Regional News-Optimist December 8, 2022

$500 Affordability Tax Credit

Cheque’s in the

Post now

By John Cairns SASKTODAY.ca

Finance Minister Don na Harpauer has good news for those still waiting for their $500 Saskatchewan Affordability Tax Credit cheques.

She confirmed to re porters Monday at the legislature that, aside for a few late tax filers, the word from her department is all

the $500 cheques have now gone out.

“I’m being told it’s done, it’s all in the mail, so it’s all on Canada Post,” said Har pauer.

The cheques, sent to all Saskatchewan residents over age 18 who had filed income taxes, started being send out around the middle of November.

The goal was to get all the cheques out by the end

Cold Deters Tour of History

of November, but it ended up taking a few days lon ger.

As for the final cost of sending out all the cheques, Harpauer said they will provide that information once the cheques are all cashed, as she noted there are cases where some cheques are being re turned because of a change of address or people not living at the location.

Province to suspend benefits to at-large prolific offenders

By John Cairns SASKTODAY.ca

will authorize a Warrant Intelligence Team.

Extreme cold warnings kept visitors away on the day the Saskatchewan Hospital Legacy Trail committee scheduled their second tour on the grounds of the former Saskatchewan Hospital. Volunteers braved the -37 wind chill to put up signs marking where a trail will be established in the future to commemorate the former home of Saskatchewan’s first psychiatric hospital.

The provincial govern ment is cracking down on benefits to at-large prolific offenders who are getting government assistance.

In the legislature last week, the government introduced the Warrant Compliance Act, which

Minister of Correc tions and Police Christine Tell explained this legis lation “creates an intelli gence team, which will be comprised of a number of people from government or enforcement, probably Social Services, gathering information with respect

to individuals who may be on social assistance and are also a serious prolific offender with outstanding criminal code warrants.”

The Warrant Intelli gence Team is being devel oped within the Ministry of Corrections, Policing and Public Safety. Accord ing to the province, this

A Christmas gala presented by Flourish Dance Studio of Unity is among many community events that have been celebrating the season. As the “Mr. Grinch” song plays, everyone is watching Eve’s shoes do their tap thing. The beginner tap group number was choreographed by Caprice Sherwood and Madison Wildeman of Flourish Dance Studio. For more photos, see inside.

Photo by Helena Long / Freelance Reporter and Photographer

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Photo by Averil Hall / Freelance Photographer

Kurt Miller charged in another large drug bust

By Lisa Joy SASKTODAY.ca

A man who fled Sas katchewan and skipped his sentencing hearing after he was released on bail is facing more charges out of Edmonton where he was fi nally caught.

Kurt Miller, 42, from Brownlee, Sask., has been additionally charged with drug trafficking, posses

sion for the purpose of traf ficking and possession of equipment for use in pro duction of substance.

On Nov. 1, Saskatch ewan RCMP Warrant and Enforcement Team (WEST), along with of ficers from Moose Jaw RCMP CRT (Crime Re duction Team) and Saska toon F-SOC deployed to Red Deer, Alta., worked in collaboration with the Red

Deer ALERT (Alberta Law Enforcement Response Team) and corroborated information to better lo cate and identify Miller’s whereabouts and activi ties. Based on information gathered by investigators, Miller was believed to be in Edmonton.

The following day, WEST deployed to Edmon ton in an effort to locate Miller. Officers conducted proactive patrols and can vassed the areas Miller was believed to have been seen.

On Nov. 3, at 10 p.m. WEST was conducting patrols in Edmonton when they observed a man exit ing a trailer and placing bags in a vehicle before departing in it. WEST stopped the vehicle. Offi cers located Miller in the rear seat and he was taken into custody.

is considered a lethal dose depending on a person’s body size, tolerance and past usage,” said Spt. Glenn Church, officer in charge of the Saskatchewan RCMP’s new Saskatchewan En forcement Response Team (SERT).

“Our communities are safer because of this drug seizure and the dismantle ment of this trafficking op eration. This investigation is an example of excellent collaboration between our specialized Saskatchewan RCMP teams and munici pal and provincial partner police agencies. Remov ing illicit drugs from the street and preventing it from reaching our commu nities continues to be a top priority for the Saskatch ewan RCMP.”

Miller was to be sen tenced on numerous of fences stemming from his May 2020 arrest dur ing a traffic stop in Re gina. Following the traffic stop, the Saskatchewan RCMP Federal Serious and Organized Crime Unit raided his r ural home in the R.M. of Glenside 27 kilo metres north of Biggar. As a result of the traffic stop by Regina Police, Miller was charged with drug traf ficking offences. He was also charged with posses sion of proceeds of crime under $5,000, possession of a weapon dangerous to the public and breach of probation.

bail shortly after his arrest in May 2020 and later ar rested for violating condi tions. He was then granted bail again in December 2021.

Miller’s co-ac cused, Mitch Hutchin son was sentenced in July 2020 to seven years in prison.

Hutchinson had shot an RCMP officer as they surrounded Miller’s house north of Biggar as police were getting ready to raid the rural property in the R.M. of Glenside during a drug bust.

Over 1,800 people a month have received help from us this year. This year is expected to be particularly hard for those struggling with poverty. Please help us help those that are struggling, feel happiness and warmth this Christmas. We are in desperate need of food and new toys this holiday season. Share the Joy again this Christmas!

A search of the ve hicle incidental to arrest revealed a suitcase and duffle bag containing drug preparation equipment and approximately 10.6 KG of suspected Fentanyl. The Strathcona County RCMP General Investigation Sec tion was advised and have taken over the drug inves tigation.

“In this investigation, we seized over 10 kg of fentanyl which had the po tential of reaching commu nities across Saskatchewan and Alberta. Approximate ly 2 mg of this substance

Miller was wanted by police since February after he had failed to appear in North Battleford Provin cial Court for a sentencing hearing. He was originally to be sentenced in January but his lawyer had asked that his sentencing be de layed until February to give him time to get his affairs in order because he was go ing to receive significant prison time and the Crown didn’t object.

Saskatchewan RCMP Federal Serious and Orga nized Crime Unit searched for Miller until his arrest in Edmonton. He now re mains in custody.

After a search of the rural property, Miller was charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking, possession of the proceeds of crime over $5,000 and 16 firearms-related charg es.

At the property, po lice seized methamphet amine, fentanyl, GHB, Xanax pills and LSD. They also seized numerous weapons including a semiautomatic rifle, a shotgun, a sawed-off double-barrel shotgun, a spent anti-tank weapons, a revolver and body armour. They also found $16,080 in Canadian currency, money counters, packaging for drugs, eight cell phones, computers and tablets.

Miller was released on

The Saskatchewan RCMP Federal Serious and Organized Crime Unit had surrounded a rural house May 14 and the officers in tactical gear were hid den from sight. It was dark, shortly after midnight.

Hutchinson heard noises outside, and thinking it was a coyote, grabbed a rifle and pulled the trigger, shooting into the blackness of the night, court heard.

The bullet hit one of the officers. The officer was treated immediately for minor injuries, the court heard. Hutchinson surren dered shortly after, was ar rested and provided a con fession.

Miller appeared in Sas katoon Provincial Court on Nov. 23 and was to appear again in that court Dec. 9. At press time, details were unavailable.

budget deliberations wrap up, increase of 5 per cent may be the result

By John Cairns SASKTODAY.ca

Budget deliberations have wrapped up in North Battleford and now it is time for some final fine tuning to be made.

The 2023 budget will now go to the Dec. 12 council meeting for adop tion, with final decisions and adjustments to be made that night.

At this point, the in dication from Thursday’s discussions is council is looking now at a property tax increase somewhere

around 5.06 per cent, which is down from ad ministration’s initial ask of 6.57 per cent.

They are also looking at a 4.3 per cent increase for water and 5.5 per cent for sewer. There is an increase proposed for UPAR, but council indicated they wanted to see more information on that. There was also an administration request of one per cent for capital, but council had indicated a desire Thursday to pos sibly hold off on that for at least this year.

Council and adminis tration are still looking for adjustments and further efficiencies by the Dec. 12 meeting and will set the final tax increase num bers at that meeting.

The third and final night of deliberations took place at Don Ross Centre Thursday night. The extensive discussions focused on a range of top ics including the North Battleford Library, plan ning and development, the UPAR, and third-party grant requests.

Province re-introduces changes for alcohol in outdoor parks

By John Cairns SASKTODAY.ca

The provincial gov ernment is once again reintroducing legislation to pave the way for munici palities and park authori ties to designate outdoor parks for consumption of alcohol.

On Monday the govern ment introduced legisla tion to amend the Alcohol and Gaming Regulation Act, 1997, bringing in several changes to liquor regulations designed to re move restrictions. Accord ing to a news release they include providing munici palities and park authori ties discretion to designate outdoor public places such as parks for consumption of beverage alcohol by in dividuals of legal drinking age.

According to SLGA Minister Lori Carr in speaking to reporters, mu nicipalities will make the final determination.

“As opposed to us say ing, ‘this is going to be the new rule, and you’re go ing to have to deal with it,’

we’re going to let them de cide what’s right for their community,” said Carr.

Carr told reporters mu nicipalities will have the opportunity to draft their rules the way they want, if they feel it’s appropriate to allow alcohol in a park. If they don’t want that to happen, they don’t have to, she said.

