Non-profits benefit from badge battle
The Battle of the Badges has given the Lloydminster RCMP some on-ice bragging rights as they bested the Lloydminster Fire Department.
The two teams played in front of a packed house at the Centennial Civic Centre with the RCMP taking a 7-5 win over the fire department.
Proceeds from the event supported the Olive Tree, Salvation Army and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lloydminster.
Be sure to check future editions of the Meridian Source for fundraising totals.
CHRISTIAN APOSTOLOVSKI STAFF WRITER
Christian Apostolovski Meridian Source Photos
Rotary conference draws large crowd
March 15 saw a full itinerary for the attending Rotary members. The day kicked off with breakfast before a presentation by Anne Marie Robertson, covering topics such as humanitarian efforts and international law.
Lloydminster played host to a Rotary district conference where speakers told their stories as polio survivors.
The District 5370 conference kicked off March 14 with an opening ceremony featuring local dignitaries and included an Indigenous cultural presentation and an Indigenous-curated banquet.
These conferences give Rotarians a chance to see the work clubs are doing.
“Once a year, the district governor holds a district conference where we bring people together from different clubs and we talk about the work we’re doing. We talk about the various aspects of rotary,” said Brian Edwards, District 5370 governor.
He says their goal is to inspire people and educate them on programs and initiatives.
“We try to educate people on various programs that are going on and we try to inspire people to work,” said Edwards.
Three polio survivors took the stage following a short break to tell their stories. Jackie Hobal, Susan Brazeau and Ramesh Ferris told the packed crowd their stories and why it was important to continue advocating for an end to the disease.
Brazeau, a local Lloydminster resident and polio survivor, says it’s important for people to understand the seriousness of polio.
“Our whole objective is to have people become aware of just how serious polio still is in the world,” she said.
Brazeau says the goal is to eradicate polio from the world, which would make it one of only two to ever be entirely eliminated. She said she contracted the deadly disease in one of the last outbreaks in Canada.
“I was one of the ones that contracted it in 1953 in Kenora, Ont., and that part of Ontario and also Southern Manitoba were the worst hit in North America,” said Brazeau.
CHRISTIAN APOSTOLOVSKI STAFF WRITER
Christian Apostolovski Meridian Source
Polio survivors share at Rotary
Having contracted polio at a young age, she says she doesn’t remember what it was like being sick or going through all the symptoms. Brazeau says cases of polio may have been misdiagnosed.
“Polio, the first bit of polio symptoms was exactly the same as the flu. A lot of people were probably misdiagnosed with the flu rather than polio and there’s what’s called paralytic polio and non-paralytic polio. I was the paralytic polio because parts of my body were definitely affected and continued to be affected,” she said.
Brazeau talked about the impacts polio had on her.
“I had to get new shoes to go to school and that’s when they found out that I was walking on the insides of my feet. My feet were affected, my left leg is shorter, and it sort of twists one way and then the foot in the ankle twists inward. Both my feet have hurt me all my life. I’ve got a problem with my upper shoulder and upper right arm and my groin area,” she said. “I’ve just learned to live with all of these.”
Having survived the disease, Brazeau now experiences side effects decades later.
“They called it post-polio syndrome and there are all of these different types of side effects from the polio that have been identified,” she said.
“They get worse as time goes on.”
Some of the side effects Brazeau has experienced include difficulty breathing where her breathing will stop entirely, and difficulty swallowing, where she can choke on her own saliva.
When she learned about the End Polio initiative she had a profound reaction.
“I knew how important it was that polio be eradicated and I cried because I knew how important it was,” said Brazeau.
According to EndPolio.org, there have been seven confirmed cases of polio this year. Rotary remains committed to seeing an end to the disease worldwide.
“Rotary members have contributed more than $2.1 billion and countless volunteer hours to protect nearly 3 billion children in 122 countries,” reads part of their goal.
The rest of the day included a lunch buffet followed by a team-building presentation by Olympic curling gold medallist Joan McCusker.
Edwards says these district meetings are once a year, with another one coming up.
“We have this one in Lloydminster. We have another one in Edmonton in about two months time,” he said.
Edwards says Rotary International will have a convention this summer in Calgary with between 20,000 to 25,000 Rotarians descending on the city.
Christian Apostolovski Meridian Source
Vermilion councillor looks to serve as mayor
mayor, but we have a deputy mayor,” said Snow.
While the Vermilion municipal election is still far away, one mayoral hopeful is getting ready for his race.
At the beginning of the year, current Coun. Robert Snow announced he would be taking a shot at the top seat.
Snow’s council journey began in 2021.
“I served as a paramedic, advanced care paramedic in my community for 22 years, and in 2021, I decided it was time to retire from serving as a paramedic and just felt like I should still serve my community,” he said.
“I put my name in to run for council, and at the same time, put my name in to oversee a non-profit in town, and I got both of them.”
Snow is not just a councillor but the CEO of the Focus Society.
“It opened my eyes to what gets done in the background and what needs to get done,” he said.
Time management is something Snow has learned to deal with.
“You get a really good calendar on your phone and you figure it out, you make it work,” he said.
