Meridian Source - August 1, 2024 by Meridian Source

Spiro’s touched by community kindness

An early-morning phone call from an unknown number is never usually good news, but a disaster was averted and a business touched by community kindness, all within 36 hours.

It was a typical Monday morning for Maria Kokonas, owner of Spiro’s Restaurant in the 1400 block of 50 Ave. That is, until a few minutes after 7 a.m.

“I was awakened at 7:07 a.m. by a call with no caller ID, and we know that when you see no caller ID, it’s

never good. It was a constable on the phone letting me know my restaurant was on fire, and she was really kind. From what they could tell, It was located in the kitchen, and I needed to get there as quickly as I could,” explained Kokonas.

She grabbed the nearest coat, and living just a block away, arrived at the family business within minutes.

“I was in disbelief when I saw the fire trucks, the convoy of police cars and the paramedics, I was gutted, I was literally gutted.”

She has the highest praise for the firefighters who did

their job professionally and for the Sysco food delivery driver, who didn’t mess around and called 9-1-1 when he saw the fire.

“I walked up to him (the driver), and I just grabbed him, and I hugged him, and said, ‘Thank you. Thank you. Thank you,’” said Kokonas.

The aftermath of a fire for any business is overwhelming, “When you see a fire, you don’t know if you’re ever going to open again.”

So when a team led by her son-in-law, Jeremiah Young, said they would be open by the next day, she was shocked and thought there was no

way ... but they found a way.

“I know I had just about every trade go through here yesterday. I know Bioclean Disaster Services was here within the very early hours of this potential disaster, they took charge of it, along with my son-in-law,” recounted Kokonas.

“I want to say the biggest thank you from the bottom of my family’s heart to everyone that stepped in this door and the community as a whole, I am just touched by the community.

“I give so much credit to every single person that was here yesterday, the support we had from them and the community has just been unreal.”

Her gratitude to the community is endless.

“To say I have no words is not true, because I have so many words. I am in disbelief at the way we were able to turn this around, and it is truly because of our community. I want to say the biggest thank you from the bottom of my family’s heart to everyone that stepped in this door and

A kitchen

emer

gency crews at Spiro’s Family Restaurant shortly after 7 a.m. on Monday, July 29.

Spiro’s owner, Maria Kokonas, was speechless after seeing the community support her family’s business after a potential disaster.

the community as a whole, I am just touched by the community,” she said.

“I cried today. When I stood at the podium at 4 p.m. and watched people come in the door, I cried,” admitted Kokonas during our conversation, but they were happy tears and tears of relief.

With that, Spiro’s is open after this averted disaster. That means Maria Days, a celebration of Kokonas’s naming day, is a go. A vendor’s market next Thursday, a concert on Friday and a car show with kids activities on Saturday, all because a community came together to show they cared.

DAN GRAY STAFF WRITER

Geoff Lee Meridian Source Left:

fire had

Above:

Lloydminster Heavy Oil Show GUIDE

Local fire crews continue wildfire work in Jasper

Local crews have continued their work in Jasper.

Crews arrived in Jasper Thursday morning (July 25), were immediately brought into the fight alongside other neighboring departments according to a post on Protective ServicesCounty of Vermilion River Facebook page.

Reports from crew chief Kyle Bergquist indicated that County Pump #6-2 began structural protection and continued in that role throughout the day until they were relieved by other crews.

Since then, in an update posted yesterday (July 28), crews spent the last 48 hours actively working the Jasper townsite doing salvage and overhaul with the goal of extinguishing any fire.

In the most recent update,

posted on July 29, firefighters spent the last 24 hours working decontamination before being shifted to the northwest to assist in structural protection in case of changing wind conditions due to an increase in fire activity in that sector.

County Pump #6-2 remains deployed and has moved over to night shift. A shift change is scheduled for early Tuesday morning.

Council appoints social policy team

City of Lloydminster council has approved the appointments of community members to the Social Policy Framework Leadership Team.

Council heard the presentation on July 22. The motion was to approve the appointment of of Teri-Lynn MacKie, Coun. Lorelee Marin, Lana Lane, Bonita Brick, Becky Schille, Gina Nelson, Stephanie Miller, David McLennan and Sherri Husch.

The Social Policy Framework was developed to establish a way for local supports, busi -

ness, and government to work together to tackle community issues. The Framework provides a common vision, values, and roles that provide everyone with opportunity to contribute.

Patrick Lancaster, with the City of Lloydminster clarified that Coun. Marin was sitting on the committee as a member of Alberta Health Services not as a councillor.

Lancaster also clarified during the question-and-answer session that “These are all nonpaid positions, they are not being paid by the city.”

Coun. Michael Diachuk was happy with the list of members.

“These are by in large, doers,

Heritage Day returns

Heritage Day returns to Lloydminster with a day of food and fun on Aug. 5.

The event is hosted by the Barr Colony Heritage Society, Richard Larsen Barr Colony Foundation and Lloydminster Museum and Archives.

This heritage festival celebrates and commemorates history and heritage through a variety of events.

Festivities begin at Weaver Heritage Park at 8:30 a.m. with the pancake breakfast, running until 10 a.m. when the activities begin.

“It’s a free family friendly event, so anyone and everybody is allowed to come and enjoy the entertainment,” said Beth Bernard, Heritage Day organizer.

There will be, block party games, crafts, a classic car display, the artifact warehouse is open, tractor display and live music, among other events.

Capping off the day will be the tractor parade.

“A big highlight of the day is the antique tractor parade, we highlight the agriculture component that made Lloydminster what it is today,” said Bernard.

The event is free and open to the public.

they are not gonna sit around these are folks that are gonna want see things done, I think there is a nice mix and cross section of representation from our community.”

Members are recruited to the leadership team through a recruitment subcommittee that may directly invite members or host open calls for applications. Lloydminster council approved the appointments of Teri-lynn Mackie, Councillor Lorelee Marin, Lana Lane, Bonita Brick, Becky Schille, Gina Nelson, Stephanie Miller, David McLennan and Sherri Husch for a term expiring July 1, 2026.

Source File Photo

CHRISTIAN APOSTOLOVSKI STAFF WRITER

Photo from - Protective Services - County of Vermilion River

Pictured from left to right, Wayne Roach (Vermilion Fire Department) Kyle Bergquist (Paradise Valley Fire Department), Matthew Sunderland (Paradise Valley Fire Department), FF Cody St. Germain (Paradise Valley Fire Department)

CHRISTIAN APOSTOLOVSKI STAFF WRITER

Sask RCMP report increase in violent crime

Saskatchewan RCMP have released their latest crime statistics showing a continued increase in crime across Saskatchewan.

“The reality of the situation is, crime continues to increase across Saskatchewan RCMP jurisdiction,” said Rhonda Blackmore, commanding officer of the Saskatchewan RCMP.

“

The reality of the situation is, crime continues to increase across Saskatchewan RCMP jurisdiction.

Some key stats released as part of the data include the staggering increase in homicides by 275 per cent over the last 10 years and a 271 per cent increase in the number of violent firearms offences.

Violent crime across Saskatchewan has steadily increased over the last 10 years with the biggest jump being in the north district

accounting for 56 per cent of the total violent crime reported.

