Bay 4 #1 - 4th St S Martensville www.infinitysalonandspa.ca for online booking 306-931-2266 Open 7:30-5:30 Monday - Friday FREE courtesy cars available 109 Centennial Dr. N Martensville • Complete Automotive & Tire Service Centre/ ATV/UTV Parts & Repair • Journeyman Factory Trained Technicians • Easy Vehicle Repair & Accessory Financing Available Call: 306.975.2140 Your City; Your Newspaper Locally Owned and Operated www.martensvillemessenger.ca Celebrating Fifteen Years of Community March 16, 2023 VOLUME NO. 17 - ISSUE 11 scottroofingsask.com Re-roofs New Construction Residential Commercial 306-384-(ROOF)7663 | 306-222-4093 scottlandru61@gmail.com MARTENSVILLE PHARMACY 17 Centennial Drive North 306-931-2868 Business as USUAL Located at BACK of building Monday-Friday 9-6 Saturday 10-3 Closed Sundays & Holidays 306-934-4888 www.martenswarman.ca 306-242-7888 www.saskfunerals.ca Because We Care 591 Centennial Drive North - Martensville WMBEXA 2017 BUSINESS OF THE YEAR RECIPIENT WE SERVICE ALL BRANDS Over 11 Years Making Your Real Estate Dreams Come True! JUST THINK... Had this been your ad, people would have noticed it. Call the Martensville Messenger and ask about our affordable advertising Ph: 306-668-1093 - Provides Regular and Consistent Caregivers - All inclusive care services (Companion, Respite, Bathing,Grooming, Meal Prep, Shopping, etc. - Transportation to Appointments - Insured www.dailylivingcare.com Private Homecare (Est. 2005) Daily Living Personal Care Charlene Stushnoff SCA/HC Daily Living Personal Care Charlene Stushnoff OWNER (306)370-0314 Daily Living Personal Care Charlene Stushnoff SCA/HC OWNER (306)370-0314 Daily Living Personal Care Charlene Stushnoff (306)370-0314 • Provides Regular and Consistent Caregivers • All inclusive care services (Companion, Respite, Bathing, Grooming, Meal Prep, Shopping, etc.) • Transportation to Appointments • Insured Daily Living Personal Care Charlene Stushnoff SCA/HC OWNER (306)370-0314 Daily Living Personal Care Private Homecare (Est. 2005) Charlene Stushnoff SCA/HC OWNER (306)370-0314 • Provides Regular and Consistent Caregivers • All inclusive care services (Companion, Respite, Bathing, Grooming, Meal Prep, Shopping etc) • Transportation to Appointments • Insured www.dailylivingcare.com 10%Off first month when mentioning this ad* Charlene Stushnoff SCA/HC - Owner 306-370-0314 The ponds behind the North Ridge Community Centre were busy with activity this past weekend with the Annual 3-on-3 Party on the Pond tournament. This popular event raises funds to go towards the new Martensville Recreation Facility. (Jocelyn Ottenbreit/MM) Party On The Pond
Register for the Run or Ride Regional Race
The SaskWater Regional Race: Run or Ride will be taking place on May 13th, with the course beginning in Warman at the Prairie Oasis park and ending in Martensville at the North Ridge Community Centre. Once complete, there will be a shuttle available to bring you back to the start line from the finish line.
Registration for this fun event is now open and can be done by visiting www.martensville.ca and clicking on the Program Registrations Icon. Registration for 17 and under is $10, and for 18+, the cost is $20. All proceeds from this event will go towards KidSport to help support local youth participate in sports.
Leading up to this event, there will be a Regional Race Run Club: Drop in Program available at the Martensville Athletic Pavilion on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6pm-7pm running from April 18th to May 11th. This self-led program was created to help participants prepare and meet other like-minded individuals and the cost is $3.25 for all registered participants of the 2023 Regional Race.
Seniors Centre
Hosting Easter Ham
Bingo and Cribbage Tournament
The Martensville New Horizons Seniors Centre has been hosting a regular bingo night every second Thursday, and popularity is growing. With Easter just around the corner, the next bingo night, which takes place on March 23rd, will be an Easter Ham Bingo. There will be a total of 14 games, with 14 shank, bone-in, approximately ten pound hams available for prizes. There will also be a Bonanza with 58 pre-called numbers for $100.
Additionally, there will be a Cribbage tournament held on Saturday, March 18th at 1pm. There is an entry fee of $10/team of two; however, if you don’t have a partner, they will arrange a partner for you.
