Thursday, February 20, 2020
VOLUME 2 I ISSUE 34
MERIDIANSOURCE.CA
Lloyd warms to indoor Winterfest GEOFF LEE
WRITER
.................................. Winter forced Winterfest inside the Servus Sports Centre this year, but there were few, if any, complaints during the Family Day event in Lloydminster. More than 4,000 people were expected to enjoy the free indoor activities on the holiday Monday from 10 a.m. to 3
p.m. with frigid conditions outside.
“We’re a little disappointed we had to cancel the horse-drawn sleigh rides and also the bonfire, but we still have public skating and shinny on the outdoor skating surface,” said Sandra Brown, recreation programmer, two hours into the event.
Brown headed up the organization team for the City of Lloydminster. “We live on the Prairies; we have lot s of inside activities. We moved everything we possibly could indoors,” she said. “I haven’t seen one frown yet. Everybody’s glad to be active and indoors.” Brown says there were activities for everyone from toddlers to seniors; live entertainment by the Prairie Dogs and lots of sponsored free food. The longest lineup was for a turn at a new Eurobungy activity provided by Party King in Edmonton. “They set up for us
and they can do four at a time. It’s kind of a mix between a trampoline and a bungy,” said Brown.
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We made a lot of our activities more inclusive, so those in wheel chairs—we brought in some activities that they are able to participate in.
There was a mobile axe throwing game and bouncy castles by Axe Rising in Lloydminster and a new “hammer down” relay for families and friends supplied by Relay Distributing. The goal was to see
which team can hammer the nails into a tree stump the fastest. There was also a games and crafts room as well as three-on-three hockey played indoors by Lloydminster minor hockey teams. “We made a lot of our activities more inclusive, so those in wheelchairs—we brought in some activities that they are able to participate in,” said Brown. Brown tips her hat to sponsors including this year’s presenting sponsor, Spectrum Restoration DKI. “We couldn’t do events like this without our volunteers and sponsors,” said Brown, who noted everyone pitches in for the cleanup. Brown called it a wonderful day. “There’s a lot of families that have come out. It’s a way to stay active instead of hibernating indoors,” she said. Geoff Lee Meridian Source Photo Jude Kruining-Domes tries to grab a puzzle piece in an Under the Knife skills booth during Winterfest activities.
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No beds in Dr. Cooke remake GEOFF LEE
WRITER
.................................. Upcoming demolition and renovation work at the Dr. Cooke Extended Care Centre could move the yardsticks closer to new care beds. That’s the hope of seniors’ care advocate Graham Brown after Alberta Infrastructure announced on Feb. 14 initial preparations are underway to demolition the south wing this spring. “We still need more long-term care beds in Lloydminster,” said Brown, president of the Lloydminster Concerned Citizens for Seniors Care Society in an email. The seniors’ group has been advocating new care beds if one or two wings of Dr. Cooke were demolished. “We hope this is one step closer to planning and building a new building on that site, w h ich w i l l p r ovi d e a number of services for seniors care in Lloydminster and area,” said Brown. He says the demolition is commencing the work that was promised a year ago. Delnor Construction will start demolition this spring when work will also begin on a new rehabilitation unit and renovations to administrative and palliative care areas in the north wing. The demolition and renovation project and cost is tied to the con-
Supplied Photo Alberta Infrastructure Minister, Prasad Panda, stands in front of the south wing of the Dr. Cooke Extended Care Centre, where demolition activities will take place this spring.
struction of Pioneer House, a 44-unit supportive living unit built in 2017. The full cost for Pioneer House with the Dr. Cooke demolition was priced at $34.8 million. “Of that total amount, $5 million is the demolition and renovation cost to the Dr. Cooke centre,” said a spokesperson for Alberta Infrastructure. The Dr. Cooke centre is owned by Alberta Health Services (AHS) while the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) is the operator of all health services in the city, including Dr. Cooke. Lloydminster MLA Colleen Young says she is checking to see if there is any role SHA may play in the operation of the new rehabilitation unit. She says it doesn’t
sound like the unit will provide any new beds, calling it a “juggling around of where services are being located” with some renovations. “We definitely do need more long-term and palliative care beds in this community,” said Young in an email on Friday. Young noted the 60-bed Lloydminster Continuing Care Centre added only five new beds when it opened in 2015, well short of what the Seniors Care Society has been lobbying for to meet the demand. “The seniors’ group is a strong and consistent voice for us and has done a tremendous amount of work with AHS to get things right. This does not necessarily fix our problems,” said Young. Crews will be at Dr. Cooke in the coming weeks installing safety
fencing along with a worksite trailer and establishing safety precautions. The demolition is expected to take about four months to fully complete. Cleanup, levelling and seeding will follow to return the area outside the remaining north wing to a natural green field for residents to enjoy. “It’s nice to see the site will be landscaped and made usable,” said Brown. Workers employed by the beautification project will follow strict safety standards and protocols to ensure public safety during demolition and remediation. The demolition of the south wing will have minimal impact on the day-to-day operations and services offered at the centre.
Search warrant leads to drug trafficking arrest MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF
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The Lloydminster RCMP General Investigation Section, with the assistance of the Eastern Alberta District Rural Crime Reduction Unit (EADRCRU), exe-
cuted search warrants at a residence in Lloydminster, Sask., and a vehicle located and stopped by police on Highway 16. A quantity of cocaine and a significant amount of Canadian currency was
seized. As a result of the investigation, Ahmed Nur, 37, and Raed Abdulla, 38, both of Lloydminster, Sask., have been charged with the following offences: · Possession of a controlled substance
for the purpose of trafficking · Possession of property obtained by crime Both of the accused were released after a judicial hearing and appeared in Lloydminster Provincial Court on Tuesday.
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Helping Attain 2020 President’s Gala success
MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF
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Lakeland College is excited to once again break down financial barriers for students with the 2020 President’s Gala. Edmonton’s Attain Solutions was recently announced as this year’s presenting sponsor of the March. 26 event. “I am pleased Attain Solutions has signed on to be our presenting sponsor for the 2020 President’s Gala,” said Dr. Alice WainwrightStewart, Lakeland College president and CEO. “We’re thankful for their continued support for our students. Their investment shines a light on the support our
students need and the barriers they face pursuing their post-secondary education.” Students, like Janelle Youst, struggle to cover post-secondary education costs, and proceeds from the President’s Gala help grow the Support Our Students (SOS) Enhanced Bursary Fund, which assists students based on financial need. This academic year, 25 students received a $4,000 bursary from this fund. As a recipient, Youst says the bursary lifted a significant weight off her shoulders since an injury prevented her from working last summer. “I tore ligaments
around my ankle in a farming accident, which took about four months to heal,” said Youst. “The amount of money I projected to save to come back to school was not even close to the amount I did save because of the work I missed. It was nerve-wracking to figure out what I was going to do for the upcoming school year. To say I was shocked about being a recipient is an understatement.” Youst is earning a double diploma after graduating from Lakeland’s animal science technology: beef science major in 2019. The honour roll student says the bursary
helped shift her focus from finances to maintaining her grades, participating in her peers’ success as a notetaker, and working for Branded Western Wear. Youst adds she already has a job lined up with Branded after graduation as a feed salesperson. The student-focused President’s Gala is held at the Lloydminster campus and features great food, a luxury raffle and entertainment from Canadian country music artist Garrett Gregory. Tickets are $125 each. For tickets to the President’s Gala, please visit lakelandcollege.ca/gala or call event services at 780-871-5458.
Vermilion RCMP arrest five in stolen truck On Feb. 12, at approximately 6:30 a.m., Vermilion RCMP responded to a report of a stolen truck in Mannville. A traffic stop was attempted on Highway 16 westbound but the vehicle did not stop. RCMP did not continue to follow the vehicle due to safety concerns. As a result of the coordinated efforts of RCMP Air Services and a number of nearby RCMP units, a tire deflation d e vic e w as d e p l o y e d
with success. The vehicle came to a stop in the Josephburg area after turning off Highway 16. RCMP arrested five occupants without incident. As a result of further investigation, Samantha Binkowski (28) of no fixed address, Erin Brown (41) of Bruderheim, Alta., Morgan Parker (26) of Edmonton, David Desroches (32) of no fixed address and Patrick Hurley (41) of Bruderheim, Alta., are
jointly charged with: · Theft of truck · Possession of stolen property under $5,000 (x2) · Possession of stolen property over $5,000 (x2) · Break and enter to a business (x2) · Break and enter to a dwelling · Flight from police · Possession of breakin instruments Binkowski was also charged with fail to comply with conditions of release.
