News Optimist May 3

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Youth Network lauded

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Magnes commits to MacEwan

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Broncos Strong

Cox slams NDP

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Volume 109 No. 37

In the news this week

North Battleford, Sask.

Staff Herb Cox was eloquent in slamming the NDP’s proposed platform in the Saskatchewan Legislature last week.

He said the NDP is long on promises but short on

details and depth of cost analysis.

For more turn to John Cairns’ Leg Watch on Page 2.

North Battleford Community Safety Coordinator Herb Sutton highlighted the value of the

Tuesday, May 1, 2018

Battlefords Youth Network during his report to city council April 23.

Sutton said the network has been bringing together agencies and organizations that are working with youth to share information and identify and fill gaps.

To learn more turn to Page 3.

The Dekker Centre is in the process of recruiting a new general manager after the departure of Moe McGuinty. McGuinty led the centre for five years.

For more turn to Page 12.

Dragged Through the Dirt The wild pony rides proved to be an eventful affair Friday at the Civic Centre as teams raced the clock to get onboard the pony during the 48th edition of the North Battleford Kinsmen Indoor Rodeo. More action from the weekend can be seen on Page 6, while a recap from event organizers will be in Thursday’s Regional-Optimist. Photo by Lucas Punkari

PAGE 2 - Tuesday, May 1, 2018

Rocking and Rolling on the River

A combination of high winds, swift currents and warm temperatures added up to some excitement along the shores of the North Saskatchewan River late last week. The river flow was at flood levels and at one point access to Finlayson Island from the Battleford side was closed because the island was under water.

Photos by Averil Hall

Cox shreds NDP platform in the legislature On Thursday, April 26 in the legislature, Battlefords MLA Herb Cox gave extensive remarks about a motion by Kelvington-Wadena MLA Hugh Nerlien, which called on the assembly to reject “the NDP’s plan to increase spending by over $2.5 billion, as it would leave Saskatchewan with an extreme deficit and increase the debt for future generations.”

Cox proceeded to shred the NDP plans, focusing on areas of interest to him. Here are Cox’s remarks as recorded in Hansard, starting with his comments on advanced education, a topic he was familiar with from his most recent stint in cabinet handling the file.

Mr. Cox: —… One of the first things that is outlined there that caught my attention, Mr. Speaker, was reverse the cuts made to our post-secondary partners. … Mr. Speaker, … there’s been really no concrete numbers proposed in this plan, in this campaign platform. No way to pay for it. No itemized costs, Mr. Speak-

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er. So we’re going to have to make some assumptions. But I think in this situation we could assume that restoring funding would be about $44 million. But, Mr. Speaker, let’s do a little comparison here, and some days, Mr. Speaker, I think hypocrisy seems to abound in this hallowed Chamber, but I’ll just talk a little bit about tuition rates here.

Since ’14-15 budget, under this government, Mr. Speaker, tuition rates have risen by an average of four per cent at our universities, and only once during that period of time was it higher than four per cent, at 4.3 per cent. Now, Mr. Speaker, let’s compare that to what happened under the dark days of that NDP government.

And he talks about stable tuition rates in this platform.

Mr. Speaker, from ’90-91 to ’06-07, our undergraduate tuition rates at both of our universities … went up by a staggering 227 per cent, Mr. Speaker. At Sask Poly, which was then SIAST … at that time, it was even worse. It went up by . . . Tuition rates rose in that period of time by 320

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On the grad retention program: This campaign plan, this plan also proposes that we would throw out the grad retention program. Mr. Speaker, I submit to you that our grad retention program was one of the most substantial and the most successful in anywhere in the country. And if he wants to take this plan, this idea to 70,000 grads who have taken advantage of this program and have accessed $406 million in tax savings in order to stay here in the province and work in the province, I think they would have some strong messages for him with that plan…

On the College of Medicine: Mr. Speaker, this platform, this plan talks about a stable cash flow for our College of Medicine, Mr. Speaker. … And yes, they have had accreditation problems in the past, and they have now resolved them. But at their most recent accreditation review, which was late last fall, they came to us in mid-year, in summertime, and requested $20 million to help meet those accreditation review. We reviewed their request, Mr. Speaker, and we were happy to be able to provide $20 million in funding.

That was on top of the $67 million that was already in the ’17-18 budget, Mr. Speaker, and again this year in our ’18-19 budget we have allotted $89 million for the College of Medicine. Mr. Speaker, that’s stable funding.

On agriculture: Mr. Speaker, this plan … also goes on to make many suggestions for our farmers and our agriculture industry in this province, things like encourage fuel-efficient machinery, fuel-efficient purchases of tractors and combines. Well I happen to know a lot of farmers in this province, Mr. Speaker, and I don’t think there’s a one of them that would go out and buy a tractor that would use more fuel than what’s necessary.

Continued on Page 12

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Tuesday, May 1, 2018 - PAGE 3

Youth Network valuable initiative: Sutton

By John Cairns Staff Reporter

City of North Battleford Community Safety Coordinator Herb Sutton’s highlighted the work of the Battlefords Youth Network in his monthly report to council delivered at the April 23 council meeting.

It’s an initiative that Sutton says is much needed in the community.

“Finding a youth voice has been an important role for some time,” said Sutton.

“Most agree we need to work with the youth in our community both from a community safety perspective, but also from a healthy community perspective, and the Battlefords Youth Network is a very exciting initiative that leads us down that road.”

The network has been bringing together agencies and organizations that are working with youth to share information and identify and fill gaps.

One of the initiatives is a youth survey, which gathers information on youth perception of the community, what the youth of the community feel they need, and what the community can do to better meet the needs of youth.

The surveys have now been collected and the data should be available by the end of May. Sutton said he will report on it or the cochairs of the Battlefords Youth Network will.

As well, they plan to host a breakfast featuringing Children’s Advocate Corey O’Soup. The plan is for it to be at the Gold Eagle Events Centre on the morning of May 11. Sutton said more details will be shared.

The Battlefords Youth Network is also planning to hold a youth forum, possibly in June as a followup to the youth survey. He said feedback would be sought on strategies to address the issues that arose.

A second item Sutton

focused on was the Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design Review Committee. This initiative currently has 12 members and includes all the key departments of the City as well as the RCMP and the downtown. The plan for the group is to once again encourage “block parties” in 2018 to get people to know their neighbours and to continue the formalized neighbourhood initiative.

