Regional News-Optimist December 30, 2021

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

Regional

news-optimist Serving the Battlefords since 1908

Thursday, December 30, 2021

|

Published every Thursday

New Year’s Sale

BATTLEFORD

FURNITURE

“Where difference isthe worth “Where the the difference is worth drive”the

Joyce Milgaard (left) fought a decades-long crusade to exonerate her son David Milgaard (centre, as a prisoner, right, today) of a rape and murder he was wrongfully convicted of in 1970. Turn to Page 9 for the story.

Nature is Awesome

Moose often frequent Finlayson Island in the North Saskatchewan River.

The moose is the largest species of the deer family, weighing in at between 400 and 700Kgs when mature. Moose often live 15-25 years in the wild. The world’s largest moose population is found in Canada. Cow moose can have twins and the calves stay with their mother for at least one year. Magpies have a symbiotic relationship with moose in that they will eat parasites off the animal’s back for the benefit of both species (see photo). Nature is truly amazing. | Text and photo by Jim McLane

CJV is READY to help you with your 2021 REno PRoJECts! Free estimates For

K5 Insurance

North Battleford

See Joanne for all your Insurance needs

• Flooring Covering • Blinds & Window Coverings • Drapery/Curtains • Backsplashes

Stacey RanSome

K5Insurance.ca

InterIor DesIgn Consultant

The Carpet People

306.445.1221

2741-99th Street North Battleford

Starts Monday, January 3, 2022

drive”

Have lessons of the past finally been learned?

Looking forward to the new year ... and all its taxes?

A raft of tax hikes coming Staff 2022 is almost here — and that means more taxes to pay.

The Canadian Taxpayers Federation released its annual New Year’s Tax Changes report last week to highlight the major tax changes that will occur in 2022.

“If you’re making more than $40,000, you’ll see your federal income tax bill go up thanks to rising payroll taxes,” said Franco Terrazzano, Federal Director with the CTF. “From higher carbon taxes to rising alcohol, payroll and property taxes, there’s a raft of tax hikes coming in the New Year.”

The report outlines the major tax changes from the federal and provincial governments in 2022. Key takeaways from the report include: Taxpayers making $40,000 or more in 2022 will see the federal government deduct more money.

The Canada Pension Plan tax increase will cost workers and businesses an extra $333 each in 2022 (for maximum pensionable earnings).

The Employment Insurance tax increase will cost each worker an extra $63 in 2022 and businesses an extra $89 (for maximum insurable earnings).

The increase in the federal personal basic amount will save taxpayers $89.

The federal carbon tax will increase for the third time during the pandemic to 11 cents per litre of gasoline on April 1, 2022.

Alcohol taxes will increase for the third time during the pandemic on April 1, 2022. Taxes already account for about half of the price of beer, 65 per cent of the

GET YOUR STONE CHIPS DONE now

25.00

$

until 2022

Don’t Let Old Man Winter Catch Your Crack!

*Offer excludes insurance claims.

Applicable taxes are extra.

GLASS

GLASS EXPERTS AUTO | RESIDENTIAL | COMMERCIAL

306-445-8059

Heating

306-445-6707 www.nblukplumbing.com

www.kkglass.ca

1601 - 100th Street, North Battleford, SK.

Ph: 306-446-2227 Fax: 306-446-3511

price of wine and more than three quarters of the price of spirits.

The governments of Alberta, Ontario, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island impose a sneaky form of income taxation known as bracket creep. Bracket creep happens when governments don’t move tax brackets with inflation and inflation automatically bumps taxpayers into a higher tax bracket even though they can’t actually afford to buy more.

“A pandemic is the worst possible time to be raising taxes,” said Terrazzano.

“Many Canadians lost their job, closed down their business or took a pay cut during the pandemic, and that’s why all politicians should be reversing their tax hikes.”

NORTH BATTLEFORD

Weekly In-Store Deal Ends Jan 5th

SAVE

40% Black Oil Sunflower Seeds 40 lb bag.

5453-378 Was $39.99

2497

Page 2 - The Battlefords, Thursday, December 30, 2021

Regional News-Optimist

sasktoday.ca

Two die in house fire Staff

Treaty Six Territory | Saskatchewan | Canada

Shortly before 4 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 24, North Battleford RCMP responded to a report of a house fire on the 1000 block of 108th Street in North Battleford. North Battleford Fire Department was already on scene when police arrived.

In a search of the property, North Battleford Fire Department located two deceased people, which resulted in a death investigation being started by police and the coroner. The deceased people have not been identified at this time.

No evacuations of nearby residences were required. There continue to be an increased presence of emergency responders in the area for the next several dayds as a result of the fire and death investigations.

RCMP do not have further information to provide at this time.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Battlefords RCMP at 306446-1720, or call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477.

Confluent Dreams

North Battleford RCMP, in conjunction with the Saskatchewan Coroners Service, is conducting a death investigation after two deceased people were discovered in a house fire on Friday, Dec. 24.

The cause of the fire is being investigated by a provincial fire investigator with the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency. The Saskatchewan RCMP and the Saskatchewan Coroners Service are investigating the two deaths.

Birgit Lessing • Holly Hildebrand Oriol Dancer • Sherron Burns

Man in court for 2nd-degree murder

City of North Battleford (Official)

cityofnb.ca

@citynb

306-445-1700

Happy Holidays and Best Wishes for 2022!

1291 - 101st Street | PO Box 460 | North Battleford, SK S9A 2Y6

November 6th - January 9th

By Lisa Joy

A convergence of visual stories inspired by nature, dreams, and transformation.

Staff Reporter

The Chapel Gallery is located at 891-99th St. In the Don Ross Centre, North Battleford, Sk

SWIM LESSONS OPEN FOR REGISTRATION January 5, 2022.

Parks & Recreation

FREE PUBLIC SKATING Helmets Recommended

FREE FAMILY SHINNY Helmets Mandatory

Don Ross Arena

December 22 December 24 December 27 December 28 December 29 December 31 January 3

11:00 – 1:00pm 11:00 – 1:00pm 11:00 – 11:45am 11:00 - 1:00pm 11:00 – 1:00pm 11:00 – 1:00pm 1:15 – 3:00pm

Don Ross Arena

December 27 1:15 – 2:15pm

Access Communications Centre

December 23 December 28 December 30 December 31

9:30 - 11:30am 9:30 – 11:30am 9:30 – 11:30am 9:30 - 11:30am

Thank you to the following service clubs for providing FREE public skating: • NorthWest Hockey Development • Bonaventure Lions Club • North Battleford Kinsmen Club • North Battleford Lions Club • North Battleford Elks Club • St. Joseph Knights of Columbus #7336 • Kiwanis Club of the Battlefords • Rotary Club of the Battlefords

SKATING AND SHINNY ARE UNSUPERVISED, CHILDREN MUST BE SUPERVISED BY AN ADULT

Outstanding property tax accounts will be charged 1.8% interest per month*.

Accounts that remain outstanding by January 1,2022, will be charged a fee equal to 10% of the outstanding amount. *Interest is calculated annually & compounded monthly.

A man accused of shooting and killing Boyd Firingstoney two months ago appeared in North Battleford Provincial Court Dec. 22 after he was arrested in Edmonton and brought back to Saskatchewan.

Tw e n t y - t w o - y e a r -

old Javon Moosomin is charged with seconddegree murder, five counts of pointing a firearm, and possession of a firearm contrary to a prohibition order.

Moosomin was charged after RCMP were dispatched to a report of a shooting on Oct. 21 at approximately 1:45 a.m.

Man charged in drug raid where an officer was shot released again

By Lisa Joy

Staff Reporter

A man who owns the home where an RCMP officer was shot during a drug bust north of Biggar was granted bail, again.

Forty-year-old Kurt Miller had a show cause hearing in Moose Jaw Provincial Court Dec. 20 and

was released and now his matter is headed back to North Battleford Provincial Court on Jan. 25, 2022.

Miller’s charges continue to be waived between various courthouses including Saskatoon, Regina, Biggar, North Battleford and Moose Jaw. Miller was arrested in May 2020 during a traffic

306-445-9800 9800 Territorial Drive North Battleford Territorial Place Mall

Battlefords Animal Hospital

#7A 11204 Railway Ave. East, North Battleford 306-446-VETS (8387) www.battlefordsanimalhospital.com

Happy New Year!

PAYMENT OPTIONS: • Paying through your financial institution’s Online Banking.

Go to bill payments and search for “North Battleford Taxes.”

• Paying online at www.cityofnb.ca/paynow. Please note: The City charges a convenience fee of 3% for credit card transactions.

• Coming to City Hall during our hours of operation to pay with cash, debit, or cheque. Note: for credit card payments, go to our website.

• Dropping off a cheque in our locked drop-box at the doors closest to the corner of 13th Avenue and 101st Street at any time.

• Signing up for the Tax Installment Payment Program (TIPPS) and making monthly installments. Visit our website for more information

This paper is proudly printed locally in Estevan.

Pick up a copy of the Winter 2022 Parks and Recreation guide at City Facilities.

Thank you to BATC for providing funding for the guide

in the 1200 block of 108 Street in North Battleford.

At the home police found 33-year-old Firingstoney of Mosquito First Nation deceased.

Police issued a warrant for Moosomin and Edmonton Police arrested him in Edmonton on Dec. 17. He is scheduled to appear in court next on Jan. 5, 2022.

stop in Regina. The next day, police raided his rural property 27 kilometres north of Biggar and arrested Mitch Hutchinson, 49.

As a result of the traffic stop by Regina Police, Miller was charged with drug trafficking offences.

He was also charged with possession of proceeds of crime under $5,000, possession of a weapon dangerous to the public and breach of probation.

A day after the traffic stop, the Saskatchewan RCMP Federal Serious and Organized Crime Unit raided Miller’s rural house in the R.M. of Glenside north of Biggar on May 14, 2020. After a search of that property, Miller was charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking, possession of the proceeds of crime over $5,000 and 16 firearms-related charges.

Miller was initially released on bail last year.

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

Hutchinson has already been sentenced in the incident north of Biggar. In July 2020, Hutchinson was sentenced to seven years in prison after he pleaded guilty in Saskatoon Provincial Court. The court heard that Hutchinson mistakenly shot an RCMP officer thinking the officer was a coyote in the bushes surrounding Miller’s house. The officer was treated immediately for minor injuries.

SASKATCHEWAN’S BEST 306.634.9556

ONLINE

Regional News-Optimist

RCMP Weekly Report

For more local news visit

27 vehicle thefts reported Submitted by Battlefords RCMP

Battlefords RCMP responded to 905 calls for service from Wednesday, Dec. 15 through Tuesday, Dec. 28. · Nine missing persons reported. One missing person investigation is currently active.

- Melissa Fiddler, 41, was reported missing on the afternoon of Dec. 26. Last seen on 108th Street in North Battleford on Dec. 14. Melissa is approximately 5’6”, 180lbs, First Nations, with brown hair and wears glasses. · 44 assault investigations.

- Report of an assault at a residence on St Laurent Drive in North Battleford at approximately 7 p.m. on Dec. 25. A Moose Jaw man was arrested without incident and charged with assault and failing to comply with a probation order. The victim was not injured in the incident. The suspect was remanded into custody and made his first appearance in Provincial Court on Dec. 28.

- Report of a disturbance at a residence on Ross Crescent in North Battleford shortly before 6 a.m. on Dec. 15. A male youth had attended the residence and refused to leave after a dispute involving personal property. The 17-year-old youth was located and arrested. He is facing charges of assault and mischief under $5,000. He was later released and will make his first appearance on Thursday, Jan. 5, 2022 in Provincial Court.

- Report of a male assaulted at a residence on the Sweetgrass First Nation at 3 a.m. on the Dec. 21.

Victim was struck with bear mace during altercation before suspects were reported to have fled the scene. Suspects were located as short time later and five individuals were taken into custody. A 33-yearold male, a 28-year-old male, a 21-year-old male, a 20-year-old female and a 15-year-old female have all been charged with one count each of assault with a weapon, and possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose. The adult accused will make their first appearance on Feb. 7, 2022 and the youth will make her first appearance on Feb. 10.

