Meridian Source - November 7, 2024

City spending on full display

salaries and benefits, followed by aquatic centres at $2.3 million and the Servus Sports Centre at $2.2 million.

The 2025 draft budget has been presented to council, shedding light on spending in city hall.

T he process of preparing the budget first began with public consultations. A survey was open for nine weeks with four in-person engagement activities leading to 500-plus conversations and 314 completed surveys.

The annual budget, as prepared by city administration, outlines the efforts staff have made to have a balanced budget.

“The city, over the last number of years, has gone department by department asking them to look at their budgets, look at their staffing requirements, their purchasing needs to stretch the dollars as best we can,” said Lloydminster Mayor Gerald Aalbers.

There are some cost drivers the city has no control over.

“Additionally, retroactive pay for the RCMP, is totally out of control of the city through our municipal policing service agreement with the RCMP,” said Aalbers.

Total re venues in 2025 are projected to be just over $110 million while expenses are projected to be just short of $110 million.

In terms of expenses, Lloydminster will spend a staggering $43.8 million in just salaries, roughly 40 per cent of total expenses the city will incur. The city employs 460 employees throughout the year with 312 of those being full-time.

In terms of some department specifics, the fire service leads the way with $5.2 million in total salaries and benefits. The parks department spends $2.7 million on

The other major expense the city incurs annually is contracted services, projected to cost $27.3 million.

“

The city, over the last number of years, has gone department by department asking them to look at their budgets, look at their staffing requires, their purchasing needs to stretch the dollars as best we can.

The y will also be paying $4 million in bank charges this upcoming year.

On the revenue side of things, the city will collect just shy of $50 million in municipal taxes next year. The other large portion of their revenue comes from user fees and the sale of goods.

Every year the city takes from reserves to help fund projects, and in 2025, the total transfer back to reserves is projected to be $13.9 million.

The proposed tax increase for next year sits at 4.5 per cent, while in 2026, Lloydminster residents could be facing a tax increase of 9.2 per cent. All tax increases are subject to council approval.

Lloydminste r funds a variety of community programs every year. The full list of funding requests can be found on the City of Lloydminster’s website. Of note, the request from Border Paws for the upcoming year was $400,000 while $81,182 is in the budget for the organization. The most notable item is the

library receiving just shy of $1.5 million in funding. Earlier this year the library went from being on a provincial system to being managed by the municipality. In total, just over $2.1 million is being given to community groups.

Some key projects the city is tackling this upcoming year include upgrades at the Russ Robertson, specifically a cement pad replacement. They are also tackling lagoon desludging, 12 St. and 75 Ave. street improvements, various street improvement programs, landfill operations building, entrance and scale house among other projects.

I n terms of protective services, the RCMP is adding two new members to its capacity costing just under $900,000. The fire service is looking to re-certify an apparatus giving it another 10 years of life.

For transportation services, in the capital plan, the city is looking to spend $8.6 million total in 2025 jumping in 2026 to $35.8 million.

“The ask would be to deal with continuous road improvements, it’s called the street improvement program as it’s tied to other major roadworks,” said Aalbers.

For social programs, Lloydminster will be spending over $1.3 million. In planning and economic development, the operating expenses are just under $3.8 million. Recreation and culture expenses are projected to be $23.9 million. In planning and economic development for land, $1.1 million will be spent. In environmental services, operating expenses will reach $30 million in 2025.

The full budget document along with breakdowns of each department’s spending can be found at the City of Lloydminster’s website.

CHRISTIAN APOSTOLOVSKI STAFF WRITER

Meet the candidates

Lloydminster preps for municipal election with all-candidates forum

Lloydminster got the chance to hear from candidates running in the upcoming municipal election.

The Lloydminster Chamber of Commerce hosted an all-candidates forum on Nov. 4.

Fourteen candidates are aiming for one of six seats on council.

Candidates include Michele Charles Gustafson, Sara Christie, Michael Diachuk, Darrell Dunn, Barry Helm, Tanner Hnidey, Tracy King, David Lopez, Jean Mills Applegate, Russell Moncrieff, Fred Sirett Sr., Jim Taylor, Justin Vance and Jason Whiting.

Returning to the mayoral seat is current Lloydminster Mayor Gerald Aalbers.

The debate kicked off with a word from debate moderator Wendy Plandowski.

“What a great example of democracy, showing up in Lloydminster tonight,” said Plandowski overlooking a packed crowd at the Lloydminster Exhibition’s WLS Convention Centre.

She welcomed the candidates who were sitting just below the moderation team on the stage.

“I am pleased to welcome all of the candidates and to congratulate them, thank you for making time to engage with the community on this important democratic process, we are privileged to live in a country where we have the right and opportunity to vote

for our leaders,” said Plandowski. She also thanked the Lloyd Exhibition and staff for hosting the chamber. The event was live-streamed on the chamber’s website and YouTube by Maz Entertainment.

The event began with each candidate having one minute for opening remarks. A large range of topics were covered through the opening remarks including seniors housing, finances, economics, budgets, spending, and the hospital.

Following the opening remarks, three questions that had been sent ahead of time to candidates were asked.

Candidates answered what the most pressing issue council will deal with this year, how would they approach the bi-provincial issue and their opinions on the purchasing and procurement policy.

Questions could be sent to the chamber to be asked to the candidates and questions could also be submitted in person at the event.

Candidates covered questions about whether Lloydminster needed a bus service, addressing the infrastructure gap without raising taxes, continuing to beautify downtown, values guiding decision-making, and lower density development among nearly half a dozen other questions.

The event concluded with each councillor having 90 seconds to make their case of why people should vote for them.

The entire forum is available to watch on the chamber’s YouTube page.

OPPORTUNITY TO REVIEW FOREST OPERATING PLANS

CHRISTIAN APOSTOLOVSKI STAFF WRITER

Christian Apostolovski Meridian Source Photo

Utility and tax increases in books for Lloyd

in the process included public consultation and a public awareness campaign through advertising.

$104,071,455 with total expenses for the year being $103,987,853.

Next year is projected to have just over $110 million in revenues and just under $110 million in expenses.

Figures are available regarding the impact’s utility increases will have on both residential and non-residential customers.

They are laid out from low to high consumption. Residential users will face a monthly increase ranging from $4 to $7. The annual increase will range from $48 to $84.

The City of Lloydminster is proposing a 4.5 per cent tax increase and a 5 per cent utility increase as part of its budget process.

The draft of the budget covers details of how the city makes its money and spends it. The first step

Discussions are currently underway and these projected increases are subject to council approval. The second step of the budget process took place at the Oct. 30 Governance and Priorities Committee meeting.

The total revenue before transfers in 2024 is

For non-residential users, low consumption will see an increase of $6, medium will increase by $21 and high consumption will increase by $303 monthly.

The annual increase ranges from $72 all the way up to $3,636.

The next step of the draft budget process will be the next presentation at the Nov. 25 council meeting.

Premier Smith blasts Ottawa’s emissions cap

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith issued a strong rebuke against the federal government’s new draft regulations aimed at capping oil and gas emissions.

She took to a podium on Nov. 4, shortly after a press conference in Ottawa announcing the proposed legislation.

Calling the policy an unconsti -

tutional “production cap,” Smith states it threatens Alberta’s economic stability. In her remarks, Smith said Alberta would use every legal avenue to defend what she described as its constitutional rights over resource management.

“Only about an hour ago, Ottawa released details of its oil and gas production cap. It is not an emissions cap. It is a production cap,” Smith argument is based off of Section

92A of the Canadian Constitution. The section grants provinces exclusive authority over non-renewable resources.

“May I say that again? Exclusive jurisdiction over non-renewable natural resource development,” she emphasized.

Earlier, federal Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Steven Guilbeault, presented the draft regulations. They aim to cut emis

sions by 35 per cent from 2019 levels by 2030.

Additionally, Guilbeault framed the move as necessary to transition Canada’s energy sector toward a greener future. He wants to hold the industry accountable to its carbon neutrality pledge by 2050.

“Canada’s oil and gas sector accounts for almost a third of our climate pollution,” Guilbeault said.

CHRISTIAN APOSTOLOVSKI STAFF WRITER

Source File Photo

DAN GRAY STAFF WRITER

Blink and you missed it Father Gorman playground complete

Students, staff, and community members are celebrating the completion of a new playground at Father Gorman School; built in record time after a fire destroyed the old structure.

Local businesses, school staff and city workers brought this project to life by creating a designed space for students.

Nigel McCarthy, director of education at the Lloydminster Catholic School Division, expressed his gratitude for the community’s dedication during an update. He highlighted their combined efforts and praised everyone who came together.

“This morning (Oct. 22), we poured concrete with a fantastic crew across the city. After lunch, we’ll add the finishing touches with rockers, thanks to our last donors,” said McCarthy.

The board is extremely grateful to those who made donations.

Meanwhile, principal Scott Young, who oversaw much of the playground’s development, stressed the emotional journey of this project.

“What started as a really sad thing and turned into something bigger and better,” he said.

Additionally, Young observed the children’s

engagement with the construction, interacting with workers and watching each stage unfold.

“For them, this has been better than TV,” he said.

Young says the children could see their interests reflected in the final design, from large climbing structures to areas resembling giant Lego builds.

Meanwhile, Mayor Gerald Aalbers also spoke about the playground’s importance to the community, explaining its value goes beyond school hours.

“It’s not just for the kids; it’s for the entire neighbourhood,” he said. “Families can come together here after school, on weekends, or even during those beautiful summer evenings and reasonably warm winter days.”

Aalbers actively welcomed the strong local support, with non-profits, businesses, and city officials stepping up to contribute to the project.

“When our community faces challenges, everyone steps up,” he said.

Saskatchewan MLA Colleen Young attended in the middle of her re-election campaign.

“The speed at which this came together is amazing,” she said, adding that playgrounds are essential spaces for children’s physical activity and social growth.

DAN GRAY STAFF WRITER

Dan Gray Meridian Source Photo

Cattleman ‘okay’ with coveted award

said King.

Keeping up with the Joneses just got a little harder.

Drayson Jones and his wife, Pat, from Paradise Valley are in the limelight as the recipient family of this year’s Cattleman of the Year award.

It was presented to Drayson by Gord King, vice chair of the Cattleman of the Year Committee, at the 46th Stockade Round-Up at the Lloyd Ex on Nov. 1.

“It is an exciting day. Drayson’s very well deserving of it for his involvement in 4-H and stuff in the community of Paradise Valley,”

“He’s lived a great life and raised some great cattle.”

His wife, Pat, who worked with cattle and pulled calves herself, says being selected Cattleman of the Year was one of her husband’s dreams.

“That was years ago—he finally got his wish,” she said with many family members and friends on hand for the occasion.

The Cattleman of the Year award is presented to those who have made an outstanding contribution to the cattle industry and their commitment to excellence, exemplifying quality rural life and involvement in

the community.

“I was very surprised to get awarded this way—it’s okay,” said Drayson while finishing lunch.

His son, Glen Jones, who took over the farm in 2002 as purely a grain farmer, said his dad doesn’t think he deserves the award, even though he does, citing his involvement in 4-H.

“He was a big supporter of that and also just a good cattleman all through his years,” said Glen.

“He is still a strong supporter of 4-H by buying members at member auctions at Kitscoty and 3 Cities 4-H Beef Clubs as well as making sure the kids got awards for their communications events in 3 Cities.”

He held positions as leader and assistant leader with 4-H over the years.

Glen says at the age of 80, his dad is still a firm believer that public speaking is a great asset learned from 4-H.

Drayson graduated from Lakeland College in 1963, when it was known as the Vermilion School of Agriculture, and says his dad helped him and Pat to get into farming.