Brown was also charged with possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine). Parker was also charged with fail to comply with conditions of release (x2). Desroches was also charged with wearing a disguise while committing an offence. Hurley was also charged with fail to comply with conditions of release and wearing a disguise while committing an offence.
Thursday, February 20, 2020
BPC sows sales leads GEOFF LEE
WRITER
.................................. BPC Services set up an information feeding station at this year’s Agri-Visions trade show to promote the agriculture side of their horizontal directional drilling or HDD services. HDD manager, Cody Bolt, let everyone know HDD on the farm is a growing component of the company’s core oilfield services operations in the Lloydminster area. “We do several types of applications for farmers whether it’s watering bowl expansion, gas lines for a new building and upgrading existing infrastructure,” said Bolt on opening day. “We do several things for farmers, pretty much anything underground that you don’t see is kind of what we do—power, gas, water anything.” Visitors to the BPC booth at the Lloydminster Exhibition Grounds Feb.12-13 could also take away a brochure all about their HDD services and the benefits to the agricultural industry. HDD is a trenchless construction or underground boring method for the installation of pipelines, fibre optic and electric cables, water and wastewater pipelines. It’s touted as a safe way to run water lines to and from barns or setting up watering bowls with no disturbance to farmland or wildlife. “It’s something we’ve done for a long time;
Geoff Lee Meridian Source
Tricia Hunter, who coordinates business development for BPC Services, helped Cody Bolt, the company’s horizontal directional drilling manager, hold a promotional plaque highlighting some of the agricultural-related work they do.
we’ve really never pursued it that much, but at the end of the day, there is quite a market there for it,” said Bolt. Bolt talked about a recent project for a stockyard client in Lloydminster to explain how HDD can overcome a lot of environmental and operational challenges. He says the client wanted six new watering bowls put in, but they also didn’t want any downtime on their facility. “So we took one pen that had existing water and we tied in by doing five different drill shots on their property and tied into existing power at the building,” said Bolt. “We were able to provide them with six new watering bowls in a matter of two days on a weekend so they lost no time.” Bolt says a lot of people in the sector don’t know they offer HDD because it leaves such a small footprint when
the job is done. “There’s almost next to no trace of us being there,” he said. “A lot of people don’t know we can do these t y p e s o f p ro j e c t s f o r them, so we’re trying to
get our name out there to show them what we’re capable of doing on their home residence so they don’t have to dig big trenches.” CONTINUED ON PAGE 6
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Church Directory
Source columnist talks Prairie Wool TAYLOR WEAVER
EDITOR
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Recognize this talented woman to the right? If not, meet Helen Row Toews, a regular Meridian Source columnist and now a published author. Toews recently released Prairie Wool: Humorous Stories from the Prairies, which is a compilation of her favourite columns she has written for the Source. To e w s w e a r s m a n y hats, including driving a school bus for the Northwest School Division for 20 years as well as roughly eight years as an EA, and pens life experiences to paper for your reading pleasure. “It has sort of evolved. It began more as a way to speak for the farming community or country living, telling stories about life on a farm or in the country, but I have a sense of humour that wanted to be let loose, and I FROM PAGE 5
Bolt said people were coming by their booth and wondering what they do and how BPC applies to them. “Once you give them a little spiel about the services we offer, there’s a lot of interest,” he said. He also said people
Taylor Weaver Meridian Source Meridian Source columnist, Helen Row Toews, was at Coles in the LloydMall last weekend for a book signing for her new book, Prairie Wool: Humorous Stories from the Prairies. started making all of the columns as humorous as I could,” she said. “There’s funny things happening all around us, sometimes we just don’t pay attention, so that’s something I like to add in there. “They’re relatable because we’ve all been there at some point in time.” Toews began writing for the Meridian Source roughly four years ago when the paper was the Lloydminster Source and has thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
“I’m an introvert, and one thing some of the teachers I’ve worked with over the years said was, they’ve learned more about me through reading the newspaper, which is kind of ironic because you spend all day with me but you know more about me by reading the local newspaper,” she said. For Toews, the book is a passion project, and she noted nothing makes her happier than having someone come up and tell her they read her stories and
they make them smile. “It’s quite important for me to be able to give someone a smile. We’re all going through things at certain times and there’s bad news everywhere, but if I can give someone a lift in their day it means a lot.” Prairie Wool: Humorous Stories from the Prairies is available at myprairiewool.com, Amazon, and local vendors, and if you’re interested in getting a signed copy, email Helen at helen@ myprairiewool.com.
see boring in progress and they know there is stuff underground, but they never give too much thought on how it gets there. “So I am really shining a light on the underground world to broaden people’s perspective on what we do,” said Bolt. The name recogni-
tion is there as BPC was named the Best Employer of the Year in 2019 by the Lloydminster Chamber of Commerce. The company has been serving the oil and gas industry since 2010 specializing in facility construction, pipeline integrity, pipe fabrication, quality control
and directional drilling. “We’re trying to get our name out there and let people know we do more than just the oilfield services part,” said Bolt. “We do a lot of projects in town for everyday residents for new gas lines, stuff they don’t even realize we’re doing.”
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Home crowd for Agri-Visions speaker GEOFF LEE
WRITER
.................................. It was a homecoming of sorts for Don Buckingham, one of the speakers at this year’s Agri-Visions at the Lloydminster Exhibition Grounds.
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My message is change is always happening in the sector and we’ve got to be prepared for that change, and how do we prepare for it—that’s the real take away from here.
Buckingham is president and CEO of the Canadian Agri-food Policy Institute (CAPI) in Ottawa and grew up on a family farm on the North Saskatchewan River about 30 kilometres north of Lloydminster. He had several rela-
tives in the audience on Feb. 12 to hear his presentation on historical disruptions to the agricultural sector and how the Canadian agriculture industry can roll with the punches. “My message is change is always happening in the sector and we’ve got to be prepared fo r that c hang e, and how do we prepare for it—that’s the real take away from here,” said Buckingham. He says that’s one of the functions of CAPI that operates as a think tank to stimulate policy issues for a more vibrant Canadian agriculture and food sector. Buckingham was introduced as Dr. Buckingham, with a doctorate in law and experience as past chairperson of the Canadian Agricultural Review Tribunal, a lawyer, professor and consultant in agricultural and food law, and international trade in agricultural products.
Geoff Lee Meridian Source
Dr. Don Buckingham, president and CEO of the Canadian Agrifood Policy Institute in Ottawa, delivered a talk on ag market disruptions at Agri-Visions Feb.12-13.
His presentation covered 10,000 years of history focusing on game-changers to agriculture from the seed drill to self-driving tractors and unpredictable events like the plague, the A-bomb and the Internet. He calls these unforeseen events, “Black Swans” after a book with the same title. He says “they just arrive
out of nowhere.” Buckingham notes resilience is the key to enduring modern-day disruptions, citing the manipulation of the genetic code of a plant as an example. “That could have very far-reaching effects and it could have the ability to completely change how we do agriculture,” he said. CONTINUED ON PAGE 8
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Buckingham talks Ag FROM PAGE 7
Buckingham says the next disruptions could come from consumer choices to new proteins, for example, or from a health shock such as the Coronavirus. The sector could also be impacted by a political shock from a trade agreement erosion or a large-scale shock from climate change. Buckingham wrapped up his presentation with three take away messages on how the Canadian agricultural sector can become more resilient. He says one way is to adopt win-win solutions such as increased investments in innovation and new technologies that help with adaptation. It can also happen by building up systems redundancy diversify-
ing production to tap into export markets he suggested.
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We can’t expect farmers to bear the entire brunt of providing the environmental goods and services. We have to figure out how we balance environmental returns and economic returns.
He says resiliency can also happen with more collaboration between government and industry to pool risks and develop more risk management tools. Buckingham says his talk is usually aimed at either farmers or policy makers like those asso-
ciated with CAPI. “To policy makers, I say we have to make agriculture policy in Canada more relevant,” he said. “We can’t expect farmers to bear the entire brunt of providing the environmental goods and services. We have to figure out how we balance environmental returns and economic returns.” Asked if people are paying attention, Buckingham says there are some issues that are a particular interest. “I think where we are strongest is where we can show the correlation between increasing economic returns for producers and increasing the provision of environmental goods and services so that agriculture becomes part of the solution, not part of the problem,” he said. 20023SS0
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Winterfest a chill hit Geoff Lee Meridian Source Aria Corfield tries to hammer a nail in a piece of wood in a fun relay event for kids at Winterfest.
Geoff Lee Meridian Source Batman also known as Jaxon Cundliffe tests his flying skills in the Eurobungy at Winterfest.
