September 7, 2023 Digital Issue

One Week Left to Purchase Tickets for KidSport Playhouse Raffle

Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

There is one week left to get your tickets for the 2023 KidSport Playhouse Raffle, with the winner being announced on September 16th at 3pm at the Martensville A&W.

Tickets for the raffle are $5 each and are available at the local Co-op, Martensville A&W as well as online at https://warman-kidsport.myshopify. com/, or by using the provided QR code.

The grand prize winner will receive the 100-square-foot playhouse, which can also be used as a storage shed, complete with electrical outlets. Second prize is a $500 Cabela’s gift card, and third prize is a gift basket.

All money raised through this fundraiser will be used to help support the local KidSport program, which is a non-profit organization that helps provide financial assistance to children ages 5-18 to participate in community sports programs that they might not otherwise have the opportunity to engage in. Youth sports can help teach children important lessons that they will use throughout their lives, as well as teach them to work in a team environment.

Through KidSport, individual grants of up to $750/calendar year can be provided, with applications for this program available at the Martensville Athletic Pavilion.

“Thank you to everyone that helped to make this fundraiser a possibility once again and to those that have already purchased their tickets. Through efforts like this, it really makes me proud of the community that we live in. Seeing individuals, businesses and organizations come together to help with this fundraiser is incredible and we are so grateful for the support,” Angie Reddekopp, Martensville KidSport Coordinator, stated. According to Reddekopp, the goal is typically to raise around $10,000, with ticket sales currently sitting at approximately $7,500.

“If you haven’t purchased a ticket yet, there is still time, so be sure to get in on a chance to win one of these awesome prizes and if you already have a ticket, why not increase your odds with another one,” Reddekopp added.

This October, there is another great opportunity to support KidSport and you get to take in a day of fun at a Saskatchewan Roughrider game at the same time. The Roughrider Bus Trip will be taking place on Saturday, October 7th and includes a bus trip to Regina, complete with your game ticket, transportation, snacks, prizes and more. Prices are $100 for adults and $85 for youth. For more information, contact Angie Reddekopp at (306) 683-5577.

ABOVE: The 100-square-foot KidSport Playhouse can be seen outside of the Martensville A&W location. Tickets to win this amazing prize are available for one more week at the A&W, local Co-op, or online.

Donations to KidSport are accepted throughout the year. To donate, or to learn more about KidSport, contact areddekopp@martensville.ca.

Council Officially Appoints New City Manager Effective September 18th

Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

On Tuesday, September 5th, Martensville City Council met for the first time this month. The meeting consisted of several motions, which included the approval of the 2022 Year End Reserve Transfers, with information provided by Director of Corporate Services Leah Bloomquist. Bloomquist who provided a report to Council, which highlighted various reserve transfers that were not included in the approved 2022 budget, such as:

- A total of $211,734.27 to the Infrastructure Replacement Reserve – Public Works for projects not completed in 2022 and carried into 2023.

- $525,000 to the Infrastructure Replacement Reserve – Parks & Recreation for projects not completed in 2022 and carried into 2023.

- Transfer of the proceeds from the sale of two generators totaling $93,400 to the Infrastructure Replacement Reserve for future replacement generators.

- Transfer of $72,500 to the Municipal Constituency Reserve for Planning and General Government projects not completed in 2022 and carried into 2023.

- Transfer of $313,000 to the Recreation Facilities Reserve for the donations received from the MCRP and to be used for a future recreation facility as per the agreement made.

- Transfer of $80,000 to the Infrastructure Replacement Reserve – Utilities for projects not completed in 2022 and carried into 2023.

- Transfer of $2,334,560.23 from the Recreation Facilities Reserve for the City’s portion of the Martensville Recreation Centre construction and design costs in 2022.

- Transfer of $23,600 to the Police Reserve for total Criminal Records Check Revenues to be used for public relations initiatives as per the policy.

Council was also asked to approve the audited financial statements for 2022, which was audited by Jensen Stromberg Chartered Professional Accountants.

During the meeting, there was an official motion held to appoint Tanya Garost as the new City Manager for the City of Martensville, effective September 18th, 2023.

“We look forward to her appointment and having the opportunity to share our friendly and welcoming community with her,” Mayor Kent Muench stated.

A new kitchen exhaust hood and make up air unit are being installed at the Martensville Sports Centre kitchen, and the current gas meter does not have enough capacity to meet building needs once this is completed. Council was asked to approve the replacement of a new gas meter, which was quoted by Sask Energy at $10,614.50 + GST, with SaskEnergy contributing $3503 towards the project, leaving the City of Martensville’s cost at $7111.50 + GST.

