Meridian Source - September 28, 2023

Students connect over culture

Students from both LCSD and LPSD attended various learning events this week in honour of Truth and Reconciliation Day.

Since Sept. 30 is a Saturday this year, orange shirt day will be held on Sept. 29 in Lloyd schools.

On Sept. 26, students gathered at Lakeland College to watch a teepee raising. The event was hosted by Lakeland College Indigenous student support manager Tinisha Young along with her mother, LCSD Indigenous program coordinator Cynthia Young.

She said her mother and father taught her a lot about different aspects of their culture growing up.

“My mom and dad have taught me what they know. They gave me my smudging lessons, my ribbon skirt, my strawberry teachings, and my teepee teachings,” she said.

“One of the first things I talked about was our teepee teachings and our teepee

poles. Back in the day, we would use that teepee as a parenting tool. We talk about sharing, love, kindness, cleanliness— all those things are in our teepee poles,” said Young.

“We had a really good turnout. There was lots of students there.

I hope they learned there’s meaning in everything we have, everything we do, and that we practice.”

Students and school staff watched the teepee go up and were then able to take turns going inside, class by class.

Young said it wouldn’t have been possible without the Lakeland College Indigenous student council members.

“I really like our Indigenous student council stepped up. They were all really proud they put up a

teepee for the first time, so that was really cool,” said Young.

In addition to the teepee raising, Border City students participated in many other educational events including a mini powwow, bannock making, storytelling and crafts.

Students from both school divisions also attended the Indigenous Economic Partnership Summit.

JEANNETTE BENOIT-LEIPERT STAFF WRITER

Jeannette Benoit-Leipert Meridian Source Photos

Student gathered to watch a teepee raising at Lloyd’s Lakeland College campus on Sept. 26 to honour Truth and Reconciliation Day, Sept. 30. Students got to see the teepee go up, learned about the significance behind the process, and were able to go inside.

HRHS celebrates expansion completion

centre, and a dedicated and practical applied arts space,” explained Cockrill.

“The additions have expanded the school by approximately 2,100 sq. m., roughly the size of an NHL hockey rink, which will now support 1,200 students.”

There’s never been a better time to be a high school student in Saskatchewan.

officially got to open everything today with our faith garden, our resource centre the new classrooms, our P.A.A space, everything’s going today.”

Scott noted the new wing comes complete with a kinesiology lab, a new arts space, a new common space, a larger welding lab as well and a state-of-the-art cosmetology lab, to name a few.

“There’s never been a better time to be a high school student in Saskatchewan.”

Those were the words of Saskatchewan Minister of Education Jeremy Cockrill last Friday morning as the Lloyd -

minster Catholic School Division (LCSD) celebrated the long-awaited grand opening of Holy Rosary High School’s (HRHS) newly-built expansion.

“This momentous occasion is cause for celebration for the entire Lloydminster

community and region, and I’m excited to be here,” said Cockrill.

“Lloydminster is an important community to both Saskatchewan and Alberta economically, so it’s great we can invest back into the community, services and people that use

them every day.”

The $10 million project was first announced last July after talks of expansion due to the growing student population.

HRHS was originally built for roughly 750 students, and with over 1,100 enrolled this year, the build was needed.

“The renewed school now features a twostorey addition, boasting 16 state-of-the-art classrooms, a resource

A special grand opening ceremony was held in the school’s new faith garden as attendees admired the statue of Mary in the centre of the space, purchased with donations to the project.

LCSD chairperson, Paula Scott, was almost speechless after seeing the scale of the event and all who came to support it.

“It’s a huge day for us; we’ve finally had our grand opening for our expansion,” she said.

“We’ve had kids in the building now for several months, but we

“It’s a lot of great programming and excitement for our students moving forward. These will be things we can offer students for years to come, along with our innovation lab and Esports program, which is fantastic … there’s so much, I could be here all day telling you all the great things that go on in here every day.”

Scott explained there’s a push to get more students involved in the trades as there will be a need for tradespeople in the near future.

“For me personally, I have two sons and a husband in the trades, so increasing our trades spaces was important to me,” she said.

Taylor Weaver Meridian Source Photos

Saskatchewan minister of education, Jeremy Cockrill, was at Holy Rosary High School last Friday morning as the school celebrated the long-awaited grand opening of its new wing.

TAYLOR WEAVER EDITOR

Huge turnout at City Hall rally

man, admits SOGI isn’t a part of the curriculum in Saskatchewan schools, but says it’s in B.C. and parts of Alberta.

“We don’t want it implemented. As a parent, I want to be in the conversation about what is going on with my children,” said Newman.

He went on to say teachers are being instructed if someone “comes out” to them or if they have secret conversations, they are not supposed to “out” it to the parent.

“In my books, the parent is first and foremost and needs to know about what’s going with children,” said Newman.

new policy means parents are being consulted, but added the government could be sued by opponents.

“It is very close to being repealed and that’s why they are talking about this government implementing the notwithstanding clause,” he said.

Bonnie Scherger, another member of the For the Kids’s Sake group, says she hasn’t reached out to the Lloydminster public or Catholic school division about any SOGI curriculum.

podcaster and lawyer, lumps in SOGI to living in a world today where values, ethics, morals

etc. have been flipped upside down by the government.

A vocal group of more than 400 people with divergent viewpoints on how they want to see children taught in Lloydminster schools, made their voices heard at a rally outside City Hall. It was the local version of the 1 Million March 4 Children held in cities across Canada on Sept. 20 with some counter-protesters shouting down some speakers.

Locally, the rally and walk along 44 Street, was presented by the For the Kids’ Sake group of concerned parents in Lloydmin -

ster in conjunction with the American-based Faith, Family, Freedom organization.

“The purpose is to bring all people together to stand up and be a voice for protecting our children against sexualization and indoctrination in schools,” said lead organizer, Tara Anderson.

Her group also advocates the elimination of alleged sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) curriculum along with pronouns, gender identity and even mixed bathrooms in schools.

Podcaster and coorganizer, Shaun New -

23094SS1

23094SS2

“It’s about giving rights back to parents and it’s trying to get some things out of the schools that parents don’t want.”

The Ministry of Education in Saskatchewan has adopted new parental inclusion and consent policies for Saskatchewan schools.

Under the policy, students 16 and under require permission from a parent to change their preferred name and pronouns used with gender identity.

In addition, only teachers can present sexual education materials in the classrooms.

Newman admits the

“We just know SOGI one, two, three is proposed to be bought into Saskatchewan, but it hasn’t yet,” she said while adding “The content has.”

Jason Neville, director of education, Lloydminster Public School Division (LPSD), told the Meridian Source in a statement: “In LPSD, our teachers follow the Saskatchewan curriculum for all of our subjects, which ensures that content is age-appropriate and approved by the Saskatchewan Ministry of Education.

