Jason Whiting Videre Images photo
A Kings’ return for the Hub’s outdoor rink
CHRISTIAN APOSTOLOVSKI STAFF WRITER
On a gusty Saturday, the Kings Energy outdoor rink at the Cenovus Energy Hub made its return to form after strong winds left it damaged.
“It’s served our community well. It’s back out again with a fresh look and (will) have the community enjoy it for a very long time.
- Mayor Gerald Aalbers
Representatives from Kings Energy Group and the City of Lloydminster gathered outside to officially reopen the rink on Jan. 31.
“It’s served our community well. It’s back out again with a fresh look and (will) have the community enjoy it for a very long time,” said Lloydminster Mayor Gerald Aalbers during opening remarks. “I can’t say thank you enough on behalf of our city council, city and (the) community at large.”
Darren King, owner of Kings
Energy Group, spoke to the importance of the game of shinny.
“These games are decided by the next-goal-wins at some point, when everyone has to go. I think that really speaks to the heart of what the game is about,” he explained. “There’s a special glow that comes about anyone who plays the game outside.”
King says they chose to sponsor the outdoor rink as it reflected the company’s values.
“This is probably the thing that fits closest to the things we want to support in the community,” he said.
“It reflects our values and I think it reflects the things we want to make sure continue in Lloyd.”
A windstorm hit Lloydminster on Jan. 15, bringing powerful gusts that ultimately knocked over some elements of the outdoor rink.
“Some of the glass and the mullions that hold it up were damaged. They really popped out of the boards and were thrown loose,” said Tracy Simpson, executive manager of community development services, with the City of Lloydminster.
“Some of them were damaged, some of them were salvageable and so, (we were) working with our supplier and contractors to figure
out the best way to fix it.”
Standing by the outdoor rink in the strong winds, Simpson said not all sections had been restored yet.
“As you can see, there’s some gaps in the glass. We just haven’t put those sections back in,” she said.
The costs of the damage is still unknown.
City of Lloyd open house packs Servus Sports Centre
A crowd of eager residents packed the OTS room at the Servus Sports Centre for the City of Lloydminster’s southwest area structure plan open house.
“We did have a great turnout to this event,” said Natasha Pidkowa, City of Lloydminster manager of planning, on Jan. 29.
She says while not every open house they host sees a turnout as good as that one, residents are starting to get more engaged.
“I think more and more, we are seeing community come out and vocalize an opinion and share their ideas,” she said. “It’s something that’s great to see and really appreciated by our planning team.”
Phase 1 and 2 of this project has been completed. Now in Phase 3, the city is focusing on sharing information with landowners, stakeholders and the general public.
“We had some great conversations with residents living in various areas of Parkview,” said Pidkowa, noting there’s land reserved for the Bud Miller Park expansion.
The structure plan gives an overview of what residents can expect in the southwest portion of Lloyd in terms of future development.
“The southwest area structure plan is a high-level framework that will guide future
development of undeveloped lands in the southwest quadrant of the City of Lloydminster for approximately a 30-to-40-year time,” she said.
“The intention of the approval of an area structure plan is to give residents, city council and developers security of the land uses that can be expected to develop in proximity to their lands.”
The study covered 15.5 quarter-sections of land in the southwest. The general boundaries of the study area include Highway 16, 75 Ave., 12 St. and Highway 17.
For those that missed the open house, information can be found on the city’s website.
“We actively maintain our project page at yourvoicelloyd.ca/swasp,” said Pidkowa. “Within that project page, they can submit a question, which will be shared with our project team. We also have a general email planning@ lloydminster.ca.”
She says the project team will continue collecting feedback from the public until Feb. 12.
“That period will close and the team will go into drafting the formal document,” she said. “In late March or early April, there’ll be a formal document, including policies, regulations, circulated to the public for review and comment.”
“It won’t all be on the city because it’s still under its construction warranty. There may be some opportunities to recoup some costs,” said Simpson.
Following the opening ceremonies and ribbon-cutting, the U13 AAA Lancers took to the ice to play a game of shinny.
CHRISTIAN APOSTOLOVSKI STAFF WRITER
Lloydminster Mayor Gerald Aalbers (left) cut the ribbon alongside Kings Energy Group owner Darren King. Christian Apostolovski Meridian Source
Kindness Wins features new colour while giving back
Kindness is sporting a familiar green this year.
The Lloydminster and District Co-op’s Kindness Wins campaign, entering its 16th year, has officially launched, with proceeds from clothing sales supporting local initiatives.
This year, the campaign’s typical pink is joined by the Lakeland College Rustlers women’s hockey team’s green.
CITY OF LLOYDMINSTER PROPERTY ASSESSMENT OPEN HOUSE
Property assessment notices were mailed on Friday, January 30, 2026. If you have questions regarding your assessment and property valuation, you are encouraged to attend the Property Assessment & Taxation Open House.
Date: Thursday, February 26, 2026
Time: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Assessors by appointment only)
Location: Council Chambers, City Hall (4420 50 Avenue)
To book an appointment, call 780-875-6184, Ext. 2147.
If you do not receive your assessment notice on or before February 23, 2026, call 780-875-6184 Ext. 2124.
Additional information is available online at www.lloydminster.ca
“We’re super-excited about the Kindness Wins Campaign this year,” said Peter Brown, Lloydminster and District Co-op CEO. “Our biggest change was moving over to the Lakeland Rustlers and partnering with this team, the women’s Rustlers hockey team.
“Come in, support, get a cool shirt. We have them in pink, or the special colour this year is green. The same green as the Rustler’s women’s hockey team.”
Funds from the clothing will support Beyond Borders Circle of Change along with the Rustlers.
“Anytime we move to a different partner, they also get a small royalty,” said Brown, noting they’re looking to top total fundraising from last year.
“I believe it was $56,000 (raised all-time). Our largest year was last year and we’re really hoping to blow that out of the water, again,” he said.
Beyond Borders Circle of Change has already had 15 schools apply for the $300 grants they provide.
“With that money, we stream it into what we call our Kindness Wins grant program,” said Melissa Plamondon, Beyond Border Circle of Change board member. “Every school is invited to apply for a $300 grant to go toward a kindness wins initiative within their school.”
Holy Rosary High School and the Lloydminster Comprehensive High School have Kindness Is Power (KIP) teams, which support anti-bullying efforts.
“There’s a KIP team that exists in both Holy Rosary High School and Lloydminster Comprehensive High School,” said Plamondon. “These are students in grades 10 through 12 that are trained to become youth facilitators of bullying prevention programming to younger students. They’re also trained in healthy youth relationship programming as well.”
The KIP teams receive training and promote kindness and bullying prevention in the community.
“I think it’s always great to promote kindness and compassion within our community,” said Plamondon. “There’s always room for growth in that area and it’s just a very positive morale boost.”
Ife Antonio, a student involved with the KIP team at Holy Rosary, says this campaign has a direct impact on the schools.
“Kindness Campaign is very influential and impactful,” she says. “Through my work from KIP and Lloydminster Youth Council, just seeing the impact of what our youth voices can do and what that brings to our community is really important.”
The group’s usual programming, including costume contests and Pink Drink Day, will be expanded this year.
“This year, (we’re) kind of switching that up and going from week to week so we can see the impact throughout the month and also (so) everyone can be actively a part of that,” said Antonio.
She says participation is key.
“Once we go in and advocate for these things, we show that bullying is not OK and we don’t want that in our community. We see that turnaround and that switch for many students in our school,” she said.
Shirts, sweaters and all clothing is available for purchase locally.
“They can participate both at the marketplace, they’re at all four of our gas bars and in the Neilburg grocery store,” Brown explained.
CHRISTIAN APOSTOLOVSKI STAFF WRITER
Members of the Lakeland College Rustlers women’s hockey team help kick off this year’s Lloydminster and District Co-op Kindness Wins campaign on Feb. 2. Christian Apostolovski Meridian Source
A full-circle return for St. Thomas students
For a group of Grade 12 French immersion students, a Literacy Week visit to École St. Thomas was more than a chance to read stories aloud — it was a return to where their own educations first began.
Students from Holy Rosary High School joined kindergarteners at École St. Thomas on Jan. 30 to help wrap up Literacy Week, reading books, playing games and sharing time in classroom centres. The visiting seniors were part of the first kindergarten class when the school opened, making the visit a full-circle moment.
“Literacy Week is wrapping up this week, and we have French immersion students from Holy Rosary coming over to spend time with our kindergarteners,” said École St. Thomas principal Chantale Salt last Friday. “They’re coming to do some reading, play with them in their centres and share a love of reading.”
Because the visiting students are French immersion, Salt said the experience also gave younger students a chance to see where their own language learning could lead.
“It will be a nice way for our littles to see older kids speak French, too,” she said.
The visit capped off a busy Literacy Week at École St. Thomas, which included a steady stream of guest readers and themed activities.
“We’ve had a lot of guest readers come in throughout the week to share stories,” said Salt. “We had parents, admin staff and our director, Glenda Kary, and superintendent, Vince Orieux, also come in to read.”
Students also dressed up as their favourite book characters earlier in the week, and celebrated the school’s patron saint, St. Thomas Aquinas, and his love of learning and reading.
Salt said introducing literacy at a young age is critical, both academically and socially.
“Reading is the best. I’m a reader and think it’s the best thing you can do with your children, or kids to do with parents, in general,” she said. “It’s good quality time spent together, but studies show the more you read with children, the more it helps build their language and vocabulary as they continue to grow.”
She added that books offer something for every interest.
“Books are different worlds. You can escape
A Grade 12 student from Holy Rosary High School reads to a kindergarten student at École St. Thomas Elementary on Jan. 30.
into whatever interests you,” said Salt. “We have students who love fiction, we have students who love non-fiction. Everybody has something they like, and those who don’t like reading just haven’t found the right book yet.”
Strong reading skills also support writing development, she said.
“The stronger readers your students are, the stronger writers they are.”
For the kindergarteners, the visit was a highlight.
“I think the kids are going to love it,” said Salt. “They love when somebody else is coming to pay attention to them and they’ll be able to have a bit more one-on-one time with someone who, for them, is an adult.”
Six-year-old Lennox was paired with Grade 12 student Cashton, who happily read together throughout the afternoon.
For Cashton, the experience carried extra meaning.
“It’s really cool coming back, especially since this was the classroom I was in kindergarten in,” Cashton said. “Being the first class in this school and then coming back, it’s the same but a little different. It’s nice.”
Salt said moments like that show the long-term impact of early literacy.
“It’s great,” she said. “Getting them excited to read at a young age helps start the education process.”
As for Lennox, who was far more talkative before the interview officially began, the visit simply added up to a fun afternoon spent with books — and a glimpse of what his own future at the school might one day look like.
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TAYLOR WEAVER EDITOR
Taylor WeaverMeridian Source
Kneen settling into new role, optimistic about 2026
STAFF WRITER
New Lloydminster Region Health Foundation CEO Kagan Kneen is stepping into the role with optimism and a clear focus on what lies ahead for local health care.
He officially started on Dec. 8, 2025, after serving as the executive director of the Lloydminster Men’s Shelter.
“It’s a big adjustment. There’s a lot that comes into this role and the position,” said Kneen. “Learning the systems, getting to know the team, getting to know gala committees. There’s a lot of people to meet and relationships start to form.”
Relationships will be a focus for Kneen as he plans to connect with more community partners.
“I think for myself, being new as the CEO, I’m expected to do some shoulder taps. I’m excited to meet a bunch of people and start building some of those relationships,” he explained.
