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Complete Automotive & Tire Service Centre/ ATV/UTV Parts & Repair • Journeyman Factory Trained Technicians • Easy Vehicle Repair & Accessory Financing Available
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MARTENSVILLE PHARMACY
Your City; Your Newspaper February 22, 2024
VOLUME NO. 18 - ISSUE 8
Monday-Friday 9-6 Saturday 10-3 Closed Sundays & Holidays
17 Centennial Drive North
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Over 12 Years Making Your Real Estate Dreams Come True!
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Locally Owned and Operated Celebrating Fifteen Years of Community
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Because We Care
Winter Fun
The City of Martensville hosted the annual Winter FunFest event on Monday, February 19th as a way for local residents to get out and enjoy Family Day together. The event offered a wide range of activities. More information can be found on page 3.
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Page 2 - FEBRUARY 22, 2024 - MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER
Snow Removal This Winter – 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 service, however sometimes weather can be unpredictable, and snow and ice control activities may vary. Every reasonable effort will be made to promptly remove snow and ice and create safe driving and walking conditions. 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 our 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 emergencies. - 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. Information on general program procedures and the City’s Priority Map is available online at Martensville.ca
More about Snow Removal – Safety Reminders The Snow removal program aims to reduce hazards in the community, ensure roadways for emergency vehicles, and provide access for to goods and services in the community. -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 and Snow Removal Equipment - Sanding and Snow Removal Equipment make frequent stops or may change direction at any time. If you are near or behind the sanding truck or snow removal equipment you are reminded to stay back 15m to ensure heavy machinery can safely operate and sanders can spread materials in intersections without risk to your vehicle. -Snow Dump Area is Restricted - The snow dump area located along 10th Avenue S, is a restricted area for city crews and contractors to dump and pile snow. This is not a recreational area and we ask that the public remain out of these areas due to potential hazards. Information on general program procedures and the City’s Priority Map is available online at Martensville.ca
March 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. March 5th – Regular Council March 12th -Committee of the Whole March 19th -Regular Council 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
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Glow Skate- March 10th Sponsored by North Prairie Developments and CanWest, take advantage of one of the last public skating days of the season. Strap on the skates, dress in bright neon colors, and head down to the Sports Center. Glow skating will have dimmed lighting, glow sticks, and music! Admission is by donation to Martensville KidSport or by donation of non-perishable food items to the Martensville Food Pantry.
In Case of a Water Line Freeze Up…
In the past, there have been areas in the community prone to water line freeze-ups. If you experience a waterline freeze‐up or any other interruption in service, please call (306) 931‐2166 to report your issue. If this happens outside of regular business hours, please follow the prompts to be transferred to the emergency after‐hours contact. Thank you for your co‐operation!
A Reminder about Winter Safety in our Parks and on Pathways
Mild weather conditions, in combination with recent sleet and rain, have created potentially treacherous conditions within the City. -We encourage residents to use extra caution over the coming days when utilizing the pathway systems. -Pond conditions remain very uncertain due to warm temperatures and run off. Please watch for signs and barricades around neighborhood ponds. - Snowmobiles are prohibited from being driven through our parks as well as drainage systems and streets. Riding can cause damage to trees and plantings as well as parks containing hazards such as rocks or equipment.
