News Advertiser

12/22/2025

Advent Festival of Praise

Rosanne Fortier - News Correspondent

An evening full of narration and songs to worship Jesus for the Christmas season was offered at St. John’s Lutheran Church on December 14.

For the opening, Ellen Johnstone played a lovely piano prelude.

After this, Vegreville Youth Ensemble and Women’s Choir performed an uplifting, ‘A Christmas Hallelujah’.

Vegreville Youth Ensemble and Friends went on to sing a beautiful version of ‘Peace on This Silent Night.’

Following this was Vegreville Community Bell Choir, directed by Lisa Topilko where the pure and joyful sound from the instruments floated through the church.

The half-hour Cantata, performed by St. John’s Lutheran Choir and Friends, took the audience on an indescribable spiritual journey through narrations and songs, culminating in the Birth of Jesus Christ.

Martha Die, who was in the Cantata, shared that they practiced for about a month and a half. “It was so much fun. It was beautiful! I loved the sound we had from all the different voices coming together and the camaraderie.”

St. John’s Lutheran Church hosted this with the community.

Coordinator Colleen Albert noted that $675.00 was raised last evening for the Vegreville Food Bank, as well as, some food donations.

Albert shared that their motivation for this performance was three-fold. “Practicing and performing the choral music was a great opportunity for singers in our church and community to come together and share an activity that they greatly enjoy. Secondly, we had an opportunity to both bless the community with some beautiful music and also raise some money for a worthy cause. Finally, we hope that this musical event will serve to shine the light of Christ into our world and help us to focus on Him during this Christmas season.”

Vegreville News Advertiser Volume 78, Issue 51 - December 17, 2025

12/21/2025

Vegreville 4-H Beef Club November Report

Arianna Klammer and Emma Trabysh - Club Reporters

During the month of November our 4H Club was very active and involved in many community activities.

Some of our members had the opportunity to attend Farmfair International with their beef animals and some got to show other producers beef animals. This experience helped members improve their showmanship skills, gain confidence, and learn from others.

Our club also got to volunteer at the Vegreville Veterinary Clinic Beef Seminar held on November 13th. Members helped provide dinner and clean tables. But on top of that we got to listen in on some of the presentations. We heard about replacement heifer selection, digestive diseases along with the proper use and selection of implants in beef cattle.

November was the closing of the Cowboy Caviar fundraiser and boy did it do well once again! Members worked hard and this helps raise funds for future club activities. Members also took part in a few other community events. November 21 members attended the Vegreville Junior B Rangers game for the annual Toy Toss to support families in need. Sooo many items were gathered and delivered to the Vegreville Christmas Bureau. Additionally, on November 28th our club was in the Vegreville Christmas Light Up Parade, where we helped spread holiday cheer and proudly represented 4H in the community. While some members were on the float, other members attended Fall Fling, where there were fun activities and meeting other 4H members from different clubs.

Overall, November was a busy and successful month for our 4H Club.

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4H Multi Club November Report

Jade Keel - Club Reporter

We started our November meeting with a senior member's public speaking workshop. Going around the room everyone said one sentence to create one long story. It had a lot of exploding! Everyone's projects are going quite well even though some have not met yet. They are all bound to have a great time. Many 4H families have donated to our local food bank. Let's hope it gets to those who need it.

Christmas is approaching and we have our party date and gift exchange planned! Ve are having a gift exchange and while everyone's parents get old used stuff from other parents, the kids get new fun things because kids rule! Cookies, cupcakes and all sorts of homemade sweets sound like they are coming to this festive event. Public speaking is on the horizon and topics are out and about. This was the first meeting since choosing all our topics and it sounds to be a great year of fun.

Vegreville News Advertiser Volume 78, Issue 51 - December 17, 2025

12/20/2025

Greg Pyle Steps into Role of Fire Services Coordinator

Michelle Pinon - News Advertiser

It has only been a short time since Greg Pyle stepped into the position of Fire Services Coordinator for the County of Two Hills, but he seems right at home in his new role that began this fall.

Pyle said both he and his family are thrilled to officially call the County of Two Hills home. Pyle was hired on in late August and is very excited to be of service. “It is an honour to step into this vital role for the County of Two Hills.”

He has extensive hands on business management experience as well as serving with his local fire department. In terms of his primary focus since taking on the role, Pyle said, “My primary focus is to honour the dedication of our volunteer members while advocating for best practices on both the administrative and operational sides of the service, and to ensure this essential service is safe, efficient, and well-equipped. I am working closely with our administrative team, department leaders and elected officials to achieve this.

