Meridian Source - May 21, 2026 by Meridian Source

Three HRHS students earn archbishop award

A trio of Lloydminster high school seniors are making history as some of the first-ever recipients of a prestigious provincial Catholic leadership honour, sparking tears of pride from their families and mentors alike.

Valentina Corredor, Francis Ekwunife, and Milena Kokonas — all Grade 12 students at Holy Rosary High School (HRHS) — received the Archbishop Catholic Education Student Leadership Award during an emotional, packed gymnasium ceremony following a school prayer service on Thursday, May 14.

Holy Rosary High School students participate in a National Day of Prayer service in the school’s gym on May 14. Taylor Weaver Meridian Source

ARCHBISHOP AWARD FROM PAGE 1

The inaugural award, established by the Archbishop and Most Rev. Stephen A. Hero, recognizes exceptional graduating students across Alberta who actively live out their faith through academic excellence, parish involvement and community prayer life.

“Our new archbishop was really excited that this had been started and wanted to continue it,” said Wendy Orieux, an academic advisor and faith leadership team member at Holy Rosary.

For the recipients, the provincial recognition serves as a powerful validation of their 13-year journey through the Catholic education system.

“Looking back on all of my school years, from kindergarten to Grade 12, I’ve been in a Catholic school,” Corredor said. “Just seeing this award and winning it, I just feel appreciated.”

Kokonas echoed that sentiment, viewing the accolade as a reflection of her dedication to community service.

“It feels great to get it because it feels like the volunteering that I’ve done and all the help I’ve given has been recognized,” Kokonas said. “It just feels good that I’ve made an impression in the school.”

When asked about the driving force behind their leadership, both students point to a deeply personal relationship with God that anchors their daily lives.

“Faith is important because I just love to have a relationship with God. It makes me feel like I have someone always looking out for me and guiding me through my life,” said Corredor.

“Faith just guides my life,” Kokonas added. “It’s knowing I’m not alone — I have God, my family, and people who support me all the time. ”

The three Lloydminster youth will travel to the Archdiocese headquarters in Edmonton on Friday, May 22, for a formal celebratory luncheon.

The students will also receive an exclusive invitation to return to the capital in October to attend the annual Archbishop’s Dinner.

Holy Rosary High School principal Jeremy Blais, academic advisor and faith leadership team member Wendy Orieux, Francis Ekwunife, Valentina Corredor, Milena Kokonas and LCSD director of education Glenda Kary were beaming on May 14 after the three students learned they had won the Archbishop Catholic Education Student Leadership Award. Taylor Weaver Meridian Source

It wouldn’t be a Lloydminster summer without local cancer fighter Jarrod Russell hitting the trails.

This year is no different. Russell is entering his 11th year riding in the Great Cycle Challenge, with proceeds helping kids fighting cancer.

Officially crossing into his 50s, Russell plans to mark the big 5-0 with a bigger year of fundraising. He set his sights high and hopes to raise $50,000.

“Sendin’ it high,” he said of his fundraising goal.

He put the pedal to the metal last year, riding more than 1,500 km while raising $32,554.

This year, his annual fundraising kicked off with a wildly successful event in Taste of Tuscany. The event was hosted at Grace United Church, featuring pasta supper, an ice cream bar and a silent auction.

Through the event, with the backing of the Lloydminster community that has long been in his corner, Russell raised $28,572.65 to start the year.

“It was just crazy, the business community and friends and family that own businesses were just remarkable in supporting Jarrod,” said Lana Lane, Russell’s sister. “Everybody just showed up, we were so jammed in the church.”

CHRISTIAN APOSTOLOVSKI

Jarrod Russell is once again riding to help fight kids’ cancer.

Photo courtesy Videre Images

Members of the local organizing committee hosted representatives from CURLSASK on Tuesday, May 19, to announce the 2027 CurlSask Provincial Curling Championship,

from Jan. 10 to 17, 2027.

CURLSASK provincials to pack Cenovus Hub

The premier men’s and women’s provincial curling championships are coming to the Border City.

CURLSASK officially announced Tuesday, May 19, that the 2027 SaskTel Tankard and Bunge Prairie Pinnacle will be held at the Cenovus Energy Hub from Jan. 10 to 17, 2027.

The joint event will crown Saskatchewan’s top men’s and women’s teams, sending the winners to the national Montana’s Brier and Scotties Tournament of Hearts.

“This is our premier event,” said Steve Turner, executive director of CURLSASK.

“This is the one that we are most excited about every single year. We know that Lloyd’s gonna do a fantastic job. We know that this is gonna be a first-class, top-tier event.”

Turner noted that the decision to select Lloydminster came down to its reputation as a passionate curling

community, alongside its brand-new, world-class hosting facilities.

Local organizers say the economic and community impact will be massive, putting Lloydminster curling on the map following the city’s previous success hosting major hockey, golf and multi-sport provincial games.

“We have this world-class facility that we’re so proud of, and we want to show it off to the whole province of Saskatchewan and Canada,” said Nicole Reiniger, representing the Lloydminster Curling Club.

“Cenovus Hub is the place where everything happens as far as sports are concerned.”

Host committee co-chairs Laurie Makichuk and Tami Holtby said the bid originally sparked from a casual conversation while watching their daughters curl together on the provincial circuit.

featuring the Men’s SaskTel Tankard and the Women’s Bunge Prairie Pinnacle

Taylor Weaver Meridian Source

TAYLOR WEAVER

The venue, packed with over 200 people, still felt like a family event.

“We wanted it to feel like coming to a Russell family supper,” said Lane, who took a moment to thank Diamond 7 Meats for their support for Russell’s efforts.

Despite the weather, he’s back on the trails training.

“I have 22 rides in already,” Russell said on May 14. He said he’s going to keep riding until he can’t anymore.

