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Ice-covered horse rescued from creek near Cochin By Angela Brown SaskToday.ca
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Ends August 2025 Ends Jan 31,3, 2026
COCHIN–It took about a dozen people to rescue a black gelding who was in peril after falling through the ice at Lehman Creek near Cochin on Jan. 7. Leslie-Ann Smith was one of the people who first noticed the horse was in trouble near Murray Lake. She texted Cochin Mayor Mark Pattinson to alert him right away that morning. Smith said Pattinson joined the other area residents who tried to get the horse out of the water. “It was quite the endeavour for them to get him out. It’s a good thing that he had a harness on,” she said. “Tugging him by hu-
“Frosty” the horse was rescued from a creek near Cochin. | Photo submitted by Leslie-Ann Smith man force was not going to ropes and use a winch that water. And then he just laid get him out, so they end- was hooked onto his feet to there when he got to shore. ed up having to add more actually get him out of the He had no energy at all. He
must have been fighting. He had some cuts on his legs and under his hind leg, just from the ice, fighting to get out of there.” After the horse, called Frosty, was out of the water, he walked several blocks to reach the village maintenance shop. People then put a blanket over Frosty and gave him some hay and water to drink. Leslie-Ann and her husband Gerry then took the horse to Lakeland Veterinary Services in North Battleford. “His first four days at the vet have been complete pain management,” Leslie-Ann said. “Today [Jan. 12] is his last day for anti-inflammatories.” Continued on page 2
Skate Battlefords planning Star Skate Showcase event By Angela Brown SaskToday.ca
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NORTH BATTLEFORD– Skate Battlefords is gearing up to hold a fun event open to the public called Star Skate Showcase. The event will take place on Jan. 15 at 7 p.m. at the Access Communications Centre in North Battleford. “It’s like a competition simulation. They are going to see programs and demonstrations from our higher level Star Skaters,” said Hannah
McTaggart, president of Skate Battlefords. “So, starting right from our Star one, our beginning skaters, they will be doing some creative improv skating dances. Then, as they [skaters] move up in the levels, they [people] will be able to see demonstrations and programs from our Star Skaters all the way up through the highest levels.” The skaters will showcase their competition programs, dance demonstrations, and creative improv routines. Continued on page 2
Shown are skaters with Skate Battlefords. | Photo submitted by Hannah McTaggart
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The Battlefords, Thursday, January 15, 2026–Page 2
Operation Red Nose sees Poundmaker Cree Nation hosts winter storytelling event significant increase in rides in Battlefords By Angela Brown SaskToday.ca
BATTLEFORDS–Operation Red Nose had another successful year in the Battlefords, providing residents with safe rides home over the holiday season. Linda Coe Kirkham, Executive Director of Battlefords Concern for Youth, which spearheaded the campaign, said the event went well. “It was awesome,” she said. “We had a core group of 12 volunteers for a total of 12 nights providing rides.” The total number of rides was up in the Battlefords compared to the previous year. “There were some nights when we only had one or two calls but we also had nights where we just couldn’t keep up,” said Coe Kirkham. “We could have used more volunteers.” The volunteer-driven service provided a total of 160 rides. The previous year, in 2024, about 130 rides were given. The service ran from Nov. 28, 2025, to New Year’s Eve. “A number of people didn’t understand that they need-
Courtesy Operation Red Nose. ed to have a vehicle,” Coe Funds raised will benefit Kirkham added. “So we had Concern for Youth programseveral calls from people who ming. were out at a bar somewhere “It was really great,” Coe but they didn’t have a car. So, Kirkham said. “[A total of] we couldn’t just drive them 100 per cent of those dollars home. We don’t compete with stay in the community and the cab companies. If they support the purchase of food don’t have a car, they don’t for a snack program for the meet the criteria for Operation kids we work with, and art Red Nose.” supplies for programming.” The way the program Concern for Youth will lead works is that a volunteer driv- the local Operation Red Nose er and a volunteer navigator program for the next Christwill drive the client in the cli- mas and New Year’s season. ent’s vehicle home. Another “We’re absolutely on volunteer will follow in an board to do it again,” Coe escort vehicle to then drive Kirkham said. “We’ve althe volunteers back. ready been approached for Many people and business- next year [2026]. I think it’s es made donations to Opera- really picking up in terms of tion Red Nose for the service. local awareness.” “We more than met our She said she is thankful to target,” Coe Kirkham said. the volunteers and also the “Our target this year was five local dealerships that $10,000, and we exceeded provided escort vehicles for that by about $2,000. the service.
Send us your heartwarming stories We recently received a request from one of our readers telling us that she misses a column that used to run in the newspaper. As a result, we are starting a new column to celebrate positive stories.
We are happy to introduce “Good Folks Do Good Things” At the Regional News-Optimist, our very name reflects what we believe in: a community strengthened by hope, resilience, and connection. In a time when negativity can so easily dominate the conversation, we want to carve out a space dedicated to the moments that lift us up — and that’s why we’re encouraging readers to send in their positive notes to
“Good Folks Do Good Things” These small stories of kindness, accomplishment, and everyday joy remind us of who we are as a community. They highlight neighbours lending a hand, local successes worth celebrating, and simple moments that make life brighter in our small corner of the world. Let’s spread that energy — because good news travels far.
Please email your stories to
newsoptimist.admin@sasktel.net or drop off at 1162-98th Street.
Shown are Indigenous storytellers Charles Larrabee, left, and Sage Speidel at the event. | Photo submitted by Floyd Favel
By Angela Brown SaskToday.ca
POUNDMAKER CREE NATION — Poundmaker Cree Nation and the community came together recently for a winter storytelling event. The sessions took place from Dec. 15-20, 2025, at Poundmaker Museum and Gallery. “It’s an annual winter event,” said Floyd Favel, the event organizer, curator of the Poundmaker Museum and director of Sarasa and Miyawata Performance Labs. “It’s important because we need to bring worldview and Indigenous language to our young people and society in general in order to provide healing and positive reinforcement. Healing of mind, body and spirit from ongoing colonization and loss of culture.” Favel said Indigenous storytelling all originates in Indigenous culture.
“Winter storytelling is a series of stories that are all told through the winter months that impart Cree worldview and knowledge through language, myths and legends,” he said. Those who attended the event included students from Chief Poundmaker School and many local people. “The door was open to everybody,” Favel said. “All of our events are open to Indigenous and non-Indigenous people.” The event was meant to celebrate the Solstice. Favel said during Solstice, according to sacred myths, the sun is reborn over a four-day period and emerges renewed for another yearly cycle. “This time of rebirth is a sacred time within Cree tradition, and it also coincides with the Christmas season, which is also celebrated on the Poundmaker Cree Nation with community dinners, visiting, gift-giving and much hand-shaking and good spirit
amongst people,” Favel said. The storytellers who participated in the event included Arikara-Lakota Charles Larrabee, Cree-Dakota Sage Speidel, Sylix Mariel Belanger, Anishinabe Andrea Landry, Cree Ken Saddleback, Cree Crystal Wolfe and Alayna Tootoosis. The storytelling sessions also included two sessions on Plains Indian Sign Language, one of which was facilitated by Crystal Wolfe from Maskwacis First Nation. “Plains Indian Sign Language is the most efficient way to learn an Indigenous language. The same signs are used by many Indigenous Nations across Turtle Island,” Favel said. He noted having the storytelling event sessions in one’s own community is important as a demonstration of cultural sovereignty. “Our worldview and language is an expression unique to the world,” Favel said.
south of Battleford, where she has eight other horses. She is also trying to find the family that owned the horse. “We’re still looking to see if there’s family,” she said. In the meantime, Smith will be taking care of him. “We’re going to make sure he gets the best care that he needs to rehabilitate,” she said. Smith is thankful to the people who came together to rescue Frosty.
“The people that pulled him out saved his life,” she said. “That’s for sure... It’s just a really heartfelt story that makes everybody feel good. It just shows how community and individuals could come together to make something better. By coming together, they saved the horse’s life. Had they not intervened, the horse would never have got out of the creek on its own, and it probably would have died of exhaustion at some point.”
Ice-covered horse rescued from creek near Cochin Continued from page 1 Smith said the vet noted the horse had a very high heart rate and high respiratory rate when he was first brought in, for the first two days. “That was probably to deal with the anxiety and the pain he was going through,” she said. “His heart rate is pretty much back down to normal now, and his respiratory rate.” Smith next plans to take the horse back to her farm
Skate Battlefords planning Star Skate Showcase event Continued from page 1 The event is all free to attend. A silver collection will be taken at the door to benefit a local charity. About 25 skaters are expected to take part, ranging in age from nine years old to about 17 years of age.
