Meridian Source - February 9, 2023

Gala funds to fix sexual assault centre

repaired within a threeyear window.

Jake and the boys wow crowd

Nothing lasts forever, and that includes the footing of the nearly 100-year-old Lloydminster Sexual Assault Services (LSAS) building, located downtown.

LSAS is hosting a special 40th-anniversary gala at the WLS Convention Centre this Saturday to raise $450,000 to fix the crumbling foundation.

The gala theme is a Night Under the Stars and all proceeds go towards repairing the base of the 1927 community building.

The details behind the repair project were revealed by Heather Sinfield, LSAS community initiatives director during a presentation to the Rotary Club of Lloydminster on Monday.

Facility CEO Tammy Shopland was also on hand.

Sinfield says an inspection last July by Bioclean Disaster Services indicated the foundation was shot and needed to be

“So we are looking at a $450,000 fundraising goal which is very substantial,” said Sinfield.

“I am speaking at Rotary today to bring awareness of that need and how we need to sustain that foundation for another 100 years and keep our services going for our community and surrounding area.”

Sinfield says a new building would likely cost significantly more to move into and create the same type of safe space they have for their clients and partners.

“The soundproofing in the walls and the standards that need to be met with our partnership with the RCMP—there are just a lot of hoops and hurdles to make that happen,” she explained.

“There has been so much love and compassion put into this building already with donations from our community and surrounding area that we want to honour that space.”

LSAS won’t have to close during the repairs either to allow them to maintain their programs and services without a hitch.

Sinfield also says a lot of clients feel so comfortable coming into the space because of its history.

“It would be very challenging to try to recreate that with more than a $450,000 budget,” she told Rotary.

LSAS works primarily with survivors of sexual violence including children, adults, all ethnicities and genders and all levels of income.

“We have a wide variety of programs for specialized police in court, crisis intervention, counselling one-on-one sessions, education and

awareness, and group programs,” explained Sinfield.

A police report of the recent sexual assault of a young girl under 10 in Lashburn has brought the issue of sexual violence close to home and the impact LSAS can have on the recovery process.

“I’ve been in the business for over a decade and I’ve witnessed a lot of hope and healing and resilience in children when they are supported by people who love them and have access to services,” said Sinfield.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

Taylor Weaver Meridian Source Jake Vaadeland and The Sturgeon River Boys blew the roof off the Vic Juba Community Theatre last Friday night during their second-ever trip to the Border City.

GEOFF LEE WRITER

Geoff Lee Meridian Source Heather Sinfield, community initiatives director with Lloydminster Sexual Assault Services, spoke to Rotarians on Monday about this Saturday’s gala to raise $450,000 for repairs to their building’s foundation.

Bonspiel toots horn for Fred North

of the Fred North Charitable Foundation with his associates in Ventures North Financial Group Inc.

“It’s kind of nice to be able to do a little bit here and there,” said North.

The Foundation’s mission is to help communities, charitable organizations and individuals in need to achieve their goals of helping others to make the world a better place.

In recent years, the Foundation has donated $100,000 toward the purchase of a para-transit van for Border City Connects and just over $41,000 for a transit bus for Lloydminster Big Brothers Big Sisters.

in the business.

North got his start behind the wheel driv -

ing for Kodiak Petroleum in 1968.

This year is starting off to be full of surprises for well-known Lloydminster oil patch personality and philanthropist Fred North.

The 76-year-old workhorse continues to operate TNT Tank and Trailer in semi-retirement on a farm south of Blackfoot with his wife, Lilly, and recently got a phone call that threw him for a loop.

It was from Ryan Rowan, president of the Lloydminster Oil and Gas Open Bonspiel committee, naming North as this year’s Oilman of the Year.

“I never expected to be getting anything like that. It’s really something for an old truck driver who’s not good for anything,” said North with a laugh.

The downside, however, is the realization he has to throw a ceremonial stone to kick off the 54 annual bonspiel at the Lloydminster Golf and Curling Club March 16-19.

“I did a wee little bit of curling way back when I was a youngster. I’m not a curler. I will try a Koe special

or something,” he said, in reference to Alberta curler Kevin Koe.

North’s complete life story in the oilfield trucking business will be read out loud at the bonspiel banquet at the WLC Convention Centre on March 17 —with a fresh accolade worth mentioning.

The celebrated trucker is one of 51 Lloydminster area residents to receive a Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal in a ceremony at City

Hall on Jan. 15.

“That was another surprise. That’s two surprises in my life lately. As long as I don’t get my picture in McCaw’s, I’ll be okay,” he joked.

North has been in oilfield trucking for more than 45 years with his business career highlight being the purchase of TNT that sells, services and rents trailers.

It has allowed him to give back to the community with the launch

North’s Foundation also purchased the naming rights for the Fred North Community Centre housing The Olive Tree for $150,000 among many other big-ticket donations in the region.

Recently, his Foundation purchased equipment for the Stollery Children’s Hospital in Edmonton from TNT’s Grande Prairie location, and the list goes on.

North’s favourite subject though, is trucking.

“It was a fun thing to do. I’d drive around all day and get paid for it so it was pretty nice,” he said about his career

Taylor Weaver Meridian Source

Fred North poses for a photo last week after being named this year’s Oilman of the Year.

GEOFF LEE WRITER

North named Oilman of the Year

Six years later, he bought his first tractor truck and became a subcontractor to Temor Oil Services in 1974 until he bought the company in 1990.

It was operating 32 trucks at the time and when he sold it in 2002, it operated 149 trucks.

Looking back, North says the 70s were good, the 80s were up and down and the 90s started off slow, but around 97 it went pretty well for a few years—with driver shortages being an industry norm.

“We always had good truckers; that’s what

made it work for us,” he said.

Over the years, North has amassed an impressive collection of old tractors and vehicles, including a restored Ford snowmobile once used by the late Dr. G.L. Cooke in Lloydminster.

He said Cooke’s sled was purchased by a

fella in Fort. St. John who had it for 18 years, and when he died, his wife sold it to a collector in Surrey, B.C. where North brought it back to Lloyd.

“It runs. It’s got the cab on it and everything,” he said.

“Back in the heydays, they did a lot of house

Special Olympians surprise cops

To help spread the word about a new fundraising initiative, local Special Olympics Canada athletes and coaches surprised members of the Lloydminster RCMP on Monday with special donuts.

Tim Hortons is continuing its longstanding support for Special Olympics with a limited-time fundraising donut campaign to help athletes with intellectual disabilities access more opportunities to reach their full poten -

tial in sport and in life.

Special Olympics Canada’s vision is that sport will open hearts and minds toward people with intellectual disabilities and create

inclusive communities all across Canada.

According to Tim’s, the multi-coloured design of the donut was inspired by the Special Olympics’ mission of

diversity and inclusion.

“We like donuts, we love our Special Olympians. It’s a match made in heaven!” said Cpl Grant Kirzinger of the Lloydminster RCMP.

calls and Dr. Cooke was well known for always getting there no matter what, so he had this for winter time and sand buggy for summer.”

North has also purchased a few fine vehicles at the Barrett-Jack-

“That’s a huge piece— is surrounding this person with love, treating them with compassion and letting them make decisions and move forward with their healing journey.”

LSAS provided sexual assault recovery services to more than 800 individuals in 2022 and half of those were under 18 years of age.

“Sexual violence is so stigmatized and lives in secrecy and shame, so the more we talk about it the better,” said Sinfield.

She says the upcoming fundraising gala for the building repair is not business as usual

son auto auctions in Arizona including a car designed by Elvis that stays parked under a roof.

North, however, will be pulling into the bonspiel driving a latemodel pick-up truck.

for them although they did mark their 35 anniversary with a little Italy gala.

“We’re more about building awareness and supporting it that way,” said Sinfield.

The word has spread, however, about the building foundation need and the gala was nearly sold out on Monday with the few remaining tickets selling at $100 a ticket or $800 a table.

The gala will include two bands for entertainment, a live auction and silent auctions, a prime rib and Greek chicken supper and lots of other treats throughout the evening.

LSAS GALA FROM PAGE 1

MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

Photo courtesy of the Lloydminster RCMP.

Telemiracle steak night moooves community

The Lloydminster Kinsmen Club had the hottest ticket in town as hundreds enjoyed a steak dinner for a great cause.

Hosted in the newlyrenovated WLS Convention Centre at the Lloydminster Exhibition and a Border City tradition for 23 years, the goal on Saturday was to bring in as much money as possible to support the Kinsmen’s annual 20-hour Telemiracle Telethon, which is being held in Saskatoon on Feb. 25. The local club is keeping its total a secret until they make their donation on stage at Telemiracle 47.