“Yeah, for a cure,” he said. “I’m still holding to that” Children’s cancer hits home for Russell, as he was diagnosed with a brain tumour when he was four and still battles the side effects of his cancer treatment.

Russell reflected on the 12,000 km ridden and $304,000 raised for SickKids.

“I can’t believe the amount of money I raised,” he said. The glow ride is returning to Bud Miller All Seasons Park on Aug. 19. Looking to next year, he said he’ll likely be fundraising again

“Yeah probably,” he said about fundraising again next year.

5th Annual Charity Golf Tournament

Rolling Green on June 4

Lloyd Fire Rescue new model reduces response times and provides expanded coverage

For Lloydminster Fire Rescue, 2025 was highlighted by what it calls change, with a new name and more than half of its staff positions being filled.

It was a big year for the fire service as it implemented a brand new model.

“(Last year) was a year of significant growth and change for Lloydminster Fire Rescue services, marked by rebranding initiatives, staffing changes, equipment upgrades, increased call volumes and ongoing response training to ensure the continued delivery of competent and professional service

SUDOKU

to the community,” Fire Chief Bill Heesing said at the May 11 Governance and Priorities Committee meeting.

Two staffed stations and a rebrand were highlights of the year.

“It was important to rebrand to provide the name of our service to the community, representing all services that are provided by Lloydminster Fire Rescue,” he said.

Heesing gave some insight into how many staff the service employs.

“We are 61 staff, one Fire Chief, two assistant Fire Chiefs, one admin assistant, one full-time training captain, eight full-time captains, eight full-time firefighters and 40 paid-oncall firefighters,” he said.

Recruitment was also a key piece as more than half of the service’s total staffing positions were filled.

“A year of change in collaboration with employee relations, 38 positions were filled, which included my position as Fire Chief early in the year, two assistant chiefs, full-time training captain, five full-time captains, nine full-time firefighters and 20 paid-oncall firefighters,” said Heesing.

He explained the staff took more than 10,000 hours of training.

“(It) equals about 150 to 200 hours per employee, on average,” he said.

Heesing also highlighted a mental health program they offer.

CHRISTIAN APOSTOLOVSKI

“We continually promote the peerto-peer mental health program, maintaining the team with mental health resources and understanding of the challenge of the roles,” he said.

Plenty of projects were on the go as well, including some key safety projects, recertifications and concluded their three-year headset project for their fire apparatuses. They also recertified Tower 18 and it came in under budget, largely due to Cenovus Energy providing seven months of coverage by loaning their tower apparatus to the city for free.

Fire prevention week was incredibly busy as they hosted hundreds of people at Station 2.

“Fire prevention week is always very busy. We hosted over 500 people and displays and activities in Station 2,” said Heesing.

Fire inspections didn’t hit their goal in 2025, attributed to a vacancy within the fire service.

According to Heesing, they had another record year for calls with upwards of 1,393 calls.

A spike in the second half could be attributed to their medical first response program.

Medical assists was also a new program for the department.

“We went to 296 medical calls between probably the middle of June to the end of December,” said Heesing.

City manager Dion Pollard clarified they were previously responding to these calls, just not receiving payment for them.

“That was one of the reasons for getting into a structured process,” he said. “We were going anyway and not getting any kind of funding for it. At least now we’re getting something for it.”

Heesing noted that their funding is based directly on the number of calls they respond to.

They may get called to a medical situation if there are no ambulances available for 20 minutes. Within their agreement, they can say they aren’t available to respond.

Within the new model, the city now has around-the-clock coverage with the city being broken down into districts.

Average response times for Station 1 is 9:31. For Station 2 it’s 7:14.

July 1 will mark one full year of the new model.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Bylaw 26-05, being a bylaw to replace the Advertising Bylaw (Bylaw 21-20) to recognize advertising requirements should a local newspaper no longer be in circulation

DATE: May 26, 2026

TIME: 9:05 AM

LOCATION: County of Vermilion River Council Chambers, 4912-50 Ave. Kitscoty, AB

All Public Hearings are held during Regular Meetings of Council and are open to the public with attendance either in-person or via ZOOM Webinar. Written and verbal presentations may be given during the Public Hearing.

PURPOSE:

The County of Vermilion River is proposing to replace the Advertising Bylaw (Bylaw 21-20) to recognize advertising requirements should a local newspaper no longer be in circulation

A copy of Bylaw 26-05, being a bylaw to replace the County of Vermilion River Advertising Bylaw (Bylaw 26-05) can be viewed at the County of Vermilion River Office during regular business hours (Monday through Friday from 8:30AM to 4:30PM) at 4912-50 Ave. Kitscoty by emailing communications@county24.com or on the County of Vermilion River Website here: www.vermilionriver.com/your-county/public-engagement

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

 Any person claiming to be affected by the proposed Bylaw 26-05, being a bylaw to replace the County of Vermilion River Advertising Bylaw (Bylaw 21-20) may attend the Public Hearing either in-person or virtually via ZOOM Webinar and provide their input during the Public Hearing.

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

 Written submissions should be submitted by emailing communications@county24.com, or by mail to Box 69 Kitscoty, AB T0B 2P0 to be received no later than May 20, 2026 at 12:00 PM to be included as part of the Agenda Package for the May 26, 2026 Regular Meeting of Council and must be related to the topic of the Public Hearing.

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

 The names of those who wish to speak or have submitted written presentation will be recorded in the minutes of the May 26, 2026 Regular Meeting of Council and will be published on the County of Vermilion River website. ( Personal information is protected by the privacy provisions of the Access to Information Act and the Protection of Privacy Act)

For additional information related to the Public Hearing, please contact us at: Phone: (780) 846-2244 | Email: communications@county24.com

RCMP see more overdoses, retail theft

Retail theft, sexually-related offences and overdoses have been keeping RCMP busy, Staff Sgt. Jerry Nutbrown told council at the May 11 Governance and Priorities Committee meeting, updating his units’ work.

