Early Christmas miracle
MananddaughtersurvivedevastatingOHVrollover
BY JANA SEMENIUK
Bruderheim resident Jesse Fifoot took his 13-year-old daughter, Peyton, out to look over a field on Nov. 30, planning for an upcoming hunting trip. Fifoot said they’ve made trips like this many times in his side-by-side, but on this night an unexpected mechanical failure sent the duo on a terrifying journey.
Fifoot said they were travelling west on the shoulder of highway 45 going between 45 and 50 kmh at approximately 5:30 p.m. when tragedy struck.
“We were about 120 yards from my property on 45 street and all of a sudden the side by side, just locked up, just completely locked up, and sent us sideways towards the ditch, and as soon the tires hit the edge of the pavement that’s when the side-by-side rolled,” said Fifoot.
“Peyton ended up between my legs, and I tried to hold her there so I wouldn't crush her, but on the second roll, I went through the windshield.”
Fifoot’s vehicle rolled twice, sending his torso smashing through the windshield and unable to protect his daughter as the roof was violently ripped away. When the sideby-side finally came to a stop, Fifoot said he was able to walk out of the wreckage but immediately knew something was wrong.
“I couldn’t catch my breath, and I couldn’t see straight,” he said. “I didn't want (Peyton) to see. I couldn't let her know
the extent of my injuries, because she just would have panicked even more.”
Fifoot instructed his daughter to call her mother and 911. As Peyton quickly made the phone calls, Fifoot said a man pulled up in a truck to help.
“I still don’t know who it was, but
there was a gentleman that pulled up in a truck and was watching out for me and my daughter,” said Fifoot, adding the experience was like a “guardian angel” who arrived to help until emergency crews arrived.
“He tried talking to me, but my
head was just elsewhere. So, he continued to talk to my daughter. Then my wife pulled up behind him and from there he left,” said Fifoot who added at that point he began to weaken and fell to the ground.
As emergency crews arrived, including firetrucks from Lamont and Bruderhiem, ambulances and RCMP, the first responders assessed Fifoot and Peyton before transporting them to the University Hospital in Edmonton.
While Peyton suffered only a few cuts around her nose and soreness, Fifoot’s injuries were numerous.
“I have two broken ribs, stitches and glue to the back of my head along with massive swelling, injury to my right shoulder, liver damage from the impact and a severe concussion,” he said.
By the next day, the two were released from the hospital and recovering as best as they could at home. Although Fifoot said the side-by-side is a write off, he feels grateful the tragedy did not end worse.
“The doctors said multiple times there should have been more injuries, especially with regards to my daughter. She checked out completely fine,” he said.
Fifoot said he also wonders about the stranger who showed up at just the right moment to comfort him and his daughter before help arrived.
“I definitely want to express gratitude and appreciation for him stopping,” he said.
“(This is) God’s reminder (about) how quickly something can change. We’ve done this (trip) so many times.
“An instant can change your life.”
Bruderheim resident Jesse Fifoot gives a thumbs up from the ambulance to his wife Monique, signifying he would be okay after suffering a devastating OHV rollover on Nov. 30. Left: The side-by-side sits badly damaged after the accident.
Christmas Light Up at Lamont
BY JOHN MATHER
Bright sunny, mild weather brought the crowds out on Nov. 29 as the annual Lamont Christmas Light Up ceremonies were held.
The culmination of the activities were the lighting of the massive lights display in the area surrounding the town office.
Promptly at 5 p.m. Santa Claus arrived by fire truck and strode up the main sidewalk surrounded by excited children and threw the switch to illuminate the grounds.
The display will remain lit up until after New Year.
Immediately following the Light Up ceremony as people still walked the trail among the Christmas lights and seasonal inflatables, fireworks lit the night sky from alongside the railway tracks.
To conclude the evening, a carol singing was held at the Lamont Alliance Church.
Earlier throughout the afternoon a horse drawn wagon took people to the various activity centres around the town.
Members of the Lamont Emergency Services also offered rides around Lamont in a fire truck.
At Beaverhill Pioneer Lodge, children visited Santa Claus with their parents and not only got to tell him what their Christmas wishes were but they also got a photo taken which will later be
emailed to their homes in time for Christmas.
There were several opportunities for children to make crafts.
After a lunch of perogies and sausage at the Lamont United Church, children were able to create crafts for a nominal charge.
Kids could also make Christmas cards at the Lamont County building. In the Lamont Hall foyer there was a Kids Christmas store where kids could purchase small Christmas gifts. They also had the opportunity to create dog biscuit decorations and cat toys in the hall.
For those wanting to see live animals, the Animal Rescue Group provided some in the foyer of the Servus Credit Union offices.
In the main Lamont Hall there were performances by choirs and the Fort Saskatchewan Community Band. There were also several Christmas trees that had been decorated by local organizations to create the Lamont Style Festival of Trees.
Organizers said it was very difficult choosing a winner but when all the votes were counted first place went to the tree from the Lamont Play School. The tree from Lamont Elementary School won second place and third place was a tie between the LA Dance Moves tree and the tree decorated by the Lamont Veselka Dancers.
Next door at the curling club a group turned up to try their hand at curling and others took advantage of a pop up curling supply store.
You couldn’t go hungry during the day. There was a Christmas market held in Lamont High School, hot dogs and hot chocolate as well as a bake sale in the Lamont Lions Hall hosted by Lamont Fish and Game.
At the fire hall there was cookie decorating and the others enjoyed Christmas stories and hot chocolate by the fireplace at the Lamont library.
Outside Lamont Foods, a bus sat with its door open as people brought food stuffs to supply the County of Lamont Food Bank. A mitten tree was also set up nearby where winter clothing could be dropped off to go to shelters in Edmonton.
As the afternoon turned dark, people gathered by the town office where they were offered hot chocolate and free kubie burgers and hot dogs. Fire pits were spread around the parking lot where people could keep warm and socialize with their neighbours.
At the end of the day, people were invited to hop on to a bus to tour Lamont and view the homes that were all lit up for Christmas.
Volunteers were busy serving up kubie burgers and hot dogs in the cold Nov. 29 prior to the Lamont Winter Wonder Lights switch being thrown. A large crowd turned out in the chilly weather to see the annual display turned on.
Members of the Fort Saskatchewan Community Band performed in the Lamont Hall Nov. 29 to put people in the Christmas mood.
