Regional News-Optimist June 25, 2020

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FURNITURE City steps up blue bin enforcement crackdown “Where the difference is worth the drive” “Where the difference is worth the drive”

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At the top of this cheerleading formation is Jenae Knot, a 2020 graduate and a member of Cheer Legacy of North Battleford.

Supporting her are fellow grads and Cheer Legacy members Julia Marjoram on the left and Kjersti Graupe on the right.

Barely visible in red and black plaid is Celeste Swanson, who will be a graduate in 2021. This small-scale “Graduation Party” was a great reason to don the dresses and celebrate with best friends. To find out more about why these grads chose to celebrate this way and how the sport of cheerleading has helped them make career choices, see our Sports Page for regular column Words of Cheer

by Rhea Good.

Photo submitted

by Jenae Knot

‘This is not about a cash grab’: mayor

By John Cairns Staff Reporter

North Battleford City Hall has declared war on placing unacceptable items in the recycling bins.

The city has been mounting a public information campaign cracking down on items such as diapers, plastics, styrofoam, glass, grease, dirt, grass clippings and other items being placed in the blue recycling bins.

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An enforcement campaign has been going on this month. Fines start at $100 for the first offence, $200 for the second offence and $300 for a third offence, but infractions can jump to $5,000 per additional offence.

There has been some pushback. One local individual, Brock Youst, posted on Facebook after his blue bin was not picked up by the city. He said in a video that the City of North Battleford was planning to send him a $100 fine in the mail after he had put a plastic pipe in his blue bin, mistakenly thinking it would be accepted as recyclable. It turned out to be a disallowed item.

“Heads up people, The City of NB ain’t “cracking down”, they’re going corrupt and crazy! between the ridiculous price of property taxes, already high utility bills, “CSO’s” always flexing their muscles and ticketing for the hell of it (haven’t got a parking ticket on my street for awhile luckily) etc etc, I think it’s time for me to rethink living in town lol. It’s far more then the

$100 bulls*** fine, it’s the “power and principal” behind it!”

The city, however, has been justifying the enforcement effort by saying they are trying to divert items away from the waste management facility. Officials have cited the cost of building a new cell at the facility, estimated at $2 million.

During his State of the City update held last Wednesday on the Zoom platform, Mayor Ryan Bater acknowledged that violations were being issued to individuals for not following the rules for the blue bins. Bater also made it known that the city was not targeting individuals in cases where there was some ambiguity, such as plastic garbage bags.

“This is not about a cash grab, this is not about generating revenue, this is about asset management and getting most life out of that cell as we possibly can,” said Bater.

He noted that when nonrecyclable items end up in the recycling bin, the items are considered spoiled and Contiued on Page 3

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The Battlefords, Thursday, June 25, 2020 - Page 3

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City steps up blue bin crackdown Continued from Page 1 it ends up being sent to the landfill instead, contributing to filling up the cell at a rate they are not comfortable with.

The enforcement effort began in early June.

At their meeting on June 8, administration reported that city staff had gone out the previous Tuesday, June 2, and Thursday, June 4, to inspect bins in the city.

Director of Finance Steve Brown had gone out on the June 2 inspection, while Fire Chief Lindsay Holm went out June 4.

They used a computer GIS program to log the locations where the infractions were found.

The inspections turned up some unusual items.

Brown noted items such as a lawn chair and a used grease container were found in the recycling bins on June 2.

Both Brown and Holm reported there had been overwhelming positive support expressed for the enforcement of the blue bins. “Lots of people came out and gave us a pat on the

back for doing it,” Brown said.

Holm said he experienced the same thing. He reported that they found 42 blue bins with contamination that particular Thursday.

Holm also noted most people were “doing very well” in following the rules. “People are trying to do what they are supposed to do,” said Holm. “But we still have some issues.”

Brown provided a further update at the Monday, June 22, meeting. In his report it was noted approximately 250 bylaw infraction tickets have been issued for such items as diapers, grass clippings, oil and other non-recyclable materials placed in recycle bins.

Approximately 5,300 properties with residential bins, or 4.7 per cent of the overall bins, received tickets, but Brown noted the vast majority, 95 per cent, are compliant and following the rules.

Brown also reported that as of June 26, all city residential recycle bins will

have been covered as least once. The plan is to go back at it again next week and to place new labels on bins as well as focus on other non-recyclable items such as plastic bags, chocolate bar wrappers and other grey recycling. Tickets will not be handed out initially, but staff will place orange education notices on bins identifying that these items were found. Tickets will still be issued for the grossly-negligent items such as diapers, compost and so on.

It was also noted there was vast improvement seen in the recycling loads sent to Loraas, with less contamination. There are plans to bring the manager for Loraas to a council meeting in July to provide an update on what they are seeing.

There was also discussion at council Monday about another issue raised in a letter from a local landlord, regarding contamination of blue bins at rental properties. The letter-writer had expressed concern that landlords

Director of Finance Steve Brown (bottom corner) updated North Battleford city council on the enforcement of recycling bins at Monday’s meeting. Screenshot

by John Cairns

were being held responsible for the actions of tenants placing unacceptable items in the bins.

“The city is not providing a business-friendly environment and causes victimizing of landlords by forcing landlords to pay cash for tenants intentionally contaminating the recycle bin without recourse.

Landlords are helpless to monitor what other folks put in their recycle bins and

privacy laws also prevent me from snooping through peoples recycle bins,” the correspondence stated.

In response, councillors requested to have some information brought back to council on multi family units where there might be three or four bins.

Councillor Len Taylor suggested finding out if it was possible to allow a multi family property to simply withdraw from the

program, because “a seriously contaminated blue bin can contaminate an entire truckload.”

Councillor Kevin Steinborn agreed with Taylor’s sentiments, and suggested replacing the blue bins with garbage bins because the items are “going to the landfill anyway.” City Manager Randy Patrick said he would bring back information at the next council meeting.

Planning underway for Nov. 9 civic vote

By John Cairns Staff Reporter

The City of North Battleford is well into its preparations for staging the municipal election on Nov. 9 of this year.

Council members discussed the plans at their meeting Monday.

There will be a number of changes to the election this year. Some are COVID-19 related, but other changes were in the works before the pandemic hit.

Highlights are as

follows: Under the Provincial Local Government Elections Act the election date has been changed from the fourth Wednesday in October to the second Wednesday in November.

Under the recent amendments to the Act, public disclosure statements must be included with nomination papers, and a candidate’s occupation is no longer a requirement on the nomination form.

The voter registration

will take place when voters attend the polls on Election Day, as has been the case before.

There is a mail-in ballot system in place and that will be in place this election.

There is one significanf change for this election, as there will be only one polling place and that will be the North Battleford Civic Centre.

The reason, said Director of Legislative Services Debbie Wohlberg, is to make it as easy as

possible to move voters through the polls as safely as possible, citing the COVID-19 restriction.

The Civic Centre was seen as a good location because it is a city-owned facility, has ample parking, and is designed so voters can progress through one entrance and go out the other.

Wohlberg also said the facility should be able to handle the number of election workers.

There will be advance polls set up, which will be

held following completion of the provincial election on Oct. 26. As well, there will be polls set up on hospitals and personal care facilities, with locations being River Heights Lodge, Harwood Manor, Villa Pascal, Caleb Village and Battlefords Union Hospital. Dates and times are still to be worked out. There is also the application for mobile polls.

This will also be the first election using automated vote counting machines, something council had

previously agreed to. In this process, voters go to the polling place, complete their registration, fill out a ballot, place it in a sleeve to maintain secrecy, and then the ballot is to be taken to the vote counting machine and entered into the machine to be counted.

At Monday’s meeting, council approved the election recommendations from administration and also passed a bylaw to provide for the use of an automated vote counting system at the election.

City moving away from odd-even watering schedule

By John Cairns Staff Reporter

North Battleford water users are catching a break this summer.

Council has passed a resolution to remove the bi-

weekly summer odd-even watering schedule, effective immediately.

The change was made on the recommendation of administration. One reason for the change is because it was confusing for city resi-

dents to figure out which days were the right ones for watering.

But the main reason is there is “no real requirement for it to be in place,” said City Manager Randy Patrick. The odd-even

schedule had been brought in for water conservation, but Patrick explained the city is producing enough water and has the capacity to allow this change.

This change is not expected to have an impact

on emergency situations where water would need to be conserved, as restrictions could still be imposed under the emergency bylaw.

Director of Utilities Stewart Schafer noted that

if emergency water-rationing orders were ever implemented, there would likely be wide compliance.

“It’s amazing how fast the people of North Battleford will listen and slow down their water usage.”

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Commentary

We need to restart our lives with care and planning

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.

It’s time for government officials to focus on helping old and vulnerable people re-integrate into mainstream society Rodney Clifton, Professor emeritus, University of Manitoba

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

No doubt many Canadians remember drinking from school water fountains long before students carried water bottles. When the school day began, some elementary students would rush to get a drink while the other children queued in an orderly fashion.

Learning about queuing culture was a major lesson for students in elementary school. There were, of course, different queues for different school activities. The big boy who pushed others out of the way at the fountain couldn’t push his weight around in English class or math class.

Mastering the rules for queuing was a necessary, but often harsh, lesson for young students. But it definitely helped children become mature adults.

The adult world is full of queues: waiting for a stop light to change, making an appointment at a dental office, lining up at the grocery checkout counter.

Over the last few months of the COVID-19 crisis, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, provincial premiers and health-care officials have made it clear that Canadians should stay home, physically isolating.

As a result, many Canadians have lost control over their lives. Increasingly, they feel helpless and demoralized because they can’t control where they go and who they see.

Social psychologists tell us that humans find the loss of personal control almost impossible to endure, especially when it’s forced. In attempting to deal with the pandemic, government officials have created rules that run counter to our nature, undermining the freedom we Canadians value.

As spring warms into summer, it’s increasingly difficult to force people to quarantine themselves.

Human nature rebels against this state-imposed demand.

People feel the need to visit garden centres, have coffee at a cafe or take their children to the playground.

When people begin feeling the warmth of the sun, they begin doing things that will challenge the state’s authority. Living in isolation and allowing the state to control one’s life is unnatural and anti-democratic. It can’t last forever.

So why didn’t government and health officials use a queuing strategy, something that every Canadian learned in elementary school, to better manage the process of Canadians re-entering mainstream society?

Within a month of ordering Canadians to quarantine themselves, officials knew that some people were at much higher risk than others. People under 20 had very low risk of getting sick, people between 20 and 65 had a risk that was about the same as getting the yearly flu, while older Canadians had a greatly increased risk.

Officials also knew that no matter what they did, some people in all age groups would die.

But even with this information, officials still

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demanded that all Canadians be quarantined unless they were providing essential services. Quarantining the nation, they said, would flatten the curve.

And so the curve has been flattened. What’s next?

The beginning of a pandemic is not the only time officials need to flatten the curve; the curve also needs to be flattened when Canadians begin rejoining society.

If the COVID-19 virus disappeared by the time people react against the imposed rules, then the curve would remain flat. But the virus is still here, so it’s possible that a large number of people could become infected and quickly overload the health-care system.

Surprisingly, government officials seem to have no plan for restarting the Canadian society except for allowing some business and services to reopen. It’s time for government officials to focus on helping old and vulnerable people re-integrate into mainstream society.

To do this, they should ask people, especially seniors and those with compromised immune systems, to choose a time for their re-entry. This would give Canadians a much-needed sense of control. In addition, it would give officials a way of managing the re-entry process.

Social psychologists know that some people would choose to re-enter within a month or two, while others would wait for five or six months. People are far more likely to act appropriately when they’re given real choices than when the government forces them to comply with seemingly unreasonable demands.

Queuing people is a simple and effective way of allowing them to control their lives while easing them back into society. The first couple of spots would be

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reserved for young people, those who aren’t likely to become sick, and by people who provide required services.

The remaining spots would be reserved for people over 65 and Canadians with compromised immune systems. Health officials can help manage the queuing so vulnerable people aren’t massed in one or two positions.

As this plan unfolds, government and health care officials receive information about the way the virus is affecting the people who have already re-entered society.

They can use this information to manage the process for the people waiting in line, speeding up or slowing down the re-entry rate so the health-care system doesn’t become overburdened.

Of course, Canadians need to prepare for some people becoming sick and dying. But this plan gives officials and citizens time to prepare.

This plan would flatten the curve by letting Canadians decide for themselves when they re-enter society, with health-care officials managing the process.

As spring warms into summer, if the re-entry process isn’t managed and too many vulnerable people re-enter at the same time, the health-care system could easily become overloaded.

Rodney A. Clifton is a professor emeritus at the University of Manitoba and a senior fellow at the Frontier Centre for Public Policy. His most recent book, edited with Mark DeWolf, is From Truth Comes Reconciliation: An Assessment of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Report. www.troymedia.com Gordon Brewerton Senior Group Publisher

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The family that slays together, stays together?

By Helen Row Toews Due to suspended or slowed production at meat processing plants lately, some people have resorted to butchering their own pork and beef.

I saw pictures of such an event on Facebook recently. These people had turned an unpleasant job into a family affair, and spent a productive day together as they cut and wrapped the meat and filed it away in freezers.

Perhaps the family that slays together, stays together. That’s a questionable variation on the other well-known phrase, but there may be a grain of truth in it. Who can say?

My husband, Tom, holds fond memories of times he and his mother slaughtered chickens.

“Okay Helen,” he pro-

tested, seeing that I copied down his precise words for posterity, “killing chickens didn’t exactly create fond memories.”

He went on to explain that, as a 10-year-old boy, he remembers his mother needing help with the miserable work, and he’d felt proud to be chosen. Even as a child he understood it

Commentary

Dammit Jim! Where’s the waiter?

The use of robots can make the restaurant sector more robust financially and more secure from a public health perspective

By Sylvain Charlebois, Professor Dalhousie University

Canada’s first serverfree restaurant has opened its doors in Toronto.

Box’d is a fully-automated restaurant designed for life during a global pandemic.

It’s an interesting concept but it makes you wonder what role humans can and should play in the food industry. Being aware of the new risks, we need to boldly move forward to navigate in the future.

To be clear, the food at Box’d is not made by

was a disagreeable business, but a necessity.

As is often the case with me, I, too, have a memory to share along this unusual theme.

It was the year 1982.

My pretty, young friend Deborah was close to being named Lloydminster Exhibition Queen.

The winner was chosen robots. Humans are in the kitchen but customers are expected to do the rest.

Someone greets you at the door and provides assistance if needed, but that’s about it.

Customers order food in advance using a mobile app or through a digital kiosk at the restaurant.

Customers then pick up their meals from a wall of shelves that divide the dining area from the kitchen, after being notified that their meals are ready.

So you can start your Star Trek jokes.

The menu is quite versatile and can satisfy any diet, from vegans to omnivores. Options include mixing a protein, such as chicken, kafta, steak or portobello mushrooms, with a combination of grains, such as couscous, rice and lentils, with salad and hummus.

Staffing expenses are

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solely on the number of tickets each girl sold for a car raffle, and she’d sold plenty. However, it was a lonely endeavor and, when she asked me to join her one day, I quickly agreed.

Soon we were traipsing along the streets of a nearby village, stopping at each door with a bright smile and a ticket book bulging with names.

After several hours though, we began dragging our feet, and when a kindly old lady threw wide her door and beckoned us inside to wait while she gathered her purse, we slid gratefully within.

It was as our eyes adjusted to the dim light that we saw them. A family of perhaps seven adults who turned as of one accord to stare unblinkingly at us hovering on a mat near

the door. Then, without comment or greeting, they turned their attention back to the matter at hand.

An imposing man, clearly the patriarch, rose slightly from his seat, and a sharp intake of breath could be heard from the assembled crowd as he raised a long, gleaming blade in the air, paused for a moment of contemplation, and then brought it down with force upon the snout of a dead hog that was lying, stiff and unyielding upon their mahogany coffee table.

WOW! “Would you like to sit down a minute?” the little old lady enquired worriedly. She had returned with the money, but was having trouble pressing it into our frozen hands, or in getting any response

from us at all.

“No, we’re fine,” my friend finally whispered, her gaze riveted on the swinish scene before us.

“Thank-you-and-goodbye.”

She ran the last few words together in an effort to leave hastily, but politely. We turned like automatons, our eyes glazed and protuberant, trying not to see the bloodthirsty group lean forward to better their view, as the man began sawing energetically at the carcass, slicing down through the jowls with a horrid crunch.

“Did that really happen?” Deborah muttered, once we’d climbed back into her car to recover.

But it had.

See, what did I tell you? The family that slays together, stays together.

focused on the kitchen. Patrons don’t need to worry about tipping or service being slower.

And, most importantly for the public, they don’t have to interact with a server who may have been in contact with dozens of people during a shift. That should bring piece of mind in a time of pandemic.

According to a recent poll released by Dalhousie University’s Agri-Food Analytics Lab, 52 per cent of Canadians don’t plan to visit a restaurant anytime soon as a result of COVID-19. That’s certainly an issue for the food service industry. So a server-less environment could make a difference for some.

Fixed costs would increase by using more robots but staff expenses

would also become more predictable. Absenteeism and behavioural challenges would be less of an issue. An owner could operate a restaurant 24 hours a day without increasing most costs except in the

kitchen.