“Our schools focus on creating a welcoming and safe school environment for all students.”

Tanner Hnudey, who identified himself as a political commentator,

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Geoff Lee Meridian Source

A vocal crowd of roughly 400 people turned up for a local 1 Million March 4 Children rally and walk outside City Hall on Sept. 20 to protest what they claim is sexual orientation and gender identity teaching in the Saskatchewan school system. The event was organized by a local For The Kids’ Sake group that teamed up with Family Faith Freedom, based in the U.S. Guest speaker Tanner Hnudey took to the podium to deliver his religious perspective. There were also counter-protesters in the mix.

GEOFF LEE STAFF WRITER

Parents share thoughts on SOGI

“The protest here today is meant to demonstrate as parents, although I’m not a parent myself, we want these morals to be turned right side up again,” said Hnudey, who cloaked his message in a religious sermon to the crowd.

He thinks faceless bureaucrats are working to change the “identity” of students from what

they’ve been raised with to serve the needs of big government.

Lloydminster MLA Colleen Young, who was in Regina, replied in writing to an organizer inviting her to attend, noting 86 per cent of parents agree with the new policy on gender and sex education.

“We know there is a backlash from certain interest groups,” she wrote. “Premier Scott

Moe has stated we are not backing down. He has strong support from the entire government caucus, including myself,” she said.

Young went on the state, “It is in the best interest of children to ensure that parents are involved in their children’s education, in their classrooms and in all important decisions involving their children.”

She and others, including rally speaker, Danny Hozack, encourage parents to contact teachers and school boards with any concerns they may have and to become involved in their local school community council.

“I don’t think anyone in the education system should be talking to our children about anything they are not prepared to talk to the parents about,” said Hozack.

“I think it’s also fair to say, it’s not the teachers, but the teachers’ union.”

Hozack also provided concerned parents in the crowd with an action plan.

“Absolutely, be involved with your children in school and do not back down on your right to be informed about your school’s curriculum,” he said.

“Get involved in school board elections, so you can have a greater say in the development of the curriculum.”

Hozack also advised parents to talk to their MLAs regarding concerns about education and the curriculum in particular.

it isn’t the role of the school system or teachers to instill values in children,” said Gray.

He says sex education is just one example, citing LGBTQ, diversity, inclusion, and “equity race theory” as examples of ideology he believes students are being indoctrinated in.

“Many parents don’t subscribe to them and believe they are harming children,” said Gray.

He ended his comments by telling everyone he’s on a mission to bring back the return of the 3Rs and the Lord’s Prayer in schools.

Leighton Gray, a lawyer and podcaster from Cold Lake, explained he was there to speak on the protection of children.

“There’s been a lack of responsiveness to a large segment of the population that want important things left to family and that believe

Rosemarie Falk, MP Battlefords-Lloydminster, released a statement thanking organizers for taking a stand for strong families and healthy communities.

“Families are the cornerstone of a healthy society and strong families make stronger communities, ” said Falk.

“They are a source of guidance, safe shelter and support for their children. An institution can never replace the unconditional love and safety that can be found in a healthy family unit.”

An institution can never replace the unconditional love and safety that can be found in a healthy family unit.

Students get set for success

JEANNETTE BENOIT-LEIPERT STAFF WRITER

LCHS students got a glimpse of future possibilities during college day.

School guidance counsellor, Kaylin Britton, said the day is all about students getting prepared and motivated for their potential careers.

“We have colleges and universities, some tech schools as well as a lot of trades. We have RCMP, and we have military here as well. We try to have a little bit for everybody,” said Britton, adding that the goal of the event is to get students thinking about what’s next.

This year’s event was held on Sept. 25 for Grade 11 and 12 students.

“The Grade 11s, our goal is just to inspire them to start thinking about it because they really only have until about March to think about what type of career they want, so they can pick the right classes for Grade 12,” said Britton.

“We hope that this is a moment for a lot of our Grade 11s to realize that high school—the end of it is on the horizon, and this is a time for them to buckle down and make some decisions, and really transition into adulthood.”

She said most of the LCHS Grade 12 students have decided on a path after high school and are currently working on prerequisite classes, as they approach appli -

cation season.

“Our Grade 12s, they’ll start applying for universities next week. Colleges usually open their applications on Oct. 1, so most of our Grade 12s already know what they’re going to do.”

That is true for Grade 12 students Colby Down and Brietta Resch, who attended college day, but already have a specific plan for their futures.

“Right now I’m looking at going into nursing. I came down here to get a few forms. I’m going to start at Lakeland, I want to get my pre-requisites done and then I’ll transfer over to the U of S,” said Down. Resch also has a clear path but she was happy to learn something new on college day after speaking with a representative from the Canadian Forces.

“I’m looking to be a cabin crew flight attendant, which isn’t something that includes much schooling, but here I actually learned that I can get helpful pre-requisites from the military—joining the Air Force and learning things from there can really help me with getting in somewhere like Air Canada,” said Resch.

“It just looks better when you have something like that on your resume.”

One of the biggest advantages of attending the event is that the students get to speak with representatives from each institution, to learn exactly what is

being offered.

“Every one of our institutions and organizations here, they have promotional materials, all about their programs and what they offer. Kids are encouraged to go up and ask questions, take that information back to their families,” said Britton.

“A lot of our booths also have representatives who are students at those institutions, and so they get to talk to them about their first-hand experience about what it’s like to attend that institution. That’s a lot more than I can offer as a guidance counsellor,” she said.

Church Directory

Jeannette Benoit-Leipert Meridian Source College day was held at LCHS on Sept. 25, to allow Grade 11 and 12 students to get a head start on future career plans.

Lakeland gift music to the ears

When Lloydminster Comprehensive High School music director, Stephen Davis, caught wind Lakeland College was looking to donate some instruments, he scooped up what was available.

Davis and his students met last Friday to thank Lakeland’s president Alice Wainwright-Stewart for contributing a grand piano, a double bass and a drum kit and talk about what this adds to the program.

“It gives us a new opportunity, we have two double bass instruments, so now we can fit two double bass

players in our concert band,” said Davis.

“The grand piano has been working really well for our jazz ensemble and for the students competing in the Kiwanis music festival so they can practise.”

It gives us a new opportunity, we have two double bass instruments, so now we can fit two double bass players in our concert band.

He says the drum kit is perfect for the garage band class and has a double kick,

which lets them play a bunch of new songs they weren’t able to before.

The instruments for the Comp were among four pianos and other band equipment Lakeland gifted to the Lloydminster Public School Division as equipment from their defunct community music program.

Wainwright-Stewart explained the program ended during the pandemic and they were left with a lot of musical instruments.

