Meridian Source - June 5, 2025

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Thursday, June 5, 2025

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VOLUME 7 I ISSUE 50

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4010-50 Ave., #2, Lloydminster (780) 808-6363 WWW.THEPETPAD.NET

United in grace for 100 years

Mayor visits seniors group

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Mayor Gerald Aalbers says the city needs support from both sides of the border.

All ages enjoy the United Church of Canada’s milestone.

4-H gets eyes on agriculture

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The annual expo highlighted the importance of getting kids into agriculture.

Wearing many hats

15-18

Local track and field athletes advance to high school provincials.

CHRISTIAN APOSTOLOVSKI STAFF WRITER

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It was one for the history books as Grace United Church celebrated the United Church of Canada’s centennial anniversary last weekend in Lloydminster.

While the United Church of Canada celebrated its 100 years, Grace United Church has been around for a bit longer.

The church was called the Wesleyan Church before it became Grace United Church, marking 121 years of existence.

The weekend kicked off Saturday (May 31) with a Family Funfest at Weaver Heritage Park.

Eventgoers took in a variety of games and experienced Lloydminster’s history through guided tours and historical displays while enjoying music from the Prairie Dogs.

The celebration continued Sunday (June 1) with a church service and a luncheon.

Event organizers noted how special the event was.

“It’s been amazing,” said Alice Robinson, chair of the Grace United Church Centennial Planning Committee.

Christian Apostolovski MERIDIAN SOURCE photos “It’s interesting to think (it’s been) 100 years since multiple churches decided to come together because they had so much in common, they decided to get past their differences.

“It goes to show what you can do when you focus on what way you’re the same.”

Robinson wanted to take the opportunity to thank those that made the events possible.

“I have to thank all the volunteers,” she said.

“Everybody that’s stepped up and that’s been from the city, the museum, the heritage park, the Indigenous community and, of course, every person in the church and the public.”

The church is always looking for volunteers.

“We’re always looking for volunteers and new people,” said Robinson.

Those looking to be a part of programs or volunteer with the church don’t need to be members to participate.

“You don’t have to belong to the church to join some of our programs,” said Robinson.

“They can just walk through those doors. We welcome everyone.”

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Thursday, June 5, 2025

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Mayor talks with seniors group

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Friday, June 13 11 AM to 10 PM Saturday, June 14 11 AM to 10 PM Sunday, June 15 11 AM to 7 PM Lloydminster Exhibition Grounds FREE ENTRY – Everyone Welcome!

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Family-friendly entertainment, live local music, and interactive performances all weekend long.

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Live carving all weekend – plus an online auction of Ryan’s creations launches Wednesday, June 18 on Copeland Auctions.

Auction proceeds will support the programs and initiatives of Border City Connects and the Kinsmen Club of Lloydminster.

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Ribfest Commons Seating Area

Lloydminster Mayor Gerald Aalbers says the city needs urgent health-care support from Alberta and Saskatchewan.

Aalbers shared these thoughts with the Lloydminster Concerned Citizens for Seniors Care Society on May 27 at the Legacy Centre.

The conversation, as he described it, was honest and overdue, while referencing a report from a meeting with both provincial health ministers earlier in the spring.

“They got a pretty honest picture of what’s happening here,” he said, pointing to long wait times, staffing shortages and a lack of direction from health leadership.

“There’s been a revolving door of leadership,” he said. “There is no stability in our health region. That has to change.”

Mental health services, especially for youth, were also discussed.

“There is programming. They continue to talk about that,” said Aalbers, noting local voices are often lost in layers of government.

“The challenge, again, is at the minister level. You get a briefing from the deputy minister and after five or seven levels down, it actually gets to some people in our local community.”

He called for more local mental health support, noting the long wait times can significantly impact youth.

“We’re looking at 12 to 14 months referral times,” Aalbers said. “By that time, youth may have become an adult.”

Another topic covered was new hospital infrastructures, something Aalbers said needs immediate investment.

“I’ve had several people stop me in the street and say, ‘Mr. Mayor, we need a new hospital more than we need an arena,’” he said. “And on one side of me, I won’t disagree.”

The money for a new hospital would have to come mostly from the province of Saskatchewan.

“The province has a responsibility ... hopefully the health foundation can supplement that,” said Aalbers.

$159,900

“We need major renovations done to our hospital.”

Aalbers said the province must take the lead as downloading costs to the city would be a slippery slope.

“If the municipality takes up health care, I can guarantee you ... the province will give it to you fullhanded and with no money to follow,” he said.

He gave an example from former Lloydminster MLA Ken Baker.

“If you take it on, Mr. Mayor, the province will leave us cold,” quoted Aalbers.

He said community donations have often filled gaps left by government.

“Lloydminster is a rich community and they can afford it, whereas North Battleford could not,” he said.

For those who didn’t believe him, he pointed to a previous example.

“The health foundation paid for stuff which should have been in the government budget,” he said. “One of them in the past was a CT scanner.”

Aalbers praised a stop-gap innovative solution, a new student-led program by the health foundation, which is meant to help with mental health care at the hospital.

“When you have less resources, you tend to be more creative,” he said. “We are often innovators and leaders.”

He urged both provinces to support local ideas and advocate for strong legislation that works for all Lloydminsterites.

“When we started it, you could take it over ... because we’re showing you the benefits,” he explained about the program. “If you can write legislation that works on both sides of our city, it’s pretty good legislation.”

One member of the group raised the question of how much the area contributes compared to what it receives. When asked whether Lloydminster had tracked the amount of tax money it sends to both provinces, Aalbers said it had not.

“We haven’t,” he said. “I know what I paid the city last year for taxes. But can anybody tell me what they gave the province or federal government?

CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

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Thursday, June 5, 2025

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STARS look to align in Vermilion CHRISTIAN APOSTOLOVSKI STAFF WRITER

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STARS (Shock Trauma Air Rescue Service) is top of mind for the Town of Vermilion following a delegation to council.

Shannon Paquette, donor relations and development officer with STARS, presented to council seeking funding.

The request was for $8,000 based on $2 per capita.

Paquette says this year in particular marks an important milestone for the company.

“STARS is celebrating 40 years this year,” she said. “We’re very proud of that. It’s 40 years of being there for Albertans in their worst moments.”

The funding STARS receives comes from municipalities but also other avenues.

“STARS gains its funding through various channels,” said Paquette. “Last year, we were fortunate to sign a 10-year agreement with the Alberta government for $15 million block funding per year.”

Even with the government funding, it leaves a hole in the company’s needs.

“After the government’s contributions, we still have to fundraise 56 per cent of our operational costs,” she said.

STARS receives funding from long-standing community fundraising events, corporate donors, individual donors, municipalities and their lottery.

“We have one of the most respected lotteries in Canada,” said Paquette. “It’s been running for more than 30 years and nets around $11 million per year.”

