Jan 28 Lamont Leader

D IDYOU HAVE A BABY IN ENTER

New information counters delegation questioning County’s fire fighting model

Resident fire bill of $2,348upheld by council

BY JANA SEMENIUK

A presentation by Lamont County fire chief Bo Moore, to the county council during their Jan. 27 council meeting, countered an earlier delegation made by county resident Allen Antoniuk about a fire in Aug. at his property.

Antoniuk brought a portion of a slightly charred electrical panel to the Jan. 13 meeting and asserted he was overcharged by the county sending four fire trucks when “not a drop of water was used”.

Atoniuk said the electrical panel only overheated, causing smoke but no fire.

Chief Moore read a report compiled

of the actions taken by LCES (Lamont County Emergency Services) when the first call was received by their dispatch at 11:46 on Aug. 26 last year.

Moore said the call was “given the second highest structure fire response code based on information provided to dispatch by the caller”. He said the caller indicated the electrical box was making noise and they saw smoke, while ATCO electric and the RCMP were notified.

The situation was described in the report as “No fire was found but heavy damage to electrical panel, main electrical feed, wires, and immediate area including, insulation, backerboard,

floor joists”.

Moore said the material Antoniuk brought in for council to view on Jan. 13 showed only a portion of the damage.

“(It) was only a partial picture of what crews were faced with. If you look at the picture (in the agenda package) you can see it was up in the insulation. It had burnt through the main supply feed line of the electrical panel. It scorched the underside of the floor joists and filled the entire house with smoke,” he said.

“Crews had to ventilate the house with fans to get the smoke out, while other crews outside worked with the power company as the electrical back feed from that panel actually severed the lines that are attached to the pole in the back.

“This was a significant event. Crews were on scene for an hour, some on scene for just under two hours.”

Deputy Reeve Neil Woitas asked why the report information, including pictures, were not brought forward during the Jan. 13 delegation.

Chief Administrative Officer Peter

Tarnawsky said he aims for a delegation response not necessarily in the same meeting. “As a general rule, I try to avoid having a delegation and the response on the same day or at the same time,” he said. “It just becomes quite standard that I would have the fire service come either later in the meeting or the next meeting.”

Chief Moore added that although there were no flames spotted by either the homeowner or LCES, he believes there may have been actual fire at some point.

“There was at some point absolutely,” he said.

Councillor Roy Anaka surmised the situation could have developed into something much worse.

The council voted in favour of upholding Antoniuk’s bill for $2,348 less any interest.

Minor hockey: U11 Wild wins gold at Calmar

KERRY ANDERSON

These are some of the results from Minor Hockey League games held recently. (Please note that scores and scoring is taken from the websites, and some game scores and scoring is dependent on proper league entries). If any players or teams are missing from the report please notify me at kamcjm@gmail.com with the player name, team and website.

Elk Island U11 Wild won the gold medal in a tournament at Calmar over the weekend. The gold medal game was tied 2-2 heading into the third period, and remained tied until West 39 Bucks scored with five minutes remaining. Alex Holt scored a shorthanded goal for Wild with only 2:20 remaining to tie the score once again. With only 1:16 remaining

in regulation time, Colbin King came out of the penalty box to score the game winner for Elk Island. Braden Roy scored an empty netter in the dying seconds to secure victory.

Elk Island U13 Wild (10-8-0) won a 15-0 shutout on Saturday at Goldfish Lake. The home team was over-matched in the contest as Wild outshot them 72-8.

Connecting for goals were; Kayden King (2g 3a), Sawyer Wytrykush (3g 1a), Colbin King (1g 2a), Samuel Kimball (2g), Maverick Lougheed (2g), Jaxon Calder (2g), Jaxton Fertuck (1g 1a), Mary Sobkow, and Jack Corp Johnston. Assists went to; Christian McLeod (2a), Quinn Dickinson, Ellie Poirier (1a), and Hunter Kobylka. Jake Holt got the shutout win.

HOWIE, Scott Charles Lovell

It is with deep sorrow and much love that we say goodbye to our son, brother, father, grandfather, nephew and uncle, Scott, who passed away suddenly on January 8, 2026 at the age of 56.

Scott will be remembered dearly by sons Justin, Matthew, and Nigel (Sam); grandchildren Ashton and John; mother Carol; sister Heather (Adam); niece Madeline and nephew Elliott; aunts, uncles and cousins, and many honourary children and grandchildren. He was predeceased by his father, John; grandparents William and Ethel Howie and Charles and Grace Flaska.

