WHAT’S INSIDE
Rosanne Fortier News Correspondent
The Vegreville Minor Soccer Association (VMSA) competed at the June 13-15 Lakeland Tournament in St. Paul, where the U17 Girls United, consisting of Vegreville and St. Paul, won gold medals. The U19 Girls United (Vegreville/St Paul/Vermilion) took home Silver, and the Vegreville Thunder U15 won bronze medals.
The U17 Girls United also competed at the 2025 Outdoor Provincial Championship at Leduc on July 4 to 6 where they took home Silver medals.
A Winning Year for VMSA
Coach for U17 Girls Juan Carlos Hernandez expressed he was very proud of the girls’ achievements this season where the team was made up of two different towns, but despite this, the girls came together and supported each other constantly. This helped foster a united, strong and resilient team that was always committed to putting time and effort.
up against bigger teams. However, the girls’ dedication and unity allowed them to obtain the silver medal. As coaches, we would like to express gratitude to the parents that throughout the entire season, they made sure their players could attend games and practices. They played a cru-
of how they all worked together as a team and encouraged each other, even during the difficult moments. This is my third year coaching most of them, and they are just a great group that makes it a lot of fun to coach!”
Hernandez went on to share that the gold medal win in the Lakeland Cup was a demonstration of the team’s hard work.
cial role in the girls’ success.”
On how the season went, Registrar and Communication Director for VMSA Shelley Berry expressed that one of their biggest highlights this season was having “Revolution Soccer” from Ontario come and do “In Season Training” with their professional coaches for their U5-U11 Teams; the kids loved it when it was held from July 8 to 10. “Alberta Soccer changed the U13s this year from 11 vs 11 to 9 vs 9, with smaller fields and nets, so that was another big expense for all soccer clubs. We also have a new Soccer Park sponsor and are now called Full Throttle Soccer Park!”
“Despite some of the decisions that were out of our control, the girls were ready to accept whatever was to follow. Both games they gave it their all which led it to being decided in penalty kicks. The players motivated and supported each other during such a nerve wracking time.
Coach for the U15 Boys, Stephanie MacComish, said they had a great season, finishing second in league games with three wins and one loss. “Camrose Night Classic was a lot of fun! We walked away with a silver medal that weekend!
The Provincials were a big challenge that the team had to face since we were
Lakeland Cup is always a challengewe just couldn’t get the ball into the net enough in a couple of the games, but it wasn’t for a lack of trying! The boys all played hard that weekend, and I’m proud
Carlos Hernandez holds up the gold cup won by the U17 Vegreville/St. Paul Girls United team. (Vegreville Minor Soccer Association/ Photo)
Soccer players hone their skills at the Revolution Soccer Camp. (Rosanne Fortier/Photo)
Soccer players hone their skills. (Rosanne Fortier/Photo)
Tofield RCMP Executes Search Warrant
Alberta RCMP Submitted
Tofield, Alta. - On July 6, 2025, Tofield RCMP were conducting proactive patrols in Beaver County, Alta., as part of on-going attempts to address rural property crime. While conducting patrols, a fifth wheel trailer was spotted on a property known to be associated with criminal activity in the area. Further investigation by Officers indicated that the trailer had been stolen.
On July 7, 2025, Officers from Tofield RCMP and the Eastern Alberta District Rural Crime Reduction Unit (EAD RCRU) attended the property, situated on Range Road 170, to execute a search warrant. During their investigation and subsequent search of the property, officers recovered the fifth wheel trailer and discovered an additional two stolen trucks and a utility trailer. It is of note that the property recovered was stolen out of multiple jurisdictions in Alberta.
Prior to the execution of the search warrant, a Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) was utilized, spotting a male driving a truck that was later determined to be recently stolen out of Edmonton, on the rural property. The suspect was arrested. The RPAS operator also observed another male entering a vehicle on the property and leaving. Officers moved to intercept the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop, where it was learned that the male was a suspended driver in Alberta. The 41-year-old Tofield resident was issued a mandatory court summons for driving while unauthorized and the vehicle was seized for 30 days.
As a result of the investigation, Brandon Russell Hunt, a 41-year-old resident of Edmonton, was charged with:
• Possession of property obtained by crime over $5000;
• Failure to comply with a release order (x3); and
• Operation of a motor vehicle while prohibited.
Hunt was brought before a justice of the peace and remanded into custody. He is to appear before the Alberta Court of Justice in Sherwood Park on July 9, 2025.
