News Optimist December 12

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Son of Trudeaumania

Sports

Everybody Has a Story Kay Montgomery: Coaching the Nederland Dames

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Leg Watch

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Brad Wall’s final day

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Beaver Blues unbeaten

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Volume 110 No. 19

In the news this week

North Battleford, Sask.

Staff It’s been many years since a Canadian Prime Minister came to town.

Thursday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was in North Battleford in support of Larry Ingram’s run for

election as MP. (There is one reporter on staff at the News-Optimist who remembers – and covered – our current prime minister’s late father Pierre’s visit to North Battleford.)

See Page 3 for photos

by John Cairns and Josh

Tuesday, December 12, 2017

Greschner of the crush at the Dekker Centre during the PM’s appearance. See also John Cairns’ story, including comments from North Battleford’s Mayor Ryan Bater, former provincial leader of the Liberal party.

The results of Monday’s by-election, unfortunately, due to our printing deadline, are not included in this edition. However, look for full coverage in Thursday’s Regional Optimist and online at www.newsoptimist.ca.

Holly and Heels Holly and Heels: A Celebration of Women in Business took place at the Chapel Gallery during the noon hour Tuesday, Dec. 5. The event included a special afternoon tea menu, and served as a good networking opportunity for women in the local business community.

Sponsored by Business Development Bank of Canada, the event included a presentation from guest speaker Melissa Squire (at the podium), a fashion designer who is originally from North Battleford. See the story in the Thursday Regional Optimist. Photo by John Cairns

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PAGE 2 - Tuesday, December 12, 2017

Targeted enforcement initiatives result in arrests by RCMP Staff

The RCMP are reporting several arrests as a result of targeted enforcement initiatives in the North Battleford area in recent weeks.

Police are saying the initiatives have been in direct response to the recent rash of criminal activity in the Battlefords detachment area.

According to an RCMP news release Wednesday, the targeted initiatives were conducted by Battlefords RCMP, and involved a number of additional RCMP resources being brought into the area. Those include Police Dog Services units, Traffic Services, Emergency Response Team and specialized drug and gang enforcement teams. Local specialized policing units were also been deployed.

Police are reporting sev-

eral arrest warrants have been executed and dozens of charges laid. In many cases, these have involved known, repeat offenders.

Police are saying 75 files resulting in charges have been opened. Some of the individuals charged include the following: A 15-year-old male from North Battleford is chargedwith two counts of break and enter, disguised with intent to commit an offence, possession of a weapon, careless use of a firearm, possession of a firearm, using a firearm in commission of an offence, three counts of failure to comply with an undertaking, two counts of theft of vehicle, two counts of possession of property obtained by crime, and three counts of mischief under $5000.

A 17-year-old male from North Battleford is charged

with two counts of break and enter of a residence, one count of disguised with intent to commit an offence, possession of a weapon, careless use of a firearm, possession of a firearm contrary to court order, possession of a firearm while knowing prohibited, using a firearm in commission of an offence, resist / obstruct peace officer, two counts of theft of a vehicle, and two counts of possession of property obtained by crime.

A 15-year-old male from North Battleford has been charged with one count of possession of a weapon.

A 13-year-old male from North Battleford is charged with break and enter of a residence and possession of a weapon.

An 18-year-old male from North Battleford is charged with break and enter to a residence, two

counts of theft of a vehicle, two counts of possession of property obtained by crime and three counts of mischief under $5,000.

An 18-year-old female from North Battleford is charged with resisting/obstructing a peace officer and theft under $5,000.

Police say additional targeted enforcement initiatives are either underway or planned for the next few weeks. They have also pledged to continue to draw on additional resources as required, and to “provide the Battlefords with efficient and effective policing services.�

They also urge residents to continue to secure their vehicles and keep an eye out for suspicious vehicles or activities, and to immediately report those to police.

ing trafficking crystal meth and cocaine, possessing a weapon for a dangerous purpose, possessing a prohibited weapon, failing to comply with a court order and possessing property obtained by crime, along with numerous other Controlled Drug Substances Act and Criminal Code charges.

Graham Baptiste, 33, of Lloydminster was charged with 11 offences including

trafficking crystal meth and cocaine, possessing a weapon for a dangerous purpose and possessing property obtained by crime, along with numerous CDSA and Criminal Code charges.

Chaelyn Ahenakew, 27, of North Battleford was charged with five offences including possession for the purpose of trafficking crystal meth and cocaine, two counts of possession of

a weapon for a dangerous purpose, and unsafe storage of a firearm.

Alyssa Smith, 21, of North Battleford was charged with the same offences as Ahenakew.

Suspects were remanded and appeared in provincial court on Dec. 7. Battlefords Municipal General Investigative Services Unit continues its investigation.

Four individuals charged with drug trafficking and weapons offences Staff

As promised in a recent news release, RCMP laid a number of charges pertaining to the warrants it executed on Tuesday evening of last week.

The RCMP released the following information Friday morning: Trent Oliynyk, 41, of Battleford was charged with 22 offences, includ-

17123CC2 17123CC3

Witnesses help police nab would-be vehicle thieves Staff Battlefords RCMP are investigating an attempted vehicle theft that occurred approximately five km east of North Battleford on Highway 40 at which witnesses to the attempt participated in foiling the plot.

A man and woman attempted to steal a vehicle from a work site shortly after noon on Friday, Dec. 8, but were interrupted by several witnesses.

The male suspect attempted to flee the scene in the vehicle but became stuck in the ditch trying to evade the witnesses on scene.

The female suspect also attempted to flee in a separate vehicle but also had to abandon that vehicle after it, too, became stuck in the snow.

She is also alleged to have attempted to strike one of the witnesses on scene with the vehicle, but the witness was able to get out of the way unharmed.

The man was arrested by RCMP near the

scene of the original call after he was held down by one of the witnesses on scene.

The woman fled through some yards and fields on foot but was also tracked down with the assistance of several witnesses and taken into custody.

The vehicle the suspects had travelled to the scene with was also found to have been stolen from Alberta.

A 32-year-old Alberta man, Matthew Robert John MacDonald, is charged with theft of a vehicle, and two counts of possession of stolen property. A 37-yearold Alberta woman, Joanne Louise Henke, is charged with theft of a vehicle, two counts of possession of stolen property and one count of dangerous driving.

Both were also arrested on warrants out of the Swift Current area in connection with several stolen vehicles from earlier this summer. Both accused were remanded into custody to appear in North Battleford Provincial Court.

Tuesday, December 12, 2017 - PAGE 3

Justin Trudeau appears for Liberal candidate

By John Cairns Staff Reporter

The Larry Ingram campaign in Battlefords-Lloydminster brought in the top Liberal in the country in the final days leading to the federal by-election on Dec. 11.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was at the Dekker Centre Thursday night for a campaign rally with supporters. The rally was in support of Ingram’s Liberal bid in the by-election race.

It was Ingram who introduced Trudeau, who entered through the doors to cheers.

The event was billed as a meet and greet, and it was, with Trudeau shaking hands and posing for photos and “selfies” on his way to the main stage.

Once on stage, Trudeau gave a brief speech in support of Liberal policies and in support of Ingram. His speech reiterated familiar themes about turning away from divisive and negative politics, and of promoting strong working relationships among the various levels of government.

“What’s really important is that we all roll up our sleeves and work together,” said Trudeau.

“The federal government, provincial government, and particularly municipal leadership and Indigenous leadership, that’s the only way to build a stronger Canada.”

Afterwards, Trudeau resumed shaking hands and posing for pictures with the public before heading off for the night.

The event itself was tightly controlled. While there was a large contingent of media in the room, the event was a photo-op only, with no opportunity provided for reporters to directly pose questions to

Here are scenes from the campaign event at the Dekker Centre on Thursday night as Justin Trudeau appeared at a Liberal rally in support of Larry Ingram’s campaign for Parliament. Photos by Josh Greschner and John Cairns

the prime minister.

The venue itself was heavily secured with a large and visible presence of RCMP.

Liberal organizers were overjoyed at the turnout.

They said to reporters that an estimated 900 people attended the event.

While many of those in the room were Liberal supporters, the crowd did include some notable supporters of the other parties, including Conservatives and New Democrats.

Even independent federal candidate Ken Finlayson was in the line to meet Trudeau as he was departing, and had a brief conversation with him on the Indian Act. On his Facebook page, Finlayson stated he asked Trudeau “how can you create equality by legislating inequality?”

“I’ll give this guy Trudeau credit for one thing,” Finlayson stated on Facebook. “He works a crowd good (He’s a “Rock Star” celebrity) and exposes himself to semi controlled criticism.”

The event concluded what had been a hectic last few days for the Prime Minister.

Trudeau had just flown back to Canada after several days in China where he met Chinese officials including president Xi Jinping. The main story was Trudeau’s efforts at a trade deal with the Chinese.

The tight timelines for Trudeau to leave for the North Battleford event

had prompted some local speculation that Trudeau might not even make it.

As it turned out, Trudeau departed Guangzhou, China at what would have been the early hours of the morning Saskatchewan time on Thursday.

The prime minister’s RCAF 01 aircraft stopped to let him off in Saskatoon, and from there Trudeau made his way to the North Battleford event.

Just before taking the stage, Trudeau met with North Battleford Mayor Ryan Bater for a few minutes.

Bater said to reporters that he spoke with Trudeau about the city’s public safety challenges.