The New Horizons Centre is located at 106 4th Avenue North in Martensville.
Martensville Summer Market Seeking Vendors
The Martensville Farmer’s Market, which will now be the Martensville Summer Market going forward following a name change to allow for a wider variety of vendors to participate, is looking for vendors for the 2023 season.
As a farmer’s market, they were limited to vendors that offered homemade, grown or baked goods, whereas being a summer market opens the door for other vendors that have other goods available for purchase.
They are currently looking for more vendors to participate in the Summer Market which will run on Saturdays from 10am-2pm in the parking lot of the Martensville Corner Store (across from Canadian Tire) at 301 Centennial Drive North from June 24-September 30.
If you are interested in becoming a vendor, or looking for more information, email martensvillemarket@ gmail.com or text (306) 260-7395 and mention the products you would like to sell.
Page 2 - MARCH 16, 2023 - MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER
RIGHT: The Martensville Summer Market is looking for more vendors to take part in the upcoming season, which will run from June 24-September 30. (Facebook)
Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger
Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger
Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger
Organics/Green Bin Program and Pick-ups
The City of Martensville offers a Green Bin program through Loraas Organics. This service is by subscription.
Pick up of the Green Bins has commenced with regular scheduled bi-weekly collection alternating between North/South Martensville and running from May until the end of October Pick-up take 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.
Join us for the Martensville Business Expo March 24th & 25th
Connect with the businesses and organizations in our community and learn more about products, services and opportunities in the community.
There will be delicious food, great drinks, interactive booths, sales and local entertainment all Expo long! Friday will feature a job fair and career sessions to assist and connect job seekers with local employers.
There will be a pancake breakfast on Saturday from 8-10 AM and it is by donation!
Admission to the Expo is $2, watch for updates in the coming weeks on the weekend’s activities
Visit Martensville.ca or visit Facebook for a list of event details.
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.
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!
March and April 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.
Regular Council Meeting – March 21st
Regular Council Meeting – April 4th
Committee of the Whole Meeting- April 11th
The Regular Council Meetings are located at Martensville City Hall Council Chambers in Martensville City Hall at 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.
Licensing Our Pets, Annual Renewals
By licensing your pet, your pet can be identified in the event it escapes or ends up ‘at large’. Our Bylaw officials and partners will be able to quickly identify the pet and contact the owner. License fees also help fund the housing cost of pets and animals that have been found ‘at large’.
Pet licenses must be purchased and renewed annually unless a lifetime license has been purchased.
Annual licenses expire Dec 31st and must be renewed by March 1st.
Annual license cost $20 per year
Lifetime licenses cost $30 (pet must be microchipped)
Licenses are sold at the following outlets; City Hall, Affinity Animal Hospital, Furrific Grooming & Boutique and Paws Republic.
Bumble Bee Coffee Brings New Options to Community, Including Bubble Tea
Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger
Bumble Bee Coffee in Martensville officially opened on February 1st, taking over the location from Clearcut Coffee. Owning a coffee shop had been a dream of owner/ operator Olena Yova’s for some time, so to see that dream come to fruition has been quite the adventure.
The local coffeehouse offers a variety of baked goods, custom cakes, coffee drinks, bubble tea, paninis, sandwiches, soups and more, all of which are made with love and care. There are various options available for both breakfast and lunch. There are also plans to add a gelato option to the line of products, as well as chimney cake rolls.
Since opening, there have been a few changes made, including the hours of operation, which are 7:30am7:00pm on weekdays, 10am-7pm on Saturday and 10am-5pm on Sunday. There have also been some changes made to the interior, with the addition of fireplaces and comfortable seating and plans to continue improving the interior and come summer, there will be seating available outside. The addition of offering a wide variety of bubble tea and an expanded menu for coffee and tea based drinks has received positive feedback from the community.
“We have been living in Martensville since 2013 and love this community. It was natural to set up a business within the community, as we believe that Martensville will continue to grow. We have discovered for ourselves that the community is very supportive to locally owned businesses and we have received a lot of support from both existing and new customers,” Yova said.
Bumble Bee Coffee is located at 402 1st Avenue South in Martensville. For more information visit ‘Bumble Bee Coffee’ on Facebook.
MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER - MARCH 16, 2023 - Page 3
ABOVE: Bumble Bee Coffee owner/operator Olena Yova.
