Meridian Source - July 9, 2026

Border City streets were flooded with floats and spectators on Wednesday, July 8, as the annual Lloyd Ex Fair parade kicked off a week of family fun. See pages 2 and 3 for more on this year’s events. Taylor Weaver Meridian Source

Lloyd Ex Fair packs schedule with new events

TAYLOR WEAVER

Monster trucks and elite ag competitions took over the Border City as the annual Lloyd Ex Fair officially kicked off.

You’re going to see the power of these heavy horses combined with the power of man. - Jackie Tomayer “

Running from July 8 to 11, the fourday exhibition expects to draw up to 30,000 visitors to the grounds. Organizers say this year’s lineup represents a massive step forward in entertainment scale and community collaboration.

“This week is a full year of planning,” said Jackie Tomayer, general manager of the Lloydminster Agricultural Exhibition Association.

“Entertainment is booked a year in advance. The last few months are really putting those final details, getting in your volunteers, getting entries and making sure everything is set up and ready to go.”

New to the grandstand, the “Farmer Games” are co-ordinated with Rene Weinkauf of World Class Gym. The event will showcase tests of human strength alongside the agricultural society’s staple heavy horse show.

“We’re an ag society — rural farming, that’s our thing,” Tomayer said, noting that pairing the heavy horses with a strongman element introduces the event to a brand-new demographic.

“You’re going to see the power of these heavy horses combined with the power of man.”

Entertainment options span across the entire grounds for 12 hours each day. Inside venues will host mentalist and comedian Dale K, a Dolly Parton tribute act, the High Limit band from Onion Lake Cree Nation, Los Angeles-based Filipino artist Chris Lawrence and more.

The outdoor grandstand features monster trucks, the extreme dogs show and rock band Toque.

Even long-standing traditions are receiving modern upgrades. Tomayer revealed that the technicians behind Saturday night’s musical fireworks display — a team based out of Regina — utilized artificial intelligence to send organizers a digital preview of the

choreography months in advance.

Tomayer emphasized that the event relies entirely on grassroots community efforts and local sponsorships.

“We don’t do this without sponsors,” said Tomayer, highlighting collaborations with community groups like Mural Fest, as well as critical logistical help from local businesses.

“The monetary donations and sponsorships are vitally important, but it’s also just the gifts in kind and helping us set up the grounds.”

Safety remains the exhibition’s top priority. Organizers held their final comprehensive emergency co-ordination meeting ahead of opening day, bringing together

representatives from the RCMP, local fire departments and the Lloydminster Rescue Squad.

The festivities began Wednesday morning with the annual parade, followed by the traditional pancake breakfast at City Hall on Thursday morning. A full schedule of events and admission details can be found on the Lloyd Ex Fair website .

Neilburg daycare breaks ground, fundraising continues

CHRISTIAN APOSTOLOVSKI

The need for child care is everpresent for young families, and a group of motivated women have made that need a reality for Neilburg.

The Neilburg Early Learning and Child Care Inc. board has been hard at work for the last few years to bring reliable child care to the small Saskatchewan town.

“When I was on maternity leave, I was new to town. I didn’t know anyone and I was pretty stressed out on where to go and what to do,” said Amber Kobes, board treasurer. “It came up with a family member, who told me about the subsidized program. I was talking to them during harvest in 2023 one day over lunch at the farm. They told me about the program and gave me the resources to look into it.”

Kobes said the initial needs assessment indicated the need for 30 child care spaces in the community.

“I did a survey by myself at that time; the 30 spaces came from that initial needs assessment,” she said, noting two of her friends got on board as chair and vice chair. “With their help, we were incorporated within two months in 2024. We had our business plan put together and our application put together that year and we were approved in 2025.

“It started with a need for child care and a worry of where my kids would go.”

Through the three founding

Elizabeth Shideler-Jacquest, Amber Kobes, Ashleigh Jarvis and their little ones pose for a photo at the future site of the Neilburg Early Learning and Child Care Inc. site.

Christian Apostolovski Meridian Source

members’ work, more were recruited onto the board to aid their efforts.

“They kept going and got government grant funding and approval for this, so they brought on four more of us,” said board member Ashleigh Jarvis. “It’s been a labour of love of fundraising and trying to get it together, and it’s become quite a cool project.”

Standing in front of the ongoing construction on Centre Street in Neilburg, Elizabeth ShidelerJacquest, Neilburg Early Learning and Child Care Inc. board member, said she’s happy to see construction underway.

“It’s a wonder to actually see it being built. We’ve spent so long on floor plans and fundraising,” she said. “It’s so nice to see it as, you’re actually building this now.”

The hope is to expand capacity of the centre in the future.

“When it’s done, we’ll have spaces for 30 children, though we’re hoping to increase that to 50,” Shideler-Jacquest said. “Eventually, we might rent a space to the preschool or have a preschool.” She said having child care available in the community is very important.

“I know so many people who need child care, so many people who can’t find it or moved away because they can’t find it,” she said. “Having a centre like this will be amazing for building jobs in the area because you have reliable child care.

“It’ll be a place where our kids can go and be prepared for preschool, be prepared for school, and hopefully, have some fun.”

“There’s a lot of babies in this town,” Jarvis said. “Our community is growing. There’s lots of families moving here, starting families, and it’s affordable to live here.”

The entire project has been driven by the board, with grants coming from the government and continuing fundraising efforts. Full story, HERE .

Local Business Directory

2026 SUMMER GUIDE REGISTRATION IS OPEN

COST AND AGE CATEGORIES

VARY

Explore all of what Lloydminster has to offer with the Summer Guide.

SUMMER FUN CAMPS

AGE GROUPS 2016-2021

COSTS VARY

Limited spots available! Themed activities, cra s, games and more!

Lloydminster.ca/Guides

JULY 16 • 1-8:30 PM FREE ADMISSION

Dive into summer fun at the Outdoor Pool Bash presented by Lloydminster & District Co-op! Enjoy an action-packed a ernoon of swimming, games, and family-friendly activities.

Activities and giveaways run from 1–3 p.m.

