News Optimist March 27

News

Changes for chamber terms

3 Pop Up

Sports North Stars sweep

Everybody Has a Story

Red Wings

City shares information

Yvonne Wuttunee: A Metaphysical Life

7

6

9 Featured

March Out Racism Walk

2

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Volume 110 No. 32

North Battleford, Sask.

Tuesday, March 27, 2018

Suspects in court for firearms, trafficking Staff

Three individuals facing a slew of charges following the search of a home on Winder Crescent in North Battleford March 22 made their first court appearances Monday morning before Judge Dan O’Hanlon in North Battleford provincial

court Among those charged is Romelow Meechance, who is charged with possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking, possession of cannabis for the purpose of trafficking, and three earlier charges from 2017 including breach of a CSO. Meechance is remanded

in custody and is due to appear again April 2, by CCTV. Nicolas Petalas is charged with possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking, possession of cannabis for the purpose of trafficking, possession of proceeds, possessing a shotgun for the purpose

of committing an offence, possession of a rifle for the purpose of committing an offence, possession of bear spray for the purpose of committing an offence, possession of a machete for the purpose of committing an offence, storing a loaded rifle and storing a loaded shotgun, and possessing a

rifle knowing he doesn’t hold a licence, and possessing a shotgun knowing he doesn’t hold a licence a licence, and having in possession firearms while prohibited. He also faces two breach of probation charges. Petalas is remanded and will return to court April 3 to appear by CCTV.

Liam Wuttunee faces charges of possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking, possession of cannabis for the purpose of trafficking, possession of proceeds under $5,000, possessing a shotgun for the purpose of committing an offence, Continued on Page 3

Terrific Trio Courtney Johnson, Emily Simon and Kennedy Hainault were all smiles Sunday afternoon as they performed a routine based on High School Musical as part of the 2018 Skate Battlefords Skater Showcase at the Civic Centre. The annual wrap-up to the season, which was entitled Be Our Guest, featured 21 performances done to music from Disney movies. More photos from the show will be in Thursday’s Regional Optimist. Photo by Lucas Punkari

PAGE 2 - Tuesday, March 27, 2018

Second-annual March Out Racism walk takes place

By John Cairns Staff Reporter

Marchers took to the streets in North Battleford during the noon hour Wednesday in support of the #MarchOutRacism walk.

The march was organized by the Battlefords Immigration Resource Centre and held in recognition the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

“With this march we are trying to show solidarity, how everybody can join together and help,” said Annette McGovern of the Battlefords Immigration and Resource Centre in her remarks at City Hall, where the walk held its launch event.

“Today we’re challenging each and every person to look inside and try and identify their personal attitudes, beliefs and behaviours,” said McGovern.

“Racism is a people issue, it’s not just groups of people.”

North Battleford Deputy Mayor Len Taylor attended on behalf of Mayor Ryan Bater to read a proclamation, which proclaimed March 21 as the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination in North Battleford.

That proclamation will be formally presented to city council next Monday.

From there, the group of marchers headed down 101st Street and turned at Railway Avenue, eventually reaching their final destination at the Battlefords Immigration Resource Centre at 106th Street.

The walk included par-

ticipation from city officials and members of the public. Students from Moosomin School on the

Moosomin First Nation came down to North Battleford by bus to join in the march.

At City Hall, North Battleford deputy mayor Len Taylor proclaimed March 21 as International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination in North Battleford. Photos by John Cairns

Wednesday at noon last week, marchers took to the streets in North Battleford in support of the #MarchOutRacism walk.

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Tuesday, March 27, 2018 - PAGE 3

Term limits coming to chamber directors

By John Cairns Staff Reporter

It appears more changes could be coming to the structure of the Battlefords Chamber of Commerce board: term limits could soon be brought in.

Changes are being proposed that would require individual members to step away as directors on the

board after serving a total of three consecutive terms, after which they must have a two-year hiatus before they can run again.

For directors representing member organizations, the changes also call for them to serve a total of three consecutive terms, after which time that member organization must take a one-year hiatus from

Recovery centre planned for city Staff North Battleford City Council has approved partnering with Saskatchewan Association for Resource Recovery Corp. (SARRC) and Cleanfarms, for an EcoCentre to accept used oil, filters and containers.

The EcoCentre is to be located at the Waste Man-

agement Facility, with the containment building provided by SAARC; in return the city would provide the employees and basic materials to operate the centre.

The move is expected to generate revenues of $9,000 annually and it was approved by council unanimously March 12.

Major revival event in November Staff

North Battleford will be the location for a major Pentecostal revival event in November.

The event is North Battleford revival meetings hosted by Breakthrough Ministries. It will take place from Nov. 1 to 10 and the expectation is that over 2,000 people will be in attendance from all over North America.

The meeting is being

held 70 years after North Battleford’s first revival on Feb. 12, 1948, known as The Latter Rain Movement of ’48.

A number of speakers and presenters are expected for the event, with the Credit Union CUplex expected to be the venue. A full itinerary has yet to be released.

More information can be found at www.battlefordnow.ca.

Continued from Page 1 possession of a rifle for the purpose of committing an offence, possession of bear spray for the purpose of committing an offence, possession of a machete for the purpose of committing an offence, storing a loaded rifle and storing a loaded shotgun, possessing a rifle knowing he doesn’t hold a licence, and possessing a shotgun knowing he doesn’t hold a licence.

Wuttunee is due to appear again in court March 27.

The accused individuals were arrested after a search took place around 4 p.m. on March 22 by members of the Battlefords Municipal GIS Section. In a news release the RCMP reports that their members found marijuana, cocaine, a large amount of Canadian currency, two prohibited firearms, and ammunition in that search.

Suspects in court

sending a representative.

There are some exceptions for those serving positions as chair, vice-chair and past-chair.

Chamber director Melanie Roberts outlined the changes at the Tuesday, March 20, board meeting.

The idea of term limits is a somewhat controversial one among those on the chamber board. While there is frequent turnover of directors there have been some who have served for multiple terms.

Noted at the meeting were the consecutive years of service on the board by such notables as David Dekker and Ed Lee, who recently retired from the board after serving over two decades of consecutive terms as a director.

Chamber director Derek Schmidt said of Lee that he would have been a “bad person to tell not to come back,” because of what he brought to the board year after year.

“I’m just afraid of getting rid of quality too early,” was Schmidt’s comment.

However, the reasoning behind the change to term limits is so the Battlefords Chamber can meet accreditation standards.

The intention is for the changes to come back for a vote at a special membership meeting in April, which will coincide with the regular director’s meeting.

In other items from the chamber meeting held March 20: Efforts are still ongoing for the “community reputation” efforts the Chamber is launching, with a committee meeting planned.

As for other activities going on elsewhere in the community, Chamber members had plenty of good things to say about the #SickNotWeak in the Battlefords event hosted by Michael Landsberg at the Civic Centre.

The consensus was that the event was beneficial to everyone who attended, and that the community’s reputation “went up a notch,” in the words of 18035JJ0

Term limits were among the items discussed at the directors’ meeting of the Battlefords Chamber of Commerce on March 20. Photo by John Cairns

chamber president Terry Caldwell. “#SickNotWeak was huge for the people who got there,” said Caldwell.

He also noted the charity is willing to come back.

Caldwell noted that Landsberg himself “had a heck of a time getting out of there” that night, because so many people had gone up to him to talk afterwards.

Next month is the soldout China trip happening April 7-17. A contingent connected to the Battl-

efords is going and the chamber has been busy getting baggage tags all set to be picked up by those going.

The Cannabis 101 Cannabis and the Workplace Realities, Rights and Responsibilities seminar, is scheduled for March 28 at room 107, Don Ross Centre, North Battleford.

These sessions are being held around the province in advance of legalization; chamber executive director Linda Machniak reported the session in Regina had

gone “really well.”

Plans are also under way for a post-budget event with the provincial finance minister, though a date is not yet scheduled, and Chamber On Tap is scheduled for April 5.

The annual “Talk with Your Kids About Money” is scheduled to happen at area schools April 18.

May 8 is slated for the State of the City/Town address, and the Chamber Business Golf Challenge is scheduled for Jackfish Lodge on May 25.

Staff

the Year will be selected from all those businesses nominated among the six open categories.

A new component to the Battlefords’ Best Employer category will be the application kit requiring current employee testimonials, adding a new and different component to the program.

Nomination kits are available at http://www. battlefordschamber.com/ connection/bbex.html. The deadline for submissions is Friday, June 22. The kits may also be picked up at the Battlefords Chamber

offices at the junction of highways 16 and 40, Monday to Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. (closed during the noon hour).

According to a chamber news release, finalists are expected to be announced

by Labour Day weekend with winners in seven categories being announced Tuesday, Oct. 2 at the gala event and award ceremony.

The Heritage Award winner will be announced along with the finalists in early September. Tickets will go on sale Aug. 27.

up caskets in the cemetery.

The cost is $15,800 and it will be paid for through recent savings in capital purchases.

The items came up for discussion at the Monday, March 12, city council meeting in North Battleford: In addition, there were 10 people nominated for the monthly Snow Angel nominations for February; the winner of the $50 gift

card draw is Taylor Hart.

