August 10, 2023

Council Asked to Approve Lane Closure on Centennial Drive

North to Accommodate Annual Show n’ Shine Event

Once again, Martensville will be host to anywhere from 80-110 classic cars and trucks for the annual A&W 100 Show n’ Shine, which will take place on Saturday, September 9th prior to the A&W 100 Valley Street Stock race at the Sutherland Automotive Speedway.

The Show n’ Shine typically takes place from 9am-3pm and utilizes Centennial Drive North, as well as the parking lots of several businesses along the roadway for vehicles to be displayed. Due to this, Council was asked to approve the temporary closure of lanes on the street to accommodate this event.

“With additional commercial businesses on Centennial Drive, there has been an increase in traffic going into and out of businesses and down Centennial Drive, as well as pedestrian traffic. Development on both sides of Centennial has made lane closure/traffic control a challenge for the event, but has been done successfully and safely to date with businesses welcoming the event as long as accesses are not blocked off,” Community Economic Development Manager Dillon Shewchuk explained in the report to Council.

The closure of the street for the event is operated by the Public Works Department, who would plan the closure and provide recommendations for traffic/access control, and Shewchuk noted that both the RCMP and the Martensville Fire Department would be notified of the closure.

Council Discusses SaskEnergy Surcharge Program

Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

Martensville City met for their monthly Committee of the Whole meeting on Tuesday, August 8th where a number of topics were discussed.

The first item on the agenda was a Request for Direction from Director of Corporate Services Leah Bloomquist regarding a SaskEnergy Municipal Surcharge. Bloomquist provided Council with a report explaining the surcharge, which noted that the Government of Saskatchewan re-introduced the SaskEnergy Municipal Surcharge program in 2018 after a brief elimination from the program. At that time, the City of Martensville decided to opt into the program, and the City now has to decide if they want to remain in the program, or opt out. With this program, SaskEnergy collects 5% of natural gas sales from customers in participating municipalities and remits that to the municipality monthly.

“Amounts vary year over year since it is a percentage of consumption, however, on average, the City of Martensville receives $181,000 annually. This is treated as unrestricted operating revenue in the City’s budget,” Bloomquist explained.

If decided to opt out, the City would see a shortfall in their operating revenue, which Bloomquist stated could be recovered by increasing property tax revenue 2.01% in 2024. An average residential property with a taxable assessment of $300,000 would be; $48.00 per year if the increase is applied through the mill rate or $50.00 per year if the increase is applied through the base tax.

“This is an average only. If the increase is applied through the mill rate, then properties with higher than average assessments will be more significantly impacted,” the report from Bloomquist stated.

Another option would be that Council could task Administration with cutting expenses in the next budget by $181,000.

If decided to opt out of this program, the City of Martensville would also lose revenue for the final four months of 2023, which would mean they would be required to reduce spending, or fund any shortfalls through the Municipal Contingency Reserve.

If eliminated, there would be a reduction in energy bills for residents and businesses within the community.

A decision on this matter is required by September 1, 2023.

Corman Park Issues Fire Restrictions Due to Dry Conditions

Effective August 4, 2023 there is a fire restriction in place within the Rural Municipality of Corman Park due to the current dry conditions.

This restriction does not allow for the use of any open flame fires to be lit within the RM until the restriction is lifted. All fires that are larger than 0.5 meters in size within the RM are banned, which requires all outdoor fires that were burning at the time of the restriction to be extinguished. The ban includes burning barrels, controlled burns, and fireworks with the only exceptions being internal household fireplaces, small campfires less than 0.5 meters in size, gas fueled equipment such as propane barbeque or propane fire pits.

This fire restriction does not affect the City of Martensville.

ABOVE: Members of the Martensville Fire Department attended the Martensville Library’s Story Time in the Park on Thursday, August 3rd. Those attending had the opportunity to take a tour of the truck and see firefighters in all of their gear. All kids with bike helmets were given coupons as part of the MFD Bike Safety Program. (Martensville Library)

Residential Fire - Related Regulations

Martensville Fire Department would like to take this opportunity to remind everyone to take care and be mindful of the regulations for Residential Outdoor Fire Pits, Barbeques, and Fireworks to ensure the safety of themselves and others in our community.

