Meridian Source - March 21, 2024

NATIONAL CHAMPS!

Taylor Weaver Meridian Source

The Lakeland College Rustlers women’s basketball team made program history on Saturday, beating the Lambton Lions of Sarnia, Ont. 64-55 to win their first national championship title. The Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association women’s basketball finals took place in the Border City from March 13-16, which saw deafeningly loud sold-out crowds filling the Lakeland gym for every Rustlers game. See Page 15 for more.

Author focuses on mental health

JEANNETTE BENOIT-LEIPERT STAFF WRITER

A local man has published two out of three books in his mental health-focused series titled ‘An Individual’s Innocence’.

My goal is to change the way society views mental health. It’s something that has to be taken on.

What makes James Yeo’s books unique is they are loosely based on his life story.

He will be available to sign and discuss his work on March 30 from noon to 4 p.m. at Coles in the LloydMall.

Yeo was diagnosed with schizophrenia in 2005 and has used his experiences as a road map to develop the series.

“I was diagnosed late in my life with schizophrenia, so in a way, it’s kind of based on my life. My own ups and downs,” said Yeo.

that life throws at you when you turn 18 and you move away from mom and dad.”

The second book, The Fog of Time , jumps 10 years and deals with a new set of challenges. Being in a relationship, working life, and family issues post-diagnosis.

“Once you’re diagnosed with something, funny things happen within the family unit,” said Yeo.

“My goal is to change the way society views mental health. It’s something that has to be taken on,” he said, adding the way the media portrays those with mental illness is often very misleading.

“The reason why I wanted to write the series is I wanted to get the word out that people who suffer from mental illness are not that much of a threat as what the media has made it out to be,” said Yeo.

medication.

“I always had the idea I wanted to write a book, and when I was in the hospital, that’s when it hit me. It’s like all the roads are pointing to one thing, and it was mental illness— how can I use that as an advantage for me.”

The third book in the trilogy is currently with his publisher, and he anticipates a late summer or early fall release date.

He is currently working on another novel, titled ‘ Pages ’, that will have a different take on mental illness, with a strong message.

“The concept of the book is from the eyes of a practitioner of mental health—a psychiatrist who goes through a hard time after his wife dies of cancer,” he said, saying depression will be incorporated into the novel.

“I want to paint that picture for society that doctors and nurses in general are people, too, and they may suffer from mental illness.”

“It’s not just focused on his childhood, which was extremely rough for him, but it also focuses on other parts of his life up into the point when he’s in counselling,” he said about the main character in The Silent Screams.

“Dealing with drugs, dealing with education, dealing with everything

“It’s like, yeah, there’s the one per cent that goes off their meds and goes on a shooting spree. That’s one per cent, but that’s the brush that all people with mental illness get painted with.”

He said after his diagnosis he struggled with addiction for five years.

“I had an alcohol problem because I was running away from the fact I was ill,” he said. He was admitted to hospital in January 2010, was on suicide watch for a month and was put on proper

In preparation for the book, he has been researching everything from bipolar disorder to eating disorders and addiction.

“Drug abuse is linked to mental health, any type of addiction. Not just drugs and alcohol—there’s all different types of addiction.”

To find out more about Yeo’s work visit his website jamesgyeo. ca.

Supplied Photo

Rescue squad banks on Rotary grant

The Lloydminster Rescue Squad hopes they’ve kicked off their fundraising campaign for a new 3/4 ton truck at the right time and place.

“I just want to thank the Rotary Club for the Legacy project fund being open to the community again.

Rescue squad chief

Norm Namur and deputy chief, Ryan Leblanc have their fingers crossed to land a $75,000 Legacy Community Project grant from the Rotary Club of Lloydminster with the application deadline on March 31.

“I just want to thank the Rotary Club for the Legacy project fund being open to the community again,” said Namur during an update at the club’s Monday lunch.

The rescue squad’s goal is to raise just over $100,000 to purchase a new Ford F-250 truck to tow some of their heavier boats.

That includes the Avatar airboat they purchased last year thanks to a $100,000 donation from Cenovus and their 22-ft. Kingfisher water rescue boat acquired in 2021.

“Our underwater rescue boat is a little bit big for the half-ton. We’re going to utilize it to tow those and also for a secondary rapid response vehicle,” explained Leblanc.

The fundraising goal will cover the cost of all the equipment that goes into the truck including the lighting and decals.

“We’re kicking it off today with this presentation to Rotary. We put our Legacy project application in,” said Leblanc.

“We’re excited. We’re hoping we’re successful. It will be a good purchase to add to our fleet

to tow these things.”

Namur told Rotary, it’s always a joy to bring the club up to date with the equipment they’ve bought over the last few years while noting the squad will mark its 40th year of operation in October.

“I think back then we had jaws (of life) and a set of cutters,” he said.

“Now we do vehicle extrication, we have a drone program, underwater recovery equipment and two airboats.”

Namur says the squad has state-ofthe-art equipment and needs a new truck since they’ve been using Leblanc’s personal truck to haul boats.

They have also identified a need to upgrade some of their tools to battery-operated tools.

“It gives us that portability. They’re fast,” said Namur, adding the downside is they are heavy.

Namur says their primary area for vehicle extrication is the RM of Britannia, which pays them $40,000 for the service.

The squad also has vehicle rescue service agreements with the City of Lloydminster, the County of Vermilion River and Onion Lake Cree Nation.

“For other services like drones and water rescue we’ve gone all over western Canada,” explained Namur, noting they fundraise for those, so they don’t have to charge families.

“If it’s through the RCMP, we’ll invoice them,” he said.

Namur says one of their challenges is recruiting young people

who may not be able to deal with the shock and trauma of rescue work.

“They don’t want to see what we see. We’re working on that as a

team, how do we attract the young generation,” said Namur.

GEOFF LEE STAFF WRITER

Geoff Lee Meridian Source

Lloydminster Rescue Squad, deputy chief, Ryan Leblanc, left, and chief, Norm Namur, launched a fundraising campaign for a new 3/4 ton truck during a presentation to the Rotary Club of Lloydminster Monday lunch. The squad has applied for a $75,000 Rotary Legacy Community Project grant, hoping to cover most of the $100,000 funding goal.

