Regional News-Optimist February 11, 2021

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

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Some Canadians won’t have to pay back CERB after all

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Some self-employed get a break Staff Tuesday, the Government of Canada announced that self-employed individuals who applied for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) and would have qualified based on their gross income will not be required to repay the benefit, provided they also met all other eligibility requirements.

The same approach will apply whether the individual applied through the Canada Revenue Agency or Service Canada.

This means that, selfemployed individuals whose net self-employment income was less than $5,000 and who applied for the CERB will not be required to repay the CERB, as long as their gross selfemployment income was at least $5,000 and they met all other eligibility criteria.

Some self-employed individuals whose net self-employment income was less than $5,000 who received letters stating they would have to pay back any CERB benefits they received may have already voluntarily repaid

the CERB. The CRA and Service Canada will return any repaid amounts to these individuals. Additional details will be available in the coming weeks.

In addition, the Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of National Revenue, announced that the Government of Canada will provide targeted interest relief to Canadians who received COVID-related income support benefits.

Once individuals have filed their 2020 income tax and benefit return, they will not be required to pay interest on any outstanding income tax debt for the 2020 tax year until April 30, 2022. This will give Canadians more time and flexibility to pay if they have an amount owing.

To qualify for targeted interest relief, individuals must have had a total taxable income of $75,000 or less in 2020 and have received income support in 2020 through one or more of the following COVID-19 measures: the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB); the Canada Emergency Student Benefit (CESB);

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the Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB); the Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (CRCB); the Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CRSB); Employment Insurance benefits; or similar provincial emergency benefits.

The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) will automatically apply the interest relief measure for individuals who meet these criteria.

Additionally, any CRAadministered credits and benefits normally paid monthly or quarterly, such as the Canada Child Benefit and the goods and services tax/harmonized sales tax credit will not be applied to reduce individuals’ tax debt owing for the 2020 tax year. Canadians are strongly encouraged to file their tax returns by the filing deadline to ensure that their benefit payments continue without interruption.

The interest relief measure announced Tuesday will affect an estimated 4.5 million low- and middleincome Canadians.

This young horned owl was photographed recently on Finlayson Island. The island in the North Saskatchewan River is not only a popular place for people to enjoy nature, it’s an important habitat for wildlife. Photo submitted by Jim McLane

Cochin area man found not criminally responsible for his father’s death Joshua Roy Tucker has been remanded to the Saskatchewan Hospital for an undetermined time following a decision by Judge G. A. Meschishnick in the case of Tucker shooting his adopted father, Gordon Earnest Tucker.

Judge Meschishnick, in his Feb. 4 written decision, said he accepted that Joshua Tucker held the irrational belief he was shooting an imposter.

The judge indicated Tucker had been diabnosed as suffering from, among other things, para-

noid schizophrenia.

Judge Meschishnick ruled that Joshua committed the act causing the death of Gordon Tucker but is not criminally responsible on account of mental disorder.

See what led up to the shooting on Page 2.

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Man who killed his father believed ‘imposters’ were killing and impersonating people he knew

By Lisa Joy

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter / News-Optimist

On May 30, 2018, then 27-year-old Joshua Roy Tucker shot and killed his 59-year-old father Gordon Ernest Tucker. But, when he brutally murdered the father he was close to, he thought his dad was someone else.

The murder, on a peaceful farmyard, shook the

nearby tiny resort village of Cochin, which has a population of about 148.

In the weeks leading up to the killing, Joshua shot holes in the ceiling of his home, believing people who were out to get him were living there. He cut holes in the walls and ceiling looking for surveillance bugs. His mother, Kim Ternier, to convince Joshua no one was in the attic, called the police to

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investigate and put his mind at ease. It didn’t.

When Joshua gave his mom an electrical piece saying he thought it was a bug, she proved to him it wasn’t by taking it to an electrician. She even ordered a device that could detect surveillance bugs.

She made arrangements to install motion detectors and a security system to ease Joshua’s fears and paranoia. They were scheduled to be installed the day of Gordon’s death.

On May 5, 2018, an RCMP officer went to Joshua’s house because Joshua was convinced a squatter was living in his attic. When the officer told Joshua there was no one in the attic he was in disbelief.

On May 25, 2018, one week before the murder, the same RCMP officer responded to Darien Flett’s call for a wellness check on Joshua. Darien, Joshua’s biological mother, said she was concerned about his behaviour. She said Joshua was convinced the Tucker farm was surrounded by government clones. She said he was very down and paranoid.

As Joshua’s mental health deteriorated, Gordon insisted that Kim leave for a few days and go to British Columbia to visit family. She did.

A bloody and confused Joshua goes to RCMP detachment On May 31, 2018, Joshua went to the RCMP detachment in North Battleford, and in a whispering tone, asked to see someone in charge of “informants.”

He told the officers he wanted a CT Scan and blood tests. He said he and his son needed protection.

He asked the police to watch the farm but not to go onto the property. He

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told the officers his house was bugged.

An RCMP officer called Kim in B.C. She said her husband Gordon wasn’t answering any of her calls. She also said Joshua took his son to the child’s mother’s home, which Kim found unusual.

Kim and Gordon had custody of the child.

Inside the detachment, RCMP officers observed Joshua. He was upset, crying. He wanted surveillance on his house and asked police to pick up his son but wouldn’t say why.

Two RCMP officers escorted Joshua to the hospital for a mental health assessment. And while Joshua was at the Battleford’s Mental Health Centre, police found Gordon Tucker’s body on the Cochin-area farmyard.

The murder Police found a trail of blood from the garage to the barn. Gordon was shot in his garage and his body wrapped in a garage floor mat. Joshua, using the front-end loader of a tractor, moved Gordon’s body from the garage and hid it in one of the barns.

Police, during their investigation, established that Joshua made significant efforts to clean up the gruesome scene. His efforts, however, were sloppy and he left several pieces of his bloodied clothes in multiple locations.

Even though he changed his outer clothing before going to the RCMP detachment on May 31, 2018, he was wearing underwear stained with blood.

Meth use Joshua admitted that he took meth early in May 2018. The drug use increased his paranoia. He acknowledged he was associated with people who were associated with gangs but said he was never affiliated with a gang.

He met with his psychologist on May 7, 2018.

The psychologist’s report said that Joshua heard voices in his attic but he couldn’t find anyone in the attic. He told the psychologist that he was using alcohol and drugs and that the things he saw could have been hallucinations caused from drug and alcohol abuse. Joshua told the psychologist that since he separated himself from

Gordon Tucker

gang activity he experienced an increase in hyper vigilance and paranoia related to fears of retribution from his former associates.

Days later, Joshua heard sounds from the attic and took an axe and chopped a hole in the ceiling to look for people. He didn’t find anyone so he believed his house was bugged and people were talking to him through those devices.

He thought people in TV programs were sending him messages of retaliation. He thought a bus driver was part of an organization targeting him for killing the “person” in his attic. He thought someone wanted the Tucker’s farmland. He patrolled the property at all hours of the day and night watching for intruders. He phoned his parents constantly to see if they were OK. He was worried someone had taken over their minds and bodies. Kim said in the month before Gordon’s death Joshua’s paranoia didn’t come and go like it had before over the years.

It was always present.

He believed imposters or clones were killing and impersonating people he knew and that he and his son were in grave danger.

Joshua started living in the basement of Kim and Gordon’s house instead of in his house on the Tucker’s farmland. The night before Kim left for British Columbia, he started talking to the people through the surveillance bugs and they told him to kill his family, the Battlefords Court of Queen’s Bench heard.

The next day Joshua believed that his son had been kidnapped and the kidnapper was impersonating Gordon. Joshua grabbed a firearm he had in the back of the truck and rushed into the house where he

confronted Gordon asking him “where is my son?”

Gordon turned and ran but Joshua pointed the firearm at Gordon and shot him.

Joshua heard a voice telling him to clean up the mess. He didn’t want his son to see the mess.

He picked up his son at the school bus drop off and took the child to his mother’s place. He threw the firearm into a creek and went back to the farm. He moved Gordon’s body to the barn using the tractor.

Son charged with killing father The next morning, May 31, 2018, he drove to the RCMP Detachment in North Battleford.

On June 4, 2018, Joshua was charged with seconddegree murder and breach of probation.

On June 25, 2018, the court ordered that he be assessed for fitness to stand trial and he was sent to Saskatchewan Hospital.

On July 11, 2018, he was admitted to the Forensic Unit.

No motive to harm his father Forensic psychiatrist Dr. Mansfield Mela said Joshua didn’t have a nonpsychotic motive to harm Gordon. Gordon and Joshua had a positive relationship.

Kim and Gordon adopted Joshua in 1991 when he was four days old. Kim told the court that Joshua was a smart and active child but not without problems. He attended high school until Grade 10 in Battleford. He used drugs and associated with others involved in gang activities and he committed various crimes as a youth. She said she wondered if Joshua’s mental health issues had not started developing then. As an adult, in 2018, Continued on Page 6

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City council still looking to resolve PST issue

By John Cairns Staff Reporter

North Battleford city council indicated Monday they are still looking for the province to address the cost of construction PST applied to their major sanitary sewer trunk main project.

The massive project, which would run from the old sewage treatment plant to the new wastewater treatment plant in the southeast, had been estimated at $13.6 million.

The project is being funded in one-third amounts by the federal, provincial and municipal governments. But last month council learned that the city would likely be on the hook for an additional $1.5 million in overages, about half of which was attributed to PST on construction.

The city has been looking to lobby the province to get the PST removed from the project. Those efforts seemed to be dealt a setback Monday when

Premier Scott Moe said at a media scrum that the province would not be introducing changes to construction PST. “No, not at this time,” Moe said during that virtual scrum at the Municipalities of Saskatchewan convention.

The premier also noted that the PST “would have been part of the planning and construction process of that particular project and others across the province.”

At Monday’s council meeting, Councillor Kent Lindgren suggested the premier might have been under “some misunderstanding or he wasn’t properly informed.”

Lindgren was making the point that the PST on construction had been introduced by the province after the city had submitted the trunk main project for funding approval. “The premier might be under some confusion around the timeline of that, or that he was aware of it at that time but I don’t think cities

Fire doused on 98th Street Staff North Battleford Fire Department responded to a structure fire Tuesday on 98th Street.

A call came in at 5:50 p.m. about a garage fire at 1192-98th Street.

With one engine and

around the province were, as that was released after we had made these applications,” said Lindgren.

City Manager Randy Patrick responded that the city’s application had gone in in Jan. 2017, but that the tax was applied March 1, 2017 and had been announced a week before.

“We were kind of stuck with PST costs,” said Patrick.

Mayor David Gillan indicated work was still ongoing on the issue. He told council he spoke with Battlefords MLA Jeremy Cockrill on the issue and he was “discussing it internally with various departments in the province.”

“When the PST did come into play there were transitional rules. The question will be whether we qualify for one of these transitional rulings,” said Gillan.

At the Municipalities

He noted that, with the drop in resource revenue, they had to look at broadening the PST. “That is maybe what’s caught this project,” said McMorris, who reiterated he would check into the issue.

On a related note, Mayor Gillan gave an update to council Monday on the virtual Municipalities of

Don McMorris speaks at media scrum at Municipalities of Saskatchewan convention.

Screenshot by John Cairns

Saskatchewan convention that week, which both he and Patrick were attending.

He said they met with corrections and policing minister Christine Tell.

They had a one-hour discussion Monday and Gillan said they had “frank discussions about our gang task force,” and they vowed to come back soon with a decision on that.

“I think there’s good will with Corrections and Policing to work with us,” said Gillan.

There were also plans to meet with the ministries of highways and social services this week on a few local initiatives.

There were also plans for the city to participate next Friday in a Municipalities of Saskatchewan strategic planning session including the city mayors caucus and city managers, to “look at what the next four years will look like,” said Gillan.

SHNB demo worth more than $4 million in permits

By John Cairns Staff Reporter

five firefighters initially dispatched, a total of five units attended with 16 personel. They were on the scene for four and a half hours.

There were no injuries but major damage was done to the 400-squarefoot detached garage.

of Saskatchewan convention on Tuesday, minister of government relations Don McMorris was asked in a media scrum about the PST issue facing the trunk main project.

He said he was not familiar with the project but said, “I certainly will look into it and get back to you on that.”

Building permits are off to a good start in North Battleford but the biggest driver was a permit for a building to come down, not go up.

The demolition permit issued for Saskatchewan Hospital made up the lion’s share of the building permit value for January in

the city.

Ten permits were issued in Jan. 2021 for $4,797,000, up from six for $638,000 in the same month last year. Director of Planning and Development Jennifer Niesink confirmed to North Battleford city council members on Monday that the hospital demolition alone made up over $4 million of the total, though a more precise

number was not available.

There were two permits issued for demolitions and removals in January for a grand total of $4,402,000, making up 91 per cent of the permit values for the month.

There were also five residential alterations for $270,000, as well as two sign permits ($40,000) and one commercial alteration ($85,000).

Last month, Silverado Demolition Operations Ltd. out of Saskatoon were contracted by the province to do the demolition work.

They began on Jan. 11 with abatement work – removing hazardous materials and preparing the site for safe demolition.

The Sask. Hospital demolition is expected to continue over the next few months, into the spring.

