An elegant evening for the Arcola graduating class of 2025
By Stephanie Zoer
As the blustery winds howled outside on May 16, inside the Arcola Prairie Place Complex there was a different story.
A trellis decorated with black and gold balloons was lit up, while the main lights were set dimly.
Each guest was welcomed and given a program and asked which graduate they were with.
Michael Callfas was the MC for the evening and Ron Wardrope, Arcola’s principal, did the land acknowledgement.
Each graduate walked through the trellis and was introduced to the filled hall.
As they walked down the aisle to meet up with their parents, they held a red rose which was presented to their mom.
After a warm hug was given to the student, they turned and had their photos taken and were then seated at the front of the hall.
The 10 graduating students came on stage and were introduced by Janine Houston who said that each of the graduates looked stunning in their suits and gowns.
Once the scrolls were presented, Jacquie Walbaum led the crowd with the singing of O’ Canada.
Chief Ira McArthur came to the stage and presented each student with a handmade star blanket that had the students names and year of graduation.
The star blanket represents honour, connection, and protection. It is a symbolic gift which is given at special events. The star itself can symbolize the Creator’s eye, the Morning Star, or the eight points of life and direction.
Kira Werstuik graduated in 2024 and was presented the Governor General Scholarship by Ron Wardrope for achieving high academic marks.
Aiden Wrigley was the first student to be introduced. He
loves hockey and was incredibly involved in track and field. He works as a summer student at the Woodlawn Golf Course and plans to attend Saskpoly for welding.
Kobe Wotta is a dedicated hockey player with the Estevan AAA team and received the scholarship for the U18 AAA Bears. He has been on the honour roll each year and works as the head lifeguard at the Carlyle swimming pool. His career plan is to become a commercial pilot.
Turquoise McArthur loved her sports and played volleyball and basketball. She is an honour student that works maintenance at Pheasant Rump Nakota First Nation. She is a talented writer and will get her bachelor’s degree in toxicology. She received a scholarship from the Kisbey Dinner Theatre.
Kayla Maitland was born and raised a farm girl, who showed a great deal of leadership at the school. She will go for her Bach-
elor of Nursing and receive scholarships from the Arcola Optimist Club, Joan Weber Scholarship, and the South East Cornerstone Public School Division Scholarship.
Ava Lees has been involved in gymnastics and had the most unique routine and was part of a bake-a-thon. She hopes to acquire her pilot’s licence.
Reese Karlunchuck has been on the honour roll since Grade 7 and he has won many medals in track and field. He will attend Polytech for computer technology. He received a scholarship from South East Cornerstone Teachers Association.
Kalease Johnson was described as a beckon of determination, who is a spitfire dancer and loves volleyball. She joined the SE Vipers team and received the MVP title. She was on the honour roll and will attend the University of Saskatchewan for her criminal justice degree.
Far left, Chief Ira McArthur from Pheasant Rump Nakota First Nation presented each member of the graduating class with a handmade star blanket. Back left to right, Aiden Wrigley, Kobe Wotta, Reese Karlunchuck, Moses Ishnakootay and Brady Bates. Front left to right, Turquoise McArthur, Kayla Maitland, Ava Lees, Kalease Johnson and Lexie Chapman. Photo by Stephanie Zoer
Carnduff Administrator Tara Beck PAGE 5
May
May 23 & 24 – Carnduff Town Wide Garage Sale
May 24 – Lampman Town Wide Garage Sale
May 24 – Kennedy Town Wide Garage Sale
May 25 – Manor Town Wide Garage Sale
Sat, May 31 – Maryfield Town Wide Garage Sale
Your first stop to find events happening in our community!
June
Sat, June 7 – Arcola Town Wide Garage Sale
Sat, June 7 – Lobster Fest – Carlyle
June 7 & 8 – Redvers Town Wide Garage Sale
June 27, 28 & 29 – Carlyle Fun Dayz & Fair 2026
Tues to Sat - Mar 25 -29 – 125th Arcola Curling Club Bonspiel
*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.
Visit the past at Oxbow’s Ralph Allen Memorial Museum
By Paul Kimball
A drive through Oxbow will take you past a building that seems a little out of place…and a little out of time. Towards the east end of town sits an old railroad station. What’s that all about?
That station is home to the Ralph Allen Memorial Museum. You might also be wondering…who’s he all about?
Ralph Allen might be one of the most notable people to come out of Oxbow. Although he was born in Winnipeg, his parents (William Glenroy Allen and Hattie Louisa Schram) moved to Oxbow to manage the train station. Train stations were significant places in small towns in the first half of the 20th century.
Allen’s family, as was usually the case with train station managers, lived in the train station. When he was 16, he started writing for the The Winnipeg Tribune
and then eventually ended up in Toronto, writing for The Globe and Mail as a war correspondent. He also reported
on some of the Nazi trials. In time, he became the editor-in-chief of the significant weekly news magazine McLean’s, a
position he held from 1950 to 1960. While there, he hired a future editor-in-chief – Peter C. Newman. Allen finished his career as a columnist for The Toronto Star
He is also a member of the Canadian Football Hall of Fame and has written six books. He also appeared on the game show Front Page Challenge. As well, he’s the subject of a book written by Christina McCall Newman entitled The Man From Oxbow: The Best Of Ralph Allen
Not a bad resume for a boy from Oxbow.