The foundation recently held its first event under Kneen’s leadership.
“(Ignite) went really well. Super well-attended,” he said. “Ignite was great, great attendance, good sponsorship.”
Even a last-minute change to the event was handled by the team.
“My team is phenomenal. They were able to get Jessica Janzen to come in and cover for Sarah Wells last minute, same day,” said Kneen.
Looking forward, Kneen says they’ve already engaged with local sponsors for upcoming events.
“I’ve engaged with quite a few (sponsors) for the (health foundation) gala and we have the Synergy Sunrise Run coming up in May,” he said. “There’s a lot of big events to start connecting with some of the donors and sponsors.”
The focus of this year’s gala will be cancer.
“This year with the gala, we’re really going to be jumping into cancer care, which impacts everybody, or impacted by cancer, somebody they know,” Kneen explained, noting the focus on cancer care won’t just be during the gala.
“There is such a need in our community and it’s great that we have a solution at the hospital. But we can do better and I’m very excited for changes that will be happening from a cancer-care perspective.”
The Synergy Sunrise Run will be returning after a breakout year that saw 350 people registered to participate.
“We’re going to have the 5K that we had done last year, but we’re also going to do a 7K and a mini mile for kids,” he said. “There’s a few exciting changes that are going to be happening to this year’s event. Very excited to hopefully see an increase in participation and, obviously, raising those dollars for mental health.”
He says the running route will look a little different this year, too.
“It’s going to run through Bud Miller Park and start and finish at Holy Rosary High School,” said Kneen.
The health foundation will partner with 321 Go Running to help make the event happen.
“They do a lot of the back-end work. I’m very excited for this second annual run,” he said.
Other foundation staples will continue this year, including the annual dodgeball tournament.
CHRISTIAN APOSTOLOVSKI
Kagan Kneen. Christian Apostolovski Meridian Source
Fish and game banquet sees yearly growth
CHRISTIAN APOSTOLOVSKI STAFF WRITER
The Lloydminster and District Fish and Game Association hosted its annual family wildlife and awards banquet to a growing crowd.
“We got up to 345 (people attending), pretty good from last year. We were up from 300,” said Dwayne Davison, president of the, Lloydminster and District Fish and Game Association. “We’re inching our way back to over 400.”
The event was held Jan. 31 at the WLS Convention Centre, where attendees enjoyed a fun night.
“They’re expecting a great meal and great entertainment,” Davison said as the event was starting.
Adventurer Calem Watson provided entertainment for the night, telling stories about his travels.
For members of the association, the event not only serves as a chance to get together, but also an awards night.
“It’s a social and we certainly want it to be recognized as an awards night, also, for all fishing awards, hunting awards and that type of thing,” said Davison. “Based off the fish, the size. You get first, second place. Any of the first-place people get moved on to provincial awards.”
There was plenty of meat for eventgoers to sample.
“We have various meats from Diamond 7, (including) homemade jerky. We get donated meat and I sit down, usually with a few other fellows, and we make jerky,” he said. “I made 50 pounds this year. We are generally 50 to 60 pounds, that we do every year.”
There were also live auction items, raffles and a silent auction.
“We’ve had great support again this year from our donors,” explained, Davison, noting the organization’s next event is its annual fish fry.
“Our next event is our fish fry on April 23 at the Moose Lodge,” he said. “We only have 200 tickets for that and they do go quick.”
Tickets for the fish fry aren’t currently
available, however, purchase information will be on the Lloydminster and District Fish and Game Association’s Facebook page when they’re available.
When it came to some parting words for the banquet, Davison says he’s happy to see the high attendance.
“I’m just glad to see lots of people here and I know they’re not going to go home hungry.”
Attendees prepare to dive into a meal at the WLS Convention Centre for the Lloydminster Fish and Game Association Family Wildlife and Awards Banquet.
Christian Apostolovski Meridian Source
Thursday, February 5, 2026
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and Louis Stang
EDITOR TAYLOR WEAVER
Look up. Look, way up.
In the Border City, all eyes are on Ean Bull and Louis Stang as they live atop a scaffolding tower in a homemade igloo behind city hall to raise money for Telemiracle 50.
Coined Geeks on the Peak, the two Lloydminster Kinsmen Club members ascended the tower at 5 p.m. Sunday and aren’t coming down until tomorrow evening.
The local Kinsmen Club’s annual Telemiracle Steak Night will cap the event on Saturday, with the igloo — dubbed The Penguin House — being auctioned off to further fundraising efforts.
If you haven’t checked it out, the entire event is being livestreamed on Dynasoft Communication’s Facebook page, and the pair have been interacting with comments and donors throughout.
Their first night on the peak was a cold one. Winds were gusting around 20 km/h upon ascent, and the wind chill had it feeling like -16 C. Then the snow came, which was beautifully captured by local photographer and city councillor Jason Whiting. Despite the cold and blowing snow, Bull and Stang held their heads high and made the most of what was probably an uncomfortable situation.
They’re up there for a great cause and, after interviewing the pair a week before the event started, it’s safe to say it’s one they hold close to their hearts.
The fundraiser is a reincarnation of Bull’s
original Geek on the Peak, which he organized 20 years ago and raised $20,000 in the process. This year’s fundraiser beat the original event’s totals on Day 1, raising $22,000 in the first five hours.
In my opinion, that’s incredible. I’ve been living in Lloydminster since 2014, and this community never ceases to amaze me when it comes to fundraising. Border City residents never shy away from opening their wallets to help a community fundraiser, especially when it comes to Telemiracle. The annual steak night fundraiser is a community favourite, and last year’s event raised almost $50,000 toward Telemiracle’s overall goal.
To donate to the campaign, call 780-808-8761 or visit geekonthepeak.com.
Telemiracle is an annual 20-hour event that supports Saskatchewan residents requiring specialized medical and mobility equipment, as well as assistance with medical travel. Last year’s event raised $5.7 million and, since its inception in 1977, the event has raised more than $171 million for the Kinsmen Foundation.
Ean Bull
brave the weather on Sunday night (Feb. 1) as they kick off Geek on the Peak to raise money for Telemiracle 50. The two Lloydminster Kinsmen Club members come down from their temporary home this Friday. Jason Whiting Videre Images photo
Chris’ A-Z: Holiday blues catchin’ up
I may be now over a month removed from Christmas and a month out from new years, but I’m still thinking about the holidays.
Particularly, I stumbled across a video from 1988 where they talked about mental stress and alcohol consumption around Christmastime.
The video interviewed local experts who said it can be difficult if you’re depressed and you believe everyone else is happy. It brings you at odds with others and can make you believe no one understands where you’re coming from.
Talking about your feelings was another key tactic. Although it wouldn’t necessarily solve the problem, talking about it could help.
I’m sure you’re wondering, what are we talking about here. The old PSA of talk about your feelings is one that can never be repeated too often. Relating to others is important and the impact of being a good listener can go very far.
The reason I’m here writing these words is because writing out how you feel can be an effective way to get your feelings out, maybe even provide some minor relief.
I came into 2026 with two simple goals, work on my mental health and do better in the community, particularly by shedding more light on local non-profits.
I’ll start with the latter; I’ve met with so many amazing individuals who work so hard to better the community. Organizations who, through sheer determination, manage to make each day a little bit better. I’ve been on this side of the microphone for quite awhile, but I’ve never felt as fulfilled as I do with the work I’ve been doing. Looking forward, it isn’t going to stop, there’s plenty left to do for me.
Moving back to the first point above, I’ve wanted to work on my mental health. I’ll preface this by saying I haven’t been to a therapist, I probably should, I am also not on any medications, ditto.
This year so far has been tough, and the bad times keep coming. I’ve definitely found myself struggling maybe more than I expected to. Small things build up and sometimes I’m unsure what to do.
So, what have I been doing to combat these feelings of dread. For one, I’ve tried to slow down. If I feel something boiling up, I like to take a pause, take a breath, and reassess. I’ve also been trying to take it one day at a time. Tomorrow’s a new day and today’s problems will soon disappear.
I’ve been trying to put things into better perspective, too. When I’m frustrated or having a tough day, I try to reflect on the positives in my life. When you think of the things that make you happy and keep you moving it can help brighten your mood.
For me, the three things I think about every day are simple. My lovely wife, Hope, and my two cats, Jonah and Waltz. All three are unique in their own right. One of the highlights of my day is getting greeted at home by eager cats who just want attention. Even for my very frightened cat Waltz, he’s come into his own and really begun to appreciate pets and just being together.
I could ramble on forever, I think if you’re going to do anything this year,
it’s just, be positive. I’ve also gotten myself off of social media and not only do I have more time, but I find people’s negative opinions aren’t affecting me at all.
Anyway, thanks for reading, I’m going to go listen to some happy music and try to forget what ails me.
Stock photo
Passport to YLL
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.
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.
Toy Story at the Vic Juba Community Theatre
The United Ballet Company brings Toy Story to the Vic Juba Community Theatre on Sunday, Feb. 8, at 3 p.m. Tickets are available online or at the theatre’s box office and are $20 for adults and $10 for anyone under 18.
Doubles Crib Tournament
The Lloydminster Moose Lodge is hosting a doubles cribbage tournament on Feb. 8. Registration is from 9 to 9:45 a.m. and play begins at 10 a.m. The cost is $25/person, which includes lunch. Twelve games guaranteed. Enter as a team or an individual. Contact Bruce at 780-522-6972 to register.
Kelly Bado at the Vic Juba Community Theatre
The Lloydminster Concert Series Association brings Kelly Bado to the Vic Juba Community Theatre on Monday, Feb. 9, for a 7:30 p.m. show. Tickets are $36 for adults and $10 for students (including post-secondary students) and are available online and at the theatre’s box office.
Islay Doubles Crib Tournament
The Islay Community Association is hosting a doubles crib tournament on Feb. 14 in the Islay Hall. Doors open at 9 a.m., registration cut-off is 10 a.m. Cost is $25 per person, which includes noon lunch. Please pre-register by calling Linda at 780-581-0570.
Valentine’s Dinner and Dance
The Dewberry Community Hall has the perfect gift for that hard-to-buy for person on your list: a wonderful chicken parmesan and pasta dinner with caesar salad on Feb. 14. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., supper served promptly at 6 p.m. Tickets are $50/couple, $25/single. Contact Les at 807-252-0275, Julie at 807-251-0454, or drop into Dewberry Data.
Kaiser Tournament
The Lloydminster Moose Lodge is hosting a kaiser tournament on Sunday, Feb. 15, at 1 p.m. Cost is $20/player, eight games guaranteed. Entries close on Feb. 13. Contact Arne at 306-8217459 or Bruce at 780-522-6972 for more.
Islay Jamboree
There will be a jamboree at the Islay Community Hall at 1 pm on Feb. 15. Admission $15, participants free. Lunch served. Everyone well. For more info call, Dixie at 780-744-2204.
Single Cribbage Tournament
The Lloydminster Moose Lodge is hosting a singles crib tournament on Feb. 22 from 1 to 4:30 p.m. Cost is $20/player, eight games guaranteed with prizes awarded to the top finishers. Snacks, coffee and drinks included. Register by Feb. 20. Contact Bruce at 780-522-6972 to register.
City awards Hub elevator contract
CHRISTIAN APOSTOLOVSKI STAFF WRITER
Lloydminster city council has awarded a service contract to Kone Inc. for the elevators in the Cenovus Energy Hub.