Aside from a steak dinner, Saturday’s fundraiser was emceed by none other than Kurt Price and Heather Klages and featured a guest speaker, live and silent auctions, music by The Milk Fed Turkeys, and a midnight lunch.

For the local club’s president, Matt Read, being able to host a large-scale fundraiser after two years of social distancing was a breath of fresh air.

“We were super happy about the night, and it was great to be the first big event in the renovated space at the WLS Convention Centre, and what a fantastic job they’ve done there,” he said.

“It was a great night. The meal kicked it off well and the guest speaker we had tugged at everybody’s heartstrings, and it was an amazing thing to listen to. That’s why we’re there and that’s why we do what we do, is for people like her.”

Last year’s telethon brought in an astonishing $8,002,722 total, with just over $20,000 coming from the Lloyd club.

“We’re very happy with where we’re going to be, and I think Lloydminster will once again be on the top of the lad-

der in terms of club donations to Telemiracle. We’re super thankful to the residents of Lloydminster for that,” he said.

“For a community of our size to be bringing in the kind of donations we do is amazing.”

This year’s guest speaker was Lloydminster resident and cancer survivor Leila Simbulan. At 20 years old, Simbulan knows the impact cancer can have on someone and their family as she was diagnosed with osteosarcoma when she was 17.

“The Telemiracle Kinsmen Foundation had a huge and significant impact on me and my family’s life,” she said.

“I never thought at 17 death would be right in front of my face. Being a former cancer patient, I learned in such hardships that is childhood cancer, I believe it wasn’t possible to get through it without the support we received from other people. Cancer is debilitating, lifechanging, and lonely. Not just for me, but for my whole family.

“The Telemiracle Kinsmen Foundation is truly an answered prayer to any family going through sick ness. They were right there at my family’s lowest, and to say they were a big help, would be an understatement. A huge financial burden was lifted the moment we received help from them. They began to cover not only our travels but also our accommodations and meals. This meant so much to my family.”

Similar to Terry Fox, Simbulan now has a prosthetic leg.

Another highlight of the night was the arrival of Kinsmen

member Ean Bull, who once again had jaws on the floor with his flashy rose-gold jacket.

“Ean’s a life-member with the Kinsmen Club of Lloydminster and has always been a tremendous support to the club. Telemiracle is also a big part of his business, Dynasoft Communication’s, charitable work in the community,” said Read, adding the fact Bull auctions off his jacket every year.

“I hear he gets those

jackets custom made. The boots were something new this year, and I hadn’t seen boots like that in a while.”

The Lloydminster Kinsmen Club would also like to thank their major sponsors, Dynasoft Communications, First General Services Lloydminster, Kal Tire, Lash Enterprises, Synergy Credit Union, Westridge GMC, Astec Safety Inc., Dekker Oilfield Services and Stuart Wright Ltd.

TAYLOR WEAVER EDITOR Supplied

Ski with the patrol at Mount Joy

The Canadian Ski Patrol (CSP) is looking for snowboarders, alpine and cross-country skiers interested in volunteering at ski areas in Saskatchewan and Manitoba, as well as Alberta’s Mount Joy Snow Resort.

On March 4, CSP invites anyone interested to Ski With the Patrol Day, where they’ll give a behindthe-scenes look at what goes on during a typical patroller’s day.

“We’ll show some of our equipment, provide a glimpse at some of our procedures, outline the training requirements and explain how to become a member of this national organization,” said CSP Saskatchewan Division VP of patrol development John Humbert.

Ski With the Patrol Day events are being held on March 4 at Mount Joy Snow Resort, Asessippi Ski Area & Resort, Duck Mountain Ski Area, Mission Ridge Winter Park, Table Mountain, Wapiti Valley Ski and Board Resort and White Butte Trails.

“We want to show the public what we do, but we’re also looking for new people to join the ski patrol because we’re all volunteers. We do all the training a patroller needs, we have our own courses and we teach the first-aid courses, and a lot of it is online now, so you can study at home,” said Humbert.

“We teach you the skills you need on the ski hill, and once the

snow flies we also teach you how to manage the accident scene, how to transport your patient off of the ski hill into the first-aid room, and then hospital care if necessary. We teach it all.”

The CSP is made up of 4,500 volunteers nationally with 100 throughout Saskatchewan. CSP promotes safety on the slopes as well as provides firstaid and rescue services for skiers and snowboarders in need. Members must be 18 years of age or older and ski or snowboard at an intermediate or better level. All other training will be provided by the patrol.

When asked why people should volunteer with the CSP, Humbert was quick to say “First of all, it’s a lot of fun, secondly, you’re participating in the ski industry, which is a really positive thing to do during our winter months– getting out and enjoying the fresh air and sunshine. There’s also the sense of helping people.”

“You also learn a darn-good first-aid course. It’s an advanced first-aid course; you become a first responder and it’s some of the best training you can get,” he said.

“We also recertify every year, and the practical experience people get by volunteering with the ski patrol is amazing.”

Anyone interested in joining the CSP for Ski WIth the Patrol Day at Mount Joy Snow Resort can email them at joints.sask@skipatrol.ca

TAYLOR WEAVER EDITOR

File Photo

Kindness Wins, spreads like butter

Smiles and cash go hand in hand.

The Lloydminster and District Co-op is selling new Kindness Wins merchandise at Co-op gas bar and grocery store locations to spread community goodwill.

Proceeds from this year’s sale support various anti-bullying and training initiatives by kindness charity partner, Beyond Borders Circle of Change (BBCOC).

The non-profit coalition of communitybuilding organizations works to create a connected community where all individuals feel respected, proud, safe and cared for.

“This is a time that we need it more than ever. Mental health is a major priority in our society,” said BBCOC board member and social media guy, Riley Gilroyed at the media launch on Feb. 1.

“Campaigns such as Kindness Wins have such a great impact, not only in our community, but it is somewhat of a snowball effect. When people see that, it can be contagious.”

This is the 13th year of the Co-op sponsored Kindness Wins program that has become a fixture on the community event calendar.

“It’s very important to us. Part of our brand and our values is the inclusion of everyone,” said Co-op marketing coordinator, Emelie Currie.

“This is just a basic program that tells exactly how we feel about people and how we treat people.”

It’s modelled after Pink Shirt Day to be celebrated at local schools on Feb. 15 to encourage Lloydminster and area residents to stand up for kindness, inclusion and respect.

“It’s important to remember Kindness, inclusion and respect is important to not just the Kindness Wins campaign, but in general, and have that in your life,” said Currie.

She says the Co-op is hoping to raise at least $10,000 from the sale of Kindness Wins products and purple T-shirts, designed by Lloydminster artist Brandi Hofer with a building blocks concept in mind.

“Building blocks are the foundation of who you are as a person. You need to love yourself first because you cannot pour from an empty cup,” explained Hofer at the launch.

She says it’s been lots of fun and the products are already selling out.

“I am so honoured to be part of such a beautiful project to help raise that money for anti-bullying and trauma programming in our community,” added Hofer.

A two-day trauma counselling for healing and resilience course was one of the success stories Lloyd Co-op and its partners helped fund a year ago.

It was attended by more than 100 profes -

sionals who learned tools to help our community heal.

The Co-op’s BBCOC partners that make it happen include the Lloydminster public and Catholic school divisions, Alberta Health Services, Saskatchewan Health Authority, Lloydminster Community Youth Centre, and Lloydminster Sexual Assault Services.

This year, Kindness Wins aims to provide a $200 grant to each school in the Lloydminster public and Catholic school division for kindness projects that benefit them and the community.

Funds will also go to the Kindness is Power (KIP) anti-bullying campaign delivered by high school students to all divisional Grades 5 and 8 classes.

KIP rep Turner Har -

nett, with Lloydminster Comprehensive High School leadership program, spoke a little bit about the impact of the anti-bullying presentations his team does for elementary and middle school students.

“Sometimes we’re only supposed to go for 45 minutes and we end

up being over an hour long from how many kids are so inclusive and indulge in the presentations,” said Harnett.

“As well as leadership, we are already planning Pink Shirt Day and different activities all through that week.”

Youth centre rep, Aiden Mark, also

touched on some of the community-based kindness activities they do, including a recent community skate in midJanuary.

“We’ve had a whole lot of kind acts that day and just seeing people have a good time and spreading kindness around,” said Mark.

