Meridian Source - October 13, 2022

Mock plane crash a reality check

Practice makes per fect, and that goes for the latest emergency response exercise involving a fiery mock airplane crash at the Lloydminster Munici pal Airport.

All five passenger actors and response crews walked away without a scratch as the intended outcome of a real-life emergency that annual drills strive to achieve.

Personnel from the City of Lloydminster, the Lloydminster Fire Department, RCMP, and provincial partners teamed up for a halfday exercise at the air port last Thursday.

“I think it went really well,” said assistant fire chief Bill Heesing fol lowing an initial debriefing.

“Working with the other teams, there were some gaps, but we will work through those gaps and be better prepared.”

A follow-up report will be compiled in the coming days to assess the response to the training exercise by identifying strengths

to be maintained and built upon and potential improvement areas.

“Being simulated with all the parties that were here today is really important for us to have success when the real thing does happen,” said Heesing.

He played the role of incident commander working with the other responders including EMS and airport per sonnel, and various equipment.

“The main thing is making sure who is in command is clear,” explained Heesing.

“The command func tion is important to work with all the other agencies to coordinate various deeds that are required on scene such as the extrication of the patients or a fire.”

The exercise involved both a simu lated airplane fire and the extrication of sev eral passengers.

Lloydminster Mayor Gerald Aalbers called it an example of what goes on to be prepared to ensure the fire depart ment, EMS, police and city staff work as a team to ensure the situation

is resolved quickly and safely.

Aalbers says the crews do mock tabletop exercises on consecu tive years and an actual onsite exercise like the one on Thursday every three years to hone their skills.

“It’s challenging because it takes a lot of resources and takes people away from other duties, so every three years is the example they use to put every

body together and debrief,” he said.

Fred Ackerman, Transport Canada liaison with the city, explained why the airport doesn’t have its own dedicated fire station.

“At this point, the air port does not have the amount of passenger movement required to have airport firefighting right on the scene,” said Ackerman.

“So for our scope and size of operation, hav

ing our fire department respond from town is just fine.”

Ackerman also explained how the emergency response exercise rolled out.

“First we had props that we lit on fire and staged the wounded people in. From there, we had the fire depart ment respond with their firefighting appara tus and the RCMP with their stuff,” he said.

EMS crews were also

on hand with their equipment and the fire department deployed their extrication equip ment to rescue the act ing passengers.

“We tried to make it as realistic as possible,” said Ackerman.

“Today just demon strates how these dif ferent organizations work together. We have to do these exercises to confirm they do work together. Today was awesome.”

GEOFF LEE WRITER

Photo courtesy of the City of Lloydminster.

Sask starts free flu shot season

It’s time for the next jab or two of vaccines with free flu shots now underway in Saskatch ewan for all residents six months of age and older.

I’ll be getting my flu shot this week to protect myself and my loved ones and I encourage all Saskatchewan people to do the same.

Residents will also have the convenience of receiving their flu and COVID-19 vaccines at the same appoint ment again this year, for those wishing to do so.

“According to Health Canada, flu vaccines are proven to be safe and can be given at the same time as other vaccines,” Saskatchewan Health Authority COVID-19 Immunization Co-Chief

Dr. Tania Diener said.

“No additional safety risks or adverse events following immuniza tion have been identi fied by simultaneous administration of these vaccines.”

Flu shots will be administered at pub lic health clinics, local pharmacies and some physician and nurse practitioner offices.

Children aged six months to five years can only be immunized at an SHA public flu clinic, public health office, or by a physician or nurse practitioner. Only select physicians’ offices offer influenza and/or COVID-19 vaccines.

“I’ll be getting my flu shot this week to protect myself and

my loved ones and I encourage all Saskatch ewan people to do the same,” said Health Min ister Paul Merriman.

“Reducing the spread of respiratory illnesses prevents unnecessary pressures on our health care system.”

All residents 65 years of age and older are eli gible to receive the Flu zone High-Dose influ enza vaccine this year for the first time.

For the most up-todate information on drop-in clinic times and locations and to make a booking, visit www.4flu.ca.

Individual or group bookings can also be made by telephone at 1-833-SASKVAX (1-833-727-5829).

SHA volunteer positions available

grams require volunteers to come in a minimum of two times per month.

The Saskatchewan Health Author ity (SHA) Volunteer Services team is looking for volunteers to assist staff, patients, clients, families and visi tors in its acute care facilities, long term care homes and community programs.

Support care in your community by volunteering to help host recreational and pet support programs, assist patients navigating through acute care settings, or support local Meals on Wheels programs.

“Prior to the pandemic, the SHA had a strong volunteer base,” said Bernie Doepker, SHA’s director of Volunteer Services.

“As with every sector, we are in the rebuilding phase for our volunteer team. We are asking people to con sider volunteering with one of our programs across the SHA as we work together to improve health and wellbeing. Every day. For everyone.”

The SHA is recruiting volunteers provincially and has a range of differ ent positions available.

Volunteer shifts typically range from two to four hours, and most pro

Interested volunteers are encour aged to match available volunteer positions to their skills, interests, experiences, and availability.

“We always get the question, why should I volunteer?” said Doepker. “I always say that the perfect volunteer role within the Saskatchewan Health Authority helps you connect with friends, and community members. You’ll learn new skills and become a member of a really great team.”

Volunteering has shown to con tribute to better mental and physical health; it reduces stress and provides fulfilment and a sense of purpose.

Volunteering also offers critical support to people in need and con nects the volunteers to the commu nity they serve.

“Volunteering with the SHA is one of the highlights of my week,” said Margaret Scott, Regina Pasqua Hos pital gift shop volunteer.

To view available volunteer posi tions, please visit https://www. saskhealthauthority.ca/careers-vol unteering/volunteering-saskatche wan-health-authority.

MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

“

MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

Economic summit reconciles

I

can take from my per sonal development. I am hoping new friend ships will develop from this summit and real business deals.”

Tootoosis was also looking forward to the business matchmak ing component of the summit called Business Connections.

“I”m optimistic we’ll have some real busi ness deals as a result of today’s gathering,” he added.

Lloydminster Mayor Gerald Aalbers says the summit is very impor tant to the economy of Lloydminster with First Nations in the sur rounding area.

“We are a provider of services in business. I think all those play a key role in today’s sum mit,” said Aalbers.

Savana Walkingbear was bang on when he told attendees at this year’s Economic Part nership summit that everything happens for a reason.

It’s about working together for mutual benefit, mutual respect and understanding.

That applies to the purpose of the event to bring Indigenous and non-indigenous busi ness leaders together to make business part nerships.

“It’s not only about Indigenous people; it’s about working together for mutual benefit, mutual respect and understanding,” said Walkingbear at the Nis san Hall venue.

Economic reconcilia tion with First Nations was also top of mind for organizers at the Lloy dminster Chamber of Commerce.

“I think people are starting to realize the importance of recon ciliation,” said Cham ber executive director Teri-Lynn MacKie at

the event.

Each table had copies of the Truth and Recon ciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action No. 92 to support busi ness and economic part nerships.

This was the 10th Economic Partnership in Lloydminster and arguably the best ever, with panels on Indig enous tourism, entre preneurship and human resource strategies.

There was a keynote talk by Indigenous MP Jody Wilson-Raybould in the WLS Convention Centre which drew huge crowds.

“This year, we are 100 per cent sold out. We have to put in extra tables; we sold out on our booths,” said MacKie, who counted more than 200 people for the full-day conference.

“We’ve never sold out in the past 10 years, but this year we’ve been able to sell out,” she said.

In total, about 600 people, including 300 students, were expected to hear Wilson-Ray bould.

She’s a former MP for Vancouver Granville, a lawyer, advocate, and former regional Chief of the B.C. Assembly of First Nations and a member of the We Wai

Kai Nation.

Wilson-Raybould is also a former federal Minister of Justice and Attorney General.

She was the last speaker on the summit agenda.

“I am really look ing forward to all the speakers,” said Milton Tootoosis from Pound maker Cree Nation and a founder of the Lloyd minster summit.

“I’m always looking for an extra nugget that

“It just highlights how important the relation ship is between Indig enous and non-Indige nous—our community and business commu nities that exist outside our community.”

He also thinks busi ness reconciliation is still a work in progress but it’s come a long way over the past few summits.

