Meridian Source - May 6, 2021

Thursday, May 6, 2021

VOLUME 3 I ISSUE 45

MERIDIANSOURCE.CA

SEE PAGES 12 & 13 FOR THE NORTH AMERICAN OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH SECTION

LloydEx braces for rebound GEOFF LEE

WRITER

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The Lloydminster Agriculture Exhibition Association has identified a new cash cow it hopes to milk for the next two to three years of postpandemic economic recovery.

The money maker is the pent-up demand of consumers to spend money on the type of live events and entertainment LloydEx provides at the exhibition grounds.

“Canadians have saved six times the savings they have in the past, of any year, since the 1930s. Canadian’s have money sitting there that they want to spend; there’s pentup demand,” said LloydEx assistant general manager Jackie Tomayer.

“I don’t know about you, but I can’t wait to go to a concert, so there’s pent-up demand.”

That’s some of the optimistic sector research Tomayer shared in an economic recovery update to the Rotary Club of Lloydminster via Zoom on Monday.

Tomayer is a member of a recovery task force with the Canadian Association of Fairs and Exhibitions looking at ways for the industry to survive and thrive.

One of the solutions is seiz-

Face painting from the 2018 Lloyd Ex Fair. Taylor Weaver Meridian Source Photo ing the opportunity of pentup demand.

“We’re looking at about two to three years of celebrations, so we’re on the cusp of a bit of a boom here where people are going to be spending a lot of money at live events and tourism-type things,” said Tomayer.

She says they can look to the U.S. as an example, as their economy is opening a lot quicker than ours is.

Tomayer cited the experience of an American fair provider who reported his lowest revenue fair is doing 158 per cent better than his fair did in that same region in 2019, as an example of what Canadians may spend.

“The fair industry hasn’t been idle. We’ve been preparing for when we can welcome people back and trying to figure out new funding models,” said Tomayer.

“This past year has not been easy on us for sure, but this board and our staff are a resilient crew,” she said.

She says LloydEx and the board have held countless meetings over Zoom and some in-person during the pandemic, trying to find out where they go from here to benefit Lloydminster.

One of their innovative local funders is the building naming project that Tomayer says has gone over really well.

“We have some major

announcements coming in the next few weeks that almost all of our buildings have been named,” she said.

“So that is a great way the community has helped LloydEx. We’re looking forward to having those partnerships with those people for years to come.”

LloydEx is currently hosting vaccination clinics to help end the pandemic.

“We’re proud that we are able to help the community and region that way,” she said.

Plans are also underway for another drive-thru fireworks for the LloydEx Fair patterned on what they did last year when staff members got ringside seats in the

grandstand.

“It was an amazing experience. We were so close to the fair,” she said.

“So this year, I kind of want to run a contest for maybe our first responders or our teachers and people will nominate those individuals in our community and we’ll let them and their families come in and have that exclusive experience.”

This year’s fair promises to be a live event with the status of midway rides up in the air.

Tomayer says the midway company is based in B.C. and is currently unable to leave due to COVID-19 restrictions.

“I’m really hoping they can come. If they can’t, we will hold a separate fair,” she explained, focussing on their steer and horse shows.

“We’ll have the food alley where we’ll have vendors come to sell their food and we’re hoping to do a home market alley as well so people can register and sell their home goods.

“We’ll have a good four days in July.”

Looking further ahead, Tomayer says LloydEx has already got lots of bookings for events and weddings.

“We have lots on the go,” she said.

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MERIDIAN SOURCE

Thursday, May 6, 2021

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During the month of April, the Lloydminster RCMP have been involved in an ongoing, cross border, intelligence led operation specifically targeting street level organized crime and gangs, operating in and around Lloydminster.

This operation has involved Lloydminster RCMP general duty members, Lloydminster RCMP General Investigations Section, Lloydminster RCMP Crime Reduction Unit, Police Dog Services, Eastern Alberta District Crime Reduction Unit (EADCRU), RCMP K Division Air Services, F Division Crime Reduction Team, among others.

On April 21, Eastern Alberta District CRU members stopped a vehicle in Lloydminster, and determined the driver was suspended from driving. During the investigation, police located a loaded firearm as well as brass knuckles in the vehicle. The driver was under a court ordered firearms prohibition at the time.

Arlyn Harper, 31, of Lloydminster, was charged with: – Possession of a weapon contrary to authorization x 4 – Unauthorized possession of a firearm/ prohibited weapon – Drive while unauthorized Harper was released by a Justice of the Peace for court in Lloydminster, on May 18.

On April 21, Lloydminster RCMP members spotted a stolen vehicle at a residence in Lloydminster. A traffic stop was initiated, and the driver failed to stop for police.

RCMP Air Services were able to deploy and track the vehicle as it fled north out of Lloydminster. The vehicle continued to flee to an area north of Marwayne where it drove through a fence and eventually

File Photo became stuck in a field.

The occupants fled from the vehicle and were apprehended with the assistance of Lloydminster RCMP Police Dog Services.

Krista Dillon, 24, of Onion Lake, was charged with: – Possession of property obtained by crime under $5000 Stacey Pahtayken, 33, of Onion Lake, was charged with: – Possession of property obtained by crime under $5000 Troy MacDonald, 40, of Onion Lake, was charged with: – Flight from police officer – Operate a motor vehicle while prohibited – Dangerous operation of a motor vehicle causing bodily harm – Dangerous operation of a motor vehicle – Fail to comply with a release condition – Possession of property obtained by crime under $5000 Dillon and Pahtayken were released to appear in court in Lloydminster on June 15, while Harper was remanded into custody pending his court appearance.

On April 22, Lloydminster RCMP members conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle suspected to be involved in organized crime activities.

Throughout the investigation, police located cocaine and methamphetamine consistent with packaging used for drug trafficking.

Brandon Cook, 24, of Onion Lake, was charged with: – Possession of drugs for the purpose of trafficking x 2 – Fail to comply with a release condition x 4 Christian Heathen,

24, of Onion Lake, was charged with: – Possession of drugs for the purpose of trafficking x 2 – Fail to comply with a probation order – Fail to comply with a release condition x 3 Blair Swiftwolfe, 24, of Moosomin First Nation, Tracey Cook, 31, of Onion Lake, and Demeris Cook, 22, of Onion Lake, have each been charged with: – Possession of drugs for the purpose of trafficking x 2 On April 22 at approximately 8:15 pm, Lloydminster RCMP attempted to stop a vehicle that had been involved in fleeing from police on several occasions recently.

The vehicle fled from police again in a dangerous manner, before police finally located the vehicle at a residence, and all occupants were arrested.

Patricia Hill, 43, of Lloydminster, has been charged with: – Operate a motor vehicle while impaired – Operate a motor vehicle over 80mgs% – Dangerous operation of a motor vehicle – Flight from police officer Nikkita Hill, 25, of Lloydminster, has been charged with: – Flight from police officer Shaylene Lewis, 25, of Lloydminster was charged with: – Obstruct peace officer.

Lewis was found to be in breach of a previously issued Conditional Sentence Order, however she was released again by a Justice of the Peace for court in Lloydminsterw, on May 11.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

Thursday, May 6, 2021

MERIDIAN SOURCE

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Local pilot talks career over Land of Living Skies able to see the things we plan for and prepare for usually turn out for

Lloyd boy and pilot Dan Knisley talks about a 20 plus year career in the skies. Photo courtesy of the Government of Saskatchewan TAYLOR WEAVER

EDITOR

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Did you ever ask yourself “what do I want to be when I grew up?”

For Dan Knisley, it was always aviation and space, and that childhood dream took him from flying in northern Saskatchewan to being chief pilot for the Government of Saskatchewan’s Air Ambulance program.