More flexibility and less management creates a dreamworld for operators.

Expenses can also be amortized over time, which can Continued on Page 7

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Warrant for suspect in 800 block of 110th Street closed due to UPAR Todd Stone homicide Michael Jordan White has not been located in relation to the homicide of Todd Stone in North Battleford on May 13. As such, the Saskatchewanwide warrant has now been extended into a Canada-wide warrant for the arrest of Michael White.

White is charged with second-degree murder and should not be approached.

Michael Jordan White (1987-10-03) of Sweetgrass First Nation, is described as being 5’7” (173 cm), weighing approximately 180 lbs with brown eyes and brown hair. He may have also shaved his head and beard recently.

He may be in North Battleford, Lloydminster, Saskatoon or Edmonton areas, but this is not confirmed.

If you see White, contact your nearest police service or RCMP detachment immediately.

On Tuesday, May 12, at approximately 4:07 p.m., Battlefords RCMP received information from EMS that an adult

By John Cairns

and launched an investigation with the assistance of North Battleford Provincial General Investigative Section (GIS).

A forensic autopsy was completed on Tuesday, May 19, and Stone’s death was determined to be a homicide.

An arrest warrant was issued for Michael Jordan White.

Battlefords RCMP, the North Battleford Gang Task Force and the North Battleford Crime Reduction Team continue to focus their efforts on locating White.

Saskatchewan RCMP are looking to the public for any information about the incident that occurred on May 12, 2020, or the current whereabouts of Michael Jordan White to contact Battlefords RCMP at 306-446-1720 or their local police service. Information can also be submitted anonymously to Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or submitting a tip online at www.saskcrimestoppers. com.

The investigation is ongoing.

Michael Jordan White

male was located inside a residence with significant head trauma. The residence was located on the 800 block of 110th Street in the city of North Battleford.

Officers and EMS arrived on scene to find 38-year-old Todd Levi Stone unconscious. Stone was transported to hospital in Saskatoon for further medical treatment and was declared deceased on May 13.

That same day, police learned about an altercation between Stone and another adult male. Based on the new information, Saskatchewan RCMP Major Crimes Unit-North (MCU-N) deployed a team to North Battleford

Staff Reporter

The City of North Battleford is reporting that beginning Monday, June 22, the 800 block of 110th Street is being closed off due to Underground Pipes and Asphalt Replacement

Submitted Saskatchewan RCMP Traffic Services arrested two males for impaired driving during two local road safety initiatives on Saturday, June 20.

The first initiative included a focus on speeding vehicles and took place south of North Battleford on Highway 4. The second initiative was a stationary impaired driving checkpoint that took place north of North Battleford on Highway 4.

As a result of these two road safety initiatives;

bers Monday, town council voted in favour of putting candidates’ names on the ballot in random order.

There is a belief that, in council races where people must select multiple candidates, “the common voter just picks the

Staff Reporter

When voters in the town of Battleford vote in the municipal election on Nov. 9, the candidates will not be listed alphabetically.

At a meeting of mem-

By John Cairns Staff Reporter

first six every time,” said mayor Ames Leslie. The thinking is this would give those with last names from the first letters of the alphabet an unfair advantage.

There was little debate about the change, which passed easily.

Two projects within the City of North Battleford are among the first 55 projects approved by the province under the Municipal Economic Enhancement Program.

Moving ahead are the 100th Street Service Road Improvements for $607,472, and the Carlton Trail Intersection and Roadway Improvements for $1,650,433.

Those are included as approved projects under the $150 million in MEEP 2020 funding, which is

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“Through investments like the new MEEP, which focuses on municipal projects and initiatives which will help residents get back to work, Saskatchewan will recover from the devastating economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Government Relations Minister Lori Carr in a statement. “It is exciting to see communities taking advantage of this program by submitting a variety of projects that will improve their local infrastructure, capital assets to provide services, and ultimately strengthen their communities.”

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part of the Government of Saskatchewan’s $7.5 billion, two-year capital plan to stimulate the province’s economic recovery in the wake of COVID-19.

Among the other projects approved on Monday was $99,029 for the Town of St. Walburg water treatment plant upgrades.

The Town of Battleford has also applied for MEEP funding but were not included among the first batch of funding announcements on Monday.

The 55 projects announced Monday count to $7.4 million towards that $150 million amount.

TO ALL ADVERTISERS

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were issued to motorists during the checkpoint.

Saskatchewan RCMP Traffic Services will continue to work diligently to make our roads and communities safe.

RCMP say, “We need the public’s help to achieve this goal and we thank the public for their support and cooperation. We encourage anyone who witnesses impaired driving or aggressive driving to report it to their local RCMP detachment or 911.”

The RCMP acknowledge SGI for their partnership during this initiative.

NOTICE

YO ER

fords

· two males were arrested for impaired driving and will appear in Provincial Court in North Battleford on August 24, 2020; · 39 tickets were issued for speeding under the Traffic Safety Act; · 23 warnings were issued and · 5 vehicles were impounded.

Two additional drivers received roadside suspensions (one for alcohol impairment and the other for drug impairment). In total, approximately 175 Mandatory Approved Screening Device (ASD) demands

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Your curiosity fuels our commitment to keep you informed on local news, events and businesses.

Together, we make a community that’s connected every minute at newsoptimist.ca and every Thursday in your The Battlefords Regional NEWS-OPTIMIST

attle The B

throughout the city in 2020.

G&C Asphalt, a Division of N.P.A. Ltd., is doing the road portion of the contract for a price of $37,113.63, while Sanburn Construction Ltd. is doing the underground portion.

MEEP funding officially approved for NB projects

Battleford ballot to be in random order

By John Cairns

work.

This will be for the entire day every day for an undetermined amount of time, while roads and undergrounds work goes ahead on that street.

This is part of the multimillion-dollar UPAR work going ahead

Traffic initiatives net 39 speeding tickets on Hwy 4

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Serving the Battlefords since 1908

Friday June 26th at 2:00 p.m.

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Regional News-Optimist

The Battlefords, Thursday, June 25, 2020 - Page 7

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Chamber loses 2nd VP due to retirement Staff Reporter

The executive ranks at the Battlefords Chamber of Commerce got a bit of a shakeup last week due to a director resignation.

Vivian Whitecalf has resigned from the board and, by extension, from her role as second vice-chair on the executive.

The reason is due to her retirement from Battlefords Agency Tribal Chiefs.

Alexis Christensen, representing BATC, is being appointed to take her place on the board. As for the 2nd Vice-Chair role, that is currently vacant and it would be up to the board to select a replacement; that discussion will happen at their next meeting on Sept.

15.

In all, it was a routine directors meeting for the Battlefords Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday.

It was again held on the

Zoom platform and was their last board meeting before the summer break, though there are plans for the executive to meet during the summer.

The chamber is continuing to deal with the fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic. At the meeting, Chief Operating Officer Linda Machniak reported some challenges businesses have been facing during the re-opening. Machniak noted some of the personal services businesses were reporting that customers weren’t necessarily coming back now that they were open. As well, there were reports of employees who did not necessarily want to return to work because they were on the Canada Emergency Response Benefit. These were common themes across the province, she said.

Later in the meeting she pointed to another issue they were hearing about:

Commentary

Dammit Jim! Where’s the waiter?

Continued from Page 5 provide a significant fiscal boost to entrepreneurs.

So the pandemic makes the use of automation in the food industry more appealing.

COVID-19 amplified two challenges restaurant operators already faced before the pandemic.

The first is obtaining and retaining labour. Narrow profit margins are the second. It can be very difficult to think beyond a few days in this business since the competition is always stiff, no matter the location.

Dehumanizing the restaurant sector may also impact the kitchen. Some restaurants in Europe and Asia have automated their kitchens entirely. Most use vision-guided robots.

Using automation in food service has clear advantages. No need to worry as much about cleanliness and food safety. And it allows the ‘back of the house’ to be more consistent with quality, portions and design. These features are often problematic in food service.

Not all restaurant types are a natural fit for vision-guided robots. Fine and casual dining establishments may need some human touch. However, fast-food establishments may represent the optimal environment.

Robots replacing human jobs has naturally been a contentious issue within the workplace, especially in the food

industry, where most jobs are held by people who are socio-economically underprivileged.

However, amidst the global pandemic, there are calls for more risk mitigation through the use of technology.

Since we’re social creatures, the death of the server is highly unlikely.

But you can certainly see how the use of robots can make the sector more robust financially and more secure from a public health perspective.

There’s likely a sweet

that businesses in some locations were finding difficulties getting quotes for insurance. Members were urged to make the chamber aware of any business-related COVID-19 issues or concerns they were facing so that the chamber could advocate on their behalf.

From an events standpoint, the situation remains the same as last month. All Battlefords Chamber of Commerce events for the rest of the summer are cancelled or postponed due to public health restrictions, and the chamber is now focusing on potential fall events.

At this point, plans are still on for the Battlefords Business Excellence Awards, but the event is being pushed back from its usual date in early October. The chamber is now looking at holding that event on Nov. 10, but a venue was not yet determined. spot to be struck between using robotics and the role of humans where creativity is concerned. Using humans and robots together and allowing new ideas to merge with machines will make innovation more reliable and deterministic.

Tests and quick tweaks can easily be implemented. Having robots cover repetitive actions can also be a blessing for restaurateurs who are desperate for the time to apply their minds to new ideas.

It’s a model worth pursuing for some restaurant operators. But only time will tell if this is what Canadians want as an experience, post-pandemic.

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

of the Battlefords MARKETING YOUR PROPERTY TO THE WORLD

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Dorothy Lehman

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Location, Location-- close to the Comprehensive High School and city recreation facilities. This home having 2 plus 1 bedrooms has had a lot of TLC with a number of upgrades over the past 6 years including all main level windows, kitchen cabinets and contour tops, bath tub surround and fixtures, H/E furnace, water heater, back yard fencing on two sides, 14 x 16 deck, shingles (2yrs) insulation and vinyl siding. The dirt from the exterior concrete basement walls was removed, weeping tile placed next to the footings and the exterior concrete walls were water sealed and then backfilled. This home is move in ready, give us a call for a showing.

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Marlene Kotchorek

Nicole Lovell

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Shane Murdoch

Randall Cote

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641 99th Street, North Battleford

1772-110th Street, North Battleford

1262 113th Street, North Battleford 996 sq. ft.

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Check out this property with one of the most amazing views in North Battleford overlooking the river valley.This home offers a bright living room facing west to enjoy the prairie sunsets. Upstairs you will find a kitchen dining area, living room, a four piece bath, and two bedrooms.

The lower level offers a large rec room, four piece bath, and a large family room which could be made into two more bedrooms. The shingles, furnace, and central air have all been recently replaced. Outside offers a large yard with an attached garage and a deck overlooking the river valley. Call today for more info.

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2426 Buhler Avenue #406, North Battleford 1,443 sq. ft.

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Do not miss out on this great family home on a VLA lot on 113th Street.

The 54 x 210 foot lot has two double car garages. One measures 22 x 24 and the other 22 x 30. The house is just under 1000 square feet with two bedrooms, kitchen, large living/dining area, and a natural gas fireplace on the main floor. The lower level has a bedroom, office/den, family room, 2 piece bath, and new furnace. All appliances in this home are included.

Immediate possession is available.

SHANE MURDOCH/ELAINE ELDER MLS®SK809028 $165,000

2308 Henderson Dr, North Battleford 1,229 sq. ft.

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Stunning 2 Bed plus den, 2 bath condo in Territorial Estates! At 1443 sq ft, this bright and spacious south-facing unit features in-suite laundry, air conditioning, in-house heating. The kitchen is complete with a large pantry, stainless steel appliances, large central island with breakfast bar, open concept dining room and living room. The large Master suite includes a plenty of closet space and 3-piece ensuite bathroom. This suite includes two balconies set off of the living room and master bedroom. Amenities include exercise gym, common room, heated underground parking and elevator service. One underground parking stall and two storage areas are included with this condo.

SHANE MURDOCH/ELAINE ELDER MLS®SK800928 $360,795

1506 1st Avenue, Edam

1400 sq. ft.

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Stylish and affordable! This gorgeous open concept home in Fairview Heights features 1,229 sq feet, 4 bedrooms (laundry/craft room in lower level could be converted back to fifth bedroom) and 3 baths in total. Vaulted ceiling on the main floor kitchen, living room and dining room area gives the home a very spacious feel. Two gas fireplaces (one up and one down) keep the home cozy in the cooler months.

You will enjoy the large master suite complete with 3 piece ensuite and large closet. Direct access to the double attached, heated garage. The yard features UGSS, front and back and is mostly fenced. The garden boxes are great for growing a small garden and fruit trees and bushes for some fresh eating! All appliances are included. This home has it all, space, elegance and location. Come and see for yourself!

Located in Edam this 3 bedroom 2 bath mobile has had many renovations done over the last few years. Exterior has a new roof, windows, insulation, siding, fence and deck. Inside is all new flooring, drywall, paint, appliances and a new water heater.

The kitchen dining room is open and has garden doors out to the deck. Good size living room and as a bonus 2 bathrooms.

Double attached garage. Call today for more info!

RM of Medstead Farm Land

10321 Henderson Drive, North Battleford

MARLENE KOTCHOREK

SALE

Wally Lorenz

Brett Payne

Owner / Broker

LAK ‘SELL E P ER W RO IL PER L C TIE ON S O SID N T ER RA DE’

By John Cairns

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Acres: 157.00

Very good commercial building. Here is a 1320 sq. ft. building with endless opportunity. It is fully insulated and has natural gas heat.

There is one overhead heater and also one floor model. There is central air on the floor model. It comes with a 12x14 overhead door. It has 1 bathroom. It is situated on 2 lots for a total of 100x120 lot. Great opportunity in a good location. Sellers have already done a Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment on the property and it is on file.

SHAWNA SCHIRA-KROEKER

MLS®SK805597 $150,000 #304 2426 Buhler Avenue, North Battleford 1,174 sq. ft.

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KAYLA PETERSEN

1,375 sq. ft.

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Here is a gorgeous, executive and custom built home in the sought after area of Fairview Heights. This stunning & pristine home shows the pride in ownership everywhere you look. Walk into the extra large entrance area with tile flooring and a large coat closet, you will see that the main floor has an open concept, featuring a kitchen with an abundance of cherry alder cupboards and gorgeous black speckled granite counter tops and a good size island. There is a large living room with a gorgeous stone natural gas fireplace. There are 3 main floor bedrooms with a large en suite and walk in closet off the master.

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NICOLE LOVELL 306-753-7337

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2432 100th Street, North Battleford

1,450 sq. ft.

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Page 8 - The Battlefords, Thursday, June 25, 2020

Don Mitchell: A fiddle virtuoso I first met Don Mitchell at one of the weekly jam sessions and dances at the Pioneer Association Hall on Railway Avenue South in North Battleford.

Don had teamed up with Dick Scotton (a fine fiddle player in his own right) and the fiddle duo was giving the audience one tune after another. There wasn’t a tune that Don couldn’t play.

Don married Geraldine Heindel (nee Steward) on April 5, 1969. Don did not have any children but Geraldine had two daughters – the oldest is Pamela Heindel; the youngest is Shelda Saunders.

Don played music for over 70 years. During that time he was fortunate to have played with many fine individuals and groups.

The following documents Don’s musical journey – his extraordinary skill as a fiddle player, and on the saxophone, and the bands and musicians with whom he played: Don and a boy named Lew Bell teamed up. Don played fiddle; Lew played guitar. They were soon joined by Wayne Johnson who played accordion.

With a lot of practice, they got to be pretty good.

They called themselves the Silver String Trio and, in 1952, began to play for country dances in the area.

They were paid the princely sum of $5 each and $2 for gas. Lew had bought an electric guitar but most of the halls the boys played in had no power. So Lew took

Regional News-Optimist

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H

iebert on Heritage

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

Don Mitchell with his clarinet, saxophone and fiddle. Circa 2016. Photo submitted

the battery out of his car and presto! Instant power.

Often, there wasn’t enough power left in the battery after the dance to start the car. But there was always someone with a set of booster cables to help out.

After university, Don ended up in Swift Current in 1958 where he got to know Ken Horne who owned a music store. A friend, Al Wenzel, and Don frequented the store to visit and play music – Don on fiddle, Al on fiddle and Ken on piano.

On one occasion, Don and

20063ds0

Al decided to each buy a saxophone. Don went from “couldn’t play” to start but with practice became highly proficient. Months later, his friend, Ken, persuaded him to join the Reserve Army Band. The band’s main venue was military marches, which they played in concerts in Swift Current and surrounding communities.

After a number of years in Swift Current, Don moved back to Prince Albert and promptly got in touch with his old musical buddies – Lew Bell and

Wayne Johnson. Lew was tied up with the Cotton Pickers, but Wayne got Don to play fiddle in his band. Wayne played base guitar. In addition, Louis Braeten played accordion, Norm Samson played guitar and Marcel Krack played tenor banjo – a very talented group. The band played private clubs (Lions, Officers Mess, etc.) as well as community dances. The band was a hit.

After Don got married, he and his wife lived in Loon Lake where Don soon got to know local

musician Norm Friesen, an excellent base player who played in a Goodsoil dance band called Tony’s Polka Kings. The leader was accordion player Tony Feser. Don was invited to join. He counted this band experience as one of the best in his career.

