Your news this week: Local church seeking assistance - 8 Firefighters deserve early vaccines - 10 Leader’s annual baby contest arrives - 11 OPINION: The system is broken - 4
Proud to be an Independent CANADIAN Publication
FREE
Vol. 16, No. 8, Wednesday, January 20, 2021 www.LamontLeader.com
Elk Island Park ponds flooding lands outside park boundaries BY JOHN MATHER A couple of residents who live adjacent to Elk Island National Park are concerned water build up in beaver ponds in the park could let loose in the spring causing catastrophic flooding not only to their properties but also to Range Road 195, all which are adjacent on the east side of the park. Wayne Soprovick, who lives on Township Road 550, showed the Leader a frozen stream that has already jumped a large 24 inch diameter culvert on his property and is threatening an older house where he has his workshop. “My tree stands are full of ice, and in front of the old house is full,” he said. “It’s overwhelmed a culvert and is coming down the hill from the park. Come spring it’s going to be a real mess.” “I’m probably about a mile from those ponds,” he said. “But if everything was to thaw at once in the spring it would have serious consequences for my land.” Soprovick’s property is downhill, east of the Park. Soprovick states you can see the area along the park’s eastern fence line where park staff or contractors have been trying to move the water. “In the summertime the water will run through the culverts and there wouldn’t be a problem, but we’re talking millions of gallons here.” Soprovick said he didn’t see any breached beaver dams, but he said you can see spots where park workers had moved water from several ponds to get it out of the park. “They dammed up some spots they had previously trenched,” he said. “There’s nothing the County can do.” In a statement Elk Island National Park officials released Jan. 18, they said, “Alberta is experiencing unseasonably warm winter temperatures that are causing snow melt and drainage issues in many areas, including Lamont County and Elk Island National Park. Parks Canada and Lamont County are working together to prevent water from pooling and freezing on road-
A frozen pond can be seen backing up across a field driveway on Kevin Schultz’s pasture along Range Road 195 on Jan. 8. Schultz and neighbour Wayne Soprovick are concerned that the water coming out of Elk Island National Park will kill the tree stands down from the field and could cause serious flooding once warm spring weather comes around. ways to ensure public safety and to lessen any potential damage on public lands. “However, it is not possible to stop the natural flow of water during these unseasonably warm winter temperatures. Elk Island National Park is actively working with local landowners to help mitigate impact on their property as a result of natural water flow.” Soprovick said on his land he had a 30 foot long, two-foot diameter culvert and estimated it would take two days to steam it out to get water flowing back through it in the spring. His neighbour Kevin Schultz has farmed his land across Range Road 195 from Elk Island National Park and said he has never seen the flooding potential this bad in 35 years of farming his land. “I’ve got one driveway that has about four feet of ice on top of it and then it spread across another low lying area of my land covering another entrance to a field before it goes onto Wayne’s land.” He said with the warm weather recently the water has been running steadily. In the warm weather that the area has been experiencing, ponds of open water are slowly moving across the ice
and shows just how damaging a spring runoff may be. Soprovick adds he had met with Park officials who said they are monitoring the problem, but he says while they brought in a small trackhoe to try and divert water during the past month, “how can you really divert any water in the middle of winter?” “I think that may be making a bad problem potentially worse.” The water appears to come from three ponds on the Elk Island Park land adjacent to Range Road 195. Soprovick indicates there is one culvert towards the top of a hill on RR195 where water could move into a wooded area away from his and Schultz’s property. “That culvert is frozen solid and down several feet,” he said. “Another culvert closer to our property is also frozen and both men are concerned a spring thaw could see the road washed away since the culverts would be the last thing to thaw. “Even if the county can steam the culverts the water will race across our lands,” he said. “If it’s four feet deep in place now, what will be the damage come a few warm days in April?” Schultz pointed out several low lying areas that he said usually fill with water and help control runoff in the
spring. “But right now they’re full and frozen solid.” He's concerned the area won’t be thawed until mid-May because it is so thick in places. The response issued by Elk Island National Park continued, “We understand this is a stressful situation for the affected landowners. Parks Canada will continue to work with Lamont County to monitor drainage and take the necessary actions to help ensure public safety and minimize impact on any infrastructure and surrounding lands.” Soprovick has contacted Division 2 Councillor Wayne Woldanski about the problem along with MLA Jackie Armstrong Homeniuk and Lakeland MP Shannon Stubbs. Stubbs’ office emailed the Leader to state they have been made aware of the issue and “have brought the issue forward to our parks representatives that oversee Elk Island. We don’t have an update back but we are looking into it.” Schultz is at a loss to what can be done right now to alleviate the issues. You can't dig a ditch because it will freeze right back up,” he said. “It’s a double edged sword. It’s in the trees and the water could kill off the trees and if they fall then it will back the water up more.” Soprovick doesn’t know if any environmental assessment was done prior to the water being diverted or if any of his neighbours were alerted. “When you’re a steward of the land, I hope you know you have a responsibility to those lands outside your boundaries as well as inside.” In their statement Elk Island National Park officials stated, “Parks Canada is committed to protecting ecological integrity within national parks while providing high-quality and meaningful experiences to visitors. “As we strive to protect natural and cultural heritage in Canada, the safety of communities, infrastructure and neighbouring lands remains a top priority.”
2 - The Lamont Leader (Lamont, Alberta), Wednesday, January 20, 2021
Local resident added books to food bank donations BY JANA SEMENIUK Long time Lamont resident Doris Zuresky helped out the County of Lamont food bank this Christmas by providing more than food. For the second year she donated enough books for every child whose family picked up a Christmas hamper. Food bank secretary
and volunteer, Jody Zachoda, said the books were a welcome donation. “Doris’ donation was enough to give every child a new book,� said Zachoda. “She went above and beyond to help us spread the love of reading at Christmas time.� Zuresky, who has
Six-year-old Sawyer carries a toy and book to fill a food hamper at this year's Christmas hamper drive for the County of Lamont Food Bank in Dec. Photo: County of Lamont Food Bank
worked as an educational assistant at the Lamont Elementary School for the past 28 years, said her love of reading inspired her to begin book donations to the Food Bank in 2019. “I love books. I’m an avid reader, and I think that every child should have books,� she said during a phone interview. Zuresky, and her retired husband Larry, have lived in the Lamont area for the past 30 years while raising four sons. “I have 10 grandchildren,� she said. “All wonderful kids ages four to 21.� While Zuresky always read to her own children, she has also passed along her love of reading to her grandkids. “I always read with my grandkids,� she said. “They all love books.� Zuresky said that she realized some kids may not have books at home to read. “It makes me sad to think that some kids may not have books to read at home,� she said. While she was donating some personal care items to the food bank
last year, a thought crossed her mind about the children whose families were picking up the food hampers. “I asked Jody (Zachoda) if they would put books in the baskets. She said yes they would,� said Zuresky. She then began her annual Food Bank book donations. “I got Mrs. Kelly, our grade two teacher, to help me. I’m not good with technology,� she said with a laugh. “She helped me order the books online from scholastic. I took a guess at how many and I think I ordered 70.� While Zuresky’s book donation was entirely self funded, she hopes others will be inspired to donate as well. “If anyone would like to donate, please contact the food bank,� she said. “It’s nice to do those things at Christmas, but the food bank is needed all year round.�
pumps, roof hatches had to be installed,� she said. Councillor Len Falardeau was confused as to why this issue hadn’t come up previously. “I’m somewhat concerned about what we did about this in previous years. That’s been there for 30 some years now and we’ve replaced pumps before so why would we need a hatch now?� he asked. Director of Operations and Infrastructure Dennis Tomuschat explained what previous work was done to the system. “The only thing that’s been done to the pumps and the motors has been the motors. The pumps have never been removed from the building since day one,� he said. As an added benefit, Tomuschat explained, having the hatches will save money on future work.
“It will save money when it comes time to rebuild the next pump, because we won’t be faced with the challenge of getting the pump out of the roof,� he said. Councillor George Campbell asked for clarification on the cost. “Did we do any comparisons as to replacing the pump with a new one or repairing it and what was the difference?� said Campbell. Tomuschat explained that rebuilding it, versus replacing it, was the best option. “It would cost $62,000 to replace the pump versus $17,000 to rebuild it,� said Tomuschat. “I’m sure we will get another 30 years out of the pump this way. We’ve seen nothing but improvements on this pump since we rebuilt it.� Bruderheim’s next online council meeting is scheduled for Jan. 20 at 7 p.m.