Knisley, who was born and raised in Lloydminster, called the Border City home until moving to Saskatoon in 1991 and still calls The Bridge City home today.

“I had always been interested in aviation and space since I was quite young, so there was that factor that got me interested in becoming a pilot, and my dad was also a trained aeronautical engineer and ended up working in a completely different field altogether,” said Knisley from his Saskatoon home last Friday.

“The other thing I got involved in was Air Cadets in Lloydminster, which was also another factor that lead me to where I am today.”

Knisley began his c areer w it h S as k Air Ambulance in 1998 as a line pilot, and after more than 20 years in the air, he’s now “flying a desk” as chief pilot.

“Right now I’m the chief pilot here, and really, what that means is, it’s more of a desk job if you will,” he said. “I’m in charge of the professional standards of the

flight’s department, so it’s a lot of training and a lot of administration. I still do maintain my credentials and my pilot’s licence, but I’m not on the flight schedule and don’t do the day and night shifts anymore.

“

I haven’t had a baby born on one of my flights, but a lot of colleagues and coworkers I fly with have experienced that.

“I originally started as a line pilot, and now I’ m m o re o r less th e guy looking six months down the road to make sure we’re prepared for what’s coming up in the schedule and stuff like that.”

Having worked his way up the aviation ladder at Sask Air Ambulance, Knisley will be the first to tell you the best job in the building is at the front of the airplane.

“There’s no doubt about that because you never really know what’s coming day-to-day,” he said. “Right now, our flight crew is getting prepared to head out to Vancouver, and that is something they didn’t know they were doing a half-hour ago. It’s the spontaneity of it that makes it kinda nice.

“I think this job is like any other job; you tend to start in positions where you’re gaining

a lot of experience and not necessarily getting paid the best, but you have to learn the ropes and learn how to fly different airplanes in different types of environments and weather, and as you gain that experience, that’s recognized in the industry – the time you spend on an airplane and the hours your attain is usually equal to experience.”

In his current position as chief pilot, Knisley explained he is the one responsible for finding new pilots for the program, and ensure the right decisions are made as to where that person might be helpful to the organization.

For the men and women who make up Sask Air Ambulance flight crews, time is always of the essence, but as Knisley explained, the main priority is safety and keeping your cool, despite the fact you’re transporting a patient who may or may not be in need of serious medical attention.

“When you’re first new to the job here, your adrenaline might be a little higher because of that fact, but really, whether or not that person in the back of the aircraft is in distress, it’s not meant to change the way we fly the airplanes around here,” he said.

“It’s still the same as any other take-off and landing, and we want to do it in the safest man-

ner possible … when we start hurrying and cutting corners, that’s when we run into trouble, and I think that’s the same across any job, really.”

And when it comes to factors that are out of the hands of the welltrained crews who fly Sask Air Ambulance, pregnancies sit at the top of the list.

“Pregnancies tend to get everyone’s heart rate beating a little faster because these are things we can’t control.

When a baby is going to come out, that’s something that I don’t have any control over,” he said with a laugh.

“Ideally, we don’t want that to occur in the airplane, although it does from time to time. I haven’t had a baby born on one of my flights, but a lot of colleagues and coworkers I fly with have experienced that.”

So, after spending over 20 years in the air, what’s the best part of Knisley’s day?

“Having a part in the way the whole program runs is probably the best part of my day,” he said. “I play an integral role in the program and a lot of my decisions have an impact on that, and if things are running smoothly, that’s good. That’s the stuff you want to take away from. Of course, there are bad days too where things maybe aren’t going quite as well as you wish they would, but just being

the good and people are helped and got to where they need to be.”

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MERIDIAN SOURCE

Thursday, May 6, 2021

CN prepares to clear the tracks GEOFF LEE

WRITER

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CN is set to roll out its annual vegetation control program on railway track right-of-ways in the Lloydminster area.

A local spray appli-

cation is pending for June 30 as posted on CN’s online schedule for Saskatchewan.

CN also posted a community notice in a recent edition of the Meridian Source about

the spray program in Saskatchewan.

The program runs from April to October to ensure safe railway operations.

CN is required to clear its right-of-way from any vegetation that may pose a safety hazard.

Vegetation on railway right-of-ways can contribute to trackside fires, reductions in visibility at road crossings, damage to the integrity of the railway roadbed and impair proper inspection of the track

Taylor Weaver Meridian Source Photo infrastructure.

A certified professional will be applying herbicides on and around railway tracks, primarily along the 16 feet gravelled areas

known as ballast.

CN notes all product requirements or setbacks in the vicinity of dwelling, aquatic environments and municipal water supplies will

be met.

Separate regulations also require the removal of vegetation to ensure every grade crossing meets sightline requirements.

Lloyd RCMP target street-level organized crime FROM PAGE 2

On April 23, at approximately 7:15 pm, Lloydminster RCMP Crime Reduction Unit attempted to stop a vehicle which then fled from police. Assistance was requested from K Division Air Services, and the vehicle was tracked to an area north of Maidstone.

All occupants of the vehicle were arrested on new charges as well as outstanding warrants.

Damian Dillon, 26, of Onion Lake, has been charged with: – Flight from police officer – Dangerous operation of a motor vehicle – Operate a motor vehicle while prohibited – Fail to comply with release condition x 2 Jordan Lysohirka, 24, of Lloydminster, has been charged with: – Fail to comply with release order condition On April 24 at approximately 2:30 pm, EADCRU and Lloydminster RCMP Crime Reduction Unit members stopped a vehicle

in Lloydminster, SK. RCMP discovered that the driver was in possession of bear spray as well as a quantity of drugs. As the investigation progressed, Lloydminster RCMP members obtained a search warrant for a residence in the 2500 block of 47 Ave. in Lloydminster. During the search, police located additional amounts of substances believed to be cocaine and heroin, as well as items consistent with drug trafficking.

Daniel Vandale, 33, of Meadow Lake, has been charged with: – Possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of traffickingcocaine – Possession of a controlled substanceheroin – Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose – Driving while prohibited Deanna Pahtayken, 31, of Onion Lake, Adrian Pahtayken, 36, of Lloydminster, Jessica Myo, 31, of North

Battleford and Roger Couston, 35, of Lloydminster, have all been charged with: – Possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of traffickingcocaine Vandale has been remanded into custody awaiting court in Lloydminster, on May 6, while the other additional accused persons were released at their first court appearance to appear in Lloydminster, court at a later date.

RCMP arrested approximately 40 people who were involved in street level organized crime during this period. RCMP recovered several stolen vehicles, firearms, drugs, and executed numerous outstanding warrants from Lloydminster and surrounding jurisdictions.

“The Lloydminster RCMP will continue to target those involved in gang activity in and around our community” said Insp. Lee Brachmann, Officer in Charge

of the Lloydminster RCMP. “Our intelligence-led approach allows us to put additional emphasis on street level gangs, which have been identified as a policing priority for our city.”

If you are associated with a gang and want to leave it, contact STR8 UP in northern Saskatchewan at 306763-3001, STR8 UP in central Saskatchewan at 306-244-1771, or Regina Treaty Status Indian Services in southern Saskatchewan at 306-522-7494 to get assistance.

If you are aware of any crime or suspicious activity, please contact the Lloydminster RCMP Detachment at (780) 808-8400 or your local police.

If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-2228477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the “P3 Tips” app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store.

Thursday, May 6, 2021

‘Ghost’ bike drives safety awareness GEOFF LEE

WRITER

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A “ghost” bike will be set up at different locations around the city this month to scare up awareness of motorcycle safety.

The all-white bike is currently catching the eye of motorists at the southeast corner of 59 Ave. and 25 St. following a kickoff for Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month at Fire Station No. 2 last Friday.

