Thursday, February
Lions celebrate 75 years of service
The Lloydminster Lions Club is marking 75 years of service in the community.
Members gathered to celebrate their achievements on Feb. 8 at the Legacy Centre.
For longtime members like Vic Juba, this milestone is special. Juba has been a Lion for 71.5 years and has not missed a meeting in more than 50 years. He paused when asked about why he does it.
“Hopefully, to make things better than when you started, when you leave a legacy behind,” Juba said. “There’s a poem ... talking about the bridge builder.”
The poem explains his outlook on why he’s volunteered for so long. It’s about an old man who builds a bridge across a stream. It ends like this.
“Good friend, in the path I have come,” he said, “There followed after me today,
A youth whose feet must pass this way.
This chasm that has been as naught to me
To that fair-haired youth may a pitfall be; He, too, must cross in the twilight dim; Good friend, I am building this bridge for him!”
To Juba it’s all about giving back after being in the community for so many years. He recounted he was only going to stay for two years because he hated the weather. He had to think back about the club’s greatest accomplishments.
Juba recalled one accomplishment quickly—the creation of Lions Park in 1953.
“It was a big, big project,” he said. “A house was raffled off. The money from that started the park.”
Over the years, the club has left a mark on the city. It built Lions Park, Glendale Park, and Anniversary Park. Members also funded a cataract surgery unit for the local hospital. When the machine became outdated in Canada, it was sent to Guatemala where it’s still used.
“Shovels in the ground, hands in the dirt,” said proud Lion Kathy Smithson. “When you look around the community and see what you’ve done, you can’t beat that feeling.”
Club member Shelley Tatro agreed.
“We mean business,” she said. “Seventy-five years, we’ve been busy.”
The club is not slowing down with plans for a new park underway. The group also continues its diabetes initiative, a cause close to Juba’s heart.
“Sight conservation is a Lions International project,” said Juba. “It’s very connected to diabetes. I hope research will get rid of diabetes and
vision loss.”
The Lions Club is also focused on growth. The international organization aims to reach 1.5 million members worldwide.
“We’re always looking for new members,” said Tatro.
For one night, though, the club took time to reflect.
“Tonight’s our night to brag,” said Smithson. “We don’t boast about ourselves very often.”
Thank you to all the teachers and support staff for all that you do and continue to do to ensure successful outcomes and the joy of lifelong learning for our students!
Colleen Young
DAN GRAY STAFF WRITER
Vic Juba and Shelley Tatro. Dan Gray Meridian Source Photo
Lloydminster wells see steady oil production in January
Trans Canada Gold Corp. is celebrating another month of steady oil production.
The two Lloydminster wells shipped 5,376 barrels for the month of January. Producing an average daily rate of 168.5 bbl/d gross (31.5 bbl/d net).
Production shipping and sales commenced on the first newly-drilled multilateral well on Oct. 6, 2023. The new well was brought onto production in mid-September 2024.
Trans Canada Gold’s operator, Croverro Energy Ltd., has set a 2025 preliminary budget. It’s currently under review by management with one multilateral well forecasted to be drilled this summer.
Trans Canada Gold says it’s closely monitoring oil prices amid looming U.S. tariff threats.
“We are expecting steady oil production for 2025, and are exploring additional exploration drilling opportunities in both central Canada and the United States and the company will continue with its newly-adopted multilateral well drilling strategy for 2025-2026 using new state of the art multilateral well drilling techniques in Alberta and Saskatchewan, to create growth,” said Tim Coupland, Trans Canada Gold Corp. president and CEO.
Croverro remains optimistic about resuming operations and restoring production on a newly drilled GP well once the extreme cold in Alberta improves and their repair plan is fully implemented.
Trans Canada Gold is a discovery focused oil and gas resource development and mineral exploration company. They are currently focused on developing and drilling production of conventional heavy oil exploration properties, increasing production capabilities and increasing future oil prouction revenues.
They are also committed to maximizing long-term petroleum and naturel gas resource assets.
Aalbers seeks election for FCM board
CHRISTIAN APOSTOLOVSKI STAFF WRITER
Lloydminster Mayor Gerald Aalbers will be up for election of the board of directors for the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM).
Lloydminster council discussed the recommendation to endorse Aalbers to stand for election at the Feb. 3 meeting.
Coun. Jason Whiting said having the mayor at the table would help bring light to issues Western Canada is facing.
“By having a voice at the table that’ll help to encourage the things that are pertinent to us. We don’t necessarily have to accept all the initiatives that come out of FCM,” he said.
Lloydminster city manager, Dion Pollard, gave some insight into what the group has to offer the city.
“There’s lots of items that although we don’t always align with Eastern Canada but there’s lots that we do align with eastern Canada on that we do advocate for and the board advocates for,” said Pollard.
“I’ve got a few of them that I’ve looked at for example doubling the gas tax, that’s always a big one that we receive our federal funding each year and the FCM board played a large role in advocating for and getting the gas tax doubled. That was funding for municipalities that go to fund our street improvement program.”
Administration clarified the gas tax is nearly $3 million dollars a year and on years when it’s doubled, the city will get nearly $6 million that helps improve streets.
He says the work the group does goes beyond just the gas tax.
“Homelessness, RCMP recruitment, tax credit for firefighters, transit funding all those different things are that the board has advocated or initiatives they’ve taken on,” said Pollard. “It is a big picture thinking, Mayor Aalbers is very well respected in both provinces.”
Pollard says they already budget for one trip to Ottawa per year for meetings which costs between $2,000 to $2,500. The additional cost to the city would be adding a second meeting.
Coun. Justin Vance said it’s important to have someone with a Western viewpoint at the table.
“Being at the centrepiece of the FCM would be quite crucial to getting our point across and getting our views out here in the west to our friends out east,” he said.
“The FCM isn’t going anywhere if we choose to go on it or not. I would feel more comfortable to have a Western world view at the helm of a federation rather than that of a one-sided viewpoint.”
Vance commented about his worry about not having someone at the table when FCM discusses things like climate change and sustainability.
The discussion around the table continued on the issue of how to ensure a Western view is present and represented at the meeting.
“The sentiment I do is see is that the West is
under-represented in terms of a lot of the ideology and thinking and decision making. My concern is how do we ensure that our voice is as a Western municipality is heard. If you’re not at the table you don’t get heard. It’s that simple,” said Coun. Michael Diachuk. “I don’t know a lot about Eastern Canada and here I am saying they know nothing about us, but there are some things I think that are so important to us I.E., our livelihood in our community is so dependent on oil and gas it’s important for us to have the mayor present, supporting that industry and energy around that table because there’s people that don’t have a clue.”
He says the city shouldn’t sit back and complain but rather take action.
“If we want to sit back and complain we can do that. Or we can get somebody at the table to begin to share our views, I think this option is important for us to have those views for the reasons we have listed. I’d rather prefer that than some sort of sit back and complain,” said Diachuk.
While some were supportive of the idea of Aalbers running for election, Coun. Jim Taylor had a different view on the topic.
“I just want to say that I’m not fully supportive of him taking this role yet and maybe in a few years it’ll change my mind but as of right now I think there’s better opportunities in our local provinces that this money could be spent to,” said Taylor.