“We talked solely about that and our challenges,” Bater said. “He was aware of the attention that we’ve been getting, the national spotlight. I told him we are working hard at the local level. I challenged him

to find any other city in the country who are doing as much as we are on the community safety file. The need to align the four levels of government is absolutely important; he agreed with me.”

Bater had also stressed working with their regional partners.

“Their concerns are our concerns, we are all in this together and we want to work with the federal government on these issues.”

All in all, Bater was impressed with the Trudeau rally. “It’s not every day that the Prime Minister visits North Battleford, so it’s a unique evening.”

Trudeau was due to head to another event in Saskatoon on Friday morning as part of his visit to the province. Meanwhile, all the candidates were back campaigning in Battlefords-Lloydminster for the final days of the Dec. 11 by-election campaign.

PAGE 4 - Tuesday, December 12, 2017

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

Last week’s News-Optimist online poll: The by-election in Battlefords–Lloydminster is Monday, Dec. 11. Are you planning to vote?

• No, it’s a foregone conclusion.

11% • Yes, there’s always a chance for change even after 20 years.

25% • No. I never vote.

7% • Yes, I always vote.

32% • I used to vote but now I’ve become cynical.

7% • I already voted in the advance poll.

17%

This week’s News-Optimist online poll: Have you finished your Christmas shopping yet?

• No. I usually finish Christmas Eve. • Yes, I shop all year long.

• No. I don’t observe Christmas.

• Yes, but only just.

The Saskatchewan ombudsman is still your health ombudsman

• No, because I left it up to my spouse.

Submitted

• Yes, because I left it up to my spouse.

Provincial Ombudsman, Mary McFadyen, is reminding the public that her office is still available to take health complaints, even though Saskatchewan has gone from 12 health regions to one health authority.

She said, “It is important for people to know there is an independent and impartial office that they can contact if they think a public health provider has been unfair to them, and they have not been able to resolve it. We are still here and our mandate in health remains the same.”

She said people dealing with an administrative issue in health should first try to resolve it with the Saskatchewan Health Authority or the public health provider.

This may include contacting a manager or working with a Quality Care Coordinator (or similar role), or trying an available appeal process. If this does not work, people can contact her office. Ombudsman Saskatchewan takes complaints about the Saskatchewan Health Authority, the Ministry of Health, the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency, e-Health, and many other publicly-funded health entities. Here are some anonymous examples of health complaints that have been published in previous Ombudsman reports: - “Leona” was charged for an ambulance she didn’t call for and didn’t use. We helped resolve this issue informally.

- “Fern” had been paying for part of her renal medication for two years when she found out it was covered – but she was having trouble getting all her money back.

We looked into what made her situation unique and helped resolve the issue.

- “Hugh” had intellectual disabilities and mental illness. When trying to access services, he did not fit neatly into Social Services’ or his health region’s service plans. We helped ensure he had the supports he needed from both sectors and we made recommendations to help others in similar circumstances.

- From November 2014 to May 12, 2015, 89 people complained to us about the quality of care in long-term care homes. Many of these concerns were addressed by recommendations made in our 2015 investigation report, Taking Care.

The ombudsman’s staff first reviews complaints to decide what sort of involvement is best. For example, whenever possible, her office will help to resolve the matter informally. If informal resolution is not possible, the office may investigate, after which the ombudsman will review the findings and decide whether to make recommendations.

The ombudsman takes complaints about administrative decisions, so complaints about medical expertise should still go to applicable professional bodies, such as the Saskatchewan College of Physicians and Surgeons or the Saskatchewan Registered Nurses Association.

The ombudsman is an officer of the Legislative Assembly who operates under The Ombudsman Act, 2012.

Her office promotes and protects fairness and integrity in the design and delivery of provincial and municipal government services.

Published since 1905 Becky Doig Editor

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Tuesday, December 12, 2017 - PAGE 5

Final day in legislature for Premier Brad Wall The final day of the fall sitting of the legislature was a historic one as Premier Brad Wall said goodbye.

It was his last day in the legislature after 10 years as Premier and 18 years as the Member for Swift Current.

Wall’s seatmate, Deputy Premier Don Morgan, led off tributes from both sides of the political aisle.

What follows are a portion of those remarks from the final day, as recorded in Hansard.

Don Morgan, Deputy Premier: Brad, you will be missed. Every one of us regards Brad as a friend. To him I say, thank you; don’t be a stranger. To all of us, he has been not just a colleague, but also a friend.

He knows who has health issues, who is dealing with aging parents, who is dealing with children. He cares and shows it. The incredible kindness and amazing statements following the deaths of MLAs Parent and Phillips demonstrate his humanity and how much he cares. His humour and kindness are special.

So from all of us, Mr. Premier — I can’t say Brad in here; I just can’t do it — we thank you. We wish you, Tami, and your family all the best. We hope that your remaining weeks as a lameduck premier go well.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to move the motion: That the Legislative Assembly pay thanks and pay tribute to Brad Wall for his 18 years of service to the people of Saskatchewan as the member for Swift Current, as leader of the opposition, and as Premier, and for his many contributions to the people and province of Saskatchewan.

Opposition leader Nicole Sarauer: Mr. Speaker, as I thought about what I would say today, how I would honour Mr. Wall, the Premier — the leader of a party of some ideals and beliefs against which I have worked so hard against, Mr. Speaker — I was looking for inspiration and I dug into Hansard and looked to see what he himself had said to honour the premiers who had come and gone before him.

On Lorne Calvert’s last day in this place he was leader of the official opposition.

The former member for Saskatoon Nutana moved a motion to honour his service, and not only did Mr. Wall stand to speak to that motion, he also seconded it.

Mr. Speaker, on that day he ended his remarks by speaking briefly of his son whose music career had not quite taken off yet; he was a little younger then. He spoke about Looney Tunes.

He said one of his favourite cartoons was of Ralph the sheepdog and Sam the coyote. As you probably remember, Ralph and Sam would punch the clock in the morning, Sam would relentlessly try to get a lamb, and Ralph would consis-

newsoptimist.john@sasktel.net tently stop him. This would go on until their workday would end and they would punch out together. At that point they would say, good night Ralph, good night Sam, and leave essentially as friends. Mr. Speaker, if I may, I will quote Mr. Wall’s own words in describing the relevance: When this place is working right — and it doesn’t work right every day — when it’s working right, we go at it hammer and tong and we have debates and we disagree. But when it’s working right, we acknowledge the fact that we are all here for the same reason.

We think maybe we ought to get to places a different way and maybe at a different speed. But we’re here for the same reason.

Mr. Speaker, I don’t know if every person who’s ever sat in these seats in this place have done so with nothing but the purest of intentions but I can tell you that whatever you want to say about Mr. Wall, he came here to serve.

Donna Harpauer, Minister of Finance: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

And I am standing, I think, to give the perspective of the class of ’99. I too ran in the fall election, September 16th, 1999, the election that surprised the province.

It shocked the NDP, and it resulted in a very rapidly put together coalition government. And among the founding members of the Sask Party there were 17 fresh, new, energetic, possibly very idealistic, new faces that came to the Assembly and among them was Brad Wall. … An emergency session was called that fall, right away, soon after we were elected, because of the unrest in agriculture, Mr. Speaker. And session at that time was five days a week, it wasn’t four. And first and foremost, I was a mom of three young girls.

So I was in a career that was over my head, was out of my comfort zone. Christmas is huge to me, and I’m in Regina, and I bought a tree. It was a little 4-inch Christmas tree. It sat on my desk. It was my Christmas

pity tree. And I looked at it and I just felt sad and overwhelmed. And one time I went to my office, Mr. Speaker, and my pity tree was gone. And there was a little sticky note that said, crime scene. See, there was crime back then too.

And so I went looking for my little Christmas pity tree, and I found out where it was. Who does that? I mean who steals Christmas other than Scrooge? And so I just waited, bought some supplies, waited until Brad Wall was in the Assembly speaking to adjourned debates. And I completely took everything out of his office. I taped an outline for every book, every pen, for his TV, for all of his crazy Elvis paraphernalia. I removed everything. All that was left was a desk and a chair.

I outlined a dead body on the floor just like you do in crime movies. I had the crime tape, the yellow tape you put across — crime scene; do not enter. And I went back in the Assembly and just waited. And he never said a word. He never said a word. And a couple days later I heard him talking to some of the gang and he said, do not take on that woman unless you have a tag team because you will lose. …Brad Wall told us he was leaving when we had a caucus retreat outside of Regina. It was really hard.

And everybody lined up to say goodbye. I did not. I walked out. I just walked out and thought, I’m not saying goodbye. So I need to ground myself. So I did what I do to ground myself.

I went to Toys“R”Us and spent a boatload of money on my grandkids. I felt marginally better. My grandkids wished he would have resigned earlier.

So you know, he will be missed. This province is better because of Brad Wall. Our party, our caucus is better because of Brad Wall. But I am better because of Brad Wall. And I wish I had my little 4-inch pity tree; I threw it out or I’d gift it to him today. Merry Christmas, Brad, and I wish you all the best.

Premier Brad Wall

Dustin Duncan, Minister of Environment: So I’m looking forward to what’s next for you, and I’m going to be watching.

We all will be watching. I’m going to be looking forward to the next successes of all of your family, all of your children. And I’m looking forward to the day where I will bring my two boys to this building and see your portrait unveiled. It’s going to be a special day.