She said municipalities “will know whether peo ple living in that commu nity will be able to handle that responsibility.”

The regulations also will be simplifying recork ing provisions for permit tees. Right now you can recork a bottle of wine, but Carr said this would cover requests like ciders and beers.

The legislation will al low homemade beer, wine and cider to be served at family events that are per mitted with a special oc casion permit, including products manufactured at a U-Brew or U-Vin facil ity.

According to the prov ince, currently you can make your own wine or

beer and serve it at a pri vate function such as a family supper. Right now, a function requiring a special occasion permit needs to purchase one from a retail outlet, and currently you cannot serve any home-prepared alco hol at an event requiring a special permit, such as weddings. The province states the changes brought in will allow home brewed alcohol to be served as long as it is free of charge.

The legislation also eliminates a requirement that applicants publish in tentions to obtain a new li quor permit in local news papers.

These moves by the province to allow alcohol in public parks had been previously introduced by the former SLGA Minister Jim Reiter during the final week of the 2022 spring session. But the original bill ultimately died on the order paper after the oppo sition NDP made it known they wanted further con sultations with stakehold ers.

Cram A Cruiser

Donation drives to help BDFRC and Miywasin Kikanow

By Miguel Fenrich Staff Reporter

THE BATTLEFORDS

— According to an an nouncement from Battl efords RCMP, join them on Saturday, Dec. 10, at the Discovery Co-op Mall, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. for their Cram A Cruiser do nation drive for Battlefords District Food and Resource Centre.

Most needed items in clude:

Peanut butter Canned goods Pancake mix Pasta Cereal Cookies Crackers

Tea and instant coffee New toys (under +16)

All donations go di rectly to Battleford District Food and Resource Centre.

Then, according to a City of North Battleford

news release, when the 2022 Twinkle Tours end on Dec. 20, the RCMP are hoping that the public will help by supporting their Cram a Cruiser donation drive.

A cruiser will be parked at the Rotary Plaza dur ing the city’s Light up the Night event, and donations of warm clothing and per sonal hygiene items will be greatly appreciated, from 6:30 to 8 pm. The follow ing list of items is preferred Winter boots Winter jackets

Toques, scarves and gloves

Sock and undergar ments

Sweatpants and t-shirts

T-shirts

Toiletries: condition er, deodorant, toothpaste and toothbrushes

Hairbrushes, combs and hair elastics, feminine hygiene prod

ucts blankets, sheets and pil lowcases bandaids

Only gently used, clean items will be accepted.

Children’s Concert Sunday at Third Ave.

Staff

The Battlefords Youth Choir is hosting a con cert Sunday, Dec. 11 at the Third Avenue United Church.

Special guest perform ers are The Remnants.

The Joy to the World concert begins at 3 p.m. and tickets are $10 at the door.

Representatives from BATC, BTC, the Metis Nation of Sask., and staff from Miywasin Kikanow shelter celebrate the announcement of the RCMP’s Cram a Cruiser donation drive with Cst. Ryan O’Hara and North Battleford Mayor David Gillan, on Friday, Dec. 2

Commentary

Let’s talk turkey about avian flu

By Sylvain Charlebois

Avian flu certainly deserves more media attention. The avian flu currently impacting our poultry sector has become a real problem. Unlike previous strains, the current bird flu has spread across Canada, raising fears that it could become endemic in wild birds, no less. A nightmare.

According to the latest news, more than 60 farms are under investigation in Canada. Avian flu has infected ap proximately 200 farms, with over 3.6 million birds, this year alone. That’s a lot of inventory that never reached the consumer market.

Of course, retail prices have been heavily impacted by the flu for months. In the United States, for example, eggs are up by more than 40 per cent since last year, a record. The scenario is not much better in Canada, where supply management and our quota system typi cally stabilize the balance between supply and demand. Eggs in Canada have increased by about 20 per cent in some regions, the largest annual increase in 50 years.

For meat, it’s the same thing. The increase in the price of chicken and, of course, our holiday turkey may startle some. Chicken is up 17 per cent on average in Canada. For turkey, the increase exceeds 20 per cent in certain regions, especially where avian flu affects many farms.

It’s a safe bet that your eggs, chicken, and even holiday turkey will be more expensive in a few weeks. Moreover, if you plan to host a dinner with a turkey, it’s better to buy it now. Prices will surely increase in the coming weeks.

The avian flu has also reached other continents, such as Europe and Asia. The current strain is highly pathogenic and can spread at an unmanageable rate. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency recently said it believes migratory birds are responsible for the spread of disease in Canada. If the flu is transmitted through wild birds, almost no poultry operation will be immune, and risk management will be virtually impossible. And more city dwellers have backyard chickens now, which can only increase risks.

But unlike 20 years ago, the co-ordination between the federal agency, provinces and producers is much better. Stakeholders learned from their past mistakes and got informed about this flu; otherwise, the current outbreak would have been worse.

The 2004 carnage in British Columbia’s Fraser Valley is a good example. A total of 42 commercial farms and 11 poultry houses were affected 18 years ago, prompting federal authorities to order the mass culling of around 17 million birds. It was a disaster.

This year, despite a more virulent strain, 275,700 birds have been infected with avian flu in the province so far. Not so bad, but still, that’s almost $20 million worth of chickens irradiated because of the flu.

But bird flu has been threatening the industry for months, and the pressure for some growers has become unbearable. There is no other remedy, no vaccine for birds. Researchers are now mobilizing to possibly de velop a vaccine for birds. The risk of this epizootic virus turning into a zoonosis, a human epidemic, is still real.

No human cases of avian influenza have been detect ed in Canada to date. There have been some elsewhere, but not in Canada. Let’s hope that doesn’t change. It should also be noted that avian flu poses no food safety risk to consumers.

To help, we can do our part. In 2019, before there were border restrictions for poultry and eggs, about a quarter (24 per cent) of Canadians took a day trip by car to the United States, according to our data. Among this group, one in 10 (11 per cent) report bringing eggs or

raw poultry to Canada. Huge. It is now illegal to bring poultry and eggs from the United States, so don’t be tempted to do this. These products represent a risk for our producers.

Better buy your turkey and eggs here, with peace of mind.

Dr. Sylvain Charlebois is senior director of the agrifood analytics lab and a professor in food distribution and policy at Dalhousie University.

© Troy Media

Letter Monster? No, a bulwark of Canadianism

Dear Editor

I write regarding the article titled “CBC is a monster.”

It is now several decades since some people in Cen tral Canada formed what they called the civil liberty group and out of curiosity I joined. Soon after, during a Saskatchewan winter with a huge amount of snow, we heard the snow plow operators might go on strike.

Seeing an opportunity to make themselves noticed, the civil liberty people informed the country they would back the strike.

I wrote to them, saying they did not understand our winters. A strike would force schools to close, force dairy farmers to throw away milk, prevent fresh produce from reaching stores, cause highway accidents and pos sibly deaths and make it impossible to reach hospitals.

And, by the way, cancel my membership; their group intended to prevent my liberty of using our roads and our collective ability to make a living.

The strike never occurred.

Then another group started up calling itself the Taxpayers Federation. We all like to squawk at taxes, straight from biblical times. I joined that group, to test it; I soon left it.

One recent case where that group didn’t do their research (or had “an agenda” was when Prince Harry abandoned what his great-grandfather had dubbed The Firm.

I knew that once Harry was not carrying out official duties pertaining to the constitutional monarchy, he

If you plan to host a dinner with a turkey, it’s better to buy it now

By R.H. Wood North Battleford

I never thought I would admit to being conflicted which is an odd expression but at this time who would not be?

A new poll suggests that the E.M.A. enactment was justified. The margin is not great but I am sur prised that Canadians feel that personal bank account freezing for contributing a few dollars to a cause is acceptable. Trudeau senior, famously said that the federal government has no place in bedrooms – I contend it should have no authority over personal

Letter

Continued from Page 4 would not have public money spent on his personal security. The Taxpayers Federa tion spread the false story that should Prince Harry visit Canada or live here we, the taxpayers, would have to pay for security and we shouldn’t do that.

I tried to deny that and I still wonder why newspapers wouldn’t published my letter that stated facts.

The untruth kept re-surfacing until the head office of the RCMP spoke on CBC Radio (that monster) and said, just as I had said: Prince Harry was now a private citizen, therefore no public money would be spent on security.

Did the Taxpayers Federation withdraw their false story? Beware organizations that build straw men in secret so the public can be made to see them knocking them down.

Perhaps 10 or more years ago, I re ceived a circular signed by about six poli ticians of a certain party that contained blatant untruths about the Canadian

Benefits

Continued from Page 1 team will have authority to recommend the govern ment suspend benefits such as income support and social housing, and also work with Crown corpora tions and other ministries to request and collect in formation that then can be provided to police to ap prehend those offenders.

bank accounts either. We now have a national “every tooth saved is a vote” dental plan cover ing children up to the age of twelve. Trudeau junior is crowing over it as if it were his personal idea. Truthfully, we should be singing a paean to Jagmeet who thought up this pabu lum to pantophagy plan which the Liberals were forced to accept being under constant threat of overthrow. Poor Jagmeet must be gnashing his teeth in frustration which will lead to dental costs and early wallies. These costs will be fully covered as the wear and tear is related to governmental activity.

Broadcasting Corporation. I wrote to each one. None had the courtesy to answer, or should I bluntly say none had the guts.

