Meridian Source - April 23, 2020

Thursday, April 23, 2020

VOLUME 2 I ISSUE 43

MERIDIANSOURCE.CA

SPRING CLEANIN’ SMARTER, NOT HARDER With the warmer weather more than welcome in the Border City and residents encouraged to stay at home as much as possible, one resident found himself using a snowblower to clear the large mounds of snow that buried his front yard over the winter. Taylor Weaver Meridian Source

City turning page on new library location in Lloydminster MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

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De p s it e t he hars h reality of the COVID-19 pandemic and everything that comes with it, Monday was a day for celebration as work on the Lloydminster Public Library (LPL) relocation project continues.

The City of Lloydminster

fully supports the LPL relocation as well as changes to the library’s governance model.

In recent discussions between the LPL Board and City Administration, it was determined there are operational limitations posed by the library’s current location in the Atrium Centre, located

at 5010 49 Street, where it has operated since 1992.

With the current lease set to expire in August 2020, a collaborative review found a move was necessary to ensure the library’s ability to moderize its services and programs.

Keeping enhanced visibility and accessibility in mind,

the LloydMall was selected as the new location.

While the library remains temporarily closed due to COVID-19, it is expected to re-open in its new location in late 2020.

“This community is made stronger by publicly-accessible information resources and creative opportuni-

ties, such as those provided by our public library,” said Mayor Gerald Aalbers. “We look forward to a renewed public enthusiasm for our library once it is fully relocated to a comfortable, convenient space better suited to its pubic programming needs.”

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Thursday, April 23, 2020

Thursday, April 23, 2020

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THE CORONAVIRUS CRISIS

Pioneer all-clear following COVID-19 scare GEOFF LEE

WRITER

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Pioneer Lodge seniors’ residence in Lloydminster has dodged a COVID19-bullet.

Roughly 19 seniors and staff are symptomfree nearly three weeks after being in contact with a third-party provider who later tested positive for the virus.

“Everyone is now off isolation and none of our residents have tested positive,” said Joyce Bell, Pioneer Lodge administrator in a recent update.

Bell welcomes new rulings by Alberta limiting staff at all continuing-care sites and support living-care facilities to working at one site effective April 16 and requiring workers to wear procedure masks.

The Saskatchewan

NDP is calling on the province to make a similar ruling to keep staff to one facility.

“We’ve been strongly encouraging that for the past four weeks. If you work in another longterm care facility, you don’t work in ours,” said Bell.

Pioneer Lodge and Pioneer House follow the rulings of chief medical officers in Saskatchewan, who operates the facilities, and in Alberta, who provide funding to keep workers and residents safe.

“Both provinces are being very proactive and trying to keep COVID-19 out of senior living facilities,” said Bell.

“Right now, all of our staff is wearing masks, surgical masks if they are within six feet of a resident or another staff member.”

Staff don’t leave the

sites during their shifts and d o any personal errands at the end of the day, then they go home.

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Pioneer, because of the diligence our housekeepers have, in my opinion, we have had very few outbreaks in the 13 years I’ve been here.

“We don’t go out in the community and then come back into Pioneer,” Bell said.

Bell says the Pioneer board of directors gave guidance very early on in this pandemic that staff were to do everything in their power to keep residents healthy and enjoying a good quality of life.

“Pioneer, because of the diligence our housekeepers have, in my opinion, we have had very few outbreaks in the 13 years I’ve been here,” said Bell.

Bell notes only essential workers are allowed through the front door, where their temperature is taken along with a questionnaire for them to fill out.

“If they answer no to any question they can’t come in; if their temperature is over a certain limit they are not allowed in,” said Bell.

Staff are also required to have their temperature taken and fill out a form noting they have no symptoms before they start their shifts.

They are also using stronger disinfectant chemicals than usual.

“The number of high touch areas that are cleaned has multiplied

as well,” said Bell.

Bell says she was scared at one point Pioneer wouldn’t get all t he pe rsonal p ro te c -

tive equipment (PPE) they need, but says the provinces have come through with deliveries.

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Thursday, April 23, 2020

Pioneer Lodge update FROM PAGE 3

“We have received one shipment already and as soon as we start breaking into that we will be ordering again,” said Bell.

Alberta is distributing more than 1.5 million masks this week to 941 long-term care, designated supportive and addiction and mental health facilities.

Bell says support from the community level has been overwhelming too from the get-go.

“Mayor Aalbers contacted Pioneer to ensure we were getting what we needed,” said Bell.

She says there has been a flood of support outside the building, with the latest being a church group waving at residents and holding posters and stuffed animals during Easter Sunday.

“As always, Pioneer is experiencing nothing but absolute support from this community,” said Bell.

Husky cuts $700M in capital spending GEOFF LEE

WRITER

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Husky Energy is making another cut to its 2020 capital budget as oil prices plunge.

The Calgary-based oil and gas producer said Monday it is cutting $700 million in capital spending to $1.7 billion in 2020 in response to unfavourable market conditions.

“We have taken immediate action to preserve our balance s he e t and c or e bu s iness in this commodity-price environment,” said CEO Rob Peabody.

“Our focus remains on health and safety, and on increasing Husky’s resilience.”

The latest cuts follow a spending reduction of $1 billion announced in March, including $900 million in capital reductions and $100 million in cost-saving measures.

Husky is also cutting more than 80,000 barrels per day of production in 2020, most of which is heavy oil from its Lloydminster and Cold Lake Tucker thermal projects.

“As the market rebalances supply with demand over a very short period in North America, negative cash margins before operating costs are occur-

File Photo ring,” said Peabody.

“Reducing production minimizes our negative cash margin exposure.”

Production is being aligned to the company’s upgrading and refining requirements as throughput is adjusted in line with rapidly-changing market conditions.

Current U.S. refinery throughput has been reduced by around 95,000 barrels per day or about 40 percent below capacity.

Husky says its Lloyd and Tucker projects have the flexibility to be safely dialled back to minimum production rates and then quickly ramped back up once pricing conditions improve.

Commissioning activities are being com-

pleted at the 10,000 bbls/day Spruce Lake Central thermal project in the Lloyd region with enhanced health and safety protocols in place.

Startup will be dependent on improved pricing conditions.

Construction of the 10,000 bbls/day Spruce Lake North thermal project, originally scheduled for completion around the end of 2020, has been suspended, and additional Lloyd projects to be delivered beyond 2020 have been deferred.

The planned turnaround at the Lloydminster Husky Upgrader, scheduled to begin in April 2020, has been deferred to late fall 2020, as previously announced, to protect workers from

COVID-19.

The company says maintenance work at the upgrader will proceed where necessary and safe to do so, and operations and throughput will be modified in accordance with maintenance requirements.

A project at the Upgrader to increase diesel production from 6,000 bbls/day to nearly 10,000 bbls/day has also been deferred to late fall.

Given the current market conditions, Husky has suspended the strategic review of its Canadian retail and commercial fuels business, which consists of more than 500 stations, travel centres, cardlock operations and bulk distribution facilities.