So to you and to Tami from Psalm 20:4: “May he grant you your heart’s desire and fulfill all your plans.” Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Premier Brad Wall: Mr. Speaker, there’s a question that now is engraved in the cabinet room, in subtle letters just above the door, and it simply asks, “Did you leave things better than you found them?”

I want to thank Steve Bata, who helped make that happen, and the building crew here. … Mr. Speaker, did you leave things better than you found them? It is more than a cliché. It’s more than a rhetorical question, of course. It’s really kind of devoid of the temporal consideration. It’s devoid of a partisan consideration for the most part. And if it can be answered in the affirmative — yes, you left things better than you found them — then it has the potential to be transformational and generational.

If each generation of our people can answer yes

to that question, if each iteration of this government, however it’s constituted, whoever sits in these chairs can say, yes, we left things better than we found them, well then we will always have progress in Saskatchewan. There will always be progress, the thing that we seek for our citizens. There will always be improved quality of life because different governments of different stripes will be able to say at the end of their time, or individuals at the end of their time, it ain’t perfect but, you know, I think it might be better than we found it. What we all want for this province is that it could live up to its motto and its creed. We want a quality of life for every citizen we represent…

I remember a story being told and sort of held up as the quintessential Saskatchewan story about a canoe race in northern Saskatchewan, where someone was leading the canoe race and felt bad because all the other canoes were behind, and kind of stopped and waited for everyone to join them so they could all finish second together.

Well with great respect, Mr. Speaker, that is not the quintessential Saskatchewan story, because my dad raised me, taught . . . My mom and dad raised me to know that it’s okay to win. Do it with grace. Do it with honour. Do it in a way so that if you have won, you can maybe benefit others and share in whatever divi-

dends come from that. But it’s okay to win. And that’s the attitude change that’s happened in this province…

So all of this brings me to another and final transactional moment, Mr. Speaker. When I give up the title as MLA for Swift Current, first made formal by your predecessor 18 years and one day ago, or the other title that I gained 10 years and one month to the day ago, and I exchange them for just Brad, with no need to share it with any office or title. Just Brad, the grandson of Peter and Elizabeth Wall and Jacob and Tina Schmidt; just Brad, the proud and very thankful son of John and Alice Wall; the profoundly and immensely proud dad of Megan and Colter and Faith; just Brad, the unworthy husband of the amazing Tami Wall.

And as it was 18 years ago, I want this trade. I am grateful for it, and I’m excited by the prospects that will follow. I am profoundly grateful for what I give up in the transaction today, but I’m even more grateful for what I get back. And of this, Mr. Speaker, you can have blessed assurance: as for either side of this transaction, what I might give up and what I know that I gain, I have not and I still do not deserve any of it.

Thank you.

A few minutes later, Wall made the last remarks recorded in Hansard of his legislative career.

Hon. Mr. Wall: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I want to thank the House Leader who has allowed me to move the adjournment.

And just before I do, I forgot in part of my remarks to thank members opposite as I was litigating the case. Because I think to the extent there have been successes in the province that emanate from this room, it’s been because of the work of all, and being pushed, frankly, in the appropriate direction. And I failed to mention that, and it’s a point that I need to put on the record. So I’ve done that.

And thanks to the House Leader for allowing me to move that this House do now adjourn.

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PAGE 6 - Tuesday, December 12, 2017

Kay Montgomer y: s a e s r e v o g n i h c a o C the cash circuit. ce she was much on sin r rle cu of traveling to a en be g Havin “They do a little bit y Ka to se sen de pa rt of Germany, 10 yea rs old, it only ma Belgium and the easter n the o int d ne tio nsi tra afford to go to the big Montgomery that she tive but they can’t eti mp co r he ce d, Sweden and on ing world of coach ropean events in Scotlan Eu and,” Montgomery said. career came to an end. move for me,” Switzerl al the game is tur na a e lik t fel t jus “It “This is a nation where of t eas t jus es rlers in the liv o cu 0 wh ere’s 15 said Montgomery, ing still developing. Th ch tea in ed out of the olv rl inv cu en all be s and they Mervin. “I had felt like a Netherland t jus it so ls oo y.” sch ilit fac the already at three-sheet curlers achieve same ery met up good way to help younger In November, Montgom the European Curling their potential.” ent with the team at am urn and, To ies ott Sc the to ips in St. Gallen, Switzerl Having gone thi rd for Championsh ‘B’ the the as in 95 19 ng d eti an mp 94 co 19 of Hearts in ere they were wh d ke pic ich wh k, the Sherr y Anderson rin up.

Saskatchewan at gro ms like an up a bronze medal for ou have your top tea “Y the at ng eti mp and Anna co d er an lat d otl from Sc the 1994 event, an thi rd Eve Muirhead the as als are at the Tri o g wh rlin en Cu ed 20 01 Olympic lborg from Sw sse Ha ery om ntg Mo , ad you have a number for Amber Holland’s squ top of the ‘A’ pool, then m fro w dra to e the ‘A’ pool and had yea rs of experienc of teams at the bottom of can mix it up rs. rle cu of ve wa t o nex wh ‘B’ pool when helping the Olympic the top of the the tch wa ntgomery said. to Kay Montgomery Mo wn ” do m, “As I sat the best of the th wi ite qu to it’s wn a, do taw Ot gap a in of ek bit we a s s Trials thi “Then there’ all the curlers that eloping their phenomenal to think of countries that are just dev the or t ins aga yed r, which is pla tte th, be wi g to get I’ve either played nt,” game and lookin eve t tha in g ” nt. yin me pla mo are coached that where we stand at the ed ish fin d. s sai nd ery rla Montgom The Nethe ior boys teams a jun th wi the ce th pla wi h d ent rte sta sev “I in a tie for da na Ca the at m ts the spo that would vie for record, which allowed Canadian Juniors 3-6 the ‘B’ group for next Winter Games and the sta ed the likes to y in lud inc t tha so ps, shi champion r’s tournament. a [Drew, Josh and yea of the Heidt fam ily hat entire week was “T an all [D rs the bro us s for yre Mitch] and the Mu ndous opportunity on to the ladies treme where we matched up and Ki rk]. I later moved see r’s rin k to rbe Ba ett Br ed ach co d to the other countries scene and of provincial compare er mb nu a at d ete mp moment,” Montgomery that co tchewan, and I at the ska Sa in ps shi ion mp cha coach Shannon said. five also had the chance to “Our goal was to win nt to the we y the se en clo wh tty k pre rin and were Kleibrin k’s which was a games , 13 a 20 in on s t ial los -Tr We Pre t.

Olympic to doing tha d e.” an enc me eri ga e exp on le in rab ent mo me was getting measurem As her coaching career eived an we lost another one in an extra rec that could have gone underway, Montgomery Netherlands end, so the ach co to y nit opportu r way.” m as they were eithe e the big event for the national curling progra hil W the way up on over, looking to work their Netherlands rin k is now e a hav ge. t sta ery migh international sition just Montgom po the t an ou Ry ab t the ou nd “I fou to coach m people that chance fro uth xed mi mo t of Jus rd y wo err gh Sh throu and scene already,” Deis rin k at the Olympic I knew in the coaching les ub do er aft rtly sho s wa “It d. sai nt that will be held Montgomery m made it Trials eve tea n’s me wo s nd rla the Nethe rtage La Prairie, Man., ips in 20 06, so in Po nsh pio am Ch rld Wo Kay Montgomery and the Nederland Dames at the European to the Janua ry. someone to help in d for sse g cro kin loo are s re competition in St. Gallen, Switzerland. Photos submitted ger we y fin the “Our so they compete er of mb nu ht rig them improve their skills the t tha . us to well at those major events teams will drop out for age ck pa the d ha I iled. t, ou sm d ne ery tur om it ntg “As in,” Mo . They wanted a get for on the waiting g m kin tea loo rth re fou we the y the nd, “We were rou ckg ba e tiv e to see how eti hav mp we co ard, but coach with a ng and list the last I he ini tra l e to take nta abl me be the d n’t ha wo o someone wh ny other teams ma ing ach co of el lev man and Kevin someone with a higher pa rt now with Rachel Ho e.” hav to ed en pp ha ng for the Olympics.” cer tification, which I nal Koe’s rin ks qualifyi tio na ire ent the rls just once a g After runnin W hile Montgomery cu yea rs, of er mb she feels like nu d, a for ttle program for ek in North Ba we ity jor ma the nt ong on the Montgomery has now spe men’s team, the future of the game is str wo the of her time coaching etitive scene. rianne Neeleman, comp getting younger and younger all which features skip Ma “It’s that has to ond Linda Krejins e and I think a lot of thi rd Ester Romijn, sec tim the so many . and lead Bonnie Nilhamn d experience do with the junior programs ether,” an tog uth en putting “There’s a mix of yo s countries have be ha up gro at the the k of loo re u co yo d. “W hen on the team, but the now,” Montgomery sai rs ith yea Sm e le fiv Ky t a ou or ab n for ma been together of a Rachel Ho es lik ve bra a ete is mp ne an to co Montgomery said. “Mari Scotland], they are able ndous thrower [from me tre a ge. e’s sta Sh big y. the lad g youn right away on for the game.” still looking to and she had a great mind “However, I think we’re by ed pp ski m tea in the clubs on n’s rs me rle tion cu Unlike the World get more recrea the it de ma ething that I o som wh t’s rp, tha Do Jaap Van ula r basis, so reg a in ck ba n nto mo tter job at in order Championships in Ed think we can all do a be e hav ’t esn do m tea Ma rch, the women’s w the sport.” unable to play as to gro national funding and is

Tuesday, December 12, 2017 - PAGE 7

Longhorn demolition likely Staff North Battleford’s planning and development director, Jennifer Niesink, says another downtown demolition is likely in the coming year.