The next Council meeting will take place on Tuesday, September 12th, which will be the monthly Committee of the Whole meeting at 5pm in Council Chambers at City Hall. For more information on upcoming meetings, visit www.martensville.ca.

ABOVE: Tanya Garost will be the new City Manager for Martensville effective September 18th.

Cleaning up After our Pets

It is not just a mess, it can potentially be harmful to other pets exposing them to illnesses such as parvovirus. Let’s keep pathways and parks clean and safe for everyone and their pets. Bring a baggy or find one in the many stations throughout the City along our pathways or in the dog park.

September 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.

September 5th – Regular Council Meeting

September 12th – Committee of the Whole

September 19th – Regular Council

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

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

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

Reminder Property Taxes are Due!

- Tax Notices were mailed out on April 28h. If anyone has not received their notice, they should contact City Hall. Ensure all contact information is up to date.

- Starting on August 1st, interest penalties on outstanding amounts begin to accrue

Ways to Pay

- Taxes can be paid by cash, cheque, or debit at City Hall.

- Taxes can also be paid online through Banking Bill Payments, or by etransfers; for payments: payments@martensville.ca.

Please include address &/or roll number in the comment section along with an indication the payment is for taxes.

Martensville Fire Department Announces Winners of Summer Bicycle Safety Program

Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

This year, the Martensville Fire Department (MFD) held their annual Bicycle Safety Program, which rewarded local children for wearing their helmets while riding their bikes, scooters, skateboard, etc.

The MFD partnered with Canadian Tire in Martensville, who sponsored a bike and helmet to be given as prizes at the end of the summer. When a member of the local fire department was on duty and came across a youth wearing a helmet within the community, they would reward them with a “ticket” to be entered to win the bike draw.

In addition to being entered to win the big prize, the safety conscious riders would also receive a pass for a free drink at a local participating business such as Martensville A&W, Martensville Co-op, and Martensville 7-Eleven.

ABOVE: The Martensville Fire Department recently announced the winners of the bicycle and helmet provided by the local Canadian Tire for the annual Bicycle Safety Program. (Martensville Fire Department)

Recently, the end-of-season draw was made with the winners being Elizabeth L. as the grand prize recipient of a new bicycle and Peyton S. winning the helmet.

“As the summer months come to a close and the children return to their classrooms, Martensville Fire would like to congratulate all the children and parents that took pride in wearing their helmets while being active around town this summer. Each one of you helped make our city a safer place,” the MFD stated.

Keeping our Lanes and Properties Clean, Fall Back Lane Clean-up Coming in September!

Placing garbage, materials or waste in our lanes is unsightly, can attract pests, be unsafe and impede maintenance or access to properties.

Property owners along a boulevard or lane are responsible for ensuring these areas are cleaned up. Key points under the Nuisance Abatement Bylaw include:

- The owner or occupier of property along a boulevard or lane shall ensure that the portion of the boulevard or lane next to the property, up to the centre line of the lane, is kept free and clear, at all times of weeds, uncontrolled growth of grass, plants and tree/shrub overgrowth.

- Dumping or placing any garden, vegetation, waste materials or tree branches along the boulevard or lane is against the municipal bylaw and subject to enforcement

- Use of lanes or boulevards for the dumping of household furniture, building materials or tires is not permitted.

Questions about Boulevard or Lane Maintenance can be referred to City Hall or consult the Nuisance Abatement Bylaw at Martensville.ca

The City of Martensville conducts an annual back lane and general clean-up once a year with this year’s dates being:

September 25th-28th for neighbourhoods North of Main Street

October 2nd -5th for neighbourhoods South of Main Street

Items may be placed for pick-up one week before the scheduled pick-up. There is only one pass so please have your items out no more than one week prior to your neighbourhood’s scheduled start date.

In the interim please utilize the Loraas Landfill. Waste placed in lanes before scheduled back lane pick-up times remains regulated under the Nuisance Abatement Bylaw and is subject to enforcement.

Recreation Program Update

The Fall Program Guide is now available. View the guide online to see what programs and events are coming up this Fall.

The Fall Monster Garage Sale takes place on September 15th -16th. The registration fee is $5 and includes your address listed on the flyer along with the map of Martensville, balloons, and a Monster Garage Sale sign. Flyers will be available for pick up at gas stations, the MAP, and City Hall.

Culture Days is September 22-October 15th. Culture Days is FREE to attend and offers fun and engaging activities – both in-person and digital - suited to all ages and abilities. Some unique opportunities to learn to make our favorite dishes and holiday items:

• Monday, September 25th – All about Scuffles, 6:30 PM North Ridge Centre

• Monday, October 2nd and 16th Holiday Trinkets, 6:30 PM, North Ridge Centre

• Tuesday, October 3rd – All about Ravioli. 6:30 PM, North Ridge Centre

Watch for more updates around the Culture Days schedule.

Halloween @ the MAP. Come out on October 27th from 6:00pm-8:00pm for an evening of spooky fun at the MAP. Dress up and enjoy some Halloween themed games, crafts and activities.

$5 a person or $15 for a family.

New this year: Toddler Time - This is for families with kids 5 and under to come and enjoy the festivities from 4-5:30pm!

MARTENSVILLE E S S E N G E R

Your City; Your Newspaper

Box 333, Martensville, SK S0K 2T0 Phone: 306-668-1093

advertising@martensvillemessenger.ca

Deadline for submissions is MONDAY at NOON.

www.martensvillemessenger.ca

Published Thursdays • 48 issues/year

Editor/Office Manager: Shanine Sealey ssealey@martensvillemessenger.ca

Editor/Ad Design: Jocelyn Ottenbreit jottenbreit@martensvillemessenger.ca

To Contact Us About Advertising: advertising@martensvillemessenger.ca

Want to Share News?: news@martensvillemessenger.ca

SPORTS Youth Hockey Conditioning

Camps

Start to Help Prepare for Tryouts

Jocelyn Ottenbreit, Martensville Messenger

Darla Loy has been training hockey teams in Martensville since 2019. To prepare young hockey players for tryouts, weekend camps begin this coming weekend focusing on Mindset, Movement and Motivation, as well as improving athletic performance while having fun.

The age groups are for U9, U11, U13, U15 + and will focus on strength & conditioning with the young athlete in mind. For the U9's, it will introduce them to training and structure.

This outdoor training will be held at Lions Park and cost is $20 per camp. Focus, purpose, a competitive spirit and positive attitude need to be brought to the tryouts with a ‘hard work pays off’ mindset.

For more information, or to register, email hlvl.pt@gmail.com or go to https:// forms.gle/bg21SgSgirzC16sq8

3 on 3 Tournament Taking Place Once Again

Jocelyn Ottenbreit, Martensville Messenger

The Martensville Community Recreation Project’s annual 3 on 3 Hockey Tournament started on August 27th and goes until September 17th. There are five age groups participating; U9, U11, U13, U15 and 15 Plus, with over 300 players participating. This popular event began in 2018 and is one of the many fundraisers the MCRP hosts each year to help raise money to go towards the new multi-purpose recreation facility in Martensville where construction began in the spring.

Other fundraising events include Martensville Hockey Draft, 80’s cabaret, Party on the Pond, Buster Days Street Hockey, and TUFF Run. In 2021, a Community House Build led by the MCRP brought local suppliers and builders together to construct a 1806 square foot home in Martensville.

3 on 3 games are taking place at the Martensville Sports Centre where you will see new Marauder and Marven decals on the ice. Thanks to the City of Martensville for installing a dehumidifier in the offseason to prevent moisture on the glass. A full schedule of the 3 on 3 games can be found at martensville3on3.ca. Watch for upcoming fundraising projects on the MCRP Facebook page.

Skate Martensville Has Limited Space Available for Upcoming Season

The weather is getting cooler which means winter sports are getting ready to kick-off for the season, which includes Skate Martensville’s 2023/24 season, which begins in four weeks.

As of September 5th, the local skating club still had limited space available in the Pre-Can and CanSkate groups.

The learn to skate programs are taught by NCCP Certified instructors who teach skaters fundamental movements and basic skills, including:

- Balance – including forward skating, one-foot glides and edges

- Control – backward skating, stops, falling down/getting up

- Agility – jumps, turns, spins and speed

“Whether your skater is new to the ice, or has experience in their skates, our learn to skate programs are a great way to take your skating skills to the next level.”

There is also space available within the STAR and Adult synchro teams, which is a specialized discipline of skating involving groups of eight or more skaters. “The objective is for the team to perform as one unit executing circles, blocks, lines, wheels and intersections in unison to the music, while demonstrating quality edges, power and flow.”

For more information on available options through Skate Martensville, visit www.skatemartensville.ca, or email skatingclub1@gmail.com.

Saskatchewan Is Ready For A New School Year!

Schools across the province will come back to life with the sounds of school bells ringing, lockers clanking and the voices of children and youth flooding the hallways, as many Saskatchewan students returned to class on Tuesday, September 5th.

Prairie Spirit School Division 2023/24 School Calendar

"The Government of Saskatchewan is excited to welcome the more than 190,000 students back to school whether they have chosen to learn in person, online or at home," Education Minister Jeremy Cockrill said. "The Ministry of Education is pleased to work with our educational partners to offer choice in education while continuing to provide students with the highest quality education experiences possible."

Over 11,500 teachers and over 10,300 education support staff have been working to prepare for this day and the school year ahead. Student success would not be possible without the contributions from all members of the education team, including education professionals, teachers, education assistants, library technicians, bus drivers, custodians, and administrative personnel. Their dedication to educating and supporting Saskatchewan students helps ensure students have access to optimal places for learning.

Safety is also top of mind as students make their way back to school. We encourage all motorists to be mindful of their surroundings, abide by the posted speed limits and watch for students on their way to and from school and while getting on and off buses.

Welcome back to all those who are returning and to those who are joining us as new students for an exciting year of fun, learning and new possibilities.

The easiest test you’ll ever ace –slow down in school zones

Reduce your speed to keep children safe as they head back to class

It’s that time of year again! Students are returning to class this week – kicking off a flurry of activity around schools all over the province.

There’s a lot going on in school zones: students walking to and from the building, getting off the bus, being dropped off by a parent, playing in the school yard and crossing at the crosswalk.

That’s why the focus of September’s Traffic Safety Spotlight is school zones. As kids get ready to resume their studies, drivers have a test to pass too: slow down, obey posted school zone speed limits, avoid distractions and be alert as you drive through these busy areas.

“Reducing your speed gives you more time to react and prevent a collision,” said SGI President and CEO Penny McCune. “Excited kids may not always be paying attention to vehicle traffic, so expect the unexpected and drive slowly and carefully.”

School zone speed limits and hours differ in each municipality, so drivers are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the rules in their community and obey the posted signs.

Speeding in school zones will land drivers a failing grade – and a hefty fine. For example, getting caught driving 20 km/h over the posted limit results in a $310 ticket (and the cost of that ticket increases the faster you go).

Drivers will also receive 3 demerit points under the Safe Driver Recognition program.

“Police officers all too often see the tragic consequences of driver inattention. As children in our communities return to school, we urge drivers to be alert, follow the rules, slow down and use extra caution in school zones. Not only will this keep kids safe, it will keep us from having to write you an expensive ticket,” said Regina Police Service Traffic Safety Unit Sgt. Mark Golaiy.

When school buses are stopped with amber lights flashing, drivers should slow down and ensure kids aren’t about to pop out from the bus before passing. Avoid U-turns in school zones; some municipalities have by-laws that prohibit them.

“School divisions ask all communities in the province to pay close attention to safety as our school zones get busier,” said Saskatchewan School Boards Association President Jaimie Smith-Windsor. “We encourage motorists and everyone using roads and walkways to show care for staff and students.”

Help to keep school zones free of congestion; if you’re dropping off or picking up kids, be sure to obey the signs declaring “no stopping” zones.

Make sure you follow SGI on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Threads for more information on this month’s Traffic Safety Spotlight.

RIGHT: Students gather outside of Venture Heights Elementary School for their first day back on September 5th. (Jocelyn Ottenbreit/MM)

Byelections Do Tell Us Something

We have a rural-urban divide in Saskatchewan, but we all know that. We have known that for about 40 years - or at least since the 1986 election when the thenProgressive Conservative government held on to power despite losing virtually every city seat.

Sure, there’s been occasions when provincial voters flirted with unity. People were united in wanting to remove the Grant Devine PCs from office in 1991. Similarly, the Saskatchewan Party that initially struggled gain city seats in its early going has certainly drawn urban vote in its four massive general election wins.

Nevertheless, the three byelections earlier this month didn’t tell us much about the political splits we didn’t already know, unless you look deeper into matters.

To the surprise of no one, the NDP took back city seats of Regina Coronation Park and Regina Walsh Acres that had been previously held by Sask. Party MLAs. Along the same vein, the Sask. Party maintained their former MLA Lyle Stewart’s Lumsden-Morse seat - a riding that takes in much of his old Thunder Creek that’s been a conservative since the 1970s previously held by Stewart, Rick Swenson and Colin Thatcher.

