Meridian Source - December 29, 2022

Lloyd electoral district could shift

Lloydminster could be moved from the Lakeland federal electoral district to Battle RiverCrowfoot as part of a proposed Alberta-wide reshuffle.

The Federal Electoral Boundaries Commission for Alberta has proposed a new electoral map for consideration at public hearings this September.

The plan calls for Fort Saskatchewan to be added to Lakeland, currently represented by Conservative MP Shannon Stubbs, while Lloydminster and Vegreville will join Battle RiverCrowfoot, held by Conservative MP Damien Kurek.

A hearing on the proposal will be held in Lloydminster at the Holiday Inn & Suites on Sept. 8 at 7 p.m. Stubbs encouraged her constituents and municipal representatives to review the recommended changes and to participate in the public hearings

while she mulls over the impact of any changes.

“I will always do my best to advocate for the priorities of the people and communities I represent for as long as I am elected, even if there are changes, and, of course, I will also miss being directly connected with any areas that ultimately end up outside of the boundaries,” she said in an email.

The Commission has extended the deadline to Aug. 15 for anyone to request representation at any of the provincial hearings to give Albertans more time to participate in the process.

“We look forward to hearing from the public,” said the Honourable Justice Bruce McDonald, chair of the three-member Commission in a statement.

The proposal reflects the increase in Alberta’s population from 3,645,257 in 2011 to 4,262,635, as captured in the 2021 Census, and considers communities

of interest or identity, and historic and geographic factors.

Under the Electoral Boundaries Readjustment Act, the Commission’s main aim in redrawing boundaries is to divide the province into 37 electoral districts with populations that are as close to the electoral quota as reasonably possible, while considering the factors listed above.

The electoral quota for each district is 115,206, which represents the result of the division of the total population of the province (4,262,635) by the number of electoral districts (37).

The change will give Alberta three more seats in Parliament.

Holy Rosary ices hockey academy

Student athletes at Holy Rosary High School can score good grades and hockey goals when classes resume in the fall.

The school has partnered with Innovative Hockey Development (IHD) to launch the Lloydminster Athletics hockey academy for U14, U15 and U18 teams

during the school year.

“The response has been really good to the program so far,” said vice principal Jeremy Blais with registration underway.

“This is the first time we’ve had a hockey program and as the education provider for Lloyd Athletics, we’re really excited with this

partnership.”

There is no cost to the Lloydminster Catholic School Division for the program either.

Blais says the academy is suited for the athlete who wants to play at the highest possible level and wants to acquire a high-quality education as a student-athlete.

MP Shannon Stubbs

Acton fights for disabled at UN

-

Inclusion Canada president, Robin Acton from Lloydminster, got a chance to address the UN General Assembly in New York City on the ongoing plight of persons with disabilities and their families in Canada last summer.

Acton was invited to the UN’s 15th Conference of State Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities with a pan -

demic theme.

A total of 181 countries, including Canada, have ratified the Convention that Acton says is basically a rightsbased document with clauses relating to education and housing etc.

“I feel really privileged and fortunate to be representing Inclusion Canada at the UN,” said Acton, who talked about the trip during a Rotary Club of Lloydminster lunch in July.

“Getting to address the General Assembly was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”

Acton was part of a delegation from Canada to support the election of a Canadian to the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons With Disabilities.

Inclusion Canada, which advocates for persons with intellectual disabilities, also hosted a virtual side session at the Conven -

tion to draw attention to medically-assisted dying in Canada—and to forewarn the international community.

“We had one of the

McKellar changes locks one last time

make the trip to visit the other,” said McKellar. “She didn’t want to move to P.A., so I finally moved here and we got married a year later.”

Wendell

McKellar

has owned City Locksmithing & Security for just over 30 years and changed the locks on the business one last time before retirement.

The official hand-off of the keys took place in early July in conjunction with a customer-appreciation barbecue, held

in the shop’s parking lot as a way for McKellar to thank the community for over three decades of business.

“Just over 30 years ago I was at a locksmith business in Prince Albert and my then-girlfriend, Ellen, was living here, so every weekend one of us would

Maybe it’s his golden smile, the fact he knows nearly all of his customers on a first-name basis, or the fact he knows the business very well, but McKellar wasn’t always in the locksmithing game.

So how will McKellar be spending his welldeserved downtime post-retirement?

“I’m a professional golfer if you didn’t know, but I think I’d

make more money cutting keys,” he said with a laugh. “Loon Lake’s got the best golf course in the country, so we’ll have fun up there.”

“And I’m really excited to get some use out of the cabin. That’s the first thing on the agenda.”

McKellar and his wife have two grown children as well as two grandchildren who live in Sylvan Lake, so they plan to get in lots more time with the grandkids.

“I’ve got a little motor home so we’ll park up at Sylvan for a couple of weeks in the summer.”

“So if they choose to go the junior (hockey league) route or the university route they are able to do that with the program that we’ll provide. We’ll make sure they have those opportunities,” he said.

Lloydminster is one of nine IHD player development hubs

across Western Canada owned and operated by Kyle Tapp, who says Holy Rosary became a good fit.

“It’s school first; it’s a school-based program,” said Tapp, noting all the hockey takes place during the school day with students home by 4 or 5 p.m. with every second weekend off.

“You can be a sibling, you can study, hang out with your family and get

rested and recover and be a student athlete.” FROM PAGE 2

highest attended ses

sions ever at the conference of states parties for

the convention on the rights of persons with disabilities,” said Acton.

Inclusion Canada presidnet Robin Acton.

All-in-one Fire Station No. 1 opens

lic to the official grand opening of Fire Station No. 1, located at 3752 47 St., for a hose uncoupling ceremony and tours of the new facility.

Whether they’re racing to a roaring fire, a multivehicle collision, or ensuring their skills stay sharp with inhouse training, mem -

bers of the Lloydminster Fire Department (LFD) are well equipped in their new home.

In late August, the City of Lloydminster welcomed members of the media and the pub -

Work to turn Fire Station No. 1 into a reality began in 2018 and firefighters moved into the new station on May 20.

The $10M enhanced fire station was funded by the Government of Canada, the Government of Alberta, and the City of Lloydmin -

ster dating back to early 2021.

The state-of-the-art two-storey, 16,522 sq. ft. building has areas specifically designed for bunker gear storage, and a room for cleaning and drying equipment and gear, allowing firefighters to ensure no cross-contamination occurs in the rest of the building.

The facility is also equipped with a fourstory training tower

with three deck levels, including interior stairs, sprinkler props, standpipe props to simulate high-rise buildings, and technical rope rescue.

The building’s exterior includes a balcony for practising aerial ladder rescue.

“The Lloydminster Fire Department’s newly built Station No. 1 is an important addition to the community and will be integral to the safety of our

It’s volleyball heaven in Lloydminster

Volleyballs keep bouncing the right way for Lloydminster coach Cory Gratton lately.

He and the University of Saskatchewan coach, Jordan Nowakowski, helped Team Saskatchewan men’s U19 volleyball win gold at the Canada Summer Games on Aug. 21 and are instructing local youngsters on what it takes to win this week.

The second annual Momentum Volleyball Camp gets underway Thursday at the

Servus Sports Centre, and Gratton hopes Team Saskatchewan’s overall success will inspire players to reach for the top.

“I really want to see, in our community, more young athletes get involved in high performance and go through the provincial team process and play for Canada Games teams or play post-secondary,” said Gratton, who is an assistant coach with Team Saskatchewan.

The Momentum camp, with

Nowakowski onboard, runs until Aug. 28 followed by programs for Grades 4-9 students in September and October then tryouts for winter club teams.

The high school Barons just held a three-day camp this week at College Park School and the Lakeland Rustlers are holding their camp Aug. 26-29 as the sport continues to grow in popularity.

“There’s just tons of opportunities for young players to get better,” said Gratton.

residents, guests and regional neighbours,” said Fire Chief Leigh Sawicki.

“Our new location will enhance response times to our community and provide greater onsite training opportunities. These opportunities are integrated into the station through the four-storey training structure, allowing us to continue to meet and exceed industry best practices.”

Ermel pitches way into hall of fame

Lloydminster pitching ace Clayton Ermel hopes there are no curve balls thrown his way during his induction into the Saskatchewan Baseball Hall of Fame.

The 40-year-old machinist and retired player isn’t sure what to expect when he arrives at the Dillabough Centre in Battleford for the ceremony on Saturday (Aug. 20) with family and friends.

“I know they have some tours and stuff earlier in the day. I think the ceremony is somewhere around suppertime,” said Ermel with the clock counting

down the hours.

He’s just thankful no one called to tell him he needs to prepare a speech.

“I’m not really a public speaker,” he said while adding, “it’s nice to be recognized.”

Ermel says it’s comforting to be inducted with Kevin Colliar, a former commissioner of the North Saskatchewan River Baseball League (NSRBL) and an umpire he grew up with.

“I’m honoured to be inducted with him. I respected him a lot; he’s from Battleford,” said Ermel, who did a lot of umping of his own during his playing days.

His induction is rooted in his stellar pitching during innings with the Border City Blue Jays. Ermel was a founding member of the team in 2003 and a star on the mound.

He was also a player, coach and manager of the team at times from 2009-21, leading the Jays to four provincial Senior AA Tier2 championships in the NSRBL.

Lori Craven Memorial celebrates 21 years

The 21st annual Lori Craven Memorial Tournament took over Driven Energy Legion Ball Park in late August, and to no one’s surprise, the sold-out tourney that can accommodate 32 teams raised a whopping $115,000 for local families in need.

“I think this was a record-breaking year for us, and we have the weather to thank for that,” said one of the organizers Gerry Maier.

“All of the teams stayed around all weekend. We ran out of food,

we ran out of alcohol, and we kept having to go back to get more supplies because people were so supportive.

“This weekend is all about community coming together for the past 21 years to help families with illnesses, to take away their financial burden so they can put all of their efforts and positive thoughts into recovery for their loved one.”

With $115,000 tallied as of Tuesday morning, Maier said she expects that number to grow to at least $120,000 by the time the finals totals are

CLS hiring 700 skilled Filipinos

Sydney Palmer is doing his part to resolve widespread labour shortages in Canada, including farming, by hiring more skilled foreign workers to fill jobs.

Palmer is the president of CLS Consulting Ltd. in Lloydminster, who is heading back to the Philippines

this week to add to the 400 pig farmers he just hired for employers mostly in Ontario, Saskatchewan and Alberta.

“Between the two trips, we should hire almost 700 people,” said Palmer, with welders, carpenters, and dairy farmers in the mix along with pig farmers.

Summer Village of Island Lake Request for Proposals Development Officer Position

The Summer Village of Island Lake, being Alberta’s largest Summer Village and located on the shores of Island Lake, approximately 20 minutes northwest of the Town of Athabasca, is looking for an outgoing and enthusiastic individual to fulfill a part time contract position for a Development Officer services within our community. Please visit online for complete details and instructions: www.islandlake.ca

Summer Village of Island Lake, Box 8, Alberta Beach, T0E 0A0 svislandlake@wildwillowenterprises.com Position will be open until January 12, 2023 or a suitable candidate is found

done up.

“Words can’t express how this all makes me feel; it’s just amazing,” she said, adding the fact she’s been reading inspirational posts on Facebook from people stating how much fun

they have in the tournament every year.

“I don’t have a word for it … I’m just overwhelmed with pride for the community, the volunteers, and everyone that participates in one way or another.”

Clayton Ermel, on left.

Oil shows draws red carpet supporters

happens when oil goes up to $100, the whole mood changes,” said show chair John Stanyner on the first day of the two-day show at the Lloyd Ex.

optimistic buzz.

Heavy Oil Show thanks

“It’s

The surprise appearance and presentations by Alberta Premier Jason Kenney and Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe, who held a cabinet meeting onsite Sept. 14, generated an

“I think there’s a lot of energy here in the community and at the show,” said Lloydminster Mayor Gerald Aalbers, who also noted the city is fortunate to host the two premiers.

“It speaks very clearly that Lloydminster is important to both provinces from oil production. Heavy oil plays a huge role in our com -

HRHS student starts year in provincial leadership role

The Lloydminster Catholic School Division (LCSD) was beaming in early September as Holy Rosary High School (HRHS) student, Favour Anokwute, was celebrated.

Anokwute, a Grade 10 student at HRHS, recently found out she had been selected as a member of the Government of Saskatchewan’s 2022-23 Youth Council, and the school appro -

priately applauded her success.

“I was quite shocked,” she said in regard to finding out she was selected.

“It feels really good being able to make that positive impact on the school’s education and being that voice.”

Anokwute explained her spot on this year’s provincial Youth Council has been a year in the making after

Vince Orieux, former principal at HRHS, approached her about the opportunity last year.

“He came up to me

during class, gave me the form, and asked me to represent Holy Rosary on the Youth Council; I was happy to take it,” she said.

munity and they’re reinforcing that.”

Premier Moe called it a “fabulous show,” noting it’s great to be back after not having one two years ago.

“The attendance looks very strong and it’s indicative of where the industry is going,” said Moe.

“The fact that we’re here, I hope it in some way just highlights

the importance of this industry to our province, to Alberta and ultimately, to Canada.”

He said the industry in the Lloyd region has led the world in innovative solutions, initially producing crude in the early days, and lately how to produce it cleaner, better and more profitably than anyone else in the world.

Legion gets overdue facelift

The Royal Canadian Legion

Branch #39 Lloydminster received a longoverdue facelift this past September in the form of new stairs in the front and a catwalk and stairs in the back.

The Legion also repaired a leak in the basement this past summer, further improving the lifespan of the building.

Puck battle on border a big hit!

On Sept. 10, NHL alumni from the Edmonton Oilers and Calgary Flames hit the ice at the Centennial Civic Centre for the Boundary Ford Gives Boundary Battle of Alberta (BBOA).

The first BBOA took place in 2019 with funds raised supporting the Lloydminster Region Health Foundation’s (LRHF) Project Sunrise, a mental health initiative. Roughly $100,000 was raised through the 2019 Border Battle.

All funds raised are being split between the LRHF, the Lloydminster Bobcats Junior A hockey team, as well as the Lloydminster Rescue Squad.

“It was a long time in the making to put this event on and bring everyone together, but it was a great success. We couldn’t be happier that everyone enjoyed their time and that we were able to give back to the three organizations we were supporting through this initia -

tive,” said Carly Pollard, Boundary Ford’s marketing manager and Boundary Ford Gives chair.

Whether it’s entertainment on a Friday night, life-saving emergency services, or basic healthcare, Pollard knows the important role each of the three receiving organizations plays in the community, making them more than deserving of funding.

“We definitely exceeded our expectations and put on an event that had a lot of growth from the 2019 event,” said Pollard.

“We’ve also had a long break where we couldn’t get together, so it was fun to see the crowd, and I think this type of event was needed.”

Can-Do owner celebrates in heels

Lindsay Sedgwick, the owner of Can-Do Auto & Lube, may have to rebrand her business as Can-Did.

Her company is the first recipient of the new Women in Business Award from the Lloydminster Chamber of Commerce among seven women-led business nominees.

Sedgwick was thrilled to accept the award

from Red Bicycle Communications account manager Randi Noble Smith during the Excellence in Business Awards night at the WLC Convention Centre on Oct. 20.

“This is such an incredible honour. There’s so many powerhouses in this category.

I just knew that all of us are so strong and we’ve come such a long way,” said Sedgwick.

“Thank you to the Chamber for recognizing me and Red Bicycle for bringing such awareness to women in business and helping celebrate their achievements.”

Red Bicycle sponsored the award that Smith introduced earlier in the proceedings when she told the audience out of 98 per cent of small businesses in Canada, only 16 per

LCSD welcomes eagle staff

cent are owned by women.

“Tonight’s award is about celebrating women in business, the challenges they’ve overcome and how women rise up from those challenges,” said Smith, who filled in for Red Bicycle CEO Jill Kelly, who’s on vacation in Germany.

“Congratulations to all of the nominees in the room tonight.”

Rescue Squad

Gala garners $345k for

new gear

Cenovus Energy also stepped up in a major way with a second $100,000 donation, leaving LRS chief, Norm Namur, speechless.

“I think our Galas keep getting better every year,” he said.

“We were so grateful for everyone who participated, especially our sponsors, and Boundary Ford and Cenovus for their donations of $100,000 each for our new underwater ROV project.”

We are all treaty people. That was the message of a special ceremony at Holy Rosary High School in the Lloydminster Catholic School Division (LCSD) on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Treaty 6 territory.

“We are all on this learning journey together walking our path,” said LCSD Indigenous program coordinator, Cynthia Young, before a packed school auditorium on Friday.

“I always tell my stu -

dents, take care of each other; be good to one another, be kind and smile and don’t leave anybody behind. And that’s what it means to be a treaty person.”

Truth and Reconciliation has come a long way at LCSD, leading to the welcoming of a sacred eagle staff, gifted to LCSD by Onion Lake Cree Nation.

“It will remain with us and gives us the reminder never to forget and to keep learning,” said Young during a shared live-streamed

celebration to all LCSD students and staff.

The eagle staff was danced into the gym with three ceremonial songs to the delight of Nigel McCarthy, director of education at LCSD.

“The eagle staff is a symbol of the work that we’ve done together over many years,” said McCarthy.

“It’s not a one-day type of affair. It’s much more of a statement about a journey we’ve been walking for many years here together.”

It was a sold-out night at the Lloyd Ex as the Lloydminster Rescue Squad (LRS) held its 7th Annual Sirens and Sapphires Gala, bringing in a newly-released total of $345,000 for the purchase of a new Video Ray Defender.

The Defender is a remotely operated underwater vehicle the rescue squad is hoping to have in time for boating season. This new tool will help the LRS

immensely with underwater search and recovery efforts.

As usual, this year’s event, held earlier this month, included cocktails, dinner, a live and silent auction, as well as live entertainment.

As reported, Boundary Ford was the evening’s platinum sponsor, but they also stunned everyone in the room with a surprise $100,000 donation through the Boundary Ford Gives Foundation.

Carly Pollard, marketing manager at Boundary Ford and chair of the Boundary Ford Gives Foundation, was thrilled to present the squad with a cheque for $100,000 and said it was a very special evening.

“We know the job the rescue squad does is not easy. It’s not something everyone can do, and we know the services they provide are not just for the community of Lloydminster, it’s also for the surrounding area,” she said.

Court U-turns to restore access

in the province.

“I want to thank you, members of the community, for being outspoken and making your views known after the re-designation of this courthouse as a circuit point only in 2021 when the registry office and staff were removed,” said Eyre.

citizens and also court staff, judges, lawyers and RCMP officers.

The minister noted prior to 2021, the Lloyd court was processing about 60 per cent of the court cases with one judge that North Bat -

tleford now processes with four.

She noted Lloydminster also has the highest number of new charges per judge in the province.

“The amount of criminal municipal

and rural files that flow through Lloydminster through the Saskatchewan court system is substantial,” said Eyre.

“Lloyd is seeing more crime and more charges laid than ever before.”

The court of public opinion is behind the decision to re-establish the Saskatchewan Provincial Court in Lloydminster as a permanent court with a fully-operational registry.

Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Bronwyn Eyre, and Lloydminster MLA Colleen Young spoke about the feedback at the courthouse re-opening announcement —during Access to Justice Week

“It wasn’t in the best interests of the community and we want to be responsive. The redesignation today will improve efficiency.”

Eyre told attendees the re-opening will happen “as soon as possible” and will increase access to justice, speed of justice and significantly decrease travel to north Battleford for

Lakes Cattleman of the Year recipients

Talk about putting down roots.

Harry and Jean Lake are the fourth generation to raise their family on land near Turtleford, homesteaded by Harry’s great-grandfather John in 1906.

The couple’s family history on the farm came to light when they accepted this year’s Cattleman of the Year Award at the Lloydminster Agricultural Exhibition Association (LAEA) on Nov. 4.

The award is presented to those who have made an outstanding contribution to the cattle industry as well as their commitment to excellence, exemplifying quality rural life and involvement in the community.

“Many things have changed on our farm over the past 116 years, but the goal of grow -

ing crops and raising livestock while being good stewards of the land has remained the same,” said Harry in a statement.

“Over the years, we have been blessed with great neighbours, friends, and family who have supported us through the good times and bad. We want to ensure we leave the land in better condition than when we started so it can sustain generations to come.”

Their son Brad works as a service manager for Agland and lives in

Lloydminster with his wife, Danielle, and three daughters Emily, Ada and Juliet.

The oldest daughter Rhonda is the CFO for On-Site Sign Group and lives in Langdon, Alberta with her partner Kelly and her two boys Dane and Tanner.

The Lake’s youngest daughter Sydney lives in Lloydminster and works at Synergy Credit Union as a small business and Ag advisor and is getting married next July to Kyle Payne, who works as a salesman for Novlan Bros. in Lloydminster.

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Trunk or Treat an instant success

booths ran out of candy not long after the event started.

If you noticed preHalloween candy shortages in Lloyd, it’s likely because almost every piece of candy in town was purchased and handed out at the Lloyd Ex during the Lloydminster and District Co-op’s Trunk or Treat event.

On Nov. 3 from 4-7 p.m., the Culligan Water Building at the Ex was transformed to host a family-friendly indoor trick-or-treating event for young kids, which even included a

photo booth with Shrek, Fiona and a live donkey. With this being the event’s inaugural year, organizers weren’t sure what to expect but were pleasantly surprised.

“We were absolutely blown away by the turnout from the community, and we are so grateful for the community for coming out and enjoying the first annual Trunk or Treat,” said Jen McRobert, event administrator at the Lloyd Ex, who was dressed as Puss in Boots

“Not going to lie, we were expecting anywhere from 300-500 kids, but one of our displays was counting how many prizes they gave out, and they were over 2,000. It was just absolutely amazing to see that and we’re all a little nervous as to how we’re going to top it next year,” she said with a laugh.

“We are ready for the challenge and we are so excited the community came through for us and went through with it. This will definitely be happening again.”

With so many kids coming through the event, McRobert noted

“I think we ran out of candy at 4:45 p.m. and the doors opened at 4 p.m., and I think we had to make two candy runs throughout the night; it was very, very busy,” she said. “Shortly after 5 p.m. our line was all the way down to the WLS Convention Centre, which is at the far end of the building, so the line went right through the whole parking lot.”

McRobert explained it was the Co-op’s director of marketing and community relations, Kristine Knourek, who originally thought to bring an event of this nature to the Border City.

U13 Blazers score Team of Year

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L ast year’s Lloydminster Female U13 Blazers had some celebrating to do after being named Hockey Alberta’s 2021-22 Team of the Year.

The unexpected news came to the surprise and delight of players and coaching staff in late November, leaving them shocked.

“I’m not sure how many hundreds of teams there are in the province, but for our

girls’ team from this small community to be recognized for this accomplishment, I think is pretty special,” said Justin Tindall, who coached the team last season.

The Blazers were the winners of the 2022 Chevrolet Good Deeds Cup in April for their plan to make the future Lloydminster Place event centre more accessible.

Centre Ava Hufnagel

was still soaking in last April’s excitement and was left rather speechless when she found out her team had won the award.

“I was extremely sur -

prised,” said Hufnagel. “I didn’t think all that hard work we did would come out to that. We did a lot of work, but we didn’t do it for the recognition.”

Marketing Consultant Ashley Miazga ashley@meridiansource.ca

and smiling for group photos with other Shrek characters at the event.

Dodge the Stigma hits youth mental health target

What do you get when you combine 120 players, 12 hours of play, and a lot of really bad movie puns? An awe-inspiring fundraiser for youth mental health, that’s what.

From 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Nov. 29, the Hoop Factory was the place to be as the Lloydminster Region Health Foundation (LRHF) hosted its 12-hour Gift to Health

fundraiser.

This year’s fundraiser consisted of a dodgeball tournament, appropriately named Dodge the Stigma, and raised a total of $295,234, with donations still coming in.

“Over the years, the goal of the Gift of Health has changed,” said LRHF CEO Stephanie Munro.

“Last year we raised money for diagnostic

imaging. This year, and we see this as our biggest need, we’re raising money for youth mental health as well as a TIMS machine for the speechlanguage and pathology department at the Lloydminster Hospital.

“We’re raising money for healthcare, but it’s so much more than that, we’re building community.”

Munro explained the pandemic played a

large role in the selection process for where funds would go from this year’s fundraiser.

“It’s not just adults suffering from mental health. The youth of our community, and the youth of Canada as a nation have really suffered, and it shows through the statistics,” she said.

“Having said that, today has been such an amazing day. There’s so

much excitement and energy in the room, it’s amazing. It’s also been amazing being able to have all of these people come together after two and a half years.”

Munro says more proactive work needs to be done in regard to youth mental health, which is exactly what the LRHF is currently in the process of.

Levitsky receives commendation for heroic deed

Whether he’s prizefighting on ice while raising money for local youth sports or running into a burning building to save complete strangers, Travis Levitsky is the hero the Border City didn’t know it had.

On Oct. 30 at approximately 4 a.m., a fire broke out in several houses in the 4600 block of 20 St. in Lloydminster. Having seen the fire from his backyard, and without any concern for his own personal safety, Lev -

itsky sprung into action, potentially saving the lives of a number of people.

For his actions, Levitsky was honoured with a special commendation for bravery and heroism from Mayor Gerald Aalbers on Dec. 12 on behalf of council and the entire City of Lloydminster.

The events of that evening sound like something out of a movie, but in that moment, it was Levitsky’s scary reality.

“Without personal regard

for his own safety, Mr. Levitsky went door to door, alerted residents of the threat to their safety and, in doing so, ensured they evacuated their homes and safely fled the danger. Mr. Levitsky went so far as to forcibly enter a residence to alert a family of the fire,” read the commendation.

So, what was Levitsky thinking while risking his own life to save others?

“The only thing that went through my mind was ‘it’s

almost four in the morning, these people are sleeping and they have no idea what’s going on,’ and all I thought about was ‘what if this was my family or friends in that house?’ That was the only thing going through my mind is these people need help.”

“He went above and beyond and those people are here today and able to be with us today (because of his actions),” said Mayor Gerald Aalbers.

Lloyd leaders royally honoured

L

loydminster Mayor Gerald Aalbers and councillor Glenn Fagnan have been given the Royal treatment.

Aalbers is on the list of recipients for a Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee medal from Alberta Municipalities (ABmunis) as a sitting mayor and Fagnan as a community builder.

Neither of them was among the 150 Albertans from central and northern Alberta to receive their medals in person at the Westin Edmonton ballroom on

Sunday.

Medals were also given to past ABmunis presidents and lifetime members.

“This is the most memorable honour I have received as the mayor of Lloydminster, and I can only hope to serve our region with a fraction of the Queen’s dutifulness,” said Aalbers.

Fagnan was totally unaware of the award and says he is not one for individual awards, anyway.

“I’m just a small cog in a wheel. I work with

some tremendous volunteers. I’m just a regular guy and I guess they pulled my number,” he said Tuesday.

The citation on his medal read as follows: “Glenn is the executive director of Border City Connects. He has contributed countless hours to serving the residents of Lloydminster. He serves on the Olive Tree board and was instrumental in the purchase of a permanent building and establishing a community kitchen to serve those in need.”

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

WE WILL BE CLOSED FROM DECEMBER 23 AT NOON TO JANUARY 2 and will reopen Monday, January 2, 2023 5921 - 50 Avenue (306) 825-5111 meridiansource.ca

Taylor Weaver Meridian Source

Assistant fire chief Bill Heesing, Captain Brad Martin, Captain Kevin Lider (not pictured) and firefighters Maverick Hann, Stu McPhee and Keith Rushton were honoured with medals of service on Dec. 12 outside of Lloydminster council chambers.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

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

Bingo at the Moose

The Moose Lodge, located at 5213-57 Street, Lloydminster, hosts bingo nights every Monday and Wednesday. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and play starts at 7 p.m. The Moose also hosts crib tournaments every second Sunday of the month. Start time is 10 a.m. The cost to play is $10 and lunch is $12.

Cribbage Doubles Tourney

The Legacy Centre is hosting a cribbage doubles tournament on Dec. 22. Play begins at 10 a.m.

Cost to play is $10 and lunch is available for $12 per person. Everyone welcome! Call the Legacy office at 780-875-4584 for more information.

Black Rain at the Gold Horse Casino

Saskatchewan-based band Black Rain will be hitting the stage at the Gold Horse Casino in Lloydminster on Dec. 31. Doors open at 8 p.m. and the show starts at 9 p.m. The band, from Ahtahkakoop, has recorded four albums and is currently working on a fifth. There is

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

no cover charge.

