Meridian Source - April 30, 2020

Thursday, April 30, 2020

VOLUME 2 I ISSUE 44

MERIDIANSOURCE.CA

CHEERS TO another 50 years!

Sunday was a day for family and community as Doug and Jeanette Freeman celebrated 50 years of marriage. A big party was in the works, but due to COVID-19, a street celebration, including members of the Lloydminster RCMP and Skyline Refrigeration (a business started by Doug 44 years ago), was more fitting to accommodate social distancing.

Videre Images by Jason Whiting

Sask. COVID-19 update, cluster identified in Lloyd TAYLOR WEAVER

EDITOR

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As of April 29, Saskatchewan has 17 new confirmed cases of COVID-19, bringing the provincial total to 383.

Eleven of the new cases are from the far north (La Loche), five from the north region (four in Lloydminster) and one from the Saskatoon area.

Eighty-six of the cases are considered active. Recoveries remain at 291.

Currently, there are 10

people in hospital – seven are receiving inpatient care (four in Lloydminster and three in Saskatoon), while three are in intensive care (Saskatoon).

Of the 383 cases in the province: - 137 cases are travellers; - 154 are community contacts (mass gatherings included); - 35 have no known exposures; and - 57 are under investigation by local public health.

Overall in Saskatchewan - 38 of the cases are health care workers; however, the source of the infections may not be related to health care in all instances.

- 151 of the cases are from the Saskatoon area, 75 from the Regina area, 74 from the north, 57 from the far north, 15 from the south, and 11 from the central region.

- 34 cases involve people 19 years of age and under, while the remainder are adults.

- 140 cases are in the 20-39 age range; 129 are in the 40-59 age range; 69 are in the 60-79 age range; and 11 are in the 80-plus range.

- 50 per cent of the cases are males and 50 per cent are females.

- Six deaths related to COVID-19 have been reported to date.

To date, 29,106 COVID-19 tests have been performed in the province.

As of April 27, when other provincial and national num-

bers were available from the Public Health Agency of Canada, Saskatchewan’s per capita rate was 22,917 people tested per million population, which exceeds the national rate of 19,709 people tested per million population.

Cluster Identified in Lloydminster The new COVID-19 cases in Lloydminster have been linked to a cluster based in Lloydminster Hospital.

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THE CORONAVIRUS CRISIS

Phase 1 no longer feasible for Border City TAYLOR WEAVER

EDITOR

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Prior to yesterday afternoon’s announcement from the Government of Saskatchewan regarding local cases of COVID-19, things seemed to be on the up-and-up for the Border City.

Last Thursday, Premier Scott Moe and Saskatchewan’s Chief Medical Health Officer, Dr. Saqib Shahab, announced the province’s five-phase reopen plan.

Re-Open Saskatchewan is a plan built on a systematic and phased approach to slowly lift restrictions so more businesses can open and more e mp loye e s can go back to work.

The plan introduces five phases to methodically, gradually and cautiously re-open businesses and services across Saskatchewan, beginning May 4.

With Wednesday’s announcement of a COVID-19 cluster identified at the Lloydminster Hospital, the Border City and La Loche

will not be following the rest of the province in easing restrictions on May 4.

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All businesses and public venues will be required to continue following physical distancing, cleaning and disinfection practices to protect both employees and customers.

“Over the next several weeks, restrictions will be gradually lifted by adding more types of businesses to the allowable businesses list, meaning that they can re-open if they so choose,” Moe said.

“All businesses and public venues will be required to continue following physical distancing, cleaning and disinfection practices to protect both employees and customers. Mem-

bers of the public will be expected to follow physical distancing rules and to stay home if they are experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms.”

The plan also details physical distancing measures and restrictions that will remain in place throughout the five phases and provides a number of factors to inform decisions regarding the lifting of long-term restrictions.

Last Friday, Lloydminster Mayor Gerald Aalbers confirmed all phases outlined by the Saskatchewan government will apply to both the Alberta and Saskatchewan sides of the Border City.

Under Phase 1, effective of May 4 (excluding Lloydminster), previously restricted medical services such as dentistry, optometry and chiropractic services will be allowed, permitting their governing body is based in Saskatchewan.

All businesses in Lloydminster gov200456G0 200516G0

erned by Alberta will remain closed until the Province of Alberta announces otherwise.

