Meridian Source - May 20, 2021 by Meridian Source

Thursday, May 20, 2021

VOLUME 3 I ISSUE 47

MERIDIANSOURCE.CA

SEE PAGES 13-19 FOR THE SPRING INSIDE OUT HOME & GARDEN SPECIAL SECTION

Eight-month search ends with sigh of relief Lloyd Rescue Squad helps bring closure to family of lost fisherman TAYLOR WEAVER

EDITOR

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After nearly eight months of search efforts, on May 12 the Lloydminster Rescue Squad (LRS), using their airboat, successfully located the body of 24-year-old Matthew Hamm, bringing some much-needed closure to the family. On Sept. 23, 2020, Hamm went fishing on Weyakwin Lake with the hopes of bringing supper home for his family, something he had done many times before. Hamm would never return to the dock. “That evening (Sept. 23, 2020) they reported him missing, so the next day they initiated some searches and did find his boat at the north end of the lake, but they never found him,” said Chief Norm Namur, LRS. Namur explained the HEART (Hutterian Emergency Aquatic Response Team) team from Manitoba was

called in for some days to do side scanning with their sonar. “They searched and they searched and no body was found.” Lloyd Rescue would return to Weyakwin Lake, which is approximately 8,000 hectares in size, on a number of occasions to continue the search after making a promise to the family to do so. “We actually started to form quite the relationship with the family and we promised them back in the fall we would come out, and after consulting experts in the field, we knew this would be a prime time for us to locate the body.” Members of Lloyd Rescue returned to the lake on May 11 to do an aerial search using their drone and thermal imaging to clear off certain areas. They then decided to use their airboat to go to the end of the lake to ensure everything had been secured, meaning

the area is cleared for any articles of clothing or things of that nature.

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We didn’t even make it through the first pass when we noticed an anomaly in the water. We turned the boat around, and we realized we had located Mr. Hamm.

After taking a look at the geography, the point of which the individual was last seen, and where his boat was found, Namur explained, using GPS coordinates deputy chief Ryan LeBlanc decided they would finish the day with a grid search. “We decided to follow an east-west pattern, and we didn’t even make it through the first pass when we noticed an anomaly in

the water. We turned the boat around, and we realized we had located Mr. Hamm,” said Namur. “We were pretty relieved for the family that the body had been found and that we were able to bring him home for closure. That was a really comforting moment for us, and we are so grateful we could do that for the family.” The Hamm family was grateful for all of Lloyd Rescue’s hard work and acknowledged the importance of these specialized teams. “We, as a family, would like to thank the Lloyd team for coming out. Without search teams like them, families would be lost,” said Hamm’s family in a statement to CTV News. “Until a person goes through something like we have, people don’t realize how valuable these teams are. These teams work on donations only, and we

Supplied Photo

The body of 24-year-old Matthew Hamm was recovered from Weyakwin Lake by the Lloydminster Rescue Squad last Wednesday.

would be thankful for any donations made to them, so they will be there for the next family that needs them.” Namur praised the versatility of the squad’s multi-purpose airboat during the search as it’s capable of transitioning from water to ice, to slush,

to snow, “and without that airboat, we never would have been able to recover the body.” “It’s a wonderful piece of equipment th a t w as d o nate d 20 years ago and it’s been so instrumental in finding families’ loved ones that have gone missing.”

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Thursday, May 20, 2021

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Community partnership puts youth medical needs first them to potentially put that dispensing fee to other needs they may

Taylor Weaver Meridian Source

Larry Boswell, vice president of the Lloydminster and District United Way and board member, Greg Buchanan, were pleased to present Becky Schillie, executive director of the Olive Tree, as well as Gina Nelson, liaison worker, LPSD and Alison Fulkerth, community education coordinator, LCSD, with a cheque for $10,000 to be used for a new initiative to ensure students in the Border City are looked after when it comes to medical expenses. TAYLOR WEAVER

EDITOR

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Thanks to a $10,000 donation from the Lloydminster and District United Way, presented through a community initiative with the Olive Tree, the Lloydminster Public School Division (LPSD) and Lloydminster Catholic School Division (LCSD) can breathe a little easier knowing students have more support for medical expenses mom and dad may not be able to cover. “We’re really excited to launch a new pilot project that’s for medical expenses in partnership with the school divisions in our community,” said Becky Schille, executive director of the Olive Tree. “Things like prescriptions, dental work, eyeglasses, those sorts of things; the United Way will be funding it for the next two years.” Schille explained the idea for the project came from just looking at the needs in the community. “There are lots of social assistance or low-income medical programs, but there’s always stuff that’s not included (such as thick lenses for a high eyewear prescription),” she said, adding this initiative hits home for her. “My oldest daughter spent a lot of time at the University Hospital when she was a baby; she had meningitis when she was four weeks old, so I

can speak to the extra costs that go with having a child or a family member that has higher medical needs,” she said. “Generic prescriptions are covered but a lot of the name brands aren’t. I think, with my history, and just been through that, there are always extra things that are just hard to pay for.” Larry Boswell, vice president of the Lloydminster and District United Way, explained funding for this project came in from a variety of different places for COVID relief. “Not being a native Canadian, coming to this system, which I have come to love, healthcare wise, there still is that shortfall, dentistry wise, eyeglasses-wise, and that can be a real strain to try to handle those kinds of issues, and that’s why I had an appeal to it,” said the American-born-dual citizen. “Total funding was well over half a million dollars; way more than our board has ever been used to dealing with. I’m sure this location, this place (the Olive Tree), the kinds of things they do, are ones several of us on the board are really, really, happy about.” Gina Nelson, liaison worker, LPSD, explained the importance of this donation, as some families fall through the cracks of other government

funding. “This enables us to ensure that kids and families get what they need,” she said. “The need changes all of the time. There’s lots of food resources that are also needed currently.” Alison Fulkerth, community education coordinator, LCSD, echoed

Nelson’s excitement. “I think it’s really exciting to have this partnership and to allow us to have some funding to helps families. We see families, lots of times, needing prescriptions and sometimes can’t afford that additional dispensing fee that drug stores charge, so this allows

have; whether it’s food, clothing, those types of things.”

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Thursday, May 20, 2021

Killer tomato day forecasted GEOFF LEE

WRITER

.................................. May long weekend weather could harm your tomatoes depending on where you live in Saskatchewan. That’s the word from Terri Lang, a warning preparedness meteorologist with Environment Canada and Climate Change based in Saskatoon. Lang kicked off her Zoom presentation to the Rotary Club of Lloydminster on Monday talking about the chance of snow this week on Wednesday or Thursday in Lloydminster. “Two out of the three weather models that I looked at said no, and the third one said ya, but we’re not going to agree with the third one. It won’t get that cold,” predicted Lang. “But, I do think it’s going to snow in southern Saskatchewan this weekend. It looks like

Friday particularly over the southwest.” Lang says the long weekend on the Prairies can bring anything. Her talk covered how spring weather is unfolding, typical spring hazards, the outlook for summer, weather bulletins to be aware of and how to report severe weather. Starting with spring, Lang reports it’s been, in general, pretty warm so far compared to the 30-year average and alarmingly-dry weather all across the Prairies. “We had a dry fall, a rather dry winter, and now a dry spring,” said Lang. “We got zero to 25 per cent of the rain we should have gotten this spring. It’s been dry.” A map from Canada Drought Monitor confirms much of the Prairies are in a drought situation this year. Lang says certainly

the southeast is in dire straits right now and everyone wants rain. “We’re trying to work the dials of the weather machine, but it seems to be broken,” Lang said with a laugh. “Our ability to forecast out in the longrange is not that great. We are slightly better than the pig’s spleen and the groundhog.” Lang calls long-range forecasting more of an art form than a science, with Mother Nature calling the shots. However, she says the modelling indicates the southern part of Saskatchewan has a better probability of being warmer than average this summer, whereas the north is showing it to be quite cool. “It is showing a strong pattern for dryer than average across much of southern Alberta and Saskatche-

File Photo wan,” said Lang. At the same time, she says the Arctic is showing the effects of climate change as it continues to experience well above average temperatures. Closer to home, Lloydminster residents need to be aware of spring hazards such as dust storms, dust devils and grass fires when fields are dry and crops haven’t sprouted. June July and August are the hottest months and the busiest months for severe events like

hail storms. Lang notes Canadian insured losses from catastrophic events in 2020 were $2.5 billion with the June 13 Calgary hailstorm totalling $1.3B. “It should be interesting to see what happens this year because it’s been so dry,” said Lang. “We’ll have to wait and see if we get some rain in the next few weeks and get those crops growing.”’ When the weather gets bad, Environ-

ment Canada can issue a Weather Watch, Weather Warning and advisories with multiple ways people can get weather-warning information. “The two things I recommend are the Sask Alert app and WeatherCan app. These two apps will ‘push’ the warnings at you,” said Lang. Other platforms are Twitter #skstorm and #abstorm in addition to national emergency tone alerts on smartphones.

