Lloyd Fire Rescue welcomes new Assistant Fire Chief
Lloydminster Fire Rescue (LFR) has welcomed Chad Penner as the new Assistant Fire Chief of public education, inspections and fire investigation.
Penner, who grew up in southeastern Manitoba, brings 19 years of experience to Lloyd Fire Rescue. He began his career wanting to help those around him.
“We had a one-year-old daughter. I was looking at her and thought, ‘You know what, if something were to happen
to her I would not really have a clue how to help her,’” he said.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 2
CHRISTIAN APOSTOLOVSKI
New Assistant Fire Chief Chad Penner (left) was all smiles as Fire Chief Bill Heesing welcomed him to the team. Submitted photo
Penner realized, with enough training, he’d be able to help people.
Moving into his new position with LFR, his focus will be on fire inspections.
“On the fire inspection side, we’re actually going to be rolling out a preincident plan where our front-line crews will actually go around (the community),” he explained.
“We’re going to start with the more higher hazard occupancies in town.
Some of the oil companies, some of the places that are dealing with all kinds of chemicals, and do a pre-incident plan.”
He says he’s been steady with his inspections.
“I go to any place there’s been issues brought to the department, even
when I’m out on a regular day. If I notice issues, I’ll go back and do an inspection,” said Penner.
He points to safety as being important to him.
“
They didn’t really have to sell the city a whole lot. This sounds really cliché, but the city sells itself.
“One of the parts about this position I really enjoy is being able to go into various places and businesses where most people can’t necessarily go into and make the place safer for, No. 1, the people that work there, and No. 2, the customers that are coming in,” he said.
Public education is also something that will fall under Penner’s duties, something he’s already very familiar with.
“I have a background in education. I spent 12 years full time at the Emergency Services College in Manitoba teaching firefighting,” he said, noting he spent four years as a casual instructor prior to going full time.
Initially, Penner says he didn’t have Lloydminster on his radar, but after seeing the job posting, he had the opportunity to spend a weekend in the Border City. The rest, as they say, is history.
“Spending the day with Bill (Heesing) and talking to Don (Stang), they didn’t really have to sell the city a whole lot. This sounds really cliché, but the city sells itself,” he said.
Residents with questions or inquiries can reach out to Fire Hall One at 306-825-6515.
Puppy Luv Paradise celebrates decade in Lloyd
A Lloydminster staple for pet owners marked a decade of service on Saturday by giving back to the rescue community that inspired its start.
Puppy Luv Paradise hosted a multicharity 10th anniversary event in Lloydminster on April 11.
They have expanded from grooming into a premier Lloydminster hub for dog training, obedience classes and daycare.
“Helping out animals in need is second nature,” said owner Nikki Towner, whose background in animal rescue dates back to 2011.
The anniversary celebration served as a massive fundraiser for several local organizations:
- Second Chance Animal Rescue Society (SCARS): A charity barbecue was held in support of the longstanding rescue group.
- Border Paws Animal Shelter (SPCA): Attendees met adoptable dogs on-site, while the shelter collected donated items and offered pet photos by Chelsey Grant Photography.
- Canine Action Project (CAP): The event featured walk-in nail trims and pawprint crafts to support spay, neuter and vaccination clinics in Saskatchewan First Nation communities.
- Lloydminster Rescue Squad: A bottle drive was held to support the squad, which co-owns George, a local therapy dog known for visiting senior homes and the local Youth Centre.
Puppy Luv Paradise let the dogs out on Saturday, April 11, as the local groomer hosted a 10-year anniversary celebration. Adoptable dogs from Border Paws Animal Shelter attended, hoping to find their forever home. Taylor Weaver Meridian Source
PUPPY LUV FROM PAGE 3
The “client appreciation” portion of the day saw the first 50 attendees receive complimentary puppy packs and gift bags. They offered free dog training
Your honesty may catch people off guard this week. However, you’ll express aloud what others only think. Meanwhile, getting used to your new phone will test your patience.
Reviewing your bills and accounts will pay off. You might spot a financial error or oversight that could benefit you and put money in your pocket.
The annoying slowness of certain people could test your patience this week. However, results will come with time, perhaps through a flash of intuition.
You’ll crave rest this week, which will help you slow down. This newfound calm could
consultations, live demonstrations and creative pet grooming showcases.
Reflecting on the milestone, the team expressed gratitude to the clients who have become like “extended family” over the years.
“It’s an honour to help pets in Lloydminster look, feel, and act their best,” said Towner. “We hope to continue providing these services to the community and surrounding area for many years to come.”
We aim to bring you closer to the stories behind the industry, the challenges faced, and the triumphs celebrated within our Agricultural Community BOOK YOUR ADVERTISING SPACE TODAY! Call (306) 825-5111
Civic Centre items to be auctioned off
The next step toward the eventual demolition of the Centennial Civic Centre is underway, as the city prepares to auction off remaining items from the building.
Council received the latest update on the Civic Centre on April 7 from administration. The historic facility closed to the public on Dec. 7, 2025, marking the end of 58 years of events and sports.
During the update, administration said the mural from the Civic’s lobby will be preserved in book form.
2026 SPRING GUIDE
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Lloydminster.ca/Guides
NEW ADULT/TEEN LEARN TO SKATE
SUNDAYS • AGES 15+ • $45
April 19: 4:15 - 5 p.m.
April 26: 5:15 - 6 p.m.
May 3: 5:45 - 6:30 p.m.
Learn the basic skating skills in an interactive group format. No experience is necessary! Lloydminster.ca/Register
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CONTINUED ON PAGE 6
“The beloved mural featured in the lobby of the Centennial Civic Centre, which captured much of Lloydminster’s sports history, has been preserved as a book, complete with updated milestones current to 2026,” said Don Bowey, manager of the Cenovus Energy Hub and arenas.
