Regional News-Optimist January 7, 2021

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

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Our ugly pandemic year of 2020

Old Year Kicked Out

A year for the trash can

By John Cairns Staff Reporter

One wonders why we should even bother doing a review of the big stories in the Battlefords from the year 2020.

No one wants to relive the events of 2020, a year most people want to see flushed down the drain as quickly as possible.

For the Battlefords a case could be made that it was our worst year ever — worse than even the cryptosporidium and oil spill years — and not just because of the COVID-19 pandemic that prompted shutdowns, economic devastation, and no shortage of loss of life in the province and world.

It was a year in which one event after another ended up postponed or called off. It was also a year of devastating tragedy: the loss of a beloved Battleford NHL player, a tragic local murdersuicide, and ongoing and notorious criminal cases in the local courts.

But look on the bright side: at least North Battleford isn’t the “Crime Capital of Canada” anymore, ending a long streak at the top of the Crime Severity Index this year.

So maybe it wasn’t all bad news in 2020, but it was still a year for the trash can. It wasn’t supposed to be this way. The Battlefords North Stars were on the brink of another Cup run, and the Rotary Club was set to welcome astronaut Chris Hadfield to sold-out events in April.

The ‘Riders were also set to host the Grey Cup in 2020, and possibly even win it. Oh, well.

Here’s a look back at some of the main stories of 2020: Debt the top story The main stories prior to March 12, 2020 reflected a much different world than the locked-down one we would experience the rest of the year. Our Jan. 2 edition even had the headline “Getting out of debt our top priority fi-

nancially.”

Well, folks, how did that go? This might as well be everyone’s headline for 2021, and 2022 and 2023 for that matter, after the way this year went.

Team Silvernagle rocks In January and February, sports were going full-blast including the curling playdowns. It was the Robyn Silvernagle team out of Twin Rivers Curling Club that provided big thrills to local fans by winning the provincial women’s title on Silvernagle’s final rock.

They booked a trip to the national Scotties in Moose Jaw in February, where they were cheered on as Team Saskatchewan for a second year in a row, but fell just short of the playoff round.

The Rush Another highlight in February was “North Battleford night” at SaskTel Centre with the Saskatchewan Rush, with Mayor Ryan Bater and Continued on Page 6

The year 2020 has ended and North Battleford residents rang out the year with a fireworks show on New Year’s Eve. From their cars to ensure physical distancing, spectators were treated to a colourful display.

The fireworks were made possible from money the federal government had made available to the city for what would have been the July 1 Canada Day fireworks, which were cancelled due to the pandemic. With timing running out to use that grant money, the city opted to proceed with the New Year’s fireworks under the strict health protocols. Photos by Diego Roa

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No new leads in Alberta murder that may have incited killing of Tiki Laverdiere

By Lisa Joy Local Journalism Initiative Reporter / News-Optimist

His murder appeared like just another statistic – Edmonton’s 11th homicide of 2019 – but it triggered a

chain of events that seemed to lead to the brutal slaying of Tiki Laverdiere a province away.

Treaty Six Territory | Saskatchewan | Canada

FREE Preschool & Senior Skating Access Communications Centre Don Ross Arena Wednesdays 1:15 pm - 2:15 pm

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Swimming lessons this winter will take place while the Aquatic Centre is closed to the public , take advantage of swimming lessons in a calmer atmosphere. Winter swimming lessons start on January 18th. Preschool to level 3 classes require an adult in the water with the swimmer, to ensure physical distancing. For levels 4 to 10, no spectators are allowed to stay and watch, including parents. Class size is limited, register for lessons today in person, at the pool, by phone, or online at www.cityofnb.ca City of North Battleford will be recycling Christmas trees into chips for mulch.

The mulch is used in tree and shrub beds, improving growth by retaining moisture and suppressing weed growth. All lights, string, wire, ornaments, tinsel, and fake snow must be removed before dropping off your tree.

There are two FREE drop off locations available.

City of North Battleford Parks Shop at 11202 – 8th Avenue (Until January 15th) (during regular business hours 7:00 am – 4:00 pm) Waste Management Facility (Free until January 22nd) (regular business hours)

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In the darkness of a chilly spring morning – after being called to an inner city neighbourhood on 92 Street and 110 Avenue – Edmonton Police found a “significant amount of blood” on the ground behind a home.

Hours later on April 5, 2019, the trail ended about 100 kilometres east where RCMP found a body in a burned out car near Vegreville. It was the body of 20-year-old Tristen Nicolas Morningeagle Cook-Buckle.

DNA analysis of the blood behind the Edmonton home matched that of Cook-Buckle and an autopsy confirmed his manner of death was homicide.

To protect the integrity of their investigation, however, police, haven’t released his cause of death.

Neighbours told the Edmonton Journal they heard a loud bang shortly after 11 p.m. on April 4, 2019, and hours later, around 4 a.m., police arrived at the home.

Joseph Simons said the house was rented and lots of people “rolled through it.”

Edmonton Police Service took over the investigation into CookBuckle’s murder. The investigation remains open and is considered to be an active file, according to Inspector Brent Dahlseide from Edmonton Police Service’s Homicide Section.

“There has been no recent progress to advance the file past the identification of several persons of interest,” said Inspector

Tristen Nicolas Morningeagle Cook-Buckle

Dahlseide.

He said the lines of communication between Edmonton Police Service and the RCMP Major Crimes Unit remains open because Cook-Buckle’s body was found near Vegreville.

“Any tips, leads or information that may be received on the file by either agency is shared with Edmonton Police homicide investigators.”

Edmonton Police have received tips but wouldn’t reveal how many.

“We cannot disclose the number of tips or their content outside the investigative team,” said Inspector Dahlseide.

No arrests have been made in Cook-Buckle’s murder.

If anyone has any information about CookBuckle’s homicide they are urged to contact the Edmonton Police at 780423-4567 or #377 from a mobile phone. Anonymous information can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.tipsubmit. com/start.htm Weeks after CookBuckle’s body was found, his close friend, Tiki Laverdiere, 25, left Edmonton to attend his fu-

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neral in Saskatchewan in April and was murdered in North Battleford.

Laverdiere was reported missing to Battlefords RCMP May 12, 2019. Her body was found July 11, 2019, during an RCMP ground search in a rural area outside of North Battleford.

From July 2019 to August 2020, police arrested 10 people in Saskatchewan and Alberta for Laverdiere’s murder.

Nicole Cook, Soaringeagle Whitstone, Shayla Orthner, Danita Thomas, and Jesse Sangster were charged with kidnapping, firstdegree murder, improperly interfering with a body and theft of a vehicle.

Nikita Sandra Cook and Charles St. Savard were charged with first-degree murder and kidnapping.

Brent Checkosis, Mavis Takakenew and Samuel Takakenew were charged with accessory to murder after the fact.

Checkosis was sentenced to seven years in prison and Mavis Takakenew received 18 months. There is a ban on publication on the sentencing hearings for Checkosis and Takakenew until the trials of all the coaccused are finished.

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It’s a boy!

It’s a boy!

Submitted by Sask. Health Authority North Battleford At 8:15 a.m. on Jan. 1, 2021, Tripp Cecil Wuttunee was born to Ashla Wuttunee and Nicholas Baptiste at Battlefords Union Hospital, officially making him North Battleford’s first baby of 2021.

Tripp weighed 5 lbs and 12 oz. His parents are from Red Pheasant, and everyone is doing well. His father was also a New Year’s Baby in 1985 at Battlefords Union Hospital.

Lloydminster At 11:14 p.m. on January 1, 2021, Liam James Zinger was born to Laryssa St. Amant and Branden Zinger at Lloydminster Hospital, officially making him Lloydminster’s first baby of 2021.

Liam weighed 3,230 grams (7 lbs. 2 oz.). His parents are from Lloydminster, and everyone is doing well.

COVID-19 exposure at Bennigan’s The Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) is advising there has been an increased risk of exposure to COVID-19 at Bennigan’s Bar, Tropical Inn, 1001 Highway 16 Bypass, North Battleford: Dec 26, 2020 from 11:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Dec 27, 2020 from noon to 6:30 p.m.

Dec 28, 2020 from 11:00 am to 6:30 p.m.

Individuals who were at these locations during the specified times must immediately self-isolate for 14 days following the date of exposure.

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Cenovus acquires Husky, swallowing Saskatchewan’s historically largest oil producer

By Brian Zinchuk

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter / Estevan Mercury

In perhaps a way perhaps fitting of the 21st century, Husky Energy updated its cover photo for its Facebook page on Jan. 3.

The new photo said, “We are Cenovus.”

On Jan. 1, Cenovus completed its acquisition of Husky Energy in an allstock transaction valued at $23.6 billion, inclusive of debt. It marked the end of one of the most significant and prominent players in the Saskatchewan oilpatch for 74 years. It also means a return to Saskatchewan of Cenovus, whose roots go back to the founding of the Canadian Pacific Railway.

Husky Husky’s origins in the Lloydminster area go back to 1946, when it relocated the shutdown refinery from Riverton, Wyoming, to the Alberta side of Lloydminster. According to the Heavy Oil Science Centre webpage (lloydminsterheavyoil.com), “Husky’s move into Lloydminster spurred a sudden upsurge in the drilling activity here, which in turn boosted production and dramatically increased the need for a refinery.”

Ever since then, Husky grew to become the dominant player in the northwest Saskatchewan oilpatch, and the largest producer in Saskatchewan for decades. In recent years, it was briefly supplanted by Crescent Point Energy for

the number of barrels produced per day.

That initial refinery was replaced in the early 1980s.

“On May 10th, 1983 a new, fully modern refinery went on stream with a capacity of 25,000 barrels per day,” according to the Heavy Oil Science Centre.

The 1980s development on the Saskatchewan side of Lloydminster of what was at first called the Bi-Provincial Upgrader spurred both major political controversy at the time, and the further development of the Saskatchewan oilpatch for decades to come. Initially a money-loser due to a low differential between feedstock prices and product prices at the time, in 1994 the Alberta and federal governments took a bath on their respective investments in the Grant Devine-era $1.2 billion megaproject, selling their shares to Saskatchewan and Husky. However, Saskatchewan and Husky came out ahead. Husky eventually bought out Saskatchewan’s shares and went on to expand the facility.

Beyond the fiscal return of the initial upgrader investment, Saskatchewan’s oilpatch gained greatly from its construction. The presence of that upgrader allowed Husky to drive most of the oil development in northwest Saskatchewan in the intervening three decades, with billions of dollars invested.

