July 13, 2023 Digital Issue

Celebrating the 2023 Martensville High School Graduating Class

Distinction

Taelyr Ballard

Kayden Berge

Alexandra Bjarnarson

Bree Coulter

Owen Dagenais

Jakson Dean

Megan Epp

Nathaniel Fehr

Cadence Gaida

Elan Gorelitza

Rachel Graham

Taylor Greack

Kiele Hilton

Myles Johnson

Trae Johnson

William Kaar

Hunter Markewich

Brielle Markiewicz

Maddix Mathies

Lauryn Moyer

Rylan Pearce

Bazil Perry

Lucas Putnam

Tristan Scott

Dylan Taggart

Paige Tellier

Matthew Thurlbeck

Hayden Webb

Eva Wiebe

University of Saskatchewan

Competitive Entrance Awards (known as of June 16, 2023)

Edwards School of Business Undergraduate Scholarship ($24,000)

Jakson Dean

Lucas Putnam

Peter Lewochko Bursary (approx. $40,000)

Lauryn Moyer

Schulich Leader

Nominee

Sasha Rodriguez

Honour Roll

Carson Amundson

Carrigan Anderson

Landen Baldwin

Samantha Bolton

Chantal Brooman

Latrell Brown

Mason Cey

Jacob Cromwell

Jace Daku

Hunter Desmond

Tysen Durant

Jaxen Dusener

Tanner Englot

Shauna Prevost

Aidan Funk

Jonah Glasser

Lukas Gurski

Makenna Hamm

Colton Hanley

Danielle Heide

Jackson Heisler

Dallas Houle

Camryn Johnston

Aidan Jungman

Lukas Jungwirth

Bailey Kroeker

Ashlyn Kuhn

Katie Leech

Chloe Lefrancois

Emma Low

Jack Misskey

Jaxon Moldon

Tytan Mueller

Mea Polski

Drew Racicot

Dominick Randall

Jenna Riemer

Carter Riley

Matthew Robertson

Rhenecia Robinson

Stevie Robinson

Sasha Rodriguez

Josie Rysavy

Caelan Saccucci-Martinez

Hayden Sametts

Ethan Schachtel

Nathan Shutra

Jessy Simons

Rylan Smith

Haakon Steen

Ryker Tarasoff

Blake Tavener

Mitchell Zimmerman

University of Saskatchewan

Guaranteed Entrance Scholarships

(known as of June 16, 2023)

Due to privacy legislation, we are only able to recognise those students who authorized the university to share their information with us at Martensville High School. It may be that other students among this year’s graduating class are receiving scholarships from the University of Saskatchewan.

$500

Carson Amundson

Jaxen Dusener

Tanner Englot

Lukas Gurski

Dallas Houle

Camryn Johnson

Katie Leech

Chloe Lefrancois

Rex Norman

Rhenecia Robinson

Sasha Rodriguez

Caelan Saccucci-Martinez

Ryker Tarasoff

Ravyn Weir

$1,000

Carrigan Anderson

Jacob Cromwell

William Kaar

Lauryn Moyer

Drew Racicot

$2,000

Jace Daku

Nathaniel Fehr

Danielle Heide

Bailey Kroeker

Paige Tellier

Matthew Thurlbeck

$3,000

Taelyr Ballard

Alexandra Bjarnarson

Bree Coulter

Jakson Dean

Cadence Gaida

Rachel Graham

Ashlyn Kuhn

Hunter Markewich

Brielle Markiewicz

Maddix Mathies

Mea Polski

Lucas Putnam

Tristan Scott

Dylan Taggart

Hayden Webb

Award Recipients

Saskatchewan Youth Apprenticeship Scholarships ($1000)

Saskatchewan Youth Apprenticeship Industry Scholarship

Tytan Mueller

Saskatchewan Youth Apprenticeship EECOL Electric {Jim Sinneave} Scholarship

Noah Remenda

Affinity Credit Union - Build a Better World Scholarship ($1000)

Brielle Markiewicz

Affinity Credit Union - Elwood

Harvey Cooperative Leadership Scholarship ($2500)

Taelyr Ballard

Prairie Spirit Teacher’s Association - Cindy Clarke Memorial Scholarship ($1000)

