Meridian Source - Mar. 21, 2019 by Meridian Source

Thursday, March 21, 2019

VOLUME 1 I ISSUE 38

MERIDIANSOURCE.CA

“Best teacher ever” honoured for excellence TAYLOR WEAVER

EDITOR

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There was cause for celebration on Tuesday morning at St. Joseph Elementary School.

“

Shelley is the teacher you watch and hope one day to be just like her

Grade 3 teacher Shelley Gaboury was really feeling the love from her class as the announcement was made that she had won the Excellence in Catholic Education award from the Council of Catholic School Superintendents of Alberta. With 33 years of teaching experience on her CV, and 28 of those years spent at St. Joseph, Gaboury stands out as an educator, and as principal Sue Grams described, she is the teacher that all of her students remember. “Shelley is the teacher you watch and hope one day to be just like her,” said Grams. “I think when students go through her

Taylor Weaver Meridian Source Grade 3 teacher at St. Joseph Elementary School Shelley Gaboury and her students had something to celebrate on Tuesday morning as the announcement came in she has won the Excellence in Catholic Education award by the Council of Catholic School Superintendents of Alberta.

classroom they know what a blessing it is to be part of her world and part of her instruction, care, and love, and as the students said earlier, she does love them and they feel that. “I’m just so proud of Shelley and all of the effort she gives, and she gives her heart and soul to her students past and present, our staff, our school division. She’s

just a giving person and to be able to recognize what a wonderful person she is, how she instils the Catholic values in all of us is just amazing and a huge celebration for us.” The Excellence in Catholic Education award recognizes Catholic ‘teachers’ in Alberta who have done an exemplary job in preparing our youth to

grow into outstanding Catholic citizens. Nominees shall be passionate about Catholic education and the students they teach, inspire their students, and demonstrate commitment to Catholic education and teaching excellence. The award was a complete surprise to the teacher with the golden smile as she wasn’t told

until last minute, so her reaction was as genuine and awe-inspiring as her students’. “I didn’t even know it existed, but I’m very humbled and very proud to be part of this operation and this school and to spread the Catholic faith everywhere I go,” said Gaboury. “I try very hard in my classroom with my

Grade 3s and I love my job, so it’s a great job to do this faith and journey. “I just love the kids, they’re the best. Just talking with them and engaging with them and being at their level, I love being with kids every day, so this job was meant for me I guess. I’m very happy with being a teacher here.” As her students were learning of her achievements they were asked to vocalize how they felt about their beloved teacher, and hearing things like “best teacher ever, caring, loving, and passionate” had Gaboury holding back tears of joy. “That was very humbling, but that’s just me, I’m a very quiet person, that’s just my nature, but it’s very humbling to know that’s what they think of their teacher,” she said. “I’ve been doing this job for so long and love it so much that I want to continue, and how can you not when you see what I work with every day with these kids.”

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Thursday, March 21, 2019

Lloyd game to backstop KidSport GEOFF LEE

WRITER

.................................. Lloydminster KidSport continues to rely on generosity in the community to help make organized sports a reality for youth in families facing financial hardship. A recent $2,000 donation from the Rotary Club of Lloydminster will help to get more kids under the age 18 into play this year. KidSport chair Alison Fulkerth says KidSport pays up to $500 per child in a calendar year to participate in registered non-profit organizations and clubs. “With our $2,000 donation, we will put every penny towards children and youth registration fees in Lloydminster so their money will stay completely local,” she said. KidSport funded nearly $80,000 for youth in local sports in 2017 and they expect a similar outcome for 2018 when the final numbers are in. “I think the city of

Lloydminster is fantastic in donating funds to support local children in sports. We know that children involved in sports is a positive activity,” said Fulkerth. KidSport Canada reports more than 30 per cent of Canadian youth under the age of 18 cannot afford to play organized sports with the demand for assistance locally as strong as ever. “Sports are becoming more expensive to play and be involved with and with the economy the way it is, money is a lot tighter for families,” s a i d C h ri s E s ke l s o n , vice chair of KidSport in Lloyd. He says the first thing that would probably go on a family budget is those extracurricular activities. “We recognize that sport is so important in a child’s development to socialize and learn about leadership and guidance and about role models,” said Eskelson. The local organization also buys new and used

Geoff Lee Meridian Source

Lloydminster KIdSport raised nearly $80,000 in 2017 with a similar projection for 2018 from community donations to help fund youth 18 and under in local sports non profit organizations and clubs.

sports equipment for all types of youth sports. “If we don’t have a particular size or brand that a certain child needs, we work with local sporting stores and we get discounted rates on new and used equipment,” said Eskelson. Eskelson attributes the positive response to KidSport so far to having “such giving people” in Lloydminster. “With the equipment and with the fundraising that we do, we’ve always had great sponsors within the com-

munity and a lot of support no matter what we do, whether it’s an event night or a pancake breakfast,” he said. As for the rest of 2019, Eskelson says he is looking for more opportunities to raise money and work with “our fantastic people” in the community. He says KidSport also plans to generate more awareness about kids and sports and getting them in the field and on the courts and on ice. “It’s so important for us to get these kids out,” said Eskelson.

Lloyd RCMP present Annual Performance Plan TAYLOR WEAVER

EDITOR

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During Monday’s Governance and Priorities Committee meeting, Mayor Gerald Aalbers and members of council were presented with the RCMP’s annual performance plan update. Delivered by newlyappointed detachment commander Staff Serg. Lee Brachmann, the report outlined the local detachment’s top priorities, goals, and trends they’re seeing. “Overall with crime trends, the statistics are what they are, and just because some numbers are up compared to where they

were last year doesn’t necessarily mean we’re seeing hugely negatively-impacting crime trends, we’re just seeing upward trends,” said Brachmann. “The benefit of that is we can be aware of those trends and proactively look to address them. One of the trends the RCMP is seeing is their enforcement numbers are going up and collision numbers are going down, which is in line with their goal of achieving safer roads. Throughout 2018 the Lloydminster detachment generated 13,429 files including calls for service from the pub-

lic, self-generated and proactive. There was an 8.1 per cent increase in files generated when compared to 2017.

“

In 2018 we saw an increase in property crimes specifically with respect to vehicle theft and that’s going to be something we are looking to devise ways to deal with that

One trend found was an increase in property crime, vehicle theft,

and theft of items from vehicles. “In 2018 we saw an increase in property crimes, specifically with respect to vehicle theft and that’s going to be something we are looking to devise ways to deal with,” said Brachmann. A few things Brachmann noted as far as things the community can do to help prevent such crimes include making sure nothing of value is left in your vehicle overnight, making sure vehicles are locked even if they’re in your driveway, and making sure keys are not left in vehicles.

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Thursday, March 21, 2019

Optimists thrill Mount Joy youth

GEOFF LEE

WRITER

.................................. Mount Joy Snow Resort is celebrating its busiest weekend of the season thanks to the

Border City Optimist Club and good snow conditions. The Optimists provided more than 100 free lifts tickets on Sun-

day for youth 16 and under while the resort threw in free ski and snowboard lessons for first timers. “I am very impressed

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by the turnout; the weather co-operated,” said Ray Tatro, the resort’s vice-president who manned the rental shop. Tatro hopes they will be open for the final time this weekend depending on snow cover, but, if not Sunday will make up for some cold weather closures this season. “Boy, we had a bad February with temperatures the way they were. The area got hurt with this cold spell we had, but we’re making up for it today,” he said. Chelsey Riedel, president of the Optimists, says she and two other club volunteers lost count at 101 free tickets for youth while soaking up the conditions on a warm sunny day. “It was a beautiful day. A lot of the city was scared the snow was melting, but it was good conditions,” said Riedel. Riedel says the purpose of Optimists is to encourage the development of youth with the free lift tickets valued at approximately $1,500 being an opportunity to give back. “We started with our learn-to-curl days and then we decided let’s teach kids to ski. It’s something that parents

Geoff Lee Meridian Source Four-year-old Lily Graham gets a push start from her dad Graham at Mount Joy Snow Resort on Sunday. The Border City Optimist Club paid for more than 100 lift tickets for youth.

don’t think of and a lot of parents don’t know how to ski themselves,” she said. She says by providing a day of lessons you can teach kids to ski and help the next generation. Tatro recalls seeing one youngster just 13 months old out skiing this year with her mother and a photo of them posted on Facebook “You get people started so you get a feeling for the benefits of the fresh air and the exercise. It’s just a wholesome activity that gets the kids doing something other than video,” said Tatro. Riedel called Sunday amazing with the only

let down being not able to make a fire for roasting marshmallows as the wind was too strong in the morning. “It was just excellent—Mount Joy had a beautiful base—with all the snowfall up there they did a good job; it’s just too bad they had such a cold season,” said Riedel. Tatro says the help from the Optimist club on Sunday is what the snow resort is all about. “That’s what we do this for—we are volunteer-run—people put a lot of volunteer time and effort and the community contributes well financially to keep us going,” he said. He says Mount Joy is a good ski hill and they are always trying to get more people out while offering some of his blue sky ideas for improvements “We will attempt to improve our snowmaking capacity over the summer and get some processes improved,” he said. He said Sunday’s turnout also focused on the need to enlarge their rental inventory to meet the demand. Tatro says they have long-term growth plans of improving the rental building. Also, he says they would like to offer some extra ski days on weekdays in the future and perhaps install a chairlift. “That would be our future long term and go to some paid staff,” said Tatro.

