News Optimist January 30

News

2017 crime stats: good news

3 Provincial

Sports

Everybody Has a Story

Moe new premier

Neil Gamble: The Music Man

7

6

Hawks defeat North Stars

9 Garden Chat

Winning veggies

16

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Volume 110 No. 24

North Battleford, Sask.

Tuesday, January 30, 2018

Stanley lawyer says trial is not about racism

By John Cairns Staff Reporter

A year and a half after the shooting incident took place, the trial of Gerald Stanley for the seconddegree murder of Colten Boushie has started in Battleford.

The first day, Jan. 29, was set aside for jury

selection and that process was set to begin at 10 a.m. at Alex Dillabough Centre.

It has been reported that as many as 750 potential jurors were in the jury pool. Of that, a total of 12 jurors and two alternates were to be selected.

The proceedings were then set to move to Court of Queen’s Bench in

Battleford for the rest of the trial. Dates have been booked at the court house through Feb. 15 for the case.

The trial is expected to attract large gatherings outside for at least some portions of the proceedings.

On its Facebook page, an organization called the

Indigenous Joint Action Coalition has called on Boushie supporters to show up both at the jury selection and throughout the trial.

Stanley, who is out on bail, is represented by defence lawyer Scott Spencer. In a note sent to various media organizations on Friday,

Spencer said his client would not be making any statements or granting interviews during the trial.

Spencer also took the opportunity to counter the notion that the trial was about racism in Saskatchewan.

“Despite any online comments or media

stories, Gerry’s trial is not a referendum on racism.

If jurors feel they have to pick a ‘side,’ then it will be very difficult for there to be a fair trial,” Spencer stated.

Be sure to follow our trial coverage at www. newsoptimist.ca, as well as updates on Twitter @ TheNewsOptimist.

A Stocking Experience Before getting their meal Saturday night, a few dinner guests found themselves being sent to the stocks as part of the Western Development Museum’s annual Medieval Feast. In addition to dressing for the time period, patrons enjoyed a traditional medieval dining experience with musicians, ale and entertainment. Photo by Lucas Punkari

PAGE 2 - Tuesday, January 30, 2018

New chamber president looking to turn city’s reputation around

By John Cairns Staff Reporter

The new Battlefords Chamber of Commerce president Terry Caldwell had plenty on his mind after being sworn in last Tuesday night.

Instead of giving the usual inaugural speech at the President’s Banquet playing up Chamber accomplishments and activities for the coming year, Caldwell’s address focused on a larger and far more sober topic: North Battleford’s reputation for crime.

He noted the litany of problems it caused such as reduction in tourists, difficulty in retaining professionals and skilled workers, a reduction in real estate values, and loss of employment opportunities.

Caldwell also pointed to the effects of gun violence, theft, property damage, and a growing drug epidemic in the community.

“I believe after much discussion with peers in my community, that crime, and the reputation it brings, is the number one issue for businesses in the Battlefords,” Caldwell told the audience.

It was a decidedly downbeat beginning to Caldwell’s tenure as President, taking over from outgoing President Warren Williams.

For his part, Caldwell pledged turning around the reputation of a community battered by crime problems, and resulting bad press about it, would be the main priority of his term in 2018.

His plans, which are

proposals at this point, involve including the business community in a hybrid marketing campaign that would not only promote the city but also create alliances with other community agencies to help get to the root of the problems.

Ideas include involving business in bolstering Citizens on Patrol, and in creating an offshoot of the Battlefords Boys and Girls Club that would target and engage teens. Caldwell also is proposing an action plan to change people’s mindset about North Battleford and turn around the city’s reputation that way.

“The Chamber does have some definite responsibilities there,” Caldwell said in speaking to the News-Optimist.

“We’ve never had a thing to jump into, and now this is it. It has become the number one thing for businesses and businesses have told us that, so now we have to actually do something about it. And it’s taken us a while to come up with a good plan to be able to help other agencies with what they’re doing along with some other ideas that only businesses really do.”

For Caldwell, it is a personal mission. Right at the start of his address, he spoke of how he conquered his own addictions to drugs and alcohol 20 years earlier, and alluded to his own long struggle during that time to repair the damage done to his family, friends and reputation. “The latter of which was the very hardest,” Caldwell said.

Caldwell had spent

some time in business in Alberta before returning to his home community, where he is involved in various ventures including Carpet Superstores/Empress Furniture and Porta Bella Restaurant in the city. He made it known he is a big believer in the Battlefords as a place to live and do business “We try to invest in the Battlefords whenever we can,” said Caldwell. “We take all of our profits and we do re-invest in North Battleford as much as we possibly can.”

An overriding theme of the President’s Banquet was to encourage people to, as Caldwell put it, “reach inside and really believe in North Battleford and really push it forward.

We have a lot going for us that’s very positive.”

That was underscored by the presentation of Billy Coles, president and CEO of BCP Construction and CCR Hospitality, whose speech played up the theme of “why do I believe in North Battleford.”

Coles challenged the business people in the audience to go a step further to move the community forward.

“How are all of us, believing in North Battleford, going to keep the best and -- this is going to be hard to hear -- change the worst in our city?” Coles said.

Coles answered that question by making the point that it was not enough to simply believe in North Battleford. “We need to take ownership of everything we do,” he said.

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Battlefords Chamber of Commerce president Terry Caldwell accepts the gavel from outgoing President Warren Williams at the President’s Banquet at the Dekker Centre last week.

Billy Coles (right), of BCP Construction and CCR Hospitality, spoke during his presentation on “why I believe in North Battleford.” As part of that presentation, Coles handed out prizes to audience members in a “Price is Right” game celebrating the “best in North Battleford.” Photos by John Cairns

Telemiracle introduces a new online pre-show Submitted The Kinsmen Foundation through Telemiracle raises millions of dollars to help people and organizations with medical expenses and equipment they can’t afford. Every year, people and businesses give to Telemiracle from every part of Saskatchewan. Our broad support is why we call ourselves Saskatchewan’s Charity.

That is not the only reason we’re Saskatchewan’s Charity. The donations Telemiracle receives are given back to groups and individuals all over Saskatchewan. “I’ve been fortunate to see firsthand how gifts from Telemiracle help people every day,” remarked Susan Colbow, Chair for Telemiracle 42.

“Thousands of individuals benefit from Telemiracle’s help all over Saskatchewan, including in my hometown of Estevan.”

New for Telemiracle 42 is an online pre-show, Countdown to Telemiracle.

The pre-show will broadcast live from the Conexus Arts Centre starting at 6:30 p.m. It will feature more great Saskatchewan Talent.

“We’re thrilled with this new addition to Telemiracle weekend,” said Jesse Shkuratoff, Public Relations Chair for Telemiracle

42. “Our Saskatchewan Talent are really popular.

This pre-show gives us a chance to highlight even more performers.”

Like every Telemiracle since the very first one, our Saskatchewan Talent will be a big part of the show. This year, you can see performances from over 60 Saskatchewan acts and we know many of them will also raise money for Telemiracle.

Nutrien is excited to team up with the Saskatchewan performers who will be onstage during the Countdown to Telemiracle and throughout Telemiracle itself. Nutrien, a new company formed from the merger of PotashCorp and Agrium, is continuing PotashCorp’s long-standing tradition of matching contributions to Telemiracle!

Nutrien is matching all donations, dollar for dollar, that these artists/groups bring to Telemiracle (up to a total of $150,000).

Telemiracle has a new look and so does Telemiracle Teddy. “We decided it was time to refresh our brand,” remarked Cindy Xavier, Executive Director of the Kinsmen Foundation. “Our new look is fresh but familiar.” The new branding includes a website refresh as well as a new look for all of Telemir-

acle’s marketing materials.

Along with the new brand, Telemiracle Teddy is getting a new shirt after more than two decades. Teddy has decided to get rid of his familiar red shirt he’s had since 1994. Teddy is now sporting a purple shirt with a fresh new logo.

This year’s broadcast will originate from Regina’s Conexus Arts Centre. The show runs for 20 hours beginning at 9 p.m. on Saturday, March 3.

Countdown to Telemiracle will broadcast online starting at 6:30 p.m. Admission to Conexus Arts Centre to watch Telemiracle is free.

Making their first appearance on Telemiracle: Don Amero, The Stampeders, and TSN Sports personality Glen Suitor.

Making a return appearance: The Hunter Brothers, Jess Moskaluke, Sask Express, and Big Daddy Tazz.

Returning regulars for Telemiracle 42 are Chris Henderson, Brad Johner and The Johner Boys, Beverley Mahood, Jeffery Straker, and Jill Straker.

If you miss a Saskatchewan Talent performance, check out our YouTube Channel. We promise to have every Saskatchewan Talent performance available on YouTube within in an hour of the performance.

Tuesday, January 30, 2018 - PAGE 3

Crime stats in for 2017: some good news, but weapons are a growing concern

By John Cairns Staff Reporter

The final crime statistical numbers are in for North Battleford for 2017, but while weapons offences are a concern, there wasn’t a dramatic change compared to a year ago.

According to the Battlefords City Detachment statistical report presented to council last Monday for 2017, there were 13,585 calls for service in 2017, four more than the 13,581 recorded in 2016.

Much of the reason why calls for service were almost the same as last year had to do with an increase in calls for assistance of other police agencies, property checks and assisting the general public.

There were 1,748 in this category, up from 1,326 in 2016.

While those numbers were going up, the good news was that most crime categories saw declines in 2017, albeit modest ones for the most part.

Persons offences were down from 1,270 to 1,266; business break and enters were down from 67 to 41; residential break and enters were down from 194 to 189; property offences dropped from 3,020 to 3,002; criminal code offences were down from 2,465 to 2,432; liquor acts were down from 770 to 424; provincial traffic offences down from 1,122 to 1,059; and impaired operation of a motor vehicle was down from 309 to 221.

There were increases for the year in drug offences from177 to 197; municipal bylaw offences went up from 123 to 169 and motor vehicle collisions went up from 252 to 278.

While year-end numbers saw decreases, the O c t o b e r- t o - D e c e m b e r fourth quarter – a period dominated by crime headlines – saw a spike in calls for service from 3,012 to 4,798.

The period saw increases compared to a year earlier in property offences from 597 to 686, in criminal code offences from 527 to 542, in drug offences from 43 to 47, and in provincial traffic offences from 270 to 338. Motor vehicle collisions were also up from 43 to 47, and municipal bylaw offences climbed from 17 to 38.

But declines were noted in person offences from 296 to 264, break and enters to business from 12 to 4, residential break and enters from 66 to 29, liquor acts from 163 to 59, and impaired operation of a motor vehicle from 76 to 40.

Most troubling in the statistics was the increase noted in firearms and weapons offences for both the fourth quarter and for the entire year.

In the quarter, persons offences involving firearms were up from 10 to 14, and criminal code weapons offences climbed from 12 to 17. For the year, persons offences involving firearms were up from 43 to 46, and criminal code

weapons offences were up from 54 to 77.

RCMP Insp.

John Sutherland had highlighted the firearms offences, saying “certainly we’ve had a lot of offences in the news lately, firearms stuff.”

But when looking at the overall numbers it wasn’t a big change, he noted.

“While the numbers aren’t, like they say, lower, at least we haven’t seen a sharp increase although we’ve seen more news stories about it.”

He attributed the rise in news stories to the communications efforts of the detachment lately in getting more information out to the public.