Training is also happening in the fall for members of the committee to learn about use of CPTED principles.

Finally, Sutton reported on the SAGE initiative — Safety Acceptance Guidance Empowerment.

The final report from the Coalition Design Workshop Feb. 27-28 has just come in, Sutton said, and is literally hot off the press. The mayor has a copy of it already and recommendations will be shared with the rest of council.

Herb Sutton presented his monthly monitoring report for April talks about the value of the Battlefords Youth Network at council last Monday. Photo by John Cairns

Strategic plan progress gets high marks: Puffalt

By John Cairns Staff Reporter

The City of North Battleford’s Strategic Plan was one topic addressed at the April 23 meeting of council.

Before heading off to Moose Jaw to take over as city manager there, Jim Puffalt provided a sixmonth “scorecard” showing how the City is meeting the goals of the plan adopted last summer.

Puffalt noted there had been “great progress” and the scores he handed out were high for the list of accomplishments.

Positives, according to Puffalt, included completing the budget on time, keeping

their debt limit within provincial guidelines, moving into year two of downtown revitalization, the downtown parking strategy (which Puffalt noted may be impacted by new construction downtown this year), investment attraction and community safety initiatives.

On crime reduction, Puffalt acknowledged more work needed to be done to transfer occurrences to the CSOs. On the safer community strategy, Puffalt noted progress in supporting Navigator’s rooming house initiative, in continuing support of the SAGE initiative and applying CPTED principles, as well as the regional po-

licing strategy efforts.

There was also progress noted on UPAR, as well as in engaging their city workforce.

Mayor Ryan Bater said he was pleased with the overall progress noted in Puffalt’s report on meeting the Strategic Plan.

“It’s nice to see that it’s not just sitting on a shelf somewhere, but we’re monitoring it, we’re getting updates on it,” said Bater.

In other items from the meeting, the 2018 capital works projects contract No. 2 for underground utilities has been awarded to Unicon Pipeline Ltd. of North Battleford for a low bid price of $1,287,157.47 plus GST. This contract

would cover the underground utilities portion of 2018 UPAR projects as well as other capital projects with underground utilities components. The low bid is approximately

three per cent over budget.

Three bids were received.

The roadways tender has not been awarded yet.

Also on Monday, the fourth quarter financial report was presented with

Director of Finance Amarjit Mahil, noting in that report the total revenue reduction in the 2017-18 provincial budget was $1,269,897.

Continued on Page 5

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PAGE 4 - Tuesday, May 1, 2018

this FromCorner Gouging at the pumps

By Becky Doig Editor

The price of oil is finally emerging from the deep well that has spread a pall over the oilpatch for the past several years. While it’s heartening to know individuals and families who have been struggling to make ends meet during the downturn might see an up tick in their futures, it’s a real kick in the keister that consumers are instantly feeling the pinch at the pump.

Whining about rising gas prices is a familiar lament, but it just seems the second the price of oil rises the fuel already in the system gets more valuable to those selling it.

Doesn’t it take more than a few hours for crude oil to be transported to a refinery, processed and distributed across a massive network of fuel stations across the country?

Of course, we’ve shaken off the grip of a seemingly endless prairie winter, and that’s also always a cue for the gas prices to climb. Oil companies have gouging the consumer down to a fine science.

I guess it’s a good thing it’s bicycle season for those us not hardy enough to bike all year round.

N.B. extreme sport It’s a solid fact that walking in North Battleford can be an extreme sport.

I never step off a curb into a pedestrian crosswalk without carefully checking over my left shoulder to ensure someone isn’t going to choose that moment to make a right turn and plow into me.

I’ve experienced and witnessed the thrill of having a driver take their opportunity to make a left turn while pedestrians are still using the crosswalk in front of vehicles stopped at a red light.

You take your chances even when observing all the safety rules and count yourself lucky when you emerge unscathed. Those choosing to make unsafe choices on Territoril Drive between Sobeys and Discovery Co-op are really playing Russian roulette.

Safe pedestrian crossings are provided at the Highway 4 and Killdeer Drive/97th Drive intersections, some pedestrians are not making the effort to use either of those, instead taking the far less safe route of dashing across in the middle of the block.

While it would likely be an annoyance to drivers, installing another crossing light there might save a life or prevent serious injury.

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.

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Last week’s News-Optimist online poll: What will the price of oil and gas do?

• Go up 82% • Stay the same 6% • Go down 12%

This week’s News-Optimist online poll: Gas prices are on the rise again. How are you going to cope?

• Walk more • Bike more • Carpool more • Keep driving but cut back on other things • Doesn’t affect me; I have money

Visit www.newsoptimist.ca

After a seemingly endless spring nothing lifts the spirits like the sight of a crocus blooming on the virgin prairie. Photo by Averil Hall

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Tuesday, May 1, 2018 - PAGE 5

No budget re-do in North Battleford

By John Cairns Staff Reporter

There will be no need to re-do the North Battleford city budget this year.

Last year’s municipal operational budget had to be completely revised after the province blew a $2 million hole in it following budget cuts last spring.

But this year’s provincial budget was, from the City’s perspective, far more palatable.

City Manager Jim Puffalt said the budget presented this April by Finance Minister Donna Harpauer was “far superior” to the one last April. The City “will not be required to budget for the next nine months to make up for this.”

Council received a memorandum on the impacts of the provincial budget from City Finance Director Amarjit Mahil at the April 23 council meeting.

Among other things, the provincial budget reinstated the five per cent SaskEnergy grant in lieu of taxes removed in the previous year’s budget.

SaskEnergy will begin transferring funds in September, and the total expected funds receivable for this year will be $68,226.

On the negative side,

there is a 6.56 per cent reduction in the operational grant, more than the three per cent the City budgeted for. The impact from that was estimated at $72,155, offsetting the SaskEnergy revenues coming in.

Overall, the impact to the City from this year’s

It’s good that they heard what we had to say and found a way to stop the bleeding.

— Jim Puffalt provincial budget was minus $3,929. That is a number the City should easily be able to deal with.

Still, it does not mean North Battleford has not felt a loss of revenue from the province over the last couple of years. Puffalt reported payments from the province, SaskPower and SaskEnergy royalities are still down almost $1,274,000 from 2016, without even considering PST changes to construc-

tion and insurance premiums.