Gord Krismer and Associates has once again been appointed again as 2018 Board of Revision.

In appointments, the following have been appointed to serve on the North Battleford Library Board, with terms running to Dec. 31, 2018: Betty Leslie, Phyllis Downs, Grace Lang, Cindy How, Barb O’Neal, and Karen Richardson.

BBEX nominations open Nominations are now open for the 2018 25th anniversary Battlefords Business Excellence Awards.

According to a news release from the Battlefords Chamber of Commerce, the categories for this year’s awards will remain the same: New Business Venture, Customer Service, Marketing, Micro Business, Heritage, Community Contribution, Battlefords Best Employer and Business of the Year.

Once again, Business of

Sewer camera purchase approved Staff North Battleford city council has approved purchase of an advanced sewer camera for televising sewer line, for use in undergrounds projects.

The cost came in at $116,676.68 and administration expects annual cost savings from the equipment of around $100,000.

A jackhammer attachment purchase has also been approved for digging

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PAGE 4 - Tuesday, March 27, 2018

Editorial

Key appointments more useful than politicized juries Calls have been made for more representation of the Indigenous population within the justice system, and two appointments to the ranks of provincial court judges seems to be a step in the right direction.

The Government of Saskatchewan has announced the appointment of Mary McAuley as a judge to the Provincial Court in La Ronge.

In a release by the government, it is stated, “Judge McAuley was raised in Northern Saskatchewan and is one of the only fluent Cree speaking Métis female lawyers in the province. Her ability to use her first language of Cree and cultural understandings in working and communicating with Cree speaking citizens in the justice system will be an asset in helping them navigate the court process. As a Métis woman who grew up in Cumberland House and a lawyer whose clients are largely First Nation and Métis people, she has a unique awareness and understanding of their circumstances and needs.”

Judge McAuley received a law degree from the University of Saskatchewan in 2006. She articled with the Saskatchewan Ministry of Justice, and practiced law in Prince Albert. She spent time as a Crown prosecutor, defence lawyer with legal aid and as a private lawyer.

She has practiced with McAuley Law Firm since 2012, which she started on her own in Prince Albert.

Justice Minister and Attorney General Don Morgan said, “Judge McAuley is an exceptional appointment to the bench. She has made valuable contributions to the legal profession in the province for more than 10 years.

Her diverse experience will certainly enhance the judicial system in our province.”

Another judge has been appointed who is also Métis.

Natasha Crooks has been appointed as a judge to the Provincial Court in Saskatoon.

“Judge Crooks is an exceptional appointment to the bench,” Morgan said. “Her contributions to the legal profession in the province over the last 12 years have been incredibly valuable. Her commitment to public service and diverse experience will enhance the judicial system in our province.”

Judge Crooks received a law degree from the University of Saskatchewan in 2004. She articled with the Department of Justice Canada and began her career with a general litigation practice on behalf of many federal government departments. She was appointed to the Parole Board of Canada in 2013 and has served as a board member since that time.

The province’s release states, “Judge Crooks is Métis and was raised in Southern Saskatchewan. She has dedicated her legal career to the public service. She is the Chairperson of the Aboriginal Circle, a national committee for the Parole Board of Canada, that provides advice on issues affecting Aboriginal offenders, victims and communities. She also sits nationally on the Executive Committee of the Parole Board of Canada. This role helps shape policy and direction of the board, interpreting legislative change and providing leadership and guidance, particularly on Aboriginal issues.

The appointment of these two new judges may be a reaction to the fallout from a certain recent trial, but it makes more sense to put Indigenous people in place throughout the system than to politicize juries.

– Jayne Foster

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

News-Optimist.ca Letters to the editor are welcomed by the NewsOptimist. All letters, including those which are faxed or e-mailed, must be signed and bear the address and telephone number of the writer. The name of the writer will be published. Letters are subject to editing. Personal attacks will not be printed. Letters will be rejected if they contain libelous statements or are unsigned.

Last week’s News-Optimist online poll: China doesn’t want our plastic bags. Do you take your own bags with you when you go shopping?

• Yes 59% • No 41%

This week’s News-Optimist online poll: • Saskatchewan’s cannabis framework states consuming cannabis in public spaces, schools and daycares will be prohibited. Do you agree?

• Yes. Like smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol.

• Yes, but I’d rather it wasn’t legal anywhere.

• No. What’s wrong with lighting up while on a picnic in the park or where everybody else is on a cigarette break.

• No. Too much control, Big Brother!

To vote: Visit www.newsoptimist.ca Gordon Brewerton Senior Group Publisher

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Tuesday, March 27, 2018 - PAGE 5

Legalized cannabis a focus of spring session

By John Cairns Staff Reporter

A key early focus for the new session of the Saskatchewan legislature in March was introduction of a provincial regulatory regime for legal cannabis in Saskatchewan.

The provincial government released its framework for cannabis legalization and moved first reading of The Cannabis Control (Saskatchewan) Act a week earlier.

On Monday of last week, second reading was moved and that provided the province’s minister of Justice and Attorney-General Don Morgan to rise in the legislature to speak further on the bill.

What follows are Morgan’s remarks in the legislature, as recorded in Hansard.

Hon. Mr. Morgan: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to move second reading of The Cannabis Control (Saskatchewan) Act. This bill will implement a provincial regulatory scheme for legalized cannabis in Saskatchewan.

Mr. Speaker, federal Bill C-45 is expected to come into force in the summer of 2018. Once in force, that bill will implement a federal framework to provide restricted access to legalized cannabis in Canada. In response to the federal government’s decision to legalize cannabis, it is necessary for the province to pass cannabis legislation to regulate those matters that fall under provincial jurisdiction or are otherwise not addressed within the federal scheme.

Mr. Speaker, a primary focus of the proposed provincial legislation is to ensure the health and safety of citizens. In particular, protecting minors from the harmful effects of cannabis is an important goal for government.

Under the federal legislation, the minimum age for the consumption and possession of cannabis is 18.

Further, the federal legislation allows minors under the age of 18 to possess up to five grams of cannabis with no consequences.

Mr. Speaker, the federal government has made it clear that provinces may adopt a higher minimum age of consumption and possession for minors. Additionally the federal government has encouraged provinces to adopt provincial laws to address minors who possess less than five grams of cannabis.

The proposed legislation will prohibit the possession, consumption, or distribution of cannabis by minors under the age of 19. This is in line with the province’s legal age for consumption of alcohol. It also aligns with the minimum age chosen by

newsoptimist.john@sasktel.net many other provinces and territories. This Act will also allow police to issue tickets to minors who are found in possession of cannabis, and to seize that cannabis.

Mr. Speaker, this legislation contains further rules respecting the sale and possession and consumption of cannabis by adults. The Act will prohibit the consumption of cannabis by adults in public places or in vehicles.

Individuals that wish to consume cannabis will be required to do so in a private location such as their home or cottage. The legal possession and distribution limits set by this legislation will mirror the limits set within the federal Act. In particular adults will be allowed to possess up to 30 grams of dried cannabis in public and grow up to four plants within their private households.

Mr. Speaker, this legislation will also allow for the establishment and regulation of a private system for the retail sale, distribution, and wholesaling of cannabis in the province. This system will be administered and regulated by the provincial cannabis authority, which is expected to be designated as the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority. Cannabis permittees will be required to comply with all the rules, terms, and conditions that are established by this Act, the regulations, and SLGA [Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority]. This approach will ensure that the sale and distribution of cannabis is conducted in a safe and reliable manner while providing new economic opportunities for Saskatchewan businesses.

Mr. Speaker, the government recognizes that certain municipalities and First Nations do not want retail cannabis stores operating within their community. As a result under this legislation, retail permits will not be issued in communities that choose to prohibit retail cannabis stores.

Mr. Speaker, the government is committed to ensuring the health and safety of the people of Saskatchewan. The legalization of cannabis is a complex topic, and there is no doubt that our regulatory system will develop and evolve over time as we gain experience in this area. However, I am confident that the proposed

legislation will implement a safe and effective regulatory system for the sale, possession, and consumption of legal cannabis in this province.

With that, Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to move second reading of The Cannabis Control (Saskatchewan) Act. The Speaker: — The minister has moved second reading of Bill No. 121, The Cannabis Control (Saskatchewan) Act. Is it the pleasure of the Assembly to adopt the motion?

I recognize the member from Athabasca.

Opposition NDP MLA Buckley Belanger provided extensive remarks on the issue. Not lost on the member was the reality that Saskatchewan was the last province in the country to bring in a regulatory framework.

Mr. Belanger: — …

Now, Mr. Speaker, as we’ve indicated from time to time again, it’s on numerous . . . and pretty par for the course when it comes to the Saskatchewan Party is they’re always late for preparing for something that they know is coming down as law. And there’s no question that this was a promise made by the federal Liberal government when they were elected in 2015.

And this is no surprise, Mr. Speaker, that the cannabis bill is coming forward. And it’s just over the last several weeks that the Saskatchewan Party government has come forward responding to the efforts by the federal government to make this . . . or the plans by the federal government to make cannabis legal throughout the country.

In his remarks Belanger also spoke at length about a related and growing issue: the impact of hard drugs on communities all over Saskatchewan.

