Meridian Source - March 16, 2023

Rustlers win second national v-ball title

have is, we just needed them to miss a couple allowing our serve receive to settle in and get the ball moving forward and gain confidence that way.”

For Rustlers captain and veteran middle, Kaylie Lueck, Saturday’s match was one she and the team were waiting for.

After winning their second national collegiate volleyball title since the 2016-17 season, the best way to describe the team as a whole is humble.

After an unbelievably near-perfect season, the Rustlers headed to Nanaimo B.C. for the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) final last week after beating the Red Deer Polytechnic Queens in the Alberta Collegiate Athletic Conference (ACAC) championship on Feb. 25.

Throughout three days of championship play, the Rustlers went 3-0 against the Rouges

de Saint-Boniface on Wednesday, 3-1 against the Humber Hawks on Thursday, and 3-0 on championship Saturday against the Camosun Chargers.

“Going into the final, the only thing I was a little worried about was how aggressive they served,” said head coach Austin Dyer. “If they were able to have a match where they didn’t miss, they could have beaten anybody with the style of serving they have.

“They’re big, they’re athletic, they have the pieces to put a lot of pressure on a team if they’re out-of-system ... but with how risky the style of serving they

“It was a day we had been waiting for since last year, so there were some jitters going into it, but as soon as we got out there and started doing our thing, everything came naturally,” she said.

In Lueck’s opinion, a big aspect of the win came down to volleyball IQ.

“The way Austin gets us ready for the games, the way we prepare, we’re sitting watching other teams play and we’re picking apart their play … we know we’re smart players, and our volleyball IQ is a lot higher than some teams.”

Fifth-year outside hitter Jenay Varga not only had a phenomenal tournament, but she also had a great season and lead the ACAC in kills

with 229, averaging 4.09 per set. Varga also led the league in aces-perset with 0.80 and had the third-highest hitting percentage with .491.

“It was very different than what we’ve done so far, just that higher level of play, so it was a cool experience,” said Varga.

“A national title is a pretty cool little brag to have … a humble brag,” she added with a laugh.

Other seasonal-league Rustler records include outside hitter Avery

Bates, who had the second-highest hitting percentage in the league ahead of Varga with a .496.

The Rustlers also dominated the season in aces per set with Lueck finishing behind Varga with 0.63, Lana Matthews finishing fourth overall with 0.56, and setter Jana Laing finishing fifth with 0.49.

Laing also claimed the top spot for assists per set with 9.58.

Coach Dyer was also

honoured with not only the ACAC women’s volleyball Coach of the Year award, but he also won the CCAA Coach of the Year, something he chalks up to his team.

“At the end of the day it was an award given to me, but in my opinion, it’s a team award,” he said. “It’s an award given to me because of the team I have. For me, it’s about our team being good enough to allow me to win such an award.”

MERIDIANSOURCE.CA

Supplied Photo

Left: Rustlers outside hitter Jenay Vargo brings the heat during the first set of championship action against the Camosun Chargers in Nanaimo B.C. last Saturday night.

Right: The Lakeland College Rustlers women’s volleyball team celebrates its national championship victory over the Charger at the CCAA Women’s Volleyball Championship.

TAYLOR WEAVER EDITOR

City clarifies dress code at aquatic facilities

In response to the recent Canada-wide conversation around permissible swimwear in public aquatic facilities, the City of Lloydminster have provided clarity on the matter for its patrons.

The Bioclean Aquatic Centre and the the Cityrun outdoor pool are inclusive spaces where all are welcome, said the City in a statement. To this end, the City recognizes people of all genders will be held

to the same swimwear standards.

The City says the courts have solidified this right, and is considered a protected activity under human rights legislation. As such, a patron’s choice to exercise this right must be respected. As this activity is protected, the City cannot regulate or prevent it.

The Alberta Human Rights Act prohibits

discrimination based on gender, and the Criminal Code does not define nudity as topless for either gender.

The City encourages an atmosphere of respect within its public buildings and does not condone behaviour that threatens the safety, comfort, and dignity of staff and guests, including acts of verbal abuse or physical intimidation.

MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

As such, a patron’s choice to exercise this right must be respected. As this activity is protected, the City cannot regulate or prevent it.

File Photo

Braidy bunch and updo girls medal

A combination of braiding, twisting, knots and ropes added up to the junior-level hairdressing challenge at the Lakeland Regional Skills Canada competition.

That also kind of sums up the butterflies the youngest competitors faced in the 90-minute event held in the Lakeland College Hairdressing Salon on March 10.

Some of the intermediates were also nervous Nellies who were tasked with replicating a bridal updo from a photo while working with mannequin heads as judges ticked checkboxes on clipboards.

In the end, Princess Depaculang from Holy Rosary High School (HRHS) controlled her tummy demons to win the junior event and will head to the provincials in Edmonton May 2-3 with her runner-up Grade 12 schoolmate, Preema Nathan.

“I was pretty excited. This was the first time I have ever been in a competition and the first time I won,” said Depaculang with a gold medal around her neck.

Another Grade 12 HRHS student, Rose Rusteika, revealed her calming secret to capturing the first place intermediate medal to punch her ticket to Edmonton with classmate Aleshia Rieland.

“Take a couple of deep breaths because I was really nervous and just go for it,” Rusteika explained.

Debbie Minish, one of the three judges, explained the competitors were evaluated on everything from creativity and balance of design to quality of design and how close it replicated the photo.

“Obviously, hair is very subjective, so in the end, the three scores go together, then we determine the first, second and third place winner,” said Minish.

There were four students in the interme -

diate and five in the junior category.

“They have an amazing talent for as young as they are,” added Minish.

The hairstylists on site were among 50 students in the region taking part in various skills competitions at Lakeland’s Lloydminster and Vermilion campuses.

Only the top-two from each skill go on to provincials.

Alycia Pawluk, manager of programming and education with Skills Canada in Edmonton, works with partners like Lakeland College to set up regional competitions and thinks these com -

petitions are incredibly important for students.

“It helps showcase the career opportunities and education opportunities that are available for students in trades and technologies,” said Pawluk

“This is a great opportunity to try their hand at some of these things and see if it’s something they do want to go to school for or even further to have a career in.”

A career in hairstyling was a thought not often entertained by Depaculang until the judges named her the junior winner.

“It’s an option now. Before it wasn’t,” she

said.

It was the same for Rusteika, who finished first among the intermediates with school -

ing for the hairstyling trade in her mind.

“I’m thinking about

it, actually the Lakeland program,” she said.

GEOFF LEE WRITER

Supplied Photo Mya Graham won a bronze medal in junior hairstyling at the Lakeland Regional Skills Competition Friday in the Hair Salon of the Lloydminster campus of Lakeland College.

TeleMiracle 47 a big success

With over $5.5M raised, it’s safe to say TeleMiracle 47 was a major success, and three Border City service club members had front-row seats to the action.

Lloydminster’s Wendy Sydoryk and Byron and Michelle Stepp had the honour of representing their local Kinsmen and Kinette clubs during

Other event winners from HRHS were Ethan Flasch, gold in carpentry, Brady Hill, silver in carpentry, Cameron Gargus, gold for welding, Tyler Gerwing, silver in welding, Darby Gervais, bronze in welding.

