Regional News-Optimist November 23, 2023

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Meota man sentenced for poisoning wife with strychnine

Domotor is ‘done’: Moe

By Lisa Joy

Charged in sting

SASKTODAY,ca

Michael MacKay has an explosive temper and the morning he gave his wife a lethal dose of strychnine in a drink, he was frustrated with his life, a packed Battleford Court of King’s Bench heard.

MacKay, now 41, pleaded guilty Monday to second-degree murder in the February 2020 death of 38-year-old Cindy MacKay. He was sentenced to life in prison with no parole eligibility for 10 years.

“Mike’s temper burns white hot,” Saskatoon defence lawyer Nicholas Stooshinoff told the court.

“He simply lost his temper.”

On the fateful morning of Feb. 7, 2020, his wife was sick so he got their children dressed for school, fed them breakfast, and made their lunches.

The bus wasn’t running so he drove two of the girls to school. The youngest girl remained at home with her mother.

“We don’t know the trigger, he snapped,” said Stooshinoff. “He simply exploded.”

Michael MacKay wasn’t living the life that he wanted for himself and he felt suppressed, court heard. In early 2019, he spoke with an old female friend from university and she told in-

By John Cairns SASKTODAY.ca

Cindy MacKay (nee: Mack) obtained a degree in agriculture and then her nursing degree at the University of Saskatchewan. | Photo courtesy Tyler Mack

vestigators that “he sounded the most depressed she had ever heard him.”

Michael MacKay was born in Regina but his family later moved to Saskatoon and he attended high school at Walter Murray Collegiate. He wasn’t rebellious, didn’t do drugs, and only drank after he finished high school.

“There were no girlfriends or sports, and he had limited friends in school,” said Stooshinoff.

He went on to obtain his archaeology degree from the University of Saskatchewan.

“He was an isolated individual and found some refuge in church,” said Stooshinoff.

Michael MaKay murdered his wife Cindy MacKay by poisoning her with strychnine. | Photo courtesy Tyler Mack

And, in May 2004, that’s where he met his future wife Cindy Mack.

She went to Africa to do missionary work so the couple rekindled their relationship in 2005 after she returned.

“He said he was so surprised Cindy would love him,” said Stooshinoff, adding that Michael MacKay struggles with acceptance and suffers from anxiety and depression since about the age of five.

The couple married in July 2005 on the Mack family farm in Meota.

Cindy MacKay had obtained an agriculture degree at the University of Saskatchewan before they married. She also got her nursing degree and worked

as a nurse at the Royal University Hospital in Saskatoon.

In 2015 the couple moved to North Battleford to be closer to Cindy’s family. She worked as a registered nurse at the Battlefords Union Hospital (BUH) and he worked as a surveyor in North Battleford. They considered doing missionary work together but their plans changed after their first child was born.

Cindy MacKay’s parents wanted to retire from farming in Meota so they left the farm and the couple moved in. Michael MacKay did the farm work.

After the couple and their children moved to her Continued on Page 6

It looks as if there is no possible way back politically for Cut Knife-Turtleford MLA Ryan Domotor after being charged with soliciting sexual services.

“Done” was the response from Premier Scott Moe when asked that question Monday at the Canadian Western Agribition, after Domotor had been one of 16 people charged in a police sting operation in Regina last week.

Domotor is to be in court to face the charge in January.

Moe had issued a statement Friday afternoon saying there was no place for Domotor in the Legislature and booting him out of the Sask Party caucus. On Monday, he used even stronger language, as he described Domotor’s actions as “disgusting and vile.”

Moe said the statement he issued on the matter on Friday “speaks for itself. This government needs to be supporting women who are in a vulnerable state,

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not exploiting them, and that was the most important piece of the statement I put out. This is not acceptable in anyway, by myself or this government, and most certainly terrible.”

Moe said it was a “very serious situation and it’s a situation where I think the actions are exactly the opposite of what any government member should be doing.”

Moe pointed to the government moving ahead with legislation including funding second stage shelters, and upcoming amendments of the Human Trafficking Act — amendments Continued on Page 5

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Page 2 - The Battlefords, Thursday, November 23, 2023

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The Battlefords, Thursday, November 23, 2023 - Page 3

PVC welding expertise boosts job growth

Crime statistics plummet in B’ford Saskatchewan Research Council and North West College collaborate on new plastic welding pilot program. | Photo courtesy NWC

SASKTODAY.ca

Inspector Gilbert presents second and third quarter crime statistics for 2023 to Battleford Town Council on Nov. 20. | Photo by Miguel Fenrich

By Miguel Fenrich Staff Reporter

When RCMP Inspector Jesse Gilbert brought the second and thirdquarter crime statistics in a delegation to the Town of Battleford’s Nov. 20 meeting, he told council that although crime statistics were dropping in the Town of Battleford, he wasn’t sure why they’re heading down.

“I will say I’m cautiously optimistic,” Gilbert told council.

Although the five-year trends are up, with a 12 per cent increase from April to June, he said that there has been a 43 per cent decrease from July to September.

Documents presented to council show an overall decrease in the town’s crime statistics in all categories from July to September, ranging from a 66 per cent decrease in Persons Offences which include homicide, robbery, and sexual assaults, a 32 per cent decrease in property offences, and a 42 per cent decrease in traffic offences.

However, there have been some increases in

some categories in the rural areas and the City of North Battleford.

“One thing we’ve been trying to do and you’ve probably noticed this is to try and address some of the visibility issues we’ve been trying to rely on some units that are outside of our control,” Gilbert said, referencing an increased number of traffic stops.

“I’d love to say that that work being done is what’s leading to the decrease, with the extra visibility, I can’t say that ... I think it might play into it,” Gilbert added.

“We’re kinda gonna have to wait and see what the next two quarters look like to see if this is just a blip or if there’s going to be some more concrete trends going on.”

The Battlefords have seen an increase in drug offences, but due to proactive work — referencing the execution of two warrants — that increase is not cause for alarm.

“I’m very happy with the numbers, I just don’t want to say they’re going stay that way. But I’m happy with the trend so far.”

After Gilbert’s presen-

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tation, Council expressed their thanks to the RCMP for increasing their presence in town, and also for keeping the council in the loop regarding the decrease.

“Thank you for bringing this to us. It’s always nice to see what’s going on,” Councillor Judy Pruden said.

Councillor David George inquired as to what was driving the change, beyond more visibility, with Gilbert noting that it stems from a range of issues, some of which could include prolific offenders moving out of the community.

Councillor George then asked about the legality of check stops, with Gilbert adding that under the Motor Vehicle Act, officers can inspect licensing and registration to ensure compliance.

When it comes to testing for drugs or alcohol, Gilbert explained the RCMP are no longer required to have evidence before demanding a test from a driver, though he noted it’s not often the case.

“The Supreme Court has ruled check stops are

EXTE

NDE

D

The Saskatchewan Research Council (SRC) and North West College have announced a new, innovative plastic welding pilot program that will be the first-of-its-kind in Saskatchewan.

In fall 2023, SRC worked collaboratively with North West College to develop a plastic welding pilot program which the college has now successfully turned into a valueadded, micro-credential program, geared to individuals looking to expand their welding capabilities.

This program includes short-term, focused training that equips students with the specialized skills required for welding polyvinyl chloride (PVC) materials. PVC welding is a

critical skill in industries such as construction, manufacturing and infrastructure development.

Students in the noncredit, two-week microcredential program will have access to state-ofthe-art welding equipment and facilities at North West College’s Meadow Lake campus. In the pilot stage of the program, students will also have the opportunity to practice their new skills at SRC’s solvent extraction fabrication facility in Saskatoon.

“SRC is proud of this collaboration and the opportunity to help train and offer a unique skillset to students at North West College,” SRC President and CEO Mike Crabtree said. “This specialized pilot program supports Saskatchewan employment

North Battleford budget deliberations begin

By John Cairns SASKTODAY.ca

The 2024 budget deliberations are underway this week in North Battleford.

Director of Finance Margarita Peña said at council last week that dates have been selected for budget deliberations, which will take place at City Hall council chambers. The first night of the public deliberations was to begin on Monday night, Nov. 20, starting at

5 p.m., focusing on general government and parks and recreation.

Night two will be Thursday, Nov. 23 with a focus on police, fire and protective services and operations services. The third night is Thursday, Nov. 30 which will focus on engineering, planning, and UPAR budgets as well as third party grants. If extra deliberation sessions are needed, the nights of Dec. 5 and 7 are set aside if necessary.

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and economic growth.”

The PVC welding micro-credential program welcomed its first cohort to participate in the pilot in fall 2023 and North West College is actively recruiting for spring 2024. Interested individuals are encouraged to visit the North West College website for more information.

“We are excited to collaborate with SRC on this ground-breaking initiative,” North West College president and CEO Dr. Eli Ahlquist said. “This PVC welding micro-credential program will not only provide our students with the skills they need to thrive in the workforce but also contribute to the growth of industries that rely on PVC welding expertise.”

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There has already been extensive pre-budget activity at City Hall. Council had previously held a special meeting in September in which they spent a full evening going over the list of capital items to be considered. As well, a host of delegations have been before council over several meetings to present their third-party grant requests, with those decisions to be finalized during the budget deliberations.

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Page 4 - The Battlefords, Thursday, November 23, 2023

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Letter

Charge of the carbon brigade is slowing

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 Our local columnist R.H. Wood has been rolling his “R’s” like a pirate or a peeved Scotsman lately. He could, perhaps, take comfort in the words of author/philosopher Robert M. Pirsig. “Schools, churches, governments and political organizations of every sort tended to direct thought for ends other than truth, for the perpetuation of their own functions and for the control of individuals in the service of these functions.”

Pierre Poilievre, it appears, wants to achieve posterity by becoming the government that has no business in the fuel tanks of the nation. The charge of the carbon brigade is slowing worldwide and the children of our nanny states no longer believe the fables they have been fed.

If anything, history teaches us nanny states are more often an exercise in eugenics than humanity.

Tom Lamont Maidstone

Letter

Not giving up

Dear Editor I appreciate the article which briefly chronicled the story of British children sent to Canada by people with the best intentions. I doubt if many found Green Gables.

It’s past the time, we could say, or perhaps the right time to expose the fact that there was an era, including in Canada, where children of any skin colour were treated inhumanely.

Having stated that fact, I also think there were some good homes, just as there were some residential schools which did not dehumanize Indigenous children. Am I allowed to state that?

(Just one line in that article: was Queen Elizabeth II ever styled Princess of Wales? To be so titled would not she have had to been married to a Prince of Wales?)

People still ask why no letters from me have appeared in the News-Optimist. I tell them they will have to ask the editor. It seems only paid people are wanted.

It’s difficult to get something in print. It seems social media will take anything, however.

I recall trying to have a letter printed regarding the truth about the ownership of the G3 Grain elevators.

Your paper has printed a letter from a freelance journalist wherein it was stated it is a Canadian company.

I wrote to say that is false, it is largely owned by Saudi Arabia, a little owned by another country in that part

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

Letters to the editor are welcomed by the Regional Optimist. All letters, including those which are faxed or emailed, must be signed and bear the address and telephone number of the writer. The name of the writer will be published.

Letters are subject to editing. Personal attacks will not be printed. Letters will be rejected if they contain libelous statements or are unsigned.

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of the world. (I, at the moment, forget the name) and our defunct wheat board name is tacked on for window dressing. The letter was not printed. The falsehood stands.

In two of my letters, I mentioned the name of then Prince Charles. The line was omitted. Why? Who believed they had that right?

I’m careful about punctuation. The punctuation has been changed, with no improvement. I’ve had meaningless words put in but I’ve kept on. I’ve kept on because I believe in local newspapers. I believe the News-Optimist to be one of the better ones.

At one time many farmers wrote letters and there would be pages in the Western Producer, all hand written, all well written, from farmers, and what they wrote was what was seen on the page.

