Meridian Source

Thursday, January 10, 2019

MERIDIANSOURCE.CA

VOLUME 1 I ISSUE 28

See page 6 for our New Year, New You special feature

Casino bets on three of a kind opener GEOFF LEE

WRITER

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There is one week to go to the start of a three-day grand opening of Lloydminster’s Gold Horse Casino with Vegas style entertainment each night.

The grand opening with take place Jan. 17-19 with respective one-night performances

by Aaron Goodvin, The Trews and the James Barker Band in the casino theatre.

This follows the soft opening in December when Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority ( SIG A ) p re s i d e n t and CEO, Zane Hansen noted the extended grand opening in January is worthy of a special celebration as the seventh casino operated by SIGA. “We really wanted to make sure we showcase the facility to a lot of different individuals in the community,” said Hansen.

“We got three very good groups (entertainment) coming in d i f f e r e n t g e nr e s a nd th ey c a n g e t a r e a lly good sense of what the

property can do here.

“Over the course of three days it’s going to be an amazing time in mid January.”

The grand opening could also see the opening of the onsite Petro-Canada gas bar and convenience store owned by Little Pine First Nation, the casino land owner.

Construction of the facility was delayed for months, but Little Pine Chief Wayne Semaganis noted during the ceremonial opening on Dec. 20 that he had just signed off on the agreements with Petro-Canada.

“When we do the official grand opening, it should be open by then,” he said.

Semaganis says now that the casino is up and running on Little Pine land he’s already looking forward to a few other projects that his community has in mind for the Border City and Alberta.

The list includes supporting a new oil refinery that Alberta Premier Rachel Notley is researching.

Geoff Lee Meridian Source

Little Pine First Nation Chief Wayne Semaganis is preparing to enjoy a three-day grand opening of the Gold Horse Casino Jan. 17-19 following a ribbon cutting with over-sized scissors during the soft opening on Dec. 20 with project partners and government officials on hand.

“I’m willing along with other business Chiefs to go with industry, to go with mayors of Lloydminster, to go with the local MLA, to go meet the premier and say let’s work on this,” said Semaganis.

As for Lloydminster, Semagamis say s Lit tle Pine wants to see a new hockey arena, housing, and possibly another mall.

“We have land here to develop so we need to find ways of bringing

different business partners to the fold and let them know it’s an open door—we’re here to do business,” he said.

Lloydminster Mayor Gerald Aalbers is stoked about the economic impact of the casino including approximately 200 jobs created by the opening.

“That’s going to infuse some money into the community,” said Aalbers, who noted several local trades and sub trades were hired during the

construction phase too.

Aalbers says Semagamis has lot of great ideas and he thinks in the future city officials will be sitting down to discuss those opportunities.

“I know they have more land here that they’d like to develop, so it’s a matter of going through the steps.

We’ve gone through the steps and we’ve got the casino, so stay tuned,” he said.

Aalbers says the casino is a great mar-

keting tool for the city and he looks forward to working with their First Nations casino partners to build together.

“That’s what you’re going to see from the city going forward, trying to align ourselves with people who are going to make things better for the city themselves,” he said.

The Border Tribal Council is the casino landlord responsible for the facility development.

The site plan includes a future hotel.

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Thursday, January 10, 2019

City’s top yearly priority unchanged GEOFF LEE

WRITER

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The City of Lloydminster starts off the new year still searching for a cure to a familiar hangover issue that has been giving Mayor Gerald Aalbers and council perennial headaches.

“As many might have guessed, the new wastewater treatment plant continues to be this council’s number one priority,” said Aalbers.

Council made it the top priority in 2018 with an estimated price tag of $80 million and cost sharing from provincial and federal governments.

“We are continuing to work toward a fair and equitable funding arrangement with our provincial and federal governments and with a little luck we hope to move this project forward in 2019,” said Aalbers.

The city expects to break ground on a new facility starting with a $9 million investment in 2019.

While city property t axe s w il l ri s e ab out 2.7 per cent in 2019, Aalbers said there are many reasons for posi-

tivity on the economic front including the hard hit energy sector.

Despite a couple of oil related protests in the city in late December, Aalbers noted the energy sector will carry some momentum into 2019 and could be a source for growth.

“It’s always difficult to make predictions, but we are hopeful the petroleum industry will continue to make gains and create employment and entrepreneurial opportunities for our region,” he said.

The official opening of the Gold Horse Casino should also help to give an economic and cultural boost to the city.

The grand opening of the new facility will take place over three days from Jan. 17-19 after officially opening on Dec. 20.

“The opening of the Gold Horse Casino has been an exciting development and our agricultural sector continues to be a steadfast economic driver as well,” said Aalbers.

Also on the cultural side, Aalbers notes residents can look forward to welcoming a great assort-

ment of acts to the Vic Juba Community Theatre this year as well as the headliners of major community events like Colonial Days, Canada Day and the CPCA Finals.

Looking back, Aalbers says 2018 was a year of many great highlights with a few that standout in his mind, including the completion of citywide changes to watermetering infrastructure.

“We engaged with our residents on all kinds of topics from cannabis, to taxation and we welcomed a major airline (Westjet) to our municipal airport,” he said.

He said another highlight was passing a budget that allows the city to keep providing great services to the community.

The budget breakdown allocates $6.7 million to street improvements, $11.3 million to water and wastewater, $1.1 million for fire, $5.2 million for storm water protection and $1.6 million for winter road maintenance, for example.

With 2018 behind him, Aalbers has resolved to keep getting out in the community to connect with residents and

participate in as many events and activities as possible this year.

“It’s easy to get caught up in paperwork and meetings, but I’ve always believed that the best way to stay in tune with the needs and expectations of our community is make time for face-toface conversations with the people who live and work here,” he said.

Aalbers might not be resolving to take a splash into a charity dunk tank during Winterfest at the Servus Sports Centre on Feb. 18, but he does have his favourite events.

“Since becoming Mayor, I’ve had the privilege of attending many incredible events and celebrations of all shapes and sizes,” he said.

He said taking part in the ‘Bells of Peace’ event this past Remembrance Day stands out as a unique and moving experience for him and his wife.

“Generally speaking, Christine and I genuinely enjoy just getting out to community events, having conversations and getting to know people on a personal level,” he said.

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Thursday, January 10, 2019

Church Expect Martin Kerr to amaze Directory GEOFF LEE

WRITER

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Folk artist Martin Kerr, who built his career performing on the streets, is bringing his music to the seats of Lloydminster’s Vic Juba Community Theatre.

The Edmontonbased star is expected to jam the theatre the evening of Jan. 17 with fans prepared to sing along to the chorus of his best known You’re Amazing EP. Since Kerr released the single last May, audiences everywhere tend to join in for the line, “I’m not bad myself, but you’re amazing.”

He wrote the song while in Australia feeling homesick for his wife Tara.

Originally from England, Kerr moved to Canada after he met his wife abroad.

“I never thought I would write a song that people would sing along to the first time they heard it, although that has always been my dream,” said Kerr.

Kerr has been an independent artist for more than 10 years and has risen from performing on the streets to passersby to selling out

Supplied Photo

Edmonton-based folk artist Martin Kerr will perform at the Vic Juba Community Theatre the evening of Jan. 17 on the heels of the release of his 2018 single “You’re Amazing.”

the Winspear Centre in Edmonton in 2017.