Now it seems the Taxpayers Federation will take up where they left off.

If our national broadcasting system had not been started in the 1930s, we would have been inundated with nothing but U.S radio stations. We almost are anyway. Over the years the CBC has informed me, entertained me and produced Canadian content in radio and television and used Canadian talent.

Currently, I try not to miss the science show Quirks and Quarks or the show Under the Influence, which relates how advertising has changed over the years and it has changed us.

In the last few days, I’ve learned that seismic testing on the ocean floor, plus the noise of ships on shipping routes, has created a constant roar, noise pollu tion that is destroying the wonderful and important creatures who call the ocean home. I’ve learned that special hypnotism can help ease the suffering of people who

The creation of this team comes in the after math of the massacre on James Smith Cree Nation and Weldon in early Sep tember. Myles Sanderson had been out on outstand ing warrants.

Tell confirmed to re porters Sanderson had indeed been receiving fi nancial assistance from the province of Saskatchewan. Regarding how the

Warrant Intelligence Team will proceed, Social Ser vices will have the dis cretion on each situation. TMinister Tell made clear the intention is to specifi cally target offenders, not family members.

“There’s always dy namics that we may not be aware of, like there could be families involved. We don’t want to negatively impact anyone else.”

Why the German Chan cellor was recently encour aged to visit Canada is unexplained as we have no way of helping his energy crisis at this time. We did return pipeline parts and promised liquid hydrogen in 5-6 years assuming all green regulations will per mit this and a facility has been constructed, wind mills and ships built. We should be so relieved that Germany now has a 15year LNG agreement with oil rich Catarrh signed just before the FIFA world series caused distraction. Next on the conflicting list is the new Indo-Pacific envisionment. I thought that “Indo” referred to

Indonesia – not so, it refers to India which is nearly as far away again. Forty countries are involved but China and Russia are excluded – why is Trudeau so intent on provoking these mega powers? My suggestion is that Justin, Jolé and Chrystia nip to Walmart and each get a cheap world globe and a protractor. Trade with these countries is to increase while we sup ply defense, oil and gas and other resources. For full details download the government’s poorly constructed guide “A New Horizon of Opportunity”.

President Xi of China is regretting his dismis

have intestinal problems such as IBS. I just learned drones are being used in reforestation. All food for though.

I find people who listen to CBC Radio make interesting conversationalists.

One of my pleasures is Radio II. Now more or less deprived of “live” classic music, Radio II fills a huge gap for those us to whom music is so important. Not only that, commentators are informed; a history lesson with the music.

Times change, there are many ways to find information, factual or otherwise. CBC has top-drawer investigative journal ists, a fact that scares some politicians. If one of those reporters makes an error, they must set it right.

However, a freelance reporter told readers a certain large company is Cana dian owned. Oh, no, it isn’t but newspa pers won’t publish that. That reporter did not do the research and got away with it.

I do, at times, listen to one or two private stations. There’s an Alberta one which gives agricultural news. CJRB out of Winnipeg plays music, no commercials, but is usually drowned by U.S. signals.

And speaking of commercials, why so loud? Why delivered like bullets from a machine gun? I recently spent some time in a fine Saskatoon hotel and thought I’d

sive response to Trudeau’s button-holing at the G20 in Bali. While rebuffed Justin retreated tail be tween, Xi now needs his advice on how to suppress Covid protests. I suggest that Lametti, Blair and Mendicino are given oneway tickets.

Last weekend we took in the Cochin Players lat est presentation. What a polished performance they gave and what a pleasant venue they have. We sat at the very back of the hall and to my astonishment could hear every word due to excellent acoustics and perfect diction - no confliction.

watch some television. Canadian content was CBC news and re-runs of Corner Gas.

The rest was, to me, mostly the cult of no-talent and overindulgence plus commercials, some of which were in the lowest taste possible. Will I ever again get a TV set? Maybe for the History Channel. But wait! What’s that in the sky? A bird? A Plane? Not it’s Super Taxpayers Federation come to save us from Canadi anism. To save us from that monster, the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation.

Are we to believe all that is in that at tack on ourselves? There does seem to be a mountain of research, or it is a mountain of agenda. It even does the heartstrings thing when it almost tells us the CBC is preventing nurses from being paid and taking groceries away from families.

I wonder if the Taxpayers Federation is more political than we realize. Well, they must do something to vindicate their ex istence. I don’t, so it seems it’s me against the Taxpayers Federation.

The article ends: “… Canadians can’t afford it.”

Canadians can’t afford to not have a national broadcaster and don’t try to tell me what I can or can’t afford.

Christine Pike Waseca

Everybody has a story

Cliff Burns refuses to stay silent

By Miguel Fenrich Staff Reporter

Cliff Burns is a freespeech nut and that is a hill he will die on.

“I don’t care what your politics are, you have a right to be heard, as long as it doesn’t veer into hate speech, and that is clearly delineated by law. If we’re a democratic society, we have to tolerate intoler ance.”

Burns cemented those ideas early in his youth. And despite his reputation as a radical high-schooler, he’s always maintained that freedom is incom plete without the liberty to speak.

Burns recalls a peer in his school exclaiming when Ronald Regan was shot, “you must be happy, someone got him for you,” and Burns was horrified.

“I would not be happy with an assassination,” Burns exclaimed, “but that was my reputation. I was a little bit of a loose cannon and a radical, even back then.”

Despite his love of the atre and high-school dra ma, Burns loathed school, saying it was absolutely ir relevant.

“If every student could say, ‘in 20 years artificial

intelligence is going to be doing all the stuff you’re teaching me, this is a point less exercise, you should be teaching me how to be an innovative, critical thinker, and survive in the mid-21st century.

“If it hadn’t been for drama, I would have been miserable in high school. I had a few friends, but the atre saved me. I was an ac tor and just loved perform ing.”

Burns grew up in a no toriously rough neighbour hood in Regina, and how an actor, writer and cre ative thrived is a mystery.

“Why I wasn’t killed outright, I have no idea.”

After school, Burns went to university for drama. He contemplated switching to creative writ ing or film but eventually decided to drop out, add ing that it felt more like high school, only with 300 students in a lecture hall instead of 30.

But when it comes to writing Burns was never really given a choice.

“It’s a compulsion, it re ally is.”

And it’s not just writing. Burns has to create some thing, ranging from paint ing, electronic bizzaro mu sic with his midi keyboard, or other forms of creativity.

In the 1990s, Burns be gan submitting his short story collections to pub lishers across Canada, and they all responded with the same droll message, ‘Short story collections don’t sell, especially horror short sto ries,’

“You’d wait over a year before you’d hear back from a publisher. And it would be just a stamped, ‘thank you, dear occupant, thank you for sending your work.’ Just nothing. You’d devoted two years to the work, a year of waiting, and they barely even read it.”

Burns wasn’t inspired by the industry, working in restaurants and book stores for years. Finally, he decided he couldn’t do anything other than write, and he went professional in the mid-90s with his wife’s support.

His Publishing Journey

In 1995, Burns did something almost unheard of in Saskatchewan — he started his own publishing company, Black Dog Press, and began to publish his work independently. Be fore the rise of Amazon, Print on Demand services, and other pitfalls, selfpublishing was signifi cantly more complex than Amazon-published authors

today.

“Self-publishing was forced on me by neces sity, because of the inbred and closed nature of pub lishing, and I don’t think anything’s changed. If you asked around to some of the publishers from the old days, I had a ruthless repu tation.”

Burns would often chide them for publishing subpar work, and reminded them that he had never ap plied for grants or external funding like other publish ing companies.

“Those people loathed me,” Burns said.

“They always used to exaggerate their effect on the cultural scene … they would have this inflated sense of themselves that was just remarkable.”

Despite concerns about low readership and a nonexistent market, when Burns started publishing his short story collection, he sold his first 500 copies within five months.

“You’re a small, region al press. How about getting a little bit of humility?” Burns would question.

And Burns avoided the stigma often attached to self-published authors, who run the risk of appear ing to the industry as “un publishable,’

“To me, it’s all about the work. My heroes aren’t Saskatchewan, prairie, or Canadian writers; my heroes are Voorhees and Kafka. They set the liter ary bar high, and so I set mine high. I’ve never had any doubt about my tal ent or ability to compete; just give me the same shelf space as everybody else, and we’ll see who sells bet

ter.”

Burns has published 16 books that would never have existed if he’d stayed on the traditional publish ing path, popular at the time. Though Burns be lieves he could have been another Neil Gaiman be cause of the uniqueness of his work, he regrets noth ing.

North Battleford author Cliff Burns was a featured speaker during Lakeland Library Region’s 50th anniversary celebrations. | Photo submitted

Everybody has a story

Continued from Page 6

“As much as I admire Gaiman, he plays to his fans with happy end ings and things that tie up nicely. I always frustrate my readers; I give them unpleasant characters and unhappy endings.

“I always say, ‘I’m here to frustrate your precon ceptions and disappoint your expectations.’ That’s what I’m here for, I’m not here to give you a formula. That’s just not my work.”

Burns says he feels his work paints a realistic pic ture of life.

“This notion that life is this episodic narrative that all flows together, no, it’s a series of jolts and ter rors and ecstasies, and how we depict that is up to us. I choose to see chaos instead of a narrative.”