Geoff Lee Meridian Source

Helping to kick off the Lloydminster and District Co-op’s Kindness Wins campaign are from left, Lorelee Marin, Beyond Boders Circle of Change (BBCOC) board member, Lloydminster Community Youth Centre reps Camille McDaniel, Teri Quewezance and Aiden Mark, with BBCOC board member Riley Gilroyed, Kindness is Power student, Turner Harnett and Kindness Wins merchandise artist, Brandi Hofer. Proceeds from the sale of products support anti-bullying programs and related initiatives.

Dear Money Lady:

I am planning to buy a home with my new partner, and I have the money for the down payment or more. My boyfriend Mike has no savings but has the income to get the mortgage.

I am currently working part-time, but I don’t make enough to pay the mortgage payment. We each have adult kids from previous marriages. Can you tell me what is the best thing to do? Maryan

Dear Maryanne, I am so glad to share your question with our readers because this is a common event with

ASK THE MONEY LADY

older couples, especially those divorced and now wanting to start a new life with someone else.

I have seen this before where one partner may be asset rich – meaning they have the savings, but they do not earn much, and the other partner may not have the savings but earn a larger income.

When you go into the banks, they are only interested in facilitating the transaction of setting up a new mortgage, however, without a clear division of the asset, if you were to split in the future, there are a lot of grey areas.

Also, the partner who makes more money most likely would end up paying more

towards the monthly expenses, which could be a problem over time.

The other reason I would want you to clearly define your new asset together is in the event of a death. What happens if the adult children of the deceased force the sale of the home to capture their inheritance? And, if you were to separate, would you sell the property and split the proceeds equally?

What if one partner wants to stay and the other wants to sell? The best solution is a collateral charge. Let me explain why you want this type of product instead of a standard mortgage.

With a collateral charge you can cap -

ture 100 per cent of the value of the residence, (I know you don’t require that much equity, but stay with me and I will explain why you want it).

A collateral charge also has no term or renewal, so once you get approved for it you can keep it for the next 30 years if you like, even with a zero balance; always available to you in the future if needed.

The other reason I would recommend this product is you can clearly define the percentage of ownership and if needed, a collateral charge can be split into multiple segments to be used for investments, business loans, helping family, etc.,

(with most segments being setup as tax write offs on the interest of individual segments).

In your situation Maryanne, I would suggest you split the cost of the purchase 50/50.

You put down as much as you can on your 50 per cent ownership and then setup a segment for your remaining amount owing.

If you have enough for the full 50 per cent ownership, then I would suggest you put it all down, so you do not have a loan payment.

Mike would have a segment for the remaining 50 per cent and have a monthly payment that he would be responsible for.

Each segment will

be labelled with your names and clearly defined; however, title will be registered equally under the full collateral charge.

If Maryanne were to put down the full 50 per cent, she could now have the 50 per cent available credit in the equity of the collateral charge should she need this in the future.

I would suggest Mike take out separate life and disability insurance on his loan so that if he were to die, the debt would be paid out.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 9

CHRISTINE IBBOTSON SPECIAL TO THE SOURCE

Co-op to build Maidstone cardlock

MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

Lloydminster and District Co-op plans to expand its cardlock network by building a fourth location in the Maidstone Saskatchewan area.

Lloyd Co-op petroleum manager, Brandy Nelson, announced the plan to build a new cardlock at the intersection of highways 16 and 21 south near Maidstone during AgriVisions at Lloyd Ex on Wednesday.

Nelson says the card -

Better still, it is best if you both have additional life insurance naming each as beneficiaries.

By doing this, you will eliminate a forced sale if one were to die, allowing the surviving partner enough funds to pay out half of the value of the property to their partner’s estate and continue living in

lock site will offer an expansive range of fuel products and will be Lloydminster and District Co-op’s first cardlock location to feature solar power to offset electricity costs.

“Today’s announcement celebrating our fourth Co-op cardlock location confirms what matters most: local investment in quality products and services to help make our Co-op members’ lives better,” said Nelson

“We’re thrilled to add a fourth site to our

the property debt free.

With the collateral charge now free and clear with no debt, the surviving spouse does not have to worry about qualifying for a future loan and can have access to credit should an emergency arise.

Remember, the collateral charge has no term or renewal and is not a mortgage.

Once you get it setup

existing cardlock offerings, which are part of the largest cardlock network in Western Canada”

Lloyd Co-op’s Maidstone cardlock will feature dual hose dispensers and a fivelane cardlock with easy accessibility off Highway 16.

The cardlock will offer a wide range of fuel products to Co-op cardlock users, including premium gasoline, regular gasoline, dyed diesel and clear diesel exhaust fluid.

you are free to use it as you please, changing segments, paying it off, drawing it down again or leaving it for years with a zero balance. You can even switch it to interest only payments if needed.

For more information on how a collateral charge works and how you can qualify, watch my You-Tube video: “What is a Col -

“For several years our members have shared their desire for premium gasoline at our cardlock

lateral Charge/Ask the Money Lady.”

- Christine Ibbotson is a national radio host and author of three finance books plus the Canadian BestSelling Book “How to Retire Debt-Free & Wealthy.” Visit www. askthemoneylady.ca or send a question to info@askthemoneylady.ca.

pumps, and with this new site we’ll meet that demand,” explained Nelson.

She says this will be the first Lloyd Co-op cardlock site to feature premium gasoline,

with their Lloyd Co-op Fuel Centre on Hwy. 16 West to follow suit this spring.”

The Maidstone project will break ground in spring 2023 and is set to open later this year.

Geoff Lee Meridian Source

Lloydminster and District Co-op members (left) Justin Clark, Brandy Nelson, Greg Dorner, Emily Fiala and Gillian Ramsay announced a new cardlock will be built at the intersection of highways 16 and 21 near Maidstone during Agri-Visions Wednesday at Lloyd Ex.

Thursday, February 9, 2023

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Border City Connects celebrates new ride!

Letter to the editor ...

Ireceived a glossy halfpage (both sides) advertisement brochure regarding Alberta’s new approach to health care. Government advertising can be problematic. There is a legitimate reason for governments to inform us about new programs that we may wish to take advantage of. But, this is not the purpose of this advertising campaign.

Any advertising is spin. We should approach any piece of advertising by asking ourselves what is being spun, because the most important aspect of any advertising is unspoken. So, the unspoken message of this advertising is this: We have screwed up the medical services in our province and now we are going

to fix it.

There is an implicit admission of how the government messed up the medical system in the list of things they intend to fix.

BUT – there is no plan to fix the mess they have created. If there was, there would be an announcement of there resources that are being committed to solving the problem. It is easy to say that we will cut emergency room wait times. But it ain’t happenin’ if we don’t pour more money in to hire more doctors, nurses, and other staff to work in emergency rooms.

Each of the issues in the brochure faces the same problem. The implication is that “We’ll just say we are addressing this problem, but we won’t commit

the resources to actually fix it. If we say we are fixing it, people will never figure out that nothing has changed. And we don’t have to do anything.”

There is no reason for this kind of advertising anyway, other than paying for an election ad with public dollars. There is no new program that we can use. If this government were serious about solving the problem, they would expend the money wasted on this advertising by hiring some people to put into the system where some of the issues could be addressed. It’s so much easier to say you are doing something then it is to actually do it.

Sincerely.

Bernie Huedepohl, Vermilion

Free family fishing weekend returns to Sask

Free Fishing Weekend in Saskatchewan returns from Feb. 18-20 and is the perfect opportunity to give ice fishing a try without having to purchase a fishing licence.

“We have world-class

fishing in Saskatchewan, and we don’t let the cold temperatures prevent us from taking full advantage of it,” said Environment Minister Dana Skoropad.

“Free fishing weekend is the perfect opportunity to try your hand at

one of our province’s favourite pastimes.”

Safety is key to an enjoyable ice fishing experience. Tell someone where you will be and when you can be expected back. Dress for the weather, as frostbite and hypothermia

can happen quickly. Be aware of ice thickness, as water does not freeze uniformly and can be unpredictable - you need at least 10 cm of good ice to walk safely and at least 30 cm of good ice to travel in a light vehicle.

Geoff Lee Meridian Source

Lloydminster residents can book trips for out-of-town medical appointments in this new Dodge City Grand Caravan. It was introduced to the media by Border City Connects executive director Glenn Fagnan and Lloydminster Region Health Foundation CEO Stephanie Munro on Feb. 7 at the Sandstone Truck Wash. Residents donated about $56,000 to the Foundation toward the replacement cost of the first caravan the Foundation purchased in 2015.

Leeway from Lloyd: Hang on to your snow shovels

STAFF WRITER GEOFF LEE

I think some of those Groundhog Day rodents saw their own shovels as well as their shadows to extend winter beyond their usual six-more-weeks prediction.