Pete McHugh, City of Lloydminster manager of building services, presented the sole-source contract award at the Jan. 19 regular council meeting.
“With the elevators at the Cenovus Energy Hub now fully commissioned and in operation, administration is required to ensure the elevators are serviced and maintained regularly,” he said.
During the procurement process, PCL Construction Management provided typical costs for service agreements from each vendor that placed a bid.
“Kone Inc. provided the lowest cost to supply, install and service the elevators,” said McHugh.
He says the service from Kone, who also services the RCMP building’s elevator, has been good.
“The service received has been very good. Across the city, all elevators are maintained by their manufacturer,” he said.
The annual cost of $9,960 is for a 10-year term and has an added benefit.
“This agreement doubles as an extended warranty – all parts and labour of the 10-year period are covered,” McHugh explained. “(There will be) reduced costs for any work not covered by the agreement and there has been an incident in the elevator where Kone was required to attend the site. That was people jumping up and down, it’s a
“We still have the Gift of Health dodgeball tournament that’ll be happening on Giving Tuesday in December (Dec. 1),” said Kneen, noting volunteers are the backbone of their operations.
“There’s so many volunteers that volunteer so much of their time into preparations for the gala and the run, into Gift of Health,” he said.
Work also continues on securing sustainable funding for a local mental health initiative.
“We continue to work with Integrated Therapies for Pathways to Wellness. Really working with the mental health supports. Hopefully, they’re going to find sustainable funding,” said Kneen.
Mental health continues to be an important cause in the community.
“The need for mental health support in our community continues to be super important and we’re grateful for anybody that wants to continue to donate towards mental health supports and our Project Sunrise,” he said.
At its core, the LRHF aims to better Lloydminster.
“We really want to create a healthy and vibrant community,” said Kneen. “At the end of the day, all aspects of health. Mental health, physical health, we just want to give back to the community.
“That could be equipment, that could be furniture, fixtures, equipment for the hospitals, (for) different senior-care facilities.”
He says they also give back to health-related initiatives in the community.
“If it’s programming, that’s what we’ve done with Integrated Therapies for Pathways to Wellness. How do we get additional supports available for those that are in mental health crisis? Try to help,” he said.
While they don’t directly fund operations for
safety mechanism and it locked the brakes on.” Kone will be remotely monitoring the system and will be able to identify issues before it results in the elevator breaking down.
There is, however, an escalating price to the contract.
“They’re not able to tell me exactly what the increases are going to be, but looking at the past five years, it’s ranged from two per cent to seven per cent, dependant on the year,” said McHugh. Council awarded a 10-year contract to Kone for the servicing and maintenance of the Hub’s elevators at an annual cost of $9,960.
programs, they support in other ways.
“If somebody comes up with a project they want to run and don’t have the seed money for it, they can put a funding request into the foundation,” said Kneen. “We want to help develop the programs and then hope somebody else is going to jump on board and take over those additional costs moving forward.
“If it’s a great idea, we will advocate on their behalf.”
Advocacy is another key part of what the foundation does, including navigating bi-provincial complications.
“That’s when it really comes down to going to meet with other foundations and working with government partners in regards to the needs of our community,” he said. “Being that we’re right on the border, we’re talking to Alberta, we’re talking to Saskatchewan, how do we make sure we’re truly working in collaboration with both provinces.”
As Kneen continues to settle into his new role, he encourages anyone looking to chat or build a relationship with the health foundation to reach out.
“I’m an open book, so please feel free to come by, give me a call, send me an email,” he said. “We’re working collaboratively with all the other non-profits who are doing such phenomenal work. Working with other organizations and businesses that are contributing to the success of what we do as a community.”
The foundation is currently running its European Dream Vacation raffle and Faceoff for a Cause. Details on all events and contact information for the foundation can be found at lrhf.ca.
“I’m very excited to see what the foundation continues to move forward to in the future,” said Kneen.
LRHF CEO FROM PAGE 8
The elevator at the Cenovus Energy Hub. Christian Apostolovski Meridian Source
Rotary highlights youth leadership program
CHRISTIAN APOSTOLOVSKI STAFF WRITER
Rotarians had the opportunity to learn about a Rotary youth leadership initiative at their Feb. 2 lunch meeting.
The Rotary Club of Lloydminster welcomed Iqmat Iyiola by zoom to speak on the Rotary Youth Leadership Experience (RYLE).
“We run a really amazing program here in the districts and we just hope continue to impact as many students as we have and continue to do,” she said.
Camp Nakamun will play host to RYLE from April 30 to May 3 with between 80 and 100 high school students expected to attend.
“I believe, last year, 89 campers were sponsored by 35 rotary clubs from across the district,” said Iyiola.
RYLE is an annual conference hosted by the RYLE committee and sponsored by Rotary clubs in District 5370, which covers Saskatchewan, Alberta, B.C., Yukon and Northwest Territories.
For students attending the RYLE camp, there are core objectives and teachings they try to foster.
“With RYLE, we have three core objectives and these stay really the same throughout the programming,” she said. “We really prioritize student leadership, community building and local citizenship.
“We’re really giving campers an opportunity to develop their leadership skills.”
It also helps campers develop interpersonal relationship skills, public speaking, communication and teamwork.
“We’re really giving them opportunities to find themselves within those skills,” said Iyiola. “Our campsite really focuses on critical thinking and then enhancing their ability to think really critically, diversely and inclusively.”
She says the RYLE program also serves as an introduction for many to rotary.
“One thing we do is we divide the campers into the seven pillars of rotary,” she said.
Ultimately, the program focuses on the development of high schoolers, building friendships and developing key skills.
“A really key focus of our program is social development,” she said. “We’re helping and expecting these campers to build strong connections with like-minded youth.”
It’s largely hands-on learning with some lectures.
“We really do focus over the course of the four days, on experiential learning opportunities,” said Iyiola.
The program is supported by a team of volunteers.
“We do have a team of about 28 volunteer supervisors, camp counsellors that come out,” she said.
The weekend culminates in presentations in various forms by the campers.
“At the end of the weekend, the campers are given the opportunity to present their findings to the group, whether it’s a presentation, sometimes it’s a skit, sometimes it’s a play,” she said.
Iyiola pointed out they do change their programming every year. She gave an example of last year featuring a focus on debates to practise negotiation skills.
“We’re always looking at selecting new speakers,” she said. Information regarding the camp can be found online or through local Rotary clubs.
Iqmat Iyiola joined the Rotary Club of Lloydminster on Feb. 2 by Zoom to talk about RYLE 2026. Christian Apostolovski Meridian Source
Cold Lake RCMP arrest suspect after stolen tractor flees
MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF
Cold Lake RCMP has arrested a 38-year-old man after a stolen tractor was tracked and stopped following a police pursuit.
Police say a Kubota tractor valued at $50,000 was reported stolen from Cold Lake First Nations on Jan. 5. On Jan. 28, officers located the tractor in motion and attempted a traffic stop, but the driver fled.
With assistance from the Alberta RCMP Real Time Operations Centre, police dog services, local and eastern Alberta district crime reduction units,
RCMP check more than 500 vehicles during safety initiative
MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF
Saskatchewan RCMP checked more than 500 vehicles during a traffic safety initiative to promote safe driving across central and northern parts of the province.
Saskatchewan RCMP’s Saskatoon and Maidstone CTSS teams conducted a separate traffic safety initiative in the Lloydminster, Maidstone, Onion Lake, Turtleford, Cut Knife and Battlefords detachment areas.
Between Jan. 14 and Jan. 18, officers conducted checkstops and patrols, checking for road safety concerns.
During the four-day initiative, about 430 vehicles were checked.
Police charged one driver under the Criminal Code for alcohol-related impaired driving and issued 31 roadside licence suspensions. Officers also issued 302 tickets and 311 warnings.
Saskatchewan Highway Patrol officers with the Provincial Protective Services Branch assisted Saskatoon and Maidstone CTSS teams during a check stop held Jan. 15 and 16 in the Maidstone detachment area.
and RCMP remotely piloted aircraft systems, officers tracked the tractor to a field where it became stuck. The driver was then arrested.
Jeremy Scanie, 38, of Cold Lake First Nations, is charged with possession of stolen property over $5,000, break and enter, obstructing police, mischief under $5,000, failure to stop, failure to comply with a probation condition and failure to comply with a court order.
Scanie was remanded into custody after appearing before a justice of the peace. He is scheduled to appear in Alberta Court of Justice in Cold Lake on Feb. 9.
Submitted photos
Meadow Lake RCMP seize firearms, charge man with drug trafficking
Ten firearms and methamphetamine were seized and an adult male has been charged following a drug trafficking investigation on Flying Dust First Nation.
In a release issued last Wednesday, Saskatchewan RCMP said members of the Meadow Lake crime reduction team, with assistance from the Saskatchewan RCMP critical incident response team, executed a search warrant at a residence on Jan. 27 as part of an ongoing drug trafficking and firearms investigation.
Police said officers seized about 40 grams of methamphetamine, five long guns, four airguns, a prohibited firearm, ammunition, knives and drug trafficking paraphernalia.
A man and two women were arrested at the residence. The women were later released without charge.
As a result of the investigation, 37-year-old
Lennex Merasty-Morin of Flying Dust First Nation has been charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking methamphetamine, unauthorized possession of a firearm, possession of a firearm knowing possession was unauthorized, weapons possession contrary to an order, two counts of possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, possession of a prohibited firearm with ammunition without a licence or registration, and two counts of unsafe storage of firearms.
Merasty-Morin appeared in Meadow Lake provincial court on Jan. 28.
Saskatchewan RCMP seize 9.1 million illicit cigarettes on Highway 16
Saskatchewan RCMP has charged an Ontario man after seizing approximately 9.1 million illicit cigarettes during a traffic stop in the RM of Battle River earlier this month.
Saskatchewan Highway Patrol officers with the Provincial Protective Services Branch stopped a truck and trailer on Highway 16 at about 12:40 a.m. on Jan. 20.
A search of the trailer revealed a large quantity of illicit tobacco, and the lone male occupant of
the vehicle was arrested.
Battlefords RCMP, along with the Saskatchewan RCMP’s Yorkton trafficking response team, continued the investigation. Police say officers located 23 pallets of unstamped tobacco during a search of the truck and trailer, containing an estimated 9.1 million cigarettes.
The tobacco products were seized, and the driver was taken into RCMP custody.
Investigators determined the driver was subject to court-ordered release conditions stemming from tobacco-related charges laid in Ontario, including a condition prohibiting him from leaving the province.
As a result of the investigation, 41-yearold Harwinder Kahlon of Brampton, Ont., has been charged with selling, offering for sale, transporting or possessing unstamped tobacco for the purpose of sale, possession of unstamped tobacco under the Excise Act, possessing or transporting tobacco not marked in a prescribed manner under the Tobacco Tax Act, and failing to comply with an undertaking condition.
Kahlon appeared in North Battleford provincial court on Jan. 21.
MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF
MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF
Word on the beat: Case law
subsequent decisions further define more specific aspects of the original law or related case law. In effect, these rulings build upon one another.
In a past article, I mentioned that case law would be addressed, as this is where some authorities for law enforcement originate. Case law is also where certain requirements placed on law enforcement are established.
Case law consists of decisions made by judges, typically arising from trial rulings or trial challenges. These decisions are then used as guidelines for other court cases involving similar circumstances. Such rulings may also place restrictions on, or create obligations for, law enforcement or other participants in the judicial system.
