Meridian Source - January 13, 2022

Thursday, January 13, 2022

VOLUME 4 I ISSUE 29

MERIDIANSOURCE.CA

New event arena spurs rec growth TAYLOR WEAVER

EDITOR

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After a special meeting of Lloydminster City Council, the location for the new event arena has been selected.

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The Civic Centre was identified as having some challenges that needed to be addressed that were not just cosmetic. They were structural in nature and needed to be addressed.

Over the last number of years, previous and current council has asked city administration to provide building inspection reports on a number of facilities in the Border City.

These reports let council know the condition of the buildings and what work had to be done to keep the buildings safe and up to code. One of the build-

ings identified in the report was the Centennial Civic Centre, which council is now pleased to say is in the next stage of being replaced.

“The Centennial Civic Centre was constructed back in 1967 as a centennial project for Canada’s 100th anniversary as a country. The facility has served the city very well,” said Mayor Gerald Aalbers last Friday morning via Zoom.

“The Civic Centre was identified as having some challenges that needed to be addressed that were not just cosmetic. They were structural in nature and needed to be addressed.

We’ve had that report for a number of years and recently had it updated, and what the engineer said was, we basically have a two to five-year life span left on that building. So, rather than the eight years, we were working on, we lost some time, and that was very concerning as council to make sure the building was safe to use today.”

Aalbers also noted the costs associated with

bringing the building back to spec and maintaining it were not in the best interest of taxpayers.

With the new event arena project currently in the design and planning stage, a physical location for the site had to be selected to continue with the design of the facility.

Council was presented with three options to choose from and decided the East Site, located south of 41 St., north of 36 St., and east of 40 Ave., would be the best option for the City.

As Aalbers pointed out, benefits of the east site include being located just south of the Gold Horse Casino, the location itself has good access to it for future development, and some of the requirements such as water and sewer, are already laid out.

“One of the challenges we have with today’s Civic Centre is, it’s located north of the tracks, and it is challenging to access that facility when the trains

are moving; and we don’t have control over the trains,” he said.

“So, having an opportunity to locate it in a business area adjacent to Highway 16 for great access, as well as future development in that area, will certainly lead strongly that way.”

The other deciding factor Aalbers mentioned was the fact the City already owns the land at the east site.

To the tune of a

$50,503,409.04 price tag, the City of Lloydminster has been taking the necessary steps to acquire government assistance for funding.

“The Government of Saskatchewan had announced the Investing in the Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP) funding program for recreational facilities,” said Aalbers, adding the fact administration brought it forward to council early last fall

and got the applications sent off before the Jan. 11 deadline.

“I also want to ensure the taxpayers that we have not given up evaluations,” he said. “If something comes back and something doesn’t fit, we may have to change sites, but we did need to put something on paper to move the grant application forward.”

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Thursday, January 13, 2022

City set for new arena FROM PAGE 1

“Basically, it’s considered ‘shovel-ready’ to the state the government is looking for,” said Aalbers. We now have a location.”

The first grant application intake took place on Jan. 11 with the second scheduled for May 20.

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The question was asked ‘Do we really need it?’ Yes, we do need it. The safety of our residents and users at the Civic Centre are paramount.

Aalbers noted the City will be applying for roughly $13 million from the Province of Saskatchewan, and roughly $20 million from the federal government.

“Thirty-three million (dollars) in grant money is what we’re looking for,” he said.

Aside from providing a new location for various sporting events, the new event build will also provide the Border City with economic spinoff.

“The arena is what we’re calling an event build, because what was proposed, and it’s not in the dollars and cents, is building six softball diamonds to go with that, because it’s certainly a growing sport in the summertime,” said Aalbers.

“Being able to utilize parking and the facilities in both winter and summer are huge. You get maximum benefit using that facility 365 days a year.”

Aalbers also explained, although there might not currently be room for another hotel on or close to the site, the possibilities are there for food and retail services to thrive.

“That spot might be attractive to be based there, even though they may have people coming simply to shop, eat, or to be there for an event.

“This is just the beginning,” said Aalbers. “We now have a proposed location.

We’re planning for a grant. We don’t have the money in the bank to build this facility, so we need to engage the community, help them understand how we’re going to pay for it,

Mayor Gerald Aalbers

what we’re looking for, we’re certainly open to sponsorship and support from the community. As well as, what the community would like to see. We’ve got the basics, but what does the community want to see and what questions do they have?”

With the site selected, Aalbers is looking forward to the future.

“The process is going to move forward on multiple fronts. Certainly one (will be) engaging the community and let them know what we’ve got to this point,” he said.

“We’ve already engaged user groups, and that was though the consultant that was hired, and they’ll be available to help with the open houses.”

Aalbers also explained the City will be in frequent contact with the provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan, as well as the feds, to ensure the process is smooth.

“The question was asked ‘Do we really need it?’ Yes, we do need it,” he said. “The safety of our residents and users at the Civic Centre are paramount, and if I didn’t have the engineering reports that we had, it would be a different story, but we have to be realistic and if there’s an issue, we have to address it.”

City administration expects the new arena build to last 50-60 years and is anticipating roughly 250,000 visitors per year for various activities.

In addition to the six softball diamonds being planned, an outdoor ice surface is also expected to be built, similar to the outdoor surface found at the Servus Sports Centre.

Thursday, January 13, 2022

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LSAS unveils culturally safe healing room

Taylor Weaver Meridian Source

Artist, drummer and advocate for fun, Mackenzie Brown, smudges in the soon-to-be healing room at LSAS before installing her pieces of art, which were carefully placed against the wall prior to being hung on Saturday morning.

TAYLOR WEAVER

EDITOR

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Saturday morning was a time to smudge, reflect, and heal, as Lloydminster Sexual Assault Services (LSAS) unveiled a new art installation in its new culturally-safe healing room.

The healing room, which has been the passion project of Tammy Lynn Adamson, cultural liaison at LSAS, for quite some time now, is a warm, culturally safe space for those visiting the centre, as well as staff, to utilize.

“It’s going to be a space for healing, and it’s a place of cultural safety,” said Adamson.

“It’s going to be a place where we’re going to invite people to come in for when they need that quiet space to reflect and connect.

It’s (also) going to be

a place where, maybe families and children can come, and maybe they’ll want to smudge.

We’re going to be working with a local elder to set up that culturally safe space.

“It’ll be for everybody, and an important piece right now in our community is fostering Indigenous inclusion.”

The healing room’s art installation was put together by Calgarybased artist, drummer, and self-proclaimed advocate for fun, Mackenzie Brown.

She made the trip to the Border City from Calgary on Saturday morning to install the seven pieces of art she created.

“There’s seven pieces all together that create the art installation,” she said. “Of these seven pieces, they represent the seven sacred

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Cree teachings, which include, love, respect, honesty, courage, wisdom, truth, and humility. All of these encompass what I hope the healing room will be able to offer to the people who are seeking help and comfort.

“The pieces also have animals which represent the different teachings. They’re meant to ground individuals who are seeing them. They’re bright and colourful, and I chose bright colours very intentionally,” she said, adding the fact there are also four sacred healing medicines on the pieces as well, which include sage, cedar, sweetgrass

and tobacco.

“I really wanted to have all these aspects of healing to come in to create a safe space.”

All seven pieces were also built from drums, as circles represent so much in Indigenous culture.