“I used his machinery and bought half a dozen heifers off him, that’s how I got started,” he said.

“We had a purebred horned Hereford bull and then we went to a shorthorned purebred bull and then I guess it was a Limousine, and we fin-

ished off with Angus.”

“We always bought good bulls.” They also got into dairy cows when times were tough for a year in the ‘70s.

“Getting that cream cheque sure helped out,” said Drayson, who has seen a few ups and downs in the business.

“I can remember as a boy when foot and mouth hit, and I remember seeing in a farm paper where they’d bulldozed big holes. The police herded these dairy cows into these holes, and they stood up on the edge and shot them and then buried them.”

He says after that there were outbreaks of bangs (bovine brucellosis) and BSE (mad cow) and a few droughts.

Along the way, he and Pat raised four adult children, Glen, Verna, Tannis and Heather, who were on hand with a ton of grandkids for the celebration at the Lloyd Ex.

The elderly couple also enjoyed camping, fishing and vacationing with family and friends over the years

When the kids were young, they joked one of their dad’s favourite pastimes was when “cattle porn” came in the mail (sale catalogues and artificial insemination books).

“He would go through all the animals and pick out the best ones,” noted Glen.

Geoff Lee Meridian Source

Drayson Jones, right, checks out the Cattleman of the Year plaque as his wife, Pat, and daughter Verna Huppertz, left, look on.

GEOFF LEE STAFF WRITER

Parent frustrated with LMHA

The Lloydminster Minor Hockey Association (LMHA) refuses to answer questions regarding the recent removal of chair Aaron Foster and vice-chair Dean Segberg.

Additionally, on Sept. 27, the association sent a letter to parents confirming Foster and Segberg’s immediate departure. They provided no reason for the decision at that time.

Since then, the board has not communicated further, frustrating a parent to come forward on the condition of annonymity.

“After we, as parents of a child in Lloydminster minor hockey, received the letter from the executives about the immediate dismissal of the board of directors’ two members (chair and vice chair), it made you question what was going on,” the parent stated. “As the days and weeks pass, you start to hear rumours about what has happened. There has been no other news, comments or reports from anyone, including LMHA, which is very concerning.”

The parent provided the Meridian Source with a section of the LMHA bylaws. Under values and beliefs, the

association promises to be “accurate, consistent, honest, and open throughout our operations.”

Additionally, the association contends it operates with financial and fiscal accountability in the same bylaw.

The parents’ concerns revolve around what they feel is a lack of oversight and integrity. Additionally, they are concerned about the hundreds of thousands of dollars the association handles yearly.

“If the rumours are even somewhat believable, maybe it’s time for a forensic audit on the organization to ensure there is no inappropriate conduct and no conflicts of interest,” demanded the parent. “(The) families’ hard-earned money is being used for what it should be, namely the children to play, learn and enjoy hockey.”

An email to LMHA general manager Dan Auchenberg for further comment was not answered by the print deadline.

Meanwhile, Lloydminster RCMP confirmed an active investigation into the LMHA. The RCMP have provided no further details.

They will release an updated upon the completion of their investigation.

DAN GRAY STAFF WRITER

Meridian Source File Photos

DARRELL DUNN DARRELL

Unsecured arena funding in question

tion so that we can certainly come up with a funding plan,” said Wakaruk.

The Cenovus Energy Hub has been a hot-button topic during budget time and we may finally have a timeline regarding a funding request to the Alberta Government.

The arena is budgeted to be over a $100 million project with the city passing a borrowing bylaw to take $33 million to help fund the project.

In the 2025 budget, there’s just over $8 million being taken out through the borrowing bylaw to support the project.

During budget discussions, Coun. David Lopez asked about the specifics of the funding.

“If we don’t sell those retail lots, or the lot for the hotel, and there is a portion of the debt that hasn’t been allocated, I think it’s $7.3 million, will that change this taxation and how much we have to put on that facility,” he asked.

Adele Wakaruk, executive manager, corporate services, gave some clarity on the borrowing bylaw and the amount budgeted.

“The current borrowing bylaw has debt at $33 million, the prior budget and this budget uses the $33 million that’s already been approved,” she said.

Commercial and retail unit sales are part of the budget, if successful the city has $5 million in the budget coming in from these sales.

“ If there are any shortfalls in the commercial retail units for example, we’re closely monitoring that situa -

Fundraising for the project is still ongoing with the goal being to raise a total of $8 million. As of Nov. 5, $3.6 million has been raised through the Fill the Seats fundraiser, leaving just over $4 million left to reach the goal.

The city has also received funding from both the Saskatchewan and federal governments for just over $16 million each. There was also a transfer of $11.7 million from reserves to help fund the project. There’s also been $3 million in other government funding.

In the most recent budget update for the Cenovus Energy Hub, for the period ending on Sept. 30, there’s still $7,380,926 in unsecured funding.

A funding request has been in with the Alberta Government to help with the funding and there’s been no update as to when or if that funding will come.

“We’ve got two plans in place right now, we have one one as we’ve publicly said we’ve got a request into the provincial government on the Alberta side for support for the Cenovus Energy Hub project, we expect to hear that in short order, successful or unsuccessful,” said Dion Pollard, Lloydminster city manager.

No timeline on the funding or updates on conversations with the provincial government have been given by Pollard, who says they expect to hear back soon.

“We’re expecting to hear before the end of this year from the Alberta government on success,” he said.

He says they’ll bring a plan forward to council when they know more about the details of the provincial funding request.

Pollard explains there are plans in place for whichever situation arises.

“It takes into consideration. We anticipate we will be able to sell the lots, maybe it takes a little more time than anticipated, same thing with the fundraising, we have plans in place

for all of those situations should they arise, in our perfect world we get the Alberta funding, the project’s fully funded, if not we certainly have some challenges that we’re prepared for, we’ll bring those to council once we’re aware of what the situation is,” explained Pollard.

The draft 2025 budget is still in its early stages and will see further review by the newly elected council.

CHRISTIAN APOSTOLOVSKI STAFF WRITER

Photo courtesy of the City of Lloydminster

Thursday, Novemver 7, 2024

Viewpoint

Leave it

to Weaver: Christmas starts on Nov. 12

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EDITOR TAYLOR WEAVER

I don’t care how much you love the winter holidays ... those Christmas lights should stay off until Nov 12.

Similar to motorists forgetting how to drive once the snow starts to fly, Christmas lights going up before Remembrance Day seems to be an annual topic of conversation.

I’m not trying to be a total Scrooge, but seeing houses resembling the Griswold’s place on Nov. 1 is too much. I don’t think I need to get into why hanging Christmas lights before Remembrance

CARRIER OF THE MONTH

CONGRATULATIONS JOAN HILL

our carrier of the month for October! Joan received a $25 Gi Certificate from Canadian Tire!

To nominate your carrier email distribution@meridiansource.ca

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Day is disrespectful to veterans, do I?

I grew up thinking Christmas starts after Nov. 11 and I know I’m not the only one.

I have to shout out my fiance’s employers at The Proper. They were debating decorating for Christmas early but decided waiting until Nov. 12 was the appropriate thing to do. Kudos, all!

Perhaps the kids couldn’t wait a week or two to have the house looking like Christmas ... well, patience is a virtue. I also think waiting until Nov. 12 to decorate holds value for youth.

I hope to see everyone at Lloydminster Comprehensive High School on Monday morning to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for the betterment of future generations.

Chris’

A-Z: Budget time

brings plenty of challenges

Budget time is upon us once again. Every year the municipality has the daunting task of putting together a balanced budget.

Municipalities are legislatively required to ensure their budgets balanced, meaning if you take the revenues and subtract the expenses you land on a surplus or deficit. That isn’t the only difficulty a municipality faces during budget time. Around Canada, cities are often the ones receiving the smallest amount of the tax cut. “We collect less than 10 cents of every dollar you pay in total taxes.” That was Lloydminster’s Mayor Gerald Aalbers speaking on this issue during budget time. Lloydminster is left with not many choices on how they make their money, municipal taxes, user fees and sale of goods make up most of our yearly revenue. The expenses keep going up every year too, if inflation wasn’t bad enough there’s aging infrastructure, roads, unbudgeted projects, and the list goes on.

The municipality has limited ways of attaining additional funding, grants or funding from other bodies of government are possible but when you’re asking for millions it can be difficult to lobby them to come to your aid. You may be wondering how the city decides what to spend its money on. The city looks at its list of projects and items the city needs to attend to and decides based on importance and priority. This means we needed a new wastewater treatment system as federal regulations had changed. Most recently the city has been looking at aging water infrastructure, brought on partially by the disaster that took place in Calgary.

This is all to say, yes the municipality may seem like it’s mishandling finances but there’s only so much they can do with the limited resources they have. Short of a miracle cheque coming from the bigger bodies of government Lloydminster can only do so much.

It’s also important if you have concerns about the budget, and the things city hall is doing to speak to elected officials. Write a letter, get involved, attend a council meeting have your voice heard.

Ultimately during budget time, I do not envy those around the table, I’m more than happy being on this side of the table.

Thursday, Novemver 7, 2024

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Leeway from Lloyd: Voters are swinging axes

There must be something in the water or air with the recent outbreak of provincial elections in Canada and the possibility of a federal election.

It seems voters want to axe existing governments to seek change.

Close to home, the Saskatchewan Party won its fifth-straight provincial election on Oct. 28, but with a reduced majority. The final count won’t be posted until on Nov. 9 with the Sask Party leading in 35 ridings while the NDP has 26.

The reduced majority could help make Premier Scott Moe’s government more responsive to voter issues on education, healthcare and affordability.

In British Columbia, the NDP won a singleseat majority in its provincial election on Oct. 19. The win came after the Surrey-Guildford riding flipped during the counting of absentee, telephone-assisted and mail-in ballots.

B.C. voters also sought change as well, but you can’t really say the province is New Democrat when the election outcome is that close.

Susan Holt became the first woman premier of

New Brunswick as her Liberal Party ousted the Progressive Conservatives in power and its leader too. The Liberals won 31 seats to 16 for the PCs.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford has officially ruled out an election this year, but continues to mull the possibility of an early ballot sometime in 2025.

Federally, Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre is appealing to voters with his catchy pre-election ad slogans like “axe the tax,” “build homes’’, “fix the budget’ and “stop the crime”.

Some critics, however, mock his slogans and claim, if elected, he will “axe the dental” and “axe

the pharmacare” etc.

Poilievre’s pitches seem very simplistic and “magic wandy” to me. I don’t see how he can axe the carbon tax since it’s a huge revenue generator. He might be able to cap it, but not fully cut it in reality.

However, his slogans have touched a nerve as Canadians face affordability, security and housing worries along with a wish to put the brakes on immigrants. I can see the Trudeau Liberals being dumped as a result. I just bought myself an axe, too!

Gray Matters: The bus-sized elephant in the room

We’ve now gone through early stages of a budget, the majority of a council campaign, and a debate. Yet the question still remains: Where the hell are the buses?

Reading my counterparts’ work

FROM PAGE 4

and watching portions of the debate, I noticed something. Many of the topics the prospective councillors want to address are not even something a municipality is responsible for.

The men’s shelter is provincially funded, and healthcare is another provincial issue. Candidates hardly touched on multiple municipal issues, including the need for a transit system, with modera -

He noted the sector’s profits had surged from $6.6 billion to $66 billion since the pandemic.

“We’re asking the oil and gas sector to invest their record profits into pollution-cutting projects, projects that can create and keep good jobs.”

Meanwhile, Smith argued the policy undermines Alberta’s economy and would result in severe job losses.

