Meridian Source - December 4, 2025

City approves budget

CHRISTIAN APOSTOLOVSKI STAFF WRITER

It’s officially in the books. The City of Lloydminster has approved its 2026 budget after two meetings and much debate.

Municipalities grapple with delivering a balanced budget every year. In 2026, the city approved an operating budget of $119.3 million and a capital budget of $29.9 million.

The city is facing a mill rate of 4.08 per cent, which would see an impact of $9 a month or $108 annually, on a home valued at $350,000. It’s also proposing a five per cent utility increase with assessment growth of 3.5 per cent. The utility and mill rate increases will be passed later in 2026 through their respective bylaws.

The first draft of the budget was presented on Nov. 5. Since then, new additions have been made.

An intergovernmental advisor position was added, Border City Connects’ funding increased by $12,000 and various expenses related to city council decreased by $6,400.

Changes were also made to proposed projects.

The $30,000 city hall renovation that would add a meeting room in the front hall of the building, removing a currently vacant vestibule, is no longer being funded. Another project that lost its funding status was the $35,000 inflatable obstacle course at the Bioclean Aquatic Centre.

A $300,000 44 St. ditch and roadway widening project was also added to the capital budget.

The intergovernmental position is something administration sees as a big value to their operations.

“A lot of the work we do through the mayor’s office and through my own office at this point, we rely on other departments to supplement advocacy work, with not only one province, but

two provinces, plus the federal government,” said city manager Dion Pollard.

“It’s one of the areas we feel we could enhance the services to the city. It doesn’t always relate to money, could be issues that we have. We’ve seen that through our liquor issue, our sandwich-gate issue. This position would support some of that and take some of the work off those individual departments that currently do that.”

Pollard clarified the starting position would be April 1, as presented in the budget.

“In the budget, it shows a start date of April 1, so it’s only taking 75 per cent of the year,” he said.

Comments and questions around the council table largely revolved around the proposed tax increase.

Coun. David Lopez asked if any of the taxation is transferred to reserves.

“In our operating budget, there is a portion of tax revenue that we put toward our reserves every single year with the intention of supporting our 10-year capital plan,” said Adele Wakaruk, executive manager of corporate services. “The reason why we put money into reserves is because it’s a substantial portion of how we fund our infrastructure year-over-year.”

The city will be transferring $16.6 million into reserves in the 2026 budget.

Lopez says a recent trip to the Alberta Municipalities convention left him wondering if the city could cut back on spending.

“When we went to Alberta Municipalities, the finance minister kind of laid the hammer down on everyone and said, ‘I don’t know if you looked at the price of oil but it’s below $60. If you think this year’s going to be bad, be prepared. It’s going to be two years of tough times,’” he said. “It stuck to me and maybe we have to tighten our belt strings a little bit.

Kagan Kneen looks back at his time with the Lloydminster Men’s Shelter.

“I’m just wondering if there’s projects we can take out this year that aren’t necessary that can be deferred for another year or two years, and just see where the economy takes us.”

Lopez wondered if projects like the southeast area structure plan, the Russ Roberston heated bench warmers and the Cenovus Energy Hub playground were necessary.

Administration said council could remove any projects it wished from the budget.

Pollard explained their contributions of reserves are something they don’t want to see cut back, but if council wished it, it could be done.

“Essentially, we’re relying on surpluses at the end of the year to fund our capital projects and it wasn’t sustainable,” he said. “We actually believe our contribution should be higher. If you look at the infrastructure gap that we have on a number of projects and you noted a couple there, we can take them off the books, but what we don’t recommend is lowering the contributions to reserves.”

He did note that delaying projects like the southeast area structure plan slows the process and could potentially cost more to complete the following year.

Lopez doubled down on his desire to see the tax rate cut back.

“I honestly believe we need to show the community that we’re doing something, we’re not in there going three, four, five per cent,” he said. “Even the city of Calgary, the new mayor, at 3.6 per cent taxes, he’s gone back to administration and said, ‘I want it lower.’

“We’re not the only ones looking at that. Other communities are looking at their tax base and saying, ‘We need to do a little bit better.’”

For every one per cent taxation the city imposes, they get roughly $500K for it.

Coun. Michael Diachuk explained, while it may be a 4.08 per cent tax increase, a lot of it is going to necessary items for the city.

“Roughly three per cent of our budget goes to

emergency services. Nobody’s going to argue about that,” he said. “If we’re looking at that one per cent of the budget as being that extra, that’s $500,000 that we’re seeing over and above an increase we’re wanting to find some savings in. That isn’t a lot of money when you consider the budget overall is $100 and some million dollars.”

He says it’s important to maintain a balance around reserves, something the city was previously lacking.

“Maintaining a balance around recognizing that we need to have reserves,” said Diachuk. “If we don’t have reserves, we’re borrowing, and that means you’re paying interest on that money and that impacts all your budgets. When you’re paying interest on borrowing, that leaves you less money to do the stuff you need to do within your budget.

“We didn’t have any when we started nine years ago. There was nothing. We’re at a point where we’re finally getting ahead in that regard. When projects come in, we have these reserves to at least give out a reasonable portion.”

Some notable increases this year include funding for protective services. The city’s overall budget saw an increase due to the new fire model being implemented, costing $1.2 million. The RCMP contract also increased by $249K due to a higher cost per officer.

Debt is also something the city will be balancing, as there’s $55 million in existing debt and $102 million in existing and projected debt for 2026. Lloydminster will be paying $4.1 million in principal debt payments and $3.6 million in interest on long-term debt.

A major operating expense the city incurs is salaries and contracted work, with salaries costing more than $45 million and contracted services costing just over $30 million.

Coun. Michele Charles Gustafson doesn’t want to see service levels impacted.

“I don’t want service levels to suffer on those essential things,” she said. “I also very much think we cannot lose sight of planning for the future.”

Following council discussion, Pollard provided a list of projects administration was prepared to cut if council was looking to scale the budget back. Ultimately, council approved the 2026 budget with councillors Vance and Lopez opposing the motion. Council also approved the three-year operating plans starting in 2027, as well as the 10-year capital plan in principle, with Lopez opposing the motion. Looking at the city’s 10-year capital plan, from 2026 to 2035, there’s $220 million in funded capital projects and $474 million in unfunded projects.

BUDGET AT A GLANCE

- $119.3 million operating budget

- $29.9 million capital budget

- 4.08 per cent mill rate, 3.5 per cent assessment growth and five per cent utility increase

TOP FIVE CAPITAL PROJETS

- $4.5 million central business district replace program, phase 1B

- $3 million 2026 water and sewer replacement program

- $3 million replacement of 14 fleet units

- $2.7 million 2025 street improvement program

- $1.5 million clarifier structural repairs

CAPITAL INVESTMENTS

- Nearly $1.1 million in day-to-day assets to serve the public

- $2.5 million exterior and interior facility improvements

- $2.955 million fleet additions, replacement and repairs

- $1.97 million implementation of technology infrastructure

- $1.48 million parks construction and maintenance

- $4.5 million road construction, repairs and rehabilitation

- $161,560 stormwater management

- $1.61 million waste management

- $13.6 million water and wastewater system replacement.

Supporting Saskatchewan’s energy workforce: $1M gift from Strathcona Resources Ltd. to Time to Rise Campaign

Saskatchewan Polytechnic extends a heartfelt thank you to Strathcona Resources for its generous $1 million contribution to the Time to Rise campaign in support of the new Joseph A. Remai Saskatoon Campus.

This gift represents Strathcona Resources’ first investment in Saskatchewan Polytechnic. In recognition of their generosity, two new Power Engineering Technology classrooms at the new Saskatoon campus will be named the Strathcona Resources Power Engineering Technology Classroom. These advanced learning spaces will allow students to train with the latest tools and processes, positioning them at the forefront of energy innovation and sustainability.

Thank you, Strathcona Resources, for investing in students, the energy industry and the future of Saskatchewan. Your support brings us closer to our $100 million goal to build a modern campus for the next generation of skilled professionals.

Kneen grateful for opportunity at men’s shelter

CHRISTIAN APOSTOLOVSKI STAFF WRITER

After nearly two years as executive director of the Lloydminster Men’s Shelter, Kagan Kneen reflected on his tenure during an interview with the Meridian Source.

He’s officially hanging up his hat at the shelter on Dec. 5 before settling into his new role as the CEO of the Lloydminster Region Health Foundation on Dec. 8.

Kneen, who worked corporate jobs prior to joining the non-profit, says he was looking for something more fulfilling.

“I’d done corporate for most of my career. Sure, the money was good, but at the end of the day, it wasn’t fulfilling,” he said. “I really wanted to give back to community; I wanted to help out the clients we served.”

He said he had the opportunity to work with nonprofits while working in Calgary.

“When I owned my own company in Calgary, I worked with another non-profit. It was women that were expecting shelter,” said Kneen, noting he built great relationships with the CEO and executive director.

“I did a lot of fundraising with them and just always felt like something was missing.”

When the job at the Lloydminster Men’s Shelter came up, Keen jumped at the opportunity.

“When I saw the opportunity for this posting, for the men’s shelter, I called right away,” said Kneen.

Almost two years later, he says the role has been challenging but rewarding.

“As challenging as the role has been, it has probably been the most rewarding position I’ve ever had,” he said. “I’m very proud of the work we’ve done.”

Since taking on the role, Kneen put one foot in front of the other as he ran from the B.C. border to the Saskatchewan border in an effort to raise money for a new shelter.

The inaugural Running for Shelter was a chance for Kneen to get eyes on the men’s shelter and talk about the efforts they were making to better the organization. He says the run gave him a chance to visit different shelters and learn from what he was seeing.

“Seeing how different shelters operated, policies they’ve rolled out, being able to connect with a lot of different decision-makers and figure out what we could do differently,” he explained. “Not just to better serve the clientele, but also the community as a whole.”

When the campaign finished, they unfortunately weren’t able to get a new facility, something he says was a blessing in disguise.

“It didn’t go through, which in hindsight was a blessing. We learned a lot from that,” said Kneen. “We took feedback from the public, we talked to different community members, talked to different organizations who serve the unhoused.”

He says they were able to join a pilot project and are now one of five housing-focused certified shelters in all of Alberta.

“It’s changed completely how we operate as an organization,” he said. “Anybody that comes through the doors, they’re working with our caseworkers on housing solutions, employment, addictions and recovery. Each person is constantly working on a case-management perspective.”

Kneen says his initial Running for Shelter campaign also helped him gain perspective.

“I think that was the turning page to immerse myself into being unhoused,” he said. “Sleeping in a tent for 26 days, running across the two provinces and realizing, I’m exhausted today. That’s why lots of unhoused people sleep during the day. If there

was a storm the night before, they didn’t get any sleep.”

He turned the Running for Shelter into a capital campaign that would exist even after he left.

“I really wanted it to be a community thing and I didn’t want it to revolve around myself,” he explained. “I wanted it to be something that was sustainable long-term.”

Kneen turned his run into a 5K walk and run the whole community could participate in.

He says a challenge he faced in his time with the men’s shelter was navigating the bi-provincial nature of Lloydminster.

“Lloydminster being a Border City, from a funding perspective for grants, that’s the big challenge; it’s tough,” he said.

