Meridian Source

What’s inside

Feastival delights

Foster sentenced to 24 months in jail

LRHF exec departs post for SHA

Rustlers begin basketball journey

Lakeland College expects growing paints in reviving women’s program.

Aaron Troy Foster was sentenced to 24 months in jail in Lloydminster Provincial Court on Oct. 15, marking the end of his legal journey.

On Oct. 1, the former executive with the Lloydminster Minor Hockey Association (LMHA) pleaded guilty to fraud over $5,000 and theft over $5,000. Between October 2019 and October 2024, Foster obtained $141,140.24 from the LMHA through 45 fraudulent transactions. In committing 82 thefts, he stole an amount equating to $132,000.

In total, he obtained $273,140.24 illegally.

“I express my deepest remorse for all my actions involving Lloydminster Minor Hockey Association,” said Foster, while addressing the court. “I will live with that regret forever.”

He stated he was in a bad mental space at the time of committing the crimes and was “extremely sorry” for the harm

he caused and trust he broke.

The Crown attorney asked the court for a two-year sentence, which he based off many factors, including the amount and frequency of the actions.

The Crown acknowledged Foster has paid full restitution with funds acquired by selling the family home.

Foster’s attorney, Dan Chivers, asked for a 12-month sentence, noting the harm done to his family, how he’s been ostracized by the community, restitution being paid as mitigating factors and no previous criminal record.

Chivers also asked for the court to consider how much time Foster saved by pleading guilty as a trial could have taken weeks to months. He noted there would be no need for civil action and taking up the court’s time.

The judge took all the recommendations into account and noted selling the family home might have been because he “bought the home on the backs of little children.”

Stephanie Munro takes role with the Saskatchewan Health Authority.

Lloyd residents

Feastival is a hit again, with producers feeding residents.

DAN GRAY STAFF WRITER

Youth Council draws big membership

that group of 26.

“I think it speaks so clearly and favourably for our community, the future is bright for Lloydminster.”

The future of municipal politics looks bright with 26 members being sworn into youth council.

Council chambers were packed with friends and family in Lloydminster as the 2025-26 Youth Council was officially sworn in.

The council has been going on for a number of years and Lloydminster sees the value in having the program.

“Councillor Justin Vance started at the Youth Council (and) became a city councillor,” said Lloydminster Mayor Gerald Aalbers. “The young folks, they are our future and it doesn’t matter if they’re business leaders, if they’re social workers, city staff, employees, mayor, MLA, potentially a prime minister is in

New and returning members made up the group as chair Addison Smith steps in to fill the seat. It’s her second year on the council and she was originally inspired to join by another familiar face.

“Ife (Antonio) inspired me a lot and I just wanted to find a way to push myself a little bit and get into the community,” said Smith of former Youth Council chair Antonio. “I really like helping others, so, I thought it’d be a good opportunity for me.”

Despite Antonio stepping out of the chair role, she’ll still be in a leadership position to help Smith with her duties.

“I’m the chair emeritus this year,” said Antonio. “I’ve been on Youth Council for three years. Started with my first year as a regular member, then I moved on to the chair and now I am the chair emeritus.

“This role is new, they just created it this past year and this essentially is just a mentor to the chair, supporting the chair and their decisions and what they decide to bring to the council.”

Antonio first found herself interested in Youth Council when she was lacing up a pair of skates.

“I was at a skating event. Begged my parents for skates for the winter and then Youth Council was hosting an event at Servus Sports Centre at their outdoor rink,” she said. “I had hot chocolate, I had pizza, best thing for a nineyear-old, and I had the best day.

“I was like, OK, I want to be a part of this. I want to be someone who’s not only receiving this but also putting this into the community for other kids that age to experience.”

Antonio has set a goal for herself to pursue a career in business moving forward.

“I want to pursue a career in business, I’ve set my mind on this for a long time,” she said.

She hopes to attend the University of Alberta, going specifically into finance.

When it comes to what we can expect from Youth Council this year, we can expect the events and podcasts to continue.

“We’re always open to ideas. Our social media is somewhere where we’re trying to promote a little bit more of, hey, what does our community want,” said Antonio.

For Smith, the new Youth Council chair, it comes down to being able to help others.

“I love helping people, we do a lot of volunteer work, it’s nice just helping people out,” said Smith.

She’s setting goals for this year, taking the new leadership role in stride.

“To become a better leader, I’m quite a shy person, so this is definitely a big step for me and I want to continue to push myself, so I feel more confident,” Smith explained.

The council has a big impact on the people that work with them.

“Honestly, the kids inspire me every single year,” said Rhianna McCaffrey, co-coordinator, Youth Council. “They come in so, so quiet and shy and then you see them come out of their shells every year. You kind of have that moment where you become inspired by what they have to say and what their ideas are.”

Youth Council is comprised of members between the ages of 14 to 18. If people want to get involved, the second week in August every year, applications open up for youth council.

To apply or find anymore information ,visit the Lloydminster Youth Council on Facebook or Instagram.

CHRISTIAN APOSTOLOVSKI STAFF WRITER

There were 26 members sworn into Youth Council at Lloydminster City Hall on Oct. 20. Christian Apostolovski MERIDIAN SOURCE

Feastival feeds hungry Lloyd crowd

CHRISTIAN APOSTOLOVSKI STAFF WRITER

Feastival served up some good food and good times at the WLS Convention Centre on Oct. 16.

The event is an opportunity for residents to try a variety of food.

“Feastival is a food sampling, come and go event,” said Tammy Dyck, Lloyd Ex event manager. “With your ticket purchase you get four tokens. Each of those tokens you can choose from, I think there’s eight menu items this year, and you can choose out of those items which one you want to give a token for and try.”

The event has been a Lloyd staple for a number of years, garnering a large crowd and a positive reception.

“It’s been going about 14 years,” she said. All the food is locally sourced from area providers.

“We’ve got Chatsworth Farm, a couple of the colonies, My Little Patch of Heaven, Midwest Fresh (Produce),” said Dyck. “We keep it as local as we can.”

This year, food was served by some familiar faces around Lloydminster.

“We’ve got Kurt Price and his wife Heather. We have the Mayor (Gerald Aalbers) and his wife (Christine Aalbers), a couple of the Steelers. We have Peter Brown from Co-op,” said Dyck. Food was also served by local producers, which is new this year. There were eight dishes served for people to try, including two deserts.

“This year, you’re going to see a roasted beet and feta salad, scotch broth, which is lamb. We

have beef stroganoff, bison tacos,” she said. “Chicken and Yorkshire and a pork tourtiere. Desserts this year are a Bannock with fresh berries, honey, flavoured with cinnamon and a carrot cookie with cream cheese filling.”

Feastival is an event organizers hope to see return every year.

“Hopefully it’s one that keeps going,” said Dyck. “Just the fact that we get to have

everything local, so, it’s nice to support them while they support us.”

Other local producers who gave to Feastival include Range Road Farms, Seila Phillips, Mannville Colony, Weaver Farms, Ron and Terra Weaver, Saskatoon U-Pick, Elk Valley Ranchers, The Cheesiry, Ribstone Colony, Mitchell Farms, Lower Shannon Farms, Holmedal Farms and Six Acre Homestead.

The Lloyd Ex’s Feastival was a success as residents packed the WLS Convention centre Oct. 16 for some food served by some familiar faces, such as Kurt Price (right).

Christian Apostolovski Meridian Source

Trunk or treat highlights inclusion

It was a ghoulishly good time as trick-or-treaters packed the Lloyd Ex for a fun Halloween event.

Trunk or Treat is a free event that returned to the Lloyd Ex on Oct. 21.

“Trunk or treat is like trick or treating, but you go from station to station,” said Tammy Dyck, Lloydminster Ex event manager. “A lot of people bring in their cars, some just set up booths.