“We tried to make sure the community needs were met by donating to other schools,” she said.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 9

Geoff Lee Meridian Source Lakeland College donated this double bass and a grand piano to the music department at Lloydminster Comprehensive High School. Joining the celebration are (from left) Trisha Rawlake, superintendent at LPSD, Alice Wainwright-Stewart, president of Lakeland College, students Kady Voss and Macie Jacovson, Comp principal Dwayne Marciniw and Comp music director Stephen Davis.

GEOFF LEE STAFF WRITER

The Meridian Source is excited about the return of our 20 Questions feature! Each month, the Source will spotlight one member of the community as a fun way to bring us all closer together! This month we featured Mayor Gerald Aalbers . We thought we knew our mayor, but he surprised us with some of his answers!

If you didn’t do what you do for a living, what would you be?

I hope I would still be employed in the oil and gas industry, working in the integrity and corrosion field.

It’s Sunday morning, what are you having for breakfast?

Sunday morning brunch includes waffles or pancakes with Saskatoon berry sauce, eggs, bacon or sausage, maybe hashbrowns.

If you could see one concert, what would it be?

George Strait live today, Johnny Cash before he passed.

Who was your childhood celebrity crush?

Raquel Welsh, Charlie Angels, James Bond ladies.

If you could have one super power, what would it be?

Help bring peace to troubled marriages, families and individuals.

What was your favourite TV show? – NCIS

What’s your dream car?

1968 Camaro SS convertible.

What’s your fast-food guilty pleasure?

Fried chicken!

Last book you couldn’t put down?

From Miracle to Menace Alberta, A Carbon Story by

David Yager.

Which person, alive or dead, would you like to have dinner with?

John Wayne.

What’s the one thing you haven’t done that you’d love to do?

Complete a world cruise with my wife.

What’s the best thing about Lloydminster?

Lloydminster is a city with a small-town feel where people really care.

If we’re buying you’re having....

Prime rib or steak and lobster.

What’s your favourite vacation destination? The Caribbean.

What’s your weirdest habit?

Still occasionally bite my nails!

What’s currently playing in your car or on your smartphone right now? Dean Brody.

What’s your biggest pet peeve?

Loud, noisy vehicles driving in the residential neighbourhoods.

What are your words to live by?

Live, love and laugh with family and friends!

Who’s your hero?

John A. McDonald – it took a lot to put Canada together –imperfect on many fronts, but he did it!

What was your most embarrassing moment? I was coming out of a theatre and needed to use the washroom, I was looking at my phone messages and walked right into the women’s washroom. I realized there were no urinals, so I turned around and walked out. Two fine gentlemen I did not know were standing there guarding the door, laughing. They stated they had my back!! Thanks, guys….!

Meridian Source File Photo

Mayor Gerald Aalbers brings greetings on behalf of the City during a Border City Connects polar plunge fundraising event in 2019 before taking the plunge himself. Not only does Aalbers have the best interest of Lloyd residents at heart, he’s not afraid to get a little wet in the process.

New tool for Lloyd entrepreneurs

that they can access 24/7,” said Community Futures Lloydminster general manager, Corinne McGirr.

She said this year their primary focus has been on business training, and this project reflects that.

“Community Futures is part of the entrepreneurial ecosystem here. We’re here to help businesses get started, and grow and expand,” said McGirr.

attendance.

“It’s always great connecting with Rotary. They’re a great conduit to the community and we’re also looking to spread the word, but also to bring forth the expertise that’s in the room to support the content that’s on the site,” said McGirr.

we know the collective knowledge in our community is astounding, and we want to make sure we’re mentoring and helping other entrepreneurs.”

Community Futures

Lloydminster is now offering a unique tool to entrepreneurs looking for answers. They recently

launched a website that features videos and slide shows on a range of businessrelated topics.

“We have launched an online learning portal on digifutures.ca. In the world of busy

entrepreneurs we know it’s not always accessible to come to in-person events and to get all of the actual training and skill development they need. We wanted to get something out there online

4420 50th Avenue, Lloydminster AB (City Hall)

Sunday, October 1, 2023 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm

1:45 Meet in City Hall parking lot

Approved signs will be provided for you to use. Following the event, you are invited for fellowship and refreshments at The Legacy Center located just northwest of City Hall

“We know that entrepreneurs are coming to us for all sorts of information and resources on specific topics, and so this site can help them just learn the basics to starting their business plan, marketing, cash flow. Eventually we’d like to have hundreds of videos and snippets on the site just to help entrepreneurs in a one-stop-shop.”

McGirr spoke at the latest Rotary meeting, and was able to explain the project to those in

Since many Rotarians are experienced entrepreneurs, McGirr said it was a good opportunity to present the new website.

“If anyone is passionate about entrepreneurs and has a head full of information that you would like to provide … we absolutely would love to have your expertise shared,” she said during her speech to the Rotarians.

“We anticipate we’ll have tips on here from local lawyers, accountants, insurance providers, landlords, marketing experts, HR specialists … because

McGirr said anyone with useful businessrelated information can add to the website, and they can provide assistance in creating the content for those who are camera-shy or not tech-savvy.

“If you guys are making the cake, we’ll decorate it,” said McGirr.

“If you have info you want to share we’ll create the five or six slides, we’ll narrate it for you and add it on to the site giving you full credit.”

Community Futures was recently recognized provincially, with an Excellence and Innovation Award for “Project Gazelle,” which was a three-year endeavour, supporting women entrepreneurs throughout northern Alberta.

For more information, contact Deanna Alford alford@telus.net

“BeforeIformedyouinthewombIknewyou”...Jeremiah1:5

Jeannette Benoit-Leipert Meridian Source Community Futures Lloydminster and Region general manager, Corinne McGirr, speaks about an online tool for entrepreneurs during a Rotary Club meeting on Sept. 25.

JEANNETTE BENOIT-LEIPERT STAFF WRITER

BP’s funder helps Russell reach goal

Kady Voss, who plays the double bass, had to pinch herself to fully believe the donation was real.

“It was pretty crazy because I didn’t think the school would ever put money into that stuff and then I found out they didn’t put money into the stuff — instead it was donated, which was really nice,” she said with a laugh.

The teen says she plays bass in the school concert and jazz band and gave the new instrument her endorsement.

“It’s in great shape and it sounds better than the other one,” she said.

Davis says the Comp lucked out with the donation, given the demand for the program.

“Every year, the program seems to be getting bigger and bigger and we have to bring in more and more gear to accommodate it,” he said.

“Hopefully, soon, we’ll be well-equipped to handle any scenario.”

Davis says the new instruments give students more opportunities to follow their passion for music.

“It’s kind of their whole life. I know it was for mine when I was in high school,” he said.

“There’s many students who come here every lunch period and

after school to hang out and play music together. To be able to offer programming where we get to play songs they enjoy is super awesome.”

Voss, who is in Grade 12, says she plans to go into sciences when she graduates, but have a minor in jazz to follow her love of playing the bass.

“I think it would be fun,” she said.