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PAGE 10 Thursday, February 20, 2020 MERIDIAN SOURCE
Viewpoint
5921-50 Avenue, Lloydminster, SK S9V 2A4 Phone: 306-825-5111 Toll Free: 1-800-327-3899 Fax: 306-825-5147 meridiansource.ca Mail: Box 2454, Lloydminster, SK S9V 1W5 Hours: 8AM to 5PM Monday to Friday The MERIDIAN SOURCE is published once a week, on Thursday. All material printed in the Meridian Source is copyright and may not be copied or reproduced without the express permission of the publisher. The Meridian Source reserves the right to refuse publication of any advertising or editorial material at its discretion. Columns and letters are the expressed view of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Meridian Source.
Editor Taylor Weaver taylor@meridiansource.ca
Staff Writer Geoff Lee geoff@meridiansource.ca
Sports Editor Jamie Harkins sports@meridiansource.ca
Leave it to Weaver Roses are red, violets are blue, kindness wins, and so do you EDITOR
Marketing Manager Deanna Wandler deanna@meridiansource.ca
Marketing Consultant Catherine Kruining catherine@meridiansource.ca
Marketing Consultant Ashley Miazga ashley@meridiansource.ca
Publisher Reid Keebaugh Production Manager Amanda Richard Classified advertising admin@meridiansource.ca Newspaper delivery If you’ve missed a paper, to start or stop delivery, or for carrier applications, please call 306-825-5111 for information.
2017
Taylor Weaver
Did your Valentine’s Day live up to your expectations? Mine sure did. I enjoyed a quiet Friday night all to myself and can’t complain! Being single throughout the month of February can be difficult for some, but hey, I believe how we experience things in life is always a matter of perspective. Aside from the obvious symptoms, which may include loneliness, solitude and running the risk of having a conversation with yourself, I’ve learned over the past few years that taking time for oneself can be very empowering. I have friends who are always in a relationship and have never really been on their own, which is great, but what’s the other side of that coin look like? Maybe you’re highly self-sufficient? Maybe you really enjoy
your personal freedom? Maybe you’re afraid you’ll miss out on something your life has to offer? Whatever the reason, there’s someone out there for everyone, right? Well, 15-year-old Jayme Wooley of Axtell, Texas, gave me some Monday-morning inspiration when I read about his Valentine’s Day. Wooley took a page out of the good-deed handbook last week as he enlisted the help of friends to ensure all 170 girls at his school received a flower on Valentine’s Day. “I’ll probably never forget that moment of just seeing their faces brighten up,” Wooley told CNN. “I don’t want anybody to feel less important than anyone else.” This is a great example of the kind of story the world needs right now, and for me, the story hit home a little. Growing up, if I received a birthday gift from an aunt or uncle, you damn well know I
was writing a ‘thank-you’ card the next day, thanks to childhood lessons from my mom. I was always taught to treat others as you wish to be treated, and reading Wooley’s lead-byexample mentality was a nice change of pace when compared to the jungle that is the Internet! I was also recently asked if I’m “one of those people who doesn’t care about Valentine’s Day.” Well, the answer is simple; I believe it’s another overly-commercialized holiday used to keep up with the Joneses. You shouldn’t need a date on a calendar to show someone you care. Show you care with simple gestures or subtle compliments, every day. But, if you do need a date on a calendar, and you’re single, why not follow in Wooley’s footsteps and make 170 women happy? Also, in reference to my column last week, did you get your birthday card for Mr. Arsenault in the mail yet?
Letters to the Editor We welcome letters to the editor. Letters should be 500 words or less. A name and daytime phone number is required for verification. Priority will be given to letters exclusively written for the Meridian Source. We reserve the right to edit letters for clarity, brevity, spelling, grammar, punctuation and libel. Unsigned letters will not be published. Use of pseudonyms will only be allowed in special circumstances, at the discretion of the editor and the publisher, and only if the author’s identity is known to the editor. Publication of a letter does not imply endorsement by the Meridian Source. Send to taylor@meridiansource.ca
PAGE 11 Thursday, February 20, 2020 MERIDIAN SOURCE
Opinion
Leeway from Lloyd: Michigan prison run tops all STAFF WRITER GEOFF LEE
One of my most memorable “sporting” moments was sitting next to a murderer (or so he said) in a medium-security prison in the upper peninsula of Michigan in the mid-90s. Most of the inmates were lifers on the State’s ‘three strikes and you’re out’ drug crime policy, so the murderer guy must have conned everyone into believing he fit in! The prison had all the razor wire fencing and guard towers just
like on TV. I was only there for half a day on the invitation of the warden who was a U.S. member of our cross-border running club in Sault Ste. Marie Ont. and hosted a 5K and 10K with inmates taking part. The said killer was wearing running shoes as well during the medal presentation which was somewhat unnerving. I made sure I didn’t tell the border guards I was running around a prison that morning. Crossing the border for races in Michigan was never fun or easy. The best advice was to say “yes sir’ or “no
sir” and stick to the script. I also remember crossing the border for a run and “beating” Billy Mills, the 1964 Tokyo Olympic gold medallist in the 10,000 metres in a race he helped organize. Mills is a native American Indian (Sioux) who hosts an annual 5K fun run in Sault Ste. Marie Mi. He showed up years out of shape and just jogged a bit as the host, but he was an inspiration. I will never forget watching him somehow win the gold on TV after knocking 42 seconds off his personal best time
in what was billed the greatest 10,000 metres of all time by Track & Field News. Mills comes back every year to host that race with one of the local tribes. Another memorable 10K I ran in Michigan was the 11-mile Pictured Rocks race in Munising in the upper peninsula. It was more of a torture run that went from pavement to sandy offroad switchbacks, ending on a track surface. I ran in a lot of other races in Michigan too, but that prison run takes the cake. My bib number was 911-cellblock C!
Submitted Photo
The residents at Dr. Hemstock Residence and Hearthstone Place made a donation to Riley Gilroyed, Drop-in Center Manager/ Social Worker at the Social Action Coalition Society Drop-in Center. This money will go towards the drop-in centre’s daily operations which include, but are not limited to, offering basic needs to anyone who accesses the drop-in centre.
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS The Meridian Source Calendar of Events is a free service provided for non-profit organizations located within our coverage area. All events are in chronological order, as space permits and at the editor’s discretion.
BINGO EVERY MONDAY AND WEDNESDAY Bingo is held every Monday and Wednesday at the Moose Lodge, at 5213-57 Street, with a 7 p.m. start. EVERY MONDAY EXCEPT LONG WEEKENDS There will be Square Dancing from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m., Legacy Centre, 5101 - 46 Street, BACK Door (West door). Singles & Couples: inexpensive FUN & ACTION in a Co-operative, Brain Active, Mildly Aerobic Environment. Your first evening is free. No experience needed. Call Kendall, 306825-3770, or email Esther, moment101@hotmail.com for more info. EVERY TUESDAY — VOLLEYBALL Drop in volleyball from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Takes place at the Servus Sports Centre and everyone is welcome, noncompetitive and no experience is necessary. Come for fun and exercise and meet some great people. EVERY TUESDAY — ADAPTED YOGA From 10 – 11 a.m. at the Community Service Centre. For more information please contact Ann-Dee at 780-871-0513. EVERY TUESDAY — DIABETES 102 The new schedule for PNRHA Diabetes Education Classes is ready! Everyone starts with Diabetes 101 and then follows up with Diabetes 102 (people on diabetes pills) or Diabetes 103 (people on insulin). All classes are scheduled on a Tuesday morning from 8:15 a.m. to noon. Please contact Nancy Johnston at 306-820-6096 or H e l e n R o g e r s a t 306-820-6291 to pre-register.
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To place an event, email taylor@meridiansource.ca or fax 306-825-5147
EVERY TUESDAY — SENIORS MEET The Lloydminster Concerned Citizens for Seniors Care Society meets at the Legacy Centre from noon 1:30 p.m. Lunch is available for $8. Please reserve before Tuesday morning at 780-8754584. Everyone welcome.
FEB. 23 – PANCAKE BREAKFAST There will be a pancake breakfast at the Legacy Centre on Feb. 23 from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. Cost is $10 per person, $5/12yrs and under, Everyone welcome! Call the Legacy Centre at 780-8754584 for more information.
EVERY TUESDAY Join the LABIS Walking Group at the Servus Sports Center Tuesdays 1-2:30pm and Thursdays 4-5pm. FREE of CHARGE
FEB. 23 – JAMBOREE/DANCE There will be a jamboree/ dance at the Legacy Cenre on Feb. 23. Starts at 1:30 p.m. with lunch served at 3 p.m. All musicians welcome! A great way to spend a Sunday afternoon! Call the Legacy Centre at 780-875-4584 for more information.