His time on council has been enjoyable and he reflects fondly on his four years.
“When you’re serving your community, yeah, it’s a great place to be,” he said.
Through his time, Snow has seen local projects come to fruition in the community.
“As a community, we’ve seen SL4 (supportive living level 4) come to our community in our longterm housing. Just seeing stuff like that come to our community, it’s been great being a part of those teams to help that come here,” he said.
He says when it comes to making decisions, it can be a balancing act.
“We always want to keep taxes low, but we don’t want to take away too many of the services. So, trying to figure out where that comfort zone is for our community,” said Snow.
After a few years in council, Snow began thinking how else he could serve his community, with the top seat firmly in his view.
“I started thinking about it a year ago,” he said. He consulted with his family to see if it was feasible for him to run for mayor.
“I had to take a step back and say, ‘why do I want to run for mayor and not for council again,’” said Snow.
He says not currently having a mayor has been difficult for Vermilion.
“The one challenge I always have is, I’ll get our mayor to reach out, we currently don’t have a
With the decision firmly in place, Snow believes being mayor is the right way for him to serve the community.
He says there are some key issues he would like to focus on as mayor.
“How do we retain good health care in our community? There’s always a struggle to keep physicians, nurses, paramedics, physiotherapists, the whole gambit of health care,” said Snow.
He says they need to support their physicians but doesn’t necessarily agree with just giving money as an incentive to stay.
“We need people to buy into our communities. When I started in Vermilion 22 years ago I actually lived in Edmonton and commuted out here,” said Snow.
It wouldn’t be long until Snow realized Vermilion was the community in which to raise his family, adding to his belief of needing to retain professionals through more than just money.
“You want to be here, you want to be in our community. So we need to look at reasons to make them want to stay,” said Snow.
The local Vermilion Airport is another topic Snow wants to bring attention to.
“Just really understanding what the needs are for the airport,” he said.
Assessing the use of the airport and understanding its needs and what it can do for the community is something Snow will be tackling if elected as mayor.
Economic development and business retention will be another focus of his.
“We need to understand how to keep businesses here so they thrive,” said Snow.
Public safety, along with dealing with crime and the rise of drugs, is something Snow also wants to tackle.
“Just dealing with crime, with the rise of drugs and supporting our RCMP, I think that’s really important,” he said.
Finally, he wants to take a look at an issue he’s heard from the community regarding transparency.
“Part of my campaign, and even part of being a councillor, is taking the time to go around to the stores, listen to the concerns, talk to people at the coffee shop and hear what their concerns are,”
Through his social media, Snow is trying to connect directly with the community to get real-time feedback on their concerns.
For Snow, it’s about serving the community.
“I want to serve the community, and in that, I represent their voice, I don’t represent my agendas, I represent their voice,” he said.
CHRISTIAN APOSTOLOVSKI STAFF WRITER
Christian Apostolovski Meridian Source
HRHS sweeps skills comp
Holy Rosary High School (HRHS) is making a name for itself in skilled trades.
The school’s welding team swept the podium at the recent Skills Canada regionals at Lakeland College. The bigger story is the entire HRHS Skills Team.
HRHS has 28 students and six staff preparing for 13 unique contest areas. At the regional event, 21 students competed, and 10 advanced to provincials. Another seven students earned direct entry into provincial contests.
“This is not a typical scenario for schools across Alberta,” said Kevin Bender, welding teacher and Skills Canada coach. “This is happening because of the hard work and professionalism of the skills team at HRHS.”
Bender credits the school’s success to support from the Lloydminster Catholic School Division (LCSD).
“Our programming is well supported,” he said. “We prioritize life skills and see the value in handson learning.”
Bender said dedicated students and focused training led to HRHS sweeping the welding podium.
“Excellent students combined with focused practice,” he said.
Additionally, HRHS students trained using Skills Alberta project plans and competition details.
“We practiced all required welding techniques and positions before the event,” said Bender. “Time management and visualizing the weld before starting were also big focuses.”
Training covered PPE use, power tool safety, and blueprint reading. Students also worked on welding symbols, material prep, and key welding techniques like gas metal arc welding and shielded metal arc welding.
Competition day brought its share of challenges.
“It’s a high-pressure, timed event with skilled professional welders watching,” said Bender. “Everyone will make small mistakes.”
Meanwhile, Bender provided this piece of advice on gameday.
“Do your best, don’t worry about small errors, and show them what you know,” he said. “Make sure to finish the project and have fun.”
“We worked on visualizing the weld and moving hands three times along the weld path before starting,” said Bender. “This helped them think about all the variables before completing the work.”
Furthermore, HRHS students also benefited from high-quality facilities and equipment.
“We are very fortunate to practice in our new welding facility,” explained Bender.
“LCSD has been extremely supportive, and we have access to industry-standard equipment.”
Grants from the CWB Welding Foundation have helped the program grow. Additionally, local businesses like Foremost in Lloydminster and Lakeland College have also provided support.
“Students have an excellent learning environment focused on real-life skills,” said Bender.
Bender saw major improvements in all competitors.