Scott enjoyed time with family and friends and was happiest at the lake in Manitoba or on the West Coast. Scott was always the life of the party and had the worst, but the best, jokes. Though he had his own struggles he was always there to help family and friends when they needed something.

Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life will take place at a later date.

MLA presents cheque for community improvements

BY JOHN MATHER Fort Sask.-Vegreville

MLA Jackie Armstrong Homeniuk met with three community groups at the Lamont Lions Hall Jan. 16.

According to Bill Skinner of the Lamont Lions Club, it had applied for a Community Facilities Enhancement grant last year to replace two furnaces at the Lamont Lions Hall.

“One of the furnaces is

used by the playschool that runs out of the hall while the Lions Club uses the other,” he said.

The CFE Grant is a matching grant and the Lions will match the $6,275 grant and replace the furnaces.

Armstrong-Homeniuk also presented a cheque to the St. Michael Hall to help offset the renovations to the hall that were completed last fall.

As part of the makeover, the walls were

stripped of cladding down to drywall, holes were filled and repaired, the parquet floor and carpeting were removed, and the stage was relocated from the south end of the hall to the north end and all storage areas under it were rebuilt.

That cheque was in the amount of $27,917.

The third group that received a CFEP grant was the Zhoda Community Centre which received $8,691.

Lamont Lions member Bill Skinner, (right) and Fort Saskatchewan-Vegreville MLA Jackie Armstrong-Homeniuk and an unidentified member accept a cheque for $6,275 which will go to aid in the replacement of two furnaces at the Lamont Lions Hall. Armstrong-Homeniuk presented Community Facilities Enhancement Program cheques to three local community groups at the hall on Jan. 16.

Parmesan Chicken Breast, Chunky Potato and Carrots; Spaghetti and Meat-sauce; Pork Chop, Scalloped Potato, Mixed Veg.; or Ginger Beef, Rice, Beans.

3-4: Baked Chicken, Creamy Dill Potato, Carrots; Meatballs and gravy, Mashed potato, Peas; Perogies, Cabbage Rolls, Sausage; or Garlic Pork Bites, Potato Wedges, Corn.

Opinion

Nice words Carney, but where’s the beef?

BY JOHN MATHER

It was a wonderful speech Prime Minister Mark Carney delivered at Davos last week to his business buddies at the World Economic Forum.

It had all the correct buzzwords and the perfect nuance to ensure his audience remained perched on the edge of their seats enthralled by every scintillating word.

Carny decried major powers that acted like bullies on the world stage (OK … let’s assume he meant the United States) and said there was a new world order afoot.

The old world stability embraced since the conclusion of the Second World War was done. Up with a new order where middle countries like Canada had to band with likeminded countries like Australia or countries in Europe for trade and economic development.

Ooh, it was beautiful stuff! Just like getting wrapped in a truly soft, warm blanket on a very cold Alberta day and cozying up on the couch with a comfort snack and a good movie while the temperature outside hovers in the -40s.

But at the end of the day, just like having to haul ourselves off that comfortable couch, the speech had to conclude and then it had to be digested.

And there in lies the problem.

Carney, last time I looked, is the Prime Minister of Canada.

He is not the economic, and psychology guru of the business elite who form the World Economic Forum, although he has developed that reputation to some degree over the years.

The speech was a collection of beautiful words but it offered nothing but platitudes.

No course of action.

No way to plan ahead.

No direction.

And in particular, absolutely nothing in regard to where Canada is positioning itself as an economy in the world.

Carney aimed his words against the U.S. which last time I looked, and it hasn’t changed in the past week, is Canada’s biggest trading partner.

And Carney had just come back from gloating over a wonderful trade deal with China.

Now that’s the number two economy in the world, right after the U.S. But it’s several thousands miles from Canada as opposed to the U.S. sharing a common border.

Canada’s manufacturing sector, developed for more than a hundred years, has been designed for natural north/south trade.

This country can’t even get east/west trade across provinces done without headaches, so how is it going to achieve trading greatness with an east/west corridor to China? or other eastern destinations such as southeast Asia and Australia?

Not going to happen.

And by the way, who won that trade deal with China that Carney’s so proud of? Sure we got relief from tariffs on canola products, but only for one year! No guarantee if a renewal on that side of the deal.

But we will accept 49,000 Chinese EVs a year for an unlimited period, hurting our own automotive industry, which is already being hurt by Trump’s tariffs.

The former Trudeau government, along with Ontario’s Ford Conservatives, threw pails of money at EV battery plants to be built.

They’ve stalled but with the Chinese deal they might move ahead.

The U.S, automakers are cancelling EV production because the market isn't there, but the Chinese deal might give some impetus to resurrect those battery plants.