“I think it’s ongoing. It continues to grow and I think that’s tremen dous,” said Aalbers.

“We have First Nations business located in our com

munity. That’s terrific, we’ve seen that grow over time.”

Geoff Lee Meridian Source Eva John Gladue, left, chats with Shane Freeson who handles business development for Primco Dene Group of Companies during a break at the Economic Partnership summit at the Nissan Hall on Thursday. The event featured speakers and business connections between Indigenous and non-indigenous business leaders.

GEOFF LEE WRITER

Continuing care priorities shifting

The outdated Lloy dminster Health Ser vices Needs Assess

ment will get a refresh with more emphasis on an in-home care model for continuing care than adding more

spaces in facilities.

The Lloydminster Concerned Citizens for Senior Care Soci ety was briefed on

shifting priorities by operations staff from Alberta Health Services (AHS) and Saskatch ewan Health Author ity (SHA) at a special meeting on long-term care spaces in the city last Tuesday.

“The way that we’re doing things now has to change,” said AHS senior operating offi cer community and seniors’ health, Lori Sparrow, for Alberta’s central zone.

She told the meet ing the current ratio of about 30 per cent of people in the province’s continuing care system receiving home care and 70 per cent in facil ity-based care could flip in five years with 70/30 receiving care in their own homes.

“It will be experienc ing aging in your own home,” said Sparrow, advising the seniors’ group to take that into account in their advo cacy with politicians.

“So home care should be growing exponen tially in the next few years.”

Sparrow says updat ing the needs assess ment will provide some guidance.

Graham Brown, pres ident of the Seniors Care Society, is still hoping to see more facility spaces for seniors care in the city, however.

“We applaud the gov ernments in trying to keep people in their homes as long as they can. But we have to be prepared to have facil ities spaces also, so when people need the spaces, the facilities are there,” he said.

SHA and AHS noted there are 29 people on the wait list in Lloyd minster for continuing care spaces.

“We think that’s a large number and we need to do something about it,” said Brown.

SHA and AHS previ ously confirmed Lloy dminster will need an additional 60 spaces by 2025 and 148 by 2035.

“It was very good to have both provinces here today to explain the process to getting

Geoff Lee Meridian Source

Dale Bowler, capacity coordinator seniors’ health, AHS, Central Zone, talks about the delivery of long-term continuing care in Alberta and the Lloydminster area at the first Tuesday meeting of October of the Lloydminster Concerned Citizens for Seniors Care Society at the Legacy Centre.

that updated and get ting more concrete numbers we can move forward with it,” added Brown.

It’s up to the dep uty health ministers of both provinces who head the Bi-Provincial Health Services Com mittee to update the needs assessment.

Paul Richer, chair of the Lloydminster and District Health Advi sory Council, told the meeting he will be emailing them often to learn when they plan to issue a new report on continuing care needs.

Neal Sylvestre, exec utive director, con tinuing care Northwest SHA, says he expects SHA will take a similar approach to Alberta in terms of the home care model moving forward.

Sylvestre also believes there is a strong desire in the province to try to keep people in the com munity and other forms of seniors living versus long-term care facilities.

He agrees a redo of the 2013 assessment would be fantastic.

“Having an update will eliminate specula tion of needs and lead to something more con crete this group can take to government,” he said.

Dr. Raff Sayeed pointed out the Seniors Care Society only talks about spaces now and not beds.

“We’re worried about supporting seniors in the most appro priate and optimum place possible. That includes their home,” he explained.

Debora Okrainetz, AHS director of con tinuing care North

East, Central Zone, expects there will be a growing need for home care workers and case management in-home, noting she won’t argue with the trend towards a 70/30 split in favour of home care.

“I want to be the one in my home as well. I think this new report would do the commu nity very well,” said Okrainetz.

Stephanie Munro, chief executive offi cer of the Lloydmin ster Region Health Foundation, hopes Alberta keeps in mind what people’s financial means are during that transition to more athome care.

“When we look at this we want to increase people’s men tal health capacity by living at home, but have we thought about the financial burden it may cause them?” she asked.

“If you’re doing a 70/30 you are still pay ing your taxes, you’re paying your water, your heating bill and paying everything else.”

Munro says you may want to stay in your home but you may not be financially able to hope both provinces take that into account.

As for the next steps, the Seniors Care Soci ety will keep meet ing and advocating as a group with an eye to thinking communitywide to move the yard sticks forward.

“We need more home care workers, we need more case work ers; we will meet again in the spring and fol low up from this,” said Brown.

Grey Cup celebration leaves lasting impression/funding in Marshall

Zamboni will come out onto the ice instead of driving all the way around to the back of the building.”

Belton Johnson, who is originally from Mis sissippi and wore #58 for the Riders from 2006-2009, was in attendance last week end to show his support for a community that bleeds green.

The Town of Mar shall had Grey Cup fever last weekend as the Sas katchewan Roughrid ers rolled in as part of the Richardson Pioneer Community Celebration.

Marshall was one of six communities throughout Saskatche wan to receive $25,000 in grant funding, which will be used for upgrades to the commu nities’ rink.

The day kicked off with a pancake break fast before Roughrid ers alumni, Riders’ cheerleaders, and the Grey Cup came cruis ing down main street as part of the celebration’s parade.

The parade was quickly followed by a cheque presentation before the highly-antic ipated outhouse races began.

“I think this was super exciting for the town. It’s a great lit tle town and I think the residents deserve to have something like this for themselves; this all means that Marshall is alive and kicking, and it’s important that these small towns keep going,” said one of the event’s many organiz ers and Marshall mayor, Darlene Puckey.

“We work hard on trying to keep the town going, you know. There’s not a lot of money kicking around for these small towns,

so when we get an opportunity to keep our rink and our hall going, it’s important we take that opportunity and look after them.”

Puckey explained con crete was recently laid in the town’s rink allowing use 365 days per year, but more improvements

are coming.

“We just need to improve the dress ing room and walkway areas, they were getting rundown,” she said.

“The player’s benches also have to be replaced as they are getting run down. We’re also changing things so the

“For me, it’s about giving back to the com munity,” said John son. “I played for the Riders for a number of years and my thing was always giving back to the community, so we’re kicking off the Grey Cup festivities and everything here today.

“Just being out here with the town is amaz ing, and there’s some amazing people in Mar shall, I absolutely love them.”

Taylor Weaver/Meridian Source

Seven vie for women in biz award

introduced a year ago by Red Bicycle Commu nications, which is also sponsoring the inaugu ral award.

“That’s long overdue. Everyone in Lloydmin ster knows how impor tant women in business are,” said Herbus.

The businesses up for the award are Nou veau Laser & Aesthetic Centre, Lash Lounge –Kim Newsted, Brixton Shoes, Performance Business Consulting, To The Core Pilates & Nutrition, Brandi Hofer artist, Can-Do Auto & Lube.

Herbus says the list “really shows and high lights in Lloydminster there’s a lot of women that are really helping to lead our economy.”

of the year, community spirit, and downtown business of the year.

Teri-Lynn MacKie. Herbus will emcee the event once again and cites a recent U.S. study that he says applies to all of North America, reporting 47 per cent of business revenue is generated by small businesses.

The first Women in Business award to be presented at this month’s Business Excel lence Awards, hosted by the Lloydminster Chamber of Commerce,

is starting to generate a buzz.

There are seven women-led businesses nominated for the award, the most in any category, with the win ner to be named on the evening of Oct. 20 at

the WLS Convention Centre.

“There probably should be eight, there probably should be more,” said Chamber president, Jody Herbus.

The new Women in Business category was

The Chamber has also posted the full list of category nominees on its website including awards for small busi ness of the year, cus tomer service, diversity, employer of the year, integrity, entrepreneur

In keeping with the rules, nominees must be a member or future members of the Cham ber.

The winners of special core awards for busi ness of the year, lifetime achievement, Think Lloyd First ambassador and non-profit of the year, will be announced at the event.

“It is a big eve ning. We’re expecting to have a great eve ning to celebrate local business during Small Business Week in Canada,” said Cham ber executive director,

“That’s a pretty incredible number,” he said, noting it shows the small business is the backbone of our economy.

Macki notes that all of the Chamber awards are also sponsored by a small business.

