Meridian Source - June 15, 2023

TAYLOR WEAVER EDITOR

The fitness family at Viking Strength and Conditioning just got a whole lot bigger as the locallyowned and operated gym announced they’re taking over the building currently leased by Motion Fitness.

Sheldon Williams, Darren King, and Tanner Applegate, the owners at Viking, are looking forward to revamping the facility with a more local touch while also being home to the city’s largest fitness facility.

“We had the opportunity, working with Fort Pitt Developments Inc. and Motion Fitness, and we’re going to be taking over the facility Motion is in now,” said Williams, who’s also Viking’s president.

“It’s allowing us

to expand the offerings of all of our members to focus on physical and mental health and bring a whole new atmosphere to the fitness industry in town.”

anything has changed, other than we’re going to be very focused on improving the experience for everybody,” he said.

All three owners would agree they never thought they’d be set up in the city’s largest gym, but after taking into account the results from a recent city-wide needs survey, there was a mental-health aspect that couldn’t be ignored.

Williams explained Viking will be transferring all memberships to make things as seamless as possible for all members, with changes coming soon.

“When they leave on June 30 and come back July 1, they won’t know

“I think the last couple of years have taught us that both mental and physical health is something everyone is responsible for. No one else can take accountability or responsibility for your mental or physical health, but at the same time, people need resources,” added King.

“A survey from the community did seem to indicate a lack of

resources, so one of the goals we have to provide that support was expanding our reach in the community.”

King also explained the team at Viking is always trying to break the stigmas surrounding gyms.

Taylor Weaver Meridian Source

“A lot of people think a gym is a place for people who are already in shape, and that’s one of the common myths ... a gym is just a place to start your journey, continue your journey, or perfect your journey; it’s not a place where

Lloyd Costco now accepting bids

people should feel there’s a certain bar (to reach) to get into.”

When it comes to the mental health aspect of fitness, King said a lot of people have a hard time knowing where to start.

GEOFF

A 160,000 sq. ft. Costco warehouse in Lloydminster is the works with construction slated to begin on June

1, 2025 at 75 Ave. and 12 Street.

The project site is part of the Lakeside development of single-family houses, retail and commercial prop -

erties that Musgrave Agencies Ltd. plans to develop in phases.

The City of Lloydminster approved the Lakeside Area Structure Plan following an

open house with Musgrave on May 15, 2019.

obtained an official copy of the bid project from the general contractor based in British Columbia. LEE WRITER ..................................

The site plans covered 140 acres of land owned by Musgrave.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

Viking Strength and Conditioning owners, Tanner Applegate, Sheldon Williams and Darren King, can’t wait for the community to check out their new setup where Motion Fitness is currently situated after taking over the building’s lease to add a second facility.

“

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

Local gym owners excited for expansion

“If you don’t know what to do in a gym, you’re probably not going to come to it in the first place,” he said.

“Not only do we offer programming, but we also offer classes where people can train in a group atmosphere. We

offer one-on-one programming as well for people who are more comfortable working directly with someone.”

Viking member Jordana Heisler joined the gym this past February after a personal training session and talked about her mental health jour -

ney through fitness.

“I was very in the depths of postpartum depression and wasn’t finding internal happiness,” she said. “I thought moving my body again and getting out and seeing people again would help, and my mental, spiritual

and physical health all improved. I work out in the noon barbell class and have long-lasting friendships from that. Everyone is so supportive; it’s amazing.”

Another member, Anthony Prosser, has worked out at Viking since 2017 and has nothing but great things to say about Viking as a whole.

“Viking is the best gym I’ve had the chance to train at and I’ve been training for 12 years at five or six different gyms,” he said. “As far as community, this is

one of the few places people actually tend to know each other and we have some of the strongest people in Lloyd, which is why I came here.”

Viking co-owner Tanner Applegate, who founded the gym almost a decade ago, never thought he’d see this big of a change.

“We started with powerlifting and have grown over the years, and now we’re the biggest facility in town,” he said. “I never thought I’d see that, but I think our product has improved

to the point where we can be successful in that market now.”

Going forward, Viking’s current gym, located at 6202 48 St., will be a dedicated 5,000 sq. ft. CrossFit box with everything else taking place in the old Motion building.

“We’re looking forward to having the sports performance and CrossFit in this build then all of our members, group fitness and private training will happen over at the new facility,” added Williams.

FROM PAGE 1

The full project name is listed as Costco Lloydminster - New Warehouse Budget.

The general contractor sent out initial bids on June 9 for concrete forms to multiple Lloydminster contractors with some information leaked on Facebook that has since been taken down.

The bids are due to be submitted by June 16.

The expected completion date of the Costco Warehouse is Nov. 16, 2025.

The listed architect is MuvannyG2 Architecture, a partner of Costco Wholesale based in Seattle Wa.

The project follows news of a potential Costco Warehouse,

liquor pod and fuel facility posted on BuildWorks in December 2019 before the project was cancelled due to plummeting oil prices. The previous general contractor based in Edmonton had noted the site would require a lot of landfill to build it up to grade before any construction could start.

Source File Photo Musgrave Agencies held an open house in 2019 on its Lakeside development, which is a 140-acre site at 75 Ave. and 12 St. where Costco is slated to be built in 2025.

