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September 9, 2021

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A RACE FOR THE PUCK ABOVE: The Martensville Community Recreation Project (MCRP) is hosting their annual 3 on 3 hockey tournament at the Martensville Sports Centre until September 18. See story on page 8. Jocelyn Ottenbreit/MM

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Page 2 - SEPTEMBER 9, 2021 - MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER Box 970 37 Centennial Dr. S. Martensville, SK SOK 2TO Phone:(306) 931-2166

Visit www.martensville.ca for more information

COVID-19 Vaccinations and Living with COVID-19 While the public health order is lifted, COVID-19 will continue to circulate, particularly among unvaccinated populations. Being fully vaccinated is the best protection against COVID-19 and all residents will continue to be offered first and second doses through pharmacies and Saskatchewan Health Authority clinics. There has been continued progression around the delivery of vaccines with the increase in number of vaccine clinics and eligibility for the public expanding as vaccine becomes administered and available. Dedicated vaccination clinics are beginning to wind down but opportunities for vaccinations are available through pharmacies and pop-up clinics. A comprehensive resource is available at https://www.saskatchewan.ca/COVID19-vaccine and includes information around vaccines as well as a gateway for online booking and what you should have ready prior to your vaccine.

Civic Services Under the Lifting of the Public Health Order - What You Should Know!

City Hall is Open - Masks are no longer mandatory, but wearing a mask remains a reasonable precaution and individual choice. Online and contactless payment options remain available for customer convenience, such as online banking, e-transfers, preauthorized payments or TIPPS. Cheques can also be dropped off after hours in the drop slot at City Hall. Please do not visit City Hall if you are feeling unwell, experiencing flu-like symptoms or have been in contact with someone who is presumptive or tested positive for COVID-19. Current Status of Public Facilities as of August 27th Martensville Athletic Pavilion - Operations completely resuming, including drop-in programs. Contact the MAP or Martensville.ca for information on upcoming programs or questions. Aquatic Centre - Closed for the season City Hall - Open North Ridge Centre - Re-Opened for Bookings Heritage Centre - Re-Opened for Bookings Sports Centre - Closed for the Season Wheatland Regional Library (located in the Civic Centre) - Open City Staff are available to work with the public via phone or email. Questions or inquiries can be directed to City Hall via phone (306-931-2166) or inquiry@martensville.ca After Hour Water and Sewer Emergencies- should still be directed through the Emergency line at City Hall, (306) 931-2166, ext.1.

Business Property Tax and Utility Update

The City has re-implemented the suspension of interest on property taxes and utilies for commercial or industrial properties retroactive from November 2020 until July 31st, 2021. Questions about Facilities or Programs? City Staff are available to work with the public via phone or email. Questions or inquiries can be directed to City Hall via phone (306931-2166) or inquiry@martensville.ca OR the Martensville Athletic Pavilion (306-6835576) or mapreception@martensville.ca.

Our Online Program Registration is Changing As of August 16th the online registration software has switched to ‘Perfect Mind’. Active members at the MAP may have recently received an email indicating how to activate your new account. The Recreation Program portal can still be accessed on the Martensville.ca homepage. Please look for the ‘Program Registrations’ icon. Please contact the MAP for questions around our programs or registering.

September Council Meeting Dates

Please Note: With the commencement of Step 3, under the Provincial ‘Re-Opening Roadmap’ and ease of restrictions, upcoming Council Meetings are set to resume in person. Those still wishing to attend but would wish to do so virtually should contact the City Clerk. Committee of the Whole- September 14th Regular Council Meeting- September 21st 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 5PM. 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.

City of Martensville City Hall Recreation Program Update - Monster Garage Sale, Hours of Operation: Regional Race, Fall Geocache and Culture Days

The Fall Monster Garage Sale is coming September 17th and 18th and is a great way to Monday to Friday declutter your home and make a few extra dollars!

