APP message for Alberta independence heard loud and clear in Mundare
BY JANA SEMENIUK
Over 150 people came out to the Mundare Recreation Centre on May 21 to hear speakers from the Alberta Prosperity Project make the case for Alberta’s Independence.
What was once a movement laser focused on Alberta creating its own pension, turned into a movement for Alberta to become its own country after the Liberal party of Canada was elected to a fourth term this past April.
“Six weeks ago (before the election) I was an independent Alberta in Canada guy,” said APP CEO Mitch Sylvestre. “Now I see that there’s no path out. We need to become an independent nation, then if Canada wants to renegotiate with us, it can be from a position of strength and we’ll be able to make changes.”
Sylvestre, a small business owner and Bonnyville-Cold Lake-St. Paul UCP constituency association president, hosted the event with two other speakers who provided additional perspectives; APP Chair and retired head cardio thoracic surgeon Dennis Modry in addition to economist Tanner Hnidey.
When the event moderator asked participants to “Raise your hand if you think Canada isn’t working for you anymore,” nearly every person in the audience shot a hand into the air.
Modry was the first to speak, noting that Alberta is at a disadvantage nationally due to the constitution and he said there is an imbalance of power that will always put Alberta last.
“There's no real mechanism to open and change the constitution which would help fix a lot of these problems, other than Alberta having a successful referendum on Alberta sovereignty,
that is the only leverage that we have to make change that's been necessary for decades,” said Modry.
When economist Tanner Hnidey spoke, he addressed many common concerns including the issue of Alberta being landlocked.
“What commentators too often, unfortunately omit, is that while an independent Alberta would be geographically landlocked, a dependent
Alberta, an Alberta that's in Canada right now, is also geographically landlocked.,” he said.
“We’re already landlocked right now. The question actually is, would an independent Alberta navigate the challenges of land locking better than an Alberta within Canada would? That's the question.”
At the conclusion of the event, people were invited to line up and ask a
question of the speakers, of which 10 people obliged.
Modry, Hnidey and Sylvestre each tackled questions, one of which was whether the government could ignore a successful referendum vote on independence.
“What if we have a successful referendum, and the government just ignores it, just like they did with the referendum on equalization?” asked one participant.
Modry referenced the successful Feb. 2008 referendum Kosovo held where afterwards other countries acknowledged Kosovo’s independence.
“And you can guess which two countries were (among) the first to acknowledge Kosovo Sovereignty; Japan and Canada,” he said.
“On the day of the successful referendum, (it would be) acknowledged by the U.S. administration probably the President or Marco Rubio, the Secretary of State, calling Danielle Smith and saying, Congratulations, you are now a sovereign nation, at which point Danielle Smith should be able to say that we now will unilaterally declare our sovereignty.”
In an interview after the event, Sylvestre addressed a counter-petition launched by former Deputy Premier Thomas Lukaszuk who, by his own admission, is vehemently opposed to Alberta independence and looking to stop a referendum vote on independence altogether.
Lukaszuk submitted his petition application on March 15, with the referendum question, “Do you agree that Alberta must remain in Canada and any form of Separation be rejected?”
Continued on Page 19 Whentheeventmoderatoraskedparticipantsto“Raiseyour
Alberta Prosperity Project CEO Mitch Sylvestre speaks to a crowd of more than 150 people who attended their May 21 event in Mundare. Photo: Jana Semeniuk
Chipman loses a pillar of the community
BY JANA SEMENIUK
Members of the Chipman Players, a local theatre group performing in Chipman for the past 15 years, were left heartbroken last week after news of their founder’s death rippled through the community.
On May 18, 74-yearold Bruce McGregor passed away at the Lamont Community Health Centre after a short bout of cancer.
“The stage will not be the same without him,” said Chipman Players’ President Keiron Willis. “He was amazing at engaging the crowd and drawing the audience in through his antics. He really made them feel welcome and comfortable.”
McGregor’s friend and fellow stage performer, Tom Hrehorets, said McGregor was experiencing pain this March, during the Players’ performance of ‘It Happened on Route 66’. McGregor played the role of ‘Cookie’, the owner of the Route 66 diner where several entertaining stories were unfolding at the same time.
Hrehorets said McGregor’s commitment to the show pushed him through.
“He was in so much pain. While we were acting, if he was off the scenes, he would just sit there and you could just tell the pain he was in,” said Hrehorets.
“During our practice, the same thing, he was in so much pain and we kept on telling him to go.”
But McGregor, true to his character, refused to go until the shows were done. Hrehorets remembered another time when McGregor suffered heart problems and was rushed to the Mazankowski hospital to have surgery where several stints were placed in his heart. Hrehorets said McGregor’s surgery was on a Thursday and by
Chipman Players’ founder passes away
Saturday he was back onstage.
“Thursday night was our dress rehearsal; we laughed so hard everybody cried. That night, Bruce got home, and in the middle of the night, he got up and called the ambulance. I think he had three or four stints put in (and) Saturday night he was out performing on stage,” said Hrehorets.
“He didn’t miss out. We had one of the other ladies learn his lines but Bruce was there and acted right through.”
Chipman Players President Keiron Willis remembers McGregor’s mentorship and guidance as she first volunteered for the little acting troupe before being elected as their president five years ago.
“He was my mentor in regards to leadership and guiding groups and that sort of thing. Everything I know in that capacity, I've learned from him,” she said, choking back tears as she described McGregor’s gift for theatre.
She said during his last performance this March, he asked her to do something unscripted, allowing him to display his signature on-stage persona.
“Feeling as bad as he was at the very last show, he said ‘You’ve got to do this for me. You’ve got to play the song’,” Willis knew what song he meant. As the character of Elvis was leaving the stage, Willis played ‘All Shook Up’ at which point McGregor’s character of Cookie took over.
“He just did this lovely little dance on stage (and) really jazzed it up. He left a lot of energy on the stage. (I thought) Oh my God, you're going to kill yourself, because I knew how much pain he was in. I just knew at that point that even if he did get better, he probably wouldn't be with us next season. That was kind of
like his goodbye.”
Although McGregor was a life long cowboy, easily recognizable with his handlebar moustache, cowboy hat and scarf tied around his neck, Willis said he also voraciously loved literature.
“He was always reading something and talking about what he was reading. Literature has always been his passion, and he always wanted to go on stage,” she said, adding that McGregor also delighted crowds with his performance as Mark Twain, bearing a striking resemblance which added greatly to the entertainment value.
In terms of family, McGregor’s daughter-inlaw Tania Davis said McGregor was a warm, generous man who welcomed her and her daughter Amelia to his family with open arms when she married McGregor’s son Josh seven years ago.
“Amelia isn't their biological granddaughter, but that didn't matter. He took us in and treated us like we had been there the whole time,” she said. “He had a very large warm giving heart and he would give you the shirt off his back in a rainstorm if he could. You hear of people like that all the time, but it's a once in a lifetime opportunity to actually meet someone like that. There's very few of them around that are that joyous with everything they do and such a passion for life.”
Davis said McGregor was always recruiting actors for the Chipman Players and still had big plans for the community even up to his last days.
“The one big thing he was trying to go for was, either a monthly or a weekly car wash on Main Street. People would pay to have their cars washed, and then we could put that money towards something within the community,” she
said.
Willis also said McGregor was still planning for the future.
“A couple of projects he still wanted to see done. He really wanted to have a vaudeville show. He wanted the Players to put on a vaudeville show with different music acts and comedy acts,” she said.
“He (also) always wanted to see us expanding on the Players, and
fitting it in with another group and the town, and doing an arts festival sort of thing. He said “we're so close to the city.
People would come out for this stuff”.”
Willis added that one thing is for certain about the future for Chipman Players; The show will go on.
“He loved the players. It was his brainchild. I know he did a lot of things, but I think his tri-
umph, the success of his life (was the Chipman Players). We went to see him in the hospital, me and some of the other Players.
He said “you got to keep it going. This is a good thing we've got going here. Don't let it go”,” said Willis, adding a promise she made him.
“I will make sure it continues.”
Raymond Bruce
It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Bruce McGregor on May 18 at the Lamont Health Care Centre at the age of 74 years.