Lucas Feeley and Jerico Manaloto won gold for video production while Jordan Malone captured gold in baking with silver going to Danica Nelson. Darwyn Marquez

the 47th annual 20-hour telethon, which raised a total of $5,519,229 to

got a silver in culinary.

Fashion technology student Kaleigh Peterson and photography student Carly Krchov placed in previous qualifying events and will go to Edmonton representing Lloydminster Comprehensive High School.

Among the LCHS medalists are Jace Byford and Caleb Walker, bronze in video production, Carina

Lorenzana and Jordyn Fash, silver in video production and Xander

the excitement of the trio.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

Gravel, bronze in electrical installation.

The list includes Jayden Wood, silver in electrical installation, Callie Lan, gold in electrical installation, Mya Graham, bronze in junior hair styling and Elizabeth Rody, bronze in hair styling intermediate.

Rounding out the winners are Reese McLeod, bronze in carpentry, Kaleb Heatley, gold in cabinet making, and Sofiyah Hotsul, gold in culinary arts.

SKILLS COMP FROM PAGE 3

TAYLOR WEAVER EDITOR

Supplied Photo

TeleMiracle experience heart warming for Lloyd trio

“Five and a half million dollars is a very exciting total for us,” said Michelle Stepp.

“I sit on our Kinsmen Foundation Board as well, which is the board that decides where that money goes, so it’s exciting for the board to be able to help all of those people, and this money truly makes a difference in so many people’s lives, so it’s a really excaiting total.”

Funds from the annual TeleMiracle fundraiser help people in Saskatchewan with things such as travel, accommodations and meals when they have to travel outside of their own community for medical appointments, surgery, or any type of medical treatment.

“We also help with lots of different medical equipment, so if people need things like scooters, walkers or wheelchairs, we help fund that too,” she said. “The money stays local to the province of Saskatchewan, but it includes every resident in Lloydminster. It doesn’t matter if you live in Lloyd and have an Alberta address, it still helps you. Lloydminster is the exception to the ‘having to stay in Saskatchewan’ rule.”

Stepp explained she and Sidoryk helped organize all of the volunteers that came to the show, while her husband co-chaired the corporate side of things.

Being the Kinsmen Foundation’s biggest annual fundraiser, Stepp noted it was nice to be back in full swing after a couple of pandemic years.

“It was exciting to have all our volunteers back and able to help in full capacity,” she said. “The TeleMiracle fundraiser is one thing our Kinsmen and Kinettes look forward to being able to help with every year, so those two COVID years

were tough because we couldn’t run a full-scale fundraiser. I think we had around 450 Kinsmen and Kinettes members there this year, which was amazing.”

Of the over $5.5M raised, $38,000 was donated by the Lloydminster Kinsmen and Lloydminster Kinettes through funds raised at the annual TeleMiracle Steak Night, which the two clubs co-host together.

“It’s the Kinsmen and Kinettes that make that event possible. We have two clubs here in Lloydminster so this has been a joint project of ours for some time; it’s a great fundraiser,” said Stepp. “The total we brought to TeleMiracle this year was just

over $38,000 and it was really nice to present that total on stage.

“TeleMiracle is also pledging $1M to the province of Saskatchewan for organizations that need our help, so we’ll see a lot of applications coming to the board for that,” said Stepp. “There’s

big things coming, it’s really exciting.”

Known as Saskatchewan’s charity, TeleMiracle was hosted in Saskatoon and wrapped up its annual 20-hour fundraiser on Feb. 26 with a total of $5,519,229 raised. Since starting in 1977, TeleMiracle has raised over $158M.

23023BS0

Supplied Photo

Michelle Stepp, Wendy Sydoryk, Chantelle McAlpine and Yvette Colbert had a great time volunteering at TeleMiracle 47.

Health fair incites smiley faces

The smile metre was off the charts at a mental health fair held at Lloydminster Comprehensive High School to raise awareness about anxiety and depression, etc.

The event went ahead on March 10 in the gym following some mental health trivia and a few other activities in the lead-up to the fair overseen by the student leadership group.

“We also did free cookies to boost morale and we have this mental health fair with a whole bunch of little booths with different organizations that deal with mental health,” said leadership student Rhya Payne.

The Lloydminster Region Health Foundation was one of many community health organizations on hand to spread the news about mental health resources available to students.

Foundation CEO

Stephanie Munro was handing out stickers with a “you are a blessing” message along with information on Project Sunrise’s mental health initiatives.

“Students are very excited. They are excited to put a sticker on their mirror to remind themselves every day that they are a blessing,” said Munro.

“Below on all those

stickers is the Lloydminster Mental Health website, so they can always know where to go, if they or a loved one or a friend is seeking some mental health support.”

Angela Clements from The Green Willow Healing with Nature was part of a booth demonstrating a unique blend of holistic healing to students.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 7

GEOFF LEE WRITER

Geoff Lee Meridian Source Lloydminster Comprehensive High School student Ryan Rekimowich, left, joins other students to make stress balls by stuffing flour into balloons. It was one of the fun activities during the school’s Mental Health Fair on Friday.

Students talk mental health

FROM PAGE 6

“We do energy healing and sound healing, so it can help with depression and anxiety. It can help with any blockages you have in your body,” said Clements speaking about students.

“Sound healing will improve their way of life.”

Green Willow shares space at Hart & Soul Essentials studio, owned and operated by Tara Harty, who added to the sound energy by beating her brass symbol.

The fair was just what the doctor ordered for Natalie Wiebe who teaches phys-ed and wellness at the Comp.

“This event is so important. We have put a priority on mental health at the provincial level and here at the division level,” said Wiebe.

“We are looking at a holistic type of wellness where we are not only taking care of our physical body but we are also taking care of our mental health in yoga

and meditation.”

Wiebe says they were looking for an opportunity for students and staff to be able to not only participate in activities that support mental health, but also an opportunity to gather information and resources within our community.

We are looking at a holistic type of wellness where we are not only taking care of our physical body but we are also taking care of our mental health in yoga and meditation.

“So our mental health fair today just speaks to that,” said Wiebe.

She was also thrilled by the response from community players to participate in the fair.

Jim Taylor, owner of

City of Lloydminster Public Notice

Draft Bylaw 23-2022

Grindin Gears Bikes ‘n Boards, brought a bike to the fair to make the point to students that exercise makes you feel good.

“Getting outside and enjoying the outside can be really great for mental health,” said Taylor.

“I’m just trying to encourage kids to get outside and ride and calm down and enjoy what we have that’s free to do. That’s what it’s all about.”

Taylor says being active is great for mental health and he finds it works for him.

“It works for everybody. You go outside and do some activity and feel better,” he explained.

Meanwhile, a whole bunch of students including Ryan Rekimowich were making themselves feel good by filling balloons with flour and then squeezing them.

“We are making stress balls for stress relief and I think they’re just to play with,” said the teen.

Intent: Bylaw No. 23-2022, LPDC OCP Future Land Use Map Amendment

The Rural Municipality (RM) of Britannia No. 502 is proposing to designate approximately 259.20 ha. (640.49 ac.) of land adjacent to the City as Industrial Policy Area within Map 1 of Bylaw No. 31-2014 being the Lloydminster Planning District Commission (LPDC) Official Community Plan (OCP) to support future industrial development.