- Police responded to a disturbance at a residence on the Red Pheasant First Nation at 5:30 p.m. on Dec. 22. A woman sustained minor injuries after having a cooking pot thrown at her. A 23-year-old male was arrested and has been charged with one count of assault with a weapon. He will make his first appearance in Provincial Court on Jan. 6, 2022. The victim was treated for minor injuries on scene.

- A 18-year-old male was arrested in has been charged with assault and assault with a weapon after a reported incident at a residence on the 1200 block of 111th Street in North Battleford on shortly before 10 a.m. on Dec. 19. The victim, in her early 20s, was transported to hospital for treatment after being struck in the head with a cup. The accused will make his first appearance in Provincial Court on Feb. 17, 2022. · 13 break and enter investigations.

- Break and enter to a business on Highway 4 South reported shortly after midnight on Dec. 28.

Three suspects were driving a 1990s style grey pick up truck and fled scene after stealing merchandise from the store. Matter still under investigation.

- Break and enter to a business location on Highway 4 North on the edge of North Battleford. Occurred some time in the morning hours of Dec. 28.

A storage building was entered. Stolen items include a blue 2003 Trailblazer with Saskatchewan licence 526LYA, a blue 1997 Dodge Ram with Saskatchewan licence 841 KTZ and a Sure-Trac Trailer with Saskatchewan licence 606 LGW. A previously stolen vehicle was recovered nearby, which also matches the description of the suspect vehicle involved in the

business break in on Highway 4 South.

- Break in to a garage on the 1500 block of 105 Street in North Battleford reported at 10:38 p.m. on Dec. 19. Door was found damaged but no items believed to have been taken.

- Break and enter to a storage shed on the 1400 block of 109th Street in North Battleford reported at 11 p.m. on Dec. 26. Two youth male suspects caused damage to doorway, but were scared off before attaining any property. · 27 vehicle thefts.

- Red 1988 Pylmouth Voyager with BC licence MP997T reported stolen some time in the early morning hours of Dec. 24 from the 1200 block of 104th Street in North Battleford.

- White 2011 Chevrolet Impala with Saskatchewan licence 843LWF reported stolen from the 200 block of 28th Street in Battleford shortly after 9 a.m. on Dec. 28.

- Blue 2004 Mercedes Benz with Saskatchewan licence 135MKE reported stolen from Scott Drive at 830 a.m. on Dec. 19. Robert Armstrong, 33, of Regina is currently wanted for theft of a motor vehicle in connection with this incident. He and the vehicle both remain at large.

- Red 1991 Dodge Spirit with Saskatchewan licence 985MLD reported stolen from 900 block of 105th Street in North Battleford.

- Reported theft of two snowmobiles and a trailer from the 1400 block of 94th Street in North Battleford on the afternoon of Dec. 26. Black 1981 Yamaha Cruiser with Saskatchewan licence 333DZ and a Red 2005 Yamaha with Saskatchewan licence 304EG reported stolen.

- Red 1993 Ford F150 Supercab with Saskatchewan licence 311MHF reported stolen from the 1700 block of 103rd Street in North Battleford in early morning hours of Dec. 15.

- Blue 2003 Chevrolet Silverado with Saskatchewan licence 744MHI reported stolen on the morning of Dec. 19 from the 300 block of 26 Street in Battleford.

- Red 2002 Chevrolet Silverado with Saskatchewan licence 664LDZ reported stolen in the early morning hours of Dec. 21 from the 1300 block of 96th Street in North Battleford.

- Black 1995 Chevrolet K/V truck with Saskatchewan licence 903MBU reported stolen from a rural location in the RM of Battle River some time between 6 a.m. And 9:30 a.m. on Dec. 23.

- White 2014 Toyota Tundra with Saskatchewan licence 939JLD reported stolen from the 1200 block of 109th Street in North Battleford shortly before 9 p.m. on Dec. 25.

- Grey 1992 Ford F150 with Alberta licence BVZ9893 reported stolen shortly after 6 a.m. from the 1200 block of 104th Street in North Battleford. · 34 Mental Health investigations. · 43 traffic collisions. · Three individuals charged with impaired driving.

- Report of a vehicle in the ditch near the service road on Highway 4 North in North Battleford at 630 a.m. on Dec. 21. An 18-year-old woman was arrested and charged with impaired driving and drive while over .08. She will make her first appearance in Provincial Court on Jan. 24, 2022.

- 911 call reporting a truck hitting the ditch on Highway 4 north of North Battleford at 2:43 a.m. on Dec. 26. A 62-year-old man was arrested and has been charged with impaired driving and refusal. He will make his first appearance in Provincial Court on Feb. 28, 2022. · 61 various traffic charges.

Anyone with information on any incident is urged to call the Battlefords RCMP at 306-446-1720 or Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS HOURS: Monday - Thursday 8:00 am - 4:00 pm

Thank-You for your Patronage

(306) 937-8473 192-4th Ave. W • Industrial Park, Battleford

The Battlefords, Thursday, December 30, 2021 - Page 3

sasktoday.ca

Friday 8:00 am - 3:00 pm

Dr. Erin Ellis

For detail of services offered see

www.maidstonedental.ca

119 Main Street | Maidstone 306.326.7777 @maidstonedentalsk

North Battleford library staff at their very first COVID-19 vaccine clinic for children – Back row: Colin Evans, Oksana Moshynska, Barb Beloin, Glen Jacques, and Carla Lamontagne. Front row: Jake Marion, Jennifer Rosin, Irene Nones, Navneet Kaur, Santa, Meranda SemeniukWappel, and Chelsey Sankey. | Photo submitted

Libraries are for more than reading Submitted

On Dec. 22, the North Battleford Public Library in partnership with its parent organization Lakeland Library Region, hosted its very first COVID-19 vaccine clinic for children.

This was not their first partnership with the Saskatchewan Health Authority. Since July, the library has opened its doors to Saskatchewan Health Authority COVID-19 and flu vaccine clinics about 30 times, allowing thousands of residents to get free and easy access to COVID-19 and flu vaccines.

This time, the library hosted three simultaneous vaccine clinics, two for adults and one for children.

The North Battleford’s new head librarian and branch manager Oksana Moshynska, who has just graduated with her Masters of Management in Library and Information Science degree from the University of Southern California, was excited to see so many children smile.

According to Moshynska, “The modern library is

ŚĞĐŬ ŽƵƚ ŽƵƌ ǁĞďƐŝƚĞ ĨŽƌ ƵƉĐŽŵŝŶŐ ƐĂĨĞƚLJ ƚŝĐŬĞƚƐ Ͳ^ƚƵĚĞŶƚƐ ǁŝůů ďĞ ůŝŵŝƚĞĚ ƚŽ ϵͲ ^ĂĨĞ ƉŚLJƐŝĐĂůͬƐŽĐŝĂů ĚŝƐƚĂŶĐŝŶŐ ǁŝůů ďĞ ŵĂŝŶƚĂŝŶĞĚ ƚŚƌŽƵŐŚŽƵƚ Ăůů ƐĞƐƐŝŽŶƐ͘ ŶŚĂŶĐĞĚ ĐůĞĂŶŝŶŐ ŵĞĂƐƵƌĞƐ ŝŶ ƉůĂĐĞ͘

no longer limited to the library’s physical walls; it delivers electronic materials to patrons’ homes. At the same time, the library opens their spaces and invites their community to not only read in the library, but to play games, connect with others in their communities, exercise their right to vote, and, when a global pandemic strikes, get vaccinated.”

The library staff members created special gifts for children who were planning to come over to the library.

These included superhero buttons, heroes, and an opportunity to add their names to the wall of superheroes kids.

The CEO and Director of the Lakeland Library Region, Jake Marion, is “very pleased that the public library is a useful venue for the Saskatchewan Health Authority,” and hopes that this is the first of many partnerships.

The library was also scheduled to welcome the Saskatchewan Health Authority’s vaccine clinics on Dec. 27 and 29.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

northwestcollege.ca 306.937.5100

1181 100 St, North Battleford, SK S9A 0V3

(306) 445-3430

Page 4 - The Battlefords, Thursday, December 30, 2021

Regional News-Optimist

sasktoday.ca

Share your view!

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

Commentary

Top food-related stories of 2021

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.

We should be thankful for what the food industry is doing for all of us, every day

By Sylvain Charlebois Professor / Dalhousie University

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

The year 2021 was certainly another challenging one for most of us. It was also incredibly difficult for people in the food industry, from farmgate to plate.

Most headlines related to the food industry had to do with problems and issues related to supply chains, labour, and forced closures due to COVID-19 outbreaks and many other operational entanglements.

But we also need to celebrate what the food industry has accomplished this year. As they did last year, producers, processors, grocers and restaurants have kept us food secure. This was no small feat, given how complicated and prolonged this pandemic has become.

While 2020 showed us how our food supply chains can be resilient, this year unsurprisingly showed us that our food supply chain can also experience fatigue. This was to be expected, as we reach the end of the second year of the pandemic.

Despite some ruptures, container shortages, natural disasters and the Suez Canal impasse, our food supply chain kept going, and we should expect the same in 2022.

To reflect on what has happened over the last 12 months, here’s a list of the most intriguing and unexpected food-related news stories we saw in 2021.

10) The Suez Canal obstruction We don’t think of canals very often, but the pandemic has made us all more acutely aware of how global food distribution works or how bottlenecks can become a problem virtually overnight.

When the Ever Given – one of the largest container ships in the world at 400 metres long – blocked the Suez Canal in March, the entire world was focused on that one ship for six days.

According to estimates, the incident cost about US$400 million an hour. But the impact on Canada’s food systems was minimal.

9) Timbiebs The latest Tim Hortons marketing campaign surprised a few industry observers. The iconic Canadian chain is licking its lips for having sniffed out a deal by asking Justin Bieber, a Canadian mega-star, to create three new flavours for its smaller donuts, Timbits.

The success of the campaign will bring in a legion of sorely needed younger customers. It was a unique approach for Restaurant Brands International. After a slew of major mishaps after acquiring Tim Hortons a few years ago, the holding company is finally showing signs of understanding the chain’s roots.

8) Retail code of conduct Many consumers can’t appreciate how much grocers overpower food manufacturers and suppliers in our country. Some countries – like Australia and the United Kingdom – faced similar issues and produced a code of conduct to stop grocers from bullying the rest of the supply chain by charging unjustified fees and implementing unreasonable transactional terms.

Regional

This year saw the creation of a federal code-ofconduct committee co-chaired by Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau and Quebec Agriculture Minister André Lamontagne.

A code could help deal with our food inflation challenges and reduce the possibilities of collusion.

Although progress has been slow, creating a committee was particularly good news.

7) Weston Bakeries sold One of the largest bakeries in the country, which was caught in the bread-price-fixing scandal that lasted 13 years, was finally sold by Loblaw Companies to another Canadian company.

With this deal, the bakery sector became even more consolidated in our country. And Loblaws is now very much focused on food distribution.

But with more consolidation could come higher bread prices. It should be interesting.

6) Running out of turkeys The words “food shortage” were thrown around constantly in 2021, as in 2020. Most consumers are now accustomed to periodically seeing empty grocery shelves, and most of us have adjusted our expectations.

But the most ridiculous story was about turkeys.

Canada just can’t run out of turkeys since the commodity is supply-managed. Stocks can be low in parts of the country, but that would be it.

5) Canadian Dairy Commission’s record recommendation Few Canadians are familiar with the Canadian Dairy Commission, a Crown corporation responsible for en-

A community newspaper published Thursdays Owned & Operated by Prairie Newspaper Group LP a division of GVIC Communications Corp.

892 - 104th Street, North Battleford, Saskatchewan S9A 1M9 Telephone: 306-445-7261 • Fax: 306-445-3223 Serving the Battlefords since 1908 E-mail: newsoptimist.news@sasktel.net

news-optimist

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

suring dairy farmers make a decent living in Canada.

The commission calculates how much dairy farmers should get for their milk every year. When it released its recommendations for 2022, many were shocked to learn it was recommending an 8.4 per cent increase for milk and 12.4 per cent for butterfat, probably due to the palm oil scandal that happened in March.

These rate increases are the highest in more than 50 years. Canadians should expect their trip to the dairy section at the grocery store to get more expensive in 2022.