Under Phase 1, as of May 15, golf courses, including the Lloydminster Golf and Curling Centre, will be able to re-open, conditions permitting. As of June 1, campgrounds, including Weaver Park Campground, will be able to re-open, conditions permitting.

Under Phase 2, as of May 19, retail services including clothing stores, sporting goods and ATV dealers will be permitted to re-open.

With the re-opening of retail services also comes the return of select personal-care services, including hairdressers/barbers, massage therapists and acupuncturists.

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Thursday, April 30, 2020

THE CORONAVIRUS CRISIS

City looks at future with rapidly-changing news FROM PAGE 3

Regarding the reopening of businesses in the Border City, Aalbers noted he believes

there will be a transition period as people get back to their quasinormal lives.

“I’m sure there will

be businesses that need to ensure the safety of the owners, staff, and patrons, so they will have to ensure social distancing is maintained. Do they have all of the proper PPE? Do they have their safety protocols in place?” said Aalbers last Friday.

“I think it’s great they’ve been given notice (to re-open). I don’t know how much time some businesses will require to do that, but at the end of the day, I think it’s going to be up to individual businesses whether they can provide safe service, in their opinion, to their customers and staff.

“I think it’s very important people realize (COVID-19) is not something we were expecting. We just need to see if we can navigate our way out the back side, come through, and start to find a new sense of normal and return to some level of normalcy in our lives, be it business, at our homes, for our students in our schools, in due time.”

Aalbers also wanted to voice his appreciation to the many Border City and area residents who have been doing their part to flatten the curve and actively practising social distancing.

“I want to say, first of all, thank you, for ensuring people have been practising (social distancing). It’s important people continue

to do that. That’s the other piece of this puzzle. It’s not going to end on May 4 or May 19; it’s going to end when it finally ends,” he said.

“I think social distancing is something we’re going to have here for the foreseeable future.

We need to continue to be vigilant in ensuring our hand washing, and as I’ve said before, and I’ll say it again, I think it’s very important that we maintain groups of less than 10 (people).

“If you start to enlarge your social circle it will result in the potential to have COVID-19 affect people. I always go back to the loved ones, your friends, family, those who have medical challenges that will make them more susceptible to COVID-19; those are the people we really need to protect and do our part to protect them.”

When it comes to the City enforcing these new guidelines, Aalbers explained that responsibility has been placed in the province’s hands and all enforcement will come from the provincial level.

Last Friday, the Saskatchewan RCMP stated from April 17 to April 23 they received 78 calls for COVID19-related service across the province.

They received 43 complaints of social gatherings of over 10 people,

eight complaints of people failing to self-isolate when allegedly required to do so, and 27 other COVID-19- related complaints. One charge was laid, and RCMP members are reminding the public that despite the nice weather, we must all continue to do our part.

“We got a long row to hoe here, and I think people need to realize it is difficult because we are social creatures, we do like to gather,” said Mayor Aalbers.

“My personal calendar has gone from being covered to being completely bare. It’s challenging and a new way of life.

“I think everyone that was involved in recreation, culture, even just gathering, it’s very difficult and hard to understand. I know children must be having a tough time with it, and I hope family members are taking the time to explain that this is something we need to beat, and that takes everybody’s co-operation.”

As health officials have stated, Canadians must ease back into their regular routines through this phased reopen to avoid taking one step forward and two steps back, something Aalbers said must be mirrored in the Border City.

“There’s always that concern (of going overboard) because the first

phase doesn’t happen until May 4,” he said.

“If the numbers start to spike in Saskatchewan before May 4, this plan will change from both our perspective and the Province of Saskatchewan. (That plan) is all hinged on things we’re seeing today continuing on, so if things start to go sideways, this will come to an end and we’ll be back to a different position.”

Aalbers also echoed Alberta Premier Jason Kenney’s recent comments on the province’s economic bounce-back taking longer when compared to other parts of the country.

“I think we are going to find a new norm, and I don’t know what that new norm is,” he said.

“It will be determined by the consumers, the businesses as they come back and feel they can adequately provide goods to customers.

“We may see certain areas in the economy do better than others where people might be worried about social distancing depending on the goods or service they’re procuring, so it’s going to be very interesting as we move forward. I hope it’s a slow, steady, uphill climb rather than in leaps and bounds in one way or another.”

For further details on the Saskatchewan Re-open Plan, visit saskatchewan.ca/covid-19.