Losing two of three seats that the Sask. Party held is obviously not good news for Premier Scott Moe and company, although one should be careful not to read too much into this.

The two urban seats also happen to be north Regina - traditionally, solid territory for the NDP. Given that byelections are where voters tend to feel safe sending a message to government, these were not shocking upsets.

Moreover, the NDP didn’t exactly make serious gains in the bedrock rural seat of Lumsden-Morse in which winning Sask. Party candidate Blaine McLeod still received more than 50 per cent of the vote.

In fact, the NDP still has not won a rural byelection and the Sask. Party has not won a byelection in Regina and Saskatoon since the Sask. Party was formed in 1997, but before one concludes that these byelections were relatively meaningless teaching us little we already didn’t know, let us re-visit that LumsdenMorse campaign and the aftermath.

Perhaps it isn’t completely shocking that Saskatchewan United Party (SUP) candidate Jon Hromek edged out the NDP to finish second with 22.7 per cent of the vote. It was a solid effort for a new party, although maybe not all that surprising given how well a few Buffalo Party candidates did in the 2020 general election.

What is less surprising is the influence that SUP has and continues to have on Sask. Party government policies, as seemed to be the case with controversy over the Planned Parenthood material that, inadvertently, made its way into a Lumsden Grade 9 classroom.

We saw the same thing after the 2020 general election when Moe stated he “heard” the Buffalo Party voters and embarked on his “economic sovereignty” agenda including provincial policing, income tax collection and the Saskatchewan First Act to appeal federal decision.

This time, Moe’s post-byelection message was “don’t split the right-wing vote” or you won’t get the result you want, but there was little to suggest that was happening in the three byelections in which each winning candidate got more than 50 per cent of vote.

Besides, SUP didn’t even run candidates in the cities where their vote splitting would make a difference. But why would they when they can still influence government by simply being a perceived threat to the Sask. Party in rural ridings they need to win to form government?

It sure seems as if SUP is more interested in maintaining its influence than they are in splitting the right-wing vote and electing helping elect an NDP government they surely wouldn’t be able to influence. If there is a vote split, it’s taking us further right.

MLA Terry Jenson’s Report from the Legislature

New Parental Inclusion & Consent Policies for Schools

In response to concerns raised by parents, Minister of Education Dustin Duncan recently announced new parental inclusion and consent policies for Saskatchewan schools. As of August 22, 2023:

1. Schools must seek parent/guardian permission when changing the preferred name and pronouns used by students under the age of 16 in the school. For students 16 and over, parent/guardian consent is not required;

2. Parents/guardians must be informed about the sexual health education curriculum and have the option to decline their children's participation; and,

3. Boards of education must immediately pause involvement with any third-party organization, such as ARC Foundation and the SOGI 1 2 3 Program, connected to sexual health education as the ministry undertakes review of educational resources to ensure alignment with curriculum outcomes. Only teachers, not outside third-parties, will be able to present sexual education materials in the classroom. This directive does not include professionals employed by government ministries or the Saskatchewan Health Authority.

Parent/guardian involvement is critical in every student’s education. While all of Saskatchewan’s school divisions had policies in place dealing with these matters, it was important to standardize these policies and ensure consistency of parental inclusion. Saskatchewan schools will continue to ensure safe learning environments where all students feel included, protected and respected is growth that works for everyone.

Strong Economic Trends Continue

Throughout the summer, we have continued to receive great news about Saskatchewan’s economy. This June, the province’s wholesale trade had increased by 70.5 per cent compared to June 2022, with a total value of $7.2 billion. Our province ranked fourth in Canada in year-over-year wholesale trade growth. As of July, housing starts are also up by 50.7 per cent compared to July 2022, ranking us second among the provinces.

Supporting and Promoting Saskatchewan Agriculture

Our strong and robust economy allows us to invest in the programs and services that mean the most to Saskatchewan people. As many parts of Saskatchewan continue to experience below normal levels of moisture, our government is committed to supporting the industries most impacted by drought, like agriculture.

The Water Security Agency (WSA) recently announced an investment of $700,000 to fund water management projects for agriculture producers and local governments. Applicants can receive up to $95,000 per project based on a cost-sharing approach.

The WSA is also launching a new $500,000 pilot program to assist rural municipalities and irrigation districts with the cost of replacing aging infrastructure, like culverts and bridges. To be eligible, culverts or bridges must cross WSA canals or other conveyance while maintaining current flow rates.