The Future of Literature

Though Burns was a “literary pioneer” at the time, with the advent of cheaper and easier access to publishing, he’s con cerned about what he calls the “amateurization”of writing, which he envisions is pushing literature to a critically low point.

“The writing now is just so god awful. Most of it is just bad fan fiction dis guised as something else. There is no vetting, there is no quality control, peo ple are releasing their first drafts.”

And Burns thinks it will get worse before it gets bet ter.

“With automation go ing to be putting more people out of work in the next 20-30 years, and arti

ficial intelligence, what are [people] going to do? They will discover their visual artists, filmmakers and creative writers.

“In France, it’s a nation al heritage to be a writer, and now here, someone who puts their grocery list online can call themselves a writer.”

To Burns, literature is a calling like a priesthood, and the term writer is an honorific, not to be used lightly.

“Don’t you dare call yourself a writer until you’ve spent the long dark nights knocking your guts out on something nobody believes in. I don’t want to hear about your poem from high school. No, that doesn’t count as writing. I’m sure it was a shitty poem, too.”

And despite his love of the craft, Burns has never enjoyed writing.

“Never. Never. The first draft, maybe. There’s a certain freeing feeling because you’re not going back and editing. That last about 30 seconds after the draft is finished. And I flip back, and it’s a long, long slog. Editing is where the art is. You’re striving for perfection. Is it a semi-co lon? A colon? A new sen tence? Throw self-loathing on top and it’s a formula of horror and misery.”

Still, Burns has to cre ate.

“I think it’s because writing was important to me, and the printed word saved my life.”

Growing up, books and the work of many authors, but most notably Ray

Bradbury, transported a young Burns away from his abusive home and his alcoholic father and into the stars.

“I want to give that power to other people.”

The Power of Silence

And that power also is found in Burns’s radical beliefs and unwillingness to be silent. In Grade 11, he remembers reading a report in Macleans maga zine that further solidified his understanding of the world.

“For years NATO had overestimated Russian ca pabilities in Europe and underestimated their own capabilities, in order to get more budget for the military,” Burns remem bers the article reading, horrified that NATO was bringing the world closer and closer to a nuclear ho locaust to pump up their budgets.

“I stopped believing in the capitalistic system and aggressively became a crit ic of it. And it’s only gotten worse as I get older. I see that the future is rushing towards us and it’s a ter rible dystopian future.”

Burns has recently fin ished reading Yuval Ha rari’s 21 Questions for the 21st Century, in which he says automation will cause massive cultural shifts within the next 3 to 40 years.

“He talks about how quickly society will change and that you’ll need a new job and new training every five years, or you’ll just fall into the lower classes.

“Now there are eight billion of us, and you have

to keep us occupied some how. The first thing that comes to mind is virtual reality: keep them in box es, keep them in a fantasy world eight hours a day, and they won’t be out in the streets demanding mean ingful jobs or income. Just stick them in boxes and keep them cheap.”

Burns is also loud in his stance on copyright, ag gressively defending art ists’ rights to the work they create.

“Fritz Leiber was an American fantasy poet who died in the late ‘70s, I think. But, this man pub lished some of the most in novative dark fantasy in the ‘40s and ‘50s and lived his last days in a single-room hotel because he just didn’t make a lot of money for it, and people ripped him off.

“And you have a 70-year-old man in a ho tel room, still tapping his typewriter. That’s a shame.

“You say it’s just Uni veral Pictures, or Penguin Books, who cares? But no, a writer is being screwed out of his 50 cents a book … Free speech is one thing, but stealing is another.

“Ever since the fated ar ticle in Macleans, Cliff has called himself a Marxist.

“I get people writing me constantly, asking how I monetize my work. You’re talking to a fan of Kafka, and you’re talking about

monetizing my writing? Who the f**k do I look like, Nora Roberts?

“Do you know how much it costs to register a kid for minor hockey in Toronto? According to a Global News article, it will cost a family $5,500 a year for their child to play hock ey in the GTA.

“What drives me nuts is this inclusivity. When you see those ads during hock ey showing the black kids, the LGBTQ kids, I always say, ‘what about the poor kids?’

“They don’t show them. They stick in this checklist of the accepted minori ties, and I’m glad you’re showing all these people, but what about the poor kid who could be the next Wayne Gretzky?”

Burns turns down the commercials and grits his teeth, the Marxist in him screaming. He thinks the same of all the great minds languishing without uni versity because people can’t afford the rising cost of tuition.

Burns Moving Forward

Due in part to the of ten downbeat nature of his works, Burns rarely gets fan mail. But, his de meanor online is a little intimidating, usually done deliberately, Burns thinks, to keep people away from him.

“People are a little

scared of me.

But he also doesn’t like to promote himself, saying that taking his books into stock shelves at bookstores kills him.

“I guess I just want peo ple to discover my genius independently. I would even give them away so people could read it. My stuff has that cult-like hold on you because you never know what you’ll get. Readers want escapism and to come home after a long day at work and lose themselves.”

He believes writers must write and maintains the craft has to be honed. According to Burns, writ ing requires plain stub bornness and sheer, blind faith verging into mental illness.

“I don’t have a lot of fol lowers, and yet every day I sit down and write. Isn’t that insanity? Doing the same thing every day and expecting a different result … my daily practice for the last 35 years involves insanity.”

When Burns really thinks about it, no one has been touched by his work like Ray Bradbury’s work touched Burns. Is he doing it for posterity? That is a question he feels many writers have to ask themselves, and it’s a ques tion few can answer, even Burns.

LIGHT UP THE VILLAGE

A colorful holiday experience for the whole family! December 1, 2022 - January 7, 2023

Gates open 6:00 - 9:30 pm nightly exluding Stat Holidays

Evening Admission: $10 per vehicle. Maximum six passengers. Season Pass: $30

Catch the spirit of the seaon as the WDM North Battleford Heritage Village lights up for the holidays.

All proceeds in support of restoration of Heritage Village buildings

Manufacturing Generates Economic Growth in Saskatchewan

Did you know Saskatchewan has 1,892 manufacturing companies? They employ nearly 32,000 people who create the products the world needs. We are on track to reach the Growth Plan goal of increasing exports by 50 per cent by 2030, creating more jobs and supporting families. That’s growth that works for everyone.

Learn more at Saskatchewan.ca

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

Art Notes

Hon. Jeremy Cockrill, MLA for The Battlefords office@jeremycockrill.ca 306-445-5195

There’s fun to be had pouring paint

By Kate Finegan Battlefords Art Club

On Nov. 22, Rosemarie Stadnyk taught a paint-pouring class at the Bat tlefords Art Club.

Participants used pouring and swip ing techniques to create abstract, co lourful works of art that are beautiful on their own or can be the background for more detailed paintings or collages.

We started by mixing acrylic paint with a pouring medium and water. Rose marie shared that the most time-con suming part of this process is getting the consistency of the paint right. If it’s too thick, it won’t spread across the canvas.

But if it’s too thin, it’ll slide right off.

Once our paint was ready, it was time to pour! We began with a clean pour, in which we poured colours onto the canvas one at a time. Tilting the canvas in various directions moves the paint across the surface, allowing for happy accidents as the colours meet and blend.

Next, we layered multiple colours in a single cup for what’s called a dirty pour. By adding silicone, we created stun ning cells of colour, especially when we swiped layers of paint across one another.

Paint pouring is a messy, serendipi tous art form that can produce delightful results. If you have a chance, try it out!

Hon. Scott Moe, Premier, MLA for Rosthern-Shellbrook scottmoe.mla@sasktel.net 306-747-3422

The Quilt Patch Retreat produces placemats, stockings

By Carol Johnson Rivers’ Edge Quilt Guild

The Rivers’ Edge Quilt Guild held a retreat Nov. 17, 18 and 19 at the Don Ross Centre craft room. It was nice to hear the laugh ter and chatter of the 17 la dies attending. The whir of the sewing machines was comforting and normal.

During the retreat, more than 50 placemats and over 20 Christmas stockings were made. The placemats will be distrib uted to clients of meals on wheels just before Christ mas. Battlefords District Care Centre will get the stockings for decorations. Members also worked on their own projects and comfort quilts.

Members played two great games of strip poker. Irene Greer won the first game and Shirley Voleg sang won the second game. Want to know how quil ters play strip poker? Join the guild to find out. It is a game full of laughs and surprises.

Some of our quilters love to bake and the goody selection is fabulous. All in all, it was a great weekend full of laughter, chatter, sewing and goodies. The next retreat is in February and we can hardly wait.

Merry Christmas and happy New Year.

Kindness Matters

Since its inception, the guild has held, as part of it’s mandate, the tenant of community giving. Mem bers believe in giving back.

Quilting for the com munity is one thing that combines skills, creativ ity and members’ hearts to give comfort and warmth to community members, strangers and even animals in need.

Using donated fabric, the guild has made lap quilts and wheelchair/ walker bags for the city care facilities, pillowcases for Interval House, fidget quilts for dementia pa tients, pillowcase dresses for needy girls in Guate mala, placements for meals

on wheels recipients, mer maid dolls for children in need of comfort, quilts for those in need of emotional support and pet blankets and dog beds for our ani mal friends.

Quilt donations are meant to encourage hope, love and a sense of com munity to individuals and organizations such as: Bat tlefords District Care Cen tre, River Heights Lodge, Villa Pascal, Interval House, Canadian Mental Health, Kids First, Empty Stocking Fund, fire hall and Battlefords Humane Society.