McTaggart said the event will be a good opportunity for the public to discover more about Skate Battlefords. “They’ll learn about Skate Battlefords, about our programs, and really get a taste of some of the amazing things our skaters can do,” she said.
McTaggart said it is also a chance for the skaters to showcase their skills in front of an audience. “It’s a competition simulation, so it helps the skaters enhance their skills but also prepare for the upcoming season,” she said.
Regional News-Optimist
Page 3–The Battlefords, Thursday, January 15, 2026
Ribbon Skirt & Ribbon Shirt Fashion Showcase A decorated vest worn over a ribbon shirt set off this combination.
Senator Spyglass and her great granddaughter wear some of the ribbon skirt and shirt fashions of the night.
Chief Tanya Stone and a toddler highlight some of the fashions from the evening.
A fire to warm up by after enjoying the outdoor skating rink and tobogganing hill. Fireworks were held later in the evening after the ribbon skirt and shirt showcase. Mosquito Grizzly Bear’s Head Lean Man First Nation held the event at the Interpretive Centre at The Ridge on January 19. Photos by Averil Hall/Freelance Reporter & Photographer
Regional News-Optimist
The Battlefords, Thursday, January 15, 2026–Page 4
Share your view! Phone: 306-445-7261 Fax: 306-445-3223 Email: newsoptimist.news@sasktel.net
Letter to the Editor
A renewed vision for the Dekker Centre? Dear Editor, Over a decade ago, Mayor Ian Hamilton spearheaded the ambitious, 2012 opening of the $59 million Dekker Centre for the Performing Arts, Northland Power Curling Centre, NATIONSWEST Field House, and the Battlefords CO-OP Aquatic Centre. This was the largest ever public building development in the history of the Battlefords. The Dekker Centre and all these public facilities are bright spots here in the Battlefords. But is it time to reconsider the functioning of the Dekker Centre and how it could be better aligned with its role as a public performing arts facility, constructed with public funds? 2026 is the time to open up the Dekker Centre stage to more community theatre and local musical acts, including the Battlefords Community Players, high school performing arts and theatre programs, dance, music, and other local groups that would benefit from the use of the Dekker Centre to foster culture and share the performing arts with the people of the Battlefords. It is time for some creativity in our community’s vision for this shared, public, facility. This change in approach would require the Dekker Centre to revisit its governance policies and create and strengthen specific new policies recognizing the Dekker Centre’s role as a taxpayer-funded, public building. The Dekker Centre was built through a combination of federal and provincial government funding, along with other tax-
payer-funding and subsidy from the citizens of the Battlefords. It is odd that there seems to be little interest in capturing ongoing funding from organizations like Sask Arts and the Canada Council for the Arts to incubate and mentor local talent at this facility. This approach could contribute to the growth of local programming by supplementing the budget of the Dekker Centre along with its existing rental and performance revenue streams. For example, the Dekker Centre appears to employ a “Private and Corporate Rental Coordinator,” but not a fundraising / artistic director focusing on artistic programming and developing grants. This position should be immediately restructured or split into two part-time positions doing both rental coordination and grant-finding/artistic functions. While we understand that the city government is likely not interested in excessively subsidizing the Dekker Centre, the focus from the facility’s opening seems to have been on how to run the taxpayer-built Dekker Centre as a money-making conference or banquet room rental centre rather than a public theatre or an artistic non-profit that could foster, promote, and grow the performing arts in the Battlefords. The governance of the Dekker Centre needs to be revisited– and if appropriate, completely overhauled. The new approach should seek artistic grant funding opportunities rather than prioritizing renting out space in this $15 million+ facility to break even.
Looking at the website for the Dekker Centre, it appears that there are a small handful of shows each month. These are usually not performances requiring extensive set installation, nor complicated light and sound setup, but usually musical and comedy acts that arrive, do a sound check or rehearsal, perform, and then leave. While the work of the dedicated staff at the Dekker Centre is appreciated in bringing these performers here to the Battlefords, I would estimate that the Dekker Centre Gordon Tootoosis stage has sat empty for the vast majority of nights in its thirteen-year existence. In our long winters, it would be great to see the Dekker Centre open three or four evenings a week, with performances, rehearsals, and other activities for the people of the Battlefords. Why not open up the stage and this often empty public facility to more community theatre programming, schools, musicians, dance, and other performing arts purposes such as our summer festivals like Taste of Culture, Battlefords Pride, and other celebrations that include performances? Professional theatre and arts programming must keep running to contribute a revenue stream to the Dekker Centre’s operations. As a reasonable start, a policy could be implemented stating that 20% of this public facility’s usage could go to community programming purposes, with the aim of free or lower-cost usage to non-profit, community, and youth groups.
Additionally, it would be good to see a plan for this publicly-funded, multi-million-dollar building to bring the performing arts to more people who have lower incomes in the Battlefords. Tickets usually run $45+ for a seat. This is broadly inaccessible to most people in the Battlefords. Free nights or reduced admission for some groups aside from a small existing discount for “students” would be a welcome start. As an example, many theatres and performing arts centres across Canada have implemented a reduced fee for Indigenous patrons, such as the National Arts Centre, which charges a $15 ticket fee under its “All My Relations” program for most events. A goal of one free event per month would also be a welcome addition to the calendar that would introduce more people in the Battlefords to the performing arts, give local acts a chance to perform, and increase community buy-in for the Dekker Centre. There are many Indigenous performing arts groups such as the Gordon Tootoosis Nīkānīwin Theatre in Saskatoon, Indigenous comedians, and Indigenous musicians that would be excellent additions to the schedule at the Dekker Centre. While the Dekker Centre has thankfully worked to include Indigenous acts in their schedule, increasing Indigenous performances even more would be a great way to showcase talent that comes from communities around the Battlefords as well. It would be wonderful to see the growth of
a local Indigenous youth theatre troupe or acting company that could use the Dekker Centre as a home for an annual or twice annual production and there are certainly grant-funding opportunities from the Canada Council for the Arts and other organizations that would support such initiatives. Put simply, creating more community around the Dekker Centre would mean that local performers, their families, and friends would be more likely to donate to the Dekker Centre, attend paid shows, and become more involved with the Dekker Centre. This is what public facilities should do–build community spaces that welcome all people and contribute to the shared quality of life and sense of cohesion in a community. Aside from better using this $15 million+ building, this approach would allow the Dekker Centre to build a stronger sense of community around it for performers in the Battlefords. Although staging performers from outside of the community is always welcome, the Dekker Centre should work to reconfigure its approach. It should become a place that homegrown actors, dancers, musicians, and other performers can call home. We urge the Board of the Dekker Centre and North Battleford City Council to consider restructuring the governance for the Dekker Centre and fundamentally renewing the vision for this facility in 2026. James Lafontaine North Battleford
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Page 5–The Battlefords, Thursday, January 15, 2026
By-election candidate Suberlak has experience working for city By Angela Brown SaskToday.ca
NORTH BATTLEFORD — A former City of North Battleford employee has decided to throw his hat into the ring as a candidate for the North Battleford by-election. Daniel Suberlak joins four other hopefuls vying for the seat left vacant when former councillor Ross MacAngus resigned. He has been a North Battleford resident all his life. Suberlak, who is a Knights of Columbus member, previously sought a seat on council in 2024. For his ca-
reer, he worked for the City of North Battleford for 32 years before retiring. If elected, Suberlak said he would make sure taxes don’t go up too much. “[I’d focus on] keeping taxes in line and making sure that we’re not losing any services,” he said. “North Battleford has a very aging infrastructure and they will be facing some pretty high expenses to maintain it. I think I have the experience from working with the city to know how we can get things fixed without having to raise taxes significantly. “Over the time that I’ve
worked for the city, for 32 years, I’ve seen many services that were provided that are no longer available to residents, and it’s kind of disappointing,” Suberlak added. “I think my experience can help make decisions that can keep North Battleford a better place.” Over the years, he has worked as a plant operator for the wastewater treatment plant, an arena operator, a labourer for the parks department and a serviceman for the public works department. Suberlak said he would like to see improvements made to parks and to road
conditions in North Battleford if he were to be elected. He believes people should vote for him due to his experience working for the city. “My biggest asset is my years of experience working for the city,” Suberlak said. “I’ve seen how the city operates on a ground level, and I think that’s a perspective I could bring to council in helping to make decisions.” Suberlak joins candidates Gail Feser, Mercy George, Donald Meriam and Alan Wiese in seeking a seat on council. The by-election is scheduled for Jan. 21.