He is survived by his daughter Kansas (Kevin) Harris and their daughter Ayla, his son Josh McGregor (Tania Davis) and
daughter Emily, two sisters; Heather (Nick) Wack and their children Riley and Logan, Penny McGregor (Jeff Gauthier) and their children Callum and Remi; his Aunty Peg and numerous cousins.
Bruce had a love of books, art, dancing, horses, and acting with the Chipman Player’s He was pre-deceased by his parents Raymond and Kathryn McGregor and his wife Sam, of almost 50 years.
Memorial donation can be made directly to the Chipman Player’s Club.
9914 103 Street
Fort Saskatchewan, AB
Phone: (780) 998-1422
Fax: (780) 998-1423
Website: www.serenity.ca
Bruce McGregor (left) onstage at the Chipman National Hall beside good friend and fellow actor Tom Hrehorets
Summer East Central Machinery Consignment Auction
Sale Starts on June 6th, 2025 - Machinery Ring Closes June 10th, 2025
Livestock Ring Closes June 11th, Miscellaneous Ring Closes June 9th, 2025
Location: Hwy #16 & Rge Rd 185 (1 Mile East of Hwy 834) - South Side of the Road
Sale Includes Dispersals for Retirement Dispersal for Barrhead Rentals, Stock Reduction for Heavy Metal Equipment, Dispersal For Hutzkal Farms, Semi Retirement Dispersal For Errol Warkentin
Opinion
The talking points are out there, let’s see some action
BY JOHN MATHER
The meeting of the Western Premiers and leaders from the Northwest Territories in Yellowknife last week shows why our two major new networks are sadly failing this country.
The Premiers presented a united front on the need for more infrastructure to move natural resources to tidewater allowing it to be shipped to other nations.
Now B.C. Premier David Eby, an NDPer, didn’t necessarily support it as heartily as say Premier Danielle Smith and Saskatchewan Premier Moe, but still he did admit this had to happen.
But what did CTV National News report?
Why they found a Calgary entrepreneur, I have never heard of, Arlene Dickenson, to provide a “western perspective.”
But they failed to indicate she sits on the advisory committee of the Stratford Institute at the University of Waterloo, was an investor on Dragon’s Den, an eastern oriented entrepreneur television program and according to Wikipedia identifies as “non-partisan.”
She lives in Vancouver.
The second expert CTV brought on to comment on the Premiers’ meeting was Moshe Lander.
Now this gentleman is an educated economist who used to work for the Alberta Government between 2003 and 2007. But now he lectures at Montreal’s Concordia University - a place he has called home since 2013. So really what does he now know about Alberta or the west?
He bailed 12 years ago.
In CTV’s reporting they called on these people to offer wise perceptions about the Western Premiers’ bun toss.
Lander said Alberta is at fault for allowing separation conversations to fester and that Premier Smith hasn’t done enough to sell the programs she wants to see proceed in her province to the Feds.
And this is what is wrong with Canada’s mainstream media.
If this Montreal-based person hasn’t heard the howls regarding abuse by Federal officials coming from Albertans, we must only assume he has blinders and ear flaps on, or the mainstream media isn’t getting that message out to Canadians.
And that could be the problem.
Are there not Alberta-based experts, who live here day in and day out, familiar with Alberta issues, who can offer comments for a national audiance?
CONTINUED
Canada has 10 provinces and three territories comprising a landmass larger than the United States.
Yet our national news only reports from Toronto if one watches CTV, CBC or Global. Why don’t these people have regional national news bureaus?
It used to be that way. But not anymore.
When I was at the Edmonton Journal many years ago, we had an Ottawa Bureau staffed by a Journal employee who reported on our Canadian government from local sources back to Edmonton. Those days are long gone.
It falls on independent outlets to put staff in the Canadian hotspots and report on the issues from areas that can affect all Canadians.
And there’s B.C. Premier David Eby. He wants to agree with the rest of his provincial counterparts but unfortunately he’s from the wrong party.
Eby would rather work with Yukon on building better electrification projects than openly support a pipeline to get either oil or Liquified Natural Gas to Prince Rupert and then on to world customers other than the U.S.
He claims, if Premier Smith is successful in convincing the Feds to ease restrictions and proceed with such a project, “we’ll (B.C.) cross that bridge should we come to it.”
Read between the lines, he’ll openly oppose it and throw as many roadblocks in its path as possible.
What is with the NDP?
They want to spend gobs of money on social programs and lifestyle issues, but when a method of creating funding through tolls or taxation to fund those projects comes up they oppose it?
It seems the spend side of their brain works well but the create side is totally dormant.
And finally we come to our newly elected Liberal government.
The new energy czar Tim Hodgson
ventured into Calgary late last week to have a chat with the Calgary Chamber of Commerce.
Now on paper Hodgson looks like he’s the right man for this portfolio. A former investment banker, he helped spearhead the Alliance Pipeline project. He was also a director with MEG energy.
So he’s got the Calgary Oil Patch movers and shakers giddy with the possibilities that he might make a difference and some projects just might make it past the bureaucratic malaise that has sank many before.
“It’s a time for bold action, clear decisions and a renewed spirit for building,” he told the crowd. “No more asking, ‘why build?’ The real question is, ‘how do we get it done?’
“That means breaking apart barriers and cutting through red tape. It also means doing things responsibly the first time, meeting our duty to consult so Indigenous peoples are true partners –and protecting our environment so we don’t have to clean up mistakes later.”
Oooh … that sounds so positive.
But Alberta’s motto is ‘Strong and Free.’
Missouri’s motto is “The Show Me State.” But for years Ottawa’s motto seems to have been “Talk is Cheap and we Lie a Lot.”
Albertans are fed up with this “talk” coming out of Ottawa.
Now we do have to give Carney’s confreres a chance.
Hodgson appears to have the right background. He came to Calgary and said the right words.
Now let’s see those words turn into action.
If Ottawa wants to make Canada an energy superpower, as Carney has stated, and tamp down the Alberta separation nonsense, then he has to shut up the idiots he retained in cabinet, like Steven Guilbeault, and proceed with projects that will not only build Alberta, and the western Canadian economy, but it will also help the Canadian economy.
Kerry Anderson Publisher John Mather Reporter
Jana Semeniuk Reporter Crystal Moren
BY HAZEL ANAKA
Isn’t it funny how sometimes all of our plans and deadlines and obligations come home to roost all at once? Well, okay, maybe funny isn’t the right word. More accurately, the word may be crazy, tragic, Murphy’s Law, or damnit.
I find myself in exactly that position. I’ve been behind the eight-ball for about a week already with no end in sight for another couple weeks. In addition to the usual YouTube taping schedule I maintain, I had a field trip with our Odd Page Society group on Friday evening. I’ve forgotten just how noisy sports bars can be on a game night. Seven of us got together for supper and/or dessert before heading over to a scrapbook event at Millennium Place. I could ill afford to take that many hours off. But
FROM WHERE I SIT: Breathe Again
because all work and no play is not the best practise for a well-adjusted life, I went.
It won’t surprise anyone to know that I have a huge collection of books. Some I’ve had for decades; others I bought days ago. My buying habits have changed over the years but the amount of available space to store and access my collection hasn’t so it’s crunch time. My monthly Live Sale on YouTube is slowly chipping away at the collection. But with Trump’s continuing tariffs on China, I am affected. Even if a book is copyrighted in Canada, the US or elsewhere, if it’s printed in China, it’s subject to tariffs. And I refuse to go down that path.
For probably a year now, I've been considering a consignment auction sale. Now, that I’ve finally committed to a date, the real grueling work of selecting, lotting, and describing the books has begun. If the auctioneer wasn’t doing the photography, I’d be saddled with that step too. The sheer time, space, and muscle it takes to do this is incred-
ible. Not to mention hauling the hundreds of books to the auction site before the sale. Books are so light, don’t you know…..
But that my lovelies is not all. I have a wedding to officiate in Edmonton this coming Friday. Bright and early Saturday morning I’ll be in Vegreville setting up my booth for the Doll and Toy Show. In February I decided that even though I’ve never participated or even attended it before it might be a good opportunity to sell some stuff. Fast forward to this week. This week! I’ll be trying to sell the allwood doll house kit I've had since the 1980s plus farm toys Roy agreed to part with. He hasn’t yet selected them never mind done the research needed to fairly price them. Apparently, the show attracts devotees from far and wide including out-ofprovince so let’s hope I’m coming home with less than I took there.
