News-Optimist January 6

News

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Contest winners support BTEC

2014:

2 Cairns on Cinema The Interview — Part II

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There isn’t a single quote in this edition.”

— Becky Doig, Editor

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Volume V Vol Vo olume 10 107 No. 21

North Battleford, Sask.

Tuesday, January 6, 2015

Snow Day! Carson Sparrow and Chris Gerstenhofer, City of North Battleford employees, found Friday’s fluffy precipitation easy to send flying away on the steps of the Dekker Centre for the Performing Arts. Not every snowfall can be dealt with so easily with handheld blowers.

Fortunately, there is no snow forecast for this coming week. Photo by Jayne Foster

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Jessica Woytowich Sales Consultant

Tuesday, January 6, 2015 - PAGE 2

Local team wins Great Canadian Scavenger Hunt Staff The team of Kim Hebert and Krista Crockett are winners of the Great Canadian Scavenger Hunt sponsored

by CheeCha Puffs.

Competing in a number of challenges that spanned three rounds, their team, known as the K’s, beat out others from all over Canada to win the grand prize.

They won $500, with another $500 donated by CheeCha Puffs towards the charity of their choice, which is the Battlefords Trade and Education Centre’s new building fund.

The duo also wins a year’s supply of CheeCha Puffs, a low-calorie, hot-air snack developed by Elaine Cadrin and her family, who had lived in the North Battleford area.

Officials from CheeCha Puffs were on hand to present the cheques to the winning team and to the BTEC building fund at Innovation Credit Union last Tuesday.

A local team has won the Great Canadian Scavenger Hunt sponsored by CheeCha Puffs. From left to right are Carole Chapman of CheeCha Puffs, Heath Gabruch (BTEC fundraising), team members Krista Crockett and Kim Hebert and CheeCha Puffs’ Lyle Laird. Photo by John Cairns

The year in crime

Several high�profile cases make way through the courts Staff There was good news and bad news on the Battlefords crime front in 2014.

The good news was that crime numbers in the Bat-

tlefords showed significant and consistent declines for every month in 2014, providing some hope the Battlefords was finally making progress towards ending its five-year run atop the Statistics Canada

Crime Severity Index for communities over 10,000 population.

The bad news, unfortunately, was there was still plenty of crime going on.

A number of cases in and around the area made their way to the courts in 2014 .

The most shocking incident was on Moosomin First Nation in February. Two men, Taryn Cote and Troy Swiftwolfe, were charged with second-degree murder and the case made its way through the courts throughout 2014 and continues in the new year.

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Another incident happened in North Battleford April 5 when three individuals took part in a well-publicized shooting spree in the city. No one was hurt, but Ryan Bear and Troy Delorme ended up serving jail time after entering guilty pleas. A third individual, a youth, received probation.

A long-standing case against a well-known North Battleford radio personality came to a quiet resolution in 2014.

Harry Michael Dekker was charged with sexual assault, but that charge was withdrawn in April following mediation in the case. “Harry Dekker has taken full responsibility and accountability for his actions,

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LED lighting Rain-X in each bay LED coin meters Credit card system Pre-soak 6 car bay

1960s.

In September, a phony threat to blow up the Battlefords Bridge, posted on the online Facebook page North Battleford Confessions 2.0, turned out to be a hoax, but not before causing considerable panic among members of the community and forcing a full police response at the bridges.

Two other high-profile cases in the Battlefords remain before the courts. Adele Kaminsky returns to court in 2015 facing charges in an investor-fraud case.

Former chief Noel Stone Jr. and four others at Mosquito First Nation still face fraud and forgery allegations in connection to activities on that reserve.

Operation Red Nose gets revelers home all over Canada Staff

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which is required for a successful mediation. The victim is satisfied with the outcome of the mediation process,� said his lawyer Mark Brayford in a statement released at the time.

In July, A Prince Albert man pled guilty to eight counts of indecent assault on students at Moosomin Day School on Moosomin First Nation.

Morris Hryniuk received an intermittent jail sentence of 90 days in custody for the first count, to run concurrent to a two-year conditional sentence for the other seven counts in which Hryniuk was ordered confined to houseand-premises arrest for the first 12 months. The alleged incidents date back to the

The Operation Red Nose campaign has wrapped up for 2014-15 and the organization has released numbers for its campaign across Canada.

Safe rides home were provided to 76,105 people with 941 of those in Saskatchewan. The organization credits the users of the service

SHINE UR RIDE NORTHSIDE

who decided not to drink and drive. “These Canadian motorists made the smart choice to hand over the reins to Operation Red Nose volunteers in order to get home safe during the holiday season. For Operation Red Nose and its provincial partner, SGI, the 2014 campaign was a very successful one.�

Some 52,064 volunteers helped with the effort with 560 Check out The Battlefords RCMP Daily Report on our website at

www.newsoptimist.ca

of those in Saskatchewan.

Here in the Battlefords the local effort was spearheaded by the North Battleford Lions Club along with provincial partner SGI. The national effort also raised funds for local youth or amateur sport organizations, with KidSport the recipient of the campaign in the Battlefords.

Other communities in Saskatchewan involved in Operation Red Nose this year include Regina, Saskatoon and Prince Albert.

Operation Red Nose now expects to hit another milestone for its next campaign in 2015 as it projects it will provide the two millionth ride of its history.

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PAGE 3 - Tuesday, January 6, 2015

Year in business in the Battlefords

Development, expansion drive up building permit totals Battleford in 2014, as local radio stations were part of a major deal that shook up Canada’s broadcasting industry.

British Columbia-based Jim Pattison Broadcast Group announced in July they had purchased the local Rawlco Radio Ltd. properties in the Battlefords, including CJNB/CJNS, Q98 and 93.3 The Rock.

The deal also included radio stations in Edmonton and Prince Albert. The Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission officially approved the Jim Pattison Group’s application to acquire the

By John Cairns Staff Reporter

It was a bustling year for business in the Battlefords and surrounding region.

Building permit numbers were strong throughout the Battlefords. North Battleford had reported $55 million in permits and the Town of Battleford reported $26 million, and those aren’t even final numbers yet for 2014.

Leading the way in 2014 was news that Husky Energy was pursuing two new projects at Edam and Vawn that will use thermal energy to extract oil from the ground.

Construction began this past year with work expected to continue until 2016 when they will begin operating.

A total of 20 to 40 full-time jobs are expected to be created, with hundreds to be employed during the construction phase.

The good news from outside the Battlefords was matched by good news inside as well. Among the major projects were the Walmart expansion, the Home Hardware expansion, the Kramer Ltd. grand opening, the Leading Manufacturing Group grand opening and the construction of several other businesses throughout the Battlefords.

Also opening up in 2014 was the new University of Saskatchewan feed research facility, which will examine how to develop new and better quality feeds and enhance the agricultural economy in the province.

Once more, the Battlefords Chamber of Commerce had an active role in pursuing the interests of the business community in 2014, with Ryan Moe of G & C Asphalt taking over the presidency this past year for a one-year term, taking over the role from Sharon Mohagen.

newsoptimist.ca

✓ There should have been less money for that stadium in Regina.

A ribbon cutting ceremony was included in the grand opening celebration marking the completion of a Leading Manufacturing Group Inc. facility in the Battleford industrial area. Taking part in the ceremony were Mayor Derek Mahon (far left) and Battlefords MLA Herb Cox (back). Also taking part were Theresa Bilous standing in for MP Gerry Ritz, LMG president Lee Gottschlich and Debbie Hudson, administration manager for LMG. Photo submitted It proved a tumultuous one for the new president.

Moe and representatives from other business entities pled their case at City Hall during the debate over the City’s proposed new official community plan and zoning bylaw. Moe argued the zoning would be too restrictive to businesses across the city.

“Members have voiced concerns that the real or perceived restrictions in the zoning bylaw, downtown, and in several commercial sub codes, will impact the growth and development not only in the core but elsewhere in the city,” said Moe. The debate proved contentious, but in the end the official community plan and zoning bylaw passed with some minor amendments.

One of the initiatives the Chamber touted this year was the China trip. That happened

in September and October and included a small number of Battlefords participants who took in the sights and sounds of that country.

The Battlefords Best Marketplace and Expo returned for a second year in October 2014. Among the featured speakers was marketing and social media expert Jeph Maystruck, who spoke at a luncheon at the Dekker Centre to kick off Small Business Week.

Also speaking was Derek Foster, also known as the Idiot Millionaire, who provided tips for those looking to make money on their investments.

It was also an active year for the Downtown North Battleford Business Improvement District as a number of events were held to attract people to the downtown core. Included were regular

Live@Lunch events as well as the International Street Performer Festival in July.

Gold Eagle Casino was the location for a couple of major business stories in 2014.

The first was the launch of their new and revised Smoke Signals jackpot with grand prizes starting at $1 million. The launch happened simultaneously on July 3 at Gold Eagle Casino and the other SIGA casinos across Saskatchewan.

The other news was the start of the long-anticipated casino expansion.

The expansion will include a new smoking area to the casino, with the rest of the existing casino to go smokefree. That project began this fall and is expected to take up much of the coming year as well.

There was major news involving the media in North

Pedestrian dies after collision on Little Pine Staff LITTLE PINE FIRST NATION — A Little Pine First Nation man has died after being struck by a vehicle.

Dec. 31 at 1:59 a.m., Cut Knife RCMP members responded to a motor vehicle collision involving a pedestrian on the Little Pine First Nation.

The pedestrian, a 20-

year-old man, was walking on Center Road when he was struck by a motor vehicle. The pedestrian was found by Cut Knife RCMP members to be unresponsive and was later pronounced

39 months for sexual assault Staff A 34-year-old man arrested and charged with sexual assault by Battlefords RCMP in March of 2014 has been sentenced to 39 months incarceration.

Randy Joseph Clarke, originally from Buffalo Narrows and living in North Battleford at the time of his arrest, was charged with sexual interference, sexual assault and invitation to sexual touching.

