T H E B AT T L E F O R D S
Regional
news-optimist
NE RYO
EVE
The
DS
NEE
rds o f e tl Bat 07
7
-6 5 4 4
06-
3
m
plu
.luk ww
m
.co
g bin
w
Serving the Battlefords since 1908
www.newsoptimist.ca
|
Thursday, December 6, 2018
|
Published every Thursday
BATTLEFORD
BATTLEFORD FURNITURE has over 3 Million Dollars of instock inventory ready for pick-up or delivery BEFORE CHRISTMAS!
FURNITURE
“Where the difference is worth the drive” “Where the difference is worth the drive”
Mobile mental health team could help de-escalate crisis situations
North Stars Assignment from the North Pole
Would respond to some RCMP calls By Josh Greschner Staff Reporter
Authorities are coming together in hopes of directing those in crisis situations away from jail and emergency rooms. PACT stands for Police and Crisis Team. The program, announced last
Sports Sharks celebrate Page 15
Friday by the SHA, RCMP and government officials, is to send mental health professionals, along with police, to respond to certain calls. The goal, according to SHA representatives, is to create “a mobile team that can de-escalate mental health crisis situations.” “We know that similar programs have helped reduced pressure on hospital emergency departments,” Vice-President Integrated
Northern Health Andrew McLetchie said, adding “these programs can help respond to those people when they’re most in need of it.” Logistically, Battlefords RCMP Sgt. (and PACT co-ordinator) Pernell St. Pierre said, police would attend and investigate a call. If a case is deemed to involve a mental health crisis, a PACT-team member would be called. Continued on Page 3
Whitstone inquiry’ ongoing Page 3 New CSOs for the area Page 5
RCMP Sgt. Pernell St. Pierre speaks about the PACT program introduced last Friday. RCMP will call PACT team members if they encounter people in mental health crisis situations, including theatening suicide. The two PACT team members who will work in the Battlefords have backgrounds in addictions and social work. Photo by Josh Greschner
BUY 3 or more BLINDS GET AN EXTRA 25% OFF EVERCRAFT
Garage In-A-Box Kit -20%
99 129
99
(1) (1) (1) (1) (1) (1) (1)
99
Jack Set of jack stands Creeper seat Knee pad Lug wrench Rubber wheel chock Pair of work gloves
306-446-2218
9805 Thatcher Ave North Battleford
‘Tis the season to count birds Staff
News
Region
North Stars Seth Summers and Austin Becker were on the gingerbread decorating team Sunday at the Festival of Trees Family Day. For more photos from the Festival of Trees see Page 17, or visit www.newsoptimist.ca for a photo gallery by Averil Hall.
Give your WINDOWS a NEW LOOK with one of our many BLIND STYLES
Dates: December 13 & 14, 2018 Level ‘A’ and Level ‘C’: $170 Call 306-937-5100 to register
www.northwestcollege.ca
Consultant by appointment
KNOW HOW
The Carpet People
306.445.1221
First Aid/CPR ‘C’ with AED This course offers an extensive selection of options and meets the Saskatchewan Occupation Health and Safety Regulations.
Kaila Owen Interior Design
ECF 776-1503 While quantities last.
Nature Saskatchewan asks: Did you know that 30 years ago Common Ravens were nonexistent in southern Saskatchewan and now they have been recorded in large numbers throughout the province? Information collected during the annual North American Christmas Bird Count is one way that helps track bird populations all over the globe, Nature Saskatchewan explains. This year the Saskatchewan Christmas Bird Count is from
Dec. 14 to Jan. 5. For more than 100 years, ordinary people have been counting birds over the Christmas season to determine changes in bird populations. Thousands of Christmas Bird Counts are conducted throughout North America each year and close to 100 counts are held in Saskatchewan annually. According to Allan Smith, Christmas Bird and Mammal Count Coordinator for Nature Saskatchewan, the knowledge obtained through Christmas Bird Counts is an
2741-99th Street North Battleford
NWC reserves the right to make any changes deemed necessary.
invaluable record showing population trends in birds. Smith says, “Every bird observation from any location in the province is valuable in determining population trends in bird species. You do not have to be an expert, simply record the birds at your feeder or around your home or farm and submit the information.” To find a Christmas Bird Count in your area contact Smith at alanrandi@sasktel.net, or contact the Nature Saskatchewan office at 1-800-667-4668 or www.naturesask.ca.
FREE FREE FURNACE FEBRUARY FURNACE
1 DAY INSTALL
CALL FOR DETAILS
FEBRUARY 306-481-HEAT
When we FINANCING install your new furnace from now untilAVAILABLE the end of February you will be entered into a draw to have your furnace purchase refunded!!! VisitVisit FurnaceAndWaterHeater.com for details FurnaceAndWaterHeater.com for details
306-481-HEAT
info@furnaceandwaterheater.com 802 - 105th St North Battleford