Photographic Exhibit Showcases Historic 1978 Royal Tour
It is said that photography has the power to freeze a moment in time, immortalizing people, places, and events for the learning and pleasure of future generations. While that is true, it also applies to current generations, as illustrated in the exhibit of the historic 1978 Royal tour captured by photographer Orest Semchishen that is currently on display in the Basilian Fathers Museum in Mundare courtesy of Kyler Zeleny.
A radiologist by training, Semchishen was an avid and accomplished photographer. According to the exhibit statement, “In the 1960s, he (Semchishen) turned that same probing eye toward the Alberta landscape, communities, and cultures. Over the following decades, he would become one of the Canadian prairies’ most pro1978 Royal Tour - CONTINUED ON PAGE 24
Basilian Fathers Museum Curator Karen Lemiski, far left, directs visitors during a tour on Sept. 26. The group of seniors, 42 in total, are from the community of Millet. (Michelle Pinon/Photo)
Michelle Pinon News Advertiser
Zeleny is a photographer, educator and author. Born in 1988, Zeleny grew up in Mundare. Similarly, Semchishen was born in 1932 in Mundare.
Smoky Lake RCMP Submitted
On Sept. 21, 2025, Smoky Lake RCMP received calls regarding one attempted and one successful vehicle theft. The suspects left the area together in two separate vehicles. RCMP members responded, located the vehicles, that were driving erratically, and attempted a traffic stop. The vehicles fled and a Tire Deflation Device was deployed on the suspect vehicle. The vehicle steered towards a police car and rammed it, with a suspect deploying bear mace in an attempt to escape. The stolen vehicle fled the scene while the suspect vehicle eventually stopped, with suspects fleeing on foot. Alberta RCMP Police Dog Services and Remote Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) members were deployed, assisting in locating and arresting three suspects, one of which was a youth.
Smoky Lake RCMP then started receiving reports of a fire in Bellis that ultimately destroyed a local church. According to Firestorm, who attended the scene, an accelerant was likely used. Upon further investigation, items found in the suspect vehicle led officers to link the church fire to the individuals involved in the vehicle theft. RCMP believes there is at least one more suspect that has yet to be identified or arrested.
Stolen Vehicle Arrests Linked to Church Fire
As a result of the investigation, Sandy Dawn Marie White (23) and Lazare Favel (26), both Saddle Lake First Nations, Alta., residents, were arrested and charged with:
• Flight from Police
• Dangerous operation of motor vehicle;
• Mischief under $5000;
• Assault police with weapon;
• Break and enter;
• Arson;
• Possession of break-in tools;
• Possession of property obtained by crime under $5000; and
• Mischief to cultural property.
Favel and White were brought before a justice of the peace. Favel was remanded into custody and is to appear before the Alberta Court of Justice in Fort Saskatchewan on Sept. 25, 2025, while White was released on conditions to appear before the same court on Oct. 23, 2025.
“We are saddened to see a nearly century-old cultural building destroyed in such a manner” said Sgt. Anita Doktor, Detachment Commander of the Smoky Lake RCMP. “We believe in preserving our history, no matter our beliefs, and want to highlight the fact that this is not something that should take place within our communities. We want to thank the surrounding detachments, as well as Alberta RCMP PDS, RPAS and FIS members for assisting in this investigation.”
Smoky Lake RCMP is currently looking for information regarding the outstanding suspect or suspects. Anyone with information is asked to please contact the Smoky Lake RCMP, or their local police. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the “P3 Tips” app available through the Apple App or Google Play store. To report crime online, or for access to RCMP news and information, download the Alberta RCMP app through Apple or Google Play. To contact RCMP non-emergency line within any Alberta RCMP jurisdiction call 310-RCMP(7267).
Death and Taxes
Arthur Beaudette
Death and taxes. Two things no one likes or likes to talk about and two things we spend our entire life trying to avoid. Many Canadians know about “Tax Freedom Day.” In Canada, this is the day the average Canadian family would have paid all their taxes for the year if every dollar made was paid up front. In 2025 that day was June 8.
The phrase “nothing is certain except death and taxes” was popularized by Benjamin Franklin in an 1789 letter, but earlier versions existed, with the earliest known use appearing in Christopher Bullock’s 1716 work, The Cobbler of Preston. The idiom refers to the unavoidable nature of both mortality and taxation, with Franklin’s famous usage solidifying its place in American culture.
Surprising to almost no Canadian, our government has found a way to tax us not only in life, but also in death. They have one hand in your pocket and another hand in your coffin.
Last week, CTV’s Pat Foran reported on the story of a family in Ontario who, while dealing with loss (the death part) were issued a tax bill by the CRA. It tells a tail of how our tax system works with a touch of caution.
Within the span of 11 months, the family first lost their
mother and then their father. The couple was described as “middle class” and hard workers and savers. They saved up to buy a cottage and, like many Canadians, they tucked away money into their RRSPs to supplement their pensions during retirement.
However, due to the timing and lack of tax planning (It’s hard to plan for people dying young) they became another tale of caution in the long list of those left in the wake of the CRA. As you should know, money you put in an RRSP is “tax deferred.” This means that you don’t pay any taxes until you start making withdrawals from your RRSP. The plan is that by the time you start taking out money in your retirement years, you will be in a lower income bracket and the taxes you DO pay will be lower at that time.
In this family’s situation, the first death (their mother) triggered the first spouse’s RRSP to get rolled into the father’s RRSP. When their father passed, the taxes became due and the children were hit with a bill from the CRA for more than $600,000 which all but wiped out the money their parents had saved. There are more details to the story, including a dispute on capital gains but that is the gist of it.
As I said, no one likes taxes. While we feel out tax burden is high, it’s by far from the highest globally. Rough estimates put us around 11th place with a tax burden of 45% whereas in Belgium which holds first place, has people working until August (a tax burden of 54%) before they get to keep their money.
We COULD give up some things for lower taxes, but that may mean we only complain about something else like health insurance vs taxes. Ultimately, I think it’s less about taxes and more about waste. With strikes impacting people across the country, we should be looking at HOW we are spending the money, not just how much.
PM Mark Carney has stated that Canada Post in its current form is unsustainable. Today (well up to last week), the crown corporation was losing $10 million every day. In places like healthcare and education, we need to ask if we really need more middle managers with 6-figure incomes and fat pensions, or if that money is best spent on improving results. Families, small businesses and farms all have to watch how they spend their money. Why not entities funded by our tax dollars.
Studies have shown that higher spending doesn’t always lead to better system performance. We should learn from those countries obtaining better results with the same or less spending and find more value. We are already guaranteed death and taxes. It would be nice to also get a guarantee of value for our money while we are still alive.
Tell me what you think. Email me at abletters@newsadvertiser.com
Lucilles Trendz and Treasures Opens
Rosanne Fortier News Correspondent
Manager Jennifer Chaban and her husband, Darrel Ramsay, welcomed everyone with free hot dogs and pop at the Grand Opening of Lucilles Trendz and Treasures on Main Street on September 26.
There is a silent owner for this store.
Chaban said this is the same business as Lucille Antiques and Treasures, which was open for six years, but it is at a new location and has been expanded. This new business has been open for a month now. “At the previous store, there were just antiques, so we moved here to do more trending up front and have
antiques in the back. We wanted to have a store for the younger generation, too,” Chaban said.
Chaban went on to say that what is unique about the store is that it caters to
everybody, from infants to 99-year-olds.
“We just want to support our community and see small businesses come alive again here,” Chaban added.
Outside, their young foster daughter, Hannah Wince, had a lemonade stand because the parents wanted to show her ways to be responsible and earn money.