Thursday, March 21, 2019

Sticky, but oh sooo sweet TAYLOR WEAVER

EDITOR

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With last Thursday being praised as National Pi Day, it was only fitting that students at Winston Churchill School celebrated recent fundraising efforts by pieing their teachers in the face. The sheer volume of cheering kids that filled the gymnasium on Friday afternoon was astonishing as teachers and admin staff stood on the firing line ready to meet their tasty demise. But in true fundraising fashion, a cheque for $1,208 was presented to Big Brothers Big Sisters Lloydminster (BBBS) to be used for mentoring programs. “Winston Churchill School raised money for the Wii Bowling event they’re doing next week in support of Bowl For Kids,” said Jacqueline Weed, director of service delivery for Big Brothers Big Sisters L l o y d mi n s t e r . “ T h e y raised $1,208 through donations for the students to be principal and vice principal for half a day and to pie the teachers. “This is fantastic because it gives these kids a chance to give back for services that some of them receive, and some of their friends (receive). They all know kids that come to our programs and benefit from our programs, so it’s great to have the support from the kids, as well as the volunteers and adults that always support us.” As Elena Brand, principal at Winston Churchill School, explained, every year the school tries to get

Taylor Weaver Meridian Source

Winston Churchill School principal Elena Brand (centre) embraced the new hairdo last Friday as a pie in the face fundraiser was held in support of Big Brothers Big Sisters Lloydminster with a total of $1,208 going towards the organization.

involved in fundraising efforts for large organizations such as Jump Rope for Heart, but they also know the importance of keeping things local, which is why they decided to once again partner with BBBS. “We had a great response. We had no idea that many students would want to pie teachers, although we should have thought about that because they probably did. It was $1 per pie and we got donations from organizations in the city,” said Brand, who was also sporting a new hairdo similar to the likes of an ice cream swirl from Dairy Queen thanks to the mountain of whipped cream in her hair. “Because we’ve already partnered with Big Brothers Big Sisters, we have students who have used their programs (and) it’s a very natural connection there for us. It’s a great service-learning project for them, and it

is very fun,” said Brand. “It’s one of those times where they get to see their admin and teachers in a little bit of a different light. I’ve had one little guy every day for the last five days say ‘I’m going to pie you,’ so they’ve been looking forward to it and had a ton of fun.” BBBS does see regular support from the community, but Weed added there are certain times throughout the

year when the organization sees more funding coming in. “We have tremendous support just generally, but especially this time of year when we’re gearing up for a major campaign like Bowl For Kids, which is on April 12. We always have the support where people come out that don’t normally come out. It gives them a chance to support something as well,” she said.

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Thursday, March 21, 2019

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Ahmadiyya Muslims condemn New Zealand attack TAYLOR WEAVER

EDITOR

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In light of the horrific act of terror in New Zealand last Friday that left 50 Muslim worshippers at two mosques dead, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community reminds th e Bo rd e r Ci t y t h e y are a peaceful religion and extremists

following any religion shouldn’t represent that religion as a whole. “On behalf of the local community I strongly condemn this act of terror,” said Muhammad Anwar Mangla, president of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. “I’m really sad for

“

Islam literally means peace, so when these types of acts happen and there are few people who are radicalized by any religion, when it happens you cannot say that whole community or religion is bad.

all the families and those victims. To me, it’s really shocking and we are a peaceful reli-

Taylor Weaver Meridian Source

Muhammad Anwar Mangla, president of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, speaks with media last Friday in the wake of news breaking about the massacre in New Zealand that left 50 Muslims dead.

gion as a whole. Islam literally means peace, so when these types of acts happen and there are few people who are radicalized by any reli-

gion, when it happens you cannot say that whole c o mmu nity o r religion is bad. It’s just a few of those people and we need to tackle those issues.” Mangla also wants to remind the community their mosque is always open and has a local missionary available to answer any questions members of the public may have.

“The authorities are doing their jobs as well, but from day one that’s been our job, and we are working on it to bring communities together,” he said. “If anybody has any misconceptions we are here to remove those, and those misconceptions can lead to such acts, and many people don’t know how peaceful a religion Islam is.”

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Thursday, March 21, 2019

A wilder side to learning

Taylor Weaver Meridian Source Eco 9 student Japeth Artiga and teacher Shaun Donald look through one of many blooming tomato plants inside the program’s very own hydroponics lab, used to teach students how to grow their own food and as well as about sustainability. JAPETH ARTIGA

.................................. Eco 9, a program in its second year at E.S. Laird Middle School started by teachers Shaun Donald and Erin Claxson, continues to pick up speed as more students want to apply as word spreads throughout the halls and into the community. The year-long program offered to Grade 9 students at E.S. Laird fulfills all the requirements in the Grade 9 curriculum that a normal class schedule would offer and need in order to advance in their education, and was created so students could have something different and challenging. Walking into the classroom on day one, an Eco 9 student can expect to be greeted by Donald or Claxton. Once everything is settled Mr. Donald will explain how the daily routine works and how

the first week will pan out. Overwhelming at first it might seem, but once you get used to the environment it will get easier. “I started this program just to create something for students who wanted a different education,” said Donald. “I think that education has stagnated, meaning it stopped moving, it has done the exact same thing for over 100 years now and we’ve tried to teach in the exact same way. We still teach pretty much the same stuff in pretty much the same way, I just think there are better ways of doing that.” When Donald mentions doing things differently, he’s talking about hands-on learning and being more in the community and nature and spend less time in the classroom. He wants to physically do the things explained in the textbooks instead

of just reading about them. “So a program like this opens up a lot more than just books and curriculum, it opens you up to society … it opens you up to how you can improve you, not just for you, but for society in general,” said Donald. With 20 students this year and 24 last year, there have been more students wanting to join the Eco 9 program. There are roughly 40 students in E.S. Laird that are interested in applying for the program next year and more outside of the school. There is a $350 fee incorporated into the program that covers in and out-of-classroom activities, which also includes educational camping trips, bussing and trips to local businesses to learn about their operations to name a few. “That $350 covers off

our bussing, our admittance into things, that way we don’t have to keep asking parents, ‘Hey can we have $10 for this, $20 for that.’ It’s all just at the start of the year and it makes it a lot easier and then we run our program on that budget,” said Donald Students will take care of most things that happen in the classroom like taking care of their hydroponics room where they grow various kinds of plants and vegetables. Students also manage their website: eco9.com. This is just the tip of the iceberg for the program, if you would like to join the program please join Donald and Claxton on March 26 at 7 p.m. - Japeth Artiga is an Eco 9 student who spent the week with Meridian Source staff during his Career-Week

Thursday, March 21, 2019

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Chamber prez advocates prosperity

Geoff Lee Meridian Source

New Lloydminster Chamber of Commerce president Corrine Kelly-Hyde accepted the gavel from outgoing president Dabir Naqvi at the AGM at the Days Hotel on Tuesday. Kelly-Hyde leads 555 members with a refreshed board of directors. GEOFF LEE

WRITER

.................................. New Lloydminster Chamber of Commerce president Corrine Kelly-Hyde is advocating a vote for prosperity platform in the upcoming Alberta election. Kelly-Hyde spoke about the platform adopted by many Alberta Chambers of

Commerce after being sworn in at the annual general meeting at the Days Hotel Tuesday— when the provincial election was called for April 16. “In that platform regardless of who’s elected, it is an opportunity to get the economic and business needs and positions on a lot of our policies

in front of any elected official to ensure that we can sustain our economy and provide for growth,” said KellyHyde. The platform fits the 2019 strategic priorities of the Lloydminster Chamber that KellyHyde says are organizational growth, membership, communication and advocacy. “The Lloydminster Chamber of Commerce will focus on being the premiere voice of business, the board of directors and executive team will represent you at the highest standard,” she said. “Together we will advocate for positive change.” She says it is important for the Chamber to maintain business sust ainabilit y , which in turn leads to employment opportunities and community development and wellness. Kelly-Hyde accepted

the Chamber gavel from outgoing president Dabir Naqvi with her marching orders clear. “My first priority is to connect with the board and review our action items for the year and ensure we stay focused on our strategic plan

and on meeting the needs of our members,” she said. Kelly-Hyde is the vice-president of human resources for the Lloydminster and District Co-op. She will be assisted by new vicepresident Paul Melrose-Wyatt.