“We are taught that the drum is the heartbeat of Mother Earth, and it’s the very first sound that we hear, and it’s the sound we hear when we’re inside our mom’s womb,” said Brown. “For a lot of people, that’s when they feel the most safe, so when we hear that heartbeat, it reminds us of a time when we were safe and loved and taken care of. I wanted to also be able to have that within the pieces, and that’s why they’re circular.”

Adamson could hardly wait to see the final product as Brown started hanging the pieces and said, “With the art itself, the medicine, what it stands for, the drums, of course, the environment already is beautiful. This is an added piece to solidify relationships.”

Tammy Shopland, CEO at LSAS, who was full of emotions on Saturday, can’t wait to welcome clients and families into the new healing room.

“There are so many emotions right now, it’s hard to put into words how we’re feeling about this,” she said. “I think it’s a unique piece to our centre and it is definitely going to sup-

port all individuals that come into the centre, and specifically, for our

Indigenous communities that seek services here.”

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Thursday, January 13, 2022

It’s déjà vu for outdoors club

GEOFF LEE

WRITER

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January seems to be groundhog month for the Lloydminster Fish and Game Association.

The association kicks off the new year with the cancellation of their Gun and Outdoor Sportsman Show and banquet this month for the second year in a row, due to COVID restrictions.

That’s old hat by now, but the latest news is, the association still has more than 1,600 members as it did at the start of 2021.

Dwayne Davison is also kicking off another two-year term as president of the association, following their virtual annual general meeting last Tuesday.

“We’re still the biggest club in the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation, so we have to live up to that every year,” said Davison.

He says they are lucky membership is only down by 30-40 people from the previous year.

“It’s tough for these volunteer organizations to grow member-

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ship during COVID, but we’re holding our own,” noted Davison.

“The regular members are certainly supporting us.”

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It’s tough for these volunteer organizations to grow membership during COVID, but we’re holding our own.

Davison hopes the association can bring back the gun show and banquet in 2023, if and when the dust from the pandemic settles.

“They’re great for the membership and great for the public and they are two main revenue generators within the club,” said Davison.

“So unfortunately with the COVID restric-

tions—we’re into the next wave of COVID and people are concerned about that.”

The association is still hoping to hold their fish fry in April af t e r it t oo was cancelled last year.

“We’re playing that by how COVID is doing at that time,” said Davison.

Last week, the extreme cold temperature was top of mind for Davison, who says when it gets that cold not a whole lot of outdoor activities go on.

“There might be the odd ice fisherman out there, but it would certainly be limited with these temperatures.”

Area lakes are safe to explore this winter, however, with many anglers reporting ice thickness from 14 to 16 inches.

“If the weather turns around, you’re going to see lots more people out and about and doing the ice fishing thing,” he said.

The cold snap broke earlier this week, but it will likely turn colder again soon and Davison says it’s not that fun when that happens.

“I’ve fished outside at -30C, but you just don’t last as long out there,” he said.

“You need very good clothing and face cover and head cover and

Photo courtesy of the Lloydminster Fish and Game Association

Young Kage Miazga braved the cold to catch this 15-inch brook trout while ice fishing at Meadow Lake on a cold Jan. 2. He and his dad, Joe, from Lloydminster, stayed warm inside a pop-up tent.

really good boots or your feet will get cold from standing around real quick.”

He says this winter,

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members are making good use of the indoor gun range at their Gully Lake facility 13 kilometres east of Lloydminster on Highway 303.

“The indoor range is scheduled on Wednesdays and Sundays pro-DE viding we have an RSO (range security officer) that can open it,” said Davison.

“It’s more popular in are o the wintertime due to the weather conditions. Pa We’re quite happy with how it’s gone so far.”

Before heading out it’s best to check the association website to see if there’s an RSO opening on the Wednes- We day or on Sundays. or Davison says there are some diehards that shoot all winter at the outdoor range too.

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Thursday, January 13, 2022

Radke resigns to pursue high-tech sales GEOFF LEE

WRITER

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Malcolm Radke is stepping down as CEO of the Lloydminster Region Health Foundation after four and a half years of leading improvements to public health in the local community.

Radke announced his retirement publicly on Tuesday at the conclusion of the Lloydminster Concerned Citizens for Seniors Care Society meeting at the Legacy Centre.

“I submitted my resignation to the Foundation this morning,” he s a id t o a s h o c k e d audience.

“It’s been my honour being with this Foundation. I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity and I’ve met so many great people.

“I know it’s in good hands. There are so many great supporters across the community and so many great staff and core team that will continue the work.”

Radke will stay on until Feb. 28 then start a new role in sales for Iron Will Innovations Canada Inc. that developed the Peregrine Glove in Lloydminster for virtual reality training applications.

“We’re hoping to take that to bigger and better things and grow that organization. We hope to expand to Calgary, so I’ll be back and forth between Lloydminster and Calgary,” explained Radke.

Invited guests, Vermilion-LloydminsterWainwright MLA Garth Rowswell, Dr. Raff Sayeed and Lloydminster and District Health Advisory Council board chair, Paul Richer, wished him the best.

Graham Brown, Senior Care Society president, says Radke’s presence at the meetings will be greatly missed.

“He’s been so involved in all the health committees in the community and been very helpful on advice on working with other groups,” said Brown.

“He’s been a terrific

Geoff Lee Meridian Source

Malcolm Radke, CEO of the Lloydminster Region Health Foundation, publically announced his resignation Tuesday afternoon at the Lloydminster Concerned Citizens for Seniors Care Society meeting at the Legacy Centre. Radke will pursue a high-tech sales job in Lloydminster and Calgary.

CEO and he’s made a tremendous contribution to this community and we wish him well in his future endeavours.”

Radke has mixed emotions about resigning, calling it a sad day with plenty of high points to note during his tenure.

“It’s been a humbling role being so close to the front line of health and learning what they

go through, and also seeing the type of generosity and philanthropy that happens in this community without people realizing it,” he said.

Looking back, he says he’s proud of the work his team has done on the mental health file, noting there’s lots more work that needs to be done.

“I’d like to think the

hospital is in a lot better shape with some of the equipment we’ve funded over the years, whether it’s the imaging equipment or the pharmacy equipment a couple of years ago,” said Radke. “ I am really happy to see dialysis happen and the helipad and just helping the local frontline health care workers get through a couple of crazy years.”

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Thursday, January 13, 2022

Marshall lands traffic safety grant MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

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The Town of Marshall is receiving $14,340 for safety improvements to Railway Avenue in the latest round of funding from the Provincial Traffic Safety Fund Grant program.

Marshall is one of 92 Saskatchewan communities to receive grants for traffic safety initiatives from $502 to $53,685 covering 98 applications to the $1.18 million program.

The funding will help communities manage speed, improve school zone safety, and install pedestrian crosswalks in rural, urban and Indigenous communities across the province.

“The Provincial Traffic Safety Fund Grant program is incredibly important in funding projects to improve safety on Saskatchewan roads,” said Minister Responsible for

SGI Don Morgan in a statement.

“I’d like to thank all communities for applying, and for the work they do to reduce traffic collisions, injuries and fatalities in our province.”

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The Provincial Traffic Safety Fund Grant program is incredibly important in funding projects to improve safety on Saskatchewan roads.

The Traffic Safety Fund grants are awarded to communities twice a year, using a portion of the proceeds from Photo Speed Enforcement (PSE) in the province.

Since the Traffic

Safety Fund was established in 2019, a total of 407 community traffic safety projects have been funded, totalling nearly $5 million.

Eligible traffic safety initiatives (including projects, equipment, programs, and public awareness) must focus on one of the specified

priority areas: speeding, impaired driving, distracted driving, occupant protection and intersection safety.