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LPSD bends the learning curve GEOFF LEE

WRITER

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One aspect of COVID19 that can’t be flattened is the online educational learning curve challenging the Lloydminster Public School Division (LPSD).

The task of delivering supplemental online learning to students and families is headed by Trisha Rawlake, superintendent of education at LPSD in charge of curriculum and learning.

“We’ve developed a full learning implementation plan for all of LPSD,” said Rawlake, with the formal rollout of online learning starting a week before Easter in Lloydminster schools.

“We had to bring in the Saskatchewan guidelines as well as provide some of our own for our staff.”

LPSD is using the available online teaching time guidelines of Alberta with five hours a week teaching and

learning for Kindergarten to Grade 6 classes.

For Grades 7-9, it’s 10 hours per week, with three hours per-week per-course for Grades 10-12.

“Engagement and connection is our primary focus. The academics would be second,” said Rawlake.

“What families are valuing the most is the relationship between the teacher and the student and the school division to the family.”

LPSD is using a variety of online platforms including Seesaw for lower elementary grades, whereby the teacher can upload documents and parents can add components as well.

There’s even a video element to Seesaw, and Rawlake thinks it’s a great way to share pieces of work as well.

Other online teaching tools are Flipgrid, Google Hangout and Google Classroom.

“We were using

Google Classroom even before moving to this strictly-online platform, especially in high school this year, so it was a real seamless change for a lot of teachers and students,” said Rawlake.

Rawlake says it has been a huge learning curve understanding and knowing that everybody’s in a different context from students, families to teachers and staff dealing with the pandemic.

“We have families that have lost jobs; we have families that are just trying to navigate putting food on the table, not to mention the learning aspect,” she said.

She says it’s the same with LPSD teachers who are at home, and in some cases, a single parent with two or three children, not only having to be the teacher for their children, but also having to be the teacher for their classroom.

Rawlake says for some people, the online

learning challenge hasn’t been difficult, but for others, it’s been a huge learning curve.

“We’ve given out 307 Chromebooks to our families, so there’s been a learning curve for our

parents,” she said.

Her team has also had to incorporate some professional development not only for teachers, but also to support families on how to use the online platforms.

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LPSD also handdelivers paper-based learning to some families once a week with safety procedures for sending and receiving information.

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Thursday, April 30, 2020

City cancels Canada Day celebration, other spring/summer events

File Photo MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

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The City of Lloydminster has cancelled its 2020 Canada Day celebration along with other large-scale events through the spring and summer.

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We have come so far in our collective battle against COVID-19, we must continue to protect each other until the battle is won.

With provinciallymandated limits on public gatherings still in effect, the City faces challenges in planning, funding and executing public events.

“Cancellation of these popular spring and summer events represents yet another d i l e mma o u r mu ni c ipality has grappled FROM PAGE 5

Rawlake says some families have opted not to take supplemental online learning, meaning their child will accept their grade marks on March 13 when the Saskatchewan Ministry of Education launched the program.

Work produced since March 13 is assessed and a student can improve their marks knowing they can’t go down.

with since the pandemic began; however, public safety remains our utmost priority,” said Mayor Gerald Aalbers.

“We have come so far in our collective battle against COVID-19, we must continue to protect each other until the battle is won.”

Cancelled 2020 events include - Canada Day – July 1 - Streetfest – June 27 - Pet Expo – June 13-15 - Summer Fun Camps (June through August) - Heritage Day – Aug. 3 “We thank the many staff and volunteers who have already i nve ste d e f f o r ts i nto preparing for these events, and we look forward to reuniting our community in spirited celebrations as soon as the scourge of COVID-19 is behind us,” said Aalbers.

The City is proceeding with phased re-

openings of select business within city limits beginning in May, in accordance with the recently-announced ‘Re-open Saskatchewan’ plan.

Residents are encouraged to take part in the Virtual Canada Day celebration, hosted by the Federal Ministry of Canadian Heritage.

COVID-19 prevention and protection measures include - maintaining two metres of separation from other individuals - using good hygiene practices, such as frequent handwashing - staying at home and away from others if you are feeling ill.

Individuals with concerns about symptoms should call Alberta’s Health Link (811) or Saskatchewan’s HealthLine (811) unless severely ill in which case you should call 911 and inform the operator you suspect you have COVID-19.

The Ministry of Education has yet to determine when the school year will officially end.