There would be two pages of letters from young people.

So few people write anymore, so few people read, except to play with their phones.

Farmers no longer write what could be called crusading letters. Some are fat and comfortable, others know there’s nothing can be done for agriculture from the farmers themselves. Successive governments have sold off all our assets and we ourselves are an endangered species.

I tried to get a letter published in praise of the Kinsmen who created Silver Lake Regional Park, mostly

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young farmers, mostly all dead.

I tried to get a letter printed about unmarked graves.

I did not once mention the graves around residential schools, which may well have been one time marked with vanished wooden crosses.

Can you tell me if the British children sent to this kindly country were buried in marked graves?

I don’t consider myself a hot-shot writer, but I’m not so bad doing chronicles.

Christine Pike Waseca Editor’s note: Further to Ms. Pike’s comments, here is information from the website of SALIC: The Saudi Agricultural and Livestock Investment Company (SALIC) was established by Royal Decree No. M / 22 dated 4/18/1430 AH corresponding to 4/14/2009 AD as a Saudi joint-stock company owned by the Public Investment Fund.

SALIC entered into a strategic partnership with Bunge International in 2015 to establish “G3 Holding” of which SALIC owns the majority share, to invest in the handling and export of agricultural grains.

From the G3 Canada Limited website: G3 Canada Limited is a Canadian incorporated company. Its shareholders are: G3 Global Grain Group (a joint venture of Bunge Canada and SALIC Canada Ltd). and Western Canadian farmers via the Farmers Equity Plan.

Gordon Brewerton Senior Group Publisher

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Trainee Tribulations

By R.H. Wood

North Battleford

I had no prior knowledge of last week’s page 4 commentary “Fixing the family doctor crisis” by Gwyn Morgan, a retired oil engineer, before submitting my “Attrition Naturale” article. His description of how a recently qualified doctor was treated by her superiors brought back memories of how as a senior student and resident I was treated in a professorial unit. The staff were only interested in patients as subjects for

W

The

ood Pile

study and journal papers.

There was no compassion and the junior doctors in

the team were overworked disgracefully. The atmosphere was so bad, I began looking for a different career. To receive General Medical Council licensing, one had to successfully complete two residency programs. Right at the end of my first residency a junior doctor and myself found it expedient to accept blame for the dereliction of care by a senior staff member. The matter was dealt with internally and no further action was taken.

The surgical head of my second residency had

The Battlefords, Thursday, November 23, 2023 - Page 5

been a POW (an escapee) and was the embodiment of dignity and compassion.

He made a truly lasting impression.

Once qualified and pursuing a specialty, I would oblige a city family doctor by covering an occasional three-hour evening clinic Only with the help of an elderly not behind glass lady who appeared to know every patient and their requirements was this possible She would introduce patients, give me their notes and sheafs of certificates and repeat prescriptions which I signed without question.

My earnings were always two guineas or 42 shillings i.e. one to two shillings

MLA Ryan Domotor booted from caucus over criminal charge Continued from Page 1 that Moe said had been previously announced in the Speech from the Throne.

“This is a government that needs to be doing all that we can towards stopping this type of behavior, supporting women that are in a vulnerable position, not exploiting them. So it’s most disappointing… there really isn’t a place in the Assembly for an individual performing these types of actions.”

When asked if it was the government’s position that sex workers were being exploited, Moe responded: “Largely yes — the way to stop that from happening is for men to make a different decision, and for men to not make the decision to exploit women that are quite often in a very very vulnerable position. So we are bringing in laws and supports for those women, laws that ultimately stop these types of decisions, but at the end of the day I would say that all men have the power to make a better decision.”

As for Domotor, not only has he been removed from caucus and stripped of his responsibilities, but Moe also confirmed Domotor will be stripped of his Sask Party nomination. The party will find a new candidate in Cut Knife - Turtleford.

There have been cases where other politicians have been able to come back from criminal charges. One was Don McMorris, MLA for Indian Head-Milestone, who was

charged and pled guilty to impaired driving and was stripped of his duties for a time before eventually being allowed to return to cabinet.

But the indication from Moe is he feels this is a different situation. “I don’t compare the two.”

Moe also confirmed he acted swiftly, with the government being informed Friday by law enforcement that an MLA was charged.

The Premier then said they confirmed that individual, and then put a news release out immediately.

“We acted quickly, within an hour of two of being informed of the situation, and harshly — rightfully so.”

Opposition Leader Carla Beck spoke of Domotor’s expulsion Monday and about the proposed human trafficking legislation from the government.

Beck told reporters that statements by the government purporting to express concern about human trafficking “ring hollow” in the wake of the actions by Domotor.

“We’ll wait and see what the bill says, but again that legislation rings hollow when we see a sitting member from a seat in government being charged with such an offence. We’ll wait and see what the details are, but being caught up, being arrested as part of a sting operation around human trafficking is deeply concerning.”

In the Legislature During Question Period Monday, Beck questioned

Premier Moe regarding Domotor’s criminal charge, as recorded in Hansard.

Ms. Beck: — “Mr. Speaker, not all good news.

Friday we learned that the Sask Party member for Cut Knife-Turtleford was arrested and charged as part of a human trafficking investigation by Regina city police. Of course, this is completely inappropriate conduct for anyone, let alone a sitting member of this Assembly. And this just after a year ago Lyle Stewart invited Colin Thatcher, a convicted wife murderer, to attend the Throne Speech.

“What does the Premier have to say to Saskatchewan people who see a troubling pattern from the Sask Party MLAs [Member of the Legislative Assembly] while Saskatchewan maintains some of the worst rates of violence against women in the entire country?”

Hon. Mr. Moe: — “Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. And I as well learned on Friday of an incident involving a Member of the Legislative Assembly. The government was contacted by law enforcement indicating that there was a member that was charged, Mr. Speaker. I put out a statement subsequent to that by indicating that this individual will no longer would be serving in the government caucus, Mr. Speaker, due to what can only be described as vile and disgusting behaviour, decisions that most

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per patient depending on the number who attended – always 30-40. Gas cost 5 shillings per gallon. Being a family doctor did not appeal except on a remote island.

Mr. Morgan ends his article with suggestions on how physician recruitment can be increased.

He alludes to the requirement for a four-year degree in a scientific field before application to medical schools. Personally, I started my medical training immediately after attaining Grade 12 equivalency. During my preliminary interview I was judged not so much on academic standing which was a given, but on my general interests, activities and hobbies which led to a discussion on manual dexterity so important in my career. Suitability for entry

into the nursing profession is assessed as far as possible on attitudes to patient care and life in general and there should be no difference in assessing medical school aspirants.

Expanding medical training by four unnecessary years shortens one’s lifetime earning capacity, severely impacts family life and worse, significantly reduces by four years one’s professional usefulness to society particularly scandalous if one’s training is state-funded.

This requirement should be abolished.

The sale of prebooked permanent slot clinic appointments as suggested in my last article contravenes the Canada Health Act. Such appointments should be kept or cancelled, not vended but bequeathed if felt no longer required.

certainly should not be made, Mr. Speaker.

“The consequences from the government perspective were swift.

They were harsh, Mr. Speaker. And I think we can agree that all members in this Assembly need to be working together to support those women in particular that are in vulnerable situations, Mr. Speaker, and should not be looking to exploit their situation.”

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Page 6 - The Battlefords, Thursday, November 23, 2023

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Meota man sentenced for poisoning wife Continued from Page 1 family’s farm near Meota, about 43 kilometres northwest of North Battleford, Cindy continued to work at BUH until one of their daughters had an unfortunate accident. Cindy then became a full-time caregiver and took care of their children. Cindy had temporary health issues and “Michael seemed to be doing everything around the farm,” Stooshinoff told the court.

Michael MacKay had problems with the church, specifically, their “hypocritical intolerance,” so he left, court heard. Cindy MacKay remained in the church.

He continued to struggle with emotional and mental health issues and had suicidal ideation. His most recent suicide attempt was in September 2023, court heard.

At the time of his wife’s murder he was having a sexual relationship with a woman he met online but didn’t have any plans to leave his wife, said Stooshinoff.

During the RCMP investigation into Cindy MacKay’s death, they found a letter on his computer that he had written to a woman but didn’t send. In the letter he said he was dissatisfied with his life with his wife and how happy he was that he met this woman.

Warning: Details may be disturbing to some The 911 call On Feb. 7, 2020, Cindy MacKay drank the drink her husband had mixed for her. She commented that it tasted bitter, court heard.

Within five to 20 minutes she started having muscle contractions and couldn’t move but she was fully alert, Senior Crown Prosecutor Oryn Holm told the court. She became dizzy, vomited, had chest pains and a decreased ability to breathe.

“It’s a very painful way to die,” said Holm.

Michael MacKay called 911 and Cindy MacKay could be heard screaming in pain, court heard. She was barely able to breathe and went into cardiac arrest.

During the 911 call, Michael MacKay was hysterical, sobbing and weeping uncontrollably, court heard.

“He realized what he had done and he was sobbing for himself, for Cindy, for their children, and for their families,” said Stooshinoff.

At the Battlefords Union Hospital her blood pressure was stabilized and she was flown by STARS air ambulance to Royal University Hospital in Saskatoon.

On Feb. 10, 2020, RUH

contacted police saying Cindy MacKay’s illness was suspicious.

Two days later, Cindy MacKay was taken off life support and she died from multiple organ failure. The toxicology reports all revealed evidence of strychnine.

On Feb. 20, 2020, the RCMP got a search warrant for Michael and Cindy MacKay’s home.

Michael MacKay gave two statements to RCMP. One on Feb. 11, 2020, and another on March 18, 2021.

Both times he denied that he gave his wife strychnine and suggested that she had committed suicide.

Complex web of lies Eight victim impact statements were read to the court that revealed a complex web of lies and betrayal by Michael MacKay against his dead wife’s parents and siblings.

Court heard that he limited the Mack family’s access to his and Cindy’s three children, told people that Cindy had committed suicide, and accused the Mack family of not supporting him emotionally.

Cindy’s brother Tyler Mack, said that when he first learned of his sister’s death, he felt overwhelming sadness, and then when he found out about Michael MacKay’s extra marital affairs and how Cindy died,

Michael MacKay is taken from the courthouse Nov. 20 in handcuffs. He had been out on bail since April 2021. | Photo by Lisa Joy

he said he was overcome with anger.

“You spread lies about Cindy, that she had committed suicide and that we were not supportive,” said Tyler Mack. “This damaged our reputation and hurt us.”

“She was a dedicated mother,” he added. “She made costumes for figure skating. She was the only

real parent those kids had.

You lied to them and told them Cindy took her own life. She died in the most cruel and torturous way imaginable.”

Cindy’s sister, Krista Mack said she can’t imagine Cindy’s last moments on earth.

“I only had one sister and now I don’t have her.

These three children once

full of innocence now carry grief on their shoulders.

What will trust look like for them?”

Vanessa Mack, Cindy’s sister-in-law, said the mental toll on the three girls after being told by Michael MacKay that their mother had committed suicide has been enormous, adding, “and the last four Concludes on Page 8

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Meota man sentenced for poisoning wife Continued from Page 6 years they were living with the person who murdered their mother.”

She said the lies that Michael MacKay had spread around the community affected the entire Mack family and Cindy’s parents stopped going to events.

Cindy MacKay’s mother said since her daughter’s death she can’t go to the family farm where she raised her children and she asked why didn’t he just leave?

“The doctors told us how excruciatingly painful strychnine poisoning is and I asked myself, ‘What were her last words? Why was she murdered? What could I have done to protect my daughter from him?’

“We trusted Mike and welcomed him into our family,” she added. “When they moved to our farm it was great to have them so close. We couldn’t have imagined that in less than four years later our life would be shattered.”

Cindy’s father said that Michael MacKay getting out on bail weeks after his arrest in March 2021, as well as him pleading guilty to the reduced charge of second-degree murder, has left him with a sick feeling.