And Carney has speculated about allowing China to open a manufacturing facility for Chinese EVs.

Now why they would do that makes little sense, because they survive on government subsidies and cheap labour in their home market. Why would they build a plant in a

country with unionized labour and limited subsidies.

Also this summer Canada starts new trade negotiations under the U.S./Canada/Mexico free trade agreement.

Pissing off Trump at Davos, isn’t the best way to get any Canadian advantage during those negotiations, as already stated by U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. Trump has already threatened 100 per cent tariffs across the boards if we go to far with deals with China.

Carney’s words might have been elixir to the World Economic Forum devotees but they weren’t anything to regular Canadians. Our trade is with the biggest economy in the world, and while they don’t completely run Canada, they certainly have a great deal of influence over how it does business.

Canada’s economy has been eroded dramatically since the turn of the century and allowing to many voices in the decision making process doesn’t help.

Remember the orange-headed bully is in charge of the U.S. for only three more years. In recent polling he is in pathetic shape in popularity, but then so are the democrats who also lack any firm of credible leadership.

Future politicians have to start listening to the regular people rather than trying to please and appease every special interest group that comes along in the name of vote gathering. Words, no mater how eloquent, just don’t cut it anymore.

As the saying goes, “Actions speak louder than words.”

BY HAZEL ANAKA

If you are any kind of political junkie or even just feel an obligation to know what’s going on in your country and the rest of the world, you’re probably in your element right now. It’s got all the drama, cardboard characters, unbelievability, poor plotting, nonsensical dialogue, and cliffhangers of the sudsiest soap opera reality shows.

In no particular order, here are some highlights. Prime Minister Carney distinguished himself and our country during an address at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland this past week. In a gathering of the world’s rich and famous he got a standing ovation at the conclusion of his speech; only the third time that’s ever happened. Contrast that with lightweight former prime minister Justin

FROM WHERE I SIT: Not Permanent or Effective

Trudeau’s speech. The coverage of his talk focused more on his main squeeze singer Katy Perry than the ‘soft power’ theme of his speech.

Of course, as Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has said, “If Liberal rhetoric were tradeable commodities, Canada would already be the richest nation on earth." The implicit message there is that talk (often over decades and generations) is cheap; we need results. Of course, Trump’s feelings were hurt by the Carney speech and the universal praise for it. His enormous ego can’t handle the slight. So now, Carney has been called Governor by Trump; putting him on the same footing as aforementioned Justin Trudeau. All this as USMCA talks should be restarting. The global pushback to Trump’s asinine threats to seize Greenland from Denmark resulted in a face-saving presser in which he claims to have a deal with the Secretary General of NATO, Mark Rutte. Of course, Rutte has no power to make any deal with anyone for any sovereign country.

Mere details.

Sunday morning, we awake to news that ICE forces in Minnesota have killed another person. This just days after they grabbed a 5-year-old boy on his way to kindergarten. Is there no bottom to which Trump and his minions will sink?

Trump’s nose is also out of joint over the ‘deal’ Carney made with China to reduce tariffs on canola, seafood, and more in exchange for allowing 49,000 electric vehicles into Canada. There are some huge disparities in what Canada and China each gave up, received in exchange, and particularly the unequal length of the deal for each partner. Trump claims this ignores the terms of USMCA. The man is truly unhinged---isn’t that precisely what he did when he unilaterally slapped tariffs on us? In the latest round of crazymaking, Carney who has refused to answer reporters’ question since his return to Canada, seems now to be downplaying the importance of the China deal which his government trumpeted only days earlier. Is that to appease the President, to lower

Lamont and Area

Canadians’ expectations, an acknowledgement of the deal’s inadequacies, or some combo of all three.

This week will be a humdinger. The House of Commons restarts on Monday. Carney will no doubt be grilled by opposition parties and the press for his lack of transparency. He continues to operate the government like a sole proprietorship rather than

as a steward for all of us. The Conservatives vote on Pierre Poilievre’s leadership at their annual convention later in the week at Calgary. It’s widely expected that he will pass the test with a respectable number especially since there is no heir apparent in the wings. If the man could only get a personality transplant, he’d have a shot at his real goal of becoming prime minis-

ter. For now, Carney continues to enjoy a grace period to translate big talk and bigger promises into something Canadians can actually feel the benefit of in their wallets.

If the current deep freeze and world events have you wanting to bolt the door and cover your head with a quilt, you can be forgiven. Unfortunately, that’s not a permanent or effective strategy from where I sit.

