Regional News-Optimist April 8, 2021

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Chapel will remain

By John Cairns Staff Reporter

It is a sad time for longtime supporters of the old Saskatchewan Hospital North Battleford as demolition work now shifts focus to the main structure itself.

Last week, work started on dismantling the smokestack, with a large crane seen at the structure on Thursday. (See Page 3) According to Dan Sankey, building manager for the Ministry of SaskBuilds and Procurement, the first priority was to remove the decorative brick at the top of the chimney so it can be preserved. He said “about 16 feet of decorative brick” was being taken out.

That work on removing the brick took place last week. Sankey said that brick “will be repurposed in some fashion,” with the Battlefords North West Historical Society and perhaps others involved in reconstructing it in some fashion. The bricks will be stored in their compound in North Battleford in the meantime.

Other preservation ef-

forts have already taken place at the site in the past year, said Sankey. About five different styles of brick were out there and there is a pallet of each style being preserved. As well, ten pallets of red brick from the main building has been preserved as requested by the historical society, and those are stored as well.

Other items have been preserved at the compound as well, including the coat of arms with the year from the front of the building, as well as two complete inside and outside main doors from the hospital.

One or two keystones were taken down as well.

Silverado Demolition Operations Ltd. out of Saskatoon has been the contractor for the work, which began in January. It is expected the entire demolition of the chimney and main building will be done by the end of July, but Sankey said if things go well it could be done sooner.

The demolition firm has been busy taking down some other portions of the site, starting with the cottages in January. A gym that was added in 1986 to the building has also been

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demolished and the carpentry shop was also being taken down as of last week.

All the structures on the old Sask. Hospital site are now gone except the main structure, the powerhouse and the chimney, said Sankey.

As has been agreed to, the chapel will be the only structure staying up.

Sankey said they had their first meeting a month ago with a number of players to “get a start on what should happen with the chapel.”

The issues to be sorted out include such things as who would run the chapel, who would look after the bookings there, and so on, but the building will remain. Another meeting was scheduled for this week regarding the chapel.

Also staying is the cenotaph, which has been turned over to the city of North Battleford. The city has also taken over the reservoir there.

The demolition permit issued by the city represents more than $4 million of the total. Demolition began Jan. 11 with removal of hazardous materials and preparing the site for safe demolition.

Above, on Sunday, March 28, Ella Struck proudly picked her first crocus this spring while out hiking through the canyon hills north of Cochin with her family. This is about a month earlier than other years. Ella is the great-granddaughter of area residents Elaine and Warren Iverson. Photo submitted

by Lorna Pearson, Meota Correspondent Right, this crocus was spotted on top of King Hill, North Battleford. Photo by Dianne Michaud

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Page 2 - The Battlefords, Thursday, April 8, 2021

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Home invader steals car keys at knife-point

By Lisa Joy

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter / News-Optimist

Two people were charged after allegedly breaking into a North Battleford home and forcing the homeowner to turn over keys to his vehicle.

Delainey Moosomin, 23, from North Battleford, and Niesha Baptiste, 24,

from Moosomin First Nation, appeared in North Battleford Provincial Court March 5.

The Battlefords RCMP had sent out an alert on April 4 saying that at approximately 7:20 a.m. on Sunday, an unknown subject entered a residence and demanded vehicles keys from the property owner. The suspect was described as non-white,

N.B. woman remains in custody over police chase

By Lisa Joy

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter / News-Optimist

All charges against a North Battleford woman and alleged street gang member have been waived to Big Island Lake Cree Territory Circuit Point.

Tonia Cantel, 22, is facing charges in that court as well as Lloydminster Provincial Court in two separate incidents.

On March 23 all of her matters were sent back to Big Island court. That Circuit Court remains closed due to COVID-19 so her matters will be heard in Meadow Lake Provincial Court on April 13.

Cantel has been in custody since she was arrested in November 2020 and the Crown remains opposed to her release.

Cantel and other suspected gang members allegedly took police on

a 150-kilomtre, two-hour chase. In that incident Cantel was charged with theft of a vehicle, storing a prohibited firearm, four counts of possessing a weapon for a dangerous purpose, two counts of carrying a concealed weapon, possessing a firearm without a license, being in a vehicle with an unauthorized firearm, possessing a prohibited firearm with accessible ammunition without registration, possession of a firearm with an altered serial number, endangering the safety of the public and flight from police.

Cantel also has prior charges out of Big River, including aggravated assault, operation of a vehicle causing bodily harm, robbery, and possession of property obtained by crime.

The charges against Cantel haven’t been proven in court.

wearing all black with a black mask. The suspect was given keys to a 2002 white Buick Century.

Not long after, police recovered the vehicle and arrested Moosomin and Baptiste.

Moosomin was charged with stealing keys with a knife, resisting a peace officer, theft of a vehicle, break and enter, and mischief/

property damage under $5,000.

Moosomin also has charges from December 2019 including carrying a concealed weapon (knife and bear spray).

Baptiste was charged with dangerous driving, failing to stop for police during a pursuit, resisting a peace officer, possession of a vehicle under $5,000 by crime, and failing to

comply with probation conditions.

Baptiste also has charges from January including driving a vehicle on Sweetgrass First Nation while being pursued by police and failing to stop, driving a vehicle in a manner dangerous to the public, possession of a weapon for a purpose dangerous to the public peace,

failing to comply with a probation order not to possess firearms or other weapons, and two counts of failing to appear in court.

The two were to be back in court later this week for bail hearings.

Crown Prosecutor Chris Browne said he was opposed to both of the accused being released.

Break-in spree suspect disappointed

By Lisa Joy

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter / News-Optimist

A Saskatoon man failed in his attempt to get his charges at two different courthouses combined at one location.

Cody Kemick, 37, appeared in Swift Current Provincial Court by phone on March 31 from the correctional centre and asked that court to move his Swift Current charges to Saskatoon Provincial Court where he faces numerous charges.

“I was kind of hoping to get everything put together,” Kemick told the court.

Legal aid lawyer Adrian McBride said he was ad-

vised that Kemick attempted to resolve his charges in Saskatoon without success.

“Crown advised that his counsel spent a considerable amount of time with Kemick and they were not able to resolve the matter,” said McBride.

“These (charges) will stay here,” Judge Karl Bazin told Kemick.

In Swift Current he is charged with break and enter, breaching release conditions, and failing to stop for police. Kemick was released on bail a couple of times but he was re-arrested after allegedly trying to flee from Swift Current police in December 2020.

In Saskatoon Provincial

Court he is facing 10 counts of possession of stolen property, four counts of break and enter to commit theft, theft and mischief, breach of probation and theft under $5,000. He was additionally charged with possession of child porn.

Kemick, and Chantal Dubois, 41, were arrested in May 2020 after Saskatoon Provincial RCMP GIS, along with officers from Saskatoon, Outlook, Rosetown and Humboldt detachments, raided Kemick’s Saskatoon home. Police seized about $35,000 worth of stolen property, including tools, computers, electronic devices, ammunition, cheques, hair salon

products, lottery tickets and clothing. Police say the items were stolen from businesses, residences and vehicles in Saskatoon, Unity, Lucky Lake, Dinsmore, Rosetown, Kerrobert, Aberdeen, Humboldt, Milden, and Conquest.

Dubois had an appearance in Saskatoon Provincial Court on March 31 and her matter was adjourned to April 28.

Kemick is scheduled to appear in Saskatoon Provincial Court and Swift Current Provincial Court on April 8 and May 5 respectively.

The charges against Kemick and Dubois haven’t been proven in court.

Trial set for man accused of violent Unity home invasion

By Lisa Joy

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter / News-Optimist

A trial has been set for a Macklin man sitting in jail for more than a year after three of his scheduled trials were halted or adjourned.

Drayden Clinton, 25, had three trials set in 2020.

Two were adjourned due to the COVID-19 pandemic and another one was adjourned at the request of defence. It is now scheduled to start May 31 in

North Battleford Provincial Court.

Clinton, and Tenielle Heitt, 31, of Unity, were arrested after Unity RCMP raided a home in Macklin.

Clinton is accused of a violent home invasion in Unity where brass knuckles, a baseball bat and machete were used. He is charged with break, enter and theft, possession of property obtained by crime, unlawful confinement, uttering threats, carrying a weapon for a dangerous purpose, assault

with a weapon, use of a prohibited firearm while committing robbery, wearing a mask in the commission of an offence, possession of ammunition while prohibited, possession of brass knuckles, possession of a controlled substance, and commit bank fraud over $5,000.

He is also charged with several residential breakins in Macklin.

Heitt is charged with unlawful confinement, break and enter, possession of property obtained by

crime, and possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose.

The two were arrested after RCMP obtained a search warrant and raided Clinton’s Macklin home Jan. 31, 2020.

Heitt had a court appearance on March 31.

She pleaded not guilty and a trial is set for Oct. 25 in North Battleford Provincial Court.

The charges against Clinton and Heitt haven’t been proven in court.

Suspect vehicle collides with police Submitted On April 6, at approximately 9 a.m., a Battlefords RCMP member was on patrol when they came across a vehicle they suspected

may be stolen.

The member activated the emergency equipment and attempted to pull the vehicle over.

The vehicle turned down a dead end gravel

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road, picked up speed and came back towards the police vehicle. The police vehicle pulled to the side but was still struck.

The vehicle then took off in an unknown direction, the member did not pursue the vehicle.

There was significant damage to the police ve-

hicle but it was still operable. The member was not injured.

The vehicle is described as a 2013 BMW X3, grey in color with Saskatchewan licence plate 058-MBM. The public is encouraged to call the Battlefords RCMP should they encounter this vehicle.

For more court and crime coverage visit our website at www.newsoptimist.ca

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The Battlefords, Thursday, April 8, 2021 - Page 3

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End of an Era

The decorative brick at the top of the old Saskatchewan Hospital smokestack is being preserved, although the rest will be dismantled. Photo by Joel Elias

While the rest of the old Saskatchewan Hospital grounds have been cleared of various buildings and the main building and powerhouse are now coming down, the chapel will remain. Photo by Averil Hall

Provincial budget deficit of $2.6 billion forecast

By John Cairns Staff Reporter

The 2021-22 provincial budget is reporting a deficit of $2.6 billion, with a return to balance not expected until 2026-27.

That is the main news from the budget tabled

by Deputy Premier and Finance Minister Donna Harpauer.

The budget’s focus, she said in an embargoed news conference Tuesday morning, is on protecting the “health and public safety of Saskatchewan people and the province’s economy in the fight against COVID-19,” while making “record investments in health care, education, social services, and the protection of people and property.”

This budget “will protect Saskatchewan people through the pandemic, as more vaccines are delivered and life begins to return to normal,” Harpauer said in speaking to reporters in an embargoed news conference Tuesday.

“This budget will build Saskatchewan by investing in new long-term care facilities, hospitals, schools, highways and vital municipal infrastructure. And as our province and our economy emerges from the pandemic, this budget will grow Saskatchewan through incentives and key

investments, while keeping life affordable for families.”

The government is also not going to be able to keep its campaign pledge to balance the books by 2025.

The province is projecting smaller deficits of $1.7 billion in 2022-23, $1.2 billion in 2023-24, and $770 million in 2024-25, with the return to balance expected in 2026-27.

Revenue is forecast at $14.5 billion in 2021-22, with most revenue categories forecast to increase compared to 2020-21. Expenses of $17.1 billion are projected, which is an increase of $1 billion compared to last year’s budget.

The total public debt, including Crown corporation debt, is projected at $27.8 billion at March 31, 2022, which will be up $4.2 billion.

The province’s GDP is forecast to grow 3.4 per cent in 2021, on the heels of a projected 4.2 per cent contraction in 2020.

Harpauer called the pandemic the largest economic shock to the provincial, Canadian and world economies since the Second World War. Harpauer described the COVID-19 pandemic as “a once in a lifetime challenge that requires a significant response,” she said.

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“As a result, this year’s deficit will be larger and it will take longer to return to balance than we had anticipated. Because we are going to make the investments needed to protect Saskatchewan people through the end of the pandemic and to drive a strong economic recovery as we emerge from the pandemic.”

Harpauer also said now was not the time for spending cuts or large tax increases that would “jeopardize our COVID-19 response” or the strong recovery.

There are only a few tax changes coming in. Those include taxation of vapour products: a Vapour Products Tax at a rate of 20 per cent on the retail price of all vapour liquids, products and devices takes effect Sept. 1, 2021. As well, heat-not-burn tobacco products will be taxed at approximately 75 per cent of the tax rate on tobacco cigarettes, effective June 1, 2021.

As well, an annual road use fee of $150 is being imposed on passenger electric vehicles at the time of registration in Saskatchewan, which will go towards road maintenance and replacement.

While the return to balance will take longer,

Harpauer said the budget otherwise keeps every promise that was made in the 2020 election.

Highlights of what is included in the budget are as follows: The province is making a multi-year commitment coming to $4.8 billion in the fight against COVID-19. It includes $1.5 billion this year, coming on the heels of a $2 billion investment last year. Another $1.3 billion in support has been put in place for the next two years.

The health budget is set at $6.54 billion - up $359 million or 5.8 per cent from last year, and is aimed at strengthening the provincial health care system. It includes a $90 million increase to support Saskatchewan’s COVID response which includes the mass vaccination rollout; purchase of more personal protective equipment; supporting contact tracing measures; expansion of testing and assessment sites; additional provincial lab capacity; support for long-term care; and coverage of added physician costs.