“Did Mike kill her to get the farm and move on with someone else?” he asked.

The Mack family expressed outrage that he was out on bail and had custody of the couple’s three children for the last three years while he waited for his trial.

“That was one of the worst things,” Tyler Mack told reporters outside the courthouse. “We really, really feared something

Cindy MacKay’s family spoke to reporters after the sentencing hearing of Michael MacKay at Battleford Court of King’s Bench on Nov. 20. | Photo by Lisa Joy

would happen to them. To be trusted with the care of his children after that is ridiculous.”

During those three years Michael MacKay had control over the access the Mack family would have to the three girls and it was always on his terms.

“He manipulated a lot of their words,” Krista Mack said outside of the courthouse. “They would talk to me and I could tell it wasn’t their words coming out of their mouth.”

The Mack family say they will continue to fight for access to Cindy MacKay’s children.

“They are her kids and we have to still keep fighting to see them,” said Tyler Mack.

Truth finally known Senior Crown Prosecutor Oryn Holm told the court that Cindy MacKay’s

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murder was a senseless, callous act.

“Many were told that she had committed suicide and that was not correct.”

Outside of the courthouse, Tyler Mack told reporters that they were wearing red to honour Cindy because that was her favourite colour.

“Today we finally got some justice,” he said.

“Terrible things he did to her are finally being told.

He told many lies to people about what happened to Cindy so it’s a great

relief to all of us that the record has finally been set straight.”

Krista Mack said it “was great to see him say it for himself that he is guilty and have the words come out of his mouth finally.”

The Mack family are relieved that Michael MacKay pleaded guilty and they avoided a painful trial but they don’t agree with him being eligible for parole in 10 years.

“Ten years is not even close enough time to repay what he has taken from

us,” said Tyler Mack. “He should be in prison the rest of his life.”

He said his sister Cindy “was a truly great person and a wonderful mother to her three children,” and described her as kind and compassionate.

“She loved animals and adopted as many as she could. She was well-liked in the community. She volunteered with the skating club that her girls were involved with. I could go on all day about all the good she had to offer. The world was a better place with her in it.”

Cindy MacKay loved all children and as a registered nurse worked with newborns, said her sister Krista Mack.

“She was an amazing nurse. She loved animals.

She was always trying to help people. She loved playing the piano and she would play the piano for me and I would always dance beside her. She was just a spiritual, creative person. She was amazing and a very selfless person.”

Joint sentencing submission Michael MacKay was arrested in March 2021 in Warman and charged with first-degree murder. He was released on bail in April 2021.

A jury trial was sched-

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uled to start Oct. 16 but didn’t proceed and was rescheduled for May 2024.

The Crown and defence, however, entered a joint sentencing submission to the court Nov. 20 that saw Michael MacKay plead guilty to the lesser charge of second-degree murder.

Justice Mona Dovell accepted the joint sentencing submission.

“The girls lost their mother and today they lost their father,” she said.

“That is a tragedy and the court can’t fix that.”

Stooshinoff told the court that Michael MacKay is consumed by guilt and remorse and prays for forgiveness.

“Nothing can undo the suffering I have caused for everyone,” Michael MacKay told the court.

Holm said that the Crown’s case was circumstantial with no witnesses, no confession, and no direct evidence. He added, however, that a series of circumstantial evidence together created a picture of what happened.

“A guilty plea proves that Cindy did not kill herself,” said Holm. “He killed her. No one has to wonder. We now know Mr. MacKay was responsible.”

For video of the Mack family’s reaction to the sentencing, visit SASKTODAY.ca.

Habetler charges resolved by peace bond

By Lisa Joy

SASKTODAY.ca

On Wednesday of last week, a Lashburn man entered into a 12-month peace bond not to be at any swimming pool, daycare, day school, or youth centre, according to the Vermillion, Alta., courthouse.

Brent Habetler, who legally changed his name to Sir Brent Adair Habetler, was arrested in

March and charged with committing an indecent act in a public place, and willfully obstructing, interrupting or interfering with the lawful use, enjoyment or operation of property, the community swimming pool, thereby committing mischief. Those charges were withdrawn in Lloydminster, Atla, court on Nov. 15.

In March, Saskatchewan RCMP said that in

the interest of public safety, they were advising the residents of the Maidstone RCMP detachment area and surrounding communities of an offender who had been charged with committing an indecent act and the RCMP said that he was at high risk to reoffend.

According to a Feb. 17, 2000, story in the Prince George Free Press, Habetler, then 22, was

ENDS DECEMBER 6, 2023

charged with two counts of committing an indecent act and exposing himself for a sexual purpose. The story states that on Jan. 8, 2000, police received a report that a man had lured a 10-year-old girl into the washroom at the Elksentre where he committed an indecent act.

Habetler was arrested and released on bail on strict conditions. He was barred from all fast food restaurants, the Elksentre and all public places where young girls may frequent such as playgrounds. Following a trial in July 2000, one charge was dropped and he was acquitted on the other charge.

ENDS DECEMBER 6, 2023

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Page 8 - The Battlefords, Thursday, November 23, 2023

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Page 10 - The Battlefords, Thursday, November 23, 2023

Protecting Landowners

Our government has passed expanded legislation to ensure landowners who are owed compensation by companies drilling for oil or gas on their property can collect what they are owed. Amendments will give the Ministry of Energy and Resources and the Surface Rights Board of Arbitration more powers to protect landowners. These changes will enable the board and the ministry to enforce delinquent surface rights payments from oil and gas licensees and ensure landowners are properly compensated for property damage.

Hon. Jeremy Cockrill, MLA for The Battlefords office@jeremycockrill.ca 306-445-5195

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

25-year-old Sask. artist searches for meaning in the mundane 20231116_News Optimist Ad_Protecting-Landowners.indd 1

By Miguel Fenrich Staff Reporter

Aside from the washes of vibrant colour, rich brushstrokes and often familiar subjects for those living in the Battlefords and area, Alexi Anseth says her paintings often search for a sense of meaning in the more mundane elements of life.

And as she paints scenes from her hometown of North Battleford, Cut Knife where she was raised, and other spaces she frequents, she told the News-Optimist on the final night of her solo exhibition in the Chapel Gallery, she finds herself searching for connection — both to the Battlefords, and her cultural Métis and Ukrainian identity.

“I’m always trying to be more mindful of the spaces I occupy and what that means in terms of my cultural identity,” Anseth said, adding that because her heritage is so mixed, it can be conflicting.

She added that the Métis are known as the flower beadwork people, and Ukrainian people often utilize striking textiles and fabrics in their clothing or are known for their Easter eggs. And while she searches for her cultural identity in a fine art context, she also says she uses her artwork to find joy in the mundane.

“My art for me is very much therapeutic, helps with my mental health, helps keep me grounded.

And the bright colours in these spaces I’ve navigated really help me to kind of romanticize my own daily life,” she said.

“When things are kind of glum and I’m not feeling great I can twist it and manipulate myself into feeling a little bit better,” she added, laughing.

Later that night, during

a speech, she said that she treats her process almost like a journal in a way.

“So every time I look at my own art I’m going to see and recall where I was during the memory of the piece ... and I also recall where my life was at in the process of making it.”

And it’s something that materializes in her painting of the bridges between the Battlefords that cross the North Saskatchewan River, something she says reminds her of Christmas Eve last year, but also of the summer when she painted it. Or the painting that featured K&K Glass, who fixed her car window after it was broken and her paintings were stolen months before her exhibition.

Anseth was then forced to spend months making new paintings in time for the show.

But she says that bright things are ahead.

“I’m getting ready for the next one already, working on some large-scale pieces. [You] can’t really fit anything too big in this gallery, so I’m looking at getting into some bigger spaces in the future, working on some projects with LED lights, and lots of exciting things coming up,” she said.

And bright things are ahead, according to Leah Garven, the curator for the gallery, who told the crowd on Nov. 10 that the 25-year-old artist is indeed wildly talented.

“Her work speaks for itself, she is exponentially talented and has a great vision of what she wants to do ... as you can see it just illuminates and it sparkles.”

Alexi Anseth’s artwork, on display until Nov. 19 draws from her own experiences as she tries to romanticize her life.

2023-11-16 2:24:04 PM

Here, a guest looks on at the show as it prepares to leave the Windows Gallery later in November.

Alexi Anseth pictured in the Chapel Gallery as her first solo exhibition, Just Another Day, hangs in the windows gallery. | Photos by Miguel Fenrich

Alexi Anseth’s paintings use various mediums and bright colour to try and freeze time — fitting, as she uses each painting as a personal diary.

Leah Garven, curator for the gallery, highlights artistic elements of one of Alexi Anseth’s favourite works, the bridges between the Battlefords at night on Christmas Eve.

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The Battlefords, Thursday, November 23, 2023 - Page 11

Art Notes

An artist friend could design your card

By Jean M. Dunn

Battlefords Art Club

This was the beginning of Christmas Cards: “In 1843, civil servant and entrepreneur Sir Henry Cole, finding he was too busy to send his customary Christmas letters to all his friends and acquaintances, commissioned his friend, the artist John Callcott Horsley, to design a card for him to send.”

So this year if you’re craving a special card for someone please consider asking your favourite artist. You would make them proud!

If you think you might enjoy trying your hand at the “arts”, come down on a Tuesday to Door 2 at the Don Ross Centre in the basement for a look, bring your supplies/paints and join us. If you like what you see it’s $30 a year to

join the Battlefords Art Club.

Five members of our club are having an art show and sale at the Comfort Inn on Dec 1, 2 and 3. There will be lots to look at. Call Jean at 306 441-8047 for more info or look around town for posters!

“Remember that the most valuable antiques are dear old friends.” — H. Jackson Brown, Jr

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Book Now Tap into the creativity of an artist to spread a little joy this Christmas season. | Photos submitted

Contact Stacey, Patron Experience Manager stacey@dekkercentre.com

306-445-4897

Page 12 - The Battlefords, Thursday, November 23, 2023

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Live Christmas classic coming to the Battlefords

By Miguel Fenrich Staff Reporter

A nostalgic and beloved holiday classic, “It’s A Wonderful Life” turned into a live version of the 1940s radio play is coming to the Battleford Community Players stage soon this holiday season.

The second show of the club’s season, following “You Can’t Get Here From There” early in October, is set to run Nov. 30, Dec. 1, 2, 3, 5, 7 8 and 9, though four days are currently sold out.

The show includes a cast of Fraser Glen, Glen Rubidge, Clint Barrett, Christal Gilbert, Holly Briant and Marno Auchstaetter.

Together, the cast will bring a few dozen charac-

ters, a multitude of sounds and music to the stage as the story of idealistic George Bailey unfolds while he considers ending his life one fateful Christmas Eve. “Well, I really love conceptually how [the play] was written,” Darren Olson, the play’s director told the News-Optimist in a phone interview.

“The concept of doing this as a radio play is sort of nostalgic. It harkens back to when radio plays were done before a live studio audience,” he said, noting that audience members at the show essentially form a fictional live studio audience, complete with a flashing”‘applause” sign and a live foley artist.

But Olson noted that concept also poses a chal-

ENDS DECEMBER 6, 2023

ENDS DECEMBER 6, 2023

lenge for the cast, though they don’t have to learn their lines per se, they have to keep their minds on characterization because the audience isn’t just there to listen, but to watch.

“And so it’s really, it’s not like the play is a tearjerker, but it’s a total feel good [play] … when the story arcs, everything is happening — the sound effects, the music, the acting — it really swells as it should.

“I think the audience that comes out will feel like they’ve seen a pretty classy presentation of this story. “ “What a great evening out for friends, co-workers or just a special date before the busy Christmas season is upon us,” Donna Challis writes in a release from the club, “It’s a wonderful time of the year and if you are looking for that special

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tickets to our upcoming productions? It could be the best thing you could do

for a friend or co-worker to introduce them to live theatre.”

