Times
Last Mountain Serving The Last Mountain Area Since 1908
Volume 103, No 9
Publishers Lance and Vicki Cornwell Box 340, Nokomis, SK. S0G 3R0
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Hand-held cellphones now prohibited Motorists are reminded that the new cellphone law came into effect in Saskatchewan starting January 1. The law prohibits all drivers from using hand-held cellphones to talk, text, email or surf the Internet while driving. Under the new legislation, experienced drivers will be allowed to use hands-free devices while driving. New drivers, meaning drivers in Saskatchewan’s Graduated Driver’s Licensing program, cannot use cellphones of any type while driving a motor vehicle. Drivers who are charged under the new law will face a penalty of $280 and four demerit points under the Safe Driver Recognition and Driver Improvement programs. In Saskatchewan, driver distraction is the most cited contributory factor in all collisions, accounting for nearly 25 per cent of all factors reported.
A classic winter scene of a church framed by hoar frost on a crisp winter day. The church is Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Govan. According to the Town of Govan website, the first service in the new church was held on December 8, 1910. Nearly 99 years to the day later, Govan resident and Last Mountain Times graphic designer Teri Degenstien snapped this photo from her front yard.
Economy could get Police investigate break-in and hit-and-run stronger in 2010 After ending 2009 with a new record population and the lowest unemployment rate in Canada, the province’s Sask Party government is forecasting to start the next decade with the strongest economic growth record in the country in 2010. Enterprise Saskatchewan Minister Ken Cheveldayoff said while Saskatchewan was not immune from the economic downturn in 2009, it came through the recession very well compared to other provinces. “Saskatchewan had positive job creation in 2009 while most other provinces were losing jobs,” Cheveldayoff said. “Saskatoon and Regina had the
two lowest unemployment rates among Canadian cities. Saskatchewan’s population hit an all-time high and is growing at its fastest pace in over 50 years. There are more people and more jobs in Saskatchewan. People are earning more, and they are keeping more of what they earn, thanks to lower income and property taxes. All things considered, 2009 was a strong year for our province and its people, and 2010 should be even better.” Saskatchewan is expected to lead the country with an economic growth rate of 2.9 per cent in 2010, according to the average of nine leading economic forecasters.
See pages 10-13 for our special 2009 Year in Review section
RCMP at Lanigan are investigating several incidents that occurred this past December. During the afternoon of December 21, 2009 an unknown person entered a farm residence near Drake and was discovered in the house when the owner returned. The male suspect escaped from the scene in an older
model, gray two door car. The owner later discovered that several rings had gone missing from a jewelry box. The suspect is described as 6 feet tall, completely bald and clean shaven, with a tattoo on the neck, mid 30’s, Caucasian, and weighing approximately 250 lbs. Police are asking for the public’s
assistance in identifying and locating the suspect. During the evening of December 11, 2009, a vehicle was struck in a driveway on Queen street in Nokomis. The vehicle suffered damage to the passenger side taillight and frame around the taillight. Tire marks indicate that the vehicle left the scene
rapidly heading South bound towards Main street. A Ford mud flap was recovered at the scene of the collision. If you have any information on either of this incidents, please contact Lanigan RCMP at (306)365-1370 or, Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
New doctor for Strasbourg Although he has been on the job for several weeks already, the Saskatoon Health District last week ‘officially announced’ that Dr. Abdulkarim Dirie has been recruited to practice in Strasbourg at the Strasbourg and District Health Centre. Dr. Dirie replaces Dr. David Archer who left Strasbourg at the end of last August. “The Strasbourg and District Health Centre is thrilled with the successful recruitment of Dr. Dirie. We have devoted a great deal of time and energy to our efforts, and it is gratifying to see a positive outcome,” Health Centre chairperson Scott Hegglin said.
“I’m looking forward to serving the needs of residents of Strasbourg and neighboring communities,” Dr. Dirie said. “The Strasbourg and District Health Centre is a great example of primary health care focusing on prevention, education and treatment. I’m looking forward to being part of the team.” Dr. Dirie is a graduate of the Medical College of Somalia and the International Medical Graduate Program in Winnipeg, Manitoba. He comes to Strasbourg from a practice in Regina, and previously worked in Winnipeg, Crystal City and The Pas, Manitoba.