New Year’s Eve at the Legacy

Tickets are currently on sale for the Legacy Centre’s New Year’s Eve dance. Cocktails at 7:30 p.m. with dancing at 8 p.m. Dance into 2023 to the tunes of Memory Lane from Saskatoon. Lunch served at 10:30 p.m. All members and guests welcome!

ADVANCE TICKETS MUST BE PURCHASED OR RESERVED by noon on Friday, Dec. 30. Cost is $35/member or $40/ non-member. Call the

Legacy office for more info or to reserve your tickets at 780-875-4584.

Lloydminster Indigenous Market

The Lloydminter Exhibition Associaion is hosting an Indigenous Market on Jan. 14 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Robbie Burns Nite

The Edgerton & District Historical Society is sponsoring the 33rd Annual Robbie Burns Nite at the Edgerton Agricultural Hall on Friday, Jan. 20, 2023.

Happy Hour and Silent Auction begin at 5:30 p.m., and supper at 6:30 p.m. with a ceilidh to follow. Tickets are available at the Edgerton Village Office at 780-7553933 or Toys and Treasures, Wainwright at 780-842-3903 or at the door. Adults are $30.00 and children 12 and under are $5.00. Call Louise at 780-755-2189 for more info.

Robbie Burns Dinner and Dance

The Flagstaff Scottish Club is proud to bring you its 15th Annual

Robbie Burns Dinner and Dance on Jan. 21. The club invites you to the Killam Community Hall to celebrate. Doors open at 4:30 and the Haggis will be piped in at 5:45 p.m. Fraid Knot takes the stage at 9 p.m. Dress is Scottish Formal and tickets are $75+fees per ticket or a table of 8 for $550. Tickets are available at www.flagstaffscottishclub.com/ robbieburns

If you have something you’d like to see in our community calendar, please email the listing to taylor@ meridiansource.ca

Kindness comes full circle at Rendell

A cts of kindness tend to become contagious at this time of the year thanks to social media and seasonal goodwill.

Rendell Park Elementary School caught the bug in December thanks to teacher Stephanie Hurd.

A few years ago she started reading Facebook posts out loud to her class about 12 Days of Giving projects carried out by Amanda and Trevor Wilhauk in

Spruce Grove, where they own Wilhauk Beef Jerky.

“So, every day, I would read and I would cry at some and some had a heartwarming end—and just so enjoyable. I feel like a lot of us have a lot, and it’s best to give,” said Hurd.

“We would talk in class about how grateful we are and people that are less fortunate.”

A couple of years ago Hurd’s students sent Christmas cards and

$10 each to help the Wilhauk family provide for three needy families in their area.

The deed prompted the couple to pay it forward to the entire school with the delivery of free pizzas from Papa John’s and a presentation to Hurd at a school assembly last week.

Amanda’s husband dressed as the Grinch to the delight of the youngsters.

“The reason we are here today is because

I found out there is a teacher in Lloydminster that reads our posts every single morning to her class,” said Amanda.

“So, she’s teaching you guys about kindness and she’s spreading kindness.”

Raiders snap six-year streak with Alberta Bowl win

The Holy Rosary Raiders football team made history this year after winning the Alberta Schools’ Athletic Association (ASAA) Tier III Provincial Championship, also known as the Alberta Bowl.

This provincial title was almost a decade in the making, not to mention the fact the Raiders have lost to the Cochrane Cobras in the finals for the past six years.

The last time the Raiders won the Alberta Bowl was in 2014

when they played in Tier IIII before moving up to Tier III.

From 2015 to 2021, with no season in 2020, Cochrane successfully beat the Raiders each time they met in the finals.

This was the team’s 10th trip to the Alberta Bowl since 2008, and they’ve gone every year since 2013. The Raiders also set an Alberta Bowl record for most appearances in the bowl.

The win was also bittersweet for the group of Grade 12 students who will be graduating in

the spring.

“This particular group of Grade 12s, when they were in Grade 7 they won Peewee provincials, when they were in Grade 9 they won the Bantam provincials, and now in Grade 12 they’re able to finish by winning a provincial championship,” said coach Vince Orieux.

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