The arrival of a grand piano put Grade 11 music student Macie Jacovson over the moon.

“It means so much to me because part of the reason I had to switch schools from Holy Rosary was for the band program, and I was a little bit upset because Holy Rosary had a little bit of a better piano than the Comp did,’” she said while preparing to play a song on the keyboard.

“But now that we have this grand piano, I find myself in here so many more hours a day and I’m always constantly playing the piano.”

Jacovson says she’s been playing for about eight years and writes her own music and competes in the Kiwanis music festival.

The teen also says it’s even better knowing the piano is a Yamaha.

“It’s my dream piano. I hope to buy one for myself when I’m older,” she said.

INSTRUMENTS FROM PAGE 6

Geoff Lee Meridian Source Boston Pizza staff and owner, Marina Stephenson, held a fundraiser on Sept. 13 with the sale of pizzas and butter tarts to push the total money Lloydminster Kids’ cancer fighter Jarrod Russell raised during this year’s Great Cycle Challenge to more than $28,454.

Thursday, September 28, 2023

MERIDIAN SOURCE

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

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Border Banter with Benoit-Leipert: The back-to-school bug bites

ache, no appetite.

2017

Ugh … that back to school flu.

Somehow I actually convinced myself I had beat it this year. Man, was I wrong.

My daughter came home from a volleyball tournament mid-way through the month and was visibly ill. Fever, chills, head -

I took care of her, like a mother must, but I was more mindful than usual. I’d wash my hands after bringing her soup or Advil. No hugs, as much as I wanted to.

I’ve got responsibilities, and my job involves me being out and about and around a whole lot of people–who also don’t want to get sick! She stayed home

from school for a couple of days, to her dismay. Grade 10 is serious business and I know she hates getting behind, as we all do.

I went to work last Tuesday and had a productive day. On my way home I remember thinking ‘man, I’m feeling good. Maybe I was careful enough to avoid the flu this time.’

Wednesday morning I realized I was so very, very wrong. I had simi -

lar symptoms, but it hits an almost 40-year-old a heck of a lot harder than a 15-year-old.

It was the type of sickness where the fever makes your eyeballs feel warm and the more you move the more you hurt. I didn’t feel human again until Sunday.

That’s the last time I ever think to myself ‘I’ve beaten this bug.’ In the end, the bug beat me.

Pool reopens after maintenance

Swimmers are making a splash again with the Bioclean Aquatic Centre reopen since Monday. The facility closed in late August to undergo annual routine maintenance.

This year’s maintenance program included items such as diving block replacement, slide refinishing, tile repairs and extensive cleaning.

Pool memberships have automatically resumed on Sept. 25

after being paused for the closure. Follow the @BiocleanAquaticCentre on Facebook to stay up-todate with programming and events.

The aquatic centre is open seven days a week,

including most holidays with revised hours.

- Saturday-Sunday: 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. - Monday-Friday: 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. - Holidays: 12-5 p.m., closed Dec. 25, 26 and Dec. 31.

Remember that time when Amazon sponsored your church fundraiser?

Remember when Facebook bought a case of Girl Guide cookies to support your daughter?

Remember when Google provided free pizza to your child’s soccer team when they won the championship?

Neither do we! Local

Leeway from Lloyd: New math still doesn’t add up

explained it all.

I recently watched a YouTube video about a three-year-old girl who is a math genius. It got me wondering if I could be an undiscovered genius myself after bumping my head a couple of years ago!

However, I nearly “dunced out” on YouTube IQ test. I aced all the verbal problems, but my eyes and mind glazed over on anything to do with math or spatial reasoning. Where was that genius math toddler when I needed her to whisper answers in my ears?

I couldn’t figure out what was behind number sequencing or spatial reasoning until I went to another YouTube program that

Next time I retest myself, I expect to be able to split atoms in my sleep. I scored way higher on general knowledge tests except for names of singers or actors I never follow.

When it comes to math, I blame the system. I grew up learning arithmetic until Grade 10 came along with these things called new math, which was incomprehensible to me. I flunked it once.

So naturally, I always thought I sucked at math, but I needed it to pass economics in university which I did, after a lot of homework.

I thought I wouldn’t need math again, but when I took a ski resort and management course in Nelson, B.C. I discovered to my horror there were a ton

of calculations and formulas in that business. I would nearly fail spot quizzes, but then go home and figure it out and ace every exam. Math was on a needto-know basis. I have gone on to split more hairs than atoms when it comes to math. It all stems back to school.

We covered so much in a day in high school, forcing me to focus on writing down everything the teacher wrote on the chalkboard with no time to understand a damn thing.

When I got an F on YouTube, I knew I needed to bone up on the basics again.

I plan to buy an entry-level math book for Grade 3 learners and go from there. I know it’s not the same thing as a threeyear math genius, but I’m buying crayons, too!

STAFF WRITER GEOFF LEE

File Photo

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

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

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 for four/five-year-olds. They have also qualified for the Affordability Grant! For more information please call Mrs. P. at 780-872-9523.

North Bend Jam

The North Bend Musical Jam is the second Sunday of each

Passport to YLL

To place an event, email taylor@meridiansource.ca or fax 306-825-5147

month from 1-4:30 p.m. It will feature musicians and dancers; all music lovers welcome. Jams will be held on Oct. 8, Nov. 12 and Dec. 10. The Hall is wheelchair acccessible; everyone welcome!

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 780-8711750.

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 780-808-6374, 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 780875-7171, Rosemarie at 780-872-2266 or 306825-3177, Martin at 306-825-9848 or 306821-6666. More info out closer to the date.

MILLETON HALL ANNUAL SWEDISH SMORGASBORD

The Milleton Hall’s annual Swedish Smorg is being held on Oct. 15 from 4-7 p.m. The traditional Swedish feast features roast pork, meatballs, thin bread, pickled herring, allyou-can-eat sweets, and more. Adults, $20, children 6-12, $15, five and under are free. The hall is located 17 miles north of Maidstone on Hwy. 21.

JAMBOREE

There will be a jamboree on Oct. 15 at 1 p.m. in the Islay Community Hall. Admission is $15/person, participants free. Everyone welcome. Lunch served. For more info, call Dixie at 780-744-2204.

Lashburn Crib

Tourney

The Lashburn Senior Centre, located on Main Street beside the post office, is hosting a crib tournament on Monday, Oct. 16. Teams and singles both welcome. Doors open at noon; tournament starts at 12:30 p.m. Cost to play is $10 –Snacks/beverages available for $5. For more information, please call 306-8212457. Everyone welcome! Parking is available behind building.

Diabetes Education Class

The Saskatchewan Health Authority is hosting “An Introduction to the Basics” dia -

betes education class on Oct. 16 from 1-4 p.m. in the Klinger Conference Room of the Prairie North Plaza, across the hall from Suite 115, 4910 50 St. To register, please call 306-820-4887. This class is free of charge.