The AGM also named Justina Sather and Blaine Stephan as new members of the board of directors. They replace retiring five-year member and past president Angela Minish and Deanna Wandler who served a one year term.

PAGE 10 Thursday, March 21, 2019 MERIDIAN SOURCE

Viewpoint

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

Marketing Manager Deanna Wandler deanna@meridiansource.ca Marketing Consultant Catherine Kruining catherine@meridiansource.ca

Marketing Consultant Susan Cross susan@meridiansource.ca Marketing Consultant Ashley Miazga ashley@meridiansource.ca Publisher Reid Keebaugh Production Manager Amanda Richard Classified advertising admin@meridiansource.ca Newspaper delivery If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve missed a paper, to start or stop delivery, or for carrier applications, please call 306-825-5111 for information.

2017

Geoff Lee Meridian Source

John Stanyer, left, received the 2019 Oilman of the Year plaque from his friend Monte Armstrong, chair of the Lloydminster Heavy Crude Open Bonspiel. The presentation took place at the banquet on Friday at the Stockade Convention Centre.

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 authorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s identity is known to the editor. Publication of a letter does not imply endorsement by the Meridian Source. Send to taylor@meridiansource.ca

PAGE 11 Thursday, March 21, 2019 MERIDIAN SOURCE

Opinion

Leeway from Lloyd: Signs spring has sprung STAFF WRITER GEOFF LEE

Spring has sprung or has it? The spring equinox happened this Wednesday at 3:58 p.m. That means the length of day and night is just about equal with daylight hours winning out for the next few months. Spring is more of a feeling than a celestial event to many people however. I’ve been feeling it since ground hog day predictions of an early spring way back on Feb. 2. More recently, I’ve been feeling it in my bones with warmer

weather and all those puddles to avoid. Moving the clocks ahead was another sure sign this long cold winter is all but a bad memory. For some people th e sig ht o f a ro b in convinces them spring has arrived. For me it’s the first day I can ride a mountain bike around the neighbourhood without any ice on the road. Sure I will get covered in mud, but that’s another sign of spring for me. Closing the outdoor skating rink also tells me spring has more than arrived and it’s only going to get w a rm e r as t h e d ay s get longer.

Other positive signs of spring are the upcoming NHL playoffs when hopefully my beloved Toronto Maple Leafs can at least get by Boston. Spring is also signalled by the start of new seasons for sports like baseball and the March Madness U.S. college basketball tournament, both of which I never watch. The end of the Roll up the Rim promotion right around now is a sure commercial sign spring has sprung. It’s also sad as it marks another year where I have never won anything more substantial than a

coffee. Spring is also when I celebrate my birthday, but this year I turn 70 on April 4 so I am keeping it hush-hush—oops! An Irish spring of sorts just happened on St. Paddy’s day and I am not talking about the soap although spring cleaning comes to mind with that reference. Oddly writing about signs of spring has put a spring in my step but not too much so I don’t sprain any 70-yearold muscles and joints. I need to get to the voting booth for the spring election and boot out the Yahoos for many seasons to come!

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Thursday, March 21, 2019

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.

EVERY MONDAY EXCEPT LONG WEEKENDS –MODERN SQUARE DANCING Modern Square Dancing from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m, Legacy Centre, 5101 - 46 Street, BACK Door (West door) All ages welcome! No experience necessary, No partner required, No costume expected. Learning fun maneuvers to lively music in a team! Your first evening is free, only $5 afterwards. Call Kendall, 306-825-3770, or email Esther, moment101@ hotmail.com for more info. EVERY TUESDAY — VOLLEYBALL Drop in volleyball from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Takes place at the Servus Sports Centre and everyone is welcome, noncompetitive and no experience is necessary. Come for fun and exercise and meet some great people. EVERY FOURTH TUESDAY OF EACH MONTH There is a Parkinson Disease Support Group every fourth Tuesday of the month at Southridge Community Church from 2-4 p.m. put on by the Parkinson Association of Alberta. EVERY TUESDAY — ADAPTED YOGA From 10 – 11 a.m. at the Community Service Centre. For more information please contact Ann-Dee at 780-871-0513. EVERY TUESDAY — DIABETES 102 The new schedule for PNRHA Diabetes Education Classes is ready! Everyone starts with Diabetes 101 and then follows up with Diabetes 102 (people on diabetes pills) or Diabetes 103 (people on insulin). All classes are scheduled on a Tuesday morning from 8:15 a.m. to noon. Please

Passport to YLL

contact Nancy Johnston at 306-820-6096 or H e l e n R o g e r s a t 306-820-6291 to pre-register. EVERY TUESDAY — SENIORS MEET The Lloydminster Concerned Citizens for Seniors Care Society meets at the Legacy Centre from noon until 1:30 p.m. Lunch is available for $10. Please reserve before Tuesday morning at 780-875-4584. Everyone welcome. EVERY TUESDAY & SATURDAY — FARMER’S MARKET Downtown Farmer’s Market at the Fred North Community Centre (5002 - 51 Avenue, Lloydminster) from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. (Tues) 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. (Sat) We’re on Facebook. EVERY THURSDAY AND SATURDAY – FARMER’S MARKET The Border City Farmer’s Market takes place every Thursday and Saturday at the Servus Sports Centre (5202-12 st.) from 12-6 p.m. on Thursday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday. EVERY TUESDAY AND THURSDAY – LABIS WALKING PROGRAM Brain injury survivors are invited to join the Lloydminster and Area Brain Injury Society (LABIS) Walking Program on Tuesdays from 1 to 2:30 p.m. and Thursdays from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Servus Sports Centre. It is free of charge. For more info please call 306-825-7212. PLAYSCHOOL PREREGISTRATION Southridge Playschool is open for preregistration for the 2019-2020 school year.

To place an event, email taylor@meridiansource.ca or fax 306-825-5147 We offer a structured, play based program for your 3-5 year old to learn & grow. For more information or to tour the facility, please call Mrs. P at 780-871-2345. We are located at 6310-50 Ave. MARCH 23 – PIE DAY Pie Day will be held at Grace United Church on Sat. March 23 from 2-4 p.m. Pie and refreshments will be served with donations to Affirm United. We will share stories from LBGTQ+ families and learn more about becoming genuinely inclusive. Everyone is welcome at Grace United Church, 4708 50 Avenue, Lloydminster. MARCH 24 – CRIBBAGE TOURNEY A Cribbage Tournament will be held at Hillmond Hall on Sunday March 24 starting at 11 a.m. Daylight Savings Time. Lunch served at noon. Come and join in on an afternoon of fun and fellowship.You do mot need a partner to participate. MARCH 24 – 4-H PANCAKE SUPPER The Hillmond 4-H Beef Club is hosting a pancake breakfast on March 24 at 4:30 p.m. at the Hillmond Hall. Pie Bingo & Cake Auction to fillow at 5:30 p.m. Every bingo wins a pie! Silent auction items available to bid on. MARCH 27 – RECYCLING INFORMATION What? Where? How? to Recycle! Find out on Wednesday, March 27th at 10 a.m. at Grace United Church Hall, 4708 50 Avenue in Lloydminster. Representatives from Blue Wave Recycling and the City of Lloydminster will bring us up to date information. Everyone welcome for coffee and information.

Supplied Photo

Glenn Fagnan, left, director of Border City Connects, accepted a last-minute cheque for $7,500 from Fred North and his Fred North Foundation to top up the $15,000 charity amount Lloydminster Mayor Gerald Aalbers requested to get him to take the Polar Splash earlier this month. About $35,000 was raised for Border City Connects in cash and in-kind donations.

APRIL 6 – NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK BREAKFAST National Volunteer Week Appreciation Breakfast – Uplifting Communities presented by IG Wealth Management Dudding Group Wealth Management is on April 6 from 9-11 a.m. at the Golf and Curling Centre. APRIL 7 – GREEN SHIRT DAY Wear green on April 7 in honour of the Logan Boulet Effect and support organ and tissue donation. APRIL 12-13 – ART SHOW AND SALE The 9th Annual Vermilion Art Show and Sale is being held at the Vermilion Regional Centre on April 12-13, Friday 6:30-9 p.m. wine and cheese and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For art market tables and art entries contact vermilionartshowandsale@gmail. com or visit us on Facebook

at vermilion community art club. APRIL 18 – FAMILY EASTER DANCE Annual Family Easter Dance at the Lone Rock hall on April 18 from 7 to 10:30 p.m. Price is: $5.00 per person. -- Come join us for fun and dancing with the kids. The Easter Bunny will probably hop on in as well … see you there. APRIL 18 – FISH FRY The Lloydminster and District Fish and Game Association invites you to their Fish Fry at the Moose Lodge, 5213-57 Street, on Thursday April 18 at 6 p.m. Tickets are available until April 15 at Shep’s Sports, Wildside Outdoors or Exsile Reloaded. Tickets are $20 each (five years and under get in for free). Everyone welcome! For more information contact John at 306825-5543 or Bill at 780-8755100.