EVERY WEDNESDAY — CRAFTERNOON Join Midwest Family Connections at the lower level of Prairie North Plaza and bring your budding artist to explore and create with materials in the craft centre. EVERY SATURDAY — FARMER’S MARKET Downtown Farmer’s Market at the Fred North Community Centre (5002 - 51 Avenue, Lloydminster) from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. (Sat) We’re on Facebook. FEB. 20 – 500 CARD TOURNEY The Legacy Centre is hosting a 500 Card Tournament on Feb. 20. Play begins at 10 a.m., cost is $10 to play and $10 for lunch. Everyone welcome. Call the Legacy Centre at 780-875-4584 for more information. FEB. 22 – CRIBBAGE TOURNEY There will be a Cribbage Tournament at Dewberry Senior Center. Registration begins at 10 a.m. with play beginning at 10:30 a.m. Bring a partner or take a chance on someone else being available. Cost $20 p/p includes dinner. Call 780 847-2282 for more information.
FEB. 25 – PANCAKE BREAKFAST There will be a pancake breakfast at St. John’s Anglican Church on Feb. 25 from 5-6:30 p.m. Adults are $8 and children 12 and under are $5. Everyone welcome! FEB. 25 – PANCAKE AND SAUSAGE SUPPER There will be a pancake and sausage supper hosted by Saint Saviour’s Anglican Church - Studio 2 at 4515 - 44 St., Hwy 16 East, on Feb. 25 from 5-7 p.m. Cost to attend is $10. FEB. 26 – JUVENILE DIABETES FUNDRAISER RBC is partnering in with JDRF in support of JUVENILE DIABETES. Please join for some fun and socializing on Feb. 26 from 5 - 8:30 p.m. (main event), with hosts Gina Hancheryk & Heather Herring – RBC Mortgage Specialists. Guest Speaker: JDRF Ambassador 6 p.m. Location: Spiro’s, 1408 – 50th Ave, Lloydminster. Cost: $25 (Maria’s Special & glass of wine) Tickets: Call Gina at 780-205-4492 or Heather at 780-214-2551 for tickets.
Silent Auction and all proceeds going to JDRF
p.m. for six weeks. To register please call 306-820-6243.
FEB. 26 – SPONSORSHIP WORKSHOP Are you a local non-profit, charity or community organization looking to secure more corporate sponsorship dollars? Are you in the hunt to get more renewals from existing sponsors? If so, you will want to attend the City of Lloydminster’s Sponsorship 101 Workshop! The workshop is being held on Feb. 26 from 1:30-5 p.m. at the City of Lloydminster Operations Centre: Training Room, 6623 52 Street, Lloydminster. Registration is $10 and refundable upon attendance.
MARCH 3 – OPEN HOUSE/ PREREGISTRATION Southridge Playschool and Kindergym is having their Open house and Preregistration from the 2020-2021 fall classes on March 3 from 6:30 - 8 p.m. Classes are open to 3-5 years old. For more information please call Mrs.P at 780-872-9523.
FEB. 27 – CRIBBAGE TOURNEY The Legacy Centre is hosting a cribbage tournament on Feb. 27. Play begins at 10 a.m., cost is $10 to play and $10 for lunch. Everyone welcome! Call the Legacy Centre at 780-8754584 for more details. FEB. 29 – OVERNIGHT TRIP TO CAMROSE The Legacy Centre is off for an overnight trip to Camrose from Feb. 29 to March 1 with shopping in downtown Camrose upon arrival. Hotel stay, supper and show at the Camrose Casino Resort plus breakfast the next morning included. The Show is a Tribute to “Dolly & Reba,” should be a good one! A great “ONENIGHT GET-AWAY”! Call Legacy office for more info and cost at 780-875-4584 MARCH 3 – QUIT SMOKING Have you thought about quitting smoking? The Saskatchewan Health Authority is here to help with a support group help at PNHC, Suite 115, 4910-to Street. Support group starts on March 3 from 6-8
MARCH 13 – BEER SURVIVOR The Islay Curling Club is hosting a Beer Survivor on March 13, from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Islay Community Hall. Tickets are $10/ each. Adults only. Cash bar, concession, door prizes, 50/50. For tickets/more information Call or text Shaunna: 780-581-3357 MARCH 22 – PANCAKE SUPPER & PIE BINGO Pancake Supper & Pie Bingo hosted by the Hillmond 4-H Club, March 22 at the Hillmond Hall. Pancake Supper at 4:30 p.m. Pie Bingo & Cake Auction to follow at 5:30 p.m. Every Bingo wins a pie! Silent Auction items available to bid on. APRIL 25 – TRANSPLANT TROT Please save the date! The Lloydminster Branch of the Canadian Transplant Association is hosting TRANSPLANT TROT 2020 on Saturday April 25, to coincide with National Organ & Tissue Donation Awareness Week. The event will again take place on the indoor walking track at Servus Sports Center from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Registration is now open on the Running Room website (https:// www.events.runningroom. com/site/?raceId=16694) See you there!
Thursday, February 20, 2020
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Money Matters Canadian women over 45 confident about finances for retirement MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF
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When thinking about their retirement years, Canadian women over 45 are feeling fairly positive about their financial future, with more than sevenin-10 feeling confident they’ll be able to afford the lifestyle they want to live through retirement, regardless of whether they are single or married, according to a recent RBC Insurance survey. A sound level of financial awareness and independent oversight when it comes to their retirement savings are likely bolstering this confidence. Among those women who are married or living with a partner, 84 per cent believe they have a strong understanding of their and their spouse’s financial needs in retirement; and only 34 per cent say their spouse/partner looks after their retirement savings. “Last year we learned that women were feeling generally confident about their finances
for retirement and we wanted to dig a little deeper to understand the reasons why,” said Selene Soo, director, Wealth Insurance, RBC Insurance. “Women seem to be playing a more active role in managing their finances and understanding their retirement needs, leading to them feeling more prepared and in charge of their financial future.” What’s Driving Confidence? Women who feel confident about being able to afford the lifestyle they want through retirement are most likely to point to their retirement portfolio as the key factor. More than half (55 per cent) say their portfolio will carry them through, while more than four-in-10 (43 per cent) say the same of their defined workplace pension or employer matching program. Other factors driving their confidence include: - Being in good general health and not
anticipating any significant health-related expenses in retirement (42 per cent) - Their spouse or partner’s insurance or pension being enough to maintain household spending power (32 per cent) - E ar ning w e ll and having a personal retirement fund that is on target (27 per cent) - Having investment properties that generate income for retirement (17 per cent) For the majority of women, confidence stems from relying mostly on their own devices, with only a very small proportion of women citing other factors such as access t o spou sal pay ment s (9 per cent), children or family taking care of them financially (4 per cent) or a plan to live with friends to lessen the financial burden (2 per cent). Causes for Concern in Retirement While a significant number of women plan on maintaining their current good health
as they age, they are under no illusions about the challenges that retirement can bring. The t op t hree concerns heading into retirement are rising healthcare costs as they get older (69 per cent), living with a chronic illness (59 per cent) and outliving their retirement savings (50 per cent). Other concerns include: - a lack of guaranteed income (50 per cent) - having to give up things or activities they enjoy (44 per cent) - feelings of loneliness, isolation or depression (39 per cent). Taking Action to Prepare Financially The majority of women aged 45 and over (90 per cent) are taking some kind of
action to prepare for retirement, with most putting money into a RSPs and TFSAs (60 per cent). There is, however, room for improvement in other areas, including working with a financial advisor and exploring alternative investment solutions that could help ease some of their retirement concerns. “Part of women’s financial oversight should include making sure they are aware of the options available for protecting while also growing their money and ensuring a continuous stream of income that can carry them through retirement, despite market volatility or increased health expenses,” adds Soo. When it comes to preparing for their financial future, Canadian women should
consider the following: - Products such as annuities that provide a predictable income stream for as long as you live, regardless of whether financial markets rise or fall. - Estate planning is a key component of your financial legacy. Segregated funds can be a good option as they provide unique estate planning benefits, which aren’t available in other types of investment products. - In addition to good lifestyle habits, better financial preparedness reduces stress which leads to a healthier life. Especially for women in their 40s, an important step in retirement p l anni ng i s s e c u r i ng their future potential to earn an income through disability coverage, should they suddenly find themselves unable to work due to an illness or injury.