Lauryn Moyer

Prairie Spirit Teacher’s Association Student Scholarship ($1000)

Bazil Perry

Saskatchewan Youth Apprenticeship Program Certificate of Completion

Davin Bartel

Jacob Cromwell

Noah Remenda

Tytan Mueller

Drew Shelley

Rylan Smith

University of Regina Aboriginal Entrance Award ($2500)

Shauna Prevost

Athletic Award

Athletic Spirit Award in Memory of Roger Wilgenbusch

Kelly Penner Award

Leadership Award

Overall Academic Award

Ron McGratten Award

Student of the Year Award

Rylan Smith

Drew Shelley

Kleysen Gabruck

Myles Johnson

Cadence Gaida

Dylan Taggart

Rachel Graham

Lucas Putnam & Matthew Thurlbeck

Taelyr Ballard & Jace Daku

Chloe Lefrancois & Hayden Webb

Shaidon Yuzik

Alexandra Bjarnarson & Bree Coulter

Rhenecia Robinson

Davin Bartel

Dylan Taggart

Jakson Dean & Dylan Taggart

Myles Johnson

Dallas Houle

Emma Low

Dylan Taggart

Hayden Webb

Dylan Taggart

Local Scholarships

A&W Scholarship

Abe Reddekopp Scholarship

Buster Days Committee Scholarship

City of Martensville Bursary

Cone Scholarship

Heck Family Scholarship

Judy Kolach Scholarship

Lakeview Insurance Brokers’ Scholarship

Logan Schatz Memorial Scholarship

Martensville & District Kinsmen Scholarship

Martensville Building & Home Supply Scholarship

Martensville Dental Clinic

Martensville Messenger Scholarship

Martensville Plumbing & Heating Scholarship

Martensville Veterinary Hospital Scholarship

William Kaar, Emma Low & Hayden Sametts

Jakson Dean

Emma Low

Emma Low

Chantal Brooman & Makenna Hamm

Hayden Webb

Cadence Gaida

Jace Daku

Martensville Community Recreation Project Scholarship

Prairie Sky Chamber of Commerce

Project Change Scholarship

Protective Services Scholarship

Rick Cranston Drama Scholarship

Rick Cranston English Scholarship

Smokehaus Meats & Deli Scholarship

St. John’s Lutheran Church Bursary

ABOVE: Emcee MHS Vice Principal Josh Janzen and Principal Marty Johnson presented the scrolls to each member of the MHS 2023 graduating class during the Monday, June 26th ceremonies. (Submitted by MHS Teacher Mike Kaweski)

ABOVE: Dylan Taggart accepting the ‘Student of the Year’ award. (Photo submitted by MHS Teacher Mike Kaweski)

ABOVE: Guest speaker Dave Little addresses the graduating class. (Photo submitted by MHS Teacher Mike Kaweski)

ABOVE: The Graduand Address was done by Rachel Graham and Emma Low. (Photo submitted by MHS Teacher Mike Kaweski)

ABOVE: Jakson Dean receives the Athletic Award. (Photo submitted by MHS Teacher Mike Kaweski)

Residential Fire - Related Regulations

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

Regulations include:

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

- The burning of rubbish, leaves or clippings is prohibited

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

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

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

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

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

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

Organics/Green Bin Program is Underway

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

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

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

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

POLICE BEAT

Vehicle Crash in Warman Results in Numerous Charges

At approximately 4:15 p.m. on July 6th, Saskatoon Police Service advised Warman RCMP a truck involved in a theft in the city of Saskatoon was travelling into their jurisdiction. Investigation determined the truck had been reported as stolen in the city of Prince Albert on July 4.

Officers from the Martensville and Warman RCMP and Corman Park Police Service responded immediately and conducted proactive patrols along Highway 11 and 12, where the truck was last seen.

At approximately 4:20 p.m. officers received multiple reports of a vehicle driving dangerously between Martensville and Warman. Shortly after, officers received and responded to a separate report of a two-vehicle collision at the intersection of Central Street and 4th Avenue in Warman.