9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Register your house with City of Martensville and Statutory have your Holidays) address distributed on Flyers (Excluding throughout the city! Those who register will get a Garage Sale Sign, balloons, their address on all flyers and City pages. Registrations will be accepted until Tuesday, September 14 and can be done at City Hall, calling the MAP. Regional Race, Martensville to Warman - September 25th - This is a 5km or 10km run from Martensville to Warman. There will be shuttle services at 5km and 10km for people to head back to Martensville. All proceeds will go towards KidSport which benefits Martensville, Warman, and area. Go to www.kidsport.ca/warman for more information. Fall Geocache: September 27 - October 4th - The coordinates and a clue for the first geocache of our multi-cache event will be released on the City of Martensville Facebook page. You will have one week to find all the hidden geocaches around the city using any GPS device for a chance to win a family prize. Culture Days 2021 - Culture Days runs from September 24th and October 24th and celebrates our diverse cultures and traditions. Culture Days is free to attend and offers a wide variety of programs and interactive opportunities. Activities this year include: Wood Carving- October 2nd, 2-4PM at the MAP Salsa Dancing- October 2nd, 7-8 PM at the MAP Pierogi Making- October 7th, 6-8PM at the North Ridge Centre Wanuskewin Programing- October 24th, 2-4PM To Register or learn more about Culture Days contact the MAP or email jmcculloch@ martensville.ca.

Back Lane and General Clean-up

This service aims at limiting the amount of trash that is dumped in back lanes, at the City yard waste depot, and business/contractor dumpsters. This program is intended for residential household yard cleanup waste, and not intended for commercial and industrial business waste. It is the responsibility of residents to ensure that their waste is disposed of properly. Residents that live North of Main Street will have their items picked up the week of September 20th through 24th. All items will need to be out by September 20th - 8:00 AM. Residents that live South of Main Street will have their items picked up the week of September 27th through October 1st. All items will need to be out by September 27th - 8:00 AM. Items should not be placed out prior to one week for scheduled pick-up. They also will only make ‘one-pass’ so please have your items out in time. Visit Martensville.ca for a list of Accepted and Non-Accepted Items.


MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER - SEPTEMBER 9, 2021 - Page 3

Martensville’s A & W Hosts Annual Show and Shine This Weekend Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

Martensville A&W is celebrating their 20th year in business and this weekend they are looking forward to once again hosting their annual Show and Shine event, along with the Martensville A&W Valley Street Stock 100 Race at the Wyant Group Raceway. This popular event began when Brian Buffin of the local A&W received a call from Mary Peters, who was with the Road Huggers, asking about hosting a small car show in the A&W parking lot. Things started off small, and after a few years, the Road Huggers were renamed to the Valley Cruzers, which they are still called today. Quickly gaining in popularity, it didn’t take long for the car show to grow in size to the point that the drive thru at the A&W was closed down with cars angle parked through it. For the past 15 years, a section of Centennial Drive North has been utilized to fit the hundreds of cars that turn-out for the event. In recent years, the car show has brought out approximately 200 cars, and Rachelle Buffin, owner/operator of the Martensville A&W, expects this year to be no different. “We have been getting a lot of calls from people asking about it, so we are expecting a good turnout,” Buffin said. The Show and Shine will run from 11am-3pm followed by the Martensville A&W Valley Street Stock 100 race at Wyant Group Raceway.

ABOVE: The Martensville A&W Valley Street Stock 100 Race is an annual event held at the Wyant Group Raceway.

Over $10000 in Ticket Sales for Kidsport Playhouse

As of September 8, there have been over $10,000 in ticket sales for the Kidsport playhouse. First prize is the playhouse valued at $4,670, second prize is a $500 Cabela’s gift card, and third prize is a gift basket valued at $150. You can still purchase your tickets until Saturday, September 18 when the draw will be made. “Thank you to all of the people that supported this great cause,” Rachelle Buffin, owner/ operator of Martensville A&W stated.

