Meridian Source - February 1, 2024

Thursday, February 1, 2024

VOLUME 6 I ISSUE 32

MERIDIANSOURCE.CA

THREE CHINOOKS WAIT OUT WIND

Taylor Weaver Meridian Source

The Border City had special guests from CFB Petawawa on Tuesday morning as a trio of CH-47 Chinook helicopters touched down at the Lloydminster Munical Airport. Flight crews were on their way to Fairbanks, Alaska, to participate in a training exercise with the United States Air Force, but made an unexpected stop in Lloyd due to high winds. Crews told the Source the flight, which normally doesn’t take too long, is expected to take up to five days due to weather.

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Thursday, February 1, 2024

Seniors lobby health ministers

The Lloydminster Concerned Citizens for Seniors Care Society has sent this letter of support for Residents in Recovery sober living programs in Lloydminster to Saskatchewan and Alberta ministers of mental health and addictions.

On behalf of our membership in the community of Lloydminster, we are greatly disappointed that the Government of Alberta, in general, and the Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions in particular, have chosen not to financially support the life­- changing and life-saving recovery programs of Residents in Recovery.

Residents in Recovery have successfully operated for five years.

A 2023 survey of 279 past participants in Residents in Recovery was returned by 210 individuals. More than 61 per cent of the past participants said that they had not relapsed since leaving the program. These are statistics that any program, and any funding government, should be proud of.

Jan. 11, 2024 Residents in Recovery announced the cessation of their pre-and post-treatment sober living programs and their outpatient day programming, due to lack of funding. This

removal of programming dramatically increases the danger that already vulnerable members of society in Lloydminster face.

The cessation of these unique services has removed HOPE for Lloydminster addicts, their families and the whole community. We are all now at greater risk for the negative impacts that addiction brings.

Now where do our addicts turn for assistance? To our knowledge, Alberta Health Services has no alternative options to replace the programs delivered by Residents in Recovery.

We request the port-

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File Photo folio of Mental Health and Addictions immediately undertake to establish a working relationship with

Residents in Recovery, and actively seek out paths to equitably fund the barrier-free continuum of success-

ful addiction and mental health programs and services provided

by Residents in Recovery in Lloydminster.

Lloyd RCMP arrest male for drug trafficking

Supplied Photo

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n Jan. 24, Lloydminster RCMP General Investigation Section (GIS) completed a drug trafficking investigation in Lloydminster.

As part of the investigation, Lloydminster GIS, with the assistance of the St. Paul Police Dog Services, executed a search warrant at a residence.

During the execution of the search warrant, RCMP seized two vehicles with modified VINs as well as: - 599.2g of cocaine; - 28g of methamphetamine; - 16g of psilocybin

(magic mushrooms; - A prohibited shotgun.

As a result of the investigation, Lloydminster resident Mitchell Moyah, 24, was charged with: - Possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking; - Possession of methamphetamine for the purpose of trafficking; - Possession of Schedule III substance; - Unauthorized possession of a firearm; - Possession of a firearm knowing it’s unauthorized; and - Possession of

weapon contrary to order.

Moyah was taken before a justice of the peace and remanded into custody, with his next court date being Feb. 5 at the Alberta Court of Justice in Lloydminster. ‘’Those who produce and traffic illicit drugs destroy lives, homes and communities, “said Cpl Christopher Byford of the Lloydminster RCMP GIS. “The Lloydminster RCMP remains fully committed to investigating drug trafficking and enforcing laws to their fullest extent.’’

Thursday, February 1, 2024

MERIDIAN SOURCE

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Synergy sponsors Games volunteers and put it to great use,” said Aalbers.

“They are going to

Geoff Lee Meridian Source

2024 Saskatchewan Summer Games VIPs from left: Aaron Rawlake, co-chair Games Host Society; Trevor Beaton, chief innovation and people officer, Synergy Credit Union, and Lloydminster Mayor, Gerald Aalbers, joined mascots Tansi and Ravi to kick off registration for volunteers at Synergy on Monday and celebrate Synergy as the volunteer sponsor.

GEOFF LEE STAFF WRITER

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The volunteer drive for the 2024 Saskatchewan Summer Games is underway with Synergy Credit Union contributing $50,000 as the official volunteer sponsor.

The milestone announcements took place at Synergy Credit Union on Monday with local members of the Games’ host society and community leaders celebrating the moment along with mascots, Tansi and Ravi.

“This is a big step to really start the volunteer drive. That is a key component of what we need —over 1,000 volunteers to make these Games go,” said Games host society co-chair, Aaron Rawlake.

“The synergy of our volunteers and sponsors to make this happen to give these athletes a memorable experience is huge.”

Volunteers will help greet the athletes, keep score at sports events, assist with medical needs, manage logistics, sell merchandise, manage ticket sales, and more.

The first volunteer to register online was Trevor Beaton, Synergy’s chief innovation and people officer.

“I’m looking forward to that time in July when I can give back to the Games and watch

these amazing athletes,” said Beaton.

“It’s an amazing event. It brings over 5,000 people to Lloydminster and more than 2,000 athletes.”

Beaton calls Synergy’s decision to be the official volunteer sponsor, a no-brainer.

“This fits with all of our values as we think about community contribution and economic impact,” he said.

“We were here to do this in 2020 and when that couldn’t happen (COVID) we told them if this comes back in 2024, we’ll be there again for you.”

Beaton notes many Synergy employees will also be volunteering during the Games from July 21-27, and he encourages the public to join them.

Rawlake says Synergy’s $50,000 sponsorship ultimately goes to the young athletes.

“All the funds raised go to the athlete experience to make sure they have a wonderful time in Lloydminster,” he said.

He says the host society will also recognize Synergy as a proud partner in several ways.

“It’s a big part to have the volunteers in place and recognize Synergy for their efforts as well and identifying them at the Games with shirts and those types of

things,” said Rawlake.

He also says the host society knows there is a volunteer spirit in the community and he expects to fill spots quickly.

“We’re just excited to get things kicked off and start registering people,” said Rawlake.

“They can go to the Sask Games’ website.

We’re going to pump it on social media.

Our committee roams around town; they all have the QR code. People can scan that,” he said.

Rawlake says it’s a simple online process

to enter your information, the days you’re available to volunteer and what you’re interested in.

“We’ve been part of the testing process to make sure the portal works,” he added.

Lloydminster Mayor Gerald Aalbers was on hand to speak about the value of volunteers to help run the Games.

“This is an opportunity for young and old to come forward and partake in our city activities, welcome people to our city and be helpful, build their skillset or show it off

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make friends, meet some exciting people and have a lot of fun.”

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Thursday, February 1, 2024

Red Bicycle celebrates a decade JEANNETTE BENOIT-LEIPERT STAFF WRITER

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A local marketing company marked a decade in business on Jan. 26, hosting a gathering at their downtown location.

“

I love the relationships, I love the connection, I love the community aspect of it. I remember, growing up, my dad always asking ‘what’ we were doing for the community, not ‘if’ we were doing something.

In honour of their 10th year in business, owner and founder of Red Bicycle Commun i c a t i o ns , J i l l Kelly, announced their pledge to donate $10,000 to local non-profits throughout the year.

“Our first donation will be to the Olive Tree ($1,000).

We’re giving $10,000 out for the year. Each month-ish we’ll release another organization name, that we’ll give $1,000 dollars to,” said Kelly.

Before the cake was cut, there were a few special guests who offered congratulations to Kelly and her staff.

“I’m here on behalf of the City of Lloydminster to say congratulations and happy 10th anniversary to

Jeannette Benoit-Leipert Meridian Source

City councillor Jonathan Torresan presents Red Bicycle Communications founder and owner with a letter from Mayor Aalbers, congratulating her on ten years in business in Lloydminster.

Red Bicycle,” said councillor Jonathan Torresan, adding that he and Kelly grew up in Lloyd around the same time and it’s nice to see a fellow classmate return to Lloyd as an entrepreneur.

“I’m really impressed with everything, been watching from a distance the whole time when you started this thing, because we kind of knew each other, and to have 10 years into the game and to have so much success is really impressive,” said Torresan.

Teri-Lynn MacKie, executive director of the Lloydminster Chamber of Com-

merce, was also on hand to congratulate Kelly and her staff.

“I’m excited to extend heartfelt congratulations to Red Bicycle on their 10 years in business.

This is a remarkable achievement, and a testament to your dedication, creativity and excellence in your field of marketing,” said MacKie. “As a valued member of the Chamber of Commerce, Red Bicycle has not only demonstrated excellence in marketing campaigns, but has also actively contributed to the success and growth of local businesses. Your

commitment to innovation and community engagement has set you apart as a leader.”

Kelly said her community-mindedness is something she comes by honestly.

“I love the relationships, I love the connection, I love the community aspect of it. I remember, growing up, my dad always asking ‘what’ we were doing for the community, not ‘if’ we were doing something,” said Kelly.

“So, it’s always been ingrained in me. He was an entrepreneur in Lloyd as well, so it’s always been important … running a business in Lloydminster you

need to give back to Lloydminster, regardless of what level you can afford to do, you still need to be doing something.”

Kelly moved away for university and ended up getting a position at a marketing agency in Halifax for a few years, which she really enjoyed.

When her then-boyfriend, now husband, was offered a job back in Lloyd, she decided to come back and landed a job with King’s Energy Group (formerly King’s Husky), which is what led to the birth of her business.

“They were look-

ing for marketing and re-branding and so I helped them transition to King’s Energy Group. And as people kind of found out that I had experience in doing that kind of stuff, and knew what I was talking about— then I got more job offers and I just took them all at once, and started an agency,” explained Kelly.

“We’ve had our ups and downs, like any business. We’ve been really fortunate to have built such strong relationships with our clients, and really getting to know who they are and what their goals are.”

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Chase the Ace winner all shook up renovate the WLS Convention Centre.

The list of improvements includes tearing down some old hangars, purchasing a

Geoff Lee Meridian Source

Karla Markevich peeks over the top of this super-sized $85,987 cheque she received at the Lloyd Ex on Monday for winning $85,987 in the Chase the Ace draw on Jan. 24. She is joined on the left by Lloyd Ex finance manager, Stacy Cadzow, Chase the Ace chair, Ray Foy, and on the right by proxy, John Blair, who pulled the winning ticket.

GEOFF LEE STAFF WRITER

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Karla Markevich from the Waseca area caught up with the ace of hearts to win the $85,987 Lloyd Ex Chase the Ace jackpot in week 20 of the draw.

Proxy John Blair pulled the lucky card for her on Jan. 24 with Greg Buchanan calling the live play-by-play on Facebook.

“Three, two, one flip it. It is the ace of hearts. Karla you have won Chase the Ace— $85,987,” declared a stoked Buchanan.

“I hope, Karla, you are watching on Facebook in Waseca because you’re a whole lot richer.”

It took Markevich until this Monday to get over the shock and pick up her cheque with the media ambushing her on arrival.