Connections made at job fair

This year’s Lloydminster and Region Job Fair may put a dent in a labour shortage facing many local businesses.

That’s the hope of event organizer Teri-

Lynn MacKie, executive director of the Lloydminster Chamber of Commerce in the wake of the fair, held at Gold Horse Casino last Thursday.

“The Lloydminster Chamber of Commerce

has been speaking with members. The numberone issue they brought forward is a labour shortage,” said MacKie. That led the chamber to partner with multiple organizations to host the job fair that

pressors with seven locations in Alberta and one in Saskatchewan.

“We are also looking to fill positions in those branches,” said Yael Benyair, the company’s human resources rep who likes the in-person format of the job fair.

“We can have a conversation and they (job seekers) can introduce themselves,” she said.

Avery Roan Jr., an Indigenous business relations coordinator with Bird Construction, had a hiring list as big as the Jansen potash project in Saskatchewan he is recruiting for.

Tricia Hunter, vicepresident of marketing with Bandit Energy Services, gave kudos to the chamber for putting on the job fair.

“This is a really good job fair. Hats off to the Chamber for hosting this. We’ve got stacks of resumes already of skilled labour. Hopefully, we find a few (employees),” said Hunter.

“We are looking for pipefitters, labourers, welders, a little bit of everything. We need labourers in entry-level that will show up every day and be committed to learning.”

drew more than 33 employers and 414 job hunters and visitors to the casino.

Brent Loney, service manager at Wild Rows Pump & Compression, is on the hunt for millwrights, automotive mechanics and heavyduty mechanics and found the job fair to his liking.

“It seems like a really good opportunity. We’ve had a couple of really good conversations with some nice young kids already,” said Loney.

“We’re looking for young guys who can get into our business. We’re looking for experienced guys, we’re looking for everyone.”

Wild Rows is an oilfield company focused on the repair of industry pumps and com -

“We’ve had quite a bit of interest. We’ve had a group from Frog Lake come by and ask questions about positions we potentially have,” said Roan.

“The overall workforce strategy is to engage with the local First Nations at events like we have here. We go into the communities and we have an extensive process with local trade unions,” he explained.

Bird and 2Nations is a venture partnership with Fishing Lake First Nation, Beardy’s and Okemasis Cree Nation.

There are also a ton of openings for a fine tailings project Bird is hiring for including excavator, loader, grader, fuel truck and water truck operator openings.

“There’s a handful of positions available that we are currently looking forward to hiring,” said Roan.

Hunter says Bandit can help them get onboard and “lead them in the right way to get their certificates” to be on job sites.

Blaine Stephan, owner of Guardian Plumbing and Heating, was simply looking for applicants with the right attitude knowing it’s hard to find skilled positions.

“We’re looking for any kind of people with a great attitude and are willing to work hard and show up every day,” said Stephan.

“We’ll hire somebody from entry-level to full journeyman plumber, HVAC technician, refrigeration, gas fitter. Basically, any job is available for the right applicants.”

Stephan also likes the opportunity the fair presents to meet job seekers in person.

“It allows us to have a conversation with people then,” he said.

Geoff Lee Meridian Source

Blaine Stephan, left, owner of Guardian Plumbing and Heating along with a staff member, fields job inquiries at the Lloydminster and Region Job Fair at the Gold Horse Casino that drew 414 visitors last Thursday.

GEOFF LEE STAFF WRITER

Air cadets hit the mark

A team of five Lloydminster air cadets have taken it up a notch, advancing to level three in marksmanship, which is just one level away from nationals.

The 186 squadron cadets will pack up their rifles and head to Edmonton April 12-14 to compete against 19 other teams.

Ethan Samarin said he joined the cadets in 2022, after reading Chris Hadfield’s autobiography.

“He mentioned it (air cadets) in his book, so I looked it up and that’s when I decided to join,” said Samarin, adding he loves marksmanship.

“I already like hunting and I just like getting better at shooting each time I come here,” said Samarin.

“I think it’s awesome, especially for people with lower incomes because there’s not a lot of cost associated with being in cadets.” His teammate Yshy Maroto became involved in air cadets because she had never tried shooting before and wanted to give it a go.

“I came in here blind; I didn’t know how to shoot anything. I learned a lot, the breathing techniques, the trigger

pull,” Maroto said, adding instructor Gordon Stefanuk has taught her a lot.

Stefanuk, who has been a civilian instructor since 2020, has a background in marksmanship himself.

“I like the competitive scoring aspect. When I was younger, I was on the national team, so it kind of helps in that way—I can share the knowledge that I have for shooting,” he said.

Even though they use air rifles, safety is still of utmost importance to the team.

“We shoot air rifles, but they are actual rifles. They can do damage, so there’s a big safety aspect,” said Stefanuk.

“The competitive aspect of the team I really, really enjoy and

seeing the progression of the cadets.”

“Like any shooting sport, you first try and hit the target, then you try and get better on the target and then you start hitting more into the center.”

The team gathers on Monday evenings to focus on shooting, but there are other activities to participate in through cadets as well.

“When they’re not

shooting, we have a flight simulator in the corner and they fly that. We do gliding too.

“You can get your pilot’s licence through the cadets, so there’s lots of activities for that. And there’s a large component of leadership.”

Air cadets is open to youth ages 12-18 and is cost-free. If interested, you can register online at 186aircadets.ca.

Jeannette Benoit-Leipert Meridian Source

Above: The marksmanship team takes aim during shooting practice at the cadet range Monday night. Below: The 186 Squadron Air Cadets marksmanship team, from left: Instructor Gordon Stefanuk, Wyatt Moffat, Elijah Belanger, Ethan Samarin, Hayden Squair, and Yshy Maroto.

JEANNETTE BENOIT-LEIPERT STAFF WRITER

Try-A-Trade primes youth for careers

See some trades in action, chat with tradespeople to learn

how they started their careers and meet with prospective employees.