The $11-million lottery net is nearly the cost of operating one of their bases.

They have $34.2 million in direct operating costs.

STARS sees large support from municipalities with 95 per cent of Alberta municipalities being STARS partners. On the other hand, 75 per cent of regional leaders are STARS partners, including the County of Vermilion River.

“These counties and municipal districts support STARS at a minimum of $2 per capita, up to $90 per capita on a fixed rate,” said Paquette.

She gave the town an insight into how many missions are going on around them.

“Your county averages around 12 missions per year that STARS responds to,” said Paquette.

The assistance STARS give is not only physical but also virtual.

“An example of that would be if STARS was dispatched to your local hospital,” said Paquette.

“STARS assists with rural hospitals by providing not only on-site physical support, but we also provide virtual support,” she said. “While the helicopter is on its way, our transport physician would be at our emergency link centre providing virtual guidance to the staff at the hospital.”

The virtual support speeds up the whole process for the patient.

“Once we have the patient and we’re en route, they can provide that same information to the receiving hospital and we can bypass the ER (emergency room) and go directly into the OR (operating room),” said Paquette.

“That saves precious moments on both ends of the mission as well.”

In total, 95 county residents have been flown since 2010.

STARS not only provides the vital service but also innovates in its life-saving methods.

“STARS was the first to carry blood on board,” said Paquette.

“Now, we can administer fibrinogen.”

Fibrinogen promotes blood clots to form.

Deputy Mayor Joshua Rayment says the ser-

vice provided by STARS is invaluable.

“I just like to say they’re such an important value in STARS and they provide such an important service. As someone who’s needed their service at one point in my life, I feel it’s invaluable,” said Rayment.

He said they’d take the information provided and bring it forward to the next budget season for decision.

STARS arrives on scene of a call at Lee Bridge in 2021.

County of Vermilion River Protective Services photo

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Thursday, June 5, 2025

Blades and chicks educate children

Dan Gray MERIDIAN SOURCE DAN GRAY STAFF WRITER

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Grade 2 students recently learned about turbine blades, raising chicks and tadpoles through handson learning.

Sarah Bear’s class at Rendell Park Elementary School uses these techniques to solidify lessons taught out of books and on boards.

“It adds a lot more fun for kids to be able to touch and feel,” said Bear. “Hands-on activities really help trigger different parts of their brain than

regular paper and pencils.”

The class watched chicken eggs in an incubator before seeing the chicks hatch. The students now care for the nearly two-week-old birds as they prepare to leave the classroom.

“They’re getting their feathers and their wings right now, so they’re getting ready to be teenagers,” said Bear. “Now that they’re getting big enough, they’re ready to go back to the farm where they can finish their life cycle there.”

Students are also watching tadpoles transform.

“We found them in the egg. We’ll watch them grow their back and front legs and we’ll watch the tail start to disappear,” said Bear. “If they bring permission from their mom and dad and a container with some holes in the top of it, I’ll give them some swamp water and a tadpole or two to take home.”

The class is also following the famous Bald Eagle pair, Shadow and Jackie, online.

“We’ve watched Shadow and Jackie right from the get-go with their eggs,” said Bear. “We watch them hatch, we watch them grow and now, we’re getting ready to watch them fledge. It really feels like they’ve become part of our classroom family.”

The students discuss the chicks, tadpoles and eagles at school and home.

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“The excitement behind all of it gets everyone buzzing,” said Bear. “If you run into kids outside of school, on the soccer field or at the hockey rink, they’ll ask, ‘Hey, what’s going on with the eagles?’ or ‘What’s going on with the chicks?’”

The students also built wind turbines as part of a science and design lesson with help from Cornelius Krahn, an educational technology consultant with the Lloydminster Public School Division.

“Hands-on learning is what’s going to make it more concrete, make it more real for them,” said Krahn. “It’s so much better, especially with younger minds, to give them a physical example of what you’re talking about.”

The students designed, tested and redesigned small turbine blades, learning from each stage of the process.

“They are thinking about building something, testing it out, fixing it and then trying it again,” said Krahn.

Lethbridge College donated the materials, including a large fan and turbine kits, as part of a partnership with the Lethbridge Public School Division.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity,” said Krahn. “They have a wind turbine technician program, and so they donated all of the material.”

MAYOR TALKS HEALTH CARE FROM PAGE 2

“There’s not a bill that calculates what you paid in carbon tax ... fuel tax ... or income tax,” he said.

“People lose track of what they paid.”

He said estimating that number would take time and work and wasn’t even sure anyone would have it.

However, he did confirm the region’s large economic impact, noting the area along the eastern Alberta border, with approximately 40 other municipalities, generated around 30 per cent of Alberta’s provincial wealth.

“We represent one in 78 members in the legislature in Alberta and one in 67 members in Saskatchewan,” he said, adding the city must continue pushing both governments.

“All we can do is do what you folks are doing with the letter-writing campaign,” he said, encouraging residents to speak with MLAs and MPs. “The old adage of the squeaky wheel gets the grease, that is something we’re definitely going to become,” he said, closing with a candid reflection.

“Serving eight years as mayor, I can see where the challenges are ... some were there before I got here and I’m still trying to get (them) cleaned up,” he said.

“It’s just frustrating ... people tell me the city moves slow. I can tell you the province moves a lot slower.

“I think we actually go backwards some days.”

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Thursday, June 5, 2025

A variety 4-H of events took place at the Lloyd Ex over the weekend, giving kids the opportunity to learn and compete.

Expo educates future agriculture leaders

CHRISTIAN APOSTOLOVSKI STAFF WRITER

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The 4-H Expo at the Lloyd Ex highlighted the importance of getting kids into agriculture.

A variety of events were hosted during the May 31 through June 2 expo.

Saturday featured an archery competition and horse events. The second day saw multi displays open to the public with sheep, lamb, steer, rabbit and cow/calf events and another horse show. The opening ceremonies also took place on Sunday.

The event, which draws clubs from both sides of the border, wrapped up June 2 with the sale of market lambs and fed calves.

“We have approximately 250 kids from the local area participating in the 4-H Expo,” said Jonathan Lock, committee chairman, Lloydminster Agricultural Exhibition Association. “This is a regional show that takes place for both Alberta and Saskatchewan.”

While clubs and kids attend, it helps pack the building over the weekend.

“Usually we get, 1,000-1,500 people walking around here,” said Lock, noting the expo is an opportunity to build up the next generation.

“So, 4-H, their motto is, learn to do by doing,” he said. “Their biggest thing is trying to build future leaders for tomorrow.”

Lock says he wants kids to be able to learn a variety of skills and progress in their chosen area of expertise.

“When they become adults, they’re able to stand up in front of a crowd and public speak and be able to lead a group of people and build confidence.

