The Observer June 2, 2023

Ocean Man First Nation hosts 800 students for the fourth annual school powwow

By Stephanie Zoer

School bus after school bus slowly made its way to the powwow grounds of Ocean Man First Nation.

Ocean Man is located on Highway 47 north of Stoughton, with the powwow site situated among the rolling hills a little further down the road.

The large powwow building has a roof with the four colours of the medicine wheel. Yellow faces east and represents the morning and spring. Red is emotion and looks south, for the afternoon and summer. Black is for physical and faces west for the evening and autumn, while white signifies the mind and faces north for evening and winter.

Cindy Campbell, the executive education director, said the event was organized to bring everyone together at one place to enjoy.

It was also a way to show students the traditions of the First Nation people as so many of them attend school together.

Ocean Man invited students, staff and parents from the South East Cornerstone Public School Division to take part in the youth powwow on May 25.

“On behalf of the council and elders of Ocean Man, thank you for coming on this beautiful sun-

ny day,” said Chief Connie Big Eagle. “We thank the creator for this good day.”

Big Eagle explained to those attending that they all live on Treaty four territory.

Howard Thomson, from Carry the Kettle Nakata Nation was the MC. He kept the crowd entertained while the 84 dancers from seven First Nations and the students prepared to enter the powwow circle.

As the five drum groups

played in turn, singing the Nakata songs, the dancers jingled into the circle with their schools close behind.

Twelve public schools came to the event, with classes ranging from kindergarten to grade 12, and over 800 students and staff

Murray Bird, the principal of the Ocean Man Education Centre, was also present to support this special event. Each school was intro-

duced and asked to shout as loud as they could to be acknowledged. They then went to the stands to watch their teachers learn some of the dance moves.

Christine Deiter from Sakimay school instructed the teachers on how the dance moves went.

Thomson, known as Howie, continued through the afternoon with his jokes while keeping the crowd engaged in the event.

After lunch, dancers

entered the circle one again for some competition, showing their moves to the crowd while dressed in their regalia and jingles.

Campbell said, “It was a great day, and I hope everyone enjoyed the day as much as I did.”

The day ended as students slowly loaded on the school buses and exited the grounds to make their way back home.

For more photos of the event, please see Page 7.

Students, staff and parents attended the fourth annual powwow at Ocean Man First Nation grounds. Photo by Stephanie Zoer

GRUNWALD DENTURE CLINIC

Are you missing one or more teeth?

Your first stop to find events happening in our community!

June

Sat, June 3 - Arcola Town Wide Garage Sale

Sat, June 3 - Carlyle Library High Tea & Bake Sale

Sat & Sun, June 10 & 11 - Alameda 4H Regional Show & Sale

Wed, June 13 & 27 - Carlyle Library Community NIght

Thurs, June 15 - Rusty Relic Museum Opening BBQ

Sun, June 18 & 25 - Red Barn Market

Sat, June 24 - Arcola Fair

Carlyle Observer welcomes a new reporter

By Nicole Northild

I’ve been delighted to share the stories of our local people these last few weeks, so it seems only fair that I tell a little of my own.

I live in Carnduff with my giant white sheep dog named Stradivarius (Strad). I moved down here, from Meadow Lake almost three years ago.

The oldest of five kids,

I grew up on a farm in Alberta, though I have spent more than half my life in Saskatchewan. This area very much reminds me of where I was raised in central Alberta, with its landscapes of pumpjacks and farms.

A Prairie girl to the core, I am proud of the pioneer, independent spirit that is found in our blood. This land was said to be uninhabitable

*Do you have a community event you want listed here?

Send us the name of the event, date, and what community it’s being held by emailing: observer@sasktel.net OR calling: (306) 453-2525.

If you would like to include more information than that listed here contact our sales people to see how we can help.

and yet here the people came to make a home for us and we have stayed and endured. Doing research on this southeast corner of Saskatchewan, I have found that it is rich in history with tales of people’s triumphs and struggle.

I am a firm believer that the written word can change the world and that everyone has strange and interesting

stories, tales that will excite you or break your heart. My favorite part of writing for the paper is meeting a myriad of people that I wouldn’t probably normally meet, and that is great because then I can tell those stories to you.

Thank you to all those that have and will be opening up your lives, hobbies and businesses to me.

Planning and renewal projects in Cornerstone budget

The preventive maintenance and renewal (PMR) program for the South East Cornerstone Public School Division has become a study in economic husbandry as well as construction and repairs to school facilities.

Andy Dobson, manager of facilities and transportation for the school division, provided an outline of the proposed project plans for the upcoming academic year when he visited with the board members in the division’s head office in Weyburn on May 24 during the open business meeting.

“We had a negative for

the first time,” Dobson said in his opening remarks.

The financial support was down 3.8 per cent, or about $110,000 compared with the previous school year of 2022-23.

Therefore, amendments to the first year of a three-year plan should be fairly accurate, he said, while the following two years are more of an educated guessing game.

The projects being foreseen within a $2.653 million budget will go ahead with no expected increase in PMR funding, with a designated accumulated surplus that will be just

over $91,000 next year. Dobson said the usual surplus or “holdover” is around $250,000 that is used in the event of emergency situations that aren’t necessarily covered by insurance policies and are not covered by any additional provincial funds.

He said he hoped the team could build that surplus account back to around $171,000 by the end of the 2025-26 school year.

“So, the priorities change,” Dobson said, referring to use of surplus funds.

Pointing to inflation as

part of the problem, Dobson noted that roofing supplies have risen about 10 per cent over the past year while mechanical materials, furnaces and fixtures have gone up by between 30 to 60 per cent.

He cited McNaughton School in Moosomin as an example of a need to switch priorities, after a major refurbishment of the library, home economics room and support systems that required an upgrade to a sprinkler system to meet code were originally estimated at a cost of $600,000, but came in as a $1.2 million project that had to be postponed.

“We had to re-establish priorities there and see what else we could manage,” Dobson said.

An ambitious program of replacing old-styled lighting systems with newer LED lights is also on hold at most locations except Estevan Comprehensive School, where the very old lighting system will be replaced gradually by the newer LED system, led by the division’s two electricians and their staffs. ECS will also receive another stage of needed roofing replacement at a cost of $550,000.

Division-wide facility

repairs and HVAC system replacements or repairs will take care of the rest of the budgeted amount with the exception of the upgrade on the boiler system in the Yellow Grass school that will come with a cost of about $275,000. A temporary $40,000 repair of the Lyndale School in Oungre is now in need of a replacement roof at a cost of around $265,000.