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ARTENSVILLE

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“This event is our favorite day of the year filled with hundreds of beautiful classic cars, great rootbeer, hundreds of smiling kids, balloons, lollipops and a lot of fun. It is truly a great time,” Buffin added. The Martensville & District Lions Club teamed up for this event approximately ten years ago, and according to Buffin, have been a huge help. “The Lions Club have helped this event grow into what it is today and we are so grateful for all of the hard work they put into it.” During the car show, a section of Centennial Drive North will be limited to two lanes, and Dillon Shewchuk, City of Martensville Community Economic Development Manager, asked that motorists proceed more cautiously and take care when driving. “There won’t be any restrictions in place when it comes to entering and exiting businesses, we just ask that everyone be courteous,” Shewchuk said. Because this is an outdoor event, masks are not required, but optional, and Shewchuk noted that people just be mindful of their distancing as COVID is still a reality. “This is a popular event in the community and a chance for people to get outside and have some fun. It is something positive to do and we are looking forward to it,” Shewchuk added.

ABOVE: The Martensville A&W Show & Shine is a popular event held on Centennial Drive in Martensville.


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Page 4 - SEPTEMBER 9, 2021 - MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER

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Covid-19 Vaccinations Best Defense Against Serious Illness, Hospitalization

Nearly 84 per cent of all new cases and hospitalizations in Saskatchewan in August were unvaccinated or partially vaccinated people. While serious COVID-19 outcomes continue to be higher for unvaccinated populations, the risk of breakthrough infections rises with increases in transmission. All Saskatchewan residents who are eligible for immunization need to receive both doses as soon as they are able. The Ministry of Health has updated the COVID-19 vaccination and breakthrough information for August 1-31, 2021. Highlights include: • Of the 4,596 cases reported in August, 3,840 (83.5 per cent) were unvaccinated or tested positive within three weeks of receiving their first vaccination. Four hundred and twenty-four cases (9.2 per cent) were partially vaccinated with one dose, while 756 cases (16.4 per cent) were fully vaccinated. Of the 756 cases with a second dose, 17.6 per cent (133) had comorbid conditions. • Of the 189 individuals hospitalized with COVID-19, 150 (79.4 per cent) were unvaccinated or tested positive within three weeks of receiving their first vaccination. Fourteen cases (7.4 per cent) were partially vaccinated with one dose, while 39 cases (20.6 per cent) were fully vaccinated. • Of the 41 individuals admitted to ICU, 33 (80.5 per cent) were unvaccinated or tested positive within three weeks of receiving their first vaccination. Two cases (4.9 per cent) were partially vaccinated with one dose, while eight cases (19.5 per cent) were fully vaccinated. • Co-morbidities and age continue to contribute to COVID-19 outcomes. Of the 14 hospitalized and/or ICU cases with a first dose, 42.9 per cent had comorbid conditions and 21.4 per cent were 70 years and older. Of the 39 hospitalized and/or ICU cases with a second dose, 56.4 per cent had comorbid conditions and • 69.2 per cent were 70 years and older. However, this does not mean that individuals in all age groups are not experiencing significant COVID-19 illness: 23 (24.5 per cent) of the 94 infectious COVID-19 patients in acute care are less than 40 years old. • Among the cases reported in August, 22 individuals passed away; 12 were unvaccinated. • All vaccination and breakthrough data reports are available in the COVID-19 vaccination information at www.saskatchewan.ca. Of the 4,596 cases reported in August 2021, 17.3 per cent (793) were aged 11 years or younger. Of the 189 individuals who were hospitalized, 5.3 per cent (10) were aged 19 years or younger and 3.2 per cent (six) were under 12 years with one under 12 years admitted to ICU. At this point in time, there are no COVID-19 vaccines approved for children under 12. All residents 12+ are encouraged to be fully vaccinated to afford these groups the best circle of protection possible. Transmissible diseases like COVID-19 are opportunistic: they will spread to and among under-and unvaccinated populations. It’s critical that all eligible Saskatchewan residents get vaccinated. Moderna has been approved by Health Canada for youth ages 12-17 years. Like Pfizer, Saskatchewan residents will see Moderna offered to youth turning 12 years of age by December 31, 2021 and older, as part of the COVID-19 vaccination program. COVID-19 “boosters” for long term, personal care, and select immunocompromised residents Eligible vulnerable populations will be eligible to receive a third dose of an mRNA vaccine “booster” to ensure a robust immune system response. This includes residents of long-term care and personal care homes; transplant recipients (solid organ transplant, islet cell, tissue and hematopoietic stem cell transplants); recipients in stable, active treatment for malignant, hematologic disorders (chemotherapy, targeted therapies, immunotherapy); and recipients of an anti-CD20 immunosuppressive drugs (e.g. rituximab, ocrelizumab, ofatumumab).