We’ve had a lot of snow this winter and we all know there is always that final unwanted dump in April just when we think it’s over.

I’ve lived in a lot of snowy places in Canada, but nothing beats the huge dumps that often fell in the coastal city of Kitimat B.C. where I spent one winter.

Sometimes six or more feet would dump in a single serving of participation thanks to

weather fronts from the Pacific Ocean. Usually, it would all melt in a few days leaving behind a slushy mess.

I also lived in Sault Ste. Marie and I recall one winter there was so much snow, every road in the city was reduced to one lane. Snow there never melts until the spring.

I think that crazy memorable winter was also the year the City of Toronto called on the army to clear the roads to the amusement of many Canadians who are used to being buried up to their eyeballs.

It was, however, one of the best years for skiing in the Sault, so it wasn’t all bad.

In 1998-99, the year I enrolled in a ski operations and management course in Nelson, B.C., the local ski resort got

more than 45 feet of fluffy powder to frolic in, although there were also a ton of avalanches in the region that year as a result.

The bad side of living on the Prairies is a whiteout, even when there isn’t a lot of snow on the ground. Driving during a whiteout, especially in the daytime when you can’t follow anybody’s tail lights, is a white knuckle experience best to avoid by staying home.

Unfortunately, this winter we also have a lot of snow and wind. The solution is to bag the drifts and export them to droughtstricken parts of the U.S.

We are not allowed to sell our water, but snow isn’t water until it melts. See me next month on Shark Tank when I pitch my company, Snow Job!

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS

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

Square Dancing Introduction

NEW LOCATION!

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

Bingo at the Moose

The Moose Lodge, located at 5213-57 Street, Lloydminster, hosts bingo nights every Monday and Wednes -

Passport to YLL

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

day. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and play starts at 7 p.m. The Moose also hosts crib tournaments every second Sunday of the month. Start time is 10 a.m. The cost to play is $10 and lunch is $12.

Spades Tourney

The Legacy Centre is hosting a Spades tournament on Feb. 9. Play begins at 10 a.m. and the cost is $10/person. Lunch is also available for $12/person. Everyone welcome. Contact the Legacy office at 780875-4584 for more info.

Cribbage Tourney

Shine Christian Academy is hosting a crib -

bage tournament at the Streamstown Hall on Feb. 11. Registration starts at 9:30 a.m. with games starting at 10 a.m. Enter as a team. Twelve games guaranteed. Entry is $30/person, lunch is included.

Cribbage Tourney at the Moose

The Lloydminster Moose is hosting a cribbage tournament on Feb. 12. Registration is from 9-9:45 a.m. and games to start at 10 a.m. Enter as a team or as an individual. Twelve games guaranteed. Entry free is $10. Lunch is available for $12.

Church Directory

North Bend Hall Music

The North Bend musical afternoon is Feb. 12 from 1-4 p.m. MST. Musicians and dancers invited. Coffee and light snacks available. Directions: travel north on RR 3262 off Hwy. 3. Everyone welcome.

Evening of Jazz

An evening of jazz is being hosted by Friends of the Performing Arts (FOPA) on Feb. 15 at Grace United Church. Roast beef dinner served at 6:30 p.m. and music begins at 7 p.m. For tickets please call 780-808-5657.

Lloydminster Career Fair

Lakeland College is hosting a career fair at its Lloydminster campus on Feb. 16 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Hear from employers who are looking forward to connecting with you. The career fair is free to attend for Lakeland students and alumni. Register at http://bitly.ws/ z74M.

JAMBOREE/DANCE

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

Battle of the Badges

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

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

Telemiracle “Funday”

Telemiracle “Funday” will be held at the Legacy Centre on Feb. 19. Crib and floor curling tourneys in the morning, then lunch, then a court whist tourney in the afternoon. Cost is $10/person to play and $10/ person for lunch. PREREGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. All profits go to Telemiracle! Contact the Legacy office at 780-875-4584 for more info.

JAMBOREE

There will be a jamboree at the Islay Community Hall on Feb. 19 at 1 p.m. Admission is $10 and participants are free. Everyone welcome. Lunch Served. For more information, call Dixie at 780-744-2204. All funds raised support maintenance at the hall.

Cribbage DOUBLES

Tourney

The Legacy Centre is hosting a Cribbage doubles tournament on Feb. 23. Play begins at

10 a.m. and the cost is $10/person. Lunch is also available for $12/ person. Everyone welcome. Contact the Legacy office at 780-8754584 for more info.

Facilitator Training

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

Lloydminster Métis

Local #18 AGM

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

Pancake Breakfast

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

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

Playschool set for open house

GEOFF LEE WRITER

The Southridge Playschool and Kindergym Society is holding an open house for parents to preregister their three to five-year-old kids for the fall term.

The event will take place on Monday, March 6, from 2 to 8 p.m. with teacherdirector Lola Palik on hand to welcome all newcomers.

“The big thing is we only have so many spots, so if people want to come in they have to register, otherwise if they call and say they are interested, I can’t keep a spot for them,” said Palik.

Parents can choose one two-hour morning or afternoon class Monday to Thursday or enrol their kids for a second day on Friday morning or afternoon with just 19 kids per class.

“We do free time, we have crafts, we do circle time where we talk

about our weekly theme and we read a book to them. We have a little gym time where we play games. We have structure,” explained Palik.

She is also thrilled to announce they can offer field trips again, too.

“We had to cut them out because of COVID. So now once a month with my second-day-aweek kids we do a field trip. This week we are going to the dance studio,” she said.

The non-profit playschool will kick off its 43rd season in September with the goal of prepping kids to be socially ready for kindergarten.

Palik says early-age social and language skills were really lacking during COVID.

“I have a lot of kids who don’t speak English, so when they come in they get exposed to speaking English; they pick it up really fast,” she said.

“For other kids, it’s being socially able to

play with other kids which is so important for starting school.”

Playschool has never been more affordable for parents since the introduction of a Canada-wide federal government affordability grant in January 2022.

The Canada-Alberta grants go directly to licensed operators and must be used to reduce parent fees.

It’s only $325 a year for two classes a week with a subsidy available to cover the cost of one class a week.

The grant has been a godsend for the playschool, which was in danger of closing during the pandemic when tuition was the only funding source before the grant program.

“Over the last few years with COVID, we’ve been down in numbers, but this year it’s been really amazing. We’re back to where we should be,” said Palik.

“Last year, we ran with 67 kids and this

year we’re at 105.”

Shyla Williams, who is also a volunteer advocacy chair for Southridge said in a phone interview, the fees are a no-brainer for her and other parents on a budget.

“That was my big draw and the fact the teacher had so much experience. Once you meet her, she’s very nice and she does so well with children.”

Palik, or Mrs. P as the

kids affectionately call her, has been teaching at Southridge for almost 30 years and loves every minute of it.

“It’s just seeing the development, seeing how they grow. That’s the biggest thing,” she said.

“They come in and it’s ‘I love you Mrs. P. You are it’.”

She is also seeing generational kids of parents that she once taught.

“So I pull out the

book and I show kids their parents when they were kids,” said Palik, who also shares a bit of history about the playschool that is now the only one in town.

It’s still called Southridge Playschool because it was opened in 1980 by Southridge Church. Then in 1981, a group took it over as a non-profit society.

It moved to its current location at 6310-50 Ave. about 13 years ago.

Geoff Lee Meridian Source

Four-year-old Shelby bounces on the knee of Southridge Playschool teacher and director Lola Palik while waiting for her mom to pick her up. The school is holding an open house for preregistration on March 6 from 2 to 8 p.m. for the fall term.

SADD glad for SGI funding boost

funding to SADD Saskatchewan. Part of the funding will be used by SADD to create a new position specializing in school and community outreach, responsible for starting new chapters in schools across the province.

“I’m pleased to see SGI provide additional support for SADD’s work to develop student leaders dedicated to stopping impaired driving,” said Don Morgan, Minister Responsible for SGI.

“Involving young people in the work of promoting safe driving behaviours is essential to changing the culture of impaired driving in Saskatchewan.”

SGI is increasing its support to Students

Against Drinking and Driving (SADD), to help the organization renew and expand its activi -

ties aimed at preventing impaired driving.

SGI will provide $85,000 in new annual

The funding will also help support existing Saskatchewan chapters in develop -

ing and implementing new initiatives and ideas to encourage sober driving in their local communities.

I’m pleased to see SGI provide additional support for SADD’s work to develop student leaders dedicated to stopping impaired driving.

“Like many organizations, the COVID19 pandemic hit us hard, with many chapters unable to operate,” added Meaghann White, SADD Saskatchewan past-president.

