Thursday, January 4, 2024
VOLUME 6 I ISSUE 28
MERIDIANSOURCE.CA
NEW YEAR CHEERS!
Videre Images by Jason Whiting
The WLS Convention Centre was the place to be on Sunday night as the Bea Fisher Foundation hosted it’s third and final New Year’s Eve fundraising gala, with funds going towards upgrades and improvements on the foundation’s 24 care homes. This year’s gala was Vegas themed and was enjoyed by all.
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MERIDIAN SOURCE
Thursday, January 4, 2024
New divorce grief help for kids
Participants from the 2019 Walk of Remembrance start their journey around Bud Miller lake on a warm September afternoon. Source File Photo GEOFF LEE STAFF WRITER
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The Walking Through Grief Society is taking another step to expand its services with a new Family Changes program to help youth five to 17 cope with divorce and separation. This new 10-week program will run from Jan. 24 to March 27 at the Alliance Church in
Kitscoty to help youth identify, accept and express feelings from the loss of family connections. “When families get divorced or there’s separation in the family kids have a loss as well. They lose their independence,” said lead facilitator Gayle Barnes. “They lose their identity because they don’t
know which parent to gravitate towards.” The Family Changes course will run from 6:30 to 8 p.m. with preregistration a must, by calling Barnes at 780808-1645 or program director Shirley Scott at 780-871-1750. “We do a group setting with the kids and the parents also have a session as a group at
the same time as we run the kids’ program,” explained Barnes. “It’s $20 for the family, but if you get support from an outside group like Big Brothers, Big Sisters, we may waive the fee.” Youths will learn communication and problem-solving skills while they explore what divorce and separation is all about. “The goal is to give them tools so they can deal with the separation from parents. Grief is a process you go through when you lose someone,” said Barnes. “Initially you’re numb and you have a lot of anger and anxiety and fear and you have the physical symptoms like tightness in your stomach and chest and being numb and kind of robotic through the process.” Walking Through Grief is a non-profit organization funded by Lloyd-
minster Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) and provides grief services for youth and adults in Lloydminster, Kitscoty, Wainwright and Vermilion. It was founded by Shirley and John Scott in memory of their 16-year-old daughter, Audra, who was killed in a car accident in 1981. “The family felt that Audra would have liked to have seen something for children because there was nothing when their daughter passed away,” explained Barnes. The Scotts launched their Hope After Loss: Audra’s Legacy program in 2017 for youth experiencing grief over the death of a loved one. Another 10-week course for youth six to 16 will run from Jan. 23 to March 26 in Kitscoty along with parental support. The core grief sup-
port group covers death, grief and loss, feelings, fears, guilt and regrets, memories, healing, self-care and support, rituals and special days, and saying goodbye. Grief is defined as the response to loss that can have many forms. “No one needs to walk unsupported in their grief. Any loss is a grief like the loss of a parent, the loss of a sibling; it could be the loss of a pet or the loss of a job,” said Barnes. “We have an adult support group we run in Lloyd as well in addition to Wainwright and Vermilion.” Barnes says parents are involved since the loss of a grandparent for a child also means the loss of a parent for an adult. “While the parents are doing their learning the kids are doing theirs in a separate room,” said Barnes. She says she experie nc e d grie f he rse l f when she lost her mom in 2005 and didn’t find the group until 2014. “I’ve been helping out with the adult group and then I was asked to help with the children’s program,” said Barnes. As the lead facilitator, she coordinates the ladies who run the program and makes sure everything is there for them. Barnes works as an education assistant at Holy Rosary High School helping those who need additional support in the classroom.
Thursday, January 4, 2024
MERIDIAN SOURCE
Aalbers eyes progress in 2024
GEOFF LEE STAFF WRITER
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Lloydminster Mayor Gerald Aalbers pulled out his crystal ball to forecast what he expects will be a productive new year in the city in a question-andanswer interview. I’m excited about 2024. There’s so many things that are coming to the city. We’re going to see every hotel room booked for about a month and a half with the Cenovus Upgrader turnaround in April and May. We’re going to see the Saskatchewan Summer Games here. That’s huge. We’re going to play host to about 1,100 young people who are aspiring athletes. More than 1,800 athletes, coaches and offi-
cials will be in the city for the Games from July 21-27. We’ve got the oil show coming back in 2024 in September. We can talk about the CPCA finals coming back again, the Lloyd Ex Fair and we host two elections in part of the city. The Lakeland College Rustlers will also play host to the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association women’s basketball national finals from March 13-16. We have a byelection in the city (Feb. 13) followed by a general election for the municipal government for mayor and councillors and public and Catholic school divisions on Nov. 13. City residents in Saskatchewan will
also be going to the polls for a provincial election on Oct. 28. Aalbers says he and his family will hold a news conference on Ja n . 1 8 t o a n n o u n c e what his intentions are for the 2024 municipal election. I’ll likely have this conference here at City Hall and invite the media and others in to join and hear our thoughts and aspirations. Do you expect to have a transportation plan in 2024? We expect to have a transportation plan come to council with the expectation a future council in November will put a final stamp on it, if not sooner for a plan to be enacted in 2025. I appreciate people’s patience. We want to do this right. The final report will come back to council in early 2024. What’s happening with the $900 million renewal diesel plant by Covenant Energy? The renewable diesel plant is still in the works. They are a few months behind where they wanted to be at this point. We are in regular contact with them. Once they get through a couple more hurdles, it would be great to see ground broken in 2024. Will Alberta contribute funds to Cen-
ovus Energy Hub in 2024? That is a major project of mine going into 2024. I’ve spent a fair amount of time with our MLA Garth Rowswell as well as several cabinet ministers and MLAs. They’re aware of the project.