That, in a nutshell, is the game plan for youth

and visitors at this year’s bi-provincial TryA-Trade set to roll into Lloyd Ex for the 12th edition on April 30.

“The purpose of it is to promote the trades to youth and the general public,” said executive director of the Lloydminster Construction Association, Dorothy Carson who heads the event organization.

Schools from Saskatchewan and Alberta are expected to bus up to 2,000 students to Lloydminster and roll up their sleeves for some hands-on demos.

“We’ve got a lot of new exhibitors joining us,” said Carson.

She says that based on demand last year for

agricultural and automotive exhibitors, Silverwood Toyota and Agland are jumping on board this year to talk about the trades in their industries.

Try-A-Trade features careers in 51 designated trades that motivate students and exhibitors to take part each year.

“People are looking at the trades as a first-choice career and they are just seeing the value in the trades,” said Carson.

She says there’s a lot of school divisions on the committee that are

promoting the trades to their youth within the school system which drives interest in TryA-Trade itself.

“The schools and provincial governments are looking forward to promoting the trades,” said Carson.

As usual, Lakeland College will demonstrate some of the trades they teach apprentices in such as carpentry, welding and hairdressing.

The mix of exhibitors will include a booth from the Electrical Contractors Association of Alberta.

“There’s a few old ones that are coming back and a few new ones that are going to be with us for the first time,” said Carson.

Meanwhile, Carson says her local LCA members are busy and are looking to a busy spring and summer construction season.

She was at the Regional Job Fair held last Thursday at Gold Horse Casino in partnership with the Lloydminster Chamber of Commerce with a lot of jobseekers and employers on hand.

“Speaking with a number of members, their first priority is to find employees,” said Carson.

“They are short, it’s been a challenge, but they’ve been able to find enough trade workers to keep their work going.”

Source File Photo

This year’s bi-provincial Try-A-Trade will be held on April 30 at the Lloyd Ex. A year ago, Jackson Dooker, a Grade 10 student from Provost Public School, learned how to make a butt fusion from County of Vermilion River pros.

GEOFF LEE STAFF WRITER

Scott Strang and the Five L Farms Ltd. family

What is your farm’s name and its rough location?

Five L Farms Ltd. Is located on the Alberta Border just south of the North Saskatchewan River.

Is this a generational farm? How many generations?

In 1954, Peter and Vicky Lorenz traded their house in Lloyd for a house, quarter, and a cow on the farm. Upon completing school, four of their sons, Glen, Grant, Gordon, and David, decided to join Peter in the farming operation full time and in 1979 formed a corporation; leading to the name Five L Farms Ltd. Fast forward to the present day, the third generation has now joined the farm on a full-time basis. Braden (Gordon’s son) and Scott (David’s son-in-

law) are both excited to continue to build upon the family operation. The fourth generation of children are also always excited to come help on the farm once the school day is done! How many families/ family members are involved?

In hindsight, the name Five L Farms Ltd. does not allow for a great variation in the number of families on the farm! Family is an integral part of our business and we are grateful to now have six families living within three miles of each other on the farm. Gordon and Grant have recently retired but help whenever they are needed. Glen, David, Braden, and Scott are actively involved in the day to day operations; and all are supported by the help of their wives. We also have two

dependable employees who help keep things running.

Is this strictly a grain farm or is it diversified with cattle? Are there off-the-farm jobs as well for you and your wife?

We are a mixed cat -

tle and grain farm with an emphasis on backgrounding cattle. We pasture primarily steers in the warmer months and feed at our two feedlots during the winter. We feel blessed that we are all able to work on the farm on a

full-time basis and do what we love! However, when the farm was in its beginning phase, it was the off-farm income of the wives that often helped with cash flow in expanding the operation and the farm would not be what it is today

without their support.

Average acres seeded per year? Main crops seeded?

On the grain end of things, we seed 2,200 acres of wheat, canola, barley, oats and silage for feed.

Supplied Photo

Pictured from left to right, the families that make up Five L Farms Ltd.: David Lorenz, Brenda Lorenz, Tom Mackiewich, Glen Lorenz, Lois Lorenz, Grant Lorenz, Donna Lorenz, Sharon Lorenz, Gordon Lorenz, Braden Lorenz, Gabriel Lorenz, Kati Strang, Adam Blythe and Scott Strang.

Student-led farm to celebrate future ag tech

pretty happy.

This supports our feedlots with enough straw and feed for the winter.

Hardest part of farming?

The most stressful part of farming are the factors that are out of our control; Mother Nature and the markets. If we get rain and cattle prices are up, everybody is

The future of agricultural technology will be on display at Lakeland College’s second annual Farm 4.0 event at the Vermilion Regional Centre.

Presented on April 4 by students in the Bachelor of agriculture technology (BAgTech) program, the event is a conference, tradeshow, and networking opportunity bringing together students, community, and industry.

Most satisfying part of farming?

It’s the best job in the world. The list of enjoyments include: working where we live, working outside with wildlife and the beauty of nature, working alongside family, the variety of work, and caring for the land so

“Our collective enthusiasm drives our commitment to showcasing cutting-edge advancements in the agriculture industry,” said Kyle Hafner, Class of 2025 in the BAgTech program, and exhibition team member for Farm 4.0.

“Through our hard work and dedication, we aim to create an engaging platform that not only introduces innovative technologies but also fosters valuable networking opportunities. Embrac -

that you can see a future generation farm.

What is the strongest trait a farmer needs to succeed?

The four P’s. Perseverance, passion, positivity, and a pen to sign the bank loan.

Does the mental game and stress take a toll on farmers?

There’s no doubt farming can be a stressful business.

ing the belief that new technology is the cornerstone of farming’s future, we look forward to connecting with likeminded individuals and industry experts to collectively propel the agricultural landscape into a new era.”

Farm 4.0 will feature a tradeshow, technology demonstrations, farm tours, keynote speakers and presentations.