From the files of the Lamont Leader

SHOWCASING THEIR PUBLIC SPEAKING SKILLS

March 10, 2015 issue of the Lamont Leader: Members of the Chipman 4-H Club and Elk Island Horse Club took part in the Lamont District 4-H Speak Offs at St. Michael on Feb. 28. Advancing to regionals in Ryley are: (back l to r) Jared Mercer, Meakin Conrad, Jake Farrell and Thea Wallace; (front) Abigail Goy, Hannah Pretzlaw, Katelynn Medynski, Caleb Oshust, and Elise Mackenzie.

Bruderheim Community Church 4904 Queen Street 780-796-3775 JOIN US SUNDAY W ORSHIP 10:30 AM All are Welcome! Check us out on Facebook

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 17th 5-7 PM

Adults $15 6-12 year olds $5 5< free CHECKOUTOURNEWFACEBOOKPAGE!! Everyone Welcome! AA Meetings Thursdays at 8:00 pm

Back in October 2024, Spectre Systems opened up their second location in Alberta, in the Village of Lougheed.

After connecting with local businessman Dan Smith in early 2024, it became clear that his property at 5018 Alberta Ave would be the perfect location for Spectre Systems to expand into the area.

With multiple renovations at the property already complete and still more planned in the near future, this property is being purpose-built with one main idea in mind: to become the hub for all things asphalt paving and water and sewer in Flagstaff County and surroundings areas.

Eddie Shepel states, “With the end of the 2025 construction season, I am proud to report that we have been doing good business across the province of Alberta for 10 years.

“What started as an idea that the marketplace and provincial municipalities were missing something, rather, someone to service their specific and particular needs, became a reality back in 2015.

“And constant and sustainable growth has helped us to scale to a point never thought imaginable this quick. I am forever thankful for all the municipalities and clients that gave us our start at the beginning and still choose to do business with us today.”

Shepel continues, “One of the

biggest pieces of feedback received at the open house and for anyone who has been to our Lougheed location is the amount of equipment we have in the Spectre Systems fleet. With over 100 pieces of equipment in the company and more being added by the day, there’s isn’t much we can’t do with the iron and staff we have in house.”

Other than the flagship trades of asphalt paving and water and sewer (being the main services offered) Spectre Systems also offers the following; Asphalt and concrete sealcoating, concrete grinding, line painting, hot pour crack sealing, demolition, skidsteer/excavator work, and new for 2026: gravel dust control and custom asphalt and concrete crushing.

“For anyone who lives on a gravel road, or works near gravel and dust, do I have a solution for you!”

Spectre Systems also has a location in Andrew, which they also upgraded to a bigger and better property in the winter of 2025, right on Hwy 855 as you leave the Village to the north.

“This location and Andrew specifically is very important to us because this is where our original roots went down.

“Current and previous administration and councils have supported us over the years in a way that’s hard for me to fully express appreciation for.

REFLECTS ON 2025 SINCE MOVING TO LOUGHEED

“Everyone says ‘support local’ but actually doing it is a whole other ball of wax. And the Village of Andrew has lived by this motto with us for many years in the past and hopefully for many years in the future.”

For Shepel, developing and maintaining relationships is the best part of the job. “Work is work but if we’re not having fun while we’re doing it, what really is the point?”

Lastly and most importantly, the best part of the business for everyone involved is the mascot of the company, the official ‘Head of Morale’ - Carl the Pug.

He can be found on site, in the shop, in meetings, and sleeping anywhere in between. If you see him in public, be sure to shake his paw and scratch his back.

“Without Carl, it wouldn’t be the same around here. Just ask anyone who’s ever met him, he’s

province. It was well attended, with over 90 people passing through to share in the

the ceremonial “caution tape” ribbon with Eddie

one in a million.”

With the following mission statement in mind, please reach out to Eddie at Spectre Systems for anything road construction/ wrestling/ rodeo/football related. And we look forward to spending the next 10 years together, living by the words:

“Great people. Doing great work. Leaving people and places better than we found

8 - The Lamont Leader (Lamont, Alberta), Wednesday, January 28, 2026

Recall group carrying on despite hardships

BY JOHN MATHER

The recall petition for Fort SaskatchewanVegreville MLA Jackie Armstrong Homeniuk is still progressing despite cold weather and some confusion being presented to organizers.

“While we are not releasing precise signature counts at this stage, we continue to see steady engagement across the constituency, with residents regularly asking where and how they can sign and volunteers canvassing in multiple communities,” said recall organizers in an email to  The Leader.

They added one of the biggest challenges they have had is uncertainty

around where petition canvassing is permitted.