Jennifer Chaban and Darrel Ramsay. Inset: Jennifer at the till with a customer
(Rosanne Fortier/Photos)
Enjoying the barbecue.
(Rosanne Fortier/Photo)
Cool items for sale.
(Rosanne Fortier/Photo)
Cool items for sale. (Rosanne Fortier/Photo)
90 Years Ago – October 2, 1935
A scientist in Germany has perfected a telescope without a lens. The new telescope magnifies 8,500 times, solely by the use of cathode rays.
Cutting grain in Whitford is about over and what is uncut is not worth the labor. Wheat is badly frozen and is intermixed with wild oats to a great extent. Many fields sown to wheat have only a fine crop of wild oats to a great extent. The oats will feed the Hungarian partridges during the winter.
Jack McGillis, who has been a relieving agent at Lavoy C.N.R. depot, is leaving shortly and will be replaced by Walter Bryant, a former resident of Lavoy.
The hospital in Willingdon is coming along very nicely and one may see many visitors looking over the new structure. The building is a very moderate one and in the very latest style. When completed, it will be a beauty and will certainly add to the appearance of the town.
Threshing is pretty general in the vicinity of Willingdon and the grain is starting to come in. Elevator men report that the grades are pretty low in view of the fact that wheat is badly frozen.
75 Years Ago – October
4, 1950
Announcement has been made that John H. Blackburn of Edmonton has been appointed to the advisory council of the New York Life Insurance Company as representative thereon of all of Canada and the north-western United States. The advisory council has twelve members. Mr. Blackburn was a one-time resident of Vegreville district. He served in the Great War with the RAF and in 1948 was the winner of the Webster Memorial Trophy, emblematic of the amateur aviation championship of Canada.
The first women’s magazine published in the United States was Ann Stephens, who published the Portland Magazine from 1835 – 37. Oil production in the Lloydminster field amounted to approximately 172,188 barrels during August, or roughly an average of 5,554 barrels a day, according to a preliminary report of the Lloydminster Petroleum Association. It was learned from the report the net total refinery deliveries for the first seven months of 1950 amounted to 1,072,140 barrels, of which 589,861 barrels had been produced in Saskatchewan and 482,279 in Alberta.
A quick-freeze, storage, and fish-filleting plant is under construction at nearby Cold Lake. It will be a great help to fishermen throughout a wide area.
50 Years Ago – October 2, 1975
Raydon Motors Ltd. is currently undergoing an expansion of its business with a building addition of around 20,000 square feet. Last week, the old parts department was being torn down. Formerly known as Thomas Garage, the old building was originally constructed in 1928. This building was not renovated because it was beyond repair.
This year’s grain yield is close to above average, stated United Grain Grower’s agent Myron Humeniuk in a recent interview. Last year, the yield was below average due to poor weather conditions, and this year’s is better, he added. Continuing, he stated that 100 percent of the grain has been swathed with about 75% combined.
A twenty-two-year-old man has been charged with possession of stolen property. A man took a diamond ring valued at around $500.00 from General Watch and Clock Ltd. located at 5118-50 St. The Proprietor of the store, Mike Gnyra pursued the suspect, stopped him, and notified the RCMP.
A new students’ union was elected recently at the Vegreville Composite High School. The new executive is comprised of Secretary Rose Lynkowski, President Annette Stefancik, Vice President Colette Wilde, and Treasurer Barbara Giebelhaus. 25 Years Ago – October 3, 2000
Telus Charity Chili Challenge was won by Rick Rutter of the TD Bank and received the trophy from judge Jim Gamlin. The FCSS team of Donna Williams and Dawn Orchison were one of over 20 business and corporate teams to participate in the event.
Jocelyn Hryniw, Account Manager, Personal Banking, Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, celebrated a 25 year milestone with the Vegreville branch and received a watch from branch manager Leona Burbank.
Mundare resident Ken Gulevich and his team hope to hold on to his title of chicken wing eating champions at this year’s Wing Ding X contest, to be held at Red’s in Edmonton.
Three members of the Kinsmen and Kinette Clubs of Vegreville were given life memberships at the clubs Millennium Celebrations. Jerry and Jeannie Maksymchuk and Jenney Cooper were all presented with Life Memberships. Presenters were Lori MacPhee, Kathy Dmytriw and Ron Warawa/ The community of Warwick held its own unofficial Snow Geese festival over the weekend as hundreds of snow guess descended on a farmer’s field prior to their flight south.
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.
Ottawa’s Civil Service Needs a Chrétien-Style Reset
Renaud Brossard Troy Media
Ottawa’s civil service needs a Chrétien-style reset
If Carney followed Chrétien’s lead, he could cut 64,000 jobs and save $10 billion a year
They say bureaucracy grows to meet the needs of the expanding bureaucracy.
That certainly seems to be Ottawa’s motto these days, with the number of federal civil servants swelling by more than 100,000 over the past decade.
As the bureaucracy grew, so did the resources it devoured and the burden it dumped on the federal budget. If the Carney government is serious about tackling its spending problem, it has no choice but to shrink the civil service. To its credit, the government has already signalled this may be coming, with Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne directing ministries earlier this month to cut program spending by 7.5 per cent in 2026-27, with deeper cuts to follow.
Payroll tells the story. When Justin Trudeau came to power in 2015, Ottawa was spending about $39.6 billion on employee compensation. Last year, that figure hit $71.1 billion—a staggering 79.5 per cent jump in nine years.
Numbers that big are hard to picture, so here’s what they mean: $71.1 billion equals roughly $1,700 per Canadian, or about $7,000 for a family of four.
That’s a lot of money. Given those costs, Canadians are right to ask whether they’re getting anything close to value. The answer, judging by opinion surveys, is no. Passport lines still snake around the block. Clearing customs at the airport remains a test of endurance. And if you dare call the Canada Revenue Agency, pack a lunch, you’ll be on hold long enough to need it. For all the extra spending, everyday frustrations
remain the same.
If all that spending hasn’t delivered better results, it’s a flashing neon sign that resources are being wasted. The civil service is a prime candidate for cuts that could be made with little, if any, impact on the quality or speed of services Canadians actually receive.
The average compensation for a full-time federal job is now around $150,000 a year. That includes salary, taxpayer-funded pension contributions, and a generous menu of benefits.
By contrast, the average Canadian earns about $60,000—the same taxpayer footing the bill—and the inequity speaks for itself.
The problem isn’t just the cost but the culture. In the private sector, businesses constantly ask whether jobs are necessary and whether people can be redeployed. In government, the tendency is to keep hiring, with little scrutiny of whether those positions are truly needed.
Yet there is precedent for Ottawa getting serious about reform. In the 1990s, Jean Chrétien’s government undertook a sweeping review that eliminated more than 17 per cent of federal positions.
If the Carney government followed that model, it could trim about 64,000 taxpayer-funded jobs and save at least $10 billion a year.
With Ottawa projected to run a deficit of over $40 billion this year, one of the largest structural deficits outside of the pandemic years, Canadians should expect—no, demand—an equally ambitious review.
Renaud Brossard is vice-president of communications at the Montreal Economic Institute, a think tank with offices in Montreal, Ottawa and Calgary. The views, opinions, and positions expressed by our columnists and contributors are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect those of our publication.
A nation that is afraid to let its people judge the truth and falsehood in an open market is a nation that is afraid of its people.
from the pages of the vegreville observer Compiled by dan beaudette
Vision Credit Union Serves Up Hearty Harvest Meal
Michelle Pinon News Advertiser
A new initiative, launched by the Vegreville Branch of Vision Credit Union has received a warm and gracious reception from local producers.
“This year, we launched our Harvest Meal Initiative here in Vegreville,” stated Amanda Mortensen, Member Service Representative. “The idea was simple: to bring warm, hearty meals directly to our members and their families while they were hard at work harvesting. We offered a selection of meals that members could choose from, with the option of having them delivered right to the field or picked up at the branch.”