OUTDOOR POOL SERVUS SPORTS CENTRE

FALL COMMUNITY REGISTRATION AND INFORMATION NIGHT SEP 2 • 4-8 PM • COSTS VARY

Vendor registration is open for groups, clubs, organizations, support resources, etc. Lloydminster.ca/CommunityReg OUTDOOR POOL BASH

WEAVER HERITAGE PARK

HERITAGE ACTIVITIES

THUR - SAT UNTIL AUG 22

Fun activities every weekend! Lloydminster.ca/WHP

RETURNING TO THE LAND | BUFFALO HIDE TANNING AND CULTURAL HEALING

JULY 18 • 10 AM-3:30 PM

Join Alberta Land Based Education for a hands-on buffalo hide tanning workshop. Learn traditional hide preservation methods through guided teachings, with Dr. Linda Manyguns sharing storytelling and cultural knowledge. Admission by donation.

Roofing - Metal Siding

Youth council celebrates decade

CHRISTIAN APOSTOLOVSKI

The Lloydminster Youth Council had another busy year full of milestone celebrations, marking 10 years of existence for the organization.

Addison Smith, the chair of the youth council, and Ife Antonio, chair emeritus, told Lloydminster city council they had their biggest group so far, with 27 members being sworn in.

Smith kicked off the presentation by explaining something she learned during her time on the youth council.

“A big thing that I’ve learned through my time on youth council is that leadership isn’t about age, it’s about the willingness of putting yourself out there and getting involved in things that can make a positive change,” she said.

The year was packed with events, beginning with Fall Frenzy.

“Fall Frenzy was held at Bud Miller. We were able to get a bunch of people to come out to the picnic area and do a bunch of games, have drinks, a scavenger hunts, all the fall fun things,” Antonio said, noting attendance was strong.

When it comes to reaching their target demographic, it has not always been easy.

“We’ve always seen a struggle with social media and having a hard time getting our media to the demographic we’re trying to reach,” Antonio said.

She explained that moving forward, they plan to host events that cater to families.

“We’re looking to try and cater at least two to three family events and the rest for teenagers,” she said, noting teenagers and events centred around them remain the priority.

The youth council also hosted a Youth Rec Night at Avery Outreach School, featuring an open gym, snacks, drinks, dodgeball and nostalgic childhood games. They also hosted a movie night to watch Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked.

One major highlight was the youth council’s 10-year anniversary celebration.

“That was our chance to showcase and recognize the youth,” Antonio said, adding it’s important for the city to see what youth can accomplish when they receive support from adults.

As part of the anniversary event, they hosted a history walk showcasing their journey from their inaugural year to now, a barbecue, outdoor games, mental health popups, live music and speeches from the chair and others.

Group cohesion was another major focus for the council this year.

“With such a big group, it’s important that everyone gets comfortable with each other,” Smith said, noting the council includes students from both local school divisions. “During our meetings, we want everyone to feel supported and (know) they can get their ideas out there and not feel judged, so we did some

team-

bonding activities.”

Around Christmas, they gathered at the Servus Sports Centre to enjoy food, play games, and take part in a sock exchange. At the end of the year, they also visited an escape room — an activity Smith was particularly happy about.

Full story, HERE .

Tragically Hip tribute coming to Vic Juba

TAYLOR WEAVER

For Derek Lathrop, stepping into the spotlight to front The Hip Experience isn’t just about putting on a performance — it’s about filling some of the biggest hats in Canadian music history.

I

- Derek Lathrop “

see people in the crowd with tears in their eyes. I didn’t realize how much impact these songs have had on Canadians.

As the frontman for the acclaimed Tragically Hip tribute band, Lathrop is preparing to bring the iconic sounds of Kingston, Ontario’s favourite sons to Lloydminster’s Vic Juba Community Theatre on Sept. 23.

What started eight years ago as a oneoff performance for a cancer benefit charity event has grown into a massive, nationwide operation.

“We put together a set and it went really, really well,” Lathrop said in a recent interview from Mississauga, Ont. “Then, lo and behold, one gig led to two, led to three, led to four, now we’re doing 100 a year.”

The band, comprised of full-time professional musicians, includes Lathrop, rhythm guitarist Pat Raimondo, lead guitarist Peter Grant, bassist Todd Coldham, and drummer Mike Scime.

Lathrop notes that because they play registered theatre venues, their performances pay out SOCAN royalties, ensuring the original members of The Tragically Hip are compensated for their work.

Transitioning from standard bar bands to a dedicated tribute act completely shifted Lathrop’s relationship with the Hip’s catalog.

“I have developed a whole new connection with these songs since I started doing this, just seeing the way people react to them and the impact that they have on people,” Lathrop said. “I see people in the crowd with tears in their eyes. I didn’t realize how much impact these songs have had on Canadians.”

For countless fans, the Hip’s music serves as a cultural anchor, tied directly to major life milestones and the collective grief of the country following Downie’s passing in 2017. To keep the experience fresh for both the audience and themselves, the band never uses a fixed setlist, alternating their opening song every single night. Lathrop points to that initial rush as

one of his highlights.

“Just feeling the energy as you’re coming onto the stage. The buildup of that over the first five minutes of the show is probably my second favourite part,” Lathrop said, adding that the final bow at the end of the night takes the top spot.

As the band continues what Lathrop describes as a “perpetual state of touring,” they prefer to let the music and the fans do the talking.

“If you want to know what we’re all about, we are all over social media,” Lathrop said. “Go onto our Facebook account, or Instagram account, and see what other people say about us. There’s all kinds of comments from all kinds of people all over the country who have all kinds of nice things to say.”

Tickets for the Sept. 23 performance are available online or at the Vic Juba Community Theatre box office.

Thursday, July 9, 2026

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Viewpoint

Letter to the editor ...

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Let’simagine a new Canadian party. They pick purple as their colour because they are a perfect blend of red progressive human rights and blue conservative economic stability. Their platform has five pillars: cost-of-living relief, housing, health care, responsible immigration and energy security with environmental stewardship. Each pillar balances compassion with fiscal responsibility. Now let’s imagine that the Purple Party is secondpast-the-post in each of Canada’s 343 ridings. How many seats would they win in the House of Commons? Zero. Yes, zero!