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MUSEUM + ARCHIVES
OPEN LATE ON WEDNESDAYS UNTIL 8 PM
Make it a museum night! The Lloydminster Museum + Archives is now open late on Wednesdays until 8 p.m.! With the cost of admission, check out the Heritage Gallery, the temporary gallery and do a fun FREE cra .
Lloydminster.ca/LMA
SERVUS SPORTS CENTRE
SPRING CLEANUP GARAGE SALE
MAY 9 • 8 AM - 2:30 PM
$36 FOR 2 TABLES
$5 PER ADDITIONAL TABLE
A great opportunity to sell gently used items! Registration deadline is May 5 at 9 a.m.
780-875-4529
Lloydminster.ca/Register
CHRISTIAN APOSTOLOVSKI
Copies of the book will be printed and provided to the Lloydminster Public Library and the Lloydminster Museum and Archives. A limited number of copies will also be available for purchase at city hall.
Over the past several months, the arena team has been working to remove items of value from the facility. Items are being transferred to other
PUBLIC NOTICE
RM of Britannia No. 502 Public Notice – Lloydminster Planning District Zoning Bylaw Amendment 05-2026
Public Notice is hereby given that the Council of the Rural Municipality (RM) of Britannia No. 502 intends to adopt a bylaw under The Planning and Development Act, 2007, to amend Bylaw No. 18-2014, known as the Lloydminster Planning District (LPD) Zoning Bylaw (ZB).
INTENT: Proposed Bylaw 05-2026 will increase the maximum allowable sign area from 6m2 to 8m2, the maximum allowable combined sign area from 12m2 to 16m2, and the maximum sign height from 6m to 8m in non-residential districts.
AFFECTED LAND: This Bylaw amendment will affect all parcels in the A – Agriculture, C1 – Rural Commercial, M1 –Industrial, CON – Conservation and REC – Recreational districts of the LPD.
REASON: The RM has received an application to increase the sign area and height allowance in order to accommodate standard signs for some uses in the Rural Commercial district. Council is considering this amendment as it will provide more flexibility for developments in this area for signage purposes with minimal impact to nearby properties.
PUBLIC INSPECTION: Any person may inspect the bylaw at the RM of Britannia No. 502 office Monday to Friday, during regular business hours (8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.), excluding statutory holidays. Copies will be available to the public by emailing the contact below. A copy of the proposed amendment is available for viewing here: https://www.rmbritannia.com.
PUBLIC HEARING: Council will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, April 29, 2026 at 2:30 PM at the RM of Britannia No. 502 Office, located at Parcel C on NE 23-50-28W3M (1/4 mile south of TWP RD 504 on RR 3281), to hear any person or group that wants to comment on the proposed amendment. Council will consider written and emailed comments at the meeting, along with in-person representations. Only those who have made arrangements to speak on behalf of themselves or a group may be heard at the public hearing. The deadline for receipt of comments, and requests for in-person representation must be received by the RM office by 4:00 PM on Thursday, April 23, 2026. For additional information, please contact the Development Services Officer at (306) 825-2610 or dso@rmbritannia.com. Written submissions may be sent to RM of Britannia, P.O. Box 661, Lloydminster SK, S9V 0Y7 or dso@rmbritannia.com.
Issued in the RM of Britannia No. 502 this 9th day of April, 2026 Bryson Leganchuk
arenas, and departments across the city are assessing whether remaining materials can be repurposed. This process is expected to conclude by the end of April.
The ice plant has also been decommissioned, with all chemicals removed.
Regarding efforts to sell the building, the city said it has met with community members and organizations that expressed interest in purchasing the facility. At this time, however, no parties are pursuing a purchase.
Items from the Civic Centre, along with property collected by police, will be included in a public auction.
“There’s various things — the seats, the speakers,” said Mayor Gerald Aalbers. “On the other side, we have a wide array of bicycles collected by RCMP and bylaw officers. When RCMP recover stolen property, after it has gone through the court system and has not been claimed or identified, it would be available for public auction.”
Online viewing for the auction begins April 13, with bidding running from April 23 to 30. An in-person viewing will take place April 25 at 5206 63 St. Pickup dates for purchased items are scheduled for May 2 and 3.
RURAL MUNICIPALITY OF BRITANNIA NO. 502
The Centennial Civic Centre. File photo
Council supports Mural Fest for second year
The City of Lloydminster will once again be receiving some painted concrete barriers as Mural Fest enters its second year in the Border City.
The event first kicked off at last year’s Lloyd Ex Fair, with artists from around the city gathering to paint concrete barriers.
At the April 7 regular council meeting, administration presented the request for $11,500 to be allocated from the public art capital reserve for the purchase of six barriers.
“While the public art committee’s contribution of $11,500 will allow administration to acquire up to six painted parking barriers, the project will consist of nearly 20 parking barriers being painted by various artists,” said Natalie Clysdale, manager, Lloydminster Museum and Archives.
The 20 painted parking barriers will be sponsored by businesses and organizations in the Border City. Coun. Michele Charles Gustafson said it’s an important event for the community.
“I think it’s an amazing way for youth to be involved in the community,” she said. “It seems like something small, but it actually is a very expressive way of showing what is important to our community.”
compensate the artists.
“With this being the second year they’ve offered it, the Mural Festival committee has a better idea about the cost of operations. Plus there’s a drive to compensate the artists a little better this year,” she said.
Once finished, the concrete barriers will be permanently located at Driven Energy Legion Ball Park.
“There was some discussion about other locations, but this one was decided on,” said Clysdale.