In 1973, the Oxbow train station was moved to its current location and was converted into a museum, honouring the life of Ralph Allen as well as history of the station where he and his family lived. The influential man he hired, Peter C.
Newman, attended the grand opening.
Inside the museum, you’ll find a desk that Ralph used, along with one of his typewriters. You’ll see pictures capturing his life and writings. But there’s more than that in the museum. There are items like ticket counters and telegraphs – key features of railroad stations. You can discover the role that the train station played in the community and you’ll see how families lived in the train stations. It’s a museum that bears witness to several things of the past. A significant man and a significant era of train stations and community. The museum is often open on holidays, but can be visited at other times by making an appointment.
Moses Ishnakootay is always willing to help someone out and is a gardener and maintenance person at Pheasant Rump Nakota First Nation. He will attend the University of Regina for his engineering degree.
Lexie Chapman loves hunting, fishing, and camping and values her friendships. She will attend Saskpoly in Regina and received scholarships from the Kisbey Dinner Theatre, the Lynette Peet Memorial Scholarship, and the Moose Mountain Wildlife Federation Scholarship.
badminton. He was on the honour roll all through high school. He works as a summer student at the Red Market Barn and will attend the University of Regina for geology.
Brady Bates is known for his helpful attitude, his love for volleyball and
Speeches were given by parents, teachers, and students throughout the evening with the valedictorian speech by
Kayla Maitland and guest speaker Heather Saarela.
A slide show of the graduating class was presented from their younger days up until Grade 12. As the graduating class of 2025 exited the hall, chairs were stacked, and the graduates returned for the dance.
The desk, chair and typewriter that Ralph Allen used is on display at the Ralph Allen Memorial Museum. Photo courtesy of Miles Strahl
Running a theatre in a small town is difficult
By Paul Kimball
Carnduff has been very fortunate to be home to a theatre for many, many years. Believe it or not, it opened 109 years ago, way back in 1916, in the Oddfellows Hall, showing silent movies – movies that featured only music and no talking. The first talking movie was Dawn Patrol…and that didn’t happen until 1931.
In 1941, the theatre changed locations, moving into an old Methodist church building and it was at that point that it became the Carnduff Community Theatre. Eighty-four years later, it is still alive and well.
Its storied history has had its ‘ups’. For instance, in the past decade the theatre has taken some positive steps to enhance movie-viewing. It went digital in 2013, which made obtaining movies easier and resulted in less technical issues. Attendance began to go up. Then in 2016, the old seats were replaced with very comfortable ones. This made watching the movies even better.
But that storied history has also had its ‘downs’. Operating a theatre in a small community is not always easy. And that has been especially true in the last five years. Like so much else in our world, COVID took its toll on the theatre. Attendance started to slide as movie-goers turned to other avenues to get their cinematic fix. Others who turned to the theatre for take-out
snacks like popcorn started making their own at home. And the quality of movies seemed to take a downturn, as producers tried pumping out more movies with less effort, less money and lesser-known stars.
It made for a bad combination and the theatre has struggled financially.
But Amanda Purves, the theatre’s manager and her board are deter-
mined to add more positive chapters to the theatre’s history. They want to keep the nostalgia alive and continue to provide affordable entertainment options for the community. Did you know that prices to watch movies has not increased since 2012? It still costs only $6 for an adult to attend…and $4 for a child. That’s pretty affordable.
The income generated by movies and concessions takes care of the day-to-day expenses…but just. It does not allow for improvements and upgrades. To attract more patrons, the theatre management are attempting to bring in movies quickly after their release and to bring in a variety of genres to appeal to a greater audience. In an effort to generate more revenue, the management team makes creative use of the building, renting it out to a local church and the archery club, and making it available for functions such as birthdays and private screenings. As well, over the past few years, they have encouraged people, organizations and businesses to sponsor a movie. That involves purchasing the movie for the theatre to show, which enables all ticket sales to go into the profit column. The local Lions Club is one organization that has stepped up to be a sponsor, as have a few individuals.
The theatre does more than simply bring in movies to provide entertainment for the community. They host a yearly Christmas family dance, they bring in live music groups and entertainers, such as magicians and hypnotists.
The theatre has been an entertainment centre for a long, long time. And the current board is determined that it will continue to be a part of the Carnduff landscape for a long, long time to come.
Bow Valley Villa launches “Cash for Summer” raffle
Bow Valley Villa Corp., a nonprofit personal care home dedicated to supporting seniors in Oxbow and surrounding communities, has launched its “Cash for Summer” raffle fundraiser to help maintain critical services and resident programs. With some vacancies currently in the facility, the need for community support is more important than ever. Tickets are $100 each, and participants have the chance to win exciting cash prizes, all while contributing to a meaningful cause. Proceeds will directly benefit Villa residents through enhanced programming, daily care supports, and improvements to their
residents and businesses to show their support by purchasing tickets or helping spread the word. As a registered nonprofit, Bow Valley Villa relies heavily on donations, grants, and fundraising to keep costs accessible while providing essential care. For tickets or more information, please contact the Bow Valley Villa Corp. About Bow Valley Villa: Bow Valley Villa Corp. is a nonprofit personal care home located in Oxbow, Saskatchewan. It offers supportive living services to seniors in a compassionate and community-oriented environment.