Candidate Daniel Suberlak. | Photo submitted by Daniel Suberlak
Meriam aims to bring a young voice to the table if elected By Angela Brown SaskToday.ca
NORTH BATTLEFORD — A candidate vying for the vacant seat on council in the North Battleford by-election hopes to bring a fresh, young voice to city council if elected. Donald Meriam joins four other candidates in the Jan. 21 by-election. Meriam, 25, is an Indigenous two-spirited individual who has called North Battleford his home all his life. He previously sought a seat on council in the 2024 election. “I’m running for city council because I genuinely care about North Battleford and the people that live here,” Meriam said. “Over the years, I’ve learned that real
change starts with listening, and our community deserves leadership that’s accessible, present and engaged. I want to make sure our residents feel heard. I want to be the kind of councillor who doesn’t disappear between elections. The city has challenges, but we also have incredible potential. I’m running to help [bridge] those gaps and move us forward.” He said young people deserve a seat at the council table. “I think it’s very important as a city to have a young city councillor,” Meriam said. “Our youth deserve safe spaces to share ideas, learn and help shape the future of our city. Our young voices matter, and involving them early builds lifelong civic engagement. It’s important to have our youth at the table.”
If elected, he said he would be a full-time councillor committed to serving the community. Meriam has been an active member of the community over the years. He was honoured with a Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal in 2023 for his contributions to volunteerism. Meriam is also a youth advocate for UNICEF Canada and a youth ambassador for the Downie and Wenjack Fund. He spearheaded an initiative called the Meriam Beautification Project, a community-driven effort to enhance public spaces in North Battleford. If elected, Meriam said he wants to ensure residents receive regular updates about city council decisions and municipal politics.
He would also support further development in the Yellow Sky neighbourhood, including land in the Dekker Centre area. Meriam said he would work to expand partnerships with area First Nations. On the economic front, his focus is on sustainable growth that benefits the entire region. When it comes to community safety, Meriam said trust and visibility matter. He wants to strengthen relationships between residents, the RCMP, Citizens on Patrol and community safety officers, focusing on proactive engagement rather than reactive responses. On why people should vote for him, Meriam said he would be fully committed to the role. “I want to be part of building a deeper, stronger and more inclu-
Advance polls announced for North Battleford by-election By Angela Brown SaskToday.ca
NORTH BATTLEFORD — Advance polls have been announced for the City of North Battleford by-election to fill the vacant councillor seat. The first advance poll took place Jan. 14, and the second will run Jan. 17 from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. The by-election day poll will be held Jan. 21 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. All polls will be located at the Chapel Gallery. All voters must show one piece of identification at the polls. People must be 18 years of age or older as of Jan. 21, to be eligible to vote. Voters must also be Canadian citizens, have resided in Saskatchewan for at
North Battleford city hall. | Photo by Angela Brown least six months prior to the igible to vote. by-election date, and have The by-election ballots been residents of North will be counted by hand Battleford for at least three rather than by electronic consecutive months prior to voting machine, the city said the by-election date. in its news release. People who have owned “With respect to the assessable land as individ- by-election, we anticipate uals for at least three con- given that there’s only one secutive months prior to the seat and the five candidates, by-election date are also el- and everybody will just vote
for the one candidate of their choosing, we anticipate that there will be a lot less votes cast for that,” said Candace Toma, the city’s public and intergovernmental relations co-ordinator. “Just because the quantity and sheer volume of voters is not expected. We would love to see a huge voter turnout, but the reality is with by-elections, it’s not typically a huge voter turnout... So for a cost-saving measure for the city, we’re doing a manual count this time around.” It is expected the counting process will take between 1.5 and two hours after the polls close at 8 p.m. on Jan. 21. The results of the by-election will be announced once the successful candidate has been declared.
Candidate Donald Meriam. | Photo submitted by Donald Meriam sive North Battleford,” he said. “I want people to know that this is going to be a full-time commitment. Leadership is about showing up consistently, not just when there’s a meeting.”
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The Battlefords, Thursday, January 15, 2026–Page 6
North Battleford business owner Mercy George seeks council seat By Angela Brown SaskToday.ca
NORTH BATTLEFORD — A North Battleford business owner is among the candidates running in the City of North Battleford’s upcoming councillor by-election. Mercy George is one of five people vying for the seat that was left vacant when former councillor Ross MacAngus resigned. She previously ran for a seat on council in the 2024 election. George is a long-time resident
of North Battleford, having lived in the city for more than 20 years. She decided to run because she said she has a strong desire to serve. “God has blessed my family, and I believe it is important to give back,” she said in an email to SaskToday. “North Battleford welcomed us and truly became our home. I want to serve the community that gave us that opportunity.” George has owned and operated Dejma’s Curry House in North Battleford for the past eight years. She is also active in the commu-
nity with various initiatives. “I am an active member of a local church and do volunteer services for the SHA [Saskatchewan Health Authority],” George said. Through her restaurant over the years, she has fundraised for the North Battleford emergency shelter, the Battlefords District Food and Resource Centre food bank, and the Battlefords Union Hospital (BUH) Foundation. “If elected, I will work together with the existing council to support the continued betterment of
our city,” George said. She hopes people will vote for her because she says she has a good understanding of the needs of North Battleford. “I am a long-time resident who understands our community and has witnessed its growth over the years,” George said. “I have been actively involved in the community and believe I have a clear understanding of what is needed to strengthen it.” The by-election takes place on Jan. 21.
Candidate Mercy George. | Photo submitted by Mercy George.
Relationship building part of candidate Feser’s focus if elected By Angela Brown SaskToday.ca
NORTH BATTLEFORD — A woman who has spent many years working for the RCMP is one of the hopefuls running for a seat on council in the upcoming City of North Battleford byelection. Gail Feser is one of five candidates vying for the seat left vacant following former councillor Ross MacAngus’ departure. From North Battleford, Feser said this is her first time seeking election. She said she decided to run because she is passionate about the community. “I care about the Battle-
Candidate Gail Feser. | Photo submitted by Gail Feser fords,” Feser said. “I believe munity. I’m proud of what it is a beautiful place to live the mayor and council of and raise children. I’m very the City of North Battleford passionate about the com- have accomplished to date. I’m hopeful that by voting
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for me, I can continue and help grow forward this movement. I know I have much to give back to the City of North Battleford.” She said she wants to be part of the city’s ongoing progress. “I believe that we’ve been progressing with the whole city,” Feser said. “We’ve been making so many changes that you see out there. I just think that I want to be part of the team.” Feser is retired from the RCMP after 30 years of service, where she worked as an office manager. She currently works part time for the provincial government and is also a marriage commissioner. She has also been active
over the years in volunteer work, including involvement with Rotary and the Saskatchewan Winter Games, and helping raise money for diabetes, cancer research, and heart and stroke causes. Feser believes her experience with the RCMP would provide valuable insight if she is elected. “Because I’ve worked with the RCMP for 30 years, I have a unique perspective on the crime happening in North Battleford,” she said. “I believe I could continue a relationship of the various policing entities that will be serving here in North Battleford. [We] have the CSOs [Community Safety Officers], the [Saskatchewan]
Marshals, and the RCMP, so I just want to help build that relationship.” Feser also said she wants to revitalize North Battleford by addressing dilapidated business buildings and unlivable residences, while serving as a strong voice for residents and businesses. “I believe that the citizens of North Battleford and the businesses of North Battleford have to have a voice that gets heard and their concerns addressed,” she said. “So, I strongly believe in listening and finding solutions by working together.” The North Battleford byelection is scheduled for Jan. 21.
Regional News-Optimist
Page 7–The Battlefords, Thursday, January 15, 2026
Battlefords Area Pride to host new Queer Coffee Connection By Angela Brown SaskToday.ca
BATTLEFORDS — Battlefords Area Pride is starting the new year with a new coffee meet-up called Queer Coffee Connection. The event will run on the third Sunday of every month, offering an opportunity for local 2SLGBTQI+ people and allies to get together and socialize. The first meeting will take place at Starbucks in North Battleford on Jan. 18 at 1 p.m. “Battlefords Area Pride has talked about starting a coffee social for some time, so are excited to start one,” said Battlefords Area Pride member Kelly Waters in an email to SaskToday. “Several other Pride groups in
the province host them, so we are joining in the idea.” She said it will be an “informal opportunity for local queer folk and allies to connect and get to know each other.” “Our hope is to host them once a month, the third Sunday of every month, in various locations so as to support a variety of businesses in the Battlefords,” Waters said. Battlefords Area Pride president Bobbisue Thompson said the 2SLGBTQI+ community needs consistent opportunities for connection and support. “We’ve been trying to get people together for this for a while here now,” she said. “We just finally got enough volunteers to organize it.” Ty p i c a l l y, the
2SLGBTQI+ community gathers mainly during Pride Week in the summer and on Transgender Day of Remembrance, so the coffee socials will offer a chance to connect throughout the year. Thompson said there will be no formal agenda for the coffee club, allowing people to talk about whatever interests them. “It gives you [some place] to go and meet like-minded people,” she said. Thompson said she is excited about the Queer Coffee Connection and hopes it becomes popular and sparks new friendships. “It’s a small community, so it’s a good way to get people to know there’s support there,” she said. “So people don’t feel like they’re alone.”
Photo by Nathan Dumlao on Unsplash
Empty Stocking Fund gets boost from ACT
THE NORTH SOUND January 24 at 7:30 PM
Gordon Tootoosis Theatre The Associated Canadian Travellers (ACT) donated $2,000 to the Battlefords District Food and Resource Centre Empty Stocking Fund on Dec. 17, 2025. Shown are, left to right: Don Christopher, Clayton Campbell, of the ACT, Fatima Canoy (manager, Battlefords District Food and Resource Centre), and Don Dament, Glen Hunter and Terry Mitchell, of the ACT. | Photo submitted by the Associated Canadian Travellers (ACT).
Nature is awesome
Moose are now common throughout the prairies. These moose were near Leader, Saskatchewan. | Text and photo by Jim McLane.
Standard: $45.00*
Student: $38.25* + service fees and taxes Forged in Treaty 7 Territory, The North Sound is the dynamic duo of Forrest and Nevada Eaglespeaker. Blending indie folk, roots, and alt-country into a vibrant pop-Americana sound, they bring raw and hone: stories of love, family, and resilience to life. Joined by a full band, their soaring harmonies and deeply personal lyrics explore themes of intergenerational trauma, recovery, and redemption-while crafting unforgettable melodies that invite you to sing along. For Tickets: 306-445-7700 www.dekkercentre.com
WE CAN HELP YOU HEAR THE WORLD #2 11204 Railway Ave East (306) 445-5700
Regional News-Optimist
The Battlefords, Thursday, January 15, 2026–Page 8
'911, what is your ‘real’ emergency?' SaskToday.ca REGINA — Saskatchewan RCMP Operational Communication Centre employees provide a critical service within the RCMP by supporting both public and officer safety. In 2025, calls ranged from misdials and false alarms to serious incidents regarding matters of public safety. “We release our annual list to remind people that misusing 911 can delay emergency responders from reaching someone in a life-threatening situation,” says Jocelyn James, manager of the Saskatchewan RCMP OCC. “Saskatchewan RCMP 911 call-takers and dispatchers answered 422,378 calls this year – an increase of 15 per cent compared to 2024. Every moment that we’re spending speaking with someone who is complaining about their family
member’s loud snoring is a moment that could have been used helping someone in a serious emergency.” Here are the top 10 calls that "missed the mark" in 2025: 10. End of the roll: A frustrated individual called to complain that they were out of toilet paper. 9. Rocky road: 911 dispatchers received a call from an individual who was upset because they had to drive their expensive vehicle through a construction zone. 8. Are you there? A caller advised that they called 911 because the TV show they were watching inadvertently triggered their phone to place the call. 7. This isn’t an aisle: An individual called to complain that someone left a shopping cart in their driveway. 6. Where to next: A frustrated individual called looking for a phone number for
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a taxi service. 5. Don’t get into a spin: 911 dispatchers received a call from a concerned individual about their neighbours not following the rules of laundry day. 4. Order up: An individual called to complain that a restaurant was taking too long to make their lunch. 3. Zzzzzzs: 911 dispatchers received a call from an individual because their family member’s loud snoring was keeping them awake. 2. How dare you: A frustrated individual called because their friend cooked their pork chop without permission. 1. Can you send a pin? 911 dispatchers received a call from an individual saying they had lost their phone and were wondering if an officer could give the phone a call so they could hear it. (Read that again…)
After overturned conviction, man pleads guilty to attempted murder
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By Lisa Joy
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SaskToday.ca
My friend was showing me his tool shed and pointed to a ladder. “That’s my atthe theDrive-In? Drive-In? at stepladder” He said. He went went tosee see “Closed ForThe TheWinter.” Winter.” He to “Closed “I never knew my For real ladder.”
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“We release our annual list to remind people that misusing 911 can delay emergency responders from reaching someone in a life-threatening situation,” says Jocelyn James, manager of the Saskatchewan RCMP OCC. | Photo courtesy Saskatchewan RCMP Please remember: whether emergencies and crimes in chance of preventing someyou’re out of toilet paper, progress. one with a life-threatening upset about your late lunch Saskatchewan RCMP emergency from getting or you’ve lost your phone, would like to remind the help, there is also a sumthese are not reasons to call public that there are ramifi- mary offence charge under 911. Doing so must be re- cations for those who mis- the Emergency 911 Systems served for life-threatening use 911. Not only is there a Act with fines up to $2,000.
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SASKATOON — Cory Smockum pleaded guilty on Jan. 6 in Saskatoon Court of King's Bench to attempted murder, nearly two years after the province’s highest court threw out his original conviction. Smockum was convicted by a jury in 2020, declared a dangerous offender in 2022, and then granted a new trial in 2024 after a successful appeal The case stems from a brutal 2018 attack in Hanley where Smockum was accused of attacking and sexually assaulting his ex-girlfriend in a garage following a quad rally. A jury convicted him of attempted murder but couldn’t reach a verdict on charges of aggravated sexual assault and choking to overcome resistance, resulting in a mistrial on those counts. In 2022, following the dangerous offender hearing, a judge imposed an indeterminate prison sentence,
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The garage in Hanley where Cory Smockum assaulted a woman in October 2018. | Court Exhibit deeming Smockum a continued threat to public safety. That designation unravelled in 2024, when the Saskatchewan Court of Appeal overturned the attempted murder conviction. Defence lawyer Brian Pfefferle argued the original trial was unfair, alleging improper cross-examination by the Crown that prejudiced the jury. The Saskatchewan Court of Appeal didn’t find the cross-examination traversed the line amounting to a miscarriage of justice, but when the overall effect of A 2013 Twitter photo of Cory Smockum. | Twitter this cross-examination was to silence with the police, a new trial. The Crown could taken together with errors the reliance on his medical have pursued a new trial, but of law, the court concluded records, for which they were Tuesday’s guilty plea to the that a miscarriage of justice not properly admissible, and single count of attempted occurred. The appeal court the elicitation of bad charac- murder ends the case after ruled that also relevant to the ter evidence. almost six years. conclusion that a miscarriage Following the appeal A sentencing date will be of justice took place, was the court’s decision, Smockum set in Saskatoon Court of breach of Smockum’s right remained in custody awaiting King’s Bench.
Regional News-Optimist
Page 9–The Battlefords, Thursday, January 15, 2026
Town of Outlook aiming for Kraft Hockeyville contest entryway
Photo by Derek Ruttle
By Derek Ruttle SaskToday.ca
OUTLOOK — The Town of Outlook, with its own deep and rich history of hockey dating back generation after generation, is trying its hand at becoming the next community to be known as Hockeyville. The annual contest, put on by Kraft, sees communities across the country stake their claim to be named the next town or village to earn the title by gathering as many online votes as possible for their
rinks and arenas over a period of just over 24 hours — provided they make it through Kraft’s nomination and judging process to reach that stage. The contest is currently in its nomination and rally phase, which sees community leaders urging residents to submit as many stories and photos as possible to boost their scores. A rink’s overall score is determined by two main categories, with the nomination story accounting for 80 per cent of the total score and the remaining 20 per cent coming
from a community’s total rally points. The prizes for winning the contest, which brings communities together from across Canada, include a grand prize of $250,000 in arena upgrades for the winning community, along with the opportunity to host an NHL pre-season game at the local rink. Additional prizes include arena upgrade packages valued at $100,000 and $50,000. Those interested in supporting Outlook and the Jim Kook Rec Plex in its Hockeyville bid can click here.
Barn Quilts By Lorraine Voegeli Battlefords Art Club
Recently we were fortunate to have an opportunity to take part in a barn quilt painting session organized by Rivers West. The art of barn quilts has added to the fabric of rural charm adorning many yards, barns and even homes. This is an art form that marries the geometric precision of quilting and requires an artistic vision and meticulous hand. Historically, they were often used to celebrate local heritage traced back to central Europe nearly 300 hundred years ago. Some believe that they were used as secret codes to guide escaping slaves along the underground railway. We were each given treated prepared plywood, use of exterior paints and brushes, a great many ideas, assistance, etc. It was an adventure marked by careful planning, precise measurement and dedicated painting, culminating in a stunning display. If you are I treated in learning about some of our many varied paining adventures, please contact battlefordsartclub@gmail. com
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Regional News-Optimist
The Battlefords, Thursday, January 15, 2026–Page 10
Multiple Unity businesses hit in string of break-and-enters By Azure McGonigle SaskToday.ca
UNITY — Word got around fast in Unity on Jan. 8 that multiple businesses and public spaces were the latest victims of breaking and entering, and the Unity RCMP are investigating. Ma & Me Bakery owner, Jennifer Belcher, was one of the first businesses to announce the burglary on social media and to inform early morning customers that the bakery would not be open until later in the day. After business hours were over, River Valley Eye Care also shared on social media how grateful they were for the support from the local RCMP and the overall community. “Grateful today for the Unity RCMP and the small community of Unity that has embraced Dr. L, myself and our staff. We had a minor disruption to our business this morning, along with a few of our fellow Unity business owners, and we are grateful that no one was hurt. But disappointed in the individual(s) who have chosen to break the circle of trust within this quaint community,” said the
Ma & Me Bakery in Unity was one of the latest victims of multiple break-and-enters on Jan. 8. | Tim Holtorf company in an online post. to see if our rash of break-ins There has been speculation Sgt. Christopher Neufeld is connected to those in other that the recent break-ins may of the Unity RCMP spoke areas.” be linked to other break-ins with SaskToday about the As the detachment con- from last month, when the break-ins. tinues its investigation, the St. Peter’s Roman Catholic “With all of the break-ins Unity RCMP would like to Church and the Unity Legion that occurred overnight, in ask Unity residents to check Hall were also broken into. the early morning hours of their video camera footage Neufeld did share that there Jan. 8, it appears that the between the hours of 12 a.m. are a lot of similarities besuspect is the same based on and 3 a.m. on Jan. 8 for any tween the cases, and there’s a the video surveillance and suspicious activity. chance it is the same person. M.O. [method of operation] “We are specifically lookThe Unity RCMP have of the suspect, and he likely ing for footage of an individ- suggested that homeowners acted alone. Although the in- ual in a dark jacket/sweater and business owners alike vestigation is in its infancy, and blue jeans. We are also take the following precauwe will be working with our interested in any vehicle that tions to avoid any future neighbouring detachments the individual would be asso- break-ins: and the Serious Crime Unit ciated with,” added Neufeld. • Keep your property well-lit
The suspect is described as having a large build, wearing a black jacket, blue jeans, black shoes, and a black face covering. RCMP believe he was walking through the town with a crowbar. Saskatchewan RCMP (our suspect was seen hid- • Try not to leave cash in ing in dark places waiting your business – (some cash for traffic to go by) was lost in the break-ins • Invest in a good quality overnight; however, the camera – consider one that businesses did well not sends alerts, and that can having too much cash on be accessed and viewed the premises) remotely If you have any informa• Invest in quality locks tion regarding any of the – and consider multiple break-ins or have video surlocks (such as a reinforced veillance you would like to deadbolt lock in addition to share with the Unity RCMP, the latch lock on exterior please contact them at 306doors) 228-6300.
Wor hip Together Worship Toge her Sp pen some quality family time together Spend together.. Worship at the church of your choice. Our community has a number of churches and a variety of denominations for you & your family.
ANGLICAN PARISH
1702 - 106ththe Street, North Battleford Contact News-Optimist to
Come Join Us Sundays at 11:00 am have your church included. Loving God 306-445-7261 Growing Together Serving Others adtakers@png.glaciermedia.ca Phone Church: 306-445-4818 Email: tbcnb@sasktel.net www.trinitybaptistchurch.ca 1702 - 106th Street, North Battleford
Come Join Us Sundays at 11:00 am Loving God Growing Together Serving Others Phone Church: 306-445-4818 Email: tbcnb@sasktel.net www.trinitybaptistchurch.ca
Battleford United Church 52 - 4th Avenue West Battleford, SK
306-937-3177 Worship Leader: Heather MacKinnon
SUNDAY SERVICES 11:00 a.m.
Third Avenue United Church Rev. Jo-Ann Hills
Sunday Worship Services at 10:45 am
306-445-8171 Live Streaming Available at www.thirdavenueunitedchurchnb.ca Email: thirdaveunited@sasktel.net
Everyone Welcome
Rev. Trevor Malyon Rev. Jan Trost
LIVING FAITH Sunday Services 10:30 am CHAPEL 1372 102nd St 306-445-3009
Various Weekly Programs Pastor Casey Sitter www.livingfaithchapel.ca
Ukrainian Catholic Parish of All Saints 902 - 108th Street, North Battleford
Divine Liturgy: Sundays at 10:30 a.m. Pastor: Rev. Leonid Malkov Office: 1-306-343-6516
Notre Dame de Lourdes Church
12th Ave. & 104th Street, North Battleford, SK S9A 1S8 PASTOR: Rev. Father Millan Sajonas Office: 306-445-3836 Mass Times: Saturdays: 7:00 pm Sundays: 11:00 am & 5:00 pm (except July & August) Sundays: 9:30 am St. André’s Church E: nddelourdes_nb@padiocese.ca • www.notredameparish.ca
St. Paul’s Anglican Church North Battleford Sunday @ 10:30 a.m. St. George’s Anglican Church Battleford Sunday @ 5:00 p.m. Watch the Sunday Morning Service on Facebook @ www.facebook.com/battleriverparish Contact: 306 445 4155 stpaulnb@sasktel.net
Living Water Ministry Sr. Pastor Brian Arcand 306-441-9385 Pastor Anand George 306-441-7138
Sunday Afternoon Service 3:00 p.m.
1371 - 103rd Street (Use East Door)
Battlefords Cowboy Church Services 1st & 3rd Thursday of each Month
Battleford Legion Hall 7:00 p.m. PASTOR - Rick Martin
ROMAN CATHOLIC ST. VITAL’S 11 - 18th Street, Battleford, SK
Phone 306-937-7340 PASTOR - Fr. Manh Nguyen
Saturday Evening Mass - 5:00 p.m. Sunday Mass - 10:30 a.m.
Regional News-Optimist
Page 11–The Battlefords, Thursday, January 15, 2026
Good folks do good things! For many years now, members of the Rivers’ Edge Quilt Guild have supported the Battlefords and area community. By December 2025, 72 quilts, 102 placements and 38 pillowcases were distributed to various charities and care facilities to brighten the life of those who received those items.
UNIT M M Y CO
The new year has arrived and once again the collection for 2026 has begun so that members are busy using both personal fabrics and donated fabric from the community for which the guild thanks you. Newly made Comfort Quilts were shown at the January meeting of this year, each waiting to go to a new home to provide warmth.
IN ACTION
Together we can accomplish many things if we take a moment to care for others. Barb Sealy
I am reaching out to share a positive idea for improving the Battlefords community by promoting restorative justice through the Battlefords Tribal Council Justice Program. Restorative Justice focuses on healing and repairing harm by encouraging dialogue and understanding between those affected, rather than relying solely on punitive measures. The Battlefords Council Justice Program offers a range of services including victim-offender mediation, cultural healing initiatives and support for reintegration. These services aim to restore relationships, empower individuals and honor indigenous traditions and values. By supporting and expanding this program we can create a more inclusive and compassionate justice system that reduces recidivism and strengthens community bonds. It offers a meaningful way for offenders to take responsibility and for victims to find closure, fostering long-term positive change. I encourage you to consider promoting restorative justice initiatives as a vital step towards a safer and more connected Battleford. Sincerely, Kelsey Fox – Community Justic
Do you have a positive idea on how to improve the Battlefords? You could contribute to building a better tomorrow.
SHARE YOUR SOLUTIONS WITH US. Send in your idea to: newsoptimist.news@sasktel.net We may share it in our new Community in Action section.
LET THE DECISON-MAKERS SEE WHAT YOU ENVISION!
Help keep the Battlefords Please email your stories to
newsoptimist.admin@sasktel.net or drop off at 1162-98th Street.
GREEN and CLEAN
Delivering Canada’s Highest Tax Free Income A family of four in Saskatchewan will pay no provincial income tax on their first $65,000 of income in 2026, the highest tax free income threshold in Canada. In addition, our government is increasing the personal, spousal and child tax exemptions, along with the seniors’ supplement, by $500 each year over four years. We continue to put Saskatchewan families first and remain committed to keeping our province the most affordable place to live in the country.