The graduating class of 2024 BAgTech students will present their practicum reports,

However, we are blessed in that living and working with our multiple families has allowed us to share the weight of decision making towards a common goal. It also allows us to enjoy off farm activities while knowing that there is always someone else on the farm to make sure the work gets done.

highlighting their invaluable experiences and insights gained.

Doors open at 8 a.m. with a welcome speech scheduled for 8:30 a.m., with presentations and tradeshow beginning at 8:45 a.m. The event concludes at 4:30 p.m. Admission is free and all are welcome.

The tradeshow at last year’s event featured a total of 17 companies, showcasing a diverse array of technologies in both livestock and crop sectors.

Any advice for a new/ existing farmer?

Surround yourself with compassionate, empathetic, and hard-working people. Also, make sure you have an accountant, banker, and lawyer you trust and like working with because you will be meeting with them a lot at the start.

MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

File Photo

Dancers go pro with Ballet Jörgen

JEANNETTE BENOIT-LEIPERT STAFF WRITER

A trio of local dancers recently got the chance to participate in a professional ballet.

Ballet Jörgen brought Anne of Green Gables: The Ballet to the Vic Juba Community Theatre and invited local dancers to take part.

“Quite often touring ballet companies will approach dance studios in the area if they’ve got smaller parts that are more suited for children, because it’s hard to take children on the road,” said Core Dynamics, Pilates & Dance instructor Patti Johnston.

“It’s a great little partnership a lot of these ballet companies are now doing to get the younger ballet students interested and involved in what it could be like to actually be a professional ballet dancer. It’s a great opportunity.”

Three of Johnston’s

students: Mea Gee, Sylvie Harvie, and Blaire Donald, took on roles in the March 7 performance.

They got specific instructions and worked with the Ballet Jörgen crew over two days, about seven hours total, prior to the big show.

“We usually dance in front of lots of people, so it wasn’t that scary because we’re used to it, kind of, but it being a professional dance, it was a little scary,” said 10-year-old Sylvie Harvie.

“My favourite part was before the show started, we got to watch some of their practice … it was really cool watching them because they know everything for the dances and they’re so precise and stuff.”

For 12-year-old Mea Gee, the backstage hustle was a real eyeopener.

“I liked watching it all together back -

stage and seeing the quick changes and the runarounds and just how they presented it because I’ve never seen a show like that before,” she said.

The youngest of the trio, nine-year-old Blair Donald said it was neat to watch how everyone worked together to make the show happen.

“I really liked performing and just seeing how it all came together,” said Donald.

“I also liked watching the class, like how the teacher just said the ballet words in French and they all just understood.”

The experience got a thumbs up from all three of the young dancers, and definitely from their instructor as well.

“I think just having the opportunity to witness first-hand how a professional production is put together, and like they said, how fast-paced it is backstage,” said Johnston, adding it looks very

different when you’re in the audience than it does behind the scenes.

“We were just happy to be part of the experience. They had to learn on the fly and do it very quickly,” said Johnston.

“I think it’s a great opportunity, especially for the size of Lloyd, where we’re typically removed from bigger ballet and dance productions like this. So, it’s great to see it coming into this area.”

Photos submitted Core Dynamics students in their Ballet Jörgen costumes, ready to hit the big stage. From left Blair Donald, Mea Gee, and Sylvie Harvie.

Thursday,

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Editor Taylor Weaver taylor@meridiansource.ca

Border Banter with Benoit-Leipert: Girl’s best friend

four-legged companion.

In spring 1986 I was a curious toddler with blond curls and shiny red gumboots, ready for adventure.

It was a hectic time. My parents were preparing for seeding season. Not to mention raising six kids and running a machinery business as well as farming.

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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

Growing up on a farm in the springtime was a muddy blast! Mom would save bread bags for us to line the inside of our rub -

ber boots, with rubber bands around our shins to keep our socks dry in case there were any leaks. My siblings and I would spend hours puddling around in the warm spring sun. Our pups always loved springtime too, since their little people

were back out and about after a long winter.

Back in the 80s and 90s when the massive snowbanks melted, we would have enormous puddles throughout our yard.

I might have met my demise in one of them if it weren’t for my trusty

Mom had to run to town for something, probably parts, as my dad is a mechanic and always had something in the shop to work on.

Anyhow, I stayed with dad and ‘helped’ him out in the shop that afternoon.

Well, the door must have been left open because the first chance I got (likely when my dad was distracted by a phone call) my new boots and I were on the hunt for mud puddles.

And it wasn’t long before I found one. A BIG one.

There I was, on the opposite side of the big machine shed up to my knees in water. The mud beneath had my boots suctioned me to the ground and my boots were filled with icy water. I couldn’t move!

Meanwhile, my dad realized I was missing, and the search was on. He was running around the yard frantically yelling my name.

But one family member had already found me. Our beautiful Border Collie, Nipper.

She stood near me, at the edge of the puddle barking at the top of her lungs. I was cold and crying, but at least I wasn’t alone.

Once dad and the others heard Nipper’s barks, they followed their ears and found me. Dad rushed to my rescue and carried me into the house.

Not all heroes wear capes, some wear collars.

File Photo

Leeway from Lloyd: April Fools carbon tax

At least seven premiers and probably every voter is asking or hoping for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to postpone a planned 23 per cent hike in carbon taxes on April 1.

Some are calling it an April Fool’s Day joke on taxpayers while others, including myself, think this tax hike might be the straw that breaks the backs of us consumers when it comes to affordability.

Trudeau met with Alberta Premier Danielle Smith on March 14 in Calgary in advance of some federal announcements that Smith and others hope

will include axing the tax.

Trudeau told Smith, a family of four gets an average Canada Carbon Rebate of $1,800.

That’s nice, but the carbon tax also pushes up the cost of gas, heat, food etc. which adds up to more than the rebate. Plus all of these expenses are out of pocket at the point of purchase.

By the way, the feds are also raising taxes on beer, wine, and spirits on April 1.

