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Lloydminster honours Indigenous soldiers for first time

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APRIL 2026

Lloydminster’s Remembrance Day service honoured Indigenous soldiers of Canada for the first time.

Cynthia Young and two of her grandchildren, Tenley and Torryn Jordan, laid the inaugural wreath at Lloydminster Comprehensive High School on Nov. 11.

“We talked about doing this last year and the organizers made sure we were on the list this year,” said Young. “I made sure we were all in our proper outfits and away we went to represent our culture and our people.”

Although it was a first in the Border City, this wasn’t the Jordan siblings’ first time taking part in a Remembrance Day ceremony.

“We went to France last year and led the parade in front of all the soldiers, and we got to hold the Canadian flag,” said nine-year-old Tenley.

The siblings were invited to take part in the parade as their greatuncle, Napoleon Morin, fought for Canada during the Second World War.

“My uncle stormed the beach, made it inland, and was captured and passed on June 11, 1944,” said Young.

“We’ve been overseas twice to honour him and actually talked to the people who take care of him. It sent chills up my spine.”

The experience left the three filled with pride and honour to represent their culture.

“We contributed a lot of things to the war, and I thought about those things while standing there representing,” said Young. “It was nice to represent my culture, my uncle, and my family.”

TAYLOR WEAVER EDITOR

Taylor Weaver Meridian Source photos

Cynthia Young and Tenley and Torryn Jordan laid Lloydminster’s inaugural wreath for Indigenous soldiers of Canada on Nov. 11. Taylor Weaver Meridian Source

Local event honours veterans

Residents cleared snow off of graves and placed poppies in remembrance of the veterans who served and defended our country.

No Stone Left Alone (NSLA), held on Nov. 8 at the Lloydminster Cemetery, saw a large gathering with residents coming out to pay respects to those who served.

“This is our 11th ceremony and the No Stone Left Alone Memorial Foundation is celebrating their 15th year,” said Amy Hrynchuk, NSLA site organizer for Lloydminster. “Numbers are up again this year, which I love seeing the growth. We (also) have three soldiers from Wainwright.”

Hrynchuk explained there are 431 identified veterans in the Lloydminster Cemetery and the event aims to never forget those that paid the ultimate price.

The event kicked off with greetings and speeches. There was also a poem reading, a prayer of remembrance and two minutes of silence bef ore poppies were placed on headstones around the cemetery.

Vince Scott, Royal Canadian Legion Branch #39 past president, says remembering should be done more than once a year.

“It isn’t just one day, it’s every day,” he said. “There’s a lot of spaces that aren’t touched, graves that haven’t seen any family or anything for years. That’s our role, to make sure they’re not forgotten.”

For Lloydminster Mayor Gerald Aalbers, the event is a reminder we shouldn’t take our freedoms for granted.

“It is really, really important to realize the freedoms we enjoy today are because of somebody’s sacrifices,” he said, noting members of his family, past and present, have served in the Canadian Forces.

“Everybody that enjoys the freedoms each and every day, to go to school, to be able to go to work, to be able to worship wherever you wish and express your views, are the freedoms we get to enjoy. You wouldn’t have those freedoms if we were under a communist country or under a dictatorship.”

Remembrance Day is a day of extra importance for Aalbers.

“Being a first-generation Canadian, my dad was raised during the Second World War,” he said. “My grandfather served in the First World War. I understand he lent support to the resistance in Holland in the Second World War. I don’t even know if the family fully was aware of that.”

Aalbers hopes the event continues to honour veterans.

“I just want to thank everyone that came out today and partook in this. This is so important and I truly hope that young people today will continue this for a very long time,” said Aalbers.

As for the Legion, they have an important milestone on the horizon.

“Come on down to the Legion. It’s easy to get in and next year, being the 100th anniversary, we’re not charging members for new members,” said Scott, noting anyone can be a member.

CHRISTIAN APOSTOLOVSKI STAFF WRITER

Christian Apostolovski MERIDIAN SOURCE photos

Mayor Gerald Aalbers.

Lloyd budget 2026: what you need to know

APOSTOLOVSKI STAFF WRITER

Lloydminster council chambers were mostly empty as council began its 2026 budget deliberations on Nov. 5.

Every year, City of Lloydminster administration prepares a draft of the budget for the following year, which outlines priorities for the city. It also gives a breakdown of the city’s operating and capital costs.

In 2026, there’s a projected 3.9 per cent tax increase with a 5 per cent utility increase.

“So, in 2026, administration is proposing a 3.9 per cent municipal tax rate increase,” said Adele Wakaruk, executive manager, corporate services.

The municipal tax increase for 2026 was projected to be much higher before administration worked to reduce it.

“For example, 2025, in our presentation, there was a municipal tax rate increase of 9.2 per cent for 2026 and we successfully brought that down to 3.9 per cent,” she said.

The operating budget in 2026 is $119 million with a capital budget of $29.7 million.

As part of the 2026 budget process,

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administration is also projecting what the future tax increases might be.

Although nothing is set in stone, projections have been made with the best possible information currently available. In 2027, the projected increase is 4 per cent, 2028, 3.5 per cent and 2029, 3 per cent. Administration says it hopes to be able to reduce next year’s tax increase to 3.5 per cent.

Borrowing and debt is something the city is continuing to balance.

According to city files, Lloydminster is forecasting $55 million in existing debt and a total of $102 million in existing and projected debt for 2026. The city’s debt limit of 100 per cent is $170 million and their 75 per cent debt limit is $127 million. Administration is forecasting a downward trend in existing and projected debt over the next five years.

The city is facing $3.6 million in interest on their long-term debt and $4.1 million in debt payments in 2026.

Other notable increases next year include the city’s marketing and communications expenses. In 2025, $1.2 million was budgeted, with that increasing to $1.5 million in 2026.

Increases to that budget include advertising for the Cenovus Energy Hub, park’s signage refresh, as well as a funding allocation to advertising the airport.

“It is a priority of the city to get that air service back,” said Dion Pollard, city manager, who clarified administration wanted to ensure there was money available.

Protective services is also seeing an increase this year as the fire model in Lloydminster has changed. The Lloydminster Fire Department has become Lloydminster Fire Rescue and now operates two full-time stations leading to an increase in required funding.

“I believe July 1 is where we started for the year,” said Don Stang, executive manager of

operations. “The additional $1.2 million is to cover the full year of those services. A whole year, I believe, is in that $2.3 million range.”

There’s an increase of $1.2 million to fund the new model.

Some capital costs are also in the 2026 budget for protective services, public safety fleet vehicles $100,000, $75,000 for Station 2 fitness equipment and $75,000 for equipment cleaning/ decontamination washing machine.

This year’s budget has $13.7 million budgeted for police services, $1.4 million for public safety and $8.4 million for fire services. The lions share of the operating budget will be spent on both salaries and contracted services.

For 2026, $45.5 million is projected to be spent on salaries, wages and benefits and $30.5 million spent on contracted services.

The city also continues to grapple with the needed year-over-year capital funding and 2026 sees $50.5 million in unfunded projects. The long-term projections show $474 million unfunded projects up to 2035.

Details surrounding the city are also released as part of the budget process. Most notably, population numbers.

Lloydminster’s population, according to the city, is 33,165. The median age is 35.5, median income is $46,900 with 11,390 residential properties and 1,541 non-residential properties.

Administration says it’s anticipating the population to grow over the next 20 years. In terms of housing, 67 per cent of residents own and 33 per cent rent.

The average cost of living in Lloydminster, according to the city, is $1,143 to rent and $1,679 to own. The average household size is 2.6 people with median household income of $92,750 with 12,000 total households.

The 2026 draft budget is expected to return to council chambers at the Nov. 24 council meeting.

MEG shareholders approve Cenovus deal

PUBLIC NOTICE

CHRISTIAN APOSTOLOVSKI STAFF WRITER

MEG Energy says shareholders voted in favour of a bid by Cenovus Energy to take over the company.

Take notice that the following Development Permit Application for a proposed Discretionary Use is being reviewed in accordance with Land Use Bylaw 5-2025.

A special meeting was held today, Nov. 6 to vote on the deal. According to MEG, the transaction was approved with 86.15 voting in favour of the deal.

The bid to take over MEG Energy saw two oil

giants, Cenovus and Strathcona Resources, put in separate bids for the company.

Strathcona first announced their bid to buy MEG in late May, which was met with MEG urging shareholders to reject the offer. They amended their offer in September, hoping to sweeten the bid.

MEG Energy then entered into an agreement to be acquired by Cenovus in August. Cenovus improved their offer twice to takeover MEG Energy, ultimately having shareholders vote in favour of the deal at the Nov. 6 meeting.

MEG’s application to the Court of King’s Bench of Alberta for a final order in respect to the transaction is expected to take place in mid-November and is still subject to approval by the court.

CHRISTIAN

Moose Lodge sale supports Salvation Army

CHRISTIAN APOSTOLOVSKI STAFF WRITER

The Lloydminster Moose Lodge recently gave back to the community with a used book and puzzle sale.

The event took place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Nov. 8 at the Moose Lodge.

We have it twice a year and proceeds from this particular sale go to the Salvation Army.

- Susan Colp

“We have it twice a year and proceeds from this particular sale go to the Salvation Army,” said Susan Colp, Lloydminster Moose Lodge administrator. “Salvation Army also has a display. They’re taking non-perishable goods.”

Each sale supports a different organization in the community. The next event will be held in the spring.

“The next one will be probably around May 1,” said Colp.

Money raised helps support the community.

“The community service is a big thing, too. I think last year we gave over $100,000,” she said. “Most of that stayed here. There was some that would go to the Stollery Hospital or STARS Ambulance.”

The Moose Lodge supports children and seniors and the organization looks to give back to charities that do the same.

The Lloydminster Moose Lodge hosted a used book and puzzle sale on Nov. 8. Proceeds went toward the Salvation Army. Christian Apostolovski Meridian Source

“One of their main goals is to look after children and seniors,” said Colp. “That’s why we typically go to those children and seniors type of organizations.”

