Meridian Source - December 23, 2019

Monday, December 23, 2019

VOLUME 2 I ISSUE 26

MERIDIANSOURCE.CA

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MERIDIAN SOURCE

Monday, December 23, 2019

Year in Review: January

Monday, December 23, 2019

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Casino bets on three of a kind opener

he grand opening of the Gold Horse Casino took place Jan. 17-19 w ith resp e c t i ve o ne night performances by Aaron Goodvin, The Trews and the James Barker Band in the casino theatre.

This follows a soft opening in December

when Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority (SIGA) president and CEO, Zane Hansen noted the extended grand opening in January is worthy of a special celebration as the seventh casino operated

by SIGA. “We really wanted to make sure we show-

case the facility to a lot of different individuals in the community,” said Hansen.

The Border Tribal Council is the casino landlord responsible for the facility development.

The site now has retail outlets and plans for a hotel.

The grand open-

ing also saw the construction of the onsite Petro-Canada gas bar and convenience store owned by Little Pine First Nation, the casino land owner.

Construction of the facility was delayed for months, but Little Pine Chief Wayne Semaganis noted during the ceremo-

Border City runs into Canadian sports history

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he Border City was among 48 communities across the country to make history as the MNP Canada Games Torch Relay made a stop in town on Jan. 9 on its way to Red Deer to kick off the 2019 Canada Winter Games on Feb. 15.

Among the torchbearers was Coun.

Michael Diachuk and former MLA Dr. Richard Starke, who both wore their red and white Torch Relay jackets with pride.

“I look at Rusway Arena and think of the oval outside, and I think of the hours I spent working with young athletes, and their goal in many cases

Taylor Weaver Meridian Source was to get to the Canada Winter Games,” said Starke.

“Those games were awarded to Red Deer back in September of 2014 and I was honoured to be the Minister

of Sport and announced Red Deer as the host city, so for me this is a special personal honour and I couldn’t tell you how proud I was to carry the torch today and wish success to all

the athletes, organizers, and Red Deer Mayor Tara Veer.”

The Canada Winter Games kicked of f on Feb. 15 and closing ceremonies were held on March 3.

Church Directory

nial opening on Dec. 20 that he had just signed off

on the agreements with Petro-Canada.

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Year in Review: February

Monday, December 23, 2019

Lloyd rallies for oil pipelines A

n oil and gas protest convoy to Ottawa rolled out of Red Deer on Valentine’s Day with a similar pipelines or bust urgency felt by industry supporters in Lloydminster.

Convoy posters were

snatched up at a pro energy rally held at the Lloydminster Exhibition Grounds last Wednesday as the impact of government inaction on approving new oil pipelines hits home.

“Businesses are

barely hanging on and there’s not a lot of hope out there. We n e e d t o t r y a n d p r ovide some hope and try to get some people to listen to us in the federal government,” said Drew Lake one of the rally organizers and speakers.

“We need pipelines and there’s just no way around that.”

Lake expect s pipelines will be the top issue during this year’s Alberta election

as well.

“The carbon tax is also a big item, but we need to mandate the fact that pipelines are in the national interest.

We need to ignore all of the foreign funded anti oil sands, anti energy protesters,” he said.

The rally was the brainchild of former Lloydminster resident Candace Nutbrown who used to haul oil in the area and now works as an oil production engineer tech in

Grande Prairie.

She says the event was nice homecoming for her, but she learned Gibson Energy has moved out town and she heard about a lot of other businesses that are shut down as well such as The Root with Furniture Clinic soon to follow suit.

“The other energy industries are decreasing their capital to spend on heavy oil in Lloydminster which trickles down to ser-

vice companies all the way down to affect all of us,” said Nutbrown.

“That’s why I am coming out to events like this. It’s important to raise our voices and get the right information out there and make a point to the government that we are not just going to lay down and let them shut in the energy sector.”

Nutbrown brought copies of her petition letter signed by more than 6,000 people.

Women share their Me day

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t was a great day to be a woman in Lloydminster at the eighth annual Inspiring Women Conference on one of the coldest days of the year.

The elements and a great agenda conspired to fill and energize the Stockade Convention Centre right from the start of this year’s personal and development day for women on Feb. 5.

“I think it’s fabulous; look around the room.

There’s a buzz and the tables are filling up,” said Kelly Sidoryk, a partner with Terra Weaver in KT and Company that organizes the event.

“It’s the coldest day of the year and it’s really a great opportunity for women to come out and network and support and learn.’”

Sidoryk noted the conference is aimed at all women who will find something that applies or works for them with a panel discussion, breakout sessions and keynote speaker Jessica Tetu from Saskatoon to soak in.

Tetu is touted as a serial entrepreneur who founded the Just For You Day Spa including a Lloydminster outlet, and spoke about her life story and success.

The event kicked off with a local threewomen panel of Marilyn Young, Olivia Brockoff and Brandi Hofer sharing their inspirational

stories on stage.

It was Hofer’s first time public speaking as a well-known artist, but her message hit the right inspirational tone with the audience despite being nervous.

She says she watched a lot of Ted Talks on TV beforehand but didn’t think they helped her much.

“I ended up with something really honest, a story about my life and my family and my experience growing up in Lloydminster,” said Hofer, who enjoyed being part of the conference.

