Meridian Source - August 24,2023

So much more than a ball tournament

What began as an act of generosity has caused a ripple effect of kindness that spans over two decades, and has touched hundreds, if not thousands.

The 22nd Lori Craven Memorial Ball Tournament, held last weekend at the Driven Energy Ball Park, has an amazing story behind it.

“I approached Lori when she was sick. I asked her if we could do this (tournament) and she agreed to it and then we were going to send her to Seattle (for cancer treatment), and Lori never made it to Seattle,” said event organizer Gerry Maier.

“She forwarded the money onto, I think, one or two sick friends–$5,100, but you know that was a lot of money at that time. So, we thought let’s keep this thing going, and that’s exactly what

we did.”

This year’s tournament brought in $125,000 to help those struggling with healthrelated issues in and around the Border City.

A perfect example of how the tournament

has helped, and why it continues to grow, is the story of the Hann family.

“Sophia was a recipient in 2017. She was born critically ill, with a primary immunodeficiency disorder,” said

Local food bank hungers for donations

These tough economic times are putting the Salvation Army food bank in Lloydminster in a perpetual state of need with a revolving door.

“The food comes in one door and goes out the other,” said Major Bond Jennings who heads the non-profit charity.

Jennings says in the past year more than 300 new families and individuals have come to the food bank for assistance.

“In the past year and a half, the increase that we have seen, it’s crazy. We are still seeing upwards of five maybe even 10 new people every week,” he said.

in September will also spike the demand for the organization’s Kids Kits program in partnership with the Lloydminster Public School Division.

Each week, the Salvation Army provides a little bag of groceries for kids, including canned pasta and canned meat, Kraft Dinner, oatmeal, juice boxes, fruit cups, granola bars, fresh fruit and things like that.

“We don’t know what the numbers are for the coming year, but last year we were doing roughly 150 to 155 bags per week,” explained Jennings.

Brittni Jezowski reached out to see if they could use some help through the Lori Craven memorial fund.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

“Sometimes it’s a one time thing for a person or a family and it might be the only time we see them through the year. Other times, it’s desperate times and they will be back several times.”

The return to school

When Jennings and his wife moved to Lloydminster in 2019, they were basically filling 45 to 50 bags a year for the first couple of years.

“Last year was the first year we started with a number and finished with the same number. Before it was up and down numbers,” said Jennings.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

Jessie Hann, Sophia’s mom.

Jeannette Benoit-Leipert Meridian Source

Hundreds gathered for the balloon release at the 22nd Annual Lori Craven Memorial Ball Tournament on Sunday, Aug. 20. This year the balloons were made of a biodegradable material.

JEANNETTE BENOIT-LEIPERT STAFF WRITER

GEOFF LEE STAFF WRITER

Craven Memorial continues helping families

FROM PAGE 1

“It was incredibly helpful at that point because I had to be off work to take care of Sophia and all of her extra needs and it helped with trips to the city, and extra expenses for medication … everything that comes with having a critically ill baby,” said Hann.

Sophia is now seven years old and Hann said their entire family couldn’t be more thankful.

“We’ve been involved with the Lori Craven Memorial Tournament ever since (2017). Every year our family does a family fundraiser

… to give back.”

This year they sold frozen homemade pizzas with proceeds going back to the charity.

Unfortunately, that wasn’t the only time the family needed a helping hand.

“This past year I was diagnosed with cancer, and so I was a recipient for the 2022 Lori Craven Memorial Tournament. And we’re both here,” Hann exclaimed, referring to herself and her daughter.

“We’re both very fortunate to have an entire community support us through our wild journey that we’ve

had to endure.”

Lori’s mother, Donna Weston was at the diamonds for the balloon release and said she’s happy with the turnout.

“I am so thrilled about the young people that are coming forth … and they’re not just interested in the games. They’re saying, ‘I want to help somebody’,” said Weston.

Maier said the volunteers are ‘just amazing.’

“They don’t know how busy they’re going to be. We had some new bartenders this year. They said it’s ok, we’ve worked bars before …

they just offered to work both days, all day,” said Maier.

Afterwards Maier said they came up to her and admitted they never imagined it would be quite as busy as it was, but that there were always people there to support them.

“We’d love to say thank you to the community and to all of our volunteers, all of our ball players, everybody that donated,” said Maier.

“People that came to watch or buy a burger—that’s what makes our tournament, and it continues on because they are supporters year after year.”

He says what’s driving demand for food is everything from job loss, prevailing tough economic times and the cost of groceries and living expenses.

“Two years ago, things were a lot cheaper than what they are now. It seems like every day you go to the store, the basic things you need to buy increases from one

week to the next,” said Jennings.

“It’s hard for any and everybody. Everybody’s finding it tough. I’m finding it tough.”

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose 3.3. per cent year over year in July, following a 2.8 per cent increase in June.

While prices for groceries remained elevated, they grew at a slower pace year over

year, rising 8.5 per cent in July after a 9.1 per cent increase in June.

Electricity prices rose significantly in Alberta, increasing by 127.8 per cent in July on a yearover-year basis.

Jennings calculates the food bank needs to spend upwards of $600,000 to $700,000 a year to buy all the food that it puts out on a regular basis.

He says basically they

rely “on the good folks of Lloydminster” to donate food and cash to buy food including the high demand seasonal Christmas campaign.

“People come in with donations on a regular basis for us—businesses in town. I do get a few funding grants from organizations in Lloydminster,” added Jennings.

In addition, he says Walmart and Real

Canadian Superstore do fundraising campaigns every year.

“The Co-op, Sobeys and Safeway do fundraising at Christmas and they have done great the last number of years,” added Jennings.

“So all of these organizations I am buying food from (for the food bank) when I go to buy groceries.”

In the meantime, Jennings has a list of pri -

ority food supplies to replenish their shelves.

“Pasta sauces and pasta is always a good thing, rice, canned soup, chunky soups, beans, canned vegetables—they are all good items. Cereals for families and children are also things that are needed,” explained Bond.

“Cash is good because we can buy a fair amount with cash.”

Jeannette Benoit-Leipert Meridian Source Sophia Hann, 7, gives her mom, Jessie, a high five after telling the crowd about their family fundraiser.

Funding key for city at convention

One size doesn’t fit all when it comes to infrastructure funding for growing municipalities in Alberta, including the City of Lloydminster.