“Despite repeated efforts to seek clarification, many municipalities have not responded to our inquiries, leaving volunteers unsure where they can lawfully set up, even when they are actively trying to comply with municipal bylaws and Elections Alberta regulations,” the organizers reported.

“A clear example of this occurred in Two Hills. A volunteer attended the Town Office to ask where recall petition signatures could be collected and was advised that canvassing was not permitted on any Town-owned prop-

Emerance in goal as Goldeneyes win on road

BYJOHN MATHER

The Vancouver Goldeneyes proved there’s no place like home when they hammered the Toronto Sceptres 5-0, Jan. 22.

With Bruderheim’s Emerance Maschmeyer sitting on the bench in favour of Kristen Campbell in net, the Goldeneyes played hard and fast for 60 minutes while Campbell turned away all 24 shots she faced from Toronto.

The game was the first at home of the Goldeneyes since the start of the year and the victory was well earned coming following a terrible road trip which saw the team drop four of five games played.

The team travelled to Denver to play Seattle Jan. 25 and the winning continued with the Goldeneyes downing the Torrent  3-1.

Emerance Maschmeyer was in goal for the win and she stopped 33 of the 34 shots peppered at her by Seattle.

Vancouver’s Jenn Gardiner opened the scoring unassisted with only five seconds remaining in the first period.

Seattle tied the score in the second when Jessie Eldridge’s shot from Julia Gosling and Anna

erty and that the Town “‘wanted no part of it.’”

They added, to date the recall organizers have received no response from the Two Hills council clarifying their position or identifying any bylaw that explicitly restricts recall petition canvassing.

“On the ground, most interactions with the public have been respectful and encouraging,” the organizers reported.

“Many people have thanked our canvassers for putting themselves out there and for facilitating civic engagement, even when they do not personally support the recall.

“At the same time, volunteers have experi-

enced a smaller number of hostile encounters, including individuals driving past canvassing locations while yelling profanities or complaints being made to nearby businesses when volunteers are set up in parking lots, sometimes resulting in canvassers having to relocate.”

They added that the group is spreading awareness of the petition and dealing with confusion about what the recall petition actually does.

The organizing committee in Fort Saskatchewan-Vegreville will need 14,688 signatures on their petition by March 17.

Wilgren found the back of the net.

Izzy Daniel scored for the Goldeneyes at 6:23 of the third frame with Gardiner and Hannah Miller getting assists.

At 13:42 of the third, Michelle Karvinen from Vanisova and Nurse for Vancouver’s third goal.

Daniel and Karvinen were named the game’s first two stars.

Vancouver will conclude this portion of the regular season Jan.28 when they play in Minnesota and then take a break while the Olympics are held.

The two wins during the past week boosted the team from last place in the league to a tie for fifth place with 19 points.

OU HAVE A BABY IN ENTER OUR CONTEST!

We will celebrate the babies born in 2025 in our Feb. 4th, 2026 issue. Your baby’s photo will appear in our special BABIES OF 2025 feature for FREE! Send in a clear photo of your baby: email to lmtleader@gmail.com, or you can also drop it off in person at the Lamont Leader office. Information must be included to enter: baby’s name, birth date, names of the proud parents and mailing address.

DEADLINE FOR ENTRIES IS Monday, Feb. 2nd @ noon

Your baby will appear in the paper! Your baby will automatically be entered into a draw to win gifts sponsored by Lamont Value Drug Mart, The Nest and The Lamont Leader.*

*Winner is chosen by randon draw - there is no judging of photographs or participants.

A heavy load moves westward along Highway 15, Jan. 23 on its way to the Alberta Industrial Heartland. Information on this load movement was very limited, but one of the drivers policing traffic for the load thought it was on its way to the Dow site in Fort Saskatchewan.

Chipman Post Office break-in

BY JANA SEMENIUK

The Chipman post office suffered a break-in on Jan. 20. Fort Saskatchewan RCMP responded to the report where two suspects were scared off by a witness but not before making off with a bag of mail.

No suspects have been arrested. They are described as a female, approximately 5’4 to 5’6

wearing a black hoodie, while the second suspect, a male, was described as 5’9 with dark skin colour wearing a light-coloured hoodie. The two suspects left the scene in a mediumsized four door sedan. Additionally, police also received a report of damage done to mailboxes at the Lamont post office on the same day, but no mail was taken.

Cat shooter’s court date delayed again

BY JANA SEMENIUK

A court date for Bruderheim resident Christopher Ackert, 53, in relation to several

charges stemming from a Nov. 1 incident has been delayed for a second time.

