Meridian Source - February 16, 2023

Agri-Visions draws a big crowd

The herd mentality at the Lloyd Ex for this year’s Agri-Visions was decidedly jovial.

It was the first agriculture show in years without any COVID restrictions and drew a good turnout for a trade show, keynote speakers and banquet on Feb. 8-9.

“We sold out two of our three buildings and three-quarters of the third building, so we couldn’t be happier with the turnout,” said facility event administrator Jen McRobert on the opening day.

“I think people are just ready to get back to normal after COVID for many years. Everybody just loves socializing and chatting. This is the place to do it.”

Agri-Visions brings the latest information on both the grain and cattle industries under one roof.

McRobert says it gives exhibitors a chance to showcase what their new products are and what they have for inventory, especially the dealerships.

“They can showcase

all the new equipment they have,” she said.

“For the smaller guys, it gives them a chance to be out in the community and make some new business connections.”

We sold out two of our three buildings and threequarters of the third building, so we couldn’t be happier with the turnout.

McRobert called the attendance amazing by noon on opening day, including a visit by Lloydminster Mayor Gerald Aalbers, who offered his first impressions.

“It’s tremendous. It meets the needs of our producers, be it gain or cattle,” said Aalbers.

“It’s great to see local businesses out here showing their wares and equipment off and the other services that go with it.”

Aalbers says the show brings together grain, oilseed and cattle producers.

“I think that just

speaks to the nature of the industries around us,” he said.

With lunch on the go, he said, “I haven’t found anybody in our community who doesn’t like to enjoy a good roast beef sandwich, steak and a loaf of bread, and those are all things we can look around our community to provide.”

The list of scheduled speakers for topics such as farm insurance, technology options, fertilizer and livestock marketing, was also getting a lot of early attention from show-goers.

McRobert says they dropped the agronomy stage this year to put all the speakers in one room so no one would miss out and the change worked from the get-go.

“Every speaking session has so far been packed full,” said McRobert.

“And for the trade show, we have people everywhere, so we couldn’t be happier with the attendance.”

McRobert was optimistic all of the few remaining tickets for the Heart of the Farm Banquet would be sold out at the end of the day and

it turned out more than 700 people attended.

Everyone wanted to hear what farmer Dickson Delorme had to say as his social media persona, Quick Dick McDick.

He was also set to deliver a talk on the future of agriculture on the final day of the show.

Aalbers may have

beaten him to it though, as he correctly noted there’s so much more to agriculture than there used to be.

“The traditional elevators are gone, now we see high throughput elevators. We see more grain on the road we see a changing world for chemicals and fertilizers,” said Aalbers.

“Precision farming is the greatest change I’ve seen with the GPS and all the pieces that go with it.”

Next up at Lloyd Ex is the Cutter Rally for Cancer on Feb. 25, the Progress Steer and Heifer Show on March 18-19, and Spring Sport and Leisure Show on March 24-26.

GEOFF LEE WRITER

Geoff Lee Meridian Source

Saskatchewan farmer Dickson Delorme, aka Quick Dick McDick on his social media channel, spoke twice at this year’s Agri-Visions at the Lloydminster Feb 8-9.

Schooling in kindness acts

Geoff Lee Meridian Source Barr Colony students kicked off Pink Shirt Day on Wednesday in support of acts of kindness all month. A group of kids got together in the gym to make heart signs to spread a little love. Check next week’s edition of the Source for more.

Geoff Lee Meridian Source These Barr Colony school kids dressed for Pink Shirt Day kindness celebrations going on at the Lloydminster Public School Division on Wednesday. Back row are Noelle, Max and Jaylyn with Hayden and Keerat in front with a Love Bugs poster in the background.

Students sprinkle community with kindness

bring the community together, so why not with donuts? Everyone loves donuts. It also lead to a studentdriven project where students got to design the different types of ingredients.”

Michelle Rusteika, who owns Sobeys with her husband, Kevin, was thrilled to be back on board for another year and said there’s a bigger-picture effect of campaigns like this.

to give back and work with kids is amazing.”

Rusteika also noted how blown away she was at the success of last year’s campaign.

ering donuts and challenging other places to purchase donuts and pay it forward so kind -

ness kept moving on.

“We’ll be challenging some businesses again this year.”

Students at Mother Teresa Early Childhood Learning Centre are sprinkling the world with kindness with the help of Sobeys with the return of their donut campaign.

The donut campaign, which runs for the next three weeks, is a fundraising partnership between the school and Sobeys Lloydminster where students design special “kindness” donuts, which are then brought to life by the team at Sobeys and sold to raise money for local non-profits.

Now in its second year, the campaign kicked off last Thursday when Grade 1 students bused to Sobeys to paint donuts on store-front windows to promote the project. Donuts officially went on sale as of Sunday, and all funds raised through this year’s campaign will support the Lloydminster Rescue Squad, Border Paws Animal Shelter, formerly known as the SPCA, Furbabies, Big Brothers Big Sisters, KidSport, and the Goat’s Christmas Wish.

“Each class has designed a donut and the donut has key kindness ingredients in it. Those donuts will be recreated by the bakers here at Sobeys,” said Grade 1 teacher Paige Kindopp.

“This is our second year doing it and we hope to raise over $7,000; half of that money would go towards some of the local organizations.”

Kindopp said the idea

for a fundraiser involving donuts stemmed from pop star Justin Bieber’s success with Tim Horton’s donuts during the pandemic.

“This is something we started last year with Michelle from Sobeys,” said Kindopp. “Justin Bieber was making it big with donuts (at the time) and I thought we could make it big with donuts as well in a world where there’s so many unknowns. We wanted to try to

“We now are building six-year-old community builders,” she said. “They talked to community organizations, they asked the questions, they decided where this money’s going to go … they’re little three-foot community builders, and I love it.

“I can’t even tell you how important giving back to this community is. We’ve raised our kids in this community, the school has been there for our children, and to be able

“Last year, it took off and was far beyond what we initially projected and set plans for; it just went crazy. It was joy in a notso-joyful time,” she said in relation to the pandemic. “It really touched the community and the community backed it, 100 per cent. I’m excited for this year.”

Another fun element of last year’s campaign was the community challenge aspect, which Rusteika and Kindopp are excited to bring back.

“Last year we did a business challenge,” said Rusteika. “I believe Synergy started it and they challenged the LCSD division office, who then challenged another business, and it went on and on. We were deliv -

Taylor Weaver Meridian Source Students from Mother Teresa Early Childhood Learning Centre pained the windows at Sobeys last Thursday to help kick off this year’s donut campaign.

TAYLOR WEAVER EDITOR

Students soak in new wing at HRHS

The wait is finally over, and for Lloydminster Catholic School Division (LCSD) students of all ages, the future is looking bright.

The new wing at Holy Rosary High School (HRHS) officially opened to students last Thursday with a special presentation and rib -

bon cutting.

In attendance were staff and students from HRHS, community partners and sponsors who helped make the expansion possible, government representatives, as well as student representatives from each of HRHS’ feeder schools.

“We’re very excited about the new expan -

sion opening,” said HRHS’ principal Jeremy Blais.

“We started classes in here in semester two and the students are really excited, and we’re really excited to welcome community members in to take a look at what’s going on in here and share the work that’s gone into this.”

The expansion wing is almost three years in the making and was necessary with the growing population at HRHS.

“We found our population has been growing quite a bit, and with that, our student areas were becoming a little bit crowded,” said Blais. “With the design

we’ve built here, there’s more areas for students to hang out and study, and it’s really made our building not feel quite as packed as it was before.”

The new wing includes newlydesigned classrooms and features a new art centre, science labs, a kinesiology centre, an

innovation centre, a Truth and Reconciliation Centre and more.

“There’s a real open concept to our expansion wing. Our art room loft is really open and there’s student areas they can hang out and study, and just be a part of our Holy Rosary culture,” said Blais.