The building that housed the old Longhorn Steakhouse will come down in 2018, she said during a budget deliberation meeting at City Hall last week.

The building is currently owned by the city through tax enforcement, but Niesink said no one with both the desire and means to save that building has been found. There is also an engineering report as well that says the building isn’t salvageable.

“It’s becoming an increasing liability and it is crumbling before our eyes,” said Niesink. “We

can’t expect other people to be responsible if we’re not going to deal with our buildings.”

It also shares a common wall with another building; likely, that other building will have to go as well. Discussions will happen with the owner of that property.

Already demolished is the former Dollarwise location at 1142-101st Street.

That demolition took place

Open and Closed

in November.

Tom Hutchison of Magic Lantern Theatres in Edmonton told the News-Optimist the main reason for tearing it down was cost.

“We don’t normally like to tear buildings down, but this one would take half a million dollars to put back together and there really isn’t much of a building there to begin with,” said Hutchinson at the time.

Twin Rivers Curling Club hands $100,000 over to city

By John Cairns Staff Reporter

Twin Rivers Curling Club had a big cheque to hand over to city officials last Monday night.

They presented $100,000 to the City of North Battleford, representing a huge chunk of their overall $250,000 building commitment to the capital costs of Northland Power Curling Centre.

Curling club representatives Doug Fehr and Richard Pratchler presented the cheque to Mayor Ryan Bater at the start of Monday’s council meeting.

The reason the curling club was able to retire $100,000 of their $250,000 commitment in one fell swoop was due to the success of the Pinty’s Grand Slam of Curling event, the Meridian Canadian Open, held in January at the North Battleford Civic Centre.

The event generated records for attendance and profits, with big revenues flowing into the curling club’s coffers. That allowed the club to accelerate their payment towards

Doug Fehr and Richard Pratchler of Twin Rivers Curling Club handed a cheque for $100,000 to Mayor Ryan Bater, part of their $250,000 commitment to the capital costs of Northland Power Curling Centre. Photo by John Cairns

the building.

The other news from that night is that Pinty’s could make a return trip to North Battleford. Curling club officials confirmed at the meeting that they were indeed pursuing a second Pinty’s event for North Battleford for January 2019.

Club officials voiced confidence they could set new attendance and profit records for that event; however, they also pointed out it is not yet official and no contract is signed.

At the meeting Bater congratulated the curling club for their successful

hosting of the Pinty’s event and for their funding commitment to the Northland Power Curling Centre.

“We appreciate their commitment to that facility and the enhancement of the organization,” Bater said to reporters following the meeting.

The brand-new Sobeys Liquor Store in Battleford is now open. Sobeys confirmed that their 4,000 sq. ft. liquor store opened Friday, Dec. 8 with some exciting new elements for customers. “Our new store in Battleford will offer the same great customer service and many of the same great features as our other locations in Saskatchewan, including a full assortment of wine, spirits and cold beer, a huge walk-in beer cooler, Air Miles and more, just in time for the holiday season,” said Brent Newman, Vice President, Liquor, Sobeys Inc. in a statement. Meanwhile, the former liquor store on 22nd Street in Battleford stands empty, with a “closed” sign on the door. Photos by John Cairns

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PAGE 8 - Tuesday, December 12, 2017

The Elmer Report

Merry Christmas Battlefords North Stars

By Garnet and Ashlyn Elmer

After an initial snoozer of an opening schedule, the Battlefords North Stars have now played an equitable number of games with their counterparts in the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League. At the time of writing of this article, they currently possess a record of 22 wins and six losses, one of those occurring in overtime.

They are in the thick of the race with four or five other clubs in the SJHL. For whatever reason, the North Star’s schedule was extremely light during the first part of the season.

In addition, most of their games were at home. To the players’ credit, they took advantage of those factors and burst out of the gates with a stellar won-lost record. It was essential that they did so, as their recent slate of games has been much more onerous, both in terms of the frequency and the fact they had a number of road games. Coupled with this change in schedule had been a rash of injuries. Keith Anderson and Dakota Huebner have now returned to the lineup and it has made an immediate and positive impact.

The hockey season can be a long grind. However,

as exhibited by last year’s version of the North Stars, the champion teams battle their way through the doldrums of the winter and press on with a mindset that the season is a marathon, not a race.

The job is to go out to win each and every game. It is anticipated this year’s club will do the same.

They have the players, the skill, and the toughness to be champions. Their goaltending is certainly of superior quality. Joel Gryzbowski and Taryn Kotchorek rarely let in an easy goal. For the team, it is a matter of having fun at the game, playing with an edge, possessing unparalleled confidence, and imposing your will on the opposition. If you do those things, you will be successful. You don’t have to have the best skill, the best coaching, and the best skaters. It lies in the heart of the individual and the desire to play for each other that will seize and win the day. In the end, the players win the games.

The coaches put them in a position to win and give them the confidence to be winners.

So here are a few Christmas delights for our players who all have a heart of gold: 1. Taryn Kotchorek –

number one with a bullet.

He is the Grinch that steals the other team’s confidence by making save after save after save…! Ultracompetitive and is almost ‘picture’ perfect… just ask his dad.

3. Cody Spagrud – the kids always depend on Santa showing up on time at Christmas. Cody is as dependable as Santa. He is always in the right place at the right time and gives his gift of labour each and every night. With his play, every night is Christmas Eve. 4. Matthew Fletcher – why does he remind me of Chevy Chase… Fletch.

Matthew provides us with lots of smiles with his determination to become a superior player. He is no actor, he’s the real thing. There will be no Christmas Vacation for him. Matthew works at his game all year round!

5. Connor Smith – California Dreamin. He’d be safe and warm if he was in L.A., but Connor has come to the snowy north where people only play in their Santa sleigh… and on the ice. There may be thoughts of California on a winter’s day, but Connor prefers to think hockey and gives a gift to his coaches every night.

7. Conor Jensen – Conor

loves a White Christmas. It reminds him of the snowcovered frozen tundra of old Bloomington Stadium, land of the Purple People Eaters and the revered Bud Grant. All Conor wants is his… front teeth!

8. Keith Anderson – Avalanche Andy – when this snowball starts rolling, the opposition just clears the track, just like Eddie Shack. Has a heart of steel and a desire to match. Perhaps he was the original Abominable Snow Monster!

9. Layne Young – or as the PA announcer at the Civic Centre says… Number nine, Layyyyyyyyyyyyyyne Young!!! He’s our Rudolf leading our group of reindeer. Just take a look at Layne when he comes off the ice after a shift… he always has a red nose!

10. Conor McIntosh – when Conor’s on the ice, there is always a lot of Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree. Conor likes to knock around the opposition player’s … ornaments…! He’s a real nutcracker.

11. Troy Gerein – okay, so let’s be honest. At the start of the year, Troy was in the Land of Misfit Toys. But we all know he is the heart and soul of the team and is now back in

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Santa’s good books. To his defense… he is best suited at that position.

12. Matthias Urbanski – don’t let baby-faced Urbanski fool you. Fearless, he’ll take a run at anyone.

In fact, the original name of the classic was Grandma Got Run Over by Urbanski.

14. Levi Kleiboer – after a night of watching Levi’s Santa magic on the ice, we can all sleep in heavenly peace. Levi owes all his wealth of gifts to… Mama Gina! At least, that’s what she told me!

15. Dylan Williamson – okay, I’ve been looking at that unwrapped present.

It is one of the bigger ones and it seems a little heavy.

The gift that it brings may just have to wait until Christmas day!

16. Jacob Tibbatts – one of Santa’s elves who works tirelessly in the huge shadow of Santa Layne.

But, we all know the elves are invaluable in creating the magic of Christmas championships.

17. Chaseton Braid – Here Comes Santa Claus!

When the North Stars acquired Chaseton, you knew it was going to be a Very Braid-y Christmas! What a gift we received!

18. Blake Fennig – it’s always Home for the Holidays for our hometown boy, just like our Blake from yesteryear who continues to stay Young!

No matter how far you roam, in your time with the North Stars, it will be home sweet home.

19. MacGregor Sinclair – the gift that keeps on giving. Has loaded lots of toys and goodies on his skates and is delivering goals on his sleigh.

Santa and MacGregor are magic for fans from one to ninety-two.

20. Brad Girard – you won’t see Keith and Brad kissing under the mistletoe at any time of the night.

My word… the visual!

Brad may be smaller in stature, but he has a heart bigger than any chestnut roasting on an open fire.

When he’s on the ice, it’s the most wonderful time of the game.

21. Owen Lamb – Owen wrote the song, The

YOUR SAFE RIDE HOME

SUBMISSION FORM for BABIES OF 2017

Amara Hazel Joy WALKER October 4

Parents: Tyler & Jeanna Walker Grandparents: Murray & Gail Walker Gary & Joyce Wappel

Baby’s Full Name: _____________________________________________________________________ Birth Date: (MONTH/DAY/YEAR) ________________________________________________________ Parent’s Names: ______________________________________________________________________ Grandparent’s Names: _________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ Contact Name: _______________________________________________________________________ Phone Number: _______________________________________________________________________ Mailing Address: ______________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ PAYMENT METHOD: o Cash o Debit o VISA o Mastercard o Cheque Mail or Drop off submission form and payment to: Battlefords Publishing, Box 1029, 892-104th Street, North Battleford, SK S9A 3E6

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Twelve Days of Penalty Killing. Owen is our Silent Knight and he’s what we all want for Christmas.