“It’s open to businesses, public, anyone, but typically businesses around Lloyd put up these booths.”

This year, the event included a brand-new inclusion hour.

“This year, we’re happy we included an inclusion hour. So, those families with additional needs get to come an hour earlier,” said Dyck. “We’ll keep the lights up, keep the noise down a little bit, so that they can also enjoy it, but not have to wait in line.”

Inclusion hour started at 2 p.m. and ran until 3 p.m. when the event officially kicked off. The event gives kids a safe way to trick-or-treat and stay out of the cool October weather.

“You never know what kind of weather we’re getting in October,” she said. “So, we get to pull it inside and get some extra use out of their costumes.”

There’s plenty for kids to grab when walking around the venue.

“Anyone can put whatever they want to give out,” said Dyck. “I know we get like colouring pages, candies, lots of different things.”

The events has been growing, which the Ex took in stride and opened another section of the grounds to accommodate the growing interest.

“Usually, it’s just in the Alberta Building, but this year with the amount of entries we have actually opened it up to the Alberta Building as well as the Dick Jones Sales (Pavilion),” she said. “It’s been a hit right from the start.”

CHRISTIAN APOSTOLOVSKI STAFF WRITER

Trunk or Treat 2025 saw residents gather for some Halloween fun at the Lloyd Ex. Christian Apostolovski Meridian Source

Telus grant helps Lloydminster filmmaker

CHRISTIAN APOSTOLOVSKI STAFF WRITER

A local lens will spotlight Lloydminster stories, thanks to a Telus grant.

Kim Capiral, owner at Narra Studios, says he was the recipient of the Pan-Asian Storyteller 2025.

“Telus was looking for Asian filmmakers from B.C. and Alberta,” he said. “You have to pitch a story. It could be a documentary; it could be a short film.”

The grant provides $20,000 in production funding to produce a 20 to 45 minute locally reflective documentary, scripted film or series pilot, along with 30-60 minutes of bonus content.

“My proposal was to do four short stories of things around Lloyd,” he said, noting he’ll be spotlighting people in Lloyd and specific industryies in the city.”

Capiral gave a breakdown of the stories he’ll be telling courtesy of the grant.

“The four stories are, James Foley, he’s a bucking bull breeder,” he said. “We always see the bull riders, but we never see the bull. And to think about it, the bull is an athlete.

“The second one is Peyton Walker. Just to follow her, but also backtrack to what happened before. It’s a nice resiliency story.”

The third in Capiral’s series of local stories would put a spotlight on the operations of the rescue squad.

“The third one would be the rescue squad. Almost like following the day in the life of the rescue squad,” he said. “I want to dig deeper and because I know a lot of what they do is rescued people that have already passed and they bring

that closure to the family.”

The final story would put him on the other side of the camera.

“Then the fourth one would be my story,” he said.

Through the grant, Capiral would be paired with a mentor that will help him through the filmmaking process.

“We’re doing the process of pairing us with a mentor,” he said. “What I’m seeking and I mentioned it there, like budgeting. How do you budget? Then also distribution, that’s the hardest part of making a film, where can we see the film.”

Production for the projects starts on Nov. 5, the deadline for production to finish is Nov. 30, 2026.

“The main content, those four stories would have to be done November of next year,” he said.

Local Business Directory

Kim Capiral. Submitted photo

Munro reflects on health-care work

After four years at the helm of the Lloydminster Region Health Foundation (LRHF), CEO Stephanie Munro is stepping into a new role with the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA), marking the start of an exciting new chapter in her health-care journey.

Munro, who officially became CEO in January 2022 after four years with the foundation, said her goal from the start was to continue building on the organization’s reputation as “the heartbeat of the community.”

“I wanted to continue the collaboration my predecessors had done such an amazing job of,” she said. “Post-pandemic was definitely a challenge, leading through uncertainty and health-care fatigue. But it also strengthened us. It made us more creative and adaptable.”

Under Munro’s leadership, the LRHF tackled fundraising in new ways, including the creation of the Dodge the Stigma dodgeball tournament, which quickly became a community favourite. The 12-hour fundraiser has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for mental health initiatives since its debut in 2022.

Munro also helped grow the Gift to Health Livestream, a 12-hour online fundraising event that began as a partnership with the Shaun Newman Podcast and has since evolved into a major regional event uniting donors, volunteers and community leaders.

Reflecting on her time as CEO, Munro said every success was a collective effort.

“Whether it’s expanding mental health supports, enhancing local medical equipment, or bringing comfort to patients, every success was a reflection of our donors’ belief in better health care,” she said. “Seeing that generosity firsthand is something I’ll always carry with me.”

During her tenure, the foundation helped fund projects, including new blanket warmers, air mattress beds and an air filtration system for Pioneer House and Pioneer Lodge. The Jubilee Home received new baths, tubs and a portable bladder scanner, while the Lloydminster Hospital added a new ultrasound and panda warmers for the maternity ward, to name a few.

Munro’s next role will keep her close to home as the SHA’s senior specialist of foundation relations, a position that will strengthen partnerships between health foundations and the provincial health system.

“It’s a very exciting opportunity and bridges the relationship between health-care foundations and the health authority,” she said. “This position is about collaboration over competition, ensuring communitydriven initiatives align with health-care system needs.”

A former nurse, Munro said her passion for health care remains at the heart of everything she does.

“This chapter has truly shaped who I am,” she said. “Although my role is changing, my passion remains the same, strengthening the connection between communities and health care. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.”

Stephanie Munro is continuing her journey in health care as the Saskatchewan Health Authority’s senior specialist of foundation relations. File photo

TAYLOR WEAVER EDITOR

Rotarians briefed on chamber activities

It’s time to roll out the red carpet and celebrate business excellence in Lloydminster.

The Business Excellence Awards are right around the corner and Rotarians got the scoop at their Rotary Club of Lloydminster’s Monday Lunch.

On hand were Jackie Tomayer, president of the Lloydminster Chamber of Commerce, and Teri-Lynn MacKie, the chamber’s executive director, to talk about the upcoming event and other items keeping the chamber busy.

“The celebration of the business excellence awards is happening next Thursday, Oct. 30, and there are still some seats available,” said Tomayer.

She says it’s an opportunity to highlight businesses and their efforts in the community.

“Here in Lloydminster, we proudly host our annual celebration of business excellence, where we shine a spotlight on the remarkable, contributions of local entrepreneurs on both sides of our border,” she said. “This year’s finalists exemplify the spirit of innovation, integrity and community that drives our region forward.”

Nominations come from the public, with a few exceptions.

“All the nominations come from the general public, except the Think Lloyd First, that comes from the Think Lloyd First Committee,” said MacKie “The non-profit comes from the chamber board and the lifetime achievement comes from the president.

“Then the business of the year is from all the nominations from all the business owners.”

That also means winners are kept a mystery until the night of the event.

“It’s all kept secret until that envelopes opened,” said Tomayer.

Tomayer says she has a special duty as the chamber president.

“As chamber president, I do have the honour of selecting the lifetime achievement winner. That was a surprise to me when I took on the presidency, so I was pretty pumped,” she said.

The awards have been a well-attended event in the past, and this year looks to be no different.

“There’s a lot of room in that WLS convention that you can pack full,” said MacKie.

Following the awards night, the chamber gets set to host its Christmas event.

“The Christmas Craft Fair and Chamber Expo,” said MacKie. “That is Nov. 14, 15 and 16.”

The event packs the Lloyd Ex with shoppers looking to get ready for Christmas.

“There’s over 400 vendors through the whole weekend,” said MacKie. “Last year, there was over 16,000 people through the doors.

“It’s great for our economy, not just the vendors that are in the building but businesses in general.”