SUDOKU
Last year, council approved $7,500 to support Mural Fest and the purchase of six barriers. Clysdale explained the increase in funding request is to
CHRISTIAN APOSTOLOVSKI
An artist works during last year’s Mural Fest. File photo
Rare and Exotic sale brings hundreds to Lloyd Ex
The Rare and Exotic sale returned to the Lloydminster Exhibition, drawing visitors from across Alberta and Saskatchewan to buy, sell and view a wide variety of animals.
This year’s event was busier than ever.
“We have even more lots this sale,” said Lorena Doolittle, a member of the Rare and Exotic sale committee. “We’re close to 800 boxes and there are 49 livestock. It’ll be busy.”
While many attended to buy and sell, others came simply to see the animals.
“There are families that come through just to show their kids these critters that they may never see,” said Doolittle. “We have some hedgehogs, two guinea pigs, four mini horses, three alpacas, a dozen sheep and lambs and 30 goats.”
The event continues to draw participants from across the region.
“We get people from Prince Albert to Edmonton,” she said, noting some travel for hours across both provinces to take part.
Doolittle said her connection to the sale began long before she joined the Lloyd Ex staff.
“I used to come to the sale before I worked here,” she said. “I would come to look at all the critters. Then I bought some, raised some, and I brought them back to sell.”
The event also provides an important
opportunity for local breeders and producers.
“More and more people are looking for local food and supporting local breeders and producers,” said Doolittle. “We’ve got a number of people who have been consigning to the sale as long as I’ve been coming. They bring quality birds and are looking to expand their own flocks and herds.”
The sale was part of a busy weekend at the exhibition grounds on April 11, beginning at 10 a.m.
RARE AND EXOTIC
SALE
CHRISTIAN APOSTOLOVSKI
The Lloyd Ex was packed on April 11 for the Rare and Exotic sale. Christian Apostolovski Meridian Source
Psychic fair expands, lands in larger venue
CHRISTIAN APOSTOLOVSKI
It was an enchanting weekend at the WLS Convention Centre as the Mystic Moonlight Market and Psychic Fair hosted its fifth event.
This year, however, was the first year the event was hosted at the convention centre.
“This is such a beautiful venue. It’s very warm, inviting, the energy is perfect,” said Tammy Hope Gray, co-organizer and owner of The Crystal Emporium.
Most recently, the event was held at the Nissan Hall, but as the community grew, so did the need for additional space.
“The community keeps growing. This is what this is about,” she said. “It’s about expanding people’s gifts out to everyone.”
The market, which ran from April 10 to 12, kicked off its first night with vendor setup and a drum circle.
“There’s a lot of healing that goes on in that drumming circle. If you’ve ever been part of that, you know the beats of a drum can seriously heal,” said Gray.
While various vendors were on hand selling products, the psychic readings proved to be a major draw for the three-day event.
“You’re going to see all types of readers. Tarot readers, oracle readers, tea leaf readers, channellers, mediums, all kinds of different types of readers,” she said.
Presentations were also taking place throughout the event.
“We have market talks going on over the weekend,” said Gray. “Every 45 minutes we’ll have a new talk and there’ll be different topics. We have a list of those posted on the boards around.”
She says they continued to host a scavenger hunt, which has been a big success.
“That’s the game we started last market and it took off.”
Notice of Preparation of Assessment Roll
Village of Neilburg
Notice is hereby given that the assessment roll for the Village of Neilburg for the year 2026 has been prepared and is open for inspection in the o ce of the assessor:
Monday to Friday, excluding Statutory Holidays 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
April 10, 2026 to May 11, 2026
A bylaw pursuant to section 214 of The Municipalities Act has been passed and the assessment notices have been sent as required.
Any person who wishes to appeal their assessment is required to le a notice of appeal, accompanied by the $50.00 assessment appeal fee. Appeal fees will be returned upon a successful appeal.
Any person wishing to discuss the notice of assessment or potential appeal may contact the assessor at the Village of Neilburg Municipal O ce.
All appeal fees must be submitted to the local assessor at the Village of Neilburg.
All appeals must be submitted no later than 4:00 p.m. on May 11, 2026 to:
Secretary of the Board of Revision
Nicolle Hoskins with Western Municipal Consulting Ltd. via email: secretary@westernmunicipal.ca or via post/mail to Box 149, Meota, SK SOM 1X0
Dated at Neilburg SK, this 10th day of April, 2026. Kathleen McGladdery Assessor
Christian Apostolovski Meridian Source
Thursday, April 16, 2026
MERIDIAN SOURCE
Viewpoint
Leave it to Weaver
5921-50 Avenue, Lloydminster, SK S9V 2A4
Phone: 306-825-5111 | 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
Sports Editor John MacNeil sports@meridiansource.ca
Staff Writer Christian Apostolovski christian@meridiansource.ca
Marketing Consultant Jacie Borrebach jacie@meridiansource.ca 780-870-5583
Publisher: Reid Keebaugh Distribution: distribution@meridiansource.ca
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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
Local journalism matters more than ever.
When the Meridian Source announced its shift to a digital-only platform, skeptics were quick to claim our most loyal readers — Lloydminster’s seniors — would be left behind in the print era.
However, after a two-hour session at the Legacy Centre with local residents, it became clear that while the medium is changing, the community’s appetite for local journalism is stronger than ever.
The goal was to help seniors familiarize themselves with the newspaper’s new digital-only platform. For members of our team, the session was eye-opening.
About 30 seniors attended the Thursday, April 9, class, hosted by myself, Christian Apostolovski and Jacie Borrebach.
The reception on social media has been somewhat rocky since the Source announced it was ceasing print operations in late March, but I’m pleased to say everyone we’ve spoken to in person has been supportive.