The land indicated above and identified on the map in red are proposed to be dedicated as Industrial Policy Area.

How do I get more information?

The draft bylaw is also available online at www.lloydminster.ca/bylaw23-2022. For more information on the draft bylaw, please contact Legislative Services at 780-871-8328.

How can I be a part of the Public Hearing?

Anyone wishing to present at the public hearing, either verbally or in writing, concerning this bylaw may do so during the City Council with or without notice at the meeting specified below. Please notify Legislative Services by 2 p.m. on Monday, March 20, 2023, to provide a submission for the agenda. All submissions will become part of the permanent public record.

Kindness campaign another sugary-sweet success

to the Lloydminster Rescue Squad, the Lloydminster Public Library, the Lloydminster Interval Home Society, Furbabies Furever Homes, the SPCA, as well as Points West Living Lloydminster Inc.

“The campaign was fantastic, and it went by so quickly,” said Michelle Rusteika.

couldn’t have come at a better time.

what the campaign was about,” she said.

It was a pretty sweet month at Mother Teresa Early Childhood Education Centre as students helped sprinkle kindness throughout the community.

The school just wrapped up its secondannual donut campaign in partnership with

Sobeys Lloydminster and brought in $11,160.

Half of the funds went back to the school to cover costs, and the other half was split between the Lloydminster Rescue Squad, Border Paws Animal Shelter, formerly known as the SPCA, Furbabies, Big Brothers Big Sisters, KidSport, and the

Goat’s Christmas Wish.

The donut campaign was the brainchild of Grade 1 teacher Paige Kindopp, who pitched it to Michelle and Kevin Rusteika at Sobeys.

The Rusteikas then brought the studentdesigned donuts to life. Funds from last year’s campaign, which totalled $3,422.50, went

“The campaign was three weeks long and we hit our original target of $7,000 on week two, so at that point, we decided to go for broke and upped it to $10K, and here we are after the campaign at over $11K.”

With another successful campaign in the books, Rusteika is looking forward to a bit of a break after dipping over 8,000 donuts.

Kaley McLeod, chair of Lloydminster KidSport, said the donation

“Right now our funding requests are up, potentially higher than they’ve ever been, so we’ve increased our grant limit slightly to help accommodate the rising costs, inflation, all those things we’re all trying to navigate, so it’s going to make possible for more kids to participate in sport,” she said.

For Kindopp, this year’s campaign was even more special after a local community organization fair was held on prior to the fundraiser kickoff.

“Our process was similar with how students were engaged in the project and the designing process, however, this year we started with the local organization fair to make sure parents fully knew

“We brought a little more awareness to the reason why we were doing this, but it also got the students more familiar with those local organizations.

“I think they had more of an in-depth idea of why we were doing this.”

Only in its second year, Kindopp explained a lot more marketing went into this year’s campaign to help get the word out.

“We ended up getting some hockey teams in to challenge each other as well as some businesses challenging one another,” she said. “Then it just kind of took off and was truly incredible watching the community helping others, especially when the kids came in from the hockey teams.”

Taylor Weaver Meridian Source Students at Mother Teresa Early Childhood Learning Centre celebrated another success donut campaign after sprinkling the community with kindness throughout most of February.

TAYLOR WEAVER EDITOR

Falk introduces new parental bill

member’s bill to ensure greater parity in parental leave options.

Bill c-318 creates a new 15-week benefit for adoptive parents and intended parents through the Employment Insurance program and adjusts leave entitlement provisions in the Canada Labour Code accordingly.

will ensure greater parity in Canada’s parental benefits system,” said MP Rosemarie Falk in a news release on March 8.

Battlefords-Lloydminster MP Rosemarie Falk has introduced a private

“The creation of a new 15-week benefit for families formed by adoption and surrogacy

“The arrival of a new child is a precious and formative time for all parents and the Employment Insurance program provides parents with critical financial support while they care for and bond with their child.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

Thursday, March 16, 2023

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Community correspondents ... What is happening in Frenchman Butte and area

5921-50 Avenue, Lloydminster, SK S9V 2A4

Phone: 306-825-5111

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

We welcome letters to the editor. Letters should be 500 words or less. A name and daytime phone number is required for verification. Priority will be given to letters exclusively written for the Meridian Source. We reserve the right to edit letters for clarity, brevity, spelling, grammar, punctuation and libel. Unsigned letters will not be published. Use of pseudonyms will only be allowed in special circumstances, at the discretion of the editor and the publisher, and only if the author’s identity is known to the editor. Publication of a letter does not imply endorsement by the Meridian Source. Send to taylor@meridiansource.ca

SHELLY HANNIS-SIM

Recently I saw an ad in the Meridian Source calling for members of the public who might want to write about the happenings in their communities.

At first, I was excited as I always enjoyed the local papers that used to record the news and views of our small communities. Then I thought I should try being the reporter for our area.

Gone are the days of printing who went where on holidays or who was admitted and discharged from hospital (yes, they used to do that!). After I thought about it for a while, I became nervous and downright scared. Will I do a respectable job, will the members of my community enjoy what I say, will I get the facts all correct? Finally, I decided to try it and see what happens.

On Feb. 22, the Fort

FALK FROM PAGE 9

Falk says while all families are deserving of equal access to leave benefits, adoptive and intended parents are at a disadvantage under the current parental benefits system.

“The proposed benefit recognizes the unique needs and complexities of attachment for adoptive families, and by better supporting healthy attachment, the proposed benefit will help improve long-term outcomes for adoptive families and strengthen Canadian families,” she explained.

“After years of broken promises from the Trudeau government, the passage of this legislation would deliver the parental benefit parity that has long been promised to adoptive families.”

Pitt Mission held its annual pancake supper at the Paradise Hill Arena.

It was a full house despite the chilly weather as many locals came to enjoy the pancakes and sausage.

Many of the patrons stocked up on sweets and treats at the wellstocked bake table, all donated by the Fort Pitt area residents.

The pancake supper is celebrated on Shrove Tuesday, a day celebrated by many in the Christian faith by having a final day of sweets and treats before giving them up during the Lenten season.

On Feb. 23, the Frenchman Butte Museum Society held a volunteer appreciation supper at the Legion Hall.

Despite the frigid temperatures, 70 people attended and enjoyed a scrumptious supper followed by a video presentation of the past year at the museum.

Bonnie Saunders did a presentation about the new ‘Museum Swag’ available for purchase.

Tom and Marilyn Hougham continued with the presentation, speaking about the past year’s success and this

year’s progress.

In 2022, the museum saw over 600 students attend the school tours with this year’s bookings already full.

Foot traffic at the museum was also up with approximately 700 people visiting the exhibits.

Visitors came from all over the world, some coming as far away as South Africa, Europe, and Australia. A presentation was made to Rudy Buchta, a longtime resident and volunteer of the museum.

The museum was started back in 1979 and Buchta has been a huge part of the museum from its inception.

As the presentation ended, it was reiterated

how important volunteers are to the continued success of the museum. Volunteers are always needed and welcome at any time.