One very common case law decision followed daily by law enforcement is Regina v. Stinchcombe (R. v. Stinchcombe), decided by the Supreme Court of Canada. This landmark 1991 ruling focused on the Crown’s obligation to disclose all relevant evidence in a theft and fraud trial. It established clear expectations and requirements regarding full evidence disclosure.
“Regina” is used in identifying case law, as it is Latin for Queen and is typically used in public prosecutions to represent the Crown, or government. Case law is commonly identified in the format R. v. name of the defendant. In the Stinchcombe case, the defendant was William Stinchcombe.
As Crown prosecutors generally receive all criminal evidence from law enforcement, this ruling extends directly to police agencies. This case law requires that the Crown be provided with all evidence discovered by police during investigations, which is then disclosed to the defence. Withholding relevant evidence would likely result in charges being withdrawn; however, a judge ultimately makes that determination based on the specifics of the information and how it relates to the charges.
Case law also plays a key role in further defining the application or administration of existing laws. Section 495 of the Criminal Code grants peace officers authority to arrest individuals without a warrant. R. v. Whitfield (1970), R. v. Evans (1991) and R. v. Latimer (1997) are rulings that affect the interpretation of Section 495. Whitfield defines arrest and addresses the words used, Evans further clarifies the wording and meaning, and Latimer deals with arrest without the use of formal words.
Some case law rulings are the first to address a specific area of law, while
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City of Lloydminster Roxanne Shortt, ALUP
This can become complex for those not working within the criminal justice system, which is why legal representation by a lawyer is highly recommended. Lawyers understand the application and limitations of the law, as well as any relevant case law that may apply to a defendant’s specific charges.
As in the Stinchcombe case, the disclosure issue raised at trial eventually reached the Supreme Court of Canada, where the resulting decision established the case law now applied in courts across the country.
Staff Sgt. Jerry Nutbown is the NCO in charge of the Lloydminster RCMP detachment’s General Investigation Section. Stay tuned for future columns from the Lloydminster RCMP.
Staff Sgt. JERRY NUTBROWN
File photo
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Town of Vermilion council has welcomed Sgt. Ken Shamblaw as the community’s new RCMP detachment commander.
He assumed the role in early January after former commander Sgt. Corey Buckingham left the position in late June 2025 for the Onion Lake RCMP detachment.
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In terms of policing, he says there’s typical priorities for a small town, but he urged council to share anything their constituents deem important for policing.
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Shamblaw brings more than a decade of policing experience with him to the post.
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“I’ve been with the RCMP for 15 years; this is my second career. I sort of started later and went through depot at 43,” he said at the Jan. 20 regular council meeting.
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“I have served in Sherwood Park for most of my career. From Sherwood Park, I moved to Consort. Small town has always been where I wanted to end up, so I went to probably the smallest town in Alberta that has a detachment.”
Shamblaw noted this will be his last post.
“This opportunity came up for a promotion. This is my last post, my last five or six years with the force,” he explained.
Under the new leadership, changes to some processes will be coming.
“We’re going to have a new process for speaking with the community members and council about policing priorities,” said Shamblaw.
“I’m looking forward to working with everyone here. I have lots of things I want to get done, some of them quicker than others. We’re coming up to the end of our fiscal year and the new one will start (in) April.”
“My experience with small towns is usually the three that are always the top hitters, which are property crime, traffic enforcement and drugs,” he said. “If there’s something else residents feel they would like to be addressed, we will be having a further meeting where we actually discuss what the priorities for the town will be.”
Shamblaw also noted he had the opportunity to speak with the fire chief and wants to do a tabletop exercise.
“I asked him when was the last time this town had been involved in a tabletop exercise of some type of disaster.” he said. “My understanding is, it’s been a bit.
“I’m going to talk with chief, we’re going to come up with a scenario, determine who the players are, who should be here and have that initial discussion because we all need to know what your job is if that fire comes over the hill.”
He says his passion is small towns and plans to help the local food bank.
“My passion in towns has always been the food bank,” Shamblaw explained.
“I’m very community involved, small town is my passion, so you will see me a lot and at a lot of different venues.”
He wants to make this a reality by working alongside the local junior B hockey team, the Vermilion Tigers.
“One of my ideas is to get a hold of the junior B hockey team and see if we can set up where (fans) have to bring a can to come see a game,” he said.
“I’ll park a cruiser outside and we’ll stuff the cruiser.”
Coun. Kellen Snelgrove agreed with the need to do a tabletop exercise.
“I agree wholeheartedly. A tabletop exercise with council would be a fantastic idea,” he said. “I know the last I’d done was with the Vermilion Ag Society in preparation for the fair and thought it was incredibly useful.”
While it was only a short time after Shamblaw arrived in Vermilion, Coun. Justin Clark said his presence in the community is important.
“I have a lot of respect for what you do in the community,” said Clark, whose father is a retired RCMP member.
“I’d also like to thank you for doing laps around the community. I was trying to figure out why there was a cruiser driving by my house. Turns out, it was you. I think your presence is very much appreciated and welcomed.”
CHRISTIAN APOSTOLOVSKI STAFF WRITER
Vermilion RCMP detachment. File photo
17
Thursday, February 5, 2026
Seniors serve Rustlers well
Graduating trio reflects on years with Lakeland’s volleyball dynasty
Although they still have homework left to do this college season, the Lakeland Rustlers took a recess last Saturday to recognize their three seniors from the celebrated women’s volleyball program.
All three of them are education students and starters with the three-time reigning ACAC and national-champion Rustlers.
After sweeping the Northwestern Wolves of Grande Prairie in consecutive matches last weekend, the Lakeland girls wiped away tears Saturday afternoon as they were showered with gifts and hugged family members during an emotional ceremony in front of a good-sized crowd in the Rustlers’ home gym.
TRUMIER: ‘A HARD-WORKING GROUP’
“It was really nice to celebrate with everyone,” said Seanna Trumier, who was honoured along with fellow senior players Avery Bates and Emma Jeffs.
“And the team coming together, I feel it really shows the true meaning behind our Rustler logo. It was awesome to celebrate.”
Personally, and team-wise, Trumier considers the senior group to be most fortunate to have been part of a program that has set the standard not only in the ACAC, but the entire Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association.
“We’ve been very lucky to come on the team when we did,” said Trumier, a graduate of St. Mary High School in Prince Albert, Sask.
“We joined a very hard-working group of athletes. We’ve been lucky, but we also worked our way to the top. And to be able to maintain that and stay there for three years has definitely been a testament to how hard we’ve worked.”
Trumier found her way to Lakeland even though the COVID-19 pandemic had wiped out her Grade 12 season in Prince Albert.
Although other potential recruits didn’t return to the court, she couldn’t have imagined not playing volleyball at the post-secondary level.
“I don’t think there was ever any doubt,” she said with a smile. “I was still trying to play when we could. We created a random club team in P.A. and worked hard in the gym to come back even better than I was before COVID.”
In becoming part of Lakeland athletics, she joined a Rustlers collegiate program that includes her aptly named cousin, Ian Cousin of Huey, Sask., with the men’s volleyball team. At least a dozen family members showed up in Lloydminster on Saturday to help Trumier mark seniors’ day on the Lakeland campus.
Trumier has played libero for most of her five years with the Rustlers, who are making a late push for a playoff berth in the Alberta conference.
Beginning next year, she’ll step into another position as an elementary school teacher in Saskatoon. She graduates this spring with two degrees — education and general studies.
JEFFS: ASPIRES TO TEACH, COACH
In similar fashion, Jeffs is headed back to her hometown of Peace River, Alta., hopefully to teach school, coach volleyball and get married. Her fiancé and her parents made the seven-plus-hour drive to Lloyd from Peace River for Saturday’s ceremony.
“I hope to teach middle school, so then I’ll probably coach the junior high and I plan to coach club volleyball, too,” Jeffs said. “I also want to start little volleyball sessions throughout the week that everyone can come to, just to build the volleyball community in Peace River. It’s not very strong.”
CONTINUED ON PAGE 18
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Lakeland feted (from left) Seanna Trumier, Avery Bates and Emma Jeffs on Saturday. John MacNeil Meridian Source
JOHN MacNEIL SPORTS EDITOR
Jeffs, who plays middle, developed into one of Lakeland’s strongest players. But it’s not necessarily the championship banners and personal statistics that she’ll remember most from her years at Lakeland.
“Honestly, it’s just the friendships I’ve made,” she said. “I’m going to stay in touch with these girls until I’m done.
“It’s taught me that I need to work for what I want, with people that are going to push you to be better.”
A few years ago, Jeffs wasn’t sure whether she would gain that opportunity to play ACAC volleyball.
“Originally, I was just coming here to do the university transfer (studies) to become a teacher,” she said. “Then, I got recruited last minute to come play on the team, and then I just stayed here for five years.
“I didn’t want to go to a big city first, just because I’m from a small town.”
Via a partnership between Lakeland and the University of Calgary, Jeffs took all of her education classes online, “so that’s pretty nice,” she said.
She plans to marry in 2027. Her fiancé, Mason Lavoie, plays senior hockey in northern Alberta with the Falher Pirates, just as he did with the Dewberry Mustangs four years ago while he was a student at Lakeland’s Vermilion campus.
BATES: EYES PRO CAREER IN EUROPE
Singled out for her outstanding play on the court over her five years as a starter, Bates highlighted her relationships off the court as some of the most memorable parts of her Lakeland chapter. In particular, she developed a special connection with two young fans — Miller, 4, and Elle, 7 — the daughters of Rustlers’ coach Austin Dyer.
“Yeah, spending the summer with them was probably one of the best summers I’ve ever had,”
Adding to the women’s volleyball celebrations last weekend at Lakeland College was the Rustlers’ two-match sweep of the Northwestern Wolves.
John MacNeil Meridian Source
said Bates, 23. “I have a little sister, but she’s 17 now, so it’s definitely not the same as having, like,
a five- and a three-year-old. So, it was quite cool.”
Bates, whose roots are in Acme, Alta., was playing in a high school volleyball tournament in the small southern Alberta community of Rosemary when she was scouted to play with the Rustlers.
“I was approached by a guy after a game, and he knew Austin and told me to reach out,” she said. “So, I did. I came over for a visit and absolutely loved it. A month later, I emailed him back, saying, ‘Hey, can I sign, or are you still looking for someone?’
“He said yeah, so it was awesome. It was definitely a hell of a career.”
The Rustlers still have a shot at post-play in a season that, for them, essentially didn’t begin until the new year. Either way, Bates has yearbooks’ worth of memories from her Lakeland run.
“Honestly, just all the relationships that I’ve built,” she said. “I’m still talking to people from my first year, up until now, and I know I’ll continue to make the connections into next year. I’ll still be talking to everyone.
“Just the friendships. Who knows — maybe I found my maid of honour, one day.”
A record-setting right-side, Bates isn’t ready to leave Lakeland just yet. Although her collegiate eligibility will be finished, she plans to return next year and practise with the Rustlers, while finishing her education studies.
“After that, I hope to go and play pro in Europe.”
Fittingly for a team that had much to celebrate over the past three years, balloons, streamers, paper rings, garlands and tassels decorated the Rustlers’ hallways and dressing room Saturday.
“It’s pretty cool in there,” said Bates, whose brother, sister and parents witnessed all the seniorday hoopla.
“It’s awesome. This is the first time my brother has ever been here, so getting my entire family up here (to Lloyd) has been awesome, and then seeing everyone else’s families, it’s very heartwarming.”
