February 8, 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

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MARTENSVILLE PHARMACY

Your City; Your Newspaper February 8, 2024

VOLUME NO. 18 - ISSUE 6

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Pups of the Pop-Up Rescue

591 Centennial Drive North - Martensville

306-931-2868

Over 100 dogs were rescued from a tragic fate and brought to a temporary pop-up rescue in Martensville on Tuesday, January 30th. Throughout the week hundreds of local residents donated supplies, financial support and their time to help support this incredible project. See more on page 5.

Page 2 - FEBRUARY 8, 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.

- 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

February 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.

February 13th – Committee of the Whole February 20th – 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

POLICE

BEAT

Warman RCMP Seeks Public Assistance Locating Missing 28-Year-Old Male

On January 29, 2024 at approximately 2:40pm, Warman RCMP received a report of a missing 28-yearold male, Spencer Ulrich.

Spencer was last seen January 29th on Elizabeth Street East in Warman, Saskatchewan.

Since he was reported missing, Warman RCMP have been checking places Spencer is known to visit and following up on information received. They are now asking members of the public to report information on Spencer’s whereabouts.

Spencer is described as 5’11” and approximately 190 lbs. He has green eyes, brown hair, and a full beard. He was last seen wearing an olive/tan coloured hoodie, a grey hat, and white shoes.

Spencer is known to travel to Didsbury, AB; Calgary, AB; Lloydminster, SK; and New York, USA, ABOVE: Spencer Ulrich but his current whereabouts are unknown.

If you have seen Spencer or know where he is, contact Warman RCMP at 306-975-1670. Information can also be submitted anonymously by contacting Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or www.saskcrimestoppers.com.

Recreation Program Update - Winter FunFest, February 18th!

Lakeview Insurance Brokers Winter FunFest 2024 is February 18th Beat the Winter Blues with a day of winter-themed activities and fun for the entire family at the North Ridge Centre. Winter Funfest kicks off at 1PM and will feature Sleigh Rides (13PM), Ice Carving, Skating, Curling, Shinny Hot Dogs over a Fire and Hot Chocolate. Cost is $5/Person or $15 for the entire Family.

2024 Winter Program Guide The Program Guide has been distributed and registration for programs is now Open.

Registration can be conducted online at Martensville.ca or via phone or at the Martensville Athletic Pavilion.

Guides can be picked up at City Hall, the MAP or viewed online under Recreation Activities.

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

ABOVE: Warman Fire Rescue posted a warning to the community on Monday, February 5th about thin ice on community ponds after a 13-year-old fell through the ice into chest deep water.

Thankfully the youth was able to make it to a near-by house and was cold, but uninjured. Recent run off is causing thin and weak spots on ice, so be sure to speak to your kids to avoid these surfaces until ice becomes more stable. (Warman Fire Rescue/Facebook)

MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER - FEBRUARY 8, 2024 - Page 3

Martensville Library Offers Two New Programs Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

The Martensville Library always has plenty of fun opportunities taking place for people of all ages and there are new options available regularly. Most WHEATLAND REGIONAL LIBRARY recently, the Martensville Library is taking part in the Neighborhood Forest Program, through Wheatland Regional Library.

This program gives POETRY SUBMISSIONS CAN children a chance to get a free INCLUDE UP TO 3 POEMS tree through the library. Those SHORT STORIES CAN BE UP interested in participating can visit TO 1200 WORDS https://www.neighborhoodforest.

Send your entries to programmanager@wheatland.sk.ca org/school-search/ to sign up.

Paper entries can be submitted to your local library.

From there, scroll through the list to find the Martensville Branch – WINNERS WILL RECEIVE Wheatland Regional Library. Then A JOURNAL AND PEN SET reserve the tree in your child’s name.

WINNERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED ON APRIL 18TH There are optional paid add-ons that you can take part in if you choose to. Fill on the required information, and once the trees are delivered to the Martensville Library in April, you will be contacted for pick-up. At this time, they do not have details on what trees will be available; however, the aim is to provide native trees to the region.

The deadline to sign-up is March 15th.

The local Library is also offering Teen Writing Contest through the Wheatland Regional Library, which will take place from February 5th to March 31st.

