Downtown copes with construction
Construction continues on 50 St. between 49 St. and 50 Ave.
The Downtown Area Revitalization Committee (DARC) sponsored events on Friday and Saturday to draw attention to the area featuring free live local music, food vendors, and sidewalk sales.
They want to remind people that although they can’t park quite as close as usual, the businesses in the area are still open and foot traffic is welcome, as indicated by fences and signage.
“Downtown revitalization is really important. Whether we have construction happening or not, and it takes a community to support and build that,” said Dawn Hames, owner of Dawn Interiors and Fashions.
“It takes the artists, the musicians, the shops and all of the creative vendors and crafters to come
together. The farmers’ market, the bakers, create revitalization in our downtown and if we work together we can do it, and we can do it very well because we’re prairie people and we know how to make our own fun.”
Hames says it has been a rough five months for businesses in the area, and a couple of the newer businesses closed their doors.
She says the fact they have no drive-by traffic is part of the problem.
One of the local artists who performed on Saturday afternoon, Elnora Pittman, said she thinks it’s important to support the businesses downtown and help them push through until the construction wraps up.
“It’s already been difficult for them. Like when everybody moved to the west end, and then the pandemic, and now construction and access.”
CONTINUED ON PAGE 2
“It’s really important to support our local businesses here,” said Pittman, prior to performing alongside her husband Pierre.
Although the construction is inconvenient, Cliff Rose for Clothes owner, Dave Schneider, says it’s necessary.
“We’re blessed that we have this parking lot and they can come park in the back. It’s not great for any -
body ... but it has to be done. We’ve been getting sewer smells for the last few years, and it’s just time,” said Schneider.
“Probably in the last 10 years I’ve spent $25,000, because we get a sewer smell once in a while, thinking it’s our store. They’ve jackhammered stuff out of my basement … the whole time, it’s the city,” said Schneider.
“When they come and they take their snake to
find out what the problem is, well it would go to almost across the street before they find the problem.”
Schneider said although he’s cautiously optimistic the project will be finished as scheduled, it’s important it’s done properly so there’s no chance they’ll have to dig it up again.
“I just hope that they do it right, and that might take time. It’s a reality I guess.”
Supporting local now more important than ever
Bea Fisher plans Vegas blowout gala
meal specific to whatever the theme is that evening,” said Crockett.
“So with Las Vegas, it’s just about going to be an anything goes. We’re going to come up with a meal we think is reflective of Las Vegas and something that is going to wow the guests that come that evening.”
those in their care.
Crockett says that will provide a little more context for guests explaining the fundraising purpose at the gala.
“But we respect this is peoples’ New Year’s Eve and we’re not there every hour of the evening to raise another dollar,” he added.
Ltd. on fundraising.
This year Cenovus Energy joins gold spon-
sors Astec Safety and Musgrave Agencies.
Get ready to celebrate the third and final New Year’s Eve fundraising gala by the Bea Fisher Foundation with a new party destination theme in mind.
“In 2019, we took everyone to New York. Last year, after a gap, we were off to Mardi Gras in New Orleans. This year, we are going to capture a lot of sights and sounds from Las Vegas,” said the Foundation’s marketing and business development coordinator, Kim Crockett.
The 2023 gala campaign kicked off on Monday at a press conference, with Crockett announcing work would start Tuesday to renovate four kitchens in Bea Fisher’s 24-hour care homes for persons with developmental disabilities.
The funds for the renovations came from the $80,000 to $90,000 raised at last year’s gala.
The goal this year is to raise $100,000 to go toward some outstanding upgrades and home improvements.
“Specifically, it could be things like flooring, countertops, additional kitchen renovations— any improvements that our care homes need— that’s where the funding is going to,” explained Crockett.
“There’s always going to be things going on with 60 individuals that live in some sort of 24-hour care facility that we operate.”
Crockett says this
will be the final gala as it’s run its course with organization fatigue and the realization they should reach the overall target of $250,000 for priority home improvements.
The Foundation has also moved on from its Colour Run funder last held in 2022.
“It ran for almost 10 years, but we felt it was time for a bit of a change,” said Crockett.
“Our Foundation board is starting to retool that thought a little bit and we’ll figure out what’s going to be the next big event. For this year, the big event is certainly going to be the gala.”
As for the party itself, hang on to your hats and whistles starting with the New Year’s Eve dinner with more than 400 guests expected at the WLS Convention Centre on Dec. 31.
“The exhibition staff has been phenomenal about working with us. Generally, we go off menu and we create a
There’s also going to be before and during dinner entertainment with a local band, along with the high-energy closing band, Uptown Entertainment, who’s back for the third time by popular demand.
There will also be a draw for a luxury trip and a few fun fundraisers along with an updated video showing
“There’s going to be a point where we say we’re done with that part of the celebration. This is New Year’s Eve.”
The event launch, held at Bea Fisher’s administration office, was also an opportunity to recognize the impact of platinum sponsors Border City Concrete, Redhead Equipment, Rusway
Quality and Convenience
Made for Seniors
Over 200 quality frozen meals, soups, and desserts delivered directly to your home.
• Average $9 per meal
• FREE Delivery*
• No obligation
Request your FREE menu today! Ask us about our trial offer HeartToHomeMeals.ca
*Some conditions may apply. *Saskatchewan residents - pick up service only if not within Lloydminster city limits.
LOCAL: 780-666-2336
We accept Veterans Affairs Allowances. We offer special diet options
New health-needs study pending
tion date.
The assessment will cover health system planning within a 150-kilometre radius of Lloydminster.
The decision to update the 2013 needs assessment was made during a Bi-Provincial Health Services Committee meeting this spring, according to a handout document.
explain how the capital project process works to provide for the capital needs of the Lloydminster Hospital and the much-needed replacement of the aging Jubilee Home, with the assessment pending.
“All of that is part of the process, but the first and most important step, and probably the most exciting step, is that needs assessment.”