The museum’s biggest event is its Museum Festival, which is held every year on the second Sunday in August. For more information about the museum and its upcoming events, follow the museum’s Facebook page.

This year’s Festival date is Aug. 13, hope to see you there!

-If you are interested in becoming a Source correspondent in your community, please email taylor@meridiansource.ca for further information.

Photo courtesy of Shelly Hannis-Sim.

Leeway from Lloyd: Let’s roll up the rim, again

In the meantime, I am sending a memo to Tim Hortons to add some time machine prizes to the pot.

Consider this opinion column to be an open plea to Tim Hortons to bring back their paper cup Roll up the Rim contest in addition to the digital version.

There is no fun with the digital-only version and the app does malfunction, emailing people they won $10,000 on a prepaid American Express card, then telling them it was a mistake. See you in court.

Other app glitches occur, too. I don’t want to do any work other than pay for my coffee to play the game. I can use my rewards card and earn rolls, but I can’t roll without the phone app.

The corporation should be aware not everyone has a cellphone so these folks are out of luck. I sit with a couple of guys at Tims who don’t have their own phones.

To be fair, Tim Hortons should bring back

roll-up cups again in addition to the apps.

Since just about everybody buys coffee in a paper cup, why not make it easy? A contest is supposed to be easy. Since everyone buys coffee in a paper cup, there is no added pollution from selling paper cups.

It is not inclusive, however, to have a contest in that only people with cell phones can take part. Rolling up a paper cup had an element of fun and usually happened after you drank the contents to add some suspense. There is close to no thrill in learning you can redeem a free coffee etc. using the app.

Rolling up the rim seemed like a uniquely Canadian thing every customer looked forward to each year. I also missed my thricea-year chocolate walnut crunch donuts that were suddenly cancelled several years ago, along with a list of other favourites many people miss.

I am even suddenly nostalgic for the old

Tim’s restaurants that had barstools in front of the counter.

I am hoping Canuck singer Justin Bieber, who inspired some new TimBits flavours, can pull his weight and convince Tims to at least bring back Roll Up the Rim on its paper cups.

A baby bottle today could lead to problems tomorrow

When a child cries, it’s natural to want to comfort the child and stop their crying. Some parents try to soothe their children by giving them a bottle or a pacifier dipped in a sweet liquid. The child may stop crying; however, this practice often leads to future dental problems.

Children can develop a dental problem called baby bottle tooth decay. This is caused by sugar (carbohydrates) in the liquids in bottles clinging to the teeth for long periods, while bacteria in the mouth uses this sugar to attack the teeth.

The first signs of decay may be dull, white spots or lines on the teeth. Even though the baby teeth will be replaced by permanent ones, it is important to look after the baby teeth to ensure healthy gums and teeth, and proper positioning of the

#11, 5405

permanent teeth. Healthy baby teeth are also very important for nutrition and proper speech development.

To prevent baby bottle tooth decay, never allow the child to fall asleep with a bottle or sippy-cup containing milk, formula, juice, or anything other than water. After feedings, wipe the baby’s gums with a clean damp cloth or gauze pad. Parents should start brushing a child’s teeth as soon as the first D. M. D. tooth appears. Parents are encouraged to wean their children by their first birthday and start offering the child a cup. If you suspect your child may have baby bottle tooth decay, see your dentist right away. If you have concerns about your child’s teeth or need advice on preventing a baby bottle tooth decay, ask your dentist.

780-875-4222

Dr. Raegan Eliasson, Dr. Nekky Jamal, Dr. Erik Johnson, Dr. Gary Nahirney, Dr. Josh Rae, Dr. Rhys Herman

- 44 Street, Lloydminster, AB waysidedental.com

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.

Square Dancing Introduction

NEW LOCATION!

Intro to square dancing

Squeeze

Passport to YLL

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

will be held on Wednesday nights from 6:308:30 p.m. at City Church, 5115 - 49 Street. Walk to

the MOST out of your advertising dollars

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. The Moose also hosts crib tournaments every

second Sunday of the month. Start time is 10 a.m. The cost to play is $10 and lunch is $12.

Spades Tourney

The Legacy Centre is hosting a spades tournament on March 16. Play begins at 10 a.m. and the cost to play is $10/person; lunch is available for $12/person. Everyone welcome! Call the Legacy office at 780875-4584 for more info.

Jamboree/Dance

The Legacy Centre is hosting a jamboree/dance on March 17. Doors open and dancin’ at 5 p.m., supper served at 6 p.m., then the jam begins! All musicians welcome! All members and guests welcome. Cost is $15/person at the door (musicians-no charge). Call the Legacy office at 780-875-4584 for more info.

Jamboree

There will be a Jamboree on March 19 at 1 p.m. in the Islay Community Hall. Admission $10, participants free. Everyone welcome. Lunch served. For more info call Dixie at 780744-2204. Funds raised support maintenance of our hall.

Moose Breakfast

The Lloydminster Moose is hosting a breakfast on Sunday, March 19 from 8:3010:30 a.m. at the Moose Lodge, 5213 - 57 Street, Lloydminster. Tickets are $10 for Moose members and $13 for non-members. Everyone welcome!

Senior Citizen Society AGM

The Lloydminster Senior Citizens Society’s annual general meeting is being held at the Legacy Centre on March 20. The meeting begins at 10:30 a.m. in the Main Hall. All members are encouraged to attend.

Cribbage Doubles

Tourney

The Legacy Centre is hosting a cribbage doubles tournament on March 23. Play begins at 10 a.m. and the cost to play is $10/person; lunch is available for $12/person. Everyone welcome! Call the Legacy office at 780-8754584 for more info.

Kid Midnight & The Midnight Kids @ The Sticks!

Kid Midnight and The Midnight Kids will be returning to The Sticks Billiards and Lounge for a show on March 25. Come hear your favourite cover band play their favourites as well as some originals written by Lloydminster’s own Brandon Morrison! Tickets are only $10! Doors at 8 p.m., show starts at 9 p.m.

Hillmond 4-H Pancake Supper/Pie Bingo!

The Hillmond 4-H Club is hosting a pancake supper and pie bingo on March 25 at the Hillmond Hall. Supper is at 4:30 p.m. Pie bingo starts at 5:30 p.m. Every bingo win is a pie! Silent auction items available to bid on.

Cribbage Tourney

The Dewberry

Seniors are hosting a cribbage tournament on March 25 with play

beginning at 10:30 a.m. Registration cut off is 10:20 a.m. that morning. Cost is $25/person, which includes fees, lunches and dinner. Contact Gary at 780-872-0148 for more information.

Rural Crime Watch AGM

The RM of Wilton is hosting a Rural Crime Watch annual general meeting on March 31 at the Marshall Three Links Hall. Supper is at 6 p.m. and tickets are $20 each.

Walking Through Grief Society AGM

The Walking Through Grief Society is hosting its annual general meeting on March 27 at the Kitscoty Community Church (lower hall) at 7 p.m. Everyone is welcome to come and learn what the society has done in 2022.

Cribbage Tournament

A cribbage tournament is being held at the Hillmond Hall on Sunday, March 26. Start time is 11 a.m. (don’t forget about daylight savings time!). Lunch served at noon. Everyone welcome.