The Saskatchewan Health Authority will get a $3.96 billion grant, up more than $221 million compared to last year. A record $458 million is go-

ing to mental health and addictions programs and services, up $23.4 million from last year. $7.2 million is going to targeted mental health and addictions services including specific youth-focused initiatives, investments in suicide prevention, and expansion of harm reduction and addictions treatment.

Another $6 million is being committed to hiring of approximately 100 continuing care aides to help long-term care clients with personal care, meals and medication. This is the first of a three-year, $18.4 million campaign commitment to hire 300 continuing care aides to work in long-term care and in existing and expanded homecare services in rural and remote areas.

Harpauer said the province is also living up to a $6 million campaign commitment to expand the Autism Spectrum Disorder program to provide individualized funding for children ages six to 11. And the budget includes a $5 million increase to expand eligibility under the Saskatchewan Insulin Pump Program, which will cover the cost of an insulin pump for anyone in Saskatchewan. The funding also covers continuous glucose monitoring for children and youth

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under age 18 which was another campaign promise.

Also committed is a $6.7 million increase to reduce ambulance fees for seniors to $135 per trip, down from $275, which was another election pledge. An additional $1.4 million is going to the addition of a new STARS helicopter to deliver emergency care to rural and remote areas.

Education spending across government is $3.75 billion in the 2021-22 Budget, up more than $391 million or 11.6 per cent.

The 27 school divisions will receive $1.96 billion in operating funding for the 2021-22 school year, for a $19.2 million increase.

This includes a two per cent salary increase in the teachers’ collective bargaining agreement.

There is an increase of $2 million in child care funding, bringing funding up to $75.5 million to create 176 additional licensed home-based spaces and 51 new licensed centre spaces.

A total of $735 million will go to the post-secondary sector in 2021-22 and includes an additional $60 million over the next two years for COVID recovery, revenue generation, and achieving priorities in the Growth Plan.

The budget includes Continued on Page 6

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Share your view!

Phone: 306-445-7261 Fax: 306-445-3223 Email: newsoptimist.news@sasktel.net

Letter

Two justice systems indeed

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 Regional News-Optimist staff.

Dear Editor I agree with the letter writer from March 25 (Time to walk the talk). It seems there is a two-justice system.

But he got it some of it wrong. Even if it was a white man who tried to steal your car, assault your wife, carry a gun onto your property, the same thing could happen.

Colten Boushie would still be living and the farmer still farming if it weren’t for booze. It’s a sad shame that this can happen.

A mother who loses a child can say anything, but what really disappoints me is a chief jumping on the racism issue who had a chance to say, “Stop!” This was booze. The RCMP were doing their job, also looking for the booze stolen from the Cut Knife liquor store the night before.

My friends on the rez say things are bad there because of booze. I asked what can we do? The answer was start with the 10 year olds, before the rez influence. Do things like starting a 4-H program – learn to do by doing. I had a meeting with Saulteaux School teachers who thought it was a good idea. I took 50 pumpkins to Grade 1 and 2, hoping to start a garden club. I was supposed to talk at a band meeting: I was met at the door where my information was taken and they said they would present it, but I never heard from them.

I’ve lost two trucks, two cars, two quads and now two snowmobiles. The RCMP caught four suspects, ages 13 to 17 at 3 a.m. on a December morning. It took six trips to court in a year to get sentences: house arrest for a year; $100 compensation for a $60,000 truck and a $3,000 car. I guess the letter writer was right when he said there are two kinds of justice.

Chief Poundmaker said when the buffalo were gone, they had to learn a new way of life.

Now, no more blaming everyone else, no more nations, no red, black, yellow, white. This is Canada. Let’s all get together and make her great. Let’s walk the walk.

G. Ferguson Cochin

Have you got your jab yet? Choice vs. responsibility

By Jayne Foster

Editor / News-Optimist

T H E B AT T L E F O R D S

If you are eligible and you haven’t arranged to get your vaccination yet, why are you hesitating?

Vaccinating as much of the population as possible is a public health policy. Public health means the health of the public, not just the health of those individuals who take the necessary steps during such a time. Getting vaccinated against a highly transmissible disease is one way an individual can have an effect on the good of the public. It not only protects us, it protects others.

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This is where the notion of personal responsibility enters the discussion If, by getting vaccinated, we prevent someone else from catching COVID-19 (from ourselves, because we can pass it on even if we don’t show signs of sickness), we have possibly saved a life. At the least, we have removed ourselves as a danger to anyone else. That’s the personal responsibility aspect of taking part in public health policy.

Unfortunately, there are large numbers of people who see getting the vaccination or not as a personal choice – a matter of freedom some say.

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We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada. Nous reconnaissons l’appui financier du gouvernement du Canada.

Due in large part to narratives floating out of the United States, the idea of personal freedom seems to have superseded the ideal of personal responsibility.

There seems to be no shortage of folks ready to comment on our Facebook page about the New World Order, sheeple, implanted micro-chips and gene manipulation when we post links to stories about the vaccines that are now available and that are our first and best hope to control, if not end, this pandemic we’ve been fighting for more than a year.

If one person’s freedom means not doing the personally responsible thing, that one person’t freedom may be infringing on another’s ability to benefit from acts undertaken for the common good.

If you are getting or have already received your vaccination because you fear for your health, and for that reason only, we’ll take it. At least you’re part of the solution.

But if you are not getting vaccinated because you fear for your freedom, are you choosing – out of stubborness, spite, politics or conspiracy theory – to forgo any responsibility to the people around you?

Gordon Brewerton Senior Group Publisher

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CFL-XFL merger talk is no joke

T H E B AT T L E F O R D S

Hopefully by now you have seen all the stories about an “alignment” or collaboration between the Canadian Football League and the XFL, led by former WWE star Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.

There is a lot of talk out there that the two leagues could end up merging.

Big changes could be coming, with possibly American rules and American-sized 100-yard fields. We could see the Saskatchewan Roughriders take on the St. Louis BattleHawks or Seattle Dragons in no time flat.

Right now there is a ton of speculation about what these two leagues are cooking up.

The consensus opinion is that both sides are considerably down the road in their “talks.” Folks, this is no joke, you folks here in Saskatchewan need to wrap your heads around the possibility that the ‘Riders could end up an XFL team — or at least playing in the same league as them.

Anyone who thinks that this is “talking about talking” need to disabuse themselves of that notion right now. I say that because I know my football history, and history is repeating itself.

Back in 1966 the National Football League and the American Football League officially struck a merger deal to form one single NFL. I read all the accounts about how Kansas City Chiefs owner Lamar Hunt and Dallas Cowboys boss Tex Schramm were meeting at the Dallas airport, cooking up an accommodation.

The reason the AFL and NFL did a deal was because the two leagues were killing each other.

It was the established, stodgy NFL versus the brash, innovative upstart league the AFL. They were raiding each other’s players, and driving costs through the roof in the process.

Sound familiar?

History is repeating itself, as the established and stodgy Canadian Football League finds itself having

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ohn Cairns

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to fight for the same pool of players with the innovative and upstart XFL. No wonder both leagues are thinking of an accommodation.

No doubt, a lot of you must be reacting by asking the question “why does the CFL have to do this?!”

No doubt, this is the $64,000 Question that all the CFL franchises will have to answer to its long-time fans. There is a large contingent of CFL fans who clearly are very worried about throwing away all the traditions of the Canadian game.

The reality is that the CFL is a mess. They didn’t play any games in 2020, when the other major leagues pretty much all managed to get off the ground in some manner. The result was a loss estimated at $60-$80 million and a humiliating rejection of a bailout request made to the federal government.

Their demographics are awful. The CFL has a rapidly-aging fan base and are losing ground in the fight to get younger and more diverse audiences.

The biggest issue is in the three biggest cities: Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver. The CFL clubs there are getting killed by the competition from the other sports in those markets.

Too many folks in those places seem to regard the CFL as anachronistic and bush-league, and that’s assuming they care about the league at all.

The CFL is losing ground fast in media coverage. Just watch any of the sports shows on TSN and Sportsnet and see how much coverage they give to the CFL. It ain’t much.

Instead, it’s all NHL coverage with a bit of Blue

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Jays and Raptors thrown in, and the football coverage you’re most likely to see is the NFL. The reality is that the CFL and its member clubs need to figure out fast how to turn perceptions around and grow their business.

The good news is there are lots of opportunities coming down the pike that the clubs can take advantage of. The bad news is that the CFL may not be in the best position to take advantage of them alone.

Hence, the XFL comes into the picture.

(1) Sports betting.

Several US states have already legalized single game sports betting, and Saskatoon MP Kevin Waugh has a bill before Parliament that will likely legalize it in Canada, too.

This is a huge growth opportunity, and partnering up with the XFL in pursuing sports betting opportunities might open up the entire North American market.

(2) Video games.

Everyone complains about how the CFL needs to have an EA Sports licensed video game to hook kids on the sport. By partnering with the XFL, you could have a bigger league that could tap into that market.

(3j esports. Other sports from the NBA to NASCAR have competitive esports games going.

This is another chance to license your game, and hooking up with the XFL could tap into that American market.

(4) TV. Right now the CFL is stuck with a $50 million a year TV deal with TSN. If you merge with the XFL, not only do the CFL clubs finally tap into the American market, but the end result would be a league with possibly twice as many games a week on TV as the CFL has now, and more networks to show them.

Imagine if Cody Fajardo and the Saskatchewan Roughriders are taking on Mark Trestman and the Tampa Bay Vipers — on FOX. How cool is that?

(5) Expansion. The fees from expansion to new markets will be a big help, but so far the CFL has gotten nowhere with that plan. Folks, how long has the CFL been talking about going to a 10th team in Halifax? Several years now?

Unfortunately, the league is mired in nine

Canadian markets with no growth potential beyond it within Canada. If you team up with the XFL and create a North American league, you can expand to new football-obsessed markets in the USA, including ones left behind by the NFL. You might even put a team in Mexico. And that all means money for the owners.

(6) In short, all of what I’ve described above should help when it comes to merchandising and selling licensed apparel.

A collaboration could address a lot of holes for both brands. By joining with the XFL, CFL clubs access a younger, hipper fan base. In turn, by hooking up with the CFL, the XFL taps into a long football tradition and gains the one thing it has lacked, and that’s credibility.

All that explains why the CFL and XFL are talking about talking, or whatever it is they are doing.

Besides, we know what happened when the AFL and NFL merged. All the owners and players got stinking rich. It was a big win for everyone involved, including the fans.

For that reason alone, I am at least open-minded about the whole CFL-XFL thing — up to a point.

The difference is that in 1966, the NFL and AFL were both on their way up. In 2021, the CFL and XFL are heading the other way — down. In fact, both leagues shut down in 2020 due to the pandemic.

A CFL-XFL merger sounds almost too good to be true. You know what? It probably is.

A lot of us old-timers remember when the CFL had their American-expansion era of the mid90s. That expansion was done for largely the same reasons I just talked about — mainly so the CFL could take in money from expanding to all these US cities. It kept the league afloat, but that was the only thing good about it.

It was about as total a flop as you can get in sports, with lots of empty seats in places like Birmingham or Las Vegas. Who can forget that guy in Vegas with his “rendition” of the Canadian anthem?

And yet the CFL is thinking of repeating history by teaming up with the XFL! It reeks of desperation — in this case, the CFL being desperate for RedBird Capital’s cash.

Again, it comes back to the old phrase “history repeating itself”.

As for the XFL, their brand has long had a reputation among football fans as a joke. This is known as the Vince McMahon league, where guys on the field wore “He Hate Me” jerseys and where the production values treated football like WWE wrestling contests. I know it’s improved since those days,

but is this really a step up for the CFL? And what happens to the traditions of the CFL — such as the rules? And the Grey Cup? If they do form a new league, they need to find a way to keep the Grey Cup as the championship trophy. That’s a big line in the sand for me there. I’m open to all kinds of changes, but if that tradition gets thrown away I will never be on board with it.

What’s scary about any CFL-XFL collaboration is that we could end up with not the best of what both leagues have to offer, but the worst, with the end result being the end of Canadian rules and Canadian players.

I can see lots of diehard ‘Riders fans walking away and cancelling their season tickets if that happens, which then begs the question — what then is the future for the ‘Riders?

In the end my reaction, and of a lot of die-hard CFL fans, can be summed up by the popular motto of one of those U.S. states that the XFL has a team in. “Show me.”

In unison, again, folks: “Why does the CFL have to do this?!”

Randy Weekes

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Page 6 - The Battlefords, Thursday, April 8, 2021

Regional News-Optimist

w w w. n ew s o p t i m i s t . c a

Hospital foundation monthly lottery is sold out Submitted

Monthly Lottery is sold out.

The total of 1,300 tickets were sold at $110 each.

The Battlefords Union Hospital Foundation

Enhancements were $10 each, max of 10,000 enhancements were available.

Draws will begin with

the Early Bird prize of $1,000 on Friday, April 16, followed by the Previous Purchaser prize of $1,000 on Friday, April 23, for those who have purchased within the last three years.

The 50/50 Enhancement draw will take place Friday, April 23. The take-home is currently at $13,140 and growing as sales are finalized the sales, the highest ever.

The regular monthly draws will begin on Friday, April 30.

Proceeds from the 2021 / 2022 Monthly Lottery will purchase the newest diagnostic imaging technology for infants and children at BUH. It is the Carestream DRX, a 24cm x 30cm digital detector plate, the optimum size for posi-

tioning pediatric patients and is compatible with bassinets and cribs of all sizes.