Colp also explained the Moose Lodge operates a town in the United States that gives kids a place to learn.

“We do have a home, it’s actually like a little village or its own little town 40 miles outside of Chicago called Moose Heart,” she said. “Children from Canada and the States can go there and they

get looked after and educated.”

Throughout the year, the Moose Lodge in Lloydminster puts on plenty of events.

“We have the odd dance, we have breakfast once a month, we have crib three times a month,” said Colp. “Then, we have kaiser and have suppers on Friday; it’s not a regular occurrence yet, but we’re working on that.”

She says the lodge is always looking for new members and people interested can contact the lodge directly at 780-875-7919.

Local Business Directory

Rotary campaign to double polio support

APOSTOLOVSKI STAFF WRITER

The Rotary Club of Lloydminster is looking to amp up its support for polio with a new local campaign.

Rotary heard a presentation by Rotary Foundation committee members Richard Young and Barry Davis.

This year’s international commitment totals $16,400, with $2,000 going to Kiva. Kiva has helped over 5 million people in over 80 countries.

“Through KIVA microloans, our club has invested $30,057 over 10 years,” said Young. “Loans that empower farmers to buy seeds, women

NOTICE OF NOMINATIONS FOR MEMBERS OF AREA AUTORITY

The Border Conservation and Development Area No. 158

PUBLIC NOTICE

is hereby given that for a period of fourteen days after the date started hereunder I will accept duly completed written nominations of owners or occupants of land in the area for membership of the area authority. The number of vacancies to be ﬁlled is three and forms of nomination papers may be obtained from the undersigned.

Completed nomination papers may be mailed to: Site 1, Compartment 5, RR1 Lloydminster, SK. S9V 0X6.

Date of commencement of the fourteen day period: 14th day of November 2025.

Dated at Lloydminster, Saskatchewan this 28th day of November, 2025. Gerald Rogan Returning Ofﬁcer

to open market stalls, students to pay tuition and families to build a better future.”

Rotary has also supported ShelterBox this year, giving $2,400.

“Another area we give in is to Shelter Box,” said Young. “To date, we’ve donated $9,455, which provides emergency shelter and supplies for families who’ve lost everything in disaster or conflict.”

Other projects supported by rotary year this include, $3,000 going to the Rotary Foundation, $2,000 to PolioPlus and $7,000 to international projects.

Polio continues to be a focus for rotary, as a new

campaign is being launched looking to match the $2,000 already given.

“Our ask is that we all try and match, individually. We’re going to try to match our club donation of $2,000,” said Davis. “We’d like to see $4,000 in total.”

While polio continues to be on the edge of eradication, a setback has caused more cases to pop up.

“In early 2024, the Taliban decided that it was not in their interest to allow door to door polio vaccination anymore,” he said. “So, we’ve gone at the end of 2024, there’s 99 cases.”

A pair of Rotarians will be hitting the open road to fundraise for polio. Lee Harmon and Winston Conyers are longtime friends and both from District 5050. They’ll be travelling throughout the country with MissVicki, a refurbished 1931 Model A Ford to raise awareness, advocacy and funds for polio.

“It’s privately owned by Lee Harmon, who’s a Rotarian from Washington State and he’s been using that vehicle since 2018,” said Davis. “He and his wife travelled across China into Europe with it. He began raising money for polio.”

Their fundraising goal is $200,000 USD and rotary is expected to hear a presentation from Harmon in the future.

Polio cases dropped down to 12 cases in all of 2023 with a resurgence in cases in 2024, up to 99 total cases in the two remaining endemic nations of Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Rotarians were also informed at the Nov. 10 meeting that the school they supported in the Philippines survived the typhoon and was being used by families as shelter.

CHRISTIAN

Barry Davis presents to Rotary on Nov. 10. Christian Apostolovski MERIDIAN SOURCE

NOTICE

Public notice is hereby given that the Council of the Rural Municipality of Frenchman Butte No. 501 intends to consider the adoption of a new Zoning Bylaw under The Planning and Development Act, 2007.

You could be the new owner of the Civic Centre

INTENT / ZONING DISTRICT OBJECTIVES

AG - Agricultural District: To provide for the primary use of land in the form of agricultural development, associated farm dwellings, limited single-parcel country residential development, location-dependent natural resource development and other uses compatible with agricultural development.

RD - Residential District: To provide for low density multiple lot residential development surrounded by agricultural lands to accommodate acreage development and other compatible development in speciﬁc areas with standards for such development.

The Centennial Civic Centre could have a new owner, if someone buys it from the city.

The historic building is planned for demolition this year, with the newlyopened Cenovus Energy Hub meeting hockey needs in the Border City.

Council, however, has heard the public voicing that the building should be up for sale before it gets demolished.

“There will likely be a formal sale sign out there.”

LD - Lakeshore District: To provide for residential and limited commercial development on lands surrounding Perch Lake and other speciﬁc areas with standards for such development.

HD - Hamlet District: To provide for high density multiple lot residential development and other compatible development in speciﬁc areas with standards for such development.

CD - Commercial / Industrial District: To provide for general commercial, industrial and other compatible development in speciﬁc areas, with standards for such development.

FD - Forest District: To encourage forestry and other natural resource-oriented development and activity on provincial forest lands.

Budget talks on Nov. 5 led council to the decision to put the old building up on the market.

“That’s the direction council gave,” said Mayor Gerald Aalbers. “There’s a series of steps that would happen and I’m not sure how soon it will be officially put on the market.

The city will leave the building on the market for a period of time, giving people the opportunity to buy it if they so choose.

The plans are still to demolish the building if no one buys it.

“We’ll likely give it a month or two, I don’t know on the exact specific amount of time,” he said.

The proposed Zoning Bylaw also contains updated and new general provisions that apply to development throughout the R.M. Updated and new provisions include: development permit requirements, application fees and application process; discretionary use permit requirements, application fees, application process and evaluation criteria; regulations for fences; accessory buildings and structures; signs and billboards; manufactured dwellings; vehicle storage; shipping containers; communal farm settlements; shooting ranges; home based business; and farm settlements. regulations for development on or near hazard lands; and regulations for outside storage and waste material storage.

AFFECTED LAND

“Unless things change and somebody comes forward, it will still be planned for demolishing next summer,” said Aalbers.

The 2026 budget includes $1.4 million for the demolition of the Civic Centre.

“I think the plan is, the budget will carry forward. (If) the money doesn’t get spent, it stays in reserves,” he said.

The Civic Centre opened its doors in 1967, hosting everything from hockey games, concerts, weddings, graduations, cultural ceremonies and more.

Co-op launches annual ‘Spread a Little Love’ campaign

The Lloydminster and District Co-op is once again inviting the community to help bring holiday cheer to local seniors through its annual Spread a Little Love This Christmas campaign.

The 11th annual campaign launched on Wednesday, Nov. 12, at the Lloydminster Co-op Marketplace. The initiative aims to brighten the holidays for seniors living in care homes, long-term care facilities and independent residences throughout the region.

REASON

All land within the R.M. of Frenchman Butte as shown on the Map contained in this notice is affected by the new Zoning Bylaw.

PUBLIC INSPECTION

YOUR PROPERTY MAY BE DIRECTLY AFFECTED BY PROVISIONS IN THE NEW ZONING BYLAW. PLEASE CHECK THE FULL VERSION OF THE BYLAW, AVAILABLE FOR REVIEW OR PURCHASE AT THE R.M. OFFICE OR FOR REVIEW AND DOWNLOAD FROM THE R.M. WEBSITE.

PUBLIC HEARING

The new Zoning Bylaw will help direct and manage growth and development in the R.M. of Frenchman Butte for the next ﬁfteen to twenty years.

Any person may inspect the proposed bylaw at the R.M. Ofﬁce, located 1/4 mile North off the Junction of Highway 3 and Highway 21 North, just east of Paradise Hill, Box 180 Paradise Hill, SK, S0M 2G0. The RM ofﬁce is open between 8:30 AM and 4:30 PM Monday to Fridays, excluding statutory holidays. Copies are available to persons at cost.

Issued at the RM of Frenchman Butte this 6th day of November, 2025. Aaron Neilly, Acting Chief Administrative Ofﬁcer RM of Frenchman Butte ZB Notice

Council will hold a public hearing at 2:00 PM on November 26th, 2025, at the R.M. Ofﬁce located at SW 11-53-24-W3M (just north of the junction of highway 3 and highway 21N) to hear any person or group that wishes to comment on the proposed bylaw. Council will also consider written comments received at the hearing or delivered to the undersigned at the R.M. Ofﬁce before the hearings.

Email: administrator.rm501@sasktel.net Phone: (306) 344-2034

Each year, Co-op staff collect Christmas wish lists from seniors and write them on ornaments, which are then displayed on trees across participating Co-op locations. Community members are encouraged to pick an ornament and fulfil a wish — often something simple and meaningful such as chocolates, slippers, a blanket, or a calendar.

Ornaments will be available at the Lloydminster Co-op Marketplace, Neilburg Co-op Grocery Store, Ironwells Co-op Gas Bar, Hampton Square Co-op Gas Bar, 18 Street Crossing Co-op Gas Bar, North Stop Co-op Gas Bar.

CHRISTIAN APOSTOLOVSKI STAFF WRITER

MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

Lloydminster’s historic Civic Centre. File photo

Permitting contract concerns Lloyd council

CHRISTIAN APOSTOLOVSKI STAFF WRITER

The City of Lloydminster is looking to potentially contract a new company for building and plumbing permitting.

Administration presented their request for proposal (RFP), which had three companies return proposals for the contract. The three companies that were scored include Park Enterprises Ltd., The Inspections Group Inc. and the company that currently does the permitting work, Superior Safety Codes. Finding a company to do the local permitting has been a difficult venture for administration.

“Our charter has specifics in there on what codes we must follow for these services, but they still fall silent on how we administer those services,” said Terry Burton, the city’s director of planning and engineering.