Kneen says the organization is heading towards having transitional housing to get people from the shelter into something more sustainable.

“We need to move into more transitional housing units; that’s where we’re going as an organization,” he said.

He said working at the shelter put into perspective how crucial having support is, recalling a time in his own life when he wasn’t sure where he’d be without it.

“If I didn’t have the support in my family, I don’t think I would have ended up where I’m at today,” said Kneen. “I have phenomenal support. But there’s a lot of individuals here that don’t have family support or don’t have that friend connection.”

He says his position at the shelter has helped him understand what the unhoused go through.

“Getting to know the clients, hearing their stories, dealing with others who struggle, financially, mentally. It’s really put everything into perspective,” he said.

When looking back at the last year, Kneen says there’s one accomplishment that outshines the rest.

“I think the fact that we’re moving towards being housing focused. The goal should be, this is not permanency, a shelter is not permanency,” he said. “It is emergency to provide additional supports, connections, ID recovery, recovery solutions.

“To be able to actually be a housing-focused shelter, knowing everybody in the shelter has a goal to find their own place.”

He says he’s happy to have had the opportunity to lead the shelter.

“I’m just so grateful to have had the opportunity,” said Kneen. “I know the community doesn’t see all of the faces working every single day with our

clients. Our caseworker, operations manager, our direct care workers; we are so blessed as an organization we have had very minimal turnover.

“There’s a lot of heart behind these four little walls that serve 28 individuals.”

In his time at the shelter, plenty has changed. He’s spearheaded major fundraising and cleanup efforts and under his leadership, the model of feeding everyone changed to only those staying at the shelter. He also brought on a caseworker to help get people out of the system.

Kagan Kneen has moved on to a new job with the health foundation. File photo

Lloyd discusses budget, municipal issues at ABmunis

CHRISTIAN APOSTOLOVSKI STAFF WRITER

The Alberta Municipalities (ABmunis) convention offered Lloydminster council a chance to network, while also discussing struggles the city faces.

The annual convention took place in Calgary from Nov. 12-14. The event gives municipalities a chance to talk with the provincial government and attend workshops.

Lloydminster Mayor Gerald Aalbers had a positive outlook on the event.

“The convention went well. It was a very interesting convention. For a lot of people attending, it was their first convention,” he said.

Aalbers says nearly half of municipal leaders changed across Alberta following the recent election in October.

“I understand the number is approximately 46 per cent of municipal leaders changed across Alberta,” he said.

Lloydminster is in a unique position as it follows Saskatchewan municipality rules, which saw an election in November 2024.

He says although plenty of questions were being asked about how things were done, it was clear municipalities in the province are facing similar struggles.

“At the end of the day, we all still continue to face

the same challenges of infrastructure in particular, policing, unhoused,” Aalbers pointed out.

He says discussions are ongoing with the province to tackle key issues.

“There are ongoing discussions. The Government of Alberta is looking at some things. The provincial police force (being one) and are continuing to investigate that,” said Aalbers.

He said a topic of conversation was the federal budget, as the government released its budget prior to the convention in early November.

“The discussion was around the federal budget and how it can be applied to respective communities,” he said.

Lloydminster, along with other municipalities across the province, continue to struggle with infrastructure funding.

“Infrastructure is still the biggest outstanding challenge,” said Aalbers, noting there could be some housing relief on the horizon.

“With the potential housing program, the federal government did get approved through their budget. It may bring some support for projects like water and wastewater throughout municipalities across Alberta,” said Aalbers.

While potential hope was offered through the federal budget, the Province of Alberta will be facing a difficult budget.

“The government’s starting their budget from the

Alberta side,” Aalbers said. “But it was made very clear that it’s going to be a tough budget in Alberta. Oil prices are hovering around $60 (USD) when they were pegged to be at about $68.

“I think the Minister of Finance talked about a billion and a half dollars extra for health care alone. It’s putting a lot of pressures on the finance minister, the treasury board and the team.”

Aalbers says the worry is municipal funding from the province could take a hit.

“When that happens, it’s always concerning as municipalities, because people will say, ‘Maybe the municipalities can get cut back a little bit,’ and it’s going to get tougher and tougher,” he said. “We continue to get cut back on capital monies and other monies to deliver the programs, services and infrastructure we have to keep up.”

While budgets were a hot topic, Aalbers took the convention as an opportunity to meet with provincial officials.

“I had the pleasure of chatting with several ministers and I know some of the councillors did as well,” he said. “Always important to be there for that face (and) name recognition.”

He said reviews were good for the recent meeting in the Border City.

“Comments that I received from some of the ministers were that they enjoyed the bi-provincial caucus meeting that was held here,” said Aalbers.

LCHS students explore post-secondary options

TAYLOR WEAVER EDITOR

Lloydminster Comprehensive High School welcomed hundreds of students into the gym for its second College Day of the school year.

The event, held on Nov. 27, gave students in grades 10 to 12 a firsthand look at post-secondary programs, campus life and career pathways.

The event, which featured 18 booths from universities, colleges, trade schools and first-responder organizations, is part of LCHS’s effort to help students plan early for life after graduation. Throughout the fall, the school brings in a wide range of institutions — from the RCMP and Canadian Armed Forces to universities on both sides of the Alberta–Saskatchewan border.

“Today is part two of our college day events,” said academic counsellor Kaylin Britton. “Throughout the fall, we have post-secondary schools, trade schools, the RCMP, the military, firefighters and first responders on site. Student can ask questions and get to know what each school might offer. The day also helps students learn about campus and lifestyle at each institution.”

Britton works closely with Grade 12 students to ensure they’re on track to graduate, but she also makes a point of starting post-secondary conversations early with younger grades.

“I’m a little more hands-on with the older students, but it’s important to get the conversation started early,” she said.

Because Lloydminster sits on the provincial border, Britton said the school hosts two college days each year — one focused on Saskatchewan institutions and another geared toward Alberta schools. The first, held Oct. 2 this year,

tends to feature more trades programs.

Early planning is crucial, Britton added, especially since many postsecondary applications open Oct. 1 and some competitive programs fill quickly.

“Some programs can fill up in one day,” she said. “We don’t want students to miss out on opportunities, so we try to get them in the mindset to apply as early as possible. These are not last-minute decisions that sho uld be made at the end of Grade 12.”

City appoints new clerk

CHRISTIAN APOSTOLOVSKI STAFF WRITER

The City of Lloydminster council has appointed Shannon Rowan as the new city clerk. The appointment was made at the Nov. 24 regular council meeting.

“The recruitment process for the city clerk position has been completed, and Shannon Rowan has been selected as the successful candidate,” the city said. Rowan had been serving as the interim city clerk following the resignation of previous city clerk Marilyn Lavoie.

Mayor Gerald Aalbers said this is one of the few positions directly appointed by council.

“This is one of two positions, maybe at most three, that city council actually appoints directly,” he said. “We appoint the city manager and the city clerk.”

LCHS students explored potential futures on Nov. 27. Taylor Weaver Meridian Source

Mental health presentations help students manage academic stress

Mental health education is starting in the classroom at Holy Rosary High School (HRHS). Students at HRHS are gaining new tools to manage academic pressure, thanks to mental health presentations through the Lloydminster Catholic School Division’s Mental Health Capacity Building program.

The program has been steadily supporting students, staff, families, and the broader community. Led by co-ordinator Kamryn Reschny and promotor Tina Freeman, the team has already reached approximately 450 students and 20 staff members through classroom visits and surveys.

“Our program at Holy Rosary was implemented at the beginning of September,” said Reschny. “We were asked to go into the school, evaluate the mental health needs of students, staff, communities and families, and develop programs around those findings.”

The initiative focuses on four key groups: students, staff, families and the community. Reschny explains that programming shifts throughout the year — community work is emphasised during the summer, while students and staff receive the bulk of support during the school year. Family supports continue year-round.

A recent student survey revealed that academic stress and pressure are the top mental health concerns at HRHS. For Reschny, a 2021 graduate of Lloydminster Comprehensive High School, these findings come as no surprise.

“These students are dealing with academic stress, relationship struggles and part-time jobs, all while going through the most pivotal time in their lives, which is university preparation,” she said. “Our goal is to help them pinpoint what’s causing their stress, provide coping strategies, and reinforce the idea that ‘my mental health matters.’

Mental health capacity building promoter Tina Freeman delivers a presentation about mental health to a class at Holy Rosary High School on Nov. 24.

Taylor Weaver Meridian Source

It’s better to address these challenges now than to let them build up.”

The recent classroom presentations began by explaining how the teen brain differs from the adult brain, particularly in how teens may react more quickly and have less time to process situations.

“We then distinguish between the two and give students strategies to manage the stress they’re experiencing,” said Reschny. Techniques include box breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and encouraging students to lean on trusted support systems.

According to Reschny, the response has been overwhelmingly positive.

“We’ve received a lot of positive feedback from the principal and students, and staff have come up to us in the hallways to say we’re doing a great job,” she said. “Staff have told us that students need to hear this information. We’ve also been asked to share a presentation with the staff so they can have these strategies accessible to students.”

Local Business Directory

NOW OPEN! COST AND AGE CATEGORIES VARY

Explore all of what Lloydminster has to offer with the Winter Guide, featuring events and programs taking place from January through March.

Lloydminster.ca/Guides

LEGACY TOURS

JAN 14 • 1-2:30 PM • $10

Come along with us for a guided tour through our heritage Gallery and explore our traveling exhibits. A er your adventure connect over coffee with new friends and reminisce with pieces of our programming collection.

780-874-3720

Lloydminster.ca/LMAPrograms

MON + WED • JAN 12 - MAR 25

$90-$135 • AGES 3-6

Skill circuits, teaching aids and games to teach your child how to skate. 780-875-4529

Lloydminster.ca/LilSkaters

EARLY MORNING PICKLEBALL

WED • JAN 21 - MAR 25 • $60 6:15 - 7:30 AM • 16+

Start your day with this pickleball program for beginner to intermediate players. Enjoy social, organized games with rotating partners and plenty of fun. Bring your pickleball paddle, a water bottle and indoor shoes.

Lloydminster.ca/Register

TAYLOR WEAVER EDITOR

The Motley Troupe’s presentation of Cinderella in Space packed the Kitscoty Community Hall on Nov. 28 and 29. Proceeds from the show supported the Lori Craven Memorial baseball tournament and the Royal Canadian Legion.Taylor Weaver Meridian Source photos

RURAL MUNICIPALITY OF WILTON NO. 472

PUBLIC NOTICE

Public notice is hereby given that pursuant to Section 13 of The Municipalities Act, the R.M. of Wilton No. 472, subject to the consent of the Minister of Highways, intends to close and transfer the road allowance described as the following:

INTENT

Proposed Bylaw No. 16-2025 will provide a notice of intent to permanently close and transfer all that portion of the original road allowance shown as “Portion of Road to be Closed” on Plan ID 34111498300-V-SKCH-001 (McElhanney Ltd., dated September 5, 2025), located within SE ¼ Section 07-48-27-W3M, containing approximately 0.21 hectares (0.52 acres). This land will be consolidated with adjacent Surface Parcels 130529763 (Ext. 1) and 130710473 (Ext. 2).

