August 1, 2024 Digital Issue

• 109 Centennial Dr. N Martensville Message us on FB

Complete Automotive & Tire Service Centre/ ATV/UTV Parts & Repair • Journeyman Factory Trained Technicians • Easy Vehicle Repair & Accessory Financing Available

Open 7:30-5:30 Monday - Friday

FREE courtesy cars available

Call: 306.975.2140

Business as USUAL Located at BACK of building

MARTENSVILLE PHARMACY

Your City; Your Newspaper August 1, 2024

VOLUME NO. 18 - ISSUE 29

Monday-Friday 9-6 Saturday 10-3 Closed Sundays & Holidays

17 Centennial Drive North

Re-roofs New Construction Residential Commercial

306-931-2266

Over 12 Years Making Your Real Estate Dreams Come True!

Bay 4 #1 - 4th St S Martensville

www.infinitysalonandspa.ca for online booking

Locally Owned and Operated Celebrating Fifteen Years of Community

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591 Centennial Drive North - Martensville

JUST THINK...

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ABOVE: The Martensville Youth Connection meets at Heritage Park every Monday afternoon during the summer to discuss several important topics followed by learning some baseball skills. See more on Page 8. Photo Submitted.

Ph: 306-668-1093

WMBEXA 2017

BUSINESS OF THE YEAR RECIPIENT

WE SERVICE ALL BRANDS

Page 2 - AUGUST 1, 2024 - MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER

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

August 13th- Committee of the Whole August 20th- Regular Council Meeting All Meetings are located at Martensville City Hall Council Chambers at Martensville City Hall - 37 Centennial Dr. S. All meetings commence at 5 PM. Those wishing to address or present 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

Damage from the June 21st Storm?- Provincial Disaster Assistance Program Applications are Open The City of Martensville has been approved as an eligible assistance area by the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency, stemming from the June 21st storm. With approval, residents impacted by the June 21st storm are now eligible to make application under PDAP. Application is made directly to the Province. Applications forms are available at City Hall or can be filled or printed out on our website at: https://www.martensville.ca/pages/ provincial_disaster_assistance_program_information.html Residents must apply by December 22nd, 2024 to be eligible and are encouraged to apply as soon as possible to ensure prompt processing.

Property Tax Information- What you need to Know -Tax Notices have been mailed out. If anyone has not received their notice, they should contact City Hall. Ensure all contact information is up to date.

- Taxes are due July 31st, to avoid interest charges.

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.

Didn’t Get Your Notice?

If you have not received your tax notice or have questions, please contact City Hall directly and we will be pleased to assist.

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 form 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.

Ways to Pay - Taxes can be paid by cash, cheque, or debit at City Hall.

-Taxes can also be paid online through Banking Bill Payments, or by etransfers; for payments: payments@martensville.ca.

Please include address &/or roll number in the comment section along with an indication the payment is for taxes.

NEW- A credit card payment option is now available through ‘OptionPay’. Please note, that payments through OptionPay is subject to additional fees, administered by and paid directly to OptionPay. This service is available in person at City Hall or through Martensville.ca, Look for the ‘Pay My Bills’ icon.

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

Household Hazardous Waste Day – August 17th, 2024

Sculptors in the Park Explore, Experience, Enjoy, August 6th-16th The City of Martensville is hosting the Prairie Sculptors’ Association in a gathering of artists who will be creating art on-site from August 6th to 15th at the MAP. Meet with the sculptors as their works progress from ideas to finished pieces. The event includes workshops in various three-dimensional media.

The event will end with a showcase with dancers, music, and audience participation. We look forward to seeing you at Sculptors in the Park!

POLICE

BEAT

Residents will drive up and provide their materials to the workers on site who will direct those materials to the appropriate collection points. If possible, please have materials clearly marked and identified in containers or original packaging that will not spill or leak.

This program is for only local, residential use. Commercial, industrial, or farm chemicals/ waste will be accepted. For used motor oil, no container larger than 20L will be accepted to a maximum of 60L per resident.

