Meridian Source - July 13,2023

$7.30 for 2 burgers & beverages*

$5.00 for 1 burger and beverage*

*canned pop or bottled water - cash only

Cake Cutting at 1pm by the Public Library

All proceeds to the Lloydminster Rescue Squad

Parade kicks off Lloyd Ex Fair

from the top overall float to the most informative.

An impressive number of floats graced the streets of Lloydminster yesterday for the annual parade to kick off this year’s fair.

“Part of the judging will also be based on our theme. Our theme this year is called ‘Times are changin’,” said Eyben.

The parade route was slightly different this year due to the construction going on in the heart of the city, but that hasn’t affected the registration numbers.

“There’s more entries than we’ve had in several years,” said Eyben.

Lloydminster Agricultural Exhibition Association Marketing Manager, Tara Eyben, says the numbers were teetering on recordbreaking.

“We are actually getting close to a recordbreaking number of floats this year. We’re currently at 117,” said Eyben.

“I believe whenever they do the setup they always aim for at least 60, and I think between 80-95 is the typical number (of floats).”

Parade judges will award prizes in several different categories,

“Our honorary parade Marshall this year is Dr. Nekky Jamal,” she added.

Another exciting thing about this year’s parade is that both city marching bands were able to participate for the first time since COVID.

“We actually both

school divisions this year–we have the marching bands back in the parade,” said Eyben. She said streets which were designated for

the parade remained closed until all entries returned to the fairgrounds, which was estimated to take an hour and a half.

JEANNETTE BENOIT-LEIPERT WRITER

We are actually getting close to a record-breaking number of floats this year. We’re currently at 117.

Photos by Jeannette Benoit-Leipert

Highway 16 construction set to begin July 17

The City of Lloydminster and its construction partners will begin warranty work throughout the Highway 16 (44 Street) Rehabilitation Project area on Monday, July 17.

The rehabilitation project, completed in 2021 between 62 Ave. and 75 Ave., shows signs of premature asphalt degradation.

Following a comprehensive asphalt analysis, the City of Lloydminster, in conjunction with its engineering consultant and contractor, Knelsen Sand & Gravel Ltd., determined the removal and replacement of the asphalt is required.

As the roadway is not showing signs of structural issues, the asphalt replacement is anticipated to be much less

invasive and progress much quicker.

Work will be split into three phases:

Phase 1: July 16-26 – Concrete warranty repairs. Rolling lane restrictions, but no intent to close intersections.

Phase 2: July 27 to Aug. 9 – 62 Ave. to 75 Ave. outside lane closures

Phase 3: Aug. 22-25 –62 Ave. to 75 Ave. inside

lane closures

Intermittent intersection closures on Highway 16 at 66 Ave. and 70 Ave. are expected, however, service to these intersections will be restored as quickly as possible after paving is completed.

Additional intersection closures have been identified in the traffic accommodation plan on the City of Lloydminster’s website.

Motorists are reminded to allow extra time for travel, slow down when driving in construction zones, and obey all signs, detours and barriers.

Police lay charges in residential BNE

On July 6 at approximately 2:28 a.m., Lloydminster RCMP were dispatched to a break and enter in progress to a residential building on 18 Street and 47 Ave.

When police arrived, the suspect was gone, however, the home

owner did provide a description of the person involved. RCMP

Police Dog Services (PDS) were contacted, and a successful track was completed.

As a result of the investigation, Victor Raul Mendez, 18, a resident of Lloydminster has been charged with

the following:

- Break and enter to a residence

- Disguised with intent to commit an offence

- Fail to comply Mendez has been remanded into custody and will be appearing in Lloydminster Provincial Court on July 13.

MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

File Photo

MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

Kids get a day in the life of a chuckwagon driver

TAYLOR WEAVER EDITOR

It’s never too early to attract new fans to the sport of chuckwagon racing. That was the mindset for wagon teams on Tuesday as North American Chuckwagon Championship (NACC) drivers hosted area youth for some equine therapy and education.

“We’re having a kid’s day today and hosting a bunch of groups of kids from all over the area,” said World Professional Chuckwagon Association driver Dustin Gorst.

“We’re going to introduce them to the sport, create new fans, and help them have an understanding of what we do.”

Aside from attracting new fans, Gorst explained he and other drivers wanted to ensure kids understood the bond they have with their horses, and how well they’re cared for.

“We want to make sure they understand how we take care of our horses, how we treat them, and how much the horses actually enjoy the sport,” he said.

“We’ve got some wagon rides set up, we’ve got some saddle horses going for them; it’s also a good day for our wagon horses to take a break and a breather for the rest of the week.”

Canadian Professional Chuckwagon Association driver, DJ King, explained the equine session also gave youth a chance to live a day in the life of a chuckwagon driver.

“This is an opportunity some kids will never get,” said King.

“All us wagon families, this is our normal life, but you have to look outside the box. For some of these kids, this is a big thrill for them, so it’s pretty cool to be able to give them this opportunity.”

As for the equine

therapy side of the day, King explained working with animals can do wonders for one’s mental health.

“There’s a healing element to working with animals,” he said.

“Mental health is such an important thing now, so being able to give these kids a mental break and showing them how healing working with animals can be is amazing.”

For NACC marketing director, Wendy Phipps, getting new interest in the sport is

what it’s all about.

“It’s about giving back to the youth,” she said.

“People were able to sign up and come and experience a session with equines.

“They get to learn what we do on the road with the horses dayto-day and how that looks.”

This was also the first year the NACC hosted free equine sessions for kids, something they plan to continue in the future.