Rawlake credits her team for re-configuring LPSD in such short order with the bond being a collective group of life-long learners.

She says COVID19 is validation there will always be change, and we must be able to move with the changes.

“Some of the work

that we do with children every day is preparing them for an unknown future,” said Rawlake, who believes everyone will be better for the experience.

“It’s forced a lot of us to think outside the box; it’s forced a lot of learning and professional development and the use of technology exploring other options,” she said.

“I think it has actually made us better.”

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Who’s open? Discover Lloydminster can help

MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

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With information changing and being

updated hourly throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, many Lloydminster residents have been

asking, ‘who’s open?’

Well, thanks to a new “What’s Open” page on their website, Discover Lloydminster has the answers and is sharing information on local businesses and what they are currently offering during the pandemic.

“Local businesses are the backbone of our economy,” said Discover Lloydminster’s Jill Kelly.

“In Canada, small businesses make up

over 98 per cent of business, many of whom employ 1-5 employees.

It is these entrepreneurs and community leaders who support our community through sponsorships and donations, while stimulating our economy. Simply put, Lloydminster would not be as vibrant and diverse without them.

“As we are all in a new world dealing with COVID-19, we need to come together and show

our business community a bit of extra love and support during this time. We encourage everyone to support local first, whenever possible, but especially now.”

With many businesses being forced to re-evaluate how they operate, temporarily layoff employees and close the doors, this new business resource allows members to see what their favourite shops are up

t o a nd h o w t h e y c a n still patron there – even if the shop’s doors are temporarily closed.

Businesses from the area are encouraged to go online to DiscoverLloydminster.ca/WhatsOpen to submit their own information to be listed and shared with the public.

Garage/yard sales currently prohibited MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

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As the warmer weather continues to move in, the City of Lloydminster is reminding residents garage and yard sales are not permitted until further notice.

These types of sales or gatherings are not critical public services, nor are they allowable businesses under the provincial public health order.

The order also requires gatherings to be no more than 10 people and to avoid group-

ing with people from outside our immediate households.

The City expects to receive guiding information on garage and yard sales soon. An update will be provided once new information becomes available.

On Friday, April 24, the City announced it will align its COVID19 response with the phased reopening plan set out by the Saskatchewan government.

Learn more about the plan at lloydminster.ca/ covid-19-reopen.

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Lloyd Exh Fair postponed TAYLOR WEAVER

EDITOR

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As COVID-19 keeps a tight hold on the minds of millions, Border City and area residents are getting a glimpse of the future as community events continue to get cancelled or postponed.

Yesterday, the Lloydminster Agricultural Exhibition Association announced that, for the first time in 114 years, there will be no summer Fair in Lloydminster.

Citing community and volunteer safety, as well as the guidelines put forth by the p ro v i n ce s o f A l be r t a and Saskatchewan, the Lloyd Exh Board of Directors voted to officially postpone the fair until 2021.

Originally scheduled to run from July 8-11, this year’s fair was to bring new features, attractions, as well as a new name and look for FROM PAGE 1

Thirteen cases have been identified, including five health care workers and eight patients. Transmission occurred in the hospital setting.

As of April 29, the patients are being cohorted in separate units in the Lloydminster Hospital.

COVID-19 patients will still be admitted to Lloydminster Hospital.

Non-COVID-19 patients requiring admission may be diverted to another hospital. Key emergency department, emergency surgical and obstetrical services remain available at the Lloydminster Hospital.

That is subject to change based on the ongoing risk assessment by public health. All health care workers who have been identified as close contacts with a

File Photo the 2020 edition.

“As difficult as this decision was, it is in the best interests of our community and public health, and it is the right action at this time,” said Lloyd Exh president Kevin Kromrey.

“Planning for Fair 2020 was well underway and our 22 board members and staff had worked tirelessly to make 2020 the best Fair ever.

“I was personally excited to see all this hard work come to fru-

ition in 2020, however that planning will not be wasted. Watch for Fair 2021 to be an even more spectacular community event.”

The event, which sees more than 40,000 people go through its gates, features animal and craft competitions, ag shows, a vendor tradeshow, a petting zoo for kids and a midway, live nightly grandstand concerts, PBR Bull Riding, demolition derby as well as a fireworks

finale.

“I’ve been here for …

38 years, and (the Fair) is an event I’ve always cherished,” said Lloyd Exh general manager, Mike Sidoryk.