With the mild weather Nov. 29, horse drawn sleigh rides to various Lamont Winter Light Up activities around the town were very popular.
Opinion
Good week for Smith but real work now begins
BY JOHN MATHER
Wow, what an interesting week in Alberta.
And no matter who you listen to it might have been a very good week or a pitiful week.
To me, in my humble opinion, the big winner was Premier Danielle Smith.
She got a form of a deal with the Carney Liberals in her quest to have a pipeline built to ship Alberta crude to a northern B.C. coastal port.
But this Memorandum of Understanding does nothing to get a pipeline built.
Smith will now have to consult or create a Minister in Charge of Consultations to work with B.C, Indigenous groups, Alberta Indigenous groups, B.C. Premier David Eby, and oil company executives to get them all onboard with this future pipeline.
Everyone agrees it will be of great economic benefits for Alberta, B.C. and Canada through revenues it will generate and the jobs it creates.
But right now it still remains a “pipe” dream.
Carney says he is on board, but he has tempered a relationship with Alberta while he hasn’t really committed to anything substantial except a hike in the industrial carbon tax... and that will trickle down to the consumer.
But after the deal was announced last Thursday, the best news came shortly after. Climate zealot Steven Guilbeault threw a temper tantrum after this MOU was signed, and quit the Liberal cabinet.
That was huge win for the entire country!
He had done more as the environment czar in the Trudeau cabinet to destroy the economic outlook in Alberta’s energy industry than almost anyone else.
But he won’t quit his Montreal area seat in the House of Commons, so he will continue to draw a hefty taxpayer paycheque and is still eligible to the goldplated pensions MPs get when they leave.
He’s out of cabinet but keeps his seat and that’s allowed. Unlike his former colleague Chrystia Freeland, a former Albertan, who took a new job in Oxford, England, as the CEO of the Rhodes Trust and Warden of Rhodes House, which offers Rhodes scholarships giving students from around the world the chance to study at the University of Oxford.
Now she quit cabinet a year ago and that brought about the downfall of Justin Trudeau himself.
I suppose we can be thankful for that.
But she still retains her UniversityRosedale seat in downtown Toronto. She should immediately give that up since she is preparing to leave the country for her new job which starts in July.
But do the Liberals take the risk to tell her to resign? Hard to say since they have a slim two seat advantage in the House of Commons.
And Carney’s MOU with Smith has alienated many tree hugging Liberals and many of those live in the centre of Canada and centre of the universe universe depending on who you talk to …. Toronto.
Would they be likely to vote in another Liberals who might have a more practical outlook on Canada’s economy and not share the decidedly doom and gloom outlook of Trudeau’s climate change cabinet ministers.
The fight for this seat in a by-election could be risky.
The other big win for Smith was at the UCP AGM in Edmonton over the weekend.
When Alberta Prosperity Project leader (was he ever democratically elected or just self appointed?) honcho Jeffrey Rath bleated to the crowd during the open mike sessions he got a standing ovation.
But Smith, and Rath, know that for a $15 party membership anyone can be a member of the UCP, NDP, Liberal or any other party. Then they can attend an AGM to hobnob with the party stalwarts and voice their opinions.
So Rath and other Alberta separatists had been running a campaign to sign up members to stack the AGM with separatist supporters, hoping to takeover the Board of Directors of
the party.
So yes he got cheers when he riled up his crowd and Smith got booed when she mentioned the aforementioned MOU with the Liberals.
People are aware it is just a piece of paper at this point.
If and when it does get to excavators in the ground, and pipe being put in the ground, the cheers for Smith will be loud and proud.
But Rath’s movement to takeover the Board of the UCP failed and Smith’s stalwarts still control the board with 11 of the 17 board of director seats.
Before, the board was awkwardly tied between separatists and federalists who subscribe to Smith’s agenda of sovereignty within a united Canada.
So that was another win for Smith.
Finally she announced her government will introduce a motion this week under provincial sovereignty legislation to defy the federal gun buy-back program.
It would also protect Albertans defending themselves from intruders, she said.
“I’ve got a little tip for low-life criminals out there: if you don’t want to get shot, don’t break into someone’s house,” Smith said to cheers from the approximately 4,000 members.
The Federal restrictions on firearms usage are aimed at crowded cities such as Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver and Edmonton, but Smith knows rural Albertans are vulnerable in their homes with RCMP not able to reach them in a timely manner on many occasions.
So she wants them to have the right to defend themselves.
That and some of her other policy wins at the AGM made it a pretty good week for Alberta’s premier.
But now, she has to know, the real work begins.
Kerry Anderson Publisher John Mather Reporter Jana Semeniuk Reporter Crystal Moren
BY HAZEL ANAKA
As I write this we are on the cusp of December 1st and within a stone’s throw of another year end. I hesitate to say it, because it’s such a cliché, but how did this happen? When did that spanking new 2025 calendar full of promise and hope turn into the ups and downs of real life?
Depending on the sort of calendar you use, it could be a twelve-page wall calendar with small boxes for noting appointments. If you like a daily planner, which can run anywhere up to a $100, you’ll have 365 pages on which to plan, record, and document all the goings on in your life. Busy families may choose a large, colourcoded, erasable calendar for the fridge or wall. Tracking the activities for more than one person is akin to planning a space mission---not for the
FROM WHERE I SIT: The Lowly Calendar
faint of heart. Heck, in our two person-household, we often don’t know what the other is doing until they’re doing it. For those younger, more paper-averse people, your calendar may be stored in your smart phone along with audible and visual reminders of the important things in your life.
Because I make books, for the last few years I’ve made my own daily planner. I can fancy it up or keep it all businesslike and utilitarian. I allow for a page a day and glue in small monthat-a-glance sheets when I reach the start of a new month. Essentially, I use a modified bullet journal format for my entries. There is little narrative or interpretation of the day; the facts, ma’am, just the facts. I also use separate month-at-a-glance calendars from Dollar Tree for specific purposes: wedding bookings and my YouTube video schedule. My master schedule is contained in a pursesized month-at-a-glance one also from a dollar store.
With all these calendars at my disposal, you’d think I’d have a good grasp on what day
it is, at any given moment. You’d be wrong. Often, I find myself looking at my laptop or phone to check what day it is. To a large degree I chalk this up to being a self-employed, home-based artist/ crafter/content creator in charge of my own life for the most part. Naturally, I have deadlines and online commitments that are not always of my own choosing.