Valleyview Towers troubles continue, residents speak out

By John Cairns Staff Reporter

The furor over living conditions at Valleyview Towers II in North Battleford continues, even as provincial officials say efforts at improvement are ongoing.

Among the concerns expressed is continued crime and disorderly conduct at Valleyview Towers, known to the community as seniors’ highrises. In December 2019, the thenMLA for the Battlefords, Herb Cox, told the News-Optimist that Sask. Housing Corporation and the Battlefords Housing Authority were working to resolve the problems, with security expanded to seven days a week

instead of weekends only, as well as an increase in the use of security cameras at the facility.

It now appears the issues have not gone away. A letterwriting campaign has been launched in recent weeks with Valleyview Towers residents alleging more incidents, including disorderly conduct as well as potential violations of COVID-19 mask orders.

One letter from Les Turner in December stated: “Just a little over a week ago, someone vomited on the front step of our building. The office was notified. Several days later it was finally cleaned up by one of our residents. This Sunday morning, I cleaned up poop from the elevator left after the all-night

party. This is the third time I personally know of when there was human feces found in the elevator after a drunken party ... .”

Another tenant, Maxine Finch, indicated in a letter in January that there was a recent change in security firms at the building. She also stated “a number of the worst offending tenants were handed eviction notices.”

“Now get down to the most important work. Remove any staff, management or board members that do not want to do their jobs,” she stated.

“All of the terrible things and disgusting behaviours that have happened since the current manager was hired by the

local board are results of poor decisions, and the local board refuses to accept responsibility or hold their general manager accountable for his actions or failure to act.”

Finch has another letter published in this edition of the News-Optimist regarding fears of the spread of COVID-19 in the building. See Page 4.

The News-Optimist has reached out to the Ministry of Social Services for comment on the situation at the complex.

In response, a statement was issued by Roger Parenteau, executive director Housing Operations with Saskatchewan Housing Corporation: “Saskatchewan Housing Corporation is aware of the situ-

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Share your view!

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

Letter

A dream for SHNB

The commentaries offered on this editorial page are intended to provide thought-provoking material for our readers.

Contributors’ articles, cartoons or letters do not necessarily reflect the opinion of any Regional News-Optimist staff.

Dear Editor We are told it is OK for old men to dream dreams, so I guess it is possible for me to share my dream for the Saskatchewan Hospital, as a location for a future university.

The landscaping, roads and pathways are already in place. The buildings have “good bones” in the original construction and architecture to make them heritage buildings. With some creativity, you will be surprised how resilient many older buildings can be adapted to have a longer life. But, the best part of my dream is that a new modern hospital is already located on campus.

The university could focus on research and training for thousands of mental health workers, who will be required in the future by provincial and federal governments. The current Covid-19 has forced our whole culture to demand new ways to solve our current mental health crisis.

For me, my dream, is that North Battleford becomes a university city, with all the benefits for business and culture. Well, this is my dream from an old man, who was born in North Battleford in 1934, and remembers many family Sunday drives out and around the well kept hospital grounds.

Bill Strong Vancouver

Letter

COVID-19 a threat at Valleyview

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

Dear Editor It is encouraging when people other than residents and family take the time to comment on the disgusting circumstances we must face here in Valleyview Tower II. I have lived here for over 12 years and for the first nine years it was wonderful. We had a very safe and welcoming community. We were a community of senior citizens.

We had things in common and we all got along well.

The building was full. Everyone cared for each other, we helped each other, we looked out for each other and we trusted each other. All have those things have disappeared. We are all saddened by that.

Many of our friends have moved. We should not be frightened and intimidated into moving because of the housing authority’s actions or inactions.

For some reason, enforcing COVID-19 rules has been more than a challenge for this housing authority.

All-night parties, groups of unmasked strangers running amuck in the hallways, drinking, carousing and terrorizing the senior residents.

But what is even worse, I have seen the manager travelling the public hallways and coming in and out of this building without a mask. Many others, too, have seen this flagrant abuse of power and disrespect for others.

Mr. Premier, what are you going to do about this incredible failure of your government to rectify this problem? One of our residents recently got a letter from

Regional

provincial officials that stated it is not the government’s responsibility, that it’s up to the local board and management. Well, everyone in North Battleford and area knows how well that’s working.

As far as fixing things up and rebuilding trust is concerned, that is a complete waste of time and money. This board and the manager have had more than enough time and chances to fix things up. It’s time to move on.

Many people in this building have serious life-threatening illnesses. Some have been told they would die if they were to catch COVID. Does this not mean anything to this housing manager, the board members or our provincial government? It would be helpful to all of us seniors to see others post or send letters to the editor if they too have seen housing management running around the public areas in this or in other housing authority buildings without wearing masks.

Maybe if this story is shared enough it will go viral and we can finally get something done around here.

It saddens me greatly that we have to resort to going public with our concerns and fears because those hired to do the job simply don’t seem to care.

I want to be clear, the front-line maintenance and tenant services workers at the housing authority do an excellent job. They are very kind, considerate and competent people. They are in no way part of the problem.

It’s time to wipe the slate clean and start over with a whole new board and manager. In the real world those in charge are held accountable. If it is as the ministry says and the board and manager are responsible, then it’s high

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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

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

time to make them responsible. The time for lip service and passing the buck is over.

Maxine French Tenant, Valleyview Tower II

Letter

Worth the drive

Dear Editor If you haven’t yet got to know David and Coco and their daughter at the little grocery/convenience store here in Landis, you should.

They are the nicest people you could ever want in any community. But like so many small businesses these days, they are having trouble making it.

You say you are going to the Frontier Mall anyway?

Or Biggar? Or Saskatoon? What’s that got to do with it?

Just stop in and buy something and sit down and visit for a bit. If there is no coffee she’ll put a pot on just for you.

If everyone does this we won’t lose them (like we did before), and then they can put more on the shelves. And while you’re in town, go for lunch at Karen’s Country Café. That girl makes awesome good food!

So no matter where you live, it’s worth the drive … to Landis!

Ross Hingston Landis Gordon Brewerton Senior Group Publisher

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Parley-tent Amphigory

By R.H. Wood

common word, I looked it up in the dictionary.

It means a water-hole or your state of health and is widely used to modify adjectives predicately (?).

Its most common but unexplained use is at the start of answers to give one’s brain time to get in gear.

What, may you ask, is this Wood fellow’s problem this week? Well, confinement has reduced me to reading my dictionary, which usually puts me to sleep. I always thought that sesquipedalian meant something to do with humour or smart “quips.”

W

The

North Battleford

The long and short of it is that letters to this newspaper should have no proclivity to prolixity or be sesquipedalian. In public life and especially politics, questions should contain no element of the expected answer and those replying should address each point exactly. (This is quanswering – my word.)

A knowledge of philology would have been so helpful over the years.

“Paradigm” stumped me at a medical conference

ood Pile

and “wellness” repeated ad nauseum resulted in us having a second well drilled on our acreage.

Since “well” is such a

Letter

About fossil fuels

Dear Editor When the tumult and shouting dies, Donald Trump will be seen by all but the feeble-minded as the worst president in American history. Joseph Biden begins his term of office with the daunting tasks of limiting the destruction caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the damage caused

by Trumpean policies internally and among the nations of the world.

When Uncle Same

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sneezes, Johnny Canuck must sing “Gesundheit” and offer a big, clean bandana. Among the directives, mostly commendable, are those which virtually shut down all fossil fuel industries in North America.

Yet, the demand for energy grows and will grow even more as vehicles on our highways are powered by electric motors.

Non-polluting energy sources are in use now and will continue to be

enlarged and refined.

Home heating costs will drop as superior insulation methods are found.

There will still be a shortfall. For as long as necessary, we can cover it by polluting our own air by burning our own fossil fuels instead of burning fuels imported at great cost from Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.

William Wardill Eatonia

Letters welcome Letters to the editor are welcomed by the Regional Optimist. All letters, including those which are faxed or emailed, must be signed and bear the address and telephone number of the writer. The name of the writer will be published. Letters are subject to editing.

Personal attacks will not be printed. Letters will be rejected if they contain libelous statements or are unsigned.

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No! I found that it is from Latin and means “a foot and a half long.” This caused prolonged cachinnation. Yes, I laughed loud and long at a dictionary definition. Mong Dieu, this lockdown business had better end soon! So, too, should the repetitious obfuscatory amphigory emanating from the parley-tent. While Canada has inoculated a million or so and will take another seven months to do the rest, America has already inoculated the whole equivalent of our population and is recording positive results. Quit perseverating “we are on track and we have your backs” or I

shall have another voting tergiversation.

As already indicated, letters should have clarity

Letter

Sneaky coal project a sign of the times?

Dear Editor We have witnessed, from south of the border, the terrible things one man can do when he gets the power. All the men like that are not located in other countries. Witness what the premier of Alberta secretly planned regarding strip coal mining; a project that would destroy the headwaters of all the rivers flowing through Saskatchewan and scar the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains forever.

The person who is now premier of Saskatchewan has said nothing. He is quick to blame the Government of Canada for everything from COVID-19 to hangnails, however. Meanwhile, his own environmental record is not so good.

Just remember this: whenever a government chants about any megaproject, “Jobs, jobs, jobs,” rest assured those jobs will destroy the environment and quite often the people who work at those jobs.

And the coal companies how thought they’d run the projects are not Canadian. How typical of

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what goes on in Canada.

I could urge the people of Saskatchewan to complain to the government of this province but I’d be wasting my time.

I think people who would have done so are dead.

Christine Pike Waseca P.S. Yes, I have written to both premiers.

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Page 6 - The Battlefords, Thursday, February 11, 2021

Regional News-Optimist

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Homicide victim found in burned out house identified as Saskatoon man

By Lisa Joy

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter / News-Optimist

North Battleford RCMP identified the remains found in a burned out rural house on Jan. 19 as that of a Saskatoon man.

The victim was identified as Jordon Daniel Boire, 29. He was reported missing to Saskatoon Po-

lice on Jan. 20.

Police are investigating his death as a homicide.

Boire’s body was found in an abandoned residence, north of the junction of Highways 687 and 378 about 30 kilometres northeast of North Battleford.

The Saskatchewan RCMP MCU-N took over the on-going homicide

investigation. Police continue to work to determine the circumstances leading to Boire’s death.

Saskatchewan RCMP continue to look for information from anyone who may have been in contact with Jordon Boire in the time leading up to the structure fire at approximately 10:30 p.m. on

Tuesday, January 19, 2021, to contact the North Battleford RCMP at 306-4461720.

Information can also be provided anonymously through Saskatchewan Crimestoppers at 1-800222-TIPS (8477) or by submitting a tip online at www.saskcrimestoppers. com.

Jordon Daniel Boire

More adjournments for two accused of killing Braden Bull

By Lisa Joy

Special Meeting of The Members to present the

Financial Statement

on Monday, Feb 22nd @ 7pm via Zoom meeting.

For more information please contact the office at (306) 937-5656 or by emailing contact@northbattlefordgolf.com

Follow Battlefords News-Optimist on Facebook

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter / News-Optimist

The case against two Onion Lake men charged in connection to the murder of Braden Richard Bull, 32, of Little Pine First Nation was adjourned again.

The appearances for Vega Bear, 24, and Branden Dillon, 26, were waived in Lloydminster Provincial Court Feb. 3.

Vega’s defence lawyer Brian Pfefferle told the court he is in discussions

with the Crown about a preliminary hearing and disclosure. Both Pfefferle and the Crown requested an adjournment in Vega’s case until March 3.

Dillon also had an appearance scheduled on Feb. 3 and his matter was adjourned to March 3.

Bear was arrested September 2020 and Dillon was arrested the following month. They are both charged with second-degree murder.

Bull’s body was found near a highway on Onion Lake Cree Nation Jan. 21,

2020. Bull was last seen on Jan. 7 and he was reported missing on Jan. 20.

Bull’s death was one of three murders in a span of two months that prompted Onion Lake Cree Nation to declare a state of emergency in January 2020 due to escalating drug and gangrelated activity.

Conrad Mooswa’s body was found Oct. 23, 2019, at a residence on Onion Lake Cree Nation. Marvin Stanley was arrested in October 2019 and charged with second-decree murder.

Braeden Sparvier’s

body was found Jan. 1, 2020, along a road in the R.M. of Frenchman Butte, which borders Onion Lake Cree Nation. Shari Heathen, 27, was arrested in July and charged with second-degree murder.

If you are associated with a gang and want to leave it, contact STR8 UP in northern Saskatchewan at 306-763-3001, STR8 UP in central Saskatchewan at 306-244-1771, or Regina Treaty Status Indian Services in southern Saskatchewan at 306-522-7494 to get assistance.

Man who killed his father thought there were ‘imposters’ around him Continued from Page 2 Joshua was taken into custody on a mental health warrant. Kim said Gordon and Joshua had a good relationship and if there was an argument it was generally between her and Joshua. Gordon rarely argued with Joshua. She said they had a strong relationship and Joshua helped out on the farm.

Not criminally responsible Joshua believed the person he shot wasn’t Gordon but rather, someone else impersonating his father.

Judge G. A. Meschishnick, in his Feb. 4 written decision, said he accepted that Joshua held the irrational belief he was shooting an imposter.