4) P.E.I. potatoes and science Two farms in Prince Edward Island discovered a contagious wart on potatoes. Despite scientific protocols implemented by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Canada imposed an embargo on Island potatoes going to the United States.

Continued on Page 5

Letter

Thanks to drivers Dear Editor The people at Caleb Village who ride the Handi-Bus wish to sincerely thank the drivers, who are so kind and helpful.

Bunty Keilback North Battleford

Gordon Brewerton Senior Group Publisher

Administration

Kylie Cooke DTI/Receptionist

Editorial

Jayne Foster Editor - John Cairns - Lisa Joy Reporters

Advertising Sales

Candace Mack-Horton Sales Manager Noah Cooke

Composition

Claude Paradis Prepress Manager

Circulation

Grace Merritt - Melissa Pitkeathley, Inserters

Regional News-Optimist

sasktoday.ca

Letter: Is job loss justified?

Dear Editor Recently when Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe responded in a long phone call to Nadine Ness who heads Unified Grassroots, a movement which opposes mandatory vaccinations, he was immediately criticized by Opposition leader Ryan Meili. When Meili characterized Grassroots as, “this radical extremist group, a group that’s been promoting anti-vaccine messages,” he was engaged in the classic, disingenuous ploy of misrepresentation for political ends.

Unified Grassroots, with about 14,000 members, many of whom are vaccinated, is no more anti-vaccination than it is proMeili. What they do object to is forced vaccination on pain of losing their job and livelihood! Canadian Medical Law, as does the Supreme Court, holds that adults have the right of personal autono-

Commentary

Continued from Page 4 Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau claimed that the United States would have issued a nationwide embargo if nothing had been done.

Speculation suggests trade related to electric vehicles had more to do with the misfortunes of our potato producers. This year reminded us, yet again, that science always takes a back seat to trade politics.

3) Rise of the food worker As we saw in 2020, food workers received even more public sympathy and became more political in 2021. Many food manufacturers in Canada and elsewhere offered substantial wage increases and better benefits to their employees to either avoid or end labour disputes.

Nabisco’s labour dispute even attracted the attention of well-known Hollywood actor Danny DeVito to advocate for workers, probably a first.

In Canada, Olymel, Exceldor, Cargill and others are now offering higher wages and even signing bonuses to make the sector more attractive.

But this push will also lead to more automation, which will continue into 2022.

2) Heat dome and atmospheric rivers Every year, Mother Na-

my in matters relating to their own medical care, and that medical care is wrongful unless the patient has given consent to it. There isn’t much consent involved when a young nurse with a student loan to repay, a nurse who has worked heroically through almost two years of pandemic, is told that if she doesn’t get vaccinated she is out of work and could lose her licence to practice, and coincidentally she is not eligible for employment insurance.

There are many reasons why a thoughtful person might be hesitant about having a relatively novel drug injected into their body. It is after all only a couple of decades since the Canadian military quietly ended the requirement for its soldiers to take the experimental, antimalarial drug Mefloquine, which is still widely believed to have been responsible Continued on Page 7

ture has a way of reminding us of who’s in charge.

But this year brought more than its share of dramatic climate events.

On June 29, the temperature in Lytton, B.C., reached 49.6C, the highest temperature on record in Canada. In November, the Fraser Valley and many other parts of British Columbia were devastated by atmospheric rivers – a large, narrow stream of water vapour that travels through the sky – which destroyed livestock, fields of crops, roads and railways.

The year 2021 is yet another reminder that our food systems are highly vulnerable to climate change.

1) Food inflation Food inflation was the obvious topic to select as the number one foodrelated news story this year. It was over four per cent by September and we expect another challenging year in 2022, according to Canada’s Food Price Report.

Higher input costs, global supply chain woes and labour challenges are mostly responsible for what’s happening across the globe and in Canada.

Food prices should go up but wages aren’t following to support Canadian families.

According to the United Nations, Canada was ranked 18th in the world in terms of food affordability.

Now it’s ranked 24th and could drop even further in 2022. Food bank traffic will continue to grow.

Last year’s top story was the panic buying we saw in 2020. It could always happen again, but we should be grateful it didn’t occur in 2021. We should remain thankful for what the food industry is doing for all of us, every day, one miracle at a time.

Happy New Year.

Dr. Sylvain Charlebois is senior director of the agri-food analytics lab and a professor in food distribution and policy at Dalhousie University. © Troy Media

The Battlefords, Thursday, December 30, 2021 - Page 5

The open-air holiday cinema

By Johannie Dufour and Sarah Beauregard Translated by Katya Teague It was outdoor movie night on Snow Island, and the city was screening the premiere of The Distracted Santa Claus, a new animated film by a worldrenowned local director. Families unfolded their camp chairs and gathered around heated lamps that were set up on the soccer field to keep everybody warm. With their chairs lined up, twins Orion and Capella wrapped themselves in the large blankets handed to them by their parents.

“Dad, can we please have some popcorn?” the little girl asked.

“And some hot chocolate?” her brother added.

“Good idea, kids. I’ll go get us some. Do you want anything, Audrey?” Patrick asked, turning to his wife.

“A coffee, please.”

“Hurry up, Dad, or you’ll miss the beginning,” Orion called out as his father headed toward the concession stand.

There was no need to worry, though. Patrick returned with their snacks long before the movie started. In fact, the screen still hadn’t turned on by the time the kids finished their popcorn.

“I wonder what’s taking so long,” Audrey said.

“Yes, this is odd,” Patrick said. “And people are starting to get impatient.”

“We could go see the technician and find out what’s going on,” Capella suggested.

“Yes, his hut is nearby,” Orion added. “I can see it from here.”

“Alright, but go straight there and don’t take any detours on the way back,” their mother instructed.

When they arrived at the hut, the two children knocked on the door, but there was no answer. Since the door was unlocked, they opened it. To their surprise, they saw David, the technician, snoring away in his chair instead of operating the projector.

The twins called out his name and shook him, first gently then more vigorously, but nothing worked. David was still asleep.

“He’s so tired that it’s impossible to wake him up,” Capella exclaimed. “But how else can we get the movie started?”

“Follow me,” her brother replied.

With his sister right on his heels, Orion headed toward the nearest family. He quickly explained that the technician was sound asleep in his chair.

Randy Weekes

MLA Biggar-Sask Valley Constituency randyweekes.mla@accesscomm.ca Toll free number 1-877-948-4880

“Poor David,” said the mother with a sigh. “I don’t know how he gets any rest taking care of four children under the age of 10 all by himself.”

“I’m pretty good with electronics,” chimed in the girl beside her. “Go back to your seats, I’ll take care of everything.”

“Thank you,” the twins replied in unison.

As the crowd began to grumble more and more, Orion and Capella returned to their seats and recounted the story to their parents.

“Let’s hope this teenager knows what she’s doing,” Patrick said.

At that moment, the screen finally lit up and the opening credits appeared.

The audience burst into thunderous applause.

“It looks like it,” Capella enthused.

“Well done, kids,» Audrey said.

The much-anticipated film, both funny and heartwarming, was a hit. Thanks to the twins and their invaluable ally, the outdoor movie night was a success — despite a bit of a sleepy start!

As for David, who woke up just in time to see the final scene, he went home feeling more rested than he had in years.

This Christmas Reading Corner is Brought to you by Chris & the Staff

• May this year bring new happiness, new goals, new achievements and a lot of new inspirations in your life. Wishing you a year fully loaded with happiness!

• “You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” - C. S. Lewis Candace Mack-Horton Sales Manager

Phone: 306-445-7261 email: candace@newsoptimist.ca

Merry Christmas

from our family to yours

192 - 24th Street | Battleford

306-937-7474

Page 6 - The Battlefords, Thursday, December 30, 2021

Regional News-Optimist

sasktoday.ca

Police and first responders attend rescue scene when three snowmobiles go over 30’ drop SASKTODAY.ca Around 15 people, including two RCMP officers, responded to an emergency among a group of snowmobilers Dec. 22 in the Blaine Lake area.

Around 3:40 p.m., a call came in to Blaine Lake RCMP Detachment from Blaine Lake Emergency Medical Services notifying police officers of a threesnowmobile collision. A group of snowmobilers unfamiliar with the terrain had reportedly driven off a 30-foot embankment.

EMS from Shellbrook, Blaine Lake and North

Battleford were already en route as injuries were reported. The location was rural – southeast of Hafford – and the winter weather and fading daylight were important considerations for first responders.

Blaine Lake RCMP Detachment Commander Sgt. Aaron Kading promptly contacted his colleague, Cst. Warner, to assist him.

“There were six snowmobiles in the group – three went over the embankment and three did not,” Sgt. Kading shares.

“We drove to Highway 40, which was the closest anyone could get with a

Letter: Job loss justified?

to the ambulances was going to happen. We didn’t have a lot of options.”

It was -12 C. ambient with the wind whipping snow around. The snowmobilers were dressed for the weather and wearing appropriate safety equipment, like helmets. Alcohol and drugs were not considered a factor.

“It was a 30-foot drop off the embankment and the only way out was to climb back up it,” says Sgt. Kading. The second injured person was carefully prepared by EMS. “I tried holding onto weeds while we climbed back to

prepped for a third ‘booster’ dose, and perhaps annual shots thereafter. Add to that the fact that in August, of 22 Saskatchewanians who died of Covid, 10 were fully vaccinated. Small wonder there is growing skepticism!

Now I am fully aware that at the outset virtually no one knew what to expect and the authorities and health experts were coping as best they could, but by now it is becoming increasingly apparent that politics is driving the response as much as is science. Perhaps more so.

The literature dated Aug. 5, 2021 which I received from University of Saskatchewan, Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO), states that, “The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, tiredness, and dry cough. Some patients may have aches and pains, nasal congestion, sore throat, or diarrhea. These symptoms are usually mild, and most people recover from the disease without needing special treatment.”

This, coupled with the fact that in the nearly two years of pandemic we have now recorded 30,000 COVID deaths in Canada (0.08 per cemt of Canadian population) while

Holiday Hours

Continued from Page 5 for the Clayton Matchee tragedy. Canada’s military made this drug, which was approved by Health Canada, compulsory for selected members of its forces. Also under Health Canada’s watch was the tainted blood scandal of the 1980s and the thalidomide disaster of the 1960s.

Perhaps some caution is warranted when dealing with a drug approved by Health Canada only a few months ago.

Last year Canadians were told that vaccines would resolve the COVID pandemic; vaccines would provide immunity and when we had achieved 70 per cent coverage herd immunity would kick in. When the first vaccines became available we were told even one dose would provide almost as much protection as two; then 70 per cent coverage was attained, and we were told 80 per cent was required. We now have 87 per cent of those age 12 and up fully vaccinated and there seems no end in sight. Vaccine efficacy is waning and we are being

vehicle to the scene. You could see the snowmobiles across the field, they were dots in the distance.”

EMS had already walked across the field once and transported back the first injured person on foot. Sgt. Kading and Cst. Warner followed their lead and did the same.

“The snow was too deep in the field to drive through, so everyone walked the 600 yards and down the embankment with a spinal board. We had serious concerns for the injured people and everyone was very mindful of how the transport back

www.lskysd.ca

Thanks for your support in 2021 and all the best in 2022!

New for

Turtleford & District

306-446-2218

9805 Thatcher Ave North Battleford

KNOW HOW

Take a leap of faith and welcome in the New year.

Full of wondrous things to come.

Noah Cooke

Turtleford & District

the Canadian Cancer Society estimates there will be 84,600 cancer deaths in 2021 alone, gives a perspective that is in stark contrast to what we hear daily from the media.

My purpose here is not to dissuade people from getting vaccinated; my plea to the general public and the political authorities is that we heed Premier Moe when he asked that we not stigmatize those have well-founded concerns about what is still clearly a mostly well-intentioned, world-wide experiment.

It is particularly reprehensible that we fire badly needed health care workers who only months ago were considered indispensable – indeed were widely hailed as heroes. We should be directing the same well deserved outrage at those who fire the young nurse mentioned earlier as we do in response to the firing of Fatimeh Anvari, the young Quebec woman who lost her teaching job for wearing the hijab.

James Wiebe Sonningdale

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the Management and Staff

• Our Maidstone Ag Store Opened in 2020

Board of Directors, Management & Staff

ment works with on a neardaily basis. RCMP officers are required to complete regular first aid training, but Sgt. Kading points out the importance of having highly qualified medical first responders on scene with them.