“Very shocked,” was how she described her reaction to her big win.

She let on she’s single and joked she is more interested in buying some cows than having a good time.

The 45-year-old raises Angus Simmental Cross in her area and is a welder by trade.

Markevich is the owner of KJM Welding and Farms Ltd. and fabricates everything from livestock stuff to Texas gates for oil companies.

As for being able to afford a vacation she

said, “I might go past Lloyd now.”

Markevich says she bought eight tickets for $50 for the draw and is a regular player.

“I bought numerous tickets over the years, me and my dad,” she said.

She noted her dad died in 2022 and credits her spiritual bond with him for the win.

The Chase the Ace action started when her ticket number was pulled, prompting a phone call to Markevich who took awhile to answer her phone.

“Karla it’s Greg Buchanan from Lloyd Ex. Your name was drawn and you’ve won yourself $4,057,” he proclaimed.

“Perfect” was all she was heard saying, but she recognized Buchanan’s voice.

She didn’t offer any card-pulling advice for her proxy John Blair, not knowing what goes on with the draw.

Buchanan however, asked Blair what his plan was given he’s done this many times.

“Well, we’re just going to peruse the cards a little bit and then see if they fall into the right place,” said Blair with Buchanan holding the mic.

“Where is it, John?

He’s going to go to the side!” Buchanan told the audience.

The rest is history with Buchanan recap-

ping the pull. “What a night it was. We pulled the ace of hearts and Karla in Waseca is $85,000 richer,” he said.

Markevich couldn’t have asked for a better proxy as Blair has pulled three winning draws.

The first time I pulled it was for $750,000, the second was $1.2 million and this was $85,000. It’s fun and I can meet the people who’ve won,” said Blair.

“Usually I concentrate a little bit harder, but this time I didn’t— just picked a card.”

“You would think he’d buy a ticket,” advised

Markevich when she learned about his lucky picks for others.

Chase the Ace chair, Ray Foy, said his committee will be meeting soon to discuss if they run the lottery again, and when, noting it’s been a win-win for everyone.

“It’s been a lot of fun for us. It’s been fun for all the weekly winners.

Anyone that’s going to win $85,000 that’s awesome. That can do a lot of good things in a household,” he said.

Foy says Lloyd Ex has also put some of the lottery proceeds to good use including spending over $1 million in the last year and a half to

gravel truck and adding internet and Wifi for outdoor chuckwagon events.

“It’s just on and on,” said Foy.

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Thursday, February 1, 2024

Premier Smith visits Border City SUBMITTED ARTICLE

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Premier Danielle Smith made a stop in Lloydminster Saturday as part of the United Conservative Party’s fundraising tour.

The Vermilion-Lloydminster-Wainwright Constituency Association hosted Smith and local MLA, Garth Rowswell, at Rolling Greens Fairways. The luncheon was followed by a Q & A session with constituents moderated by local podcaster, Shaun Newman.

Media was not permitted to attend the event, but an employee at Rowswell’s constituency office provided some highlights from the fundraiser. One of the hottest topics was energy.

“On January 12, in some parts of this province it was -61 degrees Celsius with the wind chill; I don’t think there are many places on the planet that cold,” said Smith.

“How much solar do you think was being produced at night?

Zero. How much wind?

After a certain number of hours of it being -30 degrees Celsius (or colder) they have to power down wind turbines, otherwise they will have mechanical failure.”

Smith went on to say that less than five minutes after the emergency alert went out that night, 200 megawatts came off the grid.

“I can tell you my minister was pretty emotional thinking about that--that’s 500,000 hou se hold s that leapt into action in five minutes to make sure that our power didn’t go out. That to me that speaks to the character of Albertans.”

During the question period they both discussed many subjects including green energy, fertilizer, parenting rights, pensions, and the justice system.

“Regarding rural crime - it’s a real problem; a number of farmers have been hit over and over again, and in

Supplied Photos Left: Local podcaster Shaun Newman hosts a Q&A session with Premier Danielle Smith and Vermilion-LloydminsterWainwright MLA Garth Rowswell on Saturday at Rolling Greens Fairways. Above: Premier Danielle Smith. the oil industry they are ripping the copper off of transformers,” said Rowswell.

“When I first got elected, people wanted to blame the police, but after seeing that they are doing their job and the legal system was letting them down. My concern is that people are losing trust in the institutions and may start taking things into their own hands.”

The Alberta Pension Plan was another important topic discussed during the Q&A p o r t i o n o f t h e a f t e rnoon.

“I’ve done three town halls and some people say, ‘It’s not that big of deal,’ but in this job I wind up dealing with a lot of people that are really close on their budgets, and an extra $100 a month would be a big deal to them,” said Rowswell.

“And for small business employers, if we could save them approximately $1,400

per employee, that’s a big deal.”

Smith added, last year Albertans paid $9 billion into CPP and Alberta seniors claimed $5 billion.

“So that is $4 billion leaving the province to subsidize elsewhere,” she said.

“Until we have a government in Ottawa that understands the concept of nation-building, the Constitution, and the power of provinces to achieve their goals and aspirations, we are not going to give - not one inch,” said Smith.

“We will never compromise on the future of Albertans. We are going to hold firm to the knowledge that the world needs more Alberta energy and technology, not less of it, and we intend to empower Albertans to deliver it.”

As part of the fundraising tour, Smith also visited Grande Prairie, Bonnyville, and Camrose.

Thursday, February 1, 2024

Powwow!Ohciwin exhibit debuts

Photo submitted by Sarah Hockridge

Indigenous dancers were at the museum Saturday to celebrate the coming of a cultural exhibit now on display at the Lloydminster Museum and Archives.

JEANNETTE BENOIT-LEIPERT STAFF WRITER

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Ohcîwin is a Cree word meaning “The Origin” or telling of a story where something originated.

The Lloydminster Museum and Archives invites citizens to learn about the origins of the powwow and see handcrafted regalia up close in the exhibit Powwow!

Ohcîwin The Origins.

The exhibit features seven powwow dance styles, with full regalia and craft work.

Curators and creators Patrick and Marrisa Mitsuing have gathered the stories, worked with the artisans, and carefully built the regalia for this exhibition.

“We’ve all heard of powwows, but to see what that means and know what that means in-person and to kind of get up close with

some of these handmade regalia,” said collection coordinator Holly Durawa.

“Everything in there is specifically handmade for this show, you can really see the artisan work and the love and care that has gone into making these pieces. They are really beautiful up close.”

The exhibit opened on Saturday with many special guests on hand to welcome the Mitsuings. Attendees enjoyed tea and bannock as well as performances by Indigenous dancers.

“We had five-yearolds all dressed up in their regalia with their parents, so it was kind of like a multi-generational thing for some of the dancers that came in. It was really sweet,” said Durawa.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 8

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Thursday, February 1, 2024

Former LPSD employee charged with theft

is facing a criminal charge arising from a reported $7,846 loss of public money from the school division.

In a news release on Jan. 26, local RCMP stated they have charged 39 year-old Lloydminster resident

Kimberly Bennett with theft over $5,000 following an investigation.

Bennett was released with the next court date

set for Feb. 5 at the Alberta Court of Justice in Lloydminster.

Police state they received a report from LPSD on Sept. 26, 2023 regarding “an imbalance of funds noted during a 2023 financial review” that led to Bennett being charged.

LPSD director of education, Jason Neville, explained the circumstances in a statement on Jan. 26.

“Earlier this year, it was discovered that a deposit was missing.

The employee has been terminated and the case was referred to the RCMP, where charges have been laid,” said Neville.

“As this issue is currently before the courts, LPSD will have no fur-

group. It’s groups of Indigenous kids working with mentors to explore their culture and history and kind of get in touch with it,” said Durawa.

“They had stuff that

the kids made, projects they had done. They had one about tipis and what they represent, there was a project on missing Indigenous women, they had done one about ribbon

skirts.”

The Mitsuings are a married couple who are passionate about sharing their culture throughout the world.

Patrick is from the Makwa Sahgaiehcan First Nation (near Loon Lake).

“Patrick was in Japan recently and France, so he travels all over

sharing what he does and why he does it, and his life story,” said Durawa.

“He danced at the Superbowl last year. I guess they did a cultural event, and he was part of that.”

The Mitsuings worked with a diverse team of Indigenous artists from Western

Former LPSD employee, 39-year-old Kimberly Bennett, has been charged by Lloydminster RCMP with theft over $5,000. Her next court appearance is Feb. 5 at the Alberta Court of Justice in Lloydminster. Geoff Lee Meridian Source GEOFF LEE STAFF WRITER

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A former employee of the Lloydminster Public School Division (LPSD) POWWOW FROM PAGE 7

The Lloydminster Public School Division also took part in welcoming the Mitsuings to Lloyd.

“The LPSD has and Indigenous Mentors

ther comments on this matter.”

A Ministry of Education news release, also dated Jan. 26, stated: “The Board of Education of Lloydminster School Division No. 99 has reported a loss of public money in the amount of $7,846 for the first quarter of the 2023-24 school division fiscal year (Sept 1, 2023, to Nov. 30, 2023).”

The Ministry of Education has tabled its report to the Standing Committee on Public Accounts (PAC).

The PAC reviews and reports to the Assembly its observations, opinions and recommendations on the reports of the provincial auditor and the public accounts.

Canada and the U.S. to assemble each of the individual dance regalia on display. The dances are men’s traditional, men’s fancy, men’s chicken, men’s grass, women’s traditional, women’s fancy and women’s jingle.

The exhibit is now on display until April 20, 2024.

Photo submitted by Sarah Hockridge

Thursday, February 1, 2024

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Students help grow game of hockey TAYLOR WEAVER EDITOR

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Recognized as Canada’s national winter sport, hockey is a game played by young and old from all walks of life, but where does a love for the game come from?

That question was asked and answered at E .S. La i rd M i d d l e School last Thursday as students laced up some skates and took to the ice; a first for many in the group.

Hosted by E.S. teacher Morgan Mann, who also happens to coach the Apex Automation Lakeland College Rustlers women’s ice hockey team, the learn-to-skate-style event took place on the outdoor rink behind the school with instruction from the Rustlers and the U15 AA Richardson Jewellery Steelers.

Aside from basic skating skills, the Rustlers and Steelers helped students tie skates, work on puck

control, and of course, perfect some clappers.

“The U15 Steelers and the Apex Automation Lakeland College Rustlers women’s hockey team applied for a grant with Hockey Alberta to grow the game of hockey, and more specifically, hockey and skating and the experience of being on the outdoor ice,” explained Mann.

“Our initiative was for students who have maybe never had this opportunity before.

The two teams decided to join together, and we got a perfect day for it. This is also our first skate on our ODR here at E.S. Laird, and the ice is in great shape.”

Growing up playing the game and now coaching, Mann knows the life lessons and skills derived from the sport and wanted to share that with his students, many of whom weren’t born in Canada.