Saskatoon Police Service Responds to Multiple Incidents Involving Bear Spray

Police responded to several incidents involving bear spray on Monday and one in the early morning hours of Tuesday.

At approximately 9:50 a.m. on July 22, 2024 police responded to 19th Street West and Avenue C South where a 24-year-old woman was suffering from the effects of bear pray. The victim was uncooperative and did not provide any further information.

At around 3:50 p.m. police responded to the 200 block of Avenue O South where it was found a 7-year-old male had been assaulted with bear spray by an unknown person.

At approximately 6:40 p.m. officers attended to the 400 block of Confederation Drive for a report of someone being bear sprayed. Upon arrival, the suspects had fled the scene and officers transported the victim home. Investigation is ongoing.

Also at approximately 6:40 p.m. police responded to the 100 block of 33rd Street West for a report of a bear spray incident. Upon arrival, officers spoke with the victim who did not want charges at this time.

At approximately 1:50 a.m. on July 23, 2024 police responded to reports of a bear spray incident in the 100 block of Nelson Road. Upon arrival, officers were unable to locate the suspect; however, the victim was treated on scene by paramedics. The victim did not want charges at this time.

At this time, it is not believed the incidents are connected.

just THINK...

The City of Martensville will be holding a Hazardous Household Waste (HHW) Collection Day on Saturday, August 17, 2024, 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.

For a complete list of accepted and non-accepted materials, please visit Martensville.ca or contact City Hall.

SPS Air Support Unit and Warman RCMP Assist with Arrests Three individuals were arrested in relation to an evade police incident early Friday morning with assistance from Warman RCMP. On July 26, 2024 at approximately 3:50 a.m. police observed a Chevrolet truck that matched the description of a vehicle involved in multiple thefts driving Eastbound on 25th Street East near Idylwyld Drive.

The vehicle continued to College Drive where officers attempted a traffic stop; however, the vehicle fled, evading police at a high rate of speed travelling in the opposite lanes of traffic. Ground units disengaged while members of the Air Support Unit (ASU) began monitoring the vehicle from above.

The vehicle continued to drive around the city before turning onto Warman Road North, and eventually onto Highway 11 towards Warman. After driving down multiple range roads, the vehicle came to a stop in a field; ASU then guided Warman RCMP and members of SPS Patrol to the vehicle location.

Three individuals were arrested without further incident and as a result, a 27-year-old woman is facing charges in relation to dangerous driving, evading police, and was also arrested on outstanding warrants. An 18-year-old man was also arrested on five outstanding warrants and faces charges in relation to failure to comply with court ordered conditions. A 20-year-old woman was also arrested for a warrant out of Prince Albert.

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

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MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER - AUGUST 1, 2024 - Page 3

Sculptors in the Park Taking Place August 6-16 at the Martensville Athletic Pavilion Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

Introduction to Wire Sculpture will teach participants how to start a sculptural piece and how to express motion and emotion in wire.

This is an easy and inexpensive way to create art. This workshop will be taught by Lee Fuller.

Introduction to Needle Felting will use the dry felting method using a barbed needle, your hands and some wool to create a 3D wool sculpture. This workshop will be taught by Ellery Russell.

Both workshops are available for ages 10 and up and will take place at the MAP. No experience or special skills are required to take part. Register online at www.martensville.ca.

The event will conclude on August 16th at 7:00pm with live music, a theatrical dance production involving the pieces and audience participation.

Chosen sculptures from this event are intended for placement within Martensville.

The City of Martensville would like to thank sponsors SaskLotteries, Graveside Memorial, Clark’s Supply & Service Ltd., and Air Liquide.

Martensville will be hosting the Prairie Sculptors’ Association (PSA) from August 6-16 for Sculptors in the Park, where artists will gather to create art on-site outside of the Martensville Athletic Pavilion.

The PSA is based out of Saskatoon and is comprised of members from across the province.