Thursday, March 21, 2019

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Thursday, March 21, 2019

Free shark tank for Lloyd GEOFF LEE

WRITER

.................................. Hard times in Alberta are opening the doors for entrepreneurs in Red Deer, Camrose and Lloydminster to learn how to start their own businesses. A new revolving 26-week Business Works Central Alberta SelfEmployment Program will be delivered by Ethos Career Management Group Ltd in Red Deer. “We are a free selfemployment program sponsored by the Govern-

ment of Alberta for the Central Alberta Region,” said Megan Hamlet, a learning and training specialist at Ethos.” “We have an intake starting March 25 and we would love more participants from the Lloydminster area.” The entrepreneurial training program provides business expertise and support with access to a self-learning management system and comprehensive online business plan development and training.

Hamlet says Labour Market Information for the area suggests that smaller businesses are able to take advantage of this downturn to create their own opportunities. She says with the oil and gas industry in a recession and many layoffs affecting Albertan towns, they have seen a higher than average uptick in the need for small business development. “Albertans possess a strong work ethic and drive to succeed, and therefore make very good candidates for selfemployment,” she said. Hamlet says the high cost of living in large cities like Edmonton is posing a challenge for Gen-Z and Millennials who are moving back to their small home towns to create opportunity. Self-employment clients have the options to work from home, the Red Deer office, or by appointment in the Camrose or Lloydminster areas with fresh intakes every six weeks. The program provides blended learning with an online component and one-on-one mentoring from a newly-hired veteran business coach and manager, Rod MacWhirter. “My plan will be to use my business acumen, a vast network of business contacts and coaching experience to provide a supportive environment for the clients of the program,” said MacWhirter. If program seats fill with participants in the Lloyd area, then meetings can take place in Lloydminster for coaching and mentorship. MacWhirter can also meet clients online with ZOOM software in their preferred space. The intake is open to anyone over 18, unemployed or underemployed, receiving Employment Insurance (EI), or have received EI in the past five years, or paid into EI in the past 10 years. Ethos also accepts a limited amount of clients that have no EI history. For more information contact Ethos toll-free at 1-888-758-0842.

Thursday, March 21, 2019

UCP Rowswell off and running GEOFF LEE

WRITER

.................................. Vermilion-Lloyminster-Wainwright United Conservative Party candidate Garth Rowswell is hitting the ground running in the Alberta election. He was campaign ready Tuesday morning when Alberta Premier Rachel Notley dropped the writ for an April 16 election. “I’m ready and I think the party’s ready. Let’s let voters decide what they want to decide and get on with it,” he said from Vermilion. Rowswell is holding a grand opening of his UCP campaign office Friday night at 7 p.m. at 4911-50 Ave. in Vermilion where he and his manager are holding court. “It’s all set up and ready to operate—we’re walking up and down the streets as we’re talking,” he said Tuesday. He is up against newly nominated New Democrat candidate Ryan Clarke. Rowswell says he has been hitting the campaign trail in earnest for the past month knocking on doors and going to events in anticipation of Tuesday’s election call.

File Photo “Between the nomination campaign and this I’ve been knocking on doors for over a year now,” he said. Rowswell says he is getting some flak about the RCMP investigating allegations of wrongdoing during the fledgling party’s leadership contest, but he doesn’t think the mud will stick. “It’s disappointing, b ut ac c o rdin g t o t h e rules—as I understand it you can talk between campaigns—you just can’t finance another campaign apparently,” said Rowswell. “Kenney says he didn’t.”

Rowswell says it’s issues such as the economy, jobs and pipelines that people are concerned about and not an investigation. “I think this as an issue that will fade as we go along,” he said noting Alberta’s economic problems are real. “We got to solve the problems—Kenney’s got a great plan towards that so I am pretty confident that way.” Rowswell expects to receive his election lawn signs this week and have them up by the end of the week.

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Thursday, March 21, 2019

Oil leader opines at Rotary GEOFF LEE

WRITER

.................................. Local oil man Bob Clarke thinks voicing public support for the oil and gas industry will help sway regulators to approve energy projects such as pipelines. Clarke is a business development representative for Secure Energy Services who spoke at the Rotary Club of Lloydminster Monday meeting advocating public involvement. His Rotary mission was to give a short presentation on what Secure is and what they do and share his own ideas and solutions to the current economic impacts of the downturn on the energy sector. “One of the members asked if I could give a bit of an update on the impact of the current oil and gas activities on oil and gas impacted businesses,” explained Clarke.

Clarke oversees Secure’s process recovery and disposal division in Lloydminster. The region includes a nearby facility at Silverdale and a facility at Tulliby Lake employing a total of about 35 people. Secure Energy also has a full-service terminal and a feeder pipeline system in the region and a Viking light oil terminal at Kerrobert that stores and ships oil into the Enbridge system. Secure is a publicly traded company that has undergone a major profile change from 2014 when business was 46 per cent production related and 54 per cent drilling and completions activity. Today, 71 per cent of business activity is production related and just 29 per cent in drilling and completions. Clarke says the new focus is working for them with 84 per cent

of business derived from midstream infrastructure and 16 per cent from environmental and technical solutions divisions. Clarke cites shrinking investment and legal challenges to pipelines such as the Keystone XL and Enbridge Line 3 replacement projects as causes of negative economic impacts. He says another leading cause is that Canada has only the U.S. as an oil export customer that results in discounted prices for Western Canadian Select relative to benchmark West Texas Intermediate. He noted cold heavy oil production largely done in Lloydminster has been slow and Bill C-69 on pipeline approval processes isn’t helping the economy in Western Canada either. “Regulators have to decide on projects and

I believe that’s the biggest challenge that’s keeping our industry from success,” said Clarke. He says North Dakota is their busiest activity area because there is a component of people who object to oil projects and a component who support them. Clarke suggests with a variety of participation, we can trust the regulator to look out for what’s good for the public and help counter negative publicity. He urges people to have dialogue with industry and governments, educate themselves, ignore assumptions, send letters of support and consult and offer feedback to support the economy with positive intentions. “I believe as Canadians we have a survival instinct; we have a knack for getting through challenging times,” said Clarke.

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Geoff Lee Meridian Source

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Thursday, March 21, 2019

Little Muckers to make a mark GEOFF LEE

WRITER

.................................. Get down and get dirty in the mud. That’s an open invitation from the Lloydminster Region Health Foundation for the whole family to accept at this year’s Muck Run. The LRHF fundraising event will take place during Mother’s Day weekend on May 11 with a new kids’ run through muddy obstacles at Bud Miller All Seasons Park. The core adult 5 kilometre run is open to individuals and teams and attracted more than 300 participants last year, including some from Regina and Saskatoon. “Right now, sitting in March, we have over 20 kids registered, so we are hoping our numbers are up there,” said Jordan Moir, events manager at LRHF. “It all goes towards a

good cause.” Proceeds from the 7th annual event will help fund the new ophthalmology microscope at the Lloydminster Hospital. Moir says the inaugural kids run dubbed the Little Muckers for kids 5 to 12 could become an annual fixture with fingers crossed for a good turnout. “I think it should be good; we have good numbers showing through and lots of good feedback of us announcing we’re doing this kids’ run,” said Moir. “We’re just trying to make it a more familyfriendly event for everyone to come out.” Race day kids’ registration starts at 9 a.m. with the run underway at 10 a.m. “It’s basically the same thing as the adult 5-kilometre run, but

downsized quite a bit,” said Moir. Registration fees are $35 for kids and $50 per person for adults payable at the LRHF website. Youths 13 and up can run with a parent or guardian in the adult run with registration at noon followed by a media challenge and heats. Bioclean Disaster Services is the presenting sponsor for the third year in a row with this year’s obstacles to be determined by sponsors who come on board as the event nears. Moir says for kids there will be plenty of things to crawl over and through including a mud pit and some foam. “We have ages five and up so we have to keep in mind the little guys as well as entertaining the older guys as well,” she said.