“We want to get more

people involved in the sport, especially youth who might not necessarily get this opportunity,” she said.

“A lot of these wagon kids take this for granted because this is their life day after day, but not everyone gets to see behind the scenes and see what we do in our world.”

Phipps noted there are plans to feature equine sessions at each stop on the 2024 CPCA tour, giving even more youth this unique opportunity.

Taylor Weaver Meridian Source Chuckwagon driver Dustin Gorst was more than happy to tour kids from Little Pine First Nation around his camp on Tuesday morning as the North American Chuckwagon Championships take over Halstead Downs until July 16. Gorst and fellow drivers gave kids a “day in the life of a chuckwagon driver” experience to help grow the love and understanding of their sport.

Five Star squad lends a hand

One of the Lloydminster Rescue Squad boats recently got a custom upgrade from a local business.

The crew at Five Star Industries has been working on the system for about six months, and it is proving to be a real game-changer for members of the rescue squad.

“Five Star Industries has designed and manufactured this A-frame system that’s connected to the boat. They designed it custom for our application, which is our towed side-scan sonar. And as well, they mounted the cover and box for the winch that holds our tether that tows the side-scan sonars,” said Lloydminster Rescue Squad deputy chief Ryan LeBlanc.

“Without this A-Frame system, we wouldn’t be able to properly do our job when it comes to towing the side-scan–so it’s something we were needing. We met with Randy and Kevin, and explained to them what we were doing, and this is what they came up with.”

The new equipment has come in handy, as the rescue squad has already had four calls for service involving water searches this year.

“The last one was out by Moose Jaw. We were able to locate the individual a very short time after because of

the equipment and services that we’re able to provide now. It’s certainly been something we’ve already used and has been a major help for what we’ve been doing,” LeBlanc explained.

Plans for the project were discussed in the fall, with construction and mounting going on throughout the winter at the Five Star Industries shop.

actually do the full recovery of that individual, while having the utmost respect for that individual and the most care,” said LeBlanc.

“It’s something we’re proud of, that we’re able to provide this service and have the proper equipment to do it. We have a basket that it (the lift) tethers to and we can lower it into the water and then we can put the individual into that basket and lift them up.”

Lloydminster Rescue Squad Chief, Norm Namur, says the addition makes their job not only easier, but also safer.

Five Star Industries did the bulk of the work to improve the squad boat, but a couple of other businesses pitched in as well.

“Five Star had it over the winter time and they were able to design, construct and mount all of the equipment and have it ready for service this spring,” said LeBlanc.

“That didn’t hinder our operations because obviously, they did it when the lakes were all frozen.”

In addition to the A-frame system, Five Star also designed a winch unit on the side of the watercraft to assist with rescue calls.

“When we do the recovery ... one of the ways to actually bring the deceased out of the water–they’ve built a lifting system for us, and so we’re able to

“We’re just so thankful for Five Star taking on the project and there was also Lloydminster Nut and Bolt–they donated a lot of the bolts and stuff to it, as well Rogue Custom Coating, they did all of the powder coating for all of the paint on the system that was built,” said LeBlanc.

For Five Star co-owners, Randy and Kevin Wilkie, it was a perfect project to help support their community.

“We do our part where we can. We’re not out there with these guys every day so it’s nice to be able to help provide this,” said Randy.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

Jeannette Benoit-Leipert Meridian Source

From left: Lloydminster Rescue Squad Deputy Chief Ryan LeBlanc (left), and Lloydminster Rescue Squad Chief Norm Namur (right) with the Five Star Industries team in front of the rescue boat, which was recently outfitted with custom equipment made by Five Star Industry’s employees.

JEANNETTE

BENOIT-LEIPERT WRITER

Without this A-Frame system, we wouldn’t be able to properly do our job when it comes to towing the side-scan--so it’s something we were needing.

LloydMall set to celebrate 50 years

its grand opening in July 1973, when the biggest retailer in the building was The Bay.

Body Works and La Vie En Rose and what not. And then over the years

Dollarama came, and Urban Planet.”

LloydMall is throwing a birthday party, and everyone is invited.

The popular shopping destination turns 50 on July 20.

Although the LloydMall has grown and evolved over the years, some things haven’t

changed, especially when it comes to communitymindedness.

“We always tried to be involved in things that are happening in the community—supporting the various non-profit groups, the schools, the hospital … anything like that,” said LloydMall general manager Kim Richer.

“We’ve kind of been the hub of the com -

munity, as the meeting place, and we’ve been trying to build on that the last few years. Doing things like the Wild Rose amusements, and right now we have food trucks coming onto the property for the summer, and just doing things to invite the community to the mall.”

The LloydMall has come a long way since

“The Bay used to be on both ends of the mall, so then they became Zellers and, Safeway, Sears, Shopper’s Drug Mart. So those were our big big tenants and then with everything that happened with Zellers and Sears, we were able to expand the mall to make a bigger Safeway, a bigger Shopper’s Drug Mart,” said Richer.

“Then we were able to carve up the inside of the mall to bring in more fashion retailers— some more national names like Bath and

“I’d rather donate to something like this where it’s helping people rather than throw a banner up at an event. You know, everybody supports different things ... for us, supporting a sporting event isn’t really in tune with what we do--not many people can build this. If we can help out this way, that’s better than just throwing money at something.”

Kevin agreed, adding he and his family and friends enjoy many activities out on the water, so donating the time and materials to optimize the equipment for the Lloydminster Rescue Squad was an easy choice.