Rotarians got the chance to learn about advocacy efforts by the chamber.

“Our advocacy efforts are built on formal policy route resolutions that reflect real challenges and opportunities facing Lloydminster businesses,” said Tomayer. “Many of our resolutions need to be Lloydminster made, because we are very unique.

“We continue to champion issues such as local procurement preferences, public transportation, equitable funding for policing and health care.”

The chamber has been working on a procurement policy, hoping to give local businesses the edge when bidding on contracts.

“The

“So, we’ll see what happens, it’ll be in their hands at that point.”

procurement policy, with a little bit of a grace towards local vendors wanting to bid on projects is going to be for council in the new year,” she said.

CHRISTIAN APOSTOLOVSKI STAFF WRITER

Teri-Lynn MacKie (above) introduces Lloydminster Chamber of Commerce president Jackie Tomayer Christian Apostolovski MERIDIAN SOURCE

ATCO Gas Existing Distribution Pipeline Compliance Application

The City of Lloydminster is the only Canadian cross-border community served with natural gas, which has been flowing since the 1930s. Today, ATCO Gas serves more than 11,500 homes and businesses in the City of Lloydminster to keep their homes warm and cozy, to have hot water and to help prepare a homecooked meal.

According to the Canadian Energy that cross provincial borders fall under the jurisdiction of the Canada is applying to the CER under Section 214 of the CER Act to continue to operate and maintain eleven existing low-pressure gas pipelines that cross the Alberta-Saskatchewan border in the City of Lloydminster. ATCO Gas will be requesting certain exemptions with the intent of continuing to provide consistent service and to apply consistent regulation to all ATCO Gas distribution pipelines. The exemptions will allow the cross-border pipelines to continue to be safely and cost effectively operated under the economic and technical regulatory regime in place.

There is no new pipeline construction or land rights required as part of the Application.

Colour the picture any way you like!

Send your ﬁnished artwork to admin@meridiansource.ca or drop off at 5921-50 Avenue, Lloydminster, SK.

Pictures will be entered into a draw and the winner will receive a family of 5 MOVIE PASS at the May Cinema 6

[*Certain conditions may apply]

The winner’s photo will be displayed on the front page of the paper on October 30

CONTEST RULES: One entry per person. Open to all ages. All entries must be submitted by Friday, October 24, 2025

Thursday, October 23, 2025

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Leave it to Weaver: Back to Kingston: family and fall colours

EDITOR TAYLOR WEAVER

Greetings from my mom’s kitchen in Kingston, Ont.

I’ve been on vacation since last Thursday and will be back in the Border City on Saturday after what feels like a long-overdue visit home. It’s been two years since I was last in Kingston and just as long since I’ve seen my mom and brother. If you ask my mom, two years is far too long, and I’d have to agree.

The trip has been wonderful so far, and I’m looking forward to visiting my aunts on my dad’s side before heading back west. When I first booked this vacation, it was supposed to start Oct. 30 to line up with my brother’s birthday. Plans changed when a friend from my cruise ship days reached out needing a wedding photographer near Ottawa on Oct. 17. WestJet happened to change my original flights, which gave me the perfect excuse to reschedule and take on the wedding.

The first few days were a blur of travel and photography. The wedding took place at a stunning vineyard outside Ottawa called Jabulani, where I learned a few things: shooting alongside seasoned videographers is a treat; my brother makes a surprisingly strong second shooter; and Ontario’s fall colours might just be the best wedding backdrop you could ask for.

Keenan drove up Friday to help me document the day, and we made the late-night drive back to Kingston afterward. The kid’s got an eye for photography and keeps his cool under pressure. I couldn’t have asked for a better partner behind the lens. My first night back was full of firsts, too. Keenan and his girlfriend recently renovated their house, which meant I got to try both a Murphy bed

and a bidet for the first time. I’d recommend both. The hug I got when we arrived at my mom’s house reminded me just how much I’d missed her — and her cooking. She still lives in the same home we grew up in, which makes every visit feel a little like stepping back in time. The memories come flooding back as soon as you walk through the door.

Since I don’t make it home often, I like to help with house and yard work while I’m here. This week, Keenan and I spent more than an hour raking leaves and cutting grass to help mom get the place ready for winter. She appreciated the help and probably got a kick out of watching us work while she prepared lasagna for dinner.

I could go on about nostalgia, but the message is simple: family matters. We may live more than 3,000 kilometres apart, but each visit feels more meaningful as the years go by. We’re not getting any younger, and moments like these are worth every mile.

Phone calls are nice, but being here — fixing what needs fixing, sharing meals and cheering as the Jays advanced to the World Series — has been just what the doctor ordered.

See you next week, Lloydminster.

Letter to the editor

Iam a senior citizen who is 84 years old living in the City of Lloydminster. I am concerned about the availability of long-term care beds within the City of Lloydminster.

I no longer drive and have chosen to live in the downtown area near grocery shopping outlets. Should I, in the future, require placement in a LTC (long-term care) facility, I would wish to be in the City of Lloydminster so my friends and family can visit me.

If I am placed elsewhere, my family and friends will face the challenge of travelling long distances to visit me and I would see them only infrequently, if at all. Please consider that the city should advocate for more LTC beds within the city as I note a good many people are currently placed long distances from Lloydminster.

-Faye Stevens

Stock photo

Thursday, October 23, 2025

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Chris’ A-Z: Time for some mail

I think in this day and age we take our mail for granted. A hot take, I know.

Every time we get physical mail now it’s more of a formality than something that would liven up our day. I get plenty of flyers and what is referred to as “junk mail.”

One thing I’ve held into my adult years is the excitement of getting physical mail. That feeling of tearing open that envelope and finding whatever is inside.

That got me thinking, in Lloydminster where did mail come from. I don’t mean in 2025 I mean back in, oh let’s say 1903. We were right next to a big railway, maybe trains filled with magic wonder brought them through town.

While the city may have had a booming post office, it wouldn’t be until 1905 when train service graced the soon-to-be Border City.

Mail would pass through Battleford before arriving in Lloydminster making the journey to get mail from Saskatoon to Lloydminster quite lengthy. One of my favourite facts was Rev. George Exton Lloyd’s wife, Marion Lloyd, took it upon herself to ensure mail was properly delivered to the residents of the new settlement.

Colonists were upset about not getting their mail and the first lady of Lloyd took the mail from the postmaster who she described as lazy and distributed it herself.

Back on course, the original post office was north of the medical hall. Eventually an F.E. Healy and J.M. Pigott got a contract for a new hotel. IT was to be where a hotel was currently and to my amazement, they just moved the hotel.

I didn’t know you could just move a building; I can barely move myself. The 300-tonne hotel was undermined, put on rollers, and moved 40 yards east. Mail was pretty steadily coming into Lloydminster and the railway had the contract to haul it all into the city.

The great fire in 1929 had a devasting impact on Lloydminster, not even the post office made it through. So, the post office was actually equipped to help handle large fires, but it seemed to have slipped through the cracks when fire actually broke out.

Reportedly, there was a big steel trap door in the basement that was filled with water, in case a fire broke out.

What was saved during the fire was a Chicago Oats trophy. I have absolutely no idea what this trophy is, but it was sure valuable to someone. If people remembered the water was there, it’s possible they could have used it to fight the fire.

Following the burning of the post office, it bounced around for a little having a temporary home for short periods of time before it finally returned

to its old location.

This time the building was different and by that I mean huge. The building had rooms for the soldiers settlement board, land office, office and living quarters of the RCMP, janitor and the well in the basement supplied water for the heating and the washrooms.

The clocktower in the building was expected to run for a very long time. There are portions of this story that amaze me, but one thing that makes me sad is the underutilization of the building.