In 1977, the Mitchells moved to Battleford. Tony moved to Lloydminster.

Don thought that was the end of playing in a band. But Tony thought otherwise.

Tony insisted they could still play. Importantly, Tony’s wife, Evelyn, took over on drums. But Norm Friesen decided to quit the band. Al Wenzel, who had transferred from Swift Current to North Battleford, joined the band. He played with them for the next seven years, and the band took on a new name – Westwinds.

When the Mitchells moved to Battleford, Lambert Woarms from St. Walburg played guitar with the band. He played with the band for a couple of years and the bowed out to start a family band.

In the meantime, Don got to know musicians in and around the Battlefords, including Jack Loughlin, an excellent guitar and piano player. He could

20064bs2

lay on the criticism of the band when he felt it was warranted.

They also made a cassette tape which sold well. When Jack quit the band, Tony found another good guitar player – Tom West, one of the best rhythm guitarists Don ever had the privilege of playing with. He was also a good singer, and a great band member. The band also acquired bass player, Sam Rolheiser, so they were set for the next few years.

The band usually played four sets from nine p.m. to one a.m with 10 minutes off between sets. Don would play sax for two sets and fiddle on the third. The band really came together during the last few years. They even had six or seven couples follow the band around from dance to dance.

Sadly, Tony died suddenly in November of 1985. Tony looked after all the bookings and the business side of things.

No one wanted to do the bookings so the band was reduced to playing 10 or 12 dances instead of the usual 30 to 40, and then the band folded. As a side comment, in 1986, Don had played with Tony for 15 years Continued on Page 9

Regional News-Optimist

Westwinds Band - top row - Don Mitchell, Al Wenzel, Jack Loughlin - front row - Tony Feser, Evylin Feser.

Circa 1982. Photo submitted

A fiddle virtuoso Continued from Page 8 Then opportunity came knocking. A concert band was being organized. No experience necessary. It was good music – difficult – from Broadway shows and movie scores. Don had to relearn to play by notes. At first Don struggled. Luckily, Willard Coates came to his rescue.

Willard made it seem so easy. Concerts were held at different venues,

The Battlefords, Thursday, June 25, 2020 - Page 9

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including the Third Avenue United Church, the Capitol Theatre, the Battleford United Church, the Saskatchewan Hospital and the new Dekker Centre. Don played altosax in the Concert Band (now the Senior Kinsmen Band) for a remarkable 31 years (1983 to 2014).

Back in 1977, when the Mitchells had moved to Battleford, they joined the Battleford United

Church Choir where Don got to know Bob Allan, a very good singer. The socializing was half the fun. Don and his wife also joined a community choir called the Chapel Community Singers. with Glen Goodman directing and Cathy Watson on piano.

Shortly thereafter, Don met Neil Smith who asked Don to join the Valleyview Fiddlers – three fiddles, piano, bass guitar, rhythm guitar and banjo. Don really enjoyed playing with this group. The Valleyview Fiddlers played for seniors and Pioneer Association dances. Of note, the Good Sam RV organization (members from all over Canada and even the United States) asked them to play for a big dance in the Battleford Arena. The music went over really well for at least 500 people.

That night they had Harold Anderson, Ross Currie, Neil Smith and Don on fiddle, Pat Smith on bass guitar, Edna Weum on rhythm guitar, Ann Hokeson (later replaced by Joan Harrison) on piano and Ted Glubrecht on banjo. What a night it was!

Every year, the Battleford Legion sponsored a fiddle jamboree at the Battleford Arena. Guest fiddlers were invited. The Valleyview Fiddlers always played for the big windup dance.

In later years, Don played with a smaller group called the Eagle Hills

“Music has been a large part of Don Mitchell’s life, whether it was playing fiddle, saxophone, clarinet or singing in the church choir. He has met many people and made many friends. Making music has been the most enjoyable time of his life.”

Band. The band played for seniors in extended home care and the Pioneer Association. When the band disbanded in 2016, all that was left were Don and Joan on piano.

Don entered a number of fiddle contests over the years – in Prince Albert, Lloydminster and North Battleford. Don won first place in 1996, 1999, 2000 and 2006. In the summer of 1997, Don attended the Emma Lake Fiddle Camp directed by Calvin Volrath (arguably the best fiddle player in the world). In the evening, the instructors would host a concert (great music) – Calvin Volrath, John Arcand, and Patt Kosturuk on fiddles, Trent Bruner on piano and Gord Fisch on guitar.

Don then competed in the Saskatchewan Provincial Fiddle Championships in Govan. Don walked away with second place in the Senior Division.

Sometime later, Gene Aulinger started an adult band program for anyone wanting to learn to play an instrument. Willard Coates and Don decided to learn clarinet and decided to join. They played concerts in the Kinsmen Band Hall.

In his later years, one of Don’s great accomplishments was playing with the Meota Hobby Band.

They practiced in the Meota Do Drop Inn. The band had three saxophones so Don brought his clarinet and fiddle. The band members also played keyboards, bass guitar, rhythm guitar, drums and harmonica.

Garnet Speer was a shining star. Not only was Garnet the leader of the band, he arranged all of the music for every band member (a tremendous amount of work). Don was of the opinion that Garnet was the best musician he had ever met. The Hobby Band played venues including the Western Development Museum, Agrivilla, seniors care homes and Meota.

The Student Beginners Band continued to be viable. Director Gene Aulinger asked Don, Garnet Speer and Bud Moar to help with young musicians who were bussed in. Practices were held on Wednesdays from noon to 1 p.m. The kids got personal instruction and it was truly amazing how quick they learned.

Don really enjoyed helping

these young people learn to play the saxophone.

Don also assisted Harold Anderson with a beginners fiddle program, which he had started at Lawrence School.

On May 3, 2009, Don and Garnet Speer were presented with the Don Krueger Memorial Award for outstanding commitment to the band.

Both Don and Garnet were recognized for their work with the young musicians group.

Don noted that music had been, and was, a large part of his life, whether it was playing fiddle, saxophone, clarinet or singing in the church choir. He met many people and made many friends.

Making music was the most enjoyable time of his life.

As for me, I have never met a musician with such extraordinary talent, and range of talent. He’s not getting any younger, but his skills do not appear to have diminished. He’s not done by a long shot. And, Don is a great personality.

I count it my good fortune to have got to know Don as a musician and I count him as a good friend.

On behalf of the Light of Christ Board of Education and Staff we would like to

Congratulate our 2020

lumen Christi award winners and our 2020 retirees!

tammy loeppky 2020 Lumen Christi Award - Staff

Judith liebaert 2020 Lumen Christ Award - Friend

RetiRees

Carol Zurevinski Teacher Holy Family School

laurie DeMontigny Library Tech Notre Dame

Jerry Duchscher Caretaker Notre Dame

eileen oborowsky John Paul II Educational Assistant

Page 10 - The Battlefords, Thursday, June 25, 2020

Regional News-Optimist

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Supporting People, Jobs, and Economic Recovery Budget 2020-21 builds on the strength and resilience of our people, our economy and provides a strong response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Over the next two years, our government’s investment of $7.5 billion will boost our economy and create thousands of jobs building new schools, hospitals, highways and other infrastructure. To learn more visit saskatchewan.ca/budget Hon. Scott Moe, Premier

MLA for Rosthern-Shellbrook scottmoe.mla@sasktel.net 1-855-793-3422

Herb Cox

MLA for The Battlefords herbcox@sasktel.net 306-445-5195

Randy Weekes

MLA for Biggar-Sask Valley randyweekes.mla@accesscomm.ca

1-877-948-4880

Larry Doke

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

sports

20200617_News Optimist Ad_Budget.indd 1

6/17/2020 4:26:08 PM

SHA looking at return to organized sports

By Rob Paul

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter The World-Spectator

When the hockey season was prematurely ended on March 12 by Hockey Canada, it sent shockwaves through the country. The cancellation of remaining hockey seasons and rink closures made the Covid-19 pandemic feel more real for many Canadians when it took away their most beloved sport.

A little over three months later, Hockey Canada is taking steps towards a return to the ice by putting the power into each provinces’ hands to make a decision on when hockey activities can resume.

On June 4, in a press release, Hockey Canada CEO Tom Renney and

President/COO Scott Smith announced a returnto-hockey process in Canada.

“On March 12, the decision was made to cancel all Hockey Canada-sanctioned activities across the country. This was a difficult decision, but one made to maintain health and safety of all participants and the general public amid growing concerns around the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.

“Currently there are no Hockey Canada-sanctioned activities being conducted, and we are working with our members on their return-to-hockey plans. After ongoing discussions with the board of directors, our chief medical officer, the 13 members and public health authorities across the country, it

has been determined that the best approach for a return to hockey in Canada is to allow each member the opportunity to work with authorities in their respective regions to determine when it is safe to return to the ice in areas that fall under their jurisdiction. We expect the timing of each member’s return to hockey will be different, but will be based on the advice of their government and public health authority.

“It is imperative to note that we are not ready to return to the game across the country. As we have seen in respect to flattening the curve, the impact of the pandemic varies from region to region. Permitting our members the opportunity to decide on an appropriate return-tohockey timeline will allow

them to work directly with public health authorities to determine when it is safe to return while also implementing specific safety measures and rules within their associations and leagues.

“Hockey Canada knows the game will look quite different, and the return will happen at different speeds and at different times across the country.

Be assured, we continue to work on our multi-faceted return-to-hockey plan that includes health and safety regulations, communications and seasonal structure. As with so many people across the country, we look forward to returning to the game when it is safe to do so, and we will support our 13 members as we continue to work towards getting back on the ice.”

Although this is progress towards getting back to hockey, Saskatchewan Hockey Association (SHA) GM Kelly McClintock says, this was more of a situational move to allow provinces to individually asses their situation.

“The reality is, it’s not like they’ve lifted the ban,” he said. “Hockey Canada is really the 13 branches of Hockey Canada and the staff of Hockey Canada.

We’ve been working pretty closely with this. When we all made a decision on March 12 to go out as one group, we really felt at that time we would come in as one group.

“After a month of daily calls, it became apparent because of how Covid-19 was hitting various regions of the country we wouldn’t be able to come back all as

one. That’s really why this decision was made.

“Right now, Hockey Canada isn’t sanctioning anything within Hockey Canada until September 1. They’re giving us the ability if we so choose, but they’re giving us the minimum guidelines of returnto-hockey that we have all been a part of in producing and approved. Then you work with your provincial government and health authority.”

Until a date for a return to indoor sports is set by the Government of Saskatchewan, McClintock says everything will remain up in the air.

“Right now we’re in the midst of calls,” he said.

“We’ve had six so far — going by zones — and we’re telling them we’re not Continued on Page 11

Village of Gray to be inducted into Hall of Fame Submitted

The Village of Gray, Saskatchewan will be inducted into the Saskatchewan Baseball Hall of Fame, Community Category, now planned for Aug. 15 in Battleford.

What began in the Buck Lake District, before towns were even named, was the commitment of settlers to the game of baseball. July 4 was chosen for the annual Gray Sports Day. A baseball team in Gray was a given until the late 1980s.

An era of some success

for Gray baseball was in the late 1950s. One July they played 36 games in 31 days. In 1957 as it never rained there was no summer-fallow to work. The team played in as many tournaments as possible that year.

In 1959 the team was invited to play a game in Plentywood, Mont. Players were thrilled to play under lights. This was a big deal!

They lost by one run, but had a magnificent time with many stories to tell of their adventure.

As time passed, the

younger players made up the team and, by the mid 1960s, they changed the name of the team to the Gophers. A Gopher highlight in the mid 1960s was beating Lang in the first game of the Lang Sports Day, the result being that the home team would not be in the final that night. Lang had historically always been in the final, and usually won. The Gophers were quite competitive in the late 1960s and 1970s.

Their Sports Days were anticipated for days in

advance.

Along with competitive baseball, the food booths had the best food in the land.

The end of the Gophers era included players that then became the Bucs in the mid 1970s. Coached

by Larry Shostal in these final years, 1970-1984, the team may not have been as successful as the Gophers, but did compete in the Soo Line League and attended the myriad of sports days around the area.

All citizens of the community of Gray were “all hands on deck” to host

From Recreation to Profession

By Rhea Good

The graduating class of 2020 needs to be celebrated! I had the pleasure of watching three graduates in particular grow up in the sport of cheerleading at Cheer Legacy in North Battleford.

Organized sport, especially cheerleading, creates the microcosm of relationships among athletes due to the necessity of cooperation

Words of

Cheer

and interaction. Bonds extend between coaches and athletes as well.

In the case of Julia Marjoram, Jenae Knot and Kjersti Graupe, there was the transition from athlete, to coach in training, to

fully certified coach. These graduates have exemplified maturity and responsibility throughout high school as they managed their schedules as athletes and as coaches.

Coach Julia says, “Coaching and cheerleading has played a huge role in creating the person I am today.

It taught me patience, perseverance, humility and countless other life lessons.

After graduation I plan to become a combined lab and x-ray technician, as well as pursue my coaching career wherever I may end up.”

I think it is notable that two thirds of the graduates from Cheer Legacy are going into the College of Kinesiology at the University of Saskatchewan.

Jenae explains, “Cheerleading gave us a strong background in the theory

the baseball teams coming to town. Everyone got involved with the grounds, scheduling the games, the umpires, manning the food booth, the clean up, baking pies, ordering concession food and more.

This support over the past 80 years of senior baseball in the Village of Gray, Saskatchewan, a community with a population of less than 100, has recognized and preserved some memorabilia of this baseball history displayed in the 306 Sports Hall of Fame. This is the Gray Mu-

seum, located in the Gray rink. The number 306 is the highway number that goes through Estlin, Gray, Bechard and Ricetin, the area included in the Gray Museum.

of movement. At first, we were just enjoying what we were doing. Then, we started to get more interested in how the body works. I became interested in how the body systems work together to perform complex stunting and tumbling. I am planning to work in physical therapy or continue my studies in medicine and specialize in sport medicine. Who knew my obsession with cartwheels would take me here!”

Kjersti has the same

story except she is focused on sport injury and returnto-sport rehabilitation.

Her career path is to get the degree in kinesiology and then continue studies in physical therapy or occupational therapy.

“I am thankful for my experience in coaching, which really teaches you how to encourage people to do the work that will help them reach their goals.”

The Saskatchewan Baseball Hall of Fame Scholarship Award is presented annually to a baseball player under 18 years of age, who plans to further pursue his/her baseball career. For information, email saskbaseballmuseum @sasktel.net for an application form.

For the photo that accompanies this column, see the front page.

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SHA looking at return to organized sports Continued from Page 10 going back to hockey until the provincial government and Sask Health lay down the guidelines. Arena’s are not supposed to open until Phase 4.2 now and we don’t know what that date is, but we also don’t know what the conditions are going to be. Those are important things that we feel we want to have a say in.

“It’s really probably going to hit — I wouldn’t say so much minor hockey — junior hockey where they need to have bums in the seats in order to make money. There’s a group involving the WHL, SJHL, and ourselves that will hopefully have a conversation with Sask Health in the next two weeks and lay out what we’d like to see, but we’d also like to know what guidelines they’re thinking about for when we get back to playing hockey.”

With the way Saskatchewan has handled the Covid-19 pandemic, McClintock is confident if communities keep up their efforts, hockey will be back sooner than later.

“I’ve been telling our members that I can’t give definitive answers of what it’s going to be like,” he said. “I said they’re seeing all kinds of things on social media and reports in papers and it’s all great to speculate, but until we

The Battlefords, Thursday, June 25, 2020 - Page 11

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actually find out — if we go along here like we have been in the last week or so over the next month, then we could be sitting pretty good, but if all of a sudden people have too much false sense of security and we see some bigger groups getting together and more cases coming out then it’s just going to be worse for us.

“If we keep going the way we are, I can see us maybe starting in September and them maybe having more relaxed rules for what it would be within an arena than what I suspect. A month ago I was saying we might not be able to play until November and at that time we’re wondering if we can use dressing rooms, have kids on benches, and those types of things. Now, I’m thinking if we have another month of what we’ve had here then it’s going to be a much more positive outlook.”

Hockey Canada has released a document on their return-to-hockey protocol that gives some idea of what hockey could look like once it returns, but McClintock says each individual community is going to need to do their part.

“Hockey Canada has quite a few (protocols) they’ve addressed,” he said. “Just about cleaning equipment, water bottles, hand washing, all of those

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kinds of things.

We’ve even addressed on our website teams taking busses and what they’ll have to do and even maybe persuade teams not to have as many overnight trips and certainly not eating at buffets. There’s that, but when it comes down to the actual physical arena, that’s the thing that we’re not yet aware on.

“When I’ve been meeting with our members, I’ve been advising them that if they haven’t already talked to their local municipality about what they have heard, or if they’ve contacted SUMA or SARM, or talked to local government about what an indoor facility will require. Will they require more staff? More cleaning supplies? A more rigorous cleaning schedule? And that all depends on if the town/village runs the arena, will they have to hire more people? Or if it’s run by a recreation group of volunteers and it’s all volunteer run.

“Every community is different, but I told them they have to check. Make sure they go to their town council, or whoever, and ask if they’ve looked into it and if not they need to so they can be prepared

for when we come back.