“With this funding, we hope to restore lapsed chapters and expand into new schools and First Nations communities. I would like to express our thanks and gratitude to Minister Morgan and SGI.”

While Saskatchewan has made substantial improvements over the past decade, impaired driving is still the leading cause of collision fatalities in the province, with the 19-24 age group having the largest proportion of impaired drivers.

Engaging schoolage youth helps establish and reinforce the importance of always finding a safe ride home and equips them to make good decisions as adults.

Inmate escapes from Sask minimum security penitentiary

On Feb. 2, during the 9:30 p.m. count in the minimum security unit at Saskatchewan Penitentiary Riverbend Institution, a multilevel security federal institution, staff mem -

CSC will investigate the circumstances of this incident and is working with the police to locate the offender as quickly as possible.

bers discovered that Brian Patrick Aubichon was not accounted for.

The Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) immediately contacted the Prince Albert Police Service and the Prince Albert detachment of

the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and a warrant for the inmate’s arrest has been issued.

Aubichon is 24 years old, measures 173 cm (5’8”) in height and weighs 66 kg (146 lbs). The inmate has a

medium complexion, brown eyes and brown hair. The inmate is currently serving a sentence of four years, four months, and nine days for robbery.

Anyone who has information on the whereabouts of Aubichon is asked to contact

the police.

CSC will investigate the circumstances of this incident and is working with the police to locate the offender as quickly as possible.

CSC has given the police all of the information available to help arrest the inmate.

National Pizza Day supports BBBS

Today is National Pizza Day, and to help celebrate, local restaurants are supporting Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) of Lloydminster by donating $1 from each pizza sold.

So, if you’re looking for a tasty way to show your support,

enjoy some za from Spiro’s, Vern’s Pizza, TJ’s Pizza, Canadian Pizza Unlimited, Extreme Donair Pizza, Domino’s, Panago, Cheers, Papa John’s, Boston Pizza, Pizza 73, Buster’s Pizza & Donair and Little Caesars today. All funds raised will support BBBS mentoring programs.

MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

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MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

Let’s talk Valentine mysteries

School, 1967.

How do you know if a member of the opposite sex likes you? It’s an age-old question without any definitive answer.

The affection others hold for us can be challenging to spot when we’re children, let alone adults.

Kids usually show it by trying to impress one another, making excuses to be close, even such as gentle pushing or shoving, or teasing, sometimes to the degree that it appears rude.

As usual, I have an example of these behaviours from my colourful/silly past.

Although it seemed a bit of a stretch to consider this scenario to be flirting, my mother later assured me it was so.

I can picture it now, morning recess on the playground at Marshall

For some unknown reason, at least to a pack of hollering firstgrade students, part of the lawn had been roughly torn up with a cultivator.

Before exiting the classroom, our teacher, Mrs. Ranger, admonished us to stay clear of this area and not throw clumps of earth at one another.

How well that lady understood the psyche of a six-year-old child.

We ran outside and huddled at the edge of the dirt. Oh, the temptation of fresh filth.

However, with our teacher’s words ringing in our little ears, we turned away and moved dejectedly to the swing set until the bell, signalling the end of the break, rang. Albert Hoover stayed close by. He liked me.

As we dashed back to our studies, Albert detoured, ever so briefly, into the forbidden land, snatched up

a smallish lump of sod, and tossed it my way.

“Bet you can’t hit me,” he jeered, leaping away.

The dirt crumbled on impact with my arm, but I jumped as though he’d lobbed a grenade at my person.

A grin was plastered across his face as he jogged up the hill, waiting for my reaction. Had he foreseen the future, he might have chosen to step up his pace.

Failing to understand the finer nuances of flirting at this tender age, I viewed this action as a full frontal attack and responded accordingly. Veering with single-minded purpose to the restricted area, I seized a likely-looking clod and hurled it with deadly accuracy at the boy’s head.

BLAM! Right in the noggin. He plummeted to the ground, bowling over with a series of yowls that brought the entire schoolyard to a

standstill.

The teacher was summoned, his classmates gathered around, accusing glares were sent my way, and I subsided into a withering pile of remorse.

What had I done?

Knocked him senseless? Killed the boy with one fell blow? Would I do prison time? Undergo public flogging? Be sent to juvie?

No one fully understood what juvie was, but it sounded terrible!

Thankfully no. I made an eloquent apology, was sent to detention and received a stern lecture on rulebreaking, dangerous roughhousing, and selfcontrol. Life went on.

Several months later, two interesting things happened.

One, I was issued a marriage proposal by this same young man who felt I might be handy to have around in case of a zombie apocalypse. Two, I was

urged to join the softball team as a pitcher. (Good throwing arm.)

Not a tale brimming with love and Valentine’s Day sentiment, you might remark as we draw to a close.

True, but it does illustrate how love conquers all and occasionally promotes you out of left field.

For more of Helen’s stories or to order her new, destination romance, go to helentoews.com

PRAIRIE WOOL HELEN ROW TOEWS

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The Wirral Improvement District

was held in 1905.

Many decisions were made including a levy of 1.5 cents per acre.

Work would begin on two roads and a tender would go out for cutting brush; this was the first of the roadwork undertaken in this district.

The brush-cutting tender was awarded for the sum of $30 for four miles and $20 for the remaining two miles in this township. A committee was elected in 1906.

the first road equipment was purchased.

A local man would be employed as a foreman with a wage of 25 cents per hour. Gophers were a major issue for the early settlers and the municipality would provide 15 pounds of poisoned grain for each quarter of land.

Not many of us have noticed the town of Wirral, Sask. on a road map; it was actually named after Wirral, England. When the Canadian Pacific Railway came through in 1905, a town site about three miles east of Wirral was chosen.

Railway officials officially named this new

town site Lashburn; the Wirral post office and store were moved to this site and became part of Lashburn in 1906.

Amongst the early ordinances dating back to 1884 of the Northwest Territories (which would later become Alberta and Saskatchewan in 1905) were provisions for the establishment of rural municipalities.

The Statute Labour Ordinance was passed

in 1897 and a year later the Local Improvement Ordinance began.

Each local improvement district was initially one township.

In 1903, a new Local Improvement Bill reorganized all the onetownship local improvement districts and abolished the statute labour.

This new bill now provided for local improvement districts for an area of four townships. Each would annually elect a council.

The legislature made provisions in 1904 to financially provide an economical system for its rural municipalities.

Dating back to the early days of the Roman Empire, statute labour is defined as unpaid work for public projects including road maintenance. This labour was reserved for certain classes of society who owed money or services.

The newly-organized Wirral Improvement District’s first meeting

They decided that only those folks who were holders of Dominion lands would be assessed; those who filed before mid-May would not be on the assessment roll.

Ratepayers would be charged eight percent interest on arrears of taxes if not paid before the end of the year.

A discussion about a proposition of building a grist mill at Lashburn was referred to a public meeting. In 1907

A man was employed in each division at $2 per day to poison the gophers. A bounty of half a cent per gopher’s tail would be paid. By the end of 1907, there was an arrear of $4111.79 and only $1718.16 was actually collected.

At the end of 1906, machinery expenses were $748.58. This included four ploughs, 24 scrapers, two scythes, four scrub hooks, one logging chain and one-horse evener.

The Wirral Improvement District was eventually renamed the R.M. of Milton, No. 292 in 1911.

WHISPERS OF THE PAST SANDRA L. BROWN

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Sask breaks ag export record for third straight year

ber 2022 compared to December 2021; this was the second-highest increase among provinces, seasonally adjusted.

Total merchandise exports for 2022 were valued at more than $52 billion, an increase of 41.7 per cent since 2021.

Saskatchewan’s agriculture industry has posted a third consecutive year of record agrifood exports, with a total value of $18.4 billion for 2022.

The leading agri-food export commodities in 2022 were canola oil, non-durum wheat, canola seed, lentils, durum and dry peas.

The top five international market destinations were the United States, China, Japan, Mexico and Algeria.

“The province’s agriculture industry is a model for reliability and innovation, as these export figures show,” Agriculture Minister David Marit said.

“Saskatchewan producers continue to

make an impact both inside and beyond our borders, as a driver of our provincial economy and as a worldwide leader in sustainable agri-food production. These numbers demonstrate our progress toward the $20 billion agri-food export target in the 2030 Growth Plan.”

In addition to Saskatchewan’s primary production, highervalue processed products are a key contributor to the province’s exports.

With canola oil as Saskatchewan’s top agri-food export and canola meal the seventh-leading, products like these provide an opportunity to reach the 2030 Growth Plan target of increasing agriculture value-added

revenue to $10 billion.