Deputy Mayor David Lopez wants to see Aalbers take on a more senior role with Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association (SUMA).
“I feel like we could get more advocation through Mayor Aalbers being somewhere in SUMA in a higher position than in FCM where we’re a seat of 2,000,” he said.
Pollard clarified the mayor never expressed intentions to not be a part of SUMA.
“I don’t think he has intentions of not running for the chair of mayors caucus to do both, I think he can do both. Mayor Aalbers is very good with his time,” he said. “He hasn’t indicated to me that he plans to step away from those key positions at SUMA that you’re talking about or not attending the mayors caucus in alberta which I assume he’s still gonna do all of that.”
Pollard also clarified it would be nine days of the year where Aalbers would be away for meetings.
Coun. Michele Charles Gustafson says Aalbers is the perfect person to advocate for the city.
“If he’s got that sparkle and that kind of gift to be able to connect with people in a larger venue, that’s an asset to our city. To do bigger and better advocacy work,” she said. “I would never want to prescribe about what I think he can handle. If he’s put himself forward for this he believes he has the capacity to handle it and I wouldn’t want to question that.”
Council eventually passed the motion to endorse Aalbers to stand for election of FCM’s board of directors. Taylor and Lopez voted against the motion.
Source File Photo
Long-standing fire agreement extended
The Town of Vermilion and County of Vermilion River have come to an agreement regarding their fire service agreement.
Both involved parties have ratified amendments extending the current agreement until April 6, 2026.
The county and town both have an extensive history of shared firefighting dating back over 100 years, formal agreements between the two parties have
existed for nearly 30 years.
The Town of Vermilion discussed the fire services agreement at the Jan. 7 meeting where council was not in favour of extending the agreement.
“We’ve gotten a continuous brick wall of not working with us,” said Coun. Robert Snow at the meeting.
Moving into an election year also complicated things as it put a deadline on negotiating a new agreement.
“If you extend it doesn’t make any difference. We can’t do any negotiations with it because it is an election year,” said Coun. Robert Pulyk during the meeting.
Vermilion Council concluded the Jan. 7 meeting voting against extending the agreement as it was and turning it back over to administration to decide how things would be handled moving forward.
Vermilion council then met on Jan. 21 and discussed the fire services agreement, and a recommendation was approved to extend the current agreement. Then on Jan. 28, the county’s council also met and approved the extension including slight changes in the fee structure.
Currently, the County of Vermilion River Fire Service maintains firefighting and rescue equipment in eight fire halls across the region, including fleets in the Town of Vermilion, Village of Marwayne, Paradise Valley and Kitscoty, and the four hamlets of Blackfoot, Clandonald, Islay and Dewberry with upwards of 175 volunteer firefighters working to safeguard our shared community.
Town of Vermilion council not sold on FCM
The Town of Vermilion is still undecided if they will be renewing their Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) membership.
Council had the chance to voice their opinions on their yearly membership with FCM at the Feb. 4 meeting.
FCM advocates for local communities to ensure their citizens’ needs are reflected in federal policies and programs.
The monetary cost to be a member of the group is is $1,169.10 after tax.
FCM is a group made up of over 2,000 cities and communities across the country.
“It is a very large Canadian organization that has a direct line to the Government of Canada. Their efforts bring in … it’s a gas tax, there’s a percentage of the taxes that come back through the federal government, supporting municipalities,” said Coun. Robert Pulyk. “It was for the effort of FCM that worked hard to get some additional funding for municipalities.”
Deputy Mayor Joshua Rayment spoke against rejoining FCM.
“I feel like FCM adds very little value to our community on the whole. I feel
like their representation of the eastern half of Canada at a very, very high level. When you read through their website and all the things they do they’re so focused on climate initiatives and introducing diversity into politics I don’t feel like they accurately represent small communities,” said Rayment.
He said this is not something he was interested in being a part of.
“I think this is something I’m personally not interested in funding any longer. I feel like they have enough people on the East Coast tha t can fund this and we can continue to keep the money where it’s needed and that’s here,” said Rayment.
Coun. Robert Snow agreed with the deputy mayor regarding the lack of relevancy FCM has for the town.
“We actually had a discussion about which conferences we were going to be going to and we actually talked about how the FCM wasn’t as rel evant to us in our region or in our province. I kind of agree with Deputy Mayor Rayment, I’m not sure what the value is there,” he said.
Council voted on postponing the motion to rejoin and to bring it back at a future council meeting. Council also requested additional information on who their local FCM rep is and to get a 10-minute presentation on the group as a sort of sales pitch.
CHRISTIAN APOSTOLOVSKI STAFF WRITER
CHRISTIAN APOSTOLOVSKI STAFF WRITER
Photo Courtesy Federation of Canadian Municipalities
Source File Photo
Women’s conference meant to inspire
More than 400 women gathered at the Lloyd Ex on Feb. 4 for the 14th annual Inspiring Women’s Conference. They came to learn, network, and support one another.
“This event is so important to us because it’s become such a great day for women,” said Terra Weaver, co-owner of KT and Company, who put on the annual event. “We all get together and share a day of learning and community.”
The conference featured speakers from different backgrounds who each shared their experiences and advice. The goal was to encourage women to grow in their personal and professional lives.
Weaver said she loves seeing women make connections.
“You see people having a moment of clarity on what they want moving forward,” she said. “How they can plan their goals and dreams.”
Weaver’s business partner, Kelly Sidoryk, said the conference has taken on a life of its own.
“We absolutely love this day,” she said. “We now officially mark it as IWC Day.”
Sidoryk said choosing speakers is easy because of the momentum behind the event.
“We have a survey at the end where we ask for recommendations,” she said. “But it really is a word-of-mouth situation.”
Motivational speaker Trisha Miltimore talked about work-life wellness. She said the term “balance” is misleading.
“Balance doesn’t exist,” she said. “But when we focus on wellness, we can elevate work, home, and health to work together.”
Miltimore shared an important lesson.
“Life is hard, but often we make it harder than it needs to be,” she said. “Looking at your own life and making small shifts can help reduce pressure.”
She encouraged women to make small daily changes.
“We don’t have to overhaul our lives,” she said. “But subtle shifts in how we think, act, and feel can drive change.”
Singer-songwriter Joydyn Pollard also spoke at the event. She shared her personal experiences and encouraged women to stay hopeful.
“Sometimes it can feel like you are on your own,” she said. “But you just need someone to connect with.”
She hoped attendees would leave with a sense of trust in their journeys.
“Take every experience as a lesson,” she said. “You never know where life will take you, but everything will work out.”
“The first year, we had maybe 50 to 75 people,” said Weaver. “Probably 50 of our closest friends and moms and sisters.”
This Cenovus Energy-sponsored event featured over 400 attendees with Lakeland College students helping keep costs low through volunteering.
Next year’s conference is already scheduled for Feb. 5, 2026.
DAN GRAY STAFF WRITER
Dan Gray Meridian Source Photo
Lloydminster Fire recertifies aerial unit
it’s up in the air there’s firefighter safety in mind,” said Coun. Jason Whiting.
Coun. Michele Charles Gustafson asked if this company was the only one that made this particular piece of equipment.
“This is the only one with our other apparatus a few years ago, we’ve gone to tender for our annual certification and pump test. Because of the specialty nature of this apparatus it needs to go to the vendor that built it,” said Heesing.