His banner moment followed the release of his album, Better Than Brand-New that debuted at No. 10 on t h e C a na d i a n A l b u m Chart.

Kerr was also named Male Artist of the Year at the 2017 Edmonton Music Awards, the same week he opened for Sarah McLachlan at Rogers Place in Edmonton.

He credits his strong f an base t o his ear ly days of taking his gui-

tar, along with his busking amp and setting up his CD store anywhere he could gather an audience.

“To connect with people who left the house that morning not expecting to hear live music in the street, for a song to stop them in their tracks on their way get groceries or run to the bank, is a really special thing,” said Kerr.

His performance is often compared to the best of the 1970s trou-

badours—Cat Stevens, James Taylor, John Denver with his own brand of folk music that connects with listeners of all ages.

“To see people experience such a range of feelings with me at my live shows is my favourite thing about being a musician,” said Kerr.

“I always try to send people home with a happy heart.”

Kerr’s Lloydminster concert is co-presented

by Bernard Denture Clinic.

Gliding into the new year TAYLOR WEAVER

Thursday, January 10, 2019

EDITOR

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Tom Bendall is at it again and decided he wanted to make sure a couple local youth had a very merry Christmas.

Bendall is the owner of Magnum Edge Skate Sharpening in the Servus Sports Centre and is actively involved with the Lloydminster KidSport skate exchange program on a purely volunteer basis. He spends his days at the rink making sure everyone coming through the doors has a chance to give the sport of hockey a try with the many pairs of skates he has for use at no charge.

He sees the same people coming and going on a regular basis, many of them youth who just love to skate, and many of whom don’t have their own skates.

After recently receiving a donation from Direct Energy Services for Lloydminster KidSport, Bendall received a phone call from one of the company’s representatives saying they wanted to purchase a couple brand new pairs of skates for some of the kids who frequently use the skates available at the Servus Centre as a Christmas gift.

Naturally Bendall loved the idea and immediately thought of a brother and sister who use the ice almost daily and don’t own their own skates.

The happy recipients of the skates were siblings Mackenzie, nine, and her older brother Kashton, 10.

“They’re my only two who come here to skate almost every day and they’ve been using the KidSport skates

Supplied Photo and I’ve been watching them skate and they always come into my shop and say hi, and they deserve them,” he said. “So I got brand new hockey skates for the young boy and figure skates for his sister, and I told them one day when they were here that I got them something for Christmas and they just didn’t know what to say.

“For me I thought it was a great idea and since this was my first year here at the rink I wanted to give back a little at Christmas time, and it was an honour to be able to do so, and for the kids that don’t have much and could use something like this, those were the two that I picked.”

“I like them a lot and really said thank you to Tom. I really want to be like one of those girls who figure skate here,” said Mackenzie.

Direct Energy planted the seed and did offer to pay for both pairs of skates, but in the end it was Bendall who bought the skates out of pocket so he could give them to their new owners before

Christmas, a decision he’s happy he made.

“Direct Energy offered to pay me back for the skates, but I said they don’t need to, so they’re going to make a donation to KidSport instead,” he said.

“I just want to thank

Direct Energy for organizing this with me and making sure these kids had something for Christmas, and at the end of the day, Magnum Edge would like to thank the community for the great year and here’s to a great 2019.”

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Resolution broken already? Try a wellness goal instead MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

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Many of us make New Year’s resolutions every January, but statistics show that nearly 80 per cent of people who make them will have broken them by February.

If you feel like this is you, don’t fret.

Most of us can agree, especially with recent holiday indulgences, that improving personal fitness and nutrition is an intimidating idea.

But the secret to get-

ting motivated and keeping the momentum going into the spring is to follow these three simple guidelines: Don’t try too much at once. When we first set fitness and wellness resolutions, we’re often

inclined to make a goal to spend every day at the gym and eat clean 100 per cent of the time.

There is a reason these are too often broken – they are hard to accomplish.

Listen to your body and do what feels good for you.

Modify your lifestyle to a healthy one that fits your needs and is one you’ll be able to sustain throughout the year.

Stick to it. Experts

say that it only takes 21 days to create a lasting habit.

While that may seem like a lot, three weeks will come quickly and there are many resources out there to help you through it, from fitness plans to eating guides.

AdvoCare, a nutrition and wellness company new to Canada, carries several products to help enhance your results.

Keep a positive mind-

set. If you miss a day, don’t stress about it, you can get back on track tomorrow.

Staying positive about your wellness journey will keep you on track to reach your goals and maintain a healthy lifestyle well into the future.

If you are able to make it to day 21, you’ll set the stage for the rest of the year and will be on the right track to meeting your fitness and nutrition goals.

Thursday, January 10, 2019

Fagnan on watch for white knight GEOFF LEE

WRITER

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Lloydminster’s Glenn Fagnan is looking for a community-minded crime prevention crusader to spearhead the revival of Neighbourhood Watch in 2019.

The volunteer citizen-based crime reporting and prevention organization folded last year with the retirement of key coordinators Ron and Chris Benson from the group.

“I’m kind of looking for a key person to champion this and organize this,” said Fagnan, who is acting as a facilitator.

“We had a gentleman who was going to be heading it up and was unable to do so, so here we are with no one in line at this point in time, but that’s what I’m looking for.”

Members of Neighbourhood Watch groups meet their neighbours, learn how to make their homes

more secure, watch out for each other and report activity that raises their suspicions to the police.

“There needs to be a community push for people to meet their neighbours and welcome them and know who they are and know what’s going on in your neighbourhood,” said Chris Benson.

Benson advocates a strong crime prevention model for Neighbourhood Watch noting social media has taken over the group’s crime reporting role in recent years.

“The aggression of the thieves is becoming much more scary and noticeable—know your neighbours,” she said.

“Always be watchful and get over the idea of calling anyone a nosey neighbour. The neighbour is interested, is concerned, is aware.”

Fagnan thinks a Neighbourhood Watch champion would lead a committee with repre-

sentatives from various businesses and community groups similar to what worked a few years ago for the downtown core.

“I think a committee can be found. It’s a matter of finding someone who’d be willing to lead this committee again,” said Fagnan.

“If you take a look at what other cities are doing with Neighbourhood Watch it’s a fairly organized group.”

Fagnan is also an elected councillor with the City of Lloydminster who notes in many cases the local municipality plays an active role with Neighbourhood Watch as well.

He suggested the neighbourhood Block Party Program, run by the city’s Family and Community Support Services where neighbours get to know their fellow neighbours, would be a “perfect time to get Neighbourhood Watch involved” too.

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The Trews to turn it up at Gold Horse TAYLOR WEAVER

EDITOR

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Canadian rock veterans The Trews are taking their new album Civilianaires on the road and one of their first stops takes the guys to the Gold Horse Casino on Jan. 18.

Civilianaires is the band’s sixth studio album and features cowriter credits to the likes of Arkells front-

man Max Kerman and Serena Ryder, and debuted at number six on The Current Album Chart, number three on Current Digital Album charts and number one on Alternative charts upon its release on Sept. 14.

“The album had a long lead time so to speak and we started putting music out from it in March of 2018 so we were putting

the music out in dribs and drabs and leaking it throughout the summer, so it was interesting to watch it land and then having the entire album released in September was almost a relief to have all of this new music to play at our shows,” said guitarist/ songwriter John-Angus MacDonald.

