Meridian Source - July 15, 2021 by Meridian Source

Thursday, July 15, 2021

VOLUME 4 I ISSUE 3

MERIDIANSOURCE.CA

THUNDEROUS THOROUGHBREDS

Taylor Weaver Meridian Source

THE BOYS (AND GIRLS) ARE BACK IN TOWN! WPCA driver Chad Harden makes his way around the track at Halstead Downs on Monday night during North American Chuckwagon Championship action. Nightly chuckwagon action continues through until Monday at the Lloydminster Exhibition Grounds in conjunction with the Lloyd Ex Fair ‘21. The Fair wraps up on Saturday night with fireworks and plenty of fun for the whole family.

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Thursday, July 15, 2021

How new public health measures affect us at home MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

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As the City of Lloydminster follows other commu nit ies in Saskatchewan into Step 3 of the province’s ReOpening Road Map as of July 11, the following changes are in effect at the city’s municipal recreation facilities. Bioclean Aquatic Centre • Parents are not required to be in the water with their children for lessons Level Sea Otter to Level 2 • Children 8 and under must have an adult (15+) present in the water within arms reach • Swim times can be pre-booked online: ◦ Prepayment is

required - memberships can be used online ◦ Public swim and family swim bookings can be made two days in advance of desired swim time ◦ Refunds will not be granted if less than 24 hours notice is given ◦ Spots are limited online to leave room for drop-in users • Drop-ins are welcome on a first-come, first-served basis • Memberships will automatically reactivate upon return. Members who wish not to use the facility have until October 1, 2021, at which time all inactive memberships will be reactivated • For more informa-

tion, visit Lloydminster.ca/BAC Outdoor Pool • The tot pool will open – pre-booking not required • Children 8 and under must have an adult (15+) present in the water within arms reach • Swim times can be pre-booked online ◦ Prepayment is required - memberships can be used online ◦ Public swim and family swim bookings can be made two days in advance of desired swim time ◦ Refunds will not be granted if less than 24 hours notice is given ◦ Spots are limited online to leave room for drop-in users • Drop-ins are welcome on a first-come, first-served basis • For more information, visit Lloydminster.ca/ODP Servus Sports Centre • Pre-booking is no longer required for the field house drop-in programs, the fitness centre or the Agland Fitness Track. • Memberships will automatically reactivate upon return. Members who wish not to use the facility have until September 1, 2021, at which time all inactive memberships will be reactivated. Lloydminster Golf and Curling Centre • Tee time bookings can be made up to seven days in advance at LGCC.ca. Masking Included in Step 3 of the reopen plan is the removal of the province-wide masking mandate. Although masking requirements will no longer be required under the public health order in Step 3, some people may still wish to wear masks based on their own risk assessment and comfort level, depending on the circumstances

Thursday, July 15, 2021

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Lloyd cheers renewed health MOU File Photo GEOFF LEE

WRITER

.................................. The Alberta and Saskatchewan governments pledge to deliver regional health care services to residents within a 150-kilometre radius of the City of Lloydminster. The commitment comes with the renewal of a new memorandum of understanding (MOU) on July 12 to work together to plan and fund health care services in the city and surrounding area. The previous MOU expired in July 2019. The new agreement was signed by Alberta Health Minister Tyler Shandro and Saskatchewan Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, Seniors and Rural and Remote Health Everett Hindley. Paul Richer, volunteer chair of the Lloydminster Health Advisory Council board, shared the news with Rotary Club of Lloydminster members the

same day. “It’s a big deal that it happened,” said Richer, who advocates for equal health care services from both provinces. Earlier this year, he listed medical file sharing, mental health and addictions, Lloydminster hospital upgrades, and EMS ambulance and dialysis relocation among local health care priorities. Lloydminster Mayor, Gerald Aalbers, who took in the virtual signing, says the new bi-provincial MOU is a step in the right direction. “Enhanced collaboration between our provincial leaders is an important step in establishing more robust, dynamic healthcare options for the people of the Lloydminster region,” said Aalbers. “Our rare bi-provincial status often requires forward-thinking from government leaders in developing ‘made-for-Lloydminster’ solutions.” Central to the MOU is a commitment by both provinces to continue to work with the Bi-Provincial Health Services Committee to address issues of con-

cern to the community. “The continuing partnership between Saskatchewan and Alberta will provide the best possible health-care services for the residents of Lloydminster and the surrounding area,” said Lloydminster MLA, Colleen Young. “I look forward to the increased efforts both governments will make through this renewed agreement to increase and improve health services.” The cooperative approach in the region has, thus far, resulted in improved health information sharing, dual physician licensing, emergency medical service (EMS) improvement and standardization. The committee, which

includes senior health ministry, health authority and community representatives, continues to meet regularly. Garth Rowswell, MLA for Vermilion-Lloydminster-Wainwright, says the renewed MOU will advance Alberta’s ongoing collaboration with Saskatchewan to deliver optimal healthcare services to the residents in his constituency. “This also paves the way for new initiatives that will support an integrated approach to health services delivery,” said Rowswell. The committee will continue its collaborative work to strengthen health services in the region, including advancing infrastructure funding, mental health

investments, health information sharing

and dialysis expansion and relocation.