Over the last decade, Husky had focused on develop-

Fireworks sound like gunshots Staff Early Monday morning, Battleford residents heard what they thought might be gunshots, but it turned out to be fireworks.

Battlefords RCMP say that on Monday at 3 a.m. on the Jan. 4, they received four calls from Battleford residents, all

indicating they had heard gunshots.

Members flooded the area and located a residence where they were lighting off fireworks.

Member did talk to the occupants of the residence, who were warned, say RCMP. No further calls were received.

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The Husky Lloydminster Upgrader was highly controversial when it initially went into operation, losing money and causing the federal and Alberta governments to lose most of their investments. But the late 1980s Grant Divine-era megaproject led to billions of dollars invested in northwest Saskatchewan in subsequent years. Now, after 74 years, the Husky name will be gone from Lloydminster. File photo by Brian Zinchuk

ing cookie-cutter thermal projects throughout the region east of the Alberta border, north of the North Saskatchewan River, with a dozen now producing.

Except for the earliest projects, each steam-assisted gravity drainage project produced 10,000 barrels per day and cost $250 to $300 million.

The development of thermal came at the expense of what had been its primary method of production in the region – cold heavy oil production with sand, or CHOPS. In recent years, Husky had all but ceased drilling CHOPS wells, after decades of drilling hundreds per year.

Cenovus Cenovus had recently exited Saskatchewan, with its $940 million sale of its controlling interest in the Weyburn Unit to Whitecap Resources in 2017, part of its efforts to finance the $17.7 billion purchase of ConocoPhillip’s 50 per cent interest in jointly owned oilsands venture and deep basin conventional assets, announced earlier that year. Its acquisition of Husky marks Cenovus’s return to Saskatchewan in the biggest way possible, buying the province’s historically largest producer.

In 2009, the Cenovus was spun out of EnCana,

with Cenovus taking over the major oil plays, including the Weyburn Unit, and Encana focusing on natural gas. EnCana had previously been PanCanadian until 2002. PanCanadian’s roots, as a division of Canadian Pacific Railways, went back as far as the 1880s, with the discovery of natural gas near Medicine Hat. In 1954, the discovery well of what would eventually become known as the Weyburn field was drilled near Ralph by Central Leduc Oils Ltd., a company which became Central Del Rio Oils Ltd. in 1957 with the merger of Del Rio Oils. The discovery well at 14-7-7-13-W2 came in during the fall of 1954.

According to PetroleumHistory.ca, “CentralDel Rio was purchased by Canadian Pacific Oil and Gas in 1969. However, the company continued to operate under the Central-Del Rio name until 1971 when its name changed to PanCanadian Petroleum Limited.

“PanCanadian was purchased by Alberta Energy Company in 2002 and became EnCana. Later EnCana was split into EnCana and Cenovus.”

Carbon dioxide enhanced oil recovery As PanCanadian, then EnCana and Cenovus, the

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Weyburn Unit pioneered deployment of carbon dioxide enhanced oil recovery (CO2-EOR) in Canada, starting in 2000.

A few years later, Husky developed its own flavour of CO2-EOR, including producing CO2 at the upgrader. They have three pilot projects for CO2-EOR in place.

As recently as 2017, Husky had been taking a hard look at developing an additional 30,000 barrel per day asphalt refinery at Lloydminster, likely beside its upgrader, but those plans had since been shelved. The commissioning of one of its most recent thermal projects, Spruce Lake Central, had been delayed in 2020 due to the oil crash related to the COVID-19 pandemic, but it was later completed and brought online.

The merged company will operate under the Cenovus Energy name and will be headed by Alex Pourbaix, president and CEO. It will produce approximately 750,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boepd), with refining capacity of approximately 660,000 boepd.

The combined company is the third largest Canadian oil and natural gas producer and the second largest Canadian-based refiner and upgrader.

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Letter

Cost of pandemic must be shared

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

Dear Editor In a recent News Optimist commentary, Ian Madsen questions how Canadians will deal with the ever-rising national debt. In times of crises in the past, such as the world wars and the Great Depression of the 1930’s, governments raised taxes on the rich and on corporations to ensure that those who had the most contributed to the recovery and to societal well-being. It doesn’t require much research to discover that the world’s ultra rich haven’t been paying their fair share for decades.

Ian Madsen is a policy analyst for the right wing Frontier Centre for Public Policy, funded largely by like-minded foundations and large corporate donors. As such, it is his job to protect the interests of those who fund the foundation. He admits that corporate taxation has dropped substantially but argues that large corporations shouldn’t be asked to pay up.

The Broadbent Institute suggests otherwise. “Over the past three decades the tax burden in most advanced economies has shifted from taxation of capital and the affluent to taxes on labour and ordinary working people.

The cuts to effective tax rates on capital (large corporations) since the 1980s have failed to boost real business investment which currently languishes at quite depressed levels in most advanced economies. Investment (was) much higher in the 1960s and 1970s when capital was much more heavily taxed. Real corporate investment has not increased as a result, but rather higher profits have been used to enrich shareholders.”

Researcher, Ben Tippet (The Guardian) argues for progressive taxation and new taxes on the companies and wealthy individuals who have benefited during the pandemic. “If implemented across the globe, an excess profit tax could raise $104 billion annually and a new wealth tax $4.4 trillion annually – theoretically, enough to pay for all the Covid-19 spending in just a couple of years. Global coordination can also help ensure that corporations and the wealthy do not hide their wealth in tax havens.”

Mitchell Anderson of the Tyee.ca, (a reader-supported media outlet) states, “As the pandemic drags on, perhaps there has never been a better opportunity to finally address the long festering issue of international tax avoidance, which is estimated to cost governments around the world some $800 billion each year. … Estimates of private wealth hidden from resident governments range from $8 trillion up to $36 trillion. With governments struggling to shoulder enormous emergency costs, perhaps there is finally the political will to take on those who have enjoyed avoiding contributing to the cost of civilization. The Canada Revenue Agency estimates some $240 billion in private wealth is stashed offshore.”

Two distinguished professors at the University of California, Emmanuel Saez and Gabriel Zucman, are quoted in the New York Times stating, “The American economy just doesn’t function very well when tax rates on the rich are low and inequality is sky high. … raising high end taxes isn’t about punishing the rich (who, by the way, will still be rich). It’s about creating an economy that works better for the vast majority of Americans.”

The lowering of the corporate tax rate by 40 per cent three years ago did little to improve the lives of ordinary Americans. With our integrated economies, the same applies to Canada.

In January, Oxfam published a report stating that the world’s richest 1 per cent had more than twice as much

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

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

Letter

Get involved, feel good Dear Editor For a number of years we have provided volunteer transportation services to the Humane Society of the Battlefords. This entails moving dogs, pups, cats and kittens from North Battleford to locations where there were adoptive families anxious to receive them. Also, moving animals from other locations to North Battleford for adoption.

In December we picked up a beautiful three year old male King Shepard in Martinsville and brought him to North Battleford where he has since been adopted. We repeated that process later in December and picked up a three year old female German wealth as 6.9 billion people. Canada’s top billionaires gained $37 billion since Covid-19 began. (Just to give some context, a billion dollars equals $5,000 a day for 547 years.)

Huge fortunes give the ultra rich far too much power which undermines democracy. The wealth of the top 87 Canadian family fortunes totaled $259 billion in 2016, (up 37 per cent since 2012). The same amount of wealth is shared among 12 million Canadians at the lower end of the ladder. The wealth of the world’s richest 100 people could end world poverty four times over. We need progressive tax reform to ensure that the burden of the pandemic is fairly shared.

Evelyn Johnson Spiritwood

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Shepard. She too has been adopted in the Battlefords.

Finally, on Christmas Day, we delivered two German Shepard pups to Saskatoon where they will be fostered until they are old enough to be adopted.

These simple efforts provide significant help to the Humane Society, give us something to do during the pandemic and gives to us an amazing feeling of satisfaction.

Anyone interested in fostering or transporting or adopting should call Michelle at the Humane Society: 306-446-2700.

Name withheld at the author’s request

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.

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W

The

ood Pile

By R.H. Wood North Battleford

“I’ve never been twenty-one before,

What has this year got in store?”

There are so many versions of this song, you should write your own –

not that I would dream of doing such a thing myself.

I don’t remember turning twenty-one, but that summer I worked on a Clyde pleasure steamer called the Queen Mary 2, its having relinquished its original naming to the

Constant Need to Improve

By Helen Row Toews As 2021 arrives, the entire world looks ahead with sincere hopes for better things to come. Amid it all, are we still worrying about New Year’s Resolutions? Roughly 45per cent of people make resolutions of one sort or another but only about eight per cent are successful in achieving their goals.

Many plans are for self-improvement, most notably weight reduction and fitness. According to the proprietors of gymnasiums and diet centers, we are in constant need of improvement, but it’s never more urgent than in January. This irritating query into our resolve, coupled with television ads mercilessly attacking our slovenly ways, makes a person feel we had better do something about it—

The Battlefords, Thursday, January 7, 2021 - Page 5

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and quick.

I suppose this time of year is synonymous with over-indulgence. Advertisers know full well we’ve taken an extra slab of pie or pounded back enough cheesecake to tip a boat.

They count on our guilt over past gluttony and our naive faith in their promise of quick and effortless weight loss. They’re good

at it, too!

In January of last year I received a letter from a weight-loss company which addressed me familiarly and expressed sincere regret over my unfortunate weight gain and unsightly muffin-top.

It pointed out how friends have noticed my lack of confidence and mentioned how apparent it was my

famous Cunard flagship.

You could stand at the prow and see exactly where you were heading and then pass to the stern where you could meditate on what you had just seen and experienced.

Surely this is like life itself. Today there are multitudes of news people, commentators, predictors, postdictors and maledictors but we all individually have our own thoughts.

As for ourselves, our old sparkle was gone, due to this excess poundage.

Thankfully, their company kindly extended its hand of friendship as it assured me those days would be long gone once enrollment took effect and I received my first shipment of “fat burning pills.” My question is, how did they know? Are there spies among us? Was I secretly filmed hefting an extra-large salted caramel latte to my lips as I rolled out the drive-thru?

Moreover, how can we chocoholics be expected to make responsible choices when so many goodies are promoted during the holidays? Last January, minding my own business, I strolled through a department store on my way to peruse their selection of reduced price mittens. (It made sense at the time, don’t give me any trouble.)

Unexpectedly, a loud speaker announcement cut into my thoughts. If I could have but known, these fateful words would have a severe and negative impact on my immediate future.