Insp. Sutherland did say that “weapons of opportunity” – bear mace, knives and the like – were a concern, and something that would be addressed as part of a targeted enforcement initiative by the RCMP in the future.

The plan is for high profile and high-visibility “crime suppression patrols” to be created. The detachment is also developing a long-term strategy alongside the city to address the issue.

The initiative, according to Sutherland, will target those individuals causing the high calls for service and “make them aware we’re not open to that type of business,” he said.

Some extra funding will be needed for that, and a draft operational plan is being drawn up. More details are to come on that

Structure fire on 110th Street Staff

Fire crews were on the scene Thursday afternoon responding to a house fire on the 1200 block of 110th Street.

North Battleford Fire and Emergency Services received the call at about 2:39 p.m. According to the

fire department, the fire happened at a single family dwelling in North Battleford.

Fire crews were on the scene a total of three hours.

Initially one fire engine, one other vehicle and five fire personnel responded.

In total, two engines, three

other vehicles and 13 personnel on the scene.

The extent of the damage was confined to the attic area of the house and estimated around $60,000.

No injuries were reported. The fire remains under investigation for cause and origin.

18021JJ0

Insp. John Sutherland provided year-end crime statistics for North Battleford, but also outlined plans to address concerns about weapons offences in his report to city council Monday. Photo by John Cairns

initiative in the near future.

Another important initiative Sutherland spoke about is a mental health initiative being started by the province that will see police team up with a mental health worker to address calls for service that have mental health components to them.

The goal is to deliver services before they reach a crisis point, with proactive home visits, attendance of mental health workers at their cells at the detachment, and having mental health workers

assist members in dealing with patients during times of crisis.

He also noted planning is under way for the Saskatchewan Winter Games to ensure an integrated response.

Sutherland’s presentation had followed the monthly report of Herb Sutton as well as the presentation of Gary Nolin, from the province, on “collective impact.” In response to those presentations the RCMP inspector pointed to progress on community safety.

Sutherland noted that when he first joined the city detachment as inspector four years ago – when he “had hair,” he joked – he recalled that at the first council meeting the talk had been about a shelter being open for only a couple of months. That was before the opening of the 24-hour Lighthouse facility.

“Everybody should be pretty proud of what they’re delivering here. It’s pretty significant changes from my perspective,” said Sutherland.

PAGE 4 - Tuesday, January 30, 2018

The commentaries offered on this editorial page are intended to provide thought-provoking material for our readers. Contributors’ articles, cartoons or letters do not necessarily reflect the opinion of any News-Optimist staff.

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Fake News

I am a columnist. Those who write columns for publication have the right to express their opinions about real events, real, people and real things. We are not entirely free, however, to write whatever we wish.

If we cannot restrain ourselves from making libellous statements or exceeding the limits of good taste, or if we make careless errors in grammar, syntax or spelling, there are editors who sanitize our errors and indiscretions.

As a wordsmith, my first tool was a manual typewriter. That was back in the days when smalltown weeklies were purveyors of “all the news which is fit to print.” Editors were also publishers and the tools of their trade could be only a few galleys filled with hand-set type and a small flat-bed press. The more progressive print shops might have second-hand Linotype of Intertype machines and a type caster for producing hand-set headlines and graphics. The moral character of the newspaper was not in the mechanical processes that produced it, but in its content – in the news that was there and in the news that wasn’t. Smalltown publishers were well aware that they endangered the financial health of their paper by printing stories that their advertisers wouldn’t like. If the dismissive term “fake news” had been in use then, it could only have referred to accounts of factual events that never appeared in print. This was self-censorship.

Everyone with a knowledge of history knows about censorship in wartime, about the truths which cannot be revealed and the lies which must be. In wartime, governments put a free press into a strait jacket to function, knowingly or unknowingly, as part of a hidden propaganda machine This has been going on for as long as humanity has been cursed by warfare. Perhaps the publishing of falsehoods began when the first cave dweller decorated his wall with more and bigger hairy mammoths than he had ever killed.

The Crusades were a victory for ecclesiastical propagandists that concealed a treasure hunt by their blue-blooded associates. Whether or not the men of the nobility were complicit in the true cross trade is an open question. Certainly the many supposed fragments of the true cross that were sold would have more than filled Noah’s ark. There were scammers in those days. They dealt in untruths.

When the USS Maine blew up in Havana harbour because of spontaneous combustion in a coal bunker, propagandists turned it into a sneak attack by Spain.

The Spanish-American War resulted. The United States gained territory and role of Spain in the Americas was diminished.

Historians know that the propaganda machine of the United Kingdom was of vital importance in both World Wars. The uninformed public could be fed on a diet of untruths so long as factual information hidden in secret files was not disclosed. Britain, and other combatant nations, still have secret files recording diplomatic and military activities during both World Wars.

Call it whatever we will – lies, propaganda or fake news – it is intended to conceal factual history and promote belief in unreality. The term “fake news is insidious. It casts aspersions on the courageous people of the Fourth Estate who are doing their jobs as best they can. Reporters discover the facts; the media publishes them, columnists analyze them. They are defending the bastions of democracy.

News-Optimist.ca

Last week’s News-Optimist online poll: If almost half of what consumers pay right now for beer is tax (among the highest in the world), would you sign Beer Canada’s petition against upping taxes even more on an annual basis?

• Yes. Beer is a Canadian food group. Leave it alone.

23% • No. Better to tax a non-essential item like beer than things everyone needs.

29% • Yes. Canada’s beer industry is a huge contributor to the country’s economy. Don’t weaken it.

A big bouquet to the Battlefords RCMP for their immediate and caring response to our request for help in finding a missing family member last week.

In addition to putting all resources available toward finding our loved one, we were treated respectfully and with understanding of our emotional response to the situation.

Happily, the result was a good one. Our worst fears were allayed, we have our young loved one back with us and we are all a little wiser and a little closer thanks to the RCMP.

25% • No. If Canadians drink less, that can only be a good thing for everyone.

22%

This week’s News-Optimist online poll: Should cell phone use by students be banned during class time?

• Yes • No

Follow BfordsNewsOpt on Twitter

Visit www.newsoptimist.ca to vote

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A community newspaper published Tuesdays Owned & Operated by The Prairie Newspaper Group LP a division of GVIC Communications Corp.

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Tuesday, January 30, 2018 - PAGE 5

Enhanced enforcement in Onion Lake involves Battlefords RCMP members

This .. approach ... effective in taking drugs, firearms and criminals off the streets: Zablocki Staff RCMP are reporting positive results after conducting an enhanced enforcement effort in the Onion Lake detachment area in which Battlefords RCMP were involved.

It took place Jan. 19 and 20, and included assistance from additional General Duty members, Battlefords General Investigation Section, Police Dog Services, Emergency Response Team and Traffic Services

members.

According to the RCMP they conducted traffic stops, executed arrest warrants and checked on conditions and curfew breaches. Results reported include: 172 vehicle stops, 58 summary offence tickets issued; 18 arrests; and 24 criminal code charges laid.

The RCMP is noting this Onion Lake enforcement initiative is the latest in a number of similar efforts over the past several

months. In a news release Wednesday of last week, the RCMP stated they have had temporarily redeployed resources on a number of occasions to conduct targeted enforcement in locations including Onion Lake, Turtleford and the Battlefords.

Results have been positive, say the RCMP, who have announced plans to establish a “Crime Reduction Team.”

This is to be made up of members with specialized

enforcement and investigative skills. The plan is for them to conduct targeted enforcement that involves strategic high visibility patrols; tracking chronic, prolific offenders; tackling street-gang activity and executing arrest warrants.

Initially the focus will be on the west-central area of the province, but members will be available throughout the division.

The general public can expect to see increased police presence with additional

traffic stops and other enforcement activities from this effort.

“This targeted, highintensity approach to enforcement and investigation has proven effective in taking drugs, firearms and criminals off the streets of our Saskatchewan communities, making them safer,” said Assistant Commissioner Curtis Zablocki, Commanding Officer of RCMP F Division in a statement.

“Establishing this team will enhance our ongoing response to criminal activity.”

The effort is also being welcomed by Onion Lake Cree Nation.

“On behalf of our leadership and community, we’re very grateful for the ongoing, positive working relationship with RCMP to continue to provide a safe community for our people,” said Chief Wallace Fox of Onion Lake Cree Nation in a statement.

Sale for parking area hits a roadblock with city

By John Cairns Staff Reporter

Council notes: Here are some other items from the Jan. 22 meeting of North Battleford city council: Two city bylaws were before council last Monday night. One was second and third reading of the zoning bylaw amendment for new sign regulations in the commercial and industrial districts. That has passed unanimously.

As well, first reading was given to the zoning bylaw amendments that include private service homes in the definitions.

That amendment comes on the heels of the last city council meeting where a

delegation representing private service homes appeared to lobby for the changes.

The next step for that bylaw amendment is advertising and a public hearing on the proposed changes, before it comes back to council for second and third reading and passage.

Among the other items up for a vote Monday was a potential land sale at 741110th Street. The proponents want to use the land for a parking lot for three strip malls in the vicinity.

But the proposal ran into some trouble as city manager Jim Puffalt said the proposed parking lot did not fit the character of

the block, which is fully residential. Council has opted to table the issue, so more information can be gathered from residents in the area.

In other council news: council has voted to cancel its Planning Committee meeting for February 20. The reason is to allow all city staff to be able to concentrate on the Saskatchewan Winter Games.

In delegations, council heard from Gary Nolin, from the ministry of Justice’s Community Safety and Wellbeing, on the issue of collective impact.

The next council meeting is scheduled for Feb. 12.

Landsberg has offered his support through his notfor-profit corporation # SickNotWeak. According to its webpage, its objectives include “to help people understand that mental illness is a sickness, NOT a weakness.”

On his “Daily Landsblog” on Jan. 24, on YouTube, the popular host offered his support to the community.

“It’s so devastating, it’s unimaginable,” Landsberg said. “I can’t even think of a single thing I could say to a parent who’s lost a child to

suicide.”

He urged his viewers to provide feedback on what he should say to the North Battleford community, and offered his own thoughts.

“It’s about talk, it’s about communication,” Landsberg said. “It’s about wherever you are, in whatever community you are in, in whatever group you hang out in – you need to converse.”

Landsberg also voiced his support for the community on Twitter. He responded to a Tweet from @ YAM_YouAreMore, who

North Battleford city council recently heard from Gary Nolin, from the ministry of Justice’s Community Safety and Wellbeing, on the issue of collective impact. Photo

by John Cairns

Michael Landsberg offers support to the Battlefords

By John Cairns Staff Reporter

The recent suicide tragedies involving high school students in North Battleford has drawn the attention of one high-profile mental health advocate.

He is Michael Landsberg, sports broadcaster best known from TSN’s Off the Record. Landsberg, who has publicly documented his own struggles with depression, has offered support to the Battlefords on social media including Twitter and YouTube.

encouraged Landsberg to go speak at the schools and the community in North Battleford.

“A public call out?

Really? No choice now but 2 say yes. I have no choice but to say #SickNotWeak needs to find a way to go to The Battlefords & try in some tiny way to make a difference. So beware celebs who will talk mental Heath- expect a call. Me & Battleford will be calling.”

Landsberg added one more Tweet on Thursday that read as follows: “The Battlefords- a

community of just over 20,000 people has lost 3 young people to suicide this month. No one can say whether any of them could

18021BB1 18021BB2

Community comes together for parents meeting following high school deaths Staff Parents and community members came together last Wednesday evening at the Don Ross Centre in the wake of two recent suicides by North Battleford Comprehensive High School students.

Speakers included grief counsellors and a number of community leaders, including North Battleford Mayor Ryan Bater and Battleford Mayor Ames Leslie, Living Sky School Division Director of

Education Brenda Vickers, Light of Christ Catholic School Division Director of Education Cory

Rideout.

Community Safety Coordinator Herb Sutton said the event was closed

www.newsoptimist.ca

to media.

The number of attendees nearly filled the Don Ross Centre gymnasium.

Don’t miss these online opinions

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History & Commentary from a

rom

the top of

the pile

By Brian Zinchuk

Saskatchewan Weekly Newspapers

Association 2012 Columnist of the Year

History & Commentary from a

rom

rom

the top of

the pile

the top of

Catalogue available from: the pile

Speargrass Specialties

By Brian Zinchuk Box 298, Eatonia, Sk., S0L 0Y0 Saskatchewan Weekly Newspapers Phone: (306) 967-2910

By Brian Association Zinchuk 2012 Columnist of the Year Saskatchewan Weekly Newspapers

Association 2012 Columnist of the Year

ohn

Catalogue availablefrom from: a History & Commentary

Speargrass Specialties Box 298, Eatonia, Sk., S0L 0Y0 Phone: (306) 967-2910

rairie Perspective rairie Books by William Wardill Perspective www.speargrassspecialties.com Books by William Wardill

www.speargrassspecialties.com

ohn Cairns

ohn Cairns News Watch

newsoptimist.john@sasktel.net

be prevented. But I am here to say that the worst thing we can do is to remain silent. Talk. Share. Learn. #SickNotWeak”

Catalogue available from: Speargrass Specialties Box 298, Eatonia, Sk., S0L 0Y0 Phone: (306) 967-2910

rairie Perspective Books by William Wardill

www.speargrassspecialties.com

PAGE 6 - Tuesday, January 30, 2018

Neil Gamble: The Music Man every single Although he’s not there le might be mb Ga il Ne day of the week, Civic Centre at the North Battleford area. more than anyone in the that I play ms “With all of the tea of the stat ing dat up music for and the Battlefords board that I do for the feel like I’m North Stars, it starts to ek,” Gamble we here every day of the laughed. versations “I end up getting in con op pe le, espeon a regular basis with e in from com o cially with people wh happy to ays alw I’m out of town, and chat with them.” in the From his vantage point Gamk, rin the southeast corner of rth No at gs son g yin ble has been pla add has d an 92 19 ce sin Stars games y. wa the ng ed a variety of events alo s just the “When I started out it wa years I few a er aft North Stars and Battlefords got to do the music for ” Gamble Midget AAA Stars team, rs, it’s yea 10 t said. “Within the las ecially esp , up k pic really started to e back to when senior hockey cam at first sic the area as I did the mu r Blues for the Battleford Beave Meota the th wi up before I joined Combines. , I also “In addition those teams AA Barons, et dg Mi night.” on do the music for the has changed, the Bantam AA Barons, to the CDs until I got a mini-disc player, While the technology Midget A Barons, the a s the ng in thi ms de tea ma o t yed the same ever tha s, tw room that he’s in has sta which was recordable so the Pee Wee AA Baron up ds g for hin ttle ryt Ba eve ate the rink. set Sk I at y eventuall since he started working bantam STEP league, the . lot easier. Then deo Ro en ” nsm t in there as I’d ay.

Ki ou tod the xed use d I t the laptop tha “I’m kind of ma th wi year-end carnival an of e few a sur y for tel ple ngs underneath the tty busy While Gamble’s not com have to start running thi All of that keeps me pre rd ha his on are t “I’ve thought about tha bleachers,” Gamble said. the total number of songs months.” rmdu Ga ck t tra tha a s end eat and a couch to refri rep a TV he g it to put in a very rare that din it’s an ve, A connection through exp dri at me don’t think that’s former Gainers in between games, but I the course of a night. lax ing ble worked with at the k yroc pla rd ha job is n. sic getting the “My favourite genre of mu ce, so I can going to happen any time soo watch a game packing facility led to 25 years ago, pla to rs the ce r Sta pla ove rth od all No go are the tty tes pre for a “It’s but my tas ing music with what I’m playr he brought to the for when the game though the amount of gea matically differ- keep myself pretty happy le bit of trial and from, though, except ner and I have to a litt s dra ves down into the far cor mo ing,” Gamble said. “It’s rink in the early days wa or nd ba a le bit to see what’s n’t repeat w. kind of tilt my head a litt error to make sure I do ent from what he has no t tha cas are in tw ing sof ng sic bri mu “When I started I was going on.” anything like that, but the mories of rks if I’ve played a case that would ma in it cs as dis t lot a pac me g Gamble’s favourite me com ps d on hel an Am use I settes at ry wh car to e were the two similar people use to song already. It’s pretty rking in the Civic Centr wo the be similar to what most t ou “It d. me sai ps le hel ckey League chamand that w,” Gamb Saskatchewan Junior Ho most radio stations have their laptops around no rs ord rec had I t tha gs t his hometown North Sta a lot. was a lot of mixes of son s pionship runs tha the end of dep lot o A als . y had pla I y 17. gs ead “The amount of son went on in 2000 and 20 ed from stuff that I alr h here during the stuff that I was play- on what happens during the course of the “We had a good stretc cassettes back then had to in e it hav ht ug n’t do bro th teams that were game, I so I just middle of the 1990s wi just couldn’t get game. If it’s a fast-paced ing in my own vehicle, a s re’ the if es ng y t cha ll. really competitive, but the play a lot of songs, but tha the rink to use here as we a g of hin rse ryt cou eve the ved r le said. “To see mo ove I mb s Ga “Eventually that title,” lot of stoppage a lot them win twice has been way the s plu , of fun to watch the r ove yed pla e that they’v de ma has rs yea of ple last cou see to up it a really good gro play on a nightly basis. en “Another highlight has be ms tea e som had ’ve we when for exfrom Europe come here in yed pla he e hibitions. Befor yed pla erg rsb Fo ip the NHL, Fil t was a here for Sweden and tha ” ht. pretty memorable nig at Although playing music e lin in ma his is es hockey gam e, ntr Ce of work at the Civic ourite fav his of e on s say le mb Ga each es com r events of the yea oor Ind en nsm Ki g spring durin Rodeo. with “You get to interact rothe , cer un the rodeo anno a ce ien aud the d an deo clown er oth for lot more than you do makes “It d. sai le mb Ga ,” nts eve .” nd eke for a pretty fun we

Tuesday, January 30, 2018 - PAGE 7

Scott Moe new premier of Saskatchewan

By John Cairns Staff Reporter

The next premier of Saskatchewan is Scott Moe. The RosthernShellbrook MLA was declared the winner of the Sask Party leadership contest at the party’s convention in Saskatoon.

Moe won on a final-ballot showdown against former Chief of Staff Alanna Koch with 53 per cent of the vote.

Koch had held a slight lead over Moe for the first three ballots.

But after Gord Wyant was eliminated on the third ballot, it was Moe who took the lead on the fourth ballot with 5,980 votes to 5,591 for Koch, with Ken Cheveldayoff eliminated in third place.

Tina Beudry-Mellor placed a distant fifth and Rob Clarke, who had already withdrawn, finished last.

Moe, who has previously served in cabinet with Environment and Advanced Education, among others, takes over the leadership of the Sask Party right away; the expectation is he will be sworn in as premier in a matter of days.

The announcement capped a long and active leadership contest that began last August with the announcement that Premier Brad Wall would be stepping down.

Voting took place by mail-in ballots and by votes cast by party members at the convention itself, right up to the final voting cutoff of 4 p.m.

About 27,000 people were eligible to cast ballots. The count itself took several hours.

The day was

Scott Moe was the winner of the Sask Party leadership race.

There was a crush of reporters at the leadership convention.

Outgoing Premier Brad Wall gave a farewell speech.

Saskatchewan’s new premier, Scott Moe, at the podium. Photos

by John Cairns

highlighted by the final speeches by the five

leadership candidates, as well as the emotional

farewell speech by Wall, who gave a partisan

speech that hammered the NDP and laid out the

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PAGE 8 - Tuesday, January 30, 2018

Designer birdhouses aimed at heart health Submitted by BUHF Valentine’s Day is around the corner and love is in the air! Show your special someone how much you care with a JRs Designer Birdhouse from Battlefords Union Hospital Foundation. Beautiful and unique designs with all proceeds supporting “We Don’t Want to Miss a Beat” capital campaign to purchase new heart monitoring equipment for Battlefords Union Hospital. The perfect gift and the perfect campaign to support this Valentine’s Day. There are more birdhouse designs to choose from at BUH Foundation, including Toronto Blue Jays and Saskatchewan Roughrider designs. Prices range from $55 to $245.

The Alpine Chalet pic-

tured is $75, the pink birds are $85 and the red birds are $95. Stop by BUH Foundation and check them all out. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Donations may also be made directly to the “We Don’t Want to Miss a Beat” campaign and a charitable tax receipt will be issued.

To replace and upgrade the current heart monitoring equipment at BUH, new telemetry packs will be purchased. Telemetry packs are worn by patients and help to diagnose heart conditions. Patients are able to be anywhere in BUH while still having their ECG, respiratory rate and blood oxygen levels continuously monitored by an ER or ICU nurse or physician.

Data from the telem-

Designer Birdhouse from Battlefords Union Hospital Foundation. Prices range from $55 to $245. The Alpine Chalet pictured is $75, the pink birds are $85 and the red birds are $95. Photos submitted

etry packs is transferred via access control points located throughout BUH to the central monitoring locations in either ER or ICU. These access con-

trol points are important for continual monitoring of patients and currently some are not functioning.

The “We Don’t Want to Miss a Beat” campaign

will upgrade all access control points and increase their ranges, as well as upgrade the system’s out-ofdate software.

The fundraising goal

for the “We Don’t Want to Miss a Beat” campaign is $217,000.

Consider making a donation today in honour of your loved one.

Floral design: Flowers enhance the quality of our lives Flowers are magical!

When it is cold outside and we are wishing for just a little bit of colour in our lives, there is a solution.

While you are out and about, buying groceries and doing errands, don’t forget to stop at your favourite florist shop or even the floral department in the grocery store. Working with flowers makes our lives fuller and brings something special to our lives. It is an art form that continues to grow and evolve even in a vase.

The art of floral design plays a very important role in our society. It is an important part of social interactions; of interior design; is very important in relationships and for enhancing the overall quality of our lives. Working with flowers brings a dimension to our life that is purely

Hanbidge on Horticulture

by Patricia Hanbidge

Saskatoon School of Horticulture pleasing. Having a bad day – then make a bouquet! Feeling sad – bring some joy to your life by working with a bunch of flowers that smile for you!

You can further this feeling of accomplishment by learning new techniques of designing, more about the flowers themselves and even learn to work in the industry.

We mark special days with flowers – births, deaths, weddings and a host of other special occa-

sions to give thanks, to say “ I love you “ or to just say I am thinking about you.

In fact, individual types of flowers have been given special meanings you may consider when you are giving flowers as a gift.