“We like to support things that support what we like. Our friends and family are out in the water and this and that, so if something ever happens ... we definitely want to support these guys that are going to come help and search and rescue. They are definitely helping a lot of people in a lot of communities,” said Kevin.

FIVE STAR FROM PAGE 4

Jeannette Benoit-Leipert Photo

JEANNETTE BENOIT-LEIPERT WRITER

We’re able to announce it now—it is Maurice’s. They are hoping to open sometime in October.

Celebrate a half century with LloydMall

FROM PAGE 5

But the evolution doesn’t stop there. The LloydMall has a new fashion retailer moving in this fall.

“We’re able to announce it now—it is Maurice’s. They are hoping to open sometime in October,” said Richer.

There are many incentives to come down to the LloydMall on July 20 between noon and 5 p.m.

“The first 100 people that purchase a $100 LloydMall gift card get it for $73. The Just Kruzin’ Car Club is going to be set up on our lot with their older vehicles. I think the rescue squad’s going to bring out some of their vehicles as well because the kids always like to look at the emergency vehicles, so I think it’ll just be a fun afternoon for every -

one,” said Richer.

Members of the Lloydminster Rescue Squad will be on site grilling burgers for hungry patrons.

“Hopefully people will come down and support the rescue squad. We’re paying for everything (for the BBQ), 100 per cent of the proceeds go to them. So, keeping in that ’73 theme, we’re doing two burgers and a pop for $7.30, and that’s cash only.”

They’ve also added an interesting piece of art into the food court area to mark their 50th year.

“We’ve had Iron Jet design a mural for us on the wall and it’s very 70s themed. We really wanted to amp up the fact the mall was opened in 1973, so that kind of brings you down nostalgia lane and it’s a fun lit -

tle retro design,” said Richer.

“People can come and take a picture of themselves in front of that wall and post it on our social media pages and be entered to win a $73 LloydMall gift card.”

The mall will even feature sounds from 50 years ago.

“We’ll have a DJ here that’s going to be playing 70s music all day for us, so I think it will be fun.”

Richer said they are encouraging mall tenants to decorate their stores with a 70s theme in mind, and even dress the part.

“Some of the fashion from the 70s have come back, so some of the stores have fashions that kind of remind you of 70s fashion. Might see some John Travoltas out there,” Richer laughed.

Pumpin’ pool party

It’s highway cut and bale time

Saskatchewan highways have turned into “hayways” for producers with the annual hay and ditch mowing program underway.

By striking a perfect balance, we have successfully created a costeffective program that caters to the diverse needs of everyone in Saskatchewan.

Anyone may cut and bale hay without permission from the nearby landowner since July 8 if no mowing or hay recovery is underway by the adjacent landowner/lessee.

“Our annual hay and ditch mowing program not only benefits the people of our province but also exempli -

fies our commitment to addressing the needs of area landowners, producers and motorists,” said Highways Minister Jeremy Cockrill.

“By striking a perfect balance, we have successfully created a costeffective program that caters to the diverse needs of everyone in Saskatchewan.”

Cutting along provincial highways improves sight lines, helps control brush and noxious weeds, and provides a neat appearance. Cutting also optimizes snow storage in ditches reducing drifting on the road surface in the winter.

The ministry will deliver the mowing program with the assistance of contractors.

Approximately 43,500 hectares will be cut in 2023. The ministry also works with local RMs to deliver additional mowing across the province.

MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

Jeannette Benoit Leipert Meridian Source

The Lloydminster outdoor pool was the place to be on July 6 as the City of Lloydminster hosted a big bash. The summer event was complete with poolside games, prizes, freezies, and even a DJ.

Lloyd RCMP seize drugs, lay trafficking charges

On June 22, officers of the Lloydminster General Investigation Section (GIS) concluded a month-long investigation into drug trafficking activities within the City of Lloydminster.

During the course of the investigation, Lloydminster GIS executed a search warrant at a residence in

the area of 56 Ave. and 22 Street Close. A second search warrant was also executed on a vehicle. As a result of these searches, the following items were seized by the RCMP:

- 18 grams of suspected Methamphetamine

- 95 grams of suspected Cocaine

- $14,000 Canadian currency

- items consistent with drug trafficking

Chase Michalski, 27, Logan Smith, 24, and Scott Lamoureux, 29, all residents of Lloydminster, were charged with:

- Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking

All were released on a Summons and are to appear in Alberta Court of Justice in Lloydminster on Aug. 22.

MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

File Photo

NACCs wow crowd in opening days

The North American Chuckwagon Championships (NACC) are back in the Border City with racing taking over Halstead Downs until Championship Sunday.

Now in its third year, the NACCs feature the best drivers and outriders from the World and Canadian Professional Chuckwagon Associations for nine days of racing with a $100K Dash and aggregate truck winner after day eight.

Races started last Thursday and ran until Sunday before the barns took a two-day break to recharge for

last night.

With racing back in full swing, it’s still anyone’s game.

Last night’s final heats featured Dustin Gorst, Kris Flanagan, Brad McMann and Logan Gorst in Heat

6 before Dean Dreger, Luke Tournier, Devin Mitsuing and DJ King battled it out in Heat 7.

Day 4 results saw DJ King run a 01:16.40, Dean Dreger ran a 01:16.49, Kale Lajeunesse came in at 01:16.52, and Brad McMann wasn’t far behind with 01:16.58.

Halstead Downs is the place to be this weekend, don’t miss out on the action!

MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

Taylor Weaver Meridian Source Photos

Thursday, July 13, 2023

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Leave it to Weaver: Lloyd criminals are getting reaalllly gutsy

An event took place in my second-floor condo unit early last Thursday morning. It was an experience I don’t wish upon anybody and I am glad the individual responsible will be standing in front of a judge today.

At roughly 2:30 a.m.

last Thursday, I, like many of my neighbours, was woken by my fiancé, Chelsey, screaming “GET THE F OUT OF MY HOUSE!” at the absolute top of her lungs... the reason ... she turned the kitchen light on to find an intruder in our kitchen.

As I’m typing my heart rate just shot to 115 BPM, and I’m sitting at my desk on a

quiet Tuesday night, so bear with me, friends.

I shoot out of bed to find Chels in the kitchen telling me there was just someone in the kitchen that had run out the patio door and jumped off the deck.

At first, I’m in disbelief, and still very much asleep, but as I walk into the kitchen I notice all of our cabinets are open, our

furnace room door is open, things were taken off of the top of the fridge to check the top cabinets ... ok, someone just tried to rob us.

Now, having lived on her own in the past, Chels has things like baseball bats, steel pipes ... things of that nature, strategically placed throughout the condo.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 13

Border Banter with Benoit-Leipert: Waste

not, want not

line on when it was packaged.

2017

The government of Canada is toying with the idea of removing best before dates from foods.

They’re claiming the date printed on the label refers to the date of ‘peak freshness’ of the item, not the date of expiry. That’s news to me.

With six siblings, I was raised in a household where food rarely went to waste. My dad was raised in a household where NO food ever went to waste, with 16 siblings.

That ‘waste not, want not’ mentality was definitely part of my life growing up and it makes even more sense now, with the grossly over-inflated price of groceries.

I still do my best to use any food I buy for my family, but sometimes I’m so ashamed when I clean out the fridge or freezer.

I’m not sure if removing the best before dates is the answer to the food waste problem we have in this country, though. I think there still has to be a guide -

Maybe people should be educated on exactly what the best before dates actually

mean though. My daughter, for example, will look at the date on the milk carton before opening it.

If it’s says July 10, and today is July 11, she either won’t drink it or will open a new carton (bless her soul).

CONTINUED ON PAGE 11

EDITOR Taylor Weaver

Leeway from Lloyd: Bummer days the bane of athletes

Three local triathletes I often cycle with in Lloyd took part in the Great White North Triathlon in Stoney Plain, Alta. over the long July weekend.

Unfortunately, the event took place on one of the nastiest days of the year for summer weather. Reportedly, it was about 10 C on the first

If I witness it, I’ll step up and be the brave one to do the smell test and the taste test (if necessary). I also kill the spiders around our house.

couple of legs with a 30 to 50 km/hr side wind for cycling along with rain and lots of rocks on the road. In other words hell on earth.

One guy called it a day after the first cycling lap and the other two athletes finished, but not without mechanical hiccups on the bikes. There was a sizeable list of did not finish (DNF) competitors.

In any kind of outdoor sporting event, the weather is always the biggest factor.

What are mom’s for? It comes down to three things—look at it, smell it, and possibly give it a little taste before throwing out an item you’ve spent your

I ran six marathons and all but one took place in extremely ugly weather conditions or situations. In my first marathon in 1981 in Kamloops B.C., which ended up being my fastest at about 3:23.50, it was below the freezing point at the start. About 20 miles in, some clown was burning leaves on his lawn so we had to run through a thick gauntlet of smoke.

I ran Kamloops again in

hard-earned dollars on. It is actually one of the most primitive instincts. A wild animal knows better than to eat something poisonous or drink from

1984 on a hot day with winds gusting to about 40 km/hr. Incredibly, my buddy from Nelson ran a 2:32 time! Then I ran the Toronto International Marathon in 1991 and it rained for the first hour.

A couple of weeks later, I ran Chicago on a day when it was 55F with 95 per cent humidity. I ran New York in 1993 on the hottest day in November in about 90 years.

Last year, when I raced 100 km on my bike in Drayton

a contaminated water source.

I’ve had coffee cream last a week past it’s best before date, and I’ve had buns bought the previous day that had

Valley, it was 7 C at the start. This year, I am doing an 85 km race in Sherwood Park on Aug. 13 so it should be warm.

I’m going in with the U.S. postal worker motto in mind. Neither snow nor rain, nor heat, nor gloom of night will keep me from the swift completion of my appointed rounds. The Postal Service once sponsored a team in the Tour de France. Maybe Canada Post can mail me a weather forecast!

mold spots and had to be trashed.

Between the ridiculous cost of groceries, the rising number of Canadians relying on food banks, and

the overstuffed landfills, I think that sealed pack of yogurt that was forgotten in the back of the fridge until its ‘best before’ date at least deserves a sniff test.

STAFF WRITER GEOFF LEE

BORDER BANTER FROM PAGE 10

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

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

Passport to YLL

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

Bingo at the Moose

The Moose Lodge, located at 5213-57 Street, Lloydminster, hosts bingo nights every Monday and Wednesday. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and play starts at 7 p.m.

North Bend Musical Afternoon

North Bend Musical afternoon is held the second Sunday of each month except for August. Join us from 1-4 p.m. at the historic North Bend Hall, RR 3262 north of Hwy 3. Dancers and musicians are encouraged to join. Raffle tickets are available for our draw on July 9 for $1,000 worth of Diamond 7 Meat, a queen size quilt and a childsized gator.

Playschool Preregistration

Southridge Playschool & Kindergym has opened up their registration for the fall 2023-2024 classes. They offer one-day a week for three-yearolds and one or two days a week for four/ five-year-olds. They have also qualified for the Affordability Grant! For more information please call Mrs. P. at 780-872-9523.

Free Pancake Breakfast

To help kick off the Lloyd Ex Fair, the City of Lloydminster will once again be hosting a free pancake breakfast this morning at City Hall, 4420 50 Ave., from 7-10 a.m. Breakfast includes free pan -

cakes, sausage, beverages and activities.

Tom Cochrane

Live at the Lloyd Ex Canadian legend

Tom Cochrane and his band will be taking the stage at the Lloyd Ex Fair this Friday night. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. and the show is at 9 p.m. Tickets for the show are $45 and your ticket also gets you into the North American Chuckwagon Championship races that day.

Legacy’s Overnight Bus Trip

The Legacy Centre is taking an overnight bus trip to the Rosebud Theatre in Rosebud, Alta on July 18-19 to see The Sound Of Music. Deadline to sign up is July 10. The bus leaves Lloyd and heads to Camrose for shopping then an overnight in Stettler before the lunch and show the following day. Bus returns to Lloyd by 8:30 p.m. on July 19. Call the Legacy office at 780-875-4584 for more info.

Spades Tourney

The Legacy Centre is hosting a Spades tournament on July 20. Play begins at 10 a.m. and the cost to play is $10. Lunch is available for $12. Everyone welcome. Call the Legacy office at 780-875-4584 for more info.

PUBNIGHT at the Legacy

PUBNIGHT is July 20 at the Legacy Centre. Doors open and

dancin’ at 5 p.m., supper served at 6 p.m. then dance the evening away (band to be determined). Cost is $20/person at the door. All members and guests welcome. Call the Legacy office at 780-875-4584 for more info.

Cribbage Doubles Tourney

The Legacy Centre is hosting a Cribbage doubles tournament on July 27. Play begins at 10 a.m. and the cost to play is $10. Lunch is available for $12/person. Everyone welcome! Bring a partner and enjoy a day of competition around the card tables. Call the Legacy office at 780-875-4584 for more info.

Bus Trip to Roughriders Game

The Legacy Centre invites you to join them for a bus trip from Aug. 20-21 to Regina to watch the Saskatchewan Roughriders host the B.C. Lions. The bus leaves the Legacy Centre at 8:30 a.m. on Aug. 20 and the cost is $299 per person. The price includes bus transportation, hotel room and a ticket to the game (also Comp. breakfast). For all inquiries please call 780-875-4584. (Deadline to book is Aug. 10!)

- If you have something you’d like to see in our community calendar, please email it to taylor@meridiansoure.ca

Last Thursday morning when she was woken by a sound in our kitchen, she didn’t think she needed to protect herself for a couple of reasons.

Mainly, she felt safe, and she thought our patio door had been accidentally left unlocked and was blowing in the wind.

She didn’t feel the need to wake me because she thought it was simply the door.

She walked to the kitchen and stood by the light switch for a second and thought she could see the silhouette of a person standing by the patio door.

To her absolute horror, when she turned the light on there was in fact a person standing there.

Then came the screaming and her grabbing the closest thing she could find to throw at this person ... which ended up being a four-foot tower fan.

By the time the fan hit the floor, the man

was out the door and over the deck.

The RCMP were called and quickly arrived. After taking inventory and realizing nothing was taken, I discovered this person scaled our deck, took the screen off of our kitchen window (which unfortunately was opened past the lock, allowing the perp to slither his way inside), and proceeded to go through our cabinets.

He was also in such a hurry after Chels greeted him that he forgot his backpack on the deck.

This was collected by the constable who answered the call and was quickly handed over to the K9 unit.

Through our backroom window, Chels and I watched the dog do a few circles on the green space behind our unit before quickly bolting off into the darkness.

Not too long after 4 a.m., that same constable returned to our door to inform us the man had been caught and had admitted to com -

mitting the crime.

I could go on about this experience for pages, but Chelsey and I would both like to give a huge thanks to all the RCMP members involved that night, especially Const. O’Brien, who helped us both try to sleep a little that night after telling us they caught him.

Being new to this whole, break-andenter thing, Chels and I looked up penalties in Canada ... and they’re quite strict.

For good reason. My poor fiancé has barely slept since this experience and sees the silhouette of that man every time she closes her eyes.

So, thank you, sir, for traumatizing my better half and taking away her sense of security while at home. Looks like it might be time to get a dog!

Chels posted about the experience on What’s Happening In Lloydminster not long after it happened and I want to thank the numerous neighbours who reached out offer -

ing support. I never thought THAT would happen to me ... but it did ... and I still can’t believe this guy climbed through our window while we were sleeping.

Unfortunately, it’s a

dangerous world out there full of people capable of doing things unthinkable to most. We will get through this, but I implore you all to lock your windows at night ... and keep an eye out for

your neighbours. We’re all in this together. I guess only time will tell where this case goes in court, but in the meantime, I’m going to keep hoping this never happens to any of you.

Feeley feelin’ good for Finland Worlds

For Lucas Feeley, a world Taekwon-Do title has been the dream for quite some time, and he’s now one step closer to turning that dream into a reality.

Roughly two months ago, 18-year-old Feeley, who trains out of Torrent TKD, was mentally preparing to compete at the International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF) National Championships in Vernon, B.C.

Jump ahead to the present and Feeley is once again preparing for competition, but this time, for the ITF World Championships in Finland from Sept. 4-10.