22. Connor Manegre – this guy always manages to jingle their bells.

When Connor is ready for one of his patented… and clean hits, the opposition always play this tune in their heads… Do You Hear What I Hear.

24. Tre Doyon – Run Tre Run. Tre’s work ethic on the ice makes it a Blue Christmas for anybody in another uniform. Tre is holly and jolly, but he isn’t the merriest with the opposition.

25. Elijah Loon-Stewardson – Christmas day comes once per year, but our number 25 comes to play each night. We love the song, Feliz Navidad, but with Elijah and the puck, it’s … palease give me dat, palease give me dat…

28. Dakota Huebner – this guy is our Little Drummer Boy. He is our new born King as he came to our club this year and has been royalty on ice.

Dakota is one of our finest gifts.

30. Joel Gryzbowski – ‘twas the night before Christmas and all I could see was Joel stopping pucks and putting them under the tree. Gryz and Christmas having something in common – they are both perfect!

And now for the coaches and athletic therapist/ trainer…

Brandon Heck – aka Frosty the Snowman…

Brandon can be a little frosty when things don’t go so well, but he is now smiling a bit more behind the bench. The job of coaching the Battlefords North Stars with all its elves is a Christmas present in itself!

Boyd Wakelin – I just wanna hear Boyd sing a Christmas song on the public address at the Civic Centre… any tune… really… anything… maybe something from Handel’s Messiah.

Rachelle Matisz – the gift to the players throughout the year. She puts the players back together again. When all those injuries arose, North Battleford had become the Island of Misfit toys. Rachelle made those toys into gems, a pleasure for all us fans to see.

To all our North Star players, have a very merry Christmas! We are all in your corner and are pulling for you as we head towards another championship season. Home is where the heart is. Enjoy your loved ones during the holiday season and look after your bodies during the break… lay off too many treats!

Submitted by Garnet W. Elmer and his vital and vigorous elf, Ashlyn – she’s a keeper!

Tuesday, December 12, 2017 - PAGE 9

Lucas Punkari

Sports Reporter

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

Email: newsoptimist.sports@sasktel.net

Beaver Blues remain undefeated in SPHL

By Lucas Punkari Sports Reporter

The Battleford Beaver Blues are already serving notice to the rest of the Saskatchewan Prairie Hockey League that they are the team to beat.

With a pair of wins over the weekend, the Beaver Blues improved to 6-0 on the season and now hold a six-point gap over the 3-1 Meota Combines and the 3-0 Hafford Hawks in the race for first place in the nine-team league.

“The team’s really starting to gel and everything is just clicking for us,” Beaver Blues forward Brent Salzl said.

“Most of us on the team have played together for the last three to five years, and the veterans are really starting to melt with the newer faces. Our younger players are really stepping into their roles and we have a few guys putting the puck into the net.”

After falling in the SPHL semifinal last year to the eventual champion Edam Three Stars, the main focus for the Beaver Blues this season was to have a stronger lineup from top to bottom and not relying as much on their talented offensive trio of Cody Danberg, Mike George and Salzl.

“Every team in this league has a top line, but the top teams like Edam, Meota and Spiritwood

The Battleford Beaver Blues celebrated after scoring a third period goal Friday in their 7-5 win over the Meota Combines at the Civic Centre. Photo by Lucas Punkari

[Timberwolves] all have their second third and fourth lines working for them,” Salzl said.

“We wanted to be a team that is able to roll three or four lines on a consistent basis and I think we have that here this year.”

The Beaver Blues started off their weekend with a big win over the Combines as they came away with a 7-5 triumph at the Civic Centre in the first meeting of the season between the

two Battleford sides.

“This was a game that we had circled on our calendars at the start of the season,” Salzl said. “Meota has a really talented team and it was a battle right from the outset.

“With about 10 minutes left in the third period, we felt like we got our second wind and our legs got under us a little bit more. It’s a little bigger ice surface in North Battleford and it can take a little bit for us old

guys to get accustomed to that, but once we got used to it late in the game, I feel like that was the turning point.”

Salzl had a four-goal night and also had an assist, while Danberg dished out five helpers.

George and Tyler Wasmuth had a pair of goals and Mason Carrier also found the back of the net.

Vince Sauvie scored twice in the loss for the

Combines, who also got goals from Riley Albert, Kihisis Derocher and Brandon O’Donnell.

Salzl continues his strong play Saturday night as he had a hat trick in his team’s 5-2 win over the Maymont Settlers in Langham.

Danberg and Braydon Kotyk also scored in the victory, while Quinton Cubbon replied for the Settlers.

The Beaver Blues will

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be back in action once again Saturday as they’ll go on the road to play the Glaslyn North Stars.

Their next game at the Battleford Arena will be on Friday, Dec. 22 against the Hafford Hawks at 8:30 p.m.

“As we head into Christmas, we want to be playing the best hockey that we possibly can,” Salzl said.

“We have some good momentumn going our way right now and we want to keep that rolling for as long as possible.”

Meanwhile, the Combines rebounded from Friday’s setback with a 6-0 win a night later over the host Spiritwood Timberwolves.

It was a spread out offensive performance for the Combines as Aaron Cadrin, Daxen Collins, Bo Gervais, Michael Pylypow, Albert and Derocher all found the back of the net.

Josh Alook turned aside every shot he faced to pick up the shutout.

The Combines will be travelling to Shellbrook Saturday to take on the Silvertips.

The next games in the SPHL are slated for Friday night when a pair of contests will be taking place.

In Hafford, the Hawks will look to keep their perfect record intact against the Timbewolves, while the NorthStars will host to the Shellbrook Silvertips in Turtleford.

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Battlefords North Stars rookie forward Matthias Urbanski, pictured during a game last month at the Civic Centre, scored twice against the La Ronge Ice Wolves Saturday. Photo by Lucas Punkari

By Lucas Punkari Sports Reporter

Skate Battlefords members Brooklyn Quinney, left, and Julian Wood, right, recieved silver and bronze medals at the 2018 Skate Canada Saskatchewan Sectional Championships held in Weyburn last month. The pair, who stood next to Regina’s Jocelyn Haider on the podium, had personal best skates in the Pre-Juvenile Women’s U13 category. Photo courtesy of Sharon Wright

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Draw on Dec. 18, 2017

Over the last few games, Battlefords North Stars head coach and general manager Brandon Heck was looking for more from his side.

The defending Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League champions responded to that challenge over the weekend as they picked up 5-2 and 6-0 road wins over the La Ronge Ice Wolves.

“We played really well in both games,” Heck said.

“The guys worked hard, were unselfish and they bought in to the way that we wanted them to play.”

The two victories, which improved their record 225-1-0, gave the North Stars a three-point cushion over the Notre Dame Hounds for first place in the newly rebranded Global AgRisk Solutions Division.

They are also one marker back of the Nipawin Hawks for the top spot in the league standings.

Friday’s game in La Ronge saw the North Stars trailing 2-1 after 40 minutes, but they are able to score four unanswered goals in the final frame to seal the victory.

“We were playing the right way, but we just weren’t capitalizing on our scoring chances,” Heck

said.

“It’s easy for people to think that we might be upset being down to La Ronge because they are lower in the standings, but they are a hard working team and they make you earn it in their home rink.”

Captain Layne Young was sublime as he scored a goal and helped to set up the four other markers, which were scored by Chaseton Braid, MacGregor Sinclair, Owen Lamb and Dakota Hubener.

Taryn Kotchorek made 33 saves to improve his record to 9-4-0-1 on the season.

Dalton Dosko and Antonio Di Paolo both scored for the Ice Wolves, who received a 43-save performance from Marek Pipes.

Saturday’s rematch, which was held in Pinehouse, saw the North Stars control the game from start to finish as they outshot their opponents by a 47-13 margin.

“La Ronge may not have played us as tough as they did a night earlier, but we managed the puck a lot better and we definitely capitalized on our chances,” Heck said.

“I also thought our defence played well in both games. They had clean breakouts, they joined the offensive rush and they got

shots through on net.”

Matthias Urbanski and Huebner had a pair of goals and an assist in the win, while Keith Anderson also found the back of the net and had two helpers.

Sinclair had the other goal for the visitors, while Joel Grzybowski made 13 saves for the shutout.

Grzybowski, who now has a 4-0 record, had his Western Hockey League rights dealt Friday afternoon by the Saskatoon Blades to the Victoria Royals in exchange for goaltender Hunter Arps, who currently plays for the Melfort Mustangs.

The North Stars will be looking to continue their three-game win streak Tuesday at the Civic Centre, as they’ll be facing the Hawks for the first time this season at 7:30 p.m.

“It’s been awhile since Nipawin has lost a game in regulation so that will be a good measuring stick for us,” Heck said.

Following that encounter, the North Stars will host the Mustangs Friday before the Flin Flon Bombers come to town Saturday in what will be their last contest before Christmas.

They will return to action on Friday, Dec. 29, for a home game with the Kindersley Klippers, with a rematch taking place a night later in Kindersley.