Mayor Gerald Aalbers and city council members will add their voices to a call for the government to provide more infrastructure funding for high-growth cities at the upcoming Alberta Municipalities (ABmunis) 2023 convention and tradeshow in Edmonton.

The City of Airdrie is behind a proposed Provincial Funding for Growing Municipalities resolution of interest to Lloydminster at the two-day convention on Sept. 27-28.

“Airdrie falls into a similar group with Lloydminster and others. We call each other the mid-size cities and are seeing growth,” said Aalbers.

A total of 61 Alberta municipalities recorded a growth rate of more than 10 per cent from 2016-22 according to the government’s Office of Statistics and Information.

“Some members of ABmunis are trying to raise that matter that funding is critical, certainly infrastructure funding in particular

because as we continue to grow, we need that infrastructure,” said Aalbers.

The resolution notes Alberta funding programs for municipal water, wastewater and local infrastructure projects is not equally available to all municipalities to meet important infrastructure needs.

“That is the challenge based on current regulations and policies put out by the government. It speaks to the need for government to realize one glove does not fit everybody,” said Aalbers.

The mayor says he already shared that with Premier Danielle Smith when she attended Canadian Professional Chuckwagon Association Finals at Halstead Downs last week.

“She understands it’s a challenge; it’s always a balancing act of income and expenses.

“Certainly, I think she heard very clearly that growing communities need to be treated differently than communities that are holding their own and are steady, but not seeing the growth that other communities are seeing.”

Aalbers says a recent study by the Canadian Taxpayers Federation

shows about 52 per cent of a municipality’s revenue source is taxes, 21 per cent approximately comes from government grants and the remainder comes from user fees and fines.

The Local Government Fiscal Framework (LGFF) Transition Fund, introduced in Alberta Budget 202324, will help offset the impact of the formula chosen to distribute funds, but does nothing to address the impact of the overall decrease in the funding available to non-charter cities like Airdrie.

The LGFF will result in a 37 per cent decrease in total dedicated capital funding to municipalities in 2024-25.

“When you have 21 per cent or more

dependent on the government, if there’s a change, it’s going to have taxation implications,” said Aalbers.

He says there’s a huge difference in infrastructure capital if a municipality is in an expansion mode like Lloydminster and Airdrie compared to those with stagnant or steady growth.

Aalbers says Lloydminster hasn’t proposed any resolutions at ABmunis for a couple of years, noting a lot of local issues “have biprovincial tendencies” that differentiate the city from others in the province.

Likewise at the Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association (SUMA) convention in the spring.

Source File Photo Mayor Gerald Aalbers and members of council will attend the 2023 Alberta Municipalities Convention and Trade Show in Edmonton Sept. 27-28.

Trick riders a real treat to watch

JEANNETTE BENOIT-LEIPERT STAFF WRITER

Canadian Trick Riding Association (CTRA) participants were kickin’ up dust at the Lloyd Ex during their jackpot competition on Aug. 16 and 17.

As well as competing, they were invited to perform before the Canadian Professional Chuckwagon Association finals.

“A lot of them just

love horses. Some of them have taken gymnastics over the years, some still do, it’s definitely about flexibility— and being brave, really,” said CTRA president Jamie Burzinski.

“Some of the girls tonight are going right in front of the CPCA finals. I actually have booked a show each day for the CPCA finals, with all the Canadian trick rider girls.”

There are normally five or six CTRA competitions per year throughout the province.

“We’ve had a jackpot in Provost this year, Stony Plain, Grande Prairie, Lloydminster and then our finals will be in Fort MacLeod on the 24 and 25 of August,” said Burzinski.

The trick riders are fortunate to have a very experienced coach to teach them the ins and outs of the sport— Amber Miller (formerly Amber Graham) of the Graham Sisters. She and her sister Krista each have a daughter in the CTRA.

“When I trick rode

The upcoming Alberta convention could be another potential gold mine like SUMA for Aalbers and council to have one-on-one meetings with ministers.

“We don’t meet as elected officials regularly, so getting together with people and learning and discussing the issues, hearing the workshops that are presented and the guest speakers, it’s huge,” said Aalbers.

“The premier will be there. She’ll be addressing us and the leader of the opposition.”

ALMOST SOLD OUT!

there were only about eight girls in Canada who trick rode … as soon as I started teaching lessons a few other people did. Now we can have competitions— before it was just a contract act in rodeos,” said Miller.

“So now all the girls can showcase their sparkly horses and costumes even if they’re maybe not quite ready for rodeos. Some of them are here for the competition and then head out to the rodeo.”

CONTINUED ON PAGE 9

Alberta funding for the new Cenovus Energy Hub arena will also be a topic of interest for Aalbers and council at the ABmunis convention.

“Certainly, it’s going to be a discussion item with some ministers and the premier again. I had the pleasure of discussing it with her when she was here,” said Aalbers.

He cautions the provincial government operates similarly to city council with budgets and timelines.

“We’ll make sure our request is in the right place at the right time,” he said.

CONVENTION FROM PAGE 3

Jeannette Benoit-Leipert Photo

Faith-based ministry to comfort homeless

Marsha who found him a room in a house and helped him get a job as a cook.

They kept in touch and eventually got married in 1996 and started the Devoted to You Street Ministries at her suggestion.

“We went out in the evenings because of my job. Also every single weekend; we’d go as often as we could, even in 40-below weather serving hot chocolate on the street,” said Eldridge.

When his wife died a year ago from stage two rheumatoid arthritis and Alzheimer’s dementia, he just needed to get far away to escape the pain of his loss.

Newcomer Ron Eldridge is on a mission to help the homeless in Lloydminster.

The 62-year-old arrived in the city just over four months ago with plans to start a local version of “Devoted to You Street Ministries,” which he founded and ran for years in Winnipeg to help the down and out.

“I decided after I got settled here that I would restart the ministry,” said Eldridge, who envisions a local Christiancentred ministry to help the homeless and less fortunate lead a more positive lifestyle.

He also wants to educate churches, youth groups and other agencies on the needs of street people and is beginning to make local introductions.

“What I plan on doing is what we did in Winnipeg—clothing and feeding them and counselling them and handing out backpacks filled with personal hygiene items. It’s really great,” said Eldridge.

He has already fed a few homeless people he’s met on his days off as a cashier at Safeway.

Also, he has just made initial contact with the

Salvation Army and the Lloydminster Men’s Shelter.