During the x-ray, the plate is inserted into the isolette tray in bassinet or crib, under the infant, ensuring no unnecessary movement of the child. The advanced medical technology of this digital plate, and its enhanced resolution, captures in fine detail the smaller anatomical structures of our youngest and most vulnerable of patients, keeping them safe, secure and comfortable in critical diagnostic times.

BUHF is also taking donations to purchase a pediatric crib/stretcher for the OR. Every year, the Operating Room at BUH sees almost 400 pediatric admissions for a variety of surgical procedures,

including tonsil and adenoidectomies, ear and dental surgeries. Your support will help to purchase two new pediatric cribs/stretchers to safely transport these young patients to and from the OR. The new cribs/stretchers offer 360 degrees of safety while maintaining complete four side access to the child throughout pre and post-operative care and during the actual surgical procedure.

The less disturbance and movement means reduced stress and anxiety for our most vulnerable young patients.

The current stretchers are over 10 years old, and need to be replaced with the new technology and safety features available. The total commitment is $19,037.

Provincial budget deficit of $2.6 billion forecast Continued from Page 3 $678.5 million for postsecondary institutions, up 4.4 per cent compared to the previous year, as well as $39.8 million for student supports, a 10 per cent increase. This includes an increase in the Saskatchewan Advantage Scholarship

from $500 to $750 annually per student to help with tuition costs, fulfilling another campaign pledge.

The social services budget is $1.56 billion, up more than $66 million to last year.

Benefits to seniors go up, fulfilling another elec-

tion promise, with $3.5 million in additional funding for the Seniors Income Plan, with maximum payments increasing by $30 a month effective July 1.

Also fulfilling a campaign pledge is $246,000 to enhance communication services provided by the

Canadian National Institute for the Blind and Saskatchewan Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services. $6.7 million is going to community based organizations including $4.2 million increase for people working with those with intellectual disabilities.

For protective services, over $845 million has been allocated for an increase of $38.6 million. This includes $92.4 million for the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency.

On the justice side, nearly $4.3 million in funding goes to pandemicrelated measures in SasYour curiosity fuels our commitment to keep you katchewan’s courts and informed on local news, events and businesses. correctional facilities. This Together, we make a community that’s connected includes personal protecevery minute at newsoptimist.ca tive equipment, cleaning and every Thursday in your services and other measures.

The Battlefords Regional NEWS-OPTIMIST 00 46-43 Included in the budget 306-4 s d is a strong capital plan to r o E CAN ! ef WELP U 07YOthe stimulate economy.

H ttl 7 a m 6 .co B l 5- gsaid eHarpauer $3.1 billion giona Th 44 lumbin e R s 6 planned d in capital spendp r k 0 o 3 w.lu attlef B ing has been included in ww e h T dyay a the dbudget, including $162 Trhsudrs ry u e 908 h v 1 T e e s sinc lisheevery ttleford | Puhbed care capithe Ba Publis million in health O Fr leford Serving fE o h Ba|tt TA G G S rt o A Nn 8 N Vg 1 Di IN e,t,20 s tal.

This includes $7.6 milA V e E tr A e 5 S K S 1 A d T 4ther AT 2-1 ve0mb e long89o eAKYwlion AC G R Efor the La c i BLN Ronge f 6s1da|y, N 2 f 7 r • u o 5 4 Th t facility t time FRVID 306|•4 oscare T the firs term and $3.6 at.c|a ok for E EN dp t.cis l ism new lo selves. ys, o ti tiom p p em so sa ly o th s al s r fo w d w e.ne er real D .n st msheian aupcoming million for Fo er w e w G be R w yn to www

By Ja affd ing to ste er FO “It’s goace forethr plns f for the incea TLE facility Grenfell. ’s tytwell.” neew licigh design eford tniror d w k asre di l beth cuterigy he new in Battln ty, il BAT T ” w ng e sera an ceerla st T egar dict fi Rhe onnalbudget e driv d by C cthes h stuof in the h an t addu tiio itpl po dre w nalize Also rao- in fi ’s an m rth th ed nt e S ty o g e at en co ci im w th l . gr .. hasaBbePoaterst ansadidlo, incaatsne’tBuiheldarerds crisBatbeeringsainidfiterethinalegarimmplsyemstement-.. is ce is icher feren ge ad ha million nga ht L tingl be for anUrgent di e dif da he$5.7 anys 00,000 R 1 shet, raig areis stildsth. ere is no ch $ r St re th toen covemnm led as ex e m h add says ngw se n as Bat “W sh wtorakine Staff edeaner instal poin dbeen ndd bega is ou laei ve ersh get it anly ha mmanthe. and G thm ed sat- ab ee to Care Centres in Regina co Su le ar B r. k P op pe s, m ce w fi RCM t nu d ap heyn2014 l s pe ry know war asanhu month been of ta ds rl y en w or he kl fe m ou ef wila Sut quic docu BJeatsstle- tl riof r in Ja ildi s ceab ngwon For a CMP has 5 ou fi W nd m rs bu g office R in$1.4 the ndrae cu million t co therlae saom owne thse for ree.centSaskatoon, ys it’ asibl sa 16, Su tlefords a permanen imge ind Cas id th d po e crin t wshard fr e titimon Bui t ld In st20pe ou anater saexlm pA n,hibu sossmocia the antd B -oders without officer. nA er sp. ab fi citeed re ke , bu zi ea In e ta L ro ds d as ar ng an an C w or re ly pl di Weyburn plandry to . . hen Hospital eita man atchew ka- efGer ce transfer skab the a Po argn wsigns pr desi Saob Postlisp cummshene ne anefad ect to , RCMP rland to Sas or do s of Chi hi isw yemeill de r th th re in fo t y C ay ng r he ou sa st Cana- of gn to pa ildi abrlie T Sut rding to M oxi- ea dewas neand ning, $1.4 million the bu desi w t’s offor rlanth co 8 pr he E V E NJotohn th.e Sut“I says character of st a matter on, ac R 5,, 20in1 ap t.” of le ioyus robuildings,” asevan not ju r and paint.

EMBEBater ugus so it’son teprogram Post - DECRyan y “July or A nding is pr al as ongoing work 5 re 1 pl da a g e R co E ta eid. matel re was VEMB unders gdoinu t it to be thlyat a Post ermsh

We’re HERE because YOU’RE here.

and design plans for Prince Albert Victoria Hospital.

Roads and highways are seeing an operating and maintenance investment of $830 million, up $115 million, or 16 per cent.

Projects include passing lane projects on Highways 2, 3, 12, 14 and 16, and three sets of passing lanes on Highway 7 - Kindersley to the Saskatchewan-Alberta border.

Nearly $190 million is going to education capital, up $22.3 million, and includes nearly $102 million to support 21 ongoing projects to build 16 new schools and renovate five more. $24.3 million is provided in 2021-22 for major renovations to a number of high schools, including John Paul II Collegiate in North Battleford. $65.4 million is going to elementary school projects one of which is the new K-12 school to replace Blaine Lake Composite School.

Over $324 million is going to government services infrastructure, including $52 million for construction of the remand centre at Saskatoon Correctional Centre.

The budget includes $70.1 million for maintenance and upgrades to dams and canals, and $18.9 million for phase one of the $4 billion Lake Diefen-

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baker Irrigation Expansion Project. $39 million has been allocated in the budget towards workforce development.

The 2021-22 Budget also includes nearly $245 million for municipal infrastructure. Crown corporations are to spend $1.6 billion on major capital projects this year, including nearly $938 million by SaskPower to improve the electricity system.

The government says it is living up to its election commitment to provide all SaskPower customers with a 10 percent rebate on power bills, with nearly $175 million going towards that pledge.

Rebates are also coming in May on vehicle registrations from the Auto Fund, at about $285 per vehicle.

With these combined rebates, Harpauer said Saskatchewan people this year will pay the lowest total utility rates in Canada.

More than $16.5 million is allocated to capital improvements at provincial parks, and that includes new campground service centres for the Battlefords Provincial Park.

The budget also includes the reinstatement of the Community Rink Affordability Grant, providing $2,500 per ice surface — again a campaign commitment.

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Regional News-Optimist

The Battlefords, Thursday, April 8, 2021 - Page 7

w w w. n ew s o p t i m i s t . c a

Cleaning Up Downtown North Battleford People aren’t waiting until Earth Day to get started cleaning up North Battleford. The North Battleford downtown BID put up this photo on Facebook of some random individuals who were out and about last week, cleaning up in the downtown. The picture was snapped by one of the BID’s own directors.

According to the BID’s Misty Lavertu they were just giving a shoutout to people who were helping keep the community clean, in he hopes of encouraging others to do the same.

As for the BID, they have partnered with the city to do a city-wide Community Cleanup on April 22 between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m., and people are being encouraged to participate. To sign up, contact the city’s department of Parks and Recreation at 307445-1743. The city will provide garbage bags and let people know of location options and where bags could be dropped off.

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Battlefords Union Hospital Foundation once again partnered with SaskEnergy’s “Share the Warmth” initiative and collected numerous homemade blankets, individually wrapped around toys and baby care items from “Gospel Tract and Bible Society” that were donated, to be given to Battlefords Interval House. “We are most excited to receive these items as many of our clients and their children, fleeing domestic violence, often arrive here having no support items with them. This is most thoughtful and we thank SaskEnergy’s “Share the Warmth” initiative for once again partnering with BUH Foundation and assisting us during the coldest months of the year,” noted Debbie Kovalsky, Battlefords Interval House Executive Director. Pictured from L to R: Jerry Wintonyk, BUH Foundation Board Director, Theresa Howry and Sheryl Ludwig of Battlefords Interval House. Photo submitted

By John Cairns Staff Reporter

The Battle River Settlement Association has been dissolved as of March 23, 2021, and it was up to town council Monday to decide what to do with the association’s remaining funds.

The town intends to

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Take a look at this four seasons home/cabin located at KoppsKove Turtle Lake. Enjoy the lake view at about 300 feet from the living room and front deck area. The living room offers a great view and a natural gas fireplace. The large open kitchen and dining area hosts an island with pull out drawers, lots of cupboard and counter top space, and a large walk in pantry. The master bedroom has a large walk in closet. The second level is about 14x32 with many windows and could be used as two separate sleeping areas or a large family room. In the backyard you will enjoy the large deck with gazebo, storage sheds, a fire pit area, and a coverall garage for vehicle storage. The property provides a large parking area and is about two lots away from the lake. KoppsKove is a quiet lake community and has many beaches nearby. Call today for more info.

SHANE MURDOCH

$315,000

MLS®SK846650

213 2nd Avenue, Medstead

988

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Welcome to 213-2 Ave in Medstead, situated on a double lot measuring 96X130 this 3BD, 1BA home has had many upgrades and is move in ready. Open floor plan with lots of natural light, new linoleum and laminate throughout, main floor windows were replaced in 2011, and the kitchen window replaced in 2017. Shingles were replaced in 2010, furnace was replaced in 2017. The outdoor space features a south facing covered deck, mature trees, garden area, and new fence in 2017. Single detached insulated garage with a new garage door in 2017. This is an affordable home in a safe and quiet community, move in ready and quick possession is available. Comes with all appliances. Call today for more information.

SHAWNA SCHIRA-KROEKER

MLS®SK846962

1862 99th Street, North Battleford

$94,500 971 sq. ft.

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Here is a very well cared for bungalow on the West Side. This home has a total of 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. On the main floor it has a large kitchen with abundance of oak cabinets and a good sized living room with a bay window. The basement is completely finished with an extra large rec room/games area. Very nice laundry area with its own sink and counter area. Basement has all been recently up-dated including the 3 piece bath. It has a completely fenced in private back yard. If that is not enough it also has a large 24x26 garage with lots of built in cupboards and counter tops. The garage is fully insulated and has a natural gas heater and 220 wiring. There is also an extra driveway for parking in the front. Take a close look at this one before it is to late.

BRETT PAYNE

LI S

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1,905 sq. ft.

$217,900

MLS®K836242

#27 Lakeshore Drive, Macklin Lake Regional Park

ST

The new advertising and sponsorship policy in Battleford got tweaked on Monday.

Director of Parks and Recreation Jordan Schectel told council that being add-

REALTOR®/Assoc. Broker

1332 105th Street, North Battleford

recommendation and wants to see the funds go to the Community Spirit Group in their entirety. A motion to that effect will come back to town council at a later meeting.

A separate motion to split up the funds among several groups was defeated at Monday’s meeting.

eford council last month.

The policy covers naming rights for parks and facilities in the town, including the arena.

As for decisions on RFPs, Schectel confirmed all decisions on the naming rights valued over $10,000 would come back to council.

Shane Murdoch

REALTOR®

Nicole Lovell

Owner/ REALTOR®

MARLENE KOTCHOREK

JU

Staff Reporter

ed to the policy is a bullet under guidelines, indicating that the policy requires a request for proposals process be done for all naming rights agreements.

Other than that, nothing else is being changed from the policy, which was brought in by Battl-

Dorothy Lehman

Marlene Kotchorek

Luxurious acreage overlooking the Lake! Possible business opportunity here! Call for discretionary uses list. This beautiful executive style home on 10 acres welcomes you, featuring 2 bedrooms, 3 baths, vaulted ceiling with windows galore allowing for perfect views, wrap around deck with glass railing (2,000 square feet), above ground swimming pool (built into the deck allowing for easy removal and deck replacement if desired). The gorgeous kitchen features expresso cabinetry, large island, laundry/pantry area just off the kitchen with extra cupboards and counter space. Living room features large wood burning fireplace, 2 sets of garden doors lead out to the deck and outdoor kitchen/entertaining area. The upper level is host to the master suite, featuring 1,000 square feet of openness. Two very large walk in closets and a gorgeous ensuite bath are strategically placed to allow easy access but privacy. Lower level of this amazing home features heated stained concrete floors, family room, full bath, bedroom, utility room and storage. Walk out to the covered patio with outdoor wood burning fireplace and ample room to entertain here as well. Need an extra bedroom? Easily add one in the lower level. Nestled in the trees is a fire pit area that could host a large crowd. The 3 car heated garage with in- floor heat and 11 foot ceiling is an absolute dream. Additional features: water supply trenched in from Aquadeo, all windows triple pane, bamboo flooring, heating & air conditioning is geo-thermal, sewer system is septic tank and pump out.

