Meridian Source - July 30, 2026

• OILFIELD & INDUSTRIAL • BRAKES & SUSPENSION EXHAUST • CUSTOM BENDING • PERFORMANCE EXHAUST • AIR SEEDER REPAIRS SYSTEMS

Thursday, July 30, 2026

5905 44 Street, Lloydminster AB T9V 1V6 info@exhaustmasters.ca

MERIDIANSOURCE.CA

Celebrating 120 years of the Vermilion Fair Christian Apostolovski Meridian Source

the Vermilion Agricultural Society.

The Vermilion Fair officially rang in She credits the fair’s longevity to 120 years of family fun. Now, they’re their volunteers. setting their sights a few years down “It’s amazing that we’ve been going the road. this long,” she said. “It’s all due to “I think we’re starting to already our volunteers. The society is run talk about 125 and rev up for that. entirely on volunteers and volunteer That’s a fairly big, symbolic number,” work.”

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2 said Nicole Polishuk, president of CHRISTIAN APOSTOLOVSKI ..................................

2

Thursday, July 30, 2026

FULL STORIES AT MERIDIANSOURCE.CA

COMMUNITY NEWS

people that are really involved in While volunteers help drive the fair, livestock. But then we also go all the it’s a family atmosphere that keeps way to the other where we’ve got for the gearheads, the lawnmower races locals coming back. “ I t ’ s t h a t k i n d o f s m a l l - t o w n , and the modified tractor pulls and c o m m u n i t y , f a m i l y a t m o s p h e r e . antique tractor pulls.

We really strive to keep this family “We also have some chuckwagon oriented,” Polishuk said. “It always races, chariot races.”

CONTINUED ON PAGE 3 feels like a really big reunion. You wander down the main road and run into people you haven’t seen in years.

Or you see them once a year at the fair.”

Keeping families in mind, entertainment is catered to bring in anyone, with musical acts and a ventriloquist as part of the grandstand entertainment.

“We have entertainment that brings in everybody,” she said. “We have

VERMILION FAIR FROM PAGE 1

VIDEO

Christian Apostolovski Meridian Source

COMMUNITY NEWS

FULL STORIES AT MERIDIANSOURCE.CA

Thursday, July 30, 2026

Vermilion Fair festivities took place from July 23-25 with music, competitions and showcases as part of the 120th Christian Apostolovski Meridian Source photos celebration.

FAIR FROM PAGE 2

Polishuk noted the low price of the fair makes it affordable for families, with a three-day pass at $30 or a daily admission of $15.

“I think that’s part of why we continue to have such a positive response in the community and in surrounding area. It’s affordable for families,” she said.

She said attendance over the past three years has been around 24,000 over the three-day fair.

Every year, the fair kicks off with a parade around Vermilion.

“I think we normally average right around 200 (floats),” she said.

Home delivery available in Lloydminster & nearby areas.

Call to confirm service.

Enjoy over 200 frozen meals, soups, and desserts delivered straight to your door.

Ask for your FREE MENU today!

FREE DELIVERY

No Contracts No Subscriptions Special Diet meals available Direct billing to Veteran affairs of Canada

LOCAL

780-666-2336 TOLL FREE

1800-704-4779

3

4

Thursday, July 30, 2026

FULL STORIES AT MERIDIANSOURCE.CA

COMMUNITY NEWS

Lloydminster council concerned over political advertising in proposed policy change recreation and cultural o r 2 0 y e a r s a g o t h a t The City of Lloydminster services. are hung up, and we’re i s r e v i e w i n g i t s “ A s p a r t o f t h i s running out of room.” advertising policy, with review, administration C o u n . J i m T a y l o r updated rules regarding p r e p a r e d a n u p d a t e d r e c o u n t e d h i s o w n facility banners among draft that clarifies roles e x p e r i e n c e s e e i n g the proposed changes. and responsibilities, b a n n e r s a t v a r i o u s First adopted by city s t r e n g t h e n s b a n n e r venues. c o u n c i l o n D e c . 1 7 , standards and updates “When I travel to other 2018, the policy was last p r o v i s i o n s r e l a t e d t o a r e n a s a n d f a c i l i t i e s , amended in 2022. revenue allocation, gifts it’s something to look “ A d m i n i s t r a t i o n h a s i n k i n d a n d e x i s t i n g at when you’re in there completed a review of agreements.” and it’s neat to see the the policy to ensure it Administration clarified history, but I also agree c o n t i n u e s t o p r o v i d e t h a t g u i d e l i n e s f o r with it — after a while, clear direction, reflects b a n n e r s w e r e a d d e d there’s more than needs c u r r e n t o p e r a t i o n a l t o a d d r e s s g r o w i n g to be there,” he said. practices and aligns with operational demands.

One major revision related city policies and “We’ve received some i s t h e r e m o v a l o f a approval processes,” said questions about banners restriction on political Joel Turcotte, director of — who can hang them advertising, a move that and for what purpose,” raised concerns among T u r c o t t e e x p l a i n e d . several council members. “ S o m e i n d i v i d u a l s “I don’t know how we don’t like how untidy protect ourselves on that they look, so we were one,” said Coun. David trying to gather some Lopez. guidelines for it.

Turcotte noted the “We’re getting a lot of restriction was removed questions from many following legal advice, d i f f e r e n t s p o r t i n g a point expanded on by o r g a n i z a t i o n s . E v e r y Tracy Simpson, executive organization is starting manager of community to ask for banners. We development services. have banners from 15 CONTINUED ON PAGE 5 CHRISTIAN APOSTOLOVSKI ..................................

COMMUNITY NEWS

FULL STORIES AT MERIDIANSOURCE.CA

LLOYDMINSTER POLICY FROM PAGE 4

“We were challenged on the idea that we weren’t allowing political advertising in our buildings,” Simpson said. “We received a legal opinion that said we have no legal grounds to limit political advertising in our public spaces, so we’ve removed it based on that legal opinion.”

Coun. Michael Diachuk expressed concern over how political advertising might reflect on the municipality.

“We’ve opted to not get involved in the ‘Stay in Canada’ and ‘Get out of Alberta’ piece to stay neutral, recognizing we have people in the community with both of those opinions,” he said. “But here we are saying it’s OK for someone to advertise on our buildings, and then we could be construed as saying we support that because we let them rent that space and say exactly what we don’t believe in.”

Simpson said administration would bring back additional information when the policy returns to a regular council meeting, adding that the city retains final approval over all advertising inside its facilities.

The item will return to a future council meeting for a decision.

Local Business Directory

WE ARE LABIS Supporting individuals with acquired brain injuries through programs, support, and resources.

Interaction - Support - Friendship #103-4090 41 St.

labis@sasktel.net

Thursday, July 30, 2026

5

6

Thursday, July 30, 2026

FULL STORIES AT MERIDIANSOURCE.CA

COMMUNITY NEWS

Lloydminster barista places third in Regional Starbucks championship TAYLOR WEAVER ..................................

When Coi Garcia stepped onto the stage at the Starbucks Western Canada Regional Barista Championship in Calgary on July 21, she was already carrying years of coffee expertise. But as the sole Filipino competitor among the region’s best baristas, the pressure was unmistakably high.

Lloydminster barista Coi Garcia placed third in the regional Starbucks championship in Calgary on July 21.

Taylor Weaver Meridian Source

Long Weekend WE WILL BE CLOSED MONDAY, AUGUST 3

meridiansource.ca

|

5921 - 50 Avenue, Lloydminster

“

Every one of us has a different story, so might as well keep it going, keep pushing.

After a year here, I feel at home.

- Coi Garcia

“I felt nervous at first because the pressure is so high, but then I just told myself, ‘Yeah, I can do this,’ ” said Garcia, who works at the south Lloydminster Starbucks off Highway 17.

Her confidence paid off with a thirdplace finish in the competitive regional showdown.

The journey to Calgary began inside her home store. Each Starbucks location was asked to select a representative for the district competition, and Garcia’s store manager immediately had her in mind.

“My manager chose me because she said that I can do latte art, so why not try it?” Garcia said.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 7

COMMUNITY NEWS

FULL STORIES AT MERIDIANSOURCE.CA

Thursday, July 30, 2026

7

COI GARCIA FROM PAGE 6

Although she initially hesitated, questioning if she was “too old” for the event, her manager pushed her to go for it.

At 38, Garcia is far from new to the coffee world. Before moving to Canada nearly two years ago, she spent five years working her way up the ranks at a Starbucks Reserve store in the Philippines — advancing from a seasonal barista to a coffee master and supervisor.