I should say, the last I checked it was for sale by the city. I don’t know if that’s changed but I sure would like it to. It’s an amazing building with a rich history; it’s something that Lloyd should look to protect and revitalize. Downtown Lloyd could use a win and I think the clocktower could be a good start.

Facebook photo

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.

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.

Women’s Sask Curling Tour in Lloydminster

The Women’s Sask Curling Tour is coming to Lloydminster from Oct. 24 to 26. Lloyd will host 16 of the top women’s curling teams in Alberta and Saskatchewan. All games will be held at the Lloyd Curling Club. Free admission.

Amateur

Basic Radio Course

The SaskAlta Amateur Radio Club is putting on a basic radio training course from Oct. 25, 2025, to April 25, 2026, in Vermilion. Training will be held on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and there will be a Christmas/new year break. The location of the classroom is to be determined. Visit them on Facebook or at www.saskaltarc.ca for full details.

Marwayne Fall Supper

The Marwayne fall supper is scheduled for Oct. 26 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Marwayne Community Hall. The supper includes turkey, ham and the trimmings. Cost is $20 for adults, $5 for kids six to 12 and kids under five are free. Cash or debit accepted.

Special Olympics AGM

Special Olympics Lloydminster is hosting its annual general meeting Monday, Oct. 26, at 4 p.m. at the Lloyd Lanes Bowling Alley. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Home Business Expo

The Gold Horse Casino is hosting a home business expo on Nov. 2 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., which will include a showcase of talented local entrepreneurs.

Islay Doubles Crib Tournament

The Islay Community Association is hosting a doubles crib tournament on Nov. 8 in the Islay Hall. Doors open at 9 a.m., registration cut off is 10 a.m. Cost is $25 per person which includes noon lunch. Pre-register by calling 780-581-0570.

Used Book Sale

Covering ALL OF ALBERTA, and I can come to you!

I also purchase coin collections!

Moose Lodge Lloydminster is hosting a used book and puzzle sale on Saturday, Nov. 8 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Prices will vary. Donations of non-perishable items also accepted for the Salvation Army. If you have books or puzzles to donate, drop them off at the Moose Lodge, 5213 57 St., Monday or Wednesday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. For more information, call 780875-7919.

One-Day Shopping Trip

The Legacy Centre is hosting a one-day shopping trip to Edmonton on Dec. 1. Cost is $60/person for a day at Kingsway Mall or West Edmonton Mall, take your pick! Call the Legacy office at 780-875-4584 for details.

Lloydminster

Potters

Guild winter sale

The Lloydminster Potters Guild Annual Winter Sale is Sunday, Dec. 7 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Lloydminster Museum and Archives. Shop the largest selection of handcrafting in the region. Region your own bag and receive a bonus door prize entry. Free admission.

- Email listing info to taylor@meridiansource.ca to have your event featured.

Unofficial Alberta municipal election results

Unofficial municipal election results are in following an Oct. 20 vote in a number of municipalities across Alberta. Results will become official on Oct. 24.

TOWN OF VERMILION

Robert Snow has been elected to the mayor’s seat.

Paul Conlon, Kellen Snelgrove, Bruce MacDuff, Justin Clark, Kevin Martin and Sherry Martin have captured seats on council.

Covering ALL OF ALBERTA, and I can come to

I also purchase coin collections!

TOWN OF BONNYVILLE

Mayor Elisa Brosseau was acclaimed, as no one opposed her for the seat.

Incumbent councillors David Sharun, Byron Johnson, Neil Langridge, Phil Kushnir, Kayla Blanchette and Brian McEvoy return to their council seats.

MUNICIPAL DISTRICT OF BONNYVILLE

The reeve position was retained by incumbent Barry Kalinski. Ward 1 was won by incumbent Josh Crick. Ward 2 was won by Caroline Palmer, Ward 3 was won by Kenneth Pshyk. Ward 4, Edward Duchesne takes the seat over incumbent Don Slipchuk, while Brian Koluk captures the Ward 5 seat and incumbent Ben Fadeyiw returns in Ward 6.

COUNTY OF VERMILION RIVER

Marty Baker was acclaimed in Division 1. Vanessa Pare won Division 2. In Division 3, incumbent Stacey Hryciuk was re-elected. Divisions 4, 5 and 6 were acclaimed with councillors George Kuneff, Jason Stelmaschuk and Clinton Murray returning to their seats. Division 7 incumbent Leslie Cusack returns to his seat.

Thursday, October 23, 2025

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Changing of the college guard

Lakeland’s new coach expects growing pains for revamped program

Like the chalk talk on the old classroom blackboards, the clean slate for the Lakeland Rustlers women’s basketball team translates into a college program starting from scratch.

That was clear on the opening weekend of the ACAC regular season as the fresh-faced Rustlers lost both home games handily — 76-22 against the Briercrest Clippers on Friday and 86-40 versus the Medicine Hat Rattlers on Saturday.

I’m very transparent with these young women about what it means to play at the college level.

- Todd Warnick

At least for now, those are the anticipated results for a Lakeland program that went from national champions to inactivity within just a few months.

The team didn’t finish ACAC play last season after the firing of coach Chris King and the ensuing departure of all of his players.

“When I was brought in, essentially it was a fresh slate,” said the Rustlers’ new coach, Todd Warnick, a 26-year veteran of coaching post-secondary basketball.

“I was hired fairly late, so recruiting was going to be an uphill battle. We managed to get some kids, but at the end of the day, this is kind of the hand we were dealt.

“Ultimately, it’s just to get a group on the floor right now and to restart the culture again. When I interviewed for the job, I said it was going to be a seven-year process to turn the program back into where it was.

“Whenever a team goes through this — and these things have happened in the ACAC in the past where teams couldn’t field a team in the second half for a variety of reasons — there is an immediate regression of a program back to kind of Square One. That’s a realistic expectation of what it’s supposed to look like. And now, the hard work begins.”

MODEST MEASURING STICKS

In the meantime, Warnick’s job is to work with the 11 players who came on board this year, most of them directly from high school. They won’t necessarily be judged on wins and losses.

“We’ve discussed this is a process and we are not looking at the outcome of the games as a measure of our level of improvement,” Warnick said. “The games are a test of how far we’re progressing. So, the more that we can make less errors, and the more consistent that we become, the better we’re going to be.

“I’m very transparent with these young women about what it means to play at the college level — and that it’s a year-long tryout for the athletes that are here. I explained, ‘You have to do well in academics, because you’re a student-athlete first and foremost. You have to improve as an athlete, and you have to hang on to your (roster) spot.’

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The Lakeland Rustlers returned to the court last Friday against the Briercrest Clippers. John MacNeil Meridian Source

JOHN MacNEIL SPORTS EDITOR

“My job is to make the team better. And I do that in two ways — I either help you to grow as an athlete, or I go find better talent.”

Warnick’s talent search for this year’s team didn’t start until he was hired in the spring. That already put the Rustlers behind the eight-ball, he believes, because most high school graduates already have their post-secondary plans in place by then.

FEMALE PHENOMENA

“Female athletes are a little different from male athletes,” said Warnick, most recently a U Sports women’s coach at Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops, B.C., for three seasons. “Generally, (girls) tend to have their academic pathways decided fairly early.

“When I was in Canada West last year, most of my recruiting was done middle of November, for the subsequent year, just because female athletes are looking ahead at their academic pathway right away. In the CCAA, when I was at NAIT for 13 years, most of my recruiting was done by first of January.

“They’re going into high-performance programs (and) things that are relatively highly academic, so they’re making those decisions early. They’re making decisions to be student-athletes, not athletestudents, so it’s a different timeline often.”

In short order, the Rustlers rounded up an entire team of players new to Lakeland.