‘An Inspector Calls’ is up next

By Donna Challis

Phone 306-937-7474 Fax 306-937-7676 mail@battlefordfurniture.com

something for those very hard to purchase for, why not consider a couple of

See You at the Theatre

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Crystal Gilbert, Holly Briant, Glen Rubidge, Clint Barrett and Fraser Glen rehearse for the Battlefords Community Players presentation of It’s a Wonderful Life. The show opens Nov. 30. | Photo submitted

Next up for the Battlefords Community Players is “An Inspector Calls” set in 1914 in an English industrial city, involving the death of a young girl. At the beginning of the evening, the closely knit family are shown to be selfish, self-centred or cowardly.

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Good humour turns to acid by the end. A multitude of turns during the evening keep the characters and audience on their toes. A great, popular play that will lead the actors and the audience through many twists and turns, you don’t want to miss this drama – the only one of our season. Tickets are available anytime and could be that special gift.

Director Jim Walls is leading this group and is

still looking for people to get involved, as actors, backstage, costuming, makeup, hair and several other important elements of any theatre presentation.

Call 306-446-3133 if you are interested in getting involved in this or any other aspect of our bringing a play from the page to the stage.

Battlefords Community Players are always looking for new people to be part of our theatre family. If you

aren’t sure how you could be involved just remember the door is always open and we will provide you with the support you might need to enjoy the creation of live theatre in the Battlefords.

At this time, we would like to thank all our members, our audiences, our sponsors, our donors and all involved over the many years, who have helped to make it possible for BCP to produce live theatre in the Battlefords.

Thunder Farms triumphs despite challenges

Leaders of Red Pheasant Cree Nation at the grand opening of one of its first businesses in North Battleford in 2021. | Photo courtesy Red Pheasant Cree Nation

By Kimiya Shokoohi

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Saskatoon StarPhoenix

When Thunder Farms started to make gains as a fully Indigenous-owned farm northwest of Battleford, Sask. three years ago, limited funding options were available.

Communications and training resources are essential for grant applications to access government funding incentives for Indigenous entrepreneurs.

“We had to invest in

ourself. There was a lot of apprehension from big companies to help us, like banks,” said Thunder Farms manager Derrick Meetoos.

Federal Minister of Small Business Rechie Valdez recently announced $500,000 for the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business to support Indigenous entrepreneurs. Specific Indigenous entrepreneurship incentives are also supported by the government through programs like the Women Entrepreneurship

Loan Fund.

The funds are meant to increase Indigenous economic self-determination, part of the federal government’s commitment to renewing and improving relations with Indigenous peoples.

Bridging that gap requires efficient and consistent communications between government, organizations and bands, as well as access to training for applying for and managing such grants.

Continued on Page 13

Regional News-Optimist

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The Battlefords, Thursday, November 23, 2023 - Page 13

Middle Raged

Geri Hall and Gary Pearson perform a spoof performance of Shallow (from a Star is Born), lamenting the ills and struggles of life in middle age, during their Nov. 15 performance at the Dekker Centre, sponsored by the Battlefords Regional News-Optimist | Photos by Miguel Fenrich

Later in the show, a comedy sketch allows us to ponder what angels were thinking while designing the human body. One angel explains what the female body will experience during and after mating, while suggesting a preferred size for various male body parts. They go on to poke fun at the struggles of taking fur babies to a playground, shopping for a bikini before a cruise, and the (fortunately comedic) battle of Star Trek and Outlander roleplay in an attempt to spice up the bedroom.

ENDS DECEMBER 6, 2023

Training required to bridge gap between entrepreneurs and funds Continued from Page 12 “We have a representative in Saskatchewan that sends us out the call for proposals and we have a lady on staff that has been managing that aspect of the program,” said AJ Ahenakew, who leads economic development and finance for Red Pheasant Cree Nation.

Earlier this week, Red Pheasant broke ground on construction for a new retail complex in the North Battleford area. It successfully attained $2.2 million in grants, matching that with $2 million of its own to connect the facility to

roads, water, sewage and utility hookups.

There can be a catch-22 with the grant application process, as in many cases the funds attained from grants can’t be used to pay the salaries of the people required to submit proposals.

Saskatchewan has at least three organizations to support community economic development and provide guidance on grants.

The Saskatchewan Indigenous Enterprise Foundation (SIEF) is one of them. It’s in direct contact with band offices and

regularly publishes newsletters about incentives.

Chiefs are also invited to participate in its annual meeting, and the group attends workshops in communities.

“It’s a matter of seeking us out,” said SIEF general manager Terry Brodziak.

For Indigenous entrepreneurs in the field, the regular flow of information between entity and entrepreneur requires improvement.

Meetoos suggests greater transparency in the announcement and delivery of incentives; most communities access news and

ENDS DECEMBER 6, 2023

developments through their band offices.

When opportunities are simply announced, “it doesn’t trickle down,” Meetoos said.

Kimiya Shokoohi is the Local Journalism Initiative reporter for the Saskatoon StarPhoenix. The LJI program is federally funded by the Government of Canada.

192-24th Street West, Battleford www.battlefordfurniture.com

Phone 306-937-7474 Fax 306-937-7676 mail@battlefordfurniture.com

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Paradise Hill lotto winner nets $100,000 Submitted by Sask Lotteries Dale Hockley had a great day shopping and running errands with his wife, but the cherry on top?

Winning $100,000! The Paradise Hill local won his prize on the October 18 Extra he added to his Western 649 ticket.

“We were busy running errands, and I checked my ticket when I was in the car,” he said at his prize claim interview. “I can’t remember what I was thinking, all I could do was sit there in shock!”

“I sat in the car for a while and checked the numbers over and over,” he laughed. “I think I was just trying to believe that it was real.”

The happy winner has a very exciting plan for his winnings – a concert and a getaway!

“We’re going to buy

Dale Hockley

tickets to the Blake Shelton concert in Arizona – we’re hoping to get floor seats!” he said. “After that, I’m going to spoil my wife and grandkids!”

Hockley purchased his $100,000-winning ticket at Paradise Shell, located at 302 Highway #3 in Paradise Hill. He won

his prize by matching the last six digits of the Extra number drawn on October 18 – 1223233.

When asked how it feels to win this prize, Hockley had a few things to say: “It feels great! My advice: buy the Extra! I spent $1 and got $100,000!”

For more local news, visit

It’s been 43 years since my dear departed husband Tony, and I opened A&M Auto.

We have been so grateful to have been able to look after all of you vehicle service needs. The Battlefords is truly a wonderful place to operate a business.

Now it is time to say goodbye.

On behalf of myself and all of our employees, we would like to express our appreciation for your patronage over the years.

Sincerely Marie Suberlak

370 Railway Avenue East North Battleford

306-446-2777

Page 14 - The Battlefords, Thursday, November 23, 2023

Regional News-Optimist

sasktoday.ca

Lights of Joy herald the Christmas season SASKTODAY.ca Battleford will now be a little brighter for the holiday season after the Battleford Community Spirit Group lit up the Gazebo Park with Christmas lights donated by local busi-

nesses during their annual Lights of Joy event on Nov. 18 For the first time, as the group was concerned with the possibility of cold weather like in 2022, the event was followed by a family dance in the Alex

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Everything at the event was free, including glow lights for children, draw prizes and candy canes.

Even the event itself (except for the canteen where the scouts sold hot dogs to raise funds for their organization) was free to attend, though attendees were asked to bring and donate non-perishable food items for the food bank.

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Centre photo, lights were turned on at 6 p.m. Saturday at the gazebo on main street in Battleford to start the Lights of Joy activity. The lighting was followed by a family dance at the Alex Dillabough Centre.

Above left, Judy and Tim Pruden (members of the Battleford Community Spirit Group and also organizers) busting some moves on the dance floor.

Above right, some of the Spirit group came dressed up for the season. | Photos by Averil Hall / Freelance Photographer

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The Battlefords, Thursday, November 23, 2023 - Page 15

November 19 to 25, 2023

What to do if your child is using substances Sixty per cent of illicit drug users in Canada are between 15 and 24 years old, according to Statistics Canada. It’s one of the reasons why the Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse and Addiction organizes Addictions Awareness Week (November 20 to 26, 2022).

This year’s theme is A Community of Caring and aims to highlight solutions to help address harms related to

alcohol and drug use. It also provides an opportunity for Canadians to learn more about prevention, talk about treatment and recovery and bring forward solutions.

TAKE ACTION Here’s what to do if you suspect your child is dealing with addiction:

KNOW THE SIGNS While every teenager is different, here are signs your child may be using alcohol or drugs:

• Stay calm. Don’t show panic and anger. Instead, offer patience and support and keep lines of communica­ tion open. You want your child to see you as some­ one they can trust and come to with anything they’re going through.

• Loss of interest in once pleasurable activities • Changes in mood, such as depression or irritability • Poor hygiene • Changes in eating habits or sudden weight loss • Sleeping more than usual • Bad grades or problems at school • Secretive behaviour, lying or stealing • Dropping old friends • Inability to focus Knowing the signs of teen drug use can help you better understand if you should involve a professional.

• Create a support system. Remember, you aren’t alone.

Lean on family members, teachers, counsellors and intervention specialists to help you keep a level head and make appropriate decisions for your child’s wellbeing.

Finally, don’t enable them. Get your child the help they need. Early intervention can help. As a start, contact your family doctor or other trusted health professional.

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Page 16 - The Battlefords, Thursday, November 23, 2023

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Battleford reaffirms support for sexual assault centre after ban

By Miguel Fenrich Staff Reporter

As sexual violence among children — both as victims and as perpetrators — is on the rise in the Battlefords, Battlefords and Area Assault Centre (BASAC) executive director Amber Stewart is fighting to get their preventative programming back inside Saskatchewan’s classrooms after their recent ban.

Nearly a month after she brought that fight to North Battleford, where the city council wrote a letter of support asking the government to allow BASAC back into schools.

Stewart most recently brought her request to the Town of Battleford at their Nov. 20 meeting where she chronicled a rapid increase in violence — including a group of 10- to 11-year-old students threatening to assault female classmates — here in the Battlefords.

“Through investigation, they had seen some things by accessing Pornhub, and that’s where we see those behaviours coming,” Stewart said, noting that BASAC has seen a dramatic increase in children viewing pornography on the internet.

Stewart also noted that students in Grade 8 in the Battlefords are experiencing a volume of sexual assault, harassment and violence. And though the school divisions are reaching out, seeking support, the government has yet to issue an exemption to the

organization as they have for Catholic Family Services.

“We also have a group of nine- to 12-year-old boys, currently banned from a local club for behaviour, including threatening to gang rape the staff,” she said.

“This is what we’re seeing. An increase in extremely violent sexual behaviour among nine- to 12-year-old boys.”

Stewart noted that they do not provide sexual education or programming around gender, are not affiliated with ARC Foundation, Planned Parenthood, or SOGI123, and always have included parental consent for their programming involving students under the age of 16.

In an example of BASAC’s programming no longer being taught to students, Stewart explained the “Protect Yourself Rules,” which include telling an adult if someone touches them in an unsafe manner or that hitting and bullying is wrong.

“This is what we actually do.”

Their programming around teaching children about consent and that they have the right to say no, is also now being kept out of schools.

“We got lumped in with that, and we don’t feel that we should have been. I’ve even been told that maybe if we changed our name, we would be allowed back in,” she said because the

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word sexual is used in the organization’s name.

“Our programming is child sexual abuse prevention education, not sexual health or gender identity ... we don’t teach about contraception, we don’t teach about STIs, we don’t teach about sexual health at all.”

Stewart added the organization was founded 43 years ago by Peggy Westwood.

“We have been in this community, doing this work for a long time in a dark corner that no one wanted to talk about because there was such a stigma to sexual violence ... and the city and town have supported us for 43 years.

“The work that we do boils down to community safety.”