Rustlers try to extend remarkable run
Coach salutes senior class as Lakeland makes final push for playoff berth
JOHN MacNEIL SPORTS EDITOR
The Lakeland Rustlers’ three seniors have tried to make the most of their fifth and final college women’s volleyball season, as short as it’s been.
With Alberta conference sanctions sidelining the Rustlers for most of the first half of the season, their unbeaten run on the court is that much more significant for the Lakeland trio in Year 5 — Avery Bates, Emma Jeffs and Seanna Trumier.
“Yeah, there were conversations about whether they should red-shirt and come back and finish their last year next year, when we could have a full season,” said Austin Dyer, coach of the three-time defending conference and national champions.
“But they said, ‘You know what, we’ve still got work to do and there’s still time left in this season for us to still have success and see if we can defend our ACAC and CCAA titles.’
“We’re currently on track, hopefully, to maybe qualify (for conference post-season play). We’re in a dogfight right now to get into the playoffs. But, of the seven matches we’ve been able to play this season, we’re 7-0, with four to go. If we can keep going and keep rolling, hopefully we’re going to be able to get ourselves a playoff spot and have an opportunity to defend our title.”
Last weekend at home, the Rustlers (7-8 overall) took both matches against the Northwestern Wolves (6-11) of Grande Prairie. Lakeland prevailed 3-1 (25-14, 25-13, 22-25 and 25-11) on Saturday afternoon and 3-0 (25-21, 25-11 and 25-14) on Friday night.
In the fight for the fourth and final playoff position, the Rustlers and Edmonton’s Concordia Thunder (also 7-8) are tied in points. Also in contention for that final spot is sixthplace Northwestern (6-11), which is just two points behind Lakeland and Concordia but has just two matches remaining.
Nitty-gritty volleyball is anticipated for the final two weekends of the Alberta conference regular season.
“Yeah, it’s kind of (been) do or die, I would say, this semester,” said the Rustlers’ Bates, a league standout. “Which is sad, but it lights a fire under (us), for sure, every game that we play. So, I’m excited to see what this group can do this year.”
This weekend, Lakeland goes up against the North-leading Augustana Vikings (11-2) in a home-and-home series, with 6 p.m. starts in Camrose on Friday and Lloydminster on Saturday.
The Rustlers face another worthy opponent on the following weekend in the second-place NAIT Ooks (10-3), with matches Feb. 13 in Edmonton and Feb. 14 in Lloyd.
Since returning to Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference women’s volleyball play in late November, the
have posted a perfect 7-0 record that has kept them in the race for an improbable
“We’ve just got to show up and do the best we can with every match that we have left, and hopefully the chips are going to fall our way,” Dyer said.
“We play Augustana, and then NAIT, and they’re currently the top two teams in the North, so we’re going to have good competition. We’re going to have our work cut out for us. Hopefully, we can keep playing at a high level.”
As always, the Rustlers can count on savvy leadership from the likes of the three seniors honoured last Saturday after the series sweep over Northwestern.
As he did during the post-match ceremony, Dyer commented on each of those three education students completing their final seasons with the Rustlers, highlighting their valuable contributions to the program:
Emma Jeffs
“Emma came to us from Peace River (Alta.). I just happened to find her at a volleyball camp that I was running one summer. We needed a player to fill the roster, and she could jump. I wondered what I might be able to develop her into. She came and she’s worked her tail off for five years. The first couple of years, she needed a lot of time to develop and learn the game and make her skills a little bit better. We found a role for her to contribute and help us be successful. By her fourth year, she ended up being a starting middle for us. She was part of our three national championships in a row, including two as a starter.”
Seanna Trumier
“Seanna is from Prince Albert (Sask.). Again, a COVID recruit that I just saw videos on (because) I wasn’t allowed to go watch players at that time. A coach colleague of mine recommended that she’s a player that I would probably want to take. I just went on a whim, and she showed up. She ended up having a lot of tools and a lot of skill. Very athletic and very strong. Her first year, she needed to learn and develop, and found her way onto the floor a bit that year. From Year 2 through Year 5, she’s been our starting libero all four of those years. She’s going to finish second all-time in kills per set ever as a Rustler. A very big part of the three national championships that we’ve won in a row. She’s been a calming influence all the time.”
Avery Bates
“Avery came to us (from Acme, Alta.) the year of COVID, where we got shut down. That was her very first post-secondary experience, so we’re very fortunate that she stuck it out and wanted to continue. A lot of athletes quit because of COVID. She kept playing and started all five years, which doesn’t happen very often. She’s a very special talent — a dominant attacker, an explosive and feared blocker in our league. All the stats speak for themselves. She may finish the year as our top kills per set Rustler of all-time. As an outside, finishing third or fourth all-time in blocks per set, a very big feat. She’s one of the biggest reasons for the run that we’ve had the last five years. One of our go-to players through it all.”
Lakeland Rustlers
playoff berth. John MacNeil Meridian Source
Lakeland men hunt for post-season play
RM of Britannia No. 502 Public Notice – Planning and Development Fee Bylaw 01-2026
Public Notice is hereby given that the Council of the Rural Municipality (RM) of Britannia No. 502 intends to adopt a bylaw under The Planning and Development Act, 2007, to repeal and replace Bylaw 03-2023, known as the Planning and Development Fee Bylaw (Bylaw).
INTENT: Proposed Bylaw 01-2026 will update the previous Fee Bylaw 03-2023 to align with the amended Official Community Plan Bylaw 16-2021 and Zoning Bylaw 24-2021, as well as update the associated permit application documents. While the existing fees will not change, an additional fee will be added for a post-completion site inspection for “Move or Demolish a Building” Permits.
AFFECTED LAND: This new Bylaw will affect Planning and Development Fees on all land in the RM.
REASON: The Fee Bylaw is regularly reviewed to ensure that the fees, rationale, and attached permit applications remain aligned with the Official Community Plan and Zoning Bylaw.
PUBLIC INSPECTION: Any person may inspect the bylaw at the RM of Britannia No. 502 office Monday to Friday, during regular business hours (8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.), excluding statutory holidays. Copies will be available to the public by emailing the contact below. A copy of the proposed amendment is available for viewing here: https://www.rmbritannia.com.
PUBLIC HEARING: Council will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, February 25, 2026 at 2:15 PM at the RM of Britannia No. 502 Office, located at Parcel C on NE 23-50-28W3M (1/4 mile south of TWP RD 504 on RR 3281), to hear any person or group that wants to comment on the proposed amendment. Council will consider written and emailed comments at the meeting, along with in-person representations. Only those who have made arrangements to speak on behalf of themselves or a group may be heard at the public hearing. The deadline for receipt of comments, and requests for in-person representation must be received by the RM office by 4:00 PM on Thursday, February 19, 2026. For additional information, please contact the Development Services Officer at (306) 825-2610 or dso@rmbritannia.com. Written submissions may be sent to RM of Britannia, P.O. Box 661, Lloydminster SK, S9V 0Y7 or dso@rmbritannia.com.
Issued in the RM of Britannia No. 502 this 5th day of February, 2026
Bryson Leganchuk CAO
RM of Britannia No. 502
JOHN
The Lakeland Rustlers kept themselves in playoff contention in Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference men’s volleyball, winning Saturday over a Northwestern Wolves team that had outlasted the Rustlers in a Friday marathon.
With a 5-10 record, the Rustlers are four points — or two wins — out of the fourth and final position in the North Division. They have four matches left in the regular season.
“Ultimately, we want to put ourselves in the best position possible, so that we’re not having to rely on anybody else,” said Lakeland coach Taylor Dyer.
“I mean, four wins out of the last four matches is probably what it’s going to take, and what we want to try to accomplish. That’s the goal, and that’s probably what it’s going to take.
“We can maybe get away with one loss, but then we need some help. So, we’ll take care of it on our own, hopefully.”
At home last weekend, the Rustlers split against Northwestern (11-6), the Grande Prairie club holding second spot in the North. The Wolves are just two points behind the first-place Keyano Huskies (12-1), who have won five straight and played four less matches than Northwestern.
Lakeland handed the Wolves their first loss in 10 matches when the Rustlers won 3-0 (25-20, 25-18 and 25-14) on Saturday afternoon in Lloydminster.
On the previous night, Northwestern prevailed 3-2.
“Today, we were rolling and had a superb match, from start to finish,” Dyer said Saturday after his Rustlers shouted and danced in celebration of their home-court shutout.
“That’s kind of the bar, and that’s how we’re going to have to perform the rest of the way out, to clinch that playoff spot, and hopefully see what can happen.”
Both of Lakeland’s remaining home-and-home doubleheaders are against teams that are higher in the North standings, each with two matches in hand.
This weekend’s opponents, the Augustana Vikings (7-6), are in fourth place. On the following weekend, Lakeland’s matches are versus the NAIT Ooks (8-5), who sit in third spot, six points ahead of the Rustlers.
“Our conference is so good, every weekend and every match is going to be a battle,” Dyer said Saturday. “We saw that this weekend — on Friday, the five-set loss, (in which) the guys battled and came up short.
“We just made a few too many errors on our side last night. Give (the Wolves) some credit. They played really well last night, and we just didn’t quite answer the bell.
“Then today, obviously was much better.”
The Rustlers have stayed in the playoff hunt, despite the absence of five veterans who opted to red-shirt this school year after pre-season sanctions cost Lakeland four losses by forfeiture.
The team’s remaining players are playing with purpose, putting up a fight and not making excuses.
“Maybe it’s not what our starting lineup might have looked like this year, but I’m super-excited about this group and what the potential is for these guys,” Dyer said. “They’re showing it day in and day out. In our training, it’s been really good. Give these guys some credit — the fight is there and they’re not backing down. They’re ready to try and make a push.
“It’s kind of taken everybody. We’ve had different guys in and out (of the lineup), so it’s been by committee. We’re just continuing to train hard every week and prepare ourselves the best we can for the weekend. No matter who’s going to be on the floor, the players are showing those guts to try and get us to where we want to be.”
Lakeland and Augustana meet Friday in Camrose and Saturday in Lloydminster. The men’s matches are set to begin at about 8 p.m., with the women kicking off action at 6 p.m. on both days.
After losing 3-2 on Friday, the Lakeland Rustlers posted a 3-0 victory on Saturday to cap their ACAC series with the Northwestern Wolves. John MacNeil Meridian Source
With four matches remaining in their regular season, the Lakeland Rustlers remain in contention for an ACAC men’s volleyball playoff berth. John MacNeil Meridian Source
MacNEIL SPORTS EDITOR
RURAL MUNICIPALITY OF BRITANNIA NO. 502 PUBLIC NOTICE
Rustlers to host ACAC men’s hoops playoffs
JOHN MacNEIL SPORTS EDITOR
It’s official.
The Lakeland Rustlers will host the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference men’s basketball championship March 5-7 at their campus gym in Lloydminster.
With their 85-71 victory at home last Saturday, the Rustlers completed a weekend home-andhome sweep of Camrose’s Augustana Vikings and clinched the playoff-hosting rights. Lakeland won 74-57 on the road Friday night.
Although there’s still three weeks left in the regular season, Saturday (Jan. 31) was the cutoff date to determine which North Division team would host the ACAC’s eight-team championship tournament.
Lakeland and the Keyano College Huskies of Fort McMurray each own 13-3 records, but the Rustlers gained the hosting rights based on a favourable points-for-and-against difference (171-154) in the two games they split with those Huskies this season.
Winning five and four straight games, respectively, Lakeland and Keyano both made strong pushes in the past few weeks while shooting to become the playoff host.