Stang further clarified that there are other options for replacements in the future.
“In 10 years when this piece of equipment is lifed out there will be a procurement for a new piece of equipment that does this type of function and it may or may not be Rocky Mountain (Phoenix) there are multiple options for the replacement,” he said.
Stang explained that since Rocky Mountain was the supplier of this unit they are also the ones that do the recertification tying the city to a sole source in this case.
Council voted in favour of giving the sole source award on the T-Rex Aerial recertification to Rocky Mountain Phoenix with a maximum upset limit of $450,000 excluding GST.
The Lloydminster Fire Department will be recertifying their T-Rex Aerial (Tower 18) unit.
This piece of equipment was purchased in 2015 and is up for recertification as its reached its halfway point in its useable life.
Tower 18 is a specialty fire apparatus which provides Lloydminster’s Fire Department with benefits especially when it comes to extinguishing a fire and providing a safe, secure platform when firefighters are tasked with victim rescue.
“It’s definitely something that is a piece of structure that’s used in emergencies it has the ability to,
Bill Heesing, Lloydminster Fire Department Fire Chief, provided some background on what will be done to Tower 18 when it goes for recertification.
“The estimate includes a full repair. With the uniqueness of the apparatus when it goes to Red Deer, everything gets pulled apart and everything that gets pulled out whether it’s seals or gaskets will be replaced with new,” he said.
The aerial unit will also go through a test checking all the parts and pieces.
“Part of this inspection is what they call an NDT, so a non-destructive test, so they would be X-raying all of the platform and all of the aerial parts and pieces,” said Heesing.
Coun. Jim Taylor asked how long Lloydminster would be without the piece of firefighting equipment.
“Anywhere from four to six months we could be without our apparatus,” Heesing said. “We’re using it until then, once it goes to Red Deer, it was purchased in 2015, so we’re right at that 10-year mark, so we’re right at the borderline of making it.”
He says the four to six months is the best estimate from the vendor.
Don Stang, executive manager of operations at the City of Lloydminster says there’s a plan in place while they’re without Tower 18.
“We also have a replacement unit that will be in operation while that one is out of service,” he said.
The question came up regarding the details of the interim unit.
“Is it a unit that we own or are we renting it?” asked Taylor.
Stang clarified, “We’re borrowing it.”
Bill added there’s no cost to borrowing it while Stang said it’s a partnership but provided no further details.
CHRISTIAN APOSTOLOVSKI STAFF WRITER
Photos courtesy Lloydminster Fire Department
Winterfest returns for Family Day fun
CHRISTIAN APOSTOLOVSKI STAFF WRITER
Don’t let the winter cold bring you down, join in the cool fun.
The City of Lloydminster is hosting Winterfest. The annual event will once again bring plenty of fun to the cold winter months.
Feb. 17 marks Family Day in Alberta and a day of fun activities from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
“We invite everyone to come out on family day Monday to make special memories with their families and friends,” said Sandra Brown, recreation programmer for the City of Lloydminster.
Events will be happening all around town from a free swim at the Bioclean Aquatic Centre, rides at Bud Miller All Seasons Park, family curling at the
Lloydminster Golf and Curling Centre, heritage activities at the Lloydminster Museum and Archives and plenty of family fun at the Servus Sports Centre.
“If you’re looking for something to do on family day and you have transportation you could come out to a one or a few of the facilities and enjoy what they have to offer,” said Brown.
Servus Sports Centre has new activities to help give kids a break from bouncing.
“We’ve added in upper-level cozy games if kids are just a little tired of bouncing around and getting a little tired. We’ll have a snowflake toss which is like a cornhole game,” said Brown.
All the Winterfest activities around town are free to take part in.
For a full list of locations and activities at each location visit Lloydminster. ca/Winterfest.
Meridian Source Photo
Thursday, February 13, 2025
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Leave it to Weaver: Online hullabaloo with a side of hate speech
EDITOR TAYLOR WEAVER
When someone attaches my name to a bunch of hate speech in social media comments, I stop and think to myself, who hurt this person bad enough they feel the need to say such things?
Well, this very thing happened this week, and I have some thoughts.
The poster also discovered the comment section on our new sexy website and decided to add, “No one likes you Taylor.” (If you’re going to insult me, at least use proper grammar.)
W hen I read such comments I generally get a good laugh at the audacity of the claims. Having said that the one and only thing that got to me, in this case, was the claim I write stories for kickbacks.
For context, the comments in question were posted on a shared column I wrote about the recent protest held by members of the community and the Lakeland College women’s basketball team.
I’ve been following this story since I initially broke it in late November of 2024, and if you want to talk kickbacks ... the only kickbacks I’ve
received from covering this story include loss of sleep, anxiety, self-doubt and the urge to break my year and a half of no alcohol.
As Dan talks about in this week’s Gray Matters, everyone deals with online criticism differently. My former chosen methods include drinking and bad decisions. Now, however, some de-stressing in the gym does the trick.
I’m not one for giving social media comments more attention than deserved, because when it comes down to it, who cares? But, that one-paragraph comment included some pretty wild claims. It appears the author in question feels they have a really good handle on who I am and what I’m all about. Well, sorry to break it to you, dear reader, but none of what you claim holds truth.
I always appreciate and welcome feedback, but when it’s a personal attack against myself and my team, you best bet I’m stepping up to bat.
See you next week, and keep it classy, Lloydminster!
Word on the beat: Reporting crime
Staff Sgt. JERRY NUTBROWN SPECIAL TO THE SOURCE
Your crime needs to be reported!
If you witness or are the victim of a crime, please report it. We would also appreciate if you commit a crime, you report that to us, too. Most don’t, but yes, it has happened.
Many crimes do not get reported and there is virtually nothing we can do about those. Posting about it online does not equate to reporting it to police, although, social media can assist in locating property and people, etc.
When you do report something, we need details, many, many details. Exactly what details will vary from crime to crime, but some details are standard across the board.
Date, time, location and what happened are all pretty standard. Descriptions are key in every instance. A bird taking your golf ball doesn’t count.
If property is involved, we need details about the property. Photos and video are excellent for information and evidence, however, they typically do not show everything and can even be up for interpretation of what was recorded.
Recently, someone I personally know was a victim of theft in town. I was asked if it mattered if they reported it and my response was, absolutely. Even if a victim doesn’t want anything done by police, we still need the reports as they may help with the incident or, another victim.
Making police aware of crimes also helps us gauge crime areas and trends, which helps us focus or tailor our response. If a certain area is
relatively low in crime, we will focus our efforts where it is more prevalent.
Reports of suspicious people or vehicles can be difficult for us to address. The main important factor, besides the description, is, what is suspicious?
Someone looking in windows, people looking around as if scouting for others in the area, a person with a covered face hanging around a financial institution or liquor/cannabis store, these are suspicious behaviours.
A person walking down a street is not suspicious behaviour, even if they aren’t from that neighbourhood. This is where biases can come into play in that someone or something is deemed not to belong.