“I need to get the word out there because I am going to be needing donations of clothing, food, backpacks, personal hygiene items, things like that,” said Eldridge.

He says people who want to donate can phone or text him at 306 830-1030 and he’ll store stuff in his spare room for now.

Eldridge has pitched his plan to his pastor, Tyler Evenson at Living Faith Pentecostal Church hoping the church might provide an outreach office as Bethel Community Church did in Winnipeg.

Evenson says the church hasn’t made any decisions on the Lloyd ministry yet, but they are open-minded.

“It’s still early days, so we’re looking at what options there are available and how we can connect with the community in a meaningful way,” said Evenson.

“I know Ron is moving things forward on his front. We’re just getting to know him and understand a bit about what his cause is for in the city.

“I know it’s something he’s got a big

heart for. He understands it from a firsthand perspective.”

The ministry is Eldridge’s way of giving back after being homeless himself from 1973 to 1987. He left home at an early age to escape his physically and verbally abusive alcoholic father in B.C. He discovered being homeless is unhealthy and dangerous.

“There were times when I thought I was going to die, especially in the middle of winter or in a heat wave.

I’ve got frostbite several times,” said Eldridge.

He called himself a homeless transient who would hitchhike all over Canada and found himself in Winnipeg on a cold September day badly needing help.

He connected with a caring woman in a bar that evening named

“I didn’t know where—to just start over again—because there was just too many memories,” said Eldridge, who finds Lloydminster receptive to him and his message.

He wants to repeat what they did in Winnipeg and hold an annual massive giveaway of food and clothing for the homeless in the courtyard of City Hall this fall.

Eldridge says he plans to talk to the city about maybe repurposing some boarded-up homes near the men’s shelter for more beds and working with his Habitat for Humanity contracts in Winnipeg to build here.

Eldridge received the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal in Winnipeg for helping homeless people over the years.

He’s been interviewed about his outreach efforts several times by major news networks in Winnipeg and also CHVN, a Christian

radio station. The Golden West Broadcasting network will air an upcoming

phone interview with Eldridge on Aug. 25 or 26 with some affiliate stations in Alberta.

Geoff Lee Meridian Source Ron Eldridge, left, who founded the Devoted to You Street Ministries in Winnipeg for the homeless, recently moved to Lloydminster and is working on setting up a similar ministry in the city. He is pictured speaking with Stephen Jessone at the Lloydminster Men’s Shelter. Surprisingly, Jessone knew Eldridge from Winnipeg. Eldridge received a Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal for his work with the homeless. He is employed as a cashier at Safeway.

GEOFF LEE STAFF WRITER

Northlands leaves legacy at Lakeland

“For decades, Northlands has been a driving force in agriculture in Alberta, and as they end operations, it seems only fitting that they choose to support that on-going legacy of leadership in ag through this award.”

Award recipients will be agriculture science students in good standing, who are recognized for their leadership outside of the classroom.

One of the oldest non-profit organizations in Alberta has left a parting-gift for current and future Lakeland College students.

Northlands organizers, after wrapping up operations in 2021, have chosen to support the future of agriculture through the newly-created Northlands Legacy Agriculture Award.

“We are pleased to

provide these funds to support agriculture education at Lakeland College,” says Jerry Bouma, transition board chair for Northlands.

“Indeed, it is with great pride that the Northlands’ legacy of

service will now be carried by Lakeland College and its longstanding commitment to agriculture.”

The gift of $145,000 was awarded to Lakeland College on Aug. 17 at the Vermilion campus. The award

will be given to four students annually for 10 years.

“We are so appreciative of this gift from Northlands,” said Alice Wainwright-Stewart, president and CEO of Lakeland College.

“It is such a meaningful way to honour the legacy of the Northlands organization and our future leaders in agriculture. It will make a huge difference for the students who receive it,” said WainwrightStewart.

Northlands began operations in 1879, and were in charge of K-Days and Farmfair International until July 2021, when the organization handed over the reins to Explore Edmonton.

Supplied Photo

Lakeland College Ag students will be the recipients of a series of awards throughout the next ten years thanks to a gift from Northlands, and it was presented at the Vermilion campus on Aug. 17.

JEANNETTE BENOIT-LEIPERT STAFF WRITER

JEANNETTE BENOIT-LEIPERT STAFF WRITER

Three local athletes have been training to take on the Subaru Canada Ironman competition in Penticton, B.C. scheduled for Aug. 27.

Swim, cycle, run, cancel!

Unfortunately, mother nature has other plans, and the event is cancelled because of travel restrictions imposed due to fires in the area.

Ross Thompson, Derrit Daigle, and Terry Chaisson have been training together, and

Church Directory

working hard to prepare for the endurance race of a lifetime.

Daigle said he was disappointed when he heard the news, but he understands.

“Sometimes you have to train lighter because of the air quality… or not at all because it’s really bad. Or indoors,” said Daigle.

The trio continues to train, despite the challenges they’ve faced throughout the past number of years.

“The three of us have been training together for about five years and two of the ironmans during COVID were cancelled. Last year we were able to finally do it together,” said Daigle, adding that they were able to defer their regis-

trations for the Subaru Ironman Canada event over to 2024.

An Ironman competition is made up of three physically demanding events, done back-to-back. They swim first 4 km, cycle 180 km, then run a marathon of 42 km.

“Most of the challenge is on the run section, which is the last part. You know—you want to keep going and sometimes your body is a little reluctant to keep going,” said Thompson.

“One of the things that I always look at is … prior to a race or a competition I always look back at the training that I’ve done leading up to it. You fall back on that, like why would you want to quit

after you’ve done all this training, right?”

Thompson said it’s very helpful to train alongside those with common goals.

“The three of us, we train together, probably 10 months a year. The three of us—we like to push each other, right? But we always have a beer together afterwards,” said Thompson.

Even though the Ironman competition was cancelled, they have another event to look forward to that’s closer to home.

“We’re also getting into the ultra-distance running, so anything over a marathon— between 50 and 100km,” said Thompson.

The Iron Horse 100 is being held out of St.

Paul on the last weekend of September.

“So you run from basically St. Paul, around Elk Point and all the way back. That’s another thing we train for together—is longdistance running.

“I train six days a week, and then I take one day off for rest. Most of the week I train at noon. I’ll go for a swim at noon, and then I’ll run or bike at night,” said Thompson.

“The cycling is good. We’ve got a lot of really good roads here—a lot of good secondary highways with very little traffic on them, which is nice. We do a little bit of running out at Mount Joy and my favourite spot is in Vermilion at the provincial park.”