“We’re still substantially down and the hidden costs in the budget are still there,” Puffalt said. “Fortunately, it’s not near as bad and we thank the province for hearing what we had to say.”

The City appreciated that the SaskEnergy payment was reinstated, in part due to their lobbying on the issue.

“Our council was quite vocal about that last year,” said Mayor Ryan Bater. The mayor said he welcomed the shift in policy. Puffalt also welcomed the change by the province.

“It’s good that they heard what we had to say and found a way to stop the bleeding,” said Puffalt.

Now the next step is to prepare and pass the mill rate bylaws and get tax notices distributed.

Councillor Len Taylor asked what the timetable would be for mill rates.

Puffalt responded that those should be established by the end of May. Administration will likely present something at the next council meeting May 14 for initial discussion.

As for the provincial budget, Harpauer was scheduled to speak to local business leaders about it at the Post-Budget Luncheon

Games wrap up expected in fall Continued from Page 3 In announcements and inquiries, Councillor Kent Lindgren asked if there was going to be a final wrap-up update of the Saskatchewan Winter Gamers. Councillor Kelli Hawtin responded it would likely return in the fall when they would come

back with financial information, recommendations for what to do with the surplus and a final wrap-up of the games.

Lindgren also noted May 11 is the Walk a Mile in Her Shoes event to raise money for the Battlefords and Area Sexual Assault

Centre.

In proclamations, April 23-30 is World Wish Week in North Battleford, in recognition of the Make-AWish Foundation’s efforts.

May 7-12 is Mental Health Week in North Battleford.

The next meeting of council is May 14.

Burgers for Broncos

Macro Properties on 110th Street hosted a fundraiser on behalf of the Humboldt Broncos Friday during the noon hour. Burgers were barbecued outside and bake sale items were offered inside.

There were also some raffle prizes. The event drew a large number of Battlefords residents who wanted to show their support for the Broncos after their devastating April 6 bus crash that killed 16 people. All proceeds from the event go to the Humboldt Broncos. Photos by John Cairns

Man dies in rollover

Staff A 34-year-old man died in a motor vehicle rollover on Ranger Lake Road Saturday, April 21 just before 6 p.m., according to Battlefords RCMP.

Police say the name of the man who died is not being released at the request of the family.

The cause of the incident is still under investigation and no charges have been laid.

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PAGE 6 - Tuesday, May 1, 2018

Rodeo takes over the Civic Centre

Colton Ouellette had a wild ride in the bareback riding event as he went the distance on High Octane. Photos by Lucas Punkari

Alberta’s Colt Smith did double duty Friday night as he competed in the saddle bronc and steer wrestling competitions.

The aptly named bull, Spinner, did not take kindly to having rider Denny McKinney on his back.

Dustin Walker put up a strong time for the field to try to top in the steer wrestling event Friday evening.

Sydney Murphy of Maple Creek powers her way around the course in the junior girls barrell racing competition.

Rodeo clown Backflip Johnny Dudley of Denton, Texas kept fans entertained during the entire weekend.

Tuesday, May 1, 2018 - PAGE 7

It’s pretty hard to find a guy that can play well at both ends of the ice and that makes Garan very valuable.

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Magnes commits to MacEwan University

By Lucas Punkari Sports Reporter

Garan Magnes will be continuing his hockey career in his hometown of Edmonton.

It was announced Friday that the versatile 21-year-old, who finished out his junior career with the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League’s Battlefords North Stars earlier this month, will be suiting up for the MacEwan Griffins in the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference starting this fall.

“It’s pretty exciting to know what I got in store for me over the next few years,” Magnes said.

“They’ve won the league the last two years and for them to bring me in and expect me to be one of the guys that will help them continue their winning ways is pretty awesome.”

The process to join the Griffins started earlier this season when Magnes was playing in the Alberta Ju-

nior Hockey League with the Spruce Grove Saints, as he was contacted by his former head coach and current Griffins bench boss Michael Ringrose.

“We talked a bit throughout the course of the year and he actually asked me around the trade deadline if I wanted to join the team then,” Magnes said.

“I told him that I wanted to finish out my junior career in the Battlefords and he was totally fine with that. He also said how he was eager to have me join the team once the season ended and it just went from there.”

In addition to being familiar with Magnes from his time with the Saints during the 2016-17 campaign, Ringrose is also impressed by his ability to play up front as a forward and on the blueline as a defenceman.

“It’s pretty hard to find a guy that can play well at both ends of the ice and that makes Garan a pretty

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Garan Magnes chases after the puck for the Battlefords North Stars during a game against the Humboldt Broncos. Photo by Lucas Punkari

valuable player for us, especially if we run into injury trouble,” Ringrose said.

“He’s got a world-class shot and a release that can beat a goalie clean, and we feel like his ability to run a power play is something that will translate well to the college game.”

Magnes, who also spent two seasons in the Western Hockey League with the Edmonton Oil Kings and the Seattle Thunderbirds, had 15 points in 18 regular season games with the North Stars and found the

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back of the net twice in eight playoff contests.

“You can definitely tell the difference between the leagues,” Magnes said.

“You have to keep your feet moving all the time in the WHL with the amount of speed in the league, and the AJHL is a league where you have to battle it out with a lot of skilled guys that can put the puck in the net.

“The SJHL is a tough league and you have to be ready both physically and mentally every single

night. You always have to be prepared to take a hit after you pass the puck.”

After winning the ACAC title in 2017 and seeing head coach Bram Stephen move on to take charge of the Saints, and win an AJHL crown in the process, Ringrose picked up right where the team left off this season by winning the league for a second straight campaign.

“We were a little shorthanded last year but we were able to go through the playoffs without any injuries, and that was a key to our success,” Ringrose said.

“We’ve got a number of guys returning next year and we’ve been targeting some impact players in recruiting here as we look to continuing pushing for more success.”

Camrose Kodiaks forwards Ryan Harman and Nic Correale will also be joining the Griffins next season along with Drumheller Dragons defenceman Andrew Kartusch.

In addition to preparing for starting his studies in the business program at MacEwan, Magnes is already gearing up to hit the gym as he moves up to college hockey.

“The main focus is making sure that I get faster to get ready to play the amount of minutes that Coach Ringrose wants me to next season,” Magnes said.

“I want to be able to get into the role that they expect me to right away in my freshman season.”

Magnes is the fourth player from this year’s North Stars roster to commit to a post-secondary program.