“Both of the Forensic Psychiatrists were of the view that Joshua at the time he took Gordon’s life was suffering from a disease of the mind,” said Judge Meschishnick. “Dr. Mela’s diagnosis was that Joshua was suffering, among other things, from paranoid schizophrenia.

“In addition, the Crown admits that Joshua suffered from a disease of the mind.

Based on the opinions of the Forensic Psychiatrists and the Crown’s admission I am satisfied that the conditions that Joshua claims to have suffered from satisfy the legal test for disease of the mind.”

Judge Meschishnick said cleaning the crime scene and moving the body are consistent with Joshua’s desire to protect his son from the details of the incident. In addition, getting rid of the firearm to prevent him from killing anyone else is an explanation for doing so.

“Post offence conduct of a person suffering from a disease of the mind may not be rational,” said Judge Meschishnick. “Nor is conduct after the incident conclusive evidence of whether a person had an operating mind capable of rational thought at the time of the incident.

“I accept that at the time of the shooting Joshua irrationally believed that his son was in danger,” he added. “I accept that when he confronted Gordon demanding to know where (his son) was that he irrationally believed that he was confronting someone who was impersonating Gordon. I accept that Joshua irrationally believed that the person impersonating Gordon was complicit in the kidnapping of (his son) and had information that could help him find (him).”

Judge Meschishnick said there is ample evidence to support conclusions that Joshua had delusions at the time of the incident. He showed a con-

sistent pattern of irrational thought leading to the shooting. He told Kim he believed people had taken over the minds and bodies of others. Kim said that Joshua’s irrational thoughts and behaviours intensified in the weeks leading to the incident. At the heart of his delusions was the belief that he and his family were in danger from drug dealers or gang members that he or Kim had angered, or from gangsters who wanted the family’s land.

Joshua’s actions were dedicated to protecting himself and his family from the people who had bugged his home, were living in his attic, were speaking to him on TV and who had taken over the bodies of people, said Judge Meschishnick.

“He did not believe that it was Gordon. Because of his delusions his mind was incapable of ascertaining he was discharging the firearm at Gordon … Joshua had no motive to harm Gordon.”

Judge Meschishnick ruled that Joshua committed the act causing the death of Gordon Tucker but is not criminally responsible on account of mental disorder.

Joshua Tucker was remanded to the Saskatchewan Hospital for an undetermined time.

Regional News-Optimist

The Battlefords, Thursday, February 11, 2021 - Page 7

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Canada-wide warrant issued for Alberta murder suspect with ties to North Battleford

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By Lisa Joy Local Journalism Initiative Reporter / News-Optimist

Alberta RCMP Major Crimes unit is seeking the public’s help locating a man wanted on a Canadawide warrant in connection to a murder investigation.

Christian Nyabirungu, 35, of Edmonton, Alta. is wanted for first-degree murder, kidnapping and aggravated assault.

Nyabirungu has ties to Edmonton, Alta., North Battleford, Sask., Toronto, Ont., and has family in Montreal, Quebec.

Nyabirungu may have since changed his appearance but he is described as having black skin, black hair, brown eyes, is 6’2”

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their first request for the public’s help to locate Nyabirungu. In 2019 police also charged Omar Abdirizak Omar, 33, Clement Fofie, 34, Roger Rurangwa, 31, and Mohammed Jawara, 29, all of Edmonton, with first-degree murder, kidnapping, and aggravated assault, for Mesquita’s death.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Christian Nyabirungu is asked to call the Strathcona County RCMP at 780467-7741.

If you wish to remain anonymous, please contact Crime Stoppers by phone at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS),

by Internet at www.tipsubmit.com, or by SMS.

Owner / Branch Manager

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and 240 pounds.

He is considered armed and dangerous and shouldn’t be approached by the public.

Nyabirungu is wanted in connection to the September 2018 murder of Aldane Mesquita.

The body of 33-yearold Aldane Mesquita was found in an industrial area near 17th Street and Wye Road, Sherwood Park (now Strathcona County), at about 5 a.m. on Sept.

13, 2018. Initially, RCMP weren’t able to identify the man and released a composite sketch to determine his identity. In December 2018 RCMP ruled his death a homicide. A cause of death was not released.

In 2019 RCMP issued

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Page 2 8 - The Battlefords, Thursday, January February7,11, 2021 2021

How do you know if it’s true love?

Cupid ’s Cuties

The Kindergarten Class from McKitrick School were asked

questions about

Because if a boy likes a girl his cheeks go pink.

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Because other people tell you.

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The Battlefords, Thursday, February 11, 2021 - Page 9 Regional News-Optimist

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Page 2 - The Battlefords, Thursday, January 7, 2021 Regional News-Optimist

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Page 10 - The Battlefords, Thursday, February 11, 2021

Regional News-Optimist

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Fish For Free During Family Day Weekend, February 13-15 During free fishing weekend, all other regulations apply, including possession limits and reduced limits on some lakes and rivers. Please remember to observe all physical distancing restrictions, and to put safety first when going out on the ice. Use caution and be aware of ice thickness before travelling on it. Water does not freeze uniformly and is unpredictable. For walking, you need at least 10 cm of good ice, and at least 30 cm for light vehicle travel. For more information about fishing in Saskatchewan, visit www.saskatchewan.ca/fishing.

Hon. Scott Moe, Premier

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

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

Age will be the principal factor in who gets vaccinated next in Saskatchewan 20210208_News Optimist Ad_Free Fishing Weekend.indd 1

By Brian Zinchuk

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter / Estevan Mercury

The Ministry of Health and Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) have made it relatively simple in determining who is next in line for the COVID-19 vaccines in Phase 2 of the vaccination program. Except in very few exceptional cases, the older you are, the sooner you will get the vaccine.

That’s according to Minister of Health Paul Merriman and SHA CEO Scott Livingstone during the Feb. 9 COVID-19 briefing, held at the Legislature in Regina.

Merriman said, “We are currently still in Phase 1, which covers priority health care workers, residents and long-term care staff, and other Saskatchewan residents over the age of 70. Phase 2 will be our mass vaccination stage.

It’s going to begin hopefully sometime in April, depending on the number of doses that we receive in the coming weeks from the federal government. Our goal will be to vaccinate as many people as possible, as quickly as possible, and to

2/8/2021 11:16:17 AM

do so in a way that reduces severe outcomes as much as possible.

“For that reason, we will be focusing on age as the primary risk factor.

We know that age is the number one factor in determining severe outcomes from COVID-19. So our mass vaccination will be done by age, starting with our oldest residents first.

Right now, we’re in Phase 1, which includes everyone over the age of 70. In Phase 2, we will be vaccinating people over 60, then people over 50, and so on, until everybody that wants to be vaccinated can be.”

Merriman continued, “There’ll be a few additional groups prioritized like clinically extremely vulnerable individuals, and people in some congregate living settings like emergency shelters and group homes. But like most other provinces, we are organizing our mass vaccination program, primarily on age, because that’s the best way to get things done for the most people, the quickest.

And that’s the best way to reduce severe outcomes.”

The pair expressed almost palpable exasperation with the low numbers

of vaccine doses coming from the federal government. Merriman noted, “This week, we expect to receive fewer than 2,000 doses here in Saskatchewan. To date, we have received 45,000 doses.

There are about 190,000 people in our Phase 1. And as a two-dose vaccine, that’s 380,000 shots. That means, so far, we have only been able to do 12 per cent of the people identified in Phase 1.

“The federal government has assured us that vaccine shipments are going to start picking up next week, and we will continue to increase up to March in the second quarter of this year. But it could be sometime in April, before we get to Phase 2. But Saskatchewan is ready for this.

We just need some more vaccines, and they can’t get here soon enough.”

Livingstone explained, “We’re nowhere near our target goal in Phase 1 and that is primarily, almost exclusively due to the fact that we haven’t received vaccine to deliver. And that will continue to be a challenge for us without knowing what vaccine is coming past quarter one of

Outbreaks in the Battlefords Staff New outbreaks in the North West zone have been added to the COVID-19 dashboard maintained by the Government of Saskatchewan.

For the Battlefords, they include: L7 Electric, Feb. 3; Notre Dame Elementary School, Feb. 4; Drumming Hill Youth Centre, Feb. 4; Outbreaks remain listed until officially declared

over by an SHA Medical Health Officer. Previously reported but still on the list are: Sask Hospital North Battleford West Riverview B, Feb. 4; Battlefords Union Hospital Dialysis Unit, Feb. 3; Battlefords Union Hospital, Homecare, 2-E Maternity, Jan. 31; Battlefords District Care Centre, Jan. 30; Anderson Pump House, Jan. 29;

K5 Insurance, Jan. 22 Haven For Eight rooming house, Jan. 19; The Lighthouse Serving the Battlefords, Jan. 18.

Keyanow Child and Family Centre, Jan 12; North Battleford Comprehensive High School, Jan 11; Battlefords Union Hospital medical unit, Jan. 10; Porta Bella Restaurant and downstairs Bar and Grill, Jan. 6; CJNB radio, Jan. 5.

This is the priority list for the vaccine rollout in Saskatchewan. Handout from Ministry of Health

this year.”

Those at high risk, beyond the issue of age, will be targeted first in Phase 2. The province has put together a list including those who live in select congregate living settings like group homes for persons with intellectual disabilities and emergency shelters.

People with underlying health conditions that are clinically extremely vulnerable include: • Solid organ transplant recipients.

• People with specific cancers.

• People with severe respiratory conditions.

• People with rare diseases that significantly increase the risk of infections.

• People on immunosuppression therapies sufficient to significantly increase the risk of infection.

• Adults with very significant developmental disabilities that increase risk.

• Adults on dialysis or with chronic kidney disease.

The province will be setting up over 226 clinics in 181 communities, including numerous drivethrough, mobile and mass clinics. On top of that, pharmacies across the province will also take part. Livingstone noted that for the last round of influenza shots, 385 pharmacies in 113 communities took part, accounting for about half of the total vaccinations done for the flu last year.

As for immunization records – those immunized will be given a paper card.

There will also be an electronic record accessible through MySaskHealthRecord at ehealthsask.ca People covered in Phase 1 like long-term care and personal care home residents will be contacted directly. Priority health care workers will be contacted to book an appointment.

People over the age of 70 who live independently will receive information through direct contact, wherever possible, through local media or social media.

Livingstone noted that if someone choses to not get the vaccine when their group is called up, you can still choose to get it done later.

For Phase 2, there will be a central scheduling system online through www.saskatchewan.ca or a toll free number, both of which will be operational in March.

Merriman said “I’ve heard from a lot of people they want to know what’s going on. What is it going to look like? How are we going to be informed? And when can we get in?

“So we’re trying to give them two of the three of that. What is it going to look like with the mass vaccination clinics, the drive throughs and also the mobile clinics. We’re going to tell them how that they can do this. The when is a little bit out of our hands right now. It’s not a little bit; it’s completely out of our hands. That’s when the vaccination or the vaccines actually start flowing will determine the when.”

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The Battlefords, Thursday, February 11, 2021 - Page 11

Troy Wakelin Band next up on On Dekk podcast Staff Singer songwriter Troy Wakelin and drummer/singer Kurtis Kopp share a night of their favourite “Rock n’ Country Hits” on the next On Dekk podcast from the Dekker Centre in North Battleford.

The Battleford locals take the stage with band mates Garth Howell on vocal/ lead guitar and Malcolm Whyte on bass guitar, all together delivering an energized live performance.

The Troy Wakelin Band will be interviewed by Battlefords Untapped host Matt Jacques before the live show, taking a deeper dive into living and working as an artist in Battlefords.

Everything starts at 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 27.

The Dekker Centre for the Performing Arts has teamed up with Battlefords Untapped for a podcast celebrating the artists

in the Battlefords community.

The podcast is called On Dekk - Presented by Battlefords Untapped, and will be an ongoing series sponsored by the Battlefords and District Community Foundation.

The first podcast featured Back of the Bus, with a livestream interview Jan. 23 on the Dekker Centre stage featuring podcast host Matt Jacques and members of the band to launch the podcast series.

Tickets for the live streams can be booked through the Dekker Centre box office. Box Office hours are: Tuesday and Thursday by phone, and Wednesday by phone or in person between 12 p.m. and 4 p.m.

To access the Dekker Centre’s Live Stream go to their website: https://www. dekkercentre.com/live_streaming.html .

You will be required to enter a password and you will be sent the password 24 hours prior to the show.

Singer songwriter Troy Wakelin, above, and drummer/singer Kurtis Kopp share a night of their favourite “Rock n’ Country Hits” on the next On Dekk podcast from the Dekker Centre in North Battleford. Photo submitted

Vocal adjudicator is a many-faceted musician

By Kelly Wouters

Battlefords Kiwanis Music Festival

Now that the entry dates have officially closed for the 2021 Battlefords Kiwanis Music Festival, we can start introducing this year’s adjudicators.

Chris Kelly, born in Prince Albert, will adjudicate vocal entries this year.

He studied piano with Janet Wendland and was a member of the Prince Albert Boys’ Choir under the direction of Margo Fournier, eventually serving as their accompanist and director of junior choirs.

Kelly entered the Department of Music at the University of Saskatchewan as a piano performance major and voice minor. He studied voice with Dorothy Howard and earned a double major, completing performance and academic requirements in both voice and piano. In 1996 Kelly earned a Master of Music in Vocal Performance from the University of Western Ontario, where he studied under Alvin Reimer.