Photo courtesy of Eric Healey

(From left) Eric Healey, Devin Morrison, Ross Thompson, and Derritt Daigle take a break during a ride to admire a rainbow in the distance. Thompson, Daigle, and Terry Chaisson were training for the Subaru Canada Ironman in Penticton, B.C. this Sunday, but it has been cancelled.

It’s Christmas in August!

It seems like Christmas in August in the backyard of the Saskatchewan home of Brian and Brenda Thomas for their clearance sale that started a week ago and ends on Friday, Aug. 25. The sale has attracted a lot of well-wishers and shoppers seen carting away many Christmas decorations at rock-bottom prices. The popular neighbourhood retirees just sold their house, known for its festive decorations. The couple is downsizing to apartment living, so everything must go.

Miller says her daughter Rhye loves trick riding too.

“I started trick riding when I was about 13 years old. A lot of the trick riders I train now start way younger; six, seven, or eight years old. My daughter is eight years old and she can almost do everything I could at 13, and she rides a fast little horse.”

The participants are judged on a few different factors, including speed, the tricks they choose to do, and even the way they interact with the spectators.

“They’re judged on their different tricks, so ideally you have to do lower point tricks in order to have that progression into big -

ger tricks, but they also want to do high point tricks to win,” Miller explained.

“So it’s kind of a balance—we still have to preach safety. I never wore a helmet when I trick rode, now they wear helmets.”

Young trick riders come from all over the province for Miller’s clinics, but many are from the WainwrightProvost area, which is where she hangs her hat.

“The sport has grown a lot, in I’d say the last five or six years. In spring I do clinics every weekend, and can’t keep up,” she said, adding that when she trick rode she was one of only eight, now there are approximately 30 active trick riders in Canada.

CTRA FROM PAGE 4

Geoff Lee Meridian Source

Thursday, August 24, 2023

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.

MERIDIAN SOURCE Editor Taylor Weaver taylor@meridiansource.ca

Staff Writer Geoff Lee geoff@meridiansource.ca

Staff Writer Jeannette Benoit Leipert jeannette@meridiansource.ca

Marketing Manager

Deanna Wandler deanna@meridiansource.ca

Marketing Consultant Ashley Miazga ashley@meridiansource.ca

Marketing Consultant Cory Harvie cory@meridiansource.ca

Publisher: Reid Keebaugh

Production Manager: Amanda Richard

Distribution: distribution@meridiansource.ca

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.

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

Border Banter with Benoit-Leipert: A beautiful day at the beach

I was born and raised on a farm just outside the Border City.

Many other farm kids will probably identify with the fact family vacations were fairly rare in the summer months.

We did our travelling mostly in the winter when there wasn’t so much happening on the farm.

The two things I always looked forward to in the summer when I was a kid were, number one: The Lloyd Ex Fair and number two: Our day trips out to Sandy Beach Regional Park.

We would load up the macktaked Dodge minivan with a big cooler, a blanket, towels, and as many kids as possible. And you better have your bathing suit

on underneath your clothes, because the last one in the lake is a rotten egg.

We’d make the 25-minute drive–which seemed like an eternity at age seven.

Then it was time to take your chances on the rusty old metal slide. If you didn’t have a friend splashing water on it before your turn it would usually burn the heck out of your backside on the way down.

And if you were super brave, you’d swim all

Vic’s Views...

In my farming career, I was constantly bothered by not having enough farming help. I tried to hire Canadians, and the few I did hire mostly were excellent, a few duds, but mostly good men and women.

I tried importing men from Uruguay and India but could not get past Immigration Canada.

Finally, I hired a firm from Regina to do the paper as I had a man from India who was very interested in coming to Canada.

After a year it seemed like there was no way he could get a Visa and I gave up trying!

I printed off new forms and found this fellow from South Africa. I filled out my portion of all the new forms and he did the same in South African.

the way out to the diving board. I remember the way the seaweed felt on my toes, and it always freaked me out after my big sister brought a leech to shore on her leg one time. I was very paranoid after that.

We’d swim and play in the water, then head to the picnic tables by the playground for sandwiches.

Hands down the quickest way to dry off was the rickety metal merry-go-round

tor of the Lutheran Church in Viking, Alta. This is the letter I wrote to him after we attended his installation service a couple of weeks ago:

Dear Chris, Congratulations on becoming the new Pastor at the Lutheran Church in Viking! You know I am not a church goer but if you had told me you were coming to Canada to become a Minister, you would have never gotten out of South Africa!

Having said that, I know you will do a great job but I would like to give you a few tips. Going to church should be uplifting and fun, where when it is time to go home, you feel good and have a smile in your heart.

2017

After three months of waiting, he was approved! That was 10 years ago! His name is Chris Koch. Now, he has turned religious on me and is the new Pas -

The old whiney hymns will not cut it, uplifting music and songs with a real beat bring in persons of all ages. Bev said, “The music gets in your soul and sets the stage for the upcoming week!”

Chris, if your sermon is longer than all the hymns being sung, you may have talked too long.

(70s and 80s babies know what I’m talking about). Man, that thing flew! Dangerous but SO much fun.

We recently went to Sandy Beach to celebrate my youngest son’s 14th birthday, and Sandy Beach has definitely changed for the better. The playground is all new and there are flush toilets!!

Some things have stayed the same though; the beautiful beach and the feeling of summer.

Chris, if children are squirming in their seats and a few old guys are nodding off, you have talked too long.

You have a beautiful church and it is there due to the congregation and those that came before them. I was really impressed with the junior choir. The singing and clapping was as professional a performance as I have ever witnessed.

Those children are the future of the church! You and your people must make it fun for those kids to come on Sundays, or any other day. One thing you have to do is feed them.

The old girl meticulously cutting the cake into one-inch squares just doesn’t cut it! That size is all right for me, but those young children in the choir wolfed those down without tasting them!

You could feed them Rice Krispie squares, cut into threeinch pieces. (Only my opinion).

Leeway from Lloyd: Senior moments in spandex

They say age is just a number, and at 74, I was one of the oldest, if not the oldest cyclist in the L’Etape Canada race by the Tour de France in Sherwood Park on Aug. 13.

In fact, there were only five of us in the oldest 70-79 age bracket in the 85-kilometre event and just six in the 135 km. I

finished third in the group, just one minute behind the second senior, and 15 minutes behind the winner. The other two guys were way behind.