Nutbrown heads the general investigation section (GIS), currently comprised of 11 regular members and a municipal employee.

The AGENT program authorizes police and peace officers to act as representatives when addressing trespassing, loitering and other unlawful activity on their property.

“I think it’s very good because of the involvement with the community,” said Nutbrown.

Retail theft has been on their radar, something they’ve worked to combat.

Something his GIS unit has been dealing with is human trafficking.

“We are seeing and we’ve had cases where we’ve investigated with human trafficking, so that’s happening here and that’s generally related to the sex trade,” he said. “Out-of-town people, we’re generally seeing, will come in and set up either in a rental or in a hotel or something like that, and then there’ll be a way of booking, which are online.”

Sexual offenses have also been on the rise.

“Sexually-related offences have also been increasing, we’ve seen lately,” said Nutbrown.

RCMP continue to deal with overdoses.

“Overdoses, we’re seeing recently quite

a few of those,” he said.

Nutbrown highlighted the high use of Narcan by his members in an effort to help people who are experiencing an overdose.

Coun. David Lopez commented on the open drug use in the community, something he hopes they can find a solution to.

“It’s a frustrating thing,” he said. “Last week I had, at my restaurant, I had two different locations, two different people, and they were both using. It’s hard for my staff, we’re cleaning up the paraphernalia. At the same token, you’re trying to run a business and you have people doing this in the open and sometimes it gets frustrating. I know it’s frustrating for the RCMP and your team. It’s an ongoing thing.

“For people, if they want change, they have to speak up and talk to their MLAs and MPs as well.”

Nutbrown put it bluntly when talking about dealing with open drug use on the streets.

“Enforcement’s not the answer,” he said.

CHRISTIAN APOSTOLOVSKI

RCMP detachment in Lloydminster.

Border Paws chips at deficit, continues strong adoption

Border Paws Animal Shelter is ringing in another year of helping animals as they prepare to offer new services.

Amanda Williams, Border Paws president, presented to Lloydminster council on May 11 with an update on the organization’s 2025 operations.

The shelter experienced a high volume of animal intakes, the majority of which were strays from within the city.

“Last year, Border Paws admitted a total of 502 animals. We admitted 306 strays from the city, accounting for 61 per cent of all animals taken in during 2025,” Williams said, noting 195 of those were cats, 111 were dogs.

Adoptions saw a spike in 2025, something Williams credits to the dedication of staff and success of their outreach efforts.

“In 2025, we completed 337 adoptions, representing a 10 per cent increase over 2024,” she said. “All adoptable animals were also spayed

or neutered prior to adoption, as part of our ongoing commitment to responsible pet ownership and long-term population management.”

After reuniting 128 pets with their owners last year, the shelter continues to enforce a standard 72-hour holding period to allow stray reclamation.

While the year had some highs with adoption, it wasn’t without challenges.

“The high volume of strays from Lloydminster and surrounding municipalities combined with rising requests for owner surrenders continues to strain our

capacity,” said Williams. Border Paws also continued its community involvement.

“Border Paws delivered several important community programs throughout 2025, including our outreach visits with animals to seniors’ facilities across Lloydminster, adoption events in partnership with local businesses, school presentations focused on responsible pet ownership and advanced training programs for adoptable dogs to improve placement success,” she said.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 12

CHRISTIAN APOSTOLOVSKI

Thursday, May 21, 2026

MERIDIAN SOURCE

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“Tami and I were sitting watching our daughters curl ... we were lucky enough to meet up with Steve there and said, ‘Hey, we’d love to host if you had room,’ and luckily, they did,” Makichuk said.

Organizers expect the event to require about 150 volunteers to help run operations, ranging from ticket takers and ambassadors to technical timers and scorekeepers. Recruitment drives are slated to officially launch in the early fall.

Beyond the high-stakes adult competition, the committee is heavily focused on grassroots growth and family entertainment. The ice surface will be installed days in advance to allow local high school and youth teams to practise on professional ice. The event will also feature on-site youth ambassadors, interactive kids’ zones and audience-engagement initiatives like a digital “guess the shot” QR-code game.

Title sponsors also affirmed their longterm commitments to the sport during the announcement. Major agricultural exporter Bunge celebrated a 12-year renewal of its partnership with CURLSASK.

“Teaming up with CURLSASK is one of the many ways we support the communities in which we live and work,” said Josh Uhrich, representing Bunge. “Through partnerships like this, we hope to continue making a positive impact on our local communities and on their people.”

Sponsorship opportunities remain ongoing as local businesses continue to step up. Organizers hope the event will generate substantial revenue to reinvest directly into the local Lloydminster Curling Club. Those looking to get involved or volunteer can contact local organizers directly via email at lloydcurling@gmail.com or monitor the Lloydminster Curling Club social media channels for updates.

CURLSASK FROM PAGE 4

Chris’ A-Z: The centre of wellness

As I said in a recent column, I was planning on writing about the Libbie Young Centre.

I wrote about the namesake and the woman who was known for her kindhearted ways. This week, I want to talk about the centre that still stands today.

The Libbie Young Centre was established in 1983. Fairly recent, compared to some of the other topics I’ve covered. A committee headed by Marie Long, a registered psychiatric nurse in Lloydminster, recognized the need for transitional housing to support and assist individuals in reintegrating into the community.

The committee was intent on naming the centre after a local resident who gave back to the community.

Who better than Libbie Young, a woman who was actively involved in local sports and volunteered whenever she had the opportunity.

provided through provincial and federal bodies.

Today, the Libbie Young Centre still stands and their mission is still to improve mental well-being for people in the community.

I’d recommend anyone who has any interest in the programs they offer, or maybe you want to be a board member, to visit their website at libbie.ca. Getting involved in your community can be incredibly fulfilling and without the backing of community members, non-profits can’t go on.