After Stewart’s presentation, council was quick to express their support for both BASAC’s work trying to prevent the sexual abuse of children, and writing a letter asking the Ministry of Education to allow BASAC back into the schools.

“It is scary, being a grandparent ... so if children can be taught some skills to equip themselves better to not become a victim or an offender, I think it’s a valuable service,” Councillor Judy Pruden said.

Councillor Shelly Boutin-Jervais said she supports BASAC, “100 per cent,” in comments that were mirrored heavily by councillors.

“Keep fighting the good fight,” Councillor Kevin

By John Cairns SASKTODAY.ca

Proceedings of the Saskatchewan Legislature were disrupted Monday afternoon after pro-Palestine supporters started shouting “ceasefire now” during Question Period.

The disruption in the gallery ground to a halt the afternoon proceedings in the Assembly for about 40 minutes, as the demonstrators chanted both inside the Assembly chamber, in the stairs and hallways, and eventually outside the legislature after they exited.

The protesters, who had brought along Palestine flags, were there to protest the ongoing war in the Middle East between Israel and Hamas, and to call for a ceasefire to the Israeli bombing in Gaza.

The disruption happened around 2:18 p.m. shortly after Question Period began. Premier Scott

Moe had been answering a line of questions from the opposition New Democrats in the wake of news of the criminal charge against Cut KnifeTurtleford MLA Ryan Domotor for obtaining sexual services for consideration.

But that line of questioning came to a sudden halt once the chants of “ceasefire now” erupted from the gallery.

Speaker Randy Weekes stood up and repeatedly started calling for order.

When those calls went unheeded by the gallery, Speaker Weekes finally called for everyone to leave the chamber.

Assembly proceedings then came to a halt, and the group of protesters slowly exited the gallery down the stairs and through the rotunda, while continuing to chant “ceasefire now” in the halls as they departed.

There was a heavy police presence inside

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women are subjected to these comments and sexualization, it’s almost angering at the same time,” Leslie said.

“I think it was surprising how immediate the impact of not having a third party available to address these [increases in violence] as soon as they start to be of concern, it frankly, hopefully, something our provincial government can address.

“If third parties are the experts in this, then I think it’s the due diligence of our government to recognize that sooner than later ... because frankly our teachers and educator staff are not trained in this, nor should we expect them to be the experts in this subject matter.

Pro-Palestine protesters disrupt the Saskatchewan Legislature

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Russell said.

“It’s kind of alarming to hear these things. You kind of hear it through the coffee shop that these things are happening, but you don’t want to believe it ... It’s part of why you guys are so important because the rest of us are kind of in denial and you guys live it every day,” Mayor Ames Leslie said.

Later, in comments to the media, though Mayor Ames Leslie wasn’t able to give a specific timeline, he hoped they’d write up a letter by the end of the week.

“Any time you hear of an influx of women being treated less than the human beings they are, it’s surprising in today’s world that this still happens. That

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the Legislature as the group started heading for the exits. Minister of Corrections and Policing Paul Merriman was observed on the upper level on the phone, describing what was transpiring down below.

The group then ended up congregating around the main entrance inside the Legislature, where a chaotic scene unfolded as they surrounded the security table and continued with more chants including “Free Palestine” and “this is Canada”.

There were also shouts by individuals who complained about the Israel flag that was seen inside the rotunda.

The flag had been placed there in a show of solidarity by Saskatchewan elected officials immediately following the Oct. 7 terrorist attack by Hamas on Israel that prompted the war.

Slowly, and with encouragement of security who asked them to head outside, the demonstrators made their way out of the building. They then congregated onto the Legislature steps where they continued to chant and wave Palestine flags.

One woman proceeded to plant a Palestine flag onto the side of the entrance of the building.

One individual, who identified himself as Abraham, said he took issue with the placement of the Israel flag in the rotunda instead of a Canadian or even Indigenous flag.

“Why are we supporting the Israeli flag here? What does it have to do with anything? They’re trying to instigate things. That’s extremely disrespectful as a Canadian-born citizen here in Regina, Saskatchewan... it’s almost spitting in our faces.”

Security and police at the Legislature continued

to keep a close eye on the situation as the remaining supporters made their way out. At no point did it appear that security did not maintain control over the situation.

After what was a lengthy recess, proceedings finally resumed around 3 p.m. inside the Assembly.

While the Saskatchewan Legislature has seen no shortage of demonstrations and protests outside the building, including major ones earlier this year on issues such as education funding or the parental consent legislation, those inside who witnessed what went on Monday said they did not recall ever seeing a scene like this unfold within the Legislature building itself.

Government officials were not available to speak about the protest, though the indication was that there would likely be comment from them on Tuesday.

However, Opposition Leader Carla Beck did meet with reporters to give her thoughts.

“It was an extraordinary day,” said Beck, who said “what we saw today, it goes without saying, is not in the ordinary course of what we see in the Assembly.”

“I understand that emotions and the concerns are heightened. But again, the disruption of the assembly is not commonplace.”

Beck also confirmed to reporters that she had reiterated in the Assembly that day a statement she had made a week earlier, calling for a ceasefire to allow humanitarian aid to get through.

“All the statements that I’ve made on the issue, you know, really put in focus the loss of civilian lives, the loss of children, both Palestinian and Israeli, and I continue to have concerns.”

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The Battlefords, Thursday, November 23, 2023 - Page 17

Meota and District News

At left, Linda Ard displays a certificate of appreciation for her dedication to serving seniors. | Photos courtesy Eric Callbeck

Citizens organize Remembrance Day service

By Eric Callbeck Meota

Lest we forget, oh so true. As we relax in our easy chairs watching game shows on our large screen TV its convenient to put aside the horrors our fathers, brothers and uncles went through to maintain our freedom and relaxed way of life. One only has to tune in to CNN to bring the reality of war to the forefront.

Local Remembrance Day ceremony organizers were Charlie and Ann Baillargeon and Lawrie and Shirley Ward. Lawrie and

Shirley arranged the lunch following the ceremony.

Linda Ard recently received a lifetime award from the provincial government for her many hours of dedicated service. Linda served many years on the Meota Do Drop In executive and also many years as regional director of the SSAI. Thank you for your dedication and diligence, Linda.

Special condolences this week go out to Larry and Carole Dyck with the loss of their daughter and to Wanda Robertson with the passing of her husband Dave.

Barbara Mitchel and Linda Killoran topped the scoreboard at bridge Tuesday. Second were Etta Miesner and Eric Callbeck.

Thursday Afternoon Jean Lawes and Fraser Glen were first. Second were Gerry Craig and Mary Phelps. In B play, Mary Phelps and Gerry Craig were first.

Norwegian Whist winner was Carol Huys. Linda Ard was second an Albert Huys third. Friday afternoon canasta was won by Nestor Fransoo and Linda Ard. Second were Joyce Luckey and Bev McCrimmon and third were Kelly and Dave Sayers.

Below, Eric Callbeck with Shirley and Lawrie Ward.

They were involved in hosting a Remembrance Day service in Meota.

Mayfair and District News

Hafford Vikings win fifth provincial title

Bishop Stephen Hero of Prince Albert Diocese and Mayfair parish priest Father Godwin during mass at All Saints Catholic Church in Mayfair Nov 18. | Photo courtesy Faye Liebaert

By Elaine Woloshyn Correspondent

Have you been counting the shopping days until Christmas 2023 arrives?

Many people like to shop at the craft and markets within the Battlefords area to purchase one-of-a-kind gifts for a loved one. We older folks have accumulated so much “stuff” that even an errand to help us can be considered a gift.

Of course, a gift card to a restaurant can easily be used as it’s essential to eat.

There are many other options for gifts but for shutin seniors just bringing them coffee with a treat is special.

Hafford School senior boys’ Viking football team has won five championships in a row. Usually, they win by a big score but the Nov. 11 game was a nail-biter of 57 to 54. Way to work hard. The coaching staff is exceptional and so are the hard-working play-

ers. The final game was against North Valley High School in Lemberg.

Yoga for all senior residents in the Hafford area is offered Wednesday afternoon from 2:30 to 3 p.m.

Those attending do not need to bring equipment.

Meet at the seniors’ centre with instructor Meaghan Hawrysh.

Deepest sympathy to my neighbour Darcia (Jim) Tkatchuk of Whitkow on the passing of her 97-year-old mother, Elsie Michayluk. She resided at River Heights Lodge in North Battleford the past few years. The Michayluk family lived in Hafford for many years.

Parishioners of All Saints Catholic Church in Mayfair welcomed Bishop Hero from Prince Albert last Saturday at their mass.

A larger crowd than usual attended and shared a delicious potluck meal at the library coffee room in the local hall. This is the first

time Bishop Hero has been to our small, well-maintained rural church.

My second oldest son Greg and his wife Kelly from Saskatoon reported they had a fantastic holiday in Chile, South America and the Easter Islands. It was rather chilly on Easter Islands and they were glad to get back to the desert the last few days of their twoand-a-half-week trip. They had been to Peru four years ago. Chile is more expensive to travel to than Peru, but Peru gets more tourists.

My third son Ryan and Melissa also returned safely from the Cancun area from an “all-inclusive” getaway. People travelling now are missing out on our gorgeous November weather. Some are out and about dressed in summer attire which rarely happens in this dreary month.

Cattle prices are high so people in this business are happy. Alticane farmer/ ranchers Ryan, Sara and son Jack Archdekin are doing well at the cattle sales near and far. Many hours are spent grooming and training the cattle for the show rings and sales.

Dedication and hard work pay off.

Don’t wait for the bitterly north winds with swirling snow to put up those outdoor Christmas decorations this year. We’ve been getting this nice weather so find time and take advantage to work in the great outdoors before it’s too late.

I read a post on Facebook which makes one laugh.

“Santa has been reading your posts all year long.

Most of you are getting dictionaries for Christmas.”

Either the word cursor tries to correct a mistake which makes words difficult to decipher or the sender is in such a rush a re-read doesn’t occur.

Ann and Charlie Baillargeon helped to organize a Remembrance Day service in Meota.

Holiday Memorial Service Wednesday, December 6, 2023 7:00 p.m.

Western Development Museum Hwy 16 & 40, North Battleford, Saskatchewan The staff of Eternal Memories Funeral Service cordially invite you and your family to a Holiday Memorial Service as we remember the life lived by your loved one.

“When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure.”

If you are able to attend, please RSVP by calling or email: Eternal Memories Funeral Service & Crematorium 306-445-7570 emnorth@eternalmemoriesfuneral.ca

by November 30, 2023

Page 18 - The Battlefords, Thursday, November 23, 2023

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OBITUARIES BULLOCK: Evelyn Bullock passed away peacefully with family by her side on Saturday, November 18, 2023 at Battlefords Union Hospital at the age of 98 years. Evelyn is survived by her grandchildren: Beverly Nicolson, Douglas (Cheryl) Sayers, Evelyn (Leland) Hanson; 11 greatgrandchildren; 9 great-great grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her parents: Thomas & Nellie Gray; husband, Leonard Bullock; daughter, Linda Sayers; son-in-law, Wayne Sayers. As per Evelyn’s wishes there will be no formal funeral service. Memorial donations in memory of Evelyn can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society - 1910 McIntyre Street, Regina, Saskatchewan, S4P 2R3. Arrangements have been entrusted to Eternal Memories Funeral Service & Crematorium – Trevor Watts Funeral Director.