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I’m excited about 2024. There’s so many things that are coming to the city.
I am very hopeful. That’s part of my job, to be positive and hopeful. It may not be in the (Alberta) budget, but what we’re looking at is that one-time project the premier has discussed after they know where their surplus is at. The Government of Alberta is facing a hefty debt payment they would like to make. What needs to be done to get a new Jubilee Home built? This is a capital project for the Government of Saskatchewan. I don’t know if it will be in the 2024 (Saskatchewan) budget. We will be reaching out to the community to support that initiative and help communicate to the province how important that is.
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Stay tuned. I won’t hold my breath for an announcement in the 2024 budget. We’re not
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the only nursing home I suspect in Saskatchewan that needs to be replaced.
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MERIDIAN SOURCE
Thursday, January 4, 2024
Seniors eye election for new Jubilee GEOFF LEE STAFF WRITER
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The Lloydminster Concerned Citizens for Seniors Care Society is looking forward to the fall general election to sway the Saskatchewan government to green light the replacement of the 50-bed Jubilee Home. Seniors Care Society president, Graham Brown, thinks the upcoming election on Oct. 28 could put the project on the front burner. “We need to get a green light on the Jubilee Home so we get to the next stages, but we’re also going into a general election in Saskatchewan this fall, so we’re trying to strategize and get the development of the proposal for the project going,” said Brown looking ahead to 2024. “We’ll try and get a lot of work done with the Saskatchewan health staff and make sure it’s in the queue. Hopefully,
as the election happens we’ll be able to move this project forward.” Both the Saskatchewan Health Authority and Alberta Health Services have confirmed the Lloydminster region needs an additional 60 spaces by 2025 and 148 by 2035. “We’re short of the spaces we need. When we have people laying in acute care in the hospital waiting for spaces, it’s obvious we’re short,” said Brown. “When we see people getting moved to other communities around here for spaces, we know we’re really short of spaces right here in Lloyd. So we know in Lloydminster we need to get more spaces.” He says now that the Saskatchewan government has said they are interested in the replacement of Jubilee Home, they will be working a lot more on the project in 2024. “We hope to have a proposal ready for the
election time period and be able to put some pressure on the government and promote it as much as we can when they seem to be a little more sensitive to what we need,” said Brown. He says the Seniors Care Society will also continue working with some social housing groups in Lloydminster regarding some of the issues residents have identified. In 2023, board members met with residents of Padua Place, Fellowship Village and Southridge Estates to help them get action on outstanding maintenance and safety issues. “We’d like to be sensitive to that and find out what we can do to help; if it’s to help lobby the government or help lobby management or maybe find some solutions that can help,” said Brown. “So far this last year, a lot of the issues have been related to maintenance. We have been
File photo
The Lloydminster Concerned Citizens for Seniors Care Society starts 2024 by tackling some of the same issues the group has been lobbying for during its first 10 years as a registered society, celebrated in October 2023 at the Legacy Centre. Pictured are some of the group’s founders, board members and current president, Graham Brown, second from left.
instrumental in helping to solve some of those issues.” Some of the outstanding issues are paving the parking lot at Padua Place, the replacement of sidewalks at Fellowship Village, the repair of the elevator at Southridge and changing bath tubs to showers where needed. Moving ahead in
2024, Brown is buoyed by growing support for seniors’ issues in the community. “We’ve got a lot of new members that come every week around the table. We’re really happy that more people have come out to our meetings and got involved,” said Brown. “That really says a lot for some of the seniors
issues here that they need to get addressed and people are concerned about it. We feel encouraged to keep pushing to do what we can do day in and day out to try to make life better.” Weekly meetings at the Legacy Centre will reconvene on Jan. 16 following the holiday break.
Lloyd RCMP lay charges after firearm is found in B.C.
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loydminster General Investigation Section (GIS) in partnership with the National Weapons Enforcement Support Team (NWEST) started an investigation in June of 2023, after a loaded 22. calibre revolver was located during a search warrant in Kitimat, B.C. Kitimat RCMP conducted queries on the firearm which showed the registered owner to be a resident of Lloydminster. On Oct. 25, 2023, Lloydminster GIS exe-
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RCMP reminds the public all firearms must be safely secured or disabled when in a residence or vehicle.
cuted a search warrant at a residence on 56 Ave. During the search, RCMP located numerous other firearms and ammunition that were not secured and stored safely. As a result of the investigation, Felicia
File Photo Becker, 38, a resident of Lloydminster, was charged with: - Failing to report lost or stolen firearm - Unsafe storage of firearms Becker was released from custody with the next court date set for Jan. 22 at the Alberta Court of Justice in Lloydminster. “RCMP reminds the public all firearms must be safely secured or disabled when in a residence or vehicle,” said Cpl Christopher Byford, Lloydminster RCMP GIS.