“We’re a global community here at E.S.

Taylor Weaver Meridian Source Laird; we have students from all over the world,” said Mann.

“That global community makes for a great school and it’s a culture at our school now. For some of our students, this is their first winter in Canada, so when we get out on the ice to play the game we love, it gives them that firsttime experience.”

Steelers Addison Moore and Jayce Miazga had a great

time lending a hand on Thursday and noted it felt good to introduce fellow students to their favourite sport.

“We’ve been meeting lots of great people and it turned out to be a really nice day, too,” said Moore. “It feels pretty good to help give these kids this opportunity. The kids are so happy, and not all of them get this opportunity, so it’s nice.”

“It’s fun seeing them come out and being able to help them do what we do,” echoed Miazga. “We helped tie their skates and give them a few tips; it’s been really fun.”

Ethan Rasco, a Grade 7 student at E.S., whose family is originally from the Philippines, explained he had a great time on the ice and plans to get out on skates more often.

Lloydminster native

and Rustlers forward Asha Petrie was one of many college athletes on hand during the event, who noted there may be some future Rustlers on the ice.

“It’s special,” she said. “I know some of these kids probably look up to us and some have never had this experience before, so us being able to do that and give back to the community is great; it’s nice.”

PAGE 10 Thursday, February 1, 2024 MERIDIAN SOURCE

Viewpoint Through the reader’s lens

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Editor Taylor Weaver taylor@meridiansource.ca Staff Writer Geoff Lee geoff@meridiansource.ca Staff Writer Jeannette Benoit Leipert jeannette@meridiansource.ca Marketing Consultant Cory Harvie cory@meridiansource.ca Marketing Consultant Andrea Allen andrea@meridiansource.ca Marketing Consultant Bailey Keebaugh bailey@meridiansource.ca Publisher: Reid Keebaugh Production Manager: Amanda Richard Distribution: distribution@meridiansource.ca CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING admin@meridiansource.ca NEWSPAPER DELIVERY If you’ve missed a paper, to start or stop delivery, or for carrier applications, please call 306-825-5111 for information.

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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

2017

Taylor Weaver Meridian Source Psych! Source editor Tay-

lor Weaver took the top photo of young hockey players sharpening their skills on the now-not-sofrozen lake at Bud Miller All Seasons Park this past S a t u r d a y. M i k e f r o m Canmore took the above photo of t he T h re e Sis ters reflecting in a puddle on a Trans Canada Highway off-ramp in Canmore, Alta. It’s hard to believe it was 50 below a of couple weeks ago, considering it’s a lmost war m enoug h to wear shorts and a t-shirt this week!

PAGE 11 Thursday, February 1, 2024 MERIDIAN SOURCE

Opinion

Leeway from Lloyd: Call 9-11, I’m shrinking!

STAFF WRITER GEOFF LEE

I am starting to get that shrinking feeling.

Back in high school, I swear I was 5 feet 10 inches wearing socks or at least 5’9”, so I was shocked when I was recently measured 5’5” during a recent medical appointment.

However, at another clinic a couple of weeks later, I topped off at 5’6” so I figure if I make three or four more appointments I can regain those lost inches!

Where did they go?

Apparently, it’s normal to get shorter with age. According to Google, starting around 40 people can lose up to half an inch every decade with the shrinkage maxing out at about two inches. Hopefully, I can snag a role in a new reality TV series called Shrunken Seniors.

In Episode 3, they make me into a believable human lawn gnome. I am not Danny DeVito’s twin, however, as he stands 4’10”!

Once again, according to Google, the main cause of shrinking is a loss of bone density and muscle mass.

Your posture may also change and your feet can flatten — all adding to a loss of height. I can check the feet thing as my arches collapsed years ago and I did have four herniated discs, which likely shortened the space between those vertebrae. My posture is not that great either so check that box.

Unfortunately, there are no height restoration pills or tools on the market other than the Medieval rack and I’ll pass on that thank you. There are inversion tables to stretch

Honey, I Shrunk The KIds – Google Image your back, but the fine print doesn’t mention lengthening.

My favourite movie has suddenly become Walking Tall with Godzilla a close sec-

ond and I have cancelled my plans to play professional basketball knowing you can’t teach height. I learned that lesson back in high school.

The plus side of getting shorter is the possibility of gaining a Napoleon complex and power-tripping to compensate for my “shortcomings” - we’re talk-

ing height here folks!

If this doesn’t pan out, I could get a part-time job as a short-order cook or work on a shrimp boat. Just don’t call me, Shorty.

Border Banter with Benoit-Leipert: Always a silver lining

File Photo

What a weekend!

I am so grateful for my amazing family and friends. You know, the ones you can call no matter what?

My husband was out of the country on a business trip last week, and just hours before

his plane landed my usually trusty vehicle left me on the side of the road.

We later found out she needs an alternator, which is the only major fix in nearly 350,000 km, so I’m not complaining! I’m glad the weather was unseasonably warm on Saturday, too!

My daug hter and I were able to get a ride

home from a dear friend of mine, who dropped everything on her day off to come and rescue us. She knows I’d do the same for her!

I had planned to spend most of the day in Lloyd, covering two events and enjoying a game night at my parent’s house in between events.

I called my sister to let her know I would

sadly, not be joining them. Someone else would have to kick everyone’s butt in crib.

Haha.

To my delight, she had an immediate solution when it came to wheels. Her son, my dear nephew, had a spare car parked in their yard for over a month. He recently moved out of the province, and it wouldn’t pass a safety in that province due to minimal rust.

I contacted my nephew, and he gave me a really sweet deal on it! It worked out great since we have two upand-coming drivers who will need a car soon enough.

But now I’m not so sure if I want to pass it on to them. It’s giving me some late 90s vibes that I’m rolling with. I can finally make use of all of those bangin’ mix CDs that have

been collecting dust on my bookshelf, that I’m too sentimental to get rid of.

And the kicker?! I got to Lloyd just as the

low fuel light came on, threw $20 into the tank and it brought me to nearly half a tank. That really made me feel like I was 16 again!

12

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Passport to YLL

Thursday, February 1, 2024

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.

Fun for the whole family Crib Doubles Tourney The Moose Lodge is hosting a cribbage doubles tournament on Feb. 11 at 10 a.m.

Registration is from 9-9:45 a.m., 12 games guaranteed.

Cost is $25/person, which includes a hot lunch. Enter as a team or an individual.

Coldest Night of The Year The Annual Coldest Night of the Year Walk for the Lloydminster Men’s Shelter will be held at Bud Miller All Seasons Park on Feb. 24. This is a team event to raise money for the men’s shelter. Registration starts at 4 p.m. opening address, the walk and finishes with a light supper. This is a family friendly event. You can register online with the Blue Sea Foundation or register at the park the day of the event.

Tea Cup Candle Making There will be a tea cup candle making workshop and English tea party at Church Stay, Alta. in Mannville on Feb. 25 from 3-6 p.m.

Anne of Green Gables – The Ballet The Lloydminster Concert Series Association is excited to host Anne of Green Gables– The Ballet at the Vic Juba Community Theatre on Thursday, March 7 for a 7:30 p.m. show. Tickets are $55 for adults and $5 for students. Contact the theatre’s box office at 780-872-7400 for more info.

The Bellamy Brothers The Vic Juba Community Theatre will be hosting country music legends The Bellamy Brothers (yes, it’s really the original brothers) on Tuesday, April 23 for a 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $65 and available online or at the Vic Juba box office. Call 780-872-

7400 for more info.

Hotel California @ The Vic VaughnCo Entertainment is excited to bring the original Eagles tribute, Hotel California, to the Vic Juba Community Theatre on Sept. 20 for a 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $60 each and available online or at the theatre’s box office.

Call 780-872-7400 for more info.

Taylor Swift Tribute The Vic Juba Community Theatre is excited to bring a Taylor Swift Tribute featuring Katy Ellis to the Border City on Wednesday, Nov. 13 for a 7:30 p.m. show. Tickets are $39 each and are available online or at the theatre’s box office. Call 780-872-7400 for more info.

North Bend Jam The North Bend Musical Jam is the second Sunday of each month from 1-4:30 p.m.

It will feature musicians and dancers; all music lovers welcome. Jams will be held on Oct. 8, Nov. 12 and Dec. 10.

The Hall is wheelchair accessible; everyone welcome!

BINGO IS BACK! Bingo is back at the Moose Lodge every Monday and Wednesday. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and play starts at 7 p.m. Must be 18 to play.

Playschool Pre-registration Southridge Playschool & Kindergym has opened up their registration for 20232024 classes. They offer oneday a week for three-yearolds and one or two days a week for four/five-year-olds.

They have also qualified for the Affordability Grant. For more information please call 780-872-9523.

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

Cards, games and live music Inspiring Women Conference Lloydminster’s Inspiring Women Conference, put on

by KT and Company, returns to the Border City tomorrow for an epic day of inspiration from some incredible women. The day-long event takes place at the Lloydminster Exhibition and will run from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets are $97.18 and are available through Eventbrite.

Kaiser Tournament The Legacy Centre is hosting a Kaiser tournament on Feb. 1. Play begins at 10 a.m. and the cost is $10/person.

Lunch is also available for $12/person. Everyone welcome! Call the Legacy office at 780-875-4584.

Lone Rock Bingo Lone Rock bingo night is Friday, Feb. 9 at 7:30 p.m. at the Hall. Cost is $5/bingo card. Bring the family! Enjoy snacks and beverages with friday and win!

Supper/Dance The Legacy Centre is hosting a February supper/dance on Feb. 9. Doors open and dancin’ at 5 p.m. and supper starts at 6 p.m. Dance the night away to the tunes of Saskatoon’s Memory Lane. Tickets are $25/ person – ADVANCE TICKETS ONLY. Please purchase or reserve tickets before noon on Feb. 8. All members welcome!

Call the Legacy office at 780875-4584.

Kelly Taylor plays Marwayne Comedy Night Join Kelly Taylor at the Marwayne Community Hall on Feb. 10 for a night of comedy. This in-person event promises to be a ribtickling experience for everyone in attendance. Funds raised go towards upgrad-

ing the playground equipment at our school! Tickets are $70.56 and available at EventBrite.

Islay Crib Tournament The Islay Community Association is hosting a crib tournament on Feb. 10 at the Islay Hall. Doors open at 9:30 a.m., registration cut off is 10:15 a.m. Play starts at 10:30 a.m. Cost is $25/person, which includes lunch.

Please pre-register with Linda at 780-580-0570.

Dewberry Jamboree The Dewberry Jamboree is being held on Feb. 10 with a 2 p.m. start time. Supper is at 5 p.m. with music to follow.

Tickets are $20.

Aaron Pritchett at the Vic Country music star Aaron Pritchett brings The Liquored Up Tour to the Border City with special guests Cory Marks and Matt Lang on Monday, Feb. 12 for a 7:30 p.m. show. General admission tickets are $68 and available at the Vic Juba website or box office.