A long time coming

Co-op investment bringing new playground/splash pad to town

Lloydminster will soon see a new playground and splash pad built in the city’s Aurora neighbourhood thanks to a $50,000 investment from the Federated Co-operatives Limited’s Community Spaces program.

Midwest Family Connections, in partnership with the City, received the grant on Monday to build an approximately 2,840 sq. m. play structure, a 12-feature splash pad, and a shaded rest area with benches for visitors to relax.

The Aurora neighbourhood is situated south of 36 St. just west of 40 Ave.

The new play structure will also be the city’s first all-inclusive playground, something Wendy Wagner, land sales coordinator with the City of Lloydminster, is very proud of.

“This day has been coming for a long time,” she said.

“This neighbourhood will have the first allinclusive playground area, so we’re going to remove barriers for everyone in the community and the region.”

Wagner went on to

explain no time is being wasted on the project, with a site walk having taken place yesterday.

“It’s going to start right away,” she said.

“The equipment is already ordered, so we’ll start breaking ground in the middle to end of August and hopefully have all the structures and everything in and servicing by the end of September; it will be up and running 100 per cent by spring of 2024; we only have landscaping to do.”

The new Community Spaces program build is something Lloydminster and District Co-op CEO, Peter Brown, is smiling about.

“We’re excited for Midwest Family Connections for going through the process and applying through the Co-op Community Spaces program, which is a program that’s available throughout western Canada,” he said.

“Groups have the ability to apply and there’s a committee that goes through the selection process, and we’re very fortunate to see $50K coming to Lloydminster this year for this green space.”

CONTINUED ON PAGE 12

Church Directory

SAINT SAVIOUR’S ANGLICAN CHURCH

SUNDAY SERVICE June 18

Third Sunday after Pentecost 10:00 a.m.

Holy Eucharist

Rev Gary Stobbs - Deacon 5422 50 Avenue – Hwy 17 N (Chapel at Creech’s) 306.825.0481

Come Worship With Us Everyone Welcome

Taylor Weaver Meridian Source Mayor Gerald Aalbers, Sherri Husch-Foote, executive director with Midwest Family Connections and Peter Brown, CEO of the Lloydminster and District Co-op, can’t wait to see the new playground and splash pad get built in the city’s Aurora neighbourhood.

TAYLOR WEAVER EDITOR

Archivists celebrate city’s wrinkles

fully, a really good lunch,” said the group’s president Lynne Smith.

The display of old photographs and memorabilia at the lunch will be added to some new ongoing projects by the volunteer archivists.

“We are doing businesses of Lloydminster, which, of course, is huge over 120 years. We’re also doing history of cultural organizations,” reported Smith.

The historical collection on hand also inspired long-time residents like Smith, who has been in the area for 78 years, to reminisce about her heydays in the city.

I used to.”

Smith thinks saving the history of Lloydminster is so important, although she didn’t feel that way when she was younger.

nity to recognize the initiative and the spirit that motivated the first British settlers here while recognizing the First Nations as the original inhabitants.

“The community as we know it started in 1903,” he said.

The history books tell us Rev Isaac Montgomery Barr led the Barr Colony to settle here while Rev. George Exton Lloyd is the founder of Lloydminster.

in Lloydminster in 1949 and remembers the community being a small town when she was a little girl.

“There’s lots of places in Lloydminster I remember being built. I remember when the sidewalks were wooden like a boardwalk. When you rode your bike on them they made a neat noise,” she said.

There was history in the making during the 120th anniversary of the City of Lloydminster.

Roughly 156 people took part in a lunch celebration sponsored by the Friends of the

Lloydminster Regional Archives and Lloydminster and District Co-op.

“We have a program and some singing and some musical drama and we have the story of the founding of Lloydminster, and hope -

“In the early days, I lived on the farm where I still live and we only came to town so mom could buy groceries on Saturday mornings,” recalled Smith.

“I was in the first graduating class from what is now E.S. Laird and then I started to see the city more than

“The older I get the more important I think it is,” she said.

That was music to the ears of Don Duncan, a former perennial chair of the volunteer board that owned and operated the archives for many years before the city recently took it over with funding.

“Without the founding of Lloydminster, we’d have nothing to celebrate whatsoever,” said Duncan.

He thinks the anniversary is an opportu -

Duncan asks, without an archive, how do we keep track of such things?

Ann Campbell, secretary of friends of the archives, recalls organizing a great centennial celebration of the city, noting with 20 years gone by, they thought this would be a good time to mark another milestone.

“I think it will be a fun celebration. There will probably be a bigger one on the 125th,” she said.

Campbell was born

Another senior, Lawrence Davidson, has been here since 1948 and rates most of the changes he’s seen good such as paving the roads, new houses going up and the population expanding as positives.

The historical lunch presentation also reunited him with old friends whom he hasn’t seen for years.

“It’s just great to get together again. Seeing this pandemic is over, we can visit once more,” said Davidson.

Geoff Lee Meridian Source Lynne Smith, president of the Friends of the Lloydminster Regional Archives, led the organization in a lunch celebration of the city’s 120th anniversary at the Legacy Centre on June 7.

GEOFF LEE WRITER

Without the founding of Lloydminster, we’d have nothing to celebrate whatsoever.