Member’s skill sets vary from anything such as blacksmithing, stone carving, wood, ironwork, bronze casting, ceramics, clay, recycled materials and more.

Sculptors in the Park will consist of ten large public sculptures created on location and each day, the community is invited to come and watch the artists as they work on their pieces, and speak to the artists about their sculptures. Throughout the week, you can watch in real time as the sculptures progress from being ideas to finished pieces.

Throughout Sculptors in the Park, there will be Community Art Workshops available to participate in, including; Introduction to Wire Sculpture from 1:00pm-3:30pm on Wednesday, August 7th for $30, as well as Introduction to Needle Felting from 1:00pm4:00pm on Sunday, August 11th for $50.

ABOVE: The temporary washroom located at the Martensville Spray Park was recently vandalized and will now remain closed for a period of time while it gets cleaned, repaired or replaced as needed. The City of Martensville shared a notice to the community, stating “If you see acts of vandalism, or come across vandalized City property, please contact us for nuisance and non-criminal related activity. Criminal activity should be reported directly to the RCMP”. (City of Martensville)

ABOVE: Two Community Art Workshops will be offered throughout Sculptors in the Park, including Introduction to Wire Sculpture on Wednesday, August 7th and Introduction to Needle Felting on Sunday, August 11th.

Register online at www.martensville.ca to take part.

M

ARTENSVILLE

ESSENGER

Your City; Your Newspaper Box 333, Martensville, SK S0K 2T0 Phone: 306-668-1093 advertising@martensvillemessenger.ca Deadline for submissions is MONDAY at NOON.

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Editor/Office Manager: Shanine Sealey

Published Thursdays • 48 issues/year

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Tim Hortons Martensville Now Hiring FT & PT Food Counter Attendants Drop off resume at location or visit careers@timhortons.ca to apply Starting Wage is $14 dependant on experience Health and Dental to FT staff after 6 months

Page 4 - AUGUST 1, 2024 - MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER

SPORTS

BELOW: The Sask Five Giants Aces came out on top as the 2024 13U AA Tier 8 Provincial Champions that took place at Martensville’s Chrome Dome Park this past weekend. (Sask Five Giants Baseball Association)

Registration for Indoor Soccer Season Now Available

Registration is officially open for the indoor season for both Valley Soccer Association Recreational and Valley United Soccer Club competitive programs.

The VSA Recreational option provides indoor soccer programming for U5 to U13/15. The first half of the season will take place from October to December and will operate slightly different than past seasons. There will be options for day/time in most of the age groups, and you can choose the day/time that fits best for your family.

Weekly training sessions for U7-U11 will be designed, set up and led by the VSA Technical Staff.

Training stations will be set up for each session and athletes will be split into smaller groups that will move from station to station for approximately 40 minutes. This will be followed by some small-sided games for the last 20 minutes. Each week, the activity stations will change based on the theme of the week.

The U13/15 group will remain the same and will have weekly games/practices and will either play at 7:00pm or 8:15pm.

U5 and U7 will be held at the MAP in Martensville Under 5 (Players born in 2020 and 2021) - Mondays 6:00-6:45pm Under 7 (Players born in 2018 and 2019) - Tuesday 5:306:30pm or 6:30-7:30pm Thursday 5:30-6:30pm or 6:307:30pm U9 – U13/15 will be held at the WHHC in Warman Under 9 (Players born in 2016 and 2017) - Mondays 6:00-7:00pm Wednesday 6:00-7:00pm Under 11 (Players born in 2014 and 2015) – Tuesday 6:00-7:00pm or 7:00-8:00pm Thursday 7:00-8:00pm Under 13/15 (Players born in 2010 to 2013) – Monday Visit https://vuscsk.ca/, or https://valleysoccer. ca/ for more information or to register.

2024 Sask Summer Games Conclude Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

The 2024 Saskatchewan Summer Games took place from July 21st to July 27th and saw over 2,000 athletes, coaches, officials and support staff from around the province gather in Lloydminster for the competition.

