Regional News-Optimist March 18, 2021

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City may beef up downtown bollards being hit by drivers 22 go missing, 18 come loose

By John Cairns

of repairing the bollards are running at $5,000 to $7,000 a year.

A recent maintenance history of the bollards was provided, indicating that the price tag came to $22,085.72 in material costs (over a period of three years) and 46.75 hours of labour costs in connection to fixing the bollards.

Of the calls the city has been tracking, there were 22 reports of missing bollards — bollards that Schafer confirmed had actually been taken away by people — and 18 of bollards that were loose and were required to be rebolted. There were also five incidents of bollards needing new batteries for their solar lights.

According to a map provided by administration, the vast majority of affected bollards are ones located on street corners, as well as a few located on bulb-outs at crosswalk locations.

Switching to a different

Staff Reporter

The City of North Battleford is looking at switching out the bollards located downtown, due to mounting costs of repairing the current ones that are there.

Director of City Operations Stewart Schafer reported to the city’s Planning Committee on Monday that the maintenance department is now investigating changing the bollards to a type that does not snap off when hit by a turning vehicle.

The bollards were put in as part of the downtown revitalization efforts of recent years. The revitalization has included the installation of new bulb-outs, new sidewalks, as well as improved lighting and street benches. But damage to the bollards has been an issue from the beginning.

While Schafer noted the situation is “not as bad as some people have been led to believe,” the costs

type of bollard would “reduce the bollard maintenance costs for repair and replacement,” Schafer stated in his memo to Planning Committee.

In speaking to Planning Committee, they were looking at going to a harder bollard that does not break as easily.

Schafer suggested the bollard issue was due to poor driving, or people who were distracted and don’t realize where the end of the street is, “and they are catching the bollards.”

But Councillor Thomas “Bill” Ironstand pointed to the bulb-outs on the streets being an issue. They were located “too far out” and pose a problem for people turning, he said. He suggested if they were shortened and they made the turning radius longer, they wouldn’t run into this problem.

“It’s not just driving attentiveness or poor driving, it’s what we put out there,” said Ironstand.

City of North Battleford administration is having trouble maintaining the bollards currently in place on downtown streets. The thinking is they could be replaced by something more durable. Photo by John Cairns

RCMP present powerful victim impact statements at gang member sentencing

By Lisa Joy

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter / News-Optimist

Two powerful RCMP Victim Impact Statements have revealed what police deal with all too often as they combat dangerous street gang activity.

And the threat those gang members pose to police and society was reflected in Justice Brenda R. Hildebrandt’s sentence of five years and

10 months in prison for Cody Aaron Lee Dillon, 25, from Onion Lake Cree Nation.

North Battleford Crown Prosecutor Jennifer Schmidt welcomed the stiff sentence.

“The Court imposed a significant sentence today and the decision highlights the struggle that Loon Lake had with respect to gang activity,” said Schmidt after the sentence hearing in Bat-

tleford Court of Queen’s Bench on March 12.

“The decision highlights the serious risk Mr. Dillon’s actions posed for the communities in and around Loon Lake, but also for the RCMP officers whose job it was to stop him,” added Schmidt.

“The Court highlighted the professionalism the officers showed here. As I said in my submissions Continued on Page 2

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RCMP present powerful victim impact statements Continued from Page 1 to the Court, the bravery that these officers demonstrated is what we mean when we try to teach our children about what it means to be brave. It was appropriate that the officers’ actions, and the impact that this offence had on them, was recognized by the Court.”

Victim Impact Statements by S/Sgt. Ryan How and officer Robert McCready were read to the court on March 8, 2021, after Dillon pleaded guilty to four charges, including driving a vehicle while being pursued by police and failing to stop, operating a vehicle in a manner dangerous to the public, being the occupant of a vehicle knowing there were firearms, and driving while

prohibited.

The 2019 incidents In January 2019, Dillon, along with Tonia Cantel, Tonio Cantel, and Juanita Wahpistikwan, were charged with assaulting a police officer with a weapon, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, possession of property obtained by crime and fleeing police.

The four were arrested after a dangerous police pursuit. RCMP were initially dispatched to a home on Makwa Lake First Nation when a man suffered a head injury. Half an hour later police responded to multiple complaints of gunshots on the First Nation. Police said the two incidents were related and the result of gang activity.

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were identified and spotted in Loon Lake. Police set up roadblocks and a spike belt damaged one vehicle, which resulted in the occupants piling into the second vehicle, a gold truck, before fleeing.

During the police pursuit Dillon drove the truck up to 150 km/hr on gravel roads. The occupants - all dressed in red, the signature colour of Westside Outlaws - tossed firearms and a machete out the window, which were recovered.

Victim Impact Statements “When I encountered the gold truck you were in north of Loon Lake the only emotion I felt was sadness,” said S/Sgt. Ryan How in his Victim Impact Statement.

“I knew right away how this was going to end. It’s always the same, just a varying degree of tragedy.

When I saw your co-accused run from the Equinox and point what may have been a gun at me, I just felt tired and defeated.”

But it wasn’t just their own lives police were concerned with - Dillon put innocent school children’s lives at risk.

“Those children had no idea how much danger they were in because of your actions,” said S/Sgt. How. “Yet you continued on.”

S/Sgt. How said he has

been involved in these situations so often he knew what would happen.

“I knew what you would do when you came up to the road block. And you did the same thing every other desperate criminal does - you accelerated and swerved towards the police.

“As you did that, I took off my seatbelt and accelerated my truck directly at you. I wanted to be able to at least have the chance to manoeuver in the cab if you and your fellow gang members started shooting at me. As I lined up my truck to yours head-on I fully expected to be shot but I tried to make sure my truck would stay on a straight path and hit you even if I couldn’t steer because you needed to be stopped.”

S/Sgt. How said the impact of the crash was significant, and hurt, a lot.

“Your stolen truck had a large push bumper on it that barely sustained any damage. My truck was destroyed. My knees struck the dash and I ricocheted off the steering wheel before bailing out of the truck onto the road; again I thought bullets would be coming through my windows.”

Police drew their weapons and aimed at Dillon.

“Even after all of this, after hours of chasing after

you, hours of being frustrated, angry, and tired, (I) was required to be of calm mind and use sound tactics as I drew my gun on you and the people with you.

“At that moment I was furious that it had come to this. I was furious that your stupidity was causing me to miss an important family event going on right at that moment I had you in my gun sights. I was furious that I might have to shoot and kill you.”

Police officers could have pulled the trigger, but didn’t.

“I didn’t shoot you, Mr. Dillon,” said S/Sgt. How. “My coworkers didn’t shoot you, even though we were taunted and dared to do it by the people in the truck with you. Even though your actions caused one of my coworkers to almost be run over and killed. We made sure you were safe.

“It was a joke and a game to you. It was life and death for me, for my partners, and the public. I’m telling you that on January 17, 2019, you were lucky to be arrested by some of the most capable and experienced police officers in the country. They showed incredible restraint and professionalism to make sure you lived to be here today.”

RCMP Officer Robert McCready also had his gun sights on Dillon that day.

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Six hours before his shift he got a call and right away he knew something serious was happening.

“Something must have become pretty serious or gone sideways, that’s why I’m getting called about six hours before my shift starts,” he said in his Victim Impact Statement.

“I had been in Loon Lake for a while at that time, and had a feeling that it was probably related to gang activity, firearms or both. I got geared up and found that gang members/ affiliates have possible firearms and are driving in two vehicles and are evading police. My thoughts are ‘great, here we go again.’

This was a constant way of life around that area, something would pop off, at least once to twice a week or more.”

McCready said they found and lost the vehicles and suspects multiple times, with many officers looking for them.

“This went on all afternoon, which took a bad turn when the vehicle started going through a populated area, just as school was letting off, and for fear of worsening conditions, police had to back off again.”

McCready said he had seconds to decide whether or not to shoot.

“Here’s the thing, I had Continued on Page 6

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The Battlefords, Thursday, March 18, 2021 - Page 3

City concerned about riverbank erosion near water wells

By John Cairns Staff Reporter

The City of North Battleford is concerned about riverbank erosion near the well field for Water Treatment Plant No. 1.

The issue came up at a Planning Committee on Monday. Water Treatment Plant No. 1 is the groundwater plant located just west of the Highway 16 bridges, and it relies on water wells along the riverbank to source water for the plant.

Mayor David Gillan recommended putting something in the city’s five-year plan to address the situation on the riverbank.

“It’s been delayed for a decade or more,” said Gillan. “I think the time has come to start dealing with it.”

A memo on the situation was provided by Director of City Operations Stewart Schafer, who also provided council with a

technical report done by SG1 Water Consulting Ltd. The main concern is an area along a bank on the northeast side of the North Saskatchewan River, not far from several of the city’s groundwater wells.

The report from SG1 states the river channel is progressing in an easterly direction towards their most upstream groundwater well on the northeast side of the river.

Of greater concern, as outlined in the report, is what could potentially happen with nine active groundwater wells situated upstream further to the east, with the potential for those locations to be at risk due to the erosion.

“This has been going on for some time,” said Schafer, noting this has been an issue going on decades. The city had tried putting riprap in (clean concrete) years ago at the location, but it didn’t work, he said.

The indication from

Trunk main project has to pay PST

By John Cairns Staff Reporter

The City of North Battleford hasn’t received the answer it wanted on whether they can get a break on provincial sales tax for their sanitary sewer trunk main project.

The city is facing a $750,000 bill for PST on the project, helping drive the project’s overall estimated cost past $15.1 million.

The province only started collecting PST on construction in 2017, which was after the city’s funding application for the trunk main project had been sent in. The thinking from the city was that they might qualify for a break on that PST given the timing of their application.

Unfortunately, Mayor David Gillan confirmed to Planning Committee on Monday the response from the province is a “no.”

He said the city had gotten a response from the minister of finance, and they were turned down. It was explained the city didn’t have a contract in place as of April 1, 2017, when the change to imposing PST on construction projects came in.

“That’s an unfortunate situation but those were the transition rules,” said Gillan.

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SG1 is there may be some ways available to address the erosion. Some of those options will cost money, but it is not an urgent need,.

Still, the city has to address the issue by 2030.

The report outlined four potential options the city is looking at.

One is extensive riprap bank protection, where some well-graded rock riprap is placed on the banks over an overall length of about 655 meters, with a price tag of around $1.64 million.

A second option is strategic placement of a series of river-training spur dykes, which would extend to the top of the riverbank and project into the river channel. The estimate is around $564,000.

The third option is a setback trench and localized riprap bank protection. The estimate would

Seen here is a map included in the report from SG1 Water Consulting Ltd. of the North Saskatchewan River received at a Planning Committee meeting on Monday, showing the eroding bank and its proximity to several water wells used by the City of North Battleford’s Water Treatment Plant No. 1. Photo submitted

be around $788,000.

The fourth option is the “do nothing” approach for the time being, which would allow the channel to keep migrating in an easterly direction. While there is no construction “price

tag” for this option, the city would need to budget for surveying and field monitoring for the riverbank.

The indication from Schafer is that administration is reviewing the report along with SG1 to

determine the right option for the city, and that is still ongoing.

Mayor Gillan thought the localized riprap might be work an be more cost effective. But final decisions are still a long way off.

Tweaks coming to city land pricing

By John Cairns Staff Reporter

A few tweaks are coming with respect to the City of North Battleford’s incentive policies and land pricing for 2021.

The only real changes suggested at a meeting of council members sitting as Planning Committee on Monday are for a few adjustments to land sales.

Meanwhile, the city’s Downtown Incentive, Residential Incentive and Key Corridor Incentive are all recommended to be renewed in 2021, with no changes.

The incentives in place in 2020 were well used

for the most part. For the Residential Incentive Policy, three applications were received and awarded in 2020. One application was received and awarded in 2020 for the Downtown Incentive Policy, but none were received for the Key Corridor Incentive Policy.

Administration recommended renewing the incentives and said they foresee even more development happening in 2021.

Administration states they also researched the possibility of a Heritage Tax Incentive Policy but determined it was not a good fit at this time; instead they recommended dealing with it on a case by case

basis. There was interest expressed from council on seeing some sort of consistent policy for more of those heritage or older properties; that could come back to council later.

As for land sales, 2020 was a good year for the city. Administration reports five residential lots were purchased last year, with an additional nine lots optioned for 2021.

With market conditions for land looking positive, some tweaks are coming for 2021 which mainly impact sales of lots in Fairview and Killdeer Park.

The city had been selling that residential land at 15 per cent off, but admin-

istration is recommending removing that sale on the lots in Fairview and Killdeer, as the market has improved considerably.

Instead, they are looking to re-price the Killdeer lots at $12.13 per square foot from the current $14.28 per square foot.

This is in line with the current “sale” price offered in 2019-20.

Administration is also proposing to allow for re-pricing of corner lots in the Fairview Heights neighbourhood, on the basis these lots are tougher to sell.

Recommendations will be brought back to council for approval.

Regional coalition plans to focus on relationship building

By John Cairns Staff Reporter

Battleford town council heard from the new co-ordinator for the Battlefords Regional Community Coalition Monday.

Tom Howard provided an update on what was happening with the coali-

tion at their council meeting. The presentation was along the same lines as the one he made to North Battleford council shortly after he arrived in October.

The Battlefords Regional Community Coalition was established following the signing of the Sacichawasihc Relation-

ship Agreement by the town of Battleford, city of North Battleford and five regional First Nations — Moosomin, Sweetgrass, Saulteaux and Little Pine First Nations and the Lucky Man Cree Nation.

Howard said in 2020 the coalition had engaged in a wide range of conversa-

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tions on a variety of topics, including tourism, advocating for a regional gang strategy, systemic racism in policing, and others.

The pandemic has been a major focus lately. Howard noted they were hosting biweekly pandemic calls with the Saskatchewan Continued on Page 10

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Page 4 - The Battlefords, Thursday, March 18, 2021

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Letter

Less money in honey

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

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

Dear Editor “The way people earn their living shapes the character of their laws, their government, and their culture.”