“We will continue to defend the livelihoods of the estimated 150,000 workers nationwide who will lose their jobs as a result of this cap,” she stated, adding it would also cost Canadian fami -

tors asking only a yes or no question that drew more laughs than answers.

I’ve heard excuses from all levels of government. The potential 1.5 percent increase in property taxes is the biggest one.

But suppose we can spend over $40 million on wages and plan for a $7.3 million shortage in Cenovus Energy Hub funding. Why is $1-3 million for a transit system the

lies financially.

According to Smith, the production cut would also jeopardize essential services.

“To give you an idea, one million barrels a day of lost production would cost us in royalties anywhere from $3 billion to $7 billion per year,” she explained. “We spend $2.2 billion on roads and bridges. It would wipe out our entire roads and bridges budget. We spend $3.2 billion supporting Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped— it would wipe out that entire program.”

Additionally, Smith criticized Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for pursuing policies she said prioritize ideology over the needs of Canadians.

project everyone wants to ignore?

I get that buses don’t use the same amount of oil-based products as a two-car family, but seriously, that can’t be the reason. Not when over 70 per cent of citizens want a system of some sort.

Unfortunately, with the proposed 2026 municipal property tax hike of over 9 per cent next year, this elephant appears to be caged for the foreseeable future.

“Once again, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is putting reckless policy ahead of the needs and concerns of everyday Canadians.”

She then compared it to a “bad renter who’s burning the furniture on their way out.”

In conclusion, Smith made it clear that Alberta intends to take action.

“Tweaks won’t work. This cap must be scrapped,” she declared. “Albertans and all Canadians can rely on our government to actively explore the use of every legal option, including a constitutional challenge and the use of the Alberta sovereignty within a United Canada Act.”

Read more at meridiansource.ca

SMITH

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.

Kaiser Tournament

The Legacy Centre is hosting a kaiser tournament on Nov. 7. Play

begins at 10 a.m., cost is $10 to play/$12 for lunch per person. Call 780-875-4584 for more info.

Wild T and The Spirit Guitarist Toney Springer, also known as Wild T, has hung with the best of them, David Bowie, Jeff Healey, Bon Jovi, Jay Leno, David Letterman and Arsenio Hall. Come see him perform tonight (Nov. 7) at Cheers Live at 7 p.m. Tickets are $25 each. Check Cheers Live’s Facebook page for availability.

Legacy Supper and Dance

The Legacy Centre is hosting a supper and dance on Nov. 8. Doors and dancin’ at 5 p.m., supper’s at 6 p.m. Dance the night away to Saskatoon’s Memory Lane. Advance tickets only! Tickets are $25/person. Please purchase tickets before Nov. 7. Everyone welcome. Call Legacy office at 780-875-4584 for details.

Islay Crib Tournament

The Islay Community Association is hosting a crib tournament on Nov. 9 at the Islay Hall. Doors open at 9 a.m., registration cut-off is 9:45 a.m., play commences at 10 a.m. Cost is $25/person, which includes a noon lunch. Please pre-register by calling Linda at 780-581-0570.

Doubles Cribbage Tourney

The Lloydminster Moose Lodge is hosting a doubles cribbage tournament on Nov. 10. Registration is from 9-9:45 a.m., play begins at 10 a.m. Twelve games guaranteed. Cost to play is $25/person, which includes lunch. Enter as a team or an individual (we will team you up). To pre-register, contact Bruce at 780522-6972.

Islay Jamboree

The Islay Jamboree will take place at the Islay Community Hall on Nov. 17 at 1 p.m. Admission is $15, participants free. Everyone welcome. Lunch served. Call Dixie at 780-7442205 for more details.

Cribbage Tournament

The Lloydminster Moose Lodge is holding a singles cribbage tournament on Nov. 17 from 1-4 p.m. Entry fee is $20, eight games guaranteed with prizes to the top finishers. Must register by Thursday, Nov. 14. For more information or to register, please contact Bruce at 780522-6972.

Lashburn Crib Tourney

The Lashburn Senior Centre is hosting a crib tournament on Monday, Nov. 18 at the senior centre. Teams and singles both welcome. Doors open at 10:30 a.m., tourna -

ment starts at 11 a.m. Costs to play is $10, snacks beverages available for $5. For more information, please call 306-821-2457.

Spades Tournament

The Legacy Centre is hosting a spades tournament on Nov. 21. Play begins at 10 a.m. Cost is $10/person to play and $12 for lunch. Everyone welcome! Call the Legacy office at 780-875-4584 for details.

Alcurve Christmas Craft Sale

The Alcurve Christmas Craft Sale is being held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Alcurve Community Hall on Nov. 23. Vendors are still welcome to book a table. Tables are $20 for the first and $15 for additional tables, $15 for clothing racks (supply your own clothing). There will be food, crafts, gifts, something for everyone. To book a table, please call Debbie at 780-808-0015.

Christmas Cribbage Tourney

There will be a Christmas cribbage tournament on Nov. 24 at the Hillmond Hall. Play begins at 11 a.m. MST. There will be a Christmas meal at noon. Everyone welcome!

Cribbage Doubles Tourney

The Legacy Centre is hosting a cribbage doubles tournament on Nov. 28. Bring your partner for a day of friendly competition around the card table. Play begins at 10 a.m., cost is $10/person and $12 for lunch. Everyone welcome! Call Legacy office at 780-875-4584 for details.

Legacy Christmas Market

The Legacy Centre is hosting a Christmas market on Nov. 30 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admissiong is $3/person, which includes coffee. Soup and Sandwiches available at the concession. Everyone welcome!

Princesses & Superheros Dance

The Princesses and Superheros Dance is taking place at the Centennial Civic Centre from 1-4 p.m. on Nov. 30. Join for an unforgettable afternoon filled with adventure and fun. Get ready to dance the afternoon away with your favourite characters. From heroic moves to royal twirls, there’s something for everyone.

Legacy Shopping Trip

The Legacy Centre is hosting a one-day shopping trip to Edmonton on Dec. 2. Cost is $60/person. Your options are the Kingsway Garden Mall OR West Edmonton Mall. Your choice. Call Legacy office for more info at 780-875-4584 for more.

- Have something for our calendar? Email it to taylor@meridiansource.ca

Civic Centre to be demolished

CHRISTIAN APOSTOLOVSKI STAFF WRITER

Budget time in Lloydminster has brought forward a variety of topics and the fate of the Centennial Civic Centre was on full display.

I believe we’re planning to cease operations of the entire facility by October of next year.

The arena, built in 1967, holds 1,700 seats on the Saskatchewan side of Lloydminster. On the City of Lloydminster’s website, it says the building will not be sold or repurposed.

The arena will still operate in the upcoming year and has some budget impacts. Coun. Jonathan Torresan asked about the operation of the facility during budget discussions.

“From the time it’s going to be decommissioned as being used for a rink to the time it’s ultimately demolished, is there going to be continued use of the hall upstairs,” asked Torresan.

The question was answered by Tracy Simpson, executive manager, Community Development Services.

“I believe we’re planning to cease operations of the entire facility by October of next year, reflected in this

budget is ice not going back in for the fall season but continuing to operate the upstairs to finish out bookings, which I believe stretch out into October,” she said.

The building will be prepared for demolition following its sunset as an arena and event facility.

“It does take a lot of time to prepare a building for demolition and so we don’t want to continue to operate it so we can start preparing for all the activities that go into preparing a building for demolition,”

said Simpson.

The building will go through remediation to prepare for its eventual demolition.

“Especially in a building like this that is of a certain age and has asbestos in the building that would require remediation,” said Simpson.

According to the Government of Alberta, “Asbestos can be released during demolition, renovation and disposal activities, and can have adverse health effects on unprotected workers.”

Materials that may release asbestos will need to be removed ahead of time.

Once the Cenovus Energy Hub is done, the Civic Centre will cease operation and staff will be moved.

“We don’t have the staffing capacity to operate both facilities, the model has always been to transfer our labour resources from the civic centre over to the Cenovus Energy Hub so at some point we just have to move the employees over and we won’t have the capacity to continue to operate,” said Simpson.

Source File Photo

Caregivers can tap into mental health

Caregivers Alberta is all about caring for caregivers who number nearly one million in the province.

That was music to the ears of the Lloydminster Concerned Seniors for Seniors Care Society in a recent presentation by Darrel Gregory, executive director of the littleknown program.

His mission was to let seniors know Caregivers Alberta has resources available for local caregivers of seniors in the province.

“Caregivers Alberta supports the unpaid family member caregivers — Albertans who are taking care of their loved ones,” said Gregory including elderly caregivers.

The program strives to empower caregivers and promote their wellbeing by providing resources, mental health support, and education to care for family members or friends.

“We support them with various programs such as a coaching program. People can call and get oneon-one coaching through the phone or by Zoom.”

Gregory says most of the caregivers who reach out to Caregivers Alberta for support are seniors taking care of parents or spouses under mental duress.

He told the meeting they want access to mental health support; they want to talk to someone.

“So that’s what we train our coaches to do, to provide them with some mental health support before they see a counsellor. Counsellors are

expensive and it takes a lot of time to see one,” said Gregory.

“Mental health support is the biggest challenge caregivers are facing.”

Gregory says caregivers are an important part of the healthcare system because they are providing care that is not otherwise provided by the healthcare system.

Caregiving can range from providing round-the-clock in-home care to taking loved ones to appointments or delivering groceries etc.

“Caregivers are taking on incredibly complex medical tasks at home when their loved ones are discharged from hospital. It’s a burden on caregivers,” said Gregory.

Caregivers Alberta is a program offered by the Ministry of Seniors, Community and Social Services.

“We have a number of education programs to help people navigate their way through the healthcare system,” explained Gregory.

“We have a full-time services navigator to help people access resources, a number of peer support groups and generally, fellowship and support for our family caregivers.”

Gregory says aging in place and community-based care are part of the government’s health care strategy knowing it is expensive to have people in hospital and long-term care.

“Pe ople want to age and stay in their own homes,” he said.

“The economic impact of family caregivers is huge because it allows people to stay in their home as opposed to going to hospital or longterm care.”

Cenovus bullish on drilling in third quarter

GEOFF LEE STAFF WRITER

Cenovus Energy expects to realize continued production growth from its conventional heavy oil wells in the Lloydminster region.

The company is coming off an active third quarter with 20 new wells drilled and production increases expected from this segment of the business in 2025.

Conventional oil prospects were one of the highlights of Cenovus’ third quarter conference call on Oct. 31 touched on by Keith Chiasson, executive vice-president and chief operating officer.

He called conventional oil an exciting opportunity identified during the company’s investor day in 2024.

“We are very active in the region as we speak with numerous drilling rigs executing those multilateral wells. It really opens up the resource for us,” said Chiasson.

The drilling targets the Mannville formation with Cenovus being one of the largest land owners in the Lloyd region.

The drilling area is also connected

through the company’s midstream business into the Lloydminster downstream upgrader and refinery.

“So, pretty excited about what’s happening in heavy conventional oil. We’re active in drilling,” said Chiasson. “You should start seeing production ramping from that region in the back half of this year into 2025 as per one of the opportunities we laid out for growth across our portfolio.”

Third quarter production from Lloydminster conventional heavy oil assets was 16,300 barrels a day with Lloydminster thermal production 109,400 bbls/d, both slightly below the prior quarter.

Total upstream production in the quarter amounted to 771,300 barrels of oil equivalent per day, down from 797,000 a year earlier.

The total downstream throughput was 642,900 bbls/d compared with 664,300 in the same quarter last year.

Crude throughput at the Lloyd refinery was 99,400 bbls/d in the third quarter, compared with 53,800 in the previous quarter when a major turnaround took place at the Lloydminster Upgrader.