Taylor Weaver Meridian Source Photos

Left: A student from St. Mary’s Elementary School reads about his school’s patron saint last Thursday during a ribbon cutting ceremony to open the new wing at Holy Rosary High School. Right: Students from throughout the LCSD flooded the new wing at HRHS last Thursday during its offical opening.

TAYLOR WEAVER EDITOR

Blais also noted the importance of having younger LCSD students in attendance and participating.

we asked you to share your ideas in what you felt was needed here,” said Scott.

“From the architects, the construction crews, engineers, to the many

Photo courtesy of Jessie Mann

tradespeople on the ground doing the dayto-day work, your work, and you, are greatly appreciated by all of us.

able to continue to live our mission of nurturing the spiritual, intellectual, social and physical development of each student in a faithcentred community.”

“All of our elementary schools are sending classes, and they brought their patron saints with them to be a part of our process,” he said. “All the schools will be a part of this because it’s a big thing for LCSD, not just HRHS, so we’re excited these students are going to be the ones in the building in a few years, and they’ll be able to take advantage of all the things we designed for their learning.”

LCSD board chair, Paula Scott, talked about the value of the student voice and how it was utilized throughout the process.

“Before designing this space we talked to you, the students, and

The crowd roared when HRHS principal Jeremy Blais cut the ribbon last Thursday to officially open the new wing at the school. FROM PAGE 4

“

Youth justice affords second chances

Give youth offenders a second chance.

That’s what the Lloydminster Youth Justice Committee does with a little help from nonprofit organizations where youth can volunteer hours to benefit the community.

The committee cochair, Jennifer Shymanski, asked the Rotary Club of Lloydminster to consider taking on some volunteer youths for projects during her presentation at Monday’s meeting.

Youths charged with relatively minor first or second offences in Alberta may be eligible for sanctions such as community service work.

“The SPCA and The Olive Tree have taken kids, but it’s hard to find places for them to go volunteer,” said Shymanski.

Other sanctions might include victim compensation through personal

service and meetings with victims and community members.

As a volunteer youth justice committee member, Shymanski works with a young offender if the court gives her a file after they have pleaded guilty or the RCMP gives her a direct referral.

Youth justice committees in Alberta hold young people accountable for their crimes, but also help them become contributing members of their communities.

The committees have three months to help court file young offenders and 45 days for police referrals.

“It’s all about second chances, helping them to understand what they did was wrong and move forward in a better path to make better decisions,” said Shymanski.

She says they sit down with a young offender and their family at the RCMP station.

“We read over the police report, we ask them their side of the

story. We’ve also talked to the victim at that point as well and we talk about what could have been done differently,” explained Shymanski.

She says it’s also important to find out what’s going on in their lives, including social media.

If they committed an assault they want to know if they are being bullied or if they need some addictions help or counselling.

She notes with court files, the committee provides help for the young offender and does check-ins every week and sends notes to the court every week.

Shymanski says if the youth doesn’t complete the programming or the maximum of 60 hours of community volunteering, they will go back to court.

“I just need a place for these kids to get volunteer hours,” she told Rotary.

Shymanski was introduced as an oil -

field dispatcher with a bachelor of arts in sociology who loves her job and also has a passion for working with young offenders.

She currently has a file of seven young offenders, and her personal reward is seeing the kids make better decisions.

Shymanski told Rotary supporting these volunteer-run committees is an effective way to reduce crime.

GEOFF LEE WRITER

Geoff Lee Meridian Source Jennifer Shymanki, the volunteer co-chair of the Lloydminster Youth Justice Committee, told the Rotary Club of Lloydminster how young offenders can get back on track by volunteering with non-profits to benefit the community.

Dear Money Lady, I received a large severance from my employer which recently elimi -

ASK THE MONEY LADY

nated my job after 38 years. I plan to find an Advisor, but because I have never had one before I am wondering what I should pay for their services, Ed.

Ed, you are not the only one looking around for a new investment advisor. With the volatile stock market environment, many people have sent me comments and questions about

how to move their portfolios to a new advisor.

I would caution those investors on making any quick changes and selling stock at this time. Remember, the key is to maintain a well-diversified portfolio which includes bonds, cash, and high-quality stocks.

When you are looking for an investment “partner,” try to pick an advisor who really has your best interests at heart; someone you will definitely need when weathering future market uncertainties.

Please make sure to do your homework and find out what the firm and the new advisor’s value proposition is. It goes without saying that you should interview more than one

and make sure you find a good fit with not only the advisor but also the brokerage firm. Now let’s talk about fees. What should you pay?

There are two types of fee structures – transactional or fee-based.

Transactional fees are charged with every investment transaction. This is often the case when you buy fixedincome investments such as bonds. A fee is charged when you purchase the bond and then again when you sell it.

There are not many advisors that still offer transactional fee structures when buying securities. They seem to have left the industry with the vintage oldschool stockbrokers who had to do multi -

ple trades every month to make any money. A method we used to call “pump & dump” back in the day.

Now we have investment advisors that want to put you in fee-based plans, designed to offer more protection for clients along with a consistent revenue stream for the advisor and brokerage firm.

At the retail level, many financial planners are paid a base salary with a commission matrix based on how they grow their book of business and bring on new clients.

Typically, fees are preset and based on the mutual fund you choose ranging from 1 per cent to 2.95 per cent.

CHRISTINE IBBOTSON SPECIAL TO THE SOURCE

RCMP and LFD ready for puck battle

MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

Who’s going to win?

The hydrant heroes or the boys in blue?

The Battle of the Badges Todd Gustavson Memorial Hockey Tournament is back at the Centennial Civic Centre on Saturday, Feb. 18 with a 7:30 p.m. puck drop as members of the Lloydminster RCMP face off against members of the Lloydminster Fire Department.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and admission is by cash donation or non-perishable foot item(s). All proceeds from this year’s game will support The Olive Tree, The Salvation Army Lloydminster, and the Lloydminster

Investment advisors at an IIROC brokerage firm (member of the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada) are usually on straight commission, making them much more motivated to ensure you make a profit, which they in turn are compensated on.

Fee-based services range from .75 per cent all the way up to 3 per cent. Some advisors act as personal bankers for ultra-rich clients, doing everything for them, hence they may be able to justify the higher fee structure.

But for most of us, we do not need someone to pay our bills and handle our budgets, so if you are paying more than 1.5 per cent for a fee-based portfolio, you may be paying too much.

If you have different SMA products, (Separately Managed Accounts) your advisor may increase their fee up to a max of 1.75 per cent.

Really, Ed, the bottom line is, fees are all over the map and vary from one advisor to another. The cost you pay for professional

Region Health Foundation’s mental health initiative, Project Sunrise.

The Lloydminster RCMP is supporting the Olive Tree.

Needed items include Canned fruit, apple sauces, school snack packs, pasta sauce, pancake mix, syrup, jam, canned meat, nutfree granola bars and crackers.

The Lloydminster Fire Department is supporting the Salvation Army. Items in need include canned meat, canned fruit, canned soup, instant oatmeal (individual packets), boxed potatoes and sidekicks.

Cash donations will support Project Sunrise’s mental health initiatives.

financial advice should be based on your own personal comfort zone. Is your advisor a valued partner that you are willing to pay for, and most importantly are you satisfied with their services?

It is always a good idea to periodically check out the competition, talk to your friends and see what they pay.

Remember, as you age and move investments into securely fixed-income products with lower risk and smaller gains, your number one problem will be fees and expenses.

Fees, inflation, and future market volatility always eat away at your retirement capital, decrease your purchasing power, and eventually force you to lower your lifestyle as you age.

Good Luck and Best Wishes,

Money Lady - Christine Ibbotson is a national radio host and author of three finance books plus the Canadian Best-Selling Book

“How to Retire DebtFree & Wealthy.” Visit www.askthemoneylady.ca or send a question to info@askthemoneylady.ca.