Even though they won more of the popular vote, as the Conservatives did in 2019 and 2021, they could still be shut out of Parliament entirely. That’s the fundamental flaw of first-past-the-post — millions of votes can result in zero representation. Electoral reform with proportional representation would solve this unfairness. If the Purple Party won 35 per cent of the vote, they would win 35 per cent of the seats. Imagine knowing that your vote would count, help elect someone, never be wasted or split the vote, and make every riding matter in every election. Unlike Canada, most OECD countries use proportional or mixed electoral systems. When votes are translated into seats, you are more likely to believe your voice matters. That belief builds trust in democracy. Trust creates a stronger sense of belonging, where you feel less ignored or shut out. A democracy you trust is more likely to stay united. Support electoral reform with PR. Visit FairVote.ca or CharterChallenge.ca to learn how. Thirty-five per cent of the votes equals 35 per cent of the seats — simple math, fair representation.

— Nancy Carswell, Shellbrook, Sask.

Chris’ A-Z: A fair-y fun time

By the time you’re reading this, the Lloyd Ex Fair will have officially kicked off.

The fair is something I look forward to every year. This year, I will be in Calgary taking in my first Stampede, which I am also very excited about.

But, in my column this week, I wanted to touch on the local fair a little bit.

Looking back at some old stories about the fair, it’s lovely to see the streets and fairgrounds packed with folks.

I found a story from 1996 that I think would be of interest now.

The parade and first day of the fair was under some pretty heavy rain. What didn’t surprise me was the number of people that were lining the streets to still see the parade.

Umbrellas, tarps and the like helped keep Border City residents dry while they took in the parade.

The rain didn’t let up as the fairgrounds opened and it led to fewer people attending the first day. The fair quickly bounced back, with thousands of people attending various events and enjoying the rides. I dug into the history of the Lloyd fair pretty extensively last year, from its beginnings to where we are now. This year, I wanted to talk about my favourite things I’ve experienced at

the fair.

In 2024, I had just arrived to the Border City and got the opportunity to rip around in a golf cart and judge parade floats.

I gave out the wrong prizes and felt pretty bad about that, but I luckily redeemed myself in the second year, thanks largely to a much easier single-prize format.

I’ve seen so many amazing shows, the hobby horse races were a personal favourite last year, and I’m sad I won’t get the chance to compete this year.

Mural Fest was a welcome addition, and this year, the Farmer Games is new and should make a splash.

No matter what you’re into, the fair has something for you. I can’t wait to be back next year to take in the 2027 fair.

Passport to YLL

Bingo at Moose Lodge

Bingo is back at Moose Lodge every Monday and Wednesday evening. Doors open at 5 p.m. and play starts at 7 p.m. Must be 18 to play.

Southridge Playschool Registration is Open

The Southridge Playschool and Kindergym Society has opened registration for the fall 2026-27 term for kids ages 3-5. One day a week is covered by a government affordability grant, and two days a week is $325 for the whole term. Contact Mrs. Shandy at southridgeplayschool@ gmail.com or message them on Facebook.

Chair Yoga

The Alcurve Community Hall is

hosting chair yoga every Thursday at 10:30 a.m. Cost is $15 for drop-in or $50 per month. Call or text Deb at 780-808-0015 for more details.

Crib Tourney

The Legacy Centre is hosting a crib tournament on July 23 starting at 10 a.m. Cost is $10 to play and $12 for lunch/person.

Legacy Centre Overnight Trip

The Legacy Centre is hosting an overnight trip to Regina on July 23 and 24 for the Roughriders/Elks CFL game. Limitied spots available! Call the Legacy office at 780-875-4584 for more details.

Legacy Centre Pub Night

The Legacy Centre is hosting a pub night on July 29. Doors and dancin’ at 5 p.m., supper is at 6 p.m. then more dancin’ after supper. Cost is $25/person at the door. All members and guests welcome.

Von Bieker at the Vic Juba Theatre

The Government of Alberta, City of Lloydminster and

Vic Juba Community Theatre present Von Bieker on Aug. 29 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are free, reserved seating only. Reserve tickets, Here.

The Hip Experience at the Vic Juba

The Hip Experience: Canada’s Premier Tribute to The Tragically Hip, returns to the Vic Juba Community Theatre on Sept. 23 for a 7:30 p.m. show. Tickets are $40.

Menopause the Musical

The Vic Juba Community Theatre presents the Dr. H.A. McDonald Season production of Menopause the Musical on Oct. 1 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $70.

Elton John Tribute

at the Vic Juba Electric Elton, the music and legacy of Elton John, is at the Vic Juba Community Theatre on Oct. 5 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $69.

Elvis and Dolly

at

the Vic Elvis and Dolly: Blue Suede and Rhinestones hits the stage at the Vic Juba Community Theatre on Oct. 8. Tickets are $60.25.

Alberta invests $7M in Lakeland College ag training

The Alberta government is investing more than $7 million to expand and modernize hands-on agricultural training at Lakeland College’s Vermilion campus. Lakeland and external partners are contributing an additional $1.83 million to the project.

Construction begins this month, with full completion expected by November 2028. The funding will support major upgrades to revitalize the college’s student-managed farm lab, including:

- Beef Yard Upgrades: Expanding a facility originally built for 60 students

MARDELL

JUNE 28TH ,1953JUNE 4TH, 2026

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Marvin Garry Mardell on June 4th 2026, at the age of 72.

Marving was born in Prince Albert, Sask. to Peter and Bertha Mardell on June 28th 1953.

Marvin met “the love of his life” Dianne in 1971. They married the following year and moved to Lloydminster. They had two sons, Chris in 1974 and Terry in 1976. They moved to Lashburn im 1978 where they lived for 15 years, before moving back to Lloydminster.

Marvin mainly worked in

retail for many years, then went to work for QuikPik for the next twenty plus years, until he retired in 2021.

and 100 cows to better support its current load of over 80 students and 220 cows.

