Meridian Source - March 3, 2022

Thursday, March 3, 2022

VOLUME 4 I ISSUE 36

MERIDIANSOURCE.CA

SEE INSIDE FOR YOUR COPY OF THE CITY OF LLOYDMINSTER SPRING 2022 PROGRAM GUIDE

Devastation in Ukraine hits home for many TAYLOR WEAVER

EDITOR

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Stop Putin, Stop War. Those are the words currently being said by people all over t h e w o r l d a ft e r R us sian President Vladimir Putin launched a largescale military invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24, marking a major escalation to a conflict that began in 2014.

Canada has the largest Ukrainian population outside of Ukraine.

Of course, this war is devastating and terrifying for those currently living in Ukraine, but for the roughly 345,000 Ukrainians living in Alberta, many of them right here in the Border City, it’s really hitting home.

“My first reaction was ‘I just cannot believe this.’ Before this happened on Feb. 24, my brother received information that it’s better to leave Kyiv because he and his family lived there. He said to me ‘there’s no way this is going to happen,’” said Lloydminster resident Vasya Omelchuk, who is originally from a village close to the Ukrai-

nian capital city of Kyiv.

“The next morning he called me and said ‘it happened, the Russians started bombing,’ but, nobody believed it was actually going to happen. How is this even possible?

“That was my first reaction, I couldn’t believe this was even happening.”

Omelchuk moved to Canada in 2012 on an agricultural student exchange program and worked on a farm close to Maidstone for a year.

“After living with a Canadian family and working on their farm for a year, I moved to Lloydminster and worked in the oil patch,” he said. “I had to quit my job in 2017 because my wife’s health wasn’t good, so I started doing photography and videography so I could spend more time at home with her.”

Omelchuk explained his grandmother, mother, sisters, cousins, and his brother all still live in Ukraine “Right now, the village I am originally from has been occupied

by Russian soldiers and

tanks; it’s scary.

“The first few days they weren’t touching people, but now they’re touching people and opening gunfire on them … on civilians, people with disabilities; anybody.

“The Russian soldiers are now hungry, cold, and running out of supplies because they went so deep into Ukraine, so they’re starting to go into people’s houses looking for food, fuel, anything.”

Roman Melnychenko originally hails from western Ukraine, but despite the distance from the Russian border, he tells a story about a bomb going off a kilometre from his sister’s home.

“I want to talk about this situation to help people understand what’s really going on over there,” he said.

“This isn’t just a weapons war, it’s also an information war.

Lots of people call me and ask me what’s going on in Ukraine and why Putin is attacking.

A lot of people aren’t aware that Putin is bombing civilians and

Submitted Photo that lots of people are dying.

“Yesterday, a Russian rocket destroyed a Kindergarten school, lots of kids died, and so many of the photos coming out of Ukraine aren’t being seen because Russian is blocking all of it. Russia is the aggressor, Putin, he’s the number-one enemy of the world. Today, it’s a war in Ukraine, tomorrow, who knows ... he has no breaks.”

With the majority of his family also still living in Ukraine, Melnychenko explained many Russian soldiers

have been arrested and thrown in Ukrainian jails.

“When the Russian soldiers are asked why they came to Ukraine, they don’t have explanations,” he said.

“But they did say they didn’t have a choice in the matter ... it was either go to Ukraine or be killed in Russia.

“I think the scariest things are yet to happen, and this isn’t the first time he’s done this.”

Melnychenko is the owner of Cheers Restaurant and Lounge and has been for the

past two years. He hosted a fundraising event yesterday for humanitarian and medical aid relief for Ukraine, with 25 per cent of the day’s total sales being donated.

He also explained he has had people come into the restaurant and donate to the fund, and over $1,000 has already come in through random donations.

“Every dollar spent or sent over there can save someone’s life, so we’re just trying to do whatever we can to support Ukraine,” he said. “Stop Putin, stop war.”

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MERIDIAN SOURCE

Thursday, March 3, 2022

Rogers Hometown Hockey returns to Border City TAYLOR WEAVER

EDITOR

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The cat’s out of the bag, and it’s bringing some NHL alumni with it.

Rogers Hometown Hockey is officially making its way back to the Border City from March 19-21 and will be taking over the Servus Sports Centre for this free, fanfavourite event.

The three days of fun will include NHL alumni appearances, music, and much more.

Join Ron MacLean and Tara Slone live onsite on Monday at 5 p.m. for the broadcast as they tell the stories celebrating the hockey history and culture that puts Lloydminster on Canada’s hockey map, and stick around to catch the Boston Bruins take on the Montreal Canadiens.

“I am extremely excited and I’m sure the city is too,” said Mayor Gerald Aalbers on Tuesday morning.

“For the young people that have that first opportunity to encounter current or former NHL alumni, to be able to be amongst people they follow on TV, as well, it’s great to have the ability to gather again in a large mass and enjoy.”

The Border City last

Meridian Source File Photo

Toronto Maple Leafs legend Darcy Tucker shares some time with fans during the 2017 Rogers Hometown Hockey event.

hosted a Hometown Hockey event in March of 2017.

“It hasn’t been that long, but it’s been long enough,” said Aalbers, noting this will also be a great opportunity for families to get out and enjoy some family fun after two years of COVID. “It’s being held at the Servus Centre, and one of the big things that’s different is it’s not the street atmosphere that it was in 2017, it’s more detailed and more containerized,” said Aalbers. “It’ll come on a series of trucks and people will be working through the layout to facilitate the need to be at the Servus Sports Centre because of the

layout of the items being brought in.”

Tickets to the event are free and can be sourced by visiting tickets.hometownhockey. com/register/lloydminster “Let’s make Lloydminster proud, both the city and the surrounding communities,” said Aalbers.

“Please feel free to plan to come out to Lloydminster and enjoy the hospitality, the event, our retailers that will gladly have their doors open.

“I believe we kick off the first of the series of four weekends, so it’s really exciting to see Lloydminster chosen as the kick-off to move forward with this event.”

Thursday, March 3, 2022

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Seniors probe health services

Geoff Lee Meridian Source

Graham Brown, right, president of the Lloydminster Concerned Citizens for Seniors Care Society, engages Leonard Wagner, director of continuing care for the Lloydminster catchment area, during a special information meeting last week at the Legacy Centre.

GEOFF LEE

WRITER

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No Worries. That’s what the Lloydminster Concerned Citizens for Seniors Care Society is saying following a special meeting with biprovincial health reps at the Legacy Centre on Feb. 24.

It was a relief for the group to learn the recent operational takeover of the Dr. Cooke Extended Care Centre and the Lloydminster Continuing Care Centre (LCC) by Alberta Health Services cuts red tape and duplication, while maintaining seamless healthcare to all residents of Lloydminster.

“We’re still interested in making sure we operate as a seamless community, but in this case, it did make sense to have those go back to Alberta Health Services,” said Senior Care Society president, Graham Brown, following a question and answer session.

AHS officially took over the administration of the two longterm care facilities on

Dec. 20, 2021, from the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA).

The two provincial health authorities have been working since last June toward the transition, following a mutual agreement to cancel a long-standing contract for the operating of continuing care services at both facilities.

Debora Okrainetz, director of continuing care North East, Central Zone, AHS, said transitioning continues with staff learning new processes and computer systems.

“We are seeing some positives, however, change is difficult. It takes a bit of time,” she said.

Okrainetz explained AHS owns the Dr. Cooke and LCC, and AHS previously contracted SHA to run them.

“Staff always followed AHS contracts and collective agreements, which would have been different for SHA guidelines and collective agreements,” noted Lori Sparrow,

senior operating officer, community and seniors health, central zone AHS. “AHS and SHA came to a mutual understanding it was time AHS ran the facilities because SHA had to do dual reporting. They had to report to Saskatchewan and Alberta,” added Okrainetz.