MONEY LADY FROM PAGE 8

Thursday, February 16, 2023

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Viewpoint

Through the reader’s lens ...

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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

Word on the street ...

Guess what, everyone, we’re bringing streeters back!

The idea is simple, and quite a bit of fun. We go out into the community and ask the same

question to five random people. Streeters will be a regular thing in the Source , so if you’re approached with a questions by our editor, Taylor, play along! Taylor was at the Servus

This week’s question ...

Sports Centre again last weekend during the 4th Meridian Female Classic hockey tournament and got some great answers; let’s keep the conversation going!

What is a “wierd food combo” that you OR someone who know enjoys?

- Popcorn and caramel

- Celery and Cheez Whiz

- Toast, eggs, and jam, together

- Toast and honey

- Watermelon and peanut butter

Grayson Calla Sabri Sloane Charley

Photos by Joshua Colson

The old Bea Fisher Bottle Depot was removed off the site for the construction of the new Lloydminster and Distrist Co-op car wash by Musgrave Developments on Monday morning. The site is located at 12 St. and 50 Ave. on the south end of town.

Leeway from Lloyd: Spend local with trail promotion

ers like me to guess.

I have started seeing those TV ads again promoting the Trans Canada Trail and I can’t help but think what a waste of advertising dollars.

It just seems like it’s out of proportion with the relevance of the trail and the lack of emotional connection to it these ads generate.

First of all, it’s very odd that the commercials never show the trail or tell you where it is let alone show anyone having fun using it. Does the trail even exist?

All I see on TV is a huge forest surrounded by mountains that looks to be in the Banff area, but it’s left up to view -

I think if you polled 100 people in Canada, maybe one person will have even heard about the trail.

It is touted as the longest recreational train in the world spanning over 28,000 kilometres over land and water with routes linking three oceans. That’s nice I guess.

More importantly, a recent news release about the trail notes it is a registered charity funded by the federal government, Parks Canada and donors.

I would rather have my tax dollars just support any section of the trail through a national park where people might use it instead of the middle of nowhere where few people will.

The news release notes one woman

WSA currently in field for snow surveys

MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

The Water Security Agency (WSA) is once again preparing to undertake snow water equivalent sampling to help create a complete picture of the spring runoff potential for Saskatchewan.

As part of our regular monitoring, WSA personnel gather snowpack data to help fill in other data gathered from other monitoring sites.

“To ensure the province’s water needs for communities, farmers and ranchers, industry and recreation users, the Water Security Agency manages the province’s water supply year-round,” said Minister Responsible for WSA Jeremy Cock -

rill. “That’s why every February, as part of our regular monitoring, WSA personnel gather snowpack data to help fill in other data gathered from other monitoring sites.”

WSA staff will be in the field at over 100 sites later this month, carrying out snow surveys to help forecast the runoff potential, providing information on water supply and flood risks.

Much of Saskatchewan’s runoff comes from snowmelt, so these surveys are a key piece of information for forecasters.

WSA staff will collect a column of snowpack using a graduated tube, weigh the samples and then calculate the average snow-to-water equivalency for that area.

Surveys from across the province contribute to the runoff potential map released every spring.

walked the entire trail, but it took her five years. That’s not a great return on investment.

The most preposterous part of trail advertising is the claim the trail links us all together. Sorry, but

a dirt trail, mostly through the wilderness that few people know about, doesn’t do that.

The Internet, does that, our phones do that and our highways do that and the sport of hockey does that. A

trail is something you hike or bike on for recreation period.

It may make you feel good, but it doesn’t make you feel connected with the rest of Canada!

Please spend adver -

tising dollars locally to tell us, folks, where the trail in our province is so we can enjoy it in our own backyard. Think local. I for one can’t spend five years trekking the Atlantic for a fish and chips dinner.

ASK THE EXPERTS

File Photo

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.

Square Dancing

Introduction

NEW LOCATION!

Intro to square dancing will be held on Wednesday nights from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at City Church, 511549 Street. Walk to the beat of music by following simple instructions from the caller. Come alone or bring a friend. Wear whatever is comfortable. First evening is FREE!

Bingo at the Moose

The Moose Lodge, located at 5213-57

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.

Lloydminster Career Fair

Lakeland College is hosting a career fair at its Lloydminster campus on Feb. 16 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Hear from employers who are looking forward to connecting with you. The career fair is free to attend for Lakeland students and alumni.

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

Register at http://bitly. ws/z74M.

JAMBOREE/DANCE

The Legacy Centre is hosting a Jamboree/Dance at Feb. 17. Doors open and dancin’ at 5 p.m. and supper is at 6 p.m., then the jam begins! Cost is $15/person at the door. ALL members and guests welcome. All musicians welcome. Contact the Legacy office at 780875-4584 for more info.

Battle of the Badges

The Battle of the Badges Todd Gustavson Memorial Hockey Tournament is back at

the Centennial Civic Centre on Saturday, Feb. 18 with a 7:30 p.m. puck drop as members of the Lloydminster RCMP face off against members of the Lloydminster Fire Department. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and admission is by cash donation or non-perishable foot item(s). All proceeds from this year’s game will support The Olive Tree, The Salvation Army Lloydminster, and the Lloydminster Region Health Foundation’s mental health initiative, Project Sunrise.

Telemiracle “Funday”

Telemiracle “Funday” will be held at the Legacy Centre on Feb. 19. Crib and floor curling tourneys in the morning, then lunch, then a court whist tourney in the afternoon. Cost is $10/person to play and $10/person for lunch.

PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. All profits go to Telemiracle! Contact the Legacy office at 780-875-4584 for more info.

JAMBOREE

There will be a jamboree at the Islay Community Hall on Feb. 19 at 1 p.m. Admission is $10 and participants are free. Everyone welcome. Lunch Served. For more information, call Dixie at 780-7442204. All funds raised support maintenance at the hall.

Cash Bingo!

The Marwayne Legion Hall is hosting a cash bingo night on Feb. 22. Doors open

at 7 p.m. and the first game is at 7:30 p.m. All proceeds go to Marwayne Minor Sports.

Cribbage DOUBLES

Tourney

The Legacy Centre is hosting a Cribbage doubles tournament on Feb. 23. Play begins at 10 a.m. and the cost is $10/person. Lunch is also available for $12/ person. Everyone welcome. Contact the Legacy office at 780-8754584 for more info.

Facilitator Training

Passport to YLL Church Directory

The Walking Through Grief Society is hosting facilitator training for those interested in a volunteer experience with the society. Training will allow facilitating groups, children’s groups and other special groups and will be held on Feb. 25 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. in Vermilion. Refreshments, lunch and the training are free. To register or for more information contact Shirley at 780871-1750. Deadline to register is Feb. 20.

Cribbage DOUBLES

Tourney

The Dewberry Senior Center is hosting a Doubles Cribbage Tournament on Saturday, Feb. 25. Registration begins at 10 a.m. with play starting at 10:30 a.m. Cost is $25 per person, which includes a roast beef noon meal.

Métis Cultural Celebration

The Métis Nation of Saskatchewan Lloydminster Métis Local #18 is hosting a Métis cultural celebration on

Sunday, Feb. 25 from 1-6 p.m. at the Centennial Civic Centre.

Lloydminster Métis

Local #18 AGM

The Métis Nation of Saskatchewan Lloydminster Métis Local #18 is hosting its annual general meeting on Feb. 26 at 2 p.m. at the Centennial Civic Centre, Lloydminster, Sask. A meal and entertainment will follow the meeting.

Pancake Breakfast

The Legacy Centre is hosting a pancake breakfast on Feb. 26 from 9-11:30 a.m. Cost is $12/person at the door. ($6/12 and under). Everyone welcome! Contact the Legacy office at 780-8754584 for more info.