- Horse Pen Relocation: Replacing aging infrastructure with modern, purpose-built spaces to improve animal care and student safety.

- Provincial officials and college President Alice Wainwright-Stewart emphasized that the investment is crucial for building Alberta’s agricultural workforce and enhancing the hands-on learning that sets the college apart.

Aside from Dianne and his family, Marvin’s next love was vehicles, working on them, talking about them going to car shows and watching car shows. He also loved camping and travelling. He was very handy, he could repair just about anything.

Marvin leaves to cherish his memory, his wife of just about 54 years, Dianne, sons Chris (Tracy) Terry (Angie), grandchildren Brett, Cody and Shelby. His sister in law Freda (Ric) Hutchinson brothers in law Bruce (Janet) Cowan, Cary Cowan and Maynard (Maria) Smith, as well as numerous relatives and friends.

Marvin was predeased by his parents Peter and Bertha Mardell, stepfather Jim McKenzie, mother in law Edith (Ray) Leguerrier, father in law Leonard Cowan, sister in law Janet Smith and nephew Rob Dumont.

We would like to thank the staff at the Lloyd hospital, home care, and Olivia at the palliative car. Thank you Riley at Creech’s for all your help.

Waverley Eldora Ollenberger

July 12th, 1928 – February 17th, 2026

“Happy Birthday Mom in Heaven”

Waverley Eldora Ollenberger passed away peacefully at Pioneer House in Lloydminster on Tuesday, February 17th, 2026, at the age of 97. Waverley is sadly missed by her two children, Kathy & Dan Budd of Prince Albert and Allan & Gaylene Ollenberger of Lloydminster; four grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.

Waverley was predeceased by her beloved husband Milton, parents Allan and Irene Bexson, brothers Bill, Harry, Rusty, Ron Bexson and her grandson Trevor Ollenberger.

An intimate farewell service was conducted at McCaw’s Funeral Home chapel with Pastor Levi Beaudion of Frenchman Butte Community Church.

The family of Waverley would like to extend a special thanks to the wonderful staff at The Pioneer Lodge & House, who cared for her during the final years of her life, and to all those who kindly visited her in her final years.

Waverley’s life was marked by her sacrificial love and dedication to her family, church and volunteer service in her much-loved community of Frenchman Butte, SK, assisting in administrative capacities at the Frenchman Butte Museum and the Seniors’ Room, making many friends along the way.

To have lived well, laughed often and loved much; to have gained the respect of intelligent men and the love of children; to have filled a niche and accomplished a task; to have left the world betterwhether by an improved poppy, a perfect poem or a rescued soul; to have appreciated earth’s beauty and failed not to express it; to have looked for the best in others, and to have given the best of yourself. That is achievement,

PAGE 14

Thursday, July 9, 2026

MERIDIAN SOURCE

306-825-5111

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NOTICE TO CREDITORS

IN THE ESTATE OF LAURA MAY HERLE

who died on January 24, 2026

If you have a claim against this estate, you must file your claim by August 10, 2026.

ARMSTRONG HITTINGER

MOSKAL, P.O. Box 1680 3801A - 51 Avenue (Southridge Commons)

LLOYDMINSTER, SK S9V 1K6

If you do not file by the date above, the estate property can lawfully be distributed without regard to any claim you may have.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

IN THE ESTATE OF MELVIN BOWDEN,

Late of Maidstone, in the province of Saskatchewan, Deceased.

ALL CLAIMS against the above Estate, duly verified by Statutory Declaration and with particulars and valuation of security held, if any, must be sent to the undersigned before the 6th day of August 2026.

A.J. FOX, KC, of Fox Wakefield Lawyers

P.O. Box 500, 5016 - 48 Street, Lloydminster, SK, S9V 0Y6

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City approves collective agreement with firefighter association

CHRISTIAN APOSTOLOVSKI

The City of Lloydminster has approved a new collective agreement with the International Association of Fire Fighters Local 5182. The agreement between the two parties spans Jan. 1, 2022, to Dec. 31, 2024, following the expiration of the previous contract on Dec. 31, 2021. Collective bargaining began in 2021, with the parties meeting nine times before applying for mediation. A two-day mediation session in September 2023 was unsuccessful.

The bargaining committee continued to negotiate and met five more times after mediation but was unable to reach a resolution. The matter moved to interest arbitration in 2025 and the arbitrator issued a decision on June 8.

The three-year agreement includes

retroactive annual wage increases: three per cent for 2022, three per cent for 2023 and 3.15 per cent for 2024. Additionally, the captain index increased from 120 per cent to 121 per cent, effective June 8.

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation was also added as a paid holiday effective this year, alongside a one per cent bump to employer RRSP contributions, effective June 8.

The retroactive pay will cost the city $530,000, an expense administration says it has anticipated.

“We’ve been planning for this because we were in negotiations for the last number of years,” explained chief of staff Marie Pretty.

“So, annually, there was money set aside in reserves. In the future, we’ll bring back an request for decision for council for the full amount of reserves and any future budget impacts.”

Administration was also asked if negotiations have begun on the next contract.

“We’ve not had our first meeting yet, but we will be starting negotiations effective Jan. 1, 2025, onward,” she said.

Council approved the collective agreement between the city and the International Association of Fire Fighters Local 5182.

Administration will bring forward a budget adjustment reflecting the outcome of the negotiations at a future date.

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HAPPY CANADA DAY, LLOYDMINSTER!

Bud Miller All Seasons Park was a sea of red and white last Wednesday as Lloydminster and area residents celebrated Canada Day. Freezies and homemade ice cream kept attendees cool while live entertainment kept the party going until the fireworks display.

Taylor Weaver Meridian Source photos

Vermilion aims to entice residential development

Residential development took centre stage at a recent Town of Vermilion council meeting as officials set the sale price for a northwest lot.

“The Town of Vermilion has identified a need for additional residential lots. We’ve been on a parcel located on 53 Ave. between 66 St. and 67 St., comprising of approximately 1.41 acres for residential development,” said Marilyn Lavoie, the town’s director of corporate services.