Spades Tourney The Legacy Centre is hosting a Spades tournament on Feb. 15. Play begins at 10 a.m. and the cost is $10/person.

Lunch is also available for $12/person. Everyone welcome! Call the Legacy office at 780-875-4584.

High Valley @ The Vic Multi-platinum country group High Valley will be taking the stage at the Vic Juba Community Theatre on Feb. 16 for a 7:30 p.m. show.

Tickets are only $65 and are available online or at the Vic Juba box office.

Islay Jamboree There will be a jamboree

on Feb. 18 at the Islay Community Hall at 1 p.m. Admission is $15, participants free.

Everyone welcome. Lunch Served. For more info, call Dixie at 780-744-2204.

Crib Doubles Tourney The Legacy Centre is hosting a cribbage doubles tournament on Feb. 22. Play begins at 10 a.m. and the cost is $10/ person. Lunch is also available for $12/person. Everyone welcome! Call the Legacy office at 780-875-4584.

Pancake Breakfast The Legacy Centre is hosting a pancake breakfast from 9-11 a.m. on Feb. 25. Cost is $12/person at the door, $6/12 and under. EVERYONE WELCOME! Call the Legacy office at 780-8754584 for more details.

The Great Canadian Roadtrip The Vic Juba Community Theatre is pleased to present The Great Canadian Roadtrip with Doc Walker, Michelle Wright and Jason McCoy on Feb. 26 at 7:30 p.m. Don’t miss three legends of Canadian Country music come back to their roots this winter! Tickets are $71 and are available on the theatre’s website and inperson at the box office.

Legacy Bus Trip The Legacy Centre is hosting a bus trip on Feb. 28 for brunch and a show (A Night With The King starring Matt Cage– North American Renowned Elvis Tribute Show). The bus leaves the Legacy at 7:30 a.m. and returns to Lloydminster around 5:30 p.m. Cost is $189/person, which includes transportation, brunch and the show! Call the Legacy office at 780-875-4584 for more details.

Thursday, February 1, 2024

MERIDIAN SOURCE

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MERIDIAN SOURCE

Thursday, February 1, 2024

Rotary scholarship tweak works at Avery

Geoff Lee Meridian Source

Avery Outreach School students and staff thanked the Rotary Club of Lloydminster for changing the scope of its $1,000 annual scholarship from post-secondary education to employment-related certificates and tickets. Many of the 250 students have jobs.

GEOFF LEE STAFF WRITER

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

The Rotary Club of Lloydminster has changed its student scholarship program from academics to job readiness tickets

recently at Avery Outreach School with positive results.

Avery’s principal Bob Merilees and counsellor Rhonda Schwenk spoke about the repurposed $1,000

scholarship at Rotary’s Monday meeting with testimonials from student beneficiaries Mytchell Wright and Amelia Torrance.

“In the past, they’d do one scholarship, so

one student could go on to post-secondary, but now we have it so we can send some kids for certain tickets for first aid or what they need to keep these students employable,” said Merilees.

Avery advocated for the change to fit the school’s learning niche that offers a flexible structure for students in Grades 10-12 with many of them having part-time jobs.

“A lot of our students don’t go on to post-secondary,” said Schwenk.

“I thought if it could support the employability piece, that is definitely going to be a huge step in the right direction as far as citizenship and life beyond Avery graduation goes.

“Last year was the f irst y ear we d id t he safety tickets and the certification. So the students that utilized this have full-time employment or parttime employment.”

Students Wright and Torrance are the first two students who went through certification to improve their employment chances.

Torrance is still in Grade 11 and took a food safety course that paid off with a job that she loves.

“I am the type of person who loves working

in food, restaurants anything of the sort.

The food safety is one of the things you need if you’re wanting to work in that field,” she said.

“When I took it I immediately got a job in a kitchen and I feel more comfortable working in a kitchen now that I know the food safety regulations and so forth.

“I think because Avery offered that it helped me become accessible to getting a job.”

Torrance also believes Avery is a great school with occupational programs while giving kudos to Rotary as well.

“I think overall Avery is just an amazing school. Without them, I wouldn’t be what I am now. I just want to say thank you to Avery and thank you for funding us,” she said.

Avery currently has an enrolment of around 250 full-time and part-time students, including some shared courses with students from Lloydminster Comprehensive High School.

“We provide flexible learning. A lot of it is through modular booklets. Some are online.

The kids have jobs.

We’re just very flexi-

ble,” said Merilees.

“I’d like to thank Rotary for the scholarships for our students.”

Wright graduated from Grade 11 last year, and as a 20-year-old, is doing some upgrading right now with plans to take an environment and reclamation course at Lakeland College in the future.

He also spoke highly of his Avery experience.

“We’re definitely a family school. You come into that place and if you don’t want to be super open or want a space to yourself, it’s provided to you,” he said.

Wright also gave a nod to Rotary for the scholarship opportunity.

“Thank you guys for planning what you have and please continue to do so because even if students aren’t aware of it and do become aware of it, it’s there for them to take advantage of it. It’s really nice,” he said.

Merilees also briefly commented on plans for Avery to eventually move into Barr Colony School, which will close at the end of the current school year and undergo renovations.

“It will be good. It will be nice to have the gym. It will be a change because I’ve been at Avery for about 18 years now,” he said.

Thursday, February 1, 2024

MERIDIAN SOURCE

New youth football team in Lloyd

Taylor Weaver File Photo JEANNETTE BENOIT-LEIPERT STAFF WRITER

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There’s a new opportunity for young athletes in the Lloydminster and surrounding area this fall.

Last week, Holy Rosary High School (HRHS) announced they would be offering teens born in 20082009 a chance to participate on their bantam football team.

Th e te a m w i l l p l a y in the Capital District Minor Football Associa-

tion (CDMFA).

“Capital District is Edmonton and surrounding area. They’ve got half a dozen teams in the city itself. There’s teams in Beaumont, Leduc, Sherwood Park, Fort Saskatchewan, Spruce Grove, St. Albert,” said Vince Orieux, LCSD superintendent of learning and head coach of the Holy Rosary Raiders football team.

“We’ve been in touch with them and they’re happy to welcome us in.

We feel like it’s going to be a very competitive environment. It’s going to give our kids a really great place to play and just help them develop.”

It’s a competitive 12 asid e t ackle f oot ball team that anyone of bantam age can join, regardless of where they attend school.

“We want to continue to provide a Bantam football opportunity for all kids, and we’re excited about bringing those kids together. It’s great for friendships

and developing team comaraderie and growing together as they enter into high school,” said Orieux.

“It’s going to help us develop athletes from 13 years of age all the way up to 18.”

Craig Paylor, HRHS teacher and defensive coordinator for the high school football team, says football is a unique sport, in that athletes with a diverse set of strengths and body types can do well at.

“The surrounding area, a lot of places don’t have football.

There’s a lot of different types of athletes and body types that football adheres to, and for some kids that don’t play sports, it’s just an opportunity to have another sport to learn, to grow,” said Paylor.

“And also, it can take them a lot of different places, as we have had a lot of players from our program move on to post-secondary football, and also to junior level.”

Along with this new team, HRHS will also implement a Football Academy, available to Grade 8 and 9 students who attend the school.

“The academy part— they’ll be doing some drills and skills that are sport specific to football,” said Paylor.

“They’ll also get some more education and training in terms of proper stretching, strength training, some speed training. Proper workout techniques, just to build them as a bigger, stronger, faster athlete.”

But it’s not just about the physical training. Orieux and Paylor agree the academy will also help provide a sense of community as players get settled into their Grade 8 year at HRHS. “There’s kind of a few things that the academy does. It helps bring them to become part of the school community.

It gets them involved, in a group as a whole.

15

It also helps them in terms of mental wellbeing, physical wellbeing, and just transitions to a sport-related program,” said Paylor, adding he currently has a child in Grade 7 who is involved with the pee wee program and is looking forward to moving into bantam in the fall.

“I can transfer in terms of coaching him as well. And I know, coaching football for the past 20 years and kind of putting my heart and soul into the program and being very passionate about school athletics and how athletics transfers kids into being better academic students and just being part of the community.

It’s a passion, not only as a teacher but as a coach and also as a parent,” said Paylor.

There will be a parent meeting in the HRHS commons on Feb. 13 at 7 p.m. for those interested in joining the team.

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Thursday, February 1, 2024

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Kemp kids bust out breakdancing Geoff Lee Meridian Source GEOFF LEE STAFF WRITER

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

Jack Kemp Community School kids have checked off breakdancing as one of their

favourite classes.

It was one of the “funnest” experiences for Grade 5 students who formed a circle to show off their B-boy

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and B-girl moves, one at a time as their classmates cheered them on.

Breaking, as it’s also called, is one of the five elements of hiphop culture taught by instructor Brandon Ganuelas from Saskatoon during a two-day workshop last week.

“I’m teaching breakdancing B-boy, B-girl, it’s about hip hop, being open with the community, giving each other a chance to make a difference in the community,” said Ganuelas.

The 26-year-old says hip hop is not just dance and not just the music, but a whole community and a worldwide phenomenon.

“Hip hop to me is a way to unite people and clear whatever is going on in your mind, like whatever issue,” explained Ganuelas who has a studio in Saskatoon.

“It’s my way to escape whatever problems I have financially, mentally and even physically.”

Breakdancing promotes self-expression and creativity as there is no single right way to execute moves.

With breaking, kids can learn the basics and launch in any

direction from there, developing their selfexpression and confidence.

‘It’s to interact with others who love to do the same thing. You can use any rhythm and change it to your own to dance to it. That’s why it’s so versatile,” said Ganuelas.

Dancing is also part of the provincial arts curriculum and part of the phys-ed curriculum that led Dance Saskatchewan to pair Ganuelas with Jack Kemp classes to the delight of principal Elena Brand.

“We have him for two whole days to do workshops. He’s doing workshops with them in small groups. they’re learning the moves; they’re dancing, they’re cheering each other on,” said Brand.

She also liked what Ganuelas told the first class about hiphop bringing people together.

“He had a great message about that for the kids, about the entire hip-hop culture infusing all of the arts from visual arts to music to the dance as well,” said Brand.

“That was very heartwarming for me as a principal to see all of those kids cheering

each other on as they were trying something brand new.”

Ganuelas only had time to teach the basics, but that was just fine for a gung-ho learner who identified herself as Jordan.

“It’s lots of fun. It’s a way to bring people together to support yourself and other people,” she said.

The cool thing, said Jordan, is you don’t have to be super coordinated to do it.

“You can just learn simple steps to do it and it’s a way to express yourself in a more creative way,” she explained.

The 10-year-old noted Ganuelas is very good at hip hop and teaches it step by step, so it’s easy to follow.

She said she learned moves like the crossover, the sidestep, the CC and the freeze among others.