Ackert was first arrest-

Bridge cost lower than expected

BY JANA SEMENIUK

The newly replaced Beaver Creek Bridge, on Winnick Road near Chipman, came in under budget as reported by Chief Administrative Officer Pat Tomkow at the Jan. 12 Village council meeting.

Tomkow said the budget was for $1.2 million and the final costs totaled $1, 018,000.

“Once I get the exact figure I’ll give an accounting to Lamont County and because the project came in a little bit less they’ll be happy because they’ll pay less,” said Tomkow.

In earlier reports,

Tomkow said the funding for the bridge came 75 percent from the Province and the remaining 25 percent the responsibility of the Village. Lamont County promised to contribute 80 percent of the Village’s portion, up to $360,000 with the remainder paid by the Village.

The bridge was first built in 1963 and has been identified for replacement since 2022. Construction finally began last Sept. and opened with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Oct. 17.

ed on Nov. 1, accused of using a pellet gun to shoot his neighbour’s cat. The cat, a 9-year-old female named Bandit, was shot in the abdomen and needed surgery to repair a hole left by the pellet but has since recovered.

Ackert is charged with causing unnecessary suffering, possessing a weapon for a purpose dangerous to the public, mischief and damage over $5,000, in addition to using an imitation firearm to commit an

offense.

RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Troy Savinkoff clarified by email that “in Canadian law a pellet gun can be considered an imitation firearm if it closely resembles an actual firearm.”

According to court records, Ackert first appeared in Fort Saskatchewan court Dec. 18 and was to appear next on Jan. 22. That date has been put over until Feb. 12 where Ackert is expected to enter a plea to the charges.

Astotin Lake, Elk Island National Park, January 24 ~ despite the slightly warmer temps on Saturday, the park was almost near empty of visitors; snowshoers and cross-country skiers were nowhere to be found.

I

ANNOUNCEMENTS

If anybody has a Sony DEF200 portable stereo with CD Player and built-in speakers in good condition, with good sound and battery operated mode, please call Brian at 780-678-0053.

Flagstaff Family and Community Services offers Community Wellness Facilitator support: connections, referrals, and prevention services for individuals and families. Call 780-385-3976 for help today in Flagstaff County, confidential and welcoming.

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CARD OF THANKS

I am a 90 year old woman who went to a funeral for a dear friend. The church was packed, the service was very good, the lunch was lovely and when it was time to leave, I went to get my black leather coat - but it was gone, nowhere to be found. I didn't know what to do. The kind bus driver that brought a few of us from the Sunshine Villa Seniors Centre where I live, took his wife's coat, gave it to me to wear on the way back home. I then took it back to his wife. So if anyone has or knows of anyone that took it, please bring it to Sunshine Villa Seniors Centre and leave it at the front desk. Thank You! TM04P

Thank you to my family and friends who called, texted, sent flowers, cards, and gifts and visited me while I was in the Viking Health Centre as well as when I was at DOAR in Daysland. Also thanks to the doctors, nurses, and physio at Viking Health Centre and DOAR for the care and rehab I was given during my stays at each place.

With sincere appreciation, Marilyn Dinisyk

CLASSIFIEDS

COMING EVENTS

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SAVE THE DATES!

Killam Legion Socials first and third Fridays 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

All members and guests welcome! Starting Friday, Feb. 6

Watch the new Killam Legion Facebook page for updates.

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Super Bowl Watch Party Sunday, Feb. 8 at the Killam Legion. Starts at 4 p.m.

Welcome to all members and guests. Cash Bar. Come watch Seattle Seahawks vs the New England Patriots.

Baptist Institute - Viking, AB

Join us for Old Fashioned Hymns, Independent, KJV. Bible Class 12 - 1 pm

Preaching Service 1 - 2 pm

Located at Viking United Church

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Pancake Supper sponsored by Round Hills Seniors at the Round Hill Community Centre on Tuesday, February 10 from 5-7 pm.

Adults $15, kids 6-12 yrs $10, and under 6 is free. TM04-05C

You are invited to Sheila Tanton’s 80th Birthday. Saturday, Feb. 21 from 1 to 4 p.m. Come and go, at The Hive, 4907 48 Ave. Sedgewick. Lunch is provided. Your presence is the best present.

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Ward's and Bud Haynes FIREARMS AUCTION

January 31st in Edmonton. FirearmsAuction.ca.