In the olden days, people kept track of time by the scheduled airing of their favourite TV shows. Hockey Night in Canada was Saturday, The Ed Sullivan Show was Sunday evening, soap operas were Monday to Friday.
Even though I’ve come to rely on my phone for many things, keeping a calendar is not one of them. I have no idea if past days/months are stored somewhere in memory or if they drop off after they’ve passed. A ‘paper trail’ is sometimes very important when you have a customer complaint or need info about past medical appointments. Is it all gone into the ether? Roy has been keeping a plan-
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ner for decades now and he can look up what happened on any given day going back years. Because I love old papers, I’ve sought out and bought old planners, minute books, or day books. I’ve sold a number of them because they are highly coveted in our world. I’ve also kept back several for my own use. I have vineyard records from 1930s France (which I can’t read!); a medical doctor’s accounts receivable book from the 1930s; a farmer’s record books from the early 1900s not-
ing weather, egg prices, crop yields, sick livestock; decades worth of record books from the IOOF (Independent Order of Odd Fellows) showing membership fees, attendance, and correspondence from headquarters. The one thing they all have in common is beautiful cursive writing done with fountain pens or sometimes dull pencils.
What will future generations of curious collectors do? Unlock someone’s phone to see which TikTok videos they hearted? Please. That’s
cultural bulls#it. I realize no one can save everything that comes through their hands and lives. But are you leaving any trace of your life and existence behind in the calendars, planners, diaries, cookbooks, scrapbooks, notebooks you’re keeping? I have a thrifted cookbook marked with grease spots, check marks, comments, and X’s beside recipes that didn’t work. It’s loaded with personality, charm, information, and humour. Someone famous once said, a life worth living is worth recording. Even the lowly calendar can tell a story, from where I sit.
From the files of the Lamont Leader
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October 15, 2014 issue of the Lamont Leader: Lamont Community Playschool teacher Michelle Andruchow and her young class enjoyed a tour of the firehall on Thursday courtesy of Greg Dallman.
Lamont High School honours high achievers
BY JOHN MATHER
Lamont High School
honoured its top students Nov. 26 with an evening award ceremony.
Honour students from Grade 7 to last year’s Grade 12 students received their certificates, while other individual awards were also handed out.
Kelly Sawatzky, principal of Lamont High School acted as the MC for the event introducing the classes and the individual award winners as they received their certificates.
“This evening is about the many, many ways our students have challenged themselves and made our school a vibrant space to learn.”
She added the awards represented persistence, curiosity, and countless small steps that led to meaningful achievement.
“Your accomplishments speak to your creativity and determination.”
Receiving Grade 7 honours were: Emma Bork, Tessa Bryks, who also was the student with the overall highest marks in Grade 7, Benjamin Chopping, Ezekiel Dekker, Jacob Fragoso, Jordan Gordon, Sarah Hicks, Derek Kloster, Kayleigh Mercer, Corey
Power, Cassandra Renneberg, Jamie Skinner, Jonas Wytrykush, and Tradon Young-Anderson.
The Grade 8 students receiving honours were: Sterling Adams, Mikaila Barron, Ayden Brzezicki, Cheyanne Calder, Cole Chudyk, Landon DaggJones, Ember Dzioba, Stan Halon, Maci Hrycyk, Alexandra Janssen, Jacob Maki, Gavin Martindale, Emma McCaffrey, Lily Quijano Acosta who also had the top marks in Grade 8; Andreas Wall, and Carter Winslow.
In Grade 9 the honours were from Elk Island Public Schools. Receiving those were: Karlee Lapnisky, Elise Moore, Marshall Regehr, and Hunter Rideout, who was also the top marks getter for the grade.
Grade 10 honours went to: Keelan Benner, Mason Bilan, Aiden Chopping, Sydney Cossey, Riley Gillett-Gerry, Isaac Hrycyk, Matthew Janssen, Hambal Khamis, Rachel Klos, who was also the top marks achiever in Grade 10; Erika Kloster, Kyler Lapnisky, Bella MacDonald, Leah McCaffrey, Ryder Muir, Franklin Rusnick, Ryley Wait, Benhard Wall,
Isabel Weleschuk, Brayden Wendorff, and Madeline Zacharko.
In Grade 11 the students achieving honours were: Conlan Aylward, Easton Bilan, Daniel Bork, Kianna Dul, Taylor Fossum, who also achieved the top marks for her grade; Kayden Foster, Hunter Inverarity, Seth Pilling, Trinity Rajtmajer, and Jayden Simms and Eliza Fragoso.
Grade 12 honours awards are given to: Althia Alina, Adam Boudreau, Brooke Busenius, Camryn Fossum, who also had the top Grade 12 marks; Odetta Giese, Wyatt Hrycyk, Taylor Iverson, Ben Melnyk, Ash Randell, Rylee Rideout, Teagan Stetsko, Gabrielle Wendorff and Sienna Whaling.
Citizenship awards were handed out to two students from Grades 7 to 12. Receiving the Grade 7 awards were Derek Kloster and Ava Robinson; Lily Quiljano Acosta and Mikaila Barron won in Grade 8; Hunter Rideout and Charlie Andruchow won in Grade 9; Rachel Klos
and Hambal Khamis won in Grade 10; Grade 11 winners were Joseph Theissen and Taylor Fossum; and the Grade 12 winners were Hayden Childs and Christian Nimchuk.
The Catholic Women’s League Award winner was Taylor Fossum.
Camryn Fossum won the Bruderheim STEM Scholarship Award.
Camryn Fossum and Taylor Iverson won the Lamont High School Reunion 2024 Scholarships.
Zander Martindale won the Junior Firefighter Member Award.
Camryn Fossum was awarded the Governor General’s Academic Medal.
Brooke Busenius and Rylee Rideout won the Kevin Gaetz Awards.
Gabrielle Wendorff was the recipient of the Ed Stelmach Community Foundation and the WesTEC Innovation awards.
She shared winning a Lamont County Centennial Scholarship Award with co-winner Christian Nimchuk.
Wendorff also won the Mona Atwal Scholarship.
Camryn Fossum was the recipient of the SSAMichael Vaughan ”Spirit of Sport” Scholarship.