There were also a couple of women over 70 proving seniors rock. Ironically, the start/finish line takes place in front of a 55-plus condo.

The fastest 70-plus senior was in the 135 km and covered the distance in an amazing 3:48.41. By com -

parison, I was 3:16.23 in the 85 km, averaging 26.3 km/hr to his 35 km/hr!

I maxed out my effort on a hot day and my computer indicated my heart rate also hit my pacemaker max of 160 bpm for over seven minutes.

There was no way I could have taken part in the Alberta Senior Games for Zone 7 seniors this past weekend but I am looking forward to seeing those results.

When my race was all over, I was grateful I can still compete, but I can understand why more seniors don’t. For one thing, you have to have relatively good health and not be sick or injured on race day.

The sport is not cheap either as I saw

a lot of $5,000-plus bikes out there. I got my bike in 2017 for half price but like most seniors, I can’t afford to buy one at those prices.

To compete, you also have to pay a registration fee along with food, gas and accommodation if you are coming from

out of town.

There is also a huge time commitment to training that a lot of seniors don’t have.

If age is just a number, pick the one you have and go for it to keep active. You might look good in spandex, too!

The kids should be making them, or pizza, etc. … you are a great cook, you could supervise. Bev suggested dessert on Sunday!

Good luck, Chris! I’m sure you will do a great

job right where you are! Yours truly, Victor Hult

P.S. Remember when we were having trouble with Immigration Canada with all the changes in paperwork etc. etc. I told you I didn’t believe

you were coming until I could see the whites of your eyes? I looked at those eyes again when I was at the Lutheran Church in Viking on Aug. 6 and those were the kindest eyes looking back at me!

VIC’S VIEWS FROM PAGE 10

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.

North Bend

Musical Afternoon

North Bend Musical afternoon is held the second Sunday of each month except for August. Join us from 1-4 p.m. at the historic North Bend Hall, RR 3262 north of Hwy 3. Dancers and musicians are encouraged to join. Raffle tickets are available for our draw on July 9 for $1,000

Passport to YLL

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

worth of Diamond 7 Meat, a queen size quilt and a child-sized gator.

Playschool Preregistration

Southridge Playschool & Kindergym has opened up their registration for the fall 2023-2024 classes. They offer one-day a week for three-yearolds and one or two days a week for four/

five-year-olds. They have also qualified for the Affordability Grant! For more information please call Mrs. P. at 780-872-9523.

Cribbage Doubles Tourney

The Legacy Centre is hosting a Cribbage Doubles tournament on Aug. 24. Play begins at 10 a.m. and the cost is $10. Lunch is also

available for $12. Bring your partner for a day of friendly competition at the card tables! Call the Legacy office at 780875-4584 for more info.

Cribbage Tourney

A Cribbage Tournament is being held on Sept. 10 at the Lloydminster Moose Lodge. Registration is from 9-9:45 a.m. and games start at 10 a.m. – 12 games gauranteed. Enter as a team or an individual. Entry fee is $25 per player, which includes a hot lunch.

Diabetes Education Class

The Saskatchewan Health Authority is hosting the Diabetes Education Class “An Introduction to the Basics,” on Sept. 11 from 12:30-4:30 p.m.

The class will be held in the Prairie North Plaza’s Klinger Conference Room – Across the hall from Suite 115, 4910 50 Street. To register please call 306820-4887. There is no charge for the class.

COPD Class

The Saskatchewan Health Authority is hosting a COPD Class on Sept. 14 from 12:301:30 p.m. in the Prairie North Plaza – Suite 109. To register please call 306-820-6243. There is no charge for the class.

Managing High Blood Pressure

The Saskatchewan Health Authority is hosting a “Strategies for managing high blood pressure” class on Sept. 26 from 9-11

a.m. in Suite 109 of the Prairie North Plaza. To register, please call 306-820-6262. This class is free of charge.

Legacy Centre Day Trip

The Legacy Centre is taking a trip to the Mayfield Dinner Theatre on Sept. 27 for the performance of Musicians Gone Wild –Rock The Canyon. The bus leaves the Legacy parking lot at 7:15 a.m. aboard Charlie’s Charters Busline and will arrive at the theatre at 10 a.m. for brunch. The performance is at 2:30 p.m. then it’s back to the bus to head home. Tickets are $179 per person and must be paid before your name goes on the list. Call the Legacy office for more details.

What gives hope to the life of those who grieve

SHIRLEY SCOTT SPECIAL TO THE SOURCE

Initially in the dark cloud of grief, life seems hopeless.

How does one ever find hope again, or do they? Hope is seeing beyond the present pain. Hope can even be seeing a survivor that inspires hope in you. Not that life will ever be the same but there will be ”life”. Hope will be investing and risking in the future.

A quote from Sr Joyce Rupp OSM in the article “Keeping Our Hope Alive In Troubled Times” tells the story

of a boy who was banished to a wilderness. When he returned he was asked how he had survived.

He said, “The night was cold and the sky was dark but far off I saw a shepherd’s light on another mountain. I kept my eyes on the glow in the distance and I dreamed of being warm. That is how I had the strength to survive.”

Hope is often looking at another survivor and recognizing they are alive and moving forward out of the deep pain.

Such support is found in the Walking Through

Grief Society support group. A support in which survivors of such loss and pain gather to support each other, and in doing so, find hope and look to mentors in the group for a glimpse of hope. By being a companion for each other on the journey, and learning new skills to help navigate the journey of grief, there is hope and help.

Hope After Loss –Audra’s Legacy, is a program that offers children 6-16 grief support. A time for finding hope and friendship.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 16

It’s Boston or bust for Blythe

conditions.

The physical toll started to kick in, however, on Monday morning, to temporarily dampen his enthusiasm.

“I’m definitely sore today, but my kids got me out of bed and took me to the park and got me moving around. Definitely, tomorrow will be the sorest day, then I’ll just try to keep my recovery going,” said Blythe.

there and run fast.

“It’s just kind of getting closer to the end of my running career, but it’s just kind of a crowning achievement to go to the most historic race in the world. It will be super fun,” said Blythe.

“My wife was on it immediately. That was part of the deal. I was hoping to qualify to go on a vacation together.”

into Edmonton.

“I had lots of support from my teaching colleagues and from the runners in Lloydminster and family and friends,” he added.

Craig Blythe will be on a runner’s high until next year’s Boston Marathon.

The 36-year-old teacher at Winston Churchill School just finished the Edmonton Marathon on Sunday in a Boston qualifying time of 3:01:31 as a

35-39 age grouper. His wife, Laura, who is also a runner, was on hand to cheer him on and receive an honourable mention in his Facebook and Instagram postings.

“That should be enough to qualify for Boston! A painful adventure,” he wrote that Sunday.

“Thanks to my amazing wife for the support and the perfect nutrition/hydration plan. The Good Lord gave me wings today. For a brief moment, I felt like a sub 3 hour was possible!”

Blythe also set a personal best in the first half marathon of the race that took place under perfect

He and Laura are now scrambling to book a hotel in Boston for the 128th edition of the Boston Marathon on April 15, 2024.

Registration for Boston opens on Sept. 11 at 8 a.m.

Blythe ran his first marathon in Edmonton in 2019 and was inspired to run it again by Lloydminster runner Mikey Dubz, who ran the 2023 Boston Marathon in 3:08:06.

He notes it was really cool to see Dubz go on his adventure down

Blythe ran several other races this year to prepare for Edmonton, believing he couldn’t have done it without encouragement from others in the Lloydminster Runners Club.

“I’ve been super happy with the support from the Lloydminster running fraternity with all the advice they’ve given me in training and up to race day,” he said.

Blythe says he put out a post on social media letting everyone know what his goal was going

Several other Lloydminster runners took partw in the marathon including Andrew Litt 3:29:08, Michael Davison 3:37:32, Cam Wheeler 3:59:13, Bonnie Christie 4:18:58, Garett Wyness 4:23:34, and Jay-Ar Maglalang, no time posted.

Seven local runners completed a half-marathon distance.

Blythe will join a slew of area individual and team runners who will compete in the Iron Horse Ultra in St. Paul on Sept. 30 and take on the individual 100-kilometre distance.

In June, he ran the 50 km Crazy Muley race on sand dunes near Edgerton to test his endurance.

23084FF0

Supplied Photo

Lloydminster teacher-athlete Craig Blythe, second from right in red, was one of seven local runners who took part in the full Edmonton Marathon on Sunday. The 36-year-old qualified for the 2024 Boston Marathon in a time of 3:01:31.

GEOFF LEE STAFF WRITER

TAYLOR WEAVER EDITOR

It was a big weekend for Canadian Professional Chuckwagon Association (CPCA) driver Danny Ringuette as he won his first-ever Canadian championship.

Going into Sunday’s dash, Ringuette knew a penalty-free run was needed as he lined up against Logan Gorst, Luke Tournier and DJ King.

Tournier would be the first to cross the finish line at Halstead Downs on championship Sunday with a time of 1:15.63, but a 1-second penalty for the wagon starting ahead of the horn gave him a time of 1:16.63.

With the clean run he needed, Ringuette crossed the line at

1:16.24, claiming the Canadian title.

“Luke was strong all year, and I got lucky tonight,” said Ringuette on Sunday.

“It feels good, to be honest; I don’t really have words. This is what we all strive for, this is what we all want to do, win one of these, and I can’t take anything away from Luke because he ran a heck of a second half of the year.

“You gotta be good to be lucky and lucky to be good.”

Outriding for Ringuette were Tiegan Larouche and Tyler McKenzie, a pair he’s worked with for the majority of the season.

“Tyler McKenzie came back and I was his first call,” he said.

“He rode every run

for me since the third show of this year. Tiegan’s rode for me most of the year, too, and he’s doing a heck of a job. They’re both allstars and they’ve been awesome.”

Ringuette also noted his horses did a heck of a job throughout the weekend.

“Tonight I had two first-year wheelers on, a first-year left leader, and an old right leader. They really ran their hearts out and I’m happy with my barn,” he said.

“The horses are the real athletes, the real stars in this. They deserve more recognition than me … I’m really happy they did it for me tonight, and all year.”

Ask any chuckwagon driver and they’ll tell you

running clean is the key to success; Ringuette is no different.

“Consistency, consistency, consistency, that’s the name of the game,” he said.

“We had a couple of bad days here, but we had enough points to get into the dash, and like I keep on saying, we got lucky.”

MISSING HELP US FIND OUR BOYS

ville, Alta, this was Ringuette’s ninth year driving after making his first appearance in the wagon in 2014 after many years as a barn hand.

Breed: German Shepard Color: Brown/Black Mix

Missing since April 29, 2023

**

reward

BLUE 306-821-2665 CALL OR TEXT JORDYN WITH ANY INFORMATION TED

Grabbing life by the horns and taking it

Born and raised in the Border City, 21-year-old Eastyn Clarke wants to be like everyone else.

Born with autism, Clarke is setting an example for athletes by not letting his developmental disability hinder

his goals of becoming the best MMA (mixed martial arts) fighter he can be.

Clarke took an interest in football at a young age and played at LCHS until he graduated in 2021. Football didn’t really work out for Clarke, which is

when he switched gears to his first love, MMA.

“Before I found football, I found myself wanting to try all of these (MMA) moves I was seeing on TV … but I kept telling myself it was hard, it’s going to take too long, I wasn’t any good, so I set it aside for

good … but it kinda just came back to me and I wanted to try it.”

Since stepping into The Fight Farm just over a year ago, coach and owner, Garrett Tepper, has been working with Clarke on his kickboxing, Brazilian jiujitsu and MMA.

“When he first started he had no prior training and we could tell he fell in love with it instantly,” said Tepper, explaining Clarke dissects this differently and asks more questions than most other students.

“He’s been putting in the work and he’s

already had some tournaments for kickboxing where he did amazing,” said Tepper.

“We always wonder if someone will rise to the occasion, the old fight or flight … he did better than I thought he would.

“He’s very respectful and he’s a fighter at heart.”

For Clarke, autism isn’t something he lets get in the way of his goals, but it’s also something he doesn’t much care to talk about.

“I’m not actually a fan of the term ‘autistic,’” he said. “When I hear that word it gives me a

“But this will be the farthest journey yet of my career. I’ll be shooting for about 10 hours,” he said.

Blythe heads back to work on Aug. 28 with running on his mind, starting with Terry Fox runs.

He’s also the race director of the annual school runs involving the Lloydminster public and Catholic school divisions.

Races will take place for Grades 3

Offered in two 10-week sessions, registration is now being accepted. Session to begin Sept. 26.

