THE GAMES BEGIN!
The Saskatchewan Summer Games are officially underway. The Centennial Civic Centre was packed on the evening of July 21 as thousands of athletes, family members, volunteers and spectators watched as members of Team Rivers West ignited the ATCO cauldron, kicking off the Games. The sold-out event included remarks from local and provincial dignitaries to help get athletes in the spirit of the event. Be sure to check out Page 7 of today’s edition as well as www.meridiansource.ca for more Sask Games coverage.
Photo by Videre Images – Jason Whiting
Unfreezing ice rates
CHRISTIAN APOSTOLOVSKI STAFF WRITER
The Town of Vermilion Council has voted in favour of increasing the ice user rental rate by 4 per cent for the upcoming season.
Vermilion has two ice rinks residents, can rent out, the Vermilion Arena and the Vermilion Stadium.
The new ice rates take effect Sept. 1 and are listed in the above graphic.
Mike van der Torre, the interim chief administrative officer with the town, says this was a recommendation from the parks, recreation, cul -
ture and environment committee.
“They review rates annually, they decided the increase; there hasn’t been one for four years.”
There has not been a rate increase since 2020, the committee says it’s due to COVID-19.
Through discussion, the committee said, “It was determined that we are starting to have a need for increased rates to help cover the costs and expenses of the facility.”
During the July 16 council meeting, Vermilion council voted unanimously in favour of increasing the ice rates.
Mount Joy hosts trail party
GEOFF LEE STAFF WRITER
Mount Joy Snow Resort is hosting what amounts to an open house run to generate interest in its network of multi-use recreation trails.
The resort welcomes all-comers to a free exploratory 5-kilometre run and barbecue on July 31 starting at 6:30 p.m.
“The purpose is to show the public around the hill and to show people what we’re doing over the summer,” said Dean Peters who succeeds Chris Bogue as
the resort president.
“We’ve got some folks from the Lloydminster Runners club that have seasons passes out there for running and they will be leading some expeditions to show people around.”
There’s no cost for the run and burgers will be served on the new chalet deck with 4th Meridian Brewing expected to provide some refreshments.
The event is also a build-up to potential breaking news on new funding for the resort that is coming off a
EYE CARE
poor winter season.
“We’ve been talking to industry in Lloyd and we’re hoping we’ll have a major announcement coming here in the next week or so,” said Peters on Tuesday.
The open run is also an opportunity to boost sales of off-season running and cycling passes and highlight ongoing trail improvements.
“We’ve got some trails cut; we groom them, we mow them and we drain water off them,” said Peters.
He says sales of passes for running and cycling are going well thanks to lots of advertising.
“It’s a fantastic place. Our goal this summer is to get some more signage in place so it is easier to find your way around,” he said.
Peters also says he’s got big shoes to fill when Bogue stepped off the board at the May annual general meeting.
“He did a fantastic job there for the years he was president. He has unmatched enthusiasm and optimism and he worked really hard out there,” he stressed.
“I have the support of the board, and hopefully we can maintain some of the initiatives. There’s a lot of improvements there over the years to carry on the same.”
Energy hub on track
CHRISTIAN APOSTOLOVSKI STAFF WRITER
The Lloydminster City Council heard the most recent update regarding construction on the Cenovus Energy Hub during a Governance and Priorities Committee meeting.
The meeting took place on July 15 and talked about progress being made. Slab on grade pours continued around the performance arena in pours two, three and four during May and June.
Bracing in the event area and Community arena was completed in June. The interior and exterior masonry wall started in April and has continued through June.
In late April, structural steel was delivered to the site. In May and throughout the month of June, structural steel was
installed using major cranes in the performance arena.
April saw the final suspended slab pour placed on the east end between both rinks. The event level slab had two pours in April in the northeast corner of the Event Arena. The Civil underground contractor started in late April and is continuing to make progress in June, completing the water and sanitary lines along the future 39 Ave.
“The Cenovus energy hub construction project is going well, anyone that drives out sees change every day,” said City of Lloydminster Mayor Gerald Aalbers.
Fundraising is still underway, and the Cenovus Energy Hub is still seeking sponsorships. There is still over $4.3 million needed through either sponsorships or fundraising according to information provided during
the meeting.
There is still a deficit of over $16 million for the project.
“The funding is always an issue, but we are going to continue to work with the Government of Alberta, getting them to the table to hopefully be a full partner on the project,” said Aalbers.
The Meridian Source asked the mayor what would happen if Alberta doesn’t come to the table and he had this to say:
“There would certainly be some discussions about that, I don’t have an answer for you today (July 15) but we are still optimistic the Government of Alberta will come to the table on this project.”