I would say the majority of our hockey rinks don’t open until maybe October 1 — there are a lot in September, but the majority aren’t opening up until October. I look at that and see that we’ve still got time here.”

There’s still plenty that needs to be hashed out before a return is possible, but McClintock says Hockey Canada is doing everything to help make that return as smooth as possible.

“I’m really proud of what Hockey Canada has done,” he said. “There’s 13 branches of Hockey Canada — one in every province and three in Ontario.

Their motto is, ’13 plus one equals one.’ There might be 13 branches, but we’re all in this together. They’ve been real leaders. We’ve had nine different groups with four task teams and five work groups on various topics. We’re looking at things like how to address regulations. For example, can teams travel between

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provinces? That depends.

Should we have a chief medical officer to consult if a team wants to travel?

If a team from Moosomin wants to go to Winnipeg and they apply for a travel permit? I’m saying no. Or if a Winnipeg team wants to come to Regina? No. But what if a Moosomin team wants to go to Virden? I want a chief medical officer to help make that decision. It really depends on areas.

“We looked at regulations, return-to-hockey protocols, if we can do coaching and officiating differently, and Hockey Canada has engaged a third-party vendor to do some surveys of our membership across the country to get their feedback on how comfortable they are.

We’re also looking at how to promote the game better and promote safety, and how to make people more secure in coming back to play.

“As I said to our membership, there’s always a rural vs. urban perspective,” he said. “In Regina or Saskatoon — a large centre — you see a lot more layoffs, physical distancing requirements, that kind of stuff. In a lot of rural settings people are doing what they should be doing, but I don’t think there’s as much fear of it.

They have a different perspective on it because they don’t have anything in the area and they’re ready to

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play hockey. But when we start moving around that’s when we potentially start seeing things happening.

I’m hoping some of the summer sports are ready to play so we can see some of the results there.”

Despite the Covid-19 crisis being a negative situation, McClintock does see some positive long-term impacts coming out of it.

“Where I see the longterm impact is, at times we don’t have to travel to meet in person,” he said.

“People are getting used to running virtual meetings — for a little over two months that’s all I was doing. That’s one change from this.

“I’ve really encouraged my staff — if you go on our website we’ve had some virtual goaltending presentations, skating, skills development, developing defensemen — so I think there’s going to be a lot more virtual learning when it comes to coaching and officiating development.

“My youngest son is in grade 12 so he’s been doing virtual learning and both my boys are going to university in the fall and that’s all going to be virtual. At some point, the new generation coming up is going to be used to that, so we better incorporate it and use those platforms and they can do it at more of their leisure. It’s important we look at those things.”

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Page 12 - The Battlefords, Thursday, June 25, 2020

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Guidelines in place for return to school Staff On June 9, the Government of Saskatchewan announced that in-classroom learning will resume for the 202021 school year. To help school divisions prepare for the return of students and staff, guidelines have been developed to inform local planning.

For younger children, maintaining physical distance is less practical and the focus should be on minimizing physical contact instead.

The precautionary measures within these guidelines will be implemented to reduce risk, and include standards for cleaning and sanitization along with measures for general operations, facilities, transportation and programming.

To provide provinciallevel direction on operational matters resulting from the pandemic, an Education Response Planning Team (RPT) was

formed with representation from the Ministry of Education, Saskatchewan School Boards Association, Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation, League of Educational Administrators, Directors and Superintendents, and Saskatchewan Association of School Business Officials.

The RPT has developed additional information on operationalizing these guidelines, which will be made available for school division personnel.

As school-aged children return to regular activities, including programming and activities now allowable under the ReOpen Saskatchewan plan, these guidelines will help ensure that operators of provincial Prekindergarten to Grade 12 schools can plan for school to resume as previously scheduled this fall.

Classes will begin as early as Sept. 1, depending on local school division calendars.

Under Guidelines for

General Operation, hygiene practices for staff and children are promoted.

Practices must include using soap and water when hands are soiled and hand sanitizer when visibly clean. Although general use containers need to be available, where possible, students and staff should have their own hand sanitizer. The use of hand sanitizer with young children is to be supervised and hand sanitizer must be approved

by Health Canada.

Except when in close contact with a sick student, masks and eye protection are not required, beyond those used by staff as part of their regular precautions for hazards normally encountered in the workplace. They should only be used when all other controls have been fully explored.

Guidelines also promote limiting physical contact.

For younger children, maintaining physical distance is less practical and the focus should be

on minimizing physical contact instead.

Staff, parents and students must encourage and practice preventative measures, such as limiting physical contact, throughout the school day (i.e. during instruction, recess, nutrition programs, extracurricular) and avoiding close greetings (i.e. hugs, handshakes).

Creating games that include basic principles such as ‘two-arm lengths apart’ and avoid close greetings like hugs or handshakes will encourage physically distant greetings such as ‘air fives’ and waves.

Plan for reduced physical contact activities and, where possible, avoid activities that require clustering around a particular item or small area may see modified procedures for entering the building and staggering recess/snack, lunch and class transition times.

Children from the same household (e.g. siblings) do not need to maintain physi-

cal distance from each other, but groups of students and the staff members assigned to them should stay together throughout the day and not mix with other groups.

Specific responses for Prekindergarten and Kindergarten environments will be developed by school divisions, taking into account the unique nature of the learning programs and student development.

Where possible, school division administrators and staff should use telephone or video conferencing to meet with staff and parents.

The guidelines also promote limiting shared materials and equipment.

Plans for extra-curricular activities and other gatherings will be developed in consultation with the Chief Medical Health Officer once the group/ gathering capacity limits for fall 2020 are known.

In addition to details on sanitation and cleaning,

nutrition programs and care of illness, the guidelines also address transportation protocols.

Students should be assigned seats and a record of this seating plan should be kept in order to assist with contact tracing in the case of a student being confirmed with a case of COVID-19. Students who live in the same household should be seated together.

Partitions around drivers can be considered.

Cleaning and sanitation of buses or other vehicles used to transport students is required between each run.

Parents will be asked to transport their own children where possible and they are encouraged to not enter the school unless necessary. If parents or guardians must enter the school, they should maintain physical distancing from staff and other children, and be reminded to practice diligent hand hygiene.

For all the details, visit saskathewan.ca

Major projects announced for Sask. schools Tuesday, the Government of Saskatchewan announced $110.5 million for six new major infrastructure projects for school divisions in communities across the province. These projects are part of the Government of Saskatchewan’s $7.5 billion two-year capital

to plan to build a strong Saskatchewan and stimulate Saskatchewan’s economic recovery. Under the two-year capital to plan to build a strong Saskatchewan, over $130 million was designated for education infrastructure including major projects and maintenance funding.

The new projects include: • a new Francophone elementary school in Regina; • a new elementary school to replace Ducharme Elementary School in La Loche; • a new K-12 school to replace Blaine Lake

Composite School; • a new K-12 school to consolidate the elementary school and high school in Lanigan; • renovations and addition to Holy Rosary High School in Lloydminster; and • renovations and addition to Lloydminster

Comprehensive High School.

These projects are in addition to the funding announced as a part of Budget 2020-21 to build seven new schools and renovate three existing schools which includes renovations and addition to John Paul II Collegiate in

North Battleford. ; From April 2008 to June 2020, the Government of Saskatchewan has invested approximately $1.9 billion in capital funding. During this time, 85 projects have been approved including 57 new schools and 28 major renovation projects.

WDM will be offering virtual summer camps Staff

The Western Development Museum is offering an alternative to its typical summer programs for children through a series of Virtual Summer Camps.

Most online activities are designed for explorers aged 6-10,

but since curiosity has no age limit, the Virtual Summers Camps are open to all ages.

The Virtual Summer Camps will be offered over four weeks. The camps will get children learning through videos, stories and activities that will have them exploring around

the house and outside.

The camps consist of four themed weeks: Week 1: July 13 – 17 Theme: In the Air Explore Saskatchewan’s living skies. Discover birds and butterflies, recordbreaking weather and aviation.

Week 2: July 20 - 24

Theme: Settler Life 100 Years Ago What was settler life like 100 years ago?

Week 3: July 27 - 31 Theme: Love This Land Explore and learn about Saskatchewan nature and landmarks.

Week 4: Aug. 10 - 14 Theme: Make Your

Own Museum!

Learn how to make your own exhibit, create a COVID- 9 time capsule, and discover how to care for artifacts.

Because the WDM values accessibility, their Virtual Summer Camps are based on a pay what you can model to ensure they

are open to everyone. If children don’t have access to the internet or a printer, a limited number of preprinted camp kits are available for curbside pick-up at the WDM. To register or for more information, visit https:// wdm.ca/virtualcamps/.

The staff and students of the NORTH BATTLEFORD COMPREHENSIVE HIGH SCHOOL would like to thank the following sponsors for their generous donations to our graduation awards and scholarship program: • Access Communications • Amgits Community Involvement Association • Androsoff Family • BATC • Battlefords Boys And Girls Club • Battle River Treaty 6 Health Centre • Battleford Furniture • Battleford Home Hardware Building Centre • Battlefords And District Community Foundation Inc. • Battlefords Local #544 Retail, Wholesale & Department Store Union • Battlefords Royal Canadian Mounted Police • Battlefords Union Hospital Foundation • Bee-J’s Office Plus • Campbell Family • Charlie’s Charters • Connaught School • Cox Family

• Cupe #4747 • Elliott Family • Hanwell Family • Humenny Construction • Innovation Credit Union • Kanaweyimik Child & Family Services Inc. • Kiwanis Club Of The Battlefords • Kiwanis Foundation • Living Sky School Division #202 Board Of Education • Meridian Surveys • Myron Stadnyk • North Battleford Auto Dealers Association • North Battleford Comprehensive High School Faculty • North Battleford Comprehensive High School Parents Association Of Special Events • North Battleford Comprehensive High School Student Council • North Battleford Home Hardware Building Centre

• North Battleford Telephone Pioneer Club • North Battleford Senior Citizens Action Now Club Inc. • Nutec Embroidery/Signs Of The Times • Pcl Construction Management • Pursuit Enterprises • Ray Family • Re/Max Of Western Canada • River City Plumbing And Heating • Rotary Club Of The Battlefords • Royal Canadian Legion North Battleford Branch #70 • Saskatchewan Apprenticeship And Trade Certification Commission • Sheldon And Shawna Gardiner • Stoik Family • Southgate Family And Donors • Sun Local #262 • Ultra Print • Vantage Chartered Accountants • Western Financial Group • Wilgers Family

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The Battlefords, Thursday, June 25, 2020 - Page 13

Graduation Day 2020 Mayor’s Message

Sincere Congratulations to all graduates of 2020 in The Battleford’s and surrounding area!

The Covid-19 Pandemic has forever changed the world in how we acknowledge achievements, successes and celebrations in general. 2020 may not have presented the ideal graduation ceremony to end your High School years; however, take time to celebrate; you should be proud of all you have accomplished to date and what you will still accomplish in the future.

Thank you for taking your education seriously and excelling at everything you do.

Best of luck to those who will continue their education this coming fall whether it is virtual or in person, locally or away from home, the post-secondary experience can be very rewarding.

To those choosing to work this next year or looking for full-time employment, may you choose The Battlefords to work, play and raise a family.

The Battleford’s will always be your home, so don’t be a stranger. The Battleford’s are and will continue to be proud of the class of 2020!

Ames Leslie, Mayor – Town of Battleford

Congratulations to the Graduating Class of 2020

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North Battleford Comprehensive High School

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Chase Taggart Shayna Taylor Bailey Thibault Cole Thibault Zamery Thomas-Opikokew Tyrell Tootoosis Jackson Turuk Muhammad Usman Makenna Vany Nathan Vany Tristan Wallin Minghao Wang Sontana Wapass Kaden Wappel Madlyn Westwood Danae Wolff Matthew Woloschuk Reanna Wrench Catherine Zens

Hein Financial Group

Phone

306-446-0039

1421 - 100th Street North Battleford, SK

Tel. (306) 445-9455 www.heinfinancial.com

520 Heritage Way North Battleford, SK

306-937-6770

231 - 30th Street W. Battleford, SK

218 - 22nd Street Battleford, SK

306-937-2642

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The Battlefords, Thursday, June 25, 2020 - Page 15

Congratulations to the Class of 2020!

Keep your face always towards the sun and shadows will fall behind you.

1981 - 100th Street North Battleford Ph. 445-5050 Fax 445-8771 TOLL FREE

1-888-25PRINT

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Discovery Co-op

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The Battlefords

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Phone:

306-445-6226 Fax: 306-445-6633

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10010 A Thatcher Avenue North Battleford

www.skytechequipment.com

306-445-5151

Jacelyn Kennedy

WPD AMBULANCE 10013A Thatcher Ave. P.O. Box 1298

North Battleford, SK S9A 2X5 Information

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MECHANICAL CONTRACTORS

841 - 106th Street North Battleford, SK

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306-445-2052 herbcox@sasktel.net

306-446-0039

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306-445-6291 1321 101 Street North Battleford Email: info@hrocpa.ca

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Serving the Battlefords & Area for over 40 years 142 - 5th Ave. Industrial Battleford

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Patience Wahobin 520 Heritage Way North Battleford, SK

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Phone

231 - 30th Street W. Battleford, SK

Fax. 306-843-3574

Phone:

Loralie A. Raiche, B.Comm., CPA, CA, CFP Dallan D. Oberg, BMgt, CPA, CA Graham K. Holm, B.Comm., CPA, CA (retired)

Mitchell Tuckanow

1421 - 100th Street

www.heinfinancial.com

Wilkie, SK S0K 4W0

Melanie Swiftwolfe

Hein Financial Group Tel. (306) 445-9455

Dyvika Okemow

Magen Swiftwolfe

12/6/2019 9:26:01 AM

North Battleford, SK

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The Battlefords

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st

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North Battleford, SK S9A 0Z9 Fax. 306-445-3882 Loralie A. Raiche, CPA, CA, CFP 124 - 1 Street SK S0J 2M0 Fax. 306-883-2526 Dallan D.Spiritwood, Oberg, 202 - Main Street CPA, CA

Bus. 306-445-6291 Bus. 306-883-2299

Sasha Paul

Herb Cox, MLA

306-445-5195 1991-100th Street North Battleford, SK

Alex Lonesinger

218 - 22nd Street Battleford, SK

306-937-2642

Jerica Wuttunee Blair Wuttunee

1121-102 St, North Battleford (306) 445-2115 Mon. - Sat. 8am - 9pm Sunday 9am - 6pm

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5th Avenue West, Battleford, SK

(Battlefords Industrial Park)

104-2062-100th Street North Battleford www.bralin.com 306-445-4881

Page 16 - The Battlefords, Thursday, June 25, 2020

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Congratulations 2020 Graduating Class of

John Paul II Collegiate Abrahamson, Kathleen V. Albano, Matthew David Baraoidan, Moises Bendall, MacKenzie D. Berry, Lori Ann Bidyk, Jessica Lynn Bui, Cong The Cadrin, Tal J. Campbell, Bridgitte Chloe Checkosis, River Rain Cole, Jayda L Cooper, Sydney H. Corbeil, Joelle Renee Crozier, Ashley-Ann Rose De Ocampo, Michaela Iris Acabado

Four K

Auto Service Congratulations on all your hard work.

Good Luck in all your future endeavours!

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Enns-Wind, Joshua Daniel Fonda, Kaleb Brice Fulgar, Aengela Yvette Ablaza Fulgar, Andrea Raen Ablaza Galman, Abraham S. Gardner, Hailey Ann Marie Gidych, Keifer Theodora Ann Gomez Rosado, Alejandra Nicole Gozum, CJ Paulo Magtoto Gumtang, Frances Camille Heidel, Kian Colby Hemmerling, Moriah Rita Hizole, Franz Ivan Hodges, Aaron Holden, Maggie L. Hrabinsky, Mackenzie Noelle Hunchak, Tyler MacKenzie Iturralde, Ricardo Jack, Mackenzie Melanie Kayfish, Raine Elizabeth Kearnan, Hannah Kim, Huisu Kolosnjaji, Martina Kowalski, Emma Mabel Larocque, Nikita J. LaRose, Ty J. Letrud, Adam B.