“We’re excited with the sponsors that have shown their support for our business awards,” said MacKie.

“Cansafe is our pre senting sponsor, Red Bicycle Communica tions is our wine spon sor, Nordic Systems is our dinner sponsor, It’s Time Promotions is our ceremony sponsor and McCaw Funeral Services is our floral sponsor.”

Geoff Lee File Photo Jill Kelly, owner of Red Bicycle Communications, accepts the Small Business of the Year award at last year’s Lloydminster Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards. Kelly also announced the new award for women which is being added this year.

GEOFF LEE WRITER

That’s long overdue. Everyone in Lloydminster knows how important women in business are.

“

Kiwanis ticket buyer lucks out

The lucky $10,000 winner of this year’s Lloydminster Kiwanis Club 50/50 draw is also fortunate to have bought the ticket from Vera Gallant.

The club secre tary sold the win ning ticket to Calgary resident Joel Stretz while he was working in the Lloyd area and she hand-delivered the cheque over the Thanksgiving weekend. That took care of the proverbial cheque-inthe-mail option.

“I was heading out that way anyway, so it worked out perfect,” said Gallant on Tuesday.

“When he bought the ticket, I jokingly said, ‘if you win I will deliver it to you.’”

Gallant says she phoned Stretz on Friday at noon from UCG Con sulting where the draw was made and left Stretz a message.

“So he called me back about an hour later

and he said he could not believe that voice mail,” said Gallant with a laugh.

“He said ‘I’m going to leave that one on for a long time. I’m not eras ing that one.’”

Gallant notes she presented him with the cheque in a casino where she learned he was married and his wife just had a baby.

She says the young couple plans to put the

prize money toward house renovations.

Kiwanis sold all 1,000 draw tickets to net $10,000 as their split of the jackpot.

“We’re in desperate need of money. We have our Santa project com ing up. As you know with the price of every thing, our $6,000 bud get probably won’t even cover it,” said Gallant.

Supplied Photo

Joel Stretz from Calgary was the lucky $10,000 winner of the Lloydminster Kiwanis Club’s 50/50 draw on Friday. Stretz bought the ticket when working in Lloyd. Club secretary Vera Gallant drove to Calgary to present him with his prize.

Former Rider Belton Johnson was in the Town of Marshall last weekend for Grey Cup festivities as the town received $25,000 in funding for arena improvements.

“Being here is a big deal for us, but it’s also a big deal for the town,” said Johnson.

“As soon as we pulled into town on the bus with the big Rider logo on it people were out waving, and I think even when we were coming down Highway 16, people were driving up beside the bus and were waving at us.

“Being a smaller town, this is a big deal, and not often do these people get to meet former players in a live setting like this.”

The festivities wrapped up with a dance and fireworks, and Puckey wanted to thank L&L Oilfield, PWM Steel, and 20 After Four in Lloyd minster for putting up the funding to cover the cost of fireworks.

“We had fireworks kick off the dance at 8:15 p.m. and they were absolutely the most spectacular fireworks I have seen in a long, long time,” she said.

The Grey Cup is being held in Regina on Nov. 20.

Whiting receives distinguished Kiwanis award

Supplied Photo Jason Whiting is this month’s recipient of the Kiwanis Distin guished Service Award. On Whiting’s left are club secretary Vera Gallant and treasurer Shari Klenk and on the right past president Angie Jerrett.

KIWANIS FROM PAGE 7

“Plus, we’re major sponsors of the Kiwanis Music Festival so the $10,000 will probably cover those two projects of ours.”

Gallant canvasses a lot of businesses and says local businesses in the community are “totally fabulous because pretty much all

of them support us.”

She added she’s not only out selling 50/50s, but she’s out there also “bumming money” for the Festival of Lights which is coming up here shortly.

“Poor businesses are going to start locking the doors when they see me coming,” joked Gallant.

Taylor Weaver Meridian Source

5921-50 Avenue, Lloydminster, SK S9V 2A4

Phone: 306-825-5111

Toll Free: 1-800-327-3899

Fax: 306-825-5147

meridiansource.ca

Mail: Box 2454, Lloydminster, SK S9V 1W5

Hours: 8AM to 5PM Monday to Friday

THE MERIDIAN SOURCE

is published once a week, on Thursday.

All material printed in the Meridian Source is copyright and may not be copied or reproduced without the express permission of the publisher. The Meridian Source reserves the right to refuse publication of any advertising or editorial material at its discretion. Columns and letters are the expressed view of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Meridian Source.

Editor Taylor Weaver taylor@meridiansource.ca

Staff Writer Geoff Lee geoff@meridiansource.ca

Marketing Manager

Deanna Wandler deanna@meridiansource.ca

Marketing Consultant Ashley Miazga ashley@meridiansource.ca

Publisher: Reid Keebaugh Production Manager: Amanda Richard

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING admin@meridiansource.ca

NEWSPAPER DELIVERY

If you’ve missed a paper, to start or stop delivery, or for carrier applications, please call 306-825-5111 for information.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

We welcome letters to the editor. Letters should be 500 words or less. A name and daytime phone number is required for verification. Priority will be given to letters exclusively written for the Meridian Source. We reserve the right to edit letters for clarity, brevity, spelling, grammar, punctuation and libel. Unsigned letters will not be published. Use of pseudonyms will only be allowed in special circumstances, at the discretion of the editor and the publisher, and only if the author’s identity is known to the editor. Publication of a letter does not imply endorsement by the Meridian Source. Send to taylor@meridiansource.ca

Viewpoint

Local pharmacist discusses chronic pain support options

Personalized med ication reviews –

There are many medi cations that can be used to manage chronic pain, but some may react poorly, or not at all when taken with other medications.

Anyone taking opi oids may be at risk of an overdose. The effects of an overdose can be temporarily reversed by administering naloxone – this rescue medica tion can save a life.

It is estimated that one-quarter of Canadi ans aged 15 or older live with chronic pain.

While chronic pain can be associated with other diseases, in recent years, the World Health Organization has recog nized it as a disease in and of itself.

The cause of chronic pain isn’t clear, as many factors can lead to its onset. Chronic pain can develop after an injury or illness, or it can occur without a known cause.

As a local pharmacist, I’m here to help you access the advice and care you need.

To do so, I’ve put together some ways that we can support you on your pain management journey:

Mental health sup port – Because of the disease’s invisible and subjective nature, chronic pain sufferers often feel isolated and can have trouble access ing treatment and sup port.ii 3This lack of sup port, in addition to the physical pain, can have a significant impact on your mental and emo tional well-being. Rec ognizing the stigma sur rounding chronic pain, pharmacists are a nonjudgemental resource you can turn to.

As healthcare profes sionals, not only will pharmacists help you find pain relief, but they can also provide emo tional support in work ing with you to manage this isolating disease.

Your pharmacist can review your medica tions to ensure you are taking the correct dos ages at the right fre quency and at the right time to get the most benefit from your med ications. They can also identify potential drug interactions and possi ble adverse effects, giv ing you peace of mind on your treatment options.

Opioid aware ness and interven tion – Opioid pain medications are an effective treatment for chronic pain when used as directed, espe cially when used in conjunction with other non-pharmaceutical treatments.i,ii How ever, misuse of these medications can lead to serious health effects, including addiction and accidental overdose.

Pharmacists are accessible and knowl edgeable resources and play an important role in the safe use of pain medication.

Naloxone is available at pharmacies as takehome kits without a prescription, and your pharmacist can teach you how to use it.iv Speak with your local pharmacist about get ting a Naloxone Kit.

The most impor tant thing to remember when taking opioids is to use as directed and consult a pharmacist if you’re unsure of dosage or duration of use.

Chronic pain is a challenging and subjec tive disease with physi cal, psychological and emotional impacts, but it isn’t something Lloy dminster residents have to navigate alone.

Pharmacists inter act with chronic pain patients up to 10 times more than primary care providers.

Pharmacists can also provide information about non-pharmaco logical resources that may help you, such as physical therapy pro grams, cognitive behav ioural therapies, acu puncture, as well as self-management tech niques like support groups. Speak with your local pharmacist today to learn more.

Asad Gavahi Kashani is a pharmacist and owner of your local Shoppers Drug Mart in the LloydMall.