St. Michael Regional Landfill is accepting applications for a Full Time Equipment Operator. Qualifications: This successful applicant will have a strong work ethic, experience operating equipment such as a tracked loader, packer, skid steer; mechanical aptitude and good communication and listening skills. • Landfill certification is not required but would be an asset. • This is a full time hourly rated position depending on qualifications. • The selected candidate will be required to provide a criminal record check and a pre-employment medical. • Wages based on qualifications and experience. • Benefits are available. All Applicants must possess a valid Class 3 License with air brakes. A driver’s abstract will be required prior to Employment. Applications will be accepted until a qualified candidate is found. The St. Michael Regional Solid Waste Commission thanks all applicants for their interest however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. St. Michael Regional Solid Waste Commission PO Box 308 Bruderheim, AB T0B 0S0 Email: smrlandfill@shaw.ca or Fax 780.796.2081
ST. MICHAEL COMMUNITY AND DISTRICT AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY: AGM
Saturday, January 30, 2021
Bruderheim uses reserve funds to upgrade water pumps BY JANA SEMENIUK Bruderheim town council approved two reserve fund transfers totalling more than $22,000 at their Jan. 6 council meeting, in order to cover the cost of upgrades to their water distribution pumphouse. One amounting to $17,000 covered the cost to rebuild one of the vertical pumps, while another in the amount of $5,200 covered the cost of installing roof hatches on the pumphouse in order to remove the vertical pump that needed repair. Chief Administrative Officer Patty Podoborozny explained the need to install the hatches during the council meeting. “When the water distribution pumphouse was built, plans did not consider the need to replace the distribution pumps and attain access from the roof. In order to install the distribution
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
@ 7:00 PM Everyone wishing to attend must register with Royanne by January 26, 2021
780-896-2199
+ +kDYQE I<gQ[O kDYQE I<gQ[O
sY<q à ÉÂ&#x;ĂƒĂ Â? sY<q à ÉÂ&#x;ĂƒĂ Â? <[G 1hI sY<q ZI[GZI[jh <[G 1hI sY<q ZI[GZI[jh [ qQjP !k[QEQd<Y ]pIg[ZI[j Ej [ <EE]gG<[EI <EE]gG<[EI q QjP jjPI PI ggIfkQgIZI[jh IfkQgIZI[jh ]]NN hhIEjQ][ IEjQ][ ÇÇà Ç à Ç ]]NN jjPI PI ! k[QEQd<Y ]pIg[ZI[j Ej ÂĽÂĽ! ÂŚÂ? ! ÂŚÂ? <<hh <<ZI[GIGÂ? ZI[GIGÂ? 00]q[ ]q[ ]]NN <<Z][j Z][j ]k[EQY ]k [ E Q Y P<h hEPIGkYIG < +kDYQE I<gQ[O N]g <[k<gs ĂƒĂ‡Â? ĂƒĂ ĂƒĂ‚ <j ĂˆÂ?Ă Ă dÂ?ZÂ? P<h hEPIGkYIG < +kDYQE I<gQ[O N]g <[k<gs ĂƒĂ‡Â? ĂƒĂ ĂƒĂ‚ <j ĂˆÂ?Ă Ă dÂ?ZÂ? 0 +1
0$ 0$ $ $7 0 +1
$7 " 9 7Â? 0 +1 . " / " . " / " 7 0 +1 0$ +.$6 "+10 $" 0 $ 0$ +.$6 "+10 $" 0 $ $ 7 " 9 7Â?
sY<q 1hI
sY<q ZI[GZI[j !k[QEQd<Y 0PI ddkgd]hI
sY<q à à ÉÂ&#x;ĂƒĂ Â? ÉÂ&#x;ĂƒĂ Â? <<[G [G 1 hI
sY<q ZI[GZI[j� 0PI kgd]hI ]]NN jjPI PI ddg]d]hIG g]d]hIG YY<[G <[G kkhI hI DDsY<q sY<q <<ZI[GZI[j ZI[GZI[j QQhh jj]] QQ[E]gd]g<jI [E]gd]g<jI ! k[QEQd<Y ]pIg[ZI[j Ej EP<[OIh� ddg]pQGI IOkY<jQ][h� QQ[E]gd]g<jI g]pQGI EEY<gQNQE<jQ][ Y<gQNQE<jQ][ jj]] IIrQhjQ[O ] p I g [ Z I [ j Ej EP<[OIh� rQhjQ[O ggIOkY<jQ][h� [E]gd]g<jI [[Iq Iq ggIOkY<jQ][h IOkY<jQ][h NN]g ]g DD<EXs<gG <EXs<gG hhkQjIh kQjIh QQ[ [ ggIhQGI[jQ<Y IhQGI[jQ<Y GQhjgQEjh <[G ZQrIG khI gIhQGI[jQ<Y›E]ZZIgEQ<Y GIpIY]dZI[j Q[ E]ZZIgEQ<Y GQhjgQEjh� GQhjgQEjh <[G ZQrIG khI gIhQGI[jQ<Y›E]ZZIgEQ<Y GIpIY]dZI[j Q[ E]ZZIgEQ<Y GQhjgQEjh�
]k[EQY ]][[ jjPQh PQh 0]q[ ]N 0]q[ ]N <Z][j ]k[EQY qQYY DI P]YGQ[O < pQgjk<Y ZIIjQ[OÂ? 0PI +kDYQE I<gQ[O d]gjQ][ [s ][ I q QhPQ[O jj]] hhdI<X dI<X jj]] ]k[EQY [s][I qQhPQ[O <Z][j ]k[EQY qQYY DI P]YGQ[O < pQgjk<Y ZIIjQ[OÂ? 0PI +kDYQE I<gQ[O d]gjQ][ QQjIZÂ? jIZÂ? Zkhj Zkhj gIOQhjIg gIOQhjIg Ds Ds IZ<QY IZ<QY ]g ]g dP][I dP][I <h <h hIj hIj E<[ DI W]Q[IG Ds jP]hI qQhPQ[O j] Z<XI < dgIhI[j<jQ][ khQ[O ;]]ZÂ? E<[ DI W]Q[IG Ds jP]hI qQhPQ[O j] Z<XI < dgIhI[j<jQ][ khQ[O ;]]ZÂ? ]kj DIY]qÂ? ]kj DIY]qÂ? ]Q[ ;]]Z !IIjQ[OÂ? ]Q[ ;]]Z !IIjQ[OÂ? 7gQjjI[ Zkhj 7 gQjjI[ hkDZQhhQ][h hkDZQhhQ][h Z khj DDII hhkDZQjjIG kDZQjjIG jj]] PjjdhÂ?››khĂ ĂƒqIDÂ?v]]ZÂ?kh›WÂ›Ă‰Ă†ĂƒĂˆĂŠĂ‚ĂˆĂ…Ă‡ĂŠĂŠÂ‹dqGĂž1 G8" /Ă„.<1Ă‚. 0 .WI Ă‚-. .Z10Ă ĂŠ PjjdhÂ?››khĂ ĂƒqIDÂ?v]]ZÂ?kh›WÂ›Ă‰Ă†ĂƒĂˆĂŠĂ‚ĂˆĂ…Ă‡ĂŠĂŠÂ‹dqGĂž1 G8" /Ă„.<1Ă‚. 0 .WI Ă‚-. .Z10Ă ĂŠ <j Ă‚Ă‚ĂƒĂƒ jjPI PI 00]q[ ]q[ DDss 00PkghG<sÂ? PkghG<sÂ? <[k<gs <[k<gs ĂƒĂƒĂ‚ Ă‚ hjhj <j 7gQjjI[ IEIQpIG DDss jjPI PI [[]][Â? ]][ Â? 7 gQjjI[ hhkDZQhhQ][h kDZQhhQ][h ggIEIQpIG !IIjQ[O Â? Ă‰Ă†Ăƒ ĂˆĂŠĂ‚Ăˆ ÅÇÊÊ !IIjQ[O Â? Ă‰Ă†Ăƒ ĂˆĂŠĂ‚Ăˆ ÅÇÊÊ qQYY <gj ]]NN jjPI PI GGI<GYQ[I I<GYQ[I q QYY DDII QQ[EYkGIG [EYkGIG <<hh dd<gj +<hhE]GIÂ? ĂƒĂ‚ĂˆĂ‚Ă…Ă‚ +<hhE]GIÂ? ĂƒĂ‚ĂˆĂ‚Ă…Ă‚ ]k[EQY ZIIjQ[O <EX<OI <<[G [G q qQYY QYY DDII ] k [ E Q Y Z IIjQ[O <<OI[G< OI[G< dd<EX<OI IdgIhI[j<jQ][h <<gI gI ggIpQIqIG IpQIqIG DIN]gI DIN]gI ]]g<Y g<Y ggIdgIhI[j<jQ][h $[I j<d Z]DQYI $[I j<d Z]DQYI PPI<gG I<gGÂ? Ă›Ă‚ĂˆĂˆĂ‰ĂŠĂ ĂˆĂƒĂ ĂˆĂ‚Â?Â?Ă‰Ă†ĂƒĂˆĂŠĂ‚ĂˆĂ…Ă‡ĂŠĂŠÂžÂ?Â?Â?Â?Â?Â?à žÂ?Â?ĂƒĂ‚ĂˆĂ‚Ă…Ă‚Âž <[<G< Ă›Ă‚ĂˆĂˆĂ‰ĂŠĂ ĂˆĂƒĂ ĂˆĂ‚Â?Â?Ă‰Ă†ĂƒĂˆĂŠĂ‚ĂˆĂ…Ă‡ĂŠĂŠÂžÂ?Â?Â?Â?Â?Â?à žÂ?Â?ĂƒĂ‚ĂˆĂ‚Ă…Ă‚Âž <[<G< Ă›Ă‚ĂƒĂ Ă…ĂƒĂˆĂƒĂˆĂŠĂƒĂ Â?Â?Ă‰Ă†ĂƒĂˆĂŠĂ‚ĂˆĂ…Ă‡ĂŠĂŠÂžÂ?Â?Â?Â?Â?Â?à žÂ?Â?ĂƒĂ‚ĂˆĂ‚Ă…Ă‚Âž <[<G< Ă›Ă‚ĂƒĂ Ă…ĂƒĂˆĂƒĂˆĂŠĂƒĂ Â?Â?Ă‰Ă†ĂƒĂˆĂŠĂ‚ĂˆĂ…Ă‡ĂŠĂŠÂžÂ?Â?Â?Â?Â?Â?à žÂ?Â?ĂƒĂ‚ĂˆĂ‚Ă…Ă‚Âž <[<G< !<QYQ[O GGgIhhÂ? !<QYQ[O GGgIhhÂ? Q<Y Ds s]kg Y]E<jQ][ Q < Y D s s ] k g Y ] E < j Q ] [ 0]q[ ]N 0]q[ ]N <Z][j < Z] [ j ÛÂ Ă†Ă‰Ăˆ Ă„ĂƒĂ‰ Ă‚Ă ĂŠĂŠ <[<G< ÛÂ Ă†Ă‰Ăˆ Ă„ĂƒĂ‰ Ă‚Ă ĂŠĂŠ <[<G<
]r Ă„Ă„Ă Â? Ă†Ă„Ă ĂˆÂ&#x;Æà pI[kI
]r Ă„Ă„Ă Â? Ă†Ă„Ă ĂˆÂ&#x;Æà pI[kI ÛÂ Ă‡Ă…Ăˆ ÆÆÉ à ÆÉÉ <[<G< ÛÂ Ă‡Ă…Ăˆ ÆÆÉ à ÆÉÉ <[<G< <Z][jÂ? <Z][jÂ? 0Ă Ăƒ.Ă 0Ă Ăƒ.Ă !IIjQ[O Â? Ă‰Ă†Ăƒ ĂˆĂŠĂ‚Ăˆ ÅÇÊÊ !IIjQ[O Â? Ă‰Ă†Ăƒ ĂˆĂŠĂ‚Ăˆ ÅÇÊÊ [Ig<YÂłY<Z][jÂ?E< Z<QYÂ? Z<QYÂ? OII[Ig<YÂłY<Z][jÂ?E< 00PI NkYY ZIIjQ[O qQYY DI hjgI<ZIG ][ ]kg <EID]]X d<OI PI NkYY ZIIjQ[O qQYY DI hjgI<ZIG ][ ]kg <EID]]X d<OI <Z][j YDIgj<ÂŚ ÂĽÂĽN<EID]]XÂ?E]Zž0]q[]N N<EID]]XÂ?E]Zž0]q[]N <Z][j YDIgj<ÂŚ +P ] [ I Â? Ăˆ É Ă Â&#x; É ĂŠ Æ Â&#x; Ăƒ Ă Ă‚ Ă +P][IÂ? ĂˆĂ‰Ă Â&#x;ÉÊÆÂ&#x;ĂƒĂ Ă‚Ă 0PQh []jQEI Q[EYkGQ[O sY<q à ÉÂ&#x;ĂƒĂ 0PQh []jQEI Q[EYkGQ[O sY<q à ÉÂ&#x;ĂƒĂ Qh <p<QY<DYI N]g pQIqQ[O ][ ]kg Qh <p<QY<DYI N]g pQIqQ[O ][ ]kg q IDhQjIÂ? qq qÂ?Y<Z][jÂ?E< qIDhQjIÂ? qqÂ?Y<Z][jÂ?E<
The Lamont Leader (Lamont, Alberta), Wednesday, January 20, 2021 - 3
Lamont High School 2019-2020 Scholarship and Citizenship Awards Lamont High School proudly presents the 2019-2020 student recipients of this year’s Scholarship and Citizenship awards. These distinguished students exhibit hard-work, determination and dedication in their pursuit of excellence.
S CHOLARSHIP R ECIPIENTS Bruderheim STEM Award – Hunter Kuzio Ed Stawnichy Charitable Foundation – Alyshia Bryks Shell Canada STEM Scholarship Nigel Kroeker & Hunter Kuzio Premier Citizenship Award – Brayden Nimchuk Alexander Rutherford – 21 Recipients in total