Sask’s agri-food exports are the second highest in Canada, behind Ontario, which exported $23.8 billion in 2022.

The province’s agriculture industry is a model for reliability and innovation, as these export figures show.

Increases in agriculture exports continue to contribute to Saskatchewan’s strong economic growth, as merchandise exports saw a 23.8 per cent increase in Decem -

“It is clear that Saskatchewan has what the world needs and these impressive numbers demonstrate that,” said Trade and Export Development Minister Jeremy Harrison.

“Our products have made significant gains in both traditional and new markets, which means opportunity for greater investment and a higher quality of life for the people of our province.”

Saskatchewan’s total exports have grown by more than $20 billion since 2012.

The province has established trade and investment offices around the world which will be key to con -

tinuing growing trade by focusing on our strengths and supporting Saskatchewan companies seeking investment and promoting trade.

The province looks forward to continuing to expand exports, opening new markets and sharing Saskatchewan’s story on a global scale.

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MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

Feds boost clean electricity in border provinces

alent of 50,800 cars off our roads, and grow the economy right here on the Prairies.”

This electricity will be attributed to a new proposed wind energy generation facility in Alberta, expected to be operational by Jan. 1, 2025. As part of the agreement, Capital Power will secure an equity partnership with local Indigenous organizations related to the project.

“These initiatives are an important step to support communities and protect our environment, by investing in renewable electricity,” said Helena Jaczek, Minister of Public Services and Procurement Canada.

of the federal government’s electricity consumption will be attributed to new solar projects within the province, which began operating in summer 2022.

The Government of Canada is taking action on its Greening Government Strategy commitment to power federal buildings with 100 per cent renewable electricity by 2025 to help fight climate change and support local renewable electricity projects.

Last week, Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Tourism and Associate Minister of Finance, on behalf of the Hon -

ourable Helena Jaczek, Minister of Public Services and Procurement, announced two initiatives in Alberta and Saskatchewan that support the Government of Canada’s commitment to investing in renewable energy and achieving the goal of net-zero emissions by 2050.

Public Services and Procurement Canada

(PSPC) has awarded Capital Power a 23-year contract valued up to $500 million, to power federal buildings in

Alberta with green electricity, effective Jan. 1. The contract value is based on an estimated 250,000 megawatthours (MWh) of annual electricity required by federal facilities in the province.

“This announcement is another step towards reaching our government’s emission reduction targets,” said Boissonnault.

“Our agreement with Capital Power and Saskpower will remove the GHG emissions equiv -

Minister Boissonnault also announced that PSPC signed an agreement with Saskatchewan’s main supplier of electricity, SaskPower, to power federal government operations in Saskatchewan using renewable electricity, which totals about 87,000 MWh of electricity per year.

With this agreement, the federal government supports the ongoing development of renewable electricity infrastructure within the province.

Our agreement with Capital Power and Saskpower will remove the GHG emissions equivalent of 50,800 cars off our roads, and grow the economy right here on the Prairies.

“Through long-term projects like these, we are greening federal operations, fighting climate change and creating a healthier environment for Canadians.”

Up to 25 per cent

The remaining 75 per cent will come from a new Saskatchewanbased wind energy generation project expected to be operational by 2024.

These projects include opportunities for Indigenous participation through facility development partnerships and/or employment and training opportunities.

Once these projects in Alberta and Saskatchewan are fully operational, the Government of Canada’s combined emissions in these provinces will be reduced by about 166 kilotonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (ktCO2e), which is equivalent to the annual greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of more than 50,800 gas-powered passenger vehicles.

MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

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Financial sextortion on rise nationally

On Feb. 7, Safer Internet Day, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, along with law enforcement partners internationally and domestically, issued a joint warning about financial sextortion.

Law enforcement agencies are encouraging everyone to learn what financial sextortion is and how to protect yourself and those around you from this crime.

“Protecting our youth from financial sextortion is of paramount importance,” said RCMP Commissioner Brenda Lucki.

“The impact on these vulnerable victims is devastating and may result in psychological trauma and serious mental health issues. The RCMP is committed to working with our domestic and international partners to investigate this crime, as well as develop public awareness and prevention campaigns to remove the stigma associated with this online crime and to advocate for victims, ensuring there is life after images.”

Financial sextortion is

a type of online blackmail that is, sadly, on the rise. It involves someone asking you to send them sexual images or videos of yourself and then threatening to share them with others unless you pay them.

Sextortion can happen anywhere, which was made very apparent when the Town of Maidstone made national headlines after three victims experienced sextortion by unknown perpetrators from October to December 2022.

Offenders often pose as girls of a similar age and use fake accounts to target youth, then deceive them into sending explicit photos or videos.

The offender then threatens to release the sexual materials unless the victim sends them money.

These offenders know what they are doing, are organized, and are very good at what they do.

They will rely on threats and aggressive behaviour to get you to send them what they want – it is important to remember that there is help available.

The increase of financial

sextortion is a public safety crisis that is heavily impacting youth globally.

It is a crime where anyone, including children, can be victimized through their phones, gaming consoles and computers.

They can be targeted in their own homes, their classrooms, and in other public places.

This serves as a good reminder to practice online safety by using privacy settings on social media accounts and to not add or follow people unknown to you. Everyone is at risk of financial sextortion, but recent findings suggest that young boys have represented the majority of cases in the last year.

According to Cybertip. ca, Canada’s tip line, 87 per cent of sextortion incidents affected boys. It is important to remember that while boys represent the majority of reported victims, anyone can be victimized and that there are resources to help if you think you are being sextorted. What to do if you are being financially

sextorted:

- Stop all communication with the offender.

- Deactivate, but do not delete your social media account or images.

- Save a copy of any images you sent, and take screenshots of the messages and the person’s profile including username.

- Do not comply with any threats, do not send money or more images.

- According to an opensource analysis by the Canadian Centre for Child Protection of 6,500 first-hand accounts shared publicly on a popular victim support forum, complying with an extorter’s demands often leads to frequent future demands.

- Trust your instincts, and practice caution when communicating online.

- Reach out to a trusted adult, and report what happened through cybertip.ca or to your local police. It is important to know that you will not be in trouble with law enforcement and that you are not the one to blame in this situation. By reporting, you can help to keep other youth

safer as well.

- Trust that there is life after images.

- The offender might make you feel like your life is over or ruined, but you are not alone and life can go on after these threats. These offenders are smart, but law enforcement is working together to combat these crimes.

Even though financial sextortion is committed virtually, it can have serious impacts offline.

After the threats and aggression, victims can feel alone, ashamed, scared, and sometimes desperate – to the point where they can harm themselves. Countless children and adults in Canada and around the world have been threatened in this way. There are resources and supports available to help. You are not alone.

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MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

Celebrate Archives Week in Sask

It’s Archives Week in Saskatchewan and the Provincial Archives wants you to join in the celebration.

This year the Provincial Archives will be showcasing some of the more unique and interesting records in the collection on social media from Feb. 5 to 11.

“The rich history of our province will be on full display for everyone to engage with during Archives Week this year,” said SaskBuilds and Procurement Minister Lori Carr.

For those who have not visited an archive, archival records may seem like mysterious secrets that are hidden in the dark under lock and key.

This year’s archives week social media campaign will shine the light on some of the more engaging items in our holdings.

You can check out all the interesting archives week 2023 social posts by following @ProvArchivesSK on Facebook and Twitter or by searching the hashtag #FromVaults.

The Provincial Archives, located at 2440 Broad St., Regina, is also inviting people to book a tour to come and see the archives in person.

“Archives are all about showcasing the history of our province, and this year we want to ‘unlock our vaults’ and highlight some things we think you’ll find

interesting,” said Provincial Archivist Carol Radford-Grant.

Archives are all about showcasing the history of our province, and this year we want to ‘unlock our vaults’ and highlight some things we think you’ll find interesting.

“We’ll even show you where they are kept if you come to visit!”

Tours of the Provincial Archives can be booked by contacting mainref@archives.gov. sk.ca or 1-833-3824068.

The provincial

archives will also be attending the Community Heritage Day in Moose Jaw on the final day of Archives Week, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Feb. 11 at the Western Development Museum.

Staff will be available to show attendees how to search the provincial archives’ online catalogue, to discover records and collections from the vaults virtually.

The Provincial Archives of Saskatchewan is pleased to offer public reference services in person, by telephone or online.

French language services are available upon request where resources allow.

To learn more about the many treasures in the permanent collection at the provincial archives, visit www.saskarchives.com.