Lloydminster and area residents may have to wait until a new health services needs assessment is complete before seeing more improvements or capital investments.
Everything from upgrading the intensive care unit and creating mental health stabilization beds at the Lloydminster Hospital to adding more continuingcare spaces is in limbo.
That was the main message from bi-provincial health officials
during a well-attended community question and answer meeting at the Civic Centre auditorium last Thursday.
Event organizer and chair of Lloydminster and District Health Advisory Council, Paul Richer, was hoping for more.
“Maybe there’ll be some new revelations, especially in the question and answer period,” he said before the meeting got underway.
In a report to the Rotary Club of Lloydminster on Monday,
Richer said the important thing is high-ranking officials from the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) and Alberta Health Services (AHS) were here.
“For them to come down here, I was impressed and I think a lot of our committee was impressed,” said Richer.
The audience learned a consultant will soon be hired to kick off a new Integrated Health Services and Facility Infrastructure Needs Assessment with an 18-24 month comple -
Andrew McLetchie, vice-president, integrated northern health, SHA, opened with a presentation reviewing existing health services by SHA. AHS also revealed the new dialysis unit is on track for completion by late summer 2024.
The needs assessment carries the promise of more timeline improvements at the hospital and the replacement of the Jubilee Home.
New Saskatchewan assistant deputy health minister, Norm O’Neill, couldn’t say when something will happen. However, he did
“In general, the capital process is one where the community brings needs forward through the Saskatchewan Health Authority into the ministry,” he said.
O’Neill went on to say the upcoming assessment will “probably include a capital component as well. The specific Jubilee, I can’t speak to it at this stage. I’m green, unfortunately.”
McLetchie suggested some other options for hospital replacement, renovation or expansion that the new assessment might identify.
“Sometimes there’s opportunities to use existing space and do renovations and sometimes event additions,” he said.
He thinks Lloydminster is positioned really well as a community, having an advisory council in place.
He called Richer’s group “the most informed community group I have ever met with.”
Sherie Allen, vicepresident, central zone north, Alberta Health Services (AHS), jumped on the assessment topic as well, noting an updated version has been long overdue since 2014.
“It is a very exciting time because it really helps us with the data we need in order to push things forward and look at what we can and will do differently,” said Allen.
“This is something we are excited to partner with.”
Step ‘n Stride promotes Parkinson awareness, funds
WEAVER EDITORA crowd of roughly 100 gathered at Bud Miller All Seasons Park to walk and raise awareness and funds for Parkinson’s disease at the annual Step ‘n Stride, put on by the Parkinson’s Association of Alberta.
Fundraising walks took place throughout the province last weekend with walks in Calgary, Edmonton, Red Deer, Lloydminster and Lethbridge on Saturday and Cochrane, Camrose, Grande Prairie and Medicine Hat on Sunday. The annual walk helps raise awareness of Parkinson’s disease and Parkinson Plus Syndromes, which affects more than one in 500 people across Canada, and more than 15,000 Albertans.
“Today, we are fundraising to help support the people living with and affected by Parkinson’s disease and Parkinson Plus Syndromes across Alberta, and right here at home in the Lloyd region,” explained Brandi La Bonte, one of many organizers with the Parkinson’s Association of Alberta who travelled to the Border City from Edmonton to help put on the walk.
“Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological condition, so it’s slow, but unfortunately, it keeps progressing as the disease goes on, so it robs people. It robs people of their ability to move, their ability to talk, their ability to smile at others … that can make many feel very small. The point of events like this is to let people know ‘We live big, we’re going to live out loud and live our best lives, in spite of Parkinson’s.’”
La Bonte noted this year’s provincial fundraising goal was $400K with $250K already raised by Friday. As of Tuesday morning, the total raised sat at $276,886.70 with donations still being
accepted online until Oct. 16.
“The money raised in Lloyd stays in Lloyd and the surrounding area to cover things such as one-on-one access via in-person, online, or over the phone to supports they may need,” she said. “People living with Parkinson’s as well as their families have access to these supports … so, if you’re having a stressful day or the anxiety is getting the better of you, you’ve got somebody to talk to.
“We have a support group in Lloydminster to help connect people to not only our resources, but community resources as well. There’s amazing programs right here in Lloydminster and there are people we can connect you with and
there’s education to be had.”
Outside of Lloydminster, Parkinson’s disease support groups can also be found in Vermilion and Bonnyville.
“The Parkinson Association of Alberta operates across the province with Lloyd being one of our major hubs,” she said. “The biggest risk factor for Parkinson’s disease, unfortunately, is simply getting older. As Alberta’s population ages, as
the global population ages, we’re seeing more and more people being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.”
La Bonte also noted the estimated number of people currently living with Parkinson’s disease in Alberta is between 12,000-15,000.
“While one person gets diagnosed with the disease, it affects the whole family, and the community as a whole who want to love and support people.”
Seven years of fueling good
EDITORSave the date and drive until you’re running on fumes; the Lloydminster and District Co-op’s Fuel Good Day is right around the corner.
This Tuesday, five cents from each litre of fuel sold at all four Co-op gas bar locations will support the Lloydminster Public School Division (LPSD) and Lloydminster Catholic School Division (LCSD) school breakfast programs.
“This is our seventh Fuel Good Day in Lloydminster and area, and together, we’ve raised almost $50,000 for both city and rural school breakfast programs,” said Peter Brown, CEO of Lloydminster and District Co-op.
“Fuel Good Day is a shining example of cooperatives in action and uniting our community for a meaningful cause. We’re thrilled to share the much-loved rural
school BBQs are back again at all four Lloyd Co-op gas bars as part of this year’s Fuel Good Day.”
We’ve raised almost $50,000 for both city and rural school breakfast programs.
Co-op gas bar locations can be found at 18 Street Crossing, Highway 17 South, Ironwells gas bar on Highway 16 East, Hampton Square gas bar on Highway 16 West, and the newest gas bar: North Stop on Highway 17 North.
