Thursday, January 21, 2021
VOLUME 3 I ISSUE 30
MERIDIANSOURCE.CA
Lloyd bitcoin miner hits pay dirt GEOFF LEE
WRITER
.................................. Business is booming for Lloydminster bitcoin miner Upstream Data Inc. in sync with the rising price of the digital currency. Their fabricated modular Ohmm bitcoin mining datacenters are flying off the shelf with the price of one bitcoin hitting a high of about $42,000 USD on Jan. 8. “Our sales are hitting records for us and that’s because of the bitcoin price,” said company president and CEO Steve Barbour. “We have about 60 sold and already deployed all across North America and about 20 to 30 in the fabrication queue right now.” Upstream Data bought out Calroc’s fabrication shop on 40 Ave. and took over the lease on Nov. 1 after renting the space for more than a year. They also fabricate legacy oilfield buildings and offer a range of natural gas gensets. Gensets can be used to generate electricity
to power bitcoin mining computers linked to the Internet. The company has gone from Barbour as the sole employee in 2018 to 11 employees as of Jan. 11. “I think we’ll be doing a lot of hiring this year,” said Barbour. “The phone is literally ringing off the hook. Our sales are going through the roof, everything’s good.” Most of his customers are oil and gas producers who see bitcoin datacenters as a way to use and monetize stranded natural gas that would be otherwise vented and flared into the atmosphere. “That’s what’s getting most of our customers excited,” said Barbour. “With carbon taxes coming and already here and emissions rules already here, that drives a lot of our growth.” Barbour says Upstream Data is the only option on the market that allows a producer to actually use the gas and make money with bitcoin, as opposed
Supplied Photo
Steve Barbour, second from right, president and CEO of bitcoin mining company Upstream Data Inc., is pictured with a Christmas tree of bitcoin computers that his growing team can install with one of their mining datacentres that use stranded natural gas to generate electrical power from a genset for the mining computers.
to just wasting money in a flare stack or a combustor. “It’s another revenue stream,” said Barbour, who came up with the corporate slogan “stop burning, start earning.” He estimates tying a bitcoin mining datacenter to a facility that is venting natural gas will generate five to 15 times the market rate
and reduce emissions at the source. “The amount of emissions we reduce for the dollars spent beats anything out there on the market, and it’s scalable, said Barbour. “We can reduce over 10,000 tonnes of carbon per year off one or two engines on an oil well.” Barbour says produc-
ers are really interested in emissions reduction and cost-efficient options to combustion along with a growing demand for acquiring bitcoin from their energy and holding on to it. He thinks bitcoin will go to $300,000 by 2025 and maybe higher. Barbour admits the idea of solving the prob-
lem of venting gas with bitcoin mining was a hard sell in 2018 when he was a one-man show and bitcoin was not well understood. “I went to a few meetings in Calgary where I know they thought it was a joke because they hadn’t heard of it before,” he said. CONTINUED ON PAGE 2
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Barbour sees bright future in bitcoin BITCOIN MINE FROM PAGE 1
“It can come off as very fad-like, the whole bitcoin thing, so a lot of guys didn’t take us very seriously.” Bitcoin mining is the process of creating new bitcoins by solving a computational puzzle. Mining is necessary to maintain the ledger of transactions upon which bitcoin is based. “Fundamentally, the technology is groundbreaking; it’s amazing,” said Barbour. He says some of his best customers weren’t interested at all to start. “Once they looked into it, they realized bitcoin was serious and Upstream Data was providing a good servic e ar ou nd it ,” s aid Barbour. “All we do is mine bitcoin; we don’t do anything else. We don’t sell power to anybody or generate power and sell to the grid; we con-
Supplied Photo
These Ohmm Mini datacenters from Upsteam Data Inc. on an oil well just west of Lloydminster are using vented natural gas to generate revenue from bitcoin mining. Sales are booming with bitcoin prices near all-time highs.
sume power immediately onsite.” Customers can purchase a natural gas genset and bitcoin mine all-in-one, among a range of product offerings, including the
computers themselves and hosting services. Upstream datacenters include remotely controlled and automated options and scale to any volume of stranded gas.
Thursday, January 21, 2021
Parlez-vous francais?
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École St. Thomas student proves anything is possible with a goal in mind because if I wanted to get a job like a president or something like that, I would need that language, so that motivated me.” Hashim’s mother, Noreen Khurram, couldn’t be prouder of her son’s achievements and explained it wasn’t long before Hashim was receiving homework assignments and turning them in, completed that same day, when in reality he was given a month to complete them.