Diabetes Education Class

The Saskatchewan Health Authority is hosting a diabetes education class: “An Introduction to Diabetes,” on April 3 from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. in the Prairie North Plaza’s Klinger Conference Room, across the hall from Suite 115, 4910 50 St. To register, please call 306-820-4887.

Ag Safety Week proclaimed in Sask

With agriculture being one of Saskatchewan’s largest and most hazardous industries with incidents occuring more often between seeding and harvest, the Saskatchewan government has proclaimed March 12 to 18 as Agricultural Safety Week.

“Working in agriculture means long days during busy seasons like calving, seeding and harvest,” said Agriculture Minister David Marit.

“Agricultural Safety Week serves as a critical reminder that the business of farming is dependent upon healthy people who prioritize safety year-round.”

Fatal injuries occur on the farm every year, most involve machinery and equipment. Most incidents occur in the farm yard.

Everyone can do their part to help make Saskatchewan farms safer. Some tips to remember while farming include:

- Be sure to replace all guards and shields following maintenance and repairs. A few extra minutes might save your life or a limb.

- Watch for overhead lines when moving equipment, augers, bins, and when loading grain trucks and semis.

- Ensure employees and others helping on the farm are properly trained.

- Change jobs peri -

odically or take a short walk to help you stay focused.

- If youth are recruited to help with farming, make sure the activities are age appropriate and the youth are properly trained and supervised.

“Keeping those who

work in our agriculture sector safe and healthy is vital to a strong and growing Saskatchewan,” said Labour Relations and Workplace Safety Minister Don Morgan. “Learning to spot hazards on the farm can help prevent serious injuries and fatalities.”

Created by Canadian Centre for Health and Safety in Agriculture (CCHSA) and the Canadian Agricultural Safety Association (CASA), Farm Safety Week is a national campaign focused on raising awareness of the importance of safety on all

Canadian farms.

Support is shown by wearing an AgSafe brown ribbon available at Ministr y of Agriculture regional offices acr oss the province. Alternatively, virtual ribbons are available for download from the CASA website.

MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

Realtor assesses lay of the land

ture land.

Realtor Vern McClelland should be in the trading card business.

The associate broker with RE/Max in Lloydminster exchanged dozens of business cards with visitors at his booth during this year’s Agri-Visions at the Lloyd Ex in February to add to his collection.

“This is actually a really important network event for me. Coming out of COVID, we kind of lost contact with people, that face-to-face contact,” said McClelland, while his son Grant held the fort.

“I find this really fun, I go home exhausted at the end of the day. It’s good to see people and hear how they’re doing.”

McClelland says there is a lot of interest in farmland these days for grain and pas -

“Despite the interest rates, this area has always had a healthy agriculture sector, both in livestock and grain,” he said.

Despite the interest rates, this area has always had a healthy agriculture sector both in livestock and grain.

McClelland is actually surprised by how strong the farmland market is with land values continuing to rise.

The most recent Farm Land Values Report 2021 by Farm Credit Canada (FCC), notes land values rose 7.4 per cent in Saskatchewan and 8.3 per cent for the

northwestern region covering Lloydminster.

That same year, Alberta saw an over 3.6 per cent gain in land values with a 1.5 per cent rise for the Lloydminster area.

“FCC is quoted as saying in the 10 years they expect 75 per cent of land titles to transfer, but that doesn’t mean just sales,” said McClelland.

He says there is a lot of estate planning going on with people his age in their 60s or 70s trying to figure out what to do with the land as an asset.

“Do they pass it on to their adult children or do they sell it and not burden their children with that because they live in Vancouver and other places?” asked McClelland.

Geoff Lee Meridian Source Vern McClelland (left) speaks with attendees at the recent Agri Visions trade show at the Lloyd Ex.

GEOFF LEE WRITER

Agri Visions great for networking

He says there are primarily two generations on each farm, but the younger and old generations may have different perspectives on what’s important for the future.

One thing that is very clear, according to McClelland, is there’s a very strong attachment to maintaining the family farm.

“I live on land that’s been in my family since 1905, so I understand that,” he said.

McClelland writes about that, along with every conceivable people-related Realty topic in his Midwest Minute column for the Source

“I’m not just a coldhearted Realtor who’s

there for the sale,” he said with a laugh.

“I have a lot of people come to ask advice about how to handle a certain situation, maybe with a tenant or whatever, and we try to give them options they should consider.”

He also has some good news to share about making a decent living on the farm today.

“Good managers will always make a good living and there are some exceptional businessmen who would characterize themselves as farmers, but they’re good business people, women and men,” he said, adding “you have to be.”

McClelland says farm-

ing is a capital-intensive business with high operating costs, being at the mercy of the weather and a farmer being a price taker, not a price maker.

“The choices you make today, you may not see the results for several years. I have a lot of respect for the farming community,” he said.

The Green Acres lifestyle may suit his clients, but McClelland says he’s having too much fun to retire and eat corn every day.

“I’m a self-confessed workaholic. I enjoy what I do and I enjoy the people side of it,” he said.

He is, however, in the mood to lighten his workload of over 60 res-

idential listings as well as his agricultural and commercial practice.

“I find I just can’t give

the standard of service to everybody that I feel should be done. My business partner and

I are looking at some type of business transition in the future,” said McClelland.

Photo by Geoff Lee

Livestock Summit looks for solutions for producers

sector in our province, as producers have struggled over the past number of years with the impacts of drought, rising production costs, and large spreads between farmgate and retail prices. Representatives at our General Meeting in December passed a resolution for APAS to bring together stakeholders to find solutions to these challenges.”

head since January 2021.

Land that is best suited for livestock production is at risk of being converted to cropland, which creates further challenges for the long-term success and future viability of the sector.

ognition of livestock’s positive ecological and environmental contribution, improvements to business risk management programs, and work being done currently to process and market livestock from Saskatchewan.

In response to requests from the Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan (APAS) members over the past year, APAS is hosting a Live -

stock Summit at the Saskatoon Inn on April 5 to bring together academics, producers, and industry to help identify solutions to the current circumstances impacting livestock producers – including cattle,

bison, and sheep.

“Livestock production is a vital part of Saskatchewan’s agricultural landscape,” said APAS President Ian Boxall. “Our members have been raising alarms about the future of this

Saskatchewan is the second-largest cattle producing province in Canada and is home to more than a third of the country’s native and tame pastureland.

According to the latest Statistics Canada reports, however, the provincial cattle herd has decreased by approximately 90,000

Success for livestock producers means success across the province.

The APAS livestock summit will look at the factors causing the trends as well as policy and program options to help promote future success.

These include rec -

“Success for livestock producers means success across the province,” said Boxall.

“The more agricultural groups work together to focus our efforts and support each other, the more we can accomplish. At the end of the day, we all want success for agricultural producers.”

Registration for the livestock summit is now open. Visit apas.ca/policy/livestocksummit to register.

MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

File Photo

Cereals sector driving economic growth in Canada

The Canadian cereal grains value chain plays a critical role in Canada’s economy by creating jobs, supporting families, and driving economic growth.