“Fuel Good should make us all feel good about living in the City of Lloydminster,” said LCSD director of education, Nigel McCarthy.
“All across town, people will line up at the pumps to support students having a great lunch. We can pick up supper at the Coop
burger barbeque and support a child’s breakfast. Just by filling our tank, we can support the future of our City by being there for children. I can’t wait to fuel – up on Co-op Fuel Good Day.”
“By Fueling up at Co-op gas bars on Tuesday, our community can help fuel our students,” added Jason Neville, director of education, LPSD.”
“LPSD is incredibly grateful for this community fundraiser; all funds raised help students have the nourishment they need to be ready to learn.”
Tuesday’s fundraiser runs from 5:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Free coffee will be available at all four locations from 5:307:30 a.m. and 5:307:30 p.m. There will also be limited edition Fuel Good Day donuts, cookie slices, and a charity BBQ by rural schools (Hillmond, Neilburg, Kitscoty, and Marwayne) from 4 to 7 p.m. at each site.
Help the homeless BBQ on tap
GEOFF LEE STAFF WRITERNewcomer Ron Eldridge is taking a proactive approach to helping outfit homeless and less fortunate people in Lloydminster for colder days ahead.
The 62-year-old is organizing a community-wide donation day outside City Hall in October under the umbrella of his Devoted To You Street Ministries.
“If it keeps getting cold the way it is, I may have to do it a week or so sooner, but for now, it’s scheduled for the 28th,” said Eldridge.
The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. near the gazebo.
“We’re going to have a barbecue lunch as well and just get everyone prepared for the winter as best we can,” he said. His list of needed
HEALTH NEEDS FROM PAGE 4
Lloydminster Region Health Foundation CEO, Stephanie Munro, acted as master of ceremonies with an endless stack of audience questions.
One of the zingers that earned applause was, “Do you think zero is the right size of mental health beds fora service area the size of Lloydminster?”
“We need to consider mental health services as a sort of a continuum of care. Beds are one part of that,” replied McLetchie.
“Having access to care needs when you are in crisis is really important.There is preventative mental health needs and the commu -
items for vulnerable men, women and children includes shirts, socks, pants, toques, coats, gloves, boots, hygiene products such as toothpaste and soap along with backpacks and food.
Tables will be set up on site to collect clothing that Eldridge will give directly to people who need it.
“It’s going to be a great event,” he said.
“I’ve already had some interest in it and I need to get a lot more, so that’s why I want to get another story out there, so people know what we’re doing.”
Eldridge was also interviewed on local TV and other local news outlets about his plans for the homeless.
He quickly restarted his Devoted To You Street Ministries in Lloydminster after relocating from Winni -
nity based services that the majority of people with mental health need.”
He says the review that’s being done in Lloydminster will take into account the bed question and could determine if there is need for mental care in-patient capacity in Lloydminster.
The panelists agreed to email all of the answers to questions they couldn’t get to in the next two months.
The panelists included Andrew Will CEO of SHA and Debora Okrainetz director of continuing care North East Central Zone AHS.
Another speaker not
Ron Eldridge, who has started the Devoted to You Street Ministries to help those homeless in Lloydminster, is organizing a community donation day outside City Hall on Oct. 28.
peg where similar charity events he organized at city hall had great turnouts.
“Donations were awesome. We had so many donations coming in every single day. It was great,” said Eldridge.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 13
on the panel was Leonard Wegner, director of continuing care Lloydminster and area SHA.
Lloydminster MLA Colleen brought greetings on behalf of Saskatchewan premier Moe.
Martin Long, a newly appointed Alberta Parliamentary secretary for rural health toured some facilities with Vermilion-LloydminsterWainwright MLA Garth Rowswell and added his opening remarks.
“I do look forward to hearing some of the issues that are quite unique to Lloydminster, but also are similar issues that we face broadly around Alberta,” said Long.
Rendell Park playground gets boost
JEANNETTE BENOIT-LEIPERT STAFF WRITERStudents at Rendell Park School returned from summer break to
find a fun new addition to their playground.
Principal Sheldon Gallagher said the new equipment was installed in August.
“What was existing … it wasn’t big enough to suit our needs and there was lots of space left to expand so I brought Blue Imp in and they
had a look. We mapped out a few ideas,” said Gallagher.
“One of my kindergarten teachers, since it is mostly for our younger kids, I had her give me some input as to what would be most developmentally appropriate for those guys and she had some input and drew up a plan.”
There were two streams of funding for the project. The school budget, and fundraising dollars from the Rendell Park School Community Council (SCC).
“There was the school budget, and I sort of just kept putting money away, for the last three years I’ve just been stashing it away …
and then when I went to my SCC, they were super supportive of it. We went out and had a look at the play structure and they recognized that there was a need there too,” Gallagher explained.
“They had done some fundraising previously, and they were more than happy to donate a fairly nice chunk of money toward it. It’s in the ground and it seems like the kids are loving it.”
Gallagher said it was easy to tell that the new equipment was a hit by the reaction of the students on the first day back at school.
“The first recess there were 500 kids … Kin -
dergarten to Grade 3 just piled onto this equipment. It was just crazy—it was like ants on an anthill. And now they’ve spread out a bit, but it is still the go-to structure just because it’s new and kind of fun,” said Gallagher.
He says the new playground is a nice addition to the neighbourhood in general, and he hopes young families can use it as well.
“It’s not just for the Rendell Park students, but it’s for our entire community because we do have lots of kids that are not Rendell families that are here after hours and so it’s a nice addition to the whole community.”
Rendell Park Elementary School students enjoy the newest edition to their playground during the first week of school. The equipment was bought using funds from the school’s budget as well as fundraising efforts by the Rendell Park School Community Council.
Jackpot winner kept eyes on prize
You can’t make this stuff up.
Lloydminster resident Faith Ebach may have won the $71,103 jackpot in the Lloyd Ex Chase the Ace draw on Sept. 6. with X-ray vision.