A message from Lakeland College DR. ALICE WAINWRIGHT-STEWART PRESIDENT, CEO, LAKELAND COLLEGE

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During a time of great uncertainty and extraordinary challenges, our Lakeland College community has demonstrated tremendous resiliency and understanding.

We are committed to keeping our commu-

nity healthy and safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.

When in-person classes were suspended on March 15, contingency plans to support the continuation of programs for the remainder of the wint e r t e rm w e re p u t i n place immediately.

Transitioning our

courses online was an incredible undertaking. Everyone worked hard to help our students successfully complete their programs. This included our instructors and deans, health, safety and wellness staff, Student Services, IT, The Commons and our many other teams.

Almost all of our p r o gr ams w e r e r e i nstated by March 19.

Our faculty continue to support and enable our students to finish their course work and projects online using D2L (our learning management system), Facebook and other similar platforms.

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Thursday, April 23, 2020

THE CORONAVIRUS CRISIS

Library location set FROM PAGE 1

During the regular meeting of council on Monday, council approved a four-part motion to: - negotiate the termination of the lease agreement for the LPL space with Servus Credit Union; - negotiate entering into a lease agreement with the LloydMall to provide space for the LPL relocation; - bring forward a bylaw to establish the Lloydminster Municipal Library Board, pursuant to the Libraries Act (Alberta), and; - engage in community consultation to provide the public with information on the future of the LPL. “Lloydminster Public Library exists to create unlimited frontiers for our community,” said LPLB Chair Stephen Tao. “Because of the enhanced partnerFROM PAGE 3

Our annual Beef Day sale – a core studentmanaged event for animal science technology students – was successfully held online.

Human services students were able to use a virtual daycare simulation program to meet their practicum requirements.

Thank you to everyone for rising to this challenge and for continuing to provide a quality educational experience.

Our students were quick to adapt to the challenges of the time.

They ’ve s how n g re at resolve under these stressful circumstances.

Thank you for your patience and understanding.

While access to our campuses is restricted to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, they do remain open to those students remaining in residence.

Our Commons and Residence teams con-

ship with the City of Lloydminster, we will provide both new and existing patrons with a rejuvenated and inspirational place to learn, grow, explore, create, and play.”

Additional benefits of the new location include: - ground-level entry points for guests with mobility limitations; - recently upgraded infrastructure; - security resources provided for tenants and guests of the LloydMall.

During the City’s 2020 budget deliberations, council approved fund-

ing in the amount of $874,325 for the operating costs of the Lloydminster Public Library.

Currently, the library Board is not considered a ‘Municipal Library’ pursuant to Alberta and Saskatchewan legislation as no bylaw exists setting the Board.

Council does appoint Board members and a council member does sit on the Board, however, city council has no authority to change or remove the Board.

Currently, only Acts spoken to in section 8(1) of the Lloydminster Charter apply to the whole City of Lloydminster, the remainder are provincially based.

The Lloydminster Charter is silent on the choice of Library Acts the City should follow, therefore the library’s physical location determines the provincial jurisdiction in which the library falls under.

tinue to work on-site while practicing physical distancing and other safety measures to provide essential support to these students.

Our Facilities, Farm and Research teams are continuing to care for our buildings, animals, and soon crops as we continue our important summer work.

At this time, all oncampus Lakeland events until the end of August have been cancelled including convocation.

This was a difficult decision to make, but the socially responsible one given the times we are in. We are exploring alternatives to celebrate this important milestone in the Class of 2020’s academic career.

There’s no question these graduates will always hold a special place in our college’s history.

Based on the information available at this time, we will proceed with a blended offering

of firefighting training in late July and begin the next academic year of studies in the fall as we normally would.

Our Lakeland community asked for help with supplies and equipment, and we answered the call.

We loaned the Lloydminster hospital four wheelchairs and 14 hospital beds.

We also donated supplies to seniors’ homes in Vegreville and Two Hills, and five Vegreville group homes.

Thank you to everyone that helped make this happen and to the many volunteers in our Lakeland community.

I am proud of how everyone is supporting one another with empathy and understanding – our Lakeland community never ceases to amaze me.

Thank you and take care of each other.

Please visit lakelandcollege.ca/covid19 for updates, new FAQs, resources and more.

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Lloydminster Public Library exists to create unlimited frontiers for our community.

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Now more than ever, we need to support each other in business because everyone wins when you

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If you are a business owner and would like to advertise your message in this space along with other community businesses, give us a call 306.825.5111

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Thursday, April 23, 2020

Remaining fire-safe during Pandemic crucial

The Government of Saskatchewan is urg-

ing residents, farmers and landowners to

take extra precaution to prevent wildfire and

Church Directory

grassfire during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Every year, wildfires and grassfires threaten Saskatchewan communities and property,” said Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency President Marlo Pritchard.

“During these extraordinary times, it’s critical that people take every precaution possible to prevent fire.”

Even simple measures, like making sure a cigarette is completely out or teaching children not to play with fire, can make a huge difference in preventing fires.

With the threat of wildfire facing the province once again this year, anyone planning to burn within 4.5 km of a provin-

cial forest is reminded to practice safe burning, obey all fire bans and to obtain approval from their nearest wildfire base.

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During these extraordinary times, it’s critical that people take every precaution possible to prevent fire.

Producers around the province are also being reminded to practice safe burning, obey all fire bans and fireproof their property.

Anyone planning to burn should consult the local RM Office to verify that no munici-

pal fire ban is in place and call the Control Burn line at 1-866404-4911.

“As the provincial agency responsible for f i r e s af e t y and w i l d land fire management, the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency has taken extra measures to ensure we can protect the people, property and resources of Saskatchewan,” Pritchard said.

Extra precautions being taken include increased COVID-19 mitigation actions, adjusting training to reduce the risk to staff, and increasing fire prevention awareness across the province.

To learn more about the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency visit www.saskatchewan.ca/ spsa.

Cocaine seizure near Maidstone MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

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On April 16, at approximately 3 p.m., the Saskatchewan RCMP’s Roving Traffic Unit stopped a vehicle near Maidstone for a driver’s licence and vehicle registration check.

During the stop, the officer made several observations which resulted in the driver and lone occupant of the vehicle being arrested under the Con-

trolled Drugs and Substances Act. A search of the vehicle resulted in the seizure of 1,105 grams of cocaine.

D a r i n M a t h , 33-years-old, from Edmonton, Alta, has been charged with possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking contrary to Sec. 5(2) of the CDSA. Math is scheduled to make his next court appearance in Lloydminster Provincial

Court on July 14, at 10 a.m.

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Thursday, April 23, 2020

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Premier Moe to announce Re-Open Sask Plan MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

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As Saskatchewan continues to flatten the curve and reduce the spread of COVID19, Premier Scott Moe made a provincial address to the people of Saskatchewan on Wednesday, April 22, prior to announcing the Re-Open Saskatchewan plan this morning.

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The Re-Open Saskatchewan plan will set the framework of how Saskatchewan’s economy will be gradually, methodically and cautiously re-opened so that more people can safely return to work.