The NAIT Ooks of Edmonton were also in contention for the hosting rights but hit a roadblock last weekend when Keyano beat them twice, helping Lakeland in the process.
With an 11-5 record, the Ooks have clinched a playoff berth. They sit four points behind the Rustlers and Huskies.
Two Edmonton schools — King’s (6-10) and Concordia (5-10) — are fighting for the fourth and
R.M. OF
CUT KNIFE
final playoff position in the North Division.
The Final 8 tournament will include four South Division teams, most notably the unbeaten SAIT Trojans (16-0) of Calgary and the defending champion Briercrest Clippers (13-4) of Caronport, Sask.
Briercrest was victorious on its home court as host of last year’s ACAC championship. The previous year, Keyano won the league title at home.
Hoping to continue that playoff trend next month, the Rustlers are 8-2 in their past 10 games.
In its Saturday win, Lakeland received 24 points from Taleh Wade, 22 from Jordan HorobetzSimpson and 11 from Seth Johnson.
In the Rustlers’ Friday victory, Wade netted 19 points, Horobetz-Simpson added 17 points and 11 rebounds, and teammate Bahaeddin Salma contributed 12 points.
The Lakeland women lost two more games last weekend — 80-40 on Friday and 79-34 on Saturday — against Augustana. The last-place Rustlers are winless in 16 games this season, while the Vikings are fourth in the North with an 11-3 slate.
On Saturday, the Lakeland duo of Declynn Wood and Taylor Hebert scored 11 and 10 points, respectively. Reese Fenrich had 15 rebounds.
The night before, the Rustlers’ Sadie Spenrath meshed a game-high 18 points.
This weekend, both the Lakeland women and men are off. They go up against NAIT twice on the Feb. 13-14 weekend, with games Friday in Lloydminster and Saturday in Edmonton.
On the final weekend of the ACAC basketball regular season (Feb. 20 and 21), both the men’s and women’s Rustlers visit the Northwestern Wolves of Grande Prairie for two games each.
NO. 439 EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
The R.M. of Cut Knife No. 439 is currently seeking applications for a Equipment Operator/Operations Staff/Laborer.
Duties may include, but may not be limited to, operation and regular maintenance of a grader, backhoe, wheel loader, tractor & mower and/or rock picker, tandem truck & trailer and various implements and tools as may be required on a day to day basis. Previous experience with the operation of this equipment will be an asset to placement as will a Class 1A license.
The desired applicant will be able to work under the direction of the R.M. of Cut Knife Foreman and will show an aptitude toward understanding the scope of the Foreman’s responsibilities. There is potential for the proper applicant with this aptitude to earn a year- round placement with the municipality.
The Municipality offers a health and dental benefits plan and an employer matched pension.
Applications shall include a cover letter stating desired hourly wage range, a resume with employment references, a current driver’s abstract and any pertinent certifications held. Applications may be sent to:
R.M. of Cut Knife No. 439
P.O. Box 70
Cut Knife, Sask.
S0M 0N0 E-mail – rm439@sasktel.net
Fax # (306) 398-3016
Or delivered to 114 Broad Street Cut Knife, SK
Applications will be received until 4:00 PM, February 18th, 2026. Only those applicants to be interviewed will be contacted.
The municipality reserves the right to offer no placement if the desired applicant is not found. For further information phone (306) 398-2353.
Seth Johnson and the Lakeland Rustlers have clinched hosting rights for the ACAC championship March 5-7. John MacNeil Meridian Source
Robertson swings Bobcats in right direction
The City of Lloydminster is seeking your voice on the Southwest Area Structure Plan (SWASP). The SWASP study area includes approximately 17 quarter sections of land in the southwest portion of the City, with general boundaries of Highway 16 to the north, 75 Avenue to the east, 12 Street to the south and the municipal boundary to the west.
Forum:
JOHN MacNEIL SPORTS EDITOR
In a defining moment within a definitive victory, Tucker Robertson answered the bell in a big way as his Lloydminster Bobcats blanked the Fort McMurray Oil Barons 5-0 on Friday night at the Hub.
With as many right-handed punches as Bobcat goals, the rookie Robertson won his fight emphatically to put an exclamation mark on Lloyd’s key AJHL win over another North Division rival.
In rapid succession, the 18-yearold forward from West Kelowna, B.C., pounced on Fort Mac 20-yearold defenceman Spencer Kunz after the Oil Barons took exception with Robertson’s solid hit against D-man Patani Mutambo with 7:40 left.
“Yeah, I saw him with his head down and just decided to put my shoulder through his chest and see what that would do,” said Robertson, whose Bobcats were leading 3-0 at the time. “It led to a fight, and I stood my ground.
“(Kunz) kind of asked me to fight. I know (teammate) Matthew Hikida was next to me, wanting to go pretty badly. I dropped my gloves first, which was kind of funny. He just wanted to drop the gloves and stand up for his teammate, but I wasn’t having any of it.
“It was really my first-ever fight, so it was pretty good. I’m glad it went well.”
It certainly didn’t look like it was Robertson’s debut scrap. Then again, he hasn’t looked like a first-year player in junior A hockey. Playing valuable minutes and producing at a steady clip, he has put together a strong body of work in short order in the AJHL.
Robertson cued more crowd noise afterward as he left the ice. He credited his older brother Austin — a university student back home in Kelowna — for toughening him up off the ice.
“Me and him go at it a couple of times,” Tucker said with a smile. “Just friendly banter, but it definitely taught me a couple of nice tips and tricks.”
Robertson has had many tricks up his sleeve during a solid rookie season with the Bobcats. He added two more assists Friday to give him 26 points — including 18 assists — in 34 games.
The Okanagan Hockey Academy U18 prep product has had a much steadier year than his favourite NHL team, the Toronto Maple Leafs.
While his spirited AJHL fight might not have been what enabled the Leafs to snap their six-game losing streak Saturday, Robertson’s well-rounded effort Friday clearly sparked the Bobcats (24-12-4) as they pulled even with the Oil Barons (23-14-6) in the North Division race.
It was that kind of night for Fort Mac, which appeared to be frustrated from the outset of the game and
Robertson electrified
especially after the one-sided fight.
Justin Dumais, then the league scoring leader, was sitting in the penalty box — serving Kunz’s extra unsportsmanlike-conduct penalty — when Bobcats veteran Gus El-Tahhan ripped a one-timer past goaltender Nathan Claydon just 11 seconds into the power play.
Robertson entered the game with just eight penalty minutes this season. His two assists Friday were on first-period goals from Kael Screpnek, whose three-point night included the lone assist on defenceman Jaxan Hopko’s seventh goal of the season.
Three of the Bobcats’ goals came from specialty teams. El-Tahhan and Screpnek each tallied on power plays. Quinn Smith capped the scoring with an unassisted short-handed tally as he broke free in the final minute.
Along with his game-breaking goal that made it 3-0 early in the third period, Hopko (and Raphael Messier) assisted on the El-Tahhan marker five minutes later.
Ty Matonovich made 20 saves for his first shutout in 16 games as a Bobcat. The Oil Barons’ Claydon blocked 28 shots.
It was Fort McMurray’s first Lloydminster visit since a seasonopening doubleheader in September on the historic first weekend of action in the new rink, formally known as the Cenovus Energy Hub. The teams split those games in Lloyd.
Overall, the Bobcats own a 4-1 record against the Oil Barons this season, including Lloyd’s overtime and shootout victories at Fort Mac in November. Lloyd visits the northern Alberta city one more time March 14 in the final regular-season game for both teams.
The Bobcats — 6-3-1 in their past 10 games — closed January with a complete performance Friday in front of another big Hub crowd of 1,301 fans. In attendance was former Bobcats coach Jeff Woywitka, watching the action with his fellow coaches from the Lloydminster Athletics hockey academy.
Tucker
the Hub faithful, winning his first AJHL fight. John MacNeil Meridian Source
Bobcats’ six-foot-six defenceman Ryder Ellis throws a hit against Fort McMurray Oil Barons’ forward Stefan Serediak in AJHL play Friday. John MacNeil Meridian Source
‘I wanted to be a Bobcat when I got older’ Hopko makes his points from the point in career year with his hometown AJHL team
JOHN MacNEIL SPORTS EDITOR
Jaxan Hopko, one of the toughest Bobcats of them all, was suitably impressed with young teammate Tucker Robertson’s pugilistic power in Lloydminster’s big win at home last weekend.
Five minutes before Robertson decisively won his first AJHL fight, Hopko scored the game-breaking 3-0 goal early in the third period of a 5-0 victory over the Fort McMurray Oil Barons.
“You could just tell, when Tucker fought, how loud the crowd got, so it was good,” said Hopko, a 19-year-old defenceman from Lloydminster.
While he has multiple junior A fights under his belt, Hopko didn’t take credit for teaching Robertson, an 18-year-old rookie forward from B.C., how to handle himself in such situations.
“Maybe here and there in practice, but no, I didn’t (teach him how to fight),” Hopko said with a grin.
“It was pretty good. I’m happy for him.”
Hopko made the crowd of 1,301 fans happy when he netted his seventh goal of the season on a low shot from the point.
In an interview after the game, the third-year Bobcat offered a few pointers on how to approach a fight.
“Honestly, it’s more so just tuck your chin and swing, and hopefully you catch him a couple of times, and don’t give up,” said Hopko, who has accumulated 45 penalty minutes to go along with his 23 points in 39 games this season.
MULTIPLE HONOURS
His steady production, offensively and defensively, all winter has earned Hopko the nod as the Meridian Source’s athlete of the month. In mid-January, the AJHL named him as the league’s defensive player of the week. That surge included his four-point game (2-2) in Lloyd’s 6-3 home victory over the Bonnyville Pontiacs.
Hopko, the Bobcats’ most-offensive defenceman, ranked seventh in AJHL defence scoring after last weekend’s action. That top-10 list includes two Bonnyville blue-liners — ex-Bobcat Ben Costantino in fourth spot and Maxim Shushkov at No. 8.
The Bobcats also rewarded him this week, announcing on Tuesday that Hopko is the January winner of the monthly Heart and Hustle team award. For his efforts, he receives a new suit from Cliff Rose for Clothes in Lloydminster.
A productive summer of training with Bobcats assistant coach Matt Brassard has translated into a career year for Hopko, six foot-two and 210 pounds.
“This past summer, I worked pretty hard,” he said. “I trained with Brass in the summer, did some track workouts and stuff like that.
“Honestly, the goal for this year was just to be that guy that the young guys can look at (and learn from). Just playing my game each night, defending hard and getting pucks on net.
“Obviously, good things are happening right now, so it’s good.”
Before he celebrated his 19th birthday in September, Hopko was named an assistant captain as part of a Bobcats’ leadership group that includes hometown captain Kade Fendelet.
One of the rookies that Hopko has helped transition into the AJHL this winter is former U18 AAA Lloydminster Lancers captain Brady Gamble, an able defenceman who turns 19 in February.
“Yeah, he’s been good,” Hopko said of Gamble. “He’s learned lots this year and he’s just getting better each game.”
