Music to fill Cenovus Energy Hub
CHRISTIAN APOSTOLOVSKI STAFF WRITER
The City of Lloydminster is officially making its foray into the live music business.
With the opening of the Cenovus Energy Hub on the horizon, the City of Lloydminster is looking to use its new sports and entertainment facility to host concerts.
Administration presented to council at the Aug. 18 regular council meeting, requesting approval on the 2026 concert budget . The city will be working to secure artists and procure other concert expenses in advance of the events taking place.
Expenses are currently budgeted at $1,255,878.
“Administration has developed a detailed budget which includes, but is not limited to artist fees, production costs, equipment rentals, promotional costs, security and insurance,” said Don Bowey, manager, Cenovus Energy Hub and arenas.
Administration created the budgets following discussions with industry experts.
“These budgets were informed by facility operating costs and discussions with concert promoters and other industry experts within our network,” said Bowey.
The city anticipates the concerts will not have an impact on the overall budget.
“Ultimately, these two concerts should have a net-zero impact on the City’s overall budget,” he said.
The expense to have the Vic Juba Community Theatre team on board was only factored into the third of the three concerts.
Funding for the budget will be taken from the Recreation and Culture Operating Reserve and will be replenished from concert revenues.
Executive manager of community development services Tracy Simpson gave further details into how the budgets were created.
“In the artist fees, it includes their fees as well as any green room expenses that we know of in their contracts and carrying some funds for opening acts as well,” she said.
“The first two concerts are a bit more specific because we are dealing directly with two producers for those shows.”
While administration has done some work to identify the overall costs of the concerts, more detailed budgets are expected as the concerts get closer to fruition.
“We will see a more defined budget as we move forward,” said Mayor Gerald Aalbers. “This is that preliminary (budget) based on what they’ve done, but there’ll be some refinement as things move forward.
“We want to ensure we are transparent with the community.”
He says there is some risk any time the city gets into a new business venture.
“There’s potential revenues but there’s also potential costs,” said Aalbers.
Council approved the 2026 concert budget with expenses of $1,255,787 and revenue of $1,255,878. Council also directed administration to pre-pay any contractual expenses required in 2025.
Cenovus Energy to acquire MEG Energy
APOSTOLOVSKI STAFF WRITER
Cenovus Energy has entered into an agreement with MEG Energy to acquire the company. Cenovus will acquire all issued and outstanding common shares at $27.25 per share. The shares will be paid for 75 per cent in cash and 25 per cent in Cenovus shares.
The proposed transaction represents a MEG enterprise value of $7.9 billion. Strathcona Resources Ltd. previously made an offer to acquire MEG.
“After considering the Strathcona unsolicited offer, engaging with multiple parties on proposals, and assessing them against MEG’s standalone plan, the Special Committee and the MEG board unanimously concluded the proposed transaction with
Cenovus represents the best strategic alternative,” said James McFarland, chairman of MEG’s board of directors in a statement.
MEG’s shareholders will vote on the Cenovus transaction at a special meeting held in early October. To be approved, it will require at least 66.66 per cent of the votes cast at the meeting.
The deal is expected to close early in the fourth quarter of 2025, subject to customer approvals.
CHRISTIAN
Strathcona supports The Olive Tree
CHRISTIAN APOSTOLOVSKI STAFF WRITER
What started as an application for funding quickly grew to one of the biggest oil producers in Canada offering supports through volunteering and sponsorship.
Strathcona Resources Ltd. (SCR) has sponsored The Olive Tree for $20,000.
“It was an amazing opportunity for them to come alongside us as a partner,” said The Olive Tree’s COO Jana Thompson. “It helps with so many different operational costs and our meal programs, our outreach programs, our seniors. It has a huge impact on what we do.”
Tricia Wagar, Pipeline Integrity Technician with Strathcona, says they’re always looking to give back.
“As a group, we’re always looking for volunteer situations where we can actually incorporate team building into it,” she said.
The Strathcona team received a tour of the facilities, which left a permanent impression on them.
“We were all in awe of the facilities and how well organized it was,” said Wagar.
Since that initial tour, the team has been volunteering on the last Tuesday of every month.
“Every month, our numbers are increasing of people signing up to do it because it’s such a great experience here,” she said.
When the opportunity first came to be, Strathcona was ready to support the non-profit.
“Speaking with Jana, the opportunity came aboard and we strongly felt we needed to step up and support the cause,” said Seamus Murphy, president, SCR Lloydminster Conventional.
The funding is for one year and Murphy says there’s always a possibility to support further. Every year, Strathcona supports the communities they work in.
“In 2024, Strathcona donated approximately a million dollars,” he said, explaining the money supports the communities they operate in. “We’re strong believers in supporting the community.
“We’re the fifth largest oil producer in the country, and with that, comes a responsibility to give back and make sure we’re supporting the communities we do business in.”
Companies or individuals looking to volunteer can contact The Olive Tree directly.