File Photo The most popular obstacle for adults last year was a foam pit provided by 1-UP Gaming positioned at the bottom of a slip ‘n slide venue with some new challenges in store this year. “We’re trying to switch it up with different obstacles to keep it interesting for everyone,” said Moir. “We should have about eight to 10 obstacles.” There will be prizes for all kids and category prizes for adults for best costumes, largest team, fastest team and fastest individual.

Thursday, March 21, 2019

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Thursday, March 21, 2019

Treasures, Time and Talent campaign kicks off TAYLOR WEAVER

EDITOR

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It takes a village to raise a child, a community to make a difference, and just one person to change a life. Are you that person?

The Lloydminster Youth Centre has kicked off their Treasures, Time and Talent Campaign to raise funds for the centre and have come up with a very unique fundraising initiative.

Those interested in g e t t ing involve d can offer a treasure, some of their time, or a talent which will then be purchased and all funds raised through the sale of items will go directly to the youth centre. “The Community Youth Centre is a centre for kids ages 12-18 to be able to drop in and they have a little community for themselves there,” said Lloydminster Interval Home Society CEO Angela Rooks-Trotzuk “They’re able to hang out, have fun, access support when they need it whether that’s emotional support or with practical items like clothing, and we provide them with a hot meal which is a huge draw for the kids.” All operations at the youth centre are completely volunteer-based and funded by donations and fundraising campaigns as the centre doesn’t receive any gov-

ernment funding. “Since we have to fundraise to cover all costs involved in operation throughout the year we were looking for new and fun ideas to help us raise funds, but also benefit the community at large,” said RooksTrotzuk.

“

Since we have to fundraise to cover all costs involved in operaiton throughout the year we were looking for new and fun ideas to help us raise funds but also benefit the community at large

“Our goal is to ultimately raise $50,000 for the youth centre, but the benefit to the community is we’re looking to approach 50 different individuals, businesses, local artists, business

owners, and people that might have underrepresented business exposure in the community and get them involved.” So far, the campaign has received a set of tires from Fountain Tire and Mayor Gerald Aalbers has offered up four hours of his personal time to be auctioned off. “It’s things like that that we’re looking to have people donate, and we’re looking for really practical items that people may want to purchase,” said RooksTrotzuk. This unique campaign is mutually beneficial to all parties involved as it gets those local businesses or artists more exposure in the community. “This is great because it acts as a fundraiser for the youth centre but also as an economic driver in the community,” she said. The youth centre is currently seeing an

average of 35 kids per night and they’re actually having to close doors to youth as they’re hitting capacity if there aren’t enough staff on hand to keep everyone safe. “We have a 10 to one adult ratio, so if we don’t have enough staff on to keep the centre safe we actually have to close the doors and tell youth they can’t come in,” she said. “This is new for us and we’re doing it quite often now, so the funds we raise through this campaign will really go a long way.” Rooks-Trotzuk added the good news about the phenomenon is it means the centre is getting exposure and people are accessing it, but they don’t like turning people away. Anyone interested in getting involved in the campaign can reach out to the organization through their Facebook page.

Thursday, March 21, 2019

Bring on the muck! PRAIRIE WOOL HELEN ROW TOEWS

As soon as the weather g e t s w a rm a n d s n o w starts melting in the cow pen, I think of my old job driving a poop truck. Yes, it’s true, while the thoughts of others (normal folk) lean toward visions of green grass or the shimmer of soft new poplar leaves, I think of cow muck arcing heavily through the air from the whirling blades of my reeking truck. Nice hey? It was usually April when I’d receive a call from Dave Wasyliw saying it was dry enough to fire up engines and head out for another year of uncertain terrain and dodgy corrals. Another season of manure pelting down my shirt and raining across my upturned face. But I liked it. After all, you haven’t really lived, as a woman, until

you’ve experienced the thrill of wiping calcified cow crap from your lipstick or felt the exhilaration of a stiff breeze lifting your hair, thickened and heavy with dung, away from your head in a solid matt. Life was good. Even when I made stupid mistakes and incurred the wrath of my boss who occasionally leaned in the truck window to straighten me out. The very first day I worked there he’d warned me. “If you’re gonna stay,” he said with a wry smile, “you might get yelled at. I don’t mean it and you’ll have to let it roll off you. I just tell it like it is. OK?” he confirmed with a sideways glance. “OK,” I agreed, wondering what was in store. There hadn’t been a lot of hollering in my previous jobs shuffling books in a library or selling low-end women’s clothing at the mall, but

I was in a man’s world now and knew things would be different. The first time it happened we were working at the bottom of a steep hill. Dave was already there with several men and radioed for me to proceed down the grade. I started off in a low gear, but still, the truck gathered too much speed. He looked up sharply as I rumbled toward him, braking. Not a word was said in front of the men, or over the radio for all to hear and laugh, but he motioned me to stop. Bounding from his CAT he strode to the side of my truck and leapt onto the running boards. Tersely he explained I must use the lowest gear possible on a hill, and allow the truck’s own engine to keep the speed down, not the brakes. The next time occurred when he arrived late to a farm. We’d unloaded the

equipment and lined up in neat formation, waiting. Finally, I’d gotten out a book I always carried and read several pages before his face exploded into view. “WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING?” he bawled through the glass, his eyes bulging in disbelief. “ Not hing,” I st ammered, rearing back in surprise, but that was the whole problem. I learned to busy myself with anything that might need doing before I ever again did “nothing”. While sometimes I received loud instruction, I appreciated being treated like one of the men and recall those lessons now with a smile. For the last few years of my employ, I became a trusted member of his crew who passed along what I’d learned to others, and will always think fondly of my call to arms in spring. Bring on the muck.

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Thursday, March 21, 2019

PAGE 23 Thursday, March 21, 2019 MERIDIAN SOURCE

Sports

Two-sport athlete wins Canada Games gold JAMIE HARKINS WRITER

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Branden Troutman has pledged to put school before sport during the next few weeks. The MacEwan University open studies student needs the catch-up time after spending the past eight to nine months travelling across the globe for practices and game action as a Canadian wheelchair rugby team starter. Despite that busy schedule, he did find a bit of time to capture a Canada Games gold medal as part of the Alberta wheelchair basketball team. Troutman, a Lloydminster Comprehensive High School graduate, said the sport of wheelchair basketball has jumped in and out of his life during the last four or five years, but he decided to take it a tad more seriously over the past little while knowing the chance of winning a national gold in his home province was coming up. He said Team Alberta had a target on their backs having won a junior nationals title in Montreal last year, which made their ability to come out on top at the Re d D e e r C anad a G ame s on Feb. 21 that much more incredible. “The stands were loaded and everybody was really into it,” said Troutman, 20, noting 4,800 people crammed into the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre for their gold medal final against Team Ontario. “For some of the people out there it was their first

time watching wheelchair basketball and I think they had a nice game to watch. The gold medal game was a three-point match and it was tight.” The see-saw battle between Alberta and Ontario went the latter’s way through the opening frame only to fall back into the former’s hands by the half and after three quarters. However, Team Ontario fought back in the fourth to pull close late only to come up short by a 51-48 score. “There was a lot of pressure on us to try and win,” Troutman added. “Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick and Saskatchewan, especially, played really well against us. It was just tough to stay focused a lot of the time because the crowds were so awesome. They were so loud and cheering you on. It’s your home town right, so you’ve got all your family and friends around. It was just a great experience.” Troutman didn’t have much time to savour the championship having to fly to Leicester, U.K., for competition with the Canadian wheelchair rugby team at the King Power Quad Nations tournament as soon as the Canada Games basketball final wrapped. From there, he flew to Vancouver for a two-week national rugby camp before finally heading back to school in Edmonton this week to complete the academic year. “I’m taking two online courses right now and two

The Pride of the Neversweats JAMIE HARKINS WRITER

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Submitted

Lloydminster’s Branden Troutman captured a gold medal with the Team Alberta wheelchair basketball team at the Canada Games in Red Deer last month.

in-class,” he said. “In-class are a little bit tougher, of course I’m missing a lot of school, but I’m trying to keep up the best I can.” Regular monthly travel to Vancouver and Toronto for national rugby camps has become a part of everyday life, noted Troutman, but the gains made proves the trek worthwhile. Troutman earned a starter’s job with the Canadian wheelchair rugby team at a tournament in Australia

last summer and regularly plays 35 minutes a game this season. “We have tournaments all over the world,” said Troutman, noting the hope is his exams will be over in time for their next challenge at Denmark during the middle of April. “Other teams love inviting Canada. We’re great competition and great people to have around. We’re very respectful and I think the rest of the world knows it.”