Skate Martensville Synchro Teams Do Well at First Competition
This year marks the first time that Skate Martensville has offered a Synchro Skate option for their Club. Two teams were created, with the STAR Synchro Team consisting of 12 skaters ranging from 9-15 years old and the Adult Synchro Team with 13 adults, ranging in age from 18-45. Both teams hit the road this weekend to compete in the 10th annual Living Skies Invitational Synchronized Skating Competition in Regina on Sunday, March 12, which was the first competition for Martensville’s newly added synchro teams.
Approximately 140 skaters from seven clubs across Saskatchewan and Manitoba competed in the first competition since prior to the pandemic, and according to Coach Nicole Gryba, everyone was excited to be back in person, skating for a crowd again. “The fans were suited up with posters and cowbells and the energy was electric. It was so much fun,” Gryba said.
The competition had skaters of all ages and abilities, with some as young as 5, and others into their 40s. The day consisted of a practice skate in the morning and then two performances in the afternoon for each team. The Martensville Magic Star 4 team ended up earning a silver medal in a flight of five teams. “Danny and I were incredibly proud of both Martensville teams. The team worked very hard throughout the season, so to come home with any medal was a huge accomplishment,” Gryba stated.
The Martensville TNT adult team was the only team in their category, but skated two clean performances, and Gryba noted they won the hearts of the judges and the crowd. The adult team is comprised of a mix of synchro veterans, and skaters that are new to synchro, with one skater having never worn figure skates prior to this season. “When looking back at where they started at the beginning of the year, their progress is nothing short of incredible. This team’s determination and love of the sport is infectious and we are really excited to see this team continue to grow and improve.”
“Overall, the weekend was a huge success and we’re already talking about plans for next season. We would love to see these two teams grow in numbers. We welcome any retired figure skaters to dust off their skates and join our synchro teams in the fall!”
Dance Competition Hosted by Warman Shows Off Talent From All Over Western Canada
Jocelyn Ottenbreit, Martensville Messenger
This past weekend was full of excitement for Warman and Martensville as over 200 teams participated in the annual Warman Cheer Classic at the Legends Centre.
Over 2,500 athletes from Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, and Saskatchewan competed in this event. “This year is the biggest yet and is now one of the largest competitions in Western Canada,” said Leslie Stevenson, owner and coach of Warman Ultimate Cheerleading.
Bravo Dance had a very successful weekend competing at the Warman Cheer Classic. They are based out of Martensville and have 47 pom athletes ranging in ages 4 – 18. A majority of them have never participated in this sport until this year.
“We had three teams place first; the U8 – Midnight; U12 – Royals; and U18 –Electric. Our U6 team received an excellent performance banner! The U6 teams don’t receive 1st, 2nd, 3rd at that age,” said coach Nicole Katelnikoff.
Nicole’s mom Karen is the owner of Bravo Dance and was also a big help this past weekend.
“We are so very proud of all the performers and their families for their support! We cannot wait for provincials this upcoming weekend in Regina and dance competitions to follow.” Good luck to Bravo Dance in their next competitions!
SPORTS Page 4 - MARCH 16, 2023 - MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER Government MARTENSVILLE PHARMACY 17 Centennial Drive North 306-931-2868 Business as USUAL Located at BACK of building Monday-Friday 9-6 Saturday 10-3 Closed Sundays & Holidays Dental Automotive 306-244-4950 Martensville, SK 801 Centennial Dr. North - Automotive Repair Specialists - Advanced Technology & Diagnostics Facility 109 Centennial Dr. No Martensville 306.975.2140 Message us on FB • Complete Automotive and Tire Service Centre • Journeyman Factory Trained Technicians • Easy Vehicle Repair & Accessory Financing Available 7:30-5:30 Monday - Friday FREE courtesy cars available Plumbing DR. BRIAN MEYER DR. DACRE HAMILTON CREATING SMILES IN MARTENSVILLE & AREA SINCE 2001 306-934-4446 #12 - 2nd St S. Martensville www.martensvilledental.ca D Pharmacy Care Home Consulting Services - Provides Regular and Consistent Caregivers - All inclusive care services (Companion, Respite, Bathing,Grooming, Meal Prep, Shopping, etc. - Transportation to Appointments - Insured www.dailylivingcare.com Private Homecare (Est. 2005) Daily Living Personal Care Charlene Stushnoff SCA/HC OWNER (306)370-0314 Daily Living Personal Care Charlene Stushnoff OWNER (306)370-0314 Daily Living Personal Care Charlene Stushnoff SCA/HC OWNER (306)370-0314 Daily Living Personal Care Charlene Stushnoff (306)370-0314 • Provides Regular and Consistent Caregivers • All inclusive care services (Companion, Respite, Bathing, Grooming, Meal Prep, Shopping, etc.) • Transportation to Appointments • Insured Daily Living Personal Care Charlene Stushnoff SCA/HC OWNER (306)370-0314 Daily Living Personal Care Private Homecare (Est. 2005) Charlene Stushnoff SCA/HC OWNER (306)370-0314 • Provides Regular and Consistent Caregivers All inclusive care services (Companion, Respite, Bathing, Grooming, Meal Prep, Shopping etc) • Transportation to Appointments • Insured Private Homecare (Est. 2005) www.dailylivingcare.com 10%Off first month when mentioning this ad* Charlene Stushnoff SCA/HC - Owner 306-370-0314
ABOVE: The U12 Royals placed 1st in the Warman Cheer Classic held at the Legends Centre. Submitted.