The live stream video shows her starring down what turned out to be the winning ace of hearts after adjusting her glasses and knowing she had at least won the $2,647 weekly prize.
But all that changed when announcer Gord King said, “Okay now, we’ve got the nerves calmed down eh, Faith,” who continued her stare down.
Ironically, King yelled out, “She’s going off to the right. The card’s talking to her.”
Indeed it was, as dealer, Ray Foy, held up her winning pick for the camera after the count of three, two, one from King.
“You just won $71,000,” he screamed as Ebach flipped into a jackpot zombie frame of mind.
“Well, I’m scared I’m going to wake up and then, okay,” was all she could say in the moment.
Ebach was still in shock at the cheque pre-
“These are the businesses that provide the seed money to make this event happen for the last three years,” said Crockett with many sponsor reps looking on.
He also noted more
sentation at the Lloyd Ex the following afternoon.
“It’s all surreal still,” she said.
Ebach did replay her memory of visually locking on to the ace of hearts right off the bat.
“I just stared at the first card I stared at. I was going to look at the other cards and I didn’t. I kept staring at that one and that was the one, so,” she said.
She plans to spend some of her winnings on new windows and house repairs with no blowout shopping sprees in mind.
“I’m cheap, it’s all going to go to good use,” she said with a laugh.
She went on to state, “I just want to go home and clean my house … it hasn’t sunk in yet.”
Shortly after, Stacy Cadzow, the Lloyd Ex finance manager, identified Ebach’s ticket as a winner, and a friend drove Ebach to the Ex to make the in-person card pick within the 15-minute limit.
That friend must drink the same lucky Kool-Aid as Ebach as he won $3,840 in a previous draw, missing the jackpot by pulling the four of hearts.
Ebach pulled off her win with a $10 ticket she buys each week online.
than 50 individuals in the care of Bea Fisher have some kind of paid or volunteer placement at organizations and businesses in Lloydminster.
The final words about sponsors went to event co-chair and Foun -
The next draw is already underway, and it could be a blockbuster if all the ducks line up.
Foy said there are only 38 weeks left in the current 52-week lottery licence, setting up the odds of having a final 14-card payout draw if no one draws the ace of hearts by then.
“If it got down to the 14, we’d put on a splash that you wouldn’t believe,” said Foy, who is also the president of the board of directors for the Lloydminster Exhibition Association.
He went on to say the draw helps a lot of people with 15 weekly winners in the draw won by Ebach.
“It helps the exhibition try to stay open as well, so it’s win-win,” said Foy.
Those benefits were also top of mind for Cadzow.
“It’s great to see people contribute and people win and it’s local people. It makes people’s lives better,” she said.
“I’ve been doing this for three years, so it’s great to see Lloyd Ex can get some money to help us with our facilities and local people are winning. A big ‘thank you’ to the entire Chase the Ace gang.”
dation director Lana Lane.
“We hope it will be another successful one and we couldn’t do it without the support of the businesses we have in this room and the ones that couldn’t come today,” said Lane.
Thursday, September 14, 2023
MERIDIAN SOURCE
Viewpoint
Leave it to Weaver: Lloyd drivers, ya’ll need to do better
in front of them.
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
Staff Writer Jeannette Benoit Leipert jeannette@meridiansource.ca
Marketing Manager
Deanna Wandler deanna@meridiansource.ca
Marketing Consultant Ashley Miazga ashley@meridiansource.ca
Marketing Consultant Cory Harvie cory@meridiansource.ca
Publisher: Reid Keebaugh
Production Manager: Amanda Richard
Distribution: distribution@meridiansource.ca
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
EDITOR TAYLOR WEAVERIt’s become glaringly obvious many of our fair city’s drivers either need a refresher on the rules of the road, or simply to keep their eyes on the bloody road!
I’ve had a number of very close calls with others drivers in the last two weeks … all of which could have been avoided if the other driver was paying attention to what’s
One example occurred on 49 Ave. a couple blocks south of the tracks. I was driving north on my way to work, when out of nowhere, a motorist parked outside a local business hits the gas and pulls into traffic without even looking.
Lucky for us, I was paying attention.
That incident shook me up a bit ... but this next one really threw me for a loop.
I was on my way to band practice last
week and nearly found myself beached on the green space outside of Sheepskin Loft.
This second nearmiss took place at 57 Ave. and 43 St. I was travelling north on 57 Ave. and planned to turn west onto 43 St. As I approached the turn and starting making my way across the road, which I have the rightof-way for, the motorist waiting to turn left onto 57 Ave. starts moving into the intersection without even looking.
She was fixated on the
set of lights ahead of her ... not the vehicle she came very close to hitting ... which was mine. It all happened in slow-motion ... I was steering right to avoid being hit, which is how I almost ended up on the grass. I haven’t had a close call like this in a while, and the craziest things about it was ... amid trying to avoid being hit, while I had both hands on the wheel, I couldn’t for the life of me find my horn!
CONTINUED ON PAGE 11
Border Banter with Benoit-Leipert: Harvest hustle and bustle
Driving home last week, I saw at least a few combines taking down crops in the Lloyd area.
It brought me back to when I was a kid, growing up on the farm. What a crucial time of year.
At one point, my family farmed over 5,000 acres, and although not huge compared to today’s farms, it was a lot for my parents to manage … along with back-toschool, after-school activities and so on.
I don’t know if there’s anyone who works
harder than a farmer. It’s a day and night job that requires physical labour, mental focus, and during harvest, it can be extra stressful.
I remember bringing meals out to the field, especially when the guys were working on the home section. We’d go out, have a quick meal and say goodnight to dad. He was usually out well past our bedtimes.
They used those twoway radios to communicate when he was in the field, as this was in the 1990s, before smartphones. I learned a few choice words over that contraption, usually when there was a breakdown in the field.
I remember on the
nights he would make it into the house before bedtime, he smelled of sweat, diesel and grain dust. The dust was especially bad when he had been harvesting barley. That stuff is the itchiest!