Battleford advertising and sponsorship policy tweaked

By John Cairns

Wally Lorenz

Owner / Branch Manager

RM of Meota, Aquadeo Acreage

Battle River Settlement funds to go to spirit group follow a recommendation from the association, which recommended most of the funds should go to the Battleford Community Spirit Group. That is the local group of volunteers involved in promoting community spirit in the town.

The indication is that council agrees with the

Brett Payne

Owner / REALTOR®

3

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10207 Campbell Crescent, North Battleford 1,248 sq. ft.

5

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MLS®SK845758 $218,000

MLS®SK846530 $310,000

NICOLE LOVELL 306-753-7337

DOROTHY LEHMAN 306-441-7782

204 Dion Avenue, Cut Knife

2419C Henderson Drive, North Battleford

1,040 sq. ft.

3

MLS®SK847215 $138,000

NICOLE LOVELL 306-753-7337

2

1,109 sq. ft.

MLS®SK817362

3

3

$349,900

DOROTHY LEHMAN 306-441-7782

Page 8 - The Battlefords, Thursday, April 8, 2021

Regional News-Optimist

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Get Ready For Camping Saskatchewan Provincial Park campers can now browse the new reservation website and create an account in preparation for the 2021 campsite reservation launch, beginning April 12. This new reservation website will open at 7 a.m. each day at http://parks.saskatchewan.ca. Customers who prefer to make a reservation via the call centre will still be able to do so by calling 1-833-775-7275 starting April 12.

Hon. Scott Moe, Premier

Jeremy Cockrill

MLA for Rosthern-Shellbrook scottmoe.mla@sasktel.net 306-747-3422

Ryan Domotor

MLA for The Battlefords office@jeremycockrill.ca 306-445-5195

MLA for Cut Knife-Turtleford domotor.mla@sasktel.net 306-893-2619

20210401_News Optimist Ad_Camping Website.indd 1

4/1/2021 9:28:33 AM

Collaborative fundraiser to support The Lighthouse through 30-minute workout

Friday, April 9, 10-10:30 a.m. is the time set for “Light It Up for The Lighthouse” event, a collaborative fundraiser with The Lighthouse and Liberty Athletics.

A release from organizers encourages the public to “Get up off the couch and join in with community to support The Lighthouse. Your living room is the perfect place to

join the event and participate in a 30-minute workout. It is $20 per registration which could be for one person or for the household. No special equipment or gear is required.”

Earlier this year it was announced the emergency shelter operation of The Lighthouse Serving the Battlefords would have to close for lack of funding, however Metis Nation –

Saskatchewan stepped in to keep the facility doors open for the time being. Now, the organization is seeking long-term financial stability in order to meet their mandate.

The release issued Tuesday stated Liberty Athletics is creating a fundraiser event to honour the work being done at The Lighthouse. Liberty Athletics is a youth sport and recreation

facility in North Battleford.

The gym space is located at 771-109th Street and is offering programming at the gym, and the option of private rentals for family groups or other cohorts, as well as a long list of online opportunities as well as camps and clinics around the province.

To register for the “Light It Up for The Lighthouse” fund-

Boys and Girls Club rebranded with nongender new name

By John Cairns Staff Reporter

A name change is happening for the Boys and Girls Clubs of The Battlefords.

It has changed its name to BGC Battlefords.

The name change was announced last week and the reason cited is a bid to be more inclusive.

In a news release,

the organization states it is changing its name because their clubs “open their doors to all kids and teens and we believe our brand should reflect that.

“Removing gender from our name modernizes the BGC brand and echoes the inclusive practices we’re known for, without straying too far from our history and

raiser, visit the Liberty Athletics website at www.libertyathletics.ca and choose the “Free Programs” option. Follow the prompts from there. Or, call the gym to register 306-9376606.

The event is also found on Facebook.

All proceeds will go directly to The Lighthouse in North Battleford.

Pandemic Doesn’t Stop St. Mary School

brand awareness. It also embraces the fact that we serve young people of all ages, backgrounds, and identities.”

Other than the name change, the organization plans to continue the work they have already been doing in the community.

The organization has been in the Battlefords for 45 years.

Water plant upgrade gets go-ahead at town council

By John Cairns Staff Reporter

An upgrade at the water plant in Battleford got the approval of town council Monday.

Utilities manager Aubrey Whittleton explained the upgrade is to the plant’s computer operating system, known

as SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition system).

The intention is to keep the system current with the newest technology. Whittleton explained the system is becoming obsolete and replacement parts are hard to find, resulting in costly repairs.

It is required to operate

the plant efficiently, he said.

The cost is $167,700 plus taxes; other town capital projects will be deferred to accommodate the funding of the upgrade. There will be no impact on the 2021 budget as a result. Council voted in favour of the project Monday.

Each spring, Saint Mary School hosts their Annual Project Fair week. Due to COVID-19, it was closed to visitors this year but that did not keep students and staff from proceeding and finding creative ways to connect with parents and the public. Normally, students create tri-fold and interactive displays that students, parents, and the public are able to view and experience. This year, students studied careers, nature, health issues, countries around the world, and other topics. Then, they created posters about what they learned to be displayed throughout the school hallways. Each class was able to tour with their learning cohort to view each other’s work. Additionally, a video presentation was created and shared to both Edsby and the school Facebook page for viewing. Students worked very hard to demonstrate their learning so please, if you haven’t already done so, check out the video at https://www.facebook.com/saintmary.lightofchrist/. Photos submitted

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The Battlefords, Thursday, April 8, 2021 - Page 9

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SaskPower: How small reactors fit in the mix

By Brian Zinchuk

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter / Estevan Mercury

When the Saskatchewan government was handed a defeat at the Supreme Court of Canada in its battle against a federal carbon tax, Premier Scott Moe spoke of the implementation of small modular reactors, or SMRs, taking the nuclear power route to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

On March 24, Darcy Holderness, project manager, asset management and planning with SaskPower, spoke to the Saskatchewan Suppliers Energy Update, hosted by the Saskatchewan Industrial and Mining Suppliers Association Inc. (SIMSA).

He spoke about how small modular reactors might fit into the Saskatchewan power mix.

Holderness said, “The major challenge for SaskPower and the province is transitioning from our reliance on fossil fuels, especially for our power system. We need to get away from high-emitting sources and make that transition in the most economically way possible. Federal and provincial regulations are coming into effect and are starting to impact bottom lines on how we operate our grid and our power system.”

Carbon tax impact He noted by 2030 all conventional coal plants will have to be transitioned to carbon capture and storage (CCS) facilities or shut down and retired.

He pointed out the federal carbon tax will eventually reach $170 per tonne of CO2 by 2030.

“It’s all driving towards a net zero emissions grid by 2050 that is our target and that’s where we see the potential for small modular reactors or nuclear power to fit into the picture,” Holderness said.

SaskPower has a goal of cutting greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions 40 per cent from 2005 levels by 2030. Holderness said we’re probably going to be closer to 50 per cent by that time. He said that has been done primarily through the retirement of the conventional coal fleet, as well as ramping up renewables as the price of renewables have come down.

Holderness said SaskPower is a big supporter of the Deep Earth Energy Production (DEEP) geothermal project, which will potentially have an impact on the grid. SaskPower has also been transitioning to a lot of natural gas generation.

Holderness explained that the carbon tax, at $170 per tonne for CO2 equiva-

lent, does put a price on what those emissions are.

At that price level, he noted there could be $12 billion, paid at $170 per tonne, in the cost of the emissions.

He also said the carbon tax will likely not go down, and it could go up.

“Between 2030 and 2050 is really where we see the opportunities for SMRs and striving towards a net zero grid. To get to net zero, we have to be evaluating all the options that are out there, and nuclear power is definitely one of those. SMRs are relatively new technology, and the smaller size of the reactor market would fit into the Saskatchewan market quite well, a market of our size.”

Holderness said SaskPower is looking at renewables with battery storage to a high degree.

He said that building SMRs could have an impact on the gross domestic product for the province, based on building four SMRs between 2034 and 2042.

300 megawatts each Small modular reactors are in the range of 50 to 300 megawatts of electrical power generating capacity, whereas large conventional reactors are 750 to 1,000, or even more, megawatts.

Those larges sizes are just too big for Saskatchewan.

As for “micro” modular reactors, smaller than 50 21043PM0 21044PM0

This is a cutaway of a GE-Hitachi small modular reactor, one of three designs under consideration for Ontario and Saskatchewan. Graphic courtesy SaskPower

megawatts, he said, “We don’t see a huge opportunity there but, but there are some projects being attached to develop this technology in Canada as well.”

“The size of the technologies we’re evaluating is right around the 300-megawatt mark, which is similar to what our larger-sized coal facilities are right now,” he said.

Holderness alluded to the possibility of nuclear facilities replacing some of the coal-fired power generation at Estevan and Coronach, saying, “This could help offset some of the economic losses in the province, as we retire our conventional coal fleet. So CCS is still on the table and it’s something we’re

looking at. Those facilities, the conventional coal, has been retired by 2030, and that impact on the mining operation near those facilities in southeast and south central Saskatchewan is going to be realized by the province, and so maybe this is an opportunity to help offset some of that loss.”

He said it would also reduce reliance on natural gas, which has “the obvious risk of the carbon penalty.”

While natural gas is “very cheap today,” there is added risk of cost, especially with regards to the carbon price.

“We don’t view SMRs or nuclear power as competing with renewables at

all, at least right now,” he said.

SMRs, compared to conventional nuclear power plants, are much more flexible when it comes to dispatching power.

“We’re really looking to explore and evaluate all low-emitting options for 2030 and beyond.”

SaskPower has been looking at how SMRs could fit into its system for the last decade. Saskatchewan has an interprovincial agreement with Ontario and New Brunswick, and Alberta is looking to sign onto that agreement, he noted.

Saskatchewan won’t be first While Saskatchewan is Continued on Page 20

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Page 10 - The Battlefords, Thursday, April 8, 2021

Regional News-Optimist

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4 tips to ease anxiety about going to the dentist Do you experience stress, fear or panic at the thought of going to the dentist? If so, you may be one of the many people who have dental anxiety. Here are a few tips to help you ma­ nage these feelings.

1. Find a dentist who makes you feel comfortable and explains dental treat­ ments in a way that’s cal­ ming and easy to under­ stand.

2. Talk to your dentist and hygienist about your an­

xiety so they can offer reassurance and adjust their approach to help you feel more at ease.

3.

Bring headphones so you can listen to music during your appoint­ ment. This will help dis­ tract you and block out some of the noises.

4.

Try relaxation tech­ niques such as deep breathing and visualiza­ tion to reduce stress be­ fore and during your appointment. If your

phobia is severe, a men­ tal health professional can provide persona­ lized advice.

While going to the dentist can be daunting, it’s im­ portant not to let your oral health suffer because of your dental anxiety. Keep in mind that the longer you put off an appointment, the greater the risk that you’ll develop issues requiring extensive treatment.

How to prevent tooth decay Many people suffer from tooth decay at some point in their life. If you want to reduce your risk of developing a cavity, follow this

simple advice.

CLEAN YOUR TEETH PROPERLY It’s no secret that brushing

your teeth twice a day and flossing at least once is the best way to prevent cavities. However, to ensure your cleaning routine is effective, you need to brush your teeth for at least two minutes. You should also avoid rinsing your mouth afterward, as this washes away the protective fluoride left by the toothpaste.

Additionally, rather than brush your teeth immediately after a meal, it’s best to wait about 30 minutes. This delay ensures your saliva washes away the residue of acidic foods, which can weaken tooth enamel and make it more susceptible to damage from brushing.

If you don’t have a chance

to brush your teeth after eating, chew some sugar-free gum. This will stimulate the production of saliva, thereby helping to clean your teeth.

BE CAREFUL ABOUT WHAT YOU EAT Food and drinks that are high in sugar or acids should be consumed in moderation, as they wear out the protective layer of enamel on your teeth. If you

want to indulge, it’s better to do so during a meal rather than while snacking because there will be more saliva in your mouth to wash away the sugar and acid. You should also drink plenty of water.

LOOK FOR WARNING SIGNS Examine your teeth on a regular basis for signs of decay. If you notice any black or brown holes or

stains, seek treatment before things get worse. You should also schedule a consultation with your dentist if you experience persistent toothaches or sensitivity.

Finally, be sure to book a dental cleaning and exam at least once a year. This will allow your dentist to remove tartar and check to make sure your teeth are healthy.

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Regional News-Optimist

The Battlefords, Thursday, April 8, 2021 - Page 11

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3 reasons to have your teeth whitened by a professional Do you want to whiten your teeth? While some over-the-counter products provide adequate results, you’ll likely be more satisfied with a professional treatment administered by a dentist. Here’s why.

1. EVEN RESULTS Opting for a professional treatment will ensure you get a uniformly white smile without any visible spots or patches. This is because your dentist will start by thoroughly cleaning your teeth to ensure the whitening product goes on evenly.