Ganuelas believes anyone can do it and learn about hip-hop culture too.

“It’s not just about music. It’s about morals and values in hip-hop.

There’s a whole ‘eachone, teach-one’ mindset. It’s for everyone,” he said.

“It’s to end violence.

That’s what it was cre-

ated for.”

Hip hop started in the Bronx in New York in the 1970s as a way to stop gang violence.

Ganuelas says the culture of hip hop is making a comeback with sponsored competitions that he takes part in and its inclusion as an Olympic sport in the 2024 Summer Games.

“The reason why I say to the kids it includes everybody is because we’re not all the same.

It gives everyone a chance to be on an even playing ground in reality,” said Ganuelas.

He said he caught on to hip hop when he was 12 because it was free and wasn’t restricted by rules or the need for equipment.

“You just show up and you do what you want,” he said.

That was among the many benefits of breaking that appealed to a Grade 5 student named Trextzyn.

“It was really fun and, like, you do a lot with your friends and classmates. It’s a lot of energy and, you like, show yourself out in a group,” he said.

“It helps build relationships with your friends and makes you chill out.”

Thursday, February 1, 2024

MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

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

Colder temperatures and shorter days may make Albertans want to stay in and hibernate indoors. But staying active in the winter can provide many benefits, including improving your physical and mental health and overall well-being.

Winter Health and Fitness Week runs from Feb. 14 to 20, which serves as a good reminder for all Albertans to bundle up, beat the winter blues, and discover a variety of ways to keep your body moving.

Maintaining regular physical activity reduces your risk of chronic illnesses such as heart disease, type-2 diabetes, stroke and certain types of cancer. And while staying active in the winter may require some creativity and planning, your body and mind will thank you … and it may even make winter

MERIDIAN SOURCE

17

Get moving this winter! more fun!

Here are some ideas, tips, and ways to get you started: Enjoy the outdoors!

- Plan fun activities for yourself, friends or family! Go snowshoeing, skating, make a snow angel or try a new winter sport. Finding new ways to enjoy the outdoors can make winter more fun.

- Remember to use the right protective gear and equipment and check our safety and winter tips guidelines.

- Schedule time for new activities before or after school or work, during a lunch break or on the weekends. Register for Winter Walk Day to get outdoors and walk with others across Alberta.

- ‘Walk like a penguin’ to prevent falls when it’s icy. Try walking poles or use crampons for better grip on snow and ice.

Prepare for the temperature before heading out

File Photo - Visit Environment Canada, 511.Alberta. ca or download the WeatherCAN or AEA Alert app for current weather and driving conditions or alerts.

- Try walking, running, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and other activities where you move a lot to help keep you warm when the temperature dips.

- Take frequent warming breaks and plan activities around

the warmest time of day and close to a shelter (home, coffee shops or chalets) when possible in case weather conditions change.

- Find an indoor location to exercise in if it’s too cold or snowy to be outdoors, like a mall or recreational centre.

Join an indoor walking group or invite friends to stay motivated.

- Learn about hypothermia and frostbite and how to recognize the

signs and symptoms.

Dress for the weather - Cover as much exposed skin as possible. Wear warm, waterproof and windproof layers, scarves, neck warmers, protective face liners and waterproof footwear. Hand and feet warmers are good sources of instant warmth.

- Be active outdoors during daylight hours so others can see you, but if you’re outside in

early morning or evening try to wear bright colours, reflective materials and consider bringing a flashlight or headlamp with you.

- Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen that is SPF 30 or higher to exposed skin before heading outside. UVR rays remain constant throughout the year, even when cold, cloudy or foggy.

- Always use UV eye protection

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MERIDIAN SOURCE

Thursday, February 1, 2024

Living on the Colony MIDWEST MINUTE VERN McCLELLAND

I was having a meeting one day about farmland with three Hutterite leaders, two brothers and a son, at their office on the colony, when we strayed into a discussion about living with family next door.

Of course, the number of their immediate neighbours would populate a small village, while in my case it is just three generations sharing a large yard, but by the sounds of it, there were common experiences.

We agreed probably the biggest principle to be applied was the need to respect boundaries, both geographical and human.

Now, family members who grow up and work daily together have learned what can be said, and what can’t be said without provoking somebody, but introducing a new partner into either generation, well let’s just say it can get sticky.

The flip side is the numerous opportunities to support the other family, both emotionally and functionally.

Some jobs are simply easier with another set of hands; for example, when the submersible pump in the well needs replacement or someone is taking the tractor to the tire shop, then hitching a ride home.

Or the ad hoc problem-solving discussions over coffee and a muffin, on topics rang-

ing from farm business to raising children.

But there is also a need to give the people next door their space.

When we moved out of the centrally located farmhouse to the one newly built behind the windbreak next door, our son strongly suggested we place our detached garage on the sightline between the two homes.

A great idea when you think of it, no casual monitoring of activity in either yard.

Everyone must work at being civil because, like it or not, the neighbour is there for the foreseeable future.

But hey, we also have someone to share life’s challenges and events with.

We each have our own driveway, but of course, there is a link

File Photos between the two for convenience.

It can be kind of funny who shows up at the other family’s door sometimes! Or honk their horn on the way through to the other side.

One riding lawn mower. One garbag e d u mp st e r . Se veral shared ATVs, barn cats, dogs, and horses.

Two firepits, giving

the opportunity for an ad hoc evening beverage and social at either home.

Or the warmth that comes with freshly made lasagna or home-baked chocolate cupcakes showing up unexpectedly at the door, or the ease of borrowing a grocery item to complete a meal rather than running into town.

The dynamics of the multiple-generation family farm, nothing else like it!

Vern McClelland is an associate broker with RE/MAX of Lloydminster and an active partner in his family’s livestock operation.

Comments on this article are welcome either by emailing vernmcclelland@remax.net or calling 306-821-0611.

Thursday, February 1, 2024

MERIDIAN SOURCE

19

Fun and ‘game’ at annual banquet

Photo submitted

Lloydminster Fish and Game Association award winners gather for a group photo following the banquet Saturday evening.

JEANNETTE BENOIT-LEIPERT STAFF WRITER

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The Lloydminster Fish and Game Association have had their plates full during the month of January, with back-to-back events, two weekends in a row.

The association held their annual Family Wildlife and Awards Banquet Saturday night, and it did not disappoint.

“It went really good,”

said association president Dwayne Davison.

“We had a very nice meal and everybody certainly appreciated that, and we had some good entertainment with Magic Ben and did o ur fundraising side of things, and did our awards and all that.”

The meal was a meatlover’s dream, with an array of different things to try.

“Our appetizer table is just full of all kinds

Photo submitted

Nathan Pierce receives his award for a Whitetail deer he shot that racked up a gross score of 160 1/8.

of stuff and then our main course consists of beef, turkey, beef sausage, goose wrapped in bacon, pheasant wrapped in bacon, and steelhead trout, deepfried pike.”

“We try to keep our supper ticket prices low,” said Davison, adding the tickets prices went up to $50 this year, but many people still say that’s cheap for what you get.

As far as the awards, Davison said the number of submissions was down this year.

“With the deer population being so low in Saskatchewan and in Alberta also. It’s been really hard the last two years on deer,” said Davison, adding the entries that were submitted were scored by Sherry Lechasseur.

“Sherry is a Boone and Crockett scorer, so she does all the scoring for us on all of the animals and keeps all of the records, and then brings all of the stuff to the banquet.”

Although award entries were down, Davison says the community support was amazing. Many sponsors helped out with the silent auction and raffle items. The live auction item this year was a 300 Win mag Ruger American.

This year’s top three sponsors were Ken-X Energy, Viro Rentals

Inc., and Hobblestone Plastics.

The big game trophy winners recognized at the banquet are as follows: Typical Whitetail Deer: Nathan Pricegross score: 160 1/8, Tannis Sweeny- gross score: 149. Typical Elk: Darren Peters- gross score: 339 4/8, Ian Peters- gross score: 330.

Moose: Leah Doidgegross score: 128 6/8.

Antelope: Dave MacKenzie- gross score: 69 1/8.Largest big game with primitive weapon (Antelope): Dave MacKenzie- gross score: 69 1/8.Lady’s largest big game (typical Whitetail): Tannis Sweenygross score: 149.Junior big game (typical Whitetail): Nathan Piercegross score: 160 1/8.

The fishermen who brought home trophies are as follows: Dave MacKenzie: 8 lb. 9 oz.

Walleye, Mace Postnikoff: 8 lb. Walleye, Christopher Sweeny: 13 lb. Northern Pike, Doug Lowrie: 7 lb. 14oz. Lake Whitefish, Mace Postnikoff: Lorne Topley Memorial award.

When it came to waterfowl the winners were as follows: Dave MacKenzie: 14 lb. 13.6

oz. Canada Goose, Glen Pattison: 14 lb 8 oz., Dave MacKenzie: 4 lb.

3.2 oz. Mallard Duck, Dave Mac K e nz i e : 4 0 inch Pheasant.

In the outdoor pho-

tography category Ronda Davison took first place for wildlife, and James Sweeny got first for scenery, taking home the Pat England Memorial Award.

Photo submitted

Lloyd Fish and Game President Dwayne Davison presents Leah Doidge the award for the highest scoring moose this year, at 128 6/8.

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MERIDIAN SOURCE

Thursday, February 1, 2024

Sask feed program deadline extended MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

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On Tuesday, Agriculture and Agri-Food (AAFC) Minister Lawrence MacAulay and Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister David Marit announced updates to the province’s 2023 CanadaSaskatchewan Feed Program, administered by the Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation (SCIC).

“I know this area expansion and deadline extension for the 2023 Canada-Saskatchewan Feed Program is welcome news for producers across Saskatchewan,” said Minister MacAulay.

“We’ve also updated the designated regions for the 2023 Livestock Tax Deferral to help more folks who have been affected by drought and dry conditions.”

“We recognize the areas significantly impacted by drought this past fall and the importance of maximizing access to financial relief for livestock producers by expanding the

File Photo area eligibility,” added Marit.

“In addition, extending the deadline provides Saskatchewan producers an additional two weeks to review program details and submit their applications.”

A total of 10 additional designated Rural Municipalities (RMs) are now added to the area and eligible for full cost-shared funding of an initial payment of up to $150 per head.

This expansion responds to the dry conditions that further impacted livestock producers throughout the later months this past fall.

The application deadline is extended to March 15. The submitted application needs to indicate the number of breeding animals on hand as of Aug/ 21, 2023, and kept until Jan. 31.

This deadline extension allows Saskatchewan producers additional time to review and finalize applications with actual extraordinary costs and breeding animal inventory.

A reminder producers will need to submit their receipts or appropriate documents for the extraordinary expenses.