According to a recent report commissioned by Cereals Canada, Canadian-grown wheat, barley, durum, and oats had an estimated total economic impact of $68.8 billion, including more than 370,000 Canadian jobs, and $27 billion in wages.

The report, entitled “The Economic Impact of Wheat, Durum, Barley, and Oats on the Canadian Economy: 2022,” highlights the significant contribution of these four crops.

Cereals Canada engaged LMC International, an independent economic consulting firm focused on the agriculture and agribusiness sector, for the study.

“The cereals value chain is a major contributor to Canada’s success,” said Dean Dias, CEO at Cereals Canada. “The report reinforces the vital role that the Canadian cereals industry plays in Canada’s economy.”

The report outlines the impact of wheat, barley, durum, and oats on the Canadian economy through crop production, transportation, and processing, and provides both the direct and total revenue, fulltime equivalent jobs, and total wages gener -

ated by each crop. Averaged over the past three years, the direct economic impact on the Canadian economy was $25.9 billion per year.

- The direct economic impact on the Canadian economy from the four cereals averaged $25.9 billion per year.

- 141,000 paid fulltime equivalent jobs are generated directly by the four crops, in addition to an estimated 28,000 family members who support and are supported by farming operations.

- The direct wage impact of the four crops averaged $9.1 billion.

Factoring in the revenues, jobs, and wages generated both through take-home spending by

those whose jobs are tied to the four cereal crops, and through outsourced work undertaken by industries that support the cereal supply chain, the estimated total economic impact was $68.8 billion over the same time period.

- The estimated total impact on the Canadian economy from the four cereals averaged $68.8 billion per year.

- Over 370,000 paid full-time equivalent jobs are supported by the four crops, with supported family members bringing the total closer to 400,000

- The total wage impact of the four crops averaged $27.0 billion.

The report further breaks down the cereals industry’s economic

impact regionally, to demonstrate how the geographical spread of the impacts is closely tied to the location of the major industries in the supply chain. The bulk of cereal

grain production takes place in the west, for example, while much of the later-stage processing, such as brewing and pasta production, takes place in the east.

File Photo

A look at the spring runoff forecast in Sask

Last week, the Water Security Agency (WSA) released the Spring Runoff Report for 2023. The information gathered in this report is based on conditions as they were on March 1.

Moisture conditions across southern Saskatchewan were generally dry at freezeup in 2022, particularly on the west side of the province where drought conditions were prevalent.

Winter snowfall has ranged from below normal over much of southwestern Saskatchewan (other than a small pocket in the extreme southwest south of the

Cypress Hills where the snowpack is well above normal), to well above normal through much of central Saskatchewan. The agency does not anticipate floodrelated issues even in areas where above normal runoff is expected, assuming near normal conditions going forward.

Warmer-than-seasonal temperatures resulted in near complete melt of the snowpack over a large area of southern Saskatchewan, including areas north of the Cypress Hills and much of the Old Wives Lake Watershed.

With variable moisture conditions at freeze-up, mid-winter

melts and a variable snowpack, the runoff potential for the province also differs significantly.

In the north, near normal snowmelt runoff is generally expected, other than an area from Stony Rapids down toward Buffalo Narrows where below normal snowmelt runoff is predicted.

In the south, above normal snowmelt runoff is expected in a band extending from Lloydminster east to the border, due to well above normal snowpack. Below-to-wellbelow normal snowmelt runoff is expected over much of southwest and south central Saskatchewan.

The exception is south of the Cypress Hills where, with a heavy snowpack, above normal snowmelt runoff is expected.

It is important to note that this forecast is based on conditions as of March 1.

Above normal snowfall over the next month could still produce near normal runoff over areas where below or well below normal snowmelt runoff is expected, particularly if it melts quickly.

In areas where below or well below normal snowmelt runoff is expected, some water supply concerns may emerge or intensify.

Spring runoff forecast

FROM PAGE 18

For instance, irrigation water supply in the Bigstick Lake Basin near Maple Creek is expected to experience a third consecutive year of shortages.

The differences between the preliminary runoff map issued in early February and the current map is the inclusion of data from late-February snow surveys, measuring snowpack water content.

With the benefit of the snow survey information, there is much higher confidence in the current runoff

potential outlook. WSA monitors conditions throughout the spring melt and provide updates as situa -

tions develop. The next spring runoff forecast will be issued in early April, available on wsask .ca.

23033aa5

File Photo

Trade show brings out best in business

A lot of business connections are forged at the annual Agri-Visions show at the Lloyd Ex. There were plenty of networking opportunities during this year’s two-day show, held in February, to carry over into the spring and summer seasons. A tradeshow, keynote speakers, seminars and other special events for the grain and cattle industry provide a forum for some lasting business connections and friendships.

Geoff Lee Meridian Source

QE learners add fun to math day

On World Math day, everything added up to a fun “math-ternoon” of learning at Queen Elizabeth School.

Mathternoon is a chance for all of our kids in Queen Elizabeth School to experience math in a different way.

Principal Ryan

Mather set the tone last Wednesday afternoon by wearing a T-shirt with the slogan, “5 out of 4 people have a problem with fractions.”

“Math is fun,” said Mather.

“Math-ternoon is a chance for all of our kids in Queen Eliza -

beth School to experience math in a different way.”

Mather says the kids get to go with a different teacher with a variety of kids from different classes and do some math activities that they might not normally get to do in their own classroom.

A Grade 6 student whose first name is

Teala stepped forward to explain what math her group was up to.

“We did adding and subtracting and estimation,” she said, using whiteboards and cards.

When asked what else she learned, the youngster replied, “Math was a lot of fun.”

CONTINUED ON PAGE 22

GEOFF LEE WRITER

Geoff Lee Meridian Source Queen Elizabeth School principal, Ryan Mather, assists a young student with group pentominoes geometry activities during a “Math-ternoon” event to mark World Math day.

Queen E students enjoy math with Mather

FROM PAGE 21

Meanwhile, Mather led a session helping students to work with pentominoes to solve geometry problems.

Pentominoes are shapes that use five square blocks joined edge to edge to form various combinations.

“There are 12 different ways the squares can be put together so the sides are touching,” said Mather.

“They had to use those to solve a variety of puzzles, so they had to turn them, flip them—do all sorts of things to complete a puzzle.”

A Grade 5 girl named Emery provided her “kid” description of what pentominoes are all about.

“Pentominoes is a bunch of blocks where you got to figure out shapes by like 4 times 5, so you got to find the 4 by 5 and try to put them together to make

a rectangle or a square and there should be 12 pieces,” she said.

She was also candid when asked if she was good at math.

“Kinda, I have my rough times where I can’t figure stuff out,” she said with a grin.

Emery and other students also put their math skills to the test with some technology games, probability dice rolling and some work with cards.

“There was a whole variety of different skills in math,” said Mather.

Emily who is in Grade 5 dove into estimation and note symbols.

“We learned subtracting and adding numbers that were the note symbols,” she said.

Math-teroon drew some extra help from

Jason Neville, the divisional director of education, along with Debbie Kruchkowski, consultant of learning and instruction.

“We also had our tech lead, Cornelius Krahn come from College Park School,” said Mather. The event conveniently provided an opportunity for Mather to relive his math teaching days.