Athletes from 221 communities throughout Saskatchewan, split into nine districts, competed in 14 different sports, which were split between two phases of competition.

Numerous athletes from Martensville took part in the Summer Games as part of the Prairie Central District, including; Soccer (M) – Peter Braun, Owen Fehr, Declan Montgomery, Wrigley Riggs, Iago Souza Diaz, William Von Niessen, René Zabaleta Bargen and Abel Zabaletz Alcázar (Coach); Tennis – Kershire Nikolaisen, Drew Reddekopp, Sawyer Smysniuk, Angie Reddekopp (Manager) and Amber Nikolasen (Mission Staff); Athletics – Rosalie Biata, Madelyn Guggenheimer, Ashley Hammer, Caelen Bridgette and Adrianna Schmidt; Baseball – Mason Schierling; Basketball (F) – Brooklyn Edwards; Basketball (M) – Ari Guggenheimer, Preston Hindley, Isaac Klassen, Jerryd Reddekopp, Lukas Arneson, Ivan Sowah, Graham Reddekopp (Coach), and Angie Reddekopp (Manager); Beach Volleyball – Katie Reimer; Soccer (F) – Ella Lins; Volleyball (M) – Matthew Sader.

Prairie Central finished sixth in the medal standings after winning a total of 24 medals, including 8 gold medals, 8 silver medals and 8 bronze medals.

Martensville saw three kids compete in tennis, with none of them having actually participated in the sport before; however, they practiced hard for three weeks and according to Manager Angie Reddekopp, “they loved every minute of it and they improved each game, scoring more points than the game before.”

Local resident Graham Reddekopp was the coach for Team Prairie Central’s male basketball team, and the team had a goal of finishing in 5th place, which they were successful with after losing only two games throughout the competition.

“My favorite part of the Saskatchewan Summer Games was watching my players battle and earn Prairie Central the most wins it has ever had,” Graham Reddekopp stated.

“I loved seeing all of the athletes having fun with each other in the village. It is such a great experience for these kids and if you ever have the chance to get involved as an athlete, manager, coach or volunteer, I highly recommend that you do it. It was such a rewarding experience for everyone involved,” Angie Reddekopp said.

The 2026 Saskatchewan Winter Games will take place in Meadow Lake – Flying Dust First Nation from February 15-21, 2026.

MFD Warns Residents to Be Fire Safe Following Recent Grass Fire

MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER - AUGUST 1, 2024 - Page 5

Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

Following a recent grass fire south of Martensville, the Martensville Fire Department (MFD) reminded residents to remain fire smart, despite the recent rain and significant humidity in the air. The fire was extinguished before any significant damage; however, it was burning quickly despite having green (wet) fuels.

With recent rainfall and cooler weather, the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA) rescinded the provincial fire ban that had initially been implemented July 11th and then modified on July 17th.

The fire ban was lifted on all Crown lands, provincial parks, provincial recreation sites located north of the provincial forest boundary, along with the Northern Saskatchewan Administration District. All provincial parks, municipalities, and R.M.’s can use their own discretion over issuing local fire bans.

A fire ban in the R.M. of Corman Park was implemented on July 20th and is still in effect as of July 31st.

"The public is reminded to remain attentive to preventing new wildfires while enjoying our provincial forests," SPSA Vice-President of Operations Steve Roberts said.

As of July 30th, there are currently 83 active wildfires, with 423 wildfires to date, with a five year average of 298 fires.

The recent wildfire that ravaged Jasper, AB is a reminder to all of how devastating wildfires can be, so it is important to take precautions to avoid the risk of a fire starting, especially when conditions are dry.

ABOVE: The Martensville Fire Department responded to a grass fire south of Martensville and reminded residents to be fire safe to avoid the risk of fires. (MFD)

More than 20,000 people were evacuated and Parks Canada estimates that 30 per cent of the town’s structures were damaged by the fire. Out of a total of 1113 structures in the community, 358 of them were destroyed; however, all critical infrastructure was successfully protected including the hospital, the library and the firehall.