“They are Grade 11 students that met an industry standard in an extremely challenging trade,” he said. “I would hire any one of them if I had my own business.”
He believes welding will open many doors for students.
“Welding is a great life skill that overlaps many trades and careers,” said Bender. “If you can learn to weld, you can learn to do anything.”
He encourages students to keep pushing forward.
“Be willing to try new things, make mistakes, and put in the work to get results,” he said. “These competitions build critical thinking, communication, and character.”
The school is proving skilled trades education is moving in the right direction locally.
DAN GRAY STAFF WRITER ..................................
Dan Gray Meridian Source
Fire-damaged sander getting replaced
A previously fire-damaged Lloydminster sander will be getting replaced. Kelly Lavoie, fleet manager, presented the item to council at the March 10 regular council meeting.
The ask was for council to commit $164,000 from the equipment fleet reserve for the purchase of the slip-in sand spreader and to commit $346,000 from that same reserve for the tandem truck.
The unit suddenly caught fire on Dec. 3, 2024, while in service. Damage to the city’s fleet equipment was extensive and the city’s insurance adjuster completed an assessment deeming it unrepairable. The driver of the vehicle made it out safely. Insurance money drew some questions.
“I’m surprised that the insurance amount we got back is just under 33 per cent. Usually we have our vehicles kept within, they’re well maintained and we keep them five years and we have all this equipment but the amount, $160,000 on a now $510,000 $508,000 purchase I’m surprised by that,” said Coun. Michael Diachuk.
City clerk Marilyn Lavoie clarified the sander is insured as a mobile equipment item. Once the mobile equipment hits 10 years they no longer get full replacement.
“Had this happened one year earlier it would have been a much different number, but this had hit the 10-year mark,” she said.
Administration clarified the vehicle was a 2015 model.
Coun. Justin Vance inquired if it would make more sense to purchase all the vehicles as a package when the others are replaced in the near future.
“We need this truck replaced. Having this outside our fleet without a sander it really impacts our ability to do our day to day job so we need to replace this truck. As Kelly said, some of the tandems are going to be up for review here in the next year or two and part of that process is to evaluate our current trucks,” said Don Stang, executive manager of operations.
The sander was damaged from a fire and was due to be replaced next year. Council passed the motion to award the contract for the purchase of the slipin sand spreader to Superior North America and the purchase of the tandem truck to Velocity Truck Centre.
Delivery of the units expected to be September of this year.
CHRISTIAN APOSTOLOVSKI STAFF WRITER
Dan Gray Meridian Source
Kindness campaign goes beyond borders
“Kindness not only wins, it also spreads.”
Those were the words of Riley Gilroyed when asked about the success of this year’s Kindness Wins campaign.
Organized by the Lloydminster and District Co-op, the 15th Annual Kindness Wins campaign raised a whopping $8,420 for Beyond Borders Circle of Change initiatives.
Gilroyed, a student counsellor at Lloydminster Comprehensive High School and the director of Beyond Borders Circle of Change (BBCOC), was thrilled with this year’s campaign.
“It’s been wonderful, the community stepped up huge,” he said, explaining BBCOC uses the donations to fund anti-bullying programs within the Lloydminster Public and Lloydminster Catholic School Divisions.
“With help from Brandi Hofer and the LPDS Art Academy, we’ve been able to compile huge numbers from t-shirt and sweater sales.”
The KIP (Kindness is Power) Team is an element of BBCOC made up of students from both school divisions focused on anti-bullying and healthy relationships. Over the years, KIP students have given numerous presentations to their peers.
Preema Nathan, a Grade 12 KIP Team member from Holy Rosary High School, has seen the power of these presentations first hand.
“It’s great talking to kids and making sure they know how to deal with bullying. When you’re that young, you don’t really know what to do,” said Nathan. “It’s hard for the little kids to process what they’re going through, so it’s rewarding for us to see all the smiles come out of it.”
For the Co-op’s director of marketing, Tess Wack, the campaign speaks volumes about the community and aligns with the Co-op values.
“Kindess Wins is important to us because we want to live and foster (an) inclusive, kind and welcoming community. We’re proud to be a part of that community,” she said. “The more we can do to support that, the better.”
For Gilroyed, kindness is all about a snowball effect.
“A simple smile or gesture can go a long way, and it’s huge how something so little or insignificant seeming can become so significant.”
Visit Beyond Borders Circle of Change on Facebook for more.
TAYLOR WEAVER EDITOR ..................................
Taylor Weaver Meridian Source
Mother T students spread more kindness
Grade 1 students at Mother Teresa Early Childhood Education Centre are spreading even more kindness to seniors at Pioneer House through a special community project.
The students created unique bird feeders earlier this month and personally delivered them to residents at Pioneer House. During the visit, they also participated in a craft activity with the seniors.
Six and seven-year-old children worked collaboratively with seniors and others to create roof structure from popsicle sticks. They were to be used as
part of the bird-feed balls they left behind.
“It’s more than just an activity. It’s a chance for students to experience the power of kindness, firsthand,” said Hannah Lypkie, a Grade 1 teacher at Mother Teresa. “We talk about kindness often, but putting it into action makes a real impact.”