Provincial Archive Photo

Walter Michalski of the Department of Public Works attempts to open the vault at Government House, 1958.

MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

Wainwright RCMP lay charges for drug trafficking

Wainwright have made arrests following an investigation into a reported problem drug house in the community.

Homes such as this are burdens on a community often associated with stolen property and weapons.

On Feb. 2, Wainwright RCMP, with assistance from the Eastern Alberta Crime Reduction Unit, executed a search warrant at a residence on 5 avenue in Wainwright. As a result of the search RCMP seized;

- 275 grams of suspected Methamphetamine

- 66 grams of suspected cocaine

- 33 grams of suspect fentanyl

- A firearm

- $1,070 in Canadian currency.

RCMP charged Timothy John Davis, 33, a resident of Wainwright with;

- Possession for the purpose of trafficking in a controlled substance (x2)

- Possession of stolen property (x2).

RCMP have issued a warrant for Timothy Davis’s arrest.

RCMP have arrested and charged Tammy Lyn Davis,

54, a resident of Wainwright, with;

- Possession for the purpose of trafficking (x2)

- Possession of a controlled substance.

Tammy Davis has been taken before a justice of the peace and released with her next court date set for March 2 at Wainwright Provincial Court.

RCMP have arrested and charged Chase Callihoo, 35, a resident of Spruce Grove, with;

- Possession for the purpose of trafficking

- Possession of stolen property (x2).

Calihoo has been taken before a justice of the peace and released with her next court date set for March 2 at Wainwright Provincial Court.

RCMP have arrested and charged Corrine Chaisson, 23, a resident of Wwainwright with Fail to comply with conditions of release (x2).

She additionally was arrested on outstanding warrants from a separate investigation.

Chaisson was taken before a Justice of the

Peace and has been remanded for court on Feb. 16.

“ As a result of the hard work by officers of the Wainwright RCMP working in close collaboration with the Eastern Alberta RCMP Crime Reduction Unit, we were able to raid a known drug house in our community.” said Sgt. Michael Miller Detachment Commander of Wainwright RCMP.

“Homes such as this are burdens on a community often associated with stolen property and weapons.”

Wainwright RCMP are asking the public’s assistance in reporting information about suspected drug homes in the community.

Please contact Wainwright RCMP at 780842-4461 or your local police. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-2228477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the “P3 Tips” app. available through the Apple App or Google Play Store.

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Easy Calving Angus Hybrid Bulls for Heifers

Charlton Cattle Co. has more than 40 years’ experience raising only easy calving bulls for first calf heifers

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MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

Squeezing more into your savings

Let’s face it, just about all of us are feeling the effects of rising inflation. Some of us are even having to dip into our savings just to get by.

Here are ways you can find some extra money and keep building your savings for the future.

Be a coupon clipper

There’s no shame in using coupons. In fact, they’re a great way to lower your bill every time you shop or treat yourself to a takeout meal. Look for coupons in the mail and your local newspapers or check out flyers for deals to stock up on

staple items. Sign up for your favourite grocery chains’ loyalty programs to get bonus discounts or even free groceries.

Set a budget and stick with it

The only way to truly understand where your money is going is to create a budget that tracks all of your income and all of your expenses. At the end of the month, if you don’t have any money left to put aside - or are falling into debt - you can analyze your budget to find areas where you can cut back.

Pay off high-interest loans

Credit cards are handy, but the interest

rates they charge can be exorbitant. In addition to interest, missed payments for bills can incur penalties.

You should always pay off your debts with the highest interest rate first. If you’re really struggling to pay the bills, contact your lender(s) for assistance. They might be able to offer you a lower interest rate or combine your debts into one manageable payment.

Check for deposits

The Climate Action Incentive payment is a government payment meant to help offset the cost of federal pollution pricing for residents of where

it applies – currently Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario. However, households in Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia and PEI will also begin receiv -

ing payments in July.

The incentive consists of a base amount, with supplements for residents of small and rural communities. While these payments used to be cred -

its toward your income tax return, they’re now issued as quarterly taxfree payments. Look for a cheque in the mail or direct deposit payment in your bank account.

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Alberta wait times for trauma counselling life-threatening

The following is a province-wide news release from the Association of Alberta Sexual Assault Services

Sexual violence in Alberta is a crisis requiring immediate action. A persistent, ongoing increase in demand for specialized sexual assault services spiked in 2017 with a massive culture shift linked to the global #MeToo movement and Alberta’s own #IBelieveYou campaign and increased yet again due to the pandemic.

Demand for specialized suppor t services will continue to increase given 43 per cent of Albertans have experienced sexual violence in their lifetime. Statistics also show crimes of sexual assault are not decreasing like other violent crimes.

Roughly 1.8 million Albertans have experienced sexual violence in their lifetime. The growing number of Albertans asking for help has resulted in wait times for trauma counselling that exceed one year in some parts of the province.

Any wait is unacceptable and can have devastating impacts on survivors.

“Some of the other men I met in group counselling were just barely functioning. You could just see in their eyes they were defeated. So, when I imagine people like myself and these men waiting for a year or more for counselling, it makes me feel fearful. Not all survivors are as lucky as I am, not all of us have the strength to hang on. The reality is that not all of us will make it,” said survivor Neil Campbell.

The Association of Alberta Sexual Assault Services (AASAS), on behalf of sexual assault services across Alberta, brought this crisis to the attention of the Alberta Government seven months ago, presenting them with research, copious data, and a business case for enhanced and ongoing resources to increase specialized support and prevention ser-

vices in our province.

Since then, AASAS has been working with government staff, talking to Ministers, and fighting for survivors.

AASAS is aware budget decisions are being made this month and see other issues being addressed, but not sexual violence. Is sexual violence not a priority for this government?

Sexual violence is a known risk factor for other public health issues including addictions, suicide, homelessness, and chronic mental illness.

Investing upfront in education, prevention and sexual violence treatment will result in cost savings in the long run.

Albertans who have experienced the trauma of sexual violence deserve specialized, trauma-informed, evidence-based services, and they deserve them in a timely manner.

“Specia lized training is so essential for anyone who works with survivors of trauma. They understand what you’re going through, and what’s happening in your headsometimes more than you even understand it yourself,” said survivor Elizabeth Halpin.

“When you have a trauma-informed therapist, you don’t have to painstakingly relive the worst day of your life over and over again in order to get help. To be believed, and understood, right from the beginning of my treatment made all the difference in the world.”

“On behalf of all survivors across Alberta - who are your friends, coworkers and family members – I ask you to contact your provincial government representative and let them know that they deserve recovery and healing services, they deserve justice, they deserve to be heard and supported,” added Deb Tomlinson, CEO of AASAS. “Encourage your MLA to make sexual violence prevention, and the health of Alberta communities a priority by providing adequate and sustainable funding to our sexual assault services.”

Coaching changes won’t stop Inland Steel Bobcats

It was a wild weekend for the U18 AAA Inland Steel Bobcats as the boys picked up back-toback wins and put away 11 goals ... all while having a brand new face on the bench subbing in as head coach.

make sure they had some help. Both Taylor and Ryne played hockey for me years ago, and Taylor got his coaching start with me as an assistant, so they reached out and asked if I’d be interested in giving them a hand for four games, and I said ‘for those two guys, absolutely.’”

With only four regular-season games remaining, Applegate knew his job wasn’t to come in and try and change things, and it didn’t take long for him to discover there wasn’t much to change.

“I can say they played as a unit, as a team. They played with passion and heart, and they were willing to go the extra mile for each other,” he said.

A few weeks ago, then-assistant coach Taylor Holt took over as head coach and manned the bench until he received a four-game suspension due to an incident with an official.

With assistant coach Ryne Atkinson the only one left to lead the team, Mike Applegate was brought in at the last minute to coach for four games.

“I’m a scab coach,” said Applegate with a laugh. “I crossed the picket line.

“Atkinson was the only coach left, and Ryne being a young guy, they wanted to

“They really grasped the team concepts and tried to achieve the goals we set out for them before each of those games. Those goals were lowering penalty minutes, more Grade-A chances for, and fewer Grade-A chances against.

“Throughout six periods of hockey, they were successful in doing that. That’s all on the players and has nothing to do with anybody behind the bench, you have to give all credit to the players for buying in and trying to achieve those three goals.”

With a 17-16-0-1

record, the Bobcats are currently sitting fourth in the Alberta Elite Hockey League north division, and if things continue the way they’re going, Applegate thinks the sky is the limit for the postseason.

“Out of the years I’ve spent coaching elite hockey, I can say this is a very good hockey club,” he said.