Kelly has been a ses-

Festival Fanfare Battlefords Kiwanis Musical Festival sional lecturer in the University of Saskatchewan’s Department of Music teaching voice and serving as an accompanist. He has also taught keyboard skills and musicianship. He maintains a private voice and piano studio and performs regularly in recital, opera and oratorio. Kelly has also instructed music theatre classes and accompanied at Saskatoon dance studios.

He has performed as guest soloist with the Saskatoon and Regina Symphonies in Handel’s Messiah and Verdi’s Requiem and in the U of S University Chorus performances of Haydn’s Creation, Mozart’s Requiem, Faure’s Requiem, Saint Saëns’ Christmas Oratorio,

Bruckner’s Te Deum and Vaughan Williams’ Fantasia on Christmas Carols.

He has also had numerous leads, chorus, and accompanying roles with Saskatoon Opera.

In addition to teaching, Kelly accompanies singers and instrumentalists, coaches, adjudicates, and is a church organist and choir director. He and his wife, Paula, have two sons Graham and William. Kelly is a member of the Saskatchewan and Canadian Registered Music Teachers Associations.

Festival vocal classes are currently scheduled for Monday, April 19 and Tuesday, April 20.

With 2021 Festival entries in hand, the festival committee is adjusting the

Chris Kelly

dates so that all the entries may be heard between April 19-24.

There will be performances in piano, vocal, musical theatre, speech arts, strings and instrumental solos. Two school bands will submit recordings and there are six entries in vocal and piano excellence classes. This year, two entrants can be recommended to each provincial class instead of just one. Those entries will be submitted by recording, so the students (and teachers) will gain some skill in that process; different than a live performance. The recording skills will prob-

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ably serve everyone well as we move into the future post-COVID. A recorded gala concert including the announcement of award winners will be created and made available for viewing. The committee is still working out those details.

Keep in mind that volunteers are needed for the festival. Those who would like to add their name to the volunteer list can talk to any committee member or email l.sander@hotmail. com. Also please encourage youth with visual art interests to create musicalthemed entries for consideration in the annual drawing contest! The deadline is Feb. 26. Images should be on 8.5 by 11 inch paper in a medium of choice (black ink, pencil, coloured pencil, marker, crayon, acrylic, pastels, water colour) with a white background.

Many inspiring musicians passed away in 2020 including drummer

Jimmy Cobb. Cobb shared the historical jazz scene stage with the best of the best. From an interview posted on JazzWax in 2009: “There’s a moment on Miles Davis’s Stella

by Starlight in 1958 that crystallizes drummer Jimmy Cobb’s brilliance.

As Davis holds the final note of his trumpet solo and John Coltrane comes in on tenor saxophone, Jimmy’s seamless change from wispy brushes behind Miles to solid wood rim shots to support Coltrane completely changes the mood and energy level of the standard. What had been, up until that moment, a sound akin to tiptoeing on hot gravel instantly felt like a breakaway gallop. Once Coltrane wrapped, Jimmy once again swapped sticks for brushes behind Bill Evans’ solo.” Jimmy Cobb 1949 – 2020

Page 12 - The Battlefords, Thursday, February 11, 2021

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The Talkabouts: The Battlefords first rock and roll band Who remembers the Talkabouts, the Battlefords first rock and roll band? I don’t but I wish that I could, because we would be kindred spirits. When I was 17, I played in a band called Rick and the Raiders.

I got information for this short article from an interview with Cec Dimmick, who used to be the The Talkabouts’ driver in his 1957 Buick Century four-door, in which Cec, all band members and their instruments could ride.

Logistics The band had only one mike, which they plugged into an amplifier. And, they did not have a real fourstring bass guitar, so they played bass rhythm chords on a six-string rhythm guitar. Nor did the band have monitors. Instead, they put their amplifiers on chairs behind the players.

I don’t know how much the Talkabouts got paid, but Rick and the Raiders got $35 for a five-piece band. Jerry Doucette played the best guitar (borrowed from Cec) – a solid body, speckled blue, single cutaway, with twin pickups.

H

iebert on Heritage

Richard W. Hiebert, Ph.D President, Battlefords Heritage Society

During the early ‘60s the Talkabouts, and the Serenaders, kept the teenagers a rockin’ and a boppin’ at dance halls and house parties. Music included Elvis, the Everly Brothers, the Big Bopper, Johnny Cash, Chuck Berry and others.

Every era had its teenage music. Up until the ‘90s, the kids loved rock and roll, but now they’ve forgotten how to rock.

Dance mix, hip hop and rap have taken over. That’s not necessarily bad, it’s just different. All teenagers love their music.

The band members included Darryl Shuler on rhythm guitar and as lead singer. He worked at the Bank of Commerce in North Battleford. Jerry Doucette played lead

guitar and backup vocals.

Drummer Jackie Ross worked for CJNB. The bass rhythm player came from the Leroy area.

Fun Facts The early ‘60s were the days of grease – Wildroot, Brilliantine, Sauve. The boys greased their hair and sported duck tails and kiss curls.

Darryl’s brother Lionel had a rock band in Edmonton. Jerry’s sister was married to Ray Jordan who owned Jordan Bus Lines. Jordan’s son, Trent, owned Great Canadian Oil Change. Darryl owned a ‘56 Oldsmobile. Jerry Doucette was quite a “character.” He liked to have fun. Jerry’s sister, Doris, and her husband, Ray, owned the Esso in Maymont.

Talkabouts 1963 poster. Submitted

Dances and Girls A few of the communities the band played included Landis, Handel, Saskatoon, Battleford and North Battleford. In Saskatoon,

after a dance, they always stopped in at the Marigold to load up on food.

Then there were the girls. The band attracted a lot of girls. The girls liked everyone in the band. The

band didn’t go to house parties after a gig. They went home, got some sleep and got ready for the next dance. Of course, after a long night playing until three in the morning, the band usually got back to the city at five or six in the morning.

What Happened to the Band?

Darryl moved to Calgary in the spring of 1963. The boys lost track of him. Jerry likely ended up in Edmonton where he probably played in his brother’s rock band. Jackie Ross now lives in Moose Jaw. We’re not sure what happened to the remaining band member.

Conclusion The band played from 1960-63 before they disbanded. They didn’t have much for equipment, but they made up for it with enthusiasm and talent.

The band was popular with teens, and young adults, in the Battlefords and area.

The legacy of the Talkabouts is:hey are forever enshrined as an integral part of the Battlefords musical landscape.

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Valentine wishes go out to all our loved ones

By Elaine Woloshyn

Roberts takes over ‘virtual’ gavel as chamber chair

By John Cairns Staff Reporter

Correspondent

How many of you watched the NFL Super Bowl game Feb. 7?

At age 43, Tom Brady is still a superstar. He has achieved many championships and personal accomplishments. In the fall of 2020, both of his parents came down with COVID-19, but managed to overcome their deadly ordeal.

For approximately 20 years, Al (Joanne) Kosolofski farmed east of Mayfair. Their three children attended Mayfair Central School. He passed away recently. He had relocated to Kindersley where he had spent his younger years. Al leaves to mourn Wade of Lloydminster, Joey of Meota and Leah near Kindersley. Condolences to the Kosolofski family.

Best wishes to members of the area who are or were hospitalized.

Some have had major surgery in spite of pandemic pressures on the system.

We have to be thankful for the medical staff who are diligently working to keep minds at ease.

Lauren Liebaert (nee Huard) is now caretaker

The Battlefords, Thursday, February 11, 2021 - Page 13

of Mayfair Hall. There is not much going on there these days except to provide a venue for socially distanced RM meetings.

The current cold weather could easily result in the cancellation of 8:30 a.m. at the local Catholic church. With such an early start to the service, and the priest needing to travel in the dark, it may be deemed unsafe for him to travel in extreme temperatures.

Call Keith at 306-2464455 to confirm mass is still on.

The government is tightening up travel rules, although not so much for departure. The return is what will be challenging for Canadian Snowbirds.

Some are elderly and have been making this journey for many, many years.

Happy Valentine’s Day. Celebrate the day, but remember all of our loved ones should be treated specially every day, because, for some, life is too short.

It was a different transition to a new chair at the Battlefords Chamber of Commerce in 2021.

With the COVID-19 pandemic still going full blast, the chamber has sworn in new chair Melanie Roberts in a virtual Chair’s Luncheon event held live on the Zoom platform Tuesday.

Roberts, who is director of programs at North West College, has been active on the chamber as a director since 2015 and as vice chair over the past year.

In her remarks, Roberts looked forward to “supporting the business community not only with continued pandemic challenges but also in their recovery and resiliency to provide a great foundation for the years to come,” she said.

Roberts said she is a believer in Shop Local, and said as a leader her priority was investing in people.

“Empower them to be their best, and give them the tools to thrive.”

Roberts takes over from Harris Sutherland of Gold Eagle Casino who served as chair during the past year.

Lawyer Mark Millar administers the oath to Melanie Roberts as the new chair of the Battlefords Chamber of Commerce during a virtual meeting.

Dallan Oberg presents departing chair Harris Sutherland with a going-away gift.

Zoom screenshots by John Cairns

Sutherland had presided over the chamber during the disruption-filled 2020 pandemic year, with several events postponed or having had their formats radically adjusted to comply with pandemic restrictions.

It was no different for the annual induction of the new chair, which saw several changes compared to previous years.

Instead of a banquet, the event was held in a virtual online format during the noon hour, with lunch delivered to participating businesses by North West College staff.

The induction was also combined with the chamber’s Annual General Meeting, which took place immediately prior to the swearing in ceremonies.

Apart from that, the format of the induction was much the same as past years, although there was one notable exception there was no opportunity to “pass the gavel” from the old chair to the new, with everyone appearing virtually from different locations.

The program included pre-taped remarks from guest speaker Jeremy

Seniors know a lot, but there’s always more to learn.

Harrison, minister of trade and export development for the province, as well as greetings from MLA Jeremy Cockrill.

The swearing in of Roberts was administered virtually by longtime friend Mark Millar, a lawyer from Kindersley who has known Roberts for 40 years.

Also sworn in were the new Vice Chair Derek Schmidt and Second Vice Chair Kayla Pedersen.

There was tribute paid at the event to the departing chair Sutherland, who will stay on the board as past chair.

Help ensure your later years are safe and secure. Learn about programs and services for seniors, like how the Canada Pension Plan can work better for you, increases to the Guaranteed Income Supplement, fraud prevention information, and more.

Visit Canada.ca/seniors or call 1 800 O-Canada (1 800 622-6232)

Page 14 - The Battlefords, Thursday, February 11, 2021

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Provincial Archives celebrates Archives Week Submitted The Provincial Archives of Saskatchewan commemorates Archives Week 2021 starting Feb. 7. During this special celebration, the Archives is pleased to announce several initiatives, available online and at its new location in Regina.

“Archives Week is a time to celebrate our province’s documentary history,” Minister Responsible for the Provincial Archives of Saskatchewan Jim Reiter said. “There are many ways that archival records are made available for all Saskatchewan citizens to enjoy and learn about our rich history.”

The Archives invites the public to ‘tour’ the Permanent Collection

through a video exploration of research spaces and storage areas, available on the Archives’ YouTube channel at https:// w w w.y o u t u b e . c o m / cha n nel / UCx k8H J l3F7 W kY M0M R 2K Df Wg. Archivists have added additional content on YouTube, including one-of-akind historic films, as well as interviews from a Heritage Saskatchewan Living Heritage video project entitled ‘COVID-19 Culture’.

The Archives will also be launching an inperson and virtual display on ‘Winter Sports in Saskatchewan’ during the week. The in-person display is located at the Archives Gallery at the Provincial Archives of Saskatchewan, 2440 Broad Street, Regina. The vir-

tual exhibit can be seen at https://saskarchives. com/collections/exhibits/ winter-sports.

“We are excited to showcase the Permanent Collection and to share how archivists collect and preserve Saskatchewan’s documentary heritage,” Provincial Archivist Linda McIntyre said. “These events are great ways to experience the history of our province.”

The Archives continues to offer public reference services by appointment, by phone and online, and is pleased to provide services in French upon request. To learn more about the many treasures in the Permanent Collection at the Provincial Archives, visit www. saskarchives.com.

A vintage photo of children curling. Provincial Archives of Saskatchewan

From the Pastors’ Desk - God has much to say about love Pastor David L. Walker Turtleford Baptist Church

It is February, and each year the first thing that enters our thoughts is love. Along with various meanings, Oxford dictionary says regarding love “a strong feeling of affection.” Merriam Webster adds to that “out of kinship or personal ties.”

The word of God has much to say about love including John 15 v.

13. “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” That ties in with John 3 v. 16.

We had 13 out to January’s GGMH hymn sing. We all miss fellowship food afterward, but we are thankful for being able to share the music and talents that

21022ge0

fill our souls to overflowing ‑“Then Sings My Soul.”

Although the end of January and February, so far, have ushered in extreme cold, we refuse to cancel Sunday morning services. In a time when churches are being closed, sermons are being censored, and much more, this is a time we need to honour Hebrews 10:25, “Not forsaking

the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.”