Thursday, May 20, 2021

City breaks ground on $81.5M wastewater facility

Photo courtesy of the City of Lloydminster MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

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The City of Lloydminster hosted a ceremonial groundbreaking on May 14, to celebrate construction being underway on its new wastewater treatment facility. “I am proud of the project team for their work thus far and their commitment to helping the City of Lloydminster provide ongoing enhancements to the quality of life of our residents and regional neighbours,” said Lloydminster Mayor Gerald Aalbers. “Once complete, the wastewater treatment facility will accommodate our growing community, and our dedication to providing a clean and sustainable future for our neighbouring communities that depend on the North Saskatchewan River.” Construction on the $81.5-million wastewater system project funded, by the Government of Canada, the Government of Alberta, the Government of Saskatchewan, and the City of Lloydminster began in late 2020. The facility is expected to be fully operational by late 2023. “I am proud that our government is investing over $24 million in this wastewater treatment facility,” said Minister of Infrastructure and Communities Catherine McKenna. “Efficient wastewa-

ter treatment helps restore the water supply, supports community needs and future development, and protects the environment; but more importantly, it helps keep Canadians healthy. Canada’s infrastructure plan invests in thousands of projects, creates jobs across the country, and builds cleaner, more inclusive communities.” Work includes building a new wastewater treatment plant and will incorporate infrastructure from the existing facility along 67 Street, such as the effluent pump station and screens. The existing lagoons will also be repurposed for storage, breakdown of organic waste and overflow. “Building a new wastewater plant for Lloydminster will support the quality of life for everyone in the region and creates jobs when they’re needed most,” said Alberta Minister of Transportation and Municipal Affairs Ric McIver. “Budget 2021 invests in lives and livelihoods and renews Alberta’s commitment to making sure all communities have access to water through these vital projects. Thank you to all levels of government for your partnership and to community leaders for your continued advocacy.” Once complete, this project will help Lloydminster meet its growing population’s needs

and help safeguard regional waterways and ensure its treated water meets federal and provincial standards well into the future. Construction of a new plant will also have significant social and environmental

benefits, not only for the current and future g e ne r at ions of Lloy dminster but also for the downstream cities, towns, villages and Indigenous communities that rely on the North Saskatchewan River.

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Thursday, May 20, 2021

Awesome Albertans on the move

GEOFF LEE

WRITER

.................................. Wade Knorr completed a bike ride, Penny Kennedy tracked 5,118 steps and Kellee Lacombe tracked 8,079 steps as Awesome Albertans from Lloydminster. Awesome Albertans is a province-wide team taking part in a national virtual Transplant Trot from April 25 to June 13, to raise

funds for the Canadian Transplant Association (CTA). Th ere are six lo cal residents on the team, including new Lloydminster regional CTA coordinator, Tim Johnson, who took over the role from Donna Lorenz-Krilow. “Donna and I worked together quite a bit and she had been talking about retiring and stepping down,” said

Johnson. “I’ve got lots of support and it’s something I believe in as well.” Johnson is a recipient of a life-saving kidney and pancreas transplant in 2015 and has been with the Lloydminster CTA group since the beginning. He took part in annual organ and tissue donation awareness trots, organized by Lorenz-Krilow, at the

Servus Sports Centre before the pandemic. “It was kind of a letdown when we had to cancel it last year. It was great that CTA national stepped up and came up with this idea,” said Johnson. Awesome Albertans are helping the province move 14,000 kilometres before midnight on May 30 by walking, riding, cycling, swimming, kayaking, skipping and trotting. Individuals like Knorr, Kennedy and Lacombe use a mobile app to track their activities on Strava, GoogleFit and FitBit. The team had raised $2,240 and nearly logged 7,867 kms by last Friday. People can support the team by buying race-inspired virtual gifts for anyone from sponsoring organizations that will issue tax receipts when the campaign ends. Gifts range from water bottles and energy bars to cab fares and foot rubs. It’s now also easier than ever for people to register their consent to become an organ/tissue donor at new online registries in Alberta and Saskatchewan. Every organ donor can save up to eight lives and every tissue donor can benefit up to 75 people. Johnson is thrilled to hear the federal government passed Bill C-210 last week, which allows Canadians to ind icat e t heir int ent

File Photo

This year’s Transplant Trot is a national virtual trot that started on April 25 and ends June 13 with provincial teams like the Awesome Albertans with members from Lloydminster. Pictured are participants in the 2018 trot held at the Servus Sports Centre.

to be a donor through their annual income tax return. “It’s actually long overdue. It’s a great idea. A lot of people just don’t know how to register,” said Johnson. Most registries note it’s important to share your decision with your family so they can honour your wishes after you have died. Only Nova Scotia has ‘presumed consent’ legislation, while all other provinces and territories rely on individuals signing up as donors. “The easier we make it, the more people will. Most people have a desire to donate. They just don’t always think about it or don’t know how to,” said Johnson. “To tell you the honest truth, I’d like to see us go to an opt-out rather than an opt-in program.” Bill C-210 was forwarded by Len Webber, a Conservative MP from Calgary. “Over 4,700 Canadians are awaiting a life-saving transplant and this bill gives them

hope that they will get a second chance at life,” said Webber in a statement. “By adding a question to the annual tax return, we make it that much easier to sign up as a donor.” His previous private member’s bill in the Alberta Legislature set the groundwork for the creation of the provincial organ and tissue donor registry. Johnson was a diabetic for 27 years on dialysis for the last four or five years until his kidney and pancreas transplant gave him his life back. “I am needle insulin-independent; I am able to do anything. My sugar lows are good, my activity lows are good,” he said. “Basically, instead of being attached to a dialysis machine, I have to take medications. I have been doing everything I can to exercise.” One day last week, Johnson tracked 3,439 steps as an Awesome Albertan.

Thursday, May 20, 2021

MERIDIAN SOURCE

School grant strikes a chord GEOFF LEE

WRITER

.................................. An application for a MusiCounts Band Aid grant from Bishop Lloyd Middle School struck the right note with the national music education charity.

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I think it will definitely expand our program and get students who are typically not interested in normal wind instruments, interested in music.

The school is getting new electronic keyboard and media recording technology with $13,500 in funding, to the delight of Katelyn Jardine, who teaches Grade 7-9 music. “I think it will definitely expand our program and get students who are typically not interested in normal wind instruments, interested in music,” said Jardine. She says the instruments known as midi instruments are easy to learn for the most part. Jardine expects the electronic equipment will help students learn how composition works in the real world today. “Popular musicians don’t learn composing in a standard way anymore; they use a lot of technology and recording devices, so students will get to link into that,” explained Jardine. Bishop Lloyd and Kitscoty High School are the only two schools in the region to get grants among a total of nine recipients in Alberta. Max Kerman, of the Arkells, revealed the w inning s c h o ol s virtually on MusiCounts’ TikTok account on May 5. MusiCounts is donating $1 million worth of instruments, equipment, and resources to

95 schools across Canada this year through its Band Aid program. “We originally asked for $15,000, but they gave us 90 per cent of what we asked for,” said Jardine. “This year, there was only a 25 per cent chance of getting anything from MusiCounts because they have so many applicants.” Jardine credits a couple of points the school made in their application for catching the eye of the grant committee. “One was that we wanted to expand our program. So many other schools in the province have already done that, so they have electronic programs and DJ programs and some students noticed there’s a difference there,” said Jardine. Typically, Bishop Lloyd’s music program is a Grade 7-9 concert band of wind instruments and percussion, along with an extracurricular jazz band and a percussion ensemble. Jardine says some of her students really wanted some other opportunities other than a concert band or in addition to it. “Lots of students had an interest in having an expanding program, and communicating that to the grant committee really helped,” she added. Jardine also had to submit a mission statement for the program, explaining how she saw the gear they were giv-

Bishop Lloyd Middle School got a $13,500 grant from MusiCounts to buy new MIDI (electronic) equipment for the Grade 7-9 music program. Pictured is a College Park School student taking part in an outdoor practice last fall. File Photo ing the school will help student learning. “I also had some of older students who have been in the program for awhile put together some letters of support as well as other people in the division who know the program well, because it’s my first year in the division,” said Jardine. “I’m still getting to know the program.” Jardine says students were excited when the school got the okay from MusiCounts to break the news. “We kind of had it under wraps for about a month before we could tell them,” she said. Jardine says MusiCounts purchases the instruments on their behalf with delivery to the school expected by the end of May or early June. She says the electronic instruments are

timely, especially during COVID-19, and students not being able to play wind instruments as much as they once did. Students have only just started to play their instruments again in April after a year of starts and stops during

the pandemic. Several students have been able to do some music on their own, but Jardine says what makes it tricky is music is a fundamental area of study usually done in groups. “We’ve found ways of making it work, whether

that’s ukuleles or percussion instruments, so overall, students have been grateful just to engage in making music,” she said. “Currently, we are using the gym on a twoweek-on-two-week-off si tu at i o n, w h i c h h a s been working well.”