What you’ll do:
• Operate semi-truck for hauling materials and equipment
• Assist with general maintenance and construction activities
• Troubleshoot problems on the fly and adapt to changing jobsite needs
• Work independently and as part of a team to keep projects moving smoothly
• Service equipment and repair equipment as needed or assist with repairs
Report for duty at Hillmond Shop located in Hillmond, SK (approx. 40 km from Lloydminster)
What we’re looking for:
• Mandatory: 3-4 years’ experience operating a semi-tractor/trailer unit with gravel trailer (valid Saskatchewan Class 1 driver’s license (or equivalent) with air endorsement
• Experience in construction or with operating heavy equipment (dozer, buggy, track hoe, grader, packer, tractor, snow plow truck) considered an asset – with the ability to safely operate all equipment
• Strong work ethic and willingness to take on diverse tasks
• Understanding of directions, particularly legal land descriptions and/or Township and Range Roads would be considered an asset
• Mechanical aptitude is a plus
• Reliable, punctual, and safety-focused
• Must demonstrate strong verbal and written English communication skills (daily paperwork requirements)
• Self-starter who isn’t afraid to sweep floors
Benefits
working with us:
• Competitive wages based on experience (salary grid Operator 1 – Operator 2)
• Consistent seasonal hours (weather dependent) – most work is completed during a Monday to Friday schedule – there is a potential for full-time work for the right individual with the right skill set
• Excellent Benefits plan after satisfactory completion of the 90-day qualifying period (short term and long-term disability benefits, extended health and dental benefits and pension plan contributions)
• Supportive employer for growing your skill set
• Good team/crew environment
How to Apply:
Send your resume or a brief summary of your work experience along with a contact number to: cao@rmbritannia.com We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those chosen for further consideration will be contacted. Positions remain open until suitable candidates are selected.
Jaxan Hopko, a third-year Bobcats’ defenceman, is a graduate of the Lloydminster Minor Hockey Association. John MacNeil Meridian Source
BOBCATS’ STRETCH RUN
The final 15 games on the junior A Lloydminster Bobcats’ 2025-26 regular-season schedule in the Alberta Junior Hockey League:
Saturday, Feb. 7 — at Whitecourt, 7 p.m.
Sunday, Feb. 8 — at Devon, 2 p.m.
Friday, Feb. 13 — at Drumheller, 7 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 14 — at Calgary, 5 p.m.
Sunday, Feb. 15 — at Canmore, 2 p.m.
Friday, Feb. 20 — home to Drumheller, 7 p.m.
Sunday, Feb. 22 — home to Canmore, 2:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Feb. 25 — home to Devon, 7 p.m.
Friday, Feb. 27 — at Grande Prairie, 6 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 28 — at Olds, 6 p.m.
Sunday, March 1 — at Drayton Valley, 5 p.m.
Friday, March 6 — home to Calgary, 7 p.m.
Saturday, March 7 — home to Olds, 7 p.m.
Friday, March 13 — at Bonnyville, 7 p.m.
Saturday, March 14 — at Fort McMurray, 7 p.m.
‘You see the biggest
For the local players, especially, it’s an exciting time to be a Bobcat. Lloyd is a contending team, frequently playing in front of more than 1,100 fans at the new Cenovus Energy Hub.
“Being from here, when I was a young kid, I always looked up to the (junior A players in Lloydminster),” Hopko said. “I wanted to be a Bobcat when I got older. That was the goal.
smiles’
five straight games out of town. This weekend, they visit the Whitecourt Wolverines on Saturday night and the Devon Xtreme on Sunday afternoon.
“We need those wins up there,” Hopko said. “We’ve got to grind it out and, hopefully, get it done.”
Robertson believes the road swing can bring the team that much closer, with four new players added in January and two others in December.
RURAL MUNICIPALITY OF BRITANNIA NO. 502 OPERATIONS COORDINATOR
RM of Britannia No. 502 is looking for an individual to fill a full-time role of Operations Coordinator. The Operations Coordinator plays a key role in supporting the Operations Director through administrative, operational, and project coordination functions with an eye to performing at a high level of professionalism in both work and conduct. We’re looking for a highly motivated and organized individual who thrives on structure, communication and problem-solving. The role requires sound judgment, discretion and high level of professionalism when handling sensitive information and supporting decision making processes. While instructions will be given on tasks to be performed, the expectation will be that the individual filling this role has a high level of learning capability with the ability to research and grow their knowledge in order to assist better (proactively) as their knowledge increases.
Work Schedule and Location:
• Monday to Friday 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. not including Statutory Holidays (there may be times where additional hours are required).
The RM of Britannia No. 502 operates on Mountain Time Zone (Alberta time).
• Office location is within the Hamlet of Hillmond, SK (40 km from Lloydminster)
• Operations office is attached to the shop (this position requires the ability to work effectively in an environment where there is a probability of intermittent smells, noise, or dust due to operational activities)
Key Responsibilities:
• Operational Support
• Project Coordination
• Strategic Support
Required Skills & Qualifications:
• Administrative
“And now, being here, it’s crazy how much of an impact you can have on the kids. Like, going on school visits, or even just giving fist pumps going out the tunnel, you see the biggest smiles on their faces. Just happy to see that.”
• Communications & Collaboration
• Growth and Development
• Advanced education in Business Administration, Operations Management, or related field preferred
• 3-5 years of progressive experience in operations, coordination, or administration
• Strong organizational and time-management skills
• Proficiency with office software (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
• Reliable attendance, punctuality and strong work ethic
• Ability to multitask and adapt to changing priorities
• High level of discretion and professionalism
• Strong problem solving and critical-thinking skills
• Considered an asset:
-Previous successful work experience in municipal government and/or working with Munisoft programs
-Understanding and application of Municipal, Provincial or Federal Legislation and Acts
-Strong understanding and ability to interpret and apply legal land descriptions (Township, Range/Road system) - this skill is mandatory for the role
-Understanding road construction processes including road plan profiles
-Working knowledge of Saskatchewan Information Services Corporation (Land Titles) system
• Excellent verbal and written English communication skills
Applicant must have a reliable, consistent form of transportation (valid driver’s license). No allowance for travel will be given.
How
to Apply:
Submit your resume of your work experience (be specific of your role with each company and the length of time spent at each respective employer) along with a contact number to: cao@rmbritannia.com
More details on job responsibilities and benefits can be found on the RM website or by following the link https://rmbritannia.com/p/employment-opportunities
We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those chosen for further consideration will be contacted. Position will remain open until a suitable candidate is found.
RM of Britannia No. 502 | Box 661, Lloydminster, SK S9V 0Y7 306.825.2610 | www.rmbritannia.com
The Bobcats will see a lot of the road during the next couple of weeks as they play
“Yeah, road trips are a lot of bonding, a lot of time on the bus,” he said. “Just bonding together, and hopefully winning some more games.”
Robertson, Bobcats
‘showed who’s the boss’ in blanking Oil
Barons
In the dressing room afterward, Lloyd recognized the team’s heroes of the night. Screpnek and Robertson received the hard hat and the Bobcats’ chain, respectively.
“He’s an awesome player,” Robertson said of Screpnek. “I love playing with him. He brings that spark to every line he’s on. Obviously, tonight, a couple of good plays and good net-front presence, popped a couple (of goals) and got an assist on that Hopko laser-beam (shot) from the blue-line.”
The Bobcats won the final two games of a three-part homestand in front of a combined 4,431 fans. They’re 4-1 in their past five outings.
“We’ve had a couple of struggle games recently, and we’re glad to have our feet back under us,” said Robertson, whose first and last names are identical to those of a 22-year-old American Hockey League forward from Ontario. “We definitely came to play a full 60 (minutes) today and showed them who’s the boss. We got those two extra points on them, and we’re tied with them now.”
RECONNECTS WITH FORT MAC’S MAKOKIS
As intense a game as it was on the ice, the personable Robertson took time afterward to chat with Fort McMurray defenceman Ethan Makokis. They were teammates as recently as last season at Okanagan Hockey Academy.
The St. Paul-born Makokis, 18, didn’t dress for Friday’s game in Lloyd. He had just rejoined the Oil Barons in the Border City after spending the past week in Saddle Lake Cree Nation for his grandmother’s funeral. Makokis has major-junior experience with the WHL’s Everett Silvertips and spent the early part of this season with the BCHL’s Langley Rivermen.
The Bobcats are on the road for five games over the next two weekends as they begin the final 15-game stretch in their 2025-26 regular season.
This weekend, Lloyd visits the league-leading Whitecourt Wolverines (30-10-1) on Saturday night and the North’s last-place Devon Xtreme (14-22-4) on Sunday afternoon.
The Bobcats’ next home game is against the Drumheller Dragons (20-17-6) on Feb. 20, three full weeks after Lloyd’s last appearance at the Hub.
Notably, the Bobcats have played three less games than the Oil Barons, the team Lloyd is tied with in the standings. Both of those teams were just four points behind the second-place Grande Prairie Storm (27-13-2) going into action this Wednesday night (Feb. 4), as Fort Mac hosted the Bonnyville Pontiacs (20-18-2) and Grande Prairie visited Devon.
After losing twice (5-2 and 3-1) in Drumheller last weekend, fifth-place Bonnyville was 10 points out of the North’s fourth and final playoff position.
The North front-runners, Whitecourt and Grande Prairie, each picked up points in multiple weekend games. Facing a couple of South Division teams, the Wolverines defeated the Calgary Canucks 4-1 on Sunday and the Canmore Eagles 5-3 on Saturday. The Storm bounced the Camrose Kodiaks 6-2 on Saturday, after losing to those same Kodiaks 4-3 in a shootout Friday. That was Grande Prairie’s first loss in nine games.
After visiting Fort Mac on Wednesday, Bonnyville continues its playoff push this weekend with a home-and-home series against Camrose. Those teams meet in Bonnyville on Friday and Camrose on Saturday.
The
HOPKO FROM PAGE 23
AJHL FROM PAGE 22
JAXAN HOPKO
Romanchuk signs with SJHL’s Klippers
JOHN MacNEIL SPORTS EDITOR
The Kindersley Klippers of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League announced Tuesday that they have signed Lloydminster Lancers’ captain Rhett Romanchuk.
The 17-year-old Romanchuk has been a tower of strength for the U18 AAA Lancers this season, scoring nine goals and 32 points in 31 games.
The almost six-foot-four, 190-pound Romanchuk was the top-scoring defenceman in the AEHL going into Wednesday night’s action. Edmonton Junior Oilers Blue rearguard Nathan Guenther, with 31 points, was just one point behind Romanchuk, who is from Lloydminster and Dewberry.
Ryan Gibson, the general manager of the junior A Klippers, welcomed Romanchuk to the organization.
“Rhett is a player our staff did a great job identifying and tracking early in the season,” Gibson said in a news release. “He is a long, mobile defender who is going to help our team at both ends of the ice.
“It is hard to find players that have the combination of size, skating ability and IQ that Rhett possesses. He plays a style of game that
we want our defencemen to play.
“Rhett had multiple options when it came down to choosing where he wanted to play his junior hockey, and he ultimately chose Kindersley as the program he wanted to play for and develop with. That is very special for us as a staff.”
Romanchuk had been practising with the junior A Lloydminster Bobcats this season, during which he was also called up to play with the junior B Vermilion Tigers.
“I was immediately intrigued by Kindersley, due to the culture, development opportunity, competitiveness and a great history of moving players on to the next level.” Romanchuk said in the Klippers’ news release.
“It was an opportunity that me and my family knew would help me develop my skill at the junior level right away.”
Kindersley also announced the signing of a hometown forward, Austin Schafer, who plays U18 AAA with the Saskatoon Contacts. He has 17 goals and 30 points in 29 games with the Contacts this season.
In the meantime, both Romanchuk and Schafer remain with their respective U18 AAA teams for the rest of those teams’ 2025-26 seasons.