In the 2025-26 PMR budget, it is hoped that money can be set aside for such things as roof replacements in Lampman, Stoughton and Radville, among other items.

Nicole Northild is eager to join the Observer’s staff

Photo by Nicole Northild

By Stephanie Zoer

Alissa Goudy has a passion for writing and helping youth.

Goudy spent her younger days between Carlyle and Stoughton.

Although she was raised in town, she loved going to her grandma’s farm, soaking up the peacefulness and adventures. She was always ready to go home to the comfort of her little town.

Goudy is outgoing, enjoys interacting with her neighbours and loves the convenience of the local stores.

“Even if I had a list, I would always have to go back,” said Goudy.

She graduated from Stoughton Central School as the valedictorian.

Goudy enjoyed learning and feeding her brain. She completed a pharmacy assistant program in 2005, and received her teacher’s aid certificate in 2006.

During this time, she met and fell in love with Kevin, and they would marry in 2004.

Throughout the years, Goudy has enjoyed writing, with English being her favourite class.

“I had a great mentor and teacher throughout high school who to this day remains a close friend and encourager,” said Goudy.

She now has a family

with three children: her daughter Caitlynn who is 14, her son Reagan, 12, and her son Landon, 3.

In 2018, Goudy fell off a ladder, was hospitalized for six weeks and was unable to return to her job as an education assistant at the Stoughton school. It was during this time that Goudy would receive her youth care worker’s degree with distinction.

Goudy found strength and determination to complete this course while healing. She has a passion to help young people with their struggles going through life, as she feels the teenage years are difficult for some.

More troubles would hit the family when Kevin was diagnosed with cancer in 2021 and their journey with this would go on into 2022.

“My writing took me out of the tsunami I was living in, and it helped to keep me grounded,” she said.

In 2022, her daughter Caitie would have scoliosis and spinal fusion surgery. This happened one month after Kevin was cleared of his cancer.

One morning as Goudy was having her coffee and writing in her journal while her children still slept, she shared an entry with a friend.

That very day she was in contact with a publishing company and her

book, Two More Minutes Please, was in the works.

“It has been an incredible experience,” she said.

“I never in my wildest dreams would have imagined it would turn out like this.”

“It was a special moment shared with my young son Landon, re-

minding me of what truly matters in life,” she added. Her book talks about cherishing the moments we have with our children, that time has no boundaries, because before we know it, children are grown up and having their own families.

Goudy hopes to have a

few book-signing events in the future, but for now is focused on her son Reagan playing triple A baseball in Weyburn. She noted her son put his events on hold while they were going through all these other issues.

She is excited to announce that she is at the

beginning stages of publishing her second children’s book and plans to make this a mini-series.

Goudy is overwhelmed with the support she has received throughout this adventure and is truly thankful to have this opportunity to share her book and love for writing.

Oxbow Flower Committee approaching 20th anniversary

By Nicole Northild

The Oxbow Flower Committee started as a temporary group with the desire to beautify the town for the 2004 homecoming, celebrating the town’s 100th birthday.

“We just wanted to do something new for the town,” she said.

What they ended up doing was introducing hanging baskets of flowers in the streets.

It started as a one-time event and turned into a tradition.

“Everyone really liked the project and wanted to continue. The reaction was quite remarkable and it has been continuing since,” said Dalziel.

Through the years, the number of hanging baskets they provide for the community has increased to 78, bringing colour and beauty all around town from the post office to the town cenotaph. Flowers have been donated for the Bow Valley Villa Senior Centre’s flower garden.

People in the community can contribute to a basket on behalf of their family name, or as a memorial to a lost one or ancestor.

Through the years they have also added ground planters. Companies sponsored and purchased the planters for the town and the flower committee fundraises each year to fill them.

“The town is awesome in helping us, providing a student each year to water all summer,” Dalziel said.

Dalziel is the first to admit that the project would never succeed without the help of others, firstly the local greenhouse.

“Over the years, there has been so many people helping out. We are supported by so many volunteers, it’s a community project. We couldn’t do it without the greenhouse and when it is time to plant, everyone just shows up with a trowel and boom, it’s done.”

There have been so many people that have

helped throughout the years that Dalziel couldn’t even begin to say all the names, and each spring there are new ones, of

every age, adding to the legacy.

“Volunteers are the glue that holds the project together every year.”

“We get donations to the flower committee because they love the flowers,” she added.

“There was a local farmer

that died recently that just loved to drive around and look.”

Other than private donations, the committee’s main fundraiser has been a trivia night they host in the spring every year since its conception. Groups of six to 10 people battle eight rounds, with a range of topics for every age group, to compete for the winner’s trophy.

“Lots of groups come every year, the Red Hat ladies and even sets of families get tables and compete against each other.”

Along with the entrance fee, they have a raffle, 50/50, and a bar that is tended by the same people that have manned it since the first year.

With all the work and volunteers, the motive, Dalziel says, is as easy as the reasons for why they continued after the homecoming all those years ago.

“The town looks nice with all the baskets and planters.”

Alissa Goudy has received great support from her family with her new book. From Left, Caitie, Reagan, Alissa and Kevin Goudy. Front, Landon Goudy. Photo by Shantelle Russell

A town watering memorial hanging baskets. Photo by Sandy Dalziel

“One of the things I learned when I was negotiating was that until I changed myself, I could not change others.”

Did you plant your garden?

Just a few words

Did you plant your garden on the long weekend in May?

If you did, the results should be showing by now with little sprouts breaking the ground to catch the rays of sunshine.

For years, I did not understand why my mom would soak some of her seeds the night before planting, but I understand now.

This will help the seeds to germinate quicker and use less water to get them started.

I have wondered over the years why people do not have a garden, as fresh produce is good for you and is so inexpensive.

Excuses I have heard include: they are so much work; I do not have the space, nor do I have the time; and I hate pulling weeds. Yes, they are excuses to me.

There are many who hate gardening. I will admit, it is not the greatest job, but the end results are amazing.

Weeds, we all hate them and can do without. Seriously what is a thistle good for?

I have learned to plant my rows close. Yes, at the beginning it is a little tough with the rototiller, but once plants begin to grow, it keeps the weeds down.

Each day I will clean a few rows and it becomes easier than trying to weed the whole garden at one time.

Space, I am lucky to have the space at our home, but we did not always have the space to plant a garden.

Flower beds turned into vegetable gardens. I still had a few flowers for colour, but onions, beets and carrots were planted in between.

Planters were filled with tomatoes, and we even did potatoes that way, and they turned out great.

