for those wanting to view the weekly submission as fullis welcome to attend at the Lamont County Administration Building or virtually through The next Regular Council Meeting is planned for Tuesday, January 9 (2024), starting at online at: sized www.lamontcounty.ca/communications PDF and to access hyperlinks). Microsoft Teams (link): lamontcounty.ca/governance/agendas-minutes. 9:00 a.m. The public is welcome to attend at the Lamont County Administration Building or (for those wanting to view the weekly submission as virtually through Microsoft Teams (link). A link to meetings, agendas and minutes can be full-sized PDF and to access hyperlinks). found at: lamontcounty.ca/governance/agendas-minutes.