Regional News-Optimist February 16, 2023

Drag queen event at Dekker Centre sparks community controversy CHMA:

By Miguel Fenrich Staff Reporter

The Dekker Centre is on the receiving end of backlash, as the venue hosting CMHA Battleford’s branch Drag Queen Bingo Fundraiser on April 15 has been receiving some nasty comments.

“We have received phone calls and emails from people who oppose this rental, use hateful and discriminatory language to describe the event and demand it is cancelled,” says the Dekker Centre in a press release this Monday, Feb. 13.

“These calls and emails are not representative of our larger community…” reads the release, “but it is important that we say: we will not tolerate hate and discrimination.”

A reader spoke to the News-Optimist in regard to a livestreamed and inperson Jan. 22 sermon from the Territorial Drive Alliance Church.

“It breaks my heart... what’s next? What will happen to gender differences, the future of homosexuality and gay marriage, and there’s no clergy

to say, ‘be happy about who you are,’” the reader said, adding, “It takes so much courage to share yourself with others.

“There’s so much more we can do for our children in our community; be a better teacher than those who discriminate.”

In the sermon the reader referred to, Pastor Keith Klippenstein encouraged his congregants to call the Dekker Centre and voice their concerns as Christians, but he counselled them to be “gracious” in their behaviour.

Klippenstein spoke to the subject in a sermon titled ‘Sunshine in the Forecast,’ studying chapters in Genisis, saying, “God’s ways have been challenged. They’re been distorted. They’ve been disobeyed.”

Regarding the Drag Queen Bingo, he said, “... If you feel led by God to phone up the Dekker Centre, do that, but make sure your speech is seasoned with salt and that whoever answers the phone and hears what you say in regards to this event and your concern about it, that they would know that they’ve been talking to a Christ

follower.”

The Dekker Centre says they’re proud to host Drag Queen Bingo in their facility and that there is no action that can be taken against the organization that will result in the event’s cancellation.

“Every day, we are governed by our organizational values, two of which are Inclusion and Community.”

The Dekker Centre says that they are inclusive and community-minded and that they strive to have representation of all people on their board, staff, volunteers, in their programming, and audience.

CHMA Battlefords branch has not received any phone calls or emails about the event at this point.

“There was no consideration of any backlash in the community when the event organizer approached us…” says Michele Winterholt, executive director for the organization.

“CHMA supports diversity and inclusion in our community. We’re thrilled to be recipients

Continued on Page 5

SASKTODAY.ca

SaskTel announced this week it is waiving long-distance and text messaging fees to Syria and Turkey so its customers are able to connect with family and friends impacted by the recent earthquake.

According to SaskTel, Feb. 9- 28, all long-distance charges for SaskTel wireless (postpaid and prepaid), landline, and business calls made from Canada to Syria or Turkey will be waived.

They are also waiving international text messaging fees for text messages sent from Canada to Syria or Turkey.

This red-breasted nuthatch was seemingly awaiting my return. Upon approaching my front door after a dull midday, there it was. Perched so perfectly, pleading for a glance. | Photo and text by Blake Feist

Six-hour standoff

Man facing charges has a violent history

By Lisa Joy SASKTODAY.ca

A man involved in a six-hour standoff with police on Highway 16 Tuesday last week has a history of violence-related offences and associating with street-gangs, according to parole documents obtained by SASKTODAY.ca.

Highway 16 near Waseca was closed down – and no alternate routes were offered because of safety

concerns – during the standoff between Nakota Pooyak, 29, from Sweetgrass First Nation and RCMP. Pooyak was wanted by Correctional Service Canada on a Canada-wide warrant for violating parole conditions.

Parole documents reveal that a judge warned Pooyak, “You can either grow up and become an adult or you can keep doing this kind of thing and then you’re going to run the risk at having the

Crown look to be applying for dangerous offender status for you at some point in time in your future.”

Parole documents show Pooyak has an “extensive criminal history” that began at a young age. He has had numerous convictions for weaponrelated offences, assaults with and without weapons, robberies, forcible confinement, intimidation, uttering threats, drug possession, fraud, and flight from police.

Saskatchewan RCMP’s Critical Incident Response Team [CIRT] - a group of highly-trained police officers – was able to end the standoff between Pooyak and the RCMP without any tactical response. Pooyak, and Warren Littlewofe, 32, from Onion Lake Cree Nation and Edmonton, were taken into custody after six hours.

Both Pooyak and Littlewolfe were charged with flight from police, possession of stolen property,

and resisting arrest.

Before the armed standoff, Cut Knife RCMP were alerted to Pooyak’s whereabouts. They located and tried to stop the vehicle Pooyak was in but the driver sped away. A police chase followed onto Highway 16 towards Lloydminster.

Police set up tire deflation devices and the vehicle’s tires were deflated but the driver kept driving on Highway 16 at a high rate of speed before com-

ing to a stop just outside of Waseca.

Battlefords RCMP, Maidstone RCMP, Lloydminster RCMP, Saskatchewan RCMP’s Warrant Enforcement Response Team and Roving Traffic Unit, Lloydminster Rescue Squad, Wilton Police Service and the Province of Saskatchewan’s Protection and Response Team and Ministry of Highways assisted Cut Knife RCMP and CIRT.

Cold case finally being prosecuted in B’ford court

By Lisa Joy SASKTODAY.ca

A man charged in a decade-old cold case will stand trial in Battleford Court of King’s Bench.

Robert Wesley Pich was arrested last year in con-

nection with the death of 64-year-old Edward [Ted] Keith Geddes who went missing in mid-April 2011 in the Baldwinton area, say police. Pich has been committed to stand trial in Batteford King’s Bench with a trial date to be set at a later

date.

In April 2011, police had gone to Geddes’ home in Baldwinton with an arrest warrant in an unrelated incident and found his dog dead in the entrance way. Police say the dog’s death wasn’t from natural

causes. At the time, Geddes was wanted for theft over $5,000 in nearby Neilburg.

In February 2022, Pich, now 59, and John Gregoire, now 71, were charged with kidnapping and first-degree murder after a yearlong investigation by the

Saskatchewan RCMP Historical Case and RCMP Major Crimes units.

In October 2022, police discovered human remains in a rural area about three kilometres southwest of Baldwinton and said they believed they are that of

Laverdiere’s murder: four years later, 10th suspect still awaiting trial

By Lisa Joy SASKTODAY.ca

A new trial hasn’t been set for the last of the 10 people to stand trial in 25-year-old Tiki Laverdiere’s death.

Jesse Sangster, 26, of Edmonton, had a trial scheduled for January in Battleford Court of King’s Bench but it didn’t proceed after Sangster discharged his lawyer.

Since then, several

closed-door case management hearings have been held with no trial date set. Sangster’s latest case management was on Feb. 10 and a pre-trial hearing was set for March 17.

All preliminary hearings, trials, and sentencing hearings are under a sweeping publication ban that prohibits the publication of any details of

the proceedings until all those charged have gone through the court system.

Sangster has been in custody since his arrest in July 2019. He was initially charged with accessory after the fact to murder. A month later the charge was upgraded to first-degree murder.

From July 2019 to August 2020, like a domino effect of arrests, the RCMP arrested 10 people in Saskatchewan and Alberta and charged them in Laverdiere’s murder.

Laverdiere, from Edmonton, was in Saskatchewan to attend Tristen Cook-Buckle’s funeral on Thunderhild First Nation.

She was reported missing to Battlefords RCMP May 12, 2019.

On June 10, 2019, Saskatchewan RCMP announced that Laverdiere’s disappearance was the result of foul play and they would be investigating her disappearance as a homicide. On July 11, 2019, a police dog found Laverdiere’s remains in a rural area outside of North Battleford while RCMP were conducting a ground search.

North Battleford Senior Crown Chris Browne and Prosecutor Charlotte Morden are prosecuting the cases of the 10 accused in Laverdiere’s murder.

Geddes. Gregoire was released on bail after a show cause hearing in Battleford Court of Queen’s Bench in March 2022. Five months later he was arrested and charged with seven new weapons offences. He remains out on bail. His case is still at the provincial court level with his latest appearance being on Monday. The charges against Pich and Gregoire haven’t been tested in court.

Robbery, threats at business: RCMP make arrest

By Lisa Joy SASKTODAY.ca

Battlefords RCMP have made an arrest. Braden Zacharias, 25, after investigating a reported robbery at a business in south east North Battleford on Railway Avenue East Saturday. According to RCMP, shortly after 9 a.m. on Feb. 11, a lone male approached the check-out counters near the business’s exit with merchandise in a shopping cart. RCMP say when an employee approached and attempted to scan the merchandise to process the purchase, the male threatened the clerk and made it clear the clerk was to allow him to exit the store without paying and was ordered not to say anything.

The male then left pushing the cart west before employees lost sight of him.

For

Chamber looks back, makes plans for 2023

By Miguel Fenrich Staff Reporter

Battleford’s Cham-

ber of Commerce opened 2023 with its annual member meeting on Feb. 7, highlighting the successes of 2022 and their plans for the rest of the year.

“I would say there were several highlights,” Linda Machniak, chief operating officer, said. “We’ve finished lots of projects from 2021,” which included their presentation of the accreditation certificate, rebranding and name change.

Other highlights include the return of the BBEX awards, the creation of 89 “Meet our Members” videos for a shop local campaign, a luncheon and fireside chat with Premier Scott Moe and the induction of the Craig family into the business hall of fame.

In addition to these accomplishments, the chamber completed a slew of renovations, including replacing old lighting fixtures, painting and adding new carpet in the Baluch Mural Meeting Room.

“We’ve done a lot of work in the building here …,” Machniak said.

According to the documents provided at the AMM, advocacy work in 2022 continued to be very busy with issues in the labour market, property assessment issues in Saskatchewan and Ukrainian refugee settlement issues.

“Of course, there’s lots of advocacy work that gets done on behalf of members and businesses on issues related to all levels of government. It’s always a really busy year.”

Looking ahead to the rest of 2023, Machniak expressed excitement for the Chamber’s plans.

“We probably have two new projects,” Machniak said.

Their new program started in 2022 to engage a co-op or USask student as an intern, welcomed Sarah Hashin this year, and she plans to work in partnership with the chamber, Destination Battleford, the city of North Battleford and the hotel association.

As Destination Battlefords is currently without staff, she’ll be doing some work. As they re-establish their role, she’ll be supporting their efforts and helping them with a new website, social media and administrative work.

Nature is Awesome

The chamber is also planning to create a community relocation guide, which Machinak says will help business owners if they have to relocate or are hiring people from outside of town.

“We also are planning for a large-scale shop for the Battlefords campaign in the fall. Years ago, we did several million dollar shopping sprees, so we’ll come up with something,” Machniak said, though a few more details have to be nailed down.