Geoff Lee Meridian Source

Darrel Gregory, left, executive director of Caregivers Alberta, explained the services of the Alberta program at the Lloydminster Concerned Citizens for Seniors Care Society meeting on Oct. 29.

GEOFF LEE STAFF WRITER

Taylor gears up for municipal campaign

issues he wants to bring forward to council.

rather than being reactionary in its decision making.

Jim Taylor is taking his wheels and deals to a new level as he runs for city office.

He was born and raised in Lloydminster before leaving for post-secondary. He then had a decision to make on where to go next.

“When given the opportunity to come back to Lloydminster or make a choice of where me and my girlfriend at the time, wife now, were going to end up, we decided to come back to Lloydminster,” he explained. “Family, friends, an amazing place to start a business or join in with a business or take over.”

Taylor is a small business owner as the man behind Grindin’ Gear’s Bikes and Boards. His involvement in the community reaches much farther than just his time with his business.

“I’ve served as a coach with Border City basketball and basketball locally, hockey, I’ve been a volunteer with the summer games and every year at the ATB triathlon,” said Taylor. “I volunteered to the schools that have their school biking programs.”

He says his first real experience on a board was with the Lloydminster Community Youth Centre prior to their merger with the SPARK Foundation of Lloydminster.

“I sat on that board for quite a few terms and then ended up being the chairperson, I got to learn a lot about the inner workings of a governancestyle board,” said Taylor. He said there’s a wide range of

“The rising costs of taxes, house taxes, business taxes, seeing the growing expenditures has driven me to want to get involved in city politics,” said Taylor.

“

A third-quarter turnaround also took place at the company’s Lima refinery in the U.S., leading to targeted investments at both sites to address historical reliability issues.

Cenovus president and CEO, Jon McKenzie, told the call they have addressed coker integrity issues at both sites.

Crews also completed equipment renewal work on the fluid catalytic cracker in Lima in the quarter, positioning both sites for improved operating performance and profitability.

McKenzie says they are firmly focused on improving the competitiveness of the U.S. refining business by improving asset reliability, lowering cost structure and capturing more value from the commercial opportunities across the network.

“This work is progressing at a pace with an absolute sense of urgency,” he said.

“Coming out of the turnaround in Lloydminster, we’ve seen excellent reliability. We expect to see the same coming out of the outage in Lima and we continue to make progress.”

“I think anybody that’s spent a lot of time in Lloydminster is the history of the city, the identity of Lloydminster and what we want Lloydminster to be going forward,” said Taylor.

I’m

not going anywhere, a small business owner, I’m looking out for the families, I’m looking out for the small business owners.

He began getting involved with the city through Your Voice events.

“I started really getting involved with your voice nights and going down and filling out surveys, especially with this major project, Cenovus Energy Hub being built,” said Taylor.

He was also invited to be part of an engineering study regarding traffic in the city and moving people around the town as the bike path expert.

“I tried to stay current on it and I haven’t ever really got a full answer on where they’re at with the project,” he explained.

Taylor said as a resident, he’s seen what’s been happening with the downtown and how there hasn’t been a lot of progress being made. He says all the issues made him realize he didn’t just want to have chats behind the counter of his store, but to take the concerns to city hall.

He says it’s important the city considers its identity long term and begins to plan farther into the future

“We’re attacking this at a reliability level, a commercial level and a cost level.”

McKenzie also says the company expects to spend about $4.5-$5 billion on capital expenditures in 2025 on growth projects that should be mostly completed next year.

“We’ll come out with a formal budget in December. We see a capital ramp down after that with growth projects coming on to production,” he said.

McKenzie also noted the third quarter was the first quarter of operations for the Trans Mountain Pipeline (TMX), which has provided additional capacity and access to new global markets for their crude.

He says it’s had a positive impact, not only for Cenovus, but the whole Canadian economy.

“We are seeing the benefits of a narrow, less volatile WCS (Western Canadian Select) differential which strengthens the realized price for all Canadian oil production,” said McKenzie.

“TMX shipments has gone well and we have successfully ramped up to full contracted rates.”

Cenovus also reported a profit of $820 million down from the $1.6 billion a year ago due as revenue dipped.

Even with forward thinking and planning, Taylor says it’s important to look at what we have and learn from our past.

“I think the biggest thing is getting involved, growing the community back and taking what we learn from the past and trying not to repeat those mistakes,” he said.

Taylor explains people should be able to come into the city and see the direction the city’s going.

“Whether you’re a developer, a house builder or home builder, family member you should feel like you’re coming into a community, and you have a sense of where they are going with the town and what they are doing,” said Taylor.

He says it’s important to learn from the old buildings and embrace what we currently have.

“Everybody likes a new shiny building, but we’ve got old ones we have to take care of as well,” said Taylor.

He says people should vote for him because he is looking out for the community.

“I’m not going anywhere, a small

business owner, I’m looking out for the families, I’m looking out for the small business owners,” said Taylor. He says he wants to grow and he wants to see people grow around him and be successful.

“If people want to give me their vote, I think that would be great, and just know I’m going to go in with integrity, honesty, and heartfelt thoughts on all aspects, not just my personal business. I want people to succeed along with us in the city,” said Taylor.

CENOVUS FROM PAGE 14

CHRISTIAN APOSTOLOVSKI STAFF WRITER

Christian Apostolovski Meridian Source Photo

Lloyd STEM teen makes finalist list

Holy Rosary High School (HRHS) is revelling in the success of former student Jose Rogelio Morales.

The 2024 NAIT biomedical engineering technology grad is a finalist for a prestigious ASET Capstone Project of the Year Award along with his project teammate.

“It was quite a surprise,” said the 19-year-old after learning he and Capstone partner, Aliza Moriah Molines made the finals.

“I feel like my hard work has paid off.”

Morales and Molines created a biomedical glove called DynaMight that has the potential to enable earlier detection and assessment of some neuromuscular disorders in patients.

The annual provincial award will be presented to one of four two-person teams from Alberta Polytechnics this month by the Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta (ASET).

“Being nominated to me is still a really big

achievement,” said Morales regardless of the outcome.

If he does win, he plans to celebrate with Molines and his own family in Lloydminster.

“My family is very proud,” he said.

The Capstone projects are based on student knowledge of STEM or applied science, technology, engineering and mathematics that Morales excelled in at HRHS.

One of his teachers Jade Scutt who taught Morales STEM 10, isn’t surprised by his success.

“He always showed the academic ability to excel,” said Scutt who remembers him as very intuitive, hardworking and a great teammate.

“He consistently had a calm demeanour and a giant smile.”

Scutt says strong academics are a must to succeed, but more importantly, the ability to work with anyone, see a problem, and seek a solution is what the employers of the future are salivating over.

“Jose was the kind of young man everyone would want on their team,” he added.

Morales says a lot of teachers influenced him at Holy Rosary.

“I really can’t say one person was a major influence on me because all of them taught me something that has built up my interest,” he said.

Morales currently works in Calgary for a national healthcare organization that services biomedical based equipment.

He says he wants to further his career as a biomedical engineering technologist and learn more about biomedical applications for electronics using his STEM skills.

“I think STEM can open up a lot of things career-wise. I feel it’s a pretty nice career for me,”

said Morales.

He and Molines aren’t doing much with DynaMight right now, but are open to pursuing it if investors come forward to bring it to market.

Morales says they got the idea for it by coming across a previous Capstone idea that focused on detecting tiny muscle movements in the hands and fingers for diagnosing neurodegenerative conditions.

“So we wanted to build on this by being able to measure the muscles in the forearms in conjunction with the hands to provide a clearer picture for the healthcare providers,” he explained.

Neuromuscular disorders result in fatigue and muscle atrophy that often worsen over time without intervention.

DynaMight is an EMG diagnostic and therapeutic device that fits onto the patient’s hand/forearm and can measure muscular strength, flexibility and dexterity.

Electromyography or EMG, is a form of electrodiagnostic testing that evaluates the health and function of a patient’s skeletal muscles and the nerves that control them.

The glove acquires surface EMG data from the patient’s forearm and finger movements and placements and combines that data to provide clinical data to the clinician.

It then interfaces with a Windows application that operates in monitoring and therapeutic mode.

Monitoring mode displays a graphical and numerical rolling EMG graph, and index for finger flexibility, hand dexterity and muscle strength.

Therapeutic mode involves an interactive game that will monitor and log patients’ measurements as they go through simple rehabilitative activities prompted by the application.

Bail or jail: Habetler’s system tour

The bail system has become a hotly-contested topic across the nation. Residents in Lloydminster and the surrounding area have questions about how the system functions. Recent events have brought these questions back to the forefront.

On Oct. 23, the Maidstone RCMP alerted the public to Brent Habetler’s arrest. Habetler has been in our publication numerous times and faces a variety of charges, including indecent acts, mischief, and now, a breach of a court order. He is currently on release and awaiting another court date late November.

An incident at the BioClean Centre on March 13, 2023 led to charges of mischief and indecent exposure. The next day, upon release by a Justice of the Peace, he breached those conditions when he appeared outside a daycare. Lloydminster RCMP took him into custody. He then became the subject of another press release on Mar. 21 to warn the public of his high chance of re-offending.

On Nov. 15, 2023, Habelter signed a “Peace Bond” issued by a Lloydminster court. In return, prosecutors dropped the March 13 charges of mischief and indecent exposure.

Some of the conditions of his bond

were as follows:

-that he be on good behaviour -stay away from public pools, daycares, and playgrounds.

Additionally, in April, he fled Bermuda before he could face sentencing for assault and committing an indecent act. The Royal Gazette stated the Crown in Bermuda proposed a threemonth prison sentence for his crime. At the time, the director of public prosecutions in Bermuda, Alan Richards, said he deserved a “short sharp shock” of imprisonment.

GEOFF LEE STAFF WRITER

Jose Rogelio Morales. Supplied Photo

DAN GRAY STAFF WRITER

Source File Photo

Remembrance Day

- 10:45 a.m.

Butte time, 9:45 a.m. Lloyd time

Monday, Nov. 11

Frenchman Butte Legion Hall

Kitscoty - 10:30 a.m.

Monday, Nov. 11

Kitscoty Legion Hall

- 10:50 a.m.

Monday, Nov. 11

Legion Hall

Marshall - 10:45 a.m.

Monday, Nov. 11

Three Links Hall

- 10:30 a.m.

Monday, Nov. 11

Recreation and Culture Centre

St. Walburg - 10:30 a.m.

Monday, Nov. 11

Roman Catholic Chruch

Remembering their reality

On Nov. 11, Canadians pause at 11 a.m. for two minutes to actively remember and honour those who served and sacrificed in times of war and peace. It’s becoming apparent in everyday life that people are forgetting why we do this.

For years, I have been able to speak with generations of soldiers who signed the dotted line, like myself. Over a coffee and, more than once, an alcoholic beverage, some disclosed their experiences at war. Many others told of why they chose to sign up for Canada.

I can write and talk for hours about my experiences speaking with those individuals. Now, thanks to technology, we can learn first-hand accounts of what our soldiers faced overseas.

But what does that mean? Let me give you a small glimpse of what it meant for some of those I spoke with. I have deliberately left names out because their experiences are broad overviews of service at these places.

The First World War included battles like Vimy Ridge, Passchendaele and Ypres. It meant frozen nights in trenches you dug. It meant waiting for an enemy to leave the trenches they dug. Ultimately, it meant sitting, waiting for impending battle for days and days on end.

Veterans spoke of what it meant in these places. At Vimy, soldiers followed a barrage of artillery shells, which roared so loudly that the sound carried over 200 kilometres when the guns first opened fire. That battle brought us together as a nation for the first time to accomplish a goal many others had failed to achieve.