Through this program, teens can submit up to three poems, or a short story up to 1200 words. Entries can be submitted to programmanager@ wheatland.sk.ca, or paper entries can be submitted at the Martensville Library. Winners will be announced on April 18th and will receive a journal and pen set.

For more information about these events, or other events taking place at the local library, visit ‘Martensville Library’ on Facebook, or contact (306) 956-7311.

TEEN WRITING CONTEST FEB 5 TO MAR 31

Get Your Business Noticed!

Martensville Summer Market Seeks Community Input for Upcoming Season Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

The Martensville Summer Market (MSM) is getting prepared for another season of providing a variety of goods to local residents and they are looking for some feedback from the community.

They are currently asking people to complete a short survey to help provide information on how they can better serve their customers.

“We would like to know how important the market is for the community, what we are doing good, and what kind of improvements we could make to help make the market more attractive,” MSM organizer Marjan Petter, stated. “We strive to make the market as appealing as possible and that is why we are looking for the community’s feedback.”

Information collected within the survey will help guide the market on its future plans, and Petter explained that they hope to achieve what the community is asking for, within the boundaries they can do.

Questions within the survey include what day/hours you would prefer for the market to operate, what kind of vendors you would like to see at the market, products you believe are lacking at the market, suggestions on activities that could be brought to the market and more.

Visit ‘Martensville Summer Market’ on Facebook to access the survey, or visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/summermarket.

The local market has been a staple within the community for approximately 13 years, and throughout this time has seen modifications in its location and days/hours of operation.

Last season, the market ran on Saturdays, which Petter noted they received positive feedback on, so they have plans to once again host the market on Saturdays from 10am-2pm within the parking lot of the Martensville Corner Store at 301 Centennial Drive North. Petter added that they are grateful for the location, as it is beneficial for the high traffic and good visibility.

Petter stated that a search for new vendors is already underway in order to provide as many options as possible this season.

“We need vendors for all different kinds of products and who are willing to commit every Saturday to the market. We have to build and make the market successful together. The customers and other vendors are depending on the commitment of each vendor,” Petter said. “Occasional vendors are welcome too, but keep in mind that customers are careful checking you out and often you don’t have as good of sales if you come just for a day. It takes time and commitment to become successful.”

Items the market is interested in are any kind of fresh food; including, fruits, vegetables, honey, meats, fish, baking, breads, soups, meals, etc., as well as vendors with homemade products such as jewelry, candles, soaps, sewing, knitting, cards, pottery, wood working, games, animal products and more.

“It is very rewarding to be a vendor as you get to meet a lot of friendly people who are passionate about buying local products and want to support your business.”

If you are interested in becoming a vendor, or learning more about the Martensville Summer Market, contact martensvillemarket@gmail.com and mention your name, phone number and the product you will be selling.

Call the MEARTENSVILLE S S E N G E R today and ask about our AFFORDABLE advertising

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Page 4 - FEBRUARY 8, 2024 - MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER

Martensville & District Kinette Club Brings Ladies Night to Community Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

Ladies, mark your calendars because the Martensville & District Kinette Club is bringing Ladies Night back to the community. This 19+ event will be taking place at the North Ridge Community Centre on Saturday, April 27th.

The theme for this event will be ‘Denim & Diamonds’ and will kick-off at 5:30pm with cocktails, followed by supper, catered by Sports Page at 6:30pm. There will be interactive games & prizes beginning at 7:30pm, with a dance to follow at 8:30pm with music provided by DJ Jason White.

All proceeds from this event will go towards supporting the Martensville & District Kinette Club to help serve the community’s needs.

Individual tickets can be purchased for $60, or a table of 8 is available for $440.

For those wanting to purchase, please make one payment for the group. Purchases and e-transfers can be made through mkinettesladiesnight@gmail.com using the password diamonds.

Kinettes Host Bingo for TeleMiracle

The Martensville & District Kinette Club hosted their 3rd annual Family Bingo fundraiser on Sunday, February 4th at the Brian King Centre in Warman. This event, which was previously dubbed “Toy Bingo” is always a popular outing for families, with this year seeing success once again with a great turnout.

“We had over 200 people attend and we raised over $4400. We received a lot of positive feedback,” Amanda Arneson of the Martensville & District Kinette Club stated.

Plans are in place to host a Fall Bingo, with more details coming out later in the year.