ABOVE: The Skate Martensville TNT Adult Team. (Submitted)
ABOVE: The Skate Martensville Magic Synchro Team brought home a silver medal in their competition this past weekend.(Submitted)
Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger
Party on the Pond Sees Exceptional Turnout Once Again
This past weekend was a buzz with one of the most popular fundraising events taking place for the new recreation facility being built in Martensville.
The third-annual Party on the Pond event took place March 11th and 12th which included a Premier 3-on-3 Pond Hockey Tournament with 43 teams participating, a Friday evening comedy show with comedian Jody Peters and a Saturday night cabaret featuring the band Seven Mile Sun.
The event which took place at the North Ridge Community Centre, held the hockey tournament and beer gardens on adjacent ponds.
All proceeds raised from this event are going towards the Martensville Community Recreation Project (MCRP) to help with their fundraising campaign for the new multi-purpose recreation facility.
The event would not have been possible without the work of the Committee of 25 people, starting with prepping the ice for over one month prior to the event, securing sponsorship, scraping the ice surface in between games, reffing, keeping score of games, and keeping the fires burning outside, to name a few. DJ Kusch kept the party going outside all weekend. Many volunteers helped out by selling tickets, 50/50’s, working the bar, and more.
Special thanks go out to the sponsors for this event: Pentec Energy, Scott’s Roofing, Al Andersons, Poly Plus, Great Western Breweries, Provincial Vodka, Blaine Lake Variety, Pita Pit, Boston Pizza, Cherished Memories,Wright Construction, Smokehaus Meats & Deli, Alpyne Apparel, Wotherspoon Realty, Boehm’s Physio, Hudsons Saskatoon, Prairie ICF, FMC Agricultural Science, Eecol Electric, Kris Miazga, Canalta Hotel, Martensville Hardware, Elite Play, United Rentals, MTS Drilling, Campbell’s Catch, Papst Blue Ribbon, Ayotte Plumbing, Zak’s Home Hardware, IG Wealth, Stu’s Indoor Golf, Qwik Signs, and Mark’s Autobody.
ABOVE & RIGHT: The ponds behind the North Ridge Community Centre had lots of action as teams competed in the annual 3-on-3 Pond Hockey Tournament this past weekend.
Martensville’s U15A Villains Headed to Provincial Final
On Saturday, March 11th, the tension could be felt within the walls of the Martensville Sports Centre as the Martensville Marauders U15A Villains headed into a match-up against the Battleford Barons down a game in the second round provincial series.
The team came out strong and ended up taking the game with a score of 5-1, which led to a ten-minute mini game to see who would come out on top to compete in the provincial final. The Villains rallied together and beat out the Barons in the mini-game with a score of 3-0, advancing them to the final against Swift Current.
KEEPING YOU SAFE & ON THE ROAD 801 Centennial Dr. North Martensville SK 306-244-4950 •Automotive Repair Specialists •Advanced technology & diagnostics facility Monday to Friday 7:30-5:30 306-244-4950 Martensville, SK Service PLUS Flat Glass Services!! “Bringing the Tools to You!!” Email JAGplus@sasktel.net or call 361-4527 Visit www.JAGplus.ca today!! MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER - MARCH 16, 2023 - Page 5
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Jocelyn Ottenbreit/MM
ABOVE: The Martensville U15A Villains celebrate their win, taking them to the Provincial Final against the Swift Current Broncos. (Submitted)
Wage Increases, Perks Come Easy in Politics
The Saskatchewan Party government is now back at work in Regina for the spring sitting of the legislature, but whether they are truly working for you or themselves is being an increasingly asked question. This is not to suggest that politicians don’t work hard and at significant sacrifice to their family life and even their own personal well-being.