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Thursday, May 20, 2021

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Pancakes to power MS Walk GEOFF LEE

WRITER

.................................. No shirt, no shoes, no problem. That’s the approach Integra Engineering Ltd. is taking with its creative pancake bre a k f a st fun d r a i s e r for this year’s Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Walk on May 30 during the pandemic.

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It’s so awesome to see people still thinking of creative ways of fundraising to help people living with MS.

“Normally, we would have a pancake breakfast here and sit inside but due to COVID we’re not able to,” said Kasey Peck, Integra’s business administrator. “So this year, we are trying to do it a little differently and have a virtual pancake breakfast.” Peck says they are inviting people to send in photos of themselves eating pancakes to post on their Facebook page after donating to the MS Walk. Donations can be made by e-transfer to kpeck@integra.ca. Every $20 donation enters people in a draw for one of three #ThinkLloydFirst breakfast prize packs from Olive & Birch and Lower

Fundraiser organizers are hoping to return to in-person MS Walks, such as this one from 2015. File Photo Shannon Farms valued at $100 each. A live prize draw will be made on Facebook on May 29 and anyone in Canada who enters can win a breakfast pack. “We have them in boxes, so if we have to ship them out we can do that as well,” said Peck. The pancake breakfast is co-sponsored by Balon and has raised about $4,200 to date towards a fundraising goal of $16,000 for the Lloydminster walk. Peck says they hope to raise more as the word spreads in the countdown to the walk. The event caught the attention of Brenda Rosychuk, manager of the MS Society Lakeland Region in St. Paul who is overseeing 10 walks this year. “It’s so awesome to see people still thinking of creative ways

of fundraising to help people living with MS,” said Rosychuk. She says approximately one in every 400 Canadians lives with MS, an incurable disease of the central nervous system. MS has an unpredictable range of symptoms such as lack of coordination, weakness, vision problems, and cognitive impairment. “It’s the most common neurological disease that affects young adults in Canada,” said Rosychuk. With an average of 11 Canadians being diagnosed with MS every day, Canada has one of the highest rates of MS in the world. MS Society of Canada hopes walks across the country will collectively raise about $3.2 million to support local services and programs to help increase the

quality of life for people living with MS. “It’s so crucial when people can come together and organize events such as Integra’s doing because it really impacts the way we can f u el ou r pr ograms and services and fuel that research,” said Rosychuk. “We’re just so

thrilled to have them on board.” Integra plans to hold their virtual walk the day of the draw to wrap up the local campaign. Rosychuk is encouraging people to get together on May 30 and do a walk around the block, walk virtually with friends or

walk on your treadmill. “On the actual walk day, we’re encouraging people to come online at 10 a.m. for a live kickoff and rally to start off our MS Walk day,” she said. “We’re going to be showcasing participants from across the country living with MS.”

PAGE 10 Thursday, May 20, 2021 MERIDIAN SOURCE

Viewpoint Leave it to Weaver

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

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

Not what you have, but what you give EDITOR Taylor Weaver

It’s 9:06 p.m. on Monday night and I’m listening to an audio recording from an interview I had last week. A call came into the office from a man who didn’t wish to leave his name, but said he was behind the Legion cleaning up garbage, and other things. So, to the Legion I go. I walk around the building until I come across a– and I say this with as much respect as possible– rather disheveled middle-aged man. Think Robin Williams in Jumanji, but with much less hair. I ask, “Did you call the newspaper about someone cleaning up garbage behind the Legion?” He nods in acknowledgment, gestures to join him underneath the building’s secondfloor staircase, and says, “Come here.” I’m trusting and find these “red-flag” situations usually offer up some really interesting stories, so I proceed. What I saw consisted of a few organized piles of remnants from what appeared to be someone’s outdoor Harry Potter single-bedroom condo, including a hand-held infant carrier, as well as a pile of dirty needles. Meet Joe. Joe’s the kind of guy whose eyes could tell you stories. They’re weathered, have probably seen some serious stuff, but they are, without

a doubt, genuine and belong to a man with a heart of gold. This was not Joe’s outdoor Harry Potter condo. He told me he lives at the shelter and that he’s fighting the Big One, cancer. But despite the hardships he’s going through in his own personal life, he felt compelled to come down to the Legion and clean up the garbage and dirty need les. The Le gi o n h o l d s a special place in Joe’s heart, as his father and grandfather both served their country in active duty. When I asked why he was down under the staircase cleaning up dirty needles, he simply said, “It’s total disrespect to the people who gave their lives for us.” He’s showing his respect, his way, and wishes others would follow. “I’ve cleaned many a needles out of those horseshoe pits, eh. It’s just bullshit.” Joe is the kind of guy who goes out and makes every day count. He may not have the white-picket fence and he may be battling cancer, but he has the sense of moral decency to clean up someone else’s needles

and garbage, and that, ladies and gentleman, I admire the heck out of. So, as I sit here, eating ice cream in a pair of gym shorts at my dining room table, I take a second to appreciate what I have, but also people like Joe for making this world a better place. Joe politely asked I not take his picture, and I respected his wish, but the photograph you see here is a sign he made. (Well, as much as I’m allowed to show in print.) Thanks for a great chat, Joe. It’s one I won’t soon forget.

Extra extra, read all about it, the Source won some awards, and we’re going to brag about it!

nce again, it’s award season in the newspaper industry, and once again, the Meridian Source took home some awards following Monday’s Saskatchewan Weekly Newspaper Association’s Better Newspaper Competition. Graphic designer

Brent Michalenko placed second for Best Advertisement, and production manager, Amanda Richard took third for Best Advertisement. Ace report er Geof f Lee took second for Best Tourism Story with “Summers to sizzle with Ribfests,” and edi-

tor Taylor Weaver tied for third in Best Educational Coverage K-12 with “Going Beyond Borders to create Circle of Change.” We at the Source are proud of our accomp l i sh me nts th i s p a st year. We were covering stories we never thought we would be

amidst a pandemic, went down to a skeleton crew for a few months when everything shut down last March, but we’re still here and being recognized as an award-winning newspaper. Thank you, Lloydminster, for allowing us to be a part of your community.

Opinion

PAGE 11 Thursday, May 20, 2021 MERIDIAN SOURCE

Leeway from Lloyd: Dump silver medals STAFF WRITER GEOFF LEE

I had the pleasure of watching Canada win the IIHF U18 men’s World Hockey Championship a few weeks ago over the Russians. What stood out was the contrast in emotions between the jubilant Canadians and fans like myself and the dejected party of Russians in the post-game ceremony. It drove home the point in hockey that you don’t win silver, you lose gold. With that that in mind, I was thinking of a better way to deal with the post-game

activities for the loser. I’ve never seen a more sullen group of players than the Russians who had to suffer through another 20 minutes of watching and hearing the Canadians whoop it up, then listen to our national anthem before slumping off the ice. As soon as the tournament all-stars have been named, the loser should be allowed to leave the ice to limit the agony of defeat. Fans don’t want to see the hurting either. The stage should be cleared for the winners as they do in golf on the 18th hole. There was not one Russian player or official who

dared to smile as they were awarded the silver medal. They reacted as if being handed a life sentence to the salt mines in Siberia. Remember the Swedish captain who threw his silver medal into the crowd after his team lost the world junior final to Canada in 2018 as if it were an offending piece of dirt? Poor losers don’t deserve silver either. Unfortunately, the gold medal game is regarded as an all-or-nothing contest. With that in mind, I suggest the losers should be quickly presented with their hat ed silver med als in a metal case, to limit the emo-

tional horror show and send them off the ice. A case would also make it easier for players to toss them in a special silver medal garbage bin on the way out! Of course, if players were good sports, they would value the silver medal for a hardfought loss, but crying, pout-

ing and hanging your head has become a formula for how to react. That goes for fans too. I am still in group therapy over Canada losing the world junior gold this year to the U.S.