“The on-going efforts and dedication of the Tofield RCMP to address rural property crime are exemplified by this successful recovery” said Cpl. Stephen Cunningham, Acting Tofield RCMP Detachment Commander. “The diligence of our officers demonstrates the extent to which we are willing to go to provide great service to our communities and combat the issues that impact our residents the most. We will continue to utilize different investigational techniques and modernized resources, such as RPAS, and the assistance of available resources such as EAD RCRU, to hold these offenders account-
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THE PAGES OF THE VEGREVILLE OBSERVER COMPILED BY DAN BEAUDETTE
90 Years Ago – July 17, 1935
Sir Percy Bates, chairman of the Cunard Steamship Company says:
“There is a war today – a universal war – and the weapons are not navies, armies or airplanes, but tariffs, quotas, and shifted currencies. There is no authorized standard of international money exchange and each change in a tariff, a quota or currency is nothing other than a move – a hostile move – in this war. The worst of it is, that the situation is not officially recognized as a war.”
The extreme heat in the Two Hills area this past week is said to have already caused some slight damage to the crops.
With a pained smile, several of the storekeepers in town pleaded guilty to a charge of violation of the Wednesday half-holiday on July 10th when our active sleuth force laid a complaint against them.
A touch of real summer weather came on Monday the 15th, the thermometer reaching upwards to 94 in the shade. Tuesday was cooler and a nice rain that night gave a fresh start to all forms of vegetation growth including weeds.
75 Years Ago – July 19, 1950
The Mayor and council sat in a special session to consider applications for the position of secretary-treasurer of the town. Some half dozen applications were especially well qualified for the job. Out of the list, the choice was A.A. Cantrill, who recently retired from the RCMP having served twenty years and eight months.
At a dance held recently at the Old Vegreville School, Mrs. W. Tierney was the grateful recipient of a chest of silverware. The gift was given to her in appreciation of eight faithful years of service at the Old Vegreville School. Mrs. Tierney now resides in Vegreville and will teach a primary class next term.
The absentee ballot was first used during the Civil War when 11 Union states permitted men absent on army duty to vote.
The United States built the first submarine ever to be employed in was in 1776.
Did you see Joe Baxandall with a crutch? A clevis broke and the tractor backed over the breading plow, pinning Joe’s leg against a lever.
Except for one important change Canada’s used car market is holding up remarkably well, reports The Financial Post’s motor editor. The change: the day is over when car-hungry customers would fight to buy any old pile of iron.
50 Years Ago – July 17, 1975
Now nearing the final construction stage the egg is an imposing sight. Colorful and huge, the structure has been visited by hundreds of travelers, some of whom made a special point of visiting Vegreville just for the purpose of seeing it. Professor Ron Resch, University of Denver, designer and structural marshal of the Pysanka at Vegreville is slowly reaching the final stages of assembling the project.
Anyone who has lived in Vegreville for any length of time will remember the days when a low fence protected the small grassed portions at the front of the Post Office. They will also remember that the low fence was a favored roosting place for those who were close to while away a few moments of the day in the cool shade the building afforded. Twenty or more years ago the Post Office was enlarged, the fence and grass disappeared but the location still remained a place where one could meet his friend to chat. Since then benches have appeared and disappeared from time to time but the attraction of the location still remains.
The first coins called staters were made during the 600’s B.C. in Lydes, a country in what is now Turkey.
25 Years Ago – July 18, 2000
Crop insurance adjusters have been swamped with claims ranging from drought on hay crops to hail damage on canola crops this summer. “We’re swamped. We had pockets of hail all over the place ranging from very light damage to crops that we had to defer until they’ve headed out,” said Franz Nauenburg, Field Supervisor with Agriculture Financial Services Corporation, Insurance, and Lending Division.
He’s seven years old, has an impressive name with four titles attached to it, and is the only Australian Shephard in Canada invited to compete in a prestigious dog show in the United States. Kathy Conway of Innisfree owns champion Caitlans’s Black Ty Affair (Affy for short), and the pair have been named Third Alternates to the Australian Shephard Club of America dog obedience trials in Gainsville, Georgia where the top 10 Australian Shepherds will compete for points.
Vegreville’s Co-op food store was hit by burglars late Saturday night or early Sunday morning. Over $4,200 worth of cigarettes were taken along with a TV-VCR combo, CD player, two cameras, and a rechargeable drill. Vegreville RCMP Sgt. Proctor said the thieves also tried to steal the safe but were unsuccessful.
Letters Welcomed
One role of the Vegreville News Advertiser is to promote dialogue on various issues of concern to area residents. We accomplish this by welcoming Letters to the Editor and allowing various issues to be debated through our pages. All letters must contain the writer’s name, address and phone number. Anonymous letters will not be printed, however the writer’s name may be withheld from publication in special circumstances deemed appropriate by the Publisher. The Vegreville News Advertiser reserves the right to edit letters for length, clarity, spelling and grammar, taste or for reasons of potential libel. A maximum of 150 words is preferred. The Vegreville News Advertiser reserves the right to withhold letters from publication.