Time can be a factor, or is it? Ten minutes a day can easily clean a few rows. When my kids were young, they helped with the garden, but not to the point they hated it. My daughter still loves to garden and has her own small space for one.

A person makes the time for the things they enjoy, but to me a garden is something that is important. This feeds one’s family with wholesome food.

A garden saves so much on the grocery bill, and with the rising costs of everything, every little bit helps.

Over the years, we have found that our tomatoes do best on the east side of the house and peas love the cool soil and can be planted as soon as the frost is out of the ground. Carrots and beets also enjoy cooler weather and only need six hours of sun.

I was fortunate to have my mom teach me how to can and preserve vegetables, and my daughter is taught the same values. I still learn from others as there are always new ways to do things.

I love the feeling of having my freezer and canning shelves filled with food that I prepared. No additives, which is also healthy.

When I have what I need for my family, I give the rest away.

Nothing annoys me more than when people let their garden go to waste, when there are people who will gladly take it. I have my people that I give to.

I love to give my produce to people that actually use it, and do not let it rot in their fridge. After all I could just let it rot in my garden and it would be good for the soil.

I frankly think it is rude to do this, as I worked to grow this food and so did many other people who give their garden produce away.

So, the question is, did you plant your garden this year? If you have not done so yet, you still have time, as I planted mine as late as June 15 to enjoy the goodness of fresh homegrown produce.

It’s my birthday, or it was my birthday depending on what day you are reading this.

As I go through the day, I know I will be asked, “Have you got any special plans?” It’s often what I ask others when I find out it’s their birthday.

I happened to be at the right place to get in on a party for a woman celebrating a milestone birthday. As we were enjoying cake and ice cream, the woman of the hour was asked what her favourite birthday memory might be. It prompted a conversation of traditions and customs and it made me think about my best birthday memories.

Being born in June, it often allowed for outdoor parties, even a picnic in the park turning into a mad dash when a June blizzard forced us indoors.

As an elementary

school student, a few of my friends had birthdays in the same month. June was already exciting –field trips, track meets – and then several birthday parties to anticipate. On the day of a party, we endured the agonizingly slow movement of the hands on the clock, but once the final bell rang the celebration could begin.

I remember those June parties well: running through sprinklers, scavenger hunts in the backyard, roasting marshmallows over fires, pool parties and sleepovers.

As an adult, my attitude toward the day changed a bit. It’s not that I don’t consider it to be special and fun, I do. But there always seems to be so much else going on as well, making the day about more than a birthday.

So when I got thinking about favourite birthday memories, I realized most of them are from my childhood, like when I turned six and got the best bike in the whole world, or turning seven and the dining room table was full of presents, including the prettiest purple bathing suit that I couldn’t wait to wear, or when I was nine and we played amazing backyard games, or my first party after moving to a

new school, and on it goes.

As an adult I don’t carry as many specific memories of the day. Then again, as children we were laser focused on it being our birthday. Yes, we had to do other things, like go to school, but the day was definitely all about the celebration to come. Everything was about the birthday girl or birthday boy.

It’s the reason we got just as excited for the parties celebrating our friends. Their birthdays were big days in our lives, too. We were excited to be at their house, to guess what the cake might look like, and for them to open their presents. Their birthday was a big deal, and when it was our turn they made sure our birthday was a big deal, too.

The older we get the less likely we are to make that same deal of the day, until we reach one of those benchmark numbers. We don’t want people to make a fuss or spend money on something unnecessary. Maybe some don’t want to acknowledge that another year has passed. But that is rather unfortunate, and perhaps even more reason to take a moment and celebrate.

I am constantly amused by how differently I view certain ages

as life has moved along. I remember thinking people in their 40s seemed old, then those that were retired. Now I look at octogenarians who are always on the move and find myself saying, “She’s only in her 80’s, of course she can do all that.”

Life moves at an unrelenting pace so it’s important to take a moment and stop to mark where we are at. It gives us a chance to consider where we’ve been, but more importantly, where we want to go and who is beside us as we do. That’s what made those childhood birthdays so special. It was the people around us enjoying it every bit as much as we did.

Did I have special plans for the day? Special to me, yes. That’s the point. The best way to celebrate a birthday is to capture an element of life most meaningful to the one who is celebrating: adventure, whimsy, thankfulness, family, friends, not just on the milestone ones, but on each one as the calendar moves along as it always will.

Whether you will be 20, 48, 64, 83 or 99 this year, each birthday is a milestone. Whatever you want the day to look like is what will make it special. So let the party begin. That’s my outlook.

- Nelson Mandela

Shelley Luedtke

It’s my party so I’ll do what makes it special

Stephanie Zoer

Melissa Roy-Brown looks forward to retirement and her first grandchild

By Stephanie Zoer

Melissa Roy-Brown has taught elementary classes for 35 years and is calling it a career, but will continue to be a substitute teacher for Carlyle when needed.

Brown was raised on a farm near Lampman and attended the public school in the town until she graduated.

Brown loved school, enjoyed reading and liked children, so she attended the University of Saskatchewan to become a high school English teacher.

While in university she had the opportunity to go to an elementary school and loved it.

At the time, she would have had to change her options to become an elementary teacher instead and has never regretted her choice.

She married Larry Brown and they have four children.

Hayley lives in Carlyle and is a childcare giver, Shania is in Estevan as a social worker, Josh lives in Saskatoon where he is a corrections officer, and Xander is in grade 5 and loving school.

Brown had a great career beginning in Arcola. She then went to Redvers for a year. Brown returned to Arcola, teaching Grade 2 for 17 years till 2002.

In 2006, Brown would move to Carlyle to teach Grade 3 and has remained there until her retirement.

Teaching Grade 3 was enlightening to Brown, as every subject is taught and there was always a lot of planning.

Teachers often take home papers to correct or read and even when a teacher is sick, they still must have the day pre-

pared for the substitute teacher.

“I will not miss the after-hours work, but I will miss the kids,” she said.

When Brown retires it will give her more time to be with her 92-year-old mom, who moved in five years earlier.

Brown feels retirement came at the right time as her oldest daughter is expecting her first child and Brown’s first grandbaby, which so happens to be a girl and is expected one month after her retirement.

She is looking forward to the upcoming summer.

Connection a big part of Cornerstone board’s agenda

It was mostly about communications and connections on May 24 when the board members of the South East Cornerstone Public School Division gathered for their monthly open business session in the division’s head office in Weyburn.