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Thursday, July 15, 2021

Advance to Go in Lloyd, collect $200

Supplied Photo

Hayes Miazga, left, his sister Jayce, middle and his older brother Kage have fun playing the Lloydminster-Opoly board game available only in Walmart in-store or online. GEOFF LEE

WRITER

.................................. With a roll of the dice, anyone in Lloydminster can buy the Servus Sports Centre for just $70 or all of 50 Ave. for only $250. These are some of the recognizable bargain properties up for grabs

in a new LloydminsterOpoly board game for players age eight and up. Canadian-owned and operated Outset Media has partnered with Walmart Canada to launch the limited-edition board game that celebrates great things

Lloydminster offers. “We’re up to almost 160 different communities across Canada. Lloydminster was part of a new batch that went out in the last week,” said Jean-Paul Teskey, senior vicepresident of Outset. “It’s just in stores

now.” T h e p a c k a g e d e s c r i b e s L l o y d m i nster-Opoly as “A Fun Game Celebrating Canada’s Border City.” It’s based on the bestselling game of Monopoly, with players buying Lloydminster properties and increasing their rents by collecting city blocks and trading them for keys to the city. Instead of landing in jail, LloydminsterOpoly can send you to a traffic jam. Parking fines and property taxes are part of the fun. The Chance square in Monopoly is replaced by Big Fun and Contingencies in the Lloyd version. Some of the familiar places and events to land on while rounding the board include The Canadian Brewhouse, Winterfest and Heri-

tage Day. “People love this idea because it is based on the best-selling game in history, Monopoly, but to play it with different streets and landmarks and places and festivals that people know and love, makes it very personal,” said Teskey. Teskey says a lot of people are stuck at home so much that want to play and do something that’s a little bit different. “I think it’s needed for people to just take a break from screens and socialize, even with people within your own home and have some fun,” he said. Teskey says he’s been in the games’ business for 30 years and says board games have stood the test of time and will continue to do so because people crave fun and social interaction. “ Wi th sc r e e ns ta k ing up more and more of our time, I think it’s inevitable that games night and games with family and or friends will just continue for a long time,” he said. Teskey says Outset began rolling out “opoly” versions for big cities like Toronto, Edmonton and Calgary, but found out smaller communities really embrace the idea as reflected in sales. “So our focus for the last year or so has been on smaller and mid-size communities across the country who really love the idea because it’s so unique, especially in games and toys to get something custom made these days,” he said. Outset is only producing 700 copies of

Lloydminster-Opoly in their first production run with a retail price of about $30 each. “We are very early on, but sales look strong,” said Teskey, who notes neither Walmart nor Outset see it as a big money maker given the high cost per unit. “This is just meant to be something fun celebrating communities that Walmart is in across Canada,” explained Teskey. He says Walmart pitched the idea to Outset so they partnered with them. “Walmart wants us to feature new towns each year, so we will definitely have Lloydminster through the end of this year, but after that, it will TBD (to be determined),” said Teskey. The game was developed and created by Outset with the OK of the inventors of Monopoly. “Parker Brothers have a deal with the people we manufacture with, so we can use the “opoly” in the name and the monopolystyle play from Parker Brothers,” explained Teskey. Outset is a privately held wholesale supplier and manufacturer of toys, games and puzzles based in Victoria and founded by company president, David Manga, in 1996. Their original game, called Canadian Trivia, features a lot of geography and history that helped them to research ideas for LloydminsterOpoly. “Another thing that helps a lot is just Google. We make sure everything’s all still relevant,” said Teskey.

Thursday, July 15, 2021

Pocketing the Ace of Hearts TAYLOR WEAVER

EDITOR

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It was straight to the bank for Jordan deGoede following last Friday’s Chase the Ace cheque presentation at the Lloydminster Agricultural Exhibition Association. The 34-year-old deGoede had been buying between six and eight tickets per week throughout most of the 46-week fundraiser and left the Ex $730,462 richer. This is the largest amount of money deGoede has ever won, and the news of his win came as a complete surprise as he watched the weekly livestream from camp in Jansen Sask., where he works as a welder. “I didn’t know what to think, and didn’t think it was true,” he said to media last Friday. “I had been playing for about two or three months now. It finally paid off.”

Taylor Weaver Meridian Source

Lloyd Ex finance manager, Stacy Cadzow, substitute dealer and chairman of the Chase the Ace committee, Ray Foy, Chase the Ace winner Jordan deGoede and proxy John Blair were grinning ear to ear as they presented deGoede with a cheque for $730,462 last Friday at the Ex.

So, what does the almost-millionaire plan on doing with his winnings? “Pay off debt, maybe get some new golf clubs, take the summer off work and just enjoy, pay off my truck and invest in the future,” he said. “I did quit my job and then I told them I’d come back at the end of summer, (but) just take it easy. Go do some camping, spend some time at the lake, golf.” John Blair, who was the proxy to pull the Ace of Hearts, said

there was no doubt the winning card was being drawn that night. “I knew I was going to draw it; I just knew it,” he said. “It took me all week to concentrate on it. Any time my mind was idle I was thinking, Ace of Hearts, Ace of Hearts, Ace of Hearts. “On the way home from work on Wednesday night, I said it’s gotta be left of centre, so when they spread the cards all out, I looked up at the ace of hearts on the board, and pulled it out.”