“We put it out to raise awareness of people that motorcycles are back out,” said Lloydminster Sport Riders (LSR) spokesperson Philip Cummine.

“It’s spring, it’s warm, so everyone’s got to be attentive because it’s really easy to hide a motorcycle in the pillar of your car.”

Cummine says LSR wants to make sure everyone gets home safe by making motorists aware that motorcycles are out there.

“A lot of motorcyclists are putting their lives on the line when they get on the road because, for them, a simple accident could be life-threatening,” said Cummine.

Riders who have been involved in a motorcycle accident have a much greater chance of suffering serious injury than they would in other types of accidents.

The ghost bike movement was brought to Lloydminster last year for the first time as a memorial for a rider

Geoff Lee Meridian Source

Lloydminster Sport Riders reps Mike Wetzstein, left, and Philip Cummine positioned a “ghost” bike at the intersection of 25 St.and 59 Ave. last Friday in advance of May Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. The event kicked off at Fire Station No. 2 with Lloydminster Emergency Services on hand for media interviews.

who was killed on College Drive near 36 St. The bike was donated for a commemorative ride by LSR member Chris Stoodley.

To Cummine, a ghost bike symbolizes remembrance for every rider that has fallen, but he’d prefer to only see the bike out in May for awareness month purposes.

“To me, this is a big thing because I want to make sure everyone gets home safe,” he said.

That is also the overriding message of the Lloydminster RCMP this month.

“It’s always a good time of year where rides are back out again,” said Sgt. Brad Mouland.

“The weather’s getting a little better, so we want to see everybody practice safe riding.”

He says the police

want all motorists out there, in any vehicle, to also be aware of different motorcyclists on the roads.

“We do start to see a lot more traffic on the roads at this time of the year, especially through motorcyclists. Inevitably, we see collisions as well,” said Mouland.

In a typical year, about 30 motorcyclists die and more than 600 are injured on Alberta roads.

“Within Lloydminster, unfortunately, we have seen injuryrelated collisions and fatalities, and those are things we want to make sure we definitely don’t have any more,” stressed Mouland.

He also advises motorcyclists to be aware of different things going on in the city such as street sweeping and d ebris

on roadways.

Year-round safety is top of mind for the estimated 170 members of the sport riding group that Cummine says serves as a hub for finding people to ride with.

“I hate to ride by myself. At the end of the day, having a riding partner or someone to go with increases your chances of safety,” he said.

“For one, you get seen better; if something does happen, you have someone who can be there to assist you, to make phone calls, plus two as a team is always better.”

Mouland says motorcyclists also need to be aware of the condition of the roadway as one of many safe riding tips.

“Protective equipment is the one most people are aware of,” he said.

MERIDIAN SOURCE

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MERIDIAN SOURCE

Thursday, May 6, 2021

Hozack backs Independence leader

GEOFF LEE

WRITER

..................................

Former Lloydminster politician Danny Hozack is endorsing Paul Hinman to be the leader of the new Wildrose Independence Party of Alberta.

Hozack set a meetup at the Travelodge on April 28 for people to

hear what the current interim leader had to say as he seeks support for the leadership.

“I met Paul with the first Wildrose Party in 2008 and I’ve been getting to know him over 10 or 12 years,” said Hozack.

Hinman was the first elected Alliance MLA,

and when the party merged to form the Wildrose Alliance, he was the first elected Wildrose MLA.

“

We need to take the proper steps to take control back from Ottawa.

The Wildrose Independence party, led

by Hinman, was created from the merger of Wexit Alberta and the Freedom Conservative Party of Alberta in June 2020.

“They asked him to be interim when they were forming this new party. I think he’s one of the most decent people in Canadian politics today,” said Hozack.

“I’ve been doing quite a bit of work to help him get the new party going.”

Hinman is the only

candidate so far, with May 15 being the cutoff date for nominations.

He says he came to Lloydminster to share his vision of where Alberta needs to be.

“We need to become a sovereign nation; we can’t remain part of Canada and have a future for our children and grandchildren,” said Hinman.

“We need to take the proper steps to take control back from Ottawa.”

He argues Alberta need s it s own police force, pension plan and employment plan and immigration on a smaller scale than what the federal government currently provides.

“The most important thing is just an open honest accountable government, and to decentralize and reduce the size of government,” said Hinman.

He says the party also wants to reduce taxation, reduce the intru-

Supplied Photo

Wildrose Independence Party of Alberta interim leader, Paul Hinman, spoke about his party at the Travelodge on April 28.

He is running to be party leader with nominations closing on May 14. Hinman was hosted by Danny Hozack in Lloydminster.

sion of government and red tape.

“We believe, most importantly, is balancing your budget and have elected officials that are accountable through recall,” said Hinman.

Apart from lack of name recognition and

what the party stands for, Hinman says the biggest challenges right now are censorship, COVID-19, and not being able to get out and meet voters.

For more information visit PaulHinman.com and Wildrose Party websites.

Thursday, May 6, 2021

MERIDIAN SOURCE

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MERIDIAN SOURCE

Thursday, May 6, 2021

Standout student donates prize to school

Geoff Lee Meridian Source

Bishop Lloyd Middle School Grade 8 student Maheen Mangla and her teacher, Brent Golden, give the thumbs up to news Maheen finished 7th in a Caring For Our Watersheds contest with other students in Northern Alberta. Maheen is adding her $450 prize to a matching prize to the school for a garden.

GEOFF LEE

WRITER

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Leave it to students like Maheen Mangla to help save our planet.

The Grade 8 Bishop Lloyd Middle School student finished seventh in a Caring For Our Watersheds contest against 75 other students in Northern Alberta.

She and the other contestants were tasked with identifying a problem and a solution to improving a watershed of their choice with a judged essay.

Caring for watersheds is an education program that engages students in preserving and improving their local watersheds through student-led solutions.

Plus, students and their schools can win matching cash prizes up to $1,000 for the best project.

Maheen’s top10 entry earned her $450 with a matching amount for a school garden related to her project, focusing on reducing runoff into the North Saskatchewan River.

“I did go to the North Saskatchewan River watershed and I did see

it polluted,” she said.

“The main problem of it is the agriculture runoff that is in the watershed, so we were just trying to reduce the amount of runoff,” she said.

“

Basically, I want to take all the food that’s being wasted at Walmart and agriculture runoff from local farmers, and make that a natural compost.

Her solution idea was to reduce runoff with a compost that would also support her school garden.

“Basically, I want to take all the food that’s being wasted at Walmart and agriculture runoff from local farmers, and make that a natural compost,” she said.

“With that compost, we are going to grow a class garden and vegetables that grow and donate it to the food bank.”

Maheen’s project was sponsored by the Battle

River Watershed Alliance with her math and science teacher, Brent Golden, acting as a cheerleader.

“It was a project students could come up with on their own to improve the health of our watersheds,” said Golden.

Maheen’s project concluded her compost would help to reduce the runoff, while adding it’s also important to reduce methane emissions to slow climate change.

“Maheen took the lead on that project and she came up with a budget, implementation and worked on building partnerships with the community,” said Golden.

He says it was amazing to watch from a teaching standpoint.

“It was an optional assignment, so she took it and ran with it and did it all on her own,” he added.

“This is going to allow us to have a garden at the school.”

Maheen is donating her own share of the prize money for the school garden. She is also planning to enter the contest next year.

Thursday, May 6, 2021

MERIDIAN SOURCE

St. Mary’s Elementary printing the future gives them a very visual means to see what they’re working on, and actually see the end result.”

“

Students are using 3D printers to start off by modelling energy resources we currently have, with a long-term goal of building a model community, and to visualize what a community might look like in 40 or 50 years.