Submissions are evaluated by a PSE committee made up of representatives from the Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association, the Sas-

katchewan Association of Rural Municipalities, the Prince Albert Grand Council, the Saskatchewan Association of Chiefs of Police, the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Highways, and SGI. Applicants must submit a well-defined action plan as well as

s p e c i f i c , me as u r a bl e traffic safety objectives and evidence-based information.

The Traffic Safety Fund Grant program began accepting applications for the next round of Traffic Safety Fund grants on Jan. 1.

The deadline for applications is March 31.

Thursday, January 13, 2022

Taking note of seniors’ healthcare issues

Geoff Lee Meridian Source

Graham Brown, president of the Lloydminster Concerned Citizens for Seniors Care Society, kicked off Tuesday’s meeting by pointing out coverage of a couple of seniors’ healthcare issues in the Jan. 6 edition of the Meridian Source.

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Thursday, January 13, 2022

Rotary selling trips to the bank

GEOFF LEE

WRITER

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Who doesn’t need a vacation or a bundle of cash at this time of year?

The Rotary Club of Lloydminster knows from experience the answer is no one, but sales of this year’s Canadian Dream Vacations tickets are a little bit behind pace.

“We’ve got lots of tickets still available if people are still interested,” said campaign chair, Anita Schmidt, at this week’s Monday lunch meeting.

“We would like to sell at least 700. We printed 800, so 700 is the number, we’re not there yet.”

Tickets are $100 each for 12 draw prizes with a mid-February sales deadline.

The top prize is a $14,320.20 fly-in fishing trip for two adults to Hatchet Lake in Saskatchewan, with an optional cash prize of

$11,456.56.

There will be a live draw on March 1 for all of the prizes, including nine vacations in Canada and three $1,000 gift certificates from Carlson Wagonlit Travel.

The prizes include trips to PEI, Niagara Falls, Quebec City, Jasper, Banff, Victoria and Vancouver—all in Canada.

“We stuck with Canadian vacations because we’re unsure of world travel,” said Schmidt, who noted they added one trip this year and cut the gift certificates to three.

The Rotary club has been selling vacation tickets to Lloydminster and area residents for approximately 30 years.

“It’s a big fundraising for the club that we do and the results, if you’re one of the winners, it is definitely a very nice prize that goes along with that,”

Geoff Lee Meridian Source

Rotary Club member Anita Schmidt heads up the sale of Canadian Dream Vacations 2022 draw tickets. Call her at Vivid Salon and Spa at 780-874-9067 to purchase a $100 ticket. The deadline is mid-February. The draw is on March 1.

said club president Tara Ferguson.

“There’s been a few people that buy consistently each year and we know lots of local names that win each and every year.”

Tickets are avail-

able from any Rotary member and by calling Schmidt at her Vivid Salon and Spa at 780874-9067.

Schmid t say s most people opt for the cash, which is 80 per cent of the value of the winning

vacation packages.

“We had two people take trips last year.

Most years, we see maybe one or two trips taken and most people take the cash,” she said.

Rotary is also hoping to hold another Lob-

ster-fest fundraiser in May, if it’s cleared from COVID restrictions to go ahead.

“Right right, we have things booked and we’re hoping to have it, but I guess we’ll see,” said Ferguson.

Showcase on pause until 2023

Dawn Hames, owner of Dawn Interiors, is pictured at Showcase 2017. File Photo GEOFF LEE

WRITER

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COVID has reared its ugly head again, forcing the cancellation of Showcase for the third year in a row—with no replacement event planned.

Showcase 2022, scheduled to take place March 25-27 at the Lloydminster Exhibition Grounds, is expected to resume next year.

“We have a lot on the go in the summertime, so we are going to focus on summer, fall and winter activities. We’ll bring Showcase back when we can,” said LloydEx general manager, Jackie Tomayer.

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We have a lot on the go in the summertime so we are going to focus on summer, fall and winter activities.

We’ll bring Showcase back when we can.

“We’re not looking to fill the Showcase with another spring event.”

Showcase is a popular annual home, garden and leisure trade show held in conjunction with Sellers RV’s indoor sale.

LloydEx issued a

news release last week announcing the cancellation of the event, noting the trade show climate is changing and is proving to be a harder road to recovery than other industries.

“Many vendors are without supplies and inventory, many vendors have gone out of business during the pandemic, and many are just not wanting to take the risk of show cancellations,” said board member Greg Buchanan.

“We want to assure the community that the committee is working hard to bring Showcase back in 2023 better than ever!”

Thursday, January 13, 2022

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PAGE 10 Thursday, January 13, 2022 MERIDIAN SOURCE

Viewpoint Letter to the editor ...

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

Marketing Manager Deanna Wandler deanna@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.

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

2017

Forgotten wars and forgotten battles, in 2022 our veterans will not be forgotten

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ar is death, it is destruction, and suffering. It is also a time when men and women, soldiers and civilians stand up and face great danger to stop wars and restore peace. But how do we remember them today?

The Government of France and the Republic of Korea would like to thank Canadian veterans for liberating their countries. The National Order of the Legion of Honour and Ambassador for Peace Medals are available to eligible veterans.

If you are a Second World War veteran who participated in the campaign to liberate France from D-day June 6, 1944 to the end of August 1944, or Dieppe in 1942, you may be eligible for France’s highest award.

The Korean government is looking for Korean War veterans who participated in the Korean War, 1950 to 1953 or it’s peace keeping phase which lasted until the end of 1955.

Korea’s Ambassador for Peace Medal may be awarded posthumously unlike the Legion of Honour.

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the Dieppe Raid in 1942, when the allies tested the enemy with an amphibious landing on the French coast.

Almost 5,000 Canadian soldiers took part in operation Jubilee, and only 2,200 made it back.

The Normandy battle in 1944 saw the lessons learned from Dieppe put to good use but Canadian war dead tallied over 5,000. The Korean War followed 5 years after the end the

Second World War. Today, it is seldom remembered, but the valor of our Canadian veterans shines brightly with the people of South Korea who have not forgotten the 516 Canadian service men who died defending their country.

P l e a s e c o n t a c t m e f o r f u rther information or assistance in applying for these two important medals. There is no cost involved. I am an unofficial volunteer who has helped more than 800 veterans receive these awards. Send an email to Korea19501953@Yahoo.com and use the subject “Veteran” or send a letter to 1028 Moray Street, Coquitlam, BC V3J 6S3.

Guy Black Recipient, Medal of Civil Merit (Republic of Korea)

City-wide snow removal begins Monday

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ith citywide snow removal beginning this Monday, the City of Lloydminster is requesting the cooperation of residents and drivers to ensure garbage carts, vehicles and other obstructions are removed from the street before crews arrive.

Signage will be posted approximately 36-48 hours before snow removal begins.

Removal will follow the yellow, blue, pink, green and orange curbside collection zones.

In most residential areas, snow will be plowed into windrows along the street’s centre and picked up by snow blowers and loaders.

Removal of windrows typically occurs within 24 hours.

Drivers are asked to remain at least eight metres back from snow removal equipment.

Parents are asked to keep children away

from large equipment and snow piles throughout the snow removal process.

In cases where snow and ice have been allowed to accumulate on driveways, an ice shelf may remain between the roadway and driveway apron after roadway clearing.

Removing the ice shelf is the responsibility of the homeowner.