Upon arrival, officers positively identified one of the vehicles involved in the collision as the suspect truck. Further investigation determined the adult male driver of the truck also assaulted the driver of another vehicle, in an attempt to gain access to it. Officers intervened and the suspect was arrested without incident.

The driver of the other vehicle involved in the collision reported minor injuries, which were treated at the scene.

During the arrest of the male and a subsequent search of the truck, officers located and seized 45 grams of crystal methamphetamine and 20 grams of cocaine.

29-year-old Theron Owens from Prince Albert has been charged with the following:

- one count, possession for the purpose of trafficking (cocaine), Section 5(2), Controlled Drugs and Substances Act;

- one count, trafficking (crystal methamphetamine), Section 5(1), Controlled Drugs and Substances Act;

- two counts, assault, Section 266, Criminal Code;

- one count, possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, Section 354(1)(a), Criminal Code;

- one count, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle causing bodily harm, Section 344, Criminal Code;

- one count, robbery, Section 344, Criminal Code;

- one count, fail to comply with probation order, Section 733.1(1); and

- two counts, weapon possession contrary to order, Section 117.01(3).

Owens is scheduled to appear in Saskatoon Provincial Court on July 10, 2023. The investigation is ongoing.

LEFT: Police investigate the scene following a vehicle accident in Warman involving a stolen truck. (Facebook photo by Karey Fetter)

Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day – August 19th

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

July & August Council Meeting Dates

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

July 18th – Regular Council Meeting

August 8th – Committee of the Whole

August 15th – Regular Council Meeting

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

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

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

Reminder to Clean-Up after Our Pets

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

Warman RCMP Investigating Two Fatal Collisions

On July 6, 2023 at approximately 9:30 p.m., Warman RCMP received a report of a single vehicle rollover on Highway #16 near Maymont, SK.

The driver and sole occupant of the vehicle was declared deceased by EMS at the scene. He has been identified as a 59-year-old male from Edmonton. His family has been notified.

On July 7, 2023 at approximately 10:20 p.m., Warman RCMP received a report of a motorcycle rollover on Auction Mart Road, northwest of Saskatoon.

The adult male driver and sole rider on the motorcycle was declared deceased by EMS at the scene. He has been identified as a 38-year-old from Martensville. His family has been notified.

Warman RCMP continue to investigate both incidents with the assistance of a Saskatchewan RCMP collision reconstructionist.

Buster Days Committee Donates Funds to MCRP

Each year Buster Days in Martensville helps raise money for a variety of local groups and organizations and this year was no different. On June 28th, the Buster Days Committee made a presentation to the Martensville Community Recreation Project with a cheque for $15,000. Throughout the years, the Buster Days Committee has contributed $25,000 to help support the MCRP in their mission to raise funds for the Martensville Community Recreation Centre, which is currently under construction on the west side of Highway 12.

Roadway Repairs a Priority for Martensville City Council

Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

Martensville City Council met on Tuesday, July 11th for the monthly Committee of the whole meeting, which began with an update on the annual funding Martensville receives from the Canada Community Building Fund (formerly known as the Gas Tax Fund). In order to receive this funding, municipalities are required to submit project applications for each project and obtain approval prior to spending the funds received. This year, Martensville Council and Administration prioritized roadways with this funding, and prepared a project application for 2023, totaling $596,000 of CCBF funding to be utilized. Roadway projects included; Centennial Drive North – Main Street to 3rd Street North and Columbia Way from 8th Avenue South to 9th Avenue South, with plans to increase the lifespan of the roadways and increase the level of service to residents.

Council also discussed a proposal from Prairie Sculptors Association to partner with the City of Martensville to conduct a symposium in 2024 or 2025 that would include ten artists/sculptors to create large scale sculptures in Martensville. If approved, the City of Martensville would be required to provide a space and an appropriate power source for the creation of the pieces, as well as funding of $45,000 to help support the event. According to a report provided by Director of Recreation & Community Services Ted Schaeffer, some of this cost would be offset with a grant from the Saskatchewan Arts Board and potential sponsorship opportunities. This partnership would provide Martensville the opportunity to display the pieces for a 2-3 year period.