FISHER’S DRUG STORE 101 - 1501 - 100th St., North Battleford (306) 445-6153

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Liebaert, Amy Marie Lightfoot, Levin Thomas Kale Liu, Xing Luchavez, Trisha Mae V Marciniuk, Alyssa Sophie Martel, Nicholas G. Martens, Isaac G. Mbwebwe, Prisca Kanyeba Mercer, Joelle Marie Monych, Bryson Brian Morrissette, Dylan Alex Lee Nachtegaele, Derian R. Nicha, Hayesha May Lumbre Nolin, Ethan L. Ondos, Jerny Rose Paradero, Ma. Antonette Pulline Nastor Parsons, Jenna Mable Agnes Patel, Aryan Vipulbhai Payne, Tyler Posilero, Earene Y. Pristojko, Slavko Revet, Adam H. Rose, Dairyck A. Rose, Raven Brandi Salunga, Ma Guiel Schulkowsky, Jaylyn A. Scott, Jacob Austin Adair

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P.O. Box 1270 Battleford, Saskatchewan S0M 0E0

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Spanier, Matthew W. Stone, Jayden Noel Sundiam, James Francis Swanson, Thomas Paul Swiftwolfe, Alexander Swiftwolfe, Payton Hailey Swiftwolfe, Skye Blue Tabucon, Rhea Mae C. Tadeo, James Blaquera Tarasoff, Kaitlin Laurissa Anne Tolentino, Harold Y. Turenne, Kristen Rose Ulven, Haydn Avery Vargas, Ricci Nimue Wahobin, Seth Andrew Warnecke, Dylan Trevor Washkowsky, Erin Cecilia Wasmuth, Easton D. Wells, Abigail Ann Whiteford, Brody J. Whitford, Peyton John Winterholt, Sydney Grace Wright, Bailey Jay Wuttunee, Jaden Wuttunee, Jayda Marie Alaiyah Yamamoto, Miyahki Jane Zhang, Tong

Funeral Service and Crematorium

Discovery Co-op

www.discoverycoop.com

(306) 445-7570 24 hours Hwy 4 North North Battleford, SK

306-445-6640

Battlefords Funeral Service

(306) 446-4200 24 hours

Clements Kwong

Chartered Professional Accountants 116 Main Street Maidstone, SK

1-866-210-9844

1682-100th Street North Battleford, SK Phone Fax: 306-445-2472

306-445-7448

Phone:

306-445-6226 Fax: 306-445-6633

Website: battlefordschamber.com Email: b.chamber@sasktel.net

1321 - 101st Street

North Battleford, SK S9A 0Z9 Fax. 306-445-3882 Loralie A. Raiche, CPA, CA, CFP 124 - 1 Street SK S0J 2M0 Fax. 306-883-2526 Dallan D.Spiritwood, Oberg, 202 - Main Street CPA, CA st

10010 A Thatcher Avenue North Battleford

www.skytechequipment.com

306-445-5151

WPD AMBULANCE 10013A Thatcher Ave. P.O. Box 1298

North Battleford, SK S9A 2X5 Information

306-446-7309

1811-100th Street North Battleford Phone

306-445-2052 herbcox@sasktel.net

Bus. 306-883-2299

MECHANICAL CONTRACTORS

841 - 106th Street North Battleford, SK

306-445-4344

Bus. 306-843-3303

Serving the Battlefords & Area for over 40 years 142 - 5th Ave. Industrial Battleford

Fax. 306-843-3574

Phone:

Highway #4 North North Battleford, Sask.

1-800-667-1320 www.valleyfordsales.ca

306-445-6291 1321 101 Street North Battleford Email: info@hrocpa.ca

CHARTERED PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTANTS

ACROSS FROM WALMART

306-441-1790

306-937-3777

Wilkie, SK S0K 4W0

Loralie A. Raiche, B.Comm., CPA, CA, CFP Dallan D. Oberg, BMgt, CPA, CA Graham K. Holm, B.Comm., CPA, CA (retired)

SCOOPS ICE CREAM

The Battlefords

b_Cox_38.1x39.69mm.indd 1

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Bus. 306-445-6291

Herb Cox, MLA

306-445-5195 1991-100th Street North Battleford, SK

The Battlefords

306-445-0488

1292 - 100TH STREET NORTH BATTLEFORD SK www.swansongryba.ca

12/6/2019 9:26:01 AM

Hein Financial Group

Phone

306-446-0039

1421 - 100th Street North Battleford, SK

Tel. (306) 445-9455 www.heinfinancial.com

520 Heritage Way North Battleford, SK

306-937-6770

231 - 30th Street W. Battleford, SK

218 - 22nd Street Battleford, SK

306-937-2642

5th Avenue West, Battleford, SK

(Battlefords Industrial Park)

306-937-3330 306-937-3707

9301 - 19th Avenue North Battleford, Saskatchewan

Regional News-Optimist

w w w. n ew s o p t i m i s t . c a

The Battlefords, Thursday, June 25, 2020 - Page 17

Budget challenges dominate first days back The Saskatchewan legislature was back in action for the first time in nearly three months last Monday, as they resumed what will be a three-week-long sitting to wrap up the session.

The sitting was conducted under new COVID-19 protocols and distancing procedures, with ten Sask Party members and five New Democrats sitting in the Legislature, with other members voting from outside the chamber.

Before proceedings began, speaker Mark Docherty rose to say a few words.

The Speaker: — Well hello, everyone. So before we begin today’s proceedings I want to take a moment to acknowledge the extraordinary nature of this sitting of the Assembly. I think it is fair to say that we’ve never had a sitting like this before.

I’d like to thank both government and opposition and especially the House leaders for reaching an agreement to reconvene. Many thanks to the Clerk’s office and the entire Legislative Assembly staff for their hard work that has made this sitting possible. Thank you also to the building staff and the cleaning team whose work is key in keeping us all safe and healthy in these challenging times. Thanks to the members of the press gallery who have relocated to the Speaker’s gallery for the remainder of the sitting for helping ensure the safety of our Hansard team.

There are unique and challenging times. And I am proud of the way that each and every of one you pulled together to keep each other safe while ensuring the important work of this Assembly can be conducted. Thank you.

COVID-19 concerns were top of mind during the first Question Period on Monday. The exchange between opposition leader Ryan Meili and Premier Scott Moe was recorded in Hansard: The Speaker: — I recognize the Leader of the Opposition.

Mr. Meili: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s good to see everyone here, those who are able to be with us today. Thank you for all the efforts, for those who’ve got us into this room, and especially the folks at the Table and all those who have put in this work.

Mr. Speaker, in March health care workers spoke up about serious concerns with shortage of access to personal protective equipment or PPE. The Premier said that there was no such problem. SHA [Saskatchewan Health Authority] documents, revealed through a freedom of information request, show that there was already communication with the government about existing shortages of PPE. The

J

ohn Cairns

LEG WATCH newsoptimist.john@sasktel.net

Premier again went public and said that there was no problem.

Will the Premier please explain the disconnect between his answers and what was really happening?

The Speaker: — I recognize the Premier.

Hon. Mr. Moe: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I think the wording that I had used on that day and used on many days, Mr. Speaker, was that I had been informed that there was no shortages of personal protection equipment within the health care system here in Saskatchewan.

That being said, I think there were strains with respect to access to personal protective equipment around the world — not only in Saskatchewan, across Canada, but most certainly around the world — as all people around the world, Mr. Speaker, all entities, all health delivery entities were after N95 masks. They were looking to procure different kinds of gloves as well as gowns, all of the personal protection equipment that our health care system required as we provided the services that were necessary through this pandem-

ic and continue to provide them.

Mr. Speaker, as it turns out, we did not have any shortages of personal protection equipment in the province, so we have had enough to date. We’ve worked closely with other provinces, worked very closely with the federal government to ensure that that has been the case to today, Mr. Speaker, and will be the case for days into the future.

The highlight on Monday was the long-awaited presentation of the provincial budget by finance minister Donna Harpauer, and along with it, a $2.4 billion pandemic deficit.

That was promptly followed by a non-confidence motion. The New Democrats immediately moved an amendment that stated “the Assembly has lost confidence in the government,” but that was easily defeated 43-13. That was followed by another 43-13 vote in favor of the “budgetary policy of the government”.

When debate resumed Tuesday in Question Period, opposition leader Meili took aim at the budget and raised the spectre of cuts and Crown selloffs.

Mr. Meili: — … The

E O TH NS T RS! O I T A L NE !

RATU PORT 0 WIN CONG E 19, 202 OUR SUP JUN U FOR Y K YO THAN

Finance minister has said this isn’t going to be easy on the people of Saskatchewan, Mr. Speaker, and we believe it with this government in charge. If this Premier is planning to bring back a balance in three years without cuts or Crown sell-offs, I’d like to see his math, Mr. Speaker. The people of Saskatchewan deserve to see his math. Is this Premier going to present that plan before the election, or is he going to expect people to just go on faith, faith that they’re not going to come around and do the cuts we know are planned?

The Speaker: — I recognize the Premier.

Hon. Mr. Moe: — Let’s start with a Re-Open Saskatchewan plan, Mr. Speaker. Let’s then move on to a budget that was introduced yesterday. That is a first step in recovering the economy here in the province of Saskatchewan.

Mr. Speaker, let’s go back a number of months to a strategic view of the economic fortunes of this province, full with targets on where we can get to by the year 2030: the Saskatchewan growth plan. Mr. Speaker, there’s a number of plans that we can look to as to what this government is going to do in the years ahead, Mr. Speaker... ... Mr. Speaker, I hear the member from Cum-

berland, who’s going to have a decision to make here come budget day, Mr. Speaker, because part of the health care investment is going into a long-term care home, not only in the community of Grenfell but the one in La Ronge.

On Wednesday, Meili doubled down on his accusation that the Crown corporations would be next to be sold off in the wake of the budget.

Mr. Meili: — ... Why just last night, Mr. Speaker, in response to questions from our member from Regina Rosemont, the Finance minister refused three times — she refused three times — to rule out selling off Crowns to balance the budget, Mr. Speaker. She said, and I quote, “I would love to have that kind of power but I don’t.”

Now it’s not entirely clear exactly what she meant, if she meant she’d like to have the kind of power to sell off the Crowns or the kind of power to be straightforward with people about her plans, Mr. Speaker. But the fact of the matter is people need to know. If the Finance minister won’t rule out selling the Crowns, will the Premier?

The Speaker: — I recognize the Premier.

Hon. Mr. Moe: — Thank you very much. Mr.

Speaker, with respect to the first part of that question with some of the comments that Mr. Harper has made, he’s referencing the federal government with the estimated between 250, $300 billion that has been estimated by the Parliamentary Budget Officer to be rolled out due to the . . . in the COVID response, Mr. Speaker. There’s some concerns and I think many in this province, including myself, share those concerns with respect as to how we are going to pay this as part of this nation of Canada. How are we going to pay for the incurring debt that is ultimately coming?

Mr. Speaker, we’re in a very different situation when you look at the per capita situation here in Saskatchewan. And much of that is due to the work of the Finance minister and her caucus colleagues as well as the hard-working officials at the Ministry of Finance.

And, Mr. Speaker, I think that work is most evident here this past week with the introduction of the budget, the first budget post COVID to be introduced in this nation to fully account for our COVID response from a health care perspective but also to fully account for our COVID response and how Continued on Page 25

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Page 18 - The Battlefords, Thursday, June 25, 2020

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Natural play spaces park Funds approved for BUH getting an upgrade front entrance upgrade

By John Cairns Staff Reporter

The natural play space park in Centennial Park is getting an upgrade with the support from Battlefords Early Childhood Intervention Program.

During a virtual meeting of North Battleford city council Monday, ECIP Executive Director Colleen Sabraw outlined plans for “Phase Two” of development of the play space, which had been

erected in summer 2018.

They are looking to add a wheelchair swing for children with disabilities and also a mommy/me “expression” swing. In a memo to council, they explained their plan is to fund this by using surplus dollars from the Ministry of Education and First Nations Inuit Health Branch.

The wheelchair swing is from Play Works in Edmonton for $25,000 while the mommy/me swing costs $3,000. Installation

would be $5,000.

It was also noted the tipi on the site had to be dismantled due to some damage, so it will need to be re-erected and a pipe ceremony will take place.

Battlefords ECIP has also requested the city provide the assistance of Gord Whitton to oversee the installation and provide ongoing safety inspections.

The plan is to install these latest upgrades this summer.

Another season of Battlefords Untapped Staff

Season Two of a podcast showcasing stories of people from the Battlefords is under way.

Battlefords Untapped is a podcast designed to shed light on the positive stories of people who call the community home, with a focus on why they are so invested in the community.

The first season was presented by Eric Anderson and covered topics such as the Armoury Brewery, Battlefords Pride and the McKitrick

School Class of 2032. Ten episodes were completed.

This year, Matt Jacques takes over as the presenter and he continues the format of interviewing and profiling Battlefords people. The first episode is already up and featured local teacher and music enthusiast Kelly Waters.

The podcast itself is available on several platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Stitcher.

A local committee is behind the effort and they include Matt Jacques, Rob Rongve, Leah Milton,

Ursula Swindler, Rachel Florence, Alexis Christensen, Antje Rongve and Mark Richardson.

More guests are lined up for this year and for the first time people can even nominate guests. If you have any ideas on people who should be guests, visit www.battlefordsuntapped.com/nominate, or reach out on Facebook at www.facebook.com/battlefordsuntapped.

You can also find them at instagram/battlefordsuntapped and at their website www.battlefordsuntapped.com.

Staff Battlefords Union Hospital is included among the 87 health facility maintenance and upgrade projects across Saskatchewan receiving $17.8 million from the province.

Funding is going towards front entrance upgrades at Battlefords Union Hospital. Other projects announced by the province include water and sewer line replacement at the Regina General Hospital, roof replacement on 1978 Building at Royal University Hospital, Saskatoon, boiler replacement project at Melfort Hospital, the design for new ambulance bay at the La Ronge

Health Centre, generator replacement/upgrade project Kindersley Hospital and District Health Centre, and replacing the cast iron pipes in the acute care wing of the Shaunavon Hospital and Care Centre.

These projects are part of the government’s $7.5 billion two-year capital plan. In a news release, the province states $200 million of that funding was designated for health infrastructure, including $100 million for health facility maintenance funding. $25 million will be provided in 2020-21, including $17.8 million in health maintenance projects and $7.2 million to long-term care maintenance projects.

The funding is part of the two-year, $2 billion capital boost announced this spring.

“This increase in capital funding will help us upgrade existing health care facilities and improve the experiences of patients, residents and staff,” said health minister Jim Reiter in a statement. “Our government recognizes the importance of maintaining and upgrading facilities and supporting safe health care environments. By connecting this work to our province’s economic recovery, Saskatchewan residents will benefit from improved health care as well as an improved economy.”

Maidstone RCMP warn of phone scam Submitted

er asks for the victim’s local RCMP detachment and The Maidstone RCMP phone number stating that has received information an officer will call them. about a telephone based The caller then uses a scam occurring in the area. device to mimic the local The caller identifies police department’s phone themself as an officer number on caller ID and with the Canada Revenue has an accomplice call the Agency and informs the victim to provide confirvictim that their SIN has mation of the initial callbeen involved in crime and er’s scam posing as a local attempts to learn the vic- police pfficer. tim’s banking information The Maidstone RCMP and SIN. wants to make the public During the call the call- aware of this situation and

20064bs0

to advise to never provide personal details over the phone without confirming who the caller is. Should you receive a call that you are unsure of the best way to prevent becoming the victim of a crime is to ask the caller their name, agency they work for, a call back number, and then do your own research. Check the phonebook or internet for the agency the caller claimed to work for and then call that number.

Regional News-Optimist

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The Battlefords, Thursday, June 25, 2020 - Page 19

Popular farmers market to reopen July 3

By Lorraine Olinyk Correspondent

The Borden Farmers’ Market held their annual meeting June 20 in the Borden Seniors’ Room to discuss reopening for 2020 and to set the fees and times.

The market will open July 3 in the Borden Seniors’ Room in the Community Centre and will be open every Friday until Oct. 9. The hours will be 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. COVID-19 rules will apply.

Those attending will need to sign registration book providing a phone number.

There will be a 50/50 draw at each market, but there

B

orden& Radisson

will be no food, coffee or drinks consumed on the premises.

Staying on the executive for another year are president Karen Kerr, secretary Lorraine Olinyk, vicepresident Eileen Petrun, treasurer Connie Kinakin and Martha Rempel.

The Christmas market set for Dec. 5 in still scheduled to be on in the Borden Community Centre and Lorraine or Karen will

take bookings.

Forever in Motion exercises started again in Borden June 22. It is held Mondays and Wednesdays at 10 a.m. in the Borden Seniors’ Room (community centre).

This is free of charge to anyone. Social distancing will be observed and hand sanitizers will be available. Bring your own water bottles.

The Village of Borden has Levi Gough working as a summer student and the Borden Museum hired Natalie Anderson as their summer student.

Businesses open at Borden are Affinity Credit Union, Block’s Agencies, Borden Co-op Grocery

and Hardware, Roadside Inn and Restaurant, Roadside Hair Salon (Borden) and Tara Burletoff Hair Salon (Aspen Acres) and Gas Plus.

People are coming back for coffee at Gas Plus but only four at a time and social distancing is observed.

The Sugar Shack will be opening the last week of June for meals and snacks.

Borden Health Centre is open by appointment Monday to Friday and the pharmacy is open Monday, Tuesday and Thursday by appointment.

The Borden Library and Museum will be open in Phase 4, Part 2. The community centre is open for

bookings. The RM office is open Monday to Friday but the village office is open by appointment only. Chartered accountant Elizabeth Torrens is open at her office in Borden by appointment.

Borden United Church and St. John’s Anglican are not opening until Sept.

5. Riverbend Fellowship, with Pastor Ron Mills, will meet outdoors behind Living Books Warehouse in Borden starting July 5 at 10:30 a.m. Bring lawn chairs. If it rains the meeting will be cancelled.

Congratulations to new parents Russell and Jillian Orchard on the birth of Maverick Kenneth. He was

born May 30, weighing 7 lb. 5 oz. Proud grandparents are Randy Orchard, Borden, Larry and Georgia Lundquist of Maidstone along with great-grandmother Daphne Pearce of Borden.

