Fundraiser set up to aid teen accident victim Avery Klassen’s recovery
BY JOHN MATHER
A gofundme.com campaign has been established to assist the family of Avery Klassen, 17, who was badly injured in a vehicle accident May 13, when he was thrown from a truck travelling on a gravel road in Lamont County.
“He had a shattered pelvis, a tear in his bladder, damage to his kidney and spleen and he has several broken ribs,” said Lindsay Wick, a family friend and one of the drivers of the Go Fund Me campaign.
Avery’s parents are the owners of the Lamont Boarding Kennels and Dog Spa and the business has been impacted by the accident.
Wick said her daughter works at the kennel and the staff had stepped up to modify shifts so mom, Sandy, could be with Avery in hospital.
He was transported by STARS air ambulance, to the University of Alberta Hospital, but may be released soon.
Recovery, however, will take several months if not longer and that is why the campaign was launched.
“It was the friend of his mom’s in Ontario, Lisa Ellison, and myself who organized the campaign, “ said Wick.
gram walks you through the donation process,” she added.
Avery Klassen
She handled most of the logistics and the posting and I did the write ups,” said Wick. She added it has been posted across several social media sites including Snap Chat and Facebook and Instagram.
“You just hit a button and the pro-
The organizers are hoping to raise $20,000 which would help the family with whatever they need to assist with Avery’s recovery during the next several months.
“The doctors say it will be a couple of months before he can put any weight on his left side,” she said. “He’ll have to learn to carry himself with his right side.”
She wasn’t sure if there would be permanent damage.
“He’s a young fellow and we hope there’s a full recovery but doctors aren’t sure yet if there will be any permanent damage.”
It could be three or four months before he’ll be able to walk.
The campaign, as of Monday, sat at $12,133.
Avery is a student at Lamont High School and there have been some donations from students to the campaign. Wick said her family was just trying to back up the Klassen family right now.
“Her son and my son are best friends,” added Wick. “He spends a lot of time with us.”
Wick said because of the accident, Klassen had to close a puppy spa she operated in Waskatenau so she can spend more time caring for Avery during his recovery.
Anyone wishing to make a donation can go to Avery’s Road to Recovery site on Facebook.
The Lamont Leader (Lamont, Alberta), Wednesday, May 27, 2026
Local girl makes Alberta Summer Games U14 Soccer team
BY JOHN MATHER
For St. Michael soccer player Tessa Bryks, playing soccer has been something she’s enjoyed doing since she was a little girl.
Now the 13-year-old fullback, will be taking part in the Alberta Summer Games as part of the U14 Girls Soccer Team from Zone 7.
“She attended a twoday tryout camp in Lac
La Biche at the end of April,” she said. “There were about 34 or 35 girls there trying out and then they selected 18 girls to the team with four or five alternates.
Lac La Biche Portage College Voyageurs’ soccer head coach Macky Singh, assistant coach Brian Cook, and veteran Voyageurs’ fullback Ash Hennefent all offered
their experience to the U14 boys’ and girls’ teams that will represent the region at the 2026 Games.
Singh, a globally recognized soccer coach who has steered collegiate teams to international competitions and championships, has been the bench boss for the Voyageurs soccer program since 2024, and will also be the coach of the girls team.
Right now Tessa plays in Sherwood Park for the Phoenix U15 girls club. The Phoenix FC, she said, is a club team playing in the Edmonton Minor Soccer Association.
For Tessa, soccer came into her life about six years ago.
“I started playing at recess at Lamont Elementary School and liked it, and then when I was nine I joined Fort Saskatchewan Arsenal,” she said.
Tessa is currently a student at Lamont High School where she also plays basketball, competes in track and field and cross country.
“But soccer is my main sport,” she said. “I really enjoy it.
“I enjoy the running aspect but also like the strategic aspect of the
game,” she added. “And I just like kicking the ball.”
The Summer Games squad is the highest level of soccer she’s played at. As a member of the Fort Saskatchewan Arsenal indoor soccer team she won a silver medal at Provincials for each of the last two years.
Tessa said she wasn’t sure if the winner of the Alberta Summer Games team would go on to compete at a national level such as the Canada Games.
“I’m not sure,” she admitted. “They may scout the players from the top teams at the Summer Games and put together a Canada Games team from that.”
The Summer Games will be played in Strathcona County from July 16 to 19.
The 2026 Alberta Summer Games will draw 2,500 athletes between the ages of 11 and 16, competing in more than a dozen sports, including soccer, swimming, basketball, golf and baseball.
Tymchak,
Helen
It is with immense sadness that we announce the passing of Helen Tymchak on May 16, 2026, at the age of 89 years.
Left to cherish her memory are children, Barb (Gord) and David (Alison); grandchildren, Zach, Caden and Tanner; her sister and brother-in-law; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, parents and four siblings.
Funeral Service Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at 10 a.m. at Park Memorial Chapel, 9709 – 111 Avenue NW, Edmonton. A private interment will take place.
Photos, memories, and condolences may be shared through www.parkmemorial.com.
Park Memorial Edmonton 780-426-0050
Family Owned Funeral Home Crematorium, Reception Centre
Tessa Bryks
Students from Mundare take the lead in town clean-up
BY GRANT JOHNSON
Students from Mundare School took the lead in giving the town a spring cleaning, going out into the town and picking up litter left behind from the winter
The event, originally scheduled earlier in the spring but cancelled because of bad weather, went ahead last week with students out around town, collecting litter and helping tidy public areas.