The provincial address was televised live on Wednesday at

6:02 p.m. from the Premier’s Office in the Saskatchewan Legislative Building by Global News, CBC News and CTV News, and by Radio-Canada with simultaneous French translation.

The provincial address was also streamed live on the Government of Saskatchewan and Premier Scott Moe Facebook

pages, as well as Rawlco Radio (650 CKOM in Saskatoon and 980 CJME in Regina), CBC Radio (102.5 FM in Regina, 94.1 FM in Saskat o o n, and 5 40 A M across the province), and Harvard Broadcasting (620 CKRM across Saskatchewan).

Premier Moe was expected to address Saskatchewan’s progress through the

COVID-19 pandemic, including the vigilance that has been displayed and must be maintained as we look toward the next chapter of reopening Saskatchewan.

Full text of Premier Moe’s provincial address will be released upon conclusion of the address and posted to www.saskatchewan.ca.

On Thursday, April 23, at 11:30 a.m., Pre-

COVID-19 by the numbers Alberta (as of April 21) Zone Calgary Edmonton North Central South

Total Cases 2,204 446 148 77 200

Saskatchewan (as of April 21) Region North/Far North Central Saskatoon South Regina

Total Cases 73 11 150 15 71

mier Moe will be joined

by Saskatchewan’s Chief Medical Health Officer Dr. Saqib Shahab to announce the Re-Open Saskatchewan plan.

The Re-Open Sas-

katchewan plan will set the framework of how Saskatchewan’s economy will be gradually, methodically and cautiously re-opened so that more people can safely return to work.

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PRAIRIE WOOL HELEN ROW TOEWS

“Happy birthday,” my friend Gwen trilled,

Thursday, April 23, 2020

Good times for all

bending to place a bouquet of flowers on the step last week, inkind observance of my advancing age.

As we exchanged a

few furtive words— from a safe distance— I thought about how much I miss visitors.

Mind you, it’s not like I get a lot of them.

Out here in the sticks, the majority of people at my door are either hopelessly lost, pressing faith-based literature into my hand or selling aerial photographs.

However, while I do have the occasional friend drop by to share a meal, and enjoy preparing big family dinners, I must admit they’ve not all gone well.

The first example was no party, but the meal left quite an impression.

When my husband and I set up our first home we hired a backhoe operator.

He did a fine job, so when lunchtime rolled around I called him in to take a break.

I’d taken care to prepare a tasty homecooked meal, and he leaned back comfort-

ably in his chair to pick his teeth with the edge of a folded napkin and relax, before loading up his equipment to leave.

That’s why, after receiving his bill in the mail, charging us for an hour of overtime (the hour he’d spent lounging at my kitchen table) I was—disgruntled, to say the least.

Never again will I PAY someone time and a half to eat my cooking.

Another memorable meal opens on a table laden with food.

Joining us was a couple we knew, but not well.

Certainly, we had no prior knowledge of the gargantuan appetite lurking beneath the pleasant smile and quiet manners of the man.

We soon learned. Systematically he began to build a volcano on his dinner plate.

First, he laid a solid, one-inch foundation of mashed potatoes across

the length and breadth of the dish, smoothing it evenly with a spoon and hunkering low to squint at it assessingly, thus ensuring a level work surface.

Next, he dealt half a sliced turkey across its width; extending to the outer reaches of the platform.

Then he artfully arranged further layers of carrots, peas and stuffing; each one separate unto itself and ending just inside the outer ring.

It now towered a good three inches into the air and vaguely resembled the great pyramids of Egypt.

Finally, with infinite care, he placed a large dollop of cranberry sauce at the summit of this mountain-scape, before all was smothered with a pitcher of gravy that spilled down the sides like molten lava and pooled thickly on the tablecloth below.

“Sorry about that,” he said, following my eyes.

My husband and I sat agape at this spectacle; all movement and discussion had ceased.

Clearly, though, his wife was well-used to the experience and impatiently waited for my husband to finish with the potato bowl he had absent-mindedly picked up.

As he dug his spoon into what was left of the decimated vegetable, I kicked him smartly under the table in an effort to bring him back to his senses, and not take what remained.

“OW!” he yelled.

“Why are you kicking ME?” Why indeed, I thought sadly, as a series of empty bowls made their way back to my hand.

Yes, while I miss people during this time of isolation, I can always look back and remember—the good times.

It’s only a small lake MIDWEST MINUTE VERN McCLELLAND

Every spring we like to get out of the house and go for a drive in the countryside in search of crocuses, bluebirds, deer, and moose.

One of the places we like to visit is located a few miles east of where we live; a small lake in the middle of thousands of acres of pastureland.

It is positioned at the

base of several hills and periodically overflows, draining to the north feeding a rather unique swamp full of tamarack and a red ocher clay deposit.

There is little to indicate its storied history and significance in the life of one farm boy.

Back in the mid to late 18th century, there were several forts established just a mile north of it by fur traders on Pine Island in

the middle of the North Saskatchewan River at the mouth of Big Gully Creek.

These five sites included representatives of the Hudson’s Bay Company and North West Company.

Journals from those hardy individuals, including David Thompson, record the building of the HBC’s first-ever York boat in 1788 to ferry furs downstream to Hudson Bay.

So,w hy bu ild trad ing posts on an island?

Well, the intent was to be able to trade with Indigenous people on both sides of the river without appearing to favour one group or another.

It did not work, as eventually all the structures were destroyed by warring tribes and the traders left for more secure sites.

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PAGE 10 Thursday, April 23, 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

Marketing Manager Deanna Wandler deanna@meridiansource.ca

Leave it to Weaver The good, the bad and the simply silly EDITOR Taylor Weaver

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

Did you do anything fun and out of the ordinary this week?

Well, I sure did, and it involved some good old-fashioned hair clippers and a newfound level of personal stress.

One slip of the clippers and the hair on my head would have suffered the same fate as the quasi-lengthy beard I had been growing ... until I “trimmed” it and went a little too far.

But hey, hair grows back!

After roughly an hour leaned over the sink, clippers in one hand and iPhone in the other acting as a mirror thanks to selfie mode, I was satisfied with my efforts.

My brother, Keenan, took

notice and decided he too wanted to take a little off the top. This quickly turned into a #2 buzz cut, but it wasn’t without effort, as he first attempted to get the job done with a beard trimmer.

Luckily for him, his neighbour had clippers, which he borrowed and succeeded in his mission.

The best part of this whole ordeal? I was on FaceTime with Keenan throughout the entire process, and when it was time to dig deep and let those clippers prove their worth, of course, we had to invite mom to the call!

Her reaction while watching him cut his hair was very entertaining. (She was clearly terrified.)

Now, Keenan and I were just messing around and having a good time with this haircut

and FaceTime chat with mom, but I was pleased to later hear how much joy the experience brought her.

We might not be hanging out in person, but with advanced technology these days, it was like we were in the same room.

I also attended a “virtual birthday party” for a friend on Saturday night; another first.

It was great seeing faces both familiar and new, and I realized it’s really easy to cheat at “Never Have I Ever” when you’re using water!