For more information or to register, please contact Shirley at 780-846-2576 or 780-871-1750 (cell) or

chill up my spine.”

It’s almost as if Clarke’s autism is his superpower once the gloves are on as he’s always pushing himself to be better.

“There’s two words in the gym that read ‘Be Better.’ Those words haunt me a bit because I want to be better (in everything in life) and I want to make sure I make it to the top, just like everybody else. I want to go to college, I want to get a degree and have something like this (MMA training) that I really want.

“I just want to be like everybody else.”

to 9 students at Bud Miller All Seasons Park during the last week of September.

Blythe will have plenty of personal running stories to share with his Grades 4 and 5 students when classes resume.

“It’s fun to run with the kids and tell them about your accomplishments and that motivates them to see what they can do. I know they will be much faster than me in years to come,” said Blythe.

Gayle Barnes at 780808-1645

If you are not in the area, seek out the support of others who are on a grief journey counsellors or a group that offers support and hope.

Perhaps you will find the glimmer of light,

warmth and hope that seems so distant.

Submitted by: Shirley Scott Walking Through Grief Society

Supported by: FCSS City of Lloyd, Town of Vermilion, Wainwright, Villages of Kitscoty and County of Vermilion River.

GRIEF FROM PAGE 12

BOSTON MARATHON FROM PAGE 14

Taylor Weaver Meridian Source Eastyn Clarke, who was born with autism, has been training at The Fight Farm for just over a year. Clarke continues to chase his dreams of being the best MMA fighter he can be while not letting his developmemtal disability get in the way of his goals.

TAYLOR WEAVER EDITOR

Astec curling tour takes shape

GEOFF LEE STAFF WRITER

Heads up, curling fans.

The clock is ticking closer to the Lloydminster Golf and Curling Centre hosting the top eight ranked curlers on the planet from Jan. 10-14 in 2024.

Ticket package information will be available in October for the Astec Safety Challenge presented by Wild Rows Pump and Compression.

“We still have space available for teams, as well as sponsorship opportunities,” said Astec’s manager of administration and training coordinator, Caitlin Mulligan.

The event is in partnership with Alberta’s

Team Bottcher rink that is coming in hot with two Grand Slam victories in the 2022-23 curling season.

Hopefully this inaugural event will be the first of many.

“I am excited to be partnered with Astec Safety and to bring a world-class tour event back to Lloydminster. It will be great to battle the world’s best,” said skip Brendan Bottcher on behalf of teammates Marc Kennedy, Brett Gallant, and Ben Hebert.

“Hopefully this inaugural event will be the first of many.”

The competition will

include the 2023 world champions from Scotland and current world bronze medalists from Switzerland along with the 2022 Olympic gold medalists and world champions from Sweden and other awardwinning teams from Italy along with some provincial champs from Canada.

While the curling will be the main attraction, there will be something for everyone with a junior curling development session hosted by Team Bottcher.

Organizers also promise a memorable kick-off event on Jan. 10, and fun-filled entertainment venues in and around Lloydminster, throughout the tour challenge.

File Photo

Team Bottcher skip Brendan Bottcher follows his front end (L) lead Ben Hebert, 2nd, Brett Gallant in September 2022 in Whitby, Ont.

Helping Alberta’s aviation workforce soar

Alberta’s government is investing $5 million in the province’s aviation industry to help fill the growing demand for workers and position Alberta as Canada’s aviation hub.

The province’s aviation industry is experiencing skyrocketing growth and employers need more skilled workers to support this momentum.

Fourteen employers will receive funding totalling $5 million through the Aviation Skills Grant to strengthen the province’s aerospace sector as Alberta’s economy continues to grow and diversify.

“Alberta’s aviation industry is soaring to new heights and the province is well on its way to becoming Canada’s next aviation hub,”

said Minister of Jobs, Economy and Trade Matt Jones.

“Funding delivered through the Aviation Skills Grant will help Alberta’s aviation employers access the skills and talent they need to grow their businesses and support vitality in the sector.”

Grant recipients will receive up to $30,000 per trainee to help offset training costs for new or vacant positions. More than half of requested training is for pilots and aircraft maintenance engineers, which are key indemand occupations for Alberta’s aviation industry.

“As a landlocked province, investing in our aerospace industry is key to developing economic corridors, expanding market access and to helping

create local jobs,” said Minister of Transportation and Economic Corridors Devin Dreeshen.

“That’s why we are providing $4.6 million to support community airports through the Strategic Transportation Infrastructure Program. These investments, along with the Aviation Skills Grant, demonstrate our government’s commitment to growing Alberta’s aviation sector.”

Grant recipients include small and largesized employers that represent air transportation, flight schools and aircraft maintenance businesses across Alberta. Airspray, with a hub at the Red Deer Regional Airport, provides air tanker support to control wildfires.

Adventure Aviation, based in Grande Prairie, has trained pilots for more than 20 years. WestJet Airlines is Canada’s second-largest airline and operates almost 800 flights daily.

The complete list of grant recipients is available on alberta.ca.

“This grant advances WestJet’s ability to harness and train top talent to take aviation to new heights in the coming years,” said Andy Gibbons, vice-president, external affairs, WestJet.

“We commend the Government of Alberta’s dedication to strategic investments in our industry that will support WestJet’s growth in the province and support the growth of aviation and tourism as an economic driver for Alberta.”

The Aviation Skills Grant is part of Alberta at Work – a multi-year provincial investment of more than $700 million to help Albertans develop new skills and grow their careers to support Alberta’s economy now and in the future – and targeted investments to grow Alberta’s aviation industry.

File Photo

Drought support for livestock producers on the way

Support for Saskatchewan livestock producers affected by drought is on its way.

Immediate measures are needed as farmers and ranchers deal with significant challenges due to drought.

On Monday, the Government of Saskatchewan announced the province is making up to $70 million available to help offset extraordinary costs of feeding livestock to maintain the breeding herd in the province.

Saskatchewan continues to work quickly with the federal government to jointly examine how AgriRecovery could help respond.

Provincial funding will be available based on receipts or appropriate documentation for extraordinary expenses for the purchase of feed or transportation of feed or livestock, to provide cash flow to eligible producers impacted by significant drought.

“Immediate measures are needed as farmers and ranchers deal with significant challenges due to drought,” said Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister David Marit. “Our government is committed to ensuring livestock producers have the support they need, as they continue to provide the highquality food Saskatchewan families rely on.”