The best day of the year was the day all of the grain was harvested and put in the bins. I remember the sense of relief and happiness
that followed. It was just amazing! My parents retired from farming in the early 2000s, but it’s in their blood. Both my mom and dad grew up on farms, and I feel very fortunate to have grown up on one, too.
I sincerely hope all of you hard-working farm families in Lloyd and area have a safe and fruitful harvest.
2017
Leeway from Lloyd: Laws lag e-scooter reality
requires a provincial exemption to operate them on public sidewalks and roads.
When Lloydminster Mayor Gerald Aalbers and members of council attend the upcoming Alberta Municipalities Convention in Edmonton later this month, they will have some interesting resolutions to adopt and advocate to the provincial government.
One of the more topical resolutions presented by the City of Calgary calls for the government to amend the Traffic Safety Act to accommodate the use of e-scooters Alberta-wide for rental and personal use.
Incredibly, under current regulations, e-scooters are only allowed on private property!
A private citizen
WEAVER FROM PAGE 10
So here I am, creeping towards the sidewalk, yelling at this driver to stop as I couldn’t find my horn ... boy, I’m sure I looked silly!
Once again, lucky for us, I caught the attend -
Similarly, cities like Calgary and Edmonton have had to obtain special Alberta Transportation ministerial permission to allow for rental e-scooters under a pilot project.
Municipalities rightly argue personal e-scooters are a growing regulatory gap that the government needs to address.
It’s also shocking to realize in Alberta, a municipality cannot create bylaws to regulate the use of e-scooters even though they are now readily for sale by retailers.
Travelling on e-scooters is an entrenched lifestyle such as e-bikes and e-unicycles and is way ahead of the law.
The regulatory oversight sticks out like a
tion of the driver at the last second to avoid an incident.
The look on this driver’s face said it all. “I screwed up, I’m at fault, I’m super embarrassed.” OK, maybe that’s what I hoped she was thinking.
sore thumb, but Mayor Aalbers told the Meridian Source he can name several provincial laws in Saskatchewan and Alberta that haven’t been updated in a long time.
He noted working through these resolutions can help municipalities like Lloydminster effect change at the provincial and federal levels.
Thankfully, he went on to say he thinks the government of Alberta will move very quickly to deal with e-scooters, so it clarifies that people are not breaking the law or that bylaws are in place to deal with that accordingly.
The resolution notes if the government also allows personal e-scooters on roads, they should be treated the same as bikes on roads using bike lanes and pathways.
I’m pretty sure they teach the “left, centre, right” concept on dayone of driver’s ed ... and it’s an clearly an important one to remember. Please, Lloyd drivers, do better; you CAN do it!
It also states without a legal framework, personal choice and freedom of mobility to meet needs and lifestyles are limited. Let’s hope the resolution with motivate the government to plug into the current state of the electric scooter trend.
MERIDIAN SOURCE Thursday, September 14, 2023
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.
BINGO IS BACK!
Bingo at the Moose Lodge, located at 5213 57 Street, is back every Monday and Wednesday starting Sept. 6! Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and play starts at 7 p.m. Must be 18 to play!
Playschool
Pre-registration
Southridge Playschool & Kindergym has opened up their registration for the fall 20232024 classes. They offer one-day a week for three-year-olds and one or two days a week
Passport to YLL
To place an event, email taylor@meridiansource.ca or fax 306-825-5147
for four/five-year-olds. They have also qualified for the Affordability Grant! For more information please call Mrs. P. at 780-872-9523.
COPD Class
The Saskatchewan Health Authority is hosting a COPD Class on Sept. 14 from 12:301:30 p.m. in the Prairie North Plaza – Suite 109. To register please call 306-820-6243. There is no charge for the class.
Supper/Dance
The Legacy Centre is
hosting a supper/dance on Sept. 15. Doors open and dancin’ at 5 p.m., supper is at 6 p.m. then dance the evening away to KRAZY KANUCKS (Lyle Baker band).
ADVANCE TICKETS ONLY. Cost is $25/ person and attendees are asked to purchase before noon on Sept. 14. All members welcome. Contact the Legacy at 780-875-4584 for more info.
Volleyball Registration
Ladies recreational
volleyball registration is being held at E.S. Laird School on Sept. 20 at 7 p.m. Limited teams and single players welcome.
Stephen Palmer Live at the Legacy Centre
The Legacy Centre will be hosting Stephen Palmer live in concert on Sept. 20 at 7 p.m. Come enjoy an evening of “foot-stompin’” tunes you will be sure to remember. Refreshments after the show. The cost is $20/person (advance). Call the Legacy office at 780-8754584 for more details. Tickets available at the Legacy office (5101-46th Street). Everyone welcome!
Spades Tourney
The Legacy Centre is hosting a spades tournament on Sept. 21. Play begins at 10 a.m., cost is $10/person. Lunch is also available for $12/person. Everyone welcome! Call the Legacy office at 780875-4584 for more info.
Medieval Feast
The Lloyminster Lions Club is pleased to be hosting its annual Medieval Feast at the Kitscoty Hall on Sept. 23. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., supper will be at 6:30 p.m. The night includes a magnificent feast, a medieval tournament, fortune teller, photos, a 50/50 and a silent auction. Tickets are $50 or $370 for a table of 8. Tickets are available at Exhaust Masters, online at lloydminsterlions@gmail. com, or call Kathy at 306-821-2362.
Youth Grief Support
The Walking Through
Grief Society will once again be sponsoring a 10-week program in support of children ages 6-11 and 12-16 who are grieving. Classes will be held at 5014-51 Ave., Kitscoty and run from Sept. 26. to Dec. 5. Cost is $20 per family (subsidy available). Pre-registration is necessary as space is limited. Registration deadline is Sept. 20. Contact Gayle at 780-808-1645 or Shirley at 780-871-1750.