“We’re the youngest team in the league right now,” Warnick said. “We have 11 freshmen. They were all either high school players, or our only player with some experience is currently injured.”

That player with collegiate credentials is Alex McLaren, a business student from Edmonton.

“She gives us some length and high-performance experience,” Warnick said. “She’s an Alberta provincial team kid and won a provincial high school championship with Jasper Place. She spent a year in a red-shirt scenario with Mount Royal University, but was diagnosed with long-term COVID, so she missed that season.

“Returning to basketball after a few years off, she’s

rehabbing from a foot injury suffered in the preseason. But once she returns, she’ll help to bring us some depth and maturity. So, that level of maturity and experience is critical and a piece that we’re going to build on, for sure.”

On the youthful side of the spectrum, the Rustlers see promise in the likes of North Battleford guard Taylor Hebert, who was named Lakeland’s player of the game Friday.

“She was a bit of a diamond in the rough,” Warnick said. “She’s exceptionally athletic and has been able to do some things.”

Hebert reminds Warnick of Shea-Lynn Noyse, a player he coached at NAIT.

“Shea-Lynn holds the record all-time for steals per game in ACAC history and she was built very much like Taylor. Very similar game to Taylor — hyper athletic, a little raw, and by the time she finished her fifth year with us, she’d been to nationals, she won ACACs and she was an all-conference player.

“They’re similar athletically. It’s nice to have that starting point, and hopefully be able to build on that.”

WOMEN VERSUS GIRLS

Warnick knows it can be a daunting step for high school players to make the transition to college basketball.

“We were lucky to get some pieces that will develop into being solid basketball players, with time,” he said after Friday’s season-opener. “This is a women’s league — it’s not a kids’ league. Briercrest won an ACAC bronze last year, and they return four or five fifth-year players.

“There is no substitute for experience. And even physical-makeup wise, they’re built like women, we’re built like girls.”

Warnick, 50, has moved to Lloydminster with his wife and youngest son, a high school student. His oldest son attends university in British Columbia.

“I want to eventually be able to have localarea kids rostered for us,” he said of the new-look Rustlers. “That’s kind of one of my long-term goals,

SMALL BUSINESS CHRISTMAS PARTIES

is to have kids from Lloydminster and Vermilion and surrounding areas to be wearing their jersey and to have that kind of development. That’s a special thing that I think can be achieved.”

WINNING PEDIGREE

Warnick’s long service as a collegiate basketball coach includes building programs into championship contenders from modest beginnings.

In his first head-coaching job, during the early 2000s, Warnick guided Vancouver Island University all the way from a 1-17 season in his first year to a bronze medal in his fourth and eventually a national silver medal.

Expecting their first son, he and his wife moved back home to Alberta, where Warnick’s four-year run at Concordia University of Edmonton included an ACAC championship. Then, he went on to rebuild NAIT’s program.

“They had made playoffs once in (many) years, before I got hired,” Warnick said. “By the time I finished, in 13 seasons, we had only missed playoffs once, we had a national bronze, a national championship, two ACAC titles, an ACAC silver and three bronze and produced a whole bunch of academic all-Canadians.

“And then, one of the proudest pieces, there’s three current ACAC coaches that have played for me.”

Warnick’s familiarity with college athletics includes a long-running relationship with Lakeland athletic director Alan Rogan.

“I’ve known Al for a very, very long time,” he said. “I was the associate AD at Concordia for a year, so he was my ACAC contact point for bringing volleyball to Concordia, when we put our application in. I’ve known him for probably two decades, so I know what Lakeland College is about, I know what the community is like, I know the level of buy-in for athletics in this community and how big of a piece it makes. It’s a privilege to be in this environment.

“You always want your next stop to be the last.”

DOORS: 5:30PM

DINNER: 6:30PM SHOW: 8PM

LAKELAND FROM PAGE 13

New coach Todd Warnick (at left) likes the athleticism Taylor Hebert (No. 6, above) has shown with the Rustlers. John MacNeil Meridian Source photos

Lakeland men salvage weekend split

‘The bright lights got to us a little bit today,’ coach says after opener

JOHN MacNEIL SPORTS EDITOR

As opening nights tend to go, the Lakeland Rustlers saw a bit of everything as they kicked off their Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference men’s basketball regular season at home Friday.

The Rustlers roared back in the last five minutes of regulation to force overtime, during which they gained a five-point lead before losing 95-92 to the 2025 champion Briercrest Clippers in a memorable game decided at the buzzer.

“We’re a team that fights through,” said Lakeland coach Sheray Thomas. “We fought enough to get to overtime. Just didn’t execute down the stretch, made a couple of mistakes, which really hurt us.

“(The Clippers) are a good team, as far as they’re really disciplined. They’re going to execute … when they have shooters all around, which makes it tough. If you rotate defensively, they’re passing to shooters, and they’re knocking (shots) down.”

Briercrest’s Gabe Vig was Mr. Clutch in the last 10 seconds of overtime. He sank three free throws to even the score and won the game with his buzzerbeating three-pointer.

Down by 10 points with six minutes left in regulation time, the Rustlers clawed their way back, sparked by three-pointers from Bahaeddin Salma and David Dimaano, along with dogged work and sharpshooting in tight range.

“Those were big shots,” Thomas said. “Then we got two or three rebounds at the end to finally get it in.

“But we’ve got to execute better defensively and offensively. We gave them too many cushions — right at the beginning of the game and, after halftime, they had another little cushion.”

Briercrest, which led 43-40 at halftime, went up by as many as 16 points before Lakeland rallied in the late going.

The Clippers regrouped a few times themselves, coming back from a five-point deficit near the regulation buzzer and again in the extra five minutes.

Both teams returned to action Saturday night as Lakeland scored a 94-76 victory over the visiting Medicine Hat Rattlers, while Briercrest lost 104-87 to the Keyano Huskies at Fort McMurray.

“This league is tough,” said the Rustlers’ Thomas, the ACAC’s North coach of the year last season. “Anytime you lace ’em up and get out there, there’s good teams.”

He believes the relatively experienced Rustlers squad is still trying to find its identity this season.

“I think that’s still to be determined,” Thomas said after Friday’s seasonopener. “In the pre-season, we played with a lot of grit. Played with some grit here today, but I think the jitters of regular-season play got to us a little bit. We pumped ourselves up a little bit too much, and some shots that we usually make, we were missing. Some plays we usually make we were missing.

“That’s pretty much it. I think the bright lights got to us a little bit today.”

While they had some vocal support from fellow students and other fans, the Rustlers’ men played their home-opener in front of about 300 fans, a smaller crowd than the preceding game between the Lakeland and Briercrest women.

“I think we’ve got to try to get the word out there a little bit more,” Thomas said of attracting more fans. “Our games are usually exciting. Last season, we had a ton of games that were single-point games, similar to today.

“For my sake (as a coach), we’re trying to get some big wins. Don’t want too many more close ones. But it is exciting basketball, for sure.”

The Rustlers are banking on the collegiate experience of players like

Bahaeddin Salma, David Dimaano, Taleh Wade, Matthew Bryant and Seth Johnson. Not to mention Jordan Horobetz-Simpson, who scored a game-high 28 points on Friday.

“There’s a lot of change from last season, but we’ve got some experienced players,” Thomas said.

“We have some veteran players. We’re definitely leaning on those guys. The other guys are pretty young, so we’re trying to bring them along.”

In the Rustlers’ season-opener, Wade posted 19 points, Salma netted 13 and Dimaano had 11.

This weekend, Lakeland plays a home-and-home series with the Concordia Thunder, with games Friday in Lloydminster and Saturday at Edmonton. Concordia is off to an 0-2 start, losing 85-64 to the SAIT Trojans and 78-62 to the Lethbridge Kodiaks, respectively.