REASON

This road allowance remains undeveloped and will not be developed in the future. A subdivision application has been applied for to provide for the parcel ties of the road allowance lands with adjacent parcels. The road allowance to be closed and transferred as shown on Map 1.

PUBLIC INSPECTION

Any person may inspect the bylaw at the Municipal Office, 26646 Grid Road 688, (located in the NE-6-48-26-W3M, 9 km south of Highway 16 on Range Road 3265) between the hours of 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM on Monday to Friday excluding statutory holidays. Copies of the proposed bylaws are available on the RM website www.rmwilton.ca and at the RM Office at a cost of $5.00.

PUBLIC HEARING

Council will hold a public hearing on December 16th at 10:30 AM at the Municipal Office. Written submissions must be received two days prior to scheduled hearing by 4:00 PM. Via email, received at the office or via mail.

Issued at the RM of Wilton 1st day of December, 2025. Jill Parton, Chief Administrative Officer

An intergalactic night with The Motley Troupe

TAYLOR WEAVER EDITOR

The Motley Troupe’s Cinderella in Space dinner theatre was a huge hit in Kitscoty with a packed house for back-to-back shows.

This year’s production filled the Kitscoty Community Hall on Nov. 28 and 29. Proceeds from the show supported the Lori Craven Memorial baseball tournament and the Royal Canadian Legion.

Both nights were filled with laughs and a delicious meal prepared by the Lori Craven Memorial organizing committee. Saturday evening also included a surprise donation to the Lori Craven Memorial from the Just Kruzin’ Specialty Car Club.

A charitable hoot with a lovely troupe

About 600 students moved through the gym throughout the day, gathering information not only on programs and admission requirements, but also scholarships, athletics, clubs and residence life.

“They’re not just purchasing an education; they’re purchasing a lifestyle,” said Britton.

Students said the event helped them better understand their options.

Grade 12 student Ryanne Durobick said she already has a strong interest in Lakeland College’s nursing program but wanted to explore other possibilities.

“I’ve kind of already got an idea of where I want to go, so today I’m mostly just looking at the other colleges,” she said, adding that the U of S and U of C were also on her radar. “Without a college day, I would have picked the U of S. Today, I learned a lot

about Lakeland. This event helped me learn more about the school I’d be choosing.”

For fellow Grade 12 student Tori Spooner, the day confirmed she’ll need to travel farther for her desired program.

“I was looking to see if any of the colleges closer to home offer what I need, but it turns out nothing does,” said Spooner, who plans to study forensic science. “I have to go to either Peterborough or Windsor in Ontario for my program.”

With another college day complete, Britton hopes students leave more confident and prepared to take their next steps.

“Our goal is to make sure they understand their options,” she said. “Events like this help them start that journey long before graduation.”

More at meridiansource.ca

The community came out in droves to support The Motley Troupe’s annual dinner theatre in Kitscoty. Funds from this year’s production of Cinderella in Space went to the Lori Craven Memorial Baseball Tournament and the Royal Canadian Legion. Taylor Weaver Meridian Source photos

Rustlers set to host annual Hockey Fights Cancer alumni game

TAYLOR WEAVER EDITOR

The ACAC’s first-place Lakeland College Rustlers women’s hockey team is gearing up for its fifth annual Hockey Fights Cancer charity game, set for Sunday, Dec. 7, at 5:15 p.m. at the Cenovus Energy Hub’s Co-op Community Arena.

This year’s matchup will see the current Rustlers take on their alumni to raise funds for cancer care in Lloydminster.

Rustlers head coach Morgan Mann said the event started with a personal connection.

“My fellow coach Warren Noble chairs this event, and it began when he lost his sister to cancer while we were assembling our team,” said Mann. “That first year, we had players whose family members were battling the disease. There isn’t a family out there that doesn’t have someone affected by cancer — it touches all of us in one way or another.”

Mann emphasized the charity game is about more than raising funds.

“It’s a way of supporting players who have family members going through this. On any given year, it’s pretty personal. We thought it would also be a good charity event to give back to our community. All money raised goes directly to the health foundation.”

The game coincides with alumni weekend,

37th YEAR

adding an extra layer of excitement.

“Tying it in with alumni weekend has been a perfect fit,” said Mann.

For Noble, the event is a cornerstone of the team’s values.

“It’s one of our pillars for our hockey team and

allows new players to understand what community involvement is about,” he said. “It’s a way for us to give back to the community that gives to us. Life is hard, and there’s stuff people have to face.

“All donations go towards cancer care in Lloydminster. Whether it’s new beds, chairs, or other equipment, that’s what we want the money to go towards.”

The fundraiser is also deeply personal for Noble, whose sister Teira Thomson, a beloved Lloydminster educator, passed away from cancer in September 2023.

“My sister was an amazing person and a Grade 5 teacher who touched many lives. She always gave back. There are three events named after her — a cross-country meet, a minor ball tournament, and a basketball event,” said Noble.

Fans can contribute through multiple avenues. The Rustlers are selling Hockey Fights Cancer apparel through KoLab Print Collective, available online and at the game, with proceeds supporting the fundraiser. Donations can also be made directly via the Lloydminster Region Health Foundation website, where funds go straight to the cancer ward.

A silent auction will be live on the Rustlers women’s hockey Facebook page until 8 p.m. on Dec. 7, offering fans the chance to bid on unique items while supporting a meaningful cause.

37th Annual Christmas Fair & Chamber Expo would like to thank all of the members of the community for their continued and generous support; as well as all of the vendors that had a part in making the 37th annual Christmas Craft Fair a huge success!

Nov. 16, Tyler Gerwing Pro t proceeds donated to the following non-pro t organizations: Pro t proceeds donated to the following non-pro t organizations: Big Brothers Big Sisters, Border City Farmers Market, First Baptist Church Youth, Knights of Columbus, Lashburn Kinettes, Lloydminster Chamber of Commerce, Lloydminster Riptides Swim Club, Lloydminster Scouts,Lloydminster Skating Club, Shine Christian Academy, Lloydminster Girl Guides, Limitless Cheer and more!

Local businesses benefit from inaugural bursary

courses for different avenues for kids I get to work with.”

The criteria for how the funding could be used for the businesses allowed them to be more flexible with where the money goes.

“The criteria to use the money is, they could use it anywhere from operations to tech, to training, to buying supplies. It’s a very open grant to get them started on their business,” said Teri-Lynn MacKie, executive director of the Lloydminster Chamber of Commerce.

criteria to use the money is, they could use it anywhere from operations to tech, to training, to buying supplies. It’s a very open grant to get them started on their business.

- Teri-Lynn MacKie

Cheques for the inaugural Young Entrepreneur Bursary Program were presented on Nov. 26. Three area businesses, Northern Lights Trucking, Kiana Walker Professional Counselling and One Eleven Wellness, were at the Lloyd Ex to accept the $5K bursary.

The event began with a presentation by Jackie Tomayer, Lloydminster Chamber of Commerce president, and included remarks from Lloydminster Deputy Mayor Jim Taylor.

For Northern Lights Trucking, funding will help with additional training for staff.

“It’s an honour to receive it,” said Danielle Schneider, co-owner, Northern Lights Trucking. “It definitely helps us by allowing us to invest more into our safety practises and ensuring we’re being safe around the community and be able to offer more training to our staff.”

Jillian McKinnon-Kryzanowski, chiropractor and owner, One Eleven Wellness, said the money will help with renovations.

“I’m a brand-new business. I just started in 2024 and we’ve had huge reno costs, so this will be really helpful,” she said. “I want to get my team a really great outfit. We’re kind of still renovating some rooms in our space, so I’ll be using it that way, too.”

Funding will help Kiana Walker Professional Counselling obtain more resources for herself and her clients, along with additional training.

“It will allow me to get different kinds of toys, emotional regulation stuff, different resources,” said Walker, founder of Kiana Walker Professional Counselling. “It also allows me to expand my education so I can take different

In order to apply, the businesses had to be based in Lloydminster and were chosen by a committee through the Saskatchewan chamber. According to MacKie, the funding is thanks to advocacy work by the provincial chamber.

“The Saskatchewan chamber advocated to get the funding for the young entrepreneurs,” she said.

This is the first of the three-year bursary program. The Lloydminster Chamber of Commerce will promote the application on its website when the next round of funding becomes available.

“The more people that apply in our area, the more bursaries we could receive,” said MacKie.

A full list of bursary recipients is available on the Sask chamber’s website.

DATE: December 16, 2025 TIME: 9:05 AM

– SINGLE-LOT (CR-S) DISTRICTS

Village of Kitscoty Council Chambers, 5011-50 Street and via ZOOM Webinar All Public Hearings are held during Regular Meetings of Council and are open to the public with attendance either inperson or via ZOOM Webinar. Written and verbal presentations may be given during the Public Hearing.

PURPOSE:

The County of Vermilion River is proposing an amendment to the Land Use Bylaw (Bylaw 19-02) to remove the restriction of the placement of Accessory Buildings in front of the Main Building from the Agriculture (A), Country Residential – Agriculture (CR-A), and Country Residential – Single-lot (CR-S) Districts only, while maintaining the restriction within clustered residential areas (i.e., Hamlets and multi-lot subdivisions). Applicants applying for a Variance to the placement of Accessory Buildings will be required to complete a Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) self-assessment as part of the Development Permit application process.

A copy of Bylaw 25-25, being a bylaw to amend the County of Vermilion River Land Use Bylaw (Bylaw 19-02) can be viewed at the County of Vermilion River Office during regular business hours (Monday through Friday from 8:30AM to 4:30PM) at 505040 Hwy 897, by emailing planning@county24.com, or on the County of Vermilion River Website here: https://www.vermilion-river.com/your-county/public-engagement

Should you wish to provide oral or written presentation to Council on this matter, please take note of the following requirements:

 Any person claiming to be affected by the proposed Bylaw 25-25, being a bylaw to amend the County of Vermilion River Land Use Bylaw (Bylaw 19-02) may attend the Public Hearing either in-person or virtually via ZOOM Webinar and provide their input during the Public Hearing.

 To attend the Public Hearing virtually, you must register prior to the Public Hearing here: https://www.vermilion-river.com/your-county/meeting-agendas-and-minutes

 Written submissions should be submitted by emailing planning@county24.com, or by mail to Box 69 Kitscoty, AB T0B 2P0 no later than December 10, 2025 at 12:00 PM to be included as part of the Agenda Package for the December 16, 2025 Regular Meeting of Council, and must be related to the topic of the Public Hearing.

 Presentations may be limited to five (5) minutes in length.

 The names of those who wish to speak, or have submitted written presentation will be recorded in the minutes of the December 16, 2025, Regular Meeting of Council and will be published on the County of Vermilion River website. (Personal information is protected by the privacy provisions of the Access to Information Act and the Protection of Privacy Act)

For additional information related to the Public Hearing , please contact the Planning and Community Services Department: Phone: (780) 846-2244 | Email: planning@county24.com

Lloydminster and area businesses are benefiting thanks to a new bursary from the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce.

