Meridian Source - May 9, 2019 by Meridian Source

Thursday, May 9, 2019

VOLUME 1 I ISSUE 45

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SEE PAGES 15-18 FOR our naosh Special Section

A little wind didn’t slow down annual MS Walk

Taylor Weaver Meridian Source TAYLOR WEAVER

EDITOR

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Despite Saturday morning’s high winds, the Border City’s annual Jayman BUILT MS Walk, held at Bud Miller All Seasons Park, marched on in full force. “The Lloydminster Jayman BUILT MS Walk is an impor-

tant opportunity to bring our community together to create awareness and sensitivity to the needs of individuals and families impacted by MS,” said Tammy Klotz, fund development coordinator, MS Society of Canada, Lloydminster Chapter. “It is also a time for cele-

bration as we unify individuals who have collaboratively joined their energy to fight against MS. It is truly an act of greatness that empowers those living with MS to take action in building a more hopeful future for Canadians facing this disease.” This y ear’s f u nd raising

total currently sits at nearly $66,000, but that number will continue to grow throughout the month. There was a total of 230 participants in this year’s walk, including 37 teams, but not including walk-ons from the day’s event. Over 77, 000 Canadians live with MS, and approx-

imately 11 Canadians are diagnosed with MS every single day. MS is also the most common neurological disease affecting young adults in Canada – with many people being diagnosed during their prime career and familybuilding years.

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Thursday, May 9, 2019

Lloyd site plan stirs Costco talk GEOFF LEE

WRITER

.................................. Costco Warehouse Corporation has ruled out a Costco outlet in Lloydminster—at least in the near term— in response to fresh rumours tying it to a new development site.

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I can confirm that none of the planned Q4 openings are in Canada.

There are no new sites in Canada noted on Costco’s latest list of locations posted on their website up to July. Recent social media chatter about Costco expanding to Lloyd stems from an online notice for an open house on the Lakeside Area Structure Plan the City of Lloydminster and Musgrave Agencies will present to the public on May 15. The conceptual site plan for the development located northeast

File Photo of 75 Ave. and 12 St. shows a Lakeside Shopping Centre that has some people suggesting Costco as a tenant. Developer Musgrave Agencies is also applying to the city to amend a land use bylaw to add warehouse sales as one of several discretionary uses within Commercial Shopping Centre or C4 zoning. Rumours of a potential Costco expansion in Lloyd have been swirling online the past few years. However, none of 12 new Costco locations and two relocations

announced by Costco in a March webcast for the company’s fiscal fourth quarter (ending Aug. 31) is in Canada. That was verified in an email on May 2 from Josh Dahmen, financial planning and investor relations director with the corporation in the United States. “I can confirm that none of the planned Q4 openings are in Canada,” said Dahmen, who didn’t offer information beyond that point. According to U.S. industry insider Winsight Grocery Business,

Costco typically does not identify opening dates of new locations until about two months before they open. Costco currently has 100 locations in Canada with 17 in Alberta including Grande Prairie with a population of approximately 63,000. Last year, Costco opened nearby warehouses in Nisku, Alta. and Regina, Sask. Costco is the third largest global retailer with reported sales of $138.4 billion in their previous fiscal year in 2018.

Council establishes 2019 Mill Rate MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

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City Council approved the 2019 Property Tax Mill Rate and Taxable Assessment Bylaw during their recent May 6 meeting. The Assessment and Taxation department calculated the 2019 Mill Rates based on the new assessment roll and revisions provided by the Assessor. Council approval of the bylaw is required for t he Cit y t o be g in the levy process to ensure 2019 tax

File Photo notices are delivered to property owners in a timely manner. The total taxable assessment for 2019 tax year is $4.437 billion, which is down from $4.501 billion in 2018

or a 1.4 per cent overall decrease. In 2019, with the assessment and proposed mill rate changes, the tax levy will collect an estimated $36 million for municipal pur-

poses as approved in the 2019 Budget. Tax notices will be printed and mailed to Lloydminster property owners in mid-May 2019. Taxes are due June 30, 2019.

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Thursday, May 9, 2019

Tobacco Reduction Grant funds doled out TAYLOR WEAVER

EDITOR

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C i t y c o u n c i l approved grant allocations for the 2019 Lloydminster Tobacco Reduction Grant to

four local organizations during Tuesday’s meeting of council. In 2019, $27,600 was collected from the Tobacco Retailer and Flavoured Tobacco

Retailer Business License fees. Th e s e f u nd s a re t o be utilized for tobacco reduction initiatives in the community and are distributed through the

Lloydminster Tobacco Reduction Grant. This year’s recipients of grant funding are the Lloydminster and Area Drug Strategy, Making a PACT,

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$3,175, Lloydminster Sexual Assault Services, Behind the Smoke: Lighting Up, Coping Skills, $5,730, Lloydminster Interval Home Society, Luving My Lungs, $11,695, and the Lloydminster and Area Drug Strategy Vaping-Is It Really?, $7,000.

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At the end of the day we hope that when the stats come out, there are less people smoking and vaping.

The call for applications opened April 18, 2018, and closed April 1. Four applications were received totalling $35,905.00 in requests for funding. The applications were provided to the Lloydminster Tobacco Reduction Grant Review Committee which consists of three city staff from the social program and services and finance departments. “I think this is important for us as a community,” said Coun. Michael Diachuk in regards to

funding being used for anti-smoking and vaping campaigns geared towards youth. “The amount is really never enough, but it’s important as a message from us as ratepayers, citizens, and leaders in the community for us to say ‘it’s important enough to give this to you because we think it’s a priority in the community, so here’s some support for you to try to make a difference here in Lloydminster.’” The four-year-old program has been successful when it comes to giving back to the community over the years, something Mayor Gerald Aalbers is pleased to continually see. “The activities and results as an example, when you’re driving through the city and see signs to remind people this is a tobacco-free zone, that message is out there,” said Aalbers. “The work on an individual basis, working with students, working with adults, those are the results I think we don’t see directly, but at the end of the day we hope that when the stats come out, there are less people smoking and vaping.”

Thursday, May 9, 2019

‘Canstruction’ to stock food bank GEOFF LEE

WRITER

.................................. One can make a difference. That’s the catchy slogan for an ongoing team competition to build giant structures made from cans of food that will end up restocking The Olive Tree Food Bank. The event is being held under the title of Canstruction Lloydminster as a partnership between The Olive Tree charity and Servus Credit Union. “It’s a really neat idea,” said Becky Schille, director of The Olive Tree. The food bank is definitely short of food right now. There’s a lot of food drives that go on throughout the year, so it’s just a fun, different idea to support the food bank. “For businesses, companies and groups, it’s a team building event—it’s something fun to do and then it also gives back to the community.” The competition is registered with Canstruction Inc. founded in 1992 in the U.S. to unite the design, engineering and construction industry in a fun way to provide canned food to hunger relief organizations. Schille says she heard about canstruction events from a volunteer

File Photo about five years ago and always wanted to do one, but they never had the support or a volunteer base to get it off the ground until now. “In conversations with Servus Credit Union they decided to partner with us. We’re really excited to do our first year,” she said. “They are sponsoring the event and we are both going to local businesses and asking them to enter a team.” If a company registers a team they collect cans and build whatever they want. CONTINUED ON PAGE 7

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Thursday, May 9, 2019

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Murder charges laid following shooting MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

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On May 6 the RCMP Major Crimes Unit arrested and charged a male with first-degree murder with the assistance of Calgary Police Service in relation to Lloydminster RCMP responding to multiple calls of shots being fired on April 27. Christopher Andrew Hermkens (28) of Edmonton was

Stocking shelves with artistic integrity FROM PAGE 5

It will take a lot of cans to build the City of Rome, but Schille says anything goes. “There’s been some really unique things done. There’s been some really big structures. We’re really excited about it,” said Schille. Anyone in the community can get involved as a volunteer, by entering a team, sponsoring a structure, donating funds and voting for

their favourite structure. “In the first week of June the community can go around and vote on their favourite structure,” said Schille, who noted it will be good for participants. “The fun thing with that is you are going to have people coming to your place of business that might not have been before.” Guest Control Systems is the first business to register a team for what

will be a judged event on June 7. Canstruction is providing trophies to be awarded in various categories including the best use of labels, the most cans, and the most creative structures. Schille says there’s a lot of rules for canstruction, but you can use magnets, silicon and elastic bands and different support techniques in can architecture. When the judging

is over, the structures will be taken down and the cans will go to the food bank. Entry forms are available by email from The Olive Tree and the credit union with a $25 registration fee.

arrested in Calgary for the murder of Raymond Dumont, 32, that occurred by Rendell Park School in Lloydminster. He was remanded into custody and will be

appearing in Lloydminster Provincial Court via CCTV Tuesday morning at 10 a.m. As this matter is now before the courts no further information will be released.

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Thursday, May 9, 2019

You won’t know until you try Local florist returns from competition with fourth-place finish, more love for art form

Taylor Weaver Meridian Source

Local Florist Audina Hardstaff, seen in her home studio in the Border City, recently returned from the Maple Cup in Edmonton where she took home fourth overall, her best finish in a floral design competition to date, as well as the reassurance that anything is possible when you put your mind to it.

Submitted Photo TAYLOR WEAVER

EDITOR

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Lloydminster native Audina Hardstaff, of “Flowers on the Fly by Audina,” has something to celebrate, and it doesn’t hurt that it smelled good too.

Hardstaff recently returned her third Maple Cup National Floral design competition at the West Edmonton Mall, where she took home fourth out of 20 artists competing from across Canada.

The winner of each competition moves on to represent Canada in World Championships. “This year I am proud to say I placed fourth. I enjoyed my experience would be an understatement, and each year I complete I meet and befriend many skilled floral designers and enjoy watching their creative visions come to life with their own personal touch and talent,” said Hardstaff. “Each year I complete I grow as a designer and it is through these experiences I have been inspired to create unique and non-

traditional designs. “Each piece that I create, whether big or small, is my way of expressing the love I have through the language of flowers. Flowers are there when the words are not; through life’s joys, sorrows and celebrations.” With 15 years in the floral industry, taking on the task of running her own business, although tough at times, has been a rewarding experience for her. For more information on Flowers on the Fly by Audina visit the businesses’ Facebook page.