Thursday, January 4, 2024
Local singer wins Sask music award support me, which I think is really cool.” .................................. Inspiration for her Singer/songwriter music comes in the and local restauranteur m o m e n t , a n d s h e ’ l l Elenee Young has quite write down song ideas a lot on her plate, but a n d l y r i c s w h e n t h e she wouldn’t have it any mood strikes. other way. “W he n I f e e l do w n The wife and mother or tired or stressed, I o f t w o w a s r e c e n t l y write with the mindset named Inspirational/ of, OK, how do I want Spiritual Artist of the to feel? I write from that Y e a r ( 2 0 2 3 ) , a t t h e vein because I feel like Saskatchewan Music the theme of inspiration Awards in Saskatoon. music—it always has a “It was kind of out positive undercurrent. of nowhere … it was an “I think what draws honour. My reaction people to this genre is was a bit surprised, but that at the end of the I was also overwhelmed s o n g … t h e y c a n s a y a little bit,” said Young, they feel encouraged, adding she didn’t have which is something you a s p e e c h p r e p a r e d don’t get out there in a because she didn’t think lot of the music these she’d win. days.” “I thanked Kim CapiYoung’s passion for ral. He’s so great, and m akin g m usic b eg an he’s local. He’s set up all when she was in elemy music videos. mentary school. “I thanked him and “I got a big, bulky keymy team back in the board when I was eight States, and of course, years old, and it had a my husband, and men- recording function on it. tioned my Métis heri- I had so much fun maktage. I want represen- ing music for so long,” tation in the gospel/ she explained, adding Christian music sec- she assumed it would be tor as well, in terms of a simpler process, creatIndigenous and Métis— ing and releasing music you don’t see enough of that people would find it. So I love the fact this and listen to. is a thing.” “I put out an EP in Y o u n g s a i d s h e ’ s 2015 or 2016, but the also very grateful for experience with that the support she has wasn’t great. It was r e c e i v e d f r o m t h o s e kind of like my first jab i n t h e L l o y d m i n s t e r at something that I had region. loved for so long. I love “ T h e c o m m u n i t y music, I love writing, I has been super help- love the world of proful, and encouraging, ducing stuff. even though my space “I didn’t know you is really a niche— I’m had to promote it … 300 a C h r i s t i a n / g o s p e l per cent more of what singer/songwriter/proyou’re spending on the ducer. The people that actual project needs to aren’t interested in that go to marketing.” niche of music, they still Butversion although the first 3” wide JEANNETTE BENOIT-LEIPERT STAFF WRITER
Supplied Photo EP didn’t go as she had they do so much for me. hoped, Young persisted, Since 2019 I’ve had the and when a new oppor- opportunity to navitunity came along, she gate the business side took it. of the music, which has In 2018 she met the brought me a lot of joy.” owners of Vanquish When asked how she Studios, based in Flor- b a l a n c e s e v e r y t h i n g ida, and she said some- w i t h t h e r e s t a u r a n t , t h i n g c l i c k e d r i g h t marriage, children, and away. She says when her music career, her s h e m e t s t u d i o o w n - answer was simple. ers Joseph and Cait“I have no idea,” she lin Salamida she felt laughed, adding she’s a s t h o u g h s h e h a d the type of person that, known them for years, if her plate isn’t full she a s t h o u g h t h e y w e r e feels like she’s not doing almost family. enough. “I’ve done so much “I have the restauin the last four or five rant and I have my famyears, I’ve been learn- ily, and we do activiing things the hardest ties, and then I’ve got way. I’ve made some music. It’s all just so e x t r e m e l y e x p e n s i v e fun because it all, in this mistakes. I’ve run into weird way, just fills my some pretty crooked cup. people, but then I’ve “I love music and I also made some really love the family busicool connections with ness. So when people the most amazing song ask ‘how do you do it.’ writers and producers T h e t r u t h i s , I d o n ’ t and engineers. know how I wouldn’t 3” wide “I have Vanquish, and version do it.”