The north district of Sask also accounted for 62 per cent of the total Assault offences reported, 53 per cent of the total homicides reported and 70 per cent of the total violent firearm offences reported.

As the data shows, crime continues to rise across Sask and particularly in the north district, however, Blackmore says the province is committing to funding a full complement of staff.

“With an increase in crime, comes a need for a larger

police presence in our province, I am pleased to share that this year, the provincial government has committed to funding our full complement of 1,047 RCMP officers,” said Blackmore. “This welcomed commitment ensures we have the resources needed to help keep Saskatchewan communities safe.”

Blackmore says the RCMP are using new and innovative tools, like unmanned aerial vehicles to help manage workloads. She also says they have temporarily amalgamated some of the RCMP detachments. However,

Blackmore says law enforcement is only part of the solution to the problem.

“I want to be clear – law enforcement is only one part of the solution for decreasing crime. Social issues like substance addiction, gangs, and absence of community resources are some of the root causes of crime,” she said.

“These issues are complex and take a concerted, multiagency response. We are dedicated to continuing to work with our partner agencies to ensure we can support and contribute to positive change in Saskatchewan.” Crime rates in the Sas -

katchewan RCMP jurisdiction have remained high and seen a steady increase. Across other policing services in the province, Regina Police Service, Saskatoon Police Service, and Moose Jaw Police Service there has been a decrease in the crime rates.

The Sask RCMP is responsible for policing 46 per cent of the total population of the province.

Lloyd RCMP lay firearms charges

Lloydminster RCMP has arrested and charged two males for firearms offences following a traffic stop.

On July 17, at 3:30 p.m., RCMP were called to assist Lloydminster Community Peace Officers who had conducted a traffic stop on 50 Ave. and 57 St.

According to RCMP, both the driver and the passenger of the vehicle were wanted on warrants and subsequently arrested.

File Photo

CHRISTIAN APOSTOLOVSKI STAFF WRITER

MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

Games economic impact significant, says City staff

It was a long time coming, and the economic impact of the Sask Summer Games on the Lloydminster economy is expected to be significant, according to city staff.

“I have heard many comments from our food and beverage sector, from our hotels, they are extremely busy and loving seeing the summer games visitors and participants in their community,” said the City of Lloydminster’s Economic Development Officer, Katlin Ducherer.

“I know I’ve always contributed to my local economy and a few of my favourite spots have taken far longer than they usually do because of the influx of visitors and spending.”

Residents and visitors realized you couldn’t go to many places last week and not see the impact it was having on our community.

Favourite restaurants were busier than normal, hotels were packed, and area campgrounds received boosts because of the games.

When city council decided to get on board with the Games, the estimated impact on the community was going to be roughly $5M. But what does that mean in real dollars and cents and how do we get to that specific impact number?

“We’re members of Sports Tourism Canada, they have their own methodology when it comes to measuring impact,” stated Ducherer.

“They come up with their own methodology, which is very accurate, instead of coming up with willy nilly numbers, it’s tried tested and true.”

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Sports Tourism Canada, through their STEAMPRO assessments, can look at events from across the country and results from those events to help communities anticipate financial gains from specific events.

Three steps are involved in those assessments.

1. Spectator Surveys

2. Tabulating the Results

3. Analysis and Reporting

“I’ve got people on the ground with surveys that are operated using a QR code asking how long you spent here, how much you spent daily, those types of questions,” explained Ducherer.

“We then submit them to STC and they put it through their methodology and analysis and that is how we come up with those actual economic impact numbers.”

Antigonish, N.S., held the 2018 Canadian Special Olympics with an estimated 900 athletes, 290 coaches, 3,000 spectators and 600 volunteers in a town of less than 10,000 people.

According to a report to council by nearby Halifax, the estimated economic impact on Nova Scotia would be around $7.7M.

In the end, they attracted 3,963 visitors. According to STC, the impact was nearly $8.7 million on the economy. It supported 49 jobs and produced a $5.1 million boost to provincial GDP.

That was for a national event in a small town and the economic impact was significant there. The last time our community participated in a STEAMPAC analysis was in 2013 when Lakeland College held the national volleyball championships.

“Lloydminster does consider events to be really important because we do understand the economic impact they have on our community,” said Ducherer.

On that note, what’s next?

“We do have some pretty lofty goals for the next few years, we have several events we’ve talked to and different event rights holders that we are very interested in.”

The final numbers for the Games will come back to council mid-fall.

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2024 FALL GUIDE

REGISTRATION OPENS AUGUST 7

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

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WEAVER HERITAGE PARK

HERITAGE DAY

AUG 5 • 10 AM - 3 PM • FREE

Family-friendly fun for all ages! Don’t miss the pancake breakfast that goes from 8:30 - 10 a.m.

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LIVE HISTORY PRESENTS “A KNOCK AT THE DOOR”

AUG 10 • 10 AM TO 12:15 PM, 1:30 TO 3:45 PM • AGES 11+ • $30

This is an immersive, theatrical performance, followed by a Historical Magic Workshop! 780-874-3720

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BUD MILLER PARK

COMMUNITY OUTDOOR MOVIE NIGHT

AUG 8 • 8 PM • FREE

Join us at the Amphitheatre for a double feature starting at 8 p.m.! Snacks available with donation to Big Brother Big Sisters. This event is weather dependent.

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STAY SAFE

AUG 16 • 10 AM - 4 PM • $37

This program teaches applicable and ageappropriate skills, while increasing and reinforcing a youth’s capacity to improve their own safety. 780-875-4497

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OPEN DAILY • ALL AGES

Enjoy the greens or practice your swing at the driving range! 306-825-5494 LGCC.ca

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Dan Gray – Meridian Source Photo

Heritage Day an “ASET” to newcomers

Lloydminster’s 95 members of the Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta (ASET) will help celebrate the spirit of Alberta Heritage Day.

The provincial holiday recognizes the diverse cultural heritage of Albertans and promotes awareness of ASET pioneering the elimination of the Canadian work experience requirement for newcomers.

“Let’s not forget this province is

built on newcomers,” said ASET CEO, Barry Cavanaugh in Edmonton.

“One of the things we can be sure of is, at any given point in time in our membership, there’s a significant number of people who were trained in other countries and have come here because they see the opportunities.”

In 2016, ASET developed a competency-based assessment program to offer internationally trained and other engineering technology professionals, a faster route to earning ASET designations and establishing careers.

The assessment program stemmed from the realization of how difficult it is for internationally trained professionals who are qualified in their countries of origin to get recognized in Canada.

“I t was a long and expensive process, but it’s been remarkably worthwhile and other provinces have adopted our standards, so we’re very proud of that,” said Cavanaugh.

A recent survey of ASET members,

ESTHETICS HOME

EYE CARE

including of couple of internationally trained professionals in Lloydminster, revealed Alberta is an attractive live/work destination for engineering technology professionals from other countries and parts of Canada.

“There is a high demand for ASET workers in Alberta,” said Cavanaugh.

“I would suspect the unemployment rate for ASET workers is exceedingly low in Alberta. It’s a very engineering-intensive province.”

ASET currently represents approximately 17,000 members, including full-time technology students, recent graduates and fully certified members in 21 disciplines and more than 120 occupations across a multitude of industries.