DR. ASAD KASHANI SPECIAL TO THE SOURCE

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Opinion

Leeway from Lloyd: Concussion week hits home

back injuries and allowed him to finish the game after he cleared an evaluation at halftime.

The timing was nearly perfect for this year’s national concus sion awareness week in Canada thanks to the National Football League that many Cana dian sports fans follow.

Just one day after awareness week ended, Miami Dolphins quar terback Tua Tagovailoa, appeared to suffer head trauma in a Sunday afternoon game against the Buffalo Bills.

After his head hit the ground in a tackle, the player stumbled notice ably after getting up and had to be stabilized by teammates. It was clear to anyone watch ing, the NFL concus sion protocol should have kicked in and side lined the player.

Incredibly, the Dol phins attributed the stumble to ankle and

In the team’s next game just four days later, Tagovailoa was diagnosed with a con cussion after his head hit the turf again.

This time he remained on the ground during which his arms came up to his face and his hands went rigid in what brain experts call a “fencing response” where brain damage triggers the involuntary response.

A fencing response is considered a “no-go symptom” within the league’s concussion protocol and the player remains in protocol.

Experts worry he is at higher risk of severe, long-term problems if he suffered more than one concussion within a few days.

Tagovailoa’s concus sion should definitely be a red flag for minor contact sports teams in

Lloydminster this fall and winter, too.

Concussion aware ness week makes the point early recognition of concussion, proper medical assessment, and appropriate man agement make a differ ence in recovery.

Find out what you

can do to prevent con cussions in your sport or activity and know what to do if a concus sion does happen.

It’s also important to learn the signs and symptoms of concussion to help recognize when a participant might have a concussion.

From personal expe rience, I can tell you concussions are a seri ous injury.

I’ve had three in the past 10 years from freak accidents and each of them took over a year to recover with some last ing side effects.

It only takes one sign

or symptom to suspect a concussion, so check the Canadian Guideline on Concussion in Sport to learn to keep every one safe.

A Band-Aid or a kiss on the head from mom won’t make your con cussed brain feel any better.

Third flight of displaced Ukrainians planned for Sask

Province prepares to wel come approximately 200 Ukrainians fleeing war-torn country.

On Tuesday, Immigra tion and Career Training Minister Jeremy Harrison announced that registra tion is now open for a third humanitarian flight destined for Saskatchewan.

The flight is being arranged in partnership with the humanitarian organizations Solidaire, and Open Arms and is expected to arrive in Regina on Oct. 25.

“The Government of Sas katchewan along with our municipalities, businesses and residents remain stead fast in our support for the people of Ukraine as they continue to suffer through

this terrible ordeal,” said Harrison.

“Saskatchewan has a bond with Ukraine, and this ongo ing support will continue to strengthen that bond, but more importantly it will improve the lives of those who have faced so much since this conflict began.”

This will be the third flight to arrive in Saskatchewan since the war began.

On Aug. 12, Premier Scott Moe joined representatives from Solidaire and Open Arms, to sign a memorandum of understanding.

The MOU is a pledge by the three parties to partner on a maximum of five humanitar ian flights into Saskatchewan by March 31, 2023.

Upon arriving in Saskatch ewan, passengers will have access to temporary accom

modations and a suite of ser vices, support and informa tion related to living in Sas katchewan. Officials have begun planning for the flight’s arrival.

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.

Playschool Pre-registration

Southridge Play school & Kindergym has opened up their regis tration for the fall 20222023 classes. They offer one day a week for three-year-olds and one or two days a week for four and five-year-olds. They have also quali fied for the Affordability Grant! For more infor mation please call Mrs. P at 780-872-9523.

Bring Your Own Vinyl Nights

Have some old records lying around?

The 4th Meridian Brewing Company, located at Unit 6 2626 50 Ave., is hosting Bring Your Own Vinyl nights every Tuesday during regular business hours, 4-9 p.m.

Bingo at the Moose

The Moose Lodge, located at 5213-57 Street, Lloydminster, hosts bingo nights every Monday and Wednesday. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and play starts at 7 p.m. The Moose also hosts

crib tournaments every second Sunday of the month. Start time is 10 a.m. The cost to play is $10 and lunch is $12.

Square Dancing Introduction

An intro to square dancing will be held at the Bioclean Aquatic Centre from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Wednesdays from Oct. 5 to May 31, 2023. Walk to the beat of music by following sim ple intructions from the caller. The first evening is free! Visit us online at squaredancelloyd.ca for details.

North Bend Musical Jamboree

The North Bend Musical Jamboree is held every second Sun day of each month from 1-4 p.m. Dancers and musicians are welcome. Go North of Hwy 3 on RR3262 for 4km. Cof fee and treats available.

Jamboree

There will be a jam boree on Oct. 16 at the Islay Community Hall. Admission is $10, par

Passport to YLL

ticipants free, and everyone is welcome. Lunch will be served, and all funds raised will support maintenance of the hall. For more information, please call Dixie at 780-744-2204

Fall Supper Returns!

Milleton Hall’s tradi tional Swedish Smor gasbord returns Oct. 16, just 17 miles north of Maidstone on High way 21. Roast Pork, Swedish Meatballs, Rosettes, And our usual selection of sweets. Doors open 4-7 p.m.; Adults $20, children 5-12 - $15. 5 and under are free.

Diabetes Education Saskatchewan Health Authority is hosting diabetes education classes at Prairie North Health Centre confer ence room # 2 on Oct. 20 from 12:30 p.m to 4:30 p.m. To register, call 306-820-4887.

Spades Tournament

The Legacy Centre is hosting a Spades tour nament on Oct. 20.

Play begins at 10 a.m. The cost to play is $10 and lunch is available for $12. Everyone wel comes! Contact the Legacy office at 780875-4584 for more details.

Jamboree/Dance

The Legacy Centre is hosting a jamboree/ dance on Oct. 21. Doors open and dancin’ at 5 p.m., supper will be served at 6 p.m. then the jam begins. All interested musicians are asked to call Bon nie at 780-808-4034, for all other inquiries, call the Legacy office at 780-875-4584. Admis sion is $15/person at the door. All members and guests welcome.

Family Des sert Bingo

The Lloydminster Girl Guides are hosting a family dessert bingo night at the Moose Lodge, 5213 57 St. Lloy dminster, on Oct. 22 at 6 p.m. The event will include a silent auc tion, concession, raf fles, a 50/50 draw, and bingo games win des

serts! The event is also acting as a fundraiser to help the local nonprofit take roughly 30 youth on a trip in the summer of 2023.

Cribbage Tournament

The Moose Lodge in Lloydminster will be hosting a cribbage tournament on Sunday, Oct. 23. Registration is from 9-9:45 a.m. and play starts at 10 a.m. Enter as a team or as a single player. The cost to play is $10 and lunch is available for $14. 12 games guaranteed.

Marwayne Fall Supper

This year’s annual Marwayne Fall Supper is being held on Oct. 23 and will include a ham and turkey supper. More details to follow.

Cribbage Doubles Tourney

The Legacy Centre is hosting a cribbage doubles tournament on Oct. 27. Play begins at 10 a.m. The cost to play is $10 and lunch is available for $12.

Everyone welcomes! Contact the Legacy office at 780-875-4584 for more details.

Kitscoty Fall Supper

Kitscoty Commu nity United Church Fall Supper is being held on Nov. 6 at the Kitscoty Hall from 4:30-7 p.m. Come out and enjoy a turkey supper. Adults$17, 6-12 years- $8, under 6- free.

Legacy Christmas Trip

Sign up now! The Legacy Centre is host ing its “3-day Christ mas trip” from Nov. 18-20 this year. The trip includes two din ner threatre produc tions (Rosebud & Stage West), the Spruce meadows International Christmas Market, 3-day transportation by bus, two nights hotel accomodations and two breakfasts, plus a group supper. A $200/person deposit must be made to get your name on the list. Call the Legacy office at 780-875-4584 for more details.

Governments announce additional funding for childhood educators

MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

Tuesday, the Govern ment of Saskatchewan and the Government of Canada announced an investment of $2.59 million to fund onetime grants in support of the recruitment and retention of certified Early Childhood Educators (ECEs) and group family child care assistants to regulated child care cen tres and group family child care homes in the province.

“The Government of Sas katchewan is committed to

supporting the recruitment and retention of more Early Childhood Educators and group family child care assis tants to our growing prov ince,” said Education Minis ter Dustin Duncan.