The immediate resignation of long-time MLA Thunder Creek/Lumsden-Morse MLA Lyle Stewart due to his battle with cancer on the first day of the spring sitting was a reminder that a lot of sacrifice goes into the job. It's a job that takes its toll.
It’s a job where there is a lot of time away from your families and if you are elevated to cabinet, it’s even more time away from the family to attend to cabinet meetings at your office in Regina or elsewhere.
There again, the starting wage for an ordinary MLA now exceeds $100,000 a year for a job where you don’t have to hit the punch clock every working day. Or at least, it’s a job that allows many to continue farming or pursue their business interests while still getting paid as an MLA.
Cabinet ministers, deputy premiers and premiers are paid even more handsomely and have the added benefit of making policies and rules that affect everyone else.
It’s about here where those in Premier Scott Moe’s caucus seem to increasingly be running into the question of whether they are working for us or themselves. Of course, this question always gets asked of those elected to government - especially those who have been in government for a while.
It’s why politicians wrap themselves in slogans like “growth that works for everyone” and also why significant time and effort is dedicated to showing they are working for the voters while those in other parties clearly are not.
While some might be rightly unconvinced that the actual workload for a $100,000-backbencher doesn’t really add up to a full-time job, the amount of time spent politicking against opponents surely turns it into fulltime work.
What all politicians share is the notion that their work is not only aligned with what the people want but also is far better than what any of their opponents offer. If you don’t believe that, you are likely in the wrong line of work, but it’s this fervent need for politicians to unquestioningly believe in what they do and say that are also the biggest reasons why voters question whether politicians are working for us or are working for themselves.
It's because of this fervent belief that they are able to convince themselves that ministerial flights in province or rips abroad all paid for by taxpayers are necessities rather than simply perks of the job that taxpayers pay for and that could be easily eliminated now that we have trade offices around the world.
It's how they convince themselves that opposing most every policy of the federal government - even ones they generally agree on like getting rid of plastic waste is a good thing for the environment - is somehow the right thing to do and it surely is why governing politicians were seriously considering taking a 6.8-per-cent raise come April 1 while the rest of us are struggling to pay for the electrical bill and other utility costs.
In fairness, the annual inflation-rate increase was brought in when the NDP were the governing majority and, because of public pressure, it appears government members will not take the “full” raise, but that they would even consider this increase or any raise shortly after mailing out $500 cheques that acknowledge everyone else is struggling says much.
How much it now plays into the sentiments out there that politicians are more focused on working for themselves than the rest of us will be very interesting to see.
MLA Terry Jenson’s Report from the Legislature
Investing in Programs and Services to Help You
Saskatchewan’s provincial motto is “from many peoples’ strength.” Our province’s strength comes from strong families, communities, businesses and industries. Our government is committed to investing in programs and services that support and build on this strength. Last fall’s Speech from the Throne provided the groundwork for several of these initiatives. Now, with our government back in Regina for the spring sitting of the Legislative Assembly, we are ready to continue moving forward with investments that will continue to build upon our province’s strengths.
Reducing Child Care Fees
We are investing in regulated child care to strengthen families across the province. In a partnership with the federal government, our government announced this week that parent fees for regulated child care will be reduced to $10 per day starting April 1. Saskatchewan is one of the first provinces to achieve this milestone, three years ahead of schedule.
Investing in affordable, inclusive and high-quality child care ensures Saskatchewan children get a strong start in life. In addition, improving child care strengthens families by giving parents the flexibility to build both a family and a career. This investment builds on the Growth Plan commitment to improving childcare and education to meet the needs of our growing province.
Moving Forward with Online K-12 Learning Options
Our government is moving forward on the development of provincially regulated online learning programs. Course options are now available at the new Saskatchewan Distance Learning Corporation (Sask DLC) website. Over 180 courses will be offered for Kindergarten through Grade 12 students, including more than 120 high school courses. Sask DLC students will be able to access support virtually or at one of ten regional campuses across the province. The Sask DLC program will strengthen Saskatchewan’s education system by allowing students greater flexibility and new learning opportunities. The development of the program further builds on the Growth Plan commitment to improve childcare and education.