“In terms of the field, one of the biggest would be civil engineering technology. There’s electrical and mechanical and that sort of thing,” explained Cavanaugh.

He says a couple of Lloydminster ASET members are employed as geomatics doing survey work in addition to professionals in the oil

and gas industry.

“It’s really cool to run into some of our internationally trained members. They love being here and they love the work,” he said.

Cavanaugh says the competencybased program is a benefit for the employer as well as the workers.

“You know when you’re getting someone with an ASET designation, they know their stuff.”

He says especially for young graduates, employers make certain they get the kind of experience they need in the first couple of years on the job.

“We provide them with a log book so they know exactly what these young graduates need to get for experience before they can become a CET (certified engineering technologist), he added.

Cavanaugh says ASET wants to get word out that if you have an engineering technology background in another jurisdiction, you can get that here, too.

“T hat’s almost a guarantee of employment,” he said.

Upon further investigation, a homemade shotgun and ammunition were located within the vehicle.

Travis Littlewolfe, 54, and Warren Littlewolfe, 34, both residents of Edmonton, were arrested and charged with multiple criminal code offences, some

of which include:

- Fail to comply with release order

- Possession of a prohibited weapon in a motor vehicle

- Possession of a prohibited weapon when knowing possession was unauthorized

- Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose

- Possession of a prohibited weapon with ammunition accessible

- Possession of a weapon, contrary to a prohibition order

Both were held for a judicial interim release hearing and were remanded in custody. They will appear at the Alberta Court of Justice in Lloydminster on Aug. 19.

GEOFF LEE STAFF WRITER

Source File Photo

FIREARMS FROM PAGE 4

Photo courtesy of the Lloydminster RCMP

Council commits to relocation project

“At what point are we putting so much money on a piece of land that it’s so expensive to develop that it’s not feasible to do it.”

That was the concern raised by Coun. David Lopez following the July 22 City of Lloydminster council meeting.

At the council meeting, administration asked that council commit $90,000 from the sale of City Land and Building Reserve and an additional $90,000 from the Stormwater Capital Reserve to the Lake K Clay Stockpile Relocation project.

Council also increased the contract amount of Arnold Earthmoving Ltd. of Saskatoon, Sask. in the amount of $177,236.

The request was made due to the presence of excessive topsoil material found within the project site, the lands between 73 Ave. and 75 Ave. south of 29 St.

The contract extension would allow for the import of additional clay material from the Lake K Clay stockpile to make up for the deficit in material.

Since the initiation of the Lake K Clay Stockpile Relocation project, city administration has identified an increase in existing topsoil volume which was stripped from the project site.

“The vast majority of this dirt is from the stormwater pond, and that stormwater pond we needed to do to move water through the city in an effective and efficient manner,” said Coun. Jonathan Torresan. “I saw some stuff about moving a pile of dirt as if it wasn’t an important pile of dirt to have created in the first place.”

“At the end of the day it does have to go somewhere, and to use it in land development and have a future benefit to the city is the most ideal.”

A statement from the council agenda reads,

“By using the stockpiled clay from the Lake K delineation project, other City capital projects can benefit through the use of owner-supplied material.”

During the discussion following the request, Lopez raised several concerns regarding the additional funding requested for this site.

“It’s a project that we keep spending money on for land that we want to develop in the future, if a piece of land isn’t feasible to build on sometimes, we have to look at it and go this is just a wetland or something else.”

“Any other developer, if they had to do that, that’s a million dollars they would have had to already put into the land,” said Lopez Council voted in favour of committing the additional funds and increasing the contract amount of Arnold Earthmoving in the amount of $177,236.

s Lopez voted against both decisions but says he will support council’s decision.

CHRISTIAN APOSTOLOVSKI STAFF WRITER

Source File Photo

Rowswell advocates economic corridors

Photo courtesy of Garth Rowswell

Lloydminster-Vermilion-Wainwright MLA Garth Rowswell joined a tour of an energy company called Quantum Technology in Squamish, B.C., during the Pacific NorthWest Economic Partnership summit in Whistler from July 21-25.

GEOFF LEE STAFF WRITER

Economic corridors and building the hydrogen economy stood out as local topics of interest for Lloydminster-Vermilion-Wainwright MLA, Garth Rowswell, at the Pacific NorthWest Economic Region (PNWER) summit in Whistler, B.C.

Rowswell joined 500 state, provincial, and territorial legislators, government officials, and business leaders from the Pacific Northwest states and Western Canada at the summit from July 21-25.

“The part of the agenda we (Alberta) had the biggest influence on, was working on economic corridors,” said Rowswell from his home on July 28.

“We’re really pushing the one from Alberta to Alaska. Alaska wants to pass some legislation that would allow for an economic corridor to be considered. It’s a step-by-step we’ve got to go through to get this done.”

Alberta recently re-signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the prairie provinces and also added the Northwest Territories to work together on transportation and other economic partnerships to “enhance Alberta’s access to the Arctic.”

Rowsell says an Alberta to Alaska corridor would be for everything such

as fibre optics and pipelines.

“It will be a long time to get it finished, but we’re headed in the right direction on it,” he said.

“I think that will be of interest locally. We’re doing a lot of work on economic corridors all over the province.”

Rowswell says a new bi-provincial plan with Saskatchewan to add passing lanes on Highway 17 north of Lloydminster, announced in July, is part of building Alberta’s economic corridors.

“We’re fixing up Hwy 14 from the Saskatchewan border to Wainwright this year and we’ll go a little further to Edmonton next year,” he said.

He says Hwy 41 is another potential corridor to expand north from the Canada/U.S. border.

“If we can go from the Wild Horse border crossing and go all the way up to Fort McMurray, that can all become part of an economic corridor from Texas all the way to Alaska,” explained Rowswell.

“These are long-term projects that you have to advocate for.”

The summit agenda included hydrogen and news British Columbia and Washington State are working on a first-of-its-kind study on how they can develop the hydrogen economy in their jurisdictions.

Rowswell says Oregon is also interested in hydrogen, but he notes all three PWNER jurisdictions are far behind Alberta.

“We produce 2 million tonnes of hydrogen a year right now. The way we make it is just about the cheapest in the world,” he said.

Rowswell says PWNER delegates toured two energy technology companies in Squamish including Quantum Technology that invented a process to create a hydrogen and helium liquefaction system.

He says they learned what customers that sell ammonia would need to do to crack the hydrogen off that and the challenges of doing that economically.

Each month, the Source highlights one member of the community as a fun way to bring us all closer together! This month, we featured Lloydminster RCMP detachment commander, S/Sgt. Brian Nicholl!

If you didn’t do what you do for a living, what would you be doing?

I would 100 per cent be a storm chaser! It amazes me what natural weather can do and how it affects everything! That being said ... I also do not want to get hurt!

It’s Sunday morning, what are you having for breakfast?

Coffee, coffee, more coffee. Sunday is a lazy day, so Keurig and sit! It may not be healthy, but it’s my Sunday.

If you could see one concert, what would it be?

No specific concert, but pretty much any live sporting event. I would love to hit up the 50-yard line on as many NFL games as I could!

If you could have one super power, what would it be?

Mind reading! It sure would make my job much easier!

What was your childhood celebrity crush?

