March 4 Lamont Leader

Andrew mourns death of former mayor

BY GRANT JOHNSON

The Village of Andrew is mourning the loss of former mayor Barry Goertz, who passed away on Feb. 26 at the age of 66.

Goertz devoted much of his life to public service, becoming a familiar and respected figure in the tight-knit community.

Over the years, he wore many hats as a firefighter, fire chief, village councillor and, for the past four years, mayor.

eventually made Andrew his home, where he built a life rooted in service and community spirit. Friends and colleagues remember him as adventurous, quickwitted and larger than life, someone who left a lasting impression wherever he went.

Barry Goertz

In every role, he was known for leading with commitment, heart and an unmistakable sense of humour.

Born in Edmonton and raised on an acreage near Spruce Grove, Goertz

A celebration of Goertz’s life was held Tuesday, March 3, at the Andrew Community Centre, where family, friends and residents gathered to honour a man who dedicated himself to the village he loved.

The Village lowered its flags in his honour on Feb. 26.

Archery Nights

BY GRANT JOHNSON

The Lamont Fish & Game Association is hitting the mark once again with its popular weekly Archery Nights in Bruderheim.

Hosted by John Jacobs, the Thursday evening sessions run from 6:30 to 9 p.m. in the basement of Walker School, where a six-lane indoor range welcomes archers of all skill levels, from firsttimers to seasoned shooters.

The only requirement to step up to the line is a membership with the association, and minors must be accompanied by an adult.

For six-year-old Donny Van Heerden Johnson, the program has already proven its value. Since starting in November, he has gone from learning how to hold a bow to consistently hitting the bullseye and even popping balloons he places on the target for an extra challenge.

Organizers say the weekly gatherings are about more than just improving aim. They offer a chance to build skills, confidence and community spirit, one arrow at a time.

KEYES, Eldon W.

It is with deep sorrow that the family of Eldon W. Keyes announce his passing on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at the age of 46.

Eldon leaves behind his loving wife of 12 years, Jessica. He was the beloved dad to Axel “Moose”; cherished son to Christine; admired brother of Christian, Meesha (Vinny), Angel (Justice), and Jeff; and loved nephew of Marj (Doug). He was predeceased by his father Wayne.

Eldon lived his life to the fullest, he was always there for you with a helping hand or ready to make you smile when you were down. He was a selfless person who always put others first. Eldon was a hard worker, but he always made sure to put his family first as they were the most important thing to him. He will be deeply missed by his extended family and friends and all those who knew him.

A Divine Liturgy will be held Saturday, March 7, 2026, at 10 a.m. at St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Church, Lamont with interment to follow in the Church Cemetery.

Photos, memories, and condolences may be shared at www.parkmemorial.com.

Park Memorial Lamont 780-895-2157

Family-Owned Funeral Home And Crematorium

MARLER, Linda “Jan”

August 31, 1944 ~ February 27, 2026

It is with profound sadness that we announce our sweet, kind and gentle mom, Jan, Gram, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on February 27, 2026, in Lamont at the age of 81.

Jan married David in 1963 and soon after they moved to their farm in Ross Creek where they raised a family and she stayed until 2024. Mom was very active on the farm alongside dad in all aspects of farm life. She stayed home until her kids grew and moved on, then she enjoyed working at the Lodge in Tofield and later the bakery at the IGA. Mom was a gentle soul, beautiful on the inside and out. Her eyes lit up and she had the biggest smile for the friends and family that called or visited.

Jan was an exceptional cook and baker. Dee and Brent always had handmade treats every school day and fondly remember the warm sweets they received when they got off the bus. Our mom loved Christmas and will forever be remembered for her three different kinds of the ‘best’ shortbread that she generously shared with family and friends. She took pride in her yard and garden and her flowers were always beautiful and well cared for. Mom spent several years crocheting and making blankets for her kids, and she was a talented seam-

stress, often sewing clothes for Brent and Deanne, making jeans and their winter jackets. She loved music and was a talented piano player and singer with a beautiful voice. She sang at weddings and even had her own record.