Crash early on New Year’s Day Staff Two vehicles sustained extensive damage in a twovehicle collision at the intersection of 110th Street and Railway Avenue on New Years Day, but no injuries

stations Dec. 16.

It was also another notable year of growth for the Battlefords and District Co-operative Ltd. In November, their new gas bar and convenience store location at Carlton Trail officially opened for business, and work has started on the site of a new Battleford gas bar as well.

Battlefords and District Co-op had even greater growth plans in 2014, as they proposed an amalgamation plan with the Turtleford and District Co-op.

However, Turtleford members had other ideas. They turned down the merger plan at a meeting held Nov. 18.

were reported according to the North Battleford Fire Department.

Firefighters and other EMS personnel responded to the scene at about 3:15 a.m.

A small antifreeze leak was dealt with by firefighters.

The first two charges related to having sex with a 15-year-old girl. The latter charge had to do with Facebook exchanges that took place afterwards.

While the sexual encounter was not found to be other than consensual, Judge Dan O’Hanlon determined Clarke had not taken adequate measures in determining the true age of the victim.

Ta k i n g i n t o a c c o u n t Clarke’s time in remand, O’Hanlon said his incarceration was to run 35 months from the day of his sentence, Dec. 22.

deceased by local ambulance staff.

The operator of the vehicle was present during the investigation and there are no criminal charges pending against the operator of the driver at this time, say RCMP. The victim’s family has been notified of the death and consent has not been given to release his name.

The Cut Knife RCMP with the assistance of F Division Traffic Services are investigating this incident.

Last week’s News-Optimist online poll: What is your reaction to news that President Barack Obama is seeking to normalize relations with Cuba? ✓ It makes sense, if the Americans trade with China they ought to trade with Cuba. 49% ✓ It’s terrible! All this will do is prop up the Communist dictatorship in Cuba. 10% ✓ Maybe with more trade the Cubans will want to change their system of government.12% ✓ This is terrible! We will have more Americans at the resorts in Varadero.10% ✓ Cuba will soon be overrun by McDonalds and Starbucks! 19%

This week’s News-Optimist online poll: What was the biggest news story in the Battlefords in 2014? ✓ The debate over the Official Community Plan/Zoning Bylaw at City Hall. ✓ North Battleford No.1 on Crime Severity Index again. ✓ Building permits are through the roof. ✓ New Community Safety Officers program launched in North Battleford. ✓ Announcement of P3s for new Sask Hospital/corrections facility.

Visit www.newsoptimist.ca Follow Battlefords News-Optimist on Facebook and BfordsNewsOpt on Twitter.

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Tuesday, January 6, 2015 - PAGE 4

Commentary

The Canadian economy needs more pro sports Sports is an economic force to be reckoned with

By Justin Bedi University of Saskatchewan

Ask any sports fan, and Buffalo and Toronto have two things in common — excessive snow and a love of the Bills, Buffalo’s National Football League franchise. Fundamentally, sports are what tie these two cities together.

It’s a reason for Torontonians, and more broadly Ontarians, to travel to West New York. On a grander scale, it’s about much more than two nationalities of fans supporting a common team, it’s about international economics.

Cross-border interaction among sports fans, either through travelling for live-game attendance or purchasing team apparel, leads to what is essentially international flows of money, products, services, and culture. When Canadians travel to see a sporting event in the United States they’re not only spending money on American goods and services, but they’re also contributing to the tourism industry in the United States, and subsequently to its current account balance — the difference between a country’s exports and imports of goods and services.

Canadian interest and fandom for U.S. sports teams far outweighs U.S. interest in Canadian teams, and it’s not hard to see why. We have only one National Basketball Association club, and we have zero NFL teams. An absence of these leagues, despite widespread interest in both, is simply inexcusable. Why shouldn’t we try to attract American sports fans to come watch our teams play?

Sports franchises are becoming more valuable and more profitable than ever. The Los Angeles Clippers were sold this year for US$2 billion, and the value of the Toronto Raptors increased by 28 per cent this year to reach $520 million, according to Forbes. Canadian cities could use this value. Sports franchises give cities instant international appeal and, bluntly speaking, make areas that may otherwise be unremarkable viable destinations for increased tourism and investment.

Even setting aside sports franchises as a draw for tourists, they also provide support and value to the Canadian economy as a whole. According to an article by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, spectator sports in Canada

contributed $4.5 billion to the Canadian economy in 2010, and that was before the recent rise in popularity of the Toronto Raptors.

At a micro level too, sports franchises create and support a considerable amount of jobs in their communities, both directly, by hiring Canadians to work for the team, and indirectly, by boosting the sales and value of nearby hotels, restaurants and pubs.

Don’t just take my word for it though. In China, amidst a slowdown in growth and the gradual shrinking of its current account surplus, its government is turning to sports to provide a boon to the economy. According to Reuters, in October of this year China stated a plan to develop sports in the country into a five-trillion yuan business sector by 2025 in order to improve employment levels and increase domestic consumption.

Canada and China, as two countries heavily dependent on trade, have both faced the benefits, as well as the consequences, of their economic composition. When oil prices fall, Canada is hit hard. When global demand for Chinese products falls, China’s economy suffers as well. Recognizing the need to invest in itself, China is setting its sights on

the sports industry and is right to do so.

Prime locations for new sports franchises in Canada include Vancouver and Saskatchewan. Vancouver, situated perfectly in the Pacific Northwest and once home to the Grizzlies franchise (now in Memphis), is craving another major sports team. As an international city trying to expand its brand around the world, an NBA or NFL team would simultaneously satisfy domestic demand and improve its appeal in the United States — particularly in Washington, where a group of investors last year failed in their bid to purchase the Sacramento Kings and bring them to Seattle.

Saskatchewan, as the only Prairie province currently without a National Hockey League franchise, could certainly benefit from a major sports team as well. The province is booming, and it wants to stay that way, so why not strike while the iron is hot? It, as should the rest of Canada, needs to recognize the economic force that is sports, and invest and spend accordingly.

— Justin Bedi is a Master of International Trade Candidate at the University of Saskatchewan’s Johnson- Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy. www.troymedia.com

Boots to the person who left those 20 puppies abandoned in a field and also the ones left by the dump. This is very cruel. If you can’t take care of the animals, spend the time to take them to the local shelter where they will be warm and fed, then adopted and loved.

Published since 1905

A community newspaper published Tuesdays

by Battlefords Publishing Ltd. 892 104th Street, North Battleford, Saskatchewan S9A 1M9 (Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to the above) Telephone: 306-445-7261 – Fax: 306-445-3223 Email: newsoptimist.news@sasktel.net Personal Delivery Charge — Out of Town $43.00 Plus GST.

Becky Doig Editor

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Jayne Foster Reporter

Craig Beauchemin Sports Reporter

Alana Schweitzer Publisher

Valorie Higgs Sales Manager

Maureen Charpentier Advertising

Jessica Woytowich Advertising

PAGE 5 - Tuesday, January 6, 2015

Year in politics

Dramatic events of Oct. 22 reverberate at the local level

By John Cairns Staff Reporter

The 2014 year in politics was dominated by a single news story that happened many miles away.

That story focused on the events of Oct. 22 in Ottawa, a day that will live in infamy in Canada.

The shooting death of Cpl. Nathan Cirillo at the National War Memorial, followed by the shooting rampage in the Parliament building itself, shocked the country and the world.

The day of mayhem broke out while Battlefords-Lloydminster MP Gerry Ritz was attending a regular caucus meeting of Conservative MPs and senators. Parliament ended up in lockdown,

which confined Ritz to the caucus room along with the rest of his colleagues for much of the day.

The events impacted what went on during the opening of the fall legislative session in Regina that same day.

Increased security was everywhere, and evident.

“It was unusual to see armed police officers patrolling our halls,” said Battlefords MLA Herb Cox, who had just taken on responsibilities in the legislature as the new government whip.

But despite the chaotic situation in Ottawa, the decision was made to proceed with the throne speech in Regina, on schedule. As Cox said, it was a tradition no one was going to stop.

On the other side of the political spectrum, union

members and supporters at a CUPE meeting on P3s in North Battleford also had Ottawa in their thoughts.

Among the speakers there was Maude Barlow, whose home is Ottawa. She said she had “four grandkids in lockdown at schools today, and I was a basket case most of the day – not worrying about them, because I know they were safe, but worrying about what they were thinking and what they were feeling about what they were being told. I don’t want this violence in my country.

I don’t want this violence in my city.”

In provincial politics, the Saskatchewan Party continued to stay the course with another balanced budget, touting continued good economic and employment

numbers.

Finance Minister Ken Krawetz told a Battlefords Chamber of Commerce breakfast audience in the spring that serious thought was given to tax increases, but the decision was made to control spending.

“Our philosophy has always been a tax increase is a last resort,” said Krawetz.

It was not easy sailing for the government, which took extensive heat over the Lean consulting contract with John Black and Associates, with opposition leader Cam Broten and the NDP roasting that contract as a waste of money.

Broten and the NDP also continue to hammer the government on issues related to senior care, as well as the issue of house fires caused

by exploding SmartMeters installed by SaskPower.

That program was halted, and SaskPower CEO Robert Watson resigned in the fall in the wake of that controversy.

At the federal level, Ritz is all set for another reelection bid in BattlefordsLloydminster, with an election scheduled to happen in 2015.

He remained hard at work on the agricultural file as minister of Agriculture and

Agri-Food, and continued to push for progress on the issue of country-of-origin labeling by the United States.

In the fall, the World Trade Organization ruled against the U.S. COOL labeling as discriminatory against Canadian products, and Ritz threatened tariff retaliation if the United States failed to comply.

The ruling is being appealed, which means the issue will continue to boil in 2015.

JOIN THE CONVERSATION To comment on this story and others, go to www.newsoptimist.ca It’s easy. Just sign in with Facebook, Twitter, Disqus or Google.

Police agencies focusing on intersection safety in January Staff SGI and its law enforcement partners are continuing with month-long traffic safety focuses for 2015, according to an SGI press release.