So, when they get a job moving forward, they know how to do it,” he said. “It really builds those skills.”

Christian Apostolovski Meridian Source

Lock says this was also an opportunity to get more eyes on agriculture.

“Right now, I feel like the gap between the urban and the rural population is very big,” he said. “The more eyes we can get on agriculture in general, the better.”

Having the kids receive feedback from judges is important to their professional progression.

“Being able to have industry professionals come and critique these kids, it’s always good,” said Lock.

“They can improve on what to do next year.”

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MERIDIAN SOURCE

Thursday, June 5, 2025

Photo Enforcement Locations For

June 5 - June 19 June 5

31 St. - Bishop Lloyd School

June 6

52 Ave. - Queen Elizabeth School

June 7

31 St. - Avery Outreach School

June 8

27 St. - ST. Joseph School

June 9

27 St. - 52 Ave. Messum Park

June 10

39 St. - 54 Ave. Anniversary Park

June 11

52 Ave. - Queen Elizabeth School

June 12

39 St. - Holy Rosary School

June 13

65 Ave. - 35 St. St. Thomas School

June 14

23 St. - 54 Ave.

June 15

39 St. - Holy Rosary School

June 16

31 St. - Bishop Lloyd School

June 17

52 Ave. - Queen Elizabeth School

June 18

52 Ave. - Avery Outreach School

June 19

31 St. - Avery Outreach School

· Additional locations may be photo enforced on the above dates · Photo enforcement may not operate on all dates listed above

lloydminster.ca/photoradar

Foster court case moves to October DAN GRAY STAFF WRITER

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Aaron Foster’s court case will be back in Lloydminster’s Alberta Court of Justice on Oct. 1.

Available court documents reveal Foster, who, according to a Lloydminster RCMP investigation allegedly stole over $300,000 from the Lloydminster Minor Hockey Association, has not filed a plea.

Although Foster was not in court on May 20, Foster’s attorney and the Crown have set a date for a summary disposition in the case, which will occur on Oct. 1.

To date, his lawyer has requested an adjournment seven separate times.

Foster’s original court date to face charges was Jan. 28.

He faces, one count each of: - Fraud over $5,000.

- Theft over $5,000.

- False statement.

- Criminal breach.

May 20 was his seventh opportunity to submit a plea to the court on the charges.

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Thursday, June 5, 2025

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Skills Canada builds student confidence DAN GRAY STAFF WRITER

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Participating in Skills Canada helps students build confidence, grow their skills, and stand out in their future careers.

“It’s fun to work so hard at something and then get to go and compete at a provincial level,” said Davin Bajema, a Grade 12 student at Holy Rosary High School. He and his partner, Luke Light, won bronze in video production at Skills Alberta. It looks great on a resume,” he said. “Now I can go and tell people I’m the third-best videographer in Alberta — for my age anyways.”

Skills competitions provide students with the opportunity to practise real-world trades and technologies. They compete in events such as video production, automotive service and others.

At Holy Rosary, teacher Skye Ferguson prepares students for months leading up to each event. She helped train Bajema and Light for their competition.

“These students don’t just show up and hope for the best,” said Ferguson. “They dedicate hours of training with me leading up to the event.”

She says every competition is a learning opportunity.

“We analyze our performances, look for areas of improvement, and continually push ourselves to reach a higher standard,” she said.

Lloydminster Comprehensive High School teacher Darcy McFarlane agrees. The school sent the only local student to the national competition this year. Emmett Sherbinin won provincial gold in Electrical Installation and attended nationals.

“Skills competitions become highly independent and simulate trade situations where the technician carries the bulk of the responsibility,” said

Davin Bajema (left) and Luke Light.

Dan Gray MERIDIAN SOURCE McFarlane. “In preparing students, a gradual release of responsibility in their learning environment is essential.”

Competing at provincials or nationals is challenging. Students face long days, pressure and fierce competition.

“The biggest challenge students face is themselves,” said McFarlane. “Coaching self-confidence, and coaching them through anxieties is a big obstacle.”

Ferguson said her own experience competing helps her students. “I’ve been in their shoes,” she said. “That first-hand experience allows me to guide them through what to expect.”

Bajema said stress was a major challenge, especially with strict timelines.

“We have 12 hours to create a two-minute video,” he said. “That might seem like a lot, but it’s really not.”

Through the Skills program, he learned how to manage time and stay focused.

“Time management is a huge thing,” he said.

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“Staying focused with that many people buzzing around you.”

When asked what he liked least, he said scripting. Editing is his strong suit and favourite part.

“You can have the same footage and give it to three different guys, and they can tell three completely different stories,” he said.

Both teachers say the learning goes beyond technical skills.

“Students collaborate constantly — whether they’re filming, organizing schedules, brainstorming, or meeting deadlines,” said Ferguson. “These real-world habits are embedded in the creative process.”

McFarlane said the experience builds resiliency.

In the school setting, help is always around. At Skills, students must rely on themselves.

Industry standards and detailed rubrics ensure fair and relevant judging. This allows for nationwide standards for judging the students.

“The judging follows the CIS marking system,” said Ferguson, who serves on the national technical committee. “It emphasizes strong execution, clear storytelling and meeting the prompt.”

Every step faces judgment in trades like automotive, according to McFarlane.

“The judging is done through a detailed rubric,” he said. “It’s a complex set of indicators.”

Bajema said the learning curve is steep, but the rewards are big. He will be studying video production at SAIT in Calgary.

“If you look at my Grade 11 video versus my Grade 12 video, there’s really no comparison,” he said.

His advice for anyone considering a Skills Canada Competition?

“Do it. It’s awesome.”

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Thursday, June 5, 2025

First responders educate masses

Christian Apostolovski MERIDIAN SOURCE CHRISTIAN APOSTOLOVSKI STAFF WRITER

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It was a day to promote education surrounding first responders.

Helping Hands Hurrah, put on by the Lloydminster and District Co-op on May 31, aimed to bring awareness to first responders in the community.

“We have our Helping Hands Hurrah,” said Tess Wack, the Co-op’s director of marketing and community relations. “It’s an event where we bring together our emergency services in our communities.”

The event has been running for a few years and draws RCMP, paramedics and firefighters to the Co-op Marketplace parking lot.

“They come out and the kids can meet them and tour their vehicles, see the equipment they use and get to know them,” she said.

For the Lloydminster Fire Department, it’s an opportunity to showcase what they do.

“We’re just showing the community what we have for rescue equipment, who serves the city and does all rescues inside the city,” said assistant Fire Chief Kris Hill.

It’s an opportunity to get kids familiar with firefighters and their gear.

“Trying to show the kids not to be scared of firefighters and try and share some fire prevention and fire education at the same time,” said Hill.