COVID vaccination eligibility moves to 16 and older

ffective, 8 a.m., on Tuesday, eligibility in the provincial agebased immunization program for first doses moved to 16 years of age and older for the entire

province, including the Northern Saskatchewan Administration District. This applies to all immunization clinics: booked appointments, pharmacies, drive-thru/ walk-in, and mobile.

File Photo

Taylor Weaver Meridian Source

Marc Lizotte and Randi Noble were just a handful of openmic performers at 4th Meridian Brewing Company last Thursday night, as they hosted a Bike for Breakfast YLL fundraiser in their parking lot, which of course included tasty beer and pizza from Dominos. All proceeds from the fundraiser go towards the Bike for Breakfast YLL overall goal of $200,000 to area breakfast programs in schools.

JOIN THE IG WEALTH MANAGEMENT WALK FOR ALZHEIMER’S REGISTER TODAY WalkforAlzheimersSK.ca

Plan, Fundraise, and Walk Your Way this spring! Celebrate with us online on Sunday May 30th 2021 It’s easy to register and start fundraising For more information call 1-800-263-3367 Visit walkforalzheimersSK.ca

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Thursday, May 20, 2021

Increased pedestrian visibility at three significant crosswalks MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

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In collaboration with Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI), the City of Lloydminster aims to increase pedestrian safety and visibility by installing highly visi-

ble crosswalk beacons. The purchase and installation of the pedestrian-activated crosswalk beacons are funded by SGI’s Provincial Traffic Safety Fund grant program and the City of Lloydminster’s automated

traffic enforcement reserve fund. “Whether driving or walking, safety is of the utmost importance, as is visibility,” said Mayor Gerald Aalbers. “The day we can hit zero incidents at either

marked or unmarked crosswalks will be a day to celebrate. Until then, it’s essential we do our part to ensure pedestrians get to their destination safely and unscathed.” The new beacons were installed on two

major roadways and a third in a high-trafficked residential area: - Highway 17 (50 St.) and 41 St. - 62 Ave. (College Drive) and 43 Street - 57C Ave. and 21 St. “Along with the

beacons, additional signage is one step we can take to help increase visibility. However, motorists and pedestrians must also do their part to ensure their intentions are known,” added Aalbers.

Rogers connects Interval Home MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

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Lloydminster Interval Home women’s shelter is included in an Alberta rollout of donated phones and plans from Roger Communications. On Wednesday, Rogers announced it has expanded its phone and plan program to connect more Alberta women

and their children with digital lifelines and support to escape violence and abuse. The company has increased its support from last year, by donating phones and plans to more than 30 women’s shelters and transition houses in Rogers wireless coverage areas in Alberta during the third wave of the pandemic.

Rogers says the donation is in response to shelters seeing a spike in the severity and frequency of domestic violence and a rising demand for safe shelter space following initial pandemic lockdowns a year ago. The company launched a national program with Women’s Shelters Canada last

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spring to provide hundreds of phones and plans to more than 100 shelters and transition houses, including those in Alberta. This is in addition to Rogers using the reach of its platforms and channels to help increase awareness of the domestic violence crisis. With growing waitlists for

women’s shelters and transition houses, frontline crisis workers say these devices will continue to save women’s lives by keeping women safely connected to critical resources, particularly during lockdowns. The phone donation program is provided in collaboration with Motorola and LG.

Area RMs get rural road funding GEOFF LEE

WRITER

.................................. Regional rural municipalities of Wilton, Britannia, Paynton and Frenchman Butte will each receive $500,000 to improve rural roads. The funding is part of the Saskatchewan government’s ongoing Rural Integrated Roads for Growth (RIRG) program. Phase three, taking place during the 202122 budget year, will see 69 rural municipalities receive $25.7 million in RIRG funding. “The ministry has seen an engaged and enthusiastic response to the RIRG program,” Highways Minister Fred Bradshaw said in a recent announcement.

“This targeted effort improves the safety and quality of our ru ra l i nf ra stru c tu re , strengthens partnerships with Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities, our rural municipalities and creates another outlet to aid the province’s economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.” This program helps RMs with the cost of constructing and upgrading their infrastructure. The RIRG grants cover up to 50 per cent of each project’s total cost, to a maximum of $500,000.” T h e 20 21- 22 R IR G budget is $28 million, which includes base funding of $15 million

a year. The budget is augmented by additional stimulus spending to meet a government goal of re-building 100 roads over three years. Over the three phases of the RIRG program, there have been 219 road projects approved, valued at $233.6 million with $55.5 million in RIRG support. This includes 63 projects from Phases 1 and 2 that are currently active, valued at $72.3 million with $19.6 million in RIRG support. The Province is improving more than 1,350 km of provincial highways this year, the second of its 10-year Growth Plan goal to build and upgrade 10,000 km of highways.

Thursday, May 20, 2021

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Thursday, May 20, 2021

Want “me space” in your backyard? Transform your yard with a liveable shed or backyard casita

unning out of room in your house? As home becomes more and more a comfy place of refuge, many of us are looking for ways to make the most of our property. A backyard shed can be the perfect solution to carve out some space, just for you. Gaining popularity among homeowners, livable backyard sheds or casitas can be used as cozy getaways that create some “me space.” They’re perfect for parents who want some breathing room away from the kids, those looking for a separate home office or anyone needing a space to call all their own for a hobby, reading or unwinding after a long day. One of the top advantages of transforming a shed into a livable part of your home is that’s super easy and affordable. M os t s mal l s heds do n’t need permits and can be easily renovated your-

self but stay informed about city permit requirements. A backyard casita is also fun to decorate and easy to personalize in your style – whether it’s rustic log cabin, farmhouse chic or bold and modern. You can also adapt the interior of your shed quickly to suit your changing needs, seamlessly switching from home office to virtual school hub to craft space. Make sure your shed is comfortable and cozy so it’s a place you enjoy spending time in. Before you deck-out your shed in your chosen décor, install a quality subfloor to keep out cold and moisture. Premium subflooring from Dricore is a great option, as it will keep your floors soft, warm and comfortable. Quick and easy to install, you can lay out the panels for your shed is less than an hour. Whatever design and mate-

File Photo rials you choose, be sure to use textures and items that encourage peace, joy and relaxation. Whether you hang pho-

tos of a quiet forest path or undulating waves on a serene beach, this is a space just for you, so outfit it with your favourite things.

Think souvenirs from your last vacation, materials and supplies for your latest hobby, and blankets and pillows in soothing fabrics.

Thursday, May 20, 2021

MERIDIAN SOURCE

The best outdoor living space ideas!

File Photo

fter being forced to spend more time inside this year, it’s important to make any outdoor space in our home an oasis for enjoyment. Whether you have a tiny condo balcony, a spacious backyard or something in between, draw inspiration from these ideas to create a relaxing space. Define your area – Add some charm and outline visual boundaries for your outdoor

space by setting up a trellis, laying down an outdoor rug or installing a pergola. This will set the tone and let you introduce some style and personality with bold colours, distressed wood and graphic patterns. Create DIY dining spaces – One of the top outdoor living trends is dining al fresco, which lets you bring the patio experience home. Instead of buying a dinette set, why not DIY your own with

repurposed materials? For a larger space, create a table using wine barrels and wooden boards. If you have a small balcony, upcycle a vintage lamp base and thrift store tabletop for a cute bistro table. Finally, consider adding mismatched chairs to finish off this eclectic look. Plan your entertainment – Whether you’re hosting a small gathering or decompressing on a weeknight, you

can elevate the ambiance with sound. Try a gardening trend – Bringing plants, flowers and other greenery into your outdoor space can instantly boost your mood and help you feel more connected to nature. A vertical garden is a great option if you have limited real estate

— simply hang pots or planter boxes on a wooden pallet that leans against a wall. You can also try xeriscaping, an alternative to traditional gardening that uses droughtresistant plants and careful plot design to conserve water. Add some warmth – Make sure your outdoor living space incor-

porates ways to keep warm during those chilly summer nights or shoulder season weeks. Outdoor firepits are a popular choice, you can find DIY tutorials online to build your own with some stones. If you can’t have a fire in your balcony or yard, some cozy blankets and pillows can do the trick.