Regulations include:

Fires must be contained within a non-combustible fire box constructed of material such as cement, brick or metal and covered with a heavy gauge screen and be at least 3m from combustible materials (fences, buildings etc)

- The burning of rubbish, leaves or clippings is prohibited

- Outdoor fires must be supervised and should be extinguished when finished

Keep a garden hose, pails of water or a source to extinguish a fire nearby

- No permit is required for private fireworks display but those fireworks must be set off in a manner that would not create danger or nuisance to neighbors

- No person under the age of 18 shall set off fireworks

- Ensure you have the civic address of your residence prominently displayed in the event of fire or emergency; this is to ensure responders can clearly identify your home

For a complete list of regulations please visit martensville.ca or contact the Fire Department.

Organics/Green Bin Program is Underway

The City of Martensville offers a Green Bin program through Loraas Organics. This service is by subscription.

Pick-up of the Green Bins will have regular scheduled bi-weekly collection alternating between North/South Martensville and commenced in May and runs until the end of October Pick-up takes place on Tuesdays.

The pick-up schedule can be viewed at Martensville.ca

For information or to sign up for this program contact the Utility Clerk at City Hall.

Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day – August 19th

The City of Martensville will be holding a Hazardous Household Waste (HHW) Collection Day on Saturday, August 19, 2023, from 9:30am to 3:30pm in the parking lot of the Martensville Sports Centre.

This event will give residents of Martensville the opportunity to dispose of a variety of hazardous household waste and chemicals that cannot be disposed of in the regular garbage or recycling collection. Improper disposal of hazardous household waste can result in contamination of the environment, including waterways and greenspaces within the City. Visit Martensville.ca, under waste and recycling for a full list of items that can be disposed of at HHW Collection Day.

Saskatchewan Continues To Invest In Health Care Opportunities As Students Head Back To School

The Government of Saskatchewan continues to incentivize health care training opportunities for Saskatchewan students and graduates as a main pillar of the four point Health Human Resources (HHR) Action Plan.

The 2023-24 academic year will increase access to educational opportunities for students interested in a health care career by providing approximately 550 new training seats in 18 high demand health occupations, an expansion announced earlier this year. This initiative builds upon the addition of 150 nursing seats announced in 2022.

"Saskatchewan is a great place to train and build a career in health care," Health Minister Paul Merriman said. "As we prepare for the upcoming school year, our government continues to prioritize enhancing opportunities to train more health-care professionals here at home and help them succeed."

New training opportunities are being offered to Indigenous students including a Phlebotomy (blood collection) Program and an Indigenous Birth Support Worker Program now available at Gabriel Dumont Institute. Further, the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies is offering more seats in 2023 for the Health Care Aid Program in Prince Albert.

The College of Medicine at the University of Saskatchewan recently announced expanding the upcoming fall 2023 intake of medical students to the undergraduate program by four seats. This will increase the total number of seats from 100 to 104, with further plans to reach 108 seats next year.

Financial supports are available to domestic students and graduates pursuing a career in health care, including forgivable loans, bursaries and recruitment incentives to stay in Saskatchewan following graduation.

The Final Clinical Placement Bursary program available to students in eligible health disciplines has seen a high uptake, with 100 bursaries approved since April. Applications are open until September 30, 2023.

Training bursaries were recently announced for students and new graduates of paramedic programs who commit to joining Emergency Medical Services (EMS) in Saskatchewan.

Additional educational opportunities include seats secured through interprovincial training agreements. Saskatchewan students will be able to access 15 seats at the University of Alberta in the Speech Language Pathology program and four

Landscaping or Working on your Property this Summer?Things You Should Know

To eliminate damages to public properties, the City has created the Access to Private Property Through Open Spaces Bylaw.

Permit required - Any person or business that will be driving a vehicle or equipment over city open space to access private property are now required to apply for a permit before gaining access. A permit is also required if the work will require storage of material or equipment in an open area.

If you require access to your property through a public space, buffer or park, please contact City Hall before doing so.

Please consult the Bylaw for more information or contact City Hall if you have questions before starting your project.