Taylor Weaver Meridian Source

St. Mary’s Elementary School Grade 7 student, Rylan Iversen, shows off his fully-operational wind turbine, which he made using one of the school’s 3D printers and some equipment from home.

TAYLOR WEAVER

EDITOR

..................................

Thanks to a $5,000 boost from Inside Education’s A+ For Energy Grant, students at St. Mary’s Elementary School are printing their way into the future.

With this donation, Grade 7, Brayden Ursaki was able to purchase two new 3D printers with roll-carts for each.

Inside Energy funds a number of classes and teachers throughout Alberta, all to do with energy education.

“Our project is called Printing the Future, and the idea behind that is students are usi n g 3 D p r i nt e r s t o start off by modelling energy resources we currently have, with

a long-term goal of building a model community, and to visualize what a community might look like in 40 or 50 years as more alternative energy sources become more prominent,” said Ursaki.

This is Ursaki’s second time receiving funding from the A+ For Energy Grant, something he feels blessed about.

“I’ve been fortunate to win one in a previous school year and then one this year as well,” he said.

“The previous year had to do with robotics and coding. There’s a similar skill set for this piece here; students had to become accustomed to using technology, mathematical skills, communication

skills.”

Ursaki initially applied for the grant last year prior to the May deadline and got the good news in June.

“We got the project started in September/October, and up to this point, we’ve built our skills, the conversation pieces we want to address, now it’s all about hunkering down, using those skills, using that knowledge and information to create real-world depictions or models of these concepts that we’ve been focusing on,” he said. “ Now w e ar e u sing programs to design models of renewable energy sources or other structures, which they can then print, see their designs, as well as their successes or failures. It

Ursaki explained some of his students are building very specific real-world examples with the 3D printers, and others are asking some thought-provoking questions such as “what if a solar panel could shift as the sun shifts in the sky.”

“We’ve bought a couple of 3D printers, and we bought a couple of carts with them as well, with the long-term goal of being able to work with other classrooms in the school. With COVID procedures, that wasn’t the case this year, but long term, we’ll be able to work with other grades,” he said.

“Grade 7s often times act as mentors for younger grades, so if we have any opportunity to demonstrate some leadership skills, some collaboration skills with students who might have very interesting ideas, but may not have the means to create it themselves.”

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9

PAGE 10 Thursday, May 6, 2021 MERIDIAN SOURCE

Viewpoint Letter to the editor:

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

Marketing Manager Deanna Wandler deanna@meridiansource.ca

Infection rate amongst youth is a cause for concern

A

s an education support worker, and chair of CUPE Saskatchewan’s Education Workers’ Steering Committee, I am deeply concerned about the number of children in Saskatchewan that have tested positive for COVID-19 in recent weeks.

We all know that COVID-19 has turned the lives of our children upside down. We have told our kids they cannot hug their grandparents or play with their friends. Schools have shut down and re-opened, and children have had to adapt to online learning, physical distancing and other safety protocols.

But the greatest risk to our children isn’t the psychologi-

cal impacts of lockdown – it is the very real consequences of contracting COVID-19, or even worse, losing family or friends to this disease.

From April 19 to May 2, 2021, there were 147 cases of COVID19 in Saskatchewan schools covering both staff and students.

The test positivity rate for this age bracket shows that nearly one in 10 people under 19 have contracted the virus – even during a period that saw many students in remote learning.

Many people who have passed away from COVID-19 have left children behind, including two educators who have recently passed.

The last year has been incred-

May The Fourth Be With You!

Marketing Consultant Ashley Miazga ashley@meridiansource.ca

Publisher: Reid Keebaugh Production Manager: Amanda Richard CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING admin@meridiansource.ca NEWSPAPER DELIVERY If you’ve missed a paper, to start or stop delivery, or for carrier applications, please call 306-825-5111 for information.

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

2017

Supplied Photo

On May 4, Queen Elizabeth School students dressed up to celebrate Star Wars Day with some “May The Fourth Be With You” outfits.

ibly challenging for all of us – especially education workers who have had to adapt to safety protocols and put their health on the line to give our children the quality education they deserve.

I know many people are eager to have restrictions eased and resume normal activities, but current transmission rates show we cannot stop now.

I urge everyone to follow COVID-19 safety protocols, and to get vaccinated as soon as they are eligible. We cannot let our guard down – failure to keep our children safe is not an option.

- Rob Westfield, chair, CUPE Sask Education Workers’ Steering Committee

PAGE 11 Thursday, May 6, 2021 MERIDIAN SOURCE

Opinion

Leeway from Lloyd: No country for old men!

STAFF WRITER GEOFF LEE

Recently, a little Grade 2 girl looked up at me in a schoolyard and asked how old I was. I’m 72, so thanks for asking.

The following morning I was reading a news release about a company I have an investment in, noting they are partnering with a cloud provider.

That made me laugh, recalling the question from the young girl. You see, when I was in Grade 2 back in the 50s, if someone asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up, I would have said a garbage man.

Today, it’s a cloud provider and crypto emperor! Who knows, the next generation might become windchill overlords or interplanetary warp drive fixers!

Some of today’s technology terminology is getting so ridic-

ulous, in news releases, for example, along with a cloudy understanding of what they mean or do.

Anyone who knows what the world’s first multi-blockchain asset management protocol is, please raise your hand.

Did you know EarnX is a deflationary frictionless token?

That was taken from a recent news release written by some oven-baked cloud provider, no doubt.

Check out a portion of this anonymous breaking news zinger ... today announced that initial PK, safety, and prelimin ary effic ac y d at a f r om t he Phase 1 dose-escalation portion of the MasterKey-01 trial of BDTX-189 in patients with advanced solid tumours ...

Please give me some plain English folks, common to when I was in Grade 2 and cloud providers were simply called weather forecasters.

Luckily, I found a 1966 copy

of the Meridian Booster chock full of good ole simple grammar when political correctness didn’t exist.

On page 6 was a job posting with the heading, Male Help Wanted with an opening for a male bookkeeper! Another page had an opening for Female Help Wanted. They were looking for an “Experienced girl, familiar with switchboard and typing, good appearance and able to meet the public.”

Another ad says Wanted, Girl or Lady. How silly is that?

I know what you’re thinking—that EarnX, a deflationary frictionless token is starting to sound better all the time.

Betcha can’t buy a new tire for $5.95 today though.

12

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Thursday, May 6, 2021

NOASH Week proclaimed in Saskatchewan The Government of Saskatchewan has pro-

claimed May 2-8 as North American Occu-

pational Safety and Health (NAOSH) Week.

NAOSH Week was first launched in June 1997, marked by an agreement between Canada, the United States and Mexico.

“

By working together we can achieve our goal of Mission: Zero and create safe workplaces and communities.

This agreement symbolizes joint venture, cooperation and the commitment to the common goals shared by all occupational health and safety stakeholders, including businesses, labour and governments.

“NAOSH Week shines a light on the importance of workplace safety education and partnerships at all levels,” said labour relations and workplace safety minister Don Morgan.

“By working together we can achieve our goal

File Photo of Mission: Zero and create safe workplaces and communities.”

In 2020, 90 per cent of Saskatchewan workplaces had zero injuries and zero fatalities, a slight increase of over 88 per cent in 2019.

“All employees deserve a healthy and safe workplace,” said Workers’ Compensation Board chairperson

Gord Dobrowolsky.

“Even one injury is one too many. By working together toward a common goal of eliminating workplace injuries and illnesses, we can end unnecessary suffering.”

Th r o u gh Wo r kSa f e Saskatchewan, a partnership between the Workers’ Compensation Board and the

Ministry of Labour Relations and Workplace Safety, the partners work through an integrated provincial injury prevention strategy to deliver programs that move Saskatchewan toward zero workplace injuries.