“All holiday chocolates have been reduced to 70 per cent off.”

Several factors come

plans to visit Scotland, the Clyde coast and some of the islands have been totally cancelled due to health and Covid concerns. We are like the early settlers

who dreamed of a return to their homelands but could not do so and had only memories.

Robert Burns, whose anniversary is upon us, in his most famous song, caught this sentiment exactly.

No wonder it is sung at New Year time, thankfully in its original format and vernacular, and has never to my knowledge been parodied.

into play here. One is my well established affection for chocolate and the second is my love of a bargain. Some may use the word cheap as a descriptor, but I prefer to think of myself as thrifty. My daughter often caustically remarks we own nothing if it didn’t first have either a red tag or a yellow label, but she’s young and foolish so we can disregard her bitter lament.

Nonetheless, it was poor judgement indeed which caused me to scurry towards the promised spoils with a gleam in my eye. Telling myself I was purchasing these items to share with deserving loved ones at home, I stuffed my basket and proudly lugged them into the house later that day.

I gained ten pounds

before the month was out.

Based on this revealing information, I am hardly one to offer advice concerning New Year’s resolutions aimed at getting in shape. Perhaps it’s best to simply wish your health and happiness in the coming year and end on the insightful words of Mark Twain.

“Now is the accepted time to make your regular annual good resolutions.

Next week you can begin paving hell with them as usual.”

Helen’s newly released books of entertaining anecdotes are available on Amazon as Prairie Wool Books, or contact her through myprairiewool. com

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

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Page 6 - The Battlefords, Thursday, January 7, 2021

Regional News-Optimist

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Our ugly pandemic year of 2020 Continued from Page 1 several councillors and North Battleford residents were on hand to cheer on the Rush at the game.

Election in the area Also in February, election season was in the air as Jeremy Cockrill won a contested nomination over Tom Hawboldt for the Saskatchewan Party nomination to run in The Battlefords in the provincial election. Amber Stewart had already been in place as the NDP candidate.

Coronavirus a concern early on But there was an ominous story that made the News-Optimist in late February. “City looking to put pandemic policy in place,” the headline stated, as we reported that discussion at City Hall had turned towards bringing in a concrete policy to respond to a pandemic.

That was out of concern for a coronavirus outbreak that had originated in Wuhan, China and was already spreading rapidly around the world. North Battleford wanted to be ready — just in case.

It didn’t take long for City Hall to have to respond to the crisis. On March 12, Saskatchewan announced its first confirmed case of COVID-19. By that time, both Battleford and North Battleford had already put in place its joint emergency response plan.

Ryan Bater and councillors cheer at the Rush game that spotlighted North Battleford. Photo by Averil Hall

Robyn Silvernagle throws a stone during the first end of the Scotties Women’s Provincial final in Melville.

Photo courtesy of Michael Bell/Regina Leader-Post

Empty parking lots were the evidence of shutdowns due to COVID-19. Photo by Averil Hall

The pandemic was on, and with it came a host of cancellations and closure announcements in the Battlefords and surrounding area.

The Battlefords shuts down The most immediate cancellations were painful: sports were cancelled, bringing a crashing halt to hockey playoffs, and in particular the strong championship hopes of the Bat-

tlefords North Stars after just four playoff games against Nipawin.

By the end of the next week, more cancellations and closures had been announced: the Capitol Theatre, the casino, the Dekker Centre, leisure services facilities, museums including Western Development Museum, and more. Scheduled events fell by the wayside: the planned Chris Hadfield event in April was pushed

back to October, and later pushed back to 2021. Agri-mex, at the Ag Society grounds, was postponed.

Schools were suspended on March 20 and went to remote learning for the rest of the year.

There was also a report in the March 26 paper that Giant Tiger would be closing - a casualty of a major sale involving several of its stores across Canada. But the closure decision was

later reversed. The North Battleford location was eventually included in the deal and stayed open.

First death The first two deaths in the province from COVID-19 were reported on March 30, and one of them was of a Battlefords-area resident: Alice Grove, age 75. It was members of her family who confirmed her death to the media.

It was the start of a long year of pandemic-related news. As it went on, the community adjusted.

Council meetings switched to online-only video conference calls, with restrictions and social distancing imposed on stores and businesses as they returned under the Re-Open Saskatchewan plan in the late spring.

As the pandemic dragged on, though, more cancellations were racked up. North West Territorial

21012bs1

Days was cancelled, the Saskatchewan Baseball Hall of Fame inductions were postponed, and more sports were cancelled.

Schools were re-opened in the fall, but sports did not return except on a limited basis within the schools.

There was no high school football season in 2020.

The annual tradition of fans travelling to Regina to watch Saskatchewan Roughriders football took a hit this year as the Canadian Football League cancelled its season. With no fairs, football or Craven Country Thunder, it proved to be a very quiet summer throughout Saskatchewan in 2020.

The pandemic made 2020 a lousy year all around in the Battlefords.

But other stories made a bad year worse: Colby Cave dies The sudden death on April 11 of Colby Cave of the Edmonton Oilers, who grew up and played his minor hockey in the Battlefords, shook the whole community. Cave died of a brain bleed in hospital in Toronto.

The Cave family returned to the Battlefords from Toronto, and the Battlefords community paid them a stirring tribute as they formed a long convoy of vehicles along highway 16 to welcome them back.

It wouldn’t be the only Continued on Page 7

Regional News-Optimist

The Battlefords, Thursday, January 7, 2021 - Page 7

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2020 pandemic

Continued from Page 6 hockey death to hit Saskatchewan in 2020; late in the year came the death of Fred Sasakamoose, the first Indigenous player in the NHL, due to COVID-19.

Murder-suicide North Battleford was stunned again with news in June of a residential structure fire incident on 99th Street. That fire incident turned into a sudden death investigation. Police later confirmed that a woman and her two children were dead in a confirmed murder-suicide.

Tiki Laverdiere murder case Several court cases dominated the news in 2020 but the ongoing Tiki Laverdiere murder case and investigation remained the most prominent crime story in the Battlefords.

Laverdiere had gone missing May 1, 2019 and was found dead July 19 of that same year. Soon after began the long line of arrests in the case.

By 2020 year’s end, ten people were charged in connection to the murder case, the most recent being Samuel Takakenew who was arrested for accessory for murder on Aug. 26 in Edmonton.

Two individuals in the case were sentenced in 2020: Brent Checkosis was sentenced May 15 to seven years for accessory to murder, while Mavis Takakenew received 18 months, also for accessory after the fact.

The other accused individuals saw their cases continue in the justice system in 2020, with the most notable court appearance being the three-weeklong preliminary hearing for Jesse Sangster, facing a murder charge, in September and October. Much more court activity is expected for 2021.

St. Vital Church The future of Battleford’s historic St. Vital Church in Battleford hung in the balance in 2020, as town council struggled with the issue of whether to send in the wrecking ball to the property. A vote was slated by council to de-designate it as a historic site, but after letters of objection were received the issue ended up being deferred.

Finally in August, a compromise solution was found to save the church.

Council agreed to work with S L Contractors Ltd., the same builders who retrofitted Battleford post office, to allow them to do project management on the church renovation. The plan was to take funds earmarked for demolition and use it to renovate the exterior and structure of the church; that would allow the structure to stay up, but it would remain closed to the public.

Election year Ordinarily, elections would be a major story in any year they are held

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and it was no different in 2020. But social distancing requirements made for a different campaign, with campaigners having to follow strict protocols to keep their distance on the campaign trail.

Oct. 26 marked the provincial election and there was no change in the government, as Scott Moe and the Saskatchewan Party returned to power in a landslide. It was also a big win for Jeremy Cockrill, who took over from Herb Cox as the new MLA for the Battlefords in the legislature.

Nov. 9 was the date of

the municipal election, held right after a major snowstorm hit. The snowstorm resulted in the vote being postponed in Saskatoon and other communities, but the road crews cleared enough snow in North Battleford so that the vote could go ahead.

The result in North Battleford was an upset.

David Gillan knocked off incumbent Ryan Bater to win the vote and take over as North Battleford’s new Mayor. Prior to taking over as mayor, Gillan had spent years as a finance director in Battleford and in North Battleford.

Over in the town of Battleford, it was a different story as most familiar names got back in, including incumbent Ames Leslie who was elected to a second term as mayor by acclamation.

The change in Battleford town hall had actually happened earlier in the year, as town chief administrative officer John Enns-Wind departed to a new municipal job in New Brunswick. Ash Alam, previously from Buffalo Narrows, replaced him in the role in the fall.

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Wilkie offers a K-12 school, most amenities and is a vibrant farming community. Call today for more info.

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MLS®SK830897

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2028 Foley Drive, North Battleford

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116 2nd Avenue W, Wilkie

2891 99th Street, North Battleford

Jeremy Cockrill, seen with his wife at his committee rooms, took over from Herb Cox as the new MLA for the Battlefords in the legislature. Photo by John Cairns

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2 3

Judge Murray Pelletier presided over the swearing in of new North Battleford Mayor David Gillan at the Dekker Centre. Screenshot by John Cairns

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3

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Take a look at this renovated and well maintained 1460 square foot home on Foley Drive.

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31 18th Street, Battleford 1,380 sq. ft.

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

Regional News-Optimist

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Your Saskatchewan Party government is working to make life more affordable in the new year. A series of new and returning provincial income tax credits and other tax-reduction initiatives will save taxpayers an estimated $15 million. The Active Families Benefit will be reinstated in the Provincial Budget, retroactive to January 1, 2021; and the Home Renovation Tax Credit will help homeowners save money while renovating their homes.

For more information visit saskatchewan.ca.

Hon. Scott Moe, Premier

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

Jeremy Cockrill

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

Ryan Domotor

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

North Battleford City Hall’s pandemic year in review 20210104_News Optimist Ad_life more affordable.indd 1

1/4/2021 11:27:16 AM

By John Cairns Staff Reporter

It turned out to be a year of upheaval at City Hall in North Battleford.

The COVID-19 pandemic dominated the year, as it upended regular council meetings and the normal business of the municipal government.

But while COVID-19 was something that caught a lot of people by surprise, the pandemic was something the city saw coming.

As early as January, the events in China and elsewhere around the world where the still-unnamed novel coronavirus was wreaking havoc were noticed by city officials.

Before the pandemic was even declared in March, the city was working on a pandemic plan and they had also struck a deal with Battleford for a joint administrative committee to deal with the pandemic response.

