Meridian Source - December 28, 2023

Thursday, December 28, 2023

VOLUME 6 I ISSUE 27

MERIDIANSOURCE.CA

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MERIDIAN SOURCE

Thursday, December 28, 2023

Barr Colony to close in June GEOFF LEE STAFF WRITER

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Barr Colony School will be closing after serving the community for 46 years.

The Lloydminster Public School Division Board (LPSD) of Education has decided to

repurpose the school and close it at the end of June 2024.

Barr Colony currently enrolls 274 students.

The Board made the decision during its regular meeting on Dec. 13 after reviewing information from the Nov.

22 meeting and multiple school stakeholder engagements.

“This decision was not made lightly, and the Board recognizes the impact it will have on the Barr Colony School students, families, and the community as a whole,” said the Board in a statement.

The Board chose to repurpose the viable sections of the Barr Colony School building for use by Avery School.

The section identified as needing complete remediation will

be closed.

The Board said the LPSD will continue to monitor air quality to ensure the safety of the building until it closes.

“We want to emphasize that this decision was reached after an examination of the feasibility study, current utilization rates, remediation and maint enance cost s analy sis and the concerns we received from the school community,” said the Board.

Previously, the Board had determined

the five-year deferred maintenance cost for Barr Colony is more than $3.7 million.

The Board says the strategic decision was made for the long-term sustainability of the LPSD. Information about the decision was shared with Barr Colony staff and families at the conclusion of the meeting.

“Our commitment to our students’ education and well-being remains unwavering,” said the Board.

The Board says they

are now focused on providing support and guidance to all the Barr Colony families and the community as it navigates the next steps.

The Board stated, “We are committed to making informed, responsible, and equitable decisions that align with our commitment to providing quality education while being fiscally responsible. We thank all those impacted by this situation for their patience and understanding.”

Cenovus releases 2024 capital budget GEOFF LEE STAFF WRITER

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Cenovus Energy will roll out its 2024 capital spending budget of between $4.5 billion and $5 billion to boost upstream production and improve margins in the downstream segment.

The company released its spending plans on Dec. 14, which includes growing production at the Foster Creek,

Christina Lake and Sunrise oil sands facilities.

Additionally, Cenovus will implement further programs in its downstream business to improve reliability and increase margin capture as well as invest in opportunities in the conventional business.

“We will continue to progress strategic initiatives in our base business in 2024

that will enhance our integrated operations and further drive our ability to grow total shareholder returns, even in periods of price volatility,” said Jon McKenzie, Cenovus president and chief executive officer in a statement.

“We will remain focused on reducing costs and continued capital discipline, while realizing the full value of our integrated strategy.”

Cenovus is targeting total upstream production in 2024 of between 770,000 and 810,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boe/d) wit h p r od u c ti o n f r o m o i l sands and thermal projects expected to be between 590,000 and 610,000 barrels per day (bbls/d). This reflects a planned turnaround at Christina Lake in the third quarter of 2024.

The company expects total downstream crude throughput of 630,000 bbls/d to 670,000 bbls/d, an increase of approximately 17 per cent compared to the prior year.

The Lloydminster Upgrader will begin a turnaround in the second quarter of 2024, which will result in higher refining operating costs due to higher expensed turnaround costs.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

Thursday, December 28, 2023

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Aalbers to lobby WestJet to stay

File Photo GEOFF LEE STAFF WRITER

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Lloydminster Mayor Gerald Aalbers is hoping WestJet Link will reconsider its decision to end its non-stop scheduled air service between Calgary and Lloydminster on April 15.

“I never think it’s a done deal until we get there. I have spoken w ith We s t Je t . I’l l be speaking with WestJe t a g a i n i n t h e n e w year —likely person to person, discussing this matter to a much greater extent,” Aal-

bers told a meeting of the Lloydminster Concerned Citizens for Seniors Care Society on Tuesday.

“I won’t say it’s guaranteed they’re leaving. I won’t guarantee they’re staying. I won’t let them go without having a much further wholesome discussion.”

WestJet posted a notice to discontinue service in the Meridian Source on Dec. 14 along with the following media statement.

“We can confirm that WestJet Link ser-

vice between Lloydminster and Calgary will be removed from our schedule effective April 15, 2024. Service between now and April 14, 2024, will not be impacted,” said WestJet. “The decision to remove service is never taken lightly, and we understand this is disappointing news for the community and apologize for the impact this may have. Despite efforts made to support the route’s viability, service between Lloy-

dminster and Calgary was not performing to expectations.

“Impacted guests will be provided with as much advance notice as possible, and the option to select alternative travel arrangements or to receive a refund to their original form of payment.”

Several seniors told Aalbers they believed the flights were mostly full, adding WestJet did change the flight schedules, which may have impacted sales.

“I’m just trying to get a lock on those numbers. WestJet’s been prepared to share those with us,” said Aalbers, who will conduct a survey on the best flight times to share with WestJet. “There are some other challenges they shar ed wit h u s —t he number of pilots available to access—those kind of things. There’s a number of issues we’ve got to work through with them to discuss further,” said Aalbers.

Gas prices to increase on Jan. 1 MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

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Motorists in Alberta will pay nine cents more for a litre of gas starting Jan. 1 with the return of the Alberta fuel tax.

Premier Danielle Smith explained the increase during an interview on 630CHED radio in Edmonton on Dec. 14.

“Here’s the deal we had with Albertans,” Smith told talk show host Shaye Ganam.

“When we’re making a lot of money from resource revenues, we’re going to make sure we’re reducing the cost on them from the fuel tax. So, the program we have in place is when oil and gas is over $90, there will be no fuel tax. When it’s under $80 — and we’re talking West Texas Intermediate — then the tax comes back,” the premier said.

The program is reviewed quarterly.

“As you’ve seen, we’ve had a lot of uncertainty around our oil prices. I think they dipped below $70 going back a little bit,” Smith said.

“We have more people coming into the province. We need to build more schools, more hospitals, and we need to make sure that we’re hiring enough doctors, and nurses.

And we can’t keep on cutting our long-term dependable revenue sources.

“So because oil is now below $80, we figured this was the time to return to that program, but if it goes back up to $90, we’ll take it off again.

“We’ve made that program permanent. So people will be able to get that break depending on what our oil prices are,” Smith said.

Under the Alberta program, if WTI averages above $90 USD, the full 13 cents is

removed from the price at the pump.

If WTI averages between $85 USD and $89.99 USD, the fuel tax would be set at 4.5 cents per litre.

If WTI averages between $80 USD and $84.99 USD, the fuel tax would be set at nine cents per litre. Any

price below $80 USD would see the full reinstatement of the 13 cents per litre.

“I would encourage anyone who has used WestJet or plans to use WestJet to write a

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letter asking them to reconsider their decision and outline how important it is to you.”

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MERIDIAN SOURCE

YEAR IN REVIEW 2023 – July

Thursday, December 28, 2023

Mural more than meets the eye

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giant mural has been turning quite a few heads in downtown Lloydminster.

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his year’s Great Cycle Challenge was shaping up to be another tour de force

The 3,082-sq.-ft. work of art, located on the north side of the Saskatchewan Health Authority building, has

a profound meaning behind it.

“This mural is really so much more than each and every one

of us. It’s more of us together as a collective than any one organization, and it will stand as a legacy for gen-

erations to come—of our community’s commitment to truth and reconciliation,” said Lloydminster Region Health Foundation (LRHF) CEO Stephanie Munro.

“For some, it will be a symbol of hope for the future, for others, it represents beautification and revitalization of our downtown.

For community members and employees, it provides a welcoming and vibrant workplace. This mural is a starting point for some difficult conversations, but also conversations that will bring individuals together to learn, grow and heal together.”