Author Arthur Herman’s phrase echoes the thoughts of H.H. Kames, Adam Smith and William Robertson in his book, How the Scots Invented the Modern World.

Thanks to the COVID-19 border closure and no foreign hunters, Canada has several thousand more bears than last year. Something for asparagus harvesters, bee ranchers, campers and dogie toters to keep in mind when the bears wake up this spring. (Oops, I forgot the tree planters and, I am sure, others.)

Lots of lawyers gets lots of cash defending lots of drug dealers therefore do our courts treat equally those habitually caught with drugs and a smuggled handgun compared to those individuals in their bear-infested bee yard, campsite, gardens or back forty with a legally obtained large bore handgun without a “so illusory as to be impossible to obtain” restricted firearms carry permit?

Would interrupting the drug dealers “accessory” supply chain do more for public safety than making handguns and 10-guage shotguns taboo for Canada’s beekeepers? Guess it all boils down to whether there’s less money in honey than drugs. We have law and ethics (of a sort) but do we have a safer Canada to rear our children?

Tom Lamont Maidstone Addendum: This letter had been in draft form scarcely a week before the feds introduced more firearms legislation I have yet to see Bill C21-21, but the media has announced that those found with drugs and a smuggled handgun will get a get out of jail free card.

Goodbye Canada, hello Cartel North! It sounds like the people who do the productive work in this country have a lot to get hot under the choler about (pun for RHW) and “up with which we will not put!” (Apologies to W.S. Churchill)

Commentary

We need a foreign agent registry to curtail China’s influence

By Charles Burton

Senior Fellow / Macdonald-Laurier Institute

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

Recently, Robert Oliphant, parliamentary secretary to the foreign affairs minister, told the House of Commons that Canada is considering creating a registry of foreign agents, along the lines of Australia’s Foreign Influence Transparency Scheme Act and the U.S. Foreign Agents Registration Act. It seems like a no-brainer to expect transparency whenever someone takes a foreign state’s money in expectation that they will commensurately serve the interest of the funder. But please excuse any skepticism that Canada will, any time soon, legislate a registry for former politicians, civil servants, scholars and other opinion influencers who receive benefits from China.

Beijing incentivizes people with lucrative board memberships and other associations with the Chinese partystate, as unregistered lobbyists to put in a quiet word with their former government colleagues. The message: Canadian companies will lose out on lucrative contracts

Regional

if our federal government implements policies inflicting anything more than verbal condemnation on China’s human rights violations, espionage, acquisition of key Canadian natural resources and infrastructure, and flouting of the international rules-based order in diplomacy and trade by hostage-taking and economic coercion.

These influencers represent China as proxies in public statements in Canadian newspapers and through reports from think-tanks that have accepted PRCassociated funding. They attempt to dampen Canadians’ outrage over China’s state behaviour, or over authorizing Huawei 5G despite stark warnings from Canadian and international security experts. They urge that we accept the myth of China’s inevitable global supremacy in the wake America’s decline, that Canada should compromise our commitment to our security, sovereignty and Canadian values of fairness, justice and reciprocity in relations between nations, lest we become bystanders to the “greatest changes in global history.”

Even though opinion polls indicate nearly nine in 10 Canadians want our government to be much more “pro-

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

active” in relations with China, the prime minister and cabinet are apparently listening to other voices, who may be rewarded by the PRC régime, saying we should be “sophisticated and mature” in our relations with China, abiding by China’s urging that we “set aside differences and seek common ground.”

Continued on Page 10

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The Battlefords, Thursday, March 18, 2021 - Page 5

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Mons Meg

By R.H .Wood

North Battleford

Mons Meg is a huge cannon made in Mons, France, in 1449. It is housed in Edinburgh Castle and was used occasionally in battle.

It is not known which transport company moved it. Most famously it blew a hole clean through the wall of Threave Castle, unfortunately severing the hand of a titled lady also called Meg. Its range was two miles or so which was similar to the distance it could be moved in a day.

The name “Meg” is simply an affectionate appellation for any winsome wench.

Mini Meghan is

W

The

ood Pile

England’s answer to this Scottish relic. Small as she is, a single salvo had enough firepower to distress the Royal family and possibly de-stabilize the monarchy. Personally, I thought the attack was ill-timed, unnecessary, scurrilous and lacked propriety and respect.

The interview contained inaccuracies. If it is true, they wed three days earlier, then the chapel wedding was merely pure theatre.

Equally, their children are automatically in line for titles in due course.

It is easy to attack and criticize the Royal family, but it is difficult for them to refute and virtually impossible to negate. So, Harry and Meghan cease firing sour grapeshot. You have made your choice and you should stay in Tinsel Town with your new friends and get on with life.

Much sadness

descended on our household at the weekend.

Walter, our ginger cat, the last of many family pets, failed to come when called. In cat years, he was the same age as myself

and is to be cremated.

Walter was a marvelous creature and a wonderful acquisition 15 years ago. He came from the Battlefords animal shelter.

This society deserves

support and we will make a donation in Walter’s memory. A new expanded facility is currently planned and contributions to their building fund are to be encouraged.

Allen Sapp Gallery launching new online and virtual school program

Letter We’ll have 2 shots of COVID vaccine plus a side order of fries – NO SALT!

Staff

Dear Editor We would like to extend a heartfelt THANK YOU to all the health care workers involved in the COVID-19 vaccination process.

Les and Liz Hurlburt North Battleford

The Allen Sapp Gallery has announced it is launching its new online and virtual school program entitled the newly developed Living on the Land: The Art of Allen Sapp.

The online and virtual school program is being developed for Grades 4 and 5 and is available in English or French. It is

being facilitated through Microsoft teams.

According to the gallery, each virtual tour includes a live tour with gallery staff viewing and responding to the art of Allen Sapp, as well as a

hands-on activity and follow up resources that can be used in the classroom.

The cost is $80 plus GST per classroom. To register, contact Lynn Stace, Senior Gallery Assistant, at 306445-1760.

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Page 6 - The Battlefords, Thursday, March 18, 2021

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RCMP present powerful victim impact statements Continued from Page 2 less than 10 seconds to make a decision, what was I going to do? I have literally seconds to make a decision that will impact so many lives; I have to make the right one.

“As the truck got closer, I aimed at the driver’s position in the vehicle, not knowing at that time, that it was Mr. Dillon in the driver’s seat.”

As Dillon drove the truck at a high rate of speed straight towards officers, McCready said he saw Dillon’s face and watched as Dillon threw up his arms and covered his face.

“At that point I knew, that Mr. Dillon wasn’t going to hit the brakes. His hands were off the steering wheel, his eyes no longer

on what was in front of him. In my mind, I figured he was thinking he was about to be shot. My red dot sight was now on Mr. Dillon, it was time to make a decision, and the truck was just yards from my position.

“At the last second, I removed my aim and jumped to the side to avoid being hit by the truck, which just narrowly missed me. The truck hit the (spike) belt, then the truck hit the ditch, but then back onto the road and kept going.

“Immediately I got back into a police truck and continued following the truck.

The truck then hit more spike belts and kept going at which time S/Sgt How finished the event by going head on with the vehicle,

sending Mr. Dillon and the truck into a snow covered field.”

Westside Outlaws gang member Justice Hildebrandt, when sentencing Dillon, noted the Gladue factors present but also considered his lengthy criminal record and gang involvement saying denunciation, deterrence and protection of the public were paramount.

She said Dillon has 40 previous convictions and was given numerous opportunities in the past.

She noted that one of the firearms had the words “Westside Outlaws” on the back and numbers “23:19” etched into it, which symbolizes “WS.” Justice Hildebrandt said Dillon was transporting

the weapons for the street gang.

Dillon sat in the prisoner’s box, shackles around his ankles, and occasionally turned around to look at, smile and wave at his two family members in the court gallery.

While Justice Hildebrandt outlined Dillon’s difficult life he wiped his eyes and sniffled. And when she talked about the range of possible sentences and said she was going with the higher end of the sentencing range, he sniffled louder and dropped his head.

After sentencing, Dillon became angry and asked to address the court, at which time he attempted to argue with Justice Hildebrandt over the stiff sentence.

Justice Hildebrandt rep-

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Now is the Time.

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In-person Sessions, March 18-20, 2021 The Métis Nation–Saskatchewan Registry Office is booking appointments in your area to help you with your citizenship application. COVID-19 protocols will be in place.

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rimanded him saying, “Mr. Dillon stop. I’m not here to answer your questions. I’m not here to give you legal advice.

“I do wish you all the best,” she added. “I hope you address the underlying issues.”

Defence disappointed with sentence Defence had sought a global sentence of 36 to 42 months and Saskatoon lawyer Mike Buchinski said he was disappointed more consideration wasn’t given for Dillon having to serve time in isolation during the pandemic. At one point Dillon was moved from the Prince Albert Correctional Centre to the Saskatoon Correctional Centre and placed into quarantine.

“The issues specifi-

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cally that we were focusing on was how the courts should treat the changes in the correctional centres as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and how much more difficult it is for inmates to serve that time and we were looking for some kind of mitigation on sentencing for that,” said Buchinski after the sentencing hearing.

Dillon acknowledges police restraint Justice Hildebrandt said Dillon learned the impact of his actions from the Victim Impact Statements and later thanked the police for “not pulling the trigger.”

She said Dillon put the police officers at great risk and forced them to consider whether or not to make a lethal and justifiable shot.

Regional News-Optimist

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

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Murder suspect also charged with shooting

By Lisa Joy

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter / News-Optimist

A North Battleford man charged with a 2019 murder and a shooting incident at a hotel in 2020 was waived from appearing in court March 10 and remains in custody and appears next in North Battleford Provincial Court on May 12.

Charles McLean was arrested May 19, 2020, and charged with manslaughter in connection to the Oct. 18, 2019, murder of Ryan Gatzke, 27. McLean is also charged in connection to an April 28, 2020, shooting incident where shots were fired at a North Battleford hotel.

In connection to Gatzke’s murder, McLean is charged with manslaughter, break and enter with intent to commit an indictable offence, and unauthorized possession of a firearm.

Jacob Ballantyne, 25, Isaac Melko, 22, and a young offender – whose name can’t be released in accordance with the Youth Criminal Justice Act were charged with seconddegree murder, break and enter with intent to commit an indictable offence, disguise with intent, carry

a weapon for the purpose of committing an offence, possession of a firearm without a license, and unauthorized possession of a firearm.

In connection to the 2020 shooting at the Lone Star Hotel in North Battleford, McLean is charged with four firearms and weapons charges.

According to Battlefords RCMP, at about 3 a.m. on April 28, 2020, they responded to a report of shots fired at a local hotel on the 1000 block of the Highway 16 bypass.

Police didn’t locate any suspects at the hotel but they immediately reviewed surveillance footage and determined that an occupant in a silver car shot towards a white SUV. An hour later police were called to a stabbing at a gas station on the 900 block of the Highway 16 bypass. When police arrived on scene they found the white SUV that was shot at earlier. The driver was arrested for impaired driving and police didn’t locate anyone who was stabbed.

Two hours later, police got a report that a man in a silver car parked on Trudeau Street was waiving a firearm. RCMP were on scene in minutes and

attempted to stop the car but the driver refused to stop and sped away. Police pursued the car for several blocks until the car lost control and drove over an embankment. Two men were seen fleeing the vehicle on foot. Police arrested one right away and the other man was located with the help of an RCMP sniffer dog.

Police arrested Korbin Gladue, 18, and Charles McLean, 23, both of North Battleford.

Korbin was charged with nine firearms charges, five possession of weapon charges and failing to stop for a police officer. Korbin was additionally charged with a shooting incident from August 2019. Those charges include seven firearms charges, six possession of a weapon charges, one charge of escaping custody, one charge of failing to attend court and one charge of wearing a disguise while committing an offence.

Battlefords RCMP said they believe the shooting at the hotel wasn’t a random incident and believe it was tied to drug trafficking.

Korbin remains in custody and appears next in North Battleford Provincial Court on April 7.

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Page 8 - The Battlefords, Thursday, March 18, 2021

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        Does it sound like people are blending their words together or not saying things clearly?

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Enhancing lives through an appreciation of music

By Kelly Waters

Battlefords Kiwanis Music Festival

There is an extensive history in Saskatchewan for annual music festivals.

The Saskatchewan Music Festival Association (SMFA) currently represents 47 district community festivals throughout the province. These festivals provide a platform for students to prepare performances and the opportunity to receive feedback from an adjudicator who specializes in a specific music disciple. The SMFA was established in 1908 thanks to Governor General Early Grey who was not only a football fan but supported the arts. It was his inspiration that led to him sending letters to each provinces Lieutenant-Governors in hopes of starting a Canada wide festival. Alberta and Saskatchewan responded and over one hundred years

Festival Fanfare Battlefords Kiwanis Musical Festival “Reggae is a message of consolation, a message of salvation. So, we have to make it positive. If you give positive words, that song lives forever. You have to be logical and use international words so people can relate to reggae music. I’m the inventor of the word reggae music. I’m the one who coined the word reggae. Whatever I put out on my label, it has to be positive.” Frederick ‘Toots’ Hibbert (1942 – 2020) later, here we are still celebrating. These festivals offer a valuable entry opportunity for youth studying music to share their

skills and talent publicly.

There is a provincial syllabus with specified material for categories and age groups. The Battlefords

festival adds extra classes locally if needed to accommodate performances that fall outside the specifics of that syllabus.

The stated vision of the SMFS is “enhancing lives through an appreciation of music.” Advanced level students have opportunities to compete on a provincial and national level as nominated by adjudicators. There are senior level competition opportunities as the Shurniak Concerto Competition or the Wallis Opera Competition.

These major competitions alternate years in co-operation with the Regina and Saskatoon Symphony Orchestras. A new competition opportunity was introduced in 2020. There is now a SMFA Musical Theatre Competition, held in conjunction with the Wallis Opera Competition.

With over 200 entries, the 2021 Battlefords Music Festival’s program is shaping into place. Yes, there are many Covid safety re-

strictions to navigate but there are many positives to celebrate as well. Though there will not an in-person audience for performers, live streaming will allow family and friends from far and wide to view performances. Participants will have the opportunity to enjoy the professional stage and concert grand piano the Dekker Centre offers.