“Now that I’m a principal, unfortunately, I don’t get to teach math as often as I like,” he said. “This was all about making math fun and getting kids to think math is awesome.”

File Photo

Rotarian inducted

-

Church Directory

SAINT SAVIOUR’S ANGLICAN CHURCH

SUNDAY SERVICE

March 19 th

Fourth Sunday in Lent

Holy Eucharist10:00 a.m.

Rev Gary Stobbs - Deacon

5422 50 Avenue – Hwy 17 N (Chapel at Creech’s) 306.825.0481

Come Worship With Us

Everyone Welcome

Geoff Lee Meridian Source Rotary Club of Lloydminster president Anita Schmidt, left, officially inducts Peter Brown, CEO of the Lloydminster and Dis

trict Co-op, as a new club member at this week’s meeting. Brown will complete his MBA this summer.

Border Blades speedster in nationals

Grady Myers-Christensen is currently visualizing victory fist pumps to go with his competitive speedskating ability.

The outstanding 11-year-old member of the Lloydminster Bor -

der Blades is confident heading into the Canadian Youth Short Track ChampionshipsWest on March 25-26 in Saskatoon.

“I think I’ll do pretty well,” he said, before the club’s final minimeet of the season at the Servus Sports Cen -

tre on Monday.

Grady will compete for medals at the CanWests in Youth 11 short track 400 metre, 800m and 1500m races as the oldest skater on the Border Blades.

He’ll be cheered on by family and friends including his aunt and

coach, Krisy Myers who says Grady has come a long way in just three years.

“He’s definitely developed his skills. He’s a very technical kid, so he likes to analyze things and try to put them into practice in his races,” she said.

“He’s working on this next level of skating into the age groups where you’ve definitely got to be strategic, you’ve got to do passing and work on your power and all sorts of technical aspects.”

The youngster qualified for the CanWests with a second-place finish at the Edmonton Spring Fling youth trials on March 3-4.

Border Blades is also celebrating other youth medalists on a firstname basis including Gage (gold), Paislie (silver), Kenley ( gold) and Kendrick (bronze).

Myers says the club has sent 10 or 11 skaters to about nine competitions in Alberta and Saskatchewan this season from October into March.

“It was really nice to see a big group of them out cheering for each other,” she said.

The results are also a feather in the cap for Myers and fellow coaches Taylor Luchynski, Joel Turcotte and Sarah St. Marie who are all former speedskaters.

“Any experience you can pass on to the kids is nice and see them grow and have fun and do their best, “ she said.

“We’ve brought home some hardware from the competitions as well as lots of personal bests for the kids this year.”

Myers thinks it’s really great to see them where they start in October and where they finish in March.

“They improve so much,” she said.

Myers and her mom Cheryl founded the club in 1991 with Myers rising through the ranks to represent Canada in the 2006 Olympics in long track speedskating.

Even her eight-yearold daughter Gracie has caught the skating bug.

“I really like speedskating. It’s awesome,” she said.

Myers says she never planned to coach, but notes when your kids are in the sport you end up volunteering.

“I think sport has so many facets to help kids find themselves, stay out of trouble and be active.”

Border Blades has 32 skaters this season with the pandemic taking a toll on membership that peaked at more than 100 at one time.

“These last couple of years, we’re trying to build up from our learn to skate group and just

trying of get that interest back in skating,” said Myers.

Gracie says she didn’t find it too difficult to learn the sport.

“I find it pretty easy, but fun too,” she said.

By his own admission, Grady says it wasn’t that easy at first.

“It was a little rough. I didn’t think I’d go this far, but I think I’ve done pretty well so far,” he said.

He also rattled off some technical skills he was working on prior to CanWest.

“Probably getting low, crossovers and stuff like that,” he said.

GEOFF LEE WRITER

Supplied Photo Grady Myers-Christiansen from the Lloydminster Border Blades will represent Alberta at the upcoming Canadian Youth Short Track Championships West as an 11-year-old in Saskatoon March 25-26. Grady has been skating for three years.

‘Yaks lead ‘Cats in first round

After three games, the Bonnyville Pontiacs lead the Lloydminster Bobcats 2-1 in the first round of AJHL action.

The ‘Cats came out of the gate hard and beat the ‘Yaks 6-2 in Game 1 last Friday night in

Bonnyville. The Pontiacs returned to the ice on Saturday hungry for redemption, and got it in the form of a 4-0 win over the ‘Cats.

The best-of-seven series returned to the Border City on Tues -

day when the ‘Yaks beats the Bobcats 7-4 on home ice.

Game 4 was held last night at the Civic Centre, but due to press time, that games’ results will have to wait.

Go ‘Cats go!!

Rustlers men’s futsal claim bronze medal at ACAC finals

Rustlers mixed curling team golden at provincials

MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

For the second year in a row, the Lakeland College Rustlers mixed curlers are provincial champs.

The Rustlers hosted the ACAC finals at the Vermilion Curling Club from March 3-5 and the mixed team ended up playing NAIT for gold.

After 6 ends of play the Rustlers had built a 7–1 lead and the Ooks conceded victory.

Supplied Photo

The Lakeland College Rustlers men’s futsal team earned a bronze medal at the ACAC Men’s Futsal Championship at Keyano College last weekend. The Rustlers beat the Lethbridge College Kodiaks 4-2 in the consolation game. The Kenayo College Huskies took the gold after beating the SAIT Trojans 7-3.

Sask boasts second-lowest unemployment rate in country Province added 9,400 more jobs since Feb. 2022, 2,600 since last month

Last week, Statistics

Canada released February labour force figures that indicate Sas -

katchewan’s continued growth, with 9,400 new jobs when compared to February 2022, an increase of 1.6 per cent.

“Saskatchewan has now seen 23 months of continuous year-overyear job growth across many of our economic sectors, with thousands of new jobs created every month,” said Immigration and Career Training Minister Jeremy Harrison.

“We are on track to meeting our growth plan goal of 100,000 new jobs by the end of the decade, and our government looks forward to fostering more opportunities, more investments, and more growth that works for everyone in our province.”

The seasonallyadjusted provincial unemployment rate remained at 4.3 per cent, which is the second lowest among the provinces and below the national average of 5.0 per cent.

February’s unemployment rate is down from

4.6 per cent in February 2022 and is unchanged when compared to January 2023.

Saskatchewan saw record-high labour statistics for the month of February, including:

- Saskatchewan Labour Force: 608,500

- Saskatchewan Male Employment: 305,100

- Saskatchewan Female Employment: 274,900

- Off-reserve Indigenous Employment: 61,100

Saskatchewan also saw both an all-time historical population (aged 15 and over) high of 913,700, and an all-time historical off-reserve Indigenous population (aged 15 and over) high of 110,700.

Off-reserve Indigenous employment was up 2,700 (+4.6 per cent), marking 27 consecutive months of year-over-year increases.

Indigenous youth employment was up 1,800 (+20.9 per cent) for three consecutive

months of year-overyear increases.

Full-time employment increased by 8,000, an increase of 1.7 per cent, and part-time increased by 1,400, up 1. 3 per cent.