Tentative snow removal schedule Snow removal will begin in the yellow and blue zones on Monday, Jan. 17, followed by the pink zone on Tuesday, Jan. 18, alternating through the area to accommodate regular curbside collection operations; work in the green and orange zones will follow.

Typically, a city-wide snow removal campaign may take up to four weeks to complete, depending on weather conditions.

In the event of signifi-

File Photo cant snowfall, resources may be redirected to Priority 1 and 2 routes.

Learn more about the City’s winter maintenance activities at Lloydminster.ca/snowops.

Sidewalk and fire hydrant snow removal Property owners and tenants are reminded to remove all snow and ice from sidewalks abutting their property.

The property owner or tenant’s responsibility is to keep one metre (three feet) surrounding the fire hydrant free from snow and ice. It is strongly recommended to create a pathway to the nearest sidewalk or

roadway.

As per the Community Standards Bylaw, residents are reminded to refrain from depositing snow and ice onto the streets when clearing snow from a property.

Curbside collection The City does not expect snow removal to impact regular curbside collection schedules removal.

Residents are asked not to put garbage bins out until after 7 p.m. the evening before their regularly scheduled collection day and have all containers removed from the street before 7 a.m. the day after.

PAGE 11 Thursday, January 13, 2022 MERIDIAN SOURCE

Opinion

Leeway from Lloyd: Ditch world juniors for U-80s!

STAFF WRITER GEOFF LEE

This year, I plan t o l o b b y t h e IIHF t o replace the 2023 World Junior Hockey Championship in Siberia with the U-80 world’s.

COVID cancelled this year’s teen tourney and disrupted the previous one, so us older, frequently vaccinated oldtimers are ready to fill the market gap.

Of course, I hope to represent Canada myself as a U-73 dangler, but I am not advocating for a slower, kinder and gentler

brand of hockey, purely for selfish reasons.

Really, I am doing it for the fans. The problem with the world juniors and the pros is, the players are too fast and they shoot too quickly, so viewers have no clue how or where a goal is scored.

That’s probably why Fox News invented that puck tractor-beam a few years ago that everyone in Canada still hates to this day, including senior me.

With the U-80s, no slo-mo replay or puck tracking is needed as most goals will be seen by the naked eye. There will be no guessing how

the puck got past the goalies.

There won’t be too many “roof daddies” or seniors yelling “Michigan” at the U-80s either!

Line changes will also be slower, giving fans plenty of time for a bathroom break before the “action” resumes on ice. That’s where the kindness part of the U-80 comes into play.

The U-80s could also provide better fodder for TSN analysts who love to hear themselves talk about young guns with high hockey IQs etc.

At the U-80s, TSN viewers wouldn’t have to put up with hearing any of that annoy-

File Photo ing, hype spoken about every drafted world junior player on the planet Earth.

Analysts could legitimately rave about how these U-80s seniors seem to have an innate ability to “slow the game down” like only

a few NHL superstars can do.

They could also marvel at how us bladed oldsters are able to shoot straight and slow, something younger players have to grow into.

Fans might learn that oatmeal for breakfast

promoted by TSN personalities and their kids on the network’s commercials these days, is the miracle hockey sauce it’s touted to be— for seniors too.

Go Gramps go! Like us in Siberia next Christmas!

CAA Sask supports students through annual scholarship program

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ince 2006, CAA Saskatchewan has provided annual entrance scholarships to eligible Saskatchewan high school graduates planning to attend the University of Saskatchewan, University of Regina, and Saskatchewan Polytechnic.

“Through our scholarship program, we are helping students continue with their educational journey by investing in their future. Best wishes and congratulations to all successful applicants,” said Fred Titanich, President and CEO, CAA Saskatchewan.

The scholarships at

the University of Saskatchewan and the University of Regina are each $2,500. Applicants must be either a CAA Saskatchewan member or a child of a member, and a Saskatchewan resident.

Chris Jacobson, corporate and foundations development officer with the University of Saskatchewan remarked; “Thank you for the continued support to the CAA Saskatchewan Scholarship. This scholarship has provided support to our students and valued members of CAA Saskatchewan for many years.”

At Saskatchewan Polytechnic, the CAA Saskatchewan Scholarships are $3,750 in total and include the Automotive Service Technician Program at the Saskatoon Campus ($1,250) and at the Moose Jaw Campus ($1,250), plus the Auto Body Technician Certificate Program ($1,250) at the Regina Campus.

The CAA scholarships at Saskatchewan Polytechnic are available to CAA Saskatchewan members and non-members.

Each educational institution administers the scholarships, including the application forms and selec-

tion of successful candidates. The applicants are evaluated on aca-

demic excellence, economic needs, and other factors, including partic-

ipation in extra-curricular activities or community involvement.

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MERIDIAN SOURCE

Thursday, January 13, 2022

Rotarians eye Mission Clarity GEOFF LEE

WRITER

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

The Rotary Club of Lloydminster is helping two Edmonton Rotary clubs send a medical team to Cuenca Ecuador to perform cataract surgery for low-income individuals.

The local club has donated funds to the project, dubbed Mission Clarity, with the team expected to fly out in mid-February and conduct 100 surgeries in one week.

“We donated some of our club funds to that to help them finish off the fundraising they needed to do,” said Rotary president Tara Ferguson.

“They get funds from the district as well to go down there.”

The Riverview Club that came up with Mission Clarity has also applied for a Rotary International Global Grant to support the project.

The medical team was supposed to leave last February, then again

in September as travel restrictions due to COVID kept pushing the trip back.

“Now they are going this year,” said Ferguson.

The Rotary Club of Tomebamba in Cuenca is helping the Edmonton clubs prepare for the project that will serve the most needy.

In Ecuador, cataract surgery is not covered by the healthcare system and is therefore out of reach for many individuals. Left untreated, cataracts will lead to a loss of vision.

“We try to be involved in one project a year internationally, so that was this one,” explained Ferguson.

“It seems like a great initiative, is well run by the Edmonton clubs and they’ve got good partners.”

Ferguson says when they return to Canada, they will share how it went with the club and if it’s something they will be doing again.

New funding to boost care options for kids with special needs MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

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

The Government of Saskatchewan is partnering wit h t he Saskatchewan Foster Families Association to launch phase two of the Parent Resources for Information, Development and Education (PRIDE) Levels of Pay that will help increase the number of foster homes able to care for children with specialized needs.

Phase two recognizes the enhanced caregiver training needed to best support complex behavioural, developmental or medical needs and emergent trauma care.

“When a child or youth cannot safely remain in their family home, placement in a family-based setting is the next best option, whether that be an extended family caregiver, trusted family connection or foster home,” said Social Services Minister Lori Carr.

“For children and youth with exceptional needs, finding appropriate family-based

File Photo care can be challenging. Implementing this leveled payment structure will encourage foster parents to complete specialized training which, in turn, will allow more children and youth with specialized needs to reside in family-based care.”

The new payment structure supports the goal of keeping children in a family-based care setting that can support their needs.

Training requirements address the unique needs in each level, with mandatory training as well as child-specific training available to support foster families.

“PRIDE levels of pay - phase two will equip caregivers in providing specialized care to childre n and y o u th w i th complex needs,” said

Saskatchewan Foster Families Association executive director Deb Davies.

“This enhanced education and payment structure recognizes the additional skills, training and commitment of caregivers to ensure they provide the best care to children and youth.”

The Government of Saskatchewan has allocated an additional $1.506 million in 202122 for Phase Two. This funding is in addition to $2.74 million for the Phase One payment structure.

