Frustration boils over shelter location

It’s been five years in the making. Frustrations surrounding living conditions near the Lloydminster Men’s Shelter have recently boiled over.

Graeme Friesen has lived nearby since late 2006. He’s also the board president of the Glencoe Condominium Corporation. It’s a 64-unit condo complex within 500 meters of the shelter. He expressed many concerns to the Meridian Source after writing a letter opposing the new shelter
proposal.

“I have witnessed a drastic increase in property damage, theft, and violence in the area, particularly in the past five years,” said Friesen.

“My experience is consistent with research indicating a 56 per cent increase in property crime near (winter) shelters and with the experiences of the tenants of the 64 condo units I help oversee.”

Drug use, discarded needles, theft and trespassing are all significant concerns of the residents. The operation of the shelter effects those in north-east Lloydminster daily.

“Everyone I’ve asked about the matter who lives in this area (including myself) has been a victim of increased theft or vandalism,” said Friesen.

“Expensive tools have been stolen from vehicles. Bikes and propane have been stolen. Patio items have been abused, damaged, or taken.”

Hankinson happy to donate hair

Lloydminster’s Cody Hankinson is sporting much less hair after shaving his head to support local non-profits and the Angel Hair for Kids Foundation.

The 37-year-old integrity inspector at Cenovus raised just under $6,000 during the campaign. Every dollar donated by Cenovus employees was matched by the company through Cenovus Cares.

Monetary donations went to the Lloydminster Men’s Shelter and Lloydminster Interval Home Society, while the hair will be used for wigs for kids.

“Angel Hair for Kids … everyone knows someone who’s died from cancer. At least one. And if not directly, related to our family, right? And it’s just hair, man, it grows back,” said a freshly shaved Hankinson, who’s still sporting a beard.

“We measured the longest part today and we’re at 26 inches. The minimum length for donating is 12 inches. I’m happy with everything.”

Piano play graces Pioneer Lodge

The sounds of a piano could be heard at the Pioneer Lodge on Sept. 27.

As the residents of the lodge were enjoying lunch they were also treated to the sounds of a local piano player.

Russell Moncrieff, Lloydminster’s blue-collar council hopeful, was playing music from his phone for the seniors. When he realized they were enjoying it, he put out a call on the radio for someone to come and play.

After a short time, a local piano player was located and came in to perform over lunch.

“I was just working on my computer at home, and I got the call,” said piano player Carson Peters.

Peters, who was originally from Nielburg, has been playing the piano for over a decade.

“I’ve been playing piano since I was five years old, I’m 20 now,” he said.

Peters one day hopes to make a career out of writing music, and on Friday, played a wide array of songs.

“I was playing a variety, I played some hymns or church music, some video game music that I knew, some improvisation when I was trying to find the next song to play,” he explained.

Toy Run smashes record with $95K

The Bordertown HOGS raised $95,286.02 with this year’s toy run, eclipsing their previous record by over $20,000.

The main route, nearly 230 kilometres, ran through Alcurve, Marwayne, Dewberry and Islay before returning to Lloydminster.

The ride’s goal is to bring smiles to the kids’ faces through charity, said co-organizer Murray Getty. Their main four charities are Big Brothers Big Sisters Lloydminster, KidSport Lloydminster, the Lloydminster Community Youth Centre and Lloydminster Sexual Assault Services.

Read more: Charities share Christmas cheer