Proudly Serving Vermilion And Area Since 2004

As winter began in November 1911, the residents of Vermilion were doing their best to stay warm. For the first two weeks of the month, the temperature was below -20 degrees Celsius. To make things worse, all that cold water was leaving coal in very short supply. So many people were buying up coal that the reserves were nearly empty and residents were looking for other ways to heat their homes. That was good news for some businesses in Vermilion. The Hayward Lumber Company, on

Patty Milnthrop Community Engagement Liason for Spark Foundation of Lloydminster. Photo Sonya Lee The SPARK Foundation of Lloydminster has long been committed to creating safer, stronger communities through support, education, and advocacy. Founded to help women, children, and youth facing crisis, SPARK has grown from a small grassroots effort into a pillar of safety and compassion in the region. This November, the Foundation is once again leading Lloydminster’s participation

The Islay Health Centre Auxiliary Society has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting future healthcare professionals with the awarding of its annual $1,000 bursary in October; now newly renamed the Mary McPherson Memorial Bursary. Formerly known as the Islay Health Centre Auxiliary Society Bursary, the award was renamed in honour of longtime auxiliary member Mary McPherson, who passed away earlier this year. McPherson’s legacy of compassion and unwavering service left a prof

Photo Greg Haslehurst The Vermilion Allied Arts Council delivered a moving and memorable evening on November 8 as Billy Bishop Goes To War took to the stage at the Alumni Hall Theatre at Lakeland College. The performance brought audiences a powerful portrayal of one of Canada’s most celebrated war heroes. Actor Damon Calderwood captivated the crowd with his portrayal of William Avery “Billy” Bishop, the famed Canadian flying ace of World War I. Through song, storytelling, and

The spirit of the season came alive on November 12 as the Scott Woods Christmas Hoedown lit up the Wainwright Communiplex Theatre with a night of toe-tapping music, laughter, and holiday joy. Presented by McLeod Music Productions, the two-hour show drew a full house eager to experience one of Canada’s most entertaining holiday traditions. Led by Canadian fiddle champion Scott Woods, affectionately known as “The Flippin’ Fiddler,” the performance blended high-energy fiddle tun

From left, Tyson Tschauner, Amanda Stremick and Peter Clark. Photo Sonya Lee The Vermilion Lions Club has once again demonstrated its commitment to supporting the local community and literacy. On November 4, Lions Club members Peter Clark and Tyson Tschauner presented a $700 cheque to Amanda Stremick, Programs Coordinator for the Vermilion Public Library. Of the donation, $300 will go toward the library’s Books for Babies program, with the remaining funds supporting other lib

The ceremony at the Vermilion Cenotaph. Photo Lorna Hamilton. Under a partly sunny sky and unusually warm November temperatures, a solemn gathering convened at the Vermilion Cenotaph on November 11 for the annual Remembrance Day ceremony. In a powerful display of community solidarity, residents came together to pay tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice and to honour those who continue to dedicate their lives to protecting the freedoms and democracy cherished by all

My Dad talked very little about World War 2. From the few stories my Dad told, and knowing him for 50 years and from the details we know of World War 2 (Dad’s paybook, Wikipedia, google), I pieced together his story. It was 1942, and Ray had made the decision to travel from his family farm near Kitscoty, Alberta to the closest recruitment office and enlist in the army. He had read in the newspaper and heard all the chatter in town about how the enemy forces were advancing in

Some Vermilion Dance students with Santa. Photo Sonya Lee The holiday spirit shone brightly in Vermilion on Sunday, November 9, as The Friends of the Vermilion Regional Centre hosted the 3rd annual Festival of Crafts from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Regional Centre buzzed with excitement as families, friends, and visitors from surrounding communities came together to kick off the Christmas season in style. Throughout the day, guests wandered through rows of local vendors, admiring

I remember my dad, who was born in 1935 tell me that growing up as a kid, he ate his morning oatmeal with molasses, not necessarily by choice, but that was the sweetener that was available to him in those days. It wouldn’t be my sweetener of choice, until I learned that is has so many amazing health benefits. I love molasses in gingerbread, ginger cookies, and baked beans but recent research will be elevating it far beyond the characteristic flavor found in fall and Christmas