“They can reach out to us, we have a volunteer email, it’s volunteer@olivetree.ca,” said Thompson. “They can also give our office a call.”
The Olive Tree receives $20,000 in sponsorship from Strathcona Resources Ltd. with a cheque being presented at the Fred North Community Centre. (L-R) Jana Thompson, Myrna Kohlman, Melanie Burke, Tricia Wagar, Seamus Murphy. Christian Apostolovski Meridian Source
Go Go Glow: Record breaking Russell
Jarrod Russell was almost at his $30,000 fundraising goal for childhood cancer going into the glow ride at Bud Miller All Seasons Park.
Held on Aug. 19, the glow ride was part of Russell’s Great Cycle Challenge Canada fundraising efforts, which raises money to fight kids’ cancer.
“It’s great to see the community supporting my cause and supporting me again this year,” said Russell ahead of the event.
Lloydminster Mayor Gerald Aalbers was there on two fronts, both personally and as a representative of the city. He explained what it means to have someone like Russell in the community.
“It speaks so well of Jarrod, the family and the community that supports them,” said Aalbers. “Jarrod’s family encountered cancer and certainly, he’s trying to raise money to aid people with cancer and help with research.”
Since he started participating in the event 10 years ago, Russell has raised over $300,000 for the cause.
“He leads Alberta in fundraising and is number three in Canada. Hopefully, after tonight, he might be able to become number one,” said Aalbers. “It’s important that he knows people care. It doesn’t matter if you are an individual, mayor, members of council, administration or business people, everyone is represented here tonight.”
Although he isn’t first in the country, Russell has achieved his goal of raising $30,000 again this year. Aalbers summed up everything about Jarrod and the event best.
“Jarrod is a household face in Lloydminster. Everyone’s been affected by cancer; there aren’t too many that haven’t been,” he explained. “I lost my dad to cancer 20 years ago. Tonight, I ride for him.”
About 100 other people had the same thought as they headed off into the night sky at Bud Miller, one glow stick at a time.
DAN GRAY STAFF WRITER
Community members came out in support of Jarrod Russell at his glow ride event. Dan Gray MERIDIAN SOURCE photos
Yellowhead Pipeline receives first approval
ATCO is celebrating a key regulatory approval on the Yellowhead Pipeline Project, moving the project closer to starting.
The company announced its subsidiary, Canadian Utilities, has received approval from the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) on the need assessment application for the pipeline project.
ATCO says this marks a major milestone in the development of Alberta’s energy infrastructure.
“This Alberta Utilities Commission decision affirms the strategic importance of the Yellowhead Pipeline in supporting Alberta’s long-term energy resilience,” said Nancy Southern, ATCO chair and chief executive officer.
The need assessment application is the first of two regulatory filings that require approval from the AUC to advance the project. ATCO Energy Systems is expected to file a separate facilities application later this year to seek AUC approval for construction and operation of the physical infrastructure. They expect construction to commence in 2026. The pipeline will stretch across 230 kilometres from the Peers area to Fort Saskatchewan. It’s expected to deliver more than 1.1 billion cubic feet of natural gas per day.
According to ATCO, the project is expected to create 2,000 jobs and support an average of 12,000 jobs annually. They say it will contribute $3.9 billion annually to Alberta’s GDP once operational.
Local Business Directory
CHRISTIAN APOSTOLOVSKI STAFF WRITER
Photo courtesy ATCO
Residents in Recovery: A helping hand to get people back on track
Residents in Recovery has come a long way since starting with one house, five men and two staff in 2018.
“It was modelled after my recovery journey,” said Residents in Recovery executive director Tyler Lorenz. “I had been incarcerated a number of times and found it difficult to get clean and sober, even though I wanted to.
“I was able to go directly from incarceration into a program, bridging that gap before I went to treatment. I managed to stay clean, went to treatment and went back into sober living for a bit. It actually worked for me this time.”
After questioning why programs like those didn’t exist everywhere, Lorenz moved back to Lloydminster, went to school and began working to create one.
“All the pieces fell into place,” he said.
Residents in Recovery now runs multiple houses, a five-plex and a sevenplex for families, an inpatient program for nine families and a daycare for 60 children.
“We’re still waiting on government,” said Lorenz about the new daycare. “They’re evaluating everything.”
The group also operates outpatient and inpatient day programming, an ID clinic every Wednesday and harm reduction services. Staff distribute naloxone kits and help unhoused individuals with detox and treatment applications.
“Our core program originally was pre and post-treatment sober living,” said Lorenz. “We still operate that program today. We only have two houses, one for men and one for women.”
He said capacity is the biggest challenge.
“We have so many people on our wait list, so many people on other wait lists waiting to get into detox, waiting to get into treatment. It becomes very disheartening,” he said.
“Beyond that, you go to detox, there’s nowhere for you to go when you get done. So, you just end up right back in the same place, then we have to
repeat this process all over again. It’s disheartening for everybody.”