École St. Thomas vice-principal, Chantale Salt, explained the school doesn’t typically accept late starts to its immersion program but made an exception due to the family’s commitment. “It is personnel dependent, but we also want all of our kids to learn the French language, so we do what we can to make sure they can move forward with it,” said Salt, adding how Hashim was pulled from his lan-
Taylor Weaver Meridian Source
École St. Thomas student Hashim Shehzad poses for a photo with one of the many French books he enjoys reading. TAYLOR WEAVER
EDITOR
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Parents want what’s best for their children, and in the case of Hashim Shehzad, a Grade 5 student at École St. Thomas, a desire to learn to speak French had mom and dad’s full support. Born in Pakistan, Hashim started school at École knowing little to no French, but that didn’t slow him down. Before long, Hashim had beat the odds and learned two years of French in roughly a year and a half, something that can be credited to hard work and perseverance. “I started off with easy words like ‘bon-
jour’ and ‘comment ca va,’ then I started reading books and trying to understand, and I would use Google Translate; then I would memorize those words and keep them in my mind and use them,” said Hashim, adding the fact he can speak three languages including Urdu, English and French, and has also learned how to read Arabic through studies of the Quran. “I was interested in learning French because it’s the second language in Canada, and I thought it was important to learn,” he said. “French was an im p o rtan t lan g uag e, so I decided to learn it
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learning to get him caught up.
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Thursday, January 21, 2021
Lloyd Home Depot shelters youth GEOFF LEE
WRITER
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The Lloydminster Home Depot is adding to its reputation as a generosity hotspot by helping to raise $15,013.70 for the nonprofit Lloydminster Interval Home Society. The Home Depot’s Orange Door campaign raised more than $1.1 million across Canada to support critical housing and support programs for at-risk and homeless youth in communities. The funds raised at the Lloydminster Home Depot from Dec. 1-20 from in-store and online donations will go toward youth program-
ming at the Lloydminster Community Youth Centre (LCYC). “We’re just always so grateful to Home Depot. We’ve been in partnership with them for a number of years,” said Interval Home’s operating officer Charlene Rowein. “They are always behind us in the work we do, especially around supporting youth around the preventative factors of keeping youth from homelessness.” The Lloydminster Home Depot raised $6,507 during the Home Depot Canada Foundation’s Orange
Door Project. The amount was doubled for recognizing the Lloydminster Home Depot for winning the grand prize as the top three fundraising stores in Canada by transaction penetration percentage during the Orange Door campaign. Home Depot Canada contributed an additional $2,000 on behalf of each store to address COVID-19’s impact on charitable organizations. More than $160,000 will be distributed to local charities in Alberta from Orange Door funds. CONTINUED ON PAGE 9
Thursday, January 21, 2021
“I Got This” shows kids’ cancer fighter GEOFF LEE
WRITER
.................................. Lloydminster’s Jarrod Russell is training for his sixth annual Great Cycle Challenge this summer to fight kids’ cancer with a renewed sense of purpose.
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He’s all over it like a wet blanket.
He is re-energized to raise more money for the SickKids Foundation after having his inspirational story was broadcasted across Canada in the first episode of #IGotThis on AMI-tv. “After watching the show, I think I answered questions the way I wanted to,” said Jarrod. “At the end of the day, I am riding to fight kids’ cancer. That’s the message I wanted to get across and I think the video did that.” His mom, Barbara, who talks about Jar-
rod in the video, clearly senses her son’s heightened motivation to ride his recumbent bike again this August after viewing the show. “He’s all over it like a wet blanket,” noted Barbara. “It certainly has given him a purpose and something to look forward to. Winters are tough because it’s hard for him to get around, but when that bike runs in the summer, he’s a different person than for sure.” The 44-year-old childhood brain cancer survivor has raised m o re th an $ 142 ,000 for kids with cancer during his cycle challenge campaigns. He and Breanne Wilson from Saskatchewan shared the spotlight in the first of 10 #IGotThis episodes, to be shown on AMI in described-video for Canadians who are blind or partially blind. Jarrod’s inclusion came about on a suggestion to the Russells
File Photo
Jarrod Russell is training for his sixth Great Cycle Challenge this August, as the top fundraiser in Canada for the SickKids Foundation five years in a row.