I’m hoping our current global situation isn’t the new “norm” for too long, but we still need to take each day in stride and not lose our cool.

Hey, at least the Border City isn’t seeing anti-stay-at-home protests similar to those in some parts of the U.S. Keep calm and strive on.

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, April 23, 2020 MERIDIAN SOURCE

Opinion

Leeway from Lloyd: Golfing should be allowed STAFF WRITER GEOFF LEE

A lot of stir-crazy people are hoping local governments allow golf courses to re-open.

Some cities like Edmonton have created road lanes for walkers and joggers to maintain physical distancing given road traffic is way down with COVID-19, so golfing, says advocates, wouldn’t pose any bigger of a risk.

They argue tee times could be booked online while limiting players to twosomes with each golfer having their own

cart unless they are living together. Sounds reasonable to me.

Courses could prevent cheating by requiring each player to pay their own fees online with a credit card so two buddies don’t end up sharing one cart.

Some courses say they could also take out the pin flags to prevent the spread of the virus and take away sand trap rakes and not open pro shops.

Driving ranges similarly could spread players out further and provide individuals with fresh buckets of cleaned balls with minimal interaction.

A good argument many

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According to news reports, golfing injects about $2.4 million a year in the Alberta economy and many of the employees are seasonal workers or students.

course owners make is that opening the courses would be good for physical and mental health.

It would be a lot safer and healthier than shop-

ping for groceries.

Why are dozens of people allowed to enter grocery stores while individual golfers can’t hit a ball?

I am not a golfer, but just thinking about the activity makes me believe it would be almost as safe as cycling down the highway alone as I do, or sometimes with a few others in a single-file fashion.

According to news reports, golfing injects about $2.4 million a year in the Alberta economy and many of the employees are seasonal workers or students.

There would be no harm allowing a few maintenance

workers to be on course either.

Given the fact the weather is getting warmer, where are all the people in a city like Edmonton expected to go for some physical exercise?

Opening driving ranges and golf courses for public play will also give everyone hope life can return to normal.

Let’s hope COVID-19 doesn’t kill our common sense while allowing people to congregate at grocery stores. That’s the whole point. People have a need to exercise too.

Golfing seems pretty low risk.

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Thursday, April 23, 2020

Doing it all in Dewberry PAUL EDMONDS HOCKEY CANADA

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Whether he’s coaching his kids, flooding the ice, sharpening skates or running the minor hockey association, there isn’t much Vern Nolin doesn’t volunteer his time for in his small town.

There is something altruistic about volunteerism in its purest form. It’s an underappreciated, selfless act often performed for the benefit of others and the vacancy of personal gain.

Vern Nolin thrives in this context and his community is the benefactor of his immeasurable philanthropy of time.

A resident of Dew-

berry, Alta., Nolin has a job description and responsibility in his hockey association that would be tough to rival elsewhere in Canada.

For the past three years, he’s operated the Dewberry Arena, flooded the ice, performed maintenance, sharpened skates, coached, administrated and, over the past year, served as president of the Dewberry Minor Hockey Association.

This is in addition to being a carpenter by trade, as well as a horseman, outdoorsman, school bus driver, provider of free sleigh rides throughout the winter and organizer of various local fundraising events. In the summer, he competes

on the World Professional Chuckwagon Association (WPCA) Pro Tour, where he has been highly successful since his rookie season in 2000.

His voluminous activity certainly lends a relevant credence to the old adages: busy people get things done; and, if you want something done, ask a busy person to do it!

“Some days it’s as fast as you can go,” he says.

“And then you run out of time, but it is lots of fun.”

As with any volunteer pursuit, things started modestly for Nolin.

Coupled with his wife, Lisa Bensmiller, and their seven children – Brett, Brendan, Cruise, Paynton, August, Sienna

and Madelyn – five of which play hockey, the impact Nolin and his family have made inside of a decade in Dewberry and nearby Marwayne – approximately 30 minutes northwest of Lloydminster – is impressive.

“We were busy,” says Nolin, who lives on a 36-acre farm about five minutes from Dewberry. “We didn’t have to look too far to go to a hockey game this winter.”

Justin Volz has known Nolin for years.

They have kids playing hockey together and, as a former bull rider and rodeo professional himself, he marvels at the dedication and commitment his friend and the family have in the area.

“When we first got

Vern Nolin gets the perfect edge on a pair of skates.

Supplied Photo to know Vern and Lisa, they were running,” he says. “They’re always doing something.

They’re a very community-orientated family.”

To volunteer simply means making sacrifices with your time for a greater district purpose.

It almost never involves a financial benefit.

When Nolin was offered the position to operate the Dewberry Arena, a new facility that replaced the old rink in 2017, part of the proposition was he could augment his wage through the building’s skatesharpening facility.

It’s your money if you can figure it out, Nolin

was told.

Admittedly, he had no idea how to sharpen skates and thus wasn’t going to collect money.

Instead, he put his mind to learning how to use the sharpener correctly with a goal at being the best at it as quickly as possible.

“It was my first priority to learn how to run that sharpener,” he says. “And learn to run it right.”

Three years later, people come from all over the county to have Nolin sharpen their skates; over that time, he’s never collected a dollar.

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Thursday, April 23, 2020

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Sharing the love of hockey FROM PAGE 12

“I can’t even fathom how many pairs of skates I’ve sharpened,” he says. “People can’t believe you sharpen a pair of skates for free anymore. I tell them, ‘I don’t want your $5.

Take it to the concession booth and buy yourself a burger.’

“The smile on their face is worth more to me than their money. I have fun with it.”

Nolin’s desire to achieve perfection also extends beyond skate sharpening. He strives for excellence in everything he’s responsible for maintaining or crafting at work and personally.

This includes the ice conditions at the rink.

He wants it to be the best it can possibly be for the kids, and especially, the senior team, the Dewberry Mustangs of the SaskAlta Senior Hockey League.

“I put in a little extra time to prepare the ice for them,” says Nolin, who also provides space and equipment help for the Mustangs’ players to get ready for practices and games.

“I’m close to those guys, too,” he says.

“And there’s a pride factor in good ice.”

But it’s the kids and grassroots programs Nolin has really focused his primary attention on since moving to the area from his home province of Saskatchewan.

He and Lisa were instrumental in starting the pond hockey program in Dewberry.

The initiative through Hockey Alberta focuses on participation in a less structured and flexible environment. It’s designed to get kids into the game with an overall objective to hopefully transition them into organized hockey.

“My goal right from the start was to give kids an opportunity to start playing the game. It’s amazing how many kids have played and then moved on to

minor hockey.”

When you consider the achievements and scope of Nolin’s volunteerism, perhaps his most impressive work is the blending of the two hockey associations of Dewberry and Marwayne three seasons ago.

Only 23 kilometres apart, the two villages have had a decadeslong feud stemming over, not surprisingly, senior hockey. But with minor hockey numbers dwindling in the area and the two associations looking for a solution, Nolin facilitated an amalgamation.