Kelly

• Letters to identify eligible recipients are currently being mailed from either their physicians or the Ministry of Health. Recipients must bring the letter to a pharmacy or pop-up clinic as proof of eligibility. • Long-term care and personal care homes will be contacted directly by the Saskatchewan Health Authority to arrange for the boosters. The required interval for boosters is 28 days after the second dose of an mRNA vaccine. Details on additional, eligible populations will be available in the next few weeks, after this at-risk group is completed. COVID-19 Summary for September 7, 2021: • From September 1 - 7, 14,039 doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been given in Saskatchewan, bringing the total number of vaccines administered in the province to 1,490,413. • As of September 7, 77 per cent of those 12+ have received their first dose and 69 per cent of those 12+ are fully vaccinated. • There were 2,452 new cases of COVID-19 to report in Saskatchewan from September 1 - 7, bringing the provincial total to 56,838 cases. One thousand, four hundred and eighty-one recoveries were recorded during the same period. • The seven-day average of new COVID-19 cases in Saskatchewan is currently 350 (29.1 per 100,000). Ten new deaths were reported September 1 - 7. • There were five (5) cases confirmed as Variants of Concern between September 1- 7. • As of September 7, there are 154 people in hospital: 125 are receiving inpatient care and 29 are in intensive care. One hundred and ten of the people in hospital (71.4 per cent) are not fully vaccinated. • From September 1 - 7, there were 20,914 COVID-19 tests processed in Saskatchewan. Daily provincial COVID-19 statistics by age, date and geographic zones including active cases, recoveries, confirmed variants of concern and vaccination information can be found at www. saskatchewan.ca/covid19- cases.

BLOCK


POLICE

MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER - SEPTEMBER 9, 2021 - Page 5

BEAT

Semi-Driver Faces Charges During a Traffic Stop on Highway 16

Loaded Sawed-Off Shotgun Seized from Vehicle on Highway 11

On August 31st a Corman Park Police Service member conducted a morning well-being check on a vehicle on Highway 11 and Warman Road which led to the seizure of a loaded sawed-off shotgun with ammunition and a large knife. Through investigation and cooperation with the Warman RCMP, members learned that these weapons had been used to threaten the life of a person in the vehicle. The victim is safe and the weapons have been removed from the street. The investigation is still on-going.

Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Lauched Their Smashed Car Campaign

A member of the Corman Park Police Service was conducting a traffic stop on September 2nd near the Langham Scale on Highway 16 when the driver of a semi unit failed to slow to 60km/h as he passed. CPPS conducted a traffic stop on the semi, where alcohol and brass knuckles were located. A roadside test was done using an Approved Screening Device (ASD), which resulted in the driver receiving a 72-hour license suspension and a three-day vehicle impoundment. The driver was also ticketed for possession of alcohol in a motor vehicle, failing to slow to 60km/h when passing an emergency vehicle with its lights in operation and failing to have a valid safety on both the truck and the trailer. The brass knuckles were also seized as they are a prohibited weapon in Canada. CPPS reminds motorists to please slow down when passing emergency vehicles on the highway.

ABOVE: Weapons seized from a wellbeing check on a vehicle on Highway 11 and Warman Road.

Last week, the Saskatoon chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) launched their smashed car campaign to highlight the deadly potential that could come with impaired driving. The campaign will take place throughout September and October at four different high visibility locations throughout the area, with the first being at the corner of Warman Road and Wanuskewin Road. This location was where the tragic deaths of the Van de Vorst family took place in 2016 due to an accident caused by an impaired driver. The hope is that the smashed car display will have a visual impact that can help deter an impaired person from getting behind the wheel. In 2020, 32 people in Saskatchewan lost their lives as a result of impaired driving.