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Thursday, May 20, 2021

Knock out those invasive species in your yard

File Photo

f you have a backyard or garden you tend to understand how devastating invasive plant species can be. On a larger scale, they wreak havoc on plants, biodiversity, wetlands and farmers’ fields. Invasive species are more than a nuisance to gardeners and farmers — they can crowd out

the surrounding native veg etatio n, w ip e ou t important natural habitats and choke out wildlife. The plants compete with native vegetation for sunlight, moisture and nutrients. According to Environment and Climate Change Canada, the economic impact of invasive plants in crops

and pastures is $2.2 billion each year. This is because invasive plants reduce crop yields and quality, while increasing costs of weed control and harvesting. One example is wild parsnip, which forms dense stands that spread quickly. Native to Europe and Asia, the plant was brought to North Amer-

ica by European settlers. Wild parsnip was originally grown for its edible root, but has gotten out of hand and is now spread across the country. The seeds of wild parsnip are easily spread by wind, water and even a mower. While the root is edible, the sap can cause human skin to

react to sunlight, triggering burns, rashes or blisters. For a small infestation, it may be possible to dig the root in the spring. But this is often difficult for large infestations. In most cases, herbicides are the best way to tackle invasive species. Unlike other removal methods, herbicides get

to the root of the problem, effectively killing the entire plant. And these tools are safe to use. Before any pesticide can be sold, it must be approved by Health Canada. Our regulatory process is stringent, world renowned and ensures all pesticides used are safe for both people and the environment.

Thursday, May 20, 2021

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Thinking outside the box GREEN FILE MARK & BEN CULLEN

Garden varieties are popular for good reason. Reliable performers. Carrots with a long, sweet root. What’s not to like? Then there are days when we just want to try a new dance, some new moves. In gardening terminology, that means growing unusual plants. Can you relate? If you can, try these outside the box plants for a change this season: Peanuts are legumes, in the pea family, but they grow like potatoes. You plant the seed, an unroasted red-skin peanut. Here in Canada, plants will produce mature peanuts in about 100 days. That is a long season, but it can be done in a hot, sunny location.

And if you sow the seed within the next week or so. Mark grows peanuts every year, not to save money but for the novelty. Once mature p eanuts are dug and dried in the sun, they are roasted in the oven (350 degrees for 20 minutes). You have not likely tried anything like freshly dug and roasted peanuts. Truthfully, they have little in common with the canned varieties. Peanuts produce glossy deep green foliage that looks good in a container and bright orange pea-like flowers mid summer. Not many edible plants produce orange flowers. Another bonus for the peanut club. Kiwi, the fruit that you purchase at the retailer has little in common with the winter hardy twining kiwi vine that we grow.

Supplied Photo Hardy to zone 2 or north of Edmonton, Kiwi is easy to grow. All you need is vertical support like a trellis or a tall post. They grow fast, about two metres each season, are insect and disease resistant and produce the sweetest tasting

grape-sized kiwi fruit late in summer. The key is to plant a male and female plant. Plant as many females as you like but at least one male to do the heavy lifting in the pollinating department. The plants are labelled at the retailer.

Prefer sun but tolerate some shade. Prune heavily each summer, twice, to keep your kiwis under control. Four in one Apple trees. You are short of space and you enjoy apples. The answer may be to plant one tree with

four different varieties grafted onto it. You will harvest different varieties of apples at different times of the year. In theory. We have less enthusiasm for this idea than we do for our first two, but this can work. CONTINUED ON PAGE 18

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Thursday, May 20, 2021

Thinking outside the box cont.

FROM PAGE 17

The problem is that, over years, one variety inevitably dominates the tree and takes over. The answer is to be diligent and prune the aggressor back hard each winter to allow the

other grafted branches to mature and bear fruit. When you find a four in one apple tree you will be given no choice as to the varieties featured on it. The answer to that is to graft your favourites yourself, which is a bit

tricky but can be done with some knowledge and good timing. Baby Carrots. There are true baby carrots, that is, carrots that do not grow over eight or 10 cm long and are generally more sweet than larger carrots.

We recommend you sow the seed directly in your garden any time now. Two popular varieties include Babette and Little Finger, both bred in France for the gourmet food market. Sweet. Do not confuse the

real thing with carrot parts that have been shaved down to a standard five cm long orange carrot piece, sold in hermetically sealed bags at the grocers with a bit of water to keep them from dehydrating. If your baby carrots

do not have a green top, they likely are not the real thing. There are other novelty plants that you can grow. Most are available at full-service garden retailers or as seeds online. Our list includes square tomatoes that will not roll off the table, popcorn, and myriad non-traditional vegetables and herbs. Novelty plants are just one more way to have fun in your garden this summer. Mark Cullen is an expert gardener, author, broadcaster, tree advocate and Member of the Order of Canada. His son Ben is a fourth-generation urban gardener and graduate of University of Guelph and Dalhousie University in Halifax. Follow them at markcullen.com, @ markcullengardening, and on Facebook.

Thursday, May 20, 2021

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Thursday, May 20, 2021

When the web asks, “Have you ever?”

PRAIRIE WOOL HELEN ROW TOEWS

If you’re on Facebook you’ll have seen the many interactive questionnaires designed to

entertain. While answering them online might reveal too much personal information to the public, sometimes I do them in my head. Take the most recent one I saw. It asked 20

questions with the preface: Have You Ever? Each query dealt with some aspect of lawlessness such as whether you had: been arrested, smoked weed, went streaking, been expelled or egged someone’s house. To those, I was easily able to answer, no, but when I came to the final, gut-wrenching question I had to stop. The memories flooded back. Number 20: Have you ever been in a fistfight? Anyone who knows me would register a certain amount of shock and alarm right about now. They’d know it’s not in my nature to physically assail someone, or be caught brawling outside a tavern, but one day, with good cause, I did just that. It was a bright, summer afternoon in 1981, or thereabouts. Good friend, Susan, and I chatted as we strolled

along a busy street in Lloydminster. Pausing at the entrance to an alley, we peered down it to check for traffic. “There’s a fight down there,” said Susan. Sure enough, someone was getting punched, repeatedly. We stopped in shock. Then, looking closer, we realized it was a man hitting a woman and my pal hollered. “We gotta save her!” She dashed toward the pair with me close on her heels. As we approached, the man knocked the woman to the ground and started kicking her with enormous cowboy boots. She cried aloud in pain, throwing her arms up to shield herself as he pelted her with vicious blows. Quickly, Susan reached the woman and began to drag her away from the clearly intoxicated man. This was great, but the enraged

fellow simply followed with a howl, continuing to rain abuse upon his victim. Enter me. Was this the moment when hefting all those square bales on the farm would finally pay off? Would I be strong enough to fend off an infuriated and highly inebriated man? Was my father right, when he said one day I’d be glad for all the muscle manual labor built? Well—being glad might be stretching things a little, but I was pleased. I slammed into the man from behind and sent him spinning. Then I sunk my hands into the material of his blue-striped cowboy shirt and swung him into the dirt. Picking himself up, he shook his head and stared at me blankly. “Who the hell are you?” he asked, with good reason.

Charging, he met me head on and we grappled with one another for a time. He struggled to free himself from my clutches, but I snared him again and flung him away, ripping the shirt from his back in the process. By this time, Susan had gotten the woman to safety and the man and I stood breathing heavily and glaring at one another: after fighting, down a seedy back lane, behind a pub, in broad daylight. Looking up we saw that several cars had pulled over to witness the event, and pulling the shreds of his former garment around him, the man gave me a final evil scowl, and marched unsteadily back to the bar for another drink. And so you see, Facebook, I have committed one lawless act. I’ve been in a fistfight, but with good cause.