The program will be administered by Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation.

“We appreciate the province stepping up and providing their portion of the AgriRecovery payment,” said Keith Day, Board Chair of the Saskatchewan Cattlemen’s Association. “We look forward to a similar announcement from the federal government to provide their funding to ensure our producers get the help they need through these challenging times.”

Saskatchewan’s funding will provide eligible producers with up to $80 per head to maintain breeding stock for beef cattle, bison, horse, elk, deer, sheep and goats. The government is committed to providing assistance as soon as possible to producers.

“This support is promising, and the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities is thankful for how quickly the province stepped up to assist those livestock producers most in need, it will certainly help,” said Ray Orb, president of SARM. “We are confident that the federal government is working together with the province to assess how they can provide additional support through AgriRecovery and look forward to seeing what that much-needed assistance will be.”

Producers in some areas of the province are dealing with drought, particularly in

western Saskatchewan. Precipitation has remained well below normal, contributing to a substantial moisture deficit and hindering recovery of pasture and forage ranges.

MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

Thursday, August 24, 2023

MERIDIAN SOURCE 306-825-5111 admin@meridiansource.ca

HIP/KNEE REPLACEMENT. Other medical conditions causing TROUBLE WALKING or DRESSING? The Disability Tax Credit allows for $3,000 yearly tax credit and $30,000 lump sum refund. Take advantage of this offer. Apply NOW; quickest refund Nationwide: Expert help. 1-844-453-5372.

Classifieds

CRIMINAL RECORD? Why suffer employment/licensing loss? Travel/business opportunities? Be embarrassed? Think: Criminal Pardon. US entry waiver. Record purge. File destruction. Free consultation. 1-800347-2540. www. accesslegalmjf.com.

FIREARMS WANTED FOR OUR 2023 AUCTION PROGRAM: Rifles, Shotguns, Handguns, Antiques, Militaria, Collections, Estates, Single Items. For Auction, or Possible Purchase: TollFree 1-800-694-2609, Email Us @ sales@ switzersauction.com or Visit Us @ www. switzersauction.com.

FULL TIME REPORTER/ Photographer position in Hanna, Alta. with the local newspaper.  More info: East Central Alberta Review, Joyce, 403-575-0090. Forward cover letter and resume to: publisher@ECAreview.com.

HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATORS & LABOURERS WANTED

For all heavy equipment: ie. dozers, excavators, scrapers etc. 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

MEIER FIREARM AND SPORTSMAN AUCTION

August 26 10AM. Rifles, Shotguns, Ammo., Hunting Supplies. 4740 57 ST  Wetaskiwin. Consignments accepted up to sale time. For More Details visit www. meierauction.com; PH 780 440-1860.

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE

GET YOUR MESSAGE

SUCCESSFUL WELLMAINTAINED 24 room motel in west central Saskatchewan with 2 bedroom owners suite. $625K. Serious enquiries only. Please direct questions via e-mail to: stang@sasktel.net.

FOR SALE

• Cat 75C Challenger - $40,000

PRIVATE MORTGAGE LENDER. All real estate types considered. No credit checks done. Deal direct with lender and get quick approval. Toll free 1-866-4051228 www.firstandsecondmortgages.ca.

Advertisements and statements contained herein are the sole responsibility of the persons or entities that post the advertisement, and the Saskatchewan Weekly Newspaper Association and membership do not make any warranty as to the accuracy, completeness, truthfulness, or reliability of such advertisements. For greater information on advertising conditions, please consult the Association’s Blanket Advertising Conditions on our website at www.swna.com.

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.

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

INTEGRITY POST FRAME BUILDINGS since 2008 BUILT WITH CONCRETE POSTS. Barns, Shops, Riding Arenas, Machine Sheds and more, sales@ integritybuilt.com

1-866-974-7678 www. integritybuilt.com.

WARM UP and HEAD

WEST THIS WINTER: Osoyoos BC is a haven for snowbirds looking to experience mild winter weather and an abundance of activities! Hotel suites start at just $425/ week with more savings for monthly stays. Learn more at www. osoyoossnowbirds.com. To request information on wintering in Osoyoos, visit osoyoossnowbirds.com, call the Osoyoos Visitor Centre at 1-888-OSOYOOS (1-888-6769667), or email: visit@ destinationosoyoos.com.

HOUSE TO BE MOVED: 952 sqft bungalow in Lougheed AB. Must be moved off current lot this year (2023) $29,900. Call (403) 816 8422.

SEEN ACROSS Alberta. The Blanket Classifieds or Value Ads reach over 600,000 Alberta readers weekly. Two options starting at $269 or $799 to get your message out! Auctions, Employment Opportunities, Feed and Seed, For Sale, etc. People are increasingly staying home and rely on their local newspapers for information. KEEP people in the loop with our 80 plus Weekly Community Newspapers. Call THIS NEWSPAPER now or email classifieds@awna.com for details. 1-800-2826903, 780-434-8746 X225. www.awna.com.

• 2360 Swather - $4000

• 30ft 930 John Deere, pickup reel $10,000

• Doepker Super B - $20,000

• Morris 543 Cultivator, new shovels $2500

• Morris 743 Cultivator , anhydrous tips - $3000 Call Victor for viewing 1-306-893-7600

WE BUY DAMAGED GRAIN HEATED... LIGHT BUGS... TOUGH MIXED GRAIN SPRING THRASHED WHEAT... OATS

PEAS... BARLEY CANOLA... FLAX “ON FARM PICKUP” WESTCAN FEED & GRAIN 1-877-250-5252

ALBERTA FEED GRAIN: Buying Oats, Barley, Wheat, Canola, Peas, Screenings, Mixed Grains. Dry, Wet, Heated, or Spring Thresh. Prompt Payment. In House Trucks, In House Excreta Cleaning. Vac Rental. 1-888-483-8789.

WANTED OLD SIGNAGE. Looking to purchase old cigarette advertising signs. Black Cat, Sportsman, Buckingham, etc. CASH PAID. (403) 860-1445 or grizzlygas@hotmail. com . Also oil or dealership signs.

PINTAIL WINTER WHEAT

ExtrEmEly hardy high yiElding awnlEss. ExcEllEnt variEty for foragE or fEEd grain production

Low inputs

HigH profits

In SK call or text 306-229-9517

In AB call 403-556-2609 or text 403-994-2609 mastinseeds.com