In 2024, she moved from the farm to Morley Young Manor in Lamont where she was still able to have a small garden on her patio. She enjoyed coffee every morning with other residents and actively participated in floor curling, musical entertainment and shared cherished stories from her years of fun with her fast ball family, curling bonspiels and being a part of the Ross Creek community.

She will forever be remembered by her children, Deanne (Jamie), Brent (Pauline) and her younger sisters Cathie (Dave), Barb and Lois (Doug). She is survived by her grandchildren Ashley (Ricky), Aaron (Sasha), Kayla, Braeden (Emma) and Justin (Maggie). Her great-grandchildren Ethan, Khloe, Beau, Alix, Mia, Ellie, Weston and Charlotte as well as her sister and brothers-in-law, many nieces, nephews, neighbours and friends. Jan is predeceased by her husband David Marler and her mother and father Isobel and Jack Bailey.

Her family would like to thank the staff at the Lamont Hospital for their exceptional kindness and compassion in Mom’s final days and thank you to all the family and friends who have offered condolences and support. It is very appreciated.

A celebration of Jan’s life will take place in the summer as Mom loved the sunny, warm days.

Weber Funeral Home www.weberfuneralhome.ca

Tofield 780-662-3959 Camrose 780-672-3131

Grade 9 is back at Mundare School starting next fall

BY GRANT JOHNSON

After nearly 30 years, Mundare School is bringing Grade 9 back to the community.

Beginning in the 2026–2027 school year, the school will expand its current Kindergarten to Grade 8 program to include Grade 9, allowing students to complete their entire junior high journey close to home.

Kevin Bartsch, who attended Mundare School for both elementary and junior high and now serves as a staff member, recalls his experience fondly.

“My junior high experience at Mundare School was great. I loved the

Outdoor Education and sports options,” he says. When local families were asked what they value most about the school, small class sizes topped the list.

Parents consistently point to the advantages of a close-knit learning environment, where teachers truly know their students and can tailor instruction to individual needs.

Families appreciate that one-on-one support is available to all students, including those in junior high, ensuring every learner has the opportunity to succeed. As one mother shared, “Mundare School feels

like home, it’s a community and family-based school.”

With the addition of Grade 9, student opportunities are expanding as well. This September, junior high students will have access to new option courses including Modified Construction, Outdoor Education, Robotics, and Foods, with Art offered throughout the entire school year.

With the addition of Grade 9, Mundare School keeps junior high students learning close to home in a supportive, close-knit learning environment.

Maschmeyer loses despite good game

BY JOHN MATHER

The Vancouver Goldeneyes played its first game since the Olympic break on March 1, dropping a 2-1 decision to Toronto Sceptres. Bruderheim’s Emerance Maschmeyer, fresh off a silver medal performance with Team Canada in Milano-Cortina, took the loss for the Goldeneyes stopping 22

of the 24 shots she faced in net. Meanwhile the Goldeneyes fired 26 shots at Toronto netminder Raygan Kirk. Toronto opened the scoring midway through the first period when Sara Hjalmarsson put a shot past Maschmeyer from Claire Dalton.

A minute later it was

Lauren Messier finding the back of the

Goldeneyes’ net with assists going to Dalton and Kali Flanagan.

Izzy Daniel got the Goldeneyes lone goal at 9:08 of the third period with the assist going to Hannah Miller.

Vancouver will next host the Boston Fleet March 10 and then host the Ottawa Charge March 14.

Director, Planning and Community Services - Leadership (Full-time).

Development Officer - Planning & Development (Full-time).

Weed Inspector - Agricultural Services (SEASONAL).

Lawn Care and Maintenance Tech.- Agricultural Services (SEASONAL).

Administrative Assistant - Corporate Services (Full-time).

Equipment Operator - Public Works (SEASONAL).

Truck Driver - Public Works (SEASONAL).

Labourer - Public Works (SEASONAL).

Opinion

Nenshi starting to falter as NDP leader - Cracks appearing!

BY JOHN MATHER

Is it time for the NDP to dump Naheed Nenshi?

The beleaguered former Tory/Liberal supporter turned NDP leader has been coming under fire lately for his pitiful performance since assuming the leadership mantle a year and half ago.