“I’m very thankful for our strong partnership with EMS; with their expertise, they took the lead. Hafford Fire and Rescue and several members of the public assisted too. It’s this shared response to a call for service which underscores the importance of community collaboration.”

Dec. 24 - 8 am - 3 pm Dec. 25 & 26 - CLOSED Dec. 27, 28, 29 & 30 - Regular Hours Dec. 31 - 8 am - 3 pm Jan. 1 & 2 - CLOSED Jan. 3 - Regular hours resume

2022 • Our Turtleford Grocery Store got a new facelift.

the top, gripping the board, and at the same time doing my best to keep the injured person stable.”

A third injured person was able to walk from the scene unassisted. Around 15 people total, including two RCMP officers, had responded. Shortly after 5 p.m., just as it was getting dark, everyone was back at Highway 40. The three injured people were safely transported to hospital by EMS for treatment.

With seven and a half years of service at Blaine Lake Detachment, Sgt. Kading is quick to thank the partners his detach-

Regional News-Optimist

The Battlefords, Thursday, December 30, 2021 - Page 7

sasktoday.ca

Art Notes

Creativity and satisfaction motivate artist Submitted

Ev Gardiner has recently retired from the profession of Licensed Practical Nursing. She took her training in Alberta and went on to enjoy many years of nursing in a variety of settings from paediatrics to geriatrics. In her twenties, she moved to the Battlefords where she met and married Fred. They were blessed with three wonderful children and six grandchildren, each one very special.

Ev has always enjoyed working with her hands using a variety of materials such as wood, cement, and stained glass and has created beautiful landscapes and waterfalls. Her yard, a work of art itself, has been featured in the University of Saskatchewan’s magazine the Gardener for the Prairies.

While enjoying drawing and painting for many years, with retirement, she looks forward to devoting more time to, and exploring even more of her creative side. Ev enjoys losing herself in the artistic process, becoming unaware of time and space, relaxing and concentrating on the beauty of colour and texture, simply letting her paintings take shape.

A sense of satisfaction comes from a completed piece of artwork and at times frustration in trying to captivate what she is trying to express. These feelings motivate her to continue the pursuit of artistic

READERS

CHOOSE PRINTED COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS FOR EVERYTHING

LOCAL AS WELL AS

2022 KAYLA PETERSEN

WALLY LORENZ

MARLENE KOTCHOREK

Ev Gardiner | Photo submitted

expression of her views and values.

Most recently, Eve’s choice of brush has been watercolour, adding to many lovely pieces cre-

ated using oils, acrylics, and pastels. Eve continues to be involved in various workshops, always adding creative ideas to her artwork.

Chair Melanie Roberts and The Board of Directors wishes everyone a Very Happy and Prosperous

Happy New Year!

RANDALL COTE

SHANE MURDOCH

HEATHER SARRAZIN

SHAWNA SCHIRA-KROEKER

BRENNAN VEIKLE

BRETT PAYNE

ADVERTISING!

91%

1121 102nd Street, North Battleford • 306-445-2115

Choose LOCAL information as their main reason for reading (editorial,news, sports, entertainment, events)

DOROTHY LEHMAN

NICOLE LOVELL

JEFF GOLKA

63%

Read for advertising (flyers, inserts, ROP)

55%

Reading for Classified ads, Employment & Real Estate

Here's wishing you the best of the holidays and may the magic of the season fill your heart and bring you joy.

We look forward to serving you in 2022.

Board, Management & Staff

of the Battlefords MARKETING YOUR PROPERTY TO THE WORLD

1391 - 100th Street, North Battleford Phone 306-845-2105 Source: News Media Canada

New Year’s Hours Dec 31st- Closed at 1pm • Jan 1st- 3rd- Closed Jan 4th- Regular Business Hours

(306) 446-8800

Each Office Independently Owned & Operated

www.remaxbattlefords.com

Page 8 - The Battlefords, Thursday, December 30, 2021

Regional News-Optimist

sasktoday.ca

Hudson Ford named Junior Umpire of the Year Staff

Hudson Ford of North Battleford has been named Lou Slotsve Junior Umpire of the Year for 2021 by

Sask Baseball.

Ford has just finished his third year of umpiring and the Battleford Minor Baseball Association nominated him for the

hard work and interest he displays each and every time he arrives to officiate a ball game.

Three items stood out when Battleford Minor

New Horizons ready to start second half of season

By Bernie Meisner

New Horizons finished off the first half of their curling season on Tuesday, Dec. 21 with the these results: Krismer over Scott; Cain over Hall; Kjargaard

over Forester; Horrell over Payne; Munn over Taylor.

The champions for this half is the Munn team skipped by Gordon Munn, Third Peter Pauls, Second Diane Aulinger and Lead Kathy O’Hanlon.

Teams will be drawn for the second half and curling will begin on Jan. 4. Anyone wishing to curl with New Horizons should contact Kathy McNinch, Twin Rivers Curling Club.

Call 306-937-2431.

The New Horizons curling champions for this half is the Munn team skipped

by Gordon Munn, Third Peter Pauls, Second Diane Aulinger and Lead Kathy O’Hanlon. | Photo submitted

Wishing you and your family a Happy New Years!

872 103rd Street North Battleford, SK 306-445-1966

Baseball Association considered Hudson for the nomination. First his appearance is always neat, he’s on time and considerate of those he is working with and officiating. Second, he attempts in every game to improve on his last attempt. Finally, he takes a very mature view when dealing with coaches, fans and players, and when he is stumped he turns and asks for help and advice which is a very mature level of learning to improve.

Battleford Minor Baseball Association says they sincerely hope that Hudson continues with his officiating endeavours once he finished school because he does an outstanding job.

The executive says you always hope as an Umpire in Chief that you get a young official like Hudson into the program.

Hudson Ford joins 2021 Annual Award winners: Mary Anne Gaetz of Unity who is the recipient of the 2021 recipient of the Baseball Sask Lifetime Achievement Award.

Cam Marshak of Humboldt who is the recipient of the 2021 Baseball Sask Minor Player of the Year; Ethan Murdoch of Swift Current who is the recipient of the 2021 Baseball Sask Player of the Year; Blair Beck of Carn-

As we gear up for another busy HOLIDAY SEASON, we’d just like to take a moment to thank all of our loyal customers.

Thank you and best wishes for a prosperous NEW YEAR!

TWIN CITY TRANSMISSION

9901 Thatcher Ave. Parsons Industrial Park • North Battleford

306-445-3445

Hudson Ford

duff who is the recipient of the 2021 Baseball Sask Coach of the Year; Logan Edwards of Prince Albert who is the recipient of the 2021 Baseball Sask Joe McDonald Special Award of Merit; Tyler Thomlinson of Grenfell who is the recipient of the 2021 Baseball Sask Grass Roots Coach of the Year; East Central 15U AAA Dodgers who are the recipient of the 2021 Baseball Sask Minor Team of

the Year; Regina Trappers who are the recipient of the 2021 Baseball Sask Senior Team of the Year; Dean Dimmick of North Battleford who is the recipient of the 2021 Baseball Sask Builder of the Year, Warren Burrell of Yorkton who is the recipient of the 2021 Baseball Sask Umpire of the Year; as announced by Baseball Sask on Twitter and Facebook Dec. 23.

Merry Christmas & A Happy New Year!

From the Gold Eagle Lodge www.goldeaglelodge.com

Windshield Repair & Replacement Specialists

1861 - 100th Street North Battleford 306-446-2302 crackmasterscanada.com

NORSASKLAW Richard Gibbons Law Office Serving the Legal Needs of the Battlefords and Area

1381A-101st Street, North Battleford 306-445-7772 • website: norsasklaw.com

Happy New Year

Four K Auto Service Wishing you a healthy and prosperous new year

Happy New Years!

1761 100 Street, North Battleford • 306-937-2696

2022

From Management and Staff At

Regional News-Optimist

sasktoday.ca

The Battlefords, Thursday, December 30, 2021 - Page 9

Learning from history? Lessons are slow to hit home

Christmas 1980 Joyce Milgaard was fighting for son’s innocence, but a commission for wrongful convictions is only now being created

By Lisa Joy

Staff Reporter

Forty-one years ago Joyce Milgaard appealed to thousands of Saskatoon residents during Christmas 1980 for clues to prove her 28-year-old son David Milgaard was innocent of a 1969 murder.

A Dec. 26, 1980, Regina Leader-Post story reported that Joyce Milgaard had put up a $10,000 reward to back her belief that her son David - who was in prison already for 11 years - didn’t rape and murder a Saskatoon nurse.

Joyce Milgaard distributed leaflets all over Saskatoon telling residents about the reward offer and her appeal for new information about the crime.

That move would help her decades-long fight to exonerate her son and push for an independent criminal case review commission.

Now, decades later, two judges - appointed by federal Justice Minister David Lametti to head the creation of an independent Criminal Case

Joyce Milgaard fought a decades-long crusade to exonerate her son David Milgaard of a rape and murder he was wrongfully convicted of in 1970. | Inquiry into Wrongful Conviction of David Milgaard

Review Commission to look into wrongful convictions - have released their final report with 51 recommendations to Lametti, who will take his proposed Miscarriages of Justice Commission to the federal cabinet.

Retired judges Harry LaForme and Juanita Westmoreland-Traoré, released their roadmap earlier this month to create the new Criminal Case Review Commission and the judges often referenced the David Milgaard case.

In fact, in a statement the judges began their findings referring to the lyrics from the song Wheat Kings, which rock band The Tragically Hip wrote about David Milgaard.

“Twenty years for nothing, well, that’s nothing new. Besides, no one’s interested in something you didn’t do.” – Wheat Kings, The Tragically Hip. Milgaards’ fight for independent commission Milgaard was the victim of Canada’s most notorious miscarriage of justice.

In 1969 he was arrested when he was only 16. In 1970, at the age of 17, he was wrongfully convicted of raping and murdering Saskatoon nurse Gail Miller and sent to prison for life.

He spent almost 23 years behind bars before he was released in 1992 and exonerated by DNA evidence in 1997. That same DNA evidence linked serial rapist Larry Fisher from North Battleford to Miller’s brutal murder.

Fisher was convicted for that crime November 1999.

Justices LaForme and Westmoreland-Traoré said they began their consultations with a group of wrongfully convicted individuals, including David Milgaard, because they said it was important to hear about their first-hand experiences with the Canadian criminal justice system.

“We were profoundly saddened by what they told us,” said the judges.

“We were also extremely moved by their generosity in sharing with us, and their passion in ensuring that what happened to them does not happen to others. We are deeply grateful to each of them for their contributions, and we believe this country owes them a debt of gratitude.”

David Milgaard told SASKTODAY.ca that it was therapeutic to speak with the two judges.

“It felt good to talk to both of those judges, it was a healing experience for me.”

Since being released, Milgaard has pushed for an independent Criminal Case Review Commission

to make it easier and faster for potentially wrongfully convicted people to have their applications reviewed. He, and his group, met with Canada’s Justice Minister David Lametti to discuss the commission and earlier this year Lametti launched public consultations on the creation of the commission and he appointed the former justices to head the commission.

David Milgaard, however, told SASKTODAY. ca that his mother deserves the credit and not him.

“Really the most important person who has fought for this new Commission is my Mother who never gave up on me in her fight for justice,” said Milgaard.

“We need to see these recommendations adopted quickly. I miss my Mom but she started this and we need to see it finished.

Joyce Milgaard is always my ‘hero,’” said David Milgaard.

A mother’s fight to free her son Thirty-two years ago it was first recommended Continued on Page 10

We wish everyone a happy healthy and Wonderful New Year

1541 - 100th Street, North Battleford • 306-445-5555

Page 10 - The Battlefords, Thursday, December 30, 2021

Regional News-Optimist

sasktoday.ca

Have a safe and happy New Year; please plan a safe ride home.

Ryan Domotor

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

Jeremy Cockrill

Hon. Scott Moe, Premier

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

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

Blueprint for a criminal case review commission 20211423_News Optimist Ad_New Year.indd 1

Contined from Page 9 that an independent commission be created to look into wrongful convictions after Donald Marshall Jr.’s wrongful conviction.