At Ypres, Belgium, Canadian soldiers were among the first to have their lungs seared by chlorine gas. Learning, however, that urinating on a cloth and putting it on your face could protect you. Some of those soldiers spent the rest of their lives in Sunnyside Hospital in Toronto, Ont.

At Passchendaele, they spoke of the mud and

rats and of looking into the enemy’s eyes while they fought hand-to-hand for their lives after a “bayonet rush.”

None of us had to endure the horrors soldiers from the First World War did, living in six-footdeep trenches, day in and day out, exposed to the elements, enemy fire and death.

A merchant mariner from the Second World War once recounted watching ships torpedoed by U-boats and having to run over survivors because they weren’t allowed to stop. If they did, they were at risk of being torpedoed themselves.

A Royal Canadian Air Force veteran spoke of flak exposure as he rode as a tail gunner on a Lancaster Bomber during hours-long raids over Germany. He watched other planes go down, lost many friends, and was lucky to come home. The life expectancy for a member of RAF Bomber Command was between 5 and 15 missions. Additionally, less than 50 per cent of aircrew survived the war.

A third, a Sherman tank gun -

ner, could remember coming across a German “Tiger” tank and the battle between his crews and theirs. They lost three of their four tanks, and he suffered survivor’s guilt, never knowing why he got to come home.

More recently and closer to home, A soldier from Edmonton gave his life in Afghanistan; before his final tour, he put a tattoo on his back which shared his reason for joining: “For those I love, I will sacrifice.” He was killed when the evil overseas attacked his armoured vehicle on Sept 3, 2008.

The stories and examples can go on for pages. Canadians chose to unselfishly give their lives so that others didn’t have to.

Many fought with the mindset that the evil overseas would appear on our doorsteps if they didn’t stop it.

They choose to sign the dotted line after serious consideration.

Many understood the line they were signing could mean paying a cost for their country, up to and including their life.

In conclusion, stop and say thank you when you see those dressed in uniform on Monday. Remember, our country would be a much different place without them.

DAN GRAY STAFF WRITER

File Photo

DAN GRAY STAFF WRITER

As the days and hours march closer to Remembrance Day, I use my column to help remember. This week, we follow the career of Flying Officer Arthur Morlidge from Lloydminster, Sask.

It was cold on January 6, 1941,

The cherished dead Remembering F.O. Morlidge

The Cherished dead who served, now so many years before defended a country’s honour, during World wars they fought for their beliefs, paying with their blood on fields of Flanders, Beaches of Dieppe, knee-deep in mud

Bogged down by the thoughts of battle, pushed to move ahead taught not to stop for the wounded, leave them to dead keep going at the objective, don’t care about the cost leave even your best friend behind, count him dead and gone

For that was the way of battle, don’t ever doubt a word even if you listened in, don’t remember what you heard the feet you gain, or the beach you hold, will be worth it in the end it does not matter how many, to the maker, this war does send

Those dead now lie at Vimy Ridge, and outside of Normandy freedom is what they bought for use, it is in what they believed they knowingly laid down their lives and would do it again if evil came calling and freedom they needed to defend

-19.6°C to be exact. This was the day Morlidge signed up for war in Edmonton. He had intentions of becoming a pilot in the RCAF. According to his service record, Morlidge was working as a clerk in a grocery store in Lloyd before registering. He stood 5’8” tall and was described as an athlete by the Royal

Canadian Air Force Medical Review Board. He was deemed fit for flight service.

Percy Robert was the Scout Leader of Troop 227 in Lloydminster. After watching him grow up over his six years in the program, Robert had this to say about Morlidge in a letter of recommendation.

For the soldiers of past wars, and the ones of today have left to serve our country, in lands so far away some came home, many didn’t and lay on foreign soil for us, they gave their blood and sweat while at war they toil

We have the freedoms we have today, because they’ve gone to fight in the past and today, they believe what they do is right they ask nothing of us, not even thank you, just that we are safe from the enemy who would be here, pounding on our gates

They may not ask for anything but we should take time to remember those who fought for us in war, every day, not just in November but if two minutes is all you have, to think about them, it’s ok take those minutes and think about, soldiers so far away

Then they will lie in peace, knowing the torch has been grasped and their souls may rest, knowing others have taken up the task if that is all the Cherished Dead, gain from being gone then they will be happy, for that is all they’ve wanted for so long.

“When he became the leader of a patrol of eight boys, he showed marked leadership ability,” stated Robert. ”I am sure he can be trusted to carry out whatever orders are given to him in a capable manner, I have always found him trustworthy and honest.”

With less than one-hour of flying as a passenger to his name, he headed Regina on March 29, 1941 for initial flight training as a pilot. However, he did not do well in over 20 hours in the Tiger-Moth and was re-assigned to Air Observer Training in April of the same year.

He completed his schooling to become an AO, or Navigator, in 1941 and arrived in Europe in January 1942. Additionally, he received further training in a Vickers Wellington Bomber before being assigned to the RCAF 419 “Moose” Squadron on July 23.

Service in Europe

Meanwhile, in a letter from home, his mother congratulated him on his participation as “one of the flying officers from western Canada” in a raid over the Ruhr Valley on Aug. 5, 1942. Morlidge gave us insight into his sense of humour during a letter home dated Aug. 27.

“You didn’t sunburn the roof of your mouth looking up at the tall

15-20 missions a month at that time. However, it is unknown how many raids Morlidge made before he was deployed on his final flight, Oct. 2, ’42.

He and Pilot Officer H.J. Stuart (Montreal), Flight Sergeant S.V. Stowe (Vancouver), Sergeant H.S. Sveinson (Dafoe, Sask.), Sergeant H.D. Price (Sherbrook, QC.) and Sergeant Norman Nelan (Greenfield Park, QC) were declared missing over enemy territory.

Additionally, a subsequent letter from the RCAF casualty officer dated July 6, 1944 contains the following first-hand account from Nelson, who survived.

“The aircraft was shot down over Holland on Oct. 2, 1942. The crew were ordered to bail out at 2,000 feet. Sgt. Nelson bailed first and when he was taken prisoner, the German authorities told him that Pilot Officer Morlidge had been found dead some miles from the crashed plane,” stated the letter.

“I realize this information can be of little solace to you and I can only hope the knowledge that your son

Poppies placed in remembrance

CHRISTIAN APOSTOLOVSKI STAFF WRITER

The No Stone Left Alone ceremony gave Lloydminster a chance to reflect, remember, and place poppies on the graves of veterans ahead of Remembrance Day.

The annual event has been running for 10 years and organizers say it’s growing.

“The ceremony itself is growing, it’s getting more known out here and it’s not a one and done thing, you gotta do it every year, keep the remembrance going,” said Amy Hrynchuk, No Stone Left Alone site rep. “The poppies are the universal symbol of remembrance.”

Sgt. Scott Munro with the Canadian Armed Forces says the ceremony is a way to honour veterans.

“The idea is these people are not forgotten about, it honours them for their service and the sacrifices that would have entailed,” said Munro.

He says placing a poppy on the headstones is a way to recognize those who have sacrificed for our country.

“You’re not truly gone you’re not truly forgotten, it humanizes these people, somebody wasn’t just their regimental number in the great war who died,” said Munro. “You now know, which -

McConnell, Robert PTE, WWII, Saw action in France, Belgium, Holland and Germany. From Maidstone.

Hemsley, Albert John DFC from Lashburn. Bomb aimer, 428 Sqdr. Missions in France, Germany, and Italy.

Tokarek, Michael Samuel Rifleman, WWII, Oct. 4, 1925- Sept.

ever stone you’re at, they’re from there, they had a connection to Lloydminster or to the area.”

“It humanizes them, that’s the real thing to remember,” he said. “Some kid who went to Korea, in Canada’s forgotten war, that was someone’s son, someone’s father, they weren’t just a number.”

The cold, windy, foggy Lloydminster morning didn’t deter residents from attending and seeing the ceremony at the Lloydminster Cemetary. The opening ceremony included students reciting poetry, speeches from dignitaries Rosemarie Falk, MP for BattlefordsLloydminster, recently re-elected Saskatchewan MLA for Lloydminster Colleen Young, and Lloydminster Mayor Gerald Aalbers. O Canada was played along with a moment of silence and a prayer of remembrance.

Aalbers says it’s important to honour those that have served our country.

“I think it’s so important to honour the veterans that have brought the freedom to the country that we enjoy,” he said.

Remembrance is something that has a special meaning to the Lloydminster Mayor.

“Personally, it means an awful lot. My dad grew up in occupied Holland. My grandfather and my dad did not talk much about the war, when they did, it wasn’t very pretty, the sto -

Hays, Balfour David Saw action in Germany, France, and Belgium in WW1. WW2 - Sask. Light Infantry Machine Gun (SASK L.I. M.G.

Rowles, Bertie Hamilton First World War

Robert Was in the

Steve Corporal, Saw action in Bosnia/ Kosovo

ries were very sad,” a very emotional Aalbers explained. “But today, we have that freedom and we need to respect that and honour it and honour them here today.”

Over 400 poppies were laid on marked stones at the Lloydminster cemetery with the event being followed by a lunch at the local legion.

Pollard, Collins Orville Gunner, 6th Anti-tank, 74th Division. France, Belgium, Holland, Germany, England

Amundrud, Thomas Served in WWII, 1942 -1946

Miller, Lindsay Robert Liut-Rank, WW2, fought in Germany Royal Canadian Engineers. Clark, Donald. E PTE, WWII Europe, Vehicle Company 1 C.C.O.D.

on Feb. 14, 1945

Clarence

Air

WWII, Died Nov. 21, 1944, during a night raid

Olynyk, Peter Private, WWII, stationed in England and France

Olson, Donald Brant RCAF, WWII, died in a night raid in Germany

Olson, Malcolm Keith RCAF, WWII

Wert,

Martin

Gunner,

Rawson,

Huxley, Glen Regina Rifle Regiment, saw action

Janowski,

Battle of Atlantic WWII

Greenway, Ken RCAF, WWII

Nichol, William Private Fifth Canadian Anti-Tank Regiment, Royal Canadian Artillery

Greenway, Jack Flight Navigator, RCAF, WWII

Yeo, Sherman Lance Corporal Served in Canada, Britain and Northwest Europe

Greenway, Charles Wing Commander, RCAF Vancouver, WWII

Doull, George Served with the RCAF in WWII

Smithson, John Lawrence Private Saw action in Canada, Britain and Northwest Europe

Campbell, Robert Alexander Signalman Assigned to 25 Canadian Tank Delivery Elgin Regiment, enlisted Mar. 15, 1942

Gilles, Otto Rank Unknown WWII

Olson, Malcolm Keith R.C.A.F. WWII

Smith, Richard Gordon

Olson, Donald Brandt R.C.A.F. WWII

Wakefield, Clement C. 1941-1945 Corporal, WWII Saw action in Belgium, Holland, France and Germany.