Thursday, May 9, 2019

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Cops set to swarm food bank GEOFF LEE

WRITER

.................................. The Lloydminster Salvation Army Food Bank could be in for a pleasant surprise from this year’s 5th annual Stuff The Cruiser food drive. The Lloydminster and District Co-op and RCMP Detachment organizing partners held a news conference at the host Co-op Marketplace on Monday to promote mass participation. The popular charity event will take place this Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Co - o p p a r k i n g l o t a t 3606 50 Ave. “This is the fifth one. This is the best one so far,” declared a stoked Const. Michael Hagel. “I’m very excited. We are using a different car this year. We are using a brand new minivan for community policing, so there’s going to be a lot more space in there compared to a Crown Vic.”

Kristine Knourek, the Co-op’s marketing and communication manager, says the goal for this year’s fifth-anniversary milestone is to stuff as many cruisers as possible. “The most we have stuffed in years past is 17 cruisers, so that would be amazing if we could beat that this year, being it’s the fifth anniversary,” she said. The event is well timed, as Knourek says she’s heard from staff at the food bank that their shelves are looking very bare this time of the year. “So it’s a great way to fill them up before the end of school,” she said. Hagel says they have stuffed 50 cruisers in the history of the event and he wants to get that number even higher this year with a good turnout. “This event really showcases the generos-

ity of the Lloydminster community,” he said.

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The most we have stuffed in years past is 17 cruisers, so that would be amazing if we could beat that this year, being it’s the fifth anniversary.

Members from the Lloydminster RCMP Detachment as well as Lloydminster Fire Department and Lloydminster Citizens on Patrol will be on hand collecting donations on behalf of the food bank. As usual Citizens on Patrol will crew an on-site barbecue for a donation to the food bank. There will also be a fire truck on site for kids to tour.

Knourek encourages residents and Co-op members to come down to the Co-op on Saturday to help stuff cruisers. “They can purchase either a $10 or a $20 food bag or shop in the store and donate any food item,” she explained. Knourek says supporting communities is a huge part of what the Co-op stands for. “We are very pleased to partner with the Lloydminster RCMP, the Lloydminster Fire Department and Citizens on Patrol and once again make this a very successful event,” she said. Hagel is excited to have a more official capacity this year with a larger community policing role than last year when he was just volunteering. “This year, I am very pumped to help out right from the beginning of the program,”

said Hagel. Const. Grant Kirzinger will also be on hand with the possibility of a third constable taking part wearing a

red serge. Some cadet volunteers from the RCMP Youth Academy will also help to stuff the cruiser.

PAGE 10 Thursday, May 9, 2019 MERIDIAN SOURCE

Viewpoint

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

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

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

2017

Taylor Weaver Meridian Source

A small brush fire had members of the Lloydminster Fire Department on high alert late Monday afternoon just north of the Lloydminster Exhibition Grounds. The County of Vermilion River has been under a partial fire ban since April 23, but the Border City remains unaffected. Letters to the Editor We welcome letters to the editor. Letters should be 500 words or less. A name and daytime phone number is required for verification. Priority will be given to letters exclusively written for the Meridian Source. We reserve the right to edit letters for clarity, brevity, spelling, grammar, punctuation and libel. Unsigned letters will not be published. Use of pseudonyms will only be allowed in special circumstances, at the discretion of the editor and the publisher, and only if the authorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s identity is known to the editor. Publication of a letter does not imply endorsement by the Meridian Source. Send to taylor@meridiansource.ca

PAGE 11 Thursday, May 9, 2019 MERIDIAN SOURCE

Opinion

Leeway from Lloyd: Kenney sticks to his word STAFF WRITER GEOFF LEE

Alberta UCP Premier Jason Kenney is staying true to his election promise to proclaim Bill 12 —dubbed the turn-off-the-taps legislation, during his first cabinet meeting. The bill was introduced by the NDP last year as a last resort tool in case the B.C. government keeps blocking the expansion of the Trans

Mountain Pipeline. Now that it’s a law, B.C., plans to fight the bill saying there is a provision in the Constitution that makes it unlawful to restrict the flow of refined products between provinces. Isn’t that exactly what B.C. is doing to our oil by blocking construction of the TMX? Without the expan-

sion, Alberta can’t ship oil products to the tidewater port in Burnaby other than by rail. And if they are allowing rail, then why are they continually trying to stop construction of the TMX? Of course, B.C. loves to say it’s for environmental reasons while allowing raw sewage from their capital of Victoria to pour into the ocean and into the mouths of whales who prefer that to Alberta oil, I presume. By the way, that sewage may be the reason

Through the reader’s lens

Sharon Crush Submitted to the Meridian Source Thank you Sharon for this unique photo of a Mallard duck taking interest to one of your flower arrangements, a true sign of spring. If you would like to see your photographs here, email them to taylor@meridiansource.ca

whales have been decimated, not to mention the threat posed by all those hippy-dippy whale watching boats and motors. I am all for Kenney to have a trump card in his deck, otherwise, the fight over the TMX is all talk and no action. Maybe Kenney should also revise Bill 12 to exclude all harmful forest fire smoke from B.C. from fouling our air

space and our lungs as it did last summer. We could call it the Smokey the Air clause. I also applaud Kenney for lobbying to kill federal Bill C-48, which would only ban oil tankers off much of the west coast carrying Alberta oil with no restrictions on foreign ships loaded with oil. Remember the environmentally friendly Exxon Valdez?

Which country’s flag is B.C. flying these days? I never heard of B.C. protesting the environmental or economic impact of building the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1886. The pipeline is on the same scale of that nation-building railway that united this country, but it might pay for a sewage upgrade in Victoria too.

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Thursday, May 9, 2019

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

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

Passport to YLL

uled on a Tuesday morning from 8:15 a.m. to noon. Please contact Nancy Johnston at 306-820-6096 or H e l e n R o g e r s a t 306-820-6291 to pre-register. EVERY TUESDAY — SENIORS MEET The Lloydminster Concerned Citizens for Seniors Care Society meets at the Legacy Centre from noon until 1:30 p.m. Lunch is available for $10. Please reserve before Tuesday morning at 780-8754584. Everyone welcome. EVERY TUESDAY & SATURDAY — FARMER’S MARKET Downtown Farmer’s Market at the Fred North Community Centre (5002 - 51 Avenue, Lloydminster) from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. (Tues) 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. (Sat) We’re on Facebook. EVERY THURSDAY – FARMER’S MARKET The Border City Farmer’s Market takes place every Thursday at the Servus Sports Centre (5202-12 st.) from 12-6 p.m. EVERY TUESDAY AND THURSDAY – LABIS WALKING PROGRAM Brain injury survivors are invited to join the Lloydminster and Area Brain Injury Society (LABIS) Walking Program on Tuesdays from 1 to 2:30 p.m. and Thursdays from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Servus Sports Centre. It is free of charge. For more info please call 306-825-7212. PLAYSCHOOL PREREGISTRATION Southridge Playschool is open for preregistration for

To place an event, email taylor@meridiansource.ca or fax 306-825-5147 the 2019-2020 school year. We offer a structured, play based program for your 3-5 year old to learn & grow. For more information or to tour the facility, please call Mrs. P at 780-871-2345. We are located at 6310-50 Ave. MAY 1-31 – CLOTHING DRIVE Coldwell Banker City Side Realty will be accepting donations of NEW CLOTHING ONLY at 3812 -5 1st Avenue. All donations will be given to Lloydminster Sexual Assault Services. MAY 9 – SPRING SONGFEST The Lloydminstrels (Legacy Choir) will be hosting their “Spring Songfest” at the Legacy Centre on May 9. The program will start at 1:30 p.m. The Vermilion Choir will also be performing. Come out for an afternoon of song! Everyone Welcome! Admission is by donation at the door with refreshments after the performance. Call Legacy office for more info at 780-875-4584. MAY 10 – SPRING GARAGE SALE There will be a spring garage sale at the Knox Presbyterian Church, 5115 49 St. Lloydminster, Friday May 10 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday May 11 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. MAY 11 – CHARITY BBQ Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lloydminster will be hosting a charity BBQ at Windsor Plywood as part of their 50th Anniversary Tent Sale on Saturday, May 11 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Cost is by donation. Proceeds support agency mentoring programs.

MAY 15 –GIVE A TOONIE, SHARE A DREAM Wednesday May 15, Special Olympics Alberta-Lloydminster will be promoting their month-long campaign of “Give a Toonie Share a Dream” hosted by Staples. On May 15 in front of Staples from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. there will be a BBQ sponsored by Staples with burgers donated by M&M Food Market. For $5 you get a burger or hotdog, chips, and a pop. Spring is here, enjoy a barbeque and support Lloydminster Special Olympics Athletes. MAY 16 – SPRING TEA AND BAKE SALE The Pioneer Lodge Spring Tea & Bake Sale is being held on May 16 at 5722-50 Street. Bake sale starts at 1:30 p.m. and tea at 2 p.m. Admission $4. Everyone welcome. MAY 16 – 500 CARD TOURNAMENT The Legacy Centre is hosting a 500 Card Tournament on May 16. Play begins at 10 a.m. and the cost is $10 to play and $10 for lunch. Everyone welcome! Call Legacy office for more info at 780-875-4584. MAY 23 –CRIBBAGE TOURNAMENT The Legacy Centre is hosting a Cribbage Tournament on May 23. Play begins at 10 a.m. and the cost is $10 to play and $10 for lunch. Everyone welcome! Call Legacy office for more info at 780-875-4584. JUNE 4 – SAFE FOOD HANDLING COURSE Grace United Church is hosting a “Safe Food Handling Course” on Tuesday, June 4. Deadline to register

is April 30. Cost is $94.50. To register and pay please see Caroline at the Grace United Church Office. Office hours are Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Everyone welcome. If you require more information, please call Deb Lundquist at 780-871-1652. JUNE 7-9 – GOSPEL JAMBOREE 11th Manitou Lake Gospel Jamboree June 7-9 ML Bible Camp Neilburg, SK. Free Concerts in heated Tabernacle. Tax receipts for donations. Keepers of The Faith, Daae Family, Potter’s Clay Quartet, Kenny Mac, Touch of Grace, Ben Johnsons, Fraser Valley, Budds, Neilburg Youth Band, Fri. 7 p.m. and Sat and Sun.10:15 a.m. Free banana splits Friday night. Concession. Sat. Fundraiser Turkey Supper. Free camping. Come out and enjoy an inspiring weekend of gospel music. LLOYDMINSTER LEARNING COUNCIL - Microsoft Office Series – 5 Thursdays between May 15 and June 13 from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Fee is $125. Call 780875-5763 to register. - Google Series, four weeks, Thursdays, March 14 - Apr 4, 2019, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Fee: $100. JULY 6 – RIDERS GAME The Legacy Centre is off to Regina for the Riders game on July 6 for their 8 p.m. home game and coming home July 7. Trip price includes bus ride to and from Regina, hotel room and ticket to Riders’ game against Calgary. Call Legacy office for more info at 780-875-4584.