Lancers post win, loss while short of players
JOHN MacNEIL SPORTS EDITOR
Despite playing shorthanded because of a rash of injuries and sickness, the Lloydminster Lancers continue to keep themselves in contention for a playoff position in the U18 AAA division of the Alberta Elite Hockey League.
Although they lost 7-0 on Sunday against the host St. Albert Raiders, the Lancers scored a 6-4 home victory on Saturday over the Sherwood Park Kings.
Lloydminster, with an 11-16-5 record, was tied in points with the Edmonton Junior Oilers Orange (12-15-3) for the sixth and final playoff berth in the North Division.
Oilers Orange was scheduled to play the division leaders, the Edmonton Junior Oilers Blue (24-5-3), on Wednesday night, after this week’s Meridian Source went to press.
This weekend, Oilers Orange visit the Lancers in a critical head-to-head battle at 6:45 p.m. Saturday at the Hub.
Lloyd hits the road Sunday for a 4:45 p.m. game against fourth-place Sherwood Park (17-15-2), the same team that the Lancers defeated last Saturday at the Hub.
In that game, veteran defenceman Denton Setzer scored the winning goal with 4:20 left in the third
period and Alec Robinson added an insurance marker 36 seconds later.
It was the first goal of the season for Setzer, and it came in his 30th game in the 2025-26 campaign. Overall, the Wainwright native just recently hit the 100-game milestone as a member of the U18 AAA Lancers.
In the key win over Sherwood Park, Setzer had a two-point game as five Lancers contributed multipoint games.
Now with 16 goals and 38 points in 32 games, Lloydminster scoring leader Kael Scott led the way with two goals and two assists. Ty Domshy supplied one of each, including a short-handed goal. Graydon Kvill and Kelton Doolaege each had two assists.
The opening Lloyd goal came from Gavin Pratt, whose 15th marker of the season came on a power play and evened the score at 1-1. Scott, with his 15th, put the Lancers up 2-1 in the final minute of the first period.
Sherwood Park came back from 3-1 and 4-3 deficits to twice tie the game, but Lloydminster got the job done in the final five minutes.
Asher Ammann, with his fourth straight win, made 41 saves in the Lancers’ net.
After winning his previous four games, six-footfour Cole Chorostkowski blocked 29 of the 35 shots
in the Kings’ goal.
Landon Horiachka, with two points, Knox Bendera, Zak Stabbler and Michael Warawa, with the game-opening power-play tally, scored the Sherwood Park goals.
Lloyd had just 15 skaters dressed for Saturday’s game, which saw defencemen Cobin Garnett and Ace Brewer return from injuries and forward Hunter Prybysh called up from the U17 AAA Lancers. Prybysh also played with the U18 AAA club on Sunday as Lloyd again went with 15 skaters.
Stran Edge started Sunday’s contest, but he gave way to Ammann when St. Albert (18-9-7) took a 4-0 lead just a minute into the second period. The two Lloyd goalies faced a combined 39 shots. The Raiders’ Kai Zurowski made 21 saves for his second shutout of the season.
St. Albert forward Jadon Fischer, who had a fourgoal game against the Lancers back in October, tallied twice on Sunday. He and Kyle Denis each netted third-period power-play goals.
Kai Richards, with two goals and an assist, Taye Schaufele and Lucah Lamb also scored. Carson Ralph bagged three assists to give him 33 points in 31 games.
Including their two games this coming weekend, the Lancers have six contests remaining in their regular-season schedule.
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Lloydminster Lancers’ captain Rhett Romanchuk is the top-scoring defenceman in the Alberta Elite Hockey League’s U18 AAA division. John MacNeil Meridian Source
NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND CLAIMANTS
In the estate of CONNIE E. BORN, who died on 2025/12/20
If you have a claim against this estate, you must file your claim by April 11, 2026 with: Susan Blythe at: Box 10675 Lloydminster, AB T9V 3A7
If you do not file by the date above, the estate property can lawfully be distributed without regard to any claim you may have.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
In the estate of NICHOLAS DAVID MANLEY, late of Lloydminster, Saskatchewan, deceased. All claims against the above estate, duly verified by statutory declaration and with particulars and valuation of security held, if any, must be sent to the undersigned before March 16,2026.
ARMSTRONG HITTINGER
MOSKAL, Solicitors for the Executors, Box 1680, Lloydminster, Saskatchewan, S9V 1K6.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND CLAIMANTS
IN THE ESTATE OF ALLAN EMIL MONASTERSKI ALSO KNOWN AS ALLAN EMIL MONASTYRSKI
who died on October 29, 2025
If you have a claim against this estate, you must file your claim by: March 9th, 2026 with: TYLER VANT ERVE KMSC LAW LLP, #401, 10514 - 67 Avenue Grande Prairie, AB T8W 0K8
If you do not file by the date above, the estate property can lawfully be distributed without regard to any claim you may have.
RUTH WILDMAN,
Lloydminster, Alberta, Deceased,who died on January 1, 2026
If you have a claim against this estate, you must file your claim by: February 28, 2026 with: REVERING LAW OFFICE
Barristers & Solicitors 5018 - 50 Avenue
Lloydminster, Alberta T9V 0W7
If
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It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Kenneth Charles Dagger on Saturday, January 10th, 2026, at the age of 71. Kenneth was a beloved resident of Camrose, Alberta, whose warmth and generosity touched the lives of all who knew him.
Kenneth was born on August 25th, 1954, in Cuckfield. He was the cherished son of the late Myrtle Allen, who preceded him in death. He carried her memory with him every day, honoring her in how he lived his life—with kindness and integrity.
Professionally, Kenneth was the Vice President of Production, a role in which he thrived and was well-respected by colleagues and peers. Throughout his career, he demonstrated a deep commitment to excellence and an unwavering work ethic, leaving behind a legacy of leadership and innovation.
Kenneth was a valued member of the Camrose community. Outside of his professional life, he was known for his love of nature and his frequent explorations of the beautiful Alberta landscapes. Kenneth's humor, compassion, and dedication have left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing him.
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He is survived by a loving family, friends, and countless individuals whose lives he touched throughout the years.
Son Andrew & Yvette Dagger, Daughter Hayley Dagger & Partner Dave Matthews, Friend and former Wife Linda Dagger. Grandson Jordan Dagger. Brothers Roydon & Steph Dagger, Gene & Karen Allen and Rickie Allen.
CELEBRATION OF LIFE
Saturday, February 14, 2026, 1:00PM. Camrose Royal Canadian Legion 6002 50 Ave, Camrose, AB In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Kenneth may be made to a charity of your choice, or to the Mazenkowski Heart Institute as a way of honoring his generous spirit and love for helping others.
Kenneth Charles Dagger will be deeply missed and forever remembered by those who knew and loved him. May his soul find peace and his memories bring comfort to all during this difficult time.
of 82 years.
Dan was a friendly, outgoing guy who never missed an opportunity for a chat and was widely known for his storytelling-some of it true, some of it improved for entertainment value and some outright fabrications. He spent most of his life drywalling, a career that somehow resulted in a huge network of friends, long-time clients and people who stopped him just to talk. He loved a round of golf, a good laugh, and was incredibly proud of the accomplishments of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Well liked by everyone who knew him, Dan’s legacy lives on in the family he raised, the friendships he built, the homes he helped shape and the countless stories that will continue to be told whenever his name comes up.
Dan is survived by: his children, Penny Gervais, Candy Courtenay and Daniel Courtenay (Tanya Albers); grandchildren, Trish (Shawn) Pick, Sandra Gervais (Daryl Morrant), Jessie McAllister (Kelsea Heeroma), Jeffrey Gervais, Sydnie Jenkins and Lincoln Albers; great-grandchildren, Gemma McAllister, Rylan Pick, Jaqueline Pick and Kiara McAllister; brother, Ted (Zoni) Courtenay; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
fishing , golfing and bowled for years.
Ann was a truly remarkable person: smart, kind, funny, and always composed . She had a lovely voice for both singing and talking and a distinctive laugh. She will be missed and lovingly remembered by so many, both family and friends.
Dan was predeceased by his: beloved wife, Linda Courtenay; daughter, Sherri McAllister, son-in-law, Donny Gervais; granddaughters, baby Danielle and baby Angela; brother, Lionel Courtenay; sister, Isabel Burns; and parents, Edward and Elsie Courtenay.
The Funeral Service for Dan was held at Moose Lodge, Thursday, January 15, 2026 at 10:00 AM. Donations may be made to donor's charity of choice. McCaw Funeral Service Ltd., of Lloydminster, AB administered the funeral arrangements.
CARD OF THANKS
The Courtenay family would like to send special thanks to the Doctors and nurses at both Lloydminster Hospital and LCC and all those
Carstensen on July 9, 1930 in Cut Knife , Saskatchewan to Christian and Anna (Sankey) Carstensen. She grew up in Gallivan, Saskatchewan with Siblings Bertha, Hank and Minnie. After graduating from the General Hospital in Edmonton as a RN, She worked at the Viking and Lloydminster Hospitals before ending her career as head nurse at the Lloydminster Clinic.
Ann and her husband Vic met in April 1954 and married November 4, 1955. They celebrated their 70th Anniversary at Grace United Church on November 30th. Music was Ann's other constant companion. She performed as a duo, in a barbershop quartet, helped organize the local chapter of Sweet Adelines International, joined the choir at the Grace United Church and joined "Doc and Friends", a singing group started by Dr. Ray Rogers.
She also loved flowers; her photo albums contained pages of flowers from their own backyard and around the world, as she and Vic were avid travelers. Ann had many interests: crossword puzzles, scrabble and crib. She loved
Ann is survived by her loving husband Vic and many nieces and nephews. She was pre-deceased by her parents and three siblings, two nieces and two nephews.
The funeral service was held at the WLS convention Centre at the Lloydminster Exhibition Grounds on January 8,2026.
CARDS OF THANKS
Vic Juba and his extended family wish to express their gratitude and appreciation to the Grace United Church and Rev. George Mafuleka and the combined choirs of Grace United Church and Lloyd Minstrels. We appreciate the excellent care of the staff at the Lloydminster Home Care and Lloydminster Hospital. Our thanks for the attendance of the Lloydminster Lions Club, the Rotary Club and especially the Nurse Honor Guard who created an emotional moment by portraying their importance in Ann's life. Our thanks to Gwen Mottram prepared an excellent remembrance video. We also wish to thank all who brought baking to the condo, sent cards and flowers, made donations to charities and the plant a tree program and other expressions of sympathy. Thank you Joel McCaw for your compassion and professionalism.
SUDOKU
break.
You’ll be bursting with energy this week. You’ll feel capable of moving mountains! You’ll throw yourself into a new professional or personal project that will give you a deep sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.
You’ll need solid support in both your professional and personal life. You’ll readily offer help to a loved one this week.
SHOWTIMES
This week will be filled with tension. This atmosphere will encourage you to take better care of yourself, especially through physical exercise.
Unexpected events could cause delays this week, but spacing out your appointments could help you minimize your stress.
Your friends may invite you on a fun getaway. Nothing will revitalize you more than a brief change of scenery, especially if you live in the city.
You’ll soon go through an emotionally intense period that will prompt you to evaluate your friendships. Opportunistic actions will push you to reaffirm your values.
You’ll feel a lot of pressure to make an important decision this week. If you want to make the right choice, gather all the necessary information and weigh the pros and cons.
At work, you’ll be flooded with urgent tasks that demand your attention. Although this may cause some stress, the hustle and bustle could become a springboard for growth.