Joyce Milgaard took up the torch for an independent commission after she hit wall after wall in her unending decades-long fight to prove her son’s innocence.

She never gave up the fight to exonerate him. She recruited criminal lawyers to help. She handed out leaflets during Christmas offering a reward for new information. She interviewed witnesses. She sold possessions to continue her fight. She hired private investigators. She threatened to camp on the lawn of the Saskatchewan legislature.

She even confronted the federal justice minister and prime minister of Canada.

In 1987 Joyce Milgaard convinced top criminal lawyer Hersh Wolch to look into David Milgaard’s case.

Wolch and junior lawyer David Asper poured over transcripts, evidence, and statements.

They became convinced of David Milgaard’s innocence and hired Dr. James Ferris, a well-known forensic pathologist from British Columbia. Ferris reviewed the case and concluded there was little or no evidence tying Milgaard to the crime and that several aspects of the Crown’s case actually excluded him as a suspect.

With this information, in December 1988, Wolch and Asper filed the first of two applications for a new trial under Section 690 of the Criminal Code, which is a provision that permits the Minister of Justice to review new evidence and order a review of the conviction or a new trial.

In 1989, the publicity Joyce Milgaard generated about the case - as she rallied reporters - resulted in the discovery of police

2021-12-14 10:52:35 AM

David Milgaard. | Zoom May 2021

statements from key crown witnesses that contradicted court testimony. The lawyers also located several witnesses who were never interviewed by the police and whose evidence contradicted parts of the Crown’s case.

In 1990, an anonymous phone call was made to David Asper saying they should look into Larry Fisher. Joyce Milgaard tracked down Fisher’s wife Linda who said her husband could have committed the crime. Fisher had lived in the basement apartment of the house that Milgaard visited in January 1969. Fisher was convicted of several sexual assaults in the same area where Miller’s body was found.

S A S K T O D AY. c a obtained a letter Joyce Milgaard wrote on March 20, 1990, to federal Justice Minister Kim Campbell asking the minister to listen to her plea for help.

“I have spent the past 21 years enduring the grief of my wrongfully convicted son, David Milgaard. I have tried for 21 years to be David’s voice on the ‘outside’ and to get someone in a position of authority to lend a sympathetic ear. It seems that our sys-

tem of justice is so cynical that no one is prepared to accept that mistakes can be and are made.

“The bias against a convicted person is most frustrating.

“A well-respected forensic pathologist has interpreted the evidence in my son’s case and concluded that the same evidence used to convict him, in fact, disproves his guilt.

“The officials in your department who are handling this case have not given me the slightest glimmer of hope,” continued Joyce Milgaard in her letter.

“I cannot stand by in the hope that the system, which condemned my son, will secretly help to free him. I’m afraid I have lost faith in the justice system.”

In her letter to Campbell, Joyce Milgaard also provided the justice minister with proof of David Milgaard’s innocence.

But the proof of his innocence seemed to fall on deaf ears. So, on May 14, 1990, Joyce Milgaard confronted federal Justice Minister Kim Campbell in person in Winnipeg.

As TV cameras rolled, the country watched in disbelief as the federal justice minister snubbed a des-

perate mother as she tried to hand her a report from a forensic pathologist that could clear her son David Milgaard.

On Feb. 27, 1991, Justice Minister Kim Campbell formally dismissed David Milgard’s application to have his case reviewed.

Mother won’t give up fight Devastated and stressed by endless disappointments, David Milgaard told his mom to give up the fight but she refused to quit, reported Dan Lett in the Winnipeg Free Press in 1991.

“When the decision came down and it was bad, he said, ‘Mom you better go on now and start to live your life. You’ve spent all your years working on this and you’ve got to let it go.”

Instead of giving up, Joyce Milgaard dug in her heels and continued her fight. She sold off family possessions to fund her battle to prove her son’s innocence.

In March 1991, Joyce Milgaard convinced private investigators Jim McCloskey and Paul Henderson from Centurion Ministries in the United States to investigate.

They dug up evidence that linked convicted rapist Larry Fisher to Gail Miller’s rape and murder.

They also found evidence that authorities hid Fisher’s rape conviction from his victims.

On Aug. 14, 1991, six months after Campbell rejected Milgaard’s application, his lawyers filed a second application to the court, which focused on the potential guilt of Larry Fisher, a convicted rapist.

A key piece of evidence was a 1970 confession by sex offender Larry Fisher who admitted to committing six sexual assaults, including four in the same area in Saskatoon where Gail Miller was killed.

Out with the old In with the new Got great hearing aids How about you?

David Milgaard when he was in prison. Year unknown. | Photo contributed by David Milgaard

This raised the possibility that she was another of Fisher’s victims.

The new evidence also included a recantation by witness Ron Wilson who said he was coming down from a high off drugs at the time of his second police interview, and, wanting more drugs, thought police would release him if he were to give them what they wanted.

Joyce Milgaard takes her fight to the Prime Minister Joyce Milgaard didn’t stop at just confronting the federal justice minister. On Sept. 6, 1991, she waited for Prime Minister Brian Mulroney outside a Winnipeg hotel during his visit to the city. In front of dozens of reporters, Mulroney promised Joyce Milgaard that he would personally look into the case.

Six years after that meeting, Mulroney told Free Press reporter Gordon Sinclair Jr. why he agreed to help Joyce Milgaard.

“There was just some-

From

#2 11204 Railway Ave East

(306) 445-5700

thing so forlorn but very loving about a woman standing alone on a very cold evening in Manitoba on behalf of her son.

“But in that brief meeting I got a sense of Mrs. Milgaard and her genuineness and her courage,” said Mulroney, adding that she reminded him of his own mother.

On Nov. 29, 1991, two months after Joyce Milgaard confronted Prime Minister Mulroney, federal Justice Minister Kim Campbell directed the Supreme Court of Canada to review David Milgaard’s conviction.

On April 14, 1992, the Supreme Court of Canada said David Milgaard should have a new trial. He was freed soon after Saskatchewan decided not to prosecute him again.

On July 18, 1997, DNA evidence proved without a doubt that David Milgaard didn’t commit the rape and murder of Gail Miller.

That same day, on July Concludes on Page 12

Page 2 - The Battlefords, Thursday, November 12, 2020 Regional News-Optimist

Celebrate sensibly.

Never drive impaired and don’t let others drive impaired.

Always have a sober ride home.

306-937-6700

Ryan Domotor

MLA for Cut Knife-Turtleford Box 850 #6 - 116 1st Ave. West Maidstone, SK S0M 1M0 Phone: 306-893-2619 Fax: 306-893-2660 domotor.mla@sasktel.net

Strong Leadership Strong Saskatchewan

Highway #4 North North Battleford, Sask.

1-800-667-1320 www.valleyfordnb.ca

10013A Thatcher Ave. P.O. Box 1298

2501 99th Street North Battleford

(306) 445-3300

North Battleford, SK S9A 2X5 Information

306-446-7309

Randy Weekes, MLA Biggar Sask Valley

902 - 104th Street North Battleford, SK 306.445.1770

Contracting & Electrical

Harley Collins

Discovery Co-op

www.discoverycoop.com

KANAWE YI MI K

306-480-4330 306-386-3355

C H I L D & FA M I LY S E RV I C E S . I N C .

P.O. Box 1270 Battleford, Saskatchewan S0M 0E0

“Servicing the Battlefords & Area”

10010 A Thatcher Avenue North Battleford

306-445-5195 1991-100th Street North Battleford, SK

Toll Free: 1-877-948-4880 randyweekes.mla@accesscomm.ca

www.skytechequipment.com

306-445-5151

office@jeremycockrill.ca

Hwy 4 North North Battleford, SK

520 Heritage Way North Battleford, SK

306-445-6640

306-937-6770

CHARTERED PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTANTS

306-445-0488

1292 - 100TH STREET NORTH BATTLEFORD SK www.swansongryba.ca

5th Avenue West, Battleford, SK

(Battlefords Industrial Park)

306-937-3330 306-937-3707

306-937-7741

or 1-800-263-7741 9802 Thatcher Avenue North Battleford, SK www.andersonpumphouse.com

Twin City

TRANSMISSION Professional Guaranteed Workmanship

Get Hooked on Us

9901 Thatcher Ave. Parsons Industrial Park North Battleford

9805 Thatcher Ave North Battleford

306-445-3445

KNOW HOW

GUY’S Furniture & Appliances Ltd. 1822 - 100th Street North Battleford

306-446-0545

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

306-446-2218

306-937-2642

HDC

“Dedicated to Service Excellence”

The Battlefords Constituency

“the Professionals”

218 - 22nd Street Battleford, SK

NORTH BATTLEFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT

Jeremy Cockrill, MLA

VISTA TOWING

306-445-2372

The Battlefords, Thursday, December 2021 - Page 11 Regional30, News-Optimist

Driving under the influence can take away everything that matters most to you: your freedom, your job, your reputation, your future and even your life.

Make a commitment to yourself and others not to get behind the wheel after consuming drugs or alcohol this season.

This important message is brought to you by these community minded businesses.

WPD AMBULANCE 1192-101st St., North Battleford

s a s k t osdaas yk.tcoad a y . c a

1981 - 100th Street North Battleford Ph. 445-5050 Fax 445-8771 TOLL FREE

1-888-25PRINT

1392 - 100th Street North Battleford Phone

306 445-8101 www.cherryinsurance.com

306-445-7799 1-888-677-4333 rainbowtoyota.com

Regional

news-optimist Serving the Battlefords since 1908

Your news source... in print & online!

892-104th Street North Battleford

306.445.7261 www.newsoptimist.ca

NORTH BATTLEFORD

781 - 110th Street, North Battleford

306-937-2273

192 - 24th Street | Battleford

306-937-7474 www.battlefordfurniture.com

Please keep our kids & families safe

Page 12 - The Battlefords, Thursday, December 30, 2021

Regional News-Optimist

sasktoday.ca

Chamber moving forward in the face of COVID-19

By John Cairns Staff Reporter

The Battlefords Chamber of Commerce continues to forge ahead through the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic.

They held their final board meeting of the year the Tuesday before Christmas, where they outlined some of their

plans for the weeks and months ahead.

The indication from Chief Operating Officer Linda Machniak is that they hope to hold their annual chair’s luncheon again in either late January or early February.

Machniak said there is “lots to co-ordinate,” with invitations to be sent out and other tasks.

As for the rest of the year, the plan is for a “more normal slate” of events in 2022, as Machniak put it, though she acknowledged that will depend on COVID-19 restrictions that may or may not be in place.

There is also hope for a “Power Hour” event in March involving all of the area’s elected officials.

Previously, the

chamber had announced their intentions to bring back such staples as the golf tournament as well as the BBEX Awards in 2022.

The BBEX Awards took a year off in 2021.

It is confirmed the monthly chamber meetings will move to Tuesdays at noon beginning in February, a change from their current schedule

which sees the board meetings held on Tuesday evenings.

Related to COVID-19, the Battlefords Chamber has been distributing rapid antigen tests to the general public and Machniak reported those are “flying off the shelves.”

They have been distributed at a drive-thru held Monday and Thursday

afternoons between 1 and 4 p.m. outside the Chamber building on the Highway 16-40 junction, with members of the Battlefords North Stars on hand to help with the distribution of the test kits.

Machniak said people have been calling and asking for kits.

“It’s been constant,” she said.

Can trust in the justice system be rebuilt?

Continued from Page 10 18, 1997, the Saskatchewan government apologized to David Milgaard for his wrongful conviction.

On Nov. 22, 1999, Larry Fisher was sentenced to life in prison for the rape and murder of Gail Miller after DNA proved that it was his semen left on her clothing.

During an interview with the Winnipeg Free Press in the 1991, Joyce Milgaard, while fighting for her son’s freedom, told reporter Dan Lett, “Of course I don’t like the publicity. It’s a chapter that I would like to push under the carpet. But that would mean pushing my son under the carpet and I could

never do that.

“I know in my heart that he’s innocent,” she said.

“He was never a violent person and to think that he could go and attack someone like this is incredible.”

Blueprint for an independent Criminal Case Review Commission The judges held consultations from June to September 2021 and heard from justice advocates and wrongfully convicted people who were eventually exonerated during 45 virtual meetings.