Anyone who spots a wildfire within Saskatchewan can call 1-800-6679660 or dial 9-1-1.

The latest fire risk maps, fire prevention tips and an interactive fire ban map can be found at saskpublicsafety.ca.

#RYCK

SASKATCHEWAN ACTIVE WILDFIRE SITUATION MAP

#WABBA ^

Stony Rapids

Stony Rapids

#BRIDGE

5

#USAM2 #RUMP

#CUMINES

#GEIKIE

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^ Big River

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PARADISE HILL

Communities Highways

MEADOW LAKE

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#

PRINCE ALBERT

Air Weapons Range MELFORT

NORTH BATTLEFORD

HUDSON BAY

TISDALE

Urban Municipality

HAFFORD

Prince Albert

LEFT: Firefighters work to control the wildfire in Jasper.

(Jasper National Park)

Protection Area

UNITY

Hudson Bay

MACKLIN

BRUNO HUMBOLDT

SASKATOON

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SHAUNAVON

WEYBURN

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CARLYLE

Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency GIS Services

VAL MARIE

CORONACH

Advertising Doesn’t Cost; It Pays!

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ESTEVAN

Information as depicted is subject to change, therefore the Government of Saskatchewan assumes no responsibility for discrepancies at time of use.

Page 6 - AUGUST 1, 2024 - MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER

$1.16 Million in Charitable Gaming Grants Paid to Community Groups Across Saskatchewan Moe’s Emphasis on Safe Rural Seats Puzzling

Conventional wisdom tells us that the Saskatchewan Party has nothing to worry about in rural Saskatchewan that should provide enough seats to help it form a fifth straight majority government after this fall’s general election.

The thing about conventional wisdom in politics is that it is usually right. Seldom have there been massive upsets we didn’t see coming and there is little reason to expect the fall 2024 Saskatchewan election will become one of those times.

The NDP have been struggling to maintain relevancy in rural Saskatchewan for nearly 50 years now. It started to lose rural seats in the mid-1970s and was basically wiped out of rural Saskatchewan in the 1980s, before slightly rebounding in the early 1990s; however, by the late 1990s, it was again wiped out and the NDP simply hasn’t been able to win seats in rural Saskatchewan in the new millennium.

Of course, the Buffalo Party made some noise in the 2020 general election and the Saskatchewan United Party has been even louder since its creation and since attracting Sask. Party cast off Nadine Wilson to its fold, but a 22-percent showing (Sask. United’s best showing, to date) in last year’s Lumsden-Morse by-election hardly constitutes a major threat.

Even the combined dual threat of the Buffalo Party and Sask. United hardly poses a threat, given their lack of candidates and questionable organizational skills.

Remember: the Sask. Party still won most rural seats with massive majorities. That includes the Lumsden-Morse byelection last year in which newcomer Blaine McLeod still took more than 50 per cent of the vote in a mid-summer by-election in which there was ample reason to either vote against the governing party or simply not show up and vote at all.

By contrast, the Sask. Party in last summer’s byelections were soundly defeated in two north Regina seats it previously held. Wouldn’t that suggest that if there is an existing political problem for the Sask. Party, those problems exist in the cities? Yet the Sask. Party strategy sure seems focused on the countryside.

You may have caught Premier Scott Moe’s latest political ad online or elsewhere that focuses on his hometown of Shellbrook and the need to bolster and preserve rural communities like it.

It's a nice ad and there’s political capital in portraying Moe as a hometown boy proud of his community.

(Although, the NDP have been quick to respond with their own online parody of the advertisement, noting temporary closures of emergency service at Shellbrook’s hospital.)

Moreover, it surely isn’t unprecedented to see a Saskatchewan political party campaigning on preserving the stability of smaller rural communities. Entire elections have been fought on this theme, but it’s passing strange that this has become Moe’s emphasis.

You may recall earlier in the spring, Moe created a significant political stir when he invested several hours attending a “community” meeting in nearby Speers where he was peppered with an array of conspiracy theories from COVID-19 cover-ups to “chem-trails” from aircrafts.

Initially, the government tried to pass this off as community meeting he attended at the invitation of the mayor of Speers; something the Speers mayor quickly denied.

By no small coincidence, organizers of this event had previously invited officials from the Buffalo Party and Sask. United Party to previous meetings that seem wellintended by people from around the province who hold likeminded views on conspiratorial issues.

Now, one gets that politicians can never be sure what they are walking into when they attend any such community meeting, but premiers have pretty good intel and would normally recognize the problems of pandering such votes.

It leaves one to wonder why Moe is so hyperfocused on every vote in his seemingly very safe rural seats like his own. It seems rather unconventional.

Lotteries and Gaming Saskatchewan (LGS) provided $1.16 million in charitable gaming grants in the first quarter of 2024-25, benefiting more than 750 groups and organizations across the province.

"These grants are one of the ways our government ensures that the proceeds from gaming go back to Saskatchewan communities," Minister Responsible for LGS Laura Ross said. "The grants support hundreds of charitable and nonprofit groups throughout Saskatchewan, including those focused on amateur sport, culture, the arts, animal rescue, service clubs and much more."

The Saskatchewan Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) is one of the groups that benefit from the province's Charitable Gaming Grants program. The Saskatchewan SPCA provides programs and services that improve the lives of animals and their owners across the province. Some of the grant money will be used for the Saskatchewan SPCA's pet food bank.

"We provide programs and services that improve the lives of animals and their people here in Saskatchewan," Saskatchewan SPCA Community Relations Coordinator Josh Hourie said. "Our provincial pet food bank helps ensure pets have access to nutritious food during tough financial times. As well, we offer a growing number of resources to assist animal owners in escaping a violent home."

Grants were paid to charitable groups and organizations in more than 200 Saskatchewan communities.

Nearly $270,000 was paid to groups in Saskatoon and more than $200,000 was paid to groups in Regina.

Groups in other regions also received funds, including: • Prince Albert and area received more than $69,000; • Weyburn, Estevan and area received nearly $50,000; • Yorkton, Melville and area received more than $51,000; • Meadow Lake and area received more than $34,000; and • Humboldt, Melfort and area received more than $48,000.

Martensville received $33,440.29 in total funding, with numerous local groups receiving varying amounts including; Martensville Basketball Association - $865.86, Martensville Marauders U13C Bandits - $870.00, Martensville Marauders U18 AA - $201.25, Martensville Marauder U7 Sharks - $472.50, Martensville Marauders U9 Maven Monarchs - $742.63, Martensville Marauders U11D Maven Monarchs - $380.63, Martensville Minor Hockey Association - $19,045.65, Skate Martensville - $332.51, U11D Martensville Marauders Prowlers - $635.00, U15AA Martensville Marauders - $3,465.13 and Ultimate Booster Club - $6,429.13.

These quarterly grants are paid to groups and organizations in good standing that conduct licensed charitable gaming activities such as bingos, raffles, breakopen ticket sales, Texas hold 'em poker tournaments and Monte Carlo events. The grants are equal to 25 per cent of the net revenue raised by each charitable event, up to a maximum of $100,000 per group or organization annually.

The charities don't have to apply to LGS for the grants. Instead, the amount of each grant paid by LGS to each charity is calculated by the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority (SLGA) based on financial reports and other information submitted by the group or organization. Groups can apply through SLGA's charitable gaming licensing process here.

Province Provides $2 Million to Food Banks of Saskatchewan The Government of Saskatchewan is providing $2 million over the next two years to Food Banks of Saskatchewan to help Saskatchewan families and food banks with high food costs.