A temporary pandemic policy, based on an existing document that was already in place at City Hall, was approved at council March 9 — just days before the first COVID-19 case hit Saskatchewan. At the council meeting, city manager Randy Patrick and director of protective services Lindsay Holm cited the urgency of getting something in place right away; their concern that something big was about to happen proved prophetic.

Little did council members realize that the March 9 meeting would be their last one held live at City Hall council chambers for the rest of the year.

That temporary pandemic policy gave administration some time to craft a new and more comprehensive policy to take into account the current circumstances. In April, council approved the new Joint Municipality Pan-

The City of North Battleford has been holding its meetings on the Zoom platform. This screenshot comes from a meeting in December when the new mayor and council met with financial advisors.

It was a relatively calm end for what truly was a year of chaos and change at City Hall. demic Plan in conjunction with the town of Battleford.

By that point, city hall had been closed to the public, and leisure services facilities across the city were closed as well. After cancelling their scheduled March 23 meeting, council resumed meetings in April virtually on the Zoom online platform — something many other municipalities and companies were also doing.

The city’s finances were in upheaval, with the city taking a huge revenue hit from the loss of leisure services facilities. Temporary layoffs of some staff came in.

Internally at City Hall, there were major changes in how staff functioned.

The city opened its Emergency Operations Centre on March 16 to deal with pandemic issues, but also to function essentially as a “second City Hall” in case an outbreak of the virus at City Hall itself. Some employees from Human Resources, Finance, Engineering and the Deputy City Manager were relocated to the EOC, separated from the rest of the staff at City Hall. Financial Services staff were divided

between City Hall, the EOC, and working from home.

There were also changes for the fire department, who were shifted to work a 48-hour shift rotation instead of the usual 12-hours.

The idea was that it would be easier for firefighters to immediately go into selfisolation if they caught the virus, with minimal disruption to staff. Road crews, as well, worked out of two different locations.

There were a few hiccups along the way. One of them was an April incident at the Cameron McIntosh airport, where many city staff were now based, in which a couple of individuals flying from Maryland to Alaska landed their private plane at the airport.

At Planning Committee, council members learned that the individuals had come into the terminal looking for a pilot’s lounge.

The problem was that the individuals were supposed to either stay with the aircraft or be quarantining.

The city ended up reporting the incident to agencies, but ultimately the two individuals left quickly. In response, the main terminal was closed to the public.

In November, council members bade farewell to Don Buglas and Kevin Steinborn, who were not running for reelection.

The impact of the pandemic continued to be felt in June, when Mayor Ryan Bater provided a “State of the City 2.0” update on the ZOOM platform.

Bater had given the State of the City address back in March at the Tropical Inn, but the pandemic had changed things dramatically and the mayor focused his address on what had changed since then.

As Re-Open Saskatchewan rolled out, so did plans for reopening city facilities. The rollout of the re-opening of the city’s facilities was subject of a special meeting of council in late June. City Hall itself re-opened on July 13, with social-distancing measures in place and plexiglass barriers installed.

Council meetings would continue on the ZOOM platform for the rest of 2020, although there was a brief move in November to the Chapel Gallery where one meeting was held live.

Even then, several councillors attended on the Zoom platform.

The pandemic didn’t produce all bad news for the city. The city was able to access funding from the Municipal Economic Enhancement Program (MEEP) for two major

projects: the Carlton Trail intersection and roadway for $1,650,433 and the 100th Street service road improvements for $607,472. Both were projects that had been on the books for years and the ribbon cutting for the Carlton Trail project took place in September.

Also in September, Mayor Bater and several councillors also took part in a ribbon cutting marking completion of the final portion of the 100th Street road work from 12th Avenue to 15th Avenue.

At their final regular council meeting in October, the city bid farewell to the two councillors not seeking re-election, Kevin Steinborn and Don Buglas.

The major activity in the fall was the election, run under pandemic restrictions and protocols. A central location of the Civic Centre was chosen for voting day, which would allow for voters to social distance and be able to vote safely. The other change was a switch to new ballots that could be tabulated electronically.

Once the votes were tabulated, City Hall was rocked by yet another monumental upheaval in 2020, right at the top.

It was David Gillan who

defeated Ryan Bater and three other challengers to become the new mayor in the election held Nov. 9.

Gillan, who had spent the previous three years as Battleford’s director of finance and deputy CAO, had run on a platform pledging to address North Battleford’s image as a crime town and to bring industry development to the city.

Four incumbent councillors, Kelli Hawtin, Kent Lindgren, Greg Lightfoot and Len Taylor, were all re-elected and they were joined on council by Thomas ‘Bill’ Ironstand and Ross MacAngus.

They were sworn into office the week after the election — not at council chambers like in previous years, but in a sociallydistanced ceremony at the Dekker Centre that was live-streamed to the public.

The new council got down to business quickly, as they went through four gruelling nights of budget deliberations over the Zoom platform before they finally agreed to a one percent increase to property taxes with no increase for utilities.

It was a relatively calm end for what truly was a year of chaos and change at City Hall.

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Page 2 - The Battlefords, Thursday, December 3, 2020 Regional News-Optimist

Regional News-Optimist The Battlefords, Thursday, January 7, 2021 - Page 9

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Regional News-Optimist

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Page 2 - The Battlefords, Thursday, December 3, 2020 Regional News-Optimist

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Regional News-Optimist The Battlefords, Thursday, January 7, 2021 - Page 11

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Page 12 - The Battlefords, Thursday, January 7, 2021

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2020 Review

Political hellos, goodbyes and welcomes back

By John Cairns Staff Reporter

With both provincial and municipal elections in 2020 in our area, it proved to be a big year for new political faces on the scene, as well as several farewells and goodbyes.

A number of long time familiar faces departed the scene, opening the door for some new faces to take their seats. Here is a look at the goodbyes and hellos, and even a few welcomes back of some political names in our area.

Goodbyes: Herb Cox, MLA for the Battlefords, wrapped up his tenure after nine years in the Legislature.

Larry Doke, MLA for Cut Knife-Turtleford, was elected the same time as Cox and also rode into the sunset at the same time after nine years.

Don Buglas, member of North Battleford city council, retired from council after 17 years in office.

Kevin Steinborn also called it quits as member of North Battleford council, after serving one term.

Susan McLean Tady decided to retire from Battleford

town council in 2020 after serving three consecutive terms.

Gordon Yarde, whose time on council in Battleford spanned almost three decades, bid farewell in less-voluntary fashion. He was defeated in the municipal election.

Ryan Bater, after serving one term on North Battleford council and then one term as mayor, was defeated in 2020 in his bid for a second term as mayor.

Several members of the Living Sky School Board bid a fond farewell in 2020: Garth Link, Glenn Wouters, Ron Kowalchuk, Tracie Heintz and Todd Miller.

Hellos: Jeremy Cockrill, elected new MLA for the Battlefords in October.

Ryan Domotor, elected new MLA for Cut Knife-Turtleford in October.

David Gillan, elected Mayor of North Battleford.

Thomas ‘Bill’ Ironstand, elected to North Battleford council.

Ross MacAngus, elected to North Battleford council.

Alexis Christensen, elected to Battleford council.

New to Living Sky School Division board: Mary Linnell (Sub. 2), Nicole Kobelsky (Sub. 3), Bernadette

Heintz (Sub. 6), Rocky Omelchenko and Shaun Weber (North Battleford).

Welcome back!

Ames Leslie, acclaimed to a second term as mayor of Battleford.

David George, back on Battleford council following the 2020 election after sitting out the last term.

Larry Doke. His ‘retirement’ from politics was very short-lived, as he moved to the municipal scene as mayor of Metinota.

Gerry Ritz. The former Battlefords-Lloydminster MP is back in the game, this time as Reeve in the RM of Mervin.

Still here: Rosemarie Falk, MP for Battlefords-Lloydminster, picked up a new role in Parliament in 2020 as Seniors critic for the Conservatives.

Scott Moe, Premier of Saskatchewan and MLA for Rosthern-Shellbrook, is back after winning the 2020 provincial election.

Randy Weekes, returned as MLA for Biggar-Sask Valley, was recently elected the new Speaker of the Legislature. He has served in the Legislature for 21 years.

A heavy year of weather in Saskatchewan

By John Cairns Staff Reporter

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

There is one word to describe the year of weather in the Battlefords and across Saskatchewan in 2020: “Heavy.”

There was heavy rain, and also heavy snow at various times in the year.

The biggest rain event took place on July 7 and 8, when upwards of six and a half inches of rain fell on North Battleford.

A special meeting of council was called

so the city could apply for provincial disaster assistance funding to address the damage and flooding that rain event caused. Battleford also voted to apply for Provincial Disaster Assistance Program (PDAP) funding and both applications were soon approved by the province.

The town of Unity also applied for PDAP funding due to the July 8 rain. Meanwhile, the town of Macklin had to apply for PDAP funding

after major damage from another event: a wind and hail storm in early August that blew down trees and caused widespread property and roof damage.

It was also a year of major floods, particular in the North of Saskatchewan, due to the heavy rains seen in June and July. Ranchers north of Meadow Lake reported being hit hard in early July, while other parts of the North were reporting the worst flooding in 45 years.

In November, it

was extreme weather of a different kind that smashed Saskatchewan: heavy snow. A weekend blizzard that extended into municipal Election Day on Nov. 9 buried much of Saskatchewan under 30-50 cm of snow and brought out numerous “travel not recommended warnings.” The storm brought out comparisons to the infamous “blizzard of 2007” that also buried the province.

The blizzard created such havoc on the roads

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that it ended up cancelling the Battlefords North Stars’ home opener with Kindersley that weekend due to bad travel conditions.

There was so much snow to clean up afterwards that several communities ended up postponing their municipal elections.

Saskatoon’s municipal vote was delayed from Nov. 9 to 13, while Swift Current’s vote was delayed to Nov. 12.

Fortunately for the Battlefords, we weren’t

quite as hard hit as Saskatoon was, but they still had to deal with a major dumping of snow.

Crews were able to clear away enough snow for the local elections to go ahead on schedule, but their efforts didn’t stop on that date.

North Battleford crews were out on the roads clearing snow right through Nov. 11, pausing only during the 11 a.m. hour to remember those who had served before resuming their snow clearing duties.

BATTLEFORD FURNITURE

Present.......

W INNERS OF T HE SANTA’S SCAV ENGER HUNT 2020

Of Outdoor Christmas Decor

These 4 lucky people had so much fun driving around looking for the clues to the decorations listed bellow. They had to find a minimum of 10 addresses.

One of the winners found almost all!