Thursday, May 9, 2019

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Fake cops to slow traffic GEOFF LEE

WRITER

.................................. The Lloydminster RCMP and City of Lloydminster hope to scare motorists into slowing down with the use of special traffic cop decoys. The first two life-size cut-outs of uniformed RCMP officers will be installed this month to discourage would-be speeders, with more on order. “We are hoping to have them this week,” said Glenn Alford, senior manager, public safety, during a news briefing on Tuesday. “We’re going to concentrate on the vulnerable populations— school zones and playgrounds.” The decoys will be positioned in visible locations next to roadways. The city calls the project a traffic safety pilot program dubbed “Constable Scare-

crow” that originated in Coquitlam, British Columbia in mid-2018. RCMP in that community reported the number of drivers exceeding the speed limit by 10 km/h was reduced by approximately 50 per cent. “We thought it would be something that we could transfer to Lloydminster. We’re just hoping it will slow down the motoring public,” said Alford. “It’s an innovative idea that we’re borrowing from Coquitlam. I think anything that’s going to modify that driver behaviour and make things safer for everybody else is a good idea.” Alford notes the new recruits aren’t much for conversation, but they have proven highly effective in their duties with other municipalities. “I think people will be positive about it,”

he said. Each cut-out costs approximately $325 to produce and features the facial image of an actual RCMP member from Coquitlam. The cutouts come with anti-theft hardware and a coating that is resistant to marking. “It’s a very low cost and effective way to slow people down in zones in a more vulnerable sector of our population,” said Alford. The city will also be purchasing some data collection devices at a cost of about $5,000 each to monitor traffic. “The program is just in its infancy,” said Alford, while explaining how it works in Coquitlam. He says there, they monitor traffic the week prior to posting a cop cutout and again when one goes up. When speeds start to creep up again and

people get used to the cutouts, some actual traffic enforcement may take place in that area. “So you just never know; is there going to be a sign or a real officer in that area,” advised Alford. “By and large it’s an awareness piece. It’s an education piece. It’s going to make you think about your speed.”

File Photo

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Thursday, May 9, 2019

Colour run to kick off $250,000 fund GEOFF LEE

WRITER

.................................. This year’s Bea Fisher Colour Within Fun Run will turn into a marathon fundraiser. The sixth annual 5-kilometre run/ walk held May 24 will launch a $250,000 capital improvement project to repair and improve the Bea Fisher network of Lloydmin-

ster group homes. That’s the word from Kim Crockett, marketing and business development coordinator at Bea Fisher Group of Companies. “All of the funds that we are looking to raise over the next couple of years through events such as the colour run are going to be geared towards improvements

in our group homes in Lloydminster,” said Crockett. He says the scope of the project will involve everything from remodelling, repainting and removing walls to renovating kitchens in about a dozen group homes Bea Fisher operates in the area. Bea Fisher delivers life-changing services to individuals living with developmental disabilities including residential living and support. Crockett says a number of group homes w e re ne ve r d e s ig ne d with clients in mind. “Some of them need some fairly serious and significant renovations to make them more usable for the clients that have some different needs than the rest of us,” he said. Crockett says the fundraising goal of the colour run is to net $20,000 from entry

fees, sponsors and donations. He notes this year’s run will help to raise awareness of the work that Bea Fisher does along with the long term needs of their clients within this area. “ We are looking at t h at a s a l au nc h p ad for a few other initiatives that we will get out to the public over the next couple of years,” said Crockett. “We are hoping by the day of the colour run we can start making some announcements about our next initiative.” Crockett says to do the group homework, Bea Fisher is reliant on fundraising to qualify for grants. “We have to put some effort into this and raise some funds ourselves before people will help us out. This is part of why we do this run,” he said. As the run director,

Crockett is currently seeking corporate donations, sponsorships, volunteers and fun-run participants to make this year’s high profile event a success. “We’ve got a great team of sponsors that are sponsoring different parts of the run itself,” he said. The three main event sponsors are Gryphon Benefits and Insurance, Servus Credit Union and Lloydminster Plumbing and Heating Ltd. It took 75 volunteers to pull off last year’s run with a similar number expected this year. “We’ve got a very active social media presence going on right now; we are starting to get interest from volunteers coming through,” said Crockett. Some of the volunteers are going to be throwing colour at

participants as they pass through various stations on the course in keeping with the event’s name. For the first time, the event will take place on a Friday night. “It allows people to still enjoy the balance of their weekend, and on a Friday evening, what a way to finish off a work week,” explained Crockett. “It’s the sort of run where people can walk or run or literally take their dogs on it. It’s as competitive or as noncompetitive as anyone wants to make it.” The run will start and finish at the Bud Miller All Seasons Park picnic shelter with registration tables open at 5:30 p.m. and the run going ahead at 6:30 p.m. In the meantime, Crockett will continue his search for a high energy master of ceremonies.

Thursday, May 9, 2019

Make safety a habit NAOSH Week proclaimed across Saskatchewan naosh.ca. Saskatchewan is committed to Mission: Zero – zero injuries, zero fatalities, zero suffering.

File Photo MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

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The Government of Saskatchewan has proclaimed May 5-11 as North American Occupational Safety and Health (NAOSH) Week. Every year, Canada, the United States and Mexico observe NAOSH Week to promote workplace health and safety. “NAOSH Week serves as an important reminder that we must continue to make health and safety a top priority every day,” Labour Relations and

“

NAOSH Week serves as an important reminder that we must continue to make health and safety a top priority every day.

Workplace Safety Minister Don Morgan said. Luncheons are scheduled for May 6 in Regina and May 7 in Saskatoon. Both events will feature keynote speaker Paul Krismer,

positive psychology, engagement, happiness and safety expert. A committee of representatives from the Canadian Society of Safety Engineering, Saskatchewan Safety Council, the federal government, Workers’ Compensation Board, and Labour Relations and Workplace Safety work together to promote and coordinate activities and events across Saskatchewan. To learn more about NAOSH and events hosted throughout Canada, visit www.

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Thursday, May 9, 2019

A little NAOSH Week history to keep traditions strong MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

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North American Occupational Safety and Health Week, or NAOSH Week, was first launched in June 1997 and was marked by an agreement between Canada, the United States and Mexico. Canada’s Society of Safety Engineering, or CSSE, Canadian Occu-

pational Health and Safety Week (COHS) had been observed from 1986-1996. During the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) talks between the governments of Mexico, the United States, and Canada, workplace safety within the boundaries of all three nations was discussed by government labour depart-

ment representatives.

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The goal throughout Safety and Health Week is to focus on employers, employees, partners and the public on the importance of preventing injury and illness in the workplace, at home, and in the community.

Canada’s representative suggested to his Mexican and American counterparts that their countries may wish to become involved in a similar endeavour to

COHS Week. Following this, CSSE was approached for permission and support to expand the COHS Week format and experience to Mexico and the United States. After many meetings between Labour Canada and the CSSE COHS Committee in 1995, the proposal to expand the COHS format into the North American arena was formalized with the CSSE Board of Directors at their spring 1996 meeting. It was agreed that CSSE would adopt the North American concept and implement it in place of the Canadian Week. Labour Canada agreed to ensure that CSSE was the officially

recognized safety organization responsible for NAOSH Week. In September 1996, the agreement was taken to the NAFTA meeting and all parties agreed to the proposal. NAOSH Week was established. The goal through-

out Safety and Health Week is to focus on employers, employees, partners and the public on the importance of preventing injury and illness in the workplace, at home, and in the community. Workplace safety is everyone’s responsibility.

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Thursday, May 9, 2019

MERIDIAN SOURCE

WorkSafe Sask. announces Youth Video Contest winners

orkSafe Saskatchewan is pleased to announce the winners of the 2019 Youth Video Contest. Saskatchewan students in Grade 9 to 12 were invited to create a two-minute video with the theme, “Focus on Safety” to help students learn more about workplace safety. The 2019 Youth Video Contest winners are: First place: It Doesn’t Just Affect You by Rajesh Rodney, Jack Andrew, Greg Boechler and Ali Asim (teacher Samantha Roberts), Aden Bowman Collegiate, Saskatoon Second place: Work Safety Video – Communications Media by Lorez Cossette and Maddison Landrie (teacher Scott Wicker), Central Collegiate Institute, Moose Jaw Third place: A Test of Focus by Nicole Steinley, Jenna Sloman and Lucas Friesen (teacher Lisa Bender), Swift Current Comprehensive High School, Swift Current This year, WorkSafe received 42 entries from

14 schools across the province. Entries were judged on their technical merit, adherence to safety regulations, creativity and overall safety message.

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The winning video demonstrates the impact of a youth’s workplace death and how working safely affects more than just you.

A panel of five people scored each entry – representatives from a safety association, the film industry and the WCB’s Prevention and Communications Departments. “The winning video demonstrates the impact of a youth’s workplace death and how working safely affects more than just you,” said Kevin Mooney, WCB’s Director of Prevention. “It scored top marks

from the judging panel for its presentation of the WorkSafe message and technical components.” Every year in Saskatchewan, 4,000 people under the age of 25 are injured on the job and an average of three youth die from a workplace incident. “Through the Youth Video Contest, we are educating youth about safety in the workplace by having them make a workplace safety video,” said Mooney. “This year, a number of schools participated for the first time. It’s encouraging to see so many young people invested in safe work practices through our video contest.” WorkSafe Saskatchewan will present the winning videos at the

annual NAOSH week luncheons in Regina and Saskatoon on May 6 and 7. You can view WorkSafe Saskatchewan’s winning videos on WorkSafe Saskatchewan’s YouTube channel. The province’s first-place winning team, Rajesh Rodney, Jack Andrew, Greg Boechler and Ali Asim from Aden Bowman Collegiate in Saskatoon, advanced to the national contest hosted by the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS). CCOHS will announce the winners of the national contest via a news release on Monday, May 6 during NAOSH week (May 5 to 11).