In January, the provincewide focus is on intersection safety.

“Intersection collisions have increased year over year. Too many people are being hurt and killed on Saskatchewan roads and it needs to stop,” said Andrew Cartmell, president and CEO of SGI. “For the New Year, resolve to drive better. Drive safer.

For you, your family, and

everyone else on the road.”

Nearly 40 per cent of Saskatchewan crashes happen at intersections, according to SGI, based on a three-year average from 2011-13. The most common contributing factors are inattentiveness, failing to yield, driving too fast for road conditions, following too closely and disobeying traffic lights.

“SGI encourages drivers to plan ahead, and build in a bit more travel time to avoid that temptation to rush through an intersection,” Cartmell said.

Collisions at intersections have a high risk of serious injuries or even death, making

intersection safety a priority for enforcement, SGI adds.

The collisions at intersections that can be most dangerous are a result of a driver turning left into on-coming traffic or collisions at a right angle. Vehicles travelling in the same direction can also collide when one is following too closely and rear ends the vehicle in front of them, or a driver doesn’t see a vehicle next to them and side swipes it. In 2013, there were more than 11,000 collisions at intersections across the province, resulting in 47 deaths and injuring more than 3,500 people, SGI says.

According to SGI, road

users can prevent collisions at intersections by following the basic steps of IPDE: • Identify real and potential hazards when approaching an intersection by scanning the intersection well in advance, checking crosswalks, checking your blind spots and keeping an eye out for traffic that may be coming from blocks ahead.

• Predict what will happen should you encounter a real or potential hazard. If a vehicle suddenly stopped in front of you, could you stop without rear ending it?

Could you quickly change lanes without side swiping another vehicle?

SLGA grants total $1.5 M

PICTURESQUE

Staff More than 700 organizations across the province are receiving approximately $1.5 million through the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority’s charitable gaming grant program.

Among the grants provided by SLGA this quarter: Melville and surrounding area received $97,524; Swift Current and surrounding area, $62,789; North Battleford and surrounding area,$59,690; Humboldt and surrounding area: $39,698 and Lloydminster and surrounding area, $34,320.

Groups that receive funds through licenced charitable events receive a quarterly grant equal to 25 per cent of net proceeds raised.

• Decide exactly what you would do to drive safely and deal with the hazard.

• Execute that decision, follow through.

“During the winter months, remember to slow down approaching intersections, even if you have the right of way, in case other vehicles aren’t able to stop. Keep a safe following distance and give yourself extra time to stop

so you have some leeway when driving conditions are slippery,” SGI advises.

Read more about IPDE and winter driving on SGI’s website at www.sgi.sk.ca.

In consultation with its law enforcement partners, SGI has developed a calendar outlining the traffic safety focus for each month in 2015, available online at www.sgi. sk.ca.

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We Cater To You • Company Parties • Corporate & Social Events • Family Reunions — Photo by Louise Lundberg

1181-100th Street • North Battleford • 306-445-3430

Tuesday, January 6, 2015 - PAGE 6

2014:

ories A year of extraordinary st Has a Story on began running Everybody nary people. we ce sin r yea l ful a n It’s bee e extraordi shared the stories of som a weekly basis, and we’ve r’s lineup. You can find the complete stories yea Here’s a look at the past ca. ist. tim sop at www.new ttleford’s former He’s the City of North Ba reation and an rec and director of parks arborist by trade.

er Centre since ning the $13 million Dekk 2012.

Jan. 7: Leah Milton .’

‘This is absolutely home your nd fi u yo What do you do when at’s Th it. to k bac e forever home? You giv n bee she has Leah Milton’s belief, and w no ds for Battle living that belief in the rs. yea 20 ost for alm Feb. 4: Allie Raycraft ‘I tend to get elected’ iliar name to Allie Raycraft is a fam eer in municipal many, having a long car g list of commulon administration and a nity involvement.

e Buziak Jan. 14: Tammy Donahu r yea g gin an A life ch ired the cha k zia Bu ue nah Tammy Do tennial cen d’s City of North Battlefor Citizen ed nam n committee and has bee . of the Year for 2014 Jan. 21: John just like anything else is sm ‘Auti people have to deal with’ our ople of This feature is about pe y be surma we s ng thi community and Ev m. erybody prised to know about the if they don’t n eve does have a story to tell, es. think so themselv

e living outside says being a francophon enges, as does of Quebec has its chall phone living nco fra being a prairie-raised inside Quebec.

e March 18: Gordon Yard ds for ttle Ba From Barbados to the the ine ag im t no can These days, one . rde Ya n rdo Go ut tho wi d town of Battlefor , all a od as Go cs liti rry ic po Feb. 25: La He has been active in civ for almost 20 l nci the Balloon Man cou n tow of er memb ing ist tw of joy involvement the y g nit din mu Sprea his com s Balloon years, and thi n see 1970s. ly the bab to pro e ger hav lon You goes back even he at wh is ich wh ,” Man around “twisting ating his balloon refers to as the act of cre by the smiles on creatures. He is inspired the faces of children.

March 25: Kurtis Kopp and Darren Curson Adding fuel to the fire outstanding If you want to be an a metronome musician, get yourself e-minded inlik and make friends with m musicians fro ice dividuals. This is adv n Curson.

Kurtis J. Kopp and Darre Feb. 11: Shirley Bedford The art of nursing the Re gis st Th e pa pre sid en t of so cia tio n As s ter ed Ps yc hia tri c Nu rse live her to ed pir ins of Saskatchewan is art of the to ing end asc professional life nursing.

abay March 4: Michael Huck y rse Ke d an A matter of trust day find emHuckabay hopes to one technology on ati ployment in the inform ual impairvis t can nifi world despite a sig d guide. ment. Kersey is his truste

April 1: Volunteers They go out and do it teers’ There are as many volun ey Th rs. tee lun stories as there are vo ry sto r ge big e on are all a part of ly, ve cti lle co at, wh of – the story Darlene volunteers can do. Just ask idt. hm Sc Kingwell and Denise

n Jan. 28: Keith Anderso est for n ba ur the in ls fal e If a tre ar? does anybody he age of eight Not everyone over the fun. Keith for es tre mb can say they cli Anderson can.

y Feb. 18: Moe McGuint any get u yo w ho ow ‘I don’t kn better’ y lov es his job . Th e int Gu Mc Mo e ned hospitality actor/musician/poet tur has been runl na sio profes

Continued on Page 7 yers March 11: Claude Desno ise sko nsa fra Being Desnoyers Retired principal Claude

PAGE 7 - Tuesday, January 6, 2015

ories st ry a in rd o a tr ex f o r ea y 2014: A Continued from Page 7

gerous condiduties in difficult and dan tions.

t living beyond share their stories abou autism.

May 27: Dean Bauche the wall’ ‘Not just putting art on rs since yea It’s been more than three m his fro d ire ret e local artist Dean Bauch the for ies ler gal of position as director do t but he’s no ne City of North Battleford, “retirement” as working yet. He sees his administration m more of a transition fro ng and teachnti pai g, back to consultin ing.

n April 8: Kjelti Anderso an end to e Not every story has to com of Sase on r he d When CBC name s to watch, Kjelti katchewan’s 40 under-40 this compulsion Anderson said, “”I have l the need to to make an impact; I fee ves.” wa ke change things and ma

June 17: Natalie Krill No excuses! star in television and ing ris a is ill Kr ttleford Central film. The alumna of Ba High School, School, Battleford Junior rehensive High North Battleford Comp t of The Dance School and former studen increasingly an ing Connection is build . lio rtfo impressive po

: May 15: Martin Smith cess suc to ed om Growing accust sucto ed om ust acc wn Smith has gro in eer car g lon cess over the course of his player. a hockey as both a coach and

June 3: Elsie Boulton ongua The Glaslyn girl from Pr ge t to u yo n Ho w ma ny pe op le ca on, the ult Bo ie Els know in 83 years? Ask ua. ng Pro Glaslyn girl from

April 22: Brian Quinn you know ‘Golf is only fun when ing else.’ eth som you should be doing school and r che tea a as rs After 21 yea as a ade dec ther administrator, and a fur ol ho Sc y Sk ing superintendent in the Liv has inn Qu ian Br ce, Division central offi to rest long. retired. But he’s not one

June 24: Dennis Can ost didn’t A career in law that alm happen three decades, Dennis n tha re For mo cial Crown prosCann worked as a provin d dealing with for ttle ecutor in North Ba g from murders all kinds of cases rangin nk driving, coroto sexual assaults, to dru others. ny ner ’s inquests and ma Continued on Page 8

May 20: Ana Felix ra’ ‘If it’s striped, it’s a zeb with a d ose gn dia n bee Ana Felix has dro anlos syn me, rare condition – Ehlers-D t affects the conan inherited disorder tha aw Gr ian Br : April 29 nective tissues. off as anxiety The marathon man “A lot tends to be written g nin run 8th says. “What I Brian Graw was in the 11 or just moving too fast,” she rybody like k too He n. ho rat of the historic Boston Ma ught for years is ‘isn’t eve request of his tho that?’” up running in 2007 at the wife, Marie.

June 10: Floyd Johnson dy Norman A medal winning ride in dispatch rst fi the s wa n Floyd Johnso rm No andy on motorcycle rider to reach nized by the og D-Day, and has been rec rming his rfo pe for t federal governmen

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Tuesday, January 6, 2015 - PAGE 8

ories st ry a in rd o a tr ex f o r ea y 2014: A a stood shoulder on Aug. 4, 1914, Canad Country.

ther to shoulder with the Mo was first to o And one of the men wh Greener of l bel mp join up was Colin Ca Battleford.

Continued from Page 7 llendines July 1: The Fighting Ba e ag rit he ily A fam m Battlfro rs the bro ht eig of A band during my Ar ian eford served in the Canad h laid pat the ing low World War Two, fol n Ballendine down by their father Joh crack snipers in and uncle James, both the Great War.