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MERIDIAN SOURCE
Thursday, January 4, 2024
Olive Tree celebrates Rife partnership TAYLOR WEAVER EDITOR
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Taylor Weaver Meridian Source Photo
The Olive Tree had some pre-Christmas blessings to count as the non-profit organization celebrated a three-year partnership with Rife Resources Ltd. In 2022, Rife agreed to a $60K sponsorship partnership with the non-profit’s food bank to help keep the shelves stocked. The Olive Tree received $20K in 2022, $20K in 2023, and will receive $20K in 2024 to round out the threeyear partnership. The Olive Tree’s COO, Jana Thompson, was thrilled with the partnership and noted the food bank’s new sign, which includes Rife’s name, was a great addition to the building. “Rife reached out wanting to do something for us, and with us, so I gave them the option to sponsor our food bank, which was a commitment of $20K per year for three years,” said Thompson
before Christmas. “Those funds go straight towards our food bank operations; whether it’s purchasing food, our staff wages, or equipment that we need. “This is a huge deal for us as we’ve never really done a sponsorship agreement like that for the food bank. We were really excited and couldn’t be happier with the partnership with Rife as they’ve been so good for us. They also support us through their annual golf tournament; it’s been a great partnership.” With the holidays come and gone, Thompson noted the need for the food bank’s services is greater than ever. “Community meals are in full force and we currently seat almost 140 every meal pretty consistently now; our capacity is 150,” said Thompson. “It’s been a very busy season and it’s been very consistent, which could be a sign of the
economy, but it’s also stil l w arm o u t so w e still have those types of people stopping in to get food. Whether you’re homeless, in a low-income family or a senior in the community, everybody is welcome to come.” Rife is a privatelyowned small oil and gas production company that’s been around for roughly 40 years, and according to Rife senior production foreman, Roland Chibri, Lloyd’s been a key area since about 2001. “We wanted to give back,” he said. “We know there’s always community needs. We host a local charity golf tournament every year and The Olive Tree has always been a recipient of funding from that. “Our Calgary corporate office saw The Olive Tree as a good fit when they decided to invest in local communities. Funding also helped with mental health initiatives.”
Christmases to remember (better late than never!) MIDWEST MINUTE VERN McCLELLAND
I hate to admit it, but I just closed in on my 68th Christmas! Some were great, some not so great. I’m sure many of you will have had similar experiences. My earliest memory was as a preschooler hanging out in the shop one day while dad was sawing up a piece of 3/4”
plywood into a large oval. When I asked him what it was for, he made me promise not to tell mom, but it was going to be a cutting board for her present. Imagine my surprise when I found it under the tree Christmas morning as the mount for the train set! In those years, our family, aunt, uncle, and cousins would have an afternoon skating party on the creek that ran beside our house, warming by a bonfire, before
retreating to the house for a turkey supper. I can still hear the laughter! One December our family celebration was very subdued as my brother was not in attendance having gone missing two weeks before while attending first-year university. Three months later his body was discovered on the outskirts of Saskatoon, where he had committed suicide. My wife and I were in our early 20s when we had saved
enough money for a down payment on a little bungalow in Ponoka, Alberta. It was the former manse of a defunct church, and it needed some tender loving care but when we took possession in mid-December, it felt like we owned a castle. Purchase price? $24,500. We usually drive by when in the area and I am happy to report the house still stands 45 years later. Not too long after, having returned to Saskatchewan to
celebrate the holidays, my father announced his intention to retire from farming in five years. He offered to sell my brother and me each a quarter if we wanted to retain a piece of the family farm. I believe, to his and mom’s surprise, both of us immediately took him up on the offer, not only buying, but also building houses, and returning home to raise our children in the country. CONTINUED ON PAGE 7
Thursday, January 4, 2024
New city funding kicks in
File Photo MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF
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Alberta municipalities, including Lloydminster, will welcome the quick end to an outdated capital funding program in 2024. The Municipal Sustainability Initiative (MSI) will be replaced by the Local Government Fiscal Framework (LGFF) for the 202425 fiscal year starting April 1. LGFF will allocate $722 million in capital funding to Alberta municipalities and Métis settlements for local roads, public transit, water and wastewater, and recreation infrastructure. As municipalities had requested, the LGFF includes a revenue index factor that ties future funding levels to the percentage change in provincial revenues
from three years prior. As a result, the LGFF formula will increase municipal funding by 14 per cent for fiscal 202526 to a total of $820 million. “Communities across Alberta have long asked for funding that is predictable and tied to provincial revenue changes,” said Minister of Municipal Affairs, Ric McIver in a statement. “We have listened and we are delivering. The LGFF will provide infrastructure funding where it’s needed most and allow flexibility for communities to focus their funding on local priorities.” As committed to in Budget 2023, top-up funding will be available in the first year of the LGFF. This ensures that no local government experiences a year-over-
year decrease from 2023’s MSI capital funding allocation. This one-time funding will ensure existing infrastructure projects are not disrupted. Alberta’s government has allocated $3.8 billion to municipalities from 2023-24 through 2025-26 under its 2023 capital plan, which includes the amounts for the next two budget years. Municipalities also receive funding from the federal government for capital projects, which is over and above the provincial funding amount. Provincial funding is distributed through grants to municipalities under the MSI and LGFF and has been used for projects including light rail transit systems in Edmonton and Calgary, and water and wastewater support.