Readers told us they understand why the decision was made and that it couldn’t have been easy. Yes, a local newspaper is a service to the community, but at the end of the day, it is still a business.
Those were the sentiments shared by one senior in attendance during Thursday morning’s class.
Many comments on the paper’s Facebook posts about the shift to digital-only suggested seniors don’t have cellphones, tablets or computers. Well, dear reader, I can confidently say many do.
Ambitious seniors arrived eager to learn, with smartphones and tablets in hand. They asked insightful questions and showed a genuine interest in learning how to access local news from writers they’ve grown to trust.
Chris’ A-Z: A death on a train
For many, Lloydminster’s border is just something politicians and journalists talk about. For others, it’s a daily headache they have to endure.
For some context, Lloydminster once existed entirely in the Northwest Territories. Prior to 1905, there was no Alberta or Saskatchewan.
Once the two provinces formed, it split Lloydminster down the middle, creating two separate entities, the town and village of Lloydminster. They existed on either side of an imaginary line until just after the great fire in 1929, when local leaders pushed for the union into one complete Lloydminster.
That’s the brief history of the inception of the border that split Lloyd.
Year-over-year it seems to pose new and more complicated problems than in the past.
Having half your city in one province and half your city in the other has led to plenty of difficulties for those trying to manoeuvre the daily Lloydminster life. One such event is the focus of my ramblings today.
I want to preface this by saying, the information available for this event is sparce, but I’d love to discover more details about it. If this sounds at all familiar to you, send me an email at
christian@meridiansource.ca as I’d love to chat and get the details.
While the year this happened is unknown, trains have gone through Lloydminster for decades.
Today, they typically stall you on your way to an appointment or while heading out for lunch.
Trains that stopped at the CNR station were half in Alberta and half in Saskatchewan at this mysterious time.
The story goes like this. A man was found dead in his coach while heading into Saskatchewan.
His body, still being in Alberta, caused a large stoppage as the body could not be moved across provinces. Regulations prohibited the moving of a corpse from one province to another without a permit.
The train was stuck in place until the conductor could find a constable to OK the moving of the corpse.
And that wraps up the brief story of the train that was stuck in Lloydminster because of the border.
The story itself is fascinating; I hope to be able to find more details about it and report back.
The border will always be a problem in Lloydminster, but I could imagine the frustration for the travellers who were stuck with likely no idea what was going on.
Passport to YLL
Bingo
at
Moose Lodge
Bingo is back at Moose Lodge every Monday and Wednesday evening. Doors open at 5 p.m. and play starts at 7 p.m. Must be 18 to play.
Southridge Playschool Registration is Open
The Southridge Playschool and Kindergym Society has opened registration for the fall 2026-27 term for kids ages 3-5. One day a week is covered by a government affordability grant and two days a week is $325 for the whole term. Contact Mrs. Shandy at southridgeplayschool@gmail.com or message them on Facebook.
Morgan Wallen Tribute at the Vic Juba
The Vic Juba Community Theatre will host a Morgan Wallen tribute show on April 18 for a 7:30 p.m. show. Tickets are
LEAVE IT TO WEAVER FROM PAGE 10
My biggest takeaway from the class was that a little hands-on learning goes a long way. After a brief presentation on the paper’s history in the Border City, Chris, Jacie and I went around and helped individual attendees learn to navigate our website, access the e-edition, and find our new online Sudoku and Weekly Word Guess (Wordle) games.
We also made sure everyone understood the interactive capabilities of the e-edition.
Beyond helping attendees learn how to use our website and e-edition, it was
$45 and are available online or at the theatre’s box office.
Islay Jamboree
The upcoming Islay jamboree is scheduled for April 19 at the Islay Community Hall at 1 p.m. Admission is $15 and free for participants. Lunch served. Call Dixie at 780-744-2204 for more details.
Electronic Roundup and Cookie Drive
The Girl Guides of Lloydminster are hosting an electronic recycling roundup and cookie drive on April 25 at the Lloyd Ex grounds from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. to fundraise for a trip to Europe in 2027.
Doubles Cribbage at the Legacy Centre
The Legacy Centre is hosting a doubles cribbage tournament on April 22, starting at 10 a.m. Cost is $10 to play and $12 for lunch. CONTINUED ON PAGE 13
also nice to sit and chat with them. I sometimes forget our faces appear in the paper each week. People have come to know us on a personal level, and it was rewarding to connect with members of the community who read our stories.
We at the Source can’t thank the community enough for its continued support as we navigate these unknown but exciting waters.
Followup classes for those unable to attend will be scheduled at the Legacy Centre. The next session will be held in May, with the date and time to be announced.
Ron James at the Vic Juba
Canadian comedian Ron James hits the stage at the Vic Juba Community Theatre on April 28 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $81.25 and are available online or at the theatre’s box office.
Potters’ Guild Annual Spring Sale
The Lloydminster Potters Guild is hosting its annual spring sale on Sunday,
May 3, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Lloydminster Museum and Archives. Meet the artisans and shop the largest selection of handcrafted pottery in the region.
The Kenny Mac Band at Cheers Live
The Kenny Mac Band hits the stage at Cheers Live at 9:30 p.m. on May 9. Tickets are $10 at the door. Come out for a night of dancing and singing to country, classic rock and a handful of originals.
Lloyd RCMP warn of overdose risk after five incidents in seven hours
Lloydminster RCMP is warning the public after responding to five suspected overdoses within a sevenhour period on April 13.
Police say at least four doses of naloxone were administered to help those affected. In one case, officers transported a person to hospital due to delays with ground ambulance services. All five overdoses were unrelated and none were fatal, RCMP said.