The construction of the Cenovus Energy Hub is expected to be completed by 2025 according to a post on Cenovus Energy’s website.
Weaver Park Master Plan questions
The city, through the master plan, is also looking at different ways to utilize the space.
“I often said to people until we deal with the drainage issues at Weaver Park we could not forward with the plan.”
That was Lloydminster Mayor Gerald Aalbers speaking on the Weaver Park master plan. The plan was presented to the Governance and Priorities Committee at the July 15 meeting. Through the master plan, site analysis was conducted and a drainage assessment of the site.
One of the key design moves that can be found in the master plan includes a large wetland created for stormwater management.
“How do we integrate it into daily life, school tours regularly, having people have the ability to enjoy the park space, similar to Bud Miller with a little smaller, more rustic,” said Aalbers.
There was also a series of engagement sessions. Held with the public, stakeholders and Lloydminster council which had discussions centred on a few key topics:
• Overall fit of the proposed design/amenities in the space
• Future community opportunities in the proposed park
• Future micro-tourism strategies in the
City of Lloydminster. The project would be completed in phases and the cost for each phase were part of the plan and is based on 2023 anticipated costs.
Phasing and pricing:
Phase 1 : building relocation, fencing and demolition - $617,960
Phase 2 : grading + site servicing$1,117,820.84
Phase 3a : Grading + site servicing$753,014.26
Phase 3b : Pathways, fencing + landscaping$2,129,042.07
Phase 3c : Pathways, landscaping + other$3,390,779.02
Phase 4 : Final buildout items$2,990,645.55 With the total project cost coming out to $10,991,261.70
The Committee requested more information on the Weaver Heritage Park master plan and that the item be brought forward to a future Governance and Priorities Committee meeting.
Source File Photo
Geoff Lee Meridian Source Dustin Kardynal assistant superintendent of the Cenovus Energy Hub construction with PCL Construction awaits the start of a city-run spring media tour of the construction site.
Tick talk scratches surface
Local retired veterinarian Richard Starke delivered what he called his Tick Talk to the Rotary Club of Lloydminster with the annual crawl of ticks well underway.
One of his main takehome messages at the Monday lunch meeting is ticks are becoming more prevalent in our neck of the woods.
Their range is also increasing every year and they are potential carriers of Lyme disease, which can affect humans and animals.
“I want to give people a little information about ticks so they know what is going on with the increased prevalence of ticks in our part of the world,” said Starke at the outset.
“We are seeing ticks where we’ve never seen ticks before.”
The former Vermilion-LloydminsterWainwright MLA says the Rocky Mountain Wood tick is the most common and can transmit fevers and paralysis, but doesn’t typically transmit Lyme disease.
The black-legged and deer ticks are the ones to watch out for in our region.
“Lyme disease is the most concerning disease transmitted by ticks,” said Starke.
“Their habitat is wooded areas, leaf litter and tall grasses.”
He says ticks are opportunists that will latch on to whatever warm-blooded critter happens to be going by and they can survive
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our winters.
Ticks are also effective transmitters of infectious organisms.
“It is reaching levels in Ontario, Quebec and the Maritime provinces that are becoming a major concern to public health officials,” said Starke.
The number of cases of Lyme disease in Canada has risen from 144 known cases in 2000 to more than 2,544 and counting– in the 202324 season.
“The problem with Lyme disease is, it can cause a wide range of physical signs that often wax and wane,” said Starke, making it difficult to diagnose.
He says it is a treatable condition in the early stages, but once it’s established, it can be very debilitating and can lead to a significant deterioration in your quality of life.
“I know a couple of people who have Lyme disease and their lives will never be the same,” he stressed.
He says pets can be safeguarded wherever ticks are prevalent by keeping the grass short, but he questions the effectiveness of insecticides and their impact on other wildlife.
“There are products to prevent ticks for pets, they’re safe; they’re effective, they are easy to use,” said Starke.
“Start treating when the temperature is about 4C when ticks are active.
He recommends cats and dogs go on tick prevention from March to November.
Geoff Lee Meridian Source
Richard Starke spoke about the dangers of ticks to pets and humans during his Tick Talk at the Rotary Club of Lloydminster on Monday.
GEOFF LEE STAFF WRITER
Council considers water plan
CHRISTIAN APOSTOLOVSKI STAFF WRITER
Lloydminster City Council received a report on what the city could do when facing a water shortage.
The water shortage response plan was presented at the July 15 Governance and Priorities Committee. The goal of the plan is to increase preparedness and efficient management during periods of water scarcity.