It wasn’t easy breaking down the barriers, but with less than 1,000 people in the area it was abundantly clear minor hockey wasn’t going to survive in either place without the other.

Nolin’s message was simple: “You get together and make teams or you don’t play hockey.”

Three years later the two areas can’t see it any other way.

“Vern saw it coming,” says Volz, a product of Marwayne who understands the rivalry firsthand. “He felt there was going to be a forced

Vern Nolin, his wife, Lisa, and their 7 children. Supplied Photo merger. He was the first to step in line to get ahead of the ball.

“He’s open minded.

He understands both sides and sees the long game, too. He’s been able to communicate that to others that might push back and be able to let them see what hockey looks like around here and make the best of it.”

As a result, the district’s minor hockey teams are stronger and the two villages much closer overall. It’s a win-win for the game and the community.

Nolin admits his

background as a driver in competitive chuckwagon racing has helped him prepare for his extraordinary community service.

The dedication, time commitment and the group of people it takes

to be successful at operating a team of horses, outriders and support personnel have provided the foundation.

And he admits the similarities run a little deeper, especially since a chuckwagon title at

Calgary Stampede still eludes him.

“It’s our Stanley Cup.” Until then, there’s another old adage that suggests you can’t fire volunteers. In the case of Vern Nolin, you would never want to.

14

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Thursday, April 23, 2020

It’s only a small lake cont.

FROM PAGE 8

Back to the lake. In more peaceful days, native hunters and their families would camp beside it during the summer harvesting ducks and geese plus the ever-plentiful whitetail deer.

In winter it provided muskrat, beaver, mink, and weasel pelts.

In the 1800’s the lake was an overnight stop for the ox cart trains transporting supplies from Battleford to Edmonton.

Eventually, telegraph poles diverted around it along what was then known as the Fort Pitt Trail.

And then in the 1930’s, as the region filled up with settlers seeking the promise of a better life by proving up a homestead, the lake became a picnic site for families to

meet on warm summer Sunday afternoons.

Many of the local young men in that district listened to the call to action of the Second World War and went off to serve their King in foreign lands.

One of them was captured at Dieppe and spent three and a half years in several German prisoner of war camps.

Later, he would say there were two things that sustained him all of those years of deprivation; the love of a young woman back home and the dream of building a ranch on the hills above that lake.

On return to western Canada in 1946, he married his sweetheart and quickly applied for funding to buy land adjacent to the water through the Veteran’s Land Administration

or VLA. He was deeply disappointed when they turned him down stating the quality of the soil was too poor to support a mixed farm, forcing him to choose a different site closer to Maidstone.

H o w e v e r , h e ne v e r forgot how that image had sustained him through some very dark days, and he went on to build a strong ranch, raising five children, four of whom became health care professionals. And his sweetheart and wife of over 50 years? My aunt.

Vern McClelland is an associate broker with RE/MAX of Lloydminster and can be reached at 780808-2700 or through www.vernmcclelland. remax.ca

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PAGE 15 Thursday, April 23, 2020 MERIDIAN SOURCE

Sports

Bobcats add shooters to their offence

JAMIE HARKINS

sharpshooter Matthew Swanson during the past few weeks.

The youngsters are expected to be shootf i rs t m e n t a l i t y s ka t ers who can generate offence playing upand-down the lineup.

Nigel Dube, head coach and general

WRITER

..................................

The Lloydminster Bobcats are on the attack.

The Bobcats locked up high-scoring prospect Ethan Aucoin, a relative of returning left wing Cameron Aucoin, and local

manager of the Bobcats, said their scouting staff kept a watch on Aucoin throughout his eyepopping 201920 season, skating with the Alberta Midget AAA Hockey League’s Calgary Northstars.

He described the 18-year-old as a consistent scorer who not only led the AMHL in goals last year, but also lit the lamp against the league’s top defences in the regular season and playoffs as well as versus unknown competition during the prestigious Mac’s Tournament.

“The best recruit-

ing tool is the players you have within,” said Dube, noting Ethan spoke with his cousin before putting pen to paper.

“

It speaks volumes that our players are recruiting to make our program better. It shows how much they care about the program and how much they care about this city.

“There are going to be things that Cam likes about me as a coach and things that Cam doesn’t like about me. But, it speaks volumes that our players are recruiting to make

our program better. It shows how much they care about the program and how much they care about this city. We leaned on Cam heavy for this. We were up against other teams in the North Division for Ethan, so it was a victory for us there.”

Dube noted Swanson, 17, is a great kid from a well-respected family who went through the process with them this past winter working with the team during camp and preseason, along with coming out to skates whenever his school permitted.

He sai d th e L l o y d minster Minor Hockey Association product can set up plays and fire the puck, which are elements the team was lacking last season.

“Offence, offence, offence,” he said about

the Bobcats’ signing priority this summer.

“From December on we cut down on the goals against and we were finding ways to create offence. We changed our systems within the systems. It’s just you have to have a game-changer who is able to get the puck on his stick. We have a lot of guys who we see progressing next year in their point production.

But, also adding guys like Ethan and Matthew, they’re going to be shooters and obviously score big goals.”

Expect more signing announcements over the next few weeks and months, noted Dube, thanks to the work of the team’s scouting staff this past season as well as their continued determination to add needed-pieces during the summer.

The perfect decade of sports movies SPORTS EDITOR JAMIE HARKINS

Sports writers, athletes and fans need their fix during these self-quarantine times, so what better way to satisfy this need than a good, bad or so-so movie.

Watching films about sports, or better yet 1980’s movies about sports, is a

perfect way to spend two or so hours nicely bundled up on the couch with hot chocolate in hand, but the critic in me can spoil the experience.

Now, don’t get me wrong.

I do adore the odd horrible film as much as the next guy.

Teen Wolf, Youngblood and Rocky III to V have to rank among the worst sports movies of all time.

But, being an ‘80s kid, each of these travesties holds

a special place in my heart.

They’re fun in a nostalgia sort of way despite the former’s ability to make both basketball and werewolves boring, the latter’s continued insistence on the ridiculous training montage set to Eye of the Tiger and, well frankly, Rob Lowe on skates. But, that’s not the problem.

It’s my tendency to criticize every movie, television

show, book, article, album and song that comes into my bubble.

If I didn’t do this, I probably wouldn’t be a journalist, so it’s not necessarily a bad thing.

It just kind of wrecks the ability to enjoy something as much as maybe I should, while also making the unlucky person I’m six feet away from have to deal with my extended commentary.

So, I’ve learned to shut up when watching movies, which has probably gotten me out of trouble on a few occasions. However, this is not one of those times.

T h e s e c o n d t i e r o f ‘8 0 s sports movies that occupy a higher place in the rankings would come in with such films as Field of Dreams and The Natural.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 15

16

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Thursday, April 23, 2020

The perfect decade of sports movies cont.

FROM PAGE 15

These two baseball gems are definitely better than those previously mentioned, but they also have their faults.

The Natural and Field of Dream’s earnestness toward how great America’s favourite pastime comes off as a bit too much.