After moving to Canada, Garcia joined “You have to stay connected with the the Lloydminster location, where she customer,” Garcia said. “Even though has worked as a part-time barista for it’s very busy, you have to make the the past 12 months. customer feel like they are welcome, The regional competition put they are home. Waiting is not a participants through rigorous tests, hindrance at all if you genuinely talk i n c l u d i n g t h e C o f f e e h o u s e R u s h with them.”

Challenge, where baristas crafted 10 For Garcia, being a barista is less handcrafted beverages against the about the mechanics of making a drink clock while showcasing technical and more about extending genuine skill, coffee knowledge and customer hospitality — whether that means connection. offering to bring an order directly to While only the first-place champion a family’s table or suggesting custom advances to the North America Barista drink modifications.

Championship Finals in Seattle, Garcia “Every one of us has a different story, t o o k h o m e a d e e p s e n s e o f p r i d e so might as well keep it going, keep and a clear key takeaway from the pushing,” she said. “After a year here, I experience. feel at home.”

VIDEO

26075TM0 26075TM1 26075TM2 26081TM1

8

FULL STORIES AT MERIDIANSOURCE.CA

Thursday, July 30, 2026

COMMUNITY NEWS

ATCO to begin construction on Yellowhead Pipeline project CHRISTIAN APOSTOLOVSKI ..................................

ATCO is set to begin construction on the Yellowhead Pipeline after receiving final approval.

ATCO Ltd. announced July 20 that its subsidiary, Canadian Utilities Limited, received final approval from the ATCO photo Alberta Utilities Commission for the Yellowhead Pipeline project. the Peers area to Fort Saskatchewan, The $2.9-billion project will consist along with one compressor station. of the construction and operation of The pipeline is expected to deliver a 235-kilometre, 36-inch-diameter more than 1 billion cubic feet of natural natural gas transmission pipeline from gas per day.

26075TA0

COMMUNITY NEWS

FULL STORIES AT MERIDIANSOURCE.CA

Thursday, July 30, 2026

9

Vermilion to repair airport runway CHRISTIAN APOSTOLOVSKI ..................................

The Town of Vermilion is proceeding with airport repairs after a grant fell through.

“We did apply for funding for the overlay work through the strategic transportation infrastructure program (STIP). Unfortunately, we were unsuccessful this year in our application,” explained Robert Dauphinee, Vermilion’s director of infrastructure and planning services.

He noted they plan to continue to pursue the funding for the work.

Town of Vermilion council in discussion at the June 23 regular Christian Apostolovski Meridian Source “Our intent is to go back the next year. council meeting.

We’ll update our application and come amount of $9,500 for a total project back again and continue with the ask,” cost of $85,387. he said.

The ask of council is to move $15,387 from the airport reserve to help fund the project.

“We do have approximately $132K presently in the airport reserve and yourvoicelloyd.ca/2027budget anticipating another $150K added as part of this year’s budget and process,” Dauphinee said.

Coun. Kellen Snelgrove said it’s money well spent, as their intention is to maintain the airport.

The municipal budget affects every part of “This council has stated we want life in Lloydminster; the roads you drive, the to keep our airport in good working parks you enjoy, the protective services that keep you safe and so much more. order,” he said, noting that’s why they Through the 2027 Municipal Budget survey, put money into the airport reserve. you can share your voice on what matters Council awarded the contract for most to you! Feedback from this survey will inform funding allocations for years to come. runway crack sealing to Applied Complete the survey before August 19.

Products Ltd. in the amount of $75,887 and runway pavement marking to Marshall Line Painting Ltd. in the

ENGAGE TODAY. SHAPE TOMORROW.

Paper surveys are available at all City facilities and the Lloydminster Public Library.

PAGE 10 Thursday, July 30, 2026 MERIDIAN SOURCE

5921-50 Avenue, Lloydminster, SK S9V 2A4 Phone: 306-825-5111 | Fax: 306-825-5147 meridiansource.ca Mail: Box 2454, Lloydminster, SK S9V 1W5 Hours: 8AM to 5PM Monday to Friday The MERIDIAN SOURCE is published once a week, on Thursday.

All material printed in the Meridian Source is copyright and may not be copied or reproduced without the express permission of the publisher. The Meridian Source reserves the right to refuse publication of any advertising or editorial material at its discretion.

Columns and letters are the expressed view of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Meridian Source.

Editor Taylor Weaver taylor@meridiansource.ca

Sports Editor John MacNeil sports@meridiansource.ca

Staff Writer Christian Apostolovski christian@meridiansource.ca

Marketing Consultant Jacie Borrebach jacie@meridiansource.ca 780-870-5583 Publisher: Reid Keebaugh Distribution: distribution@meridiansource.ca CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING admin@meridiansource.ca LETTERS TO THE EDITOR We welcome letters to the editor. Letters should be 500 words or less. A name and daytime phone number is required for verification.

Priority will be given to letters exclusively written for the Meridian Source. We reserve the right to edit letters for clarity, brevity, spelling, grammar, punctuation and libel. Unsigned letters will not be published. Use of pseudonyms will only be allowed in special circumstances, at the discretion of the editor and the publisher, and only if the author’s identity is known to the editor. Publication of a letter does not imply endorsement by the Meridian Source. Send to taylor@meridiansource.ca

2017

Viewpoint

Leave it to Weaver

Phone scams, don’t believe it all

D

on’t believe everything you read on your screen. Whether it’s news on a social media feed or a text message sent to your phone — reader, beware.

On Tuesday, July 28, Saskatchewan RCMP issued a warning about a text message scam circulating in the Carnduff and Indian Head regions. The messages falsely claim to be from the Provincial Court of Saskatchewan and direct recipients to click an included link to pay an outstanding traffic ticket online or appear in court. They are fake.

Mounties advise anyone who receives one of these messages not to click any links, send money, or provide personal or financial information.

I felt compelled to write about this because I received one of these exact text messages a couple of weeks ago.

Being the gullible, trusting guy I am, I read that text and immediately felt sick to my stomach. I haven’t been pulled over in more than four years, I thought to myself. It didn’t take long to question the validity of the text, and luckily, Chels was there to assure me it was a scam.

The RCMP also recommend blocking the sender’s number, taking screenshots for records, and refraining from clicking any links or sending money.

The world can be a scary place, and when a 36-year-old millennial almost gets duped by these new-age scammers, I fear for others who may take things further by responding.

Stay safe out there, dear reader — you never know who might be targeting you with a phishing scam.

Opinion

PAGE 11 Thursday, July 30, 2026 MERIDIAN SOURCE

Chris’ A-Z: It’s been a good summer I’ve had a lot of firsts recently.

I attended my first Onion Lake powwow and my first Vermilion Fair.

I’ll start with the powwow. For one, I’ve never driven out to Onion Lake before, which was quite the trip.

One thing I was excited to experience was crossing the George Franklin Baynton Bridge, which I’ve previously written about. Baynton advocated to have a bridge to connect the communities and worked hard to make it happen.

Christian Apostolovski Meridian Source Getting to the powwow, the security line was quick (I got there early) and and it was crammed full of people. there was plenty of parking. It felt like a Also, having it inside was a nice touch big-time event with all the vendors set so people could get away from the up surrounded by campers as people scorching sun. settled into a weekend of culture and T h e h i g h l i g h t f o r m e w a s t h e fun. As always, the grand entry and l a w n m o w e r r a c e s . S e e i n g p e o p l e various competitions were a spectacle drifting lawnmowers and kicking up to see. dirt everywhere was amazing. I did have Moving to the Vermilion Fair, I’d to be pretty careful with the dirt flying heard people talk about how great the at me while I was near the track taking fair is for a small town, and I’m happy photos, not to mention the possibility of to report it delivered. a lawnmower not making the turn.

My wife and I attended on the second I was also pleasantly surprised to see d a y . W h i l e I d i d m i s s o u t o n t h e Caroline Parke on the showcase stage, parade, I heard it was well attended as a local singer/songwriter I interviewed it usually is. Getting to the fairgrounds, last year ahead of her new album. The everything was just getting set up, crowd was enjoying the performance as which added a cool look to the event. much as I was.

The one thing that really caught me Overall, the fair and the powwow have off guard was the vendor hall. I did not been big highlights for my summer so expect there to be so many vendors far.

12 Thursday, July 30, 2026 CALENDAR OF EVENTS The Meridian Source Calendar of Events is a free service provided for non-profit organizations located within our coverage area. All events are in chronological order, as space permits and at the editor’s discretion.