FOR SALE

•Tanaka Pro Force 305 6 inch

Ice Auger, carrying case, manual, and spare plug

•Husquavarna 55 Rancher

Chainsaw, 18" bar, spare chain, and case - good condition

•GE 24 inch front-load dishwasher (NOS) Model GLD4209L15WW $350 for each item, OBO. Call 780-888-1336 ————————————————

HELP WANTED

JP's Country Daycare located in Daysland, AB is looking for a Full Time Early Learning Educator, ECE. Level 1 or 2 would be ideal, but also willing to train. Send resumes to jpcountrydaycare@gmail.com 04/05c

LIFEGUARDS

The Killam Pool is hiring Lifeguards for the upcoming season! Qualifications required: Intermediate First Aid National Lifeguard Certification We offer competitive wages and a great team environment. To apply, Email your résumé to: ckinzer@town.killam.ab.ca or drop it off at the Killam AgriPlex. For more information, call 780-385-3080.

JP's Country Daycare located in Daysland, AB is looking for Part Time Early Learning Educator's, ECEs. Level 1 or 2 would be ideal, but also willing to train. Send resumes to jpcountrydaycare@gmail.com 04/05c

ARENA CLEANING CREW & JR. B GAME CREW

The Killam AgriPlex is hiring for our Arena Cleaning Crew and Jr. B Game Crew positions. We are looking for dependable, hardworking individuals to join our team for the upcoming season.

To apply: Send your résumé to ckinzer@town.killam.ab.ca or drop off a copy at the Killam AgriPlex. For more information, call 780-385-3080.

THE LAKESIDE LEADER is hiring an EDITOR, for a full-time position in Slave Lake, AB. Salary $55,000 per year. Email resume, cover letter and samples of writing and photography to spnproduction@hotmail.com.

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½ Section Pastureland NE 35 & NW 36-41-10-W4 located south of Hardisty in the Battle River valley at RR 101 & TWP RD 420. Fenced, cross-fenced, mix of seeded and tame grass with large dug-out, pumping system, full power on site with gravel revenue. Call Mike Golka REMAX River City 780-914-9889 MLS#’s E4447511 & E4447499 tfnc

160 Acres Farmland for Sale –Near Andrew, AB

A rare opportunity to acquire cultivated farmland with additional resource value in a desirable agricultural area. This property consists of 160 acres total, made up of two separate 80-acre parcels. 145 acres cultivated, includes gravel reserve on the east portion of the property. Price: $650,000 (GST extra if applicable) Contact 780-907-0144 4/8p

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DNA on vehicle leads police to suspect in hit and run death of Andrew man

BY JANA SEMENIUK

A suspect has been named in the Aug. hit and run death of 30-yearold Christopher Rogers from Andrew.

Rogers was discovered dead on Aug. 25 at 4:10 a.m. lying on the side of Highway 1 near Range Road 131 near the Hamlet of Tilley.

Brooks RCMP found Rogers’ car nearby, damaged with the doors open. They determined Rogers hit an animal and got out to check his vehicle when he was hit by another vehicle which fled the scene.

By the next day, police knew the vehicle was a grey or silver Volkswagon which would have damage to

the driver’s side and the following day they narrowed the description even further.

According to a press release they were looking for a 2015-2016 Volkswagen Jetta and put out a call to the public for assistance in locating the vehicle and its driver.

Brooks RCMP General Investigation Section identified a possible suspect in Medicine Hat and utilized the Medicine Hat police service to assist in collecting the Volkswagen Jetta from a residence.

Rogers’ DNA was found on the vehicle through a forensic examination.

Investigation revealed

that the driver of the Jetta was 28-year-old Subham Singh who left Canada in late Aug. 2025.

A warrant has been issued for his arrest with charges of failing to stay at the scene of an accident resulting in death.

Included in the RCMP press release is a reminder to the public that the driver of a conveyance involved in a collision is required by the Criminal Code of Canada to stay at the scene of an accident to render aid to injured and to provide their name and address.

Failure to do so could result in provincial or criminal charges.

FEATURED PROPERTIES

MINBURN COUNTY

• W4-14-51-10-SW County of Minburn 158.97acres with 1500 sq ft bungalow, a 50’ by 140’ half heated shop and second yard with house. # 2 soil with 100 acres cultivated and 35 cultivatable acres in hay. Price: $2,600,000

BEAVER COUNTY

• 2 Property Sale: Property 1: 50301 RR182 1 ½ storey 1,710 sq ft house on 80 acres with Detached double car garage, Heated and insulated 40’ x 50’ shop, 44’ x 52’ wooden barn , Insulated 30’x 40’ detached man cave. 2 - 100’x50’ and 1-120’x50’ cold storage shops , 36’x54’ Machine shed and 2 3-sided pole sheds. 65± acres cultivation. Property 2: W4-18-50-23-SWN ½ 80 acres, 78± acres cultivated 2 soil.