Most people know me as being a very, very antidrug advocate, and I think one of the things that’s really important is that as we pursue the notion around dealing with harder drugs, Mr. Speaker, we have to have two principles in mind. Number one is to recognize and understand the ravages of illicit drug use in all of our families.

And many families are being impacted, Mr. Speaker.

And the second thing is to not be judgmental, to not judge those that are getting caught up in this particular activity because,

Mr. Speaker, many of them are highly valuable people in our province and in our communities, in our groups, in our organizations, in our families.

So it’s important to note that there are many valuable people that just get caught up in this particular activity and that they do need help and they do need understanding in getting themselves off this addiction because, Mr. Speaker, they are very, very valuable Saskatchewan people that we need to make sure that we give them the opportunity to seek that help.

Now, Mr. Speaker, in many of our northern communities . . . And this is why I get a bit angry with the Saskatchewan Party government when they turn around and talk about cannabis and what the federal government is trying to do to our young people, Mr. Speaker. They’ve used that argument before. But, Mr. Speaker, the fact is there’s harder drugs in our community, harder than ever; whether it’s crystal meth or whether it’s cocaine that’s laced with fentanyl, Mr. Speaker, or whether it’s heroin. And what we see is that the current government is not doing anything to help some of these communities combat these harder drugs coming into our schools, coming into our playgrounds, coming into our homes, Mr. Speaker.

We need more action from this government to make sure that there are services available, counselling services to reclaim these people. And there’s nothing coming from this current government, Mr. Speaker, to combat those harder drug challenges that many communities and many families face throughout Saskatchewan.

So I’m going to watch with very close interest, Mr. Speaker, how this government deals with this particular bill. Are they going to run back to their argument that oh, all drugs are evil, and that’s the problem, Mr. Speaker?

Absolutely all illicit drugs are bad for the community. Nobody’s arguing that, Mr. Speaker. But the corresponding argument I would have for them is, what are they doing to reclaim the people that are being impacted by illicit drug use? Are they providing counselling services?

And I look at some of my own communities in my constituency, Mr. Speaker — no services whatsoever to help reclaim these families, Mr. Speaker. And the system that is pushing many of these young people towards illicit drug use, Mr. Speaker, there’s no intervention to help.

The schools are all alone in trying to stem many of the families being impacted by the harder drugs, as I talked about earlier. And, Mr. Speaker, there is no help for them. Grandparents that are raising young people that are struggling with these addictions, there’s no help for them as well, Mr. Speaker.

And as many of the communities begin to struggle with more and more people getting caught up in the il-

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licit drug use, Mr. Speaker, there’s less and less help from the Government of Saskatchewan.

And I say to them, that’s a crying shame because these are Saskatchewan people who are highly valuable, and we should do everything we can to help them recover from this tremendous strain that they’re under, and this terrible and heavy addiction that they have.

There’s nothing there to help these families out of that predicament, Mr. Speaker.

And that’s why today, from our perspective, as the federal government legalizes cannabis, we’re not advocating for the use of drugs. That’s not what this is about, Mr. Speaker.

We’re saying that if you overcriminalize cannabis, you’re tying up the court system. We must educate, and we must help the people recover. So as we shift gears to the harder drugs and saying, okay, if we don’t overcriminalize cannabis, are we freeing up resources? Are we freeing up valuable resources to combat the heavier and harder drugs that are ravaging our communities?

Well, Mr. Speaker, that’s an answer that the Saskatchewan Party government cannot answer today.

And this is the important point that many people in industry are also asking. What are we doing as a society to help those that want to combat the harder drugs out there that are ravaging our communities? Many of the people that we speak to in industry itself talk about those compelling challenges that many families and many communities face across our province. So I think it’s really, really important, Mr. Speaker, that we have this discussion.

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PAGE 6 - Tuesday, March 27, 2018

Everybody has a STORY

By Jayne Foster

newsoptimist.news@sasktel.net

Yvonne Wuttunee: A metaphysical life Everybody has a STORY

A former Battleford resident with fond memories of the community is coming home this Easter weekend and will be sharing her skills as a psychic consultant.

Yvonne Wuttunee, over the last 35 years of her life, has been doing her own television shows in Canada and in Houston, Texas, and is looking forward to helping residents of the community where she grew up.

Yvonne says, “Growing up in Battleford, Saskatchewan, was a childhood full of fun. My father was the town’s waterman, which means he delivered the water to the homes of the citizens of Battleford in a time when there was no running water.”

Her father’s name was Gilbert Wuttunee. Her family name means “eagle tailfeather,” says Yvonne, and it is a large and closeknit family. While her family is from Red Pheasant Cree Nation, her father and his family lived in Battleford. He attended residential school, says Wuttunee, and wanted to become a minister after leaving school, but that didn’t work out with fields to tend and a wife and children.

Unfortunately, his wife died in childbirth and her family moved his children away.

That was his first family, Yvonne explains. (It wasn’t until years later that, almost by accident, the members of the family were able to reconnect.)

Gilbert remarried and had five children with Lillian, who allowed no drinking around her family. She was very protective of her children, says Yvonne.

Her father, she says, was the kindest man, and happy as well. Everyone knew him because he was the waterman.

“My father got the water from the icehouse where there was a tap of running water. The icehouse had a long hose that would run down to the top of the water wagon.

Dad would drive the horses up to the hose, turn on the water and fill up the water wagon then go on with his deliveries. He hand-delivered the water in two buckets that he carried into the home and emptied the water into a water barrel. The wagon had a tap at the back, where he would place the bucket under the tap and get the water.

This he did everyday summer and winter. Summer was great, but in winter he came home every night in ice-covered overalls.”

Theirs was a loving family, says Yvonne, but her parents brooked no shenanigans.

“My parents knew everyone and everyone knew our parents, so as children if we did anything wrong, our parents would find out right away. Then we would have to answer for our deeds.”

Wuttunee enjoyed her childhood friends.

“When I was young, we played games like RunSheep-Run. This game was played by two teams.

The one team had to draw a map of where they went to hide outside. The other team had to figure out the map the hiding team had drawn, with the directions to the hidden sights we were at and find us. Then we had to race to home base. The one that got to home base first was the winner.”

She enjoyed school.

“When I went to Battleford Public School we had every Friday afternoon off. As sports activities, we would go to the skating rink and skate all afternoon or we could go curling at the curling rink.

During the summer and winter months, we were never home. We went outside playing morning, noon and night with weather allowing. In the summer we would play baseball, go swimming and have picnics. School was fun for everyone.”

In a few years, Yvonne would find herself in new surroundings.

“When I was thirteen we moved from Battleford to Sardis, British Columbia. Traveling through the mountains was a pure pleasure, so we knew we would have a wonderful time in our new town. We had to walk a long distance to school every day and the new teachers were kind and helpful to us. The only hard part about walking every day was the Hop Plant. This is the place where they made beer and the smell was from the hops. They stank to high heaven and to this day I don’t like the smell of beer or alcohol.”

There were more moves in store.

“From Sardis Junior High we eventually moved to Chilliwack, B.C. to the senior high school. Then from there, we moved to London, Ontario, to continue my senior high. We lived in London for 16 years.”

It was in London that Yvonne met her husband to be.

“He was a Norwegian

Air Force pilot training in Canada with the Geneva Convention sponsoring air force pilots from other countries. We were engaged for a year and married in London, then we moved because he was transferred to Chatham, New Brunswick.”

The next move would take her overseas.

“From Chatham, he finished his training in Canada and we moved to Norway. I was a new bride in Europe and lived there for five years. I learned the Norwegian language fast as my husband was sent up north, flying every two weeks of every month. His duty was to keep the Russian ships from entering the Free waters and had orders to send them back to the Russian waters.”

Her family was begun in Norway.

“My oldest son was born in Stavanger, Norway, and my youngest son was born in Trondheim, Norway. The nurses in the hospitals, where they were born, used to fight each other to have a chance to look after a little Canadian Indian baby.”

They grew up with Norwegian traditions.

“My sons had to be on skis when they first learned to walk. I had strict orders that they went skiing every day for a half hour. Every Norwegian child does this when they learn to walk.”

But when the time came for Yvonne to move back to Canada, she was a single mother.

“I became a Native Law student at the University of Western Ontario. Being a student was very hard on my sons as they had left a life they loved and would hide under their desks and speak only Norwegian to the teachers. Being gone from them until late evening every day did not work for my little family. I gave up law school and became a full-time mother until the children were comfortable being in Canada.”

Yvonne’s interests began to lean toward the metaphysical.

“Growing up in a native milieu in Canada, having known our native teachings and the Protocols of Ceremony, these teachings have taught me there is more to life than we are aware of.”

Yvonne became a practicing psychic consultant.

“We know that there is a life in the spiritual realm, with our prayers and protection, we can tap into that realm. Therefore over the last 35 years of my life,

By Becky Doig

newsoptimist.news@sasktel.net

Yvonne Wuttunee I have been doing my own television shows in Canada and in Houston, Texas.”

Yvonne says she’s also been a guest on many different radio shows across Canada.

“On these shows,” she explains, “I always have a telephone line connection where the audience is welcome to phone into the show and receive a mini tarot card reading.”

The metaphysical aspect of her life has ties to her upbringing.