The chamber is also looking forward to attending the Saskatoon food, fuel, and fertilizer business summit hosted by the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce for all four Western Canadian provinces.

“I know there are some guest speakers that will be very interesting because we all know those are three commodities highly prized in the world right now. The good thing is Western Canada has them in spades.”

At the meeting, the budget was approved, and in 2022, the chamber had an operating surplus of $6,980.

Before Christmas I took this photo of the full moon with the planet Mars off in the distance at the two o’clock position. Mars is about three times larger than our moon, but is many, many millions of miles farther away from the earth. I used a blue filter to capture the beauty of space in the night sky. | Photo and text by Jim McLane.

By John Cairns SASKTODAY.ca

The crime statistics are going up across the board in North Battleford.

That is what one takes away from the statistical summary for 2022 for North Battleford Municipal Detachment of the RCMP. Battlefords RCMP Inspector Jesse Gilbert presented those statistical numbers to council at Monday night’s meeting at Don Ross Centre. The numbers mostly painted a grim upward trend compared to five years ago.

According to the fiveyear numbers presented for North Battleford for 2022, the grand total of calls was 16,687, up 25 per cent from 13,354 in 2018.

The major crime categories were also, mostly, up. At the end of 2022, persons offences in North Battleford were at 1,333 for a 13 per cent rise from 2018. The numbers included a 15 per cent rise in robberies, a 32 per cent rise in firearms offences, a 17 per cent rise in assaults and 20 per cent rise in sexual assaults. North Battleford had three homicides in 2022, up from one in 2018 but below the five of 2020.

For property offences, those were up 24 per cent in the five years to 4,409, with break and enters up 13 per cent, mischief up 40 per cent and having or trafficking stolen goods up 69 per cent.

Other criminal code offences were up 25 per cent to 2,685 including a 98 per cent rise in administration of Justice offences, up from 623 to 1236.

Provincial traffic offences were up 47 per cent and non-offence codes up 29 per cent. The one area that was down was Criminal Code Traffic offences, down 16 per cent from 355 to 297.

Year-to-year quarterly changes from 2021 to 2022 were somewhat less dramatic. For the report from October through

December, 2022, compared to the same period a year earlier persons offences were up 15 per cent, property offences up two per cent, other Criminal Code offences up six per cent, but criminal traffic offences were unchanged.

Outside the city limits, crime trends over the past five years have risen even more than within North Battleford. Persons offences were up in the rural detachment area by 37 per cent, property offences up 33 per cent, other Criminal Code offences up 43 per cent, and provincial traffic offences up 146 per cent over that period.

There were also increases noted for the Town of Battleford which saw persons offences up 59 per cent, property offences up 31 per cent and other Criminal Code offences up 58 per cent over the five years. Insp. Gilbert had presented to Battleford town council the previous week.

With respect to the city numbers, Insp. Gilbert told North Battleford council they plan to do a “deep dive” on the persons crimes and attempt to figure out what is causing the increase so they can put resources towards that.

They are also planning a deep dive on the 2022 numbers as well. Part of the reason for that is they want to know exactly where they were prior to initiatives the RCMP has planned for 2023, to see whether they made an impact.

Insp. Gilbert indicated to council that over the next six months they would notice “significantly enhanced policing” in the Battlefords and area.

The indication is F Division is committing a Crime Reduction Team there for six months, as well as the Warrant Enforcement Team, their Street Gang coordinator, and also Indigenous Policing Services.

“The hope is we’re go-

ing to impact some gang activity here in the Battlefords,” Gilbert told council. “I think we’re seeing some fairly significant interest in the Battlefords from our management and from district so I am very optimistic about 2023 moving forward.”

Gilbert did take the opportunity to point to work done by the Gang Task Force.

He said in the past week, multiple residences in North Battleford, plus one in Battleford and one in Edmonton, were searched. That operation resulted in the seizure of 8 kg of cocaine, 281 grams of Xanax tablets, more than 9000 pre-rolled cannabis joints, 898 cartons of contraband cigarettes, more than 35 kg of a cutting agent, a large sum of cash, and four illegally possessed handguns. The individuals charged were all from North Battleford.

“I’m very pleased with the results which are fairly significant for a city, this size, and for a team that small,” Gilbert said. “It took a lot of coordination, we had unprecedented cooperation from the division with surveillance, sending units when we needed, and cooperation from the city police and K Division RCMP. I’m very happy, I’m very pleased with their activities and I’m giving example of how we’re going to continue to do business over the next couple of years.”

Gilbert added that during the month of March the plan is for the RCMP to reach out and ask to speak with the city, the town and their First Nations partners to get a sense of what exactly it is they are hoping for over the next year. “I think the public input from all of our partners is very important in setting our priorities,” Gilbert said.

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Commentary

Trudeau-appointed senator opposes streaming Bill C-11

Senator David Adams Richards warns that “Stalin

over our shoulder” should bill become law

By Jay Goldberg

One of Canada’s most acclaimed authors is drawing a clear line: he doesn’t want politicians telling him what counts as Canadian content or Big Brother looking over his shoulder when he writes.

If ever there was doubt about whether Bill C-11 represents a gateway toward government censorship, that doubt was put to rest by Senator David Adams Richards earlier this week.

“This law will be one of scapegoating all those who do not fit into what our bureaucrats think Canada should be,” warned Richards from the Senate floor.

Richards is far from a Trudeau government skeptic. He was first appointed to the Senate by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in 2017 and is a member of the centrist Canadian Senators Group.

Richards is also one of the most accomplished authors in Canadian history, having won prizes in fiction and non-fiction throughout his career. If anyone has the authority to speak to the impact government rules and regulations might play in the creative process, it’s Richards.

And Richards foresees Bill C-11 putting the power to define what counts as Canadian content in the hands of unelected bureaucrats and unqualified politicians.

“I do not know who would be able to tell me what Canadian content is and what it is not, but I know it won’t be in the minister of heritage’s power to ever tell me,” Richards declared.

Bill C-11 would hand the power to regulate what counts as Canadian content to unelected bureaucrats. It would require the content bureaucrats to determine, using government algorithms, what is Canadian content while, in effect, quieting all other content which doesn’t meet the government’s narrow criteria.

That raises the spectre of content considered to be unfavourable toward the government as being less likely to be classified as Canadian, making it harder for critics to hold the government to account.

If government bureaucrats get to choose what content to push on Canadians, there’s a very real risk the government will be tempted to use its filtering powers to quiet its critics.

But Bill C-11 also poses a danger even for creators whose content is classified by the powers that be as Canadian.

The government, for example, could force platforms like YouTube to push content on Canadian viewers based on nationality and not on interest. Viewers choosing not to click on that content will lead internet algorithms to conclude that the content isn’t desirable among viewers. That, in turn, means viewers outside of Canada would be less likely to see that content. That will hurt, not help, Canadian creators.

Richards foresees that very danger.

“We have filled the world with our talent, but not because of the minister of heritage,” said Richards. “Drake is known worldwide, but not because of the CRTC.”

Canadian stars like Drake, Justin Bieber, and others, who rose to fame through viewership on platforms like YouTube outside of Canada, may never have come to be had Bill C-11 been the law of the land.

Drake and Bieber are already on the popularity mountain top, but those still climbing are worried. Regina-based TikTok sensation Tesher has stated: “C-11 would limit that reach by requiring creators to prioritize government criteria for domestic distribution over making content optimized for global audiences.”

The government’s misguided desire for more control over what Canadians can see and say online, a move unprecedented in a democracy, will hurt Canadian creators far more than it will help them. And it also puts Canadians’ civil liberties at risk.

Richards foresees that scenario, too, warning that “Stalin again will be looking over our shoulder” should Bill C-11 find its way into law.

Richards’ fellow senators would do well to listen to Richards’ concerns. Bill C-11 will soon come to a vote in the full Senate, and every senator should be asking themselves whether they want Canada to head down such a dangerous pathway.

It’s time for Canada’s senators to say no to censorship

and government control.

Senators have the power to stand between Canadians on the one hand and the road to serfdom on the other.

Jay Goldberg is the Ontario & Interim Atlantic Director for the Canadian Taxpayers Federation. © Troy Media

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.

Gordon Brewerton Senior Group Publisher Administration

Kylie Cooke DTI/Receptionist

Editorial

Jayne Foster Editor SASKTODAY.ca

Lisa Joy Reporter • Miguel Fenrich Reporter

Advertising Sales

Candace Mack-Horton Sales Manager Noah Cooke Composition

Claude Paradis Prepress Manager

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.

again will be looking

A New B.S. Ministry

By R.H. Wood North Battleford

If you turn on the TV news, what do you see – ruined buildings and rescuers struggling to find survivors, working with heavy equipment and bare hands. Are these scenes the result of a natural disaster or more evidence of “man’s inhumanity to man”? It used to be said that earthquakes, floods and volcanic eruptions were a judgement on mankind. Let us not dwell on such lunatic misconceptions – Putin is the devil incarnate and I can’t imagine what fate awaits him. Who knows what can be done about natural disasters?

To further rattle our nerves and to take our minds off such trivia as inflation, interest rates, mortgage increases, travel delays, evolving viruses and Prince Harry’s book, we now have to worry about balloons drifting in the air currents which normally bring us our weather and not existential threats. Stay calm – our incred-

ibly statesmanship prime minister has commanded that errant balloons are to be shot down or rather he has asked Mr. Biden to do this for us as our fighter jets are simply not up to the job. The balloons are too high or too far way to be shot at. 65,000 feet less 50,000 leaves 15,000 feet – which is less than balloon distance from my house to the ski hill. Are they real threats, merely mapping air currents, taking photographs for the Rick Steves next travelogue or simply Valentine Day messengers. When

will we know – one is in the sea, two are in probably irretrievably remote areas of Alaska and Yukon and one is in Lake Huron – all are in bits – how’s that for brains?

A complete new governmental Balloon Spotting national department (B.S. for short) is required with a new B.S. minister and fully trained B.S. staffers. Information will be culled from coast to coast and especially the Arctic coast. B.S. officials will recruit, coordinate and train volunteers. Theodolites, telescopes, cameras, polaroid glasses, distance measuring devices as used by non-sporting golfers and reclining weighted anti-gravity chairs recovered from civil servants no longer working from home will be distributed on a non-return basis. Chief B.S. data scientists will evaluate all B.S. reports and information. Titles, medals and ribbons will be awarded to encourage as much B.S. as possible. Balloon fragments will eventually be auctioned off to aid the

national debt.