C ITIZENSHIP R ECIPIENTS Grade 11 CWL Citizenship – Kierstyn Buck Star Knights of Columbus Citizenship – Dirk Zacharko Grade 12 Town of Lamont Citizenship Female - Madison Widmer Town of Lamont Citizenship Male - Braydon Nimchuk
On behalf of Lamont High School, we would like to thank all of our Scholarship and Citizenship donors for their continuous support in recognizing and contributing to our student’s outstanding achievements.
4 - The Lamont Leader (Lamont, Alberta), Wednesday, January 20, 2021
Opinion It’s broken when you’re scared of your own citizens BY JOHN MATHER It keeps getting weirder and weirder. The United States of America I’m afraid is on the verge of some sort of revolution. Both Democrats and Republican in the congress and House of Representative have lost their sense of direction except to spew hatred for each other. And that doesn’t bode well moving forward. The democrats want to impeach Trump. Now personally I feel Trump is a fool who probably would have been elected if he had kept his finger off social media. His idiotic tweets any time of day or night proclaiming his own vain greatness, and the presumed lesser abilities of everyone else, did him in. But did he actually incite a riot at the Capital on Jan. 6? I somehow doubt it. And having said that, there are fringes of society that will take any opportunity to cause discontent and outrage and it doesn’t matter who says what… these people will take it as a signal to attack. Now Democrats have accused some fellow House Republicans of giving tours of the Capital to rioters to do reconnaissance prior to the storming of the walls days later. While the democrats won’t name names they have no problems shouting out the accusations. And others say they are now afraid for their lives as they toil away doing God knows what in the halls of liberty. But a question or two….? The Capital is a building of the people. It is the ultimate building of the people of the United States. The building where the constitution came into being (actually that happened in Philadelphia prior to the capital being built in Washington). Laws are debated and passed in the Capital. Years ago as a small child, I toured the Capital with my parents on a trip to Washington. The same things happened at the White House and the Washington Monument. Now all these monuments to a free democracy are surrounded but Jersey barriers, fencing and ringed by armed security. And this is the bastion of freedom. The inauguration of a new president is a time of celebration. Yet now Washington looks more like a place under siege. There are 25,000 national guard scattered around to protect against violence. That’s 21,000 more than were present for Trump’s inauguration, which he claimed to be the greatest inauguration of all time! So we have to ask why is that. Yes, there is the threat of international terrorism, and Homeland Security, the CIA, FBI, and other acronym agencies must be vigilant in watching for warnings signs of terror brewing. Continued
LETTER TO THE EDITOR Free speech is under seige in the world In the past months the big tech companies of Apple, Google, Amazon, Twitter, Facebook and Youtube have been censoring and removing content off their platforms if they have not liked what people have been saying. Say anything derogatory, or even state lies about President Trump, and all is fair in love and war. Nothing is removed. Say anything about the U.S. election being stolen by the Democratic Party (Dominion servers being hacked), Hunter Biden's laptop and the information on it (Joe, Hunter and family received money from China, Russia and other countries while Joe Biden was in office). All was explained in great detail by Tucker Carlson and Sean Hannity on Fox New for months, and these stories are considered "conspiracy theories" and removed from their platforms. Who made these people "God”. Now in the past week, the website Parler was systematically disabled by Apple, Google and Amazon, because their platform was allowing free speech. Now others like
Bitchute and Rumble may be under attack. Even though the U.S. Constitution's first amendment is freedom of speech. In Canada we have something called "Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedom" as listed below in Section 2: Fundamental freedoms – section 2 2. Everyone has the following fundamental freedoms: • freedom of conscience and religion; • freedom of thought, belief, opinion and expression, including freedom of the press and other media of communication; • freedom of peaceful assembly; and • freedom of association. Under section 2 of the Charter, Canadians are free to follow the religion of their choice. In addition, they are guaranteed freedom of thought, belief and expression. Since the media are an important means for communicating thoughts and ideas, the Charter protects the right of the press and other media to speak out. Our right to gather
and act in peaceful groups is also protected, as is our right to belong to an association like a trade union. These freedoms are set out in the Charter to ensure that Canadians are free to create and express their ideas, gather to discuss them and communicate them widely to other people. These activities are basic forms of individual liberty. They are also important to the success of a democratic society like Canada. In a democracy, people must be free to discuss matters of public policy, criticize governments and offer their own solutions to social problems. Now, on January 14, Steven Guilbeault, the Minister of Canadian Heritage wants to make a motion to take away our freedom of speech. If this is allowed to happen, what will the federal government take away from Canadians next? We can't sit back and let this happen. Write to your MLA's and opposition parties, let your voices speak. Laurie Woldanski, Chipman
CONTINUED
invited to the fancy bun tosses that are common in Washington, hosted by lobbyists currying favour for their pet projects. Have those same legislators forgotten, or are not willing to recognize the average Joe who toils eight hours a day for a living only to find his income steadily being eroded by higher taxes on his paycheque, but for which he gets no visible benefit. Instead he sees people who refuse to work or contribute to society get perks, breaks and cheques to sustain their lifestyle based on funds he has
to contribute to government coffers. And when he wants to complain to his elected official he can’t get past security to the building he owns as an American. And his calls for help or relief are lost in the cyber vortex of voicemail hell. No wonder there is such a disconnect. There appears to be only two distinct classes in the U.S. – the haves and have nots. And the elected officials are aiding and abetting the haves only. The group to which they belong.