CHRISTIAN APOSTOLOVSKI STAFF WRITER

Three local businesses were on-hand at the Lloyd Ex to accept a $5K bursary from the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce on Nov. 26. Top left: Danielle Schneider (middle) accepted a $5K bursary from Deputy Mayor Jim Taylor and Lloydminster Chamber of Commerce president Jackie Tomayer for Northern Lights Trucking. Top right: Jillian McKinnon-Kryzanowski (middle) received a bursary for One Eleven Wellness. Above: Kiana Walker (middle) accepted a $5K bursary for Kiana Walker Professional Counselling. Christian Apostolovski Meridian Source photos

The

Thursday, December 4, 2025

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Viewpoint

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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

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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

Leave it to Weaver: Helping our four-legged furry friends

EDITOR

TAYLOR WEAVER

This Friday is a special day in the Border City as the Border Paws Animal Shelter hosts its annual Jail and Bail fundraising event.

This fundraiser is a favourite around the office, as the team at the Meridian Source does its best each year to fill a “cell” for as long as possible.

I mean, who wouldn’t want to be locked up with a cat or dog for an entire day?

Last year, Christian and I both had to fight off the urge to adopt the sweetest little puppy we took turns being “locked up” with. She barely whined all day and still had that classic “puppy smell.”

She made quite a few appearances on the Meridian Source’s social media, and if memory serves, she was adopted not long after the event.

The 12-hour annual fundraiser helps keep the shelter running. Every little bit helps, as operating costs don’t come cheap.

I’ve taken part in Jail and Bail for as many years as I’ve called Lloydminster home. Every year, I love

seeing community members locked up with me, all sharing a common goal.

Whether it’s members of the local business community, fellow media, or staff from the Lloydminster Agricultural Exhibition Association, the shelter is always full of familiar faces. The best part is that everyone’s wearing a smile.

Border Paws Animal Shelter also holds a special place in my heart, as Chels and I adopted one of their senior cats two years ago on my birthday.

Truth be told, I wasn’t sold on getting a second cat during the decision-making process, but Miya quickly became part of the family. I couldn’t imagine coming home at night without her greeting me.

Sure, she’s old and very smelly, but she’s our old, smelly girl. She’s also a total boss and doesn’t take any crap from our boy, Loki. She definitely wears the pants in that relationship!

If you’re thinking about adopting a pet, Border Paws Animal Shelter has you covered. They were great to work with, and I would recommend them to anyone considering adoption.

Make sure to keep an eye on the Meridian Source’s social media tomorrow for ways to help raise funds for the shelter!

Letter to the editor ...

As the holiday season approaches, we’re seeing a noticeable rise here at The Olive Tree — mirroring what’s happening across the country.

Food Banks Canada’s Hunger Count 2025 shows food bank use is at an all-time high, with more than 2.2 million monthly visits. Here in Lloydminster, the increase has also been significant.

In 2020, we distributed 1,067 hampers for the

CARRIER OF THE MONTH

CONGRATULATIONS

JOAN HILL

our carrier of the month for November!

Mace received a $25 Gi Certificate from Canadian Tire!

To nominate your carrier email distribution@meridiansource.ca

Brought to you by

entire year. By the end of December, we will be near 10,000 hampers distributed — highlighting how many families, seniors and individuals are struggling with rising costs.

This year, we expect to distribute about 1,600 hampers, more than 2,100 meals and over 1,000 toys through our community programs this holiday season.

Donations are lower than in previous years and food costs are higher, making it harder to keep pace with the growing need. Every food or financial donation goes directly toward helping a neighbour who may be facing more challenges than we realize. I also want to recognize the incredible groups and individuals who have stepped up and filled every volunteer spot.

We’re deeply grateful for the way this community shows up when it matters most.

I encourage everyone to give in whatever way feels right for them. Kindness doesn’t always come in the form of a donation. It can be a warm hello to a neighbour, checking in on a senior, offering support to a family, or simply choosing patience and understanding during this busy time of year.

A small gesture of care can mean more than we know. The holidays look different for everyone, and this season is a reminder that love, compassion and community connection are just as important as the physical supports we provide.

Together, we can help ensure no one in our community feels forgotten this Christmas, and we can make the season brighter through the simple act of caring for one another.

Merry Christmas and happy holidays.

-

Jana Thompson, COO, The Olive Tree

Thursday, December 4, 2025

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Chris’ A-Z: On the road to recovery

What’s your drink of choice? Mine’s coffee. In my spare time, I like to indulge in some filtered water.

My suspicion is many of you responded with something alcoholic. In my heyday, I indulged myself with whiskey quite often, but whatever had an alcoholic percentage in a bottle, I was willing to consume.

In the last five years or so, I’ve cut back entirely on anything alcoholic. I made the decision to have the last alcoholic beverage of my life at my wedding, not that I really ever indulged at that point anyway, but I figured it was a fitting last drink.

Some don’t make the decision to cut alcohol out that early in their life, like the subject of today’s column, Walter Andrew (Slim) Thorpe. Thorpe was born in Minnesota on June 21, 1984. Where was he born, I hear you asking this newspaper. Well, I’ve read a few different accounts of him being born in either Pelan, Minn., or Kennedy, Minn. I’ve seen more sources cite him being born in Pelan.

He completed Grade 9 in the U.S. and was an avid baseball player. Thorpe was an excellent ball

player and even had a tryout with the Chicago Cubs. Unfortunately, he cut tendons in his leg and never ended up playing professionally.

The family moved to Saskatchewan in 1911, eventually moving to Alberta to farm.

It seems that Thorpe worked quite a few odd jobs in Canada, working as a butcher, grain buyer and a horse dealer. Throughout his life he was a partner in Thorpe and Hamilton auctioneers, and in the ‘60s took over Universal Industries. He also became involved with Thorpe-McNaughton Chrysler before retiring in 1975.

Notably, Thorpe wouldn’t fight in the First World War due to physical issues. In 1919, he married his first wife, Rita. Thorpe would adopt two boys, Ted and Norman.

His life in Canada was interesting, working plenty of jobs, getting married shortly after coming here, but there was always one thing that kept pulling him back in, baseball. Although he couldn’t play, he would coach strong junior teams and even took up umpiring. Thorpe was part of a committee aimed at bringing highlevel baseball to Lloyd. He eventually took up the helm of the Lloydminster Meridians, steering the semi-pro team out of a bad situation and back into success.

Thorpe’s first wife passed away in 1941 and eventually he would remarry in 1972, tying the knot with Eleanor McNaughton.

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Today, if you know anything of the Thorpe name, it’s likely the association with the recovery centre. The man behind the name was a lifelong alcoholic.

He was described as seldom drawing a sober breath and being an alcoholic since he was 18.

“I was an alcoholic with the first drink I took,” he said.

It wasn’t until he was 56 when Thorpe met a doctor in Lashburn who took him to his first Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meeting in Edmonton. Apparently before Thorpe went, his drinking buddies threw him a big party and the last drink he consumed was half a glass of rum, whiskey and Gin.

AA was a success for Thorpe; he never craved a drink again. He even went a step farther and wanted to bring AA to Lloydminster.

December 4, 2025

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

Bingo at the Moose Lodge

Bingo is back at the Moose Lodge! Bingo is every Monday and Wednesday evening. Doors open at 5 p.m. and play starts at 7 p.m. Must be 18 to play.

Christmas Market at the Legacy Centre

The Legacy Centre is hosting a Christmas Market from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Dec. 5. Admission is $3/person, which includes coffee. Come and check out what our vendors have for you. VENDORS, call the Legacy office at 780-875-4584 to rent your tables ($10/table).

Moose Lodge Kaiser Tournament

The Lloydminster Moose is hosting a kaiser tournament on Sunday, Dec. 7, at 1 p.m. Entry fee is $20/player, 8 games guaranteed with prizes awarded to the top teams. Entries close on Friday, Dec. 5. Bring a partner and enjoy an afternoon of fun. If you want to play but need a partner, we can team you up. Contact Arne at 306-821-7459 or Bruce at 780-522-6972 to register.

Cowboy Christmas with George Canyon and Aaron Pritchett

CCMA winners and beloved Canadian country superstars George Canyon and Aaron Pritchett unite for their coast-to-coast Cowboy Christmas tour, which takes the stage at the Vic Juba Community Theatre on Saturday, Dec. 6. Tickets are $65 and available online or at the box office. The two-hour show starts at 7:30 p.m.

Family Social and Dinner

The Dewberry Community Hall is hosting a Family Social & Dinner on Dec. 6. Doors open at 4 p.m. Music starts at 4:15 p.m., supper at 5 p.m. Enjoy the music of Cassie Cameron, Caroline Parke and Marci Marzolf. Music restarts after supper. Cost is $20 for adults, $10 for youth (10 to 16), free – child under 10. Contact Gary at 780-872-0148 for more information.

Super Sisters Bred Heifer and Special Opportunity Cow Sale

M.C. Quantock “Canada’s Bulls” is hosting a Super Sisters Bred Heifer and special opportunity cow sale at Northern Livestock Sales in Lloydminster and online at dlms.ca on Dec. 6 at 1 p.m. The sales is a precursor to the main sale on Jan. 31, 2026, at the Lloyd Ex. Call Mac anytime 1-800-561-2855 or 1-780-8758167 or Jim Pulyk at NLS 1-780-787-0646 for more details.

Lloydminster Potters Guild Winter Sale

The Lloydminster Potters Guild Annual Winter Sale is Sunday, Dec. 7, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Lloydminster Museum and Archives.

Islay Cribbage Doubles Tournament

The Islay Community Association is hosting a doubles crib tournament on Dec. 13 in the Islay Hall. Doors open at 9 a.m. and registration cut off is at 10 a.m. Cost is $25/person, which includes noon lunch. Please pre-register by calling Linda at 780-581-0570.

The Nutcracker at the Vic Juba Theatre

The Nutcracker, a ballet production with United Ballet Company, will take the stage at the Vic Juba Community Theatre on Dec. 14 for a 4 p.m. show. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for 18 and under. Tickets are available at the theatre’s box office or online at vicjubatheatre.ca/tickets

Moose Lodge Doubles Cribbage Tourney

The Lloydminster Moose Lodge is hosting a doubles cribbage tournament on Dec. 14 at 10 a.m. Registration is from 9-9:45 a.m., 12 games guaranteed. The cost is $25/person, which includes lunch. Enter as a team or an individual

Thorpe even opened a two-bed detox centre, clearly drawing the eye of the provincial governments as they bought in and funded the soon-to-be Thorpe Recovery Centre.

Thorpe passed away in 1984, but his widow Eleanor would be there to break the ground in 1987 for the new Thorpe Recovery Centre. His life could be described as a life well lived. He had many jobs and made an unbelievable impact for recovery in Alberta that can still be seen in the Thorpe Recovery Centre.

(they’ll pair you up). Entries close on Friday, Dec. 12. Contact Bruce at 780-522-6972 to register.

Islay Jamboree

The Islay Community Hall is hosting a jamboree on Dec. 21, starting at 1 p.m. Admission is $15, participants are free. Lunch will be served. Contact Dixie at 780-744-2204 for more information.

New Year’s in New York

The Dewberry Community Hall is hosting a New Year’s in New York family dance on Dec. 31 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Early countdown allows families to “ring in the new year together.” Food and beverage available for purchase. Entry is by donation at door. Contact Kelly at 778-548-0044 or Alissa at 306-229-5040 for more details.