Then I had the choice between participating in two garage sales on the same day. One, craftfocused near Devon or the Andrew town-wide
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sale at my sister’s. As always, the decision is what makes the most sense in this moment? I chose to go with the Andrew sale because it’s been a long time since I had the chance to contribute, the focus is broader, the distance is closer. But, again, the setup and work are daunting. I love the actual process of kibbitzing and selling but man oh man, the dragging around of tables and the pricing are a pain.
Then, as if that wasn’t enough, I also made an appointment to take
items to an Edmonton consignment shop. I’ll be looking critically at spring and summer garments, purses, shoes, and home décor to see what I should part with.
Of all the methods of getting rid of things, consignment may offer the lousiest return. The consignor gets only 40% of the selling price but it is another tool in the toolbox.
With all of these possible dispersal methods it boils down to a cost-benefit analysis. Do the benefits of sales and decluttering outweigh the cost
of registration, fuel, time? Time is the trickiest to measure because it’s not just the actual direct sales hours but the days and days of prep, loading and hauling, pricing research, and dealing with any unsold merch that factor into the equation. Donation is the easiest option if you don’t care about recouping some money. And frankly, it takes all the strategies to get rid of things. There is something very freeing about letting stuff go; the money is simply gravy. And by June 8th, I can breathe again, from where I sit.
From the files of the Lamont Leader
Failed bridge near Chipman will cost over half million to replace
Nov. 27, 2012 issue of the Lamont Leader: Lamont County Public Works Director Harold Hamilton says the failed bridge at RR 184 and Township Rd. 542 near Chipman could cost anywhere from $500,000 to $750,000 to repair or replace. Temporarily shut down, the bridge is top priority on the replacement list.
Bruderheim Community Church 4904 Queen Street 780-796-3775
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19-year-old Powerschool hacker could receive up to 17 years
BY JANA SEMENIUK
A 19-year-old Massachusetts college student, Matthew Lane, has been charged by the U.S. Department of Justice and agreed to plead guilty to hacking and extorting two different education tech companies.
According to reports, although the court papers did not identify the companies’ names, someone familiar with the case confirmed to
media outlets that one of the companies is Powerschool.
Elk Island Public Schools first notified parents on Jan. 8 of a data breach to third party software company Powerschool, which thousands of school divisions, including EIPS, across North America use to store staff and student information, including social security numbers.
A notice on
Maschmeyer backup named PWHL playoffs MVP despite finals loss
BY JOHN MATHER
It could be called the one goal difference series or the battle of the goaltenders.
Minnesota Frost won a 2-1 game four against the Ottawa Charge May 26 to repeat as Walter Cup champions, emblematic of the championship in the Professional Women’s Hockey League.
All four games in the series went to overtime and all ended in a 2-1 score.
In the Monday tilt, Minnesota’s scored a second period goal, but Ottawa refused to go away and at 1:02 of the third period Tereza Vanisova tied the score on a dandy pass from Danielle Serdachny.
The Frost scored the winning goal 12 minute into the first overtime.
Ottawa goalie Gwyneth Philips, was named the MVP of the playoffs for her standout play and took home the Ilana Kloss Playoff MVP Award. She was backup to Bruderheim’s injured Emerance Maschmeyer.
During the playoffs Philips had a .952 save percentage and a 1.23 goals against average.
Ottawa had a split with Minnesota in the first two games played last week in Ottawa and Minnesota won their first at home as all three games went to overtime demonstrating just how even this championship series is.
On May 20, Ottawa
Powerschool’s website indicated that “the data accessed by the unauthorized user has been deleted and that no copies of this data were posted online.”
It was later revealed that Powerschool paid a ransom to the ‘threat actor’ in an effort to prevent the disclosure of the stolen data.
Lane was identified as one of the hackers when, several weeks later, school boards reported
receiving extortion attempts with the stolen information.
EIPS was not one of these schools.
Lane gained access to Powerschool’s data, which includes personal information for millions of staff and students in the U.S. and Canada, by acquiring an employee’s credentials in 2024. After Lane collected the data, he leased a computer server from a cloud provider in Ukraine
where he held the stolen information.
It’s reported that Lane conspired to extort one of the unnamed companies for $200,000 to prevent the release of stolen information. He also extorted the other company for $2.85 million in Bitcoin, and a person close to the case confirmed, to media outlets, that Powerschool was this company.
On May 20, Lane agreed to plead guilty to
engaging in cyber extortion and aggravated identity theft and accessing protected computers without authorization.
According to reports, he is also accused of hacking and extorting a telecommunications company for $200,000 months before the Powerschool attack.
Some reports say Lane could receive at a fine of up to $250,000 and 17 years in prison.
took the first game by a 2-1 margin.
Ottawa’s Rebecca Leslie opened the scoring in the second period following a scoreless first from Tereza Vanisova, but Minnesota’s Klara Hymlarova tied the scored at the five-minute mark of the third frame.
At the 2:47 mark of the first overtime period, Ottawa’s Emily Clark hammered home the winning goal unassisted.
Two nights later the second game of the series went to overtime, this time with Minnesota poking the winner behind Philips in a scramble late in the first overtime when Minnesota’s Britta CurlSalemme scored from Mellissa ChannellWatkins.
Jocelyn Larocque had opened the scoring for Ottawa at the 17:25 mark of the third period from Anna Meixner and Leslie, but Salemme scored on a power play with just 16 seconds left in regulation.
The series travelled to Minnesota for a Saturday tilt which went to three overtime periods before the Frost’s Katy Knoll scored from Hymnlarova and Sophie Jacques to give Minnesota a 2-1 win and a 2-1 lead going into the May 26 game four.
Again Philips stood tall in Ottawa’s net stopping 47 shots while Rooney between the Minnesota pipes saw 36 shots come her way.
Notice
of application to be filed for approval to renew the franchise agreement between the Town of Bruderheim and ATCO Gas and Pipelines Ltd.
Application summary
ATCO Gas and Pipelines Ltd. will file an application with the Alberta Utilities Commission, requesting approval to renew its franchise agreement with the Town of Bruderheim.
The franchise agreement will continue to grant ATCO Gas and Pipelines Ltd. the right to deliver natural gas to residents of Bruderheim. The franchise agreement is proposed to be effective on March 1, 2026, and expire on March 1, 2036. The existing franchise agreement was previously approved by the Commission in Decision 29708-D01-2024.
The franchise agreement renewal includes a franchise fee to be collected by ATCO Gas and Pipelines Ltd. and remitted to the Town of Bruderheim. The proposed franchise fee is 20%, which is the same as the existing franchise fee. The franchise fee percentage is applied to the distribution tariff, which typically consists of both distribution and transmission charges. Including linear taxes and based on the average monthly residential consumption of 8.75 gigajoules (GJs) of natural gas, the average monthly franchise fee paid by an average residential customer is expected to remain the same at approximately $11.94.
You may send your objections, concerns about, or support for the application in writing to the Town of Bruderheim or to ATCO on or before June 13, 2025 at:
Town of Bruderheim, Phyllis Forsyth, 5017 Queen Street PO Box 280 Bruderheim AB T0B 0S0, phone: 780-796-3731; email: info@bruderheim.ca.
ATCO Gas and Pipelines Ltd., Attn: Franchise Coordinator, 5302 Forand St. S.W. Calgary, Alberta, T3E 8B4; email: franchisecoordinatorgas@atco.com.
Except for information designated confidential by the Commission, any information or materials, including personal information, that are provided as part of a Commission proceeding will become part of the public record.
If no submissions are received, or if submissions are received from a party not directly affected, or if submissions are frivolous, vexatious or of little merit, the Commission may render a decision on the application without further notice or without a public hearing.
For more information
For more information on how to file a submission, please contact the Commission directly at 310-4282 (in Alberta) or 1-833-511-4282 (outside Alberta), or by email at info@auc.ab.ca. An information package, providing an explanation of the process and assistance on how to participate in the proceeding, will be immediately provided to any person who inquires with the Commission
For a paper copy of the franchise agreement, please contact either the municipality or the applicant via the contact information provided above.