The drama awards went to Marley MacKinnon for the Best Original Scene; Lloyd Akitt for Best Original Scene; and Charlie Andruchow for Best
Monologue. Art Awards went to Cassandra Renneberg for the Junior High Art Award, while Eliza Fragoso won the Senior High Art Award.
Construction award: Jr. High, Evan wick; Sr. High, Cody Gauthier; Sr. High, Xavier Storr.
In the area of cosmetology Madison King won the Junior High Cosmetology Award and Natalie Vanderwal won the Senior High Cosmetology Award.
Payton Donald won the award for the Most Credits Earned in Communications and Technology and Lily Qujano Acosta won the Lamont High School Spelling Bee.
Congratulations to Baba Jane, the beloved matriarch of Stawnichy's, on reaching this incredible milestone! The family and entire Stawnichy team would like to thank Baba for simply being Baba. From working tirelessly six days a week, ten hours a day, nearly every day of the year, to handing out hundreds of Kinder Eggs to delighted little ones, and making countless "uptown" runs for mail and groceries — Baba Jane has always been, and continues to be, the heart and anchor of our operation. Happy
Lamont Mayor Jody Foulds, left, stands with the Lamont High School Citizenship Award winners. The school honoured all its top students with a special ceremony on Nov. 26. Crystal Moren photo.
Lily Quijano Acosta was the recipient of the Lamont High School Spelling Bee Award which was among the school’s awards handed out on Nov. 26. Crystal Moren photo.
Under the Starry Glow
BY MELISSA
MACINTOSH-YOUNG
Bruderheim kicked off the holiday season in unforgettable fashion this past weekend as the Under the Starry Glow celebration filled the community with light, laughter, and festive cheer.
Excited children, bundled in winter gear, lined the streets as Santa Claus made his grand return to town—arriving in true Bruderheim-style atop fire trucks with the Bruderheim Fire Department.
Sirens, smiles, and holiday magic followed the convoy as it wound its way through neighbourhoods, spreading
Christmas spirit along its route.
Toys and nonperishable food items were also collected along the route for the Lamont Food Bank.
The fun continued at the community hall, where families gathered for an afternoon packed with activities.
Children dove into seasonal crafts, while the warmth of free hot chocolate and warm chilli helped guests thaw out from the chilly night air.
As families mingled, the Fort Saskatchewan Community Band filled the hall with live holiday music, creating the perfect festive soundtrack.
NEWS BRIEFS
BY JOHN MATHER Open House
Fort Saskatchewan RCMP will be hosting an open house on Dec. 5, 2025. Drop in anytime between 2 pm. to 6 p.m. at the Fort Saskatchewan RCMP Detachment. Petition
Elections Alberta, on Dec. 1, has completed the verification of the “Alberta Forever Canada” citizen initiative petition – confirming all the proper requirements have been met and easily cleared the threshold.
Emerance
Vancouver Goldeneyes lost the first two games of its road trip this past week.
Bruderheim’s Emerance Maschmeyer was in goal for a 5-1 loss at Ottawa on Nov. 26 stopping 28 shots. On Nov. 29 in New York, Maschmeyer sat in favour of backup netminder Kristen Campbell who had no better luck in a Goldeneyes 5-1 loss. They are in Boston tonight.
The Bruderheim Arena invited families to lace up for indoor skating, giving attendees a classic winter pastime without the chill.
With Santa visits, joyful tunes, and a whole lot of hometown spirit, Under the Starry Glow once again proved why Bruderheim is a place where memories are made and celebrated.
The holiday season has officially begun— and it’s shining bright.
Leader; Kerry, Michelle, Brennan & Garrett Anderson; Crystal & Hunter, Sylvia & Family, Aileen, John Mather, Jana Semeniuk & Family, Anonymous #1, Al Harvey & Family; Richard & Sharon Johnston; John & Doreen Homeniuk; David & Mary Boyko; Steve & Stella Stodola; Sherry & Joseph Cote; Mae & Tom Adamyk & Family; Al & Carol Ropchan; Mark, Ginger, Taylor & Elie Ropchan; Kim, Derek, Jarret & Tyson Burns; John & Janelle Uganecz & Family; The Little Things; Ron Johnston; Marshal & Zenia Maydanski; Eileen Mandryk; Gerry & Carol Palichuk; Elaine Kuzyk; Grant & Hazel Hackett; Circle Cee Farms: Cholak Family; Diann Hodgson, In Loving Memory of Len Hodgson; Lamont Home Hardware; Chuck & Andrea Varga: Elmer & Eugenia Hlushak; Mary Procinsky; Marie & Sam Lysyk; Anonymous; Bob & Brenda Melnyk; Eddie, Dorothy & Lexie Leno; Ron & Deb Tresham; In Memory of Jonathan Patan, Danial Patan, John Patan and Thomas Kowal; Koziak Land & Cattle Company; Rita Paquette; Erich & Rosena Frobel; Wayne & Lorraine Field; Kostiuk Family; Antoinette Siracky; Kenneth & Denise Dorland; Mary Ann & Milton Holowach; In Loving Memory of Gunga, Louise Moren; Albert & FlorenceStelmach; Stella Meyer; Lamont Ag Society, In Loving Memory of Donna Carter; The Painting Fireman; The Pewarchuk’s; Zennia Trollope; Lamont River Rats Snowmobile Club; Anonymous #2; Over The Edge Eavestroughing; Marvin Tallas; $15,500!! Caribou
Volunteers from the Bruderheim Fire Department spread holiday cheer throughout the town. Photo by Melissa MacIntosh-Young
Children lined up to tell Santa their Christmas wishes.
Photo by Melissa MacIntosh-Young
Andrew Rural Academy superintendent resigns
BY JANA SEMENIUK
The Andrew charter school, Andrew Rural Academy, will be looking for a new superintendent after Joey
KOTYK, Peter Nick
May 15,1933 –November 19,2025
It is with deep sadness that the family of Peter Kotyk of St. Michael, AB announce his passing. Our beloved Father/Geedo passed away peacefully the morning of November 19th.
Left to cherish his memory are one son, three daughters and four grandchildren: Gordon; Terrylynn (Mervin) Fedoretz and their son, Blayne; Crystal (friend Eugene), her children, Kyle and Karissa; Bonnie and her son, Eric; sister-in-law, Violet Buksa; brother-in-law, Chris (Gale) Pelechytik; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.
Bouchard, who was hired for the position in May, submitted his resignation.