Lorenz shared the story of one of the first families in the program who is now a success story.
“She was unhoused ... regularly visited by paramedics and the RCMP. She was in the hospital a lot overdosing,” he said. “When we finally got her into detox, then she came into our program from detox, got her into treatment … we got her reunited with her son.
“We actually moved her into a unit with her son where she stayed for over a year. Today, she’s been reunited with all of her children, she works in town and her children are all doing well.”
Residents in Recovery relies heavily on grants and donations.
“We get less than 10 per cent of our funding from government,” said Lorenz, noting more donations would help the organization expand services.
“We received well under $100,000 in donations last year. Probably five per cent of our funding came through donations and the rest has to be fee-forservice or grants.”
Looking ahead, Lorenz wants to see sober living and family treatment grow.
“We could operate 30 or 40 beds in this community and never have an empty one,” he said. “Residents’ has 13 beds right now. We could triple that capacity and have no problem keeping them full.
“If there was a government funding stream, we could also triple family treatment capacity as well. Just like that.”
Courtesy - Residents in Recovery Facebook
DAN GRAY STAFF WRITER ..................................
Each month, the Source highlights one member of the Lloydminster community as a fun way to bring us all closer together!
This month, we feature Lloydminster City Councillor
Michele Charles Gustafson!
If you didn’t do what you do for a living, what would you be doing?
I don’t know. I’ve been fortunate enough to do what I absolutely love.
It’s Sunday morning, what are you having for breakfast?
Smoked salmon eggs benedict.
If you could see one concert, what would it be?
R&B-jazz singer, Sade.
If you could have one super power, what would it be?
To teleport anywhere at a moment’s notice.
What was your childhood celebrity crush?
Boyz II Men.
What is your favourite TV show?
Survivor.
What’s your dream car?
Whatever my husband is coveting at the time. Currently an Audi RS6 Avant in Mythos Black Metallic.
What’s your fast-food guilty pleasure?
McDonald’s Filet of Fish sandwich.
Last book you couldn’t put down?
The Kitchen House by Kathleen Grisson.
Which person, alive or dead, would you like to have dinner with?
My dad, who passed in 2002.
What’s the one thing you haven’t done that you’d love to do?
Dine at my celebrity chef bucketlist restaurant, Le Bernardin by Eric Ripert in New York City.
What’s the best thing about Lloydminster?
You can be anywhere in seven minutes; 13 if there’s a train.
If we’re buying, you’re having ....
Steak, medium-rare, a lobster tail and a glass of Malbec.
What’s your favourite vacation destination? Turks and Caicos.
What’s your weirdest habit?
Picking off my mascara when I’m concentrating on something. What’s currently playing in your car or on your smartphone right now? Afrobeats – especially Burna Boy.
What’s your biggest pet peeve?
People who are late.
What are your words to live by?
My own quote from my bestselling book: “Confidence is self-love in action.”
Who’s your hero? My parents.
What was your most embarrassing moment? I can’t think of one.
Submitted photo
Audi USA photo
LABIS fundraising a bone’s throw away
Fundraising was a bone’s throw away at the Lloydminster and Area Brain Injury Society’s (LABIS) sixth annual Bones tournament.
Held on Aug. 23 at the Kitscoty Ball Diamonds, the tournament supports LABIS programming.
“Today is all about getting outside, having fun and hopefully raising some money for LABIS,” said the organization’s director of operations, Verna Haite.
“All the funds from today will come back to LABIS and help run our programs to keep things free for those with brain injuries in Lloydminster.” LABIS offers in-office programming three days per week, which includes games and field trips.
“LABIS has been in Lloyd for almost 40 years. We’ll be celebrating 40 years next year,” said Haite.
“It started with two ladies who had family members with brain injuries. They had no place to take them that allowed them to have a break.”
According to Haite, keeping the brain active is very important for those who have suffered an injury.
“People with brain injuries feel like they’re different because they’re not able to do the things they used to do, so keeping the brain active is key,” she said.
“We’re here to let them know they’re not that different. You’re still one-of-a-
kind to us, and you’re always welcome.
Traditionally known as Bunnock, this year’s tournament included 13 teams, a number Haite would like to see increase for next year.
We’re hoping to have more teams next year to ensure it’s a profitable event for us.”
Jason Wandler was Haite’s right-hand man on Saturday and noted the tournament holds a special place in his heart.
“The work LABIS does is very important,” he said, noting a simple accident could cause a brain injury.
“I ’ve been playing in this tournament for about three years now and am helping Verna out a bit with the format.”
TAYLOR WEAVER EDITOR
The Kitscoty Ball Diamonds were bustling with Bones players on Saturday, Aug. 23 for the sixth annual LABIS Bones Tournament. Taylor Weaver Meridian Source photos
Thursday, August 28, 2025
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Leave it to Weaver: The maze that is our roads
EDITOR TAYLOR WEAVER
Travelling on the outer edges of the Border City? I hope you put your patient pants on.