Mortensen said they teamed up with Prime Cuts Meat & Deli and the Vegreville Co-op to supply meat and buns for the meals.
She admits, “True to farm life, we got off to a bit of a late start – but, just like harvest itself, sometimes things run behind schedule. Despite the late start, the response was incredible. Families were grateful for a hot meal and the thought behind it, and we were reminded once again of the strength and generosity in our community.
We didn’t charge anything for the meals, but we did invite donations to the Vegreville Christmas Bureau, an organization close to many hearts in our community. The generosity shown by our members will help brighten the holiday season for families in need.
Looking ahead, we’re excited to plan this initiative earlier so we can reach even more members and families next year.
Agriculture will always be at the core of who we are at VISION Credit Union, and finding ways like this to give back to our farm families is just one small way we can say “thank you” for all you do.
This is Jeny and Phil, owners of the Twin Butte General Store, which has a post office, general store, music venue, restaurant and smokehouse. In 2024, they got $1028 in profit shares, which they spent on a holiday for their staff. Last year, they went to Mexico; the year before, Cuba. Jeny says they like to reward their team. She also says they’re not hiring right now. (We asked.)
Pictured from left to right: Amanda Mortensen, Art Micklich, Lydia Pawliuk, Matthew Micklich, Maury Micklich, Karlee Symmington, and Val Kuzmik. (Vision Credit Union/Submitted Photo)
News Advertiser
Municipal Election Candidates
The dates are set, signs and posters are going up and doors will be knocked on. The coffee shops an street corners will be buzzing with conversations and the next step will by yours. The News Advertiser has collected information from the communities we serve and following is the list we have compiled, adding to the information published last week.
*Denotes incumbent where information provided
Village of Innisfree - Vying for three seats on council are: Bobbi Boucher, Kristina Brummer, Paul Chesterton, Mavis Hyndman, Jennifer Johnson, Evan Raycraft and Karen Theroux.
Town of Mundare – Vying for the position of mayor are: Rick Patrie, Kent Santo and William (Bill) Rankin. Vying for a position on council are: *Danika Brison, Cheryl Calinoiu,
Geoffrey Hughes, Jennifer Johner, Danna Rankin, *Glen Rozumniak, and *Irene Talaga.
Village of Mannville – Running for council are: Joshua Barlocher, Gary Bauer, *Shantell Bielesch, Douglas Gilbert, Dwayne Gorniak, *Jocelyne Lanovaz, *Danny Lyster, Kevin Manz, Elizabeth (Eli) Myhovich, Reid Roland and *Rex Smith.
Village of Myrnam – Running for council are: *Kurt Ewanec, Paul Myshaniuk, Simon Patterson, Rick Sadowsky, Brad Straty, and Leo Tobin.
Village of Andrew – Running for mayor are: Bill Romaniuk and Chris Lupul. Running for a seat on council are: *Johannus Van Vyfeyken, Melissa Dyck, Kyle Stotyn, Heather Pauls, Carol Dubitz, James Rustand, Osama Hamed, *Merwin Haight, and Stacey Bodnarek.
Town of Smoky Lake – Running for mayor are: *Amy Cherniwchan, David Franchuk, and Marianne ProckiwZarusky. Running for a seat on council are: Bruce Chern, John Cherniwchan, *Evelynne Kobes, Daniel Kotylak, Kristin Magnusson, Nestor Rosichuk, and Tegan Scharff.
Town of Lamont – Running for mayor are: Paul Desrosiers and *Jody Foulds. Running for a seat on council: Lynn Huxley, *Linda Sieker, *Colleen Holowaychuk, *Perry Koroluk, *Al Harvey, Christopher Mintenko, and Heather Rideout.
Lamont County – Division 1 candidates Gerald Thorowsky and *Daniel Warawa. Division 2 candidate *Aaron Wick acclaimed. Division 3 candidates *David Diduck and John Uganecz. Division 4 candidates *Roy Anaka, Brent Matiaszow and Tammy Pickett. Division 5 candidates Natasha Phair and *Neil Woitas.
October 20
2025
Smoky Lake County – Division 1 candidates *Dan Gawalko, Tamara Flondra and Ryan Barker. Division 2 candidates *Linda Fenerty and David Kully. Division 3 candidates Galia Alexander, Leon Boychuk-Hunter, *Dominique Cere and Greg Kukinuk. Division 4 candidates *Lorne Halisky and Terry Makowichuk. Divison 5 candidates Randy Orichowski and *Jered Serben.
Town of Tofield – Running for mayor are: Adam Hall and Darren Erickson. Running for a seat on council: *Harold Conquest, Jennifer Durrant, Clayton Roe, *Larry Tiedemann, *Brenda Chehade, Dustin Terpstra, Elaine Taylor and Samantha Giegold.
Village of Holden – Running for a seat on council: Mark Giebelhaus, *John Markel, *Tyler Beckett, Alan Ramshaw, *Shawn Cole, Tammy Lynn Hill, and Graeme Duckworth.
Village of Ryley – Running for a seat on council: *Stephanie Dennis, Cyndy Heslin, Stephanie Jackel, *Kimberly Murphy, Dale Roth and Mickey Wilson. Town of Viking – Running for a seat on council: Paul King, *Judy Acres, *Cindy Lefsrud, *James Buttner, Cole HarasynO’Neill, Dana Ewashko, and Timothy Goodison.
Beaver County – Division 1 *Kevin Smook and Nora Abercrombie. Division 2 incumbent Lionel Williams acclaimed. Division 3 *Gene Hrabec and Rick Ells. Division 4 *Barry Bruce, Ava Fried and Shawn O’Shea. Division 5 *David Pederson, Marshall Tymofichuk, and Diane Weaver.
Village of Chipman - Running for a seat on council: AUSMAN, Jennifer, GALLANT, Joseph, LANGEVIN, Morris*, LEMKY, Tammie, McNAUGHTON, Evelyn, McINTYRE, Shana*
Fall East Central Machinery Consignment Auction
Sale Starts on October 10th, 2025 -Machinery Ring Closes October 14th, 2025
Livestock Ring Closes October 15th, Miscellaneous Ring Closes October 13th, 2025
Hwy #16 & Rge Rd 185 -Online Auction -Lamont Sales Yard: (780) 208-2508
Location: Hwy #16 & Rge Rd 185 (1 Mile East of Hwy 834) -South Side of the Road
Guidance for Newcomers
Rosanne Fortier News Correspondent
People were able to find out about immigration updates and how to navigate major changes at the Newcomer Workshop Series at Vegreville Centennial Library on September 24.
The speaker was the Manager of Small Centres Actions for Healthy Communities Lisa DeGara, who has a partnership with VegMin Learning Society and Kalyna Family Resource Network to host these workshops.
DeGara explained that they host these workshops in Vegreville, because there has been a growing community of newcomers arriving in the town, and they come from all different countries in the world, with all different immigration statuses; some people arrive as permanent residents, some people come as temporary workers and students, and there are Ukrainians who come through the Canada Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel program.
DeGara went on to say that what they noticed is that small communities have been very welcoming in bringing these people in as part of their social fabric. But newcomers have needs
Hiring Class 1 Drivers
We’re hiring drivers with a Class 1 License for waste management collection and hauling services in Vegreville and area. We’re looking for hardworking, honest people who step up when it counts.