He says this is the first time the city has had more than one vendor to choose from.

“This service has been a complex one to tender, appropriately,” said Burton. “This is the first year we had more than one vendor that actually met the requirements.”

Due to the complexity of Lloydminster being a border city, inspectors have to be certified in both Alberta and Saskatchewan.

The RFP was issued on Aug. 28 and closed on Sept. 25. There were three proposals received and all three were interviewed to confirm mandatory submission requirements and the services listed within the RFP could be achieved.

Each proposal was reviewed for completeness and based on corporate qualifications and experience, key staff qualifications and experience, methodology/work plan and financial summary.

From the scoring of the submissions, administration recommended Lethbridge-based Park Enterprises Ltd. to win the award. They were the overwhelming winner based on their score with a proposed revenue split of 60 per cent of the permit fee retained by Park Enterprises and 40 per cent retained by the city.

The proposal drew concern from council. Coun. David Lopez said he reached out to builders and developers in this industry when he first came across this agenda item.

“The key thing I got from the developers and builders was they were shocked about this,” he said. “The one developer I did speak with was sitting there saying that the efficiencies we have now, we can get a building permit done in two days. He goes to other communities and that permit can take up to six months and was questioning why we were looking at changing something that works so well.”

Another council concern was awarding the contract to a company that doesn’t operate in Lloyd.

“I do fear that having an office here and having a within-48-hour turnaround, I can’t imagine someone that doesn’t have an office in this community being able to give us that kind of service,” said Lopez. “I don’t know how someone that’s hours away can give us the same service as someone who has an office here.”

Burton clarified the company did commit to short timelines, including 10 days to have a plan design review done and two days for a plumbing permit.

“They’re committing to come. When an application for an inspection is done, they’re here within 48 hours to do that side of things,” he said.

Lopez worries they’re jumping the gun on awarding this contract.

“I know I’ve gotten text messages and emails this morning from builders and developers that are shocked that we’re even looking at a different company knowing how efficient we’ve had it for building permits in this community and inspections to go to an unknown,” he said. “If we lose Superior because they’ve lost the contract and Parks can’t commit, what do we have then?”

Burton explained Parks has inspectors throughout the province.

“So, not just necessarily coming from the home base, they come from a little closer, too.”

Lopez says the worry could just be the fear of the unknown, but his concern still lies with lack of communication with the customer that is being impacted by this change.

“I feel like we missed a step not going and talking to the businesses that are going to be impacted by this to see if they’re looking for something, or if they are looking for something, what more were they wanting,” he said.

Burton says once a decision is made, they would be in contact to inform people of the services of the new business.

“It’s kind of hard to go through those things when we’re in that potential transition,” he said. “With the possibility of this RFP going out, in all reality, you aren’t even too sure what you’re going to get for a result. Once a decision’s made, whichever direction it’s made to transition to a new service, that’s the biggest challenge we have is to make sure we get the building community on board as to what these new services are and what this new company can provide.”

Coun. Jason Whiting says he wanted some clarity on where the previous

vendor failed. Coun. Jim Taylor echoed the other councillors as people reached out to him with questions and concerns revolving around this item.

While Coun. Michele Charles Gustafson wanted to get a more detailed breakdown of how the companies are scored.

“I think it would be helpful for council to see how those criteria are weighted in the decision,” she said.

Coun. Justin Vance expressed interest in seeing experience in the community added as a weighted item to the score.

“You look at our main contractor for stormwater and sewer replacement, the experience they have in our community is substantial, they know what to expect,” said Vance.

“I’m just worried about customer service. It’s definitely an unknown going into a new contractor, especially like Coun. Lopez says, (one that) lives six hours away as their main hub.”

Burton explained Park outlined the company will work with the municipality to understand their nuances.

The scoring totals saw Park Enterprises as the top candidate, with a total score of 75.75, Inspections Group had a score of 67.83 and Superior Safety Codes had a score of 67.23.

“This is a very tough one when we don’t know some of the criteria that was used to get to these total scores and all we see is a revenue percentage,” said Whiting.

“What I also see is, the next one up, which is an 80/20 split on revenue, still outscored our current vendor, which tells me if you take the money right out of it, there’s something missing that our current vendor either didn’t do or doesn’t currently offer and that’s the information I would need to know.”

Previous RFPs didn’t see many proposals, but Burton says after opening it up to companies that don’t have a Lloydminster office, more proposals came forward.

Mayor Gerald Aalbers asked if there was a list of issues with the current vendor.

“There’s always going to be issues, no matter what we have for contracted services,” said Burton. “I’m not saying it’s totally clean, but we’re able to work through those issues we had.”

Aalbers says he heard much of the same concern from the community regarding this contract.

“I can tell you, in a short time this morning, I think I had four or five texts and four emails from industry players saying the wheels aren’t broken, you don’t need to replace the tire,” he said.

Council requested additional information from administration and that the item be brought back to a future council meeting.

Lloydminster Mayor Gerald Aalbers

Giving an edge to Lloydminster businesses

CHRISTIAN APOSTOLOVSKI STAFF WRITER

It’s about who you know. That’s the BNI Edge. The BNI chapter in Lloyd is dedicated to helping bolster the business community through advice and referrals.

The local BNI group started after the COVID-19 pandemic, as people were largely forced indoors.

“Because of COVID, we were able to take our training over Zoom. We didn’t have to go to the city for training,” said Sharon deKoning, communications co-ordinator and the force behind bringing BNI to Lloydminster.

She says she reached out a number of times, hoping to learn more about BNI in an effort to bring a chapter to Lloyd. According to deKoning, it was difficult to get training done in rural areas. However, with COVID-19 forcing most things online, training became easier.

The effort took about a year before the chapter began.

“We were able to evolve. It took us about a year and a half to actually form a chapter,” she said, explaining 24 members were needed to form a chapter. “We had to educate them on what BNI

was and what the advantages of it was and then to launch the platform.”

BNI is a global organization with chapters around the world.

“We’re in 76 countries and there are over 360,000 members around the world,” said Aanand Mehta, executive director, BNI Alberta North. “Just in our region, there are over 500 members and they are committed to working with one another to support each other in business.”

The groups meet weekly and members spend time outside the organization, meeting and referring people to each other’s businesses.

“We know that every business loves wordof-mouth referral, and BNI helps them put a structured system around actually generating quality referrals,” said Mehta.

For those looking to become a member, Mehta says people have to attend a local meeting.

“You must come and visit, check out a local BNI chapter,” he said. “We’re proud to have a chapter here in Lloydminster.”

Each chapter is unique, as only one business of that type can hold membership.

“There can be only one printer represented in a specific chapter,” Mehta explained.

Member-at-large Greg Jones, who serves on the membership committee and interviews prospective members, found BNI to be a good fit for the company he works for, Guardian Plumbing.

“BNI has been a great source of referrals,” he said. “I interview new applicants and I’m the member engagement specialist in that committee,” he said.

Information to join can also be found online.

“BNIEdge.ca would take you right to the BNI Alberta site and that would get you all the information right there,” said Jones. “We are in the Edmonton region, which actually has a large cluster of BNI groups, 28 in the region. It’s larger than the Calgary group.

“That speaks to the region leadership, but it’s also the entrepreneurial spirit in Northern Alberta,” he said, noting there’s plans of expanding into other areas as well.”

He says getting out to the BNI events is important.

“Nobody can speak better for your business than you,” said Jones.

When it comes to the success of BNI’s efforts, deKoning says the proof is in the pudding.

“We’re really excited to have it here in Lloydminster. I really think it works,” she said.

Thursday, November 13, 2025

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

We welcome letters to the editor. Letters should be 500 words or less. A name and daytime phone number is required for verification. Priority will be given to letters exclusively written for the Meridian Source. We reserve the right to edit letters for clarity, brevity, spelling, grammar, punctuation and libel. Unsigned letters will not be published. Use of pseudonyms will only be allowed in special circumstances, at the discretion of the editor and the publisher, and only if the author’s identity is known to the editor. Publication of a letter does not imply endorsement by the Meridian Source. Send to taylor@meridiansource.ca

Legion spreads remembrance with $25K worth of donations

Top left: Bond Jennings accepts a donation of $7,500 from Royal Canadian Legion Branch #39 Lloydminster president Scott Gorman on behalf of the Salvation Army. Top right: Rebecka Lett receives a cheque for $7,500 for The Olive Tree. Middle left: Cheryl Ross stood in for Gina Veltikold to accept a $3,000 donation to the Lloydminter Public School Division. Middle right: The Legion donated $4,000 to 186 Lloydminster Squadron Royal Canadian Air Cadets. Bottom: From left, Coralee Hohne, Glenda Kary and Laurie Makichuk receive a $3,000 donation on behalf of the Lloydminster Catholic School Division. Taylor Weaver Meridian Source photos

Thursday, November 13, 2025

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Chris’ A-Z: It’s budget time

It’s that time of the year again, folks. It’s budget time. If you’re here for my usual historical look back, that’ll return next week. This week, I wanted to use my allocated space in the paper to talk about my other passion, municipal politics.

If you follow any of the news coverage I normally partake in, you’ll realize I love the goings-on in council chambers.

Nov. 5 blessed us with the first 2026 budget deliberations. Every year, the City of Lloydminster is required to present an entirely balanced budget. At a municipal level, they cannot run a deficit, meaning there’s a lot of work on administration and council to cut their costs.

It’s also required the budget is passed by Dec. 31, meaning they have little time from presentation to passing to finalize it. As I said last year and I say quite often, I am very happy to sit on this side of the table. As opposed to being someone who has the technical skill and knowledge to crunch the numbers and build a solid budget, I simply get to judge it.

Lloydminster faces an increase in taxes of 3.9 per cent. For most people, any tax increase is too high. If you’re looking at just an inflationary increase of roughly two per cent, the city’s increase outside of that would amount to 1.9 per cent. Every one per cent of tax increase is about $500K in the pocket of the city. Which, when you’re trying to fund multi-milliondollar projects, is a drop in the bucket.