“Saskatchewan ECEs are essential to providing qual ity early learning and support for our youngest learners, and these grants aim to help promote and attract more people to the profession.”

Saskatchewan regulated child care centres and group family child care homes will

receive a one-time grant of $145 per regulated child care space for children up to the age of six to assist with each facility’s unique work force needs, such as onetime investments into bene fit or pension funds, signing bonuses or to attend career fairs.

This investment will be made through the CanadaSaskatchewan Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement for the Early Learning and Child Care Workforce Enhance

ment Grant.

“We want the best possi ble outcome for all children in Canada,” Canada’s Minis ter of Families, Children and Social Development Karina Gould said.

“As work is being done to expand the number of child care spaces, this grant helps ensure child care provid ers can continue to provide access to high-quality, afford able, flexible and inclusive early learning and child care across the province.”

Provincial group family

child care homes and child care centres will receive more information and application forms for the Early Learn ing and Childcare Workforce Enhancement Grants from the Ministry of Education starting Tuesday.

The Early Learning and Child Care Workforce Enhancement Grant is just one part of a larger initia tive by the Governments of Saskatchewan and Canada to implement a Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care System.

LFD reminds residents about the importance of fire safety planning

The Lloyd minster Fire Department (LFD) is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Fire Prevention Week, ending Oct. 15. This year’s campaign, “Fire won’t wait. Plan your escape,” works to educate everyone about simple but important actions they can take to keep themselves and those around them safe from home fires.

“Today’s homes burn faster than ever. You may have as little as two minutes (or even less time) to safely escape a home fire from the

time the smoke alarm sounds,” said Lorraine Carli, vice president of Outreach and Advocacy at NFPA.

“Your ability to get out of a home during a fire depends on early warning from smoke alarms and advance planning.”

The Lloydminster Fire Department encourages all residents to embrace the 2022 Fire Preven tion Week theme.

“It’s important for everyone to plan and practice a home fire escape. Everyone needs to be prepared in advance to know what to do when the smoke alarm sounds. Given that every home is dif

ferent, every home fire escape plan will also be different,” said Leigh Sawicki, Fire Chief, LFD.

“Have a plan for everyone in the home. Children, older adults, and people with disabili ties may need assistance to wake up and get out. Make sure that someone will help them.”

The Lloydminster Fire Department wants to share these essential home fire escape plan ning tips:

- Make sure your plan meets the needs of all your family members, including those with sensory or physical dis abilities.

- Smoke alarms should be installed

inside every sleeping room, outside each sep arate sleeping area, and on every level of your home. Smoke alarms should be intercon nected so that when one sounds, they all sound.

- Know at least two ways out of every room, if possible. Make sure all doors and windows open easily.

- Have an outside meeting place a safe distance from your home where everyone should meet.

- Practice your home fire drill at least twice a year with everyone in the household, includ ing guests. Practice at least once during the day and at night.

How to choose a smoke alarm

Smoke alarms play a crucial role in fire prevention, there fore, it’s essential to make the right choice when pur chasing one.

Keep these tips in mind when shopping.

Type

The type of smoke alarm you choose must be autho rized by your municipality and suitable for the location you’ll place it in your house. Here are your options:

- Ionization alarms are very sensitive and react to vapours and smoke in the air. This type of unit is best suited for bedrooms and hallways.

- Photoelectric devices are less sensitive to fumes and smoke than ionization types. These alarms are best for kitchens and bathrooms. You can also purchase a strobe light smoke alarm.

These units combine sound and light, making them ideal for people with hear ing impairments.

Power supply

There are two power sup ply options available. It’s advisable to verify your municipality’s regulations before making a purchase.

- Battery-powered alarms are very common. How ever, you must remember to replace the battery regu larly. Lithium batteries have a lifespan of about 10 years.

- Electric units are con nected directly to your home’s 120-volt current. However, you must invest in a backup battery to ensure the alarm operates as intended if there’s a power outage.

It’s a good idea to install more than one smoke alarm in your home and replace them every 10 years.

What to do if a fire breaks out

It’s impossible to predict when a fire will break out.

Here are a few steps to take if you ever find yourself in a fire.

“

If possible, place a damp towel at the base of the door to block out smoke.

Head for the exit. Get away from the fire immediately.

If you’re at home, follow your evacua tion plan. If you’re in a public place, go to the nearest emergency exit and move away from the building. If it’s safe to do so, activate the alarm system.

Don’t stop. Fires spread very quickly and can burn through an entire room in less than three minutes.

Don’t attempt to retrieve your belong

ings, and don’t linger.

Correct your route. If the room is full of smoke, get low to the ground and crawl under it.

Inspect any doors before opening them.

Start by checking to see if the door or door han dle is hot. If it is, find another way in. If not, open the door slowly and ensure the space is safe before going inside. Never use the elevator.

Think about your safety. If you can’t reach an exit, stay where you are and close

the doors.

If possible, place a damp towel at the base of the door to block out smoke.

Contact the fire department and announce your pres ence by waving a light or brightly coloured cloth through a window.

Fire prevention tools like smoke alarms, por table fire extinguishers and evacuation plans can minimize the danger when a fire breaks out.

Make sure to fol low the recommenda tions of your local fire department.

Sparky the Fire Dog turns 71

find the safest and quickest way out of the house.

3. Practise fire drills at home. Families should review where the exits are in each room and where the outside meeting place is at least twice a year.

4. Report an emergency. If you see a fire, hear a smoke alarm or know that someone is seriously hurt, call 911. Be sure to tell them what and where the emergency is.

Did you know that Sparky the Fire Dog has been the offi cial mascot of the National Fire Protection Association for the last 70 years?

In honour of this milestone birth day, here are seven important lessons about fire safety for kids that Sparky has taught during his many years of service.

1. Smoke alarms save lives. Since this beeping device lets you know if there’s a fire, every home needs working smoke alarms on every floor and near each bedroom.

2. Get outside, stay outside. If you hear a smoke alarm, you must imme diately stop what you’re doing and

5. Stay away from hot things. This can include bath water, a stove, soup, matches, a fireplace and lighters. If you’re not sure if something is hot, check with a grown-up.

6. Follow the one-metre rule. There should be a kid-free zone around stoves, space heaters and other hot devices. Anything that can burn should also be kept one metre away.

7. Know when to stop, drop and roll. If your clothes catch fire, stop, drop to the ground (remember to cover your face with your hands) and roll over until the flames are out.

To learn more about fire safety and test your knowledge with fun games and activities, visit sparky.org.

Smith sworn in as Premier of Alberta

to build one of the greatest places on Earth to live, work and raise a family. I have said that I will govern with strength and with com passion, and I am grate ful to have the opportu nity to demonstrate that to Albertans.”

“

Now the work begins to build one of the greatest places on Earth to live, work and raise a family.

Danielle Smith was sworn in as Alberta’s 19th Premier during an official ceremony at Government House.

Lt.-Gov. Salma Lakhani conducted the swearing-in and admin istered the oath of

office to Premier Smith at an event attended by the Premier’s family, close friends and cau cus colleagues.

“I am humbled and honoured to become Premier of Alberta,” she said.

“Now the work begins

Following the swear ing-in, Premier Smith chaired her first cabinet meeting.

She thanked cabi net for their commit ment and dedication to Alberta. She reiterated her pledge to focus on the actions, wishes and needs of all Albertans.

Last week in the field: Sask crop report

The weather over the past week was excellent for harvest.

MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF Some producers have been struggling with heavy fog and dew in the mornings which has delayed their harvest activities until the afternoon, making for short days and less progress.

The province now has 90 per cent of the crop in the bin, up from 81 per cent last week and well ahead of the fiveyear average of 82 per cent.

Some producers have been struggling with heavy fog and dew in the mornings which has delayed their harvest activities until the after noon, making for short days and less progress.

High humidity in many parts of the southeast, east-central and northeast is making it difficult to combine and has also led to grain coming off at higher amounts of moisture than normal.

Producers must dry down the grain in order to store it properly.

Harvest in the south

west and west-central regions is virtually com plete with mostly flax waiting to be harvested, which will likely occur after the next heavy kill ing frost.

The northwest has 94 per cent of their crop off, the northeast 87 per cent, the southeast 86 per cent and the eastcentral 81 per cent.