The direct connection presentation offered up by Calli Cugnet, the communications officer for the division, came

right after an opening presentation by director of education Keith Keating, who opened the presentation part of the meeting by reintroducing the division’s System Goal No. 4 that calls for building, strengthening and maintaining two-way communication with internal and external stakeholders.

Keating was followed by Adam Wilson, co-ordinator of instruction-

al technology. He was joined by the team of April Eberts and Tyler Fehrenbach, teachers at Carlyle Elementary School where Fehrenbach is also principal.

This trio focused the board’s attention on the advancements in communication that have been made since the adoption of the Edsby educational communication system and its many forms.

Wawota weekly happenings

Submitted by Myrna Olson

Steve and Deanna Peddle, along with Rebecca and Dion Huel, have arrived home from a trip to Europe.

While there they visited many First and Second World War sites. Steve and Deanna also travelled to Edinburgh and then to Ashley, England. There they stayed with friends and had a great time visiting some of the many beautiful historical sites.

The Wawota Museum held its annual spring tea and bake sale last May 26. This event was well attended. George Eisler won the grocery hamper.

Monique Myers travelled to Brampton, Ont., to visit son-in-law Ken Hall and to help babysit granddaughter Alexis Lillian for two weeks. Monique’s daughter, Lisa-Myers-Hall, was in Switzerland with paraathletes to compete in international competitions taking place there.

Lisa works with Athletics Canada as does her husband. They both have their international coaching status to travel, coach and assist our Canada para-athletes to achieve their goals at a high level.

The Wawota Library Book Club met at the library on May 29 for their final gathering until the fall. They discussed the book “When the Moon is Low” by Nadia Hashimi. It is the story of a family from Afghanistan who fled the country when the Taliban invaded it.

Jeff, Laura, Owen, Addie and Mason Corkish travelled from Cottage Grove, Minn., to spend the Memorial Day long weekend with Shirley Corkish. On May 26, Shirley accompanied the family to Brandon where Owen attended the Brandon Wheat Kings’ prospects hockey camp.

BEST BUYS IN USED EQUIPMENT

Later in the session, the communication theme remained front and foremost as Jacqueline Gibbs, co-ordinator of early learning dived into the positive world of introducing the youngest learners to basic learning adventures. She was joined by Cheri Haberstock, principal at Spruce Ridge School and Treasure Ross, a Spruce Ridge educator who added testimonials

regarding early learning successes.

The afternoon meeting then wrapped up with presentations from Andy Dobson, the manager of facilities and transportation, regarding maintenance and repair issues moving forward in the school division, and Michael Graham, co-ordinator of curriculum who spoke on the introduction of the Duke of Edinburgh

Awards into the SECPSD world.

Overall, it was a packed agenda and conference room for chairwoman Audrey Trombley and the trustees plus the presenters, most of whom had joined the board for a quick noon-hour luncheon before diving into the visual power points and rhetorical afternoon session that was live streamed and open for public consumption.

Melissa Roy-Brown taught for 35 years and will continue to be a substitute teacher in Carlyle. Photo by Melissa Roy-Brown

Five more Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medals have been awarded to southeast Royal Canadian Legion members. Participating in the presentation were, from left, recipients Nora Weightman of the Kisbey branch, Nedra Clark and Les Trayhorne of the Carlyle branch, and Sharren Dukart and Lyle Dukart of the Estevan branch), who received their medals from provincial vice-president Roberta Taylor. They were saluted in recognition of their long service to the legion and Canada’s veterans. Photo submitted by Richard Krehbiel

Manor School celebrated its graduates for 2023

By Stephanie Zoer

Manor School had a class of three graduating this year, and the celebration occurred May 26.

Although the class was small, all the bells and whistles were done for the Class of 2023, with a banquet at the Manor Community Hall. The meal was prepared for family and friends by A Little Taste of Heaven Catering.

The event then moved over to the Manor School where the ceremony took place.

Monte McNaughton, a teacher from the school, was the MC, and he introduced the grads and gave a short biography on each student.

Kara Brimner is the fourth child of Lynn and Jamie Brimner. Kara at-

tended Manor throughout her school years.

She has enjoyed many sporting activities but was most passionate about badminton. Brimner is employed at the Southern Plains Co-op’s grocery store in Carlyle.

It is her plan to take a year off and go on her third missionary trip to Mexico in February. Upon her return, she will pursue a career in ultrasound or a dental assistant.

Brimner was also the valedictorian and spoke passionately about her years in school and the lasting friendships she has made over the years.

Ty Maxie is the son of Rebecca Maxie and brother to Layton.

Maxie began his schooling in Prince Albert and remained there until Grade 3, then moved to Duck

Lake where he would stay until Grade 11. His family then moved to Manor where he would graduate.

Maxie is currently learning how to play guitar and will take a year off and then pursue his career as a hair stylist or in coding.

Aiza Weir is the daughter of Rylan and Cindy Weir. She has attended Manor School since kindergarten.

Weir is active within her community by helping at the PBR Rodeo and the fall suppers. She loves the outdoors, including boating, kayaking and fishing with her friends.

All through high school she was on the honour roll and received five scholarships.

The graduates were wished the best of luck by their teachers, family and friends.

Duke of Ed Award added to Cornerstone offerings

It is a unique undertaking for a unique reward for those ambitious enough to accept challenges.

Michael Graham, co-ordinator of curriculum for the South East Cornerstone Public School Division, was in the board conference room on May 24. He was there to explain how some SECPSD students might accept the

challenge to work toward one or all three levels found within the structure of the Duke of Edinburgh Award.

The award, now in its 60th year, poses challenges at the bronze, silver and gold levels for young people between the ages of 14 and 25.

Graham was in Ottawa recently to accept the cer-

tificate of membership in the awards program from Prince Edward, the current Duke of Edinburgh, along with about a dozen other people representing other agencies and service organizations in Canada who are qualified to monitor and assess the potential candidates. These candidates will undergo some rigorous challenges under close observation and record keeping.

Graham said he thought that there might be a few Cornerstone students who could become intrigued with the challenge.

“We could see changes, improvement that take students beyond the field of academia,” Graham said.

There are huge bene-

fits from reaching certain stages of the Edinburgh Award program such as increasing employability skills and becoming a more integral part of the community.

The power point illustrations that Graham used, showed for example how a candidate had to complete at least 13 weeks of recorded voluntary service, 13 weeks of physical activity, again, monitored and recorded. It also required 13 weeks of skill development in a number of areas such as art, music, computer skills et al; 13 weeks and a recorded adventurous journey of at least one day (night optional) and two days and one night, deploying at least six hours of purposeful effort each day,

to achieve bronze status and pin.