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OBITUARIES IN LOVING MEMORY Phyllis Darlene Mae Gordon

Phyllis Darlene Mae Gordon (Pinky), of Saskatoon, SK, passed away peacefully at her sons residence in Warman. She is survived by her loving sons Brent Bolan of Warman and Lee Bolan of Martensville, her special stepson Roy Gordon of Kindersley, Scottie’s daughter Tammy (Jerry), and their sons Spencer and Dexter, stepson-in-law Earl Kennedy, sisters Margeurite Griffith, Beverly (Al) Gordon, brother Charlie (Jackie) Hampton, sistersin-law Fran (Ted) Gordon and April (Stan) Sampson, Aunt Thelma Tompkins, numerous nieces and nephews including a couple that are precious to her - Bob and Deby Leinenweber, and many cherished cousins and friends. Phyllis was predeceased by her loving husband, Scottie Gordon (2008), stepdaughter Dixie Kennedy, parents Dan and Nora Hampton, sisters Shirley Hampton and Dorothy (Paul) Prescesky, brother-inlaw Ted Griffith, and ex-husband and father of her sons, Pat Bolan. Phyllis was born in North Battleford in 1941, the fourth child of six. She was a woman before her time – she started flipping houses around 1959. She bought, cleaned, staged, and sold 15 houses in her life. Phyllis married Pat Bolan in 1962. She owned and operated a small general store in Denholm and also helped with many jobs on the farm. Upon moving to Battleford, she started a career with SaskTel as an operator and a supervisor, staying with the company for many years. She loved music, especially the piano, and would often drive with girlfriends to Vegas for a few days to hear Liberace play. Eight years after Pat and Phyllis divorced, she met Scottie Gordon. He wooed her with his lifetime love of piano music. Scottie was the pianist for the Bridge City Dixieland Jazz Band. The songbirds became snowbirds, and wintered in Arizona for many years. Scottie played and Phyllis danced. When Scottie passed away Phyllis continued going to Arizona and with her family, soon purchased a home in Gold Canyon, Arizona. She started dancing again, and attended the Gold Canyon United Methodist Church regularly. She enjoyed 27 wonderful winters in Arizona, where she volunteered for Hospice of the Valley for many winters. She conducted Reminiscence Writing with Evelyn Britton for several years, and with Scottie, was a member of the Noteworthy Gang which grew to a troupe of 40 including the founding members, Bill and Marilyn. Phyllis traveled extensively to many places including the Bahamas, Barbados, Bermuda, England, Jamaica, Ireland, several trips to Mexico, and most of the United States (including many trips to Hawaii). Phyllis was always immaculate, organized, and spotlessly clean, as she kept her surroundings.

She touched the lives of many people, often anonymously. Phyllis was authentic, assertive, broad minded, well read, and a philanthropist. She will be greatly missed by many, many people.

My life goes on without you But nothing is the same I have to hide my heartache When someone speaks your name Sad is my heart that loves you, Many are the tears that fall.

Living my life without you, Is the hardest part of all.

You did so many things for me, Your heart was kind and true, And when I needed someone to talk to, I could always count on you.

I know you walk beside me, And when my life is through, I pray that God will take my hands, And lead me straight to you.

— Author unknown When the birds sing and the grass is green there will be a celebration of Phyllis’ life: email Brent at saskpallet@sasktel.net in the spring to get the details. Passed Away: November 24, 2017 _____________________________________________________

SHUMLICH, Wayne John October 23, 1964 – December 1, 2017.

Wayne & his wife were longtime residents of Sherwood Park since 1992 where they built their new home together in Davidson Creek. Wayne will be missed dearly and treasured by all those who knew him and whose lives he touched by being such a gentleman and kind soul. He was gracious and always thinking of others first even to the end, and spent many happy times with his family and friends in his last weeks. After a relatively short and hard-fought battle with a rare soft tissue cancer, Synovial Sarcoma, he passed peacefully at the Cross Cancer Institute on December 1, 2017, surrounded by friends and family. He leaves behind his loving wife, Carmine von Tettenborn, of 24.5 years and partner in life’s journey for 31 years; his mother Virginia Mae Shumlich (nee Dragon); sisters Laurie (John) Williams of Saskatoon, Shawn (Craig) Shumlich of Edmonton; parents-in-law Bernie & Gladys von Tettenborn of Round Hill; brothers-in-law Bernhard (Cheryl) von Tettenborn of Camrose, and Eric (Melanie) von Tettenborn of Vegreville; sister-in-law Doris (Ross Vogt) von Tettenborn of Chestermere, and numerous loved aunts, uncles, nephews and a niece. His father, Harry Greg Shumlich, predeceased him in 1990. He never gave up hope, despite the prognosis, and insisted on remaining positive. He took a reflective pause, enjoyed the smells in the air - truly stopping to smell the roses, the beauty of the skies and the stars, and set out to make the most of his remaining time amongst us - treating it like the gift that it was.

Wayne was an avid reader, having diverse interests such as: WW1 & WWII history, pop music from the 50’s, 60’s & up to current day, astronomy, current affairs, cooking & BBQ, fishing, and travel ... and an incredible knack for remembering nonsensical trivia - rendering it almost impossible to beat him at Trivial Pursuit!! Wayne graduated in 1987 from Grant MacEwan Community College with a Correctional Services diploma. He worked for Liquor-Ex as a Delivery Driver for 26 years where he enjoyed the freedom of not being in an office, and making lasting friendships with his coworkers and his customers. Utilizing the skills he learned from his father during his younger years, Wayne also took on residential & commercial painting jobs during evenings & weekends. In 2014 he felt the urge for change and switched to renovations where he learned many new skills and also had more time to pursue his own painting business. Wayne also enjoyed helping his in-laws during harvest, doing yard work & puttering around in his garage, going out to his in-laws’ cabin at Lake Isle, and helping his family & friends whenever needed. It was during May 2016 he was struck with Synovial Sarcoma and his working career ended. Keeping a positive attitude, he entered an early retirement while undergoing treatment and had the opportunity to travel exploring his interests. Wayne had a great sense of humour and enjoyed making those around him laugh. He always made friends easily, some for a good time, some for a longtime and some for a lifetime. Being a dedicated husband, Wayne always supported and encouraged Carmine to pursue her goals to become her best to ensure a strong future together. Wayne & Carmine would like to thank Dr. Quincy Chu and the Ward 30 staff at the Cross Cancer Institute for their dedication while providing treatment for this rare and aggressive form of cancer. We would also like to thank Dr. William Muzyka and his staff at Terwilliger Medical Clinic in Edmonton. Their care and compassion throughout the last 18 months have helped calm some of the stress inflicted by this awful disease. A celebration of life was held on Saturday, December 9th at 1:30 p.m. at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Parish, 13 Brower Drive, Sherwood Park, AB - lunch followed. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Sarcoma/Rare Cancer research c/o Alberta Cancer Foundation in Wayne’s memory. Perhaps one day a cure will be discovered for rare cancers.

Pine Box Funerals Inc. Sherwood Park, AB www.pineboxfunerals.ca _____________________________________________________

WILSON: Mr. Roy Wilson of North Battleford passed away peacefully November 24, 2017 at the Battlefords Union Hospital at the age of 88 years. Roy was predeceased by his wife Jean and son Don. Left to cherish Roy’s memory are his children Heather (Darryl) Leedahl, Sharon (Daryl) Lesyshyn; daughter-in-law Vicki, sister-in-law Doris; his grandchildren: Diana, Scott (Jess), Michael, Tanys, and Regan; sister Ivy Nichols, brother Colin Wilson (Anne), sister-in-law Maxine Wilson; numerous nephews and nieces. Celebration of Life was held on November 30, 2017 at 1:30 p.m. at Third Avenue United Church, 1301 – 102nd Street, North Battleford, SK with Reverend Francis Patterson officiating. A special thank-you to Dr. Campbell and the Palliative Care team at Battlefords Union Hospital. Memorial donations in memory of Roy may be directed to the Canadian Celiac Association, Palliative Care at the Battlefords Union Hospital or to a charity of the donor’s choice. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Bob MacKay at Battlefords Funeral Service. Interment will be held at a later date.

__________________________________________________

DYCK: Clark Ivan Dyck, 54, of Lloydminster, SK, passed away in Saskatoon, SK on Tuesday, November 28, 2017 surrounded by his family after a short but courageous battle with cancer. Clark was born in North Battleford, SK in 1963 to Charlotte (nee Dyck) Ennis, the first of three children, and later the best big brother to Mina and Janet. He spent a lot of his childhood in Meadow Lake with the Senger family, growing up with his Auntie Lorraine, Uncle Fred and his cousins Tony, Clem, Ben, and Donna as his extended siblings. Clark met Charlene Lepage in North Battleford in 1986 at the age of 23 and the two were instantly inseparable. It didn’t take long before they wanted children and were blessed with two active boys, Logan and Grant.

The family moved from North Battleford to Saskatoon in 1992 where Clark started working at Auto Clearing Chrysler. In 1994 they moved out to Langham where they purchased their first home and laid some strong roots. After working for Don Huggins Chevrolet, Clark bought the garage and became the owner of Langham Automotive. Along with being an Emergency Responder and a Credit Union board member, Clark was always giving to his community and others. Change is inevitable and the family eventually landed in Lloydminster in 2005 where Clark quickly resumed his mechanical career which eventually led to his self-employment with Husky as an operator. The boys blessed Clark with two ladies which he loved as his own and called his “girls”. Logan married Lauren Behnke on October 5, 2013 and Grant married Kasmine Waring on August 2, 2014.