To further extend their kindness, the class left behind adult colouring books for residents to enjoy. Lypkie said the idea came from a Pioneer Lodge staff member who mentioned that seniors love colouring.
“This project helps students understand how small acts of kindness can make a big difference,”
said Lypkie. “It teaches them about compassion, empathy, and the value of human connection.”
The school frequently discusses kindness, especially during Advent in December and in early January and February. This hands-on experience, however, gave students a deeper understanding of giving back.
“They are learning the importance of fostering connections and making a difference in their community,” said Lypkie. “It’s amazing to see their excitement and the joy they bring to the seniors.”
The initiative was another project made possible by the Beyond Borders Circle of Change grant.
DAN GRAY STAFF WRITER
Dan Gray Meridian Source
Jack Kemp celebrates Festival du Voyageur
Jack Kemp Community School celebrated its annual Festival du Voyageur, a lively event connecting students to Métis and Indigenous history.
Festival organizer, teacher Nicole Webb, highlights the traditions of the French-Canadian and Métis voyageurs. These fur traders played a vital role in Canada’s past and students participated in activities that showcased the voyageurs’ strength and endurance.
Students show off one of two Metis dances they have learned at Jack Kemp.
“We want students to feel the adventure and challenges the voyageurs faced,” said Webb. “The students love the friendly competition, teamwork, and the chance to step into the shoes of these historic figures.”
Principal Elena Brand emphasized the festival’s importance in connecting students to their history.
“It’s important to us as a school community,” said Brand. “Many of our students have First Nations or Métis backgrounds. We’re celebrating the explorers who travelled across Canada and the culture that shaped our country.”
The festival included activities like arm wrestling, rowing and a beardgrowing contest. Students also experienced portaging and mimicked the voyageurs’ journeys across rivers and land.
“We’ve done Indigenous programming earlier this year,” said Brand. “Students learned about smoking fish and trapping. This event builds on that by honouring Métis culture and the fur trade.”
Grade 5 students show off their spoon skills at the opening ceremony.
A highlight was the life-sized voyageur canoe, on loan from E.S. Laird School Principal Luke Maw. Students sat inside and learned about the Hudson’s Bay Company and Northwest Company, two key players in Canada’s fur trade.
“We even have a 12-person voyageur canoe with the Hudson’s Bay Company and Northwest Company flags,” said Brand. “It’s a direct connection to Saskatchewan’s history and curriculum.”
Community support made the event even more special.
The Lloydminster Rowing Club and Lloydminster Comprehensive High School lent rowing machines for students to practice. The Lloydminster Armbender’s Arm Wrestling Club provided an arm wrestling table. Leah Boyer and the Métis18 Society organized foam axe throwing.
“The Festival du Voyageur has become a highlight of the school year,” said Webb. “It brings learning and laughter together in an unforgettable way.
DAN GRAY STAFF WRITER
Dan Gray Meridian Source
Thursday, March 20, 2025
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For many, Rotary clubs will be a familiar concept, people getting together to make the world a better place.
It’s a network of people who want to make a lasting change, not just in their community but globally.
I had the pleasure of attending a Rotary event this past weekend. It was the district conference for District 5370, which is immense, spanning from North Battleford to Whitehorse, Yukon.
The speakers captivated me, and I learned about a variety of topics I knew nothing about. It was eye-opening to learn how polio affects the modern world.
The Rot ary Club of Lloydminster started all the way back in 1929, hard to believe in just a few years it’ll be 100 years of serving the community.
Ear ly meetings were held in the Britannia Hotel until it burned down during the great fire. Despite losing their meeting location, Rotary remained active.
Most notably in the 1930s, the public library was entirely volunteer-based and Rotary assisted with fundraising activities.
Chris’ A-Z: The Rotary difference Rock out for a cure!
MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF
Looking for a rockin’ good time this weekend while supporting local non-profits?
The Lloydminster Exhibition is hosting the 13th edition of Rock For a Cure on March 22.
Local band Blox Buds will be warming up the crowd for Chronic Rock at the WLS Convention Centre. Doors open at 7 p.m. and tickets are still available.
Tables of eight are available for $480 and single seats are still up for grabs for $60 each.
Presented by I Heart Alberta Boobs, funds raised will support comfort care packages for breast cancer patients at the Lloydminster Hospital. Tickets are available at https://app. aplos.com/aws/events/ rock_for_a_cure_2025
One of the more popular fundraising activities was the screening of motion picture shows, which during the late 1930s, generated almost $40 per year.
That may not seem like a lot in 2025, really that would be about half a tank of gas. At the time, that was more than 70 per cent of the funds necessary for the library to operate.
Rotary has also been involved in one-year exchange visits to far-away countries. New clubs were formed in Vegreville in 1951, and Vermilion in 1955. Both clubs were sponsored by the Rotary Club of Lloydminster.
Lloydminster even got its own second local club, Border City Rotary Club in 1999.
Rotary continues to have an impact in the community, raising money, hosting events and helping with donations.