Lloyd top pick for biofuels refinery

Logistics, proximity to feedstock, labour and a business-friendly city environment led Covenant Energy to choose the Border City to build a $900 million renewable diesel refinery in Lloydminster.

Covenant aims to produce biodiesel and jet fuel by converting processed canola oil and other sustainable feedstock with a capacity of 9,000 barrels a day.

Lloydminster got the nod over the Estevan, Saskatchewan area in the selection process with Lloyd ticking off those boxes, according to Covenant president CEO, Josh Gustafson.

“We’re really excited and there’s lots of benefits and the city’s been amazing to work with,” he said.

Lloydminster Mayor Gerald Aalbers says the refinery in Lloydminster signifies the power of collaboration between the Government of Saskatchewan, the City of Lloydminster, and Covenant Energy.

“This milestone ushers in a new era of sustainable growth and

solidifies Lloydminster as a prime business destination, creating jobs and fostering economic prosperity,” said Aalbers.

Covenant has purchased 134 acres east of the Lloydminster Golf and Curling Centre for the refinery with construction slated to begin by mid-2024 and completed in 2026.

The project will create hundreds of local jobs during construction and 60 full-time jobs through the two-year build-out.

Gustafson met last Monday with the Lloydminster Technical Oilfield Society (OTS), which released a news release in support of the project.

He says the OTS helped to reassure their awareness of the high degree of technical expertise available in the area to get the project up and running.

“Relying on Lloydminster’s wide variety of experts is going to be beneficial for us,” said Gustafson.

He also says having access to both CP and CN rail in the Lloydminster area was a big factor when comparing Lloyd to other locations

for the refinery.

Gustafson noted the proximity to feedstock was another big reason for choosing Lloyd.

“Lloydminster being in the midst of a lot of the crushers in Northern Saskatchewan and Alberta was a big piece that played a role in us looking at moving up to Lloyd,” he said. “We’ve been talking to all the crush facilities within a 400-kilometre radius, but obviously with ADM right in Lloydminster, we’d like to work with the closest crushers we can,” said Gustafson.

The Saskatchewanbased startup aims to use crude super-gummed oil, which is a less refined canola oil, as feedstock.

“We will be able to use a lot of that off-spec oil that typically doesn’t meet the mark for the edible market,” Gustafson explained.

Gustafson is a farmer who grows canola and other crops on his 14,000-acre farm between Estevan and Weyburn along with a cattle operation.

He started Covenant and the project in 2019 working remotely and has four other partners.

They are currently working with a variety of consultants, advisors and engineering firms on the project.

“We’re really excited about it. This is not just going to be a flagship project for Saskatchewan, but Canada in general. We’ll be one of the only renewable diesel facilities in the entire country,” said Gustafson.

He says the fuel can be blended in with any fossil fuel product and it doesn’t need any kind of special treatment.

“It’s a true ‘drop in’ product,” he explained.

Specifically, the refinery will produce hydrogen-derived renewable diesel using state-ofthe-art technology that burns more completely than fossil diesel, while reducing up to 80 per cent of emissions.

Gustafson says Covenant will also produce Arctic-grade renewable diesel, which is something he says is a bit unheard of in Canada yet.

“Our Arctic product will be able to be used down to -40 C and we will be able to produce sustainable aviation fuel.”

GEOFF LEE WRITER

Teens exhibit pride in their rides

It was hoods up again at Lloydminster Comprehensive High School.

The annual school Car and Truck Show went ahead last week in advance of the upcoming Just Kruzin’ Show and Shine this Saturday in conjunction with Ribfest.

“It’s going to be big. We’ll probably get

some of these students there,” said Just Kruzin’ Car Club member Rita Rieger, who helps judge the student vehicles.

“I’ve had four kids come through the high school, so my husband Dave and I have been doing this a long time helping out.”

Rieger says it’s not easy to judge vehicles.

“We do our best and try to be fair to every -

body. We have certain things we look for,” she said.

The judges took a shine to a 1981 Chevy Z28 as an eventual trophy winner entry by leadership student Rhya Payne in the fun Mom and Dad’s Best Classic category.

“It’s been in my family for a few years. It’s a tribute car to my dad’s dad,” said the teen.

“It’s all original. The only thing we’ve done is we repainted it 10 years ago. Everything from the engine to the exhaust tips is original from the 80s.”

She said the only thing they did to it was replace the carpet and paint a line at the top of the roof and install a part in the AC.

“I helped put in the carpet and paint the roof,” Payne added.

This is the first year she has entered it, but she has driven the car a few times and notes it turns heads.

“A lot of people give us waves and smiles,” added the Grade 12 student.

Payne was one of 35 students competing for trophies in vehicle categories such as Best Stock Truck, Best Custom Car, Best Import, Most Redneck and Mom and Dad’s Money.

“The whole event is planned by our leadership students,” said

teacher Victoria Oldershaw, the perennial event advisor, who added her own Subaru WRX sports car to the mix.

“All of the work is done by students. It’s a really amazing event they plan and it’s a really big event. A lot of students have a passion for cars,” she said.

Oldershaw says stu -

dents have to talk to the judges about their vehicles and they know ahead of time what kind of questions they are going to be asked.