MIDWEST MIN FROM PAGE 6
Eventually, my youngest son took over the house and we built a home next door to grow old in, on the other side of a spruce shelterbelt we had planted the year we took ownership. Unfortunately, by this time mother had passed, but my father lived long enough to spend his last Christmas with us in the new place. But it was the following year I remember best. You see, it has always been a tradition in our family for the oldest in attendance at Christmas supper to say grace. And as I looked around the table that
File Photo night at my wife, sons, their partners, and our grandchildren, I suddenly realized it was now my responsibility. Life had evolved yet again. It can sneak up on you like that! F ro m m y fam ily to yours, we hope you’ve had a blessed holiday season. Hold those you love tight, for you don’t know how long you will
be with them; and give thanks for all the blessings to have come your way this year. 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.
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PAGE 8 Thursday, January 4, 2024 MERIDIAN SOURCE
Sports
‘CATS KEEP WINNING TAYLOR WEAVER EDITOR
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The Lloydminster Bobcats are hot. Red hot. The boys made the most of December, winning seven of 10 games for a 70 per cent winning percentage, and finished the calendar year with a 5-0 win over the Drayton Valley Thunder.
Currently tied for sixth of 16 with the Calgary Canucks (20-16) in the AJHL Canalta standings, the ‘Cats are on the road until Jan. 13 when they host the Canucks for a 7 p.m. puck drop. The Source previously stated the ‘Cats were having a strong December, and since that reporting, the team’s
only gotten better. Posting a 7-3 month is something to be proud of, but it’s also worth noting four of December’s wins were on the road. Not an easy task. The ‘Cats left Drayton Valley with their heads held high on Dec. 5 after beating the Thunder 5-1 before heading to Whitecourt
to beat the Wolverines 3-2 the following night. The ‘Cats also buried the Blackfalds Bulldogs 8-0 on Dec. 15 before getting a 5-0 shutout over the Olds Grizzlys on Dec. 16. Rookie goaltender Jack Solomon has been finding his way as a Bobcat as of late with seven starts and three
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shutouts throughout December. Solomon also finds himself 18th overall for goaltending with 13 wins and 12 losses for a .908 save percentage, allowing 80 goals in 25 games. With 22 games remaining in the regular season, 12 at home and 10 on the road, the ‘Cats still have time to prove themselves on the ice. If future play is anything like the team’s
recent action, the ‘Cats will definitely be a team to watch until March. The ‘Cats Jan. 13 homer against the Canucks kicks off a five-game home stretch as the boys host the Brooks Bandits (35-4), the Fort McMurray Oil Barons (13-20) for two, and the Spruce Grove Saints (17-20) before heading back on the road to face off against Drayton Valley, Spruce Grove and Camrose to wrap up January.
Photos courtesy of JD Photography
Lloydminster Bobcats forward Ishan Mittoo gets crunched between two members of the Drayton Valley Thunder last Saturday night at the Centennial Civic Centre. The ‘Cats beat the Thunder 5-0 after a 5-3 loss to the Whitecourt Wolverines the night prior. The ‘Cats are on the road until Jan. 13 when they host the Calgary Canucks at the Civic.
Thursday, January 4, 2024
Astec curling to rock Lloyd
File Photo GEOFF LEE STAFF WRITER
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The Lloydminster Golf and Curling Club is set to rock with 21 elite world-class teams and some local curlers vying for a piece of the $100,000 event purse at the Astec Safety Challenge. The event, presented by Wild Rows Pump and Compression, will take place Jan. 10 to 14 with the first draw at 9 a.m. on Thursday Jan. 11 before a sold out crowd. The first draw feat u res the b e s t i n t h e game with Team McEwen, Team Schneider and Team Sluchinski on the ice. The 12:30 p.m. opening day draw will feature perennial Grand Slam of Curling teams, Brad Gushue, Kevin Koe, Matt Dunstone, Bruce Mouat and Niklas Edin, just to name a few. The 4:30 p.m. draw on day one will see the current top three rated teams in the world rankings with the Joel Retornaz, Brendan Bottcher, and Yannick Schwaller rinks eagerly awaiting the winners from the 9 a.m. draw. Fans can also support some local teams during the event including one skipped by Carl deConinck Smith with Ryan Deis, Kalin Deis and Mike Robson from Lloydminster onboard.
Another local team will be skipped by Tyson Armstrong with his brother, dad and another individual from Lloydminster in the foursome. Over the course of the four-day triple knockout bonspiel, national, world and Olympic champions will battle to get into the quarterfinal playoff round on Saturday, Jan. 13. The championship final will go ahead on Sunday Jan. 14 at 2 p.m. The Lloydminster Exhibition, will be providing the food and beverage services at the curling centre. Lloyd Ex will also host a free family friendly entertainment venue at the exhibition site, sponsored by Synergy Credit Union on Jan. 12 and 13. While the curling will be the main attraction, there is something for everyone with the Musgrave Agencies Junior Curling Development session hosted by Alberta’s Brendan Bottcher rink. There is also a Curling Kids Day in conjunction with the local school division, musical entertainment, a special artist challenge event, and silent auction of curling memorabilia. Souvenir event clothing is available online and in store at official clothing sponsor, It’s Time Promotions.
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PAGE 10 Thursday, January 4, 2024 MERIDIAN SOURCE
Viewpoint Leave it to Weaver:
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 Staff Writer Jeannette Benoit Leipert jeannette@meridiansource.ca Marketing Consultant Cory Harvie cory@meridiansource.ca Marketing Consultant Andrea Allen andrea@meridiansource.ca Marketing Consultant Bailey Keebaugh bailey@meridiansource.ca Publisher: Reid Keebaugh Production Manager: Amanda Richard Distribution: distribution@meridiansource.ca CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING admin@meridiansource.ca NEWSPAPER DELIVERY If you’ve missed a paper, to start or stop delivery, or for carrier applications, please call 306-825-5111 for information. 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
EDITOR
TAYLOR WEAVER
Welcome to 2024! I hope it’s a prosperous and memorable year for all! With the Source office and Chels’ employer closed for the holidays, we decided to get out of Dodge and take a little road trip to visit friends and family, which took us from Lloyd to Canmore and back again with a few stops in between. What a great week it was, but I’ve found, no
matter how amazing a trip may have been, there’s something special about getting home and sleeping in your own bed. Our journey began on Christmas morning with a quick cup of coffee at home before heading to Wainwright to have brunch with my cousin and his kids. After Wainwright, we were off to Sylvan Lake for the night to visit Chels’ niece and nephew and their mom and partner, which was accompanied by an amazing holiday meal. Come to think of it,
we ate VERY well the entire week! Our next stop was an overnighter in Cow Town to visit Chels’ old roommate and get breakfast with another one of her nieces who recently moved to Calgary. I also finally got to meet Chels’ sister af te r a y e ar o f be ing engaged, which was a bonus! After filling our faces at Denny’s with Chels’ niece, it was off to Canmore to visit my dad and his girlfriend (as well as partake in all things mountainous!). Canmore never fails
to impress, and this visit didn’t include two days of pouring rain, another bonus! I, of course, forgot to bring our skates so pond hockey was out, but my dad took us on a roughly 7 km hike around Canmore that was worth every step. All in all, it was an amazing week and a nice break from work, but after over 1,300 km in the car, four cities and three different beds, it was REALLY nice to get back to Lloyd and rest my head on a pillow I’m far-too familiar with.
Letter to the editor...
W
Alberta faces potential drought
ater is one of Alberta’s most precious resources. We all use it, consume it, and rely on it. Most of the water that Albertans use to drink, grow crops, run our businesses and sustain our environment comes from rain and melting snow. The last three years have brought droughts and water shortages in various parts of our province, including most of Southern Alberta this sum-
mer. The world is also experiencing El Niño, a global phenomenon occurring for the first time in seven years. It’s causing less snow and rain, along with higher temperatures, around the world this winter. Recent forecasts indicate that there is a 62 per cent chance that the unusually warm and dry conditions that we have experienced could continue until June. Alberta has five stages in its water manage-
ment plan. Ranging from Stage 1, which is a minor drought to Stage 5, which is a provincewide emergency. We are currently in Stage 4. Our government is now preparing for the p o ssi bi l i t y o f a se r i ous drought next year. The good news is that Alberta is up to the challenge. This province has navigated droughts before and has a long, proud history of coming together during tough times. Officials in the
department of Environment and Protected Areas have stood up a Drought Command Team and work is underway to finalize a Drought Emergency Plan. Meetings have been held with communities, farmers, businesses and others to prepare. Many have already taken action to implement conservation measures and adapt to reduced water levels. Our government has announced up to $165 million in federal and provincial drought relief for livestock producers. And, this summer and fall, Calgary, Medicine Hat and other communities adopted voluntary and mandatory restrictions on water use to help Alberta’s stressed river basins. I commend the collective actions taken so far by so many people throughout Alberta. Over the coming months, we will be carefully monitoring snowpack, rainfall, river levels and actual water use to develop our early warning capacity. CONTINUED ON PAGE 11
PAGE 11 Thursday, January 4, 2024 MERIDIAN SOURCE
Opinion
Leeway from Lloyd: This senior shoots for juniors STAFF WRITER GEOFF LEE
So much for a Canadian three-peat world junior hockey championship. Czechia beat Canada 3-2 on a lucky deflection off one of our own players with 11 seconds to go in regulation time in the quarter-final game Canada came back from a 2-0 deficit to tie it but this was a team that never seemed to click. In their 2-0 loss to Sweden in qualifying play, you could tell this team wasn’t going to win a gold medal. They never seemed to shoot the puck on the net and kept passing until they lost it. Also, I never saw a Canadian player in front of the net the entire tournament and there
were few shots from the point either. The only player who seemed to know how to pass, shoot and score was 17-yearold Macklin Celebrini, the projected first-round NHL pick in the 2024 draft. Everyone else kept playing hot potato with the puck trying to make too many passes without shooting on net. That was really frustrating to watch against the Swedes, but they didn’t change and adapt. Also, there was a noticeable lack of WHL players on the team which is shocking and the coach never tightened the bench to three lines to give his best players more ice time. Almost every pundit picked Canada to have a shot at bronze before the tournament started, but not getting by the
File Photo quarterfinals was predicted by nearly every old-timer who drinks coffee in the morning at the south end Tim Hortons. I think I was the only whitehaired hockey fortune teller who thought they would make
Border Banter with Benoit-Leipert: Out with the old, in with the new!
A new year is upon us once again, and another one behind. It’s important to look back and appreciate the year gone by, while looking forward to a fresh start in 2024. There was much to be thankful for in the past year, and as always, family and friends top my list. I wouldn’t be able to live without their love and support. I hope they know that. I’m also thankful that I was able to find a new job after being laid off at the beginning of the year. It has been a great six months working here at the Meridian Source and I’ve met some awesome people both here at the office and out in the community. Thanks for bearing with me as I adjusted to my new job. Truthfully, my husband Shaun and I discussed 2023 on the
File Photo drive to Lloyd to ring in the new year with family, and decided we weren’t overly sad to see the end of it. It was a year of ups and downs, for sure. Late November and December was the toughest part of our year, hands down. Have you ever had a month or two where the hits seem to just keep on coming? Shaun lost his job in late November. December brought the roughest flu we had been through in years, hitting every member of our household (I’m sure many of you readers know what flu I’m talking about). And the cherry on top was that our shop
was broken into about 10 days before Christmas. The thieves made off with an ATV and thousands of dollars in tools, and upon calling the insurance company we found out we weren’t covered for theft. Stuff is just stuff, though. I’m just glad we weren’t there when the dirty thieves pried open the door or things might have gone a little differently. We must let go of all of that 2023 stuff now though, and move forward with optimism and hope. Out with the old and in with the new, right? Here’s to 2024 being a year full of joy and prosperity for you and yours!
it to the semis. I only care about Canada, so I won’t see the final which is in the daytime anyway when everyone is at work. Fortunately, the time zone next year will also be ideal
to watch every game at night or late afternoon. I will be the first to predict gold for Canada stacked with WHL players who actually shoot the puck quickly and often toward the net.
Letter to editor cont ... FROM PAGE 10
We will use this information and scientific modelling to assess the risk of drought this year. We have launched alberta.ca/ drought to keep all Albertans updated as we take these steps. Together with our partners, we are doing everything we can to be fully prepared for whatever this year brings. An advisory panel of experts to help provide advice will be formed in the months ahead. And we are preparing for the future, looking at what long-term infrastructure is needed to help manage water supplies for future generations. We cannot make it rain or snow, but all of us have a role to play. Con-
Rebecca Schulz serving water can help your community, as well as Albertans downstream from you. In the coming months, we will all have to pull together to secure our province’s water supply. It is a challenge that I am confident Albertans will meet. — Rebecca Schulz, Minister of Environment and Protected Areas
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Passport to YLL
Thursday, January 4, 2024
CALENDAR OF EVENTS The Meridian Source Calendar of Events is a free service provided for non-profit organizations located within our coverage area. All events are in chronological order, as space permits and at the editor’s discretion.
Fun for the whole family Astec Safety Challenge Almost Sold Out! The Astec Safety Challenge will be in the Border City from Jan. 10-14 and is sold out! But, the Lloydminster Exhibition is hosting family on Jan. 12 and 13. BINGO IS BACK! Bingo is back at the Moose Lodge every Monday and Wednesday. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and play starts at 7 p.m. Must be 18 to play. Playschool Pre-registration Southridge Playschool & Kindergym has opened up their registration for 20232024 classes. They offer oneday a week for three-year-
olds and one or two days a week for four/five-year-olds. They have also qualified for the Affordability Grant. For more information please call 780-872-9523. North Bend Jam The North Bend Musical Jam is the second Sunday of each month from 1-4:30 p.m. It will feature musicians and dancers; all music lovers welcome. Jams will be held on Oct. 8, Nov. 12 and Dec. 10. The Hall is wheelchair acccessible; everyone welcome! - Do you have something you’d like to see in our community calendar? Feel free to email it to taylor@meridiansource.ca
To place an event, email taylor@meridiansource.ca or fax 306-825-5147
Cards, games and live music Islay Crib Tournament The Islay Community Association is hosting a crib tournament on Jan. 13 in the Islay Hall. Doors open at 9:30 a.m., registration cut off is 10:15 a.m., and play commences at 10:30 a.m. Cost is $25/person which includes noon lunch. Please pre-register by calling Linda at 780581–0570. Doubles Cribbage Tourney The Moose Lodge will be hosting a doubles cribbage tournament on Sunday, Jan. 14. Registration is from 9-9:45 a.m. and play begins at 10 a.m. Guaranteed 12 games. The cost to play is $25/person, which includes a hot lunch. Enter as a team or as an individual (we will team you up!)