Once a Neversweat, always a Neversweat. It’s been 40 years since the Lloydminster Neversweats first organized as an old timer’s hockey club in Jim Hill’s basement. The team’s current edition even features the nowgrown children of a few original players. But, the pride of donning Al Dornstauder’s turtle logo hasn’t diminished among those charter members. A couple could even be seen helping out during the Neversweats 38th annual Border Cup competition at the Servus Sports Centre this past weekend. Bill Armstrong, an original Neversweats player, said the hard work of fellow charter member Ken Kile led to the staging of their first tournaments. He said they travelled to a few competitions in those early years, including a Pacific Cup division win during their first major tournament at Victoria in 1980, and decided to host their own as a way to welcome some of the people they saw on the road back to the Border City. “After Ken unfortunately passed away, it made more of us step forward and take on some jobs that he used to do,” said Armstrong, who volunteered his time over the weekend to lend a hand at the tournament’s events. CONTINUED ON PAGE 27

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Thursday, March 21, 2019

Jamie Harkins Meridian Source

Holy Rosary High School Grade 12 student Kassie Reid will receive a full scholarship to play softball and pursue an Associate of Arts Degree at Burlington, Iowa’s Southeastern Community College.

Liners outfielder signs with ‘Hawks JAMIE HARKINS WRITER

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The game of softball will soon take a Holy Rosary High School (HRHS) athlete to the fields of Iowa. Kassie Reid, a Grade 12 student at HRHS, has signed a letter of intent to begin playing for Burlington, Iowa’s Southeastern Community College Blackhawks women’s softball team this fall. Reid will receive a full schol-

arship from Southeastern Community College while she pursues a two-year Associate of Arts Degree, which could lead to studies in a four-year program. The outfielder and somet imes u t ilit y play e r said the Blackhawks originally offered a scholarship covering tuition and half the costs of room and board only to up the ante to a full ride after she visited the school last month and partici-

pated in a team practice. She said the girls who are returning next year were all supportive during the session making her debut into post-secondary ball a bit more comforting. “After I toured the college and saw how welcoming they were to me, and they have a great group of girls there, I was pretty much sold,” said Reid, 17. “But, the full ride definitely helped.” CONTINUED ON PAGE 25

Thursday, March 21, 2019

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Holy Rosary student receives full post-secondary scholarship FROM PAGE 24

Softball has been a constant in Reid’s life for the past decade. The Paradise Valley product first took up the game on a Lloydminster house league team before moving on to the Blues and finally the Liners, where she won an Alberta Softball under-16 and under-19 championship in 2017 and 2018, respectively. “I’ve played softball since I was seven,” she said. “I really like

how everyone is there for each other and we’re like a family. We always have each other’s backs. If a person messes up we always just cheer them on and help them get out of their funk.” Reid has spent this past winter travelling to tournaments across the United States with the Saskatoon-based 222’s Fastpitch program. The winter ball team has made weekend stops in Orlando,

Medalling at Provincials

San Diego and Vegas so far this season with another trip planned for Atlanta later this month. Playing on a travelling team during the school year has proven a challenge, noted Reid, but the chance to learn from the 222’s Fastpitch coaches and compete against the tough American opposition has made the task of balancing academics and sport worth it. She added hard work

Lloydminster Riptides swim club athletes Stephen Ostrowski, James Heasley, Denaya Roznowski, Landen Roznowski, Robyn Coleman, Udaya Reddy, Julianna Perkins, Shaina Allsop, Anna Clements, Mary Clements and Madeline Osman competed at the Saskatchewan Junior Provincials in Moose Jaw from March 8 to 10. Osman, Ostrowski and Anna Clements achieved a best time in each of their races. Ostrowski won five medals at provincials, Allsop captured seven, Reddy took one and Anna Clements brought home three. Submitted

at school and keeping up with any homework has helped her pull through. Reid said a few of her Liners teammates also play for the 222’s Fastpitch club. She said their decision to pursue post-secondary oppor-

tunities in the States helped shape her decision to join the Blackhawks. “I have to go there in mid-August to just get my schedule figured out, my classes, and then we start our season the first day

of school,” said Reid. “It will be a struggle again with that balance (between academics and sport). But, I am a hard worker academically and with softball. So, I don’t think I’ll have too big of a problem.”

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Thursday, March 21, 2019

Vertex rink wins the Oilmen’s Classic JAMIE HARKINS WRITER

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The Heavy Crude Open Bonspiel is on good footing at its 52nd year. Thirty-six rinks vied for five Oilmen’s Classic championship titles at the Lloydminster Golf and Curling Centre from Thursday to Sunday. That number of competing rinks is unchanged from last spring as is the great play these top curlers bring to the tournament. “It’s a lot better competition now than when we used to have 100 teams,” said Geoff Regnier, president of the Heavy Crude Open Bonspiel. “It’s actually substantially better than it used to be. There are a lot of good curlers.” Derren Weimer’s Vertex rink of third Darrell Nowosad, second Frank Fechter and lead Ryan Deis opened a 2-0 lead with the

Jamie Harkins Meridian Source

Oilman of the Year John Stanyer presents the ‘A’ event championship plaque to the Vertex rink of, from left, Ryan Deis, Frank Fechter, Darrell Nowosad and Derren Weimer.

hammer in the second end during the ‘A’ event final against the V-Tech Energy Services team of skip Doug Zingel, third Colin Tanton, second Dan McLean and lead Craig Watson on Sunday afternoon. Weimer then hit a tap-back for three in the fourth before stealing a single in the fifth and sixth ends to win the title 7-1. “My No. 1 game is stealing,” said Weimer. “I like to not have the hammer. I jack it up and try to get behind first.”

Weimer said his rink has been competing together at the Heavy Crude Open Bonspiel for 10 to 12 years. He noted they’ve won the ‘B’ final three times over that span, but this marks their first ‘A’ event championship. “Me and Doug curl in the Superleague quite a bit and we’re neck and neck,” he said. “He can beat me some games and I can beat him some games. So, it was nice to finally win this one.” Regnier said the dedication of every curler along with the contin-

ued support of their sponsors keeps the Heavy Crude Open Bonspiel running. He said the players dedicate their time and energy to make it a success and the event’s backers put in a lot of money to ensure it remains a Border City mainstay. “Also, we’ve had a pretty good committee,” said Regnier. “Guys like John (Stanyer), who has been on it for 30 years, and Monte (Armstrong). Without those guys keeping it going, she wouldn’t happen.” 19034MR0

Thursday, March 21, 2019

Celebrating old timer hockey FROM PAGE 23

“Any time you come down you see different members of the team here helping to run the games, the clock and do the stats and various aspects. Everybody takes on some of those jobs. It’s definitely a team effort. Even the old guys who have been gone for a while, they’re still associated and involved.” Armstrong said it is the volunteer help, such as that given by longtime Neversweats associates Wade Enger and Marcel Courchesne, who have allowed the tournament to continue and grow from its initial 16-club offering to the 20-team format in place today. He said teams from across northern Saskatchewan and Alberta, plus one group travelling up from Airdrie, took part in this weekend’s festivities that included a chili night on Friday,

a social on Saturday and aged 35-plus and 50-plus games through to Sunday. “A lot of the players who come, they get to know people on the other teams and look forward to see ing them each year,” he said. “They don’t get a chance to play each other (regularly) because they’re further away, so things like this present a chance to meet up.” Rene Desaulniers said his Fort Saskatchewan Bear Paws have been coming to the Neversweats Border Cup tournament for 25 to 30 years. He said they seem to meet the Bonnyville Old Steers each time with their opponents coming out on top some winters and they taking home the bragging rights during others. “It’s a lot of fun,” said Desaulniers, shortly after the Bear Paws captured the Mike’s Oilfield aged

50-plus championship thanks to a 3-2 shootout win against the Old Steers. “This is one of the best. The Neversweats do a great job.” Armstrong said a few of the early traditions such as the trading of pins and badges have fallen by the wayside, but the ideal of noncontact, competitive and sociable old timer hockey has remained. He said the team’s commitment and ability to organize fun and rewarding events for its members and opponents, while also supporting various initiatives in this area, ensures the Neversweats will continue to be a part of Lloydminster’s future. “We’ve kept a pretty good calibre team,” said Armstrong. “It’s been a strong organization and the players know it coming in. It’s an honour to become a part of this team. I think that’s the reason it’s held up.”