Guild members would like to thank all those who donated fabric to make this endeavour possible.

“Santa, it’s not a secret, Battlefords Hearing is the Best Place for Hearing Aids.”

Pouring paint is messy, but it’s fun, as Battlefords Art Club members found out recently. |

Photo submitted

More than 20 Christmas stockings were created during a Rivers Edge Quilt guild three-day retreat in November.

Guild members also made more than 50 placements to be distributed to meals on wheels clients in December. | Photos submitted

Supporting your community for Christmas:

How to help people in need during the holidays

The holidays are an ideal time to give back to your community. If you have the means and want to help the less fortunate, here are a few local causes you can support.

• Battlefords and District Community Foundation

• Battlefords District Food and Resource Centre

• BUH Fondation Inc.

• CMHA Mental Health Association (Battlefords Branch)

Research shows that when we give to others, we also contribute to our own happi ness, health and well-being.

Scientists have identified something known as the “helper’s high” to describe the positive emotions that follow acts of helpfulness toward others. Research

also associates improved health and longevity with this psychological state, ac cording to the National Li brary of Medicine. No act of kindness is too small. The gift of kindness

may start as a small ripple that over time can turn into a tidal wave affecting the lives of many.

Similar to the ripples that result from a pebble being dropped into water, studies

show that our words and ac tions also have a “ripple ef fect” that can be either posi tive or negative. So why not create a ripple effect of kind ness, helpfulness and happi ness?

Here are some other ways to contribute to a culture of kindness:

• Smile at somebody and say hello.

• Pay somebody a sincere compliment.

• Call a friend or family member to say hello and ask how they’re doing.

• Drop off a baked good for a neighbor.

• Open the door or hold the elevator for somebody be hind you.

• Drop a greeting card or small gift in the mail to brighten someone’s day.

• Share a nice comment or compliment on somebody’s social media post.

• Make space for somebody trying to merge in front of you on the road with a wave and a smile.

Over 1,800 people a month have received help from us this year. This year is expected to be particularly hard for those struggling with poverty. Please help us help those that are struggling, feel happiness and warmth this Christmas. We are in desperate need of food and new toys this holiday season. Share the Joy again this Christmas! www.battlefordsfoodbank.ca

Consider supporting Battlefords Union Hospital (BUH) Foundation by donating ‘In Honour’ or ‘In Memory’ of a loved one for that “hard to buy for” individual. Your support will enhance healthcare at BUH in their name and you’ll receive a charitable tax receipt for your gift. Dependent on the level of the donation, your loved one’s name may be noted on BUH Foundation’s Donor Wall located in the main lobby at BUH. This is a lasting, thoughtful gift, reflecting your respect and good wishes for them. By honouring a loved one this way, it will help to enrich patient care at BUH and we are grateful for your support.

a wonderful idea to get wrapped up in!

Have a Merry Christmas and we wish you a safe and healthy 2021! you a safe and healthy 2023!

Supporting your community for Christmas:

The gift that keeps on giving! Budgeting for charity ultimately pays

Perhaps the greatest benefit of charitable giving is helping others and the way that makes volunteers and donors feel. But there is also a financial benefit to charitable giving. Charitable donations are often tax deductible, and budgeting for such donations can teach people how to properly manage their money. Donors who want to make the most of their charitable dollars can consider the following tips.

• Stick to one or two causes. Being a “giver” doesn’t mean you have to contribute to every cause that draws your attention. It is important to believe in the cause you’re donating to and that the message and efforts resonate with your values. This way you can

focus your attention directly, and it will not seem like a financial burden. That might require you to narrow your donations down to one or two causes.

• Treat charitable giving as any other monthly bill. Look at giving to charity as a necessity rather than a luxury. Create a recurring “bill” that you pay each month and factor it into your overall spending budget. Some charities may even be able to arrange for automatic deductions from your bank account.

• Set up a specific savings account. Much like you might create a separate account for a Christmas club or vacation savings, create an exclusive account for charitable endeavors. Over time, that account

balance will grow and the money can be used for whichever causes you deem fit.

• Donate what you can. You need not donate hundreds of dollars to make a huge difference. Organizations can benefit greatly from small donations. Do not avoid donating because you think your donations are too small to make a difference.

• Find out if your company will match. Ask your employer to match your donations. Even if they decline, drawing attention to a cause may inspire your bosses and coworkers to donate. Nonprofits benefit greatly from word-of-mouth. Simply talking up a charity to others can make a big impact.

10 good deeds for the holiday season

The holidays are typically a time to celebrate and enjoy. For some people, however, it can be a difficult period of the year to get through. If you want to spread the Christmas spirit in your community, here are a few simple actions you can take:

1. Donate money or nonperishable items to a food bank in your area 2. Sort through old toys, clothes or books, and give them to someone in need

Help someone you know by offering to watch their kids or prepare a meal for

them 4. Pay a visit to someone who lives alone 5. Volunteer to accompany people in your area on errands 6. Send greeting cards to the people who live at your local seniors’ residence

7.Show your appreciation for those who offer their services (a thank-you note for the postal worker, cookies for the bus driver, etc.)

8. Participate in a gift-giving program in your community

9. Put your talents to good use (sing at a seniors’

residence, knit scarves for people at a shelter, etc.)

10. Support local artists and artisans by purchasing your Christmas gifts from them. These are just some of the ways you can make the holidays brighter for everyone in your community.

This holiday season give the gift of mental health by supporting the programs provided through CMHA, Canadian Mental Health Association in the Battlefords. Help us by making CMHA Battlefords Branch, a place to start the journey towards better mental health.

You can choose where you want your giving of mental health support to go

• Social and recreation programs

• Vocational program

• Peer support programs

• General operating expenses. How do I make my donation? Online by visiting https://www.canadahelps.org/en/ and search for CMHA Battlefords Branch. Mail the donation to 1602 103rd St, North Battleford, SK, S9A 1L7 (cheque only).

us in person at 1602 103rd St, North Battleford (cash & cheque accepted).

"As we work to create light for others, we naturally light our own way." -MARY ANNE RADMACHER

a wonderful idea to get wrapped up in! or

Seniors share a Christmas feast

By Lorna Pearson Correspondent

The cold spell last week should have the ice thick enough for the ice shacks going out, soon.

It was -30 C last Friday but that didn’t stop a dozen folks from enjoying their regular canasta playing in the afternoon at the Do Drop In. Top score went to Nestor Fransoo and Lorna Pearson. Second were Car ol Huys and Linda Ard and third were Karn Kelly and Gail Hilderman.

The bridge players didn’t play Tuesday af ternoon, but set up three tables Thursday afternoon Dec. 1. Section A top score went to Margaret Dyck and Dave Creegan. Second were Jean Lawes and Fra ser Glen. In section B, top were Linda Ard and Albert Blais.

In Calgary there’s a street called Meota Road NE in the area called May land Heights.

Friday, my son Brad and sister Linda took me into the casino for supper and what a meal that was. Saturday my two grand daughters, Shari and Lori, and their spouses and chil dren came down for the day, bringing lunch with them. A nice birthday pres ent. Saturday my daughter,

Sally, spent the night with me before heading on to Alberta.

The senior supper was held Dec.4 with about 40 folks attending. President Eric Callbeck was the em cee. It was a potluck sup per with turkey and ham provided by the club. What an amazing collection of the best of everything these local cooks brought out. Each one brought some thing they knew people would enjoy. The pool table was covered with a variety of desserts, something for everyone.

Once the dishes were cleared away the evening opened with Keegan Isaac from Prince entertain ing by singing Christmas songs accompanied by himself on his keyboard. Then a change of pace as Reta Rose of Battleford played the piano for com munity singing of more carols. Then Keegan again sang a variety of songs which everyone enjoyed. He had recordings of his music for sale.

Birthdays were recog nised for myself and for Eric Callbeck, which we appreciated. Hence the evening drew to a happy close, everyone smiling from being full and happy to see familiar faces, some they hadn’t seen since be

fore COVID. The men pitched in and stacked the chairs and took down tables, and ladies finished up in the kitchen, bringing another annual supper to a happy close.

The Meota Lakeshore Lions are holding a New Year’s Eve dance to ring in the new year. Arson En tertainment will be DJing to get you up and dancing all night long beginning at 7 p.m. There is an entry fee of $20. and a draw for $1,000 door prize donated by Lashberg Towing, but you have to be there to claim. Bamm Welding and Oh My Dawg Pet Salon are donating a guaranteed 50/50 prize worth $500. Midnight lunch will be provided. No minors ad mitted.

the finale of the groundbreaking inaugural season of the Meota Grand Slam of Curling. It was what many considered a sport ing dream, where each end was filled with a number and memory, and every score had a story to tell. Coming off an offseason filled with intense con tract negotiations and key free-agent signings, the first rock thrown Thursday night signalled the begin ning of a new chapter.