Elisabeth Shue in Adventures in Babysitting! I think I watched and rewound (yes, I’m old enough to have had to rewind a VHS tape) the beginning scene where she lipsynced to “Then he kissed me.”

What is your favourite TV show?

The Big Bang Theory is hands down my favourite TV series. So off-thewall and always just for the laughs and good times.

What’s your dream car?

A 1968 Mustang California Special. Cherry red and white interior! Now, I may add some A/C and technology to the dash, though!

What’s your fast-food guilty pleasure?

Donair poutine with sweet sauce and gravy! WOW. A whole lotta goodness in a messy box of joy!

Last book you couldn’t put down?

The entire Stephen King Dark Tower series. Loved each book so much I have read/listened to the audiobooks three times (in the middle of my fourth now).

Which person, alive or dead, would you like to have dinner with?

I would love to have one more dinner with my father, who passed away in 1997.

What’s the one thing you haven’t done that you’d love to do?

There are so many experiences I haven’t done yet that I would love to do. My bucket list for right now is, I would love to take a motorcycle ride on the Dempster Highway, all the way to Inuvik and back. Some day!

What’s the best thing about Lloydminster?

Hands down, the vast majority of people here! There are so many good people in this community, I’m often taken aback by how much so. I have lived in many locations in various provinces, and I love it here.

If we’re buying you’re having....

The best steak from Alexander’s Steak House in Calgary!

What’s your favourite vacation destination?

I love travelling to Mexico on the Mayan Riviera side. It’s gotta be all-inclusive, floating belly up in the ocean with a cocktail of my choosing. I would love to go to the Cook Islands someday as well.

What’s your weirdest habit?

I chew my coffee cup lids once the coffee is all gone … no seriously, I bite off chunks, fold them over and over again in my mouth, and then put them in the empty cup until the lid is gone. I am not sure if there is a support group for this, but there should be!

What’s currently playing in your car or on your smartphone right now?

Right now, it is the Dark Tower series on Audible. My playlist for my rides is a very assorted mix of tunes, from EDM to rap, to Enya ... what can I say, I’m a strange guy with strange taste! Hockey songs to crickets chirping ... LOL.

What’s your biggest pet peeve?

I HATE when people chew with their mouths open! ARRGGHHHH!!!!! Okay, okay, I also hate when people feel the need to post on social media to get a reaction out of people ... so annoying!

What are your words to live by?

“Pain is only weakness leaving the body.” This was back in my sports and bodybuilding days. I lived by this saying.

Who’s your hero? My father.

What was your most embarrassing moment?

When I was younger and in my “bar-star” days, I was chatting up a pretty girl while walking down the street, and I walked into a telephone pole and said sorry. Okay, I have two ... I was walking along the side of a pool in Mexico after partaking in some complementary beverages and proceeded to walk directly into the pool, fully clothed, as I was not paying attention to where I was going. This happened to be in front of a crowd of people, thankfully they did not have scorecards!

Taylor Weaver – Meridian Source Photo

PAGE 10

Thursday, August 1, 2024

MERIDIAN SOURCE

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Editor Taylor Weaver taylor@meridiansource.ca

The hot summer months keep rolling on, and in Lloyd, the skies have been, well, grey. Smoke has been causing issues with visibility and air quality. Seeing the devastation in Jasper got me thinking about how humans deal with crisis situations.

around and sending crews and equipment out, has reminded me that in the face of crisis, people come together to help.

It’s not easy to face something as dangerous as a wildfire but there are plenty of brave people out there doing everything in their power to help.

Staff Writer Geoff Lee geoff@meridiansource.ca

Staff Writer Christian Apostolovski christian@meridiansource.ca

Staff Writer Dan Gray dan@meridiansource.ca

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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

Everyone reacts differently when facing a potentially perilous situation. However, seeing the call go out to fire services and them quickly turning

Pictures and videos of the Jasper fire have circulated online, and my heart goes out to those impacted so heavily by this disaster. But much like Lloydminster did last year when Saskatchewan was evacuating cities, people came together to help.

It doesn’t take a lot of search -

Word on the street ...

The idea is simple, and quite a bit of fun! We go out into the community and ask the same question to five random people.

We know it’s been a while, so we thought we’d send our summer intern out into the wild to see what Lloydminster residents think of the recent bike theft.

This week’s question ...

- Paul thinks it’s kind of rude to steal bikes. One of Paul’s friends was going to bike to Paul’s house, but their bike was stolen and it made Paul super upset. Paul says he is angry people are stealing other people’s things and that it is not right.

ing online to see towns across Alberta and B.C. like Valemount, open their doors to take in evacuees and offer their local services to those in need. People are a lot of things, but in times of crisis, it quickly becomes apparent that regardless of our differences, we are united.

Again, I want to recognize the brave people on the front line every fire season, not just here in Canada but across the world who work so hard to protect our way of life. My heart goes out to those in Jasper who are so heavily affected but never forget. In this battle, you’re never alone.

Have a question you’d like answered by the community? Send it to presley@meridiansource.ca

Your question could be next!

What are your thoughts on recent bike thefts in the Border City?

- Jim owns Grind ‘n Gears and says he gets calls from customers looking for serial numbers and info about bikes they bought. Jim and staff try to educate customers to make sure their butts are on the seat, to not leave it alone, and encourage customers to lock them in the garage.

- Taryn always keeps her biked locked even in the garage. Taryn says that it’s a good idea to always keep a bike lock on you and keep it in the garage.

- Blaire thinks that you shouldn’t steal bikes because people like having their bikes and to some people their bike is really important to them. Whenever she brings her bike somewhere she takes a bike lock and keeps an eye on it.

Through the reader’s lens ...

John Van Cleemput Submitted to the Source

Thank you, John, for submitting another great local wildlife photo! Speaking of wildlife, Jackie Tomayer snapped the photo on the right of Taylor out in the wild during the Sask Games!

Griffin keeps his bike in his garage where no one can find it and locks the door. If anyone stole his bike he says he would go straight to the police!

Paul Jim

Blaire Griffin

Taryn

Thursday, August 1, 2024

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Leeway from Lloyd: Pulling for Olympic cyclist Alison Jackson

I am glued to Olympic Games coverage and won’t come unstuck until closing ceremonies. I will be lapping up as many swim races and track and field (athletics) events as my eyeballs will permit. As a road cyclist and fan, I will also cheer for Alison Jackson when the women’s road race goes ahead in

Paris on Aug. 4.

I used to see her cycling on Highway 619 about 10 years ago and at the local pool when she was a triathlete.

The two-time Olympian, born and raised in Vermilion, is on a hot streak in 2024 after winning the second stage of the Vuelta Espana Femenina.

T he Olympic race will be a familiar one for the 35-yearold as she won the 2023 Paris-Roubaix Femmes oneday race, her greatest vic -

tory to date.

She conquered the 145-kilometre course with its many cobblestone sections and took the victory in a sprint finish. She was the first North American rider – male or female – to win this classic Paris-Roubaix race and the first Canadian to win one of road cycling’s five most prestigious one-day races called monuments.

The pro cyclist is racing with the EF-Oatly-Cannondale team in the U.S. this year.

Jackson made her Olympic debut at Tokyo 2020 where she competed in the women’s road race. She’s also doing a time trial in Paris.