“So far it’s been well received and fans have been into it and it plays really well live, so it’s great to have new music since our last album came out in 2014.”

MacDonald explained how the band has never gone four years between record releases and usually try to keep that gap to two years, but a lot has changed over the last four years for the group wit h f ou nd ing member and former drummer Sean Dalton leaving with Chris Gormley (Big Sugar) taking his seat, parting ways with their management of 15 years, as well as signing

to Cadence Records.

“There’s been a lot of transition and a lot of change and it really took us a minute to find our footing again,” said MacDonald. “We stayed present in the live scene and we were still playing, but as far as making music goes it took us a minute to catch our breath and reflect and then figure out what kind of record we wanted to make and go from there.

“It’s really special because you never really know how a record is going to turn out when you set out to make it and it’s always a different process and things can take you by surprise, but in the end we got through it and got to another one.”

“Our approach this time out seemed counterintuitive and yet it worked,” Colin MacDonald adds. “For example, my friend Brett Emmons from the Glorious Sons suggested I go through

the head-clearing journals I’ve been compiling since about 2014 to see if there was anything that could be turned into a song. So last summer, I started highlighting random lines, which yielded a bunch of lyrical sparks that we developed into songs, like ‘Bar Star’ and ‘Time’s Speeding Up.’ Never done that before.”

The main stays in the band since day one have been vocalist/songwriter Colin MacDonald, guitarist/songwriter JohnAngus MacDonald and bassist Jack Syperek who have been playing together since high school, and as JohnAngus explained, the guys changed everything surrounding that to keep things fresh while also making things feel new and exiting again.

“If there’s no element of discovery or for lack of a better word, magic, to the process, than I find it to be stagnant and I can hear songs that were written that way.

That’s our way of looking at it and if I could have a job as a nine to five songwriter who always turned out amazing songs I would take it, but I don’t know anybody in the world that can do that,” he said with a laugh.

“So we have to sort of stumble into the process and make it special again and the way to do that is to change the circumstances surrounding how you’re making your record.”

The group will be introducing some of their new material to those in attendance next Friday, but MacDonald did mention they will also be taking selections from their entire catalog for those long-time fans of the classics.

“I’m glad we get to c o me bac k to Ll o y d minster since it’s been a couple years since we’ve been there.”

Tickets for the show are $40 and are available at goldhorsecasino.ca.

Thursday, January 10, 2019

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Viewpoint

5921-50 Avenue, Lloydminster, SK S9V 2A4 Phone: 306-825-5111 Toll Free: 1-800-327-3899 Fax: 306-825-5147 meridiansource.ca Mail: Box 2454, Lloydminster, SK S9V 1W5 Hours: 8AM to 5PM Monday to Friday The MERIDIAN SOURCE is published once a week, on Thursday.

All material printed in the Meridian Source is copyright and may not be copied or reproduced without the express permission of the publisher. The Meridian Source reserves the right to refuse publication of any advertising or editorial material at its discretion.

Columns and letters are the expressed view of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Meridian Source.

Editor Taylor Weaver taylor@meridiansource.ca Staff Writer Geoff Lee geoff@meridiansource.ca Sports Editor Jamie Harkins sports@meridiansource.ca

Marketing Manager Deanna Wandler deanna@meridiansource.ca

Leave it to Weaver Nothing like some good ole’ mountain air EDITOR Taylor Weaver

Marketing Consultant Catherine Kruining catherine@meridiansource.ca

Marketing Consultant Susan Cross susan@meridiansource.ca Marketing Consultant Ashley Miazga ashley@meridiansource.ca Publisher Reid Keebaugh Production Manager Amanda Richard 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.

2017

Since I’ve been writing these columns on a more consistent basis I’ve really come to enjoy the process, and what makes it some what rewarding is when I get emails from you the reader wishing me a happy holiday or an enjoyable weekend, so thanks for playing along at home!

As some of you may know I went to Canmore for the Christmas break to visit my dad (plus I think I owed it to him since I haven’t seen him at Christmas time in almost four years!), and as expected, I had a blast!

Now of course we had to get ourselves into a little bit of trouble but no one got hurt and bail money never left the bank.

One thing I guess I should have expected from the trip going into it was how much actual exercise we’d be doing, because well, that’s what one

does out there!

It was great and we ate like kings (we both thoroughly enjoy a good BBQ!).

I went into the trip with an open mind and had nothing really planned, and wouldn’t you know it, the first day I’m there we go on a two-hour hike at Johnston Canyon in Banff National Park and even saw some ice climbers ... the next day we hiked up Sulphur Mountain, took the gondola down, then almost fell asleep in the Banff Hot Springs.

I knew I wasn’t in Lloydminster anymore!

The three days following that we got out on the pond and passed the puck around, and

of course, had to recreate this beauty!

I should have stood in front to really get that “I’ve outgrown my dad” look though.

What can I say, if you’ve never been to the area in the winter time it’s almost a Canadian rite of passage.

Thanks for a great trip dad, that mountain air did me some good!

Letters to the Editor We welcome letters to the editor. Letters should be 500 words or less. A name and daytime phone number is required for verification. Priority will be given to letters exclusively written for the Meridian Source. We reserve the right to edit letters for clarity, brevity, spelling, grammar, punctuation and libel. Unsigned letters will not be published. Use of pseudonyms will only be allowed in special circumstances, at the discretion of the editor and the publisher, and only if the author’s identity is known to the editor. Publication of a letter does not imply endorsement by the Meridian Source. Send to taylor@meridiansource.ca

PAGE 11 Thursday, January 10, 2019 MERIDIAN SOURCE

Opinion

Leeway from Lloyd: Resolving to stay the same STAFF WRITER GEOFF LEE

It was interesting to see the recent 2019 World Junior Hockey Championship being sponsored by pro Trans Mountain Pipeline ads by the Alberta government.

The ads were seen by millions of captivated viewers following numerous pro pipeline protests in the province including a few in Lloydminster over the holidays.

Lets hope the federal government starts cheering for the pipeline as loud as Canadians did for Canada’s team with shovels in the ground in 2019.

With a new year also comes resolutions, many of which end up in the coulda, shoulda or woulda broken

dream basket before they get underway.

This is especially the case if your expectations are too unrealistic like losing 20 pounds in a month or training for a triathlon when you can hardly swim or run.

My main resolution is to continue to be the same broke-ass guy I have been in the past 50 years while holding out hope for the big lottery win so I retire to my make believe cattlefree ranch.

I have also resolved not to buy any new stocks as all of my picks are in the toilet.

My other resolution is to try to beat all other 70-year-olds in my next 100 kilometre bike race coming up in June in Drumheller.

The route has a killer 12 per cent one kilo-

metre uphill grade so I can expect myself to be doing some hill repeats on Highway 619 this summer.

I am also resolving to strengthen my core area muscles at the gym and at home to prevent recurring injuries from cycling, skating, swimming and sitting at a desk all day.

Having injuries is part of being active so it’s grin and bear it for me while consulting Dr. Google first before using up my medical benefits.