Now, I love baseball,

and even made it a ritual to watch Roy Hobbs strike out the Whammer before starting my minor league seasons, but I like a more even keel approach where the stars act a bit more like everyday Joe’s.

Gene Hackman’s high school basketball coach Norman Dale and Dennis Hopper’s troubled assistant Shooter seem like real people making Hoosiers one of t he best sports films to come out of the ’80s.

If you’re looking for messages about overcoming hardship, fighting through the criticism of others and working toward your goals, then this feelgood fable is just the

File Photo ticket for you.

On the opposite end of the spectrum is Martin Scorsese’s incredible Raging Bull.

Robert De Niro’s Jake LaMotta is not a character people look up to, but that doesn’t make the boxing movie any less compelling.

It’s fierce, brutal and a must-see whether

20045ge0

you’ve watched it before or not.

Occupying the three spots on the ‘80s sports movie podium has to be Caddyshack, Major League and Bull Durham. A bishop playing golf through a monsoon because God would never interrupt the greatest game of his life, Rick Vaughn

stepping onto the field during Wild Thing and Annie ’s w o rsh i p at the Church of Baseball proves that all are funny, heart-warming and a perfect waste of two hours.

Sports movies can’t make up for the real thing. But, revisiting a few favourites from the past sure does help.

PAGE 17 Thursday, April 23, 2020 MERIDIAN SOURCE

Agriculture

Prepare the seeder for uniform seed depth SHAWN SENKO SPECIAL TO THE MERIDIAN SOURCE

..................................

Canola seed placed at a consistent depth across the width of the seeding tool will improve seed-to-soil contact, increase seed survival and help the crop emerge evenly.

The goal is to have each canola seed placed into the soil at a depth close to one inch.

Seeds placed within the top half inch of soil may have a fairly low rate of survival under dry conditions and seeds below 1.5” depth may have less seedling vigour and lower emergence percentages.

The bottom line is, that consistent seed placement at around one inch will improve overall canola seed survival across a range of conditions and produce a more uniform stand.

As a result, farmers may want to take time now for a pre-season inspection to make sure their seeding tool can place canola seed at a uniform depth.

For drills with independently-mounted opener units, check that opener tips are in good shape, packer wheels are properly inflated, depth settings are the same for each unit, all tires are properly inflated and frame height is in line with specifications in the

operator’s manual.

For drills with openers on a fixed frame, front-to-back and sideto-side levelling of the frame is key.

Tire pressure, hydraulic cylinder seepage, inner-wing down pressure, bent shanks, worn discs and inconsistencies in opener wear are also important inspection points.

With these drills, farmers can put them on a flat area, like a concrete pad, to do a preseason assessment.

Lower the openers to about one inch above the ground then inspect each opener to see if they’re in line with the others.

Make adjustments as recommended in the owner’s manual.

Note that each drill model has different procedures for levelling, even for different models from the same manufacturer.

Repeat these inspections again in the field to assess uniformity under load and with tires on the soil.

With field checks, inspect adjacent rows from front, mid, and rear openers and repeat for the centre section and for each wing.

Check more frequently at the start of seeding, then monitor as the season continues to check for significant but not otherwise

noticeable maintenance issues that can occur throughout the season.

The complete preseason drill inspection A good first step is to check with the seeding tool manufacturer for specific adjustments and seasonal maintenance requirements.

Most of these details are included in the owner’s manual.

In addition to levelling the drill, as described above, here are other important steps in the pre-season checklist: Check all openers for excessive wear.

Some openers may wear faster than others, especially those that follow tractor or implement wheel tracks.

Ask opener manufacturers how much wear is allowable before seed and fertilizer placement is compromised or before plugging is likely in heavier-textured soils. Change openers that exceed this level of wear.

Check tire air pressure and tire size circumference. Tire circumference can differ by 4-8 per cent on the same size tire.

Calibrations should accurately simulate the speed of travel, give or take roughly one km/h (or half a mile per hour) as higher speeds require higher rates of product

flow per unit time and there may be limitations to the system at higher speeds.

Check that mud scraper gaps are consistent. Mud buildup on tires and packers can lift the whole drill out of

the ground, and if mudpack is inconsistent, it can throw off all other levelling efforts.

Make sure mud scrapers on tires, disc wheels and packers have the same gap settings.

Look for excess wear

on bushings at pivot points. Worn bushings can cause wings to sag, reducing the consistency of seed depth across the width of the seeding tool.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 18

18

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Thursday, April 23, 2020

Practical seeding tool preparation

Supplied Photo FROM PAGE 17

Check all bearings on rollers and auger delivery systems for possible damage. The seed coating on canola can sometimes leave a residue that can penetrate sealed bearings and may cause drag and bearing wear.

Bearing wear can lead to slow or inconsistent rotation of the seed delivering system, causing inaccurate or variable seeding rates.

Check auger flighting and/or fluted roller delivery systems. Look for wear and possible build-up of seed coatings, which can affect accuracy of seed delivery rates.

After running the

air delivery system, check at the end of each seed boot for seed and fertilizer.

If you have enough plastic cups, put one at the end of each opener.

Weigh the contents of each if you want a precise comparison.

If amounts are uneven, check metering system components and manifolds for wear or blockages. This is also a good time to check the seed for any cracking due to obstructions or too high a fan speed.

Evaluate air stream flow as it relates to fan speed. To do this, take the hose off the last opener on the outside wing and tie the hose to the frame. Check the

air tank manual or with the manufacturer for correct procedures for your drill and tank system. Power up the air delivery system to operating RPMs. If seed and fertilizer are propelled less than 30 cm (12″) or more than 60 cm (24″) from the end of the tube, adjust fan speed or air dampers at the fan outlet to keep seed and fertilizer output within this range.

This will reduce seed bounce, damaged seed or plugging at the seed boot outlet.

Check air tank seals to make sure they’re still flexible and provide a complete seal. Don’t leave air tank lids compressed over winter as this may

damage the seals.

Do a closer inspection for air leaks.

Apply a mix of water and dishwashing soap around hose connections, manifolds, metering systems and air tank seals. Bubbling of the mixture indicates an air leak. Tighten or readjust seals to stop the leak.

Air leaks can lead to reduced pressurization or reduced air flow in parts of the delivery system, which can reduce the accuracy of seed and fertilizer rate and placement.

Give all product delivery hoses a quarter turn to reduce wear spots.

This will also reduce drag within the hose,

which helps maintain accurate seed delivery rates. Check for cracks and spots where hoses are worn through.

Replace hoses that are damaged.

Check seed monitor sensors. Buildup of seed coatings on monitor sensors can affect accuracy. Also, make sure the number of pulses per kilometre (mile) is set properly.

Note that tire size, tire pressure and soil conditions can influence sensor performance.

Once seeding starts, farmers are encouraged to do in-field inspections to doubleche c k the d e p th se ttings. Operating under load may change operating depth, especially front to back. In-field inspections will also show how much soil is thrown over the frontrow openers.

Slowing down can reduce these effects.

For more on pre-season drill prep and seed depth inspections in the field, please read the “Plant establishment” section at canolaencyclopedia.ca.