It’s also important to note Nov. 5 was a governance and priorities committee meeting, it’s a committee that doesn’t make decisions. If the budget were to pass, it would have to be during a regular council meeting. Also, to pass the tax increase, council will pass a bylaw later in 2026 to set it in stone.

Budget talks are still in their early phases, as council had an opportunity to discuss and ask questions surrounding the budget. Council, along with administration, have to work to figure out what are the most important projects that need to be completed. While people will criticize the city for wasteful spending, unfunded capital projects frighten me quite a bit.

The reason being, there’s things that need to happen in the city. Road improvements, building fixes, sewer maintenance, and the city has to carefully pick what they fund. Under current leadership, the city has done well to balance what projects they move forward with and how much they put back into reserves. Mayor and council also spend time in the ear of provincial and federal officials trying to get the word out about what Lloydminster needs.

That doesn’t include the complexities we face as a bi-provincial city. Unfortunately, grants are often calculated based on what side of the border you’re on. Populations in Lloydminster, Alta., and Lloydminster, Sask., are used to figure out how much we get from grants, even though we’re one city.

Another point I really want to touch on is budget engagement. The city spends quite a bit of time in the community trying to get people engaged with how the city’s spending and hear what people want to see. Often, these ventures turn up little feedback. Personally, I filled out the survey and always made a point of stopping at the booths to let them know I want to see more museum funding. I encourage everyone to get engaged with budget surveys, provide your feedback and help city officials make important decisions.

I commend the city on the work they did to bring down the municipal tax increase and provide a solid budget for 2026. There’s plenty of work left to do and I’m sure I’ll have a lot more to say about the budget.

I also invite anyone who’s interested in coming to a council meeting to see it first-hand. The budget will likely return on Nov. 24 for further discussion and possible decision.

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

Bingo at the Moose Lodge

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

Cards, games, food, meetings and live music NOTICE

OF DEVELOPMENT PERMITS

Any person claiming to be affected by a decision of the Development Authority may appeal to the Subdivision and Development Appeal Board by submitting written notice and the fees as per the Fees and Charges Bylaw (Bylaw 6-2025) within 21 days from the date of issuance to The Ofﬁce of the City Clerk, Attention: Secretary – Subdivision and Development Appeal Board at City Hall at 4420 – 50 Avenue, Lloydminster, AB T9V 0W2.

City of Lloydminster

lloydminster.ca

Supper/Dance at the Legacy Centre

The Legacy Centre is hosting a supper/dance on Nov. 14. Doors open and dancin’ at 5 p.m. and supper is served at 6 p.m. Dance the night away to the tunes of Memory Lane (Lloydminster). Advance tickets only and the cost is $25/person. Please purchase or reserve your spot by noon on Nov. 13. All members and guests welcome. Call the Legacy office at 780-875-4584 for more information.

Festival of Praise

The Gideons International is hosting Gideon Music Night featuring Vintage Voices on Nov. 16 at City Church, located at 5115 49 St. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the festival starts at 7 p.m. Admission is free and an offering will be taken to support the Gideon ministry.

Kaiser Tourney at the Moose Lodge

The Lloydminster Moose Lodge is hosting a kaiser tournament on Nov. 16 at 1 p.m. Entry fee is $20/player, eight games guaranteed, with prizes awarded to the top teams. Entries close on Nov. 14. If you need a partner, they’ll pair you up. Come for an afternoon of fun. Contact Arne at 306-821-7459 or Bruce at 780-522-6972 for more details.

Islay Jamboree

The upcoming Islay Jamboree, held at the Islay Community Hall, is scheduled for Nov. 16, starting at 1 p.m. Admission is $15, participants are free. Everyone welcome and lunch will be served. Contact Dixie at 780-744-2204 for

Spades Tournament

The Legacy Centre is hosting a spades tournament on Nov. 20, starting at 10 a.m. Cost is $10/person to play and $12 for lunch. Everyone welcome! Call the Legacy Centre at 780-875-4584 for more details.

Moose Lodge Singles Cribbage Tournament

The Lloydminster Moose Lodge is hosting a singles cribbage tournament on Nov. 23 from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Entry fee is $20, eight games guaranteed, with prizes awarded to the top players. Snacks, coffee and drinks included. Must register by Nov. 21. Contact Bruce at 780-522-6972 for more details.

Cribbage Doubles Tournament

The Legacy Centre is hosting a cribbage doubles tournament on Nov. 27 starting at 10 a.m. Cost is $10/person to play and $12 for lunch. Everyone welcome! Call the Legacy Centre at 780-875-4584 for more details.

Pre-Christmas Cribbage Tournament

The Hillmond Hall is hosting a pre-Christmas crib tournament on Nov. 30, starting at 11 a.m. Alberta time. A Christmas meal will be served at noon. Everyone welcome.

- If you have something you’d like listed in our community calendar, please email the details to taylor@meridiansource.ca

RCMP seize six guns, drugs and cash near Poundmaker First Nation

Six firearms, four of which were loaded, were seized from a vehicle following a traffic stop conducted by the Saskatchewan RCMP near Poundmaker First Nation on Nov. 8.

Members of the North Battleford Crime Reduction Team (CRT), with assistance from Cut Knife RCMP, were conducting enforcement operations in the area when they stopped a black Cadillac Escalade occupied by a man, a woman and two dogs.

Police determined the passenger, 27-year-old Caroline Eagleshield of Sweetgrass First Nation, was wanted on warrants for assault with a weapon and failure to appear in North Battleford court. She was arrested on her outstanding warrants.

Officers also discovered unstamped tobacco inside the vehicle, leading to the arrest of the driver, 40-year-old Robert Noorgard of Cut Knife.

A search of the SUV uncovered a loaded sawedoff shotgun, prompting officers to re-arrest both occupants for possession of a loaded, prohibited firearm. Another loaded gun was found under blankets in the back seat.

Police then located a hidden compartment under two aggressive dogs in the vehicle. After safely removing the animals, officers discovered and seized four additional firearms from the compartment.

Another hidden compartment contained suspected methamphetamine and cocaine, along with a collapsible baton and cash. Police said

Noorgard was also wearing soft body armour and carrying a large hunting knife at the time of his arrest.

Both suspects face numerous charges.

Robert Noorgard, 40, of Cut Knife, is charged with 32 offences, including:

- Unsafe storage of a firearm (3 counts);

- Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose (9 counts);

- Possession of a firearm without a licence (6 counts);

- Occupant of a motor vehicle knowing there is a prohibited firearm (6 counts);

- Possession of a loaded prohibited or restricted firearm (3 counts);

- Removing a firearm serial number (2 counts);

- Possession of methamphetamine and cocaine for the purpose of trafficking (2 counts);

- Unlawful possession of unstamped tobacco (1 count);

Caroline Eagleshield, 27, of Sweetgrass First Nation, faces 47 charges, including:

- Unsafe storage of a firearm (4 counts);

- Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose (8 counts);

- Possession of a firearm without a licence (6 counts);

- Occupant of a motor vehicle knowing there is a prohibited firearm (6 counts);

- Possession of a loaded prohibited or restricted firearm (3 counts);

- Removing a firearm serial number (2 counts);

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- Possession of methamphetamine and cocaine for the purpose of trafficking (2 counts);

- Failure to comply with a release order (15 counts);

- Unlawful possession of unstamped tobacco (1 count).

Both Noorgard and Eagleshield are scheduled to appear in North Battleford Provincial Court on Nov. 10.

RCMP investigating break-ins and truck theft

RCMP in Maidstone and Kitscoty are investigating a series of related break and enters that involved a stolen truck and caused significant damage at two businesses. Maidstone RCMP first received a report around 11 a.m. on Nov. 2 of an overnight truck theft from a home in the community. Police say a red 2006 Ford F-350 with Saskatchewan licence plate 821 NWG was taken, and no other items were reported stolen. The vehicle has not yet been found.

In the early hours of Nov. 3, at about 2:30 a.m., officers were called to a break and enter at a business in Marshall, Sask., where significant damage was discovered, though nothing was taken.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 14

MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

LAND FOR SALE BY ONGOING TENDER

SE 21-51-2 W4 and SW 21-51-2 W4 County of Vermilion River, Alberta

- Land located approximately 3 miles southwest of Streamstown, AB - Total of approximately 320 seeded acres

Conditions:

1. All o ers to be in writing in the form provided and accompanied by a certi ed cheque in the amount of 10% of o er amount payable to PSM Lawyers in Trust Cheques will be returned without interest if o er is not accepted.

2. Bidding will be conducted by ongoing tender. Once all qualifying bids are received, all bidders will be informed of the highest bid on each quarter they have bid on. Bidders will then be provided the opportunity to declare their bid nal or to increase their bid by an amount of not less than 2% above the highest bid. Once all bidders have declared their nal bid the bidders shall be informed of the Vendor’s decision.

3. Balance of the purchase price of the successful o er, plus GST (if applicable), to be paid to PSM Lawyers in Trust by the Possession Date or the deposit will be forfeited.

4. Highest or any o er not necessarily accepted.

5. Purchaser will be responsible for payment of any applicable GST.

6. Property taxes to be adjusted as of the possession date.

7. Property sold “as is”. Bidders are assumed to rely solely on their own inspection of the land and the title.

8. Closing Bid Date: December 5, 2025. Bidders to be advised of successful bid within 5 business days of Closing Bid Date.

9. Possession Date: December 19, 2025.

The O er to Purchase form to be used by bidders can be found at https://psmlaw.ca/tenders/.

All O ers must be received no later than 12:00pm on December 5, 2025.

All Tenders must be placed in a sealed envelope marked “Do Not Open: Plandowski

– Land Tender ” and dropped o at our reception desk or sent by overnight courier to the following address:

PSM Lawyers, 5009 – 47 Street, Lloydminster, AB T9V 0E8, Attn: Je rey Kerr

Regional-champion Barons host girls’ volleyball provincials

The host Lloydminster Comprehensive Barons are among 10 teams gunning for the Saskatchewan high school 5A girls’ volleyball championship this weekend in the Border City.