Working in groups, they covered plenty of ground and made a noticeable difference throughout the community.
The clean-up was organized through the
school, with students taking ownership of the effort and showing strong community spirit along the way.
As a thank you for their work, the students were treated to freezies at the end of the day, a simple
reward that capped off a productive outing.
Teachers and organizers say the event was a great way to get students involved, build pride in their town, and show how even a small group can make a big impact.
GREAT CARS, GREAT COMMUNITY FOOD BANK DONATIONS ACCEPTED AT INFO BOOTH
Mundare students cleaning near a local creek.
Opinion
Can unity campaigns work together in unity before referendum?
BY JOHN MATHER
So there will be a referendum on “should we stay or should we go from Canada” this October.
Despite a lot of fumbling and almost blowing it by issuing a premature press release last Wednesday, Premier Danielle Smith agreed to move forward with Thomas Lukaszuk’s Forever Canadian referendum question this fall.
And that has Lukaszuk fuming.
He’s been out glaring into any public forum he can find stating he never wanted to see his “Do You Agree Alberta should Remain as a Province in Canada,” question be put to a public vote.
That’s despite getting more than 400,000 signatures from people who did want to put their X beside staying in Canada.
And, despite his denials, he promoted his petition as a referendum.
He was questioned on this before the government standing committee last Wednesday and UCP members provided numerous examples of Lukaszuk publicly stating he wanted a referendum on his question so a separatist referendum wouldn’t get any traction.
But when he realized that a no vote to his question would be the same as a yes to separation he quickly tried to have his question just voted on by the provincial legislature.
I disagree.
The legislature’s 86 members shouldn’t be voting on the future of five million Albertans staying or leaving Canada.. Those Albertans should be voting.
And that’s what will happen.
Lukaszuk petition received more support than the Stay Free Alberta petition which was locked down by a Federal judge because first nation’s weren’t consulted prior to any vote.
So what is Lukaszuk worried about?
What I do know is now both sides of this issue will spend the summer bombarding Albertans with “why their way is the right way.”
Remain in Canada or have the legislature move forward with creating a constitutional discussion, complete with indigenous consultation, on leaving Canada at a later time.
The question can’t be a straight yes or no the way it is worded but it can be structured as an either or question with voters checking either one box or the other to indicate their preference.
Questions for remaining in Canada have to revolve around how does Alberta get a better deal in confederation.
Since Alberta was accepted as a province in 1905, it has been abused by the Laurentian elites of eastern Canada and that has to change.
Alberta just put pen to paper with Mark Carney to get a pipeline built and this must be in place with a partner by July.
But until shovels are in the ground, it’s nothing but paper.
Now Lukaszuk has been bellowing that business will bail from Alberta now that a referendum is happening. He points to two separation referendums in Quebec as proof of this.
But Quebec’s main industry is manufacturing. Manufacturers can pick up and move to a better jurisdiction if tenuous financial situations arise.
Alberta’s industry is resource-based and agriculture for the most part. Those resources will always remain here. They can’t move and if we’re going to exploit them and provide food for the world, then the secondary industries to make this happen will remain in Alberta whether it’s in Canada or a separate jurisdiction.
But for the separatists, they have to explain how Alberta would exist and survive as a separate nation.
To this end Keith Wilson, a lawyer on the separatist side, who seems fairly credible, has set up the Alberta Transition Council to pre-
pare white papers on what a post-separation Alberta would look like.
And he went head to head with former premier and Stay in Canada supporter Jason Kenney in a debate in Calgary on Monday. One must wonder that as this referendum approaches, will the other western provinces decide maybe there’s strength in numbers and will they want to hold referendums of their own.
Many questions to be answered, and undoubtably a lot of lies and disinformation will be spread.
If social media impact counts for anything, and the explosion following last Wednesday’s committee meeting and subsequent announcement of the referendum question means anything - the B.S. with a few nuggets of truth will flow fast and furious from both sides.
Danielle Smith has stated quite publicly she will vote to remain in Canada.
That Lukaszuk’s goal.
The provincial NDP swear they want to remain in Canada, just let’s not let the people have a vote.
The Progressive Tory Party, for what weight it might have, have thrown in with Lukaszuk.
But will they all get together and campaign together? To show some actual unity?
Or will their own individual goals get revealed as the campaign ramps up over the summer.
It's up to each and every Albertans to educate themselves.
Kerry Anderson Publisher John Mather Reporter Melissa Young Reporter Grant Johnson
BY HAZEL ANAKA
Through the generous hospitality of an online friend, I was able to visit New Brunswick recently. So recently in fact I’m not sure I’m over the jet lag. There is a three-hour time difference which seems especially hard on the return trip.
I was not alone as a houseguest soaking up the hospitality of Kim and Tom. Another guest came from BC while my roommate is from Manitoba. At times it felt as though we were provincial delegates to a funfilled conference. We received door-to-door service coming and going to the Moncton airport and a welcome bag on our beds. Plus, a nightly chocolate and additional gift every evening of our stay.
Despite our long travel day getting there, we stayed up until 3 AM
FROM WHERE I SIT: Anticipating a Wonderful Experience
talking and sharing gifts for each other. That set the tone for the entire stay: talking, shopping, crafting, sharing, and eating. Food was a central part of the stay whether it was a stay-at-home day or a day touring. At home we were encouraged to dip into any of the mason jars filled with munchies spread across the island or dig through the fridge or snack drawer. Homemade meals were delicious and balanced.