Layne Young is slated to suit up for the Saskatchewan Huskies in U Sports next fall, while are Levi Kleiboer and MacGregor Sinclair are both gearing up to play for the NCAA’s Maine Black Bears and Canisius Golden Griffins.

Kleiboer and Sinclair are both eligible to return to the North Stars next fall.

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WYATT: In Loving Memory of Rose City Donna Rose Wyatt, born April Rose City 22, 1956 at North Battleford, Memorials Memorials Ltd. SK., passed away April 18, Ltd. 2018 in North Battleford, SK. Granite Monument PRODUCTION PLANT Survived by: Karen and Professional Services Provided AND INDOOR SHOWROOM Specialists Cameron Ray (sister and with Heart and Compassion brother-in-law); Ann Wyatt Dedicated to Quality, 102 Canola Cres. (sister-in-law); Nieces and Cut Knife, SK 0N0 Craftsmanship andS0M Service ROBERT MACKAY Nephews: Rayann & Kent 306-398-4717 GEORGE HAEGEBAERT 306-398-4717 Boerrichter and Family; Shawrosecitymemorials@sasktel.net na & Vince Lisch and Family; 102 Canola Cres. www.rosecitymemorials.com P.O. Box 806 Amber & Wes Tuplin and Cut Knife, SK North Battleford, SK S9A 2Z3 Family; Tina & Roy Schmidt Check out our new website and Family; Ryan Ray and www.rosecitymemorials.com Family; Kim & Kelly Markwart and Family.

Predeceased: OBITUARIES Parents - Harry and Rose Wyatt; Brother - Rick Wyatt; Cherished Pet – Kasey. A Celebration Of Life was held on WednesRose City Memorials.indd 1 18-02-26 2:26 PM SARENCO: Lovingly Rememday, April 25, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. from St. Paul’s Anglican Church, bered – Larry Sarenco (Age North Battleford, SK., with Minister Rev. Trevor Malyon. Urn 75) – June 4, 1942 – Rabbit Bearers were Trystian Schmidt – (Donna) & Jhett Tuplin – (KaLake, Sask. – April 12, 2018 – sey). Honourary Pallbearers: Yaris & Stella Nikiforuk, Marlene North Battleford, Sask. Larry Tilford, Mary Ann Eaton, Carol Oke, Betty Ann Lee & Shirley is survived by his loving wife McMillian. Active Pallbearers – Great Nieces And Nephews: of 55 years, Lillian (nee SiBaylee Boerrichter, Arianna Lisch, Rayn Ray, Seth Beaulacmon) and their children: DaRay, Anna Markwart, Serena Schmidt, Rylan Lisch, Ebony Budd vid (Michelle) and family: Jes& Hayden Markwart. Memorial Donations: Battlefords Humane sica (Mike) Diehl, sons Blake Society, Battlefords Union Hospital Foundation (designated to and Wade; Cassandra (Ryan) the Intensive Care Unit). Interment was at Garden Of Christus – Shepherd, daughters Mikayla, Woodlawn Memorial Gardens, North Battleford, Saskatchewan.

Hannah, Isabel and Sydney; Arrangements were entrusted to Battlefords Funeral Service.

Alexandria (Dale) Larson, __________________________________________________ daughters Andi, Austyn and BAILEY, Clara Catherine Claire; Phillip (MaryBeth) and (nee Gendall) sons Nicholas and Michael; January 6, 1922 – February brother Willie (Gloria); sister Lucille Evans. Larry was prede28, 2018 ceased by his parents Nicholas and Nellie Sawrenko; brothers: Clara Bailey passed away Paul, Peter and Andrew; sisters: Florence and Norma. Memorial peacefully in the Battlefords Service was held at ‘The Garden Chapel’ – Battlefords Funeral Union Hospital on February Service on Thursday, April 19th, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. with Minister 28, 2018 at the wonderful age Rev. Nora Borgeson. Soloist was Rev. Nora Borgeson. Service of 96. Born on the family farm Songs: Morning Has Broken – Cat Stevens; Time In A Bottle – near Rockhaven, SaskatcheJim Croce & Hallelujah – Leonard Cohen. Memorial Donations wan, Clara completed her are requested to The Arthritis Society, 110 - 2550 - 12th Aveschooling at Ovenstown and nue, Regina, SK S4P 3X1. Arrangements were entrusted to BatRockhaven schools. She retlefords Funeral Service. ceived further training as a __________________________________________________ Medical Records Librarian and Secretary in Saskatoon, In Loving Memory Sk. During and after WW2, she worked for the British RAF in Washington, D.C., USA. It was there she married Alvin Bailey. In 1952 Clara and Alvin moved to Canada where they farmed and lived in the Cloan district. In 1962 the family moved to North Battleford where she has resided ever since. She retired from Health and Welfare Canada in 1985. Clara is survived by her three sons, Raymond (Veronica) Bailey and their children Paul, Laurel (Danny) Ng, and Kelly (Greg) Burlet; Douglas Bailey and children Megan (Gary) Geyer, and Allan; and Theodore (Colleen) Bailey and children Austin and Matthew along with six great-grandchildren. She is also survived by sister-in-law Ginny (Ed) Gendall, and brother-in-law Harry (Muriel) Fuller. Clara was predeceased by parents Walter and Anna (Thordarson) Gendall, and all of her brothers and sisters, Marvin, Richard, George, Ruby, Muriel and Edward. Her husband Alvin, grandson Gregory Bailey, and daughter-in-law Lenore Bailey also predeceased her. Known for her hospitality, Clara’s home was always a meeting point for relatives far and wide who visited Saskatchewan. She enjoyed painting and sketching, music, travel, literature, sports, and especially her wonderful friends at the North Battleford Senior Citizens Action Now Club. Rarely ill during her 96 years, we are so grateful to Eva Ruth Rayner have had this wonderful woman as a mother, aunt, grandmothJuly 2, 1926 – April 19, 2018 er, great-grandmother and friend for so long. She was a particularly strong role model for her granddaughters. Her kindness, MOTHER... grace, honesty, and strength will be missed. A memorial service Remembering all will be held on Saturday, May 5th at 2:00 p.m. at the Sallows & The yesterdays, McDonald – Wilson & Zehner Funeral Home, 1271-103rd Street, The special North Battleford, SK. All are welcome. In lieu of flowers, donagrowing years tions may be made in Clara’s name to the Battlefords Union Spent with Hospital Foundation (Box 1358) or a charity of one’s choice. friends and family Clara’s ashes will be interred in the Rockhaven Cemetery at a And shared with smiles and tears. later date. Sallows & McDonald – Wilson & Zehner Funeral Remembering all the yesterdays Home, Wally Markewich director. 306-445-2418 And knowing as I do, The love in those sweet memories Is all wrapped up in you. _____________________________________

306-446-4200

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

ANNOUNCEMENTS

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

1-800-667-4442

IN MEMORIAM In Loving Memory of Irene Racicot September 23, 1924 to May 2, 2017 One year has passed since that sad day When our mother was called away Loved in life, honoured in death Treasured in memory, one of the best.