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Thursday, May 9, 2019

All hands on deck: May marked hand safety month A case can be made for hands being ranked

as the most valuable and widely used tools in the

workplace. Hands are relied on to perform some of the simplest and even the most difficult of tasks. They are used every day to get dressed, drive, type, text, and even play with kids and pets. The temporary and permanent inability to use one or both hands can make day-to-day activities more challenging. That’s why it is critical that this part of the body be protected from serious injury on the job. According to Saskatchewan Workers’ Compensation Board claims made in 2017, hand injuries accounted for nearly 30 per cent of all injuries in the construction industry. “Even though our hands are extremely valuable tools, we still see workers that think

cuts are just part of the job or complain that they can’t do their job properly when they have safety gloves on,” said Sebastian Marktanner, certified National Construction Safety Officer and Senior Safety Advisor with the Saskatchewan Construction Safety Association (SCSA). “When hand protection is properly selected and used, it should not hinder how you perform a task, and if it does cause an inconvenience, this is minor compared to the loss of fingers or permanent nerve damage,” added Marktanner. Selecting the proper glove is essential in protecting these tools from on-the-job hazards. The wrong gloves risk injury to the worker and a loss of productivity. It is important to

remember that no single glove will provide protection against every hazard or substance. During the gloveselection process, identify key elements that are required to perform the job safely: - Are chemical hazards present? Do the chemical hazards occur in liquid, gas, powder or vapour form? Will workers’ hands be subject to light splashes or total immersion? - Are abrasions and punctures from sharp objects a problem? Many gloves are designed to protect from slashes caused by sharp objects, but few provide high levels of puncture resistance from objects such as the ragged edges of a piece of metal or glass. Will the abrasions or punctures occur

to the palm, top of the hand, or both? - Is a secure grip vital to the application? When workers cannot grasp objects securely, especially those that are wet or oily, the objects may slide through their hands and result in injuries or damaged products; - Is dexterity important? Working at high speeds require having the dexterity and tactile sensitivity to handle small parts or objects quickly; - Is protection or dexterity the priority? Thinner-gauge gloves offer more dexterity; heaviergauge gloves offer greater hand protection. This is only a short list of important things to consider when it comes to protecting your hands on the job site.

Thursday, May 9, 2019

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Corner meds made for you GEOFF LEE

WRITER

.................................. The one size fits all theory doesn’t apply to all health care patients who need prescribed medications. That was the thinking be hind the business launch of The Compounding Corner in 2 0 17 l oc a t e d n e x t door to the Sprucewood Pharmacy on 46 St. in Lloydminster. Both businesses are owned by pharmac i s t Jo d y G i l by, w h o explained what compounding is and how it’s a benefit to residents, during a presentation at the Rotary Club of Lloydminster’s Monday luncheon. “Compounding is the art and science of creating personalized medicine,” said Gilby. “It all starts with a problem; the child who can’t swallow pills; the patient with a gluten allergy or a much-needed drug in

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Geoff Lee Meridian Source

Jody Gilby, pharmacist and owner of the Sprucewood Pharmacy and The Compounding Corner, spoke at the Rotary Club of Lloydminster’s Monday lunch meeting about the benefits of customized medications that her compounding lab provides to patients through other pharmacies and physicians’ offices.

short supply.” She says compounding creates a unique product that’s not available on a commercial basis. Gilby says many people are not well served by mass-produced medication. She says compounding is all about providing special flavouring,

unique dosage forms and innovative delivery methods. The Compounding Corner, for instance, provides personalized medications and prescriptions made in the specific strength and dosage form required by each patient. CONTINUED ON PAGE 25

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Thursday, May 9, 2019

Defending Alberta’s economy, resources and people MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

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Government is stand-

ing up for Alberta, protecting the value of energy exports and

getting a fair deal for Albertans. The newly swornin government’s first order of business, as promised, was proclaiming Preserving Canada’s Economic Prosperity Act, which gives Alberta powers to restrict the export of natural gas, crude oil and refined fuels across its borders to ensure maximum value of these resources for Albertans and to help manage the lack of pipeline capacity. “ Alber t a is ser iou s about sending a message to those who wage a campaign of obstruction against our vital resources. We want to work with other jurisdictions, like British Columbia, to find areas of common ground, but everybody should be aware that we will use every option available to defend Alberta, our economy, our resources and our people,” said Premier Jason Kenney. “While the proclama-

File Photo tion does not constitute an immediate reduction of shipments, it shows we mean business when protecting Canada’s economic interests.” If used, this legislation would require any company exporting petroleum products from Alberta to acquire a licence to do so and would impose fines of up to $10 million per day for contravening the act. “This is not a mechanism to punish others. It’s a tool to protect

Alberta. Alberta’s prosperity fuels Canada’s prosperity,” said Minister of Energy Sonya Savage. “It’s in every province and territory’s interest that we get these products to market. Without proper access to world markets and prices, Canada continues to lose billions of dollars.” Diluted bitumen accounts for the majority of Alberta’s oil exports. In 2017, Alberta produced 1.6 million barrels

a day of diluted bitumen and a further one million barrels a day of synthetic crude oil refined from oil sands production. Diluted bitumen continues to be discounted on price due to a lack of pipeline capacity and access to global markets. By increasing the amount of pipeline capacity for diluted bitumen, Alberta can help increase the price it will gain, resulting in more revenue for industry and government.

Thursday, May 9, 2019

Moose lend helping hoof to youth Centre

Supplied Photo Jim Hohne, past president with the Alberta Moose Association, presents Micheline Huard, program coordinator with the Lloydminster Community Youth Centre, a cheque in the amount of $4,600.

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Thursday, May 9, 2019

A mother’s fight for connection MY WHY REVOLUTION SPECIAL TO THE SOURCE

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Jenna is a vibrant,

beautiful mother to an equally spirited, beautiful daughter Grace, born April 2017.

Jenna, who is a dance teacher, is a nurturing mother to her busy toddler and you often see Jenna walking hand and hand with Grace, or carrying Grace on her hip. She never rushes Grace and gives her toddler time to explore the world while she answers the steady stream of questions a two-year-old often asks. The love between them is palpable. You would never know that when Jenna first became a mother to Grace she was overwhelmed with Postpartum Depression (PPD) that would leave her with sadness, frustration and emptiness. She felt completely disconnected to the baby that now she loves so much. In her darkest moments, when Grace was a newborn, she remembers thinking, “How high would I have to drop my baby from so I could get some sleep.” Jenna is not alone. Canadian Mental Health Association states more

than 15 per cent of Canadian women are affected by PPD in the first year after the arrival of their newborn. For Jenna, it came on suddenly. She had a healthy, wanted pregnancy and typical childbirth, but afterwards she remembers something going terribly wrong. “I had my daughter and had no history of mental illness, but as soon as she was born, I felt zero connection to her. I remember just crying and not wanting her to be around me while I was in the hospital, the nurses talked to me about the baby blues and said that was what I was going through,” she said. The term ‘baby blues’ is a condition that occurs just after childbirth where a mother can have feelings of sadness and increased emotional responses. However, baby blues differs from postpartum depression as it should start to get better within the first few weeks and doesn’t invoke feelings of self-harm or harming others. ‘Baby blues’ is something to be taken seri-

ously though, and for Jenna, what was thought of as “blues,” quickly spread into full-blown depression. Jenna had dark, irrational thoughts about hurting her baby, and although she loved Grace and never thought of following through with those thoughts, it haunted her first year as a mother. Not only did she have dark thoughts, but she also didn’t bond to her baby like she expected and felt a growing sense of emptiness. “I felt super disconnected immediately when Grace was born. I’d get really angry. I was having thoughts that were dark and nothing like I imagined being a mom would be,” she said. “I felt like such a bad mom because of the thoughts I was having towards this baby I was supposed to be crazy about. Admitting to having such dark thoughts is hard because moms aren’t supposed to feel that way about their own children.” She remembers feeling cared for by the delivery

Photo courtesy of My Why Revolution physician and maternity nurses when Grace was born, however, when she got home after delivery, it was a tumultuous year of finding the right healthcare provider that took her concerns seriously. Every time she mustered up enough courage to express her feelings to her doctor, she got a dismissive answer and was told it would get better with time. “I ended up feeling dumb and not wanting to pursue getting help.” Je nna i s no t a l o ne in that either, as many women reported feeling alone and brushed off by their healthcare provider. She says her most valuable support came from her family, friends and her daughter’s father, Cody. “They listened without judgment,” she said. CONTINUED ON PAGE 34

Thursday, May 9, 2019

MERIDIAN SOURCE

But, I’m too discreet to run amok! WHISPERS OF THE PAST SANDRA L. BROWN

In fall 1955 a cattle truck broke down in the Greenstreet area. The driver called for another truck and transferred the cattle for the rest of their trip to the stockyards. While the cattle were being transferred a person passing by decided that this was a real case of cattle rustling happening right under their noses. The RCMP was quickly dispatched. After an explanation from the driver, the matter was resolved with no charges laid. However, area folks were left wondering if some were perhaps affected by reading too m a n y o f t h e p op ul a r Wild West stories. In a newspaper advertisement, a disgruntled homesteader wrote, “Lost – saddle. Will the

person who liberated a horse from Lone Rock Community Hall barn, Friday, December 23 (1933), replace this saddle.” The horse owner’s name and phone number followed. In September 1905 the RNWMP raided a “blind pig” which had begun operations in a neighbouring community. The operator of this illegal business was arrested as a large quantity of alcohol was found. The prisoner pled guilty at the Police Court in Lloydminster and was fined. Prairie fires were a common occurrence. Setting a back fire to protect your property or that of a neighbour was against the law according to the Prairie Fire Ordinance. If the accused was

found guilty a fine of $5 plus costs was levied (1905). Dumping garbage within town limits also resulted in a fine of $5. Public intoxication (1907) resulted in 21 days in jail or a $10 fine plus costs. Those choosing jail were sent to Battleford. There was a solution for folks who found themselves lost on the prairie in 1905 without a compass. Hold your watch so that the sun is halfway between the hour hand and the 12 figure. Then 12 will indicate south, six towards the north, nine towards east and three towards the west. Apparently, this method wasn’t exactly accurate. Petitions were rampant and heated discussions debated the topic of amalgamation. Screenings from our Fanning Mill (1907) was a rather tactful sec-

tion in the Lloydminster Times newspaper. With its subtle barbs, opinions were boldly expressed. Some were directed at specific businessmen and included famous quotes which seemed to fit the situation. “Little said is soonest mended” was aimed at three councillors. “It is good to do the right thing, but still better

to want to do it” was intended for folks in general. Two other councillors received, “Brother, brother are we both in the wrong?” Wrongdoings were also acknowledged, “We understand that two well-known gentlemen in town have entered into a removing partnership - signs and midnight removals a specialty.”