A Nov. 27 email from the school’s board, shared with the Lamont Leader, announced Bouchard’s resignation.
“The Board wishes to inform our school community that it has accepted the resignation of our Superintendent. We extend our appreciation for Joey’s contributions and wish him all the best in his future endeavours. The Board has begun the recruitment process for a new Superintendent, and we will provide further updates as they become available,” the email stated.
Current school administration consists of principal Terrance Prusak
Peter is reunited with his beloved wife, Sylvia, who predeceased him on September 25, 2025; parents, Nick and Teresa (née Prokopczak); brothers, Johnny (in infancy), Michael (Katie) and Paul (Anne); sisters, Nancy (Bill), Helen (George), Rose (Vern) and Lucille (Larry); nephews, Gerald, Michael Jr., Orville, Richard, Robert, Larry; nieces, Shirley, Virginia, Doreen and Patsy; brother-in-law, Steve Buksa and nephew, Shane Buksa.
A viewing will be held on Thursday, December 4, 2025, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Park Memorial, 9709 – 111 Avenue NW, Edmonton, AB. A Funeral Service will be held Friday, December 5, 2025, at 10 a.m. at Holy Transfiguration Russo Orthodox Church, Star, AB (192002 TWP 564 - intersection of RR 192 and TWP 564, 2 miles east of HWY 831 on TWP 564 or 2 miles south of HWY 45 RR 192). Interment will follow in the Church Cemetery.
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and assistant principal Tracy Messer.
No reasons were given for Bouchard’s resignation.
MARTZ, Gordon Joseph 1949
~ 2025
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Gordon Joseph Martz, who departed this life peacefully on November 27, 2025, at the age of 76. Gordon was born on February 26, 1949, in Heisler Alberta, to Leander and Maryanna Martz.
Left to remember him is Joanne Martz, his children, Melissa Martz of Camrose,
PICKETT, Roger Tommy
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our kind-hearted husband, father, uncle, grandfather, and friend, Roger Tommy Pickett at the age of 69 years on October 16, 2025.
Left to cherish his memory is his wife of 32 years, Alexis Pickett; his children, Brandi (Cory) Chalack, and Layne
Michael (Breanne) Martz of Lamont, Jennifer (Joel) Overeem of Millet and Jordon (Hilary) Martz of Gibsons BC. He was also the proud grandfather to eight grandchildren, Easton, Cooper, Eli, Owen, Mason, Aubrey, Jeffrey and Joey.
Gordon was a hardworking man who built a career with Pioneer Grain and continued to use his handyman skills and knowledge into his retirement helping all those around him. He also had a love for gardening that benefitted his friends and family as he was always more than willing to share, and spent time trying to instill the gardening bug into his grandchildren. Gordon’s kindness, generosity, and unwavering love for his family will never be forgotten.
A memorial service will be held at St. Martin's Catholic Church in Heisler on December 8th, 2025, at 11:00 AM.
A time of fellowship and refreshments will be held at the Heisler Community Hall following the interment service.
Pickett; treasured grandson, Cayden Chalack; as well as nieces, nephews, cousins, and many other loving family members and friends.
Roger was predeceased by his parents, Tommy and Ruth Pickett; siblings, Kenneth Pickett, Allan Pickett, Lawrence Pickett, and Judy King; as well as his grandparents, cousins, and other beloved family members.
Roger’s legacy is marked by his helpfulness, unconditional love, and the big bear hugs he was known for, which will be fondly remembered by those whose lives he touched.
A date for the celebration of Roger’s life will be announced at a later date.
First Memorial Funeral ServicesRiverview Chapel 11090 86 Ave, Fort Saskatchewan, AB
ARA Superintendent Joey Bouchard has resigned.
Photo: Jana Semeniuk
German Christmas market coming to Bruderheim
BY JANA SEMENIUK
The sights, sounds and scents of a German Christmas market will be coming alive inside a huge greenhouse in Bruderheim on Dec. 14.
The first market of its kind in town, affectionately called the ‘Glashaus Winter Market’ will take place at Thiel’s Greenhouse courtesy of owner Nadine Stielow and the owner of local Old Country Sausage, Andrea Hinken.
Stielow said the idea has been smoldering in her mind for years when a phone call from her dear friend finally spurred her into action.
“I have been wanting to do some sort of market in our beautiful glass greenhouse for years and always stalled because I don't really want to do it alone,” she said, adding a call from Hinken last month changed her plans.
Friends Nadine Stielow (L) and Andrea Hinken, stop for a photo in the middle of preparations for Bruderheim's first German Christmas market, Glashaus, coming Dec. 14. Photo: Jana Semeniuk
“Then a Christmas miracle, Andrea called me up in Nov. and said, “Hey, we've been tossing something around. What if we had a market at your greenhouse, and it was a very much German, European flavoured, centred market?””
Stielow said she immediately started putting the plans in place with Hinken that were festering and building all those years.
“We will do this and building on this one. This is the first test mar-
ket. Well, hopefully people enjoy it, and hopefully we can build on this one,” said Stielow.
Hinken said the market is not about selling products, “It’s about selling an experience.”
“Just being wrapped up in the smells and the sounds of everything. There will be live music, a café with many types of food, including Gluhwein (pronounced ‘Gloo-vine’),” said Hinken, adding that Gluhwein is a traditional German Christmas drink of red wine combined
U11 Wild’s Alex Holt averaging over 3 goals per game
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 U11 Wild (57-0) dropped a 9-5 home game on Sunday at Bruderheim against Mallaig. Down 5-0 early in the middle frame due to Kyler Dargis striking 5-times, Wild came from behind and closed the gap to a single goal only 6:40 into the third period. Mallaig rebounded with a goal just over a minute later and then added two late ones. Both Marcus MacDonell and Alex Holt had a pair of goals for EI. Braden Roy added the other. Kyler Dargis scored 8-goals for Mallaig and now has 84 on the season in 12 GP. Alex Holt is the scoring leader for Elk Island with 38 goals in only 12
GP.
Elk Island U13 Wild (46-0) dropped a 3-2 game in Lloydminster on Sunday after coming back to tie the home team twice. Mary
Sobkow and Kayden King scored for the Wild. Mary Sobkow leads the team in scoring and is fifth in league scoring this season with 15g 7a for 22pts in 10 GP.
for Joey & Sarah Felzien of Galahad, AB.