Because New Brunswick borders the Atlantic Ocean seafood was a staple on all restaurant menus. A lobster quesadilla, anyone? The day we visited the Bay of Fundy was a bit windy and cool but on the whole the weather was fine. It’s probably an ideal time to visit the province. Unfortunately, there is no direct flight to Moncton from Edmonton so I had to change planes in Calgary. It felt like miles between connecting gates and I had mere minutes to spare. Going home I had a great seat in Row 6 and marveled at my good luck. Within minutes the small boy next to me, his crying infant sister, and the seat kicker behind me had me questioning my
good fortune over the next five and a half hours. I can’t figure out how a kid no wider than a foot in size was constantly in my space bumping me. When his much, much larger dad switched seats, he never touched me once.
New Brunswick is a smaller place moving at a slower pace. The airport is small; the cities are small. And honestly, that’s not a bad thing. The terrain is so hilly and the roads are so winding it makes me wonder if the original surveyors were drunk or had no other choice in the decisions they made. Of course, NB was also settled long before Alberta was. There are gigantic colourful multi-storied houses with verandahs dotting the landscape. As charming as they are, I could only imagine how often and expensive it would be necessary to repaint the wood siding. Or re-shingle the multiple roofs. There are other houses setback only a few feet from the road. There are unusual intersections and no apparent standards for road sign placement.
Another difference I noted was inside the house. Because the Mar-
Lamont and Area
LAMONT UNITED CHURCH 5306 - 51 Ave., Lamont, AB 780-895-2145
Rev. Carolyn Woodall SUNDAYSERVICES 10:30 AM
UCW Supper June 19 5pm - 7pm
ADULT & YOUTH $10 <6 FREE HOTDOGS & POTATOSALAD BEANS, COLESLAW & ICECREAM CHECKOUTOURNEWFACEBOOKPAGE!! Everyone Welcome! AA Meetings Thursdays at 8:00 pm
itimes tend to be rocky, there are no underground natural gas lines. Households rely on heat pumps which means every room in the house has a wallmounted unit that provides both heat and air conditioning. I can’t decide if that’s ultra efficient in that you only heat the areas you’re in or if it’s the craziest thing I’ve ever seen. Because I was always cold, it reminds me to pack for any eventuality. It also reminded me that former PM Trudeau came up with the bright idea of a subsidy for Maritimers (who largely voted Liberal) to replace heat pumps much to the dis-
gust and outrage of other provincial governments.
Kim also arranged for us to meet other fellow crafters and YouTubers which of course triggered more gift exchanges, meals, and camaraderie.
Kim borders on stalking behaviour as she ferrets out other like-minded people to befriend. A vendor we met at the Sunday flea market joined us at home on Wednesday for a day of crafting.
The most annoying part of the stay was the two and a half days without WIFI or telephone service. For not the first time, thieves stole the copper wire from the fibreoptics
cable. It seems Bell should have figured out a theft deterrent after the first crime. On day three we drove to a location with WIFI so I could reassure my peeps I was alive and well and cancel my Live event scheduled for that evening. So, what’s the takeaway from this experience? Be open to finding your ‘tribe’ wherever they may be including online. Say yes to invitations. Don’t be a leach or a mooch; become the model houseguest who’s likely to be invited back. Be generous to your host and appreciative of the cost of their hosting. Anticipating a wonderful experience ensures you’ll have it, from where I sit.
From the files of the Lamont Leader
Bruderheim Community
March 1, 2016 issue of the Lamont Leader: Bruderheim Fire Chief Bob Cote, left, poses with former Premier Ed Stelmach, Lamont County Fire Chief Randy Siemens, and former fire chief Ross Richardson during the grand opening of the Bruderheim Fire Hall in 2012. Cote recently stepped down after 28 years as fire chief and attending some 2,000 calls.
Major New Investment for Alberta’s Industrial Heartland
BY MELISSA MACINTOSH-YOUNG
Premier Danielle Smith announced that Alberta’s investment momentum continues to grow with another major project moving forward in the province.
Pembina Pipeline Corporation’s new $570 million Heartland Extraction Plant project is expected to launch in 2029, bringing another significant investment to Alberta’s Industrial Heartland and further strengthening the province’s energy sector. The new facility will expand Alberta’s natural gas liquids processing ca-
pacity, helping to support the province’s energy value chain while reinforcing Alberta’s position as a leader in energy development.
Smith said projects like
this demonstrate why Alberta continues to attract major investments, citing the province’s natural resources, skilled workforce, strong infrastructure, and investment certainty as key advantages for companies looking to grow.
The project is also expected to create jobs during construction and operations, providing economic benefits to the region while supporting long-term industrial growth.
The Heartland Extraction Plant is the latest example of continued investment in Alberta,
with the $570 million project expected to boost processing capacity, sup-
port job creation, and contribute to the
term success
when it comes online in 2029.
Friday June 5th, 2026
11 am - 2 pm
Moving Ahead by Giving Back
Len Lindstrom is a well-known International Evangelist with a burning passion to reach lost eternal souls through purpose driven ministry backed by the power and presence of the Holy Spirit.
Voted (1973) - “Most Likely to Succeed and Least Likely to Ever Get Saved” - Len had an encounter with Jesus Christ while reading a book in 1975, and was dramatically transformed.