Munro says the project couldn’t have been

possible without support from the donors, sponsors, volunteers, and the LRHF board of directors.

“When the project was blessed by the Heart of Treaty 6, and we had lots of storysharing in the circle meeting– that’s when I knew my creativity had the power to make change. How can I help our community? How can I help the world? And that’s through my creative gift,” said artist Brandi Hofer.

“Honestly, it’s been the honour of my life.

It was bigger and better than any one of us envisioned even. It’s not just paint on a wall. It’s so much more than that.”

Russell cycling again for SickKids for Lloydminster kids’ cancer fighter Jarrod Russell.

The gritty 47-yearold was set to begin

his eighth national cycle challenge to raise money for the SickKids Foundation by riding his bike for donations

throughout August.

He planned to fuel up on Honey Nut Cheerios and protein bars to ride 1,000 kilometres and raise $25,000 to support kids with cancer.

Last year, Russell rode for young Oilers’ superfan Ben Stelter, who died in August from brain cancer, and in 2021, he raised extra funds for a young American boy, Braxton Wei-

dman, who also died in 2022 from cancer.

“All the kids I ride for passed away and I decided to go another year,” he said.

Russell himself was diagnosed with a brain tumour when he was just four and is still battling the side effects of his cancer treatment.

He has epilepsy and partial paralysis on his

right side and limited movement of his arm, fingers and legs, but nothing slows down his commitment to helping kids.

Russell has raised more than $206,000 for SickKids over the years thanks to the support from the community and family members who donate to his link on the cycle challenge website.

CENOVUS FROM PAGE 2

to reach almost $100 million. The scope includes progressing carbon capture projects at the Lloyd Upgrader and Christina Lake and methane reduction initiatives across conventional

operations.

Cenovus will also continue work to increase energy efficiency at the company’s Canadian offshore assets and advance additional technology assessments.

In 2024, investments in targeted emissions reduction initiatives and Cenovus’ commitment to the Pathways Alliance carbon capture and storage project are forecast

YEAR IN REVIEW 2023 – July

Thursday, December 28, 2023

Lightning Luke wins NACC dash

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fter nine days of heats at Halstead Downs, “Lightning” Luke Tournier battled through the field to win the 2023 North American Chuckwagon Championship (NACC).

A native of Duck Lake, Sask, Tournier, like many other drivers, fought through penalties throughout the nine days of heats, but going into Sunday’s dash off the two-barrel, he was lined up against Devin Mitsuing on the one, Kris Flanagan on the three, and DJ King on the four. Championship Sunday also saw Tournier run a speedy 1:14.95 to win the dash

and $50K. “It’s always fun to win,” said Tournier in a post-race interview with local media.

“This is easy, today is the fun stuff,” he said.

“It’s trying to get there (that’s the hard part).

Every day is a grind, you’re trying to stay clean, but once you’re in the race you just let it all hang out.”

For this year’s third annual NACC, Tournier said he was excited about the show as well

as trying out some new horses.

“I like this show and I hope we can keep growing it,” he said. “We still run the four wagons and do the cowboy stuff and promote the family culture. I love it here.”

Bobcats name new bench boss pretty evident, from my perspective, it was going to be a good fit and

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he Lloydminster Junior A Bobcats were excited to get back on the ice for pre-season camp under the direction of newly hired head coach Brad Rihela.

Rihela comes to the Bobcats with roughly 10 years of coaching experience in the BCHL, CSSHL U15

and the PIJHL, respectively, and he’s looking forward to hitting the ground running in the Border City.

“This is a league I’ve been a fan of for a long time and my discussions with Nigel were fantastic,” said Rihela during a meet and greet at the team’s office.

“Early on, it was

Cochrane wows crowd

ultimately, (I’m) just excited to get started here in Lloydminster.”

Church Directory

MERIDIAN SOURCE

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MERIDIAN SOURCE

YEAR IN REVIEW 2023 – August

Thursday, December 28, 2023

Ground broken for Cenovus Energy Hub

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ignitaries gathered under the blazing sun for the first of many important events to be hosted on that land.

The City of Lloydminster held a groundbreaking ceremony on Aug. 29 to celebrate the commencement of construction on the site of the

Outfielder slides into hall of fame

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arry Flicek hasn’t played baseball for over 50 years, but he suddenly finds himself replaying highlights in his head from games he played with the Neilburg Monarchs starting in 1960.

The 85-year-old retired farmer will be inducted into the Saskatchewan Baseball Hall of Fame in Battleford Sask on Aug. 19 as a former star base runner and slugger in the North Saskatchewan Baseball League (NSBL).

“I didn’t know about this until the phone rang one day. I was surprised,” said Flicek last week from his home in Neilburg.

He was nominated by his former teammate, Don McIntyre, who remembers Flicek as an outstanding centre fielder in his day.

“He ran down many fly balls with his speed,” said McIntyre.

“His speed is what gave him the nickname ‘Dusty’ from the dust he

raised while running.”

Flicek was officially notified about his upcoming induction by Leo Wurtz, who sits on the Hall of Fame selection committee.

Wurtz will be out of town that weekend but says for any player who’s inducted, it’s an important milestone of their career.

Flicek was thrilled to be nominated, but at first, wasn’t sure about showing up in person to accept the award with his back troubles.

“You see, I’ve got mobility troubles. I’m not sure just how it’s all going to work out eh, but I’m going to go anyway,” said Flicek.

He was suddenly motivated to go after his wife recently rummaged through a closet and uncovered his original baseball uniform from his rookie season in 1960, but he won’t be wearing it to the ceremony.

“I’m going to donate it to the museum,” said Flicek.

Cenovus Energy Hub. “Today marks a new chapter in our community’s growth, as we gather here at the ceremonial groundbreak-

ing for the Cenovus Energy Hub Event District. We’re not just witnessing the birth of a physical space, we’re envisioning a vibrant hub where great moments will happen,” said Mayor Gerald Aalbers during the ceremony.

“Imagine the joy of hosting local festivities that showcase our unique culture and talents. Picture the thrills of welcoming provincial and national events, where our City becomes a focal point for innovation and progress.”

Aalbers told the crowd that the groundbreaking ‘isn’t just about shovels and dirt’.

“It’s about laying a foundation for a brighter future.

It’s about taking the first

step toward a future where economic growth, community engagement, and great moments all converge … let’s look forward to the years ahead when the Cenovus Energy Hub event district will stand as a beacon of opportunity, innovation, and prosperity for our community.”

It will include a primary arena with seating for 2,500 people, expandable up to 4,500 with floor seats, a second full-size indoor ice surface with seating for 300500, and a third outdoor ice surface directly adjacent to the building.

The facility is expected to be fully operational by winter 2025.

Lloyd’s 600 lb man wins Mr. Transformation

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f you ran into Chris Waters on the street today, you’d never imagine he once weighed 601 lbs, but after a lot of hard work and dedication to his health, Waters proved anything is possible when you set your mind to it.

Waters did so in late June in London, Ont. when he and trainer, Rene Weinkauf, who’s been working with Waters since 2018, took on the best in Canada in the Ultimate Fitness Experience’s (UFE) Transformation competition and won.

“The transformation division is for people

who have gone through life-changing physical changes … and for a lot of people, that’s the number-one reason we step into the gym. We’re not stepping into the gym to compete at Mr. Olympia, we just want to get healthy.”

With the Canadian Transformation title in the books, Waters now has his sights set on the World Transformation Championship in Toronto next November.

“I’m hoping to bring the World Championship back to Lloyd as well,” he said.

A win in Toronto would also help Waters

punch his pro card to be considered a professional athlete with the UFE. Roughly a decade ago, Waters wasn’t near where he is now in regard to his health and fitness.