July 22: Junice Headley a teacher’ ‘I always wanted to be uld probwo she s say ey adl Junice He che l tea r if she ably have been a schoo cher. tea hadn’t become a music

July 8: Larissa Chipak cert’ ‘It’s a more personal con s for ge pa the n tur to Somebody has ame bec k ipa Ch sa ris La . the piano player re mo th bir nt of a page turner by accide than anything else.

s July 15: Stocky Edward n ma ily fam Fighter ace, fighter ace, Canada’s greatest living rds, is a legend 93-year-old Stocky Edwa heart, he’s just in aviation circles. But at d. for ttle a simple boy from Ba

his all time faNot only did he open for him to the stage vourite band, they called ore. enc ir to perform during the Aug. 12: Doug Dunlop u could ‘There’s just no way yo le to come and ever afford to pay peop ’ op do what these pe le do r at the tee lun vo ple peo More than 300 s Society’ 127th Battlefords Agricultural al Days. Doug annual Northwest Territori se volunteers tho Dunlop has been one of for about 45 years.

Wright July 29: Jack and Charlie e lov y erl oth Br rs, a story yea red nd hu e on For almost Wright’s ie arl Ch has circulated about how France of s eld fi tle life was saved on the bat unger yo his by r Wa during the Great brother Jack.

Aug. 5: Colin Greener Too short to get shot rld War One When Britain entered Wo

Sept. 9: Lilian Cornell Supercentenarian tian Cornell of North Ba Lil Doris ay thd bir 0th 11 tleford celebrated her friends at her Aug. 21 with family and ota. Aug. 27. tin Me at e grandsons cottag n living graduAug. 19: Moira Gautron She is also the oldest know tal School of spi Yeats says it all ate of Saskatoon City Ho s wa a nad Ca Nursing.

Moving from Ireland to nent, but Moira ma per be to ant me er nev 54 years.

Gautron is still here after

Aug. 26: Josh Kaiser Make or break k at real life Josh Kaiser likes to loo hat if you “W er, nd wo situations and the answer to added on this?” and find ny.” be, “Oh, that would be fun uin Br 2: Sept The natural choice itty Dirt Band When the iconic Nitty Gr radise Hill’s Pa played for 1,200 people at sician from mu g un Summer Bash, a yo opening act. It North Battleford was the Bruin Eberle. was a dream come true for

orn Sept. 16: Matéa Steinb cop’ a be ‘I always wanted to nadians Ca g un yo Matéa was one of 32 camp at uth yo ual ann to attend the fourth tralized training Depot, the RCMP’s cen r. facility in Regina, this yea 9 Pa Continued on ge

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PAGE 9 - Tuesday, January 6, 2015

2014 Continued from Page 8

many friends, and , those years, she made ers to her 90th als pti nu ir the er aft y and since shortl turned out in numb change lives by they ty Oct. 11. they’ve been helping to thd ty. Kenneth bir ay par ver po in en ldr chi g rin sponso sponsored apand Doreen Agrey have through World proximately 15 children Vision.

Sept. 23: Rose Benson, Order of the Red Cross I hear ‘I sometimes cry when ’ da na O Ca llery in North Sept. 14, at the Chapel Ga was awarded the Battleford, Rose Benson Red Cross for prestigious Order of the vice, dedicaser an ari outstanding humanit behalf of the Red tion and achievement on rld at large.

Cross Society and the wo

var Nov. 11: Alexander Ko CCE RE 8th Remembering the Royal of er mb me a , Alexander Kovar Battlin 9 .

No h anc Br n Canadian Legio var’s Ko d. ttlefor eford, resides in North Ba aisnn co Re n unit was the 8th Canadia n dia na Ca th 14 the sance Regiment of Hussars. ehead Oct. 14: Michelle Whit ns bo rib ng asi Ch the owner of Michelle Whitehead is ng business mi Doggie Do’s, a dog-groo She grew up .

06 20 er she founded in Octob was no surprise in North Battleford and it d up working that she eventually ende with animals.

r Oct. 28: Dylan Sylveste ’ job l ‘Busking is a rea ne and ukulele, a foot tambouri a th Wi lvester Sy lan Dy old ara harmonica, 19-ye ice. cho job – by is a busker. It’s his real g tin igh ern ov , Driving an ancient blue van lan makes Dy s, lot in brightly lit parking style. enough to support his life

Sept. 30: Virgina Favel munity’ ‘We live in a divided com a memas ing nd sta r To acclaim he tion’s Na First ber of one of Sweetgrass ided dec vel ia Fa founding families, Virgin e nam to e nam sur to legally change her as d ate nsl tra – her fat of her great-grand Medicine Child.

reen Agrey Oct. 7: Kenneth and Do ve some lea ‘Everybody wants to ’ acy kind of leg ost 63 years, They’ve been married alm

Oct. 21: Inez Nordstrom d’ rth Battlefor ‘My heart is still in No orter working rep a s wa m tro Inez Nords ws-Optimist Ne out of the offices of the after she en Ev .

87 from 1968 until 19 a column ite wr to ued retired, she contin 90 the 19 s. Over from her home well into

on Nov. 18: David Roberts tor lec col tal en cid Ac Co-op emRetired former Neilburg over 4,600 has n ployee David Robertso kers at his sha er pp pe pairs of salt and rth Battleford. home on 97th Street in No

Nov. 4: Les Guthrie illion Mile Man re The Mo Than One-M s Guthrie wrote Le ld Ninety-six-year-o s while workvel tra his m down stories fro Saskatoon Staring circulation for the into a book.

Phoenix. He has put them

a Nov. 25: Anna Prystup n’ rso pe le op pe ‘I’m a seven recipiAnna Prystupa was one of ity Recognition ents of the 2014 Commun tributions to con us Awards for meritorio Canada. and y nit mu the Ukrainian com Continued on Page 10

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Tuesday, January 6, 2015 - PAGE 10

Out with the old, in with the new

2014: A year of extraordinary stories

By Erl Svendsen

Continued from Page 8

Band Dec. 2: The Boys in the ’ yet ne do t no e e’r ‘W Jack and rs the bro Garnet Speer, Tatchell are all ner Jen e yn Wa Don, David Dekker and rth of the No Batpast and present members They describe it nd. tleford City Kinsmen Ba d. ban life as a whole

t Dec. 9: Matthew Arme ’ fun lly rea it’s , fun ‘It’s er memb of one of Matthew Armet is a cast atre companies the s Canada’s most prestigiou family no longer te dia and, although his imme es “home” to the Batresides here, he still com tlefords.

Dec. 25: Santa Claus gic Mixing science and ma elf himself old ly jol the st, lea Last but not rounds out 2014.

It’s that time of year again when I start to look for what’s new in the plant world. The first place I go to is the AllAmerica Selections (AAS) organization (www.all-americaselections.org).

The AAS, established in 1933, is a non-profit, independent organization whose mission statement very clearly explains what they do: “To promote new garden seed varieties with superior garden performance judged in impartial trials in North America.” This year, they have announced four new annual bedding plants worth trying in your garden this year.

Like most impatiens, BouncePink Flame impatiens is ideally suited for the shade, perhaps more so than older varieties because it is completely resistant to downy mildew – the scourge or cool, moist shade. But it will grow well for you in the sun as well. And because of its disease resistance and vigour, it will last from spring to first frost. You will be amazed by the continuous masses of stunning bicolour, three centimetre diameter pink blooms.

No deadheading or staking required and it is equally at home in containers and hanging baskets as well as in the ground as low-growing edging (25 – 60 centimetres tall). Available only as plants, not from seed.

Another winning impatiens, SunPatiens Spreading Shell Pink is also resistant to downy mildew. And like its name implies, it is tolerant of full sun and heat. It has a vigorous root system that lets it take off as soon as it’s planted in the spring and continues to give its all up until first frost.

The large (five – 7.5 centimetres), soft pink or coral blooms stand out against dark green foliage. A lowmaintenance plant, it is suited for containers and hanging

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baskets as well as an edger or medium to tall divider in the garden. And with its spreading habit, Sunpatiens makes a good groundcover too. Available only as plants, not from seed.

Trilogy Red petunia is, as one would expect, a solid red petunia cultivar. Like the rest of the Trilogy series, Red has a compact mound form with large, non-fading blooms for a season-long show. It is very heat tolerant and shakes itself off quickly after a rain, choosing not to look bedraggled like other varieties after a soaking.

Plant in full sun in containers and hanging baskets or in the garden as a medium tall (25 – 60 centimetres) divider.

From seed.

Summer Jewel salvias are dwarf sized salvias (25 – 60 centimetres), and the latest introduction, White, is a welcome addition to the previous two cultivars, Pink and Red (also previous AAS winners). It flowers on average two weeks earlier than other white salvias and as a bonus, bees, butterflies and humming birds all love the large flowers. Heat, wind and rain tolerant, plant in full sun for best performance. Great in containers or massed in flower beds for a huge impact. From seed.

AAS maintains a list of previous winners and a list of suppliers of recent winners on their website. However, because these four new varieties are, well, new, it may be difficult to find a supplier this year. But if you do, you’ll be the first in the neighbourhood (or even the city) to try these exceptional plants this year.

Bounce Pink Flame Impatiens

SunPatiens Spreading Shell Pink Impatiens

Trilogy Red Petunia

Summer Jewel White Salvia Photos courtesy All-America Selections

This column is provided courtesy of the Saskatchewan Perennial Society (www.saskperennial.ca; hortscene@yahoo. com). Check out our Bulletin Board or Calendar for upcoming garden information sessions: January 28-Developing the Gardens at Tierra del Sol.

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PAGE 11 - Tuesday, January 6, 2015

Man sought on sexual assault charges – evading police Staff Wadena RCMP are asking for the public’s assistance in locating Vincent Alex Desjarlais who is wanted on sexual assault charges stemming from a complaint in May. Efforts to locate Vincent Desjarlais have not been successful. Investigators believe he is actively attempting to evade police in Manitoba and Saskatchewan.