Ball, Colin LAC, Westmont 439 Combat Support Squadron

Walker, Herb Lake Superior Regiment, Saw action in Canada, U.K., Holland

Pidcock, Spencer Sergeant, Princess Patri

Bloxham, Charles Edward

Lane, Frederick E. Bombardier, 3rd Canadian 5 Medium Gun Crew 1916-1997

Lane, Leonard J. Bombardier, 14 Army Tank Battalion (Calgary Regiment) 1913-2009

Goodfellow, John Russell Sergeant, RCAF, served in WWII

Carruthers, James Stewart L.A.C Enlisted Aug. 7, 1942

Laforce, Robert Gerald Sergeant. Enlisted June 1946, Discharged Sept. 1970

Blench, Ellen (Voss)

Lane, Harry P. Seaman on a Navy ship escorting troop ships and freight across the Atlantic, mainly to Russian Artic ports 1919-2005

Mader, Clifford LAC, served in Holland during WWII

Dumont, Wilfred Norman Rifleman

Enlisted Aug. 15, 1966, discharged June 1969. Decorations include United Nations (Cyprus) 3 Years Good Conduct Stripes

Aalborg, Karl Inge Flight Lieutenant, RCAF, died Sept. 13, 1944

Pollard, Gerald Flight Lieutenant, RCAF, died Sept. 13, 1944

Richarson, Ronald Lewis Lieutenant Colonel. Enlisted Oct. 15/54, Discharged Aug. 25/86. Decorations: Canada Service Medal and Clasp (CD1), Special Service Medal (NATO)

Dorosh, Anton Private, served in WWII in Canada

Oliver, K.W. Corporal Enlisted Jan. 26 1990. Was awarded the NATO Medal of Service, with NATO on Operations in Relation to for Former Yugoslavia

Charles, Jack Wing Commander RAF, RCAF 1939-1950

Priest, Thomas Flight Lieutenant, #406 Lynx Squadron. K.I.A Jan. 10, 1942 at age 26.

Beaton, Wesley H. Private C.V.S.M and Clasp, War Medal and France Germany Star. Served overseas with the PPCLI

Greening, Torey Corporal, Princess Patricia, Served in Afghanistan

Thompson, Muriel Martha Woman’s Division, Enlisted April 20, 1942, Discharged Aug. 7 1943. Awarded Canadian Volunteer Service Medal and War Medal

Wakefield, Archie Private, WWII Joined Dec. 22/1941 and taken prisoner Oct.. 22/1944 and discharged Aug. 17/1945

Dyck, Vivian (Voss)

Veltikold, Homer Private World War II

Stephenson, Guy Pearce Private 46th Battalion Canadian Infantry Saskatchewan Regiment WWI - killed April 10, 1917, Vimy Ridge

Dumont, Harve

Isidore Private, Peace Keeper in Continental Europe and Middle East for the Lord Strathcona Horse Royal Canadians. discharged with “Honors” in October 24, 1961

Pringle, Hugh Army Signals Corps. Second World War

Walker, Francis Charles Second World War

Spencer, James Lord Strathcona Horse Regiment WWII Italy, France, Belgium, Holland

W. SAPPER in the

Saw action in… England, France, Holland, Belgium,

Pattison, Andrew Private L2634 WWII

Nickless, Charles Enlisted in the Canadian Army 1st Saskatchewan Regiment - 1914-1918 World War One. SonVic Nickless

Thomarat, Maurice C.A CPL WWII Saw action in… France, Italy

ernard

Robinson, Herbert (Herb) J. Private WWII

Saw action in… France, England

Eileen and Bill Armstrong

Master Warrant Officer Devin Whiting and Major Chantel Whiting, with a combined 30 years service stationed in Ontario with the Air Force. Devin saw peacekeeping action during Desert Storm

Dumont, Hillmond August WWII SPR. Service in Canada

Christopherson, Clifford T Corporal Served in the Second World War, RCAF Died Nov. 1942

Fitchell, George Albert “Fitch” Corporal SAPPER with Royal Canadian Engineers Saw action in… Canada, England, Holland, France

Olsen, Albert

First Canadi an Regiment

Gould, Hubert Enlisted in the Canadian Engineers 1915-1918

Daughter- Francis Nickless

Berry, John Arthur Sergeant WWII

Noyce, Ralph R. Flight Sergeant WWII Years of Service: 1941-1945 Saw action in… England

Olsen, Lawrence

Martens, Jacob “Jake” Gunmen WWII Years of Service: 4

Morris, W.C “Bill” CPL

R.C.E WWII Years of Service: 1940-1946

Borodayko, Michael 64th Fld. Btl R.C.A Gunner 1939-45 Saw action in… U.K., France, Germany

Dixon, Hugh Richard Master Corporal

Wilkes, Melvin Served April 1940 - discharged in Jan. 1946

Messum, Stanley Ernest Flying Officer J/19447

443 Sqdn., Royal Canadian Air Force, who died on April 6, 1945 at the age of 29

Wilkes, Blanche Served in England from Oct. 1943Dec. 1946

Salt, Janet Served with the Women’s Royal Naval Service (Wrens) during the Second World War

Bonnor, Samuel Jolly Signal Corp. WWII

Wood, Frank Royal Air Force (RAF) Ground Crew, Armorer Hurricane, during the Second World War

Morrison, Joel Master Corporal Served with the Canadian Army and did two tours in Kandahar, Afghanistan

Adams, Frederick William Winnipeg Grenadier Hong Kong Vet WWI & WWII

Boyes, Justin Garret Lieutenant Afghan Conflict

Saw action in… Afghanistan

Brassington, Fredrick Arthur (Art) Private WWII

Brotzel, Nicholas Corporal WWII

Brown, Raymond J. Lieutenant WWIIGermany and Holland

Campbell, Archie Private WWII

Wright, William G. Corporal Boer War, WWI & WWII

Day, George L.A.C. WWII Canada

Conlon, Jerry Corporal 1st Battalion Princess Patricia’s Canadian Infantry Saw action in… Khandahar, Afghanistan

Evans, Fredrick O. Private WWII Great Britain and Continental Europe

Dokken, Melvin (Mel) LAC WWII

Holtby, Robert A. BSA, MSc. Navigator WWII Saw action in… Germany

Huff, Andrew Private WWII

Flewell, Raymond Corporal Canadian Army WWII Saw action in… France, Germany, England, Belgium, Holland

Honey, Hedley Arthur L. Sergeant WWII

Hughes, Francis Sapper RCE WWII & Korea

Byers, Carl Blackwatch Regiment WWII

Creech, Frank B. Flying Officer WWII

Byers, Eddy Tail Gunner RCAF WWII

Byers, Elwood Army WWII

Cunningham, Albert Private Calgary Highlanders WWII Saw action in… U.K. and Continental Europe

Dunlop, William (Tex) Charles Sergeant Air Force WWII Great Britain

Galloway, David Rear Gunner RCAF WWII

Earl, Brinson Gunner WWII

Harris, Ron WWII

Honey, James Trooper Sergeant WWII

Hughes, Patrick John Leading Corporal WWII

Hope, (nee Poppleton) Margaret Women’s Div. RCAF WWII

Cunningham, Jack R. RCAF Leading Aircraftman Canada

Earl, Elric Gunner Anti Aircraft WWII

Haugen, Roy Allan Sergeant WWII

Hudson, Cecil Arthur Henry Lieutenant WWI Saw action in… France

Hunter, Montie C. WWII Cape Breton Highlanders

Photo Unavailable

Jeffrey, Herbert Edward WWI 1st Battalion 678786 WWII Veteran’s Guard

Jeffery, Albert Lieutenant Cpl. in 5th Battalion WWII Saw action in… France

Photo Unavailable

Johnstone, Andy Private WWII

Kemp, John (Jack) Officer Commanding WWII

Johnson, Ole S. Sergeant WWII Saw action in… France, Belgium, Holland, Germany

Liddicoat, Howard Rawling Sapper WWII

Lundquist, Roger Private WWII

Saw action in… France, Belgium, Holland,

Johnson, Helmer J. Corporal WWII Sicily, Italy Belgium, France, Holland

Jones, Alan Percival Army WWII

Graham, L. R. Corporal WWII

Harris, Alf WWII

Johnston, Graffin Sergeant Pilot Officer RCAF WWII Saw action in… Germany, France

Kennedy, Thomas Leslie Corporal GNR L/BDR WWII France, UK, Belgium, Holland, Germany

Johnson, Ronald Private WWII Saw action in… Belgium, Holland, Germany

Jones, Aldis Lillian Dean RCAF WWII

Jones, Arthur Lorne Sergeant WWII

Kenyon, Ron Sergeant, 13th Field Reg. 3rd Canadian Div. WWII

Knight, Harold Clinton Rifleman WWII

Langille, Horatio (Ray) WWII Saw action in… United Kingdom, Continental Europe and Friesen Islands

Liddicoat, Ivan Raymond Sapper WWII

Love, Howard William Flight Sergeant RCAF WWII Saw action in… Canada

MacDonald, Alexander (Sandy) Regina Rifles WWII

Jones, Evan Ingram Navy WWII

Kosteriva, Jeff Corporal WWII

Liddicoat, Clarence Melvin Trooper WWII

MacDonald, Donald PA Volunteers 1st Special Service Force WWII

Love, Robert M. Private WWII

Liddicoat, Ernest Clifford Gunner WWII

Love, William Howard Corporal WWI & WWII Saw action in… France

MacDonald, John Peter PPCLI WWII

MacLean, Don AB/Sea RCN WWII Saw action in… North Atlantic

MacLean, Hugh Sergeant 4th Armoured Division

WWII

Saw action in… France, Belgium, Holland

Mallett, Norville Corporal Sigs Calgary Highlanders

WWII

Saw action in… France, Belgium, Holland

McCoy, Keith Leading Seaman Korean War

Mudge, Melville Robinson Trooper XII Manitoba Dragoons WWII Saw action in… France, Belguim, Germany

Nicholson, Nora W.A.A.F. Air Force

WWII

Saw action in… England

McGuffie, Jack Private #L91650 with the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry

Saw action in… Holland, Belguim, Germany

Mullins, Fred WWII

Mallett, (nee MacLean)

Vi Wren/tel WRCNS

WWII Saw action in… Canada

Martens, C. Richard Private First Class WWII

Saw action in… Italy, France

Mew, Victor Gordon Private WWI & WWII

Saw action in… France, Europe, Sicily, England, Africa

Nault, Dan Sergeant WWII

Oddan, Harold Engeman Flying Officer

WWII

Saw action in… England, Belgium

Patmore, Edger “Ed” Stanley

Boer War

Pinske, Albert Private WWII

Saw action in… France, Belgium & Germany

Moore, George E.