Clark adored his family and enjoyed time camping and fishing with all. Clark will be forever missed and lovingly remembered by his wife of 25 years, Charlene (nee Lepage); sons Logan (Lauren) and Grant (Kasmine); sisters Janet Ennis (Dave) and Mina Demkiw (Russ). He is survived by his Aunt Lorraine (Fred); numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. Clark was predeceased by his mother Charlotte Ennis (1943-2001); and his grandmother Hermina Dyck (1923-2012). Special thanks to the nurses in palliative care at the Royal University Hospital. The Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at 1:00 PM CST on Tuesday, December 5, 2017 at Our Lady of Peace Roman Catholic Church in Meadow Lake, SK. The Rite of Committal followed at the Sacred Heart Cemetery in St. Cyr Lake District. Arrangements in care of Chelsea Krentz – Mourning Glory Funeral Services (306) 9785200 www.mourningglory.ca ____________________________________________________

PAGE 12 - Tuesday, December 12, 2017

FUNERAL SERVICES

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Help me find my old mystery man friend seeking Jim/James Orr 6 foot and three quarter inches tall from New Brunswick. Jim had LO-V-E tattoos on the top of his fingers and a ship on his back. Jim made me a necklace from a white tooth brush with embedded blue stones. Phone ONLY Marlene 403-598-1906

To book Classified Advertising call

306-445-7261

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.

IN MEMORIAM

In Loving Memory of Robert Wog

Feb. 13, 1939 - Dec.10, 2016

This Day

This day is remembered and quietly kept No need for reminders, We will never forget.

Deep in our hearts you will always stay Loved and remembered every day.

No one knows the grief we bear When the family meets and you’re not there.

Wishing today as we wished before, That God could have spared you many years more.

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WANTED TO PURCHASE SPRUCE AND PINE SAWLOGS Call Office: 306-922-6700 or Bart: 306-961-2635 All wild fur (coyotes, etc), beaver castors, old traps, shed deer antlers. Phone Bryan 306-278-7756 or Phil 306-278-2299.

BUSINESS FOR SALE Elias Scales in Battleford Operating 33 years Unique AGRIC. Product. Room for Expansion. Business, Assets, Inventory + Building. $595,000.

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HOUSES FOR RENT Available for Rent, 2 bedroom, W/D/F/S and dishwasher, utilities not included, references and criminal reference check required. Call or text 306-480-1347 Serious inquiries only. Available.

APARTMENTS/CONDOS FOR SALE Two bedroom apartments for rent in Regina East Co-operative for Retired Couples and/or part time employment, renovated, screened balcony, free parking & laundry.

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

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STEEL BUILDINGS/GRANARIES STEEL BUILDING SALE ...”FALL CLEARANCE SALE ON NOW!” 20X21$5,990 Front & Back Walls Included. 25X25 $6,896 One End Wall Included. 32X33 $8,199 No Ends Included.

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newsoptimist.ca

your news all the time and online CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

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

• Permanent Full Time Healthy Families Program Clerk

Please view the full job advertisement in the careers section on our company website:

www.brt6hc.ca

SERVICES FOR HIRE A-1 Service, Will do snow removal, interior painting, baseboards, small renovations, shingling, fences, decks. Phone 306-445-8439 or 306-441-3690

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Tuesday, December 12, 2017 - PAGE 13

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

CLASS 1A & 3A TRUCK DRIVERS REQUIRED to operate semi vacs and straight vacs in SE Sask.

Full or part time positions available.

Wages based on experience.

Resume’s and work references to: Competition Environmental Ltd. PO Box 609 Carnduff, SK. S0C 0S0 Email : competition@ sasktel.net Office : 306-482-3558 Fax : 306-482-3574 Charlie : 306-482-7897 Greg : 306-485-7833

Leko’s Conservation Corner

Illegal sale of fish and game meat online

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!

COMING EVENTS

Visit our website

www.newsoptimist.ca for more community events

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

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

Monday, December 11 Blood Drive - Donors Needed at the Don Ross Centre, St. Thomas Drive, North Battleford from 2:00 - 7:00 p.m. Sponsored

by CWL - Catholic Women’s League.

Friday, December 15 Borden United Church Memorial Service at the United Church at 7:00 p.m.

Saturday, December 16 Aven Grace in Concert at St. Paul’s Anglican Church, 1392 - 99th Street starting at 2:00 p.m.

Saturday, December 16 Christmas Bake Sale at Ukrainian Orthodox Church from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. at 992 - 108th Street. Perogies, cabbage rolls, borscht and other baked goodies. Admission includes a draw for a raffle basket plus coffee and tea.

Saturday, December 16 Club 70 - Gold Tones at the Royal Canadian Legion, 1352 - 100th Street, North Battleford at 8:00 p.m. Everyone welcome. Lunch served at 12:00 p.m.

Conservation Officer Lindsey Leko

Every morning I wake up and grab my iPad while I have breakfast. I read the news, look at local events and of course read some of the happenings on my Facebook account. I distantly remember reading a newspaper back in the day, but cannot imagine what life would be like without my iPad and the development of social media sites.

I am pretty well known on many of the fishing and hunting social media pages and frequently get asked to answer questions and provide information about the unlawful sale of wildlife on these social media sites.

I have seen for sale items including moose meat, goose jerky, garter snakes, baby raccoons and mounted fish.

Many times these items, including taxidermy items, are found for sale on Facebook garage sale pages. It is a daily occurrence and a problem that is growing in Saskatchewan and other jurisdictions.

History has taught us that allowing or commercializing the sale of wild game meat leads to overharvesting and long-term damage to our provincial wildlife populations. The same is true of fish and although there is a commercial fishing industry, it is strictly regulated. We have to look at where the problem originates.

Sunday, December 17 Ecumenical Potluck Supper & Program at the Borden Community Centre at 5:30 p.m. Donations of items for local Christmas Hampers.

Thursday, December 21 Borden School Christmas Concert at the Borden Community Centre at 7:00 p.m.

leave an IMPRESSION

Friday – December 22 Grad 2018 Pancake Breakfast at the Borden Community Centre from 7:00 – 10:00 a.m.

Friday, December 22 Borden Lakeland Library Christmas Tea from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.

No charge

Sunday, December 31 Borden Firefighters New Year’s Eve Family Dance at the Borden Community Centre at 8:00 p.m. Dukes on Fire playing.

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.

call-1�888�470�7997 Call 306-445-7261

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your news all the time and online

It is illegal to sell, advertise for sale, barter or trade any fish or wild game meat that was taken under either a sport licence, Treaty Right or Aboriginal Right. This constitutes trafficking in fish or wildlife, and is prohibited under Saskatchewan laws. Photo submitted

With more and more people looking for a healthy, natural and local source of protein, they are turning to wild game.

The fact that a lot of these people have no past experience with hunting or exposure to natural resource laws is a growing concern.

To them, buying wild game makes sense, especially if you are not a hunter.

The other consideration is that we have a lot of new people from many parts of the world now living in Saskatchewan. They may not know that wild game is not treated as a commodity here. Many times the post is removed as soon as the person selling learns that what they are doing is illegal.

The sale of wildlife, or parts of wildlife, may be contrary to The Wildlife Act. It is illegal to sell, advertise for sale, barter or trade any fish or wild game meat that was taken under either a sport licence, Treaty Right or Aboriginal Right. This constitutes trafficking in fish or wildlife, and is prohibited under Saskatchewan laws.

With the exception of wild meat, there are different rules that apply depending on the type of wildlife being sold. Items that may be sold without a permit include lawfully taken and tagged big game hides; leather made from lawfully taken big game hides and naturally shed big game antlers.

Other items such as mounted big game heads or antlers, which are attached to the skull plate, require a sale of wildlife permit in order to be sold. A permit is also required to advertise these items for sale. In these cases, the licence under which the wildlife was taken is required.

Antlers of wildlife taken under the authority of Treaty or Aboriginal rights that have been separated from the skull and have been processed into a form of artwork may be sold

without a Sale of Wildlife Permit.

For all other situations, it is best to contact your local conservation officer to determine the appropriate rules regarding sale of wildlife.

Commercial fishermen are allowed to sell lawfully taken fish to the public, but they also have rules they must follow, such as recording the sale. This includes fish pedlars. Fish pedlars are those trucks that you see in communities selling fish. Normally, it is a truck with a deep freeze in the back or some sort of reefer truck. You will see signs advertising fish for sale, so most of these are legit.

However, a fish pedlar can only buy from a fish processor, or a retail store and the fish need to be labelled with the processor name or store name.

For commercial fisherman selling fish doorto-door, the fisherman’s licence needs to be on the receipt, as well as the name of the lake where the fish came from.

Legit commercial fishermen and fish pedlars ensure that everything is on the up and up. The old saying “buyer beware” holds true and any type of wild game or fish meat product offered for sale anywhere including social media is something to watch out for.

Mounted fish do not require a permit to sell as they are no longer considered a fish under The Fisheries Regulations.

Keep an eye out for advertisements for different exotic pets and even native wildlife. Species such as snakes and monkeys come up for sale from time to time and once again the buyer should understand the laws prior to completing the transaction. Much of this illegal activity is not known to the seller.