I didn’t realize the kind of headache the road work currently going on throughout the city can cause until I recently took a trip to Best Buy. They say patience is a virtue. Well, mine was sure tested on that errand.
I’m a creature of habit. I take the same route to and from work most days. If I’m going to the west side of the city, I take 12th St. as Chels and I live off 18th St. on the southeast end of town.
It’s the most direct route, and checking on the progress of the “large warehouse with an automotive facility” being built on 75 Ave can be exhilarating. Even the semi-recent speed limit reduction to 30 km/h on 12 St and 75 Ave wasn’t stopping me from taking my normal route. That option, however, is now out of the question as the road is closed due to the widening of lanes and the installation of traffic lights.
Once you make your way to the west side of the city, however, things get even more interesting if you’re attempting to get to Sobeys, Tim Hortons, or any business in the vicinity of Highway 16 and 75 Ave.
Need to get from the Sobeys’ parking lot to Best Buy or Winners? Good luck accomplishing that task without seeing an increase in your blood pressure.
Remember, Taylor, patience is a virtue.
As a creature of habit, my route to get to the office has been the same for quite some time. East of 12 St., north on 40 Ave. past the casino and the soon-to-open Cenovus Hub, west on 52 St. before heading north on 49 Ave.
That option is also a no-go with the 40 Ave. closure at 36 St.
Routes to the office are something Christian and I recently talked about. When I told him I’ve been taking a straight shot north on Highway 17, his response was something along the lines of, “You poor man.”
From trains to traffic to lights, there’s rarely a dull moment on my short daily commute.
I’ve lived in Lloydminster since 2014 and am very aware that summer road maintenance is nothing new. Remember when Highway 16 on the city’s west side was redone? What a nightmare that was! Even the mayor jokes about Lloyd having two seasons: winter and construction season.
When that stretch of highway reopened, I found myself going back and forth blasting Joni Mitchell. You really don’t know what you’ve got ‘til it’s gone.
is your time, but it isn’t more valuable than those you’re sharing the roads with. Stay safe out there.
MORE TWEAKS TO ONLINE NEWS
As I’ve mentioned in recent columns, the Meridian Source now has a subscription to The Canadian Press and Associated Press wire feeds. We’ve really beefed up our online content, but I’d love to hear your feedback as well as what you’d like to see more of.
The CP and AP wire posts dozens of stories on various topics every hour. From news on the Middle East and the United States to Prime Minister Carney’s current trip throughout Europe. We have access to it all.
A lot of stories come out of Quebec, but you haven’t seen them on our site because we figure news from French Canada isn’t of much interest out here. Are we wrong?
Let me know what you’d like to read more of and we’ll do our best to tailor the content we share to those interests.
News travels fast these days, and we want to do our best to make sure you, the reader, get it first at meridiansource.ca
In other news, Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift recently got engaged. Now, I don’t care much for celebrity news but it was a hot topic for some around the office.
Congrats to the happy couple. My biggest takeaway, however, is the fact Kelce allegedly spent more on the ring than I’ll make in a lifetime (upwards of $5-million). The funny part is, Swift allegedly made upwards of $14-million each night of her recent tour.
Of course, work will eventually be done, and I can get back to avoiding traffic and lights on the east side of Lloyd, but it can’t come soon enough. Change is inevitable, as is growth, and a lot of both seems to be happening in Lloydminster.
At the end of the day, we have places to be, and we all have to get there safely. I ask Lloydminster motorists to exercise the same caution and patience I’ve been utilizing lately. It
I’m in the wrong business!
Adobe Stock photo
Thursday, August 28, 2025
MERIDIAN SOURCE
Chris’ A-Z: Can I see your ID?
Do you remember where you were when you had your first drink?
I’m not talking about water in this case; I’m talking about the ol’ alcohol. While I may not partake in it anymore, I do still remember a New Year’s Eve where I may have had a little too much Malibu rum and had to wander home two hours from a neighbouring community. The kicker, I was well below the legal drinking age, sorry, mom and dad.
I’m not here to recount drunken tales of a past version of myself. Rather, I’m here to discuss an article I found in The Lloydminster Times from 1978. Probably to no one’s surprise, people below the drinking age have been partaking forever.
Back then, as is the case today, the drinking age in Alberta was 18 and 19 in Saskatchewan. In 1978, the concern was that kids were starting to get into the special sauce quite young. A Lloydminster Blazers coach by the name of Larry Leach brought forward the concern. Lloyd Robertson was in town and it was an opportunity for them to potentially get the ear of the CTV National news.
A meeting was held and there were plenty of speakers, such as the Thorpe Recovery Centre, who spoke to the importance of having an early conversation about underage drinking. Stats presented in the article included the fact 52 per cent of teenagers under 18 were drinking and 71 per cent of alcohol was supplied by older students. There were reports of kids as young as 13 drinking.