Eligible extraordinary expenses include

purchased feed, selfhauling or transportation costs for feed or breeding animals, and/ or land rented for additional grazing acres or additional feed production. Eligible animal species include beef cattle and other grazing animals, limited to bison, elk, deer, sheep, goats and horses. A Saskatchewan Premises Identification (PID) is required to be eligible for the Program.

This Program covers 70 per cent of extraordinary costs related to feed and freight incurred after May 1,

2023, now through to March 15, 2024.

An online application form is available at scic. ca. A user guide is available to assist producers in completing their application.

If producers require guidance or have any questions, they can contact SCIC’s dedicated team by phone or email.

On Aug. 18, 2023, Saskatchewan’s Ministry of Agriculture announced the province committed up to $70 million to assist impacted producers. Federal cost-share funding for Saskatch-

ewan’s AgriRecovery Program is up to $77 million.

AgriRecovery is a federal-provincial-territorial disaster relief framework to help agricultural producers with the extraordinary costs associated with recovering from disaster situations.

AgriRecovery initiatives are cost-shared on a 60:40 basis between the federal government and participating provinces or territories, as outlined under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP).

Coverage expands for CF drug

M

ore children living with cystic fibrosis (CF) in Saskatchewan are now eligible for Trikafta, a medication that improves lung function.

Starting Feb. 1, coverage of Trikafta will be available to CF patients two to five years of age who meet the medical criteria.

“We are pleased to expand coverage for this treatment for more Saskatchewan children with cystic fibrosis,” said Health Minister Everett Hindley. “Trikafta has been shown to improve quality of life in patients living with CF, so this expanded coverage means more children with CF can benefit and lead healthier lives.”

Although there is no cure for CF, Trikafta works to correct the underlying cause of CF. In December 2023, the Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health issued a recommendation that jurisdictions expand coverage of Trikafta for patients two to five years who meet certain medical criteria. Successful pricing negotia-

tions have recently been completed through the Pan-Canadian Pharmaceutical Alliance.

“Saskatchewan was one of the first provinces to fund Trikafta for both the six years and older and 12 years and older age groups, and today has continued to recognize the treatment’s transformative value by expanding coverage to include children ages two to five years old,” said Cystic Fibrosis Canada president and CEO Kelly Grover.

“While not a cure, starting young children with cystic fibrosis on modulator therapy as early as possible could protect their health and prevent significant structural lung damage from occurring - we celebrate this news alongside our CF community in Saskatchewan, who has worked tirelessly for this day.”

In Saskatchewan, coverage of Trikafta for CF patients ages six to 12 came into effect in 2022, while coverage for patients ages 12 and older began in 2021. Approximately 90 people in Saskatchewan already benefit from Trikafta coverage.

Thursday, February 1, 2024

MERIDIAN SOURCE

21

Min. age for tobacco/vapes increased

MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

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

Effective today, Feb. 1, the minimum age for the purchase of tobacco and vapour products will increase from 18 to 19 years of age in Saskatchewan.

In October 2023, the Government of Sas-

katchewan passed proposed legislation calling for an increase in the minimum age for tobacco and vapour product purchases.

The legislative change aligns tobacco and vaping product restrictions with alcohol and cannabis.

“It is important for us to protect Saskatchewan youth from the dangers of tobacco and vapour products,” said Health Minister Everett Hindley. “These products have no place in Saskatchewan schools and I’m pleased that MLAs on both sides of the house voted unanimously to take the necessary steps to protect students from being exposed to these products.”

Tobacco and vapour product retailers are responsible for ensuring they only sell these items to people 19 years and older. Government-issued identification containing the person’s photograph, date of birth and signature (e.g. a passport or driver’s license) is required to confirm age.

Retailers will have to update their signage to reflect the new minimum age. The sign

Boosting access to justice MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

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

A new one-time grant will support community-based initiatives to increase access to justice for Albertans.

Resolving legal issues outside the traditional court system can be less stressful on the parties involved, less expensive and faster than going to court, and a growing number of Albertans have shown a preference for resolving issues within their communities rather than through the courts.

To give Albertans more options for resolving criminal, family and civil justice matters outside the courtroom, Alberta’s government is investing $1.2 million in a new one-time grant to support innovative and community-based initiatives that provide alternatives to the formal court system.

The Alberta Community Justice Grant would help increase access to justice within a community setting that is proactive, culturally sensitive, traumainformed and tailored

to the specific needs of vulnerable Albertans.

“Community justice programs are a proven and innovative alternative to the formal court system,” said Minister of Justice and Attorney General Mickey Amery.

“This grant will help community organizations explore and create innovative programming to provide even more options for Albertans accessing the justice system and help reduce pressure on the courts.”

Community justice seeks to engage community members in decision-making and encourages collaborative problem-solving to address the root causes of conflict through mediation, peacemaking and other community-based processes that could help resolve conflict outside a courtroom. It also aims to build safer and stronger communities through community involvement, prevention programs and alternative approaches to justice.

Eligible communitybased organizations

and interest groups can apply for a one-time grant between $5,000 to $25,000 to support current community justice programs or create innovative alternatives to the formal court system. Applications will be accepted from Jan. 31 to Feb. 29.

“For 25 years, Calgary Youth Justice Society has helped over 15,000 young people find their way through tough life circumstances and sometimes poor choices that can hold them back from reaching their full potential,” said executive director, Calgary Youth Justice Society Denise Blair.

“An investment like this supports opportunities to steer people away from the justice system and towards effective solutions in the community is a win for all Albertans.”

The one-time grant would support community justice initiatives including needs assessments, training resources, technological support and research efforts to increase accessibility to the programs.

must be visible at the cash register where products are purchased.

The Ministry of Health will be mail-

ing new till stickers to retailers in January.

Retailers can get additional till stickers from their local public health office or by download-

ing and colour-printing the signage directly from the Signs for T o bac c o and V a p o u r Product Retailers webpage.

22

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Thursday, February 1, 2024

ASK THE MONEY LADY File Photo CHRISTINE IBBOTSON SPECIAL TO THE SOURCE

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

Dear Money Lady Readers, December is the eat and spend too much month and January is the go on a diet and pay your bills, month.

So, have you decided to really create a budget this year to get your finances in order? Or is it going to be like that gym membership you sign up for that will fizzle out by March because you just can’t find the time to go?

I know we all have the best intentions to do things at the beginning of a New Year, but then life gets in the way, challenges come up and we give in to the failure of our January

goals yet again.

According to a recent study done by Stats Canada, (September 2023) three out of five Canadians are dealing with debt. So don’t beat yourself up if you have debt too, especially after one of the most expensive months of the year.

It can always be fixed.

No matter what reason you had for going into debt – good or bad - You will want to have a strategy to repay it in full during the life of the asset or at least by the time you reach retirement. Here’s how you’re going to do it.

First, you want to review all your options, so make a list of all the debt you currently have.

You’re going to want to categorize it into

large and small debts; for example, it’s going to be a lot easier to pay off a credit card for $10,000 than it is to pay off a mortgage of $200,000.

Just list everything you owe so you can get a good understanding of what you are dealing with and if you have a lot of debt, (over $100K in consumer debt) you may want to ask yourself: Could you downsize your home, refinance, or even change your job to earn more so you can reduce your debts?

Now when it comes to consumer or credit card debts the easiest and fastest method is to consolidate high-interest loans into a new mortgage or a secured line of credit.

Your goal is to capture a lower rate of interest so that you can increase your monthly cash flow.

Obviously, this should be viewed as a one-time credit fix and not some-

thing that you do every couple of years to drain the equity from your residence, use your home as an ATM and get a free pass to spend again.

Also make sure your amortization on your mortgage matches with the date of your retirement (for example, if you have 15 years to retirement, your mortgage amortization should also be 15 years).

But, what if you don’t own a home, and you still have debt? Well, we’re going to have to do it the old-fashioned way.

Take that list of all your debts and decide which one you’re going to tackle first. You will want to concentrate on putting as much as you can down on this debt every month, (for example a credit card balance) whilst only paying the minimum payments on the other debts that you have.

Once this debt is paid off, then move to the next one, repeating the process of paying down

one and maintaining the others with only minimum payments.

This process takes a lot longer to accomplish and can be quite frustrating at times, but it does teach you how to create new habits for saving and definitely helps you learn how to budget for 2024.

Now, if you still can’t resolve your debt situation because there is too much to handle – declaring bankruptcy should be viewed as a last resort.

You want to make sure you’ve exhausted all other solutions before contemplating a bankruptcy or consumer proposal.

Please don’t think that a consumer proposal won’t be as bad as a bankruptcy.

They both will hit your credit bureau and drop your score once initiated. But if all else fails and you must declare bankruptcy to get back on the road to financial recovery, don’t

worry too much, your credit rating can be restored.

Once the bankruptcy has been settled and cleared, you will want to begin re-establishing good credit right away.

It could take up to three years to do so, but remember you’ve got to get back in the game.

So, don’t be afraid to use credit again.

Remember your credit score is the only way to measure your creditworthiness not just for the banks, but also for investment firms, insurance companies, some employers, security checks and rental housing.

Good Luck and Best Wishes, Money Lady Written by Christine Ibbotson, Author, Finance Writer, National Radio Host, and now on CTV Morning Live, and CTV News @6 syndicated across Canada. Send your questions through her website at askthemoneylady.ca

PAGE 23 Thursday, February 1, 2024 MERIDIAN SOURCE

Sports

MATTHEWS HITS HER MARK Rustlers outside hitter Lana Matthews fires an absolute rocket over the net and out of reach of the NAIT Ooks on Saturday night at the Lakeland gym. The Rustlers bested the Ooks in three sets. Taylor Weaver Meridian Source

Rustlers women’s v-ball sweep Ooks TAYLOR WEAVER EDITOR

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

It was another winning weekend for the Lakeland College Rustlers women’s volleyball team (14-1) as they swept the Nait Ooks (4-10).

The ladies started their weekend in Edmonton beating the Ooks in three sets (2518, 25-9, 25-16) on Friday before returning to the Lakeland gym on Saturday for another three-set-sweep (25-7, 25-20, 25-17).

Head coach, Austin Dyer, noted this is the point in the season where things really come alive with post-season right around the corner.

“It’s as good as it gets,” said Dyer after Saturday’s win.

“We’re starting to see us put things together here and start to roll a little bit. It’s an exciting

part of the season for us as we’re looking really good right now.”

“

It’s as good as it gets.

We’re starting to see us put things together here and start to roll a little bit.

Fourth-year outside hitter, Lana Matthews, who was Saturday’s player of the game, putting up 17 points at home and 13 on the road the night prior, it was a great weekend.

“The amount of work we put into this team, expectations are very high, and it is an expectation to walk out there and be able to perform like that,” she said.

“It’s very natural to be back at home doing it; it’s a great feeling.”

The Rustlers have secured a playoff spot, but with four matches remaining in the regular season, Matthews noted it’s time to work on the little things.

“Just playing as clean as we can, making sure every contact is clean as it can be so Jana (Laing) can run her offence, and when she does it’s as everyone says, ‘phenomenal.’”