Education is key to the firefighters, as it’s a way to prevent incidents and prepare people.

“We’re always responding to the incidents, but it’s really nice to share education through prevention and education so we can prevent incidents from happening,” said Hill.

Reading on parade to promote literacy

Taylor Weaver MERIDIAN SOURCE TAYLOR WEAVER EDITOR

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Grade 3 students from St. Mary’s Elementary School made some noise in the LloydMall as they celebrated reading and their favourite authors.

Now in its second year, the reading parade is the brainchild of teacher Destiny Hall, who confidently sported her favourite Paper Bag Princess attire to show love for her favourite author, Robert Munsch.

Students built floats on scooter boards showcasing their authors and took a lap around the mall before stopping outside the Lloydminster Public Library to listen to Hall read her favourite Munsch book.

“The kids pick and study an author for two weeks and figure out what the author’s written. Most of the time, the kids pick an author because they love their books,” said Hall on May 16, noting she picked Munsch because the kids love his repetition.

A mother of one with a second on the way, Hall explained she came up with the idea to promote reading and get kids involved with the love of reading.

Kyrie, who said he loves reading, picked Jeff Kinney as his favourite author because his books are so cool. Kyrie also said he loves reading at home with mom and dad and knows reading is important because it helps you work.

Jemil’s favourite author is Dr. Seuss and has memories of reading his books from age five.

Zeb chose Stan and Jan Berenstain as his favourite and remembers reading the couple’s books since a young age.

Brayden’s favourite author is Dav Pilkey, best known for the Captain Underpants series.

“He makes fantastic books that are funny. I read them when I was six, it was my favourite. He makes the nicest books and there’s a lot of them,” said Brayden, before delivering a full Pilkey biography.

An avid reader at home, Alyssa’s pick was Bonnie Bader and noted her favourite book is Sally’s Story.

A surprise during this year’s reading parade was a visit from the staff at the Lloydminster Public Library, something Hall said was completely unplanned.

“It’s super exciting to see kids being passionate and having knowledge to share about the books they’re excited about,” said Cheryl Sikora, director at the Lloydminster Public Library.

“The public library is happy to be part of it and we’re hoping it’s a good kick off to summer reading.”

Thursday, June 5, 2025

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Viewpoint

Leave it to Weaver:

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.

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Editor Taylor Weaver taylor@meridiansource.ca Sports Editor John MacNeil john@meridiansource.ca Staff Writer Christian Apostolovski christian@meridiansource.ca Staff Writer Dan Gray dan.gray@meridiansource.ca Marketing Consultant Bailey Keebaugh bailey@meridiansource.ca Marketing Consultant Steph Hablado steph@meridiansource.ca Marketing Consultant Maxine Lebo max@meridiansource.ca Publisher: Reid Keebaugh Production Manager: Amanda Richard Distribution: distribution@meridiansource.ca CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING bailey@meridiansource.ca NEWSPAPER DELIVERY If you’ve missed a paper, to start or stop delivery, or for carrier applications, please call 306-825-5111 for information.

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2017

Hockey and philanthropy go hand in hand EDITOR TAYLOR WEAVER

This week’s One Final Drive for Healthcare celebrity golf tournament is living proof hockey and philanthropy go hand in hand.

The tournament, which packed the Lloydminster Golf and Curling Centre on Wednesday, June 4, raised money for the Lloydminster Region Health Foundation, KidSport and the Lloydminster Rescue Squad.

The tournament saw the likes of local former pros Cory Cross, Wade Redden, Scott Hartnell and Clark MacArthur, who brought some familiar hockey faces in Jordin Tootoo and Mike Smith.

There were even a handful of TV celebrities from Crave’s Shoresy, two of which call Meadow Lake

and Loon Lake home.

Of course, the tournament itself raised a lot of money through sponsorships and registration fees. However, what really stood out to me was the fact not a single celebrity in attendance charged an appearance fee, and the majority of them paid for their flights to get here.

I had the opportunity to attend a mixer on Tuesday night at Rolling Green Fairways to chat with the guys before Wednesday’s round and banquet. After briefly interviewing the majority of the players, I came to a conclusion; they attend these events, sometimes on their own dime because they love giving back to the community that supported them growing up. Many of these guys left their families for the week to attend our event, donating their time, and we thank you for that.

See next week’s Source for the full story.

Chris’ A-Z: A dedication to health care When it comes to improving health care, one thing seems clear. It takes a village.

It seems to be a reality that health care systems across the country are having issues with retention, funding and expansion.

Here in Lloydminster, advocacy has gone on for quite some time. The Lloydminster Health Care Auxiliary started work all the way back in 1932 and it was a continuation of the role of women in supporting the provision of health services.

Unfortunately, due to the war, the group disbanded in 1940 but was reorganized as the Lloydminster Hospital Auxiliary in 1975.

Members gave their time and talents to provide additional comforts to patients. They would mend and sew hospital linens, sponsor bake sales, card parties and talent contests to raise money.

One of the most successful ventures they undertook was the gift shop. Proceeds from the gift shop help support health-care projects for Lloydminster. The store was often kept full by volunteers who donate items they knitted and crocheted.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 11

PAGE 11 Thursday, June 5, 2025 MERIDIAN SOURCE

Opinion

Gray Matters: Local news and you Over the past two weeks, I’ve used this space to explore the fallout from the closure of our local television news.

The nightly broadcast on PTLN, as well as the station, has gone silent, amplifying a deeper issue: getting our message out.

While the station didn’t post directly to social media, it did supply content to the local Stingray radio station, which does.

That content, as well as our own, is now

entangled in the red tape of the Online News Act, also known as Bill C-18.

Passed in 2023, the legislation made it harder for local newsrooms like ours to share timely, accessible updates.

Big players like CBC, Global and CTV secured deals and subsidies. Smaller outlets? We were left out — with no leverage, no lawyers and often no access to the $100 million in annual Google funding.

Worse still, META (Facebook and Instagram’s parent company) walked away from negotiations and shut down news sharing altogether.

The result? A vacuum. Fewer verified facts. More rumours and misinformation.

C-18 hasn’t just affected local journalism. It has

CHRIS A-Z FROM PAGE 10

Today, the gift shop is still open seven days a week and still supports regional health care. It’s operated by the Lloydminster Region Health Foundation. You can even order flowers through the gift shop to be sent to a hospital room.

Notably for the auxiliary, they received the Lloydminster Lions Club’s Citizen of the Year award in 1999, also their 50th anniversary.

Health care continues to be a concern for the Border City and various groups work hard to ensure residents have access to the services they need.

The Lloydminster Concerned Citizens for Seniors Care Society has been advocating for the replacement of the aging Jubilee Home.

The Lloydminster Region Health Foundation continues to support

various projects in the community. Recently, the Synergy Sunrise Run raised money for mental health initiatives in the community.