The Rustlers went to overtime before losing to defending-champion Briercrest. John MacNeil Meridian Source

Rustlers post perfect home weekend

Eurich added a goal and an assist, while Shelbi Thunderblanket made eight saves for the shutout.

Steelers record two road victories

JOHN MacNEIL SPORTS EDITOR

Lloydminster captain Skylar Heinrichs scored her fourth and fifth goals of the season as the U18 AAA Steelers topped the host Calgary Fire Black 3-1 in Alberta Female Hockey League action Sunday.

Mallaig’s Hayden Feland, with her second goal of the year, netted the eventual winning goal when she put the Steelers up 2-0 in the final minute of the first period.

It was the second win in as many days for Lloydminster, which evened its record at 2-2.

Lyla Montoya, on the power play, scored the lone goal against Steelers hometown goaltender Kenzie Zidar, who made 19 saves to post her first U18 AAA victory. Skye Surette faced 24 shots in net for Calgary Fire, also 2-2.

The Lakeland Rustlers stretched their leagueleading record to 4-1 as they swept a three-game weekend series with the Olds Broncos in Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference women’s hockey.

All four of the Rustlers’ victories have come at the Co-op Community Arena, which is part of the new Cenovus Energy Hub in Lloydminster.

In the consecutive head-to-head battles with Olds (2-4), Lakeland posted a 5-0 shutout win Sunday afternoon, after winning 3-1 on Saturday night and 7-3 on Friday night.

Keyra Buziak scored four goals Sunday as the Rustlers fired 38 shots at Annika Neufeldt. Addison

On Saturday, Kyla Benjamin, Ashlyn Hinton and Ella Wingert, on the power play, scored for Lakeland. It was the first ACAC goal for Hinton, a former U18 AAA Steelers’ forward from Mannville.

Schay Camphaug stopped 15 of 16 shots, only allowing an Abby Manz power-play goal. The Rustlers directed 51 shots at Olds’ Hailey Sibbald.

On Friday, Benjamin, Claudia Lammers and Buziak, with a three-point night, each tallied twice for the Rustlers. Wingert also scored, while Amiyah Jones and Marly Dumanski had two assists each.

Lakeland threw 49 shots at Neufeldt, and Paige Fischer faced 13 shots in the Rustlers’ net.

In her comeback season, Peyton Walker of Wainwright assisted on Heinrich’s opening goal Sunday. Walker also had an assist Saturday as the Steelers began their road trip with a 4-2 victory over the winless Rocky Mountain Raiders. It was another big game for Lloydminster’s Heinrichs, whose three-point afternoon included short-handed and empty-net goals.

Sydney Klebanosky of Spruce Grove opened the scoring for the Steelers, who received two assists from Lloyd’s Esme Loney.

Sloane Schaab blocked 23 shots to register her first U18 AAA win with her native Steelers. Brea Kuprash stopped 34 for Rocky Mountain (0-4).

The Steelers will look for their first home victory this Saturday when they meet the same Calgary Fire team again in a 6:30 p.m. start at the Cenovus Energy Hub’s Co-op Community Arena.

The Lakeland Rustlers celebrate during the second of their three ACAC wins over Olds. John MacNeil Meridian Source

JOHN MacNEIL SPORTS EDITOR ..................................

Bobcats regroup to edge Eagles in AJHL

JOHN MacNEIL SPORTS EDITOR

The Lloydminster Bobcats snapped a two-game losing streak Sunday afternoon, and they did it the hard way.

En route to defeating the visiting Canmore Eagles 3-2 in Alberta Junior Hockey League action at the Cenovus Energy Hub, the Bobcats fought back from an early 2-0 deficit.

Lloydminster also weathered penalty trouble in the final three minutes. Back-to-back penalties left the Bobcats two men short for 1:34, and the Eagles added to their manpower advantage when they put goaltender Alexander Scheiwiller on the bench in favour of an extra skater.

Bobcats netminder Matthew Kondro stood tall down the stretch, making a string of game-saving saves. Overall, he stopped 30 shots to post his fifth win in seven games this season.

KONDRO ON NHL DRAFT RADAR

Riding the high of a Sunday victory, the Bobcats received more good news on Monday.

In the preliminary Central Scouting rankings, Kondro was identified on the watch list as a prospect for the 2026 NHL draft. The Lloydminster goalie has had a solid showing since joining the Bobcats from the WHL’s Red Deer Rebels this fall. He played in the AJHL last year with the Drumheller Dragons.

Also on Monday, Bobcats head coach Eric Labrosse was named as a Canada West assistant coach for the World Junior A Hockey Challenge. It’s the second year in a row that Labrosse will serve as an assistant with Canada West. This year’s tournament runs Dec. 7-13 in Trois-Rivieres, Que.

NARDELLI ON THE SCOREBOARD

Along with Kondro’s goaltending performance, Scheiwiller also had a strong game Sunday, blocking 38 shots in the Canmore net.

Alessio Nardelli, with his first of the season, scored the winning goal on a power play just 48 seconds into the second period. Nardelli cashed in after fellow overage forward Kade Fendelet rounded the Eagles’ net and threw the puck out front.

In the latter half of the first period, the Bobcats had evened the score at 2-2 on goals 3:37 apart from Jadon Iyogun and Morgan Hackman. Iyogun, with his fifth tally, took a sharp pass from Gus El-Tahhan and ripped the puck past Scheiwiller.

Hackman netted his second AJHL goal, converting Luke Dooley’s feed to the front of the net. It was the first AJHL career point for Dooley, the energetic forward from Nova Scotia. The play originated on a shot from defenceman Brady Gamble. He and fellow hometown blueliner Jaxan Hopko each picked up an assist Sunday, before the Bobcats joined their fans in a post-game skate.

Tavynn Hamilton, on the power play, and John Szabo, with his fourth this season, scored the Canmore goals.

It was the third road loss in as many days for the Eagles, who fell 4-2 to the Bonnyville Pontiacs on Saturday and 6-3 to the Camrose Kodiaks on Friday.

Lloydminster improved its record to 7-5, while Canmore dropped to 6-6.

The Bobcats put together five wins in a sevengame stretch. They lost 4-2 to the Devon Xtreme at home Saturday night in front a season-high Hub crowd of 1,904 fans, after falling 2-0 at Camrose last Wednesday (Oct. 15) afternoon.

The Kodiaks were slated to visit Lloydminster

this Wednesday (Oct. 22) for a noon game that doubled as Hockey Hooky Day for local students.

DEVON 4 LLOYDMINSTER 2

Saturday’s game at the Hub was the third meeting in 11 days between the Bobcats and Xtreme, who posted their first win in the October series of sorts.

Devon’s rookie goaltender, Tyler Swanson, made 41 saves to register his first AJHL victory. His heroics included a penalty-shot stop against Bobcats sniper Matthew Hikida midway through the game. The 18-year-old Swanson’s only other game this season was a 3-2 shootout loss against the Calgary Canucks.

In Lloyd, the Bobcats outshot the Xtreme 43-21, including an 18-5 margin in the third period.

Lucas Knorr scored two goals, including an empty-netter, to pace Devon (3-4-1). Knorr and Stefan Serediak each netted power-play goals.

Maddox Mason, with his first goal in the AJHL, also tallied for the Xtreme against Lloydminster newcomer Ben Polhill, who beat the Xtreme a week earlier in his Bobcats’ debut. Kael Screpnek, with a fine individual effort for his first goal of the season, and Raphael Messier, on a power play, scored the Lloyd goals in Saturday’s loss.

The game featured a spirited second-period fight between Bobcats’ rookie Gamble, 18, and Xtreme captain Xander Schulte, 20.