If the carbon tax actually cut emissions, I’d be all for it, but I fail to see how taxing gasoline, diesel, natural gas and other hydrocarbons cuts any emissions since all of these fuels are a necessity. The tax just costs us

Innisfail RCMP investigate porch package thefts

On March 18, Innisfail RCMP received a report of a suspect stealing packages from the front steps of an Innisfail Residence in the area of 37 Street and 50 Ave.

The suspect is described as: - Female; - Light complexion; - Dyed Red / blonde hair; - Driving a white Ford F-150 extended cab truck.

Anyone with information on the identity

more while we pollute the same volume of emissions. Let’s all wear dunce caps!

Taxing industrial emitters can work to cut emissions, but the extra cost makes them less competitive than imported goods and

products that don’t pay the tax.

That’s one of the points Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre is making to get Trudeau to rethink the impact of the tax on the economy and jobs.

The tax is scheduled

to go from $65 to $80 per tonne while emissions aren’t dropping.

Hello?

I would think a tax incentive for reducing emissions would get the desired results instead of crushing major emitters with taxes that hit

their bottom line or put them out of business.

If the feds just gave me money to cut my own emissions, I could eliminate methaneemitting beans from my diet in favour of steak that Trudeau can afford.

ASK THE EXPERTS

of this suspect is asked to contact the Innisfail RCMP.

If you have information about this incident or those responsible, please call the Innisfail RCMP at 403-227-3341 or call your local police.

If you want to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers by phone at 1-800-2228477 (TIPS), by internet at www.tipsubmit. com, or by SMS (check your local Crime Stoppers www.crimestoppers.ab.ca for instructions).

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. File Photo

Supplied Photo

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

The Meridian Source Calendar of Events is a free service provided for non-profit organizations located within our coverage area. All events are in chronological order, as space permits and at the editor’s discretion.

Passport to YLL

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

Cards, games, food, meetings and live music

BINGO IS BACK!

Bingo is back at the Moose Lodge every Monday and Wednesday. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and play starts at 7 p.m. Must be 18 to play.

Strawberry Tea/Bake Sale

The Lloydminster Girl Guides are excited for the upcoming Strawberry Tea and Bake Sale from 2-4 p.m. on March 23 at St. John’s Anglican Church –4709–49 Ave., Lloydminster, Sask. Tickets are $5 for adults and children and are available from Guides and at the door. Door prizes to be won!

Palm Sunday Brunch/ Gospel Service

The Tulliby Lake Communiplex, sponsored by the Lea Park Bethel Church, will be hosting a Palm Sunday Brunch and Gospel Service on March 24. Gospel service begins at 10:30 a.m. with brunch to follow at noon. Free will offering.

Cribbage Tourney

The Hillmond Hall is hosting a cirbbage tournament on March 24 starting at 11 a.m. MST. Registration starts at 10 a.m. Cost is $10 to play and lunch is available for $15.

Walking Through Grief Society AGM

The Walking Through Grief Society is hosting their AGM on March

25 at 7 p.m. in the Kitscoty Community Church (lower hall north door), located at 5014–51 Ave. Everyone is welcome to come and learn what the Society has done in 2023.

FUBAR Live in Lloyd

Just give’r as Terry, Trish and Shank from FUBAR Live makes a stop in the double L on March 30. Presented by The Diamond Mine Agency, the show is being held at Cheers Live from 8-10:30 p.m. with doors opening at 7 p.m. Tickets are $32.21 and available on Eventbrite.

Grace United Church Fundraiser

Grace United Church, located at 4708 – 50 Ave., is hosting a fundraiser on April 4-5 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and April 6 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with incredible bargains and treasures. Donations are welcome and appreciated. Contact Lynda for pickup info at 306-821-2575.

D12 & Obie Trice at Cheers Live

D12 with Obie Trice will be performing live in Lloydminster April 5 at Cheers Live with Robbie G. Tickets are $42.46 and available on Eventbrite. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show starts at 8 p.m.

Marwayne PBR

The 12th annual Marwayne PBR, with all proceeds going to the Mar -

wayne Arena, is back on April 12 with wild pony races at 6:30 p.m. and bulls at 7 p.m. Tickets are $30 at the door with live music provided by The Prairie Dogs (dance-only tickets are $20 ... there WILL be an ATM on site). Get yours today!

Gord Bamford in Turtleford

Gord Bamford is bringing his Canadian Dirt Tour to the Turtleford Commnity Centre on April 12 with special guest Dallas Alexander. Doors open at 7:30 p.m., tickets are available at showpass.com.

Islay Crib Tournament

The Islay Community Association is hosting a crib tournament on April 13 in the Islay Hall. Doors open at 9:30 a.m., registration cut-off is 10:15 a.m. and play commences at 10:30 a.m. Cost is $25 per person, which includes noon lunch. Please pre-register by calling Linda at 780581-0570.

The Bellamy Brothers

The Vic Juba Community Theatre will be hosting country music legends The Bellamy Brothers (yes, it’s really the original brothers) on Tuesday, April 23 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $65 and available online or at the Vic Juba box office. Call 780-872-7400

for more info.

69th Annual Lea Park Rodeo

The 69th Annual Lea Park Rodeo will be held on June 7 at 6:30 p.m. and June 8-9 at 1 p.m. with the dance in the Marwayne Arena to follow at 9 p.m. on Saturday. Win a 2024 Dodge 3/4 Ton – Truck tickets are $100. Call 780-205-9010 or 306-821-6352 for more details.

Hotel California at The Vic Juba

VaughnCo Entertainment is excited to bring the original Eagles tribute, Hotel California, to the Vic Juba Community Theatre on Sept. 20 for a 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $60 each and available online or at the theatre’s box office. Call 780-872-7400 for more info.

Taylor Swift Tribute

The Vic Juba Community Theatre is excited to bring a Taylor Swift Tribute featuring Katy Ellis to the Border City on Wednesday, Nov. 13 for a 7:30 p.m. show. Tickets are $39 each and are available online or at the theatre’s box office. Call 780-872-7400 for more info.