The next special international self-aggrandizing opportunity for Mr. Trudeau will be the coronation of King Charles III. Apparently, Charles wishes the panoply of pomp and circumstance of the investiture to be restrained and this

would be wise considering the current financial hardships of the British people, world unrest and the distress in Türkiye and Syria. Prince Harry and his sweetie should not attend and I suggest that Mr. Trudeau should be otherwise engaged. He did not endear himself to the Brit-

Drag queen event at Dekker Centre sparks controversy

Continued from Page 1 of funds that support mental health in the community,” Winterholt said, adding that although everyone has a right to protest, everyone is respectful and peaceful.

Speaking to those who may feel hurt in the LGBTQ+ community, she added, “...we are here to support them if they’re struggling with what is happening in the community related to events. We strongly encourage everyone to come out and join in the fun, which is a form of support.”

Drag Queen Bingo is a fundraiser for CMHA Battlefords Branch and is slated for April 15 at 7 p.m. You must be 19+ to attend.

Tickets can be purchased online at the Dekker Centre’s website, over the phone, or in person at the box office.

Transcription of video:

So, when I received, so far, two requests from members of our congregation asking how we were going to respond to an event that’s coming to our city on April 15th, I had to think, “how are we going to respond.”

So on April 15, it is scheduled at this point that a drag queen event will be at the Dekker Centre as part of their shows that come to the Dekker Centre ... and so the question was how are we as a church to respond to this. And, there’s already been a call amongst the Christian community to voice their concern about an event like that coming to the Battlefords and if the first one comes, will they stop, or not stop.

So my encouragement

to you - and we as elders, at our regular elders meeting this Thursday we’ll be discussing what our response as a church will be - but I would highly encourage you to phone up the Dekker Centre and express what you think. Having said that, I want

you to do it like Paul says in Colossians, how you are to voice what does it mean to be salt and light in our community.

He says this, “Walk in wisdom towards outsiders, making the best use of time.” Verse 6, “Let your speech always be gracious,

seasoned with salt, so that you would know how to answer each person.”

So can I ask you to do that?

If you feel led by God to phone up the Dekker Centre, do that, but make sure your speech is seasoned with salt and that whoever

answers the phone and hears what you say in regards to this event and your

ish public by his piano bar entertaining at the time of our late Queen’s funeral or to Canada because of the exorbitant hotel bill we paid on his behalf and of his friends and which is still being covered up. If he does go, he should stay in a hostel or in one of the many B and B’s.

concern about it that they would know that they’ve been talking with a Christ follower. That’s what I would ask you to do.

Prairie beauty captured: Hoppe and Ellard’s ‘Common Ground’

By Miguel Fenrich Staff Reporter

Cindy Hoppe’s and Diane Larouche Ellard’s combined art showcase, “Common Ground,” helped bring the prairie landscape south of Battleford to life at the Chapel Gallery Feb. 11.

For years, artists Hoppe and Ellard have been capturing the beauty of the prairies through photo walks near their homes south of Battleford, then using the photos as reference material for their studio work.

“I’m thrilled to be here … this space is just absolutely phenomenal because of the natural light. It really makes all the work so much better,” Hoppe said.

Despite often using the same photo, they each produce work that maintains a connection to the reference material and still allows their chosen media to take them on wildly different paths.

Hoppe’s process begins at Value Village, where she finds a chunk of material from some “Grandma’s stash,” and she brings it home if it’s wool or silk. “I force myself to stick to that.”

“Anything you see here pretty much comes straight out of the dye pot, and that forms my pallet,” she said, gesturing to the fibre art hung on the walls.

Cindy Hoppe speaks about her process, and the reason she uses fibre to make art.

Hoppe then builds the land and decides what will be a part of the picture. After the dyeing comes embroidery work, as she works with the threads on the bobbin.

“I have to work from behind. I’m using my sew-

ing machine needle like a drawing tool, and I’m just watching that draw grass, draw leaves, whatever texture I’m needing on the front. I won’t know what it looks like until I’ve run the bobbin dry.”

Despite their shared

subject matter, after a point, Hoppe believes the materials take them in separate directions. For example, she finds the perfect thread for an orange lichen and feels compelled to follow that avenue.

“It’s a very engaging process,”

Hoppe says growing up in Landis with an artist and felter mother may have fostered her love of fabric and Saskatchewan, that have naturally intertwined. She likens it to a support group.

“Artists on the prairies are few and far between,” she said, adding that the support she’s found with Ellard is essential.

“I think we’re women supporting women. She has to take her work where her media and materials take her, and a photograph is just a starting place … we’re bouncing stuff off each other to make a piece the best it can be.”

On the other hand, Ellard was born in Ontario and moved to Saskatchewan at the age of two. She wasn’t always been drawn to landscapes.

“I didn’t start out as a landscape artist at all. I used to do entirely figurative people,” Ellard said, which included a lot of renaissance-based sketches and drawings.

I was intimidated by landscape (art) because it was so overwhelming, like, ‘where do you start, what do you do?’”

Ellard started poking around the idea, and by going for walks in the unbroken prairies around Hoppe’s farm, their practice of creating prairie landscapes together began.

“I was just learning more about landscapes and incorporating things I like, which is the mixed media, the patterns, and the mandalas … that juxtaposition of Cindy’s and my interest in common landscapes, but how we interpret it, is fascinating,” Ellard said.

“The tools we use are so different, but there [are] a lot of commonalities.”

Before their speech at the Chapel Gallery, Leah Garven, the Chapel Gallery’s curator and manager, spoke to the exhibition.

Following a land acknowledgment, Leah Gar-

ven said, “We stand on this land to work with our neighbours who are the longtime stewards of the earth, and it’s wonderful to have this exhibition, looking at the land, and carrying on those sentiments.”

Thanking the gallery’s local supporters, she added, “Saskatchewan artists have a strong connection to

the land ... it’s who we are, and this exhibition is a testament to that.”

Cindy Hoppe’s and Diane Larouche Ellard’s prairie-inspired fibre and multimedia art exhibition, “Common Ground,” will be showcased at the Chapel Gallery until March 12, before it is shown in Moose Jaw in April.

Catch Donny Parenteau at the Dekker Centre

By Miguel Fenrich Staff Reporter

Award-winning Métis country music artist, Donny Parenteau, will be taking the stage in the Battlefords on Feb. 23 at the Dekker Centre.

According to the Dekker Center’s website, Parenteau was born and raised in Prince Albert.

With musical roots going back generations to his grandfather, who was a talented fiddle player and supported his family through musical performances, at the age of 14, Parenteau picked up the fiddle himself and began his journey as a multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter.

Parenteau’s Métis heritage, tracing back to Louis Riel and the Northwest Rebellion of 1885, is a significant part of his music and identity.

Today, he is one of the highest-nominated independent acts in Canada.

The show starts at 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 23, with tickets available now at the Dekker Centre box office, over the phone, or in person.

The show starts at 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 23, with tickets available now at the Dekker Centre box office. | donnyparenteaumusic.com

Artists and creators of Common Ground, Cindy Hoppe and Diane Larouche Ellard, pictured with a selection of their work on display at the Chapel Gallery. | Photos by Miguel Fenrich

Festival Fanfare

Adjudicator has deep understanding of choral music

By Kelly Waters

Battlefords Kiwanis Music Festival

Vocal, choral, spoken word and the popular musical theatre classes for the 2023 Battlefords Kiwanis Music Festival are scheduled to start March 20. This year’s vocal adjudicator is Marcia McLean.

McLean is currently the artistic director of the Swift Current Oratorio Choir and an adult chamber choir, Prairie Spirit. She also teaches private voice lessons, gives choral workshops and adjudicates. She adjudicates for the Saskatchewan music festivals and has adjudicated at the Moose Jaw Band and Choir Festival, Brandon Jazz Festival and Brandon Music Festival. In January of 2014, members of the Oratorio Choir travelled to New York to perform Karl Jenkin’s “Stabat Mater” in Carnegie Hall with several choirs from around the world.

In 2010, McLean retired after 18 years as director of choral music at the Swift Current Comprehensive High School. There she conducted an 80-voice concert choir, a vocal jazz ensemble and the Comp. Chamber Singers. In 2010, the Chamber Singers were selected to perform at the Association

of Canadian Choral Community’s convention held in Saskatoon and in 2007, performed at Festival 500 in Newfoundland. In addition, the choir presented showcase concerts at the Rocky Mountain Festival and won awards at Music Fest Canada and the Heritage Music Festival. McLean was the founding director of the Swift Current Children’s Choir and conducted the choir for 12 years. Prior to teaching in Swift Current, McLean taught music and choir at Esterhazy High School for 12 years, conducting both vocal jazz and concert choir.

McLean earned a Bachelor of Music at Brandon University, serves on the board of the Swift Current Music Festival and is

a member of the Sask Choral Federation. She served as president of the Sask Choral Federation for four years and has just completed her term on the board.

McLean was guest conductor of the Sask Choral Federation choir camp in the summer of 2011 and on numerous occasions served as vocal coach at the SCF summer camps. In 2004, McLean was awarded the “Pro Musica Award” by the Sask Choral Federation for outstanding service in the choral community. In 2001, she received the “Paul Harris Fellowship” from the Swift Current Rotary Club for outstanding leadership and community work with young people.

For local budding visual artists, the festival committee welcomes youth 18 years old and younger in the Battlefords area to enter the annual musical image drawing contest. Selected pieces will be featured in the festival program and in the festival venues. One entry will be chosen as the winner with the artist being recognized. The deadline for submissions is Feb. 26th. Submissions are to be directed to Battleford Central School attn: Lindsay Charabin 252-23rd St. (Box 400) Battleford, S0M 0E0. Though any music theme is considered, the committee

is encouraging the theme this year of “Music Lifts Us Up.” stival is completed. The festival committee offers live streaming for festival sessions again this year. Students invited to perform at the final gala and awards ceremony will again have the opportunity to bring their talent to the world-class stage at the Dekker Centre. The 2023 Battlefords Kiwanis Mu-

sic Festival is scheduled to run from March 13 to 25.

Band, instrumental, strings is scheduled from March 13 to 16 using the Kinsmen Band Hall and the North Battleford Comprehensive High School Lecture Theatre as performance venues. Voice, spoken word, musical theatre and piano is schedules from March 20 to 25 using the Sanctuary and Logie Hall of Third

Ave United Church.

“For me I have learned to enjoy everything, especially performing live, so much more. I used to get horrible stage fright when I was younger and today and just love to sing for anyone who still turns up at my shows. A lot of songs are inspiration and help people through pain, grief and loss.” — Olivia NewtonJohn (1963-2022)

Immersion program to host eight-day carnaval

By Miguel Fenrich Staff Reporter

Ecole Monseigneur

Blaise Morand and John Paul II Collegiate are bringing Carnaval Chez Nousto the Battlefords for an eight-day stint in the spirit of Quebec City’s annual event, Le Carnaval.