My gambling days are also over in 2019 after quickly losing my free $20 introductory coupons at the Gold Horse Casino on Christmas Day. I checked in at 2:10 p.m. and cashed out with $1.35 at 2:20 p.m. proving to myself I am

BUSINESS LICENCE DEADLINE APPROACHING The City of Lloydminster reminds all business owners that the deadline to renew 2018 business licences is Thursday, January 31, 2019. A City of Lloydminster business licence is required for all industrial, commercial and home-based businesses, professions, trades, etc. operating in the within the City.

Business licence fees are annual unless otherwise indicated. Businesses renewing their 2018 licence will have the option of advertising their business on the City of Lloydminster’s online business directory.

Business licence renewal letters were sent out on December 1, 2018. The 2019 business licences will be mailed upon receipt of payment and completion of the business licence renewal form. The options for payment include: • Mailing a cheque to City Hall; • Paying over the phone by calling 780-875-6184 ext. 2129 and providing a credit card number; • In person at the cashier in City Hall; • By fax, to 780-871-8345 (Attn: Business Licence Renewal), with credit card information included.

• Paying online at www.lloydminster.ca/vch The cost to license a business varies according to the type of business.

For information about business licences, please visit www.lloydminster.ca/businesslicence or call 780-875-6184 Ext. 2123.

lloydminster.ca

not the swashbuckling riverboat gambler I was

hoping to be.

Where can you find a

reliable Rain Man these days?

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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.

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

EVERY TUESDAY — VOLLEYBALL Drop in volleyball from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Takes place at the Servus Sports Centre and everyone is welcome, non-competitive and no experience is necessary.

Come for fun and exercise and meet some great people.

dian Brewhouse on Feb. 7 starting at 6 p.m. There will be a 50/50 draw and silent auction. Cost is $25 and include steak dinner with your choice of fries, soup, salad or rice. Also includes a domestic bottle of beer, pop, or hiball. Gratuitity not included. For tickets call 306-307-1489.

EVERY TUESDAY — ADAPTED YOGA From 10 – 11 a.m. at the Community Service Centre. For more information please contact AnnDee at 780-8710513.

LLOYDMINSTER LEARNING COUNCIL

EVERY TUESDAY — DIABETES 102 The new schedule for PNRHA Diabetes Education Classes is ready! Everyone starts with Diabetes 101 and then follows up with Diabetes 102 (people on diabetes pills) or Diabete s 103 (p e o p le on insulin). All classes are scheduled on a Tuesday morning from 8:15 a.m. to noon. Please contact Nancy Johnston at 306-820-6096 or Helen Rogers at 306-820-6291 to pre-register.

EVERY TUESDAY — SENIORS MEET The Lloydminster Concerned Citizens for Seniors Care Society meets at the Legacy Centre from noon - 1:30 p.m. Lunch is available for $8.

Please reserve before

Sharon Crush, Submitted

Tuesday morning at 780-875-4584.

Everyone welcome.

EVERY TUESDAY – DIABETES CLINICS The new schedule is out for Diabetes Education Classes with Saskatchewan Health Authority. Everyone starts with Diabetes 101 and follows up with Diabetes 102 and 103. All classes are scheduled on a Tuesday morning from 8:15 a.m. until noon. To register call Janis at 306-820-4887.

EVERY TUESDAY & SATURDAY — FARMER’S MARKET Downtown Farmer’s Market at the Fred North Community Centre (5002 - 51 Avenue, Lloydminster) from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. (Tues) 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. (Sat) We’re on Facebook.

JAN. 17 – FREE LEGAL CLINIC

FREE Legal Advice Clinics by Community Legal Clinic, 4419-52 Avenue, Lloydminster, January 17, March 21, May 16, July 18, August 15, October 17 and December 19, 2019. Call 1-587789-0727 for eligibility and bookings. Watch our Facebook page for more details.

JAN. 19 – TEXAS HOLD’EM TOURNEY

There will be a Texas Hold’em Tournament at the Maidstone Legion Clubroom, 102-108-1st Ave. W, on Jan. 19. Tickets are $50 with registration at 6 p.m. and play starts at 7 p.m. There are only 40 entries. To register call Royal Canadian Legion Clubroom at 306-893-4048. License # TH18-0024.

JAN. 25 – ROBBIE BURNS NIGHT

The Edgerton & District Historical Society is sponsoring the 31st annual Robbie

Burns Nite at the Edgerton Agricultural Hall.

Happy Hour and Silent Auction begin at 5:30 p.m. Supper - 6:30 p.m. Ceilidh - Scottish entertainment to follow. Tickets at the Edgerton Village Office 780-755-3933 or Toys & Treasures - Wainwright - 780-842-3903.

Adults - $25, children 12 and under - $5. Contact Louise at 780-7552189 for more info.

JAN. 26 – TRANSPLANT TROT

Please join us for the 4th annual Canadian Transplant Association LLOYDMINSTER TRANSPLANT TROT 2019 on Satu r d ay Jan. 26 at t he Servus Sports Centre walking track 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Register online at www.events. runningroom.com/ site/?radeId=15801.

See you there!

JAN. 26 – ROBBIE BURNS NIGHT

The Cross Border Highland Dance Association (CBHDA) is hosting a Robbie Burns Night fundraiser on

Jan. 26. There will be a traditional roast beef supper, Haggis and a ticket bar. Featured entertainment is the Studio Encore Highland Dancers. Everyone is Welcome! Lloydminster Civic Center, upper hall for 5:30 p.m. cocktails, 6:30 p.m. dinner and program. DJ dance to follow program, Robin’s DJ Service. Tickets are $35 adults and $20 children (under 12), 2 & Under free. Corporate tables available.

Contact Tara 780-8724425 or Angie 780808-6619.

JAN. 27 – CRIBBAGE TOURNEY

A Cribbage Tournament will be held at the Hillmond Hall on Sunday, Jan. 27 starting at 11 a.m. MST. Lunch will be served at noon. You do not need a partner to participate. Hope to see you there.

FEB. 7 – STEAK FUNDRAISER

There will be a Suicide Awareness Steak Dinner at the Cana-

- Registration Night for English Language Programs, Monday January 21, 2019, 6:30-7:30pm, Community Services Building, Workshop Room, 4419 - 52 Ave. Fee: No Charge, Call 780-8755763 for any questions - Keyboarding, Wed. Jan 30, 2019, 6:308:30pm, Learn proper hand positioning to touch type to improve speed & accuracy, Fee: $40.00, Call 780-8755763 to register - Technology Series for Adults, 5 Wednesdays, Feb 6-Mar 6, 2019, 6:30-8:30pm, Fee: $125.00, Call 780875-5763 to register - English Language Classes being offered: Beginner, Advanced, Intermediate, 10 weeks, Tuesdays & Thursdays, January 29 - April 4, 2019, 7:00-9:00pm, Fee: No Charge, Call 780-8755763 to register - English Language Classes for Women, 10 weeks, Wednesdays, January 30 - April 3, 2019, 1:00-3:00pm, Learn day to day conversational English, pronunciation, reading and writing for everyday activities (work, doctor appointments, children’s school), Fee: No Charge, Call 780-8755763 to register

Thursday, January 10, 2019

MERIDIAN SOURCE

13

Grief author to autograph in Lloyd GEOFF LEE

WRITER

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

If you are looking for some inspiration to start the new year, the book Beyond Shattered Dreams, A Journey Through Grief To Self Empowerment could be your cup of tea.