Santa Candy Cane Wreath North Pole Sign Snowman Carolers Elf

Giant Present Angel Peace Sign Rudolph Spiral Tree Joy Sign Christmas Train

Disney Character Polar Bear Stocking Teddy Bear Snowflake Toy Soldier

Pointsettia Gingerbread Man Snowglobe Disney Character Mrs. Claus

3 Deer Sleigh Paw Patrol Snoopy Big Ornament

Thank you to all that entered. We hope that you enjoyed the beautifully decorated homes that we have throughout the Battlefords.

Our LUCKY WINNERS were randomly drawn at Battleford Furniture.

1ST PRIZE WINNER of $500.00 Gift Card to Battleford Furniture ADELINE STEBANUK

2ND PRIZE WINNER of $100.00 Cash SHELLY LEITE 3RD PRIZE WINNER of $100.00 Gift Card from Blend Restaurant & Bar KENDRA NELSON 4TH PRIZE WINNER of $50.00 in Co-op Gift Cards REA MEI POLICHUK

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

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The Battlefords, Thursday, January 7, 2021 - Page 13

Second Front

Arctic air to retreat, reload to start 2021

By Jake Sojda

AccuWeather Meteorologist

Forecasters say true Arctic air is nowhere to be found over the next couple of weeks in the central and eastern United States and Canada. However, polar chill may just be biding its time before unleashing a bitter blow.

“A very stormy pattern across the northern Pacific along with a strong area of high pressure over eastern Canada and Greenland, known as a ‘blocking high,’ will be the main drivers for weather across North America through early January,” explained AccuWeather Senior and Lead Long-Range Meteorologist Paul Pastelok.

“Relatively mild Pacific air will be directed across Canada and the northern tier of the U.S., preventing any intrusion of Arctic air.”

Much of the northern Plains, Great Lakes and Northeast will spend the majority of the week or so with temperatures around 5-10 degrees Fahrenheit above normal. For places like Fargo, North Dakota, this translates to high temperatures in the upper 20s to lower 30s F rather than normal highs in the upper teens.

Farther east, in places like Detroit or New York City, the effect will be felt more overnight rather than during the day. Daytime temperatures will still be slightly above normal on many days, but overnight low temperatures will remain several degrees above normal. North of the border, from the Canadian Prairies into Quebec, the warmth will be even more pronounced when compared to normal.

“Pacific air spreading across the country in the wintertime also leads to a bit more moisture in the air, which prevents nights from getting quite as cold,” Pastelok explained.

North of the border, from the Canadian Prairies into Quebec, the warmth will be even more pronounced when compared to normal.

“Many parts of central and eastern Canada will 10 to 20 degrees above normal over the next week or so,” said AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Brett Anderson. “Some parts

Accuweather graphic

of northern Quebec could even challenge or set alltime records for warmth in January.”

But while areas north escape the bitter cold for a while, farther south it will be a little different.

“This pattern will help to push storm systems farther south. So while much of the northern Plains into the Great Lakes remains drier and milder, the southern Plains and Southeast will still be relatively cool and more active.”

In the wake of a storm system that spread a slippery snowfall over the Midwest and Northeast this past weekend, cooler air will remain in place across the South. Later this week and into next weekend, the next couple of storm systems will develop, leading to a chilly rain and helping to keep things cooler across the region.

“The chilliest temperatures compared to normal will be closest to the central and eastern Gulf Coast, where many locales will average around 5 to perhaps 10 degrees below normal,” Pastelok said.

For much of the next week or so, Orlando will struggle to get out of the 60s for high temperatures, with lows in the 40s. Normal for early January is highs in the lower 70s and lows in the lower 50s. Farther north, in interior areas, Atlanta and Birmingham will remain closer to normal for January with highs ranging through the 50s and lows in the 30s.

Despite the lack of Arctic air, forecasters warn it still doesn’t mean there will be no chance for snow.

“Certainly the pattern will not be conducive the next couple of weeks for

large, blockbuster snowstorms that can bury communities like we saw later in December,” Anderson explained. “But as these storms come out of the Southeast they will tend to track up the mid-Atlantic coast, and, depending on specific strengths, tracks and timing, could still spread some accumulating snowfall across parts of the Northeast at times.”

North of the border, from the Canadian Prairies into Quebec, the warmth will be even more pronounced when compared to normal.

“Many parts of central and eastern Canada will 10 to 20 degrees above normal over the next week or so,” said AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Brett Anderson. “Some parts of northern Quebec could even challenge or set alltime records for warmth in January.”

But while areas north escape the bitter cold for a while, farther south it will be a little different.

“This pattern will help to push storm systems farther south. So while much of the northern Plains into the Great Lakes remains drier and milder, the southern Plains and Southeast will still be relatively cool and more active.”

In the wake of a storm system that spread a slippery snowfall over the Midwest and Northeast this past weekend, cooler air will remain in place across the South. Later this week and into next weekend, the next couple of storm systems will develop, leading to a chilly rain and helping to keep things cooler across the region.

“The chilliest temperatures compared to normal will be closest to the

central and eastern Gulf Coast, where many locales will average around 5 to perhaps 10 degrees below normal,” Pastelok said.

For much of the next week or so, Orlando will struggle to get out of the 60s for high temperatures, with lows in the 40s. Nor-

mal for early January is highs in the lower 70s and lows in the lower 50s. Farther north, in interior areas, Atlanta and Birmingham will remain closer to normal for January with highs ranging through the 50s and lows in the 30s.

Despite the lack of Arctic air, forecasters warn it still doesn’t mean there will be no chance for snow.

“Certainly the pattern will not be conducive the next couple of weeks for large, blockbuster snowstorms that can bury communities like we saw later in December,” Anderson explained. “But as these storms come out of the Southeast they will tend to track up the mid-Atlantic coast, and, depending on specific strengths, tracks and timing, could still spread some accumulating snowfall across parts of the Northeast at times.”

“Being generally more minor events, they could still catch some people off guard with some bouts of slippery travel and brief disruptions,” Anderson cautioned.

However, later in the month forecasters are warning all of this could take a drastic turn.

“Many of the chips are beginning to line up to suggest we will see a shift of the polar vortex and an Arctic invasion across the central and eastern U.S. and Canada toward the end of the month,” Pastelok warns.

“The pattern also looks favorable for the bitter Arctic blast to be ushered in by a big storm somewhere in the eastern U.S.” “Enjoy the ‘warmth’ while it lasts,” Anderson says, “because Old Man Winter is looking to return with a vengeance.”

Fun in the Backyard

This is a photo we received from Anastasja Makaji last week. She and her brother built this igloo for their backyard in North Battleford - a fine way to find something to do at home and have some fun this holiday season.

Note in the inset how they added a little colour to their project. Photos submitted

Page 14 - The Battlefords, Thursday, January 7, 2021

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OBITUARIES Dennis Michael Krill July 29, 1950 – December 19, 2020 It is with immense sorrow that we announce the passing of Dennis Krill, after a courageous battle with cancer. Born in North Battleford, SK to Nick and Minnie Krill. He will forever be lovingly remembered by his wife, Pam, daughters; Linsey (Mitch), Michelle (Logan) and grandchildren; Nick, Paige, Liam, Eva, Johnny and his fur grandchildren. A celebration of life for Dennis will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers please make donations to: Southern Alberta Myeloma Patient Society (SAMPS) southernalbertamyeloma.ca. Condolences can be left for the family at reddeerfuneralhome.com __________________________________________________ Melissa Hegedus 1981 – 2020 It is with great sadness that the family announce the passing of their beloved daughter, sister, and aunt, Melissa Sue Hegedus on Saturday, December 26, 2020. Melissa loved life, family, friends, and country music. She loved playing cards and receiving pictures and flowers. Melissa leaves to mourn her passing, her parents, Ken and Eva; her sisters, LeeAnn (Ron) Barber, Lindsay (Clint) Wright; her nieces, Dairien (Colton), Shae-Lynn (Nathan), Sierra, Destiny; and her nephew, Ashten; as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. She was predeceased by her grandparents, Edward and Margaret Hegedus, Hubert and Lucille Gareau. The family would like to thank the staff at Battlefords District Care Centre for her care and their compassion over the last nine years. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, 630 45 Street West #2, Saskatoon, SK S7L 5W9. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care of River Park Funeral Home, (306) 764-2727, Don Moriarty, Funeral Director. __________________________________________________

NOTICES / NOMINATIONS

BOYKO: It is with great sadness the family of Mrs. Helen Boyko announce her passing with family by her side Monday, December 21, 2020 at the age of 93 years.

A Private Family Service was held Saturday, January 2, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. A link to the live stream of the funeral service was posted on the Eternal Memories Facebook page. Helen is survived by her children: Marine Peterson, Joyce Peters, Marg (Gus) Peterson, Lil Holowaty (Gary), Elaine (Walter) Kowalyshyn, Gail (Tony) Korchinski, Peggie Mullie, Don Boyko (Janine), Randy (Margo) Boyko, Gary Drohomereski, Ronald Boyko and Lorri (Lyle) McConnell; sister, Florence Drohomereski; brother, Johnny (Verna) Kisielewski; sister-in-law, Mary Kisielewski; 25 grandchildren, 43 great-grandchildren, 6 great-greatgrandchildren. She was predeceased by her parents: Thomas and Annie Kisielewski; husband, John Boyko; sons: Johnny (Marlene), Kenneth and Russel; sons-in-law: Pete Peterson, Bernie Mullie; brothers-in-law: Peter Boyko, Emil Drohomereski; sisters: Mary (George) Ungareon, Stella (John) Olson, Polly (Ivor) Olson; brothers: Mike Kisielewski, Walter (Josie) Kisielewski and Alex Kisielewski. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in memory of Mrs. Helen Boyko can be directed to the Charity of the Donor’s Choice. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Trevor Watts of Eternal Memories Funeral Service & Crematorium.

Card Of Thanks The family of the late Helen Boyko would like to thank friends for the cards and flowers. Thank you to the staff of River Heights Lodge for taking good care of Mom, and making her time there enjoyable. Thank you to Trevor Watts and staff for your guidance and compassion during this time of need.

IN MEMORIAM

BELIEVE IT?

1962 – 2020

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

Cathy MacMillan Fitch August 12, 1942 January 1, 2020

Mom, It has been a year, still thinking of you and hurting but your words to me help me get through the day.

When you feel the sun on your face that is me kissing you.

When you feel the wind that is me hugging you.

When you hear the birds that’s me talking to you.