Improving Rural Internet Connectivity
We are also continuing to invest in connectivity for rural communities across Saskatchewan. SaskTel announced the sixth phase of its Rural Fibre Initiative, during which it will be adding infiNET service to 48 communities across the province. The Rural Fibre Initiative is a multi-phase program that will see SaskTel invest $200 million to bring infiNET services to residents and businesses in over 130 rural communities.
This investment is part of our Growth Plan commitment to expand SaskTel’s fibre optic network and have one million broadband access points by 2025. SaskTel’s infiNET services strengthen rural Saskatchewan’s families and businesses by helping them stay connected and access online resources.
Increasing Crop Insurance Coverage Levels
Our government has invested in the Crop Insurance Program to help agricultural producers mitigate risk on their farms. Crop Insurance coverage will reach a record-high $446 per acre on average for 2023. Other highlights for this year’s program include new individual premiums, increased coverage for unseeded acres and increased AgriStability compensation. Crop Insurance helps strengthen our agriculture industry by supporting Saskatchewan producers. It also helps build on the Growth Plan commitment of building a sustainable and resilient agriculture industry.
By investing in programs and services that support the strength of families, communities, businesses and industries, our government is investing in a strong Saskatchewan. A strong Saskatchewan will have opportunities and prosperity, now and into the future. That’s growth that works for everyone.
Kinsmen Club Presents Senior Centre With Donation to Help Fund Building Improvements
On Monday, March 13th, members of the Martensville & District Kinsmen Club visited the New Horizons Senior Centre to present them with a donation for $2500.00 which will be used towards their kitchen renovation and installation of lower cupboards.
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.
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MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER - MARCH 16, 2023 - Page 7
The Martensville Business
Expo is Back!
Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger
The Martensville Business Expo is back once again and will be taking place at the Martensville Athletic Pavilion on March 24th and 25th, hosted in partnership between the City of Martensville and the Prairie Sky Chamber of Commerce. This event is jam-packed with something for everyone to enjoy.
“We are quite excited and feel that this Expo is going to be quite exceptional. It is going to once again meet all of the usual enjoyments that the community gets from the event with a nice diverse group of vendors, lots of entertainment, a Taste of Martensville and so much more, but we also have an added feature this year, which I think will be a great interest to our vendors and those attending, and that is a Job Fair,” Prairie Sky Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, Debbie Brown, said.
According to Brown, one of the most common comments from local businesses is the need for skilled labour to work for them. “I’m not sure if Martensville and Warman have had the opportunity for a job fair in the past, so we thought we could give it a go and introduce young people, and those looking for jobs to some of the opportunities right here in our area,” Brown added.
The Job Fair and Career Sessions will take place on Friday, March 24th from 4pm-8pm, with an opportunity to learn more about resume writing and interview tips in the afternoon. There will be guest speakers from Great Plains College, Martensville Youth Connection, Cones Ice Cream, Direct Fencing Supply, Element Yard Care, Martensville Community Recreation Project and the Prairie Spirit Schools Foundation as well.
There will be over 50 vendors attending the expo, a Saturday morning pancake breakfast from 8am-10am, a wide variety of entertainment throughout the event and Taste of Martensville will be taking place on Saturday from 11am-3pm, with food provided by Bumble Bee Coffee, Sports Page, Nourish and Par-a-dice Grill.
“Thank you to all of our amazing sponsors and to the folks on the committee that have put in so much work to make this event happen. I really encourage people to come out and meet the local businesses and bring your family for a day to enjoy your community,” Brown stated.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:
Friday, March 24th Schedule – 1pm-5pm Resume and Interview Tips with Martensville Youth Connection; 4pm-8pm Job Fair and Career Sessions to talk to local business owners; 4pm-8pm Guest Speakers to learn more about secondary education options, entrepreneurship, business programs, home-grown business, volunteerism and more.
Saturday, March 25th Schedule – 8am-10am pancake breakfast by donation, 9am-4pm Business Expo for only a $2.00 entry and a chance to win prizes, 11am-3pm entertainment provided by Kris Klyne, Warren the Balloon Guy, Venture Heights School, Warman Ultimate Cheer, and Hawk’s Nest Studio; 11am-3pm Taste of Martensville with Lemon Loat Cookies, Brownies, Italian Soda, Coffee from Bumble Bee Coffee, Dry Ribs, Caesar Salad and Spring Rolls from Sports Page, Bulletproof Original Coffee, Bulletproof Caramel Coffee,Haystack Cookies and Chicken Quinoa Salad from Nourish and Taco in a bag, Taco Salad and Chicken Caesar Wrap from Par-a-dice Grill.