The Alberta Utilities Commission is an independent, quasi-judicial regulatory body responsible for making decisions about utility-related applications Issued on May 28, 2025.
Alberta Utilities Commission
Hot rods return to Chipman this weekend More improvements this year
BY JOHN MATHER
This Sunday, June 1, for the 23rd year the streets of Chipman will be filled with antiques and custom cars from across the west.
“We're expecting to have more than 350 vehicles,” said Chipman Car crafters president Dave Gray. “We’ve done a few tweaks this year to make the event better for the public.”
One change is the swap meet, which used to occur on the day before the car show.
“We decided to put the two together,” said Gray. He added the swap meet will be set up this year just south of the Chipman National Hall.
In addition, the Car Club has made arrangements for all public parking to be done at the Chipman Agricultural Grounds this year.
“We have had concerns with people parking across Highway 15 on the CN lands,” said Gray. “Crossing the highway could be dangerous.”
Spectators can access the area from 51 St. And then follow the signs.
With the new parking area at the west end of Chipman, people can immediately walk to the location of more than 20 vendors and custom cars along 48 Avenue.
The main area for the cars will be on 50 St., but overflow generally sees cars on display along most of the village’s side streets.
“By having the public
park in the ag. grounds, it keeps them from parking in private driveways and also keeps everyone on the south side of the Highway,” said Gray.
This year the date for years on display is cut off at 2,000 models.
But categories for awards will be 1929 or older stock and modified; 1930-1939 stock or modified; 1940-1949 stock or modified; 19501959 stock or modified; 1960- 1969 stock or modified; 1970-1979 stock or modified and 1980- 2000 stock or modified.
Additional trophies will be awarded for Best Orphan vehicle; Best Import vehicle; vehicle coming from the furthest distance; and the best car and truck in the show.
A community art show and sale will take place at the National Hall, where the public can also enjoy a perogy lunch put on by the chipman Historical Society.
The Chipman Firefighters will be selling hamburgers and hot dogs outside the Chipman Firehall and Car Crafters t-shirts will be available at the Chipman Market.
The Chipman Agricultural Society will also have a bouncy castle on site.
The show runs from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m, There is no admission but there are areas where visitors can make a donation to the County of Lamont Food banks or to the Chipman Car Crafters.
Beaver Creek Co-op invites you and your family to our Customer Appreciation Day
Notice of application to be filed for approval to renew the franchise agreement between the Town of Lamont and ATCO Gas & Pipelines Ltd.
Application summary
ATCO Gas and Pipelines Ltd. will file an application with the Alberta Utilities Commission, requesting approval to renew its gas distribution franchise agreement with the Town of Lamont.
The franchise agreement will continue to grant ATCO Gas and Pipelines Ltd. the right to deliver natural gas to residents of Lamont. The franchise agreement is proposed to be effective on January 1st, 2026, and expire on December 31st, 2036. The existing franchise agreement was previously approved by the Commission in Decision 29760-D01-2025.
The franchise agreement renewal includes a franchise fee to be collected by ATCO Gas and Pipelines Ltd. and remitted to the Town of Lamont. The proposed franchise fee is 35%, which is the same as the existing franchise fee. The franchise fee percentage is applied to the distribution tariff, which typically consists of both distribution and transmission charges. Including linear taxes and based on the average monthly residential consumption of 8.75 gigajoules (GJs) of natural gas, the average monthly franchise fee paid by an average residential customer is expected to remain the same at $20.47.
You may send your objections, concerns about, or support for the application in writing to the Town of Lamont or to ATCO on or before June 11, 2025, at:
Town of Lamont, Attn: Franchise Coordinator, PO Box 330, Lamont, AB, T0B 2R0. phone: 780-895-2010; email: general@lamont.ca
general@lamont.ca
ATCO Gas and Pipelines Ltd., Attn: Franchise Coordinator, 5302 Forand St. S.W. Calgary, Alberta, T3E 8B4; email: franchisecoordinatorgas@atco.com.
Except for information designated confidential by the Commission, any information or materials, including personal information, that are provided as part of a Commission proceeding will become part of the public record.
If no submissions are received, or if submissions are received from a party not directly affected, or if submissions are frivolous, vexatious or of little merit, the Commission may render a decision on the application without further notice or without a public hearing.
For more information
For more information on how to file a submission, please contact the Commission directly at 310-4282 (in Alberta) or 1-833-511-4282 (outside Alberta), or by email at info@auc.ab.ca. An information package, providing an explanation of the process and assistance on how to participate in the proceeding, will be immediately provided to any person who inquires with the Commission.
For a paper copy of the franchise agreement, please contact either the municipality or the applicant via the contact information provided above.
The Alberta Utilities Commission is an independent, quasi-judicial regulatory body responsible for making decisions about utility-related applications. Issued on May 28, 2025.
Alberta Utilities Commission
This 1955 Chevy was a popular vehicle among the over 300 at the 2024 Chipman Car Show.
10 - The Lamont Leader (Lamont, Alberta), Wednesday, May 28, 2025
Politicians from area fete Chipman CAO for long term of service
BY JOHN MATHER
A good sized crowd turned out at Chipman National Hall May 24 as town Chief Administrative Officer Pat Tomkow marked 40 years as the town’s top administrator.
She officially began her career in Chipman 40 years ago in April of this year.
Politicians from around the area, both those who currently work with Tomkow and those who worked with her in the past, came to offer words of kindness to mark her long time service.
Former Fort Saskatchewan Staff Sergeant Barry LaRocque spoke last but probably made the best point of the day.
“I’m not going to talk about Pat’s business acumen, but rather talk about something that’s missing in society nowadays and that’s grace,” he said.
He said RCMP members come and go so it’s nice to see consistency and continuity in the municipalities and within the governments of the municipalities.
“Those are the people who make things hum and make them work and for 40 years Pat has obviously done that.”
In going back to his initial comment regarding grace he said, “In today’s world where society is often arguing, Pat always treated me with not only respect but with grace,”
He offered his congratulations. “Thank you for being the graceful personality that can even welcome me back today even after I have left the area.”
Former Premier of Alberta Ed Stelmach was the first to speak about Tomkow.
“I’ve had the pleasure of working with Pat for many years as a councillor, Reeve, MLA and Premier,” he said..
“As an MLA we worked through many government plans that the village undertook,” he said, stating that as Tomkow nears her retirement “we are seeing the end of an era.”
He said it was an era where public servants worked on multiple files whether it might be a family matter and infra-
structure matter or even a stray dog – any matter that required attention.
“It didn’t matter if it took more time which meant working long into the evening,” he said. “And Pat also took the time to upgrade her skills and she carries a very good reputation in the County.
“She has always been honest and straightforward in her work with the elected officials.”
for replacement this fall,” said Diduck. “And it’s a great collaboration between Chipman and Lamont County.”
“This year marked Pat’s 40th year with the Village of Chipman,” stat-
Chipman Chief Administrative Officer Pat Tomkow poses with two plaques she received May 24 marking her 40 years service to the Village of Chipman and 30 years service with the John S. Batiuk Water Commission.
He said for a small village the improvements that had occurred were vast and “Chipman has to have the widest main street in the region.”
Lamont County Reeve David Diduck also took the time to fete Tomkow.
“Pat, 40 years for a CAO is an amazing accomplishment,” he said. “Anybody who works in municipal politics knows a lot of CAOs don’t even make it through one term of council.
“A rough calculation in my head says you have made it through 12 or 13 terms and that is an accomplishment.”
He said he had known Tomkow for a good part of his life, having grown up not too far away from Chipman.
“I think you started with the village and then you worked at the Treasury Branch before returning to the town.
“Chipman is dear to my heart,” he said. “What it’s always done is maintain some buildings which have great historical value.”
He listed several examples of this. “Saving those buildings is a testament to the CAO and council.”
He added the Village and County were currently working together to replace the bridge on Range Road 185 which has currently a dilapidated bridge which is down to one lane.
“That bridge is slated
and I've seen employees who are very dedicated and I’ve seen very intelligent employees.