Participants will follow strict protocols, wearing masks whenever they enter or exit the performance space. Vocalists and those playing woodwind-type instruments will be allowed to remove masks while performing with the use of a plexiglass barrier for added safety. With the 30 people maximum allowed at one time in the venue, attendance during performances will be limited to participants, adjudicators, teachers, volunteers, and venue staff. Ensemble performances will submit performances digitally for adjudicator review.

After festival award winners are determined, Gala performances will be prerecorded on Tuesday April 27th. For those wishing to see the program schedule, it will be available online.

The festival will run from Monday, April 19, through Saturday the 24th. Voice, Speech Arts, and Musical Theatre can be viewed over two days, April 19 and 20, with vocal adjudicator, Chris Kelly.

Instrumental performances will all take place on Wednesday. April 21. with our instrumental adjudicator, Mark Preece.

Piano entries span over three days, Thursday, April 22, though Saturday, April 24, with our piano adjudicator, Janet Tieck. Keeping in mind travel restrictions this year, all three adjudicators are from Saskatchewan. Keep in mind that anyone interested in being a festival volunteer can talk to any committee member or email l.sander@hotmail.com

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Regional News-Optimist

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The Battlefords, Thursday, March 18, 2021 - Page 9

COVID-19 Support for Business If you have adapted your business to operate during the pandemic, spent money training staff, or if you have had to close or scale back due to an emergency order, you may be eligible for COVID-19 support from the province, but deadlines are approaching soon.

The Saskatchewan Small Business Emergency Payment, Strong Recovery Adaptation Rebate, the Re-Open Saskatchewan Training Subsidy, and the Saskatchewan Tourism Sector Support Program are all in place to support businesses. If you have questions or require assistance accessing these programs, please contact my office.

Hon. Scott Moe, Premier

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

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Jeremy Cockrill

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Ryan Domotor

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A Satisfyingly Great Big Crunch

3/8/2021 10:17:05 AM

The Great Big Crunch had the best ever participation in 2021! Organizers thank the mayors and councils of North Battleford and Battleford for voting in favour of the Proclamation of Great Big Crunch - Healthy School Food Day in both jurisdictions. Both Living Sky Public School Division and Light of Christ Catholic School Division also participated division-wide. The event was organized by the Coalition for Healthy School Food, which operates as a branch of Food Secure Canada. If anyone is interested in food security issues or healthy school food please visit http://www.ppuls.org to learn more about what you can do to participate in local advocacy. Photos submitted

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Page 10 - The Battlefords, Thursday, March 18, 2021

Regional coalition

Continued from Page 3 Health Authority and representatives from Indigenous Services Canada and Indigenous Health Services.

The organization’s plan for this year, said Howard,

is to focus on relationship building, including finding new funding sources for the organization. Another focus is under the category he describes as “strategic interventions and tangible results.”

The coalition has applied for a federal grant for community engagement

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work on a potential new development in the Yellow Sky neighbourhood of North Battleford, which could include recreation facilities and a new First Nations high school. But this is all at the conceptual stage, Howard emphasized.

Howard said he is also working on regional re-

EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST The R.M. of North Battleford No. 437 invites expressions of interest for the hauling and placement of approximately 10,000 to 15,000 yards of road gravel on designated municipal roadways during the year 2021.

Interested parties shall submit the expressions of interest including the following: • Unit prices per cubic yard/mile for the hauling and placement of the gravel • A list of equipment and machinery (with proper pricing) guaranteed to be made available and used for the purpose of completing the work in a timely and workmanship manner • Proof of insurance and workers compensation coverage • Confirmation that the gravelling of roads will commence as soon as possible in May, 2021 with a completion date of no later June 1, 2021 with hauling to run continuously until completed.

Please note: • Contractor agrees that loads will not be paid until such time as they have been verified by a gravel checker contracted by the R.M. and verified by an R.M. employee. No hauling will take place unless checkers are available • Contractor agrees that all crushed gravel piles will be measured by a certified surveyor before any gravel is to be hauled from it • IF there is to be a fuel surcharge or increase after a price has been accepted, the increase must be approved by council before the haul commences. Fuel increases must be proven and justified.

The expressions of interest must be sealed and received at the office of the undersigned no later than 4:00 p.m. on the 13th day of April, 2021.

The R.M. of North Battleford No. 437 reserves the right to refuse lowest and/or all of the expressions of interest.

Dated this 25th day of February, 2021 in North Battleford, Sask.

Debbie Arsenault, Administrator R.M. of North Battleford No.437 Box 187, North Battleford, Sask. S9A 2Y1 Phone: 306-445-3604

sponse planning, and on more effective communications with councils. The plan is to do quarterly updates with the Town of Battleford.

There are also plans for a public rollout of the coalition later this year when it is safe to do so. A launch event in the spring of 2020 was put off due to the pandemic.

There was considerable interest from council in the coalition’s plans.

Among the items they were most interested in was the tourism strategy.

Mayor Ames Leslie noting a number of First Nations are interested in creating museums and their own attractions. He noted the BRCC and Howard are trying to coordinate all of that “so we’re not doing anything in silos and trying to create the same thing.”

Councillor David George particularly wanted to know what the coalition was doing with respect to gangs. Howard indicated they have invited the RCMP to their leadership meetings and they will be at their next board meeting

Commentary

Foreign agent registry needed Continued from Page 4 In the recent House of Commons resolution recognizing China’s suppression of Turkic Muslims as a violation of the UN Genocide Convention, MPs across party lines voted 226-0 to pass the motion, but the prime minister instructed his cabinet to abstain, with no clear reason given. The message to Beijing is that the Trudeau government will ignore the horror taking place in China’s Uyghur region, showing contempt for Canada’s parliamentary democracy but pleasing the Chinese Embassy.

China’s manipulation activities go far beyond rewarding Canadian influencers. Politicians, the RCMP and CSIS all acknowledge that for years Chinese agents have harassed and coerced people of Chinese origin within Canada, including Canadian Uyghurs, Tibetans, Hong Kongers, PRC students and dissidents.

But none of the large cohort of Chinese agents in Canada has been made accountable by being charged in court, or, if they are Chinese diplomats, by being declared persona non grata and sent packing.

There is also alarming evidence that

this week. The plan, said Howard, is to give the leaders of the First Nations and municipalities a chance to interact with the RCMP and talk about their struggles, and give the RCMP a chance to share strategies.

He expects the gang issue to come up there as well.

Mayor Leslie also noted the coalition had previously advocated for a gang “team” or unit to focus on gang operations, and there is an emphasis on making the gang strategy a regional target, not just something within the city or town limits.

Canadian dual-use military technologies and other classified data are being illegally transferred to China’s party-statemilitary-security-industrial complex,

by Canadian and Chinese researchers and spies. Not a single person has been arrested and charged in Canada, in part because co-opted pro-China voices in Ottawa counsel that we not offend the PRC by arresting any of their spies.

This latest statement by MP Oliphant, that the government is “actively considering” creating a registry of foreign agents, follows a familiar pattern. To appease or distract public opinion, the Trudeau government dangles a series of hollow promises, then just kicks the can down the road.

Canadians should demand that their government stop with the lip service and follow through with this now. As the old Lerner and Loewe show tune puts it “Sing me no song, read me no rhyme, please don’t explain. Show me!”

Charles Burton is a senior fellow at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute in Ottawa, and non-resident senior fellow of the European Values Center for Security Policy in Prague. www.troymedia.com

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

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

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Serving the producers of the Northwest

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FARMER North Battleford, Saskatchewan

Thursday, March 18, 2021

Genome biobank to help revive North American bison population

By Greg Basky

infrastructure needs of universities and research institutions across the country.

“After the near extinction of bison 100 years ago, Canada has led the way in bison conservation, but due to small genetically isolated herds and disease, bison remain at less than two per cent of their historic population. Without conservation efforts, bison as a distinct species would cease to exist,” said team leader Gregg Adams, a specialist in reproductive biology at USask’s Western College of Veterinary Medicine.

Genome biobanks are used to store and redistribute genetic material to preserve genetic diversity.

Adams and other researchers will use genomic tools to identify and restore the natural genetic composition and genetic diversity of Canada’s plains bison and wood bison populations, ensuring the species will survive for generations to come. The work has the support of the Assembly of First Nations and other Indigenous groups.

“A genome biobank provides one of the best opportunities to revitalize the bison species and will serve as an excellent model that can be applied to other threatened Canadian species, such as caribou,” Adams said, noting that more than 30,000 animal species are at risk of extinction worldwide.

New knowledge, tech-

USask Research Profile and Impact

The University of Saskatchewan has been awarded $6.76 million from the Canada Foundation for Innovation to help conserve bison and other threatened animal species and address challenges facing the beef cattle industry, including antimicrobial resistance which poses a global threat to animals and humans.

“Working with our partners in the livestock industry, Indigenous groups and other leading academic institutions, we will place Canada on the global stage of animal conservation and production,” said USask Vice-President Research Dr. Baljit Singh.

“This expert multidisciplinary team will apply genomics and other new technologies to the beef sector to enhance production, livestock health, and food safety, as well as reduce greenhouse gases for a more sustainable future.”

The wide-ranging research program, made possible through the CFI Innovation Fund, includes working with Indigenous communities to develop the world’s first bison genome biobank at the university’s Livestock and Forage Centre of Excellence (LFCE).

The federal government has announced more than $518 million to support the

nical expertise and genetic material will be shared with zoos around the world, including with the Toronto Zoo, a longstanding research partner with its own viable herd of wood bison.

Bringing together experts in areas as diverse as reproductive technology, beef cattle health and disease, genomics, microbiomics, and bioinformatics, the research program — “Integrated omics for sustainable animal agriculture and environmental stewardship” or “IntegrOmes” for short — will include a fibre optics network linking on-campus labs with the LFCE to enable rapid transfer of large volumes of data.

A key benefit to beef producers will be development of new genomic tools to enable trait selection, enhance genetic diversity, and diagnosis of diseasecausing microbes in herds.

“Our aim is to make it easier for cattle producers to identify and breed animals with desirable traits such as better meat quality, stronger immunity against disease, improved production efficiency (associated with reduced greenhouse gas emissions), and better adaptation to their environment,” said University of Alberta researcher and team member Graham Plastow. Plastow is an internationally recognized expert in the use of ge-

After the near extinction of bison 100 years ago, Canada has led the way in bison conservation, but due to small genetically isolated herds and disease, bison remain at less than two per cent of their historic population. Without conservation efforts, bison as a distinct species would cease to exist

nomic tools for selecting desirable traits in cattle and pigs.

“This work will lead to innovations that benefit a host of individuals and organizations, including livestock producers, veterinarians and policy makers.”

Canada’s cattle industry — which accounts for $18 billion of the country’s annual gross domestic product — must reduce its environmental impact and battle antimicrobial resis-

tance, said Adams.

“The cattle industry is under a lot of pressure to be more sustainable and eco-friendly, and we hope to be part of the solution,” he said.

The IntegrOmes program will make possible real-time diagnosis of disease and appropriate use of antibiotics in both beef cattle and bison herds, thus reducing antimicrobial resistance. Adams and his team will develop better

tools to test wildlife and domestic animals to identify and prevent spread of diseases, including those that can spread to humans.

With the new funding, a cow-calf and bull handling facility will be built at the LFCE’s Goodale Research Farm and will house the new genome biobank. The animal handling facilities at the LFCE’s Native Hoofstock Centre will be renovated and expanded Continued on next page

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Page 12 - The Battlefords, Thursday, March 18, 2021

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Global seed sector commits to UN goals, declares engagement to deliver sustainable food systems Submitted Nyon, Switzerland – Seed companies and associations representing all regions of the world have come together to sign a Declaration committing to actively support achievement of the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and proactively demonstrate their extensive and diverse contributions towards sustainable food systems, while calling for more urgent public private cooperation.

The “Seed Sector Declaration”, signed by seed companies of all sizes and geographic representation and by seed associations representing hundreds of companies per country, was launched as a part of the sector’s engagement with the UN Food Systems Summit, scheduled for September 2021.

The document acknowledges the enormous challenge for agriculture to produce sufficient, safe, and nutritious food for a global population expected to reach 10 billion by 2050, amid rising pressure from climate change, effective biodiversity preservation

and natural resource scarcity. On current trends, the number of hungry people is expected to reach 840 million by 2030, from 690 million at present.

Through the Declaration, the seed sector players outline a common set of principles for global action supporting sustainable agriculture.

“We, the actors of the private seed sector, representing its diversity, acting as individuals or as representatives of cooperatives, family-, small-, medium sized- or multinational companies, based around the world, are committed to a future where enough affordable, safe and nutritious food is produced for all without compromising the economies, societies or environments of future generations,” says the Declaration.

Michael Keller, Secretary General of the International Seed Federation said: “The COVID-19 pandemic has worsened the world’s food and nutrition crisis, but it has also shown us what can be achieved when the public and private sectors work

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Cooperation should be as inclusive as possible, and with this Declaration we are highlighting our readiness and commitment to

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join the effort.”

The Declaration highlights the sectors’ foundational contribution to food production, supporting development and use of the latest plant breeding methods to accelerate the improvement of crop varieties, ensuring the efficient movement of healthy, quality seed around the globe, and supporting access to and benefit sharing of genetic resources.

Genome biobank Continued from

at an on-campus genomics lab for use by the WCVM and the university’s College of Agriculture and Bioresources (AgBio).

Some of the CFI funding will also be used to purchase and outfit a mobile lab for conducting time-sensitive testing of animals away from the USask campus, such as bison herds or potential disease outbreaks on farms.

Other USask researchers include WCVM scientists Cheryl Waldner, Janet Hill,

Dinesh Dadarwal, and Jaswant Singh, as well as Matthew Links in AgBio. Other team members include Toronto Zoo reproductive biologist Gabriela Mastromonaco, University of Calgary evolutionary ecologist Jocelyn Poissant, and veterinarian and cryobiologist Muhammad Anzar of the Animal Genetics Resources of Canada program at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.