Passport to YLL

COMMUNITY NEWS

To place an event, email taylor@meridiansource.ca or fax 306-825-5147

Season production of Menopause Bingo at Moose Lodge Bingo is back at Moose Lodge every t h e M u s i c a l o n O c t . 1 a t 7 : 3 0 p . m .

Monday and Wednesday evening. Doors Tickets are $70. open at 5 p.m. and play starts at 7 p.m.

PWR/UP - AC/DC at the Vic Juba Must be 18 to play.

PWR/UP, Canada’s premier AC/AD tribute act, is coming to the Vic Juba Community Southridge Playschool Theatre on Saturday, Oct. 3, for a 7:30 p.m.

Registration is Open T h e S o u t h r i d g e P l a y s c h o o l a n d show. Tickets are available here.

Kindergym Society has opened Elton John Tribute at the Vic Juba registration for the fall 2026-27 term for kids ages 3-5. One day a week is Electric Elton, the music and legacy of covered by a government affordability Elton John, is at the Vic Juba Community grant, and two days a week is $325 for Theatre on Oct. 5 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $69. the whole term. Contact Mrs. Shandy at Elvis and Dolly at the Vic southridgeplayschool@gmail.com or Elvis and Dolly: Blue Suede and message them on Facebook.

Rhinestones hits the stage at the Vic Juba Theatre on Oct. 8. Tickets Chair Yoga The Alcurve Community Hall is hosting are $60.25. chair yoga every Thursday at 10:30 a.m.

Cost is $15 for drop-in or $50 per month. RCMP warn of traffic ticket text scam Call or text Deb at 780-808-0015 for more S a s k a t c h e w a n R C M P i s w a r n i n g details.

the public about a text message scam claiming recipients owe money for Von Bieker at the Vic Juba Theatre The Government of Alberta, City of traffic tickets.

Lloydminster and Vic Juba Community Sent from a “+21” area code, these Theatre present Von Bieker on Aug. 29 at messages falsely claim to come from 7:30 p.m. Tickets are free, reserved seating the Provincial Court of Saskatchewan only. Reserve tickets, here. and prompt recipients to click a link to pay outstanding fines online. Police The Hip Experience at the Vic Juba emphasize that these texts are entirely The Hip Experience: Canada’s Premier fraudulent. Recipients should not click Tribute to The Tragically Hip, returns to the any links, send money, or share personal Vic Juba Community Theatre on Sept. 23 or financial information. Block the for a 7:30 p.m. show. Tickets are $40. sender immediately and save screenshots of the message. Report suspected scams Menopause the Musical T h e V i c J u b a C o m m u n i t y T h e a t r e to local police at 310-RCMP or the p r e s e n t s t h e D r . H . A . M c D o n a l d Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.

COMMUNITY NEWS

FULL STORIES AT MERIDIANSOURCE.CA

Thursday, July 30, 2026

13

Vermilion supports swim club CHRISTIAN APOSTOLOVSKI ..................................

The Town of Vermilion is supporting a local swim club through a grant allocation.

The Vermilion Vipers Swim Club submitted a grant application to the parks, recreation, culture and environment board, requesting $1,000 in Vermilion Vipers photo funding.

D e p u t y M a y o r K e v i n dec ided as a b o ard to Martin explained that the meet them in the middle board has up to $1,000 at $500. to allocate to groups each Administration said the quarter. grant is also available “Each quarter, we have right on their website. $ 1 , 0 0 0 t h a t w e h a v e “One thing to add, we available for different have included the parks groups to apply for,” he and rec grant application said. on our website, so user T h e b o a r d groups will be able to recommended allocating access that through the $500 to the club.

Town of Vermilion,” “I think this is a worthy Johan Jones, director group. They didn’t get o f c o m m u n i t y a n d the full amount they had protective services, said. written the application Council approved the for, a little bit because request from the parks, I think their numbers recreation, culture and added up to only needing environment board to $ 3 0 0 , ” C o u n . J u s t i n give the Vermilion Vipers C l a r k e x p l a i n e d . “ W e Swim Club $500.

GRACE UNITED CHURCH Sunday, August 2, 2026 Rev. George Mafuleka and Ben Nutbrown Nursery and Sunday #GodsHandsHeartAndFeetAlways All Are Welcome!

4708 - 50 Avenue T9V 0W4 780-875-8959 graceunitedchurch.ca

AUGUST SUNDAY SERVICES

­ Aug. 2 / 9 / 16 / 23 / 30

AUDREY STEFANIZYN JULY 30TH 2025

Today marks one year since you left us.

Our grief continues to remind us of the significant impact you have had on our lives and, in turn, gives us gratitude for the time we spent with you. Your laughter, your hugs, and especially your love, are missed so dearly. We’ll continue to look for you in the most beautiful sunrises and birds. You are missed beyond measure, today and always.

All our love Rod, Branden, Leah, Danah, Kamen & Khru

PAGE 14 Thursday, July 30, 2026 MERIDIAN SOURCE

306-825-5111 admin@meridiansource.ca

NOTICE NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND CLAIMANTS IN THE ESTATE OF

MILDRED LOUISE ADAMS,

who died on JULY 12, 2026 If you have a claim against this estate, you must file your claim by: September 7, 2026 With: PAMELA ADAMS at: 5709 - 21 STREET, LLOYDMINSTER, AB T9V 3N3 If you do not file by the date above, the estate property can be distributed without regard to any claim you may have.

AUCTIONS

AUTO PARTS

FIREARMS AUCTIONS: Ward’s and Bud Haynes Auctions in Edmonton. Consign Now! Firearms, Ammo, Optics, Accessories, etc. Call Brad Ward, 780-9408378. FirearmsAuction.ca

BLANKET THE PROVINCE with a classified ad.

Only $269/wk (based on 25 words or less).

Reach 75 weekly newspapers. Call NOW for details.

1-800-2826903; www. awna.com; email classifieds@ awna.com.

HEALTH

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

The Kamsack Times is hiring a Local Journalism Initiative (LJI) Reporter to produce original civic journalism for Kamsack; Cote, Keeseekoose and The Key First Nations; and surrounding towns.

Job is a term position until March 31, 2027.

Apply with cover letter and three writing samples to Devan Tasa at dtasa@tasamedia.ca.

Classifieds

MISCELLANEOUS

WANTED

PROVINCE-WIDE CLASSIFIEDS. 44 local community newspapers, across Saskatchewan! Call 306-649.1405 or visit www.swna. com for details.

Find QUALIFIED, LOCAL EMPLOYEES, using the strength of community newspapers! Visit www. swna.com or call 306-649-1405 to find out how!

LANDSCAPING & GARDENING

P R O M O T E YOUR MESSAGE THROUGHOUT Alberta.

The Blanket Classifieds or Value Ads connect with more than 400,000 readers in the province each week.

Choose from three packages beginning at $269, $299 or $599 to share your message in over 70 Weekly Community Newspapers.

Contact THIS NEWSPAPER today or email classifieds@ awna.com for more information. Call 1-800282-6903 or 780-434-8746 or visit www. awna.com.

SERVICES

FEED AND SEED

MISCELLANEOUS

PRIVATE MORTGAGE LENDER. All real estate types considered. No credit checks done.

Deal direct with lender and get quick approval.

403-543-0927; www.firstandsecondmortgages.ca.

AGPRO - BUYING: FEED BARLEY & HEATED CANOLA For Bids, Call/Text: 306-873-0481 or visit: agproseeds.com AGPRO MARKET REPORT: Farmers, call to sign up for

Advertisements and statements contained herein are the sole responsibility of the persons or entities that post the advertisement, and the Saskatchewan Weekly Newspaper Association and membership do not make any warranty as to the accuracy, completeness, truthfulness, or reliability of such advertisements.

For greater information on advertising conditions, please consult the Association’s Blanket Advertising Conditions on our website at www.swna.com.

TRAVEL OSOYOOS LAKESHORE VILLA VACATION RENTAL

EXECUTIVE LAKEVIEW VILLA in Osoyoos, BC, with breathtaking lake & mountain views and just 3 minutes from town EXPERIENCE THE ULTIMATE GETAWAY! Or wanting warmer weather?

Two luxurious 5-star resort units in Phoenix, Arizona.

Doug 306-716-2671 osoyooslakevilla.com

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA MERIDIAN SOURCE SOURCEOFYLL MERIDIAN SOURCE SCOOPS

Free Today!

AGRICULTURE

COMMUNITY NEWS

FULL STORIES AT MERIDIANSOURCE.CA

Thursday, July 30, 2026

15

LRHF raises more than $250K through gala, run events TAYLOR WEAVER ..................................