Substitute dealer and Chase the Ace chair, Ray Foy, said the emotions in the room were overwhelming when the winning card was drawn. “With only seven cards remaining we knew it had to come out one of these days, and sure enough it did,” he said. “The Ex is all about community and family, so it was nice to see all of the support, and I’d like to thank all of the volunteers that helped us.”

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Thursday, July 15, 2021

RM presents four scholarships

GEOFF LEE

WRITER

.................................. The RM of Wilton has presented its 2021 scholarships to four area high school graduates moving on to postsecondary education in the fall. Students Emma McLauchlan, Tillie Jones, Samantha Kenyon, Brant Stephen each received a $1,000 scholarship earlier this month. “Education is a key foundation to success and one that the Council wanted to be able to assist with its local residents,” said the RM in an email. “The costs of educa-

tion have continued to increase and supporting the future leaders of our communities is of great benefit.” Each year, the Council awards a total of four $1,000 scholarships to graduating students that live within the municipality, divided between the school divisions attended. Applicants are evaluated and scored on industry of choice, financial need, academic achievement and community citizenship with the prioritized weighting on industry and how it will give back locally along with community citizenship.

Supplied Photo

RM of Wilton officials Reeve Dow (far left) and CAO Darren Elder (far right) are pictured with this year’s RM scholarship recipients. (L-R) – Emma McLauchlan, Tillie Jones, Samantha Kenyon, Brant Stephens).

GPC accepts new recreation facility site selection and procurement update MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

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During Monday’s Governance and Priorities meeting, the committee accepted information regarding the

potential site selection for a new recreation facility to replace the Centennial Civic Centre, and to provide an update regarding the procurement of an

architecture consultant for the detailed design services of the new facility. The committee also requested the item be brought forward to a

future regular meeting of council for decision. During the Nov. 26, 2018, Governance and Priorities Committee meeting, Administration notified the Committee that a high-level review of City-owned community facilities was underway. Internal and external reviews were conducted to evaluate economic and operational

feasibility, identify, and address any operating constraints, and ensure capital investments were serving the community at the highest priority level. The internal reviews were performed by the City of Lloydminster Building Committee, comprised of City staff. The external reviews were performed by ACI Architects Inc. and

Read Jones Christoffersen Engineers, who released the City of Lloydminster Recre ation Facilities Analysis and Plant Assessment Report on August 12, 2019. The resulting City Community Facilities 2019 Building Report was presented to Council on Oct. 28, 2019. CONTINUED ON PAGE 7

Thursday, July 15, 2021

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Fire ban issued for all of Saskatchewan

ditions and an extreme fire risk that covers most of the prov-

ince, the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA) has issued a

provincial fire ban for Crown lands, provincial parks and the Northern Saskatchewan Administration District, effective immediately. The fire ban includes any open fires, controlled burns and fireworks. Many municipalities already have fire bans in place. The SPSA encourages all municipalities to examine the fire risk in their area.

Recreation Facilities Feasibility Study was approved by Council at the Oct. 26, 2020, Regular Council Meeting. Gibbs Gage Architects recommended the City prioritize the construction of a new event arena to replace the Centennial Civic Centre due to its condition and limited life expectancy. The recommended

site is on the east end of the City (Saskatchewan side), east of 40 Ave., between 36 St. and 41 St., directly south of the Casino. This site was selected for recommendation and validation based on discussions with Council, recommendations and public feedback from the Feasibility Study, and internal site prioritization.

A Request for Proposal (RFP) package was issued on May 18, to procure an Architectural Services Consultant to create a detailed design of a new event arena and perform a site validation of the east end location. The package was issued and posted on the City’s Bids and Tenders website.

File Photo MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

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Due to hot, dry con-

FROM PAGE 6

From November 2019 to July 2020, Gibbs Gage Architects and City Administration conducted a Feasibility Study to determine the future of arenas and aquatic facilities in the City of Lloydminster; specifically the future of the Centennial Civic Centre (CCC). The Lloydminster

“We know that this is a popular weekend for camping and outdoor activities, but due to the extreme conditions across the province, implementing a fire ban was a necessary decision,” said SPSA Vice-President of Operations Steve Roberts. There are currently 18 wildfires burning in the province. To date, Saskatche-

wan has had 202 wildfires, which is slightly over the five-year average of 195. Anyone who spots a wildfire can call 1-800667-9660, dial 9-1-1 or c o nta c t th e i r c l o se st SPSA Forest Protection Area office. People can find the latest fire risk maps and municipal fire ban map at www.saskatchewan.ca/fire.