“They’ve got four lines that can play,

they’ve got six defencemen that can play, and all the players can play in every situation they’re given.

“I feel this team could make some noise in the playoffs; they just have to believe in themselves and believe in each other; the sky is really the limit if they want to take it there.”

Mid-season coaching changes are never easy on a team, but Applegate also pointed

out that since Holt has taken over as head coach, including last weekend’s two wins, the team holds a 4-2 record.

“They want to keep building off of that,” he said. “After spending a week with the guys I can confidently say they want to keep going in this positive direction.

“The only thing I tried to do was create positive energy on the bench. I don’t know these guys too well per -

sonally, but I think they fed off that positive energy.”

The Inland Steel Bobcats are back at the Civic Centre this Saturday when they host the Edmonton Jr. Oilers Orange at 3:45 p.m. The boys have two road games before returning to the Civic on Feb. 19 as they host the Sherwood Park Ennis Kings for their final home game of the regular season.

TAYLOR WEAVER EDITOR

Taylor Weaver Meridian Source Inland Steel Bobcats forward Cayden Wildeman takes the puck to the net on Sunday afternoon at the Centennial Civic Centre as the ‘Cats hosted the Fort Saskatchewan Rangers. The ‘Cats beat the Rangers 6-0.

I feel this team could make some noise in the playoffs; they just have to believe in themselves and believe in each other; the sky is really the limit if they want to take it there.

Momentum U13 girls hoist V-ball SaskCup

Cory Gratton, coach of the Lloydminster Momentum U13 girls volleyball teams, credits their training out of the Servus Sports Centre for becoming champion calibre players.

Two U13 girls teams will compete in an eight-team tournament this weekend in North Battleford after the Momentum VC Black won the Tier 1 final of the 13U Women’s SaskCup in Warman, Sask. last Sunday.

“This is the first SaskCup win for a team in the last 18 years that our community has been attending the tournament,” said Gratton.

The outcome was sweeter knowing about 100 teams competed.

“There’s a lot of great teams around the province, so it’s a difficult thing to do. Collectively, the teams had 11 wins and 2 losses,” added Gratton.

Team VC Black defeated the Watrous VC 25-13, 25-19 in the two-set final to go undefeated, while the Momentum Red squad won four games and lost

two over the weekend.

Gratton says there are 20 players in the U13 age group of the seven-team Momentum club that is getting a lot of quality training time at the Servus Sports Centre.

“Everything we do is out of the fieldhouse in terms of training a few days a week,” said Gratton.

“That really helps us as well because we have more space. Our equipment is there and it allows us to diversify our training. The more courts we have, the larger the group. We have a lot of skilled coaches.”

The U13 girls are currently training two hours twice a week, but will soon step that up to three practices a week with tournament season on the horizon.

The schedule includes a home tournament on Feb. 25, then a home and away tournament in North Battleford on March 11 before another home event in early April, just before provincials.

“They’ve got so much potential. I am really looking forward to seeing the end result in April,” said Gratton.

“The standard of play is so much higher than it used to be in the U13.”

Bishop Lloyd celebrates athletes

MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

Bishop Lloyd Middle School is getting ready to host the 2A Junior Basketball Districts after celebrating a day of athletics and district banners they won during the previous school year.

The basketball districts take place Feb. 10-11 and follow a celebration held Wednesday to recognize a variety of individual and team athletic events from 2021-22.

District track and field:

Bantam girls 100 m long jump - Karter Dougan

Bantam girls 400 m -

Hailey Krankowsky

Intermediate girls 800 m and 3000 m - Julia de la Torre

Intermediate girls 100 m

relay - Rihanna Good

Bantam girls aggregate winner - Karter Dougan

(went into 4 events and placed the highest for points)

Bantam boys 100 m - Damien Priest

Bantam boys high jump - Kaden Penner

Bantam boys javelin - Carson Krchov

Bantam boys 100 m relay -Jaxson Nelson

Junior boys 1500 m and 100 m relay - Dominic Cawthorpe

Junior boys 100 m relay - Dion Cawthorpe

Districts cross country:

Intermediate girlsSamantha Lothrop

District badminton: Girls doubles - Skylar Heinrichs and Karter Dougan

Mixed doubles - Rogan

MacNab and Lauren O’Grady

District girls A volleyball: Alix Austin, Naomi Brand, Kyaira Cal, Sadie Carter, Lexia Chambers, Addison Greenaway, Hadley Kaye, Hailey Krankowsky, Lauren O’Grady, Tanaya Rose, Jorja Weigel

Supplied Photo

The Lloydminster Momentum VC Black won the U13 SaskCup in Warman, Sask. on Sunday in a two-set victory over Watrous in the Tier 1 final. It was the first title for a Lloydminster volleyball team at the tournament in 18 years. Far left is head coach Cory Gratton and on the right are assistant coaches Lisa Perkins and Raegan McGillivray.

GEOFF LEE WRITER

Capitalizing on valueadded agriculture

Alberta is introducing a new agri-processing tax credit that will help attract large-scale investment, diversify the economy and create jobs for Albertans

As provinces and states across North America look to capitalize on the potential of the agri-processing industry, Alberta will build on the province’s competitive advantages by launching a new tax credit program in spring 2023.

“Agriculture has been a key part of Alberta’s economy for more than 100 years and I’m excited to see this tax credit program roll out so that it continues to be a key part of our economy in the future,” said Premier Danielle Smith.

“Alberta’s agricultural producers play an important role in feeding the world and I look forward to seeing further innovation and growth in this sector.”

The program will ensure Alberta maintains a competitive edge over other jurisdictions and is able to maximize the number of opportunities that help grow the economy and create jobs.

“Alberta has the fundamentals to take our

value-added agriculture industry to new heights and meet the increasing global demand for food,” said Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation Nate Horner.

Alberta has the fundamentals to take our value-added agriculture industry to new heights and meet the increasing global demand for food.

“The new agri-processing tax credit will allow us to attract large-scale agri-food projects that will help grow our industry, increase opportunities for primary producers, create jobs and feed the world.”

Budget 2023 will introduce the Alberta Agri-Processing Investment Tax Credit to provide a 12 per cent nonrefundable tax credit to support this growth and attract investment.

To be eligible, corporations must make a minimum capital investment of $10 million in value-added agri-processing in Alberta.

“The Alberta Agri-

Processing Investment Tax Credit further positions Alberta as an attractive place to do business,” said Travis Toews, President of Treasury Board and Minister of Finance.

“By supporting this quickly evolving and increasingly competitive sector, this government is further encouraging investment that will create jobs and grow Alberta’s economy.”

As Alberta’s oldest industry, agriculture is foundational to the province’s economy and identity.

Incentivizing large capital investments will ensure the sector remains strong for generations to come and capable of adapting to the economy of the future.

“Population growth, a changing climate and increased costs of food are all indicators that food security will be a growing challenge,” added Paul McLauchlin, president, Rural Municipalities of Alberta.

“The new agri-processing tax credit program is a great incentive that will continue to highlight rural Alberta as the home of an innovative agriculture industry that plays a vital role in supporting food production.”

MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

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Sask expanding health care training opportunities

Saskatchewan is dramatically increasing educational opportunities for Saskatchewan students and young adults interested in health careers.

An immediate initial investment of more than $5.5 million will help create over 550 new post-secondary training seats across 18 healthcare training programs.

Expanding health training programs is one of four pillars in the province’s Health Human Resources Action Plan.

This commitment will increase training capacity at the province’s post-secondary institutions and reserve additional training seats for Saskatchewan students in highly specialized programs in other provinces.

“This initiative will open up exciting new health career options for many more Saskatchewan students

by giving them greater access to training for their career of choice,” said Advanced Education Minister Gordon Wyant.

“The scale of this unprecedented expansion of Saskatchewan’s health training capacity demonstrates our government’s commitment to strengthening our health care workforce. We are grateful for the support of our partners across the post-secondary education and health sectors.”

Training programs that will expand beginning in fall 2023 include Medical Laboratory Assistant, Continuing Care Assistant, Primary Care Paramedic, Licensed Practical Nurse, Pharmacy Technician, Clinical Psychologist, Physical Therapist and Mental Health and Addictions Counsellor.

Post-secondary insti -

tutions across the province - technical schools, regional colleges, Indigenous institutions

and universities - will support the expansion so that students can study and work closer

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to home.

This latest expansion builds on a previous investment in 202223 to add 150 nursing

seats in Saskatchewan’s registered nursing, registered psychiatric nursing, and nurse practitioner programs.

MERIDIAN SOURCE 306-825-5111

admin@meridansource.ca

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