Managing High Blood Pressure
The Saskatchewan Health Authority is hosting a “Strategies for managing high blood pressure” class on Sept. 26 from 9-11 a.m. in Suite 109 of the Prairie North Plaza. To register, please call 306820-6262. This class is free of charge.
Legacy Centre Day Trip
The Legacy Centre is taking a trip to the Mayfield Dinner Theatre on Sept. 27 for the performance of Musicians Gone Wild –Rock The Canyon. The bus leaves the Legacy parking lot at 7:15 a.m. aboard Charlie’s Charters Busline and will arrive at the theatre at 10 a.m. for brunch. The performance is at 2:30 p.m. then it’s back to the bus to head home. Tickets are $179 per person and must be paid before your name goes on the list. Call the Legacy office for more details.
Cribbage Doubles
Tourney
The Legacy Centre is hosting a cribbage doubles tournament on Sept. 27. Play begins at
10 a.m., cost to play is $10/person. Lunch is available for $12/person. Bring your partner for a great day of card playing! Everyone welcome! Call the Legacy office at 780-875-4584 for more details.
British Home Child Day
Sept. 28 is British Home Child Day, and to help celebrate, a special event is being held. All British Home Child descendants invited! Contact Susan at 780808-6374, voicemail only. Leave your name and number by Sept. 21.
Hillmond Turkey
Supper
A turkey supper is being held at the Hillmond Hall from 4:306:30 p.m. on Oct. 1. Admission is $20 for adults, $10 for kids ages 6-10 and pre-school kids are free. Hope to see you there!
Oktoberfest
The Lloydminster German Heritage Society’s Oktoberfest is back on Oct. 14 at the WLS Convention Centre. Dance to the music of the Prairie Dogs. Entertainment by Saskatoon’s Concordia Alpenrose Dancers. Tickets are $45 in advance, $50 at the door, or $380 for a table of eight. Tickets are available from Society members, at the Lloydminster Animal Hospital, Cliff Rose for Clothes, and Southside Vet Clinic. For more info call Mo at 780-8757171, Rosemarie at 780872-2266 or 306-8253177, Martin at 306825-9848 or 306-8216666. More info out closer to the date.
In Lloydminster, he’s continuing his ministry work to educate churches, youth groups and other agencies on the needs of street people having the first-hand experience of being homeless for more than a decade.
“I’m taking the bull by the horns and getting support along the way. That’s exactly what I’m doing,” said Eldridge.
“It’s amazing the reception people are giving me when they find out what we’re doing and they’re saying ‘if you need us, we’re here for you,’ so that’s awesome.”
Eldridge plans to invite the fire department to assist with the barbecue and last week he met with Valerie Lazicki, executive director of the Lloydminster Men’s Shelter to discuss some ideas.
“I want to discuss more beds with her somehow. Also, I know we are lacking in programs for drug addiction and alcoholism and stuff like that,” said Eldridge.
He estimates about 35 per cent of homelessness is due to mental illness, with poverty being
the biggest factor also making it tough for lowincome seniors to make ends meet.
“We want to work on that as well. We want to get seniors out of this poverty situation. I’m still working on that,” said Eldridge.
Despite allowing Eldridge to host his event, the City told the Meridian Source in an email, “This event is not something we can comment on at this time.”
Eldridge was disappointed to hear that and said, “As far as I’m concerned, the City should be having a priority on this.”
He says homelessness is something they can’t ignore much longer.
“It’s there permanently and they’re not going to get rid of it,” he said.
In a related issue, a human rights advocacy group recently reported it is suing the City of Edmonton, alleging the city’s practice of clearing homeless camps violates the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
The lawsuit alleges this puts vulnerable people in danger since there are not enough housing and shelter options for them.
The outside of your home faces significant wear and tear throughout any given year.
From typical wind, rain and sun damage to the challenges of extreme storms and fires. Fortunately, there are some simple ways to help you ward off potential problems before they become more costly.
Inspect roof shingles
The roof is one of your home’s first lines of defence. From the ground or a ladder, look for signs of damage like missing, raised or warped shingles and other irregularities. If there are problems, have a qualified roofer do an inspection and
any necessary repairs.
Clean your eavestroughs and downspouts
Harsh weather or little critters can dam -
age your eavestroughs. If water runs back toward your foundation or pools on the roof, it may lead to water damage inside
your home. And collected debris can be a fire risk. Give eavestroughs and downspouts a look, clear any debris and make any repairs.
Check out the chimney
Look for signs of damage at the top of the chimney. Typically, there’s a cap with a grate and/or a rain cover. If you’re comfortable getting on the roof, inspect the flashing that waterproofs the edges where the chimney meets the roof for any gaps, bends or cracks that water could penetrate.
Clean and service your air conditioner
Shut off power to the outdoor unit and clean debris from the
grill/cage and the fan. Rake around the unit and cut back branches to allow for proper airflow. Inside your home, don’t forget to change your furnace air filter regularly.
Refresh the siding
Pressure washers are handy for cleaning the outside of your home. If you don’t own one, you may be able to borrow one from a friend or rent one from a hardware store. Check for any blisters, cracks or problem areas and repair them to help prevent rot and mould.
Inspect the deck
Wooden decks, including railings and stairs, require staining every few years to protect against the ele -
ments. Be sure to carefully examine support posts and beams for signs of rotting.
Examine exterior caulking
Take a closer look at the caulking around your doors, windows and vents. Deteriorated caulking should be scraped out and replaced so you don’t lose cooled air through a poorly sealed gap.
Survey the landscaping
Low-lying areas of your lawn should have additional soil laid down to prevent water from pooling in one area. You should also trim your trees and bushes as required to help avoid future storm damage.
Memories come alive at St. Mary’s
What started as a coffee date between old friends turned into a unique reunion for a group of ex St. Mary’s School students and two of their teachers.
A little over 50 years since they celebrated their Grade 9 grad, students of the class of 1973 gathered at their old stompin’ grounds to reconnect.