Evangelist Len Lindstrom
June 5th to 7th @ 7pm nightly Tofield Community Hall 5309 50th St., Tofield, AB FOR INFO CALL: (587) 982-3341
Please notice the vast crowds that come to hear Evangelist Len Lindstrom preach the good news that Jesus Christ, born of a virgin, took on a human body, died on the cross, was buried, and rose from the dead for the forgiveness of sins for all who will believe. Len Lindstrom and his supporters have been faithful to the call of God, to go and make disciples of all nations. He has been giving the message of God's written word now for nearly fifty years, in over 140 countries. Len has reason to believe that over 12 million people have believed this message of God's written word, the Bible. He has witnessed God confirming this written word with tens of thousands of miracles of love. This is a repetition of the ministry of Jesus, during the time He walked this earth. Jesus said in the Gospel of John 14:12, Truly, Truly I say to you, he who believes in me, the works that I do shall he do also, and greater works than these shall he do because I go to the Father. COME AND BE RICHLY BLESSED Beaver Creek Co-op invites you and your family to our
long-
of the province’s Industrial Heartland
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith
A quiet moment outside Lamont as a doe keeps watch over her newborn fawn. Nature’s newest arrivals are making their appearance across the region.
- Photo by Melissa MacIntosh-Young
LOCATION:
●2013 FENDT 828 Vario MFWD tractor w/ FEL & 8 ½ ft. bucket, 3,895 hrs., 276 hp., CVT transmission rear 540/1000 pto., 6 hyd’s., 1 owner, shedded, + MORE!
●1977 STEIGER Cougar ST250 4WD tractor w/ Degelman 14 ft. blade, 250 hp., 5,521 hours, VG cond.
●1991 DEUTZ 9150 MFWD tractor w/ Buhler 895 FEL, 8’ bucket & grapple, 3,267 hours, shedded.
●2014 MASSEY FERGUSON 1742 MFWD tractor, 603 hrs., 41 hp., diesel, 12 speed hydro., front & rear pto., 3 pt. hitch, w/ front 6’ snowblower, 6’ sweeper, & 7’ blade.
HAYING
●2019 JOHN DEERE 560M round baler, 6,719 bales, netwrap only, 1000 pto., high moisture kit, VG condition.
●2005 HESSTON 956A round baler, 1000 pto., auto cycle, monitor, shedded, very good condition.
●2017 RITE-WAY t/a bale carrier by Haukaas, 10 bale capacity, shedded, like new condition.
●2013 HAUKAAS QP10 Quick Pick bale carrier, hauls 10 bales, shedded.
●Bale / stack mover, t/a dually.
●2016 AG SHIELD ReCon 300 t/a 7’ hay crimper, big 1000 pto., steel rollers, shedded, VG condition.
●2006 JIFFY 9 wheel side delivery hay rake, shedded.
●AGCOSTAR 8425 air seeder w/ coulters, 12” spacing, 1000 pto., single fan, shedded, + MORE!
●PRASCO Super Seeder 75-55 air seeder w/ TBT cart, wavy coulter discs, 1000 pto., shedded, + MORE!
●VALMAR 2420 Airflo 3 pt. hitch 21’ fertilizer applicator w/ phoenix rotary spike harrows, shedded.
●VALMAR Airflo 4400 t/a fertilizer applicator, shedded.
●LEON 850 hyd. scraper / earth mover, shedded.
●EVERSMAN D7 ‘V’ ditcher, shedded.
●KELLO-BILT Series 225W disc w/ Gandy 5812 applicator, 28’, 10.5” spacing, 26” notched blades.
●1988 JOHN DEERE 235 tandem disc, 9” spacing.
●MASSEY FERGUSON 128 cultivator, 36’, 24” spacing.
●Cultivator converted to mole hill / land leveler, 50 ft.
●2000
●
●49
●(2)
3 PT. HITCH ATTACHMENTS
●2013 LEMKEN Rubin 9 high speed disc, 15 ft., 10” spacing, shedded, excellent condition.
●THRIFTY Cutter 6 ft. mower w/ side arm mount.
●PHOENIX 8 ft. rotary spike harrow w/ seeder.
●1980 NORTHWEST 9 ft. rotary tiller.
●1996 KING KUTTER 6’ blade.
●12 Ft land roller.
●SPRAY TECH 8 ½’ yard sprayer. ●Lawn aerator, 8 ft.
●Homemade small garden disc w/ 2 discs, weight box.
GRAIN TRUCK
●1982 GMC 7000 t/a grain truck w/ 20 ft. box & hoist, 82,236 miles, 427 gas, 5 speed auto., shedded, VG cond.
●NEW HOLLAND 357 mixermill, 1000 pto., 11L-15 tires, shedded,excellent condition.
●1997 BRENT GT740 & 1995 BRENT GT600 gravity feed wagons, (1) 740 bu., (1) 600 bu., roll tarps, shedded.
●1991 MULTI DECK t/a 16 ft. flatdeck trailer w/ removable stock box, GVWR = 12,000 lbs., shedded.
●1995 HAYBUSTER 256 Plus II bale processor, shedded.
●(2) WHEATLAND ±4000 bu. smooth wall epoxy lined hopper fertilizer / grain bins w/ aeration fans.
●WESTEEL ROSCO ±2000 bushel hopper bottom grain bin w/ Keho 7.5 hp. bin aeration fan, top manhole.