“I love events like this because it’s women coming together and you learn we are stronger as a group in the community.”

The chance to network brought Phyllis Maki from Community Futures Lloydminster and Region to her second straight conference, hoping it would be as inspiring as the title says.

“It’s always fun to be with other women who w ant t o make t hing s happen in the community who are energized.

It just gives you that energy as well,” said Maki.

“Networking is part of the reason I wanted to come today and I brought some of my staff because it’s important for all of us to make those connections. The connections to me is the huge piece.”

Geoff Lee Meridian Source

Terra Weaver, left, and Kelly Sidoryk are co-owners of KT and Company that presented this year’s Inspiring Women Conference held at the Stockade Convention Centre on Feb. 5.

Heather Klages acted as the MC of the event that included a panel of speakers, breakout sessions and a keynote speaker in a day of personal and professional development.

As for the weather, she said, “I just got back from Phoenix so I was wishing I had missed it actually.”

Marilynn Mann says she just came to socialize with other women while noting despite the cold, the sun was shining and there was no wind, to add to the upbeat conference mood.

“It’s just a good chance to get out and see people and hear other people’s views,” she said.

Elaine Knowlson from Lashburn says she came for the professional and personal aspect of the conference, while her friend Eleanor Pegg offered her own reasons.

“I just thought it would be interesting and kind of a me day

and maybe learn something,” said Pegg.

Women could also choose to attend any of four breakout sessions including one on courage presented by Lloydminster and District Co-op professionals Kristine Knourek and Leanne Hawes.

“We’ve put together a presentation called the Courage Toolkit,” said Knourek, the Cop-op’s marketing and communications manager.

In a nutshell, the presentation was all about how to create space for yourself in non-traditional rolls.

“We are going to be speaking about three specific aspects or tools that women can use to grab their courage in any scenario they may face,” explained Knourek.

Year in Review: March

Monday, December 23, 2019

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Mother Teresa blessed with First-Class relic

Taylor Weaver Meridian Source

Father Mykhailo Ozorovych, parish priest of Holy Eucharist Cathedral in New Westminster, B.C., talks to young students at Mother Teresa Early Childhood Learning Centre last Monday morning about the amazing journey of the First-Class relic he brought to the Border City from B.C.

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part of Mother Teresa now lives within the walls of Mother Teresa Early Childhood Learning Centre as the school was recently gifted a First-Class relic in the

form of a strand of hair that belonged to the nun who passed away in 1997.

Relics are classified as First Class – a part of the person’s body, i.e. blood, hair, or bones;

Second Class ‑ an article touched by the person or touched directly to part of his or her body; and Third Class ‑ something touched indirectly to the person.

“Today is a very special day at our school division and at Mother Teresa School because we were gifted a FirstClass relic of Mother Teresa, St. Teresa of Calcutta from Father Mykhailo,” said principal at Mother Teresa Sheila Jurke.

“This relic has already been attributed to a number of miracles, so it’s pretty special this is going to have a home in our school.

We look forward to the many blessings and miracles we hope could come from this just from having it in our building.”

This particular relic has already been attributed to a miracle in New Westminster after

Father Ozorovych had a three-year-old girl with autism kiss the relic before he prayed she be put under Mother Teresa’s protection.

After the veneration, the young girl began socializing with other children and learned the Sign of the Cross, an action her mother said is almost impossible for children with autism to memorize.

The relic, alongside a number of pieces of local artwork, will be prominently on display close to the school’s front foyer in a special wooden case for all to enjoy.

“This is extremely special and something that just makes our school such a special place. (It) adds that (much) more meaning so the children can actually see and come and pray, venerate to it and be taught about it,” she said.

City accepts deficit after Facilities Corporation dissolution process With a motion for the dissolution of the Lloydminster Facilities Corporation (LFC) effective Dec. 31, 2018, and contracts for food and beverage curling ice maintenance and gold pro shop services out and mostly filled, the only thing left to do it dot the I’s and cross the T’s.

At Monday’s meeting of city council,

the acceptance of a $1,055,247.36 deficit from the LFC was approved.

The deficit is a combination of debt accumulated over roughly the last six to seven years.

“As far as writing off the amounts owing from the LFC is the fact that this isn’t new money,” said Coun. Jonathan Torresan.

“This is deficits that have happened over the past few years and the reality is, there is an offsetting receivable within the city’s books as much as there is a payable in another book.

“You don’t have to pay anyone a million dollars to make this liability go away, but it is a recognition of the errors in the hiding of this in the past.”

With golf course operations now contracted out, Torresan added the golf course will appear on the city’s budget the way any other facility would as well as the full cost involved in operations.

“I think it’s a lot more transparent and a lot more clear as to where taxpayers monies are going,” he said.

Stay up-to-date on all City events at lloydminster.ca/events

8-WEEK FITNESS CHALLENGE January 13 - March 9 Registration Deadline: January 8 $150 No matter where you are on your wellness journey, this challenge is for you! Join our trained professionals and improve your form, increase your strength, develop fitness knowledge and stay accountable to your fitness goals!

780-875-4529 lloydminster.ca/register

HOLIDAY CAMPS December 30, January 2 & 3 8 am – 4 pm Ages 6 – 11 $40/day/child Are the kids bored during school breaks? Holiday Camps offer a variety of activities including swimming, arts and crafts and more!

