The Meridian Source looks back at events in January 2025.
Kiwanis Club honours retired Source staffer
Despite retiring at the end of 2024, former Meridian Source staffer Geoff Lee couldn’t keep his name out of print.
Lee received the Lloydminster Kiwanis Club’s Distinguished Service Award in early January for extensive club coverage during his time as a journalist in Lloydminster.
Kiwanis secretary Vera Gallant worked with Lee over the years telling service club success stories that lead to smiles.
“Geoff has been so awesome to the Kiwanis Club. He was all over the community and he’s done a lot, especially for us,” said Gallant on Jan. 7. “Whenever I called him, he was always available. It didn’t matter what he had on the go, he would manage to squeeze us in.”
For Lee, who jokingly told Meridian Source editor Taylor Weaver he had no recollection of working at the paper when asked for comment, the award was special.
“It felt pretty good, but I have to give credit to Vera. She was always alerting me of events they were having,” said Lee.
Fire Department receives safety award
Lloydminster Fire Rescue, previously known as the Lloydminster Fire Department, received an award recognizing 20 years of fire prevention and education in January.
The award highlighted the department’s ongoing efforts to promote awareness and reduce fire-related risks in the community.
A range of fire-safety programs have been developed by the department, including community presentations, school visits and fire station tours, library fire safety talks and routine inspections of homes and businesses.
“Many people think, ‘It will never happen to me,’ but emergencies can happen to anyone, anywhere, at any time,” said former assistant Fire Chief Kris Hill.
“That’s why we work so hard to promote simple but effective practices, like having working smoke alarms on every floor and creating exit plans for your family. These small actions save lives.”
Arrest made in triple murder
The Lloydminster RCMP held a news conference on Jan. 20 to announce an arrest in the murders of Brent, Matthew and Brennan Peters.
The father and two sons were murdered in their Lloydminster home in September 2024.
“Today, we are here to announce an individual has been arrested and charged with the murders of Brent, Matthew and Brennan Peters. On Jan. 18, the Alberta RCMP Major Crimes Unit charged Nakota Rayne Pooyak, aged 31, of the North Battleford district, with three counts of second-degree murder,” said Insp. Dean Riou, OIC North Operations Officer, K Division Serious Crimes Branch.
“Mr. Pooyak appeared this morning in Saskatchewan Provincial Court via video from the Saskatoon Correctional Centre and was remanded into custody.”
He also provided details about the police response.
“On Sept. 11, 2024, around 5:50 p.m., Lloydminster RCMP responded to a well-being check at a residence near 50 St. and 47 Ave. Inside, officers discovered Brent, Matthew and Brennan Peters deceased with apparent gunshot wounds.”
The Alberta RCMP Major Crimes Unit took over the investigation while working alongside the Lloydminster RCMP.
LPSD opens Pursuit School of Sport
The Lloydminster Public School Division (LPSD) was preparing to open The Pursuit School of Sport.
The new school will support elite and aspiring student-athletes. It officially opened in September at 4111-48 Ave. and serves students in grades 6 to 12.
“The Pursuit School of Sport represents an incredible opportunity for student-athletes in our region,” said Jason Neville, director of education for the LPSD. “This school is all about balance, supporting students in achieving academic success while providing the flexibility they need to excel in their sport. We proudly offer a school that celebrates student-athletes’ dedication,
discipline, and passion.”
The school offers flexible academic schedules, including face-to-face instruction, online learning and self-directed studies.
Library continues work to municipal status
The Lloydminster Public Library was continuing its efforts in becoming a municipal library in late January.
The City of Lloydminster approved the transition of the Lloydminster Public Library into a municipal library under the Saskatchewan Public Libraries Act.
The move followed the Government of Saskatchewan’s approval of a Minister’s Order, which officially removes the city’s Saskatchewan-side boundary from the Lakeland Library Region. At a regular council meeting on Jan. 20, council approved actions to advance the transition, which included amendments to the Lloydminster Charter.
“Ultimately, it’ll probably have limited effect on their day-to-day operations of their libraries, what it’ll change is the priorities of Lakeland Library Region and how they support the libraries still within that region. There would be a financial change to the region while our levy is no longer going into the region. They’re no longer spending resources on Lloydminster. I’m not really sure how that would affect them long- term,” said executive manager of community development services Tracy Simpson.
Etched in ink: Remembering Dalonna
It was an emotional day for the Jones family at Dark Hour Ink.
Dalonna Jones celebrated her 40th birthday in the ICU at the University of Alberta Hospital after suffering a medical episode in her home on Christmas Day of 2024. She was approved for organ donation on Jan. 3 after efforts to bring her back from a coma were unsuccessful.
It didn’t take long for the Lloydminster community to rally together in an effort to help the grieving family.
Desiree Cornet-Wile, co-owner of Dark Hour Ink, was ready to do what she could.
“All tattoos done today, the price point is between $100 and $200. All the proceeds are going to Dalonna’s family,” explained Cornet-Wile on Jan. 26, the day of the flash tattoo sale.
Dalonna’s sister, Jackie Jones, was on hand getting a tattoo to honour Dalonna.
“I’m getting a rose, in honour of my sister. So my niece and I are actually getting the same roses,” said Jackie.
She says she’s been taking it day by day but has seen the family come together through these difficult times.
The tattoos were designed in honour of the late Dalonna.
Lyle Jones, Dalonna’s dad, was also showing off some ink he had recently received for his family.
The Jones family, like dozens of others, were there getting tattoos in honour of Dalonna.
“Pretty special, a lot of us have never had one before. She liked tattoos, so we just figured we would do a tattoo in honour of her,” said Lyle.
He says the outpouring of support from the community has been amazing.
“Super, phenomenal, I didn’t realize how much the community would come together for something like this,” Lyle said.
Read more: LPSD reflects on year of growth, new programs in 2025