Grade 4 students at École St. Thomas Elementary School celebrated one of two new relocatable classrooms with a blessing on Nov. 27. The blessing was performed by Father Arun Rodrigues. The space will help the school accommodate its growing population of students. Taylor Weaver Meridian Source

$26K

SLIM

Raiders win fourth straight provincials GOLDEN BOYS

Playing in a record 12th straight provincial final, the Holy Rosary Raiders made it count Saturday, Nov. 29, as they won their fourth consecutive School Sport Alberta 3A football championship.

In chilly temperatures pushing -15 C, Lloydminster’s golden boys warmed the hearts of the Holy Rosary faithful and defeated a familiar foe, the Cardston Cougars, 26-14 at Edmonton’s Jasper Place Bowl.

“It was awesome to end the year with a win,” said Denem Weber, one of the Raiders’ 19 senior players.

“This being my senior year adds a big factor to this championship. It was kind of emotional at the end. I shed a tear or two.”

Weber, 17, and some of his contemporaries have won three provincial titles with Holy Rosary’s senior team throughout their high school years.

“It was a big moment,” he said. “I know a lot of people don’t get to walk off the field as champions in your senior season.

“It’s a good feeling, especially with all your best buddies. You make a lot of buddies in this game. It’s one of the best things about it.”

It’s also a game of momentum shifts. Weber authored one of those with a reverse fake and a prolific touchdown on an 85-yard kickoff return to open the second half and put the Raiders in front 19-14, instilling belief in his teammates and doubt in the Cougars.

“Yeah, it was a long run,” understated the athletic Weber. “I had a couple of guys to beat and one guy to make miss. Then, I did a little stutter-step, and I was gone.

“I’d say that kickoff return was a pretty big momentum swing. It was a big moment for me and our team. Afterward, I just got super-excited. It was nice to contribute like that and to have that momentum swing, because it’s a game of momentum, really.”

It was an even greater turning point in the game, because Cardston had misinterpreted which team was kicking to begin the second half, said Holy Rosary coach Vince Orieux.

The Holy Rosary Raiders gather in celebration after defeating the Cardston Cougars 26-14 in School Sport Alberta’s 3A football final Saturday at Edmonton. Submitted photo

JOHN MacNEIL SPORTS EDITOR ..................................

Raiders define defence in second half

“We lost the coin toss, but their kids made an error and didn’t defer,” Orieux said of the Cougars. “They took choice, and we ended up getting the ball at the start of the game and at the start of the second half.

“They didn’t really realize what they had done, because they came out in the second half expecting to receive the kickoff, after scoring a touchdown to end the second quarter with no time left on the clock. So, they had all this momentum going into the third quarter. Then, they realized they had to kick to us, and we returned it for a touchdown.

That flipped the game.”

As all of that unfolded, a confused Cardston contingent watched its 14-13 halftime lead evaporate.

“Their coaches were upset, their players weren’t sure what was going on, and their fans were screaming,” Orieux said. “So, all of a sudden, they’ve got to kick off, and we ran a fake reverse and take it 85 yards to the end zone.

“They couldn’t really recover from that. Our defence took over.”

For the second week in a row, the Raiders didn’t give up a point in the second half, including their 44-15 provincial semifinal victory over the St. Paul Lions on Nov. 22 in the historic first game on Holy Rosary’s new artificial turf.

Two days before December, this past Saturday’s game marked the latest date Holy Rosary has played a gold-medal game during its string of championship years.

The 3A battle between the top-ranked and unbeaten Raiders and the No. 3 Cougars lived up to the hype as part of the five-game provincial package of Alberta Bowl finals played in a showcase stadium last weekend in Edmonton.

Kicking off at 11 a.m. in sunny but cold conditions, it was a hard-fought, physical game between two historically winning programs.

“It was a really good football game,” Orieux said. “If you were a spectator, you got your money’s worth.

“From a coach’s standpoint, it was back and forth and lots of emotions. The kids played well. There were a few mistakes, as far as linemen were concerned, which cost us a couple of times.

“But take nothing away from that (Cardston) team. They were loaded with athletes. Our preparation on both sides of the ball kind of paid off. We were able to neutralize some of their kids just by being in the right spot and pursuing the ball.”

Brady Fallscheer, the Raiders’ spunky Grade 10 quarterback, continued to generate offence.

Holy Rosary Raiders’ captains (second from left) Isaac Jurke, Jake Wicker, JR Howdle and Denem Weber accept the provincial 3A championship banner and plaque from Football Alberta technical director Taylor Stiles (left) and School Sport Alberta program director Deryk Venance (right) last Saturday in Edmonton. Submitted photo

He scored two rushing touchdowns during the defensive battle, including an insurance TD late in the fourth quarter.

Cashing in on its extensive first drive, Holy Rosary opened the scoring on a Kostas Mavridis touchdown seven minutes into the game. That sequence was an early confidence-boost for the Raiders, who had bunked in Edmonton on Friday night and showed up at the field for warm-ups at about 9:30 a.m. Saturday.

“We killed seven minutes off the clock on a long, sustained drive and scored a touchdown,” Orieux said. “That was great for us, knowing we could move the ball, and I think it deflated them a little bit.

“But being the athletes that (the Cougars) are, three or four plays on offence and they were in our end zone. We had missed a convert, so they were up 7-6.”

Holy Rosary regained the lead early in the second quarter, going up 13-7 on Fallscheer’s first TD on Saturday. Cardston came back and scored on the final play of the quarter to take a one-point advantage into the halftime break.

That set the stage for Weber’s heroics to kick off the second half.

“They were pretty good at passing the ball and they’re a decently aggressive team, almost too aggressive, a little unnecessary,” Weber said about the Cougars. “They got a couple of penalties.

Raiders’ rookie quarterback Brady Fallscheer has exhibited veteran maturity. John MacNeil Meridian Source

It was a rough game, that’s for sure.

“But they’re good in the air. I’d say we held them pretty well. They only scored twice, and then in the second half, they didn’t score at all.”

PUBLIC NOTICE

Planning and Development Department

Take notice that the following Development Permit Application for a proposed Discretionary Use is being reviewed in accordance with Land Use Bylaw 5-2025.

Anyone wishing to provide written comment or make general inquiry on the proposed use may do so within the next fourteen (14) days by contacting Roxanne Shortt at the City Operations Centre (6623 – 52 Street) at 780-874-3700 Ext 2608 or by email at rshortt@lloydminster.ca. Full name and address are required for submission of valid

Seniors make their mark with Raiders

HOLY ROSARY FROM PAGE 14

The Raiders also weathered the elements as they dressed accordingly for the wintry football conditions.

“It was pretty cold,” Weber said. “At the start of the game, I couldn’t really bend my fingers that much. But as the game went on, didn’t notice anything different.

“Underneath my football gloves, I put on latex gloves. It keeps the moisture, and it keeps your hands a bit warmer. It doesn’t help a whole bunch in the super cold, but it definitely does something.”

Fortunately for veteran players like Webber, they weren’t standing around on the sidelines for long, and hardly at all.

He said the Holy Rosary coaches prepared their players well for handling adverse weather in an extra-long high school season, which was extended because of an Alberta teachers’ strike that suspended play for a month.

“Our coach definitely tells us to bundle up, but you also have to be able to play the game, if you’re playing,” said Weber, one of the Raiders’ captains.

“I had two shirts on and two compression pants, two pairs of socks, and also a hand-warmer, but you’ve still got to be able to move.”

The Raiders moved into the history books in equalling a four-straight provincial championship run, a feat that Cardston fashioned back in the 1990s. The Cougars have also had modern success in Alberta Bowl competition. They’re familiar opponents for Holy Rosary, which defeated Cardston 28-6 in the 2023 provincial 3A final.

The Cochrane Cobras, with their run of seven straight provincial titles, are the only other 3A team to post as many consecutive championships as this year’s finalists, Cardston and Holy Rosary.

The Raiders benefitted from the leadership of Weber and fellow captains Isaac Jurke, Jake Wicker and JR Howdle, who was the starting quarterback before suffering a knee injury that necessitated surgery early in the season.

Orieux said all of his Grade 12 players were influential in their final year of high school football and contributed to the team’s winning culture.

For some of them, post-secondary play is in their future. Wicker has already committed to the University of Saskatchewan Huskies, while Weber is close to choosing one of three U Sports schools — Alberta, Calgary or Saskatchewan.

Canadian Junior Football League scouts were prominent in the stands during the high school championship weekend. As he fully recovers from surgery, Holy Rosary’s Howdle plans to join one of those junior teams, the national-champion Saskatoon Hilltops.

Multiple senior Raiders filled a yearbook worth of memories during their three high school years with the celebrated football program.

“Isaac Jurke was a key contributor right from his first game in Grade 10,” Orieux said. “Second to none, as far as his determination and toughness. Just doing whatever it takes to get the job done.”

The long-serving coach also mentioned Weber’s work as a receiver, along with a trio of offensive linemen in Wicker, Denver Chant and Rylan Iversen.

“Those three were solid for us,” Orieux said. “You can’t win a game if you’re not controlling the line of scrimmage. Those three guys, as seniors, did a fantastic job.

“Ezra Nedelko, a receiver, is a guy who doesn’t get a lot of stats, but he scored a huge touchdown for us (in the provincial semifinal). In that St. Paul game, he scored one late, where he made about five moves. He broke about four tackles and got in the end zone. It really broke the game wide-open. That really put it out of reach and in our favour. With a play like that, it just broke (the Lions’) spirits.”

The Raiders’ contributions, of course, go beyond those six graduating players that he named, Orieux added. “Not to take anything away from the other guys, but those kids were our leaders.”

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Any person(s) wishing further information, having questions, comments or concerns are asked to contact MCSnet on or before the close of consultation period December 29, 2025.

TITLE

We are pleased to announce that the renovated County of Vermilion River administration building will be open to the public on Tuesday, December 16, 2025. To accommodate a smooth transition back, the administration office will be closed Friday, December 12 through to Monday, December 15 . Please continue to visit us at our temporary location at the Operations Yard at 505040 HWY 897 until December 11, 2025.

We would like to thank residents for their patience through this renovation process and are excited to welcome you back to our newly renovated space!

Projet de tour Internet dans le village de Waseca (SK) et dans la ville de Maidstone (SK) Veuillez noter que MCSnet propose l’installation d’une tour autoportante de 150 pieds dans la MR d’Eldon no 471, en Saskatchewan.

EMPLACEMENT

● NE 32-47-24 O3 et la ● NE 27-47-23 O3

Le but de cette tour est de fournir des services améliorés d'Internet sans fil à large bande dans la région, ainsi que des services de téléphonie VOIP (Voix sur IP).

Tout l'équipement est conforme au Code de sécurité 6 de Santé Canada, y compris les effets combinés dans l'environnement radio local en tout temps. L'installation respectera les bonnes pratiques d'ingénierie, y compris l'adéquation structurelle. La tour sera construite en conformité avec les exigences de marquage des obstacles aéronautiques de Transports Canada.