The plan details priorities for water use in the situation of scarcity with priority use being given to health and safety. The plan is
activated based on reservoir levels or an unexpected malfunction with the system.
Some mitigation strategies outlined in the plan include public education, a water conservation plan, implementation of water restrictions and securing other water sources among other steps.
The plan was not brought forward by council but rather by the Government of Alberta.
“The plan was brought forward based on a request from the Alberta Government,” said Mayor Gerald Aalbers. “Our water source is the Sask River and we were in really good shape
going into this plan.
Aalbers says that while Lloydminster is doing well with its water source southern Alberta was not.
He says there have been questions regarding the pipeline after what happened in Calgary.
“The main concern I hear from the public is the pipeline,” said Aalbers. “ All indications are that we are in good shape, the pipeline has 75-100 years of life, it’s not that old, and regular maintenance and testing are occurring.”
The committee accepted the water shortage response plan as information.
Next generation of leaders
The Lloydminster Youth Council had a full year which included their biggest Border Idols.
The youth council presented their year in review at the July 15 Governance and Priorities Committee meeting.
The year began with a safe travels walk which aims to raise awareness of the importance of public transportation.
The youth council helped with hampers at the Salvation Army, attended Valentine’s day with seniors, held recreation nights and took part in kindness wins 2024 at Co-op.
Lloydminster Mayor Gerald Aalbers says the youth council has been around for a few years now.
“It’s a great initiative of some adults sitting down with some youth that wanted to make a difference, with some adult support youth council was created to make improvements and to make life better in our community.”
“That is the next generation of our leaders, municipal, provincial, or federal as well as business leaders, social leaders, in the community making the community a better place, so the work they do is terrific.”
The youth council also holds border idol which this year was the largest they’ve ever held at nearly 200 attendees.
They’ve started up a podcast to give youth a platform to express themselves and talk about various issues and plan to continue their work next year.
School resource officer update
CHRISTIAN APOSTOLOVSKI
The City of Lloydminster council received an update regarding the School Resource Officer (SRO) program.
At the July 15 Governance and Priorities Committee meeting, Const. Melanie Flynn was in attendance to give an update on what has been going on from February to June 2024.
A highlight from that time includes the Battle of the Badges 2024, which saw the Lloydminster Fire Department and the RCMP take to the ice
for a game of hockey. Donations from the event supported The Olive Tree and Salvation Army food banks. Monetary donations helped the youth mentorship programs at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lloydminster.
Other items discussed included the youth volunteers and the RCMP youth academy.
There were a total of 212 files from February to June 2024 and the files were put into categories:
- Drugs – 1
- Disturbances – 8
- Property Related – 14
- Theats/Harrassment – 20
- Traffic Related – 21
- Suspicious/Well being checks/missing persons – 40
- Assaults/Sexual/Weapons offences – 47
- Assitance Family/Schools/ Mental Health - 61
“They’ve done a great job, they’re building relationship with youth in our school system, addressing issues that can be addressed at the school level,” said City of Lloydminster Mayor Gerald Aalbers.
He also said there’s always a possibility to expand the number of SRO’s but says, “We need to ensure that our general policing numbers are there first.”
Photo from - lloydyouthcouncil.com
CHRISTIAN APOSTOLOVSKI STAFF WRITER
Sellers kick-starts cancer ride
$2,276 towards his goal of $30,000.
“We’re really happy to have him here. We’re glad we can help out; it’s a good thing to do every year,” said Sellers’ general manager, Chris Bettcher.
“We supplied all of the pop and the burgers, hot dogs and buns and set up the barbecue. The goal is to just be able to roll in here and get right at it.”
Sellers RV hosted and sponsored the kickoff to Jarrod Russell’s ninth
The 48-year-old Russell plans to ride 1,300 kilometres in August on his recumbent bike to raise donations for the SickKids Foundation on his cycle challenge website link.
For Russell, the challenge is all about helping kids.
In 1980, at the age of four, the Lloydminster resident was diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumour. The treatments left him with a weak left side and he developed epilepsy, but also motivated him to help others.
On his challenge website profile, he writes he aims to share his story and use his strengths towards the SickKids Foundation.
“All the stories the kids posted make me sad— to do a little better,” said Russell.
While his training rides got off to a slow start this year due to inclement weather, he and his sister Lana Lane are already looking forward to a 10thanniversary ride next year.
“We talked a little bit about a glow ride, doing the bike ride in the dark and having people with all these glow lights on their bikes,” said Lane.
“The 10th year seems the one he really wants to do. Today, we are doing the barbecue fundraiser, which
“We just look forward to the community supporting and sponsoring him like they’ve always done every
Lane says Sarah Sellers and her team have been a really strong supporter of her brother over the years.