In terms of remedying the situation, a large responsibility rested with the parents to educate their kids about not drinking and the dangers of alcohol.
Mayor Russ Robertson closed the meeting by asking two questions, one of which asked what the young people think of this.
The legal drinking age used to be either 20 or 21, dropping to 18 or 19 across Canada. In my opinion, the actual drinking age isn’t as important as the education surrounding the issue. People start drinking young because their friends are doing it and they don’t understand the risks. Of course, some people succumb to peer pressure, which is unfortunately inevitable.
I also recognize there’s no one way to solve the issue. Even today, getting cigarettes and vapes out of kid’s hands continue to be a problem. My story looks quite different from most; I got the partying out of my system and now lead a clean and sober life.
This is still an issue today. Is the drinking age too low? In my opinion I think education is important before we talk about age.
Gray Matters: Government overreach in Lloyd
In Lloydminster, being on the border between Alberta and Saskatchewan is more than a quirk of geography. It’s a daily test of patience for ordinary citizens.
Policies from both provinces collide here, often leaving residents caught in the gaps while bureaucrats dictate from afar.
A prime example is our healthcare system. On one side of the street, you’re under Alberta Health Services. Cross over, and you’re suddenly in Saskatchewan’s system. That division doesn’t just confuse residents, it can delay treatment, impede health file sharing and waste time for people who need care.
Something like the “needs assessment” appears to have been created just for Lloydminster and area. No new hospital, long-term care, urgent care, or anything can be considered before Sask Health Authority and government officials, gets their third version of that document.
Meanwhile, up the road in the Battlefords, a new urgent care is in the planning phases. No needs assessment was done there.
And healthcare is only the start. Housing, social services and infrastructure are all made more complicated because of our “uniqueness.”
We even have a special tax in Lloydminster to make up for a funding gap in the way education is delivered.
The deeper issue is government overreach. Both provinces insist on applying their full bureaucratic weight without considering how Lloydminster really works. Instead of working together to design seamless solutions, they cling to provincial
pride. The result is a tangle of conflicting rules, policies and red tape that burdens citizens rather than serves them.
What Lloydminster needs is not more provincial government regulations, but less of them. At this point, residents don’t care about who does something here; they just want something done.
They care about being able to access healthcare, run a business and send their kids to school without possibly dealing with two seemingly incompatible systems.
They need provincial leadership willing to recognize that this city isn’t just a pawn in provincial turf wars, but a community with our own challenges that demand practical cooperation.
That co-operation is possible. There’s no reason Alberta and Saskatchewan couldn’t create better joint agreements that streamline services, cut duplication, and let Lloydminster focus on growth instead of paperwork.
A city leader recently said it best. If the provinces could create policies that work in Lloydminster, that policy will work anywhere.
But if politics and pandering to votes take precedence over problem-solving, the people of this border city will keep paying the price.
We are a prime example of how government overreach and underservice costs more than just time, it can cost lives.
Until Edmonton and Regina stop posturing and start working together, Lloydminster will remain stuck. Hearing the same line: “Other communities’ needs are more important than ours.”
That arbitrary line which divides us and makes us unique, might as well be a wall some days, one residents keep banging their head against in frustration.
In the words of Ronald Reagan.
“Tear down that wall!”
We’d be much better off if they did.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
The Meridian Source Calendar of Events is a free service provided for non-profit organizations located within our coverage area. All events are in chronological order, as space permits and at the editor’s discretion.
Passport to YLL
To place an event, email taylor@meridiansource.ca or fax 306-825-5147
Cards, games, food, meetings, live music
Bingo at the Moose Lodge
Bingo at Moose Lodge is closed for the summer. Thank you to all the players, volunteers and members who helped make this a successful year. Bingo will resume on Sept. 3.
Complimentary Concert at the Vic Juba
The Government of Alberta and City of Lloydminster are bringing a complimentary concert to the Vic Juba Community Theatre on Aug. 31 featuring Spencer Jo and Dylan Hansen & The Rough Cuts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available at the Vic Juba box office or online at vicjubatheatre.ca/tickets
Gord Cormier at the Legacy Centre
Back by popular demand, Newfoundland’s Gord Cormier returns to the Legacy Centre on Sept. 3 at 7 p.m. Tickets are on sale now for $30/person and can be purchased at the Legacy office. Come out for a night with Gord Cormier and his “Country Legends Tribute Show” along with some Newfoundlandsongs, stories, jigs and reels! Call the Legacy office for more info at 780-875-4584.