Thursday, May 20, 2021

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Rebuilding leads to progress WHISPERS OF THE PAST SANDRA L. BROWN

In January 1929, a fire nearly destroyed an entire Lloydminster block, including the theatre and four other buildings. The theatre was rebuilt in July by businessmen who appreciated the business it brought to their community. Thankfully it was protected from burning again in the August inferno when the Royal Bank brick building stopped the fire from spreading west. Referred to as the fiercest fire in the town’s history, the flour mill was a total loss (date unknown). With an estimated damage cost of $25,000, folks knew it could have been much worse. The alarm rang out

at 4:10 a.m. and the fire brigades were soon on the scene. Due to the fire’s strength burning inside, efforts were focused on protecting the surrounding structures. The wind carried redhot shingles igniting other buildings. Thankfully, the steady snowfall received over the past few days provided some protection. The outbreaks on the Saskatchewan Pool elevator were quickly extinguished. The eastbound CNR passenger train was held up due to the intense heat. Once the four-story building had collapsed the track was cleared. Pickets were stationed at each crossing and with its piercing whistle blaring, the train took off at top speed. Many residents were protecting their property by throwing snow

on the roofs. About 40 tons of coal sitting in a nearby railcar burned steadily throughout the weekend. Still reeling from the loss of their flour mill, the devastating fire on Aug. 19, 1929, saw most of the downtown core destroyed. With an estimated cost of $1 million, it was the costliest disaster in Lloydminster’s history at this time. Once the ravaging flames were extinguished, 53 buildings were destroyed on the Saskatchewan side. Buildings on the Alberta side remained intact. The fire is believed to have started on 50th Street behind the pool hall in a garbage can. As the fire proceeded east and west it jumped the street and was quickly out of control. By the time it arrived at the feed mill on the north side of the tracks

around 9:30 a.m. it had finally burned itself out. In its path, the “Britannia Hotel, the Co-op, Hall’s Men’s Store, the old curling rink and the Cameron Grocery Store” were completely destroyed. Folks lost possessions, their livelihoods and more. Thankfully, there were no fatalities reported as firemen, business owners and helpers bravely fought the blazing inferno. Not everyone had insurance to cover replacement costs. Mostly made from wood frame construction, the destroyed businesses were slowly rebuilt with fireproof material including locally made brick. This led to a more permanent appearance and overall improvements to the town. As the siren rang out

File Photo at 12:35 a.m. disturbing their sleep, folks in the town of Lloydminster, Saskatchewan and village of Lloydminster, Alberta woke up to the beginning of the end of its two communities. The ashes of these fires proved to be the

spark needed for settling the amalgamation debate. The town of Lloydminster, Alta/Sask materialized. Progressive change arose from adversity as these businesses rebuilt from their ashes. 21054MM0

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Thursday, May 20, 2021

MERIDIAN SOURCE

New kidney dialysis unit for Lloydminster MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

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More people from Alberta and Saskatchewan will soon have access to a new six-station kidney dialysis unit in the border community of Lloydminster.

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Kidney disease doesn’t respect provincial boundaries, so we’re happy to work with our provincial neighbour to the east to make sure more people living in the Lloydminster area.

With $4.25 million from the Alberta government’s Rural Health Facilities Revitalization Program, Alberta Health Services (AHS) will open and operate a new larger dialysis unit on the Saskatchewan side of Lloydminster with enough stations to provide renal dialysis to 24 patients from both provinces with kidney disease. “No matter where you live in Alberta, it’s important that your health-care needs can be met as close to home as possible,” said Minister of Health Tyler Shandro Wednesday. “Kidney disease doesn’t respect provincial boundaries, so we’re happy to work

with our provincial neighbour to the east to make sure more people living in the Lloydminster area – no matter what side of the border – don’t have to drive far for treatment and dialysis. This project helps make that a reality, and is part of our commitment to manage and improve health infrastructure and services across Alberta.” Right now, the renal dialysis unit at the Lloydminster Hospital has five chairs that provide kidney dialysis to 20 hemodialysis patients: six from Alberta and 14 from Saskatchewan. The hospital dialysis unit has no room to grow, but has eight patients on its wait-list for treatment. Those patients currently travel to Edmonton, St. Paul and Saskatoon for treatment, since the dialysis units nearest to Lloydminster – North Battleford 139 kilometres to the east and Vegreville 147 kilometres to the west – are already serving all the patients they can. “This commitment to expand and relocate the dialysis unit has been long-awaited in Lloydminster and the region,” said Garth Rowswell, MLA for Vermilion-Lloydminster-Wainwright. “It will free up space in the Lloydminster Hospital for other priorities. We can add this

File Photo accomplishment to a growing list of problems being dealt with by this Health Minister, and I am happy to support him in that.” In order to provide more treatment, the dialysis unit will move out of the Lloydminster Hospital to a medical space in the Prairie North Plaza on the Saskatchewan side of the city. AHS will operate the new six-chair unit, in collaboration with Saskatchewan Health Authority, with more room between dialysis chairs to improve patient safety, reduce concerns around infection control and improve both the patient experience and working conditions for staff. “I look forward to even more chairs opening in the future to better care for the growing

number of people facing kidney disease in our community in eastern Alberta,” said Lloydminster Mayor Gerald Aalbers. “Everyone in and around Lloydminster deserves access to this quality life-saving service.” The dialysis clinic will be able to serve 24

patients at the highest need for dialysis close to home. Space for an additional three dialysis chairs will also be shelled in for future capacity needs. The project is expected to begin in the coming months. More detailed timelines will be shared once the

work is underway. The Alberta government’s $50-million commitment to the Rural Health Facilities Revitalization Program, including $45 million in Budget 2021, enables AHS to complete infrastructure projects over the next three years at rural sites.

PAGE 24 Thursday, May 20, 2021 MERIDIAN SOURCE

Sports

It’s sync or swim for Stingrays

Members of the Border City Stingrays, who are currently trying out for the club’s High-Performance synchronized swim team, were all smiles on deck Tuesday night at the BioClean Aquatic Centre. Taylor Weaver Meridian Source TAYLOR WEAVER

EDITOR

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Despite a global pandemic, the Border City Stingrays Synchronized Swim Club has still been able to get their feet wet and virtually compete in recent meets. “We have been so lucky, so lucky, compared to other people, both in our province and out of our province that we used to swim with and against,” said coach Janelle Dembicki. “We have not stopped all season. Last March

with COVID, we had to switch to Zoom and we were done for a bit. “It’s been a rollercoaster of a year. I started the club over 30 years ago, so it has been an unbelievable season.” With new public health restrictions forcing lifeguards to say “everybody out of the pool now, please,” last March, Dembicki explained the Stingrays didn’t really miss much as they quickly switched to Zoom for meets and physical activity training. “We started off doing just figures because we could only do that, and we actually kind of avoided them because the kids weren’t having much fun, so our head coach, Lynn Kvill, changed it up and we started doing teams, potentially for next season, and the kids have been loving that,” she said. In synchronized swimming, figures are the positions and transitions to new positions every swimmer needs to

learn, regardless of age or experience. “Just doing things on Zoom together and using the technology we have available to us has been great,” she said. “We haven’t been limited to strictly dry-land training. It’s a lot less time spent training in the water than we’re used to, but it’s better than what many others are dealing with.” Dembicki also noted the swimmers’ morale has been good both on and off the pool deck. “We made that little switch from figures to teams, and we needed that moralewise,” she said. “Coachwise, swimmer-wise, the fun part is swimming to the music and swimming with your friends, but we haven’t been able to do lifts or boosts this year because of COVID.” Swimmer Jaiva B aj e ma, 16 , sa i d , al l things considered, things are going very well for the club this year. “We are still able to practise. It’s a little less time, but we’re still getting wet, so the training has continued, she said. “We’ve been doing dry-land training as well, but it’s nice to still be able to get in the water because there’s really no better way to train for synchro.” She also noted the virtual meets the club has been competing in have been a great new experience. “I really like them because they’re a good way to compete without competing in person,” she said, adding how virtually competing from the club’s home pool has been nice. “You don’t really get the same nerves; I still like it, but I would rather it be in person.” Jacie Forbes, 12, has been swimming for roughly four years and

said this season has been going pretty well for her and her teammates. “It’s just a little different from last year because we have to stay in our lanes and we can’t do lifts and stuff for teams,” she said. “We’ve been doing Zoom calls at home with our coaches where we’ve been doing exercises and stretches, but it’s better than not doing anything.” Forbes explained she enjoys synchro because of the music. “When you’re swimming your routine, you can just go with the music,” she said. “It sometimes relieves my stress from school or whatever, so it helps with that.” The Stingrays season usually runs from September through till June, and as Dembicki explained, the end of May is one of their busiest times of the year. “A lot of clubs do summer camps, and this is usually when national trials and things are taking place, but the bulk of the season is September through until April or May,” she said. “These girls are all trying out for High Performance, whereas the rest of the swimmers stopped after the water show in April. Dembicki also explained how every club in the province was given a quota for how many swimmers they could train based on past performance. “We had to select our top swimmers. They also have to be dedicated, and all of these girls here are very dedicated. They have to be willing and able to go to training camps, they need to be ready to get plopped onto a provincial team at any time. “They’re good kids and they all want to be here.”