A new month means we are traveling back to time to see what was going on in the community exactly 100 years ago. These events may seem like they are not of major historical significance, but they helped form the community as it is today. Many residents of Vermilion were angry on Nov. 1 when they woke up to what had happened on Halloween in the community. Several people had property smashed in their yards. Various signs were ripped down around the community and a rear door at

Veterans who attended the Appreciation Supper. Photo Lorna Hamilton On November 8, the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 11 hosted its second annual Veterans Appreciation Dinner to honour the service and sacrifice of veterans in the community—both past and present. Co-Chair and Master of Ceremonies, Rhonda Hayduk, warmly welcomed everyone to the evening’s event, saying, “I really appreciate all of you for making it here.” After a few housekeeping notes, she introduced Chairman Com

Back row, from left, Rotary member Denise Williamson, Rotary members Harm Tjardes and Eugene Wasylik and Lions Peter Clark. Front row, from left Rotary members Bernie and Scott Webb, Vermilion and District Housing Foundation Brittany Bratrud, Vermilion and District Housing Foundation Clinical Director Kristin Stefanec, Lions member Hayward Vaters and Sam Alhalahi, and Rotary member Darlene Barlow. Photo Lorna Hamilton On the afternoon of November 4 representatives from the Ve

From left, Rotary member Shawn Jacula, Bethany Jacula, Jean Jacula, Kelli Jacula-Kochan, Kim Becher, Dean Jacula. Photo submitted The Vermilion community came together on Saturday, November 1, 2025, as the Rotary Club of Vermilion hosted its biennial Harvest Gala at the Vermilion Regional Centre. The cherished event brought 220 friends, families, and neighbours together to celebrate the season of harvest while supporting a deeply meaningful cause; an amazing turn out consider

While The Great Depression was one of the most difficult times for Canadians in the 20th century, especially in the Prairies, there were still things to celebrate. On Nov. 2, 1937, the people of Vermilion were celebrating the news that progress was being made on the new Masonic Temple in the community. On that day, the cornerstone was laid down on the building. For the previous 21 years, the Masons had used a building in the Standard Block of Vermilion. This new temple was to

Members of the Vermilion Lions Club and students from Battalion 28 of the Emergency Services Technology. Photo Lorna Hamilton On a windy afternoon on Saturday, October 25, members of the Vermilion Lions Club joined forces with Fire students from Battalion 28 of the Emergency Services Technology program at Lakeland College to fill and deliver 370 sandbags. The sandbags were distributed to several local businesses, including the Vermilion Co-op Gas Bar, Shell Service Station, a

This cookie is a twist on my standard peanut butter cookie recipe. Interestingly, peanut butter has many health benefits. It is a very good source of antioxidants. The mono-saturated fat in peanut butter includes oleic acid, the kind found in olive oil, that has been found to be Mediterranean diet heart healthy . Peanuts are also a source of resveratrol. Resveratrol is the beneficial substance found in red wine. In the nurses’ health study, which involved 86,000 women

On October 30, a chilly morning set the stage for research projects focused on precision ranching, cattle nutrition, and livestock wellness at Lakeland College’s Vermilion campus during Research for the Ranch: Livestock Field Day. The event brought together livestock producers, industry representatives, students, and fellow researchers to explore the valuable work conducted by Lakeland’s applied research team and its impact on the future of agriculture. “Our research team foc

As performers in “Touch of Grace,” a Southern Gospel Trio, we love researching and sharing the stories behind the songs we sing. One song that has touched countless lives is “Angels Among Us,” a moving message that has become a staple in the Southern Gospel repertoire. The story behind its creation is as inspiring as the message it shares. Becky Hobbs, a Nashville singer-songwriter, is the creative force behind “Angels Among Us.” Her journey to writing this song is rooted in

From left, Ed Ehle, Carter Babij, Brandon Cookson Winners of the Murray Westman Classic. Photos Sonya Lee The Murray Westman Cash Classic made its return to the Vermilion Curling Club this past weekend, bringing with it a wave of nostalgia, laughter, and competitive spirit that could only be described as pure “Murray.” For decades, Murray was more than just a player; he was the Vermilion Curling Club. His “not afraid to lose” attitude, sharp wit, and unwavering passion for th