The Lloydminster R e g i o n H e a l t h Foundation (LRHF) has made a major impact on local care after raising more than $250,000 through two signature events this year.

Leading the charge was the 24th annual Health Foundation Gala. Themed around t h e i c o n i c M o u l i n The 24th annual Lloydminster Region Health Foundation Gala helped the Rouge and presented by organization raise needed funds for the local cancer ward. Meridian Source file photo Richardson’s Jewellery, Participants tackled a Cenovus Energy, on Nov. the glamorous evening n e w s e v e n - k i l o m e t r e 10 to raise further funds route, alongside fresh for the cancer care unit. brought in $200,625.

T h e s e f u n d s d i r e c t l y a d d i t i o n s l i k e t h e Over seven years, the s u p p o r t t h e n e w l y k i d s m i n i m i l e a n d livestream initiative l a u n c h e d A N e w t h e m i n i - t o - m i g h t y has raised more than $1.5 million for H o m e F o r H o p e challenge. campaign, an initiative The momentum doesn’t v i t a l r e g i o n a l h e a l t h dedicated to relocating stop there. Beyond these operations. a n d m o d e r n i z i n g major events, local Lloydminster Hospital’s businesses, civic groups, DAL-ZAN PLUMBING LTD. c a n c e r c a r e u n i t w i t h a n d s p o r t s t e a m s — • Laborer, Apprentices , Journeyman u p g r a d e d t r e a t m e n t including the Lakeland • Full time position 40 hours a week • Work is residential and equipment and improved College Rustlers women’s some commercial hockey team — have patient comfort.

• Wage will depend on experience • Driver license is required Meanwhile, community c o n t i n u o u s l y c h i p p e d • Work is mostly all new members laced up their i n t o f u n d e s s e n t i a l construction & renovations running shoes for the d i a g n o s t i c t o o l s a n d • Work is in the Lloydminster and surrounding area second annual Synergy patient-care packages.

EMAIL RESUMES TO L o o k i n g a h e a d , t h e dal-zanplumbing@outlook.com Sunrise Run on May 9.

T h e s o l d - o u t e v e n t foundation will host its 780-870-1641 Po. Box 2366 station main generated $58,927 for annual Gift To Health Lloydminster SK, S9V 1W5 Project Sunrise, a local Livestream Dodgeball mental health initiative. Tournament, presented by

16

FULL STORIES AT MERIDIANSOURCE.CA

Thursday, July 30, 2026

COMMUNITY NEWS

Jumpin’ Joe claims back-to-back Lloydminster Indian Relay titles TAYLOR WEAVER ..................................

For 20-year-old Jumpin’ Joe Jackson, winning at Halstead Downs is quickly becoming a summer tradition, but the horses and growing crowd of young fans are what keep him coming back to the track.

Jackson, riding for the Poitras Relay team, captured his second consecutive championship title at the Lloydminster Extreme Indian Relay Racing event Poitras Relay’s Jumpin’ Joe Jackson salutes after an Indian on July 26, marking his third overall Relay win at Lloydminster’s Halstead Downs on July 25.

Taylor Weaver Meridian Source

career victory at the venue.

Reflecting on the victory fresh off the track, Jackson was quick to share the credit with team owner Curtis Poitras and his family.

“I’m just fresh off the championship and grateful enough that I won the show two years back-to-back now,” Jackson said. “I just want to shout out to Poitras Relay, Curtis Poitras and the family for taking me in and giving me these opportunities.”

The high-energy sport, which requires riders to jump bareback from one horse to another across multiple laps, drew packed stands to Halstead Downs over the two-day event on July 25 and 26.

Jackson, who grew up in Goodfish Lake, Alta., and now resides in Meadow Lake, Sask., to stay close to his team, noted a clear surge in fan interest compared to past years.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 17

COMMUNITY NEWS

FULL STORIES AT MERIDIANSOURCE.CA

Thursday, July 30, 2026

17

JUMPIN’ JOE FROM PAGE 16

“The crowd was unreal. I love seeing the Lloyd crowd this packed,” he said, pointing to recent national exposure as a catalyst for the sport’s momentum.

“The relay’s been growing and that’s what we like to see. Calgary Stampede broadcasted us and it’s bringing more fans that haven’t seen it all over the world.”

Despite starting his men’s relay career at just 11 years old and considering himself a “young veteran,” Jackson sees his role on the track as expanding beyond the finish line.

As the sport’s popularity rises, he aims to serve as a role model for the next generation.

“What I look forward to is the young kids that look up to me,” Jackson said. “That’s the biggest thing for me is signing autographs and putting the kids first — having someone they can look up to, ’cause I never had someone to look up to besides my family.”

While the thrill of competition and ABOVE: Jumpin’ Joe Jackson celebrates after winning the lifestyle of travelling to new tracks Lloydminster’s Indian Relay event on July 26 at Lloydminster’s Halstead Downs. BELOW: Jumpin’ Joe Jackson (second from every weekend remain major perks of right) and the Poitras Relay team receive buckles after winning the job, Jackson emphasized that the the Extreme Indian Relay event. heart of Indian Relay always comes Taylor Weaver Meridian Source photos back to the animals.

“My favourite thing about the sport is the horses,” Jackson said. “It’s the horses that bring all these people together. At the end of the day, it’s the horses that I enjoy.”

With another championship checked off in Lloydminster, Jackson and the Poitras Relay team plan to keep their momentum rolling as they continue their summer circuit.

VIDEO

18

FULL STORIES AT MERIDIANSOURCE.CA

Thursday, July 30, 2026

COMMUNITY NEWS

Taylor Weaver Meridian Source

Indian Relay surges in provincial popularity Saddle Lake team owner, has Standing-room-only crowds gathered officiated relay races for four years. at Lloydminster Exhibition’s Halstead Watching the sport’s rapid growth is a Downs for two days of high-energy source of pride for him.

Indian Relay Racing over the weekend. “I used to have a team but there’s Teams competed in one of North other teams getting into it,” Cardinal America’s most intense equine sports said, noting the sport’s expanding on July 25 and 26, presented by Onion reach across western Canada and Lake Enterprises. the United States. “Showing it on Judge Brian Cardinal, a former TV, Calgary Stampede, that was something.”

In fact, national television broadcasts at the Calgary Stampede boosted the sport’s profile to new heights this year.

Cardinal recalled how, during his own competing years at the Stampede in 2022 and 2023, the grandstands would visibly fill up as the relay heats approached.

While the sport offers thrilling entertainment for spectators, judging the races requires strict precision to ensure safety and fair play.

TAYLOR WEAVER ..................................

VIDEO

CONTINUED ON PAGE 19

COMMUNITY NEWS

FULL STORIES AT MERIDIANSOURCE.CA

INDIAN RELAY FROM PAGE 18

“The main thing — we don’t want the rider being touched or helped to get on. If they help them on, they get disqualified,” Cardinal explained.

Riders face automatic disqualification if they lose control of a horse.

Additionally, track interference — like cutting off competitors down the stretch — causes placement penalties.

The competition structure begins on opening day with qualifying heats that determine final positions.

“If they come in first, they’re in the championship heat,” Cardinal said, with second, third and fourth-place finishers moving into consolation heats for the remainder of the weekend.

Action kicked off Saturday evening following opening ceremonies and wrapped up Sunday afternoon, leaving local fans treated to a display of speed, culture and extreme athleticism.

Thursday, July 30, 2026

19

Relay riders make exchanges as clean as possible at the Lloyd Ex’s Extreme Indian Relay event on July 25 and 26.

Taylor Weaver Meridian Source photos

20

Thursday, July 30, 2026

FULL STORIES AT MERIDIANSOURCE.CA

COMMUNITY NEWS

Indian Relay Through the lens

Extreme Indian Relay races packed the Lloydminster Exhibition on July 25 and 26 for heart-pounding equine action.

When the dust settled, Jumpin’ Joe Jackson and Poitras Relay took the win for the weekend. The Poitras squad also won best-dressed relay team, which included a gift certificate to Taylor Weaver Meridian Source photos Lammles.