While I may not be a Rotarian, I am encouraged by the work they do. Communities are built on the foundations of people looking to give back or make the place they call home better.
Rotary has a firm place in our community and the global landscape for its work educating people on little-known topics or championing causes like polio.
I encourage anyone with some time to attend a meeting, you might just learn about something you’ve never heard of.
Thursday, March 20, 2025
MERIDIAN SOURCE
Gray Matters: Hot ideas for a cool $10M
On page 18 of this week’s paper, you will read about the city having some extra cash from last year’s budget. They put $10.6 million in reserves.
When this story was published online, as we do with many before our weekly Thursday paper, it got people talking and giving suggestions about what to do with the extra cash.
Now, it’s standard practice to put much of the extra cash in reserves; frankly, many cities across Canada don’t have any reserves, or not enough.
However, the article also notes an ongoing conversation about what to do with the extra cash.
So, if we split the difference, leave $5.3 million for a rainy-day fund and use $5.3 million for the good of the citizenry, where could it go? I have a few ideas.
If you overestimated what was needed to operate the city and took that money from citizens through fees and taxes, this makes sense.
This year’s tax increase of 4.5 per cent or about $120 annually was based on two big expenditures: $2.3 million for protective services, including two new officers and fire protection updates, and $1.4 million transferred to operating reserves for the infrastructure deficit ... $5M covers that.
Could taxes remain flat or at least not rise as much?
You could design, build, and operate a medium-level public transit system. Known as Option 3 in the Public Transit Master Plan, it would provide four loops on a 30-minute frequency. Its set-up cost was estimated at $1.6 million with annual costs of $1 million going forward. With a large warehouse retailer possibly moving to the far southwest, maybe it’s time.
If not a system, maybe at least a pilot project?
Service groups in the community
have a list of things they could do with $5 million.
Residents in Recovery could add capacity and create a men’s family counselling program. You could build a structure to house both men and women who are unhoused. A couple of million dollars could get plenty of beds in a renovated or new facility.
Transitional housing, permanent weather-related solutions, and additional funding for service organizations could follow. The list goes on.
Spend some of it on the Cenovus
Energy Hub. The city can borrow up to $33 million under a by-law. Borrowing $28 million instead would reduce the interest burden on taxpayers. We can’t stop the project so let’s make the hurt a little less in the long run.
In conclusion, there are many places where a surplus like this could benefit the citizens of Lloydminster. What shouldn’t happen is it becomes a habit that over-taxation creates extra funds for bureaucratic spending. Leave it in the pockets of those who earned it; it will go much further.
Source File Photo
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
The Meridian Source Calendar of Events is a free service provided for non-profit organizations located within our coverage area. All events are in chronological order, as space permits and at the editor’s discretion.
Passport to YLL
To place an event, email taylor@meridiansource.ca or fax 306-825-5147
Cards, games, food, meetings, live music
Intro to Square Dancing
Modern square dancing lessons are being offered every Wednesday from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at 5115 - 49 Ave. Walk to the beat of music by following simple instructions from the caller. Come alone or bring a friend. Wear whatever is comfortable. First evening is FREE. For more info, contact 780-872-2493 or visit SquareDanceLloydArea.com
Bingo at the Moose Lodge
Bingo will be held every Monday and Wednesday, except holidays, at Moose Lodge 5213 57 St., Lloydminster. Doors open at 5 p.m. with games starting at 7 p.m. Must be at least 18 to play.
Diabetes Exercise Classes
The Saskatchewan Health Authority is hosting diabetes education classes every Monday and Wednesday from 2-3 p.m. Classes are held in Suite 109 of the Prairie North Plaza. Please call 306-8202597 to register. This class is free.
Spades Tournament
The Legacy Cenre is hosting a spades tournament on March 20. Play begins at 10 a.m., cost is $10 to play and $12/person for lunch. Everyone welcome! Call the Legacy office at 780-875-4584 for more info.
Marwayne Ladies Night
The 3rd annual Marwayne Ladies Night is scheduled for March 29. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and Jennie Ogilvie: Canada’s Unconventional Medium, takes the stage at 7 p.m. The fundraiser will support the town’s Agriplex Improvement Project with new ice surfaces and brine lines, a new ice plant, boards, bleachers and plexiglass.
Criggabe Tournament
The Legacy Centre is hosting a cribbage tournament on March 27. Play begins at 10 a.m., cost is $10 to play and $12 for lunch/person. Everyone welcome! Call the Legacy office at 780-875-4584 for more info.
Legacy Pancake Breakfast
The Legacy Centre is hosting a pancake breakfast on March 30 from 9-11 a.m. Everyone welcome! Cost is $12 for adults, $6/12 and under. Call the Legacy office at 780-875-4584 for more info.
4-H Club Pancake Breakfast
The Hillmond 4-H Club pancake supper, dessert bingo and silent auction is on Sunday, March 30 at the Hillmond Hall. Pancakes 4:30 p.m. Dessert Bingo starting at 5:30 p.m. Every bingo wins a dessert item! Silent auction items available to bid on.