We would “love” to have you join us in worship any Sunday morning at 11 a.m. All requirements regarding COVID are ensured and we believe you will find the distance is worth the

drive. If you do not have a home church to attend, why not make Turtleford Baptist Church your regular place of worship? You will find everyone friendly, and sharing the truth of God’s word is a priority.

Until March remember: “My life may not be going the way I planned it, but it is going exactly the way God planned it.”

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The Battlefords, Thursday, February 11, 2021 - Page 15

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Show your Valentine’s love to your community

By Sherri Solomko Correspondent

More than ever, we need to show our love and appreciation to our community.

This past year has been nothing but challenges and they have all been met with resolution, perseverance and positive attitudes. We need to show support to our business community who have been here for all of us throughout the pandemic, and every other year. Put your money where your house is and love local.

There are lots of options in town for treating your sweet and at the same time will show some Valentine’s value to local businesses.

There are restaurants and multiple products and services right here in your own town.

February is a birthday frenzy in our two families. We have seven birthdays amongst us and we are anxiously awaiting the arrival of one more this month. While we won’t get to engage in the family fun birthday celebrations we are accustomed to, we will appreciate the benefit of technology to connect with everyone. One of those birthday celebrants is my wonderful husband who will be recognized for another trip around the sun as of Feb. 17. I maintain my motto, “Everyone needs a Dave.”

The local paper is recognizing 70 years in the community in 2021. Their longevity can be attributed to community support and, in light of the social media giants seemingly bullying newspapers out of existence, I think 2020 showed

U

nity News

people newspapers are still a source of trusted news.

Congratulations, Sperle Tire, on marking 50 years of business in Unity. This longtime family business’s commitment has been a big bonus.

KidSport Unity had a remarkable 2020. Even though participation in sports opportunities was down, more people chose this as a community charity of choice. Between fundraisers run by Nutrien and Hollyhock’s selling lawn fertilizer and a special fundraiser hosted by Amy Briggs, in honour of her mom, $11,000 was raised.

This money was in addition to business and organization donations as well as a few memorial donations.

Saskatchewan 4-H is celebrating 60 years in 2021. The newly kickstarted Unity 4-H program, while still not able to meet in person, has been able to proceed with Zoom sessions. The club remains hopeful for some kind of achievement day this June.

While the rink continues giving the opportunity for hockey teams and skating club members to practise in groups of eight, no word has been given on final date for the rink.

Kerrobert has shut off their plant, after experiencing some difficulties, and will run on natural ice while they can.

The CityTV Saskatchewan series, Mobile MD

episode, filmed at the museum and featuring Will Ballantyne will air in February.

The Unity Music Festival is hosting a virtual festival with students recording performances and adjudicators returning their marks through online format. The festival committee will hold an online showcase of talent at the end of festival week.

This week was teacher/ staff appreciation week and the theme was “Unsung Heroes.”What an appropriate theme for this year. If you need an opportunity to share the love this Valentine’s month, this is a group that could use some appreciation for the multiple changes and challenges they have endured.

Dr. Bloem will be retiring from the Downtown Medical Clinic in April.

The community would like to express their thanks and appreciation for her 24 years of service. She will serve as locum when and where needed in the future.

Show kindness to your community clergy. A year of alteration in normal services has provided some challenges for these folks.

Normally in times of crisis, people turn to their community churches for comfort, support and peace.

Ongoing pandemic changes have given them extra work as they offer services and other outreach online.

Feel free to contact any church for clarification on their pandemic protocols and service delivery.

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

Buffalo east of Unity are looking relaxed and comfy in their warm coats this winter. Photo by Sherri Solomko A new way to experience online church services has been welcomed by congregations throughout town and folks are expressing their appreciation to their community clergy for making this happen.

Photo by Sherri Solomko

Unity Skating Club continues with their season in a revised manner according to pandemic protocols.

Here coach Colleen Smith assists student Devyn McLean, who recently earned her gold dance. Photo submitted

Page 16 - The Battlefords, Thursday, February 11, 2021

Fire dept. donation brings recreation to care home

B

Prairie folk can withstand the occasional cold snap

By Lorna Pearson

orden& Radisson

Correspondent

By Lorraine Olinyk Correspondent

Correction: Borden United Church will be closing as of June 30, but will not be disbanding until the end of the year.

Due to the cold weather on Feb. 7, church services were not held in Borden for Riverbend Fellowship or United congregations, but hopefully the weather will improve for services for the rest of February. St. John’s Anglican Church is not holding services until further notice.

A presentation was made by Peter Thiessen,

Peter Thiessen of Borden Volunteer Fire Department makes a presentation to Heather Pidwerbesky outside the Borden Care Home. Photo by Lorraine Olinyk

on behalf of the Borden Volunteer Fire Department, to Heather Pidwerbesky, manager of Borden Care Home, Feb. 5. The $1,500 donation

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will purchase a smart TV with NetFlix and YouTube. The funds came from a fundraiser the fire department held in the fall of 2019.

What a cold spell we are having. I did make a short trip to the store today, but what a lot of work. Dressing and undressing played me right out. However when we watch the weather channel and see the floods, fires and snow storms that are ravaging other parts of the world, this doesn’t seem so bad. We will survive Jan. 25, one COVID-19 case was identified in Medstead Central School and all contacts were informed.

The school has undergone a deep cleaning/sanitizing process and remains open.

A trip to town last Wednesday gave me a chance to meet up with a nephew in the Co-op as well as former card player Yvonne MacPherson. We had a coffee together and caught up on news. What a nice break to get out for a change.

The SSAI bowling tournament has been cancelled in Prince Albert, again, but raffle tickets for various donated items will be

M

eota News

available. Call 306-9808151.

The Vawn Hotel is sponsoring their annual snowmobile rally on Feb. 20. It will take off from the Vawn Hall, with a 10-person shotgun start leaving every 15 minutes. All COVID restrictions will be enforced. The funds raised will go toward hall bathroom upgrading. To register by email vawncommunityhall@hotmail.com and include starting time preferred. Information is available at 306-821-1330.

The next teleconference for SSAI will be held Feb. 12 at 2 p.m. Call toll free to 1-800-967-7148.

This is open to the public and free. Participants’ pass code is 472075. You will hear archivist Cresta Bradley talk about her new Saskatchewan booklet, “If These Places Could Talk!”

The walkathon dates

this spring are April 1 to May 15, with totals to be in

by May 25. Packages will be sent out to SSAI clubs.

For more information call 306-980-8151.

Telemiracle is coming up Feb. 27-28. Organizers say it will show some of the old and some of the new. It is being held at Prairieland Park in Saskatoon and broadcast on CTV. The only local entertainers I could find are two bands from the Battleford area ‑ Afterglow and Gypsy Moonbird. There will be no live audience and all performers will be pre-recorded. Cameos and special performances will take place via remote video or will be pre-recorded.

There will be volunteers on hand to accept donations and answer the telephones.

Many of the usual hosts and hostesses will be on hand, including Beverly Mahood, Brad Johner, Jeffery and his sister Jill Straker and others. This has been even more work than usual, arranging each and every bit of it, so differently.

Lizard Lake area farmer remembered 21022jj0

By Dorothy M. Mills Correspondent

Deepest sympathy goes out to the Elmer Dove families of the Lizard Lake community on the passing of Elmer Dove at the age of 70 on Jan. 5 on the family farm. He suffered a brief battle with cancer.

Elmer was born on his family’s farm in the SpeersHafford area. He was the

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oldest in the family. Going to school and helping on the farm and participating in many types of sports kept him busy. He as also a member of the 4-H club and helped with farm work for the neighbours. After high school, he attended the College of Commerce at the University of Saskatchewan. There he met his wife Lillian, also a student.

Once married they were together for 52 years.

The Doves lived in Regina where he began his accounting career. When Lillian’s parents retired from their farm near Biggar, the Doves took it over.

Elmer did like the farm lifestyle. They cleared and broke more land and built a new house to raise their family of two sons and one daughter ‑ Curtis, Darren and Crystal. They also had one granddaughter, Arkell.

His family remain on the

farm. At one point, Elmer took training to be a pilot and owned his own Cessna 177 Cardinal aircraft for a few years. He also did accounting in Baggar with the help of his wife. Elmer became reeve from the RM of Glenside in 2014 and held the position at the time of his passing. He was a family and community man.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date at the farm. Interment was at Lizard Lake Cemetery.

Elmer’s land surrounds the cemetery grounds.

Feb. 3 marked a 67th wedding anniversary for me and my husband Stanley. We had a good many years on the farm before we retired to Battleford.

The day we were married in 1954 in the North Battleford United Church parlour was remarkable. It was 54 F and there was water running down the streets.

Snow was melting, making country roads muddy.

The following day was much colder and the cold prevailed for the rest of the winter. A day we will always remember.

ATTENTION NORTHWEST SASKATCHEWAN! We are gathering information and advertising for our 2021 Edition Circle The Northwest.

Business owners this is your chance to be included.

Do you have an interesting story?

Call Valorie Higgs 306•441•5665 or email valoriehiggs@sasktel.net Deadline for submissions Wednesday March 26, 2021

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

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news-optimist Serving the Battlefords since 1908

The Battlefords, Thursday, February 11, 2021 - Page 17

Second Front

North Battleford residents pack more than 1,000 shoeboxes for children in need Submitted

Despite the challenges posed by COVID-19, Canadians lovingly packed 373,188 shoeboxes with toys, hygiene items, school supplies, and many other items during the 2020 Op-

eration Christmas Child shoebox campaign that recently ended.

In total, Saskatchewan residents packed 20,760 shoeboxes in 2020. North Battleford contributed 1,005.

A child in Senegal checking out a Canadian-packed Operation Christmas Child shoebox.

Distribution of the shoeboxes around the world has already begun. During the next few weeks, children in Central America and western Africa will be receiving shoeboxes packed by caring Canadians.

The 373,188 boxes donated in 2020 — including tens of thousands of boxes packed online at PackaBox. ca — were part of a worldwide total of 9,113,853 collected in Canada, United States, United Kingdom, Spain, Finland, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Australia and New Zealand.

“Given the tremendous pandemic challenges all of us faced in 2020, we are extremely thankful to Canadians—many of whom are unemployed or facing economic uncertainty—for their generosity in continuing to support this program,” said Randy Crosson, director of Operation Christmas Child Canada.

“Each shoebox that someone fills is an opportunity to show hurting children that they are loved

by God and by us, and the gifts Canadians have provided will once again bless children—many of whom

Children in Costa Rica checking out their Canadian-packed Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes. Photos submitted by Frank King, News Media Relations Manager, Samaritan’s Purse Canada

have never before received a present.”

Year-Round Option: Thousands of Canadians are taking advantage of Operation Christmas Child’s internet option that enables them to pack shoeboxes all year round at PackaBox.ca. Canadians can choose shoebox gift items while also uploading personal notes and photos.

Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has col-

lected and hand-delivered more than 186 million giftfilled shoeboxes to children in over 130 countries hurt by war, poverty, natural disaster, disease, and famine.

Operation Christmas Child is a program of Samaritan’s Purse Canada, a Christian relief and development organization that takes its name from Jesus Christ’s biblical story of the Good Samaritan.

Like that Good Samaritan, who found a beaten man and helped restore him, we aid victims of war, disease, disaster, poverty, famine, and persecution. Besides Operation Christmas Child, our initiatives include providing safe water, vocational skills, and agricultural supplies and training to families in the developing world. Learn more at SamaritansPurse. ca.

25 local families use Ronald McDonald House over last two years Submitted by Ronald McDonald House Charities Saskatchewan Ronald McDonald House Charities Saskatchewan was created to serve families from across the province, providing a safe, homelike environment for a family when their children are in hospital. On Family Day, the generosity of the many charitable contributions that make this mission possible is profoundly felt.

What better time than Family Day in Saskatchewan to recognize our partners, who every day help keep families close at Ronald McDonald House Charities Saskatchewan.

We extend particular gratitude and appreciation this Family Day month, to North Battleford’s local McDonald’s owner operators, Sharon and Dave Taylor.

Through their McDonald’s giving over the years, the Taylors have been able to support families from North Battleford, and beyond, who have needed to travel for the medical needs of their child or children. In the past two years, 25 families from the city of North Battleford have stayed at the Ronald McDonald House in Saskatoon for a total of 466 nights – and your McDonald’s in North Battleford has supported them.

One of these families is the Bodvarson Family.

“Willow was born 7 weeks early, and required to be in the NICU for an unforeseen amount of time. We were fortunate to get a room at the Ronald McDonald House in Saskatoon. The House was the best of a bad situation – beautiful, warm and wel-

coming place to stay. It was important we were able to maintain a level of normalcy – family meals, coffee, movies and play time with the little ones. After a 4-week stay we were able to take our sweet girl home. Today she is happy and healthy!”

- Bodvarson Family

Each year over $500,000 is raised in Saskatchewan from McDonald’s operations and guest support.

These contributions stay in the community to serve the people of Saskatchewan when they need it most.

This unique partnership, over the last 10 years, has enabled Saskatchewan

McDonald’s to grant over $5M to the Saskatchewan House and Prince Albert Family Room, to support operations and serve families from all corners of the province. This generous and unencumbered giving enables Ronald McDonald House Charities Saskatchewan to serve over

1,700 families each year.