“My bedside stories from my mother and grandmother were always about The Little People living by the rivers, lakes and oceans. For other natives in Canada, their stories would be totally different. We all have been to powwows.

When we gather, we dance, sing and pray. We are very gentle dancing in moccasins so we dance softly on Mother Earths breast. We sing to our ancestors in a good way to honour them with our chanting. We use our sweetgrass to get rid of negativity in our homes in combination with our prayers. Also smudge over our bodies to be cleansed, much like incense, so we are ready to meet our Saviour at all times in a good

way.”

Yvonne describes a connection to the earth.

“Our medicines are from Mother Earth. Our elders used everything from Mother Earth. They knew the properties and what were the best medicines to use for specific illnesses.

They picked these medicines at the right time for the best use of the plant.

They pounded them into a powder after they were left to dry, so it would be easier to give to the patient with water. Or they used grease to make a poultice to be applied to the body for the heat to go into the muscles. Today the pharmaceutical companies use the Red Willow bark ground up as ‘aspirin.’ Our old people knew the properties of the medicine from Mother Earth for hundreds of years.”

Yvonne explains being a psychic consultant has furthered her journey into the spiritual realm and the knowledge she garnered from those teachings has helped her impart the messages they give her back to the client through tarot card readings.

“I have learned, through the years, to give the messages directly as they are

told to me. Not to try and second guess everything and that comes with years of experience. I have done thousands of tarot readings with many repeats after doing my television and radio shows and clients calling in for readings.”

She lets the spirits guide her.

“If a Spirit tells me to do a healing, I do it with the hands-on approach. This is working with the energies of the body and allowing new fresh energies to enter the body replacing the old, tired ones. This allows me to give a healing touch to the client, not ever having to touch the body, but working directly with the aura, which can extend from the body for six feet.

“This,” says Yvonne, “is the pleasure of my tarot card readings done with prayers, healings and protection from the lower spiritual realms.”

Yvonne Wuttunee will be consulting tarot cards for individuals at the North Battleford Library Thursday, March 29, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. You may call her at 250-826-1027 to book an appointment. Readings will be done by appointments only.

Tuesday, March 27, 2018 - PAGE 7

Pop-up Open House

The Civic Centre was the venue Wednesday, March 21, for an informational pop-up open house event put on by the City of North Battleford. It was a chance for the public to meet and ask questions of planning and development officials and learn about the various city initiatives going on. On hand were displays and information about community safety and the Eyes That Care program, formalized neighbourhoods, the downtown master plan, the Southeast Quadrant master plan, and the neighbourhood street murals project. Upstairs, city engineer Bob Anthony (top right) provided a presentation on the city’s UPAR - Underground Pipeline and Asphalt Rehabilitation program for interested residents who may be impacted. Photos by John Cairns

306-445-3757 10020 Thatcher Avenue, North Battleford

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PAGE 8 - Tuesday, March 27, 2018

Morning Meal

These pine grosbeaks enjoy their breakfast at News-Optimist contributor Louise Lundberg’s rural home. Photo by Louise Lundberg

Be prepared for the melt Submitted It feels like spring these days in the Battlefords. The warm weather, combined with the opulent amount of snow, will likely result in a significant snow melt.

As crews continue to clear and haul snow off city streets and parking lots, The City of North Battleford would like to share seven tips on how to be prepared for the snow melt as a resident.

On the street: • Adhere to road conditions. If you see pooled water on the road, try to avoid it, as you cannot see potential risks or unsafe condi-

tions beneath the water.

• If you see a plugged storm water drain, you can clear away snow and ice from the storm drain, or phone City Hall and let us know the location of the plugged drain.

• As this is the time of the year where we experience a freeze-thaw-cycle, please make sure that run off from your property onto the sidewalk does not create icy and treacherous conditions. Please look after your neighbours by cleaning ice off your sidewalks.

Around and inside your house:

• Shovel snow away from the foundation of your home to prevent moisture damage to your foundation and seepage into your basement.

• Ensure your eavestroughs and downspouts are clear and pointed away from your home; extend the downspouts if possible.

• After the snow melts on your roof, check for missing or worn shingles.

• Ensure that snow piles and ice are not blocking furnace and exhaust vents to prevent carbon monoxide build up within your home.

18035CC2

Short-staffing and heavy workload in public health care facilities are undermining patient and resident care.

Saskatchewan people deserve fully funded public health care.

A message from CUPE Health Care Workers

5430

A Voice For Victims Battlefords Victim Services is a non-profit organization, mandated by the Government of Saskatchewan, Ministry of Justice and overseen by a Board of Directors.

We work closely with the RCMP to assist victims of crime in our community. Battlefords Victim Services is dedicated to supporting Victims of Crime and Trauma. Victims are given as much support and information as possible to ensure that they feel more comfortable within the Criminal Justice System and all facets of their individual situation.

In response to the incidents happening in our community Battlefords Victim Services welcomes anyone to set up an appointment with someone in the office, or to see if there is anything that we can do for you please feel free to call (306) 446-1550.

Wartime Wednesdays

The lovely Dorothy Garen, now 95, still lives in Canmore, Alta. To see more great photos from her album, visit Wartime Wednesdays today: www.elinorflorence.com/blog/rcaf-dorothy-garen. Photo submitted

NB building permits still slow

By John Cairns Staff Reporter

It is still a slow start to the year for building permits in the city of North Battleford.

A grand total of four permits were issued in February for a permit value of $195,000, down from the six permits for $749,500

issued the same month the year before.

The numbers for February include two residential alterations for $50,000, one commercial alteration for $50,000 and one sign for $95,000.

Overall through the first two months of 2018, eight permits for $253,000 have been issued, compared to

15 for $1,562,500 for the same period a year earlier.

At planning committee last week, city manager Jim Puffalt acknowledged it was a “quiet month” but assured councillors there is “much more to come.”

Construction projects expected to happen this spring include the new Magic Lantern theatre.

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Tuesday, March 27, 2018 - PAGE 9

Lucas Punkari

Sports Reporter

Phone: 306-445-7261

Fax: 306-445-3223

Email: newsoptimist.sports@sasktel.net

North Stars sweep aside Red Wings again

By Lucas Punkari Sports Reporter

The Battlefords North Stars are headed to the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League semifinals for the third straight season.

The defending Canalta Cup champions picked up their 16th consecutive postseason win and swept aside the Weyburn Red Wings for the second straight year in the quarter-final round with a dramatic 3-2 overtime triumph at Crescent Point Place.

“It was an exciting way to finish the series off,” North Stars head coach and general manager Brandon Heck said. “We have a lot of guys who want to be the hero and like the spotlight, so we were comfortable with the game going into overtime.

“As a result, we had a really positive attitude on the bench and we were all cheering each other on in the frame.”

Rookie forward Elijah Loon-Stewardson was the hero for the North Stars as he potted home his first career playoff goal at the 9:30 mark of the extra frame.

“He was my pick to score the overtime winner between [assistant coach] Boyd [Wakelin] and I,” Heck said.

“His line [which also included Brad Girard and Cole Johnson] had been buzzing all night and he had a number of chances in

Battlefords North Stars goalie Joel Gryzbowski robbed Weyburn Red Wings forward Landon Walters during Game 3 of their SJHL quarter-final series last week. Photo courtesy of Greg Nikkel/Weyburn Review

regulation, so I just felt that he was due to score one.”

Johnson helped to set up Loon-Stewardson’s gamewinning goal and also had an assist on Girard’s first period marker, but it was what he did without the puck that stood out to Heck on Wednesday.

“He had a couple of big blocked shots when Weyburn was pressing and he was one of the guys keeping things positive on the bench when things were stacked against us a couple of times,” Heck said. “That was great to see from Cole and it really showed his true character. I’m really proud of his effort tonight.”

Layne Young also scored for the North Stars, who received a 22-save performance from Joel Grzybowski.

In what proved to be his final junior hockey game, Arik Weersink was sublime in goal for the Red Wings as he turned aside 52 shots.

“I thought Arik was outstanding for them,” Heck said.

“They were rolling a number of guys out there for a lot of minutes tonight and they were playing but I had confidence in our guys to get things done, even when they went ahead 2-1 in the third.”

Young heading back to Frozen Four Staff

Battleford product Blake Young will have a chance to finish off his collegiate hockey career on a high note.

The senior forward for the Minnesota-Duluth Buldogs will be heading to the NCAA’s Frozen Four tournament in St. Paul, Minnesota, on April 5 after his team picked up a 2-1 win over the Air Force Falcons in a quarter-final game in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Saturday.

This marks the second straight year that the Bulldogs have made it to the semifinal round, as they lost in the 2017 national championship game to the Denver Pioneers.

New Jersey Devils prospect Joey Anderson and

Nick Wolff both scored for the Bulldogs, who limited the Falcons to just 12 shots on goal.

Prior to their win over the Falcons, the Bulldogs kept their season alive in dramatic fashion Friday with a 3-2 overtime win in the first round of the tournament over the Minnesota State Mavericks.

Parker Mackay was the hero for the Bulldogs, who scored three unanswered goals.

Young suited up in both games but was held off of the scoresheet.

A former member of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League’s Battlefords North Stars, Young has seven goals and five assists in 42 games this season.