Weighing 601 lbs with a six-month-old son at home, a trip to the doctor in February 2014 became a reality check for the new dad.

“I wasn’t feeling good and the doctor said if I didn’t do something I wasn’t going to see my boy go to kindergarten,” he said.

“I think that was the one that resonated with me the most because I lost my dad at 11 and grew up most of my life without a father. I couldn’t imagine leaving my son at say, three years old.”

Doctors quickly got Waters in touch with the Slim Band clinic in Toronto as drastic action was needed.

“I went through the process there, paid the $25K, flew to Toronto and got the gastric slim band put in May 2015,” he said.

Waters explained he lost 180-190 lbs with the band and dieting alone but plateaued in 2018.

“That’s when I knew I needed to step into the gym,” he said. “I was probably about 380400 lbs at that point, so going into the gym was daunting. I got laughed at, I got pointed at, you get the ‘what the heck are you doing here’ looks.

“I didn’t know what I was doing, I just started lifting weights.”

YEAR IN REVIEW 2023 – August

Thursday, December 28, 2023

MERIDIAN SOURCE

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Museum festival celebrates 32 years Mount Joy opens

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he weather couldn’t have been hotter nor the pie and ice cream tastier at the 32nd Annual Frenchman Butte Museum Festival.

Celebrated this past Sunday in the sleepy Hamlet, the annual festival holds great importance in the area as it recognizes efforts by those before us. It also acts as the museum’s largest fundraiser to help keep the heat and lights on.

F o r M a r i l y n Hougham, committee member and long-time organizer, the outcome couldn’t have been better with lots of foot traffic throughout the day.

“For the last few years we’ve counted how many people come out

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summer season

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on festival day, and it’s usually around 600,” she said.

“We never feed that many at supper, but they’re here during the day for the parade, the kids’ games, homemade pie and ice cream.”

Hougham and her husband have been involved in the festi-

val for quite some time, but they’re quick to point out they don’t do it alone.

“We have a board of nine members as well as all of these great volunteers,” she said. “It took 75-100 volunteers to put this one on.”

Admission to the festival was by donation,

and Hougham noted this year’s attendees were very generous.

“As you know, the price of everything has gone up, so it takes more money in a year to keep the heat, insurance and all that paid for. This usually carries us through the year,” she said.

Community health meeting on tap

he Lloydminster and District Health Advisory Council hoped to turn people away at a community health meeting, held at the Centennial Civic Centre Auditorium.

Advisory council chair, Paul Richer, wants an overflow turnout on Sept. 7 to learn what’s happening in the region from Saskatchewan Health Author-

ity (SHA) and Alberta Health Services (AHS) officials.

“I hope I turn people away. I need the media, our own group, everybody to pack the place to turn people away because I believe with just that fact, we’ll send a message,” said Richer, who expects at least 150 people to attend.

He says the intended outcome is for health authorities to “clearly

see the community is united” and recognize the Lloydminster region has fewer services than anyone else in both provinces.

Richer also hopes health authorities are willing to do something about it.

He says he wants to see “less lip service” and some construction and programs added.

Richer expects the panel to bring resi-

dents up to speed on the promised update of the 2013 Lloydminster Integrated Health Services and Facility Infrastructure Needs Assessment.

“The Lloydminster area is underserved when compared to provincial average health services capacity and the services provided in communities with similar catchment populations,” states the assessment.

Cold treats help kids when they need it most

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Dairy Queen Blizzard can bring a smile on a good day, but on Miracle Treat Day, that treat has the potential to bring hundreds of smiles with proceeds from sales going to Edmonton’s Stollery Children’s Hospital.

This year’s Miracle Treat Day took place last Thursday and was nothing short of a success at the local level with over $18,000 raised.

For owner, Joanne Schiller

and the rest of the DQ family, the event is a way to help kids when they need it most.

“All net proceeds from Blizzard sales go towards the Stollery Children’s Hospital, which we’re excited about,” said Schiller.

“This is our 21st year, so it’s been awesome.”

This year’s Miracle Treat Day saw help from the Reid family as siblings 14-year-old Dillan and 12-year-old Sophie spent time at the Stollery as young kids.

“We’re here because we’re Stollery kids,” said Dillan.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 8

ount Joy Snow Resort is revelling in a fresh dump of offseason news.

The headline item is the rollout of summer operations on its network of trails for mountain bikers and hikers.

Users can now purchase a single-day ticket, a 15-day pass or a Renegade pass for the full season from Grindin’ Gears Bikes ‘N Boards in Lloydminster.

“We’re doing a soft launch. We’re not blowing doors off of it,” said resort president Chris Bogue.

“A lot of work went into the land usage agreement, insurance, how it’s all going to work and who’s going to do it.”

Amendments to the land use agreement also move the resort’s boundary lines to create more rideable and ski-

able terrain.

Mount Joy now has 205 acres of recreational terrain across four seasons.

The new summer operations are part of an existing five-year plan to create a fourseason experience to generate much-needed revenue.

“If people want to come out and hike or run or bike, they have to get tickets. It helps fund the hill and will help to cover our costs. We have to,” said Bogue.

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MERIDIAN SOURCE

YEAR IN REVIEW 2023 – August

Thursday, December 28, 2023

It’s Boston or bust for Blythe Definitely, tomorrow will be the sorest day, then I’ll just try to keep my recovery going,” said Blythe.

Several other Lloydminster runners took part in the marathon, including Andrew Litt 3:29:08, Michael Davison 3:37:32, Cam Wheeler 3:59:13, Bonnie Christie 4:18:58, Garett Wyness 4:23:34, and Jay-Ar Maglalang, no time posted.

DQ FROM PAGE 7

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raig Blythe will be on a runner’s high until next year’s Boston Marathon.

The 36-year-old teacher at Winston Churchill School just finished the Edmonton Marathon on Sun-

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day in a Boston qualifying time of 3:01:31 as a 35-39 age grouper.

His wife, Laura, who is also a runner, was on hand to cheer him on and receive an honourable mention in his Facebook and Instagram postings.

“That should be enough to qualify for Boston! A painful adventure,” he wrote that Sunday.

“Thanks to my amazing wife for the support and the perfect nutrition/hydration plan.

The good Lord gave me

wings today. For a brief moment, I felt like a sub 3 hour was possible!”

Blythe also set a personal best in the first half marathon of the race that took place under perfect conditions.

The physical toll

started to kick in, however, on Monday morning, to temporarily dampen his enthusiasm.

“I’m definitely sore today, but my kids got me out of bed and took me to the park and got me moving around.

Local food bank hungers for donations

hese tough economic times are putting the Salvation Army food bank in Lloydminster in a perpetual state of need with a revolving door.

“The food comes in one door and goes out the other,” said Major Bond Jennings who heads the non-profit charity.

Jennings says in the past year more than 300 new families and individuals have come to the food bank for

assistance.

“In the past year and a half, the increase that we have seen, it’s crazy.

We are still seeing upwards of five maybe even 10 new people every week,” he said.

“Sometimes it’s a one-time thing for a person or a family and it might be the only time we see them through the year. Other times, it’s desperate times and they will be back several times.”

The return to school

in September will also spike the demand for the organization’s Kids Kits program in partnership with the Lloydminster Public School Division.

Each week, the Salvation Army provides a little bag of groceries for kids, including canned pasta and canned meat, Kraft Dinner, oatmeal, juice boxes, fruit cups, granola bars, fresh fruit and things like that.

“We don’t know what

the numbers are for the coming year, but last year we were doing roughly 150 to 155 bags per week,” explained Jennings.