“The team is excited for the challenge of provincials, and we are aiming for a strong finish,” said Barons coach Ky Desaulniers.

Both gyms at Lloydminster Comprehensive will feature action from the Saskatchewan High Schools Athletic Association championship tournament, which runs Friday and Saturday, Nov. 14 and 15.

The opening ceremonies are set for 10:30 a.m. Friday, with games beginning at noon in both the Synergy gym and the LCHS gym, both located within the Lloyd Comp high school.

The Barons’ strong season has included a golden finish in their regional championship tournament just last weekend at Carlton in Prince Albert, during which LCHS topped teams from P.A., Warman, North Battleford and Martensville.

Along with their regional championship, the Barons have won tournaments in Prince Albert, North Battleford and their home event, the Barons Blast, in Lloydminster.

The runners-up in that Lloyd tourney, the Swift Current Ardens, are among the teams to watch this weekend.

“Swift Current won provincials last year and is a top contender again this season,” Desaulniers said. “There will also be strong teams from Saskatoon and Regina in attendance.”

Along with LCHS and Swift Current, the 10-team provincial field includes Yorkton Regional, Warman, Martensville, three Saskatoon schools (Centennial, Holy Cross and St. Joseph) and two from Regina (Campbell and Winston Knoll).

Investigators determined three suspects fled in two vehicles: an early 2000s dark-coloured Ford pickup, and the stolen red Ford F-350.

The first suspect was driving the older Ford and was wearing a grey-green jacket, black hoodie, grey pants and black shoes. The two other suspects fled in the stolen truck. The passenger was wearing a black coat and light grey pants with a black stripe, while the driver wore a black jacket, grey pants and a ball cap. All three had their faces covered.

Later that morning, at about 8:45 a.m., Kitscoty RCMP received a report of an overnight break and enter at a business in Paradise Valley, Alta., where multiple items were stolen. Police say the suspects and vehicles appear to be the same ones involved in the two Saskatchewan incidents.

Both detachments continue to investigate.

Anyone with information is asked to contact RCMP at 310-RCMP. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.saskcrimestoppers.com.

BREAK-INS AND TRUCK THEFT FROM PAGE 13

JOHN MacNEIL SPORTS EDITOR

The Lloydminster Comprehensive Barons and Swift Current Ardens, facing each other last month in Lloyd, are among the 10 teams participating in the Saskatchewan high school 5A girls’ volleyball championship this Friday and Saturday at LCHS.

John MacNeil Meridian Source

Bobcats net two more wins, add 20-year-old goaltender

JOHN MacNEIL SPORTS EDITOR

Before they welcomed a new goaltender this week, the Lloydminster Bobcats won two more games last weekend to extend their AJHL winning streak to four.

The Bobcats hit the road to face two lower-placed teams in the North Division and came home with a 4-2 victory over the Devon Xtreme on Saturday, after a 4-1 win against the Bonnyville Pontiacs on Friday.

During the third period of Friday’s game, Lloydminster starting goalie Ben Polhill left with an injury that sidelined him for the rest of the weekend. Sam Madgett took over for the final nine minutes of the Bonnyville contest and played the full game the next night to earn the win at Devon.

On Monday, the Bobcats swung a trade to acquire 20-year-old goalie Ty Matonovich from the Weyburn Red Wings of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League. In exchange for a playerdevelopment fee, Lloyd added a Calgarian whose two seasons in the SJHL included a stint with the Humboldt Broncos.

Matonovich and Madgett form the immediate tandem for the Bobcats in the absence of the injured Polhill, whose status was still being evaluated early this week. Polhill, who leads all AJHL goalies in multiple statistical categories, is “most likely” out of the lineup this weekend, coach Eric Labrosse said Tuesday.

On their family weekend, the Bobcats (12-6) host Bonnyville (8-9) at 7 p.m. Friday and the Grande Prairie Storm (8-9-1) at 2:30 p.m. Sunday.

In the completion of a game suspended last month at Bonnyville, the Pontiacs lost 8-4 to Devon (6-7-1) on Tuesday, which was Remembrance Day. At home to Lloyd on Saturday, Devon came back from a 2-0 deficit as Ben Deacon’s two goals evened the score at 2-2 in the second period. But the Bobcats responded with goals from Tucker Robertson late in the second and Luke Dooley, with an empty-netter in the final minute of the game. Gus El-Tahhan, on the power play, and Jadon

Iyogun, with his 10th of the season, also scored for the Bobcats, while Kael Screpnek had two assists. Making his first start since late September, the rookie Madgett made 20 saves to record his second win in four full regular-season games as a Bobcat.

“I’m happy for Sam,” coach Labrosse said. “It’s going to boost his confidence to go in there and have a good game, and also finish off the game in Bonnyville. He played the last eight or nine minutes of that game, so that was good for him, to set him up for the next day in Devon. Sam did well for the 68 (or) 69 minutes he played last weekend. Hopefully, it’s going to give him a boost to keep going strong here in practice. He’s always worked hard, always did what he had to do off the ice and powered through, even though he wasn’t playing as much when we were running three goalies.”

Madgett’s former Halifax Macs’ U18 major teammate, Dooley, has been riding a hot streak that included his first AJHL goal Friday at Bonnyville.

Dooley has two goals and seven points in the past seven games, including his maiden goal as he made a pretty deke on Pontiacs goalie Nathan Salisbury.

Jaxan Hopko had thrown another of his big hits at centre ice and moved the puck ahead to Dooley, who has become a regular in the Bobcats’ lineup.

“Luke has been a standout here the last month,” Labrosse said. “In the sense that he went through some harder times at the start of the season, where he was just learning what the (junior A) level was, and through hard work and making sure he’s detailed without the puck, too. And he’s relentless without the puck, he’s cutting down a lot of plays, he’s creating turnovers for the opposition, so it benefits him and his linemates. He’s just a very smart player in reading and reacting on plays, when he’s on the defensive side of the puck, and it creates offensive chances for him and his linemates.”

Robertson, another red-hot Bobcat, scored two goals Friday. He has five goals and eight points in his past six games. Kade Fendelet also scored for Lloyd against Bonnyville, while ex-Bobcat Ben Costantino put the Pontiacs’ lone goal past Polhill. Iyogun assisted on two of Lloyd’s four goals.

Kodiaks gain Magowan

JOHN MacNEIL SPORTS EDITOR

Lucas Magowan considered his options and eventually gave his blessing to an Alberta Junior Hockey League trade that saw the 20-year-old defenceman join the Camrose Kodiaks from the Lloydminster Bobcats.

“Honestly, I never thought I was going to leave Lloyd,” Magowan said last Thursday after his first practice with the Kodiaks. “So, this is all kind of new to me, the whole trade thing and whatnot.”

But his third season with the Bobcats wasn’t going as he had hoped. Magowan was a healthy scratch for the first time this year when he sat out Lloydminster’s back-to-back victories at home on the first weekend of November.

“That was kind of part of it, just last weekend, how everything happened with that,” said Magowan, who met with Bobcats general manager Nigel Dube last week.

“A couple of days ago, Nigel came to me, and we had a meeting. He said, ‘Listen, the deal is there with Camrose, if you want it.’ It was either I could take the deal, or I could stay there and see what happens with everything in Lloyd.

“But, after I talked to my parents, I figured (Camrose) was a really good spot and it sounded like they really wanted to have me here, so it was a pretty easy decision after that.”

Magowan, a Calgary native, was an assistant captain with the Bobcats. In trading him, Lloyd gained the Canadian junior A league playing rights to 19-year-old forward A.J. Schaaf, who was part of Camrose’s captaincy group until he left recently for the BCHL’s Chilliwack Chiefs. The Bobcats also received a player-development fee in the same deal.

Magowan had two assists in 14 games this season with the Bobcats. After sitting out one weekend, he wasn’t necessarily prepared to settle for a lesser role for the rest of his final year of junior hockey.

“It was a little bit of a surprise,” he said. “I mean, I’m going to be honest, I was struggling a little bit this year, kind of with everything. It was definitely a different kind of year. Then, when I ended up not playing last weekend, I had to think about my options and what I was going to do. I guess it made my decision a little bit easier there. When I heard that Camrose was interested in making a deal, it seemed like a no-brainer, so I was pretty excited for that. But my time in Lloyd was great, though. I’ll never have anything bad to say about Lloyd.”

For the full story, visit meridiansource.ca

Lloydminster Bobcats’ rookie Luke Dooley has seven points in the past seven games. John MacNeil Meridian Source

Parkin finds his niche at home in junior B

JOHN MacNEIL SPORTS EDITOR

Cash Parkin is just getting started, and the rookie forward is already money in the bank for the Lloydminster Bandits.

“Oh, a very smart kid,” Bandits assistant captain Jayden Plamondon said about the 18-year-old Parkin.

“And he just has a really wicked shot. He can put the puck in the net. He’s getting his confidence more each game and it’ll only get better.”

Parkin scored two first-period goals and the Bandits whipped the Vegreville Rangers 11-3 in Northeastern Alberta Junior B Hockey League action Saturday night at the Cenovus Energy Hub.

The Paradise Valley native played on a line with Plamondon and Aidan Martens, each of whom posted a goal and an assist as the trio combined for six points Saturday.

The night before, Parkin’s breakaway goal midway through the third period accounted for the only offence as Lloydminster blanked the host St. Paul Canadiens 1-0.

“I was lucky enough to get a breakaway there in the third period and I just buried it,” he said. “Right above (goaltender Boston Carter’s) glove, I think, post and in.”

Bandits coach Josh Dudding said the game-winning goal came via “a beautiful shot” and showed what Parkin has brought to the team in his first season of junior B hockey.

The graduate of the Lloydminster Athletics’ academy program has six goals and 12 points after 11 games as a Bandit.