In 2002, the health foundation was hoping to raise more than $20,000 from their annual gala. Fast forward a year or two to 2025, the foundation raised over $400,000 at its annual gala.

In this case, it really does take a village. Had it not been for all of the dedicated individuals working to better health care in the community, I worry about where we might be. We’re largely ignored by two provinces on important issues, but these individuals’ voices and money help keep us relevant.

There are countless groups in Lloydminster that help give back and I’d like to end this by saying thank you for all you do.

Starting a conversation or helping someone can go a long way.

Northwest Community Safety Services Inc.

Northwest Community Safety Services Inc.

Northwest Community Safety Services Inc. is in west-central Saskatchewan.

Northwest Community Safety Services

Inc. is a not-for-profit corporation, wholly owned by the R.M. of North Battleford No. 437, the R.M. of Spiritwood No. 496, the R.M. of Meota No. 468, the R.M. of Mervin No. 499, and the Resort Village of Cochin. We serve approximately 5,000 ratepayers within our communities.

Northwest Community Safety Services Inc. is in west-central Saskatchewan.

Northwest Community Safety Services

Inc. is a not-for-profit corporation, wholly owned by the R.M. of North Battleford No. 437, the R.M. of Spiritwood No. 496, the R.M. of Meota No. 468, the R.M. of Mervin No. 499, and the Resort Village of Cochin. We serve approximately 5,000 ratepayers within our communities.

Northwest Community Safety Services Inc. is looking for talented and skilled individuals to join our dynamic team.

We offer a diverse, inclusive, respectful, and healthy work environment that offers flexible work arrangement to

ensure work-life balance. If you value teamwork, challenging assignments, and are innovative, collaborative, and value high quality service to

residents, we want to hear from you!

Administrative Support

hours per week) Permanent Part-Time (20

out of the RM of Mervin No. 499 Protective based

Services

you Northwest

consists of a 10-Member

As Administrative Support, will work collaboratively with Community Safety Services Inc., which Board of Directors, Chief of Police, Community Safety Officer Sergeant, and Community Safety Officers.

Reporting to the Community Safety Officer Sergeant, the Administrative Support is responsible for but not limited to: managing agendas,

scheduling, and organizing travel, meetings/teleconferences; preparing and collating meeting file folders and background information ­

materials; procuring office equipment and supplies; implementing and maintaining a filing system; processing and preparing correspondence;

banking; email monitoring; receiving calls and ­ welcoming visitors; policy creation and implementation; billing of service agreements; payroll; and any other related

duties as assigned by the Community Safety Officer Sergeant.

Qualifications Contact

x Valid Class 5 License with a clean driver abstract.

Information

that

x Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Check is acceptable.

Interested candidates x Bondable.

are invited to apply by x Grade 12 High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

submitting a detailed x Certification in administration would be considered an asset.

resume to email: x Proficient computer skills with knowledge of Microsoft 365.

x Experience with accounting software (QuickBooks, SAGE).

support

nwcssinc@gmail.com x Experience providing administrative to management.

x Experience drafting, editing, formatting, and/or revising correspondence and reports.

cross Northwest

x Experience implementing and maintaining records management services such as indexing, referencing, filing, retrieving, retention, archiving, and/or destroying data.

Community x Experience providing financial support services (i.e. accounts receivable, accounts payable, controlling Safety Services

petty cash and purchase orders, preparing monthly financial reports, year end audit, budget).

PO Box 647

x Experience interpreting information to respond to stakeholder inquiries.

Turtleford, SK

S0M 2Y0

Competencies

x Organization and Time Management – task prioritization, scheduling, planning and coordination.

thank all x Communication Skills - verbal and written communication, listening, customer service.

We

applicants for their x Problem-solving and Decision-Making – critical thinking, adaptability, resolution. conflict

interest; however, x Technological Proficiency – software knowledge, data entry and management, automation tools. only those selected x Financial Administration – budgeting, invoice and payment processing.

for interviews will be x Attention to Detail – accuracy, compliance.

contacted. x Teamwork and Collaboration – supportive role, collaboration, interpersonal skills.

x x

Confidentiality and Discretion – privacy protection, ethical standards.

Legal and Knowledge – compliance awareness. _ Regulatory

_

Northwest

Community Safety Services Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and values Hours of Work: 20 Hours per week, based out of the RM of Mervin No. 499 Protective Services diversity in the

workplace.

Posting Closing Date: Until successful candidate is found.

Rate of Pay:

$26.75 Start Rate. Progressive Steps based on Service to a maximum of $34.75.

Comprehensive Pension and Group Benefits.

impacted the speed at which we can alert you to emergencies, missing persons, or breaking news.

So, what can you do?

Recognize your local news teams are doing the best they can with the limited tools at their disposal. The simplest support? Refresh our pages as often as you do Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok. Please read, comment and share everyone’s local news content. It’s the only way local news survives.

Northwest Community Safety Services Inc. is looking for talented and skilled individuals to join our dynamic team.

flexible work arrangement

We offer a diverse, inclusive, respectful, and healthy work environment that offers to ensure work-life balance. If you value teamwork, challenging assignments, and are innovative, collaborative, and value high quality service to

residents, we want to hear from you!

Administrative

Support

(20 hours per week) Permanent Part-Time

based out the RM of Mervin No. 499 Protective Services

of

Northwest

As Administrative Support, you will work collaboratively with Community Safety Services Inc., which consists of a 10-Member Board of Directors,

Community

­

Chief of Police, Safety Officer Sergeant, and Community Safety Officers.

Reporting to the Community Safety Officer Sergeant, the Administrative Support is responsible for but not limited to: managing agendas, scheduling, and organizing travel, meetings/teleconferences; preparing and collating meeting file folders and background information

materials; procuring office equipment and supplies; implementing

and maintaining a filing system; processing and preparing correspondence; receiving calls and welcoming visitors; policy creation and implementation; billing of service agreements; payroll; banking; email monitoring;

and any other related duties as assigned by the Community Safety Officer Sergeant.

Qualifications

Contact x Valid Class 5 License with a clean driver abstract.

Information x Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Check that is acceptable.

Interested candidates x Bondable. are invited to apply by

x Grade 12 High School Diploma or GED equivalent. submitting a detailed

would

x Certification in administration be considered an asset. resume to email:

x Proficient computer skills with knowledge of Microsoft 365. x Experience with accounting software (QuickBooks, SAGE).

nwcssinc@gmail.com x Experience providing administrative support to management.

x Experience drafting, editing, formatting, and/or revising correspondence and reports.

x Experience implementing and maintaining records management services such as indexing, cross Northwest

referencing, filing, retrieving, retention, archiving, and/or destroying data.

Community

payable, controlling x Experience providing financial support services (i.e. accounts receivable, accounts Safety Services petty cash and purchase orders, preparing monthly financial reports, year end audit, budget).