The parcel has the potential to support up to 10 residential lots, depending on the lot configuration, which will be determined by the purchaser.

“Whatever developer purchased it

MORE REACH. MORE IMPACT.

would determine if they wanted bigger lots or smaller lots,” Mayor Robert Snow explained.

The lot was assessed at $438K by Wainwright Assessment Group Ltd.

“The Economic Development Committee considered both the immediate financial impact and the longer-term benefits of increasing housing supply, supporting population growth and generating ongoing municipal tax revenue from up to 10 new homes,” Lavoie said.

She said the committee concluded that enabling the development of the land would have greater long-term value, as they recommended setting the price of the lot at $500K.

According to administration, serving costs on the parcel would be $536K.

Coun. Bruce MacDuff spoke on behalf of the committee and how they arrived at the sale price.

“The land needs to be serviced before it can be ready for development and we don’t have anything in the ground yet,” he said. “We arrived at $500K because if someone came in and offered us a little bit less, it’s easier to go down. Hopefully we can get the $536K water and sewer put in for a little less.”

Snow said once the development is complete, the town would be able to start collecting tax revenue on the properties.

Council voted in favour of establishing the sale price of the property at $500K, as recommended by the economic development committee.

Vermilion, CVR reach five-year fire services agreement

The Town of Vermilion and the County of Vermilion River have entered into a fire services agreement.

A formal agreement between the two parties has existed for nearly 30 years and their shared firefighting history dates back over 100 years.

The Town of Vermilion discussed the item at the June 23 regular council meeting.

“The fire services agreement between the town and the county does establish a five-year framework under which the town will provide 24/7 fire and emergency response to designated areas in the county,” said Marilyn Lavoie, the town’s director of corporate services.

“The Town of Vermilion and the County of Vermilion River did start engaging in negotiations in January of 2026 and discussions have taken place through a series of administrative meetings, as well as ILC (Intermunicipal Liaison Committee) meetings with our members of council who sit on that committee.”

Mayor Robert Snow said reaching an agreement has been a long process.

“It was a long time coming where we really had to sit down and figure out how we can serve our two communities,” he said, taking the opportunity to thank the county for their work in this process.

Century-long firefighting agreement lives on

VERMILION, CVR FIRE AGREEMENT FROM PAGE 19

“The county and the town have been working together for a lot of years and coming to this agreement and understanding their needs in the county and understanding their bylaws and understanding our needs and our bylaws, I think we can say we really came to an agreement that serves both communities,” said Snow.

Work has been ongoing for some time to reach a new agreement that benefits both parties.

“I think both committees put a lot of work into this agreement to get to a place where we can work forward from and a good agreement that benefits

growing again!

our town fire department and county residents,” Coun. Kellen Snelgrove said.

Under the terms of the intermunicipal framework, both municipalities were required to finalize a fire services agreement by April.

However, at the March 6 ILC meeting, a motion was made to extend the agreement until June 30, giving the parties more time.

The county approved the fire services agreement at its June 9 regular council meeting.

“Together, both municipalities look forward to continuing their partnership and ensuring that residents receive reliable, responsible and professional fire and emergency services,” the municipalities said in a joint statement.

Council for the Town of Vermilion passed the motion to approve the fire services agreement with the county for a five-year term.

“This was a huge win for our region,” Snow said following the vote.

While the full agreement has not been made public, some details were provided. The agreement outlines clear service areas and responsibilities, with the town delivering operational services and the county contributing equipment, funding and cost recovery for applicable responses.

A joint oversight committee will support governance, cost review and continuous improvement.

Sask introducing new impaired-driving penalties

Criminal Code.

The Saskatchewan government is moving toward stricter, immediate administrative penalties for impaired driving in an effort to curb some of the highest rates of alcohol-impaired driving in the country.

Justice minister Tim McLeod announced the proposed changes to the province’s Traffic Safety Act, which aim to give law enforcement tougher roadside tools to hold drivers accountable quickly.

Under the proposed rules, drivers who fail a roadside breath test will face immediate driver’s licence suspensions, vehicle impoundments, mandatory ignition interlock requirements and impaired driving education courses.

The changes would also introduce stiff financial penalties at the roadside. A first-time offender would face a $1,000 fine, while second and subsequent offences would carry a $2,000 penalty. Both fines would be subject to a 30 per cent victim surcharge.

“Our government continues to strengthen Saskatchewan’s response to impaired driving by making consequences more immediate, certain and effective,” McLeod said, adding that the move will also reduce pressure on the provincial court system.

Serious offences — including those resulting in injury, death, property damage, or involving passengers under the age of 16 — will continue to be prosecuted strictly under the

The measures have drawn strong support from provincial police chiefs and Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Canada.

“Administrative penalties are an effective way to reduce impaired driving,” said Steve Sullivan, chief executive officer of MADD Canada.

“They empower police to remove more impaired drivers from the roads and provide immediate sanctions to hold drivers accountable.”

The provincial government has not yet provided a specific timeline for when the amendments will be formally introduced or take effect.

Word on the beat: Lloydminster detachment

Staff Sgt. JERRY NUTBROWN

If you live in Lloydminster, you have likely passed or visited the local RCMP detachment.

To provide a bit of an inside look, here is how the facility operates. Most residents who enter the detachment are there for criminal record checks required for employment or volunteer positions. However, the facility houses a wide range of personnel to fulfil its duties as the city’s contracted police service.

This includes Lloydminster Municipal Enforcement staff and

the city’s director of public safety.

Upon entering, your first interaction will be with the front-counter staff, who assess your request. If an officer or supervisor is required, they will be called to the front.

Away from public view, several specialized units carry out essential duties.

Police Dog Services

Two officers and their K-9 companions provide enhanced tracking and support for the community and surrounding areas.

Records Department

This team manages investigative files and handles administrative tasks, using electronic programs to track outstanding warrants and court updates.

Forensic Identification Section

This unit utilizes an office, a lab and a vehicle examination bay. Specialized tasks

like DNA processing and drug analysis are sent to external labs, as the detachment lacks the facility and specialized experts for them.