“Starting out (the season), I had a sprained ankle, so I’ve just been coming back from that,” said Parkin, who missed the opening three regular-season games and scored three minutes into his first junior B contest.

“I feel, as the months have gone on, I’ve gotten stronger. I’ve just to keep going here.”

Some of his pure skills stand out more than others.

“I would say my speed, probably,”

Parkin said. “I feel like I burn most guys. My faceoffs, too, I’m a strong centreman.”

He’s versatile, too, playing on the wing Saturday in his first game on a line with veterans Plamondon and Martens.

“It was good,” said the right-shot Parkin. “It was easy. We connected well. I think we had really good chemistry right from the start. Even in practice, too, just working together, it clicked right away.

“We’re just trying to fiddle around with lines, just trying to see what mingles. It’s still November, it’s still early in the season, so just trying to see what works.”

Parkin spent the early part of the season alongside captain Joel Webb and rookie Cohen Aultman.

The six-foot, 185-pound Parkin joined the Bandits in September after his junior A training camp stint with the AJHL’s Drayton Valley Thunder.

He said multiple factors contributed to him deciding to leave the Thunder.

“Hockey-wise, off-ice-wise, kind of everything,” he said. “It wasn’t a great fit at the time. Just the whole (makeup) of what they were viewing and what I view, too, it didn’t really fully line up yet.

“So, me and my family just decided it would be best if I come home. I’ve been happy. Playing junior B, too,

it’s not bad hockey.”

Drayton Valley (5-9-2) is near the bottom of the AJHL standings and could probably use an emerging talent like Parkin, who said he left on good terms and has kept in touch with the Thunder.

“Yeah, off and on. With me leaving on my own terms, they’re kind of just giving me the space I need and stuff. But they definitely respect me and we still have that relationship, so I can reach out whenever, and they reach out, too.”

Parkin still aspires to play at the junior A level, even if that promotion comes beyond this season.

“Yeah, I could see myself doing it, for sure,” he said. “I’m just taking it day by day right now and just weighing out everything. If the time comes where I want to jump up again, that’s a conversation to be had. But as of right now, I’m good with just staying here and being with the boys in there.”

Parkin was standing outside the Bandits’ dressing room, where the music captured the mood of their second win in as many nights.

“Yeah, it’s a tight squad in there,” he said. “They’re a good group. They’re super welcoming. It’s been an easy transition for me.”

It promises to be a long season for the Bandits, the host team for the Hockey Alberta provincial junior B championship April 1-5 at the Hub.

Last season, Parkin scored 14 goals and 38 points in 28 games as a top scorer with the 18U AAA Athletics in the Junior Prospects Hockey League.

Although that academy is based in Lloydminster, the Athletics spend much of their season travelling elsewhere for games, so this weekend’s string of home dates Nov. 14-16 is welcome news for players and fans alike. Both the 18U AAA and 17U AAA Athletics host multiple teams at the Servus Sports Centre.

“It’s super special,” Parkin agreed. “I remember my second year in Athletics, we got to play at home, and it was like the best hockey I’ve ever played. Just the whole atmosphere, with everyone coming out and watching you, it’s pretty special.

“I’m excited for them. I’ll definitely be there watching them, too.”

Parkin, a graduate of Holy Rosary High School last June, is considering university studies down the road. For now, he’s working full-time with an electrical parts supply company, along with practising and playing with the Bandits.

Parkin lives on an acreage about a 15-minute drive from Lloydminster. He’s part of a wave of young hockey talent out of Paradise Valley, including Logan Flewell of the U18 AAA Lloydminster Lancers and Jack Teasdale, Zachary Schneider and Taythan Willis of the U17 AAA Lloyd Lancers.

U18 AAA Lancers give up leads in pair of Hub losses

JOHN MacNEIL SPORTS EDITOR

The U18 AAA Lloydminster Lancers gained early leads in both of their home games last weekend, but they couldn’t finish the job against a couple of Edmonton-area teams.

The Lancers gave up four leads in Sunday night’s game alone as they fell 6-4 to the Leduc Oil Kings in Alberta Elite Hockey League play at the Cenovus Energy Hub.

The day before, Lloyd netted the opening goal just one minute into the game, but the Edmonton Junior Oilers Blue capitalized on power plays in the second and third periods and went on to win 4-2.

For the Lancers, those frustrating results leave

them with a 2-8-2 record, which doesn’t entirely reflect the positive signs they have shown early in this rebuilding season.

Just last weekend, the Lancers battled all the way against two of their North Division counterparts in Oilers Blue (8-3) and the Oil Kings (4-4-3).

Sunday’s game marked the second time this season that Leduc has defeated Lloydminster, which gave up 1-0, 2-1, 3-2 and 4-3 leads before allowing three straight goals, including Ordell Saddleback’s empty-netter with two minutes left.

Tyson Chrunik and former Lloydminster Athletics forward Jacob Fleming scored power-play goals for Leduc. Fleming has nine goals and 16 points after 11 games.

T.J. Terpsma, Kade Harstad and Nixon Ganske, with the eventual winner late in the second period, also tallied for the Oil Kings. Saddleback’s threepoint game included two assists.

Harstad made the score 4-4 less than a minute after Carson Mazzei had given Lloyd its final lead. Mazzei, with his first U18 AAA goal, converted a slick pass from speedy Connor Nickle, who had outraced a defender to the puck deep in the Leduc zone.

Nickle and Kael Scott each netted their fourth goals of the season as both players recorded two points apiece in Sunday’s game. Graydon Kvill scored the other Lloydminster goal and Ty Domshy contributed two assists.

Cash Parkin of Paradise Valley is fitting in well as a Lloydminster Bandits’ rookie forward. John MacNeil Meridian Source photos

Bandits win two types of games

JOHN MacNEIL SPORTS EDITOR

On an offensive night of goals galore, the Lloydminster Bandits were talking about defensive diligence.

Therein is the latest lesson plan for the junior B Bandits, who ripped the winless Vegreville Rangers 11-3 at home Saturday night after edging the St. Paul Canadiens 1-0 on the road Friday night.

With an 11-3 record, Lloydminster is among the top teams in the Northeastern Alberta Junior B Hockey League, but coaches and players alike believed the Bandits needed to refocus after a recent bump in the road.

“We had a hot start, and then in a fivegame stretch, we dropped three of them, one very lopsided,” coach Josh Dudding said after Saturday’s victory at the Hub. “So, it gave us a bit of a gut-check. For a team that’s very offensiveminded, it was a very good lesson that if you don’t take care of your own zone, it doesn’t matter how gifted you are, you’re not going to win the game.

“That was the focus all week in practice — let’s get back to playing below the puck, playing good, hard, defensive hockey, and goals will come as you get your chances.”

The goals came in spades against hard-luck Vegreville (0-13), which has lost twice in Lloyd in two weeks by a combined score of 20-5.

One of the Bandits’ top scorers, assistant captain Jayden Plamondon, also underlined the team prioritizing defence of late.

“I didn’t make that game (in St. Paul), but I was glad to see we shut them down defensively,” said Plamondon, who was busy with work duties Friday but returned to the lineup Saturday.

“I talked to a bunch of guys and they said we just played really well in the D zone (against the Canadiens). And that’s what we need. We need to focus on that end more than the O zone.”

Plamondon has seven points in his past five games, including a goal and an assist in Saturday’s big win over Vegreville.

He believes that the Bandits’ decisive losses to the Vermilion Tigers and Wainwright Bisons in October were part of the learning curve for a solid Lloydminster team that is still taking shape.

SHOOTING FOR FIRST PLACE

“We’ve got a new team,” said Plamondon, 21. “Everyone is just trying to get used to each other. Those games will happen. We’ve just got to turn it around and win our series against the top teams to try to get first (place).”

As of Wednesday, just three points separated the three front-runners. Vermilion (12-2) had two more points than Lloyd and three more than Wainwright (9-1-3).

Dudding and his coaching staff wanted to shake up Lloyd’s lines recently as they created new combinations.

“For the start of the season, we had pretty steadily four sets of lines, and then after that tough stretch, we’ve been mixing things a little more often, just to find some extra chemistry, if you need it at times,” Dudding said.

“Also, just to teach these guys, it doesn’t matter who you play with, you play the same way and that chemistry will build.”

One of the new combinations Saturday put Plamondon between Aidan Martens and Cash Parkin. They combined for six points, as Parkin scored twice, while Plamondon and Martens each contributed a goal and an assist.

Cole Kelly, with four points, and Jace Gunderson also scored two goals each, while Bronson Parker

collected a goal and three assists and Cayden Wildeman added one of each. Cohen Aultman also scored and Kade Dennett and Colten Gargus picked up two assists each.

“It was nice for us to put some points on the board, put some pucks in the net, for a few guys that feel a little snake-bitten and a little frustrated,” Dudding said. “So, it’s always nice to see those guys score some goals, especially coming off last night, a tight, close-checking 1-0 win.”

Shae Stewart blocked 21 shots in Lloyd’s net Saturday, while Rangers workhorse Andrew Bezaire made 35 saves, despite giving up 11 goals.

The rout over Vegreville was well-timed for a Bandits team looking for a breakthrough, after a tight game at St. Paul the night before that belonged to the goaltenders, Boston Carter of the Canadiens and Haden Heide of the Bandits.

“We had quite a few chances (Friday),” Dudding said after Saturday’s game. “Cohen Aultman had about five or six close chances, last night, that either hit a nob of a stick or hit a post, so it was good to see him get one early tonight.

“Same with Cash (Parkin). He was the one who put in a beautiful shot last night for the 1-0 win. He put up a couple of more goals tonight. It’s always good to see that.”

Friday’s game at St. Paul was delayed briefly because the Bandits were stuck in Lloyd at suppertime, while their bus waited to get past the scene of a traffic accident on a snow-covered highway.

Opposing goalies Heide and Carter were in fine form. Heide stopped 23 shots for his second shutout and sixth victory this season, while Carter blocked 28 of 29 shots.