Cribbage Tourney

There will be a cribbage tournament at the Hillmond Hall on Feb. 26. Start time is 11 a.m. (Lloydminster time), and lunch will be served at noon. Everyone welcome!

World Day of Prayer Service

St. John’s Anglican Church, located at 4709 49 Ave, is hosting a World Day of Prayer service on March 3 at 11:30 a.m. Everyone welcome.

Job Fair

The Lloydminster and Region Job Fair is taking place at the Gold Horse Casino on March 8 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. All employers wishing to host a table can register by calling 780-875-9013 or email tinisha@lloydminsterchamber.com

RCMP to celebrate community partnerships

It will be a night to celebrate history and community support as the Lloydminster RCMP, in partnership with the Lloydminster Interval Home Society, host the 2023 Regimental Ball.

Last hosted in 2019 with support going to Midwest Victim Services, the regimental ball is a formal event that allows RCMP members to build relationships within the community, while also raising money for a local non-profit organization.

This year’s regimental ball is being hosted at the WLS Convention Centre at the Lloyd Ex on March 4 with funds supporting the Interval Home’s hot lunch program at the LCYC (Lloydminster Community Youth Centre) as well as general operations.

“We haven’t had a regimental ball here for a while, but I know they’ve hosted them

in Lloydminster and there’s always been a great turnout, both from the RCMP and members of the community, and we’re hoping for that again this year,” said Lloydminster RCMP member and Student Resource Officer (SRO), Const. Melanie Flynn.

“It’s an opportunity for us to host a formal event, and the RCMP have partnered with the Interval Home Society to raise money for their organization.”

Flynn explained the Lloydminster RCMP and Interval Home Society have a longstanding partnership in the community, and as an SRO, Flynn knows just how utilized their programming is.

“We definitely partner with Interval and use the Interval Home Society a lot when we’re looking for safe spaces for individuals,” she said. “Their youth programming and youth centre are amazing and we’re always referring

kids there for a space safe or a place to go to be connected with supportive individuals. I also refer kids to the youth centre as a way to keep them busy, they have lots of great programming there.

“In regards to the Interval Home shelter, we do send a lot of clients that way if they need additional support.”

Flynn also explained the event will give members a more relaxed setting to connect with community members.

“When we’re working with community partners, it’s usually crisis management or resource connections for individuals, so this will be a more relaxed environment to have those conversations and get to know one another on a different level.”

The RCMP as a whole is also celebrating 150 years of service this May, and the organization’s new branding and commemorative

flags will be on display at the event.

“We’ve also partnered with the Lloydminster Museum and Archives as they did up a historical display for us celebrating and showcasing the RCMP within that 150-year time frame,” said Flynn. “I haven’t seen it yet, but it will be on display at the WLS Convention Centre the night of the event.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 15

TAYLOR WEAVER EDITOR

File Photo

Rendell kids learn oral Aboriginal stories

GEOFF LEE WRITER

Former First Nation

teacher June Chocan was in her element kicking off Aboriginal storytelling for elementary students in the Lloydminster Public School Division.

She told an oral story to Chelsea Thorpe’s Grade 2 students at Rendell Park Elementary School this past Friday, just like she might have done teaching kids in Onion Lake and Montreal Cree Nation in Saskatoon.

One story she chose for Rendell kids in the school library was about a character called Wisakedjak, told to her by her dad and

RCMP BALL FROM PAGE 13

“It’s well-engrained in the history of the RCMP with ceremonial protocol, and the community will get to see and participate in some of that, which will be a unique opportunity for some residents of Lloydminster who choose to attend.”

Angela RooksTrokzuk, CEO, Lloydminster Interval Home Society, couldn’t be more thrilled with the partnership and is looking forward to the event.

“We’re really honoured to be able to cohost the Lloydminster Regimental Ball,” she said. “We’re excited to raise some funds

grandmother when she was growing up.

“He had special powers and he was able to change animals and stuff like that, but he was also a trickster. He used to get himself

through the reg ball for the Interval Home Society’s hot lunch program at LCYC and general operations. I know general operations doesn’t sound fancy or fun, but we do need to rely on flexible funds to operate the entire society. We’re excited to be able to raise funds for a specific program, as well as all of our general programs.”

Rooks-Trokzuk noted highlights for the evening include a dance, supper, live and silent auctions, a performance by Lethbridge’s The Chevelles, and a poutine bar midnight lunch.

“It really is a celebration of collaboration, and the RCMP is also

into a lot of trouble. It’s kind of a humorous story,” explained Chocan.

She says the story has a moral or a lesson to be learned.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 16

celebrating 150 years in Canada, so that’s a pretty important milestone,” she said. “Community collaboration is another thing we’re celebrating because the local RCMP and the Interval Home Society have worked closely together for many years working towards responding to and ending domestic violence.

“We’re excited to get to be able to host this event together.”

Tickets are $100 each or a table of eight is $800 and are available at www.lloydregball.ca.

Everyone who purchases a table will be entered into a draw to win a limo ride to and from the event.

Geoff Lee Meridian Source

Former teacher and Onion Lake senior, June Chocan, right, kicked off Aboriginal storytelling week with a Grade 2 class at Rendell Park Elementary School this past Friday with a spoken story told to her by her dad and grandmother.

Nearly 8 kg of cocaine seized, numerous arrests made in Battleford

MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

On Feb. 2, a thoroughly-planned, unified enforcement effort was executed by the GTF and partner units.

Two vehicles were stopped by officers – one of them an on-shift drug delivery vehicle in the Battlefords area. Simultaneous search warrants were then executed at numerous residences in the Battlefords and Edmonton areas.

In total, officers located and seized:

– nearly 8 kilograms of suspected cocaine;

– 281 grams of Xanax tablets;

– more than 5000 pre-rolled cannabis joints;

– 898 cartons of contraband cigarettes;

– more than 10 kilograms of cutting agent;

– a large sum of cash;

– four illegally-possessed handguns.

“Battleford RCMP’s

Gang Task Force was created in 2020 to proactively target individuals who blatantly disregard community safety. This investigation showcases the officers’ investigational skills and determination. Through their work, a significant trafficking operation in the Battlefords has been dismantled. Between here and in Edmonton, we’ve taken eight kilograms of cocaine off the

street,” said Sgt. Adam Buckingham, who oversees the GTF.

“We’ve kept hundreds of thousands of dollars out of criminal hands – but even more importantly, the flow of dangerous drugs in our communities has been severed. It also shows the success that comes when we work seamlessly with partner

“The kids have to really listen to try and figure out what’s this story about and what it is trying to teach me,” said Chocan.

Thorpe says Aboriginal storytelling is part of the Grade 2 curriculum so the kids need to learn about it and they’ll be quizzed in her class afterwards.

“It’s a different way of storytelling so that’s interesting for the kids too,” said Thorpe.

“It’s awesome it can be presented to the Grade 2 in a differ -

policing units, both with the RCMP and municipal forces. This complex and multi-jurisdictional investigation, and the planned and timed traffic stops and search warrant executions, just wouldn’t have been possible without their assistance.”

At this point in the investigation, Battlefords RCMP have laid

ent way other than just through me.”

Métis Shirley Gervais and elders Rose and Vivan Whitsone will also be sharing oral Aboriginal stories with other elementary-grade students this week.

Chocan calls herself a senior, not an elder and was also hoping to throw in a few Cree words for students to learn as well, pointing to her moccasins as having a Cree language origin.

“You hear a lot of Cree in locations like the North Saskatchewan

more than 25 charges against six individuals. All six have or will appear in North Battleford Provincial Court and information numbers have been provided for your reference.

Daniel Norgaard, 34, and Andrew Koberinski, 27, from North Battleford are each charged with:

CONTINUED ON PAGE 22

River that means Kisiskâciwan-sîpî or swift flowing,” she said.

Even though Chocan is Cree herself, she says her dad used to tell her she spoke “baby” Cree.