But now they are worried about threats from their own people. American citizens! On CNN last week, several U.S Legislators worried about their personal safety. Why is that? They were elected by the people to serve the people. Yet they are now afraid of these people. That indicates a great disconnect. Could it be that the legislators only represent the constituency of big donors and well-heeled patrons who get
We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Canada Periodical Fund (CPF) for our publishing activities.
5038 - 50 Avenue Box 1079, Lamont, AB T0B 2R0 Phone: 780-895-2780 Fax: 780-895-2705 Email: lmtleader@gmail.com Published every Wednesday at Lamont, AB Serving the Communities of Andrew, Bruderheim, Chipman, Hilliard, Lamont, Mundare, RR 4 Tofield, Star and St. Michael
Available online at Kerry Anderson Publisher
John Mather Reporter
Jana Semeniuk Reporter
Crystal Moren Office Manager Advertising Sales
Circulation Aileen Bilodeau Sylvia McDonald
Subscription Rates: Local: $35.18 per year USA: $96.81 Overseas: $187.25 Call to find out about our ONLINE SUBSCRIPTIONS
*Advertisements designed, set and produced by The Lamont Leader, as well as pictures, news, editorial content and other printed material are protected by copyright and may not be used without the permission of The Lamont Leader
www.lamontleader.com
and Facebook
The Lamont Leader (Lamont, Alberta), Wednesday, January 20, 2021 - 5
FROM WHERE I SIT: More Normal
BY HAZEL ANAKA With our social and entertainment behaviour curtailed to the point of almost non-existent, it’s hard to find something fun or exciting to write about week after week. No speaker series, no Citadel plays, no recreational shopping. Even politics which has been an abiding interest of mine since my own election in 1993 has lost most of its appeal for me. Same stuff, different pile. Same old issues (big and small) whose progress to solutions is marked in years not weeks or months. Same journalist questions; same politician/bureaucrat bafflegab nonanswers. I’ve essentially stopped watching all the Canadian political shows (Question Period, Rosemary Barton Live, Power and Politics, Power Play). Some days I don’t even watch local news. CNN and MSNBC lost me long ago. Like much of the world, I am thrilled that Trump is almost gone. In my November 8th column, I wrote, “Most of the world sighed with relief but the weeks until inauguration will need scrutiny to make sure Trump doesn’t burn down the house before he leaves. Expect a rash of presidential pardons, executive orders, dirty tricks, and possibly worse.” The ‘possibly worse’ happened on January 6th when all his insane rantings and incitement led to white
supremist anarchists and thugs storming the capital buildings with murder and mayhem on their minds. This and his subsequent second impeachment are such monumental, complex moments in history that I dare not try tackling them. Historians and greater minds than mine will be dissecting him and his time in office for decades to come so no column there either. In the past ten months, Lord knows I’ve written extensively about Covid19. I predicted that the vaccine roll-out would be slow, complex, and fraught with huge ethical questions both locally and globally. The same questions of access exist between individuals and countries. Should rich and connected people /countries jump the queue past the vulnerable, compromised, and at-risk people/countries? Those questions are upon us, now that many healthcare workers have gotten their first shots. All those doses of vaccine Trudeau promised aren’t exactly showing up as promised. All I want to say (okay, shriek) about Covid this week is this: We’re ten months into this horror show, what part of cover your mouth AND nose with a mask don’t you get? What part of follow the arrows on the floor of narrow retail aisles don’t you get? Did you miss the memo because you just awakened from a months-long coma or are you just inconsiderate and dumb? The vaccine is not a silver bullet. The process will take much of 2021 and no one knows what actual immunity it provides and for how long. No one knows if it’ll touch the mutations that have already devel-
oped. So wear the damn mask. So... if you eliminate column topics that are fun, political, and pandemic, there isn’t too much left. The weather’s been too mild to complain about. Farming is largely at a standstill unless you have livestock. My parenting days are over. My grandkids are in another country. Babas & Borshch Ukrainian Festival will be largely virtual this year after a total cancellation last year. There are no trips to plan or enjoy. It’s too soon to talk about a new business venture. I haven’t read any good books lately. I’m loving the Netflix limited series “Imposters” and “Your Honour” on Crave TV but that’s hardly enough for a column. Which leaves me forced to provide a couple updates on previous stories. Hilary’s French bulldog, Gertie is a going concern and wellbehaved puppy who’s growing like a weed. The winter sweater that swallowed her in fall is now just a belly top. She’s confused by the tinkling of her dog tags. She’s the hit of the neighbourhood and Mill Creek Ravine walking trails. People call out her name, pet her, take her photo, offer her treats. She can sit and roll over. Shake a paw still eludes her. She seems to love big dogs over small ones and has been to an off-leash park once but not allowed to run free. She’s cratetrained but still can’t be trusted to just sleep in a dog bed while Hilary works in her third-floor office. She’s a welcome source of joy in a world lacking it right now. You may remember that I had surgery March
3rd to repair my sevenyear-old fundoplication surgery. One of the results of the second surgery was the inability to properly swallow. For months I gagged, burped, and too often vomited during meals. At times, washing down pills with water or eating cereal was impossible. A barium swallow test confirmed there was a problem. My esophagus (swallowing tube) at the opening of the stomach was only 7 millimetres in diameter when a normal one is about 30 millimetres. That explained the pain and vomiting.
Eventually, I got a referral to a gastroenterologist who specializes in stretching the esophagus by inserting a balloon during an endoscopy. In midDecember, I had the procedure at the Royal Alex. In a conversation with the doctor before I was put under, he explained that if he stretches it too far too fast there’s a risk of perforation. He said the esophagus is a twoway street. Making it easier to go down would also make it easier to come up. I should clarify that except for once, I was bringing up food
Church Calendar LAMONT UNITED CHURCH 5306 - 51 Ave., Lamont, AB
Lamont Alliance Church
780-895-2145 R e v. D e b o r a h B r i l l
Sunday Service 10 am
UNTIL
WE CAN WORSHIP TOGETHER IN PERSON, P L E A S E J O I N U S AT
11:15 S UNDAY MORNINGS ON Z OOM OR FACEBOOK AT ELK ISLAND PASTORAL CHARGE ~ Everyone Welcome!~ AA Meetings Thursdays at 8:00 pm
Orthodox V Parishes All services 9:30am, followed by DIVINE LITURGY 10:00 am unless otherwise indicated.
44 St. & 50 Ave.
780-895-2879
O UR
SERMONS CAN BE VEIWED ONLINE AT lamontalliance.com/ recent-sermons Please leave message at church for information on any of the above. Check out: www.lamontalliance.com
OUR LADY OF GOOD COUNSEL RC PARISH, SKARO AB
~ C HRISTMAS ~
Weekly Sunday Mass at Skaro Shrine 8:30 a.m.
NO SERVICES UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
Adoration, Confession and Mass every 3rd Thursday at St. Michael Parish 6:30 - 8:00 pm
Visit our website: www.orthodox-canada.com
For further information www.olafortsask.caedm.ca Church Office 780-998-3288 Email: olangels.ftsask@caedm.ca
Bethany Lutheran Church
Bruderheim Community Church
20577 TWP 550 Fort. Sask.
Join Us for WORSHIP
(7km East of Josephburg)
780-998-1874
A pair of bison butt heads outside a public washroom at Elk Island National Park on Boxing Day. The bison provided a great spectacle for several people taking part in the annual Boxing Day bird count. Photo by Crystal Moren.
that had never made it to the acid environment of the stomach. He managed to get me to 12 millimetres, which frankly, didn’t sound like much progress. He left the door open to returning for another appointment or two if necessary. In the month or so since, the vomiting has virtually ended and for now, I’m leaving well enough alone. I can’t speed eat like I used to. I need to chew slowly and thoroughly but life is more normal. These days more normal is pretty damn good, from where I sit.
Pastor Rev. Jeff Dul
Sunday’s at 10:30 a.m.!
Worship Service 9:30 am Sunday School (during service) Coffee after Service
Please wear a mask to protect others Pastor Wayne Larson 780-796-3775 a d m i n @ b r u d e r h e i m c o m m u n i t y c h u r c h . o rg
Church Directory 780-895-2780 Ad $40/mo.