You are deeply missed Love Annie, Danny all our friends and family

TO BOOK CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING CALL

306-445-7261

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

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

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In Loving Memory of

Maurice Joseph Gratton August 3rd, 1934 - January 5th, 2020

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Carl Ronnie Daniels

It is with heavy hearts that the family of Carl Ronnie Daniels of Leoville, SK. Passed away on December 25, 2020 at the age of 58. Carl was born January 19, 1962 in Birch Hills. He entered the foster care system at a an early age and was placed at the farm of Oscar and Albina Larrivee north of Spiritwood. He had a good childhood with many friends and foster brothers to play with, and the farm to grow up on. He left school and ended up taking various jobs in carpentry. He then moved to Calgary to work for his foster sister Yvonne and her husband Gerry of Cameron Construction as a heavy equipment operator. Then back to Leoville where he got a job with Prairie North Construction doing what he loved best, building and remodeling houses. Carl will be sadly remembered by his very close brother Dale and his wife Doris of Chitek Lake and their children: Chelsea Daniels of Chitek Lake and Jolene and her husband Stan Blocka of Leoville and their children Harper, Kasen and Quinley. Also his remaining foster sisters Yvonne (Gerry) Cameron, Marie (Walter) Friedli, brother Omer Larrivee, sisterin-law Sharon Larrivee and their children. Carl will also be missed by special friend Sylvia Worden and her family of Little Pine first nation. Carl was predeceased by foster parents Oscar and Albina Larrivee, foster brothers Louis and Robert Larrivee, sister-in-law Susan Larrivee and niece Lori-Ann Cameron. A Private Graveside Service will be held at a later date. Friends so wishing can make donations to the Battleford’s Union Hospital Foundation, North Battleford, SK in memory of Carl Daniels.

Family and friends wishing to send online condolences are welcome to visit www.beaulacfuneralhome.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Beau “Lac” Funeral Home, Mark Muir, Funeral Director, Spiritwood, SK 306-883-3500.

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

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BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

APARTMENTS/CONDOS FOR SALE

Primrose Chateau Residents of Primrose Chateau continue living independently; doing the things they love, while we provide the support to make it possible.

During this time of isolation being in a safe environment with full services such as meals and social activities is very important for your health and well being.

Please call to discover how our home can become your home.

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NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

LAND FOR SALE

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

In the estate of Kenneth Victor Klassen, late of Glenbush, in the Province of Saskatchewan, deceased.

All claims against the above estate, duly verified by statutory declaration and with particulars and valuation of security held, if any, must be sent to the undersigned before January 29, 2021.

MENNONITE TRUST LTD., Executor PO Box 40 Waldheim, Saskatchewan S0K 4R0

The Battlefords, Thursday, January 7, 2021 - Page 15

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WANTED

WANTED

Saint Saviour’s Anglican Church, Lloydminster, Sask is seeking a PART-TIME RECTOR. Parish profile is on the ANiC website.

Please forward your resume by email to Bishop Trevor Walters at walters34@shaw.ca For further information contact: Carol Harbin at 306.825.2022 or email c.harbin@sasktel.net

ANNOUNCEMENTS

battlefords humane society

LUCKY BIRTHDAYS

How lucky is your birthday? Buy a ticket and find out.

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for more information and tickets. Lotto License SR19-3803 FEED & SEED

Deadline for submissions January 15, 2021 ANNOUNCEMENTS

I am currenlty PURCHASING single to large blocks of land.

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

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

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CAREER OPPORTUNITIES Seeking professional drivers with Class 1 – 5 license to transport RV’s throughout North America.

We have company driver spots available in Double Haul, Triple Haul and Semi fleets and O/O spots available in Single (1 ton) and Double Haul fleets. For more information on each fleet, please visit roadexservices.com. Subsidized health and dental insurance, monthly bonus available for company drivers. Must have valid passport and be able to cross the border. To apply please email resume and a current driver’s abstract to recruiting@roadexservices.com.

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

Clean drivers abstract a must.

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

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Labourers Wanted: Duties inc, in part: pressure washing heavy equipment, trucks and trailers. Cleaning shops. Assisting where required. Heavy lifting involved.

Mechanical aptitude an asset; must be safety conscious and able to work around heavy equipment.

Must have a clean driver’s abstract.

Position located in Arborfield, Sk. Camp accommodation provided if necessary.

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

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES LEGAL / PUBLIC NOTICES

Regional File: E3/5286

NOTICE Pursuant to

The Water Security Agency Act

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Notice is hereby given that in accordance with the provisions of The Water Security Agency Act and regulations, application and plans required by Section 61 of the said Act, were filed with the Water Security Agency at Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, by the undersigned, for approval to construct and operate works described as: Serafina Energy Ltd. has proposed to install an additional 16 water source wells and their ancillary works at the existing induced surface water infiltration wellfield along the north bank of the North Saskatchewan River at E 1/2 25 45-18 W3 and S 1/2 30- 45-17 W3. Serafina Energy Ltd. has requested an additional 1,830,000 cubic metres of water annually for a new total allocation of 5,490,000 cubic metres of water annually for Serafina Energy Ltd.’s Meota East and Meota Central SAGD projects (enhanced oil recovery).

Any person who objects to the granting of this approval may file a written statement, within 30 days from first publication of this notice, outlining the reasons for objection, to the Water Security Agency, Victoria Place, 111 Fairford Street East, Moose Jaw SK S6H 7X9 or comm@wsask.ca.

DO MEANINGFUL WORK

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Page 16 - The Battlefords, Thursday, January 7, 2021

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CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

North West College

North West College is Currently Accepting Applications for the Following Position: North Battleford: Human Resources Generalist Posting #56-OOS-2021

The out-of-scope Human Resources Generalist provides administration and technical support in such areas as recruiting, legislative compliance, employee relations, union relations, health & safety, human resources planning, performance management, professional development, compensation and benefits. The Human Resources Generalist contributes to the implementation of services, policies, and programs and assists College management with human resources issues.

This full-time position offers a competitive salary, and an excellent benefit package.

For a complete position profile visit www.northwestcollege.ca. Applications will be received until Friday, January 15, 2021 at noon.

Please forward resumes or applications to tanis.studney@northwestcollege.ca. Only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

www.northwestcollege.ca

Cell service improved for several small towns, six new towers added

By Brian Zinchuk

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter / Estevan Mercury

SaskTel announced on Jan. 4 that it has recently launched six new macro cell towers bringing 4G LTE wireless service to previously underserved rural parts of the province.

These new towers are located near the communities of Ebenezer, Gray, Jedburgh, Lajord, Pasqua, and Petrofka. In addition, SaskTel also upgraded the 4G LTE data capacity on

its towers serving 23 rural communities including Bengough, Cando, Climax, Dysart, Grenfell, Invermay, Kipling, La Rong, Lafleche, Langbank, Macklin, Moosomin, Preeceville, Rapid View, Shell Lake, Silver Lake, Silver Park, Spiritwood, Springside, St. Walburg, Wadena, Watrous and Wolseley.

“Our government understands how important communication services have become in the modern world, especially in rural and remote areas,” said Don Morgan, Minister Responsible for SaskTel, in a release. “Through the Wireless Saskatchewan initiative, and thanks to the efforts of SaskTel, we’re raising the level of connectivity in rural and remote parts of the province so that our residents are better equipped to compete and succeed in the modern world.”

“As illustrated by a recent report from the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC), Saskatchewan already has the best wireless coverage in Western Canada, with over 99 per cent of the population and 98 per cent of the major roadways and high-

ways being covered with LTE wireless service,” said Doug Burnett, SaskTel President and CEO. “And, with the addition of these new towers, wireless coverage in Saskatchewan is getting even better.”

These towers are part of the final phase of the Wireless Saskatchewan initiative, which will see SaskTel invest over $70 million to construct 74 macro cell towers in rural parts of the province. Once the final phase of the program is complete, SaskTel’s wireless network will grow to include more than 1,000 cell towers, over 700 of which being located in rural parts of the province.

SaskTel anticipates that all of the cell towers to be constructed as part of the Wireless Saskatchewan initiative will be complete by early Summer 2021.

Burnett said, “We’re firmly committed to be the best at connecting the people of Saskatchewan, and it’s this commitment that drives us to continue to invest in our networks so that our customers have access to the services they need to stay in touch with what matters most to them from almost anywhere in the province.”

Closing Out Sale

Starting January 8th, 2021 Please take this opportunity to use gift cards

Store Wide Savings* *Excluding Blundstone

Hours 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. • Monday - Saturday Curb side pick-up and free delivery within the Battlefords 1221 101st Street North Battleford • 306-445-7275 COVID restrictions will be followed.

It has been a tough decision and with a heavy heart that I have decided to close the store.

I would like to thank the community for their decades of support as I now look forward to the next chapter.

Many of our staff and customers became valued friends and are just like family. My dad would have said “that was the best part” and I totally agree!

It has given us great pleasure to serve the Battlefords and Area for over 90 years.

On behalf of my family and the previous five generations of “CRAIG’s” owners...I truly thank you!!

- Janet

Regional News-Optimist

The Battlefords, Thursday, January 7, 2021 - Page 17

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Irate customer rips door off hinges after being told she must wear a face mask A customer at Biggar’s Main Street Market grocery store became so infuriated when she was told she had to wear a mask that she ripped the front door right off of its hinges.

Photo by Lisa Joy, Local Journalism Reporter / NewsOptimist

By Lisa Joy

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter / News-Optimist

Being forced to wear a face mask inside businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic is a polarizing issue across the province.

Some people are taking it with stride while others are getting downright irate. In fact, one customer at Biggar’s Main Street Market grocery store became so infuriated when she was told she had to

wear a mask that she ripped the front door right off of its hinges.

Biggar Main Street Market owner Shirley Kegler took the incident in stride – not even threatening to call the RCMP or filing a police report.

“It just pushed forward the (door’s) replacement,” the good-natured business owner said Monday afternoon in a matter-of-fact manner. “That was about it. It was an old

door. It was on its last legs.”

Kegler said she didn’t witness the incident but added that one of her customers saw the “door unhinging.”

“She was mad, swearing and cursing, saying she didn’t want to wear a mask and ripped off the door.”

The door was being replaced Monday afternoon and until its completion, customers were forced to come and go through the back door.

Snowmobiling and ice fishing fill holidays

By Lorna Pearson Correspondent

There’s not much to report in the way of traveller news. The main activity around the area right now is the snowmobilers enjoying the nice weather. You often see three or four travelling together and sometimes a dozen or more. It looks like a great sport.