Many are publicly stating this legislature session which began a week ago, will be crucial for Nenshi going forward.

There is concern Nenshi hasn’t lit the fire under the NDP grassroots that he brought to the leadership campaign when he was elected on the first ballot with 86 per cent of the 72,930 votes cast at the convention in June 2024.

Nenshi sold the majority of memberships going into the convention, mostly based on his presumed strength as Calgary’s mayor for several years.

And he started his moves in the new legislation session by demanding UCP Leader Danielle Smith and her caucus sign a pro-Canadian petition.

Well Smith, whom Nenshi loves to call a separatist, has always stated she is in favour of a sovereign Alberta within Canada and has at no time publicly stated she supports separatism.

She does support people having the right to cast a vote in a referendum, but that represents democracy in action, not support for separatism.

And then Nenshi whines about the state of healthcare. But as always he and his team refuse to present any viable alternatives to government policy.

It's all “government is bad and we can do better” without explaining how or why they could do better.

And then while he was off gallivanting on a beach somewhere recently deputy leader Rakhi Pancholi took aim at Smith following her televised report to Albertans a week and half ago.

“Cut the B.S, and call an election,” growled Pancholi, MLA for Edmonton Whitemud.

Nenshi said afterward he was happy she got the notice. “Rakhi is brilliant,” he blurted. “She’s a star in the party that we want people to see. I really want Albertans to be able to see the extraordinary team that I’ve got.”

Sure you do Naheed.

CONTINUED

You thought you packed the 2024 convention with voters from Calgary and your charisma would carry the day.

Well, it did, but the NDP grassroots wanted something more.

They wanted a forceful leader and you are proving day after day that that is not you.

You were never a forceful mayor when you ran Calgary and that past is starting to catch up to you.

You and your union-backed successor Jyoti Gondek ignored reports of serious water issues the city was facing. The green line LRT has become a complete boondoggle and several other issues that occurred under your watch and were ignored, are now coming to light.

Dave Cournoyer, described by Calgary Herald’s Don Braid, as “a reasonable, wellinformed, influential voice on the left” weighed in on his Daveberta substack.

“The 38-MLA NDP Opposition has struggled to gain traction and define itself since … Naheed Nenshi replaced former premier Rachel Notley as leader a year and a half ago, but those six words from Pancholi last Friday cut through the noise and were a blunt reminder that she is one of the party’s most effective voices.”

And the criticism of Nenshi hasn’t stopped with Daveberta.

Max Fawcett writing in the National Observer, a left leaning publication, stated a week ago that Smith was poised to run a “string of multi-billion dollar deficits, it’s responsible for an ever expanding scandal over private surgical contracts, rising insurance and utility costs” and “Smith’s ongoing attempts to crash – sorry re-focus– the healthcare system.”

He then added the UCP are the favourite, perhaps even heavy favourites, to win the next provincial election .

And then he dumped all the blame at Nenshi’s feet.

“The answer is staring right back at her in the provincial legislature: NDP leader Naheed Nenshi,” wrote Fawcett. “For all of the fanfare that greeted his election as Alberta NDP leader in 2024, the man who routinely garnered international coverage as Calgary’s first Muslim mayor has been prac-

tically invisible as a provincial politician.

“And while it’s possible that Smith’s ongoing flirtation with separatism could split her party and hand the next election to the NDP, it’s far more likely that Nenshi is sleepwalking his party into defeat.”

“It might be tempting for NDP loyalists to tell themselves that Nenshi will shine during the campaign, and especially the debate between the two (provincial) leaders,” Fawcett continued.

“I don’t think I’d place that bet myself. For all of her flaws, Danielle Smith is one of the most talented retail politicians of her generation, and her debating skills are nearly as formidable. Nenshi, meanwhile, has yet to be tested at that highest level of provincial politics – and winning a debate isn’t the same thing as winning an election.”

Nenshi probably also forgets he’s from Calgary where the NDP provincially is really an Edmonton-centred party.

While they did win seats in Calgary during the last election, they will probably drop some of those because the lustre is off Nenshi.