by Dr. Raff Sayeed, who figured his local story would fit AMI’s program niche. The show presents the pair as survivors of traumatic brain injuries who have discovered ways to cope with a physical disability or mental health challenges and move forward with their lives. Breanne went blind after her horrific head
injury, with her story of perseverance being an eye-opener for Jarrod too, according to Barbara. “ I t ’s i m p o r t a n t f o r Jarrod to watch Breanne too and listen to her story because sometimes he’ll get his day when he feels down and ‘woe is me’ kind of thing,” she said. CONTINUED ON PAGE 6
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Open for Adoptions Mon. - Sat..: 12 pm - 5 pm Sun.: Closed
Open for Admissions Mon. - Sat..: 11 am - 5 pm Sun.: Closed
Treat Thursday
(small smoked bone) (15% off all treats)
Free Biscuit Friday (bring your dog)
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Thursday, January 21, 2021
Russell’s ready for round six RUSSELL FROM PAGE 5
“I think it’s important to see that other people are dealing with things. She’s dealing with quite a few things too and doing a good job of it —it’s a pretty good message.” Jarrod was diagnosed with brain cancer at the age of four with radiation treatments damaging his mobility, cognition and speech, along with some paralysis on his right side and leg. Seizures have left him with multiple injuries and scars from falls over the years. His life journey from being a kid with cancer to the top fundraiser for SickKids has been a bumpy and often lonely emotional route. The show points out because Jarrod looked,
walked and talked differently than other kids, it led to him being bullied at school and without friends. ‘I felt like I was an outsider’ he says on AMI, and revealing at one point he just wanted to dig a hole and put himself in it. ‘I felt I didn’t have a purpose’. His oldest sister, Lana Lane, says never once has she heard him say the things he said in the video. “They captured the heart of what Jarrod’s about and definitely revealed a lot more than even some of his closest friends and loved ones even knew,” she said. It’s clear from the show he is loved by all of his siblings and parents and finds solace interacting with horses on the ranch
owned by his sister Tanya Robertson. The video crew arrived there last August with Jarrod stoked for his daily rides for the cycle challenge to add to the motivational messaging. “When they came here and taped us, they just wanted to know a little bit more about our family and our life and kind of what Jarrod would do on a daily basis,” said Lana. She says because the cycle challenge is such a huge part of his life, they wanted to make sure they captured some of that. “They videoed him riding at Bud Miller All Seasons Park and just wanted him to tell his story,” said Lana. “They wanted to know what happened. What made you the way you are today.”
Lloyd groups reap grants
File Photo MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF
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Three Lloydminster organizations that conduct charitable gaming fundraisers received a total of $2,587.53 in post-quarterly grants. The amount is part of the approximately $1.3 million currently being provided to such provincial groups by the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority. Lloydminster’s Border City Rotary Club received $2,105.63 followed by the Lloydminster Interval Home Society with $394.15 and Lloydminster Lions
Club with $87.75 The latest gaming grants cover the period from July 1 to Sept. 30, 2020. “Our government is pleased to support the volunteers of our province who continue to make a difference in their communities,” said Minister Responsible for the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority, Jim Reiter, in a news release on Jan. 14. “The charitable gaming grant program provides extra dollars that help these groups deliver their services in a variety of important
sectors, including public service, emergency services, healthcare and recreation.” A grant equal to 25 per cent of net proceeds raised through licensed charitable gaming (bingo, raffles, breakopen ticket sales, Texas Hold ‘em poker and Monte Carlo events) is paid quarterly to groups and organizations that conduct these events. Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority calculates grant payments when groups and organizations submit their charitable gaming reports.
Thursday, January 21, 2021
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Comp reno to reshape LPSD GEOFF LEE
WRITER
.................................. The planned $25 million renovations and addition to Lloydminster Comprehensive High School (LCHS) will also change the structure of the Lloydminster Public School Division (LPSD).
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Divisionally, it’s going to reshape how we do things knowing that we are going to bring Grade 9s to LCHS; it’s going to be a 9 to 12 model.
That’s what LCHS principal Dwayne Marciniw told the Rotary Club of Lloydminster on Monday during a project update via Zoom. “Personally, I am very excited about the proj-
ect,” said Marciniw, who has seen several improvements at the school over the years as a student and teacher, having been born and raised in Lloydminster. The expansion is expected to be ready by the September 2023 term and will bring about 339 Grade 9 students to LCHS for the first time. New classroom space will also create jobs for 15 additional teachers. “Divisionally, it’s going to reshape how we do things knowing that we are going t o bring Grad e 9s to LCHS; it’s going to be a 9 to 12 model,” said Marciniw, who filled in for LPSD director Todd Robinson as the Rotary guest speaker. Grade 9-12 is the dominant model across high schools in Saskatchewan and Alberta. “We’ll be able to restructure our middle
schools from a Grade 6 to 8 and our elementaries, which are currently K-6 to K-5,” explained Marciniw. He says there are also some social benefits to have Grade 9 students mix with an older core of students from a maturity and a transition perspective. “In Grade 10, credits matter now; you’re on a pathway to graduation and to your career,” said Marciniw. Programming will also change to a common delivery model with the inclusion of Grade 9 students at LCHS. “There is going to be a real focus on technology and 21st-century learning,” said Marciniw. “We are tossing around the idea of STEM programming, so that’s science and math integrated programming at LCHS.” CONTINUED ON PAGE 13
Thursday, January 21, 2021
MERIDIAN SOURCE
Kemp kids read for fun and food
A reading of The Very Hungry Caterpillar by the school’s principal, Elena Brand, kicked off “Jack Kemp Reads for a Cause” for the month of January to celebrate literacy month. The moral of the story is, change is inevitable
in life and it’s how we adapt to change which sets each of us apart and defines who we are and how we live our lives. Students gobbled up that lesson as the caterpillar ate his way into becoming a beautiful butterfly, and themselves into avid readers who can earn rewards and help feed families in Lloydminster. “We have five different reading benchmarks and when they hit those benchmarks they get a little treat,” said Brand. The incentives and activities for students include apple snacks, double recess, entry draws for a school community council/librarysponsored giveaway baskets and a movie. In addition, the more
community members who are constantly supporting the Orange Door campaign toward the programs at LCYC. “When it comes to a
campaign like this and we have a community that’s there to support us, it just makes all the difference,” said Rowein.