When Jennings and his wife moved to Lloydminster in 2019, they were basically filling 45 to 50 bags a year for the first couple of years.

“Last year was the f irst y ear we st art ed with a number and finished with the same number. Before it was up and down numbers,”

said Jennings.

Looking to the future, Jennings has a list of priority food supplies to replenish their shelves.

“Pasta sauces and pasta is always a good thing, rice, canned soup, chunky soups, beans, canned vegetables—they are all good items. Cereals for families and children are also things that are needed,” explained Bond.

“Cash is good because we can buy a fair amount with cash.”

“It’s good to be here to support other families who may be going through what we went through. We’ve done this for the past four years.”

The kids’ mom, Elizabeth, explained the kids first got involved with Miracle Treat Day as Dillan spent most of his baby and toddler years in the Stollery.

“They asked us to become ambassadors when Dillan was about five, so we’ve been doing fundraising for the Stollery ever since,” she said.

“Sophie had a stroke in utero and started having seizures four years ago.”

For Dillan and Sophie, “It feels really good to help out here because they’ve helped us out so much over the years.”

“At the Stollery, there was a lot of support,” said Dillan. “There were a lot of people who were very kind and friendly and wanted to help me out.”

Thursday, December 28, 2023

MERIDIAN SOURCE

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MERIDIAN SOURCE

YEAR IN REVIEW 2023 – September

Thursday, December 28, 2023

Bea Fisher plans Vegas blowout gala 5921-50 Avenue, Lloydminster, SK S9V 2A4 Phone: 306-825-5111 Toll Free: 1-800-327-3899 | Fax: 306-825-5147 meridiansource.ca Mail: Box 2454, Lloydminster, SK S9V 1W5 Hours: 8AM to 5PM Monday to Friday The MERIDIAN SOURCE is published once a week, on Thursday.

All material printed in the Meridian Source is copyright and may not be copied or reproduced without the express permission of the publisher. The Meridian Source reserves the right to refuse publication of any advertising or editorial material at its discretion.

Columns and letters are the expressed view of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Meridian Source.

Editor Taylor Weaver taylor@meridiansource.ca Staff Writer Geoff Lee geoff@meridiansource.ca Staff Writer Jeannette Benoit Leipert jeannette@meridiansource.ca Marketing Consultant Cory Harvie cory@meridiansource.ca Marketing Consultant Andrea Allen andrea@meridiansource.ca Marketing Consultant Bailey Keebaugh bailey@meridiansource.ca

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artygoers are ready to celebrate the third and final New Year’s Eve fundraising gala by the Bea Fisher Foundation with a new party destination theme in mind.

“In 2019, we took everyone to New York.

Last year, after a gap, we were off to Mardi Gras in New Orleans.

This year, we are going to capture a lot of sights and sounds from Las Vegas,” said the Foundation’s marketing and business development coordinator, Kim Crockett.

The 2023 gala campaign kicked off at a press conference with Crockett announcing work would start to

renovate four kitchens in Bea Fisher’s 24-hour care homes for persons with developmental disabilities.

The funds for the renovations came from the $80,000 to $90,000 raised at last year’s gala.

The goal this year is to raise $100,000 to go towards outstanding upgrades and home improvements.

“Specifically, it could be things like flooring, countertops, additional kitchen renovations— any improvements that our care homes need— that’s where the funding is going to,” explained Crockett.

“There’s always going to be things going on with 60 individuals that live in some sort of 24-hour care facility

that we operate.”

Crockett says this will be the final gala as it’s run its course with organization fatigue and the realization they should reach the overall target of $250,000 for priority home improvements.

The Foundation has also moved on from its Colour Run funder, last held in 2022.

Students connect through Indigenous culture

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tudents from both LCSD and LPSD attended various learning events this week in honour of Truth and Reconciliation Day. Since Sept. 30 is a Saturday this year, orange shirt day will be held on Sept. 29 in Lloyd schools.

On Sept. 26, students gathered at Lakeland College to watch a teepee raising. The event was hosted by Lakeland College Indigenous student sup-

port manager Tinisha Young along with her mother, LCSD Indigenous program coordinator Cynthia Young.

“We had a really good turnout.

There was lots of students there.

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

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

Jackpot winner kept eyes on prize

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

2017

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ou can’t make this stuff up.

Lloydminster resident Faith Ebach may have won the $71,103 jackpot in the Lloyd Ex Chase the Ace draw on Sept. 6. with X-ray vision.

The live stream video shows her starring down what turned out to be the winning ace of

hearts after adjusting her glasses and knowing she had at least won the $2,647 weekly prize.

But all that changed when announcer Gord King said, “Okay now, we’ve got t he nerves calmed down eh, Faith,” who continued her stare down.

Ironically, King

yelled out, “She’s going off to the right. The card’s talking to her.”

Indeed it was, as dealer, Ray Foy, held up her winning pick for the camera after the count of three, two, one from King.

“You just won $71,000,” he screamed as Ebach flipped into a jackpot zombie frame

of mind.

“Well, I’m scared I’m going to wake up and then, okay,” was all she could say at the moment.

Ebach was still in shock at the cheque presentation at the Lloyd Ex the following afternoon.

“It’s all surreal still,” she said.

YEAR IN REVIEW 2023 – September

Thursday, December 28, 2023

MERIDIAN SOURCE

11

Huge turnout at City Hall rally

A

vocal group of more than 400 people with divergent viewpoints on how they want to see children taught in Lloydminster schools made their voices heard at a rally outside City Hall.

It was the local version of the 1 Million March 4 Children held in cities across Canada on Sept. 20 with some counter-protesters shouting down some speakers.

Locally, the rally and walk along 44 Street, was presented by the For the Kids’ Sake group of concerned parents in Lloydminster in conjunction with the American-based Faith, Family, Freedom organization.

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

Her group also advocates the elimination of alleged sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) curriculum along with pronouns,

gender identity and even mixed bathrooms in schools.

Podcaster and co-organizer, Shaun Newman, admits SOGI isn’t a part of the curriculum in Saskatchewan schools, but says it’s in B.C. and parts of Alberta.

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

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

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

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

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

New health-needs study pending

L

loydminster and area residents may have to wait until a new health services needs assessment is complete before seeing more improvements or capital investments.

Everything from upgrading the intensive care unit and creating mental health stabilization beds at the Lloydminster Hospital to adding more continuing-care spaces is in limbo.

That was the main message from bi-provincial health officials during a well-attended community question and answer meeting at the Civic Centre auditorium last Thursday.

Event organizer and chair of Lloydminster and District Health Advisory Council, Paul Richer, was hoping for more.

“Maybe there’ll be some new revelations, especially in the question and answer period,” he said before the meeting got underway.

In a report to the Rotary Club of Lloydminster on Monday, Richer said the important thing is high-ranking officials from the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) and Alberta Health Services (AHS) were here.

“For them to come down here, I was impressed and I think a lot of our committee was impressed,” said Richer.

The audience learned a consultant will soon be hired to kick off a new Integrated Health Services and Facility Infrastructure Needs Assessment with an 18-24 month completion date.

The assessment will cover health system planning within a 150-kilometre radius of Lloydminster.

The decision to update the 2013 needs assessment was made during a Bi-Provincial Health Services Committee meeting this spring, according to a handout document.

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

In addition, only teachers

can present sexual education materials in the classrooms.

Newman admits the new policy means parents are being consulted, but added the government could be

sued by opponents.

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

Rustlers hockey welcomes Apex sponsorship

I

t was an exciting day for the Lakeland College Rustlers female hockey team as they welcomed this year’s title sponsor to the roster.

Apex Automation has officially stepped up to sponsor this year’s team to carry on the legacy of last year’s sponsor, Kings Energy Group.