PO Box 647

x Experience interpreting information to respond to stakeholder inquiries.

Turtleford, SK

¡ S0M 2Y0 Competencies

x Organization and Time Management – task prioritization, scheduling, planning and coordination.

We

thank all x Communication Skills - verbal and written communication, listening, customer service.

applicants for their x Problem-solving and Decision-Making – critical thinking, adaptability, conflict resolution. interest; however,

¢

x Technological Proficiency – software knowledge, data entry and management, automation tools. only those selected

x Financial Administration – budgeting, invoice and payment processing. for interviews will be x Attention to Detail – accuracy,

compliance.

contacted. x Teamwork and Collaboration – supportive role, collaboration,

interpersonal skills.

x Confidentiality and Discretion – privacy protection, ethical standards. x Legal and Knowledge – compliance awareness. _ Regulatory

_ Northwest

Community Safety Services Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and values Hours of Work: 20 Hours per week, based out of the RM of Mervin No. 499 Protective Services diversity in the

workplace.

Posting Closing Date: Until successful candidate is found.

Rate of Pay:

$26.75 Start Rate. Progressive Steps based on Service to a maximum of $34.75.

Comprehensive Pension and Group Benefits.

12

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MERIDIAN SOURCE

Thursday, June 5, 2025

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

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

Cards, games, food, meetings, live music Replace Jubilee Home

BBQ June 12, 2025

from 10 Am to 2pm IN FRONT OF JUBILEE HOME 3902 - 45 Ave, (near Lloydminster Hospital)

Money will go towards Senior Recreations & Blackfoot Fire Department We need community support to show Saskatachewan that 50 beds since 1958 is insufficient and support their seniors in the region.

Intro to Square Dancing Modern square dancing lessons are being offered every Wednesday from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at 5115 - 49 Ave. Walk to the beat of music by following simple instructions from the caller. Come alone or bring a friend. Wear whatever is comfortable. First evening is FREE. For more info, contact 780-872-2493 or visit SquareDanceLloydArea.com.

Bingo at the Moose Lodge Bingo will be held every Monday and Wednesday, except holidays, at Moose Lodge 5213 57 St., Lloydminster. Doors open at 5 p.m. with games starting at 7 p.m.

Must be at least 18 to play.

Legacy Centre Par 3 Tourney The Legacy Centre is still looking for golfers for its 4th annual Par 3 golf tournament at Rolling Green Fairways on June 11. Call the Legacy office at 780-8754584 for details.

Lunch and Learn: Unmasking Fraud: Strategies for Detection and Prevention A lunch and learn event on fraud detection and prevention is being held at StartUp Lloydminster, 4010 50 Ave. on June 11 from noon to 1 p.m. The event is free and lunch is available for $10. Don’t be a pawn in their plan.

Senior Citizens Society General Meeting The Lloydminster Seniors Citizens Society is hosting its general meeeting at the Legacy Centre on June 16 at 10:30 a.m.

New Horizons Seniors Grant Seminar Grace United Church, located at 4708 – 50 Ave., is hosting a New Horizons Seniors Grant Seminar: Building Bridges on Friday, June 20 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Lunch will be provided and tickets are free of charge.

Reserve your free tickets by calling 780-875-8959.

Spades Tourney The Legacy Centre is hosting a spades tournament on June 19 starting at 10 a.m. Cost to play is $10/person, lunch is available for $12/person. Call the Legacy office at 780-875-4584 for more details.

Paradise Hill Summer Bash featuring Jade Eagleson The Paradise Hill Summer Bash returns to the Paradise Hill Arena on Aug. 9 from 5-11 p.m. Supper is from 5-7 p.m. at the Paradise Hill Community Centre before the arena opens at 7 p.m. Drew Gregory plays at 8:15 p.m. and Jade Eagleson plays at 9:10 p.m.

Tickets are $75.88 or $27.96 for supper only. Tickets at Eventbrite.ca More at meridiansource.ca

25061TA0

PAGE 15 Thursday, June 5, 2025 MERIDIAN SOURCE

Sports

Barons accent versatile track athletes JOHN MacNEIL SPORTS EDITOR

..................................

In the relatively short season of high school track and field, it’s no wonder teams like the Lloydminster Comprehensive Barons frequently count on multi-sport athletes.

The Barons qualified 28 athletes for this week’s Saskatchewan high school track and field provincials in Moose Jaw, and most of them come from diverse sporting backgrounds. In some cases, they’re juggling multiple sports — and school — during the compact spring track season.

“We really do our best to work with them, as best we can,” said Barons coach Cole Bloxam.

“It’s that time of year. Kids are super busy. As a coach, you need to have some understanding there and be able to work with them.

“I think that’s one thing we do really well as a program. We work with multi-sport athletes. We encourage it.”

Bloxam and his coaching associates with the Barons like the focus of students who not only mix sports but also take breaks from one activity or the other and meet new people outside of their comfort zone.

“For me, I always like it when kids do multi Lloydminster Comprehensive student Lincoln Kvill competes in multiple intermediate boys’ events at the Saskatchewan sports, because it keeps their focus,” said Bloxam, high school track and field provincials, set for Friday and Saturday in Moose Jaw. John MacNeil Meridian Source who not only coaches track but also the junior outside of school, has also brought her limitless so he’s almost the perfect athlete you want to put in Barons football program.

“They don’t get so hyper-focused on one thing. It skill set into Lloyd Comp’s diverse track mix. Along the quad, because he fits all the events so well. He’s had a great season.” allows them to have a nice mental break. That’s why with other students, of course.

When the Barons line up in Moose Jaw, ThiesAfter track practice Monday afternoon, Kelly multi-sport athleticism is very important for kids.

“It makes a big difference. A different social sen will shoot for her second straight senior girls’ immediately changed into his football gear to join group. A totally different sport, so it allows them to provincial gold medal in the multi-event quadrath- the opening day of the Barons’ spring training.

A couple of Kelly’s fellow Grade 9 students, Kvill take a break from something they’ve been doing for lon. Her athleticism extends to softball. She’s off such a long time. That’s the feedback I’ve been get- to Southeastern Louisiana University to study and and Amos, are also bringing multi-sport qualities play NCAA Division 1 ball. to the track domain. Last winter, they were teamting from our multi-sport athletes.”

Joseph Kelly, best known as the junior Barons’ mates with the U15 AAA Lancers hockey team.

Many of those students will board the bus at CONTINUED ON PAGE 16 noon Thursday for the trip to Medicine Hat, where quarterback, steps up to the senior football team this coming season. For now, the Grade 9 student the provincial meet runs Friday and Saturday.