● Full-Time, Year-Round Role ● Operating a variety of fleet trucks ● Full Benefit Plans
HOW TO APPLY
Email your resume to: jen@questdisposal or indeed.com Deadline: October 10, 2025
Previous experience in office admin is required
Duties include:
- Data entry (accuracy is a must) - Working knowledge of MS Office suite or equivalent - Filing - Various additional office related duties
Apply with resume & references to: Vegreville News Advertiser Box 810
Vegreville, AB T9C 1R9
Fax: 780-632-7981
Email: hr@newsadvertiser.com We appreciate everyone’s time, but only applicants required for an interview will be contacted.
that are unique to their circumstances. These workshops are an opportunity for newcomers and providers in the community to learn about services and what supports are available.
The main learning that participants gained from the Immigration Updates workshop was on the changes made to Canada’s Immigration policy quite recently, in October and November of 2024. There were many significant changes made to our temporary resident programs. There are significant reductions to the number of international students allowed to come to Canada, as well as reductions in the number of temporary workers who can come to Canada. There are also new rules and restrictions around new temporary workers, and a change in the process for transitioning to permanent
residency. So far, fewer people can transition from temporary to permanent residency, as would have been true three or four years ago.
“So what we hope to do in these sessions is make these complex and emerging issues and changes, and put them in a context that is accessible for our newcomers to understand, and allow them to ask questions, and find the context around that information.”
The other sessions will be Pathways to Growth: Career and Learning Opportunities. This will help to support people in building their career or a career in Canada. “There are lots of reasons why language is a challenge, but so is credential recognition. How do we support people in getting those credentials recognized or building up the language skills so they can participate at that critical level?
for the Wednesday deliveries in Vegreville.
If you are interested please stop by and ll out an application at 5110-50 Street, Vegreville.
The goal is to help people understand how they can build a career in Canada with the post-secondary skills they already have, or learn about educational or career-building opportunities in Canada.
The Money Matters session is about having conversations about money.
Let’s Talk session will be a chance to give participants an opportunity to talk about things that they didn’t have a chance to ask. It will be open-ended with questions,” DeGara added.
Lisa DeGara. (Rosanne Fortier/Photo)
Attendees. (Rosanne Fortier/Photo)
Celebrating Good Customers
It has been a pri ilege to ser e on Vegre ille To n Co ncil for the past ears, b t there is more to do. No is not the me for change. That is h I'm asking for o r con n ed s pport and o r ote, on October , . M backgro nd in science helps me to be anal cal and e amine ma ers in detail. D ring an earlier campaign I stated that Vegre ille's pop la on as not gro ing, declining from a high of in to in ; and it dipped to in follo ing the clos re of the Case Processing Center. In response to s r e s, Vegre ille residents said the anted a ibrant comm nit , and more foc s on gro th, q alit of life, and recrea on. The To n needed to adopt a ne image, rebrand and mo e for ard. Co ncil and administra on has orked hard promo ng Vegre ille to the orld as “Open for b siness.” And it's orking. Vegre ille reached a ne pop la on high of in and is gro ing. That's a . % increase in the past fi e ears, ahead of man comm ni es and on par ith some larger centers.
Rosanne Fortier News Correspondent
Pot-O-Gold was bustling with shoppers at their Customer Appreciation Day on September 26.
Everyone was treated to free hot dogs, cake, a chance to win a gift basket, and a discount on their purchases.
Sales Associate Dakota Bramley explained that their customers are special because they are so generous to this community. “We wanted to show our appreciation for how much they support us as a group, and as a store itself.
Sales Associate Lana Lowe loves this celebration because she loves people and all the unique individuals who come to the store.
On how this store helps their individuals, Executive Director for VALID Lana Syms said, “Employment at the Pot O’ Gold Thrift Store empowers our individuals to live full and inclusive lives by contributing meaningfully to their community, while gaining valuable skills, confidence, and experience that support their personal and employment journeys.”Tiemquo adhuidit pulicia ecritelus spio eorur untuam tarbis
Economic Prosperit is the fo nda on for social benefits.
david.berry@telus.net
L-R: Gabriel Perepeletza, Karen Streets, and Hayley Scholze. (Rosanne Fortier/Photo)
L-R: Bernice Komarnisky and Melanie Korpan serving customers. (Rosanne Fortier/Photo)
L-R: Lana Lowe and Dakota Bramley with the prizes. (Rosanne Fortier/Photo)
VALID Celebrates Growth
VALID’s vision is to empower individuals to be valued members of the community.
These values were showcased at the Annual General Meeting on September 24 at Vegreville Legion Hall.
Board Chair Rhonda Manz reported that this past year marked their 65 years of service to their community. “Reaching this anniversary is a true testament to the vision of our founders, the commitment of our staff, the dedication of our Board, and the support of our community.
This year, the Board undertook a full review of our bylaws. We also celebrated the continued success of the Pot O Gold Thrift Store. We have nine individuals employed here.
Another highlight was achieving 100% on our Creating Excellence Together (CET) survey.
Perhaps what we are most proud of, however, is the feedback we’ve received from our employees. Our staff report high levels of job satisfaction, and a genuine sense of belonging within our organization.”
Executive Director Lana Syms shared that VALID has advanced their strategic goals over the past year. She was proud to say that 2025 has been a year of meaningful progress across all areas of their plan. The goals they have achieved were enhanced program diversification through the purchase of six additional vending machines, raised community awareness, expanded employment opportunities, placed special focus on staff recruitment and retention, continued to demonstrate commitment to responsible board management and diversity, and worked diligently to ensure the financial stability and long-term viability of their organization.
For the Recommended Slate of Officers,
Kim Weinkauf agreed to renew her term.
At the Recognition Awards Presentation, Tim Hortons was the recipient of the Outstanding Community Employment Award for their kindness and commitment to employing individuals.
Vegreville News Advertiser was awarded the VALID Board of Directors Community Inclusion Award. Syms went on to express that VNA covers so many of their community events, which creates community inclusion, knowledge, and awareness.
Dan Beaudette said they appreciate everything that VALID does for the community and the people that they serve. VNA will continue to be there for this organization as much as possible.
When Beaudette was asked to comment on how the individuals are instrumental in the success of VNA, he replied, “We have two employees from VALID at the present time. It has been around 30 years that we have been employing VALID clients for the delivery of papers. They have been very reliable.”
After that, Samantha Humphries was awarded the Staff Recognition of Excellent Award.
Connie Barratt was the recipient of the Marg Imesch Memorial Award of Employee Excellence.
Team Pot O Gold was presented with the Team Building Award of Excellence for their teamwork for the betterment of VALID.
L-R: Melanie Korpan, Janice Laschowski, Kylene Rennie, Karen Streets, Peter Skoreyko, Dakota Bramley, Doug Hopper, Lori Derenowski, Lana Lowe, Phillip Fraser. (Rosanne Fortier/Photo)
L-R: Owner of Vegreville News Advertiser, Dan Beaudette, accepting the VALID Board of Directors Community Inclusion Award with Representative from VNA Rosanne Fortier, and Executive Director for VALID Lana Syms. (Rhonda Manz/Photo)
Band Giv’R Rocks
Giv’R performs. (Rosanne Fortier/Photo)
Rosanne Fortier News Correspondent
A lively crowd of 74 whistled, cheered, and danced the night away to the energetic performance of A Night of Canadian Classic Rock featuring Rock Tribute Band Giv’R at RCL Branch No. 39 Hall on September 27.
The evening kicked off with cocktails and a scrumptious supper of chicken, meatballs, salads, and more, catered by Diane Fausak and Crew.
Laureta Blondin shared that the meal was delicious. The chicken was tender and tasty, and the salads were made with fresh fruits and vegetables.
Lead guitar player and singer Orest Zmyndak said they are based in Edmonton, and the unique thing about this group is that they are all over 70.
Bandmate Don Myles plays drums and does backup vocals, and Danny Coady is the veteran bass player and also performs vocals.