Fifteen accomplished teams enter this season’s quest for the silver broom, all looking for their intro duction into history.

failing to reach agreements to bring back Jim Cole and Colin Sharp in the offsea son. Thankfully being able to retain lead Darrell Mc Carthey, Schmidt brought in key talents Lloyd Malen fant and Damon Schae fer to hopefully improve on their 6-5-1 record last year. It was a tough show ing in their season debut for Team Schmidt, as they were dismantled easily by the Mohr rink 9-2.

battled it out on the third sheet. The Lacousiere rink surprised the opposition with last-minute pick-up Gordy Derenoski play ing lead. Fans and players alike couldn’t tell if it was 25 years or 25 days since he last played, as Dereno ski played flawlessly in relief. It was Welford who jumped out to a command ing 6-0 lead, but Lacous iere clawed right back to make it close with a cou ple strong ends. It wasn’t enough though, as Welford hung on 6-5 to start the season in the win column.

Meota

Grand Slam of Curling It’s been 268 days since

The reigning president’s trophy winning Pat Mohr rink returned to action Thursday night, as they faced off against a newlook Evan Schmidt rink. Schmidt did a complete overhaul on his team after

Two teams with identi cal 5-7 records last year, Wanda Weber faced off against Terry Tait on the featured sheet. After giv ing up five consecutive steals of one, Tait showed resiliency and climbed back into the game mak ing it close in the final end. However, Weber held on to win 7-4.

The Derek Welford and Zane Lacousiere rinks

An action-packed week awaits at the curling rink, as five new teams make their long-awaited entranc es into the grand slam of curling with seven games on the schedule starting Tuesday night.

(Submitted by Derek Welford)

Reta Rose from Battleford accompanying Meota seniors singing of carols at their Christmas supper Dec. 4.

Keegan Isaac of Prince entertaining at the Do Drop In seniors’ supper, Dec. 4. | Photos by Lorna Pearson

RUSSELL: It is with great sadness that we the family of Norman Stanley Russell announce his unexpected passing on August 15 / 16, 2022. Norman passed away as he would have chosen in his sleep on the family farm with faithful dog, Opie beside him. Norman was predeceased by his parents: Stan & Helen (Nellie) Russell; brothers-in-law: Ernest Hollingshead, Charlie Peterson and niece, Melissa Petersen. He leaves to mourn his passing his sisters: Donna Hollingshead, Winifred (Winnie) Petersen and brother, Grant Russell. Norman also had many nephews, nieces, great and great-great nephews and nieces. When we were all younger, he would teach us all how to throw a ball, catch, and bat. Pull us on the sleigh or teach us of the birds and animals we may have come across the days spent with him. He also made the most unique Christmas presents and the Easter egg hunts were usually hidden throughout the whole farm barn yard. Norman was born on August 24, 1940 in Battleford, SK to Stanley Arthur Russell and Nellie (Helen Lacey) Russell. He would be the oldest of four children. Shortly after his birth the family moved to Vancouver for a brief period of time but Grampa realized this was not the place for his family and moved back to settle in the Prongua / Drummond Creek area. This was where Norman stayed and grew up with his family working alongside his dad and for many neighbour’s when the need arose. Norman refused to leave the land as this was his comfort place walking and driving many miles every day even up to the day of his passing, he was checking on cattle in the pasture and putting a few staples in the fence just to be sure his good friend Keith’s cattle stayed where they were supposed to. Norman had attended the local country schools often being distracted by the boys playing ball or small fish in the creek. He did not further his education in Battleford, but he continued to learn. He read every magazine and book he could get his hands on and was able to strike up a conversation with anyone he met. He loved every animal and bird he came across; from cats, dogs, injured coyote that he nursed back to health, and it stayed in the bushes expecting his bit of scraps every day. Crows and Magpies that fell out of their nests, he would raise them to fly with him when he walked or take a free ride on his shoulder. Often talking to Norman outside, the chickadees would come land on his shoulder or ball cap chirping for some peanuts they knew he would have in his pocket. For many years growing up as kids we knew the farm as “Swallow Hollow” which was named due to the thousands of swallows that would migrate back to the farm under the protection of Norman’s 4-10 shotgun or 22LR. It seemed every post on the farm had a bird house made by Norman or his younger brother Grant and every building had the mud nests all around the roof overhangs. He loved to tell stories and make up names as he went to see how far he could get away with it. When we were younger, he had stories of the Mugwamp creatures that lived in the woods and would steel children if they were out at night, this usually kept us in the bunkhouse or old house we were sleeping in and the odd bang on the wall to be sure of it. Norman loved hockey and baseball. His favourite teams being the Toronto Maple Leafs and the New York Yankees; with this he could tell you any fact or stat on those teams. He wore his New York Yankees hat with pride. I had attended a major league ball game in Toronto and was able to get a Josh Donaldson autographed ball for him. He was happy with this gift but did have to mention with a smirk that Aaron Judge was hitting them out of the field; but he still put it out for display and wrapped it in plastic so it wouldn’t get dirty. Norman rented out the farmland and pasture to his friend and neighbour, Keith Hoffman for many years up until his passing. I think they both looked out for one another in their own way. In the later years I had more time to check in on him and start taking him to town and getting his “supplies “as he would call them. This usually included bird, dog, and cat food, some groceries and scraps for the animals and his favorite Copenhagen fine cut snuff. He had a big sweet tooth so we would always bring him his gingersnaps, cookies, cakes, squares of some sort and some pies. These were always the first to go most times being blamed on Tony Schmidt, Keith, or Charlie stopping in LOL. We would always stop at his choice of McDonald’s, A&W, Burger King or KFC for lunch to go and we would sit in the parking lot feeding most of his French fries to the seagulls or gophers then saving some for the animals at home. I always had great memories and fun times at the old family farm and feel very fortunate that my family and I were able to get to know Uncle Norman. As Norman would say “see you later, drive safe and I Love you but not in the strange way just the way relatives do.” Your host capsule has passed on but your soul & spirit live on, now walk the unlimited land you loved so much and watch over us all. I miss and love you Uncle Norman, but not in that strange way! Condolences for the family can be made at www.eternalmemoriesfuneral.ca Memorial donations in memory of Norman can be made to Second Chance Animal Rescue – Box 3045 Athabasca, AB T9S 2B9 or Hope Lives Here – C/O Alayna Astle 9636 151st Edmonton, AB T5P 1S4. Arrangements were entrusted to Eternal Memories Funeral Service & Crematorium – Vanessa Macnab Funeral Director.

FEDEYKO: Brother Ron was born on October 10,1950 at Cut Knife Saskatchewan, He passed away on November 18, 2022 in his appartment at North Battleford Saskatchewan. He started his school years at a country school known as Wembley. This school house was a very short walking distance from our farm house. He finished grade three at this school and started grade four at Cut Knife and graduated from grade twelve. After high school he worked at lots of different jobs. Some included working on the United States harvest crew combining throughout the United States and also working with an exhibition company. After about a year after high school he was accepted into the Royal Canadian Air Force. He graduated as a Flight Engineer and an Aero Engine Technician. I remember going to Edmonton and helping him change a propeller and doing a complete inspection on a Hercules aircraft. Air Canada wanted him to work on jet engines but he turned the opportunity down as it was too much of a responsibility. If a passenger jet went down because of engine failure he would be responsible. He acquired his refrigeration certificates, commercial electrician certificates, and plumbing certificates in Edmonton. He had his own refrigeration business in Edmonton called “Mr. Cool” refrigeration sales and service. He acquired his commercial natural gas certificate in Vancouver. He applied all of these skills where ever he worked including Norman Wells North West Territories. He came back to North Battleford and worked for a company called Clear View Pipe Cam for about six years. That was his last job which he enjoyed very much. He was an expert at changing furnaces, fixing and installing air conditioners and ice machines. Brother Ron could fix anything from a bicycle tire to jet engines. May you now rest in peace Brother Ron along with Mom and Dad, our relatives, friends and neighbours. I am sending all of my Brotherly Love to you Ron from your Brother Doug. I will see you later.

SANKEY: In loving memory of Patricia and Carl Sankey who both passed peacefully in their sleep with family by their side in the Palliative Care Unit at the Battlefords Union Hospital. They passed less than 24 hours apart from unrelated illnesses. Charles Christian Sankey, born on July 25, 1937 on NW 21 48 14 W3 (North of Sandwith), passed away on November 28, 2022. Patricia Joan Sankey, born on July 23, 1944 in Edam, passed away on November 29, 2022.

Patricia and Carl were loved and cherished by their sons: Brian Sankey (Sharon), Barry Sankey (Adrienne) and Brad Sankey (Christine); grandchildren: Jordan Sankey (Litania), Jesse Sankey, Alex Sankey, Dylan Sankey (Samantha), Kendra Sankey (Jamie Hvidsten), Danica Sankey (Enrique Ixcoy), Mikayla Sankey and Logun Sankey (Kayla Desausa) and greatgrandchild, Arthur Sankey. They will be missed by Carl’s siblings: Eddie Sankey (Kay), Minnie Achtemichuk (Bill Semeniuk) and Roy Sankey (Evelyn) and numerous nieces and nephews. Charles was predeceased by his parents: Wilhelm and Magda Sankey and siblings: Chris Sankey, Bill Sankey, Art Sankey, Margaret Roske, Edith Schneider and Henry Sankey and sisters-in-law: Shirley Sankey and Flora Sankey and brother-in-law, Walter Roske. They will also be missed by Patricia’s siblings: Martha Hobbs (Pat), KC Byl (Bonnie), Shirley Boyd, Jim Byl (Darlene) and Brenda Jordan (Brian) and numerous nieces and nephews. Patricia was predeceased by her parents: Klaas and Hillevi Byl and brothers-in-law: Peter Gayowski and Gerald Boyd. A Funeral Service was held on Saturday December 3, 2022 at the Medstead Village Hall followed by a Graveside Service at Robinhood Cemetery. The family wishes to express a sincere thank you to the BUH staff from ER, 3rd North and the Palliative Care Units for the compassionate care provided to Carl and Patricia. Memorial donations may be made to the BUH Palliative Care Unit. Condolences for the family can be made at www.eternalmemoriesfuneral.ca Funeral arrangements for Patricia and Charles have been entrusted to Eternal Memories Funeral Services and Crematorium - Elle Dell Funeral Director.