780-875-3749 lloydminster.ca/register

RED CROSS WATER SAFETY INSTRUCTOR (WSI) Fridays and Saturdays January 10, February 7 – 9 $262 Prerequisites: - 15 years or older by the last day of the WSI – classroom & pool component - One of: Red Cross Assistant Lifeguard, Standard First Aid or higher or Bronze Cross (certifications do not need to be current) - Perform the water safety skills and strokes to meet the highest level of performance in the Red Cross Swim Kids program The Water Safety Instructor (WSI) Course prepares candidates to instruct the Red Cross Swim programs.

Candidates focus on strategies to introduce and develop swimming and water safety skills in the Red Cross swim programs.

BLENDED LEARNING STANDARD FIRST AID Sunday, January 26 l 9 am – 5 pm $132 Canadian Red Cross Core First Aid & CPR courses offer lifesaving first aid skills. All courses cover cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) for adults and babies (according to the level of CPR included). This blended class includes eight hours of online learning and eight hours of teaching time.

780-875-3749 lloydminster.ca/register

ME + ONE: BABY ART & SENSES CIRCLE January 27, February 3, 10 & 24 2:30 to 3:30 pm Ages 4-12 month + parent/guardian $30 for all classes $8 for drop-in This 60-minute class promotes a unique learning opportunity as well as a fun way to bond with your new baby. Parent and baby will be involved in an interactive circle full of sensor play, including crafts, tummy time toys, songs and motor activities that encourage development. All materials provided.

780-874-3720 lloydminster.ca/register

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Year in Review: April

Monday, December 23, 2019

Landslide UPC win for Rowswell

ocal United Conservative Party candi-

date Garth Rowswell easily won a seat in the Alberta general election

but lost his voice in the process.

The UCP representative for the VermilionLloydminster-Wainwright riding captured 16,773 votes on the April 15 election compared to 2,208 for the second place New Democratic Party.

“It was good to win that’s for sure,” said Rowswell Wednesday morning with his voice hoarse from a cold.

“I’ve been struggling

with this for a week.”

Rowswell says he expected to “get a direction from the party on what they want us to do” later that morning.

“We get an orientation next week and we’ll cover all the things we got to do—we’ll find out pretty quick what’s going on,” he said.

Rowswell watched the election results at his campaign office in Vermilion with 60 to 70 supporters celebrating

the early election declaration for Jason Kenney’s UCP. Provincially, UCP captured 63 seats to 24 for the NDP with a voter turnout of more than 64 per cent.

Rowswell says he was somewhat surprised by his own decisive win noting the polls were not indicating such a landslide victory.

“You never know whether to believe polls or not, but it worked

out,” he said.

The Alberta Party finished third in the riding with 1,436 votes followed by the Freedom Conservative Party at 815, the Alberta Advantage Party 156 and 125 votes for an Independent.

Voter outcome is not yet official as Elections Alberta only started to count the approximate 223,000 “vote anywhere” advance ballots on Wednesday afternoon.

Airport runway to undergo major overhaul The runway at the Lloydminster Municipal Airport will be getting a much-needed facelift with the help of $5,263,885 in federal grant funding.

Minister of Transport Marc Garneau, announced Tuesday the Canadian Government will be investing in the rehabilitation of the airport, which includes the pavement on the runway, taxiway,

and apron, as well as the removal of a holding bay near Taxiway A. “The Lloydminster Airport plays a critical role in our local economy and has become a tremendous asset to local leisure travellers a s w e l l ,” s a i d M a y o r Gerald Aalbers.

“The city is committed to providing our airport users a safe and comfortable experience. We look forward

to completing this work with minimal disruption to regular services.”

With talks of repair in the works for quite some time, the rehabilitation will play a key and necessary role in ensuring the safety of aircraft, passengers, crews and protect airport safety assets.

This funding comes from Transport Canada’s Airports Capital Assistance Program

(ACAP).

“Our Government recognizes that local airports are major contributors to the economic growth and social well-being of smaller communities,” said Minister Garneau.

Since the program started in 1995, the Government of Canada has invested more than $882.7 million for 948 projects at 186 airports across the country.

Year in Review: May

Monday, December 23, 2019

Lakeside lays out 20 year vision

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ity council hopes to approve the Lakeside Area Structure Plan in July to spur development growth in the city for the next 20 years.

The ASP is a proposed land use concept for a new Lakeside neighbourhood of single-family houses, retail and commercial properties that Musgrave Agencies Ltd. plans to develop in phases.

The site plan covers 140 acres of land owned

by Musgrave northeast of the intersection of 75 Ave. and 12 St. Musgrave Agencies and city officials presented the Lakeside ASP at an open house last week to seek public support and any concerns that would be addressed prior to council’s consideration.

“Once council approved it and the development agreement has been entered into with the first phase,

Geoff Lee Meridian Source the land is considered development ready,” said city planner Natasha Pidkowa.

That won’t make the project automatically shovel ready, however; according to Kevin Musgrave, a land developer with the Musgrave family business.

“We never say when; this is part of a planning process, so it could be anywhere from soon to 20 years,” he said.

The Lakeside ASP defines everything from land use, water, sewer and stormwater routes, to roads, bike paths, parks and a general overall vision for

the land that complies with the city’s Municipal Development Plan.

The plan also calls for single-family and some adult living houses.

“There will be some commercial, some parks, playground amenities and bike trails— that kind of stuff,” said Musgrave.

He also explained the staking at the site is for soil testing that’s part of the ASP process along with an environmental report.

There is also an oil gas line that needs to be removed and four abandoned oil wells to be dealt with.

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Year in Review: June

Monday, December 23, 2019

Boundary gifts rescue squad

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t’s dubbed the Rescue Ranger and it will be the newest, if not the most appreciated vehicle at this weekend’s Just Kruzin’ Show and Shine.

The Polaris Ranger Crew 1000 XP NorthStar HVAC edition is a lifesaving utility vehicle donated to the Lloydminster Rescue Squad at Boundary Ford on Monday, June 10.

The new climate controlled rescue UTV will be at the Servus Sports Centre car show for viewing on June 15.

“It’s going to be a

Geoff Lee Meridian Source great asset to our squad,” said rescue squad chief, Norm Namur during the presentation.

“It’s all about patient care and assisting the community.”

Boundary’s marketing manager, Steve Cassidy, says the Polaris is a gift from the dealership’s Boundary Gives Founda-

tion to support community causes.

“This is going to help to service our area when they have calls from people in need in the bush and surrounding area,” said Cassidy.

“This is a machine that could have helped to have saved lives over the last couple of years.”

Helipad officially open, quicker response times There was cause for celebration across the street from the Lloydminster Hospital on June 25 as the Saskatchewan Health Authority and Husky Energy were joined by dignitaries, STARS Ambulance and community members for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially open

the Lloydminster Hospital Helipad.

Due to the generosity of Husky Energy and many other community partners such as Musgrave Agencies, Boundary Ford, the RM of Wilton and the Rotary Club of Lloydminster, patients can anticipate timelier responses in the case

of an emergency.

The helipad will also reduce the number of patient handovers between referring and receiving healthcare teams, which reduces the risks for patients in the areas of communication between care teams and continuity of care for a critical patient.

Monday, December 23, 2019

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Year in Review: July

Monday, December 23, 2019

Taking steps to end mental health stigma 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 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

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loydminster native Paul Laberge began a 270 km, six-day walk from Saskatoon to the Border City to raise funds and awareness for the Lloydminster Region Health Foundation’s (LRHF) mental health initiative Project Sunrise on Aug. 26.

Appropriately titled “Let’s Walk the Talk,” Laberge is looking forward to getting on the road to raise awareness for something he holds close to his heart.

The Laberge family lost their father almost a year ago to the day when he took his own life, and Paul was the one to find his father in the same spot he had previously

File Photo attempted suicide.

This tragic and traumatic experience drove Laberge to want to end any stigmas involved with mental health as he knows how it can affect the lives of people around the world.

“Mental health is all around us. The last time I did research I found the number of suicides involving men aged 20-50 was very high, and one of those men

was my dad who was 50,” said Laberge.

“When that happened with my dad I knew we needed to do more, and I feel something needs to be done with mental health.”

Laberge explained the last three years have been tough for him personally while living with mental health, and after losing his father a year ago he was recently diagnosed with PTSD.

City teams up with Rescue Squad City council approved a service contract between the City of Lloydminster and the Lloydminster Rescue Squad. “(The service is) very vital. We have resources in our community, and to utilize the total resources as one and not have to duplicate those resources is absolutely critical,” said Mayor Gerald Aalbers.

“Representing the taxpayers here, I’d think they would ask (that) you get the best buy you can for the dollars they give us, and we’re trying to do that by supporting the rescue squad.”

Rescue Squad services come at an annual cost of $14,400.

Year in Review: August

One final lap after a storied career

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t’s next to impossible to talk about professional chuckwagon racing without mentioning the name Ray Mitsuing, better known as “The Chief” in the world of wagon racing.

Mitsuing wrapped up 36-year wagon racing career in Border City Mitsuing, who proudly calls Loon Lake, Sask. home, made his professional racing debut in 1983, and after a 36-year career, has one of the most impressive resumes on the track.

Not only has Mitsuing finished in the top 10 in the CPCA standings

over the last 12 years, he has also won the CPCA Championship show in Lloydminster a total of seven times, has made multiple show championships and Calgary Stampede appearances, and is a threetime CPCA Prairie Racing Series Championship Trailer.

Wagon racing clearly courses throughout the Mitsuing family as Ray saw his son Devin win the 2011 CPCA Championship, and then in 2018 Dale won the championship in his rookie season as a driver.

“I feel so good that Dale’s driving so well,

File Photo and I have no regrets that I’m retiring,” he said on CPCA Championship Sunday after finishing his final heat. “I look forward to helping him and Devin out in racing.”

“The highlight of my

career has to be right now with all the welcoming from the fans.

This has got to be the highlight, and the standing ovations I got throughout the whole season, at Calgary, and even after Calgary.”

Year in Review: September

Monday, December 23, 2019

Remembrance walk for life

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n a salute to World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD), which was Tuesday, Sept. 10, Border City and surrounding area residents came together on Saturday afternoon to take a lap around the lake at Bud Miller All Seasons Park as part of the 9th Annual Walk of Remembrance.

“Talking about this is a great first step and it reduces the stigma surrounding mental health and suicide, and sadly, suicide is much more common than we know,

Taylor Weaver Meridian Source so just raising awareness is important,” said Neil Harris, co-chair of the planning committee with the Walk of Remembrance.

“There’s a lot of awareness in our community about mental health and about suicide awareness.”

Shirley Scott, Paul

Laberge, Wendy Fothergill and Bernadette Yelland, all area locals who either have personal experience with suicide or work in the field to prevent or help people cope with suicide, shared their powerful stories and personal experiences with the crowd.

Cities share disaster approaches The City of Lloydminster is better prepared today to respond to a major disaster from lessons learned at the 5th annual Bordering on Disaster Conference.

The conference brought together emergency management practitioners at the Lloydminster Stockade Con-

vention Centre on Sept.

17 to share best practices from recent tragedies in Humboldt and La Loche Saskatchewan.

“This event is really important to the City of Lloydminster and its emergency management program,” said Jordan Newton, senior manager and emergency services

and fire chief.

“It’s a way for us to get industry professionals all together under one roof and discuss things that are going on in the industry and best practices so we learn off one another and ultimately do better in the case there is large spread disaster.”

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Monday, December 23, 2019

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

Passport to YLL

EVERY TUESDAY — VOLLEYBALL Drop in volleyball from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Takes place at the Servus Sports Centre and everyone is welcome, noncompetitive and no experience is necessary. Come for fun and exercise and meet some great people.

at 306-820-4887.

EVERY WEDNESDAY — CRAFTERNOON Join Midwest Family Connections at the lower level of Prairie North Plaza and bring your budding artist to explore and create with materials in the craft centre.

EVERY TUESDAY — ADAPTED YOGA From 10 – 11 a.m. at the Community Service Centre.

For more information please contact Ann-Dee at 780-8710513.

EVERY TUESDAY & SATURDAY — FARMER’S MARKET Downtown Farmer’s Market at the Fred North Community Centre (5002 - 51 Avenue, Lloydminster) from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. (Tues) 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. (Sat) We’re on Facebook.

EVERY TUESDAY — DIABETES 102 The new schedule for PNRHA Diabetes Education Classes is ready! Everyone starts with Diabetes 101 and then follows up with Diabetes 102 (people on diabetes pills) or Diabetes 103 (people on insulin). All classes are scheduled on a Tuesday morning from 8:15 a.m. to noon. Please contact Nancy Johnston at 306-820-6096 or H e l e n R o g e r s a t 306-820-6291 to pre-register.

EVERY TUESDAY — SENIORS MEET The Lloydminster Concerned Citizens for Seniors Care Society meets at the Legacy Centre from noon - 1:30 p.m. Lunch is available for $8. Please reserve before Tuesday morning at 780-875-4584. Everyone welcome.

EVERY TUESDAY – DIABETES CLINICS The new schedule is out for Diabetes Education Classes with Saskatchewan Heal t h Aut ho rity. E veryone starts with Diabetes 101 and follows up with Diabetes 102 and 103. All classes are scheduled on a Tuesday morning from 8:15 a.m. until noon. To register call Janis

DEC. 31 – NEW YEARS AT THE LEGACY New Years Eve Dance at the Legacy Centre on Dec. 31. Doors open and cocktails at 7:30 p.m. with dancin’ to start at 8 p.m. Band is “Memory Lane.” Lunch served at 10:30 p.m. Dance into 2019 at midnight ...

ADVANCE TICKETS ONLY PLEASE! Cost is $35/person ... purchase tickets early as we sell out fast for this event! Call Legacy office for more info at 780-875-4584.

DEC. 31 – HILLMONDS’s NEW YEARS EVE Hillmond’s New Years Eve Fire and Ice event will be taking place on Dec. 31 at the Hillmond Memorial Hall with karaoke at 7 p.m. and dance from 8 p.m. until 2 a.m. Cash bar, midnight lunch and tickets are $10 each or $40 per family. Contact Duane Perillat at 306821-2165 or duaneperillat@ gmail.com for more details.

JAN. 8 – CHILDREN’S GRIEF SUPPORT Walking Through Grief Society is offering children’s

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

Geoff Lee Meridian Source

Members of Unifor Local 658A chose to donate $500 cheques to several community service groups a week before Christmas. Back row left to right: Sherry Bower-Gagne (Parkinson Association of Alberta), Tammy Klotz, (Lloydminster MS Society), Major Bond Jennings (Lloydminster Salvation Army), and Denelda Brown (Lloydminster Kinettes).

Front row: Denise Schieve (Jubilee Jems), Randy Mark (Unifor Local 658A president) and Tori Lloyd (Lloydminster Interval Home/Store). Cheques were also donated to the ALS Society of Alberta and Lloydminster Men’s Shelter.

grief support, Hope After Loss- Audra’s Legacy. Sessions for 10 weeks will begin Jan. 8 Lloydminster, Mid West Family Connections Tuesday 6:30-8 p.m. and Vermilion Monday 6:30-8 p.m. or Tues. 4-5:30 at J.R Robson school. Pre Registration necessary. Registration deadline Dec. 14. Registration cost $20. individual or family subsidy available.