To learn more about workplace health and safety, visit https:// www.worksafesask.ca/.

Thursday, May 6, 2021

MERIDIAN SOURCE

13

Increasing access to Alberta’s rapid testing program MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

..................................

Businesses and service providers that want to access free rapid tests from the Government of Alberta will no longer be required to have a health-care provider oversee their screening program.

This means organizations will be able to participate in the rapid testing program completely independently and without the burden of finding and paying for a health-care provider.

This change will also free up health-care professional capacity at a time when it is most needed.

“As cases are on the rise, we know that many organizations

can benefit from rapid screening programs, in order to catch cases early and break chains of transmission,” said Minister of Health, Tyler Shandro.

“We have heard from Alberta’s business community and other organizations that hiring a health-care provider was a significant and costly barrier for many organizations.

This change will allow more organizations to access rapid testing kits without compromising health and safety.”

Alberta will be working with Alberta Chambers of Commerce to develop a program specifically for chamber members. Details will be available soon.

More than 1.785 mil-

lion rapid tests have now been deployed across Alberta.

“The removal of the requirement to have a health-care professional oversee the rapid screening program will remove a cost barrier to small and medium enterprises participating in this program,” said Ken Kobly, president and CEO, Alberta Chambers of Commerce.

“This will permit a wider and faster adoption of the rapid test program. It will also free up health-care professionals to more effectively use their skills in fighting this pandemic.”

The decision to remove the requirement for health-care provider oversight is supported

File Photo

by Health Canada and aligns with rapid testing programs implemented by Ontario and some international jurisdictions.

There are stringent requirements on the use of the rapid tests for asymptomatic screening that all organizations are obligated to follow.

Organizations will be responsible for ensuring that anyone admin-

istering the test is adequately trained.

To be eligible for rapid testing kits, employers and service providers must have a screening program plan that outlines: - protocols for administering the tests - the use of personal protective equipment - processes for reporting results and managing individuals who screen positive.

Launched in March,

Alberta’s rapid testing program allows any organization to apply for free COVID-19 rapid testing kits to be used in a screening program.

Priority will be given to businesses and organizations involved with vulnerable populations, high-risk settings and workplaces, essential and front-line services, critical industry, and sectors that support the reopening of economic and social activity.

14

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Thursday, May 6, 2021

Thursday, May 6, 2021

MERIDIAN SOURCE

R&D Plumbing crew pitches in

Geoff Lee Meridian Source

R&D Plumbing and Heating employee, Jessica Lafreniere, got some help from city councillor Aaron Buckingham in an R&D initiative to pick up litter from 50 Ave. to 59 Ave on April 29 for Pitch-in Week.

GEOFF LEE

WRITER

..................................

An army of volunteers from R&D Plumbing and Heating made quick work of cleaning up litter along a section of 12th Street during a Pitch-in Week exercise.

About 15-20 employ-

ees and some volunteers walked the ditches to pick up trash from 50 Ave. to 59 Ave. on April 29.

R&D co-owner, Joey Wandler, was on hand to explain the motivation behind the drive.

“I just came across

this on social media. I drive around the city looking at jobs and just noticed that we needed to do something. This is a good way to do it and give back,” he said.

“We are a community-based company and we like to support our community.”

The clean-up also doubled as a teambuilding exercise for R&D employees.

“We’ve got a good group of guys here; they’re willing to do anything. We have a real tight core right now, it’s good.”

R&D CEO, Ryan Macduff, held the fort that day but contributed an e-mail message of support prior to the event kick-off.

“If it wasn’t for a strong community, we would not have a strong business, and as we continue to support numerous non-profits and community organizations, this is another

initiative we feel is important for our community,” he said.

R&D brought a couple of trucks to the event with a trailer to load up with bags of roadside litter.

“Garbage drives me crazy,” said Wandler.

“It’s so easy to litter nowadays; if a guy would just keep it in their vehicle and throw it in a dumpster, it would be a huge help to

15

everyone in Lloydminster,” he said.

He suggests Pitch-in Week should happen twice a year, once in the spring and once in the fall to keep the city clean year-round.

16

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Thursday, May 6, 2021

Rotary funding changes lives

Supplied Photo

Lloydminster Rotary Club member Ken Carson, left, is pictured with students and staff of the new Agua Amarillo Kindergarten in Honduras. The project was spearheaded by Carson and his wife, Dorothy, with support from the Lloydminster club.

GEOFF LEE

WRITER

..................................

The Rotary Club of Lloydminster expects to award a new $1,000 scholarship to a local graduating student soon.

The scholarship, supported by a $500 Rotary district grant, will go to a student entering post-secondary education in a degree, diploma or trades program.

“A committee has been developed and will determine the recipient of this year’s scholarship so that will be done fairly soon,” said Rotary member Ken Carson.

The news was part of Carson’s update to Rotary on grants and humanitarian proj-

ects this past year, presented during the final club Zoom meeting in April.

Also new is a plan for the Lloydminster and Border City Rotary clubs to spit the estimated $17,000 cost of a potential second trishaw bike for Border City Connects.

The bike project is modelled after a Cycling Without Age program, which is a worldwide initiative created to promote happiness and activity in elderly citizens.

Locally, it works with volunteers who take seniors for rides around town.

“This project has been a great success.

The need to expand it is apparent,” said Carson.

He reminded Rotary the club will apply for the maximum grant fund of $2,000 this year for the project. Last year, the maximum grant was $3,000.

“The district actually used this grant application as an example of an annual grant in their training seminar this year,” added Carson.

Carson also highlighted some of the humanitarian projects club members are involved with such as the Philippine Canlaon School build.

“This is a project initiated and made possible through the efforts of residents Sydney Palmer and Tyler Morrissette,” said Carson.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 18

Thursday, May 6, 2021

MERIDIAN SOURCE

17

Telus invests $30M in Lloyd fibre optic MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

..................................

Telus is investing $30 million to connect more than 90 per cent of homes and businesses in the Border City directly to its fibre optic network.

Construction on the PureFibre network is already underway, and Telus anticipates the majority of homes and businesses will be connected by the end of this year.

Since 2013, Telus has invested more than $5 billion to connect 137 communities and 56 First Nations across B.C., Alberta, and parts of Quebec to our PureFibre network.

Telus PureFibre was ready to withstand the additional demands of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly as the symmetrical upload and download speeds enable residents to work with large files at home while other family members can simul-

taneously be learning, streaming entertainment, or video chatting with friends.

This Telus PureFibre investment in Lloyd coincides with a similar technology investment made by SaskTel on the Saskathcewan side of the border.

“Telus is very proud to be making this generational investment in Lloydminster, providing the technology to bridge geographic and socioeconomic divides and connect citizens to the people, resources and information that make their lives better, particularly as we continue to navigate the global pandemic,” said Darren Entwistle, President and CEO of Telus.

“Importantly, Telus PureFibre offers the community a globally unmatched wireline infrastructure that ensures all citizens have access to the digital tools to drive improved health, social

and economic outcomes. Moreover, Telus PureFibre enables entrepreneurs, startups and home-based businesses and workers to benefit from the same Internet speeds, functionality, reliability and security that large enterprises currently enjoy. Indeed, in communities like Lloydminster, the advent of broadband networks, ubiquitously deployed, are bridging time and distance, allowing residents to live and work in the city without compromising productivity or economic opportunity.”

The gigabit-enabled Telus PureFibre network is the largest 100 per cent pure fibre-to-the-premise (FTTP) network in Western Canada, giving residents and businesses dramatically fast upload and download Internet speeds, which provides significant benefits for appli-

cations like video conferencing, working or learning remotely, gaming, and smart home security.