Orest grew up in Edmonton, Danny in Montreal, and Don in New Brunswick.
Orest did a lot of singing at concerts as a kid. In high school, he was paid to be a singer in bands; he didn’t play the guitar then.
Orest then retired from playing for 32 years after he got married. He decided to form this band because after his children grew up, a bandmate contacted him who Orest played with in the 70s, and asked if he wanted to start up something, and he agreed.
His favorite part about performing is that they do all Canadian music, and he loves seeing the expression on the audience’s faces as they reflect on another time and the memories this music brings back.
With the number of candidates running, it's clear that the next council will include both experienced leaders and new voices. These individuals will be the ones making decisions that shape the future of Vegreville.
I represent the future - a future homeowner, a future parent, a future volunteer. I'm not just thinking about tomorrow—I'll be living it, alongside so many others in my generation.
I believe Vegreville deserves a voice that's not only committed to the present - but invested in the future I'm running because I care deeply about Vegreville, and I believe our community deserves the most thoughtful, balanced, and representative council possible.
October 20, 2025
Growing Community in Smoky Lake
Michelle Pinon News Advertiser
An initiative aimed at addressing the critical housing shortage in the Town of Smoky Lake has met with success, so much so that it has received special recognition from the province.
The municipality recently received the 2025 Minister’s Award for Municipal and Public Library Excellence in the category of red tape reduction or service delivery enhancement in a community under 10,000 population.
Growing Our Community: Development Streamlining Initiative was the title of the plan designed to address the housing shortage and accelerate residential growth. One of the big milestones was the hiring a dedicated full time development officer. Having one point of direct contact who could personally assist applicants from start to finish helped strengthen communication and coordination, offer quicker turnaround times for approval of development permit applications.
Development Officer Pam Routhier started in that position in 2024. Routheir stated that, “By having a development officer as an employee, the application process was simplified with having one person to contact and deal with applications. Also allowed for in-person meetings, better customer service, etc. This also meant timelines were reduced for development permit approvals. Although the MGA gives 40 days to make a decision on a permit, the Development Officer for the Town typically has a notice of
Notice to Creditors and Claimants
Estate of Ronald Glenn Ewen who died on August 9, 2025.
If you have a claim against the estate, you must file your claim by October 31, 2025 with Cohoe Law 4802-49 Ave, Vegreville, AB T9C 1K9
Email: info@cohoelaw.com
Phone: 780-632-6901
Attn: Lori-Ann Cohoe, KC and provide details of your claim, either by fax or electronically.
If you do not provide these details by the date above, the estate property can lawfully be distributed without regard to any claim you may have.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND CLAIMANTS
ESTATE OF
Anna Louise Johnston, who died on June 23, 2025
If you have a claim against this estate you must file your claim by November 12, 2025 with:
Kuzyk Law Office Barrister and Solicitor Postal Drawer 929 5038-50 Avenue
Vegreville, Alberta T9C 1S1
decision within a week and issues permits within less than two weeks, for a permitted use with no variances.”
An online permit platform was also developed with positive, measurable results. Routhier noted that, “The Town sold municipally owned residential lots (18 total) in 2023 and 2024 at a reduced rate with timelines for development. Most of the lots are serviced lots, but not all.
The emphasis has been on residential growth. The residential rental rate in 2024 in Smoky Lake was 0%. In 2024 the Town was awarded the Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF) grant through the Federal government and with this initiative four years of funding specifically for housing. We are in year two of the HAF grant and will be developing a plan for using the funds going forward.”
Mayor Amy Cherniwchan said, “This award is a testament to the ongoing commitment of our Council, Administration, and community stakeholders who continuously strive to make Smoky Lake an attractive, efficient, and forward-thinking municipality.”
May 13, 2025
Notice
Law
If you do not file by the date above, the estate property can lawfully be distributed without regard to any claim you may have.
NOTICEOF ADVANCED VOTING
Notice of Voting and Requirements
13, 2025 Notice of Election and Requirements for
The Advanced Voting Station will take place on
• Friday, October 10, 2025, between the hours of 2:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
• Saturday, October 11, 2025, between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.
The Advanced Voting Station will be located at the Lamont Hall, 4844 49 Street, Lamont, Alberta
In order to vote, you must produce for inspection one or more of the acceptable forms of identification required by section 53 of the Local Authorities Election Act:
• One piece of identification issued by a Canadian government, whether federal, provincial or local, or an agency of that government, that contains a photograph of th person, for example your Alberta Driver’s license, or
• One piece of identification authorized by the Chief Electoral Officer, for example, a Utility Bill, a Bank Statement, a Property Tax Assessment, showing your full name and full current address.
L to R: Pam Routhier, Development Officer, Amy Cherniwchan, Mayor, Molly Fyten, CAO, and Carli Orichowski, Legislative Services Coordinator. (Town of Smoky Lake/Submitted Photo)
Home under construction. (Town of Smoky Lake/Submitted Photo)
Rosanne Fortier News Correspondent
An afternoon of information on activities and the board’s decisions was presented to 60 attendees during the Senior Citizens Sunshine Club of Vegreville’s Semi-Annual Meeting on September 24.
President of SCSCV Carlene Wheeler chaired the meeting.
Updates for Sunshine Club
Guest, Recreational Therapist Tricia/Trish Bodnar provided information about caregivers’ support from Caregivers, Alberta, senior programming, and caregiving resources for seniors, as well as respite care. “I would like to see a place where caregivers could bring their loved ones to a supportive environment where they can do a variety of recreational activities geared towards seniors,” Bodnar shared.
Bodnar went on to express that they also want to help caregivers find activities to keep seniors engaged in their home and help seniors navigate websites.
After this, Construction Manager for Complete Care Restoration, Terry Lehman said when they were doing the renovations on the centre, they had to shut down the place for safety reasons. After a month and a half, they had all the necessary repairs in place. “The only thing I don’t like is the curling floor. We have to address it. After your curling function, we need to reseal it.”
Mayor of Vegreville Tim MacPhee spoke on the plans for the lot that was sold south of the centre and stated that, as of now, they have no development permit pulled on that property. “The builder who wanted to build there put a down payment on the land has asked for an extension.”
MacPhee also said that housing is a big need in this town, as we now have a population of 6,200.
Wheeler went on to express their gratitude to Complete Care Restoration Services for providing funds for the free barbecue lunch at the beginning of the meeting, as well as donating time and funds when repairing the centre.
Wheeler reported that everything is back on track at their club, they would love to see more volunteers participating in their programs and events, and joining the various committees. “Please bring a friend, get them signed up to be a member. “We have a very active club, and we welcome everybody to it. There has been a tremendous
PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE OF APPLICATION
In accordance with the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act, Future Fuel Ltd. has applied to Alberta Environment and Protected Areas for an extension to the end date for the composting operations at the Hairy Hill facility. The facility has a biodigester for organics to produce natural gas, and a power plant to supply power to the Alberta grid. It currently is recycling municipal organic waste to produce compost. The amendment will allow the composting activities to continue until September 2027.
A directly affected person may provide input into certain regulatory decisions, as allowed by the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act (section 73). Specifically, any person who is directly affected by this application may submit a written statement of concern within 30 days of the date of this notice to:
Environment and Protected Areas Regulatory Assurance Section Approvals Unit 5th Floor, South Petroleum Plaza 9915 - 108 ST EDMONTON, AB T5K 2G8 Email: epa.epeaapplications@gov.ab.ca
The written statement of concern should include the following information to be assured it can be considered:
● The application number 015-241490.
● Describe concerns that are relevant to matters regulated by the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act.
● Explain how the filer of the concern will be directly affected by the activities proposed in the application.
