Proudly Serving Vermilion And Area Since 2004

The holiday season is all about giving, and this year, Shopper’s Drug Mart in Vermilion is making it easier than ever to share the spirit of the season with those who deserve it most, our seniors. Starting November 3, the store’s beloved Holiday Cheer Tree will go up, ready to brighten the holidays for local seniors and connect our community through kindness and care. If you’re a senior who could use a little extra cheer this season, Shopper’s Drug Mart wants to treat you! Si

Photo Sonya Lee The Canadian Collegiate Rodeo Association (CCRA) brings together a passionate community of college and university students, along with their coaches, united by their love of rodeo. Dedicated to both education and sport, the association represents institutions across British Columbia, Alberta, and Saskatchewan, forming seven competitive teams. Each season, these teams take turns hosting between eight and ten rodeos from September to April, culminating in the hi

On October 15, the Lakeland Emergency Training Centre (ETC) transformed into a hands-on learning playground for the students of Vermilion Play Development. With flashing lights, firefighter gear, and high-energy learning, the firehouse tour was an unforgettable experience—filled with laughter, excitement, and life-saving lessons. From the moment they stepped through the doors, the children were captivated by Training Officer Don Keenan, whose enthusiasm and storytelling broug

The 27th year of the Creative Crafts and Gifts Galore Craft & Trade Show was celebrated in style on October 18, with the theme “Christmas in October,” turning Derwent Recreation Centre into a winter wonderland for a day. The event, organized by Debbie Nazarchuk, drew hundreds of visitors pouring through the doors. The excitement around the event was palpable, with eager shoppers waiting to enter at the 10 a.m. opening time. The Centre was transformed into a bustling marketpla

Nellie McClung was one of the most important individuals in Alberta’s history. Not only was she instrumental in Manitoba becoming the first province to allow women to vote in provincial elections, but she did the same in Alberta soon after in 1916. Later in life, she was one of The Famous Five who brought forward the Persons Case in 1927 that led to women being deemed persons qualified to sit in the Canadian Senate. Her legacy has been tarnished somewhat with her support of e

Beaudon Rose serving up some of his cotton candy to eager patrons. Photo submitted In a celebration of community and connection, International Credit Union Day was marked with joy and appreciation on October 16, continuing a cherished tradition observed every third Thursday in October since 1948. This special day invites reflection on the credit union movement’s rich history, acknowledges its remarkable achievements, and honours the dedication of both members and staff. It’s

This fall, three remarkable young members of the Buffalo Ridge Pony Club made their mark on the national stage, representing both their club and the Alberta North Region at the prestigious Canadian Pony Club National Quiz. Dolly Lehne, Emma Collins, and Jane Scansen qualified to compete at Nationals after earning top marks at the regional quiz earlier in 2025. Together, they brought knowledge, determination, and team spirit to one of Pony Club’s most challenging national comp

The recent sanctions against Lakeland College’s men’s and women’s volleyball teams are more than just a disciplinary notice; they’re a wake-up call. The Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) confirmed that both teams participated in hazing activities between August 29 and September 1, culminating in a so-called ‘rookie party.” The result? The women’s team is suspended for its first eight matches, the men’s for the four, and Lakeland College has been fined $6,000. These

Lakeland College opened its doors to prospective students, families, and friends during its annual Open House held on October 17 and 18. The two-day event, running from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at both the Lloydminster and Vermilion campuses, gave visitors a chance to experience campus life first-hand, explore programs, and connect with the vibrant Lakeland community. Visitors were able to explore more than 50 programs across a wide range of disciplines, from agriculture and trades t

Do you remember the Greyhound Bus? Did you ever ride the Greyhound Bus? After a trip to Southern Alberta recently and seeing many huge buses on the highways, I was reminded of several of the trips I took as a Greyhound Bus rider. It all started when I was 14. My Dad drove me to the Islay corner on highway 16, bought me a ticket at Bills Service Station there and sent me on the Greyhound Bus to my aunt’s farm near Maidstone, Saskatchewan. If you ever travelled on the bus, you