At our town hall meeting on Jan. 22, a question was asked about how to know if police should be called. There was some discussion with the group but the basic rule is, if you get yourself to a point of wondering if you should call, you likely should. You get that ‘feeling’ because you may have engaged your subconscious which determined that something isn’t right based on your past experiences and knowledge. A gut feeling does have validity but it can be difficult to put into words. Ask yourself, what legitimate reason do they have for doing what they are doing? They could be looking for a lost dog or maybe were playing Frisbee and it went over fences. Possible, but unlikely at 3 in the morning.
- Staff Sgt. Jerry Nutbown, is the NCO in charge of the Lloydminster RCMP detachtment’s General Investigation Section. Stay tuned for future articles from the Lloydminster RCMP.
Thursday, February 13, 2025
MERIDIAN SOURCE
Chris’ A-Z: Lloydminster’s most controversial leader
There are times when I delve back through history books and think, “Yeah people have changed a lot.”
We are much more progressive these days and we’ve learned from decades and centuries of other’s mistakes. There’s one thing when I first arrived in Lloydminster that I learned.
That was the intense hatred of anyone nonBritish by the original settlement leader, George Exton Lloyd.
Lloyd wanted the original settlement to be filled with nothing but the best Britain had to offer, or something like that.
There’s an excerpt from the book, “Keeping
Canada British: The Ku Klux Klan in 1920s Saskatchewan,” that sum up his views.
The passage reads, “Anglican Bishop George Exton Lloyd publicly called for the repatriation of the Asians and blacks in Canada to their countries of origin. A proposal so extreme not even the Ku Klux Klan (KKK) endorsed it.”
For those who may not know, the KKK was a group famously known as being the most racist, but Lloyd was willing to give them a run for their money on that one.
In a letter from 1928, Lloyd wrote, “The alien floods in the west will reach the rest of Canada before long.” He was referring to the immigration of Europeans and others to western Canada.
He wanted people to object to the immigration of Germans, Hungarians, Poles, Ruthenians, Dukhobors, Russians and Mennonites. The letter in which he wrote his concerns about Europeans was named “British Australia; Mongrel Canada.”
Gray Matters: Mental health hypocrisy
I’ve debated writing this one for some time, but after Sunday’s big game and the commercials that followed, I thought it was time.
One of our national broadcasters, who hosted the game in Canada, is also purportedly a “mental health” ally. They even make one day a year all about mental health with a hashtag and everything. We should all be proud and participate in their incentive, but we are not.
At least once during the Superbowl playoffs, the same commercial played, taunting “Eduardo’s dark period,” with horrible art.
I know many Canadians, like myself who have gone through a “dark period,” don’t find this funny or a good sales tactic.
A quick read through a subreddit dedicated to the organization has multiple examples of them not caring about employees’ mental health. So, hypocrisy reigns. Colour me surprised.
At home, bullying is often tied to various psychiatric disorders. According to the American Psychological Association, narcissism is tied to acts of aggression towards others.
We all see it daily with access to social media. Terms like “fake news” and “leftist” are meant to try and make us feel inferior. In our industry, we call them keyboard warriors. They’re harmless, cower when confronted, and add humour to a serious, mentally-taxing job.
Each journalist deals with online hatred and attacks differently. I’ve said this before: We’re tough, and generally, it doesn’t bother us. My chosen
Lloyd referred to continental immigrants as, “non-preferred, ignorant, dirty and smelling of garlic.”
It’s almost hard to believe someone like Lloyd maintained leadership positions and positions of authority for so long. In the modern age, he would immediately be ousted from society.
When I first heard of how offensive he could be I almost couldn’t believe it until I started finding entries in books and letters he wrote.
I also never thought it’d be possible to say or do something so outrageous that even the group known for being incredibly racist wouldn’t back you.
Lloyd’s vitriol of anyone non-British is unrivalled. He sat atop a throne made of hate, or likely at the time, ignorance.
Without learning about events like this history is doomed to repeat itself, and I hope we learned a good lesson from the ol’ bishop.
way is to call out those individuals for their actions.
What is the word we use for people who suffer from something, then try and drag other people down to suffer from it too ... oh yes ... hypocrisy.
Mental health in our community is a concern; addressing it would take way more than one column. So, instead of supporting companies that mock it and participating in actions to worsen others, do better.
It’s not much to ask.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
The Meridian Source Calendar of Events is a free service provided for non-profit organizations located within our coverage area. All events are in chronological order, as space permits and at the editor’s discretion.
Passport to YLL
To place an event, email taylor@meridiansource.ca or fax 306-825-5147
Cards, games, food, meetings, live music
Intro to Square Dancing
Modern square dancing lessons are being offered every Wednesday from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at 5115 - 49 Ave. Walk to the beat of music by following simple instructions from the caller. Come alone or bring a friend. Wear whatever is comfortable. First evening is FREE. For more info, contact 780-872-2493 or visit SquareDanceLloydArea.com
Bingo at the Moose Lodge
Bingo will be held every Monday and Wednes -
Church Directory
day, except holidays, at Moose Lodge 5213 57 St., Lloydminster. Doors open at 5 p.m. with games starting at 7 p.m. Must be at least 18 to play.
Diabetes Exercise Classes
The Saskatchewan Health Authority is hosting diabetes education classes every Monday and Wednesday from 2-3 p.m. Classes are held in Suite 109 of the Prairie North Plaza. Please call 306-8202597 to register. This class is free
Valentine’s Supper/Dance
The Legacy Centre is hosting a Valentine’s supper and dance on Feb. 14. Doors open and dancin’ at 5 p.m. Supper served at 6 p.m. then dance the night away on Valentine’s Day. Cost is $25/person (advanced tickets only) and there’s two great prizes to be won. All members and guests welcome. Call Legacy office at 780-875-4584 for more info.
Moose Lodge Breakfast
The Lloydminster Moose Lodge, located at 5213 57 St., is hosting a breakfast on Sunday, Feb. 16 from 8:30 to 11 a.m. Cost is $13 for adults, $5 for youth 6-12, and five and under eat for free. Full breakfast includes eggs, bacon, sausages, toast, pancakes, waffles.
Singles Cribbage Tournament
The Lloydminster Moose Lodge is hosting a singles cribbage tournament on Feb. 16 from 1-4 p.m. Entry is $20, eight games guaranteed with prizes for the top finishers. Snacks, coffee and drinks included. Registration closes on Feb. 13. Call Bruce at 780-522-6972 for more.
Spades Tournament
The Legacy Centre is hosting a Spades tournament on Feb. 20 starting at 10 a.m. Cost is $10 to play and $10 for lunch. Everyone welcome! Call Legacy office at 780-875-4584 for more info.
Dewberry Seniors Cribbage
The Dewberry Seniors are hosting a cribbage tournament on Saturday Feb. 22 with registration by 10:15 a.m. Cost for the day is $25 which includes dinner.
Legacy Pancake Breakfast
The Legacy Centre is hosting a pancake breakfast from 9-11 a.m. on Feb. 23. Cost is $12/person or $6/child 12 years and
under. Everyone welcome! Call Legacy office at 780-875-4584 for more info.
Kaiser Tournament
The Lloydminster Moose Lodge is hosting a Kaiser tournament on Feb. 23 from 12-12:45 p.m. Registration closes on Feb. 20. Bring a partner for an afternoon of Kaiser and fun. Cost is $25/ player, which includes chili, snacks, and coffee or tea. Call Bruce at 780-522-6972 for more.