August Council Meeting Dates

Please Note: Council Meetings may be attended in person, guests may wear a mask if desired within Council Chambers. Those still wishing to attend but would wish to do so virtually should contact the City Clerk or visit the online agenda for the link to attend.

August 15th – Regular Council Meeting

All Meetings are located at Martensville City Hall Council Chambers - Martensville City Hall - 37 Centennial Dr. S.All meetings commence at 5 PM.

Those wishing to address or do a presentation to Council must be placed on the agenda. To be placed on the agenda please contact the City Clerk’s office at City Hall or visit the website for details.

The full Council and Committee of the Whole Schedule can be obtained at martensville.ca

Reminder to Clean-Up after Our Pets

Please be reminded to clean up after our pets on the pathways and the off-leash dog park. The mess can be potentially harmful to other pets, exposing them to parvovirus and these public spaces are for everyone to enjoy. Remember to bring along a baggy or use one of the baggy stations located along the pathways and dispose of the mess properly.

Recreation Program Update

The Fall Program Guide is now available on Martensville.ca and will hit local mailboxes on August 11th. View the guide to see what programs and events are coming up this Fall.

The Fall Monster Garage Sale takes place on September 15th -16th. The registration fee is $5 and includes your address listed on the flyer along with the map of Martensville, balloons, and a Monster Garage Sale sign. Flyers will be available for pick up at gas stations, the MAP, and City Hall.

Culture Days is September 22-October 15th. Culture Days is FREE to attend, and offers fun and engaging activities – both in-person and digital - suited to all ages and abilities. Full schedule of Culture Days events will be coming in August.

seats secured at the British Columbia Institute of Technology in the Environmental Public Health program.

Work is ongoing on multiple initiatives of Saskatchewan's HHR Action Plan to recruit, train, incentivize and retain more health-care workers with progress being made in key areas.

HHR Progress Update Highlights

• The Saskatchewan Health Authority has had great success connecting with nursing students and recent graduates to promote employment opportunities. Since December 2022, the SHA has hired more than 560 new graduates from the province and across Canada.

• Almost 170 positions are now filled of the 250 new and enhanced permanent full-time positions targeted to stabilize staffing in rural and remote areas of the province.

• The Rural and Remote Recruitment Incentive of up to $50,000 available to new employees in nine high priority classifications in 53 rural and remote areas continues to see much interest, with nearly 140 incentives conditionally approved to date.

• In late August, Saskatchewan will begin implementing an accelerated, streamlined pathway for internationally-educated nurses that shortens licensure timeframes from months to 14 weeks. Nurse recruits from abroad will be supported through the process, from recruitment through to their work placements and settlement in a new community.

• The first 10 of the 400 Registered Nurses (RNs) with conditional offers from the Philippines arrived to Saskatchewan in July and are participating in clinical training. Once clinical training is complete these RNs will be eligible for licensure and ready to begin working in Saskatchewan's health system.

• Nineteen Continuing Care Assistants (CCAs) and two Medical Laboratory Assistants (MLAs) from the Philippines arrived earlier in 2023 and are working in communities across the province, particularly rural and remote locations.

Details on health care opportunities, how to access them and more information on the province's HHR Action Plan are available at saskatchewan.ca/ HHR.

ABOVE: The Sask Five Giants U13AAA team were successful in bringing home the title of Provincial Champions this past weekend after coming out on top in their final match-up against the Saskatoon 8th St. Panago Pizza Cardinals with a win of 13-9. The team is now preparing for Westerns, which will be taking place in two weeks. The team will be representing their province in the tournament, which will take place in Fort McMurray. (Sask Five Giants U13 AAA)

Registration Open for 2023/24 Valley Soccer Association Season

The Valley Soccer Association has a wide array of activities available throughout the year, offering both indoor and outdoor options, depending on the season. They also have both recreational or competitive soccer, so there is something for everyone.

The 2023/24 indoor season is now available for registration, which runs from mid-October to mid-March with practices and games held in either Martensville or Warman. Players will be placed on a team for one play time per week, and there is also the option to take on an additional training session per week that will be led by a VSA Technical Team member for an extra cost.