The silver and gold standards are even more rigorous requiring 26 and 52 weeks, respectively, of participation in voluntary work, skill development and physical recreation. The gold standard for adventurous journey requires one day and one night out journey followed by four days and three nights out deploying at least eight hours of purposeful effort each day.

Another gold project requires a shared purposeful experience with others outside their usual social circle so they can enhance communication skills, develop initiative plus civic and intercultural competence. This can be done through

conferences, expeditions and cultural service projects, Graham suggested.

This requirement will consist of five days and four nights of participation.

Graham said students can earn special project credit for each level since SECPSD is now qualified as an award centre for the Edinburgh program.

Monitoring and recording is often done through volunteers in service clubs or community and/or military programs such as Scouts, Girl Guides or Air, Army or Navy Cadet programs.

“This would be a great thing for students to put on a resume,” said board member Tami Scott, following the presentation.

From left, Ty Maxie, Aiza Weir and Kara Brimner are the graduates from Manor School in 2023. Photo by West of One Designs

Photos by Stephanie Zoer

Peyton Balon

Zachary Barath Lane Batters

Ava Beattie Kaitlyn Cameron

Dixie Corscadden  Hunter Dash

Brady Dayman Maddox Deiter

Joane Longland

Parker Munro

Megan Reid

Rylie SzakacsAtlanta ThomasPeter Toth

Cyson RomanowAlexys RoppelAva RuthvenIshta Stanley

Eh Di NuDalton Jase PalmerArthrel Jhon PlazaLinette Puffalt

Paige MannsMakenna MartonBraeden MeszarosLeah Miller

Redvers High School Class of 1963 reunion celebrated

By Stephanie Zoer

The weekend of May 26-28 proved to be one filled with laughter, friends and memories as the 60th anniversary reunion of the Redvers High School class was celebrated.

Connie Asmundson from the 1963 class was behind the organization of this reunion, which was held at Dellan and Donna Mohrbutter’s farm west of Redvers.

The Mohrbutters were more than happy to hold this special occasion at their place. They had a place for everyone and even a campground to house those if they wanted to bring a camper.

It was decided that a few classes would be put together for the event, and they had high school graduates from 19601966.

It all began May 26 evening with guests going out to the farm to enjoy a wiener roast. The weather did not co-operate, so the hotdogs were boiled and a visit to the Key M’s shop made do instead.

They reminisced about the Big Red School, which is no longer standing in Redvers, but the memories remain. They reflected how they held the banquet in the church and the dance at the theatre. According to Marge Garnier, sometimes three grades would be in one class.

In the afternoon of May 27, the group went for a cruise to Redvers, having lunch at the Broadway Bakery and touring the new condos in town. They visited Bill Murray at the store and Raymond Lamotte’s vintage and model collection.

The evening brought over 40 people for the catered meal at Mohrbutters shop.

Ever the joker, Mohrbutter told the crowd that if they did not sign the poster for the reunion, supper would be delayed for them.

Rising Phoenix, owned by Amanda Kish, catered the meal with all the fixings.

“The meal was delicious, and no one left hungry,” Mohrbutter said,

Tony Peter, an author from Outlook, displayed his nine novels and gave everyone the opportunity to check them out and even purchase them if they wanted.

Phill Wilk came with

his guitar and pumped out some tunes from the 1950s and ‘60s. A few couples even took a spin on the dance floor while others got caught up with the latest happenings over the years.

People came from far and wide to join in on this occasion, with Donna Brown coming from Langley, B.C.

The celebrating did not end Saturday night. The following day the remain-

ing crew went to the Kenosee Golf Course for lunch. It was here they said their good-byes. They shared hugs and shed tears, in the hopes to see everyone once again in the future.

Alida news - Golden Gate Centre hosts plant exchange

By Edel Cowan

The Alida Golden Gate Centre acknowledges and greatly appreciates the generous donation that it received from the Pride Project at the Prairie Pride Credit Union.

The Alida Golden Gate members held their first annual plant exchange on May 18. A wide variety of plants were available, such as roses, day lilies, irises, calla lilies, tomatoes, hot peppers, bell peppers, kangaroo

apple, potentilla and a verity of house plants. It was a successful event and they are planning and hoping on this being a yearly event.

Steven Bonk, MLA for Moosomin Constituency

Steven Bonk, MLA for Moosomin Constituency

622 Main St., Moosomin, SK

622 St. Moosomin, SK

Phone: 306-435-4005

Phone: 306-435-4005

Email: stevenbonkmla@sasktel.net

Email: stevenbonkmla@sasktel.net

Of ce Hours:

Office Hours:

Monday - Thursday

Monday - Friday 9 am - 12 noon; 1 pm - 4 pm

The Anthony families held a burial service at the Carnduff Cemetery on the afternoon of May 20 for their brother and uncle Wayne Anthony. Following the service and luncheon, everyone returned to the Anthony farm to spend time visiting. Among those who attended were nephew Greg, his wife Monika Goddard, their son Shawn, daughter Jessica and her financé Kyle, all of Ontario); niece Sheri

2021-12-14 9:21:03 AM

Diebel of Saskatoon; sisters Heather Goddard and Hazel Diebel, Hazel’s grandson Bobby, his girlfriend Mika and their daughter Evelyn, all of Moose Jaw. The family enjoyed two full days of fun and visiting with Dale and Holly.

The flower pots on Centre Street have all been sponsored now, and most have been planted. Much appreciation goes out to everyone who stepped up and took a pot. They do beautify our little town so much, making it seem so welcoming.

Edel Cowan attended the funeral of Bent Lau-

ritsen of Redvers on May 26 at Dannevirke Lutheran Church, with internment at Dannevirke Cemetery. Bent had passed away May 19. Sympathy is extended to his wife Doris and all family members.

The Alida town-wide garage sale was held on May 26 and 27 with six sites set up around town and in the rink. Hope they had a good turnout.

The Alida Sports Day is here June 2 and 3. Due to the late seeding season not many slowpitch teams have registered, but it was decided to go ahead and hold something. If nothing

Men’s Night - Mondays Shotgun start at 6 pm. Meals every 2nd and 4th Monday of the month.

Ladies Night - Tuesdays - Book your t-times. Shotgun start at 6 every first Tuesday of the Month with meal to follow. Please phone the clubhouse if you want to socialize after play by staying for our first meal on June 6.

Pairs Night - Every Third Thursday of the month beginning June 15. Shotgun start at 6 with a meal to follow.

else, at least we’ll have a barbeque and visit with those who were able to show up.