Investigators have not determined where the drugs were obtained. While analysis is still pending, police suspect the substances may have been laced or contained higher-than-expected levels of opioids.
Police say signs of a fentanyl overdose can include slow, irregular or shallow breathing, pinpoint pupils, muscle stiffness, seizures and unconsciousness.
They are also urging people to take precautions, including avoiding using drugs alone, having someone check in
or remain on the phone, recognizing the signs of overdose and calling 911 for help. Carrying a naloxone kit and knowing how to use it can also save lives, police said.
The RCMP added that people who use drugs may consider tools such as the Digital Overdose Response System app, which can connect users to help in the event of an emergency.
Anyone seeking support for substance use can access resources or call the addiction helpline at 1-866-332-2322 for information on treatment and services.
PUBLIC NOTICE
PAGE 14
Thursday, April 16, 2026
MERIDIAN SOURCE
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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.
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Obituaries & Memoriams
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at the age of 77. Bob is survived by: his daughter, Kara Farrell; brother, Jim (Marthea) Farrell; brother-in-law, Marshall (Gloria) Pesch; and
sisters-in-law, Norma Giles and Barb Ander son, along with their families. Bob was predeceased by: his wife, Linda Farrell; the partner of his daugh ter Kara, John Ander son; parents, Gordon and Audrey Farrell; sister, Anna Pesch; parents-in-law, Chip and Edna Anderson; and brother-in-law, Eugene Anderson. McCaw Funeral Service Ltd., of Lloydminster, Alberta administered the funeral arrangements.
CARD OF THANKS
The Farrell family would like to thank all those who showed their support.
thing he kept to himself; he brought it into his classroom, where he spent more than 30 years as a dedicated teacher at Ashmont Elementary. Jim had a unique gift for inspiring his students, often using the outdoors as a lens to teach, connect, and spark curiosity. His lessons went far beyond textbooks, leaving a lasting impact on count-
Outside of teaching, Jim was a man of many talents and interests. He enjoyed building and fixing things, always ready with a tool in hand and a solution in mind. He had an appreciation for creativity, expressed through his enjoyment of music and art, and he cherished the adventures that travelling brought to his and Audrey’s life. Hockey, however, held a special
place in his heart, whether he was playing or watching, it was one of his greatest passions. Above all else, Jim was a devoted family man. His love for his family was at the center of everything he did, and he took immense pride in the life he built with his girls and their families. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered for his warmth, wisdom, and the many ways he touched the lives of those around him.
He is survived by his loving wife of more than 57 years, Audrey; his daughters, Joyanna (Chris) & Jan (Derek); grandchildren, Aislyn (Malcolm) & Jakob (Lashonda); great grandson, Amias; sister, Pat; as well as numerous nieces & nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Joe & Sadie; his brother, Joe; and his grandson, Nathan.
Cremation has taken place and a graveside service will be held in Lashburn, Saskatchewan at a later date. To honor his lifelong dedication to the wellbeing of children, in lieu of flowers, a donation to a children's charity of your choice would be greatly appreciated c/o 5626-51 Street, St. Paul, AB T0A 3A1.
“And into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul” – John Muir To send condolences online, please visit www.gracegardensfuneralchapel.com
GRACE GARDENS FUNERAL CHAPEL, 5626 – 51 Street, St. Paul, AB
Word on the beat: RCMP structure
As the RCMP has been contracted by the City of Lloydminster to provide policing services, I thought I would explain a bit about our structure.
While the local detachment operates specifically within the city, there is a broader structure that we fall under. Our local policing priorities were recently set and are based entirely on local input, including feedback from city council and the policing open house hosted by the relatively new Municipal Policing Committee. None
CROSSWORD
of these priorities are dictated by outside bodies, and they are specific to Lloydminster. I note this because some believe they are set by the province, or Ottawa.
Our detachment commander, an inspector-ranked position, reports to city council, which acts on behalf of residents. The next level within our organization is the district headquarters, known as Eastern Alberta District (EAD). This office is located in St. Paul and is where the detachment commander’s supervisor is based. The district extends as far south as Consort, as far north as the Northwest Territories border and as far west as Barrhead.
The district office oversees 27 detachments, co-ordinating administration and some operations. It also provides resources that can be requested to assist locally, which are included in the policing contract costs already paid by the city. The district officer, a chief superintendent, works out of this office alongside two other commissioned officers.
Within Alberta — referred to internally as K Division — there are four districts and one divisional headquarters, to which all districts report. K Division headquarters is located in Edmonton and oversees policing across the province. This is also where the commanding officer, a deputy commissioner, is based.
Staff Sgt. JERRY NUTBROWN ..................................
Shopping local more important than ever
As economic uncertainty and shifting consumer habits continue to reshape retail, business owners and community leaders in Lloydminster are urging residents to think local when they shop.
Straddling the Alberta-Saskatchewan border, Lloydminster has long prided itself on a strong sense of community and a resilient small-business sector. But in recent years, local retailers have faced mounting challenges, including inflation, supply chain disruptions
and increased competition from large online marketplaces.
Advocates say choosing to shop locally can make a tangible difference.
According to economic development groups, locally owned businesses tend to reinvest a greater share of their revenue back into the community compared to national chains. That reinvestment can support everything from local sponsorships and events to employment opportunities and municipal tax bases.
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LOCAL FROM PAGE 18
In a city like Lloydminster, where many businesses are independently owned or family operated, those impacts are especially pronounced.
Local retailers often source goods and services from other nearby businesses, creating a ripple effect that benefits multiple sectors.
Community identity is another factor.
Supporters of local shopping say small businesses contribute to the character and uniqueness of the region — something that can’t be replicated by large corporate outlets.