6 - The Lamont Leader (Lamont, Alberta), Wednesday, January 20, 2021
Pre-school numbers increase for Andrew School BY JANA SEMENIUK Andrew School Committee volunteers are hopeful their efforts over the past nine months will result in increased enrolment at their small-town school. “We’ve already seen an increase in the preschool numbers,” said assistant chair Stan Zabrick by email. Andrew School faced a possible closure after dwindling enrolments over the past few years resulted in the loss of the high school in 2019 and junior high program in May 2020. In the fall of this school year, enrolments sat at just 66 students in a school with a capacity for 385. “Once you pick yourself off the floor after the junior high program closure announcement, it was a matter of deciding what’s next for the school and for the com-
munity,” said Andrew School Committee board chair Jodie Calfat. As a result, concerned parents and residents, later joined by Elk Island Public School Trustee Colleen Holowaychuk and Andrew School principal Greg Cruikshank, formed a committee to support the growth and promotion of Andrew School in hopes of keeping the facility open and viable. The committee got a huge boost when news that a former part time resident, turned Hollywood movie producer, was moving his family back to Andrew this coming spring from San Francisco, and was anxious to help the school in any way he could. Including, helping them create a promotional video. Michael Fedun, 44, whose extensive film
credits include The Devil’s Double (2011) and Dusk (2010), spent much of his childhood at his family’s farm near Andrew with his cousin Frederick Kroetsch, who also grew up to become an Edmonton film maker. Fedun explained how his current circumstances made him consider moving to Andrew. “My wife and I have two kids who have never seen winter, and the pandemic has not been kind to the entertainment industry,” explained Fedun by phone. “I’m looking forward to spending the winters there. I think it will be a good experience for all of us.” Fedun who was remote from San Francisco, with the help of his cousin Frederick and committee volunteers, created a video in Dec.
“The film footage will become a series of ongoing short videos highlighting various aspects and attributes of the school,” said assistant chair Zabrick. With February registration dates right around the corner, Calfat explained the plans underway for the release of the videos on the committee’s Facebook page. “We have started a countdown on our Facebook page,” said Calfat. “We intend for parents to get a look inside (the school), as something to help them make an informed choice about where they decide to send their child for their early developmental school years.” The committee also has plans for upcoming community rallying events once public gathering restrictions have eased.
/HDUQ DERXW WUDLQLQJ IXQGLQJ DW
UXUDOPHQWDOKHDOWK FD
WANTED DEAD OR ALIVE
Canadian Prairie Pickers are once again touring the area!
Paying Cash For Coin Collections, Silver & Gold Coins, Royal Can. Mint Sets. Also Buying Gold Jewelry
$
$ $
We purchase rolls, bags or boxes of silver coins
$
$ $
PAYING HIGHEST PRICES To arrange a free, discrete in-home visit
call Kellie at 1-778-257-8647 Bonded since 1967
21014DS2
Students run into Andrew School from a parked school bus as part of a promotional video filmed on Dec. 19. Edmonton filmmaker Frederick Kroetsch is behind the camera. Photo: Jana Semeniuk
Air quality throughout region improved in 2020 BY JOHN MATHER The air quality in Alberta’s Industrial Heartland was significantly better in 2020 than compared to 2019, states the Fort Air Partnership after releasing its annual Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) report. The Partnership uses data from seven of its 10 air monitoring stations around the Heartland area to calculate the air quality in the region. In 2020, there were 16 hours of high risk and zero very high risk AQHI ratings. In 2019, there were 148 and 29 hours respectively. The 2019
AQHI ratings were largely influenced by poor air quality conditions in late May and early June caused by wildfire smoke. Wintertime temperature inversions were also a significant factor. By comparison, wildfire smoke in the Fort Air Partnership airshed was minimal in 2020 and only eight hours of wintertime inversions resulted in high risk AQHI ratings. These occurred January 25-29, 2020. Overall, the region experienced low risk AQHI ratings an average of 96 percent of the time
in 2020, a two percent improvement over 2019 and eight percent improvement compared to 2018. During 2020, there were 33 occurrences across Partnership’s 10 monitoring stations where air quality measurements exceeded Alberta’s Ambient Air Quality Objectives. This was down 83 percent (191 occurrences, mainly from wildfire smoke) from 2019. There were various causes for the exceedances in 2020, but 42 percent (14) were due to wintertime inversions in January 2020.
The Lamont Leader (Lamont, Alberta), Wednesday, January 20, 2021 - 7
Kindergarten Ki indderggarrte rten e Regisstra ratiioon 2021-22 DID YOU OU KNOW? KNO O In a addition dd it io n to to regular regular p programs, rogram s,
El Elk k Island Is lan d Public Pub l ic Sc Schools ho ols offers offers alternative alter nat ive programs p rogram s starting start ing in K Kindergarten in dergart ga arten
French Fren ch Immersion Imm ersio n offered offered the th e following fo l lowing schools: sch oo l s: Ardross an Elem entary • Ardrossan Elementary Éco le Campbelltown Camp bel ltow n • École Éco le Parc Parc Élémentaire Élém entaire • École Her itag e Hills Hi l l s Elem entary • Heritage Elementary
Chr Christian ist ian P Programs rogram s o ffered th e following fo l lowing sch oo l s: offered the schools: • Br Brentwood entwood Elem Elementary entary (L (Logos) og os) Fort Saskatchewan School ch oo l •F o rt Sa s katch ewan Christian Chr ist ian S Strathcona Elem entary •S trath co na Christian Chr ist ian Academy Aca demy Elementary Westboro Elementary •W estbo ro Elem entary (Logos) (Log os)
REGISTER REGISTER ONLINE ON LI N E STARTING STARTI NG
FEB. 11,, 2021 VISIT V IS IT EIPS.CA EI PS.CA F FOR OR DET DETAILS TAI LS
8 - The Lamont Leader (Lamont, Alberta), Wednesday, January 20, 2021
Andrew church Rep. seeks historical designation from County BY JOHN MATHER Darcy Frunchak, secretary treasurer of Ukrainian Greek Orthodox Church of St. John appeared before Lamont County Council Jan. 12, to seek support for upgrading and preserving the church in Andrew. Frunchak was seeking to have a historical designation applied to the church by the County. Frunchak had first written to council back in July 2020 but because of Covid restrictions the Jan. 12 meeting was the first time he had been able to appear before council, although that was done virtually. In his letter in July, Frunchak said the church held the first Ukrainian Orthodox Service in the province in 1920 and it was the first Ukrainian Orthodox Church west of Winnipeg when that service was held 100 years ago. Frunchak gave council a powerpoint presentation. He said there were 26 founding members of the church. “The names are very prominent names in the County of Lamont,” he said. “Many of them have made their marks in the County.” He told council the Ukrainian Greek Orthodox Church was started in Canada in 1918. The church does have much historical significance, he added. “The church that exists now was built in 1934,” he said. “It is one of the few remaining Greek Orthodox churches with a large dome on it,” he added. “Now most of the churches are built in a more modern style.” He added the wooden frame church had a large vestibule with a choir loft and no basement. In seeking the local historical designation he said, “We wish to ensure the Ukrainian Greek Church legacy will continue.” Currently there are 10 members of the church and they are aging. In the 1960s the membership of the church peaked at 54. He said the current membership is “under a lot of stress in maintain-
ing the c h u rc h because the number is small and they are older. “We are seeking municipal, provincial and county assistance to ensure that the church will continue to be part of the heritage of the County of Lamont and its religious, cultural and historic meetings of the County.” Division one councillor Daniel Warawa told Frunchak of the issues a church in his division had in being declared a historical resource. “It ran into problems getting necessary funding to do repairs so eventually a group of residents finished the project.” He added while the church is still currently closed he does expect it to open later this year. Frunchak agreed with Warawa but also pointed out there are funding sources such as casinos which weren’t available for this sort of project 10 years ago. “Lots of memories come from these churches,” he said. “I try to post any documents I can find about the church on my website.” “The church and the community supported each other because back then they were dependent on one another, but now not so much.” Reeve David Diduck agreed with Frunchak that the church was unique and is a landmark in the Andrew area. He asked if Frunchak was just looking for support for the historical designation or did he want financial help. Frunchak said he wasn’t looking for any financial help at the current time. He said he would prefer to find a foundation or group that, in the future, could take care of the church and keep it up. “The building is currently in good repair,” he said. “We will be doing some painting and keeping the grass cut right now. But we do want to keep an eye on it.” Councillor Roy Anaka
asked what would happen if the church was to catch fire a n d Frunchak replied it did have insurance. “If it got hit by lightning and burned to the ground there would be a significant amount of money coming in.” Councillor Wayne Woldanksi wondered if the administration was going to bring something back to council on the proposal. “We can put together a
package indicating municipal support,” said Chief Administrative Officer Stephen Hill. Woldanski was concerned about declaring the churches as historical because if repairs had to be done the costs soared because they had to be restored right back to the historical construction. Warawa agreed. “Everybody wants it to be restored to its historical style but no one realizes the costs involved.” There are several churches in the County that have the historical designation and they do receive some financial support.