PAGE 25 Thursday, May 20, 2021 MERIDIAN SOURCE

Agriculture

Keep young wildlife safe by leaving them alone MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

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Spring has sprung in Saskatchewan. This is an exciting time for nature enthusiasts, for hiking, for being outdoors and nature watching. Very shortly, we will start seeing young animals such as ducklings, rabbits, songbirds or fawns in their natural habitats. Unfortunately, this is also the time of year when well-intentioned people sometimes interfere with young wildlife. The Ministry of Environment wants to emphasize a simple message regarding young animals: Physical distancing isn’t just for humans, leave young wildlife alone and please don’t touch them. Trying to help wild animals that appear

orphaned, or lost, is often detrimental to their health and safety. In nature, young animals and birds are purposely placed into seclusion by their mothers to protect them from predators. In the majority of cases, these young animals are not abandoned or deserted, and the mother is watching nearby. The chances for survival decrease significantly when young animals come into contact with humans. The best thing to do is to leave them alone and enjoy the animals from a distance. Young wildlife should only be picked up if the parent is found dead nearby, or in an unnatural situation such as a young songbird found on a doorstep. In that case, the young bird could be

File Photo moved to the closest suitable habitat. Only wildlife rehabilitators are licensed to care for orphaned and injured animals. They are trained to make sure animals are given appropriate care

and nutrition to help improve their chances of survival when they are released back into the wild. If there are obvious signs of injury, or evidence that it has been orphaned, please con-

tact the ministry’s general inquiry line at 1-800-567-4224 or by email at centre. inquiry@gov.sk.ca. People are also reminded to steer clear of adult wildlife, such as deer or moose that

sometimes wander into urban areas. Large crowds will stress the animals, which could lead to a potentially dangerous situation. Remember - give wildlife its space.

Last week in the field: Saskatchewan crop report

eeding in Crop District 9B, which includes Meadow Lake, Turtleford, Pierceland, Maidstone and Lloydminster, saw further progress this week with 34 per cent of the 2021 crop now in the ground, well above the five-year average (20162020) of 10 per cent for this time of year. Low soil temperatures have only allowed for field peas, wheat and barley to be sown. Producers are preparing to seed canola once

the temperatures rise to acceptable levels. No precipitation was received in the region throughout the week. Livestock water supply shortage was rated as slig htly m o derate with worse shortages and quality anticipated without future rainfall. Fire risk in parts of the region is very high and considerations are being made to lessen risk around seeding operations. Pastures are very slow to green up and produc-

ers are worried about on-farm feed supplies running low before being able to move cattle to pasture. Cropland topsoil moisture conditions are rated as zero per cent surplus, 49 per cent adequate, 35 per cent short and 16 per cent very short. Hay and pasture land topsoil moisture was rated as zero per cent surplus, 38 per cent adequate, 35 per cent short and 27 per cent very short.

PAGE 26 Thursday, May 20, 2021 MERIDIAN SOURCE

Careers

Sask records major increase in housing starts A recent release from Statistics Canada

on housing starts for April 2021 shows posi-

tive signs of strong economic recovery in Saskatchewan. Urban housing starts in the province increased 113.3 per cent year-over-year, the second highest percentage growth increase among the provinces. Nationally, housing starts increased by 63.2 per cent. In the first four months of 2021, urban housing starts in Saskatchewan increased by 101.4 per cent, compared to the same period in 2020. Saskatchewan ranked second among the provinces in percentage change. “Strong growth in leading economic indicators like housing starts, manufacturing sales, and job growth show our economy is

File Photo resilient and that Saskatchewan continues to lead the nation in economic recovery coming out of the global COVID-19 pandemic,” said Trade and Export Development Minister Jeremy Harrison. “Saskatchewan has one of the most competitive business envi-

ronments in all of Canada, and as we’ve seen with the recent large private sector investments worth billions of dollars, our province is in an enviable position.” Housing starts more than doubled for single-family dwellings with an increase of 160.3 per cent and by

86.4 per cent for multiple units. The strong growth in housing starts contributed significantly to the large increase of 8,700 new construction jobs in April 2021 compared to April 2020, according to the Statistics Canada Labour Force Survey for April 2021.

RURAL MUNICIPALITY OF BRITANNIA NO. 502

NOW HIRING: OPERATIONS MANAGER Prepares major capital and operating budgets, oversees projects for all public works, transportation, water, waste water and related operations, contracted maintenance activities, supplies and utilities. Plans, prioritizes and ensures the implementation of public works maintenance and construction programs. Responsible, directly and through delegation, for the supervision of all full and part time, seasonal and casual department staff and promotes and ensures workplace safety. This includes planning, assisting in the hiring, training, discipline, coordinating, assigning, promoting and evaluating performance. Assists in the development, implementation, and continuous evaluation of the department asset management plan. Experience / Qualifications: The incumbent shall be a graduate of Civil Engineering Technology or Engineering from a recognized post-secondary institution with a minimum of five (5) years management experience. This experience shall include some related aspect of civil engineering, budget control, personnel management, and effective communication skills. The Manager shall have the ability to organize personnel and assign tasks effectively to achieve department goals. The position provides for considerable latitude for judgment and requires the development of procedures and policies. Computer literacy skills with emphasis on Civil Engineering software including AutoCAD or equivalent is required and knowledge of current legislation (workplace safety & health, employment standards, and related areas), plus an understanding of municipal budgeting are desirable. A valid Class 5 driver’s license with an acceptable abstract and a positive Criminal Records Check is required. Submit resumes in confidence to the Administrator at administrator.rm502@sasktel.net or via mail to P.O. Box 661, Lloydminster, Sk S9V 0Y7 Attention: Administrator. Position open until suitable candidate is found.

Thursday, May 20, 2021

Celebrating women entrepreneurs in Saskatchewan MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

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May 16 to 22 is Women Entrepreneur’s week in Saskatchewan, recognizing the many female business owners for their contributions to the Saskatchewan economy and labour markets.

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Our government remains committed to supporting women entrepreneurs and the business community as we emerge from the pandemic together and through the economic recovery in the months ahead.

“Women entrepreneurs are important contributors to Saskatchewan communities and the province’s economic growth,” said Minister Responsible for the Status of Women Office, Laura Ross. “The Status of Women Office supports their important work through multiple partnerships and funding initiatives. This year, the Status of Women Office commissioned a video that showcases three extraordinary women entrepreneurs in Saskatchewan.” The women highlighted are: - Jessica McNaughton, CEO and Founder of memoryKPR Technology Inc., a digital storytelling platform; - Dr. Courtney Kennedy, owner and optometrist of Kennedy Eye Clinic in Saskatoon; and - Laura Gustafson, Founder of ulivit, creator of sustainable, Canadian-made, plantbased foods. “We are proud to recognize the many outstanding Saskatchewan

women creating and operating businesses; they are driving our economic growth and supporting families and communities right across our province,” said Trade and Export Development Minister Jeremy Harrison. “Our government remains committed to supporting women entrepreneurs and the business community as we emerge from the pandemic together and through the economic recovery in the months ahead.”

As part of the economic recovery plan, the province has implemented various business support programs to provide immediate and ongoing assistance to those businesses who have had to fully or partially close during the global pandemic. These programs include the Re-Open Saskatchewan Training Subsidy, the Saskatchewan Small Business Emergency Payment and the Saskatchewan Tourism Sector Support Program.

MERIDIAN SOURCE

PAGE 28 Thursday, May 20, 2021 MERIDIAN SOURCE 306-825-5111 admin@meridiansource.ca

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

Saturday May 29th, 2021 Consignment Auction. ONLINE BIDDING 9AM bid.schmalzauctions. com Collectors cars including 1923 Ford TBucket (SK reg), 1932 Chevy coupe, 1949 Plymouth coupe, 1929 Chev sedan, Tractors: 1928 Farmall regular, 2 JD AR’s, Equipment: 977H Cat loader, International forklift, IHC 100 crawler loader, home built bucket loader, over 1000 lots of tools etc. Schmalz Auctions PL 911509 AGRICULTURE

FOR RENT

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. 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 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, 306-281-4475 or chateauvilla@sasktel.net.

Classifieds HEALTH / FITNESS

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

1994 Chrysler Marquis

ASKING $2,500 Phone: 780-872-6477

SERVICES

NOTICES

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 $30,000 Lump sum refund. Apply NOW; quickest refund Nationwide! Providing assistance during Covid.

Expert Help:

1-844-453-5372

FEED & SEED FORAGE 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. AGPRO SEEDS is BUYING: HEATED CANOLA #1 BUYER, TOP PRICE PAID IN SK. On farm pickup! Call: 306-873-3006 or email: sales@ agproseeds.com. Check out prices @ agproseeds.com

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES 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.