●BUTLER ±1850 bushel 4 ring x 14 ft. flat bottom bin.
●1994 BRANDT 1360 mech. swing grain auger, 13”, 60 ft., 540 pto., dual auger hopper, shedded.
●BRANDT 735 auger, 7”, 35 ft., B&S 18 hp. motor.
●WOODS BW240HD 20 ft. heavy duty rotary mower, 1000 pto., shedded, excellent condition.
●WINPOWER 540 pto. generator w/ Lincoln welder on s/a trailer. ●JOHN DEERE 407 rough cut mower. ●12 ft. Hydraulic dump trailer. ●Versatile t/a utility trailer. ●(4) Trailers w/ water tanks & pumps. ●1250 Gal. water tank on metal stand w/ hoses & fittings. ●(2) ±500 Gal. overhead fuel tanks w/ stands, hoses, & nozzles. ●(4) ±1000 Gallon fuel tanks. ●±300 Gallon & ±1000 gallon overhead fuel tanks. ●(3) Implement hitch covers. ●New 12.5L-15 implement tire. ●Homemade industrial ride on lawn mower, 64” deck. ●(2) Man baskets. ●‘V’ snow blade w/ front end loader plate. ●Allied bale spear. ●Front end loader plate. ●Front end loader post pounder. ●Front end loader post hole auger.
Front end loade
, AUCTIONEERS NOTE: oader e E: UP4BIDS is an excellent lineup of mostly shedded equipment including augers.
MORRIS Rangler 50 ft. heavy harrow, ½” tines.
PHOENIX 36 ft. & 62 ft. rotary spike tooth harrows.
Ft. land roller w/ 3 sections.
Land rollers -(1) 6 ft. & (1) homemade 10 ft.
Lack of administration creates frank discussion at informal coffee meetings
BY JOHN MATHER
The new format of Coffee with a Councillor served up by Lamont County councillors offers a very intimate conversation with the area’s elected officials.
On May 21 about a dozen residents took the opportunity to attend the Coffee with a Councillor with Division Two Councillor and Lamont County Reeve Aaron Wick.
Under the new format the only administration representative on site was Jay Zaal, the County communications co-ordinator.
lic works, and the peace officer about an auction lot near his home.
narrowed down to some final candidates.
ner, with Wick still taking notes.
There were no senior administrators from the county to provide answers or interpretation of answers other than what the councillor tells the questioner.
about the costs of dust control and said they had been told it could be $800 per month.
They added many neighbours were upset with the large volumes of dust being raised.
Lamont County Reeve Aaron Wick took thorough notes while engaging with county taxpayers at a Coffee with a Councillor event on May 21.
One ratepayer brought his lap top and showed Wick photos and reports of activity in his neighbourhood that he felt should be investigated by the County.
Wick listened and did his best to answer any question the ratepayers had indicating where the County had jurisdiction to intercede and other areas where concerns would be better directed to the province or other officials.
Wick opened the session very informally.
“Does anybody have any concerns?” he asked. The first resident said he worked up north as a professional engineer and he loved living in the County.
He said since January he has spoken with pub-
He felt the property owners were doing some dangerous practices and he said he had offered his services free of charge and been turned down.
He raised concerns about clearing land and mulching bush land.
He added there were times when there were long lines of vehicles along the rural road.
After showing his information to Wick, the Reeve said he would pass the information along to public works officials to see what could be done, but added some of the concerns the neighbour had were with the property owner preparing land for farming.
“We can only ensure he does modifications only on his own property,” said Wick. Another resident brought up a dust problem.
We’ve put counters out and done checks,” Wick told the resident, adding he was aware of the problem.
The resident wondered
Wick listened patiently and took a constant stream of notes which he said he would discuss with his fellow councillors before their next council meeting.
Wick said the roads needed a good base and many of the county roads suffered from a lack of base.
Many of the residents mentioned they could see black dirt coming up through the road.
“It’s a budgetary thing,” said Wick. “We do fixes and then have to keep packing and building the roads up and that takes money.”
Several of the residents agreed stating heavy equipment used by farmers did damage to the roads.
Wick agreed, saying the farm equipment has enlarged dramatically over the years and the roads hadn’t kept up.
He said council was in a damned if you do damned if you don’t situation when it came to putting gravel on the roads to help build them up.
“If you don’t do it people complain and if you do put it down it might cause tire issues and people complain,” he said.
Questions were raised about hiring a new Chief Administrative Officer and Wick was open about the decision having been
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNIT Y
Operations Foreman Position Permanent Full Time
Closing date for resumes is June 12, 2026
The Town of Lamont is seeking a highly organized leader to direct the Public Works and Recreation team. The Operations Foreman will report directly to the CAO and is responsible for the planning, coordination and execution of the Public Works and Recreation departmental tasks.
Visit https://www.lamont.ca/townhall/career-opportunities for more information
He explained what the council was looking for in a CAO and they wouldn’t be hiring someone on a long term contract.
Concerns were raised about speeding on the rurals roads and this was discussed in a very relaxed and informal man-
Another resident brought up issues he was having with land use in his area.
Again Wick listened, expressed surprise at some of the information provided, and promised he would be looking into the ratepayers’ concerns.
While there were only
about a dozen people in attendance under the new casual format the conversation was direct and most residents got a good conversation with the councillor and he took notes and agreed to share information with his fellow councillors and bring the concerns forward to administration.