Carnduff Community Theatre, an integral part of the community since 1916. Photo courtesy of Amanda Purves
home environment. Every dollar raised goes straight back into the Villa and the people who live there.
The Bow Valley Villa team is encouraging local
Views
Is it junk or a treasure?
Tis the season for garage sales and live auctions, and they can be so much fun.
The search is on for our family to see which towns are holding annual town-wide garage sales and we try to go to all of them that are in the area.
There are always things that we need or do not need but still need to take home.
I am always looking for old things that I can fix up or make them look new with a coat of paint and garage sales are the best places to look.
My husband searches for more tools, and my daughter is mostly in search of toys for her dogs, but in the end, we go home with new treasures.
It is not all about the deals that we try to make, it is the social aspect of garage sales.
We run into so many people at these sales, that they become a big social as well.
Often when we pull up to a sale, the vehicle ahead of us or behind were at the last one as well, and as we all walk down the street to the next treasure hunt, we talk and get to know new people.
Several places have sales each year, and they always seem to have a pile of new and interesting stuff, and some people even know what we are after and bring us to the things that may be of interest to us.
One thing I am always on the lookout for is work shirts for my husband. They need to have two pockets and buttons down the front. No point in buying him new ones seen he just cuts the sleeves out of them anyways, and they get ripped on the job site.
Many of our neatest things come from garage sales or auction sales.
A live auction sale is great fun, and it brings lots of people that we only see at the sales.
I am not sure what will happen when live sales are no longer.
I help out Key M Auction Services and there is a group of people who will go to all their sales, and this is the only time we see them.
We have told Dellan and Donna Mohrbutter when they decide to retire from the live auction business that they should either hold a consignment auction or barbecue at their place once a year so we can all get together and have a wonderful social.
So many auction companies are going on-line, and I just cannot get into something like this. It feels unpersonal to sit at ones computer and bid, when one can go to a live auction, have a coffee and piece of pie and bid away, while having a great time visiting the neighbours.
Chances are you might come home with some items that you had no intention on buying because of the social aspect and one was not paying attention to the sale.
Years ago, at a sale, I was not paying attention and was asked to bid on an item to get the sale going, so I did.
I was not sure what I had bought, and it turned out to be a Christmas tree in a very beat up box. Of course, I suspected that it was not in good shape, but as it turned out, the tree was a seven-foot blue spruce, and we used that tree for many years. I paid one dollar for this gem.
With the push of buying Canadian, buying and supporting local, what better way can this be done, than through garage sales and live auctions. Plus, you are helping recycle items that can easily be used in a new life with you at a much better price than new.
Next time you see a sale, stop on in, you just might find the treasure you have been looking for.
Lead from the back... “Lead from the back – and let others believe they are in front.”
-
When friendships bring pain
A good friend of mine was apologizing for lack of time together the last little while. It is not her fault. Or mine. Illness, travel, work, family commitments, community activities and all the rest have made it difficult to get together. What delights me is that it bothers her that we haven’t had time together lately. The fact that it matters to her means I matter to her. That makes me feel good because I care about her deeply.
Lately I’ve been thinking about some of the friends I have had since I was a little girl, particularly the painful things I experienced as a result; situations of my own making and others that I couldn’t have changed. Why would I spend time focusing on that? Because of what I learned as a result.
I was heading into grade 3 when my family
moved to a city from a very small community. I was a bit nervous about going to a much bigger school and wondering who my friends might be. But on the first day I met Cheryl and we became fast friends.
There was a girl in my class named Julie who I wanted to get to know but it took a while for our friendship to build. Slowly we found things in common and eventually became good friends, but it took time. Aristotle was correct in his assessment, “Wishing to be friends is quick work, but friendship is a slow ripening fruit.”
In time a couple more girls joined our group and we all became close friends. We rode bikes together, took the same gymnastics class, hung out at school, and had nicknames for each other that made us feel we had a special friendship group. But little did we know, in our carefree approach to life as preteens, something was going to change the dynamic in our little group, and we had no say in the fall-out.
The parents of one of our friends were splitting up and our friendships were affected. Certain kids were no longer allowed to hang out with some of the other kids
and although we didn’t understand why, suddenly we found ourselves splintered. Sides were taken and our friendship group was the loser in it all. It hurt and we didn’t understand why it had to happen.
Another move to a new town and another new school and I was fortunate to meet a girl who became my best friend for a number of years. But in our grade 12 year a wildly untrue rumor circulated about her, and while the truth had serious health implications, the falsehood proved more fun for people to speculate about. Gossip ignited like wildfire. Truth filtered through at a snail’s pace.