Self-help author Gaylene Guillemin is coming to Lloydminster for b o o k s i g ni n g s a t t h e Lloydminster Public Library on Jan. 18 and Coles bookstore in the LloydMall on Jan. 19.

Her book is a personal story of her journey of grief through a lengthy illness and death of her husband Merv, who died in 2014 at the age of 54.

“The day my husband passed away left me shattered asking the question ‘who am I now and how will I survive?’” said Guillemin who lives in Assiniboia, Saskatchewan.

“In sharing my story, my hope is to help oth-

ers to find their strength to survive their own personal grief journey.

My motto is: By shining my light, my hope is to inspire others who want to shine their light.”

She says since the loss of her husband, she’s discovered the key to personal wellbeing is for people to be able to tell their stories and get their grief out.

“Probably the biggest thing I am getting with the message out there is with grief, everybody is unique and we need to share our stories with our loved ones,” she said.

Guillemin says we do that by talking about our loved ones or in her case, writing her first book, experiencing the loss of her beloved husband.

“This book has been very healing for me.

Merv was my world, so I had to learn to count on myself and that started with a lot of self care,” she said.

Guillemin retired from her job at a credit union in 2017 and now divides her time conducting interviews about her book and tending to her cows in a partnership with a cou-

ple who own a ranch near Mitchellton.

“I’m very much a country person. I love nature and I love being out there with the cows.

My quality time is going walking or just being

Supplied Photo Saskatchewan author Gaylene Guillemin will be signing her inspirational book Beyond Shattered Dreams, A Journey Through Grief to Self Empowerment at the Lloydminster Public Library Jan. 18 and at Coles in the LloydMall on Jan. 19.

outside,” she said.

“Right now, a lot of

time, I am promoting my book.”

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MERIDIAN SOURCE

Thursday, January 10, 2019

LPSD launches 2019 speaker series GEOFF LEE

WRITER

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

The Lloydminster Public School Division (LPSD) will provide some free family

schooling this year with a wellness and mental health theme.

Todd Robinson, director of education at LPSD, announced the

kick off on Jan. 8 of a three-part speaker series in 2019 to help parents and their school children cope better with day-today stress.

All of the community presentations will take place in the Prairie Room at the Lloydminster Exhibition from 7-9 p.m.

“This is a value add for our community. This is not a LPSD exclusive.

We are hoping to fill the Prairie Room,” said Robinson.

The series will start with a talk by Darren Lang a professional speaker and trainer from Regina on Jan. 17.

His topic is Staying Up in an Upside-Down World aimed at ways parents can reduce their stress.

“Darren comes with rave reviews. It’s something our parents will really resonate with,” said Robinson.

“Our parents have busy lives. Our kids have busy lives. Figuring out how to manage and cope with those types of situations is something we can all benefit from.”

Robinson says the

ASK THE EXPERTS

LPSD board has come to realize the things that are often getting in the way of our kids learning are things that are not always the core business of education.

He listed the health and wellness of students, the mental health issues that we face in the community, and the stresses that parents are under as examples.

Robinson says the speaker series is a way that the board has looked to add some value back to parents and back to our community.

“It steps a little bit outside the boundaries of our mandate, but we see these struggles each and every day and we feel this is our responsibility as a community member to add some value back to our community,” he explained.

Robinson says the series follows discussions the LPSD has had with school community councils on what would meet their needs with regards to learning and support for their role in

our children’s education in our city.

“This was a way for us to meet the needs as described by our parents and our community,” he said.

Robinson is a parent of three adult children and the second series speaker about Strengths Based Parenting on March 14.

“Our board has been doing a lot of work with a program called strengths,” he said.

“We’ll talk to parents about how to magnify the strengths that kids have and how to focus on what they are good at.”

The series will wrap up on May 8 with a presentation by clinical psychologist Dr. Jody Carrington.

“She has done a lot of speaking in the communities around Lloydminster,” said Robinson.

Dr. Carrington will talk about Parent Superpowers or how to give our kids the gift of kindness and to connect with others.

Upgrading Alberta’s roads, growing the economy MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

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

To help support longterm economic growth and permanent jobs, the Alberta government has a new strategy to move oversized and overweight loads on the provincial highway network.

A ne w g o v e r nme nt study identifies the improvements needed to Alberta’s existing High Load Corridor over the next two decades to give industry a more efficient way to move large loads, like construction and oil rig equipment.

The High Load Corridor is a series of designated routes connecting areas across the province that can accommodate loads of up to 12.8 metres (42 feet) in height.

An enhanced High Load Corridor will mean improved infrastructure required for large loads, such as the 820-tonne petrochemical piece of

equipment that is being moved from Edmonton to the Industrial Heartland Jan. 6-9.

“A strong transportation network and an effective High Load C o r r i d o r ar e c r i t i c al to Alberta’s economic, social and environmental strength and diversity,” said Minister of Transportation Brian Mason.

“I’m confident this strategy will help pave the way for long-term, sustainable economic growth and jobs in Alberta. Now, more than ever, this is critical for our province.”

Upgrading the corridor will also reduce transportation costs for shippers, improve safety and lower emmissions.

Proposed improvements include bridge strengthening, pavement widening, staging and rest areas, and other work that would significantly improve Alberta’s overall transportation network.

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PAGE 18 Thursday, January 10, 2019 MERIDIAN SOURCE

Sports

Peewee A Blazers golden at home tourney JAMIE HARKINS WRITER

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

The Lloydminster peewee A Lions Blazers withstood a late press from the rival Bonnyville Pontiacs to capture their second-straight tournament gold medal this past weekend.

“We knew they were going to come out hard because they wanted to win,” said Blazers defenceman Ryan Oborowsky. “So, we had to play really hard.”

Oborowsky fired home the Blazers insurance goal with a blast from the top of the circle at the 14:20 mark of the third period.

Blazers speedster Ethan Grannum, left wing Brendan Pollard and defenceman Gage Chocan helped their team to a 3-0 lead, but a determined push by the Pontiacs in the second period and early moments of the third brought them back to within one by the midway point of the final frame.

Kysin Bear and Theo Mavridis provided the Blazers reply a few minutes later on a nice give-andgo passing play that ended with the former finding the latter at the side of the net for a tap in.

Bear, who received player of the game honours, noted they simply kept their heads

Jamie Harkins Meridian Source

The Lloydminster peewee A Blazers, with Ryan Oborowsky, Matthew Fallscheer, Alex Hill, William Weighill, Theo Mavridis, Joshua Tocher, Koen Chocan, Gage Chocan, Cole Kelly, Ethan Grannum, Rogan MacNab, Nathan Osman, Brenden Pollard, Kysin Bear, Malakai Zwiers, coach Dustin Fallscheer, coach Sean Hill, coach Clint Chocan, coach Paul Kelly and coach Gerald MacNab, won their second-straight tournament gold medal this past weekend.

up and refused to get frustrated in the 5-2 finals win against the Pontiacs at Russ Robertson Arena on Sunday afternoon.

“We pass lots, so we find each other in open places,”

said Bear. “We always get the high guy out in front and if we’re on a two-on-one we always pass like that.”

Blazers goaltender Malakai Zwiers said the gold medal victory was their sec-

ond in three tries this season. He said they use their linemates to move the puck, shoot whenever the chance arises and compete for the full 60 of every game.