“This is a strange time for our association and our partners not to be working tirelessly towards the greatest four days in July.”

The Board of the Exh will continue to assess all events going forward and will make decisions on their future on an event by event basis.

confirmed case are being tested as the contact investigation continues.

than 10 people – inside and outside – within an extended household group only and maintaining a minimum distance of two metres between people.

With extreme caution and under the following conditions, one or two close families may form an extended household group: Your families or friends must remain consistent.

Do not visit different families or friends every day.

If you are going to create an extended household group, consider if any member of the group has chronic health conditions that would put them at greater risk, or if they are in close contact with someone who could be vulnerable.

Gatherings must follow the public health

order and be no more than 10 people.

Stay home if you are sick.

Maintain physical distancing by keeping twometres apart.

You should always be aware of who you have been in contact with over the past two weeks.

These are the people who would need to be contacted by public health if you were to test positive for COVID-19.

If you are experiencing fever, cough or shortness of breath, contact HealthLine 811 or your family physician for advice on whether you should be tested for COVID-19.

You can also take the online self-assessment at www.saskatchewan. ca/COVID19.

General public inquiries may be directed to COVID19@health.gov. sk.ca.

Mass Gatherings Not Allowed – Even with Physical Distancing A couple of massgathering events were recently held in Saskatchewan where organizers mistakenly believed that gatherings were allowed as long as attendees maintained two metres of separation.

However, these types of group events are not allowed – whether or not people practise physical distancing.

Any gatherings that exceed 10 people are in violation of the current public health order.

Saskatchewan residents must continue to take measures to stop the spread of COVID-19.

This includes limiting gatherings to no more

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Viewpoint

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

Leave it to Weaver: Celebrating, like never before EDITOR

Sports Editor Jamie Harkins sports@meridiansource.ca

Marketing Manager Deanna Wandler deanna@meridiansource.ca

Marketing Consultant Catherine Kruining catherine@meridiansource.ca

Marketing Consultant Ashley Miazga ashley@meridiansource.ca

Publisher Reid Keebaugh Production Manager Amanda Richard Classified advertising admin@meridiansource.ca Newspaper delivery If you’ve missed a paper, to start or stop delivery, or for carrier applications, please call 306-825-5111 for information.

2017

Taylor Weaver

What is the most drastic change you’ve experienced in everyday life since the beginning of this pandemic?

One change I’ve seen in the community throughout these uncertain times is the way celebrations are taking place.

Take the photo on Page 1, for example; it’s not often someone gets to celebrate 50 years of marriage ... to the same person!

Congratulations to Doug and

Jeanette Freeman! How did you do it?

Community parades in celebration of birthdays and anniversaries, among other milestones, have become quite common to encourage social distancing, and I’m on board.

We only have one chance to get it right, right? So keep doing what you’re doing, Lloydminster.

Celebrate the events in your life; just please do so in a safe manner.

Here’s to many more years of happiness together, Doug and Jeanette!

Church Directory

Correction Notice A story published in the April 23 edition of the Meridian Source titled “Pioneer Lodge allclear following COVID19 scare” stated there were no cases of COVID19 at Pioneer Lodge.

At the time this article was written, this was correct.

However, on April 20, Pioneer Lodge posted on its Facebook page that it had one confirmed case of the virus.

We regret our story on April 23 did not capture this updated data.

PAGE 11 Thursday, April 30, 2020 MERIDIAN SOURCE

Opinion

Leeway from Lloyd: Lessons from Cold War STAFF WRITER GEOFF LEE

The coronavirus pandemic is the second time in my generation of seniors when life can be defined as strange, anxious and unifying.

The first instance was the Cold War, culminating in the twoweek Cuban missile crisis of October 1962 when I was 13-yearsold.

Who among us from that time can forget all of those futile inschool exercises for a pending atomic bomb attack by hiding under our desks?

The time left me with the high anxiety of a pending attack from the Soviets unless they withdrew

their missile installations from Cuba as the U.S. demanded.

The social anxiety of war lasted for years as the U.S. and Soviets stockpiled weapons with all of us strongly united against communism.

It’s kind of a similar case today as people fear the invisible virus will hit them, w hile un ited to p rev e n t t h e s p re ad o f a global enemy.

The fear explains the mass hoarding of food and toilet paper that took place at the outset of COVID-19.

It’s a way for parents to show their loved ones that they care about protecting them.

In the fall of 1962, my dad turned our basement stairwell into a bomb shelter.

One day, he placed a few cans of food and some dry goods there as if that would keep us alive, but it made me more fearful.

Just about everyone we knew was making similar preparations.

When the U.S. won the diplomatic standoff against the Soviets, life quickly returned to normal with that prevailing underlying Cold War anxiety.

Today, people are starting to breathe a sigh of relief as provinces and countries release plans to reopen the economy.

Even if everything does get back to normal, we are likely going to have to live with the anxiety of a se cond vir u s at t ack, but better prepared for the possibility of a

future virus.

The end of the Cuban missile crisis led to the creation of a hot-line between the leaders of the U.S. and Soviet

Union to prevent nu c l e ar w ar and t h e eventual dismantling of a lot of weapons.

The coronavirus likewise, will pump

millions of dollars into vaccines and lessons learned to prevent or limit the impact of another global pandemic.

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Sports

Saskatchewan Summer Games put on hold JAMIE HARKINS

WRITER

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The Lloydminster 2020 Saskatchewan Summer Games has been postponed to July 18-24, 2021.

Kevin Kusch, chairperson of the Games Host Society, said they were informed upon consultation with medical personnel in late March and early April that it would be ideal if the multi-sport event could be postponed due to fears surrounding the spread of COVID-19.

He said a decision to press pause on the Games was further justified by Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe’s economic reopening plan unveiled last Thursday that stated the removal of restrictions on swimming pools, municipal parks and playgrounds, museums, and seasonal programming such as

recreational and athletic activities would not be allowed to proceed until Phase 4, at an undetermined date, of the province’s five-phase blueprint.

“Being bi-provincial does come into play a little bit, so we rely a lot on the City of Lloydminster (and) working with the mayor and city council as they put their plan in place,” said Kusch, shortly after the decision to postpone was officially announced by the Host Society, Saskatchewan Games Council executive director Mark Bracken and Lloydminster Mayor Gerald Aalbers on Tuesday evening.

“We’ll just wait and see with everyone else as Phase 1 comes down the pipe next week.

We hope and pray that everything goes well and we move through

the different phases until we’re safely able to go in 2021. I think, knowing that we have that much time to make an even better event, the group today as we made that decision was really on board and pleased.”

Kusch said the decision to postpone was not a result of an Alberta Health Services announcement last Thursday that banned all summer gatherings of more than 15 people.

However, he noted they did pay attention to the declaration considering some of the facilities that would be used at the Games are on the Alberta side.

The Lloydminster 2020 Saskatchewan Summer Games was originally scheduled for July 26 to Aug. 1.

The event involves approximately 1,800

athletes competing in archery, athletics, baseball, canoe/kayak, soccer, triathlon, volleyball, basketball, golf, rugby sevens, softball, swimming, Special Olympics swimming and tennis. It was expected that around 6,000 spectators would descend on the Border City for the Games.

The Games Host Society were lockstep in where they wanted to be and were ahead in some areas including having the facilities ready to go, plans in place in terms of vendors and with the volunteer drive, noted Kusch, in the lead-up to the World Health Organization (WHO) declaring COVID-19 a worldwide pandemic on March 11.

He added the WHO announcement brought everything to a sudden halt, but they still feel

File Photo good about where they are and just have to be patient in the hope that everything goes on as scheduled.

Kusch said the volunteer drive is still on hold as the Host Society determines what areas to move forward with.

He said the silver lining of postponement, by having so many pieces already in place, is the e xtra time to e nsu re their crews are together while also doing more work on the finer points of playing host to the Games.

“It’s not just our com-

mittee who makes this decision and works at it,” said Kusch.

“The City of Lloydminster and the Saskatchewan Games Council have been fantastic partners. This is a tripartite agreement.

Really, the last month to a month and a half working through this has brought the best of the (partnership) out.

It sure made our job as the Games host easier being able to work with those two partners knowing we have their support and a lot of their input.”

Lashburn’s nine-hole golf course set to reopen JAMIE HARKINS

WRITER

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Golf has got the green light.

The Saskatchewan Government is allowing golf courses across the province to open for public play on May 15.

The order is included in Phase 1 of the government’s reopening plan, which was outlined by Premier Scott Moe last Thursday.

Larry Gurski, general manager of the Lashburn Town and Country Golf Club, said

they have maintenance people on their nine-hole course right now preparing for a May 15 start. He said the course will begin scheduling tee times around the fifth or sixth of May, but they are taking corporate and regular memberships at this time.

“I have the feeling with the amount of phone calls and the people who are driving through our parking lot that they’re getting very anxious to go,” said Gurski, noting

a child aged 14-and-under when golfing with a grandparent or parent on Saturdays and Sundays can play for free. “A lot of people are get t ing cabin f ever and I think we’re going to see a lot of new faces this year.”

In an effort to ensure physical distancing and the safety of patrons and workers, the Saskatchewan Government has placed a number of restrictions on golf courses.

There is only one person

allowed per cart unless the occupants live in the same household and walking is encouraged. The greens will feature raised cups, no holes, with flags in meaning play would conclude when the ball contacts the cup.

No walk-on patrons are allowed and tee times need to be scheduled 20 minutes apart. There can be no golf club or pull-cart rentals. Private group lessons, league play and tournaments are

also disallowed.

The driving range and putting greens will remain closed as will locker rooms and public washrooms. No drink or snack carts can roam the course. Restaurants will remain closed for seating and licensed establishments cannot reopen until a yet-to-bedetermined date.

Gurski said the course is adhering to all the rules outlined by the government.

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MERIDIAN SOURCE

Stick a fork in the NHL season SPORTS EDITOR JAMIE HARKINS

Pull up a chair, dear readers. We have a few issues to discuss, so let’s get started.

The NHL still refuses to acknowledge that the 2019-20 season is over.

Of course, doing so would cost the league, its teams and players a pretty penny. But, why put off the inevitable.

I t’s a l r e a d y be e n a couple of months and who wants to watch hockey during the summer anyways? July and August are times of rest

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He said in order to make the experience more enjoyable for patrons, they are also starting a promotion that provides two power carts for the price of one if a couple of people who are not from the

when falling asleep in front of the TV during baseball games and fishing shows take precedent.

The NHL off-season is entertaining enough.

The draft, trades and the start of free agency keeps people focused on their teams and favourite players.

Worrying about how the Ottawa Senators will fare over the coming winter months coupled with the occasional hostile yell or two when learning of a new move is excitement enough for this sports writer.

A bigger concern with cancellations happens

to rest a little closer to home.

In the past couple of weeks, the Alberta Schools’ Athletic Association (ASAA) and Baseball Canada announced the cancellation of its provincial and national tournaments, respectively.

The Lloydminster Comprehensive High School (LCHS) Barons were set to host the ASAA rugby championships this June.

The Lloydminster under-13 Prairie Pirates had home-field advantage locked up for the Baseball Canada Western Championships in

late August.

I hope both tournaments can be rescheduled for 2021. But, you still have to feel for those athletes who will have graduated or aged out by that time.

A silver lining for any Prairie Pirate has to be the wonderful city they live and play in. Sports and baseball/softball, in particular, are a force in the Border City. In my short time here, I’ve been privileged to cover the Canadian U18 Fast Pitch Championships, the Western Canada bantam AAA Finals and various year-end league tournaments. I’m sure

same household come out to play a round of golf together.

The power carts are being and will continue to be disinfected, noted Gurski, and disinfectant wipes will also be handed out to patrons when they come in.

He added there will be stations out on the course stocked with disinfectant wipes as well.

“With this virus and with the oil pricing and all that, everybody is confined to their houses,” he said. “Get out in the fresh air, keep

your social distancing and enjoy your country (being) outside. There are some long days sitting around the house and watching TV. I think just socializing with different people at a distance is going to make quite a difference.”

another top-end competition is already in the works.

Barons coaches Mark Grillandini, Betty Hart and Steve Wytrykusz prove year-after-year their dedication to student-athletes and building the game of rugby in Lloydminster.

Each continually shows pride in the gains their pupils are making all the while providing a

safe and healthy means for kids to fit into a group and understand what it takes to help their friends succeed.

A chance to win a provincial championship on home soil may be lost for the Barons Grade 12s. But, at least they can take pride knowing they received training from some of the best rugby coaches in the province.