Cribbage Doubles Tournament
The Legacy Centre is hosting a Cribbage doubles tournament on Feb. 27. Play begins at 10 a.m.. The cost is $10/person to play and $12/person for lunch. Everyone welcome! Call Legacy office at 780-875-4584 for more info.
Snowed In Comedy Tour
The Snowed In Comedy Tour returns to the Vic Juba Community Theatre on Feb. 27 for a 7:30 p.m. show. This year’s tour features Dan Quinn, Erica Sigurdson, Paul Myrehaug, Pete Zedlacher Tickets are $56.70 for adults, $25.70 for students and $46.20 for seniors.
TeleMiracle Funday at the Legacy Centre
The Legacy Centre is hosting TeleMiracle FunDay on Feb. 28. Registration is at 8:45 a.m. and play begins at 9 a.m. Cost is $20/person for the day! There will be crib and floor curling in the morning, then lunch, then a court whist tournament in the afternoon. Sign up sheet will be posted on Feb. 10. Come have a fun day and help raise money for Telemiracle 49! Call Legacy office at 780-875-4584 for more info.
Sister Grace at the Dewberry Hall
The Dewberry Community Hall is featuring “Sister Grace” on Saturday, March 1. Doors open at 4 p.m. with music at 4:30 p.m. Supper to follow at 5 p.m. and then music continuing after supper. Cost is $20/person, youth (10-16) for $10, children under 10 free.
4-H Club Pancake Breakfast
The Hillmond 4-H Club pancake supper, dessert bingo and silent auction is on Sunday, March 30 at the Hillmond Hall. Pancakes 4:30 p.m. Dessert Bingo starting at 5:30 p.m. Every bingo wins a dessert item! Silent auction items available to bid on.
Lloyd inspects organic waste carts
The City of Lloydminster is taking steps to reduce organic waste contamination.
The city will be inspecting organic waste carts in an effort to improve waste diversion efforts and reduce contamination. The city starts this initiative Feb. 17.
The inspections will be conducted at random and apply only to organic waste carts.
“Our top priority as the waste management team is to divert as much waste from going to our landfill as possible. By ensuring only accepted materials go into organic carts, we can significantly reduce organic contamination, extend the lifespan of our landfill, and help avoid increased waste management costs for the entire community. Reducing contamination is a team effort, and every resident’s contribution makes a difference,” said Johan Jones, manager of waste and environment programs.
Alberta gives electrifying encouragement
A new campaign by the Alberta government will provide information about electricity rates.
The province hopes to encourage new residents and first-time ratepayers to review their electricity options.
Tens of thousands of households switched from the rate of last resort to competitive contracts last year. The campaign aims to ensure Albertans still on the Rate of Last Resort are aware they have choices.
“Alberta’s competitive electricity market gives consumers choice, and for most Albertans, competitive retail rates are a better choice than the rate of last resort,” said Chantelle de Jonge, parliamentary secretary for affordability and utilities.
“I encourage everyone to learn about their electricity options and contact the utilities consumer advocate if you need help understanding your utilities.”
New rules took effect on Jan. 1 and requires providers clearly show if customers are on the rate of last resort on their bills. Providers must also inform customers of competitive market options.
The utilities consumer advocate will contact rate of last resort customers every 90 days. They will confirm if customers want to stay on the default rate and encourage them to explore
other options.
“Moving to a new place can be overwhelming and expensive, especially for those coming from outside the province or country,” said Yuliia Haletska, case manager for Ukrainian vulnerable populations at the Centre for Newcomers. “Alberta’s government is helping ease stress and financial strain by making sure newcomers are informed about their electricity options.”
The rate of last resort is set at about 12 cents per kilowatt-hour. It changes every two years, with a cap of 10 per cent between terms to protect customers from sharp price increases. Albertans needing help with utility bills or disputes should contact the utilities consumer advocate.
GFL Environmental Inc. staff, wearing visible uniforms, will inspect the contents of the carts to identify contaminants.
The city says more than 1,511 tons of organic waste has been redirected to the landfill instead of being composted due to contamination since November 2022. For more information on proper waste sorting visit Lloydminster.ca/organics.
Existing recycling and waste collection will remain unchanged.
Photo Courtesy City of Lloydminster
CHRISTIAN APOSTOLOVSKI STAFF WRITER
DAN GRAY STAFF WRITER
File Photo
EV owners to pay extra tax in Alberta
Starting Feb. 13, Alberta will charge EV owners a $200 tax when they register their vehicles. Additionally, the fee will also apply at renewal each year. The amount is equivalent to the fuel tax surcharge an average gas vehicle uses each year.
“This is a fair way for all drivers to contribute to public services, and to help keep roads and highways safe and smooth,” said Alberta finance minister Nate Horner. “Alberta is joining a growing number of places across North America introducing this tax. (It’s) so drivers of both electric and gas vehicles are treated the same.”
Registry agents and MyAlberta eServices will collect the tax. However,
Hybrid vehicles, electric motorcycles, and electric off-highway vehicles like ATVs are exempt.
“Owners of electric vehicles that use the same roads as other Albertan drivers. It’s only fair they contribute to public services, including those that ensure the continued safety and upkeep of Alberta’s roads,” said Dale Nally, minister of service Alberta and red tape reduction. “I’m pleased Alberta registries have stepped up and made it easier for Albertans to comply by providing convenient locations to pay.”
The government announced the tax in Budget 2024 and passed it in the Alberta Legislature last fall. Exemptions include the federal government, diplomats, and First Nations people with a registered address on reserve.
DAN GRAY STAFF WRITER
Source File Photo
Lloydminster continues work on projects
CHRISTIAN APOSTOLOVSKI STAFF WRITER
The City of Lloydminster is carrying forward some of their projects from the previous calendar year.
While it’s something that comes up every year, a resolution by council is required to provide administration the authority to complete operating and capital work from the prior year.
The reasons for this carryforward, I’ve organized it into some similar reasons. External delay is $11.7 million dollars, there’s 17 projects there.
“The majority of city projects are budgeted and completed on an annual basis. However, there is instances when those projects need more than one year to be completed. As administration, we compile the list of those projects, and we bring them forward for council approval each year so administration has the authority to continue the work,” said Ryan Hill, financial planning and analysis manager with the City of Lloydminster.
In total carryforward, there’s just over $36 million in capital and $569,450 in operating carryforward.
The carryforward projects are supported by revenue allocated in the 2024 budget year. There will be no effect on the 2025 budget as a result.
“That means if they’re carried forward into 2025 there’s no implications to the ‘25 budget from a revenue side. It doesn’t change taxes it doesn’t change utility rates,” said Hill.
There are a number of reasons why projects would get carried into the following year for completion.
“The reasons for this carryforward, I’ve organized it into some similar reasons. External delay is $11.7 million dollars, there’s 17 projects there,” said Hill. “External delay means something outside of the city’s control is holding it up, be it a piece of legislation, maybe we’re waiting on a third party to get us something back. It’s just something that is affecting us. We can’t move forward without them first.”
Change in scope means the final scope of the project has yet to be determined or has been changed from when it was first approved.