Hon. Jeremy Harrison
MLA for Meadow Lake (306) 236-6669 | jharrisonmla@sasktel.net
Hon. Scott Moe, Premier
MLA for Rosthern-Shellbrook (306) 747-3422 | scottmoe.mla@sasktel.net
Jan 7, Joint News Optimist - Highest Tax Free Income - HarrisonJ, Moe, Cockrill, Thorsteinson_9.875x3.9286.indd 1
Hon. Jeremy Cockrill
MLA for The Battlefords (306) 445-5195 | office@jeremycockrill.ca
James Thorsteinson
MLA for Cut Knife-Turtleford (306) 893-2619 | office@cktmla.ca 1/6/2026 4:43:16 PM
Regional News-Optimist
The Battlefords, Thursday, January 15, 2026–Page 12
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1162-98th Street North Battleford, SK S9A 0L6 Notices/Nominations
Village of Meota
Notice of Call for Nominations
(Municipal Elections) PUBLIC NOTICE is herby given that nominations of candidates for the office of: Councillor – Number to be elected – One (1)
2691-98th St., North Battleford (306) 445-7570 24 hours
1332-100th St., North Battleford (306) 446-4200 24 hours
Owners: Adria Watts Trevor andTrevor Adriaand Watts - Owners Funeral Directors - Vanessa Macnab Funeral Directors: Tim Scaife • Tessa Bell TimDirectors: Scaife Apprentice Funeral Apprentice Funeral Directors Larissa Wack Larissa Wack •• Cristi TessaTilbert Bell Alyssa Kozinski
Will be received by the undersigned on the 25th day of February, 2026, from 9:00a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Meota Village Office at 502 2nd Avenue East, Meota, SK. And during regular business hours on Wednesday January 28th to Tuesday, February 24th, 2026 at the Meota Village Office. Nomination forms may be obtained at the Meota Village Office at 502 2nd Ave East, Meota, Sk. Dated this 8th day of January 2026.
Hours of operation: Monday - Thursday 8am - 4:30pm Friday 8am - Noon Tax Enforcement
NOTICE
(The Tax Enforcement Act) TAKE NOTICE that the Village of Meota intends to be registered as owner under the above Act of the land described at the foot of this document. The Municipality claims title to the land by virtue of an interest based on the Tax Lien registered against the existing title to the land in the Land Titles Registry as Interest Number 200907930 and you are required to TAKE NOTICE that unless you contest the claim of the Municipality or redeem the land pursuant to the provisions of the above Act within six months from the service of this notice on you and, subject to the further provisions of The Tax Enforcement Act, a title will be issued to the applicant and you will thereafter be forever estopped and debarred from setting up any claim to, or in respect of, the land. The amount required to redeem the land may be ascertained on application to the Clerk, Treasurer or Administrator of the Municipality. Dated this 11th day of Dec. 2025
Kristen Tokaryk, Returning Officer
VILLAGE OF MEOTA
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Funerals | Burials | Cremation | Preplanning
FAMILY OWNED FAMILY FOCUSED
eternalmemoriesfuneral.ca GLOWA: It is with profound sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Lorne on January 6, 2026 at the age of 71 years. Lorne will be forever remembered by his wife, Shirley Glowa; sisters: Diana (Dennis) Scott, Jayne Boulet (Taras Galay), Patti (Gerry) Meyer; sisters-in-law: Diane Schlosser, Lucille Paulow, Sharon (Rocky) Omelchenko; brothers-in-law: Garry Leibel (Karen Richard), Larry Roth; and numerous nieces and nephews. Lorne was predeceased by his parents: Bill and Jennie Glowa; father-in-law and mother-in-law: Louis and Dorothy Leibel; brothers-in-law: Clarence Boulet, Neil Schlosser, Don Paulow; sister-inlaw, Elaine Roth; niece, Leanne Boulet; nephew, Jesse Schlosser. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, January 17th, 2026, at 11 am. It will be held at St. Joseph Calasanctius Roman Catholic Church with Reverend Father Tai Le as celebrant. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Eternal Memories Funeral Service & Crematorium – Tessa Bell Funeral Director.
Feed & Seed
Health Services
AGPRO - BUYING: FEED BARLEY & HEATED CANOLA For Bids, Call/Text: 306-873-0481 or visit: agproseeds.com AGPRO MARKET REPORT: Farmers, call to sign up for
Shelley Mikkelson Name of Assessed Owner
Annual General Meeting Monday, January 19, 2026 at noon. Location: Battlefords Chamber of Commerce
To register please call 306-441-2961. Tax Enforcement
FINAL NOTICE PURSUANT TO THE TAX ENFORCEMENT ACT TAKE NOTICE that the City of North Battleford intends, on the expiration of 30 days from the date set out below, to request the Registrar of Titles to issue title to the land described below by virtue of an interest based on a Tax Lien registered against the existing title to that land in the Land Registry on the 6th day of May, 2010, as Interest Number 163417125 UNLESS you redeem that land pursuant to the provisions of the Act within 30 days from the date set out below, and that on issue of title for that land to the City of North Battleford, pursuant to that request, you will thereafter be forever estopped and debarred from setting up any claim to or in respect of that land
LEGAL DESCRIPTION OF LANDS: Lot 7 Blk/Par 18 Plan No Y2657 Extension 0 Title Number: 155748752
FINAL NOTICE PURSUANT TO THE TAX ENFORCEMENT ACT TAKE NOTICE that the City of North Battleford intends, on the expiration of 30 days from the date set out below, to request the Registrar of Titles to issue title to the land described below by virtue of an interest based on a Tax Lien registered against the existing title to that land in the Land Registry on the 22nd day of September, 2023, as Interest Number 197552065 UNLESS you redeem that land pursuant to the provisions of the Act within 30 days from the date set out below, and that on issue of title for that land to the City of North Battleford, pursuant to that request, you will thereafter be forever estopped and debarred from setting up any claim to or in respect of that land. DATED at North Battleford, in the Province of Saskatchewan, this 3 day of December 2025. THE CITY OF NORTH BATTLEFORD
DATED at North Battleford, in the Province of Saskatchewan, this 3 day of December 2025. THE CITY OF NORTH BATTLEFORD
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Andrew Koberinski Name of Assessed Owner Auctions Saskatoon Farm Toy & Collectible Show at the Saskatoon Western Development Museum, January 16 - 18, 2026. Friday 5pm-9pm; Saturday 10am-5pm; Sunday 10am-4pm. Special features: Farm toys and scenes, construction equipment, vintage toys and much more!
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Kelvin Bohun and Jennine Holliday Name of Assessed Owner LEGAL DESCRIPTION OF LANDS: Lot 16 Blk/Par 5 Plan No B3419 Extension 0 Title Number: 143851923
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Regional News-Optimist
Page 13–The Battlefords, Thursday, January 15, 2026
Servers say new tipping rules protect employees By Martin Oldhues SaskToday.ca
REGINA — Changes to Saskatchewan employment standards are helping to protect those in the hospitality industry. Effective Jan. 1, new rules prevent employers from withholding and deducting gratuities from employees’ wages. Gratuities are usually tips that servers/waiters receive at restaurants. Ashley Fayant of Indulge Kitchen + Bar, who has served for 17 years, said tips are a person's financial stability. “[Tips] often would pay for my bills, or it would pay for some of my rent. I felt like my paychecks really didn't cover much for what I needed to pay for.” Servers often work for minimum wage and have short work hours, which Fayant said makes tips even more crucial.
“If I’m working three to four hours for $15.35 and receive $50 in tips, that will go a long way.” Fellow server Kyle Davis of Dad’s Diner, who has worked in the industry for 15 years, called making tips a huge difference. “That becomes part of your daily life, and you learn to rely on it when you're making them.” “We have to take that into account, and there are servers and people in this industry that do rely on those tips,” he added. From others in the industry, Davis said he’s heard “horror stories” of owners taking tips as a wage. “So this really helps us in the industry.” The provincial government says workers who have had tips held can file complaints to the director of employment standards, who can force an employer to pay what's owed.
Tax Enforcement
FORM G [Section 2.7]
FINAL NOTICE PURSUANT TO THE TAX ENFORCEMENT ACT TAKE NOTICE that the City of North Battleford intends, on the expiration of 30 days from the date set out below, to request the Registrar of Titles to issue title to the land described below by virtue of an interest based on a Tax Lien registered against the existing title to that land in the Land Registry on the 11th day of May, 2016, as Interest Number 175111804 UNLESS you redeem that land pursuant to the provisions of the Act within 30 days from the date set out below, and that on issue of title for that land to the City of North Battleford, pursuant to that request, you will thereafter be forever estopped and debarred from setting up any claim to or in respect of that land. DATED at North Battleford, in the Province of Saskatchewan, this 3 day of December, 2025. Seal
THE CITY OF NORTH BATTLEFORD Per: Margarita Pena, Treasurer
Guy Turcotte and Tammy Turcotte Name of Assessed Owner LEGAL DESCRIPTION OF LANDS: Lot 11 Blk/Par 110 Plan No C4240 Extension 0 Title Number: 130055318
Notice Advertisements and statements contained herein are the sole responsibility of the persons or entities that post the advertisement, and the Saskatchewan Weekly Newspaper Association and membership do not make any warranty as to the accuracy, completeness, truthfulness, or reliability of such advertisements. For greater information on advertising conditions, please consult the Association’s Blanket Advertising Conditions on our website at www.swna.com. PROVINCE-WIDE CLASSIFIEDS. 44 local community newspapers, distributing to over 450 communities, including 14 cities. Call 306-649.1405 or visit www.swna.com for details. Find QUALIFIED, LOCAL EMPLOYEES, using the strength of community newspapers! Visit www.swna.com or call 306-649-1405 to find out how! Wanted
The provincial government says workers with tips held back can file complaints to the director of employment standards, who can force an employer to pay what's owed. | Photo by Dan Smedley on Unsplash Career Opportunities
RM of Meeting Lake No. 466 is Accepting Applications for the Position of Seasonal/Full-Time Semi-Truck Driver General Skills and Abilities • Class 1A driver’s license • Mowing experience would be an asset • Operate various types of equipment would be an asset • Willingness to learn • Knowledge of general maintenance • Be safety conscious and pay attention to detail Duties are to haul gravel May also include but not limited to: ditch mowing, installation of signs and culverts, service and maintenance of equipment. Candidate must have well developed interpersonal and motivational skills, Wednesday, March 21, 2018 be able to take direction, must be able to complete physically demanding work and work independently or as a team. The position includes a full benefit package including Short and LongTerm Disability, Extended Health and Dental Benefits and the Municipal Employees Pension Plan. CLASSIFIED@THOMPSONCITIZEN.NET Compensation will be negotiated on experience and ability. 510 • RETAIL/ 201 • SERVICES Submit Resume Including OFFICE SPACE • Qualifications 7 SELKIRK main floor office area 1990 STRUGGLING WITH DEBT? sq ft, will sub-divide. 79 Selkirk lower • Work experience LET OUR FAMILY level office area, 4112 sq ft. J.B Johnston HELP YOUR FAMILY • Education and skills Understand the options Ventures Limited, call 204-679-0915 available to assist with 39-TFN-nb • Current drivers abstract your financial situation OFFICE SPACE FOR LEASE 500-5000 (Arrangements with sq ft available. Cameron/Hoe building • Three references Creditors or Bankruptcy) 83 Churchill Drive. Contact Joe Aniceto. FREE CONSULTATION 204-679-0490 or Neil Cameron 306RM of Meeting Lake, Box 26, Mayfair, Sask. S0M 1S0 477-5668. 20-tfn-nb KEITH G. COLLINS LTD. Fax 306-246-4974 Licensed Insolvency Trustee Phone 944-0187 E-mail: rm466@sasktel.net 1-800-263-0070 46a-e-tfnb NeedTravel to fill a Applications will be accepted until suitable candidate is found. 301 • HELP WANTED
Notices/Nominations 183 Cree Rd, Thompson MB, R8N 0C2 Toll free: 1-800-565-2401 PH: 204-778-8387 FAX: 204-677-4087
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free: 1-800-565-2401 PH: 204-778-8387 The R.M. of Meota will be receiving applications underToll the Saskatchewan FAX: 204-677-4087 Lookingsituated for 1 full time and 1 Lotteries Community Grant Program, from communities within part time cook starting wage the RM, for projects occurring between April 1, 2026, and March 31, 2027. $14.00/hr with experience preferred. Applications are to be submitted to the R.M. office by 4:00 p.m., February Apply at the front desk 28, 2026, either by mail to: Box 80 Meota, Sask, S0M 1X0; or by email to: TREE SUNS TOWING is looking for a info@rmmeota468.ca. general labourer. Call 204-677-4801.
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The Saskatchewan Lotteries Community Grant Program assists in the 1 & 2 bedroom apartments development of sport, culture and recreation programs by providing funds available immediately 9 - 35 Ashberry to nonprofit community organizations operated by volunteers. The Place grant For applicationsSask program is a partnership between the Government of Saskatchewan, phone 204-677-5758 Sport Inc., SaskCulture Inc. and the Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation or fax 204-677-5803 Association Inc. The RM of Meota has been allocated $8,824 for the 2026 Fiscal Year. For more information, please contact CAO Kirk Morrison at 306-892-2061.
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Regional News-Optimist
The Battlefords, Thursday, January 15, 2026–Page 14
All America Selections for 2025 – Part II By Patricia Hanbidge Orchid Horticulture
All America Selections (AAS) is a non-profit trialing organization that tests new, never-before-sold varieties of plants for the home gardener. Read on for the results after a full season of anonymous trialling by volunteer horticultural professionals. Only the top garden performers are given the AAS Winner award designation for their superior performance. The AAS Winner label is like a stamp of approval as their mission is to promote new garden varieties with superior garden performance. Their tagline “Tested Nationally and Proven Locally®” most definitely says it all! The 2026 winners will be available for purchase for the gardening season as supply becomes available. It is sometimes difficult to get the seed or the plants desired when the winners are just announced but if you go to the All America Selections website, they list the seed houses that sell seed of the winning plants. Check out the following link for more information
https://all-americaselections. org/buy-winners/ Last week, we covered some of the All America Selections 2026 edible winners and now we move onto the ornamental winners. Coreopsis Sunglobe brings brilliant, season-long colour to all the sunny spots in your garden. Producing tons of fluffy, golden yellow, semi-double flowers on sturdy stems, this tidy plant will deliver multiple flushes of vibrant gold from spring through fall. Dianthus Supra Cherry Picotee F1 will give your garden an unparalleled display of colour. This interspecific hybrid delivers eye-catching blooms on a compact but bushy plant. It is heat and drought resistant and takes little care for the colour it delivers–including deadheading. Heliopsis Sole Giatto will bring sunshine to your garden in containers or borders. It is approximately 20 inches (50 centimetres) in height and spread and throughout the season will effortlessly attract beneficial pollinators while resisting deer and rabbits. It is rated zone 3 to 8
so in a sheltered location or with some snow will be perennial in nature. Rudbeckia Claire™ Orange F1 is the first pollen-free F1 hybrid Rudbeckia! It is exceptionally vigorous, has impressive floriferousness and great heat and disease tolerance. It literally transforms your garden with effortless cheer. Sedum Spectacular grown from seed delivers rock-solid garden performance. These sturdy, full and non-flopping plants will give your garden excellent vigor and uniformity in both height and spread. It produces bright light pink flower clusters on a light green foliage ensuring it is a focal point in your garden. Zinnia Profusion Double White features impressive, large, double flowers that create a lush, almost tropical look. No deadheading is necessary for this fourteen-inchhigh (one third of a metre) plant that spreads to about 20 inches in width (about a half metre). Season long beauty will grace your garden with this Zinnia. All the best to you and yours in 2026. Hanbidge is the Lead Hor-
Heliopsis Sole Giatto, a 2026 All-America Selections ornamental winner, produces masses of bright golden-yellow blooms on a compact, sturdy plant that attracts pollinators and thrives in sunny gardens and containers. | Photo by Patricia Hanbidge ticulturist with Orchid Horticulture. Find us at www. orchidhort.com; by email at growyourfuture@gmail. com on facebook @orchid-
hort and on instagram at #orchidhort. Tune into GROW Live on our Facebook page https:// www.facebook.com/orchid-
hort or check out the Youtube channel GROW… https://www.youtube.com/ channel/UCzkiUpkvyv2e2HCQlFl0JyQ?