Building on an existing collaboration with Saskatchewan Polytechnic

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Seed companies and associations voiced their support to the SDGs, with specific contributions to SDG 1 – End poverty, SDG 2 – Zero Hunger, SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth, SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production, SDG 13 – Climate Action, SDG 15 – Life on Land, SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals.

The seed sector will continue investing in science and innovation, supporting the conservation of genetic resources and biodiversity, and connecting with the value chain to lay the foundation for a multitude of consumer benefits. This requires an open and inclusive dialogue on food systems and a workable policy environment where farmers have access to quality seed of their choice.

ISF will continue to engage with stakeholders in the coming months leading to the pre-summit in Rome and the summit in New York.

(Sask Polytech), research and technical training related to secure transfer and management of big data will be carried out, working with Terry Peckham, director of Sask Polytech’s Digital Integration Centre of Excellence Technology Access Centre (DICETAC).

Adams said the program will also help train the next generation of wildlife veterinarians, biologists, and scientists with skills to incorporate new strategies in their species management plans.

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A community newspaper published Monthly . Owned & Operated by Prairie Newspaper Group LP a division of GVIC Communications Corp. 892 - 104th Street, North Battleford, Saskatchewan S9A 1M9 Telephone: 306-445-7261 • Fax: 306-445-3223 E-mail: newsoptimist.news@sasktel.net We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada. Nous reconnaissons l’appui financier du gouvernement du Canada.

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The Battlefords, Thursday, March 18, 2021 - Page 13

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Canada proposes voluntary ‘offset’ program meant to encourage new pollution cuts

By Carl Meyer

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter / Canada’s National Observer

Canada has proposed a new voluntary program to recognize emissions reductions beyond what’s covered by the federal carbon pricing regime.

The federal government published proposed regulations online on Friday that would establish a Greenhouse Gas Offset Credit System. The proposal is open for feedback until May 5; the government expects to publish final rules later this year.

Such a program has been required under Canada’s carbon pricing law, the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act. The government has been consulting on the design of the program since the law came into effect in 2018.

Environment and Climate Change Minister Jonathan Wilkinson described it as “another tool” to combat the climate crisis. In a statement, he said it would “create new economic opportunities, particularly in the forestry, agriculture, and waste sectors.”

The program is meant to create a new financial incentive for activities

that cut pollution or boost carbon removal from the atmosphere — but which aren’t covered by the tax on fossil fuels or the emissions limits on industrial polluters that are already in place.

One example, according to a backgrounder from Environment and Climate Change Canada, is municipal landfills that have been closed up after reaching their approved size.

These closed landfills can still leak methane, a potent greenhouse gas, into the air.

If a city with this kind of landfill installs technology to capture the leaking methane, and the project is approved and verified to be effective at reducing emissions, then the government will offer “offset credits” in return. One credit is equal to one tonne of carbon dioxide or equivalent.

The city can then turn around and sell those offset credits to large industrial polluters that have their emissions restricted under the carbon pricing regime.

Those polluters, in turn, can save up those credits for when they go over their yearly emissions limits, spending them as compensation instead of paying the government a direct fee.

Once credits are used, they are then cancelled so they can’t be used again.

The projects will face a range of regulatory requirements. They will have to be registered with the government, monitored, and then verified by a third party before credits can be issued.

Government officials said it was too early to estimate how much carbon pollution could actually be cut under the program given that it is voluntary and will depend on supply and demand.

In order for the program to work, it will have to incentivize new projects that

would not have normally happened anyway, a scenario that the government calls business as usual.

It will also have to ensure that the emissions being cut or the carbon being removed from the atmosphere can be effectively measured and verified, and that the proponent can lay

a unique claim to those reductions.

The way the government proposes to guard against all of this is by establishing a series of “protocols” that would lay out all the different ways of monitoring and reporting pollution reductions for specific types of projects.

Landfill methane management is one of the protocols currently being developed. The government said it is also working on “advanced refrigeration systems” and other protocols related to forests and soil.

Carbon offsets have been a reality in Canada at the provincial level.

British Columbia, Alberta and Quebec each have their own offset programs, while Saskatchewan is developing one.

The federal government wants to integrate its credits with those provincial programs. It said federal credits would not apply to projects if they occur in provinces with offset programs that also have protocols for the same type of activity.

However, if a province does not have a protocol in place for that activity, the project could still count under the federal system.

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Page 14 - The Battlefords, Thursday, March 18, 2021

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Agronomy site looks to new combine, drone to grow studies

By Evan Radford

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter / The Leader-Post

A new combine and a new drone are among the items on the shopping list for a small-plot agriculture research site hoping to grow a bit bigger thanks to an influx of research money.

The Indian Head Agricultural Research Foundation (IHARF) recently received $727,470 from the Western Grains Research Foundation, a non-profit research group funded by farmers and based in Saskatoon.

IHARF is to use the money to buy processing and analytical equipment, field equipment, a tractor, a drone, weather stations, a plot-combine and a drying shed, according to a news release issued last week announcing the funding.

Research manager Chris Holzapfel said the drone they’re eyeing can

make thermal image readings from the air, capturing a fairly large area of land. It will allow IHARF members to deduce soil moisture conditions on the surface and at certain depths below ground, he explained.

A potential example of applying that to regular farming practices would be in an irrigation-type operation. A thermal-scanning drone could tell the user if an irrigation piping system has sprung an underground water leak; cooler temperatures tend to mean extra moisture. “(The drone will) allow us to do a lot of in-season measurements … We’ve historically used hand-held sensors, measuring individual leaves” while walking through a plot, Holzapfel said.

Another application would be checking a crop’s health: “If plants are dying off due to disease,

that could have a different thermal signature,” than if they’re thriving.

IHARF’s research plots sit on the east side of Indian Head, which is about an hour east of Regina.

Depending on funds available and the season, team members will have between 2,000 and 3,000 plots operating in a single calendar year, executive manager Danny Petty said.

Those plots are divided between 45 to 60 projects per year.

One plot can be as small as 280 square feet; the maximum size for one plot is 490 square feet. One acre of farmland is equal to 43,560 square feet.

Petty said after researchers draw conclusions from a given project, they’ll “host field days and seminars throughout the winter to pass on those results to farmers and agronomists … We typically have our main field day in

The Indian Head Agricultural Research Foundation (IHARF) operates between 2,000 and 3,000 small plots in a given year, depending on funding. The research site, pictured here, is east of Regina in Indian Head. Submitted photo

the middle of July.”

Holzapfel also listed some of the site’s past research findings.

Agronomists there found pulse crops (like lentils or chick peas) have a tendency to absorb some nitrogen in the air around them; the plants convert it into ammonium gas, which they use as a kind of selfmade fertilizer.

It could allow producers

to apply less fertilizer to their pulses, while possibly reducing nitrogen runoff into creeks and rivers.

The most recent spring runoff report from the Water Security Agency (WSA), released at the beginning of March, shows varied moisture conditions through the province.

The WSA forecasts some northern and central areas are to see near nor-

mal runoffs, like around Saskatoon.

The report showed low moisture conditions for other parts of central and southern Saskatchewan.

The WSA expects a stretch of area including North Battleford, Swift Current and Regina to have below normal runoff.

It predicts southeastern areas to receive a well below normal runoff.

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Introduction to Farm Hand is a short course that provides the basic skills and hands-on training needed to work on a grain farm in Saskatchewan. The first course module, beginning April 17, focuses on seeding and the busy spring season.

“This program is designed to meet the need for more skilled labour on Saskatchewan’s farms,” said Connie Brown, Manager of Business Development at Parkland College.

“Farmers can send current or potential employees through the program to develop their skills. And it gives general labourers without a farm background the opportunity to gain the experience needed to work in agriculture.”

Participants will receive a blend of classroom instruction and hands-on

experience over three Saturdays: April 17, April 24, and May 1.The Town of Lemberg is partnering with the college to host the training, at the town office and at a nearby farm.

The course provides an overview of field crops, Power Mobile Equipment theory, and hands-on train-

ing with selected pieces of farm equipment. Participants will also learn about basic farm safety andmoving equipment safely around work sites.

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The Battlefords, Thursday, March 18, 2021 - Page 15

Explainer: Everything you need to know about Canada’s new laws for GMOs and gene editing

By Marc Fawcett-Atkinson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter / Canada’s National Observer

Canada is changing its risk assessment policy for genetically modified plants and food products sold at home and overseas. Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) that contain foreign DNA will still be subject to government regulatory oversight. However, a new category of GMOs — gene-edited organisms that do not contain foreign DNA — will be exempt from safety assessments

by Health Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). To date, these are mostly crops like corn that have been modified to enhance a specific, naturally occurring characteristic, such as high corn starch content.

Gene-editing techniques are also common in medicine, including in vaccines like the AstraZeneca COVID-19 inoculation.

Here’s what you need to know about gene editing and the new rules for plants and foods: What is gene editing?

Gene editing (or genome editing) refers to a suite of new techniques that can change an organism’s DNA at a specific spot on its genome. The techniques can use foreign DNA to make the genetic changes but, unlike previous kinds of GMOs, do not always leave behind foreign DNA in the final organism.

These technologies allow scientists to add specific, desirable traits to an organism’s genome, or boost or suppress those already present. Gene editing bypasses the lengthier, less precise methods used in traditional breeding or earlier generations of genetic modification.

They are also faster and cheaper than older geneticmodification techniques and are regularly used outside of agriculture: for

instance, the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine relies on gene editing. CRISPRCas9 is the most wellknown gene-editing technology.

Gene editing makes it easier to ensure an organism will have desirable traits than traditional breeding, explains Loren Rieseberg, professor of botany at the University of British Columbia. That is because traditional breeding gradually enhances desirable genes over several generations and can be accompanied by genes that exhibit less useful traits. In contrast, gene editing allows scientists to achieve similar changes to an organism’s genetic code in a single generation.

Seeds for crops like canola and corn are currently the organisms most impacted by gene-editing guidance being developed

by Health Canada and the CFIA. What is the difference between gene-edited and GMO plants and foods?

Gene-edited plants differ from traditional GMOs because the method used to modify their genetic codes differs, and they often don’t contain DNA from another organism.

Older genetic-modification techniques added entire segments of foreign DNA to an organism’s genome to obtain desirable traits.

In contrast, gene editing changes only a few base pairs — the genome’s building blocks — within the organism’s DNA to alter a specific gene.

Do we have gene-edited products for sale in Canada now?

In 2013, the agri-tech company Cibus commercialized a canola it said was gene-edited using a proprietary process. At the time, it was approved for use in Canada by Health Canada and the CFIA. However, the company said last year the plant was not gene-edited and the technical infor-

Corn is among the most commonly gene-edited crops, but under proposed regulatory guidance, it will be difficult to know if the technologies were used to produce specific varieties. Photo by Pixnio

mation submitted to Health Canada and the CFIA during the approval process was misinterpreted. In July 2020, Health Canada and the CFIA changed their approval documents for the plant, indicating it was not gene-edited.

What does “non-novel” mean?

Health Canada and the CFIA categorize new organisms into two categories, “novel” and “non-novel.” In the context of gene editing: “Novel” organisms have traits that are not naturally occurring and have not been previously approved for sale by Health Canada and the CFIA. Organisms that pose an obvious risk — they could be toxic or cause an allergic reaction, for instance — or that contain foreign DNA in the final product are considered novel.

“Non-novel” organisms are organisms that have a history of safe use, show no characteristics that are new to the species and do not contain genetic material from another organism after its genome has been edited.

How does Canada regulate GMO products now, and what will change?

Currently, GMOs on the market in Canada must pass through Health Canada and the CFIA to determine if they are “novel.” If so, they are subject to regulatory oversight; seeds that exhibit “non-novel” traits will not.

Under the planned guidance, it will be left to companies to decide which products are “novel” and must be sent to Health Canada and the CFIA for oversight. Lucy Sharratt,

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co-ordinator for the Canadian Biotechnology Action Network (CBAN), says safety assessment guidelines will still be developed by the health and food safety agencies, but it will be left to the companies developing gene-edited seeds to follow them.

“The information that we have shows that (Health Canada and the CFIA) may provide a list of gene-editing techniques that it considers to be safe,” she said.

The companies will decide which of their products fit that description.

What is the business advantage to this system?

Reducing regulatory hurdles will make developing gene-edited crops significantly cheaper, UBC’s Rieseberg says. That could allow seed developers to foster a wider diversity of traits, like making the plants more resilient or nutritious.

It will also make it easier for companies to patent a greater diversity of crops, maximizing their profits through the sale of patented seed.

Are other countries taking the same approach?

Not the EU. In 2018, the Court of Justice of the European Union ruled all gene-edited crops undergo regulatory oversight before going to market. That decision built on the bloc’s already stringent regulatory approach to GMOs. Canada initially indicated it would follow the European lead. However, the proposed regulations now mirror the more lax approach taken by the Continued on next page

for more information.

Page 16 - The Battlefords, Thursday, March 18, 2021

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Painting a clearer picture of spring runoff, impacts of climate change

USask develops model to predict snowpack depth and movement Submitted Scientists have developed a way to predict the depth and movement of snowpacks in the Canadian Rocky Mountains which will provide valuable information on spring runoff, risk of flooding, avalanche danger and the impact of climate change.

After decades of research, a new model was developed by University of Saskatchewan researchers that for the first time successfully predicted mountain snowpack with a high degree of accuracy and detail — information of critical importance for water management, agriculture, mining, recreation and flood forecasting worldwide. Snow cover in the mountains is the principal

Gene editing

Continued from previous page U.S., Australia and other countries. According to a timeline of the process pro-

driver of spring runoff.

“Snow in the Canadian

Rockies accounts for 60 per cent of the flow of the

South Saskatchewan River and three-quarters of the

province relies on it for drinking water, for irrigation, for potash mining and other industries,” said John Pomeroy, Canada Research Chair in Water Resources and Climate Change and professor in the USask Department of Geography and Planning.

“The rivers in Saskatchewan really are the lifeblood of the province.”