Nelson, Archie Anti-Aircraft Gunner WWII

Martens, Jake 1941-1945

Driver of Bren Gun Carrier, member of Marshall Legion Branch #92

Morlidge, Arthur Bryan Flying Officer

WWII

Buried in Uden, Holland

Noble, Eric Hilton Gunner

WWII Saw action in… France, Belgium, Holland, Germany

Ogram, George Leslie

Patmore, Fredrick Ernest WWI 45th Winnipeg Rifles and Ypres 49th Edmonton Battalion

Poppleton, Dougal Private Gunner WWII Photo Unavailable

Noble, George Henry Sergeant WWI & WWII

Saw action in… France, Canada

Noble, Harold George Staff Sargeant WWII Saw action in… France, Belgium, Holland, Germany, South East Asia Command

Ollen, Florian Private WWII

Perkins, Robert LAC WWII

Saw action in… England, Normandy, France, Belgium, Holland, Germany

Parkyn, Cecil E. Engineer WWII

Nicholson, Arthur Corporal

Royal Canadian Air Force

WWII England, France, Germany, Holland, Belgium

Noble, Henry Alexander (Alec) Sergeant, Troop Commander WWII Saw action in… France, Belgium, Holland, Germany

Patmore, Arthur Private 28th Battalion WWI Saw action in… France Photo Unavailable

Poppleton, Gordon Lance Corporal WWII

Pike, Godfrey Private WWI

Poppleton, James Corporal WWII

Poppleton, Norman Private Gunner WWII

Reiber, Ralph Private WWII

Ripley, Robert C. Private WWI

Searle, Stanley Richard L.A.C. WWII

Saw action in… Canada

Spencer, James A. Private WWII

Tweten, Knute Arthur Corporal WWII

Weighill, Kenneth E. Anti-Aircraft Gunner Mine Sweeper WWII

Powers, Duane Flight Lieutenant WWII

Reinhart, Flo Truck Driver/ Field Mechanic WWII

Ripley, Vincent C. Private WWI

Shreenan, (nee Smith) Lois B. Sergeant WWII

Sunderland, Jean R. (nee Miller) WWII

Saw action in… England

Vick, John “Jack” Andrew Private WWII

Wakefield, Clement Corporal WWII Saw action in… Belgium, France & Germany

Priest, John H. S.P.R. Private R.C.E. WWII

Reinhart, Irene Truck Driver/ Field Mechanic WWII

Scriber, (nee Hughes) Margaret Corporal Radio Telephone Operator WWII

Sokalofsky, (nee Love) Elsie Leading Air Woman WWII

Sunderland, Keith Wireless Air Gunner WWII

Saw action in… Europe, Africa

Pringle, Hugh Canadian Signal Corps WWII Saw action in… Canada

Photo Unavailable

Ripley, Raymond Jonathan Private WWI

Searle, Arthur Brodie Commanding Officer Group Captain WWII

Spencer, Jacob John Corporal WWII

Topott, William Salt Infantry Boer War & WWI Saw action in South Africa

Welsh, Herbert Alfred Corporal WWII

Woodman, Peter Master Corporal

Saw action in… Gulf War I, Desert Storm

Wallis, Charles Marsden Private LAC (Leading Aircraftsman) WWII

Wright, Ken Lance Corporal WWII

Weighill, Bill Navy Submarine Detector WWII

Wright, Ralph Leading Aircraftsman WWII

Word on the beat: Mischief

Staff Sgt. JERRY NUTBROWN SPECIAL TO THE SOURCE

If you have ever watched Scooby Doo, you know about those meddling kids. Always up to mischief of some kind, but not typically criminal mischief.

Section 430 of the Criminal Code defines the parts of mischief as it encompasses a wide range of offences so it is a rather commonly committed offence.

One of the most common uses of this section is for people causing problems for other people.

Mischief, as per section 430(1) is committed when someone willfully: destroys or damages property; renders property dangerous, useless, inoperative or ineffective; obstructs, interrupts or interferes with the lawful use,

FROM PAGE 16

He believed, although the incident was on the lower end of seriousness, it did meet the requirements for a custodial sentence.

Richards observed Habelters’ lack of remorse, failure to appear, and possible breach of a Canadian court order, should also factor into the sentencing that never occurred.

However, upon returning to Canada, he has allegedly violated the Nov. ’23 “court order” when he spoke to a young child at a playground at Sandy Beach Regional Park on Aug. 27, 2024.

These were not his only interactions with police for incidents like this. According to a March 26, 2023 story in the Prince George Citizen, authorities accused him of committing similar crimes in 2000 in British Columbia.

He was charged with two counts of indecent exposure, one at a drivethru restaurant and the other at the Elksentre Arena in Prince George. The court acquitted him of one charge, and the other was dropped after a trial.

Prosecution explains the system

The phrase “catch and release” has become a popular saying regarding our current justice system. The Meridian Source recently contacted the Alberta Crown Prosecutors Service (ACPS) regarding bail and prosecution in the province of Alberta.

Spokesperson Michelle Davios said prosecutors must meet a certain standard of proof for the case to proceed.

“The Alberta Crown Prosecution Service does not conduct/continue prosecutions unless the evidence establishes a reasonable likelihood of conviction and the matter is in the public interest. This is a higher standard of proof than that of the police,” stated Davios.

“Courts have an even higher standard to meet—before a person may be convicted of any crime, the case must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

enjoyment or operation of property; obstructs, interrupts or interferes with any person in the lawful use, enjoyment or operation of property.

There are more subsections within section 430 that address computer data, definitions of property, types of property, conviction punishments and limitations of the section.

Another offence that can overlap with mischief is section 175, causing a disturbance.

These two sections are the go-to for people causing problems for others that reach a criminal level.

As with all sections of the Criminal Code, law enforcement must consider the criminality of the behaviour and the actions and intentions of anyone being dealt with if these sections come into play.

Laws with consequences have ele -

These checks and balances mean it is possible for one standard to be met, but for the case not to proceed at the next more onerous standard.”

According to Davios, they seek fair and just outcomes of all their cases. Additionally, depending on the circumstances, authorities may withdraw charges, issue peace bonds, or use other measures based on the admissible evidence.

However, she directed our inquiries on bail to a recent update on how the ACPS will approach the procedure.

“The ACPS has an internal protocol which guides prosecutorial decisionmaking,” she said. “This protocol was modified in September 2023 to place additional priority on public safety, paying particular attention to crime caused by repeat violent offenders and gang activity.”

Meanwhile, a press conference last November detailed changes to bail in Alberta. Alberta’s Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Service, Mike Ellis, blamed the federal government for not acting.

“In the absence of needed bail reform from the federal government, Alberta is taking a zero-tolerance approach to ensure citizens are safe and secure in their communities,” stated Ellis. “Violence, social disorder and open-air drug use is unacceptable, and we will do everything in our power to take back our streets and ensure they’re safe for Albertans.”

Additionally, Mickey Amery, the Minister of Justice and Attorney General, clarified the province’s position going forward.

“The position of the Alberta government is absolutely clear: there is no safe haven in Alberta for criminals,” stated Amery. “These changes add to our existing efforts to make sure all criminals, especially repeat violent offenders, are held accountable for their actions.”

Federal and provincial political figures uphold the criminal code and court system responsibilities.

ments of the offences to be met for the offence to be considered committed or attempted and these will be explored in a future article. While someone may have technically com -

mitted an offence, it might not be criminal in nature and would be where officer discretion can come into consideration.

FORM 2 TAX ENFORCEMENT LIST (SECTION 4) Town of Lashburn PROVINCE OF SASKATCHEWAN

Notice is hereby given under The Tax Enforcement Act that unless the arrears and costs appearing opposite the land and title number described in the following list are fully paid before the 31st day of December, 2024, an interest based on a tax lien will be registered against the land.

Note: A sum for costs in an amount required by subsection 4(3) of The Tax Enforcement Act is included in the amount shown against each parcel

HABETLER

Regional Fire Review: Nov. 7

from a rollover on the eastbound lane near Range Road 40. One patient was treated and transported to hospital.”

As cooler weather arrived, both Legacy and the County of Vermilion responded to motor vehicle collisions during the first week of November.

On Nov. 1, Protective Services - County of Vermilion River responded to numerous calls for service due to weather conditions.

The frozen fog created slick conditions on much of Highway 16 and the area around Kenilworth Lake. Additionally, dropping temperatures worsened the situation. The combination resulted in several collisions.

“A rash of calls for service came around the lunch hour, sending tones to Vermilion Fire & Rescue Society, Islay Fire, County 9-1 and 9-6, Kitscoty RCMP and Medavie Health Services West - Northeast Alberta EMS,” stated the department. “Thankfully, only one vehicle and driver required attention

They thank the other motorists who stopped to assist and Emcon Services for quick sanding.

Although multiple other calls came in, they did not require emergency services. They also remind people to slow down and drive to the conditions as November starts the colder weather season.

Meanwhile, Legacy Regional fire Chief Dean Peters said they responded to one motor vehicle collision on Nov. 3.

They responded just after the dinner crews responded to the corner of Highway 16 and 419. They helped prepare two victims for transport to hospital while on scene.

Additionally, they provided support services to other emergency services before returning to station.

Rollover sends four to hospital

A mid-afternoon collision involving a single vehicle has sent four people to hospital.

On Nov. 1, 2024, around 3 p.m., Onion Lake RCMP received a call from the Lloydminster Rescue Squad regarding a single-vehicle rollover on Highway 17, approximately 13 kilometres south of Onion Lake. When police officers arrived, the SUV involved was in the ditch.

Four occupants were in the vehi -

cle; all were injured. The 45-year-old female driver was transported to hospital with injuries. A 51-year-old male passenger and a 16-year-old female passenger were transported to hospital with injuries. Additionally, a child under the age of 10 was transported to hospital with serious injuries. All were from the Onion Lake Detachment area.

An RCMP Collision Reconstructionist and Maidstone RCMP continue to investigate the cause of the collision.

Viking RCMP attend oil truck fire

The highway was closed for several hours and traffic was being diverted The public was asked to avoid the area.

DAN GRAY STAFF WRITER

DAN GRAY STAFF WRITER

Viking RCMP attended at a serious motor vehicle collision, involving a semi-truck hauling crude oil, located east of Viking on Highway 619.

The semi truck caught the soft shoulder of the road, drifted into a ditch and then caught on fire. The driver of the vehicle sustained minor injuries and no other vehicles were involved.

DAN GRAY STAFF WRITER

Courtesy County of Vermilion River

Couresty Viking RCMP

Bobcats win while supporting Peyton Walker

DAN GRAY STAFF WRITER

Fifteen-year-old Peyton Walker is in a tough battle with cancer and the Lloydminster Bobcats organization is supporting her.

The Fort McMurray Oil Barons were in town on Oct. 30 for a night focused on Walker and her cancer battle.

The Lloydminster Bobcats, along with the broader Lloydminster community, have rallied around her in a big way, showing just how powerful the support of a team and community can be in times of need.

Walker, who plays for the Lloydminster U18AAA Steelers, was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive cancer in April that quickly turned her life upside down. In the months since her diagnosis, she’s

been buoyed by her family, friends, and especially the Lloydminster hockey community.

The Bobcats took Walker’s fight to heart and recently held a dedicated night to support Peyton. The evening was a powerful show of unity with the team, fans, and community members gathering to support Walker’s journey. For the Bobcats players, this was more than just a game.

‘Cats general manager, Nigel Dube, emphasized how important it was to the team.

“For us, it was vital to step up and support Peyton and her family,” Dube said. “She’s close to our hearts, and this was our way to show her that her fight is our fight.”

In the days leading up to the event, Dube rallied his players, many of whom had heard of Walker’s battle and were eager to help.

“They were playing for a lot more than just the win; they were playing for her,” said Dube.

The extra motivation was evident, with an atmosphere charged by both players and fans who knew they were part of something bigger than a typical game night.

As the players took to the ice, the energy in the

arena was palpable. Sitting with her teammates and watching the community come together in such a big way was nothing short of surreal for Walker. Her father, Scott, shared she was overwhelmed by the support she received that evening.

“She was amazed, completely blown away,” he said. “Seeing everyone come together like that—it was overwhelming, but in the best way possible. It made her feel so grateful to know she was not alone in this fight.”

The Bobcats didn’t just show support through words and gestures; they played with a noticeable intensity. Dube noted the game taught both players and fans a bigger lesson, one about resilience and gratitude.

“In life, we often get upset over small things,” Dube remarked. “Seeing someone as young as Peyton going through such a huge battle really reminds you to appreciate what you have and to support those around you.”

For Walker and her family, the event was a reminder of the strength they can draw from the people around them. Scott was moved by the gesture and the love shown by the team and community.

“We’re from Wainwright, so to feel such an outpouring of support from Lloydminster, it’s been incredible,” Scott said. “Good people attract good people, and we are so grateful for every person who has supported us on this journey.”

While Walker’s journey is still underway, she’s finding strength not just in her own determination, but in the community that has come together for her. For the Bobcats, the night was more than just a game—it was a moment of unity, proving that sometimes, the greatest victories happen off the ice.

