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Thursday, July 15, 2021
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Scaled-down Ag. Society events include parade, midway
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CHEST FREEZERS BATTLEFORD Cash & Carry
“Where difference isthe worth “Where the the difference is worth drive”the
Water Heaters
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Walk of Support
Demo derby in Sept. By John Cairns Staff Reporter
It may not be the full Northwest Territorial Days that people are used to, but the Battlefords Ag Society is a go for a number of events in mid-August. The bulk will happen at the time usually scheduled for Northwest Territorial Days, but Ag Society manager Jocelyn Ritchie is careful to say it will not be a full fair event. “We don’t want people to think it’s a fair because it’s not,” said Ritchie. Nevertheless, there will be a parade and midway rides in mid-August, while the demolition derby has been pushed back to September as a stand-alone event. The Ag Society had seen a number of challenges in securing a midway for this summer. Their regular supplier, West Coast Amusements, was unavailable due to COVID-19 restrictions and staffing issues. It was initially thought
there would be no midway available. However, the Ag Society never gave up and have been successful in securing an alternative supplier. The midway is being provided by Wild Rose Shows out of Alberta. Ritchie said it is a smaller scale company than West Coast Amusements, but they are able to provide some rides, games and fair food from Aug. 19 to 21. Admission for those three days is free, but ride bracelets will be on sale soon. Presale ride bracelets will be sold for $37 at the Ag Society or online. The Ag Society is urging people check their website for more details. There are also plans to host a “fun horse day” on Aug. 21. Also, the annual Northwest Territorial Parade is confirmed as a go for Aug. 16, with this year’s theme being “The Great Outdoors.” The parade begins at 7 p.m. at Access Continued on Page 13
START YOUR SUMMER FUN WITH FLOORING AND BLINDS FROM CJV!
A drummer heads up the walkers are they arrived Sunday in North Battleford, the end of a three-day trek in support of the family and friends of missing women Ashley Morin and Meghan Gallagher. See the story and more photos inside. Photo by Averil Hall
Dillon evacuees staying in N.B. By John Cairns Staff Reporter
The wildfire situation in northern Saskatchewan continues to be a concern, with some fires prompting evacuations in areas of the province. A total of 31 people from the Dillon area, impacted by the blaze known as the Lock fire, have been evacuated to North Battleford as of Monday. According to Joan Hrycyk, Director of Emergency, Crisis Support with the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency, they are working with the commu-
nities and with Meadow Lake Tribal Council to provide emergency accommodation, food and other necessities. The Dillon evacuees in North Battleford are all staying at one location, and Hrycyk said they are being provided “shelter, food, support services, we have health on site daily to make sure everybody is being cared for and all their needs are being met there at that location.” The name of the location has not been released by officials at this time. On another note, pets of the evacuees are be-
ing well cared for. Hrycyk confirms that there are evacuees who have brought their pets, and they are making accommodations for their pets to be on site with them as well. The Battlefords Humane Society has stated on Facebook that it has been asked to help with pets coming in with their families from Dillon. They stated on Facebook they will be providing a “safe haven” for these animals until they return home. As well, they have issued a call for foster homes and any other do-
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Battleford Agency Tribal Chiefs
The Carpet People
2741-99 Street 306.445.1221 North Battleford th
Tuesdays and Thursdays we are at BCS 9-10:30, Bready 10:45-12:00, McKitrick 12:45-2:15, Connaught 2:30-4:00. Wednesdays at Lawrence 9:00-10:30. Stop by for half an hour for some fun and take home some books to read!
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nations, as they are hoping to do this without charging a fee to families. In addition to North Battleford, evacuees are being supported in Lloydminster as well. The Public Safety Agency has also coordinated buses to Southend to help with evacuations there. At a conference call of reporters on Monday morning, Steve Roberts of the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency reported there were 91 active fires in the province, for a total of 312 fires this year. That is more than 100 fires Continued on Page 5