He added that, “My role includes a comprehensive review of existing budgets, by-laws, and mutual aid agreements. The ultimate priority is determining the most cost-effective and operationally effective system for all parties involved, whether that be through a formal regionalization or by strengthening our current mutual aid agreements. Any proposal for regionalization would entail standardized training, equipment protocols, and shared resources to ultimately improve efficiency and inter-departmental support, though no formal timeline for implementation has been set yet.

With respect to outreach and training, Pyle stated that, “Our departments recognize the vital roles that everyday people bring to their local halls. Whether our members are on the frontline, serving as drivers/operators, dispatchers, traffic control, or scene command they are all valued members of the team. With over 90 members across the County, the departments have done an excellent job with recruitment and retention. Many of our department officers will be attending a Fire Service Bootcamp this February in St. Paul. This course will include Values-Based Leadership & Culture Building, Strategic Decision Making, Community Risk Reduction and more.”

Pyle noted, “The years of service in our Community Fire Departments is remarkable. Myrnam Fire Chief John Fedoriuk, (37 years of service) and Assistant Fire Chief Brad Straty, (39 years of service) recently received their 35-year Canadian Volunteer Fire Services Association (CVFSA) Municipal Long Service Award Medals.” Additionally, Frank Farynowski was recently recognized for his 70 years of service to the Hairy Hill Fire Department.

Vegreville News Advertiser Volume 78, Issue 51 - December 17, 2025

12/19/2025

An Active Year for VAS

Rosanne Fortier - News Correspondent

Vegreville Agricultural Society is a vibrant organization! The members contributed over 56,000 volunteer hours to events, board meetings, conferences, and other happenings in 2025.

The Annual General Meeting was offered at Vegreville Multi-Plex Centre on December 10.

President Kris Klammer reported that it has been a busy year!

Klammer shared that they continue to have a close partnership with the APCCA who appreciate the quality of their chuckwagon track, which is ranked among the top few in the province! Partnerships with community organizations continue to bring shared value.

“The fair was an impressive success despite the four inches of rain that flooded the grounds. The tractor pulls are a particular passion of mine, and I so appreciate the support of community sponsors and the Ag Society to make it happen. An additional call-out would be the exhibit hall and the efforts of all the ladies that make it happen. There is no truer showcase of the excellence and diversity of passions displayed by our community members.

Some additional highlights of the season include the RV demolition derby at the Father’s Day event.

The Ag Society Executive has been taking a more deliberate approach to strategy planning and the ex*****on of future events. For 2026, we will be able to look forward to an RV Club coming to hang out on our grounds. Unfortunately, we will also be losing the corn maze due to the sale of the grounds. Involvement has been excellent so far-please continue to bring any ideas or expertise forward!” Klammer noted.

Klammer extended special recognition and heartfelt gratitude to three dedicated directors: Dan Beaudette, Connie Steinwand, and Tanya Hawkins, who have stepped off the board. “Their impact on the VAS has been tremendous, and their absence will certainly be felt.”

Office Manager Rachel Farr expressed that they experienced their share of highs and lows, but overall, it was a year filled with fantastic family events. “Being part of an organization that brings people, families, and communities together is truly an honour.”

Farr went on to state that their office has been busy almost every single day, and the workload continues to grow as the society expands.

“Remaining financially sustainable is vital for our organization. I will continue exploring grants, funding opportunities, and sponsorships to support the ongoing needs of the Agricultural Society.

This year, I was honoured to serve on the Board for the Canadian Association of Fairs and Exhibitions. This position has allowed me to deepen my knowledge in board governance, strategic planning, government relations, and collaboration with our national organization. I am looking forward to a second term on the CAFÉ Board.

I am grateful to everyone who has been a part of this great organization-whether you served on the board or a committee, volunteered, or simply supported me along the way,” Farr closed in saying.

The six Directors elected for a three-year term were Justin Hambidge, Shane Cartier, Roger Petruk, Georgina Klammer, Bernice Bilyk, and Morgana Larsen.

The Director elected for a two-year term was Brenda Slopianka.

Other Directors will continue their terms: Bryan Maynard, Kirby Lopaschuk, Terrell Fletcher, Noah Baxandall, Dwayne Dubuc, and Shawn Holyk.

For the Executive, Don Harfield was elected as Treasurer, and Suzanne Malo as Executive Director.
Kris Klammer will continue his term as President, Russell Crowe as Vice-President, and Daryl Tuck as Executive Director.

Vegreville News Advertiser Volume 78, Issue 51 - December 17, 2025

12/18/2025

Homemade Christmas Sale

Rosanne Fortier - News Correspondent

There were plenty of gifts and baked goods created with a special and original touch to choose from the nine vendors at Vegreville Farmers’ Market Second Special Christmas Market on December 12 at Vegreville Elks Hall.