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MERIDIAN SOURCE

Made in Alberta, by Albertans food products. Food and beverage processing is one of the largest employers in our province’s manufacturing sector, with about 28,000 workers and record food manufacturing sales of $15.5 billion last year. In Alberta, local food

Flickr Photo

Agriculture and Forestry Minister, Devin Dreeshen, introduces the new Made in Alberta, by Albertans label at the Millarville Farmers’ Market. MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

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Alberta’s government is supporting our province’s economic recovery by helping farmers sell and market their products. Agriculture and Forestry has developed a new Made in Alberta, by Albertans label that farmers and processors can use on their products. The label will help shoppers quickly iden-

tify food made in the province when choosing an item at their local farmers’ market or grocery store. Watch for the Made in Alberta, by Albertans label on Alberta products in the future. “Alberta is known as a place that produces safe, high-quality food,” said Devin Dreeshen, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry. “These days, people want to know where

their food comes from, and this will make it a lot easier for them to choose food from Alberta. When you buy Alberta food, you are supporting another Alberta family. It keeps money in your community and in our province.” Consultations with farmers, processors and consumers will be held this summer to finalize the proposed label and prepare rules for its use on different types of

sales in direct-to-consumer channels (farmers’ markets and farm retail) have more than doubled since 2008 and exceeded $1.2 billion last year. In 2020-21, Agriculture and Forestry is supporting Open Farm Days through a

$100,000 grant to the Alberta Association of Agricultural Societies to manage the event. In 2020-21, the Alberta Farm Fresh Producers received an $81,000 Canadian Agricultural Partnership grant to support an online local food directory.

PAGE 10 Thursday, July 15, 2021 MERIDIAN SOURCE

5921-50 Avenue, Lloydminster, SK S9V 2A4 Phone: 306-825-5111 Toll Free: 1-800-327-3899 Fax: 306-825-5147 meridiansource.ca Mail: Box 2454, Lloydminster, SK S9V 1W5 Hours: 8AM to 5PM Monday to Friday THE MERIDIAN SOURCE is published once a week, on Thursday. All material printed in the Meridian Source is copyright and may not be copied or reproduced without the express permission of the publisher. The Meridian Source reserves the right to refuse publication of any advertising or editorial material at its discretion. Columns and letters are the expressed view of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Meridian Source.

Editor Taylor Weaver taylor@meridiansource.ca

Staff Writer Geoff Lee geoff@meridiansource.ca

Marketing Manager Deanna Wandler deanna@meridiansource.ca

Marketing Consultant Ashley Miazga ashley@meridiansource.ca

Publisher: Reid Keebaugh Production Manager: Amanda Richard CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING admin@meridiansource.ca NEWSPAPER DELIVERY If you’ve missed a paper, to start or stop delivery, or for carrier applications, please call 306-825-5111 for information. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR We welcome letters to the editor. Letters should be 500 words or less. A name and daytime phone number is required for verification. Priority will be given to letters exclusively written for the Meridian Source. We reserve the right to edit letters for clarity, brevity, spelling, grammar, punctuation and libel. Unsigned letters will not be published. Use of pseudonyms will only be allowed in special circumstances, at the discretion of the editor and the publisher, and only if the author’s identity is known to the editor. Publication of a letter does not imply endorsement by the Meridian Source. Send to taylor@meridiansource.ca

Viewpoint Letter to the editor Is Canada broken? JOSE PICARO SPECIAL TO THE MERIDIAN SOURCE

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Articles have been written about whether Canada is broken. The simple answer to this is yes. Canada is broken in many ways – not only in its institutions but in the structure of the government as well. Examples of this can be seen in many aspects of Canadian life. Our institutions, The Indian Act, the health care program, and the equalization program are just a few of the glaring examples of Canada being broken. In our governing system the inequalities between various regions have never been addressed. Canada was designed as a confederation with a parliamentary system to balance the powers of Upper and Lower Canada with little regard to other areas, particularly the west. It is badly in need of a redesign. One hundred and fifty odd years ago our forefathers had a dream to unite the northern part of the North American continent into a country that extolled all the ideals of a democracy. Unfortunately, it was based on the European ideal of colonialism. In its rush to break the chains of British imperialism our forefathers copied the model set up by the same colonial governance they were trying to abolish. At the time there was Upper and Lower Canada. This is today’s Ontario and Quebec or what is referred to as central Canada. In order to unite the vast land mass that would one day become Canada a colonial/ hinterland system was established. Western Canada would be colonized by central Canada and a nation would be formed. Today, little has changed. The

country is governed by the centralist elite of the two power provinces and will continue that way as that is the way it was designed. The residents of western Canada must acknowledge that they are the colonists of central Canada and form an alliance among all the western provinces to address this central government imperialism. Much in the same way as Quebec and the Indigenous populations formed their own nations within a nation, western Canada must do the same. Only in this way will the west be able to participate in a “confederation.” A federal political party must be established that represents western concerns. If the Bloc Québécois can be designated as a federal party certainly a “Western Block” can and should be created. The West Party could use methods similar to those used by the Bloc Québécois but not necessarily its political ideology. With the establishment of its own judicial system including police force, tax collection system, heath care system, etc., Western Canada would then become a nation within a nation. Federal elections in Quebec have become almost meaningless as Quebec is going to do things their way regardless. It has taken Quebec over a half of century to get to where they are today and it has not always been an easy adventure but now we can see that it was a successful adventure. If Western Canada is going to survive it must follow the principles set out by Quebec and break the imperialist colonial chains of central Canada. First Nations are demanding to be seen as equal members in the confederation of Canada. This is long overdue, but one

can clearly see that they have been paying attention to what Quebec has accomplished. Their journey has just begun but already they have shown they are a force to be reckoned with. Western Canada must follow suit. It is early but it can easily be shown that a coalition between the First Nations and the “Western Block” could become a powerful force to be recognized on the federal stage. The next election and all future elections will be meaningless if western Canadians continue to vote for the same old stale political parties. It is certain that the Liberals won’t do anything good for the west. It has never been in their interest and with their present leader it is not now. The same can be said for the Conservatives, NDP, Green, PQ or any other federal party. To make your vote count it is not necessary to vote for one of the established parties. Over 150 years of history has shown how ineffective that has been. In the last election the west voted as a block. Not a single Liberal was elected in Alberta or Saskatchewan. In the next election it is time to send a clear message that western Canada demands its status as a nation -- not necessarily a sovereign nation but a nation within a nation. Only in this way will western Canada receive any benefits of being part of the confederation of Canada and show that Canada is not broken. It was designed that way as a confederation of nations within nations. Now is the time for a true redesign. Jose Picaro is a freelance journalist and a contributor to the Gringo Gazette, the Source’s sister paper in Cabo San Lucas.