And there are three very strong provincial NDP women from Edmonton who can all garner more print media headlines than Nenshi – Pahkoli, Sarah Hoffman and Janice Irwin.

Meanwhile while Nenshi looks for a bright spot in his mirror, the UCP are having a field day humiliating him on both mainstream and online advertising.

Beside pointing out the issues he ignored during his tenure as Calgary’s mayor, they now have an ad out blasting the provincial NDP for being against pipelines, even as the Federal government announces plans to become the world’s leader in exporting LNG.

And that will require pipelines.

Smith has the inside track on this issue because of her Memorandum of Understanding with Prime Minister Carney.

And while it’s just a piece of paper, both leaders seem to be wanting to work toward a solution resulting in a pipeline from Alberta to tidewater. That is something Nenshi seems unable to comprehend

One has to wonder just how long Nenshi has before those strong Edmonton women in his caucus get the knives out to sharpen and aim at his back?

BY HAZEL ANAKA

Every so often I hit a wall when it comes to arriving at a theme for this column. It’s disconcerting and worrisome but I suppose shouldn’t be surprising. I’ve written From Where I Sit since January 2002 for a number of weekly newspapers. For a few years, it also appeared online in the Athabasca University’s student publication, The Voice. Since the beginning, I had four different online editors and three for local print weeklies. Without exception, I was given the grace and leeway to write whatever I wanted week after week, year after year. I still haven’t figured out if that’s a testament to the editors’ trust in me, the fact the column name is a butt-covering disclaimer, or because I work for a pittance. Perhaps all

FROM WHERE I SIT: A Higher Standard

three? The gift of this side hustle has been the time and space to hone my observational skills, refine my thinking, and sharpen my writing. So, that’s roughly 1,200 columns over 24 years at an average of fifty per year. It’s a miracle I have any words left! I’m always gratified when people stop to tell me they enjoy the column. Inevitably the question is where do you get your ideas. The short answer is from what I've done or read or seen or heard. Usually there’s a repeating pattern or thread of commonality running through those columns with several baby topics corralled into one piece of writing.

Mercifully, I’ve only received one piece of hate mail and one threat (relayed by the Leader editor) to mark all those years. That is a charmed life, my friends. Thank you for your civility. I’m not naïve enough to believe people unconditionally agree with me so I appreciate you’ve respected my right to have an opinion, even when you don’t concur. Early on in this adventure I wrote time-sensitive pieces around holiday themes: New Years,

Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Remembrance Day, et cetera. Depending on the focus of my own life, some years covered hands-on parenting, marriage, cattle farming, small business, Babas and Borshch, and so on. Most things I’ve done (Justice of the Peace; Lamont County councillor; board positions on Lakeland RHA, Servus Credit Union, Provincial Health Ethics Network; marriage commissioner; election worker) have required an oath of confidentiality making many things off limits because of that.

For the past thirty-nine weeks I’ve interviewed a creative Live on my YouTube channel in a series called Heart to Heart with Hazel. I’ve interviewed small channels, big channels, and those in between. I could rattle on about why I started the series, how much I’ve learned, how well it’s being received, why some call me Barbara Walters, and more but I won’t. At some point I asked a couple of friends to act as moderators in the chat mainly to add live links so we can promote and support each other not because I thought there’d

Lamont and Area

LAMONT UNITED CHURCH 5306 - 51 Ave., Lamont, AB 780-895-2145 Rev. Carolyn Woodall

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be trolls. The interview replays are available on my channel for those who can’t watch live. Last week I interviewed fellow Albertan Janine Vangool, editor, publisher, and creator of Uppercase magazine and the Encyclopedia of Inspiration. I had to suppress any fan girl gushing. Part of what impresses me about her is she takes a principled stand on issues (tariffs, Covid, AI to name three biggies) even as it poses the risk of haters and/or a loss of customers. So,

naturally I asked her about that. With most of my viewers being American, it’s no surprise some didn’t like that one little bit. I got a long, long comment from one of the many Americans I’ve interviewed and felt rapport with. She quoted the bible, accused our PM of being a socialist and a communist, and much more. To my credit, I didn’t block the comment or engage on a point-bypoint rebuttal. I simply said we need to agree to disagree. I pointed out

we have much in common including respect for opposing views (or something to that effect). I refuse to let this change my opinion of her by holding to my belief in “live and let live.”