CBC... Back in the News
Arthur Beaudette News Advertiser –
Opinion
For most news agencies, the goal is to report on the news, not BE the news. However, for the CBC, Canada’s public broadcaster it seems that they can’t stay out of the news for long. This year alone, they have been the subject of a number of headlines, none of which involve them curing world hunger or anything similar.
As early as February of this year, the Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) announced that they intended to take the CBC to court to force them to provide transparency into how they are spending money on advertising. This stems from an access-toinformation request filed by the CTF to provide information on how the CBC spends the $1.4 billion in taxpayer funding they received last year. While this was going on, the Trudeau government was proposing nearly doubling the CBC funding and shielding them from public scrutiny.
Step forward a few months and while Pierre Poilievre’s Conservatives were talking about defunding the CBC, Mark Carney’s Liberals were planning to increase the budget by at least another $150 million. If it were not for the elections, it’s likely no one would have been talking about this at the time. Well… not one other than the CBC which in typical fashion covered the topic with a headline which included “CBC” and “underfunded.” No conflict of interest there.
This month, the CBC is making headlines again. A review by the CTF shows that the number of staff at the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation collecting six figure salaries has more than doubled since 2015. In 2015-16, 438 CBC employees took home six-figure salaries. That number for 2024-25 is now a staggering 1,831 which shakes out to a cool $240 million of our tax dollars or an average salary of $131,060 for those employees. This comes on the heels of the revelations that former CBC president Catherine Tait, who was appointed by cabinet through an order-in-council, was paid between $468,900 and $551,600 plus a performance bonus. That’s a big salary for a mediocre network; one that lost $125 million in 2023.
To round things out, most recently, former CBC TV host Travis Dhanraj resigned on Monday, July 7 from the state broadcaster in a very public manner, including sending a letter of resignation to executives and an email to staff. The letters described the CBC as a dysfunctional and toxic workplace, paying lip service to diversity but really engaging in tokenism and not accepting diversity of opinion. That sounds awfully familiar with a smell of a recent government lingering.
In an interesting twist, Dhanraj’s lawyer was contacted the next day by the CBC to inform them that the CBC was “not accepting Travis’ resignation” because Mr. Dhanraj was on leave when he quit and it seems that is not allowed. You can’t make this up.
Dhanraj was clear and concise in his grievances with the CBC in his letter to all CBC staff indicating he did not want to resign but was ultimately forced to. “It comes after trying to navigate a workplace culture defined by retaliation, exclusion and psychological harm. A place where asking hard questions — about tokenism masquerading as diversity, problematic political coverage protocols and the erosion of editorial independence — became a career-ending move,” Dhanraj said.
He had indicated to one news agency that some potential
US Trades, Health Care and 4R Farming
Office of MLA
Armstrong-Homeniuk
Submitted
In light of changing geopolitical relations with the United States, the need to improve trade within Canada and access new markets for Albertans has never been greater. This is why United Conservatives continue to push for new oil and gas pipelines, economic corridors, and other energy and trade infrastructure to help grow Alberta’s and Canada’s economic competitiveness.
During his recent trip to the Calgary Stampede, Ontario Premier Doug Ford met with Premier Danielle Smith to sign two agreements that support better trade and cooperation between our two provinces. The first agreement commits Alberta and Ontario to developing new ways to move oil, gas, and other critical minerals to global markets and working together on nuclear energy development to meet growing electricity demands. The second agreement outlines Alberta’s commitment to prioritizing Canadian
vehicles for its government fleet, supporting Canadian manufacturing jobs and supply chains. It also includes a joint pledge by Alberta and Ontario to eliminate red tape hindering the interprovincial trade of liquor, helping Canadian brewers, distillers, and vineyards reach more customers across the country. These agreements demonstrate the commitments made by both our provinces to strengthen interprovincial trade, drive major infrastructure development, and support Canadian industry. We are also committed to improving our health care system so that it better addresses the needs of Albertans, no matter where in the province they call home. That is why our government is happy to provide virtual physician services (Virtual MD) through Health Link 811. This helps callers to get timely access to medical advice, reducing unnecessary emergency department visits and improving health care navigation. Since launching in 2022, Virtual MD has accessed over 100,000 patients, with more than half successfully managing their care at home or being directed to the most appropriate care setting, including primary care. Virtual MD is especially valuable for Albertans throughout our constituency who live in rural areas, have mobility issues, or limited access to in-person care. This service operates daily from 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. If you are ever in need of non-emergency medical advice or assistance, please
call 811 (Health Line) to speak with a health care professional.
Our government is pleased to announce our Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Fertilizer Canada and Alberta Grains to increase awareness of the 4R principles and practices. 4R Nutrient Stewardship helps farmers increase plant growth and yields by using the right source, at the right rate, at the right time, and in the right place. Our newly agreed-upon MOU will strengthen environmental stewardship by helping farmers adopt science-based nutrient stewardship practices in Alberta. By increasing understanding of how to properly manage fertilizers, we are helping support cropping systems that provide economic, social, and environmental benefits for Alberta farmers.