In addition, the trays used by your dentist to administer the gel-based treatment are customized to fit your smile. Plus, a trained pro-

fessional can use UV or blue lights to enhance the effects of the whitening product.

2. SAFER PROCESS The risks for enamel damage, gum inflammation and teeth sensitivity are higher if you opt for an over-the-counter whitening product. While it might not cost as much, you could end up paying the price for using it.

At a dental clinic, your whitening treatment will be closely supervised by a professional. In addition to confirming that you’re a good candidate for whitening, your dentist will make sure to use the right amount of gel and guarantee that the treatment is

applied for the proper duration.

3. LONGER LASTING Since the teeth whitening treatment you receive at a dental clinic is administered by a professional, the products are stronger and deliver longer-lasting results. Plus, you can return for touch-up treatments in the months that follow as needed. For best results, you should avoid things that are likely to stain the enamel on your teeth such as coffee, tobacco and red wine.

It’s impossible to beat the quality of a professional teeth whitening treatment.

If you want a radiant smile, schedule an appointment at a local dental clinic.

The benefits of a root canal for treating an abscessed tooth

If the soft tissue inside one of your teeth has become infected due to tooth decay, your dentist will likely recommend that you undergo a root canal treatment.

Since the alternative is to have the affected tooth re-

moved, there are several advantages to opting for this procedure.

A root canal treatment involves removing the infected dental pulp from the root of the tooth, then cleaning out the root canals and

sealing them. As a result, you get to keep your natural tooth. Additionally, the procedure will leave the tooth root intact, thereby helping to prevent bone loss in your jaw.

Unless a tooth is damaged

4 vitamins that can improve your oral health The nutrients you consume can impact your oral health. To protect your teeth and mouth, incorporate foods into your diet that contain one or more of the following essential vitamins.

1. VITAMIN A Found in oily fish and vegetables such as carrots and sweet potatoes, this nutrient helps the mucous membranes in your mouth heal quickly. It also helps prevent dry mouth, which is a common cause of bad breath.

2. VITAMIN C Known for its many virtues, this antioxidant is essential to keeping your gums healthy. In fact, not getting enough vitamin C can increase your risk of periodontal disease. Brussels sprouts, oranges, strawberries and peppers are all good sources of this nutrient, which helps reduce inflammation in the gums, among other things.

3. VITAMIN D This nutrient helps your body absorb more calcium, which plays a crucial role in

strengthening your teeth and jawbone.

Although your skin naturally produces vitamin D when exposed to sunlight, you can also add it to your diet by eating oily fish, eggs and fortified dairy or soy products.

4. VITAMIN E Nuts, asparagus and sunflower oil are all good sources of this antioxidant, which helps protect your mouth against harmful bacteria. This means it can considerably reduce your risk of developing gum disease. Plus, it can prevent early-stage oral cancers.

In addition to eating a balanced diet, you should also brush your teeth twice a day, floss daily and visit your dentist at least once a year to maintain your oral health.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT Keep in mind that while citrus fruits are high in vitamin C, which is crucial to gum health, they’re also acidic. Since acids wear away the protective enamel on your teeth, it’s best to eat these fruits in moderation.

beyond repair, this dental procedure tends to be the preferred option. In addition, if the affected tooth can be saved with a root canal treatment, you’ll avoid needing to replace it with a dental implant.

By removing dental pulp from an abscessed tooth, a root canal will rid you of the severe pain associated with infection. After the procedure, you’ll be able to eat and talk normally again.

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Page 12 - The Battlefords, Thursday, April 8, 2021

Regional News-Optimist

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Attendance way down at city rec facilities

By John Cairns Staff Reporter

The latest report from North Battleford’s Parks and Recreation department confirms what everyone already knows by now: attendance at leisure services facilities is way down from last year.

Year to year numbers from February were provided at a recent meeting of city council, comparing this year’s numbers to February 2020, which was the last month before pandemic restrictions came in: Aquatic centre 3,240, down from 10,763 pre-pandemic; the Field House 2,578, down from

8,521; arenas 3,595, down from 11,439; galleries 217, down from 508; and Don Ross Centre 525, down from 1,899.

What was remarkable was that the numbers were down pretty much identically across all facilities.

“Numbers are about a third of what they were the previ-

ous year before COVID-19 in almost every one of our facilities,” said City Manager Randy Patrick.

Director of Parks and Recreation Cheryl DeNeire said the numbers are running slightly ahead of what they had budgeted for. They had predicted 25 per cent.

On a related note regarding recreation facilities, there was some good news to report.

Councillor Kelli Hawtin reported that SaskLotteries community funding came through to allow the purchase of adult fitness equipment for the city. This was an item that had been discussed during budget deliberations.

SaskTel says new towers should cover gaps

By Spencer Kemp

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter / The WorldSpectator

SaskTel says new cell towers should help solve the problem of cell coverage gaps in certain areas of the province, including gaps along the borders. SaskTel has long had a problem in border areas. Because it is licenced by the Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission to provide service in Saskatchewan only, the Crown Corporation says its signals cannot reach outside the province, leaving border areas with spotty coverage.

SaskTel announced last week that it has launched a total of 28 new macro cell towers to help provide 4G LTE coverage across Saskatchewan, including one in Fairlight where concerns about border coverage have

been noted.

While residents near the Manitoba border have expressed concern about the lack of coverage, Greg Jacobs, External Communications Manager with SaskTel, says the new towers should help fill in any gaps in coverage.

He notes that the macro tower in Fairlight will help bridge one of those gaps.

“It certainly will help specifically related to the area immediately around Fairlight. If we were to look at our wireless coverage map there is a bit of a gap in coverage from around Wawota on Highway 48 until you get to Fairlight. So this new tower will really help to strengthen coverage in that area,” Jacobs said.

He explains that ideally, the 4G tower in Fairlight will provide service in a 15 to 20 kilometre radius which Jacobs notes should

provide coverage to the Manitoba border.

“Coverage really depends on a number of factors. The topographical make of the area is important and things like that.

Generally speaking a macro tower like the one we’re setting up or ones that went into service like in Fairlight would have a serving radius of around 15 to 20 kilometers, depending on certain factors.”

Jacobs says that these towers are being established as part of the Wireless Saskatchewan Initiative, an initiative established in September of 2020 that SaskTel has invested $70 million into alongside the Saskatchewan government.

He notes that they are nearing the end of the program.

“The towers that we announced are part of a larger program called the Wire-

less Saskatchewan Initiative, which really is a joint initiative between SaskTel and the Government of Saskatchewan to really improve wireless connectivity throughout the province.

Through that, we’ve identified gaps in our network throughout the province and to date have installed around 150 towers in rural areas to close those gaps.

“We’re in the final stage of that program and we have about 20 more towers we are planning to put into service by early summer.”

In the current stage of the program, once the remaining 20 towers are established the program will be completed.

“As part of the Wireless Saskatchewan Initiative we are in that final stage and those last 20 towers will be the end of that program as it’s currently formulated.”

But even when the program is finished, Jacobs

SaskTel says new cell towers across the province will help fill in coverage gaps, including in border areas.

Spencer Kemp, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

says that SaskTel will continue to make efforts to improve service across Saskatchewan.

“We’re always evaluating opportunities to improve the services we offer to our customers so as Wireless Saskatchewan comes to an end, it doesn’t mean that we are going to brush our hands off and say our jobs done and we no longer have to continue this anymore. We will con-

tinue to evaluate opportunities for us to expand the network. So really what the Wireless Saskatchewan Initiative did was help us plug up larger gaps in our network so that we have really strong coverage across the province.

“Moving forward, I can’t say exactly where new towers might go but we will look to close any other gaps that might remain.”

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The Battlefords, Thursday, April 8, 2021 - Page 13

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Battleford.

Mom has three daughters Awesome work!

Mom has grandchildren: three daughters and and seven * Check out Book Launch Party daughter, Laurel (Don daughter, seven grandchildren: on Youtube: Sure as the River Davis), and grandchildren, Chelsey and Matthew; Laurel (Don daughter, Davis), and Charlotte Sloan Cheryl Daamen, and grandchildren, Stephen and Michael; and Daamen, grandchildren, Chelsey and Matthew; daughter, Cheryl Marina Swidrowich andand grandchildren, and daughter, grandchildren, Stephen (Jim and Saulter), Michael; daughter, Marina Kayla (James), and Michel. is also survivedKayla by her (James), Swidrowich (JimKyrissa, Saulter), and She grandchildren, sister, Marlene Leece of Battleford, and numerous nieces and Kyrissa, and Michel. She is also survived by her sister, MarleneHORSES & TACK nephews.

Leece of Battleford, and numerous nieces and nephews. Will buy all classes of horses. 306Forever in Our Hearts.

329-4382 or 306-222-5540. in Our A celebration of lifeForever for our Mom will Hearts. be at a later date.

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.

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

BIRTHDAYS

This lovely lady celebrates her

In Memory Of

Raymond Sharp

90th Birthday April 16th.

Sending

Elaine Milman

Battleford shop, steel framed, 75’x50’ - fenced 1.4 acres, two 14’ electric drive thru doors, hoist and compressor incl. Offices, two bathrooms, shower. Excellent repair welding and truck shop. Reduced $329,000. 306-446-4462 or 306441-5552

HEALTH SERVICES

HIP/KNEE Replacement?

Other medical conditions causing TROUBLE WALKING or DRESSING? The Disability Tax Credit allows for $2,500 yearly tax credit and up to $50,000 Lump sum refund.

NO FEES OR COMMISISONS Saskatchewan born and raised, I know land, farming and farmland and can help you every step of the way.

To book Classified Advertising call

306-445-7261

Expert Help:

1-844-453-5372

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Nick Dmytryshyn (formerly of Glaslyn) battlefords Celebrates 100 Years on April 8, 2021

humane society

Hi everyone, I’m Felix!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to aBIRTHDAY wonderful HAPPY to a Husband, wonderful Husband, Father & Gido!

Father & Gido!

FUNERAL SERVICES

I am currenlty PURCHASING single to large blocks of land.

Doug Rue, for further information 306-716-2671 saskfarms@shaw.ca www.sellyourfarm land.com

Apply NOW; quickest refund Nationwide!

Providing assistance during Covid.

best wishes and love from her family

Nick Dmytryshyn (formerly of Glaslyn) Celebrates 100 Years on April 8, 2021

LAND FOR SALE

FARMLAND WANTED

LIVESTOCK Black and Red Angus Yearling and 2 yr. old Bulls on moderate growing Ration. Performance Info available. - Adrian or Brian and Elaine Edwards Valleyhills Angus Glaslyn, SK. Phone: (306)4410946 or (306)342-4407

A celebration of life for our Mom will be at a later date.

IN MEMORIAM

FOR SALE - MISC

NOTICES / NOMINATIONS

SWIDROWICH SWIDROWICH (SAMPLE),(SAMPLE), THANK YOU TO DARLENE DARLENEJUNE JUNE SURE SHOT DRONE JUNE 22, 1938 JANUARY 31, JUNE 22, 1938 SERVICES! 2021 JANUARY 31, 2021

It has been twenty years since the creator came by to carry your load.

There has been a hole in our lives since.

Our grandchildren know you through our stories on family gatherings, there are many.

Do you remember when we shared alot of laughter with all our memories?

Your missed and loved by your family.

Phone: 306-445-7261 Fax: 306-445-3223 In person/mail: 892 - 104th Street North Battleford, SK S9A 1M9

Full Color NOW AVAILABLE for your CLASSIFIED AD!

Regional

Felix here, looking for a new place to call home. I’m a busy guy who doesn’t have time for stories, let’s can cut to the chase. In search of a new family home.

So grateful we can we So grateful share this amazing share this amazing milestone with you.

milestone with you.

Hi I’m Ripple!

I’m looking for my forever family. I am a big sweetheart with some energy, I’m looking for a family that’s willing to give me the exercise I need which shouldn’t be to much. I love to go for walks and run around the backyard.

Call the Animal Shelter 306.446.2700

Love, your wife, Eva, children, David, Darlene, Jerry, Chris & Families.

LIVESTOCK

Love, your wife, Eva, children, David, Darlene, Jerry, ANNIVERSARIES Chris & Families.

BRANDING THE BEST ANNUAL

Eternal Memories Funeral Service and Crematorium

2691 - 98th St., North Battleford (306) 445-7570 24 hours

Happy 65 Anniversary th

Leonard & Rita Funk April 10th, 2021

1332 - 100th St., North Battleford (306) 446-4200 24 hours

Funerals | Burials | Cremation | Preplannig WE ARE LOCALLY AND FAMILY OWNED

eternalmemoriesfuneral.ca

Pesented by Stuart Cattle Station Thursday, April 15, 2:00 pm at the Stuart Cattle Station farm, Edam, SK. Selling Red & Black Angus Yearling and Two-Year Old Bulls. Delivery available in Western Canada For a catalogue or more information contact David 306-397-2727 or Mitch 306-845-7793 or T Bar C Cattle Co 306-220-5006.

Trevor Watts - Owner/Director Robert Mackay - Director Vanessa Macnab - Apprentice Funeral Director

Serving Families with Dignity, Respect & Compassion

BULL AND FEMALE SALE

The Lord has blessed you richly!

With much love and celebration from your 15 children & spouses 63 Grandchildren & spouses 42 Greatgrandchildren & counting!

View the catalogue online at

www.BuyAgro.com.

Watch and bid online at www.DLMS.ca (PL#116061)

FARM SERVICES

FEED & SEED

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FARM SERVICES

FEED & SEED ALBERTA FEED GRAIN: Buying Oats, Barley, Wheat, Canola, Peas, Screenings, Mixed Grain.