The event will start on March 2 at EMBM with a pep rally that will bring together all staff and students who are in the French immersion program.

“Along with celebrating the French immersion project, one of the goals of the week is to build connections among the staff and students of the two schools

and provide leadership opportunities for the older students,” reads the release.

The festival will culminate with a full day of carnaval activities for the French immersion students of both schools.

Other highlights of the celebration include learning the jig, playing wooden spoons and singing traditional call-and-response songs. Students will learn about and make a Métis sash, and have the opportunity to enjoy maple syrup taffy in the snow with beaver tails.

“The hope of the Carnaval Chez Nous organizers is to make this an annual event that will grow in

scope in the coming years to reach the broader community.”

Strategic planning sessions that led to the event are designed to support and strengthen a longstanding French Immersion program and further enhance this learning opportunity in the Battlefords.

The K-12 Light of Christ French Immersion program is open to all students who are interested in learning French in a catholic school environment.

Grade 12 graduates of the program receive a French immersion designation on their transcript and achieve functional French language proficiency.

Marcia McLean has a long resumé of work with choirs and choral groups. | Photo courtesy B’fords Kiwanis Music Festival

said, people

forget what

did, but people

Why do some kids bully?

Understanding the reasons for bullying may help you handle the behaviours. Here are a few common reasons why some kids bully.

LACK OF ATTENTION

According to STOMP

Out Bullying, most kids bully because they lack attention at home and lash out for attention. They may suffer neglect or have parents with substance addictions.

BULLIED AT HOME

If a child is bullied at

home by siblings or parents, they’re more likely to empower themselves by hurting others. Bullying is a learned behaviour, and most kids learn it at home.

POOR SELF-ESTEEM

Bullies often try to make others feel bad to make themselves feel better. They often say they feel powerful when humiliating others. Many feel they must dominate others to feel in control.

IGNORANCE

Common characteristics

targeted by bullies are different physical appearance, race, ethnicity, gender, disability, religion and sexual orientation. Some kids bully because they lack understanding of other cultures, backgrounds and identities.

When dealing with bullying, it’s essential to understand that everyone needs to feel included and loved. This Pink Shirt Day, February 22, fight bullying with supportive actions.

Sextortion: what you need to

Sextortion is a form of online blackmail whereby a predator threatens to make sexual images of a youth public. Here’s what you need to know about this growing problem.

HOW SEXTORTION

OCCURS

Communication usually starts on social media, and young males are a common target. The teens are tricked into believing they’re communicating with a young female. The communication leads to sexual content. The youth may share a nude image of themselves or engage in a sexual act via livestream, which is recorded without their

knowledge.

The extorter then threatens to share the pictures with the youth’s friends and family if they aren’t paid or provided with more sexual images. The predator may also threaten to harm the victim or the victim’s family. Some young people have paid more than $7,000 to these predators. Others, like 17-year-old Michigan high schooler Jordan DeMay, have chosen to end their own lives while being sextorted.

WHAT TO DO

If you’re experiencing sextortion, there are things you can do:

• Stop all communication. Deactivate, but don’t

6 types of kids most likely to be bullied

Anyone can be a victim of bullying. However, kids with any of these six characteristics may be more susceptible than others.

1. Successful. Kids who get positive attention from their peers, teachers and parents may become the target of bullying from kids who feel inferior. These bullies want others to feel insecure and will try to discredit popular students.

2. Vulnerable. Children who are introverted, anxious or lacking in self-esteem are more likely to be bullied. Bullies target these children because they’re less likely to fight back.

3. Isolated. Many bullying victims have few friends

and are excluded from social events. You can help stop bullying by befriending kids who have trouble making friends.

know

delete, the accounts you’re using to communicate with the extortionists. Never send money or more nude images.

• Keep the message threads and information such as the predator’s username, social media account information and any shared videos or images.

• Get help. Tell an adult, visit NeedHelpNow.ca and report the incident to cybertip.ca or your local police.

Cybertip.ca reports a 150 per cent increase in youth being sextorted between December 2021 and May 2022, with a record of more than 100 cases in June 2022.

4. Distinctive appearance. Unique features, such as height, weight, glasses or acne, can make a child the target of bullying. Bullies often target physical attributes to get a laugh, and it can be damaging to the victim’s self-esteem.

5. Sexual orientation. The

most brutal bullying incidents often target gay or transgender students. Schools must provide a solid support network for LGBTQ students.

6. Different race or religion. Bullying based on race, religion and cultural practice is common. No

race is immune from having bullies or being bullied. Students are singled out just because they’re different.

These characteristics aren’t flaws that need to be changed. It’s crucial to remind bullying victims that it’s not their fault.

February 18-20 is Free Fishing Weekend in Saskatchewan

The upcoming Family Day weekend will be a perfect opportunity to try your hand at ice fishing.

Saskatchewan residents and visitors may fish any provincial waterbody with an open sport fishing season, without buying a fishing licence. During Free Fishing Weekend, all regulations apply, including possession limits and reduced limits on some waterbodies. Anyone planning to transport fish out of the province must have a valid Saskatchewan angling licence. For more information on sport fishing regulations and ice fishing safety, visit saskatchewan.ca/fishing.

306-445-5195

306-893-2619

Art Notes

Valentines Day evokes art of emotion

By Lorraine Voegeli Battlefords

Art Club

“The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart.” — Helen

Keller

Many of you will have celebrated Valentine’s Day with a gift of chocolates, roses, a festive dinner, cards, or in many other ways. This day originated as a Christian feast day honoring one or two fifth century Christian martyrs

named St. Valentine, and through later folk tradition, has become a significant cultural, religious and commercial celebration of romance and love in many regions of the world. Many of us appreciate the day as a bit of a break during a snow-covered prairie month.

Whether honoring a good friend, classmate, fiancé, your spouse, a relative or neighbour, often something featuring red or pink is chosen as those colors depict love, power,

youthfulness and energy. Our art club members have skillfully often created lovely and exciting valentine types of themes either as a framed picture or a card, some of which are featured along with this

article. As long as whatever you do evokes a loving emotion, it’s a win-win situation.

What a lovely way to celebrate someone you cherish! Hope; you had a Happy Valentine’s Day!

From the Pastor’s Desk: All God willing

By Pastor David L. Walker Turtleford Baptist Church

Greetings in the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Another February almost half over. The old saying time and tide wait for no man is certainly true. We measure everything by time it seems, and it is hard to imagine life without time, yet in eternity there is no need for time. Eternity just goes on and on. By the way, where will you spend eternity?

Not a lot to report this month, except to say that we had a great GGMH sing on Jan. 29. It was a cold

evening but that didn’t stop 20 people from showing up. We had one first-time visitor who received a pen in a black felt poach. Because it was so cold, we are offering the same pen and poach again to all first-time visitors Feb. 26, both in the morning worship service and the evening hymn sing

6 p.m. Can children come?

Yes, we do a children’s song. Last month a lady did the children’s song “The Wise Man Built His House

Upon the Rock” and even adults were doing the actions. We have an elderly lady who blows a train whistle that she got from Willie Nelson, and a banjo player only to mention a few. Everyone is welcome. When people come, they

say, “look what I have been missing.” They usually come back again. The food and fellowship are always good, too.

If you do not attend a morning worship service, or would like a refreshing break, you will find a warm welcome at the Turtleford Baptist Church, 314 - Railway Ave. We have coffee at 10:30 a.m., and you will find the distance is worth the drive. This year Pastor Dave hopes to cover sermons on topics like: the end time, exposing false prophets, Jewish weddings and many more. The past couple of weeks, we talked about how to find joy and how to keep it.

Until next month remember: “Praise the Lord.

Mayfair and District News Theatre brings Speers alive

By Elaine Woloshyn Correspondent

Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens. Praise him for his mighty deeds; praise him according to his excellent greatnes. Praise him with trumpet sound; praise him with lute and harp. Praise him with tambourine and dance; praise him with strings and pipe. Praise him with sounding cymbals; praise him with loud clashing cymbals. Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord.”

Colleen Wicks from nearby Speers requested that I mention some happenings fast approaching, so please mark your calendars. Speers United Church is having a Shove Tuesday pancake supper Feb. 21 staring at 5 p.m. This is a good will offering at the door.

The same church is planning a fundraising raffle for a catered gourmet supper for eight prepared in your own home or elsewhere by local chef Jenna Gall. Driving proximity about one hour from Hafford. Tickets can be purchased from almost anyone in Speers costing $10 each or three for $25. Draw date is Feb. 26.

Live Theatre will make this prairie community come alive again in the

spring March 31, April 1 and 2. Tickets are $40 each and come on sale March 1. These can be obtained by giving Colleen a shout at 306-246-2165. The event is sponsored by the United Church and the local recreation centre.

Our community was saddened to hear on the recent passing of Glenda Hyndman of Spiritwood. Condolences to husband Dave and families. Dave had a column and wrote news for the Spiritwood Herald up to about three years ago then retired his pen.

Hoping for a slow melt of snow to the end of March because farmers will be getting the itch to start seeding the end of April. Yup winter is slowly disappearing as we eagerly await warmer days to come.

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

Hon. Jeremy Cockrill, MLA for The Battlefords office@jeremycockrill.ca

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

Thank you to the artists who submitted their works for all of us to enjoy! | Photos submitted

Meota and District News

Don’t miss out on pancakes for Shrove Tuesday

By Lorna Pearson Correspondent

The Meota/ Anglican Church presents Shrove Tuesday pancake and sausage supper, Tuesday, Feb. 21 at the Meota Cafe, from 5 to 7 p.m. Adults $8, children, 12 and under $5. All are welcome. Good food, good company, good conversations and good times.

What beautiful weather we are enjoying, for early February. Every nice day makes the season that much shorter. It’s also made for a many icy places when one is walking, so be careful.

The bridge players had two and a half tables on

Tuesday, Feb, 7. Top score went to Barb Mitchell and Dave Creegan. Second were Margaret Dyck and Albert Blais. Feb. 9 found them with three tables and top score went to Catriona Winterholt and Donna Scherman. In second place were Margaret Dyck and Dave Creegan.

The annual general meeting at the Meota library is Feb. 17 at 1 p.m. at the library.

World Day of Prayer

The invitation is out for everyone — men, women, and children of all ages — to join the 2023 World Day of Prayer as we celebrate the theme “I have heard

about your faith” based on Ephesians 1: 15-19. The women of Taiwan have prepared the service this year. We are encouraged to reflect on the changes and challenges faced by this country as the citizens evolve amidst struggles for independence internationally as well as the obstacles that women, in particular, face at home. Regardless of changes, women in Taiwan remain somewhat oppressed and encounter many challenges in gender equality both politically and in the labour market.