Toute personne souhaitant obtenir de plus amples informations, poser des questions, faire des commentaires ou exprimer des préoccupations est priée de contacter MCSnet au plus tard le à la date de fin de la période de consultation 29 décembre 2025.

MCSnet

Attn: Projects Department P.O. Box 98, St.Paul, Alberta T0A 3A0

Ph: (866) 390-3928 Ext: 797

Email: projects@mcsnet.ca

Holy Rosary Raiders’ senior receiver Denem Weber is weighing university football offers from three Canada West schools — Alberta, Calgary and Saskatchewan. Submitted photo

Weather is cold, Bobcats are hot

JOHN MacNEIL SPORTS EDITOR

Virtually to a man, the Lloydminster Bobcats were as happy as teddy bears Saturday night as they left the Hub.

They had just tucked two points under the pillow, defeating the first-place Whitecourt Wolverines 2-1 on the Bobcats’ first Teddy Bear Toss night at Lloydminster’s new arena.

The script took shape early in the second period when hometown captain Kade Fendelet evened the score with a power-play goal that prompted the pouring of a Bobcat-record number of charitable teddy bears onto the ice.

“A goal is a goal, but I’m happy to get that one,” said the 20-year-old Fendelet, who stepped up after missing the previous three games with an injury. “It feels a little better than most goals, I’d say.

“The Teddy Bear Toss is fun and everything, but it means a whole lot more if you’re able to win the game. It’s been a huge week for our team.”

It was Lloyd’s third victory in as many Alberta Junior Hockey League games, all against teams accompanying the Bobcats in the upper echelon of the North Division. The run includes two road victories over the Fort McMurray Oil Barons (12-8-5) in overtime and a shootout, respectively, on back-to-back weekday nights last week.

After winning the weekend battle of the heavyweights, the second-place Bobcats (15-7-1) moved to within three points of Whitecourt (17-6) in the North and overall standings.

Seven weeks earlier, Lloyd skated into Whitecourt and whacked the Wolverines 7-3 in the teams’ only other meeting this season.

At home Saturday, the Bobcats delighted most of the 909 fans, many of whom scattered teddy bears across the ice after Fendelet’s sixth goal of the season. Tucker Robertson potted the winning goal six minutes later, with his seventh tally this year.

The AJHL’s second-leading scorer, Jalen Bianchet, put Whitecourt up 1-0 in the first period with his 26th goal and 41st point after 23 games in this still relatively young season.

The Bobcats outshot their guests 30-17 and kept Wolverines netminder Elliott Pratt on his toes. The man with the AJHL’s best goaltending numbers kicked out a string of pucks with his left skate, especially in the late going.

COUNTY HIGHLIGHTS

Explore the County Thank you to everyone who submitted pictures for our annual calendar photo contest. 2026 Explore the County calendars are available at our office or at participating businesses (until supplies last) around the County.

ADMINISTRATION:

The County of Vermilion River main office renovation is nearly complete. The main office at 4912-50 Avenue in Kitscoty will reopen to public on December 16, 2025. The Administration office will be closed to the public Friday, December 12 through to Monday, December 15 to allow for the transition back. We look forward to welcoming the public back to our administration building in Kitscoty. Tax Penalty Reminder: All outstanding tax balances will have an additional 6% penalty applied on January 16, 2026. A further 6% penalty will be applied on balances outstanding on May 2, 2026. Payment options include paying at the County office, by mail, online banking or OptionPay Credit Card on the County website.

PUBLIC WORKS:

Heavy Vehicle Permits: All heavy vehicle permits will expire on December 31, 2025. Please contact our Public Works team to renew your permit for 2026 at (780) 846-3309. All vehicles registered for 22,5000 kg and over require a permit to travel on County roads as per Traffic Bylaw (Bylaw 24 -10).

PROTECTIVE SERVICES:

Volunteer Firefighter Recruitment: If you are interested in volunteering with one of our stations (Blackfoot, Clandonald, Dewberry, Islay, Kitscoty, Marwayne or Paradise Valley), please contact the County at fire@county24.com Fire Permits are required year round for all burning other than recreational or incinerator fires. You can request a Fire Permit online. Visit our Protective Services webpage or contact us at the office to request your permit before you burn.

AGRICULTURE & ENVIRONMENT:

Join us at the Blackfoot Hall on December 16th from 8:00 am to 11:30 am for the Invasive Weeds Workshop. Learn about the impacts, pathways, and management of invasive weeds in Alberta. Catered breakfast will be provided. To register for this workshop email atizzard@county24.com

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Kade Fendelet and Matthew Hikida celebrate Fendelet’s Teddy Bear Toss goal in the Bobcats’ 2-1 victory over the Whitecourt Wolverines. John MacNeil Meridian Source

“We played an awesome game,” said Robertson, a Bobcats’ rookie forward. “Our goaltender (Ty Matonovich) really held us in it and our defencemen were unbelievable today. They were moving the puck, getting pucks out of our zone. Just an all-around good game.”

After reaping the maximum six points from three divisional games last week, the Bobcats were trending hot just as the Border City was turning cold, with -20 C temperatures Saturday evening.

“We lost two here at home on our family weekend, so we just wanted to get some retribution and get those six points out of the past three games,” said Robertson, an 18-year-old West Kelowna, B.C., native.

“We were hungry. We wanted to win. Two comeback wins in Fort Mac, and now we beat Whitecourt here.”

One of the constants in all those games was Matonovich, the 20-year-old goalie who just joined the Bobcats three weeks ago. He not only came close to securing his first AJHL shutout, but he also attempted to score a goal in the final minute, with Whitecourt’s net empty. From back of the Lloyd goal, he flipped the puck down the middle, and it went the distance but slid wide.

“I took a look, and said why not, I might as well go for it and see what happens,” Matonovich said as teammates chanted his name. “It was a little wide, but it was closer than I thought it would be.

“It was close to hitting something, but thank God, it made it down there. I thought it would be pretty cool if I did score.”

After that dramatic moment, the Bobcats called a timeout with 43 seconds left and proceeded to withstand a final push from the Wolverines.

“It’s an unbelievable feeling, beating them,” said Matonovich, a Calgarian who previously played in the Saskatchewan league. “They’re ranked high in Canada and the No. 1 team in our league. It’s a confidence-booster for myself and the rest of the team here. We’ve got to carry this high over to next week and, hopefully, just keep rolling with it.

“Some guys stepped up today that we needed to. I give full credit to our D-men. We had (Jaxan) Hopko out. But they stuck to it, all six of them, and they played unbelievably.”

It marked the first time this season that Hopko, a 19-year-old defenceman from Lloydminster, wasn’t in the Bobcats’ lineup. He was nursing an injury after taking a knee-on-knee hit Wednesday in the second game at Fort Mac.

“Yeah, kind of got hit weird on the knee, and just battling a lower-body injury right now,” Hopko said after Saturday’s game. “But I should be good to go next week.

“This was my first time watching a game in the Hub. It definitely was different. It was nice to see up close how many fans we get and the atmosphere. It was pretty cool. It was nice to talk with some of the fans here.”

During the past week, Lloyd welcomed back defenceman Quinn Keeler, who had been out of the lineup since late October, recovering from injury.

For the next five games, the Bobcats will be without coach Eric Labrosse and three of their key players — defenceman Esteban Cinq-Mars and forwards Matthew Hikida and Raphael Messier — as they represent Team Canada West in the World Junior A Hockey Challenge at Trois-Rivieres, Que.

“They’re really good players and great guys, and we’re missing our coach, so it’ll be a tough couple of games (without them), but I think we’ll be fine,” Robertson said. “We’ll just have to keep playing our roles. More guys get more ice time, and we’ll just fill in where we can and get some more points out of it.”

‘We can beat anyone in this league’

This weekend, the Bobcats are on the road for games against the Drayton Valley Thunder (7-13-2) on Friday and the Olds Grizzlys (8-15-2) on Saturday.

The latest win over Whitecourt was a statement game for Lloyd, which essentially considered it a four-point contest.

“This is the top team in the league and, right now, we beat ’em,” Hopko said. “We believe we can beat anyone in this league.

“We’re just going to finish strong, going into the Christmas break, and see how she goes.”

The maturing process in the first half has been illustrated in the likes of Robertson, who joined the Bobcats this year after playing U18 prep hockey at Okanagan Hockey Academy.

In his past 11 games, Robertson has scored seven goals and 12 points, after earning one assist in his first six appearances as a Bobcat.

“I owe a lot to my linemates,” said Robertson, who plays alongside Kael Screpnek and team-leading scorer Jadon Iyogun. “They’ve really helped me not be so scared to play junior hockey. Just really helping me find my game and helping them find theirs as well.

“It’s been really nice for me to pop in a couple of goals. It’s also a pretty nice way to get into it.”

On his winning goal Saturday, Robertson picked a corner after receiving what he described as “a beautiful pass to the slot” from Screpnek.

That play came shortly after a would-be goal from Bobcats forward Jack Ferguson was nullified because of what was deemed as goaltender interference.

Just moments earlier, Fendelet’s goal caused teddy bears to rain at the Hub for the first time in history.

After his Teddy Bear Toss heroics, Fendelet recalled that special night from seasons past at the Bobcats’ previous home rink, the Centennial Civic Centre.

“Last year, Daniel Zhou scored it and, the year before, I’m pretty sure it was one of my really good friends, Ben Aucoin,” he said about those two former Bobcats.

Fendelet, who sat out a couple of weeks with a high-ankle sprain, almost scored a second goal Saturday as he ripped the puck into Whitecourt’s empty net just as the final buzzer sounded. That rankled Wolverines defenceman Quentin Bourne, but officials intervened, and the post-game hubbub soon dissipated.

“I’m super-excited to be back in the lineup and going to war with all my teammates,” said Fendelet, sporting a tuque post-game in keeping with the cold winter season. “It’s never fun watching from the stands.

Lloydminster Bobcats’ forward Tucker Robertson (12) sets up shop beside Whitecourt’s net during Saturday’s game. He scored the winning goal in the second period as the second-place Bobcats defeated the No. 1 Wolverines 2-1. John MacNeil Meridian Source

“Still dealing with that high-ankle sprain a little bit, but it felt pretty good tonight, for the most part.”

On his Teddy Bear tally, Fendelet redirected a shot from Cinq-Mars, who assisted on both Lloyd goals Saturday to give the D-man four points during a five-game stretch.

“Nothing too pretty, at all,” said the Bobcats’ captain. “Just won a faceoff and went to the net. Esty (Esteban Cinq-Mars) had a pretty good shot, I got a stick on it, turned around and it was in the net.”

After their stops in Drayton Valley and Olds this coming weekend, the Bobcats continue their road swing Dec. 10-13 with three games in four days against the Grande Prairie Storm (12-10-1). Lloyd concludes its pre-Christmas schedule with home dates versus Whitecourt on Dec. 19 and Drayton Valley on Dec. 20.

BOBCATS SWEEP FORT MAC

Last Wednesday, the Bobcats won 5-4 and completed their Fort Mac sweep when Messier scored the lone goal of the six-round shootout, which ended with Matonovich’s stop on Griffin Gidney.

Quinn Smith, with two, Messier and Morgan Hackman netted Lloydminster’s regulation goals. Smith forced overtime when he scored with nine minutes left in the third period. He and Hackman each had two-point nights.