Live table poker tournament fundraiser 2017

Furbabies Lloydminster is hosting a live poker tournament fundraiser on July 18. Entry is $80 with a max of two rebuys and

there will be payouts for first, second and third place finishers. There will also be a $20 house fee. Food and drinks are

provided. For more information please contact lloydpokerclub@ gmail.com or call 780214-9171. Proceeds from the

tournament go towards operating costs at Furbabies Forever Home. Please register by 2 p.m. on Sunday for tournament location.

PAGE 11 Thursday, July 15, 2021 MERIDIAN SOURCE

Opinion

Leeway from Lloyd: Celebrating freedom from masks STAFF WRITER GEOFF LEE

It’s great to finally celebrate the end of mask-wearing this week in Lloydminster. It seemed like it went on far too long, especially for people who had their second vaccinations. Oddly, several fast-food chain outlets and some other places of employment still require their employees to wear masks as a workplace policy. Since customers don’t have to, it seems out of sync. Sure, some health experts say you can still transmit or contract the virus after two vaccinations, but the odds of winning the lottery are probably better. I just bought a lottery ticket, hoping to prove my point.

The lifting of masks should also help to get government authorities out of our hair and restore a sense of personal freedom. Governments jumped at the chance to restrict freedoms the moment COVID19 struck, similar to all the endless rules and security measures imposed on travellers in the aftermath of 9-11. It looks like voters will get a chance to send the feds a message if Trudeau does call an election soon. If he does, there could be a lot of pent-up anger, especially in the west that could backfire for the Trudeau Liberals. Taxes, not freedoms, will likely be the number-one issue, given the feds put the country way into debt by spending billions of dollars to act like the almighty ruler of us, all during COVID-19.

Some of the business and wage subsidies were much welcomed, but now we have to pay for all these extravagant costs too. As for the loss of freedoms, maybe we need a mask museum to remind us of the limitations governments put on our lives in terms of movement, business closures and family gatherings etc. Let’s hope someone also addresses how to recycle or reuse the millions of masks people have used or discarded over the past year, so they don’t end up in landfills. Maybe some creative types will use a ton of them to make recyclable statues of disliked politicians that can be easily toppled to remind them the electorate still runs the show. Can’t wait to vote and exercise my democratic right.

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Thursday, July 15, 2021

How much wood …?

PRAIRIE WOOL HELEN ROW TOEWS

How much wood would a woodchuck chuck, if a woodchuck could chuck wood? Under my breath, I recited this old children’s tongue-twister as I rumbled along a dusty dirt road this week. I drove my uncle Don’s old half-ton with a heavy load of timber. Now that he’s passed away, my aunt needs more help than ever to get in enough firewood for the icy winter ahead. Could I have chosen a hotter few days to do it? Probably not. Standing in a shady glade of rustling poplars to take a break was restful though. And listening to the eerie cries of a hawk wheeling overhead was lovely. Even the overpow ering scent of flower-

ing canola was nice and served to take my attention off the sweat that rolled from my forehead and trickled down between my shoulder blades. I WAS BOILING! I wasn’t alone though. My cousin Chad “bucked” up the dead trees (a term meaning to fell and cut up a tree that I’d never heard before) and I loaded the logs into our two trucks to haul back to the house. I’ve always said that I enjoy a little mindless, manual labour, but hucking 40 lb logs when the temperature rises above plus 30 is a fool’s game. I collapsed beside the truck, struggling to catch my breath and calm my beating heart. After gathering the strength to lift a jug of water to my parched lips, I paused to check my pulse on my stupid

smart-watch (an oxymoron if ever I’ve used one) thinking it would be abnormally high. That can’t be right, I thought dazedly—73 beats per minute? That’s nothing! But my heart felt like I’d just been chased up Mount Everest by a bear. Alternatively, as I’d driven to work in the crisp morning air, a soft breeze ruffling my hair and a smile playing about my lips, this same watch had suddenly leapt to life. CAUTION it advised with flashing blue letters and a fierce buzzing on my arm. “Your heart rate is dangerously high!” Now I ask you, what sense does that make? Heaving myself up, I forgot about stupid watches and their cryptic, threatening messages as I scrambled behind the wheel and eased the loaded truck

File Photo up a steep ditch. It had taken two hours to load both vehicles high with cut wood. Naturally, something had to go wrong. BANG! RUMBLE! Reaching level ground, I threw the truck out of gear, applied the brake, and rushed to see what had happened. Great. The end gate had jiggled loose as I climbed the grade, fallen open,

and 70 per cent of the wood had tumbled back down the hill. Yay, I got to load it twice. Wearily tossing the bloody logs back into the truck, I realized how important it is to keep the right attitude during trying times. There’s usually a l w ay s so me th i ng to be thankful for. In this case, several things spring to mind.