“Together during this wonderful month where we celebrate families, let us recognize the Taylors and thank those who continue to help us keep families close,” says Tammy Forrester, CEO, Ronald McDonald House Charities Saskatchewan.

The family of Willow Bodvarson, third from left, made use of Ronald McDonald House Charities Saskatchewan after her premature birth. Here she is seen enjoying National Child’s Days activities in November of 2019 at the NationsWEST fieldhouse in North Battleford. Photo by Averil Hall

Page 18 - The Battlefords, Thursday, February 11, 2021

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Prepayment required

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

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

OBITUARIES BURRY: It is with great sadness the family of Mrs. Jean Burry announce her passing Wednesday, January 27, 2021 at the age of 75 years. A Private Mass of Christian Burial was held Saturday, January 30, 2021 with Reverend Father Phinh Do as celebrant. Private Family Interment followed at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens.

Jean is survived by her loving husband, Clifford Burry; her four children: Philip Burry (Spouse: Lani, children: Calum, Louisa, Zane & Andrew) of Lloydminster, AB; Jonathan Burry (Spouse: Teryl, children: Kendra, Kaitlyn & Chelsea) of Regina, SK; Paul Burry (Spouse: Tanya-Dawn, children: Penny & Primrose) of Saskatoon, SK; Jennifer Cook (Spouse: Tyler, children: Rian & Beritt) of North Battleford, SK; Her siblings: Alison Trayner, George (Vera) Scott, Hugh Scott & Anne-Marie (Scott) Bannatyne, all of Scotland. Jean is predeceased by her father, George Scott, her mother, Agnes-Scott (née Keegans) and her sister, Frances Staniforth. In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be directed to ALS Society of Saskatchewan 2430 8th Ave Unit C, Regina, SK S4R 5E3 or Archdiocese of Keewatin -LePas PO Box 270, The Pas,MB. R9A 1K4 Condolences for the family can be left at www.eternalmemoriesfuneral.ca Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Trevor Watts of Eternal Memories Funeral Service & Crematorium.

PEARCE: Robert “Eddie” Pearce late of Meota, born May 27th, 1952 and passed away on February 3rd, 2021 in Saskatoon, SK. Eddie is dearly loved by his wife of 30 years Deborah, brother Ken (Carol) and family, daughter Carla, grandchildren Mitchell, Mykayla, Christian, Taylor & Logan, great-grandchildren Zaidn & Venezia, precious nieces & nephews, 3 daughters from a previous marriage and their families.

He was predeceased by his parents Lewis & Lydia May Pearce, brother Harold Pearce and sister Florence Renfrow.

Eddie was born May 27th, 1952 in North Battleford. He was the youngest of four children. He was a great husband, father, grandpa, great-grandpa, brother & uncle. He will be loved & missed. In lieu of flowers donations would be appreciated to the family. A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 pm Friday, February 12th, 2021 at Sallows & McDonald - Wilson & Zehner Chapel (1271 103rd Street, North Battleford) at 1:00 pm.

Sallows & McDonald – Wilson & Zehner Funeral Home in care of arrangements. 306-445-2418.

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your news all the time and online

Kenneth August Cey

MACKENZIE: With great sadness we regret to announce the passing of Patricia Mackenzie on February 3, 2021, at the age of 71 at the Battlefords Union Hospital.

Patricia is survived by her daughter Adele Mackenzie, her sisters Carol Payne and Judy McLeod and numerous nieces and nephews, extended family and friends. Patricia was predeceased by her parents John and Barbara Maksymchuk and brother Anthony. The family would like to thank the staff at the Edwards Society and Rose Gill Lodge for the care they provided to her. Funeral service will be held at a later date in Manitoba. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Battlefords Humane Society as she had a caring heart and has a love of all animals, especially cats. Sallows & McDonald - Wilson & Zehner Funeral Home, Wally Markewich in care of arrangements. 306-445-2418

MURRAY: Eleanor Murray passed away January 31, 2021 after a short battle with cancer. She was predeceased by her husband, Earl Murray and her son, Randy Murray; parents: John & Katie Zimmer; sisters: Marlene Rondesvedt & Rita Harvey; brother, Sonny Zimmer. Left to cherish her memory, her son, Gordon McMillan; her long time partner Ed Urbanowski; sister, Alice Smith; granddaughters: Rebeca Robinson & Jada Koopman. She loved to travel and her and Ed went on many cruises and she saw many parts of the world. She loved being on the farm. She enjoyed her gardening and flowers. She will be greatly missed by all she touched. Condolences can be sent to www.eternalmemoriesfuneral.ca Arrangements are entrusted to Robert MacKay of Eternal Memories Funeral Service & Crematorium (306-446-4200).

FUNERAL SERVICES

December 30, 1953 – January 24, 2021 Kenneth August Cey, born to Bill and Ethel in Wilkie Dec 30th 1953. He was born 4th in line in a family of 18 siblings. Kenny grew up on the family farm North West of Scott. In his younger years he enjoyed trapping, raising pigeons and had a passion for horses.

Growing up in a strong sports environment, he played baseball and hockey as well. Kenny had a quiet strength about him. Growing up Kenny was looked up to by his brothers and sisters. Through the years there have been many stories shared of Kenny being a shoulder to lean on or an ear to listen to. Kenny married Heather Budd June 28th 1975. They settled into their first home on the farm where they started to raise their kids. Melanie Born Mar 19nd 1977, Derek Born Nov 1st 1978, Kent Born Sept 24th 1980, Megan Born Mar 3rd 1983. They moved a house onto the farm yard in 1991 giving everyone some much need space. As his children were born, they were his life and then his grandchildren came along bringing a whole new light to being proud. Kenny started Farming in 1971, he took so much pride in farming and was actively able to farm right up to Harvest of 2020. He said 2020 was the best crop of his career. He also spent many years building and repairing fence for the CP rail, hiring numerous family members and locals along the way. Many good stories have come from those days. Throughout the years Kenny and Heather raised hogs, cattle, horses, and chickens. Kenny’s real passion was his Clydesdale horses. He loved raising and working with them and being able to share that passion with his family. Kenny’s sons Derek and Kent followed that passion and spent many years raising and showing the Clydesdales together. Some of his proudest moments outside his family was seeing his horses being shown. Kenny lived for his family. From their many family trips in the red van and the Parisienne to Sunday family day of crop checking. Finding creative ways to celebrate special occasions like taking Heather out gopher hunting for Mothers Day. He was always at his kids sporting events whether he was coaching or watching and continued that with his grandkids as well. Side by side rides to check crops, always a grandkid at his side, combine rides and story time for both his kids and grandkids. Each grandkid felt special and that they were his righthand man with special nicknames, making them laugh and telling many tall tales. Over the last few years Kenny took more time to spend with family whether it be at the lake giving golf cart rides or as the captain of his pontoon boat and going South for a winter vacation. He impacted so many peoples lives from his own family, to his own private coffee shop crew, to the kids he coached in Hockey. From the onset of his first cancer, not once did he ever say why me. He never complained through this whole process. His faith was a huge piece of that. It has always been a core value. This strong faith helped him through his toughest times. He was always positive and looked at the cup as half full. He was grateful to Heather and his family to be able to take care of him in the comfort of his own home. To leave you with a few words from Kenny that he would like us to remember… “To focus on the good times” Ken leaves to cherish his memory; wife Heather of 45 years; daughter, Melanie Brandt(Damon) - Hastin and Kylie; son, Derek Cey (Shannon) - Carter, Karlee; son, Kent Cey (Melissa) - Kayden, Emerson; daughter, Megan Ireland (Stephen) - Hunter; father, Bill Cey; sister-in-law, Katherine Corradini (Jack Whitrow); Jeanette (Dave), Doreen (Brian), Gerry (Maureen), Marion (Herb), Lester (Pam) Kevin, Bob (Sherry), Harold (Thelma), Roger (Maggie), Jamie (Lori), Joe (Laurie), Kathy (Dean), Karen (Ron), Patti (Dennis), Mike (Laura), Lori (Darrel), Gary (Erolanda), numerous Aunts and Uncles, nieces and nephews, friends. Ken was predeceased by; mother, Ethel, in-laws, Bob and Janet Budd; niece, Cassandra Cey; nephews, Keith Cey, Scott Cey, Scott Corrandini; best buds, Dave Gerein, Jim Groves and Holt Jaindl. Arrangements entrusted to Gerein Funeral Service, 306-948-2669, info@gereinfuneralservice.com, www.gereinfuneralservice.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 - Director Vanessa Macnab - Apprentice Funeral Director Funerals | Burials | Cremation | Preplannig WE ARE LOCALLY AND FAMILY OWNED

Serving Families with Dignity, Respect & Compassion eternalmemoriesfuneral.ca

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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.

BELIEVE IT? Don’t fall victim to sharing fake news about COVID-19 online.

Learn the four simple steps that will help you SPOT fake news online.

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

FOR SALE - MISC

The global COVID-19 pandemic means learning how to SPOT fake news has never been more important.

Protect yourself with media literacy in 4 simple steps.

Watch the video at SPOTfakenews.ca

LAND FOR SALE

31 Bred cows for sale. Closed herd program, due to calf start March. 306-717-3297 Black and Red Angus Yearling and 2 yr. old Bulls on moderate growing Ration. Performance Info available. - Adrian or Brian and Elaine Edwards Valleyhills Angus Glaslyn, SK. Phone: (306)4410946 or (306)342-4407 Nordal Limousin & Angus 2021 Bull Sale. Feb. 18 Saskatoon Livestock Sales SaskatoonSk. offering 87 2 Yr.old Limousin ,Black Angus & Red Angus. Catalogue online atwww.nordallimousin.com Contact Rob Garner 306 946 7946.

Rob Garner Box 85Simpson SK. S0G4M0.

HEALTH SERVICES

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HELP STOP THE SPREAD OF FAKE NEWS!

LIVESTOCK

HIP/KNEE Replacement?

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

WANTED Old Mobile home or camper-trailer PH/TXT 306-220-0429 or 306283-4747. Langham, sk.

WANTED: GRAHAM-PAIGE COMPLETE CARS. Any year 1928-41. Looking specifically for a 1938-40 “Sharknose”. Any condition considered.

CALL ME (204) 782-3498 or email tomboresky@gmail.com.

IN MEMORIAM

In Loving Memory

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

Apply NOW; quickest refund Nationwide!

Providing assistance during Covid.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO CREDITORS In the Estate of Leonard William Graham, late of Turtleford, 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 25 day of February, 2021.

Battle River Law Barristers & Solicitors 201, 1291 - 102nd Street Box 905

Jean Mary Manning

Nov. 3, 1929 - Feb. 11, 2016

Taylor (Tay, Tay) Manning March 26, 1990 - Nov. 11, 2006

Jean, it has been three years.

We are ever so grateful to have had you in our lives, and you are forever loved and profoundly missed.

North Battleford, Saskatchewan S9A 2Z3 Solicitors for the Administrator for the Estate of Leonard William Graham.

I am currenlty PURCHASING single to large blocks of land.

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.

NO FEES OR COMMISISONS 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 FARMS/ACREAGES FOR RENT WANTED: Acreage near North Battleford, prefer 10 acres plus, but will consider all.

Phone: 403-807-9798

FOR SALE BY OWNER LOT FOR SALE Commercial/Residential zoned lot for sale. Contact: 306-260-2110

FARM SERVICES

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

battlefords humane society Hi I’m Roscoe!

Rita Anna-Maria Haegebaert December 4, 1949 - February 14, 2012

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

FEED & SEED

CERTIFIED SEED Wheat

Go Early, Pintail.

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

Barley

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

SALE BY TENDER Under the Provision of the Tax Enforcement Act the Rural Municipality of Mervin No. 499 offers for sale the following properties: Hamlet of Livelong: Lot 19 Block 1 Plan AF4248 – 205 Railway Ave. Lot 22 Block 3 Plan BK4845 – 603 1st Ave. Lot 23 Block 3 Plan BK4845 – 601 1st Ave. A tender must be submitted in a sealed envelope marked “Property Tender” and addressed to: Rural Municipality of Mervin No. 499 Box 130 • Turtleford, SK S0M 2Y0

I think of you and grandma every day.

Grampa Manning

In Loving Memory of a Wonderful Mother

FEED & SEED

FARMLAND WANTED

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Hi everyone, I’m Mittens!

FARM SERVICES

AgPRO Seeds buying HEATED CANOLA. TOP PRICES PAID IN SK FOR 15-100% HEATED. On farm pickup, prompt payment!

Price inquiries: 1(306)873-0481 or email: agproseeds@gmail.com

Expert Help:

1-844-453-5372

The Battlefords, Thursday, February 11, 2021 - Page 19

Are you ready to be smitten? I’m a sweet gal on the prowl for a family to call my very own. I’m a pretty chill cat, but I have my playful moments! I would make a wonderful Netflix companion.’m dapper and ready for any occasion.

You want a goofy pitbull? Oh boy I’m all the goofy pitbull you can handle! I have energy for daaaaays and would do well in a home that has experience with strong, energetic dogs like me.

I haven’t been introduced directly to other dogs.

Call the Animal Shelter 306.446.2700

Tenders must be submitted by Noon (12:00 p.m.) on March 8, 2021. The successful bidders will have 30 days to provide the payment in full to complete the purchase.