The harvest of lentils and field peas has fin ished. Ninety-eight per cent of durum, 97 per cent of chickpeas, 93 per cent of spring wheat, 90 per cent of barley, 82 per cent of canola and 66 per cent of flax has been combined across the province.

Once again, there was very little rain this past week, with only trace amounts being recorded for most regions.

Some parts of the southwest received two to three mm but it did very little to improve soil moisture condi tions. All areas of the province are report ing that they are either extremely dry or becom ing drier each week. This includes the south east and east-central regions, which started the season with an abundance of moisture.

Cropland topsoil moisture is rated as 28 per cent adequate, 41 per cent short and 31 per cent very short.

“

Sask celebrates lowest unemployment rate in Canada

Recently released September 2022 job numbers from Sta tistics Canada show strong year-over-year job growth in Saskatch ewan, with 6,000 jobs added compared to September 2021. All new jobs were full-time employment.

The province’s unem ployment rate fell to 4.1 per cent as of Sep tember 2022, the low est among the prov inces, and well below the national average of 5.2 per cent (seasonally adjusted).

This change showed a decrease from 6.4 per cent in September 2021, and a decrease from 4.9 per cent in August 2022.

“(The province’s) unemployment rate is the lowest in the nation, thanks to the hard work of Saskatchewan peo ple and confidence shown by job-creators

across the province,” said Immigration and Career Training Minis ter Jeremy Harrison.

“Our economy is cre ating opportunities for our residents and those moving to our province

“

Our economy is creating opportunities for our residents and those moving to our province which is growth that works for everyone.

which is growth that works for everyone.”

In September, fulltime employment increased by 9,100 jobs (+2.0 per cent) and part-time decreased by 3,100 jobs (-2.8 per cent) compared to Sep tember 2021.

Over this same period, private sector

employment increased by 4,600 jobs (+1.4 per cent).

The youth unem ployment rate was 7.6 per cent (season ally adjusted), lowest among the provinces, and below the national rate of 9.8 per cent.

Off-reserve Indig enous employment in Saskatchewan was up 3,800 jobs (+6.3 per cent) for 22 consecutive months of year-overyear increases.

Indigenous youth employment was up 700 jobs (+5.5 per cent) for eight consecutive months of year-overyear increases.

Significant yearover-year gains were reported for health care and social assistance, up 7,700 jobs (+8.8 per cent); accommodation and food services, up 4,800 jobs (+16.1 per cent); professional, sci entific, and technical services, up 4,600 jobs (+16.5 per cent).

Last week in the field

Hay and pasture land topsoil moisture is rated as 22 per cent adequate, 41 per cent short and 37 per cent very short.

Limited moisture throughout much of the harvest season has allowed crop quality to remain high, especially Hard Red Spring Wheat which is being reported as 75 per cent 1CW, 23 per cent 2CW and two per cent 3CW.

The 10-year average for Hard Red Spring

Wheat is 39 per cent 1CW, 35 per cent 2CW, 17 per cent 3CW and nine per cent 4CW/ feed.

The majority of crop damage this week was due to wind, waterfowl and wildlife.

Wind continues to impact unharvested crops by blowing swaths around, as well as shelling out crops and causing lodging.

Producers are busy combining, hauling grain and bales and moving cattle. Some

producers are also starting other fall field work, such as post-har vest weed control and harrowing.

Winter cereals are not able to be planted in many areas due to the lack of soil moisture.

Fall fertilizer applica tions are also not possi ble in many regions due to these dry conditions.

MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

The emerging value of progressive tender

have to accept any of the bids or can choose which bidder to work with.

So, what exactly is Progressive Tender? It’s a hybrid system, combining the best ele ments of tender and auction.

We give them from mid-afternoon to noon the following day to

improve their offer if they choose to do so.

There are many ways to sell property – Mul tiple Listing Service (MLS), live auction, online auction, private treaty, sealed bid ten der, and now, Progres sive Tender (trademark pending).

Each has its place depending on the needs of the seller.

Right from the begin ning of my real practice in 2003, I specialized in rural properties and was drawn into admin istering sealed bid ten der 15 years ago on behalf of several local law firms.

As the lawyers and our team went along selling thousands of acres of land in NE Alberta and NW Sas katchewan, we became aware of a certain level of discontent with buy ers participating in not only sealed bid tender, but MLS and auction too.

To be successful

at buying land listed on MLS, one must be among the first to for mulate and present an offer to the seller.

Negotiations often fol low on the sale price and conditions.

If you are too late for the dance, you may miss out. The next opportunity to go after the subject property could be several gener ations away.

Auction, especially live auction, combined with equipment sales, has long been a way to determine who is most motivated to purchase at a certain point in time.

Whether live or online, buyers, espe cially younger farmers, tell me they are often intimidated by having to make an extremely quick decision, often just seconds each time, without the opportu nity to consult with other stakeholders –family, business part ners, or lenders.

With auction, sellers are usually expected to host an unreserved

sale, requiring accep tance of the top bid and bidder, even if they really don’t like the next steward.

If reserved, most auction companies contractually demand their commission to be paid anyway on the highest bid left on the table.

Buyers are almost always required to also pay the auction com pany a “transaction fee” on top of the sale price.

Added together, the cost to both the seller and indirectly, the buyer, is often signifi cantly higher than MLS or tender.

Sealed bid tender has sometimes been called the “one and done” as buyers get the oppor tunity to make just one, and only one, bid. It is either successful or it isn’t.

Most buyers hate fly ing blind with such a large transaction and sometimes, the lack of pertinent information about the land in ques tion. Many sellers like tender as they don’t

Supported by an extensive print and online marketing campaign tethered to a website specifi cally created to pro vide robust informa tion on the property, it also gives all those who may be interested a fair and equal chance to participate.

Qualified bidders agree to enter a private auction, the purpose of which is to determine each participant’s final offer.

Bidders love the chance to think through their bid ding, being advised of the highest bid in each successive round until all have declared their final offer.

What not to do while travelling abroad

added to my compiled list of, “What Not to do While Travelling.”

Lucky for you, I’m sharing.

don’t understand.

This summer, I vis ited several countries in Europe and a few prov inces in Canada. It was great!

I came away with priceless memories, beautiful pictures, won derful souvenirs—and bedbugs. Horrors. I also

One: I learned it isn’t wise to launder your best walking shoes, to rid yourself of the afore mentioned insects, in hot water, and dry them (the shoes, not the bugs) for an hour on high heat in a French clothes dryer that you

When the dryer door finally allowed me to gain access to my sad, shrunken shoes, they looked like something Santa’s Helpers might wear for a festive gath ering at the Pole. Yup, elf shoes.

Two : While wearing floppy summer dresses due to the heat in Bru ges, Belgium, it’s wise to watch out for large

air vents directly in front of store entrances. Unless, of course, your wish is to replay a sig nificant Marilyn Mon roe moment from 1955.

If that’s not your intention, and you’re taken unawares, screaming bloody mur der with your dress up around your ears will likely be your fate.

It was mine. Final takeaway: beware of drafty grates and men hanging around these grates. Enough said.

Three : If you find yourself in Paris, France, on Bastille Day, and if, after the festivities, about a million people are trying to cram them selves into the metro, beware of gropers.

I was concerned about my daughter and kept her close behind me as we shuffled for ward in the crush. At one point, I reached behind, grasped her hand, and squeezed.

“We’ll get through this, honey,” I said, run ning a motherly thumb over her palm.

“Mom,” oddly enough, my daughter’s sweet voice came at me from a different direc tion. “I’m over here.”

“Then who am I hold ing onto?” I screeched! Dropping the hand, I craned my neck to see that I’d gripped the paw of some nameless young man. He grinned at me

and shrugged.

Yup, I was the groper of this tale.

Four : When consid ering an evening of fine dining, and a menu is displayed outside the door of the anticipated eatery, take a moment to peruse it before entering.

Also, it’s wise to check reviews. Will there be something on the menu that’s wor thy of consumption?

Will you be paying for attentive service from a highly trained staff who serve junk? Or will you choose a restaurant that offers both service and a delicious meal?

My friend Esther and I hurried into a lovely restaurant where wet towels were brought on a silver platter, a welldressed waiter saw to our every need, and each ingredient of our dishes was detailed in a short, rehearsed speech.