Featuring: A Home Quarter with Beautiful New Home and Shop Land Legals: NE 8-39-14-W4 West ½ 16-39-14-W4 Home Quarter NE 32-39-14-W4
Bids open Dec. 8, 2025 – Close Dec. 10, 2025 –– A Full Line of Farm Equipment and Bred Cows
Featuring: John Deere 6150 MFWD c/w Loader. John Deere 9650 Combine. 2 - 6000 Bu. Hopper Bottom Bins.
with citrus fruits and spices served hot.
“Ours will be nonalcoholic.”
Stielow said local Ironwood Catering and the Hinken’s shop, Old Country Sausage, are providing the food for the event.
“I think the gals at Ironwood Catering and Andrea and Rolf picked an amazing menu for both businesses to showcase,” she said.
In addition to the tantalizing aromas and variety of food, Hinken said the market will also house at least 30 different vendors offering an array of handcrafted unique items for sale.
“Everything is handmade and homemade. There are stained glass artists, embroidery, woodworkers, we have so much talent, we had no trouble filling the tables,” she said. “And Santa will be here.”
The Glashaus Market will take place at Thiel’s Greenhouse on Sunday Dec. 14 from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
The County of Lamont Food Bank is accepting CHRISTMAS HAMPER REQUESTS from Nov 12th to Dec 8th, 2025
Please call (780) 619-6955 and leave a message to request a hamper. Hamper Date: Sunday, December 21, 2025.
Bids open Dec. 8, 2025 – Close Dec. 12, 2025 For more infoCall Dallas: 403-578-8105 Email: dallas.agthings@gmail.com
Town offers support for new food bank building
BY JANA SEMENIUK
The Town of Lamont is showing its support for the local food bank’s initiative to finally have their own building.
A patch of land, located behind the Town’s arena will become the future home for the County of Lamont Food Bank’s (CLFB) new facility.
Town of Lamont’s Chief Administration Officer, Tyler Edworthy, confirmed a Memorandum of Understanding between the Town and the Food Bank.
“We currently have an MOU with the Food Bank to assist with their grant application until the facility is confirmed,” said Edworthy by email.
“The MOU establishes a partnership with the Food Bank to realize a facility located on Town owned land.”
CLFB’s Chair Jody Zachoda said the new facility has been a dream in the making for several years.
“We've been inching towards this for quite a few years,” she said. “When we started out, we didn't have this amount of clients.”
According to statistics provided by the CLFB, food hampers distributed to needy families have almost 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. She added that many different ideas went into planning the new building.
“The planning has been years in the works. We sat down with all our
volunteers, and asked them, what would you like to see for storage? What would you like to see for the front entryway? What would you like to see for services? Just so we could gather ideas and try to put as much as we can into the functionality and services, because we don't want to have to need all of these, but we do,” she said.
In addition to compiling weekly food hampers, Zachoda said, with the help of FCSS (Family and Community Support Services), they now offer addictions counselling and are hoping to include many more services in the new building.
“Anything that people can do for themselves. It gives them a real sense of accomplishment and worth, and it gives people hope.”
Zachoda said the Food Bank is hoping to raise a
“One of the things that we would do with that new building is have a commercial kitchen. We would be able to do more education to show people, this is how we're going to take a chicken and make three meals out of it. This is how we're going to make jam. We're going to take these crab apples that everybody has too many of and make some crab apple jelly or some crab apple juice,” she said.
million dollars to enable them to apply for a matching grant for another million dollars.
“We honour all donations as they are intended. If someone gives us a donation and says they want it to go towards food procurement or the building fund, that’s what we do,” she said, adding their goal is $20,000 over Christmas.
Zachoda said they are looking at building a 5,000 square foot facility that would encompass
Members of Lamont Town council and the County of Lamont Food Bank stand on the site for the Food Bank's future new home. L-R: Lamont Mayor Jody Foulds, Lamont Councillor and Food Bank Treasurer Chris Mintenko, Food Bank member Jason Wytrykush, Food Bank Chair Jody Zachoda, Food Bank member Val Nimchuk and Lamont Councillor and Food Bank member Al Harvey.
the commercial kitchen in addition to office space, space for walk in coolers and plenty of food storage. She added that a tentative sod turning could be in 2027.
Zachoda said donation can be given through the Lamont Leader’s Fill the Tree campaign or donors can visit the food bank’s website for more options at countylamontfoodbank.com.
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
CARD OF THANKS
The Rudzcki, Ralph and Stefiszyn Family would like to thank the many friends and family who helped celebrate Victor Rudzcki's life on November 22, 2025. Many thanks to the Legion for their luncheon and their kindness. Utmost thanks to Weber Funeral Home for their guidance and condolences at a very difficult time. Your thoughtfulness was much appreciated.
The Family of Victor Rudzcki.
On behalf of our family, we would like to express our gratitude for the outpouring of love and support during this difficult time.
Our sincere appreciation goes to the dedicated doctors, nurses and staff at the Viking Hospital, Camrose St. Mary’s Hospital and all the nurses at the Camrose Cancer center for the compassionate and professional care.
A very special thanks goes to the Viking Funeral Home for their compassion and professional services during such a difficult time.
We were deeply touched by the cards, flowers, donations, phone calls, and texts from our family, friends and the community.
With sincere appreciation Place/Morken families
COMING EVENTS
Friday, Dec. 5 is 'Italian Night' at The Station Tea House in Viking!
From 4 to 7 p.m. it's $40 per person, includes Appetizer, Main Course, and Dessert!
Pre-book only, call 780-385-4165 to book your meal.
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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
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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
VIKING HEALTH CENTRE AUXILIARY
CHRISTMAS MARKET Thursday, December 4 11 am to 5 pm Viking Community Hall Lunch available for purchase Great Christmas ideas, Crafts, Baking, Gifts, Décor & more To reserve table, call Kim 780-385-0902
Christmas Senior Supper at the Viking Senior Centre Sunday, December 7
Doors open 5 pm. Supper at 6pm. $25 per person.
Following entertainment and cards to play. Call by December 1 to RSVP at 780-336-2678.
Round Hill
Christmas Market Monday, December 8 from 5-7pm at Round Hill Community Hall
For a table call or text Terry 780-678-6131 TM47-48c
DaysArts presents as part of their 2025-26 Concert Series John Wort Hannam Wednesday, December 3 at 7:30 pm. Daysland Palace Theatre For more information and tickets contact Sharon 780-374-2403 email info@daysarts.ca
COMING EVENTS
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!