11213 88 Ave. Fort Saskatchewan 780-992-1449
O I L C H A N G E , L U B E , F I LT E R & MECHANICAL INSPECTION INCLUDES A NEW SET OF WIPER BLADES ! (some conditions apply) $ 8 9 .t9 5 + gs
.95 C O O L A N T $ 1 0+9 t gs les)
FLUSH
IMPROVES HEAT KEEPS THE COOLANT SYSTEM CLEAN REDUCES ENGINE WEAR OFFER EXPIRES JANUARY 31, 2021
hic (most ve
Now Open Saturdays For Your Convenience Follow us on Facebook! Locally Owned Community Minded Family Run
New Year, New You! Virtual online yoga & fitness training
Many of my clients love going to class, but others are more shy and prefer the comfort and security of their own home. If this is you, please join my growing online community. Work out when it works for you.
• Pre-recorded videos for: - Yin, Hatha, Restorative and other Yoga styles. - Cardio, strength, low impact, minimal equipment, body weight. - New uploads weekly to my growing
library of classes. - Unlimited access. Do as many classes as fit your schedule. - Something for everyone. All ages and abilities.
$25/month. Join today and begin the New You! michelleyoga.net Click on Member’s Studio • Boston Marathon Qualifier • 200 Hour RYT • 30 Hour Apprenticeship with Gerda Krebs • Whole Body Alignment completion • 100 hour Yin Teacher Training • Member of the Yoga Association of Alberta • Certified Lifestyle Meditation Teacher • 85 Hour Pre-Natal Teacher Training Mamata Yoga • 20 Hour Teaching Yoga to Children • 23 Hour Pain Care Yoga Teacher Training • Kettlebell Level 1 Agatsu • Certified C.O.R.E. Cycle Instructor • AFLCA Older Adult Specialty Leader • AFLCA Group Exercise Speciality Leader • AFLCA ArthriProfessional Yoga Teacher tis and Excerise • Canfitpro Healthy Eating & & Fitness Instructor Weight Loss Coach • doTerra Wellness Advocate. Michelle Anderson
The Lamont Leader (Lamont, Alberta), Wednesday, January 20, 2021 - 9
. . . al
h t 13
u n An
eks, E! e w 4 RE Book week F h he 4t 1 month n t t e g !A aig WOW ad camp ! age 000 p 1 l $ l u r f nde for u
RUN AN AD BETWEEN JAN 20 & FEB 24
a r t x e r u colo
Or Advertise in 4 Papers (Flagstaff, Viking, Tofield, Lamont)
L
THE LAMONT
EADER
LY N O ! W O W
$695
lmtleader@gmail.com Phone: 780-895-2780 Fax: 780-895-2705
10 - The Lamont Leader (Lamont, Alberta), Wednesday, January 20, 2021
Lamont fire chief joins call for early vaccines for firefighters BY JOHN MATHER The Alberta Fire Chiefs Association is calling on the province to have emergency responders be included in the first round of vaccinations against the Covid-19 pandemic. Lamont County Regional Fire Chief Shayne Milliken has joined the provincial chiefs in arguing for this protection for his firefighters. Milliken said the chiefs were hoping all the emergency personnel would be included in the Phase 1A rollout of the vaccine. “It turns out paramedics are included in this rollout, but other first responders aren’t,” said Milliken. “The firefighters aren’t identified in any phase.” He said of the 90 fire-
fighters across the five departments in Lamont County five are paramedics who are eligible for the vaccine. Milliken added some others who work at either seniors homes, hospitals or care facilities will also get vaccines right away. “They’ll be able to make an appointment and quickly get the Pfizer vaccine,” he said. Up to 70 per cent of fire department calls are to medical emergencies, said the Association in the press release. “Many of these are to the vulnerable populations, group home settings, seniors care facilities and motor vehicle collisions,” stated the release from the provincial chiefs. “Often, especially in rural Alberta, it is the fire department
that arrives first on scene before other emergency services. Firefighters often respond to calls where there is no advanced warning that the Covid-19 virus may be present.” “Firefighters,” the release continued.”Are at grave risk of contracting the virus. The risk to their communities also increases as more firefighters go into isolation, often leaving a department short of trained personnel. The provincial chiefs encourage government leaders to designate members of the fire service who are at risk as eligible recipients of the vaccine during the Phase 1A rollout along with those beside whom they respond to the same emergencies.
Stubbs wins award as best constituent representative BY JOHN MATHER For the second time in her short political career, Lakeland MP Shannon Stubbs has won accolades as Maclean’s magazine Parliamentarian of the Year in the category of best constituent representative. She previously won the same award in 2017. “What ultimately matters most to me is what the people of Lakeland think and whether I am earning my keep for them,” explained Stubbs. “I am relentlessly driven by the people who sent me here to fight for them, to make sure they’re heard, to speak truth to
power, and to help make an impact for them. “The people of Lakeland have given me an extraordinarily strong mandate – in fact, in 2019, it was the highest for a woman candidate in any constituency, ever, in Canadian history. With that comes an equally immense responsibility, so I want to deliver on their expectations,” said Stubbs. “And it’s my duty because people, families, businesses, and communities in Lakeland have given so much to Canada for generations, and they’re struggling in real time. They are rightfully
Lakeland MP Shannon Stubbs leaves a card in the door of a Lamont residence while campaigning in the town during the last federal election. Stubbs won the Maclean’s Parliamentarian of the Year as the best constituent representative recently. It was the second time she has won the award, having won it in 2017.
frustrated, angry, and worried about their futures, through no fault of their own.” She explained while other politicians may have differing views on her performance in Ottawa, it is the opinions of her Lakeland constituent that really matters. “If colleagues have decided that what I do and how I do it means I’m the MP that best represents my constituents, the truth is nothing matters more to me. I will keep at it, and continue working hard for Lakeland! “Lakeland residents are resilient, tenacious, and no-nonsense. They want action - especially from me,” she said. “They inspire me. I’m so proud to represent them, and I’m so proud of where I come from. I’m fortunate to work with a team who understands the most important responsibility for all of us is to represent and assist the people of Lakeland. That’s my top priority, so thank you to everyone who has a crucial role in making sure that happens!”
FEATURED LISTINGS PROPERTIES LAMONT COUNTY Modern Industrial Shop • 15,000 sq ft Industrial Shop built on 42.8 acres in Lamont County adjacent to the town of Lamont. Shop was built in 2006 with drive thru bays and has 24ʼ clear ceilings, 16ʼ by 16ʼ doors, floor sumps, exhaust fans, tool crib, 5-ton bridge crane, 600 amp power and 1,500 sq ft of office space. Site has access to highways 29, 15, 831. There is 15 acres of gravelled yard with chain link fencing. located at 195043 HWY 29 Lamont County. Price: $3,175,000 • N1/2 of NE ¼ -7-53-18-W4 71.80 acres, 8.77 acres yard with chain link fence, partially gravelled, power, 4 yard lights, could be commercial use if proper permit is obtained. Balance of parcel is fenced with 5 wire and 4 wire. 35± acres of hay. Corner of HWY 16 and RR 185. Price: $399,000 Seller is a licensed Realtor™ in the province of Alberta • W4-18-54-10 SW ¼ 160 acres 110± cultivated acres. RR 183 between TWP RD 540 and 542 Price: $320,000 • Parcel #1 Plan: 0826846 Block 1 Lot 2 Parcel #2 Plan: 0826846 Block 1 Lot 3 156.60 acres total 145 combined cultivated acres RR 175 and TWP 544 Price: $575,000 • W4-18-53-29-NE, Plan 0321318 Block 1 Lot 1, Plan 0321318 Block 1 Lot 2, 314.45 acres total. 2 miles from highway 16 fenced and cross fenced pasture. Total Price $675,000 FARM LAND IN CHIPMAN • SE ¼ 29-54-18-W4 121.45 acres 80 acres cultivated with some trees. • S ½ of SW ¼ -20-54-18-W4 80 acres all in hay and trees near Highway 15. Price $150,000 • NW ¼, 20-54-18-W4 158.3 acres 90 acres cultivated with power, a nice building site and trees. • SW ¼, 29-54-18-W4 127 acres 102 acres cultivated along Highway 15. • SW ¼ 30-54-18-W4 (North ½) 78.83 acres fenced pasture land Price $140,000 • SW ¼, 30-54-18-W4 (South ½)- 72.12 acres Fenced pasture land Price $130,000 BEAVER COUNTY • W4-16-4836-SW 160 acres near Holden. Small house, power, gas, and septic system well treed yard. Price: $419,000
SOLD
SOLD
SOLD
• W4-19-51-15-SE ¼ 155.9 acres usable for pasture of hay near Tofield. Fenced and cross fenced with multiple water sources. RR 192 and TWP Rd 512. Price: $519,000 TWO HILLS COUNTY RECREATION LAND • W4-12-55-27 NW 146 acres with 1/2-mile frontage on the North Saskatchewan river. HWY 29 and RR 123 50± acres of cultivation power at property Nicely treed lot for a building site. Price $350,000 STRATHCONA COUNTY HOBBY FARM • 53142 RGE RD 224 40.03 acres with 35 ± cultivation. 1950 built 1000 sq ft bungalow on property with large shop and various other buildings. Future local industrial zoning on property and located in Bremner concept plan. Price $1,595,000.