The schedule for the season is: U5 - Monday ($225), U7 - Wednesday ($225), U9 - Tuesday ($250), U11 – Thursday ($275), U13 – Monday ($300) and U15 –Wednesday ($300).

The VSA is also looking for coaches and referees to help make the season as successful as possible. Coaches will receive mandatory training, and have the option to access additional Coach Training Seminars.

The VSA has Adult Summer Recreational Drop-In Soccer that takes place every Saturday from 7pm-8:30pm at Arthur Neufeld Soccer Field, which is for players U15 or older at no cost. Teams will be made up of players that attend each week. For more information about VSA, visit https://www.valleysoccer.ca/ or follow them on social media.

Registration Now Open for Martensville Curling Club 2023/24 Season

The Martensville Curling Club is gearing up for another successful year on the ice, with registration for the 2023-24 season now open. There is a wide variety of options available, with someone for all skill levels provided.

Options for the upcoming season include:

• Monday – Open League at 6:45pm and Doubles League at 9pm

• Tuesday – Daytime League at 10am, Modified Mixed League 6:45pm and Social League 9pm

• Wednesday – Daytime League 1pm and Men’s League 6:45pm & 9pm

• Thursday – Open League 6:45pm and 9pm

There will also be a Junior Learn to Curl program available for ages 8 and up, with more details being provided on this opportunity at a later date.

Visit www.martensvillecurlingclub.com for more information or to register for the 2023/24 season.

Editor/Office Manager: Shanine Sealey ssealey@martensvillemessenger.ca Editor/Ad Design: Jocelyn Ottenbreit jottenbreit@martensvillemessenger.ca

Opening of Primary Health Center Expands Access to Services in Warman

Residents of Warman will soon have expanded access to primary health care services in their community. Patients seeking a provider will be able to visit the Warman Primary Health Center for high-quality, comprehensive and compassionate care.

Health Minister Paul Merriman and Andrew Will, Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) CEO will be on hand to mark the impending opening of the center.

The health center is a significant addition to patient care in the region and reflects the government's commitment to enhancing health care services in Saskatchewan.

"This new primary care center will provide the community with additional options close to home, resulting in continuous and timely access to a range of health services,” Terry Jenson, MLA for Martensville-Warman said. “Our government made a commitment to expanding health services in Warman and the opening of this facility is a major step forward in fulfilling that promise."

Health care services available at the center will be provided by a team of experienced nurse practitioners.

Nurse practitioners are qualified to provide the following services:

• general health assessments, physical examinations and ordering of diagnostic tests;

• diagnosis and treatment of common acute illnesses and injuries;

• chronic disease management, including diabetes, hypertension and asthma;

• immunizations and vaccinations for both children and adults;

• prescribing medications and prescription renewals;

• women's health services, including exams and family planning;

• health promotion and disease prevention counseling;

• mental health support and counselling;

• referrals to specialists and other healthcare providers.

"This health center aligns with our key priorities and commitment in ensuring Saskatchewan residents receive the best health care as close to home as possible," SHA CEO Andrew Will said. "Residents in Warman and the surrounding area will have expanded access to treatment and diagnosis, as well as have ongoing monitoring and support from their local care team."

The addition of this clinic significantly enhances the Saskatchewan Health Authority's ability to deliver team-based collaborative primary health care. The Warman Primary Health Center will employ three full-time nurse practitioners and two clinical assistants.

The clinic will initially open with a limited number of appointments starting the week of August 8. Appointment availability will increase through the month as staff training and orientation concludes, operating Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Appointments can be booked by calling the clinic at 306-844-4380, beginning August 4 at 9 a.m.

Martensville Youth Connection Helping to Keep Local Youth Busy Throughout the Summer Months

Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

Martensville Youth Connection is always looking for new ways to keep the local youth engaged and active, and new opportunities to raise funds to help ensure this program continues to operate within the community.

This week, the group met at Paws Republic on Tuesday, at the Martensville Aquatic Centre on Wednesday where the first 10 youth to sign up get in for free and get $5 worth of concession snacks and on Thursday, the MYC meet to play Bingo at the Martensville Care Home.