Total price for both parcels $1,225,000

• SOLDW4-18-50-23-SE 160 acres 95± acres of cultivated and 65± acres of pasture. Price: $550,000

• W4-18-50-14-SE N 26.21 acres 16± acres cultivated and 10± acres pasture Price: $68,000

• SOLD W4-18-50-23-NE 160 acres 44± acres cultivated, 36± acres pasture and 80± acres wetlands Price: $300,000

TOWN OF LAMONT

• 5119 48 Ave, 5121 48 Ave, and 5116 47 Ave Lamont AB 3 commercial lots 50' by 100', 65' by 100', and 30' by 100'

Price: $200,000

VILLAGE OF ANDREW

• 5317-50 Ave Andrew. An 18,000 sq. ft. manufacturing shop with office and storage space on 2.3 acres of land Price: $1,700,000 ***or inquire about leasing units

inFOCUS

KEEPING OUR COMMUNITY INFORMED

SPRING MELT AND DRAINAGE: WHAT RESIDENTS NEED TO KNOW

As temperatures rise and snow begins to melt, Lamont County crews are closely monitoring ditches, culverts, and drainage systems across the municipality. Spring runoff is a critical time of year, especially in rural areas where melting snow and ice can quickly lead to pooling water, soft roads, and blocked drainage.

If you notice an issue, reporting it early helps Public Works respond more quickly and prevent larger problems.

Lamont County encourages residents to submit drainage or road concerns through the online Service Request system at lamontcounty.ca/service-requests. This allows staff to track issues, prioritize repairs, and dispatch crews where they are needed most.

Residents can for signs ns of drainag ain e n near their propertoperty, y such as water on roads, water wing g over drivveways, , or culverts that t r appear plu plugugged or o frozenn.

Ditches and culverts play a vital role in moving meltwater away from roads, driveways, and fields. When these systems become blocked by ice, snow, or debris, water can back up and cause flooding, erosion, and damage to road surfaces. Residents can help by watching for signs of drainage problems near their property, such as standing water on roads, water flowing over driveways, or culverts that appear plugged or frozen.

ENVIRONMENTAL FARM PLANS

Helping local farms plan for the future

An Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) is a voluntary, whole-farm self-assessment that helps producers identify environmental risks and plan for long-term sustainability. Whether you operate a livestock, grain, or mixed farm, an EFP is a practical way to review how your operation affects soil, water, air, and overall farm management.

Producers should be aware that EFP certificates are valid for ten years. To remain eligible for funding under programs such as the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, your EFP must be current. If your plan is more than ten years old, it will need to be renewed. Late fall and winter are ideal times to complete or update an EFP. The workbook can be completed online or in print, is free of charge, and typically takes one to two days to complete, depending on the operation. All information is kept confidential. Lamont County’s Agricultural Services Department can help. Amanda K., Assistant Agricultural Fieldman, is a registered EFP Technician and is available to provide one-on-one support to producers throughout the process. For assistance or more information, contact Agricultural Services at 780-895-2585 or visit www.albertaefp.com.

5303-50 Ave. Lamont

780-895-2233

As spring conditions change quickly, patience and communication are key. By working together, residents and County crews can help protect roads, farmland, and infrastructure during the spring melt. Thank you for your cooperation.

Submit a Service Request: https://www.lamontcounty.ca/service-requests

COMMUNITY PROGRAMS

lamontcounty.ca/community-programming (for FCSS, KFRN, CALC and other community events).

Kalyna Family Resource Network

Baby Talk: Jan. 21 (Bruderheim) from 10 a.m. - 11 a.m. Rhymes and Storytime Jan. 29 from 10 a.m. - 11 a.m. Thursdays at Lamont Community Hospital

FCSS

Parents & Tots: Feb 2 from 9:15 am - 11:15 am Mondays Lamont Alliance Church Chair Yoga for Older Adults: Feb 3 10 a.m. - 11 a.m. Tuesdays at Lamont Arena

CALC

Bon Appetit Bingo (for Seniors) Feb 5

Every second Thursday at Andrew Rainbow Club Register by calling 780-895-2233 x233.

Seniors Programs

Wednesdays from 10-11 Andrew Lions Club. Thursdays from 10-11 Mundare Senior's Centre. Thursdays from 10-noon St. Michael. (Seniors Coffee)

LAMONT COUNTY

FOLLOW US ON lamontcounty.ca

TOWN HALL MEETING MARCH 10 @6 p.m.

inFOCUS is available at lamontcounty.ca/communications