Killam Baptist Church
Christmas Supper and Program, Sunday, December 7th at the Killam Community Hall. Doors open at 5pm, Supper at 5:30pm. Special guests "The Farmer and Adele" will bring a program of Western Gospel music. All ages welcome. For tickets, please call the church 780-385-3607
Sedgewick Farmers Bonspiel Dec 9 - 12th.
Late afternoon/evening draws with meals provided. Mens/Ladies/Mixed welcome! Call (780) 385-4501
Candlelight Service
Viking United Church Sunday, December 14 @ 7:00 pm Everyone Welcome. Refreshments to follow. Donations to the Christmas Hamper program
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
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
The Round Hill Ag Society is looking for a Facilities Caretaker. Full details are available at www.RoundHillHall.ca. Applications may be sent to RHAgSociety@gmail.com Closing date Dec. 6, 2025 TM47-48c
FIREARMS WANTED FOR OUR 2025 AUCTION PROGRAM: Firearms, Ammunition, Accessories, or Militaria. Collections, Estates or single items. For Auction, or Possible Purchase: Contact us: 1800-694-2609, Email: sales@switzersauction.com or Visit us @ www.switzersauction.com for Auction Dates & Details.
WANTED: Looking for 1970-1971 Barracudas and 1969-1970 Chargers, in any condition. Running or not. TOP PRICE PAID for 6-pack or Hemi car. Call 306-221-5908.
breathtaking lake views, just 3 minutes from town. Vacation in Canada's warmest destination. Or for warmer weather, two luxurious 5-star resort units in Phoenix, Arizona. Call Doug: 306-716-2671.
How about the Knights of Columbus Airdrie Dream Vacation Raffle. BUY YOUR TICKET TODAY!
65th anniversary of tragedy memorialized with time capsule
BY JANA SEMENIUK
A school bus and train collision that took the lives of 17 high school students in 1960 was memorialized on Nov. 30 with a time capsule buried during a ceremony near the tragedy’s monument in Lamont.
The accident happened on Nov. 29, 1960 and was listed as one of the most devastating accidents in the province’s history.
Lamont resident Tom Hrehorets, member of the Lamont Chipman Bus Train Memorial committee, helped organize the annual memorial, partially taking place in Chipman where the students lived, before completing the ceremony in Lamont where the accident happened.
“Park Memorial donated the time capsule for us, a small vault for
an urn. They also donated 17 roses, one for each of the victims that perished that morning,” said Hrehorets.
The school bus picked up 42 children from Chipman School at 8:45 a.m. that day before travelling towards the Lamont High School.
Frosted windows, and a noisy interior were some of the reasons given why the bus driver, 31-year-old Frank Budney, did not realize a train was coming when he crossed the tracks only a few blocks from the school.
The impact sheared the bus in two, sending the rear sailing through the air and landing in the ditch while the remaining front of the bus impaled onto the train before finally coming to a stop a third of a mile down the tracks.
In all, 17 students were killed. Budney barely survived and was acquitted of criminal negligence in a trial the following year.
Meanwhile, Hrehorets said approximately 50 people attended this year’s ceremony as well as a visit from CBC to cover the anniversary.
Joining the crowd were some of the survivors of the accident, including John Winnick who was only 16 at the time and the only victim to walk away from the crash barely scratched.
Winnick and fellow survivor Terry Cossey, both now in their 80s, were on-hand to help lower the time capsule into the ground.
“Terry Levicki from Andrew, he came and dug the hole for us and covered everything up. And I'm going to put a little plaque on top in the Spring, telling when the capsule will be opened," said Hrehorets.
“Monday, Nov. 29, 2060 the 100th anniversary.”
Hrehorets said Steve Eleniak, 94, and a former resident of Chipman was instrumental in helping to organize the time capsule.
“He is the king of time capsules,” said Hrehorets. “He’s been involved with us and he’s joined our committee now.”
Hrehorets said the time capsule is filled with photocopies of the accident coverage as well as several past articles from the Lamont Leader.
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Members of Lamont Emergency Services responded to a two vehicle accident on Highway 16 at Secondary Highway 843 Nov. 28. There were minor injuries in the accident which saw a Cadillac Escalade cross Highway 16 on 834 and collide with a westbound Nissan. The Cadillac driver is facing
Bus crash survivors Terry Cossey (L) and John Winnick (R) prepare to lower a time capsule, memorializing the 1960 school bus crash which killed 17 high school students, into the ground. The capsule is scheduled to be opened on the 100th anniversary Nov. 29, 2060.
Jana Semeniuk photo.
Community Events https://lamontcounty.ca/eventscalendar
Bruderheim Community Pancake Breakfast – Dec. 6 from 8-11 a.m. Everyone is welcome. $10 per plate and 6 and under are free. Proceeds to Bruderheim Seniors Centre operations.
Christmas Turkey Bingo - Zhoda Community Centre on Dec. 6 @6 p.m. Everyone’s welcome (no dabbers req.)!
Santa Claus Parade - Fort Sask. – Dec. 6 at 4:15 p.m. St. Michael (Ag.) Christmas Party – Dec. 6 from 1-4 p.m.
Shop LOCAL this holiday season. Businesses can be part of the Lamont County Business Directory at lamontcountynow.ca/business-directory
Mundare Light the Night - entry by food bank donation December 5-6 from 5-9 p.m. at Ukraina Park.
Mundare Christmas Extravaganza – December 6 from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.inc. Mundare Rec. Centre & Town Office.
(VISIT: lamontcounty.ca/community-programming or scan the QR code above for full posters, dates and links - contact Community Services for information & registration or call 780-895-2233). Current CALC, FCSS & KFRN activities include (NOTE: no regular programs during between Dec. 22 through Jan. 7):
KFRN: Baby Talk (NEW!): Wed. mornings in Bruderheimsignup.com/go/NPZtKCb
KFRN: Cooking With Your Littles: Andrew & Bru. (Dec 10 & 11) signup.com/go/gjEyUOp
KFRN: Family Activity Night: in Andrew on Dec. 16 from 5-7 p.m.
KFRN: Grace in Progress: Dec. 16 in Bru. signup.com/go/KsDTtvX
KFRN: Connecting Generations: Christmas craft and singalong –Dec. 19 signup.com/go/nReHAhz
CALC: Bon Appetit Bingo for Seniors (in Andrew): Nov. 27Registration required.