Dillon Shewchuk, Community Economic Development Manager submitted a report to Council with an update on various site inquiries and business activities, as well as marketing and communication, noting in the report that he continues to work with a representative with the Prairie Spirit School Division for the Early Years Family Resource Centre for Martensville/Warman. Shewchuk stated that, “There have been significant challenges in finding a location that is ideal, fits parameters, and will work with the budget and funding available.”

Council will meet again for a Regular Council Meeting on Tuesday, July 18th. Information about upcoming meetings, as well as the agenda for the upcoming meeting, and previous meetings can be found at www.martensville.ca.

ABOVE: The Buster Days Committee presented the MCRP with $15,000 that was raised through this year’s community event.

(Buster Days:Martensville)

Sask Five Giants Having Successful Season

The Sask Five Giants have had a busy and successful season thus far, with more exciting events coming this month. The Giants will be hosting three Provincial Tournaments in Martensville, which will include the 11U AA at Chrome Dome Park from July 14-16, the 15U AA at Mocon Park from July 14-16 and 13U AA at Mocon Park from July 21-23. Each tournament will be an 8-team draw with teams attending from Assiniboia, Outlook, Luseland, Saskatoon, Carnduff, Kipling, Redvers, Regina, Lashburn, Unity, Cabri, Shellbrook and more.

For more information on the Sask Five Giants, visit https://www.saskfivegiants. com/, or follow them on Facebook at ‘Sask Five Giants Baseball Association’.

ABOVE:

Skate Martensville Offers Early Bird Discount on Registration for Upcoming Season

Registration for the next season with Skate Martensville is now open, with an early bird registration available until July 31st that gets you a $50 discount. There is a wide variety of options available, with something for every skill level, including; PreCan, CanSkate, PreSTAR, STARSkate, STAR Synchro and Adult Synchro. New adult skaters (18+) are invited to join the Skate Martensville Adult Synchro team, and it is a great way to get back on the ice and feel the joy of skating again, or to learn something new. Last year marked the first season for the Adult Synchro team, which saw a total of 13 skaters participate, ranging in age from 18-45. There is also space available for new syncho skaters to participate in the STAR Synchro team in the upcoming season. To register for this team, skaters must have passed STAR 1 Skills. No previous synchro experience is necessary. Registration and program information can be found by visiting skatemartensville.ca, or contacting skatingclub1@gmail.com.

ABOVE: The Sask Five Giants Knucklers brought home the U11 A League Championship. (Sask Five Giants Baseball Association)

ABOVE: Congratulations to the 13U A Knucklers on their 1st place finish. (Sask Five Giants Baseball Association)

ABOVE: The Sask Five Giants 15U A team are the 2023 Saskatoon City League Playoff Champions. (Sask Five Giants Baseball Association)

Congratulations to the 11U Sask Five Giants 4/5 Sluggers on winning the City Championship. (Sask Five Giants Baseball Association)

Population Gain Maybe Now Less Exciting

The good news is that Saskatchewan is growing; growing faster than we’ve seen in a century. The latest news from Statistics Canada reveals that in the first three months of 2023, Saskatchewan’s population grew by 6,821 to a record 1,221,439 people.

This also means 33,101 more people are living here compared with one year earlier; the largest yearly population growth in the province since 1914.

“Saskatchewan continues to break population records thanks to strong and effective policies that welcome newcomers to our province,” Immigration and Career Training Minister Jeremy Harrison said in a news release. “With one of the nation’s lowest costing utility bundles, thousands of great job opportunities, and a strong and growing economy.”

It's a remarkable achievement that probably has caused some to already forget about our past. After all, since the province’s population began to surge upward around 2004, Saskatchewan has only seen one quarter in which we experienced a population decline.

Those of us whose memories go back more than two decades may have a better sense of how truly remarkable this is.

Losing our child to other provinces has pretty much been Saskatchewan’s brand. Since the 1930s when Saskatchewan was hit even harder by the Great Depression than most anywhere else, we have been losing our children to other provinces where they sought better opportunities.

Governments of the day were consistently blamed. It’s always been great political fodder. In fact, the three times in the last 40 years in which voters had sought government change, the key campaign issue was our declining population and bringing our children home, but the simple reality is that this has never come easy to any Saskatchewan government. That’s because even in the good times when our kids had less reason to leave, there were still better times and opportunities in places like Alberta and B.C.