According to Pomeroy, more than half of humanity relies on runoff from mountain snow for drinking, power generation, and irrigation.

“We can finally predict the development of mountain snowpack,” said Pomeroy. “This is a big achievement, which allow water management agencies to better assess our mountain snow water resources.”

vided to CBAN by Health Canada, early versions of the guidance — released in July 2020 — would have seen all gene-edited organisms and foods assessed by Health Canada. By February 2021, those requirements were gone.

The decision came af-

ter several meetings with industry, public- and private-sector plant breeders and reviews of the relevant scientific literature, Health Canada said in a statement.

Should we be worried about these new regulations?

Depends who you ask.

Sharratt believes seed developers are motivated primarily by profit. Companies will invest in creating non-novel, gene-edited plants either because they have a specific use within industrial agricultural systems — reducing pesticide use, for instance — or as a way to patent specific crops.

Gene editing isn’t foolproof, says Sharratt, and can still create genetic errors that could have unknown health impacts.

“If the assumption is there that the process of gene editing is safe, will anyone look for the unexpected effects?”

But Reiseberg concurs with Health Canada’s assessment that non-novel gene-edited plants are safe to eat without further regulatory oversight.

Sharratt also notes the planned guidance will not force companies to be transparent about which seeds are gene-edited.

Under the new rules, the government, farmers and consumers will only know their seeds have been gene-edited if plant developers participate in Health Canada’s voluntary transparency initiative, which will publish information on new plants on the ministry’s website, Health

Researchers dig down into the snow to compare data taken using drones at the Fortress Basin research site. Photo courtesy Phillip Harder

For example, the amount of snowpack in the Rockies each winter determines hydroelectric capacity at the Gardiner Dam and the amount of water available in Lake Diefenbaker for irrigation.

Big Data Run on supercomputers, the Canadian Hydrological Model (CHM) crunches detailed data on snow distribution by wind and avalanches, shading by mountains, wind flow over ridges and vegetation, along with weather forecasts, to generate an estimate of where and how much snow has accumulated in a given area.

The USask team used their model to predict the amount of snowpack in a 1,000-square kilometre Continued on last page Canada noted in a statement.

Health Canada and the CFIA both say there are no plans to track where geneedited crops end up.

“As with any other food, Health Canada does not monitor the market penetration of foods in the Canadian food supply ... CFIA (also) does not track information about the commercial status of plants based on their method of development, because their impact on the environment is considered to be the same as those already on the market,” Health Canada said in a statement.

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The Battlefords, Thursday, March 18, 2021 - Page 17

Tow truck driver Courtney Schaefer remembered in Slow Down, Move Over events

By Rob Paul

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter The World-Spectator

Fire departments, tow trucks and emergency vehicles across Saskatchewan flashed their lights at the side of the road on Sunday, March 7 and Wednesday, March 10 as part of the Slow Down Move Over Awareness Event.

The event is held to raise awareness of rules around passing emergency vehicles on the side of the highway.

It started as a memorial for Courtney Schaefer, an Esterhazy tow truck operator who was killed in a collision on March 7, 2017.

A combined ‘Slow down and move over’ event and memorial was held in Esterhazy Sunday evening, and Rocanville, Moosomin, Redvers, and Wapella were among the communities that also held ‘Slow down and move over’ events this past week.

‘Slow down and move over’ is an event where emergency responders spread awareness about the importance of laws in place to protect tow truck operators, first responders, and highway workers.

Remembering Courtney Dallas Baillie of Baillie Brothers Towing said the event in Esterhazy served two purposes.

“We wanted to make the memorial and move over and slow down campaign the same event together, and so ourselves with the tow company, EMS, police and fire set up on the side of the highway west of town on the #22 highway.

“The idea was to make it basically a memorial to Courtney and to get our message across about the slow down and move over laws in Saskatchewan for anybody that is working on the side of the road, whether it’s emergency vehicles or construction workers or whatever. This will be the fourth year that we’ve done

it. We started doing this the year that Courtney was killed.”

The first ‘slow down, move over’ event quickly spread across the province, and led to changes in provincial legislation, such as allowing blue flashing lights on tow trucks, not just the traditional amber lights.

Baillie said he was surprised how the first event in 2017 captured the public’s imagination.

“It took off all over, and I think that is just a testament to how important safety is to all of us that work on the side of the highway, whether it’s EMS, fire, tow trucks, tire change guys, whatever, because at the end of the day we all want to go home too.

“It’s unfortunate an accident had to happen to get this movement going. But because of it the movement is all over Western Canada now and we’re working on sending our message down into the Eastern provinces, but we’ve got a pretty good stronghold on Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta for the slow down and move over laws.”

What does he want to get across to the public?

“We just want people to understand that if you see flashing lights on the side of the road, it really doesn’t matter what color of flashing lights, that means something is going on there, so slow down, move over, give room to whoever it is working on the side of the road because at the end of the day everybody wants to go home from their job and some jobs are more dangerous than others. We’re working for our families and a living, and we just want to go home safe.”

Baillie said he sees the slow down, move over movement as one positive coming out of the tragic accident at Esterhazy four years ago.

“It was a tragic event but it happened and it

R.K. (Ray) WandleR 2 Way Radio Communications specialist

Family and friends of Courtney Schaefer, a tow truck driver who was killed on the side of the road while responding to an accident near Esterhazy in 2017, at a Slow Down and Move Over event held on the anniversary of his death. Spencer Kemp, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

brought much more publicity to the fact that we need safety on our highways,” Baillie said.

“Today’s drivers are so much more distracted than they were even five years ago, with all of the technology in vehicles. They need to pay attention when they’re on the road. An accident like that was very tragic but again it started this movement and this movement is getting stronger every year.”

Baillie said he was happy that members of Courtney Schaefer’s family were planning to be at the event in Esterhazy.

“We stand on the side of the road, just to show respect to Courtney and his family, and Kim has been a great advocate for this,” he said. “Obviously she was impacted because of the tragedy in her life, but she’s been instrumental in helping us with this movement, and so every year we want to recognize her and her young daughter for allowing us to continue to go ahead with this movement, basically in Courtney’s name.”

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Legislation one legacy of Schaefer’s death One change that came about in response to Courtney Schaefer’s death is a change in provincial legislation.

In April 2017, the Government of Saskatchewan introduced and passed legislation to improve safety for tow truck operators.

The Traffic Safety Amendment Act permits blue light to be used in conjunction with amber lights on tow trucks.

The legislation was introduced and passed in the same day — which requires the unanimous support of the Legislature — after Schaefer was killed March 7, 2017 in a

collision along the roadside near the Gerald area during blizzard conditions.

Saskatchewan became the first jurisdiction in Canada to introduce a two-color lighting combination for tow trucks.

Since then, Slow Down Move Over Day has been introduced and has grown each year.

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Page 18 - The Battlefords, Thursday, March 18, 2021

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USask develops model to predict snowpack depth and movement Continued from page before last area of the southern Kananaskis Valley, in the Canadian Rockies.

Their results, published in mid-February in the journal The Cryosphere, were a close match with snow depth data collected by a team of scientists at the University of British Columbia using LiDAR (light detection and ranging) laser measurements taken by airplane. High-resolution snow cover data captured by satellite and processed by a lab at University of Toulouse (France) confirmed the results.

Generating estimates of snow accumulation is currently a costly, labour-intensive exercise, relying on teams of snow surveyors going into the backcountry on skis or by helicopter, then manually measuring snow depth and density in remote locations — techniques that have been used for over a century. Because of cost and time involved, they can only take measurements at a few locations.

The USask team has created a demonstration website called Snowcast which uses their model to generate nearly real-time estimates of snowpack for a section of the Bow Valley starting just west of Calgary and running up to

Lake Louise and Field.

Model Scalable to Large Areas Chris Marsh, a USask post-doctoral fellow who developed the CHM as part of his PhD with the USask Global Institute for Water Security and Department of Geography and Planning, is excited by the potential to scale up the model from a relatively small research domain to larger areas, such as the North American Cordillera (the nearly continuous mountain chain running along the western side of the United States and Canada) or High-mountain Asia (a mountain region that’s home to the world’s biggest collection of glaciers and snow).

“Very large spatial extents are now solvable with a model like this,” said Marsh. “It’s really important for being able to provide estimates for the amount of end-of-winter snow cover in difficult to access mountain areas.

Simulations provide a missing piece of the puzzle for helping quantify the amount of water in mountain snow cover.”

Other provinces are already showing interest in using the model for hydrological forecasting, said Pomeroy, and recent discussions with UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cul-

tural Organization) suggest there’s global interest in harnessing its predictive power.

“This will allow for better water management, which is certainly what every water management agency in the world wants right now, with our climate becoming more variable, said Pomeroy. “We’re seeing wild swings in weather and in extreme events, such as droughts and floods. It’s a real challenge for water management, to try to smooth out these extremes, to provide steady supplies for everyone.”

Challenges in Building the Model Lead author Vincent Vionnet, now a research scientist with Environment and Climate Change Canada, spent two years with the USask-led Global Water Futures program working on the project. He came up with the design for validating the model, and a strategy for the tricky work of incorporating mountain wind behaviour into the CHM. As part of their validation, the team was able to toggle on and off the different physical factors in their model — a process called model falsification — to determine how large an influence each had on the accuracy of the information generated.

“We turned off the

wind redistribution, we turned off the avalanching,” said Vionnet. “You see a huge decrease in the model’s performance that clearly illustrates the importance of taking into account these processes.”

Costly Endeavour California spends $14 million taking aerial measurements of snowpack in the Sierra Nevada moun-

tains using LiDAR technology, according to Pomeroy.

“They measure it that way because they can’t model it,” said Pomeroy.

“We were doing that back in 2007 in the Rockies, but we can’t afford to do it (on a regular basis). We had to figure out how to calculate the snowpack without that information. Sometimes

when you don’t have the wealth, you are forced to be smarter.”

This work is supported by a number of funding agencies, including the Canada First Research Excellence Fund (Global Water Futures), and the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (Discovery Grants).

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The Battlefords, Thursday, March 18, 2021 - Page 19

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For more local news see www.newsoptimist.ca/news/news-local

Warm weather sparks activity in the village

By Lorna Pearson Correspondent

Sunday was National Good Samaritan Day in the United States. Here in Canada we have our own good Samaritans, as some of us need help on occasion. Younger folks share their computer knowledge, for example, and we do appreciate their help. We were appreciating the fact

M

eota News

we didn’t have to change all our clocks as they did in Alberta and other provinces. Now we’re on the same time as Alberta, which makes a lot of things

simpler.

The members of the Do Drop In met by telephone March 10 for the organization’s annual meeting.

President is Eric Callbeck, vice-president is Vivianne Lesko, treasurer is Carol Huys and secretary is Gwen Lacerte. Any decision to begin gatherings again is still on hold, but we are hoping to get back to normal for meetings,

cards and videos in the near future.

There were a lot of people moving about over the weekend, but no events were taking place, just people visiting or checking out their property for winter damage or taking time to enjoy the nice weather and maybe doing some ice fishing. It certainly looks like spring is on the way with no forecast for the last

of the winter storms. It’s all nice for outdoor activities.

Pictures on the TV show northern lights in northern Saskatchewan recently. Do hope some of you got to enjoy them, too. I’m really missing them as I never go out at night any more.

When we lived on the farm this side of Spiritwood and went to town for the day, we got to watch them all the way home in the eve-

ning. We really loved that part of the day.

With this business of social distancing, maybe we should have done more of that in connection with our refrigerators, as I’m sure we haven’t “flattened our curves!”

Carry on safely even though many of us have had the COVID shots. We can’t be too careful, even now, so do take care.

Increased COVID-19 in Lloydminster area Submitted The Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) is alerting the public of an increase in COVID-19 cases in the Lloydminster area and is urging residents to follow public health measures and personal safety precautions to prevent the spread of the virus, including

maintaining a physical distance of two metres from others and masking when that’s not possible and in public indoor spaces, frequent hand hygiene and self-isolating if you develop any symptoms of COVID-19.

In order to keep everyone in SHA facilities and care homes safe during this time, family presence/visi-

tation has been limited to family presence level 3 at the Lloydminster Continuing Care Centre.

The decision to restrict family presence is not taken lightly. These measures are in place to keep you, your loved ones, and health care workers safe. The Saskatchewan Health Authority is asking the public for their support and coop-

eration in order to contain the spread of the virus.

Level 3 family presence restrictions include outbreaks, and the family presence restrictions are

for end-of-life with the provision that care teams can support one essential family/support person to safely assist with care if needed (i.e. for self-care, mobility,

nutrition and behavioural needs). This must be approved by the care team and includes outbreak situations.

No other visitors are allowed into the specified facilities or homes at this time and these limitations will remain in place until it is safe to return to the previous level of family presence.

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Prepayment required OBITUARIES GEORGE SYDNEY BURDETT Born at Battleford Feb 3, 1935. He passed with dignity in his sleep on March 11, 2021. He was predeceased by his parents Phyllis and Sid Burdett. He will be missed by family, relatives and friends. By wishes of the deceased, there will be no services. __________________________________________________ SCHENKER: It is with grat sadness that we announce the passing of Rita Mary Schenker, at the age of 60, on February 17, 2021 at RUH in Saskatoon, with her loving husband Ewald by her side.

She was born on March 15, 1960 in Kerrobert, SK. to John and Mary Wack. She was the youngest of twelve children.