Britannia Wilton Rural Crime Watch AGM
The Britannia Wilton Rural Crime Watch AGM will be on April 11 at the Marshall Community Hall. Supper is at 6 p.m. followed by a short business meeting. Guest speaker will be the RCMP’s Crime Reduction Unit head Staff Sgt. Kory Davidson. Tickets are $25 each in advance only and available at the RM of Britannia and RM of Wilton offices or contact a RCW board member. Everyone welcome.
Edmonton Bus Trip
Tickets for the Legacy Centre’s upcoming bus trip to the Mayfield Inn in Edmonton are on sale now. The bus leaves the Legacy parking lot at 7:30 a.m. on April 16. Brunch is from 10 a.m. to noon. The show JERSEY BOYS runs from noon to 2 p.m., then back to the bus to head home. Arrival in Lloyd will be roughly 5:30 p.m. Cost is $189 per person. Call the Legacy office at 780-875-4584 for more info.
Lone Rock Family Easter Dance
The Lone Rock family Easter dance will be from 7-11 p.m. on April 17 at the Lone Rock Hall. Price is $8/person. Join the fun with the kids! The Easter Bunny will likely hop on in as well. See you there!
Thursday, March 20, 2025
Rustlers women’s hockey celebrates first provincial championship
The Lakeland College Rustlers women’s hockey team are the 2025 Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) champions.
The Rustlers beat the Red Deer Polytechnic Queens 7-1 on March 14 in Game 4 of the best-of-five series.
Since joining the ACAC three seasons ago, the Rustlers women’s hockey team has won bronze, silver, and now, gold.
Claudia Lammers was first on the board at 6:01 of the first period on March 14. Assists went to Addison Eurich and Olivia Mann.
The Rustlers second goal came on the power play at 10:37 of the second off the tape of Keyra Buziak. Assists went to Hailey Carothers and Calla Kampen. Eurich got one of her own at 13:10 for a 3-0 lead.
Red Deer’s Kaedence Mollin, however, got the Queens on the board on the power play at 15:16 of the second. Tasha Barsby and Emily Hourie got the assist.
Carothers was quick to respond at 19:41 with apples to Calla Kampen and Ava Cole for a 4-1 lead.
Riding the high of a three-goal second period, Carothers made it a 5-1 game on the power play at 5:49. Assists went to Mann and Claudia Lammers. Lammers made it a 6-1 game four and a half minutes later off an Ava Cole assist.
Kempel put the icing on the cake at 15:59 of the third for a 7-1 final.
Head coach Morgan Mann was at a loss for words when asked about the win.
“It was very exciting and we’re very happy for our players and the group of people that worked hard to put this program
together,” said Mann. “It’s not every
Raiders celebrate graduating seniors
MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF
Holy Rosary High School (HRHS) recently celebrated senior basketball teams at their annual senior night.
The school honoured 10 graduating players as they played one of their final home games in the Holy Rosary gym.
These senior players are known for their dedication, leadership and hard work throughout their years wearing the Raiders jersey for Holy Rosary basketball.
“All 10 of these athletes are leaving an incredible mark on this school as well as our basketball program and we couldn’t be prouder of everything that they’ve accomplished, both on and off the court,” said Ashley Fullarton, HRHS athletic director and
Sr. girls basketball head coach.
“On top of their basketball skills they’re also incredible humans, and that’s a direct reflection of all of their outstanding families. It is truly an honour to be part of their journey and we cannot wait to see all of the amazing things they will accomplish beyond graduation.”
Dan Gray Meridian Source Photos
Top Row (L to R) Ashley Fullarton (HRHS athletic firector and Sr. girls head coach), Thiarra Tulio, Ally Munro, Emerson Matthews, Divine Anokwute, Rafa Arrgelo, Kieran Hoff, Nancy Bentz (Sr. boys assistant coach) and Luke Kuypers (Sr. boys assistant coach). Bottom Row (L to R) Jace Zidar, Favour Anokwute, Mayowa Akinloye and Jamila Lopez.
Bobcats among AJHL award finalists
TAYLOR WEAVER EDITOR
The Lloydminster Bobcats are among the finalists for two Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL) awards.
Forward Cooper Moore is up for the AJHL’s Rookie of the Year, while head coach, Jeff Woywitka, is up for Coach of the Year.
Moore is up against Vincent Filion of the Fort McMurray Oil Barons, Jack Plandowski of the Calgary Canucks, and Alex Scheiwiller of the Canmore Eagles.
“As we say, it’s not the size of the dog, it’s the size of the fight in the dog,” said Bobcats general manager Nigel Dube of the 5’7” Red Deer native.
“We recruited Coop last year and got him late in the fall this year. He came in and had an instant impact. What’s more special for him is the fact he’s the only player in the league that’s had an NCAA Division 1 commitment since the rule changes.”
Moore committed to the Augustana Vikings NCAA Division 1 in South Dakota.
“He’s versatile up and down the lineup and he’s been able to play with everybody. He gets the best out of everybody,” said Dube.
“His versatility will help him in the long run, and I think he’s a fun player for the fans to watch. He’s a little guy but he’s mighty out there, which is great to see.”