Roses have long been the chosen flower to signify love and long stemmed red roses are for sure the sell out flower on Valentine’s Day. However, white roses symbolize purity and yellow roses symbolize happiness and friend-

ship. Lilies are often one of the most chosen flowers for both weddings and funerals, with white lilies being symbolic of the purity and virtue of the bride.

Sunflowers are the symbol of warmth and happiness while purple lilacs signify first love.

The floral industry itself is huge. It is a multibillion dollar industry that brightens our lives at every special holiday and event in our lives. It does make a great contribution to our economy and provides a host of employment opportunities.

However, there are not many places for individuals to learn how to be a “florist” – someone who understands flowers and how to treat them to ensure long-lasting bouquets.

There is a skill that needs to be learned in order to design and work with a variety of floral elements.

Floristry is an important

Floristry is an important component of the horticultural industry. Photo submitted

component of the horticultural industry. However, it is sometimes difficult to find training that is offered close to you when you need it. Well, if you are located within traveling distance to Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, training has just become a

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little bit easier.

The School of Horticulture in Saskatoon is offering a variety of options in the floristry field. Those interested can obtain experience doing floral design by offering a variety of floral design classes that will give the participant the great joy of working with flowers but also provide the necessary skills to work in the industry or run your very own florist shop. Please note that participants will receive a certificate for each level of education that is completed. We even offer a more in depth certificate program in floristry for those that wish to achieve more certification. You can learn the tools to succeed in the floral industry today!

Don’t miss Level I Floral Design on Feb. 10. This one-day workshop will be fun and also becomes the foundation for those who wish to continue with their learning to benefit themselves or to create employment opportunities.

Hanbidge is a horticulturist with the Saskatoon School of Horticulture and can be reached at 306-931GROW(4769); by email at growyourfuture@gmail. com or check out our website at saskhort.com.

Tuesday, January 30, 2018 - PAGE 9

Lucas Punkari

Sports Reporter

Phone: 306-445-7261 Fax: 306-445-3223

Email: newsoptimist.sports@sasktel.net

Hawks top North Stars in battle of league leaders

By Lucas Punkari Sports Reporter

In their previous two meetings this year, it took overtime to decide the winner between the Battlefords North Stars and the Nipawin Hawks.

On Friday night at the Civic Centre, the visitors made sure that an extra frame of hockey wasn’t needed.

The league-leading Hawks earned their fifth win in a row and extended their cushion over the North Stars in the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League standings to seven points following a 4-1 victory over the defending champions.

“We have to give Nipawin credit as they are a hard-working team that stuck to their game plan, but we shot ourselves in the foot and had a couple of lapses,” North Stars assistant coach Boyd Wakelin said.

“We had a couple of bad line changes and a couple of bad turnovers that led to their goals. If those things don’t happen, then maybe the game doesn’t get away from us like they did.”

After Jake Tremblay took advantage of a North Stars line change to score on a breakaway just 42 seconds into the game, the hosts bounced back nicely in the first period and tied the game at one on a Brad Girard power play marker.

However, after Logan

Battlefords North Stars forward Brad Girard pins Nipawin Hawks forward Daven Smith against the boards Friday night at the Civic Centre. Photo by Lucas Punkari

Casavant scored a power play goal of his own later in the opening frame, the Hawks were in control of the game for the rest of the way.

“I thought the Battlefords took it to us quite a bit in the second half of the first period,” Hawks head coach and general manager Doug Johnson said.

“We kept battling, which was helped by some strong performances on the penalty kill, and we were fortunate enough to get a few bounces to take the lead back.”

While the visitor turned in a strong showing on the road, the North Stars’ result was a dramatic contrast from their previous performance Wednesday night when they went on the road and defeated the Melfort Mustangs by a

score of 7-3.

“We just have to worry about ourselves and we can’t focus our energy into complaining about the officiating,” Wakelin said.

“Our guys need to start buying and play for the right reasons.”

After serving a threegame suspension for a gross misconduct penalty he received last Friday in Yorkton, Taryn Kotchorek made his return to the starting lineup and made 26 saves for the North Stars.

Chad McCartney had a goal and an assist to lead the way for the 34-5-3-2 Hawks, who last lost in regulation on Nov. 10 in a streak that has spanned 25 straight games.

“We’re coming to the rink every night prepared and focussed,” McCartney

Hawks move into first place in SPHL standings Staff With one week left in the regular season for the Saskatchewan Prairie Hockey League, the Hafford Hawks find themselves in the driver’s seat when it comes to earning home ice advantage through the playoffs.

Thanks to a pair of wins over the weekend, the Hawks improved their record to 13-1 for the campaign and have a two-point lead over the 12-3 Meota Combines for the top spot in the nine-team league.

The top two teams in the league squared off Friday in Hafford, where it was the Hawks coming away with a 5-2 triumph over the Combines.

Andrew Galambos led the way for the hosts with two goals and an assist, while Kyle Rivett,

Brooks Fleury and Kobe Kindrachuk also scored.

Aaron Cadrin and Scott Maunula replied for the Combines.

The Hawks wrapped up their weekend with another win on home ice Saturday, as they defeated the Maymont Settlers by a score of 7-3.

Kindrachuk and Scott Thompson both scored twice for the Hawks, who also recieved goals from Rivett, Galambos and Cole Rathgeber.

The Combines bounced back from their loss to the Hawks with a 6-2 road win over the Radisson Wheatkings Saturday.

Brandon O’Donnell paced the offence with two goals and an assist, while Mitch Migneault and Troy Watt each had a goal and an assist in the win.

Levi Pollard and Derek Welford also scored for the visitors.

Meanwhile, the Battleford Beaver Blues suffered a 9-4 loss at home Saturday to the Shellbrook Silvertips, who were led by a three-goal and one-assist night for Parker Turner.

Chris Risling had a goal and three assists in the loss for the Beaver Blues, who sit in third in the standings with a 9-5 record.

Brent Salzl had two goals and an assist in the loss, while Cody Danberg had a goal and two helpers.

The Combines will wrap up their regular season Friday night on the road against the Settlers.

The Beaver Blues, meanwhile, will visit the Glaslyn North Stars Friday before playing the Hawks in Hafford on Saturday.

said. “We know that working hard is the key to our game plan and that’s been huge for our success.

“We had a strong finish to last season, but I think the group we have here this year has an even tighter bond than that team. We have more speed on our roster and we’re able to play a grittier style of game when we need to.”

Tyler Adams had the other goal for the Hawks, who received a 24-save performance from Declan Hobbs.

It didn’t take long for the North Stars to get back into the win column, as they cruised to an 8-1 triumph on Saturday night against the La Ronge Ice Wolves in a neutral site game that was held in Spiritwood.

“We picked up in the second and third periods,

which was a night and day difference from how we played in the first period,” North Stars head coach and general manager Brandon Heck said.

“Kotchorek bailed us out quite a bit in the opening frame, otherwise I don’t think it would have been a 1-1 tie going into the second period.”

Although they were outshot by a 38-35 margin, the North Stars took advantage of their offensive opportunities.

Leading the charge was Cole Johnson, as he found the back of the net on four occasions, which bested his three goals and one assist performance Wednesday against the Melfort Mustangs.

Girard and Layne Young each had a goal and three assists Saturday, with Matthias Urbanksi and Blake Fennig also scoring.

Connor Smith had the lone goal for the Ice Wolves, who are in 12th place in the league standings with an 8-33-0-2 record and are 14 points out of a playoff spot.

Having coughed up a lead in the third period to the Klippers last Tuesday, the North Stars made sure that wasn’t an issue Wednesday in Melfort.

Although the host Mustangs clawed back from a 4-0 deficit to get within a goal in the second frame, the North Stars scored three times in the final 20 minutes as they came away

with a 7-3 win.

“I couldn’t be happier with the way the guys bounced back after what happened in the third against Kindersley,” Heck said. “It was a complete effort from start to finish and the guys bought in to the way we wanted them to play.”

Johnson’s three goals and one assist led the way up front, while McGregor Sinclair had a goal and two assists in the triumph.

Chaseton Braid and Levi Kleiboer had a goal and an assist each for the North Stars, who also got a goal from Keith Anderson.

Joel Grzybowski made 25 saves in the victory.

The Mustangs, who have a 29-9-4-1 record to sit third in the standings and are just three points back of the North Stars in the league table, were led on offence by a goal and two assists from Reed Gunville.

Tristen Elder had a goal and an assist in the loss and Colin Schmidt also lit the lamp.

The North Stars, who now have a 32-8-2-0 record and have an 11-point lead over the Humboldt Broncos for top spot in the Global Ag Risk Solutions Division, will now begin a seven-game home stand at the Civic Centre Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. against the Klippers.

Estevan and Melville will both pay a visit over the weekend.

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PAGE 10 - Tuesday, January 30, 2018

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Stars split weekend set on home ice

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Matthew Flodell celebrated with Battlefords Stars teammate Adam Beckman after Flodell found the back of the net during the second period of a 7-4 loss to the Swift Current Legionnaires Sunday. Photo by Lucas Punkari

By Lucas Punkari Sports Reporter

The John Paul II Crusaders senior girls’ basketball team came away with a silver medal at a tournament in Warman on Jan. 20, as they posted a 2-1 record and dropped a 47-35 decision to Wynyard. In addition to getting wins over Warman and Hague to reach the final, Crusaders teammates Sarah Morrison, Prisca Mbwebwe and Kaitlyn Yockey joined forces to win a threepoint shooting competition. During that same weekend, the Crusaders junior boys’ team travelled to Edmonton for a tournament. Going against some of the top schools in Alberta, the Crusaders where they went 2-1 and won a bronze medal with a win over Avalon Junior High School from Edmonton.

Photo courtesy of Bruce Yockey

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Despite two strong efforts over the weekend at the Civic Centre, the Battlefords Stars find themselves in the exact same spot that they were in the Saskatchewan Midget AAA Hockey League standings earlier in the week.

After a 7-2 win Saturday over the Notre Dame Argos and a 7-4 loss to the Swift Current Legionnaires Sunday, the 14-211-0 Stars remain in ninth place and are now four points back of the 14-191-3 Saskatoon Blazers for the eighth and final playoff spot.

“We played a great game Saturday where we did really well on offence, but we made too many mistakes and let Swift Current back into the game on Sunday,” Stars head coach Norm Johnston said.

“We battled our way back a number of times, but we got caught up the ice pressuring on offence and we ended up giving up two-on-one rushes the other way. Swift Current has a strong offensive team and you can’t give them those chances.”

Although the Stars are still looking to gain ground in the playoff race, the big talking point of the weekend was a pair of dominating performances by second-year forward Adam Beckman.

The Spokane Chiefs prospect stole the show Saturday night with four goals and two assists and followed that up with three goals and an assist Sunday afternoon.

“My teammates played a huge part in what I was able to do more than anything that I did,” Beckman said after Saturday’s win.

“Everyone’s feeding the puck to each other and we were able to capitalize on our opportunities.”

“He was outstanding,”

Johnston said. “Not only was he great on offence, but he played great on defence and we put him in some key roles on both the power play and the penalty kill.”

Although his 10-point weekend gave him 61 points for the season and puts him a single marker behind Jaydon Dureau of the Regina Pat Canadians for first place in the league scoring race, Beckman was arguably more excited about a late goal scored Saturday by Brendan Albert, which was his first as a member of the Stars.

“Brendan’s a great guy and he’s been working hard ever since he came up to play here,” Beckman said.

“He’s always giving everything he has in practice both on and off the ice, so to see him get that first goal was awesome.”

Ty Mosimann opened up the scoring for the Stars, who received a three-assist performance from Matthew Flodell and 37-save showing from goaltender Carter Serhyenko.

Blake Rasmuson and Keaton Sorenson scored for the Argos, who reside at the bottom of the SMAAAHL standings with a 5-32-0-0 record.

While Sunday’s pushback was something that Johnston like to see out of his group, the hole that the Stars dug themselves in against the Legionnaires as they look to claw their way into the post-season in their final eight regular season contests.

“We have one line right now that’s scoring, so when we are at a point where it’s a one goal game late, we just need to hang out and wait for our top line to get their scoring chances,” Johnston said.

“With three affiliated players on defence, it can be a challenge to try and slow down the other team on offence when they have strong depth. Swift Current

has three really good lines and Prince Albert has the same thing, so we need to be more consistent in that end of the ice.”

Flodell had the other goal for the Stars in the loss, which saw Mosimann pick up three assists to put him in third in league scoring with 58 points.

Hunter Lamb had three assists to lead the way for the Legionnaires, who have a 23-10-3-0 record and are in fifth place in the standings.

Mac Gross, Rin Beny, Owen Ozar, Ty Muench, Chase Gallant, Riley Dekowny and Jacob Piller all scored for the visitors, who chased Stars starting netminder Joseph Young from the game in the first period.

The Stars will wrap up a four-game home stand Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. against the Prince Albert Mintos.

“We got a tricky road ahead of us if we want to make the playoffs,” Johnston said.

“It’s been a tough year.

When you have two of the top five scorers in the league, but you also have the most penalty minutes out of all 12 teams, it just doesn’t correlate.”

After Wednesday’s game with the Contacts, the Stars will head out on the road on Tuesday, Feb. 6 to face the Saskatoon Contacts before playing the Yorkton Maulers on Feb. 10 and 11.

They’ll return to the Civic Centre for their final home game of the regular season on Tuesday, Feb. 13 at 7:30 p.m. against the Beardy’s Blackhawks.

Following a road game against the Mintos on Thursday, Feb. 15, the Stars will conclude their regular season schedule with a pair of games on the road against the Moose Jaw Generals on Saturday, Feb. 17 and Sunday, Feb. 18.

Tuesday, January 30, 2018 - PAGE 11

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FUNERAL SERVICES SCHELL: Mass Of Christian Burial for Mrs. Helen Schell, beloved wife of William ‘Bill’ Schell, resident of Caleb Village, was held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, January 27, 2018 from Notre Dame De Lourdes Roman Catholic Church. Interment followed at Prairie Willows Columbaria – City Cemetery. Memorial donations are requested to the Battlefords Union Hospital Foundation, Box 1358, North Battleford, SK S9A 3L8. Condolences can be sent to mail@battlefordsfuneralservice.com Arrangements were entrusted to Battlefords Funeral Service (306-446-4200) __________________________________________________________

OBITUARIES BERTSCH: Mass of Christian Burial for Mr. Stanley Bertsch, resident of North Battleford, SK was held on Friday, January 13, 2018 @ 1:00 p.m. from St. Joseph Calasanctius Roman Catholic Parish with Reverend Father Anthony Afangide and Reverend Father Cuong Luong officiating.

Memorial Donations in memory of Stanley may be directed to the Battlefords Union Hospital Foundation directed to Palliative Care or to the Battlefords Homecare Services, 1092 107 St, North Battleford, SK S9A 1Z1. Stanley is lovingly remembered by his wife of 57 years, Faye; son, Brian (Yvette) and their children, Denée (Ryan) and Brandon; daughter, Bonita (Lorne) and their children, Kristie (Cole) - Cale and Chase, Brayden (Kelsey), Jenna (Damon) and Mackenzie; son, Duane (Rosanne) and their daughter Willa. He was predeceased by his parents, Stanley and Lena Bertsch; sisters, Tillie (Albert) Weber, Theresa (Andy) Schwab, Kay (Bud) Arnold amd Helen (Ted) Nolen; and brothers, Joe (Gennie) Bertsch and Tony (Corine) Bertsch. For those wishing to leave a condolence you may do so at www.eternalmemoriesfuneral.ca. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Trevor Watts of Eternal Memories Funeral Service & Crematorium.

KURY: In Loving Memory of William “Bill” Kury, born February 2, 1936 On the farm – Marlin, SK., passed away January 18, 2018 in North Battleford, SK. Bill is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Carol; children and grandchildren: Karen (Myron) Zubiak & family: Mitchell (Nicole) – Kole, Jeremy (RaeAnn) – Nash. Barbara (Fred) Taylor & family; David – Lylee, Abby, Dawsen, Jesse (Jenelle) – Grady, (†Adrian) his family; Peyton, Kasen, Nixon, Adam (Caylah) – Bentley. Craig (Connie) Kury & family: Taylor, Stean, Kaela, Tanner, Austin.

Sisters: Anne Zaychkowsky and Olga Matweow; in-laws: Grace Pawliw, Elmer Braaten and Bill McConnell; nieces, nephews and their families. Predeceased by his parents, Harry and Edna Kury; grandson, Adrian Taylor; sister, Mary Kury; brothers-in-law: John Zaychkowsky and Harry Matweow; in-laws: Einar and Isabella Braaten, sister-in-laws: Joyce McConnell, Lorene Braaten and Chris Braaten; brother-in-law: George Pawliw. Funeral Service was held on Wednesday, January 24, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. from ‘The Garden Chapel’ – Battlefords Funeral Service, North Battleford, Saskatchewan with Minister Pastor Ron Braun, Community Baptist Church, North Battleford, SK. Shared Memories were given by Michael Zaychkowsky. Music Ministry: Mrs. M. Junice Headley – Pianist; Hymn Selections: What A Friend We Have In Jesus – In The Garden; Recorded Selections: I Just Want To Be Me – William “Bill” Kury & Beyond The Rainbows End – Daniel O’Donnell. Honourary Pallbearers were Kaela Kury, Austin Kury, Tanner Wood & Taylor Wood. Active Pallbearers were Mitchell Zubiak, Jeremy Zubiak, Stean Kury, David Taylor, Jesse Taylor & Adam Taylor. Memorial Donations are requested to the Donor’s Choice. Interment was at the Marlin Cemetery, Marlin, SK. Arrangements were entrusted to Battlefords Funeral Service. __________________________________________________

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Granite Monument Specialists.

Dedicated to Quality, Craftsmanship and Service.

Cut Knife ........ 306-398-4717 Lloydminster .. 306-825-9444 Family Owned with Pride since 1961

ANNOUNCEMENTS

AUCTIONS Clyde Auctioneering Firearm Sales. We are Licensed, Bonded and Insured with a Secure Facility in Clyde Alberta. Do You Have a Collection for Sale? Call 1-780348-5414 Email wendy@clydeauctioneering.com

FARM STRESS LINE

Rose City Memorials Ltd.

BOOK NOW FOR SPRING INSTALLATIONS

Ph.: 306-445-7265 / 306-445-7266

Professional Services Provided with Heart and Compassion ROBERT MACKAY GEORGE HAEGEBAERT

If you are experIencIng symptoms of stress, the farm stress LIne Is avaILabLe 24/7 at

FOR SALE - MISC 2006 Western Star 4900 515 Detroit 18 speed-46 rears. Rubber is very good. Just rebuilt 4 inch T&E fluid pump $34,990 OBO. Call Ken@ 306-441-9251

1-800-667-4442

P.O. Box 806 North Battleford, SK S9A 2Z3

306-446-4200

OBITUARIES MCDONALD: In Loving Memory of Lorna Eileen McDonald, born December 30, 1919 at Prince Albert, SK., passed away January 16, 2018 in Hafford, SK. Survived by her loving family: Children, grand-children and greatgrand-children: Murray (Marlene) McDonald: Shawn (Pam) McDonald. and Nicole (Ian) Yaworenko: Zoe; Harvey (Carolyn) McDonald: Michelle and Daniele; Velda (James) Karp: Elton (Terra) Karp: Cameron and Julia; Benjamin (Kristen) Karp: Joshua and Jacob; Rita (David) Lamontagne: Jennifer (Kevin) Krett: Jace and Lane; Matthew (Shanda) Lamontagne: Archer and Bracken. Sisters-in-law; Julie McDonald and Edna McDonald; Numerous nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her loving husband of 59 years, Kenneth McDonald in September 2009; parents, William and Clara Murray; brothers, Randolph and Douglas, and sister Dorothy and their spouses. Brothers-inlaw, Russ, Reg and Archie McDonald, and sister-in-law, Rose McDonald. Service Of Celebration and Thanksgiving for Lorna’s Life was held on Saturday, January 20, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. from Speers Pioneer Memorial United Church, Speers, Saskatchewan with Minister Rev. Gayle Wensley. Eulogy With Shared Memories By The Family was given by Kristen Karp and Terra Karp and a good friend, Rev. Ellen Wood, contributed a “spiritual” memorial as part of the eulogy. Music Ministry: Organist Mrs. Phyllis Cunningham; Speers United Church Choir With Soloist - Colleen Wicks: “Lord, I’m Coming Home”; Hymn Selections: “Open My Eyes” (Verse 4 - composed by Lorna), “Spirit of God, descend upon my heart”, “Spirit, spirit of gentleness”, “Till We Meet Again” – Recessional. Honourary Pallbearers: Richard UCW Members and all those who have been a part of Lorna’s life. Active Pallbearers: Elton Karp, Shawn McDonald, Ian Yaworenko, Benjamin Karp, Matthew Lamontagne & Kevin Krett. Memorials are requested to Speers Pioneer Memorial United Church c/o: Colleen Wicks, PO Box 91, Speers, SK S0M 2V0. or to Hafford Special Care Centre and Primary Care Site, PO Box 130, Hafford, SK S0J 1A0. Arrangements are entrusted to Battlefords Funeral Service.

Card of Thanks The family would like to thank Dr. M. Olakanmi, and the staff of the Hafford Special Care Centre, for the exceptional care given to Lorna. Thank you to Rev. Gayle Wensley for her guidance; to Phyllis Cunningham, organist; Colleen Wicks and the Speers Pioneer Memorial United Church Choir for the music provided.

Thank you to Bob MacKay and the staff of the Battlefords Funeral Service. For the many thoughts and kindnesses from friends and neighbours. ___________________________________________________

newsoptimist.ca

your news all the time and online

COMING EVENTS GET UP TO $50,000 from the Government of Canada. Do you or someone you know Have any of these Conditions? ADHD, Anxiety, Arthritis, Asthma, Cancer, COPD, Depression, Diabetes, Difficulty Walking, Fibromyalgia, Irritable Bowels, Overweight, Trouble Dressing...and Hundreds more. ALL Ages & Medical Conditions Qualify. CALL SASKATCHEWAN BENEFITS 1-(800)-2113550

WANTED DEAD OR ALIVE Canadian PiCkers are returning to your area

buying Coin ColleCtions.

The PICKERS will be purchasing Royal Can. Mint Sets or bags, boxes or truck loads of loose SILVER & GOLD coins.

CANADIAN PICKERS also buying old, broken or unwanted GOLD JEWELRY and paying HIGHEST CASH PRICES. The PICKERS will be providing discrete home visits during the month of February.

To arrange a free in home appraisal kindly call Kellie @ 778-257-8647 Bonded since 1967

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.

Bosch 800 watt Mixers 509 & up VITAMIX Blenders, Kitchenaid Mixer attachments, BUNN Coffee Makers, Perogie makers, L E F S E supplies, Vacuums Call 1 - 8 8 8 692-6724, shop online www.hometechcanada.ca Hometech 375 COLORADO BLUE SPRUCE: $0.99/each for a box of 180 ($178.20). Also full range of tree, shrub, and berry seedlings. Free shipping most of Canada. Growth guarantee.

1-866-873-3846 or TreeTime.ca.

For sale. Dorwood Smoke Master Furnace in great condition. Comes with lots of piping and bonnet for top of furnace. Call 306-386-2628 or 306-441-0505 PROVINCE-WIDE CLASSIFIEDS. Reach over 550,000 readers weekly. Call this newspaper NOW or 306-649.1405 for details.

306-445-7261

FUNERAL SERVICES

Eternal Memories Funeral Service & Crematorium 2741 - 99th Street, North Battleford, SK 306-445-7570

Trevor Watts - Director/Owner

The Battlefords only Locally Owned Funeral Provider

“The only crematorium in the Battlefords area” Traditional Casket Burial and Cremation Services Serving Families with Dignity, Respect & Compassion Counsellor for Bronze and Granite Memorials Free pre-planning guides available, assistance with pre-planning services

www. eternalmemoriesfuneral.ca

PAGE 12 - Tuesday, January 30, 2018

WANTED

APARTMENTS/CONDOS FOR RENT

All wild fur (coyotes, etc), beaver castors, old traps, shed deer antlers. Phone Bryan 306-278-7756 or Phil 306-278-2299.

Collector looking for silver coins.

Paying 12 times face value. Also looking for paper currency pre 1964. 306-226-4646

GOT OIL? Free Property Evaluation for Mineral

Rights holders.

Royalties paid on suitable drilling locations!

Call with your land co-ordinates

1-403-291-0005 www.briskenergy.com

Big River, Saskatchewan

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

BUSINESS SERVICES

1 bedroom apartment for rent. 961 -107th Street. Rent is $600 Fridge/Stove included. References required. Call 306-445-4646.

Southern Selection committee member, GDi traininG & employment.

$1000 MOVE-IN BONUS! MOVE IN TO YOUR NEW OR RENOVATED SUITE ON OR BEFORE MAR. 1ST Rent with us to receive great perks! ° 24-hour customer service ° Pet friendly communities ° Newly renovated suites ° Maintenance guarantee ° On-line account access ° Resident member only events, contests and more!

Be the first to live in

Gabriel Dumont Institute Training & Employment Inc. was established in 2006 to serve the Métis training and employment needs in Saskatchewan. GDI T & E falls under the parent umbrella organization, the Gabriel Dumont Institute of Native Studies and Applied Research.

CAREER TRAINING

your new suite at

Pines edge ii

WANTED TO PURCHASE SPRUCE AND PINE SAWLOGS Call Office: 306-922-6700 or Bart: 306-961-2635

LIVESTOCK Black and Red Angus yearling and 2 year old Bulls on moderate growing ration - Performance Info available. - Adrian or Brian and Elaine Edwards. Valleyhills Angus - Glaslyn, SK. Phone 441-0946 or 342-4407

Butcher for Hire

Will come to your farm to slaughter Beef, Bison or Lamb (slaughter only!!)

Phone/Text 306-386-7874

CHAROLAIS BULLS FOR SALE Easy calving, polled and hairy.

Phone Craig Jones 306-386-2728.

Cell 306-441-4652 Cochin, SK. Nordal Limousin & Angus 2018 Bull Sale. Feb. 15 Saskatoon Livestock Sales Saskatoon Sk. offering 87 2 Yr.old Limousin ,Black Angus & Red Angus. Catalogue online at www.nordallimousin.com Contact Rob Garner 306 946 7946. Rob Garner Box 85 Simpson Sk. S0G4M0

LAND FOR SALE Half section pasture land for sale.

A creek runs through it, has a fence but poor. R.M. of Medstead.

W 1/2-4-49-15-W3. Call Ken@ 306-441-9251

FARMLAND WANTED NO FEES OR COMMISSIONS! PURCHASING: SINGLE TO LARGE BLOCKS OF LAND. PREMIUM PRICES PAID WITH QUICK PAYMENT. Great References Available a total of 590 QUARTER SECTIONS SOLD across saskatchewan RENT BACK AVAILABLE Call DOUG 306-955-2266 saskfarms@shaw.ca

SUITES FOR RENT Bachelor suite for rent. 1691-101st Street. Rent is $475. Fridge/stove included. References required.

Call 306-445-4646.

WANTED TO RENT Wanted - Airplane Hangar Rental for Single Engine Beechcraft when visiting family in Battlefords 403-804-4917

FEED & SEED NORTH EAST PRAIRIE GRAIN INC. Currently Buying: Feed Barley, Wheat, Soybeans & Faba Beans. OFFERING: Competitive Prices, On Farm Pickup & Prompt Payment! CALL: 1-306-873-3551, WEBSITE: neprairiegrain.com

Buying/Selling FEED GRAINS heated / damaged CANOLA/FLAX Top price paid FOB FARM

Western Commodities 877-695-6461 Visit our website @

www.westerncommodities.ca

HEATED CANOLA WANTED!!

- GREEN CANOLA - SPRING THRASHED - DAMAGED CANOLA FEED OATS WANTED!!

- BARLEY, OATS, WHT - LIGHT OR TOUGH - SPRING THRASHED HEATED FLAX WANTED!!

HEATED PEAS HEATED LENTILS "ON FARM PICKUP" Westcan Feed & Grain 1-877-250-5252

AUTO MISCELLANEOUS Wrecking over 250 units... cars and trucks. Lots of trucks...

Dodge... GMC... Ford... Imports...

1/2 ton to 3 tons... We ship anywhere... Call or text 306-821-0260.

Lloydminster.

Professional

D I R E C T O R Y 300 - 1291 102nd Street North Battleford, SK, S9A 3V4

Phone: 306-445-6234 Fax: 306-445-0245 PARTNERS

Suzanne L. Odishaw, CPA, CA Jacques la Cock, CPA, CA Derek Sieben, CPA, CA Stephen Mann, CPA, CA

Selection Committee members should possess the following: ° Métis ancestry with solid knowledge of Métis history and culture; ° knowledge, skills, and expertise in the area of training & employment; ° solid knowledge of labour market and training trends within the area of impact and be reputable, with a solid history of community service.

Ask us how!

Regina: 306.994.2800 Saskatoon: 306.700.3551 Bwalk.com

ANNOUNCEMENTS

CHARTERED PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTANTS

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Let Us Help You Keep Your Business Rolling!

PLACE YOUR AD ON THIS PAGE

306-445-7261

Fax: 306-445-1977 Email: newsoptimist.sales@sasktel.net

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES MEDICAL TRANSCRIPTION! Indemand career! Employers have work-at-home positions available.

Get online training you need from an employer-trusted program. Visit: CareerStep.ca/MT or 1-855768-3362 to start training for your workat-home career today!

Heavy Duty Mechanic

1A Drivers License required for preventative maintenance, repair & service of heavy equipment fleet.

Journeyman with min. 5 year exp with CAT, JD and heavy trucks. Both camp and shop locations. Service truck and accommodations provided.

Wage negotiable.

Send resume and work references to: Bryden Construction and Transport Co. Inc., Box 100, Arborfield, Sk. S0E 0A0; Fax: 306-769-8844 Email: brydenconstruct@ xplornet.ca www. brydenconstruction andtransport.ca with

Priority will be given to someone living in one of the following Métis Regions: Western Region III, Eastern Region IIA and Eastern Region III. Members of the Southern Selection committee are responsible for allocating training funds based on established eligibility criteria and labour market information. Training will be provided to Selection Committee members and meetings will be held 7-8 times per year.

Travel expenses are provided following GDI policies.

Deadline for Receipt of Resumes February 2nd, 2018 Inquiries & Resumes can be sent to: Angie Yew, Administrative Coordinator 917-22nd Street West Saskatoon, SK S7M 0R9 angie.yew@gdite.gdins.org

Phone: (306) 242-6070 Fax: (306) 683-3508

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Battle River Treaty 6 Health Centre Inc. is currently looking for a

• Temporary Full-Time Wellness Counsellor • Casual Receptionist Please view the full job advertisement in the careers section on our company website:

www.brt6hc.ca

Light of Christ School Division invites applications for the position of

Accounting Assistant This is a permanent full-time position.

Applications can be made on our website at www.loccsd.ca

COMING EVENTS

Visit our website

www.newsoptimist.ca for more community events

Community Events Calendar Alcoholics Anonymous Please call our 24 hour helpline at 306-446-6166 for support or information.

Al-anon Family Groups If someone’s drinking troubles, attending Al-Anon Family Group provides understanding and support. Meetings Monday at 7:00 p.m. and Friday at 10:00 a.m. at the Zion Lutheran Church, corner of 15th Ave. & 108th Street. Contacts 306-937-7765, 306-937-7289 or 306-441-9324.

Saturday, February 3 Family Justice Services Offers A Parenting After Separation and Divorce Program. These public information sessions are intended to help people who are considering or may be in the separation/ Divorce process. Sessions will be offered in North Battleford from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Topics of Discussion: Options for resolving disputes and stages of separation and Divorce. Presentation of the various stages, losses, and changes experienced by separating or divorcing couples. Discussion of the options available for dispute resolution. Information on Child Support Guidelines. Registration is mandatory.There is no fee for these sessions.To register for these sessions call toll-free 1-877-964-5501. Location will be advised when you register. Classes are for adults only - no child care is provided.

Thursday, February 8 Valentine Luncheon at St. Joseph Calasanctius Parish Hall at 1942 - 98th Street from 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Menu - soup, biscuits and dessert. Everyone welcome.

Saturday, February 10 Club 70 Dance with Harry Startup at the Royal Canadian Legion, 1352 - 100th Street, North Battleford starting at 8:00 p.m. Everyone welcome. Lunch served at 12:00 p.m.

Saturday, February 10 Borden Lions Mystery Dinner Theatre at the Borden Community Centre. Opens at 5:30 p.m. with supper at 6:30 p.m.

Monday, February 12 Donors Needed - Blood Drive at the Don Ross Centre, St. Thomas Dr., North Battleford from 2:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Tuesday, February 13 Shrove Tuesday Pancake/Sausage Supper at the Borden Seniors Room from 5:00 - 6:30 p.m. - by donation. Hosted by Borden Anglican and United Church.

Tuesday, February 13 Kaiser Tournament at the Borden Senior Room at 7:00 p.m.

Wednesday, February 14 Cancer Survivor Support Group at the Third Avenue United Church, 1301 - 102nd Street at 7:00 p.m. It is a self help group for people with Cancer and their family and friends. We meet every third Wednesday of the Month except for February. For further information call Pat Gotto at 306-445-5891.

Wednesday, February 21 Cash Bingo at the Borden Senior’s Room at 7:00 p.m.

This section, which will appear weekly in Tuesday's News-Optimist and Thursday’s Regional Optimist, is provided free-of-charge to non-profit organizations. To list the Community Calendar please call News-Optimist at 306-445-7261 or fax the information to 306-445-3223. Please provide complete information including event, time, date and location. Although we will do our utmost to make sure your event appears in this section, News-Optimist does not guarantee all submissions will appear.

Deadline for submissions is 5:00 p.m.

Thursday prior for Tuesday's & Thursday’s publication.

Tuesday, January 30, 2018 - PAGE 13

Know a Keeman (or Keewoman)?

Ducks Unlimited wants to hear from you

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

COMING EVENTS

By DUC CEO Karla Guyn

Visit our website

www.newsoptimist.ca for more community events

Monthly Community Events Calendar Sundays

Wednesdays

North Battleford Girl Guides at Holy Family School, 9201 - 19th Ave., North Battleford at 1:00 p.m. We meet once or twice a month from September, 2017 to May, 2018.

Battlefords Toastmasters meets from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. at the Don Ross Centre, 891-99th Street, North Battleford, in room 108. The focus of Toastmasters is to improve our communication and leadership skills in a welcoming and supportive environment.

1st Sunday of the Month Jam Session from 1:00 - 5:00 p.m. at the Pioneer Hall, South Railway from October to May 2018. For more information call 306-445-5036.

Mondays The Rotary Club of the Battlefords meets at The Blend at 12:00 noon.

New members/guest welcome. For more information call 306-9377128 or 306-441-6636.

2nd Monday of the Month BUH Retirees meet at the Co-op Cafeteria at 11:30 am 2nd Monday of the month unless a holiday then moves to 3rd Monday.

2nd Monday of the Month Parkinsons Support Group at the Historic Lions Club House, 162 22nd Street, Battleford at 1:30 p.m. For more info phone 306-937-2987.

Mondays & Wednesdays In Motion exercises in the Borden Senior’s Room at 10:00 a.m. No charge & everyone is welcome.

Mondays, Wednesdays & Thursdays Active Walking, Health Program at the Meota Community Complex from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon. Stretch & tone portion at 10:00 a.m.

For more information phone Program Co-ordinator 306-892-2073.

Tuesdays Regular Bridge Lessons starting at 10:30 a.m. playing Bridge to follow.

Call Margaret at 306-445-7615.

Tuesdays Knit & Natter meet at Porta Bella Restaurant, 2491- 99th Street, North Battleford from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. No membership requirements.

Bring your own project or join in a group project knitting for charity, yarn supplied. All skill levels and ages welcome. Phone Vistara at 306317-9434 for more information.

Tuesdays Every Tuesday at 3:00 p.m., four different churches alternate for a service and lunch at the Borden Care Home.

Tuesdays Battlefords Art Club meets at the Don Ross Centre Art Room. Call or text 306-441-6453 for more information.

Tuesdays TOPS - Take off Pounds Sensibly Meeting at the Living Faith Chapel, 103rd Street & 14th Avenue entrance.Weigh in from 5:15 - 6:15 p.m.

Meeting 6:15 - 7:00 p.m. Phone Irene Lascelle at 306-445-4625.

Tuesdays TOPS - Take Off Pounds Sensibly - Meeting from 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. at the Hope Mennonite Fellowship, 1291 - 109th Street. For more info phone Mary at 306-441-9232 or Joan at 306-445-9968. Everyone welcome.

Tuesdays Battlefords Blend Harmony Chorus at the 3rd Ave. United Church at 7:15 p.m. Phone 306-892-2196.

Tuesdays & Thursdays Circle of Learning at the Battlefords Family Health Centre, 1192 - 101st Street from 1:30 - 3:00 p.m. Call Sherry at 306-937-6842.

Last Tuesday of the Month Support group for families, friends and caregivers of persons with mental illness at Canadian Mental Health Association - Battleford Branch (CMHA), 1602 - 103rd Street, North Battleford. For more info phone Jane at 306-446-7177.

Wednesdays Bingo at the Livelong Hall at 7:30 p.m. For more information phone 306-845-4040.

Wednesdays

T.A.G. - What is TAG Toddler Activity Group? It’s a free drop in group where parents will learn fun ways to interact with their child through play, games, songs, finger plays and story time for ages 14 months - 3 years from 1:15 - 2:45 p.m. at the Don Ross Gym, 891 - 99th Street, North Battleford.

For more information contact Sherry at 306-480-9426, text or call.

Wednesdays

Drawing Sessions at ARC Creative Studios, 1106 - 101st Street, North Battleford from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. Bring your own art supplies and we’ll provide the subjects, coffee and encouragement for all. Facilitators Rosemarie Stadnyk and Chris Hodge.

1st Wednesdays of the Month

The Battlefords Photography Club meets downstairs at the Allan Sapp Gallery from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. For more information please phone Christ at 306-445-3909.

1st & 3rd Wednesday of the Month

North Battleford Grand Squares Dance (Mainstream & Plus Levels at the Ukrainian Senior Centre - Slava Center, 792 - 108th Street from 7:30 - 9:30 p.m. Phone Maurice & Arlene 306-445-4671 or Ray & Misel at 306-445-3114.

2nd Wednesday of the Month

Battlefords Wildlife Federation, Meeting at the Wildlife Federation Building at 7:00 p.m. New members welcome. No meetings during July and August.

3rd Wednesday of the Month

Cancer Survivor Support Group at the Third Avenue United Church, 1301 - 102nd Street at 7:00 p.m. It is a self help group for people with Cancer and their family and friends. For further information call Pat Gotto at 306-445-5891. All are welcome.

3rd Wednesday of the Month

Battlefords North West Historical Society Meeting at the Lions Club House, 22nd Street, Battleford at 1:30 p.m. Phone 306-445-3480.

Thursdays

Radisson TOPS SK5243 meeting at 10:00 a.m. in the Radisson Town Office.

Thursdays

Regular Bridge at the Pioneer Association at 7:00 p.m. Phone Margaret at 306-445-7615.

1st & 3rd Thursday of the Month

Midwest Food Resources - 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month order $10 or $15 fresh food boxes featuring local produce.To order call or text us at 306-446-2684. Pick up on the 2nd and 4th Thursday at 10202 - 11th Avenue between 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Follow us on Facebook.

1st & 3rd Thursday of the Month

Battlefords Cowboy Church at Battleford Legion Hall, 22nd Street Battleford at 7:00 p.m. Open to all religions. Everyone welcome.

1st Friday of the Month

The Rivers Edge Quilt Guild meets at 1:00 p.m. in the Craft Room of the Don Ross Centre from September to May. Beginners and experienced quilters are welcome. For more information please call Leslie at 306-937-7471 or Irene at 306-937-3318.

1st & 3rd Friday of the Month

Kaiser Tournament at the Action Now Senior Centre, 1501 - 101st Street at 7:30 p.m.

2nd Friday of the Month

Old Tyme Dance from 8:00 to 10:30 p.m. at the Pioneer Hall, South Railway from October 2017 to April 2018. Live bands. For more information call 306-445-5036.

2nd & 4th Friday of the Month

Ukrainian Seniors Kaiser Tournament at the Battlefords Ukrainian Hall, 792 - 108th Street at 7:30 p.m. For further details phone 306937-3190 or 306-441-3147. New members welcome.

This section, which will appear weekly in Tuesday’s News-Optimist and Thursday’s Regional Optimist, is provided free-of-charge to non-profit organizations.

To list the Community Calendar please call News-Optimist at 306-445-7261 or fax the information to 306-445-3223. Please provide complete information including event, time, date and location. Although we will do our utmost to make sure your event appears in this section, News-Optimist does not guarantee all submissions will appear.

Deadline for submissions is 5:00 Thursday prior for Tuesday’s & Thursday’s publication.

CNW - They were some of Canada’s first “citizen scientists.” Their pioneering spirit took them outdoors—on horseback, in canoes and duck punts, on foot and in vehicles—to duck producing areas of the Prairies. They had an important job to do: record the ducks, geese and wildlife they saw using wetlands and other natural spaces. Conservation, co-operation and restoration were their keywords.

They were Ducks Unlimited Canada’s original conservation volunteers. We called them “Keemen.”

Today, we are looking for their stories.

In 2018, Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) is celebrating our 80th anniversary as “The Year of the Volunteer.” As part of our celebrations, we’re seeking stories and photos from past Keemen or their relatives and friends. We want to share the stories of our original volunteers with Canadians.

The Keeman program began in 1938, the year DUC took root in rich, nurturing prairie soils.

It’s when we constructed our first trio of wetland projects – in Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta.

This 3,000-strong Keeman corps supported the fledgling non-profit conservation organization as DUC’s on-the-ground community ambassadors. They were farmers, medical doctors, police chiefs, bankers, merchants, government biologists and military personnel. Most were hunters.

Some served as Keemen for decades. When they retired, they often passed the Keeman torch to their sons and daughters.

Sharp-eyed Keemen (and women) scanned skies and landscapes. Three times a year they reported their observations of breeding and migrating waterfowl, habitat conditions and the weather.

They also told us about damage to conservation projects, or suggested potential sites for future ones.

They submitted their mudspattered records to DUC to help inform our wetland conservation efforts. DUC compiled and published their findings in our reports to agencies, funders and supporters.

The program wound down in the late 1990s. I am fortunate to own an original Keeman record book and waterfowl census dated 1939. This vintage manual not only gives

us insights into the ebbs and flows of weather and migration: it reveals the incredible connection Keemen had to the land and to wildlife. They wanted to make sure we’d always have wild things in wild spaces. As the DUC writer states in a message to these volunteers: “when all of your reports are brought together, we have a better picture of waterfowl conditions in Western Canada than anyone has ever had before.”

The Keeman legacy lives on in the scientists who conduct critical research that guides our conservation work today. Their passion drives the tradition of generosity within our 5,900-strong volunteer network across the country that hosts DUC community fundraising events. And in the volunteer MarshKeepers of Alberta… in our Ontario nest box stewards… in the people who hand-pull the invasive plants that are choking our wetlands and waterways. In any person who’s been touched by the outdoors… and takes action to keep it healthy.

My old, tattered record book says, “a land that is fit for wildlife to live and thrive in is a land in which we, too, can find happiness and prosperity.” As we see it, the unsung story of DUC’s Keemen is woven into the fabric of our conservation history… and Canada’s natural and economic future.

We hope this anticipated treasure trove of stories about our earliest volunteers will continue to inspire and motivate us all.

If you can share a Keeman story, send us an email at conservator@ducks.ca or call 1-800-665-3825.

Karla Guyn, PhD CEO, Ducks Unlimited Canada About Ducks Unlimited Canada Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) is the leader in wetland conservation.

A registered charity, DUC partners with government, industry, non-profit organizations and landowners to conserve wetlands that are critical to waterfowl, wildlife and the environment. www.ducks.ca

PAGE 14 - Tuesday, January 30, 2018

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s 34.Turf aft animals 35.Stags and bucks t temper 38.Foot parts derately d 39.Polite chap cade unit Submitted 40.Winding curvesSaskort-termGraduating job 41.Coin side e ____ atchewan high school students are invited to 44.Hobo learn ernate more about the CAA 46.MGM’s t the Saskatchewan best Scholarship trademark Program. entrance scholpart gest Annual47.Glass arships of $2,500 each are mmal 48.Effortless available at the University se of Saskatchewan 52.Resting and at the University of Regina. d bird 53.Act likeApplicants must be either f of twenty 54.Detective’sa CAA Saskatchewan Mem-

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56. The Golden State

ANSWER TO PUZZLE NO. 757

ber 2. or child of a member, gram ($1,000) offered at and selection process.