Cellblock

The detachment frequently holds prisoners, whether from recent arrests or those brought in for court appearances. While Alberta or Sask sheriffs typically handle transports, local officers step in when necessary, often to transport individuals apprehended under the Mental Health Act to an appropriate facility. Ultimately, it takes a diverse team working behind the scenes to fulfil our policing obligations to the City of Lloydminster.

Staff

Sgt. Jerry Nutbown is the NCO in charge of the Lloydminster RCMP detachment’s General Investigation Section. Stay tuned for future online columns from the Lloydminster RCMP.

Hillis on cusp of breakout

Lloyd bull-rider among most popular on

JOHN MacNEIL

He might not yet have hit the big money, but Lloydminster bull-rider Colt Hillis has been making his season count just the same.

Back on the Bull Riders Canada (BRC) circuit this summer, Hillis has had a string of oh-so-close rides just shy of making the requisite eight-second mark.

“A lot of seven-second bull rides, but at Rockyford just last Tuesday, I just about rung the bell there, so that was a good one,” Hillis, 19, said three days later during another Alberta-based BRC competition, the

BRC circuit

Edgerton Bull-A-Rama, on Friday night.

“But seven seconds doesn’t pay. I’m just looking to make as much money as I can before I head to the States. Just ride bulls.”

Hillis, who graduated from Lloydminster Comprehensive High School in 2025, refined his craft this past school year as part of the Laramie County Community College rodeo team in Cheyenne, Wyoming.

“I spent a lot of time at school just perfecting my bull-riding, so coming in here, I knew I was in fighting shape, for sure,” Hillis said.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 24

Hillis shoots for bucks before college return

BULL-RIDER FROM PAGE 23

“Cheyenne is a great place. I’ll go back there for one more year. It starts Aug. 25.”

Likewise, his older brother Gage, also a bull-rider, plans to return to the same school, hop ing for a he althy college season after enduring tough luck that only bull-riders can appreciate.

“He’s going to come back for one more year down there, too,” Hillis said. “He’s hurt again, so he was out for all of this season.

“He broke his collarbone, twice at school, and then he broke it once again when he came back home. So, he’s letting it heal up this time.”

Just like in junior college, the younger Hillis is learning the ropes this summer in BRC events across the Prairies. The next-wave association features a barn-full of talented young bull-riders, some of whom are also dipping their toes into the pro rodeo ranks. Hillis was still in high school when he got his first taste of BRC action. He’s that much more prepared this summer.

“Well, I think I’m ridin’ a lot better than I was last year,” he said. “I’ve been more consistent, by any means. It’s been feeling a lot better.

“This (BRC level) is what I’m going to do all this year, and then I’ll try and maybe buy my pro card next year and chase that trail.”

It’s been a whirlwind trail this season for Hillis and company. At the end of a busy stretch, he welcomed the Edgerton event, which attracted about 1,000 spectators relatively close to Lloyd and his Hillmond home.

“We were everywhere last week,” he said. “We went from Rockyford (Alta.) to Bengough (Sask.), which is seven hours, and back to here (Edgerton).”

One of his close calls this summer came during Friday’s long-go, as Hillis registered an entertaining 7.8-second ride on a Thompson Rodeo bull named Don’t Be Coy.

“I seen my buddy get on him earlier this year in Meadow Lake, so I knew it was a good one,” he said. “But they just called me for a slap at 7.8 seconds. So, onto the short-go, I guess.”

In the championship round, young guns Sloan Walker of Carstairs, Alta., and Chase Skene of Prince Albert, Sask., made successful rides to finish first and second overall, respectively.

Another fresh face, Brodi Beasley of Patricia, Alta., has been lights out this season. The rookie leads the BRC standings with earnings of $31,890.

“Brodi Beasley, he’s been taking all our money all year,” Hillis said with a smile. “He’s the one to beat, for sure.”

Hayden Mulvey of Brooks, Alta., sits second ($20,995), while Kaden Piper of Stoughton, Sask., is in third place ($18,748).

“It’s been one of my better seasons, my best season,” said Piper, 20. “Just need to continue on, doing good.”

Piper, now ranching at home in Saskatchewan, competed at the college rodeo level in Hobbs, New Mexico, this past year and in Borger, Texas, the previous season.

On the BRC circuit, he embraces an environment where the bull-riders support each other, while also competing against each other.

“It’s good to see everyone do good, and it sucks when you see your buddies fall off,” Piper said. “You just cheer for everyone. You want to see everyone win.”

Piper, who has known Hillis since they were kids riding steers, said the Lloyd bull-rider is one of the most popular cowboys in the bunch.

“He’s funny. Yeah, he’s a pretty easy-going guy.”

Walker marks birthday with Edgerton victory

‘No matter what, I’ll be riding bulls’

Sloan Walker is on the fast track.

He graduated from high school this spring, a year ahead of schedule.

Then, four days before his 17th birthday, the Carstairs, Alta., cowboy led the class at the Edgerton Bull-A-Rama last Friday night, scoring his first Bull Riders Canada (BRC) career victory.

Including his overallchampion bucks and preliminary earnings, Walker took home $5,110 on a fine night money-wise and weather-wise.

“My biggest payday and probably the best bull-ride I’ve made this summer, so I’m pretty grateful for it,” said Walker, most representative of the youth movement in the BRC ranks.

“Amazing. I’m just happy to be here. It’s pretty awesome.” That joy spilled over into Walker’s phone conversation with his father immediately after receiving his shiny championship buckle and a glowing report card.

“My dad (Craig) was a professional bullfighter, and he introduced me into this,” he said.

Alberta high school champion off to nationals

“I started getting on steers when I was around nine years old. I was riding sheep before that, so I’ve kind of always been in the sport my whole life.”

It’s already been a productive spring and summer season for Walker, who won the Alberta High School Rodeo Association provincial bull-riding title in early June.

“That was pretty cool,” said the Hugh Sutherland high school graduate. “I’ve also won a couple of amateur rodeos and picked away at a few of these. But this is my firstever BRC event win.