Woywitka, however, competes with the Grande Prairie Storm’s Chris Scmidt, Canmore’s Andrew Milne and Kevin Hasselberg of the Drumheller Dragons.
“Jeff’s been with us for three years and this was his first year as a full-time head coach. I think he’s learned a lot as the season went on, he learned a lot about our players, and our players learned a lot about him,” said Dube.
“I think we’re getting the best from each other together. Jeff is very active on the ice and loves that, and I think our guys love it, too,” added Dube.
“Being a finalist is an honour itself, but it would be great to see him get the award.”
Winners will be determined through a final stage of voting and announced after the completion of the regular season.
The Bobcats also start their first-round playoff run against the Grande Prairie Storm on the road on March 21. The best-of-seven series returns to the Centennial Civic Centre on March 25 and 26.
The Lloydminster Bandits championship North Eastern Alberta Jr. B Hockey League series with the Wainwright Bisons returned to the Border City last night.
We at the Meridian Source can’t see into the future and didn’t know the scores of last night’s game before press time, however, here’s how the series has played out so far.
Game 1 was played in Wainwright on March 14 and resulted in a 3-2 final for the Bandits.
Game 2, also played in Wainwright, saw a 4-2 win for the boys in black and red.
Game 3 was scheduled for last night (March 19) at 8 p.m. at the
Centennial Civic Centre.
Game 4 will be played tomorrow (March 21) at 7:30 p.m. at the Civic Centre.
If necessary, Game 5 is scheduled for March 22 at 7:30 p.m. in Wainwright. Game 6 is scheduled for March 27 at 8 p.m. in Lloyd, and Game 7 is scheduled for March 29 at 7:30 p.m. in Wainwright. Visit us online at meridiansource. ca for more on the Bandits’ series with the Bisons.
Head coach Jeff Woywitka. Source File Photo
Bobcats forward Cooper Moore. File Photo
TAYLOR WEAVER EDITOR
Source File Photo
Excess money put back into reserves
Surplus money in the City of Lloydminster has been reallocated.
The 2024 year ended with a just over $6.7 million operating surplus and a $3.9 million capital surplus.
The surplus will be allocated to reserves and requires a council motion to do so.
Lloydminster Mayor Gerald Aalbers says its been an ongoing discussion as to where they should allocate the money and how to use it.
“That’s been an ongoing discussion, certainly there are times when administration would love to continue on with projects, but the path we’ve followed is it goes back to reserves,” he said.
Reserves are a key part of how the city funds projects.
“Reserves are used to fund projects at the front end during the budgetary process,” said Aalbers.
He says the budget was done in 2024 but the money doesn’t get spent until this year.
While they may budget a specific amount to
a project, the money doesn’t always get spent.
“We took $500,000 out of a certain reserve be it roads or something like that to do a project then we came in under budget. We put that money back so it’s kind of like a stabilization fund,” said Aalbers.
Operating surpluses could be due to higher revenues, lower expenses or a combination of the two. Capital surpluses happen when capital projects no longer require all or some of the funds originally approved.
Council voted in favour of moving the capital and operating surpluses to reserves.
CHRISTIAN APOSTOLOVSKI STAFF WRITER
Christian Apostolovski
Meridian Source
Autowars demo derby announced
Twisted metal and total carnage are the name of the game this summer.
The Lloydminster Agricultural Exhibition Association and Boundary Ford are pleased to announce the 1st Annual Boundary Ford Autowars.
“If we had enough cars and enough stuff to last us the afternoon to do a final under the lights, to me, that’s how you cap it off and make it a great night.
The Aug. 2 event will be Lloyd’s first demo derby since 2019, and organizers are already excited.
“We’re really looking forward to this. It’s gonna be nice to have this as a standalone event this time around,” said Travis Bottorff, Lloyd Ex board member and Autowars committee chair.
“We’ve had a lot of comments from the community about bringing this derby back, so making it a standalone event (will be great).”
Bottorff explained the plan is to kick things off at 1 p.m. for a funfilled afternoon of high-octane action.
“There’s a lot of ideas floating around, so we’ll have to see how the logistics play out,” said Bottorff. “Nothing would please me more than for us to do our final under the lights at the end of the night.”
“If we had enough cars and enough stuff to last us the afternoon to do a final under the lights, to me, that’s how you cap it off and make it a great night,” he said.
For Boundary Ford marketing manager, Carly Pollard, supporting this event was a no-brainer.
“When we started this event, we immediately knew it aligned with not only our industry, but most importantly, the values of Boundary Ford,” said Pollard. “We like to give back and know this event is something the community has wanted for years.”
“We’ve heard your feedback and decided it was time to bring back a nostalgic, family event for all ages,” she said.
“Boundary was a big part of our Fair many years ago with our concert series and we’re delighted to have them as part of the Exhibition family,” added Lloyd Ex general manager Jackie Tomayer.
Josh “The Crash Consultant” Arnold, who’s a Lloyd Ex board member and derby competitor, is excited to run in front of a hometown crowd.
“My car is about as heavy spec as you get for the class it runs, and just about every -
thing is built in this car,” said Arnold, noting the Frankenstein ride started out as a ’73 Impala and puts out roughly 350 horsepower.