BELOW: The Martensville & District Kinette Club hosted their 3rd annual Family Bingo on Sunday, February 4th at the Brian King Centre in Warman.

(Martensville & District Kinette Club)

"Is there a Fire In You?" Martensville Fire Department is accepting resumes for the position(s) of Paid On-Call Fire Fighter/First Responder

Applications can be submitted online at www.martensville.ca or dropped off at City Hall Attn: Fire Chief, Kurt Dyck Application Deadline Friday, February 23, 2024 at 5pm

www.martensville.ca

M

Only successful applicants will be contacted.

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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Party on the Pond Hits the Ice this March Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

P a r t y on the Pond is returning to Martensville this March! This widely popular event will be taking place March 1st and 2nd and will once again feature a 3 on 3 pond hockey tournament for participants 19+ years of age, as well as entertainment on both Friday and Saturday nights.

The fun begins at 4pm on Friday, March 1st with registration and the official opening of the beer gardens, followed by a 5pm puck drop for the first set of games. There will be a come-and-go supper served to all players beginning at 7:30pm and ending at 9pm. Games end at 9pm and at 10pm the Al Andersons Cabaret begins, which features Canadian Country music artist Brody Siebert.

At 12pm on Saturday, March 2nd, the puck drop to kick-off the day takes place, and the beer gardens open. A pizza lunch will be served between 12:30pm and 1:30pm. Games will continue throughout the day until 9pm, with a come-andgo supper taking place from 7pm-9pm. Doors open at 8pm for the Saturday night cabaret, which will run from 9pm-2am and feature artist Brock Andrews performing a 90’s till now Country night.

All weekend events will take place at the North Ridge Community Centre, and on the adjacent ponds at 901 3rd Street North in Martensville and teams can be registered until February 26th. Sign-up a team for $520.00, which includes all meals and entertainment, or purchase individual tickets to the cabarets for $35.00 online at https://saskpartyonthepond.com/.

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MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER - FEBRUARY 8, 2024 - Page 5

Pop-Up Rescue Saves Over 130 Dogs From Tragic Fate Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

When Kristine O’Brien, the owner/operator of Paws Republic Centre for Pets in Martensville, was first notified about a situation taking place in a northern Saskatchewan community that was putting the lives of many dogs at risk, she knew something had to be done to help.

This story began with a text that quickly spiraled into something that no one could have seen coming. Upon receiving information that dogs were in jeopardy of facing a tragic fate, O’Brien sprang into action and rallied the troops. Paws Republic and From the Streetz Dog Rescue were both on board to do what they could as quickly as they could.

Calls were put out to the community that a rescue mission would be available to come get the animals on Tuesday, January 30th and the “Pop-Up Rescue Project” was born.

As rescuers made the long drive north to pick-up the dogs, organizers stayed behind and prepped a temporary space that was provided by Kabo Homes, where they could house the dogs and provide the appropriate care needed.

Over 100 dogs of various breeds, sizes and ages were brought in and quickly provided baths, food, vet care, exercise, as well as plenty of love and compassion.

According to organizers of the rescue, missions such as this can often take upwards of a month to plan; however, they managed to do it within 24 hours.

Throughout the past week, the beauty of humanity has shone brightly as word quickly spread. It didn’t take long for donations to begin piling in through the doors, volunteers to show up ready to help in any way possible, multiple veterinary clinics to offers their services, and so much more.

Within a week, between dogs being adopted, fostered, or sent to other rescues, less than ten dogs remain in the building; however, approximately 30 more dogs are expected to arrive on Wednesday, February 7th.

“I could never have imagined a more amazing outcome for this experience.

Going into this, we didn’t really know how things were going to play out, but we knew we needed to do something to help give these dogs a chance at life,” O’Brien stated. “The support that we have received is nothing short of a miracle and there are no words that can accurately sum up how grateful we are to everyone that has stepped up to help.”

Currently, the greatest need is monetary donations, which will be used towards vet bills. Details on how you can contribute, as well as regular updates on the rescue mission can be found by visiting the ‘From the Streetz Rescue Foundation’ Facebook page. Donations can also be made directly to Erindale Animal Hospital and Corman Park Vet Services.

With so much going on the past week, O’Brien wanted to create a space where people could share their stories and provide information on the rescue, so the ‘Pop-Up Rescue Project’ Facebook page was created.