A lot of ugly talk was happening around school and I attempted to distance myself from her because it was all too messy. I was not the kind of friend she deserved.
Thankfully, on a day I couldn’t have planned or predicted she asked if we could talk. We did. We talked. We didn’t accuse or defend or get offended. Instead, we listened and got everything out in the open. We were honest. A few months later I sang at her wedding. A few months after that she was at our door when my father died suddenly. We went
through a painful chapter and I was humbled as I saw the fall-out of what happens when everyone scatters. I have been fortunate to have had good friends at various stages of my life, but I’m also glad there has been heartache along the way because it makes me appreciate all the more how treasured a true friend is. It helped prepare me for an unforeseen chapter as an adult involving the friend I talked about at the beginning of this. A few years ago she and I dealt with a difficult situation that involved someone else, but had a huge impact on us. We talked openly, refusing to allow it to pull us apart. As a result, our level of honesty is strong and the friendship is rock solid. What I have learned about friendship in these different stages of my life has ensured I value what I have today. Thomas Aquinas wrote, “There is nothing on this earth more to be prized than true friendship.”
There are many things I prize, including the friends who have taught me much and helped me grow, even when those lessons hurt at the time. Call a friend today. You’ll be glad you did. That’s my outlook.
Nelson Mandela
Tara Beck becomes Carnduff’s new administrator
By Paul Kimball
Tara Beck became Carnduff’s administrator on April Fool’s Day. It was not a joke. In fact, it was a long time in the making. She started working for the town part-time in 2008, doing community development work for them as well as for the RM of Mount Pleasant #2. Five years later, former Administrator Annette Brown was in need of an assistant. She offered the position to Tara with the long-term goal of training her to become her successor. Tara ‘learned the ropes’ by working with Annette, as well as taking the required courses to become fully certified as an administrator. Annette retired twelve years later and the succession plan came to fruition. On April 1st, Tara moved into the office vacated by Annette.
A month-and-a-half into her new role, Tara is “thoroughly enjoying herself”. Although she has worked for the town for so many years, she finds that she is “still learning new things everyday.” And her many years of be-
By Patricia Hanbidge
As I am eagerly awaiting some new perennials for my garden, I thought that sharing why these plants are going to become part of my garden was a great idea for a series of articles. Luckily for you, I also bought a few extra to share with other gardeners!
First and foremost, I thought it was important to ensure that throughout the entire growing season I would have colour in my garden. Having colour in the garden from April to October is not only beautiful but also helps some of our smaller critters the opportunity to thrive for as long as possible. I love to plant for the bees, the butterflies and the hummingbirds too and care enough to ensure they have a selection of food and pollen in the very early spring and as far into the fall as possible.
ing Annette’s understudy have trained her well. Although Annette has told her that she can call anytime, Tara has only had to ‘interrupt’ Annette’s retirement on a couple of occasions. She really wants Annette to be able to enjoy retirement to the full.
Tara has spent most of her life in Carnduff. She was born there and left only to attend
college for a few years. She returned home after her schooling was finished and by her own admission, didn’t intend to stay for very long. But that changed when she met Blair Beck, a teacher at the Carnduff Elementary School. He had no plans to move anywhere, so Tara put her plans to head off to greener pastures on hold. Both Tara and Blair are very communi-
One of the biggest challenges when growing perennials is to successfully have colour in your garden throughout the growing season. This is due to many perennials having a short season of bloom. Also, as we live with weather that is not always the same every year, this blooming time will change from year to year. Thus, a great solution is to grow perennials with a longer bloom time. The other thing that I insist on with perennials is to only grow those that behave. Just because you grow perennials that give colour throughout the
growing season does not mean that you need to be out in the garden day and night keeping it looking beautiful. Gardening with the philosophy of live and let live is possible but only if you have plants that respect this philosophy. I prefer not to be a slave to any living thing so the last thing that I want to add into my low-maintenance
ty-minded, so Carnduff became a great fit for them. They married and now have four children – Carter, who attends Indiana State University; Brandon, who will graduate from CEC this year and will head off to the University of Regina in the fall; Corbin, who is finishing Grade 8; and Tia, who is wrapping up Grade 6.
As busy as Tara is in the office, she keeps even busier outside of work. She loves supporting her children in their interests. Brandon, Corbin and Tia are all very active and keep both Mom and Dad on the go. She coaches Tia’s softball team and manages Corbin’s baseball team. Tia started curling last year and that has helped to reawaken Tara’s latent love for curling. She hopes to get back into it this winter. She also volunteers, helping out at Carnduff’s ball diamonds and serving as the secretary of the local archery club which is run by Sherman Brown, Annette’s husband. She knows the Brown’s well – having worked in the office with
garden is a perennial that does not stay where it was planted. These perennials that spread everywhere are weeds and thus do not have a place in my garden.