In the north country the trails through the forest and lakes are very different than the open spaces down here. The other busy activity is on the lake. There are more than 30 fish shacks out there. They are near enough to shore to watch the action. The view is

M

eota News

better with field glasses, of course. This is a great family sport during the holidays.

There is ice in the skating rink and open to anyone wanting to get out and skate, with no fixed schedule. Again this is so great with the nice days we are enjoying, The lights are on from 5:30 to 10 p.m. daily.

There is ice in the curling rink also but with the regulations in place it is not being used. Curlers are hop-

ing that on Jan. 15, when regulations are updated, they are able to use it.

The new hours at the village office are Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Special birthday greetings to one special lady in Harwood Manor, Helen Munn, on reaching her 100th birthday Jan. 2. The staff and family arranged a nice afternoon in her honour, with music and all, in the dining room.

To register for the Edam Snowmobile Rally Jan. 9 call 306-441-5704.

Time and good friends are two things that become more valuable the older we get.

More than 30 ice-fishing shacks are installed on Jackfish Lake, near Meota.

Photo by Lorna Pearson

Did you celebrate Three Kings Day? Many people believe that the holiday festivities come to a close after ringing in the new year, but in fact, for the faithful, the Christmas season does not end until Jan. 6 (Jan. 12 in Eastern churches).

Jan. 6 marks the celebration of the Epiphany, sometimes referred to as Three Kings Day, Little Christmas, the Baptism of Jesus, and Día de los Reyes. The Epiphany is celebrated 12 days after Dec. 25. In fact, that is where the phrase the Twelve Days of Christmas, and the song of the same name, originated.

Christians believe that the real celebration of the holiday season does not begin until Dec. 24 and then continues through Three Kings Day. While the four weeks preceding Christmas, also known as Advent, are supposed to be times of reflection and prayer in anticipation of the birth of Jesus Christ, the 12 days of Christmas are times of great celebration.

On the Epiphany, children may leave their shoes out for presents in a similar fashion to the way stockings are hung. Gifts are exchanged, reminiscent of the three gifts the magi presented to the Christ child of gold, frankincense oil and a resin called myrrh.

The gold represented

Christ’s royal standing.

The frankincense marked Christ’s divine birth.

Finally, the myrrh stood for Christ’s mortality.

Many celebrants will bake ring-shaped cakes in which they will hide plastic baby figurines that are meant to symbolize Jesus Christ. The cake is called The Kings Ring, or

Rosca de Reyes.

In Latin America, the three magi are more prominent figures than Santa Claus and are greatly revered by children and adults alike. Until the 19th century, the Epiphany may have been considered more important than Christmas day. However, those tides have largely shifted outside

of Latin America and areas dominated by large populations of people who have Latin American heritage.

Christmas and New Year’s garner considerable attention during holiday celebrations, but Three Kings Day also is an important date on the calendar for faithful Christians.

Page 18 - The Battlefords, Thursday, January 7, 2021

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I am putting getting better to the test in 2021 Ed, my old neighbour in Saskatchewan, scoffed at my plans for improved health in this new year. I am planning to become 44 per cent improved in my memory, concentration and focus. Ed, in obvious doubt, asked me, “What does your wife think about that?” I had to admit she also is skeptical.

My life is filled with scoffers and doubters.

Why wouldn’t I have confidence in tablets that have been clinically tested? In the clinical tests, adults taking the pills improved their memory, concentration, and focus by 44 per cent compared to the placebo group. I know both the wife and Ed will feel impressed when I’m able

N

eighbourly Advice

According to Ed

By Raymond Maher

www.accordingtoed.com

revraymaher@accesscomm.ca to come up with names and facts with the authority of a know-it-all who is as sharp as a tack. Even Ed admitted that it would be a nice change.

I told Ed that along with a tablet a day to keep me focused with a good memory, I will add a soft gel. The soft gel will reduce my appetite, bal-

ance my blood sugar and maintain healthy cholesterol. This pill promises that it will have me feeling full, so that means I will stop snacking. I will lose weight and become thin like I was in my youth. Ed did not comment about the soft gel, which doesn’t come with a clinically proven seal. He suggested

next Christmas; my family can give me pills for Christmas or the fountain of youth for sale on swampland in Florida. I stopped telling him about my improved health plans.

Good health is an excellent gift that may not remain permanently. Since Adam and Eve, people have suffered from varying degrees of sickness, pain and the finality of death. God works through doctors and medicine and treatments to help the sick.

Sometimes we forget that health and healing are gifts of God, not merely from the health-care system, science and research.

A pandemic reminds us good health can be beyond us and our best health-

care efforts are never the full answer. Sickness, suffering and death will not be eradicated from this side of heaven.

The Bible tells of a woman who had been subject to bleeding for 12 years. It says, “She had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had, yet instead of getting better she grew worse.” (Mark 5:26) A huge crowd was following and pressing around Jesus as he was on his way to Jairus’ house to heal his dying daughter.

“When the woman heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak.

Immediately her bleeding

stopped, and she felt in her body that she was free from her suffering.” (Mark 5:27, 29). The woman had touched Jesus, thinking that if she just touched his clothes, she would be healed, and her healing occurred as she thought it would.

Jesus realized power had gone out from him and turned around and asked, “Who touched my clothes?” The woman came forward and confessed it was she who had touched his clothes. Jesus encouraged the woman to go in peace, free from her suffering. God restores the sick and dying on his own and through health-care workers and medicine.

Praise God!

Worship Together Spend some quality family time together. Worship at the church of your choice.

Our community has a number of churches and a variety of denominations for you & your family.

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

TerriTorial Drive alliance church

306-446-1695

PASTOR: Rev. Phinh Do

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

St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church

ANGLICAN PARISH Rev. Trevor Malyon

1401 - 98th Street, North Battleford, SK

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

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

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

Contact: 306 445 4155 stpaulnb@sasktel.net

306-445-5901

Reverend George Yando Sunday Services 10:30 AM Everyone Welcome

PRE-REGISTER

Hope Mennonite Fellowship

Battlefords Grace Community Church

1291 - 109th Street, North Battleford

SUNDAY - 11:00 a.m.

Worship Service

Pastor: Bill Hall

191 - 24th Street W., Battleford, Sk. 306-937-7575

WORSHIP SERVICES - 11 a.m. Sunday

Church Phone 306-445-4181

Everyone Welcome

Living Water Ministry

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

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

Dec. 24-6:00 p.m. Dec. 27-10:00 a.m. Jan. 1-2:00 p.m.

Sundays in Jan. 2021 4:00 p.m. Wed. Jan. 6 - 6:00 p.m.

COVID protocal in effect. Call Larry at 306-441-5325 to reister

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

306-937-3177 Rev. Gayle Wensley

SUNDAY SERVICES 11:00 a.m.

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

Battleford Legion Hall 7:00 p.m.

PASTOR - Rick Martin

Third Avenue United Church

ROMAN CATHOLIC ST. VITAL’S

Sunday Worship Services at 10:30 am

Saturday Evening Mass - 5:00 p.m.

Sunday Mass - 10:30 a.m.

Rev. Dexter van Dyke

Pre-registration required to register at

306-445-8171

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

Everyone Welcome

1371 - 103rd Street (Use East Door)

LIVING FAITH CHAPEL

1372 102nd St 306-445-3009

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

Phone: 306-285-3823 Contact: Don Retzlaff

Services: First & Third Sunday 10:30 a.m.

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

Sunday Services 10:30 am Various Weekly Programs Pastor Casey Sitter www.livingfaithchapel.ca

Battlefords Seventh-Day Adventist Church

11 - 18th Street, Battleford, SK

Maidstone/Paynton United Church of Canada

Sunday Evening Service 7:00 p.m.

Bible Study Wednesday 7:30 p.m.

1702 - 106th Street, North Battleford

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

Pastor James Kwon

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

Phone 306-445-9096

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

Worship Service - 11:00 a.m.

Regional News-Optimist

The Battlefords, Thursday, January 7, 2021 - Page 19

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

Professional Directory

AGRICULTURE PARTS

ELECTRIC CONTRACTOR

Bob Frolek's

Ag Services • Solar • Residential Commercial • Maintenance

AGRA PARTS PLUS WRECKING

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

DEADLINE FOR THURSDAY EDITION IS MONDAY BY 4:00 PM

GENERAL CONTRACTOR

Derrick Shynkaruk General Contractor

• New Construction • Renovations

306-445-6769

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

CONSTRUCTION

ET YOUR Co-Jack Construction USINESS Established in 1996 Complete Building Renovations ROWING! Brad Pearson

Box 5 Medstead, SK S0M 1W0

Look for the RIGHT business for the JOB

Owner co-jack@sasktel.net

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

Kevin Ryhorchuk

306-441-8727

306.441.1980 306.445.3144

djshynkaruk@gmail.com

GENERAL CONTRACTOR

To Book FIND OUT HOW TO REACH Your Space Now Over 26,000 readers Jeff Schommer plus 99,152 306-481-4892 unique visitors online schommshandymanrenos@yahoo.com

a "To-Do" List?

FORWeHave ONLY $39 Will Take Care /week of it!

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306.445.7261 ask for Candace

Appreciating Mother Nature’s gift of a warm January

By Elaine Woloshyn Correspondent

Isn’t it nice to wake up to warm January weather?

Mother Nature sure is treating prairie folks well.

Enjoy this while we can.

Ukrainian Christmas is around the corner and good wishes to all those of that culture. Not many of them observe the traditional 12 dishes on Christmas Eve. Ukrainians first arrived on

the prairies near Yorkton approximately 100 years ago and remain an innovative and hardworking people.

In the near feature, I hope to travel to where citizens would be wishing

everyone “Feliz Navidad.”

Here is a recap of COVID-19 in Mayfair. In mid-March Canadian citizens were advised to be careful. Those away for the 2019-20 winter were urged to hustle back over the border. Most heeded the government, but friends from Creighton, Man. stayed in Yuma, Ariz. until the end of April and re-entered the country no problem.

Mayfair is home to

many community events and initiatives that were affected by the pandemic.

These include three craft and farmers markets, usually at the end of May, September and the last Sunday in November, hosted by Creative Corner. There is coffee time once a week at the local library Tuesdays from 2 to 3:30 p.m. There is usually a Catholic fall supper at the beginning of November, local senior

birthday gatherings in the hall and finally Old Mills Players live theatre in February, which draws large crowds to Friday and Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon performances.

These three shows always feature a meal prior to the live comedies. February 2021 will not see live theatre, but the Old Mill Players vow to be back in 2022.

For a small hamlet, population 32, Mayfair is still

on the map on Highways 324 and 378.