“Pat is all of them,” he stated.
“She is the most professional person I’ve ever dealt with in politics.
He said he had sat in on negotiations with major companies where Pat had stood up to them and “Pat can hold her ground, because she is right.”
He said going into those meetings she knew what was right for her communities and she fought for
that and generally achieved it.
“Thank you very much everyone,” she said quietly. She admitted the day had come as a surprise.
“I thought we were here to see an art exhibition about the Ukraine,” she said.
ed Chipman Deputy Mayor Shana McIntyre.
“Under your stewardship you’ve mentored and supported four mayors and almost a dozen councillors.”
She said when Pat started as the CAO the Village was in debt but through hard work with her council the village was able to rebound into the black.
“Through successful management you’ve continued to keep Chipman the beautiful, debt free community we are today.”
Her dedication can be seen not just through her dedications to budgets and her vast knowledge of and experience and management of operations and her hands-on work based in the various areas where she has helped build parks, plant trees, paint the inside of the town office and build sidewalks.”
She continues to volunteer her time helping the historical society with their perogy dinners.
“She has provided amazing direction and has the memory of an elephant,” added McIntyre.
Vegreville Mayor Tim McPhee said he had met Pat 12 years ago at a private function and then on the water commission 10 years ago.
“I don’t know how to describe her,” he said.
“I’ve been in business my whole life. I’ve seen people who are organized
25055LL0
Photo exhibit shows horrors of Ukrainian war
BY JOHN MATHER
A unique exhibit of photographs of war torn Ukraine made its first appearance outside of Edmonton May 24 and that first appearance was at Chipman National Hall in the Heart of Ukrainian Settlement in Alberta.
Hawkins Choi, a volunteer with Firefighter Aid Ukraine was on hand to explain the exhibit.
In 2014, he said a group of Edmonton area firefighters had visited Ukraine and while there they had seen just how badly the Ukrainian Firefighting Services were.
“They realized the equipment the firefighters had over there was very old and outdated," said Choi. “It wasn’t up to standards that we have here in Edmonton and Alberta.”
He said when the firefighters returned to Edmonton they started Firefighter Aid Ukraine and since that trip they have been collecting aid in the form of firefighting tools and equipment to send to Ukraine.
“Three years ago when the war started the firefighters had an immense workload put on them and the need for that aid has increased tremendously.
“This project is called unbreakable Ukraine,” said Choi.
It features the photographs of Ukrainian journalist/photographer Vyacheslav Khabaylo who is from the city of Chernivtsi.
In a panel, which is
part of the display, shows 50 photographs depicting the horrifying consequences of the Russian aggressor’s attacks on various cities since the beginning of the full scale invasion of Kyiv, Donetsk and Kharkiv regions.
Most of the photos are from 2022 and 2023.
Choi saw the display at Kingsway Mall a couple of years ago and wanted to help out so he became a volunteer.
“The Edmonton Firefighters felt the outdated equipment just wasn’t practical but they could offer assistance,” added Choi.
“They started collecting outdated boots from other fire stations, used hoses, and other equipment, sorting it, cleaning it and then sending it over to Ukraine.”
The exhibit began when the mayor of one of the cities the firefighters had helped, presented them with a photo and then the photographer presented more photos to them.
The exhibit will be shown wherever people want to see them.
The photos arrive in Canada in black and white and are printed and mounted in Ukraine and then sent to Canada. Choi said the curators of the display accept donations which are used to further purchase equipment to ship to Ukraine or to cover shipping costs.
The exhibit was first shown in February.
The website is firefighteraiidukraine.com
Gear collected by the
firefighters is stored in a warehouse in Edmonton until it can be shipped to Ukraine.
Since beginning in 2014, the organization has shipped almost 400 tonnes of life rescue and health care aid to the country.
Former Alberta Premier Ed Stelmach attended the exhibit and has done a considerable amount of organizing and gathering material to assist Ukraine.
He has also been involved with Firefighter Aid Ukraine.
Stelmach said when the Russians invaded Ukraine, he knew as a charitable organization they could move much quicker to gather supplies and materials to send to Ukraine.
“We shared a large warehouse and that warehouse became absolutely full,” he said.
“There was specialized equipment on the firefighters’ side and they were even able to secure equipment that could be put inside burned or bombed out buildings to ensure they didn’t collapse while a search for survivors was carried out.”
He added they had clothing, boots and safety equipment.
“Just recently they got
permission from the federal government to send former RCMP vehicles that were declared surplus or redundant and they were now sending ten vehicles to aid in Ukraine.
“Those vehicles would have been destroyed but now they are given a second life for a very good cause.”
Continued on Page 13
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This photo of a destroyed tank was one of 50 photos on dis-play showing the horror of the Ukrainian Russian war. The exhibition was held May 24 at Chipman’s National Hall.
BY JANA SEMENIUK
Alberta Health Services has confirmed a risk of contracting measles in Lamont.
AHS issued a notice on May 22 that someone with confirmed measles was in the LHCC emergency department on May 18 from approximately 8:26 a.m. to 12:36
a.m. May 19.
AHS warns that anyone born in or after 1970, with fewer than two documented measles-containing vaccine doses could be at risk of contracting measles. Symptoms include fever of 38.3 C or higher, cough with runny nose and/or red eyes in addi-
tion to a rash that appears three to seven days after the fever starts.
AHS said the rash starts behind the ears and on the face before spreading down the body to the arms and legs. It appears red and blotchy on lighter skin, while on darker skin can appear purple or darker than the skin around it.
Measles is extremely contagious and can incur complications such as pneumonia, inflammation of the brain, premature delivery and rarely death.
Those with the greatest risk include pregnant women, people under the age of five or those with weakened immune systems.
It is spread through the air and AHS recommends the best protection is to ensure you are up to date on your immunizations.
AHS also advises that anyone experiencing
continue.
He added the Firefighter Aid Ukraine was collecting supplies from across the west.
Stelmach said all the materials have to be cleaned. The containers must be treated to be free of contaminants.
“These firefighters all have full time jobs yet I know there have been thousands of hours of volunteers putting in time for these projects.”
Stelmach said even after the war ends there will be years and years of rebuilding to take place and the program will
He added dogs are being trained to sniff out landmines and they are going to be sent to Ukraine.
Lamont County Reeve David Diduck told the assembled crowd at the exhibit, he remembered when the war started.
“I was at the Legislature in a meeting with Premier Kenney and MLA Homeniuk and Orysia Boychuk of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Alberta Provincial Council.
The reason we were there was there was an anticipation that the war would start but no one expected it would start that day,” he said.
“Before I got home the war was ongoing.”
Diduck said he felt Putin thought the war would be short term but he’d been proven wrong by the valiant struggle of the Ukrainian people which has raged now for three and a half years.
“It just shows you the
symptoms to stay home and call the measles hotline at 1-844-944-3434 before going to any healthcare facility or provider, including a family physician clinic or pharmacy.
According to reports, measles was declared eradicated in Canada in 1998 but made a comeback due to declining vaccination rates. The risk of exposure in the province, according to AHS, is greatest in Two Hills, Taber MD, the County of Lethbridge and the County of Forty Mile.
As of May 26, Alberta’s total confirmed measles cases are 606 according to the government’s website, with the most cases (278) occurring in those five to 17 years old and (188) in those under the age of five.
Additionally, in those older than 55, only four cases have been identified.
spirit of us Ukrainians,” he said. “We fight hard and we don’t give up. We fight for what we think is right.
“Just because the war is not front and centre anymore, let’s not forget they still need our support, our aid and our prayers.”
Mundare's Cooper McNiven, left, celebrated his high school graduation as one of the 16 graduating students of Holden Rural Academy at the Holden Complex on Friday, May 23, here pictured receiving his diploma from Principal Brent Anderson. McNiven plans on pursuing his rodeo career on a full ride scholarship in the USA and was named most likely to bring home a rodeo queen. KARI JANZEN PHOTO
$20/wk for the
ANNOUNCEMENT
Join Michael and Trisha Muirhead for the Grand Opening of their Farm Store, The Country Cupboard, on Saturday, May 31 from 11 AM - 2 PM. Refreshments, farm animals, prizes, and more!! 44106 HWY 869 (just outside Sedgewick).