“They also had to do dual audits because we owned the buildings and we were accountable for them.”

Leonard Wegner, director of continuing care in the Lloydminster region with SHA, said that meant they had two separate payroll systems.

“We had to have two sets of staff to deal with pensions etc. because they were different,” he said.

Both facilities had also been following the Alberta Continuing Care Health Service Standards and the authority of AHS. The delivery3” of wide con-

tinuing care in Lloydminster is part of the Lloydminster Bi-Provincial Health Services Agreement between AHS and SHA, which has been in place since 2014.

Continued collaboration between SHA and AHS will continue under the agreement regarding operations of other healthcare services in the Border City.

Brown initially feared the change in administration countered an original 2014 MOU between the two health services, which stated the most efficient way to manage health in Lloydminster is as one entity.

“A new MOU (signed last July) doesn’t say that specifically, but it does talk about the Lloydminster catchment area,” conceded Brown.

Wegner noted under the MOU, Saskatchewan has always been responsible for system version flow.

“That’s the placement of residents in LTC (long term care) and

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that’s still continuing,” he said.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

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FROM PAGE 5

“We meet monthly to review and make sure things are flowing smoothly.”

He reassured the seniors group there is still a single point of entry for seniors into long-term care in the Lloydminster area.

“

We’re still interested in making sure we operate as a seamless community, but in this case, it did make sense to have those go back to Alberta Health Services.

Wegner noted there were 46 regional residents in the last quarter waiting for a long-term care facility.

The meeting was also an opportunity for a couple of individuals to voice their concerns about where to turn to when they can’t resolve an issue with the longterm care of a loved one.

“I think there were

Thursday, March 3, 2022

some good answers and some solutions.

Some of the people with problems have been offered some solutions that should work,” said Brown.

“That’s the next step to try those solutions and if they don’t work, we can call them back again.”

Okrainetz met with one couple at the end of the meeting.

“Debora is very good like that. When she gets problems, she identifies them very quickly and finds out if they can be fixed,” said Brown.

He was also pleased to have Sparrow come out because she took over from Sheri Allen and the group had yet to meet her.

“She was anxious to get down here and meet us and talk to us,” said Brown.

“We did two things today, getting answers on the systems and bringing concerns forward from people who are having problems with the system and finding out better ways to beat the system.”

COVID a boar for game club GEOFF LEE

WRITER

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Good riddance to most remaining COVID health restrictions starting this month in Alberta and Saskatchewan.

That’s what the Lloydminster and District Fish and Game Association is saying in advance of their second annual drive-thru wild boar and roast beef meal, this Sunday at the Lloydminster Exhibition Grounds.

“We’re looking forward to the COVID aspect dying down so we can do our fundraising again and host our events and get involved in that again,” said association president, Dwayne Davison.

Drive-thru meals will be served on March 6 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. without the need for masks, although Davison says if someone wants to wear a mask, he’s okay with that.

He also wants people to know about the effects of COVID after being diagnosed with the virus on Jan. 28 one day after his wife, despite being double vaccinated.

“I got it pretty bad, not hospitalized, but pretty dysfunctional, absolutely doing nothing. It was ugly,” he said, noting his wife fared much better.

Davison hints he might buy an extra drive-thru meal ticket for $21.18 to re-energize after being bedridden with the virus.

“I had the worst brain fog I’ve ever had in my life. I couldn’t write an email. I slept most of the day and ate very little. I lost 12 pounds. It was a hell of a diet to go on,” he said.

“I’ve never had anything like that. You couldn’t hold a conversation, you couldn’t think long enough to put a sentence

together.”

Davison says the association held its first drive-thru last year following the cancellation of their family banquet due to COVID restrictions.

“We had to cancel again this year with COVID—we thought let’s do this again.”

The association hopes to sell 300 drivethru tickets this year after selling 224 tickets in the first year.

“It was a good success for us, it’s not a huge money maker.

We want to make sure we’re still keeping our name out there,” explained Davison.

The meal includes mashed potatoes, gravy, dilled carrots, and dessert with the wild boar supplied by Ray Faultermeier, who has a butcher shop near Paradise Valley.

He says a serving of wild boar is a selling point, noting ticket sales are the proof of the pud-

ding, as he put it.

“We had wild boar last year with a turkey meal, so this year we’ve gone with wild boar and roast beef,” said Davison.

“It tastes similar to pork; it’s a wild pig is the best terminology.”

The game is fitting with no hunting seasons currently in effect in Saskatchewan or Alberta.

“Ice fishing will keep going strong for eternity because there’s dedicated people that do that,” said Davison.

A fish fry is still in the works for the third Thursday in April after COVID wiped out the last two annual events.

“That’s a really wellattended event. We sell over 200 tickets for that. We sell out every time,” said Davison.

“We’re hoping we can follow through with that and make that happen.”

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Thursday, March 3, 2022

Spiro’s celebrates winter with bloc party TAYLOR WEAVER

EDITOR

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The weather wasn’t all that frightful and the la tire was so darn delightful.

That’s what was going through the mind of Elenee Young, one of the proprietors of Spiro’s Family Restaurant, during the businesses’ Winter Bloc Party, held on Saturday in and around the restaurant.

“First of all, we are not a separatist party.

I’ve had to explain that to many people because we spelled it with just one C and no K, for the record,” she said with a laugh.

“We are celebrating something similar to Carnaval de Quebec, which is something they do every year for two weeks during the month of February.”

After attending École St. Thomas as a kid, Young wanted the entire community to enjoy Carnaval-type events even if they didn’t attend the french-immersion school.

“In a way, it feels like there’s a light at the end of the tunnel in terms of maskFROM PAGE 6

The event is slated to take place at the Moose Lodge.

“There’s lot of elderly people that like

ing and mandates, so it feels like this is something we’re celebrating.

That’s not why we did this, but the timing just worked out really well,” she said.

“We sort of wanted to recreate the summer parties we have out here, but in the winter.”

Aside from la tire, the Bloc Party included free hot chocolate, sleigh and tractor rides, a wall of snow painted

by Brandi Hofer, Blue Angel Donuts, and much more.

“We’ve got s’mores,” she said. “We’ve also got the Lloydminster Rescue Squad out today and they brought a trailer that we’re filling with non-perishable food items, which we’re then donating to The Olive Tree, which is pretty cool.”

Novlan Bros Sales also hooked Spiro’s up with a New Holland tractor for the event, which shuttled attendees from their parking lot to the north field at the Servus Sports Centre where they could enjoy a sleigh ride.

“What a perfect day for this,” she said.

“It’s -3C and everyto get out and about and have a fish fry too.

It’s really enjoyable to talk to the people who attend this,” said Davison.

Taylor Weaver Meridian Source

Elenee Young prepares some fresh la tire on a beautiful Saturday morning during Spiro’s Winter Bloc Party.

one has a smile on their face.

“Of course, starting at 1 p.m., we have a

wine pairing event happening on our patio, which is tailored to the adults.”

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Thursday, March 3, 2022

Rotary briefed on Pioneer build

Geoff Lee Meridian Source

Joy Bell, administrator of Pioneer Lodge and House, updated Rotary Club of Lloydminster members about a proposed $23 million-plus expansion of the Lodge at Monday’s lunch meeting.

GEOFF LEE

WRITER

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It was fitting that Rotary Club of Lloy dminster member Wayde Blythe invited Pioneer Lodge administrator Joy Bell to talk about a proposed $23 million-plus expansion of the seniors’ residence.

Blythe has publicly

stated he may become a lodge resident some day, and supports plans to meet the demand for independent housing for retirees.

“We just wanted him to know what his room is going to look like,” joked Bell prior to her formal presentation at Monday’s lunch meeting.

Bell noted there has been a number of people like Blythe reaching out to Pioneer wanting to get on the waiting list since news of the expansion broke earlier this year.