- Daughters, sons and extended family.

FUNERAL SERVICES

KIRK: A Service for Gordon Kirk to celebrate his life will be held on May 12th 2018 at 2:00PM at Meota Community Hall 395 3rd Street East, Meota, SK. Please join Gordon’s family for a luncheon after the service. Interment will take place afterwards at Meota Cemetery. __________________________________________________________

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

Tuesday, May 1, 2018 - PAGE 9

COMING EVENTS

LAND FOR SALE

SERVICES FOR HIRE

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

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

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

Lloydminster.

DECKS, FENCES, ROOFING, RENO’S Call 306-480-8199 306-4812836.

BUSINESS SERVICES

Rob’s Lawn and Yard Care. Grass cutting, roto tilling, power raking, general yard maintenance. Phone 306-445-2736 or 306-441-5677.

EARLY VARIETIES. Want to be finished combining in August? Go early HRS Wheat, AC Juniper Oats. Busby & Sundre Barley.

AAC Peace River Field Peas (earliest yellow pea). Early One Polish Canola (one month earlier); mastinseeds.com. 403-556-2609.

2004 Bobcat. 2163.8 hours, oil cooled motor. Runs good. For more info phone 306-441-4454 Runs on tires - not tracks 209 Mercury grand marquis LS ultimate addition, leather seats. Very good condition 306-398-4041 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.

Brood sows - to farrow with-in the month. First litter. Phone 228-2035 or 228-8467

Yellowhead Modular Home Sales Canadian built by MODULINE Last Chance price Event !

960 sqft 2 bedroom 2 bath $79,900 1216 sqft 3 bedroom 2 bath $91,900 1520 sqft 3 bedroom 2 bath $114,900 Single wide, Multi Sections, Lake House, Motel Units

Custom Orders Welcome We sell & service homes across Western Canada, On Site Consultation.

Weekend calls Personalized Service

306-496-7538

www.yellowheadmodularhomesales.ca HWY #16 West of Yorkton (Sheho, SK.)

MOBILE/MANUFACTURED HOMES FOR SALE

COLORADO BLUE SPRUCE: $0.99/each for a box of 180 ($178.20). Also full range of tree, shrub and berry seedlings. Free shipping most of Canada. Growth guarantee.

1-866-873-3846 or TreeTime.ca

Vesta Homes Inc. 306-242-9099 canadIan BuIlt modular Homes

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

New In-Stock Homes Starting at $92,500.

Heated Showhomes!

Free Delivery & Insulated Skirting Custom Orders Welcome.

Spring Sale On Now!

WANTED 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

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

Butcher for Hire

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

Phone/Text 306-386-7874

APARTMENTS/CONDOS FOR RENT 2 Bedroom Apartment for rent in Battleford, mature quiet working adults, no pets, no children, no smoking, reference required.

Phone 445-2943

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.

www.vestamfghomes.com

Serving All of Saskatchewan New Home Warranty

SUITES FOR RENT 1 bedroom basement suite, Newly renovated, includes F,S,W,D microwave. Approx. 800 sq. ft. Private entrance, rent includes utilities. No pets. Phone 306-4461398

SERVICES FOR HIRE A-1 SERVICE; WILL SHINGLE, BUILD FENCES & DECKS, INSTALL FASCIA & SOFFITS, EXTERIOR PAINTING, CLEAN EAVESTROUGHS ETC OVER 25 YEARS EXPERIENCE CALL 306-445-8439 or 306-4413690

www.brt6hc.ca

First Student is hosting a WHEN: Monday, May 7th from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM

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

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

D I R E C T O R Y CHARTERED PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTANTS

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

WHERE: 71, Fifth Ave, Battleford, SK S0M 0E0 Phone: 306-445-6660 Come meet our team and learn about career opportunities!

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

Western Commodities 877-695-6461 Visit our website @

www.westerncommodities.ca

LAND WANTED

More Farmland Wanted - Justin Yin

Cell: 306-230-1588 Office: 306-361-8926 Fax: 306-665-1443 justin.yin.ca@gmail.com NOA Realty

• Powerful multiple marketing networks • Powerful English & Chinese websites • Farmland marketing specialist • Featured on CTV / Global TV • Featured on The Globe & Mail • Featured on The Western Producer 112 Reindeer Road, Saskatoon SK

NOTICES / NOMINATIONS

Battle River Archers

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

• Thursday, May 3rd at 7:00 pm •

CALL NOW • 306-445-7261

At the Archery Range on 27th St. in Battleford

FOR THE BEST COVERAGE IN THE COMMUNITY

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Professional

18051DF0

School Bus Driver Open House

Johnston’s Grain Marketing brokers all grains and oil seeds, feed quality and food grade. We offer freight rates and Plant Growth Regulators. 1-800-324-7778 or 1844-324-7778

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

is recruiting for the following positions

Please view the full job advertisements in their entirety in the careers section on our community website:

FEED & SEED

LAND WANTED

Battle River Treaty 6 Health Centre Inc. • Temporary Full-Time Family Health Worker Red Pheasant First Nation • Temporary Full-Time Community Health Nurse

Will do rototilling at reasonable rates. Call 441-7579

FOR SALE - MISC

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

COMING EVENTS

Villa Pascal SPRING TEA RAFFLE & BAKE SALE Sunday, May 6, 2018 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.

RAFFLES 1st Prize - Framed Print donated by Artist Elaine Iverson 2nd Prize - $250.00 cash 3rd Prize - Spring basket donated by Judy Lavoie Tickets are $2.00 each or 3 for $5.00 Donations of crafts and baking will be greatly appreciated!