To register contact 780-8462576 or 780-871-1750.

JAN. 17 – FREE LEGAL CLINIC FREE Legal Advice Clinics

by Community Legal Clinic, 4419-52 Avenue, Lloydminster, January 17, March 21, May 16, July 18, August 15, October 17 and December 19, 2019. Call 1-587-789-0727 for eligibility and bookings.

Watch our Facebook page for more details.

JAN. 9 – FUN WITH NUMBERS Lloydminster Learning Council will be offering Fun With Numbers, Jan 9 - Feb 13, 2019, Families come together once a week for 6 weeks. A program for parents/caregivers of children (4-6 years) which uses stories, games and rhymes to develop numeracy skills in a fun and meaningful way.

LLOYDMINSTER LEARNING COUNCIL - Registration Night for English Language Programs, Monday January 21, 2019, 6:30-7:30pm, Community Services Building, Workshop Room, 4419 - 52 Ave. Fee: No Charge, Call 780-8755763 for any questions - Keyboarding, Wed. Jan 30, 2019, 6:30-8:30pm, Learn proper hand position-

Free Call 780-875-5763 to register for classes.

ing to touch type to improve speed & accuracy, Fee: $40.00, Call 780-875-5763 to register - Technology Series for Adults, 5 Wednesdays, Feb 6-Mar 6, 2019, 6:308:30pm, Fee: $125.00, Call 780-875-5763 to register - English Language Classes being offered: Beginner, Advanced, Intermediate, 10 weeks, Tuesdays & Thursdays, January 29 - April 4, 2019, 7:00-9:00pm, Fee: No Charge, Call 780-875-5763 to register - English Language Classes for Women, 10 weeks, Wednesdays, January 30 April 3, 2019, 1:00-3:00pm, Learn day to day conversational English, pronunciation, reading and writing for everyday activities (work, doctor appointments, children’s school), Fee: No Charge, Call 780-875-5763 to register

Monday, December 23, 2019

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Year in Review: October

Monday, December 23, 2019

Boundary Ford Battle of Alberta bring in $100K for Game Plan

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he Edmonton Oilers and Calgary Flames alumni were in town to close out September for the Boundary Ford Battle of Alberta charity hockey game.

All funds raised through the day’s events

went directly back into the Lloydminster Region Health Foundation’s (LRHF) mental health initiative “Project Sunrise.”

“It looks like we still have a few more things to add up but it’s looking like we’ve netted

about $100,000 on Saturday for mental health,” said LRHF CEO Malcolm Radke.

The funds raised on Saturday will be used to develop a new youth athlete program called “Game Plan,” which will be used to assist

athletes, coaches, team staff, parents and billets to learn about mental health, build skills to enhance mental well-being and manage stress, to recognize the warning signs and support someone who is experiencing a mental

Taylor Weaver Meridian Source health concern or substance abuse problem,

as well as where to find help.

Summit bridges culture gap

A

lot of handshakes took place at this year’s Economic Partnership Summit on Oct. 3 as expected.

The annual event, led by the Lloydminster Chamber of Commerce, brings together businesses, leaders and Indigenous people, primarily in Treaty 6 Territory to build partnerships.

“Every year it seems to be growing,” said chamber president Corrine Kelly-Hyde at the start of the seventh summit.

The agenda included

Business Connections that summit chair Milton Tootoosis, a councillor with Poundmaker Cree Nation, called a ‘match-making expo’ for delegates.

“These are short 15-minute meetings where you can learn about each other’s businesses and hopefully a business connection can be made,” Tootoosis said.

The most notable deal maker was keynote speaker Jim Boucher, the former Chief of Fort McKay First Nation north of Fort McMurray.

He was also chairman of the Fort McKay Group of Companies for about three decades.

Boucher made a $350 million deal with Suncor Energy to acquire a 34.4 per cent interest in the East Tank Farm to create wealth and opportunity for his community.

“A lot of First Nations are engaged in the oil business and I think it’s a good thing because it develops our community economically and deals with social issues,” said Boucher.

Year in Review: November

Monday, December 23, 2019

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Youth community leader receives provincial recognition

File Photo

T

he commonlyused phrase “youth are the leaders of tomorrow” couldn’t ring more true for the Border City’s

own 15-year-old Jordy Haughian.

Jordy was honoured with a Lieutenant Governor’s Community Leader of Tomorrow honour-

able mention at the Alberta Recreation and Parks Association annual awards ceremony.

Recipients have demonstrated leadership in using recreation and parks as a catalyst in creating healthier and more active communities.

In Jordy’s case, his list of personal contributions to Lloydminster and surrounding community continues

to grow.

“The Lieutenant Governor was amazing, and she has a great sense of humour,” said Jordy, adding it was Heather Dow who put his name in the nomination.

“Feeling great about all of this feels like an understatement, and just even getting an honourable mention is amazing ... it’s literally an honour.”

Jordy added he doesn’t do what he does for the recognition, he does it for the greater

good of the community.

“That’s all I have to do and all I want to do,” he said.

Church opens drop-in shelter

T

he grapevine news brought some people to a new drop-in centre at St. John’s Anglican Church on its first day of operations.