“It tells you that there is a big need out there,” she said.

The addition would demolish the existing 41 beds on the ground floor built in 1960, to create 90 new units over three floors with the goal to match care to the level a resident needs it.

Bell says the new rooms will be built to Alberta Health Services (AHS) standards up to long-term care capability.

Currently, the Lodge just provides hospitality services with no medical staff on-site, other than scheduled personal care contracted to Saskatchewan Home Care.

“When we put someone in one of these

rooms, we will be able to meet their care needs. What has to happen, however, is to get AHS to accept us billing them for the extra care,” she said.

Bell says that’s what they do now at the attached Pioneer House supportive living wing, which provides up to Level 4D care for persons with dementia.

“We will bill AHS for those needs. Those needs will be assessed

by Home Care,” said Bell.

Meanwhile, the facility is applying for grant applications to the Government of Alberta and the federal government for project funding.

“We are talking with representatives of Saskatchewan and Alberta and we are also going to the federal government, but nothing back yet,” reported Bell.

No project funding is expected from Sas-

katchewan, however, as was the case when Pioneer House was built in 2017.

“The Saskatchewan government feels they don’t offer these levels of care to everyone in Saskatchewan, so they can’t financially support it in only one location,” explained Bell.

She says despite that, about 35 per cent of Lodge residents are from the Saskatchewan side of the city.

Pioneer’s board is also proposing a fourth floor of life lease condos to help offset the cost of the project.

“That will depend on when we sit at the table with the provinces. If the provinces are asking us to provide funding for this project, certainly we’re going to have to look at something like that,” said Bell.

She is confident that any required fundraising will be met by the community.

“Pioneer is large enough that there’s very few families around here that haven’t had somebody with us at some point in time, and support has come when they know it’s Pioneer,” said Bell.

Lobsterfest May 7 In other Rotary news, Lobsterfest is being planned to take place on May 7.

Organizer Darryl Benson says ticket prices and the number of tickets to be sold will be nailed down soon once they pinpoint whether it’s going to be a fundraiser or just a social event.

“So behind the scenes, we are working on that, but the exciting part is, I think we are going ahead,” said Benson.

“So thank goodness for mask-less Monday. We will be putting together a Lobsterfest committee.”

Thursday, March 3, 2022

MERIDIAN SOURCE

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Fake IDs, credit cards lead to arrests in Maidstone MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

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Two arrested and charged by Maidstone RCMP after investigation into fraudulent activity On Feb. 22 at approximately 10 p.m., Maidstone RCMP arrested two individuals who are now charged with multiple offences, including fraud and possession of identity documents.

Maidstone RCMP received a report of fraudulent activity at a business in Maidstone.

Officers located the individuals on Highway #16 just east of Maidstone, activated their vehicle’s emergency equipment and the vehicle stopped.

As a result of an onscene investigation, officers arrested two individuals. A search warrant on the vehicle was subsequently executed and officers located and seized information related to multiple false identities.

“Everything from forged Social Insurance Numbers, health care cards, driver’s licences, credit cards, SIM cards, phones and a quantity of cash were located and seized from the vehicle,” said Sgt. Jolyne Harrison, Maidstone Detachment Commander.

Prabhjot Singh, 22, and Daman Singh Bajwa, 24, from Edmonton were arrested and charged with the following offences: - Counterfeiting Mark, contrary to Section 376(2) of the Criminal Code - Possession of Property Obtained by Crime, contrary to Section 354(1) of the Criminal Code - Fraud over $5000.00, contrary to Section 380(1)(a) of the Criminal Code - Possession of Identity Documents, contrary to Section 56.1 of the Criminal Code

Information #: 90464253 and 90464252 Maidstone RCMP released Singh and Bajwa, who are scheduled to appear before court for their first appearance on March 22 in Lloydminster, Sask.

“We would like to thank the communities we serve for being vigilant and reporting suspicious behaviour and activity,” said Harrison.

This investigation is ongoing.

Woman charged after fraudulent ID and credit cards seized during traffic stop On Feb. 25 at approximately 4:30 p.m., an officer from the Saskatchewan RCMP’s Roving Traffic Unit stopped a vehicle near Maidstone.

A subsequent investigation led to the vehicle being searched. The officers located and seized 16 fraudulent social insurance num-

ber cards, eight fraudulent permanent resident cards, nine fraudulent Ontario driver’s licences and three fraudulentlyobtained credit cards. A photo is attached.

As a result, Mariah Betty Crookes, 24, of Vancou ver, B.C. was arrested and charged with: - 3 counts, possession of government marks, Section 376(2), Criminal Code - 1 count, illegal possession or trafficking in government documents, Section 56.1, Criminal Code - 1 count, fraud greater than $5,000, Section 380(1)(a),

File Photo Criminal Code She has appeared in court and has been remanded into custody

until her next appearance at North Battleford Provincial Court on March 2 at 11:30 a.m.

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PAGE 10 Thursday, March 3, 2022 MERIDIAN SOURCE

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Viewpoint Lloyd RCMP encourages community input on policing priorities

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T

he Lloydminster RCMP is requesting the community’s input as to where residents believe the local detachment should focus its priorities in 2022.

From now until Tuesday, March 22, Insp. Lee Brachmann, Lloydminster RCMP detachment commander, encourages residents to complete the Let’s Talk Policing survey.

The survey findings will help the Lloydminster RCMP determine its priorities for the next 10 months.

“The Lloydminster RCMP is committed to continuing its efforts to provide residents of Lloydminster with the high quality, modern police service

that they expect and deserve,” said Brachmann. “ It’s critical for the Lloydminster RCMP to hear the voices of the community we serve through the Let’s Talk Policing virtual survey. Policing priorities belong to the community, and it’s essential that the community has a voice.”

The survey is available at YourVoiceLloyd.ca/RCMP. Those without access to a computer can contact the City of Lloydminster at 780-8756184, ext. 2322, to request a printed copy of the survey.

In 2021 , t he Ll o y d mi nste r RCMP heard from residents that they wanted Lloydminster’s policing efforts to reduce

overall crime rates, enhance road safety, and provide additional community engagement opportunities.

Through various crime reduction efforts, the Lloydminster RCMP achieved the following reductions in 2021: · 13 per cent reduction in stolen property; · 10 per cent reduction in break and enters; · eight per cent reduction in vehicle thefts; and · five per cent reduction in theft over $5,000.

In the interest of public safety amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, the semi-annual RCMP town halls moved to a virtual format.

Rotary celebrates trip winners GEOFF LEE

WRITER

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It’s dream vacations by the dozen.

The Rotary Club of Lloydminster held its draw Tuesday afternoon for their 12 Dream Vacation raffle prizes.

“This is one of our main fundraisers for the year. Money raised is donated back to organizations and projects in our community,” said event organizer and Rotarian Anita Schmidt, who announced the winners.

Kim Hawryluk won the top Hatchet Lake Fishing Lodge package valued at $14,320.20.

Winners can opt for a cash prize of 80 per cent of the value of the respective vacation package.

Aaron Buckingham won the Niagara Falls Getaway package while Glenn Dudding lucked out to win a trip package to Vancouver.

Ryan Rivet claimed the Banff Self Drive package and Terrance Wagner won the Victoria City vacation package.

A ticket bought by Cheyenna Namur won her a Jasper Self Drive package.

Carolyn Young can chill out on the other side of Canada as the winner of the Quebec City in the Fall vacation package.

Norm Namur won the P.E.I. Getaway package and Kim Richer claimed the Rocky Mountaineer Rail Tour trip.

Her hu sband , Pau l Richer, won one of the

Geoff Lee File Photo

Rotary Club member Anita Schmidt headed up the sale of Canadian Dream Vacations 2022 draw tickets.

three $1,000 CWT gift certificates with Kim Carey and Dennis Shopland winning the other two.