Also congratulations to Jesse Wensley and Mike McLaughlin on the birth of their daughter on May 29.

Ella Gayle, weighed 10 lbs.

1 oz. Proud grandparents at Borden are Willard and Gayle Wensley.

Darrel and Peggy Walker, Borden, are proud grandparents of Kassiana Marie born April 4 to Amanda and Fritz Muehlhausen of Borden, weighing 7 lbs. 12 oz.

Coffee row participants enjoy being reunited

By Lorna Pearson Correspondent

There was lots of action around our little village over the weekend and last week as restrictions loosened up. There were many boats on the lake and many personal watercraft, too. While the swimming area was still cordoned off, there was water for those who wanted to swim other places. Those putting in their docks, found this out. The lake is high as are all lakes in the north, and the rivers are still rising, too. There is some flooding in Meadow Lake and the Green River north of Green Lake village looks more like a lake than a

M

eota News

river.

Coffee row is back on at our local hotel with a good turnout of folks, happy to have their isolation coming to an end.

My daughter Joyce Rowland from Wetaskiwin, Alta. spent a couple weeks with me, and spent time helping Auntie Linda with her spring work on her big yard. They planted lots of flowers so it should be a pretty sight soon. The lawn across the street from her is looking mighty fine

too, with the sod taking root well.

Many folks have had company or gone visiting and this area seems to be staying healthy and keeping their distance.

We have passed our shortest night of the year.

Now we have to, unwillingly, start seeing the days getting shorter. The sunsets this year so far, have been gorgeous. The vibrant colours and interesting cloud shapes paint a beautiful scene.

In Calgary restaurants the tables are six feet apart and the staff are wearing masks, but the food is still the same good part of the evening and it would be quieter and more private

than it used to be. This will likely change soon.

In last week’s paper, the story of the visit to Edmonton by Helen Row Toews was interesting. There she saw more wildlife in the city than she sees at home in the country where she lives. One special sighting was jackrabbits, which are nearly extinct in rural areas. There they were, safe in the city. Now the coyotes are in the city, too, after their favourite dish of rabbit. One item she men-

tioned that drew my attention, was the number of mountain goats in the town of Llandudno in Wales where I spent an afternoon, in 1985, and didn’t see a one. Because I couldn’t pronounce Llandudno, which is where we wanted to go on the train, I wrote it down and showed the ticket master. He looked at my pin that said, “Saskatchewan” and said, “And I won’t try to pronounce that either.”

I hear Medstead had

an interesting graduation format. I’ll try to get more about that for next week.

Inside the front cover of the June 2020 Senior Newspaper is a picture of John Diehl, with his modern bicycle, telling of his youthful days when he was 11 years old, and had a one speed bike. John taught in North Battleford for many years so is quite well known there. He and his wife Grace (a Spiritwood gal) now live in Okotoks, Alta.

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Agribition postpones 50th show until 2021 Regina – Canadian Western Agribition announced recently that, in response to restrictions and recommendations surrounding COVID-19, CWA’s 50th show will be postponed until 2021.

“This was a difficult decision to make, but the health and safety of our exhibitors, sponsors, volunteers, partners, and guests is priority,” says CWA President Chris Lees.

“We owe it to everyone connected to Agribition to make the best decisions we

can, even when they’re the hardest ones to make.”

CWA’s 50th show that was scheduled to take place on Nov. 30 to Dec. 5 will now take place Nov. 22 to 27, 2021.

“Agribition has never missed show in 49 years so this is tough,” says CWA CEO Chris Lane.

“But we have already started making sure that CWA’s year-round work continues and we showcase Canadian agriculture to the community and to the world.”

CWA will work to create new digital experiences for exhibitors, international buyers, and students.

Work on mentorship, international market development, education, and scholarships will also continue through 2020.

“There’s so much about Agribition that supports the industry outside of the event itself. We have an opportunity to build on that and make sure it’s as strong as it can be,” says Lane.

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Page 20 - The Battlefords, Thursday, June 25, 2020

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Congratulations to UCHS Class of 2020

By Sherri Solomko Correspondent

June 26 is graduation day in Unity. Congratulations to the UCHS Class of 2020. While it has not been the year any of them had anticipated or planned for, I feel the school and the community have done an outstanding job of going above and beyond recognizing these 45 graduates in multiple ways.

And, the activities planned for June 26 will be more of the same. The staff created a poster-size photo of each graduate to go on the front lawn of the school. They have planned a diploma ceremony at the school for each graduate to attend, social distanced.

The community will cel-

U

nity News

ebrate with the grads that evening as they parade through town starting at 7 p.m. with the parade route posted in the local newspaper and on social media.

Thank you everyone who contributed to making this unprecedented graduation extra special for them. My son, Landon Solomko, is part of this group. He will start his U of S classes online this fall.

I will happily be accepting advice on coping with the looming empty-nest syndrome.

Best wishes also to both elementary school staff and students who have also wrapped up their weird school year . This year end had a sense of melancholy for all students in Unity Public School and St. Peter’s School, especially for those Grade 6 students who will now migrate to the high school in the fall.

Bravo to all of these people who made it work, in spite of the circumstances.

It seems like as fast as COVID-19 changed our lives, so now are the changes that keep unfolding with the Saskatchewan reopening plan. Debate continues on whether people agree or disagree with the process, however, as long as people keep using their common sense, obeying protocols

United Church minister Gary Johnson and his wife Verna waved enthusiastically as they participated in the seniors’ centres parade June 10 in Unity. Photo by Sherri Solomko

and distancing, we should be able to succeed in keeping our numbers low. I encourage you to follow Rory Bergermann on Facebook, as he has done an excellent, and consistent job of tracking COVID-19 tests, cases and recoveries, and in a positive manner.

Unity Golf Club continues to enjoy a season of regulars, newcomers and beginners. Outdoor sports were given the green light to resume June 22 and the diamonds were already booked for that day. Even though there are no games yet, players who choose will be out playing some ball. Pickleball players will likely be in action soon too, as the new pickleball court was finished last year. And, there are several sets of outdoor basketball courts, a beach volleyball court and lots of green spaces and paved paths to enjoy in Unity.

Karson Blanchette, who was an early draft pick in the WHL bantam draft, has also been selected in the SJHL draft. Unity will be watching this UMH alumni player this hockey season, wherever he may be.

More than 40 vehicles assembled for a parade June 10 past all of our seniors’ centres. It was a heart-warming gesture well received by both the viewers and the parade participants.

Local greenhouse sales have gone beyond their

UCHS graduate, Landon Solomko, pokes a little fun at the pandemic in his grad photos. Photo by Sherri Solomko

wildest expectations and are mostly sold out of most product, but they remain open for perennial and tree purchases. Tammy at Hollyhock’s Greenhouse is also ready to help firsttime or repeat gardeners with answers to any of their questions on growing in this challenging weather year. She is there to help gardeners be successful so they will develop a love for gardening ever year, not just in this pandemic year. You can check out

their website, their Facebook page or call Hollyhock’s Greenhouse and she is more than happy to respond to your questions.

Hollyhock’s continues community care programs, this year benefitting the hospital memorial gardens and KC Rescue. The greenhouse also continues to sell Nutrien fertilizer to benefit the KidSport program.

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

La Ronge RCMP work with Canadian Rangers to locate missing 14-year-old male On June 19, just before 8 p.m., La Ronge RCMP received a report of a missing 14-year-old male.

The boy was reported to have been travelling across Bigstone Road on the Lac

La Ronge Indian Band and was not seen since 4 p.m. that day. Family members made efforts to locate him, but were unsuccessful.

The Canadian Rangers were deployed and La

Ronge RCMP assisted them with the search.

At approximately 10:15 p.m., a Canadian Ranger located the male approximately three kilometers from where he had entered

Father’s Day Congratulations to Mark Coleman

the forested area along Bigstone Road. The male was reported to not have sustained any serious injuries and was taken to his family.

“We are fortunate to have an excellent partnership with the Canadian Rangers,” said Acting La Ronge Detachment Commander Josh Hallett, “The Rangers have local expertise of the area and are able

to gather a large number of searchers quickly. In this instance, the Rangers were familiar with the wooded area. It was critical the youth was located before dark, as he had no overnight supplies or equipment. We are thankful for the successful outcome and want to acknowledge what a big support the Rangers have been on this and many other searches in

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the north.”

According to their Government of Canada website, the Canadian Rangers are a part of the Canadian Armed Forces Reserves working in remote, isolated and coastal regions of Canada. They provide lightlyequipped, self-sufficient mobile forces to support CAF national security and public safety operations within Canada. They regularly train alongside other CAF members to remain prepared.

Their motto is ‘Vigilans,’ meaning ‘The Watchers.’

Some of the ways they protect Canada include: Conducting patrols; Reporting unusual activities or sightings; Collecting local data for the CAF; Performing sovereignty or national security duties; Assisting in search and rescue efforts; Assisting with natural disasters such as forest fires and floods.

The current number of Canadian Rangers is about 5,000, living in more than 200 communities. Rangers speak 26 different languages and dialects, many Indigenous.

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

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The Battlefords, Thursday, June 25, 2020 - Page 21

Second Front

Indigenous Peoples Day an opportunity to celebrate achievement Submitted by Light of Christ Catholic Schools June 21 of each year is celebrated across Canada as Indigenous Peoples Day. It is an opportunity to celebrate the heritage, diverse cultures and outstanding achievements of First Nations, Inuit and Métis people. In Light of Christ Catholic Schools, it has been a timely reminder for us to reflect on the achievements of our students, staff, and programs.

Since 2014, the province of Saskatchewan has been committed to improving graduation rates for Indigenous learners.

Alongside this, Light of Christ Catholic Schools became a strength-based organization. When focused on what each individual does well, everyone becomes more successful.

When students and teachers know and understand their top five strengths, they are able to apply them to improve learning and performance in all aspects of their lives. In the John Paul II Collegiate Braided Journeys Program, Graduation Coach Shalen Fox, has noticed many positive changes.

A primary goal of the Braided Journeys Program is to help students develop better mental health and wellness by nurturing a growth mindset. Fox says that, “becoming strengths based really helped us to focus on the skills that students need to become more confident, hopeful, and resilient. Through

activities such as the grade eight culture days and more land-based education opportunities with BATC at Sweetgrass First Nation, Blue Mountain and Wanuskewin Heritage Park, students are able to see how their culture and traditions equip them to be better advocates for themselves and contribute more to the community.”

Fox says he spends a lot of time in class helping students to use their strengths to become better communicators by encouraging more presentations about a variety of topics. He has

noticed that if students talk to their classmates about the culture days, land experiences, and community activities that they are involved in, then they find it easier to talk to larger groups about other learning in school. In addition to developing better speaking skills, they also develop better listening skills that translate to better attention skills in other classes.

Fox says he is most proud of how comfortable students are in the Braided Journey room.

He goes on to say that, it is critical for students

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to feel comfortable, safe, respected, and included if we want them to come to school. “We do a really good job of this at JPII”, he states. “When students know, understand, and practice their strengths, they see that others believe in them and respect them, and they are able to use this to their advantage for the future.”

The Braided Journey Program has also focused on more career exploration and planning opportunities for Indigenous learners. “It really helps the kids to see how what they’re already good at, for example drawing, painting, pow wow and round dancing, hunting, cooking, and sports, can lead to a career or greater contribution in the community as mentors and guides.”

A day like Indigenous Peoples Day is a chance to remember that tipi teachings, cooking, drying meat, making bannock, hiking, storytelling, hunting, fishing, and building shelter through land-based learning develops strength and can help all Canadians to become more educated about Indigenous culture in order to end negative stereotypes and racism.

Page 22 - The Battlefords, Thursday, June 25, 2020

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OBITUARIES SOISETH: It is with great sadness that the family of Alice Soiseth, nee Haugland, announce her passing on June 14, 2020 at the age of 86. She is survived by her loving husband Ralph, daughters Carol (Jim) Baxter, Brenda Soiseth, Barbara (Dana) Omland and son Kevin Soiseth. She will be greatly missed by her grandchildren Chris, Carla, Ilana, Joel, Kayla, Erin, Carter and Kyra. She will also be fondly remembered by her surviving siblings, her inlaws and her many nieces and nephews. A private service of remembrance will be held, with immediate family in attendance.

LUTHJE: Lilian Rose Luthje passed away unexpectedly at the age of 91 on June 14, 2020. Lilian was born in Rabbit Lake, SK to James and Jessie Grant on May 12, 1929. She went to Hyde Park School until grade eight, did her grade 9 & 10 by correspondence and then finished her last two years of high school at Battleford Collegiate. She then went on to attend Normal School (teachers’ college) in Saskatoon and started teaching at Eldon and Sherlock Lake schools which put her on the path to finding the love of her life, Frederick Luthje. They married in 1950 in North Battleford and started farming near Neilburg where they stayed until 1952 when they purchased the family farm south of Baldwinton. Fred and Lil raised their four children on their mixed farm and grew the farm until 1979 when their world was turned upside down by a farm accident that resulted in Fred becoming a paraplegic. With the help of friends and family, especially her brother Fred they overcame their struggles to continue farming and their devotion to each other became even stronger. Over the years they faced many farming trials together as well as the shop being struck by lightning, a plough wind that severely damaged the barn, and a brush fire that nearly took the entire yard yet leaving the new shop and the house. In 2006, Fred & Lil decided to move to town and take life a little easier. They very much enjoyed life in Cut Knife but that time was cut short by Fred’s passing in 2009 and life would never be the same for Lil. She stayed in their Cut Knife home until 2017 when she was convinced to move to Caleb Village in North Battleford which she resisted, but later grew to love. Her wit and ready smile made it easy for her to make new friends and she became the life of the party.

Covid restrictions were hard on her but thanks to her friends in Caleb, she was never alone. Lil grew up in a time when life was hard and a person had to make the best of things. She kept that philosophy throughout her life. She was an avid gardener and loved to watch things grow. She was supportive of her family and the community at large. She was involved in many service groups over the years. These included the Baldwinton Ladies Aid, Community, Curling, and 4-H Clubs, as well as the Cut Knife Band Parents Assoc. In later years, she and Fred were heavily involved in the Neilburg Bowling Assoc., Voice of People with Disabilities, North Battleford Wheelchair Sports Assoc., Canadian Paraplegic Assoc., and the Saskatchewan Abilities Council’s Farmers with Disabilities. Following Fred’s passing, Lil was very pleased to be made an honorary lifetime member of the Saskatchewan Building and Accessibility Standards Appeal Board in honor of his service. She loved to be involved in a good skit or take part in activities that made people laugh. She was always there to help a friend and loved to champion an underdog as proven by her love of the Blue Jays. Her door was always open for a friend, the coffee was always on, and a good visit with lots of laughter was the highlight of her day. Lilian was predeceased by her parents James and Jessie Grant, her husband Frederick, her sisters-in-law Holly Grant and Margaret (William) Janssen, and her two brothers-in-law Hans and Albert Luthje. She is lovingly remembered by her four children and their families: James (Joni) Luthje and his children Matthew (Realyn) and children Kalilah and Kellan; Shelah and children Lilly, Violet, Jericho and Linkyn LaRoque; Amelia (Brandon Brookman), and Joni’s children Megan (Ryan) Perron and daughter Abby, Ryan Chachula (Christie Siborit and Christie’s children Graydon and Aurora); Brenda Kwiatkowski (Lionel) and children Jeffrey (Michelle) and daughter Lilian (and Michelle’s children Brooke and Reid), Joshua; Marilyn (Howard) Flegel and their children Nolan (fiancé Jeanniene Tazzioli), Alexander (Jeannine) Boutin-Flegel; Michelle (Monty) Bontrager and their children Clark, Luke, Drew, & Jessie. Also left to grieve is her brother and best friend Frederick Grant and his wife Connie; her sister-in-law Mary Ellen Luthje, nieces and nephews Dale, Carol, Laurie, Paul, Karen, and their families. Pallbearers will be Matthew Luthje, Shelah Luthje, Jeffrey Kwiatkowski, Joshua Kwiatkowski, Clark Bontrager, Luke Bontrager, and honorary pallbearers Nolan Flegel, Amelia Luthje, Alexander Boutin-Flegel, Megan Perron, Ryan Chachula, Drew Bontrager, and Jessie Bontrager. The funeral was held at the Territorial Drive Alliance Church, 2302 Clements Drive, North Battleford, SK on Monday, June 22, 2020 at 1:00 pm. Link for Funeral Service https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs6vz5gt-MApg5iAKyDtwdg Interment took place at Hyde Park Cemetery near Sandwith, SK. The family asks that memorial donations be made to Sandwith Community Hall Cemetery Fund c/o Jessie McNabb, RR 1, Glenbush, SK S0M 0Z0 or the Charity of the Donor’s Choice. Condolences can be sent to www.eternalmemoriesfuneral.ca Arrangements are entrusted to Robert MacKay of Battlefords Funeral Service (306-446-4200).