Green River Revival - CCR tribute at the Vic Juba
The Vic Juba Community Theatre is ramping up for Green River Revival, the ultimate CCR tribute concert, for an 8 p.m. show on Sept. 5. The two-hour event promises to bring you back to the golden age of rock and roll. Tickets are $55 and available at the Vic Juba box office or online at vicjubatheatre. ca/tickets
Lloydminster & District Fish and Game Association Honours Past Members
The Lloydminster & District Fish and Game Association (LDFGA) is honouring four past Life Members at a special ceremony on Sept. 7 at 2 p.m. at the
LDFGA property, located east of Lloydminster on Highway 303 and north in the gully. The LDFGA invite all family, friends and members to recognize the dedication of Bill Luchynski, Gordon King, Walt Backer and Brian Shepard.
The Comic Strippers at the Vic Juba Tarps off, comedy on! The Comic Strippers return to the Vic Juba Community Theatre on Sept. 20 for a night of fun. The male stripper parody and award-winning improv comedy show is a 19+ event for all genders. Tickets are $54 each and are available at the box office on the theatre’s website. All sales are final.
The Alan Jackson Experience at the Vic Juba
The Alan Jackson Experience performed by Aaron Halliday is at the Vic Juba Community Theatre on Sept. 25. Tickets are $56.50 each or $54.50 for seniors and students. Ticket are available at the box office on the theatre’s website.
Weekend “explosion” has
cause
Reports of an explosion on Aug. 23 on the city’s east side now has an official explanation.
“After the initial call and investigation, it was determined the cause of the explosion was a bird striking a power transformer,” said the City of Lloydminster in a statement on behalf of the Lloydminster Fire Department.
Residents near the SaskTel building initially reported the sounds of an explosion. They believed it had originated from the SaskTel building on the corner of 48 Ave. and 48 St.
“The Lloydminster Fire Department was notified of an explosion at a building on 48 St. and 48 Ave at 7:32 a.m. Smoke from the building was believed to have originated from a generator within the building trying to start, pushing black smoke through the exhaust system.”
A dozen firefighters who responded were clear of the scene by 8:30 a.m.
SaskTel stated that although the transformer is located in the back alley behind their premises, there was no damage to their building. It knocked out commercial power, however, their backup system kept everything running.
The incident caused no injuries.
DAN GRAY STAFF WRITER
Dan Gray MERIDIAN SOURCE
Submitted by Amy Gray
CPCA: getting ready to ride
While the Canadian Professional Chuckwagon Association (CPCA) finals brought speed and drama to the track, behind the scenes, another world works for hours to make it happen.
Behind the noise of the grandstand, the chuckwagon camp is its own world. It is discipline, teamwork and family rolled into one.
Drivers, barn hands and families form the camp that stretches across the grounds. They live in trailers and motorhomes, from simple tow-along units to luxury rigs.
PMW Steel driver Robby Ethier missed the final six races by half a point this year. Still, he opened his camp and shared what it takes to prepare.
For Ethier, mornings start with the horses.
“First thing, they get kicked out about seven to run around,” he said. “By noon, they’re back in for hay, oats and water.”
The chores pile up from there. Stalls are cleaned, harnesses scrubbed and wagons, which are lined up everywhere, are sprayed down and repaired.
“This morning we washed harness and wagon, it took two hours,” said Ethier.
Some tasks push harder than others.
“The hardest job? Shoeing horses,” he said. “I shoe my own now, because farriers are harder to find. I’m close to 50, so it’s not easy.”
The camp runs like clockwork. Each person has a task. Some groom
horses, others haul gear or fix wagons, children race bikes between trailers, ATVs buzz past and dogs nap in the shade.
From Mid-day forward
Meals also mark the rhythm. Families cook together, fuelling long hours of work. The smell of hay mixes with diesel from the dozens of pick-up trucks.
Keeping the horses calm takes patience.
“It’s us being calm as drivers, and the people handling them too,” said Ethier. “The calmer we are, the calmer the horses.”
By late afternoon, the camp stirs again. Wagons shine. Horses are harnessed. Crews shout instructions. Hooves clatter. Excitement builds as teams head to the track.
When the races end, work continues. Horses are cooled, brushed and watered before anyone rests.
“It’s always about the horses,” said Ethier. “I talk with my wife about which ones are ready. If she says no, I listen.”
The lights stay on late as crews check wagons again. Tomorrow brings another race. The cycle repeats.
For Ethier, the best moments are often off the track.
“It’s seeing people I haven’t seen since last finals,” he said. “Everyone comes together, and that’s special.”
DAN GRAY STAFF WRITER
Donna Eithier applies ointment to the “love bites” ahead of competition. Dan Gray MERIDIAN SOURCE
The horses love to run. Htching them, however, is a different story.
Dan Gray MERIDIAN SOURCE
An entertainer and two barn hands prepare for evening races. Dan Gray MERIDIAN SOURCE
Corn maze celebrating country music star
It’s Lainey Wilson Week at the Maizex Corn Maze.
In honour of the Academy of Country Music’s Entertainer of the Year two years running, the maze will feature Wilson-themed food, drinks and games. Wear your bell bottoms or something western and receive $1/person off your maze entry.