The judges suggested the new independent body be called A Miscarriages of Justice Commission and say it must be a

new independent body at arm’s-length from the government. The body should adopt a systemic approach and be concerned about both the correction of miscarriages of justice and their prevention, recommend the judges.

Like New Zealand’s commission, Canada’s independent Miscarriages of Justice Commission should make its decisions public and have a mandate to examine and research general matters, say the judges in their report. The commission should have unique powers and take over the justice minister’s powers to direct new trials and appeals. The appointed commissioners should have broad investigative powers to search for and compel the production of evidence. In cases where there may be a miscarriage of justice, the Miscarriages of Justice Commission could refer the case directly back to a provincial court of appeal for review.

“If it is to have the power to require the independent judiciary to re-hear cases, it should be treated by government as far as possible in the same manner as the independent judiciary.”

Canada’s current system In Canada’s current system, the wrongfully convicted must apply to the justice minister to consider their wrongful convictions and send them back to the courts for new trials.

From 2003 to 2015, the Minister of Justice received on average five completed applications for review each year. The Minister has provided 20 remedies in the form of orders of new trials or appeals, said the judges.

The victims of miscarriages of justice wait too long and a new independent commission should be created immediately, say the judges.

The lengthy delays and the frustration it

causes for the wrongfully convicted is depicted in a letter to the editor to the Saskatoon StarPhoenix on Feb. 7, 1990, where David Milgaard wrote from prison, “I am shocked that everyone at the time was very eager to convict me but now, in the face of scientific evidence, there does not seem to be any public will to correct something so terrible.”

Apologies to the Milgaards On July 18, 1997, Anne McLellan federal Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada issued a news release saying, “The results of the DNA testing in the tragic rape and murder of Gail Miller of Saskatoon, in 1969, have now been received.

The results show that a terrible wrong was done to David Milgaard by his wrongful conviction. To David Milgaard and his family, who courageously supported him throughout this ordeal, I express my

deepest sympathies and regret.

“I would like to express my admiration and compassion for David Milgaard’s mother, Joyce Milgaard, without whose tenacity and unwavering belief in her son’s innocence, this result would not have been achieved,” said Justice Minister McLellan.

On March 21, 2020, at the age of 89, Joyce Milgaard passed away with her family at her side.

Earlier this month, Justices LaForme and We st mo r ela nd-Tr a o r é, said the new independent Criminal Case Review Commission must recognize that applicants and potential applicants have good reason not to trust the justice system.

“As David Milgaard told us, when the justice system has failed and harmed people, it should be ‘non-negotiable’ that it not harm the same people again.”

From the Board, Staff and Participants 801-105th Street, North Battleford

306-445-6141

Sakewew High School The Staff at Sakewew High School wish everyone a wonderful holiday season & all the best in 2022!

Happy New Year 10211 - 12th Avenue

-

Are you Lonely?

Are you Eating Properly?

Do you Exercise your Mind and Body Daily?

Do you feel Healthy?

Do you ever Forget to take your Medication’s? Or take them Properly?

Are you Concerned about the Recent Rash of Home Invasion’s? Do you Feel Safe?

Do you have to Depend on Friends or Family to help with Household Chores, Transportation, and/or Personal Hygiene?

IF ANY OF THE ABOVE IS A PERSONAL CONCERN FOR YOURSELF OR SOMEONE YOU LOVE! Please contact BERNADETTE at

DEER VALLEY PERSONAL CARE HOME Owned & Family Operated Since 1997

(306-937-7652)

- D.V.P.C.H. caters to the Senior Citizen who enjoys the company of a Smaller Group of People and feels Comfortable being part of a Caring and Understanding Assisted Living Family Home.

- D.V.P.C.H. is a small well-organized Personal Care Home that is family orientated, comfortable, secure and filled with fun activities & exercises that assist each Resident to Enjoy a Healthier and Stronger Lifestyle.

- D.V.P.C.H. specializes in being Compassionate, Patient and well-experienced to assist each Resident with their Daily Personal Cognitive and/or Medical Concerns;

306-445-6158

Wishing you a

Happy New Years! from our families to yours!

781 - 110th Street, North Battleford

306-937-2273

Many wonderful amenities are included when you become a Resident of D.V.P.C.H., including:

• Document all concerns of the Residents Medical, Cognitive and Physical Performance and provide monthly Assessments to the Resident and the Residents Personal Supporter; • Arrange and Personally Escort Residents to their local Healthcare Appointments; • Administer and Monitor all prescribed and over-the-counter Medications; • Provide nutritious Meals and Snacks within a family friendly environment that supports mealtime interaction and conversation; • Provide daily assistance for Personal Hygiene; Provide daily Laundry and Housekeeping Services; Licensed by: Saskatchewan Ministry of Health - Facility # 6475

Regional News-Optimist

The Battlefords, Thursday, December 30, 2021 - Page 13

sasktoday.ca

Mayfair News

Remembering Bethlehem

Holiday travels fraught with COVID-induced delays retirement. The family farm is 110 years old and has been passed on for the last four generations. Al’s funeral is at 1 p.m. Dec. 31 at Notre Dame Catholic Church in North Battleford. Sincerest sympathy the family ‑ Sheri Muir, Craig, Dwayne and Keith and his three sisters.

Happy New Year, everyone. Let’s hope this year will bring more hope during these challenging times. Times like this seem to bring the empathy and kindness out in people because we are all in this together. Stay safe and try to find the good in others, even if we have different opinions on this pandemic.

By Elaine Woloshyn Correspondent

Farewell to 2021, a year of surprises. COVID-19 is still running rampant across our country and there is still fear among many people. The government is doing its best but that’s not good enough for the many complainers. We live in hope and let us hope for a better year fast approaching.

With heavy hearts, the family of Mary Ann Heide laid to rest their loving mother at a funeral service held in Mayfair Hall Dec. 4. She was the wife of Jake (deceased) and lived to age 94. She maintained a large garden, fed livestock, milked cows and tended to the chickens. She and Jake also fostered many children during their married life. Her latter years were spent living in the Mennonite Nursing Home in Rosthern. Condolences to Gladys Glass, Don Heide and Bert Heide and families.

Home for the Christmas season to Rick and Pam Lamontagne of Whitkow were three of their daughters, two of whom live great distances away.

Oldest, Brandi and her fiancé Derrick Bassa, travelled 12 hours from their new home at La Broquerie, Man. Derrick was raised in that area and they are both presently employed on the family’s dairy farm. Morgan and

A Christmas tradition at Friendly Acres RV Seniors’ Park in Arizona is to display luminaries on the edges of the streets starting at 6 p.m. Dec. 24. White bags are partially filled with sand and a tea light candle is stuck in the middle. With the gusty winds, it’s surprising most of the candles stayed lit until 9 p.m. | Photo by Elaine Woloshyn

boyfriend came from Dawson Creek, B.C. The youngest, Kayla, who is employed in a local North Battleford law firm, obviously had the shortest distance to travel.

Unfortunately, their second oldest, Bailey from Slocan, B.C. was unable to be home.

There was holiday chaos at many North American airports. My Yuma, Ariz. friends from Flin Flon, Man. booked a flight home to the closest airport of Saskatoon, but with flights delayed they had a friend drive all the way to Calgary to pick them up. They are to return to Arizona Jan. 3, but are not too sure if things will go smoothly

at the airports. Apparently, many U.S. flight staff have COVID and lacking backup, the aircrafts stood stationary and airports were overloaded with distraught, stranded passengers. Some Saskatchewan friends flying from to Texas to go to their home endured an extra two days in transition. Patience, understanding and courtesy are great traits to behold when flying.

My first cousin, Allan Nachtegaele from North Battleford, passed away a couple days after celebrating his 82nd birthday.

His wife Evelyn passed away in September. They farmed six miles northeast of North Battleford before

An event called Remembering Bethlehem took place at the home of Marg and Frank Uhlig of Turtleford Dec. 22 in which community members pulled together for a small production of the Nativity story. Guests sat on hay bales and farmers shared their animals (donkey, cow, sheep, and a goat). | Photo submitted

Patrol Unit Packed

North Battleford’s Community Safety Officers undertook the first ever Pack The Patrol Unit Fundraiser for the animals at the Battlefords Humane Society shelter recently. They filled a van from floor to ceiling with donations of food and other supplies and also raised $500 in cash donations. The shelter says thank you to all who donated as well as Walmart and No Frills for hosting this fundraiser. | Facebook photo

Building A Better Saskatchewan The goal of this session, and in the years ahead, is to build a better Saskatchewan.

A stronger Saskatchewan A safer Saskatchewan A healthier Saskatchewan A better educated Saskatchewan A more independent Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan has attracted billions of dollars in new investment and job opportunities even in this very difficult year due to drought and COVID-19.

These include: • A new potash mine; • Three new canola crushing plants and a major expansion of an existing plant; • Canada’s first wheat straw pulp facility; • A new oriented strand board mill; • A revitalized Prince Albert Pulp Mill; • Expanded and upgraded sawmills; and • A new seeder assembly facility.

Our potential is almost unlimited in the years ahead, and the 2020s will still be Saskatchewan’s decade.

Hon. Scott Moe, Premier

Jeremy Cockrill

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

Stronger SWNA_9.875 x 6.5_PSM_Cockrill_Domotor_News Optimist Ad_Econ.indd 1

Ryan Domotor

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

Safer

Healthier

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

Better Educated

More Independent 11/16/2021 11:54:18 AM

Page 14 - The Battlefords, Thursday, December 30, 2021

Regional News-Optimist

sasktoday.ca

Meota News

Lake seeing fish shacks put into place for season

By Lorna Pearson Correspondent

fish shacks moved out onto the lake. We could see about 16 in the blowing snow on Boxing Day, out from the beach area, and there are bound to be more out in other areas. This is about half what we end up with out there.

Santa Day at Edam’s Enriched Manor was held Dec. 18, from 2-4 p.m.

Many parents with young children attended and enjoyed time with the senior residents. There were colouring books and crayons, candy bags, cookies and hot chocolate and door prize draws. There were no wagon rides this year because of the cold weather.

“Light ‘em up 2021” was the name given to the Edam Christmas lighting competition. Best residence display first place went to Don and Linda Carson and second to Brandon McCloskey. Best business display went to Edam Credit Union and second to Hancock Petroleum (Petro Can). Biggest and brightest display went to Ray and Charlene Seipp with second to Jack and Marie Milnthorpe.

The best senior display was won by Dave and Marion Ottas followed by Stan and Debbie Peterson. The best block display went to

4th Avenue South tied with Westview Court.

The winner of the large gift basket was Dennis Johnson and of the smaller gift basket was Laura LaClare. Winners of gift cards from the scavenger hunt were Jim and Janelle Olson, the Troesch family and Connor LaClare. The organizers send out their gratitude to the sponsors and everyone who worked to make this day so successful.

The end to another year and not many folks are happy with the way life is going. Problems across the world seem to just keep multiplying. With men smart enough to fly to the moon, why can’t they solve some of the problems right here on Earth? During this holiday season most folks would agree that life in Meota is good, and we have so much to be grateful for. We are missing the noon meals at the hall once a month. We are missing the people as much as the food and many other activities we usually enjoy.

More snow means more shovelling and finding a place to put the snow when you move it. The cold temperatures this week have spoiled winter fun activities, so instead of playing outside, as recommended by the health authorities,

folks have been forced to play indoors. You don’t see many people out there walking their dogs either. One snowmobiler was seen towing a cute little enclosed caboose, with children inside. Don’t underestimate people’s resources in getting outside with those kids.

Most families had company for a few days, over the holidays, or went away to family, and appreciated getting together with the youngsters who make the excitement real. We all ate too much, but holiday food is extra good and who could resist?

The coast of British Columbia was able to brag of having a white Christmas.

Will that group of folks in Vancouver do their New Year’s dip in the ocean again this year? We will see. They surely don’t need more moisture, in any shape or form and this would be a pretty cold “dip” this year.!

There have been severalAnother week of action at Meota Curling Club started off with a flawlessly executed game from the Dave and Jacquie Code team who were playing without their first-team all star, Kirsten Bru. Alongside Brad Pearson and Wayne Payne, the Codes made short work of the

The home of Charlene Esquirol and Dave Anderson was judged to have to most outstanding light display in Meota.| Photo by Lorna Pearson

Kyle Doom team in an 8-1 win. Doom battled while missing 75 per cent of his regular team, who had entered Christmas party protocol.