Firstly, I got to spend time with Chad and Esther. Second, with any luck, I’ll become fitter. And third, and most importantly, my dear aunt and friend, Esther, will be warm and toasty this winter when the thermometer reaches -46°C. But seriously, how much wood do we need? I’m beat.

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Food for thought

MIDWEST MINUTE VERN McCLELLAND

Midwest communities are gradually digging their way out of a six-year plus economic recession but are still considerably behind the larger centers in both provinces. Our local region has depended on oil production activity for over 50 years, and it is proving difficult to shift gears into other enterprises. When the jobs disappeared, so did the people who had been in them, consequently, housing supply exceeded demand. Thankfully, the local agriculture scene is strong, both on the grain and livestock side. I have said it before in this column, the region needs to build

from its strengths, and one of them is the stability of the region’s family farms. W hy are w e seei ng canola crushing capacity being increased in southern and eastern Saskatchewan when we have thousands of acres of crop here that could be processed locally? How come we send our young cattle to south-central Alberta to be finished, when we have both the supply and feedstuffs locally? For example, the ethanol plant located next to the Lloydminster upgrader sends distiller dried grains, extracted from local wheat, south to Lethbridge-area feedlots by the semi-load. The crushed meal from the ADM canola plant also leaves the area by the trainload to be utilized by both national and international customers. The local livestock

sales facility is one of the busiest in western Canada, channelling cattle from north and east cow/calf producers to almost anywhere but here. Is it the lack of capital to create a value-added enterprise or an aversion to risk which stalls us out? Honestly, I can’t see it being an unwillingness to gamble, as several generations of entrepreneurs have made their mark here, but once again, most were serving the oil industry. For example, if I were to say to you that it is possible to get a 7.5 per cent return on commercial real estate housing from a strong agricultural service provider would you put your money on the table? Or would you prefer to buy into more condominium development in Kelowna and

File Photo Nanaimo for ex-pat Vancouverites? Possibly, it could be that success in the food product industry takes vision and a sustained multi-year commitment. If the pandemic should have taught us anything, it’s food security needs to be para-

mount in our society’s future planning. Or do you feel comfortable counting on trucks from California and Mexico, or refrigerated sea containers packed in Central and South America, to meet your needs at the grocery store? Something to think

about. 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.

Thursday, July 15, 2021

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Gasoline alley of the past MY LLOYDMINSTER SANDRA L. BROWN

Pioneers experienced a different measure of horsepower as motorized vehicles made their appearance. These stylish works of art, powered by gasoline rather than by animals, are now relics of the past with many restored to their former glory. They deserve to be admired and driven. Their speeds aren’t earth-shattering compared to today’s automobiles, but in the early days, they provi ded a n ove l m e a ns of transportation and entertainment both on and off the trail. As automotive technology improved, so did the degree of horsepower. Trips to the annual Edmonton Exhibition resulted in area folks

purchasing various items. In 1916, H. R. Miller of Kitscoty came home with the best pony he could buy and the following year he came home with a brand-new car. This Baby Grand Chevrolet was said to be the only car of its kind north of Calgary and the only one at the exhibition. Leaving Edmonton by way of Tofield, Ryley and back through Vegreville, he drove an average of 25 miles an hour despite the rough conditions of some of the Prairie roads. Weighing 2,200 pounds, this beauty of a car came with all the bells and whistles offered in 1917. Interestingly, in 1914, the electric starter and front bumper were an option. With dials to display its speed, oil and ignition system this 35

hp luxury vehicle only “needs a roping system to catch steers.” The Baby Grand was priced to compete with the affordable Ford Model T. The Chevrolet Motor Company was co-founded in 1911 by Louis Chevrolet, a race car driver and designer; and William C. Durant, a former carriage maker and ousted founder of General Motors. Championship auto races took place on the opening day of the North Battleford Exhibition in August. The prize money was about $2,000 and “eight of the most noted drivers will be on hand with their record-holding creations.” Names such as Fred Horey with four world records and George ‘Texas’ Clark who not only held four world marks but also several Canadian points. Drivers from Detroit, Texas, Minnesota, Boston and

File Photo Ohio were also entered. Ben Giroux, who had raced in Russia and France prior to the war, was a French driver with international success. This must have been quite an exciting event for automobile race enthusiasts. The largest crowd in the history of the North Battleford Fair was expected on open-

ing day. The drivers were competing in Regina and then Saskatoon before having their cars shipped by rail to North Battleford. A crew of locals worked on the dirt track for a week to get it into shape. The oval track with its long wide stretches enabled the drivers to push their carefully

engineered cars to their limit. Safety measures were in place to prevent accidents on the track. The concept of a horseless carriage not powered by horses or oxen was initially received with mixed reactions. Perhaps it’s a similar feeling which folks feel about the current selfdriving or driverless automobile innovation?