Also remember to check out the Sports Day Barbecue Pac at the Alida Post Office. Tickets are available for $5 each or 3 for $10. You can e-transfer. For information call 306-485-8527. This will be drawn for on June 3.

The Alida Pool is almost prepared for the upcoming season to start. Swimming lessons will be held in July 3-7 and 17-21, and from July 31-Aug. 1. The cost is $75/week. To book please call Shanna at 306-485-8647.

Redvers High School class of 1965-66. Back row, from left, Ivan Jorgensen, Betty Peter, Barry Miller, Harvey Gade and Donna Mohrbutter. Front left, Wendy Turton and Carol Matthew.

Redvers High School Class of 1963, back row, from left, Raymond Lamotte, Linda Daniels, Val Stuckey and Leo Larsen. Front left, Donna Brown, Marilyn Carruthers, Sandra Golan, Carol Bender, Colleen Reed and Connie Asmundson. Photos by Stephanie Zoer

From left, Dellan Mohrbutter, Marilyn Mason and Bill Duke are the class of 1964 from Redvers High School.

Carlyle hosts the summer basketball tournament

By Lucy Davis

Carlyle hosted its 2023 Summer Open Basketball Tournament with eight teams attending from various communities.

May 20 and 21 Gordon F Kells High School in Carlyle was host to the 2023 Summer Open Basketball tournament. Along with the Carlyle teams, participants between the ages of 15 and 40, travelled from Moosomin, Kipling, Weyburn, Virden, Oxbow and Estevan.

It was a nail biting finish with Carlyle team #1 (known as the Carlyle Bombers) beating Virden in double overtime with a final score of 73-64.

Elmer Jove, coach and coordinator for Carlyle

teams 1 & 2, moved from Manila to Edmonton in 2009 and relocated to Carlyle in 2012. Elmer started the basketball tournaments as a way to build up community and connect Filipinos together. This is the first year that it was mixed with Canadians participating along with the Filipino males.

JD Alvarez and his father, Danny Alvarez, co-organized the Carlyle teams with Jove, keeping the tournament running smoothly and please note that this weekend was extra special as it was postponed for several years due to the pandemic.

James Bautista from Carlyle was given the Most Valuable player award and five Mythical awards were

Ashlyn Taillon the new Lampman recreation director

By Stephanie Zoer

Ashlyn Taillon is a big hockey fan and has played since she was four years old.

The daughter of Jamie and Sheila Taillon, she was raised in Lampman along with her older

brother Justyn, who now resides in Saskatoon.

Ashlyn Taillon graduated from Lampman School, but through Grades 10, 11 and 12, she was in Melville during hockey season, so she could play hockey as goaltender for the Melville

U18 AAA Prairie Fire. She returned to Lampman so she could graduate at her home school.

After graduation, she went to the University of Saskatchewan to get a bachelor of science and kinesiology. This was a four-year program.

While in Saskatoon, Taillon was a student trainer with the University of Saskatoon Huskies football team.

Once she completed her degree, Taillon wanted to work closer to home, so she applied for the recreation director position in Lampman and was successful in getting the job.

On May 8, Taillon began her new job, with her office in the Town of Lampman building.

Taillon was no longer able to play hockey due to injuries and she felt that this would keep her involved with sports.

She will work closely with the six members of the recreation board while also managing the Lampman pool.

Many responsibilities come with the position. She will oversee the ball diamonds, family centre and play school, to name a few.

Taillon hopes to increase the number of participants in baseball and hockey while running programs to keep people active within and around the community.

She looks forward to giving back to the community and organizations that have given her so much over the years through sports and other programs.

Taillon hopes everyone will give her some time to settle into her role, as there is a lot to learn, but she is also excited about the challenges that this job will bring.

handed out: Mark Cuevas (Virden), Clark Cabiluna (Estevan), Heaven Cabi-

luna (Estevan), Earl Pineda (Weyburn) and James Bautista (Carlyle).

Every Sunday at 6 p.m. there is an open invite for any male over the age of

15 to come play basketball at Gordon F Kells High School.

From left, Lance Bautista, Tyler Johnson, Robert Palao, James Bautista, Jamie Hill, Coty Hofos, coach JD Alvarez Clifford Casil, Daniel Shirley, Joshua Demafelix, Juan Demafelix, Jericho Jove, Geno Cabahug, G2 Cabahug, Patrick Rodriguez, JP Monterey and Lance Palao. Photo courtesy of Elmer Jove

Ashlyn Taillon is looking forward to her new challenges as Lampman’s recreation director. Photo courtesy of Ashlyn Taillon

RD Family Funeral Chapel

BY PHONE: 306-453-2525

BY FAX: 306-453-2938

In Person or By Mail:

The Carlyle Observer

Box 160,

AD DEADLINES

PLACING AN AD AD RATES

*All classified ads must be prepaid by cash, cheque or VISA/MC.*

COMING EVENTS

BINGO:Kenosee Lake Four Seasons Drop In Centre

Every Tuesday of the Month

Next Bingo is on Tuesday, June 6 at 7pm

RV FOR SALE

2014KEYSTONE/COUGAR 327RES-$35,000 36.5',sleeps4,3slide-outs. RearLRwithfireplace,dinette table/4chairs,bathroomwith shower,queenbed,2TVs, DVD,day/nightshades,large outdoorstorageareas,awning, bikerack. 204-851-2052 msmeltz@mts.net

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.

Find QUALIFIED, LOCAL EMPLOYEES, using the strength of community newspapers! Visit www.swna.com or call 306-649-1405 to find out how!

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

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, 306-281-4475 or chateauvilla@sasktel.net

MOVING SALE for MARVIN and LYNNE CHAMBERS

Saturday, June 10/23 10 AM

Fillmore Rink Fillmore, Sk

Includes: HOUSEHOLD leather sofa w/ reclining ends; matching loveseat; recliner; pine buffet and hutch; pine table w/ 6 chairs; double bed; dressers; hall table; oak cabinet/side tables/book shelves/ long dresser w/ mirror; wicker chair/ towel holder; end tables w/ glass tops; kitchen ware ANTIQUES treadle sewing machine; kitchen cupboard; phonograph record player; 6 coal oil lanterns SHOP and YARD JD 115 riding lawn mower; push mower w/ bagger; roto tiller; walk behind snow blower; 150 gal. water tank; propane grill; pressure washer; bench grinder; power tools; hand and carpentry tools; compost bin; arbor; outdoor furniture RECREATION golf cart and trailer; Health Rider H22X; Momentum 620 FIREARMS