People are encouraged to share their photos and stories on this page, so the positivity of this experience can be remembered.

“We couldn’t have done this without the people that have stepped up to help, whether it be through a donation, volunteering, washing laundry, bringing food, taking dogs to the vet or one of the countless other ways that we have seen people contribute. It is nothing short of amazing.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart,” O’Brien added.

ABOVE: Over 100 dogs were initially brought to a temporary pop-up rescue and within a week, less than 10 dogs remain in the building.

RIGHT, BELOW and BOTTOM RIGHT: Donations have been coming in non-stop over the past week from businesses, organizations, sports teams, and individuals.

Currently, the greatest need is monetary donations that will go towards veterinary costs for the dogs.

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Page 6 - FEBRUARY 8, 2024 - MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER

Sask Teachers Announce Rotating Strikes and Removal of Noon-Hour Supervision

Police Questions Hit Sask. Party Hard

About all we know as the of writing of this column is what the headlines blare: Saskatchewan Party MLA leaves caucus amid police investigation.

That Sask. Party MLA is Moose Jaw Wakamow MLA Greg Lawrence; a relatively obscure backbencher who has never been elevated to cabinet since first elected in 2011.

Notwithstanding his dozen years as an elected MLA, the former SaskPower and SaskTel worker and union representative isn’t well-known in political circles, other than for his Metis roots, his service as a Lieutenant in the Royal Canadian Air Force Reserves that resulted in him being appointed Provincial Military Liaison. Other additional minor legislative duties have included serving as secretary to the Minister of Social Services, a member of the Wakamow Valley Authority Board and chair of the Standing Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs and Justice.

In fact, what Lawrence; who announced a while ago he would not again be running for the Sask. Party in 2024; is probably best politically known for not being in cabinet.

Moose Jaw had no cabinet representation from 2007 until last summer.

We also know that Lawrence decided not to run again after what was described as a serious motorcycle accident last August. He did, however, attend the fall sitting.

In short, Greg Lawrence was largely unknown outside his constituency until last week’s vague three-sentence government caucus office press release that stated Lawrence “has resigned from the Saskatchewan Party Caucus” and his “decision comes as an active police investigation is occurring into historical complaints unrelated to his duties as an MLA”.

What, exactly, this “active police investigation … into historic complaints” is about is a mystery; however, in the summer of 2022, reporters inquired about postings related to Lawrence on an unknown social media account and were told the MLA had registered a complaint and the matter was being investigated by police. He remained in caucus after that investigation commenced.

What we also know is that anyone leaving caucus; whether by voluntary resignation or not; is considered a serious matter that’s only occurred in the Sask. Party under rather significant and usually troubling circumstances.

Nadine Wilson “resigned” from caucus over a matter related to properly disclosing information on her vaccination status requested by caucus. Her desk was moved across the way to sit as independent where she remains, but now as a member and leader of the Saskatchewan United Party.

Cut Knife-Turtlefords MLA Ryan Domotor; also a low-profile, first-term government MLA perhaps best known for the being the son of former Progressive Conservative MLA Louis Domotor; was similarly asked to resign from caucus during the fall sitting after being charged with communicating for the purposes of obtaining sexual services.

His backbench seat was similarly moved to the opposition side and has remained unoccupied since. His lawyer, on his behalf, has made one court appearance on the charge.

It should be stressed that Domotor has seen the allegations against him proven in court and that Lawrence has not even been charged with anything, but one can’t downplay the political significant of all this as we head towards the October election.

Just a few hours after the government caucus office announced Lawrence leaving office, NDP Opposition leader Carla Beck posted on her social media accounts: “This is now the second Sask. Party MLA to be hit with a police investigation in just two months. One is a bad apple. Two is a pattern. It’s clear that Scott Moe's government just isn’t living up to the values of Saskatchewan people anymore.”

For a law-and-order Sask. Party government who held a special session in October on the family-value related question of “parental rights” Beck’s assessment of the troubles of the two government backbenchers will hit the Sask. Party hard.

All this could become big issues in the fall campaign to come.

The Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation (STF) announced on February 5th that they were providing a 48-hour notice of a province-wide, one-day withdrawal of noon-hour supervision, which will take place on Thursday, February 8th.