The drop-in opened on Nov. 4, upstairs in the former Lloydminster youth centre space, with several people in line

for a free breakfast and shelter from the cold.

“Here we have an area for people to come and go as they please,” explained Riley Gilroyed, the drop-in centre manager on opening day.

“Basically, it’s a place where people can come for breakfast, and lunch

throughout the day.”

Gilroyed will oversee volunteers help prepare bowls of oatmeal and sandwiches for visitors throughout the year.

“Given the economy, given the weather that we have right now—as it gets colder and as people don’t have that shelter, I think this is that

Geoff Lee Meridian Source

warm community space that people can go to from 9 to 4 during the day,” he said.

19124BE0 20011BE0

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Year in Review: December

Monday, December 23, 2019

Costco project out for tenders

C

ostco Wholesale Canada announced they were accepting bids for a general contractor for a Costco Warehouse, Liquor Pod and Fuel Facility on BuildWorks Canada for Lloydminster in early December.

The bids were open until Dec. 10 for a general contractor to build an approximately 148,000 sq. ft. warehouse in Lloydminster according to project details, but Costco Wholesale Corporation won’t confirm it.

“We don’t confirm until we’re pretty firm, so we have no comment on that,” said Josh Dahmen, Costco’s U.S. based director, financial planning and investor relations.

“As a rule, our company does not comment

on future openings for more than a couple of months.”

The tender includes a lengthy list of Lloydminster companies as a proponent for mechanical contractors, electrical contractors and suppliers among others.

An estimator cautioned the project is just going through the tendering period and is a long way from being finalized.

“Obviously, it’s being tendered, and I suppose up until Costco signs a contract with a general

contractor, they could chose not to proceed at any time,” he said.

File Photo

Spreading a positive message sparks viral video from youth leader Three words, that’s all it took to share smiles,

kindness and a sense of feeling loved for stu-

dents at Holy Rosary High School (HRHS).

“You are beautiful” is a simple compliment worth its weight in gold, something Olivia Brockhoff, a Grade 10 student at HRHS, was inspired by and wanted to do a little more.

Brockoff took a project from her Communications Media class, put a positive spin on it, inevitably helping it go viral.

The idea for her video was simple, go around her school and tell friends, teachers, and complete strangers she thought they were beau-

tiful and wanted them to know it.

“A compliment can do a lot, you never know what somebody is going through. Your words can hurt, but your words can also heal,” she said.

“We’re stuck in technology and media and it can be so negative all of the time, and we’re always looking at our faces because we always have our phone, and so we’re negative to ourselves, and we don’t really put each other up we always pull each other down.”

When asked why she thought people reacted

Taylor Weaver Meridian Source the way they did, she simply said, “because people aren’t used to getting compliments, which is super sad, they’re not used to being called beautiful.”

“Some of my teachers

cried, then off-camera they gave me hugs and we had a deep conversation, and then some of my friends and strangers cried, and it was crazy that’s for sure,” she said.

PAGE 17 Monday, December 23, 2019 MERIDIAN SOURCE

Agriculture

Agriculture Extension Services move to Humboldt MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

..................................

The Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture will move agriculture extension services to the City of Humboldt in March 2020.

The region is currently served by an office in Watrous.

“Establishing an office in Humboldt allows us to maximize the positive impact of our extension services on the agriculture community,” Agriculture Minister David Marit said.

“We will continue to serve our clients in the Watrous region from our Humboldt office, while expanding specialists’ reach by being co-located with Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation in a larger centre.”

“

We will continue to serve our clients in the Watrous region from our Humboldt office, while expanding specialists’ reach by being co-located with Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation in a larger centre.

The move will bring the ministry and Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation services together in the same community, enhancing the services offered by both organizations to producers in the region. Staff

currently employed in Watrous will continue in their roles in Humboldt.

“The City of Humboldt is a strong agricultural hub in Saskatchewan and the agri-

environmental programming and extension services offered by regional specialists will serve the area well,” Marit said.

The Ministry of Agri-

culture has 10 regional offices located across the province, staffed with agriculture extension specialists. The extension team provides information and

technical assistance on a broad range of agriculture topics including production information, available funding programs and research findings.

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Monday, December 23, 2019

PAGE 19 Monday, December 23, 2019 MERIDIAN SOURCE

Careers

Investing in biodiversity monitoring MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

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The province of Alberta is providing a $3.7-million grant to the Alberta Biodiversity Monitoring Institute (ABMI) for ongoing research on biodiversity in Alberta’s

ecosystems.

The grant will allow the ABMI to continue its important monitoring work, which includes tracking changes in Alberta’s wildlife and habitats using scientifically credible methods.

The ABMI’s moni-

toring program is a biodiversity safety net for economic development.

The ABMI operates one of Canada’s only long-term biodiversity monitoring networks, providing clear indicators of change in biodiversity.

“I am pleased to continue working with the ABMI on biodiversity monitoring of the province’s natural resources,” said Minister of Environment and Parks Jason Nixon.

“Thorough monitoring will make it possible for us to make critical decisions as

“

I am pleased to continue working with the ABMI on biodiversity monitoring of the province’s natural resources.

we continue to balance protection of our shared environment with certainty for job creators.”