“It’s a big day for our hockey team and Lakeland College,” said head coach Morgan Mann.

“Really excited. I’ve known Aaron Berlinic with Apex a long time through my years of coaching in Lloydminster league hockey; Aaron was a supporter from the beginning and some of our players that were a part of those teams are

still here today,” said Mann.

Berlinic, who is Apex Automation’s chief technology officer, explained the company saw great potential through this sponsorship opportunity.

“Community is a big thing for us, and being able to give back to the community turns Apex Automation into something even bigger and more special in the community,” said Berlinic.

“We got involved with the girls when they played for the Steelers seven or eight years ago. We did small sponsorships back then, that’s all we could afford, and it was kinda special to see them grow into the women they are now, who are playing college hockey.”

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YEAR IN REVIEW 2023 – October

Thursday, December 28, 2023

Schneider sizes up Lifetime Award

N

obody wins the Lloydminster Chamber of Commerce Lifetime Achievement Business Excellence award in their first year

of business, but that’s where it all starts.

That’s the case for Dave Schneider, a long-time owner of downtown’s Cliff Rose for Clothes, as the

2023 recipient of the coveted award at the Lloyd Ex last Thursday evening.

“I started in 1990 when Cliff gave me a call. I didn’t think I’d

be here that long, but I’m still here 33 years later,” Schneider said.

Schneider was chosen as the recipient by chamber president, Blaine Stephan, as

Summit reveals Indigenous innovation

T

he 11th annual Economic Partnership Summit checked off a lot of boxes for a threeperson panel on Indigenous Innovation at the WLS Convention Centre.

It gave high-profile Lloydminster residents Justina Sather and Beau Gadwa, and James Ouellette from Saskatoon, the opportunity to relate how they bring innovation into their different organizations.

They also took advantage of the summit opportunity last Wednesday to develop Indigenous partnerships with industry.

“It’s bringing people together,” said Sather, the general manager at Lloyd’s Gold Horse Casino and an employee of the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority (SIGA).

“It’s a privilege to be here and speak on how SIGA looks to innovation and looks to incorporate that with our culture in the gaming industry.

We use innovation in different ways,” said Sather.

She noted, for example, SIGA launched playnow.com in November 2022 as the first legal online gambling site in the province.

Sather says to support innovation, they recently

appointed a new executive position for the department of digital strategy and i-gaming with the role of unifying the player experience between SIGA casinos and i-gaming channels.

“We will be looking at ways to build the singular player experience and ease of use between land-based casinos and playnow.com for existing and joining club members,” she explained.

one of the president’s favourite annual roles.

“I didn’t have too much trouble to make this decision and I’ve kept it under wraps,” he told the audience.

“There’s been an impressive list of recipients over the last 20 years and I take pleasure in introducing you to this year’s recipient.”

Schneider’s name was revealed seconds later in a narrated video that captured the moment.

“Tonight, we gather to celebrate the man who seamlessly weaves the threads of business acumen and community, a man whose presence has profoundly touched the lives of many,” said the video.

Schneider and his wife, Angela, raised four daughters and he is the grandfather of eight grandchildren

with a ton of relatives on hand for his big night.

Schneider says it’s an honour and a little humbling to receive the award.

“I don’t know if you think you’re getting old because it’s a lifetime award, but it’s been a great life and I love to volunteer,” he said.

Schneider has a long history of volunteering for past and present organizations such as the Jr. B Bandits and Bobcats hockey teams, the Lloydminster Region Health Foundation, The Olive Tree, and the Fellowship Gospel Church, among others.

“It’s what the community does for us as well, like my family, my business— this community is giving all the time, so we have to give back as well,” explained Schneider.

Trunk or Treat another major success

T

runk or treat!

Those were the magic words at the Trunk or Treat event presented by the Lloydminster and District Co-op and the Lloyd Ex. This is the second year the event has been put on in Lloyd, and the numbers speak for themselves.

“It was fun! Between kids and parents, there was 5,000

people through the doors.

Year one was 3,000 and this year was 5,000,” said Lloyd Ex event administrator, Tammy Dyck.

“The fact this is only the second year it’s been going— those numbers are amazing.”

The event ran from 3:306:30 p.m. on Oct. 26, but they didn’t turn anyone away who wanted to participate.

She said there were 19 businesses and organizations involved this year, also up from last year.

When asked if the event would be running again next Halloween season her answer was clear.

“Absolutely, I can’t see this one going anywhere. I think this is going to be a long-term event!”

YEAR IN REVIEW 2023 – October

Thursday, December 28, 2023

MERIDIAN SOURCE

13

Vikings down Chargers in quarter final T

he Lloydminster Vikings were off to the Wheatland Bantam Football League semifinals against Bonnyville after beating the Chargers 54-0 in league quarter-final action.

The Vikings and Chargers took the field at Holy Rosary High School for what Vikings coach Jason Benjamin referred to as the culmination of a season of hard work.

“The kids have really stepped up the last cou-

F

ple of weeks. They’re giving it everything every practice and every game; this win is on them, they’re playing well,” he said after the win.

Saturday’s game saw a TD catch for Cooper Benjamin, Kostas Mavridis had a catch for a touchdown and a rushing touchdown, Ashton Hansen had a catch for a TD, and Kashton Brust absolutely lit up the scoreboard with four TD receptions.

The Vikings’ defence

also had two sacks for touchbacks for an additional four points.

“Kashton Brust is one of our inside receivers and had four touchdowns today; he’s bought into what we’re selling, and it shows, he’s stepped up,” explained Benjamin.

“On the offensive, I don’t think we had a player that disappointed anyone today, they all did really well.”

On the defensive side of the ball, Benjamin explained the team

started the year struggling to stop teams on D, but with back-toback shutouts, that doesn’t seem to be a

problem anymore.

“On D, I think our beast player is Kole Carr,” said Benjamin.

“He’s right in the

middle, he’s a big kid, he’s strong, he really makes things happen, and he was our player of the week last weekend.”

Collector Con continues to grow

or fans of all things comic books, collectibles, and cosplay, the Servus Sports Centre was the place to be as Babs Gaming and Sports Cards hosted its thirdannual Collector Con. Collector Con has seen growth Babs’ co-owners Andrews Ross and Mitch Lapensee didn’t think was possible when they started a few years ago. Originally held at the Lloyd Ex, this

year’s expo held Sept. 23-24, moved to the multiplex to accommodate more guests and vendors.

“It’s awesome to see so much traffic this weekend, and it’s a great feeling having it grow so fast. We had 1,017 people here on Saturday and the numbers are already looking good today,” said Ross on the final afternoon of the show.

“Last year’s expo featured 21 vendors and was hosted

at the Lloyd Exhibition, and this year’s show saw 35 vendors in the north fieldhouse at the Servus Sports Centre.”

The new location also allowed Ross and Lapensee to go even bigger when it came to activities. If attendees found they were having a little too much fun, a quick stop in the new Zen Zone was just what the doctor ordered.

“We stuck with the bouncy houses, but we went with bigger and better bouncy

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houses. We went to a different venue to accommodate more vendors, and we also added a Zen Zone,” explained Ross.

Another major hit this year was the Bruneau family and their fully customized Mystery Machine, which even included mini putt for the kids.

Amy, Brenden, Sierra (13) and Ferris (5) trailered their Mystery Machine to the Border City from Hepburn,

Sask., and turned quite a few heads in the process.

“Yesterday, I guess there was a buzz when we came into town,” said Amy on Sunday afternoon. “Someone posted they saw us in town on What’s Happening in Lloydminster on Facebook and they wanted to know if we were legit. I requested to join the page and was immediately accepted, so I let everyone in the group know where to find us in town.”