A selection of Veronica spicata also known as Speedwell are some well-behaved and simply beautiful perennials that are well-behaved and give a long period of colour. They are very attractive to butterflies and bees. Please read on for particulars on each cultivar. Please note that all are upright, clump forming perennials with dense slender spikes of starshaped flowers that are attractive to both butterflies and bees. The blooms
NOTICE OF PUBLICHEARING
Pu bl ic no ti ce is he re by gi ve nt ha tt he Co un ci lo ft he Town of Carnduff intends to consider theadoptionofa Bylaw under ThePlanning& DevelopmentAct,2007 to amendBylaw No.#2022-02 knownasthe Zoning Bylaw. INTENT
Annette and volunteering at the club with Sherman. Tara also volunteers with Community Futures Sunrise, a federally-funded organization that assists small businesses. Tara plans to serve Carnduff as its administrator for many years. She is very thankful for the support she has received in her new responsibilities from her office assistant, Agnes Duncombe. As well, she is grateful for how supportive the town’s council has been. “I am really looking forward to the future. I want to work hard for the residents and the betterment of the community. I am thankful for this opportunity…it’s not something that I take lightly.”
One of Tara’s next responsibilities as she has moved into Annette’s office is to hire someone to move into the office she left behind…an assistant administrator. Who knows…maybe a new succession plan will be in the works for that eventual day when Tara responds to a retirement call many years from now.
open from the base upwards and do well in full sun to partial shade.
V. spicata ‘Red Fox’ has vibrant fuchsia-pink flowers from mid to late summer, is a bushy, upright and clump forming perennial which is 12 to 16 inches (30-40cm) tall and spreads 12 to 14 inches (30-35cm).
V. spicata ‘Royal Candles’ is a favourite Speedwell of many perennial gardeners. The slender spikes of star-shaped deep blue-purple flowers show from early to late summer. They are about the same height and spread as
‘Red Fox’ Speedwell. V. spicata ‘Sunny Border Blue’ has a bushy clump of crinkled dark green leaves with spikes of deep violet-blue flowers for many weeks. It will reach a height of 12 to 18 inches (30-45cm) and spreads about the same as its height. It was the Perennial Plant of the Year in 1993. Hanbidge is the Lead Horticulturist with Orchid Horticulture. Find us at www.orchidhort. com; by email at info@ orchidhort.com; on facebook @orchidhort and on instagram at #orchidhort.
Theproposed bylaw will make thefollowing changes: 1. Section11.1-Highway CommercialDistrictSection PermittedUsestoadd: "11.1 (p)Licensedpremises forthe sale of cannabis."
AFFECTED LAND
AllHighway CommercialZonedProperty REASON
Thereasonfor theamendment is to addthe proposed permitted use in ordertoallowbusinessesinthe Highway Commercial Zone theopportunity to holda permit to sell cannabisthe same as businesseslocated in theTownCentreCommercial Zonedarea.
PUBLICINSPECTION
Anypersons mayinspect thebylaw at thetownofficeat1312 Railway Avenue between 9:00 am.to12:00 noon and1:00p.m to 4:00 p.m.MondaytoFridayexcluding statutoryholidays. Copies areavailableupon request
PUBLICHEARING
TheCouncil of theTownofCarnduffwillholda public hearing on Wednesday,June 11,2025 at 8:00 a.m in theCouncil Chambers of theCarnduff Town Officetohear anypersonor group that wishes to commentonthe proposed bylaw.The Council will also consider written comments receivedatthe hearingordelivered to thetownofficebeforethe hearing. Issued at Carnduff,inthe ProvinceofSaskatchewanthis 20th dayofMay,2025.
Tara Beck,Administrator
Administrator Tara Beck in front of the logo of the town she loves and serves. Photo submitted by Paul Kimball
Sisters of The Holy Rock provide music and laughter while performing at Huntington Society fundraiser
By Dolores Young
Barbara Dennis, of Wawota, helped organize the performance by the Sisters of the Holy Rock that was held at the Moosomin Convention Centre in Moosomin on May 4th. Barbara contacted the company to perform for a fundraiser for Huntington’s Disease (HD) and to raise awareness of this disease. Huntington’s disease which is also known as Huntington’s chorea is an incurable neurodegenerative disease. Huntington’s is a disease that
effects a person’s movements, thinking ability and mental health. This disease ruins a person’s quality of life.
The Sisters of the Holy Rock is made up of all ages of women and men with a regular cast of over 45 performers. They perform concerts for audiences that crosses all generations and were inspired by the movie Sister Act with Whoopi Goldberg.
Dennis would like to thank the following sponsors: Prairie Livestock, Moosomin Borderland Co-op, Joy Bow-
man - Preplanning specialist, Craig Gaudet – IG Wealth, Royal Canadian Legion Branch #113, L.H. Bradley & Son, Celebration Ford and Fairway Sales of Fairlight, SK
“The concert was my attempt to give back to
the Huntington’s Society of Canada for all they have done for me and mine over the last 40 years. I can do nothing for my nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, sisters and brother to change their at-risk sta-
tus. I can do something to bring awareness of HD, to raise funds for research and support – so I did. Many thanks to my sponsors and all those who purchased tickets. I am beyond grateful.”