This work provides Alberta Environment and Parks with necessary information

for biodiversity-management frameworks, land-use planning and related policy considerations.

In its recently completed 10-year program review, an independent review committee described the ABMI’s work as a “monumental achievement,” providing a great example of a long-term biodiversity monitoring program.

“Alberta has a busy working landscape.

Albertans want to make decisions on how to manage our natural resources while maintaining a legacy of strong environmental stewardship,” said Jim Herbers, executive director, ABMI. “This Government of Alberta grant allows us, at the ABMI, to continue to deliver the information and practical tools Albertans are looking for.”

PAGE 20 Monday, December 23, 2019 MERIDIAN SOURCE 306-825-5111 admin@meridiansource.ca

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Barns, Shops, Riding Arenas, Machine Sheds and more; sales@integritybuilt.com; 1-866-974-7678, www.integritybuilt.com.

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Obituaries & Memoriams

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Call 306-825-5111 or drop off at 5921 50 Avenue Lloydminster, SK

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Monday, December 23, 2019

Celebrations

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HOROSCOPES CAPRICORN

December 22 – January 19 Don’t wait until your guests arrive to decorate and prepare for the party. It would be good to learn to let go in order to appreciate the moment and accept that things aren’t always perfect.

AQUARIUS

January 20 – February 18 Your social nature helps you bring a record number of people to your next bash. Likewise, you’ll be surprised when everyone in your family accepts your invitation, meaning there will be more people than ever at your holiday dinner.

PISCES

February 19 – March 20 You’ll find yourself with more responsibility than expected when certain people who were supposed to help don’t show up. Your boss may need you when you’re trying to spend time with your family.

ARIES

March 21– April 19 With the holidays just around the corner, you’ll decide to concentrate on your relationship. Take time between obligations to put your worries to rest. Try to have some fun and maybe even take off on an adventure.

TAURUS

April 20 – May 20 Unexpectedly, your boss will give you new responsibilities that look strangely like a promotion and a generous pay increase to match. Venturing into the unknown could mean personal and professional success.

GEMINI

May 21 – June 21 If you’re single, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to meet someone interesting. Your interpersonal skills will help you find a solution to a family conflict and ensure a harmonious holiday season.

CANCER

June 22 – July 22 Even if it wasn’t the plan, almost all the holiday festivities will take place at your home, so get ready. You’ll need to approach certain family members with sensitivity.

LEO July 23 – August 22 You’ll probably make a spectacle of yourself in one way or another. At work, your efforts will be recognized before the end of the year.

In love, this is a magical time for marriage proposals.

VIRGO

August 23 – September 22 You’ll try to stick to a budget, but your generosity will get the better of you as you spoil your loved ones. You may also be faced with an unexpected expense. Luckily, you’ll be generously compensated for working overtime.

LIBRA

September 23 – October 22 You may be the one to try to make everyone smile. You may consider buying yourself a new car for Christmas. Be careful on the road.

CROSSWORD

SCORPIO

October 23 – November 21 As we reach the end of the year, you may start to feel exhausted. Eating well will help and give you the energy you’ll need to celebrate properly.

SAGITTARIUS

December 19 Answers

November 22 – December 21 An adventurer at heart, you’ll inspire your family to try new activities during the holidays.

You’ll spontaneously book a plane ticket, hotel room or something else to bring your loved ones together in an enchanting environment.

SUDOKU December 19 Answers

ACROSS 1. Way off 5. Carpenter insect 8. Gorillas, e.g.

12. Give medicine to 13. Armed conflict 14. Not imagined 15. Melt 17. Brief follower 18. Chic 19. Sailed 21. Immediately, in medicine 23. Expected to arrive 24. Raises 26. Tibetan ox 28. Corners 32. Took to court

34. Zilch 36. Slangy assent 37. One who finishes 39. Family member 41. Bread grain 42. Lean’s opposite 44. Art ____ 46. Fast cat 50. Overbearing 53. Tibetan holy man 54. Explanatory comment 56. Came to ground 57. Winter ailment 58. Flush 59. Drenches 60. Nevertheless 61. Dangerous snakes

DOWN 1. Does arithmetic 2. Aluminum wrap 3. Evaluated 4. Turn back to zero 5. Boring instrument 6. Blue or bean 7. Plod 8. Robin Hood’s talent 9. Bog product 10. Relaxation 11. Snowy-weather toy 16. Give approval to 20. Slice 22. Handbag hue 24. Employ 25. Wordplay 27. Young goat

29. Certain cans 30. Remit money to 31. That girl 33. Overcomes 35. Junior 38. Inform (on) 40. Obligation 43. Sticky confection 45. Cuban dance 46. Lobster’s appendage 47. ____ and hearty 48. Give forth 49. Doughnut center 51. Come to a halt 52. Certain evergreens 55. ____-of-bounds

May you touch dragonflies & stars, dance with fairies & talk to the moon. Meridian Source’s Birth Announcements If you wish to have your baby’s birth announcement published in our May you grow up with love & gracious hearts & people who care.

Thursday edition of the Meridian Source FREE OF CHARGE, please come in and fill out a form or email admin@meridiansource.ca Welcome to the world little one. It’s been waiting for you!

Deadline is Tuesday at noon for the Thursday edition.

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Monday, December 23, 2019