“Through my years in the residential school, I lost a lot of the words, but I can get by and speak Cree as best as I can,” she says.

She taught Grades 1-3 and 5 and last taught kindergarten in Saskatoon.

“I just loved it. I used to get satisfaction when they started reading and writing,” she said.

STORYTELLING FROM PAGE 15

Lloyd veterinarian talks cattle Rx

Bovine Respiratory Disease or BRD as pneumonia is called in cattle, is responsible for 70-80 per cent of all diseases in feedlots and 40-50 per cent of all deaths.

We’re

“It’s actually the most common problem we run into with cattle particularly when they are in the feedlot. They get quite a few pneumonia-related issues,” said Wennekamp.

He will get called out to the field or feedlot by a farmer, but it’s usually for a herd situation.

“We’re trying to figure out what’s going on with a group of animals and trying to prevent it for the future,” said Wennekamp. He says they can get sick and die from it and it is contagious.

“Many of them recover, but they do require antibiotic therapy,” he said just prior to his formal talk.

“What I am talking about today is the resistance that can come from treating with antibiotics.”

vations to case studies and solutions, noting there is no one size fits all remedy.

Squeeze

“A lot of times it’s treating the ones that are affected, isolating those ones and also coming up with prevention therapies to avoid the problem in the future,” he

Wennekamp says mixing cattle and shipping them long distance adds to the risk adding there is an app to allow a farmer to sort cattle by age.

years among the solutions he touched on.

Cattle get lung infections too, but they can’t reach the medicine cabinet for relief.

Solutions to cattle pneumonia and antibiotic resistance were part of a presentation by veterinarian Trent Wennekamp from the Lloydminster Animal Hospital during Agri-Visions a Lloyd Ex Feb. 8-9.

He says there are a couple of viruses and three main bacteria, all with scientific names that can cause it with calves affected by BRD more than older animals.

Wennekamp says cattle with BRD might look depressed or off-feed or stay away from other animals. Those are the main signs.

Wennekamp told his audience there’s been no new antibiotics developed for more than 60 years, for good reasons.

“The more they are used, the less they work,” he said.

It can also cost up to $1 billion to develop a new one.

Wennekamp covered everything in his technical presentation from research and field obser -

He told the audience there have been significant advances in the development of nasal vaccines as well over the past 20 or so

3.75”

Technology is also being developed to test for BRDcausing bacteria in 15 minutes. Currently, it takes four to five days of lab work to detect it.

Geoff Lee Meridian Source Lloydminster Animal Hospital’s Dr. Trent Wennekamp delivered a technical presetation on cattle pneumonia and antibiotic resistance during the opening day of Agri-Visions at Lloyd Ex on Feb. 8

trying to figure out what’s going on with a group of animals and trying to prevent it for the future.

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Reliving old crop production methods

result in more profits.

Each year, the cereal variety zones on the provincial map were revaluated to ensure their accuracy.

Many changes were recommended, “That the entire settled portion of the province be considered as one oats zone.”

They also wanted to reduce the number of wheat, barley and oats varieties to eight with only three varieties of any crop per zone.

tors and weeders also included the use of a triple gang of seven to eight horses to reduce the cost of ploughing.

Fanning mills were used to remove chaff, coarse materials and weed seeds from the grain; this implement also graded the grain by its size.

It served its purpose, however, there was a need for a more durable grain cleaner with a larger capacity.

ered over without loosening the soil too much.

The most popular size was a 14-foot, 28-run horse-drawn drill. The shorter units of 10 or 12-foot drills could be run by tractors.

In the late 1920s, farmers were showing dissatisfaction with the available tillage and seeding machinery.

In 1932 a report titled, Guide to Crop Production in Saskatchewan was published by the Minister of Agriculture and made available to Saskatchewan farmers. This information was compiled from five years of research, presented at

conferences and came from various sources, “… on the subjects of cereal varieties, farm machinery, forage crops and cropping systems, soil drifting, weed control and fertilizers…”

The quality of cereal crops was compromised by growing too many varieties. There were more than 100 varieties on record with at least 50 of these being wheat. This increased the

likelihood of accidental impurities by using the same machinery, and cleaning process, and also by natural means of wind, rain, birds and animals.

The market value could be reduced as the characteristics of each raw material were different. Choosing fewer varieties provincially would force higher quality crops, decrease production costs and

Proven wheat varieties included Marquis, Reward, Ceres, Mindum, Garnet and Reliance. The two leading varieties of oats were Banner and Victory.

Varieties of barley, rye, peas and beans were also mentioned.

Tillage, seeding, haying and harvesting machinery were listed according to their performance quality.

The pros and cons of using different ploughs, discs, harrows, cultiva -

A different class of seed-cleaning machinery was often owned by the municipality and moved from farm to farm.

This was a tandem scalper, grader and disc combination. Using this machinery resulted in efficiently cleaning and grading the grain by handling it only once.

The provincial standard drill was the double disc. Once the furrow was opened, the seed was placed at a uniform depth and cov-

For some, the result was using a combination of seeding with a ploughing, discing or cultivation implement in one operation. The furrow seeder was a new piece of machinery in Saskatchewan.

Harvesting machines were gradually being developed to increase efficiency.

Binders, combines and various combinations were used; some of which were handmade. On the open Saskatchewan plains, grain growing was the dominant form of farming for our resourceful pioneers.

WHISPERS OF THE PAST SANDRA L. BROWN

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Rustlers to host 2024

women’s bball nationals

Lakeland College will celebrate the 20th anniversary of the college’s first women’s basketball team in 2024 as the hosts of the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) Women’s Basketball Championships.

We are incredibly excited to host this prestigious event and to showcase everything Lakeland College has to offer to all those who attend.

All games will take place on Lloydminster campus March 13-16, 2024. This will be the first time Lakeland has hosted the championships since 2013, when the team finished in second place and earned their first-ever CCAA medal.

“We are incredibly excited to host this prestigious event and to showcase everything Lakeland College has to offer to all those who attend,” said the college’s director of athletics Alan Rogan.

“We know that it will be a great week of basketball and an event

that participants will remember.”

The Lakeland Rustlers’ women’s basketball team last attended the CCAA championships in 2022, finishing third overall and returning home with a bronze medal. They’ve been nationally ranked in six seasons over the last seven seasons, compiling a conference record of 126-34 during that period.

“The Rustlers are such an important part of the Lakeland family,” said Alice WainwrightStewart, president and CEO of Lakeland College. “We are so proud of our women’s bas -

ketball team and their achievements, and can’t wait for the opportunity to cheer them on at home.”

The tournament will feature eight teams from across Canada: conference champions from the Pacific Western Athletic Association (PACWEST), ACAC, Manitoba Colleges Athletic Conference (MCAC), Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA), Réseau du sport étudiant du Québec (RSEQ) and Atlantic Collegiate Athletic Association (ACAA), as well as two wildcard teams and the host Rustlers.

Source File Photos

And the answer is kids …?

knits his brow.

He is a former shadow of himself, a deflated mass of indecision and doubt.

slight pause for dramatic effect, he says…

“When’s home time?”

Last week, a special speaker came to our school. This talented magician delivered lessons on showing kindness, empathy, and compassion to others by filling their buckets with positive words or thoughtful deeds. After his magic act was over, the floor was opened up for questions.

There was a question? He taps a tiny finger on his temple. What strange sorcery was this, anyway? (The pressures of first grade are so demanding.)

There were predictable queries.

“How long have you been doing magic?”

“Where did the rabbit go, really?”

“Can I pet your bird?

“I know! I know!” exclaims Johnny with barely suppressed excitement. His arm flies skyward in short,

staccato bursts of wild energy, calculated to draw maximum attention from teacher. His voice breaks beneath the burden of knowledge too vast to be borne by one small boy. His body quivers with this weight

of understanding. He must be chosen to share! He MUST!