On May 11, 2014, Wadena RCMP received a complaint from a health-care worker of a girl under the age of 16 being the victim of a sexual assault.

After Wadena RCMP conducted an investigation, Vincent Alex Desjarlais of Kylemore, born July 7, 1965, was charged with the following offences June 12: • sexual assault, contrary to Section 271 of the Criminal Code (two counts); • sexual interference of a person under the age of 16, contrary to Section 151 of the Criminal Code; • procuring miscarriage, contrary to Section 287 (1)

of the Criminal Code; • assault, contrary to Section 266 of the Criminal Code.

Vincent Desjarlais has connections in the Long Plain First Nation in Manitoba and Punnichy, Yellow Quill First Nation, Saskatoon and Regina in Saskatchewan, however RCMP say he could be anywhere in either Manitoba or Saskatchewan.

There is a warrant for his arrest.

Desjarlais is described as a 48-year-old aboriginal male with black hair, which may be in a pony tail, and brown eyes. He is 5’10”, 176 pounds, with a medium build.

He has several tattoos: right outer arm, circle with feathers extending down; left arm, eagle head and flower with red centre; left forearm, daggers into a circle; right forearm, various images including a heart and the text “Fuck You;” neck, small red star with black outline; right shoulder, First Nation male with long hair, an eagle and feathers.

Right outer arm

Right forearm

Right shoulder

Left forearm

Left arm

Left outer forearm

Vincent Alex Desjarlais

RCMP Report – New Year cheer brings on the fisticuffs Staff North Battleford RCMP responded to 99 calls for service between 6 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 31 and 6 a.m.

Friday, Jan 2, including 21 arrests relating to alcohol offences.

Police are seeking information into the following incidents:

Wednesday

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• A vehicle parked overnight on the 1100 block of 107th Street had a window damaged.

• A 53-year-old man arrested and charged with breach of probation, found intoxicated and in possession of alcohol in front of the detachment shortly after 11 a.m.

• 911 call to a business on

the 900 block of 101st Street at 8:44 p.m. Investigation revealed a man had been assaulted by a woman who he is in a relationship with, no injuries reported. A 28-yearold woman is currently facing one count of assault.

• Complaint of what appears to have been a gun shot on the 1000 block of 109th Street shortly before 11 p.m. Damage confirmed the following day to a vacant residence caused by what appears to be bird shot. Investigation is ongoing.

• Call to a residence on 13th Avenue at 11:10 p.m., report of a woman suddenly attacking her two friends for no apparent reason. A 24-year-old woman was arrested on scene without in-

cident. One of the victims sustained minor injuries during the incident, however, none of the parties wished to co-operate with any investigation and subject was released later when sober without charges.

• Warning given after complaint of gunshots on 105th Street shortly before midnight, confirmed to have been fireworks.

Thursday

• Attempted break and enter to a garage shortly after midnight on Douglas Avenue interrupted by homeowner.

Search of area by members and police dog was negative.

• Call of youth(s) trying to gain entry into a vehicle on St. Laurent Drive. A 15-

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year-old youth arrested on scene for mischief.

• A 33-year-old woman arrested and charged with two counts of failing to comply with an undertaking, after a complaint made at 12:54 a.m. of an unknown woman banging on a door on the 1100 block of 107th Street and refusing to leave.

• A 24-year-old man arrested on the 1100 block of 102nd Street shortly after 1 a.m. for failing to comply with an undertaking for violating condition not to consume alcohol.

• Report of several individuals fighting outside a business on the 1100 block of 100th Street at 1:30 a.m.

Several intoxicated persons found on scene who were provided a nice, warm place in cells to spend the rest of the night. Shortly after another group of individuals decided to try fighting inside the business then left scene prior to members’ arrival.

• Call of a group of people fighting on the 900 block of 109th Street shortly after 1:30 a.m. Upon arrival most of the individuals had fled.

A 20-year-old woman and a 24-year-old man were both arrested for public intoxication and held in custody until sober.

• Members responded to a 911 call of an assault in progress on Winder Crescent shortly after 2 a.m. Victim was found with minor facial injuries, suspect had already fled scene but is known to subject.

• Report of a man outside a business on Railway Avenue East causing a disturbance shortly after 3 a.m. Man cracked the windshield of a vehicle he was a passenger in and was intoxicated and combative. Subject arrested and facing a charge of resisting arrest.

• 911 call to a residence on the 1500 block of 105th Street at 3:38 a.m. reporting a woman had been assaulted. A 34-year-old man was arrested on scene for assault, however the alleged victim was no longer in the area. Investigation is ongoing, charges are still pending.

• Members called to a residence on the 1200 block of 107th Street at 6:10 a.m. to

a complaint of an intoxicated man at the residence hitting people indiscriminately. A 24-year-old man was arrested and later released without charges as no one wished to have matter pursued.

• Call of a man threatening another man on the 1500 block of 105th Street at 6:25 a.m. A 41-year-old man was later arrested at another residence after an investigation into this matter and is now facing two charges of uttering threats and charges of unauthorized possession of a firearm and unsafe storage of a firearm.

Friday

• At 12:28 a.m. members were called to a residence on the 1400 block of 98th Street reporting a woman was bothering the occupants of the home. The woman was apparently at the home to win back her ex-boyfriend and was yelling at the house and throwing rocks at the windows, which it appears did not work. Subject fled when the police were called, interrupting her before she could break out the boombox and start playing In your Eyes.

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Tuesday, January 6, 2015 - PAGE 12

Craig Beauchemin Sports ReporterPhone: 306-445-7261 Fax: 306-445-3223

Email: newsoptimist.sports@sasktel.net

Tempers flare as Combines down Beaver Blues 4‐1 to end 2014

By Craig Beauchemin Sports Reporter

The Meota Combines (8-2-0-0) and Battleford Beaver Blues (6-4-0-0) each played a pair of games over the weekend, beginning with a head-to-head match up New Year’s Eve.

The biggest crowd of the season packed into a chilly Civic Centre, as an issue with the cooling system forced arena staff to leave the outside doors open.

Brody Tatchell led the way for the Combines, picking up a trio of assists, while Bo Gervais and Brett Miller each had a goal and an assist.

January 8 The Battlefords North Stars play their first home game of the year against the La Ronge Ice Wolves at the Civic Centre. Puck drops at 7:30 p.m.

January 9 The Shellbrook Silvertips will be at the Civic Centre for an 8 p.m. tilt with the Meota Combines.

January 9 to 11 The Twin Rivers Curling Club hosts the Men’s Region Playdowns at the Northland Curling Centre.

January 10 The Battleford Beaver Blues play the Shellbrook Silvertips at the Battleford Arena. Game time is 8 p.m.

January 10 & 11 The Battlefords AAA Midget Stars play the Swift Current Legionnaires at the Civic Centre for their first home games of 2015. Both games start at 2 p.m.

January 13 The Battlefords North Stars host the Humboldt Broncos at the Civic Centre. Puck drops at 7:30 p.m.

January 16 The Meota Combines meet the Spiritwood Silvertips at the Civic Centre. Game time is 8 p.m.

January 17 The Twin Rivers Curling Club hosts the 4-H Region Playdowns at the Northland Curling Centre.

January 17 & 18 The Battlefords AAA Midget Sharks meet the Prince Albert A&W Bears at the Battleford Arena. Saturday’s game time is 7:30 p.m. The teams play at 1 p.m.

Sunday.

To submit an item for the Sports Calendar email newsoptimist.sports@sasktel.net, fax 306-445-3223 or call 306-445-7261.

The chippy game that saw many after whistle skirmishes, slashes and punches came to a head when Michael Pylypow was on the receiving end of a hard hit behind the Battleford net, causing four players to drop the gloves.

Joey Carrier and O’Neil Baillargeon squared off with both players landing a number of heavy blows.

Referees eventually broke up the fights, as the players were guided to their respective locker rooms.

Pylypow also scored to help his team to victory.

Friday, the Combines were back on the ice against the Hafford Hawks (6-2-0-1) in an 8-7 barn burner.

This time it was Gervais who lead the way, as he picked up five assists for the Combines.

Tim Desjarlais, Sean Leniuk, Miller, Pylypow, Tatchell and Derek Welford all had multi-point games for Meota.

For the Hawks, Darren Delainey, Scott Linnell, Kyle Rivett, Ryan Scheafer and Scott Thompson had multipoint games.

Quinton Gauthier got the win in goal in both games for the Combines.

With the win, the Combines moved into first place in the SPHL standings, two points up on the Cut Knife Colts (7-2-0-0.)

Saturday, the Beaver Blues hosted the Shellbrook Silvertips (6-3-0-0) and held on for a 4-3 win.

Mitch Cooper, Jordan Keller and Keegan Sparrow each had a goal and an assist in the win, while Dylan Smith had the same for the Silvertips.

Mike Sylvester picked up the win in goal.

The Beaver Blues take to the road for their next game Friday in Hafford, while the Combines host Shellbrook the same night at the Civic Centre.

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O’Neil Baillargeon and Joey Carrier dropped the gloves during the second period of a 4-1 Combines win New Year’s Eve. Photo by Craig Beauchemin

Offence stumbles as AAA Sharks drop weekend games

By Craig Beauchemin Sports Reporter

The Battlefords AAA Midget Sharks (7-13-1-0) dropped a pair of weekend games against the league leading Saskatoon Stars (151-1-0.)

The Stars were coming off a championship at the Mac’s Tournament in Calgary on New Year’s Day. Saturday, Sharks goalie Chloe Marshall received first star honours after a 53-save performance in a 3-1 loss.

Sophia Shirley had two goals for the Stars, who took 15 shots in the first, 21 in the second and 20 in the final frame.

Battlefords took 13 in the first, but managed just four in

the second and five in the third period.

Mackenzie Cey scored the lone goal for the Sharks, with Emily Perehudoff getting the lone assist.

Sunday, Shelby Tornato started in goal for the Sharks, but was pulled in the second period after allowing her third goal on 22 shots.

Marshall stopped all nine shots she faced in relief in the 3-0 loss.