Busted! SGI's Top Five Insurance Fraud Cases
SGI's Special Investigation Unit investigates odd and unusual insurance claims, some of which turn out to be untrue. Insurance is there when you need it, but some people create deceptive stories to collect it even when they don't. That's where SGI's Special Investigation Unit (SIU) comes in. In 2022, SIU busted hundreds of fraudulent claims – resulting in $5.8 million in savings for SGI. This important work preventing insurance fraud helps keep insurance rates low for our valued customers. Here's a look at some eyebrow-raising attempted insurance frauds from 2022:
Heist hoax - A customer – we’ll call him Cole* -- reported his vehicle missing. He claimed the vehicle had been parked in front of his house with a spare key locked inside. One hour after Cole reported the vehicle missing, police found it a short walk from his house, on the front lawn of someone else’s property. It had collided into a nearby parked vehicle and a tree. Cole then filed a theft and collision claim with SGI, while another customer filed a claim for the parked vehicle and property damage was also submitted.
SIU found security footage that showed the subject vehicle travelled at a high rate of speed, lost control and collided with a parked vehicle, then the tree. The footage shows a person matching Cole’s description walking away from the vehicle and locking it with a fob. Cole confessed to causing the collision following a celebration - saying he should not have been driving. Cole was on the hook for $50,000 in vehicle and property damage.
Rollback rip-off - Jessie* submitted a claim saying she drove her truck through a “dip with standing water,” which caused the engine to quit. The truck needed a costly engine repair or replacement. SIU found that, during the investigation, the vehicle’s odometer had somehow been rolled back. Investigators discovered that Jessie rolled back the truck’s odometer to show 150,000 fewer kilometres than what should have been on the engine, in order to increase the value of the truck. Jessie withdrew her claim after being confronted with the SIU findings – saving SGI $7,000.
Turnoff tales - Connor* told SGI he and his girlfriend were travelling around 55 km/ hr through foggy conditions in the early morning hours when he missed a turnoff and hit an abandoned vehicle on the shoulder of the highway. He said they panicked and walked to a nearby house for help, rather than calling the police. The residents of the home reported to police that the couple said they did not want police to know about the collision.
Police visited the collision site and saw several concerning items inside the vehicle, including drug paraphernalia. Additionally, there was no evidence of fog that morning and no nearby turnoff that the driver could have missed. SIU discovered the vehicle was travelling at double the reported speed, and additional witnesses claimed Connor and his girlfriend were both very intoxicated. SIU found Connor’s account of the incident was unreliable and vague. His claim was denied for misrepresentation and saved SGI $40,000.
Deer dupe - Allison* filed a claim stating she hit a deer and left her vehicle at the roadside. She said when she came back to the vehicle, it had been completely burned. SIU contacted a witness who saw two people remove belongings from the vehicle before the vehicle went up in flames a short time later. SIU discovered the vehicle was not registered at the time of the collision – and registration had been purchased by Allison less than an hour after the crash. SIU believes Allison also returned to set the vehicle on fire in order to receive a payout. The claim was denied, saving SGI $5,000
Sleeping scam - Katherine* filed a claim with SGI, stating she fell asleep while driving and collided with a parked vehicle. Katherine admitted to significant financial hardship and had recently spoken with a bailiff about repossession of her high valued SUV the day before the collision.
SIU conducted several interviews to confirm Katherine was in financial trouble. It was discovered she had lied to her bank about being able to make her delinquent payments in order to “buy herself some time.” Crash data retrieval evidence showed the vehicle was fully idle five seconds before the collision. That evidence showed that this was followed by a fast depression of the gas pedal, which sent the vehicle propelling forward, with a peak speed of 31 km/h upon impact. SIU believes Katherine caused the collision intentionally to avoid having the vehicle repossessed. Total savings? $63,000.
When making insurance claims, the important thing to do is always be honest about the incident. Anyone with information about potential insurance fraud is encouraged to contact SGI's Special Investigation Unit at siu@sgi.sk.ca or 1-800-667-8015, ext. 6887. To report anonymously, call Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
*All names in these scenarios have been changed.
Page 8 - MARCH 16, 2023 - MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER