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December 3, 2020
Celebrating Thirteen Years of Community
VOLUME NO. 14 - ISSUE 46
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Martensville Care Home residents have been getting into the spirit of Christmas by making gingerbread houses and decorations for the tree. See more on Page 2. Photo Submitted
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Give the Gift of Sport This Christmas Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger
If you are looking for a way to give back to your community this year, one option is by giving the “Gift of Sport”, in which all funds will be used to help provide financial assistance to families with children looking to participate in a local sports program through KidSport. The “Gift of Sport” is a provincial campaign that takes place each year and by donating, you provide an opportunity for a child to play in an activity they are interested in. KidSport is a children’s charity that provides financial aid to youth up to the age of 18, so that all kids are able to play, have fun and learn important lessons through organized sports. Individual grants of up to $750 are available per calendar year for those that apply and are approved. In 2020, Martensville KidSport received over 45 applications totalling over $15,000; however, due to major fundraisers such as the KidSport playhouse raffle being cancelled due to COVID, not all applications were able to be fully funded this year. “There are many people who are struggling financially this year, so there is more need for assistance now. KidSport is also becoming more well-known in the community, so we have been seeing an increase in applications each year,” Angie Reddekopp, City of Martensville Program Coordinator, stated. Reddekopp has been involved with KidSport in Martensville since it first began over ten years ago and has seen incredible growth in both the amount of applications that are submitted each year, as well as the support from the community. “It has come leaps and
bounds from where we first started. In the early years, we had a handful of applications and needed a couple of thousand dollars; whereas now, we are well over 50 applications each year and have a budget of approximately $25,000 each year to help fund these kids.” Without the support from the community, Reddekopp noted that the KidSport program would not be as successful as it is. “We have many community connections that have been developed in order to keep this program running in the community, and if we didn’t have those supports, we wouldn’t be able to continue to help those kids in need. It really is a great program, and benefits these kids in so many different ways.” This weekend, one local business is stepping up to help out. The Martensville A&W location will be holding a special with $2 from every Teen Burger sold going to the Martensville/Warman KidSport program on December 4th, 5th and 6th. “We are so grateful to all of the amazing businesses and organizations that help us raise funds. If there are any other businesses interested in getting on board to help out, we are always looking for more help and every little bit helps,” Reddekopp said. Applications for KidSport are available at the Martensville Athletic Pavilion and donations to KidSport can also be made at the MAP as well. Cheques can be made payable to KidsportTM or etransfers can be automatically deposited when sent to wmareakidsport@gmail.com. Donations to KidSport can be made online through the Martensville Messenger website at https:// martensvillemessenger.ca/kidsport-donation/. Tax receipts are provided for any donation over $25.00 and 100% of donations and fundraising proceeds support children within Martensville.
Martensville Care Home Residents Get Into the Spirit of Christmas Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger
The Martensville Care Home has been busy getting their residents into the Christmas spirit. On Thursday, November 26th, residents had the opportunity to decorate their own gingerbread house. Two activity coordinators come in seven days a week for two hours a day for light exercises, games and crafts with the residents. “One of the activity coordinators plays guitar and sings for the residents. They love it. We have instruments for them to play along and it is very therapeutic for them,” Charlene Herbers, Manager of the Martensville Care Home explained. “We try to keep them as busy as we can and keep things normal, especially now with all of the stuff going on in the world and they are unable to see their families. It has been really tough on them,” Herbers added. On top of creating gingerbread houses, the residents have also been busy making decorations and putting them on the tree. “Our Christmas tree is slowly filling up with all their creations,” Herbers said. Currently there are ten residents living in the Martensville Care Home, with one room still available. For more information about the Martensville Care Home, contact (639) 441-0125 or email martensvillecarehome@gmail.com. BELOW - Left to Right: Anne Mierau, Irene Dulle, Norma Douglas, and Virginia Strukoff show off their beautiful gingerbread house creations. (Submitted)
Kinettes Bringing Christmas Cheer to Martensville Neighborhoods Submitted
The Martensville and District Kinettes are very excited to bring Santa to the streets of Martensville! Santa will be out from 3-7pm December 5, 6, 12 and 13. We will be visiting different areas of town every day. Santa will be live streaming so you can watch the Martensville and District Kinette Club Facebook page and keep up with him and his crazy elves. There is going to be a special twist to this! If you want Santa to stop so you can take a socially distanced picture with him, we ask that you give a donation to Telemiracle. We will have our Telemiracle Toilet out collecting donations for its debut! You can message the Kinettes on Facebook to set up your visit. We encourage you to go in with your neighbors so we can hit as many people as possible in our outings. Remember these pictures will be socially distanced. Santa is very busy this time of year and we want to thank him and his special elves for taking time out of their busy schedules to spend some time with us. Once Santa heard he would be helping to raise funds for Telemiracle he just couldn’t say no. He watches every year and loves to ring those phones!! We want to spread as much Christmas joy as possible! We cannot wait to see you in the streets! If you listen really close you will probably hear us coming your way! A map of what dates Santa will be in specific neighborhoods can be found on the Kinettes Facebook page, or at www.martensvillemessenger.ca.
martensville messenger - DECEMBER 3, 2020 - Page 3
Winter is Here and Snow Removal is Too – What You Need to Know
The Snow removal program aims to reduce hazards in the community, ensure roadways for emergency vehicles, and provide access to goods and services in the community. Our crews strive to deliver excellent services, however sometimes weather can be unpredictable, and snow and ice control activities may vary. Every reasonable effort will be made to remove snow and ice and create safe driving and walking conditions in a timely manner. There are ways you can help to ensure to keep streets clear and safe. - Do not shovel, blow, or push snow from private property onto the street – this causes snow ridges on your driveway when our plow cleans your street. - Do not plow or pile snow on streets or hydrants – this can block access to manholes, water valves and access to water in case of fire. - Clear your driveways in advance of the city’s snow clearing operations - this helps our operators clear your street more efficiently as well as more clearly see driveways to avoid ridging. - Do not park your vehicle in an area where it could obstruct snow removal procedures. This hinders our operations and could result in a snow ridge blocking your vehicle in place. - Do not leave large piles of snow at the corners of driveways – this snow can be caught by a raised snow-gate blade and topple over into your driveway or the street. - Prevent snow from piling up on the front of your driveway by moving it near your tree/ lawn areas behind your walkway. - Watch for posted areas for Snow Removal - In case of snow and snow removal, crews need to have roads cleared of all vehicles on posted streets. If you are going out of the City over the holidays, please have your vehicles off City streets. Vehicles left on the street per the traffic bylaw are ticketed and towed (to a non-posted area). - Stay Clear of Sanding Trucks - Crews apply a mixture of salt and sand on our streets and intersections to ensure safer driving conditions. If you are near or behind the sanding truck you are reminded to stay back 15m to allow the truck to disperse materials and to prevent materials from potentially hitting your vehicle. Information on general program procedures and the City’s Priority Map is available online at Martensville.ca.
Civic Services During the COVID-19 Pandemic- What You Should Know!
City Hall is Open, however with some guidelines currently in place. Continue to utilize online and contactless options when possible. Please do not visit City Hall if you are feeling unwell, experiencing flu-like symptoms or have been in contact with someone who is presumptive or tested positive for COVID-19. Residents and Customers are encouraged to carry out transactions electronically such as online banking, preauthorized payments or TIPPS. Cheques may also be dropped off in the drop slot at City Hall. The City had implemented a number of measures to assist property owners and businesses during the pandemic, including extending the Property Tax deadline from July 31st to October 30th. Property Taxes are now due with interest charges on overdue accounts now accruing. Stay Informed! -The City of Martensville has created a dedicated webpage to provide information, updates, and additional resources around the COVID-19 pandemic. This page is accessible through the homepage at Martensville.ca. Please continue to follow us, media sources and information from the Province of Saskatchewan for the most current information around updates or new measures for the prevention of the spread of COVID-19 Use of Masks are Mandatory in Saskatchewan - Effective Monday, November 16th, residents are required to wear non-medical masks in indoor public spaces to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission. This is a Public Health Order and is subject to enforcement and fines. This is in place for 28 days at this time. Health officials strongly recommend wearing a non-medical mask anywhere outside the home. Current Status of Public Facilities as of November 26th Martensville Athletic Pavilion- Drop in and Pick-up programs are cancelled in accordance to changes in the Saskatchewan Re-Open Plan City Hall- Open Aquatic Centre- Closed for the Season Northridge Centre- Open for Bookings with Provincial gathering guidelines Heritage Centre-Open for bookings with Provincial gathering guidelines Sports Centre-Open Wheatland Regional Library (located in the Civic Centre)- Open City Staff are available to work with the public via phone or email. Questions or inquiries can be directed to City Hall via phone (306-931-2166) or inquiry@martensville.ca during this time. After Hour Water and Sewer Emergencies- should still be directed through the Emergency line at City Hall, (306) 931-2166, ext.1.
ABOVE: The election for Martensville City Council took place on Monday, November 9th and here is the first look at the newly elected Council. From L to R: Councillor Darren MacDonald, Councillor Jamie Martens, Councillor Spencer Nikkel, Mayor Kent Muench, Councillor Mike Cox, Councillor Tyson Chillog and Councillor Debbie McGuire. (Photo by Jocelyn Anne Photography)
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Prairie Spirit Schools Implements Changes Following New Public Health Measures Announced By Province Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger
Prairie Spirit School Division (PSSD) sent a letter from Lori Jeschke out to families on November 26th discussing the rising COVID cases within the province and updating families on changes within the school following the new public health measures that came into effect on Friday, November 27th. As of November 27th, the changes made within PSSD schools include: • Students from Pre-K to Grade 3 are now required to wear masks throughout the day and asked to come to school with at least one non-medical mask. The schools will have disposable masks available for students; if required. The letter stated that schools will be working with younger students to help them build their stamina. • All students and staff will wear masks throughout the school day, except when eating and drinking. “Our teachers and school staff will support all students to understand and follow these new measures. We appreciate your support as you guide your children at home. Mask wearing is just one of our layers of protection in Prairie Spirit schools,” Jeschke explained in the letter. In addition to mask wearing, PSSD schools are also using other layers of protection including having handwashing expectations, social distancing practices, cleaning guidelines, student cohorts to support contact tracing and having students and staff stay home if they experience symptoms. “Our local Medical Health Officer has shared this graphic (BELOW) with the message that when we combine all protective measures at the same time, we have greater success in protecting ourselves and others. We appreciate how our families have and continue to collaborate with our schools to support and maintain these layers of protection,” Jeschke added. For more information on public health measures within the province, visit www. saskatchewan.ca.
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Warman/Martensville RCMP responded to complaints during a two week period from November 5th to November 19th. Some of the reports/complaints included; two assault charges, 23 reports of speeding with 21 being charged, and 12 written warnings with two charges. They were seven reports of impaired driving and five people charged as well as one roadside suspension. Theft over $5,000 was reported along with a break and enter report and seven reports of mischief, but no charges were laid. There were four reports of theft under $5,000 and one charge of stolen goods. There were three reports of fraud with only one being charged and eight fail to comply/ appear reports with five being charged. In total there were 16 Criminal Code charges and 41 Provincial traffic charges being laid.
The Scrub Auto and Pet Spa Shares the Love at Christmas Jocelyn Ottenbreit, Martensville Messenger
Christmas is a time for giving and this year is especially important as it has been particularly difficult for many people, especially small business owners. One local business in Martensville decided they want to help people that are struggling this year. The Scrub Auto and Pet Spa owners Jerel Unger and Randy Penner came up with the idea to organize Christmas Hampers. They said, “We have been so blessed to continue to be open and serving the community and despite fluctuating revenues and an unpredictable future, we whole heartedly believe in sharing the love.” Together with their families, they discussed what they could do that would be the most effective in the current world and a Christmas hamper came to mind, as it would be the best way to provide a contactless donation to a family in need. “We struggled with how we would choose just one or two families, which prompted us to reach out to the community to see if we could scale larger.” Their goal is to collect enough donations to help 10 families and their business will match cash donations up to $1000! They will also purchase a turkey and all the fixins’ with the money. “We will add all the food donations equally to each package and then we will add a little fun with a family game or activity. Everyone deserves at least this at Christmas,” they said. If you are interested in helping out families in need this year you can drop off your donations at The Scrub Auto and Pet Spa. There will be a hamper set up in the garage beside their change machine and donations are coming along, as the first hamper has already been filled. “We’ve been contacted by local families about donating new toys, and of course we graciously accept all donations.” The Scrub Auto and Pet Spa will be accepting donations at their location until Friday, December 18th at 941 8th Street South (South of Lake Vista past roundabout towards Loraas Disposal). Their hours are Monday – Friday from 9am – 10pm and Saturday & Sunday from 8am – 10pm. You can contact them at 306-477-2782.
Affinity Credit Union Contributes to MFD Christmas Hampers
martensville messenger - DECEMBER 3, 2020 - Page 5
Jocelyn Ottenbreit, Martensville Messenger
Affinity Credit Union in Martensville is known for helping the community in various ways. Throughout the year, the staff at Affinity collected money every Friday for their ‘jean day’ where staff could dress casual in jeans. This year they were able to collect over $1,400 to contribute to the Martensville Fire Department (MFD) for their annual Christmas Food Hamper Program where they gather non-perishable foods and cash donations to give to those in need at Christmas time. This year due to COVID, they are accepting cash donations and gift cards only where they will be purchasing items from local businesses in Martensville to help out those less fortunate.