Box 69, 4912 50 Avenue Kitscoty, AB T0B 2P0 PH: (780) 846-2244 PH: (780) 853-5492

COUNTY OF VERMILION LAND USE BYLAW NO. 19-02

NOTICE OF DECISION OF DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY Discretionary Use District: Agricultural Permit No.: 329329-20-D0007 Location: NW-12-47-2W4M; 20053 Township Road 472 Use Approved: Placement of a 1,500 sq. ft. mobile home and 1,200 sq. ft. shop/garage for Rural Residential Use Date of Notice: Apr 24, 2020 Permit Valid on: May 15, 2020 A Development Permit for a discretionary use does not take effect until twenty-one (21) days after the date of this notice provided that no appeals have been registered with this office.

Any person affected by a development permit for a discretionary use may appeal the decision in writing stating reasons for the appeal along with a four hundred ($400.00) dollar appeal fee. The appeal must be submitted within twenty-one (21) days of notice to the Secretary of the Subdivision and Development Appeal Board of the County of Vermilion River.

Roger Garnett, C.E.T. Planning & Development Authority For the most up to date information, check out our website or social media.

www.vermilion-river.com

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HOROSCOPES CAPRICORN

December 22 – January 19 You’ll find a billing error. It may take most of the week, but you’ll track down the problem and will be reimbursed in full.

AQUARIUS

January 20 – February 18 A new medical treatment or diet will quickly prove to be effective. One thing’s for sure, you’re definitely moving toward living a healthier lifestyle.

PISCES

February 19 – March 20 You’ll be surprised to find out just how popular you are in your circle of friends. If you’re single, you’ll be equally shocked to realize that more than a few people are vying for your affections.

ARIES

March 21– April 19 You’ll concentrate on your family this week.

Those closest to you will place demands on your time. A new home may be on the horizon.

TAURUS

April 20 – May 20 Travel might be difficult this week or your communications with others may not always be clear. Your outspokenness will have an impact on those around you.

GEMINI

May 21 – June 21 Money is a cause for concern this week. Don’t hesitate to take matters into your own hands and negotiate with those involved. You may be able to resolve your financial troubles once and for all.

CANCER

June 22 – July 22 Work is piling up and you don’t know where to start to get it all done. Pace yourself so you don’t get overwhelmed. If you manage your time and energy efficiently, you’ll get through it.

LEO July 23 – August 22 Don’t be surprised if you find yourself replacing a colleague who’s going away indefinitely. This will cause some stress but will benefit you greatly in the end.

VIRGO

August 23 – September 22 When you speak in front of a large crowd, you’ll feel a thrill when you hear the audience applaud. However, one or more people may offer up some criticism you weren’t expecting.

LIBRA

September 23 – October 22 It’s often hard to balance the demands of your job with your responsibilities at home. It’ll take some effort to juggle your job and your family’s busy schedule without disappointing anyone.

CROSSWORD

SCORPIO

October 23 – November 21 You may take an unexpected vacation. You need some time away to clear your head before making a difficult decision and moving forward with conviction.

SAGITTARIUS

April 23 Answers

November 22 – December 21 There’s a good chance you’ll have to tighten your circle of friends. Fortunately, some will pay you what they owe you before you have to remove them from your life.

SUDOKU April 23 Answers

ACROSS 1. Tack on 4. Took advantage of 8. Walk aimlessly 12. Split ____ soup 13. Long skirt 14. Model T, e.g.

15. Kind of tree 16. Purple fruit 17. List component 18. Platter 20. Madison Avenue employee 22. Consented 24. Future flower 27. Off the right road 30. Prayer’s beads

32. Late 33. “Home on the ____” 34. Approved 36. Quarreled 37. Verve 38. Most certain 40. Play a guitar 41. Every individual 45. As well 48. Periods of time 50. Halloween shout 51. Bright light 52. Bargain offer 53. First gear 54. Bell sound 55. Large quantity 56. Wing shape

DOWN 1. Parodied 2. Lunchtime stop 3. Barriers 4. Ref’s cousin 5. Annual income 6. Give off 7. Darker 8. Precipitation 9. Not at home 10. Had wings 11. Pop’s mate 19. Laurel’s partner 21. Cherishes 23. Most festive 24. Ensemble 25. Compulsion

26. Changed the color of 27. Upon 28. Welfare 29. Ensnare 31. Cook in butter 35. Pressure 36. Mare or hen 39. Rustic 40. Melody 42. Up to the task 43. Chilly 44. Wolf call 45. Connecting word 46. Floral garland 47. Mama’s boy 49. Mend

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