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“We believe shopping locally is crucial for keeping small businesses relevant and ensuring job security for local families,” said Amy and Rob Tait of Tait’s Cold Beer & Liquor Mart.
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“This, in turn, allows us the opportunity to give back to our community through sponsorships, donations, and support local charities and events.”
The push to shop local also comes at a time when many consumers are re-evaluating spending habits.
While online shopping offers convenience, it often comes at the cost of longer delivery times, limited customer service and fewer opportunities for community connection.
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“We feel it is essential for the success
of all local businesses to support each other,” said the Taits. “This promotes a sense of unity, which is vital in the face of competition from larger companies.”
Local retailers, by contrast, can offer personalized service and immediate access to products, while also building relationships with customers.
Local leaders such as Rosemarie Falk and business organizations continue to promote “shop local” campaigns, particularly during key retail periods such as the holiday season.
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However, they stress the importance of supporting local businesses year-round.
“I like to keep money and resources in the community. It helps grow other aspects of business, aspects you may not think of. It helps with infrastructure, small community beautician, parks etc.,” said Jamie Penny of Penny’s Pit Stop.
“The more money we can keep local, the more people stay local and it supports growth in the community.
“We saw a lot of that in COVID. A lot of people left Lloyd, and we saw a lot of that in our line of work.”
As Lloydminster continues to navigate economic challenges, supporters say one of the simplest ways residents can help sustain their community is by keeping their dollars close to home.
Lloyd RCMP aid recovery of stolen goods in Alberta blitz
Following a 10-day “crime blitz” in March, the Alberta RCMP recovered over $40,000 in stolen retail goods and made 65 arrests.
The Scope : The crackdown targeted multiple communities, including Red Deer, St. Albert and Lloydminster.
Repeat Offenders : Of those arrested, 21 individuals had more than 30
WORD ON THE BEAT FROM PAGE 16
The commanding officer reports to RCMP headquarters in Ottawa. At the national level, RCMP headquarters is based in Ottawa, where the commissioner is located. The branch of the RCMP we fall under is known as contract policing. The
Rural Municipality of Hillsdale Notice of Preparation of Assessment Roll Rural Municipality of Hillsdale No. 440
Notice is hereby given that the assessment roll for the Rural Municipality of Hillsdale No. 440 for the year 2026 has been prepared and is open for inspection in the office of the assessor: Monday to Friday, excluding Statutory Holidays 8:30 a.m to 4:00 p.m. April 10, 2026 to May 11, 2026 A bylaw pursuant to Section 214 of The
Any person who wishes to appeal their assessment is required to file a notice of appeal, accompanied by the relevant fee as per the
previous charges, highlighting the role of recidivist criminals in retail theft.
Major Seizure : A search warrant at a St. Albert residence led to the recovery of $26,498 in stolen clothing.
Charges : A 33-year-old man is facing charges for trafficking and possession of stolen property, though these have not yet been proven in court.
other branch is federal policing, which handles domestic and international threats, border integrity, economic and financial crimes, serious and organized crime, and cybercrime.
There are many units operating at the federal level that are similar in function to agencies such as the United States’ FBI and CIA. Federal policing is quite different from contract policing; however, we do work collaboratively when investigations overlap or when specialized expertise is required. In some cases, investigations may be transferred between branches, depending on which is best suited to handle them.
Police officers and staff do transfer between branches, which helps strengthen both through shared experience, training and expertise.
Any person wishing to discuss the notice of assessment or potential appeal may contact the assessor at the Rural Municipality of Hillsdale
While we benefit from federal resources, day-to-day policing in Lloydminster remains firmly local.
Staff Sgt. Jerry Nutbown is the NCO in charge of the Lloydminster RCMP detachment’s General Investigation Section. Stay tuned for future online columns from the Lloydminster RCMP.
Thursday, April 16, 2026 MERIDIAN SOURCE
Rivard goes to bat for Canada
Bonnyville outfielder in Florida with junior national team
Rogan Rivard, a 17-year-old outfielder from Bonnyville, is among 31 players chosen to Baseball Canada’s junior national team extended spring training roster.
The select group of prospects is working out in Dunedin, Fla., from
April 15 to 23. The nine-day camp features games against extended spring training teams from multiple Major League Baseball organizations, including the Toronto Blue Jays, Baltimore Orioles, Philadelphia Phillies and Pittsburgh Pirates.
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Rogan Rivard, 17, has committed to Kansas State University to play NCAA Division 1 baseball. John MacNeil Meridian Source
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Rivard is a Grade 11 student in his second year at southern Alberta’s Vauxhall Academy, which has four representatives on the junior national team’s extended spring training camp roster. Along with Rivard, the Jets’ contingent includes pitchers Calum Andersen of Calgary and Will Zielinski of Victoria, B.C., and infielder Noah McIntosh of Dartmouth, N.S.
Last October, all four of those Vauxhall players were also part of the Canadian junior team selected for a 10-day fall instructional camp in the Dominican Republic. The trip included games against MLB-affiliated academy teams.
When the extended spring training camp roster was announced this month, 20 of the Canadian players had already finalized their post-secondary plans. Two members of the Vauxhall complement are committed to NCAA Division 1 teams — Rivard to Kansas State University and Andersen to the University of Oklahoma.
Rivard’s collegiate company at Kansas State will include at least three of his current Canadian junior teammates — infielder Cohen Miller of Calgary and pitchers Logan Cummins and Max Nantais-Vlahovic, both of Mississauga, Ont.
Along with Rivard, Miller and Andersen, the seven Albertans on Canada’s roster include Gabe Fink of Edmonton, Zach MacDonald of Lacombe, Josh Mills of Leduc and Taye Thierman of Calgary. All seven players are committed to NCAA Division 1 schools.