The Rotary Club is also a winner according to Schmidt.

“The draw was not

sold out, but we’re pleased with the number of tickets sold,” she said.

Schmidt added someone from the Rotary Club of Lloydminster will contact all the winners.

PAGE 11 Thursday, March 3, 2022 MERIDIAN SOURCE

Opinion

Leeway from Lloyd: Can’t wait to spring forward STAFF WRITER GEOFF LEE

Here’s some positive breaking news. Daylight saving time starts on March 13 with the spring forward movement of the clock.

It couldn’t come soon enough for most of us folks after what has been a long miserable winter of fluctuating cold and warmer spells and not much daylight.

A few athletes I know are currently vacationing in Mexico where they post sunny selfies daily to remind others they have escaped!

Being a broke reporter, I never get to travel anymore, although the Source also owns the southern

Gringo Gazette newspaper in Cabo. Mostly, I travel vicariously in taped episodes of TV shows including Mexico Life and Hawaii Life to watch when there is nothing else to see on the tube.

As I noted in a previous column, I don’t like humid tropical places from past experiences, and would prefer to spend this time of year cranking up for spring skiing like I did when I lived in B.C. I don’t need to pay to hide under a palm tree.

Here in Lloyd, the days are getting noticeably longer and brighter in the morning, which is good for everyone’s mood.

It’s also got me doing more online window shopping for another

season of cycling. I even booked a room in Drumheller for a 100-kilometre bike race on June 25, but I haven’t registered yet in case I get injured as was the case last year.

The last time I went there, it was incredibly windy and I cut the ride short while somehow finishing first in my 70-plus age group over 75 km. I did that despite falling off my bike getting off a ferry and having to walk up part of a really steep hill. Waiting for the ferry adds to everyone’s finishing time.

You can make back some time going nearly 80 km/hr in one long downhill section. Tapping your brakes is advisable.

All this talk about cycling relates to the

coming spring and summer. I can’t wait to complain about how hot it is and get back

into swatting flies.

Sorry, I am getting ahead of myself. That’s a late August and Sep-

tember activity. Got to live in the moment just for a second. When’s spring?

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

Bingo at the Moose The Moose Lodge, located at 5213-57 Street, Lloydminster, hosts bingo nights every Monday and Wednesday.

Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and play starts at 7 p.m.

Crib at the Moose The Moose Lodge, located at 5213-57 Street, Lloydminster, hosts crib tournaments every second Sunday of the month. Start time is 10 a.m.

The cost to play is $10 and lunch is $12.

Snowed In Comedy Tour The Snowed In Comedy Tour has turned into a Canadian success story, celebrating its 12th year. It includes the Great Canadian Laugh Off winner, Paul Myrehaug and six-time Canadian Comedian of the year nominee Pete Zedlacher, Seattle Comedy Competition winner Damonde Tschritter, and with over 50 appearances on the Debaters, Erica Sigurdson. Don’t miss out on the comedy show called “Better than the Just for Laughs Tour” and “Delivers a Flurry of Laughs.” The Snowed in Comedy Tour is live at the Vic Juba Community Theatre tonight. Tickets are $45 for adults, $35 for seniors and $29 for students (including post secondary). The show starts at 8 p.m.

Kaiser Tourney The Legacy Centre is hosting a Kaiser Tournament tonight. Play begins at 10 a.m. and the cost to play is $10 and $12 per person for lunch. Call the Legacy office at 780-875-4584 for more information.

Irish Pub Night Reboot It’s been two years too long!

Join the Border City Rotary Club and Garrett Gregory on March 12 in a fun evening full of friends, food and a good

Passport to YLL

Thursday, March 3, 2022

time! Border City Rotary, along with PWM Steel, are excited to bring back Irish Pub Night! If you have been in the past you know how much fun it is. If you have never been, this is the year you DO NOT want to miss! Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and supper is at 6 p.m. Supper will be roast beef, mashed potatoes, mixed veggies, salad and dessert. Dance doors open at 7:30 p.m. and the entertainment starts at 8 p.m. Must be 19+ to attend. Tickets are $59.37 and can be purchased online at ipn2022reboot.eventbrite.ca.

Slocan Ramblers Dinner and Show Rolling Green Fairways is excited to bring the energy of live music back into its hall and welcome The Slocan Ramblers on March 12 on the western leg of their new tour.

Cocktails start at 5:30 p.m. and dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m. For those only attending the show, the doors open at 7:30 p.m. The band’s first set starts at 8 p.m. and the second set will start at 9:15 p.m. Dinner will include appetizers on your tables, followed by a combination of slow roasted beef, greek parmesan chicken, red skin mashed potatoes, roasted root vegetables, a variety of salads, horseradish aioli, gravy, buns, butters, pickles, dessert and coffee service.

Tickets for just the show start at $30, and for dinner and the show, they start at $60.

Tables of 8 are also available.

For more information and to buy your tickets visit rollinggreen.ca/event/the-slocanramblers/ Spades Tourney The Legacy Centre is hosting a Spades Tournament on Thursday, March 17. Play begins at 10 a.m. and the cost to play is $10 and $12 per person for lunch. Call

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

the Legacy office at 780-8754584 for more information.

Jamboree/Dance The Legacy Centre is excited to be hosting its first jamboree/dance in quite some time. The fun takes place on Friday, March 18.

Doors open and dancin’ begins at 5 p.m. and supper is served at 6 p.m., then the jam begins! Admission is $15/person at the door.

Bonnie Green is the Jam Coordinator and musician contact (780-808-4034). All other inquiries can be made to the Legacy office at 780875-4584. All musicians welcome! All members and guests welcome! Come on out for a great evening of music and dancin’ from some of our local talent!

The Bromantics Live in Concert The Bromantics are a Saskatchewan six piece group that perform a sensational tribute to the 50s. They also perform original music while working within the parameters of the genre. In making use of warm brass instruments in combination with vintage guitar tones, and accompanying them alongside doo-wop style harmonies, The Bromantics are reviving the era with a youthful energy. They are now in the process of recording a debut EP to be hopefully released in 2022. The Bromantics hit the stage at the Vic Juba Community Theatre on March 19 with a 7:30 p.m. show time. Tickets are $35 and $5 for students (including post secondary).

Rogers Hometown Hockey Rogers Hometown Hockeyis returning to the Border City from March 19-21. All of the fun is taking place at the Servus Sports Centre and is

free to anyone interesting in attending. Join Ron MacLean and Tara Slone live on-site on Monday, March 21 at 5 p.m. for the broadcast as they tell the stories that celebrate the hockey history and culture that puts Lloydminster on Canada’s hockey map, and stick around to catch the Boston Bruins take on the Montreal Canadiens. To get your free tickets visit https://tickets.hometownhockey.com/ register/lloydminster Annual Meeting The Lloydminster Senior Citizens Society is hosting its annual meeting in the main hall at the Legacy Centre on Monday, March 21. The meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. and all members are encouraged to attend. Call the Legacy office at 780-875-4584 for more information.

Cribbage Doubles Tourney The Legacy Centre is hosting a Cribbage Doubles Tournament on Thursday, March 24. Bring your partner out for a day of crib! Play begins at 10 a.m. at a cost of $10, and lunch is $12 per person.

Everyone is welcome! Call the Legacy office at 780-8754584 for more details.

Ukrainian Dancing on the Border Festival Presented by the Lloydminster Ukrainian Culture Association, the 15th Annual Ukrainian Dancing on the Border Festival is being held at the Vic Juba Community Threatre from March 25-27.

Shows will be on Friday at 10:30 a.m., Saturday at 9 a.m., and Sunday at 9 a.m.

Day passes are $12, two-day passes are $20, and weekend passes are $25. Children under five get in free.