MICHAYLUK: Elsie Michayluk (nee Romanowich) passed away peacefully on Friday, 10 November 2023, at River Heights Lodge, North Battleford, SK. She was born in Rosthern SK. on 22 August 1926 to Wasyl and Anna (Kostiuk) Romanowich. When she was a young teenager, her parents and older sister Ann moved to Prince Albert, SK. There she completed her public schooling and later attended the ‘Saskatoon Normal School’ in conjunction with summer school classes and correspondence to complete her teaching degree. Following her marriage to Eugene in 1950, they moved to Davidson, SK. in 1956 and then settled for their remaining working years in Hafford, SK. in 1958. It was in Hafford that Elsie worked tirelessly in numerous ways within the community, celebrating and sharing her passion for music, drama, culture, and her Ukrainian heritage. Not only was she a regular classroom teacher, but also provided music instruction, taught the Ukrainian Oral Language program to Grade 4-6 students, and was the choir director for the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Hafford and the Hafford Ukrainian Youth Choir (CYMK). Elsie held many memberships and executive positions on various music and heritage related organizations beyond her retirement years from teaching in 1975. These included a 50-year membership with the Ukrainian Women’s Association of Canada Hafford Branch, a charter membership with the Hafford Music Festival Association and a founding member of the Hafford & District Annual Carol Festival. Her many hours of volunteering and leading others to appreciating the arts, preserving their culture, and developing their talents were acknowledged by many, some of which included the Saskatchewan Government Volunteer Recognition Award in 1986 and most recently the Cultural & Development Preservation Award from the Ukrainian Canadian Congress of Saskatchewan in 2020. As busy as Elsie was during her working and volunteering years, she was always up for a good curling match (either as a player or a fan) and was often the number one cheerleader for the local high school Hafford Vikings football team and/or the Saskatchewan Roughriders! Her family and church were very important to her throughout her 97 years of life. Her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, family members, nephews and nieces, co-workers and friends meant a great deal to her. Elsie was predeceased by her husband Eugene, of 63 years, her parents Wasyl and Anna Romanowich, sister and brother-in-law Ann and Victor Klukewich and their son Tim, her in-laws Simon and Paraska Michayluk and many brothers-in law and sisters-in-law. Left to cherish her memory are her daughter and two sons: Darcia, Myron and Tim; 8 grandchildren: Vincent, Terry, Cheritina, Amanda, Darryl, Leanne, Katrina and Julianna; 4 great-grandchildren: Kaitlin, Traye, Ashton and Mila; AND 4 great-great grandchildren: Paisley, Oakley & Jordan and Cash.

The family extends sincerest thanks and appreciation to Dr. Campbell and the staff at the River Heights Nursing Home Lodge. Those close to Elsie and family were invited to attend a funeral service that was held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, 17 November 2023 from Eternal Memories Funeral Service & Crematorium Chapel, North Battleford with Very Reverend Mitred Arch Priest Fr. Bohdan Demczuk and Very Reverend Mitred Arch Priest Fr. Taras Makowsky officiating. Interment took place at the Town of Battleford Cemetery. Messages of condolence can be sent via digital message boards. Those wishing to make donations in Elsie’s memory, may do so by donating to: River Heights Lodge (Cultural Activities and Performances) – 2001 99 Str., North Battleford, Sk. S9A 0S3 and/or UCC Sk. (Hromada Legacy Fund for Programming) #2-604 22nd Str. West, Saskatoon, Sk. S7M 5W1. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Eternal Memories Funeral Service & Crematorium, - Elle Dell Funeral Director.

RICARD: It is with sadness the family announces the passing of Mrs. Joan Ricard on Tuesday, November 14, 2023, at the age of 82 years.

A Funeral Service was held on Saturday, November 18, 2023, at the Garden Chapel 1332 100th St North Battleford, SK with Rev. Jo Ann Hills officiating. Survived by her loving family: Lawrence Kress (Sheila) grandchildren – Ashley, Steven, Ally, Paige & great grandchildren Aaliya, Jace, Amelia Kim Kress (Rhonda) grandchildren – Colin, Mason, Karlee, Dustin, Emma & great grandchildren Niya, Kayden Keith Kress (Colette) grandchildren – Kristina, Amanda, Joanna, Willie & great grandchildren Kyra, Dante, Madelynn Rhea Hepting (Curtis) grandchildren – Kyle, Jennifer & great grandchildren Isabel, Gavin, Logan, William Shanon McConnell (Kevin) grandchildren – Christopher, Kelly, Chelsey, Dillon & great grandchildren Cameron, Harper, Claire, Jaxon, Levi, Greyson, Ethan, Shaelyn Corinne Ricard (Robin) grandchildren – Joslynn, Daphne, Mikhayla & great grandchildren Annabell, Prada, William, Hazel, Olivia, Fennyk Brother Edward Scotton (Peggy) Sister Kathy Koelmans (John) Predeceased by: Grandchildren Michael Kress, Mara Gustafson; Parents Jack and Phyllis Scotton. Memorial donations in memory of Mrs. Joan Ricard can be directed to the Kidney Foundation of Canada Make a Gift to the Kidney Foundation – Make a Gift to the Kidney Foundation (akaraisin.com) or the Diabetes Canada Make your one time gift now. - Diabetes Canada Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Eternal Memories Funeral Service & Crematorium - Trevor Watts Funeral Director.

STEWART: The family of Kenneth Neil Stewart sadly announces his passing at RUH in Saskatoon on Monday, November 13, 2023. Ken was born in Cut Knife and raised on his parent’s farm in the Riding Hill District.

Ken attended Riding Hill School until Gr. 6 and then continued school in Cut Knife until graduation.

Ken worked to become a journeyman bricklayer and worked in the trade for several years before transitioning to full time farming, a career he enjoyed until his death. In 1980, Ken first moved with his wife, Audrey and son, Brent to the current farm in Riding Hill District. Two daughters, Jennifer and Kimberly were added to the family in the next few years. Ken enjoyed playing and watching sports. In recent years, he loved to watch his grandchildren in various sports and activities and could always be heard cheering from the sidelines. Another passion of Ken’s was scuba diving. He travelled to many different places over the years with countless fond memories of adventure and beauty.

Ken’s final wish was to give the gift of life to someone and donate his organs. Ken’s final wish came true several times over. Ken is survived by his wife, Audrey; son, Brent (Fay); daughters: Jennifer (Ryley) Richards, Kimberly (Adam) Michaliew; grandchildren: Camryn, Brady, Braxton, and Claire Stewart, Elle, Boe, and Brandt Richards, Olivia, and Declan Michaliew; brothers: Larry (Suzanne), Glenn (Donna); brothers-in-law: Brian (RoseMarie) MacDonald, Neil MacDonald, Roy (Maureen) MacDonald; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by parents: Russell and Dorothy Stewart; parents-in-law: Norman and Dorothy MacDonald; sister-inlaw, Joan Stewart; special aunt, Alma Loppacher. A Celebration of Ken’s Life took place on Tuesday, November 21, 2023 and burial at Rockhaven Cemetery. Donations in memory of Ken can be to Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital https://pattisonchildrens.ca/helpnow/donate/donate-now/ or BUH Foundation – designated to the ER dept or the ICU dept https://www.buhfoundation.com/how_can_i_ help/donate.html or to the charity of your choice. Arrangements have been entrusted to Eternal Memories Funeral Service & Crematorium – Elle Dell Funeral Director.

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BERTSCH: The family of Dale Marcus Bertsch sadly announce his passing on Sunday, November 5th, 2023 at the Battleford Union Hospital after a brave battle with cancer. He was 74 years old. Born 20th August 1949 in Kerrobert Saskatchewan, as the third (twin) of 8 children to Joseph and Genevieve Bertsch. Dale is survived by his loving wife Shirley, three sons Bradley (Anne Margrete), grandchildren Oliver and Jenny; Colin (Casey), grandson Channing; Tyson (Ashley), grandchildren Tayla & Benton. He is survived by siblings Cyril, Dave, Melvin, Marilyn, Murray, and Allan. He was predeceased by his parents: Joseph & Genevieve Bertsch and brother Wilfred. A Celebration of Life will take place next summer. We would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to the amazing staff of the BUH and Cancer Center who were involved in his care. Condolences for the family can be made at www.eternalmemoriesfuneral.ca Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Eternal Memories Funeral Service and Crematorium – Vanessa Macnab Funeral Director. Donations in memory of Dale may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.

LAING: In Loving Memory of Ann Louise Laing (Moon) Born May 27, 1947 Comox, B.C. Passed Away November 7, 2023 North Battleford, SK Ann is survived by her children: Barb and John Wettlaufer and their children Cara (Clint) and Chad, (Robin and their daughter Leni); Doug and Penny Laing and their children Jessica (Autumn) and Dani (Malcolm) and Conni and Darcy Frankl and their children - Stephanie (Darrien and their daughter Briar), Cody (Hilda) and Josh.

She is also survived by sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law and many nieces and nephews. Ann was predeceased by her husband, Robert (Bob) and her parents: Dora and Sylvan Moon; sister, Evelyn Moore; brother, Ken Moon; sister-in-law, Karen Vetter; brother-in-law, Clifford Laing; sister-in-law, Cheryl Laing; brother-in-law, Carl Walden; sister-in-law, Verna Laing and great- grand-daughter, Lyra Roster.

It is with terrible sadness, that the family of Ann Laing announce her passing on November 7, 2023 with her children at her side. Mom struggled with COPD for many years but still managed to have a good quality of life with Dad until he passed away in October of 2021. After that, her health declined quite a bit. Hugs and big thank you to Doug and Penny and Mom’s many friends for helping her out with errands, doctor’s appointments and grocery runs for the last year. Mom grew up in Wilkie, and married Bob Laing from Gallivan. They raised three children: Barb, Doug and Conni. The family spent most of their years in Battleford where the kids went to school. Mom spent her career working in retail in the Battlefords including a few years as a massage therapist. Mom and Dad had a very active social life with many very good friends from the community. She absolutely loved our bi-annual Moon Reunions and visiting with extended family. For years, they were members of Club 70 Dance Club and that was the highlight of the month for them. Mom and Dad loved to travel and made quite a few trips to the United States including Yuma, Las Vegas, San Diego, Mesquite and a few other places. They loved the winter they spent in Yuma a few years ago despite them missing Christmas with their kids. Mom loved her children and grandchildren and so enjoyed their visits. She especially enjoyed getting to meet and visit both her great granddaughters Briar and Leni. In lieu of flowers, donations in Mom’s memory can be forwarded to the BUH Foundation, P.O. Box 1358, North Battleford, SK, S9A 3L8. Arrangements have been entrusted to Eternal Memories Funeral Service and Crematorium – Trevor Watts Funeral Director.

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The Battlefords, Thursday, November 23, 2023 - Page 19

OBITUARIES

FOR SALE - MISC

WANTED

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

REAL ESTATE SERVICES

CHAMBERLAIN: Rita Lynne Chamberlain passed away peacefully in the early afternoon of November 14, 2023 at the Biggar & District Health Centre Long Term Care Facility. She leaves to mourn her passing is her twin brother Rae. She was predeceased by her mother Lynne in 1998 and her father Rodney in 2000. Rita came into this world on August 11, 1949 in Dodsland Hospital.

She spent the first six years of life growing up at Downe, a rail siding with two grain elevators, Saskatchewan Wheat Pool and Federal, and two agent houses. She began school attending Glengary School a one room school with all the grades in one room. In 1957, her Dad got the elevator agents position at Ruthilda so the family moved to Ruthilda with a two room school taking grades two to seven. Come grade eight she went by school bus to school in Springwater. This was a four-room school. She finished her high school grades 10 to 12 at North West Central High School in Plenty. Upon finishing school Rita applied for a tellers job at the Biggar & District Credit Union and began working in Biggar in the fall. After working for a few months, she purchased her first car. After a few years she moved to North Battleford and worked for an accounting firm. An accounting job came open at a local General Motors auto dealership, Rita applied for it and got the job. Over time in addition to the accounting Rita also took on the role of office manager for the Ulmer group. Over the years Rita was recognized by GM in the Dealers Account Club. She received as a reward, various pieces of sculpture, art works and a couple of gold rings with the GM insignia. Growing up Rita took piano lessons, attended Sunday School, sang in the children’s church choir, joined the United Church and joined the CGIT (Canadian Girls in Training) As an adult she developed an interest in photography and joined the North Battleford Photography Club. She won several ribbons in the photography club exhibitions. She was a member of the United Church and in North Battleford severed in various capacities on the Board of Directors. She was also on the Board of the Battleford and area Assault Centre. Rita supported the performing arts by attending many of the dinner theaters that were in the community and area and attended many performances at the Centennial Auditorium in Saskatoon. Rita enjoyed the outdoors and each year grew flowers and a vegetable garden. She enjoyed going for a drive around the country side. In 2010, she was diagnosed with Parkinson’s. Unfortunately, the disease got the best of her in 2020 and she had to go into long term care. Luckily, she was able to get into the Biggar Health Centre Long Care Facility. She keeps in contact with her friends in North Battleford and has renewed friendships with her Biggar friends. A Graveside Service for Rita will be held Saturday, November 18, 2023 at 2:00PM in Biggar Cemetery. Donations may be made payable to the Biggar & District Health Centre Residents Activity Department, PO Box 130, Biggar, SK S0K 0M0 in Rita’s honour.