“The frame’s built, the bumper’s built, the engine’s built, the transmission, the rear end … you can’t get much more built than that for the rules we run on.”
The entry rules have yet to be posted, however, the Lloyd Ex will share updates via social media soon.
“The initial classes we’re going with will be the full-size car, fullsize truck. We’re also doing midsized cars,” confirmed Bottorff.
TAYLOR WEAVER EDITOR
Demo derby driver Josh Arnold can’t wait to get back on the dirt in front of a hometown crowd on Aug. 2 at the Lloyd Ex. Taylor Weaver Meridian Source Photos
Lloyd Ex GM Jackie Tomayer.
Beyond Borders shares success with Rotarians
Members of Beyond Borders Circle of Change recently spoke at the Rotary Club of Lloydminster’s Monday lunch meeting to share their mission to build a stronger community.
Riley Gilroyed and RCMP Const. Melanie Flynn presented the group’s efforts to promote inclusivity, kindness and youth empowerment in Lloydminster.
“Our vision for Beyond Borders Circle of Change, we see Lloydminster as an inclusive, connected community,” said Flynn. “All individuals should feel a sense of belonging, respected, proud, safe and cared for.”
The non-profit group includes members from human services, education, law enforcement, and health care.
It collaborates on projects to improve the community.
One of their major
initiatives is the Kindness Wins Campaign, which encourages acts of kindness through events and grants.
Local artist Brandi Hofer and the Lloydminster Public School Division’s Art Academy do their part and design shirts to raise funds each year.
“These funds not only benefit the community indirectly, they also help with certain causes related to Beyond Borders Circle of Change,” said Gilroyed.
Since 2017, the campaign has funded 111 schoolbased grants, supporting projects like Blankets for Babies and Companionship for Seniors.
Students visit care homes, deliver gifts and build relationships with elders.
Flynn also highlighted positive ticketing, where police reward youth making good choices.
“I had a young guy picking up garbage one day. I pulled over, stopped, talked to him, and commended him with a positive ticket as well as a token for an icy treat,” she said.
She added officers also distribute free helmets to kids who need them, ensuring safety while building trust.
Another program, Kindness is Power, trains high school students to teach younger peers about bullying, boundaries and online safety. Based on Red Cross materials, the lessons have reached thousands of students since 2008.
“We find this is quite effective,” said Gilroyed. “Students listen to teachers all day, but they connect better with older peers who are more relatable.”
The group also hosts professional development for parents, teachers and community members.
In May, they will offer anxiety training in response to local demand.
“If you know of anybody that might be interested, certainly let us know. Beyond Borders is about building connections,” said Gilroyed.
Source File Photo
DAN GRAY STAFF WRITER
PAGE 21
Thursday, March 20, 2025
MERIDIAN SOURCE
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Classifieds
FEED AND SEED
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FIREARMS WANTED FOR OUR 2025 AUCTION PROGRAM: Firearms, Ammunition, Accessories, or Militaria. Collections, Estates or single items. For Auction, or Possible Purchase: Contact us: 1-800-694-2609, Email: sales@switzersauction.com or Visit us @ www.switzersauction.com for Auction Dates & Details.
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63rd DRAGGINS CAR SHOW - April 18 & 19 at Prairieland Park, Saskatoon. Check out the “Battle of the Automotive Technicians”!. Draggins Rod & Custom Car Club. Visit our website; Draggins.com.
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
NOW HIRING:
Person to COOK & CLEAN for heavy (road) construction camp this upcoming season. Current location is near Saskatoon, SK. Must have valid driver’s license and safe food handling ticket. Experience in camp setting with 20-30 crew, an asset. Send resume with two work references to: Bryden Construction, Box 100, Aroborfield, SK., S0E 0A0 brydenconstruct@ xplornet.ca or fax 306-769-8844 www.bryden constructionand transport.ca
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GRACE UNITED CHURCH
Sunday, March 23 at 10:00am
Rev. Cathy Kinsman and Rev. George Mafuleka
Nursery & Sunday School Lenten Luncheon at 11:30am Lent Worship Service at 12:15pm – 12:45pm
#GodsHandsAndHeartAlways All Are Welcome!
ANGLICAN CHURCH OF THE NATIVITY LLOYDMINSTER at Lloydminster Public Library, Lloyd Mall West Entrance - Unit 160, 5211 44 St, AB
A Christ-centered, multicultural, multiracial, Bible-based Anglican Church of Lloydminster that believes in the apostolic teaching and is sensitive to human needs
SUNDAY SERVICES AT 12:00 NOON
BIBLE STUDY AT 7:00 PM & FRIDAYS VIA ZOOM https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87146305791?pwd=e4yawgRifbUJABQXMVne AsP2olkl3c.1, Meeting ID: 871 4630 5791, Passcode: 989498
The Revd. Can. Chinedu Ememanka | Rector (365) 378-4051 Rt.Revd. Dr. Olukayode Adebogun | Diocesean Bishop
The Revd. Can. Barr. Chinedu Ememanka - Rector
Celebrations