Rita was a very kind, loving and generous person and this was very evident in her caring for her mother, working at Saskatoon Home Support as a Care Provider for many years, and then working privately in North Battleford as a Care Provider for the elderly until her passing. Rita hd a very bubbly personality, great sense of humour and enjoyed socializing. She was a very positive and happy person and Ewald would often hear her singing in the kitchen. She loved growing flowers, her favourite being begonias. Rita was an avid baker, alwyas having an ample supply of goodies for Ewals. She was predeceased by her grandparents, Ignatz and Anne Wack and Phillip and Elizabeth Kessler; parents, John and Mary Wack; brothers: John Jr. Wack, Ignatz (Ann) Wack, Joe (Marlene) Wack, Benjamin Wack; sister Maggie Armitage (Loyde Herlein and Glen); and brother -in-law Melvin McEachern. Left to cherish Rita’s memory is her husband, Ewald; brothers: Daniel (Catherine) Wack, David (Doreen) Wack, Denis (Elaine) Wack, and Richard (Heather) Wack; sisters: Betty McEachern and Jean (Sebus) Luiken: sister-in-law Diane Wack and also numerous other family members. The funeral service will be held on Saturday, February 27, 2021 at St. Vital Roman Catholic Chruch in Battleford with Fr. Interment will be at a later date. Rita will be dearly missed by all who knew and lvoed her. Tributes in memory of Rita may be made to The lUng Association, 2308 Arlington Avenue, Saskatoon, SK. S7J 3L3. Arrangements were entrusted to J. E. Thomas Funeral Home & Crematorium Ltd. __________________________________________________ WEITZEL: The family of Joseph Howard Weitzel is saddened to announce his passing on March 2,2021 at the age of 99. He died peacefully at the Villa Pascal, where he had been a resident since last August. Dad will be lovingly remembered by his children Howard (Val), Yvonne (Gerard LeBlanc), Alvin (Lori), Sandra Wilhelm (Ken Van Torre), Robert (Devona Hill), Michael (Shannon), sister Lois Ferron and sisters-in-law Joyce Olsen and Doris Ask, 18 grandchildren, a step granddaughter and 9 great grandchildren.

Howard joins his parents Alvin (Maude Stevens) brothers Roy, Floyd and Charlie and sisters Florence Hamil and Margaret Bekolay. He will be reunited with his wife of 65 years Velda (Nelson), daughter Jocelyn and sons-in-law Kevin Wilhelm and Victor Bujnowski. He will tenderly hold his precious greatgrandson Beckham Wilhelm. Howard was an accomplished horseshoe player winning many tournaments locally, provincially, nationally and at world competitions. This was his sport and he was very competitive and thoroughly enjoyed winning. He was pleased about being recognized in the Horseshoe Hall of Fame, Battleford Sports Hall of Fame and the local community Wall of Fame. Being able to travel across our country and the USA, playing this sport he loved, brought a lot of enjoyment to his retirement years. Howard was also an avid bowler, it was a sport that he and his wife Velda played together.

Howard won many tournaments and high score awards. A sincere thank you to Villa Pascal staff for the quality of care they provided, and for the celebration of his 99th birthday! They always had Dad’s best interests in mind. Prayer Service was held held at the ‘The Garden Chapel’ on Thursday, March 11, 2021 at 7:30 p.m. Funeral Mass was held at Notre Dame de Lourdes Roman Catholic Church on Friday, March 12, 2021 at 1:30 p.m. Memorial donations are requested to Villa Pascal, 1301 – 113th Street, North Battleford, SK S9A 3K1 or Charity of the donor’s choice. Condolences can be sent to www.eternalmemoriesfuneral.ca Arrangements were entrusted to Robert MacKay of Eternal Memories Funeral Service & Crematorium (306-446-4200).

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In Loving Memory of CAROL LYNN COMSTOCK December 19, 1957 to March 14, 2003

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.

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OBITUARIES RIPKA: Bill Ripka, born September 17, 1938 in North Battleford, SK., passed away March 9, 2021 in North Battleford, SK. It is with great sadness we announce the passing of a beloved father, big brother, grandfather, uncle & giving friend. We will miss his smiling face when driving by in his big white truck…just checking on everyone. For Bill, farming was his livelihood right from youth growing up on the family farm to retiring 1 Ω years ago. He was a hard working cement truck driver & manager as a second job. He spent many hours pouring jobs for family & friends much on his own time as favors & never refusing with that big heart of his. He was also a jolly “old tymers” hockey player for many years, especially enjoying large tournaments on Vancouver Island. As papa, he so loved his grandchildren Cody & Alex. He was a huge fan of their hockey games. He drove many out of town trips and he also spent every summer with them as kids on a holiday at Lac Des Isle fishing.

The bet was always on for the biggest fish. He is so proud of the young adults they’ve become. Dad & Betty remained 2 peas in a pod, always looking out for each other. Dad was so very pleased when Shane took over the family farm. My dad was so easy to please. I asked him every night since Covid started “Dad do you need anything?” Dad always replied “no I have everything, I mean everything & I have you.” Predeceased by brother Bob Ripka (2004)(age 55); parents Pauline (1999) & Steve (1991); nephew Tim Moser (1991)(age 18). Survived by (only child), daughter Cheri (Kelly) Murphy; grandchildren Cody (Courtney), Alex (Chris); sister Betty Moser (Gary); niece Angie Moser (Larry); nephew Shane (Michele) Ripka; great nephew Jordan; niece Sabrina (Braden) Murdoch; great niece & nephew Annika & Rylan. Special Thank you to Dr. Hesselson & BUH nurses.

Donations in Bill’s memory can be sent to Canadian Diabetes Association, PO Box 26331 STN BRM B, Toronto, ON M7Y 4R1. An Intimate Celebration of Life & Interment will take place at a future date. Condolences can be sent to www.eternalmemoriesfuneral.ca Arrangements are entrusted to Robert MacKay of Eternal Memories Funeral Service & Crematorium (306-446-4200). …DAD… If I could write a story It would be the greatest ever told Of a kind & loving Dad Who had a heart of gold I could write a million pages But still be unable to say, just how Much I love and miss him Every single day I will remember all he taught me I’m hurt but won’t be sad Because he’ll send me down the answers And he’ll always be My Dad

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NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

In the Estate of Marc Omar Shokeir, late of Battleford, 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 31st day of March, 2021.

Personal Representative for the Estate of Marc Omar Shokeir c/o MLT Aikins LLP Suite 1201, 409 – 3rd Avenue South Saskatoon, SK • S7K 5R5

In the Estate Of Robert Charles Russell, late Of Glaslyn, 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 23rd day Of April, 2021.

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NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE ESTATE OF MENNO FIEGUTH, late of BATTLEFORD, in the Province of Saskatchewan, deceased.

ALL CLAIMS AGAINST THE ABOVE ESTATE, duly verified by statutory declaration and with particulars and valuation of security held, if any, must be sent to the undersigned before the 8th day of April, 2021.

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IN THE ESTATE OF WENDY BARBARA BARKER, LATE OF NORTH BATTLEFORD, SASKATCHEWAN, DECEASED. All claims against the estate, duly verified by statutory declaration and with particulars and valuation of security held, if any, must be sent to the undersigned before the 12th day of April 2021.

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The Rural Municipality of Blaine Lake #434 Municipal By-Election

Public Notice is hereby given that the council has made provision for an advance poll for the benefit of qualified voters who have been appointed as election officials, or anticipate being unable to vote on the day of election for the following positions: COUNCILOR DIVISION 5

Advanced voting will take place on Saturday the 10th day of April 2021 between the hours of 1:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. at: 118 Main Street, Blaine Lake, SK. *Please note that a mail-in ballot option is also available – please contact the RM office ASAP for this information* Dated this 12th day of March 2021

Hop! Hop! Hop! Did you know we have bunnies!?

We have some BIG bunnies and some YOUNG bunnies all looking for their furrever homes! They are $80 spayed/neutered, and microchipped.

Call the shelter to find out how to hop away with one of these wonderful bunnies!

Call the Animal Shelter 306.446.2700 AUCTIONS

Jennifer Gutknecht Returning Officer

NOTICE OF POLL __________________________________________________________

The Rural Municipality of Blaine Lake #434 Municipal By-Election __________________________________________________________ Public Notice is hereby given that a Vote will be held for the Municipal By-Election for the following position: COUNCILOR DIVISION 5

BAR - 5 AUCTIONS CELL: 306-228-7745 Lorne Fell Auctions is hosting a

TIMED ONLINE AUCTION FOR MEYER ACRES, KERROBERT SK. NW 14-34-24 W3RD 10 KM WEST OF KERROBERT ON HIGHWAY 51 Auction will be open for bidding April 1st, 12pm, CST and will be close on April 10th, 3pm, CST GO TO fellauctions.com to register to bid

NOTICES / NOMINATIONS

FEED & SEED

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

In the estate of KATHLEEN MARY ELDER, late of North Battleford, Saskatchewan, deceased.

All claims against the above estate, duly verified by statutory declaration and with particulars and valuation of security held, if any, must be sent to the undersigned before the 1st day of April, 2021.

DINA ELDER 102-518 BRAID STREET PENTICTON, BC V2A 4Y3

FEED & SEED

The Battlefords, Thursday, March 18, 2021 - Page 21

On Wednesday the 14th day of April, 2021 between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. at: 118 Main Street, Blaine Lake, SK. *Please note that a mail-in ballot option is also available – please contact the RM office ASAP for this information*

And that I will declare the results of the voting on Thursday the 15th day of April 2021 at 9:00 a.m. at the RM Office.

Dated this 12th day of March 2021 Jennifer Gutknecht Returning Officer

NOTICE OF ABANDONMENT OF POLL The Rural Municipality of Blaine Lake #434 Municipal By-Election

Whereas Glenn Lamontagne is nominated for the office of COUNCILOR DIVISION 6 and is the only candidate, I hereby give notice that no voting for this office will take place on April 14th, 2021.

Dated this 12th day of March 2021 Jennifer Gutknecht Returning Officer

Notice of Poll The Rural Municipality of Glenside No. 377 By-Election 2021.

PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that: 1. A by-election will be held for the office of Reeve for the Rural Municipality, on Wednesday, April 7th from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Candidates: Coady Dehr Valerie Fossen Stanley Brodzki 2. The advance poll will take place on Wednesday, the 31st day of March, 2021, 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

3. Both polls to be held at: R.M. of Glenside Office 113 6th Ave E, Biggar, SK. Dated at Biggar, this 15th day of March, 2021.

Joanne Fullerton Returning Officer ** Election results will be declared Thursday, April 8th, at 11:00 a.m. at the R.M. office located at 113 6th Ave E in Biggar, SK.**

Village of Meota

Public Notice – Planning and Development Fee Bylaw

Public Notice is hereby given that the Council of the Village of Meota (Village) intends to adopt a Planning and Development Fee Bylaw under section 51 of The Planning and Development Act, 2007.

INTENT: The bylaw is intended to allow the Village to charge cost-recovery fees related to the review and processing of development-related matters.

Fees would be applied to the review, advertising, approval, enforcement, regulation, and issuance of: development permits, discretionary uses, minor variances, and amendments to the Official Community Plan and Zoning Bylaw. Rationale for the fees will accompany the proposed bylaw.

REASON: The Village wishes to avail itself of the legislated cost-recovery tool such that development review costs are more appropriately borne by development proponents, thereby minimizing costs for general ratepayers.

PUBLIC INSPECTION: Any person may inspect the bylaw at the Village office during regular office hours, excluding statutory holidays. Draft copies of the proposed bylaw are available from the Village office (hard copy at cost). The Village office is located at 502 2nd Ave E, Meota, SK S0M 1X0.

PUBLIC HEARING: Council will hold a public hearing on April 8, at 7:00 PM in the Village office to hear any person or group that wants to comment on the proposed bylaw. Due to the evolving COVID-19 pandemic and guidelines for public assembly, please contact the office prior to the hearing for protocols related to making in-person representation. Council will also consider written comments received by the undersigned by April 5, 2021. For additional information, please contact Sheryl Ballendine, Administrator at (306) 892-2277 or vmeota@ sasktel.net.

Issued at the Village of Meota this March 9, 2021. Sheryl Ballendine – Administrator -Village of Meota

Page 22 - The Battlefords, Thursday, March 18, 2021

CAREER TRAINING

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CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

LEGAL / PUBLIC NOTICES

TAX ENFORCEMENT

Liquor Permit

CROP HAIL ADJUSTERS for the 2021 hail season.

(July - October)

Security Guard Training Three options for training: Live Webinar Training with a certified instructor Monday to Friday 0900-1600 40 Hour Program Or Available 24/7 access through online access without an instructor Or Book a classroom setting in your community of 12 students or more.

Drug and Alcohol Testing available Please contact SAMO Security and Safety at: 306-240-6981 https://samosecurityandsafety.ca inquires@samosecurityandsafety. ca

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES Looking for a live in caregiver for a senior. Accomadations and food included plus sallary. Must have own Vehicle. Senior lives in Meota. For inquires please call 306-441-1604

Semi-retired or retired this job is for you!

Competitive salary, all expenses & mileage paid, health spending account and pension plan. We provide extensive training using our industry leading crop hail adjusting program.

Email: dtiefenbach@smhi.ca for application form and job overview.

306-569-1852 ext 170.

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

Clean drivers abstract a must.

Written objections to the granting of the permit may be filed with SLGA not more than two weeks from the date of publication of this notice.

Every person filing a written objection with SLGA shall state their name, address, and telephone number in printed form, as well as the grounds for the objection(s). Petitions must name a contact person, state grounds, and be legible. Each signatory to the petition and the contact person must provide an address and telephone number. Frivolous, vexatious or competition-based objections within the beverage alcohol industry may not be considered and may be rejected by the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Licensing Commission, who may refuse to hold a hearing.

Write to:

Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority Box 5054 • REGINA SK S4P 3M3

TAKE NOTICE that the City of North Battleford, intends to be registered as owner under the above Act of the land described at the foot of this document.

The Municipality claims title to the land by virtue of an interest based on the Tax Lien registered against the existing title to the land in the Land Titles Registry as Interest Number 162759527 and you are required to TAKE NOTICE that unless you contest the claim of the Municipality or redeem the land pursuant to the provisions of the above Act within six months from the service of this notice on you and, subject to the further provisions of The Tax Enforcement Act, a title will be issued to the applicant and you will thereafter be forever estopped and debarred from setting up any claim to, or in respect of, the land.

The amount required to redeem the land may be ascertained on application to the Clerk, Treasurer or Administrator of the Municipality.

Dated this 10 day of September, 2020.