Reviving Medieval Striking Experiences
Rosanne Fortier News Correspondent
The romance and chivalry of a past era came into full bloom for its second year at the Vegreville Medieval Faire and Artisan Market on July 11, 12, and 13 at Vegreville Agricultural Society Grounds.
People lined up for blocks to enter on July 12. While there, enthusiastic crowds strolled around in costumes from the Renaissance period, which created the folklore of that time.
The vibrant heartbeat of bustling medieval life was showcased through the mirthful, interactive performances when
Angus and Dolina helped the audience learn Scottish Gaelic and led them in a variety of Scottish dancing. Magician Lothan Malmberg mystified spectators while performing some interesting tricks or requesting members of the audience to participate. During the entire event, Bard’s Wizard and Raven greeted attendees and roamed the grounds as professional storytellers.
A large area of the fair was enveloped in market stalls and tents, where crafters, artisans, and merchants sold jewelry and gems.
At the Viking community, attendees could purchase a handcrafted product, have a conversation about the history behind
the Vikings, or watch a small demonstration that showcased their love of kinship and nature.
There were also chances for attendees to participate in Fight the Knight, where they tested their skills with a safe sword. The Skills at Arms was where professional riders demonstrated their skill and horsemanship with a variety of challenges. The Joust was a friendly competition where knights showed off their martial skills by riding against one another with wooden lances in a designated area known as the lists while in another area on the grounds was a friendly combat full amour sword fighting competition.
So much fun to dress up. (Rosanne Fortier/Photo)
Skills at Arms. (Rosanne Fortier/Photo)
Friendly combat full armor sword fighting. (Tammy Hewitt/Photo)
Working in the Post-COVID-19 Era:
How to Get Back to Networking
The pandemic flipped daily routines upside down, particularly with the rise of working from home and online meetings.
As many people gradually return to the office and resume in-person activities, a renewed enthusiasm for networking has arisen. This aspect of professional life had been somewhat forgotten during the lockdowns. How can you get back into the swing of connecting with other professionals? Try these practical strategies.
Prepare for the event
It’s normal to be nervous before a networking event, especially if this is your first one in a while. To boost your confidence, research the event topics, familiarize yourself with the organizers and identify key attendees.
Don’t put too much pressure on yourself
It’s good to have goals as you approach the networking event, such as making a sale
or connecting with a specific number of potential clients. But keep in mind that networking is primarily about making connections and building your circle. Keep an open mind.
The goal isn’t to have a two-hour conversation with an old acquaintance from your industry or to share a laugh with a stranger. If you’re present and genuinely interested in the other person, you’ll leave a lasting impression. You never know what might happen!
Start with informal events
Ease back into networking by choosing
events that are less structured in format instead of formal conferences or major trade shows. Seek out happy hours, soft launches or chamber of commerce dinners. These relaxed settings provide excellent opportunities for you to practice your networking skills.
Want to put in extra work to maintain your valuable network? Consider reaching out to a local human resources professional for specialized support.
Agricultural Community Check In
Tammy Hewitt News Advertiser
Here is what local farmers and contacts have reported about this growing season. Most crops are doing well. The dry, windy weather at the start of the season did affect some crops like hay but as the rain has come, things have been growing well. The canola crops germinated well this season and the beautiful yellow blossoms can be seen around the area. This year has been noted to be an average year with not much remarkable to report at this time. In a brief conversation with a local farmer, the first cut of haying is underway. This is the most important cut because it gives the highest volume. For livestock, this cut is the best for feeding due to having more fibrous, coarse stalks for better digestion. We are fortunate in this area as there some farmers such as those in Grand Cache who have been looking
to sell livestock to recoup costs form grain fields impacted by continued drought and grasshopper infestations this year.
A report from a local greenhouse did note an increased issue with bugs called Leafhoppers this year. These little green bugs have been especially bad for their cucumber plants. When the leafhopper insects fed on the leaf’s sap, the leaves themselves turn yellow and may cause the stems to turn a golden colour. Unfortunately, if this happens, the stem may whither and die. For now, the problem is under control. The greenhouse staff, avoiding the use of chemicals, removed the lower leaves of the plants that might have eggs laid on them. Another noted challenge was the warmer weather causing “gummy stem”. The plants are more vulnerable to this fungus when the weather is hot for extended periods of time such as it was at the beginning of the season. The
CBC In The News - CONTINUED from PAGE 4
guests would not agree to be on shows such as CBC’s Power and Politics and Rosie Barton Live, likely due to their clearly biased views and alignment with the current government. When those same guests agreed to be on his show, Canada Tonight with Travis Dhanraj, the requests to book these guests were denied.