After all, “The more a man accomplishes, the less time he has to talk about it.” Any way you look at it, folks who believe laws are only made for others are wrong. One only has to stop at a red light in Lloydminster and observe what happens from those we share the road with to comprehend this statement.

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Thursday, May 9, 2019

FROM AROUND THE PROVINCE

Exploration incentive boosts mining investment MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

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The Targeted Mineral Exploration Incentive (TMEI) is

leading to increased drilling activity for base metals, precious metals and minerals in a defined target

area near Creighton, Sask. and creating tangible opportunities for future mining investment in Saskatchewan.

Developed in consultation with industry, TMEI is part of the Government of Saskatchewan’s Mineral Development Strategy announced in 2017. The 2019-20 Budget continues to support this strategy by providing the overall funding level for the TMEI program, which is established on an annual basis, to a maximum of $750,000 per year. Seven successful applications were received for the 201819 incentive program, indicating a total of 110 new drill holes and proposed expenditures of more than $6.5 million in the eligibility area. Some examples of metals and minerals being explored for include: copper, gold, nickel and zinc. Eligible companies will receive a grant of up

to $50,000 per year for drilling in the target area. “The Mineral Development Strategy is about diversification and increasing our province’s competitiveness in the mineral resources sector,” Energy and Resources Minister Bronwyn Eyre said. “This exploration incentive will promote the discovery of new mineral resource opportunities, which in turn can generate jobs and economic benefits in northern Saskatchewan. Resource investors continue to find some of the world’s best prospects for development right here in Saskatchewan.” The program has had other measurable i mp a c ts, i nc l u d i ng a net increase of more than 628,000 hectares

ASK THE EXPERTS

of new mineral dispositions acquired and more than 600 downloads of raw data and maps of provinciallyfunded geophysical surveys, since its initial public release. “New mineral discoveries are made by drilling,” Saskatchewan Mining Association President Pam Schwann said. “By incentivizing onthe-ground investment for under-explored commodities, companies will progress Saskatchewan’s rich and diverse mineral prospects into tomorrow’s mines. The targeted incentive program has already demonstrated an excellent return on investment and we are appreciative of the government’s initiative to increase exploration investments for base and precious metals and diamonds.”

Thursday, May 9, 2019

Getting you the right medication FROM PAGE 19

“It’s a great option for people with common allergies to mass-produced medication fillers like gluten or dyes and for people who aren’t taking medication as prescribed due to unpleasant side effects,” she said. Gilby says compounding can be life-saving or life-changing. She says since they opened the lab they have provided patients and physicians with alternative therapy, bio-identical hormone therapy and consultation services. In addition, they formulate topical anesthetics for clinical use and create specialized suppositories along with many liquid formulations for children. “So we make capsules, creams, supposito-

“

It’s a great option for people with common allergies to mass produced medication fillers like gluten or dyes and for people who aren’t taking medication as prescribed due to unpleasant side effects.

ries, liquid medications, whatever is unique for your situation and what we need to make for you,” said Gilby. Because it’s a lab, the medications are only sold to other pharmacies or physicians’ offices. “Through education and collaboration with other health care professionals we’ve been able to provide alternative solutions for patients in

need,” said Gilby. Gilby, who was born and raised in Lloydminster, bought Sprucewood Pharmacy in 2011 and runs the lab with her four-person staff. She and pharmacist Scott Malek provide most of the compounding products in a growing industry. “We are definitely growing and expanding which is awesome,” said Gilby. She says people are starting to be educated about it and understand that there is a need for it, and are asking their physicians and their pharmacist about it. The lab is a member of the Pharmacy Compounding Centres of America, which Gilby says helps her own staff learn more about compounding.

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Thursday, May 9, 2019

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Lessons from a Toonie MIDWEST MINUTE VERN McCLELLAND

If you want to learn about how easy it is for two people to disagree on something that should be obvious, take a two-dollar Canadian coin out of your pocket. Holding it between your thumb and index finger, show one side to a friend or spouse. While looking at the side facing you, ask them to describe what they see. Now a Toonie is a bimetallic coin which on one side bears an image of a polar bear, while the obverse, or other side, has a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II. So, both of you may agree on the two colours but see a substantially different image. The only way to understand the other’s

perspective is to swap sides. And there, in a nutshell, my friends, is the difficulty of valuing real estate. The stakeholders in any transaction can be easily number seven or more – seller, buyer, their Realtors, lender, appraiser, and insurance agent. Add in family, friends, and the folks you work or play with, well you get the point! Everyone has an opinion. I learned a long time ago what really counts in a transaction is an “informed willing buyer – informed willing seller.” We have all heard the first three rules of real estate is “location, location, location.” Having a property in the right place for the purpose it serves is certainly a big plus. That’s why you see

fast food restaurants along busy thoroughfares or gas stations along highways. But so are many other attributes that count as well depending on the type of property and its function.

“

The only way to understand the other’s perspective is swap sides. And there in a nutshell, my friends, is the difficulty of valuing real estate.

I’m always humbled when a buyer brings to my attention a point of view I hadn’t considered. Recently it was a farmer who paid a premium for a parcel of land in a rural area, but adjacent to the intersec-

tion of two highways. When I asked why he was willing to pay more than the market seemed to indicate, he told me it was a great site to build a grain and fertilizer storage complex. It was central to the land his family farmed, had year around access maintained by the province consequently no weight restrictions for incoming/outgoing transports, power was on the boundary, and natural gas for a future grain drying installation was nearby. Plus, if they ever retired or sold the farm, it could easily be rented to other farmers as an investment vehicle. Smart planning all around! I often chide my appraisal friends that they don’t have to prove their viewpoint as us Realtors do. My clients expect me to provide them with realistic market valua-

tions, even if they don’t want to hear what I have to say sometimes. Every type of property is different, and particularly with commercial sites, I often ask the cli-

ent to also get an opinion from an appraiser with known experience with that particular type of enterprise. CONTINUED ON PAGE 30

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Thursday, May 9, 2019

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Thursday, May 9, 2019

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Thursday, May 9, 2019

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s on the other side of the coin? FROM PAGE 27

Beautiful Downtown Lloydminster

nster When you think furniture

THINK

KEEP IT LOCAL

4817 - 50 Ave. Lloydminster, SK | www.bordercityfurniture.com | 306-825-4558 @BCityFurniture

Border City Furniture

In this way, the client has more than one perspective to consider before going to the open market, plus it is a trial run for the day the future buyer seeks financing from t heir lender. Of course, obtaining a realistic valuation on a property for estate planning means coming up with numbers that will likely not be tested in the marketplace in the near term, at least we would hope not. Now the stakeholders to the process shift to the owners, their beneficiaries, lawyer, accountant, and possibly a life insurance agent. It is the same process and just as technically challenging, but

File Photo often for the owners, an emotional and stressful experience. Families can pull apart forever over the decisions made during this time. Once again, everyone has an opinion but really there is only one who must decide what is relevant, and that is the owner. And if they are wise, he or she will develop a team to help them think

it through. Because what we think we see right in front of us, may not be the whole picture. Vern McClelland is an associate broker with RE/MAX of Lloydminster and can be reached at (780) 8082700, through www. vernmcclelland.remax. ca or by following on Facebook @LloydminsterMidwest Group. 19052DE0 19052DE1 19052DE2

Thursday, May 9, 2019

Hazardous Waste Round Up another hit

Taylor Weaver Meridian Source The Wild Rose Pavilion was busier than normal this past Saturday as the City of Lloydminster held their annual Household Hazardous Waste Round-Up. With everything from old paint cans, television sets and old batteries, Border City and surrounding area residents came out in droves to properly dispose of their waste. This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s partners included the Lloydminster Household Hazardous Waste Round-Up Committee, the City of Lloydminster, RM of Wilton, RM of Britannia, RM of Manitou Lake, RM of Hillsdale, Quik Pick Waste Disposal, GFL Environmental Inc., Terrapure Environmental, GEEP Alberta, Prairie North Health Region, For The Interval Store, Lloydminster Exhibition Grounds, ATCO, Loyal Order of the Moose, Barr Colony Heritage Society, Lloydminster Metis Housing Group Inc., Lloydminster Girl Guides, and members of the ECO 9 class from E.S. Laird Middle School pictured above with many of the other volunteers.

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Thursday, May 9, 2019

Blue Ribbon Panel to assess Alberta’s finances Photo courtesy of Government of Alberta Flickr MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

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The Alberta government has appointed an independent panel of experts as a key first step in getting the province’s budget back to balance. The Blue Ribbon Panel on Alberta’s Finances has been directed to do a deep dive into Alberta’s finances and economy. The focus will be on identifying areas to eliminate waste,

duplication and nonessential spending to create the space to fund the government’s key priorities. “Albertans elected a government committed to getting our fiscal house in order, and reversing the province’s dive into debt,” said newly-elected Premier Jason Kenney. “This exceptional panel will offer great experience and expertise to give us an honest read of the prov-

ince’s finances, and a road map for fiscal responsibility.” The panel will provide advice in a number of areas to get government’s budget back on track, including on: - Government’s fiscal outlook and department and agency expenditure trends and cost drivers. - A plan to balance the budget by 2022-23 without raising taxes, and a new fiscal framework that includes requirements for future balanced budgets and a plan to retire the province’s accumulated debt. - Government’s budgeting, fiscal planning and public reporting processes and systems for

operating and capital. - The business investment climate in Canada and its impact on the Alberta economy. “By identifying inefficiencies in Alberta’s current fiscal situation, we can begin making plans to bring balance to the province’s finances,” said President of Treasury Board and Minister of Finance Travis Toews. “We will do this while remaining committed to ensuring the future of high-quality, frontline services for Albertans.” The Blue Ribbon Panel members include: - Janice MacKinnon, chair: MacKinnon is chair of the board of Investment Saskatche-

wan, chair of the board of directors of the Institute for Research on Public Policy and a former finance minister with the Government of Saskatchewan. - Mike Percy, vicechair – Percy was previously an Alberta MLA and former Stanley A. Milner professor and dean of the Alberta School of Business at the University of Alberta. Percy was also the chief of staff to Premier Jim Prentice. - Kim Henderson, member – Henderson is a principal at Sproat Advising. Her previous roles include deputy minister to the Premier, cabinet secretary and head of the Public Service, Province

of British Columbia and deputy minister of finance with the Province of British Columbia. - Bev Dahlby, member – Dahlby is a Distinguished Fellow and research director, School of Public Policy at the University of Calgary. - Dave Mowat, member – Mowat is the former president and CEO, ATB Financial. - Jay Ramotar, member – Ramotar has held many deputy minister postings with the Alberta Public Service, including Service Alberta, Solicitor General and Public Security, Health and Wellness, Infrastructure and Transportation and Treasury Board.