- Have something you’d like listed in our community calendar? Email it to taylor@meridiansource.ca

Geoff Lee Meridian Source

Jonah Alejandro, left, a settlement advisor with Catholic Social Services hands a key chain to a senior during the Seniors Information Fair at the Legacy Centre on Monday. There were more than 30 exhibitors on hand for the well-attended event.

Drought risks begin to ratchet up

It’s up to Mother Nature whether drought conditions will prevail for another year in parts of Western Canada and increase the risk of wildfires.

Four members of the Lloydminster Fire Department, who were recognized last week for helping the County of Grande Prairie contain a wildfire last May, could be called out again, according to the county’s fire chief, Trevor Grant.

“It all depends on what the spring brings us. We have low snowpack, but if we get a wet spring, the risk is going to be much lower,” said Grant at Fire Hall No. 1 in Lloyd last Monday.

“We’re just preparing for the worst and hoping for the best.”

Lloydminster was on Grant’s seven-stop provincial tour to thank all community firefighters who rushed to the aid

of the county, including Canadian Armed Forces personnel.

This year, Alberta and Saskatchewan are one step away from declaring a provincewide emergency in their shared five-stage water shortage management plan.

Both provinces are currently in stage 4, where multiple water management areas are impacted by water shortage.

Alberta is experiencing extremely low water levels due to belowaverage snowpack and precipitation over the past several months, resulting in less runoff to rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.

Water licence holders in southern Alberta are now developing watersharing agreements to prepare for low flow conditions.

In Saskatchewan, water users in the North Saskatchewan River watershed are not being

asked to prepare watersharing agreements, but are asked to prepare water shortage response plans.

Grant noted precipitation in his area is just 40 per cent of normal this year, compared to 75 per cent when Lloydminster responded to the call for extra resources for the May 5, 2023 fire that covered 1,500 hectares.

Lloydminster sent four firefighters and a chief officer along with a pump truck and command vehicle to assist in the provincial fire fighting efforts.

“Members from Lloydminster were key to making sure the fire didn’t breach the perimeter after we got it established,” said Grant although four homes went up in flames.

“We did protect about 440 homes. Without their help, we would have been taxed,” said Grant.

Ironically, the four

celebrated Lloydminster firefighters were late for the recognition ceremony as they were called out to a structural fire.

First Onsite Property Restoration, which operates in Lloydminster has some tips for homeowners and businesses on things to look out for during the event of a wildfire.

“When we get a major fire close to homes or businesses, there is a risk, not only of evacuation and an impact to residents’ lives, but a looming threat of business interruption as well,” said First Onsite senior vice president, Jim Mandeville.

“Nevertheless, the early start and frequency of this year’s fires is notable and the unpredictability of when and where these blazes are going to start is concerning to many in the region.”

Mandeville warns large fires can start

Potential drought conditions in parts of Western Canada could result in firefighters being deployed to help fight wildfires anywhere in Alberta. Lloydminster Fire Department chief, Aaron Buckingham, accepted a department award along with four firefighters for helping contain a May 2023 grass fire in the County of Grande Prairie. County fire chief, Trevor Grant, recognized their help in a ceremony at Fire Hall No. 1 earlier this month.

close to populated areas with no notice, so it’s crucial to be prepared and that means listening to authorities.

“If a community is on evacuation alert, residents need to be ready to go at the drop of a hat, equipped with a full

tank of gas and a packed bag. Moving quickly can protect lives,” he said.

The Insurance Bureau of Canada notes standard homeowner’s and tenant’s insurance policies cover damage caused by wildfire.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 14

Geoff Lee Meridian Source

GEOFF LEE STAFF WRITER

Lloyd schools to strike again

MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

The Lloydminster public and Catholic school divisions will be on a rotating one-day

strike this Friday.

The Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation (STF) has given notice the strike will involve members of the Lloydminster Teachers’ Association and Horizon Teachers’ Association.

This one-day strike by local teachers is in addition to the previously announced province-wide withdrawal of extracurricular activities on March 21 and 22.

It’s all part of STF’s job

action to bring the government back to the negotiating table on class size and complexity.

The job action included a one-day province-wide strike on Wednesday.

“Government’s unwillingness to work with teachers in finding any path forward has forced this decision, which will impact students and communities both big and small across the province,” said STF president Samantha Becotte

in a pre-strike statement.

“Teachers have done their part to avoid more job action. We have bargained in good faith, and we have been clear that our opening proposals are only a starting point for discussion.”

Becotte noted STF invited government to take part in binding arbitration on the single issue of class size and complexity but says education minister Jeremy Cock -

rill rejected the offer within hours, prompting this new round of job action.

The withdrawal of extracurricular activities means teachers will not provide voluntary services involved in the organization, supervision and facilitation of activities including athletics, non-curricular arts, field trips, student travel, graduation preparations, school clubs and other activities.

Wish upon a STARS lotto ticket, you could be a lucky winner

SOURCE STAFF

You might be able to thank your lucky STARS sooner rather than later with the deadline to make that happen just hours away.

Tickets are only on sale in Alberta for the 31st annual STARS lottery until 11:59 p.m. tonight (March 21).

The lottery plays an essential role in the organization’s annual fundraising efforts, typically raising enough money to fund one of

STARS’ three bases in Alberta for a full year.

“When fighting for the lives of our patients, every second counts, so does every dollar,” said STARS’ president and chief executive officer Katherine Emberly,

“The funds raised through the lottery go directly to our 24/7 daily operations so we can continue to deliver critical care wherever it’s needed,” said Emberly.

“On behalf of everyone at STARS, thank you to every person who

has purchased a lottery ticket, your support makes it possible for us to save lives, every day.”

With over 2,100 prizes valued at over $4.8 million, there are more ways to win than ever before, all of which support STARS in their mission to provide critical care, anywhere.

Ticket holders have the chance to win one of three stunning grand prize homes located in Calgary, Edmonton or Lethbridge, in addition to dream vacations, lux-

ury vehicles and much more. With Lucky STARS 50/50 tickets, supporters have the chance to walk away with half of a jackpot that’s now more

than $4.2 million cash.