“To those still inside: Silence shouldn’t be the price of your paycheque. The only thing that sustains broken systems is fear. And the only way things change is when people speak.” Dhanraj also stated that the CBC needed accountability. Given how he was treated after becoming such a prominent figure in the CBC, it is unlikely that neither people speaking out nor accountability are in the CBC’s future.
Of course this raises the recurring question of CBC’s future in Canada. Tell me what you think. Email me at abletters@newsadvertiser.com
fungus causes lesions that exude a gummy amber coloured sap that weakens the plant. There was some of this year during the transplanting season but further along the cucumber plants are doing well now.
Luscious yellow canola field at sunset. (Tammy Hewitt/Photo)
Country fields. (Tammy Hewitt/Photo)
Haying East of Vegreville underway. (Submitted/Photo)
Exciting Change for Kids
Heather Giebelhaus Submitted
Colleen Krill, Vegreville Tim Horton’s owner, and Tim Horton’s staff presented Heather Giebelhaus, CALS Breakfast Club Co-ordinator with the proceeds from the Tim Horton’s smile cookie campaign. The cam-paign raised $7313.86 to help fund the 2025 -2026 school snack program. CALS Breakfast Club has been providing a midmorning snack to over 600 children attending 3 schools in Vegreville since 1998.
Rosanne Fortier News Correspondent
Parents and children were able to participate in the first Stay and Play program at the new building, which houses Kalyna Family Resource Network at Galleria Shops. Spokes Cheryl Sorensen said the theme this week was ‘Welcome to a New Space’. There was free play with toys and equipment, sheets of paper were available where parents could write how their children felt when they walked into the new space, a snack time, and a story book about summertime that was read to them. Sorensen went on to say that this session helped kids to anticipate change.
(Heather Giebelhaus/Photo)
Youth Programmer for Vegreville and District Family and Community Support Services Crystal Clarke plays with Nestor Kalutskyi. (Rosanne Fortier/ Photo)
(Rosanne Fortier/Photos)
Stampede Brings Breakaway Delighting Fans
Tammy Hewitt News Advertiser
On another hot and windy summer day, Cloverlodge Stampede held its 46th annual event July 12 and 13 as one of the last rodeos still running that was based out of a historical school division. Brimming with community spirit, there was something for everyone at the main event, with Bareback, Tie Down and Team Roping, Steer/ Bull Riding and Wrestling, Saddle Bronc and Barrel Racing topped off with something new this year, the Ladies Breakaway. This event has become more popular in the last few years but has been the first year this event has been at the Cloverlodge Stampede. It showcased Cowgirls’ skills much like the male dominated Tie Down Roping. It was said that the ladies in the competition this year came close to winning scores at the recently held Calgary Stampede with unofficial winning score of 2.0 seconds, average of 2.6 seconds. To delight fans, there was also the junior versions of most of the events.
Throughout the bucking events most cowfolk were able to steer clear of the excited animals but one bull was particularly feisty. Even as the participant was
able to dismount safely, the bull came back around quickly causing those around to hop up on the fence to get out of the way!
As fans waited in between competitors, Tyson Wagner kept fans entertained with his shenanigans in and out of the arena. With classic clown humor and style, he interacted with the crowd keeping them engaged throughout the show. The kids had their own fun in a treasure sand box and a merri-go-round with real horses amongst other activities. There were also plentiful good eats both days like a variety of homemade pies to enjoy as one watched the entertainment.
(Tammy Hewitt/Photo)
(Tammy Hewitt/Photo)
(Tammy Hewitt/Photo)
(Tammy Hewitt/Photo)
Tributes
WYLLIE, Joyce
In Loving Memory of Henry
October 30, 1940 – July 23, 2024
Field
March 26, 1932 - July 19, 2020
Those we love can never be
More than a thought away…
For as long as there’s a memory
They live in our hearts to stay.
Wanda and family
Randy, Elaine and family
Jill Hayduk
In Loving Memory of our Dear Jill
May 10th, 1976 – July 21st, 2021
Our lives go on without you
But nothing is the same
We have to hide our heartache
When someone speaks your name
Sad are the hearts that love you
Silent are the tears that fall
Life here without you
Is the hardest part of all.
You did so many things for us
Your heart was kind and true
And when we needed someone
We could always count on you
The special years will not return
When we are all together
But with the love in our hearts
You walk with us forever.
Loved, Remembered and Deeply Missed
Ryan, Tyler, Brynn, Sullivan and Ella May Mom (Val) & Pius
Travis, Tianna, Maverick, Porter & Murphy
Dad (Jerry) & Cathi
Trudy, Gus, Amber, MacKenzie, Abby, Kolten & Austen
Nicole, Rob, Lucas & Matthew
Keith, Ashley, Jake & Hunter
Cara, Craig, Owen & Seth
Forever in our hearts. Loved beyond words, missed beyond measure, “You may be gone from sight but never from our hearts and memories.” Always loved, Dearly remembered, Sadly missed. Loving husband Doug, children, grandchildren and family
-
15, 2015 In loving memory
Remember him with a smile today; He was not one for tears. Reflect instead on memories of all the happy years. Recall to mind the way he spoke and all the things he said. The good advice he’d given us; Remember this instead. His eyes that shone with laughter, So much of him will never die, But live on ever after. Always remembered
Lillian, Cameron, Kimberly and family
Mike Adams January 15, 1943 - July 10, 2025
At the age of 82, Sadly Mike passed away at the Tofield Hospital. Mike is survived by his loving wife, Monica Dascavich, son Jason; daughter Karyn; and six grandchildren. Mike was pre-deceased by his son Shaun and his parents, Betty and Anthony Adams of New Zealand.
STEFANCIK, Dr. Jan
October 5, 1928 – July 12, 2025
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Dr. Jan Stefancik on Saturday, July 12, 2025 at the age of 96 years.
Dr. Jan immigrated to Canada from Czechoslovakia as an eager 19-year-old who worked very hard to achieve his goals, relying on his faith.
Jan will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 71 years, Anne; his six children, 14 grandchildren, and 20 great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his son Paul and his parents, Maria and John.
Dr. Jan was a strong member in the community of Vegreville. He was a longtime member of the Catholic School Board, Knights of Columbus and the BP Order of Elks. Dr. Jan is well known for his compassionate care and personal attention during his medical practice of 50 years. He delivered a lot of babies and touched a lot of lives! Dr Jan was a role model in his dedication to his family, faith, community and his profession.
The family would like to thank all the wonderful staff at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Vegreville for their kind and attentive care.
A Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, July 22, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at St Martin of Tours Catholic Church, 5437 43 St, Vegreville, Alberta with Father Chad Miciak as the Celebrant. Private interment to follow in Riverside Cemetery.
Memorial donations can be made to the “Sisters of Charity of our Lady of Evron” (envelopes available at the Church), “Covenant Health Foundation c/o St Joseph’s General Hospital” or the “Alberta Cancer Foundation.”
Photos, memories and condolences may be shared by visiting: www.autumnrosefuneralhome.com
AUTUMN ROSE FUNERAL HOME LTD. Vegreville, 780-603-5800
Lion’s Club Invests in New School
passed away peacefully. Her spirit, full of grace and kindness, has gently moved on to be reunited with loved ones who went before her, embraced by memories, laughter, and love that never fades.
Laurie was the heart of our family. She was a devoted wife to Stanley, with whom she shared a lifetime of partnership, joy, and quiet strength. She was a proud and loving mother to her children: Patricia (Geoff) Dac Heller; Peter (Michelle) Dac; and Jennifer (Glen) Olauson. She was a cherished grandmother to six grandchildren: Mattias (Sara) Knuttila, Kristian (Kacy) Knuttila, Aaron Knuttila (Sunni Thibert); Anastasia, Sophia and Joseph Olauson; and a joyful greatgrandmother to six great-grandchildren, Maddock, Natalie, Devyn, Finny, Teagan and Remy. Her hugs, wit, and gentle wisdom will be dearly missed.
She held a special bond with her sisters Marlene (Ronald) Strom, Elizabeth (Randy Brooks) Anderson, Roberta Maki, who were her lifelong friends and confidantes. Her circle of love extended far beyond family; her many dear friends and neighbours were like family too, drawn to her warmth, her laughter, and the way she made everyone feel seen and cared for.
Laurie embraced life with curiosity and joy. She loved her weekly bowling league, where competition was friendly but fierce, and laughter was always guaranteed. She had a deep appreciation for good food, new adventures, and the simple pleasure of a well-earned glass of scotch.
Travel was a source of wonder for her, from road trips to faraway places to going on a near-by adventure with friends or family. Each journey taken with enthusiasm, a good story, and at least one wrong turn to add to the adventure.
She lived with a generous heart, a sharp sense of humor, and an enduring spirit. Though we miss her deeply, we take comfort in knowing she is now surrounded by love, in a place of peace, where stories are shared and hearts are whole.
A celebration of her life will be held later this year. In lieu of flowers, please consider a gesture of kindness in her memory; share a story, plant something beautiful, or raise a glass in her honour.