Seed survival is also one theme in a twominute pre-season Canola Watch survey at surveymonkey.com/r/CanolaWatch2020. Please help us get a sense of current practices by

20044UU0

TRIPLE PROTECTION 15W-40

taking the survey.

– Shawn Senko is an agronomy specialist with the Canola Council of Canada. Email senkos@canolacouncil. org. This canola management tip is brought to you by canolawatch. org, a collaboration of the Canola Council, SaskCanola, Alberta Canola and Manitoba Canola Growers.

Road ban exemptions for Ag products MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

..................................

To help lessen the impacts of many challenges in the provincial agriculture sector, the Government of Saskatchewan and Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM) are working together to lift spring road bans for priority goods.

“We have been working with SARM and the RMs to p rovide consent to determine which roads can handle secondary weights,” Highways and Infrastructure Minister Greg Ottenbreit said. “At the same time, we will work with these municipalities to monitor roads to prevent unnecessary road damage.” “ Th i s me a su re w i l l help producers finish last year’s harvest, market last year’s crop, and get this year’s crop in the ground,” Agriculture Minister David Marit said.

“We know that the agriculture sector is under pressure and we are here to assist our producers.”

Producers are currently in need of critical supplies such as seed, fuel and fertilizer.

“We are encouraging RMs to work with highway officials to determine whether or not to allow th e sa me w e i gh ts o n their local roads,” SARM President Ray Orb said.

“This will be important to ensure trucks have access to farms and other facilities once they leave provincial highways.”

PAGE 19 Thursday, April 23, 2020 MERIDIAN SOURCE 306-825-5111 admin@meridiansource.ca

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20

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Thursday, April 23, 2020

Obituaries & Memoriams

Lois “Fay” Nicodemus passed away at Lloydminster Continuing Care Centre, Lloydminster, Alberta, April 6, 2020 at the age of 89 years.

Fay is survived by: her loving husband, Joseph Nicodemus; children, Greg Nicodemus, Calvin

(Cheryl) Nicodemus, Carol (Don) Kern, Mary Lynn Nicodemus (Wayne Hand), Brian Nicodemus, Alice (Dave) Garland and Tom (Wanda) Nicodemus; grandchildren, Jenna (Mitchell) Blixrud, Evan Nicodemus, Kate Kern, Jessica Kern, Keith Hand, Graham Hand, Marcella Nicodemus, Kelci Nicodemus, Brooke Nicodemus, Rosaimee (Liam) Murphy, Christian (Aylyssa) Garland, Raya Nicodemus, Jarvis Nicodemus, Bryce Nicodemus; great grandchildren, Evangeline Murphy, Jameson

Murphy, Scarlett Murphy and Zarya Garland; and sister, Lorna Green.

Fay is predeceased by: her parents, Frank and Dorcas Hewitt; sister, Muriel Hamilton; and brother, William (Billie) Hewitt.

A private Funeral Service for Fay was held on Saturday April 11. You can view the service at https://mccawfuneralservice.com/ The Celebration of Life in memory of Fay will be held at a later date.

Donations in memory of Fay may be made to Alzheimer Society of

Canada - Research Program.

Link: https://alzheimer.ca/en/Home/Research The family would like to thank all the staff and clinicians at the Lloydminster Continuing Care, Dr. Cook Extended Care and Prairie North Home Care, Dr. duPloy, Dr. Sayeed, Lorraine Robinson and friends that supported our families thru Fay’s final years of her life.

McCaw Funeral Service Ltd., of Lloydminster, Alberta administered the funeral arrangements.

Delleena Minnie Stolz (nee Laboucane) was born on November 18, 1944 to Michael & Chestina Laboucane on the family farm west of Spruce Lake. She came into this world on the floor of the farmhouse delivered by her Dad. She passed away on April 12, 2020 at the North Battleford hospital after a battle with cancer at the age of 75.

Delleena is survived by her three children: Michael (Jamie) and their children Hagen, Koal & Owen; Kevin (Kathy); Michelle (Sheldon) Manship and their children Payton & Robert (Pasha); siblings Brian (Brenda) and their

children Kimberly, Carmen, & Jamie; Bonnie Start and her children Darcy, Jaret & Megan; Glen and his children Scott & Douglas; sister-in-law Noreen Laboucane; sister-in-law Betty Laboucane and her sons Ryan & Curtis; numerous great nieces and nephews.

She is predeceased by her parents, brothers Edward & Emery and grandchild Kevin Nathan Michael Manship.

Delleena grew up on the family farm doing all the things farm kids do, helping to take care of the animals and learning to love gardening with her Mom. When she was older she would cook meals which she delivered to the field to feed her Dad and his workers.

She started her schooling at Emmaville School, attending there for two years. After the Emmaville School closed she moved to the Spruce Lake school

where she completed her schooling before heading out into the working world.

Delleena worked at many different jobs throughout her life, mostly in the service industry. She worked at the A & W in Lloydminster, starting as a carhop and eventually working her way up to manager. She ran the café in Loon Lake and also worked at the Jumbo Beach store.

She moved to Pierceland and worked at the store there. Later she worked at the St. Walburg Hospital with her Mom, cleaning and cooking. She cleaned rooms at the St. Walburg Inn and at the Farm House Inn where she also cooked in the restaurant. She drove school bus for many years. She also babysat children in her home on and off over the years.

Delleena had many hobbies and past-times, some for enjoyment, but often as a way to make some extra

money. She made moose hide moccasins, mukluks and mittens.

She loved sewing, crocheting and knitting.

She even taught a knitting class to pass the skill onto others.

She loved baking with her dessert squares, buns, bread, cinnamon buns and pies being some of her best loved items. At Turtle Lake she was known as the Pie Lady. Gardening was another of her passions. In later years, she enjoyed card parties, as well as, helping with events and meals at the St. Walburg Seniors Center.

She loved going to garage sales and looking for good deals on the treasures she would find. Her kids teased her that she only went to get enough stuff to have her own garage sales where she also sold her baking.

Probably her favorite pastime was spoiling her grandsons, nieces, nephews and their children.

Thursday, April 23, 2020

Obituaries & Memoriams

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Thursday, April 23, 2020

Local Business Directory

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Blair Weitzel owner

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MERIDIAN SOURCE

HOROSCOPES CAPRICORN

December 22 – January 19 If you’ve been thinking about moving, you’ll start to consider the idea more seriously.

Notably, you’ll find a home that suits your family’s needs.

AQUARIUS

January 20 – February 18 You won’t pull any punches this week or beat around the bush when expressing your disagreement. You’ll be feared and respected.

PISCES

February 19 – March 20 To be happier in your relationship, you need to break out of your routine and communicate your desires to your partner. If you don’t already live together, you’ll consider it.

ARIES

March 21– April 19 There will be lots of action and excitement this week. You’ll face new challenges, both in your career and in your personal life.

TAURUS

April 20 – May 20 Sometimes you need to take a step back before you can move forward. By taking initiative, you’ll succeed in creating balance in your financial situation and in your love life.