The organization started with humble beginnings. They first provided service out of a duplex on the northeast side of Lloydminster. Eventually, they outgrew that location and in 2012, they moved to a larger facility that could house 20 client apartments.

The centre was modelled after the Thunder Creek Rehabilitation Association, a mental health facility in Moose Jaw, Sask.

Initial funding for the facility was

Thursday, May 21

Passport to YLL

Bingo at Moose Lodge

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

Straight to the Groove

The Vic Juba Community Theatre is hosting Straight to the Groove on May 27 for a 7:30 p.m. show. Tickets are $28.57 and are available online or at the theatre’s box office.

Doubles Cribbage Tourney

The Legacy Centre is hosting a doubles crib tournament on May 28 at 10 a.m. Cost to play is $10/person, lunch is $12/person. Everyone welcome!

BORDER PAWS FROM PAGE 9

Initiatives remain possible through grants, donations and in-kind donations and ongoing support of foster homes and volunteers.

Williams also broke down the funding sources: donations made up the largest portion at 45 per cent, followed by grants at 20 per cent, adoptions at 14 per cent, and poundkeeper services at 12 per cent. Sponsorships accounted for eight per cent, while reclaim fees brought in one per cent.

While they still face a deficit, it has gone down since 2024.

“In 2024, our deficit was $90K, so our deficit has gone down,” she said.

One of the difficulties for Border Paws was a loss of municipal support. Williams noted the shelter offers

Meridian Source Online Class

The Meridian Source team is holding another online class at the Legacy Centre on June 4 from 9 to 11 a.m. Everyone welcome, bring your phone or iPad!

Jake Vaadeland at the Vic Juba

Jake Vaadeland and the Sturgeon River Boys hit the stage at the Vic Juba Community Theatre on June 7 at 7:30 p.m.

Just Kruzin’ Annual Show & Shine

The Just Kruzin’ Specialty Vehicle Club’s annual show and shine is June 20 at the Cenovus Energy Hub. Registration starts at 9 a.m. and the show runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

COMING EVENTS

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EI PROBLEMS?

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GARAGE SALE

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BROWN:Joan Brown (née Shortell) will be remembered as a generous and fun-loving wife and mother who loved her family and friends with her whole heart.

Joan grew up in Lloydminster as part of a family with deep ties to the community. Her maternal grandfather was Dr. G. L. Cooke, one of the ﬁrst doctors in Lloydminster and the namesake of the Dr. Cooke Nursing Home. Her paternal grandfather owned Shortell’s Hardware, where her father, Arthur Shortell, also worked before following his dream of establishing Broadcast Centre (CKSA Radio in 1957, CKSA TV in 1960, and CITL TV in 1976). Joan’s mother, Mary Shortell, became President of Broadcast Centre in 1976 after Arthur’s passing and provided strong leadership for more than 20 years. Joan inherited her “tell it like it is” attitude from her mother, Mary.

Joan met the love of her life, Graham Brown, when she was 17 years old, and they celebrated their 52nd wedding anniversary in September 2025. They kept their romance strong after high school, even when Joan moved to Edmonton to attend the University of Alberta Nursing Program. Just a few weeks after graduating in 1973, Joan and Graham were married and began their life together in Red Deer, where Joan worked as a nurse at Red Deer General Hospital.

In 1976, they moved to Lloydminster to be part of the family business at Broadcast Centre. Joan’s true passion throughout her life was being a mother to her two daughters, Michelle and Leslie. She later became a mother-in-law to their spouses, Michael and Darren, and a proud grandmother to her six grandchildren, Arya, Aiden, Celeste, Kael, Marlie, and Garnet.

Joan always encouraged her loved ones to pursue further education and supported those who faced challenges in

accessing it. In 2008, she established the Shortell Scholarship at Lakeland College to provide ﬁnancial assistance to a student achieving academic excellence while working toward a business degree.

In 2000, Joan’s dream of owning a family cabin came true. After completing renovations, another activity she enjoyed, "Joanie’s Cabin" at Turtle Lake was ready. It included a room dedicated to grandchildren who had not yet been born. Her philosophy was simple: if she built it, the grandchildren would come. They did over the next 13 years.

Joan and Graham retired in their early 50s and spent their retirement traveling to Palm Springs and enjoying time with family and friends at Turtle Lake. Joan was an early adopter of the adult coloring trend, much to the delight of her grandchildren, who eagerly looked forward to coloring with her because she always had the best coloring books and markers. Joan's grandchildren also loved to shop with her and when they found something cool she often exclaimed "That's a taker!"

Joan, also known as Joanie, has left a deep imprint on the hearts of her family and friends that will never be forgotten. Although this is goodbye, we will always carry her with us. Graham, always with a twinkle in his eye, is waiting for his beloved Joanie.

Joan is survived by: her daughters, Michelle (Michael) McNally and Leslie (Darren) Cey; and grandchildren, Arya, Aiden and Celeste, Kael, Marlie and Garnet.

Joan is predeceased by: her loving husband, Graham Brown; father, Arthur Shortell; mother, Mary Shortell; and sister, Jane Ruptash.

The Graveside Service for Joan will be conducted from Lloydminster City Cemetery, Lloydminster, SK on Friday, May 22, 2026 at 1:00 PM at Columbarium 3. In lieu of ﬂowers, donations may be made to donor's charity of choice in memory of Joan. McCaw Funeral Service Ltd., of Lloydminster, Alberta administered the funeral arrangements.

CARD OF THANKS

The Brown family would like to thank all those who showed their support.

OCTOBER 7, 1933 ~ APRIL 2, 2026

Jack Chick Ying Woo, a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully

community. Later in life, he had the opportunity to be reunited with his extended biological family in China which he was eternally grateful. Jack will be dearly missed by all who knew him. He is survived by his beloved wife, Josephine; his children, Vivian, Brenda (Bill), Kathleen (Aaron), Lenny (Tuyen) and Alan; and his grandchildren, Kianna, Rylan, Mena, Micah and Jaxon.