Pancake Breakfast The Legacy Centre is host-

Taylor Weaver Meridian Source

Bonhomme helped greet youngsters during Spiro’s Winter Bloc Party.

ing a pancake breakfast on Sunday, March 27. The breakfast runs from 9:30 a.m. until noon. Cost is $12 per person and $6 for kids six years and under. Everyone is welcome! Call the Legacy office at 780-875-4584 for more details.

Johhny Reid Live JUNO Award winning singer-songwriter Johnny Reid will be live at the Vic Juba Community Theatre on April 3 and 4 during his Love Someone National Tour.

Show time is 7:30 p.m. for both nights and tickets are are $99.75.

Zachary Stevenson’s Tribute to Buddy Holly From the Internationally Acclaimed “Buddy Holly Story,” Zachary Stevenson performs an exciting Tribute to Buddy Holly LIVE at the Vic Juba Community Theatre on April 6 for a 7 p.m. show. Zachary has played the starring role as Buddy Holly in over twelve different theatrical productions of the “Buddy Holly Story” across North America. With his own unique performing style, humour and an impressive repertoire of knowle d ge abo u t B u d d y , Zac h ary will leave you captivated and entertained throughout the entire performance. This show will be backed by the Rockin’ Royals Band. Tickets for the show are $49.

Thursday, March 3, 2022

MERIDIAN SOURCE

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Lloyd male fatally shot, officer in hospital after Waseca investigation MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

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In October 2021, the Battlefords RCMP Gang Task Force began an investigation into drug and weapons trafficking in west-central Saskatchewan. Preliminary investigation determined cocaine, methamphetamine, fentanyl, and firearms were being trafficked in and around North Battleford.

On Feb. 26, a search warrant was executed in relation to this investigation at 11:45 p.m. at a commercial property in Waseca, Sask.

Based on information obtained during

the investigation, officers believed there was a significant risk to public and police safety.

Therefore, the Saskatchewan RCMP Critical Incident Response Team deployed to assist with the search warrant.

During the execution of the search warrant in Waseca, officers determined there were four people in the commercial property.

After negotiation and the use of non-lethal methods, two adult males and one adult female exited the building and were safely taken into custody.

The fourth individual

remained in the building and was not complying with police officer commands.

This individual, an adult male, exited the building and continued to not comply with police officer commands. Officers used non-lethal methods to get the man to comply. The man displayed a firearm. Gunfire was exchanged and the man was fatally injured.

The family of the deceased man, a 33-year-old male from the Lloydminster area, has been notified of his death.

One RCMP officer is

in hospital with what is believed to be a non life-threatening injury received during this incident.

No further information will be provided about the officer’s injuries.

When an incident results in death or serious injury, the RCMP Act – the legislation that governs the RCMP – requires that an investigation be conducted by an external agency.

The Saskatchewan RCMP has requested the Saskatoon Police Service conduct the independent, exter-

Sask toots horn for professionalism MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

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It’s engineering and geoscience week in Saskatchewan.

The week, ending March 5, recognizes the important work that members of the Association of Professional

Engineers and Geoscientists of Saskatchewan (APEGS) make in the province.

“The members of APEGS make significant contributions to our province year-round,” said highways minister Fred Bradshaw.

“ These hard -working professionals are relied upon across our province, so we will celebrate their many accomplishments this week.”

Their work has an impact on almost every sector in Saskatch-

ewan including agriculture, construction, environment, forestry, manufacturing, mining, resources, utilities, health care, education, transportation and resources.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 15

nal investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death.

The Saskatchewan RCMP has requested the Ministry of Justice appoint an independent investigation observer in accordance with Section 91.1 of the Saskatchewan Police Act. “The Saskatchewan RCMP takes these matters very seriously. We are giving the external investigators at the Saskatoon Police Service our full cooperation as they conduct an independent, external investigation into the circumstances surround-

ing what happened,” said Assistant Commissioner Rhonda Blackmore – Saskatchewan RCMP Commanding Officer.

“My thoughts are with our injured officer, the community, and the family of the deceased.”

As this matter is now the subject of an external investigation, no further information can be provided at this time.

The investigation into drug and weapons trafficking in and around North Battleford continues and updates will be provided as they become available.

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MERIDIAN SOURCE

Thursday, March 3, 2022

Saskatchewanderer going full time MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

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File Photo

The next Saskatchewanderer will be able to showcase the beauty of the province as a full-time job.

Applications are now being accepted for the position that starts in April.

The program is a partnership between Tourism Saskatchewan and the Ministry of Parks, Culture and Sport, now in its 12th year.

Previously, the position was a 12-month term contract. Felipe Gomez, the current Saskatchewanderer, wraps up his term on March 31.

“This is one of the best jobs I have ever had and it’s my turn to ‘pass the hat’ to the next Saskatchewanderer,” said Gomez.

“If you love adventure, meeting people, trying delicious food, and most importantly, sharing all

your discoveries with thousands of followers, this is the job for you.”

Gomez earned high praise from Minister Responsible for Tourism Saskatchewan, Jeremy Harrison

“

If you love adventure, meeting people, trying delicious food, and most importantly, sharing all your discoveries with thousands of followers, this is the job for you.

“An imaginative, talented and proud ambassador for our province, Felipe Gomez elevated Saskatchewan’s profile as a destination where warm hospitality and inviting communities shape meaning-

ful travel experiences,” said Harrison.

“The Saskatchewanderer program has evolved over the years and grown its fan base to more than 137,000 followers. The change to this role will allow for continuity of content development and storytelling and create efficiencies in promoting tourism entrepreneurs and small businesses in Saskatchewan.”

The program change allows for high-quality Saskatchewanderer content to be produced year-round, uninterrupted by the annual personnel change.

It also allows the candidate to develop as a spokesperson for promoting the province’s tourism experiences, events, sport and cultural offerings.

Applications for the new full-time, permanent Saskatchewanderer position will be accepted until 5 p.m. on March 9.

Thursday, March 3, 2022

I left my heart ...

PRAIRIE WOOL HELEN ROW TOEWS

Remember the song, “I Left My Heart In San Francisco”? Famously sung by Tony Bennett, it became a hit in February of 1962.

It’s a relatable song, still around today, since we all feel a certain nostalgia for our hometown or a place in this world that will always be dear. I often think of those lyrics when I leave small bits of me in other countries, although I’ve never forsaken anything FROM PAGE 13

“APEGS protects the public by ensuring high technical and ethical standards of engineering and geoscience practice in Saskatchewan,” APEGS president Kristen Darr said.

“Through years of study, training and continuing professional development, our 15,000 engineering and geoscience professionals are committed to keeping Saskatchewan safe and secure now and in the future.”

APEGS is the govern-

quite so poetic as my heart.

Take socks, for instance. When I travel, I carry nothing more than a backpack. This means I must wash my few clothes regularly and dry them on towel racks, doorknobs, or in this case, over the railings outside my french doors in Paris, five floors up.

I draped two pairs, soaking wet, outside one breezy night, but when I awoke to look for them, they’d fluttered away to their doom in the street below.

I stepped onto the balcony and stared sadly at them.

Small and forlorn, they lay alone and exposed to the whims of Parisian traffic. As I watched, a delivery truck motored briskly past, grinding my little socks forever into the cobblestones of that great city.

“These Boots Are Made For Walkin.” Yes, I know that’s the title to another 60s tune, but in this case, they were my boots, and they really were made for hiking.

ing body responsible for regulating the practice of engineering and geoscience professionals in the province.

To celebrate engineering and geoscience week on social media and in a newspaper feature, APEGS will promote the role that engineers and geoscientists play in the lives of Saskatchewan residents, in tro duc e its n ew est professional members, and explain its mandate to regulate the professions in the public interest.