Offence was even tougher to come by for Battlefords, as they managed just 16 shots throughout the entire game, allowing Karlee

Fetch to pick up her fourth shutout of the season.

Nara Elia, Julia Rongve and Jordyn Holmes scored for the Stars, as they continue to roll over opponents through the season.

The Sharks now have two weeks to regroup when they host the Prince Albert A&W Bears (9-4-3-2) Jan. 18 and 19 at the Battleford Arena.

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PAGE 13 - Tuesday, January 6, 2015

Goldline Players Championship

Marsh outscores opponents 29‐10 en route to win

By Craig Beauchemin Sports Reporter

Team Marsh outscored opponents 29-10 throughout the Goldline Players Championship over the weekend at the Northland Curling Centre.

The team, comprised of skip Kevin Marsh, third Matt Ryback, second Daniel Marsh, and lead Aaron Shutra of North Battleford, won their first three games 7-3 against Team Fell and 4-2 against Team Craig Friday, before receiving a bye to the semifinals with a 5-2 win over Team J. Heidt Saturday.

Sunday afternoon, they defeated Team Hartung 5-1 to advance to the finals later in the day.

Te a m A c k e r m a n , which includes skip Jason Ackerman, third Curtis Horwath, second Brent Goeres and lead Mike Armstrong was their opponent in the finals, but their path to the championship game wasn’t quite as easy as Marsh’s.

Their first game was a 7-5 defeat at the hands

of Team D. Heidt Friday evening, before they bounced back with a 6-3 win over Team Craig Saturday morning, and a 9-8 nail-biter over Team Marteniuk Saturday evening.

They then defeated Team J. Heidt 4-2 Sunday m o r n i n g a n d Te a m Jacobson 4-3 Sunday afternoon to set up the final matchup with Team Marsh.

Marsh’s rink got off to a good start, scoring two points in the first end, and adding a single point in the second and fourth ends to take a 4-0 lead.

Ackerman wouldn’t back down however, scoring singles in the fifth and sixth ends to narrow the deficit to 4-2.

The game was over in the seventh, when the final shot of the game was a double takeout scoring four points for Team Marsh, sealing an 8-2 victory.

The next Saskatchewan curling events are next weekend in Prince Albert and Swift Current, for the 2015 Viterra Northern and Southern Women’s Playdown.

Team Marsh guides the championship winning shot down the ice at the CUplex Sunday evening. Photo by Craig Beauchemin

SJHL to hold annual draft beginning this year

By Craig Beauchemin Sports Reporter

SJHL president Bill Chow announced Jan. 1 the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey

League will host a bantam draft each summer.

The draft will be commencing with the league’s annual general meeting in the first week of June.

The six-round draft will go in reverse order from the final standings of the previous regular season and teams are required to have an open spot on their 50-man list in order to draft a player.

Eligible players must be of Saskatchewan residency and completed their bantam season the previous year.

Currently, players who live within the legal boundaries of

an SJHL team are protected by that team until they reach their 17th birthday.

Players who go undrafted can be listed by their local SJHL team upon their 15th birthday.

Draft eligible players can attend the spring camps of as many SJHL teams as they like.Draft picks can be traded at anytime during the sea-

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“One of the main reasons for the SJHL to embark on using the draft system is to ensure that its member teams have equal opportunity to recruit players into their franchise,” Chow said in a release.

The Battlefords North Stars are currently in position for the sixth overall pick.

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Tuesday, January 6, 2015 - PAGE 14

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OBITUARIES BRYAN: Margaret “Adrienne” (nee Dustan), May 29, 1947 Regina, SK, December 30, 2014 - Calgary, AB. It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Adrienne Bryan, beloved wife of forty-four years to George “Pat” Bryan, devoted mother to George Alexander (Ellen) Bryan, and loving grandma to Felix and Flora. Adrienne is survived by her cherished mother Alice “Eileen” Dustan. She also leaves her dear siblings, Gary (Bev) Dustan, Kirk (Pat) Dustan, Kathleen (Peter) Keller, Alex (Christine) Dustan; as well as much loved nieces and nephews, Shawn Dustan, Tamara Dustan, Corey Boskill, Leanne Dustan, Lori Dustan-Lafond, Lisa Dustan, Michelle Tuck, Randy Keller, Joel Dustan and Jay Dustan. She was predeceased by her father Alexander. Adrienne was raised in North Battleford, SK when she met and married Pat. After numerous moves with Pat’s employment during the early years, they eventually settled in St. Albert, AB. Adrienne worked with St. Albert Transit where she was proud to call her coworkers her friends. Upon retirement, she and Pat moved to Calgary, AB where they settled to be close to son George and his family. Adrienne was an enthusiastic world traveller with boundless curiosity and interest in all she encountered. Family was at the centre of Adrienne’s life, and she leaves a legacy of hearts forever touched by her love and kindness.

Funeral Services were held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY (Deerfoot South, 12281 - 40th Street S.E. Calgary, AB) on Saturday, January 3, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. Graveside Service followed at Mountain View Memorial Gardens. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, 345, 10909 Jasper Avenue, Edmonton, AB, Telephone: (780)452-1166 or to a charity of the donor’s choice. In living memory of Adrienne Bryan, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Fish Creek, 14441 BANNISTER ROAD S.E. CALGARY, AB Telephone: 1-800-661-1599. ____________________________________________________ PARENT, Kate: February 5th 1931 - Angelsey, N. Wales. December 24th, 2014 - Saskatoon, Sask. It is with great sadness that Louise (Toronto) and Michele (Saskatoon) Parent announce the passing of their mother Kate Parent.

Kate passed away peacefully at the Royal University Hospital after suffering a stroke. Kate was born in 1931 in Wales to Hugh and Hannah Williams (Both deceased 1970 and 1983). In 1953 Kate qualified as a senior Registered Nurse after training at the Broadgreen Hospital and the Children’s Hospital in Liverpool, England. She also trained at Hawknoor Chest Hospital in Devon England. Upon completion of her training Kate journeyed to Australia, where she nursed in Melbourne and Sydney, for 3 years before returning to Wales. In 1960 Kate ventured to Canada. She took a position at the North Battleford Union Hospital, before also, working in North Battleford Indian Health Services, Prince Rupert, B.C. and Oshawa General Hospital in Ontario. Kate met her husband Marcel Parent in 1960 and they were married in North Battleford in 1963. Kate continued to be a respected nurse until her retirement in the late 1990s. Kate and her husband Marcel moved to Saskatoon in 1991. Marcel passed away in October of 2004. Kate is survived by her daughters; Louise and Michele, her sister Mary Jones (Angelsey, Wales), Humphrey Williams (Knutsford, England), her nieces Mair Jones, Janet Radford and Diane Williams as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her husband Marcel and her niece Menna Jones. She is and honorary grandmother to her great nephew Fynn (Liverpool, England). The family would like to thank the team at Royal University Hospital for their compassionate treatment towards Kate during her final days.

Funeral Liturgy will be celebrated on Tuesday December 30th, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. from Saskatoon Funeral Home Chapel (338-4th Ave. N., Saskatoon, SK.). Rite Of Committal will be held at St. Jean Baptiste Catholic Cemetery in Delmas, SK. at 3:00 p.m. Kate will be dearly missed. Memorial donations in Kate’s honour may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation. Arrangements entrusted to Saskatoon Funeral Home (306)244-5577. ____________________________________________________

FUNERAL SERVICES

BOUCHARD, Christian: 1980 2014. It is with broken hearts that the family of Christian Thomas Bouchard announces his tragic passing on Saturday, December 6, 2014 at the age of 34 years.

Chris will always be loved and remembered by his soulmate Carrielynn; son Kohlter; parents, Brian and Lynda; siblings, Nicholas (Kristina and children, Raelyn, Dallas, Evan and Kenedi) and Dallas (Kathy and children, Jasmine and Karlee); grandmothers, Mabel Bouchard and Clara Addy; mother-in-law (Nana) Dee; sister-in-law Donna (children, Wyatt and Rhett), as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and “the brothers”. He was predeceased by his grandfathers, Emil Bouchard and Thomas Addy; uncle Lawrence Bouchard and father-inlaw Gordon Walker. A Prayer Service was held on Thursday, December 11, 2014 at 7:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Hall Funeral Services, Estevan, with Mr. Doug Third officiating. A celebration of Chris’ life was held on Friday, December 12, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at the Wylie Mitchell Hall, Estevan. Interment will take place at Souris Valley Memorial Gardens, Estevan, at a later date. Those wishing to make donations in Chris’ memory may do so directly to the Deep South Wildlife Federation, PO Box 129, Ogema, SK, S0C 1Y0. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Hall Funeral Services, Estevan. Messages of condolence may be forwarded to the family by visiting www.hallfuneralservices.ca ____________________________________________________

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306-446-4200 FOR SALE - MISC 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.

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PAGE 15 - Tuesday, January 6, 2015 APARTMENTS/CONDOS FOR RENT

DOMESTIC CARS

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

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For Sale 2005 Ford Focus 136,000 Kms. Loaded, sun roof, heated seats, command start. Text or call 306-441-2662. In Perfect condition. $3,800 OBO

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MEDICAL TRANSCRIPTION is an in-demand career in Canada! Employers have work-at-home positions available. Get the online training you need from an employer-trusted program. Visit: CareerStep.ca/MT or 1888-528-0809 to start training for your work-at-home career today!

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Call Mel 306-445-1044 One Bedroom apartment for rent comes with fridge and stove, references required. 445-4646

Call GNG for massive year end herbicide sales: • Guaranteed best prices • All farmers welcome (no memberships) • Delivered to the yard • No deposit on containers • GNG dealers in most areas (new dealers welcome) Products: • Smoke – loaded glyphosate • Clever – one pass cleaver control • Foax – green foxtail and wild oats • Diquash – desiccant • Inject-N – full line of inoculants • Diesel fuel – 30,000+ litre min • 20+ new actives being developed

HOUSES FOR RENT Clean 3 bedroom furnished/unfurnished trailer. In Battleford. Available Jan 1st For Rent. N/S References Damage Deposit Serious Inquiries.

Call: 306-937-2872

SUITES FOR RENT 1 Bedroom Basement Suite for Rent includes heat/water, tenant pays own power. No smoking, no pets, no children. Looking for quiet working adult. Off street parking/newly renovated. Rent $750/monthly, damage required & references. Available October 1. Call 306-481-3288.

Large 2 Bedroom suite main floor of the house. All utilities and cable included. Coin operated laundry on site. No small children, smoking or pets. Quiet working adults. Available Dec 1. $1350/month plus damage deposit. Ref required. Call 306-4813288 Leave message.

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STEEL BUILDINGS/GRANARIES STEEL BUILDINGS/METAL BUILDINGS 60% OFF! 20x28, 30x40, 40x62, 45x90, 50x120, 60x150, 80x100 sell for balance owed! Call 1-800-457-2206 www.crownsteelbuildings.ca

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Conacher Contracting Services Ltd two vacancies for General Farm Labourers. Duties will include working as part of a team during seeding, spraying and harvesting operations.

You will also be responsible for maintaining inventories, supervising part-time farm hands as well as performing general farm duties.

Specific Duties include: - Operating farm equipment (Air seeders, sprayers, swatters, combines) - Maintaining farm equipment - Cleaning farm equipment and - Perform general farm maintenance - Perform other farm duties, as directed Qualifications: The successful candidate(s) should have a minimum of 1-2 years related farming experience in addition to the essential skills below: Essential Skills and Abilities - Job task planning and organizing - Critical thinking - Problem solving - Working with others - Ability to coordinate numerous activities in an organized manner.

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COMING EVENTS

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

Mondays, January 5 & March 2 Family Justice Services offers Parenting After Separation and Divorce Program for High Conflict Situations from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm in Regina.

Parents who have attended the regular parenting after separation and divorce program may benefit from attending this session. Call 1-888-218-2822 or (306) 787-9905 in Regina.

Saturday, January 17 Svoboda Ukrainian Dance presents New Year’s Gala “Malanka” at the Don Ross Centre. Tickets still available for afternoon & evening events. Call Haley Dubrule for tickets 306-441-8768.

Saturday, January 17 Club 70 - Cherokee Rose at the Royal Canadian Legion, 1352 - 100th Street from 8:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. with lunch. Phone Les & Donna at 306-845-3772 for more info. Everyone welcome.

Saturdays - Jan. 17, Feb. 21 & Mar. 14 Family Justice Services offers Parenting After Separation and Divorce Program from 9:00 am - 3:00 pm in North Battleford. Registration is mandatory. No fee for sessions. Call 1-877-964-5501 to register. Location will be advised when you register. Adults only, no child care is provided.

Thursdays, January 22 & March 26 Family Justice Services offers Parenting After Separation and Divorce Program for High Conflict Situations from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm in Saskatoon.

Parents who have attended the regular parenting after separation and divorce program may benefit from attending this session. Call 1-877-964-5501 or (306) 964-4401 in Saskatoon.

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 12:00 noon Friday prior for Tuesday's & Thursday’s publication.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Pennydale Junction is currently looking for

COOK, WAITRESSES & DISHWASHERS

Logging contractor with mechanical equipment needed to harvest app.

20,000m3 or more of softwood & possibly some hardwood. Stump to dump contract. 204-689-2261 (pokrant@mts.net) Wabowden. MB.

Ironworkers, Pipefitters & Welders Now Hiring: Journeyperson Structural Ironworkers, Pipefitters & B Pressure Welders (+$44/hr) for an industrial project in Northern Alberta.

Camp provided; travel paid to those who qualify.

Benefits, pension plan and RRSPs offered.

evenings & weekends m with resumé to To Apply in person

call-11 888 470 7997

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Apply with resume to: pclenergyjobs@pcl.com or fax: 1-888-398-0725

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Battlefords Campus COMING EVENTS

Posting #65-BC-1415 Reporting to the Program Coordinator, South Region, this in-scope position is responsible for planning and delivery of the Saskatchewan Polytechnic Practical Nursing program. This position is 350 days running from January 26, 2015 – December 16, 2016.

Northland Power Curling Centre CUPlex - North Battleford

306•937•2431

January 9 - 11 Mens Region Playdowns January 14, 21, 28 Adult Learn to Curl February 11 & 12 Battle West District Playoffs February 27, 28 & March 1 Battle River Rocker Women’s Bonspiel

For a complete position profile, and application visit www.nwrc.sk.ca.

Applications will be received until noon, January 5, 2015.

w w w. n w r c . s k . c a

Tuesday, January 6, 2015 - PAGE 16

Cairns on Cinema

The Interview saga, Part II — it should have flopped on its own

By John Cairns Staff Reporter

Every bad news story deserves a sequel, just as every bad movie seems to get a sequel whether we want one or not.

Much has happened since my last column about The Interview. In December, Sony officially pulled the worldwide Christmas Day release of The Interview from every theater that was going to show it, over a terrorism threat from the cyber hackers who had infiltrated Sony Pictures Entertainment, Inc. The decision from Sony came soon after cinema chains, one by one, pulled the Christmas Day release from their theatres in fear of retribution.

According to the United States, the hacking was the work of North Korea, who had loudly taken issue to the unflattering portrayal of their leader Kim Jong-un.

But it gets better.

North Korea also took issue with the accusation their regime was behind the hacking. They claimed they didn’t do it and made a laughable offer to assist in the investigation into who did do it. The United States ultimately decided they didn’t need any of North Korea’s assistance.

Add to that the massive Internet outage that affected North Korea in the days that followed, which prompted threatening rhetoric from North Korea about how the United States was respon-

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sible for this outage, calling it an act of war.

Can you believe all this nonsense? It may be 2015, yet our world is still full of rogue regimes led by crazed despots threatening the stability of the world. You have to wonder how folks in South Korea have been able to put up with their northern neighbours and their antics.

Who can live like this? No wonder there were people out there interested in making a movie ridiculing the leadership of North Korea.

In the days that followed news that The Interview was pulled from release, Sony Pictures were absolutely pummeled on social media, not to mention regular media. The consensus expressed by Americans was that it was a “sad day for freedom.”

President Barack Obama waded into the controversy, saying Sony “made a mistake” pulling the movie.

Obama’s comments may have made a difference in convincing some of these nervous theatre owners to screen The Interview after all, because again Sony announced plans to release the movie Dec. 25.

It should be noted, however, the revised “release” was not the wide release that was planned for upwards of 3,000 screens.

Instead, it was a patchwork limited release schedule on some 331 screens, mainly independent theatres not affiliated with major chains.

Notable as well was a major release using digital technology. This is something Hollywood had been reluctant to embrace until now, as theatres remain the preferred method of distribution for wide releases.

But with so many theatre chains refusing to screen The Interview out of fear of a terrorist attack, Sony had little choice. They had to embrace a digital release if they wanted this movie to see the light of day.

The movie was streamed

on YouTube, Google Play, Xbox Video and on a littleknown site called Kernel.

Kernel powers Sony’s streaming site. This prompted some pundits to speculate this might have been Sony’s plan all along, to pull the movie from wide release in order to gain attention for its streaming site.

I can’t believe this was ever their intention. That would be like saying this whole embarrassing hacking mess was Sony’s plan, too. The end result of all this is that Sony’s stock went up. Go figure.

So the movie did get a release on Christmas Day after all. But not in Saskatchewan. It figures. We really still are the boondocks, despite what some people would have us believe.

The closest theatre that showed the movie on Christmas Day was in Williston, N.D. In fairness, the rest of Canada was also shut out, so everyone in Canada was reduced to crossing the border. Canadians did not have digital access to the movie either. So much for freedom!

Given the heavy involvement of Canadian writers, cast and crew in this production, as well as the shooting location (Vancouver), this made no sense.

However, the situation has since changed. Canadians are now able to view the movie digitally on Kernel’s site called seetheinterview. com. As well, Saskatchewan residents are now able to view The Interview in theatres. The Roxy theatre in Saskatoon, with the independent Magic Lantern/ Rainbow Cinemas chain, booked the movie starting Jan. 2.

As of Dec. 31, The Interview made $1.8 million in its first weekend in limited release, and has made a grand total of $3.1 million in theatres. Its digital release has earned a more impressive $15 million.

1 - 250 gram package cream cheese, softened 1 teaspoon orange zest, grated 1 - 398 ml can whole berry cranberry sauce 1 1/2 cups whipping/heavy cream

t and margarine. Press into Combine crumbs, sugar, 1 teaspoon zes e 10 minutes at 350F. Cool greased nine-inch spring form pan. Bak tin over orange juice and completely. In a small pan, sprinkle gela t until gelatin is dissolved. let stand one minute. Cook over low hea ese and orange zest. Beat Cool slightly. In a separate bowl, beat che until smooth. Beat whipping in cranberry sauce and gelatin mixture and whipped cream mixtures cream separately until stiff. Fold cheese hours before serving. Run together. Pour over crust. Refrigerate 3-4 remove sides of pan. Serve a knife around edge of pan and carefully with a scoop of whipped cream.

“It is easy to think Christmas, and it is easy to believe Christmas, but it is hard to act Christmas!”

It’s better than “zero.” which is exactly the amount of money The Interview would have made if it stayed on the shelf unscreened.

People are now calling this a victory for “digital technology.” I thought this was supposed to be a victory for freedom and democracy. Oh, well.

The bottom line is this dumb-looking movie starring funnymen Seth Rogen and James Franco has turned out to be far more important and groundbreaking than even the makers intended.

These guys probably thought this would be simply a funny satire about a despot. I don’t think they expected this to turn into any sort of statement about freedom of expression, or to be groundbreaking in the way Hollywood uses digital technology to release movies to a wide audience, or any of that.

All this was achieved by a movie that, at the end of the day, received only a soso 52 per cent “rotten” score at Rotten Tomatoes from the movie critics, many of whom were revolted by the usual toilet humor they saw from Rogen and Franco.