Saskatoon resident Aiden Kilshaw,
a catcher and outfielder committed to Blinn Community College in Texas, was the lone Saskatchewan player selected to the junior national team. Kilshaw, a native of Swift Current, graduates this year from the Saskatoon Berries Baseball Academy.
Team Canada’s head coach is Greg Hamilton, the director of men’s national teams with Baseball Canada. His five assistant coaches with the junior club include two Albertans — Michael Johnson of Sherwood Park and Chris Reitsma of Calgary.
The Canadian roster is made up of 26 players who were born in 2008 and five born in 2009. Those younger members are Rivard, Andersen, Fink, Mills and Maple, Ont., first baseman Jalen Jacob.
Rivard, whose father Reg played collegiate and pro baseball, represented teams from Bonnyville, Lloydminster and Sherwood Park en route to the renowned Vauxhall Academy of Baseball, a prep program now celebrating its 20th season.
Bonnyville’s Rogan Rivard is following in the footsteps of his father Reg, a former collegiate and pro baseball player. John MacNeil Meridian Source
Lloyd curlers right on the button
Almost every Tuesday night during the winter months, Super League action is in the spotlight at the Lloydminster Curling Club.
This year was no exception, as curlers of various ages and ability participated in the 2025-26 season, enjoying a good time in the process.
“Absolutely,” said head organizer Ryan Deis, also one of the competitors. “We have curlers of all levels.
“On my team, for example, we have a 17-year-old (Jax Robson). There’s a couple of other junior curlers who also play in the Super League.
“Each game, you’d play for a little bit of money. You play for 80 bucks a game. Then, the playoff games, they’re worth just a little bit more.”
In this year’s final, the Daryl Hanley team defeated the Deis foursome 7-1.
“It was one of those games,” Deis said. “We just couldn’t get anything going.
They played pretty well, though. They played an excellent game. We just struggled a little bit with that game.”
Other members of Hanley’s winning team are lead Jinaye Yanota, second Taryn Holtby and third Kerry Leckie.
Mike Robson, Jax’s father, skips Team Deis, while Deis plays third. Jax Robson is the second and Thomas Bogucky mans the lead position.
Along with a fun night out, the weekly Super League curling provided worthy competition for the six teams that regularly faced each other during the October-to-March season.
“Oh yeah, there’s players that played numerous provincial championships,” said Deis, adding some of them have also played at the national level.
“Myself and Scott (Manners), we’ve been lucky enough to play in a Brier before. Two ladies, Taryn (Holtby) and Jinaye (Yanota), they’ve both been to a Scotties before.”
The Super League champions (from left) are lead Jinaye Yanota, second Taryn Holtby, third Kerry Leckie and skip Daryl Hanley.
Submitted photo
JOHN MacNEIL ..................................
Pair of Bobcats earn AJHL honours
Hopko selected to all-league team; Robertson on all-rookie squad
Two members of the Lloydminster Bobcats were honoured last week as the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL) recognized its individual award-winners for the 2025-26 season.
Hometown defenceman Jaxan Hopko earned allleague honours for his standout performance during his 19-year-old season with the Bobcats.
Hopko was also among four finalists for the AJHL’s outstandingdefenceman award, which went to Californian overager Quentin Bourne of the Whitecourt Wolverines.
Lloydminster forward Tucker Robertson, 18, of West Kelowna, B.C., was named to the AJHL’s
Lloydminster native Jaxan Hopko was the top-scoring defenceman with his hometown Bobcats during his AJHL breakout season. John MacNeil Meridian Source
all-rookie team. The graduate of Okanagan Hockey Academy’s U18 prep program scored 10 goals and 35 points in 49 regular-season games with the junior A Bobcats.
Robertson, who turns 19 on April 24, added a goal and two points in Lloyd’s four playoff games.
In his third AJHL season, Hopko was the Bobcats’ top-scoring defenceman, netting 12 goals and 40 points in 54 games.
Along with Hopko and Bourne on defence, the North Division’s allleague team includes goaltender Brendan Gee
of the Fort McMurray Oil Barons and forwards Jalen Bianchet of Whitecourt, Justin Dumais of Fort Mac and Maxwell Pendy of the Bonnyville Pontiacs.
The South Division’s all-league team consists of goaltender Alexander Scheiwiller and forward Cohen Daoust of the Canmore Eagles, defenceman Tristan Payne and forward Bradley Gallo of the Drumheller Dragons, defenceman Taynton Lavender of the Drayton Valley Thunder and forward Harper LoLacher of the Calgary Canucks.
JOHN MacNEIL
Bonnyville missed the AJHL playoffs the past two years. John MacNeil Meridian Source
Assistant coach leaves Pontiacs
There’s one less Chad on the hockey operations staff with the junior A Bonnyville Pontiacs.
The Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL) team announced Tuesday that assistant coach Chad Taylor won’t return to the Pontiacs next season.
Taylor resigned to accept a head-coaching position with the U15 prep team at Pilot Mound Hockey Academy in his native Manitoba, the Pontiacs reported in a news release.
During his Bonnyville tenure, Taylor had been part of a Chad-filled administration team that included general manager Chad Nelson, head coach Chad Mercier and assistant coach Chad Carder.
“It’s always tough to lose a valued member of the staff, but this is what it’s all about — helping not only players move
on in their careers, but staff members as well,” said Neil Langridge, the Pontiacs’ vice-president of operations.
“He will get to lead (as a head coach) in the exciting U15 prep division of the CSSHL.”
For the past two seasons, Taylor was also the head coach of the U13 AAA Bonnyville Yaks.