Thursday, May 9, 2019

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Thursday, May 9, 2019

A mother’s fight FROM PAGE 22

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Jenna’s support system got her through some of the most difficult times of her postpartum journey. She recalls feeling like her mother didn’t understand PPD, however, she was helpful and compassionate when it came to helping her care for Grace. This was especially important when Grace developed a milk allergy and needed some extra attention. “My mom did not understand what I was going through, but she would take my daughter when I needed it. One time I called and said I had to leave for a while and couldn’t take it anymore. My daughter was constantly crying and my mom instantly left her meeting she was in and drove out to help.” Jenna feels like she couldn’t have gotten through it without her,

especially when the days were exceptionally dark and she couldn’t see the light at the end of the tunnel. Jenna’s daughter celebrated her second birthday this past April and those dark thoughts and emotions that Jenna had been plagued with have subsided to make way for bedtime snuggles, silly games and everything else that goes along with raising a toddler. Jenna feels a strong connection with her daughter and contributes that to reaching out, taking time for things like exercise, not giving up, and to “Reach out again and again.” She is grateful that she had such strong people in her corner and a community that helped her through that feeling of emptiness and sadness and gave Grace the love and care she needed when she couldn’t.

“It gets better when you reach out,” she said. Jenna wants people who suffer from postpartum depression to know they are not alone, and life can be better when they have the courage to speak out. “People need to know these thoughts don’t make you a bad person, you don’t need to feel ashamed and no one can do anything to help if they don’t know anything is wrong,” she said. “Having kids is truly one of the most overwhelming experiences I’ve ever gone through. It completely turns your world upside down, so there is no shame in reaching out for help.” The My Why Team would like to thank Jenna for participating in The Mother Series, a partnership with the Lloydminster Region Health Foundation for Project Sunrise.

Gotta love ‘em

Thursday, May 9, 2019

PRAIRIE WOOL HELEN ROW TOEWS

Studies show the attachments and loving relationships people develop with pets can improve health, lower stress and bring joy and pleasure to their lives. Still, there can be an occasional downside. Take my experiences this week alone. We have three cats (thanks to someone dropping a pregnant Siamese at our gate) and we love them dearly. However, one of these big, fluffy cats ended up with a bit of a – how do I put this delicately – an elimination problem, otherwise known unpleasantly as fecal matt. Interestingly enough, the internet holds a plethora of information on this unhappy subject.

While it must be understood this is no laughing matter, I hooted in disbelief as I read paragraph three under the heading, Indications of Fecal Matt, that the first clue to its presence might be an unusual odour. Are you kidding me? I’ll say there was an unusual bloody odour! Paragraph four, with its recommendation to visit a veterinarian and submit your cat to a rigorous physical examination, to be absolutely sure, was completely unnecessary. Next: treatment. Ever tried submerging a cat’s rear end in a tub of warm water and melting down a crusted lump of poo from his butt? It ain’t no picnic

people. Aliyah helped by holding his front parts, complete with gnashing teeth and slashing claws, while I held his lacerating back legs with one hand and wiped and snipped the offending brown matter away with the other. I can tell you the yowling, and screeching, and whining that ensued during this miserable task was absolutely UNBELIEVABLE (and the cat put up quite a fuss too). Next day Chili, our dog, appeared at the door with a muzzle full of porcupine quills. Great. I managed to hold her long enough to pull out a few, but she fought so hard I waited for Tom to arrive home for the rest. Groaning with exertion, he wrestled her across the kitchen floor as she scraped and writhed and tried in

vain to escape us, but I managed to pull every quill. Even a few that had lodged themselves in her gums. Ouch! Now, if these tales of woe cause you alarm when thinking of owning a cat or dog yourself, be of good cheer. According to a recent TV news report, there is a somewhat unorthodox alternative available at a Vancouver animal shelter. You could adopt a rat. And not just some old gutter rat, scrabbling around in nameless filth. These are ‘fancy rats.’ Of course, keep in mind not just any fool is allowed to adopt vermin. Rats have standards. But, if you offer a loving home, pay your $5 fee and have your rodent spayed or neutered, you’re in.

MERIDIAN SOURCE

The benefits are endless too, as I read these rodents are friendly, enjoy human companionship and make great pets for children.

Just ask the roughly 50 million people who died of the Bubonic Plague. CONTINUED ON PAGE 37

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Thursday, May 9, 2019

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Province funds EMS providers’ mental A love for your pet health and addictions programming FROM PAGE 35

MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

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Saskatchewan paramedics and other first responders will benefit from $250,000 in funding for mental health and addictions programming. The Saskatchewan Health Authority will use this money to develop a program that provides ongoing mental health supports for both public and private emergency medical services (EMS) providers throughout the province. It will also provide training for two critical incident support teams and nine peer support teams that support all p r o v id e r s a c r os s t h e province. “We have made it a health system priority to improve mental health services for all

Saskatchewan citizens, including paramedics,” said Rural and Remote Health Minister Greg Ottenbreit. “We recognize that EMS providers and volunteer medical first responders are on the frontlines of medical care and are exposed to a high number of stressful situations. This funding will help to set up supports that best address their mental health needs.” “As we grow into one provincial EMS entity, we will promote a culture that supports, recognizes, and responds effectively to colleagues in need,” Saskatchewan Health Authority Vice P residen t P ro vin c ial Programs Corey Miller said. “This investment by the Ministry of Health will allow us

Oh right, you can’t ‘cause they’re DEAD. (Yes, I know they lived in the 14th century. That’s beside the point.) Foolishness aside, pets of any shape or size (except snakes) can be beneficial to one’s life and happiFile Photo to create and train peer support and critical incident teams within EMS as well as offer resiliency-based education. We are excited to move forward with our plans to strengthen our paramedics’ resiliency on a day-to-day basis and into the future of EMS in Saskatchewan.” Ottenbreit announced this funding at today’s Saskatchewan Emergency Medical Services

Association’s annual convention in Saskatoon. Saskatchewan’s 10-year Mental Health and Addictions Action Plan continues to guide and set priority areas for mental health and addictions investments in Saskatchewan. In the 2019-20 provincial budget, Ministry of Health funding for mental health and addictions increased by nearly $30 million to a record total of $402 million.

ness, and I’m all for it. Just remember to be a responsible owner and be prepared to provide them with health care, nourishment, love, companionship and a forever home. They will pay you back many, many times over. (But not snakes).

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Thursday, May 9, 2019

Hanging in there

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This is Hanging Basket Weekend. While this is likely news to you, the garden retailers in your community are keenly aware that they will sell more flowering hanging baskets this weekend than any other. It is Mother’s Day. What mother would not be delighted by your gift of a hanging basket dripping with colour and fragrance? The thing is, you want your Mom to think as highly of you months from now, as she casts a gaze in the direction of your gift, as she will when you present it to her. Once again, we are here to help:

Heft is everything The larger the hanging basket, the fewer times you water it. The mass of soil at the root zone dries out directly in proportion to the amount of soil in the container (this is true of all potted plants). That, and the thirst of the plants growing in it will determine the frequency of watering. We recommend you purchase a hanging basket that is at least 12 inches in diameter, measured across the top. Anything smaller will dry out and decline quickly.

ing baskets are sold with such an abundance of roots in the soil that there is nowhere for the plants to go but downhill. A root-bound plant is a stressed plant. Buy young plants.

Buy young and vigorous, not mature Sure, you want the basket to look great the day you give it but remember that the plants in it will grow. Truth is, many hang-

Some plants don’t cut it in the long run. A nasturtium basket is an amazing thing to behold, at its peak of performance. Then it declines. Fast.

Plastic or moss-lined? Most hanging baskets are plastic, as they are cheap. The best plant performance occurs in a moss-lined or fiber material pot or basket. Both allow for a healthy exchange of air and water. The result is better plant performance.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 39

Thursday, May 9, 2019

MERIDIAN SOURCE

The perfect Motherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day floral basket FROM PAGE 38

Better to look for geraniums, bacopa, trailing petunias, calibracoa and verbena for lasting and colourful results all season long. Avoid sunshine impatiens A host of Sunshine impatiens varieties look good in containers but beware: they are water pigs. Look at the main stem of the plant and you will see that it is a vessel for H2O. They dry out so fast that you would have to quit your day job to keep ahead of the watering if placed in a sunny position. These plants look good in a hanging basket when you buy them because they have just arrived from a greenhouse grower with a drip-irrigation system. Your mom will not likely have that. If you are planting up a hanging basket be sure to use a qual-

ity container mix, like Pro Mix, not garden soil or triple mix. A professional quality soilless mix is light, open, often contains nutrients and will produce superior results. Fertilize containergrown plants. Either use a once-a-season plant food like PlantProd 16-16-16 or use water soluble 20-2020 every two weeks. We recommend that you use rainwater from your rain barrel as it is warm, chemical free and oxygen-charged. To crock or not? When planting up a hanging basket or any container we have a habit of putting broken pottery over the drainage holes. While good drainage is important for overall plant performance a recent report in The Garden magazine, official publication of the Royal Horticultural

Society in the U.K., indicates that crockery is a crock. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Whether crocked or not, there will be a saturated zone at the bottom of a pot or container. So, by crocking, the water table will be higher and the volume of growing medium available to plant roots is reduced.â&#x20AC;? There you have it. No need to crock this spring! But do make sure that there are adequate drainage holes at the bottom of plant containers for water to move through. 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.