The MYC is a free, not-for profit program and therefore is often in need of certain items, which they post on social media for anyone that is interested in helping to support them. Most recently, the wish-list consisted of: suduko, crosswords, word find and other puzzle books for seniors; paper confetti, slime-making materials such as Gillette shaving cream, borax and soap, journals, pool toys such as floaties, throwing rings, beach balls, etc., fidgets, and self-care items.

On August 16th, there will be a Martensville Youth Connection Golf Day taking place thanks to the support of The Legends Golf Club, Direct fencing Supply and the City of Martensville Sask Lottery Community Grant Program. This event will give MYC the opportunity to host an evening of golf for youth ages 10-17. There are only ten spots available for this event, so be sure to register ASAP.

There will also be a golf tournament held in support of youth mental health at The Legends Golf Course in Warman on Friday, September 15th for an 18-hole ‘best ball’ tournament. Funds raised through this event will go towards supporting Possibilities Recovery Centre youth mental health programs, which includes MYC.

You can register for this event by visiting: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/brighterfuture-golf-tournament-for-youth-mental-health-tickets-633626372537?aff=ebdssbca tegorybrowse&_gl=1*f0rzik*_up*MQ..&gclid=Cj0KCQjwtO-kBhDIARIsAL6Lorfl K2OXugMvOIcl451HgSp1wXTHRs3gfr92NnvgzFwbcuv-PFODa-kaAqGEEALw_ wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

Organizers are currently looking for support from local businesses/individuals that would be interested in donating items for the silent auction. Contact Katie@ possibilitiesrecovery.ca if you are interested in donating to this amazing cause. More information about the MYC events and programs can be found by visiting https://linktr.ee/martensvilleyouthconnection, or by following them on social media.

Had this been your ad, people would have noticed it.

Lack of Government Accountability a Big Problem

The unwillingness of politicians and bureaucrats to be held accountable for the spending of our tax dollars is becoming rather alarming. Reasons for such concern at the municipal, provincial and federal level are all too numerous of late, although many will argue that this has always been the case, but it does seem especially bad lately, as we saw with the recent dump of Crown annual reports.

The Crown Investment Corp. (Saskatchewan’s holding company for our public utilities) made a paltry $7.4 million in 2022-23 consolidated net earnings compared with $361 million in 2021-22. According to this year’s CIC report, those consolidated earnings were “$242.5 million under target.”

It’s a massive blow to the Crowns, and government that somewhat relies on Crown dividends to supplement the running of line departments. (Perhaps one place where we have become more accountable, and there have been positive advancements since the low ebb of accountability in the 1980s, is the Saskatchewan Party government’s decision to move away from general revenue fund budgeting that allowed the previous NDP government to use Crown surpluses to claim the books were balanced.)

According to the CIC report, the biggest reason for the CIC’s profit decline is “a $172.1-million loss at SaskPower, which was a result of increased fuel costs driven by improved economic conditions.”

Higher natural gas prices and increased coal burning was “also contributing to the decrease in earnings: along with “increased storm maintenance and overhaul costs, small modular reactor feasibility studies, and higher interest rates on debt”.

As for other major Crowns: SaskTel made $104 million (about the same as the previous year); SaskEnergy, made $59 million in 2022-23 compared with $158 million in 2021-22; and SGI posted a $24-million profit, compared with $82 million in the previous year.

Crown Investment Corp. Minister Don Morgan did cite the same problems at SaskPower as mentioned in the report and “more frequent severe weather events, inflation, supply chain pressures, and labour market issues” that cut into SGI’s profits.

Unfortunately, we’ll just have to take his word for this because there was no chance this year to question Crown officials as is done every other year. In fact, there really wasn’t even an opportunity for reporters to peruse or ask technical questions in advance this year. As noted by NDP Opposition leader Carla Beck: “There were no news releases no technical briefings for journalists and it meant no press conferences.”

The “reason” for this is because the province is in the middle of three byelections; two in Regina and one just outside Regina; where Elections Saskatchewan rules has rules about government advertising or using the avails of office to promote itself, but this is largely a silly excuse to skirt accountability.

The Crown annual reports could have and should have been released one or two months before the byelections as they normally are, but even so, news conferences or briefings could still have been held in Saskatoon or outside Regina during the byelection.