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Thursday, February 20, 2020
Burns to host two folks who sing
GEOFF LEE
WRITER
.................................. Hal and Rhonda Burns are set to host another Home Routes concert for travelling artists in their basement with the drill worth repeating on how to attend. The doors to their house at 5732-51 Street will open the evening of Feb. 27 for a night of folk and country music
by Winnipeg musicians Richard Inman and Amber Rose. Admission is $20 for adults with children 12 and under free; guests bring their own beverages; the Burns supply free snacks. The doors open at 7 p.m. with the concert starting at 7:30 p.m. Visit the Burns’ Lloydminster Home Routes Concerts Facebook page
for more information. This will be the Burns’ fourth hosted concert in the current series, with a couple more to come.
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Inman and Rose have been co-writing songs for almost two years. This will be their first tour together and both are excited to share new songs and stories.
Inman and Rose have been co-writing songs for almost two years. This will be their first tour together and both are excited to share new songs and stories when they play in Lloydminster. Inman is quickly becoming a staple of Winnipeg’s folk and country scene with his rich baritone voice, while Rose is an accom-
Supplied Artwork plished singer-songwriter from Winnipeg. Inman divides his time between sout heastern Manitoba and central Alberta sharing his authentic stories and songs about the everyday people and places he comes across. He has proven himself a gifted songwriter and true prairie gem,
and released his latest album Hasta La Vista in November 2019. He tours relentlessly and is a fixture performer at the legendary Times Change(d) High & Lonesome Club in Winnipeg. Rose has been writing and performing music across North America and Europe since 2011. She is a founding
member of Winnipeg group, Sweet Alibi, a folk roots-pop group currently working on their fourth release. Rose has been influenced by many fellow folk artists and has cowritten with many of her peers. She writes with an honesty that critics call refreshing and true to a folk storytellers nature.
Thursday, February 20, 2020
Mail-out error MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF
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Lloydminster residential and non-residential property owners will receive an updated 2020 property assessment as early as Feb. 27. Last week a printing error occurred and the mailed assessments did not include all the required information. The valid property assessment notice will be dated Feb. 26. Please disregard the first assessment notice. No personal information was compromised in relation to this error. Residential manufactured home property owners are advised that the assessment notice they have already received is correct and will no t re ce i ve a s e c on d notice. The 2020 assessments are based on the market value as
of July 1, 2019. Property owners are asked to review their 2020 property assessment notices to confirm the information is current and accurate. Further information and a detailed explanation of the assessment notice can be found on the City’s website at lloydminster.ca/assessment. If any property owners have questions about their assessment, they are encouraged to attend the City of Lloydminster Property Assessment Open House inside council chambers on March 12, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. for walk-ins or from 6-8 p.m. with an appointment. To book an appointment, call 780-8756184, Ext. 2147. Walk-ins are welcome; however, priority will go to those with appointments. Assessment and tax
information can be accessed through the City’s Virtual City Hall at lloydminster.ca/vch. Property owners can also register for paperless notifications by contacting the Assessment & Taxation department. Property owners who do not receive their notice by March 9, are asked to contact Assessment and Taxation by email at taxes@lloydminster.ca or phone at 780-8756184, Ext. 2124. The deadline to file an assessment complaint is May 4. Tax notices will be delivered in May. For more information, visit lloydminster.ca/ taxes. While the printing error is the responsibility of a contracted vendor, the City of Lloydminster apologizes for any confusion or inconvenience caused.
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Thursday, February 20, 2020
Summer Games seeking volunteers MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF
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With six months remaining until the 2020 Saskatchewan Summer Games (2020 SSG), the Games’ host society and Synergy Credit Union, the Games’ volunteer sponsor, invite the many volunteers—who self-
lessly turn Lloydminster events into success stories—join them on the field, pitch, or any other playing surface. Join the 2020 Saskatchewan Summer Games Host Society and Synergy Credit Union as they make the official call for volunteers today at Synergy
starting at 10 a.m. Volunteers are vital to the success of the Lloydminster community and the extensive list of events hosted in Canada’s border city. For large-scale events, like the 2020 SSG, approximately 1,200 community members will be asked
to represent their city as they contribute to the Games’ success. Anyone interested in volunteering at the 2020 SSG is welcome to attend this morning’s event, but if you’re unable to make it, please visit saskgames.ca to register as a volunteer.
Criminal record check required for name change MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF
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Saskatchewan will now require a criminal record check for someone requesting a name change, and is the first province that may reject a request for a name change because of certain criminal offences. Amendments have been made to the regulations for The Change of Name Act, 1995, which introduce criminal record checks as part of the change of name application process for anyone 18 years of age
and older. “These changes are about helping to protect the most vulnerable in our society,” Justice Minister and Attorney General Don Morgan said. “We don’t believe sexual offenders should be able to change their name to avoid public disclosure and scrutiny.” More than 20 different offences would prohibit the person from getting a name change. Most of the offences are offences against children.
However, some of these offences, such as sexual assault and incest, can be committed against children and adults. The offences are the ones that require registration in the National Sex Offender Registry. The designated offences are set out in subsection 490.011(1) of the Criminal Code. The change of name requirements are posted on eHealth Saskatchewan’s website. If there is no criminal record showing on the
20th Annual Business Education Conference
criminal record check, the change of name may be processed. If any of the criminal record checks show a criminal record or is inconclusive, then that person will need to be fingerprinted and provide the Registrar of Vital Statistics with a further criminal record check that shows the offences.
Business Education Conference Wednesday, March 11, 2020 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Lloydminster Golf and Curling Centre 4706 54 St, Lloydminster, SK
Looking at Today while preparing for Tomorrow
Keynote Speakers Panels Brenda Robinson The Robcan Group Brenda is a speaker, trainer, writer and consultant. She has been addressing groups for over twenty years on topics related to communications, humour, laughter, positive working skills and wellness in general.
Work Skills Needed for Tomorrow Dr. Darren Phillips D&A Optometry
Tracy Quinton Chair, Ag. Sciences, Lakeland College
Corrine Kelly-Hyde President, Lloydminster Chamber of Commerce
Moderator: Luke Kitching President, Lloydminster Toastmasters Club
Kara Johnston Technology Development Advisor, Alberta Innovates
Standing Out in a Crowd Jody Gilby Sprucewood Pharmacy
Dr. Larry Rosia President and CEO, Saskatchewan Polytechnic Dr. Rosia is an alumnus of University of Alberta and SAIT Polytechnic and is a lifelong learner. He has a background in telecommunications engineering, adult education, educational policy, and administration.
Sponsors
Brought to you by the partners of the Business Education Conference
Justin Lazerte & Jason Tremblay Troll Co. Clothing Worldwide
Moderator: Jill Kelly Brand Strategist & Owner, Red Bicycle Communications
Event Information Breakfast ..................................................................................... 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. Dr. Larry Rosia ............................................................................ 8:30 a.m. - 9:15 a.m. Panel: Work Skills Needed for Tomorrow ............................9:15 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. Break .......................................................................................10:00 a.m. - 10:15 a.m. Panel: Standing Out in a Crowd ..........................................10:15 a.m. - 11:15 a.m. Brenda Robinson .................................................................. 11:15 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Tickets - $50 ● Corporate Tables - $400 Deadline for registrations: Friday, March 6, 2020
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For tickets or to register call 780.875.9013 or visit Events calendar at www.lloydminsterchamber.com
Thursday, February 20, 2020
MERIDIAN SOURCE
The truth will set you free PRAIRIE WOOL HELEN ROW TOEWS
Why is it that when we human beings are accused, blamed or questioned, either rightly or wrongly, our first inclination is to immediately deny responsibility?
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The next morning I held them aloft as every child climbed aboard, in an attempt to locate the owner, but each child denied ever having seen them before.
It’s a reflex action I suppose. Of course, this is never truer than when we’re young; when rebuttals are spat from the mouth as easily as Brussel sprouts. “Who left these crayons on the table?” was the simple question recently posed to a class of Grade one students by their long-suffering teacher. It was, in fact, a nonthreatening question delivered by a mildmannered, smiling woman of kindness, but it might as well have been rapped out by the
Supplied Photo Grand Inquisitor just before he signalled a firing squad to take careful aim. An immediate chorus of denial rang out. Earnest faces, with wide guiltless eyes, claimed their innocence, cited their whereabouts at the time of the crime (far, far away) and denied any involvement whatsoever. Nonetheless, although not themselves on the scene, they were, surprisingly, able to see who HAD been there, and easily identified friends/ possible perpetrators of the deed. As is the case in many crimes, the culprit was never found. Interestingly, along this same theme, that very night I found a pair of small red gloves on my bus, forgotten and alone. The next morning I held them aloft as every child climbed aboard, in
an attempt to locate the owner, but each child denied ever having seen them before. How odd. I protested the point after the last child was seated and everyone turned a bored face to listen—sort of. “These gloves have to belong to someone,” I said encouragingly. “I’m not accusing you of mitten neglect; there’ll be no court case; the police will not be called; there’s no blame to be laid. I simply wish to give you your gloves.” I searched each set of vacant eyes, feeling exasperated as tiny shoulders shrugged. Of course, this isn’t the first time I’ve seen such a phenomenon. It’s played out every, single, solitary day at school. “Is this your book?” “No.” (Their name is written inside). CONTINUED ON PAGE 18
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Thursday, February 20, 2020
The truth will set you free cont... FROM PAGE 17
“Did you spill this juice?” “No.” (holding a dripping apple beverage). “Is that your candy wrapper on the floor?” “No.” (eating candy). Once the children had exited the bus, I was forced to consider the only other possible explanation; these red gloves were independent agents, beholden to no man, freelance mittens, as it were. Sauntering along the bitterly cold streets of Marshall on their way to attend a morn-
ing coffee date with friends, these fuzzy hand warmers must have found themselves a mite chilled, and chose to pry open the heavy double doors of a random, frigid school bus, clamber inside and sprawl three rows back on a glacial vinyl seat. Yeah, that’s it. One further example of this behaviour was several weeks ago as a small, previously mentioned boy named Randon, lifted an arm above the seat to reveal a fat, black, UNCAPPED Sharpie
clutched in his paw. Typically, his response to my question was, “What Sharpie?” but as his seatmate popped into vie w sp orting a misshapen handlebar moustache, heavy, somewhat pointy eyebrows and two round black circles high on his cheeks, I knew. We can deny responsibility all we want, but the truth will set us free. Find Helen at myprairiewool.com for more information on her new book!
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Sports
Reaching for a national judo championship JAMIE HARKINS WRITER
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Four Lloydminster Judo Club athletes are pursuing a dream of competing and winning on the national stage. Judo Club members Brooklyn Bloch-Hansen, Avery McGarry, Marissa Howdle and Lexia Chambers combined to bring home six medals from the annual Inner-City Open in Winnipeg earlier this month. The competition is one of many the Team Saskatchewan representatives travel to during the fall, winter and spring to be in the best shape mentally and physically for the national championships. Bloch-Hanse n, 15 , captured a silver medal in under-18 stand-up fighting at Winnipeg. The tenth-grader at Lloydminster Comprehensive H igh Sc h o ol s ai d t h e triprovincial tournament that brings together athletes from Northern Ontario, Manitoba and Saskatchewan acts as a primer for a busy last stage of the season that starts with a competition in Edmonton early next month, followed by a trip two days later to Vancouver for Pacific Internationals. “This would be my second year going to (Vancouver),” said Bloch-Hansen. “It’s a really fun tournament. You
Jamie Harkins Meridian Source
Lloydminster Judo Club and Team Saskatchewan athletes, from left, Marissa Howdle, Avery McGarry, Brooklyn Bloch-Hansen and Lexia Chambers brought home six medals from the Inner-City Open in Winnipeg earlier this month.
compete with lots of people from all over Alberta and B.C.” This foray into tough and steady action is a new experience for Judo Club athletes Howdle and Chambers. Howdle, 13, noted her experience gained through participating at small tournaments closer to the Border City has helped ease the transition to the major competitions. “I just really want to get
more training in judo and go farther with it,” said Howdle, a Grade 7 student at St. Mary’s Elementary School who won a silver medal in U16 stand-up fighting during the Inner-City tournament. “I’m trying harder to get up there to higher belts. And, for (Team Saskatchewan) to notice you, you need to go to bigger tournaments and complete the training.” Chambers, 12, brought home silver in U16 and U21
at Winnipeg. She said moving into a division against athletes eight years her senior proved a bit shocking at first, but a trust in her coaches that it would be a good learning experience helped pull her through. “This year I’ve been trying to step up my game with training harder, doing more and I’m getting more notice,” said Chambers, who is completing the seventh grade at Bishop Lloyd
Middle School. “Especially when you’re fighting older girls they really notice you. And, hopefully, they pick you out and send you to tournaments, which I’m really enjoying.” McGarry, 14, won gold medals in U16 and U21 stand-up fighting at the Inner-City Open. The trek to Winnipeg marked her second in two years and comes on the heels of trips to Ontario, Quebec and a few destinations in Saskatchewan for competitions this season. The Grade 9 student at Bishop Lloyd Middle School said they usually train twice a week at the Lloydminster Judo Club in addition to completing assigned workouts at home to get ready for the tournaments. She said Team Saskatchewan also organizes training sessions in different locales at various points of the season that they travel to. Bloch-Hansen and McGarry have been to nationals before and plan to compete there again this season. Howdle and Chambers both noted they’re training hard to make it this year. “I really want to go to nationals and hopefully win it,” said Chambers. “It’ll be my biggest tournament. I’m really looking forward to that one.”
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Thursday, February 20, 2020
Inland Steel Bobcats roar into postseason JAMIE HARKINS WRITER
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The Lloydminster Inland Steel midget AAA Bobcats have taken their first step on the road to the Telus Cup. The Bobcats trounced the Edmonton CAC Gregg Distributors Canadians 7-1 in the opening game of the Alberta Midget Hockey League playoffs at the Centennial Civic Centre on Family Day.
Scoring depth, a strong presence between the pipes and the hometown boys’ smothering defensive coverage of the Canadians’ highflying scorers led to the lopsided victory. “Our goal was just to shut down their top line and make sure all the guys are going,” said Bobcats right wing Jagger Firkus. “I feel like we did that. It was a good 60.”
Firkus potted the game’s opening marker 4:48 into the first when he picked up a Caden Cabana rebound in the circle and quickly fired it past Canadians goalie Justen Maric. Ty ler Blocha mad e it 2-0 midway through the period and Brayden Oster scored about 12 minutes into the second to put up a three-spot. Chase Renton and Matthew Swanson added a couple of goals each in the final frame. Canadians captain and leading sharpshooter Brett Hyland foiled Tristan Martin’s shutout attempt with 12 seconds remaining in the game. Taylor Holt, head coach of the Bobcats, said they got in the Canadians’ faces and knocked them down. He said their opposition is quick and skilled, so they focused on not giving them any time or space and played hard. “They’re beatable,” said Holt.
Jamie Harkins Meridian Source
Bobcats forward Joel Webb breaks into the Canadians zone.
“We’ve got a lot of depth. That’s one thing I think we have an advantage with. Goaltending would be another one. I really like the way Marty is playing right now. If we stay out of the box and play with the pace we played at today, I don’t think they can handle us.” Games two and four of the five-game series go at the Canadians’ Bill Hunter Arena.
Game 3 will be played at the Civic on Friday evening and, if needed, Game 5 is back in the Border City on Feb. 25. Firkus said they’re going to move their feet, get open and look for each other no matter the venue. He said the Bill Hunter is a tough barn to play in and skinnier than most rinks, but if they play the right way, they should be back to close out the
series on Friday. “We truly think there is something special in our locker room,” said Holt. “Runs to the North final, runs to the league final, runs to the Telus Cup, the boys have all seen that done before in Lloyd when they were younger. They want to be part of something special. Our job right now is to make it something special.”
Thursday, February 20, 2020
Home court brings out the Barons best JAMIE HARKINS WRITER
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Kawhi Leonard has got nothing on Serg Leyva. W it h t i m e r u n ni ng out and the Lloydminster Comprehensive High School (LCHS) Barons junior varsity basketball team down three points to Vermilion’s St. Jerome School Spartans, everyone in the packed gymnasium knew a shot from behind the arc was coming. That includes the Spartans defence, who rushed the left side as three Barons exchanged passes trying to find an open look until Leyva finally threw the Hail Mary with 1.4 seconds remaining. “On the bench, the coach wanted us to hit a three to tie the game,” said Leyva, a guard for the Barons. “Initially, it was supposed to be Landon (Caldwell) who was going to hit the three. But, he got stuck at the corner. I was wide
open, so I just shot it. I didn’t even think it was going to go in.” Leyva found nothing but net bringing a thunderous crowd to its feet. The Barons went on to lose the LCHS Biprovincial Invitational three-four game 10194 in overtime to the Spartans, but the only thing anyone will likely remember about that Saturday is the shot. “It’s been a very successful tournament,” said Barons coach Kevin Sywenky. “For our boys, I’ve seen a lot of improvement from them these last few days, which is really big. Even from a host perspective, Friday was a little bit one-sided from how I thought it would go. But, all the games today have been great, back and forth and close. That’s exactly what you want to see o n the S aturday o f a tournament.” Sywenky said this
Jamie Harkins Meridian Source
Barons guard Shepherd Gow dribbles the ball down the floor.
home tourney is the Barons last of the season, but they still do have a couple of exhibition matches left, including a game against the cross-town rival Holy Rosary High School Raiders at LCHS on Tuesday. He said everyone on the team started the season new to Barons
basketball and it took a bit of time for them to learn each other’s tendencies, but the boys are starting to find that familiarity. “I think this tournament is the best we’ve played so far,” said Leyva. “I know we can keep it going into the future and keep improving.”