20/21p
COMING EVENTS
Building Bridges in Flagstaff Society (formerly Flagstaff Victim Services Society)
Annual General Meeting
Monday, June 16 at 6:30pm at FFCS office in Killam
If you would like to join the meeting, please message us at flagstaffbridges@gmail.com
Public Welcome to Attend
21/22c ————————————————-
Rosevale Cemetery Annual Cleanup (located south of Strome)
Saturday, June 7 at 9:30 a.m. Everyone Welcome.
Please bring whatever cleaning tools you want to use.
Coffee, donuts, and visiting to follow. For more info, call 780-376-2134
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Bruce Cemetery Clean Up Day
Monday, June 9 at 1 p.m. Bring Tools and a Friend Meeting to Follow. Everyone Welcome. 21/22p
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Lake Oliva 2025 AGM and NO Work Get Together
Sunday, June 8 @ 1pm.
Bring your lawn chair and come out for a afternoon of meeting, updates, and visiting. Hot dog lunch will be served to all attending.
20/21c
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Pleasington Historical Society
Annual Service and Pot Luck Meal, Sunday, June 8, 2025 at 2 p.m. Church and Cemetery Cleanup Tuesday, June 3 at 9 a.m.
Alternate Date: Friday, June 6. Everyone is Welcome! 20/21c
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Join our family to celebrate the 100th Birthday of Eunice Losness on Saturday, May 31st from 2 - 4:30 p.m. at the Lougheed Seniors' Welcome Club in Lougheed, for a come & go gathering of family & friends. Let your presence be your cherished gift. 19-20c
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BARDO CEMETERY CLEAN-UP
Saturday May 31/2025 Clean-up at 10am and annual meeting to follow. Bring your own lunch
Contact: Lawrence Rude 780-679-7315 20/21c
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Four Newspapers
Local People you can trust
CLASSIFIEDS
Golden Valley Lutheran Women’s Group invite women of our community to a presentation by Shanna These, who recently travelled to the Amazon as part of a Mission Trip with Kindness In Action.
Kindness In Action (KIA) provides dental services in developing countries where access is limited. There will be a short time for questions.Cake and refreshments will be served after the presentation We are asking for a free-will offering, with all proceeds going to Kindness In Action to help fund their future dental mission trips.
The presentation will be Thursday, June 12, 2025, at 7:00pm at Golden Valley Lutheran Church. All women are welcome. 21/23c
FOR SALE
NOTICE OF WAREHOUSEMAN’S LIEN SALE
TAKE NOTICE that pursuant to the Warehouseman’s Lien Act (Alberta), StoN-Go RV Storage, as lien claimant, intends to sell the following goods to recover unpaid storage charges: Description of Goods: 10-foot Boler travel trailer, brown, vintage style. Unit is locked; condition unknown.
Owner of Goods:
Anne Zimmerman
Stored At:
Sto-N-Go RV Storage 51516 Range Road 224, Sherwood Park Amount Owing:
Storage fees in the amount of $1,308.50 as of May 13, 2025, plus continuing daily costs.
Sale Details:
The above-mentioned trailer will be sold by private sale on or after June 3, 2025, unless full payment is received from the owner before that date.
For Inquiries or to Settle the Account, Contact:
Sto-N-Go RV Storage Inc. Phone: 780-292-3787
Email: sto-n-go-rv@outlook.com
Dated at Sherwood Park, Alberta, this 13th day of May, 2025. 19/21p
If anyone is looking for an internet system, Brian has one for sale. $75 includes dish and wires. Call 780-678-0053.
Anyone interested in strawberry plants, bare root only, bring own pots. Also have raspberry plants, buyer to dig out, bring own pots if you want them potted, $100 for 100 plants. Must be gone asap. Call Brian for appointment: 780-678-0053.
Registered Polled Hereford Bulls For Sale
Paul Dinisyk 780-336-2675 780-385-5157
20/21P
Anyone interested in trees for an excellent wind break, I have disease-resistant and fuzz-free poplars. Also have some willow trees available. Buyer's responsibility to dig out and move. Call Brian for an appointment: 780-678-0053
NOTICE OF WAREHOUSEMAN’S LIEN SALE
TAKE NOTICE that pursuant to the Warehouseman’s Lien Act (Alberta), StoN-Go RV Storage Inc., as lien claimant, intends to sell the following goods to recover unpaid storage charges: Description of Goods:
1999 Four Winds Hurricane Motorhome Owner of Goods: Jay Baine Stored At: Sto-N-Go RV Storage 51516 Range Road 224, Sherwood Park, AB
Amount Owing:
Storage fees in the amount of $2,760.75 as of May 13, 2025, plus continuing daily storage charges. Sale Details: The above-mentioned motorhome will be sold by private sale on or after June 3, 2025, unless the full amount owing is paid by the owner prior to that date. For Inquiries or to Settle the Account, Contact: Sto-N-Go RV Storage Inc. Phone: 780-292-3787 Email: sto-n-go-rv@outlook.com
Dated at Sherwood Park, Alberta, this 13th day of May, 2025. 19/21p
WHITE SPRUCE TREES: 5’ average $50. Installation ONLY $19. Includes: hole augered, Wurzel Dip enzyme injection, bark mulch application, staking. Minimum order 25. One-time fuel charge: $150 - 225. Crystal Springs. 403-820-0961. Quality guaranteed.
GARAGE SALE
Garage-Moving Sale
5016 56 Ave. Tofield, AB
Remaining items still available after sale date.
Leather Love Seat/Chair/Ottoman; Bar Fridge; 40”TV; Bose Speakers; BBQ; Book Case; Dressers; Small Appliances; Sears AC; Rain Barrels: BDR Suite. CALL NOW: 780-686-4985 TM19-22P
Painting
Quality Residential and Commercial
Interior Painting. Betty Tkaczyk 780-632-8749
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General Contractor
Red Seal Journeyman Plumber and Gasfitter. Bathroom Renos & Tile New to the Area.
30 plus Years of Experience. Dave 403-999-8464
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Medical Taxi Service
Personal Taxi Service to Edmonton and Back -$175
•Office Hours Mon-Fri 9-5
•Absolutely NO Hidden Fees
•Escort to Reception/Waiting Room
•Pick up and Drop off at your door
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•Includes up to 4 Hour Wait
•Locally Owned and Operated 587-987-7810
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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. 1-844-453-5372.
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BARLEY – *NEW-AB Standswell*
Smooth AWN, High Yielding, Grain and Forage Great Lodging Resistance. 1st NITROGEN USE EFFICIENT CEREAL IN CANADA. Attracting Japanese Interest. OTHER BARLEY: Cerveza, CDC Austenson, CDC Maverick, Sundre. WHEAT – Pintail, Forage or Grain. OATS – AC Juniper, AC Morgan, AC Mustang, Derby, CDC S01 Super Oat. PEAS – Very Early Yellow Peas, Forage Peas. ALSO AVAILABLE: Polish Canola & Spring Triticale. mastinseeds.com; 403-556-2609. FORAGE SEED FOR SALE: Organic & Conventional: Sweet Clover, Alfalfa, Red Clover, Smooth Brome, Meadow Brome, Crested Wheatgrass, Timothy, etc. Star City, SK. Birch Rose Acres Ltd. 306-921-9942.
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Stubbs reappointed to Conservative shadow cabinet
BY JOHN MATHER
Lakeland MP Shannon
Stubbs has been reappointed by Federal Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre as the Shadow Minister for Energy and Natural Resources, a position she held in the previous government.
Poilievre made his shadow cabinet appointments on May 21.
“Canada must become a self-reliant country where hard work guarantees people a beautiful home on a safe street protected by solid borders and united under a proud flag,” said Poilievre in making his choices.
“Conservative solutions are needed now more than ever. We have already won the debates on carbon taxes, inflation, housing costs, crime, natural resource development, and more.
“Now, our bigger and better team will push for the government to boost Canadians' buying power through lower taxes and less inflation, unleash resources to bring home paycheques and production, secure our streets by locking up criminals, get immigration under control and unite our people under our shared flag.”