David R. Gresdal, “Grassy” In loving memory of our Uncle Dave, who passed away Dec. 1st, 2022. Dave was born on Nov. 26th, 1955, in Flin Flon, Manitoba. He spent most of his years working across Western Canada, even having the opportunity to work in the Artic. Dave’s home has always been in Medstead, SK. Building roots since 1956 to 2022. His passions were fishing and hunting with his close friends, and cherishing time spent with family. He will be lovingly remembered by his nephew’s “brothers” Ron & Rand Watson, and numerous other family members and friends. Dave had a good life and wishes the same for all who he leaves behind. A private family service will be held at a later date. Family and friends wishing to send online condolences are welcome to visit www.beaulacfuneralhome.com Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Beau “Lac” Funeral Home & Crematorium, Mark Muir - Director, Spiritwood, SK. 306-8833500.

WILKINSON: It is with sadness the family of Craig Allan Wilkinson would like to announce his sudden passing on Friday, December 2, 2022 at the age of 66. Craig left behind his wife and partner of 27 years, Chris Wilkinson; step-daughter, Brandy; son-in-law, Jordan; three grandchildren; daughters: Maggi and Molly and their families; brother, Wayne; sister, Audrey; niece, Kristen and their families. Craig was predeceased by his mother, Freda-Lena and father, Doug; sister-in-law, Leslie; brother-in-law, Don. As per Craig’s wishes no formal

time.

Battlefords

SK S9A 2Y7. Condolences for

www.eternalmemoriesfuneral.ca.

GRESDAL:

the family

left at

Arrangements have been entrusted to Vanessa Macnab of Eternal Memories Funeral Service and Crematorium.

IN LOVING MEMORY OF DOREEN STARTUP

in our memories.

We love you and miss you forever.

— Ever remembered

In Loving Memory

Bertha Demyon

December 22, 1921 - November 26, 2016

Deep in our hearts You’ll always stay loved and missed each day Lovingly remembered by your family and friends. We all miss you

In Loving Memory Of

Sidney Henry Jackson of Speers, SK Oct 20, 1918Dec 14, 1982

Phyllis (Buckingham) Jackson Of Speers, SK Nov 27, 1919Aug 24, 2016

November 26th on 400 Block of 30th Street Battleford.

Phone 306-317-8339

Front paws white, back legs all white

FOR SALE - MISC

Advertisements and statements contained herein are the sole responsibility of the persons or entities that post the advertisement, and the Saskatchewan Weekly Newspaper Association and membership do not make any warranty as to the accuracy, completeness, truthfulness, or reliability of such advertisements. For greater information on advertising conditions, please consult the Association’s Blanket Advertising Conditions on our website at www.swna.com.

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.

WANTED

WANTED: Old advertising dealership signs, gas pumps, globes, pop machines, light ups. White Rose, Red Indian, Buffalo, North Star, Case Eagles. etc. Collector paying TOP PRICES. 306-2215908

WANTED SASQUATCH SKULLAlso purchasing SILVER & GOLD coins, bars, jewelry, scrap, nuggets, sterling, 999+ BULLION, maple leaf’s, bulk silver, pre-1969 coins. Coin collector BUYING ENTIRE COIN COLLECTIONS, old $ & Royal Canadian Mint coins. TODD 250-864-3521.

HEALTH SERVICES

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

IN THE ESTATE OF RONALD DENISE DEKTEROFF, late of LIVELONG, in the Province of 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 29th day of December, 2022.

MIGNEAULT LAW OFFICE Barristers and Solicitors Box 520, NORTH BATTLEFORD, Saskatchewan, S9A 2Y8 Solicitors for the Personal Representative

HOUSES FOR RENT

2 bedroom house for rent. 1482 103rd street. Fridge and stove included. References required. Call 306-446-8866.

FINANCIAL SERVICES

Private mortgage lender. All real estate types considered. No credit checks done. Deal direct with lender and get quick approval. Toll free 1-866-405-1228 www.firstandsecondmortgages.ca

In Loving Memory of

Sandra, Years fly by like autumn leaves, but heartache and tears remain.

All we have left are precious memories of you. For today, for tomorrow and until our lives are through.

Always in our thoughts, deeply loved and missed everyday.

DEARLY LOVED & SADLY MISSED EVERY DAY

By Mom & Dad (Jim & Debbie) Prescesky, Brother Donald, Ashley & Luke Prescesky

AGPRO SEEDS: BUYING HEAT-

FEED & SEED WE BUY

DAMAGED GRAIN HEATED... LIGHT BUGS... TOUGH MIXED GRAIN SPRING THRASHED WHEAT... OATS PEAS... BARLEY CANOLA... FLAX

“ON FARM PICKUP” WESTCAN FEED & GRAIN 1-877-250-5252

NOTICE OF ABANDONMENT OF POLL

The Village of Richard By Election 2022.

Whereas the following individual, nominated for the following office:

Leon Fendelet - Councillor –Village of Richard

is the only candidate, I hereby give notice that no voting for the respective office will take place on December 21, 2022.

Dated this 28th day of November, 2022.

Darrin Beaudoin Returning Officer

Canadian Navigable Waters Act

Little Pine First Nation hereby gives notice that an application has been made to the Minister of Transport, pursuant to the Canadian Navigable Waters Act for approval of the work described herein and its site and plans.

Pursuant to paragraph 7(2) of the said Act, Little Pine First Nation has deposited with the Minister of Transport, on the on-line Common Project Search Registry (http://cps.canada/ca/) and under registry 6777, or, under the NPP File Number 2022-608124, a description of the following work, its site and plans:

• bridge

in, on, over, under, through, or across the Battle River at NE¼ - Sec 31 – Twp 45 – Rge 21 – W3M, from N5865816.223, E631133.781 to N5865772.10, E631142.65.

Comments regarding the effect of this work on marine navigation can be sent through the Common Project Search site mentioned above under the Comment section (search by the above referenced number) or if you do not have access to the internet, by sending your comments directly to:

Navigation Protection Program – Transport Canada 344 Edmonton Street Winnipeg, MB R3C 0P6

Transport Canada (TC) will not make your comments on a project available to the public on the online public registry. However, any information related to a work is considered an unclassified public record and could be accessible upon legal request. As such, the information and records provided should not contain confidential or sensitive information. If you want to provide confidential or sensitive information that you think should not be made public, please contact TC before submitting it.

However, comments will be considered only if they are in writing (electronic means preferable) and are received not later than 30 days after the publication of the last notice. Although all comments conforming to the above will be considered, no individual response will be sent.

Posted at North Battleford, this 8th day of December, 2022.

Little Pine First Nation

Lee-ann And Lloyd Drieschner, Lauren and Jeff Meier, Cody and Jacqueline Drieschner Pat Folan & Families

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

HEAVY EQUIPMENT

OPERATORS REQUIRED: motor scrapers, dozers, excavators, graders, rock trucks. Lots of work all season.

Camp job; R & B provided. Competitive wages. Valid drivers license req’d.

Send resume and work references to:

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

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

6 seasonal workers in rural Saskatchewan for helping with extracting honey. Wages starting at $13.00 - $15.00 depending on experience. Seasonal full time positions starting April 15, 2023 to Oct 30, 2023 Contact Dorian Dumitrascu at dorianiond7@yahoo.ca Ridgedale Co-op, Box 39, Ridgedale, SK, S0E 1L0 Call 306-8730557 or fax 306-277-2048

Urgent Corporate Cleaning opportunity available in your area. For more information, please contact Sue McCall at 306-580-5945.

Maidstone and District News Museum hosts Winter Fun Fest

By Kathy Utri Correspondent

Sincere condolences go out to the family of Beverly Stewart who passed away Nov. 27 in Maidstone. Bev will be remembered by many of us for her unique personality, perseverance, exuberance and sense of humour. A memorial ser vice will be held on Satur day, Dec. 10 at 2 p.m. MST in the Maidstone Legion Hall (111- Main St.).

battlefords humane society

Hey guys! I’m Hopps! I’m a super sweet and loving bunny, I love being held and getting pets on my head! I came into the shelter as a stray; sick, skinny, and afraid. Now these lovely people have helped me and I’m happy again! I’m looking to find my forever home, one where I’m free to do as a bunny does! If you’re looking for a velvety soft companion to love and adore, then I’m the bunny for you!

WANTED

It was a bitterly cold day on Dec. 2 but Maid stone was still a flurry of activity. Congratulations to winners of 25 turkeys in the bowling alley’s an nual turkey shoot. Thanks to Sandra Mcmartin who threw all the darts and to everyone who got a piece of the action by purchasing pie wedges. Although the tree lighting and carolling didn’t go as planned, sup per was still on at the Unit ed Church, stores stayed open late, and the Legion Hall was bustling with the farmers market and SADD students selling hot chocolate. Santa dropped in to find out who’s been naughty or nice, posed for pictures and gave treat bags to the kids. The ex citement continued with movies playing at both schools and a hockey game at the arena. The Chamber of Commerce thanks ev eryone who contributed to and took part in Moonlight Madness.