After winning national gold in sparring and silver in specialty technique in Vernon, Feeley punched his ticket to a selection camp from June 9-11 with hopes of making the national team.

Things went well for Feeley during the selection camp and he

described the entire experience as something he’ll never forget.

“It was pretty surreal lining up with my Team Canada teammates for the first time,” he said.

With only 53 days until Finland, Feeley knows it’s time to give it his all in order to mentally and physically prepare to face the best Taekwon-Do athletes in the world.

“I know a lot of sacrifices have to be made because now I’m training at least two hours a day, six days per week, so I’m only getting one rest day per week,” he said.

“On that one day off I’m focusing on recovery, so sleep, we just got an ice bath, so I’m doing ice baths, I’m trying to do heat therapy as well, stretching twice a day; it’s just non-stop.

“This is now the number-one thing I’m focusing on. Everything I do I try to put second while thinking ‘is this going to benefit me to be a

World champion?’”

Feeley made three spots on Team Canada for Worlds in specialty technique, which is a high-kicking event, individual sparring, as well as team sparring, something his dad/ coach, Chris, is looking forward to seeing.

“Team sparring is a prestigious spot,” said Chris, who’s also the owner and lead instructor at Torrent TKD.

“Out of all the people fighting individually, there’s six selected for the team, so he’s one of those six.

“That’s the event where you’re really carrying the flag on your back for the team.”

Having been in his son’s shoes not long ago for Worlds in Germany, Chris said it’s important to shoot for the moon.

“You can’t control what other people will do, but preparing yourself the best you can and getting yourself in as good of shape as you can for the event is key,” he said.

“Objectively, I think he’s got a good chance, especially in the specialty kicking event, I think he’s got a very good chance at the podium there; he has a good chance in sparring as well.”

At Worlds, Feeley is looking forward to seeing how athletes from different countries

fight, what kicks they use the most, and how they punch. He also explained he doesn’t worry about the competition too much before a fight.

“I don’t like to look at the guys I’m going to be competing against and building them up in my head because they become a bigger problem than they actually are.”

Feeley also noted he’s excited to potentially trade his Team Canada dobox with international athletes after the competition is over, a long-standing tradition at ITF competitions.

“There’s guys on Team Canada with

dobox from Ireland, Ukraine, and Poland; it’s super cool and pretty prestigious to get a dobox from one of these countries where Taekwon-Do is the number-one sport. To bring it back home and wear it during team training is pretty awesome to see.”

For Chris and the entire team at Torrent TKD, having an athlete make Team Canada has been inspiring.

“This is huge. It’s been a huge boost in morale for the students already; it’s amped everyone up and gotten everyone excited to know it’s a possibility,” said Chris. “I’ve

talked about this with our students since they were young saying ‘hey, you guys are my future world champions.’”

The Feeleys, as well as Torrent TKD, would like to thank all of their sponsors for helping get Lucas to Finland.

Sponsors include The Sticks Billiard and Lounge, Noralta Technologies, Guest Controls, Cenovus, Home Hardware, Classic Oilfield Services, A&K New Life, the Rurka family, the Reineger family, the Samarin family, the Hunt family, The Tomayer family, the Proskurov family, and the McLean family.

Lucas Feeley, right, and his dad/coach, Chris, will be in Finland in September as Lucas competes at the ITF World Championships. Supplied Photo

Rowers make waves at Killarney

Lloydminster Rowing Club coach Shelby Lane is helping beginners take to rowing like a duck to water as she did years ago.

The high-performance rower, attached to the University of Saskatchewan, is heading up four-day camps at Killarney Lake, Sask., this summer to encourage newbies to give the sport a try.

“It’s good. We’ve had new rowers out every week,” said Lane at the lake last week.

“It’s good to get back to the basics from where I started; I started at the Lloyd rowing club.”

The trick with coaching she says is getting first-timers to come back by making it fun.

“That’s what I aim for,” said Lane, who teaches youth rowers and masters rowers age 23 and over Mondays

to Thursdays. “People come because they just like the water and they want to try a new sport, so I’m not pushing anything. I want them to have fun.”

That’s how 19-yearold Lloydminster teen Rayna Bender and 16-year-old Kade George from Marwayne described their initial experience under blue skies.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 17

Geoff Lee Meridian Source

Youth rower Kade George, left, in the coach boat, looks on after his individual lesson from Lloydminster Rowing Club coach Shelby Lane, seated in the back of a doubles boat instructing Rayna Bender last week at Killarney Lake, Sask.

GEOFF LEE WRITER

First-time rowers get high-performance training

FROM PAGE 16

“It’s amazing out here,” said George, who was looking for a new sport.

“I’ve tried just about every sport there is and not a lot has always clicked for me. I’ve always loved water and I thought rowing might be it,” he explained.

The teen will attend Grade 11 at Brentwood College School on Vancouver Island this fall. The boarding school has a rowing program, so he thought he would jumpstart his training with lessons from Lane.

“The best part is just being on the water,” said George.

Bender, who is studying education at Lakeland College, was loving her time learning to row after having to give up volleyball due to a bad head injury.

“This is a sport where I can’t hit my head, so I’m trying it out. I love it so far,” she said.

On day one, she and George rowed together just to try it out, with mixed results.

“We had our ups and down for sure, but it’s only the first day, so of course, we have plenty to work on but we’ll figure it out,” said George at the boathouse.

Each got a separate lesson paired with Lane on the second day as one of them looked on from the coach motorboat driven by Lane’s mom, Lana.

“It’ll be more oneon-one tonight and it’s

helpful for the other athlete to just watch and view from a distance,” she said in her volunteer role.