The reunion was held on Sept. 8 and began with a tour from the current principal at St. Mary’s School, Sue Grams.
“I just think it’s so great they are getting together after 50 years!” said Grams prior to hosting the tour.
St. Mary’s staff and students decorated the gym and baked cookies for the occasion.
Two of the reunion coordinators, Sid Deibert and Paul Harris, said they were delighted by the reception they received when they went to the school to ask if they could meet up there for the event.
“The principal that’s there now, she’s amazing. She gives us this grand tour and she’s so excited. She knocks on the classroom door because we were just talking about Mr. Krawchuk’s science class … of course the teacher is wondering ‘what is this?’ The principal is here with two old guys. So she says to the whole class, ‘Guess what?
These guys went to this school 50 years ago,” said Harris.
“I said ‘yeah, back when the dinosaurs roamed!’ And then Sid said something really cool that we would never say when we were there like ‘it’s so important for you guys to listen to your teachers because of the great education we got when we went to this school’ and the principal really thanked us, especially Sid. He got a gold star from the principal, an A plus,” Harris chuckled.
The idea came to them when Deibert drove down from Alliance, Atla. for a visit last fall. Four members of the Grade 9 class got together for coffee and reminisced about old
times.
“I said ‘this is neat,’ like we sat around for a couple of hours and just told all kinds of stories … So I said ‘you know, next year is going to be
50 years since we graduated, why don’t we set up a reunion.’ And so that’s what started it,” said Deibert. “We were so close. Ninety-eight per cent
of us went to school from Grade 1 to Grade 9 together. So we’re a small group that knew each other so well.”
CONTINUED ON PAGE 16
St. Mary’s Grade 9 class reunites after 50 years
Although Deibert had never used social media before, he figured it was the best way to find his classmates and it proved to be quite helpful.
“The response we got from everyone is ‘it will sure be interesting, and we’re really looking forward to this’, and that was a positive for me because when I first tried to get all of this going I wasn’t on any social media, Facebook or anything. So I signed up to all them and tried to figure them all out,” said Deibert.
While planning the event, he tried to keep the element of surprise intact.
“I never mentioned names because I wanted them to be surprised though, but I told them we did get two teachers and I mentioned them because I figured, they’ll for sure want to come,”
he said.
The two teachers who made it to the reunion were Daryl Weeres and Evan Krawchuk.
Weeres, who travelled a few hours to attend the event, was the principal of St. Mary’s in 1973.
“He lives in Red Deer and he booked a hotel room. He’s coming. And Mr. Krawchuck still teaches, he’s still on their sub list. And they’re kind of the driving attraction too, because everyone is asking who’s going to be there,” said Deibert.
Sadly, not everyone could make it. Harris said some of their teachers and classmates had passed away, and others weren’t able to travel.
One of Deibert’s and Harris’ favourite teachers, Mr. Feist, is unfortunately among those who have passed away, but they have fond
memories of him as their Grade 9 homeroom teacher.
“He was very unique for both Sid and I because, first of all, you rarely got a man teacher. And then second of all, he did a whole bunch of other things. He did farming, he did construction, he had this history of all these professions,” said Harris.
“So he taught us that you don’t have to be one thing. You can try this out, try that out, go take this training, do that. And we’re thinking really? I thought you had to pick one. So it was really cool.”
When asked how the 50-year reunion went, Deibert said he was very pleased with the turnout, and he ‘couldn’t ask for a better time’.
“Everyone is asking when the next one is,” he said.
Evening of Champs brings big names
It was a star-studded night for sports at the Lloyd Ex’s WLS Convention Centre as the Lloydminster Bobcats hosted their annual Evening of Champions fundraiser.
Held last Thursday night, this year’s fundraiser featured guest speakers John “Gibby” Gibbons, former Toronto Blue Jays manager, Oilers TV’s John Shannon, who’s also Hockey Night In Canada’s former executive producer and the cohost of the Bob McCown
Podcast, as well as pro broadcaster and co-host of the Exit Philosophy Podcast, Scott MacArthur, who acted as the evening’s emcee.
Having spent roughly 14 years with the Jays, Gibby knows his way around professional sports, but also recognizes the importance of grass-roots sports and giving back to the community.
“Any time I can help a little money for a great hockey program, I love doing it,” he said prior to Thursday’s program.
“Giving back to community sports is huge.
These hockey players are chasing a dream to play in the NHL ... there’s going to be ups and downs, but if you want it enough, you’ll find a way.”
A proud westerner, Oilers TV’s John Shannon was happy to be back in the Border City helping these young athletes get to the next level.
“Sometimes when you’re around the NHL or other pro leagues, you forget the grassroots, and it’s a good reminder to come back to small-town Canada and look at the pas -
Raiders ready for regular-season Wheatland action
sion people have for the game,” he said.
As the evening’s emcee, MacArthur was looking forward to Gibby and Shannon stories from the good old days while raising money to support the local Junior A team.
The Lloydminster Bobcats would like to thank Bandit Energy Services, Boundary Ford, Border City Concrete and RJ Hoffman Holdings Ltd. for sponsoring this year’s event.
Seniors invited to housing focus group
Several members of the Lloydminster Concerned Citizens for
Seniors Care Society have accepted an invitation to form a seniors focus group for a new city-wide Housing
Needs Assessment. They will add their input on accessible and age-appropriate housing at City Hall on Sept.
18 at 11 a.m. with consultant Scott Cameron. He’s the president and CEO of Bassa Social Innovations Inc., contracted by the city to assess everything from homelessness and social housing to rental properties and ownership, with public input.
“They’ve asked to meet with us and we’re happy to talk to them and give them our thoughts on what we think about housing needs in Lloydminster specifically for seniors,” said Seniors Care Society president Graham Brown following the group’s Tuesday meeting.
“It looks like we have about 10 people to meet with the consultant and give them some input on this very important subject.”
The invitation is timely as Stephanie Miller, CEO of Lloydminster Region Housing Group summarized the results of a needs survey by residents of senior housing at Tuesday’s meeting at the Legacy Centre meeting.