The County of Minburn and the Wapasu Committee proudly celebrated the grand opening of the new Wapasu Gazebo on October 15 at the Wapasu Recreation Conservancy Park. The event, held from 4 to 6 p.m., featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony along with hamburgers, hotdogs, and light refreshments for all in attendance. The new structure replaces the original cook shack, which was tragically lost to fire earlier this year. The former building, a community fixture since 1975, had long

The aroma of scrumptious meats and all the seasonal trimmings wafted through the air as the Clandonald Hall Committee (with financial assistance from the County of Vermilion) played host to their much-anticipated Clandonald Fall Supper on the evening of October 17. This community event drew in a remarkable turnout of eager and hungry attendees, all coming together to savor the delightful flavours and contribute to a meaningful cause. The event, held at the Clandonald Communit

From left, Town of Vermilion Economic Development Officer Mary Lee Prior, The Community Closet Volunteers and The Vermilion Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Aiyana Thompson. Photo Lorna Hamilton The well-loved and long-standing Community Closet celebrated its grand re-opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on October 16 at its new location in downtown Vermilion. Among those in attendance were Vermilion Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Aiyana Thompson and Town of V

Dewberry’s Fire Prevention Week Open House brought smiles, learning, and excitement to the community on Tuesday, October 7, as the Dewberry Fire & Rescue Crew welcomed visitors of all ages through their station doors. From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., families, students, and residents gathered for an afternoon of fun and fire safety education. The smell of freshly grilled hot dogs filled the air, and the tables were stocked with chips, donuts, and juice; all provided free of charge to

When I was in 4-H in the 1960’s one of my speeches was about the Pony Express. When I studied for my speech and first learned about the daring riders of the Pony Express, I fancied myself possessing the spirit and calibre needed to join their ranks even though there were no female riders. The image of a lone rider galloping across the wild prairies, braving storms, wildlife, and attack, has always held a certain fascination for me. I’m sure it wasn’t as glamorous or as romant

Bread & Flower by Jenny. Photo Bread & Flower by Jenny Every Tuesday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Elk’s Hall at 5029 49 Avenue in Vermilion transforms into a lively gathering place for locals and visitors alike. Running weekly until December, the Vermilion Farmer’s Market is a true community staple. A place where neighbors connect, local talent shines, and quality goods are just a short walk or drive away. The market features a changing lineup of vendors, so no two weeks are

On October 10, the Vermilion and District Housing Foundation hosted a Councillor and Mayoral Candidates Meet and Greet. The event provided residents with an opportunity to meet the individuals running in the upcoming municipal election and to ask questions about the issues that matter most to them. Hospitality Supervisor for the Foundation, Tiana Kowalchuk, welcomed everyone and opened the evening by inviting each attending candidate to introduce themselves and share a bit ab

Back when Vermilion was first founded, one of the early tasks of residents was to build a church that people could worship in. It was in September 1905 when a letter reached Archdeacon Lloyd in Lloydminster, for whom the community is named, asking if a church could be opened in the new village of Vermilion. The person who sent the letter was Robert Pilkie. A reply came on Oct. 15, 1905, giving permission to create this church. A week later, Archdeacon Lloyd came to the commun

Coconut cream pie is a favourite that is really easy to make from scratch. When making a Coconut Cream pie, you can use a variety of pie crusts, graham wafer, coconut or pastry. When you make your own filling and pie crust you are eliminating all the chemicals found in the boxed coconut pudding mix and all the unhealthy fats found in commercial pie crusts. If you are using a premade, frozen pastry pie crust, be sure to look for the ones that are made with lard, instead of veg

Back row, from left, Councillor Candidates Paul Conlon, Kirby Whitlock, Bruce MacDuff, and Kevin Martin. Front row, from left Richard Lavoie, Sherry Martin, Erwin Warkentin, and Darla Yonkman. Photos Sonya Lee From left, Mayoral Candidates Robert Snow, Robert Pulyk, and Richard Yaceyko. On Wednesday Oct 8, community members packed the Lakeland College Alumni Theatre for an electoral forum organized by the Vermilion & District Chamber of Commerce. The event, streamed on YouTub