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Thursday, May 9, 2019

PAGE 41 Thursday, May 9, 2019 MERIDIAN SOURCE

Sports

Paying a visit to an old stomping ground JAMIE HARKINS WRITER

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On way to taking the next step in his career, a Lloydminster Minor Football Association and Holy Rosary High School (HRHS) Raiders alumni felt it necessary to pay homage to his roots. Keiler Cherry popped into an early-morning football skills development practice at the HRHS Synergy Vault on Friday to pass along a few pointers to the kids, teenagers and young adults trying to get in shape for their upcoming spring camps, as well as say hi and thank you to the minor and high school trainers who’ve helped him reach for his dreams. Cherry, who suited up as an offensive lineman for the Raiders from 2008 to 2010, is heading to Kamloops next week to attend a three-day B.C. Lions rookie session followed by the start of main camp on May 18 with a goal of playing for the CFL team this upcoming summer. “For me, it’s nice to check out this facility,” said Cherry, who signed a oneyear contract with the Lions on Dec. 18. “It’s my first time in this Vault. I played at Holy growing up and when Kevin (Pilkey) told me about it I reached out to Ian, because I still talk to Ian Hundeby quite a bit as he was my O-line coach in high school, and just thought I’d come check it out, talk to the guys and see if I could help.” This opportunity at making a CFL team comes on the heels of a pre-draft injury last spring that required surgery to repair Cherry’s

Jamie Harkins Meridian Source

Lloydminster Minor Football Association alumni Keiler Cherry, back right, offers a few tips during a skills camp practice at the HRHS Synergy Vault on Friday. Cherry, a former standout with the Raiders, will be trying to earn a spot on the B.C. Lions roster during their rookie and main camps in Kamloops over the next few weeks.

anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and meniscus, an eight-month recovery period and the subsequent falling off of professional football’s radar. But, the six-foot-six and 300-pound bearded tackle stayed intent on the task travelling to Wolfville, N.S., for the winter to prepare for

a second chance at the CFL with his alma-mater Acadia University Axemen trainers. “I’m feeling good,” said Cherry, 26. “There’s obviously a lot of excitement going in. It’s been a long process for me to get to this point. Normally you only have to train for your offseason and then you get to

play again whereas now I’ve been training for essentially a year-and-a-half, so I’m just excited and gnawing at the bit to get going.” Raiders football coach Vince Orieux said Cherry was dominant as a high school player, loved the game and showed a tremendous amount of growth

between his Grade 10 to 12 years. He said that led to the Canadian Junior Football League’s Saskatoon Hilltops showing interest. “When he left high school, I don’t think university football was ever really on his radar,” said Orieux. “Once he started into that elite junior football then university teams start knocking. I think, obviously, it changed his mind a bit on extending his football career to not just junior and hitting the workforce. We knew he could. When he left high school, we knew that the ceiling would be high for him. It just depended on how far he wanted to take it.” Cherry said making the CFL didn’t really enter his thoughts until the third or fourth year of junior when the Saskatchewan Roughriders put him and a few of his Hilltops teammates through a workout. He said hockey, lacrosse and baseball occupied his time growing up in Lloydminster, but as a big kid, he didn’t find the best fit until joining the Lloydminster Minor Football Association’s bantam Chargers. “I was always destined to be an offensive lineman, but I just didn’t know it back then,” said Cherry. “Minor football set me up for my whole post-secondary career. I’ve been able to travel all across Canada. I think I’ve played football in every province except maybe in Ontario now. I’ve gotten a free education from it. Minor football set me up for basically life.”

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Thursday, May 9, 2019

Jamie Harkins Meridian Source

The LCHS Barons are sending, from left, Ethan McDuff and Sonnet Gow (mixed doubles), Ally Robinson and Savanah Shenher (girls doubles) and Noah Jeffery and Armghan Nabi (boys doubles) to the SHSAA provincial badminton championships in Swift Current this weekend.

Barons qualify for SHSAA championships JAMIE HARKINS WRITER

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The prospect of facing an uphill battle couldn’t faze the Lloydminster Comprehensive High School (LCHS) Barons boys doubles badminton team of Noah Jeffery and Armghan Nabi. Jeffery and Nabi fell 20-22 in the first set of a must-win match against the Perdue School Steelers squad of Chance Pawluk and Josh Baduik in both

team’s final game of the Saskatchewan High Schools Athletic Association (SHSAA) regional championships at LCHS on Saturday. Undeterred, the boys buckled down and kept calm winning the second set 21-16 and the third-set tiebreaker 21-14. “It’s not like we lost the first set by much,” said Jeffery. “We only lost by two points. But, us winning the second set by a margin like that gave us a ton of confidence to push to the next level and beat

them pretty good.” The win propelled Jeffery and Nabi to a top-two finish at regionals, which secures the team a spot in the SHSAA provincial champions at Swift Current Comprehensive High School this Saturday. Joining the duo at provincials will be the Barons girls doubles team of Ally Robinson and Savanah Shenher and the mixed doubles squad of Sonnet Gow and Ethan McDuff. Nabi said they’ve had a goal of making it

to this weekend’s final tournament since the start of the season. He said the competition at regionals presented their biggest challenge so far, but the expectation is it will be tougher at provincials. “There is going to be a lot of club players there from big cities like Saskatoon and Swift Current, so there is going to be kids who play all year round,” said Jeffery. “We’ll definitely have to put in the work this week to get ready.”

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MERIDIAN SOURCE

Raiders win provincial gold and silver comfortable, I guess,” said Villasor. “We lost the second set and we lost the momentum.” Freimark had similar results in pool play during the opening day of the tournament only to rebound for three straight wins in the Division 2 playoffs on Saturday.

JAMIE HARKINS WRITER

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The Holy Rosary High School Raiders badminton team made history this past weekend. Raiders junior boys singles athlete Logan Freimark and intermediate doubles teammates Dominic Madlang-Awa and Dominick Villasor captured Division 2 gold and silver, respectively, during the Alberta Schools’ Athletic Association provincial championships at Calgary on Friday and Saturday. The provincial badminton medals are the Raiders second and third in school history and the first since the mixed doubles squad of Alyssa Banez and Brett Zweifel brought home Division 2 silver in 2015. “It’s really good,” said Villasor. “We’re proud of our achieve-

“ Submitted

Raiders junior boys singles player Logan Freimark, centre, and the intermediate boys doubles team of Dominick Villasor, left, and Dominic Madlang-Awa won Division 2 gold and silver, respectively, at the ASAA championships this past weekend.

ments. We couldn’t have done it without all the support of the coaches, our friends and our teammates. So, we’re just really proud we got a medal in provincials for the school.” Madlang-Awa and Villasor won their opening match dur-

ing pool play, but they lost their next two. The 1-3 record placed the Raiders duo in the B-side playoffs where they advanced through the quarters and semis before dropping the final in three sets. “We won the first set and then we got too

We’re proud of our achievements. We couldn’t have done it without all the support of the coaches, our friends and our teammates.

He said they trained over the Easter break to get ready and even headed over to Lloydminster Comprehensive High School for a couple of practices with the Barons in the

days leading up to provincials, but the competition still proved formidable. “On the A-side, it was stupid, like crazy good,” said Freimark. “There was a guy who is third in Canada there. On the B-side, it was better than I’ve seen, but it was still intimidating.” Villasor said the competition seemed to be split with most c l u b p l a y e r s m a ki n g the A-side playoffs and

the school teams moving over to Division 2. He said they heard provincials would be like that going in, but it still took a first-hand experience to understand the commitment needed to reach the top. “For Dom, it’s his last year, but for me, I might have a chance to go again to provincials,” he said. “Now I know what it’s like and I can train even harder.”

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Thursday, May 9, 2019

Jamie Harkins Meridian Source

Lloydminster Art of Taekwondo and Kung Fu club students demonstrate the bo staff and bronze sword during practice at Winston Churchill School last Wednesday.

Kung Fu students master the art of weapons JAMIE HARKINS WRITER

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A martial arts student who attempts to master the practice of weapons must be disciplined and creative. Eliza Ma, owner and coach at the Lloydminster Art of Taekwondo and Kung Fu club, introduced the challenge of weapons

training to her students two years ago. Fifteen to 20 children and adults have since taken up the offer regularly practising the hard and soft style art at Winston Churchill School one to two evenings a week. “You almost have an extension of your body,”

said Ma, who noted that weapons is a combination of the two martial arts styles as it incorporates the hard movements that are used in basic forms like taekwondo along with the soft features of jumps and flips practised in kung fu. “When you’re doing taekwondo or kung fu you’re

thinking about just your body, where your arms are, where your legs are, but now you’re thinking about a whole new extension of your body and where that is. You’re only focusing on where that is and everything else revolves around it.” Ma said her students have been working on the begin-

ner weapons of the bo staff and bronze sword over these initial years of training due to their incorporation of the basic movements needed to advance to the more complicated arts of nunchaku, or nunchucks, long spear and straight sword.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 45

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Thursday, May 9, 2019

Discipline and creativity learned through the practise of martial arts FROM PAGE 44

She said the weapons are not toys, but they also don’t present a danger to the students as the bronze sword is very thin, flexible and unsharpened while the bo staff weighs almost nothing. “In taekwondo katas, there are no modifications,” she said. “They are federation based forms. You have to do those forms exactly as you’re taught, whereas in kung fu we get to modify. If a kid can do an aerial, then why not put an aerial in there. Weapons is the best part because you have your compulsory forms…, that’s how you advance in rank, but you also get to add those modifications in so the kids can really shine in what they’re good at.” Zoennela Herath, a secondyear student in the art of weapons, said learning the bronze sword started with mastering the basic form before being able to modify the scene through the incorporation of a couple of learned taekwondo and kung fu moves. She said the added movements remain similar and are only chosen because of the

weapon and the scene that’s being displayed. “It’s really impressive when you do jumps like an aerial,” said Naomi Brand, who practises the bo staff. “If you do it right, it could make you stand out over all the other people who can’t. But, we still practise our normal moves because if you just have the jump good and your form is bad it’s not very impressive. It looks like you’re just trying a jump and not your actual technique.”

“

As you get older the competition grows, but so does your skill. You learn more tricks.

Herath noted training with the bronze sword came at the suggestion of Ma while learning the art of weapons is simply a natural progression through the disciplines of taekwondo and kung fu.