Multi-year projects are projects like the Cenovus Energy Hub or the Wastewater Treatment Plant that take more than a year to complete.
Other reasons for a carryforward may include, under-resourced, delay in funding, supply chain, seasonal clean-up or warranty period.
Oil bids total over $150k in Lloyd area
The Lloydminster area earned more than $150,000 as part of the final crown oil and gas offering in the 2024-25 fiscal year.
In total, Saskatchewan’s latest Crown oil and gas public offering raised more than $3 million for the province.
The Feb. 4 sale brought in $3,039,589.20. According to a government release, most of the revenue came from the Estevan area.
The province put 29 parcels up for sale. However, bidders only placed acceptable offers on 25 parcels covering 2,753.836 hectares.
The Estevan area generated the most interest, bringing in $2,747,969.25. That revenue came from 16 leases covering 1,684.452 hectares.
The Lloydminster area generated $156,195.20 in bonus bids, while the Kindersley area brought in $135,424.75.
Millennium Lands (111) Ltd. placed the highest bid in the sale. The company paid $997,962.23 for
a 162.045-hectare lease northeast of Midale, which works out to an average of $6,158.55 per hectare.
The government raised $51,814,614.76 through the six sales during the last fiscal year.
The province said many factors impact public offering results, including oil and gas prices, land availability and market conditions.
More information about public offerings is available at saskatchewan.ca.
The city has been working to bring down the yearly value of their carryforward.
“When we took the major projects off last year we were about $18 million and this year we’re just under $14 million, we did make some headway on that. We are trying to lower this number where we can to get the projects done. So we did make some headway, last two or three years have been skewed number-wise by the Wastewater Treatment Plant and now Cenovus Energy Hub,” said Dion Pollard, Lloydminster city manager. Council passed the motion That Council approve the operating and capital carryforward projects.
File Photo
DAN GRAY STAFF WRITER
Source File Photo
Alberta government sets budget date
Health care, schooling and stability are the pillars of an upcoming provincial budget.
Alberta’s government is planning to tackle the strain of the province’s rapid population growth and prepare for future challenges with this year’s budget.
“Alberta is facing headwinds from every direction right now: cross-border trade issues, volatile oil prices and pressure on our public services as more people move here to make Alberta their home,” said Nate
Horner, president of treasury board and minister of finance. “I am working with my colleagues to build a budget that builds Alberta and meets the challenge head-on.”
Alberta’s population grew at a record pace in 2023 and 2024, increasing the demand for health care, education, and other public services. However, Budget 2025 aims to meet these demands while planning for long-term stability.
The government is focused on fast-
tracking school construction, maintaining fair and competitive taxes, and supporting high-quality health care and education. Meanwhile, it also faces challenge managing the costs of contract negotiations with thousands of public sector workers. Additionally, global uncertainties, such as shifts in energy markets and geopolitical tensions, add to the complexity of budget planning.
The development of Budget 2025 will continue throughout February.
DAN GRAY STAFF WRITER
Source File Photo
Lloydminster organizations receive cut of grant
CHRISTIAN APOSTOLOVSKI STAFF WRITER
Lloydminster organizations will be receiving funding thanks to a Saskatchewan grant.
Lloydminster council approved a motion to allocate some funding from the Saskatchewan Lotteries Community Grant.
A total of 13 organizations are getting a piece of the $86,454 in funding.
Patrick Lancaster, manager of social programs and services with the City of Lloydminster gave some insight into the committee that allocates the funding.
“The Community Service Advisory Committee is made up of eight community members, one member of council, Coun. David Lopez, one member is a youth appointee and six at large community members appointed to volun teer their time to review grant applications and provide recommendations to council,” he said. “There are other programs funded through Saskatchewan
Bonnyville updates old bylaw
according to administration.
lotteries, like Saskatchewan culture receives funding through Saskatchewan lotteries. The community grant program is one that’s specifically for municipalities to disperse programs within their community.”
Coun. Jim Taylor asked if there were any parameters surrounding what percentage of a funding request an organization gets.
“There aren’t specific guidelines around the percentage of the funds that go out to any given organization. We do advise the committee that while often there is a desire to fund as many different projects as possible and see all applicants receive funding. That consideration really does have to be given to will the project be viable with a partial amount of funding given,” said Lancaster.
“I do believe the committee has done a pretty good job of that. Under very seldom circumstances have we ever had an organization come back to us and say ‘we’re sorry there’s not enough funds here for us to proceed’ and to decline the funding.”
Lancaster says the next steps for them would be to reach out to the organizations and see if they’re ready to proceed with the allocated funding. At which time, administration would then draft up contracts. If any funds were to be declined there is a process in the Saskatchewan Lotteries Community Grant Policy.
Taylor asked if any groups appeal to them not getting funding through this program.
“We do get groups that come back and usually ask for feedback, what can we do better, guidance about future applications and sometimes even questions about allocation,” Lancaster.
Lancaster clarified that the policy itself does not have an appeal process for funding.
Being a sitting member of the committee, Lopez gave some insight into difficulties groups may face when applying for and using the funding.
“As an organization you have to really think outside of the box being in Lloydminster and saying, ‘Okay what can we do in Saskatchewan,’” he said. “It’s really an interesting thing that it’s proper Lloydminster or Saskatchewan. If you want to go to Vermilion to go to the park, it can’t be a part of this grant.”
Some updates have been made to Bonnyville’s animal control bylaw.
Updates were presented to Bonnyville council during the Jan. 14 meeting.
Last spring, administration had proposed changes to the penalties section of this particular bylaw in order to make pet owners more accountable for their animals. When the bylaw was reviewed there was also a need to update some of the sections.
Coun. Kayla Blanchette asked administration for some specifics about what was updated in the current version of the bylaw.
“I know that we talked about lifetime pet licensing and things like that,” she said.
Penalties were increased, onetime licensing fees for both cats and dogs and there were changes to some of the restricted animals,
There is another outcome with this bylaw.
“A secondary outcome of these changes, we will be able to alleviate some of the pressure on our shel ter,” explained Blanchete.
The question of how people obtain licenses for alternative animals was brought up.
Under section 26 of the bylaw it states, “No person shall keep or have any of the following on any premises in the Town, unless that person has a licence from the chief administrative officer.”
Animals listed under this section include poultry, bees, pigeons or rabbits.
Administration clarified it would be done similar to a development permit where research would be done, ensuring provincial regula tions are covered.
Council approved the grant allocation for the 13 Lloydminster organiza tions. A full list of the organizations receiving funding is available online at
Council gave all three readings to the bylaw adopting the bylaw.
Christian Apostolovski Meridian Source
Coun. Michele Charles Gustafson and Justin Vance during a recent meeting of Lloydminster city council.
CHRISTIAN APOSTOLOVSKI STAFF WRITER
File Photo
presented by Kristine Knourek
Vermilion renews Community Futures membership
CHRISTIAN APOSTOLOVSKI STAFF WRITER
The Town of Vermilion will once again be a member of Community Futures Lloydminster and Region.
Council received a request from the organization as to whether they will be continuing their membership.
Administration said the town has other memberships that are beneficial to the community and the region.
Coun. Kevin Martin asked if the renewal membership costs changed.
“The Community Futures I don’t have a history on that one so I couldn’t find that,” said Mike van der Torre, Town of Vermilion interim CAO.