COPD Class

The Saskatchewan Health Authority is hosting a COPD class on Oct. 26 from 12:301:30 p.m. in Suite 109 of the Prairie North Plaza. To register, please call 306-8206243. This class is free of charge.

Marwayne

Fall Supper

The Marwayne Fall Supper will be held at the Marwayne Community Hall on Oct. 29 from 5-7 p.m. Supper will include turkey, ham, and all the trimmings. Adults are $15, children 6-12 are $5. Cash and debit available; the bar will be open.

Lions’ Medieval Feast draws big crowd

Aaron Pooke for the Source

This year’s Lion’s Club Medieval Feast, held last Saturday at the Kitscoty Hall, was nothing short of a success with a great turnout of enthusiastic diners. The night included a magnificent feast, medieval tournament, fortune teller, photos, 50/50 draw and a silent auction.

Iskotêw Training empowers Indigenous youth

Representing only two per cent of emergency services personnel in Canada, Indigenous Peoples are highly under-represented in the field.

This shocking statis -

tic stuck out to Tinisha Young, who wanted to do something about it.

Originally from Cumberland House Cree Nation, Sask, Young explained her parents were always helping people from reserves get started in urban centres

when she was growing up, which inspired her to do the same.

With a background in business, Young ended up connecting with Lloydminster fire fighter and mental health advocate, Maverick Hann, and the

Iskotêw Training Program was born.

Established in 2022, the Iskotêw (which means fire in Cree) Training Program is a multi-day mobile fire training exposure camp geared towards getting Indigenous youth into the field.

“We talk about bunker gear and other equipment fire fight -

ers use on the job, but another piece we add is mental wellness,” said Young.

“Maverick struggles with PTSD, and we talk a little bit about that. We also talk about that job itself. Most people don’t know fire fighters work two shifts a week for 24 hours, make $130K a year, and get to flick the sirens … that’s

the fun stuff, most people don’t talk about the action pieces of being a fire fighter. That’s what we aim to showcase; this is what it’s like.”

Once they’re done training, Young explained she and Hann encourage students to attend post-secondary education to become a fire fighter.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 15

TAYLOR WEAVER EDITOR

Maverick Hann and Tinisha Young. Supplied Photo

Supplied Photo

Fire-smarts a major part of culture

are actually naturals.

“Fire fighting isn’t even my field of work, but what really captivated me about fire fighting and Indigenous Peoples is our history with fire,” she said.

“Since running these programs, I’ve come to learn Indigenous Peoples were fire-smart communities.

Heart of Treaty 6, Iskotêw Training Program is 51 per cent Indigenous and femaleowned. Each training ends with a smudge and an elder, and all participants receive go-bags which include hygiene products and laundry supplies and a hoodie from KoLab Print Co.

“We officially started running courses in May of this year and already have 33 Iskotêw graduates,” she said.

“We also have another program running Oct. 11-12, but this time we’ll be adding a medical aspect to it and basing it on paramedics; we’re still under-represented

in that industry, too.”

Being a mobile training program, Young explained Iskotêw is thankful to Lakeland College’s Emergency Training School in Vermilion for allowing them to use their facilities for off-reserve courses.

Young also explained Iskotêw is working on a

scholarship partnership with Lakeland College to help aget an Indigenous learning in the Emergency Services program.

For Young, empowering her own people has always been something she holds close to her heart, and when it comes to fire fighting, she learned Indigenous Peoples

“We knew how to control fire and we knew how to read smoke. We knew what black smoke meant, grey smoke, white smoke, but the other thing we could do, and people kind of laugh at it, is we could read smoke signals and we could communicate through smoke signals. We were really smart people.”

Located in the

For more information on Iskotêw training, please visit www.iskotewtraining.ca

Supplied Photo

Residents honoured with gift

JEANNETTE BENOIT-LEIPERT STAFF WRITER

A beautiful gift was received by those who donated their time and talents to help with the Faces of Lloydminster project.

Residents in Recovery was presented with artwork, fittingly named ‘The Gift,’ following a pancake brunch held to celebrate Recovery Day.

“That was a gift from Graham Flatt, he was the artist on that piece

… just to recognize all of the work that Residents in Recovery did on the project,” said Tyler Lorenz, executive director at Residents in Recovery.

“Many of our residents participated in the project over the past six months, making all of the faces that ended up being painted and submitted throughout the community.”

He said the face was made specifically for the event so those in

recovery could be recognized for their part in constructing the aces of Lloydminster.

“We gave those that were in recovery an opportunity to write a little blurb about why they’re in recovery, and that piece will eventually be placed here at the Residents in Recovery main office downtown for people to see.”

Mayor Gerald Aalbers was also in attendance at the event as well, bringing greetings from

City Council.

“Tyler, thank you so much for what you do in the community. Thank you to all those at Residents in Recovery, for those that work each and every day. We’re so glad Residents in Recovery is here and able to work and walk with you,” said Aalbers.

“I give you all hats off and commend you for continuing to walk that journey as you recover … you guys do some great work.”

Artist Graham Flatt wrote an explanation of his work of art, which was read at the presentation.

“The title ‘The Gift’ is an homage to the late Ian Tyson and his song of the same name. It is a ballad about the late cowboy artist C.M. Russell and his lasting legacy in the world of Western art. I’ve tried to represent that gift visually with the two larger figures next to the nose,” he wrote.

“The ‘gift’ continues as a series of vibrant, passionate images that serve to represent the early Indigenous Peoples, and is remembered and perhaps relived within the paintings that adorn this

sculpture. And finally, ‘The Gift’ becomes a gift. A donation to the Residents in Recovery program as a way of saying thank you for their involvement in making this project a reality.”

Jeannette Benoit-Leipert Meridian Source

One of the Faces of Lloydminster was recently presented to Residents in Recovery following a pancake breakfast. The presentation was made by artist, Graham Flatt, and was followed by a downtown mural tour, hosted by Arts Without Borders.

Casino stopover triggers jackpot

Jeffery Stepaniuk was in the right place at the right time to become an overnight millionaire.

The 44-yearold Regina resident stopped at the Gold Horse Casino for a break while passing through Lloydminster on Sept. 17 and won himself $1,490,640.58 in the Smoke Signals jackpot.

He picked up the cheque during a media event on Sept. 21 and spoke first about his state of mind.

“I’m so in shock, I really can’t believe it. It’s been a few days, but it still hasn’t sunk in,” said Stepaniuk, who recalled his life-changing play.

“It was just before midnight and I was just

kind of thinking about leaving for the night,” he said.

“It came up on the screen, the number, and I just assumed it was the small jackpot. I just turned to someone behind me and said. ‘I won a million dollars!’ I just couldn’t believe it.”