Photos, memories, and condolences may be shared through www.parkmemorial.com. Park Memorial Vegreville 780-632-2000 Family-Owned Funeral Home And Crematorium
Stan Zabrick Submitted
The Andrew Lion’s Club donated $5000 to Andrew Rural Academy (ARA). Ron and Reta, Andrew Lion’s Club representatives, understand that charter schools like ARA could use the financial ease to support their grand opening. “With
this donation, we’re creating a fund that helps ensure every student will be included,” Dr. Rose, School Superintendent. Dr. Rose, School Superintendent shared, “We will receive Ministry funding, but the amount received is not guaranteed year-over-year, and it doesn’t account for rising costs, so the funds received from the Andrew Lion’s Club are well-timed and well-needed.”
and
and
John Kulak
The Kulak Family would like to thank Dr. Strydom, Nikki, and all the staff who cared for John during his hospital stay. To everyone who sent mass cards and brought flowers, food baskets and baking, thank you for your kindness. Sincerest thank you to Tom Hrehorets for the delicious meal he prepared and served, and to everyone who brought baking. Thank you to Father Don Bodnar and the Basilian Fathers for the service, Namisha Greening & Father Jim Nakonechny for cantering. To Gordon
Patty at Autumn Rose, we appreciated the guidance
compassion you showed us. Thank you, and God Bless. Memory Eternal. Pauline Kulak, Mark & Rebecca Kulak, Gary & TerriLynn Kulak, Glen & Charlene Kulak, Jon & Megan Ewanowich & Families
(Hank)
Pictured L to R: Reta Diduck and Ron Stratichuk Andrew Lion’s Club members with Dr. Rose and Stan Zabrick of Andrew Rural Academy. (Stan Zabrick/photo.)
Accident on Highway 16 at Mundare Turn off
At approximately 1030 on July 11, a blue pickup truck was involved in a vehicle collision with a semi-truck at the intersection of Hwy 16 and HWY 855. Lamont County Emergency Services (LCES) from Station 1 (Andrew), Station 4 (Lamont) and Station 5 (Mundare) responded to this incident. Vegreville EMS and RCMP also attended the scene. There were no fatalities or major injuries noted at this time. The incident is still under investigation with no further information available at this time.
Tammy Hewitt News Advertiser
(Jeannie Windels/Submitted Photo)
Quick Lunch with Moms
Tammy Hewitt News Advertiser
On
a full parking lot, there was a steady stream of customers passing by to entice with the wonderful smells of barbequed hot dogs, and fixins’ such as onions. As you paid, you could give a further donation in a tip jar decorated by one of the children. Board Member, Litania Sankey, was cooking as the assembly line of volunteers of moms with children that use the daycare and board members of the same. It was said that being non-profit can be challenging and they are thankful the opportunity for the sale and support of COOP to make this happen. “They have been absolutely amazing to work with.” Another mom excitedly talked about how her kids call COOP the “cookie store” because of the complimentary cookies for the kids. The Vegreville Community Daycare is currently the only daycare in town and provides services for chil-dren 1 – 6 years of age. This fundraiser raised $867 to go towards general operations.
(Tammy Hewitt/photo)
New Academy to Support Rural Communities
Stan Zabrick Submitted
Andrew Rural Academy is part of a local commitment to meeting the needs of growing rural and northern communities in Andrew, Alberta, and the surrounding area,” says Dr. Rose, School Superintendent. “Providing new seats in classrooms to more than one hundred children will ensure that families will have a close location to learn and grow.”
The one-storey school has space for 250 students from kindergarten to grade 12, in addition to a daycare and afterschool care facilities.
The Honourable Jackie Armstrong-
Do You Know How to Clean Your Washing Machine?
Your washing machine is an essential household appliance. However, maintaining it is a task often put on the back burner. If you notice unpleasant smells coming from your washing machine, it’s time for you to clean it. Use this short guide to keep your appliance in top shape.
What to do
You should typically clean your washing machine at least once a month to keep it at peak performance. Start by removing all clothing from the drum. Then, select the cleaning cycle, if your machine has one. If your washing machine doesn’t have this function, choose the hottest and longest wash cycle available.
Next, use a product specifically designed for washing machine maintenance, such as cleaning tablets. Alternatively, you can pour this homemade recipe into the drum and detergent dispenser:
• 500 millilitres of white vinegar
• 5 millilitres of essential oil (of your choice)
• 1 tablespoon of baking soda
Caution: Don’t pour this solution into the bleach compartment, as it may produce toxic fumes.
Once you’ve added the cleaning agent, turn on the appliance. If you have a front-loading washing machine, prevent mould growth by taking time to thoroughly wipe the door seal after the cycle is complete. Reach out to an appliance expert in your area
After each cycle, leave the door or lid of your washing machine open to allow the drum to dry completely. This will help minimize the growth of bacteria that can cause unpleasant odours.
Homeniuk, member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) for Fort SaskatchewanVegreville, said she “...has long advocated for stable funding that supports education in the area, and opening the school will have a positive impact on both students and educators.” In a show of appreciation, the MLA donated five knapsacks filled with school supplies for some lucky students. She vowed to support Andrew Rural Academy by helping to ensure students have the necessary
tools for a positive and successful learning experience.