The event raised
$6,000 for the Huntington Society of Canada. It was a great afternoon of singing, jokes and fun. If you ever have a chance to see the Sisters of the Holy Rock perform buy the ticket, it will be so worth it.
The following property located in the Organized Hamlet of Bellegarde within the Rural Municipality of Storthoaks No. 31, is for sale by tender:
Lot 19 Block 2 Plan 101184218
Property will be sold “as is where is”
A tender must be submitted in a sealed envelope addressed to:
R.M. of Storthoaks No. 31
Box 40 Storthoaks, SK S0C 2K0
Faxed and/or electronically submitted tenders are not acceptable and will not be considered.
Tenders will be accepted until 4:00 p.m. on Monday, June 9th, 2025.
The highest or any tender not necessarily accepted For further information please call 306-449-2262.
The performers of the Sisters of the Holy Rock sang a variety of well-known songs and provided a fun-filled afternoon of humour for the audience.
Photos by Dolores Young
The Sisters of the Holy Rock have a ‘bad habit of raising spirits and raising funds’.
Remembering the Battle of Vimy Ridge
April 9 was declared Vimy Ridge Day by the Government of Canada in 2003 because this battle was an unparalleled day in Canadian military history, and in the history of our nation. Since then, the Government has encouraged people to recognize the significance of the battle and the sacrifice of those who fought and died on Vimy Ridge on that day in 1917.
Craig Bird, the founder and current president of the South East Military Museum in Estevan is someone who has been doing just that for over a decade. Bird spent 10 years as a full time military reservist and has spent 25 years working with army cadets in Estevan. He also spent 25 years with the Estevan Police Service. Bird’s 35 years of military service has only increased his interest in Canadian military history and memorabilia.
For more than the past decade, Bird has been doing presentations for army cadets to illustrate how this battle happened and the innovations that the
Canadian military used to take a position that the enemy held against numerous assaults by both British and French forces and was considered by many commanders to be impregnable. However, the Canadian Army, in their first battle under Canadian commanders with all the Canadian battalions fighting together for the first time, took Vimy Ridge in short order.
Bird uses re-enactors in period uniform and enormous maps to demonstrate to cadets, and civilians who are interested in his presentations, the positions of the combatants, the advances and how the innovations mentioned figured in the battle.
Bird’s most recent presentation took place in Estevan on April 12, just after Vimy Ridge Day and attracted 91 cadets and 20 staff and members of the public. He did a second presentation in Saskatoon on April 26 for army cadets and interested people in central Saskatchewan.
Bird feels that these presentations aids with the growth of the cadets. Through these presentations they learn about the courage and training of their forefathers in uniform. It will encourage pride in their service and their respect for those whose sacrifice we should all remember.
For those of us who have yet to enjoy one of Bird’s presentations, it is encouraged to make an effort to see one. Please check out the website of the South East Military Museum for more information on presentations, videos and times that the museum is open, www.semm.ca.
Photo by Lt. Col. Lyle Johnson (ret.) and from the collection of Craig Bird
Stoughton Credit Union serves the community
By Stephanie Zoer
A celebration was held during the week of May 12 -16 to celebrate Stoughton Credit Union’s (SCU) 65 years of service to the community and surrounding areas.
On May 12, 1960, the SCU became incorporated, and in March 1964 they purchased their first permanent location. The new building was constructed between April through August of 1966.
The Kisbey branch was born in 1971 as a result of the amalgamation, while the Forget branch was absorbed in 2008.
The anniversary week began with coffee and cake for all those who came into the bank, and handing out 64 exclusive coffee mugs to commemorate the occasion.
On Tuesday they had the Prairie Pantry bring blue lemonade and fruit tarts with cream cheese.
The festivities continued on Wednesday with cookies from the Stoughton Cooperative and
the SCU Sapphire ticket.
Each member that came in and made a transaction received an envelope they could open. On the inside was a ticket that listed the prize they would receive from the SCU.
Thursday was mini planter day. This day they handed out the small planters thanking customers for planting their roots with the SCU.
To end the week, they issued their loyalty payments. This is the third year that they have offered this to members.
If members met the qualifications, they received $50 which went to their accounts.
They also brought back for the second year the patronage payment. Qualifying members could receive two percent back on interest paid in 2024. These cheques were available at the SCU and the sister branch in Kisbey.
The Stoughton Credit Union and Kisbey Credit Union look forward to serving their communities and surrounding areas for the next 65 years.
The Stoughton Credit Union opened their new building on Main Street in Stoughton in the fall of 2020. Photo by Stephanie Zoer
Experiencing Church unity
Recently I had a deep experience of church, which began on a Saturday night. I had a few extra minutes after finishing my night prayers, so I perused a copy of the June edition of Give Us This Day. The article that opened to me was Real Presence by Bob Hard.
Hard conceded that we commonly recognize Jesus’ presence in the bread and wine as the body and blood of Christ. In addition, there are three other real presences that require our reverence and participation.
The first of these is the Church itself. We are the church! Christ is present when we are assembled – where two or more are gathered in my name, I am there in their midst. (Matthew 18:20).