“Not only do they provide all of the barbecue supplies for us today, every year they phone me and say ‘are we doing the barbecue again’,” she said.
There was a lineup for burgers and drinks on what was a hot,
smokey Saturday.
“It’s an opportunity for us to bring the community together, bring some people to their parking lot to see some of the trailers, but Sarah went to school with Jarrod,” said Lane.
“She’s got a big heart, so we are very grateful to Sellers’ team for supporting Jarrod every year.”
Boston Pizza will also hold a fundraiser for Russell’s challenge on Sept. 26.
Russell is currently following in the footsteps of his cousin from Airdrie, who started a hot sauce company with a side hustle of his own.
His new Uncle Lefty’s Poppin’ Peppers jellies are supported by his entire family growing peppers.
Russell is known as Uncle Lefty by his cousins and nephews, so the product name stuck.
“We took the peppers and we harvested them into this pepper jelly,” explained Lane.
“So this Poppin’ Pepper company has kind of evolved and now people are ordering our pepper jelly.”
“It gives Jarrod something to do and all the money we raised last year from the sale of jellies went toward the Great Cycle Challenge.”
“That’s how he wanted to give back and for us to increase the sales and make some money to donate.”
Russell is marketing the jelly on his Facebook with family plans to commercialize it.
“We haven’t gone online yet with a business but it’s growing so we know we have to make more,” said Lane.
Geoff Lee Meridian Source Sellers RV hosted and sponsored the kickoff barbecue fundraiser on July 20 for Jarrod Russell’s ninth Great Challenge in August to raise funds for kids’ cancer.
GEOFF LEE STAFF WRITER
Sask Summer
Soccer unites, excites Games’ players
The Beautiful Game, soccer here, football in the rest of the world, has taken centre stage at the VLA fields for the week in Lloydminster.
“It’s all about the fun, right? The fun is probably the most important thing about soccer.
The Saskatchewan Summer Games have brought athletes from around the province at all skill levels to the field, starting with the boys division early in the week.
Dario Boothman plays fall soccer for the Holy Rosary Raiders in Lloydminster and made Team Rivers West as a primarily defensive player. At age 14, he has already played the sport for a decade and wants to go further.
“I do hope to go further, I hope to be joining Team Saskatchewan later this year and see where it goes from there.”
It’s a hefty goal, but he says he’s been working hard at the game for many years and has had significant challenges.
“I’ve had slip-ups during games that cost us the game. I had to fix those, learn to become a real team player; I couldn’t just play all by myself,” said Boothman. “I’ve got to have all my teammates in on the action.”
He said that is probably the hardest part due to his fierce competitive
nature. Overall, he loves the game and the opportunities this tournament presents him.
“It’s exciting, a great experience, a fun competition with lots of competitive players and great teams, it’s a great time!”
Coach Ali Beloud agrees the tournament is good for everyone involved.
“That’s a big opportunity for them to compete at a high level, get exposed to different teams, and that’s part of the development as soccer players,” said Beloud.
He hopes the kids take away lots of skills, and game management, and enjoy the competition at an event this size.
Boothman’s teammate, Dylan Bowman, summed up everything about soccer in one line.
“It’s all about the fun, right? The fun is probably the most important thing about soccer.”
DAN GRAY STAFF WRITER
Dan Gray – Meridian Source Photos
Top: The Rivers North Boys Soccer team ahead of their final Saskatchewan Summer Games match on Tuesday, July 23. Above: Dario Boothman (centre) of Team Rivers West plays defence during a July 23 match at VLA Fields.
Saskatchewan Summer Games Saskatchewan Summer Games Archers find their targets
The archery competition at the Saskatchewan Summer Games saw no one shivering or quivering in the warm temperatures at the start.
Conditions were good the morning of July 22, according to Team Rivers West archery team manager, Dannell Charbonneau from Lloydminster.
“The wind’s kind of giving us a breeze to keep it cool, but not too much to affect the arrows, and the sun is staying away,” she said.
The forecast, however, called for the temperature to reach a high of 29C in the afternoon.
The four-member Rivers West team included Lloydminster area male and female archers Kainen Jordan and Evanee Spurrel, who kicked off the recurve bow event at 9 a.m.
“So far everyone’s done really good,” said coach Tyson Brooman from Prince Albert in the early going.
“Everyone’s been practising really hard. Hopefully, they keep it up throughout the day and shoot strong.
Things were going well for 16-yearold Spurrel from Holy Rosary High School during her first 45-metre round although she finds the recurve bow challenging.