“This win should really

help us,” said Oborowsky.

“We’re going to be ready for the next week in our regular season. We played strong in our tournament, so we’ll play strong in our next games.”

Thursday, January 10, 2019

MERIDIAN SOURCE

19

Bobcats move toward future success JAMIE HARKINS WRITER

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

The Lloydminster Bobcats have changed their direction.

Bobcats head coach and general manager Nigel Dube added seven scouts to the team’s hockey operations staff last month. Dube noted these new hires are being tasked with finding players who can contribute to the team’s fortunes in the win column while also bringing the right passion and integrity to the organization and this community.

“First and foremost, we’re looking (at whether) the player a good person because we want great character people,” said Dube.

“We want guys who can think the game, play an exciting game, an uptempo game and can see the ice and read that. They have to be a thinker for us to go after them.”

The Bobcats addi-

Jamie Harkins Meridian Source

Lloydminster Bobcats head coach and general manager Nigel Dube guides the team through a drill during a recent practice at the Centennial Civic Centre. Dube added seven scouts to the team’s hockey operations staff last month.

tions include three new scouts in Saskatchewan, two in Alberta and one each in Manitoba and south of the Canadian border. These men will work under Andrew Gilbert, the Bobcats director of player personnel, and Cory Lonke, who is the team’s director of U.S. scouting.

Dube said a few of these hires helped

them identify a couple of new potential players at the Mac’s Midget AAA World Invitational Tournament in Calgary over the Christmas break. He said the Bobcats are at a crucial point in the season that will determine the direction they’re moving in with these scouts playing a huge part in leading them toward

the right path.

“It was really big for us to change what had happened here in the past and to move forward with a new crew,” said Dube. “We haven’t stopped working around the clock recruiting, doing things to change the on-ice, off-ice product and all of that. It’s been a continued thing. But, this is a big piece to (solidify) early. So, these guys can get out and be proud Lloydminster Bobcats scouts and identify the players and the humans who we’re looking for.”

Bobcats notes: The Bobcats traded forward Tucker Scantlebury, 20, to the Swan

Valley Stampeders for future considerations last week. Goaltender Curtis Meger, 20, signed with the Koote-

nay Ice on Wednesday and has left the Bobcats to play in the WHL for the remainder of the season.

20

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Thursday, January 10, 2019

Penalties steal Bandits momentum JAMIE HARKINS WRITER

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

The Lloydminster Bandits beat themselves this past weekend.

Up 4-2 on the rival Killam Wheat Kings (13-5-2) late in the second period and facing a bout of pushing and shoving in front of the Centennial Civic Centre player benches, the Bandits (12-101) decided to engage resulting in a line brawl and a lengthy sevenminute penalty against.

Wheat Kings’ leading scorer Clay Lang brought his team to within one on the power play before the middle frame was out and Ashton Cookson tied the contest a minute into the third.

“It was one of those things,” said Bandits head coach Michael Clague. “I think we let

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our frustrations get the best of us. Those things tend to happen.”

The Wheat Kings’ Carter Ortman notched the go-ahead marker 2:46 into the final period, but the local boys refused to give in.

Bandits assistant captain Gage Renton tied the game on a wire high glove side on Wheat Kings netminder Brendan Davis with 10:38 to play only to witness Ortman score the eventual game winner on Danton Brooks a little more than a minute later.

Clague said their ability to stick with the Wheat Kings throughout the Saturday night contest is a credit to the fine play of the six affiliate players they employed.

He said they can compete with any team in the North Eastern Alberta Junior B Hockey League if they play

Jamie Harkins Meridian Source

Bandits forward Brett Zweifel breaks past the Wheat Kings’ Tanner Eno during the second period of Lloydminster’s 6-5 loss to Killam at the Centennial Civic Centre on Saturday.

w i th i n th e i r sy ste ms and stick together.

The midget line of Braydon Arden, Ethan MacDuff and Ryan Kelly teamed up to open the scoring 3:05 into the game with the former lighting the lamp from in close off a nice centering play from behind the net by the latter.

Jason Busch, Lindsay Gibbons and Brett

Zweifel then helped the Bandits to a 4-2 advantage before the extracurricular activities started.

“We talked about it after the game for a f e w mi nu te s,” sai d Clague. “It’s over and done with. We’re going to look to Frog Lake tomorrow night (a 6-3 loss) and forget about this one and move forward.”

Thursday, January 10, 2019

MERIDIAN SOURCE

21

Fountain Tire Bobcats firing on all cylinders JAMIE HARKINS WRITER

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

The Alberta Major Bantam AAA Hockey League (AMBHL) has taken notice of the Lloydminster Fountain Tire Bobcats.

The Bobcats (16-34) sit atop the AMBHL standings as the play shifts to all-star festivities in Fort Saskatchewan this weekend.

The team’s coaching staff along with leading scorer Jagger Firkus, rookie forward Ryker Singer, point-producing defenseman Mazden Leslie and sophomore goalie Lowen Kenyon will take part in the game.

Curtis Johnson, head coach of the Bobcats, said goaltender Jari Kykkanen deserves to be a part of the AMBHL all-star weekend as well and only missed out because he had played two minutes less than the 600 required to qualify before the Christmas break.

He said Kenyon, who has a .922 save percentage and a 2.42 goals against average through 12 games, brings confidence, athleticism and a high compete level to the team whenever given the crease.

Leslie sees the game extremely well and helps push the offense from the back end, added Johnson, while Firkus is their leader in the room who can be counted on to do something special when the puck is on his stick. He noted that Singer is fast, talented, has a great shot, plays hard every shift and oozes a desire to be the best every time he’s on the ice.

Firkus, Singer and Leslie recorded three goals and four points in the Bobcats 7-2 trouncing of the Grande Peace GPAC Golden Arrow Storm (1-21-1) at the Centennial Civic Centre on Saturday afternoon. The home side controlled the play in

Jamie Harkins Meridian Source

Lloydminster Fountain Tire bantam AAA Bobcats left wing Reid Mackay skates into the Grande Peace Storm zone.

the opening frame, but their offensive breakout didn’t start until the second when the team potted three of their first four goals.

“Our team just started

finding the open guys and passing to them more instead of just ripping shots,” said Bobcats captain Riley Applegate.

“We had more quality opportunities.”

Johnson said they’ve got two lines that can puck the puck in the net and two lines that are great defensively.

He said their defence doesn’t let the team

down and the goalies are always solid.

“This is usually a more dominant 2004 league and we’re one of the youngest teams,” said Johnson. “We have four first years on the back end and three up front. It’s something that we’re proud of being one of the youngest teams and being successful. It’s good looking at the future as well as next year. I think it just says a lot about the development in Lloydminster.”

Applegate said they started the season a bit slow, but it also didn’t take very long for them to find their footing. He said all of the lines are playing well, they’ve found ways to score and their goaltenders are shutting down the opposition.

“I think our team can go really far,” said Applegate. “I sure hope we do. If everyone keeps playing like they have been we’ll have a good chance of winning it all.”

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Thursday, January 10, 2019

PWM Steelers start up where they left off JAMIE HARKINS WRITER

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

The Lloydminster PWM midget AAA Steelers haven’t missed a beat.