After 15 matches this season, the Rustlers have won 43 sets and lost five.

The current squad is also no stranger to championship play after winning the 2023 Canadian Collegiate Athletic Conference (CCAA) national title last March in B.C. This begs the question ... will there be another national championship run this year?

CONTINUED ON PAGE 24

24

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Thursday, February 1, 2024

FROM PAGE 23

“At the beginning of the season we discussed ensuring everyone enjoyed the whole year,” said Dyer.

“When you return the whole lineup from a national championship season, you can spend the whole year focusing on the championship.

But when you get to the point we’re at right now, I’ve been trying to drive home the fact we have to enjoy every day, enjoy every weekend.”

Dyer explained the team’s level in practice is where he wants it, but ensuring players are on the court for the right reason is equally, if not more important.

Taylor Weaver Meridian Source Photos

Top : Dineka Elchyson and Raegan Nicol of the Lakeland College Rustlers women’s volleyball team go for a block against outside hitter Hannah McLaughlin of the NAIT Ooks. The Rustlers beat the Ooks in three sets in Edmonton last Friday before besting them in three at home on Saturday.

Right: Rustlers’ outside hitter Jenay Varga goes for a block against the NAIT Ooks at home on Saturday night to a packed Lakeland gym. The Rustlers host the Northwestern Polytechnic tomorrow night at 6 p.m. before a 1 p.m. matinee on Saturday afternoon.

“When we get to the weekend and have a very good product, are you out there enjoying yourself or are you fixated on winning a championship?” he said.

“I learned a lot from the last run we won. We returned the whole team the following year as well, and that whole season was about repeating. Everything was about winning again, and I don’t feel we took the time to enjoy every piece of it.”

As for right now, however, it would seem the team is lovin’ every minute of it, especially with a CCAA national ranking in the minds of

all who play them.

“It’s a fantastic feeling. We’re always pushing ourselves to be one per cent better than the day before,” said Matthews. “National rankings are sometimes (more of) a social media thing, but it’s nice to see it up there.”

Dyer echoed Matthews, adding “It’s not something we look at or care about too much, but, if you’re touted as the number-one team in the country, it’s always a good spot to be in.”

The Rustlers host the Northwestern Polytechnic Wolves tomorrow at 6 p.m. and Saturday at 1 p.m. in the Lakeland gym.

Thursday, February 1, 2024

MERIDIAN SOURCE

25

Big back-to-back wins for Bandits TAYLOR WEAVER EDITOR

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

Whether on the road or in the home barn, the Lloydminster Bandits are finding ways to win, in big ways.

The Bandits (19-71), playing out of the North Eastern Alberta Junior B Hockey League (NEAJBHL), currently sit third overall in league standings after putting up 18 goals in two nights over the weekend.

The boys began their weekend at the Civic Centre as they hosted the Onion Lake Border Chiefs (0-25-1) on Friday, besting the Chiefs 9-1 before heading to Killam to play the Wheat Kings on Saturday where they won 9-2.

Friday’s homer saw goals from Jayden Plamondon, Koston Eaton and Jace Gunderson, with captain Joel Webb, Maddux Woodbury, and Rylin Nelson scoring two a piece.

With the knowledge of the long-standing rivalry between the Bandits and the Wheat Kings, the boys were confident heading to Killam on Saturday, but not overly confident.

The phrase “Run em up, fill em in” comes to mind when speaking to Saturday’s game in Killam as the Bandits snuck another nine goals past the Wheat Kings’ netminders.

Killam’s Cade Schatsnieder and Kyler Bergseth may have opened the scoring on Saturday, but that’s

Taylor Weaver Meridian Source Top: Lloydminster Bandits forward Rylin Nelson sneaks one past Border Chiefs netminder Wyatt Gardipy on Friday night at the Centennial Civic Centre. The Bandits beat the Border Chiefs 9-1 on Friday before heading to Killam to beat the Wheat Kings 9-1. Bottom: Bandits goaltender Andrew Kreis gets the paddle down after an attempted wraparound by the Onion Lake Border Chiefs on Friday. all it took to ignite the Bandits into a scoring frenzy.

Ethan JubinvilleMorin got on the board at 14:35 in the first before an equalizer was scored by Kade Dennett at 17:45.

The second period started with a Joel Webb goal 1:27 into the frame, which was followed by lamp lighters from Koston Eaton, a second from Webb, Cohen Turcotte and a second from Eaton.

Going into the third with a 7-2 lead, the Bandits weren’t done yet as Braydan Edwards made it 8-2 at the 4:42 mark.

The boy’s ninth and final goal of the game came off the tape of

captain Webb for a hat trick as well as his 31st goal of the year.

Webb is currently ranked third overall among NEAJBHL scorers with 31 goals and 23 assists for 54 points in 27 games. Right behind him is teammate Jayden Plamondon, who’s racked up 18 goals and 30 assists for 48 points in 27 games.

For Nelson, the mentality going into Friday’s game was ‘get prepared.’

“It’s kinda hard coming off the break, but we played well and we’re getting ready for tomorrow in Killam,” he said after Friday’s win.

Although unintentional, Nelson did a bit

of foreshadowing as to how Saturday’s game may go in Killam after Friday’s win.

“It’ll be a good battle, should be a pretty hard game,” he said, add-

ing the keys to success going forward will be to stay healthy, rest when you need it, and see the trainer if needed.

The Band its’ re gu lar-season home sched-

ule is almost finished as the boys head to Onion Lake tonight before heading to Wainwright on Friday. Their final two games will be in St. Paul and Vegreville.

26

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Thursday, February 1, 2024

U15 AA Steelers split weekend

Taylor Weaver Meridian Source Top : Steelers forward Peyton Walker moves the puck up ice on Saturday at the Centennial Civic Centre as the U15 AA Richardson Jewellery Steerers hosted the Red Deer Sutter Fund Chiefs, besting them 2-1. Left: Steelers forward Jayce Miazga plays a little defense on Saturday at the Civic Centre against Red Deer.

TAYLOR WEAVER EDITOR

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

It was a busy weekend for the U15 AA Richardson Jewellery Steelers with a loss on Friday before some redemption on Saturday.

Playing out of the

Alberta Female Hockey League, the Steelers (18-4) hosted the Airdrie Lightning (21-2-2) at the Servus Sports Centre (SSC) on Friday, losing 4-1, before besting the Red Deer Sutter Fund Chiefs (19-5) 2-1

at the Civic Centre on Saturday evening.

Friday night was busy for Steelers’ goaltender Jordan Cornet, who stopped 26 of the 23 shots she faced.

Defender Harlee Bensmiller was the Steelers’

lone scorer on Friday.

Saturday’s game saw goaltender Mhairi MacDonald in net for the Steelers, stopping 28 or 29 shots, with second-period goals from Kiana McBride and Raevyn Neahr.

The Steelers have a busy February with seven games at home and two on the road.

The girls host the North Central Impact at 2:45 p.m. at the SSC–Rusway this Saturday before the Sherwood Park Royals come to town for a 3:45 p.m. puck drop at the SSC–Rusway on Sunday.

Road games in Edmonton and St. Albert will keep the Steelers busy on Feb. 10/11 before they return to home ice for five straight homers against Calgary, Peace County and Edmonton.

All games will be played at the SSC–Rusway and are scheduled for Feb. 16 at 6:15 p.m.

(Calgary Fire Black), Feb. 17 at 3:30 p.m. and Feb. 18 at 1:30 p.m. (Peace County), Feb. 24 at 5:45 p.m.

(Edmonton Pandas Black) and Feb. 25 at 3:45 p.m. (Edmonton Pandas Gold).

Busy weekend for Rustlers women’s hockey TAYLOR WEAVER EDITOR

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

The Apex Automation Lakeland College Rustlers women’s ice hockey team is back on home ice this weekend for a triple-header against the SAIT Trojans (7-9).

The Rustlers (134) are currently third overall in Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) women’s ice hockey standings, a whole 19 points ahead of the fourth-place Trojans, and have had a strong start to the new year.

The girls started 2024 in sunny Arizona for training camp and exhibition games against Arizona State University, besting the American Collegiate Hockey Association Sun Devils 4-2, 5-2 and 6-3.

Source File Photo The team returned to ACAC play on Jan. 12, losing 3-2 to the Red Deer Polytechnic Queens, before coming back to beat the Queens 1-0 on home ice a day later.

The Rustlers wrapped January at the Russ

Robertson as they hosted the Olds College Broncos on Jan. 20 and 21, burying the Broncs’ 8-0 on Saturday before a 4-3 double-OT win on Sunday, thanks to a clutch goal from Hailey Carothers.

Sunday also saw two

goals from Mackenzie Stafford and one from Brooklyn Salewski.

This weekend will see the Rustlers host the Trojans at the Russ at 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday night before a 2 p.m. matinee on Sunday.

Thursday, February 1, 2024

MERIDIAN SOURCE

27

YOUR SOURCE FOR SPORTS STATS AFHL – U18 AAA PWM Steelers

AJHL – Lloydminster Bobcats

GP

W

L

SOL

OTL

PTS

GF

GA

GP

W

L

OTL

SOL

PTS

GF

GA

Fire 20 White 21 Slash 19 Steelers (5) 20 Raiders 19

14 13 10 5 2

6 6 9 13 16

0 2 0 1 0

0 0 0 1 1

41 40 28 16 6

59 70 41 32 18

25 31 40 71 110

Pontiacs 48 Dragons 48 Bobcats (9) 47 Eagles 48 Storm 48

24 22 25 21 18

21 19 22 25 24

3 4 0 1 4

0 3 0 1 2

51 51 50 44 42

169 160 159 141 143

152 153 171 171 171

AFHL – U18 AA (North) Musgrave Agencies Steelers

GP

Impact 23 Pandas 21 Fury 23 Steelers (4) 21 Sharks 19

NEAJBHL – Lloydminster Bandits

W

L

SOL

OTL

PTS

GF

GA

GP

W

L

OTL

SOL

PTS

GF

GA

16 12 11 11 10

2 6 9 10 7

1 0 0 0 1

4 3 3 0 1

52 37 33 28 27

74 67 62 62 40

39 47 56 62 43

Canadiens 27 Bisons 27 Bandits (3) 27 Tigers 27 Wheat Kings 28

23 22 19 17 13

4 5 7 8 14

0 0 1 1 1

0 0 0 1 0

46 44 39 36 27

175 168 146 134 111

53 66 91 62 118

AEHL – U18 AAA (North) Green Mile Lancers

AFHL – U15 AA (North) Richardson Jewellery Steelers GP

W

L

SOL

OTL

PTS

GF

GA

GP

W

L-T

SOL

OTL

PTS

GF

GA

Pandas Black 25 Steelers (2) 22 Pandas Gold 25 Chargers 23 Royals 24

19 18 11 10 6

5 4 12 10 14

0 0 1 3 2

1 0 1 0 2

57 52 33 30 21

114 96 53 73 69

56 47 76 82 112

Oilers Blue Rangers Oil Kings Lancers (7) Storm

29 31 31 31 29

15 13 12 11 6

11-2 13-1 14-2 14-3 19-2

0 0 0 0 0

1 4 3 3 2

33 31 29 28 16

108 115 101 103 78

83 114 121 124 138

AFHL – U13 AA (North) Western Financial Steelers

GP

W

L-T

SOL

OTL

PTS

GF

GA

Steelers (1) 17 Bolts 18 Monarchs 18 Wilcats 18 Storm 20

17 14 13 10 10

0 4 5 6-2 10

0 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 0 0

34 28 26 22 20

149 108 83 71 76

33 58 35 44 61

AEHL – U17 AAA (North) Rohan Lancers

GP

W

L-T

SOL

OTL

PTS

GF

GA

Bulldogs Saints Storm Rangers Lancers (11)