Supported by the Telus PureFibre network, Telus Smart Home Security offers 24/7 real-time moni-

toring and smart controls to manage cameras, lock and unlock doors, remotely manage indoor and outdoor lighting and even the thermostat.

For Canadians currently working from a home office, a PureFi-

bre connection means upload speeds will not slow down the pace of business or lag during peak hours, and the rest of the family can simultaneously stream, play video games, and participate in online learning.

18

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Thursday, May 6, 2021

Supplied Photo

Lloydminster Rotary club member Ken Carson is pleased to report the Agua Amarillo Kindergarten in the Trujillo municipality of Honduras opened in February following delays due to COVID19 and hurricanes.

ROTARY FROM PAGE 16

This is a $60,000 USD project that included matching Rotary Foundation and district funds.

The plan calls for the construction of a tworoom school for 80-120 students with two bathrooms and an outdoor basketball court.

“Unfortunately, this r e g ion i s s t i l l u nde r strict COVID lockdowns and constr uction has not been able to commence,” said Carson.

COVID also delayed t he const r uc t ion a nd op en i ng of t he A g u a Amarillo Kindergarten in the Trujillo municip a l it y of Hondu r a s , spearheaded by Carson and his wife, Dorothy.

The school was completed in Aug ust at a c o s t of $5 , 5 0 0 USD, but due to COV ID restrictions, the school didn’t open until this

February.

The kindergar ten is a labour of love for the Carsons with help from Lloyd Rotary to make it a reality.

The project was coordinated w ith the Trujillo Rotary Club and is not eligible for Rotary International or district grants.

“The Trujillo Rotary wa s rea l ly good w it h providing us with copies of their bank statement s, receipt s a nd pictures of the project progress,” said Carson.

P r ior to t he scho ol opening, it saw use housing eight families displaced by hurricanes last fall.

“O u r club, t h roug h donations, was able to raise about $600 to purchase food for those in need,” reported Carson.

Lloydminster Rotary has also been participat i ng i n a n ongoi ng

Rigores Honduras well water project to provide clea n d r in k ing water to about 5,000 people since last spring.

The project is sponsored by the Port Isabel Texas Rotary Club with Tr ujillo Rotar y being the host club.

Carson says the Lloydminster club contributed $4,100 USD to the e s t i m a t e d $1 2 0 , 0 0 0 USD cost of the project, which is eligible for Rotary Foundation and district fund matching.

“O u r don at ion w a s t he f ina l donat ion to put them over the top to finalize the grant application,” said Carson.

He note d t he pr oj ect has been recently r e v i se d to d r i l l mu ltiple wells in order to ach ie ve t he re qu i re d f low, with testing costs bei ng c overed by t he community and not the budget.

Thursday, May 6, 2021

MERIDIAN SOURCE

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20

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Thursday, May 6, 2021

Lloydminster district news intelligence WHISPERS OF THE PAST SANDRA L. BROWN

This column isn’t

about anything w h ic h w il l c o m p r omise national security, invite local law enforcement to arrive

at my door with sirens blazing or cause my faithful editor undue stress.

Rather, it’s about

news items from district newspaper correspondents who each reported on their area in the Lloydminster Times (1913).

McLaughlin and District – The schoolhouse was the location for the annual U.F.A. concert. A total of $33 was raised from the large audience to go towards the delegate’s costs of attending the Calgary convention.

The concert program included singing, recitations, music, duets, quartets, skits and dialogue.

Some of the folks were a bit overenthusiastic for the concert portion to end so the dance could begin.

These folks should have remembered the concert was for the youngsters and those who don’t dance.

A masquerade dance at Sefton Hall was a huge success and many folks outdid themselves with their costumes. Participants going to the upcoming

File Photo Hard Times-themed dance were encouraged to dress in overalls and working clothes.

Moyerton – Many friends attended the farewell celebration for Messrs. Aikens and Hilditch to say their goodbyes.

During the dance, food was served at midnight and enjoyed by all. Requests for songs were heard and many stepped up to deliver entertaining vocals on their selections. Mr. Aikens was heading to Scotland where he planned on staying for

a while.

Some residents were he ad ing e ast to he l p with ill family members or to permanently stay.

Fortunately, no one was hurt in the fire which destroyed the Allin’s home.

Blackfoot – The government finally agreed to drill wells free of charge in any part of the municipality where getting water proved a challenge. This was in response to the ongoing Fence Law vs Free Range debate.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 21

21034KW0

Thursday, May 6, 2021

MERIDIAN SOURCE

21

Garbage wars: the satisfaction of a clean road

Now I don’t know about you, but little makes me more annoyed than someone littering the landscape.

This cavalier practice seems to be on the upswing, along with rural crime, and the destruction of sensitive habitats by trespassing ATV users.

Why is respect for property and the environment going downhill?

N o , n o t b y b ig b ad industry, but by the common Joe. Years ago, a hockey team of 12-to-14-yearold boys I was managing wanted to buy coats to celebrate a season of camaraderie

and achievement.

It was during an economic downturn such as we are now facing, and I knew few, if any, of the parents could afford this luxury item.

In fact, it had taken several anonymous donors just to have some of the kids on the team be able to lace up the skates that season.

However, these soon-to-be men showed the same determination that got them noticed by our local hockey community when they came to me with a plan to raise the necessary funds.

After the season was over they would commit to picking 20-plus miles of ditches, on both sides, to earn the compensation the provincial highway department was offering at the time.

All that was needed was an adult, me, to sign the application.

They even had decided there would be a wiener roast the evening of the venture, which would also be their wind-up party.

So, we spent one

already be resolved.

Harlan – Two-weekday dances were held to raise funds for a muchneeded organ. Raising $10.50, the first dance was attended by 85 people. Fun was had by all during the lengthy programme and dance.

Due to trails being in bad condition, about 45 people showed up for the second dance held a week later, but they still managed to collect $6.25.

Streamstown Municipality – Minutes of the previous meeting were

read at Bell Camp and bylaws were passed by motion. The Weed Inspector applications for the districts east and west side were reviewed and the annual salary was set at $50. Four pound-keepers were appointed. The installation of public boards in e ach polling d ivision and payment of outstanding bills of $286.25 was approved.

This summary of bits of knowledge and wisdom from correspondents is a way of keeping area history alive.

File Photo

MIDWEST MINUTE VERN McCLELLAND

My wife and I were out for an evening drive this past weekend seeing if we could spot a herd of elk, which had been hanging out in the pastures east of our home when we came across a halfton truckload of household garbage thrown in the ditch.

Then, just a few miles down the road someone had disposed of a ratty queen-sized bed mattress on some brush piled near an intersection.

DISTRICT INTEL FROM PAGE 20

In order to make agriculture more stable and increase land values, the district was in need of a hail insurance reform.

Repeatedly turned down by the government, it would be beneficial to find out why other districts in the area were also turned down.

However, Blackfoot’s most pressing need was the shortage of railcars to load their grain. If these could be manufactured locally, it would

whole Saturday early in May picking up what others threw out of their vehicles during the winter.

Cans and bottles were saved for the return deposit, and several truckloads of trash went to the local dump.

I guarantee you not one of those players has ever consciously littered again in their life.

Too bad more of our citizens have not experienced the feeling of satisfaction and reward that comes when doing the right thing.

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.

21052PM0

22

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Thursday, May 6, 2021

Sask’s re-opening roadmap A gradual, measured approach to easing public health measures MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

..................................

The Government of Saskatchewan today released the “Re-Opening Roadmap” – a three-step plan to gradually lift current public health restrictions as Saskatchewan reaches significant vaccination levels. The Re-Opening

Roadmap also provides Saskatchewan people with an incentive to continue following public health measures and a clear reason to get vaccinated.