So perhaps the Saskatchewan Party government can somewhat be forgiven for its boastfulness, given this is the first administration to preside over an extended period without population decline.

The thing is, though, the great news isn’t causing the stir it once did. There may be a few reasons why:

First, the boom is not being enjoyed equally by everyone. In fact, it’s pretty much confined to the two major cities and even there, growth isn’t exactly happening equitably. In fact, Saskatoon saw the lion’s share of growth in 2022, with 7,666 more people, pumping its population up to 347,536.

Regina only grew by 1.7 per cent or 4,429 people to 268,804, but Regina was a boomtown compared with most everywhere else in the province. Prince Albert lost three people, Weyburn lost seven people, Moose Jaw lost 27 people and Estevan lost 141 people, while Yorkton gained 30 people and Swift Current gained 127 people.

Outside the two cities and their neighbouring bedroom communities, Saskatchewan growth is sputtering.

Admittedly, the first three months of 2023 look great, but everyone’s numbers look great coming out of this pandemic. Saskatchewan’s 2.8-per-cent groth was third lowest in the nation well below Alberta’s 4.5-per-cent growth.

Also, what accounted for the 33,101-person gain in population in the first three months was 35,820-person net international migration. There’s nothing wrong with bringing in new people, but it’s not completely satisfying for those still hoping a boom will bring the children home; however, what this boom in the cities has created is a series of problems catching up to us.

The cities are seeing crowded classrooms, difficulties finding a family physician, higher housing costs and homelessness.

Many of these problems like doctor shortages are now spilling over into the country. Sure, growth is still a positive in Saskatchewan. After all, we are a province whose success has been on newcomers coming here, but population numbers may not be quite as exciting as they once were.

MLA Terry Jenson’s Report from the Legislature

Enjoying a Saskatchewan Summer Summer is a time for celebrations and gatherings, exploring nature and trying new things. As a Member of the Legislative Assembly, I am enjoying meeting with you this summer and hearing your ideas.

The summer solstice brought a special celebration to our province as we recognized National Indigenous Peoples Day. Events were held in many communities and parks across the province to honour the unique heritage, diverse cultures and outstanding contributions of First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples. Our government remains committed to strengthening the rich culture and history of Indigenous people while continuing on a path to reconciliation.

Canada Day was a great opportunity for everyone to take a moment and reflect on what it means to be Canadian. Canada continues to be a free and democratic country that upholds the values of diversity and multiculturalism.

Thank you to the men and women who have served to keep our country safe. Thank you to the citizens of Saskatchewan for continuously working towards improving our communities for future generations.

There are so many great ways to celebrate summer in our beautiful province. If you will be travelling, please stay safe on the road; remember to buckle up, drive sober and slow down to 60 km/hr through work zones. You can always check the Highway Hotline for updates before planning your route.

Throughout the rest of the summer, our provincial parks will be buzzing with activity. Our government has partnered with 14 new businesses for this year, and we encourage you to take advantage of the unique accommodation, activities and services they offer. You can learn more at www.saskparks.com.

Our province continues to get exciting news about the economy. S&P has affirmed Saskatchewan’s AA credit rating, the highest credit rating among all provinces. Saskatchewan’s growing economy and strong finances allow us to continue to pay down the debt while investing in the programs, services and infrastructure that matter most.

In the past month, several new capital projects have begun. Ground was broken on the new K-12 school in Lanigan and St. Frances Cree Bilingual School in Saskatoon, and a site has been selected for the new joint-use North Regina elementary school. Construction has also begun on the new Weyburn General Hospital, which will offer residents centralized services under one roof.

These projects and many more will continue throughout the summer and I am excited to see the progress. As the summer continues, our government is beginning to prepare for the fall sitting of the Legislature and we want to hear from you. Please contact my office if you have any questions or concerns of a provincial nature.

More People Working in Saskatchewan than Ever Before

Province adds 3,300 jobs over last year, unemployment rate at 4.7 per cent

More people are working in the province than ever before with 604,700 people working today in Saskatchewan. Regina and Saskatoon are also seeing record levels of employment at 148,300 and 198,800, respectively.