High Definition Cameras Requested at Kyle Syrenne Skatepark and Northridge Community Centre Jocelyn Ottenbreit, Martensville Messenger

With complaints of activities at the Northridge Centre parking lot, the security camera system previously installed was found to have several deficiencies. The footage came in small files and was difficult to search, access to the footage was not direct or immediate and it had to come from the service provider, and license plate numbers or other detailed information could not be clearly identified. Ted Schaeffer, Director of Recreation and Community Services, brought forward to council a request to upgrade to install 3 high-definition cameras capable of identifying license plate numbers, and a high-definition video recorder with added storage and remote view capability. This remote view access would allow multiple computers immediate access to the stored footage which would also be searchable by date and time. The cost to supply and install the upgraded system is just under $10,000, and if council approves this request, funding would be allocated from the Recreation a n d Community Services budget for this project.

ABOVE: A Semi-driver was charged with possession of alcohol and failing to slow to 60km/h when passing an emergency vehicle.

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Page 6 - SEPTEMBER 9, 2021 - MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER


MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER -SEPTEMBER 9, 2021 - Page 7

Provincial Politics with

Murray Mandryk

Moe Failed to Lead this Summer

Whoever said the easy part is winning but the hard part is governing aptly described life in politics and one can surely sympathize with the predicament politicians like Premier Scott Moe often find themselves in, like the current one in which they have to appease diametrically opposed sides of COVID-19 issues. But here’s the thing: There are some issues in which there is no political compromise that will keep each side a little unhappy. Nor should there be something like COVID-19 where the right thing is following the science and medicine — even if that means saying and doing things that some aren’t going to much like. As suggested, getting elected is the easy part — especially in a province where you have an amazing solid base of rural and even city suburban seats and no real credible threat from your nearest political opponent. Likely, the smart long-term political move for Moe and his government this summer would have been to simply lead. While it might not have been popular with the less rational who are still refusing to get vaccinated because of something they read on the Internet, it would have been widely popular to most. (Even those who can’t get vaccines for medical reasons might have likely appreciated.) Moe needed to take a firmer stand this summer. That is what leadership is all about. He needed to be more of a leader this summer and, at times, he clearly wasn’t. In fairness, it’s not as if Moe or his Saskatchewan Party government didn’t promote getting vaccinated. In fact, they have been rather vigilant vaccine advocates, promoting the positives of vaccines. There really is no denying this, but there’s also no denying that true leadership required Moe and company to do much, much more than politely suggest you should be vaccinated. Leadership required them to be unequivocal — to send a no nonsense message that it would be socially unacceptable for people to not continue to do their part in the fight to stop the fourth wave of COVID-19. They needed to talk consequences — not choice. This was not the responsibility of the Saskatchewan Roughriders or their landlords at Regina Exhibition Association Ltd. (REAL) that’s responsible for Mosaic Stadium, Evraz Place and the Brandt Centre. They really have no meaningful way of enforcing vaccine that - according to what Moe and Health Minister Paul Merriman have kept telling us — are a matter of personal choice. Accepting that no level of government could force people to take the vaccines, the province under the authority of the Public Health Act could have imposed restrictions that would have required proof of vaccinations and/or recent negative COVID-19 tests before entering large gatherings. It was not up to REAL or the Riders to impose such restrictions or perhaps further ones on mask-wearing — especially at indoor events. Nor should municipalities (towns, and small and large cities) or school boards be solely responsible for imposing vaccine passports or mask use on public transit or in hockey rinks, gyms and schools. Yet this is exactly what has happened in the absence of provincial government leadership. That we are consistently registering 250 to 300 COVID-19 cases a day in Saskatchewan with a rising death toll is disturbing. This is happening with three-quarters of the adult population vaccinated — about five per cent more than the generously low goal set for first-dose vaccinations when they became among the first provinces to re-open everything. It isn’t overstating things to suggest things are far more serious for the unvaccinated than they’ve ever been. Sadly, it was preventable with better leadership. We needed leadership this summer that was adamant and relentless. We needed a government unafraid to follow the advice of its doctors and unafraid of taking a little heat for doing so. Moe didn’t give us that leadership this summer.

Saskatchewan-Made Automatic Flagging Device Piloted On Provincial Highways A new made-in-Saskatchewan device is helping protect some of the highest-risk workers on highway construction sites. The Ministry of Highways has initiated a new pilot program in which three remote-controlled "Guardian Angel" automatic flagging assistance devices (AFAD) are operating in work zones this construction season. These truckmounted, remote-controlled devices allow the flag person to be off the roadway while controlling traffic, minimizing their risk of injury. "Flag persons often have close calls with motorists who do not slow down or pay adequate attention while traveling through work zones," Highways Minister Fred Bradshaw said in Moose Jaw today. "Being able to take workers off the road and away from traffic helps negate the very real danger that is present every minute of each shift." Trailer-mounted or stand-alone AFAD models have been used for larger construction sites, but their size and weight make them more difficult to move. This truck-mounted model is ideal for projects like patching or other maintenance where workers are moving frequently because the truck can simply be driven forward as needed.

The Guardian Angel is manufactured in Watrous, Saskatchewan by Guardian Angel Auto Flagger Manufacturing. "We were determined to create a high quality, easy-to-use device that would eliminate the danger of collision with roadside flaggers and emergency crews," Marketing Manager for Guardian Angel Edward Anderson said. "Our goal is that all flaggers and emergency crews make it home to their families each night." The devices are being used by crews in the Moose Jaw, Outlook and Prince Albert areas. This pilot program will evaluate the number of near misses, miscommunications and feedback from flag persons in these work zones. The Government of Saskatchewan is improving more than 1,350 km of provincial highways this year, the second of its 10-year Growth Plan goal to build and upgrade 10,000 km of highways. With this year's projects, the province is ahead of the pace needed to meet this target. The Government of Saskatchewan has invested more than $10.6 billion in highways infrastructure since 2008, improving more than 17,100 km of Saskatchewan highways.

Annual Elm Pruning Ban Ended September 1

As of September 1, Saskatchewan property owners once again had the green light to trim their elm trees, as the annual ban on pruning elms comes to a close. The ban is in place each year from April 1 to August 31 to reduce the risk of spreading Dutch elm disease (DED), a fungus that kills elms. The ban period coincides with the time when the tiny elm bark beetles that carry DED are most active. Fresh cuts from pruning can attract the insects, potentially spreading the disease from infected trees to healthy ones. Regular pruning is important to keep all trees healthy and less vulnerable to disease. For elm trees, removing dead branches also makes them less attractive to elm bark beetles. In the early fall, the weather can be great for maintaining your trees, and it's much easier to see and remove dead or unhealthy branches with the leaves still present. It's important to prune trees properly, whether you choose to do the job yourself or hire a professional. Incorrect pruning can damage trees and spread DED or other diseases. Under provincial regulations, anyone pruning elms commercially must have completed a recognized training program or be supervised by someone who has. If you're unsure if the person you're considering for the job has the required training, feel free to ask for their credentials. Transporting wood is one of the main ways that harmful insects and diseases, including DED, are spread. In Saskatchewan, it is illegal to transport, store or use elm firewood. Dispose of elm wood promptly, by burning or burying it in a location designated by the local municipality. To find out about proper elm wood disposal in your area, check with your local municipal authority. If you suspect a tree may have DED, or for more information, contact the Ministry of Environment's Inquiry Centre at 1-800-567-4224 or centre.inquiry@gov.sk.ca.

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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.


Page 8 - SEPTEMBER 9, 2021 - MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER

SPORTS Aly Jenkins Mixed Doubles Memorial Tournament to Start Next Week at Martensville Curling Club Jocelyn Ottenbreit, Martensville Messenger