GEMINI

May 21 – June 21 At work, your customer base will grow dramatically, thereby increasing your income significantly. In your love life, your partner or someone you’re interested in will surprise you in a way that makes you very happy.

CANCER

June 22 – July 22 You’ll have an epiphany that will light the way to achieving your personal and professional objectives. As a result, you’ll take the first steps toward starting your own business.

LEO July 23 – August 22 In order to expand your professional and personal horizons, you’ll take a training course. To your great delight, this will change the trajectory of your life.

VIRGO

August 23 – September 22 Emotions will be palpable this week and may cause a degree of restlessness. You’ll receive a clear sign of affection and commitment from your new love interest.

LIBRA

September 23 – October 22 Consider the consequences before making a decision that could change your life and that of those closest to you. Your generosity will be contagious and you’ll spread the seeds of happiness.

CROSSWORD

SCORPIO

October 23 – November 21 Changing your eating habits will have a considerable effect on your health. In your love life, clear communication allows you to avoid conflict and propels you toward making a more serious commitment.

SAGITTARIUS

April 16 Answers

November 22 – December 21 You’ll be a hero this week. You may even help someone out of a difficult situation just by listening for a few minutes and offering them a smile.

SUDOKU April 16 Answers

ACROSS 1. Hit suddenly 5. On the peak 9. Picnic crasher 12. Among 13. Exec’s car 14. Constrictor 15. Explain 17. Blazed the trail 18. Farmyard honkers 19. Paints 21. Advance 23. Hog’s pad 24. Marry 26. Ewe’s mate 28. Alternate 32. Listen

34. Father 36. Brave-deed doer 37. More aged 39. Baby wear 41. Snare 42. Fold over 44. Biblical boatbuilder 46. Motors 50. Unsociable 53. Scramble (for) 54. Exit 56. Small hotel 57. Track shape 58. Totally confused 59. Say yes 60. Simple 61. Take ten

DOWN 1. Guzzle 2. Chardonnay, e.g.

3. Waited upon 4. Not those 5. High peak 6. Fatigue 7. Portents 8. Spud 9. Skilled 10. Christmastime 11. Boys 16. Posterior 20. Legendary story 22. Hip-hopper’s music 24. Which person 25. Skinny fish

27. Gang 29. Coop 30. Significant period 31. Burglarize 33. Pastrami vendor 35. Bowler’s target 38. Haphazard 40. Wild hog 43. Irk 45. Church table 46. Mischievous 47. Cat-o’-____-tails 48. Lady’s man 49. Sail pole 51. Mine outputs 52. Accomplishment 55. Foamy brew

May you touch dragonflies & stars, dance with fairies & talk to the moon. Meridian Source’s Birth Announcements If you wish to have your baby’s birth announcement published in our May you grow up with love & gracious hearts & people who care.

Thursday edition of the Meridian Source FREE OF CHARGE, please come in and fill out a form or email admin@meridiansource.ca Welcome to the world little one. It’s been waiting for you!

Deadline is Tuesday at noon for the Thursday edition.

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MERIDIAN SOURCE

Thursday, April 23, 2020

Rentals

Real Estate

You are not “stuck at home”.

You are SAFE AT HOME! - Anonymous

Our office remains CLOSED to the public but we are still here for you!

REAL ESTATE AND PROPERTY MANAGEMENT 24 hours a day, 7 days a week 780-875-3343

Property Management WASECA

AB

529,900

$

374,500

$

5405 - 46TH STREET

• Charming home on mature, quiet street with fenced backyard & single detached garage.

• Many updates including finished & functional basement. Home is a must see! $

MLS 64403

199,900

AB

2 KM TO LLOYD

$600 $800 $800 $850 $900 $875 $900 $900 $1095 $1150 $1250 $1300 $1200 $1400 $1650 $1900

MLS 66393

MLS 65276

A PIECE OF PARADISE

ALBERTA 1 bed, 1 bath 1 bed, 1 bath 2 bed, 1 bath 1 bed, 1 bath 2 bed, 1 bath 1 bed, 1 bath 2 bed, 2 bath 3 bed, 1 bath 1 bed, 1 bath 2 bed, 2 bath 3 bed, 2 bath 3 bed, 2 bath 3 bed, 2 bath 4 bed, 2 bath 4 bed, 4 bath 3 bed, 4 bath

174,900

FEATURED LISTING

ST. WALBURG

SK

111 - 1ST STREET WEST

• Perfect, spacious family home on double lot with fenced backyard & deck.

• Recently updated, move-in-ready & priced to sell! $

SK

MLS 65628

RENTAL OPPORTUNITIES 2917–51 Ave 5675–43 St. 3315–51 Ave 3007–57A Ave 2917–51 Ave 3009–57A Ave 2-5219-57 St. 3002-56 Ave 4109-69 Ave 2-5202-49 St. 5212-48 Street 5007 Miller Dr. 5612-47 St. 5410-26 St. 3904-59A Ave Cl 5601-22 St Cl

NEW LISTING

MULTI UNIT

READY! READY! READY! READY! READY! READY! READY! May 1 May 1 May 1 READY! READY! READY! READY! June 1 May 1

SASKATCHEWAN 321-4811-47 Ave 3 bed, 1 bath $1050 May 1 24-4738-13 St. 3 bed, 2 bath $1250 READY! 3309-47 Ave May 1 2 bed, 2 bath $1350 38-4008-41 Ave 3 bed, 2 bath $1250 June 1

SK

945,000

$

MLS 65355

HWY 16 WEST

AB

QUARTER SECTION

SK

495,000

$

MLS 65171

775,000

$

MLS 64999

WALKOUT BASEMENT

SK

499,900

$

GREENSTREET

SK

399,900

$

MLS 65658

4 ACRES

SK

305,000

$

LOTS TO CONSIDER IRON WELLS

SK

829,000

$

MLS 64145

209,000

$

MLS 64144

MLS 65932

NEAR MARSDEN

PECK LAKE

SK

350,000

$

FOOT INDUSTRIAL PARK

SK

MLS 64968

MLS 65736

SK

189,900 MLS 65640

$

MURPHY LAKE

PERCH LAKE

SK

BRIGHTSAND LAKE

189,900

$

MLS 66357

SK

$

85,000

MLS 64710

DEWBERRY LOTS

COWAN LAKE

APPLY ONLINE TODAY coldwellbankercitysiderealty.com

Brad Gilbert Broker/Owner

SK

57,000

$

MLS 64823

SK $45,000 MLS 64604/64607

Jennifer Gilbert Associate Broker

$

AB

14,500 $ 7,500

TRAILER LOTS HOUSE LOTS

Rick Schesnuk Realtor®

Judy Bexson Realtor®

Each office is independently owned & operated.

3812 - 51 Avenue, Lloydminster, AB T9V 3M7 Pattie Todd Associate Broker

Sandy Hardy Realtor®

www.coldwellbankercitysiderealty.com

780-875-3343

facebook.com/coldwellbankercitysiderealty

Caleb McLean Realtor®

instagram.com/coldwellbankercitysiderealty