The second is Christ’s presence in the presider, in the ordained priest who leads the liturgy. Proclaiming the Gospel and leading the Eucharistic prayer enlivens Christ’s presence. The third presence is in the Word. The Church has always proclaimed that Christ speaks to us through the word of God.
The presence of Christ in us follows from the recognition that we are to become what we receive. We are to serve others as Christ serves us. The Spirit in us enlivens us to pour out our love to our neighbor.
This is the experience that struck me on the particular Sunday morning I have been describing. I took communion to shut-ins and the hospital before the 11 a.m. Mass. As I visited a patient in a hospital room, I shared the penitential rite and the brief gospel of John 6:15 – “Whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.”
I concluded the communion service and blessings and proceeded to the hallway. There my eyes connected with a patient in the room across who was not on my list to be visited. The exchanged looks led to my
Pause for Reflection
KEN ROLHEISER www.kenrolheiser.com
asking if she wanted a visit. She did.
She said to me, “I could hear you in the room across. I was aware that a holy man was visiting the patient next door (I have been called worse).” I asked about her church affiliation, and she said, “I’m evangelical.” I observed that we are all church and members of the Body of Christ. She agreed saying, “We are the church.”
She was struggling with pain, and we shared the understanding that our sufferings united with the suffering of Christ is for our salvation, that of our families and the universal salvation of all. She mentioned the cross and its consolation. I asked if she had a cross with her. She did not, so I gave her a rosary, which had a fine cross on it.
She accepted it graciously, and I alluded to the bronze serpent in Exodus and how when the Israelites were bitten by a serpent, they had merely to look on this prefiguration of the cross and they were cured. The cross gives us much consolation when we are suffering.
I left that morning’s experience with a new realization of and the wonder of what unifies us all in the Body of Christ. I have been active in the Canora Ministerial Association for the better part of 50 years, but I had never realized how deeply we are ONE in the Church. My smug Catholic attitude of earlier years had changed to a new realization of Christ’s presence in the universal church.
Critical epilepsy drug now covered in Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan residents living with epilepsy will now have another medication available for their treatment. Beginning May 1, the Government of Saskatchewan is adding the antiseizure medica-tion Xcopri to the Saskatchewan Formulary to treat patients with epilepsy.
“Individuals living with epilepsy and the specialists who care for them have been calling for access to this medication. We’re proud to respond to that call,” Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill said in a release. “This drug offers real hope to people struggling with uncontrolled seizures. It could mean fewer hospital visits, fewer surgeries, and a better quality of life.”
Epilepsy is a chronic disease characterized by seizures. The cause of epilepsy can include infec-tions, genetics, trauma, stroke and tumors.
Xcopri is an epilepsy medication that is used along with other medications to manage seizures that are not controlled with other therapies. Approximately 10,500 people in Saskatchewan live with epilepsy. It’s estimated about 100 people could benefit from this medication in the first year of cov-erage.
“XCopri has shown it has the potential to reduce/ control seizures, even for a
demographic that has historically struggled with seizure control,” Epilepsy Saskatoon President Lori Newman said. “By having the government add XCopri to the Saskatchewan Formulary, tangible hope exists for peo-ple living with epilepsy that their doctor now has unimpeded access to prescribe a new medicationone that has the power to be lifechanging.”
Drug funding decisions in Saskatchewan are informed through a rigorous review process that in-cludes medication assessment through Canada’s Drug Agency, the provincial Drug Advisory Committee of Saskatchewan, and manufacturer pricing negotiations with the pan-Canadian Pharmaceutical Alliance (pCPA). Saskatchewan is a member of the pCPA and works collaboratively with other provinces and territories to achieve better value for the publicly funded drug plans as well as patients.
The Saskatchewan Formulary offers a variety of medications that may be appropriate for epilepsy patients. Patients are encouraged to discuss their medication needs with their health care provider. Criteria for coverage of Xcopri is listed on the Saskatchewan Formulary.