PAGE 16 Thursday, July 15, 2021 MERIDIAN SOURCE

Agriculture

Last week in the field: Sask crop report MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

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With very little recent rainfall and a long stretch of hot temperatures, crops are rapidly advancing across the province. Twenty-seven per cent of fall cereals are in the dough maturity stage while 40 per cent of spring cereals are in the heading stage. Sixty per cent of canola and mustard are flowering and 38 per cent of pulse crops are in the podding stage. The continued lack of moisture combined with hot temperatures last week caused significant damage to many crops. Yield potential and crop quality will be impacted in many regions. Crops are stunted, thin, yellowing in colour and are prematurely drying down in many areas of the province

due to the heat stress and lack of moisture. Significant rainfall is needed soon to allow crops to properly fill and avoid irreparable crop damage. Topsoil moisture levels across the province have continued to deteriorate due to the extended period of hot, dry and windy weather. Cropland topsoil moisture is currently rated as zero per cent surplus, 18 per cent adequate, 51 per cent short and 31 per cent very short. Hay and pasture land topsoil moisture is rated as zero per cent surplus, 13 per cent adequate, 44 per cent short and 43 per cent very short. Rainfall last week ranged from nil to 21 mm in the Wynyard, Rosetown and Porcupine Plain areas.

Much of the province did not receive any rainfall, or received very small amounts that will not make a difference to topsoil moisture levels. Despite the lack of growth on hay land, livestock producers continue with haying operations. Twenty-two per cent of hay crop is cut, while 14 per cent has been baled or put into silage. Hay quality is currently rated as six per cent excellent, 50 per cent good, 32 per cent fair and 12 per cent poor. Estimated yields so far are considerably lower than anticipated, with many producers indicating a second cut will not happen this year. Pasture conditions continue to decline with the recent hot temperatures and are now rated

File Photo as one per cent excellent, 11 per cent good, 32 per cent fair, 38 per cent poor and 18 per cent very poor. Crop damage this past week is attributed to the extremely dry soil conditions, hot temperatures, strong winds and feeding from gophers and grasshoppers. Some producers

have begun to spray for grasshoppers in pulse crops and hay stands. Farmers are busy applying fungicides if warranted, moving cattle to market, scouting for pests, fixing equipment and hoping for rain. We would like to remind producers the Farm Stress Line is

available for support if you need it. The Farm Stress Line is a confidential service, available 24-hoursa-day, seven-daysa-week, toll-free at 1-800-667-4442. Calls are answered by Mobile Crisis Services Regina, a non-profit, community-based agency and there is no call display.

Farm Stewardship Program supports cow-calf producers in protecting surface water MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

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On Tuesday, the governments of Canada and Saskatchewan announced a new beneficial management practice (BMP) for cow-calf producers under the Farm Stewardship Program. Eligible beef cow-calf producers can now access cost shared funding of up to 75 per cent of project costs, to a max-

imum payment of $15,000, for the development of preventative run-off control measures. “I feel for the many Saskatchewan producers dealing with moderate to extreme drought conditions across much of the province this year,” said Canada’s Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Marie-Claude Bibeau. “Together with our provincial counterparts, we are

working to build a sustainable future for our farm families, because we know farmers are on the front lines of climate change. Producers can now access this program which will help them to protect their valuable water sources and support their adoption of sustainable management practices.” Eligible projects include; holding or retention ponds

for collecting run-off, ditches, berms or dykes and earthwork or pen regrading to achieve proper run-off. “As stewards of the land, producers take their responsibility to protect water sources seriously,” said Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister David Marit. “This program will provide additional funding for Saskatchewan cow-calf pro-

ducers and assist them with making improvements to their operations.” The Farm Stewardship Program provides Saskatchewan producers funding to implement BMPs in three priority areas - water quality, climate change and biodiversity. The new BMP will encourage beef producers to implement surface water protection on cow-calf operations.

PAGE 17 Thursday, July 15, 2021 MERIDIAN SOURCE

Sports

Indian Relay a sport for the brave

TAYLOR WEAVER

EDITOR

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Indian Relay Racing has been described as the most exciting sport you’ve ever seen, and Border City residents got the chance to witness the action firsthand during the first three days of the North American Chuckwagon Championships (NACC). The NACC, a nineday chuckwagon event held at Halstead Downs, kicked off Sunday with nine heats of chuckwagon racing, but it was the Indian Relay Racing that followed that stole the show. Indian Relay is a sport with three thoroughbreds horses. Each team races around the track once, bareback, and comes in for an e x ch a n g e , w h e r e t h e rider jumps off of one horse and onto another horse, and there are two exchanges in each race. “It’s a growing sport. It’s just exploding,” said Vern “Stick” Antoine, president of the Elite Indian Relay Association (EIRA). “I used to do wagons for 10 years with Ray Mitsuing and was his assistant driver. After he retired I went to Indian Relay and founded a new association this year. “The EIRA is based out of Poundmaker Cree Nation, the Indian Relay

capital of Canada. We host lots of events there such as Indian Relay, wagon racing, fun runs, events like that.” Indian Relay has been featured at the Calgary Stampede as a demonstration sport, but with the races in the Border City being run under the EIRA, they were sanctioned races and the points counted. “We run from May until October and our season is booked solid. Every weekend we’re on the road to a different community.” The Indian Relay races at Halstead Downs kicked off with a traditional parade, which welcomes all competitors and their horses onto the track. The Indian Relay prayer is then recited and it’s off to the races.