Walter Morton Campbell of Cochrane, AB, announces his peaceful passing on Sunday, February 1, 2026, at the age of 95.

never one to let the grass grow under his feet. He read every book he could. He was a lifelong learner. He was predeceased by: his wife, Joyce; brothers, Neil, Richard, Robert (Joan), and Donald (Linda); brother-in-law, Lanny; his parents, Merrill and Ruth; and his nieces, Susan and Sabrina; and sons-in-law, Steve Kulbida and Lorne Garner.

A visitation will be held

Formerly residing at Waseca, Saskatchewan, he farmed there for over 50 years. Walter

Walter is survived by: his daughters, Sharon Kulbida and Barbara Roth (Chris); son, Ross; grandchildren, Jeremy Kulbida, Ian Garner, Janine Kulbida (Arthur), Jason Campbell, Jamie Campbell (Lynn), Stewart Garner abd

New owner takes over at Creech’s Funeral Home

MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

A familiar face is leading a new chapter at Creech’s Funeral Home as licensed funeral director and embalmer Riley Zajic takes over ownership of the longstanding business.

Zajic said the transition marks a major milestone in a career that began six years ago with the Creech family in Wainwright, Alta.

“I am so very excited and truly honoured to continue giving the community the services they have provided for over 30 years,” she said in a public statement announcing the change.

Zajic first joined the funeral industry at age 16 after looking for a summer job away from the family farm. She submitted resumes around Wainwright and was hired by Creech’s Funeral Home.

At the time, she did not expect funeral service to become her career. That changed after working closely with the Creech family and seeing the compassion and care they provided to families during difficult times.

“The compassion and care they bring to each and every family inspired me to apply to Mount Royal University to become a licensed funeral director and embalmer,” said Zajic.

After completing her education, Zajic moved to Edmonton to gain experience in the industry. She spent about two and a half years there before deciding she missed small-town life and wanted to return closer to family.

She returned to work alongside Harry and Alva Creech in Vermilion and

Lloydminster in September 2025. Zajic said the ownership transition has been underway for several months.

Creech’s Funeral Home will continue offering a full range of services, including burial and cremation options, complete funeral planning and monument and headstone arrangements for cemetery displays.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 16

Riley Zajic. Submitted photo

Word on the beat: Drugs and overdoses

Staff Sgt. JERRY NUTBROWN

Like many communities, Lloydminster has services available for people seeking help with drugs and addiction. Unfortunately, law enforcement faces a growing drug crisis, made worse by synthetic opioids and other substances used as cutting agents.

The Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) governs substances known as street drugs. The CDSA also applies to items used in the production or sale of drugs.

Fentanyl and other opioids are driving the crisis. Fentanyl is often mixed into other drugs without the user’s knowledge. Even a small amount can be fatal.

An overdose happens when a toxic amount of a drug overwhelms the body. Signs can include slowed breathing, unconsciousness and blue lips or nails. Naloxone can temporarily reverse the

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effects of an opioid overdose and has saved many lives.

Police continue to seize methamphetamine, cocaine, crack cocaine, fentanyl and prescription pills used in the illegal drug trade. Officers also warn that drugs sold as MDMA or ecstasy can contain fentanyl or other dangerous substances.

Police say the number of substances available in Canada continues to grow, but tobacco remains the leading cause of preventable death.

Staff Sgt. Jerry Nutbown is the NCO in charge of the Lloydminster RCMP detachment’s General Investigation Section. Stay tuned for future online columns from the Lloydminster RCMP.

CREECH FUNERAL HOME FROM PAGE 15

Zajic said the funeral home will continue operating with the same values and commitment to care that families in Lloydminster have come to expect over the past three decades.

The funeral home also offers 24/7 at-need services with no hidden fees, overtime charges or holidayhour costs.

Zajic thanked her family, friends and the Creech family for their support throughout the transition.

“All I can say is thank you to my family and friends for the support, to the Creech family for giving their trust, and to the Lloydminster community for this new chapter,” she said.

PUCK PURSUIT

Pahtayken, Sask net bronze at Aboriginal U18 nationals

JOHN MacNEIL ..................................

A couple of weeks before his 17th birthday, Grier Pahtayken celebrated one of the most memorable experiences of his young hockey career.

As part of host Team Saskatchewan at the National Aboriginal Hockey Championships in Regina, he brought a bronze medal back home to Lloydminster and Onion Lake Cree Nation.

“It was a great week, meeting new people and playing against really skilled hockey players out there,” Pahtayken said. “It was a fun week. It was a great feeling, coming home with a bronze medal.”

On a personal level, he ranked the achievement as comparable to winning his team’s top-defenceman award last season with the U17 AAA Lloydminster Lancers, with whom he’s played for two years in the Alberta Elite Hockey League.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 18

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Grier Pahtayken, a defenceman from the U17 AAA Lloydminster Lancers, helped Team Saskatchewan earn bronze at the National Aboriginal Hockey Championships in Regina. John MacNeil Meridian Source

‘He’s a great guy to have around’

In the bronze-medal match at the U18 boys’ national championship tournament, Pahtayken was chosen as Team Saskatchewan’s player of the game in its 9-5 victory over Nova Scotia.

It was his second playerof-the-game selection in the seven-team tournament. The other was in round-robin play against Manitoba, which went on to defeat Alberta 5-3 in the gold-medal contest.

“I started off a bit slow, but after a couple of more games, I was playing on second power play and getting some more ice time,” said Pahtayken, a Grade 11 student at Lloydminster Comprehensive High School.

“This is the first time I’ve played with that (Sask provincial) team. This is the first time I’ve played with all these guys.

“It was the toughest tournament I’ve played in so far. Definitely the speed and the physicality, pretty much, stood out.”