Coun. Robert Pulyk spoke to his time with Community Futures.
“Community futures really focuses on helping entrepreneurs in the area. So it covers quite a broad area, there are 12 municipalities in our region within this organizations, we have Lloydminster, Vermilion, County of Vermilion River, RM of Wilton, RM of Britannia, Kitscoty, Marwayne, Paradise Valley, Dewberry, Lashburn, Marshall, Onion Lake Cree Mation,” he said.
Pulyk says the reason this is coming forward is because community futures is redoing its bylaws and is looking to see if municipalities still want to have an elected official appointed to the organization.
“I can tell you having been on this group there is no fee for us to belong. But it definitely provides the elected official the opportunity to network. Network is the key here, with all the different municipalities that are involved with community futures to provide input as to where the funding should be directed for community futures,” he said.
Community Futures says if 75 per cent wish to give up their membership it would lead to a restructuring based fully on volunteer members at large.
Other Community Futures offices in Alberta have already made the shift to a volunteer board rather than having municipally appointed officials.
Vermilion council voted in favour of renewing their membership with Community Futures Lloydminster and Region.
Overnight fire rips through rural farm shop
County of Vermilion Protective Services responded to a reported structure fire south of Highway 619 and Range Road 20 just after 11 p.m. on Feb. 4.
Over 20 firefighters from Paradise Valley, Kitscoty, and Blackfoot, as well as county staff, attended the blaze. Upon arrival, crews located a fully-engulfed large agricultural shop filled with farm implements and tractors.
Tankers from all three respond -
ing departments shuttled water from Blackfoot to the site. Meanwhile, firefighters ran multiple attack lines to extinguish the blaze from multiple sides. They also limited exposure to a nearby home.
ATCO Power and the County of Vermilion gas worked to shut off utilities and help make the scene safer for responders working on the flames.
At 1 a.m., Paradise Valley deputy Fire Chief, Lyndon Davies, declared a stop loss, and crews transitioned to salvage and overhaul operations.
Lloyd, Bonnyville RCMP charge youth with robbery
RCMP have arrested an underage individual responsible for two recent robberies involving pepper spray. The 17-year-old from Saskatoon was arrested Feb. 4.
On Jan. 29 at approximately 3:28 p.m., Bonnyville RCMP responded to a robbery in the area of 43 St.
The victim met with the suspect to sell an item. The suspect sprayed the seller with what is believed to be pepper spray when approached, and stole the item before fleeing.
On Feb. 2 at approximately 5:32 p.m., Lloydminster RCMP responded to a report of a robbery, in the area of 80 Ave. The victim was
attempting to sell property to the suspect. When the sellers arrived to meet the suspect, they were sprayed with what is believed to be pepper spray, and stole their property.
Later that day, at approximately 6:43 p.m., Lloydminster RCMP responded to another report of a robbery that had occurred in the area of 48 Street. In the second incident, the victim had attempted to purchase an item from the suspect who then sprayed the victims with a substance, that is believed to be pepper spray.
On Feb. 4, the suspect was located by police in St. Paul, Alta., and arrested without incident. The 17-year-old male resident of Saskatoon, Sask., who cannot be named under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, has been charged with the following offences in connection to the Bonnyville incident.
• Robbery x2
• Assault
• Theft over $5,000
The youth was also charged with following offences in connection to the Lloydminster incidents:
• Fail to comply with release order x5
• Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose x2
DAN GRAY STAFF WRITER
Photo courtesy of County of Vermilion Protective Services
Border City Card Show continues to grow, give
TAYLOR WEAVER EDITOR
Pick a card ... any card!
The fifth annual Border City Card Show will fill the Gold Horse Casino from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on March 22 while raising money for school lunch programs in Onion Lake Cree Nation.
“Whether the hobby is Pokémon, hockey, baseball, basketball, Magic: The Gathering … whatever they’re into collecting, there’s something for everybody there,” said organizer Chris Brinklow.
As for the charitable aspect of the event, Brinklow noted proceeds from each show have been donated to a local non-profit organization.
Brinklow also explained the show has seen significant growth over the years.
“We started with a small show at Border City Games and have seen things really grow from there,” said Brinklow.
“I felt like we could be bigger, and two years later we hosted the show at the LloydMall and had 28 tables set up.”
Last year’s event, which was also hosted at the Gold Horse Casino, featured 52 tables. Brinklow expects even bigger numbers this year.
“We’re still turning people away at 54 tables. That’s our maximum, I don’t think we can fit anymore,” he said.
For Brinklow, the card show is all about sharing his passion with others.
• Unauthorized possession of a firearm x2
• Possession of a firearm knowing it is unauthorized
• Possession of a firearm in a motor vehicle
• Robbery to steal firearm
• Possession of a break in instrument
• Robbery x2
The youth was brought before a Justice of the Peace and was remanded into custody. They are scheduled to appear in court on Feb. 11 at the Alberta Court of Justice in Lloydminster.
Thursday, February 13, 2025
MERIDIAN SOURCE
Sports
Holy Rosary High School (HRHS) has launched a new Raiders Rowing Club to give students another way to stay active and compete.
Despite only being a week old, the club already has more than two dozen participants.
Principal, Jeremy Blais, said rowing offers students a new challenge.
“We have a lot of different opportunities for students to be a part of,” said Blais. “Rowing is something many of our athletes can use to keep training for their other sports.”
The club also benefits from the experienced leadership of Michelle Lopez, a school counsellor and rowing coach. Lopez brings knowledge and enthusiasm to the program.
“Rowing is a great sport that’s accessible to everyone,” said Lopez. “You don’t need experience to try it. It’s low impact, great for cardio, and builds power and endurance.”
The club welcomes students from all athletic backgrounds.
“We currently have 36 club members from basketball, volleyball, hockey, and swimming,” said Lopez. “It’s a great way to cross-train and try something new.”
Rowing offers students the chance to compete at both indoor and outdoor levels. Currently, the focus is on indoor rowing, but future opportunities are growing.
“There’s an Alberta and Saskatchewan indoor rowing championship in March,” said Lopez. “For now, we’re
Raiders row home
building skills and preparing students for competition.”
Nigel McCarthy, director of education for the Lloydminster Catholic School Division, praised the sport’s benefits.
“Rowing builds teamwork, balance, and grace,” said McCarthy. “It’s all-inclusive and can be done indoors all winter before moving outdoors in spring.”
For students like Grade 11 rower Evie Hage, the sport is about more than competition.
“The people in rowing are amazing,” said Hage. “They’re always happy and welcoming. I was encouraged to try it, and now I love it.”
Hage enjoys the challenge and camaraderie.
“It’s a great cardio workout, and you get to be part of a team,” she said. “It’s also much warmer indoors.”
The club aims to grow in the coming years following the success of other school sports. That leads them to open up for participation in the coast-to-coast competition on Feb. 24.
Studen ts, staff and parents are welcome to come take in the boathouse. They can then participate by logging a few miles towards the goal of rowing from coast to coast.
The event happens Feb. 24 at HRHS between 5-7 p.m.
“W e hope the future is bright for rowing,” said Lopez. “This is just the beginning of something great.”