Jack Kemp students Jocelyn Gomentang, Grade 6, and Hunter Lemkay, Grade 1. Supplied Photo GEOFF LEE
WRITER
.................................. Students at Jack Kemp Community School are taking a page from The Very Hungry Caterpillar storybook and turning themselves into bookworms this month. ORANGE DOOR FROM PAGE 4
Rowein says the recognition needs to go to the hard work of the Lloyd Home Depot and
they read this month, the more money they will raise for the Salvation Army Food Bank from the school’s recycling program—under the theme “Reading is Food for the Brain”. “Our goal is $500,” said Brand. The reading benchmarks are paired with a money reward or a monetary donation to the food bank and stu-
dents can earn their reading minutes in a whole variety of ways. Every classroom has a silent reading time where they read independently to themselves. They may also have a take-home reading program. “They can earn some extra tickets if they are doing that extra home reading and those are tickets for the literacy
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raffle,” explained Brand. The event includes virtual activities through the virtual school library. “The teachers just had to click on the link and they could go through a reading,” said Brand. “They had different activities to engage o u r stu d e nts aro u nd our theme, but also to increase those reading minutes.”
PAGE 10 Thursday, January 21, 2021 MERIDIAN SOURCE
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
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Marketing Consultant Ashley Miazga ashley@meridiansource.ca Publisher: Reid Keebaugh Production Manager: Amanda Richard CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING admin@meridiansource.ca NEWSPAPER DELIVERY If you’ve missed a paper, to start or stop delivery, or for carrier applications, please call 306-825-5111 for information. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR We welcome letters to the editor. Letters should be 500 words or less. A name and daytime phone number is required for verification. Priority will be given to letters exclusively written for the Meridian Source. We reserve the right to edit letters for clarity, brevity, spelling, grammar, punctuation and libel. Unsigned letters will not be published. Use of pseudonyms will only be allowed in special circumstances, at the discretion of the editor and the publisher, and only if the author’s identity is known to the editor. Publication of a letter does not imply endorsement by the Meridian Source. Send to taylor@meridiansource.ca
2017
Viewpoint Letter to the editor ... IT’S A BOY! I n times of crises in the past such as the World Wars and the Great Depression of the 1930s, governments raised taxes on the rich and on corporations to ensure that those who had the most contributed to the recovery and to societal wellbeing. It doesn’t require much research to discover that the world’s ultra-rich haven’t been paying their fair share for decades. The Broadbent Institute states, “Over the past three decades the tax burden in most advanced economies has shifted from taxation of capital and the affluent to taxes on labour and ordinary working people. The cuts to effective tax rates on capital (large corporations) since the 1980s have failed to boost real business investment, which currently languishes at quite depressed levels in most advanced economies. Investment (was) much higher in the 1960s and 1970s when capital was much more heavily taxed.” Researcher, Ben Tippet of The Guardian argues for progres-
sive taxation and new taxes on the companies and wealthy individuals who have benefited during the pandemic. “If implemented across the globe, an excess profit tax could raise $104 billion annually and a new wealth tax $4.4 trillion annually – theoretically, enough to pay for all the COVID-19 spending in just a couple of years. Global coordination can also help ensure that corporations and the wealthy do not hide their wealth in tax havens.” Mitchell Anderson of The Tyee states “As the pandemic drags on, perhaps there has never been a better opportunity to finally address the long-festering issue of international tax avoidance, which is estimated to cost governments around the world some $800 billion each year. With governments struggling to shoulder enormous emergency costs, perhaps there is finally the political will to take on those who have enjoyed avoiding contributing to the cost of civilization. The Canada Revenue Agency estimates some $240 billion in private wealth is
stashed offshore.” In a recent commentary, Ian Madsen also questions how Canadians will deal with everrising debt. He admits that corporate taxation has dropped substantially but argues that large corporations shouldn’t be asked to pay up. As a policy analyst for the right-wing Frontier Centre for Public Policy, funded largely by like-minded foundations and large corporate donors it is his job to protect the interests of those who fund the foundation. Huge fortunes give the ultra-rich far too much power, which undermines democracy. The wealth of the top 87 Canadian family fortunes totalled $259 billion in 2016, (up 37 per cent since 2012). The same amount of wealth is shared among 12 million Canadians at the lower end of the ladder. The wealth of the world’s richest 100 people could end world poverty four times over. We need progressive tax reform to ensure that the burden of the pandemic is fairly shared. - Evelyn Johnson, Spiritwood Sask.