APEGS also sponsors two online educational opportunities in engineering and geoscience for Kindergarten to Grade 12 students: GeoExplore Saskatchewan features an interactive map and information on geological points of interest and their origins, and the movie, Dream Big: Engineering Our World and accompanying educational resources explore how engineers solve big and small problems to improve people’s lives.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 18

MERIDIAN SOURCE

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Thursday, March 3, 2022

Legislation to protect contractors now in effect

MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

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On Tuesday, The Builders’ Lien (Prompt Payment) Amendment Act, 2019 comes into force.

“The Government of Saskatchewan is pleased to see changes to the Act take effect today,” said Justice Minister and Attorney General Gordon Wyant.

“The prompt pay-

ment of contractors and subcontractors, combined with an effective dispute resolution process, is imperative to ensure construction projects across the province progress without delays.”

This new legislation will establish reasonable payment timelines for construction projects and introduce a dispute resolution

process as an alternative to court. These measures will better protect and define the rights and obligations of owners, developers, contractors and subcontractors.

The new provisions only apply to new contracts entered into after March 1, 2022, and do not apply to existing contracts. The payment timelines will mandate that

owners and developers provide payment within 28 days of receiving a proper

invoice for construction services. Contractors will have seven days to provide pay-

ment to subcontractors after receiving a payment from the owner or developer.

FROM PAGE 15

their dear homeland of Canada. Sounds harsh, I know.

Then, there were the paperbacks my friend and I bought in the Edmonton Airport bookstore.

They were such a fair price we bought four or five each. Then the folly of such a purchase hit us as we lugged them through Italy. What a couple of nuts.

There wasn’t time to crack open even one, and we couldn’t face the thought of hauling them back home again. They now happily reside on a shelf in Rome for other renters to enjoy.

Finally, on my first trip to Ireland, I took horrid clothing. I was gifted a raincoat that had belonged to a recently deceased woman of 96. I purchased brown, service-

able, and highly unattractive cargo pants, and I packed two shirts that had seen better days. Why? I ask myself that same question. It had something to do with thrift and the fact no one would ever know me over there, so what did it matter if I looked frumpy.

However, I found myself sitting by a lady, at least 30 years my elder, who wore the very same outfit. Problem was, she looked better.

The next day, I left the coat, the pants, and the shirts not such a long, long way from Tipperary.

So, while I haven’t been able to travel these last few years, I feel as though part of me, however small, still lives on in Europe. Maybe even a piece of my heart.

However, years of use inevitably took their toll.

By the time I got to the Netherlands and trudged around for three days, they gave up the ghost, and the heels fell off. Yes, both heels— at once.

Perhaps I scuffled when walking and wore them down to a shred, or maybe my consumption of extra chocolates in Belgium tipped them over the edge of endurance.

For whatever reason, the boots in question simply refused to go any further. We parted ways outside my rental apartment, where I thanked them kindly for their service and tossed them into a dumpster.

To this day, they remain somewhere in Amsterdam, far from

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Thursday, March 3, 2022

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Upcoming land rush will be a slow walk MIDWEST MINUTE VERN McCLELLAND

There is a lot of discussion in agriculture media these days about the impending transfer of wealth from the current ageing farm owners to their beneficiaries.

One national report states 75 per cent of lands held by mature farm operators today will have a new name on the title within 10 years.

Now, we are talking millions of acres here.

And billions of dollars.

As a member of the Canadian Association of Farm Advisors, I see the associated anguish of those hard-working folk every day in my practice.

Two years ago, with input from three highly regarded industry professionals, two lawyers, the third a chartered accountant, I

wrote a paper on the factors to consider when selling the family farm.

It’s available on our website, www.farmandranchmidwest.ca Not only are our collective clients concerned about fairly “dividing the pie” so to speak amongst their children, many of whom haven’t significantly helped on the farm since high school, but also about the number of dollars their estate will need to share with the government due to the gain in capital value since they took ownership.

Sometimes stirred into this quagmire of stress is a desire to handpick their successor, handing stewardship of “their” soil or home over to someone they believe worthy, yet remain friends with all their neighbours.

These are conflicting objectives, to say the least. There can only

be one new owner.

There are many ways to sell farmland – private treaty, personal brokerage, auction, Multiple Listing Service, sealed bid tender, and progressive tender.

All of them are worthy, in the right situation. No one way fits all. Every client has different goals and t ime line s. The at t r ibutes of every chunk of ground are different.

Where it gets murky is when the landowner thinks the “problem” will be solved by offering their property to just one buyer, often a loyal tenant, or a neighbour who has been supportive over the years.

First of all, the selected incumbent naturally does not want to compete for the property in the open market.

Secondly, many times they also expect a discount from its true market value.

Nice deal if you can get it, no competition, and a purchase price with automatic equity built-in.

Of course, the outgoing landowner thinks this is a tidy solution, not considering how many other good relationships may be damaged by not allowing everyone to express their interest.

I hear it over and over but of course, the seller probably never will. People are too nice to say what they are really thinking.

The seller sees avoiding a third-party cost of sale as saving money, not stopping to think the end results of competitive marketing would likely pay professional brokerage or auction costs several times over plus make

19

File Photo the process fair for everyone.

The other part of this, particularly in an estate planning scenario, and the one I have never understood, is why does the seller feel it is more important to subsidize the buyer’s family, rather than their own?

This too is a reallife consideration. If you don’t believe me, I will happily refer you to a couple who came to this very realization

22024kw0

last year.

Farmland is different than any other type of real estate, and as the old saying goes “they are not making any more of it!”

Vern McClelland is an associate broker with RE/MAX of Lloydminster and an active partner in his family’s livestock operation.

Comments on this article are welcome either by emailing vernmcclelland@remax.net or calling 306-821-0611.

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MERIDIAN SOURCE

Thursday, March 3, 2022

Sports

PAGE 21 Thursday, March 3, 2022 MERIDIAN SOURCE

Rustlers lead Wolves 1-0 in second round the form of an Olympicsized ice surface.

“Our next game is on Olympic ice, so it’s a completely different game. There will be way more space out there, so we’re cautious going into it,” said Mann.

“

Taylor Weaver Meridian Source

Lakeland College King’s Energy Group Rustlers captain, Jayde Cadieux, lights the lamp and lifts the water bottle on Sunday afternoon on home ice against the Edmonton Wolves.

TAYLOR WEAVER

EDITOR

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The Lakeland College King’s Energy Group Rustlers were back in action at the Russ Robertson this past Sunday and beat the Edmonton Wolves 5-1 in Game 1 of the second round of the playoffs.

Playing a best-ofthree second round, the Wolves (15-8-1-0) are seated right behind the Rustlers (19-4-01) in the Alberta Junior Female Hockey League standings, and going into Sunday’s game, head coach Morgan Mann and his squad knew the challenges that may lie ahead in the Wolves.

“I still don’t think we have this one in the bag.

That’s a good team, and maybe we caught them a bit tired. Momentum is a funny thing. This

isn’t over for sure,” said Mann of the rest of the series.

“We felt good coming off that win on Sunday. We really played well again, and I think a number of our players stepped it up to the next level. I thought everybody was good, but a couple of our players even found another level of their game, which was great for us and awesome for them.”

One of said players was Rustlers captain, Jayde Cadieux, who not only was the game’s First Star, she also recorded a hat trick and an assist.

“Jayde really elevated her game and took the team on her shoulders,” said Mann.

“From Game 1 of the playoffs, she’s been on fire. I had a feeling that if she got a couple early

in the playoff run, it could really open up for her, and right now, she’s playing her best hockey by far, and has been a leader in every sense.

“When your captain sets a tone like that, her teammates follow for sure.”

The home side dominated both offensively and defensively, putting 36 shots on goal and only allowing goaltender Chantel Weller to see 14 pucks all game.

“I think that just shows how well we were playing, and we were really trying to have the attitude where, every time they touched the puck, we were all over them,” said Mann.