Highest, or any tender, not necessarily accepted.

Dated this 11th day of February, 2021.

Pat Guenther Chief Administrative Officer NOTICES / NOMINATIONS

NOTICE OF BY-ELECTION So many things of Mom I miss; Her gentle hug and tender kiss.

I still can feel her warm embrace, And yet picture her loving face.

A mother’s work is never done, And Heaven must have needed one.

For Angels came and took her hand, And led her to God’s Promised Land.

She’s surely kept quite busy there, Brushing little angels’ hair.

Although there’s sadness, this I know, She’s waiting there, her face aglow.

I close my eyes and I can see, Her arms still open wide for me.

I miss you every day Mom. You were & will always be my hero.

With all my love, Sarah

Rural Municipality of Glenside No. 377 PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that nomination of candidates for the office of: Reeve will be received by the undersigned on the 3rd day of March, 2021 from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm and during regular business hours on Friday, February 12, 2021 to Tuesday, March 2nd, 2021 at the municipal office.

Nomination forms may be obtained at the municipal office Dated this 11th day of February, 2021.

Joanne Fullerton Returning Officer

Page 20 - The Battlefords, Thursday, February 11, 2021

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CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES Heavy Duty Mechanics required:

Town of Battleford Summer Employment Opportunities

Late model, clean CAT, JD equip; winch, dump, gravel trucks, and trailers. Both camp and shop locations; R & B provided Wage negotiable.

Clean drivers abstract a must.

Parks and Recreation Department Positions are available in Parks, Fred Light Museum, Tot Lot and Campground. Some positions require a valid Saskatchewan Driver’s License.

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

DO MEANINGFUL WORK

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

Please email a detailed resume with cover letter specifying your department of interest. If you are interested in more than one of the above area positions, please indicate this on the cover letter as well.

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NEWS-OPTIMIST Serving the Battlefords since 1908

RENTALS & LEASES

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!

Full job descriptions may be picked up at the Rec Office (address below). All positions starting on or about May 1. Salary as per CUPE Local 3003 Agreement.

We are proud to offer:

• Competitive Wages • Flexible Hours • Free Training

Apply: ca.firstgroupcareers.com Call: 306.445.6660

Please submit to: Jordan Schechtel, Manager of Parks and Recreation, Town of Battleford, Box 1240, Battleford, SK S0M 0E0, (or drop off to south side, Alex Dillabough Center, Battleford); fax: (306) 937-3103; email: parks@battleford.ca.

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

North West College

Full-Time, Permanent Administrative Assistant, External Development and Corporate Services Battlefords Campus

COMMERCIAL KITCHEN/ RETAIL SPACE

Posting #61-BC-2021 Reporting to the Manager, External Development & Corporate Services this position provides administrative support to the External Development & Corporate Services department.

AVAILABLE FOR RENT

Compensation: $23.23 per hour, with an excellent benefits package Start Date: ASAP T H E B AT T L E F O R D S

1500 Square foot commercial kitchen/retail space Fully equipped, clean, licensed kitchen Very affordable rent space High traffic building in downtown battleford Additional 700 square foot space also available

Apply to this position if you enjoy a faced paced environment that promotes creativity and have an interest in supporting designing and development marketing media.

Regional

news-optimist Serving the Battlefords since 1908

CALL NICOLE AT

www.newsoptimist.ca

306-481-5440 For more details on this turn key opportunity.

Owner willing to negotiate rent to own option.

For a complete position profile, and application, visit www.northwestcollege.ca Applications will be received until Noon on February 18, 2021.

NWC thanks all those who applied, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

www.northwestcollege.ca

892-104th Street North Battleford 306-445-7261

We’re hiring!

TENDERS

TOWN OF BATTLEFORD

LAND LEASES

If you are service minded, team driven, career focused and thrive in a digital world…

The Town of Battleford is now accepting sealed tenders for leasing of the following land within Town limits: Lease NO. 1:

Ashraful (Ash) Alam CAO – Town of Battleford

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Serving the Battlefords since 1908

306-445-7261

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RDS

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THE

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

Approximately 150 acres of hay land, but possibility of being cultivated.

Lease NO. 4: Approximately 150 acres of hay land, but possibility of being cultivated.

Lease NO. 5: Approximately 5 acres of cultivated land.

Lease NO. 6: Approximately 5 acres of cultivated land.

Lease NO. 10: Approximately 10 acres of pastureland.

Lease NO. 11: Approximately 12 acres of pastureland.

Lease NO. 14: Approximately 2 acres of hay land, but possibility of being cultivated.

Lease NO. 16: Approximately 27 acres of lay land, but possibility of being cultivated.

Lease NO. 18: Approximately 19 acres of hay land, but possibility of being cultivated.

Lease NO. 20: Approximately 13 acres of cultivated land.

Lease NO. 22: Approximately 18 acres of pastureland and cultivated land.

Lease NO. 23: Approximately 6 acres of pastureland.

Lease NO. 24: Approximately 26 acres of hay land, but possibility of being cultivated.

Tenders must be received by the undersigned by 12:00 PM (noon) on February 19th, 2021. These leases will be for a period of (5) years, commencing March 1st, 2021 and terminating on March 1st, 2026.

Information on the above parcels can be obtained from Town Hall and is available on the Town’s website. A post-dated cheque for March 1st, 2021 in the amount of your bid must be included with the Tender, and all Tenders are to be clearly marked “LEASE #” with the corresponding number.

Minimum tender per parcel shall not be less than $150.00 plus GST. Highest or any tender may not necessarily be accepted.

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timist Serving the Battlefords

since 1908

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The Battlefords, Thursday, February 11, 2021 - Page 21

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Kanaweyimik is an independent, non-political child welfare agency providing child welfare and family services to five First Nations. Moosomin, Mosquito, Red Pheasant, Saulteaux & Sweetgrass First Nations contract for services with Kanaweyimik.

KANAWEYIMIK CHILD & FAMILY SERVICES INC.

The following is a general description of a Supervisor position.

Salary will be commensurate with experience, training and education. This is a fulltime, permanent position.

Located in Battleford, Saskatchewan, Kanaweyimik is an SUPERVISOR – PREVENTION independent, non-political Child and Family Services agency providing services to ve First Nations communities.

Job Description

SERVICES

THERAPIST/COUNSELLOR POSITION 1.0 General Description

• The Supervisor isFull-Time directly responsible to the Executive Director of Kanaweyimik.

• The Supervisor is responsible for supervising the Prevention Program and employees in prevention Kanaweyimik is offering a full-time therapist/counsellor position within a unique, exciting and newly established program. counselling program. We provide a multi-disciplinary, holistic, • The Supervisor will comply with provisions of the Kanaweyimik Personnel Manual as it exists from therapeutic treatment service to individuals and families who to time.violence and abuse. Our program uses havetime experienced both Western therapeutic and Aboriginal cultural perspectives.

2.0 Duties Related to Supervision Extensive training and ongoing clinical supervision will be • Provide direct supervision and guidance to all Prevention Program staff. Document supervision and provided. direction given to Prevention Program staff.

QUALIFICATIONS Provide direct supervision and monitor the Warrior Program. Document supervision and direction • •A Masters degree in a related eld or a Registered Psychologist in given Saskatchewan to the Warrior Program facilitators.

• Experience providing individual, group and family therapy • 3.0 Knowledgeable and sensitive to Aboriginal issues with an Duties Related to Administration of the intergenerational abuse •understanding Carries out thedynamics intent ofand purpose of the Kanaweyimik Personnel Manual as it exists from time • Computer skills to time and may make recommendations for the revision/amendment of Personnel Manual as • Excellent verbal, written and time management skills required.

• A clear criminal and child abuse records check • •A valid driver’s consistent licence Ensures application of the Personnel Manual, Administration Policy Manual, Family An immediate negotiable start date with very staff, competitive ServicesorAct and Standards by the Board of Directors and LAC’s. salary and benefts.

• Ensure all reporting requirements are met for Prevention Program.

Due to the focus of the position being provide services to • Make recommendations onto policy, case management, financial and personnel matters as they First Nations individuals in an agency operated by member First relate to programs and services.

Nations, preference will be given to those applicants for this • Authorize sick leave, annual leave, overtime, travel expenses and confirm work attendance for all position who are of aboriginal ancestry.

prevention staff;

Please forward detailed resumés by email to: tony@tonymartens.ca in all B.C. management meetings or• byAttend mail to: and 9621 -participate 161A Street, Surrey, V4N 2E8. Please address to the attention of Tony Martens, M.Sc., BSW, RCC, RSW.

as scheduled.

4.0 Duties Related to Finance Deadline for in accepting applications March 31, 2014 at 5pm • Assist drafting annualisbudget for Prevention Program then submit to Executive Director by the local time. end of January of each fiscal year.

Contact person:prevention Tony Martens 604-583-6612.

Onlythroughout successful • Monitor expenditures the year and ensure that the approved budget candidates who make short listReport will be any contacted. expenditures arethe followed. over expenditures to the Executive Director.

Recruitment process to continue until a successful • Bring isany expenditure not in approved annual budget to the attention of the Executive Director for candidate selected. approval.

• Approve requisitions for cheques from Prevention Program as per approved annual budget.

• Identify and secure additional funding sources as needed.

5.0 Duties Related to Liaison • Represent Kanaweyimik as and when required at local, provincial and federal levels.

• Initiate and maintain good working relationships with local, provincial and federal officials of other agencies and/or groups who are involved with the funding of Kanaweyimik.

• Prepare and present information on Kanaweyimik programs and services to local, provincial and federal agencies, involved with First Nations.

• Attend Inter-agency meetings in each of the five First Nation communities as scheduled.

6.0 Qualifications The qualifications of the Supervisor shall be determined in the absolute discretion of the Board of Directors depending upon the needs of Kanaweyimik Child & Family Services at the time. The following attributes are assets:

Town of Battleford Summer Employment Opportunities PARKS OPERATOR – SEASONAL, FULL TIME PERMANENT The Town of Battleford is seeking to fill the position of Parks Operator. This is a seasonal, full-time permanent position with employment from April 1st to October 31st.

Reporting to the Manager of Parks and Recreation, the Parks Operator performs a variety of tasks involved in the operation and maintenance of parks, sports fields, green spaces and facilities as well as the operation and maintenance of vehicles and equipment.

Responsibilities • Perform tasks related to parks and sports field maintenance including; grass mowing, weeding, watering, string trimming, fertilizing, pruning etc.

• Perform tasks related to opening/closing of parks and facilities including; setting up and winterizing irrigation systems, small electrical and plumbing repairs, repairs to play equipment.

• Perform minor building maintenance and associated janitorial duties.

• Perform tasks related to the basic care and maintenance of vehicles and equipment.

• Operation of equipment including; trucks, riding mowers, tractors, skid steers etc.

• Operation of hand equipment including; push mowers, string trimmers, chainsaws etc.

Qualifications • Grade 12 Diploma, GED or equivalent.

• Must possess a valid class 5 drivers license.

• One year experience in job related tasks.

• Mechanically inclined with general knowledge of operation and maintenance of parks equipment.

Application Details: Email resume and cover letter to Jordan Schechtel at parks@battleford.ca Deadline: February 26th, 2021 A detailed job description can be obtained by contacting the Battleford Parks and Recreation Department.

This position is being posted in accordance with the CUPE Local No. 3003 collective agreement and is open to both female and male employees.

• A University Degree from a School of Social Work and/or Business Administration or equivalent work experience and training in a related area with relevant courses or workshops in prevention services and administration.

• Extensive working experience and proven ability to work in the social services area with families and children.

• Extensive administrative and management experience.

• Ability to organize, delegate, supervise and coordinate activities of staff members and complex programs.

• Ability to formulate budgets, administer same and report on budgets.

• Extensive working experience with First Nations people, with an understanding of the particular issues encountered by First Nations people.

• Extensive working experience and a clear understanding of the dynamics of First Nations family systems; complexity of social problems encountered by First Nations families.

• Extensive working experience with different levels of government associated with program and service delivery to First Nations including but not limited to local, First Nations, provincial and federal levels of government.

• Must provide a clear criminal record check.

• Must provide 3 professional references; and further agree to a global reference check.

• Must have a valid drivers licence.

Application deadline is February 19, 2021 at 5:00 pm. Start date to be determined. Please forward resumes by fax, email or mail to: (306) 445-2533, “mailto:marleneb@kanaweyimik.com” Only successful applicants will be contacted for scheduled interviews. Recruitment process to continue until a successful candidate is selected.

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Kanaweyimik Child & Family Services, Inc. P.O. Box 1270 Battleford, Saskatchewan S0M 0E0 Attention: Marlene Bugler

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NEWS-OPTIMIST Serving the Battlefords since 1908

Page 22 - The Battlefords, Thursday, February 11, 2021

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Sask. waters clear another year with no invasive mussels Submitted The Ministry of Environment’s aquatic invasive species (AIS) monitoring program detected no invasive mussels in the 125 waterbodies sampled throughout Saskatchewan last year.

AIS, such as zebra and quagga mussels, are a serious threat to lakes and rivers in Western Canada.

They can severely affect aquatic habitat, fisheries, valuable

recreational resources and important infrastructure for irrigation, power generation and municipal water supplies.