Evan Benoit, Dustin Good and St. Paul defenceman Ethan Makosis tallied for Fort Mac. Justin Dumais bagged three assists.

Makosis, with his first AJHL goal, recently joined the Oil Barons

after opening this season in the WHL with the Everett Silvertips. During their prep days, Makosis and Lloydminster’s Robertson were OHA teammates.

The Bobcats fired 46 shots at Fort Mac goaltender Brendan Gee through overtime, while Matonovich faced 26 in Lloyd’s net.

On the previous night, defenceman Dylan Deets of Cold Lake scored a goal and an assist for his first two points of the season as the Bobcats won 4-3 in overtime. Deets’ threepoint trip included an assist in Wednesday’s game.

Cinq-Mars, with a two-point night, netted the winning goal three minutes into the extra period Tuesday. Iyogun scored the other two Lloyd goals, giving him a team-high 12 on the season. Hikida and Messier each added two assists as the Bobcats outshot the Oil Barons 49-39. Gee

and Matonovich also tended goal that night.

Benoit, Drew Freer and Ryan Arnold, with a power-play goal, scored for Fort McMurray.

The Oil Barons went on to lose 7-2 at home Friday against the Devon Xtreme (9-10-2).

On Saturday, Devon lost a 5-4 overtime decision to the host Bonnyville Pontiacs (13-10-1). D-man Maxim Shushkov ended the game with 35 seconds left in OT. League scoring leader Maxwell Pendy had a goal and two assists for the Pontiacs, while linemate Christophe Lussier tallied twice.

This Tuesday night, Fort McMurray snapped its three-game losing streak, posting a 6-3 victory at Bonnyville and moving into sole possession of third place in the North Division. Oil Barons’ sniper Dumais tallied twice, including a short-handed goal.

NOTICE OF DEVELOPMENT PERMITS

Any person claiming to be affected by a decision of the Development Authority may appeal to the Subdivision and Development Appeal Board by submitting written notice and the fees as per the Fees and Charges Bylaw (Bylaw 6-2025) within 21 days from the date of issuance to The Office of the City Clerk, Attention: Secretary – Subdivision and Development Appeal Board at City Hall at 4420 – 50 Avenue, Lloydminster, AB T9V 0W2.

of Lloydminster

Hikida accents speed en route to worlds

JOHN MacNEIL SPORTS EDITOR

Matthew Hikida was just entering junior high school when the Richmond, B.C., boy went to Montreal on a school trip with a French immersion class.

“I just decided I’m going to go to Quebec, and Montreal, even though I can’t speak any French,” recalled Hikida, now 19. “So, I just tagged along, and it was a great experience.”

More than five years later, the Lloydminster Bobcats’ forward returns to Quebec as part of Team Canada West for the World Junior A Hockey Challenge, which runs Dec. 7-13 in Trois-Rivieres.

Hikida’s travelling partners this time around include three Quebec residents with the Bobcats — defenceman Esteban Cinq-Mars, forward Raphael Messier and head coach Eric Labrosse, an assistant coach with Canada West.

“It’s really nice having those guys (going with me), because you have familiar faces as soon as you get there,” Hikida said before departing Dec. 1. “You already have chemistry with those guys.”

Cinq-Mars, Messier and Hikida were selected to a 22-man Canada West roster that includes 13 players from the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL), six from the SJHL and three from the MJHL.

Labrosse was also an assistant with the Canada West team that earned bronze in last year’s international tournament. At the time, he coached the eventual MJHL champion Northern Manitoba Blizzard, before joining Lloyd last summer.

“I know how Eric wants me to play,” said Hikida, a third-year Bobcat. “He knows when I’m on, and what I need to improve. He’s not shy to let me know what I’m doing wrong, so it’s nice to have those guys kind of in my corner.”

Just like coach Labrosse, both Cinq-Mars and Messier are in their first seasons with Lloydminster, one of the top teams in the AJHL.

“Esteban brings a very solid defensive game,” Hikida said of CinqMars. “Going against him in practice is always tough. He’s not afraid to give me a cross-check or two. Very hard to play against. I think it shows, because he’s always on (the ice) against those opponents that are the

Lloydminster forward Matthew Hikida is part of Team Canada West, as are Bobcats’ defenceman Esteban Cinq-Mars, forward Raphael Messier and coach Eric Labrosse, for the World Junior A Hockey Challenge. John MacNeil Meridian Source

most threats on their team, and he does a very good job of it.

“And then, Messier, he is my linemate. I love playing with that guy. He moves the puck well. He’s unbelievable on faceoffs. He’s very smart, great shot, just a great player to play with or have on your line.”

Hikida, with nine goals and 21 points after 23 games, is second in Bobcats’ scoring, just two points behind overager Jadon Iyogun. Messier and Cinq-Mars are tied for third, each with 18 points.

Hikida and fellow forwards Gus El-Tahhan and Kael Screpnek have been fixtures in Lloyd’s lineup this season, as each dressed in all 23 games through the end of November.

At his point-per-game pace, the five-foot-11, 180-pound Hikida is just one point shy of his point total from the entire 2024-25 regular season.

Now, he’s taking his well-rounded game to an international level as Canada West goes up against Team Canada East, Sweden and the U.S. in the annual four-team tournament staged across Canada.

“I’ve shown a lot of speed and grit, I would say, playing a 200-foot game,” Hikida said.

“When I go there (to Quebec), I’ll have to really use my speed to keep up with these really high-level players, and use my 200-foot game to be very reliable in all situations. Yeah, just be very good on the penalty-kill.”

Hikida mapped out his December

plans after Labrosse advised him two weeks ago that he had been chosen to Canada West.

“Eric pulled me into his office and told me all the good news, basically saying that I had made the team and that I just have to keep on performing until they release the roster, because there could still potentially be changes,” he said.

While the Bobcats were taking care of business on the ice last week, winning a pair of road games against the Fort McMurray Oil Barons, Hockey Canada made it official in announcing the rosters for the East and West teams.

Four seasons ago, Hikida played in Calgary’s prestigious Circle K Classic —the Christmastime tournament formerly known as the Macs — during his final year with the U18 AAA Greater Vancouver Canadians.

“Yeah, I think that would be the only thing kind of comparable to this (world event), but nothing like wearing your country’s (emblem) on your chest, so it’ll definitely be new,” he said. “I guess we’ll see when we step out on the ice (what it’ll be like).

I’m just very excited.”

One of his B.C. acquaintances, Calgary Canucks forward Grant Reid, is among Hikida’s teammates with Canada West.

“Me and him actually skate together in the summer,” Hikida said.

“I’m quite familiar with him.

“I don’t really know much

information about the MJ and SJ guys, just haven’t really played them, but all the AJ guys are very good and guys that you have to look at when you play their team. There’s a lot of pace with those guys, and they’re all very smart, so it’ll definitely be fun to get to know them and to get to play with some of those guys.”

Along with the three Bobcats, and the Canucks’ Reid, the Canada West players from the AJHL include forwards Hudson Landmark and Will Lutic of the Canmore Eagles, forward Max Leduc and defenceman Matthew Lesyk of the Grande Prairie Storm, forward Brayden Ryan-MacKay and defenceman Sullivan Humeniuk of the Drumheller Dragons, defenceman Taynton Lavender of the Drayton Valley Thunder, and goaltender Luke McKechnie of the Whitecourt Wolverines. Devon Xtreme forward Ben Deacon was added this week. Hikida partly credits his running routine in the off-season for his breakthrough season with the Bobcats and his selection to play in the world junior A tournament.

“I really didn’t like running, at all, until probably two years ago,” he said. “Last year was probably the most I ran. Before that, I did not like doing cardio, whatsoever.”

“I had to do some form of cardio, and I don’t really love the bike. I prefer running over the bike, so just kept on running. Then, I started running with a buddy of mine, so that made it a little bit more fun than just by myself. It’s nice to have someone there to challenge you.”

He occasionally ran 10 kilometres, and regularly ran a 5K course, sometimes in the morning before reporting to his Golf Town job, or late at night after work.

“My house has a nice dyke that I run on in Richmond, so everything was pretty local,” Hikida said. “It was good that I didn’t have to travel far.

“Just trying to shorten my 5K time. But yeah, for this upcoming summer, I want to run a marathon, so I’ve got to build up to that.”

His hockey journey has long been intersected with that of his 19-yearold first cousin, Jamie Hikida, a former Drumheller forward now playing in the BCHL with the Okotoks Oilers. The longtime minor hockey teammates live just a three-minute walk from each other, and they work out together in the summer.

“I think his (Okotoks) team is going through a couple of injuries, so he gets some better looks,” Matthew said about Jamie. “He’s really been enjoying it. He’s been doing quite good over there, too.”

Matthew’s parents plan to attend the world junior A tournament in Quebec. His older sister is busy with university exams during that time, but she was able to accompany her parents to Lloydminster last month for the Bobcats’ family weekend.

Veteran referee skates last shift after four-plus decades on the ice

TAYLOR WEAVER EDITOR

After more than four decades, thousands of games and countless road trips, longtime Lloydminster hockey official Nolan Wirth has skated off the ice for the final time.

Wirth recently officiated his last game, closing a 43-year career that began in 1983 — long before visors were standard equipment, before cellphones filled pockets and before many of today’s young officials were even born.

“It all started when I was playing minor hockey and reffing beer league hockey in high school,” said Wirth, who’s now 60-years-young. “My local assignor in Melville mentioned I was a pretty good skater and should attend a referee clinic. With guidance from a couple senior officials in the area, I started officiating hockey and soon moved up to junior A.”

Wirth’s career took him across Saskatchewan and Alberta, from small-town barns to high-pressure provincial finals and international matchups. One of the most memorable came in North Battleford in 2001, when he officiated the U18 midget AA Saskatchewan provincial final.

“As I walked into the lobby, I heard sirens, air horns and bells ringing — parents taping posters on the plexiglass,” he said. “All this commotion was for the gold-medal game. My hair instantly stood up; this was serious.”

Just minutes into the game, he made a call no referee forgets.

“I was the one who blew the first whistle for a stoppage — a penalty shot, four or five minutes in,” said Wirth. “My supervisor told me afterward, ‘Very gutsy call on the penalty shot, but the right decision — you called a good game.’”

Another career highlight came in December 1987, when he officiated a Russia U18 vs. Melville junior A exhibition game.

“They were incredibly smart, fast, talented and played tic-tac-toe hockey all night,” he recalled.

“Melville tried to run them out of the rink, but it didn’t work. Russia dominated in front of a packed barn. I remember being extremely nervous. I didn’t want to make a wrong call that could influence the game or reflect on my officiating.”

Wirth may not have set out to break new ground, but he inadvertently did — by becoming one of the first local officials to wear a visor.

“I started wearing a visor in the fall of 1983, right after I registered as an official,” he said. “Back then, the side plexiglass was only about three-feet tall. With pucks bouncing at head height, I didn’t want to risk getting hit in the face. I witnessed too many injuries — broken bones, cuts to the eye, nose, countless stitches — no thanks.”

During his first SJHL game in 1986, he even got a nod of approval.