The wider scope of track athletes gave the Barons is making big strides in quadrathlon, in which coma bountiful entourage during the past few weeks of petitors gain a cumulative score from their performeets at the city and district levels in Lloydmin- mances in four events (shot put, long jump, 100 metres and 800 metres). ster, and now provincials.

“We carried a roster of 68 kids this year, a fairly sizeable roster,” Bloxam reported. “We had ‘PERFECT ATHLETE’ Bloxam said that while Kelly is a promising footbetween 50 and 60 kids at the district meet that ball player, the intermediate athlete’s adaptation to qualified on from cities.

“We were very fortunate to have a roster of that multi-discipline track reflects his versatility overall.

“We just got Joe training for the quad this year,” size. They’re a good group. They’re a talented group. the LCHS coach said. “Every week, his scores are I think the future is definitely bright, for sure.”

Some of the Barons’ brightest talents in track and getting better, his performances are getting better, field also excel in other sports, such as Katherine Thiessen in softball, Joseph Kelly in football, Lincoln Kvill in hockey and previously football and Bennett Amos in lacrosse and hockey.

Not to mention Kaden Ancient. Massive. Wild.

Penner, a hockey and baseball player who husExplore the past, present, and future of this great North American mammal. tled back from ball practice in Sherwood Park Head over to the Lloydminster and punched his ticket Museum + Archives to check out the to track provincials. new temporary exhibition.

Intermediate girls’ quad athlete Maya Lloydminster.ca/Exhibits Macnab (featured on The Bison Exhibit is toured by Kauffman Museum on Page 17), who competes behalf of the National Buffalo Foundation in triathlon and hockey

MAY 31 - SEPT 5

16

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Thursday, June 5, 2025

BARONS TRACK FROM PAGE 15

Kvill is a determined athlete in whatever he pursues, Bloxam said. “He just loves sports. That’s Lincoln’s background. He’s also very competitive.

He wants to do well, so he’s got a good attitude towards it.

“He’s really embraced it, like Bennett Amos, another Grade 9 kid. They both really sunk their teeth into track this year and really started to get better as they put more time into it and trained harder.

“It was really good to get a buy-in from those two guys, Bennett and Lincoln, because they’re so busy with other sports. But they made time this year and they’re on a very strong path moving forward.”

The Barons are going to provincials without senior girls’ sprinter Kate Fink, a multiple medallist at the district meet. Fink, a track specialist, is bound for another meet this weekend as she prepares to make the jump to NCAA athletics.

“She’s a very talented athlete,” Bloxam said. “She’ll be running somewhere down south, for sure.”

Senior boys’ athlete Kyle Graf, another abundantly skilled Baron, posted four gold-medal finishes in a prolific district performance.

At the senior girls’ level, Lexia Chambers has mined provincial javelin gold for the past two years, so she’s hoping to complete the hat trick in Moose Jaw. She dominated her field events at districts.

Damien Priest has had a solid season as a senior boys’ sprinter.

Among the young guns are Grade 10 standouts like Liam Edwards and Jasmine Kohlman, “who’s had a very good year,” Bloxam said.

“We also have a junior girl by the name of Cameryn Larre. She’s a very good triple-jumper and a very talented sprinter. She’ll probably be another positive performer at provincials.”

Bloxam was reluctant to try to list each of the Barons’ top track achievers, for fear of missing one or another.

“Honestly, I could go on and on,” he said. “I always feel badly because I’m going to miss someone.”

BY THE NUMBERS Bloxam estimated some 600 students from almost 20 schools competed in the district meet.

“It went very well,” he said. “Very smoothly. No issues.

“The LPSD itself was fantastic in helping host the meet.”

From an LCHS perspective, “we had a very successful two days,” the Barons’ coach said.

“I’m very fortunate to have a great supporting staff of coaches.”

Kvill soaks up track season

SPORTS

Lincoln Kvill.

John MacNeil MERIDIAN SOURCE JOHN MacNEIL SPORTS EDITOR

..................................

Even before he won back-toback events at the Northwest district meet, Lincoln Kvill had already clinched his berth in the Saskatchewan provincial high school track and field championships.

“It was pretty good,” said the Grade 9 student from Lloydminster Comprehensive. “I threw javelin first, got second in it, so Moose Jaw (here I come).”

The top two finishers in each event qualified for provincials in Moose Jaw this Friday and Saturday.

At the district meet last Thursday in Lloyd, Kvill was just getting

started with his runner-up finish in the intermediate boys’ javelin.

He staved off all opponents — and the heat — in winning his triple jump and long jump. He jumped 11.37 metres in the triple and 5.54 metres in the long.

“The heat kind of bugs you,” said Kvill, cooling off between events.

“It makes you sweat a lot. It just depends on the person. It didn’t really do too much to me, other than burning my neck.

“I sat in the shade before each one of my events.”

The only final in which he didn’t place was the 100 metres, a race that came at the end of a tiring day.

Kvill, 14, is used to juggling various events and multiple sports, as difficult as that can be at times. This past school year, he played defence w i th th e U15 A AA Ll o y d mi nste r Lancers hockey team.

His background includes minor football and a stint as a running back with the junior Barons.

He’s been competing in track and field since Grade 6 and ranks the sport “pretty high,” probably among his top three activities.

This coming season, the fivefoot-10, 150-pound Kvill is trying out for the U17 AAA Lancers, and those hockey plans might impact his football future with the senior Barons.

“It kind of depends on what I make for hockey,” he said. “Because the schedules intertwine and it’s kind of hard to balance both.”

He has friends across all sports, including classmate Joseph Kelly, a football quarterback and a quick study in track’s multi-faceted quadrathlon.

Kvill’s hockey family last winter was the U15 AAA Lancers.

“Our season didn’t go as planned, but it was a nice group of kids,” he said.

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To nominate your carrier email distribution@meridiansource.ca Brought to you by

BROTHER ACT Participation in multiple sports runs in Kvill’s family.

His older brother Graydon is a Holy Rosary student representing the Raiders in the 800 metres at the Alberta high school provincials this week in Calgary.

In hockey, Graydon has just signed with the U18 AAA Lancers, after three years on defence with the Lloydminster Athletics.

SPORTS

Thursday, June 5, 2025

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Barons’ Macnab thrives in yet another sport JOHN MacNEIL SPORTS EDITOR

..................................

Maya Macnab likes to try new things.

Or, as she put it, “a lot of new things.”

It’s fitting, then, that she has enthusiastically stepped into quadrathlon, a relatively new competition in high school track and field.

Christine Thiessen, phys-ed teacher and track coach at Lloydminster Comprenhensive High School, recognized the multi-talented Macnab as a natural fit for the four components of quad.

In other words, the Grade 9 student is a poster girl of sorts for quad, as it’s commonly called.

“I do a lot of sports, like Mrs. Thiessen was saying,” said Macnab, 15. “I ran the triathlon for as long as I can remember. I like to try a lot of new things.