That said, I appreciate the platform I’ve been given both through this column and my online presence on YouTube. I don’t take either for granted and understand the higher standard required of anyone in these positions. As one of the Sportsnet colour guys says in closing, ‘the pleasure is all mine,’ from where I sit.

From the files of the Lamont Leader

Local health care professionals raise $2,300 for breast cancer programs

Bruderheim Community Church 4904 Queen Street 780-796-3775

U13 Wild drop close playoff series to Lac La Biche

These

some

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 (13-10-1) dropped a 9-8 road game on Saturday against Mallaig led by Alex Holt’s 6g 7-point game. Braden Roy got the game to within one with 4:04 remaining in the third frame but they couldn’t tie it. Other scorers were; Marcus MacDonell (1g 3a) and Owen Mattz (1a). Darek Bonner got the win in goal.

Elk Island U13 Wild (15-10-0) dropped a close three game playoff series over the weekend to Lac La Biche. On the road on Friday, Wild lost a 4-3 game scoring two in the third to make it close.

Kayden King (1g 1a), Mary Sobkow and Sawyer Wytrykush scored for EI, and Ellie Poirier picked up an assist. In game two on Saturday at Lamont Arena, Wild jumped in front 4-1 and held on for a 5-4 win. Kayden King (1g 1a), Christian McLeod (1g 1a), Landen O’Connell, Ellie Poirier, and Alex Holt scored while Quinn Dickinson picked up an assist. Jake Holt and Carter Graham shared the win in goal. On Sunday the teams entered the third period tied 2-2 at Lamont Arena but with only 34 seconds remaining, Lac La Biche scored the heartbreaking winner. Mary Sobkow and Kayden King scored, with assists going to Jaxton Fertuck (2a), Raiden Crough, and Christian McLeod.

Ryan Carstairs picked up an assist in his Fort Sask. U17AAA Rangers 4-1 win over Sherwood Park on Sunday. On Saturday, Ryan scored a goal in the Rangers’ 5-4 OT win over KC.

Easy Calving Angus Hybrid Bulls for Heifers

www.CharltonCattleCo.ca

Open House to meet County councillors

BY JOHN MATHER

Residents of Lamont County are invited to come out to Lamont’s Arena Hall on March 10 when all council members will be available for an open house.

The open house, from 69 pm, will give residents a chance to meet the two

new councillors elected last October; Gerald Thorowsky from Division 1 and John Uganecz from Division 3. They will be joined by Reeve Aaron Wick, Division 2; Neil Woitas , Division 5; and Roy Anaka Division 4.

Organizers say resi-

dents will be allowed to ask any questions of councillors from industrial developments in Division Five to agricultural issues to zoning questions.

The open house for the entire council is in addition to the Coffee with a Councillor sessions.

Lamont County water intake and waterline consultants WSP speak with a couple of residents about the proposed water intake and waterline project during an open house held in Bruderheim, Feb. 26.  Residents were invited to leave comments on viewing boards showing various aspects of the project, plus they could discuss concerns with WSP officials. About 50 area residents attended the open house.

Mather photo.

March 8, 2026

The Lamont Leader (Lamont, Alberta), Wednesday, March 4, 2026

Lamont Farmers Market raising funds for ill local boy

BY GRANT JOHNSON

The Lamont Farmers Market is rallying around one of its own.

The market’s advisory committee has announced that cash donations and upcoming fundraising efforts will be directed to the family of two-year-old Dallas Laronde, who is battling neuroblastoma.

Dallas’s fight has meant countless trips between Edmonton and Calgary for specialized treatments, along with several unexpected hospital stays.

His grandparents, Murray and Karen, have been by his side every step of the way, making the long drives as medical costs and travel expenses continue to mount.

Organizers say the decision to support the

Laronde family reflects the close-knit spirit that defines the Lamont community.