For the first time this year, STARS is offering more ways to win with the million STARS daily cash, with 40 prizes of $25,000 each — totalling $1 million. Tickets can be purchased by visiting starslottery.ca or calling 1-855-STARS-68 (7827768). Final draws take place on March 28.

Most policies also cover additional living expenses, such as for hotels or other accommodations, if you are evacuated.

For businesses, Mandeville says preparation can be a complex matter, but is an important step toward mitigating risk and minimizing the impact of a wildfire event.

That includes mitigating health risks from poor air quality from wildfire smoke up to 1,000 kilometres from the actual fire scene.

Mandeville says for business owners, employees, and residents, breathing in wildfire smoke can be dangerous, and providing clean air

for employees, customers, tenants, and residents is a priority.

“Employers can take steps to protect workers, including allowing for flexible work schedules on low air quality days and installing additional air scrubbing equipment,” he said.

Mandeville also advises homeowners and businesses to take steps such as making their roof fire-resistant, clearing away gutter debris, removing nearby coniferous trees, pruning trees and keeping the lawn mowed, using fire-smart landscaping, and having an evacuation plan.

Additionally, it’s critical to ensure that businesses and homes have adequate insurance coverage.

DROUGHT FROM PAGE 13

MERIDIAN

Rustlers win national gold at home

It was the fairytale ending everyone was gunning for, and the entire community showed up to watch it all happen.

“

I think this team genuinely cared about each other more than any other team I’ve had.

For the first time in program history, the Lakeland College Rustlers women’s basketball team are national champions after defeating the Lambton Lions 64-55 in an absolute nail-biter of a gold-medal game, and

it all went down in the Lakeland gym on Saturday night.

“I have so many feelings; I don’t really have many words,” said fifth-year guard Hailey Somers right after the win.

“I don’t think you could write a more perfect story (to describe) how our last couple years here have gone … I’m so proud of everything and everyone.”

Somers played 31 minutes on Saturday, putting up 12 points, and was also the tournament’s MVP.

The Rustlers’ first shot at a national title came in 2020, which was quickly taken away when the CCAA cancelled the tournament due to COVID.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 16

TAYLOR WEAVER EDITOR

Taylor Weaver Meridian Source Photos

Top: Makylla Vachon, Missy Nuku and the rest of the Rustlers shared hugs and tears after a hard-fought battle against the Lambton Lions on Saturday night to win the program’s first national championship. Above: Fifth-year guard Hailey Somers is celebrated by her team as she is called upon to receive the tournament’s MVP award.

The team’s second shot came in 2022 when they won bronze, but for head coach, Chris King, the road to a national title has been even longer.

“In 2003, when I came here to play for Phil Allen (who passed away a few years ago), Phil’s goal the first year of basketball here at Lakeland was to win a national championship. Fast forward 20 years later, for us to win, at

home, and to be coaching now instead of playing, is fantastic,” said a champagne-soaked King during post-win interviews with media, who wore the green, black and gold from 2002-2005.

“It felt special having it here because this was his dream. Being here when he started the program to now is just phenomenal.” Saturday’s game may have been closer than some expected, which

King joked was intentional to keep it interesting for fans.

“With our team, we’re very blessed to be this deep,” he said.

“Sometimes it takes us a while to figure out who’s clicking on that given night, but we felt really comfortable in the last five or six minutes and made that little mini-run that kinda put the game away for us.”

For Somers, who hails from Regina, winning a national gold medal in front of home-court fans in her last season as a Rustler made it that much sweeter.

“(The fans) were crazy,” she said. “The best part is, these aren’t students we don’t know, it’s not a giant city of people filling the gym, these are our family, these are our friends, these are people in the community we know personally and have such a bond with.

“Having those people here to support us, knowing, and loving us the way they do, and all the kids that came out, it’s crazy. It’s the best thing ever, we’re so lucky here.”

Coach King wasn’t disappointed in the turnout, either.

“I don’t even know if I could coach because they couldn’t even hear what I was saying, but having that vibe is something the players and the community will never forget, for that matter,” he said.

“We knew we were going to get people in the building, we draw very well for games, and we’re very lucky to have community support and youth program support, but to see a lineup at 12 or 1 p.m. today to get in the door was fantastic, and every game was a little bit louder (than the last).”

The Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) women’s basketball championships kicked off last Wednesday afternoon

with the Rustlers first taking on the Okanagan, beating the Coyotes 96-55. Lakeland found themselves up against Champlain College’s Saint-Lambert Cavaliers in the semifinal, beating them 64-54 to another deafening Rustlers’ home crowd on Thursday night.

The national championship comes on the heels of an Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) gold medal following a perfect 20-0 season.

Despite her absence next year, Somers is looking forward to the Rustlers’ upcoming season and wants to see the girls “keep rolling.”

CONTINUED ON PAGE 17

RUSTLERS FROM PAGE 15

Taylor Weaver Meridian Source Photos

Left: Head coach Chris King completes the cutting down of the net celebration following the Rustlers’ first-ever women’s basketball national title. Above: An energized Elliot Lieffers leads a Rustlers celebration during Wednesday night’s quarter-final game against the Okanagan Coyotes.

RUSTLERS FROM PAGE 16

“We have so many girls coming back next year, I’m so pumped,” she said. “We’re able to return 15 or 16 people next year. I’m so excited, it’s such a good opportunity for them

next year.”

“There’s a lot of youth on the floor; the future is very bright for us,” echoed King. “The key for us is our culture and sticking together, and really supporting each other.

“I think this team genuinely cared about each other more than any other team I’ve had.”

Next year’s CCAA women’s basketball nationals will be played at St. Thomas University in Fredericton, N.B.

Taylor Weaver Meridian Source

Top: Head coach Chris King gets into the celebration with his team after winning a national gold medal on Saturday night in the Lakeland gym. Above: Young Rustlers fans react to a call they didn’t agree with on Wednesday night as the Rustlers took on the Okanagan Coyotes.