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Thursday, February 20, 2020
Strong defence leads to Panthers win JAMIE HARKINS WRITER
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A third round is needed to determine the winner of the Paradise Hill School Pan-
thers versus the Holy Rosary High School (HRHS) Raiders basketball series. The Panthers avenged last winter’s
championship game defeat at the Lloydminster Comprehensive High School (LCHS) Barons junior varsity basketball tournament with a 76-54 win against the Raiders on Saturday night. Both clubs went back and forth through the opening quarter and first half of the second, but it was all Panthers from then on. “We just got a little more intense on defence,” said Panthers guard Aidan Powell. “We didn’t panic, which was nice. A year ago we panicked too much. So, I think being disciplined on offence and defence helped a lot.” Powell acknowledged a small roster consisting of only one reserve posed a challenge. However, he added it also forced everyone to get involved in the action and play
together as a team to earn the gold. “We’ve all played together so long,” he said. “The JV teams here, they always switch players. They’re always new-ish each year, while we’ve played together. That helps because our chemistry is there. We hustled. We played good defence. We have a system and it worked out. We have good coaching. Everything was solid.” Jenel Corpuz, a guard for the junior varsity Raiders, said they’re a small team so the focus is always to run opposing clubs into the ground. He said for some reason they got away from that plan during the final. Corpuz noted the Barons tournament marked the third time this season they’ve made it to the championship game. A strong showing in their home tourney, he added, also shows the strides they’ve made over the
Jamie Harkins Meridian Source
HRHS Raider Sean Anacio tries to break through the Paradise Hill Panthers defence.
past few months. “Our team chemistry has improved,” said Corpuz, whose Raiders will next be in action this Tuesday at LCHS
for an exhibition game against the Barons. “Our transition has been really good. And, just as a team, in general, we’ve developed.”
Thursday, February 20, 2020
Team Canada to play Rustlers JAMIE HARKINS WRITER
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The Canadian men’s sitting volleyball team’s path to the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games will run through Lloydminster. The national squad is making a stop in the Border City this Saturday for an exhibition contest against the Lakeland College Rustlers men’s volleyball team at E.S. Laird Middle School. Team Canada is using the Lloydminster sojourn as a training session for their hopeful successful showing at a last-chance Paralympic qualifier in Oklahoma next month. Jeff Smith, head coach of the Canadian men’s sitting volleyball team, said the sport is relatively young in Canada, only appearing about 15 years ago, placing them well behind the European clubs which have a 90-team league to practise against and a ready pool of prospects to draw from. He said they’re raising the bar by getting matches in against college and U Sport teams, while also attempting to grow the game with their tours through various communities across the country. “It’s training us to play against the bigger block, to play against a bigger hitter and to defend against a bigger (opponent),” said Smith. “We definitely do see our advantages and so do the school teams. Any of the teams that we play, they’ve noticed that their
defence changes because the game is just that much faster.” Smith said they’ll join the Rustlers for a couple of training sessions in the lead-up to the exhibition contest to help them understand the nuances of the sitting game. He said the hope is some players and teams competing in the Saskatchewan Volleyball tournament at the Servus Sport Centre this weekend will also come out to the game to see what the sport is like and show their support. “Some of our older players had their injury occur when they were in their late thirties, but didn’t have an idea there was a Para-sport out there,” he said. “What we’re trying to do is increase the knowledge of what we’re about and just the awareness of the game. There are a lot of athletes who I don’t think understand that if you go through a traumatic injury sport is not done for you.” The Team Canada-Rustlers exhibition contest starts at 7 p.m. on Saturday night at E.S. Laird Middle School. Tickets are $5 per person and $20 per team. “At the one in Grande Prairie, we had 450 people,” said Smith. “At UBC we had about 150 people. This is national team athletes and it is national team volleyball. We’re hoping that everybody comes out to watch and absorb what it is. We all share a love for the same sport.”
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Agriculture
Ag Minister returns from successful trade mission MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF
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Agriculture Minister David Marit recently returned from a successful trade mission to the United Arab Emirates, Bangladesh and India. This was Marit’s first visit to the three countries to speak about ma rke t d e ve l o p m en t
and exporting agri-food products. “Saskatchewan’s Plan for Growth 2030 has ambitious but achievable targets for agriculture, especially for our crops sector,” Marit said. “At the heart of these targets is market access. India, Bangladesh and the United Arab Emir-
ates will play a big role in our global trade plans over the next decade.” The United Arab Emirates is an important market for Saskatchewan canola and pulses. While there, Marit met with and toured the facilities of the largest importer and processor of canola seed in the
Middle East. In addition, Marit met with a major pulse importer in the United Arab Emirates, where he spoke about the opportunities to increase Saskatchewan’s pulse exports into the region.
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Saskatchewan’s Plan for Growth 2030 has ambitious but achievable targets for agriculture, especially for our crops sector.
While travelling in Dhaka, Marit highlighted Saskatchewan as a reliable and quality supplier of food and
feed ingredients. Marit met with key wheat importers and millers, as Bangladesh is a large and growing wheat market for Saskatchewan. Marit also met with senior Bangladeshi government ministers and officials to discuss emerging market opportunities for our agricultural products. Marit was also able to attend the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing by the Global Institute for Food Security (GIFS) at the University of Saskatchewan with research partners from Bangladesh’s Ministry of Agriculture. This MOU solidified a research and training development partnership between GIFS and officials in Bangladesh.
Marit concluded his tour in Mumbai, India, by taking part in the fifth biannual Pulses Conclave in Lonavala. With more than 500 delegates in attendance from all major pulseproducing countries in the world, the conference provided a forum to meet with key pulse importers and discuss opportunities and barriers in the pulse export market. As part of the Growth Plan, the Government of Saskatchewan committed to opening a new international trade and investment office in India. Marit’s mission focused on strengthening trade relationships and finding new market opportunities for Saskatchewan agriculture products.
Thursday, February 20, 2020
Lab improves student experience MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF
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Lakeland College put student experience at the forefront of newly renovated environmental sciences and agricultural sciences lab spaces. The four enhanced labs in Academic Link at the Vermilion campus opened at the beginning of the winter 2020 semester and will be used by hundreds of students throughout the academic year. They feature specialized equipment required in the study of soils, plants, aquatic organisms and chemistry. The renovation also included improved ventilation, updated lighting, new furniture and technology. As a result of the upgrades, the labs have a more effective and comfortable layout for students to excel. “Lakeland College is dedicated to investing in its students by ensuring they have
access to modern lab spaces in which to conduct experiments and develop the foundational skills to be successful in this industry,” said Mal Dissanayake, dean of the School of Environmental Sciences. The labs are used by students in the environmental sciences and agricultural sciences programs. Environmental sciences students conduct many different lab activities in the redesigned lab spaces, including wetland classification, water conservation, wildlife biology and more, in addition to field work. Agricultural sciences students, including those in the crop technology and animal science technology programs, use the labs for soil and plant labs, among others. “The student experience in the new lab spaces is totally different,” said Kyle Kipps,
a Lakeland agricultural sciences instructor. “They are big, bright and airy and that energizes the students. In the soils lab, it’s easier for the students to look at examples and see the things we are trying to teach them. The monolith display cabinets are re al l y w e l l d o ne and allow students to look at all kinds of different soil profiles from all across Canada.” Lakeland’s School of Environmental Sciences offers the bachelor of applied science: environmental management degree as well as an environmental sciences diploma, which offers majors in conservation and restoration ecology, environmental conservation and reclamation, water conservation and management, and wildlife and fisheries conservation. In addition to classroom and lab work, students experience hands-on learning in the field.