It all seemed fabulous, but the food was utter rubbish.

Furthermore, if you are planning to visit such a high-end estab lishment, it might behoove you to rip the tag from the back of your shirt.

Particularly one that states you purchased the garment from Value Village for $5.99.

In actual fact, that last tidbit of info was meant for me rather than any of you.

Lessons to live by.

Helen Row Toews is an author and humor ist, works as an EA and school bus driver, and carries a license to drive anything on wheels. She grew up and still resides on the family farm near Marshall, Saskatch ewan, where Charo lais cattle and gophers flourish (the latter being purely coincidental and highly unappreciated).

She’s been blessed with four grown children and two grandchildren that bring her endless joy. Find her at helen toews.com

What is Progressive Tender?

In today’s market, farmland values are a moving target, and what a parcel is worth to the neighbour next door may be quite dif ferent from the family going by with equip ment to land they already own or rent.

Each participant’s motivation or financial situation is unique as well.

To prevent tam pering, sellers do not know who is bidding until all final offers are declared, at which time they will determine who, if any, of the bid ders they wish to award the sale to.

In my experience, money does not always talk. There may be an emotional tie between the seller and one of the bidders that go beyond the dollars being offered.

Most rural folks understand that prin ciple. It is a privilege earned, not purchased.

Farm Credit Canada has stated they expect 75 per cent of all farm land titles will transfer ownership in the next decade.

In my experience, money does not always talk.

I believe FCC may be right as there is a lot of land held, or soon to be held, by beneficiaries; people who may have grown up on the prop erty but never farmed it themselves.

While it may be an easy investment to manage in the short term, many beneficial owners eventually will

want to liquidate land jointly owned with one or more of their sib lings in advance of their adult children having to be involved.

It is highly unlikely that the grandchildren of the last active farm ing owner have any emotional ties to the property at all but see the opportunity for reinvestment in housing, education, or a business.

Tenant relationships aren’t getting easier either, but this will be the subject of a future column.

Vern McClelland is an associate broker with RE/MAX of Lloy dminster and an active partner in his family’s livestock operation. Comments on this arti cle are welcome either by emailing vernmc clelland@remax.net or calling 306-821-0611.

Rowers up tempo for competitions

Lloydminster-bred rowers, Liam Gilby, Shelby Lane and Elijah Lopez are dipping their oars in the water this month to prep for some upcoming competitions across Canada.

Gilby, who is just 17, has qualified for the National Rowing Cham pionships for singles and pairs at Quamichan Lake in North Cowichan B.C. on Nov. 10-13 in his rookie season.

Lloydminster Row ing Club president, Michelle Lopez, reports the teen rower won a qualifying time trial in Saskatoon on Oct. 1 to make Team Saskatche wan as a singles sculler.

“I am super proud of all he’s accomplished. In year one to make a Canada Summer Games team and now to qual ify for nationals is an exceptional season,” said Lopez.

Gilby will row at the nationals over a 2,000metre course at the same location as Rowing Canada’s new National Training Centre.

Lopez’s oldest son, Elijah, who rows for Brock University in Ont. with a men’s eight

crew, will race for gold at the Ontario Univer sity Athletics Champi onships (OUA) in St. Catherines, Ont. Oct. 28-29.

His Brock boat had success at the Western Invitational Regatta on Sept. 24 in Lon don, Ont. and the Head of the Trent Regatta in Peterborough, Ont. Oct. 1-2.

“The men eight won gold in both events to qualify for the OUA championships in St. Catherines,” said Lopez.

If they win there, they will earn a berth in the Canadian University Championship (CUC), which will also be held in St. Catherines on Nov. 5.

Shelby Lane is also getting ready to com pete in pairs at CUC after coming off a stel lar season, earning a sil ver and bronze medal at the Summer Games in different boats with Team Saskatchewan.

Gilby also fared well at the Summer Games in Niagara, Ont.

He’s a Grade 12 stu dent at Holy Rosary High School and is splitting his training time between Killarney Lake near Lloydminster

and Saskatoon.

“We took the docks out on Monday (Oct. 3). However, due to really great fall rowing weather, the docks were left in three weeks lon ger than normal,” said Lopez.

“It’s kind of a first for our club to have a true fall season.”

Lopez says this has been a great season highlighted by standout performances by Gilby, Lane and her eldest son and hopes the club can build on what they started.

“We’re really excited with all the success our rowers have had to bring more attention to the sport of rowing,” she said.

Meanwhile, the club is getting set for its indoor winter season starting in November.

“It is a really good opportunity for peo ple to try rowing for the first time and it can be either sport-based or fitness based for inter est,” said Lopez.

She also expects her youngest son Jonah to restart indoor train ing after tearing a quad and hamstring muscle prior to the Summer Games.

Thompson conquers Kona Ironman

Hats off to Lloyd

minster triathlete Ross Thompson. The 62-year-old fin

ished the 2022 Ironman World Championship in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, in a time of 15:17:43 in the men’s 60-64 age group.

This was the first ironman championship at Kona in three years due to the pandemic and attracted more than 5,000 athletes who swam, biked and ran the famous course from Oct. 6-8.

The women raced on Oct. 6 followed by the men on Oct. 8.

Thompson works at Cenovus Energy and headed to Hawaii after finishing the 2022 Iron man Canada in Pentic ton, B.C. in late August.

Supplied Photo

Liam Gilby, a Grade 12 student at Holy Rosary High School, is preparing to compete at the National Rowing Championship for singles and pairs in North Cowichan B.C. from Nov. 10-13. Two other local rowers, Elijah Lopez and Shelby, have qualified for races in Ontario in late Octo ber and early November.

GEOFF LEE WRITER

GEOFF LEE WRITER

U15 AAA Roswell Bobcats back to business

and suffered a 10-3 loss.

The U15 AAA Roswell Bobcats are four games into the 2022-23 reg ular season and are already out for blood.

The ‘Cats started their season on the road with a 5-2 win over the Fort Saskatch ewan Enhance It Rang ers on Oct. 1.

The boys then hosted the Knights of Colum bus Squires on Oct. 2

The SSAC Southgate Lions were in town this past Saturday and beat the ‘Cats 4-3 in over time before the CAC Volvo of Edmonton squad shutout the boys in black and orange 4-0 on Sunday afternoon.

Despite a bit of a rocky start to the sea son, there’s still plenty of hockey to be played and this young team is hungry.

The ‘Cats will once again host the SSAC Southgate Lions this Saturday at 4 p.m. at the Centennial Civic Centre.

The boys travel to St. Albert on Oct. 16 to play the Sabres before once again facing the Fort Sask. Rangers on their turf on Oct. 22.

Eight home games, taking place between the Civic Centre and multiplex, will follow.

MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

Taylor Weaver Meridian Source Photos

History behind Fort Pitt Historic Park

shares more than a cen tury of history. There’s no publication date.

Published by the Department of Natural Resources, the Fort Pitt Historic Park booklet

Before the arrival of European settlers, the Canadian north-west was home to buffalo hunters and fur traders.

Fort Pitt played an

important role in the North-West Rebellion of 1885 when heroic efforts were made by “Cree Chief Big Bear and his band to maintain their independence.”

The Hudson’s Bay Company formed from the amalgamation of two of the largest fur trade companies in 1821.

This company focused on profits and eliminating expenses including burning old boats to salvage the nails.

Fort Pitt was named after a member of the Hudson’s Bay Com pany, Thomas Pitt. Hailing from Edmon ton, Patrick Small was the first man in charge and along with many others built the stock ade. Their first winter was spent in tents.

Fort Pitt was at a geo graphical disadvantage as it was easily seen from the hills.

According to the booklet, it was built

for the benefit of the Cree but was situated between the Cree and Blackfoot territories.

The fort was aban doned in 1832, reopened in 1833 and became an established trading post.

Agriculture on this fertile land began and the post became well known for the quality of its potatoes.

Tender buffalo steak accompanied by new potatoes in gravy satis fied appetites for many a weary traveller.

This fort became selfsufficient due to its veg etables and steady sup ply of buffalo meat.

With a vast sup ply of grass for graz ing, Fort Pitt was home to approximately 300 horses.

Trading went well with the Cree, Blackfoot and Métis during the 1830s and 1840s.