“I have some opportunities to go to the States on a bull-riding scholarship, or I might stay up here this winter and ride bulls and work and do practice pens and all that.

“No matter what, I’ll be riding bulls.”

His 86-point championship ride in Edgerton came on a Thompson Rodeo bull

SUDOKU

named Roll Your Own.

“A good little calf I’d been on before,” Walker replayed. “He bucked me off six days ago, in the short round at Mayerthorpe BRC. So then, as soon as I had the opportunity to pick him (tonight), I knew that was the one. Needed a little redemption.”

Walker and Chase Skene of Prince Albert, Sask. made the only two rides in the championship round. In the long-go, Walker sat third behind Kaden Piper of Stoughton, Sask., and Wyatt Fennig of North Battleford.

In the overall earnings, Walker won $1,600 more than runner-up Skene, who received $3,510. Piper placed third with $2,020 and Fennig was fourth with $1,360.

It was an eventful start to July for the up-and-coming bull-riders who shape the BRC circuit. Many of them travel together to cut costs and hang out with their friends on road trips.

“Yeah, I came up here with a few of my good buddies — Davis Young, Brodi Beasley, Hayden Mulvey, Jayce Rieger (and) Cash Sidor,” Walker said. “There was a good group of us. There was a couple of rigs going.

“It’s kind of quieter this weekend, but this past week, on Tuesday we were at Rockyford BRC, Wednesday we were at Bengough, Sask., BRC, last night we were at Benalto BRC, and now we’re here (at Edgerton).”

With all that travelling for bull-riders, it’s no wonder that budding carpenter Walker’s latest projects included rebuilding a Capri Camper right from scratch.

“Oh yeah, we live in those things,” he said with a smile.

Along with his events throughout Western Canada, Walker has qualified for the National High School Finals Rodeo, set for July 19-25 in Lincoln, Nebraska. WALKER FROM PAGE 26

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Summer Games familiar territory for coach

JOHN MacNEIL

Jarret Eyben was just 13 years old when he won a bronze medal as part of the Zone 7 lacrosse team at the Alberta Summer Games.

Now, the Vermilion native is the head coach of the zone entry in this year’s Summer Games, which run next week in Strathcona County. The lacrosse tournament is scheduled for July 17-19 at Ardrossan.

Eyben, now 27, believes the same approach applies today as when he and his zone teammates reached the medal podium in 2012 at Lethbridge.

“The biggest thing for everyone is to just enjoy it,” he said last Saturday at Vermilion Stadium as his U15 players practised and were photographed in their new Zone 7 jerseys and shorts.

“We’re all here to win, but we’re all here to have fun at the same time. You’ve just got to find that happy medium.”

Eyben had many happy memories while growing up in Vermilion and playing competitive lacrosse with successful Roar teams.

“I played since Grade 2,” he said. “We played some good lacrosse. We went to provincials every year — four gold medals (and) silver — from U13, U15, U17, all the way through. Played in the Summer Games and we got bronze, when I played.”

Eyben has been active as a coach with his hometown lacrosse association. He stepped back, at least partially, this summer because he became a first-time dad just as the season began, when his wife Merkayle gave birth to their daughter Charlie, now three-and-a-half months old.

“I was going to start doing the U15 Vermilion team,” he said. “But some life things changed. I had a newborn and had to prioritize that. But I was able to make this (Summer Games position) work.”

The Zone 7 lacrosse team bound for the Alberta Summer Games next week is made up of players from the Lloydminster Border Brutes, Vermilion Roar, Lakeland Heat and Wood Buffalo Bisons. In the front row (from left) are Kyle Courtney (Fort McMurray), Kingston Hawthorne (Lloydminster), Chett Matthews (Vermilion), William Wallis (Lloydminster), Harrison Britton (Lac La Biche), Kypton Farkash (Vermilion), Tosh Beriault (Lloydminster) and manager Kaleen Bell (Lloydminster). In the back row (from left) are assistant coach Chris Fox (Bonnyville), head coach Jarret Eyben (Vermilion), Beau Bell (Lloydminster), Riggins Tymchyshyn (Vermilion), Karsen Cadrain (Vermilion), Cameron Carr (Lloydminster), Rylan Desmarais (Vermilion), Callen Fox (Bonnyville), Carson Phillips (Vermilion), Jackson Abbott (Fort McMurray), Axel Deck (Lloydminster) and assistant coach Mark Wallis (Lloydminster). Missing from the photo are Thomas Porter (Cold Lake) and Kingston Brodbin (Vermilion). John MacNeil Meridian Source

Zone 7 set for Summer Games lacrosse

Wheatland league teams unite for Alberta U15 championship tournament

Just a couple of minutes after pulling on his Zone 7 jersey for the first time, Kypton Farkash could already appreciate the magnitude of the imminent Alberta Summer Games.

“It’s an honour, because we get to represent Wheatland,” Farkash said Saturday after an early practice at Vermilion Stadium in his hometown.

Soon bound for Strathcona County, the Zone 7 contingent brings together under-15 players who have grown up playing with or against each other in the Wheatland Lacrosse Association or elsewhere. The 18 boys come from Lloydminster, Vermilion, Bonnyville, Cold Lake, Lac La Biche and Fort McMurray, representing the Lloydminster Border Brutes, the Vermilion Roar, the Lakeland Heat and the Wood Buffalo Bisons.

“Some people, I used to hate when I was playing against them,” Farkash said. “Now, I really like them in the dressing room and on the floor. We’re good friends and teammates.”

The 14-year-old member of the U15 Roar believes his zone team can make its mark in the Summer Games lacrosse championship, set for July 17-19 at the Ardrossan Sports Complex.

“I feel like we have a really good chance in the tournament,” he said. “I feel that our team will be really good.

“We have good ball movement, we have fast people, and we have good goalies and good defence.”

Sporting his spiffy blue Zone 7 jersey, William Wallis is equally thrilled to play in the Summer Games.

“I’m super proud that I get to play with this team,” said Wallis, who is from Lloydminster and normally plays with the U15 Border Brutes.