Dry, Wet, Heated, or Spring Thresh. Prompt Payment. In House Trucks, 1-888-483-8789.

Integrity Post Frame Buildings

Round Bales: 250 gfd. Oats, 300 Wheat straw, 200 Oat straw. All net wrapped. Phone/Text 306291-9395 Langham, SK.

SINCE 2008

Built with Concrete Posts Barns, Shops, Riding Arenas, Machine Sheds and More

THURSDAY’S BEST CERTIFIED SEED Wheat

FEED & SEED

sales@ Integritybuilt.com 1-866-974-7678 www. integritybuilt.com

Go Early, Pintail.

Oats aC JuniPEr, aC MorGan, aC MustanG, DErby, so1 suPEr oat.

Barley

aMisk, busby, Conlon, CDC austEnson, CDC MavEriCk, CErvEza, sunDrE. Peas aaC PEaCE rivEr (vEry Early yEllow), CDC Horizon (ForaGE), PolisH Canola, sPrinG tritiCalE mastinseeds.com 403-556-2609

NOTICES / NOMINATIONS

NOTICE OF INTENTION TO DESIGNATE MUNICIPAL HERITAGE PROPERTY The Heritage Property Act , S.S. 1979-80, c.H-2.2s. 11(2)(b)

To: (Name & Address of Property Owners) Resort Village of Kivimaa-Moonlight Bay Box 120 Livelong. SK S0M 1J0 Notice is hereby given that not less than thirty days from the date of service of this notice, the Council of the Resort Village of Kivimaa-Moonlight Bay Intends to pass a bylaw pursuant to the provisions of The Heritage Property Act, to designate as Municipal Heritage Property the following real property known as: THE KYKKANEN LOG CABIN Legally described as: N ½ SEC 25-TWP 53-RGE 19 W3 R6 Plan 84B05955 in the Resort village of Kivimaa-Moonlight Bay And located at: Moonlight Bay Park Any person wishing to object to the proposed designation must serve council with a written objection stating the reasons for the objection and all relevant facts not less than three days prior to consideration of the bylaw.

Dated this 8th Day of April , 2021.

Jackie Helgeton Administrator

Village of Edam

NOTICES / NOMINATIONS ASSESSMENT NOTICE • VILLAGE OF DEHNOLM Notice is hereby given that the assessment roll of the Village of Denholm for the year 2021 has been prepared and is open to inspection at the office of the Administrator of the Village, until the time for lodging appeals has expired from 5:00 – 7:00 P.M. Wednesday June 8, 2021 or in writing to Box 71, Denholm Sask. S0M 0R0.

Any person who desires to object to the assessment of himself/ herself or any other person must within 60 days after the date of publication of the notice in the Saskatchewan Gazette lodge his/her complaint in writing with the administrator of the Village.

Dated at Denholm, Sask. The 6 of April, 2021 Lila Yuhasz, Assessor

No�ce of Abandonment of Poll WHEREAS a poll is not required pursuant to The Local Government Elec�on Act for the office(s) of: Mayor: Village of Maymont Councillor: Village of Maymont Number to be elected: 1

I hereby give public no�ce that no vo�ng for the said office(s) will take place and that the following persons are elected by acclama�on: Mayor: Councillor:

John DeLong Kendra Poitras

Dated at Maymont this 8th day of April, 2021.

Denise Bernier Returning Officer

NOTICE OF PREPARATION OF ASSESSMENT ROLL Notice is hereby given that the assessment roll for the Village of Edam for the year 2021 has been prepared and is open to inspection in the office of the assessor, by appointment only from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the following days: Tuesday to Friday, April 8th to June 8th, 2021.

Please call the office at 306-397-2223 or email edamvill@sasktel.net to make an appointment.

A bylaw pursuant to section 214 of The Municipalities Act has been passed and the assessment notices have been sent as required.

Any person who wishes to appeal against his or her assessment is required to file his or her notice of appeal, accompanied by a $200.00 fee for each assessment being appealed, to: Secretary of the Board of Revision, c/o Assessor at the Village of Edam, Box 203, Edam, SK S0M 0V0 Dated this 8th day of April, 2021.

Pamela M Dallyn Assessor

FEED & SEED FORAGE SEED FOR SALE: Organic & conventional: Sweet Clover, Alfalfa, Red Clover, Smooth Brome, Meadow Brome, Crested Wheatgrass, Timothy, etc.

Star City, SK. Birch Rose Acres Ltd. 306-921-9942.

NOTICE OF PREPARATION OF ASSESSMENT ROLL RURAL MUNICIPALITY of ELDON NO. 471 Notice is hereby given that the assessment roll for the Rural Municipality of Eldon No. 471 for the year 2021 has been prepared and is open to inspection at the office of the Assessor of the municipality, until the time for lodging of appeals has expired, from 8:00 a.m. to noon and 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday to Friday, April 8, 2021 to June 8, 2021 inclusive (except on Statutory holidays).

A bylaw pursuant to Section 214 of The Municipalities Act has been passed and the assessment notices have been sent as required.

Any person who wishes to appeal against his or her assessment is required to file his or her notice of appeal with: Aileen Swenson, Board of Revision Secretary Gord Krismer & Associates 2405 Gordon Rd Regina, SK S4S 4M4 by the 8th day of June, 2021.

To forward your appeal fee of $200.00 per appeal and for more information regarding your assessment, please contact the Assessor at: R.M. of Eldon No. 471 Box 130, 212 Main Street, Maidstone SK S0M 1M0 Dated this 8th day of April, 2021.

Lee Torrance Assessor

ONLINE

www.newsoptimist.ca

T H E B AT T L E F O R D S

Page 14 - The Battlefords, Thursday, April 8, 2021

Regional

NEWS-OPTIMIST Serving the Battlefords since 1908

LAND FOR SALE

Land for Sale by Tender R.M. of Meota No. 468 The following 7 quarters (1,120 acres) located near the Robin Hood grid road north east of Cochin, Saskatchewan is offered for sale by tender subject to the restrictions on the existing Certificate of Title, but free and clear of encumbrances: Legal land description and 2018 assessment NE 26-48-16-W3 SE 26-48-16-W3 NW 25-48-16-W3 SW 25-48-16-W3 NE 25-48-16-W3 SE 25-48-16-W3 SE 36-48-16-W3 Total assessment

$200,000.00 $183,200.00 $179,500.00 $204,300.00 $156,100.00 $192,600.00 $195,400.00 $1,311,100.00

• Nice yard site located on NE 25-48-16-W3 • Approximately 1,100 sq ft house that has been vacant for several years and needs repair. Existing well and power to site.

• Wood framed shop approximately 32 x 28 with asphalt shingles and cement floor • 2 x 5000 bushel steel bins on cement floor • 1 x 4000 bushel steel bin on cement floor • Approx. 875 arable acres with 255 acres currently farmed and the rest is seeded to tame grass • Land is all fenced consisting of 6 miles of 4 wire fence and 4 miles of 3 wire fence For more information contact; Dallas Campbell (306) 441-9217 Terms and Conditions of the Tender are as follows: 1. Tenders to be in a sealed envelope marked “Campbell – Tender” and must include full name, return address, phone number and email (if applicable) of the bidder.

2. The highest or any offer will not necessarily be accepted. Bidder may tender on any or all of the above described land.

3. Buyer must provide a certified cheque or bank draft for 5.0 % of the tendered amount payable to Migneault Law Office Trust.

Successful bidder(s) will be notified within 48 hours of tenders closing and unsuccessful bidders will have their deposit returned.

4. Seller will be responsible for taxes to December 31, 2020 and any purchaser for the taxes thereafter.

5. Offers must be received in our office by the tender deadline 12:00 Noon, May 3, 2021.

6. Balance of purchase price and applicable GST to be paid within 30 days of acceptance of tender or deposit will be forfeited. GST registrants may file purchaser’s undertaking.

7. Land sold as is without conditions or warranties.

Migneault Law Office Box 520, 1391-101st Street North Battleford, Saskatchewan S9A 2Y8 (306) 445-4436

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From the Pastor’s Desk

FARMLAND FOR SALE BY TENDER RM of Cut Knife #439 - NW14-43-20W3

Parcel #2 - NE22-43-20W3

• Approx. 148 acres cultivated

• Approx. 155 acres cultivated

• Soil Class G, Flat, Rock Free

• Soil Class F, Flat, Rock Free

• SAMA Assmt. = $265,100

• SAMA Assmt. = $238,600

- SW14-43-20W3

- SE22-43-20W3

• Approx. 1 60 acres cultivated

• Creek runs through the quarter

• Soil Class G, Flat, Rock Free

• Approx. 20 acres cultivated north of creek

• SAMA Assmt. = $267,400

• Approx. 60 acres cultivated south of creek • Approx. 80 acres in pasture and water • SAMA Assmt. = $170,200

Land is located 9 miles East of Cut Knife on Highway #40 and 2 miles South (Parcel #2), 3 miles South (Parcel #1).

All titles are free and clear of encumbrances.

Bids will be submitted by April 8, 2021 with a certified cheque or bankdraft for 3% of bid price to: William P. Langen, B.A., LLB, - Partner Stevenson Hood Thornton Beaubier LLP 500, 123 - 2nd Ave. South, Saskatoon, SK S7K 7E6 Highest or any tender not necessarily accepted. Any or all tenders may be rejected.

Bidders will be notified within 7 days of close of tender.

Deposits of unsuccessful bidders will be returned by priority mail.

The purchaser must be a GST registrant and will be responsible for GST reporting.

Each party will be responsible for their respective closing costs.

If the successful bidder does not complete the purchase after acceptance of his bid, the deposit shall be forfeited.

TM

Part-time Waitress needed immediately Day and Evening Shifts.

No experience required, will train suitable applicant. Apply in person with resumé between hours of 9:00 - 11:00 am and 2:00 - 4:00 pm Ask for Darren Hwy #16 Bypass | North Battleford

(306) 445-2668

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

The Resort Village of Aquadeo is currently seeking a motivated individual for the position of:

PERMANENT/PART TIME URBAN MUNICIPAL ADMINISTRATOR: This position is a permanent position starting immediately. Applicants for this position should have their Standard Urban Certificate in Local Government Administration or have accounting & administrative skills learned from previous work experience and are willing to take the Local Government Administration course (can be taken by correspondence) Personal Asset Skills: • Ability to work independently and manage time • Be detail oriented • Have exceptional leadership qualities, superior communication, planning and accounting skills • Experience in Word/Excel, accounting packages; Munisoft are all definite assets If you are interested in a rewarding/challenging career with group insurance and pension plan benefits, please submit a detailed resumé with references and salary expectations in confidence to the Resort Village of Aquadeo.

Resort Village of Aquadeo Box 501 Cochin, SK S0M 0L0 Email to: dbwpl@outlook.com Fax to: 1-306-386-2544

We thank all those that apply but only those applicants selected for an interview will be notified.

By Pastor David L. Walker Turtleford Baptist Church

Hello. I’m back in a new month and a new season, spring.

In March we had another great GGMH hymn sing with 24 in attendance.

There were solos from visitors, duets, a trio and, of course, group singing.

Why not come along and join us April 25 at 6 p.m.?

Throw an instrument in the back seat of your vehicle.

Every name was drawn for the ladies’ secret sister ministry. There were 14 in total. What fun the ladies are having secretly trying to place a gift, praying and CAREER OPPORTUNITIES HEAVY DUTY MECHANICS & 1A TRUCK DRIVERS REQUIRED: Late model, clean CAT, JD equip; winch, dump, gravel trucks, and trailers. Both camp and shop locations; R & B provided Wage negotiable.

Clean drivers abstract a must.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Application deadline April 30, 2021.

March hymn sing draws 24

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

Class 1 Owner Operators needed to haul bulk liquid products throughout MB, SK, AB and the Northern United States.

We offer dedicated dispatch, well maintained equipment serviced at our own facility, modern technology, pension and health care benefits.

Loaded & empty miles paid!

Phone: 204.571.0187 RESUMES: Email: recruiting@ renaissancetrans.ca Fax: 204.727.6651 Online Application: www.renaissancetrans.ca

encouraging.

Good Friday, people from many communities and towns started at Meota and travelled to Vawn Edam, Mervin, Turtleford, Thunderchild First Nations, Spruce Lake and on to St. Walburg. There was even a police escort in St. Walburg and some travelled the entire route.

The purpose was to commemorate Good Friday, remembering the death, burial and resurrection of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, providing us eternal life in Heaven.

On Palm Sunday, at the close of our crucifixion message, Pastor Walker asked who would be willing to make a fresh com-

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES Looking for a live in caregiver for a senior. Accomadations and food included plus sallary. Must have own Vehicle. Senior lives in Meota. For inquires please call 306-441-1604

Now hiring CROP HAIL ADJUSTERS for the 2021 hail season (Jul-Oct).

Competitive salary, expenses & mileage paid, health spending account and pension plan. Continuous training using our industry leading CHAP tablet program. Looking for seasonal summer employment? Retired or semi-retired - this job is for you! Join our team and start your new career.

mitment to Christ, considering the great sacrifice that our Lord made. Pastor Walker drove the first nail in the cross, stood silently and soon 26 people, many with tears streaming down their faces, made their way forward and hammered a nail in the cross. These were men, women and children.

Easter Sunday was a great day of blessing as well. He is risen.

If you do not have a regular place of worship, please join us any Sunday at 11 a.m. All COVID restrictions are in place. Everyone is welcome. We will turn no one away who chooses to worship God with us.

Until next month, remember: “What the caterpillar calls the end of the world, the master calls a butterfly.”