Per:

Steven Brown, Administrator

Serving the Battlefords since 1908

TENDERS

TENDERS FOR GRASS CUTTING Living Sky School Division No. 202 is inviting tenders for three grass cutting and trimming packages. These large tender packages are for a two-year term commencing the spring of 2021 to the fall of 2022. The tenders will cover the grass areas for the following communities: BATTLEFORD CANDO HAFFORD MAYMONT WILKIE UNITY LUSELAND KERROBERT MACKLIN CUT KNIFE

Full tender packages, with property layout maps outlining details, can be emailed or picked up at Living Sky School Division Office, 509 Pioneer Avenue, North Battleford, SK. Tenders are to be submitted in writing or by email by 2:00 p.m., April 1, 2021, to the attention of the Facilities Department, Living Sky School Division No. 202. No late tenders will be accepted.

For additional information please contact Brad Ferguson, Facilities Manager at (306) 937-7702 or by emailing brad.ferguson@lskysd.ca.

Growth Without Limits, Learning For All

THE CITY OF NORTH BATTLEFORD Per: Steven Brown, Administrator

(The Tax Enforcement Act)

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

TAKE NOTICE that the City of North Battleford intends to be registered as owner under the above Act of the land described at the foot of this document.

The Municipality claims title to the land by virtue of an interest based on the Tax Lien registered against the existing title to the land in the Land Titles Registry as Interest Number 167006820 and you are required to TAKE NOTICE that unless you contest the claim of the Municipality or redeem the land pursuant to the provisions of the above Act within six months from the service of th is notice on you and, subject to the further provisions of The Tax Enforcement Act. a title will be issued to the applicant and you will thereafter be forever estopped and debarred from seltilg up any claim to, or in respect of, the land.

The amount required to redeem the land may be ascertained on application to the Clerk, Treasurer or Administrator of the Municipality.

Dated the 11th Day November 2020.

NOTICE

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www.newsoptimist.ca

NOTICE (The Tax Enforcement Act)

TAX ENFORCEMENT

THE CITY OF NORTH BATTLEFORD

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

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

Permit Number: 76267-2021

FORM C [Section 2.3]

TODD NICHOL Name of Assessed Owner LEGAL DESCRIPTION OF LANDS: Lot 45 Blk/Par 227 Plan No. 72B06576 Extension 0 Title Number: 141523455

JANET LYNN ENNIS AND DAVID LYON WILSON Name of Assessed Owner LEGAL DESCRIPTION OF LANDS: LOT 6 BLK/PAR 230 PLAN NO. 76B12503 Title Number: 134078081

FORM C [Section 2.3] NOTICE (The Tax Enforcement Act) TAKE NOTICE that the City of North Battleford intends to be registered as owner under the above Act of the land described at the foot of this document.

The Municipality claims title to the land by virtue of an interest based on the Tax Lien registered against the existing title to the land in the Land Titles Registry as Interest Number 170909017 and you are required to TAKE NOTICE that unless you contest the claim of the Municipality or redeem the land pursuant to the provisions of the above Act within six months from the service of this notice on you and, subject to the further provisions of The Tax Enforcement Act, a title will be issued to the applicant and you will thereafter be forever estopped and debarred from setting up any claim to, or in respect of, the land.

The amount required to redeem the land may be ascertained on application to the Clerk, Treasurer or Administrator of the Municipality.

Dated this 10 day of September, 2020.

THE CITY OF NORTH BATTLEFORD

FORMC [Section 2.3] NOTICE (The Tax Enforcement Act) TAKE NOTICE that the City of North Battleford intends to be registered as owner under the above Act of the land described at the foot of this document.

The Municipality claims title to the land by virtue of an interest based on the Tax Lien registered against the existing title to the land in the Land Titles Registry as Interest Number 170908410 and you are required to TAKE NOTICE that unless you contest the claim of the Municipality or redeem the land pursuant to the provisions of the above Act within six months from the service of this notice on you and, subject to the further provisions of The Tax Enforcement Act, a title will be issued to the applicant and you will thereafter be forever estopped and debarred from setting up any claim to, or in respect of, the land.

The amount required to redeem the land may be ascertained on application to the Clerk, Treasurer or Administrator of the Municipality.

Dated this 10 day of September, 2020.

Per: Steven Brown, Administrator ALICE MARY WHITCOME Name of Assessed Owner LEGAL DESCRIPTION OF LANDS: Lot 18 Blk/Par 186 Plan No. 65B02795 Extension 0 Title Number: 128461811

THE CITY OF NORTH BATTLEFORD Per: Steven Brown, Administrator ALICE MARY WHITCOME Name of Assessed Owner LEGAL DESCRIPTION OF LANDS: Lot 16.Blk/Par 95 Plan No. C4240 Extension 0 Title Number: 137439748

THURSDAYS BEST

ONLINE www.newsoptimist.ca

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

Currently accepting applications for

Under the provisions of The Alcohol and Gaming Regulations Act, 1997, Notice is hereby given that 102068793 Saskatchewan Inc. has applied to the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority (SLGA) for a Restaurant permit to sell alcohol in the premises known as Delicious Legend at 102, 103 & 104 1102 102nd St North Battleford SK, S9A 1E8.

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news-optimist Serving the Battlefords since 1908

www.newsoptimist.ca 892-104th Street | North Battleford | 306-445-7261

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LAND / PASTURE FOR RENT

FARM LAND FOR RENT, CASH RENT RM 437

SE-17-44-15W3 160 ACRES SW-16-44-15W3 160 ACRES SW-10-44-15W3 140 ACRES NE-3-44-15W3 155 ACRES SE-3-44-15W3 160 ACRES • Tenders should include name, address and phone number.

• Highest or any offer not necessarily accepted.

• Tenders close March 26/2021 • Payment April 15, Oct 15 • 3 year rental Send tenders to

Richard Kulyk RR#1, North Battleford, Sask S9A 2X3

The Battlefords, Thursday, March 18, 2021 - Page 23

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

VILLAGE OF MEOTA Is now hiring a Full-Time Summer Student Maintenance Assistant

Wages are negotiable Please apply with resume and references to vmeota@sasktel.net or Fax: (306) 892-2275 by April 15, 2021

JOB POSTING Secretary Treasurer for Redberry Lake Regional Park Authority Effective immediately - deadline March 25/21 @3:00 p.m.

Please submit resume to RM of Redberry (hard copy) or email resume to: redberrylake@xplornet.com Duties: HR, Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, monthly bank reconciliation, annual tax return preparation and submission for payroll, PST and WCB, grants, office administration, meetings with the Board, customer service Please note criminal check is required

Kaye Custom Contracting is now looking for

experienced Carpenters in the Battlefords.

Mandatory Class 5 drivers license is required.

3-5 years of experience.

Competitive wages.

306-441-3858 kayecustom@gmail.com

Country Cuisine Is looking for a Full Time Cook!

Shift work Apply in person with resume at 2401-99 Street, North Battleford

MARTINS LAKE REGIONAL PARK HELP WANTED/REQUEST FOR TENDERS

Martins Lake Regional Park is accepting resumes/ tenders for the 2021 camping season for the following positions: 1) GOLF CLUBHOUSE RESTAURANT: Seeking Cook/ Manager, being a full time position, for fully equipped kitchen and restaurant facility.

May – September. Must be certified food handler.

Will be responsible for the staffing and operations of the restaurant and golf course.

2) BEACH CONCESSION: Leased operator.

June – September. Must be certified food handler.

3) PARK MAINTENACE: 2 positions open – Full time hours. May – September. General park maintenance for campground and golf course including grass cutting, tree trimming, equipment maintenance, janitorial up keep of washrooms/shower room, painting, beach maintenance, maintaining water system, testing water and other various duties.

For more information call Rick at 306-321-5824 or Christie at 306-221-4457. Email resume or tenders to martinslake@sasktel.net by March 31, 2021. (Lowest or any tender not necessarily accepted.)

New Career Opportunities with Triod Supply

TerriTory SaleS repreSenTaTive

Rural Municipality of Eldon No. 471

SEASONAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

The R.M. of Eldon No. 471 is accepting resumes for the 2021 season for:

• Door‐to‐door • Carrier service

• Total coverage

• Personalize your coverage area

CALL NOW!

306‐445‐7261 THE BATTLEFORDS

FOR THE BEST COVERAGE IN THE COMMUNITY

Regional

NEWS-OPTIMIST Serving the Battlefords since 1908

- Experienced Grader Operator - Experienced Backhoe Operator - Experienced Truck Driver - General Labourer Preference to applicants with a class 1A license.

Only those considered for an interview will be contacted. Please submit resumes with at least 3 current references on or before April 9th, 2021 at 4:00p.m. local time to: R.M. of Eldon No. 471 PO Box 130, 212 Main Street Maidstone, Sask. SOM 1MO Phone: 306-893-2391 Fax: 306-893-4644 Email: rm471@sasktel.net

BOOK CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING 306-445-7261

You will be responsible for achieving maximum sales growth, while maintaining strong relationships with existing customers and developing new customers within your assigned territory, Northwest Saskatchewan.

- This is a full time position. Travel within your territory is required.

- You must have a minimum of 2 years outside sales experience.

- Experience with Heavy Equipment and/or Agriculture is an asset.

- Possessing excellent communication skills, you must also be highly driven and self-motivated.

- This position has a base pay plus commission, benefits and comes with a company vehicle.

Driver/yarD anD STorage repreSenTaTive

You will be responsible for shipping and receiving, and inventory management, including yard management.

- Delivery of our product will be required.

- Forklilft experience is required for this position - You must also possess a class 5 license.

- Please include a current driver’s abstract with your application.

- Basic mechanical skills are an asset.

- This is full time position and comes with full benefits.

Please submit your resume in person by April 7th to: 2261-98th Street, North Battleford or

email: al.triod.supply@sasktel.net

Page 24 - The Battlefords, Thursday, March 18, 2021

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Few delight in weakness, insult, hardship, persecution Does labelling start at school, even at kindergarten? Young children easily decide who is shy and timid and who is pushy and bossy. From young children to adults and beyond, some folks are seen as weaker and perhaps needing protection, while other people are seen as strong and in no need of any help. Often, children and adults resent being labelled as weak and don’t want to be considered so weak they are teased, insulted or persecuted. Being weak invites hardships and difficulties for those who seem powerless.

I asked Ed, my old neighbour in Saskatchewan, what is the source of our

“Never underestimate the power of human stupidity.”

R.W. Emerson suggests, “Our strength grows out of our weakness.” This is the case of Christians who understand Isaiah 40:29, “God According to Ed gives strength to the weary

By Raymond Maher and increases the power of www.accordingtoed.com the weak.”

Paul speaks of God’s raymaher085@gmail.com power this way: “There was given me a thorn in my power or strength? He said weak or old. Everyone flesh, a messenger of Satan, it comes from ourselves, knows the older you get, the to torment me. Three times being healthy, confident, weaker you may become.” I pleaded with the Lord to our attitude that we are It would seem strength take it away from me. But strong rather than weak. and power are in, and he said to me, ‘My grace is We both agreed people weakness is out. But there sufficient for you, for my want to be seen and think are a few wise voices that power is made perfect in of themselves as powercaution about power. E. Al- weakness.’ Therefore, I will ful rather than weak. Ed bey warns, “Power attracts boast all the more gladly summed it up this way, the worst and corrupts the about my weaknesses so “Few want to be seen as best.” R. Heinlein cautions, that Christ’s power may

N

eighbourly Advice

rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”

2 Corinthians 12:9,10.

Jesus displayed the power of God, which was teaching, healing, curing sickness and death. He was tempted but remained sinless as God’s Son. His sinlessness or righteousness was for us who cannot be sinless. He did not amass an army to gain political control. His kingdom was not of this world. He was a humble carpenter who became a rabbi willing to suffer in weakness and death to bless others. Jesus came as a servant to serve

God his Father in heaven and sinful humankind here on Earth.

Isaiah 50:5,6 pictures Jesus’s willingness to conquer evil with what many thought of as weakness. Instead, it was a sacrificial death on a cross in love for others. “I have not been rebellious; I have not drawn back. I offered my back to those who beat me, my cheeks to those who pulled my beard; I did not hide my face from mocking and spitting.”Jesus was cut off from the land of the living, crushed in death on the cross for our iniquities. In our world, power and strength are considered best, but Jesus set for us the example of self-sacrifice for others.

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

306-445-5158 www.tdac.ca

306-446-1695

PASTOR: Rev. Phinh Do

DAILY: Tues., Wed., Thurs. & Fri. - 9 a.m. unless otherwise noted

Corner of Scott & Territorial Dirve Sat. 7:00 pm - Sun. 9:30 am & 11:00 am Ministries for the whole family

WEEKEND MASS TIMES: Saturdays - 7:30 p.m. Sundays - 9:00 a.m. & 11:00 a.m.

ANGLICAN PARISH

St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church

Rev. Trevor Malyon

1401 - 98th Street, North Battleford, SK

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

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

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

Contact: 306 445 4155 stpaulnb@sasktel.net

306-445-5901

Reverend George Yando Sunday Services 10:30 AM Everyone Welcome

PRE-REGISTER

Living Water Ministry

Hope Mennonite Fellowship 1291 - 109th Street, North Battleford

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

Sunday Worship Service - 11:00 a.m.

Sunday School - 10:00 a.m.

Pastor: Dean Covert

Church Phone 306-445-4181

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

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

Celebrant: Very Rev. Janko Kolosnjaji 306-664-2301 (Office) 306-244-2604 (Home) To Register Call Jasmina at 306-445-1002

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

306-937-3177 Rev. Gayle Wensley

SUNDAY SERVICES 11:00 a.m.

Third Avenue United Church Rev. Dexter van Dyke

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

306-445-8171

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

Everyone Welcome

Sunday Evening Service 7:00 p.m.

Bible Study Wednesday 7:30 p.m.

1371 - 103rd Street (Use East Door)

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

Battleford Legion Hall 7:00 p.m.

PASTOR - Rick Martin

LIVING FAITH CHAPEL

1372 102nd St 306-445-3009

11 - 18th Street, Battleford, SK

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

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

No Services till further notice

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

Various Weekly Programs Pastor Casey Sitter www.livingfaithchapel.ca

Battlefords Seventh-Day Adventist Church

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

Sunday Mass - 10:30 a.m.