Keeping our Pets Safe this Winter
If your pet spends time outdoors during cold winter days, consider these guidelines and several signs to watch for to ensure your pet is comfortable and safe. Temperature Guidelines - Certain breeds of ‘sled dogs’ can remain outside for hours, not all dogs fare as well in cold and snow - Cold temperatures should not become a problem for most dogs until it falls below -7°C at which point cold adverse dogs might begin to be uncomfortable - If you have a small breed dog, dogs with thin coats, or very young, old or sick dogs’ special attention should be provided if the temperature is below 0°C. - The dangerous weather threshold for outdoor play is -10°C to -15°C no matter the type of breed of dog you have - Once temperatures get below -6°C, health problems like hypothermia and frostbite are possible - Cats should not be left outside Tips for a Safe and Comfortable Winter - Provide a shelter for your dog if it is outdoors for part of the day for any reason. Ensure the shelter is dry, draft-free, and large enough for them to move comfortably but small enough to hold in body heat. Have the floor elevated and covered with cedar shavings or straw. The doorway should be covered with waterproof burlap or heavy plastic. - Ensure your dog has access to unfrozen water and fresh food. - Be with your pet outdoors and watch for signs if your animal is getting uncomfortable. Observe if your dog is shivering, acting anxious, whining, slowing down, searching out warm locations, or holding up one or more paws. At this point, it is time to head indoors. - Extreme signs of discomfort and coldness include frostbite on the tips of the ears or discolored paws. - Consider protecting your pet against the cold temperature by bundling them up in dog jackets or booties. - Do not leave a pet in a cold vehicle
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ARTENSVILLE
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MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER - FEBRUARY 22, 2024 - Page 3
Weather Cooperates for Winter FunFest
Jocelyn Ottenbreit, Martensville Messenger
The annual City of Martensville Winter FunFest was a hit this year with approximately 525 people in attendance. This years’ activities included horse and buggie rides, soap and ice carving, inflatables, bonfire, hot chocolate and hot dog roast, snowshoeing, schlocky, indoor dance, and games! Special guest, The Bubble Tea Café, which is one of Martensville’s newest coffee shops, were there selling some items from their menu. “It was a beautiful day and we saw a record number of kids participating in the outdoor activities! Winter FunFest is always a hit in Martensville, but it is always more fun when the weather cooperates!” said Jamie McCulloch, Recreation Program Coordinator II. “I would like to thank Lakeview Insurance Brokers for being our Title Sponsor for the event as we would not be able to offer a variety of activities for families without them! I would also like to thank the Martensville Minor Basketball Association, Team Thunder who volunteered their time yesterday! Without their volunteerism, the day would not have gone so smoothly!” “Thank you to everyone, and we will see you at the next event, North Prairie Development/ CANWEST Glow Skate on March 10.”
ABOVE & BELOW: The Northridge Community Centre provided lots of fun activities for Family Day, Monday, February 19th.
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Taking Carbon MFD Rescues Individual With Ladder Tax Off Home During Adobe Inn Fire Heating Drops The Martensville Fire Department was called to a fire at the Saskatchewan Adobe Inn, located at 201 Centennial Drive South, on Saturday, February 17th at approximately 11:00pm, where Inflation To Under they requested assistance from the Warman Fire Department. Two Per Cent Initial reports indicated that Page 4 - FEBRUARY 15, 2024 - MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER
flames were showing from the second floor and upon arrival, a hotel room on the top floor was showing heavy smoke and flames. Crews made an aggressive attack utilizing three engines, one ladder truck and a rescue unit, bringing the fire under control and containing ABOVE: A fire in an upper damage to the suite of origin. level room on the back side One occupant from of the Adobe Inn took place the involved suite was initially on Saturday, February 17th. unaccounted for, but was later found (Submitted) to be safe. Another patron was rescued from the second floor via ladder. All other patrons were safely evacuated before the arrival of the fire crews. A primary search was completed by fire crews to ensure that everyone in the building was accounted for and evacuated safely. Crews remained on scene until approximately 3:00am ensuring all hot spots were extinguished. Investigation determined that the cause of the fire was due to smoking.
Pop-Up Rescue Provides Numerous Fundraising Opportunities Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger
Since the end of January, a group of dedicated individuals have worked tirelessly to care for, and find loving homes for over 130 dogs that were rescued from a northern Saskatchewan community. This project was spearheaded by Kristine O’Brien of Paws Republic Centre for Pets and From the Streetz Rescue Foundation, with help from other rescue organizations across the country, countless volunteers and donations from organizations, businesses, rescues and more. An undertaking such as this does not come cheap and the medical costs are adding up. Dogs are getting vaccinated, de-wormed, having surgeries, giving birth, getting spayed or neutered and everything else required to ensure they are taken care of before going into their new homes. There are numerous ways to help support this initiative. You can volunteer your time to help walk, feed, clean, wash laundry and provide love to the dogs that are still in the care of the Pop-Up Rescue Project. You can send donations to help support the rising vet costs, and can also take part in one of the numerous fundraisers that is taking place. There will be an online silent auction coming up, which will include an assortment of amazing prizes. If you are interested in donating an item to help support this fundraiser, contact the Pop-Up Rescue Project on Facebook, or drop-off an item to 111 9th Street North in Martensville. There is also a Family Day Challenge taking place from February 16th to March 4th where you have a chance to win a Family Photo Session, which includes a 45-60 minute session in Saskatoon and the surrounding area, with up to 6 people and over 25 artistically edited images that you are free to print and distribute as you wish. You can enter by simply donating your recyclables at SARCAN Drop n’ Go in the province and using the Group Name Pop-Up Rescue Project and Group Phrase: #101. Take a photo of your print out tags and post your photo in the comment section for this fundraiser on the Pop-Up Rescue Project Facebook page and you will be entered into the draw. You can also challenge your friends and family to participate and get additional entries for their contributions as well. For children that are participating, there is a separate draw for them to win a gift card to Crumble Cookies. The draw for this will take place on March 4th. You can also purchase raffle tickets for $3 each or two for $5 for a chance to win prizes such as gift cards to a wide variety of local businesses, swag bags, wine baskets, pet supplies and much more. Learn more about the fundraisers, how you can help, and about the dogs who now have a second chance at life by visiting the Pop-Up Rescue Project on Facebook.
Province Renews Call for Federal Government to Scrap the Carbon Tax
The Saskatchewan Government's decision to remove the federal carbon tax from home heating helped reduce Saskatchewan's inflation rate to 1.9 per cent, down from 2.7 per cent in December, according to the latest Consumer Price Index report released today by Statistics Canada. Statistics Canada specifically identifies the removal of the federal carbon tax on natural gas as having a significant impact, saying: "In Saskatchewan, the collection of the carbon levy ceased in January 2024, contributing to the province's yearover-year price decline of natural gas (-26.6%)." Crown Investments Minister Dustin Duncan said this provides a clear example of what the federal government needs to do if it really wanted to drive down the cost of living for Canadian families. "If they are actually serious about fighting inflation, the federal government needs to remove the carbon tax on everyone and everything," Duncan said. "This shows how much impact it has, just removing it on home heating in one province. Imagine the significant impact it would have on gas prices, grocery prices and everything else we produce and transport in Canada if the federal government scrapped the carbon tax. "Instead, they are fully committed to another carbon tax increase on April 1. It shows they really don't care about the impact is it having on Canadian families struggling with the cost of living."
VHS Students Show Stunning Shrek Performance
Venture Heights School students, teachers and administration were busy preparing for their showcase of ‘Shrek the Musical Jr.’, which took place from February 14th-16th in the school gymnasium. Those that attended were in for a treat as the talented bunch took to the stage to put on a performance of a lifetime.
MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER - FEBRUARY 22, 2024 - Page 5
Jocelyn Ottenbreit, Martensville Messenger
Giving the Gift of Life
and she recently celebrated her 10 year Have you ever thought about how it would feel ‘Liversary.’ to save someone’s life? The opportunity to give someone Little Emma was diagnosed with a chance at a normal life simply because you can? Heather biliary atresia, a rare liver disorder, when she Badenoch knows exactly how this feels. was 6 weeks old. She is now 5 months old In 2016, Badenoch read a newspaper story about and will require a liver transplant in the next 6 a young girl who needed a liver and made the decision months. immediately to be a living organ donor. Because of “Having a living donor, instead extensive physical and psychological evaluations, this of waiting for a deceased donor, will help process took some time, and the girl found another donor, avoid a long wait and allow a transplant to but Badenoch asked to stay on the be completed before list. ‘I want to share my experience and Emma gets sicker,” said In 2018, she donated hopefully encourage everyone to Emma’s mom Megan. 22 per cent of the left lobe of her become organ donors. I cannot express If you are interested liver to another match who was a strongly enough how vitally important in learning more about complete stranger. “I have no idea it is to sign your driver’s license donor how to become a donor, who the recipient was, other that it card and take the next step and register the first step is to see was a child, and that’s fine”, said if you are a potential at www.beadonor.ca.’ Badenoch. candidate. “It’s absolutely one of - Kevin Roach In Emma’s case, the best decisions I’ve ever made, you can contact Donor Coordinator, Michelle to be a part of saving someone’s life is an incredible at 1-780-407-6533 or toll free at 1-866-253feeling. There’s an emotional joy that can’t be described 6833 for more information and to begin in words.” screening. When Kevin Roach found out his aunt JoAnn The initial testing/assessment can needed a living liver donor and was told he was a potential take place in your home community and will match, he started researching and learned that what most progress from there. people don’t know is that the liver regenerates itself. There is funding available for travel, Up to 75% of the liver can be removed to donate accommodation, food, time off work, etc. if and the remaining portion will grow back to 98% of its you are found to be a potential candidate. original size and function normally. He also was reassured According to the Canadian Institute the procedure would have no long-term effects on him, for Health Information (CIHI), new data only temporary pain, mostly from the surgical incisions. shows that living donor volumes in 2022 When it was confirmed he was a perfect match, showed 576 in 2022 compared with 614 in he traveled to the University of Alberta Medical Centre 2019, an increase of 18% since 2020 but a for final screening and surgery. Although there were slight decrease of 3% since 2021. complications with the surgery, his aunt pulled through
BELOW: Kevin Roach with his Aunt JoAnn
Despite the improvements since the pandemic, 3,777 Canadians were waiting for a solid organ transplant as of December 31, 2022: 73% were waiting for a kidney, 13% for a liver, 6% for a lung, 3% for a heart, 3% for a pancreas and 2% for a combination of organs.
Saskatchewan Recognizes TeleMiracle Week Ahead of 48th Annual Telethon
The familiar sound of ringing phones will soon be heard across the province. On February 16th, Social Services Minister Gene Makowsky on behalf of Minister responsible for the Provincial Capital Commission Don McMorris, along with the Kinsmen, Kinettes, and Kin Clubs of Saskatchewan, recognize TeleMiracle Week in the province beginning February 18 and culminating on February 24 with the 48th edition of the yearly telethon, broadcast live from Regina. The live Countdown to TeleMiracle pre-show will precede the telethon, starting at 6:15 p.m. on Saturday, February 24, on telemiracle.com. The TeleMiracle telethon kicks off later that evening at 9 p.m. and will conclude on Sunday, February 25, at 5 p.m. The TeleMiracle telethon can be viewed on CTV Saskatchewan channels, as well as telemiracle.com. "Saskatchewan is known for many things, with TeleMiracle near the top of the list," Makowsky said. "Over the last 47 years, Saskatchewan residents have embraced the work TeleMiracle does and have opened their hearts, showing the Saskatchewan spirit of giving that has made TeleMiracle such an important piece of our province." Since the initial TeleMiracle telethon in 1977, Saskatchewan residents have donated more than $159 million, which remains in Saskatchewan, with proceeds going to the Kinsmen Foundation. The foundation provides specialized mobility and medical equipment to people and organizations throughout Saskatchewan and travel assistance for residents needing medical treatment outside their community. "TeleMiracle has been 'Rooted in Saskatchewan' and has touched people across this province for the past 47 years and counting," TeleMiracle 48 Chair Tyler Hall said. “Through TeleMiracle, Saskatchewan people come together every year to
Martensville New Horizon’s Senior Centre Bingo
Come out and enjoy a night of Bingo on Thursday, February 22nd at 7:00pm Cash prizes - 50/50 - Concession Children accompanied by adults are welcome to attend. 6-Up and 9-Up Packages Available!
Join us at 106 4th Avenue North!
The Martensville New Horizon’s Senior Centre will also be hosting a Cribbage Tournament on Saturday, 24th at 1pm. Bring a partner and we promise you a fun afternoon of cards.
help their friends, neighbours and communities. We are grateful for the honour of having TeleMiracle Week declared in Saskatchewan, which helps raise awareness in advance of the telethon." Under provincial legislation, TeleMiracle Week in Saskatchewan is the week immediately before the annual telethon. The Recognition of Telemiracle Week Act is overseen by the Minister Responsible for the Provincial Capital Commission. 24024PS1 24031PS0
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MLA Terry Jenson’s Report from the Legislature New Investments in Education
February 11 to 17 is Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week in Saskatchewan. This year's theme is "Shaping the Future Together," and our government reaffirms its commitment to listening to and collaborating with our educators to improve today's classrooms. To highlight this commitment, our government has made several new investments to improve classrooms across our province. Nine local teacher-led solutions through the new Teacher Innovation and Support Fund have been selected for funding effective immediately. Announced last month, this program provides $2.5 million in funding, allowing teachers to work with their school administration to apply for up to $75,000 to put toward projects that assist in providing better student and teacher experiences within today's classrooms. Projects range from innovative ideas supporting literacy, mental health and wellness, STEM and teacher practice. The next round of successful applications will be awarded in the coming weeks, and the pilot will run until the end of the 2024-25 school year. Eight Saskatchewan schools have been selected to implement the Specialized Support Classroom Pilot through a $3.6 million investment. This pilot aims to help staff in schools manage and de-escalate behavioural incidents by helping students practice self-regulation skills while addressing the impacts of classroom disruptions. An investment of $32 million for 45 new relocatable classrooms will help increase classroom space throughout the province. Funding is allocated to Regina, Saskatoon, Humboldt, Lloydminster, Lumsden, Pilot Butte, Warman and Weyburn. A new formula has been developed to support school enrolment growth. With recent immigration, a new trend has emerged where students continue to arrive in our schools throughout the year. The new formula determines eligibility for post-September enrolment growth funding, taking into account actual growth from October through January and projected growth for the rest of the school year. Our government thanks the incredibly hard-working teachers and educational staff within this province. We look forward to continuing to work with teachers, schools and school divisions to improve the experience in Saskatchewan classrooms for all students.
Job and Export Numbers Continue to Grow
Saskatchewan’s labour market is off to a strong start in 2024, with 12,900 new jobs added from January 2023 to January 2024. The provincial labour force also reached a record high for January of 623,300. Building a labour force to support the economy is a top priority of our government and the province is consistently making strategic investments to promote economic growth. A strong and growing labour force helps Saskatchewan’s key industries continue to grow, and our province’s agriculture sector just received exciting news on its growth. Our province has posted a fourth consecutive year of record agri-food exports, with shipments totaling $20.2 billion for 2023. With this record, our province has also surpassed its Growth Plan target of $20 billion in agri-food exports by 2030. As Saskatchewan’s agriculture industry continues to grow, private sector companies continue to invest and expand in our province. The Louis Dreyfus Company recently announced a new pea protein isolate production plant at the site of its existing industrial complex in Yorkton. This announcement once again shows how Saskatchewan continues to be a great place to invest and do business.
Health Human Resources Update
Our strong and growing economy allows our government to invest in the health care system. Saskatchewan physicians and our government recently ratified a new four-year contract, which includes an overall average general rate increase of 2.5 per cent per year and a competitive market rate adjustment applied to the first year of the agreement. The contract also includes increased funding to support long term retention, parental leave and continuing medical education. Work also continues under the province’s Heath Human Resources Action Plan. Since September 2021, 262 physicians have been recruited to the province. The Rural and Remote Recruitment Incentive of up to $50,000 has resulted in 253 hard-to-recruit positions being filled. A total of 964 nursing graduates have been hired, and 178 registered nurses recruited from the Philippines have arrived in Saskatchewan. Our government continues to make these investments to build our health care system, ensuring you receive the care you need and deserve. As our government continues to move forward with plans to build and protect our great province, we look forward to hearing from you. You can reach my constituency office at office@terryjenson.ca or 306-2422111.
SaskPower Warns of Scam SaskPower is notifying the public of a current scam that has been taking place, where customers have been receiving text messages stating that there is an outstanding balance on their account. The text continues to state that if the amount is not paid via the provided link, they may lose their electricity. Please note that SaskPower has confirmed that they will never request payment via text message and advising those that receive messages such as this to never follow the link, or provide any information. If you believe you have fallen victim to a scam, contact your financial institution and your local law enforcement. Learn more about SaskPower scams and how you can protect yourself at https://www.saskpower.com/Accounts/MySaskPower/YourAccount/Email-Internet-and-Phone-Scams.
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.
Poll Suggests a Tighter Election Race
It won’t be a shocking upset; although it’s shaping up to be a lot closer. It should be closer than the last three Saskatchewan general elections in 2011, 2016 and 2020. It might even be closer than 2007 when the Saskatchewan Party first came to power under Brad Wall, but for as much trouble as the Premier Scott Moe’s Saskatchewan Party has found itself in of late and for as surprisingly close as recent polling suggests it is right now, it seems highly unlikely the Sask. Party will lose. Before we get into why, let us talk about what’s driving the election buzz and why we will be seeing a very different Sask. Party when that election is called. Four key veteran ministers all announced they would not be running the general election in October: Finance Minister Donna Harpauer; Government Relations Minister Don McMorris (both of whom were first elected in 1999 in Sask. Party’s first election); Crown Investment Corporation Minister Dustin Duncan (first elected in a 2006 byelection when the NDP were still in opposition), and; Advance Education Minister Gord Wyant (first elected in a 2010 byelection during the Sask. Party government’s first term). With the retirement of former justice, labour and CIC minister Don Morgan and with Speaker Randy Weekes losing the Sask. Party nomination in KindersleyBiggar, the Sask. Party has severed ties to its days in opposition. Also the retirement of Wyant, gone is anyone with past ties to the Liberals in this party that was originally former as a Progressive-Conservative-Liberal coalition. Seemingly in preparation of an upcoming campaign, this is a party that has been moving towards a significant re-branding, as seemed evident with its emphasis on social conservativism that we saw in the introduction of Bill 137 to address parental consent of students’ name and pronoun use in schools - an issue that was always of minimal significance at best. Yet we dedicated an entire two-week fall sitting and evoked the notwithstanding clause to address the matter. This is a party that’s significantly different from the one that took over the province in 2007 and even different than when Moe took over the premier’s office in 2018 or when he won re-election in 2020. Much of it seems to stem from the events in 2022 when Moe became the first to succumb to pressures from the far right, those who don’t understand the medical science and those who were sincerely impacted or frustrated by COVID-19 restrictions they wanted removed. Since then, the hallmark of the Moe government has been to favour whatever right-wing populist sentiment becomes the chapter and ignore expertise in favour of whatever it is that’s unpopular. It is with this new approach/outlook that the Sask. Party is preparing to enter an election fight. It was even possible the call might come earlier than expected; although recent polling is likely to pour cold water on that situation. An Insightrix poll is showing that the NDP are at 49-per-cent provincewide support have creeped past the Sask. Party now at 47 per cent. An upset in the making? It still seems unlikely. The poll also shows the Sask. Party remains rock solid in its rural base with virtually all the NDP gains coming in Regina and Saskatoon. It’s bad news for Sask. Party urban candidates including those running in Prince Albert and Moose Jaw. But some will hang on. And with the 29 solid rural Sask. Party seats, a change seems unlikely. Moreover, this all seems driven by the teachers’ dispute where, according to the poll, 68 per cent province side support the teachers. It’s 95-per-cent teachers’ support among NDP voters and even among Sask. Party support it’s divided, but expect this labour dispute to be settled by the time of the election. And expect the Sask. Party to hold on.
MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER - FEBRUARY 22, 2024 - Page 7
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Page 8 - FEBRUARY 22, 2024 - MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER
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Martensville Curling Club Participates in Curling Canada’s Big Shootout
The Martensville Curling Club will be participating in Curling Day in Canada’s Big Shootout on Saturday, February 24th at 5pm. This event provides a chance for participating clubs to win a $5,000 grant. Participants will have the chance to draw as many times as they can to cover the button, and if a participant successfully covers the button, they can no longer shoot. The goal of the event is to have as many participants as possible cover the pin, and the club with the most successful shots wins. The event will be live streamed to record how many rocks are successful within a continuous 30 minute stretch.
just THINK..
ABOVE: The Martensville Marauder U15 Snipers won the A-final in the Bardown in Cowtown tournament this past weekend against the host team, Calgary Raiders. (Martensville Minor Hockey)
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ABOVE: The Martensville Marauder U18AA team hosted their final home game of the season on Saturday, February 17th, which marked the last home game for the graduating players of the team. (Martensville U18AA Marauders)