Game of the week featured the top ladies’ rink out of the RM of Turtle River, Team Demontarnel, versus the top three women curlers from the greater Meota area (and Pat Mohr). Although showing flashes of brilliance, Demontarnel could not get any momentum going as Pat, alongside Huguette Johnson, Blaire Chapman and Brenda Mohr, were all playing at peak performance and squeaked out an 8-5 win.

We would like to thank everyone who trusted us with their dental care in 2021 and we wish everyone health and happiness in 2022.

Friday 8:00 am - 3:00 pm

Dr. Erin Ellis For detail of services offered see

www.maidstonedental.ca www ww w.ma w.ma maid idst ston toned eden den entta tal.ca tal l.ca i S id 119 M Main Street | M Maidstone

306.326.7777

All of the Merchants and Staff from the Frontier Centre Wish You a

Happy New Year

H A

All of us from Scott Campbell Dodge

P

P

Y

NEW YEAR

TO ALL OUR CUSTOMERS, FRIENDS AND FAMILY

“Where Friends Send Their Friends"

ELECTRICAL

To all our customers and friends we would like to say

THANK YOU

for your patronage in 2021 and we look forward to serving you in 2022 Harley Daxen Office 306-480-4330 306-441-9643 306-386-3355

Have a Blessed New Year We are so grateful for your patronage and we wish you all the best

We wish you all a safe and happy holiday season.

From management and staff at

HWY 4, NORTH BATTLEFORD 306-445-6640 SCOTTCAMPBELLDODGE.COM

HDC

&

in 2022!

Wish You Happy Holidays and all the best for 2022

all other leads in Week 3 by more than 10 per cent in shooting accuracy. An expert in judging weight and line, the sweeping advantage tipped the scales in favour of her team leading to a Week 3 victory.

I would like to take this opportunity to say “thank you” to the many folks who have helped me out with news items these past years, especially the last couple years when we have had to adhere to health regulations and keeping safe in our community activities. Best wishes for a happy, healthy and productive 2022, with many blessings for everyone.

From The Staff of CONTRACTING

Happy New Year to our Patients and Friends HOURS: Monday - Thursday 8:00 am - 4:00 pm

Thursday night saw the Weber rink battle it out with the Terry Tait rink. It was a back-and-forth affair as both teams capitalized on their hammer opportunities. The Tait rink pulled ahead in the sixth end and never looked back as they went on to win 11-5.

The Becotte team was seen practicing Thursday night as they were awarded a win by default, due to a schedule misinterpretation by team Czuy. The team was jubilant to get back into the win column.

Congratulations to curler of the week, Darlene Hummeny. A pillar of strength on the Tait rink, Darlene out performed

PRECISION DENTURE CLINIC 306-445-2322 1492 - 100th Street North Battleford

HOURS: Mon. - Thurs. ~ 9 am - 5 pm • Fri. ~ 9 am - 3 pm

Micheal P. Hudec, LL. B. Marusia A. Kobrynsky, B.A. LL. B. #101 - 1292 - 100th St., North Battleford

306-446-2555 Fax 306-446-2556

Regional News-Optimist

sasktoday.ca

The Battlefords, Thursday, December 30, 2021 - Page 15

We appreciate your support of our businesses in the

Town of Battleford “The Little Town with the Big Heart”

Thank you for your support.

We look forward to serving you with joy in 2022. Happy Holidays!

Complete Auto Body Repairs SGI Accredited • PPG Paints • Full line of vehicle repair start to finish.

5th Avenue West, Battleford

306-937-3330 or 306-937-3707

Discovery Coop Battleford Bar, Convenience Store and Car Wash Gas 81 Battleford Crossing Store and Pharmacy Grocery 906 Battleford Road ®

Happy New Year!

We’re pulling for you to have a Merry Christmas & Happy New Year 24 Hour Emergency Service during the Holidays

VISTA TOWING Battleford, SK

Phone 306-445-2372

Happy New Year From

Happy New Year!

306.480.8812

twinriverconcrete2019@gmail.com • Battleford, SK

Happy New Year

From Management & Staff

Underground Utility Contractors Excavation & Dirtwork

Phone 306-937-3777 Cell 306-441-7490

Battleford, SK

2022

Our Best Days are still ahead of us!

192-24th Street West, Battleford Phone 306-937-7474 Fax 306-937-7676 www.battlefordfurniture.com mail@battlefordfurniture.com

BATTLEFORD FURNITURE

MANY WISHES FOR THE

Happy New Years!

218 22 Street West, Battleford

306-937-2642

New Year 2022

306-445-3500 Box 1270, 91-23rd Street West Battleford, SK • S0M 0E0

Page 16 - The Battlefords, Thursday, December 30, 2021

Regional News-Optimist

sasktoday.ca

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

All the right choices for you to reach More People...

Regional

news-optimist Serving the Battlefords since 1908

Deadline Monday: 2:00 p.m.

Prepayment required OBITUARIES MACNAB: Sharon Elizabeth Macnab (Worth) – July 30th, 1957 - Dec 22nd, 2021 The family is heartbroken to announce the passing of Sharon Elizabeth Macnab on Wednesday Dec 22nd, 2021, after a lengthy and stoic battle with cancer. She will be deeply missed by her husband Paul, son Danny (Melissa) grandchildren Morgan, McKenna, and Carter, son Craig (Reagan) grandchildren Christopher, Jacey and Mary.

Sharon will be dearly missed by her siblings; Carol, Robert (Leslie), Shirley (Wayne), and Darcy, as well as her special niece Samara (daughter Aria), and special nephew Michael (Alissa).

Sharon was predeceased by her mother Anne, brother Curtis and brothers-in law Larry and Grant.

Sharon was born in Rocky Mountain House, Alberta, and she was raised and educated in Saskatoon. As a small child, Sharon was happy and bubbly, but she was also shy and modest. Sharon was a natural beauty, and although she never wanted to be the center of attention, she always drew compliments for her beautiful Golden Ringlets, her joyous laughter, her quick warm smile, and her generous hugs. Paul and Sharon were married on Feb. 1,1975 and then promptly, the beautiful city girl was ushered onto the Macnab family farm near Wilkie, where she grew to love country life and became a true farm girl. Over the next 46 years, she never avoided the hard work. She was always eager to help and to lend a hand anytime, anywhere! She could haul bales with the best of them – and she did!

Sharon also worked off the farm at the Battlefords Regional Care as a Dietary Aide from 1984 until 2009 when she began early retirement. She built meaningful relationships with many of the residents and loved listening to their stories, getting to know each of them on a more personal level. She was known to deliver a ray of sunshine along with meals and at times even surprise someone with a personalized gift.

Of all her accomplishments, Sharon most deeply cherished being a loving wife and mother; appreciating every moment raising her boys with Paul, encouraging Danny and Craig to be polite, considerate, caring, hard working, willing to contribute, and not surprisingly, to be loving. Sharon cherished being a Grandma and secretly, each of her grandchildren was her favorite! She treasured every family achievement, and celebrated each precious milestone.

Sharon proudly joked that, at her boys hockey and ball games, and later at her grandkids many sporting activities, she was the Best, the Loudest, and according to her boys, the Most Embarrassing Sports Cheerleader, ever.Sharon always fostered a love and kindness for all animals. The Macnab farm was famous for naming not only the family pets, but also the livestock, from the bulls down to the chickens and turkeys. One visitor in the hospital remarked, “ You really loved the farm – that city girl really became a farm girl.” She responded with a smile “I Did – And it was good!”

Full Color NOW AVAILABLE for your CLASSIFIED AD! • No Refunds • NOTICES / NOMINATIONS 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. 51 local community newspapers, distributing to over 450 communities, including 14 cities. Reach over 550,000 readers weekly. Call 306-649.1405 or visit www.swna.com for details.

The family would like to thank the nurses and doctors on 3rd floor Battlefords Union Hospital, Dr. Peter Holtzhausen, and the doctors and nurses at the Saskatoon Cancer center. A family celebration of the Wonderful Life of Sharon Elizabeth Macnab will be held at a later date. Condolences may be made though Sallows and McDonald Funeral Home in North Battleford - https://www.legacy.com/funeralhomes/saskatchewan/north-battleford/sallows-and-mcdonaldwilson-and-zehner/fh-6663 In lieu of flowers, please direct donations to Cancer Foundation of Saskatchewan for the Saskatoon Cancer Center 200 4545 Parliament Avenue, Regina, Saskatchewan, S4W 0G3 or online @ cancerfoundationsask.ca __________________________________________________

TO BOOK CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING

CALL 306-445-7261

Hours of operation: Monday - Friday 8am - 4:30pm

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

IN THE ESTATE of TERRY LEE ORANGE, late of Medstead, Saskatchewan, deceased.

ALL CLAIMS against the above estate, duly verified by statutory declaration and with particulars and valuation of security held, if any, must be sent to the undersigned before the 28th day of January, 2022.

Battle River Law Baldwin, Friedman, Spence Barristers & Solicitors 201, 1291 - 102nd Street Box 905 North Battleford, SK S9A 2Z3 Solicitors for the Executrix of the Estate of Terry Lee Orange.

FARM SERVICES

FEED & SEED

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.

AGPRO SEEDS: BUYING HEATED, DAMAGED CANOLA. On farm pickup, prompt payment!

TOP PRICES PAID IN SASK. Phone: 306-873-3006 or Visit AGPRO website for bids: agproseeds.com

To book Classified Advertising call

306-445-7261

ANNOUNCEMENTS

battlefords humane society Hi I’m Baby!

Hi I’m Calvin!

WANTED Collector looking for $1,000 dollar bills, other paper currency, silver coins and pennies and broken gold jewelry. Call 306-226-4646

HORSES & TACK Will buy all classes of horses. 306329-4382 or 306-222-5540.

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 $30,000 Lump sum refund.

Apply NOW; quickest refund Nationwide!

Providing assistance during Covid.

Expert Help:

1-844-453-5372

Integrity Post Frame Buildings SINCE 2008

Built with Concrete Posts Barns, Shops, Riding Arenas, Machine Sheds and More sales@ Integritybuilt.com 1-866-974-7678 www. integritybuilt.com CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Winter Road Haul 2022 Class 1 Drivers needed for deliveries in MB & NW Ont.

I enjoy cuddles, pets and I enjoy naps in my When I came in I was kind of a mess as I had an hammock! I am still a playful kitten but I’m injured tail that had gotten infected and had to also growing into a loving adult, still playful get it shortened. So now I have a stub but I think but also want to be lazy, so maybe if you it looks cool. I love my humans here at the shelter think I may be perfect for you come on down when they open the cage I love to jump up at to shelter and talk to the staff about me:) them and cuddle! I do not like dogs.

SPONSORED BY CHERRY INSURANCE & REGIONAL NEWS-OPTIMIST

battlefordshumanesociety.com RENTALS & LEASES

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

916/month

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

Call Linda

306-441-2533 900 Block on 104th Street FUNERAL SERVICES

(800) 665-4302 ext. 251

Sharon inherited the gift of Crafting from her mother and used her gift in hand quilting, decorative wreaths, decorations, sewing clothes and hemming Paul’s pants. Sharon was always thoughtful and generous, frequently showering others with her handmade gifts.

As Sharon’s health declined, she suffered so much, but she complained so little! Even as her illness progressed, her calm acceptance of her health challenges was remarkable. It was even more remarkable how she would say “Oh, I’m Fine, What’s new with you guys?” Sharon will be missed for her warm open heart, her love of family, her willingness to drop everything if her family needed help, her engaging smile, and her wonderful laughter! Sharon always put others before herself and she will be long remembered because she nurtured love through her frequent and generous hugs. Thanks for the wonderful life you provided for your family and for the treasured memories that we will hold in our hearts forever. We’ll love you forever. We’ll love you for always.

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

or email:

orderdesk@ penneroil.ca FEED & SEED LAND FOR SALE

FARMLAND WANTED I am currently PURCHASING single to large blocks of land.

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

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

Eternal Memories Funeral Service and Crematorium

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

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

Trevor Watts - Owner/Director Robert Mackay - Funeral Director Vanessa Macnab - Funeral Director Funerals | Burials | Cremation | Preplanning

FAMILY OWNED FAMILY FOCUSED

eternalmemoriesfuneral.ca

Regional News-Optimist NOTICES / NOMINATIONS

is on social media!

Follow us on Instagram to see award-winning content in Saskatchewan community newspapers.

The Battlefords, Thursday, December 30, 2021 - Page 17

sasktoday.ca

SCAN HERE

Check out the new SWNA Instagram account by scanning the QR code.

SWNA can take you to every community in the province. www.swna.com

RURAL MUNICIPALITY OF ELDON NO. 471 PUBLIC NOTICE

Public notice is hereby given that the Council of the Rural Municipality of Eldon No. 471 intends to adopt a bylaw under the Planning and Development Act, 2007 to amend the Zoning Bylaw and Official Community Plan.

INTENT: The proposed Zoning Bylaw amendment will: • fix referencing errors for Telecommunications Towers and Truck Stops within Section 3.7.4 - Use Specific Discretionary Use Evaluation Criteria; • remove Section 4.3 — Buildings to Be Moved; • remove Section 4.12.18 — Temporary Work Camps; • fix referencing errors within Table 6.1 — Agricultural District Development Standards; • add “Convenience stores with or without gas bars” as a permitted use within the CI —Commercial District; and, • rezone proposed Parcel A, within the NW 1/4 Section 32-47-23-W3M, from A —Agricultural District to Cl — Commercial District, as shown within the bold dashed line on The Plan of Proposed Subdivision shown below as Map “A”

TENDERS

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

TOWN OF CUT KNIFE TENDER OF DEMOLITION

IS IT YOU WE’RE LOOKING FOR? Are you…

Recently retired?

Wondering how to fill your time?

Missing the socialization?

Wanting to earn a little money?

Then this may be an opportunity for you.

We are recruiting mature, reliable, practical people to work as job coaches on a casual, sometimes part-time, or temporary full-time basis. You would work with a client on-the-job to help them reach their goal of independence at work. Our clients have diverse needs, which requires the coach to have good people skills, problem-solving skills, good communication, be flexible and represent self and our agency professionally.

Must have a Class 5 driver’s license, reliable vehicle, and a clear criminal vulnerable sector record check. A paid short training course provided

by Executive Director upon hire.

Submit resume to Kathy at executivedirector@prairieemployment.ca or mail to or deliver in person to the office at 1202-101st Street.

Written tenders in sealed envelopes are invited from persons in the demolition of the Town of Cut Knife buildings on Town owned properties.

All Tenders much be received in the Town Office by 12:00 PM NOON ON FRIDAY, JANUARY 7TH, 2022.

The decision to award will be made by council.

The Lowest or any tender may not be necessarily be Accepted and the Town reserves the right to reject any and all tenders.

While we thank everyone for their interest shown, only the awarded parties will be contacted.

Two properties are up for tender 1. Lots 30 & 31, Block 6, Plan H376 2. Lots 7 & 8, Block 4, Plan H376 SCOPE OF WORK Demolition of all buildings located on the properties mentioned above.

Removal of all materials and hauled to suitable disposal sights.

Supply and Haul non-contaminated clay and top soil to backfill lots.

Responsible for identifying, testing and removal of any Hazardous materials.

DO MEANINGFUL WORK WE’RE HIRING SCHOOL BUS DRIVERS At First Student, our School Bus Drivers are an integral part of the communities they serve.

We are your friends, family, and neighbours!

Please send Tender to:

Town of Cut Knife

We are proud to offer:

102 Broad Street Box 130, Cut Knife, Sask. S0M 0N0

Competitive Wages • Flexible Hours • Free Training

workatfirst.com

306.445.6660

We are an equal opportunity employer that values a diverse workforce.

READERS

The proposed Official Community Plan amendment will:

• Remove an incorrect finding from Section 3.3.1; and, • Require discretionary use approval for primary farm dwellings.

REASONS: The reasons for the proposed Zoning Bylaw amendments are: • To accommodate commercial development in the RM of Eldon.

• To fix clerical errors within the Bylaw The reasons for the proposed Official Community Plan amendments are: • To fix clerical errors within the Bylaw • To correct inconsistencies between the Zoning Bylaw and the Official Community Plan PUBLIC INSPECTION: Any person may inspect the bylaw at the Rural Municipal Office, located at 212 Main Street, Maidstone, SK, between the hours of 8:00 AM to noon and 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM (MST), Monday to Friday, excluding statutory holidays. Copies of the proposed bylaw are available to individuals at the RM Office at cost.

PUBLIC HEARING: Council will hold a public hearing on January 12, 2022 at 9:15 AM (MST) at the Rural Municipal Office to hear any person or group that wishes to comment on the proposed bylaw. Council will also consider written comments received at the hearing or delivered to the undersigned at the RM Office before the hearing.

CHOOSE PRINTED COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS FOR EVERYTHING

LOCAL AS WELL AS

ADVERTISING!

91%

Choose LOCAL information as their main reason for reading (editorial,news, sports, entertainment, events)

63%

Read for advertising (flyers, inserts, ROP)

55

%

Reading for Classified ads, Employment & Real Estate

North West College is Currently Accepting Applications for the Following Position:

North Battleford: Manager, External Development and Corporate Services Posting #69-OOSED-2122

Our clients come to us with the goal of improving the quality of life for themselves, their families and communities.

As the out-of-scope Manager, External Development and Corporate Services you will play an integral part in supporting those goals. As part of the senior leadership team you will provide effective leadership and strategic direction reporting directly to the President. As an ambassador for the College you will represent the College at marketing, fundraising, communication, social media, community relations and events forums.

This full-time, permanent position is located in, and works out of, the Battlefords Campus.

This position offers a competitive salary, with an excellent benefit package.

For a complete position profile visit www.northwestcollege.ca.

Posting Closes on January 10, 2022 at noon.

Please forward resumes or applications to nwrccareers@northwestcollege.ca or fax to (306)445-2254.

Only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

www.northwestcollege.ca

SASKATACHEWAN’S BEST

ONLINE

Issued at the RM of Eldon this 23rd day of December, 2021.

Lee Torrance, Administrator

BOOK CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING

CALL 306-445-7261

North West College

Source: News Media Canada

Page 18 - The Battlefords, Thursday, December 30, 2021

Regional News-Optimist

sasktoday.ca

Duck! Here comes another new year!

Ed, my old neighbour from Saskatchewan, agrees that facing another new year can be intimidating.

Events keep popping up to startle and confound us.

We seem to be continuously setting new records that we don’t want to experience in these last few years. One could plead, “Please, in 2022, no more record-breaking heat, drought, forest fires, floods, pandemic deaths and restrictions.”

Many have and continue to predict the future, but poet Ogden Nash wrote: “Duck! Here comes another year.” It seems that each year we face comes with time bombs in them set to explode and keep

N

eighbourly Advice

According to Ed

By Raymond Maher

www.accordingtoed.com

raymaher085@gmail.com us scrambling. Yet, these events remind us to stay humble as anything may happen. It requires wisdom to look beyond what is happening to God, who created and sustains us.

Ed says we need to hold our ground when things get worse instead of better. He likes to quote the saying:

“Today’s mighty oak is just a nut, which held its ground.” I like the quote of C.S. Lewis for each year, for no matter how bumpy our lives may become, Lewis, reminds us: “You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.”

Christians are to

set their goals and new dreams in their faith in Jesus Christ. “Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8) Things keep changing in our lives and the world, and our sense of well-being and security can feel shaky.

We know Jesus is steadfast and does not change like shifting sand or snow.

God’s people never know where they will go or how their lives will change for what could seem to be, as bad as it can get. In the book of Jeremiah, God’s people sent into exile in Babylon had no sense of well-being or security.

They were hopeless and feeling abandoned by God. God told them through Jer-

emiah: “Build houses and settle down, plant gardens and eat what they produce.

Marry and have sons and daughters, increase in number. Seek the peace and prosperity of the city. Pray to the Lord for it. When 70 years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my gracious promise to bring you back.

For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29: 4-11) God was true to his promise, and after 70 years, those wishing to return to Jerusalem were allowed to do so. God is the same yesterday, today

and tomorrow. In love, God offers us hope and a future every year from its start to its finish. Every year God calls us to, “Keep alert, stand firm in your faith, be courageous, be strong. Do everything in love” (1 Cor. 16:13,14) Every year, especially in 2022, we focus on claiming God’s love for us in Christ.

Jesus loved us and gave himself upon the cross for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. Each year, we become imitators of Jesus as those He dearly loves and calls us to live a life of love. (Ephesians 5:1,2) If we love one another, God lives in us, and his love is made complete in us. (1 John 4:12)

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., 7 p.m. 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: Saturdays - 7:30 p.m. Sundays - 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church

ANGLICAN PARISH

306-445-5901

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 Contact: 306 445 4155 stpaulnb@sasktel.net

Rev. Trevor Malyon

1401 - 98th Street, North Battleford, SK Reverend George Yando Sunday Services 10:30 AM Everyone Welcome

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)

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 Afternoon Service 3:00 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 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

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.

Regional News-Optimist

The Battlefords, Thursday, December 30, 2021 - Page 19

sasktoday.ca

The Quilt Patch

Guild plans to display fabric art at upcoming show

By Joanne Lucarz Simpson Guild Member

The River’s Edge Quilt Guild met Dec. 3 in the Don Ross craft room in North Battleford. This guild was established 22 years ago and is a fabric-arts group that meets on the first Friday of every month.

This month, business items included plans to distribute the numerous comfort quilts made by the members and donated to the guild and ongoing work to make and donate placemats. As well, a two-day sewing retreat was held in November with great participation and enjoyment.

A founding member of the guild recently died and the guild will make a donation to the Heart and Stroke Foundation in her memory.

The Chapel Art Gallery has asked the guild for submissions to display members’ fabric arts works at the gallery early in the New Year. Guild members are excited about this opportunity to share their work with the community and surrounding area. The public is encouraged to visit the gallery to see the beautiful and unique work created by guild members. The January media release will have more information about the display.

As per usual, the meeting closed with show and tell, of guild members’ work which included quilts, placemats, bed runs and table runners.

The next business meeting will take place at 1 p.m. in the craft room at the Don Ross Centre Jan. 7. In addition to the monthly business meetings, members are able to quilt in the craft room on Monday, Thursday and Friday. For more information about the guild, please call Leslie at 306-937-7471 or Bonnie at 306-480-7797.

WHO DOES IT? Professional Directory

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

ADVERTISING CONSULTANTS

ELECTRIC CONTRACTOR

Look for the RIGHT business for the JOB DEADLINE FOR THURSDAY EDITION IS MONDAY BY 4:00 PM

NEWSPAPER SERVICES

Regional

news-optimist Serving the Battlefords since 1908

your news all the time and ONLINE T H E B AT T L E F O R D S

ADVERTISING CONSULTANTS Candace Mack-Horton Noah Cooke Phone 306-445-7261 Fax 306-445-3223 AGRICULTURE PARTS

Bob Frolek's

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

GET YOUR BUSINESS GROWING!

GENERAL CONTRACTOR

Derrick Shynkaruk • New Construction • Renovations

306-445-6769

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

news-optimist Serving the Battlefords since 1908

General Contractor

WRECKING

Regional

306.441.1980 306.445.3144

djshynkaruk@gmail.com

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

To Book FIND OUT HOW TO REACH Your Space Now Over 26,000 readers plus 99,152 unique visitors online

FOR ONLY $39/week

Call

306.445.7261 ask for Candace

Page 20 - The Battlefords, Thursday, December 30, 2021

sasktoday.ca

Regional News-Optimist

BOXING WEEK EVENT

SALE ENDS JANUARY 5, 2022

BUY 3+ QUALIFYING KITCHEN APPLIANCES,

SAVE AN ADDITIONAL $300* SEE IN-STORE SALES ASSOCIATE FOR INSTANT SAVINGS DETAILS AND LIST OF AVAILABLE QUALIFYING MODELS. 192-24th Street West, Battleford www.battlefordfurniture.com

Phone 306-937-7474 Fax 306-937-7676 mail@battlefordfurniture.com