That would have been the accountable thing to do and government accountability is something we’re not seeing anywhere these days.

Regina City Council has just received a $90,000 consultant’s report saying it was really no one’s fault (except perhaps for a junior employee of Regina Exhibition Associated Ltd.) that senior managers allowed the launch of the failed $30,000 “Show us your Regina” Experience Regina tourism campaign.

Across the lake at the legislature, no one is to blame for the $11.6-million out-of-court settlement of a lawsuit by Brandt Properties that thought it had the authority from someone in the Sask. Party government to start building a four-storey office complex in Wascana Centre.

Like the Global Transportation Hub land flip or the $1.6-billion Regina bypass, no one is being held to account. This seems to be the trend of late.

Counselling Corner Expands to New Location

The Counselling Corner has relocated to a new location at 402A-1st Ave S right next to Bubble Bee Coffee House in Martensville! The decision to relocate was to secure more permanent offices while also ensuring a strong location for the community of Martensville to access. Having Bubble Bee Coffee House right next door also allows parents bringing their children and youth an option to have a coffee, etc. while waiting for their child. The offices provide access to privacy and confidentiality within a comfortable setting.

The Counselling Corner Office was initially established by Wendy Kritzer in August 2012 in Martensville, Sask. The need for providing services to our community was apparent and it was not long before the first office was full which lead to adding two more offices to the community of Martensville. The Counselling Corner in Martensville now has three amazing and experienced Counsellors seeing children, youth, adults, couples, and families within the community.

In Martensville, we have Chantal Gelinas BSW, RSW, who works with individuals aged 5 and up as well as adults in the following areas: Anxiety, Stress, Depression, Self-Harming Behaviours, Grief and Loss, SelfEsteem, Self Growth and Empowerment, Anger Management, Parent and Teen Conflict, Social Skills, Coping Skills, Learning Disabilities, Self-Care, Self-Regulation, Boundary Setting, Life Transitions, Peer Relationships, Behaviour Issues and is DBT Certified. Chantal offers day, evening and weekend appointments. In person, virtual, and phone appointments are available at 306-202-9019, or email thecounsellingcorner6@outlook.com.

As well in Martensville, Tamara Krasowski BSW, RSW, works with individuals aged 14 and up as well as adults in the following areas: Couples Counselling, Separation and Divorce, Relationships, Complicated Grief, Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, Anger Management, Stress Management, Workplace Stress, and Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD) – group and individual debriefings. Tamara offers day, evening, and weekend appointments. For in person, virtual, and phone appointments, call 306-621-3912, or email thecounsellingcorner9@ outlook.com

Finally in Martensville, Wendy Kritzer, BSW, MSW, RSW, SEP, works with individuals aged 5 and up as well as adults in the following areas: Trauma Therapy (Somatic Experiencing Practitioner/SEP), Anxiety (Generalized or Social), Depression, Grief and Loss, Self Confidence/Self-Esteem, Women’s Issues, SelfHarming Behaviors, Social Skills, Anger Management, Child and Adolescent Issues, Separation/Divorce, Parenting/Co-parenting Issues, Parent and Teen Conflict, Couples Counselling, Blended Families, Self-Growth and Empowerment, Managing Stress, Communication Skills for Couples or Family Members, Self-Care, SelfRegulation, Boundary Setting, Trust, and individuals challenged and crippled by a loved one who struggles with a mental health difficulty. Wendy offers day appointments, in-Person, virtual, and phone appointments at 306-2704178, or by emailing thecounsellingcorner1@outlook.com