● Provide the legal land location of the land owned or used by the filer where the concerns described are believed to be applicable
● State the distance between the land owned or used by the filer and the site in the application.
● Contact information including the full name and mailing address of the filer. Please provide a telephone number and/or email address for ease of contact.
Environment and Protected Areas will review each written statement of concern, seek more information if needed, and concerns that are relevant to the application and for which the Director has delegated authority to address in the decision on the application, will be considered in the technical review of the application. The Public Notice of this application will also be posted on the Department's website at https://avw.alberta.ca/PublicNoticesViewer.aspx.
Statements of concern submitted regarding this application are public records which are accessible by the public and the applicant. Failure to file a statement of concern may affect the right to file a Notice of Appeal with the Environmental Appeals Board.
Copies of the application and additional information can be obtained from:
Future Fuel Ltd.
Attention: Anna
amount of work done on this building, but you can’t see it, as it is between the ceiling and the rooftop. Over the summer, many volunteers and members of the club came in to devote their time to cleaning up and making sure everything was running right, even when our building was shut down.”
Attendees were then informed of the past and upcoming projects, bylaws, and activities completed and planned by the various committees.
One notable change is that they hired a custodian who comes in twice a week. There will be a Senior Savour Series starting on October 1, which is a program where seniors can come in to cook and connect.
Voting will take place on the 9th day of October, 2025 between the hours of 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Dated at the Town of Two Hills, in the Province of Alberta, this 29th day of September, 2025.
NOTICE OF ELECTION
Attendees enjoying the lunch. (Rosanne Fortier/Photo)
Alberta Crop Report
Crop conditions as of September 23, 2025
Government of Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation Harvest across the province continued to advance this past week, with isolated showers in many areas having minimal impact on field operations. Warm and dry conditions remained, allowing producers to make substantial progress and bringing the provincial harvest of major crops to 77 per cent complete. This represents an 18 per cent increase over the
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previous week, positioning the current pace well ahead of the 5-year average of 68 per cent and the 10-year average of 54 per cent. Harvest progress for all crops varies by region, with the South leading at 84 per cent, followed by the North West at 80 per cent, the Peace region at 78 per cent, the North East at 77 per cent and the Central region at 72 per cent (see Table 1). With the harvest now in its advanced phase, producers note the importance of receiving significant precipitation to restore soil moisture reserves for the next growing season before the ground begins to freeze.
Harvest of winter wheat, fall rye, dry peas, and lentil crops are now virtually complete, while 92 per cent of durum crops has been harvested. Most other spring-seeded cereals are nearing completion, with 89 per cent of spring wheat, 87 per cent of barley, and 82 per cent of oats now in the bin. Chickpea combining is advancing at a modest pace with 71 per cent harvested. For oilseed crops, mustard leads with 85 per cent harvested and producers continue to focus on the canola harvest which is 56 per cent complete. Flax harvest is notably behind average, with progress currently at 35 per cent.
Tranquility
The tranquil setting of Wapasu Lake, located just a few kilometres east of the Village of Innisfree. Even though the calendar marked the beginning of autumn on Sept. 22, beautiful summer-like weather continues for feathered friends and visitors to this natural gem.
(Michelle Pinon/Photo)
Books for Everyone
Rosanne Fortier News Correspondent
The gymnasium at Vegreville Centennial Library was jam-packed with tables full of books, puzzles, and even a section with CDs and DVDs when the Town of Vegreville Library Board hosted the Second Annual Book Sale on September 27.
This was a fundraiser for VCL.
Acting Chair Crystal Ralph said they raised around $1,300. These funds will be used to revamp the children’s area. The goal is to get moving shelves, so they
can have more programs there, as the area is quite congested now. Also, it is incredibly hard for the staff to shelf the books because they are on ground level. “It was so nice to see so many people from the community coming out to support the library, and it was great to see the expression on people’s faces when they found a rare book.”
Volunteers from L-R: Andre Bilodeau, Andrea Bilodeau, Crystal Ralph, Jessica Melsted. (Rosanne Fortier/Photo)
Shoppers search through many books. (Rosanne Fortier/Photo)
(Rosanne Fortier/Photo)
Vegreville Vipers Junior Hockey Team Folds
Michelle Pinon News Advertiser
Mere days after the Vegreville Vipers first exhibition home game against the Lac La Biche Islanders the Alberta Elite Junior Hockey League (AEJHL) officially announced that the team would be folding immediately.
In a press release, dated Sept. 25, it stated, “While this marks the end of the team’s chapter in Vegreville, it also signals an exciting new beginning for its talented roster of players.
All Vipers players have been successfully offered contracts to other AEJHL teams, ensuring that each athlete will continue to develop in the player-focused environment that they’ve come to thrive in. The team’s players will be back in action as early as this weekend, representing their new teams across the league.”
Vegreville Mayor Tim MacPhee was able to shed some light on team’s departure during a Sept. 30 telephone interview. MacPhee stated, “They asked us to supply them with an ice user contract to fire the Vipers back up again in a new league and we certainly agreed to it. We were looking forward to renting all that dead ice during the morning and early afternoon when no one is using it.
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They were asked to pay per month upfront and so they paid for September, and then they informed us that they couldn’t get enough players to put a team together and that they would be stepping back.”
MacPhee added, “We had no idea they were not going to be able to form a team. As a town our responsibility is to find ice users to keep the costs for everybody down that uses that facility. It’s a brand new league. It’s said they couldn’t make a go of it here in Vegreville. We’re sad for them, but we’re sad for all the other ice users too, because they were keeping the costs down for everybody else.”
Filling those time slots will be challenging, admitted MacPhee, but that is what the parks and recreation department has been tasked with. MacPhee said the town would be losing about $35,000 in revenue and that typically the team would have purchased gym passes for the players to work out.
Dan Tabak explained the situation, stating, “So, unfortunately, as we started with the team (middle of August) trying to recruit players by the time of last Wednesday we were only able to recruit four players. We were able to play that Sunday as an exhibition game with the majority of all but five players were from the Lloydminster JPHL (Junior Prospects Hockey League) team, who we were affiliating with. They were kind of filling our roster as we were trying to recruit and promote more players.
Wednesday we got notification from the Lloydminster team, that effective immediately they weren’t going to be able to provide those affiliated players, they may be able to do one or two players in the future once we had a full roster.
But in saying all that, games starting two days later, Friday. With only four players registered within the team, there was no way that we would be able to register and be able to play games. “As we folded the team we had confirmed that all of our contracts within Vegreville had been filled. The rink had been paid in full. We had sponsorships within Vegreville, and effective immediately, we are refunding them. We have talked to the four sponsorships and have been refunded or will be refunded in the next day. As we’re making arrangements with…We will be working with those families as well to try to assist them and get them refunds, but again, that is going to take a little bit of time.”
Tabak was asked if he would like to say anything to fans and community members, he responded, “We are devastated ourselves, in that we weren’t able to ice the team. We were very much looking forward to it. We felt the momentum and the support that we had within the community was phenomenal, and we thanked them for that support. We truly feel sorry for not being able to bring that hockey experience to Vegreville within the Alberta Elite Junior Hockey League. In saying that, we do also want to wish the Rangers, the Junior B team the best of luck and success this year, as there will still be viable hockey here in Vegreville.”
(News Advertiser/File Photo)
Showcasing the Local Legion
Rosanne
Fortier News Correspondent
To observe the Third Annual National Legion Week from September 21 to 27, as set up and sponsored by the Dominion Command, Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 39, offered an Open House on September 27.
This was to have attendees tour the branch, show people around, have a chance to enjoy good company, and learn about some of the history of the branch.
RCL Branch No. 39 has been around for 99 years. Executive member Ellen Essery, said they have over 200 members now. Anyone 18 years of age can be a member. They do not have to be a veteran or a family member of a veteran. They hosted the open house so people could see how they honour past and present veterans. “We have a lot of memorabilia. If they have any questions, hopefully we can answer them. If we can’t, we will find somebody who can.
Also, we are hoping to recruit new members.
New to the branch in the last couple of years, we have new floors, a paint job, tables, and chairs. We try to bring things up to the 21st Century.
We also have included some interesting successful community events which include live entertainment, dance, and supper,” Essery said.
Past President Diane Fausak explained that one of the unique aspects of their branch is that they have the Lac Bellevue Legion Campground near St. Paul, where local Legion members, plus those from other branches, have a nice getaway where they can bring their trailers and camp out, and they recently built a recreation center there that the public can use.
Executive member Ellen Essery. (Rosanne Fortier/Photo)
L-R: Executive member Ben Brachmann with Poppy Chair and Executive member Heather Short. (Rosanne Fortier/Photo)
Photo display of veterans. (Rosanne Fortier/Photo) Displays. (Rosanne Fortier/Photo)
Tributes
In
Marietta Julia
September 8, 1956 - October 5, 2015
Gone, dear wife, gone forever,
How we miss your smiling face,
But you left us to remember
None on earth can take your place.
Remember her with a smile today
She was not one for tears
Reflect instead on memories
Of all the happy years
Loved, remembered, longed for always
Bringing many a silent tear.
Always Loved, Jim & Family
Ken Kitlarchuk
August 3 1954 - September 26 2023
Let us gather round beneath the sky so wide,
To celebrate the life of the farmer who stood by our side,
A master of the earth, with hands so strong,
Who nourished the land, all life long.
In sunlit fields, we’ll dance and play, Remembering the love that still holds sway,
The seeds you’ve sown, in hearts and land,
Grow and flourish, a legacy so grand.
A harvest of memories, we shall reap,
The laughter, the love, forever to keep.
A farmers life, a testament of grace,
Your memory lives on, in this sacred place.
Miss and love you always, Your family
STAFFORD, Darlene
February 5, 1939 - October 1, 2016
In loving memory of our mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.
Our family circle has been broken, A link gone from our chain; But though we’re parted for a while, We know we’ll meet again. Some day, we know not when, We shall meet in a better land And never part again.
We shall meet with many a loved one
That was torn from our embrace, We shall listen to their voices, And behold them face to face.
Sunshine passes, shadows fall, Love’s remembrance outlasts all. Forever loved and deeply missed
Lori Dea and Darcy, Lorne and Lori, Todd and Mayumi and families.
Bezovie, Justin
1980 – 1997
In loving memory of our dear son, brother, and uncle who passed away October 1, 1997.
Softly the leaves of memory fall,
Gently we gather and treasure them all.
Unseen, unheard, you are always near.
So loved, so missed, so very dear.
There will always be heartache and often a silent tear.
But always precious memories of days when you were here.
We hold you close within our hearts. And there you will remain
To walk with us throughout our lives.
Until we meet again.
When evening shades are falling
And we sit quietly alone.
To our hearts there comes a longing
We wish you could come home
Friends may think we have forgotten
When at times they see us smile
But little do they know the heartache
Our smiles hide all the while,
Today, tomorrow, our whole life through,
We will always love and remember you.
Sadly missed, and always remembered.
Love Dad, Mom, Jamie, Remi, Bailey, Declan and Jocelyn
HUNKA, Elsie
July 2, 1931 – September 28, 2025
We are heartbroken to announce the passing of Elsie Hunka of Mundare, Alberta formerly of Vegreville and Norma on Sunday, September 28, 2025 at the age of 94 years.
Elsie is survived by one son Barry; one daughter
Darlene (Bill) Schmidt; three grandchildren Haley Hunka, Leah (Alejandro) Torres Polo and Alex (Jill) Schmidt; three great-grandchildren Grace, Theo and Gavin Schmidt; sister-in-law Annie Zaharichuk. Elsie was predeceased by her husband Orest; parents John and Alexandra Holynski; brother Billy; sister Mary (John) Orleski and brother Metro (Diane) Holynski.
A Funeral Service will be held on Monday, October 6, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at Autumn Rose Funeral Home (5036 51 Ave) in Vegreville, Alberta with Fr. Benny Ambrosie officiating. Interment to follow in Riverside Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to “Covenant Health Foundation – Mary Immaculate Care Centre – Mundare, Alberta.”
To send condolences please visit www.autumnrosefuneralhome.com
AUTUMN ROSE FUNERAL HOME LTD. Vegreville, Alberta 780-603-5800
MALOWANY, Rev. Boniface Theodore Axentius, OSBM
Rev. Boniface Theodore Axentius Malowany, OSBM died peacefully at Youville Home in St. Albert, AB on Saturday, September 20, 2025. Born Theodore Axentius Malowany, on February 21, 1935 in Star, AB to Harry and Mary (née Rohatynsky) Malowany, Fr. Boniface entered the Basilian Novitiate in Mundare, AB on March 16, 1952 and made his Solemn Profession of Vows in the Basilian Order of St. Josaphat on September 30, 1956. He was ordained to the priesthood on June 29, 1960 by Bishop Ivan Buchko in Rome, Italy. Fr. Boniface lived most of his active priestly life in the Order’s Monastery in Weston, ON. He was a teacher for many years at St. Basil-the-Great College School where he taught classes in Latin, science and music. Fr. Boniface also served the Canadian Province of the Basilian Order of St. Josaphat as Provincial Consultor (1970-73), and for several years as either the local Superior or Econom of the St. Gregory of Nyssa monastery in Weston, ON.
Fr. Boniface had a love for choral music, both liturgical and classical, and was, himself, a talented musician, arranger, and choir director, having directed the parish choirs of Dormition of the Mother of God in Mississauga, St. Nicholas in Toronto, and St. Demetrius in Etobicoke. He was a mentor and inspiration to many church choir directors across Canada. Because of his extensive knowledge of liturgical music, Fr. Boniface was asked by the Order’s General Superior, Fr. Isidore Patrylo, OSBM, to work on the musical notations that were to be included in the forthcoming publication of the Ukrainian Molytvoslov (1992)—a prayerbook that continues to serve as the standard book of monastic prayers of the Ukrainian Greek-Catholic Church throughout the world.
Fr. Boniface is survived by his siblings, Ann (Fred) Meyer of Kansas, USA, Emily (Lawrence) Skubleny of Lamont, AB, Peter Malowany of Chipman, AB and Richard (Joanie) Malowany of Star, AB along with their respective families; as well as the members of the Basilian Monastic Order. He was predeceased by his parents, Harry and Mary (née Rohatynsky) Malowany.
Monastic Parastas was celebrated on Sunday, September 28, 2025, at 7 p.m. at Sts. Peter and Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church in Mundare. The Funeral Divine Liturgy was celebrated on Monday, September 29, 2025, at 10 a.m., also at Sts. Peter and Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church. Interment followed in the Basilian Order’s section of Sts. Peter and Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church Cemetery. To view a recording of the services, please visit www.parkmemorial.com and select “Webcasting” from Fr. Boniface’s Book of Memories.
Donations in memory of Fr. Boniface Malowany, OSBM may be made to the Education of Basilian Priests Fund, c/o Basilian Fathers, 737 Bannerman Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, R2X 1J9. God grant Fr. Boniface eternal rest and entrance into the eternal happiness where all the saints repose!
Photos, memories, and condolences may be shared through www.parkmemorial.com. Park Memorial Vegreville 780-632-2000 Family-Owned Funeral Home And Crematorium
LeBrocq, Howard Keith
November 13, 1958 – September 19, 2025
Howard Keith LeBrocq (Howie) of Vegreville, Alberta passed away peacefully at the age of 66 years with his loving family at his side.