DAN GRAY STAFF WRITER
Dan Gray Meridian Source Photo
4th Meridian Classic packs local rinks
Girls from across Saskatchewan and Alberta came to Lloydminster to participate in the 4th Meridian Female Classic over the weekend.
A total of 18 teams, some from as far away as Airdrie and Regina, joined 10 LMHA teams for the tournament. They took over the Servus Sports Centre, Russ Robertson and Archie Miller arenas on Jan. 7.
Aaron Canfield is a member of the organizing committee. He believes the tournament is important to host each year.
“I think it’s a good way to support female hockey and show just how much it’s grown,” said Canfield. “It’s an atmosphere where they can have fun and gain experience.”
There is an economic impact when tournaments like this are held in town.
Lloydminster Minor Hockey Asso -
ciation president and U18 AAA Steelers coach, Dan Auchenberg, said the team alone takes up 10 hotel rooms when they go on the road.
“So, 18 teams coming to Lloyd, some staying overnight can only be good news,” said Auchenberg. “That number doesn’t include parents and other family members who travel with us. Add to that three meals a day, snacks and other shopping, it has an impact on the community.”
A farmer’s market merchant who was packing up said it was busier than usual. She also saw new faces at her kiosk.
Steve Gelhen, another organizer, said the tournament covered five divisions over the three days.
“We hope everyone had a great weekend,” said Gelhan. “We appreciate all the support from across our community for this event.”
The U11 and U15A Blazers won their respective divisions.
DAN GRAY STAFF WRITER
Dan Gray Meridian Source Photos
Carothers leads Rustlers to weekend sweep
Two hat-tricks by Hailey Carothers helped the Lakeland College Rustlers women’s hockey team sweep a weekend away in Olds.
The Olds College Broncos proved to be no match for the first-place Rustlers over two games.
The Rustlers won 5-1 on Feb. 8, which was followed with an 11-1 win on Feb. 9.
Carothers led the charge, scoring six goals across both games. Sydney Grover had four points and Olivia Mann added five assists.
The Rustlers started strong on Feb. 8. Carothers opened the scoring late in the first period. She added another in the second, putting Lakeland up 2-0.
Olds College got on the board in the third. Brogan Carlson scored on the power play, assisted by Tessa Knisely and Caybri De Jong.
Lakeland responded with three unanswered goals. Alyssa Shaw, Asha Petrie, and Carothers sealed the win.
Goaltender Mackenzie Gould-Sharpe made 17 saves for the Rustlers.
The Rustlers dominated from the start in Sunday’s rematch. They scored five times in the first period and never looked back.
Carothers recorded another hat trick. Sydney Grover scored twice. Amiyah Jones, Austyn Eaton, Kylie Perry, Olivia Mann, Addison Eurich, and Ella Wingert each added a goal.
Shaye Thompson stopped 10 shots for the Rustlers.
Zenith Vanstone scored Olds College’s lone goal in the third period.
Head coach Morgan Mann praised his team’s
performance, especially the Feb. 9 game.
“We had a strong weekend, putting up 16 goals. Our first game was a little sloppy, but we were really pleased with how we played yesterday,” said Mann. “Everything was clicking, and sometimes you just have those games where things go right—that was the case yesterday.”
The women will likely set another ACAC season
win and goal total by the end of the year, but they don’t want to get ahead of themselves.
“We’ve secured first place going into the playoffs. Having home ice is a big advantage, but the playoffs are a whole new season—everyone starts fresh,” said Mann. “As good as our season has been, we hope to be playing our best hockey in a couple of weeks.”
DAN GRAY STAFF WRITER
Source File Photo
Rustlers mens’ basketball sweep Wolves
The Lakeland College Rustlers men’s basketball team dominated the Northwestern Polytechnic (NWP) Wolves at home last weekend.
They took Friday’s (Feb. 8) game 95-57 and secured a thrilling 95-86 overtime win on Saturday (Feb. 9).
The Rustlers ran roughshod over the Wolves Friday night from start to finish. They jumped to an early lead, outscoring the visitors 22-16 in the first
Lakeland pulled away in the second half, outscoring the Wolves 52-24. Allayasa Bray led with 21 points, shooting 9-for-11 from the field. Bahaeddin Salma added 17 points, and Riley Rathwell scored 14.
The three-point shooting inevitably led to the overwhelming win. The Rustlers shot 42.9 per cent from three-point range, compared to Wolves’ 10 per cent.
Good defence, a pillar for the team, also performed well, forcing 13 turnovers and grabbing 18 steals. Their strong defence held NWP to 38.1 per cent shooting overall.
Saturday’s game was much closer. Lakeland led 23-18 after the first quarter, but NWP fought back, outscoring the Rustlers 25-16 in the second. The home team responded in the third, regaining 62-59 lead.
The teams traded baskets in the fourth quarter. With the game tied at 81, the Rustlers took over in overtime, outscoring their opponents 14-5.
Bray delivered another standout performance, scoring 31 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. Matthew Bryant struggled with his shot but hit 10 free throws to finish with 12 points. Salma and Rathwell added 12 points each.
With the wins, Lakeland improved to 12-5 on the season. They look to carry the momentum into next weekend’s matchups at NAIT.
by
DAN GRAY STAFF WRITER
Dan Gray Meridian Source Photo
Photo
Amy Gray
Doubles curling takes over Lloyd
A weekend open doubles bonspiel drew teams from Lloydminster and beyond.
A team from Saskatoon and another from Cold Lake joined 14 teams from Lloydminster to participate in doubles curling, a sport that’s seen major growth as of late in Canada.
“The doubles concept has taken over the last few years and been very popular, especially in the border city,” said Rick Woods, bonspiel organizer. “It’s a different style of game with less thrown rocks and different concepts on the ice.”
The winners of the “A” event and bonspiel were also the youngest team, Baron Robson and Keegan Doyle. Both have only been curling for three years.
An extra end was required for them to beat the team from Cold Lake with a steal of one point.
“It feels really good,” said Doyle. “I was curling really well this weekend.”
Robson noted the difference in two styles.
“There’s only two of you to make the shots and share the enjoyment,” he said. “I made a few shots here and there, but I always have room for improvement.”
The other event winners were as follows:
B: Jensen Manners & Evan Latos
C: Genevieve Armstrong & Ryan
Armstrong
D: Event Wendy Leaman & Lee
Torrence
Woods hopes the bonspiel can draw even more curlers next year.
Bobcats need to step on gas, finish strong
The Lloydminster Bobcats are hoping to skate out of the hole they’ve carved for themselves after three big losses so far this month.
The Bobcats (21-17-1-3) are still third in Alberta Junior Hockey League North standings, six points behind the Grande Prairie Storm. However, a 5-1 loss to Drayton Valley (Feb. 1), a 5-0 loss to Drumheller (Feb. 8) and a 7-1 loss to Calgary (Feb. 11) didn’t help the team’s momentum.
With 12 regular-season games
DAN GRAY STAFF WRITER
Curlers Baron Robson and Keegan Doyle. Dan Gray Meridian Source Photo
remaining this season, the ‘Cats return to the Civic Centre this Saturday, Feb. 15 to host the Camrose Kodiaks.
TAYLOR WEAVER EDITOR
Source File Photo
PAGE 26
Thursday, February 13, 2025
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