Without a seat in the House of Commons, Poilievre appointed former party leader Saskatchewan MP Andrew Scheer as the Leader in the House of Commons. He will direct the Conservatives when it comes to debating the Liberals.
The new shadow cabinet will include 74 members with mandates to watch over the Liberal cabinet ministers and monitor their ideas and recommendations for legislation.
Poilievre plans to run in a yet-to-be-called byelection in Battle RiverCrowfoot after MP Damien Kurek volunteered to temporarily step down.
Poilievre also stated that the Conservatives were willing to work with the minority
Liberals.
Stubbs said in a statement she was very honoured to be reappointed as a shadow cabinet minister.
“I want to thank Pierre Poilievre for his reappointment of me as the Conservative Official Opposition Shadow Minister for Energy and Natural Resources to continue the fight to unleash Canada’s natural resources to make Canada self-reliant, affordable, and united,” she said.
“It’s more urgent than ever to get big Canadian resource projects and infrastructure built with Canadian materials and jobs to create powerful paycheques for our people.
“We must lower essential power and fuel costs for all Canadians and export more Canadian resources and technology to more markets to achieve Canadian energy, economic, and food security. Through this, we advance and defend Canadian sovereignty and help lower emissions globally.
North. Canadians depend on natural resources, and only Conservatives will unleash them to restore Canada’s promise.”
“l will continue to push to repeal Bill C-69, to scrap the oil and gas emissions cap, to respect provincial jurisdiction, to axe the federal industrial carbon tax, for the rapid approval of LNG plants and pipelines, to unlock Canada’s critical minerals and develop the
If you do not file by the date above, the estate property can lawfully be distributed without regard to any claim you may have.
UNRESERVED AUCTION SALE STEVE CHERNUKA
LOCATION: 49080 Rg Rd. 273, Calmar, Alberta
DIRECTIONS: Being from the Junction of Secondary 795 and Glen Park Rd, go 3 miles west to Rg. Rd 273, and then 1 mile north; Or: Or from the Junction of Secondary 798 & Glen Park Rd go 7 miles east to Rg. Rd. 273 & 1 mile north.
Tractors: Cockshutt 1800 Diesel Tractor, PTO, dual hyd., good rubber; Farmall M Tractor converted to drive backwards c/w Ezze-On FEL c/w pallet forks
Loader: Ford A-64 4W Loader c/w diesel eng, & 1 3/4 yard bucket
Haying Equipment: Gehl 1865 TDC Round
Baler c/w gathering wheels & 540 PTO; Gehl 10-Wheel V Hay Rake c/w hyd. lift; Vicon 4Wheel Hay Rake; New Holland 9-ft. Hay Mower c/w hyd. lift; Hesston 1190 11-ft. Haybine c/w rubber rollers; 24-ft. Bale Elevator c/w E motor
Motor Bike: 1981 Honda CB 650C Custom Motor Bike c/w windshield, saddle bags, 24,931 km, S/N JH2RCD5138M108616
Grain Hauling Equipment: WS 1350 Bu. Grain Bin, no floor; Allied 7-inch x 42-ft. PTO Grain Auger; Farm King 5-inch x 16-ft. Auger
c/w E motor; Farm King 5-inch x 24-ft. Auger c/w E motor
Tillage Equipment: 12-ft. Ezze-On Offset Disc
c/w notched front blades, smooth rear blades, like new done approx. 40 acres; Cockshutt 14ft. Tandem Disc c/w hyd. lift
Vehicles: Western Star Tandem Axle Gravel
Truck, 5&4 trans, V-6, Jimmy Diesel eng; 1977 F150 Ranger XLT Step Side Truck c/w high performance V-8 engine, 4 sp trans, 4x4, S/N F14HLY43144; 2003 Ford F350 Lariat Super Duty Crew Cab, 4x4, auto, diesel eng, not running, S/N 1FT5W31F73EA51076; 1986 Pontiac Fiero 2MY 2D Car, 6-cyl, 4-sp trans, S/N 1G2PE37RGP249682
Miscellaneous: 48-ft. C-Can; Forge Fan c/w E motor; Canadian Giant No. 50 Blacksmith Trip Hammer; Denison Hyd. Multi Press; 220 Converter to 3 phase; Coats 2020 Superstar Tire Changer; Hunter Wheel Spinner; Craftex Band Saw; Sea Hawk Inflatable Boat; Assort. Feed Tubs; Assort. Imp. Tires and Rims; Miller 225 E. Welder; Socket Sets; Tool Boxes c/w Roller Cabinets; 130-gal. Tidy Tank; Assort. Tools; Floor Drill Press; Assort. Blue Point Reamers, .985-inch to 1 5/8-inch; Assort Tin & Page Wire; (12) 3-inch x 12-ft. Planks; Assort Scrap Iron; Cement Mixer c/w E. motor; 5-hp Air Compressor; (2) Push Mowers; HD Grinder; Assort. New & Used Quad Tires; (2) Radial 18.4x38 Tractor Tires,
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
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 Copeland - Strong demand by malting companies
MP Shannon Stubbs
Lamont High students connect with elders at Beaver Hill Pioneer Lodge for “Elderbeary” Day
By Melissa MacIntosh- Young
In a heartwarming display of intergenerational connection, students from Lamont High School recently visited Beaver Hill Pioneer Lodge for a unique initiative known as Elderbeary Day.
This meaningful event brought students and seniors together for a day of storytelling, wisdom-sharing, and artistic expression.
During the visit, students had the opportuni-
ty to listen to the life stories of the lodge’s residents. These personal narratives, filled with memories, challenges, and life lessons, sparked inspiration among the young visitors. The students then transformed these stories into beautiful works of art — each piece is a tribute to the legacy and experiences of the seniors.
LHS Art teacher, Ms. Kristen Patmore, shared that “Mr. Matt Bordato, our high school social studies teacher, invited
Bruderheim Xpressions Dance Studio dancers perform the jazz routine 'Mambo Italiano' at Bruderheim school May 23 as part of a short dance show with other members of the studio. The dancers also performed at Lamont Elementary.
me to help organize an activity for Elderbeary Day, a celebration that honours the wisdom and contributions of our Elders.
Together, we planned a visit where students would spend time listening to seniors' stories, learning about their lives, and simply being present and respectful listeners.
We both felt strongly that it’s important for today’s students to build connections with the generation that came
before them.
Following the visit, the high school art class created unique artworks inspired by the stories they heard. Students were given the freedom to choose their medium and style, allowing for deeply personal and creative responses. We later returned to the senior centre to present the artworks, and the joy on both sides was heartwarming.”
The Elderbeary activity not only encouraged creativity, but also fos-
Dancers at local schools
BY JANA SEMENIUK
Bruderheim and Lamont Elementary schools were treated to performances by dancers with Xpressions Dance Studio in Bruderheim on May 23. At least 24 dancers ranging in age from six to 16 performed six different jazz and hiphop routines.
Meanwhile Xpressions also held their year end performance in
Vegreville on May 25 capping off a year of dance which included several competitions. The studio displayed dozens of awards and trophies won throughout the year while all 27 dances, choreographed by studio dance teachers Raquel and Clarissa Strickland, were performed for family and friends in the crowd.
tered empathy, respect, and a deeper understanding between generations.
The resulting artwork stands as a powerful reminder of the value of sharing stories and preserving history through human connection. This collaboration left a lasting impression on everyone involved — bridging the gap between youth and Elders in a truly special way.
Photo: Jana Semeniuk
LHS “Senior” Rowan Young was paired with “Senior” Alex Popowich during a recent visit to Beaver Hill Pioneer lodge.
These two young members of the Lamont Veselka Ukrainian Dancers twirled away during their performance at Chipman Memorial Hall May 24. The dancers performed as part of a photo exhibit showing the horrors of the Ukrainian War that was on display at the hall. John Mather photo.
NATION OF ALBERTA?
Lamont
reduces
BY JOHN MATHER
Lamont County has lifted its fire ban as of May 22 and replaced it with a fire restriction.
The restriction is due to continued dry conditions, despite recent rain. It is in effect for all Lamont County rural areas, including
Alberta independence
Continued from front
If Lukaszuk’s petition is approved by Elections Canada and results in a failed vote, it will activate a rule stating that once a question has endured a referendum vote, a similar question may not be put to a referendum for five years. Sylvestre said Lukaszuk will have challenges.