PRIDE Levels of Pay Phase One was successfully implemented in late 2019 and has positively impacted participation in training, recruitment and retention of foster families.

Thursday, January 13, 2022

Public health order extended to Feb. 28

MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

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

Saskatchewan’s current public health orders have been extended to Feb. 28.

Under the current public health orders, masking is mandatory in all indoor public spaces including schools; mandatory self-isolation is required for all cases and non or partially vaccinated close contacts who are symptom-free; and proof of vaccination or negative test requirements

are in place for public access to a list of establishments, businesses and event venues.

The current public health orders are available at saskatchewan. ca/covid-19.

Municipalities, businesses, workplaces and event organizers may also require proof of vaccination or negative testing beyond those places that are described in the public health order.

Anyone requiring a proof of negative COVID-19 test must

acquire their results through a private provider offering testing services.

The issuer will provide a verified, negative test certificate, including your name, birth date, type of test, date and time of sample collection, test result and will be signed by the test operator which is required to satisfy the negative test requirement.

The public health orders will be reassessed at the end of February.

MERIDIAN SOURCE

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MERIDIAN SOURCE

Thursday, January 13, 2022

In and around Lloydminster, 1906

WHISPERS OF THE PAST SANDRA L. BROWN

Temperatures hovered in the minus 30s in January 1906 during the first service of the new Presbyterian church in Lloydminster.

Both the Methodist and Baptist church services were dispensed with for the day as they successfully united their services.

An addition of a telephone system was a significant development in February. Five people formed a committee, sold 36 telephones, secured additional orders and ordered a switchboard for the central office.

The poles and wires would be done soon.

The system would be extended to the country starting with Marshall once the town circuit was completed.

Many folks considered Marshall to be the

next important centre in the future. For a young town, a telephone system would prove to be very advantageous. It would also bring farmers together with neighbouring towns and villages in the western division.

By March all requirements had been met for the Province of Saskatchewan to proclaim the Village of Lloydminster, Saskatchewan as a town.

Any town is rated by its many businesses, how they conduct business and the up-todate conveniences provided. Many different branches of trade were now open for business.

In July the half-section adjoining the town on the south was subdivided into lots and would soon be placed on the market.

Some lots were already spoken for and growing rumours circulated that the Canadian Pacific Railway who

were about to start on their new branch line between Lloydminster and the Battle area were silent partners in this new townsite.

A new branch of the Northern Bank opened in August as “A western bank for western people.” Until a permanent building was built, their temporary quarters were located on the corner of Broadway and Church Street.

The Britannia Lodge was formally established with a large number of brethren attending the ceremony and banquet showing their support.

Earl Grey, the Governor-General of Canada visited in September. In the welcoming address written by Mrs. Rendell, Mr. H. C. Lisle stated, “In no place throughout the Dominion can the sentiment of devoted attachment to the British Throne and its august occupant be more ardent than in this, the centre of a community essentially

British.”

Lisle expressed how happy they were to have him visit their town and district “which has laid the foundations of substantial prosperity and of which the movement is distinctively progressive.”

In a few short years, Lloydminster had a railway to stay in touch with the nation. Prog-

ress was steady in many different directions.

The town has rapidly outgrown its original limits and is an important centre of the northwest.

Grey replied the welcoming address was indicative of Lloydminster’s prosperity and its artistic taste.

He was interested to see the future wealth of the country and was

envious of those who had already purchased fertile tracts of land.

With their obvious intelligence, he was assured industry would not fail them in future growth.

Lloydminster and district folks weren’t alone in the west. They had interest from many forms of government who visited and offered their support.

Thursday, January 13, 2022

MERIDIAN SOURCE

A fork in the road/drawer PRAIRIE WOOL HELEN ROW TOEWS

Do you have certain items that bring you happiness and contentment? They could be anything.

A favourite sweater that envelopes you with warmth and love when you pull it on, a cozy chair, some worn-in slippers, a blanket, or maybe comfort food.

Alternatively, you could be like my husband, Tom, and his son Todd, who feel that same thrill of pleasure and well-being when holding good cutlery.

Yes, you heard me— cutlery. We heard the whole tableware lecture over Christmas when Todd and his family joined us for a meal.

In fact, when Tom launched into his familiar refrain on the ben-

efits of a properly constructed fork, I stopped him an d ad v ise d th e man to save us all a lot of time by penning his silverw are ran t o n to paper and leaving it on my desk, where I could run-off a few duplicates.

Then, before we sat down to the next meal, he and Todd could just issue us each a copy that we might be enlightened at length.

There could be a question and answer period, followed by notetaking wherein we could highlight critical points of the address for later reference.

This would ensure the appropriate measures were adhered to and the correct utensils dispensed. This would eliminate a need for the speech at all.

But no. We were treated to the fulllength version.

Are you aware that

all cutlery is not made equal? Take it from me, it’s not.

First, you need a stalwart, no-nonsense fork that would never bend under the pressure of a resistant potato or the repeated jabbing of innocent lettuce leaves.

Its tines must be aligned perfectly, allowing it to slide off the tongue effortlessly. Furthermore, it must be sturdy; created of quality metal. None of this flimsy thin crap.

Also, a good knife must be provided.

A substantial implement you could count on when sawing a side of beef, or a well-done steak, as the case may be. It needs to have a handle that gives a man “somethin’ to hang onto,” and the weight and sharpness must be balanced, allowing ease of use. *Please see the Proper Sharpen-

ing Techniques lecture,

by Todd and Tom, from later that evening.

These worthy tools also will be accompanied, although to a lesser degree, by a heavy-duty spoon, that, if called upon, could gouge a hole through the earth’s crust, and on through to China.

I mean, who wants a floppy spoon when hefting a load of soup into their salivating mouth?

It must stand the test of time, or of chicken noodle, whichever comes first.

There may be no devi-

22011zu0

ance from these little-known table laws.

These requirements are irrefutable and written in stone. Somewhere.

Likely accomplished with the indestructible knife.

“Where’s my fork?”

Tom demanded that fated evening, which is where the nasty incident began.

He held on high the implement of inferior quality he’d foolishly been given.

“Hold everything!” cried Todd in complete agreement, busily sliding back his chair to

15

join his father in the hunt for appropriate flatware.

And a good time was had by all. (At least, once the men held a decent fork).

Helen lives on the family farm near Marshall, Saskatchewan, where she works as an author, columnist, and in education. To contact her, write Box 55, Marshall, SK. S0M1R0 or go to helentoews.com.

There, you can learn more about her humorous Prairie Wool Books, or newly released fantasy series.

16 16

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Thursday, January 13, 2022

To condo or not to condo?

MIDWEST MINUTE VERN McCLELLAND

A significant part of any city’s housing inventory is condominium complexes. Lloydminster is no exception.

They come in all shapes and sizes, with local market values ranging from $60,000 to over $500,000.

Some are apartmentstyle, while others are bungalow, half-duplex, or rowhouse in design.

With condominium ownership, you have title to your unit, a parking stall or two, possibly a storage closet, plus share responsibility with all the other owners for the cost of maintaining all the common area maintenance such as snow removal, lawn care, water, and sewer, etc.

Our first experience with a condomin-

ium was as owners of a three-bedroom two-storey townhouse located in southwest Edmonton in the late 70s when the West Edmonton Mall was still a construction site.

We chose it because it provided affordable housing for our young family with convenient access to the Whitemud freeway, a major artery connecting the south part of the city.

At that time, on a good day, I could get to work downtown in about 20 minutes.

Of course, the commute could easily turn into two hours if there was a traffic snarl or adverse weather.