24 27 23 24 23

6 6 7 2 2

14-4 17-3 14-1 19-2 20-1

0 0 0 0 0

0 1 1 1 0

16 16 16 7 5

67 62 70 47 36

93 103 119 115 121

RUSTLERS ATHLETICS

AEHL – U15 AAA (North) Lancers

Women’s GP Hockey

W-L-T PTS

GF

GA

STRK

GP

W

L-T

SOL

OTL

PTS

GF

GA

RDP 21 NAIT 19 LAKE (3) 17

16-5 15-4 13-4

49 44 39

74 72 66

29 23 30

Won 6 Won 2 Won 3

Men’s MP Volleyball

W-L

PTS

SW

SL

STRK

Squires 22 Lions 21 Saints 24 Lancers (8) 25 CAC Volvo 23

11 10 8 8 7

9-1 9-2 11-1 14-3 15

0 0 0 0 0

1 0 4 0 1

24 22 21 19 15

91 81 64 85 63

80 87 84 117 119

KC 17 NAIT 14 LAKE (3) 15

14-3 10-4 9-6

28 20 18

46 33 30

16 19 26

Won 4 Lost 1 Won 1

Women’s MP Volleyball

W-L

PTS

SW

SL

STRK

GP

W

L

T-D

OTL

PTS

GF

GA

LAKE (1) 15 UAA 16 TKU 15

14-1 13-3 12-3

28 26 24

43 42 39

5 18 17

Won 11 Won 6 Lost 2

Women’s GP Basketball

W-L

PTS

PF

PA

STRK

LAKE (1) 14 TKU 14 UAA 14

14-0 9-5 7-7

28 18 14

1,121 1,035 911

768 866 851

Won 14 Won 1 Won 3

KC 16 LAKE (2) 14 NWP 14

15-1 9-5 7-7

30 18 14

1,446 1,185 1,142

1,130 1,116 1,118

Won 12 Lost 2 Won 1

Paradise Hill Lashburn Wainwright Hillmond Dewberry Meadow Lake Vermilion Elk Point Kitscoty

16 15 15 15 16 14 16 16 15

13 12 11 10 9 7 5 2 0

2 3 4 5 6 7 11 13 13

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0-1 0

1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 2

27 24 22 20 19 14 10 4 2

119 143 102 88 88 59 40 33 20

40 50 48 63 59 57 110 136 129

Men’s GP Basketball

W-L

PTS

PF

PA

STRK

SaskAlta Senior Hockey League

*All stats as of noon on Wednesday

PAGE 28 Thursday, February 1, 2024 MERIDIAN SOURCE

Careers

Lakeland among top Alberta employers - Lakeland helps employees prepare for the future with a d e f i ne d be ne f i t p e nsion plan and retirement planning assistance. Additionally, the organization offers phased-in work options for those nearing retirement.

“

A

defined benefit pension plan, phasedin work options for

File Photo those nearing retirement and on-campus amenities such as fitness facilities and ser-

vices in the student-led campus spa and salon are among the reasons why Lakeland College

has been named one of Alberta’s Top 80 Employers for 2024.

This marks the eighth consecutive year Lakeland has earned this recognition. Published by Mediacorp Canada Inc., Alberta’s Top Employers designation recognizes employers in Alberta who lead their industries in offering exceptional places to work.

Lakeland was also selected for The Career Directory 2024 as a top employer for recent graduates.

“We know how critical having engaged, healthy employees is to the sustainability of

our college. We prioritize ensuring our Lakeland family feels supported and empowered to do their jobs in a healthy and collaborative working environment,” said Alice Wainwright-Stewart, president and CEO of Lakeland College.

Organizations are selected for Alberta’s Top Employers list based on eight criteria including physical workplace; work atmosphere; health, financial, and family benefits; vacation and time off; employee communications; performance management; training and skills development; and community involvement.

Mediacorp listed the following reasons why Lakeland was selected as one of Alberta’s Top 80 Employers for 2024: - Individuals working at Lakeland can take advantage of a range of amenities, from a variety of onsite food options to a campus spa and salon with discounted prices.

Employees can also make use of the college’s fitness facilities (with boot camp, yoga, Pilates and swimming classes) and visit the Equine Centre for a horseback ride.

We prioritize ensuring our Lakeland family feels supported and empowered to do their jobs in a healthy and collaborative working environment.

Kent Hummelle, vice president of people and cultural services, notes that being recognized as one of Alberta’s top employers again demonstrates that the college is on the right path in its efforts to create a positive workplace. He emphasized, however, that employees are the true difference-makers at Lakeland.

“Without our engaged group of employees, much of what differentiates the Lakeland experience for our current and prospective students, industry partners, donors, and community members would not be possible. Our people are the college’s greatest differentiator, and we are committed to them,” said Hummelle.

Lakeland employs and retains almost 500 full-time and part-time faculty and staff with the voluntary turnover averaging less than five per cent during the past five years. The longestserving employee has been at the college for 45 years. Discover why Lake l a nd w as re c o gnized as one of Alberta’s Top 80 Employers this year.

PAGE 29 Thursday, February 1, 2024 MERIDIAN SOURCE 306-825-5111 admin@meridiansource.ca

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In House Trucks, In House Call tation. 1-800-347-2540.

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306-825-5111 candidate is found.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Now HiriNg

HEAVY DUTY MECHANIC

Come and develop your meChaniCal

skills at our busy,

well-equipped shop.

** $40/hr and $20,000 bonus for the right candidate ** we offer Competitive wages, a Comprehensive benefits paCkage

and rrsp/dpsp plan.

We are Willing to

apprentice the right candidate. housing is available.

Submit your reSume

jjtrucking@sasktel.net or visit

www.jjtruckingltd.com

LIVESTOCK FOR SALE

GELBVIEH BULL SALE Red Deer Country Alberta Feb. 13th

403-588-8620 WANTED

30

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Thursday, February 1, 2024

Church Directory

Celebration

Thursday, February 1, 2024

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31

32

Thursday, February 1, 2024

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HOME

FEATURED LISTING

NEW PRICE

STRATEGIC LOCATIONS - COMMERCIAL

4803 - 47 STREET

DEVONIA INDUSTRIAL PARK

Lovely, well maintained, four bed, three bath bungalow in a mature neighbourhood.

• Outdoors you'll enjoy a large deck & patio area, planters, flower beds, two sheds and a fenced yard.

•

209,900

$

SK

EXCELLENCE

INGENUITY

AWESOMENESS

HWY 17 SOUTH

755,000 MLS A2077820 735,000 MLS A2077810 AB $549,000 MLS A2024177

$

MLS A2103328

AB $249,900 MLS A2101722

AB

HOME IN THE HEART OF A GREAT COMMUNITY

$

PRIME LEASE OPPORTUNITIES

KITSCOTY

PARADISE VALLEY

MARWAYNE

PLAZA 44 - #116

PLAZA 44 - #124

AB $223,900 MLS A2074820

AB $199,900 MLS A1237024

AB $168,500 MLS A2033529

AB $13.50 sq. ft. MLS A2055846

AB $12.50 sq. ft. MLS A2037478

MAIDSTONE

LASHBURN

PARADISE HILL

MERIDIAN PLAZA

PLAZA 44 - #128

SK $164,500 MLS A2066024

SK $144,500 MLS A2022315

SK $99,900 MLS A2049089

SK $12.00 sq. ft. MLS A2084190

AB $9.50 sq. ft. MLS A2037491

MAIDSTONE

MAIDSTONE

ST. WALBURG

LLOYDMINSTER HOMES 9 SUITE BUILDING

SK $95,000 MLS A2099788

SK $82,500 MLS A2100758

SK $68,500 MLS A2101009 AB $759,900 MLS A2011386

ESCAPE TO THE LAKE THIS YEAR! BRIGHTSAND LAKE

MAKWA LAKE

NOVA VILLAGE BRANCH LAKE

SK $279,900 MLS A1234912

SK $425,000 MLS A2066759

SK $399,000 MLS A2084847

327467 TWP. RD. 510

SW-12-51-28 W3RD

AB $224,500 MLS A2086625

RENTAL OPPORTUNITIES

SK $362,500 MLS A2039201

ALBERTA

SPRAWLING SERENITY - SECLUDED ACREAGES 50523 RGE. RD. 3281

AB $350,000 MLS A2093384

2 Bed, 1 Bath 2 Bed, 2 Bath

5607 - 31 St. 6608 - 42 St.

$1100 $1200

READY! READY!

$800 $1150 $1200 $1400 $1400 $1450 $1700

READY! READY! READY! READY! READY! READY! READY!

SASKATCHEWAN

SK $772,000 MLS A2065793

SK $589,900 MLS A2065797

SK $450,000 MLS A2086491

NE-PT-14-54-20 W3RD

323074 TWP. RD. 480

322010 TWP. RD. 480

4516 - 46 St. (Main Floor) 3901 - 50 Ave 4003 - 50 Ave. 4729 - 18 St. 4906 - 36 St. 4729 - 18 St. 4634/4636 - 45 St.

2 Bed, 1 Bath 3 Bed, 1 Bath 3 Bed, 1 Bath 3 Bed, 2 Bath 4 Bed, 2 Bath 4 Bed, 3 Bath 3 Bed, 2 Bath

APPLY ONLINE TODAY SK $389,900 MLS A2070377

SK $325,000 MLS A1242971

SK $200,000 MLS A2059948

coldwellbankercitysiderealty.com

Brad Gilbert Jennifer Gilbert Broker (SK) Broker (AB)

Rick Schesnuk Caleb McLean Realtor® Associate Broker

Each office is independently owned & operated.

3812 - 51 Avenue, Lloydminster, AB T9V 3M7 Sandy Hardy Realtor®

Judy Bexson Realtor®

www.coldwellbankercitysiderealty.com

780-875-3343

facebook.com/coldwellbankercitysiderealty

Brandon King Property Manager

instagram.com/coldwellbankercitysiderealty