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

CARD OF THANKS

JONES: Three days before his 92nd birthday, we lost our dear old dad, Ralph Jones, quickly and in his own home as he wished. Left missing him are his daughter Tana Woodward (Mike), son Bob Jones (Tessa), grandchildren, Jesse Greenwood, Kaitlyn Kehler, Russell Jones, and Isaac Jones, and his great-grandchildren Nolan and Hailey Kehler. He is also survived by sisters-in-law Ollie Sieben and Beryl Jones, brother-in-law, Ed Stennett, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Ralph joins his wife Helen (Quast), who passed away in 2014, and his eleven brothers and sisters born to Alfred and Clara Jones in Rabbit Lake, Saskatchewan. Dad loved the prairies and his family and he returned to Rabbit Lake as often as he could. In recent years, memory loss was a challenge but since being widowed six years ago, he took pride in caring for his beautiful yard and living on his own. Many thanks to the home support staff of Fraser Health and formerly Bayshore, without whom it would not have been possible for him to stay in his home.

HAEGEBAERT: Camille Theophiel – The family of Camille are heartbroken to announce his sudden passing on Friday, June 5th, 2020 at the age of 81 years in the R.M. of North Battleford. His memory will be forever cherished by his loving daughter, Sarah Haegebaert; his best friend and brother, Gaston Haegebaert; his sisters, Denise Liebaert and Godelieve “Goldie” Lacoursière; his nieces & nephews: Eileen (Eugene) Oborowsky, Joyce (Eugene) Polard, Victor (Elaine) Liebaert, Christine (Scott) Printz, Shirley (Kevin) Peters, and Gordie (Barb) Liebaert; André (Jacquie) Lacoursière, Bernard (Raeanne) Lacoursière, Michele (Mike) Barter, Paul (Karen) Lacoursière, Susanne (Randy) White, and Mark ..

(Shanna) Lacoursière; Lutgart (Paul) Matthys-de Maertelaere, Greta de Maertelaere, and Hugo (Birgit) de Maertelaere (from Belgium).

Camille will meet in Heaven his darling wife of 25 years, Rita; parents, Leon & Irene Haegebaert (nee Schouteeten); one sister in infancy; brothers in-law, Firmin Liebaert, Guy Lacoursière, and Aimé de Maertelaere; sister in-law, Godelieve de Maertelaere; father and mother in-law, George & Alice Lamote (nee Schouteeten); as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, and other family from both Canada and Belgium. The Vigil of Prayer for Camille was held on Thursday, June 11th, 2020, with Pat Smith as presider, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial on Friday, June 12th, 2020 with Father Phinh Do as Celebrant. Both services were held from St. Joseph Calasanctius Roman Catholic Church in North Battleford. Rite of Committal was held after the service from Woodlawn Memorial Gardens. The active pallbearers were Gary Heidel, Mark Lacoursière, Victor Liebaert, George Pipp, Joe Pyra, and Gary Tebay; honorary pallbearers were Bob Gillen, Wally Gordey, Victor “Vic” Gillen, Pat Smith, and all who shared in Camille’s life. Memorial donations in Camille’s memory may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation, 26-1738 Quebec Avenue, Saskatoon, SK S7K 1V9, Masses said in Camille’s honor, or to a charity of the donor’s choice. Condolences for the family may be left at SallowsandMcDonald.com. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Sallows&McDonald-Wilson&Zehner Funeral Home.

“If Tears Could Build a Stairway” If tears could build a stairway, And memories a lane, We would walk right up to Heaven And bring you back again. No farewell words were spoken, No time to say “Goodbye”. You were gone before we knew it, And only God knows why. Our hearts still ache with sadness, And secret tears still flow. What it meant to love you, No one can ever know. But now we know you want us To mourn for you no more. To remember all the happy times Life still has much in store. Since you’ll never be forgotten, We pledge to you today A hollowed place within our hearts Is where you’ll always stay.

Card of Thanks The family of the late Camille T. Haegebaert would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the following people & businesses for their incredible kindness & support during this very difficult & unexpected time: A heartfelt thank you to the paramedics, RCMP, & other first responders and emergency personnel that attended to Camille.

Thank you to Dr. J. Hesselson for all of your care & guidance throughout the years; thank you to Dr. J. Shavadia for all of your help & support over the past few months, and for your expression of sympathy in the days following Camille’s passing.

Thank you to the entire staff at Walmart Pharmacy #3058, North Battleford, for your continuous care, help, & dedication towards Camille & family throughout the years; thank you to Sarah Woytowich, BSP & all the staff at Discovery Coop Pharmacy, North Battleford/Battleford, for all of your support, understanding, & generosity during this unexpected and difficult time.

A sincere thank you to St. Joseph Calasanctius Parish & mass celebrant, Reverend Father Phinh Do, for the beautiful memorial mass; to presider, Pat Smith, for the touching prayer vigil; to parish secretary, Karen Caldwell, for the help in preparing both services; to the active pallbearers – Gary Heidel, Mark Lacoursière, Victor Liebaert, George Pipp, Joe Pyra, & Gary Tebay – for their participation; to Elaine Liebaert & Joyce Polard for the mass readings; to Jeff Kitzan & Cheryl Kitzan for assisting with the music; and to all the family members & friends from near and far who were able to attend the memorial service(s).

A huge thank you to all the people & businesses who gave cards, flowers, & food; to all the people who made phone calls & sent text messages of support; and to all the people who made donations and/or requested masses in Camille’s memory. Your thoughtfulness & kindness were greatly appreciated & will never be forgotten.

Thank you so much to all the family members, friends, co-workers, & the local farming community for your many offers of help going forward and for your continuous support & prayers during this very difficult time.

Finally, a heartfelt thank you to Martine de Bussac, Wally Markewich, & the entire staff at Sallows & McDonald-Wilson & Zehner Funeral Home for all of your kindness, patience, support, and attention to detail. You & your team helped to make this heartbreaking & trying time just that bit easier.

Again, from the bottom of our hearts, thank you.

May God bless you all.

Sincerely, Sarah Haegebaert & Family

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In Loving Memory of

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The Battlefords, Thursday, June 25, 2020 - Page 23

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JUNE IVERSON

September 12th, 1945 - June 30th, 2016

In Our Hearts

We think of you in silence We often speak your name What would we give to hear your voice And see your face again.

Sadly Missed and Always Remembered Larry, Chantel, Meagen Mom (Anni Baier) & all family members.

In Loving Memory Edmund Baier June 2018

God saw the road was getting rough And the hills were hard to climb, So he closed your weary eyelids And whispered, "Peace be thine.”

June, Mom, GG, Grandma & Great Grandma You are always in our hearts and memories Omer, Randy, Shannon, Ryley, Jasmine, Alyssa, Ava, Evie, Melanie, Russ, Donna, Sarah, Jaxon, Kylee, Travis, Chelsey & Dyson.

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

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

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NOTICE TO CREDITORS

ANNOUNCEMENTS FARM SERVICES

battlefords humane society Hi everyone, I’m Tum Tum!

I’m Socks!

I came to the shelter quite some time ago, very scared and unsure of everything, thankfully this thing called a foster home took me in so that I could build more confidence in myself! Now I am ready to venture out into the world with my new furrever family. Might that be you?

I’m not entirely sure that I’m 100% cat there may also be some kind of land seal in there somewhere haha. If you haven’t figured it out I’m a bit of a goofball and I really try not to take life to seriously! And lucky for you I’m in need of a home! Id love to meet you and see if we connect!

NOTICE TO CREDITORS In the Estate of Roxanne Mae Darragh, late of Mervin, Saskatchewan, deceased.

All claims against the above estate, duly verified by statutory declaration and with particulars and valuation of security held, if any, must be sent to the undersigned before the 11 day of July, 2020.

Battle River Law Barristers & Solicitors 201, 1291 - 102nd Street, Box 905 North Battleford, Saskatchewan, S9A 2Z3 Solicitors for the Executrix.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS In the Estate of William Alexander Palen, late of Mervin, Saskatchewan, deceased.

All claims against the above estate, duly verified by statutory declaration and with particulars and valuation of security held, if any, must be sent to the undersigned before the 18 day of July, 2020.

Battle River Law Barristers & Solicitors 201, 1291 - 102nd Street, Box 905 North Battleford, Saskatchewan, S9A 2Z3 Solicitors for the Executrix.

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RESORT VILLAGE OF COCHIN

Public Notice –Basic Planning Statement and Zoning Bylaw Amendments Public Notice is hereby given that the Council of the Resort Village of Cochin (RV) intends to adopt TWO bylaws under The Planning and Development Act, 2007. A bylaw to amend Bylaw No. 8-89 known as the Basic Planning Statement (BPS), and a bylaw to amend Bylaw No. 9-89 known as the Zoning Bylaw (ZB).

INTENT: The BPS amendment would: amend residential and commercial policy to better outline allowable forms of development; provide Council discretion to consider higher density residential development if appropriate; provide additional policy with respect to zoning controls along waterbodies and Highway 4; update a number of policy items with current legislative reference and provincial authority, and remove outdated material; introduce a new “Creekside” policy area and section dealing specifically with development along Lehman Creek; and designate certain lands adjacent to the creek under the new policy area.

The ZB amendment would: create linkage between discretionary use evaluation criteria and the BPS; identify the RVs consideration of encroachment and enforcement matters along Lehman Creek; having zoning boundaries reflect changing water levels, accretion, or other extension of land therein; introduce a new CD – Creekside Development District complete with allowable uses, site and use regulations, other development standards and considerations; and rezone certain lands adjacent to the creek to the new CD zoning district.

AFFECTED LAND: All lots adjacent to Lehman Creek would be subject to policy (re)designation and rezoning. All lands within the RV would be subject to any new general policy and regulation, and said items are primarily related to development along the creek. A digital copy of the maps and listing of the properties affected by (re)designation and rezoning, and the proposed amendments in full, are available for public view at: https://www.northboundplanning.ca/public-notification under the “Resort Village of Cochin” heading.

REASON: Council is seeking to amend its bylaws to address existing and new development along Lehman Creek given the unique geographic circumstances and historical development patterns. Much of the development along the Creek does not comply with current bylaw regulations and extends beyond existing surveyed boundaries. Specific policy and regulation are required to specifically manage and regulate these lands separately from the rest of the lands within the RV. PUBLIC INSPECTION: Any person may inspect the bylaws and map at the RV Office between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and Saturday a.m., excluding statutory holidays. Copies will be available to the public at a cost or by emailing cochinadmin@sasktel.net and asking for a copy.

The office can also be reached at (306) 386-2333.

PUBLIC HEARING: Council will hold a public hearing at 6:00 PM on July 14, 2020, in the RV office (intended) to hear any person or group that wants to comment on the proposed bylaws. Written submissions are preferred prior to July 10, 2020, by the undersigned at the RV office by hardcopy or email before the hearing. Due to the evolving COVID-19 crisis, please contact the RV office directly for current protocols related to representations to be made at the hearing, and its confirmed location. The RV office is located at 1006 Highway 4 North, Cochin, SK S0M 0L0.

Issued by the Resort Village of Cochin this June 10, 2020 Amber Loeppky - Administrator

Page 24 - The Battlefords, Thursday, June 25, 2020

TAX ENFORCEMENT

APARTMENTS/CONDOS FOR RENT

TAX ENFORCEMENT LIST VILLAGE OF MERVIN PROVINCE OF SASKATCHEWAN Notice is hereby given under The Tax Enforcement Act that unless the arrears and costs appearing opposite the land and title number described in the following list are fully paid before August 25, 2020, an interest based on a tax lien will be registered against the land.

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

DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY

Title No.

Total Arrears*

INDEPENDENT ADULT LIVING apartments in Martensville, SK. Spend your retirement years in a community close to family/friends in the Saskatoon area that has large city services with small town safety and charm. More info @ www.chateauvilla.ca, 306-2814475 or chateauvilla@sasktel.net.

Virtual tours can be arranged.

Total Arrears and Costs 120.00 2,631.02

LOT 16-BLK/ 130816795 2,511.02 PAR 3-PLAN H2303 EXT 0 * Penalty is calculated to the date of the Notice and will continue to accrue as applicable.

Dated this 18th day of June, 2020 Lora Hundt, Administrator FOR SALE - MISCELLANEOUS

Government of Saskatchewan Request for Proposals Sale of Storage Buildings

Meadow Lake, Saskatchewan

Interested proponents may obtain proposal documents from sasktenders.ca.

The Ministry of Central Services reserves the right to reject any or all proposals received.

Classifieds keep you on the right track.

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

sasktenders.ca

Regional

NEWS-OPTIMIST Serving the Battlefords since 1908

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES Heavy Duty Mechanics, Heavy Equipment Operators and 1A Drivers 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

Financial thinkers wanted.

We’re looking for fresh customer service talent to join our team.

We create an exceptional experience for members and potential members both face to face and online/mobile.

Visit the careers section of our website to view full details on any of our positions. innovationcu.ca Innovation Credit Union offers

• Competitive wages • Comprehensive benefit program • Matched company pension of 7% • Attractive variable incentive program • Career advancement • Financial education support • Learning on work time • Fast paced exciting environment

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

960 sq. ft. 2 bedroom, 2nd floor apartment in Battleford Industrial Park. 4 appliances & Utilities included. Damage deposit and references $1050.00 month. 306-3863240

Costs

Secure electronic proposals for the purchase and removal of five storage buildings located in Meadow Lake, Saskatchewan, will be received by the Ministry of Central Services, Property Management Division, until 2 p.m. CST on July 8, 2020 and will be opened thereafter. Proposals must be submitted in PDF format via email, following the Instructions to Proponents included in the proposal documents.

Regional News-Optimist

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

The following is a general description of a Supervisor position. Salary will be commensurate with experience, training and education. This is a full-time, permanent position.

SUPERVISOR – PREVENTION SERVICES Job Description 1.0 General Description • The Supervisor is directly responsible to the Executive Director of Kanaweyimik.

• The Supervisor is responsible for supervising the Prevention Program and employees in prevention program.

• The Supervisor will comply with provisions of the Kanaweyimik Personnel Manual as it exists from time to time.

2.0 Duties Related to Supervision • Provide direct supervision and guidance to all Prevention Program staff.

Document supervision and direction given to Prevention Program staff.

• Provide direct supervision and monitor the Warrior Program. Document supervision and direction given to the Warrior Program facilitators.

3.0 Duties Related to Administration • Carries out the intent and purpose of the Kanaweyimik Personnel Manual as it exists from time to time and may make recommendations for the revision/amendment of Personnel Manual as required.

• Ensures consistent application of the Personnel Manual, Administration Policy Manual, Family Services Act and Standards by the staff, Board of Directors and LAC’s.

• Ensure all reporting requirements are met for Prevention Program.

• Make recommendations on policy, case management, financial and personnel matters as they relate to programs and services.

• Authorize sick leave, annual leave, overtime, travel expenses and confirm work attendance for all prevention staff; • Attend and participate in all management meetings as scheduled.

4.0 Duties Related to Finance • Assist in drafting annual budget for Prevention Program then submit to Executive Director by the end of January of each fiscal year.

• Monitor prevention expenditures throughout the year and ensure that the approved budget expenditures are followed. Report any over expenditures to the Executive Director.

• Bring any expenditure not in approved annual budget to the attention of the Executive Director for approval.

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

• Identify and secure additional funding sources as needed.

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

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

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

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

6.0 Qualifications The qualifications of the Supervisor shall be determined in the absolute discretion of the Board of Directors depending upon the needs of Kanaweyimik Child & Family Services at the time. The following attributes are assets: • A University Degree from a School of Social Work and/or Business Administration or equivalent work experience and training in a related area with relevant courses or workshops in prevention services and administration.

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

• Extensive administrative and management experience.

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

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

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

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

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

• Must provide a clear criminal record check.

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

• Must have a valid drivers licence.

Application deadline is June 30, 2020 at 5:00pm. Start date to be determined.

Please forward resumes by fax, email or mail to: (306) 445-2533, marleneb@kanaweyimik.com. Only successful applicants will be contacted for scheduled interviews. Recruitment process to continue until a successful candidate is selected.

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

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Work party cleans up church yard, cemetery

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

R.M. OF MEDSTEAD NO. 497

SEASONAL MAINTENANCE/EQUIPMENT OPERATOR POSITION The R.M. of Medstead No. 497 invites applications for an experienced full time Seasonal Maintenance/ Equipment Operator. The Seasonal Maintenance/ Equipment Operator will be responsible for mowing this municipality’s ditches, rock picking, mulching in conjunction with the grader operators, installing and repairing signs and other jobs as directed by the Reeve. Opportunity may be present in the future to move into a grader operator position. Pay rates depending on experience.

The R.M. of Medstead No. 497 is located in central Saskatchewan located approximately forty five minutes north of North Battleford.

Applicants must possess a valid Class 5 driver’s license and have skill and experience in maintenance and operation of equipment including tractor, mower, rock picker and mulcher.

Submit written resumes stating experience, expected wage, two references and a current driver’s abstract by 4:00 p.m. on July 9th, 2020. All resumes shall be marked “Seasonal Maintenance/ Equipment Operator Position” and dropped off at the RM Office, mailed to the address below or emailed to rm497@sasktel.net.

R.M. of Medstead No. 497 Box 12 Medstead, SK S0M 1W0 Council thanks all applicants for their interest in this position but only persons selected for interviews will be contacted.

The R.M. of Medstead No. 497 reserves the right to reject and refuse any or all expressions of interest.