Honestly, we didn’t really think about what we were buying into, it simply was an economic decision in what was then a new development.

We had our share of interesting neighbours though.

One woman drank too much wine while her husband was away working in the oilfields and in the summer was often seen sunbathing in her front yard wearing a skimpy bikini striving to engage every man who went by in conversation.

Most of the occupants were of similar age to us, so it was a comfortable area to live in.

Essentially, there are three demographics who gravitate towards this type of congregate lifestyle.

First-time home buyers, or households with one working-age adult, are found primarily in the townhouse style housing, as stairs up to the bedrooms are not usually a concern.

Mature adults often look to gated communities or apartment-style homes, which are dedicated to attracting people of their age bracket.

However, living so

near to others after decades of enjoying the privacy of single-family housing, acreage, or farm takes adjustment, consequently, it may not be a good fit for everyone.

Some condominium associations are run very well, while others have issues, financial or otherwise.

Research is key, and it is incumbent on buyers to look closely at all aspects of this type of ownership before jumping in.

Realtors who write

offers for clients on condominiums ask for an extensive list of documents, which should be examined as a condition to purchase, preferably with advice from their lawyer.

I also like to see if the buyer knows one or more unitholders in the complex, and recommend they speak with them about “life on the inside” before making a final decision.

And like any real estate purchase, it comes down to personal preference.

And if for some reason it ends up not working for you, then sell and move to something that does, simple as that!

Life is too short to be unhappy with your castle.

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

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

PAGE 17 Thursday, January 13, 2022 MERIDIAN SOURCE

Sports

Rustlers’ guard signs pro contract Down Under TAYLOR WEAVER

EDITOR

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

“Nothing is given to you and do not take anything for granted. If you work hard, you’re going to be rewarded.”

Lakeland College Rustlers point guard Tori Dugan is living proof of that statement, after signing a pro contract with the South West Slammers club in WNBL 1 West in Western Australia, the same team she played for while being recruited by the Rustlers.

Dugan, who stands at 5’5” and originally hails from Perth, Australia, started her postsecondary basketball career at Lakeland in 2014, and seven years later, she’s returning to the very club she got her start at, only this time, as a professional athlete.

“I was so immature when I came in,” said Dugan, who is now 25-years-old.

“I guess every 18-yearold is, but I honestly wanted to do one or two years and go to the States, but, you’d never get the life experience, the school experience, the basketball experience that you would get here, anywhere else, and I don’t care what anybody says.”

Rustlers women’s basketball head coach, Chris King, echoed Dugan’s remarks regarding her start with the team, but was quick to point out how much she has grown on and off the court over the years.

“As a fifth-year player, when you say her name, for me as a coach, she’s just a winner,” said King, adding the fact Dugan put up 28 points in the opening game of this season. “She’ll do anything it takes to win, and she does not let her team lose that often.

“Over the last two years when we won the championship, she

really started to score the ball in the playoffs.

She always had that ability, but she’s such a selfless player in terms of passing and defending.”

For Dugan, the process of turning pro was something she’d never experienced before, and felt a sigh of relief when everything was said and done.

“When you’re in the process of going pro, money’s involved, and for me, I didn’t want to sell myself thinking ‘I’m worth this much,’ but you have to, because it’s business, and it’s cutthroat,” she said.

“Eventually I went with my gut. I think I always knew where I wanted to play, and I ended up signing with a team I played for as a junior.”

King was also excited to see Dugan returning to the Slammers to assume the role of point guard, and by Dugan’s standards, a role model for other players.

“Tori had five or six clubs pursuing her, probably in the same range for money, but she’s such a loyal character that it was important for her to build the franchise she grew up with,” he said.

“Her confidence has really stepped up, and I’m excited to see that parlay when she goes back home. I don’t think she realizes how good she’s got over the last few years, especially ball screening and decision making.”

It’s almost full circle for King as well, as the Slammers were the team he originally scouted her from.

“She was one of the youngest in the state and she played at 15, which is crazy because you’re playing against 38-year-olds some nights,” he said.

The Slammers aren’t what they once were, but Dugan explained their coaching staff

is building the team around her.

“When I was signing with the Slammers they told me ‘We want you, and we want to build a team around you,’ and that for me was a nobrainer,” she said.

“They’re rebuilding and didn’t win a game last season, but the year I made my debut with them in 2015, we won the championship.”

Dugan may have signed on the dotted line, but her heart is still at Lakeland and she and the rest of the team have some unfinished business to take care of.

In March of 2020 the Rustlers women’s basketball team won its first gold medal, but due to COVID, never made it to Nationals as the season was put on hold.

“Now that I’m signed, I know that’s where I’m going at the end of April, but this is my priority, here. I’m completely focused on this season here,” she said.

“ACAC gold is not what we go for. We want to go to Nationals and medal and prove we’re the best team in Canada, especially for us older players.

“We really want that national title, and I don’t think people realize how much we’ve been through over the past two years. It’s been full of heartbreak with so many ups and downs,

Photo Courtesy of Lakeland College

Lakeland Rustlers point guard Tori Dugan drives the net at the Lakeland gym with some pressure from the Keyano Huskies.

and a lot of anxiety, depression and mental health problems without us even realizing it.”

Over the past three years, Dugan has also been very active in coaching youth basketball through the Hoop Factory and Golden Ticket Sports.

“Over the last three years, she’s really found her voice on the coaching stage,” said King.

“She does a lot of coaching and teaching, especially in that Kindergarten to Grade 8 level. In my mind, this is one of the hardest

levels to coach because you’re trying to keep them focused and teach skills, so I’ve been really proud to see her develop those skills.

“Down the road, I could see her assis-

tant coaching in a postsecondary institution somewhere, or even chasing the Australia path and start working with a semi-pro team after she’s done and going that route.”

PAGE 18 Thursday, January 13, 2022 MERIDIAN SOURCE

Agriculture

Response to Cattleman’s Call looms GEOFF LEE

WRITER

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

The Lloydminster Exhibition Association has corralled a new Cattleman’s Call event to kick off a busy schedule of events in January and February.

The inaugural Cattleman’s Call is a cattle Congress that will provide breeders and commercial cattlemen with a networking opportunity to showcase heifers and bulls from Jan. 14-15.

Industry partners will be on hand to exchange resources in a relaxed tradeshow-type setting with free admission to the public.

Shelly Ann Dodgson, agriculture manager at LloydEx, says the event is the brainchild of committee members

Grayden Kay and Sydney Lake.

“It was a program that we created to replace the (Pride of the Prairies) bull sale in March so it was something else that we created for our commercial cattlemen,” said Dodgson, who hopes it will be a success.

“Because it’s a newer show, people are kind of getting their feet wet. There will be three shows. It looks like it’s going to be fun.”

The two-day event will consist of pen, heifer and bull shows and a cattlemen’s social billed as a “Bull Session” social.

The action kicks off this Friday at 1 p.m. with a Winter Classic heifer jackpot and a Rising Stars yearling

bull show.

“We have yearlings and two-year-olds. It’s very bull-focused,” said Dodgson, who notes bull season starts on Feb. 1.

She says yearling bulls are sought after because they are new breeding.

“People would be purchasing them for the latest genetics,” said Dodgson.

It’s the same story for the heifers born in 2021 and many of them will be available as youth 4-H projects or to start a herd.

The Saturday lineup of shows includes groups, breeder’s herd and two-year-old and mature bulls.