World Day of Prayer is an international, interchurch event that began around 100 years ago bridging social, geographic and political barriers in over 170 countries. Together we pursue justice, peace and reconciliation by standing together in prayer and action.

Earning first place in Saturday’s Meota Do Drop; In shuffleboard tournament were Arlene Walker (partner Lillian Sorenko missing). Second were Gail Hilderman and Nestor Fransoo and in third place were Bob Lesko and Karn Kelly. | Photo courtesy Nestor Fransoo

(By Derek Welford)

The week started off with a confident and focused Randy Sharp team of Aleesa Sharp, Dani Sharp and Randi Carr up against the Randy Orchison rink in the Battle of Randys, which surpassed Pat as the most popular name this year at the Meota Curling Club. The emotional boost of bringing in Roger Green to substitute curl for Team Orchison was not nearly enough, as the Sharp rink scored in five consecutive ends to win 10-3.

Last weekend, Meota held their third and final sturling bonspiel of the season with 12 teams participating. Gil and Susan Cadrin won the spiel going unbeaten in three games and placing first in overall points. Dale and Huguette Johnson placed second and Derek Welford and Evan Schmidt placed third. | Courtesy Derek Welford

Preparation for the day is vast. An international committee is based in New York and there are national committees and organizations in each participating country. In Canada, the World Day of Prayer is coordinated by the Women’s Inter-Church Council of Canada, one of the original founders of this prayer movement.

Offerings received through the World Day

of Prayer transform our prayers into action in the form of project grants empowering women and children in our own country and throughout the world. All regions share in the grants, with consideration given to greatest need. Through WDP offerings, WICC has distributed around $3 million for small projects in the past 40 years. The vision is to restore hope to women and children touched by injustice.

The Women’s InterChurch Council of Canada (WICC) invites you, your friends and family to join a service in over 1,000 Canadian communities on or near Friday, March 3. These may take place

Hey Kids

via Zoom or in person. As well, individuals and families are welcome to watch a 55-minute WDP service video prepared by WICC that features participants from across Canada. This video will be available on wicc.org as of Feb. 1.

A local World Day of Prayer service will be hosted/organized by Meota United Anglican Church. At Meota Do Drop Inn, on Friday, March 3, 2023 at 7:30 p.m.

For more information, please contact: Trudy Janssens at 1-306-374-0843 or Shirley Ward at 1-306-8922517 or email trudyjanssens121@gmail.com.

Meota Grand Slam of Curling Week 10 Recap

Pat Mohr, looking to get back on track after a derailment last week was up against the Colin Sharp team, who came into the matchup on a threegame hot streak. Halfway through the game, Mohr made a strategic lineup change bringing in Dale Johnson out of the crowd to play second. Though skipping his regular warmup routine, Johnson’s impact was immediately felt by finding his T-line weight on the first throw. Down by one point coming home, Mohr scored 5 points to win 9-5, as they extinguished the Sharp hot streak.

Spectators were treated to an entertaining finish in the Lacousiere - Tait game Thursday night.

Continued on Page 17

IT’S TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK FEB 12TH - 18TH

Thank you for sending in your stories about your wonderful teachers! We sure have fantastic teachers in our area. They all deserve to win! We took of the stories you sent in and put them in our big barrel and mixed them up really well. Kylie, our receptionist randomly drew all of the winners shown below.

1st Place

Teacher: Shayne Barber • School: EMBM

My Teacher is the best because we do games in math, We get to do other games like Scattegories and Silent Ball on Fridays. I like it when he is funny!

2nd Place

Teacher: K price • School: EMBM

My Teacher is the best because She always encourages me and nice. Shes unique kind. When i need help she always corrects me. She teaches us good. Shes such a good teacher. She plays volleyball basketball. Shes 26 and bye.

3rd Place

Teacher: Mrs. Casavant • School: Holy Family School

My Teacher is the best because she lets me read. Mrs. Casavant is really fun because she takes us sledding. I like when she teaches me math. She is really fun because she plays games with us.

4th - 11th Prizes

M. Barber - EMBM

• Mrs. Taylor - BCS Kindergarten • Ms Mackenzie - Notre Dame • Mme Killian - John Paul II Collegiate

Mme Alexander - EMBM • Mr. Oles - Battleford Central School • Mr Gaviada - Holy Family School • Mrs. Shepherd - Holy Family School.

FIRST PRIZE: BLEND RESTAURANT PIZZA FOR YOUR ENTIRE CLASS AND $100 FOR YOUR TEACHER TO SPEND AT BATTLEFORD FURNITURE

SECOND PRIZE : SUBWAY FOR THE ENTIRE CLASS

THIRD PRIZE: DOMINO’S PIZZA FOR YOUR ENTIRE CLASS

4TH TO 11TH PRIZES: TEACHER’S GIFT COURTESY OF BATTLEFORD FURNITURE

Want to check out all of the letters we received? Just click on the Teacher’s Appreciation post at the top of our facebook page. The kids sure deserve a “high 5” for writing these.

PROUDLY SPONSORED BY

OBITUARIES

MICHAYLUK: It is with great sadness the family of Russell Michayluk known to many as Rosco, announce his passing on Sunday, January 29, 2023 at the age of 62 years old. Russell was born in Saskatoon to John and Sonia Michayluk and was the second oldest of 4 siblings: Ralph, Valarie and Robert. Raised for most of his life in Krydor SK, Russell went on after high school to work with CN Rail where he retired. A career he was passionate about while making lifelong friends that were more like family. Rosco was a Bruins fanatic, sports enthusiast and entrepreneur. He loved spending his spare time hunting, fishing as well farming with his older brother Ralph. Please join the family in celebrating and honoring his life Sunday, February 26, 2023 – 1:00 p.m. at the Hafford & District Communiplex – 215 Boyanchuk Ave, Hafford, SK. Please feel free to wear any sports memorabilia in Rosco’s memory. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Eternal Memories Funeral Service and Crematorium – Elle Dell Funeral Director.

PERSONAL MESSAGES

Is your name Denise? Do you live on 12th Avenue in North Battleford? If so please give Eileen a call at 306-445-5986

FOR SALE -

FOR SALE - MISC

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

Find QUALIFIED, LOCAL EMPLOYEES, using the strength of community newspapers! Visit www.swna.com or call 306-6491405 to find out how!

Phone: 306-445-7261

Fax: 306-445-3223

In person/mail: 892 - 104th Street North Battleford, SK S9A 1M9

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Big car comfort + safety

Small car price $7700 O.B.O. Call Jack @(306)441-0398

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

PROVINCE-WIDE CLASSIFIEDS. 51 local community newspapers, dis tributing to over 450 communities, including 14 cities. Reach over 550,000 readers weekly. Call 306-649.1405 or visit www.swna.com for details.

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QUINN: Trevor John Ernest Quinn June 13, 1932 – February 9, 2023 With heavy hearts the family of Trevor Quinn announce his peaceful passing on February 9, 2023 at River Heights Lodge, North Battleford. We are so grateful that he taught us that the sun will shine again! Trevor, born June 13, 1932 to Myrtle and Jack Quinn in Indian Head, Saskatchewan, was a younger brother to Alfred and an older brother to Edwin. It is a wonder the boys survived childhood! They were always up to something. Trev lost the sight in his left eye at 6 years of age in a freak sledding accident and less than a year later almost sliced off his nose falling in the rock garden. They were keen chemists and scientists, trying to blow up a backyard tree and chicken coop by making their own dynamite, and climbing power poles to rock them back and forth in order to swing the wires and create an electrical arc. Trev enjoyed a long and distinguished career as a pharmacist. He earned both a Bachelor and a Master of Science Degree in Pharmacy from the University of Saskatchewan. He was the South West Regional Hospital Council Pharmacist based in Swift Current from 1956 until 1959, when he established the first of two Quinn’s Pharmacies there. The stores retained his name even after he sold his shares in 1976. After a brief stint as Fundraiser for St. Andrew’s College, the Quinns moved to Regina in 1977 where Trev became Director of Professional Services for the Saskatchewan Prescription Drug Plan. He filled this role until his retirement in 1994 when he was named the Saskatchewan Pharmacist of the Year – a fitting culmination to his career and a reflection of the esteem in which he was held by his colleagues. Pharmacy is only one thread in the tapestry of Trev’s life. While in training he met a young nursing student, Norma May from North Battleford, Saskatchewan. They were married in 1954 and have been blessed with over 68 years together. They shared an interest in bridge, visiting art galleries and museums, attending theatre productions and concerts, reading together and nightly Backgammon or Swoosh games. Together they curated a beautiful collection of paintings and glass art, including Trev’s own stained-glass creations. They enjoyed travelling. Destinations included: Hawaii, Disneyland, Las Vegas, Lake Havasu, Chicago, England, across Canada and an 80th birthday celebration in New York with their children. Trev and Norma have four children, 10 grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren with two more on the way. Trev was the best Husband, Dad and Poppa anyone could want. He leaves us with a rich legacy of love for ice cream, family and friends, music, prose and poetry, humour and wisdom. He taught us all how to lead and how to serve, how to find beauty and how to be grateful every day. Trevor truly was a good and faithful servant. He was a life member of Kinsmen, serving as President and District Governor. He went on to join K40, and Kiwanis serving in a variety of leadership roles. He was always active in his church serving as board chair of First United Church in Swift Current and Wesley United Church in Regina, where he also led a youth group with Norma. He sang in church choir as well as in a couple of smaller groups that performed around town at care homes. He was instrumental in starting the Barbershop Choir in Swift Current. He enjoyed playing the clarinet in the Wesley United Dance Band, and the Meota Hobby Band during the summer. Trev served on the Boards of the Regina Plains Museum and the Regina Early Learning Centre, both near and dear to his heart. Trev loved to write, inspired by his mother, and his English teacher, Myra Stillborn. He wrote for newsletters in high school, university, churches and service clubs and was an editor of “Gray Matters” a Saskatchewan Seniors’ publication. In his spare time, he wrote delightful love notes to Norma, poetic scavenger hunts for his children and grandchildren, maintained a daily diary and penned a ‘Weakly’ Report to keep family updated on Quinn household happenings. Upon retiring, he attended the Seniors’ University Writing Class, leaving us with a rich library of his creative writing, spanning over 20 years. Trev and Norma moved to North Battleford in May 2021, bringing them closer to their beloved summer home at Meota on Jackfish Lake. Meota has always been a gathering place for our large extended family. Memories and shared history provide us with a deep sense of where we have come from, which binds us together. If Poppa could tell you one thing, he’d say “to honour that bond, to keep the family strong. Stay in touch with your sisters and brothers, aunts and uncles, cousins, whatever relatives possible. Try to maintain those family connections, however you can, throughout your lifetime.” In early December 2022, Trevor moved into River Heights Lodge. The family wish to thank the staff from the Adult Day Program, to Brenda and all the East Side staff who treated him and our family with dignity and compassion. We are grateful for the many words of condolence and acts of kindness extended to us and especially for those to Mom from the “Elevator Ladies” at Caleb Village, who we know will continue to lift her spirits in the days ahead. A Celebration of Life is scheduled for February 27, 2023 at 2:00 pm at Third Avenue United Church in North Battleford. Arrangements have been entrusted to Eternal Memories. The service will be recorded and available on their website. In lieu of flowers we request you consider a memorial donation to the charity of your choice, enjoy some ice cream as you ponder on the things you are thankful for, and perform a small unknown act of kindness. Trevor was predeceased by his parents, Myrtle and Jack, infant siblings Nancy and Roland, brothers Alfred and Edwin, sister-in law Blanche Quinn, in-laws Joe and Ethel May, brothers-in-law Larry and Alan May, and sister-in-law Edith May. Left to celebrate his life are his loving wife Norma, daughter Donna Thiessen (Bruce) and children; Jeremy (Erin)-Liam, Karis, Brady, Silas; David (Maureen)-Avery, Arlo, Willem, Barrett; Stephen (Melissa)-Kesler, Benji; Julia Diment (Jon)-baby on board; son Stuart Quinn (Gail) and children; Patrick (Tiffany)Finley and baby on board; Mason; Haydon (Madison); daughter Cathy Richardson (Ken) and children; Karen (Tyrel); Mark (Antje)May; son David (Diane) and children; Maddy(Sara), Eddy and Jeremy; sisters-in-law Betty Quinn and Merle Ann May; Shelley Jahnke and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Thank you for life – for a mind that can hold Such rich stores of beauty that never grow old,