Brand added studying and competing in a variety of martial arts has helped them develop a full knowledge of the sport, while also providing a leg up on their tournament opposition. “As you get older the competition grows, but so does your skill,” said Brand. “You learn more tricks. As the competition grows, so do you.” Ma said her father, Hai, taught her weapons when she was very young, but a decision wasn’t made to pass this knowledge on to her students until witnessing many big city clubs enter athletes into weapons competitions at tournaments during the last few years. She said her kids were already excelling in taekwondo and kung fu and the belief was they could compete with the larger schools in weapons as well. “I’m very proud,” said Ma. “My goal starting weapons was that we would hit the top of the division in every competition we went to. So, I’m very lucky. I have hard-working kids who want to be ranking at the very top of every division.”

MERIDIAN SOURCE

PAGE 46 Thursday, May 9, 2019 MERIDIAN SOURCE

Agriculture

Kitscoty 4-H Club Report FINN MITCHELL CLUB REPORTER

.................................. May has come fast and so will our achievement day and sale day. The Kitscoty 4-H Club will have its own achievement day on May 25 in Marwayne at the Marwayne arena. Start time is noon. Our Highway 897 Interclub show and sale will be on May 29 in the Marwayne arena. Start time is 10 a.m. with supper at 5 p.m. and the sale at 7 p.m. We are excited to work with everyone to make this year a successful show and sale. Please accept this as your invitation and we look forward to seeing you there. On April 28 the Kitscoty Club took part

Supplied Photo in a judging clinic in Lloydminster. Our members learned a lot that day. They judged beef steers, beef heifers, welding, cupcakes, light horses and mini horses. They were also judged on oral reasons. The kids did great. On April 20 all of those members were

invited to do a grooming workshop in Lloydminster. We washed, dried and clipped our steers. It was a busy day, but the animals looked great by the end. Kitscoty 4H Beef Club had their club communications on Feb. 13. There were 15 speeches presented

with one person absent. In the senior division, first place went to Luke Wennekamp, Intermediate winner was Gabe Wennekamp, and Locklin Mitchell won for juniors. Those three winners went to compete in Districts on Feb. 23 in Clandonald.

PAGE 47 Thursday, May 9, 2019 MERIDIAN SOURCE

Careers

Minister Ng announces investment in YEG accelerator program MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

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When Canadian small and mediumsized enterprises (SME) export, they become more productive, create more jobs, grow and scale at higher rates, and invest more in research and development. Through 14 trade agreements, including the new North American Free Trade Agreement, the CanadaEuropean Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement and the Comprehensive

and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, Canadian SMEs now have access to 1.5 billion customers, yet only 12 per cent are taking advantage of these new customers by exporting. “Our global brand is strong once again and the world wants—and needs—more Canada. Today’s investment in the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce’s Trade Accelerator Program will help up to 345 small and mediumsized businesses export

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Our global brand is strong once again and the world wants—and needs—more Canada.

to 1.5 billion customers made available through Canada’s many trade agreements,” said Minister of Small Business and Export Promotion, Mary Ng. “Our government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Justin

Trudeau, is delivering on our commitment to help small and mediumsized businesses start up, scale up and access new markets.” To increase Canada’s overseas exports by 50 per cent by 2025, the Government of Canada has taken action with the $1.1-billion Export Diversification Strategy. Mary Ng, Minister of Small Business and Export Promotion, along with Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Natural Resources, and Randy Boissonnault,

Member of Parliament for Edmonton Centre, announced an investment of nearly $1.3 million in the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce last Saturday to expand its Trade Accelerator Program (TAP) to communities across Alberta. “Small and mediumsized business owners across Alberta drive economic growth and create jobs,” said Minister of Natural Resources, Amarjeet Sohi. “By investing in programs that help our entrepreneurs access

new markets, we are helping Canadian businesses grow. Our government will continue t o s u p p o r t o u r b u s inesses and entrepreneurs.” This investment in the TAP expansion will help up to 345 SMEs in Alberta export to new markets. The Export Diversification Strategy is a part of the Government of Canada’s plan to help small and mediumsized businesses start up, scale up and access new markets.

PAGE 48 Thursday, May 9, 2019 MERIDIAN SOURCE 306-825-5111 admin@meridiansource.ca

Announcements

Classifieds

coming events

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Thursday, May 9, 2019

Obituaries & Memoriams

EDMUND BARR

JANUARY 11, 1908 - MAY 8, 1994 We thought of you today But that is nothing new We thought of you yesterday And will tomorrow too We think of you in Silence And make no outward show For what it meant to lose you

Only those who love you know Remembering you is easy We do it everyday It's the heartache of losing you That will never go away Loved & dearly missed David & Dorothy Heather & Mark and family Apryl & John and family

MERIDIAN SOURCE

MCCONNELL: May Lillian McConnell passed away at the Cut Knife Health Complex, Cut Knife, Saskatchewan, April 13, 2019 at the age of 98 years. May is survived by: her daughters, Shirley (Francis) Tucker and Lois (Maurice) Napper; her son, Barry (Janice) McConnell; her grandchildren, Kevin (Chris) Tucker, Shelly Tucker, Kelly (Tanya) Tucker, Haley (Brian) Stoebich, Heather (Dean) Cunningham, Heidi (Eric) Chant, Trina (Trevor) Peters and Danielle Napper; her great grandchildren, Zachary Tucker, Abbey Tucker, Cory (Chelsea) Lucas, Courtney (Sam) Lucas, Ryan Lucas, Mackenzie Tucker, Cadence Tucker, Austin Stoebich, Cydney Stoebich, Kaitlyn Cunningham, Brooklyn Cunningham, Jaxon Chant, Denver Chant, Tegan Peters and

Thursday, May 9, 2019

Obituaries & Memoriams

Gemma Napper. May was predeceased by: her loving husband, Mervyn “Pete” McConnell; and her grandson-in-law, Kevin Lucas. The Memorial Service for May was conducted from McCaw Funeral Chapel, Lloydminster, Alberta on Monday, April 29, 2019 at 1:00 PM with Reverend Ean Kasper officiating. The eulogy was presented by Danielle Napper and Haley Stoebich. The urn bearer was Kevin Tucker. The honorary pallbearers were May's grandchildren and great grandchildren. A private interment was held at the Maidstone Cemetery. Donations in memory of May can be made to the Pine Island Suites, Town of Cut Knife Care Home or Charity of Choice. McCaw Funeral Service Ltd., of Lloydminster, Alberta administered the funeral arrangements. CARD OF THANKS The McConnell family would like to thank all those that came to the service. We are so grateful for all the people who showed

their support. Our heartfelt thanks to all who sent memorial donations, flowers, cards, phone calls, word of comfort, hugs, and visits. We would like to thank Reverend Ean Kasper for delivering a lovely service and for his many visits to mom over the years. Thanks to Danielle Napper and Haley Stoebich for the wonderful eulogy, to Kevin Tucker for being the urn bearer, to the pall bearers – all of May’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Grandma would have been so proud. Thanks to Haley, Heather, and Heidi for the preparation of Grandma’s slideshow and music provided before the service. To Brett McCaw and staff at McCaw Funeral Home, we thank you sincerely for your warm and professional manner in which you assisted our family. Thanks to Colleen Hozack for the excellent homemade lunch she provided at the Knox Presbyterian Church Hall following the service. A huge thank you to Anne Reid and staff at

Pine Island Suites, Maidstone, Saskatchewan for all the excellent care and love they gave mom for over six years. We are just so grateful to have such a wonderful assisted living facility in Maidstone; it was a blessing for mom when her health was failing. To Marilyn Stewart, thank you so much for helping care for mom when the family needed assistance. We extend our thanks to all the Maidstone medical staff, ambulance attendants, and home care workers for the great care you provided mom over the years, and also to the Lloydminster doctors and staff for the excellent care provided when mom underwent hip and arm surgery, and other emergency visits. The entire staff at the Cut Knife Care Home, ambulance attendants, a huge thank you for all the excellent care and love you provided mom for her last two and a half years. We are very grateful. God bless you all. Shirley & Francis, Barry & Janice, Lois & Maurice, and families.

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Thursday, May 9, 2019

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Thursday, May 9, 2019

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HOROSCOPES CAPRICORN

December 22 – January 19 You’ll start organizing a summer vacation with family and friends. Fantastic experiences await you and you have every intention of making the most of them.

AQUARIUS

January 20 – February 18 You might choose to break off a romantic or professional relationship without warning. You’ll feel impulsive and your thinking will be somewhat confused.

PISCES

February 19 – March 20 It isn’t always easy to co-ordinate people or groups with opposing interests. You’ll manage to find the right words and get everyone on the same page.

ARIES

March 21– April 19 Making adjustments to who you include in your circle of friends would be wise. Some of them are parasites who only drain you. Try to put aside at least one day for relaxation and therapeutic treatment.

TAURUS

April 20 – May 20 Self-esteem is often a precursor of success. Tell yourself you can do it and you’ll manage to accomplish a brilliant feat. Afterwards, you’ll be very proud of yourself.

GEMINI

May 21 – June 21 You’ll devote a lot of time and energy to your family and home. You’ll also be inspired to adopt a new perspective that will allow you to live in the moment.

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CANCER

June 22 – July 22 Don’t worry about being at a loss for words, but be careful not to make indiscreet or inappropriate remarks. You might get in a confrontation with someone who doesn’t speak English well.

LEO July 23 – August 22 You’ll gather the money you need to undertake an important project. Your speeches will cause people to flock to you.

VIRGO

August 23 – September 22 You’ll feel enticed to go on an adventure abroad. If you take the plunge, don’t forget to attend to your passport in time for your summer holiday.

LIBRA

September 23 – October 22 Tiredness is increasingly becoming an issue for you. Your body is telling you to slow down — don’t ignore it. In addition, make sure to get a full night’s sleep. Do these things and you should recover your energy.

SCORPIO

October 23 – November 21 If you’re single, you’re going to experience love at first sight. Although you’ll start putting more energy into your social life, you’ll quickly realize you also need some alone time.

SAGITTARIUS

November 22 – December 21 At work, you’ll be saddled with new responsibilities. Even if you find them taxing at times, they’ll open up paths for advancement and the possibility of a promotion.

Thursday, May 9, 2019

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Thursday, May 9, 2019

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CITY SIDE REALTY Brad Gilbert Broker/Owner

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

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