Donations can be made at any upcoming farmers market, including the next market set for Wednesday, March 11

from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Lamont Recreation Centre.

In addition, non-perishable food items can be dropped off at the market for donation to the Lamont Food Bank.

Thursday, March 19, 2026 7:30 pm Arena Meeting Room

• Hear and discuss report of 2025 operations • Distribution of dividend cheques to members • Reading of Financial Statement

• Coffee & Doughnuts

PRICING

$20/wk for the

first 35 words 45¢ for each additional word 4 Papers 16,000 readers

CARD OF THANKS

Knox United Church Killam wants to say a big thank you to the community for the support for our pancake supper at the hall on Feb. 24.

COMING EVENTS

2026 Stronger Together Women's Conference with Keynote Speaker Darci Lang. Join us for a day of learning, shopping, and building community.

April 16th; 9-4 at the Killam Community Hall Tickets $80 including lunch. Contact Flagstaff Community Adult Living at 780-385-3712 or www.FCAL.net.

Register by April 9th.

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The Viking Historical Society will be holding a beef stew and biscuit supper at the Legion Hall on Tuesday March 17/26 from 5 to 7 pm to celebrate St. Patrick’s day. Adults $15, children $10. Supper includes beef stew and biscuits, dessert and tea, coffee, or juice. Take-out is available.

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St. Andrew’s United Church Annual St. Patrick’s Day Ham & Stew Supper & silent auction, Sunday, March 15, 2026 Lougheed Community Hall 5 – 6:30 pm. Adults $20; Youth 10 yrs & under $10; under 5 years of age free.

Heisler Elks Sausage Breakfast Sunday, March 15 9 a.m. to Noon Heisler Community Cultural Centre

Adults $15, 6-12 years - $8, 5 & under - Free

Heisler Elks Ham Bingo Monday, March 16, Heisler Community Cultural Centre 15 games - $5. Door prize on Advance Tickets. Bonanza to follow. Doors Open 6:30, Bingo Starts 7:30

Sterling REA AGM Monday, March 16 at Heisler Rec Centre at 1 p.m.

All members welcome. For more information, call Mac Weller: 780-679-8265 08/10p

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The annual meeting of the Lougheed Community Hall will be held Tuesday, March 17, 5:00 PM at the Hall. Everyone Welcome.

CLASSIFIEDS

COMING EVENTS

Do you have an interest in preserving our local history?

Join us for our annual general meeting, Tuesday, March 17th at 7:30 pm at the Lougheed Seniors. New members would be most welcomed! Iron Creek Museum.

SAVE THE DATES! Killam Legion Socials first and third Fridays of the month 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

All members and guests welcome! Watch the new Killam Legion Facebook page for updates.

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EDMONTON STAMP CLUB

STAMP SHOW - March 21 - 22; Saturday 10 - 5 pm, Sunday 10 - 4 pm. Central Lions Rec Centre 113 Street & 111 Avenue. Stamps for Sale, Door Prizes, Jr Table, etc. Exhibits (WSP): Stephan Cloutier cloutier1967@sympatico.ca. Food Bank donation box. www.edmontonstampclub.ca

33rd ANNUAL ADAIR RANCH BULL SALE.

Wednesday, March 18 Brownfield, AB. 37 Red and Black Simmentals, 8 Angus heifer bulls. Feed Efficiency Tested. Ken 403-575-5470.

FOR RENT

House for Rent or Sale in Viking.

3 Bedroom, 2.5 baths. No smoking or pets. Available immediately. Call 780-385-0626.

SEASONAL CAMPSITES

FOR RENT

- located on Muriel Lake, 14Kms south of Bonnyville. - season is May to September with winter storage included.

- $1,000 for no service site. Service sites range from $2,100 to $2,500.

- Gated property with sandy beach, swimming area and access to ATV trails.

CONTACT Kevin at (403) 815-9795

MEMORIAL

MEMORIAL

ROBERT WARREN COLIN JOHNSON August 7, 1978March 3, 1998

In loving memory of a precious Son, Brother, Grandson, Nephew, Cousin, Uncle, and Friend.