“Chad was a valued member of the Pontiacs organization and the inaugural head coach of the Bonnyville Yaks U13 AAA franchise,” Langridge said. “He was there from Day One of our exciting new partnership that Bonnyville minor hockey and the junior A Pontiacs formed in the summer of 2024.”
In this year’s Super League playoffs, Ryan Armstrong edged Aaron DeJong 9-8 in the bronze-medal game, while Manners took the consolation championship with a 9-2 victory over Cory Krepps.
After the season-ending action, the Super League participants thanked their supporters along the way.
“Team Hanley would like to thank their sponsor, Schiller, Spence and Associates Private Wealth Management, for their help in this Super League curling season,” Deis said.
“Also, a big shoutout to Marcel (Courchesne) for putting everything together on scores, standings and organization.”
Regardless of the season, Courchesne is a dedicated statistician for curling, hockey and baseball teams and leagues throughout the Lloydminster region.
The Pontiacs failed to qualify for the AJHL playoffs the past two years. They staged their spring camp last weekend.
JOHN MacNEIL
Pickford joins Robertson on all-rookie team
Lloydminster’s Robertson has plenty of local company on the North Division allrookie team, including Grande Prairie Storm defenceman Reily Pickford of Chauvin, Alta., and three Bonnyville players — goaltender Nathan Salisbury, defenceman Liam Reed and forward Gavin Harrison, the Cold Lake kid named AJHL rookie of the year. Whitecourt forward Tristan Slywka rounded out those freshmen selections. Slywka, Salisbury and Reed are all from the Edmonton area.
Pickford, who played U18 AAA in Lloydminster, joined Grande Prairie in a mid-season trade with the Camrose Kodiaks. He was a key part of the Storm’s record-setting second half.
Selected to the AJHL’s South Division all-rookie team were goaltender Connor Knorr of Camrose, defencemen Sullivan Humeniuk of Drumheller and Kale McCann of Calgary, and forwards Easton Milne of Canmore and Ryder Riedel and Jordin St. Louis of the Olds Grizzlys.
The 17-year-old Milne’s father, Andrew, is Canmore’s long-serving coach.
Harrison chosen rookie of the year
Bonnyville Pontiacs forward Gavin Harrison was a rookie in name only as the Cold Lake talent aced virtually every test in the Alberta Junior Hockey League this season.
After scoring 28 goals and 59 points in 52 games with the junior A Pontiacs, Harrison was selected as the rookie of the year in
the 12-team AJHL.
Playing within 40 minutes of his hometown, Harrison flourished as a 16-year-old. He just turned 17 in March as the regular season concluded.
On a couple of occasions during the 2025-26 season, Harrison was also called up to the major junior Swift Current Broncos.
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Tucker Robertson made a smooth transition to the AJHL in his rookie year with the Bobcats. John MacNeil Meridian Source
JOHN MacNEIL
AJHL recognizes the best of the best
Harrison recorded two assists in five games with the Broncos, the Western Hockey League team that drafted him in the seventh round in 2024 with the 150th overall pick.
The former Lakeland Panther spent the previous three years with the Northern Alberta Xtreme prep program.
Harrison earned the AJHL’s toprookie nod over three other finalists — defenceman Sullivan Humeniuk of the Drumheller Dragons and forwards Tristan Slywka of the Whitecourt Wolverines and Jordin St. Louis of the Olds Grizzlys.
Whitecourt captain Jalen Bianchet, the league scoring champion, was recognized as the AJHL’s most valuable player and top forward.
The 20-year-old native of Pickering, Ont., posted 46 goals and 87 points in 53 games with the pennant-winning Wolverines.
Winners and finalists for each award:
MVP
Winner : Jalen Bianchet, F, Whitecourt. Other finalists : Taynton Lavender, D, Drayton Valley; Maxwell Pendy, F, Bonnyville; Alexander Scheiwiller, G, Canmore.
Top forward
Winner: Jalen Bianchet, Whitecourt. Other finalists : Cohen Daoust, Canmore; Harper LoLacher, Calgary; Maxwell Pendy, Bonnyville.
Rookie of the year
Winner : Gavin Harrison, F, Bonnyville. Other finalists : Sullivan
Humeniuk, D, Drumheller; Tristan Slywka, F, Whitecourt; Jordin St. Louis, F, Olds.
Outstanding defenceman
Winner : Quentin Bourne, Whitecourt. Other finalists : Jaxan Hopko, Lloydminster ; Taynton Lavender, Drayton Valley; Tristan Payne, Drumheller.
Top goaltender
Winner : Alexander Scheiwiller, Canmore. Other finalists : Sean Cootes, Drumheller; Brendan Gee, Fort McMurray; Elliott Pratt, Whitecourt. Most dedicated player
Winner : Zachary Wilson, F, Grande Prairie. Other finalists: Ryan Arnold, F, Fort McMurray; Junshi Hideshima, F, Camrose; Aidan Tkachuk, F, Canmore.
Coach of the year
Winner : Shawn Martin, Whitecourt. Other finalists : Kevin Hasselberg, Drumheller; Andrew Milne, Canmore; Chris Schmidt, Grande Prairie.
Rookie standout Gavin Harrison (left) stands with fellow Bonnyville Pontiacs’ freshman Ryder Naim, a former U18 AAA Lloydminster Lancers’ defenceman. John MacNeil Meridian Source
Ridin’ in style
A packed crowd at Marwayne Arena welcomed the return of bull-riding season April 10 as PBR Canada made its annual stop in Marwayne. It was a favourable night for the riders, especially young gun Ashton Sahli (left) of Red Deer. Sahli, the champion, won $6,205 with a combined score of 173.8 on the night. The runner-up was wily veteran Aaron Roy, who earned $4,250 with a 170.3 total. John MacNeil Meridian Source photos
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