“Their goalie had one heckuva game — can’t say enough about that,” Dudding said about St. Paul’s Carter. “And then, Heider kept us in it. They had just had as many chances, just as many post and

out, crossbar and out, so it was good to come out of there with a 1-0 win.

“Depending on if you didn’t have two goalies playing the way they did last night, that could have been an 8-7 game.”

The lone goal-scorer, Parkin, also tipped his hat to Carter and the Canadiens.

“The goalie stood on his head,” he said. “They played great. They’re a physical team.”

Speaking of goalies, it’s difficult not to empathize with Bezaire, who has tended goal for 10 of Vegreville’s 13 losses. He faced 50 shots on Oct. 25 when the Rangers lost 9-2 in Lloydminster.

“Definitely, Veg has had some close games with Wainwright and with Vermilion, and he’s been in the net both times,” Dudding said of Bezaire. “He’ll steal a game for you.

“You definitely feel for a team that’s still searching for that first (victory). But for us, chasing down that No. 1 spot. I’m hoping we’re not the team that gives it to them.”

DEPTH COMES TO BANDITS’ AID

The Bandits are carrying a 25-man roster, and Dudding has tapped that depth during a recent spate of injuries. He also believes extra bodies are useful at the junior B level, because of the players’ work and school commitments, and because some of them live outside Lloyd and travel on winter roads some nights.

The Bandits are on the road for two games this weekend — Friday against the Cold Lake Ice (7-6) and Saturday versus the Killam Wheat Kings (3-10).

The following week, Lloydminster plays three home games in as many nights from Nov. 20 through Nov. 22 — against Vermilion on Thursday, Wainwright on Friday and St. Paul on Saturday.

“So, that’s going to be quite a gauntlet of a weekend,” Dudding said about the three-in-three stretch. “A very, very tough one at home.”

Joel Webb and the Lloydminster Bandits (11-3) dumped the Vegreville Rangers 11-3 on Saturday at the Hub. John MacNeil Meridian Source

Steelers extend win streak to nine games

JOHN MacNEIL SPORTS EDITOR

The U18 AAA Lloydminster Steelers made the most of their lone game last weekend in the Alberta Female Hockey League.

On Friday night at the Cenovus Energy Hub in Lloydminster, the Steelers blanked the Sherwood Park Reign 5-0. It was the fourth consecutive league victory for Lloyd (4-2), and ninth straight win overall.

Sawyer Mackay, a 17-year-old forward from Irma, scored her first three regular-season goals since joining Lloyd this year from the Northern Alberta Xtreme U18 prep program. Mackay completed her hat trick with two third-period goals, giving her five points after six league games.

ROOKIE GOALIE ZIDAR POSTS FIRST SHUTOUT

Kenzie Zidar, a 15-year-old rookie from Lloydminster, stopped 25 shots to record her first shutout — and second victory — in regular-season play with the Steelers.

Karsyn Woytiuk, a 15-year-old forward from Lloydminster, scored a goal and assisted on two others. Mya MacDonald, an Edmonton blueliner, netted her first goal in six league games with Lloyd. Hometown forward Peyton Oborowsky, with two assists, also recorded her initial points with the U18 AAA Steelers.

Lloyd registered 25 shots against Sherwood Park goaltender Ashlyn Cottreau.

With a 1-4 record, the Reign are last in the eight-team provincial league.

This weekend, third-place Lloydminster plays two home games at the Hub, both against the No. 5 Red Deer Chiefs (3-3). The teams face off at 1:15 p.m. Saturday and again at 11:15 a.m. Sunday.

After losing twice on the opening weekend of the regular season, Lloyd hasn’t lost in nine games. That streak includes a 5-0 performance in winning the Canadian Crown tournament last month at Devon.

FOSTER REPRESENTS ALBERTA AT NATIONALS

In their latest win Friday, the Steelers played without one of their brightest talents, second-year rearguard and assistant captain Alivia Foster. The Lloydminster native, who turns 16 next week, was skating with Team Alberta in the Canadian under-18 women’s championship, which ran Nov. 2-8 at Mount Pearl and Conception Bay South, N.L.

The five-foot-10 Foster had an assist in Alberta’s second game, a 4-3 victory over Atlantic, the eventual silver-medallist.

Quebec defeated Atlantic 3-1 in the final.

In the seventh-place game, Alberta topped Saskatchewan 3-2 on an overtime goal from Evie Hanson, whose heroics in the Esso Cup helped the Edmonton Junior Oilers win that national U18 girls’ club championship last April in Lloydminster.

At last week’s nationals, Alberta finished with a 2-3 record, including a 4-3 loss to Ontario Red in the quarter-finals.

In the bronze-medal game, Ontario Blue nipped Ontario Red 3-2 in overtime. Manitoba also worked overtime in defeating British Columbia 2-1 in the fifth-place game.

LANCERS FROM PAGE 16

Lancers goaltender Asher Ammann made 28 saves, two more than the Oil Kings’ Raydyn Baumle. Ammann was back in town Sunday after spending Saturday night on the junior A Lloydminster Bobcats’ bench as a backup goalie in their 4-2 victory over the host Devon Xtreme.

Stran Edge tended the Lancers’ goal for their date with Oilers Blue on Saturday, the same day Leduc lost 5-3 to the Sherwood Park Kings (7-5-1).

Edge stopped 33 of 37 Edmonton shots, while Lloyd posted 21 shots against Ethan Berard.

In both weekend games at the Hub, Lancers rookie winger Scott opened the scoring, and linemate Josh Frazer figured in both of those offensive plays. During a 2-on-1 early in Sunday’s game, Lancers leading scorer Brody Sunderland made a smooth pass to Scott, who fired a one-timer past Leduc’s Baumle.

Scott, a prospect of the WHL’s Calgary Hitmen, has 11 points after 12 games at the U18 AAA level.

Lloyd’s other goal Saturday came from rookie defenceman Locklin Mitchell, with his first as a Lancer. Mitchell’s unassisted goal made it a 2-2 game four minutes into the third period, but Oilers Blue restored their lead 1:26 later on a power-

play marker from Brant Caswell.

During a first-period power play, Caswell set up fellow defenceman Nathan Guenther’s one-timer goal, which evened the score 1-1. Two minutes later, captain Eric Ripka ripped his fifth goal of the season into the Lloyd net as Edmonton grabbed its first lead.

The other Oilers Blue goal came from Carter Muench, with his seventh tally and 17th point in 11 games this season.

Muench had a three-point game Saturday, while Caswell and Ripka each contributed two points.

Edmonton recently regained the services of 17-year-old forward Jake MacDonald, who began this season in the AJHL with the Olds Grizzlys. He scored four goals and eight points in his first four games back in the provincial U18 AAA league, but he was held off the scoresheet in Lloyd.

Caswell rejoined Oilers Blue in late October after junior stints with the AJHL’s Whitecourt Wolverines and the WHL’s Saskatoon Blades.

After going 1-3 during their four-game homestand, the Lancers are on the road for their next five AEHL games, beginning next Saturday (Nov. 22) against the Fort Saskatchewan Rangers (8-4-1) and Sunday (Nov. 23) versus the St. Albert Raiders (7-2-3).

Karsyn Woytiuk, a 15-year-old forward, scored a goal and two assists last Friday in the Lloydminster Steelers’ 5-0 victory over the Sherwood Park Reign at the Hub. John MacNeil Meridian Source

NOTICE

Public notice is hereby given that the Council of the Rural Municipality of Frenchman Butte No. 501 intends to consider the adoption of a bylaw under The Planning and Development Act, 2007 to adopt an new Ofﬁcial Community Plan.

INTENT

The proposed bylaw establishes municipal land use policies including, but not limited to, the following subjects:

The Lakeland Rustlers, including Schay Camphaug, are leading the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference women’s hockey division with nine wins in 10 games this season. John MacNeil Meridian Source

JOHN MacNEIL SPORTS EDITOR

Natural and Heritage Resources: Identify and protect natural features, ground water, historical and heritage resources, and ensure development happens in an environmentally sustainable manner.

Biophysical Considerations and Hazards: Regulation for development on and near hazardous lands, including environmentally sensitive lands, contaminated lands and ﬂood hazard areas. Ensuring source water protection and public safety.

Transportation and Infrastructure: To provide adequate servicing capabilities for future development, ensuring the cost for required infrastructure is known and covered by servicing agreement fees.

Rustlers show no rust atop ACAC hockey

Medicine Hat (1-8) has lost five games in a row.

The Lakeland Rustlers went three-for-three during a weekend trip to Medicine Hat for Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference women’s hockey action.

The first-place Rustlers (9-1) extended their ACAC winning streak to eight games as they defeated the last-place Medicine Hat Rattlers 4-3 on Sunday, after posting a 4-0 victory on Saturday and a 3-1 win Friday.

Intermunicipal and Interjurisdictional Cooperation: Pursuing opportunities with government to enhance services and provide innovative opportunities for the region, and facilitation of interjurisdictional cooperation with neighbouring municipalities, First Nations, and other stakeholders on joint planning issues.

Agricultural Land Use and Development: Protection of prime farm land within the RM while allowing for diverse forms of agricultural development.

Residential Land Use and Development: Identify existing and future residential development areas, support inﬁll development, and ensure the preservation of agricultural land.

Commercial / Industrial Land Use and Development: To minimize land use conﬂicts between commercial and industrial developments and any existing land uses, as well as any potential environmental impacts as a result of such development.

Recreation and Tourism: The development and enhancement of recreation and community services within the R.M., preservation of natural areas and ecosystems, and support for public service delivery agencies.

The Rattlers tried to stage a comeback Sunday afternoon as they erased a 4-0 deficit and scored three straight goals, including one with five seconds left in the penalty-filled game. But it wasn’t enough as Lakeland secured another victory and the weekend sweep.

Claudia Lammers scored two goals, including the winner midway through the second period. Keyra Buziak assisted on both of those tallies.

The Rustlers also got goals from Olivia Mann and Julianna Giacobbo, while Sydney Grover picked up two assists.