“I know some other archers find it easier. It really depends on your sights and everything,” she said adding, “I’m just here to have some fun.”
Lloyd compound archers Sydni Keichinger and Hudson Charbonneau, the manager’s son, were all set to go in the afternoon.
“I didn’t have to do much, just set up the bow and I did my practice and that’s about it,” explained Keichinger, a 14-year-old who attends Hillmond Central School.
“I have a process I have to follow
to get all my steps ready.”
Each archer is tasked with completing five rounds by shooting six arrows per round, with the winner accumulating the most points to move on to the double-elimination round, held Tuesday, July 23. The medal round took place on Wednesday, July 24.
Keichinger is a member of the Lloydminster and Area Archers who shoots at the Lloydminster Fish and Game Club’s archery range.
“I practise at my house, too; I’ve got an archery setup,” she said. She says the trick to competing with a compound bow is to “be calm, steady and follow what you’re doing and it will lead you in the right path.”
Tennis appeals to Thomsen
DAN GRAY STAFF WRITER
From Wimbledon to the Australian Open right down to Bud Miller All Seasons Park, tennis appeals to many worldwide.
Whether it be the ability to take your frustrations out on a little round ball, make friends or push yourself to the limit, the sport provides many outlets.
Luke Thomsen, 13, has been playing the sport for eight years. His favourite player is Roger Federer and he hopes to go further than the Saskatchewan Summer Games someday.
“It’s just kind of the sport I grew up playing, I just love the game,” said Thomsen before a morning match on July 23.
Thomsen loves the experience of the Games. Although he’s from Lloydminster, he’s experiencing life inside
Geoff Lee Meridian Source Evanee Spurrel from the Team Rivers West team on the right taking aim at the target 45 meters away.
GEOFF LEE STAFF WRITER
the high school with 900 athletes for the first time.
Dan Gray Photo
Saskatchewan Summer Games Saskatchewan Summer Games
Sask Games experience stokes athletes
The Saskatchewan Summer Games have created a whirlwind of opportunities for thousands across Saskatchewan.
Kane Cyr, a Lloydminster resident and setter for the Team Rivers West boys volleyball team, says he’s super excited to be playing with this team.
“It’s really fun, they have lots of really cool stuff to do when we aren’t playing and they have really great food.”
Team River West tennis’ leader, coach Warren Aguinaldo, has been Thomsen’s coach for many years. Aguinaldo has played tennis and soft tennis all over Canada and internationally and sees the good that can come from a tournament like this.
“For one, I hope it kind of inspires them to want to stick to tennis and kind of continue (to be) part of our club and playing more tournaments in the area,” said Aguinaldo.
“I hope it also can build connections for them with the other cities,
“It’s been hard work but it’s worth it and we earned it. We’ve been working so hard so now we’ve got to play hard,” he said.
Cyr just finished his first year playing volleyball for the Rustlers U14 team and says he is grateful to be able to play at a high level at the Sask Summer Games.
Two more local setters from the Team Rivers West girls volleyball
because there’s a lot of good players out there, and there’s a lot of good kids that play.”
As for Thomsen, he has all the tools of a good young athlete, a credit the coach gives to his parents. He says he’s fiery and brings swag to the game and loves watching him play.
“He’s not super emotional on the court, but he’s got the skills. He’s got the toolset, but yeah, he’s, he’s a swaggy kid.”
Thomsen loves the game and the time on the court and wants other kids to share his passion.
“Come out and try it, if you like it, get lessons.”
Tennis wrapped up at Bud Miller Park Wednesday afternoon.
team, Paige Brown and Blakely Gervais, said they have been loving getting to know their teammates with different team bonding activities.
“To handle all the pressure, I try to stay grounded, take the games one point at a time and not worry about people in the stands,” said Brown.
Gervais played for Rustlers this year and goes to College Park School and says trusting and having support from your teammates helps with the pressure of being at an event this size.
PRESLEY JOHNSTON
JUNIOR STAFF WRITER
Presley Johnston Photo
PAGE 10
Thursday, July 25, 2024
MERIDIAN SOURCE
Viewpoint
Leave it to
Weaver: Can’t we all just be kinder?
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EDITOR TAYLOR WEAVER
This week’s plan was to write something upbeat to brag about the Border City ... especially with the added Sask Summer Games visitors in town, but, fair readers, there are some pressing issues I’d like to discuss.
pretty dark picture.