I heard your voice in the wind today, And turned to see your face; The warmth of the wind caressed me, As I stood silently in place. I felt your touch in the sun today, As its warmth filled the sky; I closed my eyes for your embrace, And my spirit soared high. I held you close in my heart today, It made me feel complete; You have passed... But you are not gone, You will always be a part of me. As long as the sun shines, rain falls... The wind blows; You will live on inside of me forever, For that is all my heart knows. May the winds of love blow gently; And whisper so you can hear; How much we love and miss you, And wish that you were here.

Lovingly Remembered and Sadly Missed, Your Family and Friends

FOR SALE

If anybody is interested in any CD's, mostly country, Brian has some for sale (72 in total.) May purchase individually at $2/ea, or the entire lot. If interested, call 780-678-0053 for pickup, head six miles west of Daysland on Highway 13, turn right at RR172 for 1.25 miles, at blue sign 45529172. 08/09c

BARLEY *NEW-AB Standswell* Smooth AWN, High Yielding, Grain and Forage Great Lodging Resistance. 1st NITROGEN USE EFFICIENT CEREAL IN CANADA. Attracting Japanese Interest. OTHER BARLEY: Cerveza, CDC Austenson, CDC Durango, CDC Maverick, Esma, Sundre. WHEAT –Pintail, Forage or Grain. OATS – AC Juniper, AC Morgan, AC Mustang, Derby, CDC S01 Super Oat. PEAS –Very Early Yellow Peas, Forage Peas. ALSO AVAILABLE: Polish Canola & Spring Triticale. Special pricing on truckloads. www.mastinseeds.com; 403-556-2609.

HELP WANTED

Home Support

Live-in for adult male in wheelchair in Round Hill area. Will train. Wages etc. to be discussed. Send resume to broblin.br@gmail.com or text 604-793-3756. TMP09-12c

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 09/12c

SERVICES

INTEGRITY POST FRAME BUILDINGS since 2008 BUILT WITH CONCRETE POSTS. Barns, Shops, Riding Arenas, Machine Sheds and more, 1-866-974-7678 www.integritybuilt.com.

Low risk air quality for most of 2025

BY JOHN MATHER

The Heartland Air Partnership has released the annual results of air monitoring across the region in 2025.

The Partnership, it said in a release, monitored the air quality in the region for 57,353 hours and the Air Quality Health Index showed low risks readings the majority of the time at 92.4 per or 53,005 hours.

Readings were in the moderate risk category for 3,746 hours or 6.5 per cent of the time.

High risk readings were recorded for 314 hours or 0.6 per cent of the time and Very High risk readings were recorded for 238 hours or 0.5 per cent of the time.

By comparison, in 2024 there were 650 hours of high risk air quality ratings and 551 hours of very high risk to health ratings.

A total of 602 hours of high or very high AQHI ratings were recorded across the Airshed in 2025.

The majority of these were linked to wildfire smoke from outside the Heartland region in late May, June, August and early September the Partnership stated. The Redwater Recreation Area Wildfire that started May 3 (until declared under control May 19) did not result in high risk to health ratings (or exceedances) from data recorded at the Redwater

monitoring station. This is due to the wind direction during that period of time.

Other contributing factors to high and very high readings were: wintertime inversions, which can trap pollutants near the ground during weather events with cold temperatures and calm wind conditions; summertime smog, as a result of the formation of ground

level ozone during hot, calm weather; harvest dust; and a small number of unidentified or unattributable local sources.

Wheat:

CWRS - AAC Brandon - Improved Rated MR for FHB resistance

- Most widely grown CWRS variety in Western Canada for 5 years

CWRS - AAC Wheatland VB

-Wheat Midge tolerant

- Very good lodging resistance

CWSWS - AC Andrew - Great silage option -In demand by milling and ethanol industries

Yellow Peas:

CDC Canary - Improved standability -Early maturity -Higher Yielding Faba Beans:

CDC 219-16 - Zero Tannin

- Seed is smaller than Snowbird, larger than CDC Snowdrop

6-Row Feed Barley:

AB Advantage - Improved plump and bushel weight

- Smooth awned

-High grain and forage yield

2-Row Malt Barley:

CDC Churchill - Increasing demand by Malting Companies, Yielding 109% of CDC Copeland

Monster policing hikes cause concerns in local municipalities

BY JOHN MATHER

The cost of policing is causing many smaller municipalities in Alberta to question just how they are going to pay for the services.