Draws will be made at 3:30 p.m.

All proceeds go to the Residents Recreation Fund Door Prizes!!

Hope to see you all here!

• DOOR-TO-DOOR • CARRIER SERVICE • TOTAL COVERAGE OR PERSONALIZED COVERAGE

PAGE 10 - Tuesday, May 1, 2018

PUZZLECLUES NO.ACROSS 757

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.

Tuesdays & Thursdays

North Battleford Table Tennis at the Living Faith Chapel gym, 1371- 103rd Street at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Accompanied youth (13+) and adults. All skill levels are welcome and the facilities are accessible. Drop-ins welcome

Relay for Life - Friday, June 8

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.

Saturday, May 5

Battlefords Kiwanis Bicycle Aution at North Battleford Legion Parking lot, 1352 - 100th Street at 11:00 a.m.

Saturday, May 5

Spring Tea & Bake Sale at Zion Lutheran Church, 10801 Winder Crescent from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. Enjoy a refreshment & dessert. Be sure to visit the baking, crafts, raffle & collectible tables. Everyone welcome.

Sunday, May 6

Over the Ocean, Under the Sea Community Youth Choir at Logie Hall, 3rd Ave. United Church at 3:00 p.m. With special guests Jan Michael Bourgeois and David Morton.

Monday, May 7

Under the Skin at the North Battleford Library at 6:30 p.m. A documentary that is changing the landscape of the Lyme Disease epidemic.

Tuesday, May 8

Seniors Fun Day at St. Joseph Hall, 1942 - 98th Street from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. Bingo, coffee and entertainment by the “Old Timers”.

All seniors welcome.

Wednesday, May 9

The Rohingya Crisis: Is it Genocide? In Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, the plight of hundreds of thousands of Rohingya people is said to be the world’s fastest growing refugee crisis. Memuna Moolla, author of the book “Where Flowers Bloom - Memories of Burma” will speak about the crisis at the North Battleford Library at 7:00 p.m.

Saturday, May 12

Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast at St. Paul’s Anglican Church Upper Hall at 8:30 a.m. Tickets available at the Church Office. Everyone welcome.

Saturday, May 12

Mother’s Day Tea & Bake Sale at St. Paul’s Anglican Church, North Battleford from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. Everyone is welcome. Door prizes.

Saturday, May 12

Club 70 Driftwood - John Chipak at the Royal Canadian Legion, 1352 - 100th Street at 8:00 p.m. Lunch served at 12:00 midnight.

Everyone welcome.

Saturday, May 12

Spring into Creativity at the North Battleford Library. Come and create fun and fabulous artwork with a variety of materials. Preregister for this FREE workshop at the North Battleford Library or call 306-445-3206. Maximum 20 participants.

Saturday, May 12

Tribute Show at the North Battleford Legion #70, 1352 - 100th Street at 8:00 p.m. Steve Hillis Canada’s Best Garth Brooks Tribute Artist. For tickets phone 306-445-2173, or at Venue or www. brownapertickets.com.

Saturday, May 12

Spring Tea & Bake Sale at Battleford United Church, 52 - 4th Ave. West, Battleford from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.

Saturdays, May 12, June 9, July 14

Parenting after separation and divorce program from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. Registration is mandatory. There is no fee for these sessions. To register call 1-877-964-5501. Location will be advised when you register.

Monday, May 14

Cancer Survivor Support Group at 7:00 p.m. Survivors can share and provide understanding & support to each other, improving quality of life. We provide a safe place to network and talk with others. For further information contact: Advanced care defectives speaker June 306-445-3337, Ken 306-481-4137, Myrna 306-4452328 or Raj 1-306-202-6042.

Monday, May 14

Blood Drive - Donors Needed at the Don Ross Centre from 2:00 - 7:00 p.m. Sponsored by Catholic Women’s League.

Friday, May 18

Scott Woods Fiddling up a Storm at the Medstead Community Hall, Medstead at 7:00 p.m. Purchase tickets in advance at Hometown Grocery in Medstead 306-342-4711, Glaslyn Credit Union 306-342-2145 or by phoning Richard & Sandra Sommerfeld at 306-342-2173 or Scott Woods Band Office 1-855-726-8896.

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.

Professional Business & Service

DIRECTORY “Our Written Warranty Guarantees Your Satisfaction”

KERANDA INDUSTRIAL SUPPLY LTD.

P.O. Box 330 Maidstone, SK, S0M 1M0 Located: 507-Hwy. 21 N Bus: 306-893-2631 Fax: 306-893-2410

Supplies for all your agricultural, industrial & automotive needs.

MIGNEAULT LAW OFFICE Barristers and Solicitors Sallows Building

1391 - 101st Street North Battleford, Saskatchewan, S9A 2Y8

Telephone: (306) 445-4436 Fax: (306) 445-6444

Monte M. Migneault, B.A., LL.B. Kevan Migneault, B.A., LL.B.

Keep Your Business Rolling!

Puzzle Solution

Place your business card on this page CALL

VALORIE HIGGS

1-306-445-7261 Fax: 306-445-1977

Email: val@newsoptimist.ca THE

Visit our website

www.newsoptimist.ca

1. Genus of beetles 33.Aretha 10.Zilch 5. Time units (abbr.)

Franklin hit 11.Snow coaster 8. Fiddler crabs 36.Snare 19.Cut one’s 11. Remove weapons 37.Bar molars from 39.Trait carriers 21.Spiders’ 13. Express delight 41.Turn over structures 14. Energy quickly 22.Angel’s 15. Roman general 42.Camp headgear 16. Returned material helper, e.g.

23.Like some authorization (abbr.)

43.Foal cheese 17. Mortgage group 45.Prayer 25.Song (abbr.) concluder 18. Parts 28.Commits 49.Brewery 20. Leavened bread perjury beverage cooked in a clay oven 29.Skilled 50.Prosecute 21. Type of cloth 30.Army eatery 51.Wish 22. Frankness 25. Causes disgust or hatred Copyright © 2015, Penny Press 30. A member of the 28.Take it find ACROSSorder of honor British on the ____ 1. Judge’s 55.Dogs and 31.

Folk singer Di concern 31.Made holy cats Franco 5. Signal assent 32.Clan 56.Fountain 32. One’s looks 8. Has ____ 34.Turf 33. Provokes ANSWER TO PUZZLE NO. 757 12.Draft animals 57.Young adult 35.Stags and 60.