MERIDIAN SOURCE

PAGE 28 Thursday, March 21, 2019 MERIDIAN SOURCE

Agriculture

Minister appearance blocked on restoring market MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

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Sunday, members of the Standing Commit-

tee on International Trade amended a Conservative motion inviting the Ministers of

Agriculture and AgriFood and International Trade Diversification to appear before Canadians and outline what the Liberal government is doing to restore market access to China for Canadian canola. However, the Liberals voted down inviting the Minister of Foreign Affairs as a key witness, despite Opposition requests for answers to specifically prevent further retaliatory actions against Canada due to Justin Trudeau’s failure to manage Canada’s relationship with China. “Canada’s canola is of the highest quality and the safest in the world,” said Randy Hoback,

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• • •

All Albertans are covered by Alberta Health for medically necessary and urgent care appointments with their optometrist. EŽ ƌĞĨĞƌƌĂů ŝƐ ƌĞƋƵŝƌĞĚ͕ ĂŶĚ ŵŽƐƚ ŽƉƚŽŵĞƚƌŝƐƚƐ ǁŝůů ƐĞĞ ƉĂƟĞŶƚƐ ƚŚĞ ƐĂŵĞ ĚĂǇ ŝĨ ƚŚĞ ŵĂƩĞƌ ŝƐ ƵƌŐĞŶƚ͘ 19033AA2

Optometrists have the proper knowledge and specialized ĞƋƵŝƉŵĞŶƚ ŶĞĐĞƐƐĂƌǇ ƚŽ ĚŝĂŐŶŽƐĞ͕ ƚƌĞĂƚ ĂŶĚ ƉƌĞƐĐƌŝďĞ ŵĞĚŝĐĂƟŽŶƐ for visual health issues. If needed, they can refer to a specialist.

THIS INCLUDES:

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Deputy Shadow Minister for International Trade Diversification. “The only reason China has blocked our exports is because of Justin Trudeau’s failed leadership and bungling of Canada’s bilateral relationship with our second largest trading partner. Without an Ambassador to deal with the situation on the ground in China, we need the Minister of Foreign Affairs to tell Canadians what the government is doing to restore the market access that is vital for the livelihoods of canola farmers and their families.” According to the Canola Council of Canada, 90 per cent of canola grown in Canada is exported as seed, oil, or meal to 50 mar-

File Photo kets around the world. Approximately 40 per cent of those exports go to China, a market valued at over $3.5 billion annually. Market access for exports is the lifeblood of Canada’s canola industry. “Over half of the agrifood products grown in Canada are exported, making Canada one of the most trade-dependent agricultural sectors in the world,” said

Luc Berthold, Shadow Minister for Agriculture and Agri-Food. “With spring planting season fast approaching, farmers need to know what the federal government’s plan is for protecting and advancing the interests of our worldclass canola exporters, and today Justin Trudeau’s Liberals failed to provide the full support needed to resolve this concerning issue.”

FROM AROUND THE PROVINCE

Thursday, March 21, 2019

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Government invests in conservation and development MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

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While delivering the Premier’s address at the 2019 Convention of the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities last Wednesday, Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe announced that the Government of Saskatchewan will invest $5 million in the Saskatchewan Conservation and Development Association (SCDA) to help advance the Agricultural Water Management Strategy. This approach will support Saskatchewan producers while addressing impacts on downstream communities, infrastructure and the environment. “When Saskatchewan introduced its new Agricultural Water Management Strategy in 2015, the vision was to support our agriculture sector, while mitigating the negative impacts of drainage,” Moe said. “This investment will ultimately allow more

local producers to take greater responsibility over local projects, providing them with the professional help and assistance they need.”

“

When Saskatchewan introduced its new Agricultural Water Management Strategy in 2015, the vision was to support our agriculture sector, while mitigating the negative impacts of drainage

The SCDA is a governing body aimed at improving responsible surface water management. It is the parent body to 96 conservation area authorities and districts as well as 13 water association boards, which collectively provide flood control for some 4.5 mil-

lion acres of farmland. “Our organization is thrilled that government has recognized our longstanding role in helping producers across Saskatchewan responsibly manage water challenges and build on our organization’s more than 50-year history of successful community projects,” SCDA President Cliff Lowenberger said. “We are supportive of the government’s approach to agricultural water management and now have meaningful resources to ensure we can better use our existing expertise, while also developing new sources of strength for the future.” The funding partnership will support conservation and development formation, governance support and funding, project development, qualified person support, engineering, legal and mediation support as well as LiDAR programs and

support services. The Agricultural Water Management Strategy focuses on responsible drainage that supports Saskatchewan producers and the environment. A record 809 quarter sections of land have been brought into compliance so far in 201819, a five-fold increase from 2014-15. The Water Security Agency (WSA) is currently working with hundreds of landowners on more than 20 organized drainage projects making up over 200,000 acres. SCDA will help advance producer applications for approvals to ensure that downstream flooding, water quality, and wildlife habitat impacts are managed, and projects are registered on title, providing assurance, reducing risk,

and recognizing the real business assets that improved land and crop production values

can yield through wellplanned, organized, and approved drainage projects.

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Thursday, March 21, 2019

PAGE 31 Thursday, March 21, 2019 MERIDIAN SOURCE

Careers

Edwards announces new pathway partnership with Lakeland College LAKELAND COLLEGE

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Lakeland College and the University of Saskatchewan’s (USask) Edwards School of Business signed a Memorandum of Understanding today that allows business students to transfer to Edwards upon completion of their Lakeland business administration diploma. The transfer agreement will allow Lakeland students the opportunity to continue their business education and have access to an internationally accredited degree from one of Canada’s oldest business schools. “Providing our students with more degree completion possibilities by collaborating with post-secondary partners is one of Lakeland’s priorities. We’re very pleased that graduates of our business administration program now have the opportunity to transfer their Lakeland cred-

Supplied Photo its to Edwards School of Business and earn a University of Saskatchewan degree,” said Brad Onofrychuk, dean of business and energy at Lakeland. Beginning in fall 2019, students who successfully complete a two-year business administration diploma at Lakeland’s Lloydminster campus will be able to trans-

fer two years of study to the four-year Bachelor of Commerce (B.Comm.) program at Edwards in Saskatoon. As a result, students will graduate with both a diploma and a degree after four years of study. “Edwards is excited to create pathways that provide additional opportunities for students near the Bor-

der City,” said Noreen Mahoney, associat e d e an at E d w ard s School of Business. “Together, we are building the Saskatchewan economy.” The four-year B.Comm. degree helps students develop critical thinking, problemsolving, communication and teamwork skills demanded by employers around the world.

“The new transfer credit agreement will further position students in their career paths,” said Keith Willoughby, dean of the Edwards School of Business. “We are committed to developing business professionals to build nations through new pathways and providing an outstanding student experience.”

Lakeland College has negotiated credit transfer options with a number of universities across Western Canada and beyond. USask has secured and continues to pursue, transfer articulation agreements with domestic and international postsecondary institutions, allowing for more options and flexibility for transfer students.

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Thursday, March 21, 2019

What skills are employers looking for in 2019?

hanks to everevolving technology and a constantly changing job market, the skills needed for success today may not be the same as those needed yesterday. Knowing what employers are looking for when making hiring decisions is a great way to get ahead of the curve. LinkedIn recently

released a list of the top soft and hard skills companies need most in 2019. One great way to learn many of these critical skills and more is through international work experience. International Experience Canada is a valuable resource for getting work permits abroad more quickly and easily. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a Government of Can-

ada program that allows youth ages 18 to 35 to work and travel abroad for up to two years in more than 30 partner countries and territories. Whether youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re on the hunt for your next career move or are hoping to advise your recently graduated child, here are some of the top skills to keep in mind. Adaptability. The world and business are constantly in flux, so being flexible enough to tackle the next curve ball or identify and seize a future opportunity is becoming increasingly important.

Collaboration. With projects getting more complex, teams becoming more diverse, and specialized tech like AI taking on a growing role, being able to work well with others can help you stand out and succeed in the new digital environment. People management. As people move from job to job more quickly, managers need strong people skills to keep employees happy. Things like knowing how to mentor and empower people are more important than ever.

PAGE 33 Thursday, March 21, 2019 MERIDIAN SOURCE 306-825-5111 admin@meridiansource.ca

Announcements

Classifieds

WAnted

coming events

Auctions

WANTED: All Wild Fur (Coyotes, etc), All Antlers (Deer, Moose, etc) And Old Traps. Phone Bryan 306278-7756 or Phil 306278-2299.

CALL FOR VENDORS Fort Qu’Appelle Trade Show & Sale. April 27-28, 2019. Fort Qu’ Appelle RecCentre. Contact Tammy at 1844-GNG-NEWS (ext. 222) or email accounts@grasslandsnews.ca, webpage www.forttradeshow.com

FABRICATION FACILITY Battleford, SK. Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers Unreserved Auction, April 8 in Saskatoon. 11.1+/- Title Acres, 43,821+/- Sq Ft Fabrication Facility. Ed Truelove: 306.441.0525; Brokerage: Ritchie Bros. Real Estate Services Ltd.; rbauction.com/realestate.

employment opportunities

services oFFered

lAnd For sAle

legAl notices

livestock

Advertise your classified in this space. Call 306-825-5111 miscellAneous

Common Organic Legume Seed for Sale. Tap Root Alfalfa, Single Cut Red Clover and Alsike Clover. Available in 50 pound bags. 306-382-1299 Saskatoon Sk.