Two months later, she placed sixth in the women’s road race at the 2021 UCI World Championships, her career-best individual result at the worlds. She finished fifth in the team time trial in 2015 and 2016.

Jackson is a two-time national champion in the women’s road race, taking

the title in 2021 and 2023, sandwiched around a secondplace finish in 2022. In 2021 she also won the national title in the women’s individual time trial. In 2023, Jackson was a double medallist at the Pan American Championships, taking silver in the road race and bronze in the individual time trial.

Jackson joined her first pro team, Twenty16, in 2015 and competed in three stage races and has never looked back. Go, Alison, Go!

Gray Matters: From Ontario to Lloydminster

Over the past 12 weeks, my wife and I have been blessed with seeing a significant amount of Canada from the ground level, and I must say, we have a beautiful country.

Starting with our honeymoon, we trekked nearly 4,000 kilometres from Southwestern Ontario to Prince Edward Island and back. We stopped along the way in New Brunswick and Quebec.

Shortly after I was hired to come to Lloyd, we travelled nearly 3,200 km the other way through northern Ontario, Manitoba and Saskatchewan. We even got to Edmonton that same week.

The overarching theme of these trips and something that comes to mind every time we reflect on it is, we have a beautiful country.

The red sands, Anne of Green Gables and Tulip farms in Prince

Edward Island. The Bay of Fundy and Acadia in New Brunswick to the Matapédia Valley in Quebec gave us a greater understanding of the Maritimes on our eight-day tour.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

The Meridian Source Calendar of Events is a free service provided for non-profit organizations located within our coverage area. All events are in chronological order, as space permits and at the editor’s discretion.

Passport to YLL

To place an event, email taylor@meridiansource.ca or fax 306-825-5147

Cards, games, food, meetings and live music

Edgerton Museum

Heritage Day

The Edgerton & District Historical Society is pleased to host Museum Heritage Day on Aug. 10 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission and the pancake breakfast are free to attend. E vents include brand burning, demonstrations, musical entertainment, a show and shine, an RCMP display, and horseshoe pits, as well as tons of

For someone who has never been west of Wawa, Ont., covering ground through the Canadian Shield, coming out into Winnipeg, Manitoba across to Yorkton, Sask, and now to our new home, not only is it beautiful, but oh my God was that last part FLAT!

We find our new home and surroundings gorgeous as we trekked north to Cold Lake and west to Edmonton, but it is going to take time for us to get over one thing. The ability to see for kilometres in every direction from our balcony is not a view the Grand River valley of our hometown provides. Stoplights for miles here are for a hundred

ROWSNWELL FROM PAGE 8

“They want to make it from water hydrolysis and we’re making it from natural gas. Their way of doing it is at least three times as expensive as what we doing to it,” said Rowswell.

He notes because it’s difficult to build any new pipelines in Canada, Alberta is planning to ship hydrogen as ammonia or methanol to customers who will need a cracker that will take hydrogen out of the ammonia.

fun for the kids. Food booths will be available.

The Reklaws live in P Hill

The Reklaws will be taking the stage at this year’s Paradise Hill Bash on Aug. 10. Tickets for Summer Bash are $75 and available on Eventbrite.

RCW Summer Meltdown

Get ready for the ultimate summer party at Real

meters there if you’re lucky. From etched-out-by-thesea flowerpot islands to the Appalachians, rock cuts denoting through roads to canola fields for miles, the sights of this country are second to none.

I recently spoke with pilots from around the world at the Cold Lake Airshow who said Canada looks even better from the air, something I hope to see firsthand soon. So next time you go for that standard drive of 200+ kilometres to get anywhere significant, take the time to look out the windshield, side mirrors and even the rearview when it’s safe and understand how lucky we are to have a view like this.

“That’s how we’re going to develop our market,” he said.

The MLA also took a sameday tour of a company called Carbon Engineering which is a direct air carbon capture research facility.

In a nutshell, he said, “They suck in air and suck carbon dioxide out of it,” but it’s expensive to do.

He says it costs about $400-600 a tonne to capture it that way as opposed to taking it out of a natural gas burning unit.

Canadian Wrestling’s Summer Meltdown, taking place at Cheers Live on Aug. 29. Tickets are $22.63 and the show starts at 7 p.m.

Zulu Challenge

The Zulu Challenge is coming to Bud Miller All Seasons Park on Sept. 8 from 10 a.m. to noon. This rare event will have 20 obstacles with 5 kilometres of trails. All dogs welcome. All dogs must have a

harness, no collars. All owners must have a hands free leash ... reactive/protective dogs must have a muzzle at all times ... anything you cannot do you can go around.

Google Lloydminster Zulu Race for more details. Registration for the race is $22.63.

Billy Bob Thornton & The Boxmasters at the Vic

Billy Bob Thornton & The Boxmasters are taking the

stage at the Vic Juba Community Theatre on Sept. 16 for a 7:30 p.m. show as part of the Dr. H.A. McDonald Season. Tickets are $69 and are available online or at the theatre’s box office. See you there!

Madchild at Cheers Live Juno Award winner, Madchild, of Swollen Members fame, takes the stage at Cheers Live on Sept. 26. Tickets are available on Eventbrite.

No buyer for Kodiak site

ster’s Land Use Bylaw 05-2016.

Cenovus Energy has yet to sell the former 81-acre Kodiak Refinery property in Lloydminster for $18.3 million.

The development property with more than one kilometre of frontage on Highway 16 (44 St.) across from the Walmart super-centre has been listed for sale by Cushman & Wakefield commercial real estate brokers in Edmonton for over a year.

The site map shows the property in two parcels. There’s a 33.63-acre parcel bordering 75 Ave. north and Hwy. 16 and a 47.69 parcel of land across from Pizza Hut.

The sale price works out to $225,000 per acre in the Hill Industrial Park.

The site in question is zoned C2 for corridor commercial and DC4 (direct control 4) for light industrial with the City of Lloydmin-

The C2 zoning fronting the highway enables commercial development and limited residential development opportunities on large sites abutting highways 16 and 17.

Permitted uses range from hotels and automotive repair shops to shopping centres.

Concept renderings on the Realtor’s website feature an option for a big box retail and commercial retail unit and a second concept plan that includes showroom industrial sites along the east side of the site.

The city’s DC4 zoning accommodates areas deemed to be highly environmentally sensitive and planned for light industrial business parks and business sites abutting commercial uses.

Approval of any future development is subject to the approval of a Neighbourhood Structure Plan by the City of Lloydminster.

GEOFF LEE STAFF WRITER

“It’s a blessing”

Extreme Indian Relay rider talks about his love of the job

“I jump on the first horse and go around the track, then jump off that horse and onto the next horse for another lap, then I do that a third time,” he explained. “The fastest of us to do that goes on to the championship round.”

He hopes the fans watching the sport enjoy what they do because they enjoy doing it.

As the rain cleared on Saturday afternoon, activities in the paddock area of Halstead Downs picked up for an Extreme Indian Relay rider and his team.

Beyond the rain-soaked track, the horses were fed, cleaned and prepared for the night’s racing in the barns.

That is where we caught up to Crazy Cree Relay owner and rider,

Tyrell McGilvery, tending to his horses, Billy, Birdie, Cappy and Dolly.