Drumheller RCMP Vaadeland and The arrest copper theft suspect Jake Sturgeon River Boys
O
n Dec. 30, 2023, at 10:30 a.m., an offduty RCMP officer from Calgary was driving on Highway 573 East of Drumheller when he witnessed a lone male suspect in a gas plant compressor site who appeared to be stealing copper wire. Drumheller RCMP was notified and responded to the area; however, before their arrival, the suspect left the scene in a white Nissan pickup truck. Through collaboration with the off-duty officer, officers intercepted and stopped the suspect vehicle. The lone occupant of the vehicle was arrested and taken into custody. Officers located large amounts of copper wire, contraband cigarettes, drug paraphernalia, apparent cocaine, bear spray, fireworks, and more
in the vehicle. Officers further confirmed that a break-and-enter did occur at the compressor site. As a result, 37-year-old Bryan Burrill, a resident of Carbon, Alta., was charged with: - Break and enter; - Mischief to property; - Possess weapon for dangerous purpose; - Possess weapon, ammunition, or explosive contrary to a prohibition order; - Possess cocaine; - Possess contraband cigarettes; - Drive an uninsured motor vehicle. Burrill was taken before a Justice of the Peace for a Judicial Interim Release Hearing and released. Burrill is scheduled to appear in the Alberta Court of Justice in Drumheller on Jan. 26.
Jake Vaadeland and The Sturgeon River Boys return to the Vic Juba Community Theatre on Jan. 18 for a 7:30 p.m. show. Presented by BAR Engineering, tickets are $36 for adults and $5 for students. This is a show you won’t want to miss! Edgerton Robbie Burns Nite The Edgerton & District Historical Society is sponsoring the 34th Annual Robbie Burns Nite at the Edgerton Agricultural Hall on Friday, Jan. 19. Happy hour and silent auction begin at 5:30 p.m., and su pper at 6:30 p.m. with a ceilidh to follow. Tickets are available at the Edgerton Village Office at 780-755-3933 or Toys and Treasures, Wainwright at 780-842-3903 or at the door. Adults are $30 and children 12 and under are $5. Contact Jessica at 780-542-1482 or
Louise at 780-755-2189 for more info. Inspiring Women Conference Lloydminster’s Inspiring Women Conference, put on by KT and Company, will return to the Border City on Feb. 1 for an epic day of inspiration from some incredible women. The day-long event will take place at the Lloydminster Exhibition and will run from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets are $97.18 and are available through Eventbrite. Kelly Taylor plays Marwayne Comedy Night Join Kelly Taylor at the Marwayne Community Hall on Feb. 10 for a night of comedy. This in-person event promises to be a rib-tickling experience for everyone in attendance. Funds raised go towards upgrading the playground equipment at our school! Tickets are $70.56 and available at EventBrite. Aaron Pritchett at the Vic Country music star Aaron Pritchett brings The Liquored Up Tour to the Border City with special guests Cory Marks and Matt Lang on Monday, Feb. 12 for a 7:30 p.m. show. General admission tickets are $68 and available at the Vic Juba website or box office. High Valley @ The Vic Multi-platinum country group High Valley will be taking the stage at the Vic Juba Community Theatre on Feb. 16 for a 7:30 p.m. show. Tickets are only $65 and are available onnline or at the Vic Juba box office. The Great Canadian Roadtrip The Vic Juba Community
Theatre is pleased to present The Great Canadian Roadtrip with Doc Walker, Michelle Wright and Jason McCoy on Feb. 26 at 7:30 p.m. Don’t miss three legends of Canadian Country music come back to their roots this winter! Tickets are $71 and are available on the theatre’s website and in-person at the box office. Snowed In Comedy Tour The Snowed In Comedy Tour returns to the Vic Juba Community Theatre on Feb. 29 for a 7:30 p.m. show. Tickets are $56.75 for adults, $35.75 for high school and post-secondary students, and $46.75 for seniors. Celebrating its 15th year, the Snowed In Comedy Tour has grown to become the biggest comedy tour in Canada. Get your tickets now! Anne of Green Gables – The Ballet The Vic Juba Community Theatre is pleased to be hosting Anne of Green Gables – The Ballet on March 7 for a 7:30 p.m. show. Tickets are $55 for adults and $5 for students and are available online or at the Vic Juba box office. Jack Garton @ The Vic Jack Garton will be playing the Vic Juba Community Theatre on March 26 for a 7:30 p.m. show. Tickets are $36 for adults and $5 for students and are available online or at the Vic Juba box office. ABRA Cadabra at The Vic ABRA Cadabra, a tribute to ABBA, will be taking the stage at the Vic Juba Communuity Theatre on May 2 for a 7:30 p.m. show. Tickets are $65 and are available online or at the Vic Juba box office.
PAGE 13 Thursday, January 4, 2024 MERIDIAN SOURCE 306-825-5111 admin@meridansource.ca
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Thursday, January 4, 2024
Doris Winkler July 12, 1940 – December 31, 2003
Joe Winkler August 7, 1940 – December 30, 2022
In Loving Memory Those we love don’t go away, They walk beside us every day, Unseen, unheard, but always near, Still loved, still missed and very dear.
Forever In Our Hearts Anne & Family Ken & Family Wayne & Family
Thursday, January 4, 2024
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