Howie lived a life of faith, love and dedication to his family. Howie was a qualified social worker who put his skill set to use in his daily life. He will be remembered by his love for the Lord. Howie had an amazing sense of humor that lives on through his family. He will also be remembered by his forgiving nature.
Howie is survived by his loving wife, Jocelyn; his babies Jodi (Lawrence), Buffy (James), Derrick, and Katie (Gonzalo); his grandchildren Neysa and Hailey (Jordan); great-grandchildren Nevaeh; and the apple of his eye Sebastian; brother Jim; sister Brenda Jean (Gordon); and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his mother Mary Jean; father Arthur; siblings Arthur Jr. (Sonny), Dorothy, Charles and Ernie. A Memorial Service was held on Thursday, September 25, 2025 at Autumn Rose Funeral Home with Fr. Darryl Crocker officiating. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the “Alberta Cancer Foundation.”
The family extends their heartfelt thank you to Dr. Strydom and the staff at St. Joseph’s General Hospital for their compassionate care. Howie will be deeply missed by his family and forever remembered. To send condolences please visit www.autumnrosefuneralhome.com
AUTUMN ROSE FUNERAL HOME LTD. Vegreville 780-603-5800
MAYOWSKI, Evelyn
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Evelyn Mayowski on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, at the age of 84 years.
Evelyn is survived by her children, Dwayne (Tracy), Glenn (Debbie), Melvin (Jaqueline) and Kevin; grandchildren, Jennifer, Brandy, Sarah, Cody, Chrissy, Chelsea, Courtney, Jesse, Justina, Danielle, Brandon, Melanee, Brooklyn and Matthew; many beautiful greatgrandchildren; sisters, Pauline Orlando and Helen Tymchuk; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended relatives and friends
She was predeceased by her husband, Victor; and parents, John and Mary.
Evelyn raised four boys with strong hands and a stronger heart, living and labouring on the farm she called home.
A private family funeral will be held. Photos, memories, and condolences may be shared through www.parkmemorial.com. Park Memorial Lamont 780-895-2157
Family-Owned Funeral Home And Crematorium
KOWAL
Loving Memory
Providing Food for a Strong Start
Rosanne Fortier News Correspondent Community Association for Lasting Success (CALS) Breakfast Club was brought into focus in 1998, when a survey of local elementary school staff revealed that about 15% of children were coming to school without having breakfast. Executive Director for CALS Jennifer Dixon explained that the program started because when children arrive at school hungry, it’s more than just empty stomachs they carry into the classroom. Hunger can make it difficult to concentrate, affect behavior, and stand in the way of learning. “In response, CALS launched a pilot snack program. The effort was an immediate success, and from that beginning, the CALS Breakfast Club was born.”
Dixon went on to state that today, they provide a mid-morning snack to more than 600 children across A.L. Horton
Crazy Laws
Rhode Island
Rope can only be strung across a highway
of 14 ft
Flett
Elementary School, St. Martin’s Catholic School, and Vegreville Next Step Outreach. Offered three days a week at no cost to families, the program has become a cornerstone of support in the community.
The Breakfast Club’s goals are simple but powerful: reduce hunger as a barrier to learning, improve classroom readiness, model healthy eating habits, and encourage children to try new foods. It is designed to be universal, ensuring no child feels singled out, and it takes special care to accommodate allergies and dietary restrictions.
Jennifer expressed that local volunteers are the backbone of the initiative. Over 50 dedicated community members prepare snacks, while the Vegreville Association for Living in Dignity
(VALID) helps deliver them to schools. Together, they make sure students have access to nutritious food in a way that feels seamless and welcoming.
“But as the need grows, so do the costs. Rising food prices mean it takes more resources than ever to keep the program running. With more children arriving at school hungry, for many, the CALS Breakfast Club provides the first real opportunity of the day to fuel their bodies and minds.
What makes the program unique is that it is entirely supported by the community. Funded 100% through donations and corporate grants, the program is sustained by the generosity of individuals and businesses who believe in giving children a strong start. Each fall, the organization hosts its annual fundraising drive to ensure the program continues.
For nearly three decades, the CALS Breakfast Club has stood as a quiet but powerful example of what a community can do when it comes together. Meeting one of the most basic needs, food, helps open the door for children to thrive, learn, and grow,” Dixon added.
Happy volunteers. (CALS/Submitted Photo)
Seasonal Learning
Participants engage in so many learning experiences. (Rosanne Fortier/Photos)
Rosanne Fortier News Correspondent
Children seemed to be thrilled to participate in the activities and explore the toys and play equipment at the Stay and Play program at Kalyna Family Resource Network on September 26.
Spoke Programmer Cheryl Sorensen said the theme was fall. The craft that the children made was a leaf mask. “The children had a chance to use scissors and markers, which helps to develop their fine motor skills, imagination, and creativity.”
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lific and poignant documentary photographers—a chronicler of lives lived on the edges of cities, of abandoned churches, and of stories left behind.
Among the thousands of photographs Semchishen took, a small but historic set stands out: those captured during Queen Elizabeth II’s 1978 visit to Alberta. The tour, meant to celebrate
1978 Royal Tour - CONTINUED from Front PAGE
want something to engage our visitors.”
the Commonwealth Games in Edmonton, took the Queen across the province by train, stopping in communities such as Peace River, St. Paul, Lamont, Chipman, and Mundare. These images of the royal visit—shot in Vegreville—offer a rare glimpse of ceremony and spectacle colliding with small-town prairie life. In these frames, we see more than the Crown’s presence—we see the people who gathered, the settings they stood in, and the Alberta that met the Queen.”
The exhibit which opened this summer, is aptly titled, Orest Semchishen: A Presence of Prairie. Basilian Fathers Museum Curator Karen Lemiski explained that Zeleny had purchased the collection of Semchishen’s photos from the Royal tour in a public auction in 2024, and he asked Lemiski if she’d be interested in displaying them in the museum. Her reaction to the offer was “absolutely” as “they are important to be in this area and with them going for auction they could have gone anywhere…If they had ended up in a private collection, they would have been lost whereas we had people coming this summer that recognized people, that commented or remembered being there.
As a museum that’s what we want. We
The collection includes 25 photographs. Complimenting the photographs are artifacts in three side showcases. Lemiski noted, “The commemorative china pieces (on loan from a private collection), and event programs and Canadian Pacific poster (from the museum’s archives) were from previous royal visits to Canada. The third showcase had military items, marking the 80th anniversary of VE day.”
The exhibition statement also included these sentiments: “In showing Semchishen’s work we celebrate not only his artistic contributions but the land and people who shaped his eye. The exhibition’s reappearance is a poignant reminder of the fragility of cultural memory and the importance of preserving visual histories. His photographs are not only a record—they are a reckoning.
The Basilian Fathers Museum expressed gratitude to Kyler Zeleny for the generous loaning of this collection.”
According to Zeleny’s biographical information, “he holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of Alberta, a master’s in Photography and Urban Cultures from Goldsmiths, University of London, and a PhD from the joint Communication & Culture program at Toronto Metropolitan University and York University. His work has been exhibited internationally in twelve countries and featured in numerous publications, including The Globe and Mail, The Guardian, The Washington Post, VICE, Maclean’s, and The Independent. He now lives a prairie-based life.”
needs.
Photograph from the 1978 Royal visit taken by Orest Semchishen currently on display at the Basilian Fathers Museum in Mundare. (Michelle Pinon/Photo)
Visitor viewing photograph on display. (Michelle Pinon/Photo) (Michelle Pinon/Photo)
Items on display. (Michelle Pinon/Photo)