303 rifles w/ bayonets {3}; 22

Ruger; shotgun

Key “M” Auction Services

Dellan Mohrbutter 306-452-7847

www.keymauctions.com

MOVING SALE for PRO HARDWARE

Saturday, June 3/23 10 AM

#7 Broadway St. Redvers, Sk Includes: HARDWARE tools; electrical supplies; bolt and screw bins; patio lights, camping supplies; misc automotive OFFICE used shelving units; office chairs BUILDING SUPPLIES metal sheets pro rib; garden sheds CLOTHING coveralls; boots; work pants, gloves FIREARMS assortment of firearms

Key “M” Auction Services Dellan Mohrbutter 306-452-7847 www. keymauctions.com

FINANCIAL SERVICES

Private mortgage lender. All real estate types considered. No credit checks done. Deal direct with lender and get quick approval. Toll free 1866-405-1228 www.firstandsecondmortgages.ca

WE BUY DAMAGED GRAIN HEATED... LIGHT BUGS... TOUGH MIXED GRAIN SPRING THRASHED WHEAT... OATS PEAS... BARLEY CANOLA... FLAX

“ON FARM PICKUP” WESTCAN FEED & GRAIN 1-877-250-5252

*CompetitiveWages

*MustbeMechanically InclinedandhaveaValid Class5Saskatchewan Driver'sLicense PleaseSendResumeto: mmautoglass@sasktel.net

HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATORS & LABOURERS WANTED

CERTIFIED SEED

WHEAT

AAC GOODWIN, GO EARLY, PINTAIL OATS

AC JUNIPER, AC MORGAN, AC MUSTANG, DERBY, CDC SO1 SUPER OAT BARLEY

AB STANDSWELL, CERVEZA, CDC AUSTENSON, CDC MAVERICK, SUNDRE PEAS

For all heavy equipment: ie. dozers, excavators, scrapers etc. Camp/R & B provided. Competitive wages. Valid drivers license req’d. Send resume and work references to: Bryden Construction and Transport Co. Inc.

Think GREEN Carlyle United Church

VERY EARLY YELLOW, FORAGE PEAS, POLISH CANOLA, SPRING TRITICALE mastinseeds.com 403-556-2609

To Recycle Your Old Newspapers

FORAGE SEED FOR SALE: Organic & conventional: Sweet Clover, Alfalfa, Red Clover, Smooth Brome, Meadow Brome, Crested Wheatgrass, Timothy, etc. Star City, SK. Birch Rose Acres Ltd. 306-921-9942.

Fax: 306-769-8844 brydenconstruct@ xplornet.ca www. brydenconstruction andtransport.ca

Sell it in the Classified Ads

The Observer 306-453-2525

Worship Hours at the Church of Your Choice Your Choice

Full Gospel Church Welcomes You 202-4th St. W. Service Schedule:

202-2nd St. W.

Sunday Services: 10:00 a.m.

CLOSED JULY & AUGUST ***

Ph: 306-453-6136

Sunday morning Service 10:30 a.m.

Jesus Still Heals Today Wed. evening Bible Study 7:30 p.m. 306-453-2512

Pastor Rodney & Gail Cox

Church of Our Lady, Carlyle

Father Chris Carlyle

Saturday at 7 p.m. Sunday at 11 a.m.

Kenosee: Saturday at 5 p.m.

Forget: Sunday at 9 a.m. 306-453-6200

Arcola-Kisbey United Church

Worship Times: 10a.m.

KISBEY: 1st & 3rd Sunday

ARCOLA: 2nd & 4th Sunday

5th Sunday to be announced at church 306-455-0011

Please join us for worship

Free Methodist Church Hwy 48 • Wawota

Worship - 11:00 a.m.

Pastors Kevin & Bev Kay

Church: 306-739-2313

Roman Catholic Oxbow/Cantal/ Carnduff

Rev. Father Vince Borre Oxbow St. Joseph’s - 9:00 a.m. Cantal St. Raphael’s Sunday - 10:45 a.m Carnduff St. Jude - 12:30 p.m.

Rev. Father Vince Borre

VILLAGE OF KISBEY SALE BY TENDER

The Village of Kisbey offers for sale 1 parcel of property under The Tax Enforcement Act Section 31.

Tenders must be submitted in a sealed envelope marked ‘TTP Property Tender’ and a) hand delivered to 295 Morley Street Kisbey on Wednesday or Thursday; or b) mailed to PO Box 249 Kisbey, SK S0C 1L0 or emailed with Subject Line ‘TTP Property Tender’ to vill.kisbey@sasktel.net

Conditions of Tender: Indicate Parcel # with each Tender the tender.

The balance of the purchase price must be paid within 30 days from date of acceptance. Highest or any Tender, not necessarily accepted. Tenders will close Wednesday, June 21, 2022 at Noon.

Parcel # 1 Roll # 41 – 130 Coteau Street, Lot 11, Block D, Plan 1793 Serviced with Sewer, Zoned Residential. The Building on the Lot must be torn down within 30 days of purchase. Dated the 18th day of May, 2023.

Administrator Nathalie Neal Village of Kisbey

The Floor Store has your needs covered

By Stephanie Zoer

The Floor Store is southeast Saskatchewan’s source for flooring, blinds and paint, and has won Best of Estevan Awards for the top flooring and best blinds multiple times.

Deanna and Chris Tarnes are the owners of The Floor Store, with locations in Carlyle and Estevan, and are proud to offer specialized experience in the flooring sector.

The Estevan shop employs five people and has several contracted installers, while Carlyle has two employees, Norma Staples and Megan Lodge. The Floor Store also has experienced installers on staff and offers installation on all flooring products that they sell.

Staples started working at the Carlyle location one month after the store opened in 2000.

She has enjoyed working at the store and learning the process of flooring.

Staples moved to Carlyle with her husband Rennie in 1999. Rennie has since passed away. She has two sons, Dain and Vince. Vince and his wife Shay live in Bragg Creek, Alta., with their two sons. Dain passed away when he was 20 years old.

Megan Lodge joined the team in Carlyle a year ago and gains more experience every day.

Flooring has changed over the years. While carpet is used mostly in bedrooms, hardwood, vinyl, laminate and tile are quite popular, according to Deanna Tarnes.

Because flooring is the main focus of the store, they can customize floor vents, are knowledgeable about transition pieces and have access to the latest trends as well as timeless classics.

The Floor Store knows flooring is just one part of home décor, so they also offer custom window treatments. They have plenty of samples of blinds in store, featuring all kinds of styles, colour and patterns. They are also a Cloverdale Paint dealer.