“This was never offered before, so I thought I’d give it a try. I’m not overly good at every single event, but I thought it would be really interesting to give it a try. I never thought I’d go this far and I’m really enjoying it this year.”

After a strong performance last week in the Northwest district meet at her home track, the Lloyd Comp grounds, Macnab is bound for the Saskatchewan high school provincials this Friday and Saturday in Moose Jaw. She’s competing in the intermediate girls’ division, while fellow Barons’ athletes Joseph Kelly and Katherine Thiessen — Christine’s daughter — are also representing the Comp in quadrathlon in the intermediate boys’ and senior girls’ categories, respectively.

All of them are multi-sport athletes. That versatile profile makes them more than worthy competitors in quad, which encompasses shot put, long jump, 100 metres and 800 metres.

“I was talking to my mom about it,” Macnab recalled. “She said, ‘This might be something you’d be interested in.’

“I was, like, ‘Yeah, because it’s not one event where you (otherwise) stand around and do nothing.’ It’s a bunch of events that demand different things, like jumping, throwing, a distance run and a sprint. So, it’s all over the place, which I really think is interesting.”

QUAD COMPANY Macnab gained experience training against older competitors and drew from her own varied sports strategies, too. Much like Kelly with football and Katherine Thiessen with softball, Macnab has multi-sports written all over her.

“I’ve definitely done a lot of sports growing up,” she said. “My main one is probably hockey right now.

“So, I feel like you need to have an understanding of the proper skills that go into something that goes on so long. It’s really physically demanding, so having a good understanding and a background in other sports helps a lot.”

That approach has served her well as she continues to develop her technique in the various elements of quad.

“Well, going into it, I wasn’t much of a sprinter,” she said with a smile. “But I used this as an opportunity to get better at all the events.

“I hadn’t done long jump since Grade 6, and I’m really starting to enjoy long jump and the shot put, definitely. I’m getting better at sprinting. There’s a lot of development through all this, so it’s really nice.”

On the ice this past winter, Macnab played hockey with the Junior Rustlers travel team.

“Every second weekend, our team would have four games, so that again was physically demanding,” she said. “We had to have a lot of endurance to go through two games in one day. That was very interesting.

“I would like to play for them again this year.”

Besides competitive hockey and triathlon in the community, Macnab has played school sports like basketball, badminton and track.

“Maya is about as multi-sport as you can get,” said coach Thiessen. “She’s an

17

ideal representative for quad.”

As she left track practice Monday afternoon, Macnab was headed to a tennis lesson.

“I really like to keep busy.”

WOMEN IN SPORT The promising young athlete is making even greater gains in sport.

She’s among four Lloyd Comp students, along with their mentor Thiessen, who are participating in a Women in Sport conference in Saskatoon in mid-June.

“I definitely appreciate Mrs. Thiessen,” said Macnab. “I love how she advocates for women in sports, too. She made me feel I could do a lot of things. I love her encouragement. She pushes me really hard, which I really appreciMaya Macnab. ate so much.

John MacNeil MERIDIAN SOURCE “Her daughter does the quad, too, so she knows a thing or two.

She also (oversees) a lot of sports, because she’s the athletic director, so I talk to her a lot. She’s an amazing person and I’m so grateful I got to meet her.”

Because of her participation in multiple sports, Macnab has gained friends from various backgrounds.

“Through the experiences that sports bring, you meet a wide variety of different people,” she said.

“Everyone brings something different. I’ve met so many amazing people, and some of my really good friends, through sports. I just think it’s an amazing way to meet people, and people that you may not hang out with, you can bond with through sport.”

She’ll probably run into more new friends at provincials in Moose Jaw. “I’m very nervous for that,” Macnab said about the competition. “A good nervous. An exciting nervous. I think it will be really fun.”

18

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Thursday, June 5, 2025

SPORTS

Raiders’ phenom Giesbrecht fashions record-breaking results Alex Giesbrecht, a Grade 9 student at Holy Rosary High School, broke two district records in winning the intermediate boys’ 1,500 and 3,000-metre races last week at the Lloydminster Comprehensive track. The Raiders’ speedster is a medal contender going into this week’s Saskatchewan provincials in Moose Jaw. John MacNeil Meridian Source JOHN MacNEIL SPORTS EDITOR

..................................

Middle-distance runner Alex Giesbrecht is embracing life in the fast lane.

A case in point was last week’s Northwest district track and field championships, in which the Holy Rosary High School student broke two intermediate boys’ district records at home in Lloydminster.

In convincing fashion, he qualified for Saskatchewan’s provincial high school championship meet this Friday and Saturday in Moose Jaw. In steaming heat, Giesbrecht ran the 1,500 metres in 4:31.50 early Thursday, just hours after running the 3,000 metres in 9:54.33 the night before.

“For my 1,500 time, I broke my personal best by one second,” the Grade 9 student said after Thursday’s race.

“For the 3K, I didn’t end up breaking my personal best, because it was super windy and super hot last night. It was probably, like, 25 C, and today was even hotter.”

Now, he’s welcoming the heat that comes with facing the best in the province.

“I think it’s going to be really good,” said the lanky and lean Giesbrecht, about six feet and 130 pounds. “Hopefully, there’s going to be competition for people my age group. It’ll really push me to get more better times.”

Because of the heat wave during districts, “I hydrated a lot more than before,” he said. “I also noticed, during my race, my throat was super dry the whole time, so I had to keep swallowing and that really took me off my pace.”

Helping push Giesbrecht’s pace in the 3,000 was Rossignol’s William McGonigle, the senior division champion in both the 1,500 and 3,000 races.

“It was good competition,” Giesbrecht said. “He was right behind me the whole time. It was good to have somebody to pace off.”

The senior and junior runners didn’t run simultaneously with Giesbrecht’s intermediate division in the 1,500.

“So, sadly I didn’t have anybody to push me to go further, but it was still good.”

Resounding results have followed Giesbrecht on the track for years, whether it’s at the school or club levels.

Giesbrecht is as dedicated as they come, says Holy Rosary coach Ryley Miller.

“I’ve coached Alex for two years, going on three, and for as long as I’ve known him, he’s been one of the most coachable, self-driven athletes that I’ve had the pleasure of coaching,” Miller said.

“He’s always been a very natural talent. I push him in the right direction and he improves tenfold. The sky is the limit for Alex. He’s very dedicated.”

School track is just part of the equation for Giesbrecht, who competes yearround while running club track with the Split City Sonics.

Before he celebrates his 15th birthday later this month, Giesbrecht hopes to reach another milestone in Moose Jaw. He’s shooting for provincial records in both the 1,500 and the 3,000.

“Those are my two big goals,” he said.

PAGE 19 Thursday, June 5, 2025 MERIDIAN SOURCE

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