“The more they know, the more passionate they are about the cars, the higher chance they are going to win prizes,” she explained.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 7

GEOFF LEE WRITER

Geoff Lee Meridian Source Rhya Payne was all smiles sitting behind the wheel of this 1981 Chevy Z28 that wound up winning the Mom and Dad’s Best Classic category in this year’s Car and Truck Show at Lloydminster Comprehensive High School.

Wilma Bodnard took a moment to explain her eye was drawn to a collection of old photos of the city because she’s lived here since 1965 and has been to the museum many times.

“These pictures are all remembering things. It’s beautiful and it’s nice to know the history of our area,” said Bodnard.

Pastor Michael Stonehouse hopes to add to Lloydminster’s history with

the writing of a book about Barr Colony churches.

He says the founder of Lloydminster came up with something called the “Saskatchewan Plan” to plant an Anglican church within six miles of every settlement.

“So just in the Barr Colony on the Alberta side, there was about 15 to 20 churches and the same on the Saskatchewan side,” said Stonehouse.

He’s written 500 pages already.

Rieger says even if the vehicle belongs to their parents they still have to know about their vehicle, make sure it’s clean on the inside, if there’s been any upgrades,

Lloyd RCMP charge man with drug trafficking

MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

In May 2023, Lloydminster RCMP General Investigation Section (GIS) began an investigation into drug trafficking within the Lloydminster area. As a result of the investigation, on May 29, Lloydminster GIS conducted a traffic stop resulting in the seizure of 47 grams of suspected methamphetamine, brass knuckles, a handgunstyle BB gun, a digital

and what’s special about their vehicle.

“There’s some pretty nice vehicles out there and kids take pride in them.”

One of the standout vehicles was a Dodge Ram truck

scale, and various drug paraphernalia.

As a result of the traffic stop, a warrant was issued to search a nearby residence under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act where RCMP found further evidence of drug trafficking.

As a result of the investigation, RCMP has charged Christopher Ironstand, 42, a resident of Lloydminster with:

- Possession for the

driven by Kaiden Protz in the Blood, Sweat and Tears category, meaning he did all the work on it himself, including lifters.

“It’s an ‘’03, 6-litre with an old 4.5 motor in it. It’s got

purpose of trafficking

- Possession of a prohibited weapon

Ironstand was released with his next court appearance set for Aug. 15 at the Alberta Court of Justice in Lloydminster Alberta.

“Those who produce

190cc injectors, turbo-built transmission,” said Protz.

He says he learned how to do things by watching how-to videos on YouTube.

“My dad helped me a bit, but mostly YouTube,” he

and traffic illicit drugs destroy lives, homes and communities. The RCMP remains fully committed to enforcing laws against illicit drugs to their fullest extent, “said Cpl. Christopher Byford of the Lloydminster RCMP.

added.

Ironically, he won his category minutes after being asked to state his chances of winning.

“I think they’re pretty good,” he foretold.

CAR SHOW FROM PAGE 6

Seniors celebrate 10th AGM

It’s the same old same old for upcoming priorities of the Lloydminster Concerned Citizens for Seniors Care Society.

The seniors’ advocacy group wrapped up its 10th annual general meeting at the Legacy Centre on Monday with the outstanding issue of long-term care spaces on the agenda.

“Job-one is long-term spaces. We need a big increase in long-term spaces,” said Seniors Care Society president Graham Brown.

“We’re short 60 spaces right now. We’re short 150 spaces over the next 10 years, so we’ve got to get moving on that.”

The Seniors Care Society is hoping the Saskatchewan government eventually replaces the 52-bed Jubilee Home with a new facility and 100 spaces to create a net increase of about 50 spaces.

Brown is more optimistic both provinces will soon enact regulations to make personal health care information of Lloydminster residents accessible to biprovincial health care providers.

“They promised they would have that done by this fall,” said Brown, noting the newly-elected government in Alberta could

slow the process.

Lloydminster Mayor Gerald Aalbers says the city will also continue to advocate for better health care in the city from both provinces.

“One of the first calls after the new cabinet announcement on Friday was from Paul Richer (chair of the Lloydminster and District Health Advisory Council),” said Aalbers.

“He says ‘Mr. Mayor, how are we going to get to the minister’ and I said ‘I’ve already talked to the MLA’ and we’re going to work on that,” said Aalbers.

Other health issues to lobby for are the need for a community-driven plan for the Dr. Cooke Extended Care site, improved ambulance service, and a permanent MRI facility.

“With the border situation and having to work with two governments, it really takes a strong local group to keep bringing these concerns to both governments to try and find a solution,” said Brown.

Brown and Dr. Raff Sayeed took a moment at the AGM to pay tribute to long-time members Betty Christensen and Len Pryor, who were both board members when they died earlier this year.

“The contributions they made were very significant,” said Brown.

Geoff Lee Meridian Source

Guest speaker and Lloydminster Mayor, Gerald Aalbers, added his support for healthcare at the AGM of the Lloydminster Concerned Citizens for Seniors Care Society at the Legacy Centre on Monday as the group’s president, Graham Brown, right, looks on.

GEOFF LEE WRITER

Artsy kids paint face sculpture

The placing of a colourful piece of public art near the Kin -

dergarten playground at College Park School was well-timed. It acted as another drawing card to a Lloy -

dminster Public School Division Art Academy art show, held in the commons area of the school on Tuesday.