“I think after hearing Stephanie’s report, there needs to be more funding for capital projects and we are also short of actual spaces,” said Brown.
“We need more spaces for social housing. There’s a waiting list of people and families trying to find a place to live.”
Brown says as the cost of living gets higher that list is going to get longer.
We need more spaces for social housing. There’s a waiting list of people and families trying to find a place to live.File Photo
Careers
Sask begins search for Chief Marshal
MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFFThe province of Saskatchewan is officially beginning its search for a Chief Marshal for the Saskatchewan Marshals Service.
The Chief Marshal will be responsible for developing the Marshals Service in the lead-up to it becoming operational in 2026. Once the service is launched, the Chief Marshal will oversee approximately 70 officers, as well as additional support staff, who will provide law enforcement across Saskatchewan, conduct proactive investigations and support RCMP and municipal police operations.
“As we build the foundation of the Saskatchewan Marshals Service, it’s critical that we have the right person in place to oversee its creation and ensure its ongoing success,” Corrections, Policing and Public Safety Minister Paul Merriman said.
“We are committed to finding someone with the skills and experience required to operate a successful modern police service.”
The Saskatchewan Marshals Service will provide an enhanced law enforcement presence across Saskatchewan, with a focus on:
- detecting, disrupt -
ing and deterring criminal activity in rural and remote areas experiencing high levels of crime;
- locating and apprehending high-risk and prolific offenders; and
- conducting proactive enforcement actions and investigations related to farming and agriculture offences such as cattle, crop, metal and farm chemical thefts, and trespassing that may result in crop damage.
Marshals will also provide support to the RCMP, First Nations police, municipal police services and the Provincial Protective Services.
The successful candidate for the Chief Marshal position must be an experienced senior law enforcement executive with a demonstrated track record of achieving results and collaborating with other police and criminal justice partners.
They must also have a comprehensive knowledge of contemporary policing practices, and emerging trends in crime and public safety.
“We’re looking for someone who can simultaneously act as a leader, a mentor, and a relationship builder,” Merriman said.
“This is an excellent opportunity to make a positive impact
in our province, and I urge anybody with the skills and experience to apply and tell us what their vision is for enhancing public safety in Saskatchewan communities.”
The job posting for the Chief Marshal position can be found at http://www.careers. gov.sk.ca/, with a closing date of Sunday, Sept. 24.
We are currently looking for a passionate and driven individual to get on board in our journey, collaborate and grow together.
Send your resume to reception@lloydex.com
Thursday, September 14, 2023
MERIDIAN SOURCE 306-825-5111 admin@meridiansource.ca
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Classifieds
FOR RENT LAND WANTED
HEAVY
EQUIPMENT OPERATORS & LABOURERS WANTED
For all heavy equipment: ie. dozers, excavators, scrapers etc.
Camp/R & B provided.
Competitive wages. Valid drivers license req’d.
Send resume and work references to:
Bryden Construction and Transport Co. Inc. Box 100, Arborfield, SK S0E 0A0; Fax: 306-769-8844
Email:
brydenconstruct@ xplornet.ca
www.
brydenconstruction andtransport.ca
ANNOUNCEMENT
GET YOUR MESSAGE SEEN ACROSS Alberta. The Blanket Classifieds or Value Ads reach over 600,000 Alberta readers weekly. Two options starting at $269 or $799 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. 1-800-282-6903, 780434-8746 X225. www. awna.com.
FARMLAND WANTED
I am currently PURCHASING single to large blocks of land. NO FEES OR COMMISSIONS
Saskatchewan born and raised, I know farming and farmland and can help you every step of the way.
Doug Rue, for further information 306-716-2671 saskfarms@shaw.ca www.sellyourfarm land.com
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. 1-877987-1420. www.pioneerwest.com.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS & CLAIMANTS
ESTATE OF EDNA LOUISE GREEN, (ALSO KNOWN AS BONNIE LOUISE GREEN)
WHO DIED ON NOVEMBER 4, 2022
If you have a claim against this estate, you must file your claim by October 16, 2023, with BRUCE A. KNIGHT at KNIGHT LAW OFFICE Barrister & Solicitor 4912 - 50 Avenue PO Box 27 Station Main Lloydminster, SK S9V 0X9 and provide details of your claim.
If you do not file by the date above, the estate property can lawfully be distributed without regard to any claim you may have.
WE BUY DAMAGED GRAIN HEATED... LIGHT BUGS... TOUGH MIXED GRAIN SPRING THRASHED WHEAT... OATS PEAS... BARLEY CANOLA... FLAX “ON FARM PICKUP” WESTCAN FEED & GRAIN
1-877-250-5252
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.
HEALTH FOR SALE
FOR
• Cat 75C Challenger - $40,000
• 2360 Swather - $4000
• 30ft 930 John Deere, pickup reel $10,000
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.
CRIMINAL RECORD? Why suffer employment/ licensing loss? Travel/ business opportunities? Be embarrassed? Think: Criminal Pardon. US entry waiver. Record purge. File destruction. Free consultation. 1-800-347-2540. www.accesslegalmjf. com.
EQUIPMENT FOR SALE
BLANKET THE PROVINCE with a classified ad. Only $269/wk (based on 25 words or less). Reach almost 90 weekly newspapers. Call NOW for details. 1-800-282-6903 Ext 225; www.awna.com.
• Doepker Super B - $20,000
• Morris 543 Cultivator, new shovels $2500
• Morris 743 Cultivator , anhydrous tips - $3000 Call Victor for viewing 1-306-893-7600
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: $125-150. Crystal Springs. 403-820-0961. Quality guaranteed.
FINANCIAL SERVICES
FINANCIAL SERVICES
Private mortgage lender. All real estate types considered. No credit checks done. Deal direct with lender and get quick approval. Toll free 1-866-405-1228 www.firstandsecondmortgages.ca