LloydEx will host a long-awaited retirement party for former

general manager Mike Sidoryk the following weekend on the evening of Jan. 22.

“We’re going to send him off into the sunset. We have tickets for about 500 people,” said current general manager, Jackie Tomayer.

Sidoryk provided 38 years of service to LloydEx and the community and was general manager from 1989 until his retirement.

Bulls will take over LloydEx for a day on Jan. 29 with the 2022 M.C. Quantock “Canada’s Bulls” sale.

Mac Creech, who heads up M.C. Quantock Livestock Corp in Lloydminster, will be selling about 400 of his best bulls.

Agri Vision 2022 will also be returning after

a year’s absence Feb. 9-10, featuring new farming equipment.

One of the highlights will be the keynote banquet speech by Timothy Caulfield who debunks myths and assumptions about innovation in the health sector.

Caulfield is a Canada Research Chair in health law and policy, a professor in the Faculty of Law and the School of Public Health, and a research director of the Health Law Institute at the University of Alberta.

He will cover everything from research on stem cells, to diets and alternative medicine.

LloydEx is introducing a bigger three-day GMACK Progress Steer & Heifer Show in midMarch that used to run

in conjunction with the Pride of the Prairies bull sale.

“Pride of the Prairies bull sales had been running over 100 years,” said Dodgson.

“It was something that has run its course and we’ve created the bull Congress, so the Cattleman’s Call.”

Dodgson says as a newcomer, it’s too early for her to talk about what to expect at each upcoming agricultural event.

“I’m new on staff, so every event for me is new for the first year.

I came on just before the fair and I jumped in with both feet,” she said.

“It’s one of those dream jobs that you train all your life to have.”

Thursday, January 13, 2022

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Clubroot hits home in canola soil GEOFF LEE

WRITER

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

Clubroot continues to be a yield killer for canola producers in the Lloydminster area.

Six rural municipalities in the area are among the highest rates of clubroot with 1 to 9 fields having the pathogen in the latest 2021 Saskatchewan Clubroot Distribution Map. The new map was released on Jan. 10 by the Government of Saskatchewan and SaskCanola, which outlines the rural municipalities (RMs) where clubroot has been identified.

The soil-borne pathogen causes swellings or galls to form on the roots, which can ultimately cause premature death of the plant and lower yields for growers.

Clubroot is a declared pest under Saskatchewan’s Pest Control Act. Visible symptoms have been confirmed in

80 commercial canola fields since 2017.

This has increased by five fields since the 2020 clubroot update.

The number of fields where clubroot pathogen DNA has been detected in soil samples (no visible symptoms) increased by nine in 2021, for a total of 38 fields in the province.

These results are compiled annually through ministry surveys and reports/samples submitted by producers and agrologists.

“The Ministry of Agriculture is dedicated to early detection, tracking and managing clubroot,” said Agriculture Minister David Marit. “This protects our producers, landowners and our strong canola market.”

Over 750 fields in 200 RMs were examined during the 2021 clubroot survey. The landowners of all fields with visible clubroot symp-

toms or fields with the presence of the pathogen DNA have been contacted.

The locations of these fields have also been shared with the appropriate RM office if they have enacted a clubroot-specific bylaw and visible symptoms were present.

The specific land locations are not shared publicly to protect the privacy of producers.

Last year, the ministry and SaskCanola encouraged producers to voluntarily test their soils for the presence of the clubroot pathogen.

Producers and agrologists could receive a free soil testing kit via the ministry’s website, a regional office.

SaskCanola office, participating rural municipalities offices and Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities plant health officers.

In all, 100 soil sam-

19

File Photo ples were submitted through the voluntary soil testing program.

Of these soil samples, there was one positive result. SaskCanola covered the costs of the soil tests.

The other eight positive soil samples identified in 2021 were collected through the provincial clubroot riskbased and general canola diseases surveys.

Clubroot spores can be transmitted any way soil can be moved, including wind, equip-

ment, animals and soil erosion and infect other fields.

“Ongoing clubroot surveying in Saskatchewan is critical for early detection and diligent management,” SaskCanola board of director’s chair Bernie McClean said.

“We continue to invest levy dollars into the provincial clubroot survey program to help farmers manage this disease with evidence and data.”

The goal of the tests

is to detect the pathogen when spore levels are low to minimize the potential impact on canola yields.

A proactive and science-based clubroot management strategy should include the use of clubroot-resistant canola varieties in a minimum three-year rotation.

An extended crop rotation helps minimize yield losses while protecting the effectiveness of clubroot-resistant canola varieties.

PAGE 20 Thursday, January 13, 2022 MERIDIAN SOURCE

Careers

Sask leads nation in job growth in December 6,000 new jobs created month-over-month, highest growth rate among provinces MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

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

Last Friday, job numbers released by Statistics Canada for December 2021 show Saskatchewan’s monthover-month employment (seasonally adjusted) increased by 6,000 (up 1.1 per cent) from November 2021, which was the highest

growth among provinces in terms of percentage change. Yearover-year employment increased by 21,900 (up 4.0 per cent) from December 2020.

The unemployment rate was 5.4 per cent, down from 8.0 per cent a year ago, and below the national average of 5.9 per cent.

“

Our success is due to the incredible work ethic and resiliency of Saskatchewan job creators.

“Even with the global economic volatility in 2021, Saskatchewan continued to create jobs and consistently had among the lowest unemployment rates in Canada. Our province is in an enviable position for economic growth in 2022,” said Immigration and Career Training Minister Jeremy Harrison.

“Our success is due to the incredible work ethic and resiliency of Saskatchewan job creators who, despite unprecedented challenges, have continued to create jobs and opportunity.”

Major year-over-year gains were reported for health care and social assistance with 8,000 more jobs (up 9.8 per cent), trade with 7,400 more jobs (up 8.4 per cent), and construction with 4,700 more jobs

(up 12.2 per cent).

Over the same period, the private sector was up 10,800 jobs (up 3.5 per cent), female employment increased by 10,600 jobs (up 4.2 per cent) and youth employment was up 7,700 jobs (up 11.3 per cent).

In 2021, off-reserve Aboriginal employment was up by 6,300 (up 12.1 per cent), the highest year-over-year growth rate ever on

record since 2005.

Off-reserve Aboriginal youth employment was up by 1,700 (up 20.5 per cent) from a year ago, the secondhighest year-over-year growth rate ever on record since 2005.

According to an average of major private forecasters, Saskatchewan’s real GDP is expected to rebound and grow by 4.0 per cent in 2022.

PAGE 21 Thursday, January 13, 2022 MERIDIAN SOURCE 306-825-5111 admin@meridiansource.ca

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Call THIS NEWSPAPER now or email classifieds@awna.com for details. 1-800-2826903, 780-434-8746 X225. www.awna.com.

BUILDINGS FOR SALE

FEED & SEED

CERTIFIED SEED. WHEAT – AAC Goodwin, AAC Penhold, AC Sadash, CDC Go, Go Early, Pintail. OATS - AC Juniper, AC Morgan, AC Mustang, Derby, CDC Arborg, CDC SO1 Super Oat, ORE 3542M. BARLEY – Amisk, Busby, Cerveza, CDC Austenson, CDC Maverick, Sundre. Very Early Yellow Pea, Forage Peas.

Polish Canola, Spring Triticale. mastinseeds. com; 403-556-2609.

HEALTH / FITNESS

LAND FOR SALE

FARMLAND WANTED I am currently PURCHASING single to large blocks of land.