“The road to the end of this pandemic runs through the vaccination clinics, and today we are providing Sas-

katchewan people with a clear roadmap of how we will get there and some important markers along the way,” said Premier Scott Moe. Step One of the reopening roadmap will commence three weeks after 70 per cent of residents age 40 and above have received

their first dose, and once vaccine eligibility has opened to all adults age 18 and older across the province.

Step One will see the cautious easing of public health measures across the province, including bringing Regina and the surrounding communities in line with public health orders that apply to the rest of the province. Changes to public health orders in Step One will include: - Restaurants and bars open, maximum of six at a table, two metres or structural barriers between tables, dance floors and buffets remain closed, VLTs may re-open; - 30 per cent of capacit y or 150 people, whichever is less, at places of worship, with physical distancing between households;

- Group fitness classes involving intense training, like aerobics and spin, can resume, with three metres between participants; - Current restrictions remain in place for retail, personal care services, event facilities, casinos, bingo halls, theatres, art galleries, libraries and recreational facilities; - Current protocols remain in place for primary, secondary and post-secondary education and for childcare; - Limit of 10 people at private indoor and outdoor gatherings, including household gatherings; - Limit of 30 people at public indoor gatherings; - Limit of 150 people at public outdoor gatherings; and - Current provincewide masking mandate

remains in place.

Step Two of the reopening roadmap will commence three weeks after 70 per cent of residents age 30 and above have received their first dose, with at least three weeks passing since the commencement of Step One. Public health measures in Step Two are planned to be eased as follows: - No capacity thresholds on retail and personal care services, must maintain an occupancy that allows for physical distancing; - Restaurants and bars will have no table capacity thresholds, must maintain two metres of physical distancing or structural barriers between tables, dance floors and buffets remain closed; CONTINUED ON PAGE 24

PAGE 23 Thursday, May 6, 2021 MERIDIAN SOURCE

Sports

Sonics thrower sets new provincial records a little harder to keep everyone separated so they’ve been having a lot of field events, which has been nice.”

Other Split City Sonics athletes to set records over the weekend included: Jake McEachern - U 18 - Hammer Throw

Taylor Weaver Meridian Source

Split City Sonics athlete, Nicole Nilsson, warms up with some hammer throws at Tuesday-night practice after setting new records in Alberta in the hammer and shot put.

TAYLOR WEAVER

EDITOR

..................................

Split City Sonics Track and Field Club athlete, Nicole Nillson, has some throws to brag about.

The 17-year-old Grade 11 student from Marywayne Jubilee School recently broke two Alberta track and field records at an Edmonton Columbian’s track meet on April 24.

Nillson threw a distance of 42.82m in the hammer throw, ranking her 6th in Canada and 2nd in Alberta in the U18 age group.

She also threw a 9.34m in the shot put, ranking her 6th in Canada and 1st in Alberta.

“In hammer throw, I got a 10m personal best of 42.82m and then in shot put I got another personal best of 9.34m, which was quite a bit after not competing for a long time, either,” said Nillson, adding this was her first competition of the season.

“The experience was really fun and it was really nice to see a bunch of track friends again, and just being in the environment of competing again was amazing.”

Nillson originally got involved in track and field events after watching her brother enjoying it so much.

“Long-distance and throwing are my main things, but to be more specific, 1,500m (run), hammer throw and shot put are the three I compete in,” she said, adding the fact the hammer throw is her favourite event as “it’s fun, and I guess I’m good at it.”

COVID-19 hasn’t slowed down Nillson or her training, it’s just been something to adapt to.

“It’s a little harder with the masks on, but

for the most part it doesn’t really slow us down or anything.”

Sonics head coach, Karl Meissner, stated the sky is the limit for Nilsson this season, and he’s looking forward to seeing how far she can go.

“She’s been having really, really good practises lately,” he said, adding the fact practises have been possible thanks to permission from Alberta Athletics and the Saskatchewan Health Authority.

“I didn’t expect anything big, but she did a really good job over the weekend with the personal bests in both

the hammer throw and the shot put, which was really good to see.

“We’ve gotten off to a good start with the club, and it’s really good to see things are happening. Due to COVID, we didn’t know what was going to happen, but they’re actually having a lot of field-event meets right now because you can socially distance and talk to each other.

With track events, it’s

58.50 m 2nd in Canada 1st in Alberta, Alberta provincial record, Discus - 33.63m 6th in Canada 2nd in Alberta.

Dani Fink - U20 Shotput 8.84m - 6th in Canada, 2nd in Alberta, Hammer Throw 26.53m - 13th in Canada 2nd in Alberta.

24

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Thursday, May 6, 2021

Seniors luck out with new horseshoe pit grant

Taylor Weaver Meridian Source

Larry Gregorski and Gary Magnuson practise their horseshoes throws at Knox Manor on Tuesday afternoon after recently completing the construction of their new horseshoe pit.

TAYLOR WEAVER

EDITOR

..................................

Thanks to a little hard work and dedication, seniors at Knox Manor can now enjoy more of the great outdoors with the installation of a horse-shoe pit and ring-

toss game.

Knox Manor residents Gary Magnuson, 78, and Larry Gregorski, 73, who are also next-door neighbours, spearheaded the project as they were looking to give Manor residents

more outdoor activities.

“The main ambition behind this new pit was to get people involved, and maybe that would encourage more people to get outside and play horseshoes,” said Magnuson. “It also gives

us seniors something to do, especially the men because there are far more women than men living here, and we wanted something to play other than bingo.

“Hobbies are so important for seniors; number one, there’s no two ways about it.

And if you don’t have a hobby, what are you going to do? Drink?

Unfortunately, that’s what happens to a lot of seniors. They get depressed. Hobbies are very important,” he said, while proudly showing off his extensive collection of family photo albums, which he recently organized himself.

The horseshoe set and ring toss game were purchased thanks to the Saskatchewan Lotteries Community Grant Program.

“It was great to get these finished. I actually hurt my back building it, so I’ve been kind of been recuperating,”

said Gregorski with a laugh. “I thought we should add some flags to it too.”

“The flags kind of make you want to salute, too,” added Magnuson.

FROM PAGE 22

public outdoor gatherings; and - Current provincewide masking mandate remains in place.

Step Three of the re-opening roadmap will commence three weeks after 70 per cent of residents age 18 and older have received their first dose, with at least three weeks passing since the commencement of Step Two. In Step Three, most remaining restrictions will be lifted. Guidance on gathering sizes and indoor masking will be developed based on the progress of the first two steps. Public health orders from Step Two on gathering sizes and indoor masking will remain in place until that guidance is finalized.

- 150 person maximum capacity at event facilities, casinos, bingo halls, theatres, art galleries, libraries and recreational facilities, must maintain an occupancy that allows for physical distancing, restaurant guidelines apply at venues that serve food; - No change from Step One at gyms and fitness facilities, primary, secondary and post-secondary education and childcare; - All remaining restrictions on youth and adult sports will be lifted; - Limit of 15 people at private indoor gatherings, including household gatherings; - Limit of 150 people at public indoor gatherings and private and

Run with us to make a difference for Albertans facing cancer This May, we invite you to join us for the Albertans Helping Albertans Virtual 5K - a virtual, provincewide fundraiser that raises funds in support of the 17 cancer centres located throughout Alberta.

Sign up and start fundraising for Lloydminster Community Cancer Centre at albertacancer.ca/virtual5K

PAGE 25 Thursday, May 6, 2021 MERIDIAN SOURCE

Agriculture

Food centre to support Sask’s value-added agriculture sector MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

..................................

The Governments of Canada and Saskatchewan are pleased to announce a $2.3 million investment into the expansion of the Agri-Food Innovation Centre. This funding is part of the Canadian Agricultural Partnership (CAP).