COMMUNITY NEWS

FULL STORIES AT MERIDIANSOURCE.CA

Thursday, July 30, 2026

21

Saskatchewan NDP releases originally-held Lloydminster Health Services Needs Assessment government for withholding the full The Saskatchewan NDP is calling report and instead publishing a fouro u t t h e p r o v i n c i a l g o v e r n m e n t page summary that omitted its primary for suppressing a comprehensive findings and recommendations. healthcare report, accusing the Sask “There could not be more daylight Party of misleading the public about between this four-page summary and the true state of local medical services. the 261-page needs report,” Conway At a July 23 news conference in said. “What is shocking is how clearly front of the Lloydminster Hospital, a n d c o m p r e h e n s i v e l y t h i s r e p o r t opposition shadow minister for health confirms those concerns, and that the Meara Conway stood alongside local Sask. Party chose not to share these community advocates to release the with the public.” full 261-page Lloydminster Health According to Conway, the undisclosed Service Needs Assessment. report reveals critical failures across The document, commissioned jointly multiple areas of local care, including: by the Saskatchewan and Alberta I n a d e q u a t e F a c i l i t i e s : T h e governments at a cost of over $250,000, Lloydminster Hospital is no longer highlights deep structural gaps across equipped to handle current patient the region’s healthcare system. volume or future demand.

Conway criticized the Sask Party Primary Care Deficits: Access to primary care in the region sits below the provincial average in Saskatchewan, which already ranks lowest among Canadian provinces.

TAYLOR WEAVER ..................................

VIDEO

CONTINUED ON PAGE 22

22

FULL STORIES AT MERIDIANSOURCE.CA

Thursday, July 30, 2026

COMMUNITY NEWS

HEALTH NEEDS ASSESSMENT FROM PAGE 21

Mental Health Gaps: Emergency departments and law enforcement act as the primary response for mental health crises due to a total lack of local psychiatric beds and a 132 per cent staffing shortfall, supported by only one psychiatrist for a catchment area of 217,000 people.

Surgical and Emergency Delays: Emergency room wait times have doubled, while surgical wait times Saskatchewan NDP shadow minister for health Meara Conway consistently exceed provincial targets. speaks to Lloydminster media on July 23, while accompanied Capacity Strain: Seniors’ care and by Paul Richer (left) and Darrell Dunn (right).

Christian Apostolovski Meridian Source

critical care infrastructure face severe pressure, with the regional population upgrades — such as those discussed for over age 75 projected to grow by 77 per the local Jubilee Home — have been cent over the next decade. continuously stalled while waiting for C o n w a y n o t e d t h a t m a n y o f t h e report releases. findings mirror issues previously “The 2013 report is very clear in terms documented in a 2013 assessment that of what was needed, and very little was was largely left unaddressed by the ever done to address the issues in that province. report,” Dunn said. “Taxpayer money L o c a l l e a d e r s j o i n i n g C o n w a y paid for that report, they promised expressed frustration over recurring that it would be a platform to move d e l a y s a n d a p e r c e i v e d l a c k o f forward, and the response is to hide it. c o m m i t m e n t f r o m p r o v i n c i a l And that has to be dealt with.” authorities.

Paul Richer, chair of the Lloydminster D a r r e l l D u n n , p r e s i d e n t o f t h e and District Health Advisory Council, Lloydminster Concerned Citizens for emphasized that the regional health Seniors Care Society, said key facility c r i s i s i m p a c t s r e s i d e n t s a c r o s s provincial borders.

TAX ENFORCEMENT LIST “This is not a Lloydminster thing.

TOWN OF MARSHALL PROVINCE OF SASKATCHEWAN This is 217,000 people,” Richer said, Notice is hereby given under The Tax Enforcement Act that unless the arrears and costs appearing opposite the land and title number described in the following list are fully paid before urging both the Saskatchewan and September 28, 2026, an interest based on a tax lien will be registered against the land.

Note: A sum for costs in an amount required by subsection 4(3) of The Tax Enforcement Act is included Alberta governments to pool resources in the amount shown against each parcel.

DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY Title No. Total Arrears* Costs Total Arrears transparently. and Costs “My advocacy is for the full release above the table of the study. This is * Penalty is calculated to the date of the Notice and will continue to accrue as applicable. what the community worked for.”

Dated this 24 day of July, 2026 Linda E. Row, Administrator Full story and more videos, here.

LOT 5-BLK/PAR 6-PLAN 81B09068 EXT 0

119433584

$891.18

$524.00

$1,415.18

LOT 11-BLK/PAR 6-PLAN 82B15082 EXT 0

132315803

$1,232.54

$524.00

$1,756.54

th

COMMUNITY NEWS

FULL STORIES AT MERIDIANSOURCE.CA

Thursday, July 30, 2026

23

Loon Lake RCMP arrest three after response to drug-impaired call

was arrested outside. She received Early Monday morning (July 27) on EMS treatment for minor injuries and Makwa Sahgaiehcan First Nation, Loon now faces multiple charges, including Lake RCMP responded to a report of assaulting police, obstruction and a drug-impaired individual. While on cocaine possession. scene, officers spotted a wanted man A d d r e s s i n g o n l i n e v i d e o s o f t h e entering a residence. incident, Saskatchewan RCMP Police approached and arrested two reviewed body-worn camera footage wanted men without incident: 30-year- and determined the force used was old Lane Anthony Purves and 28-year- reasonable under Section 25 of the old Rayden Joe Kytwayhat.

Criminal Code. Because her injuries During the arrests, 40-year-old Rose were minor, SIRT was not notified per Georgina Angus became confrontational RCMP policy. The footage will be used and punched two officers. After ignoring as evidence in court. commands, she went downstairs and Full story, here.

MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF ..................................

D AY 2 0 2 6

D AY 2 0 2 6

0 AM - 10 8:3

AM

FR PAN EE BR E A C AKE KFAS T t

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE EVENT AT

• Craft • Pedal tractors • Balloon twisting • Hula Hoop Circus and Bubble Magic shows • Main Stage featuring the Prairie Dogs

• Food vendors • Candle making • Heritage Demonstrations • Rendell House Tours • Horse Drawn Wagon Rides • Tractor Parade • People Mover

en

u

• Log church viewing • Car show • Rock climbing wall • Mechanical bull • Hover ball Archery • Lawn games • Axe throwing

10 AM-3 PM

l *g

AUGUS T 3

WEAVER HERITAGE PARK

f rie

n d l y a v a i la b l e

RELAY DISTRIBUTING • BEXSON CONSTRUCTION SYNERGY CREDIT UNION • GOLD HORSE CASINO RED HEAD EQUIPMENT • HOME INN AND SUITES TIM HORTONS • QUIZNOS • SOBEYS CENTRAL TOWING AND RECOVERY LTD.

24

Thursday, July 30, 2026

FULL STORIES AT MERIDIANSOURCE.CA

COMMUNITY NEWS

Word on the beat: body worn cameras

their implementation. Beyond holding It has now been about a year since officers accountable when failing to the Lloydminster RCMP started using meet RCMP standards, the cameras also body-worn cameras (BWCs), and after vindicate those falsely accused of acting thousands of recordings, there are very improperly.

Court is where benefits truly come to few negatives.

While there was a learning curve, light. Judges often heard downplayed benefits became clear right away. The accounts of offender behaviour, but now main reason for implementing them an offender’s raw actions and words are was better documentation of police brought directly into court. The cameras allow officers to articulate thoughts interactions.

The primary benefit is disclosure to and plans in real time, recording courts. Previously, courts relied on reasoning behind decisions. In most verbal explanations after the fact or cases, captured emotions add essential occasional photos. We had some video context. recordings, but those were limited One downside is the time required to to what our in-vehicle cameras and redact footage — such as blurring faces microphones captured, or whatever of bystanders or obscuring unrelated civilian recordings were available. This details caught on camera. left out many subtleties of interactions, Officers have adapted to BWCs, and as well as details officers didn’t hear or results have been excellent. Courts now expect and rely on first-hand views observe.

In critical incidents and stressful that generate charges, benefiting from situations, tunnel vision can occur as a multiple video angles from all officers physiological response. Without intent, involved. Because trials often take place people’s memories can be limited — years after an incident, BWC recordings applying to law enforcement personnel effectively bring everyone back to the and civilians alike. Since it isn’t unusual moment it happened. for memory recall to be incomplete, BWCs have not replaced officers taking BWC footage now preserves incidents notes or writing reports. Instead, they from multiple viewpoints for unlimited serve as a valuable additional tool that has been widely welcomed. review.

B W C s c a p t u r e f a r m o r e o f a n S taf f S gt. Je r r y Nu t b ow n i s t he incident, including a first-hand look NCO in charge of the Lloydminster at offender and officer behaviour. R C M P d e t a c h m e n t ’ s G e n e r a l Having overseen public complaints I n v e s t i g a t i o n S e c t i o n . S t a y for the entire Eastern Alberta District t u n e d f o r f u t u r e o n l i n e c o l u m n s for three years, I strongly welcomed f r o m t h e L l o y d m i n s t e r R C M P .