In addition to the themed refreshments, the maze is giving guests the opportunity to win a trip to see Wilson perform at the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas on Dec. 7. One lucky winner will receive a trip for two, including a two-night hotel stay, airfare voucher, a meet-and-greet experience with Wilson and tickets to the show.
The contest’s social media campaign runs all week and the Maizex Corn Maze is open this week from Thursday, Aug. 28 to Monday, Sept. 1.
While navigating the mazes, guests can also look for clues and play an interactive game quizzing them on everything Lainey Wilson.
Participants will encounter life-sized photo opportunities, listen to some of Wilson’s hits and hear recorded audio messages along the way.
Another lucky winner from each farm will receive an autographed copy of Wilson’s Whirlwind Deluxe album. Officially released on Aug. 22, the deluxe album is a celebration of the one-year anniversary of her hit record Whirlwind and includes five new songs, including her new current rising smash “Somewhere Over Laredo.”
The Maizex Corn Maze is one of 36 farms across the U.S. and Canada inviting guests to “Get Lost with Lainey” in their corn maze this year.
Now in its second year of business, the eight-acre maze operates beside The Cheesiry east of Kitscoty and is run by the Rhonda and Brian Headon family.
The maze operates from Aug. 7 until the third of October and features farmyard games like Scarecrow Guess Who, Conk the Crow, Duck Races, Ring the Bull and more.
For more information, call 780-522-8784 or visit maizexcornmaze.ca.
Photo courtesy of the Maizex Corn Maze
MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF
15
Thursday, August 28, 2025
MERIDIAN SOURCE
Wagon family helps rider get back in saddle
TAYLOR WEAVER EDITOR
This year’s Canadian Professional Chuckwagon Association finals concluded with smiles and happy tears as Kennedy Langevin got a second chance at life.
Thanks to the help of the chuckwagon community, specifically the Brad McMann Racing team, Langevin will be getting back in the saddle after a serious barrel-racing accident three years ago that left her with a traumatic brain injury.
“She was pretty banged up, and they didn’t know if she was going to make it. She had to fight for a long, long time,” said Brad McMann, who gifted Langevin one of his horses named Baby after championship Sunday at Halstead Downs.
“We promised Kennedy, if she was willing to get walking again, that Baby was hers. Then it snowballed into Lionel Romanchuk jumping on board and building her a custom saddle, and donations started rolling in to help with it.”
McMann first met Langevin during spring training as her brother, Quinn, is one of McMann’s outriders.
“Kennedy came out for training and immediately bonded with Baby,” said McMann. “Baby’s an accident-prone horse, and we didn’t really have a spot for him on the wagon. After they bonded, we knew where he needed to go.”
Even after accepting the keys to a brand-new Dodge Ram, the special postfinals moment completed McMann’s season.
“This is really important to me because we’re helping this young girl out and giving her a second chance at life,” he said.
“They didn’t know if she was going to walk again, and within seven days she was up, moving her feet on her own. It’s incredible.”
McMann encourages anyone who can help to e-transfer donations to further support Langevin’s to langevinkennedy@gmail.com.
“Kennedy just celebrated her 20th birthday the week of the finals. Being able to surprise her with Baby on Sunday was a really special moment,” he said.
Kennedy Langevin was overjoyed at the sight of her new horse, Baby, after a special saddle was mounted on the thoroughbred during a presentation on Championship Sunday at the Canadian Professional Chuckwagon Association finals at the Lloyd Ex. Taylor Weaver Meridian Source
‘The Cobra’ strikes first-ever Canadian title
TAYLOR WEAVER EDITOR
Anything can happen at the Canadian Professional Chuckwagon Association (CPCA) finals.
Sitting sixth overall going into the weekend, Onion Lake Cree Nation’s Colby “The Cobra” Stanley struck his first-ever CPCA championship title on Aug. 24 at Halstead Downs.
“I’m a little bit numb right now,” said an adrenaline-filled Stanley after the win. “I’ve always seen myself here, just not so soon. I’ve always had my goals set and this is where I wanted to be.”
Stanley started his career racing pony chucks and chariots and has only been a CPCA for five seasons. In the four seasons prior to winning a championship, Stanley’s gone from finishing 25th overall to competing in last year’s Dash for Cash.
“This is year-five for me, so things are moving quick, but it’s a lot of blood, sweat and tears through all winter and into the spring,” he said, after breaking away from an endless line of congratulatory hugs.
“To get here this quick is amazing, and to have all my friends and family here is special.”
In true wagon-driver fashion, Stanley credits his team and those close to him
for his successes.
“My wife, I’ve got to give her all the credit because she does so much for me, and I’ve got my four boys here with me as well. Having everyone here today means a whole bunch to me,” he said, thanking sponsors, friends, family and fellow racers.
“If I ever needed a hand, those guys were there to help. If I needed a horse one night, they were there, and I try to do the same for them. We’re all one big family back there.”
Despite some rain early in the week, Stanley noted favourable track conditions at the Lloyd Ex.