“It’s fun to see more youth from Lloydminster out and about, trying it.”

The lesson with Lane in the same boat as the rowers proved to be a benchmark for how well they progressed in 24 hours and what they needed to learn.

George called it a “reality check” with Lane anchoring the doubles boat and talking technique.

“I could definitely tell the difference in power and skill because every paddle of mine was completely mismatched and hers were next to perfect on time,” he said.

The youth says he now knows how much more he has to work on to get better, noting a lot of rowing is in your head.

“It’s a lot more focus and skill and timing, more than just physical. To me, it seems a lot more mental than physical,” added George.

Bender said it was pretty tough to get the hang of on the first day, but noted Lane was really helpful in teaching the basics.

“We learned how to set up the boat and actually get moving on the water,” she said.

It got a little easier for her on the second day with Lane seated behind her in the boat.

“With Shelby in there, it’s more stable; easy to practise your strokes. Even in two days, I’ve improved a lot I think. It’s fun,” said Bender.

George also gave a shoutout to Lane as a coach.

“I’ve played a lot of sports and I’ve seen a lot of coaches and she’s probably one of the better ones as far as I can tell,” he said.

The try rowing camp costs $50 and from there, it’s just $200 for the summer with lessons starting at 5:30 p.m. for beginners.

The rowing fleet includes seven singles, two doubles and three quads.

“It’s growing,” said coach Lane.

Geoff Lee Meridian Source

Rowing is a family affair for the Lanes. Lana Lane often volunteers to run this coach boat on the water at Killarney Lake while her daughter, Shelby, coach of the Lloydminster Rowing Club, gives lessons to youth and adults.

More people working in Sask than ever before

Province adds 3,300 jobs over last year, unemployment rate at 4.7 per cent

More people are working in the province than ever before with 604,700 currently working in Sask.

Regina and Saskatoon are also seeing record levels of employment at 148,300 and 198,800, respectively.

Newly released labour

force figures from Statistics Canada for June also show strong labour force growth in Saskatchewan with 3,300 new jobs when compared to June 2022, and 1,800 new jobs when compared to May 2023.

“Saskatchewan has seen more than two years of consistent job

growth and has asserted itself as a province of growth and opportunity, adding nearly 8,000 new jobs since the start of 2023 alone,” Minister of Immigration and Career Training Jeremy Harrison said.

“Our government is looking to the future as the province sees exceptional labour participation rates and con-

tinued private capital investments.”

The provincial seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 4.7 per cent ranked third among provinces, and below the national average of 5.4 per cent.

June 2023 saw alltime historical highs (aged 15 and over), with:

- Saskatchewan’s labour force reaching

623,200;

- Saskatchewan’s total employment reaching 604,700;

- Saskatchewan’s fulltime employment reaching 503,200;

- Regina’s employment reaching 148,300; and

- Saskatoon’s employment reaching 198,800.

Major year-over-year gains were reported for:

- Transportation and warehousing, up 5,000, representing an increase of 19.9 per cent;

- Business, building and other support services, up 3,300, representing an increase of 30.3 per cent, and;

- Professional, scientific and technical services, up 3,200, representing an increase of 10 per cent.

FULL-TIME JOURNEYMAN TECHNICIAN

Lloydminster Hyundai is looking to expand our growing shop. If you're a Journeyman Technician who enjoys a progressive shop with a great team - we're looking for you. For the right technician the potential in our shop is almost limitless. We have enough internal and customer work to keep you busy making as many flat-rate hours as you can produce.

What you can expect:

• Potential to make excellent flat-rate hours

• Guaranteed hours for your first year (for the right candidate)

• A great team and work environment

• Potential moving/sign-on bonus (for the right candidate)

• Benefits right away

What you'll bring to the table:

• Experience in diagnosing and maintaining all makes and models

• Your own tools

• A great attitude and willingness to learn and grow

• A journeyman certificate

For out-of-town candidates, Lloydminster is a great place to live for you and your family. With a population of 31,000 and a trading area of 130-150k Lloydminster is a regional service hub between Edmonton and Saskatoon. It's the small city with everything you need sitting right on the Border of Alberta and Saskatchewan.

Salary: $35.00 - $39.00 per hour

If you're interested in this position, please apply by email to trevas@lagauto.ca, by fax at 306-825-0708, or in person at Lloydminster Hyundai.

MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

I mostly specialize in agriculture properties these days, but friends, let me tell you, brokering land is not as easy as it once was.

In fact, it can be downright complex.

Approximately half of the productive grain and pastureland in Western Canada is owned by non-farming individuals, usually beneficiaries of an estate willed to them by now-deceased parents, grandparents, aunts, or uncles.

Now throw in the mix of long-held tensions between brothers and sisters, poor health, a need for funds for retirement or to help their own children financially, or simply knowing time waits for no one in this aging ownership group. Add a significant layer of guilt for being the generation who feels the need to divest itself of an asset held within the family for sixty, eighty, or a hundred years or more.

If it’s farm, it is family

Put in place a tenant desperate to retain his land base in a highly competitive marketplace, one who has made a decent return on the annual expenditure otherwise he wouldn’t have been renting it, but down deep thinks his stewardship should beget an unwritten privilege.

On the sidelines, watching closely, are the neighbours, cousins, or former school chums of the owners, all of whom can give you their reason for being the one the owner should choose to sell to, hopefully without being challenged in the open market.