The approximately 350-pound cement megalith is one of 27 works of public art in a Faces of Lloydminster project by local sculptor Mick Classen.

The Seniors Care Society donated $500 to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada in Pryor’s name and will donate $500 in the name of Christensen to a charity yet to be determined.

Sayeed told the audience Christensen was part of a five-person team that started the advocacy group back in the 2005-era.

“Betty Christensen never missed a meeting. It was because of people like Betty that we are still here and we grew. She was passionate, she brought many issues concerning seniors to the board,” said Sayeed.

He noted because of her, they once had five MLAs and 75 people attend a meeting bring -

ing the issues to their committee, especially the lack of long-term spaces.

“Without her support, we would not be here,” added Sayeed.

He also noted Pryor was a Free Mason who joined the core group after he talked to him about it at a Masonic meeting and readily accepted as a needed Saskatchewan member.

Sayeed said Pryor was president for many years and was known for his wisdom and common sense.

“Under his leadership, we became formalized and became a society,” said Sayeed.

He says he is sure the Seniors Care Society currently has about 200 members and made a point of saying Brown has been a

strong president, too.

“I hope he continues to lead us as president for a long time,” added Sayeed.

In his summary, Brown took a moment to reflect on what Sayeed said about the history of the organization and the role of deceased members Pryor, Christensen and Bill Till, too.

“It seems like when you get with this organization, it’s until death do you part,” said Brown.

“We really are here because community people cared.”

The AGM also named Carol Martens, Sharon Pryor and Ruby Trudel as three new rotating directors.

The group will recess at the end of June and resume weekly meetings on Sept. 12.

It was painted by art academy students under the direction of Lloydminster artist Brandi Hofer and teacher Derek Kappel and set up in the playground last Thursday.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 13

SENIORS FROM PAGE 8

GEOFF LEE WRITER

Geoff Lee Meridian Source Artist Brandi Hofer, who leads the Lloydminster Public School Division Art Academy with teacher Derek Kappel, unveiled the group’s latest piece of public art near the Kindergarten playground of College Park School.

MERIDIAN SOURCE

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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

it to Weaver: Live music scene alive and thriving in Lloyd@!

EDITOR Taylor Weaver

When was the last time you saw some good old-fashioned live music in Lloyd?

Was it last Saturday night at The Sticks Billiards and Lounge when Kid Midnight and The Midnight Kids blew the roof off the place?

in person!”

There may not have been a massive crowd, but the energy in the room was out of this world ... and don’t forget we were competing with multiple rodeos, Lea Park’s annual rodeo dance, multiple chuckwagon races, and local boxing matches at the Lloyd Ex, to name a few.

told the boys and me he came to the show during his lunch break as he’s currently working nights ... now that’s dedication!

There was another guy who showed up right at the end of our set and said he drove in from out of town as soon as he heard there was a show.

Staff Writer Geoff Lee geoff@meridiansource.ca

Marketing Manager

Deanna Wandler deanna@meridiansource.ca

Now, I’m a little biased as I’m the drummer of said band, but if you ask the Sticks’ new owner, I think he’d agree with my previous statement. In fact, he even shared some videos from our set on Facebook calling the show “Lit AF,” and “It’s so much better live, you have to see these guys

Lloyd is also notorious for being a ghost town throughout the summer with everyone going to the lake or the city.

But, after speaking with some of the people at the show, it’s safe to say there’s a lot of passion for live music in The Double L.

One of these passionate people was a gentleman by the name of Zen, who

Ask any musician, but we all LOVE this kind of enthusiasm! Sorry, you missed the show, good sir!

Saturday’s show was our third at The Sticks since Halloween and the owner already wants us back, which is encouraging for not only us but live music in Lloyd in general.

Let’s not forget about the newly-renamed and renovated Cheers Live

(formerly The Gruuve, formerly Amigos). The guys at Cheers Live are doing a phenomenal job consistently bringing in acts of all genres since converting the infamous Amingos into a live-music venue. I had the chance to catch Dylan Hansen & The Rough Cuts at the venue’s renaming party and have to say, I didn’t even recognize the bar! It was clean, smelled nice, and the audio levels were great.

Couldn’t make it to the show on Saturday? Fear not; we’ll be at Cheers Live on July 8, so save the date! The Rough Cuts are also organizing a day of live music at Bud Miller on Canada Day; see you all there!

ASK THE EXPERTS

Marketing Consultant Ashley Miazga ashley@meridiansource.ca

Publisher: Reid Keebaugh

Production Manager: Amanda Richard

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING admin@meridiansource.ca

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Leeway from Lloyd: Walnut crunch is food for thought

STAFF WRITER GEOFF LEE

It’s time for one of my potpourri columns on a couple of timely topics, namely the return of two socalled iconic donuts by Tim Hortons and the construction worker shortage.

Tims must have been reading one of my columns months ago when I lamented the long-time demise of my favourite donut, the walnut crunch.

The south-end store reminds me of it every day on their wallpaper, listing the walnut crunch as donut #46 on the defunct list.

The company brought back the walnut crunch and the famed cherry stick

donut to celebrate National Donut Day on June 2, but these tasty wonders will only stick around for a limited time.