‘Cats down in series with Eagles

The Lloydminster Bobcats find themselves down 2-1 in the first round of Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL) playoff action with the Canmore Eagles after back-toback homers over the weekend and an earlyweek roadie to the mountains.

The ‘Cats first-round

series with the Eagles started on Friday after Canmore played their way into playoffs, winning the league’s playin series with a 3-0 record.

Maybe the Eagles were still soaring off the adrenaline of play-in series success, maybe the longer break for the Bobcats had their legs too well rested, but Friday went

in favour of the Eagles as they continued to light the lamp for an 8-3 win.

Saturday’s 4-3 double-overtime win may have been the confidence booster the boys needed, but Game 3, which was played in Canmore on Tuesday night, went in favour of the Eagles, who bested the Bobcats 4-3.

Game 4 was played

last night, also in Canmore, with the series returning to the Border City for Game 5 tomorrow night. Puck drop is at 7 p.m.

With roughly 650 fans in attendance for Friday and Saturday’s games, last weekend’s fanbase may not have been what the boys were hoping for, but with Canadian Collegiate Athletic Associa -

tion women’s basketball nationals taking place across town and the Sask Alta Hockey League almost wrapped up, local sports fans had a variety of action to choose from.

TAYLOR WEAVER EDITOR

Taylor Weaver Meridian Source Left: Bobcats’ forward Ben Aucoin strips the puck from Canmore’s Rhett Dekowny on Friday night at the Civic Centre. Above: ‘Cats captain Caden Cabana chases down Eagles’ captain Brody Tallman on Friday.

Sask Alta champ to be crowned this weekend

As the saying goes, it ain’t over ‘till it’s over.

After trailing the Paradise Hill Hawks 2-0 in the Sask Alta Senior Hockey League championship, the Lashburn Flyers found new wings and evened things out last weekend with the series being decided by Sunday.

With the championship on the line, the Flyers hit the ice in Par -

adise Hill last Friday, beating the Hawks 5-1. Lashburns’ Darian Gamble, Austin Bill, Tyler Silverster, Tyson Getzinger and Garrett Macnab all capitalized for the Flyers with the Hawks’ Riley Macnab potting the only goal for P Hill.

The momentum from Friday’s win kept the Hawks on their toes as the Flyers came away with a big 6-3 win.

Game 5 will be played

Paradise Hill,

turned out to be a 4-1

ers’ win. The Flyers were able to tie the series last weekend with back-to-back wins, and with only three game remaining, it’s anyone’s championship.

tomorrow night in P Hill at 8 p.m. with

Game 6 scheduled for Saturday at 8 p.m. in Lashburn. If necessary, Game 7 will be played on Sunday at 5:30 p.m. in P Hill.

Taylor Weaver Meridian Source

Left: Hawks forward Mason Grabowski fights off Lashburn’s Kobe Mohr on March 9 in Lashburn. Above: Paradise Hill Hawks forward Riley Macnab follows play action in Lashburn on March 9 as the Hawks take on the Flyers in Sask Alta Hockey League finals. Macnab scored the Hawks’ lone goal on Friday in

which

Fly

TAYLOR WEAVER EDITOR

Pondering the past to glimpse the future

“Those who can’t remember the past are doomed to repeat it!”

I had a lengthy and passionate discussion with an elementary school teacher this afternoon about the goals of her colleagues in the current contract dispute with the Government of Saskatchewan.

Fundamentally, teachers want “hands-on” help in the classroom to

cope with the complex needs of a generation of children living in a rapidly changing world.

These educators are not saying they don’t want to work with children who have challenges, rather they need increased assistance from other members of the team.

A lot of it I believe could be solved by placing education assistants back in every classroom as soon as possible.

In any job, the continued support of a second

Position Summary

person makes work easier, and safer.

One plus one is greater than two.

The government took away the taxing powers of school divisions years ago; using the new policy to keep electoral support in rural constituencies.

Again, “whoever has the gold, makes the rules.”

The province recently enacted a memorandum of understanding with the association of school boards to address additional support within the classroom, but so far has refused to discuss with the teachers’ federation how it would be deployed, measured for effectiveness, or for that matter, sustained.

To see how this solo “top-down” attempt to quell labour unrest will play out in the long term, one only needs to revisit the health reform

NOW HIRING

movement of the 1990s.

Health districts were formed to coalesce community, regional, and provincial health delivery organizations.

One wag called it “one big family, the happy will come later.”

At the same time, substantial funding was withdrawn from these larger organizations’ budgets, including the forced closing of hospitals, with significant impacts on the existing labour force from top to bottom.

It was a no-win situation for everybody involved.

The need for care both in home, community, and institution did not diminish while all this change was underway.

In fact, the increased chronic needs of the baby boomers were just being felt as were the primary care requirements of a rapidly

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expanding Indigenous population and young families returning to the province.

Highly dedicated health service personnel grew increasingly tired and stressed.

At every level of the organization, staff had to shoulder more responsibility but with less help at their side.

Many individuals cut back their work hours as the stress built; others simply left the industry forever to utilize their talents somewhere else.

Too many of those who remained felt abandoned by their employer, even their colleagues, plus expectations of quality of care by patients’ families or the community at large did not change.

My point is teachers and administrators are very dedicated to their students, often volunteering hundreds of hours outside of the academic expectations they are being paid for.

They know, better than anybody, the ten -

uous nature of today’s family structures and how important schoolbased nutrition, social support, and athletic programs are in the lives of children.

But if the government doesn’t fully engage them in building an environment which addresses the realities of today’s classroom, then I believe we will go down the same path as has been the case with healthcare personnel.

People who do not feel respected for what they contribute are not motivated to go to work, seek solutions, or give extra of themselves.

It’s a simple fact. One we should do everything we can to avoid.

Our children need no less.

Vern McClelland is an associate broker with RE/MAX of Lloydminster and an active partner in his family’s livestock operation. Comments on this article are welcome either by emailing vernmcclelland@remax.net or calling 306-821-0611.

MIDWEST MINUTE VERN McCLELLAND

Thursday, March 21, 2024

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