Staples feels the store has a good reputation and has done well over the years with new and repeat customers.

When one is shopping for flooring, the staff at The Floor Store can guide a customer to find the right products for the use of a room or budget.

Stop by the showroom in Carlyle on Highway 13 and see all the current samples of carpet, hardwood, laminate, tile, vinyl, blinds and more.

If the one item a person is searching for or the colour is not in stock, the customer only needs to ask the staff and they will gladly help out.

Tanya Dubois is passionate about being the Stoughton librarian

By Stephanie Zoer

Tanya Dubois has always enjoyed reading. She often has an audio book on while driving or doing household chores.

“It allows me to escape into a fantasy work through reading,” said Dubois.

When the Stoughton librarian position became available, Dubois applied and was successful in getting the job.

On May 9, training began for the new librarian and will continue on a regular basis.

Shauna Daku, the assistant librarian from Arcola, has 20 years of experience and she will train and help Dubois learn the ropes.

Dubois is formerly from Quebec where she was born and raised. Her mom ran a daycare there which Dubois enjoyed as she loves children.

Wanting more out of life and greater opportunities as she lived in a

small town, she decided to move to Saskatchewan. Dubois packed up her belongings and took her daughters Jessica and Kelly to the Land of the Living Skies for a better life. Jessica will get her teachers’ degree in December and Kelly is a nurse, which their mom is very proud of.

Dubois has a degree from Quebec in computer information systems. She said it is similar to a bachelor’s degree. She is also a green belt in judo. She was active in sports like rugby and roller derbies.

She lives northeast of Stoughton on a farm with her spouse Dwight Shiels. He also has a daughter named Bethany.

They run Big D Bison, having 55 cows, three bulls, 10 feeders for meat and 30 calves so far. She is very passionate about their herd of bison and loves to show them to people.

SALE BY TENDER

Zone – Commercial 1 – Roll # 505014700 –

Lot 24 Block 2 Plan I6534 & Lot 32 Block 2 Plan 101236148

Wawota, Saskatchewan

“Property Tender ” Town of Wawota • Box 58 Wawota, Saskatchewan • S0G 5A0

A cheque payable to the Town of Wawota for 5% of the amount of the tender MUST accompany the tender. Also the intended use of the property.

Learning new things is always something Dubois is doing. In 2019 she entered into the a Toastmasters public speaking event in Weyburn and placed first with her humorous speech.

With working 20 hours a week, and only a short drive to work, she said, “I have the opportunity to have a better quality of life and more time at home.”

Over the past years, she has lost two close friends and she feels it is important to spend time with family and friends.

A welcome tea was held at the Stoughton Public Library on May 16 for people to come and meet Dubois. Many people came out to enjoy tea and dainties.

Dubois looks forward to her years at the library and meeting the children and families. Once settled into her routine she will have programs and activities planned for the future.

R.M.

of Moose Mountain

No. 63 FOR

BY

1 - Used 2011 John Deere D170 Riding Lawn Mower

1- Used 1998 John Deere LT166 Riding Lawn Mower

Equipment is available for viewing at the R.M. shop in Carlyle, SK

Tenders to be received in the municipal office by 4:00 p.m. June 13th. Sealed, emailed or faxed tenders will be accepted.

For inquiries or to view equipment please call the municipal office at (306) 453-6175.

Highest or any tender may not necessarily be accepted. R.M. of Moose Mountain No. 63 250 8th St West, P.O. Box 445 Carlyle, Sask. SOC ORO

Rural Municipality of Reciprocity No. 32

Annual Bursary

The R.M. of Reciprocity No. 32 will annually offer a $2,000.00 bursary to eligible students upon the completion of the 1st year of post-secondary education and based on the following criteria:

• Parent/legal guardian or applicant is a ratepayer of the R.M. of Reciprocity No. 32 and/or a resident within the boundaries of the R.M. of Reciprocity No. 32, including residents of the Village of Alida.

• Proof of enrollment in the second year of post-secondary studies (University, College, Trade).

• Submission of a one-page essay outlining your chosen impact you hope to make by this choice.

• Submission of a completed application form.

• Two letters of reference, one of which must be from a dean, etc.

The application is available on our website, www.rmofreciprocity.ca. Application must be returned to on or before June 30, 2023

From left, Norma Staples and Megan Lodge are glad to assist customers with all their flooring needs at the Floor Store’s Carlyle location. Photo by Deanna Tarnes

From left, Tanya Dubois receives training from Shauna Daku the assistant librarian from Arcola. Photo by Stephanie Zoer

Carnduff students might change farming in Canada

By Nicole Northild

At the Carnduff Education Complex, there is an exciting Grade 11 duo that has a lot of people talking.

Wyatt Thompson and Logan Stewart had an idea of a new and portable irrigation system that started as a school project but might turn into a college scholarship and opportunities to get their prototype made into a working model.

They won the regional science fair in Lampman with their idea and went on to nationals in Edmonton.

“Only .1 per cent of people make it to nationals,” said Stewart.

Traditional wheel line irrigation is what you may have seen out in the field. It is a long, odd-looking line of metal pipe suspended by big spoked wheels. The main problems with traditional wheel-line irrigation is that it is not easy to move from field to field, people often opt

to have multiple systems and they miss the corners of the field because they rotate in a circle.

This creates a problem because fields are sectioned off into rectangles and squares, creating the classic issue of the round peg in a square hole. This subpar method of watering crops was one that needed a solution.

Stewart and Thompson set out to solve both these problems, growing up as farmers and being taught to not be afraid of hard work. It made them understand the situation and gave them the drive, and some of the experience, to know where to start.

“We started looking into irrigation and how to fix it,” Stewart said.

The answer was using GPS mapping and a hydraulic telescope, which extends out from the main body and then retracts as it follows the boundaries of each corner, as well as a compact scissor folding method,

which made the unit portable.

The portability of the system makes multiple units of the wheel-line irrigation redundant.

Using hydraulics, it is designed to fold in on itself with the field wheels safety tucked up while the second set of wheels come down for trans-

port. After that it is just a matter of hitching it up to a semi to be moved to the next field.

The next steps are building a working mod-

el, and coming up with a business plan and a technology scope. “Estevan Techhub is helping us with the grant process,” said Thompson.

Their portable irrigation system prototype, extended as it would be while in use.

Left to right Wyatt Thompson, left, and Logan Stewart at the national science fair. Photos courtesy of Wyatt Thompson

Their portable irrigation prototype folded up as it would be for transport to the next field.