“We’re from Heart Lake First Nation and this is our first year running Indian Relay. My first year running my own team, my horses,” said McGilvery. “We’ve been having a great season so far and hoping to keep it going.”

catcher, back holder and setter, as well as three horses per team on the track.

He explained a little more about what is involved in competing in what is known as Western Canada’s oldest extreme sport.

“I do the riding, training and owning, there is lots for me to do. It’s what I love, I love being in the relay, racing my own horses, it’s a blessing.” Crazy Cree Relay came third during the two-day competition over the weekend.

The season has been going so well that he became the first team to ever be invited to the Calgary Stampede.

There are four men, rider,

Dan Gray – Meridian Source

Above: Tyrell McGilvery mounts his horse as they start the first lap of the Extreme Indian Relay on Saturday, July 27, at Halstead Downs. At the Lloyd Ex. Right: Tyrell McGilvery poses with his horse Billy ahead of Saturday’s action at the Extreme Indian Relay

DAN GRAY STAFF WRITER

U17 Liners on road to nationals

Canadian National Championship in Calgary this weekend.

The U17 Liners softball team’s season is nearing its end as they head to the U17 Girls

The team has been training together since October and qualified for Nationals at the Alberta Provincial Championship in Calgary at the end of June, where they placed third, beating the Calgary Adrenaline 7-5 in extra innings.

We had early provincials and nationals, which shortened our season, but I think we’ve been really successful.

The team is playing in a new league this season, which has proven to be a learning curve for players and coaches.

“It’s been a challenge not being able to play in our regular league we play in every year, so our schedule has been a little bit different,” said head coach Kelly Thiessen. “We had early provincials and nationals, which shortened our season, but I think we’ve been really successful.”

When asked about his team’s dynamic, Thiessen said, “The girls are super fun, they are very, quiet, way too quiet.”

This group of girls has been playing together for roughly eight years. Players Briella Tuchscherer and Peyton Oborowsky said their favourite part has been spending the summer with these girls and improving together.

Catcher Addison Fink, a product of Paradise Hill, said her favourite part was the Canada Cup in Vancouver. She said it was hot, but it was great to play new teams that challenged them.

Third basemen, Maidstone’s Julia Carson, says her favourite part has been winning and hopes for a win at nationals.

The consensus between the girls is, despite the fact they’re in a difficult pool, they will do well at nationals with hopes to come home to Lloyd with gold.

PRESLEY JOHNSTON JUNIOR STAFF WRITER

Supplied Photo

U15 Liners fundraising for nationals

The U15 Lloydminster Liners are nationals bound, but to do that, they need as much help as they can get from the community.

“Whatever you can do helps.”

T hose were the words of manager and parent Michelle Spornitz, who told the Meridian Source all about the girls, their journey, and what’s next for the team.

All in all, they need to raise nearly $30,000 for the trip to Montreal in August.

Of the 11 girls on the team, nine are from Lloydminster, one resides in Bonnyville, and one comes from Paradise Valley.

Many of them have been playing together for over four years, some as many as six.

Their journey to this point wasn’t easy, taking them from Calgary to Saskatoon, Moose Jaw to St. Albert.

“We have been working towards winning provincials all season, we

played in six tournaments leading up to provincials in May and June,” said Spornitz. “We finishe d first in thre e, second in one, and third in one, after every tournament they just got stronger, their practices are intense, and all the girls just have a drive to win.”

And win they did.

Despite the smoke causing delays, the girls went 6-0 in the tournament, beating the Camrose Crossfire in the final to punch their national’s ticket.

Now comes the hard part, getting to Montreal. The estimated cost per player is around $2,500 for the week of the tournament. That total includes food, airfare and accommodations for just the players. They plan to work just as hard at raising the goal as they do playing on the field.

Plans are on tap for a bottle drive, which includes setting up an account at the depot for people to donate

to. A barbecue, a raffle for a custom corn hole board, and the possibility of a car wash is also in the works.

Spornitz also noted they would appreciate any business sponsors they could get.

She hopes the community will rally around the kids and attend the events as a sendoff to nationals.

The Meridian Source will bring updates on the fundraising and the finals throughout their journey.

Lloydminster Bobcats gear up season with bench boss

PRESLEY JOHNSTON

JUNIOR STAFF WRITER

Excitement is starting up in Lloydminster with the upcoming Lloydminster Bobcats season.

This year is looking to be strong for the ‘Cats with changes on the bench and player commitments.

“We’re looking forward to the group that’s going to come and compete and show what it’s like to be a Lloydminster Bobcat,” said the organization’s General Manager, Nigel Dube.

The Bobcats recently

announced Matt Brassard as assistant coach with Jeff Woywitka, last season’s assistant coach, taking on the role of head coach.

There will also be new leadership on the ice this season with Jamie Weller being announced as captain for 2024/25 season.

Dube is enthusiastic about Weller’s return and the leadership skills he brings to the room.

“Jamie exemplifies everything on and off the ice of what it means to be a Lloyd Bobcat.”

“He has been in

touch with all of our incoming players and recruits, and there’s a lot of excitement to get things going at the end of the month,” he said.

Dube is excited about the core group of players from last year’s roster and the new talented additions.

“Our scouting staff has done a great job signing new players for this year, and it’s going to make for a really successful season,” he said.

Dube noted the team will continue to feature local players.

“It’s nice to see play -

ers who grew up wanting to be a Bobcat to have that opportunity, and we’ll see more local

players in the lineup again this year,” said Dube.

The Bobcats are gear-

ing up for an exciting and competitive season with strong returning players and new faces.

DAN GRAY STAFF WRITER

Facebook Photo

Local hoopsters fight through Sask Games

PRESLEY JOHNSTON JUNIOR STAFF WRITER

boys basketball team had some tough battles throughout the Saskatchewan Summer Games,

but they never stopped playing like a team.

They stayed level through difficult games, lifting their teammates.

Kathrine Thiessen is the Meridian Source’s Athlete of the Month for August. Thiessen, a Grade 12 student at Lloydminster Comprehensive High School, is currently in her 12th year playing softball. Thiessen is a pitcher and outﬁelder for the Lloydminster Liners and had the opportunity to play for Team Canada U18 at the Pan American Championship in April, which she described as the best time of her life. Thiessen will compete in the U17 Girls Canadian National Championship in Calgary this weekend. Good luck, Kathrine!

district while we’re hosting it and get to see all the fans cheering for us,” said Declan.

Declan Rohatyn from Rivers West played for Holy Rosary Raiders and Rustlers Club basketball this past year.

Rohatyn’s highlight from the Sask Games was putting up a fight against strong teams and representing his

“I think it’s special I’m able to play for my

“To handle the pressure, we just have to get used to it and get through the first game each day, no matter if we win or lose, and then just be confident with my teammates and encourage each other,” he said.

Declan will continue at Holy Rosary this year and hopes to play postsecondary basketball.

Beach volleyball creates big buzz at Games

PRESLEY JOHNSTON JUNIOR STAFF WRITER

Bud Miller All Season Park’s beach volleyball courts hosted 70+ athletes during the recent Sask Summer Games.

region. I want to win for my team,” said Cyr, who is into Grade 10 at Holy Rosary High School in September and played for the Momentum Volleyball Club this year.

games, watch my friends play and help out,” said Alexander. Cyr and Larre competed in the Games’ girls’ beach volleyball final through wind and rain to win silver.