On Jan. 1 at 11:14 p.m. Liam James Zinger was born to Laryssa St. Amant and Branden Zinger at the Lloydminster Hospital, officially making him Lloydminster’s first baby of 2021. Liam weighed 3,230 grams (7 lbs. 2 oz.). His parents are from Lloydminster, Saskatchewan and everyone is doing well. Congratulations Laryssa and Branden.
COVID vaccine update There were 1,957 doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered in Saskatchewan on Jan. 18- bringing the total number of vaccines administered in the province to 24,575. The doses were administered in the following zones: Regina (401), Saskatoon (688), North Central (36), North West (132), Far North East (200), Central East (117) and South East (383). For a listing of first and second doses in Saskatchewan administered by geographic zone, visit https:// www.saskatchewan.ca/ covid19-vaccine-update. Another shipment of 2,925 doses of Pfizer vaccine will be arriving in Saskatchewan this week.
PAGE 11 Thursday, January 21, 2021 MERIDIAN SOURCE
Opinion
Leeway from Lloyd: All Canada NHL worth watching STAFF WRITER GEOFF LEE
This could be the year when the Toronto Maple Leafs finally hold another Stanley Cup parade down Yonge Street or some sort of mass virtual celebration. With the new all-Canadian North Division in the NHL and three other divisions, a Canadian team has a 25 per cent chance at winning the cup with the playoff format. The top four teams in each division will qualify for the Stanley Cup Playoffs when each round will be
best-of-7. A Canadian team is guaranteed to make the semis with most pundits picking the Leafs or Canadiens to top the North division. If it’s not Toronto, I will gladly cheer for the Oilers. The Leafs, Canadiens, Calgary Flames, Edmonton Oilers, Ottawa Senators, Vancouver Canucks and Winnipeg Jets are playing a 56-game schedule starting last w eek an d fac e t eams only within their division during the regular season. It’s the same for teams in the East, Central and West divisions and all teams play back-to-back games. For guys my age (71),
watching the North division will be sort of like throwback hockey to the original six-team league and just as rewarding if one of the seven Canadian teams wins the cup. I for one will be over the moon if the Leafs win, but I am not counting on it. I am picking the Colorado Avalanche to win the cup as I did last year. I think MacKinnon and company are too good not to go all the way baring key injuries, of course. Back in the day, the NHL played fewer than 60 games and players entered the playoffs fully charged. Let’s hope when COVID is over,
the league reduces its usual 80-plus game schedule so the Stanley Cup is over before summer and players and fans aren’t burnt out. The 56-game schedule will make every game more meaningful for players and fans alike, so TV ratings should be strong. It will also be great to see back-to-back games on TV with Canadian teams that sometimes only play each other once or twice a season under normal circumstances. Rivalries like Leafs vs. Canadiens and Oilers vs. Flames will be intensified with multiple clashes and points at stake. Go Leafs Go!
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Free, eight-part web series underway
Interactive web series allows caregivers to engage with facilitator, peers MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF
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Caregivers and individuals who support clients with dementia or memory loss are invited to join Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) Lloydminster for a free, eight-part web series as facilitators from Caregivers Alberta provide guidance on self-care. Funded by the Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Program, each 90-minute live session features an interactive segment, allowing participants to engage with the facilitator and peers. “Caregivers, whether they be professionals, family members, or friends, have tremendous hearts and provide an important service,” said Patrick Lancaster, manager of social programs and
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The web series covers a variety of topics related to dementia and caring for persons experiencing dementia.