Arrangements entrusted to Gerein Funeral Service 306-9482669

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.

WANTED 4 to 6 quarters good grain land 306-960-3000

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

INDEPENDENT ADULT LIVING apartments in Martensville, SK. Spend your retirement years in a community close to family/friends in the Saskatoon area that has large city services and small town safety and charm. 2 bedroom suites available. More information at www.chateauvilla.ca, 306-2814475 or chateauvilla@sasktel.net

Farm fresh eggs for sale!

IN THE ESTATE of RAYMOND GERALD DAY., late of Cochin, 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 22nd day of December, 2023.

Battle River Law Baldwin, Friedman, Spence Barristers & Solicitors 201, 1291 - 102nd Street Box 905 North Battleford, SK S9A 2Z3 Solicitors for the Executors of the Estate of Raymond Gerald Day.

Call: 306-481-6837

LAND FOR SALE

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

FARMLAND WANTED I am currently PURCHASING single to large blocks of land.

2014 Morris C2 airseeder with Bourg. 4350 air cart. $95,000 obo.

Buhler grain auger 13 X 70 hyd. swing 540 pto $10,000. 306-7173297. Hafford, SK

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

THE

PROVINCE-WIDE CLASSIFIEDS. 49 local community newspapers, distributing to over 450 communities, including 14 cities. Reach over 550,000 readers weekly. Call 306-649.1405 or visit www.swna.com for details.

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

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PRINTED COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

IS LOCAL

NEWS

CLASSIFIEDS SELL IT FASTER

306-445-7261

ANNOUNCEMENTS

battlefords humane society

Source: News Media Canada

Hi I’m Jake!

NOTICES / NOMINATIONS

NOTICE OF ABANDONMENT OF POLL The Rural Municipality of Meeting Lake No. 466 Municipal By-Election 2023

FUNERAL SERVICES

FEED & SEED

Hi I’m Hancock!

I would do really well on a farm with I love to cuddle when it’s quiet lots of room to run around, but I also and I get along great with other love to just hang with my people! I have cats! Don’t be shocked when you some pretty cool different colored eyes wake up and you can’t find me, I’m and I love to go for walks and get all probably under your bed or in the the attention. curtains! I love to cuddle up close.

SPONSORED BY CHERRY INSURANCE & REGIONAL NEWS-OPTIMIST

battlefordshumanesociety.com TENDERS

Whereas: Richard Adam, nominated for the office of Councillor for Division No. 3, is the only candidate, I hereby give notice that no voting for the office will take place on December 20, 2023.

Dated this 23rd day of November, 2023.

Janelle Lavallee Returning Officer

Funeral Service and Crematorium

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Trevor and Adria Watts - Owners Funeral Directors Vanessa Macnab • Elle Dell Apprentice Funeral Director Larissa Wack Funerals | Burials | Cremation | Preplanning

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The R.M. of Cut Knife is seeking nominations for 2 members at large to sit on the Atton’s Lake Regional Park Authority Board for 4 year terms.

Terms commence January 1st, 2024 .

Nominees must be lease holders in the Atton’s Lake Regional Park and would require one person to nominate him/her to this position. The nominator must also be a lease holder in the Atton’s Lake Regional Park.

Nomination forms may be picked up at the R.M. office. All completed nomination forms must be delivered to the R.M. office by December 8th, 2023 at 4:00 pm.

The Council of the R.M. of Cut Knife No. 439 will be making their decision at the December, 2023 Council meeting.

Dana Klus R.M. Administrator

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

Eternal Memories

R.M. OF CUT KNIFE NO. 439 CALL FOR NOMINATIONS ATTON’S LAKE REGIONAL PARK AUTHORITY

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Page 20 - The Battlefords, Thursday, November 23, 2023

NWC awards $71,000 in entrance scholarships higher education.

The Entrance Scholarships, ranging from $200 to $3,000, have been granted to students who have exhibited a strong dedication to their education and a passion for their chosen fields of study. The recipients of these scholarships have demonstrated a commitment to academic

SASKTODAY.ca

North West College has awarded a total of $71,750 in entrance scholarships to deserving students for the 2023 academic year.

Through ceremonies held at both the Battlefords and Meadow Lake Campus locations, 159 students were showcased and awarded for their commitment to

excellence and a desire to make a positive impact in their communities.

These Scholarships have been made possible through the generous contributions of donors and community partners who share North West College’s commitment to education.

These scholarships aim to reduce financial barriers

TAX ENFORCEMENT

TAX ENFORCEMENT LIST VILLAGE OF MAYMONT

PROVINCE OF SASKATCHEWAN

Notice is hereby given under The Tax Enforcement Act that unless the arrears and costs appearing opposite the land and title number described in the following list are fully paid before the 23rd day of January, 2024 an interest based on a tax lien will be registered against the land.

Note:

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

LOT BLOCK

PLAN

16 21 4 5 6 7 9 10 11 17 11 12 13 14

B4055 B4055 B4055 B4055 B4055 B4055 B4055 B2055 B2055 B4055 82B16928 82B16928 82B16928 82B16928

5 5 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 12 13 13 13 13

TITLE #

ARREARS ADVERTISING "TOTAL COSTS ARREARS" 144447611 $ 2272.29 $40.95 $2313.24 154480170 $ 1054.09 $40.95 $1095.04 139603237 $ 2537.19 $40.95 $2578.14 139602933 139603248 139603226 119563454 $ 485.41 $40.95 $526.36 119563476 119563498 141624143 $ 416.34 $40.95 $457.29 146641833 $ 2277.55 $40.95 $2318.50 146641776 146660373 146658112

excel in their academic pursuits and contribute to the betterment of our communities.”

The criteria for the awards included a combination of remarkable academic achievement, extracurricular participation, community service and financial need.

The 2023 Battlefords Campus Major Entrance Scholarship Winners: Aaron Lowe Scholarship $500: Aaron Bouvier,

Business NWC Adult Education Scholarship $ 500: Elizabeth Sabraw, Practical Nursing Battlefords Adult Education Committee Scholarship $500: Brittany Kalyn, Psychiatric Nursing Kanaweyimik Child & Family Services Scholarship $1000: Michaela De Ocampo, Early Childhood Education Continued on Page 21

Borden and District News

By Lorraine Olinyk Correspondent

The Borden Friendship Club held their first bingo of the season on Nov. 15 with over 30 out to play.

Winning the cash prizes were Rhonda Siery, Gerry Wainwright (three), Jeanette Pauls, Emma Larner, Martha Rempel, Sylvia Larsen, Karen Moir and Doreen Flath. The next bingo will be on Saturday, Dec. 16, with hams and turkeys for prizes and there are always goodies and beverages for sale at each bingo.

Winning the Chase the Ace cash Nov. 16 draw was Mel Kuntz of Borden and the jackpot keeps growing as the Ace of Spades has not been pulled. You can get tickets by e-transfer at bordenlionsraffle@gmail. com or in Borden at the village office, Roadside Inn or from Bev Assman.

The Borden Health Centre hosts health talks every month at the centre and the topic on Nov. 15 was risks of falling with RN Jodi Wipf leading the talks. The next one is on dementia and dealing with caregivers on Wednesday, Dec. 6

at 1:30 pm and everyone is welcome to attend.

Christmas markets are a great way to get your shopping done for the holidays.

The upcoming Borden’s Farmers Market sale is on Saturday, Nov. 5, in the Borden Community Centre from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. with lunch being served in the Seniors’ Room by Little Sprouts. Saturday, Dec. 2, Radisson will be holding a craft sale in the Goodrich Seniors’ Centre from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. with many tables booked at each event.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

North West College

North West College is Currently Accepting Applications for the Following Position:

North Battleford: Executive Administrative Assistant

Dated this 14th day of November 2023 Denise Bernier, Administrator

Posting #79-BC-2324

LAND FOR SALE

FARM LAND FOR SALE BY TENDER The following property will be offered for sale by tender under the direction of Kirkham Law Office: 1. NE 19-41-17 W3 – Pcl. # 128030284 160 acres 2. NE 28-41-17 W3 – Pcl. # 128030914 160 acres 3. NW 28-41-17 W3 – Pcl. # 128030880 160 acres (with dugout, and 40 acres pasture fenced)

and allow students to focus on their studies and personal growth.

“We are thrilled to award these scholarships to our talented and dedicated students,” said Dr. Eli Ahlquist, President & CEO of North West College. “These scholarships not only provide financial support but also serve as a testament to the hard work and potential of these individuals. We are confident that they will continue to

Assessed Value $153,000.00 $161,100.00 $131,500.00

RM OF Buffalo No. 409 1. All bids must be submitted in writing and delivered to Kirkham Law Office at the address below by Noon on Friday, December 22, 2023.

2. Bids will be accepted for individual quarters.

3. Each bid shall be accompanied by a certified cheque or solicitor’s trust cheque in the amount of 10% of the bid made payable to “Kirkham Law Office”. If the bid is unacceptable the certified cheque or the solicitor’s trust cheque shall be returned to the bidder.

4. Within 15 days of the opening of bids, the successful bidder shall provide either: a) the balance of the purchase price; or b) payment of a sum equal to the difference between the balance of the purchase price and any mortgage financing, together with an unconditionaland unequivocal letter of commitment from a recognized financial institution to the mortgagee to finance within 15 days of the confirmation of sale, the successful bidder’s purchase of the land for the price stated in the bid. c) Possession date of January 26, 2024. Purchaser responsible for all 2024 property taxes.

5. If the successful bidder does not complete the purchase on the terms and within the time specified, the deposit will be forfeited.

6. The sale of the NE 28 and NW 28 shall be subject to the existing Trans Gas easement.

7. The highest or any bid may not necessarily be accepted.

KIRKHAM LAW OFFICE 1652 – 100 Street NORTH BATTLEFORD, SK S9A 0W6 Att: Randy Kirkham Phone: (306) 446-2900; Fax: (306) 446-2242

North West College is looking for an energetic, progressive individual to coordinate the President’s office and provide administrative support to the President and Board of Governors. This is an out-of-scope position that reports directly to the President and CEO. This full-time, temporary position is located in, and works out of, the Battlefords Campus. This position offers a competitive salary with an excellent benefit package.

For a complete position profile visit www.northwestcollege.ca.

Applications will be received until Thursday, November 30, 2023 via email to nwrccareers@northwestcollege.ca or fax to (306)445-2254.

Only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

www.northwestcollege.ca

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

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

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

Submit written resumes stating experience, expected wage, two references and a current driver’s abstract by 4:00 p.m. on December 11th, 2023.

All resumes shall be marked “Seasonal Maintenance/Equipment Operator Position” and dropped off at the RM Office, mailed to the address below or emailed to rm497@sasktel.net.

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

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

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NWC entrance scholarships Continued from Page 20 Innovation Credit Union Choose Outstanding $500: Abenniel Browne, Psychiatric Nursing.