Split lentils 5.

Large stinging weapon 38. Partner of flow bucks 13.Hot temper 61.

Jewish spiritual paper wasp 26. Actress Ling 41. Japanese warrior 38.Foot parts 14.Moderately DOWN 27. Natural solid leader 6. Balkan country 43. Easy to perceive cold 1.

Shy 39.Polite chap 62.

Book of the Bible 7. __ Doherty, actress material 45. Meet with one’s 15.Decade unit 2. Woodsman’s 40.Winding 8. Arm bones 28. Burmese ethnic (abbr.) agreement curves implement 16.Short-term job 9. Women’s undergroup 63. Electronic war47. Bird’s jaw 41.Coin side 3. Caribbean, 17.Pine ____ garment 29. Puts within fare-support measures 49. Ballplayer accese.g.

44.Hobo 18.Alternate 64. Fibrous plant 10. Genus of dabbling 34. Belonging to us sory 4. Registers 46.MGM’s 20.Got the best material ducks 35. They __ 50. Sword trademark 5. Close, once of 12. Time zone 36. One of twelve 55. Swiss river 47.Glass partCLUES DOWN 6.

Adjust to 21.Largest 14. Newts sons of Jacob 56. Comedienne Gassurroundings mammal 48.Effortless 19.

Sound unit 37. Grab a seat 1. Annoy teyer 7.

Unit of heat 24.Close 52.Resting 39. Rich fabric 23. Dab 2. Two-toed sloth 57. Beat icon Gins8.

Happen 26.Bald bird 53.Act like 24.

Puzzlement 40. ANSWERS Fruits 3. Precipitation CROSSWORD PUZZLE berg USE AMERICAN SPELLING 27.Half of twenty 9.

Dates 54.Detective’s 25. Defensive nuclear 41. Very fast airplane 4. Barbary sheep 59. Clinches a victory 42. Large primates 44. Flammable jelly 45. Less common 46. Supplements with difficulty 47. Chinese automotive company 48. Every one of two or more things 51. Swiss river Serving Our Rural Communities 52. Speak incessantly 53. Italian Island PHONE: 54. Fighters against Let Us 306-875-9522 authority Help You 58. Egg of a louse 1-800-387-6193

1

REASON FOR

# READING

PRINTED COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

IS LOCAL

NEWS

Source: News Media Canada

Tuesday, May 1, 2018 - PAGE 11

Finding God’s peace in the midst of a storm Hurricanes have done fearsome damage through the years. They’re rated on a scale from one to five, with five being the worst.

The rating takes into account sustained wind speed and storm surges, as well as the potential flooding and damage that could be caused.

Names of hurricanes such as Hazel (1954), Camille (1969), Andrew (1992), Katrina (2005) and Sandy (2012), live in the memories of many of us. These are the “mega storms” with devastating power that leave injury and loss of life in their wake, along with great harm to property.

In comparison to these monsters, the storm faced by the Lord Jesus and His disciples one day on the Sea of Galilee may seem a small thing. However, the disciples, several of whom were seasoned fishermen, saw themselves in grave danger. A description of the incident is found in Mark 5:35-41.

A great multitude had gathered on the seashore, coming from the surrounding towns to listen to Christ’s teaching. Mark says the Lord got into a boat and pushed out a little from the land, speaking to them from there.

(Mk. 4:1-2) The session must have continued for some time. Then late in the day Jesus said to the

disciples, “Let us cross over to the other side” (vs.

35), a distance of several kilometres. With that, Jesus’ disciples joined Him in the small open boat.

Josephus says more than 300 of these little single-sailed fishing vessels, with oars, plied the waters in his day. The Sea of Galilee is situated in the Jordan Valley, which forms a kind of trough, with hills to the east and west. When winds come down the valley they are funneled out onto the sea with great force. Almost without warning the surface of the water can become a stormy cauldron, with waves reportedly as high as three metres.

Suddenly, on this occasion, “a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so it was already filling.” (vs. 37) Mega is the Greek word for “great.” It was a mega storm. Matthew, who was there, uses similar language. (Matt. 8:24) The boat was being swamped and they seemed in imminent danger of drowning.

And where was Jesus?

He was in the rear of the boat asleep, apparently exhausted from the day’s ministry. Slumbering with His head resting on a pillow, likely a borrowed seat cushion. Shouting over the din made by the crashing waves the disciples woke Him with a question: “Do

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

You not care that we are perishing?” (vs. 38) There is a sad irony in that, since saving the perishing is why He’d come to Earth (Lk. 19:10).

But the Lord “arose

and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, ‘Peace, be still!’ And the wind ceased and there was a great [mega] calm.” (vs.

39) This astonishing result led to Mark’s third use of

the Greek word mega. The disciples “feared exceedingly [mega], and said to one another, ‘Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!’” (vs. 41) It’s the answer to that question that becomes the anchor of our faith. He is the Lord Jesus Christ, Creator of all things (Jn. 1:3; Col. 1:16-17), and Saviour of all who trust in Him. (Jn. 3:16; Heb. 1:1-3) Clergyman and hymn writer Godfrey Thring (1823-1903) told the story simply in a hymn, concluding with a practical

Let your light shine A number of years ago I purchased a CD by a group called Freedom Singers; I’ve never stopped listening to, or being blessed by, their music. One song in particular and one line in particular of a song titled Daystar, challenges me every time I hear it. It goes like this: “Let Your light shine through me in the night.”

At the risk of sounding despondent, I find our world is full of darkness these days. Between wars, chemical attacks,

murders and cruelty, just to name a few, to read of or hear of good news becomes a ray of light in the midst of gloom. The song I referred to challenges us to be a source of encouragement by allowing God’s light to be seen in our everyday lives. Here are a few

ways I’ve thought of to lift spirits.

Watch for opportunities to help someone; whether we live in a small rural community or a large urban centre (or anywhere in between, for that matter) they exist. Check out opportunities through a local non-profit groups, churches or schools and you’ll find there are always needs to be met.

Polish up your smile and use it freely – I’ve often been heartened to see the response from someone who at first appeared

application to our own struggles with the storms of life.

“Fierce raged the tempest o’er the deep, / Watch did Thine anxious servants keep / But Thou wast wrapped in guileless sleep, / Calm and still.