Implementation: Policies regarding the implementation of the Ofﬁcial Community Plan and the application of tools within the Zoning Bylaw for subdivision review, dedication of lands, the use of a Building Bylaw, and the use of Development Levies and Servicing Fees.

The Official Community Plan also contains a development considerations and constraints map which graphically displays, in a conceptual manner, the present and intended future location and extent of general land uses in the R.M. These maps will assist in the application of general goals, objectives and policies of the Official Community Plan. The policies in the Official Community Plan will be implemented primarily through administration of the R.M.’s new Zoning Bylaw.

Mya Girard, with two points, Aivry Thomas and Zayda Summach scored the Medicine Hat goals. Thomas netted a power-play marker midway through the third period.

Shelbi Thunderblanket blocked 13 shots to record the Lakeland victory. Sarah Shields made 38 saves as she faced 42 shots in the Rattlers’ net.

In Saturday’s game, Rustlers rookie Schay Camphaug posted a 12-save shutout. Her teammates fired 33 shots toward Anna Stewart.

Marly Dumanski’s three-point game included two goals. Buziak added a goal and three assists, while Grover also scored and Lammers had a couple of helpers.

The Rustlers opened the weekend with three unanswered goals in the first period Friday, two from Dumanski and one from Lammers. On the night, Dumanski finished with three points and Lammers had two.

Stewart stopped 34 of the 37 shots she faced in the Rattlers’ net.

Gabby Hales, in the third period, scored the lone Medicine Hat goal against Paige Fischer, who made nine saves.

After a schedule break this weekend, Lakeland plays a home-and-home series against the second-place Red Deer Queens (9-2) next weekend. In a pair of 5 p.m. games, the teams meet Friday (Nov. 21) at Lloydminster and Saturday (Nov. 22) in Red Deer.

AFFECTED LAND

YOUR PROPERTY MAY BE DIRECTLY AFFECTED BY PROVISIONS IN THE NEW OFFICIAL COMMUNITY PLAN. PLEASE CHECK THE FULL VERSION OF THE BYLAW, AVAILABLE FOR REVIEW OR PURCHASE AT THE R.M. OFFICE OR FOR REVIEW AND DOWNLOAD FROM R.M. WEBSITE.

PUBLIC INSPECTION

All land within the R.M. of Frenchman Butte as shown on the Land Use Concept contained in this notice is affected by the new Ofﬁcial Community Plan. REASON

PUBLIC HEARING

The new Ofﬁcial Community Plan will help direct and manage growth and development in the R.M. of Frenchman Butte for the next ﬁfteen to twenty years.

Any person may inspect the proposed bylaw at the R.M. Ofﬁce, located 1/4 mile North off the Junction of Highway 3 and Highway 21 North, just east of Paradise Hill at Box 180 Paradise Hill, SK, S0M 2G0 . The R.M. ofﬁce is open between 8:30 AM and 4:30 PM Monday to Fridays, excluding statutory holidays. Copies are available to persons at cost.

The Rustlers’ new home rink is the Co-op Community Arena, which is part of the Cenovus Energy Hub complex.

On the opening night of the regular season, Lakeland edged visiting Red Deer 2-1 in their lone head-to-head meeting thus far. Both teams feature graduates of the U18 AAA Lloydminster Steelers.

The Rustlers are unbeaten in five home games this season. Buziak leads the league in goals, assists and points with a 9-7-16 slate after nine games. Camphaug — 4-0 between the pipes — is atop the league with a 0.50 goalsagainst average and a .974 save percentage.

Red Deer has won six consecutive games, including two victories (4-1 and 3-1) last week in home-and-home play with the fifth-place Olds Broncos (2-8).

All six teams take a break from ACAC action this weekend.

Junior Raiders mine Alberta gold

Primed for the big stage, the Junior Raiders of Lloydminster answered the bell in resounding fashion Saturday as they won their Football Alberta bantam championship at Clarke Field in Edmonton.

The Raiders blanked the Calgary Mavericks 35-0 in the provincial Tier 3 final for 12-aside teams.

The golden finish came just one week after the Lloyd contingent captured the Capital district league Tier 2 championship, shutting out West Edmonton 52-0 in the process.

“Our guys were prepared for this type of big game,” Raiders coach Keegan Kozak said after the provincial-championship victory. “They worked their tails off all week, both on the field during practice and off the field studying film and play breakdowns.

“The work ethic and buy-in from this group has been outstanding. From the start of the year, we as a group set the standard and worked every day to raise it to another level.”

Now, those Raiders have reached the pinnacle of provincial football for under-16-aged players and students from grades 8 and 9. The communitybased team is comprised of athletes from Lloydminster-and-area schools — primarily Holy Rosary High School — and the communities of Dewberry and Paradise Valley.

After snow was cleared off the turf for Saturday afternoon’s provincial final, the Raiders went to work in calm weather conditions, and they opened a 12-0 lead in the first half.

“Throughout the playoffs, I thought we played our best football all year, and it really showed in our performance on Saturday,” Kozak said.

“To score in all three phases of the game — offence, defence and special teams — is a rare accomplishment.

“That opening-score, punt-return touchdown gave us the spark we needed, and from there our momentum never slowed.

“Our defence set the tone from the very first play, driving them back for a 10-yard loss and sending a clear message. From that moment on, (the Raiders) never let their foot off the gas. The guys flew around, communicated and completely shut down everything the Mavericks threw at us.”

Daniel Nikiforuk’s punt-return TD opened the scoring, and Colten Hill’s one-yard TD run made it a 12-0 game heading into halftime.

In the second half, Kaylun Campbell broke free for a 20-yard TD run, Nash McLaren caught a fake PAT and Cobi Payne added a pick-six to extend the Raiders’ advantage to 26-0.

They scored nine more points as Nikiforuk struck

again with a long TD run and McLaren caught his second fake PAT.

Defensively, the Raiders made five interceptions — two from Payne and one each from McLaren, Nikiforuk and Holden Paylor — while Felix Guenther added a fumble recovery.

The entire 45-player roster made the Raiders’ coaching staff proud, Kozak reported.

“Every single player contributed to this run in their own way, and it was truly a full team effort from start to finish,” he said.

“We’re already excited to get back to work and build on this success next season. What makes this group special is how much they’ve grown together over the season.

“They’ve learned to handle adversity, stay composed under pressure, and play for the guy next to them. That kind of teamwork and selflessness is rare at this age. It’s what championship programs are built on.”

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The Junior Raiders of Lloydminster celebrate their 35-0 win over the Calgary Mavericks in the provincial Tier 3 bantam final Saturday at Clarke Field in Edmonton. Submitted photos

JOHN MacNEIL SPORTS EDITOR

PAGE 21

Thursday, November 13, 2025

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Presents

UNDERSTANDING POVERTY

A Poverty Simulator

November 26, 2025

10:00am - 2:00pm

4708 50th Avenue, Lloydminster 780-875-8959

Lynne Salzl (née McEwen) on September 29, 2025, at the age of 70.

Lynne is lovingly remembered by: her husband, Keray Salzl; children, Scott (Kassie), Brent (Michelle), Dean (Jackie) and Lee (Candace); beloved grandchildren, Taylor, Madison, Darienne, Brooklyn, Rory, Danika, Trey, Drew, and Quinn; brothers, Brian McEwen (Susan) and Dale McEwen (Donna); in-laws, Marcia Elliott, Cecilia Germaine (Ron), Laura Salzl and Keith Salzl (Carrie); nephew, Sheldon Salzl (Clint); along with numerous other nieces and nephews.

Lynne is predeceased by: her parents, Melvin and Phyllis McEwen; parents-in-law, Anthony and Shirley Salzl; nephew, Liam Salzl-O’Toole; and her brother-in-law, Leonard

The Funeral Service for Lynne was conducted from Paradise Hill Our Lady of Sorrows Church, Paradise Hill, SK on Tuesday, October 7, 2025 at 11:00 AM by Fr. Frederick Akah and Deacon Rick Lucas.

If you were unable to attend in person, you may view the live streaming of the service posted on McCaw Funeral Service website under Lynne’s obituary. McCaw Funeral Service Ltd., of Lloydminster, Alberta administered the funeral arrangements.

CARD OF THANKS

The Salzl family would like to thank the McCaw Funeral Service staff, especially Brett, for their thoughtfulness and kindness. Thanks to the many doctors and nurses at RUH and St. Paul’s Hospital in Saskatoon. Thanks also to the home care nurses, organist, choir, mass server, gift carriers and readers during the service. Also, thanks for the masses that have been said for her. Thanks to the people who brought food to the house, made phone calls, texts or stopped for a visit. Thank you for the ﬂowers, cards and donations received. Thank you to the 9 women who so graciously accepted to be pallbearers and to Kevin Salzl for

JUNE 21, 1961 – NOVEMBER 19, 2005

This month now comes with deep regret, It brings back the day we cannot forget. In our hearts you will always stay, Missed and remembered day by day

No verse, no ﬂowers, no tears, can say How much we miss you every day. You left us suddenly

But memories of you will never die. It’s hard to believe 20 years have gone by.

Sadly missed by friends and family.

Set

contemplating a career change, you’ll ﬁnd the perfect path to a promising new journey.

After a tense period, make sure you prioritize rest to recharge your batteries. Engage in soothing activities that will reﬁll your cup.

fulﬁlling friendships at work. If you’re single, you might also experience love at ﬁrst sight while you’re on the job.

You may consider going back to school to further your knowledge. Professionally, you’ll meet people from diverse backgrounds, which will lead to new business opportunities.

If your partner comes from a different background than yours, be prepared to make a few adjustments to achieve harmony in your relationship.

Deep emotions will fuel your creativity and allow your inner artist to shine. Your attention to detail and sense of elegance will help you stand out and make a lasting impression.

If you want to see results at work, focus on the details in your negotiations. Don’t stress about your love life; it’s going great.

Your friends will ask you to organize all sorts of outings and activities.