Johnny spares a glance toward his comrades. Are they showing respect due to him? Have they bowed to his superior intellect? Do they recognize his

expertise? Have they slumped into their former criss-cross-applesauce position on the carpet, acknowledging his formidable intelligence, allowing him to take his rightful place— on center stage? No. They all have their hands in the air too. Rats! Johnny comes up on his knees and wiggles his fingers higher, using his free arm to prop up the flagging one. His face contorts as he takes on the appearance of a drowning man in a sea of neglect and painful sorrow.

“Alright, Johnny,” teacher says with a laugh. “I see your hand is up. What’s the answer to my question?”

“Question?” says Johnny. He falls back with a “huff” of surprise. A puzzled frown

“Yes,” says Teacher, her smile becoming a trifle fixed, her eyes ever-so-slightly glazing over. “Didn’t you have your hand waving in the air so I’d pick you to answer the question?”

“I don’t know,” mumbles Johnny, a beaten man. “I forget.”

“That’s okay,” Teacher’s smile radiates benevolence. “We all forget sometimes.”

But, just before she moves on to the next student, Johnny revives! His eyes brighten, and his body leaps to attention.

“I remember,” he shouts. Then, disregarding this ‘question’ nonsense the teacher is on about, he recalls what he really wanted to say.

The sole purpose for his need to speak at this critical moment in time. His true calling, as it were. And after a

But then there was a most unexpected question. Actually, more of a random statement than anything. I loved it.

A tiny hand was lifted, and a shrill voice rose above the shuffling of many bottoms on the floor. The man shushed the restless crowd, and a little girl spoke.

“My mom is making tomato soup for lunch.”

It’s hard to follow a line like that. And nearly impossible to respond to it other than to offer some form of congratulation and drop it, fast.

Does anyone ever know all the answers to the questions in life? No.

But, I think we can all agree on the importance of knowing when it’s time to go home and what’s for lunch.

Find Helen at hello@ helentoews.com for her new sweet romance and more.

PRAIRIE WOOL HELEN ROW TOEWS

His body quivers with this weight of understanding. He must be chosen to share!

He MUST!.

File Photo

Feb. oil and gas offerings bring in $3.1M

MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

The Government of Saskatchewan’s Crown petroleum and natural gas public offering, held on Feb. 7, raised $3,100,290.58 in revenue for the province.

The February sale is the final petroleum and natural gas public offering scheduled for the 2022-23 fiscal year, bringing the total amount of revenue for the year to $49,205,888.26.

Of the 54 parcels posted, 48 received acceptable bids covering 6,651.74 hectares. The average bonus bid was $466.09 per hectare, with

the highest acceptable bid at $3,156.67 per hectare.

Overall, the Lloydminster area saw the most interest, bringing in $1,798,538.17 for 12 leases and four exploration licenses, totaling 3,891.32 hectares.

The highest bonus bid received on a lease in this offering is $270,891.76 for a 243.43 hectare lease located

southwest of Lashburn. Synergy Land Services Ltd. was awarded this lease.

Overall, the Lloydminster area saw the most interest, bringing in $1,798,538.17 for 12 leases and four exploration licenses, totaling 3,891.32 hectares.

The Estevan area also brought in $981,870.64 for 26 leases totaling 1,819.14 hectares.

An exploration license, totaling 582.75 hectares, received a bonus bid of $611,882.25 or $1,050.00 per hectare. This license is located northeast of Lloydminster and within the

Officer-involved shooting on Cold Lake First Nation under investigation

On Feb. 4, the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT) was directed to investigate an officerinvolved shooting that occurred earlier that same day on the Cold Lake First Nation.

At 7:39 a.m., Cold Lake RCMP received a 911 call from a resi -

dence on the Cold Lake First Nation. A female caller was recorded saying, “Help … help.” A second call occurred shortly thereafter which indicated the female was at a neighbour’s house suffering from injuries to her hand and that a male at the first residence had “shot off a

firearm.”

RCMP immediately attended and located the female at the neighbour’s house. The attending officers were informed that the male was thought to be inside the initial residence.

The attending officers spoke to the male through an open window. The officers dis -

charged their weapons at the male at 8:11 a.m. The male was later found dead in the residence. Upon entering the residence, RCMP found a firearm near the male’s body.

ASIRT’s investigation will examine the use of force by the officer. No additional information will be released.

ASIRT’s mandate is to effectively, independently and objectively investigate incidents involving Alberta’s police that have

resulted in serious injury or death to any person, as well as serious or sensitive allegations of police misconduct.

Northminster Sparky Oil Pool. The successful bidder was Metropolitan

Resources Inc. The next sale is scheduled for April 4.

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Getting that financial stress under control

Mental, physical and financial wellness are three pillars of good health. For many Canadians, money worries are the greatest source of stress. Many of us may be feeling a financial pinch even more in January after holiday stress on the wallet.

While managing your money may seem overwhelming, it doesn’t have to be. Whether it’s student

COCAINE BUST FROM PAGE 16

– one count, possession for the purpose of trafficking (cocaine), Section 5(2), Controlled Drugs and Substances Act;

– one count, unauthorized possession of a loaded restricted firearm, Section 95(a), Criminal Code;

– one count, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, Section 88, Criminal Code;

– one count, possession of a firearm with a defaced serial number, Section 108(1)(b), Criminal Code;

– one count, unlicensed possession of a firearm, Section 91(1),

debt, a mortgage, education or retirement savings that’s weighing on your mind, there are resources to help.

Take advantage of new technology

An abundance of tools exist online to help you budget and save these days. But not all apps and online tools are secure to use. The Financial Consumer Agency of Canada offers a variety of free online tools to help you manage

Criminal Code; – one count, unsafe storage of a firearm, Section 86(2), Criminal Code; and

– one count, possession of the proceeds of crime exceeding $5,000, Section 354(1)(a), Criminal Code (Information #90492691).

Daniel Norgaard is also charged with three counts of failure to comply with a release order condition, Section 145(5)(a), Criminal Code (Information 90492690).

Andrew Koberinski is also charged with four counts of failure to comply with a release

your money that are unbiased and safe to use.

For example, it offers a budget planner, a financial goal calculator and a mortgage calculator that can all help you find ways to save and pay down debt.

Protect yourself from fraud

Becoming a victim of fraud is a stressful situation. While fraudsters are always looking for new ways to prey on victims, there are some

order condition, Section 145(5)(a), Criminal Code (Information 90492689).

Delia Bull, 20, and Shae Laliberte, 24, from North Battleford are each charged with:

– one count, possession for the purpose of trafficking (cocaine), Section 5(2), Controlled Drugs and Substances Act; and

– one count, trafficking (cocaine), Section 5(1), Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (Information #90492686, 90492687).

Zhakary Night, 21, and Olja Budinski, 22, from North Battleford

things you can do to minimize the risks. For example, when banking or shopping online, look for websites with addresses starting with “https” or ones that have a padlock image on the address bar. Also, avoid giving credit card information over email as it isn’t secure. Avoid payday loans as much as possible

A payday loan is a shortterm loan with high fees that

are each charged with one count, trafficking (cocaine), Section 5(1), Controlled Drugs and Substance Act (Information #90492685, 90492688).

Edmonton Police Service also arrested and charged two males in relation to this investigation: details are available here: https://www. edmontonpolice.ca/ News/MediaReleases/ edgeseizureFeb9

In August 2022, Battleford RCMP’s Gang Task Force (GTF) started Project Falter, an investigation into a trafficking operation in the Battlefords area.

GTF officers used a

make it a very expensive way to borrow money. You must pay the loan back from your next paycheque and if you can’t pay it back on time, you’ll face more fees and high interest charges. This will increase your debt and cause more stress.

Consider other options before getting a payday loan such as cashing in vacation days or asking for a pay advance from your employer.

multitude of advanced investigational techniques, including covert strategies and surveillance to gather information. The investigation determined illicit drugs, originating from Edmonton, were being trafficked in the Battlefords area via a phonein delivery service.