Awaiting Young and the

Bulldogs in the semifinal are the Ohio State Buckeyes, who are making their first trip to the Frozen Four since 1998 and have never won the national championship.

The winner of that game will advance to the final on Saturday, April 7, and will face either the Michigan Wolverines or the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.

The Irish have also never won a national championship, while the Wolverines are looking to a win 10th championship and their first since 1998.

The Bulldogs’ only national title came in 2011, when they defeated the Wolverines in overtime by a score of 3-2 in St. Paul.

TSN 2 will air the final game at 5:30 p.m. Saskatchewan time.

Cade Kowalski led the way for the hosts with a goal and an assist, while Cole Woodliffe dished out a pair of helpers.

Ben Hiltz had the other goal for the Red Wings, who have been knocked out of the post-season in the quarter-final round for four straight years.

Awaiting the second seeded North Stars in the semifinals, which wil start Friday at the Civic Centre, are the third ranked Estevan Bruins.

The Bruins punched their ticket to the final four for the second straight year with a clean sweep of the Kindersley Klippers.

A year ago, the North Stars swept aside the Bruins in the semifinal on their way to the their first SJHL title since 2000.

The two sides split the regular season series with three wins each.

The other semifinal matchup will also start Friday with the top-ranked Nipawin Hawks going up against the fifth seeded Humboldt Broncos.

The Hawks advanced in dramatic fashion Friday at home as SJHL defenceman of the year winner Josh McDougall fired a shot into the net with less than a second to go in the first overtime to give his team a

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1-0 win over the Flin Flon Bombers in Game 5.

Nipawin are making their fourth straight trip to the final four, but they haven’t made it to the championship round since 2001.

Meanwhile, the Broncos upset the Melfort Mustangs in five games in their quarter-final round matchup, with Parker Tobin turning aside 37 shots in a 3-0 win to wrap up the series Saturday in Melfort.

This marks the first time since 2014 that the Broncos have made the semifinals, where they lost to the eventual RBC Cup champion Yorkton Terriers.

The Hawks won all six regular season meetings with the Broncos this year and they also swept them in last season’s quarterfinal.

Elsewhere, the final four teams are set in the Manitoba Junior Hockey League, with the winner going up against the SJHL champions in the Anavet Cup next month.

The top-ranked Steinbach Pistons are going up against the sixth seeded Winnipeg Blues, while the second seeded Virden Oil Capitals are taking on the fifth ranked Winkler Flyers.

The Anavet Cup champion will then go to the RBC Cup national championship in Chilliwack, B.C. in May.

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Combines capture first SPHL championship

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Learning experience for Vikings girls at Hoopla

Grade 10 forward Kaibree Head is one of a number of players that are eligible to return for the North Battleford Comprehensive High School Vikings senior girls team next season. Photo by Lucas Punkari

By Lucas Punkari Sports Reporter

For a high school basketball program getting used to bigger surroundings, there’s no better way to get better than by competing at the provincial Hoopla championship.

That’s the biggest lesson that coach Bryan Cottini and the rest of the North Battleford Comprehensive High School Vikings senior girls team are taking from this past weekend, as they competed at the 5A tournament in Prince Albert.

“I talked to the girls at length following both games and the biggest message to them was just how proud I was of their effort,” Cottini said.

“It may not show it in the final scores, but I was very happy with how we played in both games. I had a lot of people coming up to me during the weekend and complementing how well we played against big-

ger and harder opponents.”

Coming off a bronze medal win last year at the 4A tournament in Regina, the Vikings qualified for Hoopla with a second place finish at the regional tournament a weekend earlier in Weyburn.

Their quest for a provincial crown was halted in the quarter-final round Thursday as they dropped a 84-65 decision to the Saskatoon Centennial Chargers.

“We played well in the first half and had a 37-29 lead, but then Centennial switched into a two-three zone defence that baffled us for about five minutes,” Cottini said.

“They went on a 14-2 run, but we were still tied at 45 late in the third quarter. After that, our big post player [Abby Neufeld] got into foul trouble and eventually got fouled out of the game. It’s pretty hard to match up against Centennial when you are missing someone like that.”

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By Lucas Punkari Sports Reporter

A mix of joy and relief could be seen on the faces of the Meota Combines at the Battleford Arena Saturday night.

For the first time in their history, the Combines took home the Saskatchewan Prairie Hockey League title as they defeated the Hafford Hawks by a score of 6-3 in the fifth and deciding game.

“It’s really hard to try and sum everything up and how we are all feeling right now,” Combines captain Scott Maunula said.

“It was a hard fought series with Hafford and they made us earn it. The effor that everyone put in all series was huge.”

The road to the league championship was a long one for the Combines as they played in the maxmium amount of playoffs games with 15.

They also came back from a 2-1 deficit in the first round against the Maymont Settlers, withstood a push from the Edam Three Stars after winning the first two games of the semifinals

and topped the Hawks in a pair of win or go home affairs to hoist the trophy.

“We never quit,” Maunula said. “Whenever we lost we never had our heads down. We always stepped up and knew that we would be better the next time out.”

“I’m not sure if we wanted to work on our conditioning or what, but I think this shows just how well we can play under pressure,” Combines forward Blake Tatchell said.

Tatchell led the way in the championship clincher with a three goal performance.

“He’s been our best guy all year long and it’s fitting that he got a hat trick in our biggest game,” Combines defenceman Sean Patrick added.

Dayne Iverson, Kihisis Derocher and Maunula rounded out the scoring for the Combines.

James Revering got the start in goal Saturday for the Combines as he once again had a strong showing after taking over for an injured Josh Alook in the fourth game of the final.

“I think it had been about a month since he had

last played a game before he came in for us when Josh got hurt,” Tatchell said.

“To see how he stepped up when he came in cold was pretty amazing.”

Patrick was named the playoff MVP after putting up 10 points in 15 games.

“He’s a solid anchor on the back end for us,” Tatchell said.

“He battled through injuries during the playoffs, but he gave it everything he had every night.”

Clay Casavant, Kyle Rivett and Brooks Fleury all scored for the Hawks in the loss.

This is the second straight year that the Hawks made it to the league final, as they were defeated by the Three Stars last season.

Although the makeup of the Combines roster is still to be determined for the 2018-19 campaign, the team is ready to try and defend the SPHL title.

“It will be a bit of a different perspective now that everyone’s chasing after us,” Patrick said.

“I think we’re up to the challenge though.”

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Mia Cottini had 34 ponts to lead the Vikings on offence, while Kaitlyn Jockims put up 33 points for the Centennials in the victory.

The Vikings wrapped up their weekend in the consolation bracket Friday with a 72-47 loss to the Saskatoon St. Joseph Guardians.

Mia Cottini once again led the way for the Vikings with 26 points.

With Cammy Simon and Mia Cottini the only Grade 12 players on this year’s team, the Vikings are expected to return the majority of their roster for next season.

“You never know who will step up during training camp, so it’ll be interesting to see how we’ll fill some of those holes on the roster,” Coach Cottini said.

“One of the biggest things we noticed this weekend was just how strong the depth is on those top teams, and that’s something we’ll be focussing on.”

The 5A girls’ Hoopla title went to the Regina LeBoldus Golden Suns in a 63-47 affair against the Saskatoon Aden Bowman Bears.

Meota Combines captain Scott Maunula let out a roar as he hoisted the Saskatchewan Prairie Hockey League championship trophy Saturday night at the Battleford Arena. Photo by Lucas Punkari

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OBITUARIES STENSRUD: Glen Allan Stensrud of Battleford passed away at Battlefords Union Hospital on February 12, 2018 with family at his side.