The Steelers (17-4-1) used an overpowering second period attack and a strong goaltending performance in the third to best the Rocky Mountain Raiders 4-1 at the Servus Sports Centre on Sunday afternoon.

The girls opened their post-Christmas Alberta Female Hockey League (AFHL) schedule with a 2-1 home victory against the Raiders (4-16-2) less than 24 hours earlier.

“This was a lot better,” said Steelers defenceman Sarah Martin.

“We were slow coming off the Christmas break. Yesterday was getting the legs moving and today we actua l l y s t a rt e d t o fig ure o ur stuff out and work together.”

Both teams skated to a scoreless draw through a back-and-forth opening 20 that saw Raiders leading scorer Josie McLeod earn the first great chance to bulge the twine on a break-

Jamie Harkins Meridian Source

Steelers defenceman Sarah Martin battles Raiders forward Emma Dixon at the front of Molly Mitchell’s net.

away five minutes in only to flub the shot wide.

Steelers right wing Kelsey Hall finally opened the scoring midway through the second when she popped in a Hayleigh Craig rebound over outstretched Raiders goalie Alexandra Kieren.

Jenna Plamondon brought the Steelers lead to 2-0 late

in the frame on a scramble in front of the Raiders net and Payton Laumbach increased it to three with six minutes remaining on a partial break.

The Steelers can thank their netminder for the advantage as a steady stream t o t he pe nalt y box in t he third allowed the Raiders to gain momentum and a

host of glorious opportunities including a Hailee Easson chance at the side of the net that somehow found Molly Mitchell’s pad.

“I don’t really know what happened there,” said Mitchell. “I just gave it my all I guess on that play. I made the first save and I was down, so I thought put what-

ever I can over there to stop it and it worked. I got lucky.”

McCleod broke Mitchell’s shutout bid in the final five minutes. Jadynn Morden provided the Steelers reply into an empty net with 1:36 left.

The weekend contests marked the Steelers first taste of having homeice advantage since early November. The girls finished 2018 with a month-and-ahalf long road trip where they went 7-1-1-1.

Mitchell said they played together as a team to achieve that record and the top spot in the AFHL standings that comes with it.

She said they’ll attempt to keep things rolling this weekend when they travel to St. Albert to face the defending Esso Cup champion Slash at the Go Auto Arena on Saturday.

“We’ve just got to be consistent,” said Martin. “Lots of times you don’t stay consistent throughout the whole game. You have a good certain period. We just need to stay consistent playing against St. Albert.”

PAGE 23 Thursday, January 10, 2019 MERIDIAN SOURCE

Agriculture

Sask. grain farmers must be heard before value capture changes made

T

he Saskatchewan Wheat Development Commission (Sask Wheat) is calling on Agriculture and AgriFood Canada (AAFC) and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) to engage in broader consultations with Canadian grain farmers before making any changes to how research and variety development are funded for Canadian crops such as wheat.

“The Sask Wheat Board of Directors does not support either of the options as presented by the federal government and it’s clear that neither of the two models have resonated with farmers,” says Laura

Reiter, Sask Wheat Chair.

“Too few farmers know about what is being proposed and have had a chance to express their views. The current federal consultations need to be expanded and more options and information must be made available before any value capture changes are made.”

Th e g o v e rn m e n t i s considering either an end point royalty on all delivered grain or a trailing royalty collected from the use of farm saved seed.

It is unclear how these systems may affect the ability to use farm saved seed and what the financial

implications could be for farmers, which concerns Sask Wheat. “Sask Wheat is supportive of farmers’ right to use farm saved seed,” says Reiter. “There must be a full discussion with farmers before making changes that may impact the use of farm saved seed.”

Sask Wheat is committed to being a part of a system that will maintain farmer involvement and grow funding for wheat research in Canada.

This system must include strong public sector wheat research programs and continue to provide for public, private, producer partnerships such as Sask Wheat’s partner-

ship with the University of Saskatchewan’s Crop Development Centre and SeCan for the development of new durum varieties.

Farmer funded varietal development of wheat has led to improved varieties with increased yields, resistance to serious pests and diseases, and desirable end-use characteristics.

Farmers have provided variety development capacity funding through Core Breeding Agreements with AAFC and the western universities as well as research project funding through the Canadian National Wheat Cluster, Genome Canada, and provincial funding intakes.

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MERIDIAN SOURCE

Thursday, January 10, 2019

Canola Council celebrates Chinese decision enabling new seed innovation The Canola Council of Canada (CCC) is applauding today’s news that two canola traits developed using biotechnology have been approved in China. The approvals open the door for new seed genetics that will

enable Canadian farmers to grow hundreds of millions more dollars of canola on the same amount of land.

“This is a great day for canola innovation,” says Jim Everson, CCC president. “These traits will make Canada’s

canola crop more resilient in the face of weed, disease and weather stresses – the benefits will be felt through the value chain and the larger Canadian economy.”

Approval of traits in China is particularly important because it is Canada’s largest canola seed customer.

Recently, Canada and China agreed to double agriculture trade by 2025. The approval of new seed innovations will increase Canada’s canola supply and is important for providing China a secure and predictable source of grain and protein. Canada’s canola sector will continue to work with China to improve trade predictability.

With the completion of this review in China, the industry can proceed with commercialization of a Liberty tolerance trait from BASF and Bayer’s TruFlex trait. Once these two traits and Corteva’s

Optimum GLY are fully commercialized, the industry expects growers will produce $400 million more canola every year using the same amount of land – a step-change for canola productivity. New seed genetics in combination with the new traits will improve yields, weed control, disease resistance and resilience to heat, cold, drought and excess moisture, as well as agronomic factors like reduced harvest loss.

“Not only will we be able to produce more canola to meet growing world demand, we’ll also be able to do it sustainably, using the same land base,” Everson said. “That’s good news for anyone who cares about the health of our environment and a strong, diversified farm economy.”

All three of the traits have been approved in Canada since 2012, but in keeping with the CCC’s Market Access Policy, seed developers have not commercialized them until they are approved in major mar-

File Photo kets. CCC members voluntarily follow the policy to ensure new innovation does not create trade barriers in Canada’s top canola markets. Meanwhile, the CCC works in partnership with the Canadian government to seek approval for new traits.

“Seed developers invest hundreds of millions of dollars developing a new trait, but they understand the importance of commercializing seed technology responsibly,” Everson said.

“They know it’s in everyone’s best interests to keep an eye on the long game, and not just short-term opportunities. It’s one of the reasons our industry is so successful today.”

The CCC and the Canadian government have been seeking the approval of these traits for some time. The sup-

19011ME0

port of the government of Canada and Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Lawrence MacAulay has been very important. One significant milestone occurred in November when timely approval of biotech products was one of the commitments made by Canada and China during the Economic and Financial Strategic Dialogue, an event co-chaired by Minister of Finance Bill Morneau and Minister of International Trade Diversification Jim Carr.

“It’s encouraging to see government engagement result in action,” said Everson, who was in Beijing in November.

“Improved cooperation on biotech approvals is a necessary step if we are to reach Canada’s goal of doubling agricultural trade with China by 2025.”

PAGE 25 Thursday, January 10, 2019 MERIDIAN SOURCE

Careers

Make money as a digital nomad Today’s economy brings certain challenges, but also some exciting opportunities.