Posts about bikes being stolen from people’s backyards, personal properties and local businesses are seen daily. Everyone blames the unhoused. Yes, they play a part in this, but when a coworker told me about her 15-year-old son getting jumped on Monday night, it’s clear the unhoused aren’t solely responsible.
a few teens got out and started accusing my coworker’s son of calling him the F-word. Not the four-letter F-word ... the offensive one that rhymes with maggot. Words quickly turned to physical violence and the teen was left on the side of the road with no shoes, no cellphone and no wallet.
Crime – Whether it’s reported to the RCMP or posted on Facebook for everyone and their dog to comment on and scrutinize, the level of crime seen in Lloyd as of late has been staggering.
Staff Writer Geoff Lee geoff@meridiansource.ca
Staff Writer Christian Apostolovski christian@meridiansource.ca
Staff Writer Dan Gray dan@meridiansource.ca
Junior Staff Writer Presley Johnston presley@meridiansource.ca
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A quick scroll through community Facebook pages paints a
The alleged incident occured close to the 7-Eleven at 36 St. and 50 Ave. Apparently, drunken teenagers were driving around looking for trouble (hopefully the driver was sober) and yelled out to the boy, who responded with a hello.
The vehicle turned around and
Letter to the editor ...
Ahuge rave to the staff and doctors at Lloydminster Hospital. I ended up there due to high blood pressure issues.
From the receptionists to the triage nurses, emergency nurses and Dr. Almond on the first visit, we were treated in a timely professional manner from start to finish. Nothing but respectful and friendly care no matter who my wife and I encountered.
Going back for round two, I was admitted overnight so they had a better chance of getting things under control. Again, the receptionist, triage nurse, emergency nurses and CT scan tech were all top-drawer!
We have nothing but praise from start to finish. Dr. Antonio was very professional, friendly and patient. He took the time to explain everything happening and why he wanted me admitted. The nursing staff on the third floor were kind and professional and eased my fears.
I was discharged with the follow-up to come.
In the past, I have read negative posts regarding the hospital and the staff working there. We found nothing of the kind.
The aggressors apparently also put another teen in hospital using the same MO, who turned out to be the ringleader’s cousin, allegedly.
Is it gang recruitment? Are kids just bored? What do parents have to say about this?
More on that and the evergrowing battle of Facebook comments next week.
We want to send a huge thank-you to everyone we encountered over the last two days. We appreciate who you are and what you do day in and day out.
- Wayne and Wendy Wilkie, Lloydminster.
Thursday, July 25, 2024
MERIDIAN SOURCE
Leeway from Lloyd: Heat spell starting to break
STAFF WRITER GEOFF LEE
People were dropping like flies earlier this month due to extreme heat.
My hat goes off to all the young athletes, coaches and volunteers for this week’s Saskatchewan Summer Games who have been active in the heat.
Thank goodness some of the events like swimming and court volleyball are indoors or scheduled at the end of the week when cooler conditions are expected.
It’s still pretty warm midweek for any extended strenuous physical activity. Local lakes, splash pools and the outdoor pool have been swamped with people of all ages looking to cool off. You can’t find an air conditioner for sale anywhere by now, so
Chris’ A-Z:
As you have likely seen, I have been covering the budget engagement. For some, this might be the first time you’ve heard about it. You’re likely thinking, “Why should I care about municipal budget
finding a spot in the shade has been the only alternative. I don’t have AC, but my rationale is it’s usually only hot for a couple of weeks each year, so why spend a few hundred dollars when you know the weather will change sooner than later? Even if you could buy an AC unit, there won’t be any deals. Sadly, we’ve all been hearing about pet owners locking their animals inside their vehicles on a hot day with
concerned passersby calling emergency response crews to rescue the animals.
Tragically, I just read about a man in the U.S. who left his young sleeping daughter in the car and his wife found her dead several hours later. You can’t imagine how that family feels, but it’s preventable.
Don’t leave your pets or kids in the car, period, when it’s hot out to avoid these tragic incidents.
A lot of people are wel -
The time to get involved is
Well, that was my thought too before I started reporting on it, ‘who really cared about municipal politics.’
I quickly learned as I became a part of a city and a community that budget time, budget surveys and engagement are vital.
This may not be the most exciting stuff, but it’s important, so hang with me for a second.
Filling out the budget survey here
your say in how the city spends, allocates and decides what to do with funds. Here’s a great example, the roads around Lloyd are not in the best shape, to put it lightly. Now, you could call in every time you bottom out at a pothole but that could take all day or all week; who has the time for that?
Instead, you could fill out the survey and tell them exactly where you want the money spent and why.