For words to describe scenes so others can see The magical colour of sky, lake and tree.

And thank you for feelings that help us to know If we look, we’ll find beauty wherever we go. -

Trev Quinn

NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE ESTATE of GEORGE ERNEST STEWART, late of Vawn, 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 1st day of April 2023. HUDEC LAW OFFICE Barristers & Solicitors #101-1292 - 100th Street North Battleford SK S9A 0V7 Solicitors for the Personal Representatives

KUTTAI: Betty Jean (McPherson) BORN May 18, 1931 Borden, Saskatchewan PASSED AWAY February 9, 2023 North Battleford, Saskatchewan With her family by her side, Betty Jean Kuttai passed away on February 9, 2023, at the age of 91. Born to Annie and John Alec McPherson on May 18, 1931, she was the middle child of 5 siblings (Jessie, Hazel, Ellen, John, and Nora). Betty grew up on a farm in Borden, SK, and later graduated from Normal School (also known as Teacher’s College) in 1950. She taught at Grey School near Maymont, and in Battleford. She was an ideal teacher: warm, curious, and enthusiastic. Plus, there was not an animal that didn’t love her, a book she wouldn’t read, or a puzzle she couldn’t do. Betty was the bridesmaid at her sister, Hazel’s wedding,when she met George Kuttai,who was the groomsman for his cousin, Robert Frolek. They were smitten with each other, and after their first kiss in the privacy of a root cellar, they knew they were for life. They were married for 58 years and had 4 children, 7 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild. They travelled the country (who can forget the big green school bus they converted to a camper?) and they hunted, danced, gardened, and even made perogies as a team. Betty believed that their farm just outside of Battleford was the prettiest and best place on earth, and she never liked to be away from it for long. The door was always open with cookies out and extra coffee in the pot, because she never knew who might drop in. She liked to say you can tell the character of a person by the quality of the friends they have, and she treasured her community of many good friends and neighbours. Betty is survived by her loving children: Joanne (Errol) Denton, Ernie (Debbie), Jim (Cindy) and Heather (Darrell) Kuttai Seib. Her grandchildren: Joe (Jamie) Kuttai, Kirsten (Todd) Guggenmos, Allister (Judith) Denton, Tanya Kuttai, Johnathan (Ashley) Kuttai, Patrick Seib, Michael Seib. Great grandchildren: Kayla Kuttai (Spencer Keys),Cassandra Kuttai (Nathan Russell), Alec Guggenmos, Joshua Norman, Ilsa Denton, Harlow Kuttai. Greatgreat grandchildren: Lincoln Russell, Baby Russell. Her brothers-in-law: Robert Frolek, Lawrence Perehudoff; sister-inlaw, Shirley Kuttai; numerous nieces and nephews. Her good friends: Bertha Kirby, Margaret Kite, Helena Caplette and Audry Blais. Betty was predeceased by her husband, George; her parents, John Alec and Anna McPherson; her husband’s parents, Joseph and Jessie Kuttai; her great-grandson, Lane Guggenmos; her siblings: Hazel Frolek, Jessie Bettcher, Ellen Piper, John McPherson, Nora Perehudoff; her in-laws: John Bettcher, Doug Piper, Iris McPherson, Joseph Kuttai, Isabelle and Arthur Piché. Memorials may be made to Battlefords Union Hospital Foundation, Palliative Care or to a charity of the donor’s choice. Funeral services for Betty will be at St. Vital Roman Catholic Church, Battleford, Saskatchewan February 16, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. Eternal Memories Funeral Service & Crematorium entrusted with the arrangements.

OBITUARIES

ROBERTS: Glenn Roberts –Frog Froggie Buzz Glenn passed away peacefully at home on December 5, 2022, at the age of 59. His heartbroken children, Gavin and Courtney, and wife, Melanie will carry on with the same resilience, fortitude, and gratitude that Glenn has shown over the past eleven years as he faced the impacts of MS on him and his family. Glenn was raised in Kindersley by his parents Donald and Elizabeth (Betty) Roberts. Glenn’s interests in his youth included Monopoly, cards, baseball/slowpitch, music, drama, hunting, lake time, and hanging with friends. He was an avid sports fan and cheered hard for his teams: The Riders, Green Bay Packers and the Montreal Canadiens. Glenn was passionate about volunteering and contributing to community. He was an active member of Ducks Unlimited and Kinsmen in every community he lived. He worked over his life as a lifeguard, electrician, car salesman, ski hill operator, food and milk deliverer, service writer, and relator. Although by far his favorite job was raising his twins and being a dad! Glenn and Melanie (Close) were married in July 1995. They were blessed with twins, Gavin and Courtney, in February 2002. Family meant everything to him. Many proud moments as a father and much gratitude for all his family sacrificed for him. He wanted his children to enjoy the same summer freedoms as he did as a kid so maximized as much time at the lake as possible. Still today their favorite family place is Turtle Lake. Glenn was diagnosed with primary progressive MS in the fall of 2011. He lived every day until he passed knowing he would never get better but only progressively fail. He persevered and let his personality guide him – enjoying all personal interactions, staying positive, and laughing every day! Glenn was a people person and all who knew him enjoyed his storytelling, wit, and sense of humor. He would prefer we are sharing the good times and laughter rather than mourn his passing.

There will be a celebration of Glenn’s life on February 18, 2023 at 2:00 pm at the Western Development Museum in North Battleford. If you are unable to attend feel free to share a memory at www.eternalmemoriesfuneral.ca

MEETINGS

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

MONDAY MARCH 27TH

Turtleford Community Center Supper @ 6:00pm AGM to follow

Please RSVP by contacting the branch.

JOIN US!

306-845-2105 info@turtlefordcu.ca

FUNERAL SERVICES

FEED & SEED

AGPRO SEEDS LTD. BUYING HEATED, DAMAGED OFFGRADE CANOLA & FEED GRAINS. #1 buyer on the prairies, top price paid! Call/text: 306-8730481, AgPro Seeds bids: agproseeds.com, Email: sales@agproseeds.com

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1-877-250-5252

FARMLAND WANTED

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 and Adria Watts - Owners

Funerals | Burials | Cremation | Preplanning

FAMILY OWNED

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MEETINGS

Special Meeting of The Members to present the FINANCIAL STATEMENT on Sunday, Feb. 26th @ 1:00pm @ The North Battleford Golf & C.C. Clubhouse

If you wish to obtain a copy of the financial statement before the meeting please email contact@northbattlefordgolf.com

LAND FOR SALE BY TENDER

Approx 137 $147,900

R.M. OF DOUGLAS #436

Legal Land Desc. Cult. Acres 2022 SAMA Assessment

SW 18-43-12-W3 Approx 37 $154,300

SW 19-43-12-W3 Approx 150 $306,300

SE 19-43-12-W3* Approx 150 $279,800

*Includes yard site, improvements, residences and outbuildings

Note: The R.M. of Douglas land is subject to an existing lease for the 2023 and 2024 crop years.

Terms and Conditions of the Tender are as follows:

1. Tenders to be in a sealed envelope marked “Milman Estate – Tender” clearly specifying the land being bid upon and any conditions.

2. The highest or any offer will not necessarily be accepted.

3. Buyer must provide a certified cheque or bank draft for 5% of the tendered amount. Unsuccessful bidders will have their deposit refunded.

4. Buyer will be responsible for property taxes as of January 1, 2023.

5. Offers must be received in our office by the tender deadline 12:00 Noon, March 10, 2023. Successful bidder will be notified no later than March 17, 2023.

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

7. Land sold as is without conditions or warranties.

8. Tenders to be submitted to and inquiries directed to: Migneault Law Office Box 520, 1391-101st Street North Battleford, Saskatchewan S9A 2Y8 (306)445-4436

Attention: Kevan Migneault

Doug Rue, for further information

306-716-2671

saskfarms@shaw.ca

www.sellyourfarm land.com

NOTICES / NOMINATIONS

NOTICE

The Tax Enforcement Act

RONALD DRUMMOND STURROCK ROBINSON

TAKE NOTICE that the RURAL MUNICIPALITY OF MERVIN NO. 499 intends to be registered as owner under the above Act of the land described as BLK/PAR Q-PLAN 101550383 EXT 1, Title No. 150293189.

The municipality claims title to the land by virtue of an interest based on the tax lien registered against the existing title to the land in the Land Titles Registry as Interest Number 187077853 and you are required to TAKE NOTICE that unless you contest the claim of the municipality or redeem the land pursuant to the provisions of the above Act within six months from the service of this notice on you and, subject to the further provisions of The Tax Enforcement Act, a certificate of title will be issued to the applicant and you will thereafter be forever estopped and debarred from setting up any claim to, or in respect of, the land.

The amount required to redeem the land may be ascertained on application to the Clerk, Treasurer or Administrator of the municipality. For any questions about the tax enforcement process please contact Taxervice at 1-877-734-3113.

Dated this 9th day of February, 2023.