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MERIDIAN SOURCE

YEAR IN REVIEW 2023 – November

Thursday, December 28, 2023

New nursing program finds pulse at Lakeland

T

hose interested in becoming a registered nurse have a new, local schooling option.

The USask College of Nursing has partnered with Lakeland College to offer its Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program in Lloydminster.

Local nursing instructors will teach the hands-on portion of the degree in the modern Musgrave Agencies Nursing Labs provided

by Lakeland College.

“It is an amazing day and I am ecstatic because I personally have spent a long time trying to ensure we would get nursing here

at this campus,” said Lakeland College president and CEO Alice Wainwright-Stewart.

“At one point in my career, I thought—’I’m not sure this is ever going to happen,’ but you get the right people in the room and you get the right people thinking and anything can happen.”

Bringing the program to Lakeland has been on the table for more than a decade, so it was an exciting day as Lakeland College and USask students and staff made it official.

The first Lakeland College BSN graduates will receive their degrees in 2025.

DARP enters next phase

P

hase one of the Downtown Area Redevelopment Plan (DARP) is complete, with construction now finished on 50 St. between 49 and 50 Ave. Downtown Area Redevelopment Committee (DARC) chairperson, Ben Harrison, says now that the necessary underground work is complete, the next phase will include some visually appealing upgrades.

“There are still some pieces yet to come. Currently, when someone goes down to that street, they’ll notice that there’s sort of an area where the sidewalk is in and the curb is in, but there’s a strip along the sidewalk and along the curb where there isn’t any concrete at present,” said Harrison.

“Next spring, once the weather allows for proper temperatures for pouring and curing of concrete, that will be completed.”

He says being able to move around the city is an important aspect for business owners and patrons.

“It is good that it’s open again and we look forward to the completion of those next elements when I think people will get a more full understanding of what the vision was behind this project.”

There will be some landscaping elements added to the downtown core when the weather allows.

The goal for next summer is to add some additional elements, such as benches, tables, and lighting.

YEAR IN REVIEW 2023 – November

Thursday, December 28, 2023

MERIDIAN SOURCE

15

Collinges tend to farm community T

he Cattleman of the Year Award is probably a misnomer for retired recipients Ross and Eloise Collinge.

It became clear at the VIP lunch and presentation at the Lloyd Ex last Friday, that the Collinges spent nearly as much time tending to the needs of the community as they did with

their cows and crops.

The seats and bleachers were full of well-wishers who had come to know the couple well for their community involvement when they farmed on Township Road 482 south of Lloydminster.

The Collinges have been involved in everything from coaching kids’ soccer, 4-H, and

Lloyd area Scouts and Girl Guides, to driving school buses.

“It is a great honour to present this year’s Cattleman of the Year award. They’re really good family friends of mine as well,” said Lloyd Ex committee chair Gord King over lunch.

“Their dedication to the community

has gone above and beyond.”

The Cattleman Award comes 50 years after Ross planted and harvested his first crops and purchased a starter herd of 20 Simmental Cross cows from Eloise’s dad.

The couple just celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary on Oct. 26.

Rustlers court teams top CCAA

T

he Lakeland College Rustlers are making friends and foes across the country as three of the school’s court teams are nationally ranked.

For the second week in a row, the Rustlers women’s volleyball team sits first in the country, the women’s basketball team is ranked second, and the men’s volleyball team is 13th nationally in the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) rankings.

Women’s Volleyball Coming down from the high of winning last year’s CCAA championship, the Rustlers women’s volleyball program didn’t waste any time this year and currently holds a 7-1 record in the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC). The girls are currently on a fourmatch winning streak with 14 points, winning 22 sets and only dropping four.

“I think getting that ranking is an extension of last year,” said wom-

en’s volleyball coach Austin Dyer.

“Winning the national championship put Alberta in that number-one spot. We also returned our whole team from last year, so the idea is out there that we should be towards the top again.

“My team is pretty banged up right now and we’ve been missing some key pieces throughout this first semester, but we’ve found a way to compete, win some games, and compete at a high level.”

Women’s Basketball The women’s volleyball team isn’t the only Rustlers’ squad boasting national numbers as the women’s basketball team is ranked second in the country. The women’s basketball team is currently undefeated with a 9-0 record in the ACAC. The girls have 732 points for and 507 against and don’t have any plans of slowing down.

With the knowledge they’ll be hosting this year’s nationals in March, head coach

Chris King said they’re right where they want to be.

“The start of the season’s been huge,” said King.

“The focus for this group is very similar to the last group we had go undefeated, it’s all about championships, but with us hosting nationals, the focus is playing really good basketball for nationals and having a chance to win at home; that’s how this team was built.”

If Lakeland pulls off a third consecutive conference win, it will be the third in four years, something King is quite proud of.

“It’s super hard to do with the success of our women’s volleyball program; they’ve done quite well, but winning three in four years doesn’t happen often.

“It’s also great to see men’s volleyball doing well, and men’s basketball is probably one win away from a national ranking.”

Men’s Volleyball The Rustlers men’s volleyball team, cur-

rently sitting second overall in the ACAC north with a 6-2 record, is also ranked 13th nationally.

As far as national rankings go, Dyer explained this was the first time the program has made the list, and he’s hoping it won’t be the last.

“I know the guys that have been here for a couple of years are pretty proud we’ve been recognized nationally,” said head coach Taylor Dyer.

“I think it’s an important step forward for our group, and it’s the team’s first time ever being nationally ranked.

“We made some noise at conference championships and had our highest finish ever for Lakeland last year.

Coming out this year, we started really strong and got recognized nationally for the first time, which I think is awesome for our group of guys; I think they’re pretty proud of that recognition, especially with the amount of hard work they’ve put in.”

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MERIDIAN SOURCE

YEAR IN REVIEW 2023 – November

Thursday, December 28, 2023

Seniors to push for Jubilee rebuild

I

t may take a targeted advocacy plan to convince the Saskatchewan government to put

S

the replacement of the existing 50-bed Jubilee Home on the front burner.

That’s what the Lloyd-

minster Concerned Citizens for Seniors Care Society learned from operations reps from Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) and Alberta Health Services (AHS) who met to support the need for more long-term care spaces in Lloyd on Nov. 7.

Neal Sylvestre, executive director of continuing care, northwest, SHA, talked about the power of community support to get

the health ministry to green-light capital projects like Jubilee Home in the province.

“The ministry looks at all those top priorities and they do risk analysis etc. to determine where we need to put our money,” said Sylvestre.

He says his boss, Andrew McLetchie, vice-president of Integrated Northern Health, talks about the importance of advocating for political leaders to get

their support in terms of setting priorities.

Sylvestre says once that happens, SaskBuilds works with the community on location etc.

“The biggest hurdle for this group is to get that green light from the ministry for them to understand this needs to be a top priority in the province,” he said.

The meeting focused on it being Saskatchewan’s turn to build additional spaces in

Lloyd over the 148 spaces AHS and SHA have identified as the number needed in the whole region by 2035.

Brown looked for confirmation that any planning for new spaces will not be put on hold until a new community-integrated health services and facility infrastructure needs assessment is completed in the coming months by Saskatchewan and Alberta health ministries.

Comics inspire retiree to pen his own

uperheroes and villains are the stuff of comic books. No one knows that better than Lloydminster comic book writer Frank Krulicki.

The 57-year-old early retiree has been a fan of comics and superhero characters since he was 12 years old.

“I’m a big kid. You are never too old to fulfill your dream,” he said.

Krulicki recently invented his own super-powered character as the author of House of Wonders, Book One: SkyCruiser.