ABOVE: Affinity Credit Union presents Fire Chief Kurt Dyck with a cheque for $1,475.00 to go towards their Food Hamper Program. (Jocelyn Ottenbreit/MM) marten
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martensville messenger - DECEMBER 3, 2020 - Page 7
Provincial Politics with
Murray Mandryk
Big Covid Numbers Require Better Understanding
Premier Scott Moe had to self-isolate the week before the beginning of the new session. He did so because he came into contact with someone at a restaurant in Prince Albert after a family funeral. Essentially, Moe was simply staying home and selfmonitoring — really, no different than the reality for thousands of others in this province who have faced the increasingly growing prospects of encountering someone with COVID-19 that is now everywhere in the province. For his political enemies, it became an opportunity to take a few cheap shots. This is one of the big problems in the COVID-19 fight. It’s been far too politicized by fear, exaggerations and misinformation that have become the favour weapon of both sides. The only way to defeat this virus is with facts, fairmindedness and reason. That fight needs to begin with the stated and collective goal of reducing new and active cases by all of us doing what’s reasonable to reduce the spread. The challenge, however, is that to accomplish this requires a buy-in from everyone without the distractions of political references about things like rights and freedoms. That shouldn’t be much different than following the rules of the road, but even traffic laws need to be enforced by fines. This is where it’s up to Moe’s government to impose stricter rules of the road and make sure through enforcement that people are following those rules. We need to do this because where we are at right now suggests that will soon be in trouble if we don’t get a handle on the spread. Sure, we have so far managed to avoid the death toll we’ve seen in Alberta or even Manitoba because we aren’t seeing as many deaths in care homes as elsewhere. The problem, however, is Saskatchewan cases are on the rise because of the recent more rapid virus spread. In fact, Saskatchewan had just surpassed Quebec for the second-most per capita COVID-19 hospitalizations in the country. This is why medical professionals are ringing alarm bells. While the dispute is one that’s been frequently categorized as one between the doctors and the business community, this really doesn’t reflect the core concerns on either side. One can understand why businesses — especially small businesses that have been barely hanging on for the past nine months — are frustrated by the prospects of shutdowns. Coming at the business crisis season for retail, this is a particularly frightening prospect. But what cannot be lost is the concern of the doctors, nurses and others in the medical community of the health system being overrun with COVID-19 cases. The prospects of hospitals — specifically, ICU beds — being overrun by COVID-19 patients is as frightening to medical professions as temporary shutdowns are to business people. And their fear isn’t just their patients. The fear for many medical professionals is the health of themselves, their own families and their staff as the people most likely to be exposed to COVID-19. It is more important than ever for everyone to understand what hundreds of new cases each day might really mean. With only around 100 ICU beds in the province, that means no beds available for those in serious car accidents or those suffering heart attacks if these beds are already occupied by COVID-19 patients. We need to understand how this virus spreads and have rules in place like the recent limits on household gatherings. Recent information from government shows close contacts in housesholds is the top spreader of the virus. However, the information also showed 25 per cent of infections come from recreational facilities like rinks, bingo halls, bowling alleys and casinos. We need to set aside our personal and political views and look objectively at what needs to be done. We can win this battle through knowledge, understanding and co-operation.
MLA Report with Terry Jenson Report from the Legislature Earlier this fall our government received a strong, new mandate from Saskatchewan people. Our immediate focus has been managing the ongoing pandemic. While we continue to respond to the evolving situation, we are working to find the right balance between keeping people safe and ensuring our economy does not stall. This has been a challenge as our COVID-19 transmission rates have risen, placing provincial health care resources under increasing strain. ABOVE: Terry Jenson We understand the virus better than we did in the spring and will continue to find ways for businesses and activities to operate safely. By now, those who can are working from home. Employers across our province are introducing new measures to ensure the safety of both their staff and patrons and our long-term care and personal care facilities have moved to compassionate visits only. Our best defense against COVID-19 is to come together as a province and continue to wear our masks, physically distance, and stay home if feeling sick. We acknowledge and appreciate the sacrifices so many are making to ensure the safety of others and ask that everyone continue to do their part. Additional public health measures have been introduced based on the transmission patterns to help reduce COVID-19 case numbers over the coming weeks. The new measures support our plan to slow down rather than shut down. Mandatory Masking Expanded Mandatory, non-medical mask use is now required in all indoor and public spaces across the province. Masking continues to be required in indoor public areas that have installed barriers. This includes all indoor fitness activities with aquatic activities being the only exception. All students, employees and visitors in all schools are required to wear a mask. While children between the