services with the City of Lloydminster. “Caring for others also means caring for ourselves. One cannot be expected to care for others if they’re not taking care of themselves. Through these sessions, we’re hopeful participants gain valuable insight into their mental health and well-being and techniques to keep their mental acuity high. “We also want attendees to leave rejuvenated as they continue their journey of selfless acts of kindness and making the
world a better place.” Registration for these live events is available online at Lloydminster.ca/FCSSEvents. The release dates are as follows and include the following subjects: • Jan. 19 – Recognizing Dementia • Jan. 26 – Managing Difficult Behaviours • Feb. 2 – Navigating Through the System of Care: Post Dementia Diagnosis • Feb. 9 – Managing Stress • Feb. 16 – Re-Labelling Guilt: Understanding our Emotions • Feb. 23 – Negotiating Through Conflict • March 2 – Dealing with Prolonged Grief: Embracing the New Person that Emerges • March 9 – Empowering the Mind, Body and Spirit Sessions will be recorded and available online at Lloydminster.
File Photo ca/FCSSEvents until March 28. “The web series covers a variety of topics related to dementia and caring for persons experiencing dementia,” said Lancaster. “It will touch on
some of the signs and symptoms for recognizing dementia and strategies of care, ranging from managing difficult behaviours and se l f - c ar e str a te gies. We’ll talk a bit about managing stress,
understanding feelings of guilt, dealing with conflict, and trying to empower caregivers as they go through the journey of care and take care of somebody who is experiencing dementia.”
Big changes coming to LPSD
LPSD RENO FROM PAGE 6
He says the renovations could be the catalyst to springboard into something like that. Renovation details are a work in progress, but the initial proposal calls for the addition of 16 core classrooms on two levels, south of the practical and applied arts hallway. Another area on the south side is the site of a proposed gym/field house complex. “We’ve had a lot of ideas in the hopper in terms of what this space can look like, whether it be a large gym hardwood complex or maybe one basket court of a gymnasium and a field housestyle addition to that as well,” said Marciniw. The front of the school will also see an addition to the second level with about 14
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Right now, we are moving into the tendering process for the architects on Feb. 13-14.
classrooms, or practical art areas, to accommodate the Grade 9 influx. Shovels could be in the ground by December with a tentative July 2023 completion. All stages of construction will be overseen by Calgary-based project manager Robert Major, who Marciniw says has a wealth of experience renovating schools. “Right now, we are moving into the tendering process for the architects on Feb. 13-14. We are hoping that things pick up and progress quite quickly
after that point,” he said. Marciniw says they are already engaging community businesses and organizations for potential partnerships and sponsorships to improve on what’s being planned. “It’ about meeting the needs of our community,” he said. “The two ideas that come to mind are the technology integration and the gymnasium space. If we acquire just a single gymnasium, how is that going to meet the needs of our kids for many years at LCHS?” Marciniw says they also plan to engage some LPSD stakeholder groups at the end of February then community stakeholders in February and March to gather their input.
Thursday, January 21, 2021
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Lloyd RCMP seize large amount of drugs and cash
MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF
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On Jan. 10 at approx-
imately 4 a.m., a member of the Lloydminster RCMP observed
a suspicious vehicle with no license plate in the area of 50th Street
and 57 Avenue. Police attempted a traffic stop with the vehicle, however, the driver failed to stop. While the vehicle was fleeing, the vehicle lost control on the icy roadway and hit the median, becoming immobilized. The male driver fled from the scene on foot, while police arrested the female passenger. During the arrest and vehicle seizure, police located over 350 grams of suspected methamphetamine, along with over 100 grams of suspected cocaine, and 29 grams of suspected heroin. Police located over $8,000 in Canadian currency, along with a handgun and ammunition. Lloydminster RCMP estimate the street value of the seized drugs to be over $47,000. Lloydminster RCMP
Supplied Photo have charged Bianca Lasas, 20, of Lloydminster, and Courtlin Littlewolfe, 34, of Onion Lake, Sask, with a combined 31 charges including: • Possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking (x6). • Possession of property obtained by crime over $5000. • Possession of a restricted firearm. • Unsafe storage of a firearm. • Possession of a weapon for a dangerous
purpose. • Obstruct a peace officer. • Identity fraud. • Flight from peace officer. • Dangerous operation of a motor vehicle. • Operate a motor vehicle while prohibited. A warrant was issued for the arrest of Littlewolfe, and he was arrested on Jan. 16, in Onion Lake. Both Lasas and Littlewolfe were remanded into custody pending their next court date.