Pahtayken was a Saskatchewan standout on both sides of the puck. On offence, he contributed six points in as many games, as Saskatchewan posted a 3-3 record overall.

“Honestly, I was surprised at his offence,” said Sask teammate Dawson Gamble, a 16-year-old forward.

“He’s not shy to rush the puck or even take a shot, too. His defensive game (is effective) just as well. He can box out guys and lay the body when needed.”

Pahtayken and Gamble were somewhat familiar with each other from minor hockey and Indigenous tournaments over the

years, but they became buddies this month as Saskatchewan roommates during the national Aboriginal championships.

“We played against each other since minor hockey,” said Gamble, who is from Beardy’s Cree Nation and now resides in Warman, where he played with the Wildcats this past season in the Saskatchewan U18 AAA league.

“I didn’t really know him well, but I really got close to Grier through the recent tournament we had. We’ve played native tournaments together, and that’s where I’ve really seen his game. I hadn’t really talked to him a lot. But he seems like just as good a person off ice as he is on the ice. He’s a great guy to have around.”

Grier Pahtayken was twice named Saskatchewan’s player of the game. John MacNeil Meridian Source

Pahtayken connects with Indigenous teammates

FROM PAGE 18

Pahtayken concurred as he talked about hanging out with both of his roommates on the University of Regina campus, Gamble and Maclain Ethier, a 2010-born forward from Warman who plays with the U18 AAA Moose Jaw Warriors.

“They’re both great guys,” Pahtayken said.

“It was different, just having one game a day and having plenty of time to do stuff, hanging out with a lot of guys. We were on campus most of the time, pretty much all day. It was a good spot — with lots of room and food close to us. A really great experience to be there.”

Gamble, a prospect of the Saskatchewan junior A league’s Kindersley Klippers, echoed those sentiments.

“It was awesome getting a medal with everyone you grew up playing around,” he said. “Same with Grier. He really deserves those two player-of-the-game (selections) that he had.

“I would probably say his vision on the ice, and his edgework, are like crazy. He can find guys wherever and he can walk the blue-line kind of like a Cale Makar or a Quinn Hughes.”

Next season, Pahtayken hopes to step up to U18 AAA Lancers in Lloydminster. Before his next skate with prospective Lancers this spring, he’s in Las Vegas this week for another tournament. This time around, he’s with a team that includes his hockey friends from Red Pheasant Cree Nation.

Gamble and other members of Team Saskatchewan represented their respective home reserves last weekend in another culturally significant Indigenous hockey tournament, the prestigious Fred Sasakamoose national championships, at Saskatoon.

The team from Beardy’s included Gamble and Waylon Gardipy, who captained Sask at the latest National Aboriginal Hockey Championships.

Gamble and Gardipy were teammates in the 2024-25 season with the U18 AAA Battlefords Stars, before Gamble moved to Warman this year and Gardipy stepped up to the SJHL’s

La Ronge Ice Wolves as a 17-year-old forward. “He brought a lot of leadership,” Gamble said about Gardipy’s presence as Team Sask’s captain at the NAHC. “Vocal on and off the ice. A great leader, and he shows it on the ice, too. He came into the SJ as an underager.”

DEVONIA REA Annual General Meeting

Grier Pahtayken represented Onion Lake Cree Nation, Lloydminster and Saskatchewan at the Aboriginal hockey nationals. Submitted photo

Bobcats cash in on U18 AAA Raiders

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

The St. Albert pipeline is flowing freely into Lloydminster as multiple members of the U18 AAA Raiders are in the junior A Bobcats’ prospects pool.

The Alberta Junior Hockey League’s Bobcats signed two of those Raiders, defencemen Kyle Jamieson and Jett Toma, even before Lloyd’s 80-man prospects camp in mid-April. At the end of that camp, the Bobcats inked another

graduating Raider, forward Jadon Fischer, and they also invited a younger Raider — 2010-born forward Nolan Kelbert — to return for their spring camp, set for the June 5-7 weekend in Lloydminster.

“Me, Jett and Kyle have been close friends since we were little,” Fischer said about his connection with Toma and Jamieson. “We played winter hockey and spring hockey together.

“Continuing that relationship (at the junior A level), it’s amazing. It’s awesome. It’s actually pretty cool.”

Three of the eight graduating players from the U18 AAA St. Albert Raiders signed with the junior A Lloydminster Bobcats this off-season. That trio includes Jadon Fischer (second from right), Jett Toma (third from right) and Kyle Jamieson (fourth from right). Submitted photo

JOHN MacNEIL

Toma writes his own story

Bobcats’ signed prospect skates past tough times

JOHN MacNEIL

As his 100 per cent mark would indicate, Jett Toma understood the school assignment precisely.

The 17-year-old defenceman from St. Albert, Alta., wrote an essay last semester on one of the most impactful lessons of his life. Just a few years ago, he considered quitting hockey at age 14 because of nagging negativity from his academy coach.

Toma, instead, decided to persevere and try to overcome adversity, and the plucky youth later became a shining example for the Grade 12 language arts writing project that he aced this season while playing with the U18 AAA St. Albert Raiders.

With his staying power and his on-ice performance, Toma also earned recognition from the next level. The Lloydminster Bobcats signed him this spring as one of their Alberta Junior Hockey League prospects.

Toma’s mind was working overtime as he wrote his Bellerose Composite High School essay.

Jett Toma, a 17-year-old defenceman from St. Albert, Alta., steps through the Hub doors in Lloydminster during the junior A Bobcats’ prospects camp in April. John MacNeil Meridian Source

Prospect turns negatives into positives

HOCKEY JOURNEY FROM PAGE 21

“I did a lot of writing,” Toma said. “I think I wrote 2,000 words, around that, because I could write about it forever. I just talked about how in hockey there’s lots of adversity and you just have to push through it, and all the different techniques (to do so).”