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PAGE 26 Thursday, February 20, 2020 MERIDIAN SOURCE
Careers
Gold production hits a record high for 2019 MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF
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Saskatchewan produced a record amount of gold in 2019. The province’s only active gold mine, the Seabee gold operation, owned by SSR Mining Inc. (SSRM), produced 112,137 ounces. In 2019, production from the Seabee operation increased 17 per cent compared to the previous year, which
marks the fourth consecutive year the Seabee operation has set a new record for gold production in the province. “Saskatchewan has a diverse mining sector, which is responsible for a significant amount of growth and investment in our province’s economy,” Energy and Resources Minister Bronwyn Eyre said. “Congratulations to SSR Mining Inc. on its
record year of production. Our government will continue to support targeted mineral exploration development and sound policy to drive our economy and ensure that Saskatchewan remains one of the best, most competitive mining jurisdictions in the world.” The Seabee gold operation is located in Northern Saskatchewan, about 125 kilo-
metres northeast of La Ronge. Production occurs at the Santoy underground mine, while ore processing occurs at the Seabee mill facility nearby. “The Seabee gold operation continues to be a tremendous success thanks to our employees, supportive communities and the provincial government,” SSR Mining Chief Executive Officer Paul Ben-
son said. “The quality partnership with all of our stakeholders continues to show that Saskatchewan is one of the premier locations in the world to operate.” Saskatchewan’s very diverse geology and mineral deposits, along with a stable government regulatory environment and targeted mineral exploration incentives, have created an attractive location for local and international mining companies. In 2018, the Fraser Institute ranked Saskatchewan’s mining sector third in the world and first in Canada for mining investment attractiveness, out of 83 global jurisdictions. The Investment Attractiveness Index takes into account both geologic potential for minerals, as well as government mining policies. Saskatchewan also ranked second globally, tied with British Columbia, out of 99 jurisdictions in the Mining Journal’s 2019 World
File Photo Risk Report. Saskatchewan’s new Growth Plan includes an objective to increase new mineral exploration over the next 10 years. A commitment to reinstate Provincial Sales Tax exemptions for exploratory downhole drilling activity in the mining sector will encourage new mining exploration and investment into the province. The government will also continue to support the Targeted Mineral Exploration Incentive, introduced in October 2018, which is designed to encourage and increase exploration for gold, base metals and diamonds in select regions of the province.
PAGE 27 Thursday, February 20, 2020 MERIDIAN SOURCE 306-825-5111 admin@meridiansource.ca
Card Of Thanks Thank you
employment opportunities
Classifieds Miscellaneous
manufactured homes
Feed & Seed
21st Annual KuntzMcIntosh-SAJ Simmental Bull Sale Tuesday March 17, 1:00 pm CST, Lloydminster Exhibition Grounds. Selling 70 yearling red, black Fullblood & full Fleckvieh Simmental bulls. For info contact Trevor Kuntz 306441-1308, Blair McIntosh 306-441-7755, Stuart Jamieson 306-397-2708 or T Bar C Cattle Co. 306220-5006. Watch and bid online at www.DLMS.ca and view the catalogue o n l i n e a t www.BuyAgro.com. (PL#116061)
Thank you family and friends for cards, food, phone calls, flowers, gifts and all your sincere good wishes during my recent surgery. All your acts of kindness were very much appreciated. Grace Hill
Announcements POWER ENGINEERS! Steam Smart has posted new exam preparation courses for people working on their next steam ticket. 2A1, 2A2, 3B2. www.SteamSmart.ca.
Coming Events
Services Offered
Steel Buildings STEEL BUILDING SALE ... "REALLY BIG SALE IS BACK - EXTRA WINTER DISCOUNT ON NOW!" 20X21 $5,929. 25X25 $6,498. 28X31 $7,995. 32X33 $9,994. 35X33 $12,224. One End Wall Included. Pioneer Steel 1855-212-7036 www.pioneersteel.ca
Auctions AUCTIONS are our business! Contact Copeland Auctions Ltd. located in Lloydminster, AB for all your auction needs. Call Russ 780-870-1181 or visit our website: www.copelandauctions.co m
Livestock
For Sale Advertisements and statements contained herein are the sole responsibility of the persons or entities that post the advertisement, and the Saskatchewan Weekly Newspaper Association and membership do not make any warranty as to the accuracy, completeness, truthfulness or reliability of such advertisements. For greater information on advertising conditions, please consult the Association's Blanket Advertising Conditions on our w e b s i t e a t www.swna.com.
Livestock
For Sale
Wanted
PROVINCE-WIDE CLASSIFIEDS. Reach over 550,000 readers weekly. Call this newspaper NOW or 306-649.1405 for details.
WANTED: All Wild Fur (Coyotes, etc), All Antlers (Deer, Moose, etc) And Old Traps. Phone Bryan 306278-7756 or Phil 306278-2299.
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NOTICE TO CREDITORS
28
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Land For Sale
Health / Fitness
Health / Fitness GET UP TO $50,000 from the Government of Canada. Do you or someone you know Have any of these Conditions? ADHD, Anxiety, Arthritis, Asthma, Cancer, COPD, Depression, Diabetes, Difficulty Walking, Fibromyalgia, Irritable Bowels, Overweight, Trouble Dressing...and Hundreds more. ALL Ages & Medical Conditions Qualify. CALL SASKATCHEWAN BENEFITS 1-(800)-211-3550 or Send a Text Message with Your Name and Mailing Address to 306-992-5527 for your FREE benefits package.
Thursday, February 20, 2020
Agriculture
Obituaries & Memoriams
Thursday, February 20, 2020
Obituaries & Memoriams
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Thursday, February 20, 2020
Local Business Directory
Thursday, February 20, 2020
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Thursday, February 20, 2020
MERIDIAN SOURCE
Rentals
Real Estate
Property Management
OPEN HOUSE
NEW PRICES
5612 - 53 AVENUE Saturday, February 22nd 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm RD
Hosted by: Caleb McLean
80,000
$
AB
MLS 65891
AB
482,500
$
MLS 65067
NEW LISTINGS
AB
455,000
$
MLS 65901
329,900
$
MLS 65357
LEADING YOU HOME
UNIT F 2404 - 57A AVENUE
REVENUE POTENTIAL
• Lovely garden style condo finished up and down with 2+1 beds, 2 baths. • Composite deck and private patio gives you the perfect place to relax on warm days. $
294,000
AB
AB
MLS 66017
AB
$
720,000
MLS 64318
SK
$
AB
$
AB
$
AB
$
AB
$
534,900
MLS 64733
AB
$
469,900
MLS 64622
AB
$
439,900
MLS 64531
AB
$
400,000
MLS 65130
SK
$
389,900
MLS 65488
AB
$
339,900
MLS 64117
AB
$
329,900
MLS 65536
AB
$
309,900
MLS 65542
SK
$
299,999
MLS 65925
AB
$
529,900
MLS 65628
419,900
MLS 64860
359,900
MLS 64979
315,000
MLS 65094
299,900
MLS 64095
205 - 5TH AVENUE
PARADISE HILL
• Affordable small town living. • Complete with house on 4 titled lots. Potential revenue property for the handy person!
125,000
$
SK
MLS 65983
FEATURED LISTINGS TURTLE LAKE
122 SPRUCE ROAD
• Luxurious year-round lake home built with the finest of materials. • You must view to appreciate the grandeur of this property! Can be purchased in conjuction with 126 Spruce Road. $
SK PARADISE HILL
1,117,000
MLS 63765
203 - 7TH AVENUE • Great 4 unit revenue property in a busy community. • Renos include; walls, drywall, electrical, siding, roof, heating system & plumbing.
299,999
$
SK
MLS 65958
205 - 7TH AVENUE
PARADISE HILL
• West facing 75’ x 125’ residential lot with services to lot lane. • Located in a bustling community with K-12 school and recreational facilities.
25,000
$
SK
MLS 65959
WE ARE YOUR COMMUNITY REALTOR® GREENSTREET
STREAMSTOWN
AB
585,000
$
Brad Gilbert Broker/Owner
MLS 65413
SK
399,900
$
MLS 65658
KITSCOTY
ST. WALBURG
SK
374,500
$
MLS 64403
AB
359,900
$
MLS 64764
ST. WALBURG
SK
344,000
$
Rick Schesnuk Realtor®
Pattie Todd Associate Broker
MLS 65151
Judy Bexson Realtor®
Each office is independently owned & operated.
3812 - 51 Avenue, Lloydminster, AB T9V 3M7 Jennifer Gilbert Associate Broker
Sandy Hardy Realtor®
www.coldwellbankercitysiderealty.com
780-875-3343
facebook.com/coldwellbankercitysiderealty
Caleb McLean Realtor®
instagram.com/coldwellbankercitysiderealty