Innovation Credit Union Choose Excellence $1000: Sarah Jeske, Hairstylist.

Innovation Credit Union Choose Excellence $2000: Aaron Bouvier, Business.

NWC Board of Governors Scholarship $750: Shona Poitras, Business Gold Eagle Lodge Scholarship $1000: Dominic Loeppky, Business Stan Wychopen Memorial BBEX Scholarship $2000: Alivia Bru, Business Shirley Bidart Memorial Scholarship $1500: Jay Luzana, Psychiatric

Nursing and Sanale Andebor, Psychiatric Nursing Ultra Print Scholarship $2000: Samantha Swanson, Psychiatric Nursing Walker Wood Foundation $2000: Arlyne Vallejos, Psychiatric Nursing.

Karl Villanueva, Psychiatric Nursing. Holly Kolenosky, Psychiatric Nursing and Bailey Urick, Psychiatric Nursing.

Sobeys Choose Excellence Scholarship $3000: Holly Kolenosky, Psychiatric Nursing Scotiabank Scholarship $1000: Kriel Franco, Early Childhood Education. Elaine San Miguel, Business. Jared Lleva, Continuing Care Assistant Rotary Club of the Battlefords Scholarships $1000: John Mendiola,

Psychiatric Nursing. Keirsten Pete, Business. Penni Clarke, Bachelor of Social Work and Kristen Murtagh, Bachelor of Social Work.

Rob Rongve Wealth Management Scholarships $500: Spencer Heidel, Psychiatric Nursing and Michaela De Ocampo, Early Childhood Education.

North Battleford Elks Lodge Scholarship $1000: Jennifer Areh, Early Childhood Education The 2023 Meadow Lake Region Major Entrance Scholarship Winners: Redhead Equipment Outstanding Student Scholarship $2000: Tyler Wassing, Heavy Equipment Truck & Transport Technician Meadow Lake Co-op Choose Excellence Schol-

arship $2000: Gregory Lafleur, Electrician Meadow Lake Kinsmen Club Choose Excellence Scholarship $2000: Shavon Norman, Bachelor of Social Work PineRidge Ford Choose Excellence Scholarship $2000: Asia Hawman, Electrician Scotiabank Scholarship $500: Danelle Victory, Continuing Care Assistant Innovation Credit Union Choose Outstanding $500: Thayla Moberly, Welding Rob Rongve Wealth Management Scholarships $500: Richard Morin, Carpentry and Birch Campbell, Welding.

Designed to provide financial assistance, NWC’s Scholarship Program is helping support the next

The Battlefords, Thursday, November 23, 2023 - Page 21

generation of creative and innovative thinkers, and equipping them with resources to help advance their education. In addition to the entrance scholarship, NWC also offered completion scholarships in June of each year. With the help of our community partners, NWC is on track to award a total of approximately $120,000 in the current academic year.

Scholarships at North West College are made possible by gifts from individual and corporate donors, as well as a grant from the Saskatchewan Innovation & Opportunity Scholarships program, administered through the Ministry of Advanced Education.

Through this unique program, the Saskatchewan Government matches every dollar the College receives for scholarships from its industry partners and private

donors, thus doubling the resources to support even more students.

“We value our community partners and their investment in education in northwest Saskatchewan.

Their generous support is ensuring that through our scholarship program, we can acknowledge student’s success and help to alleviate and remove some financial barriers to higher education,” said Dr. Eli Ahlquist, President and CEO of North West College.

North West College congratulates all the scholarship recipients and wishes them success in their studies and future endeavors. The college remains dedicated to promoting academic excellence and providing resources to empower students to reach their full potential.

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. Fr. Phinh Do

Corner of Scott & Territorial Dirve Sun. 10:30 am Ministries for the whole family

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

St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church

ANGLICAN PARISH

306-445-5901

St. Paul’s Anglican Church North Battleford Sunday @ 10:30 a.m.

St. George’s Anglican Church Battleford Sunday @ 5:00 p.m.

Watch the Sunday Morning Service on Facebook @ www.facebook.com/battleriverparish Contact: 306 445 4155 stpaulnb@sasktel.net

Rev. Trevor Malyon Rev. Jan Trost

1401 - 98th Street, North Battleford, SK Sunday Services 10:30 AM Everyone Welcome

Hope Mennonite Fellowship 1291 - 109th Street, North Battleford

Sunday Worship Service - 11:00 a.m.

Sunday School - 10:00 a.m.

Pastor: Dean Covert

Church Phone 306-445-4181

Notre Dame de Lourdes Church

12th Ave. & 104th Street, North Battleford, SK S9A 1S8 PASTOR: Rev. Father Millan Sajonas Office: 306-445-3836 Mass Times: Saturdays: 7:00 pm Sundays: 11:00 am & 5:00 pm (except July & August) Sundays: 9:30 am St. André’s Church Email: notredame.nb@gmail.com • www.notredameparish.ca

902 - 108th Street, North Battleford

Divine Liturgy: Sundays at 10:30 a.m.

Pastor: Rev. Leonid Malkov Office: 1-306-343-6516

52 - 4th Avenue West Battleford, SK

306-937-3177

SUNDAY SERVICES 11:00 a.m.

Third Avenue United Church Rev. Jo-Ann Hills

Sunday Worship Services at 10:45 am

306-445-8171

Live Streaming Available at www.thirdavenueunitedchurchnb.ca Email: thirdaveunited@sasktel.net

Everyone Welcome

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

Sunday Afternoon Service 3:00 p.m.

Bible Study Wednesday 7:30 p.m.

1371 - 103rd Street (Use East Door)

LIVING FAITH Sunday Services 10:30 am CHAPEL

Ukrainian Catholic Parish of All Saints

Battleford United Church

Living Water Ministry

Battlefords Cowboy Church

1372 102nd St 306-445-3009

Battlefords Seventh-Day Adventist Church

Services 1st & 3rd Thursday of each Month

Pastor FADY FAKHOURY

Battleford Legion Hall 7:00 p.m.

PASTOR - Rick Martin

ROMAN CATHOLIC ST. VITAL’S 11 - 18th Street, Battleford, SK

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

Saturday Evening Mass - 5:00 p.m.

Sunday Mass - 10:30 a.m.

Various Weekly Programs Pastor Casey Sitter www.livingfaithchapel.ca

1702 - 106th Street, North Battleford

Come Join Us Sundays at 11:00 am and 6:30 pm Loving God Growing Together Serving Others Phone Church: 306-445-4818 Email: tbcnb@sasktel.net www.trinitybaptistchurch.ca

Corner 1611 & 93rd Street, North Battleford

Phone 306-445-9096

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

Worship Service - 11:00 a.m.

Marriage and family counseling is available by appointment.

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Page 22 - The Battlefords, Thursday, November 23, 2023

Maidstone and District News

2022-23 champs honoured at Jets home opener

By Kathy Utri

Correspondent

Welcome to our world Max Ron Donovan! Congratulations to Ryan and Jaylene on the birth of their baby boy born on Nov. 17 (9 pounds, 20.8 inches long).

Maidstone Senior Jets had a terrific season opener with a hard-fought 6 to 5 win over Redberry Raiders on Nov. 18. “Player of the Game” was Chance Jurke and Melissa Paton won $202.50 in the 50/50. Pregame the Jets honoured all the previous season championships throughout minor hockey: U9 B side STEP League champions, U13 C provincial champions, U15 A side STEP League champions and U15 girls northern provincial and provincial A B side champions. A moment of silence was held for Ira Donald, longtime board member and fan who passed away over the summer. In his honour, $418 was raised for cystic fibrosis.

Maidstone Legion’s pancake breakfast last Sunday was attended by about 40 people. Proceeds will be donated to the Maidstone Food Bank.

The Grey Cup party at the Club Room was great fun, food and socializing even though the Riders weren’t playing. About $3,000 in prize money went to eight lucky winners.

Ongoing activities at the Drop In Centre include cards/games Mondays at 1:30 p.m. MST, coffee social every Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. and bingo on scheduled Wednesdays at 1 p.m.

Everyone is welcome. Next bingo dates are Nov. 29, Dec. 6 and 13. Bingo costs five cents per card per game with blackout at the end 10 cents per card. Winner takes the pot.

On Dec. 20 there’s a noon lunch (beef on a bun, coleslaw, cheesecake, coffee or tea) followed by Christmas bingo. Cost for the meal is $10 to be paid at the Dec. 13 bingo. If you can’t make it that afternoon, send your money to someone as it must be prepaid. For Christmas bingo, each person brings a $5 wrapped gift and play is for gifts rather than cash prizes. Whoever gets a “bingo” chooses a gift and so on until everyone has a gift.

If you win a game and already have a gift, the player on the left gets to choose.

Number of games depends on number of players. Following this day, we’ll take a few weeks off and resume playing regular bingo on Jan. 10.

Maidstone Museum Board held their monthly meeting Nov. 20 with seven members present. Winter Fun Fest is Dec. 9 from 1 to 5 p.m. MST. With no snow, it’s unlikely sled activities can be included but we will have outdoor games, a scavenger hunt, music, bonfire, hot dogs for $3, free hot chocolate, coffee and sweets, and we’ll tie in with the twinkle tour in the park. Fireworks will end the day at 5 p.m. The museum’s “Christmas in January” supper and gift exchange by invitation is on Jan. 20. The next board meeting will be Feb. 12 at the museum.

The elves were hard at

work and Maidstone Community Health Committee’s “Festival of Trees” opened Tuesday morning at the Legion Hall until Saturday at 3 p.m. MST. With some amazing items, there’s so much to see and bid on, and of course, it’s enchantingly beautiful. Santa will be there Wednesday and Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. Girl Guides will be selling baking and hot chocolate Thursday evening. Pictures (by donation) can be with Santa or without him for those who aren’t quite sure about the jolly fellow.

Maidstone Chamber of Commerce “Moonlight Madness” is on Friday, Dec. 1. Their booklet is out and details all the events.

Times are MST. Stores have specials and some will be open late.

Head over to the United Church on 1st Street East from 4 to 7 p.m. for a bowl of turkey soup, hot dog, dessert and drink.

Bring a non-perishable item, coat or socks and get a free drink. Tree lighting is at 6:30 p.m. in front of the arena. In the Legion Hall, there’s a Christmas farmers market from 3 to 8 p.m., hot chocolate by SADD students, money tree draw at 6:45 p.m. and Santa arrives at 7 p.m. with treat bags for everyone.

We’re looking forward to a merry moonlit evening in Maidstone.

Other events: Nov. 24-25 (Friday/ Saturday) - Maidstone Jets U11 tournament (six games plus final). Prize table, 50/50, player 50/50.

Nov. 26 (Sunday) - Milleton Hall’s Merry Christ-

Maidstone Community Health Committee’s “Festival of Trees” opened Tuesday morning at the Legion Hall and runs until Saturday at 3 p.m. MST. | Photo courtesy Kathy Utri

mas 5:30 p.m. MST (potluck supper, games and Santa visit).

Dec. 8 (Friday) - Health

Care Auxiliary Tea and Bake Sale 2 to 4 p.m. MST at Maidstone Health Complex Atrium.

FFUN Dodge Supports COPP

FFUN Dodge presents Battlefords COPP with a cheque for $500 to support the COPP patrol vehicle. FFUN Dodge was instrumental in clearing hurdles for the organization to obtain a two-year lease on a 2023 Jeep Wrangler hybrid 4WD, which is now in patrol action. In the photo are: Aaron Hermiston, finance specialist; Wayne Morrison, sales consultant; Paul Robertson. COPP vice-chair; and Neil Georget. general manager/ dealer partner. | Photo submitted

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Dec. 14 (Thursday) Ratushniak Elementary School Christmas Concert: 10 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.

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The Battlefords, Thursday, November 23, 2023 - Page 23

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Page 24 - The Battlefords, Thursday, November 23, 2023

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