The Rustlers travel to Edmonton’s Clareview Community Rec Centre on Friday for Game 2 of the series, and there’s a new challenge ahead in

If we can bring the same energy and effort we have the last couple of games, we’ll be in it for sure.

I f t h e W o l v e s w i n Russ Robertson on SunGame 2 on Friday, the day for a 3:15 p.m. puck series returns3” towide the version drop.

GREAT OPPORTUNITY At the Outpost in Historic Water Valley, Mountain View County, Alberta

Friendly people. Beautiful countryside. Small village charm.

Restaurant space c. 1500-2000 sq. ft. and retail spaces from 500 sq. ft. Ideal for vintage, antiques, and the like.

Phone the Outpost at Water Valley

403-262-8808 / 403-277-6155 3.75” wide version

“We were slated to play in a rink on Friday that’s much like the Russ Robertson, and At the Outpost in Historic Water Valley, then we got an email saying we’d be playMountain View County, Alberta ing in a different rink Friendly people. Beautiful countryside. Small village charm. because of available ice time.”

Restaurant space c. 1500-2000 sq. ft. and retail spaces from Despite the larger ice 500 sq. ft. Ideal for vintage, antiques, and the like. surface, Mann is confident in his team and Phone the Outpost at Water Valley believes the momentum 403-262-8808 / 403-277-6155 can continue.

“We have to stay above the puck, on the right side of it. We have to be really careful and responsible not to give up odd-man rushes, I find they’re dangerous off the rush, so we have to be conscious of that and not be too aggressive on the pinch.

“If we can bring the same energy and effort we have the last couple of games, we’ll be in it for sure.”

GREAT OPPORTUNITY

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MERIDIAN SOURCE

Thursday, March 3, 2022

Rustlers host Club volleyball bash DIANE GOW SPECIAL TO THE SOURCE

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

Almost 80 young men came to participate in a one-night Rustler’s men’s Club Volleyball Bash on Feb. 28 from 7-9 p.m.

Organized by Matt

Peck and Doug Smith, the 14U, 15U, 16U, 18U and the Rustler’s men’s team came together to play a night of volleyball.

The teams were mixed, and a big thank you to head coach Taylor Dyer and the men’s

Rustler’s team for coming out and supporting our youth!

It really showcased to the younger players what they could look forward to if they kept playing volleyball! It was a great, loud night with tons of laughter and high energy!

The Rustler’s men’s club volleyball program is growing in our city!

Photos courtesy of Diane Gow

PAGE 23 Thursday, March 3, 2022 MERIDIAN SOURCE

Careers

Baytex to invest and drill in Lloyd area GEOFF LEE

WRITER

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Baytex Energy Corp. plans to drill 37 net wells in the Lloydminster area in 2022.

The oil and gas producer will also invest approximately $10 million this year to further reduce GHG emissions intensity at its operations by approximately 7.5 per cent over 2021 levels.

The company plans to undergo an active abandonment and reclamation program in 2022 with approximately $35 million being directed to pipeline, wellbore and facility decommissioning along with well site reclamations.

These investments flow from the company’s recently reported net profit of $563 mil-

lion in the fourth quarter of 2021 thanks to strong oil and gas prices.

Baytex has also reduced its net debt level by approximately $1.1 billion over the

past three-and-a-half years, and expects to hit its target of $1.2 billion in net debt during the second quarter of 2022.

The company will allocate about 25 per

cent of its annual free cash flow in 2022 to direct shareholder returns and will also implement a share buyback program in the second quarter.

Fourth quar-

ter production averaged 80,789 barrels o f o i l e qu i val e nt p e r day (boe/d), compared with 70,475 in the fourth quarter of 2020.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 24

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MERIDIAN SOURCE

FROM PAGE 23

Baytex’s heavy oil assets at Lloydminster and Peace River (excluding the Clearwater development) produced a combined 24,217 boe/d (91 per cent oil and NGL) during Q4/2021 and 23,579 boe/d for the full-year 2021.

“

Baytex has also reduced its net debt level by approximately $1.1 billion over the past threeand-a-half years, and expects to hit its target of $1.2 billion in net debt during the second quarter of 2022.

The company drilled three net Bluesky wells at Peace River and 21.5 net wells at Lloydminster in the second half of 2021.

They also invested $38 million on explo-

Thursday, March 3, 2022

ration and development in Peace River

and Lloydminster in 2021 and generated an

operating netback of $231 million.

PAGE 25 Thursday, March 3, 2022 MERIDIAN SOURCE 306-825-5111 admin@meridansource.ca

AUCTIONS

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EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY Alberta Millwrights Local 1460 is seeking Journeypersons and Alberta Registered Apprentice Industrial Mechanics who are residents of Alberta to fill our current and projected job postings throughout Alberta. If interested, please send your resume to info@ millwrights1460.com.

MEIER UNRESERVED GUN & SPORTSMAN AUCTION. Saturday, March 5, 10 AM. Located 4740-57 Street, Wetaskiwin.

Consign now. Phone 780-440-1860. Visit www.meierauction. com for more details.

Phone for information 306-830-8220 780-214-0908

Classifieds

PROVINCE-WIDE CLASSIFIEDS. 51 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.

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.

HIRING DEPARTMENT MANAGERS - Lloydminster Sobeys. Apply with resume to sobeysjobs@gmail.com.

COMING EVENTS FIREARMS WANTED FOR APRIL 2022 LIVE & ONLINE AUCTION: Rifles, Shotguns, Handguns, Militaria.

Auction or Purchase: Collections, Estates, Individual items. Contact Paul, Switzer’s Auction: Toll-Free 1-800-6942609, sales@switzersauction.com or www. switzersauction.com.

BUILDING FOR SALE INTEGRITY POST FRAME BUILDINGS since 2008 BUILT WITH CONCRETE POSTS. Barns, Shops, Riding Arenas, Machine Sheds and more, sales@ integritybuilt.com 1-866-974-7678 www. integritybuilt.com.

CRIMINAL RECORD? Why suffer employment/licensing loss?

Travel/business opportunities? Be embarrassed? Think: Criminal Pardon. US entry waiver. Record purge.

File destruction. Free consultation. 1-800347-2540. www. accesslegalmjf.com.

GET BACK ON TRACK! Bad credit? Bills?

Unemployed? Need Money? We Lend! If you own your own home - you qualify.

Pioneer Acceptance Corp. Member BBB. 1-877-987-1420. www.pioneerwest.com.

LAND FOR SALE Farmland Estate Sale

by Tender; Listed at $2,050,000. 857 Acres in Mayfield RM #406.

Tenders close Mar. 18-2022. Gerald Muller, C&C Realty, 306-5707743, skfarmland.ca

BUILDING SUPPLIES 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 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. 1-800-2826903, 780-434-8746 X225. www.awna.com.

GARAGE SALES

HEALTH / FITNESS

CERTIFIED SEED TO MEET your needs.BARLEY CDC Copper, Esma, AB Cattlelac, WHEAT CS Jake, AAC Redberry, AAC LeroyVB, AAC Magnet, CS Accelerate, CDC Reign trueseeds. ca 780-777-5885.

GET UP TO $50,000 from the Government of Canada. ALL Ages & Medical Conditions Qualify. Have a child under 18 instantly receive more money.

CALL THE BENEFITS PROGRAM 1-800211-3550 or Send a Text Message with your name and mailing address to 403-9803605 for your FREE benefits package.

Advertise your classified in this space.

Call 306-825-5111 HEALTH / FITNESS HIP/KNEE REPLACEMENT. Other medical conditions causing TROUBLE WALKING or DRESSING? The Disability Tax Credit allows for $3,000 yearly tax credit and $30,000 lump sum refund. Take advantage of this offer. Apply NOW; quickest refund Nationwide: Expert help. 1-844-453-5372.