The House of Wonders is billed as a jaw-dropping space-faring adventure with SkyCruiser the alien, fighting evil lizard beings to save a faraway galaxy.

It’s an 88-page original graphic novel.

“It’s a superhero sci-fi. It’s great for kids age five and it appeals to adults as well,” said Krulicki.

Krulicki was at Coles in LloydMall for a book signing from noon to 4 p.m. on Nov. 4.

His real-life story about his writing talent is just as interesting as the comic itself.

He pitched his first story

to DC Comics when he was 16 and they bought it for $125 USD—but the teen whiffed on the opportunity to keep writing and DC has never published his script.

“Girls and hockey got in my way. They sidetracked me. I look back and say what a wasted opportunity,” said Krulicki with a laugh.

Krulicki has spent the intervening decades teach-

ing in Alberta, writing poems and articles for magazines and serving as a pastor at a local church for 28 years.

He and his wife have lived in Lloydminster for the past five years and have raised two kids.

“My life has been fantastic.

I took early retirement and my wife said ‘you’re getting under my hair, you got to do something’.”

Remember that time when Amazon sponsored your church fundraiser?

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

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

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Neither do we!

Local businesses live here. They play here. They invest here.

They need our support, now more than ever.

YEAR IN REVIEW 2023 – December

Thursday, December 28, 2023

Student goes to school on schools

E

mry Marchand, a Grade 12 student at Lloydminster Comprehensive High School (LCHS) is out to change her corner of the world as a member of the new Provincial Youth Council.

The teen is one of 12 youth council members who will provide advice and insights that contribute to the delivery of education in Saskatchewan during the 2023-24 school year.

“I hope to implement some plans and design some programs that will increase the accessibility of schools like the different ways people can take tests and provide different and more accessible ways of alternative assignments and hopefully, broaden students’ perspectives of success in

and out of school,” said Marchand.

The group held its first in-person meeting in Saskatoon on Nov. 25 that Marchand described as being a high energy get-together.

“It was lovely, it was a bunch of students like me, very involved, very excited to get to work and start making a change,” she said.

The youth council will meet virtually from now until March when they will hold two more in-person meetings in Saskatoon and Regina.

The students will provide feedback and insights on education policies, curriculum or priorities in response to requests made by the Minister of Education, staff and sector partners.

New Co-op Cardlock sun-powered

T

he Lloydminster and District Co-op is turning heads in all directions with the recent opening of its new solar-powered Maidstone Cardlock.

The cardlock is located on Highway 21 South in Maidstone and provides a wide range of fuel options, including premium gasoline, regular gasoline, dyed diesel, regular diesel, and DEF (diesel exhaust fluid).

“This comprehensive selection ensures that the needs of our members and customers are not just met but exceeded,” said the Co-op in a news release.

“What makes the Maidstone Cardlock truly stand out is its innovative approach to sustainability.”

The cardlock is the first Co-op facility entirely powered by cutting-edge solar panels from project partner Paragon Solar Energy in Lloydminster while providing diverse fuel solutions to customers.

“This initiative aligns seamlessly with our broader commitment to environmental responsibility and reducing our carbon footprint,” said the Co-op’s petroleum manager, Brandy Nelson.

“Paragon was great to

work with on this project and are truly experts in the solar industry.

They were able to design and install a system that meets our power consumption needs.”

Nelson says the Co-op is currently not looking at any new cardlock locations, but future plans may include some solar additions at its existing locations.

The Co-op notes the new Maidstone cardlock extends its reach, providing efficient and accessible f u el solu tions, not only to its customer community in Maidstone, but to travellers along a busy highway corridor.

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YEAR IN REVIEW 2023 – December

Thursday, December 28, 2023

Santa brings smiles to Border City T

he arrival of Santa lit up Lloydminster youngsters as the 16th annual Here Comes Santa Claus Day filled the downtown core with Christmas cheer.

Santa Day kicked off at 7 a.m. wit h a f r e e pancake breakfast at Royal Canadian Legion Branch #39 Lloydminster before free matinee screenings of The Grinch started at 9 a.m.

The real show, how-

Students soak up newcomer stories

G

rade 8 students from E.S. Laird and Bishop Lloyd middle schools are boning up on immigration studies after hearing the stories of new Canadians in Lloydminster.

A day of immigration and culture sharing took place at Lakeland College on Friday in partnership with the Gateway for Newcomers program offered by Catholic Social Services.

“Part of Grade 8 social studies is looking at immigration and what it means to be Canadian and how people become Canadian citizens,” explained Bishop Lloyd teacher Derek Hyland.

“As we look at that,

we thought it would be pertinent to connect with community members who have come to Canada and learn about their personal first-hand experiences of what it was like for them.”

One of the speakers was Ercelan Yazdani who landed a job as manager of marketing and communications at Lakeland shortly arrived he arrived in Calgary.

His game plan was to live and work in a smaller community with Lloydminster fitting the bill.

“I’ve been here for a year; it’s been a great move,” said Yazdani who is originally from Pakistan but came here from the Middle East.

ever, started at 11 a.m. with the arrival of Santa and a handcufffree Grinch.

Kids were elated to see Santa and pleased to see the Grinch tightly gripped by Const. Melanie Flynn of the Lloydminster RCMP. The Lloydminster Fire Department and Fire Fighters Association had everyone’s hunger taken care of with the annual weiner roast, and for those feel-

ing a little daring, Santa’s cookies and milk eating contest offered 20 brave Lloydminsterites a real challenge.

“Every year we want to add something different to Here Comes Santa Claus Day, and Henka Divorce Law and Mediation and The Tent Guys, who have been with us every year, were looking for something they could sponsor, and we came up with this milk and

cookie eating contest,” said organizer and emcee Kurt Price.

Other new features at this year’s Santa Day included cotton candy and popcorn at Brighter Horizon Financial Services with First Baptist Church, which Price said were also a hit.

Since its inception 16 years ago, Here Comes Santa Claus Day has been about a day of free fun for families.

Motley Troupe rocks Kitscoty

I

t was an exciting weekend for The Motley Troupe, formerly known as House of Paws, as they presented a unique dinner theatre experience featuring Lagooned!, a play about a group of eccentric castaways stranded on an island in the South Pacific.

The group performed

at the Kitscoty Hall three times in three nights and were thrilled with the reaction from the audience.

“We were able to unveil and sing for everyone our new theme song, which was an AC/DC song that we re-wrote. It was all just an incredible experience. We’re

never quite sure who we’re going to get each night, in terms of crowds and the crowd vibes,” said director Christa Mullaly.

“We got a standing ovation from the entire audience on Friday night, and what an incredible feeling!

I know that we’ve got cast members that are

still feeling the warmth and the love from the audience that night.”

The grand total raised has not been tallied quite yet, but Mullaly said as soon as it is and they figure out how much is going to each cause it will be posted on their social media pages.

This year’s dinner theatre raised money for the Lori Craven Memorial Fund, the breakfast programs for Lloydminster public and Catholic school divisions, Hillmond Community School, Kitscoty School, and the Lloydminster Legion.

Dodge, dive, defend, donate!

S

ome fierce dodgeball was played in the Border City on Nov. 28, and it was all

for a great cause.

Stephanie Munro CEO, Lloydminster Region Health Foundation (LRHF), said the event was nothing short of a huge success.

“We are so overwhelmed by the continued generosity of our community and region,” said Munro.

“Our 5th annual ‘Lloydmin-

ster’s Gift to Health Livestream’ was a tremendous success, raising over $250,000 (and counting) towards our greatest needs fund including an enhanced air filtration system for the Pioneer House and Pioneer Lodge, as well as increased mental health resources for our community.”