During this time the Hudson’s Bay Com pany vehemently opposed settlement in

the north-west.

With the urgency of America expanding into British North America, the lands were annexed and colonization swept over the vast land.

Those who freely roamed the land were not informed which resulted in drastic changes for their way of life.

By the 1860s, their Indigenous culture had changed and death was rampant due to the introduction of diseases.

By 1872 the Cree, Blackfoot and Métis populations were understandably at unrest due to the small pox epidemic, influence of the whisky trade and being stripped of their land.

Fearing an upris ing, the federal govern ment stepped in and the North West Mounted Police (NWMP) was formed.

Big Bear refused to be won over with gifts and promises; other

leaders did not share his foresight.

Treaty Six was signed in 1876 at Fort Pitt with out Big Bear’s presence.

With the depletion of the buffalo on the plains, his nomadic existence soon led to starvation and great hardship.

The trading post became a commer cial centre of the area despite the growing unrest. Big Bear made efforts to unite the Plains tribes.

After the Métis defeated the NWMP at Duck Lake in 1885, some of the war riors believed the only remaining hope for rectification was by force. What resulted is reserved for another column. Part 1 of 3.

Careers

Lakeland adds renewable energy major

learning opportuni ties that enable them to develop in-demand skills

This new major is only one step the School of Environmen tal Sciences has taken towards ensuring they align with evolving industry standards. The following program major name changes also came into effect this fall to reflect these changes:

- The conservation and restoration ecol ogy diploma major is now land stewardship and conservation.

Lakeland Col lege’s envi ronmental sci ences diploma program is expanding with the addition of the renew able resource reclama tion major in the 202324 academic year.

“Environmental pro fessionals are needed everywhere humans and nature interact with one another,” said Kris Novak, chair and instructor for the School of Environmen tal Sciences.

“Yes, we need to harvest the resources around us, but it can be done in a smart, responsible way. With good science and some extra effort, we can minimize, prevent and even reverse the dam age. This major gives students the oppor tunity to explore

the growing world of renewable energy alongside our more traditional majors.”

The new major is designed to build sci ence-based reclama tion knowledge and skills.

Students will learn to recognize and classify soil, water and other disturbances related to building renewable energy infrastructure.

They’ll master the skills they need to manage soils, vege tation and water on disturbed sites. This major differs from the others offered in envi ronmental sciences at Lakeland, by offering students the opportu nity to complete three renewable resource courses, including two of the following: - Wind energy

- Solar energy - Geo-energy exchange installation - Biofuels. Renewable resource reclamation will be offered in person on campus, with the

renewable resources courses offered online.

Students will also have the option to do a practicum between their first and second year to take advantage of work-integrated

- The applied envi ronmental sciences diploma major is now general environmental sciences major.

- The applied envi ronmental sciences certificate is now the environmental sci

ences certificate.

“Ensuring our pro grams reflect the lat est needs of industry is an important part of Lakeland’s academic offerings. This new program responds to the need for more pro fessionals trained in the installation, main tenance and recla mation of renewable energy sources,” said Todd Sumner, Lake land’s vice president of academic and research.

“It’s an exciting, innovative addition to Lakeland’s hands-on, award-winning experi ential learning model. I look forward to its launch next fall.”

Application for the environmental sci ences diploma renew able resource recla mation major opened Thursday, Sept. 29.

Classifieds

FEED AND SEED

AUCTIONS

SERVICES COMING EVENTS

CRIMINAL RECORD?

Why suffer employment/licensing loss? Travel/business opportunities? Be embarrassed? Think: Criminal Pardon. US entry waiver. Record purge. File destruction. Free consultation. 1-800347-2540. www. accesslegalmjf.com.

GET BACK ON TRACK!

Bad credit? Bills? Unemployed? Need Money? We Lend! If you own your own home - you qualify. Pioneer Acceptance Corp. Member BBB. 1-877-987-1420. www.pioneerwest.com.

AGPRO SEEDS: BUYING HEATED, DAMAGED CANOLA. On farm pickup, prompt payment! TOP PRICES PAID IN SASK. Phone: 306-873-3006 or Visit AGPRO website for bids: agproseeds.com

ALBERTA FEED GRAIN: Buying Oats, Barley, Wheat, Canola, Peas, Screenings, Mixed Grains. Dry, Wet, Heated, or Spring Thresh. Prompt Payment. In House Trucks, In House Excreta Cleaning. Vac Rental. 1-888-483-8789.

WE BUY DAMAGED GRAIN HEATED... LIGHT BUGS... TOUGH MIXED GRAIN SPRING THRASHED WHEAT... OATS PEAS... BARLEY CANOLA... FLAX

FARM PICKUP” WESTCAN FEED & GRAIN 1-877-250-5252

MEIER ODD AND UNUSUAL AUCTION.

Saturday Oct 29, 10AM, Birds, Livestock. Located at the Meier Auction Center 4740 57 St Wetaskiwin. Consignments accepted. 780-440-1860; www. meierauction.com.

FOR SALE

WHITE SPRUCE

TREES: 5’ average $50. Installation ONLY $19. Includes: hole augered, Wurzel Dip enzyme injection, bark mulch application, staking. Minimum order 20. One-time fuel charge: $125175. Crystal Springs. 403-820-0961. Quality guaranteed.

MISCELLANEOUS

GET YOUR MESSAGE

SEEN ACROSS Alberta. The Blanket Classifieds or Value Ads reach over 600,000 Alberta read ers weekly. Two options starting at $269 or $995 to get your message out! Business changes, hiring, items for sale, cancellations, tenders, etc. People are increasingly staying home and rely on their local newspapers for information. KEEP people in the loop with our 90 Weekly Community Newspapers. Call THIS NEWSPAPER now or email classifieds@awna.com for details. 1-800-2826903, 780-434-8746 X225. www.awna.com.

REFLECTIONS OF NATURE

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATORS REQUIRED: motor scrapers, dozers, excavators, graders, rock trucks. Lots of work all season.

Camp job; R & B provided. Competitive wages. Valid drivers license req’d.

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

FOR RENT

HEALTH SERVICES

Prairieland Park Saskatoon Oct 22 (noon - 5pm) Oct 23 (9am -

Artists register Oct 21 (noon -

Carvings - Sculptures Photography Paintings

Workshops & more GALA

&

FINANCIAL SERVICES

Private mortgage lender. All real estate types considered. No credit checks done. Deal direct with lender and get quick approval. Toll free 1-866-4051228 www.firstandsecondmortgages.ca

LAND FOR SALE

FARMLAND AND PASTURE LAND BY SASKATCHEWAN RIVER. 160 acres. Best hunting in Saskatchewan. Excellent fishing. Thick pine & poplar bluffs, by water coulee. Old yard site with power and water. Revenue Potential. East of Prince Albert, SK. $248,000. Call Doug 306-716-2671.

3 QUARTERS OF CROPLAND South of Weyburn, SK. Distressed sale. Priced below market at 1.27 x assessment, with a 4% return with lease. $594,800.00. Call Doug at 306-716-2671.

FARM MACHINERY

BLANKET THE PROV INCE with a classified ad. Only $269 (based on 25 words or less).

Reach almost 90 weekly newspapers. Call NOW for details. 1-800-282-6903 Ext 225; www.awna.com.

HEALTH

HIP/KNEE REPLACEMENT. Other medical conditions causing TROUBLE WALKING or DRESSING? The Disability Tax Credit allows for $3,000 yearly tax credit and $30,000 lump sum refund. Take advantage of this offer. Apply NOW; quickest refund Nationwide: Expert help. 1-844-453-5372.

WANTED

GOLD, SILVER & PLATINUM BUYERS purchasing all gold & silver bullion, jewelry, coins, nuggets, dust, scrap, pre-1968 coins, bulk silver, sterling +++ Numismatist purchasing entire coin collections & accumulations, Royal Canadian Mint coins, world collections, old $$$. +++ 250-864-3521.

Local Business Directory

Obituaries & Memoriams

Obituaries & Memoriams

Church Directory

CITY CHURCH LLOYD 5115 49 Street Lloydminster, AB 780-808-4244 Tues at 7pm Jr. Youth group Wed. 7pm Bible study group Thurs. 7pm Youth group for other events please contact Pastor Lyle