The Bobcat’s specialized jerseys are being auctioned you can bid on them here until 12 p.m. Nov. 1.

The final score for the evening was 6-2 for the home crew, but sometimes it’s about so much more than the score.

Payton Walker took centre ice during a pre-game ceremony last Wednesday night. Dan Gray Meridian Source Photos

WFL champion Raiders prepare for Lakers

The Holy Rosary Raiders overcame a slow first half to defeat the visiting St. Paul Lions 35-0 on Nov. 1 in Lloydminster.

The game’s first kickoff was returned over 50 yards by Nick Hill for an early 6-0 lead. The night seemed to be headed the way of a Raiders win.

The team got their way for much of the first half. Head coach Vince Orieux chalked it up to a few weeks off between games.

“At the end of the day the kids showed up in the second half,” said Orieux. “I wasn’t really happy with our offensive execution at the start, and St. Paul schemed well on defence.”

Turnovers plagued the team, and the game was still in question by halftime.

“Mistakes happen; it doesn’t matter the level, but we have to clean it up to be successful at provincials,” suggested Orieux.

The team is preparing to play in Red Deer against the Sylvan Lake H.J. Cody High School Lakers this weekend (Nov. 9).

“We showed them some tape Nov. 3. They are well coached,” stated Orieux. “(Head coach) Jeremy Braitenback has been there for over 25 years and was drafted by the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the CFL; he knows football and will have his kids ready to compete.”

Braitenback told the Meridian Source that the team went 4-2 this season

and sees themselves as the underdogs heading into the weekend.

“We see Holy Rosary as the best team we will play this year. While that is exciting, it is also intimidating at the same time. They are consistently one of the best programs in the province and it will be a huge challenge,” he said.

“Because of this we see ourselves as the underdogs. We hope we can give Rosary a challenge this weekend and look forward to the game.”

Back at home, Orieux wanted to mention the fans who have come out all season to support the team.

“We get the students and parents out there and love the atmosphere they create. We really appreciate the support of our school community and the broader community throughout the season,” he said.

They look forward to the weekend ahead with the 35-0 victory and the Wheatland Football League championship behind them.

The top- ranked Holy Rosary Raiders at the fifth-ranked Sylvan Lake Lakers 2 p.m. at Great Chief Park in Red Deer on Saturday (Nov. 9).

Dan Gray Meridian Source Photos

DAN GRAY STAFF WRITER ..................................

Jr. Barons season ends on high note

A season with many ups and downs has ended in victory for the Lloydminster Comprehensive Jr. Barons.

The Jr Barons won their bowl game 34-27 against the Babineau Warriors in a thrilling matchup filled with big plays from both teams. The Barons showed tremendous resilience, executing plays under pressure,” according to Kieren Link, Baron’s program coordinator. “With just a few minutes remaining, a late touchdown and successful two-point conversion put the Barons ahead 34-27. The defense then stepped up, making key stops to contain the Babineau running back and secure the victory.”

On offence, quarterback Joseph Kelly was responsible for four of the five Barons’ touchdowns on the afternoon of Oct. 28. The fifth was at the hands of Jake Spence.

Cornerback Rogan Gerich and Kelly’s season performances have earned them an invitation to the Canadian Football Chat combine. Link says it’s a testament to their hard work.

As the year progressed, the team gained confidence and experience

in the Saskatoon Kinsmen Football League. Link is proud of the team’s effort in this highly competitive League.

“Finishing three and four in a highly competitive league, our players not only honed their football skills but also developed as leaders,” exclaimed Link. “I’m incredibly proud of the character they displayed on and off the field.”

He knows it can’t be done without the support of the parents. Some of the grade nine’s will join the senior team next season. They will partially fill a roster with nearly two-dozen holes due to graduation.

The Grade 8 students will become the leaders of the junior team, while current Grade 7 students will start their high school football careers in the fall.

“The first year of the Jr Barons was a meaningful milestone for the Barons football program,” claims Link. “We’re excited to build on this foundation.”

If you want your child to play with the Baron’s Football team next fall, contact the Lloydminster Public School Division for more information.

Dan Gray Meridian

DAN GRAY STAFF WRITER

Rustlers hockey sweep weekend, again

TAYLOR WEAVER EDITOR

It was another winning weekend for the undefeated Lakeland College Rustlers women’s hockey team.

“Last year we tightened up our penalties and this year we had to tighten up our goals against.

The Rustlers (9-0) beat the Olds College Broncos (2-6) 7-1 at the Russ Robertson on Nov. 1 before a tight 1-0 win over the NAIT Ooks (6-1) on Nov. 2. For head coach, Morgan Mann, there are no complaints with the team’s 9-0 start.

“We’ve had a great start, and some highlights include exceptional goaltending,” said Mann.

“We aren’t necessarily winning games simply because of goaltending but we have the lowest goals-against average in the league, by quite a large margin.”

Since stepping into the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) a few seasons ago, Mann explained team goals included scoring more goals and tightening up on penalties.

“Last year we tightened up our penalties and this year we had to tighten up our goals against,” said Mann. “So far, we’ve had a good start tightening up defensively.”

Mann explained the forwards are also committing to defending the zone, applying back pressure are relentlessly going after loose pucks.

“Defence is more than just good goaltending and your defence, it’s your forwards, too,” said Mann.

“As a team, we’ve defended really well to start the season.”

The Rustlers finished last season with ACAC silver in hand. The season before they finished third overall, which has hockey fans wondering if this is the season the ladies win gold.

“A lot of things have to go right, for sure,” said Mann. “We have a team that can compete for it, but things have to go right for that to happen.”

The Rustlers are back at the Russ on Nov. 15 to host the Red Deer Polytechnic Queens at 7 p.m. They then the Saskatoon Prairie Blaze on Nov. 16 for an exhibition game.

Thursday, Novemver 7, 2024

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Careers

Oil and gas public offering generates $7.3M

MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

The Government of Saskatchewan’s Crown oil and natural gas public offering, held on Tuesday,

Permanent Full-Time or (Part-Time)

DENTAL ASSISTANT

Required immediately. Competitive salary. Assistant: RDA Applicants must be team players.

Send resumes with references to:

Vermilion Dental - Dr. Joe DeGirolamo - Dr. Radasic 5003 - 50th Street, Vermilion, AB T9X 1M6 Ph: 780-853-6505 Fax: 780-853-6557 Email: drdegirolamo@shaw.ca

Oct. 29, raised $7,304,936.95 for the province, with the Estevan area generating the majority of the revenue.

Of the 112 parcels posted for this offering, 93 received acceptable bids, covering a total 15,347.639 hectares.

The Estevan area generated the most financial interest, bringing in $5,417,916.25 for 56 leases and one exploration licence for a total of 8,330.517 hectares.

The Kindersley area generated $1,325,636.53 for 21 leases for a total of 5,063.604 hectares.

Surge Energy Inc. made the highest bonus bid and the highest dollars-per-hectare bid in its offering of $1,369,276.03, or $5,284.76 per hectare. This was for a 259.099 hectare lease in the Estevan area, northeast of Macoun.

Millennium Land (444) Ltd. won the single exploration licence posted in this offering, bidding $407,670.71 for a 2,318.023 hectare licence in the Estevan area, south of Minton.

After four public offerings this fiscal year, the provincial government has raised $37,382,523.18 in reve -

nue. The next offering is scheduled for Dec. 3. There are six scheduled public offerings of oil and natural gas dispositions held each fiscal year in Saskatchewan. This process uses an open and competitive bidding system to issue oil and natural gas dispositions.

Several factors affect public offering activity, including changes in oil and gas prices, land availability, geological and technological constraints and various market conditions.

Strathcona fined after worker injured two years ago

Strathcona Resources Ltd. was one of two companies fined after a worker was seriously injured after being struck by an ejection clamp.

The incident in question took place on Dec. 5, 2022, near Major, Sask. Strathcona and Steel View Energy and Industrial Services received fines after both pleading guilty in Kindersley Provincial Court.

Strathcona received a fine of $60,714.29 with a surcharge of $24,285.71 totaling $85,000. Steel View Energy and Industrial Services received a fine of $39,285.71 with a surcharge of $15,714.29, for a total amount of $55,000.

Back to mischief. The most common offence within this section concerns someone interfering with the use or enjoyment of property or the damage of property.

If someone intentionally throws a rock at your car window and damages it, that is mischief.

If a person grabs your phone and throws it on the ground damaging it, that is mischief.

If someone is causing issues at a church by yelling, swearing, pacing and flailing around and refusing to leave, this could be considered mischief because they are interfering or interrupting the lawful enjoyment of the church, which is defined as property. A more common setting for mischief of this kind is a house or retail store.

The lesser-used section of mischief is related to computer data. This is where someone damages the actual

data and not just a storage device of the data.

Also included in mischief is when a person does something or omits doing something that endangers life. Again, this section can cover a wide array of acts or omissions but the key element here is that it caused actual danger to life.

Mischief can be a summary or indictable conviction offence and the difference between these two boils down to the type and seriousness of the offence committed as the potential punishment between them varies.

Hopefully, this will help you differentiate between mere meddling and actual criminal mischief.

- Staff Sgt. Jerry Nutbown, is the NCO in charge of the Lloydminster RCMP detachtment’s General Investigation Section. Stay tuned for future articles from the Lloydminster RCMP.

WORD ON THE BEAT FROM PAGE 29

CHRISTIAN APOSTOLOVSKI STAFF WRITER ..................................

Source File Photo

PAGE 37

Thursday, November 7, 2024

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something is troubling me, because you're the one who understands me so well. I miss you when I laugh and cry, because you're the one that makes my laughter grow, and my tears disappear. I miss you all the time, but I miss you the most when I lay awake at night, and think of all the times of the wonderful times we spent with each other, for those were some of the best and most memorable times of my life. I just miss you all the

Your Family

Verna

Sheri & Todd & Family

Annette & Darcy & Family

Micheal & Leasa & Family

Peters, of Sherwood Park, Alberta, and formerly of Lashburn, Saskatchewan, passed away peacefully on October 22nd at the age of 75 in Sherwood Park.

Don was born in Warman, Saskatchewan, to Walter and Tina Peters on July 20th, 1949. He attended school in Osler and then Saskatoon, Saskatchewan until 1960, when his family moved to North Battleford. In 1964, they moved back to Saskatoon where Don graduated high school in 1967. Shortly after graduation, he met Arlene Brandt from Lashburn, Saskatchewan, and they married on July 5th, 1969. They purchased a farm southwest of Lashburn where

served as Reeve of RM of Wilton in 1990-1992. Following his divorce in 1999, he sold the farmhouse and moved to Saskatoon. Don then moved to Pike Lake with his partner, Linda Lewis, where they purchased a cabin. After selling this property, in 2008, they bought a house in Rabbit Lake, Saskatchewan. They resided between Rabbit Lake and their cabin at Meeting Lake during the summer, and a rental residence in Saskatoon during winter. Don served as mayor of Rabbit Lake from 2014-2018. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, water skiing (in his younger years), repairing and restoring vehicles, flipping properties, and spending time with friends and family. Don is survived by his partner, Linda Lewis of Edmonton, daughter, Corine Price, son, Jeremy Peters (Heather), granddaughters Charlize and Jerica Peters, stepsons Dustin and Ryan Doderai and their families, sisters Elaine Redekop (Cal) and Cheryl Janzen, numerous nieces and nephews, and other extended family members. Don was

SEPTEMBER 10, 1976 - NOV 8, 1998

26 years have passed and you are missed as though it was yesterday. May god grant you eternal peace and rest in heaven till we meet again. Love you forever and always.

See you later Your loving father DAVE

MICHAEL GEORGE LUDWIG