“Once again, our surveys have shown the effectiveness of prevention activities in protecting Saskatchewan’s lakes and rivers from invasive species threats,” Environment Minister Warren Kaeding said. “Our comprehensive provincial strategy includes monitoring, public

NOTICES / NOMINATIONS

RURAL MUNICIPALITY OF MEOTA NO. 468 Public Notice of a Subdivision for Intended Discretionary Use & Zoning Bylaw Amendment

Public notice is hereby given that pursuant to section 55 of The Planning and Development Act, 2007, that the RM of Meota No. 468 has received an application of proposed subdivision for a discretionary use. The application includes the creation of one (1) parcel for the intended use of single-parcel residential and a parcel to accommodate road widening within the SE ¼ Section 12-47-17-W3M near Trevessa Beach, represented by the proposed Parcel A & Stromberg Street, as shown on the accompanying plan. The proposed subdivision is located within the A1 – Agricultural Zoning District, how ever due to setback requirements the proposed Parcel A requires a Zoning Bylaw amendment to rezone to LR1 – Lakeshore Residential District.

awareness and education, as well as roadside watercraft inspections and decontamination, all important components of the program.”

In 2020, the ministry inspected 911 watercraft, identifying 630 as high risk for AIS and requiring further inspection. Ministry staff discovered nine watercraft contaminated with invasive species, and decontaminated a total of 164 watercraft.

As a result of travel restrictions, watercraft

Zebra mussels on a pier. Ministry of Environment photo

movement across the international border was significantly reduced, and most

NOTICES / NOMINATIONS

RURAL MUNICIPALITY OF MEOTA NO. 468 Public Notice of a Subdivision for Intended Discretionary Use & Zoning Bylaw Amendment

Public notice is hereby given that pursuant to section 55 of The Planning and Development Act, 2007, that the RM of Meota No. 468 has received an application of proposed subdivision for a discretionary use. The application includes the creation of one (1) parcel for the intended use of single-parcel residential within the SW ¼ Section 19-47-16-W3M near Maymont Beach, represented by the proposed Parcel N, as shown on the accompanying plan. The proposed subdivision is located within the A1 – Agricultural Zoning District, however due to density requirements the proposed subdivision requires a Zoning Bylaw amendment to rezone to LR1 – Lakeshore Residential District.

inspections took place near the Saskatchewan/Manitoba border. Throughout 2020, the ministry continued to work with Canada Border Services Agency to co-ordinate the inspection of high-risk watercraft entering the province.

Boaters have an important role to play in AIS prevention by diligently following clean-drain-dry protocols for watercraft and equipment, and by complying with provincial regulations. Anyone transporting watercraft in Saskatchewan must remove the boat plug and stop at watercraft inspection stations to be checked, or risk a $500 fine. It is also illegal to bring prohibited AIS into Saskatchewan.

The threat of AIS is close by – invasive mus-

sels are currently found in Ontario, Manitoba, Quebec, as well as in 34 states, including Montana, North Dakota and Minnesota.

The ministry works closely with Saskatchewan’s AIS Task Force, which includes other government agencies, conservation and non-government organizations and universities. The province also partners with Canada Border Services Agency and other provincial and territorial governments to coordinate prevention efforts across Western Canada.

For more information about AIS and fishing, check the Saskatchewan Anglers Guide, available wherever fishing licences are sold, or online at www. saskatchewan.ca/fishing.

StatCan staffing 32,000 census jobs across Canada Submitted

INTENT: The proposed amendment is to accommodate the rezoning of a residential subdivision within the Municipality.

AFFECTED LAND: The affected lands by this amendment are lands lying within the proposed subdivision shown in the included map that lay within the jurisdiction of the RM of Meota.

REASON: To amend the Zoning Bylaw District Map to accommodate the proposed subdivision.

Rezone the proposed subdivision from the A1 – Agricultural District to LR1 – Lakeshore Residential District.

PUBLIC INSPECTION: Any person may inspect the proposed bylaws at the RM office between 9:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. daily, excluding statutory holidays. Draft copies of the proposed bylaw are available from the RM office (hard copy at cost).

The RM office is located at 300 1st Street East, Meota, SK, S0M 1X0.

PUBLIC HEARING: Council will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, March 3, 2021, at 1:30 PM in the RM office to hear any person or group that wants to comment on the proposed amendment and subdivision.

In light of the COVID-19 crisis, please contact the RM office prior for protocol for in-person representation. If you wish to comment on this proposal, please do so in writing prior to Friday, February 26, 2021, to Box 80, Meota, SK, S0M IX0 or by email to info468@sasktel.net or robin@northboundplanning.ca. For additional information please contact the Municipal Planning Office at (306) 397-1000 or at robin@ northboundplanning.ca.

S. Yvonne Prusak, BASc, MA, MCIP, RPP Municipal Planner February 9, 2021

INTENT: The proposed amendment is to accommodate the rezoning of a residential subdivision within the Municipality.

AFFECTED LAND: The affected lands by this amendment are lands lying within the proposed subdivision shown in the included map that lay within the jurisdiction of the RM of Meota.

REASON: To amend the Zoning Bylaw District Map to accommodate the proposed subdivision.

Rezone the proposed subdivision from the A1 – Agricultural District to LR1 – Lakeshore Residential District.

PUBLIC INSPECTION: Any person may inspect the proposed bylaws at the RM office between 9:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. daily, excluding statutory holidays. Draft copies of the proposed bylaw are available from the RM office (hard copy at cost).

The RM office is located at 300 1st Street East, Meota, SK, S0M 1X0.

PUBLIC HEARING: Council will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, March 3, 2021, at 1:30 PM in the RM office to hear any person or group that wants to comment on the proposed amendment and subdivision.

In light of the COVID-19 crisis, please contact the RM office prior for protocol for in-person representation. If you wish to comment on this proposal, please do so in writing prior to Friday, February 26, 2021, to Box 80, Meota, SK, S0M IX0 or by email to info468@sasktel.net or robin@northboundplanning.ca. For additional information please contact the Municipal Planning Office at (306) 397-1000 or at robin@ northboundplanning.ca.

S. Yvonne Prusak, BASc, MA, MCIP, RPP Municipal Planner February 9, 2021

Statistics Canada (StatCan) will conduct the next census in May 2021 and is staffing 32,000 jobs across Canada. Individuals are being hired to be part of this large-scale national project in communities both big and small to collect crucial data that will be used to plan for the future. While recruitment is going well, employment opportunities are still available in a number of communities.

StatCan has adapted its approach for the 2021 Census to the COVID-19 reality to ensure that every Canadian has an opportunity to be heard and that the census is conducted in the best and safest way possible. Census procedures have been redesigned to ensure the safety of respondents and census employees by limiting the amount of contact required to participate in this important undertaking. This will enable the majority of Canadians to complete the questionnaire through an efficient, secure and userfriendly online application.

All equipment required

to keep census employees safe during the pandemic will be provided by StatCan, and employees will work close to home, in their local communities.

Census staff will identify dwellings on maps, follow up with respondents by phone and conduct physically-distanced in-person interviews, when required.

A variety of supervisory and non-supervisory opportunities are available between March and July 2021.

The rate of pay varies by position — from $17.83 to $21.77 per hour.

In select northern and remote communities, the rate of pay ranges from $29.25 to $31.25 per hour.

All employees are paid for authorized expenses.

Applicants must be 18 years or older.

Applicants must be eligible to work in Canada and able to commit to a flexible work schedule (primarily in the evening and on weekends).

For more information and to apply now, visit the Census jobs page of the census website.

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The Battlefords, Thursday, February 11, 2021 - Page 23

Helpless – can’t buy, beg or borrow a cup of coffee!

I forgot that Ed, my old neighbour in Saskatchewan, has no stomach for bellyachers and whiners. When I phoned him yesterday, I launched into my story of a disastrous start to my day. Upon rising, I had gone to the kitchen for my wake-up cup of coffee, but before I could put my cup in the coffee maker, the hydro went out. The Keurig was dead as a corpse. So was the toaster.

After cold cereal, things went from bad to worse. There was no internet, so I couldn’t check my emails. Our part of the city was powerless. Stoplights flashed neither stop nor go. There

N

eighbourly Advice

According to Ed

By Raymond Maher

www.accordingtoed.com

revraymaher@accesscomm.ca was no point in shopping as the stores close while the power is off. I could not watch television or listen to the radio, so it was talking to the wife or nothing. Before I could continue my story of woe, Ed said in impatience, “Get to the point of this, Ray, or I’m going to hang

up.”

“The point of the story is that I was helpless this morning as I couldn’t buy, beg or borrow a cup of coffee. More than that, I was hopeless because the power might be back on quickly or off all day,” I told Ed. Then I asked him accusingly, “Where

is your compassion, man?

How would you like to miss your first cup of morning coffee?”

“I wouldn’t be bellyaching about it three provinces away. I‘d put it on the national news,” Ed said with sarcasm. So, I asked him what was new with him, and he said, “Just the same-old pain in my neck.” Of course, I told him that he should get a new pillow.

Even Ed would agree that when the coffee maker, toaster, stove and all our appliances are working, we forget that we are lost when they don’t work.

We do not like to be helpless. When we feel powerless, hopelessness may get

a hold on us. Hopelessness is hard to cure because it’s an attitude that holds us captive to the feeling there is no way out. Hopeless thoughts suggest we are doomed to our present state of affairs. Hopeless thoughts focus on our power and ability to make things better.

The pandemic has left many feeling depressed.

The light at the end of the tunnel is getting dimmer rather than brighter.

Will we ever get past this virus? Will we ever get everyone vaccinated?

How do you keep from despair when you’re poor, facing physical handicaps, chronic pain? From where do we get a hopeful

attitude when there is no hope that things will ever get any better?

In the Bible, we see that hope comes from allowing God to help us through His Son Jesus Christ. In Luke 7:11-17, we are told Jesus arrived at the village of Nain during the burial ceremony of the only son of a widow. The young man was dead and on his way to his grave. His mother, as a widow, was left in desperation, but Jesus’s heart was full of compassion, and he raised her son from death. The widow’s despair or hopelessness was broken. She knew firsthand that all things are possible with God.

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

306-446-1695

PASTOR: Rev. Phinh Do

DAILY: Tues., Wed., Thurs. & Fri. - 9 a.m. unless otherwise noted WEEKEND MASS TIMES: Saturdays - 7:30 p.m. Sundays - 9:00 a.m. & 11:00 a.m.

ANGLICAN PARISH

St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church

Rev. Trevor Malyon

1401 - 98th Street, North Battleford, SK

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

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

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

Contact: 306 445 4155 stpaulnb@sasktel.net

306-445-5901

Reverend George Yando Sunday Services 10:30 AM Everyone Welcome

PRE-REGISTER

Living Water Ministry

Hope Mennonite Fellowship 1291 - 109th Street, North Battleford

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

Sunday Worship Service - 11:00 a.m.

Sunday School - 10:00 a.m.

Pastor: Dean Covert

Church Phone 306-445-4181

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

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

Celebrant: Very Rev. Janko Kolosnjaji 306-664-2301 (Office) 306-244-2604 (Home)

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

306-937-3177 Rev. Gayle Wensley

SUNDAY SERVICES 11:00 a.m.

Third Avenue United Church Rev. Dexter van Dyke

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

306-445-8171

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

Everyone Welcome

Sunday Evening Service 7:00 p.m.

Bible Study Wednesday 7:30 p.m.

1371 - 103rd Street (Use East Door)

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

Battleford Legion Hall 7:00 p.m.

PASTOR - Rick Martin

LIVING FAITH CHAPEL

1372 102nd St 306-445-3009

11 - 18th Street, Battleford, SK

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

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

No Services till further notice

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

Various Weekly Programs Pastor Casey Sitter www.livingfaithchapel.ca

Battlefords Seventh-Day Adventist Church

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

Sunday Mass - 10:30 a.m.

Sunday Services 10:30 am

1702 - 106th Street, North Battleford

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

Pastor James Kwon

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

Phone 306-445-9096

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

Worship Service - 11:00 a.m.

Page 24 - The Battlefords, Thursday, February 11, 2021

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LOCAL BUSINESS

SUPPORTING OUR COMMUNITIES 4 JOBS IN THE BATTLEFORDS

4 JOBS IN THE BATTLEFORDS

Established in 2014

Established in 2000

6 JOBS IN THE BATTLEFORDS Established in 1982

Family Owned and Operated • Tax Planning • Tax Preparation • Small Business Accounting • Retirement Planning

Complete Auto Body Repairs

Almost 40 Years of Emergency Services

SGI Accredited • PPG Paints Full line of vehicle repair start to finish.

71 - 22nd St. Battleford Sk. gpohl@analytic-cpa.com 306-937-7001

5th Avenue West, Battleford 306-937-3330 or 306-937-3707

Get Hooked on Us | 306-445-2372

5 JOBS IN THE BATTLEFORDS Established in 1982

in the Battlefords

13 Jobs in The baTTlefords Established in 1979

937-7474

Come visit us in the Walmart parking lot • 1-603 Carlton Trail Contact us at 306.445.8059 and visit us at www.k5insurance.ca

192 - 24th street, battleford

3 JOBS IN THE BATTLEFORDS

50 Jobs in the battlefords

Established in 1993

Call Today!

Phone: 306-446-3535

Established in 1986