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Sports
UPEI Panthers sign Steelers playmaker JAMIE HARKINS
WRITER
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Lloydminster PWM U18AAA Steelers centre McKinley Nelson is always looking two or three moves ahead of the play. Nelson, who travelled to the Border City for the 2020-21 season after competing for the Calgary Fire in the past two, has committed to play for the University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI) Panthers next winter. The soonto-be 18-year-old made the former move in an attempt to get acclimated with living away from home and the latter for an opportunity to study at one of Canada’s most distinguished post-secondary institutions, while also suiting up for a top-ranked U Sports team. “I think every player’s dream since they were a little kid is to be able to play university hockey somewhere,” said Nelson, whose birthday is Jan. 22. “Obviously, I’ll be more focused on my schooling when I’m going. But, hockey helped me get there, which I’m super thankful for.” A chance to experience life away from home coupled with an insight into the Steelers program and heavy community commitments provided by former star Jadynn Morden during a Team Alberta tournament last season convinced Nelson to head north. The third-year U18AAA playmaker received a call
from Panthers head coach Bruce Davidson shortly after the Alberta Female Hockey League’s opening weekend and before the season pause in early November. “Bruce seemed pretty interested,” she said. “And, they’re hosting nationals too, which I think will be a really cool experience. Also, I like the island. It’s a small town there and I’m more of a small-town person.” Morgan Mann, head coach of the PWM
Steelers, noted Nelson has an elite skill set and is ultra-competitive. He said the team is not able to practise together anymore due to COVID-precaution regulations, but that hasn’t stopped the forward from skating with IHD and Huxley Conditioning whenever possible, as well as making regular trips to the gym for strength training. “McKinley has been a real leader to our team on and off the ice with her character,” said
Supplied Photo
Lloydminster PWM U18AAA Steelers centre McKinley Nelson has committed to play for the University of Prince Edward Island Panthers during the 2021-22 season.
Mann. “It’s just been a real pleasure to have her here and to say that she is a Steeler. We’re quite proud of McKinley.” Nelson said this season has been especially hard on third-year midget players due to
a lack of games when they want to be making a good impression with university programs. She said getting a call from UPEI came as a huge relief, but a bit of credit still needs to be given to the Steelers for pushing things forward.
“I’m grateful for the coaches here because they helped a lot with the whole process,” said Nelson. “Morg, I’ve never met someone so invested in his hockey players. It’s super humbling to know you have that support.”
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Thursday, January 21, 2021
Thank you American voters SPORTS EDITOR JAMIE HARKINS
Relief and a bit of quiet reflection are what we need to talk about today, dear readers. Af t e r f ou r y e ar s of the Donald, including a crazy past couple of months, there is no need to get the blood pressure up one more time. Simply sit back instead, enjoy a tasty beverage and enjoy watching him walk out the door while pondering these few items in our mailbag. This past summer, Oilers nation was up in arms over their team’s lackadaisical exit from the NHL playoffs playin round. Well, as of this writing, we’re now four games into a new campaign, yet the same problems remain. I’m not an expert at anything really. However, I need to dis-
agree about the message expressed during Oilers’ post-game callin shows that goalie Mikko Koskinen is the problem. A lack of quality depth players is what’s holding this team back. The Oilers have a major drop-off after Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, Ryan NugentHopkins and Kailer Yamamoto up front. Ken Holland’s offseason signings of Kyle Turris, Jesse Puljujarvi and Dominik Kahun doesn’t change that fact. There is too much money wrapped up in unproductive forwards James Neal, Zack Zassian and Alex Chiasson with the former two signed for two and three more seasons after this one, respectively. If Nugent-Hopkins was rightly moved back onto a line with Draisaitl and Yamamoto, the two wingers flanking McDavid would again be Zassian
and Tyler Ennis. I like Ennis, but the Oilers captain deserves more. Let’s move on to another game. The big sports news last week came out of the NBA in the form of disgruntled guard James Harden finally getting his wish to be traded from the Houston Rockets to the Brooklyn Nets. Harden pushed the needle by not showing up to camp on time, disobeying league COVID-regulation protocols and finally stating to the press that the Rockets aren’t good enough. But, almost every story can have a positive spin and unlikely as it is, this one does too. Guard Caris LeVert, who went from the Nets to the Indiana Pacers in the four-team trade, was found to have a small mass on his kidney while undergoing a team physical. CONTINUED ON PAGE 17
PAGE 17 Thursday, January 21, 2021 MERIDIAN SOURCE
Agriculture
Governments of Canada and Sask invest in crop research MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF
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Earlier this month, Canada’s Minister of Agriculture and AgriFood Marie-Claude Bibeau and Saskatchewan’s Premier Scott Moe announced $9.8 million in funding for 39 crop-related research projects through Saskatchewan’s Agriculture Development Fund (ADF). “Despite challenges caused by the COVID19 pandemic, Canada’s FROM PAGE 16
So, by getting traded, LeVert has inadvertently received a better and clean prognosis. Plus, he also doesn’t have to answer any questions about Kyrie Irving anymore. Now that’s something to be
“
c ro p se c to r h as c o n tinued to work hard to ensure Canadians and families around the world have access to high-quality products,” Bibeau said.