Now a strapping six-foot-two, 185-pound junior A prospect, Toma was almost forced out of the picture during his first U15 season, while playing in Alberta’s independent Hockey Super League.

“I had a coach who was pretty hard on me,” he remembered. “He never really gave me the chances to show him what I could actually do. He just put all of the, I guess you could say, better players out there — instead of me — for all of those important situations.

“I actually wanted to quit hockey at that point, because of how rude the coach was to me and how he treated me. He was just treating me really poorly. He would yell at me a foot away from my face. Even if I were to score on a shift, but then made a bad pass, he would just point out the bad thing I did that shift, and not say, ‘Nice goal,’

or anything. I was getting pretty tired of it.

“But I just said, I will never have him as a coach again and I’m doing this for myself, not for him, and he can think whatever he wants. I know what I’m capable of.”

Toma outlasted those tougher times and regained the love of the game as he made strides on his hockey trail.

“Back then (in minor hockey), it was hard, because I was younger,” he reflected recently. “But I understand it now, (coaches) do it for a reason. They do it to teach you. They only get mad if you keep making the same mistakes. But if you’re coachable, and you understand stuff well, then you’ll be good.”

In time, Toma learned that “confidence comes from trusting yourself,” he wrote. “I began believing in the plays I made, instead of being scared to make mistakes.”

Toma’s resilience served him well again after dislocating his left shoulder last summer while in camp with the BCHL’s Sherwood Park Crusaders. He managed to return to game action in September during the Alberta Elite Hockey League U18 AAA pre-season, and cracked St. Albert’s roster.

Soon graduating from Bellerose Composite High School in St. Albert, Alta., Jett Toma, and his dog Kalli, pose for a grad photo in the rink. Submitted photo

Lloydminster Bobcats’ defence prospect Jett Toma played U18 AAA this year with the St. Albert Raiders of the Alberta Elite Hockey League. Submitted photo

Toma takes circuitous route to Lloyd

“Throughout the season, my shoulder popped out a few times, but I just pushed through and learned how to overcome it,” said Toma, who had played the previous two years with the Morinville-based 17U Titans in the Junior Prospects Hockey League. “I’m as good as new now. That’s all that matters.

“I loved it out there (this season with the Raiders). Our coach was great. Personally, I feel I developed a lot and it was a great experience, for sure, being around St. Albert more and it’s close (to home). Then, I had a couple of buddies on the team that I played with when I was younger. Everyone got held accountable for stuff and everyone put in a full effort, so it was a great year.”

Toma said that while he also enjoyed his JPHL experience, he wanted to move up to the provincial U18 AAA league this year because it offered more balanced and stronger competition from top to bottom, rather than just between the upper-echelon teams.

Injuries dogged the Raiders all season, but Toma was a warrior as he played in 36 regular-season games and five each in the league playoffs and the Circle K Classic tournament in Calgary.

Overall, he assisted on 17 goals, including 14 in the regular season.

Three of those assists came during an October game in Lloydminster as St. Albert defeated the Lancers 6-5 in overtime. Toma’s best friend and fellow Bobcats’ prospect Jadon Fischer scored four goals, including the winner.

By the time the Raiders swept the Lancers 2-0 in their February playoff series, the Bobcats had built an extensive scouting report on St. Albert, a popular source of talent for Lloyd’s junior A team.

As he graduates from high school and U18 AAA hockey, defenceman Jett Toma hopes his immediate future is in Lloydminster as part of the Bobcats in the Alberta Junior Hockey League. Submitted photo

Since then, three graduates of this year’s Raiders — defencemen Toma and Kyle Jamieson and forward Fischer — have signed letters of intent with the Bobcats.

A fourth Raider, 2010-born forward Nolan Kelbert, also showed well at the Bobcats’ prospects camp in April and has been invited back to Lloydminster for the spring camp, scheduled for early June, as well.

HOCKEY

Buddies bound for Lloydminster together

HOCKEY JOURNEY FROM PAGE 23

“It’s a great feeling, for sure,” Toma said about signing with the AJHL team.

“Taking that step up to junior A, it’s a great achievement. I’ve just got to prove myself and get myself on the roster come fall.

“I’m not really going to any other (team’s) camps. I’m just focusing on Lloyd and really bearing down on that. If anything, I’m just working out every day and training for it.

“It’s a big step in my future, and opens up more doors. I’m ready to take the jump and go where the wind takes me, I guess I could say.”

His hair was blowing in the wind on the mid-April weekend that Lloyd hosted about 80 prospects at the Hub arena complex. Going into that camp, Toma’s confidence was high because he had already signed with the Bobcats.

“Yeah, it’s definitely like a lock on my feelings. It makes me feel not as many butterflies in my stomach. But I still have to put in the work, obviously.”

With a year of U18 AAA under his belt, Toma believes he’s that much more prepared for junior A hockey.

“Yeah, especially with the speed and

everything, (U18) was definitely quicker than when I played JPHL. And just getting prepared with all the bigger guys and all the training programs we did, it definitely helped me put on some weight and some muscle, and I’m still doing that moving forward.”

Toma grew up as a fan of the Washington Capitals, so it’s fitting that one of his NHL role models is former Caps defenceman John Carlson, now of the Anaheim Ducks.

“I’ve really been a big Caps fan my whole life,” he said. “I like watching them. I think I’ve got five (Caps) jerseys. Every time I grew out of one, I’d get a new one. I’ve got pillows and everything.

“I like to follow John Carlson. I feel he’s a pretty good all-around, consistent D-man and he’s got the size like me. He’s very good defensively, and he can create offence when he needs to. But yeah, I usually mimic my game after him.”

Toma copied Capitals star Alex Ovechkin in sporting bright yellow laces in his skates, at least when he was younger.

“Most guys just make fun of you for it now,” Toma said with a chuckle. “I really wouldn’t do it anymore, anyways.”