One of these opportunities is the relatively new trend of being a digital nomad — someone who travels between cities and countries while working remotely.

Some of the benefits of this lifestyle include getting to see the world while immersing yourself in diverse cultures, and the ability to set your schedule and be independent.

But how can you mitigate the risks of a nomadic lifestyle and earn enough money to fund your travels? Here are some tips to get started.

Consider freelancing Do you have indemand skills you’ve built up through work or school?

Try starting a freelance business in your spare time to build contacts and a portfolio of work, such as in graphic design or photography.

You can then fund your travels through freelancing work from another part of Canada or even another country.

Try a working holiday If your main inter-

PAPER CARRIERS of all ages WANTED! Call 306.825.5111

File Photo est in the digital nomad lifestyle is the opportunity to travel, then a working holiday or internship might be right for you.

You can gain valuable online and offline work experience while immersing yourself in a new culture and developing a global mindset.

For an easier and faster time securing the proper work permits, look into International Experience Canada, a government program that offers youth a unique opportunity to gain valuable work experience while travelling abroad.

Ask your company Nowadays many organizations offer flexible work options, including working from home.

If you love your job but feel like you need to live out your wanderlust dreams, ask your boss if they would be open to you working remotely from abroad.

Valuable employees are hard to come by, so chances are if you bring a much-needed skillset, your boss might be open to it.

Explore virtual tutoring Many of us have skills and knowledge that we don’t realize are valuable and exciting for others.

You can teach or tutor almost any subject or skill over video chat, so get creative.

If you’re an expert in a tough school subject or even basic computer skills like creating a PowerPoint pre-

sentation or a spreadsheet, you’re off to a great start.

You can even look into becoming an instructor for an online course at your local post-secondary institution.

Focus on the digital The digital nomad trend is all about people doing work that can be done on a laptop from anywhere in the world. So think about things you can do from behind a keyboard.

Almost ever y company needs a social media expert, someone to update their LinkedIn page or manage their website.

See where your skills would help you excel in the digital economy and build a side hustle from there.

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Total # of words:___________ Total Cost:_________

306-825-5111 or Drop off at 5921 50 Avenue Lloydminster, SK

*Deadline for Thursday’s issue is Tuesday at noon.

Thursday, January 10, 2019

MERIDIAN SOURCE

27

Obituaries & Memoriams passing of Patricia Larsen (nĂŠe Hobart) at the age of 75.

The epitome of generosity and elegance, Pat was deeply loved by her family and friends. Music was the centre of her being, leading to a rich life teaching young singers to find and express their authentic PATRICIA EDITH voices. Blessed with LARSEN artistic gifts from singing MAY 28, 1943 to drawing, she JAN 3, 2019 embraced beauty in all With sadness and love its forms, from birds and we announce the spring blooms to the

What is lovely never dies, but passes into other loveliness.

- Thomas Bailey Aldrich To remember a loved one or share their memories, place a memoriam or obituary in the Meridian Source by calling...

306-825-5111

vivid hues of a Spanish village.

Pat is mourned by daughters, Christina and Kim (Lori); brother, Robert (Elizabeth) and family; sister-in-law, Sylvia (George) and family, as well as many loving friends. She was predeceased by her husband, George; her daughter, Erika; her grandson, Carter; and her parents, Joseph and Margaret.

A Memorial Service in celebration of Pat’s life

will be held on Saturday, January 12th at 2:30 p.m., at Connelly-McKinley Funeral Home, 10011 - 114 Street, Edmonton.

Memorial donations in her name can be made to the Edmonton Humane Society (SPCA), 13620 163 St NW, Edmonton, and the Edmonton Kiwanis Music Festival.

To send condolences, please visit: www.conne lly-mckinley.com

28

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Thursday, January 10, 2019

Local Business Directory

Specializing in...

• Renovations • Drywall Work • Window Installation • Siding • Roofing • Tree Cutting • Jack-of-all-Trades

Lloydminster & Surrounding areas Available 24/7

639.536.0126

FREE ESTIMATES

Thursday, January 10, 2019

BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENT FORM Please print all information neatly.

E: admin@meridiansource.ca F: 306.825.5147 5921-50 Ave., Lloydminster, SK of

(Mother’s Name)

of

(Father’s Name)

Hello World...

I’m Here!

Advertise the birth of your new baby in the Meridian Source.

(City/Town)

(City/Town)

would like to announce the arrival of their (Son/Daughter)

If you wish to have your baby’s birth announcement published in our newspaper, free of charge, please complete the form and return it back to us by Tuesday at noon for the Thursday edition.

(Baby’s Name)

born at the

(Name of Hospital, Location)

on (Month)

(Day)

Contact: Phone:

Celebrations

MERIDIAN SOURCE

29

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MERIDIAN SOURCE

Thursday, January 10, 2019

HOROSCOPES CAPRICORN

December 22 – January 19 You’ll take a few hours this week to return or exchange gifts at the mall. While you’re there, you’ll find some great deals and decide to treat yourself.

AQUARIUS

January 20 – February 18 Take advantage of your time off this week and plan activities with family or friends. You won’t want to sit still this week, so even if you’re alone, you’ll take off on an adventure.

PISCES

February 19 – March 20 You’ll be confused and easily distracted this week. The last few weeks have left you exhausted, so make sure you use your time off to relax.

ARIES

March 21– April 19 The party’s not over yet and there are still many reasons to celebrate. At work, a demanding client will overwhelm you.

TAURUS

April 20 – May 20 Time is becoming a sparse commodity, but you can’t afford to neglect any of your responsibilities. Your boss may ask you to go into work even on your day off.

GEMINI

May 21 – June 21 There may be a last minute vacation in the works. Learning a new skill will excite you and you’ll start to think about going back to school.

CANCER

June 22 – July 22 The beginning of a new year is always an emotional time for you. Personally and professionally, there are many new challenges on the horizon.

LEO July 23 – August 22 Pay attention to your loved ones; it’s possible that your happy life will be disrupted by a misunderstanding. You may need to treat those you care about with kid gloves.

VIRGO

August 23 – September 22 It’s time to clean up. The holidays are over and you now need to move on to more serious things. An unexpected departure may land you the job of your dreams.

LIBRA

September 23 – October 22 This is the perfect time to start taking care of yourself. You’ll discover your passion in life, which will make you want to start working towards a new goal.

SCORPIO

October 23 – November 21 Whether you’re on vacation or not, you’ll spend more time with your family this week.

If you have an opening in your schedule, take advantage of it by redecorating or rearranging your furniture.

SAGITTARIUS

November 22 – December 21 There’s either too much going on or not enough; there’s no happy medium. When you want time to yourself, there will be a crowd of people around you; when you’re alone, you’ll miss your friends.

SUDOKU January 3 Answers

Meridian Source’s Birth Announcements If you wish to have your baby’s birth announcement published in our Thursday edition of the Meridian Source FREE OF CHARGE, please come in and fill out a form or email admin@meridiansource.ca Deadline is Tuesday at noon for the Thursday edition.

Kyla & Nathan Mullett of lloydminster are proud to announce the arrival of their son Jake Clarence Mullett born on November 8, 2018

Thursday, January 10, 2019

MERIDIAN SOURCE

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MERIDIAN SOURCE

Thursday, January 10, 2019

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