Many times, officers will investigate and learn that the person selling or buying has no idea what the rules are. There are

those, however, who have been warned before and are just out to make some quick cash. These are the individuals who are having a negative impact on our wildlife populations and know that what they are doing is illegal.

Q: Can I trade some fish or elk jerky to get my garden rototilled?

No. Trafficking includes trading, bartering or selling. Simply put, if it is being used as a form of currency, then it is illegal.

Q: What is the fine associated with trafficking offences?

Penalties for trafficking range between $500 to $100,000, depending upon the seriousness of the offence and the judgment of the court.

Q: Can I give fish or wildlife taken under a licence away?

Yes, as long as there is no financial transaction occurring you are good to go.

For migratory birds, the following information is required to be attached to a tag on each bird: the name and address of the owner; the number of the migratory game bird hunting permit under which the bird was taken; and the date the bird was taken.

Once again, if you have any questions or comments or even have a topic that you would like me to cover, drop me a quick email and I will make sure it gets done.

Until next time…stay safe!

Editor’s note: Ministry of Environment conservation officer Lindsey Leko has spent more than 25 years as a conservation officer in Saskatchewan.

For many years, Officer Leko contributed a column to local papers on a variety of issues related to hunting, fishing, and other resource-related issues. If you have questions, please contact lindsey.leko@gov. sk.ca.

PAGE 14 - Tuesday, December 12, 2017

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Puzzle Solution

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57.Young adult

53. Plant of the arum family 54. Fish genus 57. Plant of the mallow family

58. Amounts of time 59. 11th letter of the Hebrew alphabet 63. One of Napoleon’s generals

DOWN Chiropractors provide Toasty Toes to the vulnerable 1. Shy Throughout the months Socks are a basic clothof October and November, ing necessity, vital in keepSaskatchewan chiroprac- ing us warm and dry in the tors have partnered with winter, and are an item that The Salvation Army to many of us may take for warm the feet of Saskatch- granted. Many people in ewan’s vulnerable people our communities do not through the 2nd Annual have access to socks, makToasty Toes Sock Drive. ing their winters even more Participating chiroprac- difficult. tors’ offices have been The initial goal of collecting donations of this year’s Toasty Toes new pairs and packages of Sock Drive was to colCROSSWORD PUZZLE ANSWERS lect 12,000 pairs of socks USEsocks.

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throughout the province.

Saskatchewan chiropractors have surpassed that goal and collected 18,000 pairs of socks, and $900 in donations towards other necessities of winter. “We would like to thank Saskatchewan residents for their sock donations, and our chiropractic community in Saskatchewan for their support of this very worthwhile cause,” says Dr. Kevin Henbid, President of the Chiropractors’ Association of Saskatchewan.

Last year was the first sock drive for the Association; 15,000 pairs of socks were collected and distributed to those in need across the province.

These socks will be donated to The Salvation Army locations throughout the province and put to good use, including the Christmas Hamper program. “We are truly grateful for the sock drive, as it allows our units in fifteen communities across Saskatchewan to provide clean, dry socks to the most vunerable, not only

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in the winter season, but year round,” says Heather Hedstrom of The Salvation Army.

-30The Chiropractors’ Association of Saskatchewan regulates the chiropractic profession in Saskatchewan under The Chiropractic Act, 1994. We are committed to serving the best interests of the public by regulating and advancing excellence in chiropractic care and improving Saskatchewan’s health and well-being. www.saskchiro.ca The Salvation Army is an international Christian organization that began its work in Canada in 1882 and has grown to become one of the largest direct providers of social services in the country. The Salvation Army gives hope and support to vulnerable people in 400 communities across Canada and in 128 countries around the world. The Salvation Army offers practical assistance for children and families, often tending to the basic necessities of life, providing shelter for homeless people and rehabilitation for people who have lost control of their lives to an addiction. When you give to The Salvation Army, you are

9:00 pm - 2:00 am

THE

2. Woodsman’s implement 3. Caribbean, e.g.

4. Registers 5. Close, once 6. Adjust to surroundings 7. Unit of heat 8. Happen 9. Dates

1

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Source: News Media Canada

Tuesday, December 12, 2017 - PAGE 15

Finding the most important thing in the world It’s a sad and seemingly heartless procedure.

When someone dies, there is usually a sorting and labeling of what are coldly called “the effects of the deceased” – personal property that is either distributed among family and friends–perhaps according to the terms of a will – or it is put up for auction.

In the 1941 motion picture Citizen Kane, we are given a look at this end-of-life practice as it relates to the very rich. In the story, Charles Foster Kane begins his adult life as an idealistic newspaper editor, but over time his goals deteriorate into an insatiable thirst for power and possessions.

In his cavernous mansion, Xanadu, Kane housed an enormous collection of valuable statuary and paintings. When he dies, these all had to be catalogued by a team of people, and we see this happening at the end of the film. What seems to be worthless junk is discarded. One item, a child’s sled, is thrown carelessly in the flames of a furnace. By this action is lost the attempt to discover the meaning of Kane’s last word, “Rosebud.” It was the brand name on the sled Charles played with as a boy, a symbol of a simpler and

happier time.

For most of us, the accumulation of material things over a lifetime doesn’t really amount to anything like Kane’s. It’s all soon boxed and carried away. And the Bible puts the things of this life in a proper perspective.

God’s Word reminds us, “What do you have that you did not receive? Now if you did indeed receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?”

(I Cor. 4:7). “We brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content” (I Tim. 6:7-8).

Jesus encourages us to, “Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal” (Matt. 6:20).

We’re to invest our time, talents, and treasures in achieving eternal goals, living lives that are pleasing to God, and engaging in kingdom business (vs. 33). This will involve showing the love of Christ to others, and encouraging them to put their faith in Him (Jn. 3:16; Rom. 1:16).

No one is poor who has a Saviour. Think of it: God the Son took on our humanity that He – though sinless Himself

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

– might take our place under the wrath of God. When we trust in what He did for us on the cross of Calvary, our debt of sin is canceled and we are welcomed into the family of God. “For you

know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich” (II Cor. 8:9).

Victor Hugo’s classic

novel, Les Misérables (meaning The Wretched Ones), provides a heartrending example of the self-sacrificing compassion infinitely found in Christ. Jean Valjean, a former convict, spends his life trying to atone for the wrongs he has done. Finally, in court, he takes upon himself charges against an innocent man. Victor Hugo describes it as a “simple and magnificent story of a man giving himself up that another might not be condemned.” That is what Jesus did for us, in the most perfect and

profound sense.

In 1937, hymnist Robert Harkness (1880-1961) published a little song on the theme. Mr. Harkness was a gospel pianist and hymn writer, in the first half of the twentieth century. His hymn says, “I have a Saviour, He died for me / In cruel anguish on Calvary’s tree. / I do not merit such love divine, / Only God’s mercy makes Jesus mine. / I have a Master, He bids me go / Rescue lost sinners from sin and woe. / I love to serve Him, this Master true, / Now I am willing His will to do.”

What I don’t deserve for Christmas This afternoon, after thinking about the beautiful Christmas carols that have become such an integral part of my life, I began humming a crazy, totally unrelated but seasonal song.

“I’m getting nothing for Christmas, Mommy and Daddy are mad; I’m getting nothing for Christmas ‘cause I ain’t been nothing but bad.”

Definitely not what I had in mind when I think of this very special time of year but, having said that, the invasive melody and those negative lyrics made me realize there’s

more truth in those words than I’d first thought.

While I’m definitely not admitting to horrible behaviour and I really hope I do get something nice for Christmas, the ditty got my thought pattern changed from the usual to realizing the story of Christmas is the embodiment of things given and received, none of which I

deserve.

First, I did nothing to deserve or earn the gift of freedom that we enjoy here in North America.

Refugee families in our little community remind me daily how privileged we are to live here. It’s not perfect but far from the chaos endured by millions around the world.

Then, there is the gift of beauty: even as I write I turn my head to gaze at snow-covered mountains seemingly rising from the shores of the Pacific Ocean but even that view does nothing to diminish my memories of the

beauty of prairie landscapes.

Daily I give thanks for the gifts of family, friends, neighbours, readers from around the world and closer to home, members of a wonderful community.

Above all, however, I’ve gained a fresh understanding that Christmas really is all about a gift, a gift available to each of us, folks who like, the subject of that song, have been anything but perfect.

“But thanks be to God for His unspeakable Gift.” Amen.

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

1372 102 St 306-445-3009 nd

ANGLICAN PARISH

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

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

SUNDAY SERVICES Rev. Trevor Malyon

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

191 - 24th Street West, Battleford, SK

OFFICE 306-445-3836

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

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

1302 - 99th Street North Battleford, SK

Living Water Ministry

Community Baptist Church

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

Sunday Morning Service 11:00 a.m.

Everyone Welcome

Canadian National Baptist Convention

Battlefords Seventh-Day Adventist Church Pastor James Kwon

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

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

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

Come Join Us Sundays at 11:00 am

Phone 306-445-9096

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

Worship Service - 11:00 a.m.

1702 - 106th Street North Battleford, SK

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

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

Sunday Evening Service 7:00 p.m.

Bible Study Wednesday 7:30 p.m.

1371 - 103rd Street (Use East Door)

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

Clergy Person: Rev. Ean Kasper

10:30 a.m.

Service

Church & CE Wing:

306-893-2611

For booking the Wing:

306-893-4465

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

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

Everyone Welcome

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

www.newsoptimist.ca PAGE 16 - Tuesday, December 12, 2017

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