Sunday Services 10:30 am

1702 - 106th Street, North Battleford

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

Pastor James Kwon

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

Phone 306-445-9096

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

Worship Service - 11:00 a.m.

Regional News-Optimist

The Battlefords, Thursday, March 18, 2021 - Page 25

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C A N A D I A N A G R I C U LT U R A L S A F E T Y W E E K How to prevent common farm injuries

• Musculoskeletal injuries. Ask for help or use lifting aids such as a wheelbarrow to move heavy or bulky loads.

• Heat stroke. Wear light clothing and a wide-brim med hat on hot summer days.

Be sure to drink water regularly and take frequent breaks in the shade.

• Chemical contamination. Make sure you read and understand the labels on

agricultural chemicals such as pesticides and fertilizers. Wash your hands with soap and water before drinking or eating.

• Falls from a height. Always maintain three points of contact when climbing on and off stepladders or farm machinery.

This could mean keeping one hand and both feet or both hands and one foot on the surface.

Covering all of North West Saskatchewan

218 - 22nd St. W., Battleford

306-937-2642 Fax 306-937-2401

Residential & Commercial Monitored Security Home Automation Video Surveillance Access Control

NORTH BATTLEFORD

• Slips and trips. Wear properly laced shoes or boots, adjust your walking speed to suit the terrain and make sure your vision isn’t obstructed when carrying a load.

For more tips on how to prevent injuries and make your workplace safer, visit agsafetyweek.ca.

Twin City TRANSMISSION “Specializing in Automatic Transmissions”

9901 Thatcher Ave. Parsons Industrial Park North Battleford

306-445-3445

1-306-937 CARE (2273)

Ryan Domotor

MLA Biggar-Sask Valley Constituency

Box 850 #6 – 116 1st. Avenue West Maidstone, SK S0M 1M0 Phone: 306-893-2619 Fax: 306-893-2660 Email: Domotor.mla@sasktel.net

High Grade Truck Driving Training Division

Marv & Sancia (306) 441-9650 Phone/Fax 306-446-2606 Passing you on to Perfection

Hein Financial Group

Randy Weekes

MLA for Cut Knife-Turtleford

11802 Railway Ave. East North Battleford 306-446-3333

randyweekes.mla@accesscomm.ca Toll free number 1-877-948-4880

1421 - 100th Street North Battleford, SK

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

20210225_Domotor_Biz Card Ad.indd 1

2/25/2021 4:31:46 PM

Saluting Sask Farmers

Saluting Saskatchewan Farmers 2731 - 99th St. North Battleford

Phone 306-446-3433

Lakeland Veterinary Services

Dr. S. Haas • Dr. D. Mannix Dr. S.L. Berry 10020 Thatcher Ave., North Battleford, SK Phone 306-445-3757

• Emergency Service •

306-441-5141 Personal and Corporate Tax Planning Estate Tax Planning Accounting Services Management Advisory Services Computer Processing Auditing Services Partners Suzanne Odishaw CPA, CA Jacques la Cock CPA, CA Derek Sieben CPA, CA Stephen Mann CPA, CA Phone: 306-445-6234 Fax: 306-445-0245 www.vantagecpa.ca 300-1291 102 Street Box 970 North Battleford, Saskatchewan

Hwy 4 North North Battleford, SK

306-445-6640

“Saluting Farmers” 2501 - 99th Street North Battleford

306-445-3300

Elliott Insurance Services Ltd

Salute To Farm Safety

Commercial • Farm • Home Auto • Recreational • Hail • Travel

Covering Saskatchewan & Alberta We specialize in

Agro

and

Oilfield

Coverage

PO Box 300, 112 Main Street Maidstone SK S0M 1M0 OTHER SERVICES 306-893-2461 SGI MVD Issuer • Marriage Licenses eis@elliottinsurance.ca Notory Public • Commissioner

WPD AMBULANCE

10013A Thatcher Ave. P.O. Box 1298 North Battleford, SK S9A 2X5

1391 100th Street, North Battleford 306-446-8800 www.remaxbattlefords.com Here to help you with all of your farm and agriculture red estate needs!

306-446-7309

DISCOVERY System design, and material supply for water, and waste water distribution systems

306-445-5050 1981-100 Street, North Battleford www.ultraprint.ca

• Water Treatment • Pumps and Water Systems • Pipes, Valves & Fittings • Wastewater Systems • Plumbing

• Waterworks • Hydronics • HVAC and Heating • Turf Irrigation Supplies • Wildfire Suppression

NORTH BATTLEFORD Phone: 306-937-7741 • Fax: 306-937-3766 Email: infonb@andersonpumphouse.com PRINCE ALBERT Phone: 306-764-6639 • Fax: 306-763-0663 Email: infopa@andersonpumphouse.com

www.andersonpumphouse.com

Agro Centre

906 Battleford Road North Battleford 306-446-7272

Farm Supply

10060 Hereford Street North Battleford 306-445-9457

Cardlock

906 Battleford Road North Battleford 306-446-7272

BATTLEFORD

Located at 192-24th Street West, Battleford - 2 Blocks north of the Post Office in the Town of Battleford

FURNITURE

Phone 306-937-7474

Check us out at www.battlefordfurniture.com “Where the difference is worth the drive” “Where the difference is worth the drive”

Page 26 - The Battlefords, Thursday, March 18, 2021

WHO DOES IT? Professional Directory FOOD SERVICES

ACUPUNCTURE

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Sakihew Acupuncture

• Mental Wellness • Sleep Issues • Weight Loss • Pain Management

Jeanine Starchief

Suite 102, 1102 - 102 Street, North Battleford.

TCMD, L.Ac, R.Ac

Traditional Chinese Medicine & Acupuncture

306-317-6744 Hours: Tues-Sat 10am-5pm

AGRICULTURE PARTS

Bob Frolek's

AGRA PARTS PLUS

Call

bruce@battlefordfurniture.com

See our features online on Robin Petersen

Owner/General Manager

GENERAL CONTRACTOR

Derrick Shynkaruk General Contractor

WRECKING

• New Construction • Renovations

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

306-445-6769

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

Bruce at

306-937-7474

Open for Dine-In, Logo by Take-Out & Delivery

306.937.0000

DEADLINE FOR THURSDAY EDITION IS MONDAY BY 4:00 PM

For all your Furniture, Appliance & Mattress Needs

Restaurant & Bar

1602 100th Street North Battleford

Look for the RIGHT business for the JOB

SALES CONSULTANT

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Restaurant & Bar Logo by

Regional News-Optimist

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306.441.1980 306.445.3144

SALES CONSULTANT For all your Furniture, Appliance & Mattress Needs

Call

Joleen at

306-937-7474 joleen@battlefordfurniture.com

djshynkaruk@gmail.com

ALL NATURAL GRANOLA

GENERAL CONTRACTOR

HANDCRAFTED, LOCAL & ALL NATURAL GRANOLA

SALES CONSULTANT For all your Furniture, Appliance & Mattress Needs

Call

Maureen at

306-937-7474

Jeff Schommer

306-481-4892

maureen@battlefordfurniture.com

schommshandymanrenos@yahoo.com

Yanitsa Borisova Owner

Have a "To-Do" List?

We Will Take Care of it!

www.yanishealthykitchen.com

Find us on Instagram

& Facebook

yanishealthkitchen

CERTIFIED APPRAISER

INVESTMENT & INSURANCE

Call Michael for your INVESTMENT & INSURANCE NEEDS

For all your Furniture, Appliance & Mattress Needs

Call

Pamela Connor Battleford, SK

pamela@dynamicappraisals.ca 306-446-1222

shannon@battlefordfurniture.com 111 1291 102 Street, North Battleford

306.317.6740

Michael.George@ig.ca *License Sponsored by The Canada Life Assurance Company

CONSTRUCTION

www.newsoptimist.ca

Established in 1996 Complete Building Renovations

your news all the time and ONLINE

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

ELECTRIC CONTRACTOR

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

Brad Pearson

Box 5 Medstead, SK S0M 1W0

Michael George

NEWSPAPER SERVICES

Co-Jack Construction

Owner co-jack@sasktel.net

Shannon at

306-937-7474

AACI, P.App, BComm (Dist.)

Partner & Senior Appraiser

SALES CONSULTANT

Regional

news-optimist Serving the Battlefords since 1908

Real Estate Agent

SALVAGE

LAVIGNE

SALVAGE

FULLY INSURED

• Scrap Cleanup • Demolition • Scrap Metal Removal • Building Removal • Skid Steer Service • Excavator Service (with magnet) Trevor Lavigne • (306) 291-6414 Nathan Lavigne • (306) 370-0742 Serving Saskatchewan & Alberta

NO JOB TOO SMALL, NO JOB TOO BIG Tire ServiceS

306.937.TIRE or 937-8473

Ag Services • Solar • Residential Commercial • Maintenance

Kevin Ryhorchuk

306-441-8727

motiontire@sasktel.net

192 4th Ave. West Industrial Park, Battleford, SK S0M 0E0

*Truck Accessories *After Market Rims *LED Lights *Passenger Truck, Semi Tires & Ag Tires *Bumpers *Levelling Kits, etc. *FUEL MAYHEM MOTO METAL RIMS

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Regional News-Optimist

The Battlefords, Thursday, March 18, 2021 - Page 27

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WHO DOES IT? Professional Directory

TREE SERVICES

Raymond Oleshko Tree Services

TREE SERVICES

DEADLINE FOR THURSDAY EDITION IS MONDAY BY 4:00 PM

TREE SERVICES

Big Mike's Contracting

• Tree Removal

• Trimming & Pruning • Stump Grinding • Fully Insured

PHONE 306-481-4465

Look for the RIGHT business for the JOB

1001 - 113 Street, North Battleford, SK 60’ BOOM TRUCK

Owner: Mike Huber

I CM TREE SERVICE +

• Yard Clean Up • Expert Tree Removal • 17 Years Experience • Fully Insured • Free Estimates • 60 Foot Bucket Truck • NOW OFFERING Stump Grinding

PLUS

To Book Your Space Now Call

306.445.7261 ask for Candace

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

306-441-7570

FULLY INSURED

(Liability Insurance)

Power line relocated outside of slough

By Sherri Solomko Correspondent

Did you experience some “luck of the Irish” yesterday? It was fun to see, in person, and online, people donning their green gear to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day We have certainly enjoyed all the spring-like weather we have been receiving. More and more people are out walking, and biking. However, one weather source I follow, hints of a mid-March storm to remind us winter isn’t over just yet.

SaskPower has been working in the Unity area on a power line relocation project. A section of line that supplies the area is being moved because it runs through a body of water and there is risk that it could fail and cause a large outage, the crown corporation explains.

“This ER8 line, which supplies the substation that serves the Town of Unity and surrounding areas, was not originally built in water, but flooding in the area means there are 12 structures now in a slough. The foundations have failed, and the poles are leaning significantly, putting the structures themselves at 73 high risk of failure,” Sask.net M 0E0 Power explains in a statement.

“This area can’t be fully supplied by power through other sources and if it fails, there could be an outage of two days or more while repairs are being made. To prevent this from occurring, SaskPower is rerouting at least 2.5 [kilometres]

U

nity News

of line.”

Work began in midFebruary and is expected to be complete by the end of March. SaskPower affirms the work is taking place now because frozen conditions are more favourable than wet conditions. The crown corporation says the new line has a 30-year lifespan.

Bless all you readers from outside of Unity who shower me with praise and appreciation of this column. I feel fortunate to have you take the time to acknowledge my writing and to give me feedback.

While I am surprised to learn there are so many who read news from other communities, I am thankful there still are newspaper enthusiasts, as it helps give me the motivation to keep doing what I am doing. Gwen C., your phone message was sweet and genuine and it was just the pickme-up I needed the day I finally heard it (I apologize for taking so long to acknowledge this, as we were having voicemail problems).

Congratulations to the North West Terminal, earning 39th spot in SaskBusiness magazine’s top 100 companies in Saskatchewan for 2020.

Delta Co-op was listed in the No. 77 spot. North West Terminal will celebrate

Work being undertaken south of Unity as part of line relocation project south of Unity. Photo courtesy SaskPower

their 25th anniversary this year.

The optimism gained as a result of continued vaccination opportunities in Unity elicits much hope.

Be sure your information is up to date with Sask.

Health and you can now call in, when your age category is eligible, to book a vaccine appointment.

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

A winter walker and pup appear headed into a forest, but this scene is located on the west side of Unity towards the Paw Park. Residents have been thankful for those who kept trails clear so walkers could enjoy outdoor spaces this winter. Photo submitted

Page 28 - The Battlefords, Thursday, March 18, 2021

Regional News-Optimist

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Flooring BATTLEFORDS

G N I N A CLE LE!

A S T U O R A CLE Kanga Bac • Underlay attached • Do It Yourself & SAVE • Available in plush • Lots of colors to choose from

1

$ 99

/sq.ft.

AC5-German Drop-Lock Laminate • Extremely durable • 30 year warranty • 36 hour water block

2

$ 99

/sq.ft.

Luxury Vinyl Plank • Drop & Go • Easy application • 20 mL. Wear Layer

2

$ 79

/sq.ft.

Armstrong Linoleum • Hand scraped • Lots of colors & textures to choose from starting at

99

¢

/sq.ft.

Laminate German-made Flooring • 25 year warranty • 5 color choices • Droploc installation • The look of hardwood... the durability of laminate

1

$ 69

/sq.ft.

Commercial Vinyl Plank • Glue down

1

$ 99

/sq.ft.

Eligible for Saskatchewan Renovation Tax Credit DON’T PAY FOR UP TO 6 MONTHS or 0% INTEREST FOR UP TO 24 MONTHS We are your Insurance Specialists. We are ready to serve you on all your Insurance needs.

Call: 306-445-4690 OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

Monday - Saturday 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

SUNDAY & HOLIDAYS 12:00 - 5:00 p.m.

battlefordsflooring@sasktel.net Battlefords flooring centre www.battlefordsflooringcentre.ca