Warm winter weather causes delay

T

he unseasonably warm weather and lack of snow is a welcome change for some Border City residents, but a hinderance for those who enjoy participating in various outdoor winter activities.

City of Lloydminster senior manager of parks and green spaces Jordan Newton says safety is also a concern, as the tem-

perature fluctuates above and below zero daily.

Brian Stevenson, an avid cross-country skier says he’s impatiently awaiting snow.

“I know I’m probably greatly in the minority in my household, of wanting to have snow.

Everybody else seems to think this is great but it’s not fun.”

He regularly rollerskis, runs and bikes to

train for skiing, but it isn’t quite like the real thing.

“We have had years l i k e th i s i n th e p a st, for sure. You get really tired of just the dry land training and not being able to actually get on snow.”

Stevenson is on the board of the Lloydminster Cross-country Ski Club, and he says they have an excellent set up when the weather

cooperates.

“We set trail at the Lloydminster Golf and Country Club, we set trail there during the winter, but we also have trails that are just to the east of town. Just to the north of big gully, out on 303. It’s called poplar bluff,” said Stevenson, adding they also have a clubhouse in that area where people can rent equipment.

Thursday, December 28, 2023

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1-844-453-5372.

Classifieds AGRICULTURE

WANTED

Advertise your classified in this space.

GET YOUR MESSAGE SEEN ACROSS Alberta.

The Blanket Classifieds or Value Ads reach over 600,000 Alberta readers weekly. Two options starting at $269 or $799 to get your message out! Business changes, hiring, items for sale, cancellations, tenders, etc. People are increasingly staying home and rely on their local newspapers for information. KEEP people in the loop with our 90 Weekly Community Newspapers. Call THIS NEWSPAPER now or email classifieds@ awna.com for details.

1-800-282-6903, 780434-8746 X225. www. awna.com.

ALBERTA FEED GRAIN: Buying Oats, Barley, Wheat, Canola, Peas, Screenings, Mixed Grains. Dry, Wet, Heated, or Spring Thresh.

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WE BUY DAMAGED GRAIN HEATED... LIGHT BUGS... TOUGH MIXED GRAIN SPRING THRASHED WHEAT... OATS PEAS... BARLEY CANOLA... FLAX “ON FARM PICKUP” WESTCAN FEED & GRAIN 1-877-250-5252

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FEED AND SEED

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Call 306-825-5111

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AVIATION BLANKET THE PROVINCE with a classified ad. Only $269/wk (based on 25 words or less). Reach almost 90 weekly newspapers.

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*New - AB StANdSwell* Smooth awn, high yielding, grain and forage

great lodging reSiStance 1St NitrogeN uSe efficieNt cereAl iN cANAdA cerveza, cdc auStenSon, cdc maverick, Sundre.

WHEAT Pintail, forage or grain OATS ac JuniPer, ac morgan, ac muStang, derby, cdc So1 SuPer oat.

PEAS very early yellow Pea forage PeaS, AlSo AvAilABle PoliSh canola & SPring triticale mastinseeds.com 403-556-2609

LIVESTOCK FOR SALE Hogs for sale with lean growth potential. Bred sows, replacement stock, butcher hogs, weanlings. Find us on Facebook. Clean hogs since 1987. Dean and Faye Kern 306-7746941 NOTICES

NOTICES

MISCELLANEOUS Advertisements and statements contained herein are the sole responsibility of the persons or entities that post the advertisement, and the Saskatchewan Weekly Newspaper Association and membership do not make any warranty as to the accuracy, completeness, truthfulness, or reliability of such advertisements.

For greater information on advertising conditions, please consult the Association’s Blanket Advertising Conditions on our website at www. swna.com.

PROVINCE-WIDE CLASSIFIEDS. 49 local community newspapers, distributing to over 450 communities, including 14 cities. Reach over 550,000 readers weekly. Call 306649.1405 or visit www. swna.com for details.

Find QUALIFIED, LOCAL EMPLOYEES, using the strength of community newspapers! Visit www.swna.com or call 306-649-1405 to find out how!

Got A NEWS Got SCOOP? A NEWS Send it our way!

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taylor@meridiansource.ca Send it our way!

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taylor@meridiansource.ca

Thursday, December 28, 2023

WARMAN: Thelma Hollis Warman passed away at the Vermilion Health Care Center, Vermilion AB on November 22, 2023 at the age of 87 years.

Mom is survived by her children: Karen Kuhmayer, Lawrence Warman and Laura (Paul) Wilson; her grandsons, David Kuhmayer, lain Wilson, Malcolm Wilson, Hamish Wilson and Graham Wilson; two great-grandchildren, David Kuhmayer's children Mattheau and Sari; her sister, Evelyn Obach; Dad's sister Jessie Latimer; and numerous extended family and friends.

Mom was predeceased by: our Dad, Peter Warman; her parents, Orville and Hollis Newsted; sons-in-law, Bob Kuhmayer and Duane Norton, Mattheau and Sari's mother Natashia Pelletier; her brother, Harold Newsted; her sister, Isabel and husband Morris Parks as well as two of their

daughters, Francis and Fay; Auntie Evelyn's husband Adolph Obach; all of Dad's brothers, Andy and wife Mary, Steve, and infant Johnnie; auntie Jessie's husband Don Latimer.

The funeral service for Mom was conducted from Blackfoot Hall, Blackfoot, AB on Monday December 4th at 11:30 AM. Reverend Carolyn Woodall performed a truly inspired service. Rose Latimer gave a touching eulogy that really reflected our mother. We thank all our guests. Your presence gave us comfort. We were all able to share a meal that was prepared by Colleen Hozack.

We also thank the weather that allowed our guests to travel.

In addition to the forementioned: We need to thank: all the staff at the Vermilion Health Center (over the years your compassion has been inspirational), the air ambulance paramedics who stayed with us at the end, the DJ service that worked the sound and slideshow for the funeral, the Kitscoty Legion members that helped setup and cleanup the Hall, Cheryl Finstead for helping with the Blackfoot Hall, and finally McCaw Funeral Services for all of your help.

Thank You from Karen, Lawrence, and Laura.

MERIDIAN SOURCE

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Thursday, 28, 2023 3” wideDecember version

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Celebrations

BROAD REACH at an AFFORDABLE PRICE

Advertise Province-wide with a combined circulation of over 650,000 for only...

Ask about the

799

$

Value Ad Network

plus GST

Alberta Weekly Newspapers Association

toll free 1-800-282-6903 x225 email classifieds@awna.com

or visit your community newspaper

3” wide version 3.75” wide version

Shoe RepaiR Shop FoR Sale

BROAD REACH at an AFFORDABLE PRICE

799

Advertise $ » Must see to believe, how busy this shop actually is.

Province-wide » Will teach, coach and advise shoe repair business.

Very Busy Shoe Repair Shop in Spruce Grove, AB. Specializing in all Safety, Work and Cowboy Boots. »

with a combined circulation of over 650,000 for only...

Possibility to develop multiple Shoe Repair Shops.

Ask about the

Call George at 780.819.3777 to discuss potential.

Value Ad Network Alberta Weekly Newspapers Association

toll free 1-800-282-6903 x225 email classifieds@awna.com

or visit your community newspaper

3.75” wide version

Shoe RepaiR Shop FoR Sale Very Busy Shoe Repair Shop in Spruce Grove, AB. Specializing in all Safety, Work and Cowboy Boots. » Must see to believe, how busy this shop actually is. » Will teach, coach and advise shoe repair business. » Possibility to develop multiple Shoe Repair Shops.

Call George at 780.819.3777 to discuss potential.

plus GST

Thursday, December 28, 2023

MERIDIAN SOURCE

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MERIDIAN SOURCE

Thursday, December 28, 2023