Childhood friends Jadon Fischer (left) and Jett Toma, both prospects of the Lloydminster Bobcats, enjoy the water during a B.C. vacation. Submitted photo

Each summer, Jett Toma warms up for the coming hockey season while vacationing in British Columbia and surfing on Shuswap Lake. Submitted photo

Routine fuels Toma on and off the ice

At the same time, he still practises unique personal routines on game days, much like most hockey players.

“I always like to have my headphones with me, because sometimes I just like to listen to my own music,” he said. “I always have them on when I’m going to the rink, right before a game, which is a pretty common one.

“And then, I usually wear the same socks for warm-up. That’s one, for sure. There’s always a certain pair of dress socks I put on, even if I don’t wear them to the rink. I feel it gives me luck and all that, because my grandpa gave them to me. They’re Christmas dress socks. They’ve got trees on them. They’ve got some colour to them. Before games, during the season, I’d wear them.”

Hoping to wear the distinctive orange, black and white colours of the Bobcats next season, Toma is getting ready now, stepping up his off-season training. At home, he eats as many as five meals per day. He also packs healthy lunches for school.

“The amount I’ve got to eat right after (workouts), it’s quite a lot,” said Toma, turning 18 in October. “It’s just what you’ve got to do to get to the next level, so that’s all that matters.”

During the past season, he grew an inch and gained about 20 pounds while working out with his teammates at the Absolute Human Performance gym, along with his personal training.

“When I get the opportunity, I definitely use my body quite a bit,” Toma said about his defensive style. “I don’t chase hits to make people go, ‘Oh, he can hit well.’ I just do it when I get the opportunity.

“I really focus around my skating ability and, in my opinion and lots of other people’s opinion, my first-pass mentality is probably the best part of my game. I can always make that first pass, whether it’s breakout or when we get in the zone.”

Although he no longer wears yellow laces in his skates, Jett Toma practises a couple of other traditions on game days. Submitted photo

HOCKEY JOURNEY FROM PAGE 24

Familiarity, friendships bond prospects

HOCKEY JOURNEY FROM PAGE 25

Bobcats’ prospect Fischer, who averaged a point per game with St. Albert this year, witnessed Toma’s tools in action since their childhood, and recently with the U18 AAA Raiders. Notably, they complemented each other during last October’s overtime victory in Lloyd, where the duo combined for seven points.

“Jett was the quarterback on the power play, and then I was playing on the right flank there,” Fischer said. “It’s just nice playing with someone that you’re familiar with, kind of knowing his movements and how he moves the puck around. He can always find those spots to be in where he can get you that puck.”

That natural chemistry between Toma and Fischer — each an only child in their respective families — extends to off the ice.

“A great friendship,” concurred Fischer, who turns 18 in September as the AJHL season begins. “Our families are family friends, so that’s always nice. They’ve got a cabin (along British Columbia’s Shuswap Lake), so we go there in the summers and hang out and go on the boat. Yeah, it’s been great.”

While vacationing in B.C. for most of the summer, Toma rotates between hockey training and recreational pursuits like surfing.

“I have a gym membership out there, and my trainer from here just gives me a workout plan, and I do that every day,” he said. “There’s

like a road that goes up a mountain and I run halfway up that for my cardio. It’s definitely a challenge, but it’s worth it when you’re done. You can certainly feel it in the legs, and the elevation out there is a little more than here, so it’s a little harder to breathe. But yeah, it’s good.

“And then, I just spend the day on the lake when I’m done everything. I’m big into surfing. We’ve got a surfboat and all that stuff. I’m usually doing that, and fishing. Then, I usually have a buddy or two out for a week, so it’s fun.

“I’m on the ice out there quite a bit, and then I come back (home) before I go to Lloyd.”

Making waves on and off the ice, Toma has written a compelling story worth telling.

A youthful Jett Toma celebrates a spring hockey championship. Submitted photo

Toma complimented Kelbert, too, for becoming a solid candidate for the Bobcats’ program in coming seasons.

“He would definitely benefit from another year in U18, in my opinion, but him making it to the top-40 camp at age 15, that’s pretty friggin’ good,” Toma said. “It definitely keeps eyes on him, for sure. I just wish the best for him with everything. He’s not scared of anyone. No matter their size or strength, he’ll go into a corner and get body on them, no matter how big someone is. He just doesn’t stop working. He’s got a great work ethic.”

Toma and Jamieson, both big defencemen, played together as D partners frequently during the past season with St. Albert.

“Yeah, we did, and even when we were younger,” Toma said. “We’ve always been together. He was right, I was left, and even this year we played with each other quite a bit. We just know where each other are at all times and we just have a feel for each other. It’s pretty nice to know that he’s in the same place as me, and hopefully we can play together again.”

Fischer is another familiar face making his way to the Border City. He was the Raiders’ second-leading scorer this year, with 17 goals and 34 points in 38 regular-season games, along with two goals and four points in five playoff contests.

“Yeah, he was a goal-scorer, for sure,” Toma said of Fischer. “He’s got a great skill-set. Not many people have the same skill-set as him, and he’s pretty strong. People bounce off him

quite a bit. He’s a smaller guy, (but) he’s a great player and a great person.”

Fischer was particularly effective this season against the Lloydminster Lancers. He scored six goals and 10 points in four head-to-head games versus Lloyd during the regular season and he added another goal and an assist in their two playoff matchups.

“Yeah, I definitely had some good games against them,” Fischer said with a chuckle.

He scored four goals, including the overtime winner, last October in a comeback victory at Lloydminster, where he also netted the serieswinning goal in their February playoff battle.

Now, the Spruce Grove resident hopes to create more Lloyd memories as part of the Bobcats’ organization.

Earlier this month, Fischer participated in the National Aboriginal Hockey Championships at Regina. He earned a silver medal as part of Team Alberta, which lost 5-3 to Manitoba in the U18 boys’ championship game. Overall, both finalists posted 5-1 records.