Staff Sgt. JERRY NUTBROWN .................................................

Sports

PAGE 25 Thursday, July 30, 2026 MERIDIAN SOURCE

Brady Gamble of the Lloydminster Xtreme shadows St. Albert Crude sniper Brandon McNalley on Sunday. John MacNeil Meridian Source

Gamble pays off for Xtreme, Bobcats Lloyd’s multi-sport junior contains lacrosse league scoring champion

Gamble, 19, said Sunday evening after the Brady Gamble can’t get enough time at Xtreme’s title-clinching 9-4 victory over the rink. Best known as a defenceman with the St. Albert Crude. his hometown Lloydminster Bobcats of the “I love to compete against people. I love Alberta Junior Hockey League, Gamble’s the sport of lacrosse. It’s rough, it’s hard. off-season is filled with lacrosse.

You score goals, lots of goals, and it’s just He’s an assistant captain and a worthy so fun. That’s what keeps me going.” competitor with the Lloydminster Xtreme, Gamble and the Xtreme are going to host which just last weekend repeated as North provincials this weekend. They survived Division champions in the junior B Tier 2 a push from St. Albert, which won 8-7 division of the Rocky Mountain Lacrosse e a r l i e r S u n d a y t o f o r c e a t h i r d a n d League. deciding game in the North final.

“I think it’s just for the love of the game,” CONTINUED ON PAGE 26 JOHN MacNEIL ..................................

26

Thursday, July 30, 2026

FULL STORIES AT MERIDIANSOURCE.CA

SPORTS

‘Brady is the best defender in the league’

Murray said. “It’s not even a question “I think it was just our heart,” Gamble said who’s the best defender in the league. His about Lloyd’s efforts to finish the job. “Like, tenacity, his pace, loose balls, everything. I the will to win a loose-ball battle, the will to can’t say enough great things about Brady. get it back and the will to come back after a He’s our heartbeat back there. Without him scooping up loose balls, the series probably loss like that and win.”

While he’s a gentleman off the floor, looks different, as well.” and the ice, Gamble is relentless in his This lacrosse season has been somewhat defensive diligence in the heat of battle. different for Gamble as his teammates no That competitive spirit was alive and well longer include older brother Ryker, who on the weekend as he blanketed Brandon graduated last year after his standout McNalley, the league scoring champion in goaltending helped Lloydminster win the back-to-back seasons. Trying to fight back provincial championship.

Sunday, the Crude placed their 118-point “It is a little different, but we still have man high in the offensive zone, but Gamble had a real good goalie around in Jackson and company stuck with McNalley step- (Bennett), who we got at the trade deadline,” for-step and limited his opportunities and Gamble said. “He’s really helped us out. It’s different, but we’re still going on strong.” effectiveness.

“For him to lock down McNalley like After this weekend’s best-of-three series that (was critical),” Xtreme coach Graham between the Xtreme and Calgary Wranglers, M u r r a y sai d about G a mb le. “I m ean, Gamble moves one step closer to hockey (McNalley is) a 100-point guy, but I think and the junior A Bobcats’ training camp. he gets a little soft when he gets challenged “It’s been pretty good,” he said about his l i k e t h a t , a n d t o n i g h t w a s a p e r f e c t summer training. “I’ve been on the ice quite a bit, maybe four times a week, so I’m still example.”

G a m b l e ’ s c l i n i c a l d e f e n s i v e w o r k keeping up with that. illustrated his contributions to the Xtreme. “Yeah, (the Bobcats) are pulling in a lot of “Brady is the best defender in the league,” local guys, so that’ll be good.”

GAMBLE FROM PAGE 25

Brady Gamble’s supporters Sunday included his parents Ryan and Stacey and his older brother Ryker. John MacNeil Meridian Source

SPORTS

FULL STORIES AT MERIDIANSOURCE.CA

Thursday, July 30, 2026

27

Owen Hill, a business student at Lakeland College, has captained the Xtreme for the past two seasons. John MacNeil Meridian Source

Xtreme climb where Hill takes them Graduating captain guides Lloyd to another North Division junior B title

The Xtreme stayed composed and Just calm things down. That was the regrouped just a few hours after the Crude message from captain Owen Hill and the had won 8-7 to extend the championship rest of the Lloydminster Xtreme leadership series to the three-game limit. group Sunday afternoon after they hit a “Yeah, it’s tough we dropped that second bump on the road en route to winning game, but we knew we were a better team,” another junior B Tier 2 North Division title said Hill, whose Lloyd club grabbed the in the Rocky Mountain Lacrosse League. series-opener 12-3 on Saturday. “It feels “Just calm ’er down,” Hill said about good to win, but the job isn’t quite finished the Xtreme approach to their 9-4 victory yet. We still want that provincial (crown). over the St. Albert Crude in the third We still need to get that job done.” and deciding game of the North final at T h e X t r e m e c a p t u r e d l a s t y e a r ’ s Lloydminster’s Co-op Community Arena. provincial championship in Calgary. This “We’ve won four North titles in the last year is the North’s turn to host provincials, five years, so they’re going to try to get so Lloydminster is at home again this under our skin. Just don’t retaliate, that’s weekend (July 31 through Aug. 2) at the the big thing. Nobody can handle us when Co-op arena, hosting the South Division we play five-on-five, so if we stay five- champion Calgary Wranglers in a beston-five, as it showed today, they couldn’t of-three series in a revamped provincial really handle us. Just calm down.” playoff format.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 28 JOHN MacNEIL ..................................

28

Thursday, July 30, 2026

FULL STORIES AT MERIDIANSOURCE.CA

SPORTS

Hill shares lacrosse passion with brother

years old. Some of these This is the 21-year-old (Xtreme) guys, I’ve been Hill’s final run with the playing with for my whole Xtreme and his second life, so it’s pretty cool.” season as the team’s Owen Hill, a business captain. His teammates student at Lakeland include his 19-year-old College, has been a brother, Alex. stabilizing influence as part “It’s real nice playing with of an Xtreme captaincy my brother,” the older Hill group that includes Brady said with a smile as players Gamble, Jace Gunderson and family members and Rogan Macnab. gathered for photographs.

“A calm presence,” Lloyd “Even though he can get coach Graham Murray said on my nerves a little bit, about his captain. he’s always a good time.

“Owen is a great defender, He’s pretty energetic. Yeah, great in transition, scores that’s a nice way to put it. huge goals for us, a great “We love lacrosse. Me and penalty-killer and a floor Alex have both been playing Owen Hill leads Lloydminster’s four-man g e n e r a l . H e ’ s a n o t h e r since we were seven or eight captaincy group. John MacNeil Meridian Source spectacular kid, too.”

XTREME FROM PAGE 27

The Hill brothers, Alex (left) and Owen (No. 94), along with Xtreme teammate Ian Muir, clash with the Crude. John MacNeil Meridian Source

SPORTS

FULL STORIES AT MERIDIANSOURCE.CA

Thursday, July 30, 2026

29

For the fourth time in five years, the Lloydminster Xtreme are the RMLL’s North Division champions. John MacNeil Meridian Source

‘A total effort from everybody’ Macnab brothers spark offence as Xtreme clinch crown

got in (the lineup) tonight and scored a The junior B Lloydminster Xtreme staved h a t t r i c k . I t w a s a t o t a l e f f o r t f r o m off a Sunday push from the St. Albert everybody. It’s great to see.”

C r u d e a n d w e n t o n t o r e p e a t a s t h e Macnab’s older brother Rogan, the Tier 2 North Division champions in the Xtreme’s top scorer, netted a goal and three assists in Game 3.

Rocky Mountain Lacrosse League.

Playing the entire best-of-three series L L O Y D H O S T S P R O V I N C I A L S : at home in the Co-op Community Arena, Lloydminster hosts the best-of-three the pennant-winning Xtreme posted a 9-4 provincial final this weekend (July 31 victory in Game 3, just a couple of hours through Aug. 2) at the Co-op arena, part of after the Crude scored an 8-7 win earlier the Cenovus Energy Hub complex.

The Xtreme’s opponents are the South Sunday.

Lloydminster took the series-opener 12-3 Division champion Calgary Wranglers, who topped the Southern Alberta Chaos on Saturday.

“I thought we played all right (in our 12-6 on Sunday at Brooks in the third and loss) this morning,” Lloyd coach Graham deciding game of that series.