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In your hands E VERY WEEK , a click away AT ALL TIMES
coming the end of this heat wave, but once it does, we are that much closer to cool fall weather and you know what after that. I’ve got the fans going at home and AC at work, so spending a lot of hours in the heat during the week is doable, but last weekend it was unbearable. I can’t wait for a cold front.
In the meantime, I plan to chill out at home in my birthday suit with the blinds closed!
now
This includes not just roads, RCMP, fire services, peace officers, green spaces, museum the list is quite long. Where money is spent is heavily influenced by these surveys and in a town the size of Lloyd, every survey counts.
Even if every person voted, that means council has a clear picture of exactly how to make the city better. Remember, it’s your money, don’t let them spend it without your input.
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
Cards, games, food, meetings and live music
Remedy Music Western Canada Tour at Cheers Live
The 2024 Remedy Music Western Canada Tour is coming to Cheers Live this Sunday and will feature touring artists from Saskatoon’s Remedy Music Label as well as local artists. Doors are at 8 p.m., general admission tickets are $20 and VIP tickets are $60.
Legacy Golf Tourney
The Legacy Centre is hosting its third annual Par 3 charity golf tournament on July 31 at Rolling Green Fairways. Registration is from 9:30-10:30 a.m., shotgun start is at 11:15 a.m. Golfers needed!! Breakfast, lunch , supper, golfing and
cart included in entry fee. 18 chances at a “Hole-In-One” - a Sponsor for every Hole! Call Legacy office for more info at 780-875-4584 or Arne Baron at 306-821-7459 for more details.
Edgerton Museum Heritage Day
The Edgerton & District Historical Society is pleased
to host Museum Heritage Day on Aug. 10 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission and the pancake breakfast are free to attend. Events include brand burning, demonstrations, musical entertainment, a show and shine, an RCMP display, and horseshoe pits, as well as tons of fun for the kids. Food booths will be available.
Billy Bob Thornton & The Boxmasters at the Vic Billy Bob Thornton & The Boxmaster are taking the stage at the Vic Juba Community Theatre on Sept. 16 for a 7:30 p.m. show as part of the Dr. H.A. McDonald Season. Tickets are $69 and are available online or at the theatre’s box office. See you there!
Art complements sport at Sask Summer Games
The 2024 Sask Summer Games are in full swing and feature various cultural events, including a guided
art walk.
The art walk took place from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. on July 22 with residents meeting at the Canada 150 mural outside of City Hall.
Local artist, Michelle Lake, was waiting to embark with the group on a walking tour of murals and public art installations in Lloydminster’s downtown core.
“We’re doing an hour-and-a-half tour of the down, there’s a lot of public art people aren’t aware of,” said Lake.
The art walk toured a variety of local pieces of art, sculptures, installations and a couple of the newlyinstalled Faces of Lloydminster.
Lake says touring these pieces of art and seeing the local artistry is important.
“I think it really teaches people about how active our art community is, the value it brings to the city.”
She says murals have a benefit for the city as they help deter crime, speaking specifically about a mural she did in 2013.
“There’s a mural I did in 2013, it’s been in an alley, and it’s never been tagged and it benefits the city in that way.”
Lake says the tour helps people get more information about the local art and grow a new appreciation for local artists.
Kids game for hip hop culture
Kids of all ages loved the free hip hop lessons offered on Monday as part of the cultural activities of the Saskatchewan Summer Games.
The youngest group of 5-7 year-olds swarmed instructor Stephanie Cowan with hugs and high fives at the end of the first session in the Centennial Civic Centre auditorium.
Cowan, who was born and raised in Lloydminster and owns Brenda’s School of Baton & Dance in Saskatoon, was just as appreciative.
“I think they had a good time. We had fun, it was great,” she said.
“It’s fantastic, and to bring what I’ve got back to Lloydminster, it’s fantastic that they’re offering this.”
Cowan said each age group will have a different routine and a different skills to learn based on their ability.
“It’s all about just having fun and introducing them to some of the basics and building community through dance,” she explained.
Cowan says there are many different elements of hip hop in the culture
that started in the Bronx in 1973.
“Hip hop dance and what it has evolved into is just a part of hip hop culture. There’s hip hop music, hip hop style; there’s a ton of different facets in hip hop,” she said.
“It’s so much fun.”
Cowan says she’s been teaching hip hop for 10 years and has a couple of pre-professional crews in Saskatoon.
“We have a street dance crew that used to dance for the Roughriders and we have a semi-professional crew called ‘bsoFlo’ but we teach all ages,” she said.