ages of 0-2 are not required to wear a mask, those between the ages of 3-12 are if they are able. All employees and visitors are required to wear masks in common areas in businesses and workplaces, including those areas the public does not have access to. This now applies to provincial and municipal correctional facilities. For more information on masking requirements, please visit www.saskatchewan.ca/masks Restaurants and Licensed Establishments All restaurants and licensed establishments including bars, taverns and nightclubs are now limited to tables of no more than four people. Tables must have three metres between them or have an impermeable barrier between tables and maintain two metres distance between all tables. Alcohol sales must end at 10 p.m. Restaurants and licensed establishments must also maintain guest and reservation information for all patrons to allow for contact tracing if required. Gatherings The maximum allowable size for private gatherings in the home remains at five. This includes all private dwellings including out buildings such as a garage or shed. It is still strongly encouraged that you do not gather with anyone outside of your immediate household. Public venues supporting capacity of 150 people are now restricted to 30 people. This includes bingo halls, arenas, live theatres, and performing arts venues. For performance and gaming venues that offer food or beverage services, they must keep activities separate (i.e. cordoned off) from the food and beverage service. For all other indoor public gatherings such as banquets, conferences, weddings or funeral receptions, food and beverage service is prohibited. All places of worship are also reduced to 30 people for all ceremonies including weddings, funerals, or baptisms. Sports, Fitness and Dance All team/group competitions, recitals and games are suspended including amateur and recreational leagues. Athletes and dancers under the age of 18 may continue training or conditioning in groups of eight or fewer while maintaining three metres of separation. Non-medical face masks must be worn. Only one group of eight or less can be on a training surface at a time. Fitness activities and group fitness classes may train in groups of eight or fewer, for all ages. Mask use and three metres of physical distancing between participants must be maintained. Malls and Retail Retailers across Saskatchewan are providing important resources to the public during this pandemic. To support their work new measures are required. Retail businesses must enhance the expectation of mask use, provide hand sanitizer, and provide direction of foot traffic within stores. Signage and staff training should be provided to help inform the public of these new measures. Large retail locations are required to limit their capacity to 50 per cent – or four square metres – of space per person, whichever is less. Large retail locations are defined as retailers with more than 20,000 square feet, and 50 per cent capacity is determined by half of the specified fire-code capacity. The mandatory mask signage is found at www.saskatchewan.ca/covid19-posters. These additional health measures, along with existing measures, will remain in effect until December 17, 2020. At that time, they will be reviewed by the provincial Chief Medical Health Officer. For further information on public health measures, contact tracing or general information, please visit www.saskatchewan.ca/covid19. General public inquiries may be directed to COVID19@health.gov.sk.ca.
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.
Page 8 - DECEMBER 3, 2020 - martensville messenger
SPORTS Maddogs Celebrate COVID Year
Keep the Community up-to-date on your team scores, events, photos and tournaments. Submit material to jhayward@sasktel.net or drop it off at the Martensville Messenger Office at Bay #7 - 301 Centennial Drive North to be included in our weekly sports report.
Janine Hayward Martensville Messenger
Janine Hayward, Martensville Messenger
The Maddogs recently held their awards ceremonies but the event took on a new look this year, with all of the awards presented virtually. The head coaches both had comments to make about this season, acknowledging that it was a challenging year to get those kids on the field; however, with the help of everyone, there was a season this year. Another challenge created due to COVID-19 was that Saskatoon Minor Football decreased the teams to 6 a side as opposed to 12 man and 9 man this year. Som Houmphanh, head coach of the Bantam tackle team commented that his main goal was to develop the
players as people while focusing on enhancing their skills. “To achieve these goals you must put in effort, be focused and never quit. Set small goals and don’t quit until you achieve them,” Houmphanh said. He also thanked Brian Cook for helping out with the second team when the team had to split in two. Brian also did an amazing job with the second bantam team. Devin Hind, Peewee head coach commented on his first season coaching. “All the kids were amazing on both teams and were dedicated. I enjoyed watching their effort,” stated Hind. He thanked the other head coach, Grant Currie, for stepping up
this year when the peewee team had to split. Hind also commented how impressed he was that Maddog Alumni players came back to help coach this season once again. “You were a huge asset to making our season successful.” Hind also thanked the volunteers, parents and everyone who contributed and noted that despite the regulations due to COVID that made it more difficult, they all stepped up. The spring season registration opens up on January 1, so please check the maddogs.ca website for more information. Thanks for a great season Maddogs!
ABOVE: PEEWEE TEAM #1 Award Winners and Coaches BELOW: PEEWEE TEAM #2 Award Winners and Coaches Thank you to both teams for playing their hearts out, Sportsmanship, Teamwork and enduring the COVID season.
ABOVE: PEEWEE Award Winners BELOW: BANTAM Award Winners