M u r r a y s a i d S u n d a y e v e n i n g a s t h e Calgary won 6-5 in Game 1, before Xtreme celebrated the organization’s Southern Alberta prevailed 6-4 in the second contest. fourth division title in five years.

“Just too many turnovers and defensive XTREME 9 CRUDE 4: Along with the lapses and loose balls. Just not getting heroics from the Macnab brothers, and through to the net, for our offence. When their seven-point contribution, Dagan our big guns don’t score, it really hurts. Thiessen tallied twice and Blake Sheppard Tonight (in the series-clinching win), they fired a goal and two assists.

Teige Brown and Ryder Plamondon had really shined through.

“Especially big was Quinn Macnab, a the other Xtreme goals, while Nate Fischer rookie who had been a healthy scratch and Owen Hill each recorded two assists. up to this point in the playoffs. He finally CONTINUED ON PAGE 30 JOHN MacNEIL ..................................

30

Thursday, July 30, 2026

FULL STORIES AT MERIDIANSOURCE.CA

SPORTS

Gunderson nets hat trick in Game 1 victory XTREME ROUNDUP FROM PAGE 29

Jackson Bennett stopped 19 of 23 shots in the Lloyd net. His teammates fired 54 shots at St. Albert goaltender Josh McNalley, who registered 45 saves.

Ryder Chaba and Chad Fedoruk each posted a goal and an assist for the Crude. Hunter McAmmond and Lukas Boissonneault added one goal apiece.

Nathan Hendricks picked up two assists.

CRUDE 8 XTREME 7: Austin Wells scored the winning goal on a power play with 3:15 left.

McAmmond connected for two goals for St. Albert, while Fedoruk supplied a goal and three assists.

Crude goaltender Josh McNalley made 51 saves. The Xtreme’s Bennett stopped 25 shots.

Hendricks and Brandon McNalley each Jackson Bennett has given the Lloydminster Xtreme championship goaltending during their playoff run. John MacNeil Meridian Source netted a goal and an assist for St. Albert, which also got goals from Boissonnault SUDOKU and Ronan Brady, with a short-handed marker.

Sheppard, with two goals and two assists, paced Lloydminster’s offence. Brady Gamble contributed a goal and an assist.

The other Xtreme scorers were Brown, PLAY ONLINE SUDOKU AND Hill, Thiessen and Tobin Dougan.

PLAY ONLINE! CLIMB THE LEADERBOARD! XTREME 12 CRUDE 3: Jace HOW TO PLAY: Gunderson scored a hat trick for the Fill in the grid so that every row, every column, and every Xtreme, which led 7-1 after the first period.

3x3 box contains the numbers 1 through 9 only once.

Each 3x3 box is outlined with a Sheppard potted two goals and two darker line. You already have a few numbers to get you started. assists, while Rogan Macnab collected LAST WEEK’S ANSWER: a goal and three assists. Brown and Hill each netted one goal and two assists.

Fischer, Dougan, Thiessen and Mathew Christensen scored the other Lloyd goals.

Ben Stachniak assisted on three Xtreme goals. Gamble picked up two assists and winning goaltender Bennett had one.

The Crude goals came from Fedoruk, Brandon McNalley and Joshua Hogman, who played U18 AAA hockey with RESERVE NOW Lloydminster just a few seasons ago.

SPORTS

FULL STORIES AT MERIDIANSOURCE.CA

Thursday, July 30, 2026

31

Outstanding season for 18U AA Pirates ends with semifinal defeat at provincials JOHN MacNEIL ..................................

The 18U AA Lloydminster Prairie Pirates had a nearperfect weekend going before their provincial run finished Sunday with a narrow loss in the semifinals.

The top-ranked Pirates, dominant in their previous two games at the six-team championship tournament in Strathmore, dropped a 10-8 semifinal decision to the second-seeded Parkland Twins, the eventual goldmedallists in Baseball Alberta’s 18U AA Tier 5 Jax Roach had a solid rookie year with the 18U AA Pirates. John MacNeil Meridian Source provincials.

The Pirates had fought did Kaleb Hozack, Matthew starter Kade Olson, who lasted until the fifth inning. back in the bottom of the Kenyon and Jax Roach. sixth inning, scoring one Luke Langley and Mason Olson, with three hits and r u n t o p u l l i n t o a n 8 - 8 Brackley, respectively, split two RBIs, led Parkland’s tie with Parkland, which the pitching duties for the 10-hit attack. Reiten and Brody Armstrong each answered with the final two Pirates.

D a x R e i t e n p i c k e d u p added two hits. runs in the seventh.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 32 T h e T w i n s w e n t o n t o the win in relief of Twins’ defeat the third-ranked Coronation Royals 14-9 in the gold-medal game Sunday night. It was the FOR ALL GOLD & SILVER COI first loss of the tournament FOR ALL GOLD & SILVER COINS, JEWELRY, BARS, INGOTS JEWELRY, BARS, INGOTS, for Coronation, which NUGGETS, Dust, NUGGETS, GOLD Dust, WANTED Royal Canadian MintGOLD Coins, sidelined the No. 6 Drayton Sterlin FRanklin Dental Mint, Us MGold, int, woRldBullion, sets etC, Valley Giants 12-5 in their Dental Gold, Bullion, Sterling ’s Coins , nUMisMatiCs, olyMpiC , Silverware, plusCoins anything Silverware, plus anything made ColleCtoR old Coins, old $, gold Coins, silveR Coins, semifinal. made of, steRling gold silveR or silver! of gold or silver! baRs, ingots, jewelRy , nUggets PARKLAND TWINS 10 & entiRe Coin ALL ColleCtions!

Covering OF ALBERTA, PIRATES 8 (semifinal): Covering ALL OF ALBERTA, come to you!

Call orand textI can Todd Thad Molsberry registered and I can come to you!

Numismatist/Gold & Silver Dealer I also purchase coin collections! two of Lloydminster’s six I also purchase coin collections!

780-504-7995 hits in the early semifinal. CAll Todd CAll Todd I MAKE FREE HOUSE CALLS He and his brother Callum - - ALL OVER ALBERTA+ each provided an RBI, as

I PAY CA$H!!

780 504 7995

ICASH PAY CA$H!

FOR COINS

780 504 7995

32

FULL STORIES AT MERIDIANSOURCE.CA

Thursday, July 30, 2026

SPORTS

slammed a first-inning grand slam as PROVINCIAL ENTRIES: Rounding Lloydminster dumped Drayton Valley to out the provincial field were the fifth- push the Pirates’ record to 2-0. ranked Bonnyville Braves and the host Molsberry and Kitscoty’s Hozack, with Strathmore Reds, seeded fourth. Each of a two-run double, each collected two hits those teams went 0-2 in preliminary play, as Lloyd won convincingly for the second before Bonnyville defeated Strathmore time in as many days.

16-10 in the consolation final Sunday.

Brackley was the winning pitcher and PROLIFIC PIRATES: Lloydminster Grayson Sinclair and Kobe Heck provided made short work of its round-robin relief for the Pirates, who went up 9-3 opponents, clubbing Strathmore 17-5 in the first inning and led 15-6 after the on Friday and Drayton Valley 17-6 on second.

Saturday, with both of those night games PIRATES 17 REDS 5: Langley, with ending in the fifth inning in accordance relief help from Lincoln Graham, pitched with the mercy rule.

Lloyd to victory over Strathmore on It was that kind of a summer for the opening night.

Pirates, who earned top grades for winning Callum Molsberry led the Pirates with 19 of 26 games overall this season. three hits and one RBI. Hozack, with two P I R A T E S 1 7 G I A N T S 6 : C a l l u m hits, drove in three runs. Roach, with a Molsberry, an overager from Vermilion, couple of hits, and Kenyon each homered.

18U AA BASEBALL FROM PAGE 31

CROSSWORD PLAY ONLINE!

LAST WEEK’S ANSWER:

ACROSS 1. Cradle 5. Singer Springfield 9. Foot end 12. Deputy 13. Healing plant 14. Hooter 15. Bard 16. Scottish family 17. Boxing official 18. Radio noise 20. Oaf 22. Bloodhound's trail 24. Mud 27. Family antique 31. Asked urgently 32. Elect 33. Enroll 35. Linger 36. Flicks

38. Singular 40. Cave sound 41. Character 42. Ruler mark 45. Casino worker 49. Abel's mother 51. Sound gear: hyph.

53. Remain 54. Brother's sib 55. Fictional monster 56. Anxious 57. Posed 58. Motivations 59. Turns right

DOWN 1. Cradle 5. Singer Springfield 9. Foot end 12. Deputy 13. Healing plant 14. Hooter 15. Bard 16. Scottish family 17. Boxing official 18. Radio noise 20. Oaf 22. Bloodhound's trail 24. Mud 27. Family antique 31. Asked urgently 32. Elect 33. Enroll 35. Linger 36. Flicks

38. Singular 40. Cave sound 41. Character 42. Ruler mark 45. Casino worker 49. Abel's mother 51. Sound gear: hyph.

53. Remain 54. Brother's sib 55. Fictional monster 56. Anxious 57. Posed 58. Motivations 59. Turns right

GET NOTICED

Sponsor our crossword section today.