Although it is very dry this year, we know a major rainfall event can change that and flooding can occur quickly and unexpectedly here in Saskatchewan. That’s why the WSA is also investing another $500,000 in the Flood Damage Reduction Program to help communities implement proactive flood damage prevention and reduction measures. Applications for the FDRP are open until October 1, 2023 and project work must be completed by March 31, 2024. To learn more about these programs and others offered by the WSA, please visit wsask.ca.

Our government is committed to not only supporting agriculture producers in challenging times, but also promoting agricultural products to the province’s global trading partners. David Marit, the Minister of Agriculture, recently had the opportunity to promote Saskatchewan’s agriculture sector at the Tri-National Agriculture Accord, held in Saskatoon August 14-16. Delegations from across North America, including Canada, the United States and Mexico, gathered to work together collaboratively on agricultural trade and development issues. Industry participants saw Saskatchewan agriculture in action, with visits to the Crop Development Centre Kernen Research Farm to learn about the site’s ecological studies, grazing studies, crop breeding, crop production and crop and weed management research, and the Wanuskewin Heritage Park to learn about the restoration of grasslands and the return of bison.

2023-24

Hunters and Trappers Guide Now Available

Summer is winding down and hunting season is just around the corner, so now is the time to plan and prepare. The Saskatchewan Hunters and Trappers Guide can be found at Saskatchewan.ca/hunting or at Ministry of Environment field offices with front counter service, license issuers, conservation field offices and some provincial parks.

Our government continues to work towards growth that works for everyone here in Saskatchewan. I look forward to hearing from you, whether you have questions, comments or concerns; these conversations help us create plans for the future. You can reach my office at office@terryjenson.ca or 306-242-2111.

A&W Show n’ Shine Features

Vintage Vehicles on Centennial Drive This Weekend

Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

One of Martensville’s biggest summer events will be taking place on Saturday, September 9th, the A&W Show n’ Shine, followed by the Martensville A&W Valley Street Stock Race at Sutherland Automotive Speedway.

The event means that Centennial Drive North will soon be lined with a vast array of classic cars and trucks from 11am – 3pm and the race will kick-off at 6pm. The car show will also be located within several business parking lots along the street as well.

New ALS Treatments Now Covered Under Provinces Publicly Funded Drug Plan

People living with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) may benefit from the addition of two medications to the Saskatchewan Drug Plan Formulary

The Government of Saskatchewan is expanding treatment options for those living with ALS by listing Albrioza (sodium phenylbutyrate and ursodoxicoltaurine) and the oral suspension of Radicava (edaravone) on the Saskatchewan Drug Plan Formulary. Effective September 1, eligible ALS patients who meet certain medical criteria may be considered for coverage of these medications under the Saskatchewan Drug Plan.

"Providing patients living with ALS additional treatment options is crucial, given the speed at which this disease progresses," Minister of Health Everett Hindley said. "Saskatchewan residents living with ALS know how debilitating this disease can be. Including these medications on the Saskatchewan Formulary gives patients access to potentially life-changing treatments."

The Martensville A&W Valley Street Stock Race will be taking place at Sutherland Automotive Speedway on Saturday, September 9th.

There will be lane closures along Centennial Drive North to accommodate the event, so be sure to take extra caution if in the area. Traffic will still be flowing in both directions, with no business accesses blocked by the restrictions.

Each year, the A&W Show n’ Shine draws a large crowd of approximately 80-100 vintage vehicles, and an even larger crowd of attendees stopping by to view the cars in awe.

In addition to the Show n’ Shine, other local businesses will also be participating in various ways, including Lakeview Insurance Brokers who will have bouncy castles and face painting available.

ALS is a fatal neurodegenerative disease that affects around 3,000 Canadians. ALS rapidly causes patients to lose the ability to move and speak. As their condition progresses, ALS patients are significantly impacted in their ability to perform routine daily activities, such as feeding or grooming themselves. Ultimately, the disease leads to the loss of essential functions like swallowing and breathing. There is currently no cure for ALS, but medications such as Albrioza and Radicava may help slow the rate of disease progression.

"On behalf of the ALS Society of Saskatchewan we would like to thank the government for adding these to the Formulary as this will support those affected by ALS in the province," said Denis Simard, Executive Director of the ALS Society of Saskatchewan. "Anything that can help those living with ALS hold on to a quality of life for a longer period of time makes a big difference."

Patients and families who think they or their family member may benefit from therapy with these medications are encouraged to speak with their physician.