The first ever Aly Jenkins Mixed Doubles Memorial Tournament is happening next week from September 15 – 19 at the Martensville Curling Club (MCC). The purpose of this event is to help promote the sport of mixed doubles curling with the province, as well as promote the local curling club. So far there are some big-name teams registered such as Chelsea Carey, Colin Hodgson, Lisa Weagle, John Epping, David Nedohin and Jim Cotter. Some of the local teams who will be representing Saskatchewan previously in team play are; Nancy Martin, Ryan Dies, Ashley Quick, Mike Armstrong, Chaelynn Kitz, Jolene Campbell, Brady Scharback, Michelle Englot, Rylan Kleiter, Steve Laycock, Patty Hersikorn, and Catlin Schneider. Three local Junior curlers will also be partaking in this first of its kind tournament; Melissa Remeshylo, Dylan Derksen, and Brayden Grindheim. What makes this event possible is a partnership between Curling Canada, Curling Zone and title sponsor First Nations Capital & Infrastructure Agency of Saskatchewan. Additionally, SaskTel will be contributing by helping support the installation of cameras within the facility so all games can be live streamed. A portion of the proceeds from this event will go towards the Sandra Schmirler Foundation. More information about this event can be found on the ‘Aly Jenkins Mixed Doubles Memorial’ page on Facebook, or by emailing alyjenkinsmemorial@gmail. com.

Keep the Community up-to-date on Martensville Curling Club Opens your team scores, events, photos and tournaments. Submit materialJunior Slam Series Season with to jhayward@sasktel.net or drop it Jocelyn Ottenbreit, Martensville Messenger

Martensville off at the The MartensvilleMessenger Curling Club kicked off it’s opening season with a Junior OfficeSeries at Bay 301 Centennial Slam on#7 the -September long weekend. Drive North TeamtoLogan Ede from be included in the our Martensville Curling Club claimed the top spot in Janine Hayward the U21 Big Skyreport. Slam Men’s Championship title with a 9-3 win over Manitoba’s Team weekly sports Martensville Messenger Jordan McDonald from the Deer Lodge Curling Club. Team Daymond Bernath from the Sutherland Curling Club took the Men’s A Consolation event final against Team James Owens from the Nutana Curling Club. In the Women’s U21 Big Sky Slam Series, Team Emily Haupstein from the Sutherland Curling Club claimed the Championship title with a 7-5 win over Sutherland’s Savanna Taylor. Two teams competed from the Callie Curling Club from Regina in the Women’s B Event Final with Chantel Hoag winning a nail biter 5-4 win over Hanna Johnson. On the Martensville Curling Club facebook page, thanks went out to the Martensville Curling Club and ice maker James Gordon for all the hard work in putting this event together in such a short period of time. They also thanked CURLSASK for their hospitality throughout this event. BELOW: Team Logan Ede

Martensville Community Recreation Project (MCRP) Annual Fundraiser Another Sell-Out Jocelyn Ottenbreit, Martensville Messenger

The annual fall 3 on 3 hockey tournament put on by the Martensville Community Recreation Project (MCRP), is in full swing since the end of August. This popular event has been one of the most successful fundraisers since this organization began seven years ago, when several community members had a dream of helping to create another much-needed ice surface in Martensville. Since this organization began, they have held countless fundraisers over the years, such as casino nights, 80’s cabarets, hockey drafts, and Tuff Run which is a fall family run, and has gained a lot of ground when it comes to making this dream a reality. “This year was once again a sell out with over 350 players participating over the 3-week tournament which will wrap up on September 18th. This tournament would not be possible without the support of our title sponsor BN Metals. At the end of the tournament each player returns their tournament jersey for a souvenir t-shirt sponsored by BN Metals that you will likely see all over town. Thank you, BN Metals, for your continued support,” said MCRP Board Member Joe Garchinski. In August of 2020, the new multi-purpose recreational centre was announced which will be located across the overpass on the other side of Highway 12 called Trilogy Ranch. This is a 680-acre subdivision, that was created in partnership with North Prairie Developments (NPD) and Canwest Commercial and Land Corporation (CCLC). The new subdivision will include the 80 acres set aside for retail and recreation, along with 600 acres for residential, which in time, will house over 10,000 people. The land that will be used for the recreation centre consists of five acres gifted to the City of Martensville.

ABOVE LEFT to RIGHT: U9 Penguins team: Boone Hamilton, Lawson Hamilton and Laurelle Mievre. Photo submitted.


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September 9, 2021 by Martensville Messenger - Issuu