“Lloyd was great this week. I always love coming here. It doesn’t matter if I’m first or last, It don’t matter to me,” said Stanley.
“It kind of feels like a hometown show to me and we’re just enjoying the ride.”
Left: Colby Stanley celebrates his first-ever Canadian championship while crossing the finish line at Halstead Downs at the Lloyd Ex. Above: Stanley embraces his wife and kids before accepting the 2025 CPCA Dash for Cash cheque on Aug. 24. Taylor Weaver Meridian Source photos
McMann crowned High-Point Champion
TAYLOR WEAVER EDITOR
Brad McMann left the Lloyd Ex in style after winning a brand new Dodge Ram as the 2025 Canadian Professional Chuckwagon Association (CPCA) High-Point Champion.
The nine-year veteran CPCA driver finished the 2025 season with 1,083 points, 93 points ahead of second-place finisher Ryan Baptiste.
McMann may have had a slower start to the season, but his team came out firing on all cylinders throughout the second half.
“We had a lot of old boys in the lineup that didn’t make the lineup at the start of the year due to injuries, and we relied on a lot of young horses right out of the gate,” said McMann.
“With that, there’s a bit of a learning curve on the driver and the horses. We relied on a couple of the old boys to teach this young team. They won a lot of dashes for us, and three of the horses are only six years old in their second year.”
McMann also thanked his crew for keeping the horses healthy all year.
In addition to bragging rights, McMann drove off in a new Dodge Ram, courtesy of Meadow Lake Chrysler, wrapped in a Ray Mitsuing memorial vinyl donated by Reid and Wright Advertising.
A new truck is always helpful to get these hard-working drivers down the road each season. This one, however, was special to McMann with its connection to the late Ray Mitsuing.
“When I started out, Ray mentored us and helped us out quite a bit, so it was pretty cool to win the very first one in his memory,” said McMann.
“It meant a lot. Everyone knows who Ray was and what he was about. He was there to win every single race. It was pretty special, that one.”
After accepting the keys to his truck, McMann and Mitsuing’s wife, Josephine went for a victory lap with the McMann Racing team in honour of Ray.
“Coming out of the bottom barrel, she’s like, ‘Let’s see what this thing’s got,’ and told me to stomp on it. We let her fly,” said McMann. “When Mama Jo speaks, you listen.”
The Brad McMann Racing team was all smiles to accept the 2025 High Point Championship truck at the 2025 Canadian Professional ChuckwagonAssociation. This year’s truck honoured chuckwagon legend Ray Mitsuing, who tragically lost his life in April 2024.
Taylor Weaver Meridian Source photos
CPCA brings heart-pumping action to Lloyd
It was another action-packed week at the Lloyd Ex’s Halstead Downs as driver, outriders and teams from the Canadian Professional Chuckwagon Association battled hard for a Canadian title. This year’s Dash for Cash winner was Colby Stanley and Brad McMann took home a new truck after winning the High-Point championship.
Taylor Weaver Meridian Source photos
Shootout brings best riders to border
TAYLOR WEAVER EDITOR
The rumble of the holeshot could be felt from outside the fence as hundreds of motocross riders from across Alberta and Saskatchewan raced for glory.
There’s about 400 riders registered, which is a record year for numbers.
The Lloydminster Motocross Association’s (LMA) annual shootout at the Lucas Bachman Memorial Raceway brought the best riders of all ages for two days of racing on Aug. 23 and 24.
The two-day event gave competitors a chance to test their limits on the well-groomed track before the snow starts to fly.
“There’s about 400 riders registered, which is a record year for numbers,” said the LMA’s Dion Forget, noting the parking lot was overflowing with competitors and spectators’ vehicles as early as Saturday morning.
“We have one of the biggest pit areas for tracks in this area, but we’ve never seen it this full. We might have to start telling people to park outside the gates and walk in because there’s so many people here.
“It’s full, which is awesome.”
Regardless of age, riders could be seen flying through the air at top speed, trying to outdo one another.
“There’s some big names showing up. We have guys here that were involved in the triple crown series that goes all around Canada.”
In addition to attracting top-level competitors, the annual event is also designed to encourage young riders to get involved in the sport. Forget explained that this year saw a record number of youth participants.
“Last year, I don’t think the numbers were as good with the smaller bikes, but this year, they’re having to run more races because there’s too many kids for one race. It’s awesome.”
Visit meridiansource.ca for more photos.
It was a sea of bikes at the Lucas Bachman Memorial Raceway last weekend as the best riders from Alberta and Saskatchewan duked it out during the track’s annual shootout. Hosted by the Lloydminster Motocross Associaiton, the event drew a record number of riders. Taylor Weaver Meridian Source
PAGE 20
Thursday, August 28, 2025
admin@meridiansource.ca
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NOV 1, 1986 – AUG 28, 2004
as we celebrate the Book Launch of “The Accident to My Awakening”