“Bill 54 is not yet ratified, which means Lukaszuk’s petition will (be under the old rules) and need 600,000 signatures in 90 days (instead of only 177,000 in 120 days under the new rules),” he said. “We’ll
ban to fire restrictions - municipalities follow suit
Hamlets. Bruderheim, Andrew and Lamont have also issued fire restrictions, while Mundare still has a complete fire ban as of May 23.
Under a fire restrictions it prohibits all uncontained burning activities (open-air
and to let them know what a
you’re
burning), including the issuance of fire permits, the discharge of fireworks and the use of exploding targets; and rescinds all previously approved fire permits and fireworks discharge permits.
Under the fire restriction, safe fires in burning
barrels are allowed provided they are equipped with metal mesh screens, located on a non-combustible surface a minimum of three metres from any combustible material including buildings; and allows fire pits contained by noncombustible material
wait for him to fail then away we’ll go.”
However, on May 23, still prior to proclamation, Sylvestre announced, in a social media post, that he filed the APP referendum petition application with Elections Alberta.
He and APP lawyer Jeff Rath unveiled their petition question on May 12, “Do you agree that the province of Alberta shall become a sovereign country and cease to be a province of Canada?”
In a cover letter with the application, written by Rath, it was requested that the application be held and not processed until after the proclamation of Bill 54. There is no word on a decision from Elections Alberta or
with a metal mesh screen, as well as charcoal briquette barbecues, propane/gas barbecue, and propane/gas fire pits. All fire pits must be supervised and extinguished before leaving unattended.
In a statement to issue the fire restriction the County urged all residents take care with all
when one can be expected.
In the meantime, Sylvestre and his group are travelling throughout the province educating people on Alberta independence and gaining more support on the way. He said he is also open to talking with other Alberta independence groups who have the same goals.
“Lots of people are talking to us. We just want people to help us where they can help us and we've been talking to all manner of groups. Everybody's reaching out to us,” he said.
“We'll work with everybody as long as they have the same vision as us. We’re looking forward to it.”
other activities around their property that could produce a fire hazard such as riding all-terrain vehicles and cutting tall grass.
The fire restriction will continue until further notice. Fire restrictions could escalate into fire bans with little notice.
L-R: Economist Tanner Hnidey, APP CEO Mitch Sylvestre and APP Chair Dennis Modry. Photo: Jana Semeniuk
Lamont Leader (Lamont, Alberta), Wednesday, May 28, 2025
Other Items of Interest
Weed Wednesday – REMINDERS of noxious weeds and control. See Lamont County Facebook and X for posters each week. Visit: lamontcounty.ca/weeds for a full list of weeds that are commonly identified across Lamont County This week’s featured prohibited weed is Yellow Toadflax. If you find it, report it! Learn all about it on the Alberta Invasive Species Council fact sheet at: abinvasives.ca/fact-sheet/toadflax-yellow/.
Reeve’s Annual Charity Golf Tournament: Register NOW at:lamontcounty.ca/golf. Spaces are filling fast!
TAX NOTICES SENT - Notices have been sent, as well as the next edition of Soundbytes (Lamont County’s Newsletter). Payments are (still) due by June 30 to avoid penalty. For assessment questions or discussions with Lamont County’s Assessor (Accurate Assessments), they are onsite June 19 (lamontcounty.ca/news). See lamontcounty.ca/taxes for more tax-related information. In the event of a Postal strike, there are alternative options for payment besides through mail (i.e., in person, through direct banking or OptionPay., as well as the Lamont County drop box at the Administration Building).
Farmers Appreciation Open House and BBQ (Lamont and Dist. Ag. Grounds) –June 5 from 4-8 p.m. See: (lamontcounty.ca/news).
Spraying and Mowing Notification – Starts June 1; weed inspectors also start inspection June 1. See lamontcounty.ca/news All inspectors use marked vehicles and carry Lamont County identification. We’re Hiring: Open positions include Administrative Assistant and Receptionist, Heavy Duty Mechanic, & KFRN and FCSS Summer Leaders in Traininglamontcounty.ca/careers
Centennial Scholarship – Apply by June 30. lamontcounty.ca/ scholarships
Farmers Market in Lamont May 28.
Community Services: Serving Lamont County, Lamont, Bruderheim, Mundare, Andrew & Chipman (scan the QR code)
(VISIT: lamontcounty.ca/community-programming for full posters, dates, contact information & registration info or call
780-8952233 for info./registration). Current CALC, FCSS & KFRN and seniors’ activities include:
1. FCSS: Youth Centres in Bruderheim (Tuesdays), Chipman (Mondays), and Mundare (CLOSED FOR THE SUMMER)
2. KFRN: Moms in Motion – Mundare on Thursdays.
3. FCSS: Parents and Tots: Andrew/Lamont/Mundare
4. KFRN: The Local Loop: Learn about local emergency services in May and June – signup.com/go/dkkYOQZ. NEW weekly program!
5. KFRN: Summer Kick-off: (June 13 – Connecting Generations) – signup.com/go/NScpbOZ
6. KFRN: Grace in Progress: (June 24 – Pitchfork Gardens) – signup.com/go/wQOQzLc
7. FCSS (after school) – FLEX for Boys – Bru. (Thurs.) & True2You (for Girls) – Lamont (Tues.).
9. CALC/FCSS: Parents & Tots – Featuring Ready, Set, GROW!
Note: Lamont County is currently under a Fire RESTRICTION. See: lamontcounty.ca/ news (May 22) for more info.
8. CALC: My Journey…Who Am I? | English Language Learning | Kitchens Programs | Digital Skills for Seniors
10. Meals In Motion: contract Chrissy at 780-975-9592 to order for JUNE (see full menu at lamontcounty.ca/community-programming).
11. Welcome to Kindergarten: For children registered attending EIPS kindergarten in Lamont County. Bruderheim: May 28 & Lamont: May 29.
12. Seniors’ Coffee: 10-11 a.m. (Wed.) in Andrew, & (Thurs.) and in Mundare. Join FCSS for coffee, conversation, snacks, & assistance with senior-related supports. Seniors Coffee is in St. Michael (Thurs.) from 10 a.m. to noon.
13. Seniors Bus Day Trips: to local malls; $15/trip. Departs: 9 a.m. @ Lamont Rec. Centre: June 23. Reserve w/ Helen at 780-895-7539
14. SUMMER CAMPS & SUMMER FUN: SAVE THE DATE - Registration starts June 2 (see lamontcounty.ca/community-programming for FCSS and KFRN programs and schedules.
15. SENIORS APPRECIATION WEEK BBQs - Free events in Andrew, Bruderheim, Lamont, Mundare and St. Michael (Chipman residents can attend any location). From 12-1 p.m. June 2-6. See lamontcounty.ca/community-programming details or call FCSS at 780-895-2233 x223.
See Lamont County’s calendar for local community events, public meetings & other important dates lamontcounty.ca/eventscalendar
To access current COMMUNITY SERVICES programs and information, scan the QR code or for FCSS, CALC & KFRN on each of the services’ Facebook pages. | CALC/FCSS/KFRN: 877-895-2233 | | 5303-50 Ave. Lamont AB | Recent News Posts (lamontcounty.ca/news)
Fire Restriction in Effect (May 22) | Seniors Week in Lamont County Proclaimed (June 2-8)
REMINDER - Tax Notices Were Sent Out in Early May (Due June 30) | Temporary Road Closures (May 16)
REGULAR COUNCIL
AND Agricultural Service Board (ASB) Meetings
The public is welcome to attend any scheduled meeting in person or virtually). Meetings start at 9 a.m. in Council Chambers/Lamont County Admin. Bldg. (unless otherwise noted).
Next Regular Council Meeting: Tuesday, June 10 | Next ASB meeting: Wednesday, June 11 lamontcounty.ca/governance/agendas-minutes | lamontcounty.ca/agendas-minutes-asb
Please Note – inFocus is also available for viewing online at: lamontcounty.ca/communications (for those wanting to view the weekly submission as full-sized PDF and to access hyperlinks).