Triathlon comes and goes quickly

Weather conditions exceeded expectations for the start of triathlon action at the Saskatchewan Summer Games.

A total of 44 male and female athletes from ages 12-15 took part in individual competition last Thursday at Bud Miller All Seasons Park under overcast skies and a cool breeze.

“It’s not too hot, it’s not raining. Our conditions are near perfect,” said Team Rivers West triathlon manager, Terry Masikewich from Lloydminster. He spoke just minutes before the start of the 400-metre swim heats in the Bioclean Aquatic Centre with high expectations for his team.

“We’ve got excellent athletes from Rivers West; they’re going to give 100 per cent. They’re new, they’re excited and they’re ready to roll,” he said.

H is 12 year-old son Alexander was also taking part in the first heat at 9 a.m. after qualifying at the Lloydminster ATB Financial triathlon at Bud Miller in June.

The individual triathlon challenge at the Sask Games included an 8-kilometre bike and 2 km run with transition zones based at Bud Miller.

The 2 km run, 8 km bike and 1 km run duathlon event was set to go ahead on July 26 with the mixed team event on July 27, the final day of

Games’ competition.

Rivers West coach, Crystal Minogue from Elrose Sask was extra pumped to get going with her son Oscar on the team along with eight local Lloydminster teammates.

“Absolutely, I think they are so ready to do this. I’m excited for them,” she said.

With the Paris Olympics about to start, Minogue said the competition in Lloydminster could be an inspiration for some of the young triathletes.

“I think it’s a first for a lot of these athletes and we’re looking forward to it. I think this is just a stepping stone and I hope they dream big,” she said.

The triathlon was an important athletic opportunity for 15-year-old Cooper Hurd from Lloydminster.

“I’m pretty excited,” he said at the finish of a warm-up lap in the pool.

“It just means a lot because I’ve been practising for this,” he said.

The teen noted the bike is probably his strongest event and he rode a lap of the course to get used to it.

The course was to the liking of Team Saskatoon athlete, Ivy Kellett who had only ever driven through Lloydminster before and liked the event surroundings at Bud Miller.

“It’s pretty nice. The little pond is very nice,” she said.

“I did some practice biking around and some practice running, mostly

Lloydminster triathlete Cooper Hurd poses for a poolside photo and interview during a warm-up at the Bioclean Aquatic Centre on the morning of July 26, just minutes before the start of the Saskatchewan Summer Games swim, bike and run individual competition.

just transition practice.”

The 12 year-old was also excited to take part in the Games.

“I’m very thankful that I’m able to do this and I’m very excited to race,” she said.

Her 13-year-old teammate, Leena Veeman, was also thrilled to take part in the competition.

“I am very excited about the Sask Games. I think it’s going to be very fun,” she said.

It was up to adult officials like Masikewich and volunteers to keep everything running smoothly and on schedule.

“As manager, I’m here to look after the kids, make sure they get to their places on time and make sure everything’s organized and kids get on time to their race,” he said.

“So far, all meetings are on schedule. We’re just doing a pre-race meeting for our first group but everything’s been great.”

Masikewich also gave his thumbs up to the same core of volunteers who work the ATB triathlon each year.

“The volunteer group for that is awesome. They put on an excellent competition and they’re going to do the same today,” he said.

Geoff Lee Meridian Source

GEOFF LEE STAFF WRITER

Lloydminster triathlete prevails at Games

DAN GRAY STAFF WRITER

Triathletes from across the province ages 12-15 competed at the Sask Summer Games last week. Among them, Lloydminster’s Elle Campbell.

At just 12 years old, she chose to participate in the Summer Games after some encouragement from her mother.

“I do the ATB triathlon through school and have been doing it since Grade 1,” said Campbell. “We saw in the paper the advertisement for the Summer Games and my mom said I should try this.”

When it came time to qualify, it

posed another significant challenge for her. She learned her ATB competition time and qualifying time for the games were just 15 minutes apart.

“We saw in the paper the advertisement for the Summer Games and my mom said I should try this.

After the qualifier, she had some more work to put in.

“I received an invite to Echo Lake for some training, I trained there and have been going for morning bike rides and runs, I do swim club, so I’ve been swimming with them.”

According to her athlete profile on the Sask Summer Games, website Campbell had three goals for herself coming into the competition. She wanted to make friends and have fun, learn from her leaders, and improve her skills. Finally she wanted to compete to the best of her ability.

“I’m a 12-year-old against 15-year-olds, I’m going to do my best,” she told the Meridian Source on her last training day.

Doing her best was really good in hindsight. In her girls’ triathlon final, held July 25, she raced among 26 other participants aged 11 to 15. Her finish, only 25 seconds behind the leader, earned her a silver.

U13 Maidstone Lakers win AA Tier 1 provincials

applauded the team for their strong performance.

The U13 Maidstone Lakers are AA Tier 1 provincial champions.

The eight-team tournament took place in Meadow Lake from July 26-28. The weekend started with the Lakers picking up a win against Saskatoon. The team took a series of wins against other competitors before meeting the Carnduff Astros in the finals. The Lakers took down the Atros 12-2 in convincing fashion.

Facebook posts in the U13 Maidstone Lakers group

“They say ‘it takes a village’ and man does it ever. With parents travelling in multiple directions at times throughout the season. It takes friends, family and friends, that become family to get these boys to practices, games and tournaments. Here is just a small part of that village in Meadow Lake this weekend cheering on our boys as they won gold. Thank you to everyone present and cheering from afar. Our ‘village’ is strong,” read a post by team manager Stefanie Rogers.

Vermilion represented at Olympic cycling

CHRISTIAN APOSTOLOVSKI STAFF WRITER

The 2024 Paris Olympics are here, and Vermilion local Alison “Action” Jackson, will be competing for Team Canada.

She will be competing for Team Canada as part of the Canadian Canadian Olympic Cycling Team for the road race.

Jackson was winner of the 2023 Paris-Roubaix Femmes and is a four-time Canadian National Champion.

This marks Jackson’s second time competing at the Olympics for Team Canada, making

her debut in 2020 at the Tokyo Olympics where she placed 32.

Jackson got into group riding and racing after beginning as a triathlete, she quickly made her move to focus solely on road cycling.

In 2023, Jackson was a double medallist at the Pan American Championships, taking silver in the road race and bronze in the individual time trial.

The 2024 Paris Olympics started on July 26 with opening ceremonies and run from July 26 to Aug. 11. The women’s time trial went ahead July 27 with the road race taking place Aug. 4.

Dan Gray Meridian Source Elle Campbell comes up on College Ave. during her second lap of cycling.

Vermilion’s Alison Jackson. Supplied Photo

MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

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Careers

Fresh staking at proposed Costco site

New staking has taken place at the site of the proposed Costco warehouse.

The new activity area is located roughly 300 metres north of the ATCO substation at 75 Ave. and 12 St.

The Meridian Source noticed a couple pickup trucks at the site this week and last Friday, with crews adding red stakes for what looks like an access road off 75 Ave. as depicted on site plans obtained by the Meridian Source last year.