“My first SJHL game in Melville was in October 1986 against the Notre Dame Hounds. I remember conducting the end zone faceoff with the Hounds’ centerman, Rod Brind’Amour, and Curtis Joseph was in net. After the first intermission, the referee commented on my visor, saying, ‘Smart move — this will be implemented soon.’ ” Through more than 3,500 games, Wirth developed a simple philosophy.

“Give respect to get respect,” he said. “Calling an honest, fair game is essential. Patience and clear communication are key. Staying calm and composed during high-intensity games goes a long way.”

That calm approach didn’t go unnoticed.

Referee-in-chief Warren Turvey of Lloydminster Minor Hockey said Wirth’s composure set the tone

for every game.

“He’s so calm out there,” said Turvey. “We’ve officiated games with bench brawls, and Nolan’s just calm, watching and writing down numbers. That’s what you have to be. You can’t be excitable.”

Nolan Wirth laced them up for his final shift on Nov. 15 for a U15 AA Blazers game at the Cenovus Energy Hub’s Co-op Community Rink, before working a Sask Alta Hockey League game between the Paradise Hill Hawks and Hillmond Hitmen. At both games, Wirth was honoured for more than 40 years of officiating.

Taylor Weaver Meridian Source photos

Ref reflects on 43 years of officiating

REFEREE RETIRES FROM PAGE 19

Turvey also praised Wirth’s dedication to developing young officials.

“They’re the future,” he said. “We need these young guys to stick with it.”

Wirth said mentoring was one of the most rewarding parts of his career.

“I know being a young official can be overwhelming,” he said. “Your confidence can take a hit when coaches, fans and players challenge your calls. It was important to encourage young officials and help them handle those tough situations. Watching them grow year after year was incredible.”

For Wirth’s wife, Bonnie, officiating wasn’t just Nolan’s commitment — it was a family one.

“We’ve been together forever, and I think we’re at 32 years married,” she said. “He’s been officiating hockey for 43 years. His dedication is his passion for it. He loves it, and he especially loves helping and influencing younger officials. The sport means everything to him.”

She said the camaraderie among officials is something few outside the rink truly understand.

“These guys have been together for many years and respect each other immensely,” she said. “It takes a lot of commitment and dedication. One area in hockey that gets overlooked is the officiating and the number of hours and dedication they put in. Without them, the games couldn’t go on.”

Now, she said, life won’t necessarily slow down.

“I think he’ll still be involved in hockey, but we have four grandsons now, so he’ll be busy — just in a bit of a different way.”

Wirth said he’s still adjusting to quiet Friday nights.

“It feels strange not being out on the ice,” he said. “I’m a bit restless come Friday night. But I don’t miss the cold rinks or winter weather. I’m watching hockey from the comfort of my couch, wrapped in my beloved Bruins blanket.”

Still, he wants people to understand the sacrifice officials make.

“Many people don’t realize what it takes for officials to get to the rink,” he said. “Sometimes they leave work early or sacrifice family time. Others push through being sick, step in at the last minute or take a puck to the lower body where injury results … we still finish our weekend games. And yet, five minutes into the game, I’ve heard, ‘You guys are brutal tonight, should’ve stayed home.’”

His usual reply? “Now you tell us. Should’ve called me two hours ago to cancel — then you wouldn’t have had any refs.”

Despite icy highways, angry fans and the perpetual scramble to fill crews, Wirth said officials return night after night for one reason.

“All of this is for the love of the game — right?”

Wirth made countless connections in the hockey world during his time officiating. From fellow officials to former players who now coach, the veteran in black and white left an impression on all of them.

“He’s somebody you could always count on. He was always there, from the start of the season until the end. He was committed to doing what he needed to do to help out doing games,” said friend and longtime Lloydminster-area official Troy Winterhalt.

“Overall, he’s just a good guy, on and off the ice. He liked to let the teams play, but there were times where he buckled down and made some tough calls for the better of the game.

“He’s a guy we’re going to miss out there. You just don’t replace guys like that.”

Winterhalt said some of his favourite memories with Wirth were the long hours they spent travelling to tournaments and seeing how professionally Wirth carried himself.

“Whether it be players, coaches, managers, the people that worked at the rink — he was always close-knit with those people,” he said. “He was always

making relationships.

“As far as his reputation, he was dedicated and someone you could always count on.”

Another local name with a long on-ice history alongside Wirth is Lakeland Rustlers women’s hockey head coach Morgan Mann. Wirth officiated Mann’s games during his playing days and, in recent years, has continued to call games for him in his role as coach.

“He’s done a lot of reffing in Lloyd, but he put a lot of time into minor hockey between Paradise Hill, Maidstone, Lashburn, Edam and Turtleford. He put a lot of time into supporting hockey out there, which is where I come from,” said Mann. “He’s one of the good guys. Just a first-class individual. He was always communicating and approachable.

“If things got heated during the game, after the game you still felt like you were friends with Nolan.”

From Melville to Lloydminster, from junior barns to international showcases, from nervous first games to mentoring the next generation, Nolan Wirth leaves behind a legacy not measured in goals or wins — but in respect. And after 43 years, four grandsons and countless memories, he’s finally earned a quiet night at home.

Though anyone who knows him suspects he won’t stay off the ice for long.

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Above: Nolan Wirth and his wife, Bonnie, embrace after an on-ice retirement ceremony in Lloydminster on Nov. 15. Right: Wirth prepares for his final shift.

Taylor Weaver Meridian Source photos

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GRACE UNITED CHURCH

Sunday, Dec. 7 at

December 7 (10:00 a.m.)

LESSONS & CAROLS

DECEMBER 14 (10:00 a.m.)

HOLY COMMUNION WITH MARIE-LOUISE TERNIER

DECEMBER 21 (10:00 a.m.)

CHRISTMAS PAGEANT

December 24 (7:00 p.m.)

CANDLE LIGHT SERVICE & HOLY

December 28 (10:00 a.m.) CAROL SINGING

JACK: David James Jack passed away peacefully at Pioneer House, Lloydminster, Alberta on November 5, 2025, at the age of 88 years.

David is survived by: his sons, Kevin (Lisa) Jack and Lenard (Donalda) Jack; daughter, Heather (Rob) Ferguson; grandsons, Kyle (Amanda) Jack, Cody (Megan) Steiner, Brady (Kendra) Jack, Ryley Jack, and Brett (Haley) Ferguson; granddaughters, Hailey (Nolan) Nicholls and Sara (Will) Wiser; great-grandchildren, Lauchlyn and Hadleigh Jack, Easton, Cash, Sully and Frankie Steiner, Bruer and Lexxyn Jack and Kensie Kate Ferguson; special niece, Dorothy Cooper; good friend, Elaine Barthel; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

14/21/28 Dec 24 - 2:00 p.m.

The Memorial Service in memory of David was conducted from McCaw’s Funeral Chapel on Thursday, November 13, with Alison Weaver officiating.  The interment was held at the Kitscoty Cemetery.  Donations in memory of David may be made to the Kitscoty Cemetery or

For a complete reading of the Eulogy in honor of David please visit McCaw’s website.

McCaw Funeral Service Ltd., of Lloydminster, Alberta administered the funeral arrangements.

The family would like to thank the staff at Pioneer House for their loving and caring ways, and for taking dad under their wings.  You helped turn the House into a home for him, and for that we are forever grateful.  Thank you to Alison Weaver for your continued kindness and comforting words.

A special thank you to Hailey Nicholls for reading the eulogy, grandpa would have been proud.

Thank you to Joel McCaw and staff for your compassion and professionalism.  Thank you to all our family and friends for your support with visits, food, phone calls and donations.  Most of all, thanks for being a part of Dad’s life.

David was predeceased by: his wife, Kathleen Jack; parents, Alfred and Margaret Jack; father and mother-in-law, Elmer and Kathleen Lang; brothers-in-law and sister-in-law, Audrey and Ralph Cooper, Ernest Lang and Richard Smith; and nephews, Glen Cooper and Barry Cooper.

Kevin, Lisa & family Lennie, Donalda & family Heather, Rob & family

at home in Lloydminster, AB on November 11, 2025 at the age of 91 years.

Leo is survived by: his loving wife, Carol; daughter, Brenda (Glen) Blythe; son, Brian (Connie) Bugiak and Tucker; grandchildren, Josh (Justine) and Jordan; great granddaughter, Charlotte; siblings, Mary Fedoriuk, Dean (Paul) Dobranski, Carl (Mary) Kolada,

Your life was a blessing your memory a treasure…

You are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure…

With Love Forever, Your Family

Connie McDonald and Miles (Maureen) Kolada; sisters-in-law, Mavis Airdrie, Elsie Malka and Olive Deleeuw (Robert); and numerous nieces and nephews.

Leo was predeceased by: his mother, Lena Kolada; brother, Edward Bugiak; brothers-in-law, Louis Fedoriuk, Albert Airdrie, Johnny Malka, Allan Gilroyed, Walter Kuffner and Sandy McDonald; and sisters-in-law, Judy Kolada and Ruth Kuffner.

The Memorial Service for Leo was conducted from Grace United Church, Lloydminster, AB on November 18, 2025. If you were unable to attend in person, you may view the recording of the service posted on McCaw Funeral Service website under Leo's obituary.

Donations in memory of Leo may be made to Grace United Church, Haying in the 30's, or donor's charity of choice.

McCaw Funeral Service Ltd., of Lloydminster, Alberta administered the funeral arrangements.

CARD OF THANKS

Thank you to the Ambulance Emergency Medical Team for their immediate response. Thank you to my niece, Marie Kube for staying with me until my family arrived.

Thank you to Alison Weaver for officiating the funeral service and to Yvonne Babey for delivering the eulogy. Thank you to our church choir for singing Leo’s favorite song and to Lois Sonnega for her accompaniment on the piano.

Thank you to the Honorary Pallbearers. Each of you were a special part of Leo’s life. Thank you to the United Church Ladies for preparing and serving the lunch following the service. We are so grateful for all the food brought to

our home, the beautiful floral arrangements, and memorial donations. Thank you for the personal messages and the many cards, phone calls, and visits from our neighbors, family, and friends. Special thanks to our extended family, friends, and Leo’s former co-workers for your presence at the service. Thank you to Dr. Sayeed for his care and friendship for Leo over many years. A special thanks to Joel McCaw for your comforting support, assistance and guidance through this journey. The many acts of kindness shown to us are deeply appreciated and will always be remembered.

Carol Bugiak, Brenda and Glen Blythe, Brian and Connie Bugiak, Josh, Justine and Charlotte Blythe and Jordan Blythe.

SUDOKU

Don’t

SHOWTIMES

partner will be tenderly romantic this week, which will strengthen your relationship.

You’ll receive good news about your health or that of a loved one. Additionally, you’ll receive an unexpected financial windfall that will help boost your finances.

You’ll attract attention this week and might even receive an award for your impressive achievements.

As the holidays approach, pay close attention to your diet and limit your alcohol consumption. Additionally, be mindful of potential stomach issues that could arise this week.

You’ll spend a lot of time driving this week, and your phone will be ringing non-stop. This will make you feel like you’re playing taxi.

This strategy will help you avoid financial strain while allowing your generosity to shine.