“More families are enrolling their students at Andrew Rural Academy and we need to make sure there are safe and comfortable schools to support their kids as they grow and learn,” said Stan Zabrick, Corporate Treasurer.
Board Member Merwin Haight stated, “We are happy to have connected with the Honourable Jackie ArmstrongHomeniuk, and we look forward to a long-lasting relationship.”
(Stan Zabrick/photo.)
(Tammy Hewitt/photo.)
Passionate Crowd at Public Hearing in Bruderheim
Tammy Hewitt News Advertiser
On July 2, 2025, a public hearing was held to outline proposed amendments to Bylaw 15-2013 “due to anticipated industrial and commercial developments”. It was a full house at the Bruderheim Fire Hall with overflow at the Community Hall. There was also an option of virtual attendance with about 11 participants, including the Community Hall attendees, to participate in this important meeting.
Two parcels of land were at the forefront of discussions for proposed changes. One being Block B Plan 1820CL and street address of 4415 – 48 St to be reclassified to “Industrial”. There was an additional parcel to be considered (at the request of the landowner) 4729 – 46 Ave to be included in the proposed area, should the amendment go forward.
The second proposal affected 10 properties located north of the CNR line designated as future “Commercial” area. At this time, the latter properties are zoned as residential with some private residential homes still in this zone. The proposal would have been in line with land use already designated of the same, that is north and east (in the Lamont County) of the proposed area.
From the beginning of the meeting, participants appeared to be eager to voice their views. Mayor Karl Hauch worked to follow the usual procedure of a Public Hearing though there were still some who found it difficult to wait including one councilor of whom continued to speak up expressing that he did not believe this amendment was the right thing for the community.
When it was time to address the amendments, Hauch spoke to this being “a catalyst for economic development, to create employment opportunities and increase the Town’s non-residential tax base.”
It was proposed to consider long term needs of the municipality, not just the short term needs. While Mayor Hauch framed the amendments in a positive light, many did not agree as demonstrated by the questions and comments made when the topic was open for discussion.
Points brought up by the public were things like: if a resident’s home was situated in this zone, could it be sold as a residence in the future? Would this bring property values down? Others brought up such things as different types of pollution like noise pollution, air pollution, and increased truck traffic close to areas where there are children’s activities. It was also noted that part of this land at one time had been a “hemp plant” that had not succeeded. Residents were frustrated that they were now left to see an “eye sore” or clean it up themselves.
There were also ques-
Notice to Creditors and Claimants
Estate of Zenovia Keryluk who died on September 28, 2023
If you have a claim against this Estate, you must file your claim by August 31, 2025 Provide details of your claim:
With: Emmanuel Alade At: City Law Offices 9812 - 102 Street Fort Saskatchewan, AB. T8L 2C2 780-997-0444 p 780-997-0774 f citylaw@telus.net
If you do not file by the date above, the Estate property can lawfully be distributed without regard to any claim you may have.
tions about a proposed deal in the works, though this has been denied by council. Some residents exclaimed that they had been approached by an owner of a tire recycling plant that wanted to buy land here. Others said that this meeting had not been advertised properly even though it had been posted the proposed amount of time on social media dating back to June 20.
After all speakers were heard, the second and third readings were done resulting in a unanimous vote to not proceed with the proposed changes. No further comments were noted.
Drone Donated to New Academy
Stan Zabrick
Submitted
Jo McNiven and Kevin Andrychuk from Beaver Creek Coop in Lamont, Alberta recently donated a brand new, fully functional drone to Andrew Rural Academy (ARA) to support the school’s emerging STEM programming.
ARA will introduce the drone or unmanned aerial systems (UAS) class to interested students, expanding its enrollment offerings with linkages to a partnered post-secondary institution. In relation to Andrew, Alberta’s northern and rural landscape, drones can carry and spray water, fertilizer, seeds, or feed on a farm. The dispensing of potash or phosphate using a drone will be faster and more precise. Careers associated with drone use include Tech farming to optimize agricultural practices, as well as law enforcement activities, fire response, and many other careers. “Thank-you for your donation”, says
DEVELOPMENT NOTICE
County Of Two Hills No. 21
Superintendent.
DEVELOPMENT NOTICE
County Of Two Hills No. 21
TWO HILLS, Alberta, T0B 4K0, together with the partially refundable appeal fee (if successful) of $300.00 no later than July 30, 2025 at 4:00 pm. The appeal letter should indicate the development permit number, your name, phone number (land or
Dr. Rose, School
From L to R: Kevin Andrychuk, Jo McNiven from Beaver Creek Coop and Dr. Rose and Stan Zabrick from Andrew Rural Academy. (Stan Zabrick/ Photo)