Maidstone & Area News
Grade 6 students raising funds for a year-end trip By Kathy Utri Correspondent
Linda Bamford passed away at Maidstone, Saskatchewan Jan. 3 at the age of 70 years. Our sincere condolences are extended to her children, Tammy (Brett) Parkin, William (Tammy) Bamford and Adam (Ray) Bamford; grandchildren, Tayler, Kyla (Spencer), Samantha, Avery, Aidan and Hunter; great-grandchildren, Weston and Wren; sisters, Shirley (Allan) and Barb (Keith); sisters-in-law, Shirley and Mary; and numerous extended family and friends. Linda is remembered as a cheerful, friendly woman,
whose laughter, strength and love will always be cherished memories. A memorial service for Linda was held at Maidstone Seniors’ Centre Jan. 10. Ratushniak Elementary School sends out a big thank-you to Maidstone Community Calendar who again donated proceeds to the breakfast/lunch program. Thank you also to Neil Bernier (Piromax), Darcy Harris, Bob Metcalf and Silver Lake Clubhouse for their donations, which will go towards life experience trips for Individual Inclusion Plan students. Ratushniak Grade 6 students will be starting their
chip sales on Friday, Jan. 16, at $2 per bag. Proceeds go towards their year-end trip to Edmonton. Future sale dates are Friday, Jan. 23, Thursday, Jan. 29 and Fridays, Feb. 6, 13, 27, March 6 and 13. Thanks for your support. Synergy supports the Waseca Memorial Hall with a $10,000 Synergy Shares donation to help with their new tin roof and eavestroughs. This upgrade will ensure the hall remains a safe and welcoming space for community events for years to come. Thank you to everyone involved in making this project possible. Maidstone Legion Club
Room saw Chelsey Kennedy take home $189 in the latest Chase the Ace draw, but she didn’t find the ace. The jackpot is over $5,400 this week with 38 cards left, so remember to get your tickets. The Royal Canadian Legion kicked off its 100th anniversary by offering free membership to all new members who join in 2026. Become part of the great legacy of an organization whose chief mission revolves around serving veterans and their families. Throughout the year, the Legion will hold special events and will announce new projects to mark its entry into the
next century. The Legion’s official anniversary on July 17 will be highlighted with events in Ottawa and across the country.” Week 13 at Maidstone Bowling Alley had the following top scores: Youth Junior: Stone 181, Parker 168; Senior: Ben 208. Ladies: Shirley B 190, Esther J 189, Sandra M 189. Mixed Individual: Keven K 213, Keith M 192, Doreen H 191. Business League Women: Angela Z 227, Kim H 227, Leanne D 209; Men: James C 227, Ryan D 223, Wes B 215. High Triples: Ryan D 656, Keven K 534, Shirley B 522, Angela Z 516. Maidstone Library is fea-
turing new artists in their mini art gallery this month: Chelene Freyman, Jodi Morgenstern and Mrs. Gruhn’s Grade 3/4 classroom. Visit the library to see their amazing works and check out some books at the same time. Upcoming: • Maidstone Hotel restaurant’s temporary hours from Tuesday, Jan. 13 to Saturday, Jan. 31are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. MST Monday to Saturday, closed Sunday. • Waseca Skating Rink is open daily but will be closed for private functions on Jan. 16 from 4 to 6 p.m. MST and Jan. 25 from 2 to 4 p.m. MST.
Provincial safety week highlights responsible snowmobiling By Nicole Goldsworthy Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
NORTH — Saskatchewan snowmobilers are being urged to put safety first as the province marks Snowmobile Safety Week from Jan. 11 to 17. In recognition of International Snowmobile Safety Week, Saskatchewan’s Minister of Crown Investments Corporation Jeremy Harrison has proclaimed the week as Provincial Snowmobile Safety Week.
The week will be observed by the Saskatchewan Snowmobile Association and its 62 member clubs across Saskatchewan, which collectively maintain and groom more than 11,000 kilometres of snowmobile trails each winter, weather permitting, through the efforts of volunteers. “Snowmobiling is a fun and exciting family activity enjoyed by thousands of people across the province,” said executive director Leah Switzer,
noting that when practised responsibly, snowmobiling remains a safe way to enjoy Saskatchewan’s winter landscape. The SSA is reminding riders to operate within their abilities, ride at safe speeds for the terrain, and never operate a snowmobile under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Riders are also encouraged to wear approved helmets and protective clothing, remain within designated riding areas, and travel with at least one other person rather than
riding alone. Despite precautions, unexpected situations can still occur, prompting safety officials to advise riders to carry basic repair items such as spare drive belts, spark plugs and tools, along with emergency supplies including a first-aid kit, food, matches, a flashlight with extra batteries and shelter-building materials. “Using common sense and maintaining a clear head are essential to staying safe on the trails,” the association said, adding that
responsible riding benefits everyone who shares Saskatchewan’s trail network. To support the safety message, the SSA is sharing daily trail-ready safety tips on social media throughout the week, while also offering a chance to win a free online snowmobile safety course code. Riders can also save $5 on the online safety course for a limited time using the promotional code SKSNOW26. Law enforcement is also reinforcing safety and compliance. Saskatchewan
RCMP Traffic Services patrolled snowmobile trails near Christopher Lake and Rosthern earlier this month, checking 53 riders for alcohol, all of whom tested negative. Officers issued eight warnings and four tickets for unregistered snowmobiles, with fines set at $175 per offence. RCMP are reminding riders to ensure their snowmobiles are properly registered before heading out, emphasizing that enforcement and education go hand in hand during peak riding season.
Regional News-Optimist
Page 15–The Battlefords, Thursday, January 15, 2026
Mayfair & Area News
Bring your own book club starts up in Maymont
Taking down the pop-up ice tents involves teamwork, so the fishers can get back to a warm house, which was a 25-minute drive away.
By Elaine Woloshyn Correspondent
Thank you, Mother Nature, for these few days of spring-like weather. The colder nights make for icy driving conditions. These past two weeks have had the Woloshyn family saddened because of David, Larry and John’s mother, Olga, passing away. The past few months, we’ve noticed a decline in her health. She always took an interest in agriculture as she and her husband Harry (also deceased) were Whitkow/Mayfair farmers, even after moving into North Battleford over 40 yrs. ago. A big thank you to everyone who attended her funeral in North Battleford Greek Orthodox Church on Jan. 9. Many condolences have been sent to us. The surname Soiseth will always be connected to the Mayfair area. Elsie Hutchinson (nee Soiseth), residing in Saskatoon, was born on the family farm in 1928. Her mother was ill, so at a young
age she learned how to bake, cook and sew. She was the sixth of nine children. Deepest sympathy to her family. As one browses through the Mayfair and district history book, different Soiseth family names are in there. In the village of Maymont, as of a year ago, Akanksha and husband Guramrit Rai have been managing the Maymont cafe. Elise Poitras established this popular cafe for almost a decade, then sold it to Rai’s cousin in Saskatoon, who ran it for a while. The RM who owns the building. Akanksha says she’s kept quite busy on Wednesdays and Fridays, as many customers travel from Sonningdale and a few from Ruddell to have lunch. Some grocery supplies are stocked. MICRA fundraiser tickets are on sale, so go grab them while still available. Monthly draws are made for cash and the winners’ names are printed on a poster hanging up in the Maymont post office. Please contact Deb at 306-480-9036, Bill at 306-
389-2017 or any member of the Maymont Seniors club. Ian Gray of Maymont area is doing snow removal. He can be hired by calling 403396-4162 If you are in need, the seniors’ centre in Maymont has a wheelchair on loan. Locals can take advantage of this gracious gesture. Contact persons are Deb and Bill at the phone numbers listed above. “Bobbin Buddies” come to the Maymont Seniors’ Centre every second Friday, selling table runners, fashionable bags, quilts and other items from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The next one is Jan. 23, then Feb. 6 and 20 and so on until May 8. The coffee is always on. A “bring your own book club” wants to get established in Maymont. It’s advertised as books and conversation with no pressure on a book one has read or is currently reading. It started Tuesday, Jan. 13, in the local Lakeland library branch at 7 p.m. Good vibes, no pressure
Bringing in the new year with ice fishing at Tobin Lake, north of Nipawin. and great conversation. This is certainly a good way to chase away the winter blues. Three weeks ago, I experienced three days of ice fishing at Tobin Lake near Nipawin. My three knowledgeable sons and I rented a large house in White Fox, which met our needs quite nicely. My three grandsons, ages 9, 11 and 15, are avid fishermen, and I was the most inexperienced. Many fish of five different species were caught. We only kept a few to eat and threw many small and large ones back into the ice holes. With modern technology, sonar fish finders are a big seller to people that pass the winter away with this hobby. They range in price from a few hundred dollars to over $6,000. Sure, one can see the fish swimming below, but I, being “old school,” prefer none of this. I like to have a surprise when I can feel something pulling on my hook and hopefully it’s a decent-sized fish. Much laughter and fun in the chill of winter inside the ice shacks.
Nine-year-old Shay inside a pop-up ice tent with fish he caught thanks to the modern fish detectors at Tobin Lake. Eleven-year-old Cooper is taking fishing seriously in the background. | Photos by Elaine Woloshyn
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