FEED & SEED

FEED & SEED ALBERTA FEED GRAIN: Buying Oats, Barley, Wheat, Canola, Peas, Screenings, Mixed Grains. Dry, Wet, Heated, or Spring Thresh. Prompt Payment. In House Trucks, In House Excreta Cleaning. Vac Rental.

1-888-483-8789.

WE BUY DAMAGED GRAIN - Heated, Mixed, Tough, Light, Bugs, Spring Thrashed....

Barley, Wheat, Oats, Peas, Flax, Canola.

“On Farm Pickup”.

Westcan Feed & Grain 1-877-250-5252.

CERTIFIED SEED - Wheat6 varieties - Oats 7 varieties - Barley7 varieties very early yellow Pea, Forage Peas.

Polish Canola, sPring tritiCale. mastinseeds.com 403-556-2609

AGPRO SEEDS: BUYING HEATED, DAMAGED CANOLA. On farm pickup, prompt payment! TOP PRICES PAID IN SASK. Phone: 306-873-3006 or Visit AGPRO website for bids: agproseeds.com

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MERIDIAN SOURCE

Thursday, March 3, 2022

Obituaries & Memoriams

Thursday, March 3, 2022

Local Business Directory

MERIDIAN SOURCE

27

28

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Thursday, March 3, 2022

Church Directory

GRACE UNITED CHURCH THE SEASON OF LENT BEGINS AT GRACE

Lent 1 Communion Sunday

March 6, 2022 at 10:00 a.m.

Practicing Gratitude The Outreach Pantry is collecting powdered or canned milk.

Lenten Lunch & Worship - Wednesdays 11:45-12:45 throughout Lent EVERYONE IS WELCOME!

4708 - 50 Avenue T9V 0W4 780-875-8959 graceunitedchurch.ca

Contact us today to place your announcement in next week’s issue Box ad......... $14.50 (Column Inch Rate) Obituaries.... 20¢ per word plus $15 to include photo $2.50 e-edition charge per issue

LIFE’S

milestones

Are you celebrating an anniversary or birth, or you’d like to announce your engagement?

Is your child graduating, or perhaps a colleague is retiring? Has a loved one passed away, or would you like to remember one in some special way?

CONTACT US TO ADVERTISE YOUR ANNOUNCEMENT IN NEXT WEEK’S ISSUE AT (306) 825-5111.

Thursday, March 3, 2022

SUDOKU

CROSSWORD

February 24 Answers

ACROSS 1. Aerosol spray 5. Tricky 8. Marble slice 12. At a standstill 13. Stick for billiards 14. Wear down 15. Sports group 16. Exit’s opposite 18. Packing down 20. VIII 21. Eden dweller 22. Mentally healthy 23. Pushy 26. Broom’s relative 27. Hurried 30. Litter’s littlest 31. Title

32. Folder 33. “You ____ Sixteen” 34. Grass-covered ground 35. Moved slowly 36. Heroic poem 38. Rightful 39. Shaving need 41. Got slimmer 45. Oversight 47. Dam 48. Clamors 49. In fashion 50. Unzip 51. Brink 52. Tissue layer 53. Disarray

February 24 Answers

DOWN 1. Catcher’s catcher 2. What’s the big ____?

3. Close with force 4. Violent storm 5. View 6. Breathing organ 7. Nonetheless 8. Blot 9. Undies 10. Building curve 11. Garden produce 17. Gather in 19. Climbing plant 22. Tearful moan 23. Half of a bikini 24. “____ Day Will Come” 25. Sniffling’s partner

26. Wet dirt 28. Swiss peak 29. High-wire precaution 31. Physician, briefly 32. Liberation 34. Knights’ titles 35. Mug 37. Sheriff’s helpers 38. Fine 39. Went by carriage 40. In a group of 41. Hammer or chisel 42. Ready to be picked 43. ____ out (barely makes) 44. Comfortable rooms 46. Little devil

BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENTS

Introduce your new addition here in next week’s issue for FREE! Come in and fill out a form or email admin@meridiansource.ca Deadline is Tuesday at noon for the Thursday edition.

MERIDIAN SOURCE

29

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Thursday, March 3, 2022

MERIDIAN SOURCE

INGENUITY EXCELLENCE

AWESOMENESS

HOME

NEW LISTINGS

COMMERCIAL B-SE-23-51-27 W3RD

4730 - 46 STREET

99,900

$

219,000

$

SK

HWY 17 - C2 ZONING

• 10.01 fenced acres with scenic country views.

• Power is on the property. Build here and enjoy country life!

• Horizon Village Eastglen Adult living condo (50+). Many tasteful updates throughout!

• New roof, A/C and a reverse osmosis system. Outdoor green space with a covered deck.

MLS A1186866

SK

MLS A1185001

AB

949,000

$

MLS A1152166

DISCOVER THE ADVANTAGES OF ACREAGE LIVING PT SW 30-50-26 W3RD

SK

599,900

$

MLS A1071380

SK

460,000 MLS A1166880

$

PT NW 20-50-27 W3RD

NE PT 14-54-20 W3RD

SE 22-50-19 W3RD

SK

395,000 MLS A1164892

$

SK

184,900

$

MLS A1146868

PT SW 18-44-27 W3RD

SK

164,900

$

MLS A1163592

ENJOY EVERY SEASON AT THE LAKE! FOWLER LAKE

SK

540,000 MLS A1157222

$

SK

424,900 MLS A1098674

$

TURTLE LAKE

MAKWA LAKE

BRIGHTSAND LAKE

SK

419,000 MLS A1105010

$

SK

409,000 MLS A1143839

$

MURPHY LAKE

SK

190,000 MLS A1104950

$

FIND THE CONDO RIGHT FOR YOU! EVERGREEN PLACE

AB

372,500

$

MLS A1170052

AB

227,500

$

GRANDVIEW

MERIDIAN

MAPLES II

MLS A1175434

AB

224,500

MLS A1150665

$

SK

A SMALL TOWN - A PERFECT CHOICE MARSHALL

PENDING

PARADISE VALLEY

NEILBURG

SK

275,000

$

MLS A1140115

AB

225,000

$

MLS A1127173

SK

189,000

$

MLS A1114683

UPSIZE - DOWNSIZE - RIGHT SIZE

AB

469,000

$

MLS A1176588

AB

289,800

$

MLS A1171991

SK

276,500

$

220,000

$

MLS A1172502

AB

120,000

$

MLS A1158092

RENTAL OPPORTUNITIES ALBERTA

5675 - 43 St. 3009 - 57A Ave. 3007 - 57A Ave. 3315 - 51 Ave. 2917 - 51 Ave. 3002 - 56 Ave. 6608 - 42 St. 5202 - 49 St. 5406 - 45 St. 5913 - 41 St.

1 Bed, 1 Bath 1 Bed, 1 Bath 1 Bed, 1 Bath 2 Bed, 1 Bath 2 Bed, 1 Bath 2 Bed, 1 Bath 2 Bed, 1 Bath 2 Bed, 2 Bath 3 Bed, 2 Bath 4 Bed, 3 Bath

$700 $800 $800 $800 $850 $950 $1100 $1200 $1350 $1800

READY! READY! READY! READY! READY! READY! READY! READY! READY! APRIL 1ST

SASKATCHEWAN

MLS A1152553

2721 - 47 Ave. 1820 - 49 Ave.

PENDING

LA TIERRA

3 Bed, 1.5 Bath $900 3 Bed, 3 Bath $1475

READY! READY!

APPLY ONLINE TODAY SK

247,500

$

MLS A1082213

SK

219,000

$

MLS A1131227

AB

218,900

$

MLS A1158490

coldwellbankercitysiderealty.com

Brad Gilbert Jennifer Gilbert Broker/Owner Associate Broker

Rick Schesnuk Caleb McLean Realtor® Associate Broker

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

facebook.com/coldwellbankercitysiderealty

instagram.com/coldwellbankercitysiderealty