GEOFF LEE STAFF WRITER
Geoff Lee Photo
Local artist Michelle Lake. Christian Apostolovski Photo
CHRISTIAN APOSTOLOVSKI STAFF WRITER
PAGE 13
Thursday, July 25, 2024
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Church Directory GARAGE SALE
Wednesday, July 24th
T
GRACE UNITED CHURCH
July 25th 2AM
5416 – 47 Street Lloydminster
mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend. Evelyn was greatly loved and will be dearly missed by all her family and friends. Irene Evelyn Wills, born June 1937 in Lloydminster, was the oldest of two children born to Martin and Viola Person. She and her brother Bob grew up on the family farm near Sandy Beach. Farm life included lots of chores like hauling water, caring for the animals and a large garden. One day, Evelyn
and her brother decided the peas looked too good and picked pails of them. After realizing they could not eat them all, they buried the remaining peas in a field, hoping their mother would not figure out what happened to the peas. Evelyn developed a love for horses at a young age, often telling us her favourite horse was named Lady. After seeing a western movie with a chase scene where horses were galloping down a hill, Evelyn and brother Bob decided to try this in their gully. They were very fortunate not to be injured as one of the horses they were chasing fell and rolled down the steep gully. She did her elementary school at a nearby country school. Her middle school was a bus ride to Streamstown. High school years required staying at a boarding school in Kitscoty. She married Darwin Franklin in 1957. A few months after they were married, the young couple were at a wedding
celebration by Lone Rock. Darwin was visiting at the back of the car when a drunk driver rear ended the car. Darwin jumped to avoid the impact. Unfortunately, one foot was completely severed off and the other leg was severely crushed. This event profoundly changed the life of this young couple. They settled in Marwayne and had 3 children, Lee, Sherry and Randy. They moved to Lloydminster where Evelyn started working outside the home. Evelyn created many lifelong friendships, welcoming people into her life with open arms and her big heart. The union with Darwin ended. Evelyn married Bob Wills in 1979. This meant that Evelyn's family expanded to include Clay, Ed and Clark. Evelyn and Bob moved to Provost, Senlac and Veteran for Bob's business, with Evelyn managing the books. Evelyn's love for horses was rekindled when they took up chuckwagon racing. Caring for the horses and competing
at the races was very much a family affair with many helping hands. They travelled to many shows including the Calgary Stampede and Cheyenne, Wyoming. Staying in an RV, Evelyn cooked delicious meals for a large crew. Many fond memories were made visiting after the races. After retiring from wagon racing, Bob and Ev spent a lot of time camping at their favorite spot in Cypress Hills. Evelyn volunteered in the community and enjoyed social outings. Evelyn loved cooking, baking and hosting family, her spreads were famous. Being an excellent cook, she showed her love through cooking big meals and baking special treats. She never failed to ask what she could bring to family dinners and was usually told “buns”. Her homemade buns were legendary! Evelyn really valued time with family and friends, large card games were the norm after meals. She made a loving welcoming home for both families. Her
journey came full circle as they came back to Lloydminster in later years. The pair remained dedicated to each other, through the challenges of aging.
Evelyn will be greatly missed by: Son, Lee Franklin (Della) of Lloydminster, their children Vanessa Franklin, Brant Franklin (Jade) & daughter, Ariella. Daughter, Sherry Waldorf (Rick) of Lloydminster, their children, Philip Waldorf (Lisa) & daughters, Bella & Chloe. Matthew Waldorf. Son, Randy Franklin (Phyllis) of Lac Sante, their son, Adam Franklin. Step-children: Clay Wills (Pat) of Lloydminster, their children, Alisha Wills. Tanner Wills (Erin) their children, Natalie and Henry. Dustin Wills (Adrina) their children, Kalyn and Benson. Ed Wills (Susan) of Coronation, their children, Anita Hewitt (Ryan) their children, Lynn & Julie. Nicole Kinch (Travis) their children, Zachary & Brooke. Tracy Grabler (Brent) their children, Ryley, Summer and
their
of
Kyle Wills (Tyra) their children, Lucas & Andi. Amanda Jardine (Troy) their children, Logan & Ruby-Lynn. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. Evelyn was predeceased by her husband, Robert Wills, her mother, Viola and father, Martin Person. Brother, Bob Person and sister-in-law, Audrey Person.
CARD OF THANKS
The family would like to thank all the doctors, nurses and Lloydminster Hospital staff for their wonderful care and compassion, helping mom through her final months. Thank you also to McCaw funeral home, Pastor Ryan Sturge for the message and Donna Burke for the lunch. We would also like to thank everyone who attended the service and everyone who sent food, flowers, cards and gave donations. Your kindness and support is very much appreciated at this difficult time.
Bryer. Clark Wills (Karen)
Peers,
children,
SHOWTIMES