Buz z zing News
As of June 1, 2026 we will no longer be accepting donations.
As of June 1, will be open extended hours to help facilitate coming changes. Monday - Saturday 10 - 4.
Watch next weeks paper for all the details!
Lamont County Reeve and Division two councillor Aaron Wick listens to concerns from a resident while others listen during a casual Coffee with a Councillor meeting in Chipman May 21. Councillors have changed the format of these, now meeting with residents without administration present prompting more informal and frank discussion.
The Lamont Leader (Lamont, Alberta),
MacIvor wins Bruderheim by-election
BY JOHN MATHER
Ryan MacIvor is Bruderheim’s newest councillor.
He won the by-election to replace Lester Quijano Acosta, who resigned his council seat after just four months on council.
MacIvor won the byelection May 25, with 91 votes compared to former council veteran George Campbell who received 71 votes.
Bruderheim Chief Administrative Officer Jana Semeniuk told the Leader MacIvor would be sworn in and take his seat at the next council meeting, which would be in early June unless a special council meeting is called to finalize the
Town’s budget.
In a social media post following the by-election, MacIvor posted his thanks to those in the town that voted for him.
“I am truly humbled and honoured to have been elected to serve on Town Council, and I do not take this responsibility lightly,” he wrote.
“Over the past weeks, I had the opportunity to meet and speak with so many wonderful residents, and I am incredibly grateful for every conversation, every word of encouragement, and every person who took the time to vote.”
He also thanked Campbell for running and for
his 12 years “of dedicated service on Council.”
MacIvor concluded by stating he was excited for
what lies ahead and looked forward to serving the town.
Canadians cash in on bread price-fixing settlement, with Lamont County residents among those paid
BY GRANT JOHNSON
Canadians are starting to see money back in their pockets after a longrunning bread price-fixing case, with residents in Lamont County among those receiving settlement payments.
The class-action lawsuit alleged that major grocery chains and suppliers
conspired to fix the price of packaged bread over a period of years.
While the companies involved denied wrongdoing, several agreed to settlements totalling millions of dollars.
That money is now being distributed to eligible Canadians who filed claims, with payments
varying depending on the number of applicants.
A commonly reported payout, including one received locally, was $49.11. The settlement covers purchases dating back years, meaning many Canadians qualified simply by confirming they regularly bought bread during the affected pe-
riod. No receipts were required for basic claims, making the process accessible for thousands of people.
Across rural communities like those in Lamont County, the payments may not be large, but they are still a welcome return for everyday grocery shoppers.
Wheat:
CWRS - AAC Brandon - Improved Rated MR for FHB resistance
- Most widely grown CWRS variety in Western Canada for 5 years
CWRS - AAC Wheatland VB -Wheat Midge tolerant
- Very good lodging resistance
CWSWS - AC Andrew - Great silage option -In demand by milling and ethanol industries
New Varieties Coming in 2027 - AAC Westking - AAC Stoughton
Yellow Peas:
CDC Canary - Improved standability -Early maturity -Higher Yielding
Faba Beans:
CDC 219-16 - Zero Tannin
- Seed is smaller than Snowbird, larger than CDC Snowdrop
6-Row Feed Barley:
AB Advantage - Improved plump and bushel weight - Smooth awned -High grain and forage yield
2-Row Malt Barley:
CDC Churchill - Increasing demand by Malting Companies, Yielding 109% of CDC Copeland
A tractor and associated equipment works its way across the Woitas farmland near Twp. Rd. 564 and Rge Rd. 200, May 25. Neil Woitas said this outing saw 157 acres seeded in this section of land this year.
Supplied photo.
Newly elected Bruderheim councillor Ryan MacIvor.
$20/wk for
4
COMING EVENTS
Open House to celebrate completion of our Wall of Fame, the Royal Canadian Legion's 100th anniversary, and our 80th anniversary at the C.J. Kinross VC Legion Branch in Lougheed. Saturday, June 6, from 1 to 5 p.m. Everyone is welcome. 21/22c
FFCS/FIRST Seniors Week Events:
Tuesday, June 2 10 am-12 pm
Come & Go Coffee at FCSS building 4809 49 Ave, Killam. Thursday, June 4 6:30-8:30 PM Alzheimer Society Presentation at Sedgewick Seniors Centre 5301 51 Ave, Sedgewick
Garage Sale
May 29, 30, 31 9 am to 5 pm at the Ray Lestus Farm 14545 Hiway 26 Cash Only!
Household items, yard tools and ornaments, shop tools. 16" Low Boy with 3500lb tandem axels, pull hitch, etc. 780-385-1479
Bardo Cemetery Clean-up. Saturday, May 30, 2026 Clean-up at 10 a.m. and annual meeting to follow. Bring your own lunch. Contact: Lawrence Rude 780-679-7315 TM21C
Bruce Cemetery Day, Monday, June 8 at 1 p.m. Bring tools, brooms, etc. Meeting to follow. Everyone Welcome. 21/22p
ANNUAL SPRING CEMETERY AND HALL CLEAN UP ST. JOHN NEPOMUCENE CEMETERY - PRAGUE PRAGUE COMMUNITY HALL
Thursday, June 11 at 6:30 PM Beverages and snack to follow 20/22c
Pleasington Historical Society Annual Memorial Service and Pot Luck Dinner, Sunday, June 14, at 2 p.m. Church and Cemetery Cleanup Tuesday, June 9 at 9 a.m. Alternate day: Thursday, June 11. Everyone is Welcome! 21/22c
CLASSIFIEDS
COMING EVENTS
Lake Olivia Cemetery 2026 AGM and NO WORK get together Sunday, June 7 at 1 p.m.