3. An elite cheerleading team based out of Flight Athletics Lloydminster, the girls are from Maidstone, Lashburn, Lloydminster, Kitscoty and Vermilion ar eas. Teams from Warman, Cold Lake, Edmonton, Fort McMurray, Lloydminster, Moose Jaw and Saskatoon competed. Competition events continue in January to the end of April with the girls heading to Edmon ton - True North and Cold Snap, Red Deer - Red Car pet Classic and Cold Lake - Take Flight. These events are amazing to watch. (In formation submitted by Leah Stranzl whose daugh ter Lillie is a cheer member and coach. Lillie is also a member of Maidstone Pathfinders.)

It was not so quiet at A Not So Silent Night din ner and dance Dec. 2. Al though ticket sales were down this year, it didn’t detract from the evening. The Larriettes catered a delicious supper and we had great entertainment

with comedy from Joel Jef fries and music deejayed by Rockin’ Entertainment. We’ve heard great reviews from those who attended. (submitted by Vickie Bai ley of The Kin Club, Maid stone)

Dates to remember:

• Saturday, Dec. 10Maidstone Museum Winter

Fun Fest 2 to 5 p.m. MST (fireworks at end of event);

• Sunday, Dec. 11- Maid stone United Church White Gift Service 10:30 a.m.

MST (bring unwrapped toy), everyone welcome;

• Thursday, Dec. 15Ratushniak Elementary School Christmas Concert 10 am and 7 p.m. MST.

TAX ENFORCEMENT

FORM C [Section 2.3]

TAKE NOTICE that the Rural Municipality of Round Hill, No. 467 intends to be registered as owner under the above Act of the land described at the foot of this document.

The Municipality claims title to the land by virtue of an interest based on the Tax Lien registered against the existing title to the land in the Land Titles Registry as Interest Number 154572172 and you are required to TAKE NOTICE that unless you contest the claim of the Municipality or redeem the land pursuant to the provisions of the above Act within six months from the service of this notice on you and, subject to the further provisions of The Tax Enforcement Act, a title will be issued to the applicant and you will thereafter be forever estopped and debarred from setting up any claim to, or in respect of, the land.

The amount required to redeem the land may be ascertained on application to the Clerk, Treasurer or Administrator of the Municipality.

Dated this 11 day January of 2017.

THE RURAL MUNICIPALITY OF ROUND HILL NO.

467

Per: Christina Moore, Administrator

Name of Assessed Owner

LEGAL DESCRIPTION OF LANDS:

Maidstone Senior Jets played two games on the weekend, with unfortu nate losses in both. Friday, they battled in Maidstone against Glaslyn to a 5-4 final score, and Saturday, they played away with Meota winning 7-3. The season’s just begun, boys!

Aubrey Blyth (daugh ter of Darran and Nichole) and her 17 all-star Cheer teammates, the Eagles, took home third place at Battle at the Border cham pionships at Lloydminster Servus Sports Centre Dec.

Be Merry and Flourish

Theresa Stewart

Maidstone High School’s SADD chapter sold hot chocolate during Moonlight Madness Friday, Dec. 2. Dec. 3, chapter members were invited to take part in the RCMP checkstop to keep our community safe. | Photos submitted

Kids of all ages came to see Santa in the Maidstone Legion Hall on Dec. 2. | Photo submitted by Leah Banks

A Christmas gala, organized by Amy Briggs and Flourish Dance Studio as a fundraiser in memory of Amy’s mother Vicky Rissling, held in Unity Dec. 3, featured song, dance and instrumental numbers, by performers from Unity, Wilkie, Macklin, Biggar and North Battleford. Proceeds of the gala coming from paid admissions, a 50/50 draw and raffle ticket sales will be distributed to Unity KidSport, Unity Secret Santa and Unity Community Daycare with the remainder going towards purchase of dance costumes. | Photos by Helena Long / Freelance Reporter and Photographer

Jaelyn Middleton, performing a lyrical solo to “Hold Onto Me,” choreographed by Delaney Cheyne of Dance Connection.

Jaya Duffin during her contemporary solo, “Rule the World,” choreographed by Presli O’Donnell of Dance Connection.

Tayla Skinner in a jazz solo to “Look at Me,” choreographed by Danielle Jamieson of Wilkie School of Dance.

How do

Most of us are pretty spoiled when eliminating a dark room as we switch on a light. Night and dark ness only forcefully grab our attention when the power is off. We seldom consider how fortunate we are for the gift of artificial and natural light.

With light, we can see with our eyes, and seeing allows us to participate in life fully and freely. The weather, however, may keep us humble as snow storms or pouring rain may be blinding if we are driving on a highway. In addition, storms can limit our visibility, so we may be in danger of going off the road or colliding with another vehicle.

On Nov. 30, 1991,

come out of darkness and into light?

eighbourly N Advice

By Raymond Maher www.accordingtoed.com

According to Ed raymaher085@gmail.com

fierce winds resulted in a freakish dust storm that triggered a massive free way pileup on Interstate 5 near Coaling, Calif.

At least 14 people died, and dozens were injured because wind-driven dirt reduced visibility to zero. Unable to see, motorists found themselves in a disaster.

There is seeing with our eyes and yet being blinded by what we think we know. A case has been made that the Titanic’s captain refused to believe the ship was in trouble until the water was ankledeep in the mail room. Only then was it apparent to him that the multi-lay ered hull had been pierced,

and his unsinkable ship was going to sink. Ships that could have arrived before the liner went down weren’t summoned until it was too late.

Many of us take our sight for granted. We know that some people are blind. Jesus spoke of Himself as the light of the world, meaning that He is the light of God that shines in our darkened world of sin and death to help us see the love of God for us more clearly.

When Jesus was on Earth, He understood the suffering of blind people. Often the only livelihood for a blind person was begging.

For example, when Jesus approached Jericho

on his way to Jerusalem, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging.

When he heard that Jesus of Nazareth was pass ing by, the beggar began shouting at Jesus, and he kept calling, “Son of Da vid, have pity on me!”

Jesus heard his shouts and stopped, and when the blind man came near Jesus asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?”

The man replied, “Lord, please let me see.” Jesus told him, “Have sight your faith has healed you.”

The blind man immedi ately received his sight and followed Jesus, giving glory to God. When they saw this, all the people gave praise to God. (Luke 18:35-43)

The blind beggar repeatedly called Jesus “Son of David.” When people referred to Jesus as the Son of David, they meant He was the longawaited deliver or saviour or Messiah, fulfilling the Old Testament prophe cies. Many others, like the religious leaders of the time, could see Jesus and his miracles, but they were blind to Jesus being the Messiah.

Jesus, as the light of the world, shines forgiveness and hope for all who see him as the Son of God. Jesus is the God-given light to break the darkness of sin and death. So may He bring light into your darkness.

Pastor Melvin Bartley

Big night as Winter Wonderland takes place

By Sherri Solomko Correspondent

Unity’s Christmas kickoff activity, Winter Wonderland, takes place tonight, Dec. 8. The list of activities and events is long so check their Facebook page or the back page of your Dec. 2 local paper for what you want to partici pate in. The winter lights parade begins at 7:30 p.m.

Last weekend was full of festive fun with a Christmas trade show, the annual business-sponsored Santa Day at the the atre and Flourish Studios dance event that benefitted a number of community charities.

Dec. 18 the commu nity carol festival will take place at 2 p.m. at UCHS senior gym.

The mayor says supplies are coming in to begin the First Avenue construction project that will start as soon as spring thaw takes place.

How about a big shout out to our public works de partment, because haven’t they had their hands full with snow removal in the first month of winter?

Unity post office will

be open extended hours until Dec. 23 to get those Christmas cards and par cels mailed in time (also check out their holiday deadlines).

Dec. 13, schools are hosting sessions with Dr. Alec Couros on digital citizenship and there will also be an evening session for parents and families to learn important tips on children and teens navigat ing and using the internet and social media. The eve ning session is at UCHS gym at 7:30 p.m.

At Unity Composite High School, Warrior foot ball celebrated their season Nov. 29 with a year-end banquet and awards as well as giving special recogni tion to longtime volun teers, Warrior booster club leaders, parent group help ers and overall dedicated football folks – Jennifer and Clint Wilson. The Wil sons have been involved with Unity Minor Football and Warrior football for a

decade and their enthusi asm and energy around the field will be missed.

Unity Public School staff and students will be enjoying some fun during their “12 Days of Christ mas” activity.

St. Peter’s School stu dents are preparing for their annual Christmas concert, Dec. 16.

At the rink, four of five of December Miners games are at home. West Central U18 AA Wheat Kings will also host two home games Dec. 10-11.

Remember this holiday season, love local.

Supplies are starting to arrive for the extensive First Avenue construction project that will take place in spring of 2023. | Photo courtesy Sharon Del Frari

Parkview Place residents worked together, assembling treat bags for children expected to attend the annual chamber and business sponsored Santa Day activity in Unity Dec. 3. | Photo courtesy Parkview Place

At right: The Unity Lions unloaded 75 Christmas trees that are selling quickly at the local greenhouse. | Photo by Sherri Solomko