If they are so beloved as Tims notes, then please keep selling these retro flavours forever. It is still the only donut I will eat, so when they are gone, Tims will lose a buyer.

Some online naysayers liken the look of the crunch to a “number 2” but these dark eats are #1 in my donut books. I ate one last week after years of therapy to get over their sudden disappearance from the shelves!

On the topic of a shortage of construction labour, I was chatting with a builder who is recon -

structing the exterior of my building and he is down to a skeleton crew.

He told me two guys just quit and a third guy also left, putting the project completion date out the window.

He also told me, most guys prefer to work on residential vs. commercial construction since they don’t like all the safety rules for commercial.

He is hiring some summer students who should at least get home safe and sound wearing a hard hat and fall protection gear, which is the point of safety equipment. From an industry point of view, many experienced workers have retired or left the industry, along with a lack of young people entering the business

which creates a labour gap.

Nationally, the number of construction job vacancies is estimated at 93,000.

The lack of workers delays the completion of projects like new housing and drives up

the cost for builders, consumers and owners. I don’t have any solutions, but a walnut crunch served to crews during a coffee break might create a better taste for construction work! Retention.

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.

Playschool Preregistration

Southridge Playschool & Kindergym has opened up their registration for the fall 20232024 classes. They offer one-day a week for three-year-olds and one or two days a week for four/five-year-olds.

Passport to YLL

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

They have also qualified for the Affordability Grant! For more information please call Mrs. P. at 780-872-9523.

Square Dancing Introduction

NEW LOCATION!

Intro to square dancing will be held on

Wednesday nights from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at City Church, 511549 Street. Walk to the beat of music by following simple instructions from the caller. Come alone or bring a friend. Wear whatever is comfortable. First evening is FREE!

Bingo at the Moose

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

North Bend Musical Afternoon

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

Spades Tourney

The Legacy Centre is hosting a Spades tournament on June 15. Play begins at 10 a.m. and the cost to play is $10. Lunch is available for $12/person. Everyone welcome! Call the Legacy office at 780-8754584 for more info.

Pubnight at the Legacy Centre

The Legacy Centre is hosting a Pubnight on June 16. Doors open and dancin’ at 5 p.m., supper will be served at 6 p.m., then dance the evening away to the tunes of Memory Lane (Lloydminster). Admission is $20/person at the door. All members and guests welcome. Call the Legacy office at 780-8754584 for more info.

Father’s Day Breakfast

The Women of the Moose will be hosting

a Father’s Day breakfast on June 18 from 8-11 a.m. at the Moose Lodge, located at 521357 St. Breakfast costs $10 for adults, $5 for 12 and under, and free for five and under. There will also be a draw for a cooler filled with all kinds of goodies. Tickets for the draw are by donation and all proceeds go to support the Lloydminster Community Youth Centre.

General Meeting

The Lloydminster Senior Citizens Society will be hosting its general meeting at the Legacy Centre on June 19. The meeting will start at 10:30 a.m. and take place in the Main Hall. All members encouraged to attend.

Strategies for Managing High Blood Pressure

The Sask. Health Authority is hosting a Strategies for Managing High Blood Pressure class on June 20 from 9-11 a.m. in the Prairie North Plaza’s Suite 109. To register, please call 306-820-6262. This class is free.

Summer Soiree

The Friends of the Performing Arts is hosting a Summer Soiree at Grace United Church on June 21 to benefit music education and school band programs in Lloydminster. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and bands begin at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased by contacting 780-808-5657 or 780875-8959.

Cribbage Doubles Tourney

The Legacy Centre will be hosting a cribbage doubles tournament on June 22. Play begins at 10 a.m. and the cost to play is $10. Lunch is available for $12/person. Everyone welcome! Bring a partner and enjoy a day of competition around the card tables. Call the Legacy office at 780875-4584 for more info.

Sherri Husch-Foote, executive director of Midwest Family Connections, said the organization was completely thrilled with the donation and can’t wait to start utilizing the new space.

“The development of the Aurora park is really critical for families in our community,” she said. “Having a park on the Saskatchewan side that provides accessibility from a transportation perspective is really important. It was key for us in the development of our early years family resource programming to have a Saskatchewan park that’s not only accessible from a play aspect but also from a transportation standpoint.

“We’ll be delivering programming onsite once the park is in place.”

The Co-op’s Community Spaces program was first launched in 2018 and to date, four local projects have been supported financially.

The most recent was the newly-installed play structure just south of the Lloyd Exh’s Nissan Building.

Smile cookie campaign a success

“It was a lot of fun and what we really learned from this experience as a group was the power and impact that public art could make,” said Hofer that day.

“Once we moved the piece out into the school ground they could see how impactful public art can be when people interact with it.”

The piece is meant to be crawled on, touched, sat on, and jumped on by kids of all ages.

“It’s going to be a beautiful exciting piece that represents exuberance, energy and love,” said Hofer.

It took several maintenance workers to carry the piece to its resting place to be admired as public art.

“I think the finished product looks great. The kids worked really hard on it,” said Kappel.

“Everybody got a chance to do their own individual art piece on

the face and everybody’s really excited to get it out in the field.”

One of the young artists was Grade 7 student, Sophie Jacobson, who created three paintings with a meaning.