PERMANENT FULL - TIME EMPLOYMENT

Beneﬁts

Requirements

The Lloydminster Metis Housing Group Inc. is seeking a Maintenance Man to work within the city of Lloydminster. This is a permanent full-time position. The Maintenance Man will be responsible for and not limited to: working with a staff of 4 others, daily maintenance workorders, assisting the Senior Maintenance Man with the identiﬁcation of preventative maintenance, reporting to the Manager and Senior Maintenance Man, other maintenance tasks as required.

An educational background in construction and or related work experience required. Preference will be given to those qualiﬁed applicants who are Metis or have knowledge of the Metis culture. A valid driver's license is required. Start Date - September 16th

Salary commensurate with education and experience. Salary required must be stated on resume. Resumes must include three references.

Submit resumes to:

HIRING LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSES

The Vermilion Valley Lodge (a contracted service provider for Alberta Health Services - AHS) is seeking dedicated Licensed Practical Nurses to join our team in our newly created temporary capacity CCH Type B DSL4 (10 beds) located in Vermilion, AB. The ideal candidate will have a passion for patient care, possess strong clinical skills, and be able to work effectively in a fast-paced environment.

POSITION REPSONSIBILITIES:

· Provide hands-on/physical care, alongside Health Care Aides, to residents according to the Care Plan and facility policies and procedures.

· Medication administration and supervision.

· Report changes in resident conditions as well as any other pertinent information to the appropriate decision makers in a timely manner.

· Assist in the monitoring of staff assigned to carry out the care plan, including supervising, coaching, and supporting

· Ensure resident care is delivered in a way that maintains resident dignity, privacy, and acknowledges independence, spirituality, and individuality.

QUALIFICATIONS

· Certiﬁcate from a recognized LPN program, along with current active registration with the CLPNA in good standing.

· A satisfactory Criminal Reference Check and Vulnerable Sector Check issued in the past 90 days.

· Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team environment.

· This is a physically demanding position and requires hand, arm and shoulder dexterity, sensory ability, lifting to a maximum of approximately ﬁfty-ﬁve (55) pounds, walking, standing, bending, reaching, and frequent movement.

Join our team of healthcare professionals dedicated to delivering high-quality patient-centered care.

Apply now to make a difference in the lives of those we serve! Send resumes to carrie.kohlruss@vdhf.ca

GEOFF LEE STAFF WRITER

Geoff Lee –Meridian Source Photo

CRIMINAL RECORD?

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Find QUALIFIED, LOCAL EMPLOYEES, using the strength of community newspapers! Visit www.swna.com or call 306-649-1405 to find out how!

PROVINCE-WIDE CLASSIFIEDS. 49 local community newspapers, distributing to over 450 communities, including 14 cities. Reach over 550,000 readers weekly. Call 306649.1405 or visit www. swna.com for details.

Classifieds

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

ArcForce Electric Welder Repair is looking for an experienced Technician to repair welding machines. Willing to train the right candidate. Please inquire at 6211 51ave Bay 6 or call 780-874-9353

Saskatchewan Polytechnic is hiring for the position of Heavy Equipment Truck Transport Instructor at our Saskatoon Campus. Please visit https:// careers.saskpolytech. ca/postings/54782 for more information or to apply.

HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATORS

Motor scrapers, dozers, excavators, rock trucks, packers; wide range of machines.

Lots of work all season. Camp/R & B provided. Competitive wages. Valid drivers license req’d. Send resume and work references to: Bryden Construction and Transport Co. Inc. Box 100, Arborfield, SK S0E 0A0; Fax: 306-769-8844 Email: brydenconstruct@ xplornet.ca www. brydenconstruction andtransport.ca

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND CLAIMANTS

Estate of JOHN ALTON CURTIS, who died on July 11, 2024

If you have a claim against this estate, you must ﬁle your claim by: September 9, 2024 with: ROSS A. CLEMENTS of CLEMENTS & SMITH at: Box 440 Lloydminster, SK S9V OY4

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

SELLING MY RETIREMENT HOUSE with river and mountain views on 3.93 acres along the Red Deer River and adjoining 200+ acres of environmental reserve. Buy 4 acres and enjoy the use of 204 acres. 1312 sq. ft. on the main level that was designed for aging in place & 1300 sq. ft. in the full developed walk-out basement that could be a separate suite. Second septic system for RV sewage and a separate grey water dump. For more information and pictures, please see MLS listing #A2148481.

Selling 3 collector vehicles. 1999 Pontiac GTP Nascar Pace Car. Rare model with sunroof. 1998 Cadillac Eldorado. Last series of the Eldorado. 1928 International truck. All drive great and car show ready. 403-994-2609.

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TENDERS

PROPERTY FOR SALE BY TENDER

In Ogema, SK

Lot 20, Block 15, Plan BA1993

113 Frederick Street, Ogema, SK

Tender close August 9, 2024 at 4:00 p.m. Highest, or any tender, will not necessarily be accepted.

For More

Information Contact Town of Ogema 204 Main Street Ogema, Sask

Phone: (306) 459-9000

Email: admin@ogema.ca

AGRICULTURE

WANTED

COLLECTOR/ ENTREPRENEUR PURCHASING COINS & COLLECTIONS! CASH PAID! ROYAL CANADIAN MINT COINS, collections, rare & old coins, silver & gold coins, jewelry, nuggets, bullion, sterling, gold & silver! 306-774-2420.

Bentley, Jena (Tyson) Lowrie, Piper, Bo, Kayne (Kimberly) Rowley, Hartley, Adley, Katie (Kyle) Revoy, Luke, Bennett, Jessie Hann, Sophia, Aubrie and Thomas Curtis; siblings, Lila Holden, Elaine Gunderson and Stan (Inez) Curtis; sister-in-law, Edna Curtis; and nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Al is predeceased by: his parents, Alvin and Jessie Curtis; wife, Marj Curtis; brother, Mason Curtis; son-in-law, Lionel Stephens; and brothers-in-law, Norman Gunderson and Archer Holden. A Private Family Interment

took place before the service. The Funeral Service for Al was conducted from First Baptist Church, Lloydminster, SK on Thursday, July 18, 2024 at 1:00 PM. If you were unable to attend in person, you may view the live streaming of the service posted on McCaw Funeral Service website under

Donations in memory of Al may be made to Canadian Cancer Society, Pleasantview Bible Camp or donor's charity

CARD OF THANKS

The family of Al Curtis would like to thank the doctors, nurses, hospital staff and ambulance attendants from Lloydminster Hospital. With your help, it made our ﬁnal hours with Dad easier. Thank you to Pastor Doug, Boni, Sharla, Betty Ann, Norm, Keith and Kenton for your part in making the Celebration of Dad’s life meaningful. To the pallbearers, thanks. Dad had lots of great adventures with each one of you. A special thank you to Lou Crockett for giving the eulogy. Your words gave us great comfort. To the ladies of the church, thank you for serving a delicious lunch.

Thank you for all the cards, ﬂowers and donations made in Dad’s memory. To Glenn and staff at McCaw Funeral Service for helping us through this time, thank you.

Karen, Lorne Rowley & family Blair, Lorna Curtis & family

Sharla Curtis & family