‘Save, Lord, we perish,’ was their cry, / ‘O save us in our agony!’ Thy word above the storm rose high, / ‘Peace, be still.’ / So, when our life is clouded o’er, / And storm winds drift us from the shore, / Say, lest we sink to rise no more, / ‘Peace, be still.’”

to be utterly downcast.

Something as simple as a warm “hello” or a beam of sunshine in the form of a smile can work wonders in someone’s day. These are just a couple of suggestions but they’re a good start.

Solomon put it like this: “The ways of right-living people glow with light; the longer they live, the brighter they shine.” (4:18 MSG) Later on, these words are given: “The light of the righteous shines brightly.” (13:9 NIV) “Give what you have, to someone it may be better than you dare to think.”

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

PAGE 12 - Tuesday, May 1, 2018

Treasure Hunt

Dekker Centre looking for new GM Staff The Dekker Centre for the Performing Arts is in need of a new general manager.

The search is on following the departure of Moe McGuinty. It has been confirmed McGuinty has resigned after six years in the general manager’s role.

McGuinty, who hails originally from North Bay, Ont., led the Dekker Centre throughout its formative first

few years.

It should be noted McGuinty technically does not hold the distinction of being the Dekker Centre’s first general manager; he replaced a previous hire who departed literally days into the job.

There will be plenty of time to find a new general manager as the new season doesn’t start until the fall. Resumés are being accepted until May 15, after which time interviews will begin.

Cox slams NDP platform

The Battleford Arena was a Mecca for treasure hunters Saturday as the Battlefords Historic Lions Club hosted their annual giant garage sale.

There were household goods, toys, collectibles and everything in between.

Photos by Lucas Punkari

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Optimist The Battlefords Regional

All Things Local & Beyond

Continued from Page 2 I don’t think we should be trying to tell our farmers how to make their choices, how to decide what crops to choose. The farmers, I think, are the best ones to make those decisions. They’re going to make the management decisions that are best for their business, and they know what’s best. They are in fact the best stewards of the land in this province and they will continue to be the best stewards because they have a vested interest in that land, Mr. Speaker…

On affordable early childhood education: As well, this platform outlines developing affordable early childhood education programming.

What does that mean?

Well let’s use the Quebec model again. At $7 a day of cost, amounts to $9,000 per child in that province.

Here in Saskatchewan we have 15,200 licensed daycare spaces, governmentfunded, at approximately $3,700 per space for a total of $56 million. If we were to move to even a $15-aday cap, that would cost us another $40 million that would be paid for by the taxpayers in this province.

On a new STC: This plan outlined in this platform also advocates establishing a new Saskatchewan transportation company. Well we better look at some facts here, Mr. Speaker, because there wasn’t any in this proposal. Since 1980, Mr. Speaker, on our old STC, ridership declined by 77 per cent. It declined by 35 per cent since ’12. Last year of its operation, ridership dropped by nine per cent, another 18,000 rides.

Since ’07 the subsidy per ride at that bus company rose from $25 to $94. And in fact, 1978 was the last year that STC returned any profit back to the taxpayer of this province.

This plan, this campaign plan, they seem to feel that $10 million would restart STC. Well, Mr. Speaker, I’m guessing that they haven’t bought many buses lately and they haven’t built many service garages and they haven’t built many customer service stations. So I think

that’s not even realistic…

On municipal revenue sharing: We heard from our municipal partners. They asked, and we responded.

They wanted stable funding. In ’07-08, revenue sharing amounted to $127 million for all of our municipal partners. This year it’s up by a whopping 89 per cent, to $241.1 million in revenue sharing. That’s what we’ve done for the municipalities in our province . . . He suggests that we should use one point of all PST. That would amount to a cost of another $80 million to our taxpayers, Mr. Speaker. Where is that money coming from?

Nothing outlined here.

Cox also had a number of remarks focusing on items relevant to the Battlefords and area: Mr. Speaker, I think there are some glaring omissions in this plan, and I’d just like to mention a couple of them here. First of all, I saw nothing in this plan about capital investments. The plan outlines approximately $2.5 billion in expenses, but then if you add to it some of the things that we proposed in our most recent budget — things like $1.5 billion for infrastructure in our Crown corporations, another $1.2 billion for the Sask Builds capital plan — not here, Mr. Speaker.

Health infrastructure spending, one item alone, $34 million for the Sask.

Hospital, North Battleford — something that is very, very important to me and to all residents of this province, but certainly residents of the Battlefords. $214 million for highway upgrades and safety projects. Several passing lanes, great safety factor, and that including Highway No. 4 between North Battleford and Cochin, something that we’ve been asking for for many, many years. And it’s going to be a great addition to a very, very busy highway. $18 million in transfers to municipal infrastructure for municipal roads, urban connector program, community airports. And just on the side here, Mr. Speaker, I’d just like to mention last year we received $275,000 for repav-

ing of our North Battleford Cameron McIntosh Airport. That airport’s very important to the whole … Northwest. It not only serves the Battlefords but it serves all the Northwest — oil exploration up in that area, mining exploration, farm population.

Second admission, Mr. Speaker, no indication here where the dollars are going to come from. They always ask, many, many times in this House, where did all our dollars go?

Well I’ve just outlined a few things where our dollars go. They go to invest in infrastructure for the future. They’ve gone to taking 112,000 people right off the tax rolls altogether, saved them literally billions of dollars in tax savings. But you know, where does the money come from for all of these promises?

I’d like to know where. And on top of all of this, Mr. Speaker, he favours a carbon tax to impose on the province of Saskatchewan, which is going to cripple our economy even more and lower the amount of tax dollars that are available…

Cox wrapped up with some final remarks.

I’d just like to wrap up by saying, Mr. Speaker, my wife, Linda, and I have three great kids that we are very proud of. And they’ve got three great spouses that we’re also proud of. And I would like to say they’re all employed here in the province of Saskatchewan, and they’re paying taxes, Mr. Speaker. And I think even, with no disrespect to my kids but even more important, we’ve got five beautiful grandkids.

And, Mr. Speaker, I stand here in this House today and say that I will do everything in my power to ensure that a party, a leader that proposes such loosey-goosey ideas with no plan to pay for them, will never ever be able to form government. I will not have my children getting up in the morning and going to work knowing that at the end of the day, the government’s going to have their hand in their pocket to take half of that back to pay for such ill-founded, ill-planned program as this.