to: Box 1079, Lamont, AB T0B 2R0. Cheque payable to ‘County of Lamont Food Bank’
Your news this week:
hopp local
Please try to shop locally - 3
Ho Holiday S y Se Season
Fill the tree support soars, extended - 9 Andrew rural academy getting close - 11 OPINION: Last days of Trudeau gov? - 4
Proud to be an Independent CANADIAN Publication
FREE
Vol. 20, No. 6, Wednesday, December 18, 2024 www.LamontLeader.com
DLINE EXTENDED RY 3, 2025!
Christmas grinches
during the postage strike, ions by mail up until January 3. on to the Food Bank, and we will e and finale in the first paper of n January 8, 2025.
Thieves rob Andrew bar of $4,000 in holiday fundraising money All money goes to the cause! BY JANA SEMENIUK A couple of grinches broke into the Andrew Unwind Bar and Grill overnight on Dec. 12 and, while spooked by the intense blaring of the tripped-up security alarm, did not leave until they stole $4,000 in fundraising money meant for the Andrew Community Centre Association (ACCA). Hotel bar owner and president of the ACCA, Tammy Pickett, was devastated to learn of the robbery. “Our team have worked very hard to raise funds this past year. We have completed many renovations and updates and hosted successful events. “This will place a huge dent into our fundraising efforts,” she said by text. Pickett said the thieves stole a small amount of liquor and a cash box containing money made from the sale of 50/50 tickets, which hasn’t been drawn yet, in addition to money made from the selling of New Year’s Eve supper and dance tickets. “As per AGLC regulations, the draw will continue as planned and the winner will receive 50 percent of total ticket sales. The club has to take the hit for the stolen monies,” she said. “The 50/50 draw, on a sell-out, is $10,000 with $5,000 winnings. However, now on a sell-out, our profit will be under $1,000 with the chance of running a deficit. We hope to sell all
our remaining tickets and have a great turnout for our supper and dance to recoup some losses.” According to Sgt. David Henry of the Two Hills RCMP Detachment, the heartless criminals backed up a truck to the heavy metal door of the bar in the early morning hours of Dec. 12. “They tore apart the metal trim of the door and tried to tear apart the video surveillance (once inside),” he said. “They weren’t able to do that.” Sgt. Henry said the bar has a wonderful security system and the loss could have been bigger. “They were fortunate and had a great system,” he said. “A good video, loud alarm. That was very efficient.” Sgt. Henry declined to provide too much information, but said the RCMP Ident team is examining evidence taken from the scene. Currently there have been no suspects named in the robbery.
The truck believed to be used in the robbery. Tammy Pickett security photo.
A clearer shot of the suspects showing one wearing a possible green camouflage jacket. Tammy Pickett security photo.