Norman Hill
Steven Hill
Lauren Hill
780-449-5622 | nhill01@telus.net www.hillrealty.ca
The Lamont Leader (Lamont, Alberta), Wednesday, January 20, 2021 - 11
sponsored by
EMAIL YOUR FAVOURITE PHOTO OF YOUR BABY BORN IN 2020 BEFORE MONDAY, FEB. 1, 2021 @ 4PM! YOUR BABY’S PHOTO WILL APPEAR IN AN ISSUE OF THE LAMONT LEADER, IN FEBRUARY 2021, AND BE ENTERED TO WIN A PRIZE! W INNING BABY IS CHOSEN BY RANDOM DRAW.
MUST INCLUDE THESE DETAILS: ~ BABY’S NAME & BIRTHDATE ~ HOMETOWN ~ BABY’S PARENTS’ NAMES ~ PARENTS CONTACT PHONE NUMBER
email: lmtleader@gmail.com
12 - The Lamont Leader (Lamont, Alberta), Wednesday, January 20, 2021
BOOKKEEPING
I&M
Tax and Bookkeeping Services ~ Farms & Businesses ~ Excellent rates & bundled discounts 4703, 51 Street Lamont, AB T0B 2R0
Maria Stamati
Phone:(780) 579-3883 Fax: (780) 579-3884 LmTaxServicesLamont@yahoo.com
ELECTRICAL
LAWNCARE
Residential •Commercial •Industrial
CONCRETE
Trenching services available
780-910-9748 qualitygroupinc@outlook.com
HEATING / AC
(780) 226-4772 jjsyardservices@gmail.com
KT Mechanical LTD 30 years experience!
Kevin Tychkowsky Lamont, Alberta
COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL • HEATING • AIR CONDITIONING • REFRIGERATION
CONSTRUCTION
Phone:
JAKE THIESSEN
780-292-2336 Fax: 780-895-2809 ktmechanical@hotmail.com
HOTELS
CONSTRUCTION LTD. FRAMINGRRESIDENTIAL ESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS FRAMING & COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS GENERAL CONTRACTING ROOFING SHINGLES GENERAL C ONTRACTING R SHINGLES METAL RENOVATIONS OOFING BOBCAT SERVICE M ETAL R ENOVATIONS BUSINESS AS USUAL!
Box 653 Lamont T0B2R0 2R0 Box 653 Lamont ABAB T0B
CUSTOM WORK Trevor Mikolajczyk
~ WE HAVE THE PERSON FOR THE JOB ~
~ S N O W R E M O VA L ~
TRENCHING
~ L A N D S C A P I N G & YA R D M A I N T E N A N C E
~ B O B C AT ~ D U M P T R U C K ~ C U S T O M M E TA L R E N O ’ S mk98ltd@mcsnet.ca ~ HANDY MAN JOBS 780-975-8343 ~ BRUSH CUTTING
DAY CARE
Chipman Hotel WE ARE OPEN FOR
TA K E O U T & OFF SALES 7
DAYS A WEEK 12 ~ 8PM
TO ORDER & ARRANGE PICK UP
CALL US :
780-363-3822
LANDSCAPING
SUNSHINE EQUIPMENT SERVICES INC. GARDEN ROTOTILLING T REE PLANTING , REMOVAL & STUMP GRINDING SKID STEER SERVICES
EAVESTROUGHING
Marvin Tallas 780-984-6742 mtallas_05@hotmail.com
Roofing, Windows & Capping FREE ESTIMATES RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL • RURAL PO BOX 546 LAMONT, AB T0B 2R0
~ SNOW
Specializing in Seamless Eavestrough Installation Alu-Rex Leaf Guards • Downpipe • Soffit & Fascia Gutter Cleaning & Repair • Roof Top Snow Removal
Have a WONDERFUL day!
Mike 780-499-3779 LOCAL COMPANY SERVING LOCAL CUSTOMERS
Stay Local Search our Business Directory for your all of your needs! These local businesses are ready to serve you!
R E M O VA L
A DDITIONAL S ERVICES
~ T R E E R E M O VA L ~ TREE TRIMMING ~ STUMP GRINDING ~ DUMP RUNS ~ B O B C AT S E RV I C E S FULLY INSURED
780.233.4455
carpenter.555@hotmail.com carpenter.555@hotmail.com
NO G : NW O WBBOOOOK KII N NG
~
BASED IN
LAMONT
SERVING URBAN & RURAL MECHANICAL
Titan Repair Shop
Best Prices. Best Services
780-579-4400 CVIP Licensed 4715 51 St. Lamont, AB. TitanRepairShop@yahoo.com Mon–Fri 8am–5pm
Dean Bosvik Javan Vandelannoite
FOR ALL YOUR AUTOMOTIVE NEEDS 5003 - 50 Street, Mundare, AB 780-764-3936
WE WILL DELIVER YOUR FLIERS
DIRECTLY TO READERS, in The Lamont Leader STARTS AT ONLY 7 CENTS PER FLIER!
780-895-2780 IS YOUR COMPETITION GETTING ALL THE CALLS ?!? ADVERTISE HERE! 780-895-2780
The Lamont Leader (Lamont, Alberta), Wednesday, January 20, 2021 - 13
From the Files of The Lamont Leader January 7, 2012
Bruderheim firefighters ready to move into new digs In this report by the Lamont Leader’s then editor Michelle Pinon, Bruderheim Fire Chief Bob Cote could not be happier as the community officially opened its new fire hall on Jan. 14. Cote and right hand man, Dave Calder had been in pursuit of the new facility for many years. The best part of the new fire hall is the ability of having all the equipment in the same facility, said the Fire Chief. Besides storage, the new building has a lounge, conference table, and offices. The $1.8 million building leaves room for growth and expansion.
TOWING & TRUCKING
L OCAL B USINESSES THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT PLUMBING
REAL ESTATE
REGULAR 24/7 TOWING PLUS equipment, sheds,
antique/classic vehicles, RVs, and more!!
780-998-7668
JMP Plumbing & Heating Ltd.
Don’t think Towing – Think Titan!
Furnace & Hot Water Tank Replacement Plumbing - New Home Construction Air Conditioning - Gas Fitting - Gas Fire Places Garage Heaters - Service & Repair - Sheet Metal
TRUCKING
Trevor Schinkinger Trucking Ltd.
John Panek 780-999-2065 jmpplumbing@live.ca Box 84, Lamont, AB T0B 2R0
PROFESSIONAL
SEPTIC SERVICES
Motor Vehicle Accidents, Fatal Accidents, Wills, & More
• Sand, Gravel & Top Soil • Loading & Hauling • Landscaping • Excavating • Demolition Ph: 780-895-2349
Elizabeth J. Tatchyn, B.A., LL.B BARRISTER & SOLICITOR
C u s t o m O r d e r with The Lamont Leader
By appointment only
at Smith Insurance Service, Main Street Lamont etatchyn@biamonte.com Speaks Ukrainian Edmonton: 780-425-5800 * *
LEGAL ISSUES? Ronald W. Poitras Barrister & Solicitor Serving Lamont and Area Since 1977 Wednesday 1:30 – 5:00 pm by Appointment
780-895-2055
Cell: 780-220-5405
Box 412 Lamont, Alberta T0B-2R0
Newspapers are STILL #1 for advertising in many ways!
~ BUSINESS CARDS ~ ~ POSTERS, FLIERS ~ ~ RAFFLE TICKETS ~ Y OU
CAN ALSO HAVE YOUR FLIER INSERTED
STARTING
B OOK YOUR ADVERTISING NOW Call Crystal 780-895-2780 lmtleader@gmail.com
T HE L AMONT L EADER AT ONLY 7 CENTS EACH!!
INTO
C RYSTAL 780-895-2780 CALL
14 - The Lamont Leader (Lamont, Alberta), Wednesday, January 20, 2021
The
$10.75+gst first 25 words 39¢ each additional word PICTURE BOLD $10.00 $5.00 WEEKLY REVIEW Ph. 780-336-3422 Email: vikingreview @gmail.com TOFIELD MERCURY Ph. 780-662-4046 Email: adsmercury @gmail.com LAMONT LEADER Ph. 780-895-2780 Email: lmtleader @gmail.com ____________________ AUCTIONS 150 antique tractors, museum quality farm implements, 2 visible gas pumps and much more. Sat., Jan 30, 9am. Live online @ schmalzauctions.com, Schmalz Auctions, Prince Albert, SK. PL# 911509. ____________________ COMING EVENTS FIREARMS WANTED FOR FEBRUARY 20th, 2021 LIVE & ONLINE AUCTION: Rifles, Shotguns, Handguns, Militaria. Auction or Purchase: Collections, Estates, Individual Items. Contact Paul, Switzer's Auction: TollFree 1-800-694-2609, sales@switzersauction.com or www.switzersauction.com. ____________________ EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES BLANKET THE PROVINCE with a classified ad. Only $269 (based on 25 words or less). Reach 90 weekly newspapers. Call NOW for details. 1-800282-6903 Ext 225; www.awna.com. ____________________ FEED AND SEED LOOKING TO BUY feed barley or feed wheat. Call Gary at 780-674-0673 or Schmidt Livestock at 780-674-2851.