The Saskatchewan Food Industry Development Centre, the province’s only commercial incubation centre for food processing, is undergoing a major expansion to further assist food processors with adding value to their products and preparing to bring them to market.

To date, the first phase addition has added 12,200 square feet at the site of the Agri-Food Innovation Centre in Saskatoon.

The first phase expansion will consist of additional incubation suites, storage and an extrusion commercialization suite; the second phase will include a maintenance shop and a separate facility for food and industrial (non-food) processing.

“Our Saskatchewan food processors continue to develop innovative value-added foods and beverages that respond to changing consumer demand in Canada and around the world,” said Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Marie-Claude Bibeau.

“This funding will support the development of new agrifood products, creating more jobs and a more diversified agricultural economy for Saskatchewan.”

The Food Centre is

File Photo a non-profit organization resulting from a partnership between the Government of Saskatchewan (represented by the Ministry of Agriculture), the Saskatchewan Food Processors Association, and the University of Saskatchewan.

The five-year, $3 billion CAP includes $2 billion for costshared strategic initiatives delivered by the provinces and territories and $1 billion for federal programs and services.

26 26

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Thursday, May 6, 2021 21052CH0

PAGE 27 Thursday, May 6, 2021 MERIDIAN SOURCE

Careers

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In addition to the 40,000 readers you get with advertising your job ad in the Meridian Source, your job ad is posted on our Facebook page for FREE!

Call 306-825-5111

PAGE 28 Thursday, May 6, 2021 MERIDIAN SOURCE 306-825-5111 admin@meridansource.ca

HEALTH

HIP/KNEE Replacement?

Other medical conditions causing TROUBLE WALKING or DRESSING? The Disability Tax Credit allows for $2,500 yearly tax credit and up to $50,000 Lump sum refund.

Apply NOW; quickest refund Nationwide!

Providing assistance during Covid.

Expert Help:

1-844-453-5372

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY 1A TRUCK DRIVERS REQUIRED: Late model winch trucks and trailers; dump trucks and pups. Hauling heavy equipment, gravel, and camp shacks.

Wage negotiable.

Clean drivers abstract a must.

Send resume and work references to: Bryden Construction Box 100, Arborfield, Sk. S0E 0A0; Fax: 306-769-8844 Email: brydenconstruct@ xplornet.ca www. brydenconstruction andtransport.ca

AGRICULTURE

Classifieds

FEED AND SEED

FOR RENT

ORAGE SEED FOR SALE: Organic & conventional: Sweet Clover, Alfalfa, Red Clover, Smooth Brome, Meadow Brome, Crested Wheatgrass, Timothy, etc. Star City, SK. Birch Rose Acres Ltd. 306-921-9942.

MAR-NAN MANOR 1 - 1 Bedroom, ground level apartment Includes same floor laundry, range, range hood, dishwasher, partial a/c, 1 parking stall with plug-in 635sq/ft plus utility room. $785/month.

Ages 40 plus, couples preferred.

AGPRO SEEDS is BUYING: HEATED CANOLA #1 BUYER, TOP PRICE PAID IN SK. On farm pickup! Call: 306873-3006 or email: sales@agproseeds. com. Check out prices @ agproseeds.com

2 Bedroom apartment.

Includes washer, dryer, range, range hood, dishwasher, partial a/c, 1 parking stall with plug-in, balcony.

815sq/ft, $875/month.

Ages 40 plus, couples preferred.

Phone for information 780-870-7226 (cell) 780-875-6226

CERTIFIED SEED Wheat

AAC Goodwin, AC Andrew, SAdASh, Go eArly, PintAil. Oats AC JuniPer, AC MorGAn, AC MuStAnG, derby, So1 SuPer oAt.

Barley

AMiSk, buSby, Conlon, CdC AuStenSon, CdC MAveriCk, CervezA, Sundre.

Peas AAC PeACe river (very eArly yellow), CdC horizon (ForAGe), PoliSh CAnolA, SPrinG tritiCAle mastinseeds.com 403-556-2609

LAND FOR SALE

MISCELLANEOUS

FARMLAND WANTED I am currenlty PURCHASING single to large blocks of land.

NO FEES OR COMMISISONS Saskatchewan born and raised, I know land, farming and farmland and can help you every step of the way.

Doug Rue, for further information 306-716-2671 saskfarms@shaw.ca www.sellyourfarm land.com

LAND FOR SALE

INDEPENDENT ADULT LIVING apartments in Martensville, SK. Spend your retirement years in a community close to family/friends in the Saskatoon area that has large city services and small town safety and charm. 2 bedroom suites available. More information at www. chateauvilla.ca, 306281-4475 or chateauvilla@sasktel.net.

SERVICES AUCTIONS AUCTIONS are our business! Contact Copeland Auctions Ltd. located in Lloydminster, AB for all your auction needs. Call Russ 780-870-1181 or visit our website: www.copelandauctions.co m

FOR SALE

Integrity Post Frame Buildings SINCE 2008

Built with Concrete Posts Barns, Shops, Riding Arenas, Machine Sheds and More sales@ Integritybuilt.com 1-866-974-7678 www. integritybuilt.com

Advertise your classified in this space.

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Obituaries & Memoriams

Church Directory

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Obituaries & Local Business Directory Memoriams

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BECOME DEBT FREE • Reduce your debts up to 80% • Keep your Car, Home & RRSPs • Stop Harassing Creditor CALLS immediately • Get the largest debt reduction that is fair • Consumer Proposal, Bankruptcy & Budgeting • Free Consultations • Here to Serve YOU!

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SUDOKU

CROSSWORD

April 29 Answers

ACROSS 1. Perform on stage 4. Compass direction 8. Influence 12. Hawaiian garland 13. Ceremony 14. Firefighter’s need 15. Exclude 16. Locale 17. Annoys 18. Manipulates 20. Sinks 22. Intertwine 23. Blessing concluder 24. Weed tool 27. Omelet ingredient 29. Step 31. Get bigger 34. Drive away

April 29 Answers

35. Lots 37. Clump 38. Not me 39. Choir voice 41. Imprint firmly 45. Photographer’s device 47. Tempt 48. Defect 50. Sub store 52. Ump’s kin 53. Give a grade to 54. Achieve 55. Hoopster’s target 56. Due 57. Adam’s address 58. Blue yonder

DOWN 1. Record 2. Discontinue 3. Wearies 4. Notable period 5. Auto safety device: 2 wds.

6. Iron output 7. Taunts 8. Leg part 9. Reverent homage 10. Consult 11. No’s counterpart 19. Nut covering 21. Beginning part 25. Song of praise 26. Elongated fish 28. Sparkle 30. Troublemaker

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BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENTS Ty and Jessie Selk and siblings Raya and Reo are proud to announce the arrival of their son,

Reid Allan Selk

born February 8, 2021

Sara & Scott Sutton of Lloydminster are proud to announce the arrival of their son,

Leo Paul Sutton

born March 23, 2021 at Lloydminster SK

MERIDIAN SOURCE

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HOME

Thursday, May 6, 2021

AWESOMENESS INGENUITY EXCELLENCE ACREAGES

NEW LISTINGS 4717 - 49

TH

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APPLY ONLINE TODAY coldwellbankercitysiderealty.com

Brad Gilbert Jennifer Gilbert Broker/Owner Associate Broker

Rick Schesnuk Realtor®

Caleb McLean Realtor®

Each office is independently owned & operated.

3812 - 51 Avenue, Lloydminster, AB T9V 3M7 Sandy Hardy Realtor®

Judy Bexson Realtor®

www.coldwellbankercitysiderealty.com

780-875-3343

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