The Counselling Corner also expanded to Warman to continue to meet the needs of our surrounding communities. We have Dawna Niessen running the Warman Counselling Corner Office. Dawna, BA BSW RSW CCTP, works with children (aged 5+), teenagers, adults, couples, and families, in the following areas: Relationship Problems / Conflict Resolution / Couples Counselling, Personality Disorders, particularly Narcissistic Personality Disorder/Narcissism, Bipolar Disorder/Mood Disorders, Schizophrenia Spectrum/Schizoaffective Disorder/ Psychotic Disorders, Intellectual Disabilities/Neurological Disabilities – teach behavioural strategies/tools; coping strategies/parenting support, Anxiety and Depressive Disorders, including workplace stress, ObsessiveCompulsive Disorders, Stress-Related Disorders, Trauma – sexual, physical, psychological abuse, anger issues (Trauma Treatment Certified Therapist (CCTP)), Grief and Loss, Substance-Related and Addictive Disorders, and Eating Disorders. Dawna offers Day, Evening and Saturday appointments, in person, virtual, and phone appointments at 306380-2370 or by emailing thecounsellingcorner14@outlook.com All of The Counselling Corner Offices are taking new clients and we look forward to meeting your needs. Please call 306270-4178 with any questions or if you are interested in booking an appointment!

306-244-4950 Martensville, SK

Highway Construction Updates in the Area

Construction throughout the summer is a regular sight in Saskatchewan, and locally, there will be some construction delays taking place.

Beginning the week of August 7th, there is a highway project taking place on Highways 4 and 12 in the vicinity of Martensville, Waldheim and Swift Current. This project will include work on Highway 12 from 11.3 kms north of its junction with Highway 11 to 0.25 kms south of its junction with Highway 312 and from 0.61 km north of the Waldheim access road to 13.11 km north of the Waldheim Access Road.

The roadwork on Highway 12 will be done first, and once complete, the work on Highway 4 will begin. All work on this project is expected to be complete by August 31st. Work will consist of 92.10 kilometers of rejuvenator fog seal application.

Traffic through the work zone is anticipated to include reduced speeds of 60km/ hr and one-way traffic with the use of flaggers and a pilot vehicle.

The estimated cost of this project is $971,417 including materials, construction, engineering and PST.

Work is also being done on Highway 16 to construct a reduced collision U-turn intersection at the Dalmeny access road. The area has speed limits reduced to 60 km/hr and Northwest traffic is limited to one lane. There is a distance of 1.8kms affected by this construction, with an estimated cost of $5.8 million. This project is expected to be complete by September 30th.

Sunnyside Dairy Holds Annual Perogyfest Music Festival

Jocelyn Ottenbreit, Martensville Messenger

Bas and Martha Froese-Kooijenga, owners of Sunnyside Dairy and Farmyard Market are located just a few miles north of Martensville off highway 12. They provide home-grown, farm-fresh food and milk on tap.

They held their annual Milk and Cookie Day followed by their Perogyfest Music Festival on Saturday, August 5th.

Starting at 10am, this free family fun event started with milk and cookies provided along with Sprinkles the clown, Dan the caricature artist, and a chance to see the cows, calves, rabbits and pigs that were waiting to say hello. Burgers, hot dogs, pop and coffee were available for purchase with live music provided by Gopherbroke.

The Perogyfest Music Festival started with a perogy supper at 5pm. This Mennonite style meal consisted of two options of perogies, Saskatoon berry or potato and cheddar, Schmaunt fat (farmer sausage drippings and heavy cream gravy) over the verenike which are made with Sunnyside cottage cheese, fried onions, cooked Riverbend carrots and peas, and farmer sausage made by Carmen Corner Meats. Dessert included Springside farm Saskatoon/Raspberry platz with whipped cream and a glass of Sunnyside milk.

Everyone was reminded to bring their lawn chairs and pit in for the rest of the evening with the music festival starting at 7pm. The Seahags, Terry Pugh, and the Karpinka Brothers gave a show to remember!

“We want to take a moment to thank everyone who helped to make Perogyfest a huge success. Big thanks to our amazing staff and family who helped us pull this off in spite of a few hiccups here and there! Thank you all. Your help was so much appreciated,” said Froese-Kooijenga.

“Then the outstanding performances and what a treat that was! The Seahags, Terry Pugh, and the Karpinkas all did a phenomenal job, a really well-done show.

Thanks to you all! It was a beautiful summer evening and an opportunity for everyone to hook up with family, friends, and neighbours to enjoy some great music and food. It felt as much like a post Covid reunion as it did a festival.”

“Thanks for coming and hope y’all enjoyed it. See you next year!”

ABOVE: The Seahags perform at the annual Perogyfest Music Festival. Facebook