“Investing in research helps producers grow the food the world needs in the most efficient and sustainable way possible. These applied research projects will help producers innovate and create growth.” “Saskatchewan’s agriculture sector has incredible growth potential and this targeted investment will help our producers and agri-businesses innovate to continue to deliver what the world needs,” Moe said.
thankful for. Let’s ramble on to our final topic. It’s a hearty cheer to our American neighbours for voting that clown out of the White House. The Donald tried to steal everything except the kitchen sink on his
journey to the curb, but y’all held firm and didn’t rattle. Thank you for bringing a bit of sanity back into North American and world affairs. The North is wishing all the best to Joe Biden, Kamala Harris and our U.S. friends.
Investing in research helps producers grow the food the world needs in the most efficient and sustainable way possible.
“This investment supports the bold goals in the Saskatchewan Growth Plan
that will see our crop production increase to 45 million tonnes, agriculture exports
increase to $20 billion and value-added revenue increase to $10 billion.”
PAGE 18 Thursday, January 21, 2021 MERIDIAN SOURCE
Sask wholesale trade growth leads nation MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF
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The province of Saskatchewan’s wholesale trade was up 21.5 per cent (seasonally adjusted) in November 2020 when compared to November 2019, the highest percentage increase among the provinces.
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A 21.5 per cent increase over the past year in wholesale trade is a remarkable statistic given the global COVID-19 pandemic.
The value of Saskatchewan’s wholesale trade in November 2020 was $2.46 billion. “A 21.5 per cent increase over the past year in wholesale trade is a remarkable statistic given the global
COVID-19 pandemic,” said Trade and Export Development Minister Jeremy Harrison. “Wholesale trade is an important leading indicator and shows that our province is very well positioned for a strong economic recovery.” In a recent Statistics Canada report, wholesale trade in Saskatchewan was up 2.6 per cent on a month-over-month basis, the second-highest percentage change among provinces. Nationally, trade was up 0.7 per cent monthover-month and 7.7 per cent year-over-year. Growth in wholesale trade was reported in several sectors, including food and beverage merchant wholesalers; machinery, equipment and supplies merchant wholesalers; and, motor vehicle and motor vehicle parts and accessories merchant wholesalers.
Careers
Classifieds
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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 $995 to get AUCTIONS your message out! 150 antique tracBusiness changes, tors, museum quality hiring, items for sale, farm implements, 2 cancellations, tenvisible gas pumps and ders, etc. People are much more. Sat., Jan increasingly staying 30, 9am. Live online home and rely on their @ schmalzauctions. local newspapers for com, Schmalz Aucinformation. KEEP tions, Prince Albert, people in the loop with SK. PL# 911509. our 90 Weekly Community Newspapers. AUCTIONS are our business! Contact Copeland Call THIS NEWSPAPER Auctions Ltd. located in now or email clasLloydminster, AB for all sifieds@awna.com for your auction needs. Call details. 1-800-282Russ 780-870-1181 or 6903, 780-434-8746 visit our website: www.copelandauctions.co X225. www.awna.com. m
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Approximately 120 acres of farmland, 3LSD’s. Nine miles south of Lloydminster, SK. Power & Gas cross property. No oil or gas leases to contend with. Taking offers. Ph: (306) 821-7608
HEALTH / FITNESS
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REAL ESTATE
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
VERY INEXPENSIVE 2 QUARTERS OF PASTURE LAND, Central SK, for sale. 8 other good quarters may be available. Requires fencing. Great hunting $74,900. Call Doug at 306-716-2671.
BLANKET THE PROVINCE with a classified ad. Only $269 (based on 25 words or less). Reach 90 weekly newspapers. Call NOW for details. 1-800-282-6903 Ext 225; www.awna.com.
WANTED DEAD OR ALIVE
Canadian Prairie Pickers are once again touring the area!
Paying Cash For Coin Collections, Silver & Gold Coins, Royal Can. Mint Sets. Also Buying Gold Jewelry Advertise your classified in this space.
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Thursday, January 21, 2021
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Thursday, January 21, 2021
HOME
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EXCELLENCE NEW LISTING
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MLS A1060626
FEATURED LISTING PECK LAKE
1 KILLDEER STREET
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AB
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coldwellbankercitysiderealty.com
Jennifer Gilbert Associate Broker
Rick Schesnuk Realtor®
Caleb McLean Realtor®
Each office is independently owned & operated.
3812 - 51 Avenue, Lloydminster, AB T9V 3M7 Sandy Hardy Realtor®
Judy Bexson Realtor®
www.coldwellbankercitysiderealty.com
780-875-3343
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