NO FEES OR COMMISSIONS Saskatchewan born and raised, I know land, farming and farmland and can help you every step of the way.

ALBERTA FEED GRAIN: Buying Oats, Barley, Wheat, Canola, Peas, Screenings, Mixed Doug Rue, Grains. Dry, Wet, for further information Heated, or Spring 306-716-2671 Thresh. Prompt Paysaskfarms@shaw.ca ment. In House Trucks, www.sellyourfarm In House Excreta land.com Cleaning. Vac Rental.

WANTED 1-888-483-8789.

HEATED CANOLA Wanted: John Deere buying Green, Heated Square Baler. Any or Springthrashed Condition! Working or Canola. Buying: oats, for parts/repair. Models barley, wheat & peas 327/328/336/337/ for feed. Buying dam338/346/347/348 aged or offgrade grain. ; Older Rock Rake “On Farm Pickup” or Rockpicker with Westcan Feed & Grain, rake attached.

1-877-250-5252.

Doesn’t have to be in Working Condition.

AGPRO SEEDS: BUYING Call 1-306-946-9669 HEATED, DAMAGED CANOLA. On farm WANTED: Collector pickup, prompt paying top prices for payment! TOP PRICES old service station/ PAID IN SASK. Phone: general store advertis306-873-3006 or Visit ing/ dealership signs.

AGPRO website for Electric and visible bids: agproseeds.com gas pumps, globes, oil cans, clocks, coke HEALTH / FITNESS machines. Anything related to Red Indian, HIP/KNEE White Rose, North Star, Replacement?

Buffalo, B-A, Texaco, Other medical Good Year, Ford, Dodge, conditions causing TROUBLE WALKING etc. 306-221-5908. or DRESSING?

The Disability Tax

INTEGRITY POST Credit allows for FRAME BUILDINGS $2,500 yearly tax since 2008 BUILT WITH credit and up to $30,000 Lump sum CONCRETE POSTS. Barns, Shops, Riding refund.

Arenas, Machine Sheds Apply NOW; quickest refund Nationwide! and more, sales@ Providing assistance integritybuilt.com during Covid.

1-866-974-7678 www. Expert Help: integritybuilt.com.

1-844-453-5372

HEAVY EQUIPMENT FOR SALE BLANKET THE PROVINCE with a classified ad. Only $269 (based on 25 words or less).

Reach almost 90 weekly newspapers.

Call NOW for details.

1-800-282-6903 Ext 225; www.awna.com.

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MERIDIAN SOURCE

Thursday, January 13, 2022

Church Directory

Celebrations

Obituaries & Memoriams

If you’re retired, a stay-at-home mom or a student looking to earn a little extra...

BECOME A NEWSPAPER CARRIER

just one day a week!

Happy 90th Birthday to our wonderful mom for January 17!

From your loving families!

30 descendants..

Children: Colleen, Bruce, Shelly, Hope.

Grandchildren: Quinton, Carmen, Shawn, Jessica, Angel, Roxanne, Bob, Cora, Melissa, Rhonda.

Great Grandchildren: Avery, Taryn, Jillian, Raine, Dylan, Sara, Jordan, Brayden, Chloe, Ashley, Tyro, Brooke, Taylor, Hayden and Alora.

Great Great Granddaugher: Hadley.

You can not find a sweeter person than Mom...so kind and loving to all.

Call 306-825-5111 for more information

Thursday, January 13, 2022

MERIDIAN SOURCE

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Thursday, January 13, 2022

MERIDIAN SOURCE

HOME

INGENUITY EXCELLENCE

AWESOMENESS

LOTS & LAND

NEW LISTING

SERVING LLOYDMINSTER

#14 - 2310 - 53RD AVENUE

• Exquisite, adult living 2 bed, 3 bath semi-detached condo in Evergreen Park.

• Common area & exterior bldg. maintenance, lawn care, snow removal & reserve fund.

PARADISE HILL

372,500

$

AB

SK

539,900 MLS A1159761

$

SK

AB

279,500 MLS A1152553

$

MLS A1170052

19,900 MLS A1138167

$

FEATURED LISTING

KITSCOTY LOT

5214 - 51ST STREET

SK

AB

247,500 MLS A1082213

$

SK

• Invest in this commercial property, near downtown Lloydminster.

• Over 4000 square feet, with six separate units available for lease for $6.80 sq. ft.

159,500 MLS A1080099

$

450,000

$

AND SURROUNDING COMMUNITIES

30,000 MLS A1101950

$

MARSHALL

COWAN LAKE

AB

MLS A1169429

PARADISE VALLEY

RENTAL OPPORTUNITIES MLS A1124696 MLS A1124706 $ SK 45,000 EACH

SK

275,000 MLS A1140115

$

STREAMSTOWN LOTS 13-17

AB

89,900 MLS A1141937

$

224,900 MLS A1141945

$

225,000 MLS A1127173

$

PARADISE HILL

SK

209,900 MLS A1106272

$

STREAMSTOWN LOTS 1,2,3 & 18

AB

SK

BLACKFOOT

AB

199,000 MLS A1150072

$

NEILBURG

SK

MARSHALL

189,000 MLS A1114683

$

SK

184,500 MLS A1144831

$

MAKE YOUR LAKE DREAM COME TRUE! FOWLER LAKE

SK

540,000 MLS A1157222

$

BRIGHTSAND LAKE

SK

424,900 MLS A1098674

$

TURTLE LAKE

MURPHY LAKE

MAKWA LAKE

SK

419,000 MLS A1105010

$

BRIGHTSAND LAKE 1.7 ACRE CORNER LOT

5675 - 43 St. 5504 - 49 St. 3009 – 57A Ave. 3007 – 57A Ave. 5651 – 43 St. 3315 – 51 Ave. 2917 – 51 Ave. 5101 – 18 St. 5617 – 51 St. 3002 - 56 Ave. 4102 - 69 Ave. 6608 – 42 St. 5202 – 49 St. 5506 – 50A Ave. 6802 - 42 St. 6027 - 18 St.

ALBERTA 1 Bed, 1 Bath 2 Bed, 1 Bath 1 Bed, 1 Bath 1 Bed, 1 Bath 2 Bed, 1 Bath 2 Bed, 1 Bath 2 Bed, 1 Bath 1 Bed, 1 Bath 2 Bed, 1 Bath 2 Bed, 1 Bath 1 Bed, 1 Bath 3 Bed, 1 Bath 2 Bed, 2 Bath 3 Bed, 2 Bath 2 Bed, 2 Bath 4 Bed, 4 bath

$700 $800 $800 $850 $850 $900 $900 $900 $950 $950 $1100 $1100 $1200 $1250 $1300 $1725

JAN. 15TH JAN. 15TH READY! READY! READY! READY! READY! READY! FEB. 1ST READY! READY! READY! FEB. 1ST FEB. 1ST READY! READY!

SASKATCHEWAN 4710 – 45 St. 4629 - 46 St. 4501 - 39 St.

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

$900 READY! $1000 FEB 1ST $1550 READY!

APPLY ONLINE TODAY SK

409,000 MLS A1143839

$

SK

190,000 MLS A1104950

$

SK

80,000 MLS A1132580

$

coldwellbankercitysiderealty.com

Brad Gilbert Jennifer Gilbert Broker/Owner Associate Broker

Rick Schesnuk Caleb McLean Realtor® Associate Broker

Each office is independently owned & operated.

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

Judy Bexson Realtor®

www.coldwellbankercitysiderealty.com

780-875-3343

facebook.com/coldwellbankercitysiderealty

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