“I’m excited to play with these boys — new kids and a new still level. I’ve played against some of these guys for 10 years now — close to that — and now I get to play with them, so I’m really excited.”

‘Nobody was shy. We talked and we had fun’

The boys’ chemistry has only increased with each practice, from the initial session in Bonnyville to workouts last weekend in Lloydminster and Vermilion.

“We just clicked immediately,” said Wallis, whose father Mark is an assistant coach with Zone 7, working alongside head coach Jarret Eyben of Vermilion and assistant coach Chris Fox of Bonnyville.

“We came in the dressing room, and nobody was shy or anything. We talked and we had fun.

“On the floor, everybody understands their play, everybody understands the coaches.”

With his father involved at the coaching and executive levels, Wallis is part of an active lacrosse family that

includes older brother Eric, now playing junior B with the Rocky Mountain league’s Lloydminster Xtreme.

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As he continues to climb the lacrosse ranks, William Wallis, turning 14, hopes to someday play with the Xtreme. He and Farkash rank lacrosse atop their personal lists of sporting pursuits, though both also dedicate much time to hockey and school sports.

Next week at the Summer Games, the lacrosse teams will reside in an athletes’ village at Sherwood Park, and bus to Ardrossan for their games.

“It’s going to be fun to hang out with them,” Farkash said about the Zone 7 group.

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This past school year, Farkash played with the 14U Lloydminster Athletics academy team in the Junior

“It seems like a fun experience, bonding with all my friends and teammates,” Wallis agreed.

Overall, schools in the Sherwood Park area will bunk some 2,500 athletes representing 13 sports.

‘We’re just one giant team now again’

Just a couple of weekends ago, Eyben assisted with coaching duties for the Vermilion-Wainwright Roar-Wolfpack team that earned silver in the Wheatland Lacrosse Association’s U17 playoffs.

“At the year-end tournament, I did help out the Vermilion U17 team for that weekend, so I was still involved with it, just not as much as usual,” he said.

Eyben now is most involved as coach of the region’s 18-man Summer Games team, including seven boys from the Vermilion area, six from the Lloydminster Border Brutes, and representation from the Lakeland Heat and Wood Buffalo Bisons.

While it’s a diverse group from a wide geographic area and teams that usually play against each other, the Zone 7 boys became united with relative ease, their coach reported.

“Everyone is starting to kind of feed off each other,” he said. “They’re starting to become friends. Compared to the first practice, it was Vermilion kids stayed with Vermilion kids, Lloyd stayed with Lloyd, and everything like that.

“And now, it’s starting to become more and more like a team. You couldn’t look at the team from the outside and see that we’re not all from the same place. We’re just one giant team now again.”

The 13- and 14-year-old players showed maturity and put local rivalries behind them, making new friends in the process.

“Every sport has it — every town doesn’t like each other when they play — but this group of kids, they seem to leave it on the floor,” Eyben said. “There’s been no issues, at all, off floor and with joining together as a new team. Yeah, they leave everything on the floor, which is important.”

The players’ parents are a significant cog

in the team’s wheel, including assistant coaches Mark Wallis of Lloydminster and Chris Fox of Bonnyville and manager Kaleen Bell, also of Lloyd.

Eyben and his colleagues have had an attentive group of boys.

“The big thing with 13- and 14-year-olds like this, they’re easily coached and they’re adaptive to change,” he said. “So, they can learn from other players, and then when they go back to their organizations, they can bring back one or two tips that they learned from someone else. In turn, it just kind of grows the entire sport.”

CROSSWORD

15U AA PIRATES AT HOME

Although their scheduled home tournament was called off last weekend, the 15U AA Lloydminster Prairie Pirates still played baseball at Hospital West Field in Lloyd. The Pirates split with the Unity Cardinals and lost twice to the Sherwood Park Athletics. John MacNeil Meridian Source photos

Senior baseball league honours team MVPs

Before the playoffs began this week, the North Saskatchewan River Baseball League named its regular-season most valuable players for each of its eight senior teams.

In the Border City, those MVP selections are Ellis King of the Lloydminster Twins and Kaden Davidson of the Oil City Ducks. King’s family has been deeply rooted in the history of the Twins organization. Along with playing senior baseball this year, he’s part of the coaching staff with the 15U AA Lloydminster Prairie Pirates.

Davidson, a member of Oil City’s pitching staff, is a multi-sport athlete who plays junior B hockey with the Vermilion Tigers. Last summer, he was named the top pitcher in the NSRBL.

The other team MVPs this season are Andrew Hicks of the Glaslyn Orioles, Grant Baldwin of the Lashburn Cardinals, Kye Thom of the Mervin Flyers, Hudson Ford of the North Battleford Beavers, Cooper Olson of the Standard Hill Lakers and Kayden Cey of the Unity Cardinals.

Thom and Ford, both rookies in the senior league, played together with the 18U AA North Battleford Beavers for two seasons, including last year when they won silver in Saskatchewan’s Tier 2 provincials.

This summer, Edam’s Thom is one of the coaches with his younger brother’s team, the 15U AA SaskWest Sasquatch. Ford, a catcher from North Battleford, played U.S. college baseball the past school year as a freshman at Valley City State University in North Dakota.

In the first round of the North Saskatchewan River league playoffs, pennant-winning North Battleford faces eighth-seeded Glaslyn, No. 2 Unity meets seventh-ranked Oil City, third-place

Lloydminster goes against No. 6 Lashburn, and fourth-ranked Standard Hill takes on No. 5 Mervin.

The winners of those best-of-three quarter-finals advance to the semifinals.

In opening-night playoff action Tuesday, North Battleford topped Glaslyn 11-3 and Standard Hill blanked Mervin 10-0. The Unity-Oil City series was slated to open Wednesday night, while the LloydminsterLashburn series begins Thursday night.

In the final regular-season standings, North Battleford (12-2) finished one game ahead of Unity (11-3).

Lloydminster and Standard Hill each sported 9-5 records, followed by Mervin at 6-8, Lashburn and Oil City each at 4-10, and Glaslyn with a 1-13 slate.