Bring Your Lawn Chair. Hotdog Lunch Provided
————————————————
Kinsella Cemetery Cleanup June 13 at 9 am Lunch provided. Contact Ross 780-385-1313.
————————————————
Lornedale Cemetery 2026 AGM will be on Saturday, June 6 at 1pm at Lornedale Cemetery. NO WORK get-together. A Hot Dog Lunch will be supplied. Bring your own chair if you wish. If inclement weather, alternative location is in Doug and Cheryl Lefsrud’s house garage. 21/22p
Viking Healthcare Auxiliary is holding 4th ANNUAL SPRING STRAWBERRY TEA
Thursday, May 28, 2026
From 2 to 5 pm At Viking Legion Hall
$5.00 tea, cake, Strawberries
————————————————
Beaverhill Players presents Sadie Flynn Comes to Big Oak by Norm Foster Mad Platter Catering $55 supper and show $25 show only Friday, May 29 7pm -show onlySaturday, May 30 at 7pm Sunday, May 31 at 2pm Holden Community Hall Dave 780-720-5839
————————————————
Vegreville Doll & Toy Show & Sale Saturday May 30, 2026
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
$5 admission, 12 & under free. Free draws & door prizes. Vegreville Social Centre 4509-48 Street, Vegreville. 780-278-4880
————————————————
You can book Blanket Classified Ads and Value Ads through your local paper! Appear in over 65 different newspapers and over 300,000 homes in Alberta. Prices $299 to $999. Contact a Caribou Publishing paper today!
————————————————
COMING EVENTS
BLESSING OF THE GRAVES PRAGUE CATHOLIC CEMETERY
Saturday, June 13 at 11 AM 20/22c
————————————————
Spilstead Community Garage Sale
Saturday, May 30, 10 am to 3 pm. 20502 Twp Rd. 502 Book a table, sell your stuff! Lindsey - 780.608.6223 TM20-21P
————————————————
We welcome you to join us for Dying to Know Day, a compassionate community event featuring presentations and conversations about grief, caregiving, palliative care, advance care planning, and MAID. Join us Thursday, June 4, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Viking Community Hall. Registration is $40 and includes lunch and a sound bath session. Pre-registration is required through Viking/Beaver FCSS by May 29 @ 780.336.4024. TM20-21C
Flagstaff County presents Seniors Conference 2026 Thursday, June 4 Providence Place in Daysland 10am - 2pm. Planting Workshop, Digital Safety presentation, Programs & supports for healthy againg and featuring Keynote speaker Jessica Janzen. To register, call Kerri at 780-384-4150.
See more details in the Flagstaff County ad in this week’s edition of The Community Press.
A Celebration of Life for Barry Dale Schmidt April 28, 1950 - February 2, 2026 will be held on Saturday, May 30 at 12 p.m. Calling Lake Fire Hall Lunch to follow.
FIREARMS AUCTION: June 27th: Ward's and Bud Haynes Auctions in Edmonton. Consign Now! Firearms, Ammo, Optics, Accessories, etc. Call Brad Ward, 780-940-8378. FirearmsAuctions.ca
FOR SALE
2015 Freedom Express 25-foot, bumper pull trailer. Excellent shape, clean and ready for its next adventure. Call 780-336-6413 for more info. 20/22p
FOR SALE
Last Reminder for trees and raspberry plants. Buyers' responsibility to dig them out by June 5. If interested call Brian at 780-678-0053 for arrangements.
20/21c
Tomato plants in Flagstaff County/Daysland and surrounding area. Order by the Daysland Pharmacy May 19 or after, between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. at Brian's outdoor stand. Need to know what variety and how many - will have order forms to complete.
20/21c
BOAD BEES has Farm Eggs and Honey For Sale - Viking, AB Area. Call or Text Darrin at 587-256-0214 19/20p
FORAGE SEED FOR SALE: Organic & conventional: Sweet Clover, Alfalfa, Red Clover, Smooth Brome, Meadow Brome, Crested Wheatgrass, Timothy, etc. Free Delivery! Birch Rose Acres Ltd. 306-921-9942.
Now Hiring – Kindergarten Educational Assistant Sedgewick Early Childhood Centre 0.5 FTE (Mon, Wed, some Fri) Key Responsibilities: Support students in learning and activities; Oneon-one and small group support; Assist teacher with classroom prep; Supervision during activities, transitions, outdoor play; Encourage positive social, emotional, behavioural development; Help maintain safe, welcoming, positive learning environment.
Qualifications: Educational Assistant certificate and/or experience working with children an asset; Experience in Early Childhood Ed, childcare, or school setting preferred; Patient, compassionate, dependable; Strong communication and teamwork skills; Current First Aid/CPR; Submit Vulnerable Sector check within 30 days of hire. Please email cover letter and resume by June 5 to: sedgewickpresident@gmail.com 21/22c
Concerns growing over injured stray cats in Bruderheim
BY MELISSA MACINTOSH-YOUNG
A growing number of injured stray cats in Bruderheim is raising concerns among residents, with some questioning whether the Town’s lack of cat-specific bylaws is contributing to the issue.