CAREER TRAINING

Take your career to a new level.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS

We offer a suite of certificate programs designed to give you expertise in a variety of areas: • Organizational Innovation • Professional Management • Professional Leadership • Project Mangement P • Business Analysis

Learn more. uregina.ca/cce

Email: dtiefenbach@smhi.ca for more details and application form.

306-569-1852 ext 170.

THURSDAY’S BEST

ONLINE

www.newsoptimist.ca

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Accounts Receivable & Inventory Management Clerk Full time contract position for maternity leave (Monday to Friday 8am-5pm).

The successful applicant will have: • Bookkeeping certificate/diploma or higher and relevant work experience • Great attention to detail • Be able to work as a team among our 3 retail locations • Duties will include but not limited to: grain and chemical inventory management, ticket entry/ invoice generating and monthly customer statements.

Position located in Cut Knife, SK at an agricultural retail location.

Training would begin as soon as possible Please email resumes to: allissa.jamieson@veikleagro.com

• Door‐to‐door • Carrier service • Total coverage • Personalize your coverage area

306‐445‐7261 FOR THE BEST COVERAGE IN THE COMMUNITY CALL NOW! T H E B AT T L E F O R D S

LAND FOR SALE

Parcel #1

The Battlefords, Thursday, April 8, 2021 - Page 15

Regional

NEWS-OPTIMIST Serving the Battlefords since 1908

Page 16 - The Battlefords, Thursday, April 8, 2021

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Highway 26 Walk the Cross a popular event Correspondent

I hope you all had a Happy Easter, with family or without, it is a meaningful time of the year. The Good Friday Walk the Cross was well received by the community.

There would have been even more come out to take part but the notice was quite short. Folks would like to commend the group who put the program together. It was a lot of work, but they obviously knew what they were doing. Now we look forward to doing it again next year. (See a report on the walk at the end of this column.)

There’s been a local cribbage tournament going on, and the loser finally came out a winner.

One has to find ways to keep occupied during this pandemic and this was a lot of fun.

The power was off March 26, for 2 1/2 hours, but the power crew was out and fixed the problem pretty quick.

Word has come of the sudden passing of a former Meota resident, Brian Fitzgerald, in Calgary on March 30. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date.

M

eota News

Spring seems to be here with the arrival of geese, swans and mallards.

The robins have arrived at Taber, Alta., so will soon be here. The early flowers are bravely poking their heads out and blooming; Johnny Jump Ups are some of the first. The deer are stopping to snip off the early bulbs as they pop up, but soon there will be other food for them.

We are waiting for word when the local golf course will open. It was a popular place last summer and will be again this year. With travel restrictions and all the regulations, it is great to have a facility like we have, at our doorstep.

While Joyce was here she watched and listened to the funeral of a friend in New Zealand. She was able to identify our relatives as they entered and moved about. I find this technology hard to believe, but it is what is going on.

A walk about Meota on Sunday afternoon showed many families were getting together, so hope they were 21042AA1

The Good Friday Walk the Cross was well received by the community. Photo by Trudy Janssens

able to play it safely and all will be well. Most seniors have had their first shot, so should be somewhat safer than before. Time will tell.

A drive along Lakeview revealed some shingles had given up their hold in the big winds we have been having, so hope everyone checks their roofs.

The following was submitted by Kathy Dmytryshyn: In the early morning of March 20, we awoke to the worst possible situation that a person could ever imagine. Our house was on fire. Our son Al, daughter-in-law Anna, our two grandchildren, Bethany and Rylan, and Bethany’s

T H E B AT T L E F O R D S

By Lorna Pearson

friend Mya were home for the weekend. The best possible thing that came out of this tragedy is that we all escaped the fire and can live to talk about it. We will rebuild and make new memories.

The house and contents were a total loss.

A big thank you to the Meota Fire Dept for saving our yard. We can’t even begin to thank them for what they did for us.

A big thank you to all our friends and relatives who have reached out to us and offered their assistance.

The following writeup comes from Trudy Janssens: This year, 2021, Good

Regional

news-optimist Serving the Battlefords since 1908

Friday morning saw the launch of a new tradition.

An actual wooden cross was lifted up and carried to specific locations in almost all the towns along Highway 26.

Starting in Meota the cross was transported by car to the next community.

It was carried around Vawn, Edam, Mervin, Turtleford, Spruce Lake and St. Walburg.

It was intended to go all the way to Loon Lake and Goodsoil, but seven out of nine towns was all that was possible given the time available and the distances.

This event was nondenominational and followed all the provincial guidelines for Covid.

In Meota the walk started at Memorial Hill with 53 people in attendance. The scripture reading started with the story of Palm Sunday and Jesus’ triumphant ride into Jerusalem on a donkey.

The prayer focused on the sacrifices the veterans made for our freedom.

We also acknowledged the Indigenous people who are keepers of this land.

We found out later that we had two believers from the Moosomin Reserve who came as representatives of their community.

From there we walked to the United Anglican Church and the story of

Christ’s passion continued.

All the Bible readings were taken from the four Gospels and told the story of the last week of Jesus’ life on earth.

In Meota the locations chosen were, the R.M. Office, the Community Park, the Downtown, the Senior’s Housing and the Catholic Church.

Every location had a reader who told the story of Christ’s life leading up to His death on the Cross.

After every reading a prayer was shared. The prayers all pertained to the location we were at.

The men and women in local government, sports centres, senior centres, local businesses, fire and emergency medical services, as well as volunteers.

Each reading was based on the scriptures that told the memorable journey of Christ leading up to the cross and each prayer was spoken together to lift up our communities to make them strong and vibrant.

In Meota we ended the walk with the playing of the song “The Old Rugged Cross” being amplified out of the Catholic church doors!

This format was repeated in each village with numerous volunteers reading scriptures, leading prayers and then carrying the cross to the next location.

It was heartwarming to be together as the greater Christian community and we heard it was particularly exciting to see that Thunderchild had a large presence in Turtleford where they spoke a powerful prayer.

We learned that “the ground is level at the foot of the cross. No one is too good to need Jesus, nor is anyone too sinful to be saved. The ground is always level at the foot of the cross.”

How true and what a wonderful way to commemorate the Easter weekend.

Thanks to all the organizers, writers, readers and cross carriers for making the event an event worth repeating every year.

Regional News-Optimist

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The Battlefords, Thursday, April 8, 2021 - Page 17

Joy and sorrow are the opposite sides of the same coin Ed, my old neighbour in Saskatchewan, told me yesterday that I should be rejoicing because I’m to get my COVID-19 shot next week. I told Ed my booking for my vaccination was not joyous.

Booking the appointment online was a small nightmare, because I was pretty dull about what and how the computer wanted information.

Eventually, after much frustration on my part, I was registered for my shot .My joy at having made my appointment was tempered by my frustration in achieving my booking. Sometimes I feel I’m confident on my computer, and sometimes

N

eighbourly Advice

According to Ed

By Raymond Maher

www.accordingtoed.com

raymaher085@gmail.com it seems like I’m dumber than dirt at giving the computer what it wants.

When it comes to my laptop, I’m both competent and incompetent.

I think joy and sorrow are the opposite sides of the same coin. Can the sorrow of Good Friday be separated from the joy of the resurrection of Easter

Sunday? The challenge is not focusing on either joy or sorrow but on God, who is more magnificent than them both. When we focus on God, both sorrow and joy can be accepted as part of circumstances beyond our control.

When my computer skill is lacking, there is help if I’m willing

to seek it and accept it. My competence or incompetence does not begin and end with me, but factors beyond my control.

God is hidden in the affairs that are the mixture of the positive and the negative flow of everyday life. The Bible speaks in terms of, “A time for everything, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance.” (Ecclesiastes 3:4) Our time on Earth is never just laughter or weeping, but the reality of both in our lives, sometimes on the same day.

Do we live our lives centred on the almighty God, who is love and grace? God is greater than our best or worst days.

He allowed Jesus to lay down his life, suffering the punishment of our sins in his body on the cross on Good Friday.

In Christ’s suffering and innocent death, “God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ, not counting men’s sins against them.” (2 Cor. 5:19) God, who did not spare his own Son for the salvation of us sinners, calls us to dare to rejoice and celebrate with joy while accepting both the frustrating and pleasant events that come our way.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 reminds us, “Be joyful always; pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for

this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” Psalm 118:24,29 instructs us, “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, his love endures forever.”

Rejoicing and joy have everything to do with Jesus’s resurrection from the dead on Easter Sunday, proving Christ’s words, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in Me will never die.” (John 11:25-26) We rejoice in Jesus’s victory over death. He assures us, “Because I live, you also will live.” (John 14:19)

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.

(RC) St. Joseph Calasanctius Parish 1942 - 98th Street, North Battleford, SK S9A 0N4

TerriTorial Drive alliance church 306-445-5158 www.tdac.ca

306-446-1695

PASTOR: Rev. Phinh Do

DAILY: Tues., Wed., Thurs. & Fri. - 9 a.m. unless otherwise noted

Corner of Scott & Territorial Dirve Sun. 9:15 am & 11:00 am Ministries for the whole family

WEEKEND MASS TIMES: Saturdays - 7:30 p.m. Sundays - 9:00 a.m. & 11:00 a.m.

ANGLICAN PARISH

St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church

Rev. Trevor Malyon

1401 - 98th Street, North Battleford, SK

St. Georges Anglican Church Battleford Sunday @ 5:00 p.m.

St. Paul’s Anglican Church North Battleford Sunday @ 11:00 a.m.

Battle River Parish YouTube channel CJNB Radio 1050 a.m. Sunday mornings 7:45-8:30 a.m.

Contact: 306 445 4155 stpaulnb@sasktel.net

306-445-5901

Reverend George Yando Sunday Services 10:30 AM Everyone Welcome

PRE-REGISTER

Living Water Ministry

Hope Mennonite Fellowship 1291 - 109th Street, North Battleford

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

Sunday Worship Service - 11:00 a.m.

Sunday School - 10:00 a.m.

Pastor: Dean Covert

Church Phone 306-445-4181

All Saints Ukrainian Catholic Parish 902 - 108th Street, North Battleford

Divine Liturgy: Sundays at 4:00 p.m.

Celebrant: Very Rev. Janko Kolosnjaji 306-664-2301 (Office) 306-244-2604 (Home) To Register Call Jasmina at 306-445-1002

Battleford United Church 52 - 4th Avenue West Battleford, SK

306-937-3177 Rev. Gayle Wensley

SUNDAY SERVICES 11:00 a.m.

Third Avenue United Church Rev. Dexter van Dyke

Sunday Worship Services at 10:30 am Pre-registration required to register at

306-445-8171

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

Everyone Welcome

Sunday Evening Service 7:00 p.m.

Bible Study Wednesday 7:30 p.m.

1371 - 103rd Street (Use East Door)

Battlefords Cowboy Church Services 1st & 3rd Thursday of each Month

Battleford Legion Hall 7:00 p.m.

PASTOR - Rick Martin

LIVING FAITH CHAPEL

1372 102nd St 306-445-3009

11 - 18th Street, Battleford, SK

Phone 306-937-7340 PASTOR - Fr. Sebastian Kunnath

Maidstone/Paynton United Church of Canada Phone: 306-285-3823 Contact: Don Retzlaff

No Services till further notice

Church & CE Wing: 306-893-2611 For booking the Wing: 306-893-4729

Various Weekly Programs Pastor Casey Sitter www.livingfaithchapel.ca

Battlefords Seventh-Day Adventist Church

ROMAN CATHOLIC ST. VITAL’S Saturday Evening Mass - 5:00 p.m.

Sunday Mass - 10:30 a.m.

Sunday Services 10:30 am

1702 - 106th Street, North Battleford

Come Join Us Sundays at 11:00 am Loving God Growing Together Serving Others Phone Church: 306-445-4818 Fax: 306-445-8895 Email: tbcnb@sasktel.net www.trinitybaptistchurch.ca

Pastor James Kwon

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

Phone 306-445-9096

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

Worship Service - 11:00 a.m.

Page 18 - The Battlefords, Thursday, April 8, 2021

WHO DOES IT? Professional Directory

AGRICULTURE PARTS

blend

Bob Frolek's

AGRA PARTS PLUS WRECKING

Restaurant & Bar Logo by

• Older Tractors • Combines • Swathers • Balers & Tillage • Other Ag Related Equipment

FOOD SERVICES

blend

306-445-6769

ALL NATURAL GRANOLA HANDCRAFTED, LOCAL & ALL NATURAL GRANOLA

Open for Dine-In, Logo by Take-Out & Delivery

Robin Petersen

Owner/General Manager

GENERAL CONTRACTOR

Derrick Shynkaruk General Contractor

• New Construction • Renovations

Owner

306.441.1980 306.445.3144

www.yanishealthykitchen.com & Facebook

yanishealthkitchen

CERTIFIED APPRAISER

ROOFING CONTRACTOR New, re-roofing & roof repair

Where we always try to be the lowest price and best value.

- Guaranteed Workmanship -

306.937.0000

Yanitsa Borisova

DEADLINE FOR THURSDAY EDITION IS MONDAY BY 4:00 PM

Patterson roofing

Restaurant & Bar

1602 100th Street North Battleford

Look for the RIGHT business for the JOB

Todd Patterson Owner/Operator

See our features online on

3 miles N.W. on Hwy. 16, 2 1/2 miles west on Sunshine Road

Find us on Instagram

Regional News-Optimist

w w w. n ew s o p t i m i s t . c a

FREE Estimates & Senior Discounts

Phone: 306-445-8439 Cell: 306-441-3690

SALES CONSULTANT For all your Furniture, Appliance & Mattress Needs

Call

Bruce at

306-937-7474 bruce@battlefordfurniture.com

djshynkaruk@gmail.com GENERAL CONTRACTOR

SALES CONSULTANT For all your Furniture, Appliance & Mattress Needs

Call

Pamela Connor

AACI, P.App, BComm (Dist.)