For sAle PROVINCE-WIDE CLASSIFIEDS. Reach over 550,000 readers weekly. Call this newspaper NOW or 306-649.1405 for details. 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 w e b s i t e a t www.swna.com.

WAnted WANTED: OLD TUBE AUDIO EQUIPMENT. 40 years or older. Amplifiers, Stereo, Recording and Theatre Sound Equipment. Hammond Organs, any condition. CALL Toll-Free 1-800-947-0393

Feed & seed

Auctions 6 PARCELS OF FARMLAND Pleasantdale, SK. Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers Unreserved Auction, April 8 in Saskatoon. 959+/Title Acres, Unquantified gravel reserves. Ed steel Buildings Truelove: 306.441.0525; STEEL BUILDING SALE ... Brokerage: Ritchie Bros. “BIG BLOW OUT SALE - Real Estate Services Ltd.; ALL BUILDINGS PRICED TO rbauction.com/realestate. CLEAR!” 20X23 $5,977. 23X25 $5,954. 25X27 Please recycle $7,432. 30X31 $9,574. this paper. 32X31 $9,648. One End Wall Included. Pioneer Steel 1-855-212-7036 www.pioneersteel.ca

mAnuFActured homes

Top Quality yearling Red Angus bulls Will be semen tested, Keep till May 1st Good thick bulls 1200 to 1300 lbs $ 3500.00 each obo Lloydminster Sask Crossroad Acres Angus 780-205-2334

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Legal Notices

Thursday, March 21, 2019

Livestock The Supreme Speckle Park Bull & Female Sale Saturday, April 6th, 2:00 pm at Notta Ranch, Neilburg, SK Selling Speckle Park yearling and two year old bulls, with a select group of females. These genetics are being offered by Notta Ranch, Spots ‘N Sprouts, and Ravenworth Cattle. For more information or a catalogue contact T Bar C Cattle Co. at 306-220-5006. View the catalogue online at www.BuyAgro.com. Watch and bid online at www.DLMS.ca (PL #116061)

Obituaries & Memoriams

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Call 306-825-5111 or Drop off at 5921 - 50 Avenue Lloydminster, SK

*Deadline for Thursday’s issue - Tuesday at noon

Thursday, March 21, 2019

Obituaries & Memoriams

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Thursday, March 21, 2019

Local Business Directory

Advertise your services in our Business Directory! Call our sales team today!

306.825.5111

Thursday, March 21, 2019

Hello World... I’m Here!

Advertise the birth of your new baby in the Meridian Source.

If you wish to have your baby’s birth announcement published in our newspaper, free of charge, please complete the form below and return it back to us by Tuesday at noon for the Thursday edition.

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Celebrations

BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENT FORM Please print all information neatly. E: admin@meridiansource.ca F: 306.825.5147 5921-50 Ave., Lloydminster, SK of

(Mother’s Name)

(Father’s Name)

(City/Town)

would like to announce the arrival of their (Son/Daughter)

(Baby’s Name)

born at the

(Name of Hospital, Location)

on (Month)

(Day)

Contact: Phone:

Share your jubilations, love and best wishes in the Meridian Source newspaper.

Call 306-825-5111 To celebrate the happenings in your life.

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Thursday, March 21, 2019

HOROSCOPES CAPRICORN

December 22 – January 19 You’ll finally organize your priorities. A long period of procrastination will end and you’ll make changes you’ve been thinking about for a long time.

AQUARIUS

January 20 – February 18 You’ll start to make travel plans with your partner. Your research will allow you to learn about a place you’ve been longing to discover.

PISCES

February 19 – March 20 If you have worries about your health, take some time to see a doctor and undergo the necessary tests. You’ll get a clean bill of health or discover treatment options that’ll allow you to recover quickly.

ARIES

March 21– April 19 At work, your leadership will lead to a long-term agreement between various parties. This situation will help resolve any financial difficulties.

TAURUS

April 20 – May 20 At home and at work compromises will need to be made in order for everyone to get along. You’ll learn to exercise your patience to get through a confusing situation.

GEMINI

May 21 – June 21 There are times when it’s important to respect yourself and your limits. It’s necessary to take care of yourself before taking care of others. A family member will be very demanding.

SUDOKU March 14 Answers

Meridian Source’s Birth Announcements If you wish to have your baby’s birth announcement published in our Thursday edition of the Meridian Source FREE OF CHARGE, please come in and fill out a form or email admin@meridiansource.ca Deadline is Tuesday at noon for the Thursday edition.

CANCER

June 22 – July 22 Because of your enthusiasm, you’ll succeed in doubling your income or doubling your fun. You’ll be able to afford to pamper yourself. Maybe with a vacation?

LEO July 23 – August 22 To avoid unpleasant financial surprises, look over your bills. An error could slip through and cause a major inconvenience.

VIRGO

August 23 – September 22 It’s important to think long and hard before undertaking something that could change your day-to-day life. You’ll be presented with new options as the week progresses.

LIBRA

September 23 – October 22 You’ll receive many invitations this week, each one more interesting than the last. Don’t forget to take the time to rest, or at least relax a little.

SCORPIO

October 23 – November 21 At work or in your social life, you’ll be responsible for organizing an event that will result in a record-breaking crowd. You might also find yourself getting more involved in your community.

SAGITTARIUS

November 22 – December 21 You’ll find a new form of spirituality that will allow you to develop a more active social life. Beneficial new friendships will take shape and bring you a sense of well-being.

Thursday, March 21, 2019

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Thursday, March 21, 2019

Make Your Move! NEW LISTINGS

OPEN HOUSES

#38 2715 - 73RD AVENUE

Saturday, Mar. 23 1:00 - 2:30 PM

4804 - 43RD STREET

• Totally renovated inside and out! Potential starter or revenue property. • 2 bed, 1 bath Sask side home, single detached garage, walking distance to downtown.

• 6 bed, 3 bath modified bi-level on a quiet cul-de-sac in Lakeshore Estates. • Many exquisite features including a triple car garage!

3305 - 53rd Avenue $229,900 - MLS 63521 Hosted by: Amanda Warner

569,900

Sunday, Mar. 24 1:00 - 2:30 PM

LASHBURN

5719 - 40 Street $328,000 - MLS 63333 Hosted by: Amanda Warner

205 2

STREET

COMMERCIAL

• Well maintained, affordable 3 bed, 2 bath mobile home on owned lot. • Master bedroom includes ensuite with corner jacuzzi tub.

134,900

149,900

MLS 63644

MLS 63654

4905 - 50 AVENUE

• 1,800 sq. ft. lease space in the heart of downtown Lloydminster. • 3 offices, boardroom with large reception area, bathroom and coffee room.

8.00 / sq. ft.

MLS 63609

NEW PRICES

MLS 63608

FEATURED LISTING

4701 - 41ST STREET

PENDING

• Centrally located character home on a large corner lot with alley access. • Immediate possession can be accommodated.

164,500

328,000 MLS 63333

785,000 MLS 61654

524,900 MLS 62556

289,900 MLS 63430

564,900 MLS 61621

517,000 MLS 61610

164,924 MLS 62609

559,900

MLS 63331

494,000

LS 63234

MLS 63626

544,900

MLS 61818

469,900

MLS 63527

534,924 MLS 63261

418,000 MLS 62918

QUALITY HOMES IN QUALITY COMMUNITIES! GREENSTREET

TURTLE LAKE

495,000 MLS 63305

429,900 MLS 61434

PARADISE HILL

299,999 MLS 63363

ST. WALBURG

359,000 MLS 62587

208,000 MLS 61493

LOON LAKE

KITSCOTY

150,000

MLS 61219

LASHBURN

349,900 MLS 63320

329,500 MLS 62676

PARADISE HILL

125,000

MLS 61147

125,000 MLS 63378

CITY SIDE REALTY Brad Gilbert Broker/Owner

Jennifer Gilbert Associate Broker

Jackie Gartner Pattie Todd Associate Broker Associate Broker

780.875.3343

3812 - 51 Avenue, Lloydminster, AB T9V 3M7 www.lloydminsterrealestate.ca www.coldwellbankercitysiderealty.com www.facebook.com/coldwellbankercitysiderealty

Real Estate, Rentals & Property Management

Rick Schesnuk Realtor

Judy Bexson Realtor

Amanda Warner Realtor

Sandy Hardy Realtor