Glen was born May 16, 1937 in North Battleford and grew up on the farm in the White Swan district. He attended school at White Swan and after leaving school he began his career as an Automotive Mechanic which he continued until his retirement. Glen married Marie Gagnon (Gessner) on August 5, 1972. They had one son, Brad. Glen also became stepfather to Marie’s five children. He enjoyed his time with his many friends fishing, playing cards, touring the countryside and laughing and having fun. Glen will be remembered by his son Brad, step children Corey (Kelly) Henderson, Darren (Bernie) Gagnon and Dennis (Fran) Gagnon as well as grandchildren Jordyn, Keaton, Carlina and Jaime and 4 great grandchildren. He will also be remembered by his sisters Eunice Frey, Lynda Spagrud, Wendy Degenstein and Gayle (Lindsay) Ford and his brothers Randy Stensrud and Lyle (Sheila) Stensrud, and by Marie’s siblings Art (Mavis), Harold (Janice) and Norma (Claude) and by numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife Marie, stepsons Dean and Dale Gagnon, father and mother Rusty and Elsie, father & mother in law Alfred & Irene Gessner, brothers in law Peter Frey, Lloyd Turner, Alvin Gessner, Roman Gessner, Delmer Gessner, Donny Gessner and sister in law Marlene Paul. At Glen’s request there was no formal funeral service. Cremation was entrusted to Trevor Watts at Eternal Memories Funeral Service. ___________________________________________________ HICKSON: It is with profound sadness the family of Lana Dawn Hickson, beloved daughter of Ray and Donna Hickson, resident of North Battleford, announce her peaceful passing on Sunday, March 11, 2018 at the Battlefords Union Hospital with family by her side. Left to cherish her memory: her parents: Ray & Donna; sister, Sheryl (Brian) - children: Michelle (Steve) - Will, Colby (Tanis) - Tenley, Axton & Maryn; brother Rodney (Janice) children: Robert - Tori, Kiele, Breanna & Nicholas, Rory (Ashley) - Mackenzie, Melissa (Colton) - Abegael & Lennon; Uncle Vern, Aunt Mary, Aunt Maxine & Aunt Darlene. She was predeceased by numerous aunts and uncles. Lana was born August 15, 1957 in North Battleford, SK. She attended Bready School, Alexander School and C.O.C.J. After graduation, she attended Marvel Beauty School in Saskatoon, SK. After achieving her hairdressing certificate she worked for Shirley Hartley in the basement of the Beaver Hotel. She started her own business, Styles By Lana in 1982 at 1241 100th Street and remained there until her passing. She also had contracts at the Battlefords Youth Centre, Sask. Hospital, Senior High Rise Complex and Caleb Village and various other Group Homes where people could not go out. Lana loved to sing. She started her singing at the United Church and she continued at Territorial Drive Alliance Church, and Living Faith Chapel. She was very involved with each of the churches she attended. Lana loved to help people. Lana felt her greatest joy was making the Christmas Album with the other singers from the Territorial Drive Alliance Church. She dearly loved all her nieces and nephews. She took great joy in spoiling them whenever she could. Lana enjoyed campfires and spent many hours in the back yard around the campfire with her mom and dad. She talked about that till her last breath. Service of Celebration and Thanksgiving for Lana’s life was held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 17, 2018 from Living Faith Chapel, North Battleford, SK. Interment was at Prairie Willows Columbaria – City of North Battleford Cemetery. Memorial donations are requested to Living Faith Chapel. Condolences can be sent to mail@battlefordsfuneralservice.com Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Battlefords Funeral Service (306-446-4200). __________________________________________________

BIDDLE: It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Weston James Biddle, who died unexpectedly in the early morning of March 15, 2018, in his home in New Westminster, BC at the age of 76. He will be sadly missed by his wife of 56 years, Vivian Biddle, along with their son Warner Biddle (Jennifer Fazio) of Burlingame, California, their daughter Paula Humenny (Kelvin) of North Vancouver, and their four grandchildren Ethan, Isabelle, Sofia and Oliver. He is also survived by his brother Roger Biddle (Barbara) of Saskatoon. He was predeceased by his parents James and Hazel Biddle (Harlton) and his sister Murva Sembalerus (Michael). The eldest of three children, Wes was born on August 5th, 1941 in North Battleford, Saskatchewan. He grew up on a farm about 20 miles northeast of town and shortly after graduating high school began a successful 31 year career at SaskTel, working with some of the pioneering telephonic technologies of the time. Moving to Vancouver in 1993, Wes worked part-time at Home Depot while helping Vivian establish a thriving hair and prosthesis business. In his spare time, Wes loved to travel, attend concerts and spend time with his many friends at the Gyro Club. He will be forever remembered as a devoted husband and father, a loyal friend, and a thoughtful man with a sharp, dry sense of humor. Friends and family are invited to attend a Celebration of Life ceremony, to be held at 1pm on April 7, 2018 at the Kearney Funeral Services (219 6th Street, New Westminster, BC). Condolences for the family may be left at www.kearneyfs.com FELIX: Anastasia Josepha November 18, 1930 – March 9, 2018. It is with great sadness that the family announces the passing of Stacy Felix on Friday, March 9, 2018 at Battlefords District Care Centre at the age of 87 years.

Stacy was born and raised in Bruno, Sask. She moved to Peterson when she married Anthony Jerome Felix in 1950 where they raised 8 children.

In 1973 her life journey brought her to North Battleford. Stacy loved to sew, play cards, bird-watch, listen to music and spend time with family and friends. She was so proud of her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and greatgreat-grandchildren. They were her ‘greatest treasure’ and were all her “favourite”. She enjoyed time at the lake with her family.

Her deep Catholic faith was an important part of her life. She was an active member of the church using the special gifts God blessed her with, which included sewing various sacramental and church garments. Stacy will be deeply missed by her children: Jeff, Rick (Karon), Doug (Connie), Connie (Keith) Mackrell, Joan (Vern) Sparrow and Alan (Sherry), 16 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, 3 great-great-grandchildren, her sister Elizabeth Zakresky and her brother Harold (Audrey) Zettl and numerous nieces, nephews and friends. Stacy was predeceased

by Jerome and their sons, Brian and Roger. Special thank you to the staff at BDCC for their care and compassion. Prayers were held Wednesday, March 14th at 7:00 pm at Battlefords Funeral Service. Funeral Mass was held Thursday, March 15th at 1:00 pm at St. Joseph Calasanctius Roman Catholic Church, North Battleford. In lieu of flowers memorial donations are requested to the Alzheimer Society of Saskatchewan. Condolences can be sent to mail@battlefordsfuneralservice.com Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Battlefords Funeral Service.

Card Of Thanks Thank-you to Fr. Anthony, Betty Stone and Clem Hood of St. Joseph’s Parish, the CWL for the luncheon and the Spirit of Hope group that provided supper for the family before Prayers.

Thank-you to our relatives and friends for their comfort and support. A heartfelt thank-you to Bob and everyone at Battlefords Funeral Service for your care and compassion to our families. I am sure Mom was moved as we all were by Bob’s beautiful singing of “Ave Maria”. ___________________________________________________

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OSTERMAN: Eva late of North Battleford, passed away peacefully on February 25th, 2018 at the age of 87 years.

Left to cherish Eva’s memory are her loving daughters Lucielle (Bernard) Gregoire and Sheila MacDonald.

Her grandchildren Nicoel (Robert) Bakken, Shauna (Robb) McCollum, Allison (Ray) Prygodicz and Kyle (Tristin) Watts. Her great grandchildren Courtney Laboccetta, Brianna, Makayla and Jenessa Bakken, Mason and Colton McCollum and Kade, Kohen and Kinley Prygodicz. Eva was predeceased by her loving husband John, her son Robert, grandchildren Darcy and Jeremy Gregoire, Stacey (Gregorie) Laboccetta and Johnathan Laboccetta. A Mass of Christian Burial was held on March 9th, 2018 at St. Joseph Calasanctius Parish with interment at City Cemetery in North Battleford, SK. Donations may be made to River Heights Lodge – 2001 99th Street, North Battleford, S9A 0S3.

Arrangements entrusted to Wally Markewich at Sallows & McDonald – Wilson & Zehner Funeral Home 306-445-2418.

FUNERAL SERVICES PILAT: Funeral Service for Walter Pilat, beloved husband of Rose Pilat, resident of Glaslyn, SK was held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 24, 2018 from the Glaslyn Community Hall, Glaslyn, SK. with Very Reverend Bohdan Demczuk officiating. Memorial donations are requested to Branch 192 – Royal Canadian Legion, Livelong, SK S0M 1J0. Condolences can be sent to mail@battlefordsfuneralservice.com Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Battlefords Funeral Service (306-446-4200). __________________________________________________________

MONUMENTS

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Professional Services Provided with Heart and Compassion

Granite Monument Specialists.

Dedicated to Quality, Craftsmanship and Service.

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

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306-446-4200

FUNERAL SERVICES

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

Trevor Watts - Director/Owner

The Battlefords only Locally Owned Funeral Provider

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

www. eternalmemoriesfuneral.ca

PAGE 12 - Tuesday, March 27, 2018

PETS

ANNOUNCEMENTS

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

1-800-667-4442

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

Butcher for Hire

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.

For Sale: 1994 Silverado with cap Radisson.

Accepting Offers.

Call:1-306-827-2337 PROVINCE-WIDE CLASSIFIEDS. Reach over 550,000 readers weekly. Call this newspaper NOW or 306-649.1405 for details.

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

WANTED: OLD TUBE AUDIO EQUIPMENT. 40 years or older.

Amplifiers, Stereo, Recording and Theatre Sound Equipment. Hammond Organs, any condition.

CALL Toll-Free 1-800-947-0393.

WANTED: REWARD paid on info leading to purchase of 426 Hemi motor from 1970 Road Runner serial # N-RM27R0G15756 also 1970 Road Runner/GTX/Satellite/Charger complete or parts car.

Also old advertising/dealership signs, antique gas pumps, etc.

Call 306-221-5908 or 306-3692810.

GOT OIL? Free Property Evaluation for Mineral

Rights holders.

Royalties paid on suitable drilling locations!

Call with your land co-ordinates

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

LAND FOR SALE

APARTMENTS/CONDOS FOR RENT

CAREER TRAINING

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

Phone/Text 306-386-7874

CHAROLAIS BULLS FOR SALE Easy calving, polled and hairy.

Phone Craig Jones 306-386-2728.

Cell 306-441-4652 Cochin, SK.

MOBILE/MANUFACTURED HOMES FOR SALE

Vesta Homes Inc. 306-242-9099 canadIan BuIlt modular Homes New In-Stock Homes Starting at $92,500.

Heated Showhomes!

Free Delivery & Insulated Skirting Custom Orders Welcome.