He figures he was down $500 at the time and had probably sunk $1,000 into the machine before it paid off.

“It’s a good thing I kept on playing,” said Stepaniuk, who has played the slots before at Gold Horse, but never lucked out with a big payout until his recent visit.

Trevor Marion, regional general manager with the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority (SIGA), says Stepaniuk’s win is one

of the largest payouts in Lloydminster.

“This is actually the fourth one at Gold Horse Casino, four in four years. It’s a record for us so far,” he said.

“We’ve given out $61,788,000 in Smoke Signals wins in the top tier progressive.”

He declared Stepaniuk as the latest millionaire in Saskatchewan because of Smoke Signals.

Stepaniuk said he had to get his cheque deposited in his bank account before it would finally sink in, but did have a couple of spending plans in mind.

“I will do a bunch of investments and some travel. Those are the main things. I still haven’t figured out the rest,” he said.

Geoff Lee Meridian Source Regina resident Jeffery Stepaniuk, centre, was presented with this huge payout cheque at the Gold Horse Casino last Thursday after he triggered the Smoke Signals top-tier progressive jackpot on Sept. 17. Presenting the cheque is left, Justina Sather, general manager of the casino and Trevor Marion, right, the regional general manager of SIGA.

GEOFF LEE STAFF WRITER

Walk of Remembrance honours those lost to suicide

Attendees of the Border City’s 13th Annual Walk of Remembrance felt a sense of strength in numbers as they gathered at Bud Miller All Seasons Park as to honour the memory of those lost to suicide.

Held on Sept. 9, the annual walk aligns with

World Suicide Prevention Day, which is mark on Sept. 10 each year.

Neil Harris, a member of the Walk of Remembrance planning committee and longtime walker, explained it felt great to mark 13 years of walking for such an important cause.

“We have two goals of

the day,” he said. “One is an event in recognition of World Suicide Prevention Day, which is Sept. 10 every year across the world. The other is giving people in our area an opportunity to come together and find some strength and support. They’ve all in some way been connected to some -

one who’s lost someone to suicide, and it gives them a chance to remember their loved ones while gaining support from others who are going through a similar journey.”

During his opening remarks following a prayer from Lloydminster Native Friendship Centre Elder,

Shirley Gervais, Harris explained the walk’s origins started in the dorm at Lakeland College roughly 13 years ago when a student living there took her own life.

“Her family started the Walk of Remembrance in remembrance of her,” he said.

“There’s connections to the Lloydminster Native Friendship Centre, so the first walk started from there. The next year, Shirley Scott and her team from the Walking Through Grief Society started connecting to them …. the walk continued to grow and expand from there.”

Local dignitaries, including Lloydmisnter MLA Colleen Young and Vermilion-Lloydminster-Wainwright MLA Garth Rowswell were in attendance and shared personal greetings with walkers.

“This walk helps keep

Stepaniuk noted he was in the army for 13 years and did tours in Bosnia and Afghanistan. He didn’t speak about his family situation or his current job, being a cautious instant millionaire.

He suspects those proverbial long-lost relatives will be coming out of the woodwork.

“That will be in the next few days I assume when everyone sees this,” he said with a laugh.

Marion had something to say about that too as a timely joke.

“I know in our culture when you win something like that, your cousins come out of the woodwork, your relatives, so I want him to make sure he’s prepared for that —

this very important issue of mental health and suicide at the forefront of our discussions on how we need to continue finding ways to support those who may be having suicidal thoughts,”said Young.

“This walk honours the memories of those lost to suicide,” added Rowswell. “Remembering lost loved ones is important, and this event provides the opportunity to do that, collectively.”

me and him might be related,” he said.

Marion also shared his insider secret of how anyone can win the top-tier jackpot.

“You have to be here to win. You can’t win from home. Come in and try your luck at one of the casinos,” he explained.

Once somebody wins the Smoke Signals jackpot at any of SIGA’s seven casinos, it’s reset to $1 million.

“Together, it grows the pot a lot quicker. Any spin can win. She can go tomorrow,” said Marion, with the reset jackpot at $1,011,000 following the cheque presentation.

Marion believes the last jackpot winner played the game at the Living Sky Casino in Swift Current in April.

JACKPOT! FROM PAGE 17

TAYLOR WEAVER EDITOR

Neil Harris.

Great turnout annual H.O.G. toy run

It was a fantastic day for a ride as the Bordertown H.O.G. (Harley Owners Group)

Chapter hosted its 12th annual toy run.

Held Sept. 9, the annual run saw riders enjoy a pancake breakfast at Denham Chrysler before kickstands went up at 11:30 a.m.

The goal of the ride is to raise money and toys to support local kids, as well as support the Ronald McDonald House Charity (RMHC) in Edmonton.

This year’s goal was to raise $70K with funds supporting the RMHC, Big Brothers Big Sisters, The Lloydminster Community Youth Centre, KidSport Lloydminster, Lloydminster Sexual Assault

Services, as well as several other worthy charities.

Jacqueline Weed, director of service delivery with Big Brothers Big Sisters Lloydminster, was thrilled with the annual support from the toy run as she knows just how far those dollars go.

Weed explained all funds will be used to support local mentoring programs “for creating life-changing nurturing relationships,” as well as supporting them along the journey.

“We always need mentors, and specifically right now, we’re looking for 20 mentors for our in-school mentor program,” said Weed. “We also have roughly 15-20 kids on

the waitlist for a big brother or big sister.

“September is Big Brother Big Sister month, so we’re hoping lots of people stop in and learn more about the agency.”

KidSport Lloydminster’s Alysha Nielson was helping prepare breakfast for the 100plus hungry riders and echoed Weed in her appreciation for the event.

“We’re so happy to be here again,” said Nielson. “We like supporting this awesome initiative for our community and it puts some kids through sports as a result.”

The Lloyd H.O.G.s were recently in Edmonton to drop off a $1,000 cash donation and a river of toys for the RMHC.

TAYLOR WEAVER EDITOR

Taylor Weaver Photo

Torso murder play a Halloween treat

The play is set up by two reporters named Kieth and Iris played by Matt Newman and Steph Frelone who engage in a heated debate about Evelyn Dick’s guilt and present evidence to challenge each other convictions.

“There’s dialogue, but intermixed in that is a bunch of little scenes in flashback,” said Krahn.

“We get all the scenes that lead up to the murder and the trial itself and the investigation. They’re weaved in beautifully so that it is an active moving play.”

With that, she said the audience can expect to be a little confused.

“There’s a lot going on. It’s not a who dunnit it and you’re going to figure it all out in the end,” she said.

Woytowich is a receptionist at a medical office in Marwayne who says it’s fun to be in this play.

“I did a play with this group last spring, so I am working again with the same people. It’s a great group of people to be playing with,” she said.

The play is presented in conjunction with the local Arts Without Borders festival.

are enjoying the rehearsal process.