In order to dismantle this trafficking operation, GTF engaged the assistance of a number of Saskatchewan RCMP and partner policing units.

These include Saskatchewan RCMP’s Battlefords Municipal General Investigation Section (GIS), Battlefords

and Saskatoon Provincial GIS, Crime Reduction Team, Warrant Enforcement Response Team, Police Dog Services, Integrated Intelligence Units and Battlefords detachment; the Edmonton Police Service Drug and Gang Enforcement Unit (EDGE); the Alberta Law Enforcement Response Team (ALERT); Edmonton Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit (CFSEU); and Strathcona RCMP.

The investigation continues and further updates will be provided as they become available.

Preliminary runoff report for 2023

MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

Last week, the Water Security Agency (WSA) released the preliminary spring runoff outlook for 2023 as it prepares its initial Spring Runoff Report for March 2023.

The information gathered in this report is based on conditions as they were on Feb. 1.

The report shows most of southern Saskatchewan with belownormal to near-normal snowmelt runoff potential. Well-below-normal

runoff is expected in the Maple Creek area where mid-winter melts have depleted the snowpack.

South of the Cypress Hills and in the southeast, near-normal snowmelt runoff is expected. Central areas of the province and the northwest are also expected to experience near-normal snowmelt runoff.

With a below-normal snowpack, areas in the far northeast are expected to see a below-normal snowmelt runoff.

While much of south-

ern Saskatchewan has a snowpack that is thought to be near to above normal, dry conditions at freeze-up, particularly over areas west of Swift Current and Outlook over to the Alberta Border, are expected to reduce runoff yields.

This may result in minimal replenishment of surface water supplies within this area and potentially some shortages later in 2023. At this time, the risk of snowmelt-related flooding in the province

is low.

Runoff potential is determined based on several factors including the conditions at freeze-up, the snowfall received to date and potential expected further precipitation between now and spring melt.

The melt rate is expected to have a significant impact on runoff yields, particularly within the southwest and west-central areas of the province. With depleted subsoil moisture, a slow melt

will likely result in the bulk of the snowpack recharging the soil column. A rapid melt is likely needed to result in an improvement in surface water supplies.

The current snowpack is likely insufficient to satisfy both.

Without additional snowfall, surface water supply issues are likely to occur in southwestern Saskatchewan in 2023.

The spring runoff outlook could change as there we could have a further 10 weeks of winter. The first spring runoff forecast will be issued in early March.

Promoting Alberta’s energy sector in Europe

Energy Minister Pete Guthrie will travel to Norway and Germany to promote Alberta as the world’s best choice for responsible, sustainable and long-term energy supply.

Minister Guthrie will attend the Oslo Energy

Forum in Norway from Feb. 14-16.

This year’s conference focuses on the future of the energy sector and addressing energy security, sustainability and affordability.

During the conference the minister will participate in a panel to discuss solutions for

hard-to-abate sectors, highlighting Alberta’s global leadership in carbon capture utilization and storage.

Following Oslo, Guthrie will travel to Germany to promote Alberta natural gas products – including clean hydrogen and LNG – as the best

options for energy security and meeting Germany’s long-term energy needs.

“Alberta is the best solution to the global energy crisis,” said Guthrie.

“We are strengthening relationships with international partners while promoting our

energy sector as the affordable, reliable and responsible supplier.

The world needs more Alberta energy – not less.”

As part of the mission, the minister will meet with government officials and industry representatives to build political and economic

relationships that will help drive future growth and investment.

Guthrie will be accompanied by his chief of staff and one representative from the Department of Energy. Mission expenses will be posted on the travel and expense disclosure page.

MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

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U15 Blazers 2 golden at 4th Meridian Female Classic

Hard work and determination throughout the season is paying off for the Lloydminster U15 Blazers 2, who after a busy fivegame tournament, finished the 4th Meridian

Female Classic as gold medalists.

The 4th Meridian Female Classic took over the Servus Sports Centre last weekend and brought in U11, U13 and U15 teams from throughout Alberta and Saskatchewan.

Playing out of the ECAFHL (East Central Alberta Female Hockey League), the U15 Blazers 2 wrapped the regular season with a 9-3-4 record, placing them fourth in the league.

Blazers 2 forward Jayce Miazga, who put up 15 goals and 12 assists for 27 points in 16 games, said a lot of this past weekend’s

success can be attributed to the work the team’s put in throughout the year.

“It was really good,” she said. “We tried hard, and obviously it payed off, but it showed we’ve improved a lot throughout the year with the little things we’ve been working on.”

Miazga noted things being worked on includes lots of forechecking, keeping the shifts short, and just being smart with the puck and moving it around.

Goaltender Alex Firus, who played 15 games this season and

finished with a .88 save percentage, said the team effort over the weekend was strong, as was the competition.

“The competition was good this weekend and most of the teams here were pretty good,” she said. “The whole team played really well this weekend and worked really hard.”

Head coach Carston Moore explained the girls had a strong weekend and should be very proud of themselves.

“The highlight of the weekend was really what happened throughout the course of the year,” he said.

“We wanted to improve from start to finish, and I think we’re really seeing that as coaches. That makes us proud and hopefully they’re learning a little bit from us.”

Moore also explained how tournaments such as this are doing a lot of good for female hockey in the Border City.

“This tournament is really good for female hockey. It’s come a long way in the last few years and the numbers have been good; it just keep growing,” he said.

“The hockey is also good. It’s entertaining, fun to watch.”

23023aa4

Taylor Weaver Meridian Source

Left: Lloydminster U15 Blazers 2 goaltender Alex Firus keeps her eye on the puck during Sunday morning action against the Calgary Inferno at the Servus Sports Centre.

Right: The Lloydminster U15 Blazers 2 celebrate a golden weekend after beating the St. Albert Sting on Sunday afternoon in the 4th Meridian Female Classic.

TAYLOR WEAVER EDITOR

Taylor Weaver Meridian Source

Lloydminster U15 Blazers 2 Karsyn Woytiuk celebrates a goal with Calla Schlosser on Sunday morning at the Servus Sports Centre.

Rustlers women’s vball wrap near-perfect season

TAYLOR WEAVER EDITOR

The Lakeland College Rustlers women’s volleyball team just completed a near-perfect 18-1 season and heads into next weekend’s provincials in Red Deer as the favourite.

Not only did the Rustlers finish the season with an 18-1 overall record, but they also finished with a set record of 56-3, something head coach Austin Dyer is very proud of.

“It’s been incredible. In sets, we’re 53-3, so we’ve beaten every team 3-0 other than the one we lost 3-2,” said Dyer after the team swept the Medicine Hat College Rattlers 3-0 (25-9, 25-9, 25-12) on Friday at the Lakeland gym.

The Rustlers played their final regular-season game on Saturday night when they hosted Briercrest, beating the Clippers 3-0 (25-7, 25-16, 25-16).

“It’s been a ton of fun watching this group build and grow in the number of years in time they’ve put in. Now we get to see the final product, and it’s been a lot of fun.”

As a veteran team, Dyer attributes a great deal of this season’s success to the fact his players never gave up or lost sight of the end goal. The pandemic also forced many schools to

cease training, something Dyer tried to avoid at all costs.

“Our roster in terms of year-of-eligibility is quite low, but COVID was a free year, and a number of these girls red-shirted as well,” he said.

tant factor, captain Kaylie Lueck, who will play a seventh season for the green and gold next year, is one player Dyer can always count on. Playing a key role on the team for as long as she has, Lueck also had nothing but positives to say about the season.

“This is a group that’s been together for some time, and it’s a group that’s been together through COVID, and lucky for us, we were able to train the whole time, for the most part. We were able to train the same way and I made sure our program ran as close to normal as possible, and we really saw the benefits of that as it decimated other programs.