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

Are you RE-SIDING OR STUCCOING your house? Looking for beveled cedar siding and will remove for the taking. Call Blain 780-808-3471

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 HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATORS REQUIRED:

FOR SALE

FEED & SEED

motor scrapers, dozers, excavators, graders, rock trucks. Lots of work all season. Camp job; R & B provided. Competitive wages. Valid drivers license req’d. 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

CLASSIFIED ADS 1 for $15 or 2 for $25

*Based on 20 words additional words 15¢ each Prices do not include GST

LAND FOR RENT

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

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

Thursday, May 20, 2021

MISCELLANEOUS

MERIDIAN SOURCE

LAND FOR SALE

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

Local Business Directory

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

Church Directory GRACE UNITED CHURCH Sunday Service Minister: Rev. Cathy Kinsman

CAMP SUNDAY

Sunday, May 25, 2021 Pentecost Food pantry needs filling! Worship is available online via Facebook or Zoom. 4708 - 50 Avenue T9V 0W4 780-875-8959 graceunitedchurch.ca

WOOD: David Walter Wood went to be with his Lord and Saviour on May 9th, 2021 in Lloydminster Saskatchewan, after a long and tough battle with cancer. Dave was born May 13th, 1950 in Swan River Manitoba, to the late Walter and Dorothy Wood. Left behind to grieve his loss are: his loving wife of 44 years, Ruth (Brundage) Wood; sons, Elton, Ryan (Amanda), Tim (Lorraine) and Nathan (Candace); nine grandchildren, Dalia, Naomi, Simone, Jessica, Alannah,

Wyatt, Emily, Alex and Katelyn; he will be missed by his brothers, sisters, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, and friends. David’s faith in the Lord was like no other, and he shared his love of Jesus with everyone he met. He lived his life in God’s image as he was always willing to help those around him. He loved spending time reading his bible, praying, working with wood, camping with his wife, playing with his grandkids, and teaching his sons to be great men. A time of visitation was held on Thursday, May 13 from 7 PM to 9 PM at the McCaw Funeral Chapel. The Funeral Service for David was held on Friday, May 14 at 2:00 PM from the First Baptist Church, Lloydminster, Saskatchewan. Due to COVID-19 restrictions both the visitation and

funeral services were invitation only. The funeral service was live-streamed and posted on David's obituary at the time of the service. Donations in memory of David may be made to Big River Bible Camp or Pleasantview Bible Camp. CARD OF THANKS Thank you to all that supported the Wood family during this difficult time. A special thank you to the Home / Palliative Care Team who helped care for Dave in his last years, McCaw Funeral Services for their exceptional service, First Baptist Church (Pastor Doug Baynton), and all the family and friends who supported Dave and Ruth through his battle with cancer. With heart felt gratitude, Ruth, Elton, Ryan (Amanda), Tim (Lorraine), Nathan (Candace) Wood

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Thursday, May 20, 2021

Call to place your Memoriam or Obituary. 306-825-5111

Thursday, May 20, 2021

SUDOKU

CROSSWORD

May 13 Answers

ACROSS 1. Rebuff 5. Branch 8. Out of harm’s way 12. Drain 13. Hawaiian wreath 14. Binds 15. Taverns 16. Beach hue 17. Takes on 18. Part of R and R 19. Proclamation 21. Rower’s need 23. Brawn 27. Circus entertainer 30. Protrude 31. Broadcast

May 13 Answers

32. Bunny’s motion 33. Sooty dirt 35. ____ se 36. Function 37. Delay 38. Sleighs 40. Healed 42. Deli loaf 43. Compose 45. ____ as a pin 49. Loafer, e.g. 52. Raven’s call 53. Female knight 54. Wolf cry 55. Go ____ over 56. Divisible by two 57. Cheer

58. Supervised 59. Budget item DOWN 1. Recipe verb 2. Lineup number 3. Coffee servers 4. Give as a gift 5. Change 6. Interpret 7. Least possible 8. ERAs, e.g. 9. Support 10. Nourished 11. Hazardous curve 20. Overly dainty 22. Type of fisherman 24. Cloak

25. Told a fib 26. Goes wrong 27. Buddy 28. Meet defeat 29. Doing business 30. Folk dance 34. Extreme 39. Bank, sometimes 41. Live 42. Marry again 44. Cassette 46. Roofline detail 47. Sermon response 48. Hiker’s shelter 49. Timid 50. Gardening tool 51. Hooting bird

BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENTS

Introduce your new addition here in next week’s issue for FREE! Come in and fill out a form or email admin@meridiansource.ca Deadline is Tuesday at noon for the Thursday edition.

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Thursday, May 20, 2021

Victoria

HAPPY

DAY!

NEW LISTING

NEW PRICE NEW PRICE

BRIGHTSAND LAKE

ELK POINT

FEATURED LISTINGS

306 RACCOON PLACE

PARADISE HILL

• Three bedroom year-round LAKE FRONT home with a huge deck on Brightsand Lake! • Generous lot, oversided double garage with workshop & parking for everyone! $

429,800

39,900 MLS A1100101

MLS A1106159 PARADISE HILL

• Immaculately maintained three bed, 1 bath bungalow in a cul-de-sac location. • Tastefully landscaped, mature yard.

BUFFALO NARROWS

MLS A1098129 MLS A1098112 $ SK 49,000 EACH

MLS A1106160

• Small town living with revenue potential! 3 beds, 2 baths up & 3 beds, 1 bath down! • Updates include siding, facia, shingles, windows, electrical & plumbing. $

COWAN LAKE

125,000

SK MLS A1007160 MLS A1007166 $ SK 45,000 EACH

MLS A1107570

COMMERCIAL LEASE SPACES

KITSCOTY LOT

DOWNTOWN

MERIDIAN PLAZA

AB $30,000 MLS A1101950

AB $1,050/month MLS A1088633

SK $15.00 SQ. FT. MLS A1044600

PLAZA 44 BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

PLAZA 44

AB $14.50/SQ. FT. MLS A1093741

AB $13.50 SQ. FT. MLS A1092045

PLAZA 44 SECOND FLOOR

PLAZA 51

AB $9.50 SQ. FT. MLS A1093711

AB $7.50 SQ. FT. MLS A1056182

PARADISE HILL

SK $19,900 MLS 1018005

DEWBERRY LOTS

14,500 TRAILER LOTS $ 7,500 HOUSE LOTS

LIFE IN THE COUNTRY PT SW30-50-26 W3RD

SE 22-50-19 W3RD

PT SW 18-44-27 W3RD

308 - 8TH AVENUE

• This 1248 sq. ft., 3 bed, 2 bath home is a great investment or starter home. • With a 16' x 24' heated garage on a huge lot in the village of Paradise Hill. $

MLS A1105172

RENTAL OPPORTUNITIES

212 - 1ST STREET WEST

LASHBURN

MLS A1106272

99,000

209,900

5103 - 32 STREET

LAND

215 - 6TH AVENUE

• Small town charm. One owner, updated and nicely renovated. • Well treed double lot with beautiful perennials, raised garden bed, double detached garage, alley access. $

ALBERTA 3315-51 Ave. 5675-43 St. 3009-57A Ave. 2917-51 Ave. 5207-47 St. 5607-31 St. 4605-56 Ave. 5101-18 St. 6608-42 St. 6802-42 St. 5225-50 St. 1312-55 Ave.

1 bed, 1 bath 1 bed, 1 bath 1 bed, 1 bath 2 bed, 1 bath 2 bed, 1 bath 2 bed, 1 bath 3 bed, 1 bath 2 bed, 2 bath 2 bed, 2 bath 2 bed, 2 bath 4 bed, 2 bath 3 bed, 2 bath

SASKATCHEWAN

4724-40 St. 4513-32 St. 4727-20 St. 4729-18 St. 4008-41 Ave. 4321-32 St. 4738-13 St. 4405-32 St. 3709-42 Ave.

2 bed, 1 bath 4 bed, 2 bath 3 bed, 2 bath 3 bed, 2 bath 3 bed, 2 bath 3 bed, 2 bath 3 bed, 2 bath 3 bed, 2 bath 4 bed, 2 bath

READY! READY! READY! READY! READY! June 1st READY! READY! READY! READY! READY! READY!

$675 $700 $800 $900 $900 $900 $1000 $1000 $1100 $1100 $1400 $1500 $850 $1100 $1200 $1200 $1250 $1250 $1250 $1300 $1900

READY! READY! READY! READY! READY! July 1st June 1st READY! July 1st

APPLY ONLINE TODAY SK

625,000 MLS A1071380 SK

460,000 MLS A1099625 SK

169,900 MLS A1051061

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

facebook.com/coldwellbankercitysiderealty

instagram.com/coldwellbankercitysiderealty