About her whale scene, she said, “I felt like I just wanted to do something ocean because there is a lot of plastic in the ocean. I think everyone should try to contribute to get rid of that, so I painted a place where there wasn’t plastic and there was a good ecosystem.”

She explained her lips with hearts painting was an attempt to do something different, noting normal is weird.

“It represents speaking to someone kindly and then letting them listen to you,” Jacobson said.

Her circles with blue dots were a symbol of friendship with her best buddy.

She too thinks the

finished product looks good or cool, to quote her impression of it.

“When people see it, they’re just going to be so surprised and they’re going to want to go everywhere and look at all the different shapes and colours,” said Jacobson.

Many students like her used acrylic paint or Posca pens to make their art that is protected by a weatherresistant coating.

Art academy kids have also created two window murals as public art for businesses to display along with a day of culinary arts making pizzas at Spiro’s Family Restaurant.

Everyone in the art academy got the chance to exhibit all the work they curated over the past few weeks at the Tuesday art show.

The Lloydminster and District Co-op sponsored all the snacks and juice boxes.

KID ART FROM PAGE 9

Geoff Lee Meridian Source

It was all smiles at the north end Tim Hortons for a cheque presentation of $13,929.76 to the Olive Tree. Another $13,929.76 was also donated to KidSport Lloydminster. A total of $27,85952 was split between the two charities from proceeds of Smile Cookie sales at all five restaurant locations in the city from May 1-7.

Friend sees for blind Lions golfer

Move over golfing sensation, Nick Taylor. While the new Canadian Open champ hopes to become the first Canuck to win the U.S. Open, underway Thursday, Canada’s Gerry Nelson is the reigning U.S. Open champ for blind golfers.

He is also the only five-time Canadian Open champ and the defending champion from Meadow Lake Saskatchewan, with his playing partner and best friend, Chris Villeneuve, sharing the glory.

Taylor became only

the second Canadian in 69 years to win the Canadian Open last Sunday with two good eyes by sinking an unbelievable 72-foot putt on the fourth playoff hole to win the event.

Nelson, on the other hand, has been totally blind from diabetes since 1988 and relies on the sight of Villeneuve to line up his shots.

The dynamic duo are both Lions Club members who talked about their unique partnership while helping to raise funds and awareness at the Lloydminster Lions Club Golf Tournament at Roll -

ing Green Fairways on June 9.

Nelson says he took up blind golf in 1991 and Villeneuve came into the picture about 10 years later. They’ve been together ever since.

“We’ve been to the World Championship three times, the English Open, the British Open, the U.S. Open, the Canadian Open. We’ve been to Japan four times,” said Nelson.

He says he golfs the same way sighted people do, only he can’t see the ball, or anything for that matter.

“Chris sets me up and holds the club stationery

to the ball. I position myself and he gets out of the way and I hit it, and we go do it again,” explained Nelson.

He noted he was a golfer before he lost his sight, so he knew what a nice golf swing is supposed to look like.

Villeneuve says as a tandem, they are very competitive on an international level at the moment, having won the U.S. Open this past March with another Canadian Open later this summer.

“Gerry and I were friends before he lost his vision,” said Villeneuve.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 16

GEOFF LEE WRITER

Geoff Lee Meridian Source

It takes two to play blind golf. Five-time Canadian Open blind golfer Gerry Nelson, standing, relies on the eyesight of his friend Chris Villeneuve to position his club behind the ball.

Blind golfer gives back to community

FROM PAGE 15

“When the day came when he needed my help, of course, I said ya. I just fell in love with the game. We got really good at it really fast. He’s so competitive when it comes to the game of golf.”

Villeneuve notes golfing is just a great game in general, but to be able to go out with your buddy and support each other the

way they do and do as well as they do, is totally enjoyable.

“As long as we stay competitive, I’ll be here,” he said.

His wife, Terry, thinks the secret sauce to their chemistry is their lifelong friendship.

“They are awesome together when they’re out there on the golf course and any place else. Chris is Gerry’s eyes and Gerry depends

on Chris to be there for him,” she said.

Darryl Oster says having Nelson and Villeneuve at the tournament fits in well with the organization’s support of eyesight and diabetes causes.

“One of the things we are very big supporters of is sight,” said Oster.

“We invited Gerry to attend our local charity golf tournament today and he was able to

make it. We’re excited to have him.”

Oster says they are hoping to raise up to $7,000 in their second annual tournament with a focus on funding local diabetes programs this year.

“We’re looking at setting up a support group for Type 1 diabetics in the area,” said Oster.

Nelson added it’s been close to 75 years that Lions clubs in Canada have supported blind golf financially, as well as by hosting tournaments and providing transportation.

He came to Rolling Green with Villeneuve to play nine holes and help raise funds for local causes.

“It’s just nice to give back to the community,” said Nelson.

The 59-year-old is a past-president and current vice president of the Western Canadian Blind Golf Association and is in his second term as president

of Blind Golf Canada.

He is also in his second term as a director on the board of the International Blind Golf Association.

He retired as a provincial client service coordinator with the Canadian National Institute for the Blind in 2021.

Celebrating sports excellence

Supplied Photo Jayva Andersen and Jake McEachern were named Lloydminster Comprehensive High School’s Female and Male Athletes of the Year at the school’s recent athletics awards night.