Saskatchewan’s private sector employment increased by 3,500, up 1.1 per cent, and selfemployed increased by 1,300, an increase of 1.6 per cent.

Major year-over-year gains were reported for professional, scientific, and technical services, up 5,000, an increase of 19.8 per cent; health care and social assistance, up 3,300, an increase of 3.8 per cent; accommodation and food services, up 2,900, an increase of 10.2 per cent, and educational service, up 2,900, an increase of 5.7 per cent.

MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

File Photo

A moment with the Mayor: Healthcare in Lloydminster

and ministry staff.

Health care is an area of concern, and there are many discussions in and around our community, province and nation.

I take my role as an advocate for the health care needs of our community seriously and have regular contact on many fronts with citizens and those responsible for healthcare delivery.

I have the opportunity to meet regularly with residents, the concerned senior’s group, health care professionals, MLAs, ministers, Alberta Heath Services and Saskatchewan Health Authority staff

That’s a lot of different opinions and ideas about what the issues are and what any possible resolutions might be. In many cases, everyone agrees that something must change. But what?

As residents who live in a border city, we experience many challenges regarding health care. Some of the top issues I hear about are patient medical file information sharing, finding a family doctor, emergency room wait times, long-term and senior care, and mental health issues.

These matters, because they are to do with health care, are a provincial responsibility supported by taxes paid to the federal government. The provinces and Canadians welcomed a recent announcement of additional federal funding of health care.

We all hope that the increased funding will

The R.M. of Eldon No. 471 is accepting applications for a LICENSED

PEST CONTROL OFFICER

Interested individuals to submit resumes with 3 references and remuneration expected no later than 12:00 noon, March 30, 2023 to:

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Fax: 306.893.4644 | Email: rm471@sasktel.net

Information on licensure and duties available at www.spcoa.org Saskatchewan Pest Control Officers Association website. Only those applicants being interviewed will be contacted.

materialize in our community as improved health care.

I can share that the health care file is on my desk. Although this is not something we as a city council are responsible for providing, I take my role as an advocate for the health care needs of our community seriously and have regular contact on many fronts with citizens and those responsible for healthcare delivery.

We continue to meet with health ministers from Saskatchewan and Alberta, health ministry staff and all the stakeholders to bring the concerns and information about our particular needs to the decision makers.

What is the progress being made in health care? The Lloydminster and District Health Advisory Council has chosen four top issues to advocate for to help advance health care in and around our community.

1. Development of mental health stabilization beds in Lloydminster

2. Expedite the removal of barriers to patient medical file sharing between the province’s health providers

3. E xpedite replacing the 2013 Lloydminster Health Services & Facility needs assessment with a new report.

4. Progress report on the renal dialysis relocation and construction

I assure you that we will continue to elevate the multiple health care issues in and around our community seeking answers and action for all.

- Mayor Gerald S. Aalbers, City of Lloydminster

MAYOR GERALD AALBERS

MERIDIAN SOURCE 306-825-5111

admin@meridiansource.ca

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COMING EVENTS

Looking for Vendors! Fort Qu’Appelle Spring Trade Show, April 22nd and 23rd, 2023. Please contact Tammy at 306728-5690 or accounts@ grasslandsnews.ca for more information. Or you can download the brochure at www. forttradeshow.com

61st DRAGGINS CAR SHOW - April 7 and 8 at Prairieland Park, Saskatoon. Check out the “Battle of the Automotive Technicians”!. Draggins Rod & Custom Car Club. Visit our website; Draggins.com.

FOR SALE BY TENDER

West Central Pelleting ltd is aCCePting bids for the folloWing:

FEED AND SEED

WE BUY DAMAGED GRAIN - Heated, Mixed, Tough, Light, Bugs, Spring Thrashed.... Barley, Wheat, Oats, Peas, Flax, Canola. “On Farm Pickup”. Westcan Feed & Grain 1-877-250-5252.

AGPRO SEEDS LTD. BUYING HEATED, DAMAGED OFFGRADE CANOLA & FEED GRAINS. #1 buyer on the prairies, top price paid! Call/text: 306-8730481, AgPro Seeds bids: agproseeds.com, Email: sales@agproseeds.com

MISCELLANEOUS

LANDSCAPING & GARDENING

BLANKET THE PROVINCE with a classified ad. Only $269/wk (based on 25 words or less). Reach almost 90 weekly newspapers. Call NOW for details. 1-800-282-6903 Ext 225; www.awna.com.

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.

WANTED

BUY SELL TRADE GOLD, SILVER & PLATINUM! Bullion, Coins, Bars, Jewelry, Nuggets, Sterling +. Also purchasing complete coin collections, old money, Royal Canadian Mint, Gold, Silver +++ Todd 250-864-3521.

COMING EVENTS

Located at 100 Bruce Saunders Way, Wolseley, SK.

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.

PROVINCE-WIDE

CLASSIFIEDS. 51 local community newspapers, distributing to over 450 communities, including 14 cities. Reach over 550,000 readers weekly. Call 306649.1405 or visit www. swna.com for details.

EDMONTON STAMP CLUB STAMP SHOW. March 25-26, 2023. Saturday 10-5 pm, Sunday 10-4 pm. Central Lion’s Rec Centre. 113 Street & 111 Avenue. Stamps for sale, Evaluations, Door Prizes, Jr Table. OUR THEME: Edmonton’s Hockey History. Free Admission, collecting for Food Bank. www. edmontonstampclub.ca.

LAND FOR SALE

FARMLAND WANTED

I am currently PURCHASING single to large blocks of land.

NO FEES OR COMMISSIONS

Saskatchewan born and raised, I know land, farming and farmland and can help you every step of the way.

Bids can be submitted to danwcp@sasktel. net

For more info contact Dan at 306-918-7908

Find QUALIFIED, LOCAL EMPLOYEES, using the strength of community newspapers! Visit www. swna.com or call 306649-1405 to find out how!

Doug Rue, for further information

306-716-2671 saskfarms@shaw.ca

www.sellyourfarm land.com

1998 TEREX TB85

SELF PROPELLED MANLIFT

ONLINE AUCTION FOR THE SASKATCHEWAN MINISTRY OF

AGRICULTURE

CROWN LAND SALE

Online Bidding ends

Over TwO ClOsing daTes

Tuesday, March 21 & Thursday, March 23, 2023

The spring 2023 sale consists of 56 parcels of land, or 7,329 acres split into 40 lots. Land parcels located in RM #001 through #350 will be scheduled to close on March 21. Parcels located in the RM #351 and higher will be scheduled to close on March 23 online auction.

Contact Our Real Estate Department

To Request Your Sale Catalogue

Visit Our Website For Photos & Details. www.mcdougallbay.com Real Estate 306-271-1505

2022 Tax Ass $89,320 YARDSITE ON HOME 1/4

Consists of house, quanset, corrals, garage & bins

Contact Ritchie Pilgrim 306-620-9831 or pilgrimritchie @gmail.com

Local Business Directory

OUR IMPRESSIVE SELECTION OF LLOYDMINSTER HOMES

NEW PRICE

PEACEFUL, SMALL TOWN LIVING

DOWNSIZE OR INVEST! MAKE YOUR MOVE!

PROPERTIES FOR YOUR INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO