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Lorna Hamilton
Reporter
More than 150 teddy bears are heading into the hands of local first responders, thanks to a donation from McFrugal’s aimed at bringing comfort to children during some of their most difficult moments.
On January 26, Town of Vermilion Fire Chief Anton Krys met with McFrugal’s staff at the store’s new Lakeland Mall location to accept the donation. The teddy bears will be distributed among emergency services serving the Town and County of Vermilion, including Victim Services, the RCMP, Sheriffs, ambulance services and fire departments.
“We use the teddy bears to help calm and distract young children during emergency situations,” said Krys. “We would like to thank McFrugal’s for this kind and thoughtful donation.”
McFrugal’s manager Angela Yarmuch said the decision to donate to emergency services was an easy one, knowing how often first responders encounter children during stressful and traumatic events.
“I know that they give out bears to
help children during these very stressful times, and I wanted to support them in that,” said Yarmuch. “It’s very important to do anything we can to help children through these difficult moments.”
The donation was part of a broader initiative by McFrugal’s after the company acquired thousands of teddy bears. The company encouraged each store to donate the bears to a cause of their choice, ranging from first responders and hospitals to women’s resource centres and community gift drives.
Dean a representative for McFrugal’s noted that Yarmuch has fully embraced her role as a first-time store manager and has taken initiative within the community since opening the Vermilion location. He added that he is looking forward to seeing what she brings to the store’s upcoming grand opening.
For local emergency services, the bears represent more than a simple gift. They are a small but meaningful tool that helps ease fear and provide reassurance to children when they need it most.

Lorna Hamilton Reporter
On February 2, representatives from the Town of Vermilion and the Vermilion Chamber of Commerce gathered at 4545 46 Avenue to mark the opening of 100% Welding with a ribbon cutting and plaque presentation alongside owner Vincent Pilon.
welding and repairs, as well as sandblasting and painting.
Pilon described the company as a one-stop shop that can handle projects from start to finish, whether the work is needed in the field or in the shop, and said he is excited about what the expansion means for the business moving forward.

Sonya Lee Reporter
In the heart of the local arts scene, Artisans Cornerstone Collective is redefining what it means to create, collaborate, and connect. The collective is a thoughtfully curated community of artists, each bringing their own discipline, story, and vision into a unified creative space that celebrates craftsmanship and meaningful expression. Designed to foster both artistic excellence and genuine connection, Artisans Cornerstone Collective brings together local makers working across pottery, silversmithing, photography, mixed media, fine art, and custom framing. Within its walls, creativity is encouraged and cultivated. The collective offers artists the opportunity to create, exhibit, and collaborate while inviting the community into an environment where art is experienced as both process and story.

At the foundation of the collective is founder Heather Millan, a multidisciplinary artist whose work bridges tradition and experimentation. With over a decade of experience in pottery and mixed media, Heather’s creative practice is rooted in wheel-thrown ceramics, hand-built forms, silversmithing, and watercolor exploration. Her journey with clay began in 2010 and has evolved through years of study, teaching, and professional leadership within the arts community.
Since 2018, Heather has shared her knowledge as a pottery instructor, mentoring artists at every stage of their creative paths. Her experience as the former owner of Upper Level Pottery and Art Gallery, Underground Gallery, and Gifts has shaped her vision for a space that balances artistic integrity with sustainable creative enterprise. In 2025, she expanded her practice through formal silversmith -


ing studies at Red Deer College, further enriching the material language of her work. In January 2026, Heather brought her vision to life with the founding of Artisans Cornerstone Collective. This space is intentionally designed to elevate both artists and the community.
Within the collective, photographer and mixed media artist Tracey Garvey offers a dynamic exploration of image and texture. Originally from Cambridge, Ontario and now based in Vermilion, Garvey’s artistic foundation lies in professional photography, refined through formal training at Conestoga College. After relocating to Alberta, she expanded her practice into mixed media, blending photography with poured acrylics, watercolours, inks, encaustics, and layered materials.
Her work often incorporates recycled elements such as book pages, sheet music, fabrics, and found objects. Garvey

enjoys transforming everyday materials into richly textured compositions. Since 2016, Tracey has embraced abstraction as a means of emotional and visual expression, drawing inspiration from the landscapes and rhythms of the natural world. Her pieces invite viewers to look beyond surface imagery and into the interplay of memory, movement, and material.
Cindy Hines brings a deeply personal and heritage-driven perspective to the collective through her custom framing and design work. A wife, mother of four, and proud Nana, Hine’s creative philosophy is shaped by family, tradition, and the passage of time. Together with her husband Brad, she is part of a multi-generational farming family, an experience that has instilled in her a profound appreciation for resilience, storytelling, and the preservation of meaningful moments.
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What began as a personal passion for crafting and scrapbook-style displays evolved into Picture This & That Custom Framing. Today, Hines creates bespoke framing and shadow box designs that honour life’s milestones, heirlooms, and artistic works. Her approach is both technical and emotional, transforming memories into curated visual narratives. Through her work, she not only frames art but safeguards our stories.
Mixed media and glass artist Joan Blamire adds a powerful narrative of resilience and fearless creativity to the collective. Born and raised in Calgary and now based in Vermilion, Blamire began her artistic journey over 30 years ago under the mentorship of a stained glass artist in Mannville, Alberta. Her early work in copper foil and three-dimensional glass evolved into an expansive mixed media practice.
Blamire has pursued ongoing artistic education through SAIT and Red Deer College, continually refining her voice

and technique. After losing her home and studio in a fire nine years ago, she rebuilt both her physical space and her creative identity. Her work is guided by a philosophy of fearless expression and an invitation to embrace vulnerability, experimentation, and renewal. Through her art, Blamire offers not only visual beauty but also a testament to the transformative power of creativity. Together, the artists of Artisans Cornerstone Collective form a carefully curated ecosystem of talent, experience, and perspective. Each artist contributes a distinct medium and story, yet all are united by a shared commitment to craftsmanship, authenticity, and
community.
As the collective continues to grow, it stands as an evolving space where local artistry is elevated, collaboration is intentional, and creativity is experienced not as





an isolated act, but as a collective force. For the community, Artisans Cornerstone Collective offers a place where stories are preserved, voices are amplified, and creativity finds a home.









Craig Baird Columnist
Way back in 1910, Vermilion was about five years old and quickly growing. All around the area, people were taking up homesteads to capitalize on the fantastic land.
To help get people settled in the area, various syndicates were formed. These companies provided people with guidance to build their homesteads. They sold the goods that were needed, directed the settlers to where they needed to go and helped with all

Doreen Flewell Klatt Columnist
I laced up a pair of skates at a very young age and always enjoyed skating. I especially loved skating on our slough or even on the river when I was young with our neighbours. We cleared a lot of ice in those days. In school Phys.Ed. we had skating at our local arena. I never did play hockey but eight of my brothers and sisters took to the ice, learning the game’s language through swift passes, slap shots, the odd fight and the relentless pursuit of victory. Sometimes I tagged along and cheered them on. The passion for hockey didn’t stop with my brothers and sisters and if there’s a position with a special kind of magic, it’s the goalie. My husband guarded the crease for years, facing slap shots and breakaways and devel -
the organizing.
In January 1910, it was announced that the Belgian Land Syndicate that controlled 50,000 acres of land in the area, had sold their holdings to several English capitalists.
The plan for the capitalists was to create a colony of experienced English and Scottish farmers on the land.
It was not hard to see why the Vermilion area was proving to be so popular at the time.
Since Americans had been buying up the land in southern Alberta, there was a greater demand for the land in
central Alberta. Hundreds of settlers were pouring into the area and Vermilion was a popular stopping point.
The Vancouver Province wrote about the community,
“The town of Vermilion, which bids fair to become a thriving city at no distant date, is the marketing centre of this famous district. The growth of towns in the west the next few years will astonish the pessimist who will look back and say I did not think they would amount to anything.”
Many expected that Vermilion would become a great railroad centre. Just in the past few years, it had grown at
oping a goalie’s unique blend of courage and composure. He and his teammates have many stories. Our son inherited that same dedication, standing tall between the pipes, and now he and my two grandsons proudly take their turn in net ready to be the last line of defence. There is something almost poetic about watching the next generations don the same gear and take interest in a long tradition. My daughter, meanwhile, found her place off the ice but still at the heart of the action as a hockey team manager for a U-15 team. She coordinates schedules, attempts to keep everyone organized, and ensures the games run smoothly. It’s a role that demands patience and attention to details.
Did you ever try to watch a hockey game and feel like everyone’s speaking a secret language? Yes, they have their own lingo. Before I learned the essentials, hockey talk sounded more confusing than trying to skate in flip-flops. Every-
Sonya Lee Reporter
On January 30th, the Vermilion Jr. B Tigers welcomed the Killam Wheat Kings to home ice, and from the opening faceoff, it was clear the Tigers were in control. Vermilion came out flying, dominating right out of the gate and setting the tone early. Strong skating, smart puck movement, and a committed team effort allowed the Tigers to control the pace of play for the majority of the game. The Wheat Kings struggled to find room as Vermilion applied consistent pressure through all three zones.
Playing as a complete unit, the Tigers
limited time and space, shutting down any chance for Killam to gain momentum. Their defensive structure was solid, forcing turnovers and quickly transitioning the puck up ice. Offensively, Vermilion capitalized on its opportunities, maintaining pressure and keeping the Wheat Kings on its heels.
The Tigers’ cohesive play and relentless work ethic paid off, as they secured a well-earned victory of 5-2 in front of the home crowd. Alex Hill was the College Park Motors Player of the Game.It was a full-team performance that showcased Vermilion’s speed, discipline, and commitment to playing the game the right way.
one can pick out the “referee”. He’s the brave soul dodging flying pucks and angry players while enforcing the rules. The “linesmen” are like referees, but less likely to get yelled at for calling a penalty. I learned that “off-side” was the art of arriving at the party before the puck, “icing” was shooting the puck really hard and far down the ice causing players to grumble as they go back to where they started, “face-off” when two players come face to face waiting for the official to drop the puck; winner gets the puck. A “goal” is the reason everybody came, and the “assist” is the person who does all the work so another person can score, “shoot-out” is where the players face off with the goalie one-on-one. There are many more words like blue line, high sticking, boarding, tripping, elbowing, cross-checking, goalie interference, slapshot, backhand, wrist shot, forecheck, backcheck, bench minor, power play, puck handling, and slashing. There is a “soundscape” to hockey
an exponential rate, and also built a $40,000 public school.
It was clear why the British capitalists had bought up that land and were encouraging people to move to the area to begin their homestead.
Many of those British and Scottish settlers became important parts of the local community, helping Vermilion grow in the coming decades.
Contact Craig at craig@canadaehx. com Support Craig by donating at www. canadaehx.com (Click Donate)
Listen to his podcast Canadian History Ehx on all podcast platforms.
too; the sound of pucks sliding across fresh ice. The sound of skates gliding methodically and their sudden “hockey” stops create a dramatic high-pitched scrape with a shower of ice chips. Throughout the game, you can hear the crisp tapping of sticks on the ice as players signal for a pass, orchestrate a play, or alert teammates to their presence. Sometimes they shout and it echo’s across the rink, cutting through the background noise. Coaches are heard directing changes, and hockey fans are experts at yelling advice from the stands. Then there’s the cheering section, and that’s my only offering. I can’t give advice, but I can sure cheer. Hockey is our national winter sport, and in my family, it’s a tradition, a competitive sport, and a source of endless stories. And so, while I may never have scored a goal myself, I have cheered and played my own important part in Canada’s great game.













Sonya Lee Reporter







The library is proud to host the Fibre Art Network (FAN) exhibit “The Narrow Works!” until the end of March. This unique and stunning collection features thoughtfully crafted fibre artworks by talented artists from across Western Canada, offering visitors the opportunity to experience fibre as a contemporary and expressive art form.
“The Narrow Works!” explores how elongated and small-scale formats can influence the way artwork is experienced. Narrow shapes naturally guide the viewer’s eye through each piece, allowing stories and ideas to unfold with a sense of intimacy and quiet drama. These uncon-

ventional formats challenge traditional artistic norms and invite closer viewing, while smaller works reveal their own distinct charm and allure through detail, texture, and intention.
The Fibre Art Network (FAN) is a cooperative of Western Canadian artists dedicated to promoting fibre as an art form and supporting one another as artists. Established in 1998, FAN includes emerging and established fibre artists, educators, authors, and judges. Many members have received national and international recognition for their work. Since its founding, FAN has created 33 exhibitions, which have been shown at 105 venues across Canada and nine international venues.

Sonya Lee Reporter
On Thursday, January 29, commu nity members gathered for an engag ing Warhammer and Mini Figure Paint ing workshop designed to introduce beginners to the world of tabletop gaming and miniature art. The after noon event welcomed participants of all ages and experience levels, offer ing a hands-on opportunity to explore a creative hobby in a relaxed and supportive setting.
Led by Caleb, an experienced Warhammer enthusiast, the workshop provided an accessible introduction to the Warhammer universe, includ ing its lore, gameplay, and the artis tic process behind miniature figures.

Dear Premiere Danielle Smith, I have lost track of how many times this government has meddled with the Health Care system. Regions changed; hospitals closed; boards changed; boards fired; CEOs changed; CEOs fired; AHS dismantled…the list goes on. This critically important facet of our society is being treated like a Lego set–something you can break apart and
July 29, 1958 to Feb 5, 1995

by,

The family of Ernest “Bud” Bauer would like to extend our sincere thanks to everyone who called text or visited. As well as sent food, flowers, cards, and donations they were all gratefully appreciated. We would like to thank the team at Reflections Funeral Home and Cremations for the guidance and support.

Thank you to Matt Gosse for preparing and reading Bud’s Eulogy.
Thank you to Something Sweet for the lovely lunch after the service.
Thank you,
Sandra, Gary, Darrell, and Carol and families

challenges he faced.
Willy always found a way to bring a smile to your face and light up the room with his energetic positivity! He lived his life with his heart on his sleeve and always cared for others, often sacrificing to help his friends and roommates. He was large in stature and in life. A more loyal, devoted friend could not be found. He leaves behind an enormous hole in our hearts, a loss that was sudden and unimaginable. William is mourned by his mother, Mercedes Rooyakkers (Michael Rooyakkers), his father, John Kozak (Barb Petryshen-Kozak), his siblings, Michaela Kozak (Zackary Bay), Oksana Petryshen-Kozak, Alexandria Misik, Cooper Misik, Tristan Petryshen-Kozak, Damian Petryshen-Kozak, and Asher Petryshen-Kozak.

The only solace that can be found is knowing he is reunited with his grandpa, Peter Orr, and other relatives who have lovingly welcomed him home










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Jessica Flanders, general leader for the Vermilion 4-H Light Horse Club and assistant leader for the Vermilion 4-H Sheep Club, applied for the grants on behalf of both clubs in October and was excited to learn they had been selected to receive funding.
“For the horse club, we will use the funds for our Achievement Day, or Demo Day, as we like to include an educational program for members during those events,” said Flanders. “For the sheep club, we have a fundraising barbecue in June during the car show, so some of the funds will be used to purchase items like burgers and hot dogs. We will also look at purchasing hand shears.”
4-H Canada has been a cornerstone of youth development in the





country for more than 100 years. The organization currently supports more than 19,000 members and over 7,500 volunteer leaders nationwide. Its well-known motto, “Learn To Do By Doing,” reflects a focus on experiential learning in a safe, inclusive, and enjoyable environment, while encouraging youth to become responsible and engaged community leaders.
Farm Credit Canada is fully invested in Canadian agriculture and food and is committed to the long-term success of producers and processors across the country. As a commercial Crown corporation, FCC provides flexible financing and capital solutions, along with knowledge and expertise, while reinvesting profits back into the agriculture industry and the communities it serves.



















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im jet! When I rst came here, I was really scared. Everything was new and everyone was a little too big and loud for me. I didn’t know if I could trust anyone. But with time, patience, and lots of gentle encouragement, I started to realize that the people here were pretty great! Now, I’m a total lovebug once I know you. I adore my human friends and have so much fun playing with my dog pals, too. I’m proud to say I’ve mastered sit and paw—I’m a bit of a pro at those! I’m still working on lay down... it’s a work in progress, but I’ll get there soon. I can still be a little shy when meeting new people, so I like slow introductions and a bit of space at rst. Once I know you’re safe, though, you’ll get to see every happy giggle and tail wag I’ve got. I might have started out scared, but now I’m ready to share all www.lloydminsterspca.com




