This means that teachers will not be available to supervise students staying at school over lunch, or taking part in noon-hour activities and instead, teachers will leave the building during this time.

STF noted that, “Although teachers often provide lunch break supervision, it is done on a voluntary basis.”

In addition to this, there will also be a second round of rotating strikes taking place on Wednesday, February 7th, which will involve approximately 4,300 teachers and will affect classes for approximately 65,300 students.

These are the most recent job-actions taken by the STF as contract negotiations remain at a standstill with the Government of Saskatchewan.

“A decade of government funding cuts has meant parents ABOVE: Teachers holdng signs up in in several school divisions are forced to pay out-of-pocket fees of Martensville during the January 16th one-day $100 or more for their kids to stay at school over the noon hour,” strike. A one-day rotating strike will be taking STF President Samantha Becotte stated in a February 5th media place on February 7th. release.

“School boards face the impossible task of balancing government funding shortfalls and the rising costs of services that students need. Students and families are caught in the middle, and I encourage every parent and caregiver in the province to let our government officials know how they feel about that,” Becotte added.

All Prairie Spirit School Division locations within Martensville, as well as Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools École Holy Mary in Martensville will be impacted by the February 7th strike, as well as the removal of noon-hour supervision on February 8th.

Making Life More Affordable with The Active Families Benefit

With tax season around the corner, the Government of Saskatchewan is reminding families with children and youth participating in sports, culture, and recreation that they can access the Active Families Benefit when they file their 2023 taxes.

The benefit is available to families with an annual income up to $60,000. They can receive up to $150 per year, for each child 18 years or younger, or $200 per year for children who are eligible for the federal Child Disability Tax Credit. Eligible families claim the benefit when they file their taxes.

"The Active Families Benefit is a tax credit that helps make activities more affordable and accessible for Saskatchewan families," Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Laura Ross said. "For parents who enrolled their children in sport, culture and recreation activities in 2023, they should hang onto their receipts, in order to claim the benefit when they do their taxes later this spring."

The Active Families Benefit ensures that the families who need it the most can access it - meaning youth can continue to be involved in sport, recreation and cultural activities. This helps build strong families and strong communities across our province.

The following are eligible for the Active Families Benefit: • Sporting activities that provide exposure, training, or participation in any field of sport in an organized and competitive environment that requires strategy, physical 24014JJ0 training and mental preparation.

• Recreational activities that provide exposure, training, or participation in any field of recreation designed to refresh, provide satisfaction, entertain and provide physical or mental benefits.

• Cultural activities that provide exposure, training, or participation in the field of arts, heritage or multiculturalism.

For more information on the Active Families Benefit visit the frequently asked questions at: https://www. saskatchewan.ca/residents/ parks-culture-heritage-andsport/sport-and-recreation/ programs-and-supports/activefamilies-benefit.

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 - FEBRUARY 8, 2024 - Page 7

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Page 8 - FEBRUARY 8, 2024 - MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER

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Family Day Fun Planned for Winter FunFest Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

Winter FunFest is taking place on Monday, February 19th and the City of Martensville has a big day planned for the community. This is one of the most popular events in the community, and always draws a large crowd.

There will be a wide array of both indoor and outdoor activities ABOVE: Sleigh rides are always a popular activity at planned, which includes fun Martensville’s Winter FunFest. options such as sleigh rides, ice carving, soap carving, bonfires, a hot dog roast, ice skating, hockey, an indoor fish pond, a bouncy house, a toddler area, hot chocolate, games and more.

This year, there is a new addition of a dance with a DJ for some added fun and a great way to shake off those winter blues with your family and friends.

According to Jamie McCulloch, City of Martensville Recreation Program Coordinator, one of the main highlights for this event is ABOVE: There is a wide variety of both indoor and always the horse and carriage outdoor fun available at Winter FunFest. sleigh rides.

“Thank you to Lakeview Insurance Brokers for continuing to support this event year after year. They are the Title Sponsor for Winter FunFest 2024. I would also like to thank the Martensville Minor Basketball association for volunteering at this year’s event. It is going to be a lot of fun and a great way to spend some quality time with your family on Family Day,” McCulloch said.

For more details on this event, visit the ‘Lakeview Insurance Brokers Winter FunFest 2024’ event page on Facebook.