Devon’s game at Bonnyville was suspended late in the first period Friday, because of a water break that caused flooding on the R.J. Lalonde Arena ice surface. At the time, the Xtreme led 2-1. Bonnyville was able to play at home the next night as the Pontiacs (4-6) doubled Canmore on Saturday.

Barons eye ‘more physical, polished squad in 2026’

JOHN MacNEIL SPORTS EDITOR

Despite not winning a game this season and missing the playoffs, the Lloydminster Comprehensive Barons are confident the program has planted seeds for long-term success in senior high school football.

The younger-than-average Barons didn’t use age or injuries as excuses during an 0-6 season that included four regular-season games in the North Saskatchewan Football League. Instead, they showed up and learned their

ROUTE #112 105 DELIVERIES

ROUTE #12

Bisons hand Bandits first loss of season

JOHN MacNEIL SPORTS EDITOR

The Lloydminster Bandits have finally lost a junior B hockey game.

After opening the season with six victories, the Bandits fell 6-1 against their rivals, the Wainwright Bisons, on Sunday evening at Peace Memorial Multiplex in Wainwright.

The reigning-champion Bisons, with a 5-1-2 record, have pulled even in points with the Bandits in second place in the Northeastern Alb erta Junior B Hockey League. Lloydminster has played one less game than Wainwright and two fewer than the first-place Vermilion Tigers (7-2).

The Bandits were victorious on home ice Friday night as they defeated the Cold Lake Ice 5-2 at the Cenovus Energy Hub.

Wainwright played a home game in the Provost Regional Activity Centre on Saturday night and registered a 3-1 victory over Vermilion.

BISONS 6 BANDITS 1

Back home in Wainwright early Sunday evening, the Bisons scored three straight second-period goals before Jayden Plamondon responded with the lone Lloyd goal.

The Bisons added three more goals in the final period, during which Haiden Heide took over from starting goaltender Shae Stewart in the Bandits’ net.

Stewart stopped 23 of 27 shots through 47 minutes of action. Heide gave up two goals on seven shots in the final 13 minutes.

Lochlan Jenner, with 30 saves, gained the Wainwright victory on Sunday.

Tanner Werenka (2-1) and Ryker Singer (1-2) each had three-point nights. Braden Aker, Brandon Glover and Lucas McClennon also scored for the Bisons, who connected three times on power plays.

The Bandits played both of their weekend games without captain Joel Webb.

BANDITS 5 ICE 2

On the Hockey Fights Cancer Night at the Hub, Heide made 34 saves Friday for his fourth victory in as many games.

Aidan Martens collected two goals and an assist to lead Lloydminster. Corvan Stewart, Adryan Bugiera and Cole Kelly, with his first junior B marker, also scored. Colton Parker added two assists.

The Bandits fired 31 shots at Cold Lake goaltender Mark Peddle. Jackson Schreyer and Sawchuk tallied for the Ice (5-4).

This weekend, Lloydminster plays three games in as many days, visiting Vermilion at 8 p.m. Friday, before hosting Vegreville at 7:30 p.m. Saturday and Killam at 2:30 p.m. Sunday.

Elsewhere, Wainwright visits Vegreville on Friday night. On Saturday night, Cold Lake hosts Vermilion, while Killam entertains St. Paul.

Fischer, Reschny among leaders at WHL Cup

JOHN MacNEIL SPORTS EDITOR

A pair of local hockey prospects are playing leading roles with their respective provincial teams in the U16 WHL Cup this week in Red Deer.

Tripp Fischer of Lloydminster is an assistant captain with Team Alberta, while Anderson Reschny of Macklin is the captain of Team Saskatchewan. The four-team Western Canadian championship tournament began Wednesday and runs through Sunday.

Reschny, a defenceman with the U18 AAA Saskatoon Blazers, is a prospect of the WHL’s Prince George Cougars, while Fischer is a forward with the U18 AAA Lloydminster Lancers and a prospect of the WHL’s Prince Albert Raiders.

After his pre-season ankle injury, Fischer returned to the Lancers’ lineup just last weekend. He assisted on a Dalin Hannah goal as the Lancers (1-4-1) lost 4-2 to the Calgary Royals (4-3-1). Josh Frazer, with his first of the season, scored the other Lloyd goal.

The Lancers went on to lose 8-2 to the Calgary Flames (6-0) on Sunday. Ty Domshy, with two points, and Rhett Romanchuk, on the power play, had the Lloydminster goals.

The Lancers host the St. Albert Raiders (3-1) at 1:15 p.m. Saturday at the Hub and visit the Fort Saskatchewan Rangers (5-2) at 3:45 p.m. Sunday.

Congratulations Lloydminster

The doors to the Cenovus Energy Hub have officially opened!

This marks an exciting new chapter for recreation, connection and community for the Lloydminster region –and we’re proud to be a part of it.

Thank you for your partnership.

Barons grab gold in tune-up for provincials

JOHN MacNEIL SPORTS EDITOR

Less than a month before they host the Saskatchewan high school girls’ 5A volleyball provincials, the Lloydminster Comprehensive Barons did a dry run of sorts last weekend and won their home tournament.

In an entertaining LCHS Baron Blast final Saturday, the host team came from behind to defeat the Swift Current Ardens, one of the teams expected to be back in Lloydminster for the Nov. 14-15 provincials.

Swift Current won the first set 27-25, before Lloyd Comp regrouped to win 25-22 and 15-7 and clinch its third tournament championship this season.

“I thought the girls played really well,” said Barons coach Ky Desaulniers.

“The difference with this team is that they’re super-consistent all the time. So, they kind of play to their level at all times, and it pays off in the tournaments.”

In five tournament appearances this season, Lloyd Comp’s golden hat trick has included championship performances at North Battleford

and Prince Albert’s St. Mary.

The Barons’ success is that much more of an achievement, considering the team’s roster includes just two Grade 12 students, Torren Wood and Chloe Minish.

“We’re actually a fairly young team,” said Desaulniers, in her fourth year as the Lloyd Comp head coach.

“We have lots of Grade 11s, and some 10s, and only two seniors this year, so I guess that would be called a younger team.”

Even within that framework, the Barons’ goals for the next month remain lofty. They’re enthused about not only hosting provincials, but also competing for a championship.

“We’re really excited to have the best teams in Saskatchewan come out, and I think that we’ll have a pretty strong performance there as well,” Desaulniers said.

“Swift Current is definitely one of those teams (likely bound for provincials).”

Although the Barons gain an automatic berth in the 10-team provincials as host of the Saskatchewan High Schools Athletic Association (SHSAA) championship, they’ll still compete

in regionals the previous weekend (Nov. 7-8) at Prince Albert, with the Carlton Crusaders as hosts.

“We’re still looking to win that, too, if we can,” said the LCHS coach.

In winning the Blast tournament on their home court, the Barons turned the table on Swift Current after losing to the Ardens in round-robin play.

“They beat us in two sets then, so it was exciting that we were able to battle back in our final to win,” Desaulniers replayed.

Lloyd Comp was well-represented in the Blast tournament. Along with the senior Barons, the school’s two junior varsity teams were also in the mix.

In other words, a lot of girls are playing volleyball at the Comp.

“Yes, it’s super-big right now,” the senior coach said. “We have a Grade 9 team, as well. They just weren’t there (on the weekend).

“We have four girls’ teams going this year. It’s a strong program right now.”

Along with Desaulniers, the senior Barons’ coaching staff includes assistants Chelsea Stewart and Doug Smith, formerly the long-serving coach of the LCHS senior boys’ team.

The Barons swing right back into action this weekend as the Holy Rosary Raiders host their senior tournament Friday and Saturday in Lloydminster (at Holy Rosary and St. Thomas).

In early October, the Barons’ senior boys’ team won its version of the Blast tournament at home. It was also the third tourney title this season for the LCHS boys, who captured the bronze medal in a Prince Albert event this past weekend.

The Lloydminster Comprehensive Barons won their senior high school girls’ volleyball tournament last Saturday, defeating the Swift Current Ardens 2-1 in the championship match. In the back row, from left, are assistant coach Doug Smith, Jasmine Kohlman, Chloe Minish, Katie Smith, Torren Wood, Mia McGuire, Eloise Benoit, head coach Ky Desaulniers and assistant coach Chelsea Stewart. In the front row, from left, are Paige Brown, Hailey Krankowsky, Halle Ducharme, Cameryn Larre, Dalyn Steinhauer and Adyson Krauss. John MacNeil Meridian Source photos

PAGE 21

Thursday, October 23, 2025

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PROMOTE YOUR MESSAGE THROUGHOUT Alberta. The Blanket Classifieds or Value Ads connect with more than 500,000 readers in the province each week. Choose from three packages beginning at $269, $299 or $599 to share your message in over 70 Weekly Community Newspapers. Contact THIS NEWSPAPER today or email classifieds@awna. com for more information. Call 1-800-282-6903 or 780-434-8746 or visit www.awna.com.

WHITE SPRUCE TREES:

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WANTED: Looking for 1970-1971 Barracudas and 1969-1970 Chargers, in any condition. Running or not. TOP PRICE PAID for 6-pack or Hemi car. Call 306-221-5908.

FIREARMS WANTED FOR OUR 2025 AUCTION PROGRAM: Firearms, Ammunition, Accessories, or Militaria. Collections, Estates or single items. For Auction, or Possible Purchase: Contact us: 1-800-694-2609, Email: sales@switzersauction.com or Visit us @ www. switzersauction.com for Auction Dates & Details.

SENIORS SPECIAL! 10% MORE ON ALL CASH PAYOUTS. SILVER Coins, Canadian Coins, GOLD coins, chains, rings...We buy them ALL! Silver flatware, tea sets, all things silver, Canadian Mint sets. We come to the privacy of your home, no fees! Call Joy or Ted 1-825-966-4373

PRIVATE MORTGAGE LENDER. All real estate types considered. No credit checks done. Deal direct with lender and get quick approval. 403-5430927; www.firstandsecondmortgages.ca.

BLANKET THE PROVINCE with a classified ad. Only $269/wk (based on 25 words or less). Reach 75 weekly newspapers. Call NOW for details. 1-800-2826903; www.awna. com; email classifieds@awna.com.

Private mortgage lender. All real estate types considered. No credit checks done. Deal direct with lender and get quick approval. (403) 543-0927 www. firstandsecondmortgages.ca

IN LOVING MEMORY OF BRINSON EARL

NOV. 7, 1917 – OCT. 26, 1980

The beauty of a memory… Is that it’s always there. Like a penny in your pocket, You can take it anywhere.

And when your heart is heavy, And your eyes are ﬁlled with tears, You can focus on a memory, And travel through the years.

Your heart can visit happy times, When laughter ﬁlled the air, And the presence of your loved one, Will lessen your despair.

NICHOLS) STEWART

Maxine Joan (Rollison, Nichols) Stewart of Lloydminster AB, passed away on September 21, 2025, In Edmonton AB, at the age of 80 years.

She is lovingly remembered and survived by her grandson, Cole Wiebe (Caroline); her son in law Lloyd Wiebe and daughter in law Anne (Ray) Pearson and family, her great grandchildren, Tyron, Hailey, Zack, Ryder, and Sheldon; and her great great-grandson,

Aspen. She is also survived by her brother, Darvin (Judy) Rollison, and family; her sister, Valorie Tetz (Larry Buskas), and family; stepbrother Gordon Olson and family, and stepsister Lorna (Sandy) Sprinkle and family. Maxine will be dearly missed by numerous other relatives and friends. She was predeceased by her ﬁrst husband, Gilbert Nichols; her second husband, Murray Stewart; her son, Ken Nichols; her daughter, Maureen Wiebe; and her grandson, Tyler Wiebe. She was also predeceased by her parents, Jim and Jennie Rollison; her stepmother, Betty (Olson) Rollison; her brother, Keith Rollison; and her stepbrother, Neil Olson. As per Maxine’s wishes, no formal service will be held. She will be laid to rest in Peace River, Alberta. Memorial donations may be made directly to the charity of one’s choice.

So, as you travel on in life, Take comforts as you go, In a lifetime of “sweet memories,” Of one who loved you so! Lovingly remembered by your daughters, Marty and Ida

Saulnier; son in law, Paul Kinaschuk; grandchildren, Edward Parenteau, Charlene (Shawn) Getzinger, John (Katherine) Kinaschuk, Daniel Kinaschuk; great grandchildren, Denym and Declyn Getzinger, William, Lily, Sarah

and Tess Kinaschuk; sisters, Selma Titley and Ruth Paprotka; brother, Byron Fester as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Frieda was predeceased by: her loving husband, Victor Parenteau; sons, Carl and Jacob Parenteau; daughter in law, Rita Parenteau; parents, Rudolf and Hedwig Fester; brothers, Fred, Helmut, Ervin and Robert Fester; sisters in law, Joy, Lois and Lenore Fester.

A celebration of life was held in Frenchman Butte, Sask. at River View Community Church at 2:00 P.M. on Sept. 4, 2025. Music selections were, “Softly And Tenderly”, “Safe In The Arms Of Jesus”, “The Old Rugged Cross”, and “Amazing Grace”. Interment at White Eagle Cemetery.

Frieda was a devoted follower of Christ and a faithful servant of the Lord. She served with a gentle strength and strong commitment.

She was born in Poland on

Sept. 16, 1926 and in 1929 her family moved to Canada. They homesteaded in the White Eagle district (Saskatchewan).

Frieda completed grades 1 to 9 at White Eagle School and grade 10 and part of grade 11 at Frenchman Butte School. After high school, she went in training as a practical nurse at the Sanatorium in St. Boniface, Manitoba as well as St. Rose Du Lac, Manitoba.

In 1948, mom (Frieda), married the love of her life, Victor Parenteau. They lived in the Frenchman Butte area where they farmed. Mom (Frieda) worked at the Paradise Hill Hospital until her children arrived. After her children left home she worked for Home Care for a few years.

Mom (Frieda) enjoyed spending time with Victor; trapping, ﬁshing and singing as well as, spending time with family, reading her Bible, playing scrabble, listening to Gospel music and watching Oiler games.

GRACE UNITED CHURCH

She will be lovingly remembered by her family for her jokes, laughter, wisdom, wit, toughness, love and kindness.

On Aug. 27, 2025 the Lord called her home because her work here on earth was done. Her faith in the Lord is found in these verses, Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways submit to Him and He will make your paths straight.” Also Psalms 37, 91 and 103.

October 9, 2025 at the age of 83 years.

Les is survived by: mother to his children, Pat Maurer; children, Dorothy Maurer and son, Justin Moylan; David

Les was predeceased by: his parents, Pete and Mary

and children, Harold Fleming, Earl Fleming and Samantha McCloud.

As per Les' wishes, a private family service will be held. Donations in memory of Les may be made to Canadian Cancer Society or donor's charity of choice. McCaw Funeral Service Ltd., of Lloydminster, Alberta administered the funeral arrangements.

Donations in memory of Frieda may be made to Riverview Community Church or Border City Connects. Marshall’s Funeral Home of St. Walburg, Saskatchewan administered the funeral arrangements.

Frieda’s family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Baiou and staff, Points West Living staff, Home Care staff, Palliative Care staff, Border City Connects staff for their dedication, compassion, kindness and support of mom during her stay at Points West Living.

MAY 24, 1924 – OCTOBER 24, 2000