"Saskatchewan continues to be one of the most affordable places in Canada to live, work and raise a family," Social Services Minister Gene Makowsky said. "Since the provincial budget was announced in March, the cost of food has continued to increase. This funding to Food Banks of Saskatchewan is an additional affordability measure from our government to help families and individuals manage rising daily living costs due to inflation."

Food Banks of Saskatchewan will receive a $1 million grant in August, and another $1 million grant in 2025-26. The Ministry of Social Services is partnering with Food Banks of Saskatchewan to distribute the funding to agencies based on the population and average food bank usage of the communities they serve.

"Saskatchewan Food Banks have had their busiest year yet, making it challenging to build up sufficient food reserves," Food Banks of Saskatchewan Executive Director Michael Kincade said. "Inflation continues to accelerate, seriously impacting hunger and food insecurity, not only with low-income households, but even those in higher income brackets. With demand increasing and donations decreasing, this help comes at a critical time to help us feed our friends, neighbours, and families."

This additional $2 million investment follows affordability measures delivered in the 2024-25 Provincial Budget that are already helping low-income families and individuals. This includes: • Providing low income working families with a monthly financial benefit through the Saskatchewan • Employment Incentive program, to help them with essential costs such as transportation, clothing and child care; • Increasing monthly income assistance benefits by three per cent for Saskatchewan Income Support (SIS) and Saskatchewan Assured Income for Disability (SAID) clients; and • Increasing the Personal Care Home Benefit monthly income threshold to $2,500 to help make the cost of living in a licensed personal care home more affordable for seniors.

Letter to the Editor The Martensville Messenger welcomes letters to the editor for publication. Letters must be signed and a phone number and/or email address included so the writer’s identity can be verified. ALL letters are the opinion of the writer and NOT the Martensville Messenger. We reserve the right to edit letters for length, clarity or compliance with the current standards of public taste. Submit your letter to news@ martensvillemessenger.ca or mail to Box 333 - Martensville, SK S0K 2T0.

MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER - AUGUST 1, 2024 - Page 7

Page 8 - AUGUST 1, 2024 - MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER

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Golfers Needed to Support MYC Program

Jocelyn Ottenbreit, Martensville Messenger

Martensville Youth Connection (MYC) has been going strong this summer. After taking a week off in July, they started with Monday afternoons meeting at the Heritage Centre Spray Park to discuss different topics such as problem solving, nutrition, wellness plans, and body image, followed by learning baseball skills.

Tuesday afternoons they gathered at Paw’s Republic to hang out with some furry friends and talk about things such as trauma, anger, triggers, core beliefs, values and morals.

Wednesdays were pool days with free entrance to the Martensville Aquatic Centre to discuss hygiene, how to take care of yourself, peer pressure, gratitude and bullying.

Thursday afternoons were spent with the seniors at Sunset Villa baking, playing bingo and cooking lunch with them.

The month of August will be the same schedule as July. All youth aged 10-17 are welcome to join any of these days during the week.

“We would love to thank a few programs who

are supporting us this summer,” said Katharine Carter, Youth Connection Manager of MYC.” “A huge thank you to Jays Care, the City of Martensville, and Boston Pizza. We are incredibly grateful to have been awarded space by the City of Martensville, a grant for equipment and supplies from Jays Care, and pizza supplied from Boston Pizza to offer a Baseball Fun Mondays.”

“Thanks to the generous contributions from the City and local businesses, we have been operating for over three years.”

“We are excited to announce our upcoming Golf Tournament on September 28, 2024, at The Legends.

This event will support the BELOW: The Martensville Youth Connection met at Heritage Park to discuss several important topics followed by learning some baseball skills.

Martensville SK 306-244-4950

continuation of our program We are looking for golfers, swag bag items, and sponsors to make this event a success.”

“We look forward to seeing everyone at the golf tournament!”

To purchase a ticket go to https://www. eventbrite.ca/e/2nd-annual-brighter-future-golftournament-tickets-912706558887.