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ing from −12 °C by day to −22 °C at night. Preparations were underway for the Four Event Ladies Bonspiel, drawing interest from curlers and spectators alike. The Town
ell, a respected young businessman, was elected president of the Vermilion Board of Trade after serving as vice-president.
Vermilion High School students brought
the Northern Alberta High School Curling Championships. Miss Christina Morrison earned province-wide recognition as the Grade 10 essay winner for her work, “Fifty
Gasoline sold at approximately 4–5 cents per litre, wheat near $1.20 per bushel, crude oil around $1.50 per barrel, milk at about 10 cents per quart, and beef averaged 15–20
Gasoline sold at approximately 12–14 cents per litre, wheat near $2.00 per bushel, crude oil around $2.50 per barrel, milk about 20 cents per litre, and beef averaged 45–60 cents per pound.
During the week of February 3, 1976, Vermilion experienced steady winter weather, with daytime temperatures near −10 °C and nighttime lows around −20 °C. Progress was made toward securing the future of the local golf club when $16,000 was paid on its mortgage, reducing the balance from $58,000 to $42,000. The 200 Club reached its first major goal in its campaign to prevent foreclosure, with funds raised through personal donations from individuals and business firms, including a $2,000 contribution from the Rotary Club.
During the week of February 3, 2001, Vermilion experienced milder winter conditions, with daytime temperatures near −5 °C and nighttime lows around −15 °C. Local sports drew strong attention as the Lakeland men’s Rustlers volleyball team stood on the brink of
Mr. Robert Campbell, Vice-President of
Lakeland College, addressed members at the Rotary Club dinner, speaking on the growing importance of the Vermilion campus and the need for additional rental accommodations, as residence facilities were already full.
Popular television programs included
elimination from playoff contention. The squad needed victories in its next two matches to determine its postseason fate, facing challenging head-to-head contests against Medicine Hat and Lethbridge.
Hockey fans also followed the Junior B Tigers, who were scheduled to play Lac
La Biche and Lloydminster during the week. The Tigers entered the matchups holding fourth place in their division and looking to strengthen their standing as the season progressed.
Economic conditions were reflected in everyday prices. Gasoline sold for
Mr. Dressup, Sesame Street, The Partridge Family, Hawaii Five-0, and The Fifth Estate. Gasoline sold at about 24 cents per litre, wheat near $3.20 per bushel, crude oil around $12 per barrel, milk about 40 cents per litre, and beef averaged $1.50 per pound.
approximately 72 cents per litre, wheat averaged near $3.90 per bushel, crude oil was valued around $28 per barrel, milk sold for about $1.05 per litre, and beef averaged close to $2.70 per pound.








ATB Wealth (Mark Dupperon)
Burnt Rock Adventure Co.
Bykowski Sand and Gravel Inc.
Cornerstone Coop
Dave’s Field Service
G3 Vermilion
Horizon Ag and Turf (Agland)
In Memory of Zenovia & Paul Mudryk
Ireland Farm Equipment Ltd
Lakeland College
Laura Teasdale & Family
Long’s Value Drug Mart
McDonald’s
Moses Farms
Northside Farm
Rona Vermilion
Rotary Club of Vermilion
Rural Roots Florist
Rustlers
Lorna Hamilton Reporter
On February 14, the Vermilion Allied Arts Council will host a Valentine’s Day performance by Alberta musicians Over the Moon at the Lakeland College Alumni Hall Theatre in Vermilion, beginning at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $35, and the evening promises to be a fitting outing for couples and music lovers, pairing heartfelt music with a love story that began through song. Over the Moon is an award-winning acoustic roots, swing, and bluegrass duo from Longview, Alberta, made up of husband-and-wife team Suzanne Levesque and Craig Bignell. Celebrated for their close vocal harmonies and wide-ranging instrumental skills, the duo blends country, folk, and western swing while sharing stories inspired by life in Alberta’s ranching
foothills.
Their musical partnership began by chance. Bignell, an accomplished drummer and multi-instrumentalist, was hired to record percussion, drums, and banjo for a Calgary-based group from his home studio in Ontario. That professional connection eventually brought him back to Alberta for a CD release event, where he met Levesque for the first time. The two quickly discovered an easy rapport, both musically and personally.
Not long afterward, they found themselves at a gathering hosted by mutual friend and performer Tom Jackson, surrounded by members of Alberta’s music community. As the evening turned into an informal song circle, Bignell reluctantly took his turn, stepping well outside his comfort zone. Known primarily as a percus


sionist, he was suddenly alone with an acoustic guitar, singing in front of fellow musicians.
Levesque, who was attending with her band, noticed his unease and stepped in to join him. With her bass and vocals added to the song, the moment shifted. The music settled, the nerves faded, and a natural musical connection emerged. What began as a simple rescue quickly revealed a rare vocal blend that felt effortless and instinctive to both of them.
From that night forward, they continued making music together, discovering that their voices fit so closely that audiences often remarked on how naturally they sounded as a pair. That musical bond soon became a personal one, and the two were married five years ago.




share the spirit of that first collaboration on stages across the country. Their debut album, Moondancer, released in 2017, highlights their signature twopart harmonies and diverse acoustic instrumentation. The largely original collection reflects life in Southern Alberta’s ranching country, including the title track Moondancer, which was gifted to them by their neighbour and legendary Canadian artist Ian Tyson. Their Vermilion performance offers audiences a chance to experience not only their polished musicianship, but also the genuine connection that has shaped both their music and their story, making it a memorable way to celebrate Valentine’s Day in the community.
Tickets are available for purchase at Fantasy Flowers or by etransfer to vermilionalliedarts@gmail.com