FCSS: Youth Centres in Bruderheim, Chipman. Mundare CANCELLED (excl. holidays & Fall/Winter break). Registration/waiver required. FCSS: Parents & Tots – In Lamont (Mon.) & Mundare (Wed.). Contact Community Services for info.
FCSS: Fitness Fun for Older Adults (Oct. 16 to Dec. 4) – email michelle.a@lamontcounty.ca for info. Meals in Motion: DEC.lamontcounty.ca/community-programming Seniors’ Coffee: 10-11 a.m. (Wed.) in Andrew, & (Thurs.) & Mundare. Join FCSS for coffee, conversation, snacks, & assistance with senior-related supports. Seniors Coffee is also held in St. Michael (Thurs.) from 10 a.m. to noon.
* See Lamont County’s calendar for local community events, public meetings & important dates: lamontcounty.ca/eventscalendar
FYI – December 6 has a lot of holiday markets across Lamont County and into Fort Sask. including the Santa Claus Parade.
To access current COMMUNITY SERVICES programs and information, scan the QR code or FCSS, CALC & KFRN services’ Facebook pages. | CALC/FCSS/KFRN: 877-895-2233 | 5303-50 Ave. Lamont AB | programs and
For e-transfer: elkislandcatering@hotmail.com
For full menu, VISIT: lamontcounty.ca/ communityprogramming
Please Note – inFocus is also accessible online at: lamontcounty.ca/communications (to view full-sized PDF & access hyperlinks). PleaseNote isalso accessibleonlineat: lamon
Community Services: Lamont County, Lamont, Bruderheim, Mundare, Andrew & Chipman
Reminders and Other Items of Interest - See lamontcounty.ca/news for news posts/updates.
Do you have a business within Lamont County and want to be included in the digital Business Directory? Complete your free application at lamontcountynow.ca/business-directory. Local businesses operating within Lamont County, including those with a Lamont County Business License, are added to the directory once approved. If you have any questions, contact Ec. Dev. at 780-895-2233.
The County of Lamont Food Bank is accepting Christmas Hamper requests until Dec. 8. Please call (780) 619-6955 and leave a message to request a hamper.
As we enter the holiday season, it’s important to remember shop local to support our communities.
Tax Installment Payment Plan Program Reminder (TIPP: lamontcounty.ca/tipp) - Lamont County offers taxpayers the ability to pay their property taxes in monthly installments by pre-authorized withdrawals rather than as one single payment in June. Sign up before Dec. 31. Friendly reminder, any outstanding 2025 unpaid taxes are also due by Dec. 31 to avoid penalty.
CAUTION: Roadside Mulching. Ag. Services is working on roadside mulching; this goes to the end of March (2026). Signs are posted to enforce temporary road closures while work is completed. Watch for flying debris and obey all signs. If you enter a closed area, Lamont County will NOT be at fault for any damage to vehicles.
SNOW ANGELS Needed! Learn more at: lamontcounty.ca/departments/ community-services/fcss/community-programs or call780-895-2233.
Did You KNOW? ...
Reminder: you can report road conditions or service needs with a Service Request at lamontcounty.ca/servicerequests (all phone, email & online submissions are entered into the same queue, online submissions may addressed faster during peak events and when phone lines are limited/extremely busy).
Council Authority in Budget Discussions/Planning
Did you know Budget discussions are taking/took place December 2-4, and final approval is scheduled for Dec. 16. This and the threeyear strategic plan update are required annually by Council. This approval sets the service levels provided to Lamont County residents each year. It is also pre-planning for the 2026 (and future years) tax rate.
As a reminder, service levels that are not provided by Lamont County include those within a municipality (such as the Town of Lamont or Town of Bruderheim)—including local road maintenance in a town or village, and the Government of Alberta (Ministry of Transportation and Economic Corridors, GOA) is responsible for snow clearing on highways and provincial roadways. These additional services are not completed by Lamont County. Another item collected on behalf of the Province of Alberta includes Education Tax es— this is a significant part of the taxes collected annually and can significantly impact the taxes you pay annually—all of this goes to the province and not to Lamont County. It is NOT set by Lamont County, and is a provincial formula set by the GOA (only collected b y Lamont County because tax notifications are sent to all users and this is more efficient than having multiple tax bills each year).
Also see lamontcounty.ca/faqs for more of your questions answered or to ask a question you may want further clarification around.
Coming soon – the Reeve’s Annual Holiday Video Message. See lamontcounty.ca/news in mid-December for this annual update.
Winter Preparedness
Power outages (alberta.ca/power-outages) can happen at any time, but during blizzards or extreme cold (alberta.ca/blizzards-freezing-rain-ice-storms-andextreme-cold), these can be extremely dangerous.
Watch for the next edition of Soundbytes (Lamont County’s public newsletter) later in December/early January. Sign up to receive email notification when the next edition is published (it is a digital newsletter, with limited copies available at the Administration and PW/ASB Buildings – lamontcounty.ca/newsletter
#BePrepared for an outage with these tips, including having an emergency kit (alberta.ca/build-an-emergency-kit):
Maintain an emergency kit and vehicle kit, and update it with seasonal supplies such as extra warm layers, heat packs, blankets, etc.
Keep your vehicle gas tank full or fully charged in case fuel stations lose power or close down (or if you are stranded on a highway or ditch).
Sign up for the Economic Development NEWSLETTER at: lamontcounty.ca/ ecdevnewslettersignup
MERRY CHRISTMAS, HAPPY NEW YEAR & A JOYOUS UKRAINIAN CHRISTMAS!
If your last name or company begins with the letters Me, O and W, remember to get your registration renewed before the end of December! See monthly reminders: alberta.ca/vehicle-registration-expiry-date-chart.aspx Brought to you by the Elk Island Traffic Safety Partners.
REGULAR
COUNCIL AND Agricultural Service Board (ASB) Meetings
The public is welcome to attend any scheduled meeting in person or virtually). Meetings start at 9 a.m. in Council Chambers/Lam ont County Admin. Bldg. (unless otherwise noted).
Next Regular Council Meeting: Tuesday, December 16 | Next ASB meeting: Wednesday, December 10 lamontcounty.ca/governance/agendas-minutes | lamontcounty.ca/agendas-minutes-asb