Woodsman’s and a Saskatchewan “CAA Saskatchewan is implement resi- the Regina Campus. The dent.

CAA scholarships at Sask- very pleased to offer the 3. Caribbean, CAA scholarships for atchewan Polytechnic are scholarships which has e.g.

Saskatchewan students available April 1 to June been our practice since entering Saskatchewan 30 to CAA Saskatchewan 2006,” said Fred Titanich, 4. Registers Polytechnic are $3,000 in members and non-mem- President and CEO of CAA 5. Close, once total and include the Au- bers.

Saskatchewan. He added; 6. Adjust to Technitomotive Service Interested applicants “Many past recipients have cian Program offered at are encouraged to contact told us how much they apsurroundings the 7.Saskatoon Campus the above-mentioned post- preciate the financial assisUnit of heat ($1,000) and at the Moose secondary educational in- tance the scholarships have Happen ($1,000),CROSSWORD Jaw 8. Campus stitution of their choice re- afforded them. Best wishes PUZZLE ANSWERS plus9.theDates Auto Body Techapplication forms, and congratulations to all USEgarding AMERICAN SPELLING nician Certificate Pro- scholarship availability, successful applicants.”

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Tuesday, January 30, 2018 - PAGE 15

Equipped by faith to look upon the unseen God There are a number of possible reasons why something that exists cannot be seen. Some stars and planets in the heavens are too far away to be seen, except with a powerful telescope. Other things, such as the molecules that make up visible matter, are too small to be seen individually, except through an electron microscope.

Years ago, it was impossible to view something that was happening on the other side of the world.

Until satellites and television shrank the world, people had to wait for the arrival of someone who had been there to find out about events. Or perhaps wait for a letter that would give them a written description. The journals of Columbus, Drake, Hudson, Cabot, Cartier, and others, brought exciting accounts to Europeans of a “new world” far away.

The wind cannot be seen, but we can certainly observe its effects when it blows. In a way that’s similar to a whole host of human attitudes and emotions that are invisible until they affect behaviour. How we act, in a variety of situations, may demonstrate love or anger, worry or wonder. It’s the same with covetousness or generosity.

The spirit world fits the category too – of things

that are real but invisible. The holy angels and demons (evil angels) are at work around us, but we are not equipped to see them. Unless they choose to reveal their presence in some way, we must rely on the testimony of the Scriptures to learn about them.

The Bible says God’s angels are spirits “sent forth the minister for [or serve] those who will inherit salvation” (Heb. 1:14).

God is the supreme spirit Being, and invisible to us as well (I Tim. 1:17). “No man has seen or can see” Him, in His spiritual essence (I Tim. 6:16). But when God the Son came to earth, in His virgin-born humanity, He revealed God to us in a way we could better understand. “The Word [Christ] became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth” (Jn. 1:14).

However, we have a problem again. The Lord was only on this earth in visible form for a few years. After His death and resurrection, He returned to heaven once more (Lk. 24:51). Now, though He promised to be with His followers in spirit (Matt.

28:20), He is seated at the Father’s right hand in heaven (Heb. 12:2).

The Lord understood

Robert Cottrill, B.A., B.R.E. http://wordwisehymns.com/ www.Wordwise‐Bible‐Studies.com

this problem, and spoke of it to one of His disciples.

“Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed” (Jn. 20:29).

Blessed indeed are those

who believe on Christ during His physical absence.

It’s the Spirit of God who reveals Him to us, through faith. Jesus said, “He will testify of Me....He will glorify Me” (Jn. 15:26; 16:14).

Peter recognizes the rejoicing this brings to the hearts of believers, speaking of “Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory” (I Pet. 1:7-8).

Hymn writer Frances Ridley Havergal (18361879) turned this into a beautiful hymn of worship in 1870. The author of many great hymns, Miss Havergal put her faith in Christ in early childhood.

She mastered several languages, and memorized

Cultivate compassion I’ll the first to admit that it’s not always easy to feel compassion for some folks in some situations but having said that, I’m not proud of that kind of exclusivity when it crops up in my mind and heart. It could well be that you, like me, were raised with the puritan work ethic that basically disregards other circumstances, putting the onus for supporting ourselves squarely upon ourselves.

Although the book of Proverbs connects hard work with positive

results: (“The plans of the diligent lead surely to plenty but those of everyone who is hasty, surely to poverty.” 21:5; “There is desirable treasure and oil in the dwelling of the wise but a foolish man squanders it.” 21:20 and definitely admits that laziness or dishonesty

can lead even to poverty, “Wealth gained by dishonesty will be diminished but he who gathers by labour will increase.”

13:11; “…idle chatter leads only to poverty.”

14:23), an important message in this book is the need to cultivate hearts of compassion.

For example, Solomon promises that to share with those in need brings God’s blessings upon us: “He who has a bountiful eye will be blessed, for he gives of his bread to the poor” (22:9). An even sterner word is found in

most of the New Testament. The dedication to Christ expressed in many of her hymns was lived out in her daily life. It was her passion to win others to Christ, and encourage a deeper devotion to Him. The present hymn says, “O Saviour, precious Saviour, / Whom yet unseen we love! / O name of might and favour, / All other names above! / We worship Thee, we bless Thee, / To Thee, O Christ, we sing; / We praise Thee, and confess Thee / Our holy Lord and King.”

the same chapter: “Do not rob the poor because he is poor, nor oppress the afflicted at the gate for the Lord will plead their cause and plunder the soul of those who plunder them.”

Living with genuine compassion for others isn’t a guarantee of our gaining personal wealth but there is a promise of God’s provision and blessings.

No amount of money can buy those! Am I always compassionate? Generous?

Understanding? Sadly, not always, but my heart’s desire is to honour God by cultivating compassion for others in need while letting Him be judge.

Worship Together TerriTorial Drive alliance church Pastor: Rev. Allen Huckabay

1372 102 St 306-445-3009 nd

ANGLICAN PARISH

Notre Dame (RC) Parish Corner of 104th Street & 12th Avenue Rev. Father Cuong Luong MASSES: Saturdays - 7:00 p.m.

Sundays - 11:00 a.m. & 5:00 p.m.

SUNDAY SERVICES Rev. Trevor Malyon

St. George’s Anglican Church - 9:00 a.m.

191 - 24th Street West, Battleford, SK

OFFICE 306-445-3836

St. Paul’s Anglican Church - 11:00 a.m.

Email: notredame.nb@gmail.com www.notredameparish.ca EVERYONE WELCOME

1302 - 99th Street North Battleford, SK

Living Water Ministry

Battlefords Seventh-Day Adventist Church Pastor James Kwon

Spend some quality family time together. Worship at the church of your choice.

Our community has a number of churches and a variety of denominations for you & your family.

Corner 16th Ave. & 93rd Street, North Battleford

Come Join Us Sundays at 11:00 am

Phone 306-445-9096

Saturday Services Bible Study - 10:00 a.m.

Worship Service - 11:00 a.m.

1702 - 106th Street North Battleford, SK

Loving God Growing Together Serving Others Phone Church: 306-445-4818 Fax: 306-445-8895 Email: tbcnb@sasktel.net www.trinitybaptistchurch.ca

Sr. Pastor Brian Arcand Pastor Anand George Phone: 306-445-3803 Cell: 306-441-9385 Fax: 306-445-4385

Sunday Evening Service 7:00 p.m.

Bible Study Wednesday 7:30 p.m.

1371 - 103rd Street (Use East Door)

Maidstone/ Paynton United Church of Canada Phone: 306-445-4338

Clergy Person: Rev. Ean Kasper

10:30 a.m.

Service

Church & CE Wing:

306-893-2611

For booking the Wing:

306-893-4465

Third Avenue United Church Sunday Worship Service - 10:30 a.m.

Sunday School 1301 - 102nd Street, Phone 306-445-8171 Rev. Frances Patterson

Everyone Welcome

www.thirdavenueunitedchurchnb.ca Email: thirdaveunited@sasktel.net

PAGE 16 - Tuesday, January 30, 2018

Winning vegetables: six cultivars worth trying in your garden this summer

By Erl Svendsen W. Ray Hastings, founder of All-America Selections (AAS; www. a l l-a m e r ic a s ele c t ion s. org), had an idea in 1932.

He proposed a system of trial gardens across North America where breeder would supply seeds of their latest flower and vegetable varieties. Skilled, impartial judges would assess the plants. The first winners were announced in 1933 and, for the first time, home gardeners, farm seed and florist magazine editors had a reliable source of information about the best new varieties. Today, the non-profit continues to test new varieties in about 80 trial gardens in the USA and Canada. This year, they picked six winning vegetables that performed well in all regions.

Sweet corn ‘American Dream’: Very tender and super sweet, this new, early (77 days from planting) bicolour variety ticks all the check boxes. Plant seeds eight inches apart in early June. One eight-inch cob per plant. Can be eaten

fresh, roasted, grilled, frozen or canned.

Pak choi ‘Asian Delight F1’: also known as bok choi, this new compact, small to midsize (5-7 inch head) cultivar is slow to bolt. Mild tasting, leaves are dark green with a tender white rib. Space 8-10 inches apart. From seed, plants are ready to harvest after 30-50 days; from transplants, 25-40 days.

For an extended harvest, stagger two or three plantings a week or two apart.

Can also be grown in containers Cayenne pepper ‘Red Ember F1’: Early to mature, compact (two feet tall) and prolific (20-50 peppers) this is an ideal hot pepper for us northerners.

Peppers are a warm season plants, so start seed indoors in early February and transplant in the gar-

Sweet corn ‘American Dream’

Pak choi ‘Asian Delight F1’

Cocktail tomato ‘Red Racer F1

den in early June. Space plants 1-1.5 feet apart in full sun. From transplant, harvest ripe red, sweet and moderately spicy peppers after 75 days. Can also be container grown.

Habanero pepper ‘Roulette F1’: Habanero’s have a reputation for being too hot for mere mortals. But not this one – all the flavour, but no heat. Start

seeds in early April (85°F) for transplanting in early June. Space at least about two feet apart in full sun.

Ready to start harvesting 85 days after transplanting.

Cocktail tomato ‘Red Racer F1’: Small (1.5-inch globe) but with big flavour.

Wioth clusters of uniform fruit that ripen together on a compact bush (3 feet tall), it’s ideal for containers and small spaces.

Space transplants two feet apart in the garden in early June; ready to harvest after two months. Suitable for

18021BS0 18015BS0

Habanero pepper ‘Roulette F1’

Grape tomato ‘Valentine F1’

containers.

Grape tomato ‘Valentine F1’: Sweet, prolific and early – exactly what you’d like to have in a salad or snacking tomato.

Set transplants two feet apart in the garden in early June. An indeterminate type reaching up to six feet tall, ‘Valentine’ will need staking. Harvest dark red fruit starting 55 days after transplant. Intermediate resistance to early blight.

In addition to the trial gardens, there are nearly 200 AAS display gardens

Cayenne pepper ‘Red Ember F1’

showcasing some of the latest winners, including one next to the south entrance to the Agriculture Building on the University of Saskatchewan Campus.

Put a note in your calendar to visit it this summer.

Erl gardens in Saskatoon and recently started tweeting about it @ErlSv. This column is provided courtesy of the Saskatchewan Perennial Society (SPS; www.saskperennial.ca; hortscene@ yahoo.com; www.facebook.com/saskperennial

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EMILY SIMON Junior Citizen of the Year

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