By all rights, this apparently boring piece of junk ought to have flopped on its own merits. Executives at Sony even described their own movie as “desperately unfunny,” according to emails that were leaked.

Instead, because of the hacking and all the controversy, this “desperately unfunny” production of The Interview has achieved far more prominence and attention than it probably deserved.

A word of advice to all cyber hackers, the next time a movie comes along that you don’t want people to see, you’re better off reacting with a simple, restrained “thumbs down.”

Just like the Romans used to do.

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PAGE 17 - Tuesday, January 6, 2015

Life is like an old pair of shoes

PUZZLE NO. 708

24.This girl 25.Chef’s need 26.Coop product 28.Cool drink 29.Scurried 30.Observe 32.Common to most 35.Grownups 36.Kind of rummy 37.Anxiety

LIFE as I know it

By Colleen Crawford I have a very hard time giving up old shoes — the shoes that fit properly, the shoes I can actually walk in, without throbbing pain as an after effect.

I have bunions and the widest part of my foot is 4 1/2 inches across. To find shoes I can wear without being in pain is a challenge.

So when I find them, I wear them well beyond the point of where they should be worn in public.

When I face the dilemma of having to look for new shoes, tossing out the old and bringing in the new, I see a parallel to the well worn ruts I enjoy living in. I love my comfortable routines, the known, the expected. I realize I must force myself out of those ruts and make new ones from time to time. But it’s hard. It’s like getting those new shoes.

A smart person would realize new ruts and new shoes really shouldn’t hurt.

It may take a while to get used to the change, but it should not cause great discomfort along the way.

So why then, when it came to some relationships, did I seem to go for the uncomfortable fit and hope they would eventually become comfortable?

This is something I am slowly realizing. Some of the most important relationships in my life weren’t a perfect fit. They weren’t even close. Right from the beginning, I was uncomfortable. I thought I would get used to the fit. I thought they could be broken in.

Perhaps, like a pair of shoes. But no matter what, no matter how long, I was never completely at ease. I may have adapted and gotten used to them. But they weren’t good for me. And if I am honest with myself, I JOIN THE CONVERSATION To comment on this story and others, go to www.newsoptimist.ca

knew it from the start.

My good friends have been a perfect fit, right from the beginning. No discomfort, no pain. The friendships that have lasted throughout the years, the miles, life’s transitions, the good, the bad and the ugly have been comfortable right from the get go.

I’m learning.

I think I need to learn how to shop more wisely, for shoes and for relationships. I think a little “trial run” with both feet planted firmly on the ground would be a good motto in both regards.

Just because I have bunions doesn’t mean I should be in pain. Just because I am older doesn’t mean I should settle.

Pain and discomfort are your body’s signals to warn you. Why does a person think they should ignore that?

I need to spend a little more time shopping for the perfect fit.

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ACROSS 1. Hardwood 4. Bed, as of coal 8. Current measures 12.Nibbled 13.Out of action 14.Close firmly 15.Rival 16.Bass feature 17.Bargain 18.First-aid brace 20.Labored 22.Durable 24.Magic formula 27.Trap 31.Old witch 32.Quip

33.Judgment ____ 34.Employs 37.Locale 39.Kitchen alcove 41.Harmonize 44.Builds 48.Hammer target 49.Audition aim 51.Steaming 52.Lean 53.Boring tools 54.Keats poem 55.House annexes 56.Not as much 57.Father

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Tuesday, January 6, 2015 - PAGE 18

The assurance of God’s care all through life In spite of our many modern conveniences, it’s still possible to get in difficulty while driving. Perhaps we hit a deer on a lonely road, and the car can’t be driven. We belong to an auto club that promised to give us a tow.

But when we try to use our cell phone to call for help, we discover we’re in a spot where the phone won’t work.

The only solution seems to be a long wait–or a long walk!

That’s just one example of the difficulties and problems that can arise, not only in travel, but all through the journey of life. For some things there seems to be a ready remedy, but what about the rest? Even here believers can look to the Lord with confidence. No testing or trial entering our lives is beyond His infinite wisdom and power.

There’s an insurance company whose slogan tells those who purchase a policy that they are “in good hands.”

Far more fully and reliably is that true of all who put themselves in God’s hands.

In every circumstance of life, from the womb to the tomb – and in eternity beyond, God’s loving care is abundantly sufficient. As David says in Psalm 23, “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will

Doddridge became a pastor, and a seminary professor of recognized scholarship. He authored theological texts, and wrote hundreds of hymns, including O Happy Day. Another of his hymns expresses his confidence in the loving care of the Lord all through the journey of life. It

Robert Cottrill, B.A., B.R.E. http://wordwisehymns.com/ www.Wordwise Bible Studies.com dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” (vs. 6) In the words of another psalm, “You will guide me with Your counsel, and afterward receive me to glory … My flesh and my heart fail; but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever” Ps. 73:24, 26) All our days, and forever – and more. “The mercy of the Lord [His loving kindness] is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear [reverence] Him.” (Ps. 103:17) The reason behind this perpetual attention given to the child of God is that He is committed to completing the work He’s begun in us. The Lord said to Jacob, “I will not leave you until I have done what I have spoken to you.”

(Gen. 28:15) David declares, “The Lord will perfect [bring to completion] that which concerns me.” (Ps. 138:8) The Bible assures us we can

be “confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.” (Phil. 1:6) Philip Doddridge (17021751) knew about that. He lived in England three centuries ago, back when life tended to be short, and infant mortality was extremely high.

Philip was one of twenty children, of whom all but two died in infancy. Little Philip also was thought to be stillborn.

The pathetic little mite was set to one side to be buried later. But one of those assisting with the birth thought she saw a feeble sign of life, and she began to work on the baby.

He lived, though, as you can see from the dates above, he died before his 50th birthday. Even so, he packed those years the Lord gave him with dynamic Christian service.

begins: “Great God, we sing that mighty hand / By which supported, still we stand; / The opening year Thy mercy shows, / That mercy crowns it till its close. / By day, by night, at home, abroad, / Still are we guarded by our God, /

By His incessant bounty fed, / By His unerring counsel

led.”

Nor does the Lord’s tender care cease in heaven. “For the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to living fountains of waters. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.” (Rev. 7:17) Amen to that!

From one season to another It’s all over for another year. Christmas, that is.

Accompanied by a sense of mixed relief and sadness, for me the first week in January is busy with the work of packing away decorations and storing what’s left of decadent goodies in the freezer.

The list of things-to-do also includes the job of fitting leftover rolls of wrapping paper into corners where they will be neither obvious nor forgotten.

Although the weeks and for some, the months, of preparation that go into making Christmas a highlight of the year are marked by weariness and sometimes, stress, those thoughts are as quickly packed away as the trapping that go with the season.

I tuck a lot of beautiful

memories into those plastic bins destined for storage in the basement.

Over the past month I’ve explored ideas for choosing gifts as well as thoughts concerning wrapping and unwrapping the presents we’ve chosen to give and the ones we’ve been blessed to receive.

Heading into 2015, I’m facing the New Year with a much more gentle attitude toward myself and others.

Perhaps it’s the aging pro-

cess or a growing understanding of what God’s love is about but in the midst of the pain and ugliness of a world seemingly determined to destroy itself, the Prince of Peace still reigns in the heart of those who ask Him to be their Lord.

Where any trace of God seems negated by evil, Emmanuel, “God with us”, is reborn within the life of anyone who accepts His request to come in.

In other words, the peace and joy of Christmas don’t have to exit with the entrance of another year. “… the eyes of the Lord your God are continually on it from the beginning of the year to its end.” (Deut 11:11,12) Happy New Year, His love is watching over you!

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.

TERRITORIAL DRIVE ALLIANCE CHURCH Pastor: Rev. Allen Huckabay

1372 102nd St 306-445-3009

Notre Dame (RC) Parish

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

191 - 24th Street West, Battleford, SK

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

OFFICE 306-445-3836

1302 - 99th Street North Battleford, SK Rector: The Rev. Peter Norman

Hosanna Life Center 306-445-5079

Meeting at 1122 - 101st Street Pastors: Peter & Lydia Litchfield Members of Christian Ministers Association

St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church 1401 - 98th Street North Battleford, SK

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

Community Baptist Church 1202 - 103 Street, North Battleford, SK 306-446-3077 PASTOR: RON BRAUN

Sunday Morning Service 11:00 a.m.

Everyone Welcome Canadian National Baptist Convention

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

Phone 306-445-9096

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

Worship Service - 11:00 a.m.

Come Join Us Sunday’s At 11:00 am

306-445-5901 SUNDAY 10:30 a.m.

Everyone Welcome

Battlefords Seventh-Day Adventist Church

A warm welcome is extended to everyone!

1702 - 106th Street North Battleford, SK

306-445-4818 tbcnb@sasktel.net www.trinitybaptistchurch.ca

Living Water Ministry

Pastor Brian Arcand 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 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

(YHU\RQH :HOFRPH www.thirdavenueunitedchurchnb.ca Email: thirdaveunited@sasktel.net

PAGE 19 - Tuesday, January 6, 2015

Year of the Frog

Newsroom mascot enjoys 2014 coverage of the Battlefords

By Claudette Cadiddlehopper Staff Reporter

Wow, has it been a whole year already?

What a year that I, Claudette the Frog, have had serving as the official newsroom mascot of the Battlefords News-Optimist and Regional Optimist.

It included activities such as attending the Teddy Bear Clinic to get a clean bill of health; going on my staycation in the Battlefords to see

the sights and sounds, and my exclusive interview with Santa Claus.

Plus, I enjoyed doing some reporting assignments, including covering City Hall on April Fool’s Day. As well, a number of frog friends came

over to visit in the newsroom throughout the year, including on “Claudette Day” held in the newsroom in October.

I hope you all had a hopping 2014 and look forward to another froggy year in 2015!

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Tuesday, January 6, 2015 - PAGE 20

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