At their Feb. 3 council meeting the issue came to a head in Mundare when Chief Administrative Officer Colin Zyla told council the final cost estimates that had arrived at using the funding formula by the Provincial Police Service agreements.

Prior to 2020, municipalities under 5,000 population didn’t have to pay for police services.

The existing agreement for policing had been between the federal and provincial governments and only communities with more than 5,000 population paid for their policing. costs

Zyla had point out in their regular January meeting the Province was making changes to the Police Funding Model and discussion had been tabled until the final costs came in.

On Feb. 3, Zyla reported to council the yearly increase was using an 8 per cent figure and the funding formula is based on 50 per cent of the population and 50 per cent of the equalized assessment.

He said the new funding changes would see, starting in 2028, the equalized assessment reduced and calls for service (occurrences) included with it being based on 45 per cent of assessment in 2028 and five per cent occurrences.

In 2029 that would change to 40 per of equalized assessment and 10 per cent occurrences. In 2030 it would change to 30 per cent equalized assessment and 20 per cent occurrences.

Zyla said in 2024 the actual policing costs for Mundare was $40,650.

He estimated the 2025 costs would be $43,500 an increase of $2,850; in 2026 it would jump to $60,100 a $16,600 hike; in 2027 $70,8000 an increase of $10,700; in 2028 $85,500 a $14,700 hike; in 2029 $102,400 a $16,900 increase and in 20230 it would climb to $125,500 representing a $23,100 increase.

“There are a couple of concerns that have popped out at me,” Zyla said.

“The eight per cent increase seems high and I can’t get an explanation for it.

“I asked the Province what was included in the occurrence rate and they couldn’t provide an answer,” he said.

“I don’t know what is included in occurrences. If the police open a file but don’t respond is that an occurrence. I don’t know.”

He added there were some modifiers which could reduce costs based on a crime severity index. Since we don’t have a detachment I don’t know how that will factor in.

Zyla also had concerns on how fine revenue was distributed.

He said it used to be distributed back to the municipalities in which the fines were issued but under the new funding methods the Province decided if small municipalities weren’t paying for policing (prior to 2020) they wouldn’t receive fines revenue.

“I had no problem with that,” said Zyla.

“But currently communities paying for policing under the police act, any municipality paying for a community police officer would receive 60 per cent of any fines issued.”

Zyla recommended submitting a resolution to Alberta Municipalities to advocate to amend the sections of the Traffic Safety ACT for how fines

FEATURED PROPERTIES

MINBURN COUNTY

are distributed.

He added they would need to find a municipality with a lager population of 5,000 to 10,000 to second their resolution.

Councillor Irene Talaga made the motion to support the resolution which was carried and a second resolution was passed too, seeking a larger municipality as a seconder for the motion at the Alberta Municipalities Convention.

Mayor Rick Patrie said the policing costs were going up and it was getting increasingly difficult to find the money to pay for it.

Zyla suggested he put the policing costs as an individual line on the tax notices and council agreed that was a good idea.

In Lamont County, Feb. 23, council received their policing costs for the coming years.

For 2026-27 the costs will be $364,882.96 an increase of 22 per cent over the current costs.

In 2027-28 it will jump 24 per cent to $429,898.47; in 2028-29 it will increase 26 per cent to $530,.926.84; in 2029 it would increase 28 per cent to $650,011.69 and in 2030-31 it would jump 30 per cent to $827,377.44.

Council passed a motion directing Administration to prepare a letter for the Reeve’s signature to Alberta’s Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services, copying the Justice and Municipal Affairs Ministers, the Premier, the local MLA, and Rural Municipalities of Alberta requesting that Policing Funding Model amounts be treated as a requisition similar what is done for Education and Housing Foundation.

It was noted costs are estimated to increase by an average 26 per cent, per year, over the next five years.

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