Brenda Ottenbreit-Appleton Chief

Administrative Officer Rural Municipality of Mervin No. 499

NOTICE

The Tax Enforcement Act

MICHAEL SCOTT MCBRIDE

TAKE NOTICE that the RURAL MUNICIPALITY OF MERVIN NO. 499 intends to be registered as owner under the above Act of the land described as LOT 4-BLK/PAR 2-PLAN 83B09602 EXT 0, Title No. 151998801.

The municipality claims title to the land by virtue of an interest based on the tax lien registered against the existing title to the land in the Land Titles Registry as Interest Number 192915546 and you are required to TAKE NOTICE that unless you contest the claim of the municipality or redeem the land pursuant to the provisions of the above Act within six months from the service of this notice on you and, subject to the further provisions of The Tax Enforcement Act, a certificate of title will be issued to the applicant and you will thereafter be forever estopped and debarred from setting up any claim to, or in respect of, the land.

The amount required to redeem the land may be ascertained on application to the Clerk, Treasurer or Administrator of the municipality. For any questions about the tax enforcement process please contact Taxervice at 1-877-734-3113.

Dated this 9th day of February, 2023.

Brenda Ottenbreit-Appleton Chief Administrative Officer Rural Municipality of

Mervin No. 499

I am currently PURCHASING single to large blocks of land.

Saskatchewan born and raised, I know land, farming and farmland and can help you every step of the way.

LAND

NOTICE OF PREPARATION OF ASSESSMENT ROLL VILLAGE OF MEOTA

Notice is hereby given that the assessment roll for the Village of Meota for the year 2023 has been prepared and is open for inspection at the office of the Assessor of the municipality from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm on the following days: Tuesday to Friday, February 16th, 2023 to March 21st, 2023.

A bylaw pursuant to section 214 of The Municipalities Act has been passed and the assessment notices have been sent as required. Any person who wishes to appeal against his or her assessment is required to file a Notice of Appeal accompanied by a $100.00 appeal fee for each assessment being appealed with The Secretary of the Board of Revision, Liana Stepan, Western Municipal Consulting Ltd. Box 149, Meota, SK S0M 1X0 by the 21st day of March, 2023. Dated this 16th day of February, 2023

Kim Frolek Assessor

RESORT VILLAGE OF AQUADEO EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

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

URBAN MUNICIPAL ADMINISTRATOR

The position is a permanent/full time position, starting as soon as possible. Applicants for this position should have their Standard Urban Certificate in Local Government Administration or have accounting and administrative skills learned from previous work experience and be willing to take the Local Government Administration course (can be taken by correspondence). The successful candidate should have the ability to work independently, be detail oriented, have exceptional leadership skills, and superior communication, planning and accounting skills. Experience in Word/Excel, accounting packages, computer operations and Munisoft are all definite assets.

If you are interested in a rewarding and challenging career that includes group insurance and pension plan benefits, please submit a detailed resume with references and salary expectations in confidence to the address listed below.

RESORT VILLAGE OF AQUADEO

BOX 501, COCHIN, SK S0M 0L0

P) (306) 386-2942 F) (306) 386-2544

Email: aquadeoadmin@gmail.com

We thank all those that apply but only those applicants selected for an interview will be notified. Closing date for applications: when filled.

BOOK CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING CALL 306-445-7261

Cut Knife Elks No. 380 are accepting applications for:

• a swimming instructor, and • a swimming lesson co-ordinator

The swimming lesson program will run at Atton’s Lake Regional Park in July 2023. Deadline for applications is March 31, 2023.

For more information contact David Bertrand at (306) 398-2714 or (306) 398-7563.

Please forward applications to: Cut Knife Elks Lodge No. 380 C/O David Bertrand Box 389, Cut Knife SK S0M 0N0

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

The R.M. of Eldon No. 471 is accepting resumes for:

- Equipment Operator Positions

Valid Class 5 Experienced license required with preference to applicants with a class 1A license and heavy equipment experience. Interested individuals should submit their resume including a Driver’s Abstract, qualifications, work experience, three references and wage expectations, no later than 4:00 p.m. MST on March 3, 2023 to:

R.M. of Eldon No. 471

PO Box 130, 212 Main Street Maidstone, Sask. S0M 1M0

Phone: 306-893-2391

Fax: 306-893-4644

Email: rm471@sasktel.net

The R.M. of Eldon No. 471 thanks all applicants for their interest. Only those considered for an interview will be contacted.

Atton’s Lake Regional Park Authority is accepting applications for the following positions.

Park Manager – Full time seasonal placement available. Management duties include but not limited to all matters necessary to oversee maintenance staff and operation of campgrounds, maintenance of park grounds, and all required equipment and services as necessary to lease cabin lots. Level Two Water Operator’s Certification would be an asset. Regular maintenance of RO water treatment plant and regular drinking water sampling is required. Employment from mid-April to late October 2023.

Assistant Park Manager - Full time seasonal placement available. Will work under the direction of the Park Manager and have the ability to undertake the Park Manager’s responsibilities as required. Must be able to safely operate all manner of grounds care equipment and septic services truck and be able to undertake regular maintenance of all. Employment from mid-April to late October 2023.

Golf Course Greenskeeper – Full time seasonal placement available. Duties will include all manner of tasks necessary to the caretaking of a 9 hole grass greens golf course and all maintenance of equipment as well as a gas powered rental cart fleet. Ordering of supplies and overseeing of golf course maintenance staff will be required. Employment from midApril to late October 2023.

Park Grounds Maintenance Staff and Golf Course Maintenance Staff – Full time adult placements are available from May/June through September for park grounds staff and from mid-April to late October for golf course maintenance staff. Safe operation and daily maintenance of grounds care equipment will be required. Full time student placements are available in park maintenance from mid to late June through September 4, 2023.

All maintenance positions require a current driver’s abstract to be submitted with the application.

Club House Manager – Full time seasonal placement available for a qualified individual of 19 years of age or greater. Employment from early May to October 9, 2023, depending on weather. Duties will include, but

will not be limited to, prepping concession for season opening, ordering of concession and refreshment supplies, scheduling of staff and overseeing and training of staff as well as all manner of duties as are also expected of club house staff and closing up for the off season. The club house manager is expected to work full time shifts in the club house and will be responsible for day to day management issues and will be able to work under the direction of a board authority.

Club House Staff - Full and part time seasonal placements available for qualified individuals 19 years of age or greater from May or June 2023 to late August and late September, early October, 2023. Duration of employment will depend on placement and quality of weather. Duties include, but not limited to, telephone attendance, booking of tee times, checking in of golf patrons, meal preparation, service of food and beverages, equipment rental & sanitization, collecting of fees and recording of daily revenues.

Sask Liquor and Gaming SIRS and Safe Food Handling certification are required for all Club House placements and may be supported by Attons Lake Regional Park Authority.

Park Office Staff. – Placements are available for individuals with a pleasant demeaner who are able to take on unexpected tasks and to multitask. Full time positions from early May through September 4, 2023, also full time placements from mid to late June through mid-August. Duties to include, but not limited to, telephone attendance, booking of campsites on an online reservation system, checking in of guests, relaying requests and issues to maintenance staff, administration and park overseer, booking of septic pump outs, collecting of fees and recording of daily revenues. Casual positions for gate attendance for younger students may be considered.

For all positions listed: Actual hours and employment dates can be weather dependent and may be allotted in regards to individual suitability. Cleanliness and proper apparel while on duty is expected of all staff. Strong communication skills, hospitable nature and ability to work well with others will be definite assets to placement. Staff campsites are available, on a 1st come 1st served basis for the duration of 2023 employment.

Apply by resume with cover letter. Indicate which position(s) you are applying for and whether part time or full time and desired wage range. State the date range you will be available to work. References will be required.

All placements will be considered probationary for no less than 90 days and will require weekend & evening shifts. All maintenance positions require a current driver’s abstract to be submitted with the application.

Forward applications to: Atton’s Lake Regional Park Authority, Box 12, Cut Knife, SK S0M 0N0

Fax: (306) 500-9974

• Email: attonsadmin@sasktel.net

• Phone (306) 398-2002

Or drop off at 114 Broad Street in Cut Knife (R.M. of Cut Knife Office)

Deadline for applications 4:00 PM February 24, 2023.

SUMMER

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Qualifications

• Must be able to work with minimum supervision

• Work well with others and the general public

• Must hold a valid Class 5 license and provide a copy of a clean driver abstract

• Willingness to learn

Please submit resumes along with certifications, no later than 4:00 p.m. MST on March 3, 2023 to:

R.M. of Eldon No. 471

212 Main Street

P.O. Box 130 Maidstone, SK S0M 1M0

Phone: (306) 893-2391

Email: rm471@sasktel.net

Fax: (306) 893-4644

The R.M. of Eldon No. 471 thanks all applicants for their interest. Only those considered for an interview will be contacted.

Unity News

Skating club looking for coaches

By Sherri Solomko Correspondent

Our community is fortunate to have a volunteer museum committee who organized and hosted a free, Family Day, fun event on site that included sleigh rides, games, hot dogs, hot chocolate and coffee, sledding and street snow hockey.

The hockey side of the rink will be a busy place as all teams in all divisions of minor hockey continue their league and provincial playoff quests. Best bet for knowing what’s on tap at the rink is checking TVs in lobby, town of Unity website or watch for posters around town.

Concession Booth Lease

Atton’s Lake Regional Park Authority is currently taking tender applications for the lease of the Main Concession Booth in Atton’s Lake Regional Park for the 2023 Season. Contact for tender application package at:

PH: (306) 398-2002

email: attonsadmin@sasktel.net

Tenders will be accepted at: Atton’s Lake Regional Park Authority 114 Broad Street Box 12, Cut Knife, SK S0M 0N0 email: attonsadmin@sasktel.net

Fax: (306) 500-9974

Application Deadline is 4:00 PM Friday February 24, 2023. The highest or any tender not necessarily accepted.

TAX ENFORCEMENT LIST VILLAGE OF MERVIN

Before you lament the Miners’ lack of a winning season, how about remember, and be thankful for their community engagement as they spend two hours every December in sub-zero temperatures playing street hockey with a ton of kids and they organize, set up and serve a barbecue in conjunction with the annual Western Days festivities. These guys, who all work and some have families, still suit up for every game whether in town or out of town, to play for their community. The team is also backed by a volunteer executive. One of these people was recently awarded the Harvey Sommerville SWHL award for all his efforts so we congratulation Brian Woytiuk. Let’s give the players and executive some thanks for getting up, dressing up and showing up.

The Unity Skating Club is currently looking for coaches and the details of what they are looking for are on Facebook. The club is in preparation for their annual ice carnival in early March.

Remember you can still participate in indoor walking upstairs in the Community Centre from 8 a.m. to evening hours each day, providing there is no prior booking.