VILLAGE OF GLASLYN Maintenance Position The Village of Glaslyn is seeking an enthusiastic, organized person for a Public Works position in our community. Glaslyn is a community of 387 people located in the northwest area of Saskatchewan in close proximity to Little Loon Regional Park and Battlefords Provincial Park.

In this position you will be responsible for public works, maintenance, and facilities maintenance along with relief in our water treatment plant. We are looking for a person who would possess: • a valid class 5 license; • experience operating equipment; • knowledge of vehicle and equipment repairs and maintenance; • safety tickets including WHIMIS, Confined Space, H2S Alive (or be willing to train); • Level 1 Certification in Water Treatment and Distribution and Wastewater Treatment and Collection; or must be willing to obtain Certification; • a reasonable level of fitness is required for this position and on call hours may be required; and • applicant must have Grade 12 or equivalent.

The Village of Glaslyn offers a pension & benefit package and a salary, negotiable depending on experience and qualifications.

By Dorothy M. Mills Correspondent

Looking for a

COOK and PREP COOK Please drop off Resumé at 71 - 22nd Street Battleford or Call Nicole at

306-481-5440

Love of wildlife unites Canadians

By Elaine Woloshyn Correspondent

Glorious summer! The weather is starting to feel a little like summer and to be in the great outdoors is enthralling. Canadians love to stop and snap photos of wildlife when driving.

Seems like we have a deep connection to nature that unites us. There are various federal and provincial programs protecting wildlife and plant species. The main goal is for Canadians to conserved the wildlife and its habitat.

In my part of the country we see bear, moose, deer, beaver, muskrats, raccoons, coyotes, rabbits, garter snakes and the list goes on. Large birds swoop down to catch a gopher or mouse and then soar off into the skies. We are fortunate to have sand hill cranes in a slough west of our farmyard for the last 21 years. Unfortunately, I have never been able to get close enough to capture a good photo.

Two of my relatives have recently passed away.

Uncle Paul Gregoire, who had moved from Harwood Manor North Battleford to Diamond House in Warman last August passed

ONLINE www.newsoptimist.ca

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

We thank all those for their interest, however, only those chosen for an interview will be contacted. Please call or email for further information.

Please submit resumes by August 31, 2020 to: Village of Glaslyn Attention: Kate Clarke, Administrator Box 279 Glaslyn SK SOM 0Y0 or by Email: villageofglaslyn@sasktel.net

THURSDAYS BEST

The Battlefords, Thursday, June 25, 2020 - Page 25

Regional

news-optimist Serving the Battlefords since 1908

www.newsoptimist.ca

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

away June 8 at the age of 96. No funeral is planned at this time because of COVID-19. Second cousin Camille Haegebeart of rural North Battleford also passed away three weeks ago at the age of 81.

Get well wishes to my neighbour Jenny Konopelski, who is in Royal University Hospital recovering from surgery and will have to take it easy for the summer. For a mother of four young children, this will be a challenge.

The Northern Horizons Journey of Creativity weekend has been cancelled this year. This self-drive tour of art studios and workshops in the region including Belbutte, Glenbush, Medstead, Glaslyn, Livelong and Turtle Lake areas has been offered for the past 17 years.

Call Dorothy Schmidt at Shady lane Art Studio 306-342-4580 or email dfschmidt@sasktel.net to see if some of the venues have merchandise for sale.

In the past, 10 to 12 artisans participated, offering interesting wares. Some of the back roads were a real adventure, but the routes to the various venues were always well marked.

One outdoor activity that is certainly raking in business is golf courses.

They opened May 15 with some restrictions. This past winter was longer and the snow had not fully melted until early May, so the pandemic didn’t really play a big part in the delay of opening. Many who have never enjoyed the sport are taking it up, just to be moving around outside and getting exercise.

Hopefully everyone is supporting local businesses. The big box stores have survived the pandemic, but the small, locally owned shops are needing customers, so you and I should be shopping in those places.

As Saskatchewan gradually reopens following COVID-19 closures, North Battleford Western Development Museum remains closed to visitors and volunteers. While awaiting their turn to reopen, museum staff have kept busy. Staff have been baking spudnuts every other Wednesday as a fundraiser.

Email or phone orders are taken by noon Tuesday for pickup Wednesday. Two summer students have also been hired.

The annual cleanup day at Baljennie St. Bridget’s Anglican Church yard and cemetery was held June 16. A number of volunteers met to mow the grass and weeds. A weed trimmer was used to cut around the grave sites. Overhanging branches were also cleared.

A big thank you goes out to the Wintersgills for mowing grass in the main areas before cleanup day.

Farmers are busy spraying seeded fields for pests such as flea beetles. Rain has been generous in helping crops get started. Cool nights and lack of daytime warmth mean the season is a bit behind average years.

I just received the sad news that my only surviving pen pal, Hilma Johnson of Okotoks, Alta, passed away in early June. She was one year older than I

am. We had been pen pals since April 1953. Hilma had written a letter to the pen pal exchange in the weekly Free Press out of Winnipeg asking for a pen pal close to her age who lived on a ranch. Well, I did not live on a ranch, but on a farm, but I answered the exchange, sending a letter to Hilma Mikelson.

At that time she lived at Gilbert Plains, Man. She answered and we had been exchanging letters, photos and gifts ever since.

Hilma married Trueman Johnson and had a family of one daughter, Shannon, and lived on a farm at Newton Siding, Man. We have been able to visit back and forth several times over the years. Here husband passed away in 2002. Then their daughter moved to Calgary, Alta. and soon Hilma sold the farm and moved to a senior home in Okotoks. We did get to visit with her in her new apartment and she returned more visits to our farm at Baljennie and attended our 50th wedding anniversary in 2004. Due to failing health our contact has been much slower in recent years.

Continued from Page 17 it impacts the province’s finances.

We’ve put that before this legislature for review. No other jurisdiction, including the federal government, has done such a thing. We would hope they would in the days and weeks ahead, Mr. Speaker, as other provinces will as they have the opportunity as we reopen our provinces, reopen our economy, and ultimately reopen our communities across this province.

The Speaker: — I recognize the Leader of the Opposition.

Mr. Meili: — Wow, Mr. Speaker. The question was clear. The Finance minister wouldn’t answer it last night, three times, and now the Premier didn’t either.

Will the Premier unequivocally state that he will not sell off Saskatchewan Crowns, or will he tell us which Crown he plans to sell off first?

The Speaker: — I recognize the Premier.

Hon. Mr. Moe: — There’s legislation in place that both of these parties have agreed to, Mr. Speaker. As long as that legislation is in place,

this is government that will be following that legislation as well as other rules across . . . as well as the other pieces of legislation that have been introduced, supported by this government, Mr. Speaker, and the laws of the land... …

Mr. Meili: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s amazing that this Premier can make Elwin Hermanson look like a faithful defender of the Crowns. As long as the legislation is in place. Brad Wall lied to the people of Saskatchewan and sold off STC, brought in Bill 40 and his two-step plan. Members on this side . . . Members in this room met with buyers for SaskTel, but this Premier won’t give us a straight answer because he doesn’t want people to know his plans.

Which Crown does the Premier plan to sell off first?

The Speaker: — I recognize the Premier.

Hon. Mr. Moe: — None of them.

Page 26 - The Battlefords, Thursday, June 25, 2020

Regional News-Optimist

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Almost time to pay a visit to the recycling center In Melville, a few years back, the time would come for a showdown with my accumulated recyclables. Off I would go to Rail City to redeem cans, bottles, etc. for some pocket change. I told Ed yesterday that my room is cluttered , and it is time for me to reduce the mess or evacuate my room. I offered to Ed, for free, files of old sermons and studies on various Bible topics. I was not surprised my old neighbour suggested I burn them.

Yes, I should be into a paperless existence now, but old habits die hard.

This old dog is trying to learn the tricks to reduce, recycle and reuse.

N

eighbourly Advice

According to Ed

By Raymond Maher

www.accordingtoed.com

revraymaher@accesscomm.ca When I grew up in a large farm family it was use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without.

Somewhere, I lost my way into accumulating more than the bare necessities.

The line between what I need and what I want has blurred over a lifetime.

Clutter is the result of

not deciding what is no longer needed and offering it to others who can use it or discarding it wisely. I don’t particularly appreciate getting rid of things I might use sometime, if I can find them when I need them.

Every once in a while, I revolt at my clutter and

overthrow it. It feels so perfect and liberating, but the clutter comes back like a cat that won’t stay away.

One of the most successful lies of the devil is that we need more. Not only can we have more, but more leads to our greater happiness.

How easily we get stuck on more rather than less.

Reduce, recycle, reuse, seem to offend us. One piece of pie is better with some ice cream on it.

Winning a lottery of $1 million is not as good as winning $50 million.

Surely being a boss is better than being a worker.

Is it ever just one beer or a little weed? A little anger satisfies few, but getting

even is more rewarding, or is it?

Getting more is an excellent way to get burdened and saddled with weariness.

Satan appeals with a promise of more that binds and strangles us.

God calls to the meek or humble to those that are child-like and willing to hear and respond to Him. Jesus points out in Matthew Chapter 11 that when John the Baptist came to the people, they were preoccupied with getting more. They ignored the need to get ready for the coming Messiah. Many dismissed John as having a demon.

When Jesus came, many

dismissed Him as a glutton and drunkard.

Often, we refuse to celebrate the nearness of God or to mourn death’s power over us all. Thankfully, God reveals Himself through Jesus Christ His Son to the humble. The humble are those who can hear God and respond to His offer of help and strength.

Jesus invites those who are willing to lay down their need to get more and reduce their lives to the rest that Jesus offers. He invites us to be yoked or teamed up with Him to give us rest and strength.

Jesus is gentle and lowly in heart, and He lightens our souls.

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

SUNDAY SERVICES CAN BE SEEN ONLINE AT

306-445-5901

St. Georges Anglican Church Battleford Facebook St Paul’s Anglican Church North Battleford Facebook Battle River Parish YouTube channel CJNB Radio 1050AM Sunday mornings 7:45-8:30am Contact: 306 445 4155 stpaulnb@sasktel.net

Reverend George Yando Sunday Services 10:30 AM Everyone Welcome

Hope Mennonite Fellowship 1291 - 109th Street, North Battleford

Battlefords Grace Community Church

Pastor Gerhard Luitjens & Abel & Sonya Zabaleta (Mission Partners)

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

SUNDAY - 11:00 a.m. - Worship Service

Pastor: Bill Hall

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 ALL LITURGICAL SERVICES ARE TEMPORARILY SUSPENDED. CALL MARUSIA AT 306-445-8369 RE ONLINE SERVICES

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

306-937-3177 Rev. Gayle Wensley

SUNDAY SERVICES 11:00 a.m.

Third Avenue United Church Rev. Dexter van Dyke Sunday Worship, Youth Groups and Bible Study Groups are cancelled until further notice.

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

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

Battleford Legion Hall 7:00 p.m.

PASTOR - Rick Martin

1371 - 103rd Street (Use East Door)

LIVING FAITH CHAPEL

1372 102nd St 306-445-3009

ROMAN CATHOLIC ST. VITAL’S Phone 306-937-7340 PASTOR - Fr. Sebastian Kunnath

Maidstone/Paynton United Church of Canada 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 www.livingfaithchapel.ca

Battlefords Seventh-Day Adventist Church

11 - 18th Street, Battleford, SK

Saturday Evening Mass - 5:00 p.m.

Sunday Mass - 10:30 a.m.

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, June 25, 2020 - Page 27

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Professional Directory

AGRICULTURE PARTS

DEADLINE FOR THURSDAY EDITION IS MONDAY BY 4:00 PM

ROOFING CONTRACTOR

GENERAL CONTRACTOR

Bob Frolek's

New, re-roofing & roof repair

Todd Patterson Owner/Operator

AGRA PARTS PLUS WRECKING

Patterson roofing

Jeff Schommer

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

Look for the RIGHT business for the JOB

306-481-4892 schommshandymanrenos@yahoo.com

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

Have a "To-Do" List?

We Will Take Care of it!

ARBORIST

GENERAL CONTRACTOR

306-445-6769

I CM TREE SERVICE + PLUS

306•386•7259

Call the Certified Professionals Today

CERTIFIED ARBORISTS

306.386.7259

Derrick Shynkaruk General Contractor

• New Construction • Renovations

306.441.1980 306.445.3144

FULLY INSURED

(Liability Insurance)

djshynkaruk@gmail.com CONCRETE CONTRACTOR

Glenn Day Cell: 306-441-3342 E-mail: gpday@icloud.com TRAINED INSTALLER

CUSTOM FLOATING

ROOFING CONTRACTOR

J&D Roofing

“Quality “Quality that that doesn’t doesn’t cost, cost, itit pays” pays”

Serving the Battlefords & Area...Locally Owned & Operated SERVING THE AREA...

“Quality thatBATTLEFORDS doesn’t cost,& it pays” Locally owned306-937-2083 & operated Dion BelRose Licensed, WCB Coverage • Fully Insured

Insurance Claims Locally Owned & Welcome Operated Rooftop Snow WCB ESTIMATES •Removal Fully InsuredAvailable FREE

ESTIMATES 306-937-2083 DISCOUNT FREE ESTIMATES Call Dion or Pat 937-2083 AVAILABLE

Call DionFREE or Pat

SENIOR

TREE SERVICES

PEAKE LINE LOCATING

DAVE KONOPELSKI 306-344-7424 Meota, Sk. davekono@sasktel.net

Phone: 306-445-8439 Cell: 306-441-3690

FREE Estimates & Senior Discounts

Licenced/Insured WCB A263327

LINE LOCATION SERVICE

• ICF Basements • Grade Beams • Heated Slabs • Flatwork • Concrete Cutting • Backhoe Services/Trenching • Septic Tanks

Where we always try to be the lowest price and best value.

- Guaranteed Workmanship -

Box 1331 Battleford, SK S0M 0E0

Raymond Oleshko Tree Services

• Tree Removal

• Trimming & Pruning • Stump Grinding • Fully Insured

PHONE 306-481-4465

TREE SERVICES

REALTOR Devan Oborowsky Realtor®

Ltd. PRESCRIPTION APPLICATION 45’ BELT CONVEYER Fertilizer I Herbicides I Micro Nutrience I Broadcast Seeding CALL FOR RATES AND BOOKINGS DAVID KONOPLESKI 306-344-7424 • davekono@sasktel.net • Box 139, Meota, SK S0M 1X0

ELECTRIC CONTRACTOR

306-441-5123

devanobe@gmail.com www.dreamrealtysk.com

REALTOR

Ltd.

Janaya Pollard REALTOR®

306-441-8727 ESTHETICIAN

Esthetics By Sharon

306-441-4162 janayapollard@gmail.com

Sharon Colliar 2030 Foley Drive North Battleford, Sask

306-441-7737

306•386•7259 306.386.7259

Call the Certified Professionals Today

Five Star Safety Rated Excellence

• Ticketed Tree Climbers • Tree Trimming • Tree Removal CERTIFIED ARBORISTS • Stump Grinding FULLY INSURED

(Liability Insurance)

www.dreamrealtysk.com

REALTOR

Pedicures Manicures Facials Body Waxing Lash/Brow Tinting

Gift Certificates Available

I CM TREE SERVICE + PLUS

Ag Services • Solar • Residential Commercial • Maintenance

Kevin Ryhorchuk

60’ BOOM TRUCK

Ltd.

Kaley Knight REALTOR®

306-386-7832

kaleyeknight@gmail.com www.dreamrealtysk.com

THIS SPACE CAN BE YOURS! Call 306.445.7261

ask for Candace, Katasha, or Maureen for more information

Page 28 - The Battlefords, Thursday, June 25, 2020

Regional News-Optimist

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BOXING WEEK July in

EVENT

S A L E E N D S J U LY 15 , 2 0 2 0

BUY MORE, SAVE MORE Save up to an additional $400 when you buy qualifying Maytag® Major Appliances* SEE IN-STORE SALES ASSOCIATE FOR INSTANT SAVINGS DETAILS AND LIST OF AVAILABLE QUALIFYING MODELS. 192-24th Street West, Battleford Phone 306-937-7474 Fax 306-937-7676 www.battlefordfurniture.com mail@battlefordfurniture.com

BATTLEFORD FURNITURE * In-store instant savings on retail purchase price (after taxes) valid on purchase of qualifying Maytag® major appliances will be deducted at the time of purchase. Receive instant savings of $100 (after taxes) when you purchase two (2) eligible Maytag® laundry appliances (washer and dryer); instant savings of $100 (after taxes) when you purchase two (2) qualifying Maytag® kitchen appliances or instant savings of $300 (after taxes) when you purchase three (3) or more qualifying Maytag® kitchen appliances, consisting of one model only per appliance sub-category. Multiple purchases must be made at the same time from the same participating authorized Canadian Maytag dealer. GST/HST/QST and provincial sales tax (where applicable) are included in the instant savings amount.

Qualifying purchases must be made between June 25 - July 15, 2020. Open to Canadian residents only. Offer cannot be combined with any other Maytag® appliance offer.

Offer is not available to second channel, dealers, builders or contractors. All models may not be available at all dealers.

No substitute models qualify. Dealer prices may vary. Dealer alone has sole discretion to set retail prices. Offer excludes discontinued models. ®/™ © 2020 Maytag. Used under license in Canada. All rights reserved.