Let’s hope 2021 will see the end of COVID, so life can normalize, making rural life a little less lonely.

How many of us are going away for medical reasons or on a winter holiday to a foreign country, providing we self quarantine upon arrival? Good luck to all leaving Canada fro warmer weather and please stay COVID free.

Cross-country ski trail set at golf course

By Sherri Solomko Correspondent

We are into 2021 and what it will bring is anyone’s guess. My best suggestion is to hope for the best and believe in everyone working to make this world a better place, including yourself.

A new cross-country ski trail has been created at the Unity golf course. Wilson Hill is still the go-to toboggan spot and the outdoor rink is operating, meaning you have some options to take advantage of the great outdoors. Mother Nature has certainly helped aid in this with the nice weather she has been delivering.

The rink has seen the limited practices taking place, as well as public skate and shinny times.

Both the hockey and curling sides of the arena await further updates next week from the government on how, when and if there will be continued seasons.

Because we all have more time on our hands, we have been able to see the

U

nity News

transformation the exterior of our arena is undergoing.

It won’t be an immediate noticeable change, but it is certainly a welcome one.

The Richardson Outdoor Recreation Park has seen action throughout winter.

Thank you to those who keep the walking paths clear, as they are being used this winter and residents are thankful for one ice-free space for walking.

School is back in session and we hope and ask for vigilance from the community to keep our staff and students in school. If there is anything that needs to continue during the pandemic, it is education, which not only builds the mind but keeps it healthy.

While our seniors’ centres expressed much thanks for all the kind gestures including loads of

mail coming their way, we need to remember to continue these gestures until the current restrictions are eased. Drop a card or letter in the mail, make sure to wave as you walk by or give a call to someone you may know in one of these places.

Please check in with your community churches on their worship schedules, as some are strictly online while others need parishioners to book in to attend in-person service. Thank you to clergy who have had some added work load trying to accommodate both in-person and online services.

As this January evolves and we know it will be definitely slower than other years without the hockey tournaments, curling bonspiels, restart of all clubs and activities. We can use this time to catch up on the home to-do list, or take time to learn a new project or craft.

Merry Christmas to my Ukrainian friends and relatives.

A new cross-country ski trail has now been prepared at the Unity golf course, thanks to Bud Wiekly from Atton’s Lake. As the pandemic continues people are looking for new opportunities to enjoy activity and the outdoors and this offers yet another option. Photo submitted

For the first time in 25 years we didn’t get to celebrate Christmas with our daughter in person so we are once again grateful for technology, as it kept us as connected as we could be over the holidays. Not being able to take her out for traditional birthday supper on or around Jan. 4 was

also odd, but again, we relied on Zoom and Facetime to help get us through these unusual times.

Here’s hoping everyone did what they should and could over the holidays and we won’t see a spike in cases once again. Stay the course folks, as with vaccines finally rolling out we

should be seeing a finish line sometime this year.

This is a little shorter than the columns you may be used to, but as January evolves I know there will be more to share. Remember, keep distancing, masking up and taking care of yourself and your loved ones. Until next time ...

Page 20 - The Battlefords, Thursday, January 7, 2021

VOICE OF

Regional News-Optimist

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BUSINESS

STRENGTHENING BUSINESS

Phone: 306-445-6226 Find us on Facebook www.battlefordschamber.com P.O. Box 1000 North Battleford SK S9A 3E6

CONNECTING MEMBERS IN 2020

114th Annual Chair’s Banquet:

ANNUAL REPORT 2020 Year in Review

ADVOCACY AT WORK The Business of COVID-19

January 23rd, 2020 @ Dekker Centre for the Performing Arts Induction of Chair – Harris Sutherland, Gold Eagle Casino Guest Speaker: Zane Hansen, President & CEO – SIGA

The Power Hour: A Chat with our Elected Leaders March 6th, 2020 @ Western Development Museum Guests: Rosemarie Falk, M.P. Battlefords Lloydminster Herb Cox, MLA Battlefords Tanya Aguilar-Antiman, Chief, Mosquito Grizzly Bear’s Head, Lean Man First Nation Wayne Semaganis, Chief, Little Pine Cree Nation Ryan Bater, Mayor, City of North Battleford Ames Leslie, Mayor, Town of Battleford

All Candidates Forum – Provincial

You’ll recall that we thought 2019 was a “Fast and Furious” kind of year! Wow! 2020 has far exceeded that and more! Many will be glad to see 2020 come to an end.

(recorded for viewing on Access Communications, Action Now) October 18th, 2020 @ Western Development Museum Guests: Jeremy Cockrill, Saskatchewan Party Amber Stewart, New Democratic Party of Saskatchewan, Harry Zamonski, Progressive Conservative Party of Saskatchewan

From a Chamber perspective, it too has been a year like no other. Advocacy for business has been (and still is) in over-drive at all levels of government, and the Chamber has been there for you throughout this pandemic. Advocacy Updates, news and information bulletins, websites with business resources, and program supports or direction on accessing information. The course of many government support programs has been shaped or driven by business and the Chamber movement has been the leader throughout. We have appreciated our many conversations with members this year.

Municipal Election, Mayoral Candidates Forum – City of North Battleford (Facebook Live, and recorded for viewing on Access Communications, Action Now) October 27th, 2020 @ Western Development Museum Guests: Candidates – Ryan Bater, David Gillan, Lois Laing

27th Annual BBEX Awards: BBEX Goes To The Movies

The Chamber network in Canada (Canadian Chamber of Commerce, Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce, and Battlefords Chamber of Commerce) has been the prominent business “voice” at the COVID-19 tables, discussing with government not only the measures to react to the pandemic, but to push for a planning phase to ensure a solid business led recovery post-pandemic. The “voice” at the national level has been an all encompassing effort in so many areas, and in all aspects of the business response.

Battlefords Chamber of Commerce has been a resource to members and business organizations, who were seeking support and communications during the confusion and the unknown in the early days of the pandemic. Then as we moved into the summer, with most of the initial government programs announced and enacted, we moved into the planning and advocacy roll to ensure business “voices” were at the table, on issues like supply chain integrity, implementation of new taxes (advocating for no new tax increases) and looking forward at business in this new reality. With the changing of fall and into winter, and increased cases of COVID-19, it has been a shift back into advocacy overdrive, as much needs to be done to keep local businesses operating, providing information on new and changing support programs, and assisting members with questions and issues of the day.

COVID-19 has also impacted the Chamber itself as a business. We too saw a significant reduction in revenues as a result of cancelled or postponed events and advertising options nearly halted for a good chunk of the year. However, on the positive side, we have made the most significant investment in “Shop the Battlefords” programming across every media type and scope to ensure residents, local and regional, know that support for Battlefords businesses is what will see us through this period. We, like many of you, had to evaluate what if any government (taxpayer) supported programs we could partake of, or be involved with to continue the strong legacy of chamber of commerce advocacy and member supports in 2020.

So much of the Chamber’s success this year, is in large part thanks to you, the MEMBERS! Without you, we could not be here to support you and your business. Thank you for all you have done to keep the economy and the community of the Battlefords safe, healthy and strong!

News and Notes from the Chair Battlefords Chamber Chair Harris Sutherland has had the challenge of leadership in the most unique year, 2020. With so many events cancelled or postponed as a result of the pandemic, and changes in his own workplace, it has been a hectic time to say the least.

November 12th, 2020 @ Capitol Annex Theatres

5th year of Chamber on Tap events Held @ Porta Bella Restaurant & Bar Development Plans along Territorial Drive

February 6th, 2020

Project Team of Red Pheasant First Nation

September 3rd, 2020

Mental Health in the Diane Lauritzen, Program Director Workplace Child & Youth Services, SHA Jane Ziekle-deMontbrun, Executive Director, Canadian Mental Health Association, NB Branch

October 1st, 2020

Dr. M. Nsungu, Medical Health Officer for Northwest Region Sask. Health Authority

COVID-19, Where are we now?

November 5th, 2020

Ames Leslie, Mayor Town of Battleford Also, introducing MLA, Jeremy Cockrill

What’s Next for the Town of Battleford

2020 Events Cancelled or Postponed Due to COVID-19 • Post Budget Luncheon – with Finance Minister (March/April, 2020) • 7th Annual Chamber Business Golf Challenge (May, 2020) • Small Business Week Luncheon (October, 2020) • 4th Annual Holly & Heels – A Celebration of Women in Business (Dec., 2020) • Chamber on Tap (December, 2020) 5th in the 2020 Series.

Once March hit, his priority was to ensure the Chamber continued to support member businesses and organizations, support “Shop the Battlefords” programs and initiatives and to be the strongest “voice of business” in advocacy at all levels of government. The Chamber has had a very strong presence in all of these areas. Thank you Harris, for all of your work and efforts.

Indigenous Engagement Charter Signing In January, 2020, the Battlefords Chamber signed an Indigenous Engagement Charter at a signing ceremony in Saskatoon, with the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce.

The Charter serves as a roadmap to provide businesses with the tools to achieve engagement and assists the business community in demonstrating the role it must play in reconciliation.

“BBEX GOES TO THE MOVIES”

“Outstanding – most creative event the Chamber has done”; “Amazing”; “Fantastic”.

AARON CADRIN

306.446.8080 aaron.cadrin@sunlife.com 1512-100 Street North Battleford, SK

Considering the challenges of 2020, the Chamber together with the BBEX Awards committee made a change to the annual BBEX Awards celebration for 2020.

Resilience and community support are at the heart of the Battlefords and were celebrated at the 2020 BBEX Awards. Seven awards were presented in 4 categories that included: Applauding Battlefords ........................................................................ Business Resilience Recognizing the way Battlefords businesses provided ............................. Community Support Celebrating businesses and individuals that became the Battlefords ......... Everyday Heroes Heather Guthrie Customer Service Star Award ...................................... Customer Service Award Recipients included: Everyday Heroes: ............................................Discovery Co-operative Ltd. Business Resilience – NonProfit:........................Battlefords Interval House Community Support – NonProfit: ......................Battlefords United Way Heather Guthrie Customer Service Star Award (Individual/Employee):...................Chad Gartner, Innovation Credit Union Community Support – Business:........................Comfort Inn & Suites Heather Guthrie Customer Service Star Award (Business Owner/Entrepreneur): .....L. Tayer & C. Barrinuevo, Cafe 4 U Business Resilience – Business: .........................Blend Restaurant & Bar

FOR FIRMS WITH 1-50 EMPLOYEES Insurance for small business that’s anything but small

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