Newly released labour force figures from Statistics Canada for June also show strong labour force growth in Saskatchewan with 3,300 new jobs when compared to June 2022, and 1,800 new jobs when compared to May 2023.

"Saskatchewan has seen more than two years of consistent job growth and has asserted itself as a province of growth and opportunity, adding nearly 8,000 new jobs since the start of 2023 alone," Minister of Immigration and Career Training Jeremy Harrison said. "Our government is looking to the future as the province sees exceptional labour participation rates and continued private capital investments, both of which are propelling Saskatchewan's continued growth."

The provincial seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 4.7 per cent ranked third among provinces, and below the national average of 5.4 per cent.

June 2023 saw all-time historical highs (aged 15 and over), with:

• Saskatchewan's labour force reaching 623,200;

• Saskatchewan's total employment reaching 604,700;

• Saskatchewan's full-time employment reaching 503,200;

• Regina's employment reaching 148,300; and

• Saskatoon's employment reaching 198,800.

Major year-over-year gains were reported for:

• Transportation and warehousing, up 5,000, representing an increase of 19.9 per cent;

• Business, building and other support services, up 3,300, representing an increase of 30.3 per cent, and;

• Professional, scientific and technical services, up 3,200, representing an increase of 10 per cent.

Saskatchewan has seen growth across several key indicators in recent months. The provincial population grew by 6,821 to 1,221,439 in the first quarter of 2023, and is the largest population increase in more than a century.

Saskatchewan also led Canada in GDP growth last year at 5.7 per cent and is projected by the Conference Board of Canada to see strong provincial GDP growth of 2.5 per cent in 2023, and 1.9 per cent in 2024 while continuing to lead Canada. When paired with record breaking exports of $52 billion globally, $29.3 billion to the United States, and 45 per cent increase to year-over-year wholesale trade in April, Saskatchewan continues to show healthy and robust provincial and economic growth.

Letter to the Editor

Playhouse Raffle for KidSport Is Back

Jocelyn Ottenbreit, Martensville Messenger

Martensville & Area KidSport is back with their Playhouse Raffle after being on hiatus since the pandemic.

“This is the biggest fundraiser in Martensville for KidSport which continues to have more people applying for each year,” said KidSport coordinator Angie Reddekopp.

KidSport provides grants to help cover costs of enrolment for kids aged 5-18 years in Saskatchewan, so they can play a season of sports.

Previously, the playhouse was built by students at Martensville High School in the industrial arts class but when the pandemic hit, MHS students were unable to finish the project.

This year’s 100-square foot playhouse was built by local carpenter Marty Goertzen, which was unveiled on Wednesday, June 21st at the Martensville A&W restaurant

parking lot. Owners Brian and Bernice Buffin, along with their daughter Rachelle, sponsors and MLA Terry Jenson and wife Angela, were there to help launch the raffle campaign.

“We would like to give special thanks to Richard Reimer who paid for the materials supplied by Martensville Building and Home Supply and Marty Goertzen for the building structure, as well as all the other sponsors,” said Reddekopp.

Since 2016 this popular raffle has raised thousands of dollars thanks to Brian and Bernice Buffin who started this sponsorship. The KidSport organization includes Martensville, Warman, Langham, Dalmeny, Osler, and the RM of Corman Park.

The playhouse is onsite at the A&W now. Tickets are $5 each and you can get your tickets on-line at https://warman-kidsport.myshopify.com/, Martensville Building & Home Supply, A&W, and special events.

ABOVE: A dedicated group of community-minded individuals came together on Wednesday, June 21st at the Martensville A&W to celebrate the kick-off for this year’s KidSport Playhouse raffle. From left to right: Martensville-Warman MLA and owner of Clark’s Crossing Gazette Terry Jenson and his wife Angela, Marty Goertzen, City of Warman KidSport Representative Coralie Bueckert, Richard Reimer, Manager of Martensville Building & Home Supply Cameron Tooth, City of Martensville KidSport represetative Angela Reddekopp, Rachelle and Brian Buffin of the Martensville A&W. (Jocelyn Ottenbreit/MM)

The draw for the playhouse is slated for September 16th at 3:00 p.m. at the Martensville A&W.