“It’s awesome that we get to share this part of our culture with people. Indian Relay is just exploding.” “The sport goes back probably 125 years. It picked up in the States and now it’s coming back to Canada.” Taylor Weaver Meridian Source Indian Relay races wowed the crowd during the first three days of North American Chuckwagon Championship action at Halstead Downs.

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Thursday, July 15, 2021

NACC packs Halstead Downs

Taylor Weaver Meridian Source

CPCA driver, BJ Carey, comes flying out of the barrels in the final heat of night-two of North American Chuckwagon Championship action at Halstead Downs on Monday. Carey was also Monday’s $5,000 dash winner. TAYLOR WEAVER

EDITOR

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After missing out on last year’s chuckwagon racing season, it’s no wonder everyone attending and competing in the North American Chuckwagon Championships can’t stop smiling. Racing kicked off Sunday night with nine heats of chuckwagon action and featured drivers and outriders from the Canadian Professional Chuckwagon Association (CPCA) and the World Professional Chuckwagon Association (WPCA). The CPCA is also presenting a $100,000 Dash and an aggregate truck winner after day eight. The final four days of racing are also being held in partnership with the

Lloyd Ex Fair ‘21, which kicked off yesterday with the fair’s annual parade. There may not be a Midway at this year’s fair, but there will still be lots of fun to be had. Make sure to check next week’s Source for race results.

Taylor Weaver Meridian Source

WPCA driver Darcy Flad makes his way around Halstead Downs at the Lloyd Ex on Monday night during NACC action.

PAGE 19 Thursday, July 15, 2021 MERIDIAN SOURCE

Careers

Lakeland offers new animal tech program MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

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Students interested in a rewarding career as a registered veterinary technologist will have more options this fall to pursue their goals with Lakeland College.

“

Our blended AHT students will participate in full-time, online learning and put theory into action in our state-ofthe-art Animal Health Clinic.

Lakeland’s School of Agricultural Sciences is expanding its animal health technology (AHT) program to include a blended delivery model that enables students to complete their lectures online and their labs on campus. Starting this October, blended AHT students will participate in lectures and non-lab course work online. They will practice their practical skills in Lakeland’s Animal Health Clinic at the Vermilion campus, completing five comprehensive lab residencies and two practicums during the twoyear program.

“With the support of our advisory committee, we created a blended AHT option to help meet the need for qualified veterinary technologists within the animal health industry. Our blended AHT students will participate in full-time, online learning and put theory into action in our state-ofthe-art Animal Health Clinic,” said Geoff Brown, dean of agricultural sciences and environmental sciences. “We’re excited to provide a second program option for students who’re eager to provide life-saving care in the veterinary field.” According to the Government of Alberta, there is a veterinary technologist shortage in the province. In the last two years, 75 per cent of employers recruited for veterinary technologist positions (alis.alberta.ca). Taught by experienced veterinarians and vet tech professionals, blended AHT students will complete their online lectures and assignments, exams and classroom discussions through a virtual learning management system. They’ll complete oncampus labs in Lakeland’s 14,531 sq. ft. Animal Health Clinic, which includes prac-

tical teaching spaces, a modern surgical suite, exam and treatment rooms, equine treatment area, bovine handling system and

the latest equipment used by veterinary clinics. Application for Lakeland’s blended AHT program is open.

Learn more about the blended AHT program at the Live with Lakeland: Blended AHT webinar on July 19. Lakeland also offers

an in-person, on-campus AHT program option that starts in September, however, it is waitlisted at this time.

PAGE 20 Thursday, July 15, 2021 MERIDIAN SOURCE 306-825-5111 admin@meridiansource.ca

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

AUCTIONS

1A TRUCK DRIVERS REQUIRED:

AUCTIONS are our business! Contact Copeland Auctions Ltd. located in Lloydminster, AB for all your auction needs. Call Russ 780-870-1181 or visit our website: www.copelandauctions.co m

Late model winch trucks and trailers; dump trucks and pups. Hauling heavy equipment, gravel, and camp shacks. Wage negotiable. Clean drivers abstract a must. Send resume and work references to: Bryden Construction Box 100, Arborfield, Sk. S0E 0A0; Fax: 306-769-8844 Email: brydenconstruct@ xplornet.ca www. brydenconstruction andtransport.ca

SERVICES

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FARMLAND WANTED I am currenlty PURCHASING single to large blocks of land. NO FEES OR COMMISISONS Saskatchewan born and raised, I know land, farming and farmland and can help you every step of the way. Doug Rue, for further information 306-716-2671 saskfarms@shaw.ca www.sellyourfarm land.com

HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATORS REQUIRED: motor scrapers, dozers, excavators, graders, rock trucks. Lots of work all season. Camp job; R & B provided. Competitive wages. Valid drivers license req’d. Send resume and work references to: Bryden Construction Box 100, Arborfield, Sk. S0E 0A0; Fax: 306-769-8844 Email: brydenconstruct@ xplornet.ca www. brydenconstruction andtransport.ca

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AGRICULTURE

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Thursday, July 15, 2021

Church Directory

Business Directory NO MORE WEEDS! Lawn spraying, tree spraying, oilfield and commercial spraying Tregan Contracting Ltd. Allen Thor 780-214-9705

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Thursday, July 15, 2021

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