Unity Minor Ball registration is on the horizon as they have announced registration sites for both baseball and softball begin Feb. 15.

Other events on tap for Unity in the next few weeks are:

• Minor hockey league and provincial playoffs;

• Celebrate Unity event featuring entertainer Jake Vaadeland March 6;

• Fitness Lair celebrates 10 years in the community March 19.

Arlene Southgate, with more than two decades of service with Rivers West Sports, Culture and Recreation, is heading to Sask. Winter Games, serving as mission staff once again. Photo by Sherri

Solomko

winter break Feb. 20-24, returning Feb. 27.

Archery has begun at Unity Composite High School, several UCHS athletes are part of school wrestling activities and it won’t be long before indoor track practises will be part of the sports scene.

UCHS senior curlers competed at their district playdowns Feb. 14-15 but we have yet to learn results.

Junior curling Battle West District championships will take place at the end of February. We applaud Coach Snell and the curlers for persevering and adapting through the challenges when their home rink was closed down.

UCHS staff and students will be cheering for Sask. Winter Games badminton player Thomas Snell who is part of Teams Rivers West and former student Alexis Elder who is coaching female alpine skiing at the provincial event.

continues with students hoping to meet or beat their goal of $,1000 raised so they can “torture the teacher.” Staff and students are also taking part in pink shirt day activities and awareness to show support for this national anti-bullying campaign.

St. Peter’s School staff and students also participating in pink shirt day activities to show support for anti-bullying. Lenten activities will soon be part of the faith learning.

Unity Wildlife Federation who held another successful dinner and awards. The volunteer organization also provides an annual scholarship to a Grade 12 student, helps fund the UCHS archery program, sponsor the firearms saftey program and this past summer they worked collaboratively to install a new aeration system at Scott Dam. These are some of the projects this fundraiser helps out with, and to top it off, the annual awards and dinner is all organized, set up, cooked, and served by volunteers.

Meota News

Continied from Page 12 Local fan favourite Terry Tait along with former provincial qualifying curler Darlene Hummeny and her husband Raymond, scored doubles in the sixth and seventh end to go up by two points and had the win in their sights. 2020 Langemeade citizen of the year Zane Lacousiere had the opportunity to score two to tie, but fell short and succumbed to the Tait rink, 7-6.

Schools will enjoy a

TAX ENFORCEMENT ANNOUNCEMENTS

At Unity Public School, Telemiracle fundraising

Notice is hereby given under The Tax Enforcement Act that unless the arrears and costs appearing opposite the land and title number described in the following list are fully paid before the 17th day of April, 2023, an interest based on a tax lien will be registered against the land.

Note: A sum for costs in an amount required by subsection 4(3) of The Tax Enforcement Act is included in the amount shown against each parcel

battlefords humane society

Kirsten Bru was up early, but couldn’t hold on for a full eight ends, as Darcy deMontarnel came back to tie 5-5. The Welford rink battled it out with the Weber rink and won 9-2 in seven ends as they move to 8-0-1. Breanne Stevenson made her debut as skip up against Gil Cadrin in relief of Kyle Doom, but fell short in an 8-2 loss. Pat Becotte did it again, as he scored one point coming home with the hammer, as he took down the Evan Schmidt rink 6-5.

Already having a reputation for excellence in sturling curling, Susan Cadrin is no slouch at regular curling and is the week’s featured curler. Susan’s week started Tuesday night where her team was missing two key players, requiring her to elevate her game to the next level. Her exemplary performance in shot making was unrivaled and did not go unnoticed. Her week concluded with her second sturling title of the season, after dominating the sturling spiel on the weekend with her husband, Gil.

II’m a big ol baby! I looooove cuddles and pets! am super strong, so I definitely need an owner that can handle my zoomies! I’m easily distracted with treats, you can get my attention off pretty much anything if you’ve got something yummy!

am a pretty content lazy cat that loves to nap in my hammock. I am looking for a furrever home and someone that can understand me and my needs. I am a special case as require urinary care food and cannot have any treats as it can cause some medical issues.

SPONSORED BY CHERRY INSURANCE & REGIONAL NEWS-OPTIMIST

Who can do everything they ought to do?

Edward Everette Hale wrote a story, “Ten Times One is Ten.” In the story, he wrote, “I’m only one, but I am one. I can’t do everything, But I can do something. What I can do, I ought to do. And what I ought to do, by the grace of God, I will do.”

God’s word can be very clear about what we ought to do.

Moses made it clear to the Israelites they needed to choose to follow God and find life and good.

If they turned away from pursuing their God, they would find death and evil, be cursed, and perish. (Deuteronomy 30:18,19)

It seems obvious one ought to choose life rather than death. Yet, what we

By Raymond Maher www.accordingtoed.com

ought to do, and what we do may not be equal. As Edward Hale said, we only do what we ought to do by the will of God. We always need the blessing of God’s grace and power beyond our own good intentions.

Everything depends on God.

Our yield of good-

ness can be limited. Paul helped people become believers in Christ at Corinth. They began to live in the forgiveness and new life of Jesus Christ.

Paul was followed by Apollos at Corinth, who also taught about Jesus and baptized some in the name of Jesus. Instead of focusing on Jesus and

His grace and power, the people became divided into two factions quarreling as the followers of Paul or Apollos. They acted like humans, naturally becoming jealous and ready to fight over their misguided concerns.

The Corinthians were focused on Apollos and Paul, not Jesus Christ, as if being a follower of either man was better than being a follower of the other.

Believing in Jesus needs to grow and produce a harvest in us where He is more important than anyone else, including ourselves.

In speaking to the Corinthians, Paul made it

clear it was neither the one who plants nor the one who waters, but only God who gives the growth. We are God’s field. How we grow and what we produce in our lives depends on God. (1 Corinthians 3:7-9)

One is advised to remember Jesus came to Earth to help God’s field of humans. We are human, or flesh, and what we ought to do gets limited in our lives.

Only Jesus was able to do everything that needed to be done before God the Father. Faith in Jesus Christ is the only way we can satisfy what God needs to be done by us.

Jesus clarifies that we are selective about what

we ought to do. It is easy to say the commandment that we ought not to murder. Usually, only a small number of people murder, but just as damaging as murder, is anger at others. Insulting another is serious and calling another a fool makes one liable for hell. (Matthew 5:22)

Jesus clarifies that it isn’t enough to affirm we ought not to commit adultery. Looking with lust is committing adultery with another in our hearts. Thankfully, Jesus did all that needed to be done for us before God. Therefore, we try to do as we ought before God in love and honour to Him.

Telemiracle boosted by nine Kin members

By Kathy Utri Correspondent

Sincere condolences to the family of Violet Stanger who passed away

Feb. 6 at the age of 82. Vi is remembered by many in our area as a vivacious friend, educator and politician/MLA. She taught Grade 1 in Maidstone for

Jubilee Medal for Speers Resident

26 years, was involved in our community and served on various boards. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Congratulations to Maidstone Ice Arena’s Trip of the Month raffle winners for February. Dean Grosenick won the trip to Niagara Falls and Chelsey Kennedy won the ticket money back. The next draw on March 6 is for a “Vancouver city package.”

stone is excited to have nine members helping at Telemiracle 47 on Feb. 25-26 this year. They’ll also do an on-air presentation of money they fundraised, so be sure to tune in. If you’d like to donate to Telemiracle through the Kin Club, they are accepting donations now. Otherwise, “ring those phones” during the telethon. You might even get to talk to one of our local members.

mond went on to districts in Onion Lake last weekend. Maidstone junior girls were the only team to play three games at districts in Maidstone on the weekend. They put their hearts into it and came out with silver medals. Great job, everyone.

This week’s hockey news:

Feb. 12.

In U15 provincials in Maidstone, our team was defeated by Macklin 7-3 on Feb. 11 but won 7-6 in a shootout against Turtleford on Feb. 12.

Maidstone’s U13 team are at the top of their league and the U15 team is second in their league.

Reminders:

Colleen Wicks of Speers was awarded a Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal at a ceremony in Regina on Feb. 3. Medals were presented to 60 recipients from across the province by SUMA President Randy Goulden. Colleen was recognized for her many years of volunteer service to her community. | Photo courtesy Elizabeth Smith

Maidstone Gully Multiple 4-H Club held their monthly general meeting Feb. 6 in Waseca. Archery did a demo. 4-H Winter Fun Day (sledding and skating) is on Feb. 19 and ski day is on March 4. Everyone is welcome to come to our Surprise Bingo at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 22 at Maidstone United Church CE Wing. Speeches are on Sunday, Feb. 26 at 1 p.m. at Milleton Hall. Orders for our Little Caesar’s fundraiser are due on March 1. The next general meeting is on March 6 in Waseca. (by

Saidai Mosher)

The Kin Club of Maid-

An update on and thumbs up to our local skier, Talance Stapleton. She won two silver medals at Castle Mountain Jan. 26. Last weekend, she had a personal best, coming in 13th at her first Canada Cup in Red Deer. That’s a competition of athletes from all across Canada and some are in university (Talance is in Grade 8). Talance leaves for the Canada Winter Games this week on Thursday. Our best wishes go with her.

In basketball, Maidstone junior boys took silver at Lashburn with Hillmond winning gold in a super tight match. Hill-

Feb. 10, U11 Maidstone 1 lost 6-2 at Spiritwood; Maidstone 2 lost 5-4 at Turtleford.

Feb. 11, U9 Maidstone

1 lost 8-6 at Hillmond; Maidstone 2 lost 19-10 at Lashburn; U11 Maidstone 1 won at home 15-4 against Lashburn; Maidstone 2 lost at home 5-4 to Edam; U13 Maidstone won at home 4-0 versus Turtleford.

Feb. 12, U9 Maidstone won at home 19-2 against Neilburg; U11 Maidstone

1 lost at Meadow Lake 12-6; Maidstone 2 won at home 4-3 versus Lashburn; U18 Maidstone lost at Hillmond 7-1.

The U13 provincial team (Maidstone/Neilburg) won their first round 10-1 on Feb. 10 and 6-2 on

• Feb. 18-19 (SaturdaySunday) - StarSkaters and syncro competition at Macklin.

• Feb. 20 (Monday)Family Day – No School; Waseca Skating Rink’s Family Skate from 2 to 7 p.m. (with burgers, hot dogs, hot chocolate) and Fireworks at 7 p.m.

• Feb. 21 - Shrove Tuesday pancake supper at Maidstone United Church CE Wing from 5 to 7 p.m. (Adults $10, age 6-12 $6, age 5 and under free).

• Feb. 22 (Wednesday)

- Maidstone Gully 4-H Surprise Bingo at United Church CE Wing 7 p.m.

• Feb. 26 (Sunday) –Maidstone Gully 4-H public speaking at Milleton Hall 1 p.m.