Reports of cats causing property damage, suffering injuries from fights, vehicle strikes, and neglect have sparked conversations about how roaming felines are man-
BY GRANT JOHNSON
The Lamont Fish & Game Association’s annual Kids Can Catch event drew a strong crowd to the Lamont Trout Pond on Sunday, May 24.
Organizer Dale Iverson said about 80 people attended, with families coming from across Lamont County as well as Tofield, Edmonton and other nearby communities.
aged in the community and what options exist when cats are found hurt or abandoned.
Bruderheim resident Liza Dmyterko recently posted on social media asking for help with two injured strays.
Dmyterko said she was forced to release an injured cat after being unable to secure transportation to a rescue, highlighting the challenges local residents face when trying to help animals in need without
The event is designed to give kids a chance to try fishing, even if they have never done it before. Fishing rods and bait were provided so everyone could take part.
Iverson said conditions at the pond are improving. An aeration system installed last summer appears to be working, with many fish surviving the winter and growing to about 16 inches. The pond was also recently
an organized support system in place.
Unlike dogs, which are closely regulated under Bruderheim’s Dog Control Bylaw, the Town does not currently have catspecific bylaws in place for stray cats.
Animal welfare advocates note that roaming cats face a variety of risks, including traffic, wildlife encounters, harsh weather, disease transmission, and injuries from territorial fights.
In communities without
stocked with 2,000 rainbow trout.
The event was supported by the Alberta Conservation Association, which sponsors similar programs across the province.
A free barbecue with hamburgers and hot dogs was offered, and Yogi’s Liquor Store in Lamont donated candy for the kids.
Organizers say the event continues to be a
clear bylaws or organized processes for dealing with stray populations, injured cats can often fall through the cracks, leaving residents and volunteer rescuers to step in.
The issue has sparked renewed discussion in Bruderheim about whether the Town should consider cat regulations or additional animal control measures to help reduce stray populations and improve outcomes for injured animals. At time of printing, Bylaw
simple way to get young people outdoors and interested in fishing.
Everyone can fish, even as young as 2 years old. Birdie Johnson tries it out. Donny Van Heerden Johnson fishes in the background
Andrew hosts first ever burger taste off
BY GRANT JOHNSON
The Village of Andrew held its first Burger Taste Off at the Andrew MultiPurpose Room, bringing together three local restaurants and a panel of four community judges to determine the best burger.
A strong crowd attended the event, where Andrew Bar & Grill, Andrew’s Original Pizza & Pasta, and Anna’s Gathering Place each submitted a burger for judging.
After sampling all three, the judges selected Andrew’s Original Pizza & Pasta as the winner. They noted that all entries were high quality, making the decision a difficult one.
Mayor Bill Romaniuk compared the competition to a hockey game while presenting the award, saying all the burgers were good but one had to win.
Romaniuk also called the event a great success and said it highlighted the importance of supporting local businesses and bringing the community together.
Door prizes were awarded to spectators who correctly guessed the winning restaurant.
The Village plans to host the Burger Taste Off again in the future and may expand the event to include other menu items.
New detachment commander named for Fort RCMP
BY JOHN MATHER
The Fort Saskatchewan RCMP detachment has announced acting detachment commander Staff Sergeant Scott Lande has been named as the permanent detachment commander.
Lande brings extensive operational and leadership experience to the role, reported the detachment in a press release.
Prior to his time in Fort Saskatchewan, he served as the District Advisory Non-Commissioned Officer for the Central Alberta District, where he provided strategic and operational support across 24 detachments, working closely with frontline members and senior leadership. His background also includes significant experience in crime reduction, having served as a Ser-
geant in charge of the General Investigation Section and Drug Unit in Leduc, as well as Unit Commander of the Crime Reduction Unit in Central Alberta District.
“His familiarity with the community, established relationships, and proven leadership will enable him to hit the ground running as Detachment Commander,” the release staed.
Mundare School’s Jump Rope for Heart
BY GRANT JOHNSON
Students at Mundare School skipped their way to a big fundraising win during this year’s Jump Rope for Heart event, raising money for lifesaving heart disease and stroke research.
The school set a goal of $500 but easily surpassed
it, bringing in a total of $1,340 through donations from family and friends.
Throughout the afternoon, students rotated through nine activity stations that kept them moving and engaged.
The event not only raises important funds for research but also en-
courages kids to stay active and learn healthy habits at a young age.
The school says the strong turnout and enthusiastic participation made the event a success, with students showing both community spirit and a commitment to healthy living.
class 1 driver
BRB Service and Battle Bend Acres are looking for a Class 1 Driver.
Looking for an individual with experience in
oilfield experience would be an
Opportunity to experience a wide variety of roles hauling within AB, running Super B dry and liquid trailers, equipment hauling, end dump trailers.
This role will also play a part in the day-to-day operations of a grain farming and custom operation; farming experience would also be an asset.
Competitive wages and benefits, flexible hours please apply to: Colin Hudson @780-806-0501 or Quinton Hudson @ 780-888-1158
“I’m proud to continue the work that has been established in Fort Saskatchewan and to work alongside dedicated members and community partners who care deeply about the well-being of the communities.”
Rima Siseldeen from Andrew’s Original Pizza and Pasta wins first from Mayor Bill Romaniuk.
Mundare school girls having fun jumping rope.