“As we are doing the re-enactments ‘Iris’ and myself take on different roles,” said Newman who has been in a ton of other plays before including Clue performed at the Legacy Centre in May.

Newman works full-time instructing heavy-duty mechanics at Lakeland College and loves everything about acting.

“I love the community, I love the rehearsal process, I love getting to know the other actors and then playing someone different,” he said.

The plot thickens.

There’s probably no better way to describe what will unfold when Lloydminster Little Theatre presents the play, “How Could You Mrs. Dick?” based on a true-life Canadian crime dubbed the Torso Murder.

“It’s a little macabre. It’s a little dark because we start out with a torso in the middle of the stage,” said director Cornelius Krahn.

That’s in keeping with the identification of a headless, limbless corpse found on the side of a hill in Hamilton, Ont. in 1946 as John Dick that lead to the arrest of his estranged wife Evelyn.

Dick was convicted of murder and sentenced to hang, but the verdict was successfully appealed and she was acquitted in a second trial. In a subsequent trial in 1947, she was convicted of manslaughter in the death of her baby son and was jailed for 11 years and paroled in 1958.

Dick is played by Dana Woytowich who goes deep into character during three rehearsals a week at the Legacy Centre.

“She’s very manipulative and plays differently with different people, so it’s fun. You get to experience that for sure,” said Woytowich.

Dick was paroled in 1958 and given a new identity following a pardon in 1985.

“It’s surprising that she did get off from one murder and almost got away with two,” said Woytowich.

As actors Newman and Frelone debate Dick’s innocence or guilt, the trial gets re-enacted in front of them on the stage and on a ground floor platform.

“There will be times when the audience will be in spitting distance of the actors. It just makes it a little more real,” said Krahn.

“It’s going to be a beautiful and touching production.”

The play will be presented on Oct. 27 and 28 at 7 p.m. and on Oct. 29 at 1 p.m. with a $30 admission at the door.

Meanwhile, Newman and Frelone

It’s the same story for Frelone who calls herself a stay-at-home mom who loves acting before a live audience as “How Could You Mrs. Dick?” will be.

“I love it; there’s nothing quite like it,” she said.

“I started theatre in Lloyd in 2009 and I think this is the eleventh production I’ve been part of.”

Frelone easily connected with her Iris reporter character who argues Dick is innocent.

“She has a lot of spunk and she’s ahead of her time in the decade the play takes place in,” she said.

Geoff Lee Meridian Source Actors Dana Woytowich and Matt Newman rehearsed their lines at the Legacy Centre on Sunday for an upcoming performance of the Lloydminster Little Theatre play “How Could You Mrs. Dick?” based on a true-life murder crime in Canada.

GEOFF LEE STAFF WRITER

HRHS hosts ASAA golf provincials

For HRHS’ Keenan Chappell, whose favourite part of golf is either his drive or chipping, provincials can bring some nerves, but he explained the key is to just shake off bad shots.

“After a bad shot, just wipe it off and go back out there and do the best you can,” he said, explaining he also played during last year’s provincials in Diamond Valley and High River.

“I like to shoot the mid-80s, to get in the top 50 is my goal. I didn’t do as well as I wanted to last year, so this year, the plan is to not let the stress of provincials get to me and play the best I can.”

lot,” he said.

“One thing I’ll have on the (competition) is I’ll know the shortcuts and where to hit your drives … and ever the greens, (I know) how they break, all that stuff.”

HRHS golfers may have also had a leg up on the competition after utilizing the school’s newly-installed golf simulator.

It was an actionpacked two days at the Lloydminster Golf and Curling Centre (LGCC) and Rolling Green Fairways as Holy Rosary High School (HRHS) hosted Alberta Schools’ Athletic Association (ASAA) golf provincials.

Roughly 220 golfers from across Alberta came to play the twoday championship, held Sept. 25-26, with the girls starting at the LGCC on Monday and the boys starting at Rolling Green. Day two of competition saw the girls at Rolling Green and the boys at the LGCC. The championship included roughly 130 male and 85 female golfers.

The championship featured team play as well as individual, with Holy Rosary sending a team of four boys and three girls.

“After the two-day total we find our top three for individuals; we also score the highest team totals as well for a team award,” explained HRHS career councillor and golf team head coach, Jason Almond.

“We’re really excited to host provincials as it’s a good way to showcase our local athletes and local facilities,” added HRHS principal Jeremy Blais.

“We’re proud of the courses we have here, and it’s nice to have people from all over Alberta coming to Lloydminster and seeing

what we have to offer.”

An avid golfer himself, Blais explained it was a pleasure being a part of the day.

“This is also a great way for our golfers to end their season after all the work they put in,” he said.

A home-course advantage was definitely on the minds of many HRHS golfers, especially Chappell.

“I would say the LGCC course is my favourite course. I work there and play there a

“Over the summer, as part of the construction of many different areas of HRHS, a golf simulator and a pitching simulator, were part of new pieces of equipment that came in; we’re fortunate our division was able to provide this for us,” explained Almond.

“Not only will it assist with our golf program in the future, but it’ll open up opportunities for people who don’t golf much and want to improve on their game.”

Taylor Weaver Meridian Source

The Lloydminster Golf and Curling Centre and Rolling Green Fairways were packed with high school student-athletes as Holy Rosary High School hosted the ASAA Provincial Golf Championship. Pictured above is a lady’s group teeing off at Rolling Green Fairways during day two of competition.

TAYLOR WEAVER EDITOR

Taylor Weaver Meridian Source

The field of roughly 130 male golfers gets set to tee off at the Lloydminster Golf and Curling Centre on Tuesday morning after playing their first round of championship play at Rolling Green Fairways.

Winning weekend for Rustlers soccer

Farmland complexities in real estate

often feels they should have the opportunity to buy the land before it goes into the open market as naturally, they are scared a part of their land base may be lost to a neighbour with deeper pockets.

independent advice from an appraiser or broker.

Too often, I have seen vulnerable or uninformed owners taken advantage of.

that much money, at least you should do it with your eyes wide open, and not in the dark.

Our team has consulted on well over 300,000 acres of farmland in the last six years.

Although we take a good percentage to market for the owners, a major part of our practice is helping families with valuation

for estate planning or private brokerage.

By the time we see the land, it is usually being farmed by a tenant, often with the same party having been in place for a decade or more.

Some tenants have negotiated a Right of First Refusal (ROFR) clause into the leases, but again many have not.

Even so, the tenant

The landowner may or may not be on board with giving ROFR, depending on their historic relationship with the tenant.

We are often told stories about tenants taking advantage of their parents or nonfarming beneficiaries themselves, being slow in providing rental payments, abusing the land, or sub-renting it without discussion with the owner.