“The other factor was, this group was willing to stick it out and not give up. Now, two years later, we’re out of COVID, we lost in the ACAC final last year, and now we’re the favourite going in this year. It’s been fun to watch.”

With veteran presence being an impor -

“It’s definitely shown that we are a veteran team. Our team has put in the work, and that’s showing on the court,” said Lueck. “We have a good group of girls in and out of the gym, but we’re also a family and we’re putting it all out on the court and doing our best.

“We put our best out on the floor every night, and we play to win, but we also play for each other.”

The ACAC women’s volleyball championships take place at Red Deer Polytechnic from Feb. 23-25, and after losing in last year’s final, it’s payback time for the Rustlers.

“We’re so excited for provincials,” said Lueck. “We’re looking forward to going back to Red Deer, but it’s a little bittersweet because we lost in the finals last year, it’s revenge time, and I think that’s been the mindset all season.”

“This weekend is a bye for us and in two weeks’ time it’s conference championships and the top two teams go to

nationals,” added Dyer.

“We’re in good position, and when we get to the final of the ACAC championship,

that’ll book our ticket to nationals and hopefully we can work to try and win them both.

“First, we’re going to

have to compete and take care of conference championships before we get that chance to go to nationals.”

Taylor Weaver Meridian Source Rustlers women’s volleyball captain, Kaylie Lueck, goes for a block with outside hitter Lana Matthews on Friday night at the Lakeland gym against the Medicine Hat Rattlers. The Rustlers swept the Rattlers 25-9, 25-9, 25-12.

Taylor Weaver Meridian Source

Lakeland Rustlers women’s volleyball coach Austin Dyer chats with middle Emma Jeffs, libero Gracyn Hay, and middle Sarah Hogue on Friday night as the Rustlers hosted the Medicine Hat Rattlers. The Rustlers hosted the Briercrest Clippers on Saturday night for their final home game of the season, beating the visiting Clippers 25-7, 25-16, 25-16

We put our best out on the floor every night, and we play to win, but we also play for each other.

Sports at a glance ...

On the ice ...

The Lloydminster Jr. A Bobcats (20-311-1) are on a hot streak after picking up their fourth straight win on Tuesday night at the Centennial Civic Centre when they hosted the Fort McMurray Oil Barons. Three of the ‘Cats’ last four wins have also been in a shootout. The ‘Cats have four more home games this month and host the Sherwood Park Crusaders tomorrow night, Grande Prairie on Feb. 20, Camrose on Feb. 24, and Fort McMurray on Feb. 28.

The U18 AAA Lloydminster Inland Steel Bobcats (17-16-1-1) hosted the Edmonton Jr. Oilers Orangeon Feb. 11 at the Civic Centre, the final score was 4-4 in OT. The ‘Cats then travelled to Sherwood Park and lost 3-2 to the Ennis Kings. The ‘Cats are back at the Civic this Sunday afternoon for

a 1:45 p.m. puck drop against the Kings.

The U15 AAA Lloydminster Roswell Bobcats are back at the Rusway Arena in the Servus Sports Centre this Saturday when they host the Okotoks Oilers. Puck drop is at 6 p.m. This will also be the team’s final home game of the season.

The Lakeland College King’s Energy Group Rustlers Hockey Club picked up a 2-1 shootout win on home ice on Feb. 11 against the Old College Broncos. The Rustlers are back in action next Fri -

day when they travel to Calgary to take on the SAIT Trojans. On the court ... It’s going to be a busy weekend for the Lakeland College Rustlers basketball teams as both the men and women host back-toback homers. The Rustlers host the Ambrose University Lions on Friday night. The women play at 6 p.m. and the men play at 8 p.m. The Rustlers will then host the Lethbridge College Kodiaks on Saturday night. The women play at 6 p.m. and the men play at 8 p.m.

$95,000

File Photo

January sees over 16,000 new jobs in Sask

MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

Recently released January labour force figures from Statistics Canada show Saskatchewan is off to a strong start in 2023, with 16,400 new jobs when compared to January 2022, an increase of 2.9 per cent.

“Our province is off to a great start in 2023, with thousands of new jobs across many of Saskatchewan’s various and vital industries,” said Immigration and Career Training Minister Jeremy Harrison.

“The province’s economy is full of opportunity for newcomers and residents alike, and our government looks forward to strong, continued growth that works for everyone in the coming year.”

The seasonally adjusted provincial unemployment rate was 4.3 per cent in January, down from 5.6 per cent in January 2022 and down from 4.4 per cent compared to December 2022.

The rate is the third lowest among the provinces, and below the national average of 5.0 per cent.

Saskatchewan saw record highs for the month of January:

- Provincial labour force reached 606,300;

- Total provincial employment reached 578,600; and

- Total full-time employment reached 466,600.

- Full-time employment increased by 4,700 (+1 per cent), with part-time employment increasing by 11,500 (+11.5 per cent). There were also

increases in youth population, which rose to 3,200 (+2.4 per cent), and employment, which is up 1,400 (+1.9 per cent) compared to last January.

Off-reserve Indigenous employment was up 2,500 (+4.4 per cent) for 26 consecutive months of yearover-year increases.

Indigenous youth employment was up

Supporting internationally-educated nurses in Alberta

The Alberta government is creating more than 600 new seats for nurse bridging programs and investing in a new bursary for internationally educated nurses.

Alberta’s government will work to have the right supports in place to ensure Albertans get the care they need, when and where they need it.

Through Budget 2023, Alberta’s government would invest more than $15 million to train and support more internationally educated nurses.

This will ensure Alberta’s healthcare system remains strong now, and in the future.

“We are reducing barriers for internationally educated nurses to come to Alberta. This is truly a ‘win-win’ for our province, and will help us train

more nurses to keep our health-care system strong now, and in the future,” said Minister of Advanced Education Demetrios Nicolaides.

Under Budget 2023, Alberta’s government would invest $7.8 million annually to fund non-repayable financial assistance for internationally educated nurses. This builds on last fall’s $1.25-million funding announcement to fund new financial assistance for internationally educated nurses.

Eligible internation -

2,000 (+25.3 per cent) for two consecutive months of year-overyear increases. Major year-over-year

gains were reported for health care and social assistance, up 4,900 (+5.6 per cent), with professional, scientific

and technical services, up 3,800 (+15.1 per cent), and educational services, up 3,000 (+6.1 per cent).

ally educated nurses would be able to access as much as $30,000 over five years to help offset the costs of nursing bridging programs, tuition and living expenses. The bursary will be available in the 2023-24 academic year.

Any internationally educated nurse learner living in Alberta, who has successfully enrolled in an approved bridging program, will be eligible for the bursary regardless of their eligibility for any other federal or provincial student aid

File Photo

Serious work injury leads to $100,000 fine

TAYLOR WEAVER EDITOR

On Feb. 8, the City of Regina pleaded guilty in Regina Provincial Court regarding one violation of The Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, 1996.

The charge stemmed from a workplace incident that occurred on Dec. 18, 2020, in Regina, Saskatchewan.

A worker suffered serious injuries when a 3,000 lb. crate fell, pinning the worker against other crates in the area.

The City of Regina was fined for contravening clause 12(b) of the regulations (being an employer at a place of employment, fail to make arrangements for the use, handling, storage and transport

of articles in a manner that protects the health and safety of workers, resulting in the serious injury of a worker).

As a result, the court imposed a fine of $71,428.57 with a $28,571.43 surcharge, for a total amount of $100,000.

Employers are required to provide safe and healthy workplaces, and must pro -

vide information, training and experience necessary for employees to perform their jobs safely. For more information about workplace health and safety training and resources, visit www.worksafesask.ca or contact an industry safety association.

The Ministry of Labour Relations and Workplace Safety

works with employers and workers to eliminate workplace injuries

and illnesses through education, inspections and prosecutions.

File Photo

Thursday, February 16, 2023

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

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