Spring Sale On Now! www.vestamfghomes.com

Serving All of Saskatchewan New Home Warranty

APARTMENTS/CONDOS FOR RENT

SENIORS AFFORDABLE HOUSING New easy access 2 bedroom unit in a four-plex 6 appliances

876/month.

$

Must be 55+ and make under $44,500 per household.

Call Mel

306-490-7414

Two & One Bedroom Apartments Adult Complex Two Bedroom Apartments $800 One Bedroom Apartment $700. Total Reno’s, References, No Pets, Available March 1st. Call to View 306-4812836

HOUSES FOR RENT Available for rent 2 bedroom home. Monthly rent or Sign one year contract get one month free.

Ref required. Call 306-441-6728 or 306-937-7252. No Text please.

SUITES FOR RENT 1 Bedroom Basement suite F,S, W+D, Private entrance. Available immediately. Rent $850.00 with utilities included, No pets please.

Phone 306-446-1398.

FEED & SEED Alfalfa Seed - Common #1, Taproot, 97% Germ Leafcutter Bees Premium quality, zero parasites & chaulkbrood Business opportunity - great time to enter industry. Call Reg Greve 306-528-4610.

Common Organic Legume Seed for Sale. Tap Root Alfalfa, Single Cut Red Clover and Alsike Clover.

Available in 50 pound bags. 306382-1299 Saskatoon Sk.

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

Western Commodities 877-695-6461 Visit our website @

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

FOR SALE BY OWNER 2-acre lots, Lakeview Ave (Days Beach) for sale. Located directly on Lakeview Ave. Access to utilities.

Email for details: ssihota@telus.net

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES Established award winning community newspaper based in Warman, SK is seeking a team player to join our company in the full-time role of graphic designer and production coordinator. Apply in confidence to: Clark’s Crossing Gazette, 109 Klassen Street, Warman, SK or email resume and references to tjenson@ccgazette.ca.

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

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

www.westerncommodities.ca

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

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

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

Let Us Help You Keep Your Business Rolling!

PLACE YOUR AD ON THIS PAGE

306-445-7261

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

Keyanow Child and Family Centre Inc requires a Family Enhancement Worker who will have experience in dealing with children/youth aged 6 - 17 years and working with families.

The ability to build trusting relationships with child/youth/family and participate in a professional team approach is required.

Must have the ability to relate to First nations children, youth and families and have an understanding of the various issues within the communities of Little Pine First Nation, Poundmaker Cree Nation and Lucky Man Cree Nation. You will be required to travel and work flexible hours.

Qualifications: BISW and/or equivalent to 2-yrs work experience in Community Development with children, youth and families. Work experience with Sexual Abuse would be an assent along with ability to speak or understand Cree.

Qualified applicants should contact: Keyanow Child and Family Centre Inc. P.O. Box 1426 North Battleford, SK S9A 3M1 or Email: btchsc@sasktel.net or Fax: (306) 445-5568

FOSTER HOME WORKER Term Position

We are currently looking to add both Owner Operators and Company Class 1 Drivers to help service our expanded customer base hauling bulk liquid products throughout MB, SK, AB and the Northern United States.

Loaded and empty miles paid!

Professional

Family Enhancement Worker

JOB OPPORTUNITY

We offer dedicated dispatch, well maintained equipment, on-site wash + service facility with qualified technicians, in house training, and a very competitive compensation package.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

JOB OPPORTUNITY

KEYANOW CHILD AND FAMILY CENTRE INC.

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

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

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

Lloydminster.

BUSINESS SERVICES

KEYANOW CHILD AND FAMILY CENTRE INC.

We thank all applications and wish to advise that only t hose individuals that have been selected for an interview will be contacted.

HEATED CANOLA WANTED!!

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

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

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

CHARTERED PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTANTS

LAND WANTED

3 Babie Cockatiels born January 1 Grey 1 Pearl 1 White. $100.00 each Please phone or text 306-480-9996

Contact our Recruiting Dept for more informantion or to submit your resume: Phone: 204.571.0187 Email: recruiting@renaissancetrans.ca Fax: 204.727.6651 Or submit an online application @ www.renaissancetrans.ca

The Foster Home Worker is responsible for the recruitment, assessment and training of foster care providers for Children, Youth & Clients. The Foster Home Worker will be responsible for coordinating the provision of comprehensive specialized foster home services for children in temporary or permanent care and children at risk, including recruiting and actively promoting the foster care program in the community, investigating, assessing and counseling new foster parent applicants to determine suitability, conducting pre-service education and assessment of foster home applicants, conducting annual review of foster homes; conducting in depth home studies and document all aspects of an applicant’s life. The Foster Home Worker will provide counseling and support services and ongoing training to foster homes, and consult with First Nations and following established protocols as part of the planning process to ensure quality foster care service delivery.

Term Position: ending date February 1, 2019.

Qualifications: Must have BSW/BISW and experience in the human services field and a clear criminal record and vulnerable check. Must have valid driver’s license and present a drivers abstract for the past 5 years.

Salary: As per Agency’s Salary Grid based on Education and Experience Ending Date for Applicants: April 3, 2018 Send Resumés to: Keyanow Child and Family Centre Inc. P.O. Box 1426 North Battleford, SK S9A 3M1 Fax: (306) 445-5568 Phone: (306) 445-4149 Email: btchsc@sasktel.net We sincerely appreciate the interest of all applicants, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Tuesday, March 27, 2018 - PAGE 13

CAREER TRAINING

COMING EVENTS

Visit our website

www.newsoptimist.ca for more community events

Monthly Community Events Calendar Sundays

Wednesdays

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

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

1st Sunday of the Month

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

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

COMING EVENTS

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

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

2nd Monday of the Month Cancer Survivor Support Group Meetings at the Third Avenue United Church, 1301 - 102nd Street at 7:00 p.m. For further information phone June 306445-3337, Ken 306-481-4137, Myrna 306-445-2328 or Raj 1-306-202-6042.

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

2nd Monday of the Month Visit our website

www.newsoptimist.ca for more community events

Community Events Calendar Alcoholics Anonymous

Please call our 24 hour helpline at 306-446-6166 for support or information.

Al-anon Family Groups

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

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

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

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

Mondays, Wednesdays & Thursdays

Friday, March 30

Benefit for Arlee Lumgair Pot Luck Supper, Silent Auction & Dance at the Waseca Community Memorial Hall, 302 Railway Ave., Waseca, SK. Doors open at 5:00 p.m., silent auction, supper at 6:00 p.m. Music by Ray Bodnaruk. For more info or donate item for silent auction contact Shannon 306-490-8483 or Sandra 780-872-8008.

Sunday, April 1, 15 & 29

Public Lectures at the Wildlife Federation Building at 2:30 p.m. on Sundays. April 1 - God’s Purpose with the Earth. April 15 - The Nature of Man. April 29 - The Purpose of Jesus Christ.

Monday, April 9

Cancer Survivor Support Group Meeting at the Third Avenue United Church, 1301 - 102nd Street at 7:00 p.m. Speaker and dietitian will be present. The strength of one is the strength of all. For further information phone Myrna 306-445-2328 or Ken 306-481-4137.

Wednesday, April 11

A week in Prague at the North Battleford Library, 1392 - 101st Street at 7:00 p.m. Prague - the city of beautiful that it was spared by Hitler...or so the story goes. Prague is a living and breathing enigma; old and dirty but somehow unimaginably graceful.Wanda will share with us her week in Prague - the food, the sites and much more.

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

Deadline for submissions is 5:00 p.m.

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

Community Safety and Crime Prevention

GET INVOLVED!

Men have a responsibility to stop male violence against women.

A message from the Canada Safety Council

1st Wednesdays of the Month

2nd Monday of the Month

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

Call Margaret at 306-445-7615.

Saturday, April 7

Wednesdays

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

Cancer Survivor Support Group - A self-help group for people with cancer, their families and friends meet at the Third Avenue United Church, 1301 - 102nd Street at 7:00 p.m. The strength of one is the strength of all. All are welcome. For further information call Myrna 306-445-2328 or Ken 306-481-4137.

Relay for Life - Friday, June 8

Good Friday Service at the Borden United Church at 11:00 a.m.

Lunch to follow.

Wednesdays

T.A.G. - What is TAG Toddler Activity Group? It’s a free drop in group where parents will learn fun ways to interact with their child through play, games, songs, finger plays and story time for ages 14 months - 3 years from 1:15 - 2:45 p.m. at the Don Ross Gym, 891 - 99th Street, North Battleford. For more information contact Sherry at 306-4809426, text or call.

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

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

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

Relay for Life on June 8 at the North Battleford City Track - it’s not to early to start getting your teams together or register as a survivor. For more information call Laura at 306-481-5395.

Wednesdays

Tuesdays

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

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

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

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

Tuesdays

1st & 3rd Wednesday of the Month

2nd Wednesday of the Month

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

3rd Wednesday of the Month

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

3rd Wednesday of the Month

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

Thursdays

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

Thursdays

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

1st & 3rd Thursday of the Month

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

1st & 3rd Thursday of the Month

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

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

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

Tuesdays

The Rivers Edge Quilt Guild meets at 1:00 p.m. in the Craft Room of the Don Ross Centre from September to May. Beginners and experienced quilters are welcome. For more information please call Leslie at 306-937-7471 or Irene at 306-9373318.