Many are threatened when an owner seeks

In one case this spring, a large farmer easily underpaid an aged owner at least $150,000 when purchasing a block of land in a hurry upon hearing the owner was going to get a professional valuation.

The lady told me afterwards she had never seen that much money in her life and didn’t question the integrity of the buyer when he made the snap offer.

From my perspective, if you are going to gift a relative stranger

This past week, I was asked to broker a dozen quarters for four different owners, with five different tenants.

Each of these owners has chosen to add us to their advisory team to guide them through the decision-making process.

It is a multi-step plan, working collaboratively with accountants and lawyers, protecting the legal rights of all involved, but also ensuring all stakeholders understand the value of the land in question.

And, when needed, to take it to the open

market by progressive tender or MLS, where the owner and the tenant can see what others think. Sometimes, the sale price is higher than the estimated value, but there are occasions when a property does not generate the expected interest, too. All sales come down to willing buyers and willing sellers. The rest is just speculation. An opinion. We all have one.

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

MIDWEST MINUTE VERN McCLELLAND

File Photo

Sask minimum wage to increase Oct. 1

On Oct. 1, the minimum wage in Saskatchewan will increase to

$14 an hour. The Government of Saskatchewan announced in May 2022 that the minimum

wage in the province would be incrementally increased over the coming two years.

In 2007, the minimum wage in the province was $7.95. By 2024, this rate will have increased by nearly 89 per cent.

“Saskatchewan has a

strong, growing economy and increasing the minimum wage is just one of many mechanisms used to take care of Saskatchewan workers and create more prosperity for everyone,” said Labour Relations and Workplace Safety Minister Don

McMorris.

“Other supports to assist minimum wage earners include the basic personal tax exemption, child tax credit and the Saskatchewan LowIncome Tax Credit.”

Saskatchewan’s personal taxes are among the lowest in the coun -

try. Since 2007, the provincial personal income tax exemptions have removed more than 112,000 people from the province’s income tax roll. This has resulted in over $760 million in annual income tax savings for Saskatchewan people.

Sask sets eyes on mining/agri-food in Mexico

Sask Ag Minister, David Marit, is leading a trade and invest -

In anticipation of the opening of the Lloydminster Social Action Coalition Society’s Community Support Centre we are currently accepting resumes for the position of

Direct Service Worker

This position includes meal prep/service, housekeeping and supervision. Shiftwork is required. Starting wage is $22/hr and a shift differential of $2/hr is paid for overnight shifts.

Email resumes to hfalloydminster@gmail.com or drop off at the Men’s Shelter.

ment mission to Mexico to further international relationships, investment attraction and opportunities in the

agriculture and mining sectors.

“It’s important for us to get out and tell our sustainability story across the globe, especially in key jurisdictions like Mexico, our fourth-largest trading partner,” Marit said.

“As we work to keep Saskatchewan’s economy strong, it’s important to prioritize important markets and the relationships we have with them.”

Members of Saskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership (STEP) will be joining the delegation to attend the Food Tech Summit and Expo

in Mexico City. The Food Tech Summit is a gathering of over 20,000 buyers, investors, and experts in the agri-foods industry. STEP and the rest of the delegation will be hosting a booth and attending various events to position Saskatchewan as the destination of choice for agri-foods innovation and investment.

The delegation also plans to meet with several agri-food companies outside of the summit.

The group departed on Sept. 25 and will return tomorrow.

IS HIRING!

WE ARE LOOKING TO ADD TO OUR TEAM OF PROFESSIONALS IN LLOYDMINSTER, AB WE ARE LOOKING FOR

CLASS 1 & 5 CITY P&D DRIVERS

We offer:

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Please respond to this ad with a copy of your resume and abstract, fax them to Mike Brousseau at 780-808-5350 or email mike.brousseau@rosenau.ca. For more information call Mike at 780-808-5219. You can also drop them off in person, we are located at County Energy Park PO Box 10515 Rpo 10, Lloydminster, AB T9V 3A6

Due to high volume of responses only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

You can learn more about us at rosenau.ca

MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

MERIDIAN SOURCE 306-825-5111

admin@meridansource.ca

Classifieds

COMING EVENTS NOTICE

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Advertisements and statements contained herein are the sole responsibility of the persons or entities that post the advertisement, and the Saskatchewan Weekly Newspaper Association and membership do not make any warranty as to the accuracy, completeness, truthfulness, or reliability of such advertisements. For greater information on advertising conditions, please consult the Association’s Blanket Advertising Conditions on our website at www. swna.com.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

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

ANNOUNCEMENTS SERVICES

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.

PROVINCE-WIDE CLASSIFIEDS. 49 local community newspapers, distributing to over 450 communities, including 14 cities. Reach over 550,000 readers weekly. Call 306- 649.1405 or visit www.swna.com for details.

Find QUALIFIED, LOCAL EMPLOYEES, using the strength of community newspapers! Visit www. swna.com or call 306649-1405 to find out how!

HOUSE TO BE MOVED:

Updated bungalow in Lougheed AB. Must be moved by 2025. Includes triple car garage. Ritchie Bros Auction Oct 25-27. https://rb.gy/7u7au.

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE

HOUSE TO BE MOVED: Updated bungalow in Lougheed AB. Must be moved by 2025. Includes triple car garage. Ritchie Bros Auction Oct 25-27. https://rb.gy/7u7au.

www. brydenconstruction andtransport.ca

RANCH HAND NEEDED FULL TIME all aspects of ranch work including: feeding, calving, checking cattle, water, fences & grass moving cattle when needed includes up keep of corals, buildings and yard housing supplied including power, heating & water paid by contract send resume with references to walkersu7texaslong horns@gmail com or call 403-528-0200. no text messages please

FINANCIAL SERVICES

Private mortgage lender. All real estate types considered. No credit checks done. Deal direct with lender and get quick approval. Toll free 1-866405-1228 www.firstandsecondmortgages.ca

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.

WANTED

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

“ON FARM PICKUP”

WESTCAN FEED & GRAIN

1-877-250-5252

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.

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.

REAL ESTATE

Just Listed at $5,350,000. RM of Marriott #317 (near Bents), 1,735 Acres - 11 Quarters (all in one block). Gerald Muller, C&C Realty, 306-570-7743, https:// skfarmland.ca

FEED AND SEED FOR SALE

Alberta, passed away on September 14, 2023 in Lloydminster, surrounded by family. The Mass of Christian Burial

will be conducted from St. Anthony’s Roman Catholic Church, Lloydminster, Alberta on Monday, October 2, 2023 at 2:00 PM with Father Arun officiating. A Celebration of Life at St. Anthony’s Parish Hall to follow. If you are unable to attend in person, you may view the live streaming of the service posted on McCaw Funeral Service website under Brenda Lee’s obituary at the time of service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Olive Tree Community Centre, CKUA Radio or the donor’s charity of choice.

Special thanks to family and friends for your support.