Manager Marlene Giebelhaus noted that this sale is meant to have people support and shop local. “We host this to have people come in and get their Christmas goodies; some people don’t like to bake, while others want to buy a homemade gift. Also, the last Christmas one will be our final market of the season till the end of March.”

There were a few new vendors. Amanda Antonchuk was from Designs and Creations by The Twisted Sisters. Amanda shared that they have been making sublimation and vinyl t-shirts and hoodies for five years. “It started as a hobby, to have something to do when I was bored, as I am a stay-at-home mother.”

Diane and Frank Skinner were selling crafts, gnomes, and baked goods. Diane has been making these for 30 years. “My favorite part about baking is when people come back and say how much they enjoyed eating it.

The smaller gnomes take me about an hour and a half to create, and the larger ones take longer.

Frank helps me wrap up the packages, put the labels on, do the shopping, and wash the dishes.”

Vegreville News Advertiser Volume 78, Issue 51 - December 17, 2025

12/17/2025

The December 17, 2025 edition of the News Advertiser is now online!

Stories in this issue include: An Active Year for VAS, Budget Talks to Continue for Vegreville Town Council, Policing Costs ‘Triple Hit’ on Residents, Homemade Christmas Sale, Canadiens Edge out Rangers, VWF Will Compete in 2026 Games, Greg Pyle Steps into Role of Fire Services Coordinator, Andrew Rural Academy Board Working to Address Concerns, Mundare Council Opposes Speed Limit Increase, Pembina Pipeline Commits $20,000 to Lamont County Food Bank, 4H Multi Club November Report, Vegreville 4-H Beef Club November Report, Vegreville Elks Care, Sisters’ Legacy at Mary Immaculate Care Centre, Masons’ Goodwill to the Community, Creative Christmas Craft, Music of the Season, Advent Festival of Praise, Joyful Christmas Celebration, Time to Grieve and Remember, and more!

Be sure to check out our weekly Facebook photo album!

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Magical Moments 2025

News Advertiser 2025 Magical Moments Feature Booklet is Now Available for Download. Featuring Christmas Carols, Recipes, Santa Letters, Colouring and more!

Download today! Print copy available now.

https://issuu.com/thenewsadvertiser/docs/2025_magical_moments

Vegreville News Advertiser Volume 78, Issue 51 - December 17, 2025

12/17/2025

The December 17, 2025 edition of the News Advertiser is now online!

Stories in this issue include: An Active Year for VAS, Budget Talks to Continue for Vegreville Town Council, Policing Costs ‘Triple Hit’ on Residents, Homemade Christmas Sale, Canadiens Edge out Rangers, VWF Will Compete in 2026 Games, Greg Pyle Steps into Role of Fire Services Coordinator, Andrew Rural Academy Board Working to Address Concerns, Mundare Council Opposes Speed Limit Increase, Pembina Pipeline Commits $20,000 to Lamont County Food Bank, 4H Multi Club November Report, Vegreville 4-H Beef Club November Report, Vegreville Elks Care, Sisters’ Legacy at Mary Immaculate Care Centre, Masons’ Goodwill to the Community, Creative Christmas Craft, Music of the Season, Advent Festival of Praise, Joyful Christmas Celebration, Time to Grieve and Remember, and more!

Be sure to check out our weekly Facebook photo album!

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1484862926752732&type=3

Read the News Advertiser online, on your favorite device or in print. Let us know about your news and be read in over 7,500 homes and businesses in our coverage area. Submission guidelines on our web site. www.newsadvertiser.com

Subscribe on our web page for early access.

Magical Moments 2025

News Advertiser 2025 Magical Moments Feature Booklet is Now Available for Download. Featuring Christmas Carols, Recipes, Santa Letters, Colouring and more!

Download today! Print copy available now.

https://issuu.com/thenewsadvertiser/docs/2025_magical_moments

12/17/2025

12/16/2025

Two Hills RCMP advise of heavy police presence

Two Hills County, Alta. - Two Hills RCMP is advising that there is a heavy police presence near Range Road 113 and Township Road 560, south of Lac Sante, in Two Hills County. Police responded to a report of a break and enter in which the homeowner interrupted the crime and the suspect fled. RCMP has containment set up and resources have been called in.

We understand how situations such as this can make a community feel uneasy, but rest assured, your Alberta RCMP is doing what they can to ensure everyone is safe. We ask that the public remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity or tips to Two Hills RCMP or Crime Stoppers.

Alberta RCMP Media Group

12/15/2025

Festive Fun and Food

Rosanne Fortier - News Correspondent