Contact us today at 306-825-5111

Batting atop the order, Callum Molsberry had a big impact in his final season with the 18U AA Prairie Pirates. John MacNeil Meridian Source

SPORTS

FULL STORIES AT MERIDIANSOURCE.CA

Thursday, July 30, 2026

13U AA Twins Red take home silver; Twins Blue win their consolation final JOHN MacNEIL ..................................

33

At home and on the road, the Lloydminster Twins were well-represented in Baseball Alberta 13U AA provincial championship tournaments last weekend.

The top-ranked Twins Red were silver-medallists at the 13U AA Tier 5 provincials in Red Deer.

They won three consecutive games before losing 9-6 to the fifth-seeded Oyen Orioles in the gold-medal match.

Lloydminster blanked the No. 3 Kneehill Kings 10-0 in their semifinal earlier Sunday.

In divisional round-robin play, the Twins Red defeated the fourth-ranked Sherwood Park Athletics Green 16-6 and the sixthseeded Red Deer Rangers, the host team, Hosting the Tier 8 provincials, the 13U AA Lloydminster Twins Blue went up against Fort McMurray in Friday’s opening game.

18-10.

John MacNeil Meridian Source Back in the Border City, the Twins Blue hosted the 13U AA Tier 8 provincials at Lloydminster’s Driven Energy Legion Ball Park. After losing a couple of preliminary games, the third-ranked Twins Blue posted a 17-7 victory over the No. 4 South Jasper Place Jays Blue in the consolation final Sunday.

In divisional round-robin games, Lloyd l os t 23-15 t o the s e c ond-seed ed Fort McM urra y Oi l G i ants Bl ue on Frid ay afternoon and 16-4 to the No. 5 Irma Tigers on Saturday morning.

A member of the 13U AA Lloydminster Twins Blue slides safely back to third base during Friday’s game against Fort McMurray.

John MacNeil Meridian Source

34

FULL STORIES AT MERIDIANSOURCE.CA

Thursday, July 30, 2026

SPORTS

Golden finish for 11U AA Twins Red JOHN MacNEIL ..................................

It was a banner weekend for the host Lloydminster Twins Red at the Baseball Alberta 11U AA Tier 6 provincials.

Lloyd posted a perfect 4-0 record to win the gold medal in the three-day, six-team tournament at Ken Baker Park.

In the championship game Sunday night, the Twins Red defeated the previously unbeaten Oyen Orioles 13-8.

Sunday afternoon’s semifinals saw Lloydminster trounce the Sherwood Park Athletics Green 14-4, while Oyen outlasted the Edmonton Angels 9-6.

The Twins Red won twice on Saturday as they embraced the festival-like atmosphere at their home park.

Playing as hot as the weather, Lloyd whipped Edmonton 19-1 in the morning The 11U AA Lloydminster Twins Red made a big comeback to the Bonnyville Braves 16-9 on Saturday at Ken Baker and roared back from an early 8-1 deficit defeat Park, where host Lloyd posted a 4-0 record to win the Tier 6 to defeat the Bonnyville Braves 16-9 in provincial championship. John MacNeil Meridian Source photos their afternoon matchup.

Oyen also performed admirably in topping Sherwood Park 17-7 on Friday night and the St. Albert Cardinals White 17-9 on Saturday afternoon.

In the consolation final Sunday morning, St. Albert defeated Bonnyville 15-9.

11U AA Tier 2 provincials This weekend at the 11U AA level, the fourth-ranked Lloydminster Twins Blue visit St. Albert for their Tier 2 provincial championship tournament.

In its opening game at 6 p.m. Friday, Lloyd meets the host St. Albert Cardinals Red, the top seed.

In their other divisional round-robin contest, the Twins Blue face the No. 6 Southwest Edmonton White Sox Grey at noon Saturday.

Playoff-round games in the six-team tournament are slated for Sunday at Legion Memorial Ball Park in St. Albert.

SPORTS

FULL STORIES AT MERIDIANSOURCE.CA

Thursday, July 30, 2026

35

Pirates to host Twins bow out in semis at 15U AA Tier 8 tourney AA provincials for 13U and 15U JOHN MacNEIL ..................................

The Lloydminster Twins reached the semifinals in the Baseball Alberta 15U AA Tier 8 provincials last weekend JOHN MacNEIL .................................. at Morinville.

The bases are loaded in Lloydminster In their final-four matchup, the topt h i s w e e k e n d a s B a s e b a l l A l b e r t a seeded Twins dropped a 16-12 decision to stages provincial AA championship the eventual gold-medallists, the secondtournaments at the 15U and 13U levels. ranked Morinville Brewers.

Beginning on Friday, July 31, two of The host Brewers went on to defeat the three Lloydminster Prairie Pirates the No. 5 MCHA Athletics 15-14 in the teams are at home for their respective championship game of the six-team provincials this August long weekend. tournament.

The 13U AA Pirates host the Tier 1 The Athletics, based in Czar, clipped the championship at Legion Ball Park, while fourth-ranked Drayton Valley Giants 17-3 the 15U AA Pirates are on Hospital West in their semifinal.

Lloydminster defeated the sixthField for their Tier 3 championship.

The 13U AA tournament is an eight- seeded Lacombe Dodgers White 10-9 on team event. Top-ranked Lloydminster is Saturday night to gain a berth in Sunday’s in Pool A with the fourth-seeded Sylvan semifinals.

L a k e M a r i n e r s , t h e N o . 5 C a m r o s e In their opening game Friday evening, Cougars Royal and the eighth-ranked the Twins lost 20-12 to Drayton Valley.

Southwest Edmonton White Sox Black.

In their round-robin games, the LEO, VIRGO Pirates meet Camrose at 6 p.m. Friday, AND LIBRA Southwest Edmonton at noon Saturday and Sylvan Lake at 6 p.m. Saturday.

Your confidence will help you express your ideas clearly and convincingly. This attitude will reinforce your credibility and earn you greater respect.

Pool B consists of the second-ranked To strengthen your relationship, break with the old routine and Okotoks Outlaws, the No. 3 Drumheller Prepare for a lot of intense emotions this week as a wave try more open communication. The idea of moving in together or of passion will sweep through your life. If you’re in a new taking a meaningful step forward could deepen your emotions relationship, you’ll receive a clear sign of commitment. and solidify your bond.

Miners, the sixth-seeded Strathmore A dynamic period has begun! It’s all about action this week. New Reds and the No. 7 Webber Wildcats. challenges, stimulating experiences and professional opportunities will drive your intellectual and spiritual growth.

The 15U AA Pirates are seeded sixth Small dietary adjustments could boost your well-being.

Taking a step back can give your path more clarity. Make informed in their six-team tournament. They don’t In love, an open conversation will prevent financial or relationship decisions to help restore balance. Your misunderstandings and strengthen your relationship. creativity will flow freely this week. play Friday but have two games Saturday A selfless gesture, such as listening, lending a — at noon against the No. 4 Lethbridge hand or offering support, will strengthen your position with others.

Junior Bulls and at 6 p.m. versus the A powerful revelation will guide your upcoming choices, Moving is becoming increasingly important to you. You’ll top-ranked Camrose Cougars Royal. illuminating the path toward your goals. start looking for a place that truly fits your needs.

The other pool includes the secondseeded Airdrie Stars, the No. 3 Lacombe 780.874.9067 2602 50 Ave., Lloydminster, AB Dodgers Blue and the fifth-ranked vividlloydminster.com Sherwood Park Athletics Green.

A transformative training course will open new perspectives and broaden your horizons. This experience will rekindle your enthusiasm and self-confidence.

Before making a major decision, consider the repercussions. Your generosity will strengthen your emotional bonds and inspire your loved ones.

Your career is thriving, bringing a welcome boost in income. Your love life is also on the upswing. Your partner or an admirer will show unexpected affection, boosting your confidence and deepening your happiness together.

36

Thursday, July 30, 2026

FULL STORIES AT MERIDIANSOURCE.CA

COMMUNITY NEWS