____________________ FEED AND SEED
____________________ HEALTH
HEATED CANOLA buying Green, Heated or Springthrashed Canola. Buying: oats, barley, wheat & peas for feed. Buying damaged or offgrade grain. "On Farm Pickup" Westcan Feed & Grain, 1-877-250-5252. ___________________ FOR FOR RENT RENT
HIP/KNEE REPLACEMENT. Other medical conditions causing TROUBLE WALKING or DRESSING? The Disability Tax Credit allows for $3,000 yearly tax credit and $30,000 lump sum refund. Take advantage of this offer. Apply NOW; quickest refund Nationwide: Expert help. 1844-453-5372. tfnp
2 bedroom house in Sedgewick. Large fenced yard and shed. No smoking. Pets negotiable. $1,100/month includes utilities. $1,000 DD. Contact Ian at 780-995-6146 ________________________ 1 Month Free Rent Apartment for Rent in Killam. Large, clean, non-smoking. Call Chuck at 780-263-7290 ________________________ 3 Bedroom Townhouse for rent in Viking, AB. $950/mo. including utilities. Available now. Call 780-563-0191. tfn ___________________ FOR FOR SALE SALE Market Hogs and Sausage Sows Available: Live, Dressed, or Packaged ready for your freezer. Call 403-8822421 or text 403-740-3645 01/04p ___________________ HAY HAY FOR FOR SALE SALE Round bales for sale, Brome hay, stored under cover, no rain. Call 587-990-1003 TM02/05p ________________________ Hay for sale. Alf/Tim/Br/Cw mix Rounds $50. 2019 Rounds $35. Small square shedded bales $6. Majority no rain. Phone 780-942-4107 late evenings. ____________________ LAND FOR SALE DUCKS UNLIMITED CANADA has for sale 4 project lands in Beaver County. Land locations are: SW27-50-16-W4, SE 18-4914 W4M, S½ 3-46-11 W4M and NW 32-47-13 W4M. Call Brent Thygesen, b_thygesen@ducks.ca or 780 6780150.
___________________ SERVICES SERVICES
___________________ HELP HELP WANTED WANTED Vegreville Family Dental, located next to the Boston Pizza in Vegreville is looking for a very enthusiastic Registered Dental Assistant to join our team on a part time or full time basis. Our practice is committed to and focused on providing excellent quality patient care. We are looking for someone who is professional, reliable, possesses excellent interpersonal skills, is warm and friendly with patients. We offer competitive wages commensurate with experience as well as a great and friendly work environment! Travel or relocation assistance will be considered for the suitable candidate. If this opportunity sounds interesting to you, please apply to vegredental@gmail.com. ____________________ REAL ESTATE VERY INEXPENSIVE 2 QUARTERS OF PASTURE LAND, Central SK, for sale. 8 other good quarters may be available. Requires fencing. Great hunting $74,900. Call Doug at 306-716-2671. ___________________ SERVICES SERVICES
EADER
Serving
Classifieds
CLASSIFIED AD RATES
L
THE LAMONT
Affordable Advertising with
tnfp
Roy's Handyman Services. Flooring, trim work, basement finishing, decks, fences, kitchen cabinet installs and carpentry work. Call 780-662-0146 or 780-232-3097.
Caught You Looking! Advertise in the Classifieds today!
Painting Quality Residential and Commercial Painting Betty Tkaczyk 780-632-8749 or 780-688-3564 tfn ________________________ Shane’s Stucco & Drywall Service Shane Hollar Stucco (Traditional & Acrylic), Drywall, Stone, Textured Ceilings, Tile and Spray Painting 780-336-4832 shanes.stucco@gmail.com tfn ________________________ Carpet and upholstery cleaning - residential and commercial. Truck mount unit, sewer backup, and flood cleaning. Auto and RV cleaning. Call Glenn and Cindi Poyser, Fancy Shine Auto and Carpet Care at (780) 384-3087 tfn ________________________ Town & Country Guardian Drugs - Killam We have: •a Kodak picture maker. •a colour/b&w photocopier. •cold popand fresh snacks. •a great selection of candles, giftware, and fragrances. toys, games,and plush animals. •a huge selection of Hallmark cards. •plastic gift cards •vitamins, minerals, and herbals. •free gift wrapping. •prescription service Open 6 days a week. tfnp ________________________ CRIMINAL RECORD? Why suffer employment/licensing loss? Travel/business opportunities? Be embarrassed? Think: Criminal Pardon. US entry waiver. Record purge. File destruction. Free consultation. 1-800347-2540. www.accesslegalmjf.com tfnp
Lamont
county
3 papers for the price of 1! ___________________ SERVICES SERVICES Drywall Taping/Texturing 35+ Years No Job too small! Experienced drywall taper/texturer here to help you with any job big or small. Don't want to do it yourself, give me a call! Based in Killam but willing to travel Hand taper by trade but have experience with boxes, roller/flusher, taping tube. No bazooka exp. Have own tools (10-12" boxes, pump, angle box, roller, flusher, hand tools, etc.) Also do ceiling texture. Non-drinker, just want to work. Willing to work with existing taping crew. Call 780385-2106 or 780-385-1251. tfnp ________________________ GET YOUR MESSAGE SEEN ACROSS Alberta. The Blanket Classifieds or Value Ads reach over 600,000 Alberta readers weekly. Two options starting at $269 or $995 to get your message out! Business changes, hiring, items for sale, cancellations, tenders, etc. People are increasingly staying home and rely on their local newspapers for information. KEEP people in the loop with our 90 Weekly Community Newspapers. Call THIS NEWSPAPER now or email classifieds@awna.com for details. 1-800-282-6903, 780-434-8746 X225. www.awna.com. tfnp ____________________ GET BACK ON TRACK! Bad credit? Bills? Unemployed? Need Money? We Lend! If you own your own home - you qualify. Pioneer Acceptance Corp. Member BBB. 1-877-9871420. www.pioneerwest.com.
DO YOUR PART TO PREVENT THE SPREAD OF COVID-19 •WEAR A MASK •SANITIZE •SOCIAL DISTANCE •STAY HOME IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING ANY SYMPTOMS
The Lamont Leader (Lamont, Alberta), Wednesday, January 20, 2021 - 15
Nominations open for council and school board seats BY JANA SEMENIUK Nominations are now being accepted for the 2021 municipal election including nominations for the Elk Island Public School trustees. “EIPS is currently accepting nominations for nine public school trustee positions across the Division,” stated a press release. “Candidates can file their nomination papers by appointment only during regular office hours between now and the close of nomination day on Sept. 20 at 12 p.m.” Candidates must visit the Elk Island Public School central services office in Sherwood Park to submit their nomination for public school trustee. Meanwhile, municipalities across the province, including Lamont County, will also be taking part in the election this fall. Residents interested in running for council seats, or a may-
oral position, can submit their nominations to their municipality’s returning officer until the close of nomination day, Sept. 20. Election day is Oct. 18. “Candidates will officially be named at the closing of nomination day,” said Bruderheim Chief Administrative Officer Patty Podoborozny by text. Available seats for Bruderheim are six councillors and one mayor seat, Lamont will also have six councillor seats and a mayoral seat, the town of Mundare will have four councillor positions and one mayor position, the village of Chipman will have three councillor positions, and the village of Andrew will have five councillor positions. Chipman’s and Andrew’s mayors are appointed from among their councillors. Municipal elections are held every four years in Alberta.
Lamont Leader staffer Crystal Moren captured this brilliant photo of a vibrant sunset in Lamont County during the holiday season. The photo was taken near Elk Island National Park.
Want greater participation? Want better sales? Don’t assume you know everyone, or that everyone you know spends their free time online...
Branch outside of your social network.
ADVERTISE. Sales, Special Events, Upcoming Meetings, AGMs, Help Wanteds, Public Notices, Milestones, & More.
L
THE LAMONT
EADER
Auxilian Elf Sharon and others delivered boxes of Christmas stockings for the residents of Mary Immaculate Care Centre, just in time for Santa’s big day!
lmtleader@gmail.com
780-895-2780 lamontleader.com
Our Reader Base remains strong and diverse throughout the region. 15 years of service. PLUS UNBEATABLE MULTI-PAPER DEALS WITH THE EXTRA! UP TO 20,000 READERS IN THE REGION.
16 - The Lamont Leader (Lamont, Alberta), Wednesday, January 20, 2021