Then a new player enters the fray. A farm family in expansion mode, frustrated by the limited opportunity to acquire land in their own district, decides to drive a stake in the ground in a new area in the hope it will be an advantageous strategic move allowing them to progressively acquire enough acres to make the long-distance venture worthwhile.

They don’t have pre-

existing relationships to leverage, so know they will need to use their chequebook to buy their way in.

Of course, this threat is met with dismay and protest by the locals.

I first saw the impact of this about a dozen years ago when I was asked by an out-ofprovince agri-business family to work with them in purchasing several thousand acres in NW Saskatchewan.

They had done an extensive amount of research on five or six regions of the province, but from their perspec -

tive, the Midwest was at that time the best bet. They weren’t casual in their perspective about it either, telling me “Your folks don’t know what they have”, meaning the combination of quality soil, stable weather, access to markets, and price point made this area a very good place to invest, at least in their opinion.

And they were right. Initially, the locals wouldn’t pay what these “outsiders” were willing to offer, and it took several years before we saw the neighbouring landowners take their hands

out of their pockets and step up with aggressive bids.

I guarantee you, if they had known then what we all know now, they would have jumped in a lot sooner.

It is said if you want to understand what will likely happen in the future, study the past.

The lesson here is if you want to grow your farm, then be prepared to compete with a widening circle of likeminded individuals.

As Mark Twain said, “Buy land, they are not making any more of it!”

Vern McClelland is

NOW HIRING FULL TIME VINYL GRAPHICS INSTALLER

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.

Are you a skilled vinyl graphics installer or eager to learn? We have an exciting opportunity available in the Lloydminster area! We are a dedicated team seeking a detail-oriented individual who takes pride in their workmanship. If you're passionate about perfect installs and want to be part of an energetic team, look no further!

JOB DESCRIPTION:

As a Vinyl Graphics Installer, you will be responsible for performing various types of graphics print installation. Whether it's wrapping vehicles or transforming spaces, your keen eye for detail and dedication to quality will shine through. While experience in vinyl wrapping is preferred, we are willing to provide training to individuals with the right attitude and a passion for the cra . Our aim is to achieve flawless installations that leave a lasting impression.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Certification or training is an asset but not required

• Product knowledge of the types of vinyl or willing to learn

• Must be able to li up to 50lbs

• Valid drivers license is preferred with a clean driving record

• Ability to work independently or with minimal supervision

• Able to problem solve or communicate any concerns, to ensure best quality work

• Effective time management is a MUST

• Monday to Friday, possibly some weekends

• Benefits & 3 weeks of holidays

Send resume to crystal@reidsigns.ca

Thank you for your interest and looking forward to hearing from you.

MIDWEST MINUTE VERN McCLELLAND

File Photo

BUYING LARGE AMOUNTS OF COINS & COIN COLLECTIONS!

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WANTED OLD ADVERTISING: Dealership signs, service station, gas pumps, globes, oil cans, Red Indian, White Rose, Buffalo, Husky, Ford, GM, Dodge, Tire signs, Coke, Pepsi, etc. Call 306-221-5908.

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Advertisements and statements contained herein are the sole responsibility of the persons or entities that post the advertisement, and the Saskatchewan Weekly Newspaper Association and membership do not make any warranty as to the accuracy, completeness, truthfulness, or reliability of such advertisements. For greater information on advertising conditions, please consult the Association’s Blanket Advertising Conditions on our website at www.swna.com.

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ROCKY MOUNTAIN EQUIPMENT IS HIRING: Parts Technicians, Service Managers, Agriculture & Heavy Equipment TechsJourneyman, Apprentices and Sales roles. View Open Roles www. rockymtn.com/careers. Possible Relocation and Signing Bonus Offered .

HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATORS & LABOURERS WANTED

For all heavy equipment: ie. dozers, excavators, scrapers etc. Camp/R & B provided. Competitive wages. Valid drivers license req’d. Send resume and work references to: Bryden Construction and Transport Co. Inc. Box 100, Arborfield, SK S0E 0A0; Fax: 306-769-8844 Email: brydenconstruct@ xplornet.ca www. brydenconstruction andtransport.ca

ALBERTA FEED GRAIN: Buying Oats, Barley, Wheat, Canola, Peas, Screenings, Mixed Grains. Dry, Wet, Heated, or Spring Thresh. Prompt Payment. In House Trucks, In House Excreta Cleaning. Vac Rental. 1-888-483-8789.

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NOMINATE YOUR VOLUNTEER CITIZEN OF THE YEAR. They could be chosen to have $5,000 donated to a cause of their choice. To submit your nomination, visit directenergy.ca/vcoy before July 15, 2023. Sponsored by Direct Energy, Direct Energy Regulated Services and the Alberta Weekly Newspapers Association.

LOOKING TO INVEST IN REAL ESTATE to accommodate the College/University

Student in your family?

•Edmonton •Red Deer •Calgary •Lethbridge.

Call/ Text/ Email Dan Rizzoli at Maxwell Devonshire Realty 780940-6508; drizzoli@ maxwellrealty.ca.

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LAND FOR SALE

FARMLAND WANTED

I am currently PURCHASING single to large blocks of land.

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saskfarms@shaw.ca

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PRIVATE MORTGAGE LENDER. All real estate types considered. No credit checks done. Deal direct with lender and get quick approval. Toll free 1-866-4051228 www.firstandsecondmortgages.ca.

FOR SALE: Successful, popular print publication with large, wellestablished western Canada readership. Small production team required. Ideal for owner-operators or integrating into existing print media operations. Serious inquiries only. Contact: erin@mbacpa.ca.

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