Shir ley Eileen Mossing (née Claffey)
Shir ley Eileen Mossing passed away peacefully in the comfor t of her room with family by her side on Sunday May 4, 2025, at Sage Hill Retirement Residence in Calgar y, Alber ta, at the age of 82 years Shir ley was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, co-wor ker and forever fr iend She had many passions throughout her life, one of which was music She loved to enter tain and sang with the voice of an angel As an avid spor ts fan Shir ley rarely missed a Roughr ider or Blue Jays game and if one of her children or grandchildren were par ticipating, whether it was hockey, baseball, softball, volleyball or football, she was their biggest cheer leader Oh, how she loved to watch them play! Shir ley was also a dedicated member of her church and communit y and loved to share her wonderful gifts of hospitalit y and conversation
Shir ley is sur vived by her sons Rodney and Steven Mossing, daughter Leanne Thompson (Doug), grandchildren Stephanie (Matthew), Joshua (Jazlyn) and Jeffrey (Adr ienne) Thompson She is also remembered by her sisters-in-law Myr t Lillejord and Judy Baggett and brother-in-law Bill Blackwell as well as by numerous nieces and nephews Shir ley is predeceased by her husband Allan Mossing, parents Br uce and Marjor ie Claffey, brother Duane Claffey, and sister Donna Ion Shir ley lived a wonderful life full of music and laughter and was loved deeply by all who knew her She will be forever in our hear ts A Celebration of Shir ley’s Life will be held at Car lyle United Church in Car lyle, Saskatchewan on Sunday, June 15, 2025 at 2:00 p m Memor ial donations may be made directly to the Canadian Cancer Societ y at cancer ca or to Car lyle United Church at PO Box 220 Car lyle SK S0C 0R0 Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded to the family via the website www fostersgardenchapel ca
conditions, please consult the Association's Blanket Advertising Conditions on our website at www swna com
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SALE for ESTATE of TREVOR HALL 613 Henr y St Estevan, Sk Saturday, May 24, 2025 10 AM includes: por table scaffold; Master Craft por table tool boxes (3); wrench sets; power tools; roller
MOVING SALE for RANDY and SUSAN OLNEY
BIENFAIT,SK Shop #5 on Industr ial Road, East side of Bienfait on South side of Hwy #18 Saturday, June 7, 2025 10 AM includes: 2018 Rainbow flatdeck tilt car trailer-6 5'x18' 5000lb axles; 36' fifth wheel flatdeck w/
trailer-6 5'x16'; 2023 utilit y trailer w/dump
trailr t w/turf tires; [3] honda generators; 6 KW Cat generator w/pancake generator set up; 35' Sea Can with double generators JD 150 KW and 125KW; 6 x8 steel shed; [4] tool boxes plus Yellow DeWalt w/some tools; commercial shop air compressor ; power and shop tools' Polar is side by side; E-Z Go 10 golf car t; firear ms safe; model
cars/tr ucks/helicopters; yard sprayer ; [2]
fr idges; tables; sofas; 7 person hot tub; misc
items and fur niture;
HIRING: Person to COOK & CLEAN for heavy (road) construction camp this upcoming season. Current location is near Saskatoon, SK. Must have valid driver’s license and safe food handling ticket. Experience in camp setting with 20-30 crew, an asset. Send resume with two work references to: Bryden Construction, Box 100, Aroborfield, SK., S0E 0A0 brydenconstruct@ xplornet.ca or fax 306-769-8844 www.bryden constructionand transport.ca
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Long fish
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Play wright ’s offering
Soft mineral
Fan’sfavorite
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33. Justly 34. Cedar,e.g
38. Adjusts
40. Giftreceiver
41. Shaggy ox
44. Beer containers
46. Ramble
47. Ballet skirt
48. Fawn’s father
49. Sailor’s domain
ACROSS
ACROSS
1. Broadway bust
1. Broadway bust
5. Drill attachment
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12. Deputy
13. Important timespan
12.Deputy
14. Role model
13. Impor tant timespan
15.Harness-racing gait
14. Role model
16.Jumped the track
15. Harness-racing gait
18. More uncanny
20. Orchestra
21. Trampled
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23. Bind again
27. Monarch
30. Findasum
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31. Set of two
32. Clever
20. Orchestra
35.Firefuel
21. Trampled
36. BPOE member
37. Wonder
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39. Wanting 42. Old
43. Furniture wood 45._ _and flowers
30. Find asum 31. Setoftwo
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53. Sulk
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55. Sal, forexample
56. Solong, in Liverpool: 2wds.
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58. Have alook-see 59.Self-satisfied
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56. So long,in Liverpool: 2wds
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LIBRA Youmay feel abit on edge and sensitive this week.Itmay be time to consider makingsomechanges.Rebuildingcertain aspectsofyourlifewill helpcreatea stronger foundationoncethingssettledown.
58. Have alook-see
59.Self-satisfied DOWN
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HOWTOPLAY:
Fill in the grid so thatevery row, every column and every 3x3 box containsthe numbers 1through 9only once.
Each 3x3 boxisoutlined with a darker line. Youalreadyhavea few numbers to getyou started Remember: you must not repeat the numbers 1through9inthe same line, column or 3x3 box.
SCORPIO
Youmuststrivefor harmony bothatwork and at hom e. In yo ur lo ve lif e, wo rk on reigniting passion to keep theflamealive. If you’re single,it’stimetoactivelyseek your soulmate
SAGITTARIUS
Nowisa great time to starta new,healthy diet.You’llsee positivechanges quickly, and your friendsand family will likelywant to followyourexample and seeresults of theirown
CAPRICORN
You’ll stand outinagroup or work environment this week.You’llfeel justifiably proudofyourcourageous actions, which will strengthen your reputation and solidifyyourposition.
AQUARIUS
Youmay spontaneouslydecidetorelocate.Despite thesudden nature of this ch ang ea nd as hor ta ge of av ai la bl e accommodations, you’ll findsomewhere to livethat’s bettersuitedtoyourfamily’s needs.
PISCES
You’ll havemany exciting storiestoshare th is we ek .I ma gi ne del iv er in ga sp eec h that earns astandingovation.You’llalso receiveprofessional supporttohelpyou navigateatrickyfinancialsituation.
PUZZLE NO. 289