Ma’s martial artists wrap season with major wins

The Art of TaekwonDo and Kung Fu Club has much to celebrate after doubling up on medals at the recent Western Canadian Karate Championships in Red Deer.

The club took 11 competitors ranging from five to 17 years old and returned with 20 medals and one Grand Champion.

“It feels great to have had that kind of success in Red Deer,” said one of the club’s owners and lead instructors, Eliza Ma, adding the fact this was the club’s final competition of the year.

“It’s a great way to end the season and it’s a great way for the kids to feel good. We love going to Red Deer and we’ve been going since I was three or four, but for the kids to do well, I think it really boosted their confidence.”

When the group returned from competition in Calgary in April, Ma joked she isn’t happy until the number of medals won is double the number of athletes at the competition, and after returning from Red Deer, her students were doing their own kind of math.

“As the kids would say, ‘the grand championship makes up three medals, so really, 23 medals,’ that’s what

they’ve been telling me. The kids say there’s nothing to complain about now, but I’m sure I’ll find something,” she said with a laugh.

For anyone unsure, Ma explained a grand champion is crowned when a competitor places first in their division before moving on and competing against all other winning athletes in their age group.

“It’s a pretty big deal and we couldn’t be happier,” said Ma of the club’s new accolades.

Twelve-year-old Xander Ortanez was the club’s grand champion, his first-ever. Ortanezalso came home with two medals.

Zoenela Herath took home 3 medals, Naomi Brand, 2, Sofiia Ozymchuk, 3, Tristan Conroy, 3, William Woodland, 2, Reigen Phillips, 1, Yeohaun Ortanez, 1, Spencer Phillips, 2, Mary Senense, 2.

Marti Henardino also attended the weekend’s action.

Ortanez said it felt amazing to be grand champion after months of training for Wushu martial arts and sparring competitions.

Ortanez also noted a life lesson he’s learned through martial arts is the fact you can meet new people, but when the time comes, you still have to compete against them, even if you’re friends.

Zoenela Herath, 17, also had a great weekend taking home three medals.

“I placed second in musical weapons, first in regular weapons, and second in forms, so Kung Fu,” said the black belt, adding she’s been training at the Art of Taekwon-Do and Kung Fu for roughly a decade.

“For my next competition, I want to try to get first in all of them.”

THANK YOU!!

Thanks to all who made our 2nd Annual Lloydminster Lions Golf Tournament a success! We couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful day. Thanks to the media, Geoff from the Meridian Source, Gerry from Lloydminster Now & Kallen from Primetime for doing an awesome job of the interviews with Gerry Nelson, a blind golfer from Meadow Lake Lions Club & current Canadian Blind Golfer Champion. Great job in bring awareness and attention to Lions Organizations, our city of Lloydminster & to Rolling Greens Fairways. It was a humble honor to have Gerry & Chris join us & hear his story.

Thanks to Riley, Heather & their staff at Rolling Greens. Thank you to the volunteers, the golfers & everyone who made this all possible! See you all next year!

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Herle’s Auto Home Hardware

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NEWSPAPER ROUTES AVAILABLE

• EARN EXTRA CASH

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For available paper routes near you, contact us at 306-825-5111 or distribution@meridiansource.ca

NOW HIRING FULL TIME VINYL GRAPHICS INSTALLER

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

JOB DESCRIPTION:

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

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• Monday to Friday, possibly some weekends

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Send resume to crystal@reidsigns.ca

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

Thursday, June 15, 2023

MERIDIAN SOURCE 306-825-5111 admin@meridansource.ca

MEIER 4-DAY UNRESERVED Antique and Collectable Auction for Dennis Kjos of Wetaskiwin County. Sat., June 24 and Sun., June 25 10 AM. Sat., July 8 & Sun., July 9 10 AM. Selling three generations of over 6000 items. Visit www.meierauction.com for details.

ONLINE FARM AUCTION

SALE online from June 13 to 20th, 2023. VIEWING: onsite June 13th to 16th and 19th from 11 am – 4 pm ONLY, at 50532 RR232

Leduc County, AB. **VIEW-

ING IS A MUST DUE TO THE VOLUME OF ITEMS**. See website for detailed listings & photos. www. auctions.ca. Gary Hanna Auctions Ltd. 780-4401075. Subject to additions, deletions and errors. All Sales Final. Payment by Cash, Debit, EFT, certified cheque; credit card with 3% service fee.

Private mortgage lender. All real estate types considered. No credit checks done. Deal direct with lender and get quick approval. Toll free 1-866405-1228 www.firstandsecondmortgages.ca

Classifieds

HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATORS & LABOURERS WANTED

COMING EVENTS

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

GET YOUR MESSAGE

SEEN ACROSS Alberta. The Blanket Classifieds or Value Ads reach over 600,000 Alberta readers weekly. Two options starting at $269 or $995 to get your message out! Business changes, hiring, items for sale, cancellations, tenders, etc. People are increasingly staying home and rely on their local newspapers for information. KEEP people in the loop with our 90 Weekly Community Newspapers. Call THIS NEWSPAPER now or email classifieds@awna. com for details. 1-800282-6903, 780-434-8746 X225. www.awna.com.

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

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FEED AND SEED NOTICE

FORAGE SEED FOR SALE:

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AGRICULTURE

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