Partner & Senior Appraiser Battleford, SK

pamela@dynamicappraisals.ca 306-446-1222 CONSTRUCTION

Co-Jack Construction

Established in 1996 Complete Building Renovations Brad Pearson

Owner co-jack@sasktel.net

Box 5 Medstead, SK S0M 1W0

Cell: 306-824-0184 Home: 306-342-2122

CUSTOM FLOATING

Jeff Schommer

306-481-4892

Joleen at

306-937-7474 joleen@battlefordfurniture.com

schommshandymanrenos@yahoo.com

Have a "To-Do" List?

We Will Take Care of it!

INVESTMENT & INSURANCE

Call Michael for your INVESTMENT & INSURANCE NEEDS

SALES CONSULTANT For all your Furniture, Appliance & Mattress Needs

Call

Maureen at

306-937-7474 maureen@battlefordfurniture.com 111 1291 102 Street, North Battleford

306.317.6740

Michael.George@ig.ca *License Sponsored by The Canada Life Assurance Company

Michael George

Real Estate Agent

SALES CONSULTANT For all your Furniture, Appliance & Mattress Needs

Call

Shannon at

306-937-7474 shannon@battlefordfurniture.com

PRESCRIPTION APPLICATION 45’ BELT CONVEYER Fertilizer I Herbicides I Micro Nutrience I Broadcast Seeding CALL FOR RATES AND BOOKINGS DAVID KONOPLESKI 306-344-7424 • davekono@sasktel.net • Box 139, Meota, SK S0M 1X0

ELECTRIC CONTRACTOR

ROOFING CONTRACTOR

Ag Services • Solar • Residential Commercial • Maintenance “Quality that doesn’t cost, it pays”

Serving Battlefords & Area…Locally Owned & Operated

Dion BelRose 306-937-2083 Insurance Claims Welcome

Kevin Ryhorchuk

*Take advantage of the Sask Home Renovation Credit*

306-441-8727

FREE ESTIMATES

SENIOR DISCOUNT AVAILABLE

Licensed/Insured WCB A263327

SALVAGE

LAVIGNE

SALVAGE

FULLY INSURED

• Scrap Cleanup • Demolition • Scrap Metal Removal • Building Removal • Skid Steer Service • Excavator Service (with magnet) Trevor Lavigne • (306) 291-6414 Nathan Lavigne • (306) 370-0742 Serving Saskatchewan & Alberta

NO JOB TOO SMALL, NO JOB TOO BIG

Regional News-Optimist

The Battlefords, Thursday, April 8, 2021 - Page 19

WHO DOES IT? w w w. n ew s o p t i m i s t . c a

Look for the RIGHT business for the JOB

Professional Directory

Tire ServiceS

TREE SERVICES

306.937.TIRE or 937-8473

DEADLINE FOR THURSDAY EDITION IS MONDAY BY 4:00 PM

TREE SERVICES

Big Mike's Contracting

motiontire@sasktel.net

192 4th Ave. West Industrial Park, Battleford, SK S0M 0E0

1001 - 113 Street, North Battleford, SK Owner: Mike Huber

60’ BOOM TRUCK

*Truck Accessories *After Market Rims *LED Lights *Passenger Truck, Semi Tires & Ag Tires *Bumpers *Levelling Kits, etc. *FUEL MAYHEM MOTO METAL RIMS

PLUS

306•386•7259 306.386.7259

Call the Certified Professionals Today

TREE SERVICES

Raymond Oleshko Tree Services

I CM TREE SERVICE +

• Yard Clean Up • Expert Tree Removal • 17 Years Experience • Fully Insured • Free Estimates • 60 Foot Bucket Truck • NOW OFFERING Stump Grinding

• Tree Removal

• Trimming & Pruning • Stump Grinding • Fully Insured

Five Star Safety Rated

306-441-7570

Excellence • Ticketed Tree Climbers • Tree Trimming • Tree Removal CERTIFIED ARBORISTS • Stump Grinding

PHONE 306-481-4465

FULLY INSURED

(Liability Insurance)

Co-operatives continue to serve the community

By Sherri Solomko Correspondent

We are heading beyond our first year of the pandemic and it doesn’t appear our lives are going to change much. However we can certainly enjoy the extended daylight hours, the nicer weather encouraging us to soak up that valuable vitamin D and the option of meeting up with people safely and distanced outdoors. Let’s all work together in the mandate of Riderville and be the 13th man needed to help reduce transmission of this virus.

Signs of spring are all around us that include new calves, geese returning and some spring bulbs poking through in our yards.

Enjoy the return to this season that always brings us emotions of renewal and hope.

Our two community co-operatives held their annual meetings at the end of March in virtual format.

One thing notable from both of these meetings is the continued support they provide our community

U

nity News

in donations and sponsorships as well as staff volunteer hours, so let’s be thankful for their commitment to our community.

St. Peter’s School mourns the loss of former caretaker, Mr. Mamer.

They extend their thoughts and prayers to Mrs. Mamer and family, and know that he will be fondly remembered and sadly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

With rink season over, players and coaches are itching to get back to the diamonds. Ball registration has taken place but what will happen for a season this year remains to be seen. Time will tell if restrictions will allow for a modified ball season.

Minor ball executive say they are planning on some indoor spring training according to the government pandemic protocols and, once the diamonds are

dried up, they will resume outdoors activities.

Unity Golf Club president Glenn Heitt says they too are anxious to get back in the swing of things.

The greens covers coming off and opening date are weather dependant.

They have one year of experience operating with pandemic protocols and are awaiting updates from the government on how they will proceed this year.

Unity’s Recreation Director Nicole Headrick says the pool will open this year, providing the government gives the green light. The exterior renovations at the arena are also underway and residents look forward to the evolution into the upto-date look we have been waiting for. Some bats were trying to, and a few succeeded in, finding their way back into the rink, but they were removed and taken to Living Sky Wildlife Rehabilitation.

The openings have been reviewed and fixed so this will not be an ongoing problem.

The Unity Museum says

they have accomplished many things over the winter and are looking forward to reopening with restrictions.

Continued support of this valuable community history venue is needed as traditional fundraisers will likely not proceed this year.

Museum support can come in the form of joining their organization as a member, volunteering or making a monetary donation.

Unity Food Bank committee passes on thanks for the continued generosity of the community, whether it is individual, group or corporate donations, in keeping their shelves full.

A $12,000 donation from Cargill was especially appreciated.

Congratulations to Dr. Bloem on her welldeserved retirement and everyone sends their best wishes for much health and happiness into the next chapter for her.

Here’s hoping this finds you all safe, healthy and socially distanced. Until next week ...

Dr. Linda Bloem was bid farewell from the Downtown Medical Clinic in Unity March. 30. She served 24 years at the clinic and is now retired. Photo submitted

Nipawin author publishes new book Submitted Nipawin author Doreen M. Bleich has announced the arrival of her new novel, alj@ thirtysomething.ca. a lj @ t h i r t y s o m e t h i n g. c a would never have happened had it not been for the COVID-19 restrictions placed upon us. The story was started several years ago but set aside when other projects — mostly playwrighting

— took priority. Then COVID hit and she decided to give it another look and re-write it. The process was much like the birth of an elephant. The gestation period was about the same length of time.

The book is contemporary fiction and set in Saskatchewan.

Places like Saskatoon, Borden, Davidson, Neilburg, Radisson play a role in the story.

Descriptions of rural and tranquil

settings add a beauty that rural and Saskatchewan-born people know and appreciate.

Understanding the culture of the prairies — farming, love of the land, rodeo, sports — is evident and has much appeal regardless of where one lives.

Doreen’s other works include a novel, Ready Or Not, a volume of humorous short stories, Mishaps and Misfortunes, two cookbooks, Seasons of Plenty

– A Cookbook Celebrating the Holidays and Cooking Country Style, her first cookbook, now in its sixth printing. She has also been published in several magazines and anthologies, and has numerous plays that have been produced as well. alj@thirtysomething.ca is available at Battleford Boutique at 171 22nd St. W. Battleford and from Doreen. Email: bleich@ sasktel.net

Page 20 - The Battlefords, Thursday, April 8, 2021

Regional News-Optimist

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Rivers West announces volunteer award recipients Staff

The Rivers West District for Sport, Culture & Recreation has announced its 2021 Rivers West District Volunteer Recognition Awards recipients.

A number of awards were announced last week in 11 categories with several going to the Battlefords area recipients.

Awards are as follows: Sport – Athlete of the Year: Robyn Hunter (Hillmond) Coach of the Year: Boyd Wakelin (Battleford) Event of the Year: Saskatchewan Baseball Hall of Fame Annual Induction Ceremony (Battleford) Culture – Development and Promotion: Walk 2gether

Stand 2gether (Battlefords) Artist of the Year : Azby Whitecalf (Gallivan) Event : Battlefords Untapped Podcast Committee Historical Preservation : Velma Foster (Bresaylor Heritage Museum) Recreation – Professional of the Year : Clay DeBray (Flying Dust First Nation) Facility - Renovated or

New Build : Kerrobert Library Board & Staff District Dream Broker – Service Provider of the Year : Battlefords Gymnastics Club Over-All Volunteer of the Year Mary Ramsay (Cut Knife) and Melvin Sawatzky (Cut Knife).

In a statement Donna Johnston-Genest, Execu-

tive Director, Rivers West District for Sport, Culture & Recreation, said: “Over the past year, our volunteers have gone above and beyond to keep Sport, Culture & Recreation alive and thriving in our District.

Thank you does not cover the immense gratitude we feel towards these individuals, organizations, and communities.

Congratulations on your most deserved recognition.”

There will not be an awards banquet due to current Saskatchewan Health restrictions, with recipients receiving their awards by mail. Celebration of their accomplishments will be highlighted on Rivers West’s website and on social media.

For more local news see www.newsoptimist.ca/news/news-local SaskPower: Reactors

Continued from Page 9 looking hard at SMRs, it will not be the first to build one. Holderness said, “We will want to see a first mover project in another jurisdiction in Canada.”

He said Ontario is developing the Darlington New Nuclear Project with Ontario Power Generation (OPG). The Darlington Nuclear Generating Station is already one of Canada’s largest nuclear power plants, producing

20 per cent of Ontario’s power. OPG’s website states, “On Nov. 13, 2020, OPG announced resumption of planning activities for Darlington New Nuclear, with the goal of hosting a Small Modular Reactor (SMR) as early as 2028.”

SMRs are built in a shop, off site, which significantly reduces the cost of construction as it is shipped to the site in one piece. This is an important consideration as nuclear projects have been known to go over budget and long in their schedules.

While Saskatchewan has a lot of experience with uranium mining, we don’t have a lot of experience with nuclear power. “And that’s going to take significant investment on our part and on the government of Saskatchewan’s part,” he said. “ I n d i g e n o u s participation is a huge opportunity we feel for, for SMRs and Saskatchewan.

It’s a newer industry, so there’s going to be a lot of learnings required, and development of capacity and competence and an Indigenous participation

is a huge opportunity,” he said, reflecting on Indigenous engagement with uranium mining.

There’s also a hope the federal government “will come to the table and help offset some of the initial risks as we develop ourselves as a nuclear jurisdiction, and develop this project.”

He continued, “But ultimately, it all comes down to how competitive the cost of power is, with or without nuclear in the mix in Saskatchewan. And that’s a key driver. Our rates are something we

try keep as competitive as possible. And so that’s a key requirement for this project to be successful.”

Three designs SaskPower is working with OPG, which has shortlisted three different designs for Darlington New Nuclear, with a goal to reduce that down to one design by the end of this year or early 2022.

The three candidates are the GE-Hitachi BWRX300, Xenergy Xe-100, and Terrestrial Energy Integral Molten Salt Reactor.

Holderness said the first two things that need to be

done are finding a site and picking the technology.

There are three key licenses that need to be acquired, as well as the federal Impact Assessment Act, formerly known as Bill C-69.

Construction decisions won’t be made until 20282029, he said. A final investment decision may be in 2029, with commercial operation around 2033 as the earliest possible date.

Darlington New Nuclear Project would be in operation by 2028, about five years earlier, allowing for SaskPower to benefit from Ontario’s experience.

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Over 8200 agricultural equipment items online & counting!

Upcoming Unreserved Online-Only Auctions: April 9 – April 17 Unity, SK – April 9 · B & S Ireland Farms Inc

Lake Lenore, SK – April 13 · Lynn & Barb Sedelbauer

Kindersley, SK – April 10 · Leipert Holdings Inc

Loreburn, SK – April 14 · KL Forrest Farms Ltd

Luseland, SK – April 12 · Summertime Farm Ltd

Wilkie, SK – April 14 · Roger & Margaret Cey

Wainwright, AB – April 12 · Allen & Marlene Spady

Baldwinton, SK – April 15 · Bertoia Land & Cattle Company Ltd

Fox Valley, SK – April 12 · Wayne & Joanne Bachmier

Kitscoty, AB – April 15 · Shattuck Farms Ltd

Provost, AB – April 13 · Trenerry Farms Ltd.

Humboldt, SK – April 16 · Marvin & Kim Stolz

Unity, SK – April 13 · Kevin Haight

Unity, SK – April 17 · Terry Box & Doug Box

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