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

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

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

1st Friday of the Month

1st & 3rd Friday of the Month

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

2nd Friday of the Month

Last Tuesday of the Month

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

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

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

2nd & 4th Friday of the Month

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

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

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

PAGE 14 - Tuesday, March 27, 2018

The Christian soldier called to press forward For army troops, commands such as “Forward march!” or “Charge!” mean they’re to go onward immediately, to move ahead, to advance or progress from where they are.

There may be difficulties and dangers to be confronted, battles to be fought, obstacles to overcome, but on they go. Of course, sometimes there’s a retreat. That’s not always a sign of utter failure. It may be strategic and temporary, for the sake of regrouping, or setting up an ambush.

A well-trained army will instantly follow the order given. They’re not being asked to take a vote on whether they think what the commander asks of them is a good idea.

But there have been times when foolish orders, or faulty reconnaissance, have led to a tragic loss of life.

During the Crimean War, in the Battle of Balaclava (1854), the British light cavalry, armed with swords, was ordered to charge a Russian emplacement of heavy artillery. And in 1876, at the Battle of the Little Bighorn (popularly called Custer’s Last Stand), Lieutenant Colonel George Custer led his troops into an engagement based on wrong information about the strength of

opposing forces. Both incidents led to overwhelming defeat and death.

Forces are trained to obey the orders of their commanding officer. But it’s a helpful thing, before enlisting, to learn something of the principles and goals that form the basis of what the troops will be called upon to do–and to know something about the quality of those in command.

There are Old Testament examples too, of God’s “Forward march!”

When Moses led the children of Israel out of bondage in Egypt, they were pursued by Pharaoh’s chariots, and seemed to be trapped on the shores of the Red Sea. But God commanded, “Tell the children of Israel to go forward” (Exod. 14:15).

In a mighty miracle, the Lord opened up the sea before them, and they escaped. Then the returning waters drowned the Egyptians (Exod. 14:13-29).

Apply these things to the Christian life.

The Bible is quite clear that we’re in a spiritual war against Satan, and the evil world system he controls. Our Commander is the Lord (Col. 3:24). Against error and corruption, we are to “contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 1:3). We’re

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

to be “be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might....Take up the whole armour of God, that [we] may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand” (Eph. 6:10, 13).

Paul himself set an example for others, saying,

“One thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 3:13-14). And his testimony, near the end

of his life was, “I have fought the good fight...I have kept the faith” (II Tim. 4:7).

Henry Alford (18101871) was Dean of Canterbury Cathedral, a recognized Greek scholar, and a hymn writer. He gave us Come, Ye Thankful People, Come, and Ten Thousand Times Ten Thousand, the latter being a wonderful description of the victorious saints in heaven.

He was asked to write a processional hymn for the Tenth Choral Festival of the massed choirs of the Canterbury Diocese, and he did so. The “fiery

Keep on keeping on There’s probably no more common saying than “hurry up and wait,” and as simplistic as it sounds, the waiting game seems to mark every part of our lives. As children we can hardly wait to grow up; as adults we look back and wonder, “where did those years go?” As unnecessary as it may sometimes seem to be, learning to walk with Christ is an ongoing journey.

Looking back over my own life I wonder how I could have reacted so negatively in some situa-

his son, Solomon speaks often of the need to do just that – to keep on keeping on.

In chapter 12 he first addresses the need to be firmly rooted in the knowledge of the ways tions, why I didn’t show of the Lord. “A man/ more wisdom in others woman is not established and whatever made me act by wickedness but the root so foolishly in yet other of the righteous cannot circumstances. After too be moved,” he says. What many years of beating my- reassurance to realize that self up over past failures even when I fail, the root I realized that the wisest or foundation of my faith thing I could ever do is to is solid. Next he speaks of learn from mistakes and the cleansing power of a move on. In counsel to rooted faith: “The wicked

pillar” is a reference to the pillar of cloud and fire by which the Lord led Israel through the wilderness. Picture the spectacle of thousands of choristers coming in procession into the great Cathedral, singing Dean Alford’s hymn.

“Forward! be our watchword, steps and voices joined; / Seek the things before us, not a look behind; / Burns the fiery pillar at our army’s head; / Who shall dream of shrinking, by our Captain led? / Forward through the desert, through the toil and fight; / Jordan flows before us; Zion beams with light.”

cover the vain things of evil men but the root of the righteous yields fruit.

The wicked is snared by the transgression of his lips but the righteous will come through trouble.”

Centuries later, the Apostle Paul offered the same solid counsel: “As you have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving.”

Let’s keep putting those roots down deeper!

Worship Together 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.

ANGLICAN PARISH SUNDAY SERVICES Rev. Trevor Malyon

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

191 - 24th Street West, Battleford, SK

Pastor: Rev. Allen Huckabay

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

1372 102 St 306-445-3009 nd

1302 - 99th Street North Battleford, SK

Living Water Ministry

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

Sunday Evening Service 7:00 p.m.

Bible Study Wednesday 7:30 p.m.

1371 - 103rd Street (Use East Door)

Battlefords Seventh-Day Adventist Church

TerriTorial Drive alliance church

Phone: 306-445-4338

Pastor James Kwon

Clergy Person: Rev. Ean Kasper

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

Come Join Us Sundays at 11:00 am

Phone 306-445-9096

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

Worship Service - 11:00 a.m.

Maidstone/ Paynton United Church of Canada

1702 - 106th Street North Battleford, SK

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

10:30 a.m.

Service

Church & CE Wing:

306-893-2611

For booking the Wing:

306-893-4465

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

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

Everyone Welcome

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

Tuesday, March 27, 2018 - PAGE 15

E NO. 757

10.Zilch 11.Snow coaster 19.Cut one’s molars 21.Spiders’ structures 22.Angel’s headgear 23.Like some cheese 25.Song 28.Commits perjury 29.Skilled 30.Army eatery

33.Aretha Franklin hit 36.Snare 37.Bar 39.Trait carriers 41.Turn over quickly 42.Camp helper, e.g.

43.Foal 45.Prayer concluder 49.Brewery beverage 50.Prosecute 51.Wish

Copyright © 2015, Penny Press

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PAGE 16 - Tuesday, March 27, 2018

Sakewew hosts Saskatoon spoken word poet

By Josh Greschner Staff Reporter

With a bang rather than a whimper, Elise Pallagi presented her art to Sakewew students last week.

Pallagi is a spoken word poet who grew up in North Battleford.

Pallagi gave a performance at Sakewew, which consisted of personal stories and discussion interspersed with poems delivered in a slam style.

Growing up and going to school in North Battleford, Pallagi said, was rough. She was bullied and didn’t fit in. Themes explored in the poems included bullying and redemption. Pallagi said she remembered the events at Columbine, and drew parallels between the 1999 shooting and the recent school shootings in Florida.

Pallagi said attending the University of Saskatchewan was a liberating experience, as was performing at Lydia’s, a Saskatoon bar, and getting involved with the city’s LGBT community.

Pallagi is transgender and also spoke of the difficulties of transitioning, especially given what the medical establishment considers

normal makes one jump through a number of hoops.

Pallagi said she would have liked to go to Sakewew if the school existed at the time.

“I would have loved to have gone to a high school like this,” Pallagi said. “It would’ve been nice to actually find some people in the community as opposed to feeling isolated. That was the biggest problem growing up, and feeling like I couldn’t express who I was, I couldn’t be myself, I had to conform or get beaten up.”

GSAs, Pallagi said, are very important for students.

“For students who are queer or visibly gender-nonconforming, [GSAs] are a place where they find people like themselves and build solidarity and community. That didn’t exist in the nineties.”

During the performance, Pallagi and teacher Reid Stewart encouraged interaction from students and the audience.

One woman asked Pallagi about spirituality, and the importance of spirituality to many First Nations people.

“I love you,” the woman said.

“You’re beautiful.”

Elise Pallagi presented her art to Sakewew students recently. Pallagi is a spoken word poet who grew up in North Battleford. Photo by Josh Greschner

SGI harps on seat belt use Staff

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A large number of seat belt offences in February had SGI concerned as they released results of their Traffic Safety Spotlight for the month.

Police across Saskatchewan reported 400 offences related to seatbelts or car seats in February, according to the SGI news release. That includes not buckling up, wearing a seatbelt improperly, passengers without seatbelts, children riding unsafely or improper car seats.

SGI pointed out that in 2016, 25 per cent of vehicle occupants killed in collisions in Saskatchewan were either not buckled up or improperly restrained.

In their news release, SGI is urging drivers to make sure they are buckled properly: to ensure the lap belt is pulled tight over your hips, not your abdomen, and for the shoulder belt to fit snugly over the middle of your shoulder and across the chest, not tucked behind.

They noted drivers are legally responsible for making sure passengers under the age of 16 are wearing their seatbelts or in the appropriate car seat or booster seat; fines run at $175 and it would cost drivers three points on the Safe Driver Recognition scale.

SGI also reported the following from February: 312 impaired driving offences including 266 Criminal Code charges; 407 distracted driving offences, with 324 for cellphone use; 3,660 speeding/aggressive driving offences.

SGI is noting that police will continue to look for distracted drivers in March.